bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mixed Diffusion‐Kinetic Control of H2O2 Oxidation at an Oxide‐Covered Platinum Electrode in Alkaline Electrolyte: Implications for Oxygen Electroreduction Studies with a Rotating Ring Disk Electrode
Authors: Szwabińska Katarzyna , Lota Grzegorz
Published: February 2021

The rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE) with a Pt ring is widely applied for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) studies, and it is generally believed that oxidation of H2O2 at the Pt ring is controlled by diffusion. Indeed, H2O2 oxidation at bare platinum is a diffusion‐controlled reaction. However, when Pt ring is held at 1.2 VRHE, it is being covered with surface oxide, and H2O2 oxidation turns into a reaction under mixed diffusion‐kinetic control. We show that, for H2O2 oxidation at an oxide‐covered Pt ring in 0.1 M KOH, the ratio of the empirical ring current to corresponding ring current under pure diffusion control varies monotonically with rotation rate. At 1.2 VRHE, the ratio is equal to 79.9 % and 61.4 % at 400 rpm and 2500 rpm, respectively. We demonstrate that this deviation prevents the correct diagnosis of ORR mechanism and leads to overestimated electron transfer number values. To eliminate the error in RRDE measurements, we employed a procedure based on the Koutecký‐Levich method, which, to our best knowledge, has not been reported yet.
Immunopurification of Mitochondria from Arabidopsis
Authors: Luo Lilan , He Yajun , Li Jiayang , Yu Hong
Published: February 2021

Isolation of mitochondria from plant tissues, especially green leaves, is particularly difficult because of chloroplast contamination. Compared to other techniques for purifying plant mitochondria, the immunopurification method has a number of advantages: it rapidly purifies the mitochondria within several minutes, avoids loss of mitochondrial metabolites, eliminates most other organelles (especially the chloroplasts), keeps the isolated mitochondria intact, requires little starting material, and has the potential to purify tissue‐specific mitochondria. Here, we describe a rapid immunopurification protocol for mitochondrial isolation that employs a protein specifically targeted to the outer mitochondrial membrane that acts as an immunopurification handle. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

This article was corrected on 19 July 2022. See the end of the full text for details.
The Clinical Significance of Hepatic CD69+CD103+CD8+ Resident‐Memory T Cells in Autoimmune Hepatitis
Authors: You Zhengrui , Li You , Wang Qixia , Zhao Zhibin , Li Yikang , Qian Qiwei , Li Bo , Zhang Jun , Huang Bingyuan , Liang Jubo , Chen Ruiling , Lyu Zhuwan , Chen Yong , Lian Min , Xiao Xiao , Miao Qi , Fang Jingyuan , Lian Zhexiong , Eric Gershwin M. , Tang Ruqi , Ma Xiong
Published: February 2021

Background and Aims

The diverse inflammatory response found in the liver of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is well established, but identification of potentially pathogenic subpopulations has proven enigmatic.

Approach and Results

We report herein that CD69+CD103+CD8+ tissue‐resident memory T cells (TRM) are significantly increased in the liver of patients with AIH compared to chronic hepatitis B, NAFLD, and healthy control tissues. In addition, there was a significant statistical correlation between elevation of CD8+ TRM cells and AIH disease severity. Indeed, in patients with successful responses to immunosuppression, the frequencies of such hepatic CD8+ TRM cells decreased significantly. CD69+CD8+and CD69+CD103+CD8+ T cells, also known as CD8+ TRM cells, reflect tissue residency and are well known to provide intense immune antigenic responses. Hence, it was particularly interesting that patients with AIH also manifest an elevated expression of IL‐15 and TGF‐β on inflammatory cells, and extensive hepatic expression of E‐cadherin; these factors likely contribute to the development and localization of CD8+ TRM cells. Based on these data and, in particular, the relationships between disease severity and CD8+ TRM cells, we studied the mechanisms involved with glucocorticoid (GC) modulation of CD8+ TRM cell expansion. Our data reflect that GCs in vitro inhibit the expansion of CD8+ TRM cells induced by IL‐15 and TGF‐β and with direct down‐regulation of the nuclear factor Blimp1 of CD8+ TRM cells.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that CD8+ TRM cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AIH, and GCs attenuate hepatic inflammation through direct inhibition of CD8+ TRM cell expansion.
Correlation analysis for illegal tampering image evidence detection
Authors: Liu Wei
Published: February 2021

Recently, forged pictures, pirated image products, and tampered photos become more and more rampant in our society, which may endanger the rights of owners to earn illegal profits or change the key evidence in law case. It is urgent to accurately trace the real source of images by using the digital image forensics technology. This paper adopts correlation coefficient according to the image content for digital image tampering detection. The image to be detected is masked by a sliding window which moves from left to right or up to bottom. The area in the window is matched with the fingerprint, which is related to the used camera, to determine the tampered area in the image. The fingerprint is determined by the photo‐response non‐uniformity (PRNU) sensor. It is estimated by the residue noise and a group of images from the camera. The correlation coefficient based method can detect the tampered areas from the same image or several different images. The experiments on synthetic tampered images demonstrate most of the tampered areas can be detected.
Spring phenology outweighed climate change in determining autumn phenology on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Peng Jie , Wu Chaoyang , Wang Xiaoyue , Lu Linlin
Published: February 2021

As the third pole of the Earth, the Tibetan Plateau (TP) is highly sensitive to climate change. Phenological changes in spring (i.e., the start of the growing season, SOS) over the TP are of much debate, while our understanding on the variation of autumn phenology (i.e., the end of the growing season, EOS) is still lacking. Given the significance of tracing the latest variation of EOS induced by the ongoing global change, we used the currently longest time series (1982–2018) of the normalized difference vegetation index of the Long Term Data Record from the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer (AVHRR LTDR NDVI) and investigated the responses of EOS to biological and climatic factors. We found that the EOS showed an insignificantly delayed trend at an average rate of 0.14 days·decade−1 on the TP. This variation was found for all vegetation types except for alpine sparse vegetation. We further showed that spring SOS had the largest contribution to the interannual variations in EOS, where 46.5% of the vegetated areas showed significantly positive correlations between SOS and EOS (p < .05). Temperature (26.5%) and precipitation (18.8%) also had significant positive impacts on EOS, while the contribution of radiation was negative (11.3%). These correlations were regulated by local hydrothermal conditions, especially for precipitation gradients. Using the longest satellite data currently available, with the state‐of‐art data processing, we demonstrated a weakly delaying trend of EOS and the controlling role of spring phenology on the interannual variability of EOS, which is of great significance to improve our comprehension of the interactions between vegetation dynamics and climate change in the future.
LncRNA UCA1 negatively regulates NF‐kB activity in psoriatic keratinocytes through the miR125a‐A20 axis
Authors: Ma Xiao‐Lei , Wen Guang‐Dong , Yu Cong , Zhao Zheng , Gao Na , Liu Zheng‐Yi
Published: February 2021

Psoriasis is one of the most common chronic inflammatory skin diseases that affects approximately 3% of the world's population. Hyper proliferation, infiltration of inflammatory cells and aberrant differentiation of keratinocytes are the three most important characteristics of psoriasis. Previous reports showed that NF‐κBis the crucial mediator linking psoriatic keratinocytes and immune cell states through its effects on chemokine and cytokine production. To identify the role of NF‐κB in psoriasis, we conducted ELISA assay to detect the activity of NF‐κB in lesional skin and nonlesional skin of patients with psoriasis. Mounting evidence suggests that the interaction between long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs plays important role in the regulation of the initiation and development of various diseases. In this article, we identified that lncRNA UCA1 was down‐regulated in lesional skin of patients with psoriasis. Further studies showed that lncRNA UCA1 could promote the expression of A20 by inhibitingmiR125a, and up‐regulated A20 decreased the activity of NF‐κB through its ubiquitin editing function. Taken together, we identified and demonstrated that lncRNA UCA1 negatively regulated NF‐κB activity in psoriasis through the miR125a‐A20 axis.
Improved grounded coplanar waveguide‐to‐multilayer substrate integrated waveguide transition for efficient feeding of an antipodal Vivaldi antenna for imaging applications
Authors: Manzoor Zahra , Al Qaseer A. Mohammad Tayeb , Donnell Kristen M.
Published: February 2021

This paper presents a novel transition junction between a grounded coplanar waveguide (GCPW) and a multilayer substrate integrated waveguide (SIW) that is intended as a feed for an SIW antipodal Vivaldi antenna. Compared to other similar transitions, this transition has better matching and lower insertion loss. More specifically, the junction between GCPW and multilayer SIW is designed to improve matching between the two‐layer feed line and the multilayer SIW, thereby reducing unwanted radiation from the transition and improving the radiation pattern of the SIW antipodal Vivaldi antenna. These improvements are illustrated through simulation and measurement of a 34.5–37.5 GHz antipodal Vivaldi antenna that is fed by a SIW feed connected to a GCPW via the improved junction.
Enhancing the Ultraviolet Photocurrent and Response Speed of Zinc Oxide Nanoflowers using Surface Plasmons of Gold Nanoparticles and a Graphene Membrane
Authors: Zhao Yunfei , Zhang Hainan , Wu Xiaoming , Yang Yi , Ren Tian-Ling
Published: February 2021

The enhancement effect of the plasmonic resonance of AuNPs and a graphene membrane on the optoelectronic properties of ZnO nanoflowers is investigated. A layered structure is fabricated, consisting of ZnO nanoflowers grown on a conductive fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate, decorated with gold nanoparticles, and covered by a multilayer graphene membrane. An excellent photocurrent response as high as 1650 A W−1 and a millisecond level response time are achieved. Compared with the pristine ZnO device, which has a responsivity of 2.98 A W−1 and a response time of tens of seconds, the photocurrent response is dramatically increased by 500‐fold and the response time is decreased by over 1000‐fold. The significant enhancement of the photocurrent can be attributed to the coupling of plasmonic resonance modes of AuNPs and the graphene membrane, according to finite‐difference time‐domain simulation results; whereas the tremendous improvement on response time can be attributed to the high electron mobility of graphene. The work is essential for further study of the plasmonic enhancement of ZnO optoelectronic performance and provides a new path for the fabrication of ZnO‐based high‐responsivity, high‐speed, and low‐cost ultraviolet emission and detection devices.
High‐Pressure Structural Investigation of Anomalous Hall Effect Compound Mn3Sn up to 9 GPa
Authors: Lingannan Govindaraj , Singh Anupam K. , Joseph Boby , Singh Sanjay , Arumugam Sonachalam
Published: February 2021

A systematic synchrotron high‐pressure X‐ray powder diffraction study of Mn3Sn up to 9 GPa is reported. In this pressure range, the crystal symmetry remains in the hexagonal P63/mmc space group, with a continuous reduction of the lattice parameters. Analysis indicates that the Mn3Sn system may have a different magnetic ground state above 4 GPa due to varying local atomic interactions. This is brought about by the slightly varying compression rate for the in‐plane a‐ and out‐of‐plane c‐axis, respectively, ≈−0.0235 and ≈−0.0176 Å GPa−1. The results contribute to the understanding of the crystal structure to the external continuous tuning parameter pressure, which modulates the geometrical arrangement of the atomic species in Mn3Sn, thus impacting the interesting physical properties such as the large anomalous Hall effect.
One‐pot Suzuki Coupling‐Knoevenagel Condensation Tandem Reaction Catalyzed by a Recyclable Magnetic Bifunctional Catalyst
Authors: Yuan Xiaofeng , Wang Jinyuan , Wan Zijuan , Zhang Qiang , Luo Jun
Published: February 2021

A novel magnetic nanoparticle‐supported bifunctional catalyst NH−Pd(0)@MNP was prepared and its activity was evaluated in one‐pot Suzuki coupling‐Knoevenagel condensation tandem reaction. A series of biaryl derivatives were synthesized via sequential Suzuki coupling‐Knoevenagel condensation in ethanol/water medium under phosphine‐free conditions. Meanwhile, the catalyst could be easily separated by an external magnetic field, and could be reused several times without remarkable loss of catalytic activity.
Poly(methacrylic acid)‐Stabilized Silver Nanoclusters as Colorimetric Sensors for the Rapid and Sensitive Detection of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Ruangchaithaweesuk Songtham , Srirattanasakunsuk Pattraporn , Poomuang Chutima , Kanokworrakarn Amornrat , Tuntulani Thawatchai
Published: February 2021

A simple, rapid, and sensitive colorimetric assay for ascorbic acid (AA) was developed based on poly(methacrylic acid)‐stabilized silver nanoclusters (PMAA‐AgNCs). The AgNCs were prepared via a single‐step synthesis exploiting PMAA as both a reducing agent and a stabilizer. The sensing capability of this method is based on the color change associated with the growth in size of AgNCs, which turn into nanoparticles, resulting from the reduction of free Ag+ present in AgNCs solution to Ag0 by AA. In the presence of AA, an apparent surface plasmon resonance absorption peak of the silver nanoparticles was observed at 430 nm, and its intensity increased linearly with AA concentration, so that a solution color change could be observed with the naked eye. The proposed method exhibited a linear working concentration range of 0.25–100 μM and a detection limit of 95 nM. The sensor was employed to determine AA concentration in fruit juice and vitamin C tablet samples, affording results of high accuracy.
Isotope Effect of Host Material on Device Stability of Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Liu Xuelong , Chan Chin-Yiu , Mathevet Fabrice , Mamada Masashi , Tsuchiya Youichi , Lee Yi-Ting , Nakanotani Hajime , Kobayashi Shinichiro , Shiochi Masayuki , Adachi Chihaya
Published: February 2021

Organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) exhibiting thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) have attracted great interest because of their excellent exciton harvesting ability in electroluminescence (EL). While TADF‐OLEDs show a high EL efficiency, the device operational stability is not necessarily satisfactory for commercial applications. Herein, the isotope effect of the host material on the device operational stability in TADF‐OLEDs is investigated. It is unveiled that the deuterated host, i.e., PYD2Cz‐d16, forms a denser film than that of the nondeuterated host, PYD2Cz, demonstrating enhanced stable amorphous nature and balanced carrier transport properties. In green TADF‐OLEDs, the PYD2Cz‐d16‐based OLED considerably lengthens the device operational stability of LT95 (95% of the initial luminance) to ≈140 h at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2, which is 1.7 times longer than that of PYD2Cz. Device stabilities of blue TADF‐OLEDs with PYD2Cz‐d16 as a host are also demonstrated with an enhancement of 2 times in LT50 at an initial luminance of 1000 cd m−2. It is suggested that the deuterated materials have a positive effect on the device stability in not only TADF‐OLEDs, but also all other OLEDs having fluorescence and phosphorescence emitters.
Binder‐Free Air Electrodes for Rechargeable Zinc‐Air Batteries: Recent Progress and Future Perspectives
Authors: Yan Xiaoxiao , Ha Yuan , Wu Renbing
Published: February 2021

Designing an efficient air electrode is of great significance for the performance of rechargeable zinc (Zn)‐air batteries. However, the most widely used approach to fabricate an air electrode involves polymeric binders, which may increase the interface resistance and block electrocatalytic active sites, thus deteriorating the performance of the battery. Therefore, binder‐free air electrodes have attracted more and more research interests in recent years. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the latest advancements in designing and fabricating binder‐free air electrodes for electrically rechargeable Zn‐air batteries. Beginning with the fundamentals of Zn‐air batteries and recently reported bifunctional active catalysts, self‐supported air electrodes for liquid‐state and flexible solid‐state Zn‐air batteries are then discussed in detail. Finally, the conclusion and the challenges faced for binder‐free air electrodes in Zn‐air batteries are also highlighted.
Physical Disability and Masculinity: Hegemony and Exclusion
Authors: Swartz Leslie , Mapumulo Bongani , Rohleder Poul
Published: February 2021

In this chapter, we will explore the intersections of disability and masculinity. We will look at how disability influences how men are viewed by others, and how men with disabilities view themselves as masculine and as sexual beings. We also look at the influence of culture on masculinity in the South African context. We draw on existing research knowledge, as well as the pictures and personal stories of some of the male participants in our research project.
New closed-loop insulin systems
Authors: Boughton Charlotte K. , Hovorka Roman
Published: February 2021

Advances in diabetes technologies have enabled the development of automated closed-loop insulin delivery systems. Several hybrid closed-loop systems have been commercialised, reflecting rapid transition of this evolving technology from research into clinical practice, where it is gradually transforming the management of type 1 diabetes in children and adults. In this review we consider the supporting evidence in terms of glucose control and quality of life for presently available closed-loop systems and those in development, including dual-hormone closed-loop systems. We also comment on alternative ‘do-it-yourself’ closed-loop systems. We remark on issues associated with clinical adoption of these approaches, including training provision, and consider limitations of presently available closed-loop systems and areas for future enhancements to further improve outcomes and reduce the burden of diabetes management.

Graphical abstract
General Versus Neuraxial Anesthesia for Appendectomy: A Multicenter International Study
Authors: El Moheb Mohamad , Han Kelsey , Breen Kerry , El Hechi Majed , Jia Zhenyi , Mokhtari Ava , Kongkaewpaisan Napaporn , Kongwibulwut Manasnun , Rodriguez Gabriel , Ortega Camilo , Qin Huanlong , Yang Jun , Gao Renyuan , Wang Zhiguo , Gao Zhiguang , Prichayudh Supparerk , van der Wilden Gwendolyn M. , Santin Stephanie , Ribeiro Marcelo A. F. , Noppakunsomboom Napakadol , Sakran Joseph V. , Joseph Bellal , Alami Ramzi , Kaafarani Haytham M. A.
Published: February 2021

Background

In resource‐limited countries, open appendectomy is still performed under general anesthesia (GA) or neuraxial anesthesia (NA). We sought to compare the postoperative outcomes of appendectomy under NA versus GA.

Methods

We conducted a post hoc analysis of the International Patterns of Opioid Prescribing (iPOP) multicenter study. All patients ≥ 16 years‐old who underwent an open appendectomy between October 2016 and March 2017 in one of the 14 participating hospitals were included. Patients were stratified into two groups: NA—defined as spinal or epidural—and GA. All‐cause morbidity, hospital length of stay (LOS), and pain severity were assessed using univariate analysis followed by multivariable logistic regression adjusting for the following preoperative characteristics: age, gender, body mass index (BMI), smoking, history of opioid use, emergency status, and country.

Results

A total of 655 patients were included, 353 of which were in the NA group and 302 in the GA group. The countries operating under NA were Colombia (39%), Thailand (31%), China (23%), and Brazil (7%). Overall, NA patients were younger (mean age (SD): 34.5 (14.4) vs. 40.7 (17.9), p‐value < 0.001) and had a lower BMI (mean (SD): 23.5 (3.8) vs. 24.3 (5.2), p‐value = 0.040) than GA patients. On multivariable analysis, NA was independently associated with less postoperative complications (OR, 95% CI: 0.30 [0.10–0.94]) and shorter hospital LOS (LOS > 3 days, OR, 95% CI: 0.47 [0.32–0.68]) compared to GA. There was no difference in postoperative pain severity between the two techniques.

Conclusions

Open appendectomy performed under NA is associated with improved outcomes compared to that performed under GA. Further randomized controlled studies should examine the safety and value of NA in lower abdominal surgery.
Tropical land-use change alters trait-based community assembly rules for dung beetles and birds
Authors: Edwards Felicity A. , Edwards David P. , Hamer Keith C. , Fayle Tom M.
Published: February 2021

Tropical rainforest disturbance and conversion are critical drivers of biodiversity loss. A key knowledge gap is understanding the impacts of habitat modification on mechanisms of community assembly, which are predicted to respond differently between taxa and across spatial scales. We use a null model approach to detect trait assembly of species at local- and landscape-scales, and then subdivide communities with different habitat associations and foraging guilds to investigate whether the detection of assembly mechanisms varies between groups. We focus on two indicator taxa, dung beetles and birds, across a disturbance gradient of primary rainforest, selectively logged rainforest, and oil palm plantations in Borneo, Southeast Asia. Random community assembly was predominant for dung beetles across habitats, whereas trait convergence, indicative of environmental filtering, occurred across the disturbance gradient for birds. Assembly patterns at the two spatial scales were similar. Subdividing for habitat association and foraging guild revealed patterns hidden when focusing on the overall community. Dung beetle forest specialists and habitat generalists showed opposing assembly mechanisms in primary forest, community assembly of habitat generalists for both taxa differed with disturbance intensity, and insectivorous birds strongly influenced overall community assembly relative to other guilds. Our study reveals the sensitivity of community assembly mechanisms to anthropogenic disturbance via a shift in the relative contribution of stochastic and deterministic processes. This highlights the need for greater understanding of how habitat modification alters species interactions and the importance of incorporating species’ traits within assessments.
The DOCK protein family in vascular development and disease
Authors: Benson Clare E. , Southgate Laura
Published: February 2021

The vascular network is established and maintained through the processes of vasculogenesis and angiogenesis, which are tightly regulated during embryonic and postnatal life. The formation of a functional vasculature requires critical cellular mechanisms, such as cell migration, proliferation and adhesion, which are dependent on the activity of small Rho GTPases, controlled in part by the dedicator of cytokinesis (DOCK) protein family. Whilst the majority of DOCK proteins are associated with neuronal development, a growing body of evidence has indicated that members of the DOCK family may have key functions in the control of vasculogenic and angiogenic processes. This is supported by the involvement of several angiogenic signalling pathways, including chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), in the regulation of specific DOCK proteins. This review summarises recent progress in understanding the respective roles of DOCK family proteins during vascular development. We focus on existing in vivo and in vitro models and known human disease phenotypes and highlight potential mechanisms of DOCK protein dysfunction in the pathogenesis of vascular disease.
The colloidal structure of a cellulose fiber
Authors: Gubitosi Marta , Asaadi Shirin , Sixta Herbert , Olsson Ulf
Published: February 2021

We present a small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) study of the colloidal structure of regenerated cellulose fibers, air-gap spun from an ionic liquid solution. Based on the data, and a different interpretation of the anisotropic SAXS pattern, we propose a slightly different colloidal structure of the fibers, than what is commonly assumed for regenerated cellulose fibers. Fibers with two different degrees of orientation, as produced by different draw ratios, DR = 2 and 15, respectively, are analyzed. The 2D SAXS pattern is highly anisotropic with striking cross-like pattern, having scattering predominantly perpendicular and parallel to the fiber axis. This cross-like pattern suggest a colloidal structure with oriented crystalline lamellae of ca. 10 nm thickness, embedded within a continuous matrix of amorphous cellulose. The lamellae are oriented with their normal parallel with the fiber axis. Complementary wide angle X-ray diffraction data confirm that the lamellae normal direction corresponds to the cellulose chain direction (c-direction) in the monoclinic cellulose crystal (Cellulose II).

Graphic abstract
Factors Associated with Support for Adolescent Access to Contraception Among Mexican Catholic Parents
Authors: Küng Stephanie A. , Saavedra-Avendano Biani , Vélez Evelyn Aldaz , Piñeros María Consuelo Mejía , Metcalfe Gillian M. Fawcett , Darney Blair G.
Published: February 2021

We used a nationally representative survey of 2186 Mexican Catholic parents to assess two outcomes: support for adolescent access to modern contraception and whether adolescents unaccompanied by an adult should have access to contraceptive methods. A majority (85%) of Mexican Catholic parents support adolescent access to modern contraceptive methods, but there was less support (28%) for access to contraception unaccompanied. Further, our results show strong support (92%) for sex education in schools. Parents who believe that good Catholics can use contraception had higher odds of support for adolescent access and unaccompanied access to modern contraception. Mexican Catholic parents support adolescent access to modern contraception, but support for unaccompanied access to contraception is lower. This may reflect an interest in being involved, and not necessarily opposition to contraceptive use. Measures of Catholicism that focus on behaviors may better explain opinions about adolescent access to contraception.
Variable Smoothing for Weakly Convex Composite Functions
Authors: Böhm Axel , Wright Stephen J.
Published: February 2021

We study minimization of a structured objective function, being the sum of a smooth function and a composition of a weakly convex function with a linear operator. Applications include image reconstruction problems with regularizers that introduce less bias than the standard convex regularizers. We develop a variable smoothing algorithm, based on the Moreau envelope with a decreasing sequence of smoothing parameters, and prove a complexity of$${\mathcal {O}}(\epsilon ^{-3})$$O(ϵ-3)to achieve an$$\epsilon $$ϵ-approximate solution. This bound interpolates between the$${\mathcal {O}}(\epsilon ^{-2})$$O(ϵ-2)bound for the smooth case and the$${\mathcal {O}}(\epsilon ^{-4})$$O(ϵ-4)bound for the subgradient method. Our complexity bound is in line with other works that deal with structured nonsmoothness of weakly convex functions.
‘The moral irrelevance of moral coercion’
Authors: Frowe Helen
Published: February 2021

An agent A morally coerces another agent, B, when A manipulates non-epistemological facts in order that B’s moral commitments enjoin B to do what A wants B to do, and B is motivated by these commitments. It is widely argued that forced choices arising from moral coercion are morally distinct from forced choices arising from moral duress or happenstance. On these accounts, the fact of being coerced bears on what an agent may do, the voluntariness of her actions, and/or her accountability for any harms that result from her actions (where accountability includes liability to defensive harm, punishment, blame and compensation). This paper does not provide an account of the wrongness of moral coercion. Rather, I argue that, whatever the correct account of its wrongness, the mere fact of being coerced has no bearing on what the agent may do, on the voluntariness of her action, or her accountability for any resultant harm, compared to otherwise identical cases arising from duress and happenstance.
Using structural equation modeling to investigate change and response shift in patient-reported outcomes: practical considerations and recommendations
Authors: Verdam M. G. E. , Oort F. J. , Sprangers M. A. G.
Published: February 2021

Background

Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are of increasing importance for health-care evaluations. However, the interpretation of change in PROs may be obfuscated due to changes in the meaning of the self-evaluation, i.e., response shift. Structural equation modeling (SEM) is the most widely used statistical approach for the investigation of response shift. Yet, non-technical descriptions of SEM for response shift investigation are lacking. Moreover, application of SEM is not straightforward and requires sequential decision-making practices that have not received much attention in the literature.

Aims

To stimulate appropriate applications and interpretations of SEM for the investigation of response shift, the current paper aims to (1) provide an accessible description of the SEM operationalizations of change that are relevant for response shift investigation; (2) discuss practical considerations in applying SEM; and (3) provide guidelines and recommendations for researchers who want to use SEM for the investigation and interpretation of change and response shift in PROs.

Conclusion

Appropriate applications and interpretations of SEM for the detection of response shift will help to improve our understanding of response shift phenomena and thus change in PROs. Better understanding of patients’ perceived health trajectories will ultimately help to adopt more effective treatments and thus enhance patients’ wellbeing.
Skill and strategic control
Authors: Fridland Ellen
Published: February 2021

This paper provides an account of the strategic control involved in skilled action. When I discuss strategic control, I have in mind the practical goals, plans, and strategies that skilled agents use in order to specify, structure, and organize their skilled actions, which they have learned through practice. The idea is that skilled agents are better than novices not only at implementing the intentions that they have but also at forming the right intentions. More specifically, skilled agents are able formulate and modify, adjust and adapt their practical intentions in ways that are appropriate, effective, and flexible given their overall goals. Further, to specify the kind of action plans that are involved in strategic control, I’ll rely on empirical evidence concerning mental practice and mental imagery from sports psychology as well as evidence highlighting the systematic differences in the cognitive representations of skills between experts and non-experts. I’ll claim that, together, this evidence suggests that the intentions that structure skilled actions are practical and not theoretical, that is, that they are perceptual and motor and not abstract, amodal, or linguistic. Importantly, despite their grounded nature, these plans are still personal-level, deliberate, rational states. That is, the practical intentions used to specify and structure skilled actions are best conceived of as higher-order, motor-modal structures, which can be manipulated and used by the agent for the purpose of reasoning, deliberation, decision-making and, of course, the actual online structuring and organizing of action.
Effect of a single or two doses of an anti-GnRH vaccine on testicle morpho-functional characteristics in Nelore bulls
Authors: Doroteu Emanuel M. , Viana Joao H. M. , Ferreira Junior Jair A. , Macedo Juliana T. A. , Oliveira Rodrigo A. , Pedroso Pedro M. O.
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study was to compare testicle morpho-functional characteristics in bulls undergoing a single or two immunizations against GnRH. Nelore (Bos taurus indicus) bulls were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: G1 (n=12), a single 400 μg dose of anti-GnRH vaccine on day 0; G2 (n=11), a first 400 μg dose of anti-GnRH vaccine on day 0 followed by a second (boost) dose 30 days later; and control group (CG, n=12), 1 mL saline 0.9% at day 0. Every 30 days, from day 0 until slaughter at day 90, the bulls were weighed and underwent testicular biometry, semen collection and analysis, and blood sample collection for testosterone measurement. Immediately after slaughter, the testicles were removed and transport at 15°C to the laboratory for histopathological analysis. There was a decrease in testicular height (P=0.0476), width (P=0.0021), and in scrotal circumference (P=0.0001), after either a single (G1) or two (G2) immunizations against GnRH. Both G1 and G2 had lower testosterone concentrations than CG from day 60 on (P<0.01), but in G2, it was also lower than in G1 at day 90 (P=0.0006). All sperm parameters were affected by active immunization against GnRH (P<0.05), and in G2, averages were lesser (P<0.05) than in G1 from day 60 on. No signs of seminiferous tubule degeneration were found in any sample from the CG, contrasting with 75.0% and 100.0% of the samples from G1 and G2, respectively. In summary, immunocastration affected testicle morpho-functional characteristics in bulls in a time- and dose-dependent way.
Clinical care pathway program versus open-access system: a study on appropriateness, quality, and efficiency in the delivery of colonoscopy in the colorectal cancer
Authors: Del Vecchio Blanco Giovanna , Dwairi Rami , Giannelli Mario , Palmieri Giampiero , Formica Vincenzo , Portarena Ilaria , Grasso Enrico , Di Iorio Laura , Benassi Michela , Giudice Emilia Anna , Nardecchia Antonella , Rossi Piero , Roselli Mario , Sica Giuseppe , Monteleone Giovanni , Paoluzi Omero Alessandro
Published: February 2021

Open-access colonoscopy (OAC), whereby the colonoscopy is performed without a prior office visit with a gastroenterologist, is affected by inappropriateness which leads to overprescription and reduced availability of the procedure in case of alarming symptoms. The clinical care pathway (CCP) is a healthcare management tool promoted by national health systems to organize work-up of various morbidities. Recently, we started a CCP dedicated to colorectal cancer (CRC), including a colonoscopy session for CRC diagnosis and prevention. We aimed to evaluate the appropriateness, the quality, and the efficiency in the delivery of colonoscopy with the open-access system and a CCP program in the CRC. Quality indicators for colonoscopy in subjects in the CCP were compared to referrals by general practitioners (OAC) or by non-gastroenterologist physicians (non-gastroenterologist physician colonoscopy, NGPC). Attendance rate to colonoscopy was greater in the CCP group and NGPC group than in the OAC group (99%, 99%, and 86%, respectively). Waiting time in the CCP group was shorter than in the OAC group (3.88 ± 2.27 vs. 32 ± 22.31 weeks, respectively). Appropriateness of colonoscopy prescription was better in the CCP group than in the OAC group (92 vs. 50%, respectively). OAC is affected by the lack of timeliness and low appropriateness of prescription. A CCP reduces the number of inappropriate colonoscopies, especially for post-polypectomy surveillance, and improves the delivery of colonoscopy in patients requiring a fast-track examination. The high rate of inappropriate OAC suggests that this modality of healthcare should be widely reviewed.
A patient with Marfan’s syndrome who developed an acute aortic dissection at 28 weeks of pregnancy treated with aortic root replacement
Authors: Sumiyoshi Riki , Morita Hideki , Fujii Kento , Shirasughi Takehiro , Kawaura Hiroyuki , Aoki Masakazu , Nagano Hiroshi
Published: February 2021

The patient was a 31-year-old pregnant woman who gave birth to her first child by vaginal delivery 7 years ago. She was diagnosed with Marfan’s syndrome based on physical findings; however, the condition was not diagnosed before the onset. The patient developed acute aortic dissection at 28 weeks of pregnancy. A cesarean section was first performed to save the patient’s life; then, a total hysterectomy was performed to prevent the risk of postpartum hemorrhage. Furthermore, aortic root replacement was performed using a temporary mechanical valve. The patient and her child have survived without any complications.
Digital PET/CT allows for shorter acquisition protocols or reduced radiopharmaceutical dose in [18F]-FDG PET/CT
Authors: Alberts Ian , Sachpekidis Christos , Prenosil George , Viscione Marco , Bohn Karl Peter , Mingels Clemens , Shi Kuangyu , Ashar-Oromieh Ali , Rominger Axel
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To establish the feasibility of shorter acquisition times (and by analogy, applied activity) on tumour detection and lesion contrast in digital PET/CT.

Methods

Twenty-one randomly selected patients who underwent oncological [18F]-FDG PET/CT on a digital PET/CT were retrospectively evaluated. Scan data were anonymously obtained and reconstructed in list-mode acquisition for a standard 2 min/bed position (bp), 1 min/bp and 30 s/bp (100%, 50% and 25% time or applied activity, respectively). Scans were randomized and read by two nuclear medicine physicians in a consensus read. Readers were blind to clinical details. Scans were evaluated for the number of pathological lesions detected. Measured uptake for lesions was evaluated by maximum and mean standardized uptake value (SUVmax and SUVmean, respectively) and tumour-to-backround ratio (TBR) were compared. Agreement between the three acquisitions was compared by Krippendorf’s alpha.

Results

Overall n = 100 lesions were identified in the 2 min and 1 min/bp acquisitions and n = 98 lesions in the 30 s/bp acquisitions. Agreement between the three acquisitions with respect to lesion number and tumour-to-background ratio showed almost perfect agreement (K’s α = 0.999). SUVmax, SUVmean and TBR likewise showed > 98% agreement, with longer acquisitions being associated with slightly higher mean TBR (2 min/bp 7.94 ± 4.41 versus 30 s/bp 7.84 ± 4.22, p < 0.05).

Conclusion

Shorter acquisition times have traditionally been associated with reduced lesion detectability or the requirement for larger amounts of radiotracer activity. These data confirm that this is not the case for new-generation digital PET scanners, where the known higher sensitivity results in clinically adequate images for shorter acquisitions. Only a small variation in the semi-quantitative parameters SUVmax, SUVmean and TBR was seen, confirming that either reduction of acquisition time or (by analogy) applied activity can be reduced as much as 75% in digital PET/CT without apparent clinical detriment.
Regulatory roles of G-protein coupled receptors in adipose tissue metabolism and their therapeutic potential
Authors: Im Hyeonyeong , Park Ji-Hyun , Im Seowoo , Han Juhyeong , Kim Kyungmin , Lee Yun-Hee
Published: February 2021

The high incidence of obesity has increased the need to discover new therapeutic targets to combat obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases. Obesity is defined as an abnormal accumulation of adipose tissue, which is one of the major metabolic organs that regulate energy homeostasis. However, there are currently no approved anti-obesity therapeutics that directly target adipose tissue metabolism. With recent advances in the understanding of adipose tissue biology, molecular mechanisms involved in brown adipose tissue expansion and metabolic activation have been investigated as potential therapeutic targets to increase energy expenditure. This review focuses on G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) as they are the most successful class of druggable targets in human diseases and have an important role in regulating adipose tissue metabolism. We summarize recent findings on the major GPCR classes that regulate thermogenesis and mitochondrial metabolism in adipose tissue. Improved understanding of GPCR signaling pathways that regulate these processes could facilitate the development of novel pharmacological approaches to treat obesity and related metabolic disorders.
Springback prediction and validation in hot forming of a double-curved component in alloy 718
Authors: Pérez Caro Lluís , Odenberger Eva-Lis , Schill Mikael , Niklasson Fredrik , Åkerfeldt Pia , Oldenburg Mats
Published: February 2021

The demands associated with the production of advanced parts made of nickel-base superalloys are continuously increasing to meet the requirements of current environmental laws. The use of lightweight components in load-carrying aero-engine structures has the potential to significantly reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the competitiveness of the aero-engine industry can benefit from reduced production costs and shorter development times while minimizing costly try-outs and increasing the efficiency of engines. The manufacturing process of aero-engine parts in superalloys at temperatures close to 950 °C produces reduced stamping force, residual stresses, and springback compared to traditional forming procedures occurring at room temperature. In this work, a hot forming procedure of a double-curved component in alloy 718 is studied. The mechanical properties of the material are determined between 20 and 1000 °C. The presence and nature of serrations in the stress–strain curves are assessed. The novel version of the anisotropic Barlat Yld2000-2D material model, which allows the input of thermo-mechanical data, is used in LS-DYNA to model the behaviour of the material at high temperatures. The effect of considering the stress-relaxation data on the predicted shape distortions is evaluated. The results show the importance of considering the thermo-mechanical anisotropic properties and stress-relaxation behaviour of the material to predict the final geometry of the component with high accuracy. The implementation of advanced material models in the finite element (FE) analyses, along with precise process conditions, is vital to produce lightweight components in advanced materials of interest to the aerospace industry.
Firms’ approach to mitigating risks in the platinum group metals sector
Authors: Baskaran Gracelin
Published: February 2021

With platinum prices declining due to a seismic demand shift and firms grappling with the high cost of labor and prolonged production-stopping labor strikes, the financial sustainability of platinum group metal (PGM) firms has come under duress since 2012. This article seeks to understand how mining firms have reshaped their strategies to ensure financial sustainability while also meeting external expectations of increasing shared-value outcomes by assessing how firms are deploying buffers and bridges. Firms use buffers when they seek to protect core business activities from supply-side and demand-side volatilities by shifting their overall business strategy and bridges to conform with external expectations of improving shared-value outcomes. The article constructs a case study using five sets of data to assess (i) what supply and demand shocks firms are facing; (ii) how they are reshaping their strategies and undertaking activities to protect the firm from these shocks; (iii) what challenges firms face with reaching shared-value outcomes; and (iv) how firms are undertaking activities to improve shared-value outcomes. This article finds that although buffering activities have been successful at increasing the financial sustainability of mining activities, bridging activities have been less successful given that royalties are vulnerable to maladministration, the impact of corporate social investments often short-lived, and insular and local procurement is limited to low-value-added activities, particularly in the context of mechanization. This article seeks to contribute to the body of literature on how extractive firms are responding to supply and demand shocks and argues that a paradigm shift may be necessary in which traditional bridging activities become part of protecting core business activities to ameliorate the risk of losing a firm’s social license to operate.
Development of surface coatings for high-strength low alloy steel filler wires and their effect on the weld metal microstructure and properties
Authors: Gehling T. , Treutler K. , Wesling V.
Published: February 2021

The lightweight construction of steel structures is often limited by the mechanical properties of the weld metal. The strength values of modern base materials are not achieved in the weld metal. There is a considerable need to develop welding consumables that allow the processing of modern fine-grained structural steels without limiting their potential. The Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating of welding wire electrodes can increase the strength of the weld metal of a Mn4Ni2CrMo welding wire electrode by up to 30%. By using different coating elements, the Hall–Petch relationship can be exploited and such an increase in strength can be achieved. Especially by applying titanium, vanadium, and yttrium coatings, the strength of the weld metal can be increased. Due to a multilayer structure of the coating, the weld metal and the process can be influenced independently of each other. The effects of mono-element coatings and multi-component coatings on the weld metal and the process are discussed. PVD coatings allow welding wire electrodes to be individually adapted to the requirements.
Gallbladder polyps ultrasound: what the sonographer needs to know
Authors: Cocco G. , Basilico R. , Delli Pizzi A. , Cocco N. , Boccatonda A. , D’Ardes D. , Fabiani S. , Anzoletti N. , D’Alessandro P. , Vallone G. , Cipollone F. , Schiavone C.
Published: February 2021

Gallbladder polyps are protuberances of the gallbladder wall projecting into the lumen. They are usually incidentally found during abdominal sonography or diagnosed on histopathology of a surgery specimen, with an estimated prevalence of up to 9.5% of patients. Gallbladder polyps are not mobile and do not demonstrate posterior acoustic shadowing; they may be sessile or pedunculated. Gallbladder polyps may be divided into pseudopolyps and true polyps. Pseudopolyps are benign and include cholesterolosis, cholesterinic polyps, inflammatory polyps, and localised adenomyomatosis. True gallbladder polyps can be benign or malignant. Benign polyps are most commonly adenomas, while malignant polyps are adenocarcinomas and metastases. There are also rare types of benign and malignant true gallbladder polyps, including mesenchymal tumours and lymphomas. Ultrasound is the first-choice imaging method for the diagnosis of gallbladder polyps, representing an indispensable tool for ensuring appropriate management. It enables limitation of secondary level investigations and avoidance of unnecessary cholecystectomies.