bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Landscape, demographic, and dispersal parameters influence the spread and establishment of an aquatic biological invasion
Authors: MacDonald Kelly J. , Leroux Shawn J. , Purchase Craig F.
Published: August 2024

Human‐mediated species introductions are contributing to the biotic homogenization of global flora and fauna. Despite extensive research, we lack simple methods of predicting how and where an introduced species will spread and establish, particularly in species with complex life histories in aquatic ecosystems. We predict that spread can be modeled simply using the characteristics of the invading population, specifically species growth rate and dispersal capacity. In addition, we predict that the establishment of introduced species should be explained by the characteristics of the receiving ecosystem. Using the brown trout (Salmo trutta) invasion on the Island of Newfoundland as a case study, we fit and test a reaction–diffusion model with brown trout population data collected from the literature. Next, we use statistical models to assess the influence of a suite of abiotic (conductivity, pH, turbidity, calcium), biotic (Atlantic salmon occurrence), and landscape (watershed relief, watershed area, distance to original introduction) variables on brown trout establishment (i.e., presence–absence) patterns. We find that observed coastal spread in Newfoundland is slow (~4.4 km/year), and that it lies on the lower end of the range of predictions made by the reaction–diffusion model parameterized based on the estimates of growth rate and movement from the literature (predicted spread range 1.4 to 92 km/year). Also, we did not find evidence for a relationship between abiotic or biotic variables and brown trout establishment. However, we did observe that landscape variables of the distance to trout introduction point and estuary area may explain establishment patterns along the south coast of Newfoundland. Our results suggest the importance of using population‐specific parameterization and the need to integrate regional landscape factors that are generally applicable across biological invasions (e.g., distance to introduction), and those that are more specific to the ecology of the invader (e.g., estuary area). Our study contextualizes the mechanisms that contribute to a slow invasion by an aquatic species with a complex life history and reveals that future studies need to integrate a variety of methods to elucidate the processes governing invasions.
Natural coral recovery despite negative population growth
Authors: Mulla Aziz J. , Denis Vianney , Lin Che‐Hung , Fong Chia‐Ling , Shiu Jia‐Ho , Nozawa Yoko
Published: August 2024

Demographic processes that ensure the recovery and resilience of marine populations are critical as climate change sends an increasing proportion on a trajectory of decline. Yet for some populations, recovery potential remains high. We conducted annual monitoring over 9 years (2012–2020) to assess the recovery of coral populations belonging to the genus Pocillopora. These populations experienced a catastrophic collapse following a severe typhoon in 2009. From the start of the monitoring period, high initial recruitment led to the establishment of a juvenile population that rapidly transitioned to sexually mature adults, which dominated the population within 6 years after the disturbance. As a result, coral cover increased from 1.1% to 20.2% during this time. To identify key demographic drivers of recovery and population growth rates (λ), we applied kernel‐resampled integral projection models (IPMs), constructing eight successive models to examine annual change. IPMs were able to capture reproductive traits as key demographic drivers over the initial 3 years, while individual growth was a continuous key demographic driver throughout the entire monitoring period. IPMs further detected a pulse of reproductive output subsequent to two further Category 5 typhoon events during the monitoring period, exemplifying key mechanisms of resilience for coral populations impacted by disturbance. Despite rapid recovery, (i.e., increased coral cover, individual colony growth, low mortality), IPMs estimated predominantly negative values of λ, indicating a declining population. Indeed, while λ translates to a change in the number of individuals, the recovery of coral populations can also be driven by an increase in the size of surviving colonies. Our results illustrate that accumulating long‐term data on historical dynamics and applying IPMs to extract demographic drivers are crucial for future predictions that are based on comprehensive and robust understandings of ecological change.
Development and validation of a multifactorial nomogram to predict 48 month mortality in decompensated heart failure
Authors: Zhuang Chenlin , Chen Yudai , Weng Kongyan , Zhuang Mei , Yu Huizhen , Zhu Pengli
Published: August 2024

Background and aims

As the incidence of heart failure (HF) increases, the need for practical tools to evaluate the long‐term prognosis in these patients remains critical. Our study aimed to develop a 48 month prediction model for all‐cause mortality in decompensated HF patients using available clinical indicators.

Methods

HF patients (n = 503), 60 years or older, were divided into a training cohort (n = 402) and a validation cohort (n = 101). Data on demographics, comorbidities, laboratory results and medications were gathered. Prediction models were developed using the Prognostic Nutritional Index (PNI), cholinesterase (ChE) and a multifactorial nomogram incorporating clinical variables. These models were constructed using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm and multivariate logistic regression analysis. The performance of the model was assessed in terms of calibration, discrimination and clinical utility.

Results

The mean age was 77.11 ± 8.85 years, and 216 (42.9%) were female. The multifactorial nomogram included variables of ChE, lymphocyte count, albumin, serum creatinine and N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (all P < 0.05). In the training cohort, the nomogram's C‐index was 0.926 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.896–0.950], outperforming the PNI indices at 0.883 and ChE at 0.804 (Z‐tests, P < 0.05). The C‐index in the validation cohort was 0.913 (Z‐tests, P < 0.05). Calibration and decision curve analysis confirmed model reliability, indicating a more significant net benefit than PNI and ChE alone.

Conclusions

Both the ChE‐ and PNI‐based prediction models effectively predict the long‐term prognosis in patients over 60 years of age with decompensated HF. The multifactorial nomogram model shows superior performance, improving clinical decision‐making and patient outcomes.
Heterometallic Uranyl Squarate Compounds with Transition Metal‐Bipyridine Bulky Cations as Structure Directing Components
Authors: Meng Liao , Zhang Xu , Huang Zhi‐wei , Liang Yuan‐yuan , Hu Kong‐qiu , Yu Ji‐pan , Wang Xin‐peng , Fujita Toyohisa , Shi Wei‐qun , Mei Lei
Published: August 2024

Heterometallic actinide compounds with tailored components functions have attracted much attention, but their controllable synthesis is still challenging. In this work, using bulky transition metal‐bipyridine cations as structure directing components, we have successfully synthesized six novel heterometallic uranyl squarate compounds, 1–6 with different metal‐bipyridine units. A time‐dependent crystal transformation from 1 with triple interwoven structure to 2 with parallel stacked structure is observed within the observation period of one month and further characterized via single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD) and powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD). Further evidences from a combination of several techniques including thermal analysis, variable‐temperature PXRD and variable‐temperature SCXRD demonstrate dehydration‐related lattice evolution of 1 on the basis of structural flexibility of 1, which could be the origin of above‐mentioned crystal transformation from 1 to 2. Furthermore, the effect of types of anions (NO3−, Cl−, and SO42−) on structural diversity of 1–6 is also discussed in detail, where the Cl− or NO3− ion coordinate to Cu2+ center in isostructural 3 and 4, while SO42− bonds to uranyl nodes in isostructural 5 and 6. This work provides a feasible method for the tailored synthesis of multicomponent actinide complexes by the involvement of bulky charge balance components.
Tri‐ and Hexadentate Poly‐Lewis Acids – Attempts to Unravel the Complex Dynamics of Cage and Capsule Formation in Solution
Authors: Klingsiek Maximilian J. , Franke Maurice , Walkenhorst Simon M. , Röhr Tobias , Buth Julian , Mix Andreas , Lamm Jan‐Hendrik , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W.
Published: August 2024

Two tri‐ and two hexadentate poly‐Lewis acids (PLAs) with calyx‐like structures of C3 symmetry containing aluminum‐ and boron‐containing Lewis acidic functions were prepared by tin‐metal exchange reactions. The triply hydrosilylated [12]annulene served as basic framework. It forms a calyx‐like structure by the stereo‐ and regioselective attachment of three SiMeCl2 groups to the planar [12]annulene. The PLA precursors were generated by attaching three or six trimethylstannylethynyl groups to the silicon atoms. Lewis acid functions were introduced using the reagents bis‐(bis(trimethylsilyl)methyl)aluminium hydride (HAl[CH(SiMe3)2]2) and catecholatochloroborane (ClBCat). The complexation behavior of the PLAs towards different Lewis bases was investigated by NMR. Bases included pyridine, polydentate nitrogen‐ and phosphorus‐containing bases. Additionally, three molecules of a bidentate phosphorus‐containing base were captured with hexadentate PLAs. Diffusion NMR experiments provided insight into the aggregation processes: some of the adducts had a significantly larger volume than expected, indicating the formation of larger adducts than the expected 1 : 1 adduct, including larger 2 : 2 adduct cages. The distances between the Lewis acid units and the steric requirement of the attached substituents determine the complexation behavior of the PLAs. Thus, the weak Lewis acidic BCat units show no (tridentate case) or a strong (hexadentate case) interaction with PMe2‐containing bases, if they can act cooperatively.
Extended Modified Bridge System (EMBS) method for decoupling seismic vehicle‐bridge interaction
Authors: Homaei Hossein , Stoura Charikleia D. , Dimitrakopoulos Elias G.
Published: August 2024

Seismic vehicle‐bridge interaction (SVBI) is the study of vehicle‐bridge interaction (VBI) in the presence of earthquake excitation. SVBI is an interdisciplinary problem of increasing importance to the design and safety of railways. This study deploys a consistent methodology to decouple the vehicle‐bridge system and solve independently the bridge and vehicle subsystems, bypassing multiple challenges the seismic response analysis of a coupled vehicle‐bridge system entails. The proposed approach builds upon the previously established Extended Modified Bridge System (EMBS) method for decoupling vehicle‐bridge systems (in the absence of earthquake excitation). Its premise is to first characterize and then assess the relative importance of the VBI effect on the bridge and vehicle responses and replicate it by modifying the pertinent uncoupled equations of motion (EOMs). The formulation deployed accommodates multi‐degree of freedom models for both the vehicle and bridge and can thus tackle complex systems. The analysis examines the ability of the proposed decoupling approach to predict the response of a realistic system vehicle‐bridge system under a suit of historical earthquake records. The decoupled results are in excellent agreement with the coupled solutions for all earthquake records and scenarios (i.e., earthquake excitation solely in the transverse direction of the bridge, as well as in both the transverse and vertical directions simultaneously).
Continuum soil‐structure‐interaction model of the LHPOST6 shaking table reaction mass at UC San Diego
Authors: Rodriguez‐Burneo Andres , Restrepo José I. , Conte Joel P. , Lai Carlo G.
Published: August 2024

The recently upgraded six Degree‐of‐Freedom Shaking Table, LHPOST6, at UC San Diego, underwent a series of forced vibration tests to evaluate the post‐upgrade dynamic response of the foundation‐soil system. The resulting data were instrumental in obtaining frequency response curves of the system, which were used to determine its low‐strain natural frequencies, effective viscous damping ratios, and reaction mass displacements. The extensive experimental data motivated the creation of a detailed Soil‐Structure‐Interaction model of the reaction mass‐soil system. The structure and soil were modeled using 3D Finite Elements in STKO‐OpenSees and calibrated with the acquired data via a parametric study. The 3D continuum FE model and the calibration procedure based on a single soil parameter (shear wave velocity profile) proved to be an effective tool to reproduce the experimental results accurately. This paper describes the Finite Element model, its calibration, and validation. In addition, the paper provides suggestions to simplify continuum models and promote their use in professional practice. The objectives of this campaign, alongside the growing accessibility of high‐performance computing, may serve as a step toward using SSI continuum models in the industry.
Combined use of physically based hydrological model and empirical models to improve parameterisation of erosion processes in a flash flood prone catchment
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Atiyeh , Roux Hélène , Cassan Ludovic , Douinot Audrey
Published: August 2024

This study assesses the effectiveness of a distributed physically based hydrological model (MARINE) to investigate erosion estimation during flash floods compared with other widely used empirical models derived from the Universal Soil Loss Equation (USLE) like Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) and Modified Universal Soil Loss Equation (MUSLE). It is carried out on a small catchment in south‐eastern France, the Claduègne catchment. To compare the erosion volumes simulated by the three models, MARINE, MUSLE and RUSLE, a sensitivity analysis on the model parameters is carried out. According to physics‐based simulations, flood events fall into two categories: those dominated by raindrop erosion and those dominated by shear stress erosion. The results show that the erosion simulated by the three methods are comparable, except for events dominated by raindrop erosion suggesting that further research is needed to improve raindrop erosion within MARINE. Simulations from the MARINE model provide access to the spatio‐temporal variability of erosion dynamics during the event and can also be used to produce erosion/deposition maps, which are useful for environmental decision‐makers and planners in identifying areas at risk from erosion and deposition hazards.
Stability of a continuous/discrete sensitivity model for the Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Nouaime N. , Després B. , Puscas M. A. , Fiorini C.
Published: August 2024

This work presents a comprehensive framework for the sensitivity analysis of the Navier–Stokes equations, with an emphasis on the stability estimate of the discretized first‐order sensitivity of the Navier–Stokes equations. The first‐order sensitivity of the Navier–Stokes equations is defined using the polynomial chaos method, and a finite element‐volume numerical scheme for the Navier–Stokes equations is suggested. This numerical method is integrated into the open‐source industrial code TrioCFD developed by the CEA. The finite element‐volume discretization is extended to the first‐order sensitivity Navier–Stokes equations, and the most significant and original point is the discretization of the nonlinear term. A stability estimate for continuous and discrete Navier–Stokes equations is established. Finally, numerical tests are presented to evaluate the polynomial chaos method and to compare it to the Monte Carlo and Taylor expansion methods.
Design of a precise ensemble expert system for crop yield prediction using machine learning analytics
Authors: Tripathi Deeksha , Biswas Saroj K.
Published: August 2024

Agriculture is facing significant challenges in the development of crop yield forecasts, which are important aspects of decision‐making at the international, regional, and local levels. The area of agriculture is attracting growing attention because of increasing the demand for food supplies. To ensure future food supplies, crop yield prediction (CYP) provides the best decision‐making to assist farmers in agricultural yield forecasting efficiently. Nevertheless, CYP is a difficult endeavor because of the intricacy of the underlying mechanisms and the effect of numerous factors, including weather patterns, soil characteristics, and crop management techniques. In today's era, ensemble learning (EL) approaches have recently demonstrated significant promise for enhancing the reliability and accuracy of CYP. The success of the EL techniques depends on several facts, including how the base learner models are trained and how these are combined. This study provides important insights into the EL techniques for CYP. This paper proposes an expert system model named precise ensemble expert system for crop yield prediction (PEESCYP) to predict the best crop for agricultural land. The proposed PEESCYP model employs multiple imputation by chained equation (MICE) data imputation technique to treat the missing values of the collected dataset, the isolation forest (IF) technique for outlier detection, the ant colony optimization (ACO) technique to perform feature selection, robust scaling (RS) technique to perform data normalization, and the extra tree (ET) is used for classification to overcome the variance and overfitting problem of the single classifiers. The measurements of the proposed PEESCYP model have been collected by means of accuracy, precision, recall, and F‐1 score using a prepared dataset, which is collected from International Crops Research Institute for the Semi‐Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), and the proposed model is compared with different single‐classifier based ML models, EL models, and various existing models available in the literature. The results of this experiment underline that the proposed PEESCYP model outperforms the others.
Lower Gondwana palaeobotany and geochemistry of phosphorite occurrence in the north‐western part of Ib‐River Coalfield, Odisha, India, and their implications
Authors: Goswami Shreerup , Swain Ramani Ranjan , Aggarwal Neha , Pradhan Sanghamitra , Tripathi Maya , Nanda Sangitsarita , Mishra Manoranjan
Published: August 2024

The present investigation breaks new ground by examining the Raniganj sediments in the Kendudihi section of the Ib‐River Coalfield, Odisha, India. The study identifies a megaflora consisting of 25 species of Glossopteris, Vertebraria indica, stem casts and equisetaceous stems. The microflora is predominantly composed of Striatopodocarpites spp., with a secondary presence of Densipollenites spp. The lithological signatures, including off‐white fine‐grained sandstone with thin bands of silty shale and grey shale, indicate that these sediments belong to the Late Permian succession of the Lower Gondwana sequence, specifically the Raniganj Formation. The macrofloral assemblage found in the lowermost grey shale can be attributed to the Wordian–Capitanian age, while the microfloral assemblage in the upper silty shale resembles that of the Wuchiapingian‐Changhsingian age. Well‐preserved palynomorphs and megafossils, along with the abundant occurrence of lath‐shaped translucent phytoclasts in the grey and silty shale of the Raniganj sediments exposed in the Kendudihi section, explicitly suggest that the sediments were deposited in proximal, low‐energy swampy settings. Additionally, the moderate occurrence of charcoal (20%), along with the existence of degraded organic matter (DOM: 7.6%) and amorphous organic matter (AOM: 16.4%), indicates that the sediments might have been deposited in oxic–dysoxic conditions. The palynological and megafloral studies reveal a warm‐temperate climate with low humidity and intermittent spells of hot and cold seasons, associated with abundant rainfall. The occurrence of phosphorite in the form of nodules and thin lenses, as well as biogenic structures at the juncture of the Raniganj and Barren Measures formations, suggests a marine incursion in the area during the deposition of the late Barren Measures and early Raniganj sediments. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) analysis identified fluorapatite (Ca5(PO4)3F) as the predominant phosphatic mineral phase in the phosphatic nodule, siltstone and claystone. The Post‐Archean Australian Shale composition, normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns of samples from this area, reveals slight positive La (average La anomaly: 1.02) and Gd (average Gd anomaly: 1.05) anomalies and heavy REE enrichment compared to light REE, explicitly indicating a marine environment.
Variation in levels of professionalism in healthcare policymaking during the Obama, Trump, and Biden administrations
Authors: Kostiaev Sergei S.
Published: August 2024

During the Trump administration it was widely asserted in the news media that the administration's agency appointees were less professional than appointees from previous administrations. Using qualitative data from 35 interviews with lobbyists, congressional staffers, and executive branch officials, and quantitative and qualitative data on years of relevant experience and job type at the date of nomination, it is demonstrated that indeed the Trump administration attracted less talent than the Obama and Biden administrations, which resulted in less supply and demand for expertise and thus a diminished role of expertise in the policymaking process.
Effects of Rheopheresis in dialysis patients with peripheral artery disease and diabetic foot ulcers: A multicentric Italian study
Authors: Altobelli Claudia , Fabiani Filippo Carone , Anastasio Pietro , Pluvio Corrado , de Pascale Emanuela , Vernaglione Luigi , Gernone Giuseppe , Di Luca Marina , Bertuzzi Veronica , Brescia Paola , Toffoletto Pierpaolo , D'Arezzo Mario , Brustia Maddalena , Andreana De Mauri  , Chiarinotti Doriana , Loschiavo Carmelo , Grecò Matteo , D'Elia Filomena , Gallo Maria Anna , Tarroni Giovanni , Di Liberato Lorenzo , Perna Alessandra F , Capasso Giovambattista , Capolongo Giovanna
Published: August 2024

Background

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) in hemodialysis (HD) patients has a significant social impact due to its prevalence, poor response to standard therapy and dismal prognosis. Rheopheresis is indicated by guidelines for PAD treatment.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐five HD patients affected by PAD stage IV Lerichè‐Fontaine and ischemic ulcer 1C or 2C according to the University of Texas Wound Classification System (UTWCS), without amelioration after traditional medical therapy and/or revascularization, were selected and underwent 12 Rheopheresis sessions in 10 weeks. Improvements in pain symptoms using Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), healing ulcers and laboratory hemorheological parameters have been evaluated.

Results

A clinically and statistically significant mean value reduction and of relative percentage differences between estimated marginal means (Δ), calculated at each visits, of NRS was observed, with a maximum value (−48.5%) between the first and last visit. At the end of the treatment period 14.3% of ulcers were completely healed, 46.4% downgraded, 53.6% were stable. Overall, no ulcers upgraded. A statistically significant reduction of the Δ, between the first and last visit, for fibrinogen (−16%) was also observed.

Conclusion

Rheopheresis reduced overall painful symptoms; data suggest that it could heal or improve ulcers and hemorheological laboratory parameters in HD patients with PAD and ischemic ulcers resistant to standard therapies.
Geographic industry concentration and asymmetric cost behavior
Authors: Kang Tae G. , Park Sung‐Jin
Published: August 2024

This research diverges from the existing literature on cost stickiness by examining the relationship between a firm's geographic proximity to industry peers, termed industry co‐location, and its asymmetrical cost behavior. We propose that managerial decisions regarding resource adjustment are influenced by the state of resource markets in the firm's vicinity, hypothesizing that a high concentration of industry peers triggers downward asset price spirals during simultaneous resource liquidation. Additionally, we anticipate that industry‐wide demand exceeding fixed capacity exacerbates congestion costs, thereby diminishing bargaining power in local resource markets. We predict that heightened resource adjustment costs linked to industry co‐location discourage managers from reducing capacity commitments, thereby increasing cost stickiness. Our findings support this prediction, demonstrating a positive association between industry co‐location and cost stickiness. Moreover, we observe that cost stickiness intensifies when closely located industry peers experience declines in sales. This paper provides initial evidence illuminating the impact of industry co‐location on cost stickiness and suggests managerial implications to prevent costlier capacity adjustment through local resource markets.
Bidirectional extracellular electron transfers in Serratia marcescens and Stenotrophomonas sp. correlate to EPS and Cr(VI) removal in single‐chamber bioelectrochemical systems
Authors: Yan Yiying , Wang Qiang , Huang Liping , Xing Xin , Shi Yong , Wang Miao , Puma Gianluca Li
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Electrochemically active bacteria (EAB) capable of bidirectional extracellular electron transfer (EET), either outward or inward EET, largely control the efficiency of interactions and electrical communication between biofilm and electrode and, thus, control the performance of bioelectrochemical systems (BESs) for heavy metals removal. However, the behavior of such metallurgical EAB capable of bidirectional EET has yet to be investigated, and the role of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) in these switchable EAB with bidirectional EET and in the presence of heavy metals remains unexplored in the single‐chamber BESs treating heavy metal‐based wastewaters that are limited by carbon/electron sources or electron acceptors.

RESULTS

The biofilms of the Cr(VI)‐tolerant EAB Stenotrophomonas sp. YS1 and Serratia marcescens Q1 exhibited bidirectional EET metabolizing either organic (acetate) or inorganic (HCO3−) species with simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) in single‐chamber BESs. Q1 inward EET uptake of electrons was more efficient than that of YS1 (165 μA vs. 118 μA); meanwhile, YS1 outward EET was more efficient than Q1 (8.0 μA vs. 4.7–5.2 μA). The adaptive electrochemically‐tunable EPS in both biofilm strains was regulated by the direction of the EET (inward or outward) in the presence of Cr(VI) and circuital current.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the switching properties of EAB, such as Stenotrophomonas sp. or S. marcescens, that are capable of bidirectional EET to or from the electrodes, and it displays the regulation of such responses with the amount and compositional diversity of the biofilms’ EPS, giving a comprehensive appreciation of tunable EPS for Cr(VI)‐wastewater treatment in single‐chamber BESs. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Teaming up to overcome challenges toward translation of new therapeutics for osteoarthritis
Authors: Scanzello Carla R. , Hasty Karen A. , Chung Christine B. , Griffin Timothy M. , Willet Nick J. , Krug Hollis , Chu Cong‐Qiu , Ewart David , Jerban Saeed , Baker Joshua F. , Duvall Craig L. , Brunger Jonathan M. , Burdick Jason A. , Spindler Kurt P. , Drissi Hicham
Published: August 2024

As a leading global cause of musculoskeletal‐related disability, osteoarthritis (OA) represents a public health urgency. Understanding of disease pathogenesis has advanced substantially in the past decade, yet no disease‐modifying therapeutics have advanced to the clinic. To address this challenge, the CARE‐AP (Cartilage Repair strategies to alleviate Arthritis Pain) collaborative research team was convened to bring together relevant multidisciplinary expertise and perspectives from across the VA research community nationwide. The first CARE‐AP Annual Research Symposium took place (virtually) in February 2022 with roughly 90 participants. A number of innovative and therapeutic strategies were discussed, including siRNA approaches coupled with novel nanoparticle‐based delivery systems, cellular engineering approaches to develop reparative cells that can probe the joint environment and respond to disease‐specific cues, and novel biofabrication techniques to improve tissue engineering and effect “biological joint replacement.” In addition, challenges and advances in rehabilitation approaches, imaging outcomes, and clinical studies were presented, which were integrated into a framework of recommendations for running “preclinical trials” to improve successful clinical translation.
Ultrafast Scintillator Based on Zirconium‐Doped Cesium Zinc Chloride Single Crystals and Their Charge Carrier Dynamics
Authors: Yin Hang , Song Bingxi , Tong Yufeng , Zhan Yuxin , Wei Qinhua , Cai Peiqing , Liu Zugang , Li Juntao , Chen Junsheng , Liu Jianyong , Chen Da , Qin Laishun
Published: August 2024

Scintillators have been widely used for high‐energy radiation imaging. It is in great demand and challenge to develop scintillator materials with fast decay time, high scintillation light yield, and low detection limit for high‐resolution imaging applications such as time‐of‐flight positron emission tomography. However, it is still a challenge to develop the ultrafast carrier dynamics to achieve 100% ultrafast decay time with high scintillation light yield. To meet the demand, a series of component‐tunable Cs2ZnCl4: x%Zr single crystals as promising ultrafast scintillators is successfully developed. With 8% of Zr‐dopant (Cs2ZnCl4: 8%Zr), the single crystal exhibits high light yield (28000 photons MeV−1) and low detection limit (51 nGy s−1) under X‐ray excitation. Photo‐induced transient absorption signals on sub‐nanosecond and nanosecond scales ensure almost 100% fast decay time (≈3 ns) in nanoseconds under γ‐ray excitation. In particular, the different radiative transition processes are achieved under ultraviolet and high‐energy radiation due to the tunable carrier dynamics from the shallow trapped state to the self‐trapped exciton (STE) state.
Wafer‐Scale Fabrication of Broadband Sb2Se3 Photodetectors and their Multifunctional Optoelectronic Applications
Authors: Ma Yuhang , Deng Zexiang , Liang Huanrong , Guan Xinyi , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Yao Jiandong , Yang Guowei
Published: August 2024

Low‐dimensional van der Waals materials (vdWMs) have attracted worldwide interest on account of numerous advantages including self‐passivated surface, high carrier mobility, excellent flexibility, etc. Among multiple vdWMs, Sb2Se3 stands out due to its high light absorption coefficient, environmentally friendly components, excellent stability, and abundant reserve. However, limited effective wavelength range and unscalable preparation have been obstinate issues standing in the way of further development. Herein, pulsed‐laser deposition (PLD) has been developed for synthesizing Sb2Se3 nanofilms, and wafer‐scale deposition has been realized. The PLD‐derived Sb2Se3 photodetector demonstrates broadband photoresponse across UV to NIR. First‐principles calculations have determined that this is because the formation of Se vacancies can result in a reduction of the bandgap. Upon 635 nm illumination, an optimal responsivity of 2.68 A W−1 has been achieved, corresponding to an external quantum efficiency of 524% and a specific detectivity of 1.34 × 1012 Jones. Furthermore, the device manifests a short response/recovery time of ≈2/1 ms. Proof‐of‐concept broadband imaging as well as fitness monitoring (respiratory rate & heart rate) have been realized. Profited from the scalable preparation, an array of Sb2Se3 photodetectors have been produced, exhibiting qualified device‐to‐device variation. On the whole, this study has depicted an attractive landscape for next‐generation integrated optoelectronics.
Regulation of Intrinsic Defects of Self‐Activated MgGa2O4 Phosphors for Temperature Dynamic Anti‐Counterfeiting
Authors: Wang Guohao , Wang Ting , Yue Yang , Hou Lihui , Huang Wenlong , Zhu Xuanyu , Liu Haozhe , Yu Xue
Published: August 2024

Photoluminescent (PL) anti‐counterfeiting plays a critical role in encrypted information and anti‐counterfeiting. Dynamic PL anti‐counterfeiting technology provides advanced security features compared with static counterparts. Yet, many current dynamic luminescent materials rely solely on an optical storage mechanism, leading to a lack of diversification and making them vulnerable to replication. Here, dynamic PL emission triggered by ambient temperature variations is addressed. By modifying the sintering atmospheres and non‐stoichiometric ratio of MgGa2O4 (MGO) samples, the concentration of intrinsic defects of the host are modified, resulting in temperature‐sensitive PL output dynamically manipulated from blue to green to red. Density‐functional theory (DFT) analysis elucidates the formation energies of intrinsic defects in the MGO samples, revealing that the self‐activated blue, green, and red emissions stem from lattice defects, [GaO6], antisite defects , and interstitial oxygen (), respectively. Additionally, by monitoring the luminescence lifetime, and the thermoluminescence (TL) curves of the MGO samples, it is shown that the dynamic PL emission is generated by a combination of thermally assisted carrier migration and thermal compensation from trapping centers. Herein, a dual‐channel encrypted dot matrix is designed to enhance information transfer security through the interference between the dual channels, showcasing the practical application of this dynamic anti‐counterfeiting technique.
Microstructure, thermal and radiation shielding properties of aluminium‐silicon‐boron alloy prepared by mechanical alloying
Authors: Yaykaşlı H. , Eskalen H. , Göğebakan M. , Sünbül A. , Kavun Y.
Published: August 2024

This study focused on developing microstructural, thermal, and radiation shielding changes in Al50Si25B25 powders using mechanical alloying techniques. Based on the x‐ray powder diffraction data, the crystallite size and microstrain of the 100‐hours milled powder were calculated as 0.25 nm and 50.33 %, respectively. The solubility of silicon in the α‐aluminium matrix increased with longer mechanical alloying duration. Transmission electron microscope analyses further showed that the alloy particulates had an average size of 3 μm and an average grain size of 0.226 nm. The radiation shielding properties of the Al50Si25B25 powders indicated that the Linear Attenuation Coefficient value increased from 0.0554±0.1689 cm−1 to 1.0632±0.2425 cm−1 with an increase in the thickness of the Al50Si25B25 alloy. This work successfully demonstrated the potential of mechanical alloying techniques to enhance the microstructural and thermal properties of Al50Si25B25 powders. It highlighted their effectiveness in providing radiation shielding capabilities when varying the thickness of the alloy.
Utilisation of dolomite dust with pure epoxy resin: Physical, mechanical and erosion wear analysis
Authors: Verma S. K. , Gupta A. , Gangil B.
Published: August 2024

Utilization of inorganic waste, if included in composite material, can be beneficial in reducing the accumulation of waste, which could help in resolving problems of disposal. beside from that, incorporating waste into composite materials also reduces the overall cost of the composites as a whole. The study examines the impact of dolomite content on the mechanical properties of the composites. Increasing the amount of dolomite in the composite significantly weakens its flexural strength, falling from 42.4 MPa at 0 % dolomite to 28.7 MPa at 15 % dolomite. Composite tensile strength also decreases by up to 25.8 % with rising dolomite dust concentration. Additionally, dolomite increases interlaminar shear strength (ILSS), with EDH15 composites showing the highest improvement. Dolomite dust in epoxy‐based composites increases the hardness value from 85 HRL to 95 HRL with an increase in dolomite dust content. The erosion test perform on air jet tester shows lowest wear rate was achieved under the following conditions: 10 % dolomite dust weight, 30° impingement angle, 10 m s−1 impact velocity, and 150 μm erodent size. Furthermore, scanning electron microscopy was used to examine the damaged, eroded surfaces for assumed wear mechanisms.
Technical note: Determination of CQ$C_{Q}$ for a miniature x‐ray source using a soft x‐ray ionization chamber calibrated in NIST reference beam qualities
Authors: Watson Peter G. F. , Davis Stephen , Culberson Wesley S.
Published: August 2024

Background

The formalism proposed by Watson et al. allows users of the INTRABEAM (Carl Zeiss Medical AG, Jena, Germany) electronic brachytherapy system to accurately determine the absorbed dose to water, in the absence of a primary dosimetry standard. However, all published values are for PTW 34013 ionization chambers calibrated in a TW30 reference beam, traceable to PTB (Germany). For North American users, it would be advantageous to have data for chambers calibrated in a kV reference beam maintained by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

Purpose

In this work, we determine for a PTW 34013 chamber calibrated in three NIST‐traceable reference beams: M30, L40, and L50.

Methods

Using available photon spectra data for M30, L40, and L50 reference beam qualities, Monte Carlo simulations using EGSnrc were performed to calculate the ratio of the absorbed dose to the PTW 34013 chamber air cavity to air‐kerma () for these beams. From this ratio, as a function of depth in water was determined. The effect of the use of a buildup foil was also investigated. An uncertainty analysis considering both the Type A and Type B uncertainties in the calculation of was performed.

Results

The largest difference in was found between L50 and TW30, with a relative decrease of 1.4% (no buildup) to 1.6% (buildup). For M30 and L40, the differences were minimal compared with measurement uncertainties.

Conclusions

We report values for three NIST‐traceable kV reference beams. This study reinforces the feasibility of adapting the Watson et al. methodology using different kV reference beams, facilitating the use of INTRABEAM in North America and ensuring the continuity and accuracy of dosimetry standards in intraoperative radiation therapy.
On the importance of diversity in ecological research
Authors: Brunn Melanie , Billings Sharon A. , Birke Jonas , Brockmüller Svenja , Nielsen Mathias W. , Kilian Salas Simone , Oelmann Yvonne
Published: August 2024

Societal Impact Statement

Protecting diversity is critical to maintaining functional and adaptive ecosystems. However, research groups that explore these relationships tend to lack diversity themselves. To address the challenges of our changing world, it is crucial to consider a wide range of perspectives and knowledge. We propose that just as greater diversity in ecosystems relates to a variety of functions and, consequently, enhances resilience, stability, and efficiency, a comparable diversity within research teams results in a broader spectrum of creative endeavors. Thus, it is important to re‐evaluate our scientific communities' openness toward greater diversity to meet the diverse problems of our changing world.

Ecosystems face multiple threats, jeopardizing natural and human well‐being. Biodiversity loss can increase ecosystem vulnerability to global change, risking abrupt and irreversible changes. Protecting biodiversity can prevent ecosystems from crossing tipping points, preserving their functions and resilience, which sustain life on our planet. In addressing these challenges, society demands creativity, innovation, and diverse perspectives. Yet, our societal structures often neglect the full range of voices and experiences, limiting problem‐solving. Understanding how research teams with diverse demographics may stimulate creative solutions to global change challenges may help. In this context, we emphasize examples from plant ecology, where the advantages of diverse ecosystems are well recognized, and we draw an analogy of these features to the innovation of research teams. In ecosystems, biodiversity can maximize productivity and function but can also serve as a protective “insurance” against disruptions. Similarly, in a time of multifaceted environmental changes, diverse research groups play a critical and analogous role, resembling the biodiversity within ecosystems. Diverse research teams not only bring complementary strengths, fostering creative problem‐solving by embracing various perspectives, but also drive scientific innovation by integrating a wide range of research topics (e.g., ecosystems, taxa, and conservation priorities). These human‐centered dynamics are congruent with the mechanisms in ecosystems, with a diversity of solutions promoting resilience, stability, and efficiency, all of which ultimately provide a counterbalancing effect on global change. Much like biodiverse ecosystems, a diverse spectrum of knowledge, and expertise within the scientific community can enrich a dynamic landscape of innovation.
A novel mutation Trp‐2027‐Gly in acetyl‐CoA carboxylase confers resistance to cyhalofop‐butyl in Chinese sprangletop (Leptochloa chinensis)
Authors: Jiang Minghao , Wang Xumiao , Hu Wei , Wang Zezhou , Guan Huaiji , Zhao Ning , Liao Min , Cao Haiqun
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Chinese sprangletop [Leptochloa chinensis (L.) Nees] control is threatened by resistance to acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides. In this study, a L. chinensis population, HFLJ18, that survived cyhalofop‐butyl [aryloxyphenoxypropionate (APP) herbicide, CyB] treatment was collected from a rice field in Lujiang County, Anhui Province, China. This study aimed to evaluate the susceptibility of HFLJ18 to herbicides with different modes‐of‐action and investigate the potential mechanisms of resistance to CyB.

RESULTS

The HFLJ18 population exhibited high levels of resistance to CyB (10.92‐fold) and showed resistance to the ACCase inhibitors metamifop (4.63‐fold) and fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl (8.39‐fold), but was susceptible to clethodim, pinoxaden, florpyrauxifen‐benzyl, oxadiazon and pretilachlor. Target gene sequencing revealed a novel Trp‐to‐Gly substitution at codon position 2027 of ACCase in the resistant plants. Molecular docking revealed that the spatial structure of ACCase changed significantly following the substitution, as indicated by reduced H‐bonds. A newly derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) marker was subsequently developed to detect the Trp‐2027‐Gly mutation in the ACCase of L. chinensis. Additionally, pretreatment with the cytochrome P450 (P450) inhibitor piperonyl butoxide (PBO) and the glutathione S‐transferase (GST) inhibitor 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzoxadiazole (NBD‐Cl) did not reverse resistance to CyB, suggesting that nontarget‐site resistance mechanisms were not involved in CyB resistance in the HFLJ18 population.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the resistance to CyB in the HFLJ18 population derived from the mutation of ACCase gene, and to the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the ACCase Trp‐2027‐Gly mutation conferring resistance to ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides in grass species. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Command filtering‐based adaptive backstepping control for a class of discrete‐time uncertain nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances
Authors: Sun Aoyu , Zhao Lin
Published: August 2024

This paper investigates the adaptive fuzzy backstepping control problem for uncertain discrete‐time nonlinear systems with mismatched disturbances. A novel adaptive fuzzy command filtered backstepping approach is proposed, which can overcome the noncausal problem by using the command filter. The filter errors generated by filter are removed by constructing error compensation mechanism. The fuzzy logic systems are used to approximate the uncertain nonlinear dynamics, and the unknown mismatched disturbances are actively attenuated by using adaptive control technique. Based on the proposed new weighed Lyapunov functions, all the signals in the close‐loop system are proved to be uniformly ultimately bounded. The viability of proposed method is demonstrated by simulation results.
Co3O4@SiO2 3D Monolith Catalysts, Additive Manufactured Structures for Propane Oxidation Reaction
Authors: Daza‐Gómez Lucy‐Caterine , Pérez Salas Karen Yesenia , Ruiz‐Huerta Leopoldo , García Peña Nidia G. , Maturano Rojas Viridiana , Redón Rocío
Published: August 2024

In this study, we successfully fabricated a three‐dimensional Co3O4@SiO2 3D Monolith catalyst. This process allowed for the effective and straightforward anchoring of Co3O4 nanoparticles onto SiO2 3D Monoliths. The active Co3O4 phase was primarily identified through XRD and XPS analyses, complemented by Co3O4 loading measurements (1.7 %). This innovative catalyst displayed remarkable proficiency in selectively converting propane to carbon dioxide. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the catalytic activity remained unimpaired even upon the catalyst's reuse in 5 successive reaction cycles. This performance was observed across various heating ramps, showcasing the catalyst's stability over time.
Study on the Pyrolysis and Incineration of Lewisite by Thermodynamic Equilibrium Calculation
Authors: Liu Xuefeng , Zhang Yuanpeng , Yang Lin , Song Weiwei , Wang Haitao
Published: August 2024

Lewisite is a representative chemical warfare agent that contains arsenic. Thermal decomposition is an essential method for Lewisite destruction, and appropriate destruction conditions can enhance the environmental friendliness of this method by minimizing the hazards of destruction products. In this study, the variation of Lewisite during pyrolysis and incineration was calculated, with particular emphasis on the evolution behaviors of arsenic and chloride with temperature, pressure, and molar ratio. The main products identified during pyrolysis were HCl(g), C, As, and AsCl3(g). Under anoxic conditions, AsCl3(g) and As were the dominant species. In oxygen‐enriched conditions, arsenic existed primarily as AsCl3(g), As2O5, As2O4, and AsOCl. Below 600 °C, arsenic predominantly existed in high valence forms such as As2O5. Above 600 °C, the binding capacity of chlorine and arsenic was stronger than that of oxygen, resulting in an AsCl3(g) molar fraction exceeding 75 % at 1200 °C. The primary chlorides in oxygen‐enriched conditions were Cl2(g), HCl(g), AsCl3(g), and Cl(g). Lower incineration temperatures (around 500 °C), sufficient oxygen conditions (molar ratio above 4 : 1), and positive pressures were conducive to reducing the toxicity of destruction products. The results are in good agreement with the experimental data.