bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of patient characteristics, ultrasound features, and molecular testing with malignancy risk in Bethesda III–V thyroid nodules
Authors: Talmor Guy , Badash Ido , Zhou Sheng , Kim Yun Ji , Kokot Niels C. , Hsueh Wayne , Chambers Tamara
Published: July 2022

Objective

To evaluate the role of patient characteristics, ultrasound findings, and molecular testing in predicting risk of malignancy in Bethesda III, IV, and V thyroid nodules.

Design

Single institution retrospective review of 230 patients with Bethesda III, IV, and V cytopathology undergoing thyroidectomy between 2009 and 2018.

Setting

Private and public tertiary urban university hospitals at the same academic institution.

Subjects and methods

Patients who underwent thyroidectomy with Bethesda III, IV, and V nodules were included. Patient demographics, presence of underlying thyroid disease, nodule size, sonographic features, gene expression results, and surgical procedure were documented. Correlation between these variables and final histopathologic diagnosis of malignancy was analyzed.

Results

The 230 patients (103 Bethesda III, 64 Bethesda IV, and 63 Bethesda V) were included for analysis. Bethesda III nodules harbored malignancy in 26.2% of cases compared with 26.6% of Bethesda IV nodules and 82.5% of Bethesda V nodules. On multivariate analysis, age was inversely correlated with a diagnosis of malignancy (OR: 0.98, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.96–0.99, p = .03) Although the presence of microcalcifications was positively associated with cancer (OR: 2.31, CI: 1.24–4.29, p = .008) The co‐occurrence of microcalcifications and irregular margins was associated with a higher odds of malignancy (OR: 4.42, 95% CI: 1.32–14.93, p = .016), whereas the combination of microcalcifications, irregular margins, and hypoechogenicity was associated with the greatest cancer risk (OR: 5.52, 95% CI: 1.12–27.78, p = .036).

Conclusions

The presence of microcalcifications in thyroid nodules categorized as Bethesda III–V is an independent risk factor for malignancy. The combination of microcalcifications, irregular margins, and hypoechogenicity is associated with a greater malignancy risk in nodules indeterminate for thyroid cancer on cytopathology.
High‐Performance Poly(biphenyl acetylpyridine) and Poly(ether ketone cardo) Blend Membranes for High‐Temperature Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Jin Yaping , Wang Ting , Tang Weiqin , Yu Na , Yang Jingshuai
Published: July 2022

Developing high‐temperature polymer electrolyte membranes with sufficient performance and competitive cost is a major scientific checkpoint for promoting the popularization of fuel cells. Herein, poly(biphenyl acetylpyridine) (PBAP) is synthesized by a facile one‐pot Friedel‐Crafts polymerization between 4‐acetylpyridine and biphenyl. The PBAP has excellent solubility in polar solvents, while its membrane shows a significantly high phosphoric acid (PA) absorption capacity due to the presence of amounts of pyridine groups. However, the pure PBAP membrane is dissolved in 85 wt.% PA solution. In order to solve excessive expansion and poor mechanical stability, a series of PBAP blend membranes are fabricated by mixing PBAP with commercial engineering thermoplastic of poly(ether ketone cardo) (PEKC). Blending PEKC significantly improves the dimensional and mechanical stabilities. In particular, blend membranes exhibit remarkable chemical stability as documented by Fenton test, while membranes after Fenton test display slightly higher acid uptakes and conductivities. As a result, the PBAP‐50wt.%PEKC/170%PA membrane shows a conductivity of 0.051 S cm−1 at 160 °C and mechanical strength of 8.3 MPa at 25 °C. The peak power density at 160 °C of the H2‐O2 single cell with above membrane is 632 mW cm−2, indicating the potential of PBAP‐x%PEKC/PA membranes for fuel cells.
TWNK in Parkinson's Disease: A Movement Disorder and Mitochondrial Disease Center Perspective Study
Authors: Percetti Marco , Franco Giulia , Monfrini Edoardo , Caporali Leonardo , Minardi Raffaella , La Morgia Chiara , Valentino Maria Lucia , Liguori Rocco , Palmieri Ilaria , Ottaviani Donatella , Vizziello Maria , Ronchi Dario , Di Berardino Federica , Cocco Antoniangela , Macao Bertil , Falkenberg Maria , Comi Giacomo Pietro , Albanese Alberto , Giometto Bruno , Valente Enza Maria , Carelli Valerio , Di Fonzo Alessio
Published: July 2022

Background

Parkinsonian features have been described in patients harboring variants in nuclear genes encoding for proteins involved in mitochondrial DNA maintenance, such as TWNK.

Objectives

The aim was to screen for TWNK variants in an Italian cohort of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients and to assess the occurrence of parkinsonism in patients presenting with TWNK‐related autosomal dominant progressive external ophthalmoplegia (TWNK‐adPEO).

Methods

Genomic DNA of 263 consecutively collected PD patients who underwent diagnostic genetic testing was analyzed with a targeted custom gene panel including TWNK, as well as genes causative of monogenic PD. Genetic and clinical data of 18 TWNK‐adPEO patients with parkinsonism were retrospectively analyzed.

Results

Six of 263 PD patients (2%), presenting either with isolated PD (n = 4) or in combination with bilateral ptosis (n = 2), carried TWNK likely pathogenic variants. Among 18 TWNK‐adPEO patients, 5 (28%) had parkinsonism.

Conclusions

We show candidate TWNK variants occurring in PD without PEO. This finding will require further confirmatory studies. © 2022 Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
Analysis of L1CAM gene mutation and imaging appearance in three Chinese families with L1 syndrome: Three case reports
Authors: Gao Shanshan , Zhao Xuechao , Zhao Ganye , Dai Peng , Kong Xiangdong
Published: July 2022

Background

The molecular mutations of the L1CAM gene and the imaging appearances of four fetuses with L1 syndrome from three independent Chinese families with a history of hydrocephalus were reported in this study. Two of the three are novel L1CAM variants.

Methods

Results of clinical and imaging examinations of three Chinese families were collected. Fetal samples were collected by puncture, genomic DNA was extracted, whole‐exome sequencing was performed, and the L1CAM gene mutation sites were verified by PCR and Sanger sequencing.

Results

In this case report, we described the imaging appearance and investigated the mutations of the L1CAM gene in three Chinese families with a history of L1 syndrome; these included two nonsense mutations (c.262C>T and c.261C>G) and one splice‐site mutation (c.524‐1G>A). Two of these three are novel L1CAM variants: c.262C>T and c.261C>G. The results of the sonographic images of the affected fetuses showed severe hydrocephalus. Bilateral lateral ventricles were dilated in the fetuses with c.262C>T and c.261C>G mutations. The left ventricle was about 14 mm wide and the right was about 14 mm in the fetus with c.262C>T mutation. The left ventricle was about 24.9 mm wide and the right was about 23.9 mm in the fetus with c.261C>G mutation. The ultrasound examination of the fetus with c.524‐1G>A mutation showed that the third ventricle (7.5 mm wide) was raised, and the fourth ventricle was communicated with the cisterna magna. The parents requested termination of the above pregnancy.

Conclusion

The current study emphasizes the importance of combining family history, prenatal ultrasonography, and L1CAM mutation testing positive for the diagnosis of the L1 syndrome.
Depth of almost strictly sign regular matrices
Authors: Alonso Pedro , Jiménez Jorge , Manuel Peña Juan , Luisa Serrano María
Published: July 2022

The concept of depth of an almost strictly sign regular matrix is introduced and used to simplify some algorithmic characterizations of these matrices.
Diffraction pattern recognition using deep semantic segmentation
Authors: Markovic Magdalena , Malehmir Reza , Malehmir Alireza
Published: July 2022

Diffraction imaging can help better understand small‐scale geological structures. Due to their often‐weak signal, in order to image them, it is necessary to separate diffraction signals from the rest of the wavefield. Many different methods have been developed for diffraction wavefield separation, and the newest trend includes the application of artificial neural networks and deep learning. Available case studies with a deep‐learning approach for diffraction separation show good results when applied to synthetic and sedimentary setting datasets where diffraction signals are either strong or have pronounced characteristics. Examples, however, are missing from crystalline or hardrock geological settings where the signal‐to‐noise ratio is by far lower and diffraction signals are usually within a complex reflectivity medium, have steep tails and are usually incomplete. In this study, we showcase the application of a deep semantic segmentation model on synthetic seismic, real ground‐penetrating radar, and hardrock seismic datasets. Synthetic seismic sections were generated using different random noise levels and coherent noise resembling a complex reflectivity pattern interfering with diffraction tails. For the real GPR dataset, diffraction signals were successfully delineated, although in some locations reflections were picked up because of their similar pixel values as the apex of the diffractions. As for the real seismic dataset, through a number of approaches, we were able to completely delineate a single diffraction within several inlines that was generated from a massive sulphide body. The algorithm also enabled us to recognize an incomplete diffraction, at the edge of the seismic cube, which was never labelled. This diffraction originated from outside of the seismic volume and may be a target for future mineral exploration programmes, thanks to the deep semantic segmentation algorithm providing this possibility.
Interfacial properties of multicomponent plasma‐modified high‐performance fiber‐reinforced composites: A review
Authors: Fang Chunyue , Zhou Yuhan , Jia Lixia , Yan Ruosi
Published: July 2022

This study reveals the interfacial properties of multicomponent plasma with four aspects, including cleaning, etching, functionalization, and polymerization. Particles formed by plasma ionization collide to form volatile groups, which can interact with the surface to form volatile substances that clean the surface. The multicomponent plasma etching effect on the surface is significant, and O2 and N2 may interact to improve oxidation capacity. Inert gas argon (Ar) can be combined with reactive gases O2, N2, and NH3 to introduce hydroxyl and amine groups and other active groups to change the surface's chemical structure. When a multicomponent plasma polymerizes, a film forms on the surface, changing the chemical composition. The cross‐linking of gases has a positive effect on the properties of the deposited layer as well. The treatment of various fiber materials, nanoparticles, polymer films, and matrix materials with multicomponent plasma is summarized. The multicomponent plasma significantly improves surface wettability and roughness, and oxygen species aid in the etching of nanomaterials, which improves interface properties. The gas types determine the groups introduced to the surface and the surface attachment site.
State of the art of antenatal diagnosis and management of vein of Galen aneurysmal malformations
Authors: Gillet de Thorey Axelle , Ozanne Augustin , Melki Judith , Dumery Grégoire , Benachi Alexandra , Vivanti Alexandre J.
Published: July 2022

Vein of Galen aneurysmal malformation (VGAM) is a severe rare vascular anomaly whose prognosis depends on cerebral and cardiac consequences that can be hard to diagnose, let alone predict in utero. We performed an updated review to summarize current research on the genetics, ultrasound and MRI of VGAM that could help in the diagnosis and management of VGAM. Prenatal diagnosis of VGAM has greatly improved in recent years. Ultrasound allows in utero detection of VGAM in most cases now and is the best exam for prenatal cardiac evaluation. Tricuspid insufficiency is the only cardiac feature associated with poor prognosis. Cardiomegaly may indicate a risk of cardiac failure at birth and should prompt discussion of birth in a specialized facility. Ultrasound can identify constituted cerebral lesions, but MRI diagnoses early signs of cerebral hemodynamic changes, notably through the detection of pseudo‐feeders. Genetic exploration should be proposed after VGAM diagnosis. Ultrasound and MRI are essential complementary tools for the diagnosis of VGAM, but also for prognostic evaluation, and provide information for the counseling of parents and optimal management of the pregnancy.
Imparting low dielectric constant and high toughness to polyimide via physical blending with trifluoropropyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane
Authors: Chen Zhigeng , Zhang Ying , Zhao Jianqing , Mo Yueqi , Liu Shumei
Published: July 2022

Polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) is commonly used to lower the dielectric constant of polyimide (PI), but the toughness generally deteriorates. In this paper, trifluoropropyl POSS (FPOSS) is surprisingly found to impart superior dielectric constant and toughness to PI, even though the phase separation and aggregation of FPOSS are observed due to the thermodynamical immiscibility between FPOSS and PI. The dielectric constant of FPOSS/PI with 2.0 wt% FPOSS is reduced to 2.47 from 3.17. Furthermore, the tensile energy to break of FPOSS/PI is unexpectedly increased to 10.2 MJ/m3 from 3.3 MJ/m3, indicating the great improvement in toughness. The toughening mechanism is ascribed to the debonding of FPOSS aggregates from PI matrix with a void growth during tensile test. Meanwhile, lateral coalescence of the voids is avoided due to the adequate inter‐aggregate distance when the width of the ligaments between the aggregates decreases with elongation of matrix.
Rivers: Linking nature, life, and civilization
Authors: Wang Hao , He Guohua
Published: July 2022

Rivers are basic natural resources supporting ecosystems and human societies, and the health of rivers is crucial to the Earth's sustainable development. Under the profound influence of climate change and human activities, great changes have recently occurred in the circulation and development of rivers, as well as the ways in which they are utilized. In this context, achieving an effective balance between river protection and human development is necessary. In this paper, the essential role of rivers is discussed from three aspects: the formation and evolution of rivers, the shaping of biodiversity, and the cultivation of human civilization. The paper analyzes the challenges brought to the sustainable development of rivers by climate change, human activities, and increased water demand, and proposes four dimensions of future research: scientifically balancing the relationship between river development and protection, improving the adaptability of river development and utilization in the context of climate change, improving the integrity and intelligence level of river management, and building a more fair and sustainable comprehensive river management model.
Recent Advances in Realizing Highly Aligned Organic Semiconductors by Solution‐Processing Approaches
Authors: Wu Zeng , Yan Yongkun , Zhao Yan , Liu Yunqi
Published: July 2022

Solution‐processing approaches are widely used for controlling the aggregation structure of organic semiconductors because they are fast, efficient, and have strong practicability. Effective regulation of the aggregation structure of molecules to achieve highly ordered molecular stacking is key to realizing effective carrier transport and high‐performance devices. Numerous studies have achieved highly aligned organic semiconductors using different solution‐processing approaches. This article provides a detailed review of the prevalent solution‐processing technologies and emerging methods developed over the past few years for the alignment of organic semiconducting materials. These technologies and methods are classified according to the processing principle. This review focuses on the principles of different experimental techniques, improvements upon the conventional methods, and state‐of‐the‐art performance of resulting devices. In addition, a brief discussion of the characteristics and development prospects of various methods is presented.
Helicopter‐based immobilization of moose using butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine
Authors: Levine Rebecca L. , Dwinnell Samantha P. H. , Kroger Bart , Class Corey , Monteith Kevin L.
Published: July 2022

Chemical immobilization is an important tool for the capture, study, and management of wildlife. Increased regulation of traditional opioids has necessitated a search for alternative drugs in wildlife capture. Butorphanol–azaperone–medetomidine (BAM) is one promising alternative that has been used in a range of taxa, though often on medium‐size mammals using ground‐based methods. We tested the efficacy of BAM via remote delivery from a helicopter in a wild population of moose (Alces alces shirasi) in northwestern Wyoming. In March 2020 and 2021, we immobilized male (n = 15) and female (n = 26) moose with butorphanol (0.20 mg/kg), azaperone (0.066 mg/kg), and medetomidine (0.079 mg/kg), with antagonists atipamezole (0.495–0.527 mg/kg) and naltrexone (0.124–0.151 mg/kg) to reverse immobilizations. Mean induction (x̄ ± SE; 9.2 ± 0.6 min) and mean recovery times (7.2 ± 0.5 min) were longer but still comparable to published instances of moose captured using traditional chemical immobilizers (carfentanil, etorphine, thiafentanil). All animals survived >60 days post‐capture. Our findings add to a body of work demonstrating that BAM provides rapid inductions, reliable sedation, and quick reversals in a variety of taxa and by aerial remote delivery.
Preliminaries
Authors: Marichal Jean-Luc , Zenaïdi Naïm
Published: July 2022

This chapter is devoted to some basic definitions and results that are needed in this book. We essentially focus on the Newton interpolation theory and the higher order convexity and concavity properties.
Creation and Use of “Compensation” Habitats—An Integrated Approach
Authors: Loy Georg , Reckendorfer Walter
Published: July 2022

The implementation of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) is a major challenge on large rivers. The current focus in applied fisheries science and in the implementation of the WFD is on fish passage and especially on hydraulic design parameters of fishways. This shifts attention from other important issues that must be addressed to reach the goals of the WFD. We believe that the requirements formulated in the WFD cannot be achieved by measures to improve fish passage alone. To achieve the objectives the improvement of habitat conditions, especially key habitat types such as permanently connected side arms, which provide spawning grounds and nurseries for rheophilic fish is required. We present an integrated approach which goes beyond upstream connectivity and prioritizes the creation and connection of habitats before the implementation of pure fish passage. The approach is based on a concept to compensate for the lack in gravel transportation and its function for the lithophilous fish community. The main ecological functions of gravel for fish such as providing spawning grounds and nurseries can be provided in connected and restructured tributaries, at shores with removed bank protection and in newly created bypass rivers.
Costs of Ecological Mitigation at Hydropower Plants
Authors: Venus Terese E. , Smialek Nicole , Adeva-Bustos Ana , Pander Joachim , Geist Juergen
Published: July 2022

Although the costs of fish-related mitigation measures can play an important role in the adoption of mitigation measures, there is relatively little information about this aspect. This chapter presents an overview of the range of costs for different mitigation measures and compares their magnitudes. As many mitigation measures are adopted in combination, one of the challenges related to cost analysis is the lack of disaggregated cost data. Thus, this chapter also reviews costs of adopting combined mitigation measures such as morphological changes and environmental flow. In turn, case studies demonstrate how to compare costs if multiple types of mitigation measures are adopted.
Semi-annihilating dark matter coupled with Majorons
Authors: Miyagi Takumi , Toma Takashi
Published: July 2022

Abstract

The thermal production mechanism of dark matter is attractive and well-motivated by predictivity. A representative of this type of dark matter candidate is the canonical, weakly interacting massive particles. An alternative is semi-annihilating dark matter, which exhibits different phenomenological aspects from the former example. In this study, we constructed a model of dark matter semi-annihilating into a pair of anti-dark matter and a Majoron based on a global U(1)B−L symmetry, and show that semi-annihilation induces the core formation of dark matter halos, which can alleviate the so-called small-scale problems. In addition, the box-shaped spectrum of neutrinos was produced by the subsequent decay of the Majoron. This can be a distinctive signature of the dark matter in the model. We find a parameter space where the produced neutrinos can be detected by the future large-volume neutrino detector Hyper-Kamiokande. We also compared the dark matter scenario with the case of halo core formation by the strongly self-interacting dark matter.
Designing electrochemical microfluidic multiplexed biosensors for on-site applications
Authors: Glatz Regina T. , Ates H. Ceren , Mohsenin Hasti , Weber Wilfried , Dincer Can
Published: July 2022

Clinical assessment based on a single biomarker is in many circumstances not sufficient for adequate diagnosis of a disease or for monitoring its therapy. Multiplexing, the measurement of multiple analytes from one sample and/or of the same target from different samples simultaneously, could enhance the accuracy of the diagnosis of diseases and their therapy success. Thus, there is a great and urgent demand for multiplexed biosensors allowing a low-cost, easy-to-use, and rapid on-site testing. In this work, we present a simple, flexible, and highly scalable strategy for implementing microfluidic multiplexed electrochemical biosensors (BiosensorX). Our technology is able to detect 4, 6, or 8 (different) analytes or samples simultaneously using a sequential design concept: multiple immobilization areas, where the assay components are adsorbed, followed by their individual electrochemical cells, where the amperometric signal readout takes place, within a single microfluidic channel. Here, first we compare vertical and horizontal designs of BiosensorX chips using a model assay. Owing to its easier handling and superior fluidic behavior, the vertical format is chosen as the final multiplexed chip design. Consequently, the feasibility of the BiosensorX for multiplexed on-site testing is successfully demonstrated by measuring meropenem antibiotics via an antibody-free β-lactam assay. The multiplexed biosensor platform introduced can be further extended for the simultaneous detection of other anti-infective agents and/or biomarkers (such as renal or inflammation biomarkers) as well as different (invasive and non-invasive) sample types, which would be a major step towards sepsis management and beyond.

Graphical Abstract
Existence, Uniqueness and Asymptotic Behavior of Parametric Anisotropic (p, q)-Equations with Convection
Authors: Vetro Francesca , Winkert Patrick
Published: July 2022

In this paper we study anisotropic weighted (p, q)-equations with a parametric right-hand side depending on the gradient of the solution. Under very general assumptions on the data and by using a topological approach, we prove existence and uniqueness results and study the asymptotic behavior of the solutions when both the $$q(\cdot )$$

q
(
·
)

-Laplacian on the left-hand side and the reaction term are modulated by a parameter. Moreover, we present some properties of the solution sets with respect to the parameters.
Accuracy of pedicle screw placement using neuronavigation based on intraoperative 3D rotational fluoroscopy in the thoracic and lumbar spine
Authors: Conrads Nora , Grunz Jan-Peter , Huflage Henner , Luetkens Karsten Sebastian , Feldle Philipp , Grunz Katharina , Köhler Stefan , Westermaier Thomas
Published: July 2022

Introduction

In spinal surgery, precise instrumentation is essential. This study aims to evaluate the accuracy of navigated, O-arm-controlled screw positioning in thoracic and lumbar spine instabilities.

Materials and methods

Posterior instrumentation procedures between 2010 and 2015 were retrospectively analyzed. Pedicle screws were placed using 3D rotational fluoroscopy and neuronavigation. Accuracy of screw placement was assessed using a 6-grade scoring system. In addition, screw length was analyzed in relation to the vertebral body diameter. Intra- and postoperative revision rates were recorded.

Results

Thoracic and lumbar spine surgery was performed in 285 patients. Of 1704 pedicle screws, 1621 (95.1%) showed excellent positioning in 3D rotational fluoroscopy imaging. The lateral rim of either pedicle or vertebral body was protruded in 25 (1.5%) and 28 screws (1.6%), while the midline of the vertebral body was crossed in 8 screws (0.5%). Furthermore, 11 screws each (0.6%) fulfilled the criteria of full lateral and medial displacement. The median relative screw length was 92.6%. Intraoperative revision resulted in excellent positioning in 58 of 71 screws. Follow-up surgery due to missed primary malposition had to be performed for two screws in the same patient. Postsurgical symptom relief was reported in 82.1% of patients, whereas neurological deterioration occurred in 8.9% of cases with neurological follow-up.

Conclusions

Combination of neuronavigation and 3D rotational fluoroscopy control ensures excellent accuracy in pedicle screw positioning. As misplaced screws can be detected reliably and revised intraoperatively, repeated surgery for screw malposition is rarely required.
Cytomegalovirus Infection Is Associated with Development of Chronic Lung Allograft Dysfunction
Authors: Bennett David , Bergantini Laura , Ferrara Pierluigi , Cusi Maria Grazia , Scolletta Sabino , Montagnani Francesca , Paladini Piero , Sestini Piersante , Refini Rosa Metella , Luzzi Luca , Fossi Antonella , Bargagli Elena
Published: July 2022

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is the major and most common opportunistic infection complicating lung transplant (LTX). The aim of this study was to analyse the epidemiological aspects of CMV infection in lung transplant patients subject to a pre-emptive anti-CMV approach and to study the impact of this infection on lung transplant outcome, in terms of onset of chronic lung allograft dysfunction (CLAD).

Methods

This single-centre retrospective study enrolled 87 LTX patients (median age 55.81 years; 41 females, 23 single LTX, 64 bilateral LTX). All patients were managed with a pre-emptive anti-CMV approach. The incidences of the first episode of CMV infection, 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after LTX, were 12.64%, 44.26%, 50.77% and 56.14%. A median interval of 41 days elapsed between LTX and the first episode of CMV infection. The median blood load of CMV-DNA at diagnosis was 20,385 cp/ml; in 67.64% of cases, it was also the peak value. Patients who had at least one episode had shorter CLAD-free survival. Patients who had three or more episodes of CMV infection had the worst outcome.

Results

CMV infection was confirmed to be a common event in lung transplant patients, particularly in the first three months after transplant. It had a negative impact on transplant outcome, being a major risk factor for CLAD. The hypothesis that lower viral replication thresholds may increase the risk of CLAD is interesting and deserves further investigation.
A thermomechanical finite strain shape memory alloy model and its application to bistable actuators
Authors: Sielenkämper Marian , Wulfinghoff Stephan
Published: July 2022

This work presents a thermomechanical finite strain shape memory alloy model that utilizes a projection method to deal with the incompressibility constraint on inelastic strains. Due to its finite strain formulation, it is able to accurately predict the behavior of shape memory alloys with high transformation strains. The key feature of this model is the thermomechanical modeling of the shape memory effect and superelastic behavior by optimizing a global, incremental mixed thermomechanical potential, the variation of which yields the linear momentum balance, the energy balance, the evolution equations of the internal variables as well as boundary conditions of Neumann- and Robin-type. The proposed thermal strain model allows to properly capture transformation induced volume changes, which occur in some shape memory alloys. A finite strain dissipation potential is formulated, which incorporates the disappearance of inelastic strains upon austenite transformation. This important property is consistently transferred to the time-discrete potential using a logarithmic strain formulation. Yield and transformation criteria are derived from the dual dissipation potential. The implementation based on an active set search and the algorithmically consistent linearization are discussed in detail. The model is applied in three-dimensional simulations of a bistable actuator design to explore its capabilities.
The Tail of the Length of an Excursion in a Trap of Random Size
Authors: Gantert Nina , Klenke Achim
Published: July 2022

Consider a random walk with a drift to the right on$$\{0,\ldots ,k\}$${0,…,k}wherekis random and geometrically distributed. We show that the tail$${\mathbb {P}}[T>t]$$P[T>t]of the lengthTof an excursion from 0 decreases up to constants like$$t^{-\varrho }$$t-ϱfor some$$\varrho >0$$ϱ>0but is not regularly varying. We compute the oscillations of$$t^\varrho \,{\mathbb {P}}[T>t]$$tϱP[T>t]as$$t\rightarrow \infty $$t→∞explicitly.
Proximal Gradient Algorithms Under Local Lipschitz Gradient Continuity
Authors: De Marchi Alberto , Themelis Andreas
Published: July 2022

Composite optimization offers a powerful modeling tool for a variety of applications and is often numerically solved by means of proximal gradient methods. In this paper, we consider fully nonconvex composite problems under only local Lipschitz gradient continuity for the smooth part of the objective function. We investigate an adaptive scheme for PANOC-type methods (Stella et al. in Proceedings of the IEEE 56th CDC, 2017), namely accelerated linesearch algorithms requiring only the simple oracle of proximal gradient. While including the classical proximal gradient method, our theoretical results cover a broader class of algorithms and provide convergence guarantees for accelerated methods with possibly inexact computation of the proximal mapping. These findings have also significant practical impact, as they widen scope and performance of existing, and possibly future, general purpose optimization software that invoke PANOC as inner solver.
A hysteretic model of localized frictional contacts with instrumental stiffness
Authors: Argatov I. , Voll L. , Popov V. L.
Published: July 2022

The steady-state dynamic response of a single-degree-of-freedom system comprising both a hysteretic element and a spring is considered. The Hertz–Cattaneo–Mindlin theoretical framework for modeling of local tangential contact with friction is applied in conjunction with the Masing model of hysteresis to describe the hysteretic behavior of the multiple localized frictional contact interface. The steady-state tangential displacement amplitude of a rigid body under harmonic tangential force excitation is approximately determined by means of the equivalent linearization technique, based on the harmonic balance principle. A special attention is paid to the evaluation of the frictional damping and the determination of the backbone curve of the Masing model from the dissipation-amplitude relation.
Audit process, private information, and insider trading
Authors: Arif Salman , Kepler John D. , Schroeder Joseph , Taylor Daniel
Published: July 2022

While the shareholder benefits of audits are well documented, evidence on whether audits can facilitate opportunistic behavior by corporate insiders is scarce. In this paper, we examine whether the audit process facilitates one particular form of opportunism: informed trading by corporate insiders. We focus our analysis on insider trading around the audit report date. We find an increase in trading around the audit report date and that the increase is abnormally large for firms that subsequently report modified opinions. The abnormal increase in trading is concentrated among officers and non-audit committee independent directors, and most pronounced in first-time modified opinions and modified opinions in years where financial results are subsequently restated. These trades are highly opportunistic: they predict restatements, and as a consequence, we show they avoid significant losses. Collectively, our findings provide novel evidence that insiders appear to exploit private information about the audit process––a process ostensibly designed to protect shareholders––for opportunistic gain.
Signs of Invisibility: Nonrecognition of Natural Environments as Persons in International and Domestic Law
Authors: Arnold Bruce Baer
Published: July 2022

Recognition of legal personhood in contemporary international and domestic law is a matter of signs. Those signs identify the existence of the legal person: human animals, corporations and states. They also identify facets of that personhood that situate the signified entities within webs of rights and responsibilities. Entities that are not legal persons lack agency and are thus invisible. They may be acted on but, absent the personhood that is communicated through a range of indicia and shapes both legal and popular understanding of powers and obligations, they lack standing in judicial fora. They are signified as entities that are the subjects of action by legal persons, for example exploitation through rights regarding natural resources or commodification of ‘wild’, companion and other non-human animals. They are also signified as members of a diverse class of non-persons such as ‘nature’ and ‘the environment’. This article explores the consequences of law’s signification of personhood and the natural world before asking whether we both should and could recognise domains such as specific rivers, forests or even Antarctica as a type of legal person. Recognition might acknowledge the salience of nature in the ontologies of colonised First Peoples. It might also underpin a global response to climate change as the existential crisis of the Anthropocene. In understanding law as a matter of signifiers and syntaxes the article cautions that ostensible recognition of some domains as persons has been aspirational rather than substantive, with observers misreading the sign as necessarily transforming power relationships. The article also cautions that personhood for nature or particular domains may be contrary to the self-determination of colonised First Peoples.
Measuring What Matters: Drawing on a Participatory Wellbeing Framework and Existing Data to Assess Child Wellbeing Outcomes Over Time
Authors: Sollis Kate , Edwards Ben
Published: July 2022

A growing body of research highlights the importance of increasing children’s involvement in the measurement of their wellbeing. Using data from Australia, this paper outlines the first known attempt to apply an existing participatory wellbeing framework to an existing longitudinal dataset to measure child wellbeing over time. This approach enables analysis of the key areas where life could be improved for children based on what they themselves value, an examination of whether children are having wellbeing needs met in multiple dimensions and over time, and an exploration into the later wellbeing impacts of early life experiences. The results highlighted some areas of concern for children and young people in Australia, including the low proportion meeting the wellbeing threshold in health, and the high level of inequality within material basics when this is examined over time. We apply the indicator set to examine the implications of being born into monetary poverty on later wellbeing outcomes. Being born into poverty was associated with poorer outcomes in almost all wellbeing areas (Loved & Safe, Material Basics, Learning and Participating) by age 6–7 years. While some of these associations diminished as children got older, being born into poverty had a continued relationship with poorer outcomes in Material Basics and Participating in all time points examined (up until age 12–13). In sum, this paper provides an illustration of how a child participatory wellbeing framework can be applied to a longitudinal dataset to measure wellbeing over time, highlighting how this approach can help to ensure policy more effectively creates measurable and meaningful change for children and young people.
On Processing Potato: 1. Survey of the Ontology, History and Participating Actors
Authors: Haverkort A. J. , Linnemann A. R. , Struik P. C. , Wiskerke J. S. C.
Published: July 2022

The processing potato ontology includes the three domains of growers, processors and cooks producing tubers, products and dishes, respectively. Dishes consist of three subdomains: types of dishes prepared from products, kitchen operations and consumer preferences. Preparing meals with potato as ingredients dates from the time of the domestication of the crop in the Andes region. It involves washing, peeling, partitioning in smaller sections and heating to gelatinize the otherwise, for non-ruminants, indigestible starch. Since the Columbian Exchange, both the crop and processing expanded globally. The history of potato processing starts with the pre-historic pre-Columbian era when drying as a means to preserve and render the tuber less bulky and making flour and alcoholic drinks were common practice. Once the crop was a global food crop, processing established, initially into an array of nourishments for seafaring and military purposes and later for aviation, convenience and to satisfy hedonistic needs. The domains are studied through a four-tier analysis: first a description and delimitation of the domain are made, next allocation of classes with their attributes followed by awarding a value to an attribute as to the degree it applies to the class, yielding a heatmap, and fourthly, a dendrogram is produced that shows clustering of classes and of attributes with similar features.
The Long-Term Impact of Postoperative Educational Programs on Weight Loss After Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass
Authors: Bjerkan Kirsti K. , Sandvik Jorunn , Nymo Siren , Græslie Hallvard , Johnsen Gjermund , Mårvik Ronald , Hyldmo Åsne A. , Kulseng Bård Eirik , Høydal Kjetil Laurits , Hoff Dag Arne L.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a well-documented treatment of severe obesity. Attending postoperative educational programs may improve the outcome. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether participation in educational programs lasting 2–3 years after RYGB influences long-term weight loss, weight regain, physical activity, and compliance to multivitamin supplements.

Materials and Methods

The Bariatric Surgery Observation Study (BAROBS) is a multicenter retrospective, cross-sectional study 10–15 years after primary RYGB. Four hundred and ninety-seven participants answered questions regarding participation in postoperative educational programs. Participants were divided into frequent attendees (FA) and infrequent attendees (IFA) at the educational programs.

Results

Ten to 15 years after surgery, a total weight loss (TWL) of 23.2 ± 11.6% were seen in the FA group vs 19.5 ± 12.6% in the IFA group, p < 0.001. Percent excess weight loss (%EWL) was 55.7 ± 28.9% vs 46.0 ± 31.1%, p < 0.001. Weight regain in percent of maximal weight loss for the FA was 32.1 ± 32.8% vs IFA 38.4 ± 40.0%, p = 0.052. No difference between the groups in compliance to multivitamin and physical activity.

Conclusion

Participants with frequent participation in group-based educational programs had better weight loss outcomes 10–15 years after RYGB and tended to have less weight regain. There was no difference between the two groups in participants compliance to recommended multivitamin supplements and physical activity.

Graphical abstract
Three-Dimensional Spatial Analyses of Cholinergic Neuronal Distributions Across The Mouse Septum, Nucleus Basalis, Globus Pallidus, Nucleus Accumbens, and Caudate-Putamen
Authors: Carrasco Andres , Oorschot Dorothy E. , Barzaghi Paolo , Wickens Jeffery R.
Published: July 2022

Neuronal networks are regulated by three-dimensional spatial and structural properties. Despite robust evidence of functional implications in the modulation of cognition, little is known about the three-dimensional internal organization of cholinergic networks in the forebrain. Cholinergic networks in the forebrain primarily occur in subcortical nuclei, specifically the septum, nucleus basalis, globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens, and the caudate-putamen. Therefore, the present investigation analyzed the three-dimensional spatial organization of 14,000 cholinergic neurons that expressed choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) in these subcortical nuclei of the mouse forebrain. Point process theory and graph signal processing techniques identified three topological principles of organization. First, cholinergic interneuronal distance is not uniform across brain regions. Specifically, in the septum, globus pallidus, nucleus accumbens, and the caudate-putamen, the cholinergic neurons were clustered compared with a uniform random distribution. In contrast, in the nucleus basalis, the cholinergic neurons had a spatial distribution of greater regularity than a uniform random distribution. Second, a quarter of the caudate-putamen is composed of axonal bundles, yet the spatial distribution of cholinergic neurons remained clustered when axonal bundles were accounted for. However, comparison with an inhomogeneous Poisson distribution showed that the nucleus basalis and caudate-putamen findings could be explained by density gradients in those structures. Third, the number of cholinergic neurons varies as a function of the volume of a specific brain region but cell body volume is constant across regions. The results of the present investigation provide topographic descriptions of cholinergic somata distribution and axonal conduits, and demonstrate spatial differences in cognitive control networks. The study provides a comprehensive digital database of the total population of ChAT-positive neurons in the reported structures, with the x,y,z coordinates of each neuron at micrometer resolution. This information is important for future digital cellular atlases and computational models of the forebrain cholinergic system enabling models based on actual spatial geometry.
Motivations to have a Second Career as a Teacher in Vocational Education and Training
Authors: Kristmansson Per , Fjellström Magnus
Published: July 2022

In Sweden, upper secondary vocational education and training (VET) teachers must have high relevant vocational experience from a previous career, but 44% do not have a teaching certificate and thus are not formally qualified. However, there are significant differences between the 12 national VET programs in this respect. For example, 68 percent of the Child Recreation Program teachers are qualified, but only 28 percent of the HVAC and Property Maintenance Program teachers. The overall aim of this study is to identify and understand factors that motivate individuals to choose VET teaching as a second career in Sweden. As the Factors influencing teaching choice (FIT-Choice) scale has been rarely used in a Swedish VET context, a secondary aim is to test its suitability in this context. Thus, we investigate Swedish VET teachers’ choice of a second career, using the FIT-Choice scale. The findings show that it has sufficient validity and reliability for investigating Swedish VET teachers’ motivational determinants, and that the factors motivating their career change are highly dependent on their former occupation and working conditions. Other important factors include the family-friendly work schedules. The findings contribute to understanding of factors that motivate people to become vocational teachers, which is essential for improving the development of the highly skilled employees required in numerous sectors.
Emotional and Spontaneous Locomotor Behaviors Related to cerebellar Daidzein-dependent TrkB Expression Changes in Obese Hamsters
Authors: Alò Raffaella , Fazzari Gilda , Zizza Merylin , Avolio Ennio , Di Vito Anna , Olvito Ilaria , Bruno Rosalinda , Canonaco Marcello , Facciolo Rosa Maria
Published: July 2022

Current evidence supports the beneficial role of phytoestrogens in metabolic diseases, but their influences on spontaneous motor and anxiety behaviors plus neuroprotective effects have still not been completely elucidated. With the present study, neuro-behavioral activities were correlated to daidzein (DZ)-dependent expression changes of a high affinity catalytic receptor for several neurotrophins, and namely tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB) in the cerebellar cortex of high-fat diet (HFD) hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). Indeed, these changes appear to be tightly linked to altered plasma lipid profiles as shown by reduced low-density lipoproteins plus total cholesterol levels in DZ-treated obesity hamsters accounting for increased spontaneous locomotor together with diminished anxiety activities in novel cage (NCT) and light/dark box (LDT) tests. For this latter case, the anxiolytic-like hamsters spent more time in the light compartment, which was retained the aversive area of the LDT box. As for the evaluation of the neurotrophin receptor site, significantly elevated TrkB levels were also detected, for the first time, in the cerebellum of obese hamsters treated with DZ. In this condition, such a treatment widely led to an overall improvement of HFD-induced neurodegeneration damages, above all in the Purkinje and granular layers of the cerebellum. In this context, the notably active TrkB signaling events occurring in a DZ-dependent manner may turn out to be a key neuroprotective element capable of restoring normal emotional and spontaneously linked locomotor behaviors regulated by cerebellar cortical areas especially in obesity-related conditions.
A data-driven multicriteria decision making tool for assessing investments in energy efficiency
Authors: Sarmas Elissaios , Marinakis Vangelis , Doukas Haris
Published: July 2022

Mainstreaming energy efficiency financing has been considered a key priority during the last decade among several stakeholders. The capability offered by Multicriteria Decision Analysis to integrate cross-domain financial and energy consumption data, combined with statistical analysis techniques and data abundance, contributes to building the necessary market confidence in energy efficiency projects and make them an attractive investment asset class. In this context, the aim of this paper is to propose a solid methodological framework in order to support the financing procedure of energy efficiency investments, and to identify improved grant financing plans, considering a series of factors which are of vital importance for the sustainability of such actions and the limitation of investment risk. A decision support tool, developed in Python, is presented which implements the suggested methodology, improving the decision making for the investor in terms of the percentage of grant financing per project. The developed methodology has been applied on a reliable dataset of energy efficiency projects from several cities in Latvia, where the actual performance of the investments is exploited. The application of the methodology has resulted in a financing plan which achieves about the same energy savings, while bringing 15% reduction of the energy efficiency investments’ cost.