bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge sharing for shared success in the decade on ecosystem restoration
Authors: Ladouceur Emma , Shackelford Nancy , Bouazza Karma , Brudvig Lars , Bucharova Anna , Conradi Timo , Erickson Todd E. , Garbowski Magda , Garvy Kelly , Harpole W. Stanley , Jones Holly P. , Knight Tiffany , Nsikani Mlungele M. , Paterno Gustavo , Suding Katharine , Temperton Vicky M. , Török Péter , Winkler Daniel E. , Chase Jonathan M.
Published: January 2022

The Decade on Ecosystem Restoration aims to provide the means and incentives for upscaling restoration efforts worldwide. Although ecosystem restoration is a broad, interdisciplinary concept, effective ecological restoration requires sound ecological knowledge to successfully restore biodiversity and ecosystem services in degraded landscapes.

We emphasize the critical role of knowledge and data sharing to inform synthesis for the most robust restoration science possible. Such synthesis is critical for helping restoration ecologists better understand how context affects restoration outcomes, and to increase predictive capacity of restoration actions. This predictive capacity can help to provide better information for evidence‐based decision‐making, and scale‐up approaches to meet ambitious targets for restoration.

We advocate for a concerted effort to collate species‐level, fine‐scale, ecological community data from restoration studies across a wide range of environmental and ecological gradients. Well‐articulated associated metadata relevant to experience and social or landscape contexts can further be used to explain outcomes. These data could be carefully curated and made openly available to the restoration community to help to maximize evidence‐based knowledge sharing, enable flexible re‐use of existing data and support predictive capacity in ecological community responses to restoration actions.

We detail how integrated data, analysis and knowledge sharing via synthesis can support shared success in restoration ecology by identifying successful and unsuccessful outcomes across diverse systems and scales. We also discuss potential interdisciplinary solutions and approaches to overcome challenges associated with bringing together subfields of restoration practice. Sharing this knowledge and data openly can directly inform actions and help to improve outcomes for the Decade on Ecosystem Restoration.
Multivariable variable‐gain super‐twisting control via output feedback for systems with arbitrary relative degrees
Authors: Rodrigues Victor Hugo Pereira , Oliveira Tiago Roux
Published: January 2022

An output‐feedback super‐twisting algorithm (STA) with variable gains is developed for multiple‐input and multiple‐output plants with arbitrary relative degrees. Global or semi‐global finite‐time exact tracking can be guaranteed for a class of uncertain systems with matched nonlinear time‐varying disturbances, possibly dependent on the unmeasured states. This represents a significant generalization of recently introduced versions of the STAs to a multivariable setup with arbitrary relative degrees, output‐feedback, and variable gains. The construction of such controller is based on a higher‐order sliding‐mode multivariable differentiator with dynamic gains. The gain adaptation for the controller and differentiator employs state‐norm observers to overcome the lack of the full‐state measurement. The stability properties of the proposed control system are demonstrated by means of input‐to‐state stability tools and a Lyapunov function‐based analysis. The theoretical results are verified through numerical and academic examples.
Crises and Contestations: The Promise and Peril of Designing a Green New Deal
Authors: Fleming Billy
Published: January 2022

It is clear that we are facing a tipping point in global politics, climate change and social justice. Much has been trumpeted under the banner of the ‘Green New Deal’. Billy Fleming, the Wilks Family Director of the Ian L McHarg Center at the Weitzman School of Design, University of Pennsylvania, describes the history and various approaches encompassed within this ubiquitous epithet and how designers can get involved.
Just Transition: Rewiring Carbon‐Pollutant Landscapes and Labour into a Community Forestry Framework
Authors: Luciano Suastegui Elena , Martinez Caldera Rafael , Yehia Yasmina
Published: January 2022

Elena Luciano Suastegui, Rafael Martinez Caldera and Yasmina Yehia introduce the Just Transition student project they developed as part of the Landscape Urbanism course at the Architectural Association (AA) in London. The scheme focuses on the coalfields of the South Wales Valleys – areas that were mostly abandoned in the 1980s due to the demise of the UK coal industry, proposing new relationships between community, leisure, work and production to sustainably regenerate these locales.
Dynamic Domains of Antarctica: A Design Model of Global Commons in Sync with Planetary Metabolism
Authors: Kiss Daniel , Chaturvedi Swadheet
Published: January 2022

As part of a recent MArch Landscape Urbanism thesis project at the Architectural Association (AA) in London, Daniel Kiss and Swadheet Chaturvedi investigated the food chains that impinge on Antarctica, which are deeply intertwined with the health of our planet. The authors zero in, for example, on the fishing of krill, illustrating its domains and positing dynamic protections for sustainable modes of harvesting.
Take Back the Land
Authors: Pereira Godofredo Enes , Geros Christina Leigh , Goodbun Jon
Published: January 2022

Godofredo Enes Pereira, Christina Leigh Geros and Jon Goodbun have been analysing governmental Green New Deal policy globally, viewing it through the microcosmic eye of their own research and that of their students on the MA Environmental Architecture course at the Royal College of Art in London. This includes their Lithium Triangle project that concentrates on the environmental damage caused by the extraction of lithium from the Chilean landscape, and the Orang‐orang and the Hutan project in Indonesia that contests Western dominance and the effects of centuries of colonisation.
Taking Apart Buildings and Systems: In Conversation with Mae Bowley of Re:Purpose Savannah
Authors: Hutton Jane Mah , Creba Alison
Published: January 2022

Mae Bowley directs Re:Purpose Savannah, a women‐run organisation that trains and employs women in the practice of deconstruction. Like many such outfits, they work to divert materials from landfill as a way to combat wasteful economic and political systems that devalue people, forests and cultural heritage. Jane Mah Hutton and Alison Creba engage in a conversation with her about her work and its aspirations.
Towards the Abolition of the Hinterlands
Authors: Heron Kai , Heffron Alex
Published: January 2022

Kai Heron, a lecturer in politics at the University of Manchester, and farmer Alex Heffron, based in the hills of southwest Wales, are critical of the contradictions between the Green New Deal's aspirations and its material effects, especially in the Global South. Here they outline their commitment to collective agrarian movements and agroecological farming to imagine a land‐sharing approach defined by intricate matrices of urban and rural land‐uses where human and nonhumans can flourish together.
Laser‐Induced Tuning and Spatial Control of the Emissivity of Phase‐Changing Ge2Sb2Te5 Emitter for Thermal Camouflage
Authors: Kim Chanhee , Kim Yeongseon , Lee Myeongkyu
Published: January 2022

The tuning of a material's emissivity in the atmospheric window range of 8–13 µm is crucial for infrared (IR) adaptive applications such as thermal camouflage, IR stealth, and radiative cooling. A resonator structure comprising a phase‐changing Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) film on a metal mirror is promising as a tunable thermal emitter because its long‐wavelength IR emissivity can be varied by adjusting the degree of crystallization of the GST film through annealing. However, the space‐selective tuning of the emissivity required for practical use remains a significant challenge. Herein, a hybrid method combining laser irradiation and heat treatment is presented for space‐selective and continuous tuning of the emissivity of a GST‐based resonator. The current study shows that a laser‐induced crystalline layer formed in the near‐surface region of a 400 nm thick amorphous GST film can act as heterogeneous nuclei for crystallization when the film is subsequently annealed, thereby increasing the crystallization rate of the GST film. This results in a large difference in emissivity between the irradiated and nonirradiated areas, and the emissivity difference can be tuned by changing the annealing temperature. Thermal camouflage is experimentally demonstrated by making high‐and low‐temperature regions with low and high emissivity, respectively.
The influence of subsistence strategy and climate on bony labyrinth morphology in recentHomo sapiens
Authors: Ward Devin L. , Schroeder Lauren , Roy Jocelyn E. , Hertz Madelyn , Uhl Alexandra , Pomeroy Emma , Stock Jay T. , Copes Lynn , Baab Karen L. , Viola T. Bence , Silcox Mary T.
Published: January 2022

Objectives

Intraspecific shape variation in the recentHomo sapiensbony labyrinth has been assessed for association with sexual dimorphism, body size, and genetic differences, but has not been fully assessed for association with extrinsic factors, such as subsistence strategy and climate. While the skull overall is known to vary with these variables, the bony labyrinth develops in utero and exhibits microstructural stability through adulthood. Therefore, labyrinthine morphology may be resistant to extrinsic variables.

Materials and methods

We collected labyrinthine shape data using computed tomography from 262 individuals associated with archeological or contemporary collections used for dissection in North America, Europe, Africa, and Southeast Asia. We assessed the data for observer error and asymmetry. Shape variation is examined between subsistence strategy groups and climate type groups with Principal Components Analyses and Procrustes ANOVA's, and shape variation was correlated with specific climate data (precipitation, temperature, altitude) with a two‐block partial least squares analysis.

Results

Both inter‐ and intra‐observer error as well as asymmetry minimally affected labyrinthine shape variation. We found that both subsistence strategy and climate each account for a statistically significant 7% of overall shape variation, and that specific climate variables have statistically significant correlation with labyrinthine shape variation (RV 0.52527).

Discussion

Morphological variation in this sample indicates that the labyrinth is not entirely resistant to extrinsic factors associated with subsistence strategy and climate. Shape differences are not localized to specific regions of the labyrinth, but may contribute to the complicated variation seen in recent human evolution and warrants further exploration.
Suppressing Creep and Promoting Fast Reprocessing of Vitrimers with Reversibly Trapped Amines
Authors: Van Lijsebetten Filip , De Bruycker Kevin , Spiesschaert Yann , Winne Johan M. , Du Prez Filip E.
Published: January 2022

We report a straightforward chemical strategy to tackle current challenges of irreversible deformation in low Tg vitrimers at operating temperature. In particular, vinylogous urethane (VU) vitrimers were prepared where reactive free amines, necessary for material flow, were temporarily shielded inside the network backbone, by adding a small amount of dibasic ester to the curing mixture. The amines could be released as reactive chain ends from the resulting dicarboxamide bonds via thermally reversible cyclisation to an imide moiety. Indeed, (re)generation of the required nucleophilic amines as network defects ensured reprocessing and rapid material flow at higher temperature, where exchange dynamics are (re)activated. As a result, VU vitrimers were obtained with limited creep at service temperature, yet with good reprocessability at elevated temperatures. Thus, by exerting strong control on the molecular level over the availability of exchangeable functional groups, a remarkable improvement of VU properties was obtained.
Significance of Receptor Mobility in Multivalent Binding on Lipid Membranes
Authors: Morzy Diana , Bastings Maartje
Published: January 2022

Numerous key biological processes rely on the concept of multivalency, where ligands achieve stable binding only upon engaging multiple receptors. These processes, like viral entry or immune synapse formation, occur on the diffusive cellular membrane. One crucial, yet underexplored aspect of multivalent binding is the mobility of coupled receptors. Here, we discuss the consequences of mobility in multivalent processes from four perspectives: (I) The facilitation of receptor recruitment by the multivalent ligand due to their diffusivity prior to binding. (II) The effects of receptor preassembly, which allows their local accumulation. (III) The consequences of changes in mobility upon the formation of receptor/ligand complex. (IV) The changes in the diffusivity of lipid environment surrounding engaged receptors. We demonstrate how understanding mobility is essential for fully unravelling the principles of multivalent membrane processes, leading to further development in studies on receptor interactions, and guide the design of new generations of multivalent ligands.
Bacteria‐Triggered Solar Hydrogen Production via Platinum(II)‐Tethered Chalcogenoviologens
Authors: Li Guoping , Zhou Kun , Sun Qi , Ma Wenqiang , Liu Xu , Zhang Xuri , Zhang Lei , Rao Bin , He Ya‐Ling , He Gang
Published: January 2022

Multifunctional solar energy conversion offers a feasible strategy to solve energy, environmental and water crises. Herein, a series of platinum(II)‐tethered chalcogenoviologens (PtL+‐EV2+, E=S, Se, Te) is reported, which integrate the functions of photosensitizer, electron mediator and catalyst. PtL+‐EV2+(particularly for PtL+‐SeV2+)‐based one‐component solar H2production could be triggered not only by EDTA, but also by facultative anaerobic and aerobic bacteria relying on a simplified mechanism, along with efficient antibacterial activities. In addition, by using real pool water, PtL+‐SeV2+achieved multiple functions, including H2production, antibacterial action and acid removal, which supplied a new strategy to solve various problems in real life via a single system.
Dual‐Band‐Tunable White‐Light Emission from Bi3+/Te4+ Emitters in Perovskite‐Derivative Cs2SnCl6 Microcrystals
Authors: Zhang Wei , Zheng Wei , Li Lingyun , Huang Ping , Gong Zhongliang , Zhou Ziwei , Sun Jinyue , Yu Yan , Chen Xueyuan
Published: January 2022

Luminescent metal halides have attracted considerable attention in next‐generation solid‐state lighting because of their superior optical properties and easy solution processibility. Herein, we report a new class of highly efficient and dual‐band‐tunable white‐light emitters based on Bi3+/Te4+ co‐doped perovskite derivative Cs2SnCl6 microcrystals. Owing to the strong electron‐phonon coupling and efficient energy transfer from Bi3+ to Te4+, the microcrystals exhibited broad dual‐band white‐light emission originating from the inter‐configurational 3P0,1→1S0 transitions of Bi3+ and Te4+, with good stability and a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of up to 68.3 %. Specifically, a remarkable transition in Bi3+‐PL lifetime from milliseconds at 10 K to microseconds at 300 K was observed, as solid evidence for the isolated Bi3+ emission. These findings provide not only new insights into the excited‐state dynamics of Bi3+ and Te4+ in Cs2SnCl6, but also a general approach to achieve single‐composition white‐light emitters based on lead‐free metal halides through ns2‐metal ion co‐doping.
Effect of gelatin type on the structure and properties of microfibrillated cellulose reinforced gelatin edible films
Authors: Liu Yanchun , Liu Shujie , Liu Jie , Zheng Xuejing , Tang Keyong
Published: January 2022

The physical and mechanical properties of gelatin edible films need to be significantly improved to meet the increasing requirements of food and pharmaceutical industry. This study investigates the effect of gelatin type on the structure and properties of glycerol plasticized gelatin films reinforced by microfibrillated cellulose (MFC). Results indicate that the tensile strength of type‐A and type‐B gelatin (GelA and GelB) films increases by 48% and 90% respectively at an optimum MFC content of 15 wt% in comparison to control gelatin films without MFC. The incorporation of MFC also has a more pronounced impact on optical properties and moisture absorption capability of GelB films than on those of GelA films. Scanning electron microscopy and polarized optical microscopy studies show that the MFC fibrils are uniformly distributed in both types of gelatin matrices. X‐ray diffraction and attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared analyses reveal that the interactions between MFC and GelB are stronger than those of between the MFC and GelA. The mechanism behind the more significant mechanical performance improvement of GelB films by the addition of MFC is speculated to be that stronger hydrogen bonding interactions contribute to enhanced structural integrity and stability of the gelatin‐based films.
Characterization of a new bio‐based and biodegradable blends of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) and poly(butylene‐co‐succinate‐co‐adipate)
Authors: Le Delliou Benjamin , Vitrac Olivier , Castro Mickael , Bruzaud Stephane , Domenek Sandra
Published: January 2022

Melt blending of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV) and poly(butylene‐co‐succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA) was investigated by means of batch mixing at different weight ratios (100:0, 70:30, 50:50, 30:70, and 0:100). PHBV and PBSA were immiscible. PBSA formed small nodules in PHBV, while PHBV formed large inclusions in PBSA. In 50/50 wt% blends, a co‐continuous structure was obtained. The crystallization rate of PHBV and PBSA increased in the blends, most probably due to mutual nucleation, except at the later stages, where PHBV crystallization rates slowed down inside the nodules and in the co‐continuous structure. The mechanical properties were successfully modeled with the EBM model, including parallel and serial resistances and show that the rigidity of the material can be modulated using PBSA. The elongation at break is however governed by PHBV. The blends featured brittle fracture even if PBSA was the continuous phase. The analysis of the stress at break showed that the fracture could be ascribed to debonding at the interfaces and the fracture behavior of PHBV.
Pharmacokinetic and brain distribution study of an anti‐glioblastoma agent in mice by HPLC–MS/MS
Authors: Li Yaxin , Dano Raina , Li Cathy , Zhang Wenjing , Lathia Justin D. , Wang Bingcheng , Su Bin
Published: January 2022

Previously compound I showed great anti‐glioblastoma activity without toxicity in a mouse xenograft study. In this study, a sensitive and rapid high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC–MS/MS) method was developed and validated to investigate the pharmacokinetics and brain distribution of compound I in mice. The protein precipitation method was applied to extract the compound from mouse plasma and brain homogenates, and it was then separated using a Kinetex C18 column with a mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile–0.1% formic acid water (50:50, v/v). The analytes were detected with multiple reaction monitoring for the quantitative response of the compounds. The inter‐ and intra‐day precisions were <8.29 and 3.85%, respectively, and the accuracy range was within ±7.33%. The method was successfully applied to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of compound I in mouse plasma and brain tissue. The peak concentration in plasma was achieved within 1 h. The apparent elimination half‐life was 4.06 h. The peak concentration of compound I in brain tissue was 0.88 μg/g. The results indicated that compound I was rapidly distributed and could cross the blood–brain barrier. The pharmacokinetic profile summarized provides valuable information for the further investigation of compound I as a potential anti‐glioblastoma agent.
Synthesis, characterization and control of eight process‐related and two genotoxic fingolimod impurities by a validated RP‐UPLC method
Authors: Bellur Atici Esen , Yazar Yücel , Rıdvanoğlu Nurten
Published: January 2022

An HPLC method has been described in the European Pharmacopoeia and United States Pharmacopeia for the determination of nine organic impurities (imp A–I) in fingolimod hydrochloride, a synthetic sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator. The manufacturing process of fingolimod hydrochloride consists of multistep chemical synthesis wherein controls of precursors, intermediates and process steps should be performed to assure the final quality of the drug substance. We synthesized and isolated eight process‐related impurities (FINI imp A–H) of fingolimod, which were different from the pharmacopoeial impurities. One unknown process‐related impurity was found as a key intermediate (FINI) and was identified by LC–MS. Characterization of all of the impurities were done using spectroscopic techniques (1H and 13C NMR, FTIR, MS), and the mechanistic pathways to the formation of these impurities were also discussed. Two of these impurities were evaluated as potential genotoxic impurities owing to their alerting structures and alkylating properties (alkyl sulfonates and alkyl halides, class 3, ICH M7). We also developed and validated an RP‐UPLC method in line with ICH Q2 guidelines for control these impurities (FINI imp A–H) and to assure the pharmacopoeial quality drug substance.
Boron‐, Sulfur‐ and Nitrogen‐Doped Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Multiple Resonance Emitters for Narrow‐Band Blue Emission
Authors: Li Qiang , Wu Yuliang , Wang Xingdong , Yang Qingqing , Hu Jun , Zhong Rui , Shao Shiyang , Wang Lixiang
Published: January 2022

Two boron‐, sulfur‐ and nitrogen‐doped polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon multiple resonance thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitters with high photoluminescent quantum efficiency (88 %) and rapid reverse intersystem crossing (kRISC= 1.0×105 s−1) are designed and synthesized, enabling efficient narrow‐band blue electroluminescence at 473 nm with full width at half maximum of 29 nm and maximum external quantum efficiency of 22.0 %, which provides an avenue to expand the structure library for multiple resonance emitters and an approach to regulate their emission properties.
Substituent Effects of Tetracoordinate Boron in Organic Synthesis
Authors: Taniguchi Tsuyoshi
Published: January 2022

The present review focuses on recent examples of tetracoordinate boryl groups greatly influencing reactions in organic synthesis. Electron‐rich tetracoordinate boryl groups stabilize or activate reactive intermediates such as cations, radicals and π‐conjugation systems, and interaction of the intermediates with carbon‐boron or heteroatom‐boron bonds is the origin of such substituent effects. Unique substituent effects of tetracoordinate boryl groups often promote desired reactions and affect results of reactions such as yield and selectivity of products.
Zeolite Membranes – The Importance of Support Analysis
Authors: Kapteijn Freek , Wang Xuerui
Published: January 2022

Zeolite membranes are highly attractive in energy efficient, selective separation technologies. Their high selectivity originates from selective adsorption, diffusion and even molecular sieving. High flux zeolite membranes (> 1 mol s−1m−2) with a sub‐micrometer thickness are mechanically stabilized by a porous, often multilayer, support. Transport mechanisms in zeolite layer and support, however, are counteracting regarding selectivity, and a support may also act as a flux resistance. Several examples are analyzed quantifying the impact of the support on the observed performance, showing the effect of layer thickness, orientation of the asymmetric membrane and operational conditions, resulting in recommendations for the configuration of zeolite membrane modules.
Catalytic 1,3‐H Atom Shift of a Terminal Benzylic Alkyne by Iron and Alkali Metal Silylamides – Switching between Allene and Internal Alkyne
Authors: Weller Ruth , Müller Igor , Werncke C. Gunnar
Published: January 2022

Herein the examination of the transformation of alkynes by low‐coordinate iron silylamides is presented. An anionic linear iron(I) silylamides ([Fe(N{Dipp}SiR3)2]−; Dipp=2,6‐di‐iso‐propylphenyl, R=Me) acts as precatalyst for the cyclotrimerization of diphenyl acetylene but is unable to transform internal alkynes with aliphatic substituents or terminal alkynes accordingly. For a benzylic, terminal alkyne, however, the 1,3‐H‐shift to the internal alkyne is observed and proceeds via phenyl allene. Using 10 mol% of the iron complex, the terminal alkene is selectively transformed to phenyl allene within minutes, and further fully transformed to the internal alkyne within 24 h. The transformation is retraced on a stoichiometric level and leads to the isolation of a π‐alkyne complex with a shifted triple bond. Further, the anionic, trigonal iron(II) silylamide [Fe(NR2)3]− also mediates the catalytic conversion of the terminal alkyne but is restricted to allene formation. Overall, a deprotonation/reprotonation mechanism is assumed for these transformations. This was ultimately proven by using potassium hexamethyldisilazanide KNR2, which is an even more active catalyst for the complete triple bond shift.
Evidence of intraplate magmatism and subduction magmatism during the formation of Nagaland–Manipur Ophiolites, Indo–Myanmar Orogenic Belt, north‐east India
Authors: Imtisunep Sashimeren , Singh Athokpam Krishnakanta , Bikramaditya Rajkumar , Khogenkumar Shoraisam , Chaubey Monika , Kumar Naveen
Published: January 2022

Mafic extrusive rocks (basalts) and intrusive rocks (gabbros) from the Nagaland–Manipur Ophiolite (NMO) of the Indo–Myanmar Orogenic Belt (IMOB), north‐east India, are investigated to understand their magmatic evolution in diverse tectonic environments. Basalts are distinguished into two types: basalt‐I and basalt‐II. Basalt‐I type shows the sub‐alkaline character with Nb/Y < 0.50, low Nb/Th (2.36–7.94), and low to moderate La/Sm (1.00–4.12) indicating derivation from a slightly enriched mantle source and also supported by their enriched LREE pattern with flat HREE. They are depleted in HFSEs (Nb and Ti) but enriched in U and Pb, which is indicative of a typical subduction origin derived from an MORB‐type mantle source. Investigated samples of basalt‐II and gabbros have an equal composition with alkaline characteristics. They have Nb/Y > 0.50, high Nb/Th (8.38–13.37), and highly enriched LREE (La/Sm = 4.41–6.35) pattern. They show typical Ocean Island Basalt (OIB) characters of a plume source. The two sets of basalts and gabbros found in this study have no sign of genetic relationship, and therefore, it strongly suggests that they were derived from two different mantle sources of a plume and a subduction zone mantle wedge. Our study supports the theory that the NMO has records of different magmatic episodes produced ranging from plume‐related magmatism, to divergent and convergent plate magmatism that were generated at diverse tectonic settings.
Experimental investigation on frequency pulsation effects on a single pass plate heat exchanger performance
Authors: Alikhan Amina Hmoud , Maghrebi Mohammad Javad
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates combined heat transfer improvement methods. These methods include introducing pulsating flow, adding nanofluids, and manipulating the flow's characteristics in a corrugated plate heat exchanger. Tests are carried out with multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT), graphene nanoplate (GNP), and a mixture of GNP and MWCNT meeting the requirement of 0.01% nanofluids volume fraction and exposed to pulsation. Results demonstrated that the use of pulsating frequencies from 0 to 30 Hz of GNP‐water, MIX nanofluids–water, and MWCNT–water nanofluids with a constant concentration of 0.01 wt% leads to a significant improvement in heat transfer. Using pure water at frequency f = 0 Hz as a benchmark, the Nusselt number of the mixture nanofluid increases by 15.2%, 27.5%, 40.4%, and 52.8% with the increase of frequency pulsation from 0 to 30 Hz with a slight effect on the pressure‐drop at this low used constant nanofluid concentration = 0.01%. The highest Nusselt number value for GNP‐water nanofluid improved by an amount of 58.3% at the highest frequency compared with pure water at f = 0 Hz.
Dried plasma spot–based liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for the quantification of methotrexate in human plasma and its application in therapeutic drug monitoring
Authors: Cao Haiwei , Li Li , Wang Shaomin , Guo Haiyang , Ren Wenbo , Li Yanyan , Huang Jing
Published: January 2022

Methotrexate, a folic acid antitumor drug, is widely used to treat childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Therapeutic drug monitoring is crucial for adjusting the dosage of methotrexate according to its plasma concentration and reducing adverse effects. Micro‐sampling strategies, like dried plasma spot, is an attractive but underutilized method that has the desired features of easy collection, storage, and transport, and overcomes known hematocrit issues in dried blood spot analysis. This study describes a dried plasma spot–based liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method for quantification of methotrexate. The assay showed good linearity over 30–2000 ng/mL (R2 ≥ 0.995) as well as excellent precision (0.6–9.3%) and accuracy (89.2–108.3%). Methotrexate was extracted from dried plasma spot and wet plasma samples with recoveries greater than 92.1%, and no significant matrix effect was observed. A comparison of dried plasma spot and wet plasma concentrations was assessed in 27 patients treated with methotrexate and Passing–Bablok regression coefficients showed that no significant difference between the two methods. The Bland–Altman plots showed similar agreement between the methods, indicating that the proposed dried plasma spot sampling method is an effective way to monitor the concentration of methotrexate in human plasma.
Movement Disorders and the Gut: A Review
Authors: Talman Lauren S. , Pfeiffer Ronald F.
Published: January 2022

There is a close link between multiple movement disorders and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Gastrointestinal symptoms may precede the development of the neurologic syndrome or may arise following the neurologic presentation. This review will provide an overview of gastrointestinal accompaniments to several well‐known as well as lesser known movement disorders. It will also highlight several disorders which may not be considered primary movement disorders but have an overlapping presentation of both gastrointestinal and movement abnormalities.
Spoof surface plasmon polaritons characteristics of band‐stop slot resonators
Authors: Xiao Zhenning , Zhang Lei , Li Weiwen , Zhang Liangcai , Zhang Baoping
Published: January 2022

By periodically patterning the conductor surface, the so‐called spoof surface plasmon polaritons (SSPPs) in microwave band can be transmitted and SSPP mode devices with the cutoff frequency at high frequency end can be constructed. In this paper, the spiral slots are loaded in the edge and the feed port of a printed monopole antenna element and two rejection bands are achieved. The results indicate that in the intuitive physical sense, the slot‐typed band‐stop resonator in antenna structure actually works according to the SSPP mode mechanism. Furthermore, it is proposed that its structure size should be determined according to the principle that the slot resonant frequency is a bit lower than the asymptotic frequency of SSPP modes.
Quantification of uptake in pelvis F‐18 FLT PET‐CT images using a 3D localization and segmentation CNN
Authors: Xiong Xiaofan , Smith Brian J. , Graves Stephen A. , Sunderland John J. , Graham Michael M. , Gross Brandie A. , Buatti John M. , Beichel Reinhard R.
Published: January 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this work was to develop and validate a deep convolutional neural network (CNN) approach for the automated pelvis segmentation in computed tomography (CT) scans to enable the quantification of active pelvic bone marrow by means of Fluorothymidine F‐18 (FLT) tracer uptake measurement in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. This quantification is a critical step in calculating bone marrow dose for radiopharmaceutical therapy clinical applications as well as external beam radiation doses.

Methods

An approach for the combined localization and segmentation of the pelvis in CT volumes of varying sizes, ranging from full‐body to pelvis CT scans, was developed that utilizes a novel CNN architecture in combination with a random sampling strategy. The method was validated on 34 planning CT scans and 106 full‐body FLT PET‐CT scans using a cross‐validation strategy. Specifically, two different training and CNN application options were studied, quantitatively assessed, and statistically compared.

Results

The proposed method was able to successfully locate and segment the pelvis in all test cases. On all data sets, an average Dice coefficient of 0.9396 0.0182 or better was achieved. The relative tracer uptake measurement error ranged between 0.065% and 0.204%. The proposed approach is time‐efficient and shows a reduction in runtime of up to 95% compared to a standard U‐Net‐based approach without a localization component.

Conclusions

The proposed method enables the efficient calculation of FLT uptake in the pelvis. Thus, it represents a valuable tool to facilitate bone marrow preserving adaptive radiation therapy and radiopharmaceutical dose calculation. Furthermore, the method can be adapted to process other bone structures as well as organs.
Strengthening state capacity in Africa: Lessons from the Washington versus Beijing Consensus
Authors: Kalu Kenneth , Okafor Oliver Nnamdi , Lin Xiaohua
Published: January 2022

Africa is currently the only continent that is yet to experience sustained industrial growth and structural transformation. The continent's position as the last frontier for industrial growth became clear following the spectacular transformations of the Chinese economy since the late 1970s. While it is often emphasized that Africa must improve its industrial capacities and diversify its economies in order to achieve real growth and development, there is little clarity on the most effective model and strategies for the continent's industrialization. This article conceptually examines the Washington Consensus versus the Beijing development models, and empirically presents their evolution in Africa. Drawing on a modified Fukuyama's state theory which differentiates between the strength of state institutions and the scope of state activities, this article argues that strengthening African states is a prerequisite for the success of any development model. The article provides strategies for strengthening state capacity in African countries from weak to moderately strong states.
INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL VALIDITY OF THE COMPARATIVE INTERRUPTED TIME‐SERIES DESIGN: A META‐ANALYSIS
Authors: Coopersmith Jared , Cook Thomas D. , Zurovac Jelena , Chaplin Duncan , Forrow Lauren V.
Published: January 2022

This paper meta‐analyzes 12 heterogeneous studies that examine bias in the comparative interrupted time‐series design (CITS) that is often used to evaluate the effects of social policy interventions. To measure bias, each CITS impact estimate was differenced from the estimate derived from a theoretically unbiased causal benchmark study that tested the same hypothesis with the same treatment group, outcome data, and estimand. In 10 studies, the benchmark was a randomized experiment and in the other two it was a regression‐discontinuity study. Analyses revealed the average standardized CITS bias to be between −0.01 and 0.042 standard deviations; and all but one bias estimate from individual studies fell within 0.10 standard deviations of its benchmark, indicating that the near zero mean bias did not result from averaging many large single study differences. The low mean and generally tight distribution of individual bias estimates suggest that CITS studies are worth recommending for future causal hypothesis tests because: (1) over the studies examined, they generally resulted in high internal validity; and (2) they also promise high external validity because the empirical tests we synthesized occurred across a wide variety of settings, times, interventions, and outcomes.
Variation of air permeability in bromobutyl rubber/epoxidized natural rubber composites: Influence of structure of filler particle
Authors: Thuruthil Raju Aswathy , Das Mithun , Dash Biswaranjan , Dey Pranab , Nair Sujith , Naskar Kinsuk
Published: January 2022

The effect of carbon black structure on dispersion and barrier properties in BIIR/ENR 50 blends is studied extensively in this paper. Carbon blacks with different dibutyl phthalate values are used for the study and it is found that the structure of carbon black strongly affects both the mode of dispersion as well as barrier properties of the end product. The morphology of various carbon blacks in their raw state and in the matrix was studied using scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy techniques. The influence of carbon black structure on the reinforcing was studied by analyzing the physical properties. The rubber–filler interaction was measured using bound rubber content and filler–filler interaction was studied using rubber processing analyzer. For the same loading of carbon black, the high structure carbon black is more difficult to disperse in BIIR/ENR 50 blends compared to the low structure carbon black, leading to changes in permeability properties.
Thermal ultrasound, manipulation and exercise on pain and mouth opening in Chronic temporomandibular joint disorder
Authors: Nayak Megha M. , Shyam Krishnan K , D'souza Molly Cynthia , Rao Suchita S. , Makwana Vrunda R.
Published: January 2022

Background

A 60‐year‐old female patient reported with a chief complaint of pain in bilateral temporomandibular joints (TMJ) region since 11/2 years. The pain was initially reported to be insidious in onset, moderate in intensity, aggravated on chewing food and during excessive mouth opening. On examination her mouth opening was found to be less than 8 mm and standard head and neck examination showed grade 2 tenderness with swelling on bilateral TMJ and forward neck posture with rounded shoulders. The patient reported her pain to be 6 at rest in NPRS (with 0 being no pain and 10 being maximum) and 8 out of 10 on mouth opening.

Methodology/Management

A 4‐week Physiotherapy Intervention program, which consisted of Ultrasound Therapy at varying intensity, TMJ manipulation, Cervical Range of Motion Exercises and Manual Cervical traction was administered. Repeated evaluation of pain and other functional outcomes were done on a weekly basis.

Results

There was significant improvement in her mouth opening (41 mm), restoration of masticatory functions, complete resolution of pain and overall improvement in quality of life after the 4 weeks intervention program.

Conclusion

A structured Physiotherapy intervention program consisting of Non‐thermal Ultrasound, Manipulation and exercise targeting TMJ and Upper quarter, proved to be highly effective in increasing functions and reducing signs and symptoms in Chronic TMJ Dysfunction which can be highly disabling. The recovery observed in this patient, who was not on any standard treatment for almost 18 months, hence the severe limitations she encountered, is a testament to the need of designing individualized treatment protocols addressing the many facets of impairment in TMJ Disorders.
Diamond Nanowire Transistor with High Current Capability
Authors: Pakpour-Tabrizi Alexander C. , Yosinski Shari , Jennings-Moors Ralph , Kobos Zachary A. , Sawtelle Sonya D. , Reed Mark A. , Jackman Richard B.
Published: January 2022

Carrier confinement in nanowire (NW) structures can offer a host of new material properties compared to bulk electronic devices. Diamond can be considered an ultimate semiconductor given its superlative electronic, physical, and optical properties. However, the development of diamond device technology has been hindered by doping problems in conventional device structures. Here, heavily doped diamond NWs, some 15 nm wide and only 1–2 nm deep overcome these issues and offer a significant advance in NW technology; transistor action can be induced with remote side gates alone, without the need for semiconductor junctions. Quasi‐ballistic transport is most‐likely responsible for extraordinary current handling capability of the NW transistors fabricated here at some 20 MA cm−2, being around 0.04 G0. This unipolar technology opens up a new paradigm in diamond nanoelectronic device technology.
Effects of low‐dose metformin on pre‐frailty among middle‐aged and elderly pre‐diabetic people
Authors: Huang Chun‐Feng , Shiao Ming‐Shi , Mao Tso‐Yen
Published: January 2022

Background

Pre‐frailty has been identified as a clinically silent mechanism pre‐disposing people to frailty. The goal of this study is to investigate the impact of low‐dose metformin on pre‐diabetic pre‐frail patients (>50 years) on skeletal muscle mass, speed of gait, handgrip power, and health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL).

Methods

We did a retrospective cohort study of subjects aged 50 years and older who were diagnosed with pre‐frailty (one or two criteria present based on Fried Frailty Index) and pre‐diabetes (HbA1c 5.7% to 6.4%) from May 2018 to April 2020. Subjects taking low‐dose metformin were compared with non‐metformin participants through a review of the medical records. The results were analysed at baseline and 6–12 months post‐prescription with or without metformin. All data were accompanied by a 95% confidence interval.

Results

One hundred and thirteen pre‐diabetic and pre‐frail subjects were recruited to metformin [the mean metformin administration was 750 (140) mg/day] (n = 58) or control group (n = 55). The average age was 66.3 (6.8) years old, with 52.2% of the population being female. The baseline demographic, nutritional, physical, and mental status data did not differ between groups. In comparison with the control group, an 8.9 (1.8) month low‐dose metformin intervention resulted in a higher skeletal muscle mass index of 1.26 (1.66) kg/m2 (P = 0.029), a faster gait speed of 0.15 (0.22) m/s (P = 0.011), and a greater handgrip strength of 2.1 (2.9) kg (P = 0.037). However, there was no difference in myostatin serum levels or HR‐QoL between groups.

Conclusions

Low‐dose metformin was statistically and clinically meaningful to improve the original skeletal muscle mass index, gait speed, and grip strength as part of the sarcopenia dimension, but the Euro Quality of Life‐5 Dimensions index and myostatin serum levels did not change significantly.
Self‐learning‐based optimal tracking control of an unmanned surface vehicle with pose and velocity constraints
Authors: Wang Ning , Gao Ying , Liu Yongjin , Li Kun
Published: January 2022

In this article, subject to both pose and velocity constraints within narrow waters, a self‐learning‐based optimal tracking control (SLOTC) scheme is innovatively created for an unmanned surface vehicle (USV) by deploying actor‐critic reinforcement learning (RL) mechanism and backstepping technique. To be specific, the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF) is devised to uniformly limit the states within a predefined region pertaining to a smoothly feasible reference trajectory. By virtue of a constrained Hamilton–Jacobi–Bellman (HJB) function, an actor‐critic control structure under backstepping is established by employing adaptive neural network identifiers which recursively updates actor and critic, simultaneously. Eventually, theoretical analysis proves that the entire SLOTC scheme can render all the states remain in the predefined compact set while tracking errors converge to an arbitrarily small neighborhood of the origin. Simulation results on a prototype USV demonstrate remarkable effectiveness and superiority.
A fish‐based multi‐metric assessment index in the Karun River basin, Iran
Authors: Zare‐Shahraki Mojgan , Ebrahimi‐Dorche Eisa , Keivany Yazdan , Blocksom Karen , Bruder Andreas , Flotemersch Joseph
Published: January 2022

Large river systems are one of the most important water resources for human societies. However, the ecological integrity of large rivers has been altered greatly by human activities. To monitor and manage these ecosystems, multimetric indices (MMI) are considered as efficient tools. This study aimed to develop and validate a fish‐based multimetric index for the Karun River basin, Iran (Karun fish‐based multi‐metric index [KFMMI]). Eighteen rivers and 54 sites in the basin were sampled in July–August 2019, and physico‐chemical and habitat characteristics were used to identify reference sites based on principal components analysis (PCA). Of the 54 sites, 14, 26, and 14 sites were classified as least, moderate, and most disturbed sites, respectively. Fifty‐four candidate metrics were evaluated for range, responsiveness, and redundancy with other metrics. This resulted in the identification of eight metrics (relative abundance of native and endemic taxa, relative richness of migratory taxa, relative richness of Leuciscidae taxa, relative richness of herbivorous taxa, relative abundance of cyprinid taxa, relative richness of vegetative inhabitant taxa, relative abundance of slow water flow, and relative richness of edge inhabitant taxa) that informed on species richness and composition, migratory status, functional feeding groups, and habitat preferences. The KFMMI showed excellent performance in separating least, moderate, and most disturbed sites in our study area. Regarding water quality, the KFMMI was classified 16, 5, and 29 sites as good, moderate, and bad, respectively. The discrimination efficiency of KFMMI was 81.6%, which makes it an effective management tool for directing restoration actions at most disturbed sites and intensifying protection of least disturbed sites.
Adaptive Integral‐Type Direct Speed Control of SMPMSM Drive System Based on Ultra‐Local Model
Authors: Mao Jingkui , Li Hongmei , Yang Liguo , Wang Xianling , Liu Rundong
Published: January 2022

In order to improve the control performance and robustness of the surface‐mounted permanent magnet synchronous motor drive system, the direct speed control is proposed based on the ultra‐local model, which is established based on the input and output of the system, and the dynamics and disturbances are estimated by the differential algebra comprehensively. A dynamic variable with adaptive coefficients is defined first, which includes the speed error and armature q‐axis current explicitly. The ultra‐local model about it is established consequently. Then, a single controller is designed to control speed and current simultaneously under the cascade‐free structure. To guarantee the stability of system and obtain the range of adaptive coefficients, the Lyapunov function is designed with speed and current errors. Moreover, the adaptive coefficients are online tuned by adaptive laws to suit operating conditions. At the same time, the current and voltage constraints are also handled to prevent overcurrent and make full use of the power supply. With the proposed method, excellent transient and steady‐state performance can be achieved in the context of safe operation. The effectiveness of the proposed method is validated by the experiments, and comparisons with the double closed‐loop proportional integral (PI) control verify its technical advantages. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.