bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Height Equations for Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) Plantation in Ketou Commune, Ketou, Republic of Benin
Authors: Adekanmbi D. I. , Saka M. G.
Published: June 2022

Aim: To develop Height equation for a seven years old Teak (Tectona grandis) plantation in Ketou commune, Republic of Benin.

Study Design: Simple random sampling technique was adopted for this study, in which, 25 plots of 20 x 20 m in size. Information was collected on the species tree height (TH) and Diameter at breast height (Dbh) at 1.3 m above the ground level on a randomly laid 25 plots of 20 x 20 m in size in the entire plantation.

Place and Duration: The study was carried out in a private Teak plantation in Ketou commune, Republic of Benin from October to December. 2021.

Methodology: The collected data was splitted into two parts: 1,552 trees were used for model development while the remaining 754 was used for data validation. Linear, semi-log, double and exponential equations were fitted to the calibrated tree height data, using stepwise regression method procedures in Statistical Package for Social Scientist (SPSS, version 20).

Results: The result revealed that, TH, Dbh and basal area (BA) of ranges between 2.4 – 16.3 m, 5.0 – 16.0 cm and 1.6 x 10-3 to 5.9 x 10-3 m2 respectively for both the calibrated and validated data set. Out of the total number of trees enumerated, only two diameter (dbh) class of 5 – 10 and 11 -15 cm was observed in the plantation. 270 trees (11.7 %) of the trees fell into lower diameter class of 5 to 10 cm, while 2,036 trees (88.3 %) fell into 11 to 15 cm class indicating that the most the tree species are still in pole stage. Correlation analysis between the dependent and independent variables were evaluated. A moderately negative correlation was exhibited with the weighted diameter at breast height. Considerable differences were found among the predictive ability of the selected models. The adjusted coefficient of determination values ranges between 55.5 and 96.7%, while the root mean square error and bias ranges between 0.026 to 1.638 and 1.2 x 10-3 to 5.6 x 10-3 respectively. Judging by the regression analysis criteria’s, Model III gave the highest R2Adj and lowest RMSE value among the competing models. The findings clearly shows that, Model III was the appropriate function to fits the data and was selected as the best equation for describing total height growth of Tectona grandis in Ketou commune, Republic of Benin.
The Role of Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture: An Approach to Economic Integrity
Authors: Taki Rachel , Bag Animesh Ghosh , Sadhik Shaik , Keerthika B. , Kumar Kandregula Venkata Sasi
Published: June 2022

India is primarily known for its agriculture. Agriculture provides livilyhood for over three-quarters of the people directly and indirectly. As a result, any advancement in agriculture is inextricably linked to the happiness and delight of the people of this country. Agriculture in the India continues to face major issues as the population grows. The growth of high-yielding crop increases the use of fertilizers and irrigation, and as a result of intense cropping techniques, weeds, insects, and pests emerge, wreaking havoc on the crop and its produce. Our economy is founded on property farming, particularly rainfed agriculture, in which vegetables play an important role in feeding humans, animals, and the environment. Country’s most important post-independence worry has been feeding its fast expanding population in an increasing rate. As a result, high-yielding varieties are utilized in conjunction with irrigation water, fertilizers, and pesticides. This combination of high-yielding production has aided the country's development of a food surplus but in the same manner that destroys soil health, enhances environmental pollution, pesticide toxicity. As a result, agricultural systems that rely significantly on organic inputs rather than chemical fertilizers and pesticides are being rethought by researchers and experts. Organic agriculture would generate high-quality feed while also conserving the soil and, as a result, the environment's health; however, whether large-scale organic farming will be able to feed India's huge population remains to be seen. India produces certified organic solutions as well as all types of food products, such as basmati rice, pulses, honey, tea, spices, coffee, oilseeds, fruits, cereals, flavoring medications, and their by-products. Non-edible fresh produce includes cotton, clothing, cosmetics, practical food products, body care goods, and products. But the scope of increasing the organic farming is huge because in India most of the fertile land is cultivated with inorganic inputs.
Níveis de desenvolvimento econômico dos municípios cearenses sob a perspectiva da criminalidade
Authors: Alves Denis Fernandes , Oliveira José Álison Batista , Silva Andréa Ferreira da , Lima Júnior Francisco do O' de
Published: June 2022

A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo identificar níveis de desenvolvimento nos municípios cearenses dado as mudanças sociais e econômicas em que o estado tem passado nos últimos anos. Posto isto, foi feita uma análise utilizando os dados de desenvolvimento econômico fornecidos pela Firjan, os quais comportam-se em três importantes dimensões: saúde, educação e emprego e renda. Com base em dados do IFDM para o ano de 2010 e de criminalidade para o estado do Ceará nos anos de 2004 a 2011, obtidos a partir da Secretaria de Segurança Pública e Defesa Social do Estado do Ceará – SSPDS/CE, estimou-se uma equação do desenvolvimento econômico dos municípios cearenses adotando como função alguns indicadores socioeconômicos. A partir dos resultados obtidos, pode-se observar que estes municípios têm apresentado significativos níveis de desenvolvimento. Vale destacar, que aqueles municípios que apresentaram nível de desenvolvimento econômico, tiveram consigo o incômodo aumento do índice de criminalidade.
Impactos das políticas de segurança sobre os indicadores de criminalidade no Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Nicolay Rodolfo , Junqueira Cesar , Da Silva José Claudio Ferreira
Published: June 2022

Nas últimas décadas a segurança pública tornou-se um crescente desafio para as grandes metrópoles e é uma pauta constante na agenda de seus governos. Desde os anos finais da década passada o estado do Rio de Janeiro enfrenta a questão a partir de dois grandes programas, o das Unidades de Polícia Pacificadora (UPP) e o do Sistema Integrado de Metas (SIM). O objetivo principal desse artigo é avaliar os impactos desses dois programas na criminalidade do Rio de Janeiro, utilizando os métodos OLS e GMM. A avaliação utiliza, como indicadores da criminalidade, os homicídios dolosos e as mortes decorrentes de intervenção policial. Os resultados mostram que o SIM contribuiu para a redução dos indicadores, mas as UPPs, ao contrário, apresentou relação positiva.
Exchange Rate Pass-trough to Domestic Prices Across American Crisis: VAR Analysis in the Brazilian Economy
Authors: Melo Marcelo Miranda , Gomes José Weligton
Published: June 2022

Esta pesquisa investigou o processo de pass-through da taxa de câmbio no período de 2000 a 2016, período que compreende a crise americana, e seus efeitos na economia brasileira. A metodologia utilizada foi a análise VAR com a causalidade de Granger e abordagens da Função Impulso Resposta. Os resultados obtidos indicam decréscimo de processo de repasse cambial para a inflação após a Crise Norte-Americana. Antes da Crise Americana, 20,60% de depreciação da taxa de câmbio nominal provocou 17,22% de aumento dos preços internos. Por outro lado, após a Crise Americana, 28,91% de depreciação da taxa de câmbio nominal provocou apenas 6,35% de aumento dos preços. Os resultados também sugerem que os efeitos das taxas de juro sobre os preços internos parecem ser inalteradas quando choques na taxa de juros são aplicados na economia brasileira. No entanto, a política monetária parece ser mais sensível à taxa de câmbio nominal após a crise americana, quando um aumento da taxa de juro promoveu uma apreciação nominal da taxa de câmbio. Além disso, o aumento do grau de abertura mostrou-se uma ferramenta importante para a redução da inflação. Todos os resultados indicam que a taxa de câmbio nominal, a taxa de juros e os preços domésticos na economia brasileira estão totalmente interligados. A redução do pass-through contribui para uma maior competitividade comercial.
Glycols
Authors: Forkner Matthew W. , Robson John H. , Snellings William M. , Martin A. E. , Murphy F. H. , Parsons T. E. , Albin Brooke A. , Burgess Lloyd M. , Proulx Grant
Published: June 2022

Glycols are diols, compounds containing two hydroxyl groups attached to separate carbon atoms in an aliphatic chain, and are adducts of their parent oxide. The simplest glycol, ethylene glycol, is produced commercially by hydrolysis of ethylene oxide. Ethylene glycol has many uses ‐ polyester fibers, PET bottles, PET films, and antifreeze to name a few. Propylene glycol is primarily produced by hydrolysis of propylene oxide but can also be produced from glycerol. Propylene glycol is used as antifreeze, in various food and drug applications, and in the production of polyester resins. The physical and chemical properties; manufacture; economic aspects; health, safety, and environmental factors; and uses for various glycols are discussed in this article.
Aging and biliary tract cancers: Epidemiology, molecular biology, and clinical practice
Authors: Weng Xiaoling , Song Xiaoling , Shao Rong , Liu Fatao , Liu Yingbin
Published: June 2022

Biliary tract cancer (BTC) that contains cholangiocarcinoma, gallbladder cancer, and ampullary cancer is highly malignant and mostly diagnosed in elderly patients. Over the past decades, human life has globally risen; thus, aging emerges as the primary risk factor for BTC. However, an effective treatment for this vulnerable population remains a large clinical challenge. As a result, the incidence and mortality of TBC remains high. Here, we discuss the potential link between aging and BTC from the aspects of molecular and cellular mechanisms, surgical resection, and chemotherapy. In addition, we update a number of clinical trials that are currently ongoing in elderly patients. The overview of BTC in elderly patients is expected to help develop a new therapeutic strategy tailored to this elderly population, ultimately improving their life quality.
Estimated size of the clinical medical imaging physics workforce in the United States
Authors: Rose Sean D. , Jordan David W. , Bevins Nicholas B. , Dave Jaydev K. , Hintenlang David E. , Lofton Brad K. , Patel Pankaj
Published: June 2022

There is no current authoritative accounting of the number of clinical imaging physicists practicing in the United States. Information about the workforce is needed to inform future efforts to secure training pathways and opportunities. In this study, the AAPM Diagnostic Demand and Supply Projection Working Group collected lists of medical physicists from several state registration and licensure programs and the Conference of Radiation Control Program Directors (CRCPD) registry. By cross‐referencing individuals among these lists, we were able to estimate the current imaging physics workforce in the United States by extrapolating based on population. The imaging physics workforce in the United States in 2019 consisted of approximately 1794 physicists supporting diagnostic X‐ray (1073 board‐certified) and 934 physicists supporting nuclear medicine (460 board‐certified), with a number of individuals practicing in both subfields. There were an estimated 235 physicists supporting nuclear medicine exclusively (150 board‐certified). The estimated total workforce, accounting for overlap, was 2029 medical physicists. These estimates are in approximate agreement with other published studies of segments of the workforce.
Potential advantages of FDG‐PET radiomic feature map for target volume delineation in lung cancer radiotherapy
Authors: Falahatpour Zahra , Geramifar Parham , Mahdavi Seyed Rabie , Abdollahi Hamid , Salimi Yazdan , Nikoofar Alireza , Ay Mohammad Reza
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate the potential benefits of FDG PET radiomic feature maps (RFMs) for target delineation in non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) radiotherapy.

Methods

Thirty‐two NSCLC patients undergoing FDG PET/CT imaging were included. For each patient, nine grey‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) RFMs were generated. gross target volume (GTV) and clinical target volume (CTV) were contoured on CT (GTVCT, CTVCT), PET (GTVPET40, CTVPET40), and RFMs (GTVRFM, CTVRFM,). Intratumoral heterogeneity areas were segmented as GTVPET50‐Boost and radiomic boost target volume (RTVBoost) on PET and RFMs, respectively. GTVCT in homogenous tumors and GTVPET40 in heterogeneous tumors were considered as GTVgold standard (GTVGS). One‐way analysis of variance was conducted to determine the threshold that finds the best conformity for GTVRFM with GTVGS. Dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and mean absolute percent error (MAPE) were calculated. Linear regression analysis was employed to report the correlations between the gold standard and RFM‐derived target volumes.

Results

Entropy, contrast, and Haralick correlation (H‐correlation) were selected for tumor segmentation. The threshold values of 80%, 50%, and 10% have the best conformity of GTVRFM‐entropy, GTVRFM‐contrast, and GTVRFM‐H‐correlation with GTVGS, respectively. The linear regression results showed a positive correlation between GTVGS and GTVRFM‐entropy (r = 0.98, p < 0.001), between GTVGS and GTVRFM‐contrast (r = 0.93, p < 0.001), and between GTVGS and GTVRFM‐H‐correlation (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). The average threshold values of 45% and 15% were resulted in the best segmentation matching between CTVRFM‐entropy and CTVRFM‐contrast with CTVGS, respectively. Moreover, we used RFM to determine RTVBoost in the heterogeneous tumors. Comparison of RTVBoost with GTVPET50‐Boost MAPE showed the volume error differences of 31.7%, 36%, and 34.7% in RTVBoost‐entropy, RTVBoost‐contrast, and RTVBoost‐H‐correlation, respectively.

Conclusions

FDG PET‐based radiomics features in NSCLC demonstrated a promising potential for decision support in radiotherapy, helping radiation oncologists delineate tumors and generate accurate segmentation for heterogeneous region of tumors.
Emerging Graphene Derivatives and Analogues for Efficient Energy Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Hao‐Fan , Tang Cheng , Zhao Chang‐Xin , Huang Jia‐Qi , Zhang Qiang
Published: June 2022

The demand for highly efficient conversion and storage of renewable energy sources calls for advanced electrocatalytic technologies. 2D graphene has long been investigated as a versatile material platform with flexible structure and tunable surface properties for the design of efficient electrocatalysts. In recent years, new types of graphene derivatives and analogues keep emerging and showing great potential for highly active and selective electrocatalytic applications. In this review, recent progresses on emerging graphene derivatives and analogues for electrocatalysis are summarized. This review starts from the introduction of the material requirements for efficient electrocatalysis and the advantages of 2D graphene derivatives and analogues. Then new advances on graphene derivatives for electrocatalysis are introduced, including twisted graphene superlattices, molecular‐level single‐atom catalysts, and graphene‐supported dual‐atom catalysts or atomic clusters. The next section deals with the emerging research directions of graphene analogues for electrocatalysis, including 2D metal‐free materials, metallenes, 2D transition metal borides (MBenes), and new design strategies of them. Finally, an overview on the development status of this field is provided, and perspectives on the future development of efficient electrocatalytic technologies based on 2D materials are proposed.
Efficient Photon Extraction in Top‐Emission Organic Light‐Emitting Devices Based on Ampicillin Microstructures
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Lee Chang Min , Islam Amjad , Choi Dong Hyun , Jeong Geon‐Woo , Kim Tae Wook , Cho Hyun Woo , Kim Yeong Beom , Shah Syed Hamad Ullah , Park Min Jae , Kim Chul Hoon , Lee Hyun Jae , Lee Jae Woo , Bang Seain , Bae Tae‐Sung , Park Jong Bae , Yu Seung Min , Kang Yong‐Cheol , Park Juyun , Park Myeongkee , Jeong Yeonsu , Lee Sang Geul , Jin Jong Sung , Kim Kyoung‐Ho , Sujak Muhammad , Moon Surk‐Suik , Park Sanghyuk , Song Myung kwan , Kim Chang‐Su , Ryu Seung Yoon
Published: June 2022

The desire to enhance the efficiency of organic light‐emitting devices (OLEDs) has driven to the investigation of advanced materials with fascinating properties. In this work, the efficiency of top‐emission OLEDs (TEOLEDs) is enhanced by introducing ampicillin microstructures (Amp‐MSs) with dual phases (α‐/β‐phase) that induce photoluminescence (PL) and electroluminescence (EL). Moreover, Amp‐MSs can adjust the charge balance by Fermi level (EF) alignment, thereby decreasing the leakage current. The decrease in the wave‐guided modes can enhance the light outcoupling through optical scattering. The resulting TEOLED demonstrates a record‐high external quantum efficiency (EQE) (maximum: 68.7% and average: 63.4% at spectroradiometer; maximum: 44.8% and average: 42.6% at integrating sphere) with a wider color gamut (118%) owing to the redshift of the spectrum by J‐aggregation. Deconvolution of the EL intensities is performed to clarify the contribution of Amp‐MSs to the device EQE enhancement (optical scattering by Amp‐MSs: 17.0%, PL by radiative energy transfer: 9.1%, and EL by J‐aggregated excitons: 4.6%). The proposed TEOLED outperforms the existing frameworks in terms of device efficiency.
Room‐Temperature Sodium–Sulfur Batteries: Rules for Catalyst Selection and Electrode Design
Authors: Li Zhen , Wang Changlai , Ling Fangxin , Wang Lifeng , Bai Ruilin , Shao Yu , Chen Qianwang , Yuan Hua , Yu Yan , Tan Yeqiang
Published: June 2022

Seeking an optimal catalyst to accelerate conversion reaction kinetics of room‐temperature sodium–sulfur (RT Na–S) batteries is crucial for improving their electrochemical performance and promoting the practical applications. Herein, theoretical calculations of interfacial interactions of catalysts and polysulfides in terms of the surface adsorption state, interfacial ions migration, and electronic concentration around the Fermi level are systematically proposed as guiding principles of catalyst selection for RT Na–S batteries. As a case, MoN catalyst is accurately selected from transition metal nitrides with different d orbital electrons, and for experiment, it is introduced into the carbon nanofibers as a dual‐functioning host (MoN@CNFs). The MoN@CNFs can effectively anchor polysulfides and accelerate their conversion reaction. In addition, for the sodium anode, the MoN@CNFs can also induce uniform deposition of Na and inhibit dendrite growth, which are supported by in situ characterizations and finite element simulation technique. As a result, the as‐prepared RT Na–S battery displays high reversible capacity of 990 mAh g–1 at 0.2 A g–1 after 100 cycles and long lifespan over 1500 cycles at 2 A g–1. Even with high S loading of 5 mg cm–2, the RT Na–S battery still exhibits a high areal capacity of 2.5 mAh cm–2.
MXene‐Based Broadband Ultrafast Nonlinear Activator for Optical Computing
Authors: Yang Zhan , Tan Weimin , Zhang Tianju , Chen Chenduan , Wang Zixin , Mao Yu , Ma Chenxi , Lin Qing , Bi Wanjun , Yu Fei , Yan Bo , Wang Jun
Published: June 2022

Optical neural networks (ONNs) are particularly advantageous owing to their inherent parallelism and low energy consumption. However, one of the obstacles to the implementation of ONNs is the lack of optical nonlinearity. In this study, optical nonlinear activators for ONNs are prepared by combining Ti3C2Tx MXene with microfibers and their principles are verified. Activation functions obtained from experimental measurements are used to simulate multiclassification and super‐resolution reconstruction tasks with performance comparable to that of activation functions commonly used in computers. Four necessary criteria are proposed and validated for evaluating the performance of the nonlinear activator: recovery time, deviation from linearity, the activation function close to identity mapping, and reconfigurability of the configuration. Theoretically, the nonlinear activator can compute 100 times faster than commonly used electronic computers and can be used as a nonlinear activation unit for ONNs to help the integration of ONNs with artificial intelligence.
Reconfigurable Parfocal Zoom Metalens
Authors: Yang Fan , Lin Hung‐I , Shalaginov Mikhail Y. , Stoll Katherine , An Sensong , Rivero‐Baleine Clara , Kang Myungkoo , Agarwal Anuradha , Richardson Kathleen , Zhang Hualiang , Hu Juejun , Gu Tian
Published: June 2022

Zoom lenses with variable focal lengths and magnification ratios are essential for many optical imaging applications. Conventional zoom lenses are composed of multiple refractive optics, and optical zoom is attained via translational motion of one or more lens elements, which adds to module size, complexity, and cost. In this paper, a zoom lens design based on multi‐functional optical metasurfaces is presented, which achieves large step zoom ratios, minimal distortion, and diffraction‐limited optical quality without requiring mechanical moving parts. Two embodiments of the concept are experimentally demonstrated based on polarization‐multiplexing in the visible and phase change materials in the mid‐infrared, both yielding 10× parfocal zoom in accordance with the design.
A Benzene Ring‐Linked Dimethylamino and Borate Ester‐Based Molecule and Organic Crystal: Efficient Dual Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence with Responsive Property
Authors: Xie Ning , Wang Jiaxuan , Huang Tingting , Zhao Liupeng , Sun Peng , Lu Geyu , Wang Yue , Li Chenglong
Published: June 2022

Pure organic crystal of N,N‐di‐methyl‐4‐(4,4,5,5‐tetramethyl‐1,3,2‐dioxaborolan‐2‐yl)aniline (DMAB) exhibits efficient room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) with an emission maximum at 387 nm and a high phosphorescence efficiency of 35.2%. Significantly, DMAB shows an exceptional photo‐induced ultra‐long RTP (URTP) at 539 nm, which displays an afterglow time of 14 s in air. The two phosphorescent bands are attributed to the monomeric and aggregated RTP of DMAB, respectively. Continuous UV irradiation for ≈1 min can dramatically improve the lifetimes for both of the monomeric and aggregated phosphorescent emissions. The photo‐induced URTP can be spontaneously switched off after standing the crystal in air for 50 min, and this cyclic process has been repeated several times. The molecular packing based on multiple intermolecular noncovalent interactions is adopted in DMAB crystal, which is beneficial to RTP. Upon UV irradiation, the consumption of oxygen in the crystal matrix accounts for the distinctive photo‐induced URTP. Taking advantage of the unique photo/oxygen‐sensitive properties, DMAB crystals have been successfully utilized in oxygen sensing and anticounterfeiting.
PPh3‐Mediated Wittig‐Like/Mannich Tandem Reactions of 2‐Alkynylnitrobenzenes with Ketones for the Synthesis of 2,2‐Disubstituted Indolin‐3‐Ones
Authors: Fan Hui , Xu Yao , Yang Fan , Xu Shijie , Zhao Xuechun , Zhang Xiaoxiang
Published: June 2022

A synthetic strategy for the construction of 2,2‐disubstituted indolin‐3‐ones from 2‐alkynylnitroarenes and ketones has been described. The corresponding indolin‐3‐one derivatives were afforded in moderate to excellent product yields by using mild conditions. After a Wittig‐like process, the key intermediates 3H‐indol‐3‐ones were generated from 2‐alkynylnitroarenes, which could be further transformed to the desired products through a Mannich addition.

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Operation Mechanism of n‐Type Organic Electronic Metabolite Sensors
Authors: Druet Victor , Nayak Prem D. , Koklu Anil , Ohayon David , Hama Adel , Chen Xingxing , Moser Maximilian , McCulloch Iain , Inal Sahika
Published: June 2022

The integration of n‐type (electron‐transporting) polymers with oxidase enzymes has allowed building high‐performance organic electrochemical transistor (OECT) based metabolite sensors. Yet, the operation mechanism of these devices is poorly understood. Here, the process is investigated for the conversion of metabolite oxidation to electrical current in an n‐type organic electrochemical transistor (n‐OECT). By monitoring oxygen (O2), hydrogen peroxide, and pH changes in the electrolyte as well as the potential of each electrical contact of the n‐OECT during glucose detection, light is shed on the physical phenomena occurring at the polymer‐enzyme interface. It is shown that the n‐type film performs O2 reduction reaction in its doped state and that the n‐OECT characteristics are sensitive to O2. A correlation is found between the consumption of electrolyte‐dissolved O2 and the generation of n‐OECT current during the metabolite oxidation. The results demonstrate how the sensitivity of a polymer to O2, species known to deteriorate the performance of many semiconductor devices, becomes a feature to exploit in sensor applications. The importance of in operando analysis of the electrolyte composition and the terminal potentials is highlighted for understanding the operation mechanism of bioelectronic devices and for sensor design and materials development.
PIEZO2‐related distal arthrogryposis type 5: Longitudinal follow‐up of a three‐generation family broadens phenotypic spectrum, complications, and health surveillance recommendations for this patient group
Authors: Sherlaw‐Sturrock Charlotte A. , Willis Tracey , Kiely Nigel , Houge Gunnar , Vogt Julie
Published: June 2022

Arthrogryposis is a heterogenous condition with a wide variety of etiological causes. It has been subdivided clinically based on the presence of additional features. Dominant gain of function (GoF) pathogenic variants in PIEZO2 have been associated with several forms of arthrogryposis. Previous reports have focused on diagnosis and clinical features. We report a three‐generation family with four affected individuals with a known pathogenic GoF change p.(Glu2727del) in PIEZO2. All family members presented at birth with distal arthrogryposis and ophthalmoplegia but have varied in their subsequent clinical course with differences in mobility and joint restriction. In the longer term, other features have presented including dysphagia, back pain and spinal stenosis‐like symptoms, raised intraocular pressure, and progressive restrictive lung disease. As far as we know, this is the first report detailing the longitudinal follow‐up of a three‐generation family which highlights potential long‐term complications in patients with PIEZO2‐related arthrogryposis. We present this family to demonstrate the importance of long‐term follow‐up for the clinical management of this group of patients.
Plant secondary metabolites and primate food choices: A meta‐analysis and future directions
Authors: Windley Hannah R. , Starrs Danswell , Stalenberg Eleanor , Rothman Jessica M. , Ganzhorn Joerg U. , Foley William J.
Published: June 2022

The role of plant secondary metabolites (PSMs) in shaping the feeding decisions, habitat suitability, and reproductive success of herbivorous mammals has been a major theme in ecology for decades. Although primatologists were among the first to test these ideas, studies of PSMs in the feeding ecology of non‐human primates have lagged in recent years, leading to a recent call for primatologists to reconnect with phytochemists to advance our understanding of the primate nutrition. To further this case, we present a formal meta‐analysis of diet choice in response to PSMs based on field studies on wild primates. Our analysis of 155 measurements of primate feeding response to PSMs is drawn from 53 studies across 43 primate species which focussed primarily on the effect of three classes of PSMs tannins, phenolics, and alkaloids. We found a small but significant effect of PSMs on the diet choice of wild primates, which was largely driven by the finding that colobine primates showed a moderate aversion to condensed tannins. Conversely, there was no evidence that PSMs had a significant deterrent effect on food choices of non‐colobine primates when all were combined into a single group. Furthermore, within the colobine primates, no other PSMs influenced feeding choices and we found no evidence that foregut anatomy significantly affected food choice with respect to PSMs. We suggest that methodological improvements related to experimental approaches and the adoption of new techniques including metabolomics are needed to advance our understanding of primate diet choice.
Ancient genomes reveal complex genetic history of an international metropolis at Kublai Khan's Upper Capital (Xanadu)
Authors: Li Jiawei , Zhu Hong , Wei Jian , Cai Dawei , Zhou Hui
Published: June 2022

Objectives

As the political, economic, military, and cultural center of the early Yuan Dynasty, Xanadu attracted people from all over the world. It was thriving and prosperous, composed of residents with different customs and religious beliefs from different social strata. Genetic analysis of Xanadu's residents provides a valuable approach for inferring processes of population movement and exchange during the Yuan period.

Materials and Methods

Nine skeletons from Zhenzishan cemetery, the largest cemetery near Xanadu, were selected for the whole‐genome shotgun sequencing and capture sequencing of the nonrecombining region of the Y chromosome, three of whom were identified as likely being of European descent based on cranio‐facial morphology.

Results

There were nine mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplotypes (F1a1, D5b1, B4a3, B5a2a1, H6a1a, T2d1, D4o2a, N9a1, and Z4a) and eight Y‐chromosome DNA haplogroups (G/M201, I/M170, J/M304, L/M20, O/M175, Q/M242, R/M207, and T/M184) identified in the nine ancient individuals. Autosomal analysis further subdivided them into four groups (ZZS_EA, ZZS_CA, ZZS_SA, and ZZS_Cau).

Discussion

As the capital of the Yuan Dynasty, Xanadu was a prosperous city with international influence. The nine skeletons from the Zhenzishan cemetery reflect the high genetic diversity of Xanadu's residents, with clear differences in paternal and maternal origins. The maternal lineages of these residents were mainly East Asian with some western Eurasian features, while the paternal lineages were mainly western Eurasian with fewer East Asian features. These results contribute to a better understanding of the Mongolian Empire's impact on the migration and mixture of people across the Eurasian continent.
Freestanding Perovskite Oxide Films: Synthesis, Challenges, and Properties
Authors: Chiabrera Francesco M. , Yun Shinhee , Li Ying , Dahm Rasmus T. , Zhang Haiwu , Kirchert Charline K. R. , Christensen Dennis V. , Trier Felix , Jespersen Thomas S. , Pryds Nini
Published: June 2022

In this review paper, recent progress in the fabrication, transfer, and fundamental physical properties of freestanding oxide perovskite thin films is discussed. First, the main strategies for the synthesis and transfer of freestanding perovskite thin films are analyzed. In this initial section, particular attention is devoted to the use of water‐soluble (Ca,Sr,Ba)3Al2O6 thin films as sacrificial layers, one of the most promising techniques for the fabrication of perovskite membranes. The main functionalities that have been observed in freestanding perovskite thin films are then reviewed. In doing so, the authors begin by describing the emergence of new phenomena in ultrathin perovskite membranes when released from the substrate. They then move on to a summary of the functional properties that are observed in freestanding perovskite membranes under the application of strain. Indeed, freestanding thin films offer the unique possibility to actively control the strain state far beyond what can be observed with traditional methods, allowing the investigation of the profound interplay between structural and electronic properties in oxides. Overall, this review highlights the potential of oxide‐based freestanding thin films to become the preferred platform for the study of novel functionalities in perovskite oxide materials.
Thermoelectric Effect in a Fibonacci Chain with AAH Modulation: A Theoretical Study
Authors: Bhattacharya Ranjini , Maiti Santanu K.
Published: June 2022

Spectral properties and heat to electrical energy conversion efficiency considering a 1D tight‐binding Fibonacci chain subjected to cosine modulation is explored. The interplay between Fibonacci sequence and the cosine modulation is quite impressive which brings several non‐trivial signatures in spectral behavior and enhanced thermoelectric efficiency. The thermoelectric quantities are evaluated using the Landauer prescription following the well‐known Green's function technique. The cosine modulation in the Fibonacci lattice reduces thermal conductance which therefore helps us to get higher thermoelectric efficiency compared to the modulation free case. This analysis may provide some essential mechanisms to achieve efficient thermoelectric devices considering different kinds of correlated disordered lattices.
Spotting Trends in Organocatalyzed and Other Organomediated (De)polymerizations and Polymer Functionalizations
Authors: Valle María , Ximenis Marta , Lopez de Pariza Xabier , Chan Julian M. W. , Sardon Haritz
Published: June 2022

Organocatalysis has evolved into an effective complement to metal‐ or enzyme‐based catalysis in polymerization, polymer functionalization, and depolymerization. The ease of removal and greater sustainability of organocatalysts relative to transition‐metal‐based ones has spurred development in specialty applications, e.g., medical devices, drug delivery, optoelectronics. Despite this, the use of organocatalysis and other organomediated reactions in polymer chemistry is still rapidly developing, and we envisage their rapidly growing application in nascent areas such as controlled radical polymerization, additive manufacturing, and chemical recycling in the coming years. In this Review, we describe ten trending areas where we anticipate paradigm shifts resulting from novel organocatalysts and other transition‐metal‐free conditions. We highlight opportunities and challenges and detail how new discoveries could lead to previously inaccessible functional materials and a potentially circular plastics economy.
Dynamics of Solid‐Electrolyte Interphase Formation on Silicon Electrodes Revealed by Combinatorial Electrochemical Screening
Authors: Martín‐Yerga Daniel , Milan David C. , Xu Xiangdong , Fernández‐Vidal Julia , Whalley Laura , Cowan Alexander J. , Hardwick Laurence J. , Unwin Patrick R.
Published: June 2022

Revealing how formation protocols influence the properties of the solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Si electrodes is key to developing the next generation of Li‐ion batteries. SEI understanding is, however, limited by the low‐throughput nature of conventional characterisation techniques. Herein, correlative scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM) and shell‐isolated nanoparticles for enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SHINERS) are used for combinatorial screening of the SEI formation under a broad experimental space (20 sets of different conditions with several repeats). This novel approach reveals the heterogeneous nature and dynamics of the SEI electrochemical properties and chemical composition on Si electrodes, which evolve in a characteristic manner as a function of cycle number. Correlative SECCM/SHINERS has the potential to screen thousands of candidate experiments on a variety of battery materials to accelerate the optimization of SEI formation methods, a key bottleneck in battery manufacturing.
Experimental research on fully burning high‐alkali coal in a 300 MW boiler with slag‐tap furnace
Authors: Ni Yuguo , Hu Shihao , Meng Hanxiao , Wang Jiankang , Li Hui , Zhou Hao , Ma Xiang , Zhou Hao
Published: June 2022

Safety issues such as contamination and slagging restrict the use of high‐alkali coal. To explore the possibility of fully burning high‐alkali coal in a boiler with slag‐tap furnace, Na2CO3‐blended burning tests and a fully burning high‐alkali coal test were carried out in a 300 MW boiler with slag‐tap furnace. The results showed that fully burning high‐alkali coal had little effect on the steam parameters and the boiler could operate safely. The Na content in the flue gas tended to decrease from SH5 to RH2 and increased from RH2 to ECON. The increase of Na content in the fuel would significantly raise Na content in the flue gas, slightly increase the K content, and increase the ability of liquid slag to capture Na. Before the Na content in SH coal ash was increased by 150%, the capture ability of liquid slag to Na had reached saturation. The added Na2CO3 made the Al and Ca elements migrate to the liquid slag to form a high melting point Na‐Al‐Ca compound. The microstructure analysis showed that liquid slag has a rich pore structure inside and outside and the Na content in the pore was higher than that out. Mineralogy analysis found that deposition samples mainly included Quartz, Magnesioferrite, Anhydrite, Lime, and CaSiO4 and the addition of Na2CO3 hardly affected the mineral composition.
Anatomy and relationships of the early diverging Crocodylomorphs Junggarsuchus sloani and Dibothrosuchus elaphros
Authors: Ruebenstahl Alexander A. , Klein Michael D. , Yi Hongyu , Xu Xing , Clark James M.
Published: June 2022

The holotype of Junggarsuchus sloani, from the Shishugou Formation (early Late Jurassic) of Xinjiang, China, consists of a nearly complete skull and the anterior half of an articulated skeleton, including the pectoral girdles, nearly complete forelimbs, vertebral column, and ribs. Here, we describe its anatomy and compare it to other early diverging crocodylomorphs, based in part on CT scans of its skull and that of Dibothrosuchus elaphros from the Early Jurassic of China. Junggarsuchus shares many features with a cursorial assemblage of crocodylomorphs, informally known as “sphenosuchians,” whose relationships are poorly understood. However, it also displays several derived crocodyliform features that are not found among most “sphenosuchians.” Our phylogenetic analysis corroborates the hypothesis that Junggarsuchus is closer to Crocodyliformes, including living crocodylians, than are Dibothrosuchus and Sphenosuchus, but not as close to crocodyliforms as Almadasuchus and Macelognathus, and that the “Sphenosuchia” are a paraphyletic assemblage. D. elaphros and Sphenosuchus acutus are hypothesized to be more closely related to Crocodyliformes than are the remaining non‐crocodyliform crocodylomorphs, which form several smaller groups but are largely unresolved.
Pyrazolopyrimidines as attractive pharmacophores in efficient drug design: A recent update
Authors: Dorababu Atukuri
Published: June 2022

Among the menacing diseases, cancer needs the most attention as millions of people are affected by it worldwide. Genetic and environmental factors play a pivotal role in causing cancer. Although a wide range of underlying mechanisms of cancer has been discovered, efficient treatments have not been discovered to date. Additionally, diseases caused by microbes such as viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and so forth, persistently result in several deaths. Also, inflammation is a major factor that leads to several health issues. For decades, drug design has become a major part of drug discovery and development for curing various diseases. Among the large number of pharmacological agents that have been synthesized, only very few have emerged as efficient drug molecules. Most of them are heterocyclic compounds, which are promising candidates for the design of efficient drug molecules. Furthermore, fused heterocycles showed comparatively stronger pharmacological activities than monocyclic heterocycles. The literature reveals that pyrazolopyrimidines have outstanding biological activity. Hence, here, the diverse pharmacological activities shown by pyrazolopyrimidine derivatives reported in the last 5 years are collated and reviewed systematically. This review is classified into various sections focusing on anticancer, antimicrobial, anti‐inflammatory, and enzyme inhibitors. Structure–activity relationships are discussed in brief, which will help researchers design potent pharmacological agents.
Model‐based robust control design and experimental validation of collaborative industrial robot system with uncertainty
Authors: Zhen ShengChao , Zhang Meng , Liu XiaoLi , Chen Ye‐Hwa
Published: June 2022

Based on the traditional PID control and robust control algorithm, a novel practical robust control method is designed for the 6‐DOF collaborative industrial robot with uncertainty. The proposed algorithm consists of a robust term and a model‐based PD control term, which we call MPDP controller. It is demonstrated by Lyapunov theoretical analysis that the algorithm is able to guarantee uniform boundedness and uniform ultimate boundedness of the system. Simulations and experiments show the good performance of MPDP control in a robot with smaller steady‐state tracking errors and better robustness compared to PID controllers.
Hintergründe und Nachweisgrundlagen zur Brandschutzbemessung von Brettsperrholzkonstruktionen – Teil 1
Authors: Werther Norman , Schmid Joachim , Fahrni Reto , Klippel Michael
Published: June 2022

Im Rahmen dieses zweiteiligen Aufsatzes wird auf die brandschutztechnische Bemessung für Brettsperrholzelemente und ‐konstruktionen eingegangen und deren Besonderheit im Vergleich zu Voll‐ und Brettschichtholz aufgezeigt. Der nachfolgende erste Teil des Beitrags umfasst die Aspekte der Baustoffklassifikation sowie des Abbrandverhaltens und der Tragfähigkeitsbeurteilung von bekleideten und unbekleideten Brettsperrholzbauteilen im Brandfall. Der zweite Teil erläutert die Nachweisansätze der raumabschließenden Funktion, stellt die Prinzipien zur brandschutztechnisch sicheren Detailausbildung dar und gibt Erläuterungen zum Einfluss von Brettsperrholz auf die Branddynamik.
Structural alterations in cell organelles induced by photodynamic treatment with chlorin p6‐histamine conjugate in human oral carcinoma cells probed by 3D fluorescence microscopy
Authors: Parihar Arpana , Dube Alok
Published: June 2022

We have explored the intracellular cell organelle's structural alterations after photodynamic treatment with chlorin p6‐histamine conjugate (Cp6‐his) in human oral cancer cells. Herein, the cells were treated with Cp6‐his (10 μm) and counterstained with organelle‐specific fluorescence probes to find the site of intracellular localization using confocal microscopy. For photodynamic therapy (PDT), the cells were exposed to ~30 kJ/m2 red light (660 ± 20 nm) to induce ~90% cytotoxicity. We used the three‐dimensional (3D) image reconstruction approach to analyze the photodynamic damage to cell organelles. The result showed that Cp6‐his localized mainly in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and lysosomes but not in mitochondria and Golgi apparatus (GA). The 3D model revealed that in necrotic cells, PDT led to extensive fragmentation of ER and fragmentation and swelling of GA as well. Results suggest that the indirect damage to GA occurred due to loss of connection between ER and GA. Moreover, in damaged cells with no sign of necrosis, the perinuclear ER appeared condensed and surrounded by several small clumps at the peripheral region of the cell, and the GA was observed to form a single condensed structure. Since these structural changes were associated with apoptotic cell death, it is suggested that the necrotic and apoptotic death induced by PDT with Cp6‐his is determined by the severity of damage to ER and indirect damage to GA. The results suggest that the indirect damage to cell organelle apart from the sites of photosensitizer localization and the severity of damage at the organelle level contribute significantly to the mode of cell death in PDT.
Conservation through conversation? Therapeutic engagement on biodiversity and extinction between NGOs and companies
Authors: Atkins Jill F. , Atkins Barry , Maroun Warren , Barone Elisabetta , Gozman Danny
Published: June 2022

Adopting a theoretical framework from social narrative therapy, this paper examines how new realities are being constantly created as the corporate narrative is rewritten or ‘re‐storied’ through engagement between NGO–therapists and corporate–clients. Detailed interviews are conducted with 21 NGOs operating in a developing economy and working with local and multi‐national companies. The research reveals how the relationship between NGOs and companies has shifted from an adversarial one (reported in earlier studies) to one characterised by constructive dialogue, facilitation and mediation. The engagements have ‘therapeutic’ properties and offer one solution for tackling the impacts which modern business practices are having on biodiversity. An extensive review of narrative and social constructionist perspectives across business ethics, organisations and accounting is beyond the scope of this paper. The discussion and analysis are limited to the application of narrative approaches to counselling to NGO–company relationships.
Estimates of incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability‐adjusted life years of lung cancer in Iran, 1990–2019: A systematic analysis from the global burden of disease study 2019
Authors: Shokri Varniab Zahra , Sharifnejad Tehrani Yeganeh , Pourabhari Langroudi Ashkan , Azadnajafabad Sina , Rezaei Negar , Rashidi Mohammad‐Mahdi , Esfahani Zahra , Malekpour Mohammad‐Reza , Ghasemi Erfan , Ghamari Azin , Dilmaghani‐Marand Arezou , Mohammadi Fateh Sahar , Namazi Shabestari Alireza , Larijani Bagher , Farzadfar Farshad
Published: June 2022

Background

Lung cancer is one of the leading cancers, with a high burden worldwide. As a developing country, Iran is facing with population growth, widespread tobacco use, demographic and epidemiologic changes, and environmental exposures, which lead to cancers becoming a severe concern of public health in Iran. We aimed to examine the burden of lung cancer and its risk factors in Iran.

Methods

We utilized the Global Burden of Disease 2019 data and analyzed the total burden of the lung cancer and seven related risk factors by sex, age at national and sub‐national levels from 1990 to 2019.

Results

The lung cancer age‐standardized death rate increased from 11.8 (95% Uncertainty Interval: 9.7–14.4) to 12.9 (11.9–13.9) per 100,000 between 1990 and 2019. This increase was among women from 5 (4.2–7.1) to 8 (7.2–8.8) per 100,000; in contrast, there was a decline among men from 18.5 (14.8–22.6) to 17.8 (16.2–19.4) per 100,000. The burden of lung cancer is concentrated in the advanced age groups. Smoking with 53.5% of total attributable deaths (51.0%–55.9%) was the leading risk factor. At the provincial level, there was a wide range between the lowest and highest, from 8.3 (7.0–10.0) to 19.1 (16.4–22.0) per 100,000 population in the incidence rate and from 8.7 (7.3–10.3) to 20.6 (17.7–24.0) per 100,000 population in mortality rate, respectively in Tehran and West Azerbaijan provinces in 2019.

Conclusion

The increasing trend of lung cancer burden among the entire Iranian population, the inter‐provincial disparities, and the significant rise in burden of this cancer in women necessitate the urgent implementation and development of policies to prevent and manage lung cancer burden and strategies to reduce exposure to risk factors.