bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stress Propagation in a Frequency-Dependent Clay Soil
Authors: Yong Raymond N. , Dutertre Jean C. , Krizek Raymond J.
Published: July 2002

Reported herein are a theoretical treatment and an experimental investigation that deal with the interpretation of data from a pulse propagation test on a frequency-dependent clay soil. A transfer function, which considers the superposition of an instantaneous response and the various modes of vibration, is obtained to relate the stress at the fixed end of a specimen to that at the input end, and the modulus of elasticity and viscosity are deduced from analyses of the fundamental resonant frequency of the specimen. Experimental data from shock tube tests on a clay soil provide a means for comparing the analytical predictions with the actual response. It is shown that use of the intuitively defined arrival time of a pulse yields values far too high for the modulus of elasticity, and higher values of damping and shorter lengths of specimen both contribute to making the results more unpredictable. Both the modulus of elasticity and the viscosity of the clay are found to be strongly dependent on frequency, the former increasing and the latter decreasing with increasing frequency.
Predicting machine's performance record using the stacked long short‐term memory (LSTM) neural networks
Authors: Ma Min , Liu Chenbin , Wei Ran , Liang Bin , Dai Jianrong
Published: February 2022

Purpose

The record of daily quality control (QC) items shows machine performance patterns and potentially provides warning messages for preventive actions. This study developed a neural network model that could predict the record and trend of data variations quantitively.

Methods and materials

The record of 24 QC items for a radiotherapy machine was investigated in our institute. The QC records were collected daily for 3 years. The stacked long short‐term memory (LSTM) model was used to develop the neural network model. A total of 867 records were collected to predict the record for the next 5 days. To compare the stacked LSTM, the autoregressive integrated moving average model (ARIMA) was developed on the same data set. The accuracy of the model was quantified by the mean absolute error (MAE), root‐mean‐square error (RMSE), and coefficient of determination (R2). To validate the robustness of the model, the record of four QC items was collected for another radiotherapy machine, which was input into the stacked LSTM model without changing any hyperparameters and ARIMA model.

Results

The mean MAE, RMSE, and with 24 QC items were 0.013, 0.020, and 0.853 in LSTM, while 0.021, 0.030, and 0.618 in ARIMA, respectively. The results showed that the stacked LSTM outperforms the ARIMA. Moreover, the mean MAE, RMSE, and with four QC items were 0.102, 0.151, and 0.770 in LSTM, while 0.162, 0.375, and 0.550 in ARIMA, respectively.

Conclusions

In this study, the stacked LSTM model can accurately predict the record and trend of QC items. Moreover, the stacked LSTM model is robust when applied to another radiotherapy machine. Predicting future performance record will foresee possible machine failure, allowing early machine maintenance and reducing unscheduled machine downtime.
Adaptive fuzzy output feedback fault‐tolerant control of switched nonlinear systems with sensor and actuator faults
Authors: Liu Shuai , Zhao Lingli , Xiong Yu , Xiang Zhengrong , Yang Xinsong
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the adaptive fuzzy output feedback fault‐tolerant tracking control problem for a class of switched uncertain nonlinear systems with sensor faults and actuator faults. Both the faults considered are unknown, the existing schemes fail to solve the control problem. In this paper, an adaptive estimation coefficient is introduced to mitigate the effects of sensor faults, then a state observer is constructed to estimate unmeasured states and mitigate the effects of actuator faults. Fuzzy logic systems are employed to approximate the unknown nonlinear functions. By the backstepping technique and the Lyapunov function method, an adaptive fuzzy output feedback fault‐tolerant controller is designed. It is proven that the proposed control scheme with average dwell time constraints can guarantee that all states of the closed‐loop system are semi‐global uniformly ultimately bounded and the tracking error can converge to a small neighborhood of zero. Finally, a simulation example is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed scheme.
Regulating Photophysical Property of Aggregation‐Induced Delayed Fluorescence Luminogens via Heavy Atom Effect to Achieve Efficient Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Xu Jingwen , Wu Xing , Li Jinshi , Zhao Zujin , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2022

Heavy atom effect is beneficial to delayed fluorescence by enlarging spin–orbit coupling (SOC). The introduction of halogen atoms to luminogenic molecules is a widely used approach to realize heavy atom effect, but the positions of halogen atoms may exert quite different impacts on the photophysical properties of the molecules. To confirm this hypothesis, herein, bromine atoms are introduced on a delayed fluorescence luminogen comprised of benzoyl acceptor and phenoxazine and phenylcarbazole donors at different positions. The resultant luminogens show great differences in photoluminescence (PL) efficiencies and delayed fluorescence lifetimes in solid state, which could be attributed to different orbital contribution ratios of bromine atoms to molecular frontier orbitals and thus varied SOC interactions, as revealed by spectroscopy, crystallography, and theoretical calculation. The luminogens with bromine atoms on the phenylcarbazole units hold much better PL properties than those with bromine atoms on other positions, and behave efficiently as emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes, furnishing high external quantum efficiencies of up to 28.6% and small efficiency roll‐offs. The structure–property relationship gained in this work can provide guidance for the further design of efficient luminescent materials.
C−H Silylation of 2‐Arylpyridine Derivatives by Using Iridium Catalyst and Phosphine‐Borane Ligand
Authors: Anoyama Keita , Onodera Gen , Fukuda Tsutomu , Kimura Masanari
Published: February 2022

Iridium‐catalyzed ortho−C−H silylation of 2‐arylpyridine derivative with hydrosilane by using phosphine‐borane ligand has been developed. A variety of 2‐arylpyridines could be used for this reaction to give mono‐ and disilylated products in 81–99% yields. In this reaction, the length of linkage between phosphorus and boron plays an important role for the reaction to proceed. We consider that the nitrogen in 2‐arylpyridine coordinates to Lewis acidic boron in the ligand and thus the iridium is led to an ortho−C−H bond to cleave it.

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Multifunctional Electronic Skins Enable Robots to Safely and Dexterously Interact with Human
Authors: Li Guozhen , Liu Shiqiang , Mao Qian , Zhu Rong
Published: February 2022

Human–robot collaboration is playing more and more important roles in current deployments of robotic systems in our lives. Haptic perception and intelligent control are essential to ensure safety and efficiency of human–robot interaction. However, existing robotic sensory and control systems are deficient in terms of performance issues, complexity, and cost. Here, the authors report a multifunctional electronic skin (e‐skin) incorporating multiple perceptions with intelligent robotic control, by which robots can safely and dexterously interact with humans. The e‐skin with a simple and cost‐effective sensory structure has multimodal perceptions of proximity, temperature, contact force, and contact position with broad measuring range, high sensitivity, and fast response. The e‐skin is applied onto robots to accomplish obstacle avoidance, safe and dexterous human–robot interaction, smart teaching, and playing Tai‐Chi, which demonstrate a broad range of applications for intelligent robots equipped with e‐skins.
Controlling the Formation Process of Methylammonium‐Free Halide Perovskite Films for a Homogeneous Incorporation of Alkali Metal Cations Beneficial to Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Zheng Daming , Zhu Tao , Yan Yanfa , Pauporté Thierry
Published: February 2022

Incorporating multiple cations of the 1A alkali metal column of the periodic table (K+/Rb+/Cs+) to prepare perovskite films is promising for boosting photovoltaic properties but requires a uniform distribution. The effects of NH4Cl additives and alkali metal cations (K+/Rb+/Cs+) on the one‐step formation process of methylammonium‐free, formamidinium‐based, iodide perovskite films are analyzed in a step‐by‐step manner. NH4Cl improves the solubility of PbI2 in solution by forming an intermediate and then favors the perovskite phase formation. Moreover, during the annealing process, this additive is shown to increase grain size, to improve crystallinity and to suppress PbI2 formation. K at low concentration is always homogeneously distributed across the film thickness. On the other hand, Cs is more concentrated at the surface and Rb in the depths of pristine films. With NH4Cl additives, these two alkali metals are more homogeneously distributed because NH4Cl slows down the movement of Cs+ and Rb+, it changes the growth direction of the perovskite film, making the overall crystallization quality improved and the distribution more uniform. It results in perovskite films with large monolithic grains. Combined with a perovskite film surface treatment with n‐propylammonium iodide, a high stabilized power conversion efficiency of 22.04% is reached.
Axonal Excitability Does Not Differ between Painful and Painless Diabetic or Chemotherapy‐Induced Distal Symmetrical Polyneuropathy in a Multicenter Observational Study
Authors: Themistocleous Andreas C. , Kristensen Alexander G. , Sola Roma , Gylfadottir Sandra S. , Bennedsgaard Kristine , Itani Mustapha , Krøigård Thomas , Ventzel Lise , Sindrup Søren H. , Jensen Troels S. , Bostock Hugh , Serra Jordi , Finnerup Nanna B. , Tankisi Hatice , Bennett David L. H.
Published: February 2022

Objective

Axonal excitability reflects ion channel function, and it is proposed that this may be a biomarker in painful (vs painless) polyneuropathy. Our objective was to investigate the relationship between axonal excitability parameters and chronic neuropathic pain in deeply phenotyped cohorts with diabetic or chemotherapy‐induced distal symmetrical polyneuropathy.

Methods

Two hundred thirty‐nine participants with diabetic polyneuropathy were recruited from sites in the UK and Denmark, and 39 participants who developed chemotherapy‐induced polyneuropathy were recruited from Denmark. Participants were separated into those with probable or definite neuropathic pain and those without neuropathic pain. Axonal excitability of large myelinated fibers was measured with the threshold tracking technique. The stimulus site was the median nerve, and the recording sites were the index finger (sensory studies) and abductor pollicis brevis muscle (motor studies).

Results

Participants with painless and painful polyneuropathy were well matched across clinical variables. Sensory and motor axonal excitability measures, including recovery cycle, threshold electrotonus, strength–duration time constant, and current–threshold relationship, did not show differences between participants with painful and painless diabetic polyneuropathy, and there were only minor changes for chemotherapy‐induced polyneuropathy.

Interpretation

Axonal excitability did not significantly differ between painful and painless diabetic or chemotherapy‐induced polyneuropathy in a multicenter observational study. Threshold tracking assesses the excitability of myelinated axons; the majority of nociceptors are unmyelinated, and although there is some overlap of the "channelome" between these axonal populations, our results suggest that alternative measures such as microneurography are required to understand the relationship between sensory neuron excitability and neuropathic pain. ANN NEUROL 2022;91:506–520
Fast and Durable Intraoperative Near‐infrared Imaging of Ovarian Cancer Using Ultrabright Squaraine Fluorophores
Authors: Fukuda Takeshi , Yokomizo Shinya , Casa Stefanie , Monaco Hailey , Manganiello Sophia , Wang Haoran , Lv Xiangmin , Ulumben Amy Daniel , Yang Chengeng , Kang Min‐Woong , Inoue Kazumasa , Fukushi Masahiro , Sumi Toshiyuki , Wang Cheng , Kang Homan , Bao Kai , Henary Maged , Kashiwagi Satoshi , Soo Choi Hak
Published: February 2022

The residual tumor after surgery is the most significant prognostic factor of patients with epithelial ovarian cancer. Near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence‐guided surgery is actively utilized for tumor localization and complete resection during surgery. However, currently available contrast‐enhancing agents display low on‐target binding, unfavorable pharmacokinetics, and toxicity, thus not ideal for clinical use. Here we report ultrabright and stable squaraine fluorophores with optimal pharmacokinetics by introducing an asymmetric molecular conformation and surface charges for rapid transporter‐mediated cellular uptake. Among the tested, OCTL14 shows low serum binding and rapid distribution into cancer tissue via organic cation transporters (OCTs). Additionally, the charged squaraine fluorophores are retained in lysosomes, providing durable intraoperative imaging in a preclinical murine model of ovarian cancer up to 24 h post‐injection. OCTL14 represents a significant departure from the current bioconjugation approach of using a non‐targeted fluorophore and would provide surgeons with an indispensable tool to achieve optimal resection.
Evaluation of tribological and biological properties of TaB2/PEEK composite coatings prepared by electrodeposition
Authors: Huang Suyuan , Cao Lin , Li Wei , Lin Zhidan , Zhang Peng
Published: February 2022

It is well‐known that a lower wear rate, favorable mechanical properties, and limited inflammatory response are critical factors in determining the long‐term service of orthopedic implants. In this study, we prepare TaB2/PEEK coatings by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) of borated tantalum (TaB2) and polyether‐ether‐ketone (PEEK) particles on a pure titanium plate (TA2). Nanoindenter, reciprocating ball‐on‐disc tester, and in vitro biological experiments were used to investigate the effects of TaB2 particles on the mechanical properties, tribological properties, and biological properties of composite coatings. The results demonstrate that a small amount of TaB2 particles were equally dispersed in the PEEK matrix, and the mechanical properties are improved, resulting in better tribological properties of the coating. In particular, the wear rate of P‐TB‐3 coating in the simulated body fluid (SBF) was 72% lower than that of the PEEK coating, with a friction coefficient (COF) of 0.164 and a wear rate of 1.45 × 10−6 mm3·N−1 m−1, respectively. Furthermore, the P‐TB‐3 surface boosted Raw264.7 macrophage adherence and proliferation, with a potential to promote Raw264.7 macrophage transition to the M2 phenotype. These results suggest that the P‐TB‐3 coating prepared by EPD is considered as a promising implant replacement material.
Thermally Chargeable Ammonium‐Ion Capacitor for Energy Storage and Low‐Grade Heat Harvesting
Authors: An Yufeng , Li Zhiwei , Sun Yao , Li Shaopeng , Xu Yinghong , Dou Hui , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: February 2022

Harvesting heat from the low‐grade heat (below 100 °C) into electricity has the signification to enhance the utilization of energy and lower carbon emissions by a simple device. Herein we demonstrate a thermally chargeable ammonium ion capacitor (TAIC) by employing graphene‐polyimide (rGO‐PI) synthesized through polycondensation of 1,4,5,8‐naphthalenetetracarboxylic dianhydride and ethylenediamine as cold electrode, N‐doped hollow carbon nanofibers as hot electrode to directly convert waste heat into electricity. Combining thermodiffusion effect of electrolyte with thermogalvanic effect of a redox couple (−C=O/−C−O−NH4+), as‐assembled TAIC can deliver a high output voltage of 624 mV, power density of 82 μW cm−2 and average Seebeck coefficient of 9.07 mV K−1 at temperature difference of 45 K. Meanwhile, with the introduction of polyacrylamide‐polyacrylic acid‐based gel electrolyte, the assembled flexible device can well serve in various bending states, and the power density can attain a satisfying value of 1.92 μW cm−2. This quasi‐solid‐state TAIC shows great potential as one promising candidate for high value‐added conversion from low‐grade heat into electricity as well as wearable applications.
Melanin nanoparticles enhance the neuroprotection of mesenchymal stem cells against hypoxic‐ischemic injury by inhibiting apoptosis and upregulating antioxidant defense
Authors: Tang Chunliu , Luo Jiefeng , Yan Xianjia , Huang Qiaojuan , Huang Zhenhua , Luo Qi , Lan Yuan , Chen Dingzhi , Zhang Baolin , Chen Menghua , Kong Deyan
Published: February 2022

Polydopamine nanoparticles are artificial melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) that show strong antioxidant activity. The effects of MNPs on the neuroprotection of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) against hypoxic‐ischemic injury and the underlying mechanism have not yet been revealed. In this study, an oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD)‐injured neuron model was used to mimic neuronal hypoxic‐ischemic injury in vitro. MSCs pretreated with MNPs and then cocultured with OGD‐injured neurons were used to investigate the potential effects of MNPs on the neuroprotection of MSCs and to elucidate the underlying mechanism. After coculturing with MNPs‐pretreated MSCs, MSCs, and MNPs in a transwell coculture system, the OGD‐injured neurons were rescued by 91.24%, 79.32%, and 59.97%, respectively. Further data demonstrated that MNPs enhanced the neuroprotection against hypoxic‐ischemic injury of MSCs by scavenging reactive oxygen species and superoxide and attenuating neuronal apoptosis by deactivating caspase‐3, downregulating the expression of proapoptotic Bax proteins, and upregulating the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins. These findings suggest that MNPs enhance the neuroprotective effect of MSCs against hypoxic‐ischemic injury by inhibiting apoptosis and upregulating antioxidant defense, which could provide some evidence for the potential application of combined MNPs and MSCs in the therapy for ischemic stroke.
Epilepsia partialis continua associated with ketotic hyperglycemia and tuberculous meningoencephalitis: A case report
Authors: Balola Cordule , Nzabara Fabrice , Tshongo Muhindo Christian , Cikomola Cirhuza , Maheshe Ghislain Balemba , Baguma Marius
Published: February 2022

We report the case of an 18‐year‐old girl who presented with several episodes of simple partial motor seizures compatible with the diagnosis of epilepsia partialis continua. In addition to ketotic hyperglycemia, tuberculous meningoencephalitis was diagnosed based on clinical, biological, and brain imaging findings. The seizures ceased after normalization of glycemia.
Development of Strong Visible‐Light‐Absorbing Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes for Robust and Efficient Light‐Driven Hydrogen Production
Authors: Yiu Sze‐Chun , Ho Po‐Yu , Kwok Yan‐Yi , He Xiaojie , Wang Yi , Yu Wai‐Hong , Ho Cheuk‐Lam , Huang Shuping
Published: February 2022

Weak light absorption of common Ir(III) complexes (e. g., using phenylpyridine as the ligand) has hindered their applications in photocatalytic hydrogen generation from water as an efficient photosensitizer. To address this issue, a series of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes (Ir1–Ir5), featuring different electron‐donating substituents to enhance the absorptivity, have been synthesized and studied as photosensitizers (PSs) for light‐driven hydrogen production from water. Ir6–Ir7 were prepared as fundamental systems for comparisons. Electron donors, including 9‐phenylcarbazole, triphenylamine, 4,4′‐dimethoxytriphenylamine, 4,4′‐di(N‐hexylcarbazole)triphenylamine moieties were introduced on 6‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)phenanthridine‐based cyclometalating (C^N) ligands to explore the donor effect on the hydrogen evolution performance of these cationic Ir(III) complexes. Remarkably, Ir4 with 4,4′‐dimethoxytriphenylamine achieved the highest turn‐over number (TON) of 12 300 and initial turnover frequency (TOFi) of 394 h−1, with initial activity (activityi) of 547 000 μmol g−1 h−1 and initial apparent quantum yield (AQYi) of 9.59 %, under the illumination of blue light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) for 105 hours, which demonstrated a stable three‐component photocatalytic system with high efficiency. The TON (based on n(H2)/n(PSr)) in this study is the highest value reported to date among the similar photocatalytic systems using Ir(III) complexes with Pt nanoparticles as catalyst. The great potential of using triphenylamine‐based Ir(III) PSs in boosting photocatalytic performance has also been shown.
Solid Base Assisted Dual‐Promoted Heterogeneous Conversion of PVC to Metal‐Free Porous Carbon Catalyst
Authors: Wang Haobo , Xu Shumao , Dong Wujie , Sun Du , Zhang Shaoning , Han Zhen , Huang Fuqiang
Published: February 2022

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is widely used in daily life, but its waste has become a serious environmental problem. A solid base assisted low‐temperature solvothermal dehalogenation was developed in this work to sustainably and efficiently transform PVC into high‐value dimethylamine hydrochloride (DMACl) chemical and N,O co‐doped carbon monolith with hierarchically porous structure. The synergistic promotion of solid‐base catalyst and solvent decomposition with the removal of HCl can shift forward the chemical equilibrium to promote the dechlorination of PVC and increase the carbon yield. Meanwhile, the solid‐base catalyst can also act as a pore‐forming additive to fabricate the carbon monolith with hierarchical pores. Induced by the high specific surface area, hierarchical pores and N,O co‐doped structure, the generated carbon monolith exhibits superior electrocatalytic performance towards H2 evolution. These discoveries shed light on the design of synergistically coupled solvent and solid catalyst to promote the heterogeneous conversion of waste chlorinated plastics into high‐value chemicals for a sustainable future.
Different Bonding Defects on Dual‐Metal Single‐Atom Electrocatalyst CoZnN6(OH) for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Zhao Mengyuan , Gan Guoyou , Zhang Qiuju
Published: February 2022

Since dual‐metal single‐atom catalyst (CoZnN/C) has been experimentally synthesized by atomically arching CoZn on N‐doped carbon nanofibers and exhibited potential electrocatalysis activity towards oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), we perform first‐principles calculations to identify the highly active sites at different defects by comparing the four‐step ORR processes on the constructed four CoZnN6 models on graphene. The corresponding N‐edge effect, dopant effect, and C‐edge ring‐closing effect are evaluated with the ORR evolution on different bonding environments, including pristine CoZnN6(OH), nanoribbon (NR) along zigzag direction, substitution of carbon/oxygen (C/O substitution), and C‐edge ring‐closing configurations. OH‐ligand is shown to significantly improve the ORR activities for all the considered structures. Especially, C‐substituted CoZnN6(OH), NR‐CoZnN5O(OH) and CoZnN6(OH) with C‐edge‐effect exhibit obviously reduced overpotentials (ηlim=0.28, 0.48 and 0.41 V) of rate‐determining steps among all the considered nine candidates. By plotting the relationship between the limiting potentials (Ulim) and free energies of intermediate *OH (ΔGOH*), two prior catalysts of pristine‐CoZnN5C(OH) and defect‐CoZnN6CH(OH) are located near the top of the volcano curve with higher Ulim=0.95 and 0.82 V than Pt(111) (Ulim=0.80 V), implying that C‐substitution could facilitate ORR performance in pristine‐ and defect‐CoZnN6(OH) bonding situation.
The relationship between the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy and suicidal experiences: A systematic review
Authors: Huggett Charlotte , Gooding Patricia , Haddock Gillian , Quigley Jody , Pratt Daniel
Published: February 2022

It is well established that there is a fundamental need to develop a robust therapeutic alliance to achieve positive outcomes in psychotherapy. However, little is known as to how this applies to psychotherapies which reduce suicidal experiences. The current narrative review summarizes the literature which investigates the relationship between the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy and a range of suicidal experiences prior to, during and following psychotherapy. Systematic searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, EMBASE and British Nursing Index were conducted. The search returned 6472 studies, of which 19 studies were eligible for the present review. Findings failed to demonstrate a clear link between suicidal experiences prior to or during psychotherapy and the subsequent development and maintenance of the therapeutic alliance during psychotherapy. However, a robust therapeutic alliance reported early on in psychotherapy was related to a subsequent reduction in suicidal ideation and attempts. Study heterogeneity, varied sample sizes and inconsistent reporting may limit the generalizability of review findings. Several recommendations are made for future psychotherapy research studies. Training and supervision of therapists should not only highlight the importance of developing and maintaining the therapeutic alliance in psychotherapy when working with people with suicidal experiences but also attune to client perceptions of relationships and concerns about discussing suicidal experiences during therapy.
Klimaresilienz in der Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung von Bauweisen
Authors: Pohl Sebastian , Clanget‐Hulin Martina , Purkert Benjamin
Published: February 2022

Vor dem Hintergrund der weltweit spürbaren Auswirkungen des Klimawandels gewinnt das klimaresiliente Bauen in Deutschland stetig an Bedeutung. Dieser Beitrag zeigt auf, wie bereits heute die Klimaresilienz Eingang in die verschiedenen Systeme der Nachhaltigkeitsbewertung wie das Deutsche Gütesiegel Nachhaltiges Bauen (DGNB) oder das Bewertungssystem Nachhaltiges Bauen des Bundes (BNB) findet. Daraufhin erfolgt eine Filterung der im Nachhaltigkeitsziel „Anpassung an den Klimawandel” der EU‐Taxonomie genannten Klimagefahren hinsichtlich klimainduzierter und konstruktionsspezifischer Umwelt‐ und Standortrisiken. Für diese erfolgt abschließend eine grobe Einschätzung der Klimaresilienz marktüblicher Bauweisen des Wohnungsbaus.
Assessment of medium and large‐sized mammals and their behavioral response toward anthropogenic activities in Jorgo‐Wato Protected Forest, Western Ethiopia
Authors: Erena Mosissa Geleta
Published: February 2022

Medium and large‐sized mammals of Jorgo‐Wato Protected Forest have not yet been documented though the forest established before four decades. Hence, this study aims to document medium and large mammals and the behavioral responses of selected mammals toward anthropogenic activities in the study area. The study was conducted from February 2015 to June 2016, encompassing the wet and dry seasons. Data were collected mainly through camera traps, indirect and direct evidence. The study revealed about 23 medium and large‐sized mammals that belong to seven orders namely Bovidae, Carnivora, Primates, Rodentia, Tubulidentata, Lagomorpha, and Hyracoidea. Papio anubis, C. guereza, and C. aethiops were the most abundant large mammals in JWPF. Because of high anthropogenic activities, African buffalo shifted its activity period from diurnal into crepuscular and nocturnal. African buffalo traveled longer distances during the wet season (mean = 14.33 km, SD = 1.25 km) than during the dry season (mean = 9.00 km, SD = 2.16 km). This could be due to the fact that the local people were less likely to go to the forest for resource exploitation during the wet season as they are fully engaged in agricultural activities. However, low agricultural activities during the dry season allow the local people to extract resources and involve in bushmeat hunting which could limit the movement of mammals to their refugia. African buffalo preferred to rest on and adjacent to a gravel road (22.1%) in the forest, followed by on open rocky hilltops (14.7%) at night time, but rest in the bottomland thicket vegetation during the dry daytime. Regardless of high human pressure in the area, this study has revealed a good number of medium and large‐sized mammals that could be used as baseline information to design a sound conservation and management action plan of large mammals and their habitat in Jorgo‐Wato Protected Forest.
Simultaneous selection on vegetative and reproductive phenology in a perennial herb
Authors: Fogelström Elsa , Zacchello Giulia , Ehrlén Johan
Published: February 2022

The timing of different life‐history events is often correlated, and selection might only rarely be exerted independently on the timing of a single event. In plants, phenotypic selection has often been shown to favor earlier flowering. However, little is known about to what extent this selection acts directly versus indirectly via vegetative phenology, and if selection on the two traits is correlational. We estimated direct, indirect, and correlational phenotypic selection on vegetative and reproductive phenology over 3 years for flowering individuals of the perennial herb Lathyrus vernus. Direct selection favored earlier flowering and shorter timespans between leaf‐out and flowering in all years. However, early flowering was associated with early leaf‐out, and the direction of selection on leaf‐out day varied among years. As a result, selection on leaf‐out weakened selection for early flowering in one of the study years. We found no evidence of correlational selection. Our results highlight the importance of including temporally correlated traits when exploring selection on the phenology of seasonal events.
Cover and density of southwestern ponderosa pine understory plants in permanent chart quadrats (2002–2020)
Authors: Moore Margaret M. , Jenness Jeffrey S. , Laughlin Daniel C. , Strahan Robert T. , Bakker Jonathan D. , Dowling Helen E. , Springer Judith D.
Published: February 2022

This data set consists of 101 permanent 1 m × 1 m (1‐m2) quadrats located within southwestern ponderosa pine ecosystems near Flagstaff, Arizona, USA. Individual plants in these quadrats were identified and mapped annually for 19 years (2002–2020). The original chart quadrats were established between 1912 and 1927 to determine the effects of domestic livestock grazing on herbaceous plants and pine seedlings. Today these data provide opportunities to examine the effects of climate and land‐use change on plant demography, population dynamics, and community processes. We provide the following data and data formats: (1) digitized maps of all plant locations in shapefile and geodatabase format, (2) shapefiles showing annual locations of each individual plant species, (3) annual maps of each quadrat in TIFF and PDF format, (4) annual basal area of each species per quadrat for species mapped as polygons, (5) tabular representation of polygon areas and centroid locations for plant species mapped as polygons, (6) tabular representation of point locations for plant species mapped as points, (7) plot‐scale 20 m × 20 m overstory tree canopy cover, tree basal area, parent material, and elevation, (8) quadrat‐scale information (e.g., quadrat site and number, coordinates in UTM Zone 12 and latitude/longitude, and descriptive comments for each quadrat), (9) plant species list, (10) summary of plant species observed in each quadrat, (11) summary of quadrats mapped by site and year, and (12) data formatted for use in Integral Projection Models (IPM) and plant population analyses. There are no copyright restrictions; please cite this paper and the associated data set when data are used in publications.
Patient profile and outcomes associated with follow‐up in specialty vs. primary care in heart failure
Authors: Lindberg Felix , Lund Lars H. , Benson Lina , Schrage Benedikt , Edner Magnus , Dahlström Ulf , Linde Cecilia , Rosano Giuseppe , Savarese Gianluigi
Published: February 2022

Aims

Factors influencing follow‐up referral decisions and their prognostic implications are poorly investigated in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced (HFrEF), mildly reduced (HFmrEF), and preserved (HFpEF) ejection fraction (EF). We assessed (i) the proportion of, (ii) independent predictors of, and (iii) outcomes associated with follow‐up in specialty vs. primary care across the EF spectrum.

Methods and results

We analysed 75 518 patients from the large and nationwide Swedish HF registry between 2000–2018. Multivariable logistic regression models were fitted to identify the independent predictors of planned follow‐up in specialty vs. primary care, and multivariable Cox models to assess the association between follow‐up type and outcomes. In this nationwide registry, 48 115 (64%) patients were planned for follow‐up in specialty and 27 403 (36%) in primary care. The median age was 76 [interquartile range (IQR) 67–83] years and 27 546 (36.5%) patients were female. Key independent predictors of planned follow‐up in specialty care included optimized HF care, that is follow‐up in a nurse‐led HF clinic [odds ratio (OR) 4.60, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.41–4.79], use of HF devices (OR 3.99, 95% CI 3.62–4.40), beta‐blockers (OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.32–1.47), renin–angiotensin system/angiotensin‐receptor‐neprilysin inhibitors (OR 1.21, 95% CI 1.15–1.27), and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.26–1.37); and more severe HF, that is higher NT‐proBNP (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.06–1.20) and NYHA class (OR 1.13, 95% CI 1.08–1.19). Factors associated with lower likelihood of follow‐up in specialty care included older age (OR 0.29, 95% CI 0.28–0.30), female sex (OR 0.89, 95% CI 0.86–0.93), lower income (OR 0.79, 95% CI 0.76–0.82) and educational level (OR 0.77, 95% CI 0.73–0.81), higher EF [HFmrEF (OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.62–0.68) and HFpEF (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.53–0.58) vs. HFrEF], and higher comorbidity burden, such as presence of kidney disease (OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.87–0.95), atrial fibrillation (OR 0.85, 95% CI 0.81–0.89), and diabetes mellitus (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.88–0.96). A planned follow‐up in specialty care was independently associated with lower risk of all‐cause [hazard ratio (HR) 0.78, 95% CI 0.76–0.80] and cardiovascular death (HR 0.76, 95% CI 0.73–0.78) across the EF spectrum, but not of HF hospitalization (HR 1.06, 95% CI 1.03–1.10).

Conclusions

In a large nationwide HF population, referral to specialty care was linked with male sex, younger age, lower EF, lower comorbidity burden, better socioeconomic environment and optimized HF care, and associated with better survival across the EF spectrum. Our findings highlight the need for greater and more equal access to HF specialty care and improved quality of primary care.
Multi‐fuel performance and emission characteristics of an optimized thermal barrier coated diesel engine
Authors: Sankar Vishnu , Thampi B.S. Gireeshkumaran , Panicker M.R. Radhakrishna , Ramachandran Manoj
Published: February 2022

Owing to the depletion of world oil reserves and increased environmental issues, engine modifications amid alternative fuels to improve performance are alluring a lot of attention nowadays. More than half of the total energy generated in the internal combustion engines are dissipated from the system through frictional losses, engine part cooling, exhaust, etc. The minimisation of these energy losses through heat transfer can improve the engine performance to an extent. The finest alternative for minimizing the energy losses through heat dissipations from the engine is with the use of thermal barrier coated (TBC) combustion chambers. In this paper optimum working condition of a single cylinder Kirloskar diesel engine with a ceramic thermal barrier coating (Yttria‐stabilized zirconia) on the piston was determined using Design of Experiments (DOE) software and predictions were validated experimentally. Further the multi‐fuel performance of a diesel engine with ceramic coated piston was also analyzed. The fuels used were diesel, pure biodiesel and optimized biodiesel blend B20. The optimum working condition was determined by using central composite design method in Design Expert‐7 software. The B20 fuel with TBC engine resulted to the maximum efficiency. Further it was validated experimentally by performing experiment at rated revolutions per minute (RPM) in a Kirloskar made single cylinder direct injection computerized diesel engine. Eventually a mathematical equation for the relationship between brake power, brake specific fuel consumption and brake thermal efficiency was derived using DOE software.
Integrating external controls in case–control studies improves power for rare‐variant tests
Authors: Li Yatong , Lee Seunggeun
Published: February 2022

Large‐scale sequencing and genotyping data provide an opportunity to integrate external samples as controls to improve power of association tests. However, due to the systematic differences between genotyped samples from different studies, naively aggregating the controls could lead to inflation in Type I error rates. There has been recent effort to integrate external controls while adjusting for batch effect, such as the integrating External Controls into Association Test (iECAT) and its score‐based single variant tests. Building on the original iECAT framework, we propose an iECAT‐Score region‐based test that increases power for rare‐variant tests when integrating external controls. This method assesses the systematic batch effect between internal and external samples at each variant and constructs compound shrinkage score statistics to test for the joint genetic effect within a gene or a region, while adjusting for covariates and population stratification. Through simulation studies, we demonstrate that the proposed method controls for Type I error rates and improves power in rare‐variant tests. The application of the proposed method to the association studies of age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) from the International AMD Genomics Consortium and UK Biobank revealed novel rare‐variant associations in gene DXO. Through the incorporation of external controls, the iECAT methods offer a powerful suite to identify disease‐associated genetic variants, further shedding light on future directions to investigate roles of rare variants in human diseases.
The paradox of co‐producing governance with traditional institutions: Diaspora chiefs and minority empowerment in Nigeria
Authors: Ehrhardt David
Published: February 2022

Diaspora chiefs are traditional authorities of migrant communities. In Nigeria, they can function as representative brokers who empower their communities and co‐produce governance with the state. This article shows how in Kano, Nigeria's second‐largest city, this brokerage produces paradoxical outcomes. Based on original interviews and survey data, it describes how, on the one hand, diaspora chiefs are highly popular and have indeed created new spaces for minorities to access public resources. But, on the other, the constraints inherent in these newly created, traditional spaces mean that minority empowerment may well come at the expense of reproducing their nonindigenous, second‐class citizenship status.
Abuse of amantadine in poultry may be associated with higher fatality rate of H5N1 infections in humans
Authors: Yuan Shu , Jiang Si‐Cong , Zhang Zhong‐Wei , Fu Yu‐Fan , Zhu Feng , Li Zi‐Lin , Hu Jing
Published: February 2022

Amantadine, an antiviral drug, has been widely used in human anti‐influenza treatments. However, several highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses show amantadine‐resistance mutations in the viral matrix 2 (M2) protein. Here we analyzed global H5N1 sequencing data and calculate possible correlations between frequencies of key mutations in M2 and the mortality rates. We found that the frequency of L26I/V27A mutation in M2 (isolated from both human and avian hosts) is linearly correlated with the mortality rates of human H5N1 infections. The significant correlation between M2 mutations in avians and the mortality rates in humans suggests that the pre‐existence of L26I/V27A in birds may determine patient fatalities after transinfections from avian to human hosts. 100% prevalence of L26I/V27A mutation increased the mortality rates from 51% (95% confidence interval [CI] 37%–65%) to 89% (95% CI 88%–90%). Mutations involving Leu26 or Val27 were identified to be the major mutations emerging from drug selection pressure. Thus the emergence of the super H5N1 virus with a fatality of over 90% may be attributed to the abuse of amantadine in poultry, especially in some southeast Asian countries. A more stringent control to antiviral veterinary drugs is imperative.
Rising risks of compound extreme heat‐precipitation events in China
Authors: Ning Guicai , Luo Ming , Zhang Wei , Liu Zhen , Wang Shigong , Gao Tao
Published: February 2022

While the changes of extreme weather and climate events have been well investigated, the change of compound events (i.e., combinations of multiple weather/climate extremes and/or hazards), which severely affect the biophysical and human systems, remains poorly understood. Here, we examine the decadal trends of subsequently (or “preconditioned”) compound extreme heat‐precipitation events (i.e., extreme precipitation events preceded by an extreme heat) across China during 1961–2016. We find that, on average, around one‐quarter of summer precipitation extremes over China (especially western China) are preceded by an extreme heat event. In most areas of China, the fraction of the compound precipitation events preceded by heat extremes exhibits significant increases since the 1960s, with a national mean increasing tendency of 2.51%·decade−1. Furthermore, the rising trends in the fractional contribution of hot weather to extreme precipitation events over most parts of China have accelerated in more recent decades.
Objective evaluation of chondrocyte density & cloning after joint injury using convolutional neural networks
Authors: Yang Linjun , Martin James A. , Brouillette Marc J. , Buckwalter Joseph A. , Goetz Jessica E.
Published: February 2022

Variations in chondrocyte density and organization in cartilage histology sections are associated with osteoarthritis progression. Rapid, accurate quantification of these two features can facilitate the evaluation of cartilage health and advance the understanding of their significance. The goal of this work was to adapt deep‐learning‐based methods to detect articular chondrocytes and chondrocyte clones from safranin‐O‐stained cartilage to evaluate chondrocyte cellularity and organization. The U‐net and “you‐only‐look‐once” (YOLO) models were trained and validated for identifying chondrocytes and chondrocyte clones, respectively. Validated models were then used to quantify chondrocyte and clone density in talar cartilage from Yucatan minipigs sacrificed 1 week, 3, 6, and 12 months after fixation of an intra‐articular fracture of the hock joint. There was excellent/good agreement between expert researchers and the developed models in identifying chondrocytes/clones (U‐net: R2 = 0.93, y = 0.90x–0.69; median F1 score: 0.87/YOLO: R2 = 0.79, y = 0.95x; median F1 score: 0.67). Average chondrocyte density increased 1 week after fracture (from 774 to 856 cells/mm2), decreased substantially 3 months after fracture (610 cells/mm2), and slowly increased 6 and 12 months after fracture (638 and 683 cells/mm2, respectively). Average detected clone density 3, 6, and 12 months after fracture (11, 11, 9 clones/mm2) was higher than the 4–5 clones/mm2 detected in normal tissue or 1 week after fracture and show local increases in clone density that varied across the joint surface with time. The accurate evaluation of cartilage cellularity and organization provided by this deep learning approach will increase objectivity of cartilage injury and regeneration assessments.
Isolation and identification of soil bacteria resistant to surfactants in washing detergents
Authors: Miyoshi Shin‐ichi , Okubo Naomi , Mitsumori Satoko
Published: February 2022

Linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) and polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (POLE) are the major surfactants in washing detergents. In the present study, we isolated surfactant‐resistant bacteria from soil samples collected from a sports ground and a farm field. The samples were treated with 2.0% LAS or POLE at 25°C for 30 min and cultivated on agar plates at 25°C for several days, after which manifold bacterial colonies were isolated. Thereafter, we tested the ability of each bacterial isolate to resist the antibacterial activity of the surfactant. Ten LAS‐resistant strains were isolated, and all were found to be Gram‐negative bacteria such as Enterobacter and Pseudomonas. On the other hand, 18 POLE‐resistant strains were isolated, of which 14 were Gram‐positive bacteria including Bacillus and Microbacterium. Notably, one POLE‐resistant strain was identified as Bacillus cereus, a potential causative agent for foodborne illness. The genera of LAS‐ and POLE‐resistant bacteria did not overlap. Therefore, the combination of LAS and POLE could be more effective to eliminate soil bacteria from clothes and/or daily necessities.
Semiautomated Software to Improve Stability and Reduce Operator‐Induced Variation in Vascular Ultrasound Speckle Tracking
Authors: Rajaram Nirmala , Thelen Brian J. , Hamilton James D. , Zheng Yihao , Morgan Timothy , Funes‐Lora Miguel Angel , Yessayan Lenar , Shih Albert J. , Henke Peter , Osborne Nicholas , Bishop Brandie , Krishnamurthy Venkataramu N. , Weitzel William F.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Ultrasound is useful in predicting arteriovenous fistula (AVF) maturation, which is essential for hemodialysis in end‐stage renal disease patients. We developed ultrasound software that measures circumferential vessel wall strain (distensibility) using conventional ultrasound Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) data. We evaluated user‐induced variability in measurement of arterial wall distensibility and upon finding considerable variation we developed and tested 2 methods for semiautomated measurement.

Methods

Ultrasound scanning of arteries of 10 subjects scheduled for AVF surgery were performed. The top and bottom of the vessel wall were tracked using the Kanade‐Lucas‐Tomasi (KLT) feature‐tracking algorithm over the stack of images in the DICOM cine loops. The wall distensibility was calculated from the change of vessel diameter over time. Two semiautomated methods were used for comparison.

Results

The location of points selected by users for the cine loops varied significantly, with a maximum spread of up to 120 pixels (7.8 mm) for the top and up to 140 pixels (9.1 mm) for the bottom of the vessel wall. This variation in users' point selection contributed to the variation in distensibility measurements (ranging from 5.63 to 41.04%). Both semiautomated methods substantially reduced variation and were highly correlated with the median distensibility values obtained by the 10 users.

Conclusions

Minimizing user‐induced variation by standardizing point selection will increase reproducibility and reliability of distensibility measurements. Our recent semiautomated software may help expand use in clinical studies to better understand the role of vascular wall compliance in predicting the maturation of fistulas.