bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stability enhancement of beetroot betalains through copigmentation
Authors: Basavaraja Thippeswamy , Joshi Alka , Sethi Shruti , Kaur Charanjit , Tomar Bhoopal Singh , Varghese Eldho , Dahuja Anil
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Like other natural pigments, betalains have a stability problem. Copigmentation can be explored to address this issue. In this study, black carrot anthocyanins were used for the first time as copigment with betalains so that copigmented betalains with enhanced stability could be developed to withstand deteriorative processing and storage conditions.

RESULTS

Increase in hyperchromic and bathochromic shift with subsequent increase in black carrot anthocyanin extract (0.250 g L−1) addition from 0.2 to 1.0 mL L−1 was observed in native betalain pigments from 0.28 to 1.90 and 538 nm to 564 nm, respectively. For maximum recorded bathochromic shift, 0.8 mL L−1 addition of copigment was optimized. Copigmented betalain pigment showed better stability in comparison with native pigment, when exposed to light, temperature more than 60 °C and ≥1.0 g L−1 NaCl. At constant incubation time (3 h), copigmented betalains degraded up to 20.79–41.43% whereas the non‐copigmented counterpart degraded up to 83.49–86.86% at 60, 75 and 90 °C, respectively. Lower rate constant (k) and enhanced activation energy (Ea) showed higher thermostability of copigmented betalains. With constant light exposure, the half‐life value of betalains was 145.2 h, which increased approximately twofold (274.08 h) after copigmentation. The t1/2 of betalain pigment at 10%, 15% and 18% salt addition was 81.12, 75.36 and 83.52 h, which increased to 186.96, 226.56 and 152.88 h after copigmentation.

CONCLUSION

These findings support that black carrot anthocyanin is a potential and compatible copigment for water‐soluble betalain pigment that enhances stability of betalains under extreme processing conditions. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The adoption of laser land leveler technology and its impact on groundwater use by irrigated farmland in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Sheikh Asjad Tariq , Mugera Amin , Pandit Ram , Burton Michael , Davies Stephen
Published: April 2022

This paper investigates the factors that influence the adoption of laser land levelers and their impact on groundwater usage in the Punjab Province of Pakistan. A farm household survey of 504 agriculture producers was conducted in 2019. A discrete‐time duration model is used to investigate factors influencing the speed of adoption and an endogenous switching regression (ESR) model is used to evaluate its impact on groundwater usage. About 70% of the surveyed households adopted the technology, and the average time to adoption was 9 years. Key factors accelerating the speed of adoption include strong legal land rights, access to information about the technology, and exposure to the technology. In contrast, long distance to rental market deaccelerates the speed of adoption. The adoption of laser land leveler reduced groundwater use by about 23%. The results imply that institutional arrangements, such as improving access to extension services, exposure to innovation, and legal land rights, can enhance the adoption and diffusion of the technology and conserve groundwater.
Featured Front Cover
Authors: Hu Zhenqi , Wang Xiaotong , McSweeney Kevin , Li Yong
Published: April 2022

The cover image is based on the Research Article Restoring subsided coal mined land to farmland using optimized placement of Yellow River sediment in constructed soil by Zhenqi Hu et al., https://doi.org/10.1002/ldr.4209.

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Controls on buffering and coastal acidification in a temperate estuary
Authors: Hunt Christopher W. , Salisbury Joseph E. , Vandemark Douglas
Published: April 2022

Estuaries may be uniquely susceptible to the combined acidification pressures of atmospherically driven ocean acidification (OA), biologically driven CO2 inputs from the estuary itself, and terrestrially derived freshwater inputs. This study utilized continuous measurements of total alkalinity (TA) and the partial pressure of carbon dioxide (pCO2) from the mouth of Great Bay, a temperate northeastern U.S. estuary, to examine the potential influences of endmember mixing and biogeochemical transformation upon estuary buffering capacity (β–H). Observations were collected hourly over 28 months representing all seasons between May 2016 and December 2019. Results indicated that endmember mixing explained most of the observed variability in TA and dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC), concentrations of which varied strongly with season. For much of the year, mixing dictated the relative proportions of salinity‐normalized TA and DIC as well, but a fall season shift in these proportions indicated that aerobic respiration was observed, which would decrease β–H by decreasing TA and increasing DIC. However, fall was also the season of weakest statistical correspondence between salinity and both TA and DIC, as well as the overall highest salinity, TA and β–H. Potential biogeochemically driven β–H decreases were overshadowed by increased buffering capacity supplied by coastal ocean water. A simple modeling exercise showed that mixing processes controlled most monthly changes in TA and DIC, obscuring impacts from air–sea exchange or metabolic processes. Advective mixing contributions may be as important as biogeochemically driven changes to observe when evaluating local estuarine and coastal OA.
The Influence of Arc Welding Process on the Mechanical and Microstructural Characteristics of Low Carbon Steel in a Corrosive Environment
Authors: Omiogbemi Ibrahim Momoh‐Bello , Faci Nunaya David , Gummadi Anand Kumar , Negash Semir Mohammadibrahim , Sardar Bhuwan , Gad Shedrack Musa , Dagwa Ishaya Musa , Audu Stephen Tsadu
Published: April 2022

The study is fundamentally geared toward the investigation of the influence of Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding on the mechanical and microstructural properties of low carbon steel immersed in a 0.5 M nitric acid environment having a pH of 0.3. The corrosion and mechanical behavior of the substrates are investigated prior to and after 336 h of immersion in the test environment. The outcome of the experiment shows that the structural integrity of the immersed substrates is affected due to corrosion in the test environment. Prior to immersion, the bending resistance is seen to decrease at the welded joints relative to the blank sample and then decrease further after immersion in the test solution respectively as 3.95, 3.53, and 4.21KN. Similarly, the tensile strength of the immersed substrate decreases as compared to the unexposed and blank samples; exposed to test environment (30.60%), welded unexposed to test environment (33.25%) and for the control sample (36.33%). Furthermore, the hardness value is observed to be higher at the heat‐affected zone (HAZ) of the test substrate than at the weldment and parent metal, respectively, as 11.3, 17.7, and 15.7HV. Optical micrographs prior to and after immersion have evidently revealed that heat input during welding has caused recrystallization leading to coarser grains at the HAZ.
Analysis of Plasticizer Evaporation from Locally Available Poly(vinyl chloride) Cable Insulations
Authors: Ratnakumar Abirami , Egodage Darshi , Dodampola Roshan , Amarasinghe Don A.S. , Attygalle Dinesh , Weragoda Sampath , Samarasekara Bandu
Published: April 2022

Poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) is one of the most popular and widely used materials for electrical cables that offers insulation and sheathing. It is considered agile and durable as it easily exceeds 25–30 years while being used for household wiring. PVC provides insulation, strength, and protection at a wide range of operating temperatures. During cable manufacturing, plastics are exposed to heat that leads to degradation. Although degradation cannot be eliminated, it must be held to a minimum to keep the quality of the final products high. In this work, locally available single strand plasticized PVC insulations that are used for domestic electrical wiring and lighting purposes are investigated for their initial plasticizer content. The thermal‐induced degradation process is a moderate process that would take years to estimate the lifetime of a cable under ordinary ambient conditions. Thus, the study is carried out in accelerated conditions.
Hypothalamic Atrophy, Expanded CAG Repeat, and Low Body Mass Index in Spinocerebellar Ataxia Type 3
Authors: Guo Jing , Jiang Zhouyu , Biswal Bharat B. , Zhou Bo , Xie Dongjing , Gao Qing , Sheng Wei , Chen Hui , Zhang Yuhan , Fan Yunshuang , Wang Jian , Liu Chen , Chen Huafu
Published: April 2022

Background

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an inherited motor disorder that is characterized by low body mass index (BMI). Considering the role of the hypothalamus in regulating appetitive behaviors and metabolism, low BMI may result from hypothalamic degeneration.

Objectives

To examine hypothalamic volume changes in SCA3 by comparing patients and matched healthy controls and to identify potential mediating effects of hypothalamic pathology on CAG repeats for BMI.

Methods

Magnetic resonance imaging datasets of hypothalamic volumes from 41 SCA3 patients and 49 matched controls were analyzed. Relationships among CAG repeat number, hypothalamic volumes, and BMI were assessed using correlation and mediation analyses.

Results

SCA3 patients exhibited significant hypothalamic atrophy. Tubular hypothalamic volume was significantly associated with BMI. Mediation analysis revealed an indirect effect of CAG repeat number on BMI via tubular hypothalamic atrophy.

Conclusions

Low BMI in SCA3 is related to neurodegeneration within the tubular hypothalamus, providing a potential target for energy‐based treatment. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Clostridium butyricum Inhibits Fat Deposition via Increasing the Frequency of Adipose Tissue‐Resident Regulatory T Cells
Authors: Li Haifang , Jia Yanxin , Weng Dan , Ju Zijing , Zhao Yunfei , Liu Shuang , Liu Yan , Song Mengze , Cui Lulu , Sun Shuhong , Lin Hai
Published: April 2022

Scope

Clostridium butyricum (CB) exerts beneficial actions in several disorders. However, the impact and molecular cues of CB in fat metabolism remain elusive. This study demonstrates the CB inhibition of fat deposition by increasing the relative number of adipose tissue‐resident Treg cells (aTregs).

Methods and Results

CB is administered orally to wild type (WT) mice fed with chow diet, which decrease fat deposition and adipogenic gene expression, associating with elevated serum levels of butyrate. Sodium butyrate (SB) feeding mimics the CB suppression of fat accumulation. Of note, the frequency of aTregs in both the CB and SB treatments, analyzed by flow cytometry, is markedly increased, accompanied by activated Wnt10b expression in white adipose tissues. However, CB and SB fail to inhibit fat deposition in Wnt10b‐KO mice. Intriguingly, CB and SB are able to alleviate the obesity, fatty liver, and glucose abnormalities in high fat diet (HFD)‐fed WT mice.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that CB, through its metabolite butyrate, inhibits fat deposition via potentiating aTreg cell generation, and support the option of CB and SB for therapeutic interventions in obesity and related disorders.
On‐demand digital predistortion for broadband transmitters with carrier aggregation
Authors: Chen Long , Chen Wenhua , Liu Youjiang , Feng Zhenghe
Published: April 2022

This paper proposes a single and dual‐band compatible digital predistortion (SDBC‐DPD) for broadband transmitters with carrier aggregation. Since complicated spectrum scheduling, the stimuli of the power amplifiers (PAs) can be single‐band and dual‐band. The proposed SDBC‐DPD scheme can well linearize a dual‐band signal in a conventional 1‐D‐DPD way utilizing a spectrum splicing and segmentation method. A series of experiments were carried out on a dual‐band test bench based on a 3.0–4.0 GHz PA. The stimuli with different bandwidths and sampling rates were used in the experiments. Measurement results show that the SDBC‐DPD can well mitigate the nonlinearity in the dual‐band signals and needs a much lower sampling rate for model identification.
Single shot spiral TSE with annulated segmentation
Authors: Hennig Juergen , Barghoorn Antonia , Zhang Shuoyue , Zaitsev Maxim
Published: April 2022

Purpose

To develop, optimize, and implement a single shot spiral turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence at 3T and to demonstrate its feasibility to acquire artifact free images of the central nervous system with 1 mm spatial resolution in <200 ms.

Theory and Methods

Spiral TSE sequences with annulated spiral segmentation have been implemented with different acquisition modes. In fixed mode, the duration of each spiral segment is fixed to fill the available acquisition time tacq. In tangential mode, the beginning of each spiral segment is reached via a straight tangential trajectory. Tangential mode allows faster transition and thus longer tacq for a given echo spacing (ESP), but less data points can be acquired per acquisition interval. Alternating between spiral‐in and spiral‐out readout in alternating echoes leads to a somewhat different point spread function for off‐resonant spins.

Results

Images of the brain with 1 mm spatial resolution acquired with a variable density spiral with ∼40% undersampling can be acquired in a single shot. All acquisition modes produce comparable image quality. Only mild artifacts in regions of strong susceptibility effects can be observed for ESP of 10 ms and below. The use of variable flip angle schemes allows seamless acquisition of consecutive slices and/or dynamic scans without waiting time between consecutive acquisitions. Comparison with images acquired at 1.5T shows reduced susceptibility artifacts within the brain and facial structures.

Conclusion

Single shot spiral TSE has been demonstrated to enable highly efficient acquisition of high‐resolution images of the brain in <200 ms per slice.
Improving high frequency image features of deep learning reconstructions via k‐space refinement with null‐space kernel
Authors: Ryu Kanghyun , Alkan Cagan , Vasanawala Shreyas S.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Deep learning (DL) based reconstruction using unrolled neural networks has shown great potential in accelerating MRI. However, one of the major drawbacks is the loss of high‐frequency details and textures in the output. The purpose of the study is to propose a novel refinement method that uses null‐space kernel to refine k‐space and improve blurred image details and textures.

Methods

The proposed method constrains the output of the DL to comply to the linear neighborhood relationship calibrated in the auto‐calibration lines. To demonstrate efficacy, we tested our refinement method on the DL reconstruction under a variety of conditions (i.e., dataset, unrolled neural networks, and under‐sampling scheme). Specifically, the method was tested on three large‐scale public datasets (knee and brain) from fastMRI's multi‐coil track.

Results

The proposed scheme visually reduces the structural error in the k‐space domain, enhance the homogeneity of the k‐space intensity. Consequently, reconstructed image shows sharper images with enhanced details and textures. The proposed method is also successful in improving high‐frequency image details (SSIM, GMSD) without sacrificing overall image error (PSNR).

Conclusion

Our findings imply that refining DL output using the proposed method may generally improve DL reconstruction as tested with various large‐scale dataset and networks.
A novel shape memory polymer composites with grafted hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for high strength and stiffness applications
Authors: Antony G. Jerald Maria , Kevin R. Sanjeeth , Jarali Chetan S. , Samikkannu Raja , Lu Y. Charles
Published: April 2022

Shape memory polymer (SMP) composites have evolved uniquely, employing nanoscale fillers, which add multifunctionality to the basic resin. In this work, the effect of inorganic, grafted hydroxyapatite (g‐HAp) nanoparticles on the dynamic (mechanical), thermo‐mechanical and microstructural properties of copolymer, based on diurethane dimethacrylate (DUDMA), (t‐butyl acrylate (tBA), and crosslinker poly(ethylene glycol) dimethacrylate (PEGDMA), has been investigated. The agglomeration of nanofillers is limited by using PEG dimethacrylate monomer to graft HAp nanoparticles. Importantly, it is observed that mixing DUDMA in (tBA + PEGDMA) has improved the Young's Modulus of SMP composite to 5.4 GPa at RT (comparable to aircraft grade resin) with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of 55°C. Tensile stress is high as 51.46 MPa with improved strain at failure from 0.07% to 0.05%. The elongation strains of 4–8% are achieved, which provide the required strain compatibility to develop aerospace SMPs as well as SMP composites for structural and bio‐medical applications.
High‐speed shear dispersion of MWCNTs assisted by PVP in water and its effective combination with wet‐mixing technology for NR/MWCNTs nanocomposites
Authors: Xiao Wei , Yu Shengtao , Cao Xujia , Su Kaiyu , Qu Qinglong , Tan Yijing , Zhao Fa , Zhao Shuai , Zhang Guangfa , Gao Ailin , Cui Jian , Yan Yehai
Published: April 2022

Due to their advantages of low lost, low filling, high‐performance and multifunction, multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are ideal filler for preparing high‐performance and multifunctional rubber‐based nanocomposites. However, the poor dispersion of MWCNTs in rubber matrix and their weak interfacial adhesion with rubber matrix limit their industrial applications seriously. Herein, natural rubber (NR)/MWCNTs nanocomposites (NMNCs) with good static and dynamic mechanical properties, electrical and thermal conductivity have been successfully prepared via high‐speed shear dispersion of MWCNTs assisted by polyvinylpyrrolidone in water and its effective combination with rubber wet‐mixing technology, on the basis of the systematic optimization of the most common dispersants and exfoliation methods of carbon nanotubes (CNTs). Compared with NMNCs prepared by traditional dry‐mixing technology (D‐NMNCs), NMNCs prepared by wet‐mixing technology (W‐NMNCs) in this work exhibit better tensile properties, lower compression temperature rise and DIN abrasion, higher electrical and thermal conductivity, better ice and wet‐slip resistance (i.e., the higher loss tangents at −20 and 0°C, respectively), and lower rolling resistance (i.e., the lower loss tangent at 60°C), benefiting from the better dispersion of MWCNTs and the stronger interface interaction of NR‐MWCNTs in W‐NMNCs. In a word, the preparation route of W‐NMNCs developed in this work is very suitable for industrialization and conductive to breaking the insurmountable “Devil's Triangle” problem in tire industry, and W‐NMNCs have potential high‐technology applications in green, antistatic, and heat‐dissipation tires, antistatic conveyors, vibration absorption, and so forth.
The effect of the titanium dioxide nanoparticles on the morphology and degradation of polyamide 6 prepared by anionic ring‐opening polymerization
Authors: Semperger Orsolya Viktória , Osváth Zsófia , Pásztor Szabolcs , Suplicz András
Published: April 2022

Thermoplastic Resin Transfer Molding can be used to produce polyamide 6‐based composites from ε‐caprolactam by anionic ring‐opening polymerization. However, the service life and applicability of these composites are limited because polyamide 6 is sensitive to UV radiation. Therefore, we analyzed the effect of nanosized titanium dioxide on the UV stability of polyamide 6 produced from ε‐caprolactam. Despite the very low viscosity of caprolactam, we dispersed nanoparticles homogeneously in it before producing polyamide 6 from it. We have shown that both structural and chemical changes occur in the material under UV exposure. We proved that UV irradiation increases the crystalline fraction of the samples. This is caused by the shortening of the polymer chains. The crystalline fraction increases less with the addition of TiO2, which shows its UV protective effect. The particles prevent the rays from reaching the inside of the sample, producing a chalking effect on the surface. We analyzed and proved the chemical change in the samples by FTIR and color measurement. Our results showed that surface‐treated titanium dioxide was more stable, and the ideal filler content was about 0.6 w/w%, above which photodegradation accelerated. This can be attributed to the photocatalytic activity of the titanium dioxide particles.
Recent advances in the construction of sustainable asphalt roads with recycled plastic
Authors: Enfrin Marie , Giustozzi Filippo
Published: April 2022

Although various polyolefins have intermittently been used for making roads since the 1980s, the recycling of plastic waste into roads raises new challenges related to the production, performance and durability of plastic‐modified asphalt. This review critically discusses the challenges of incorporating recycled plastics into bitumen/asphalt in terms of plastic selection, chemical compatibility, long‐term performance and potential contributions to fuming, microplastic pollution and contaminant leaching. Recent advances in the field are also presented and recommendations for future work to address current research and industrial gaps are suggested. Challenges related to the construction of plastic roads include the wide variability in the plastic composition and its properties after recycling, which not only affect the successful incorporation of plastic in bitumen but also impact the mechanical properties and environmental impact of the roads. The lack of representative testing procedures prevents an accurate understanding of the short‐ and long‐term performance of plastic roads in real conditions and the contribution of plastic roads to fuming and microplastic release remains unclear. However, promising laboratory‐based procedures have been developed to benchmark the release of polyaromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds, as well as microplastics, from recycled plastic‐modified asphalt against conventional polymer‐modified asphalts. Standards are still required to facilitate bitumen/asphalt modification by recycled plastics, meet the needs of bitumen/asphalt manufacturers and convince local authorities to foster the construction of plastic roads if proven to be a sustainable practice. © 2022 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Registration of ‘Faraj’, a Hessian fly– and multiple disease–resistant durum wheat cultivar in Morocco
Authors: Nsarellah N. , Nachit M. , Taghouti M. , Lhaloui S. , Amamou A.
Published: April 2022

Durum wheat [Triticum turgidum L. ssp. durum (Desf.)] is cultivated on nearly one million hectares in Morocco.About half of the durum‐planted areas are located in unfavorable rainfed areas. The predominant abiotic stresses are drought and heat, and the predominant biotic stresses are Hessian fly, leaf rust, tan spot, Septoria blotch, and root rot. End use grain quality‐related traits are important. ‘Faraj’ (Reg. no. CV‐1190, PI 699898) is a durum cultivar that possesses adaptation to drought and genetic resistance to Hessian fly, leaf rust, tan spot, and Septoria leaf blotch and tolerance to root rot. Faraj possesses good levels of grain yellow pigment and grain protein concentration. Faraj was registered in 2007 and released to seed commercialization in 2014. Faraj could be used by breeders as a good genetic resource with grain yield potential and end use quality as well as resistance or tolerance to multiple diseases and pests.
Systemic assessment of the chiral insecticide pyriproxyfen in a citrus nectar source system: Stereoselective degradation, biological effect and exposure risk
Authors: Tong Zhou , Yang Tingmi , Sun Mingna , Dong Xu , Chu Yue , Meng Dandan , Wang Mei , Gao Tongchun , Duan Jinsheng
Published: April 2022

BACKGROUND

Balancing the safety and efficiency of chiral pesticides can help protect pollinators. We evaluated the stereoselective behavior, bioactivity, toxicity and exposure risk of the chiral insecticide pyriproxyfen in a citrus nectar system.

RESULTS

Density functional theory (DFT) and ultra‐performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectroscopy (UPLC–MS/MS) were applied for absolute configuration appraisal and chiral analysis validation, respectively. The recoveries ranged from 72.3% to 100.5% with an relative standard deviation (RSD) ranging from 1.2% to 9.7%. In a field trial, we determined insecticide half‐lives in citrus leaves and flowers, which were 7.0 and 8.6 days for R‐(+)‐pyriproxyfen, and 11.7 and 14.7 days for S‐(−)‐pyriproxyfen, respectively. We found that the bioactivity of R‐(+)‐pyriproxyfen was 3.39 and 2.37 times higher than S‐(−)‐pyriproxyfen against Unaspis yanonensis and Diaphorina citri nymphs, respectively. S‐(−)‐pyriproxyfen had 3.8 times higher acute toxicity than R‐(+)‐pyriproxyfen on Apis mellifera L., and its exposure risk was moderate based on the hazard quotient.

CONCLUSION

The phenomenon of stereoselective degradation and biological effect demonstrated that the high‐risk stereoisomer of S‐(−)‐pyriproxyfen degraded more slowly than R‐(+)‐pyriproxyfen, but R‐(+)‐pyriproxyfen with better efficiency for target. Therefore, an increased duration of R‐(+)‐pyriproxyfen activity on citrus was beneficial for efficacy. Our results could guide the scientific application and evaluation of chiral pesticides on nectar plants. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Memristive Characteristics of Composite Hafnium/Tantalum Anodic Oxides
Authors: Zrinski Ivana , Minenkov Alexey , Duchoslav Jiri , Mardare Cezarina Cela , Groiss Heiko , Hassel Achim Walter , Mardare Andrei Ionut
Published: April 2022

A composite anodic oxide film is formed by electrochemical treatment of an ultra‐thin Hf film superimposed on Ta, due to the growth of Ta2O5 columns through HfO2. The oxidation dynamic is governed by an electrical version of the Rayleigh–Taylor effect, the current preferring the more conductive path via Ta during anodization of the superimposed Hf film. Memristive devices obtained by patterning Pt top electrodes are investigated and their electrical behavior is reported. The effect of electrolyte species incorporation on the memristive behavior is analyzed by anodization in different solutions. The influence of citrate‐buffered (CB) and phosphate‐buffered (PB) electrolytes is studied, and the presence of P in the composite anodic oxides is evidenced in the latter case leading to early device failure. Composite memristors grown in citrate electrolytes show both unipolar and bipolar switching, high stability, very good retention, and endurance. The coexistence of both switching mechanisms is related to the special composite oxide nanostructuring.
Weighted McNemar's test for the comparison of two screening tests in the presence of verification bias
Authors: Wu Yougui
Published: April 2022

Statistical methods have been well‐developed for comparing two binary screening tests in the presence of verification bias. However, the complexity of existing methods and the computational difficulty in implementing them have restricted their use. A simple and easily implemented statistical method is therefore needed. In this paper, we propose a weighted McNemar's test statistic for comparing two sensitivities(specificities). The proposed test statistics are intuitive and simple to compute, only involving some minor modification of a McNemar's test statistic using the estimated verification probabilities for discordant pairs. Simulations demonstrate that the proposed weighted McNemar's test statistics preserve type I error as well as or better than the existing statistics. Furthermore, unlike the existing methods, the proposed weighted McNemar's test statistics can still be applied even when none of the accordant pairs are verified.
Lithium Bonds Enable Small Biomass Molecule‐Based Ionoelastomers with Multiple Functions for Soft Intelligent Electronics
Authors: Dang Chao , Zhang Fei , Li Yuehu , Jin Zixian , Cheng Yabin , Feng Yufan , Wang Xijun , Zhang Cunzhi , Chen Yian , Shao Changyou , Zheng Qingbin , Qi Haisong
Published: April 2022

Lipoic acid (LA), which originates from animals and plants, is a small biomass molecule and has recently shown great application value in soft conductors. However, the severe depolymerization of LA places a significant limitation on its utilization. A strategy of using Li‐bonds as both depolymerization quenchers and dynamic mediators to melt transform LA into high‐performance ionoelastomers (IEs) is proposed. They feature dry networks while simultaneously combining transparency, stretchability, conductivity, self‐healing ability, non‐corrosive property, re‐mouldability, strain‐sensitivity, recyclability, and degradability. Most of the existing soft conductors’ drawbacks, such as the tedious synthesis, non‐renewable polymer networks, limited functions, and single‐use only, are successfully solved. In addition, the multi‐functions allow IEs to be used as soft sensors in human–computer interactive games and wireless remote sports assistants. Notably, the recycled IE also provides an efficient conductive filler for transparent ionic papers, which can be used to design soft transparent triboelectric nanogenerators for energy harvesting and multidirectional motion sensing. This work creates a new direction for future research involving intelligent soft electronics.
Dual Biosignal‐Functional Injectable Microspheres for Remodeling Osteogenic Microenvironment
Authors: Sun Yang , Zhou Qianrong , Du Yawei , Sun Jian , Bi Wei , Liu Wenjuan , Li Ruixue , Wu Xingwen , Yang Fei , Song Liang , Li Ni , Cui Wenguo , Yu Youcheng
Published: April 2022

Bone defect regeneration depends on the population and lifespan of M2 macrophages, which are regulated by dual signals generated by the “physical” spatial configuration of biological tissues and “molecular” chemokines. Herein, inspired by the reprogramming of macrophages, immunoengineered porous microspheres are constructed to accelerate bone repair through the regulation of both “physical” and “molecular” signals. The porous structure of injectable poly (l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) microspheres prepared by the microfluidic technique provides a “physical signal” for osteogenic differentiation. Additionally, interleukin (IL)‐4‐loaded liposomes (Ls) are modified on PLLA microspheres through amide bonds to produce IL‐4/Ls/PLLA microspheres, providing a “molecular signal” in stimulating the differentiation of macrophages to M2 type. It is confirmed that IL‐4/Ls/PLLA microspheres could induce M2‐macrophages polarization and potentiate osteoblast proliferation and differentiation while coculturing with macrophages and osteoblasts in vitro. Besides, IL‐4/Ls/PLLA microspheres are proved to promote bone defect regeneration by inducing the conversion of M1 macrophages to M2 through dual biosignal‐functional regulation in both the calvaria defect and maxillary sinus defect models. Overall, the immuno‐reprogrammed IL‐4/Ls/PLLA microspheres achieve the precise immuno‐reprogramming of macrophages by dual biosignal‐functional regulation. This immune reengineering strategy paves a way for clinical bone defect treatment.
In Situ Characterization for Understanding the Degradation in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Meng Xin , Tian Xueying , Zhang Shasha , Zhou Jing , Zhang Yiqiang , Liu Zonghao , Chen Wei
Published: April 2022

In the past decade, organic–inorganic hybrid perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have made unprecedented progress and recently achieved high efficiency of over 25%, comparable with commercial silicon solar cells. However, PSCs still face poor long‐term stability hindering their commercial application. Because PSCs undergo severe degradation under environmental stress factors, such as moisture, heat, light, and electrical bias. Thus, exploring and evaluating the degradation pathways of perovskites and the degradation mechanisms of PSCs is quite essential. In situ diagnostic techniques can track the real‐time changes of structure, morphology, and optoelectronic properties of the materials in the device during the degradation process. Herein, the progress on in situ characterization for understanding the degradation in PSCs is reviewed, including advanced characterization techniques in the aspects of electron microscopy, X‐Ray, and optoelectronic spectroscopy. Besides, in situ characterization tracking the degradation process of perovskite material films from typical methylamine (MA) perovskite to formamidinium (FA)–cesium (Cs) mixed‐cation perovskite and PSCs dependent on external factors is also discussed. This overview can provide a further understanding of the stability of PSCs and solve the problems on their road to commercialization. Finally, the future perspectives of in situ characterization for understanding the degradation of PSCs are provided at the end of this review.
Recent Progress in Carbonaceous and Redox‐Active Nanoarchitectures for Hybrid Supercapacitors: Performance Evaluation, Challenges, and Future Prospects
Authors: Shah Syed Shaheen , Aziz Md. Abdul , Yamani Zain H.
Published: April 2022

Due to advancements in technology, the energy demand is becoming more intense with time. The rapid fossil fuels consumption and environmental concerns triggered intensive research for alternative renewable energy resources, including sunlight and wind. Yet, due to their time‐dependent operations, significant electric energy storage systems are required to store substantial energy. In this regard, electrochemical energy storage devices, like batteries and supercapacitors (SCs), have recently attracted much research attention. Recent developments in SCs demonstrated that hybrid SCs (HSCs), which combine the excellent properties of batteries and SCs, increase the specific energy, specific power, specific capacitance, and life span. Carbonaceous and redox‐active materials have been explored as efficient electrode materials for applications in HSCs, ultimately enhancing their electrochemical performances. The HSCs performance significantly depends on the porosity, specific surface area, and conductivity of the electrode materials. This review article gives an overview of recent advances in developing HSCs with high specific power, specific energy, and long cyclic‐life. The fabrication of various HSCs materials using carbonaceous and redox‐active nanoarchitectures and their characterization are explored in‐depth, including electrode development, basic principles, and device engineering. A proper investigation has been conducted regarding state‐of‐the‐art materials as HSC electrodes. This review focuses on the most up‐to‐date, cutting‐edge, electrode materials for HSCs and their performance. The possibilities for novel electrode materials and their impact on the HSCs performance for future energy storage are also discussed.
Asymptotically Stable Single‐Legged Passive Dynamic Hopping
Authors: Nagase Jun‐ya , Yang Sungna , Satoh Toshiyuki , Saga Norihiko
Published: April 2022

Passive dynamic locomotion arises only as a result of dynamic interaction with the ground, that is, without actuators, sensors, or controls. For exploring the principles of human and animal locomotion, passive dynamics is important. One important characteristic is the existence of a stable limit cycle in passive locomotion dynamics. However, to date, no limit cycle has been found in passive dynamic hopping (PDH). Numerical simulation reveals that the leg dynamics of PDH has a stable limit cycle. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Treatment of cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency and medial patellar luxation in a small‐breed dog with a true spherical osteotomy
Authors: Polajnar Petar , Szanto Zsigmond , Willmitzer Florian , Medl Nikola
Published: April 2022

A 9‐year‐old, neutered, male, Cairn Terrier dog presented with a 3‐year history of progressive pain and lameness of the right hindlimb. After an acute episode of severe pain and non‐weight‐bearing lameness, the dog was referred to our clinic for evaluation. The physical examination was unremarkable; the orthopaedic examination revealed a positive cranial drawer sign and medial patellar luxation grade 3/4. Orthogonal radiographs were taken. Chronic degenerative changes consistent with cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency and medial patellar luxation were noted. Preoperative planning was performed using veterinary preoperative planning software. A spherical osteotomy was performed to level the tibial plateau, correct the medial patellar luxation and improve a valgus deformity. The osteotomy was stabilised using a polyaxial 2.0 tibial plateau levelling osteotomy plate. At the 8‐week postoperative follow‐up examination, the dog had normal weight‐bearing ability without evidence of lameness or pain.
Late‐onset seizures in a domestic shorthaired cat with global brain ischaemia and cortical laminar necrosis
Authors: Phillipps Stephanie , Schiborra Frederike , Nagendran Aran
Published: April 2022

The most common cause of global brain ischaemia in veterinary species is anaesthesia‐related cardiovascular dysfunction. Both early‐ and late‐onset seizures secondary to ischaemia are well recognised in human medicine, but late‐onset seizures have not been reported in veterinary species. A 2‐year‐old, female, neutered, domestic shorthaired cat with a history of blindness since ovariohysterectomy 10 months previously was presented for investigation of suspected seizure activity over the previous month. Neurological examination localised to generalised diffuse forebrain pathology. Magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with global brain ischaemia and suggestive of cortical laminar necrosis. The clinical history and imaging findings were consistent with historical perioperative cerebral hypoxia. Treatment with phenobarbitone resulted in excellent control of seizures. Anaesthesia accidents can occur during short, ‘routine’ procedures in apparently clinically healthy animals and may have severe long‐term effects for patients. This report suggests that late‐onset seizures can occur as a result of global brain ischaemia in veterinary species.
In situ measurement of 3D contact angle in sand based on X‐ray computed tomography
Authors: Schlüter Steffen , Blaser Sebastian R. G. A. , Benard Pascal , Carminati Andrea
Published: April 2022

Soil water repellency is traditionally expressed as contact angle (CA) and measured destructively on exposed surfaces or derived from flow behavior or measured forces. These approaches cannot map local heterogeneities in CA, which typically exist in intact soil. Here, we explore the potential and limitations of in situ measurements of three‐dimensional CAs with simplified benchmark tests and in intact sand. The method is based on a protocol for the freely available OpenFOAM software and applied to segmented X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT) data. This study scrutinizes its suitability under typical vadose zone conditions, as it was originally developed for rock studies in petroleum engineering. The assets of the method are that it allows for accurate measurement of locally varying, equilibrium contact angles and that they can be linked to pore scale features that cause them. This is demonstrated with rehydrated mucilage structures in sand and the associated change in local CAs, where they touch sand grains. In general, the image acquisition time of polychromatic X‐ray CT (minutes) precludes the assessments of dynamic CAs that may equilibrate within seconds. Another limitation is that acute CAs are overestimated due to the voxel discretization of interfaces and contact lines in combination with image smoothing. The divergence arises around 60° and is most severe in the limit of vanishing water repellency. In summary, the method enables the mapping of local heterogeneities of equilibrium CAs, though the absolute values should be critically assessed.
A Rindler road to Carrollian worldsheets
Authors: Bagchi Arjun , Banerjee Aritra , Chakrabortty Shankhadeep , Chatterjee Ritankar
Published: April 2022

Abstract

The tensionless limit of string theory has recently been formulated in terms of worldsheet Rindler physics. In this paper, by considering closed strings moving in background Rindler spacetimes, we provide a concrete exemplification of this phenomenon. We first show that strings probing the near-horizon region of a generic non-extremal blackhole become tensionless thereby linking a spacetime Carroll limit to a worldsheet Carroll limit. Then, considering strings in d-dimensional Rindler spacetime we find a Rindler structure induced on the worldsheet. Novelties, including folds, appear on the closed string worldsheet pertaining to the formation of the worldsheet horizon. The closed string becomes segmented at these folding points and different segments go into the formation of closed strings in the different Rindler wedges. The Bondi-Metzner-Sachs (BMS) or the Conformal Carroll algebra emerges from the closed string Virasoro algebra as the horizon is hit. Quantum states on these accelerated worldsheets are discussed and we show the formation of boundary states from gluing conditions of the different segments of the accelerated closed string.
Infraparticle quantum fields and the formation of photon clouds
Authors: Mund Jens , Rehren Karl-Henning , Schroer Bert
Published: April 2022

Abstract

A non-perturbative and exactly solvable quantum field theoretical model for a “dressed Dirac field” is presented, that exhibits all the kinematical features of QED: an appropriate delocalization of the charged field as a prerequisite for the global Gauss Law, superselected photon clouds (asymptotic expectation values of the Maxwell field), infraparticle nature of charged particles that cannot be separated from their photon clouds, broken Lorentz symmetry. The model serves as an intermediate leg on a new roadmap towards full QED, formulated as an off-shell theory, i.e., including a perturbative construction of its interacting charged fields. It also fills a gap in recent discussions of the “Infrared Triangle”, and points the way towards a new scattering theory for theories with massless particles of helicity ≥ 1, in which infraparticles can be described at the level of charged fields, rather than just states.
A novel bee host cannot detect a microbial parasite, in contrast to its original host
Authors: Choppin M. , Lach L.
Published: April 2022

Organisms that can detect parasites may have a greater likelihood of avoiding exposure to them. We would expect hosts that share an evolutionary history with a parasite to be more likely to detect and avoid it compared to novel hosts. Nosema ceranae is a gut parasite of the Asian honey bee, Apis cerana, that has relatively recently been detected in the western honey bee, Apis mellifera. Using a Proboscis Extension Response assay, we found that A. cerana was significantly more likely than A. mellifera to avoid sucrose solutions with concentrations above 1 × 106 N. ceranae spores per mL. However, neither species avoided the sucrose solutions with lower N. ceranae concentrations, similar to those detected on flowers.
A European cross-sectional survey to investigate how involved doctors training in clinical pharmacology are in drug concentration monitoring
Authors: Green Thomas J. , Walker Lauren E. , Turner Richard M.
Published: April 2022

Purpose

Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is widely recognised as a key attribute of clinical pharmacologists; yet, the extent to which physicians undertaking postgraduate training in clinical pharmacology (hereafter trainees) are involved in TDM is poorly characterised. Our own experience suggests wide variation in trainee exposure to TDM.

Method

We performed a Europe-wide cross-sectional internet-based survey of trainees to determine the nature and extent of trainee involvement in TDM.

Results

There were 43 responses from eight countries analysed. Of the 21 respondents from the UK, all were also training in general internal medicine (GIM), while all of the respondents who were solely training in clinical pharmacology were from outside the UK. Overall, 86.0% of respondents reported access to drug monitoring for clinical care at their affiliated institution, of which 81.0% were personally involved in TDM in some capacity. On average, trainees reported that drug monitoring was available for 16 of the 33 (48%) of the drug/drug classes surveyed. UK-based respondents were involved in requesting drug-level investigations and interpreting the results for patients under their care in 76.2% and 85.7% of cases, respectively, while non-UK respondents supported other healthcare professionals to interpret results in 45.4% of cases. Trainees felt TDM training was generally either insufficient or very inadequate.

Conclusion

While access to TDM is relatively available at institutions where trainees are based, the role of trainees is variable and affected by a variety of factors including country and training programme. Universally, trainees feel they need more education in TDM.
Estimating the average distribution of Antarctic krill Euphausia superba at the northern Antarctic Peninsula during austral summer and winter
Authors: Warwick-Evans V. , Fielding S. , Reiss C. S. , Watters G. M. , Trathan P. N.
Published: April 2022

This study was performed to aid the management of the fishery for Antarctic krillEuphausia superba. Krill are an important component of the Antarctic marine ecosystem, providing a key food source for many marine predators. Additionally, krill are the target of the largest commercial fishery in the Southern Ocean, for which annual catches have been increasing and concentrating in recent years. The krill fishery is managed by the Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), which has endorsed a new management framework that requires information about the spatial distribution and biomass of krill. Here, we use krill density estimates from acoustic surveys and a GAMM framework to model habitat properties associated with high krill biomass during summer and winter in the northern Antarctic Peninsula region, an area important to the commercial fishery. Our models show elevated krill density associated with the shelf break, increased sea surface temperature, moderate chlorophyll-a concentration and increased salinity. During winter, our models show associations with shallow waters (< 1500 m) with low sea-ice concentration, medium sea-level anomaly and medium current speed. Our models predict temporal averages of the distribution and density of krill, which can be used to aid CCAMLR’s revised ecosystem approach to fisheries management. Our models have the potential to help in the spatial and temporal design of future acoustic surveys that would preclude the need for modelled extrapolations. We highlight that the ecosystem approach to fisheries management of krill critically depends upon such field observations at relevant spatial and temporal scales.