bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PLGA Cage‐Like Structures Loaded with Sr/Mg‐Doped Hydroxyapatite for Repairing Osteoporotic Bone Defects
Authors: Yu Shangke , Sun Tong , Liu Wei , Yang Lu , Gong Hanwen , Chen Xingyu , Li Jianshu , Weng Jie
Published: May 2022

Poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) (PLGA)‐based porous structures have a widespread application in bone defects. To solve its flaws in the bone application, hydroxyapatite (HA) is often introduced into PLGA‐based systems, and ion doping endows HA with more biological activity. In osteoporotic bone defects, the decreased activity of osteoblasts and the hyperactive osteoclasts results in slow bone repair. Strontium (Sr) can promote bone regeneration and inhibit bone resorption and has been used in the treatment of osteoporosis. Magnesium (Mg) cannot only enhance the regeneration of bone tissue but also vessels. In this study,the aim is to fabricate a multifunctional porous structure that can promote osteogenesis, and angiogenesis and inhibit osteoclasts for repairing osteoporotic bone defects. PLGA cage‐like structures loaded with Sr‐ and Mg‐doped HA (Sr/Mg@HA/PLGA‐CAS) are prepared; they have large pores, suitable hydrophilicity, and can continuously release Mg2+ and Sr2+, which facilitate cell adhesion and growth. The results show that Sr/Mg@HA/PLGA‐CAS can motivate the osteogenic activity of osteoblast precursor cells and angiogenic ability of endothelial cells, and suppress osteoclast differentiation in vitro. This study indicates that Sr/Mg@HA/PLGA‐CAS can assist osteogenesis, and angiogenesis while restraining osteoclast differentiation, which may have a potential application value in osteoporotic bone defects.
Programmed death‐ligand 1 expression on CD22‐specific chimeric antigen receptor‐modified T cells weakens antitumor potential
Authors: Liu Jie , Zhang Fengjuan , Yu Jian , Zhao Qi
Published: May 2022

The molecules of programmed cell death protein‐1 (PD‐1) and ligand‐1 (PD‐L1) become new therapeutic targets for cancer therapy. Although tumor‐expressed PD‐L1 molecule is frequently dispensable for checkpoint blockade in some cancer patients, recent studies suggest that T cell‐expressed PD‐L1 molecule might play a crucial role in antitumor immunity. Here, to investigate CD22 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)‐T cell therapy, we have generated the different CD22 CAR‐T constructs. We noticed that tumor cells induced PD‐L1 expression on the surface of CD22 CAR‐T cells. The induced PD‐L1 might limit immunogenic responses of CAR‐T cells. T cell‐expressed PD‐L1 leads to a suppressive signal by PD‐1/PD‐L1 engagement of CD22 CAR‐T cells. Meanwhile, PD‐L1 suppresses CD22 CAR‐T cell differentiation into memory T cells and negatively affected secretions of several essential cytokines, such as interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α. We further observed that anti‐PD‐L1 monoclonal antibodies rescued cytokine secretion of CD22 CAR‐T cells rather than anti‐PD‐1 monoclonal antibodies. Our current studies provide a potential mechanism to understand the functions and roles of T cell‐expressed PD‐L1 in tumor microenvironment. These results will encourage the physicians to re‐recognize the important roles of PD‐L1 in cancer immunotherapy studies and provide the helpful guidance for clinical operation of PD‐L1 inhibition drugs.
A decoupled stabilized finite element method for the time–dependent Navier–Stokes/Biot problem
Authors: Guo Liming , Chen Wenbin
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we propose a decoupled stabilized finite element method for the time–dependent Navier–Stokes/Biot problem by using the lowest equal‐order finite elements. The coupling problem is divided into two subproblems which can be solved in parallel: One is the Navier–Stokes model by treating the nonlinear term explicitly, and the other is the Biot model. In the numerical scheme, we use the implicit backward Euler method in time, while treat the coupling terms explicitly. The stability analysis and error estimates are established for the proposed fully discrete scheme. Numerical results are provided to justify the theory.
Analysis of tumor in the breast using UWB textile antenna
Authors: Bhavani S. , Shanmuganantham Thangavelu
Published: May 2022

Cancer is the most frequent and deadly disease, with an increasing number of cancer patients and deaths. Breast cancer is becoming the most common type of cancer among women. This paper describes an octagonal‐shaped ultrawide band patch antenna with a denim substrate having a dielectric constant of 1.7. Various positions of the tumor inside the breast phantom are analyzed by the designed antenna using computer simulation technology (CST) Microwave Studio. Multiple tumors are traced by specific absorption rate analysis. The frequency range covered by the antenna is 2.4–10.1 GHz.
Compact Ku‐band CMOS ×3 frequency multiplier with improved harmonic suppression
Authors: Lim Jeong‐Taek , Choi Han‐Woong , Song Jae‐Hyeok , Park Changkun , Kim Choul‐Young
Published: May 2022

This study presents a Ku‐band ×3 frequency multiplier implemented using the 65 nm CMOS process. A frequency tripler core consisting of a single‐ended structure is employed to achieve a small size. A high‐pass filter and a notch filter are used in the output matching network to overcome the low harmonic suppression of the single‐ended structure. Furthermore, an input variable gain amplifier, a frequency tripler core, and an output variable gain amplifier are used in the ×3 frequency multiplier structure to achieve high conversion gain and harmonic suppression. The size of the ×3 frequency multiplier is 0.8 × 0.9 mm2. Measurement results show that the conversion gain for the 15.99–17.52 GHz range is 1.53–24.81 dB at input power values of –20, –25, and –30 dBm, and the harmonic suppression is greater than 24.29–34.71 dBc. In the operating frequency band, the input and output return losses are greater than 10 dB, and the power consumption is 15–18 mW.
Technical note: Low‐cost MR‐compatible pneumatic respiratory organ motion simulator for the development of MR‐guided thermal therapy
Authors: Kim Kisoo , Jones Peter , Diederich Chris , Ozhinsky Eugene
Published: May 2022

Background

In magnetic resonance (MR)‐guided thermal therapy, respiratory motion can cause a significant temperature error in MR thermometry and reduce the efficiency of the treatment. A respiratory motion simulator is necessary for the development of new MR imaging (MRI) and motion compensation techniques.

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to develop a low‐cost and simple MR‐compatible respiratory motion simulator to support proof‐of‐concept studies of MR monitoring approaches with respiratory‐induced abdominal organ motion.

Methods

The phantom motion system integrates pneumatic control via an actuator subsystem located outside the MRI and coupled via plastic tubing to a compressible bag for distention and retraction within the MRI safe motion subsystem and phantom positioned within the MRI scanner. Performance of the respiratory motion simulator was evaluated with a real‐time gradient echo MRI pulse sequence.

Results

The motion simulator can produce respiratory rates in the range of 8–16 breaths/min. Our experiments showed the consistent periodic motion of the phantom during MRI acquisition in the range of 3.7–9 mm with 16 breaths/min. The operation of the simulator did not cause interference with MRI acquisition.

Conclusions

In this study, we have demonstrated the ability of the motion simulator to generate controlled respiratory motion of a phantom. The low‐cost MR‐compatible respiratory motion simulator can be easily constructed from off‐the‐shelf and 3D‐printed parts based on open‐source 3D models and instructions. This could lower the barriers to the development of new MRI techniques with motion compensation.
An enhancedJ‐integral for hydraulic fracture mechanics
Authors: Pezzulli Edoardo , Nejati Morteza , Salimzadeh Saeed , Matthäi Stephan K. , Driesner Thomas
Published: May 2022

This article revisits the formulation of theJ‐integral in the context of hydraulic fracture mechanics. We demonstrate that the use of the classicalJ‐integral in finite element models overestimates the length of hydraulic fractures in the viscosity‐dominated regime of propagation. A finite element analysis shows that the inaccurate numerical solution for fluid pressure is responsible for the loss in accuracy of theJ‐integral. With this understanding, two novel contributions are presented. The first contribution consists of two variations of theJ‐integral, termed the and ‐integral, that demonstrate an enhanced ability to predict viscosity‐dominated propagation. In particular, such ‐integrals accurately extract stress intensity factors in both viscosity and toughness‐dominated regimes of propagation. The second contribution consists of a methodology to extract the propagation velocity from the energy release rate applicable throughout the toughness‐viscous propagation regimes. Both techniques are combined to form an implicit front‐tracking ‐algorithm capable of quickly converging on the location of the fracture front independently to the toughness‐viscous regime of propagation. The ‐algorithm represents an energy‐based alternative to the aperture‐based methods frequently used with the Implicit Level Set Algorithm to simulate hydraulic fracturing. Simulations conducted at various resolutions of the fracture suggest that the new approach is suitable for hydro‐mechanical finite element simulations at the reservoir scale.
An implicit integration algorithm based on invariants for isotropic elasto‐plastic models of the Cosserat continuum
Authors: Panteghini Andrea , Lagioia Rocco
Published: May 2022

A Finite Element (FE) procedure based on a fully implicit backward Euler predictor/corrector scheme for the Cosserat continuum is here presented. The integration algorithm is suitable for yield and plastic potential surfaces with general shape in the deviatoric plane. The key element of the integration scheme is the spectral decomposition of the stress tensor, which is achieved, despite the lack of symmetry, because of the mathematical structure of the yield function and the set of invariants chosen as independent variables. It is also shown that the choice of invariants enables considerable mathematical simplifications, which result in the reduction of the system of equations and unknowns of the elasto‐plastic problem from 19 to 1, and to rigorously handle the discontinuity at the apex of the surfaces. The algorithm has been implemented in a proprietary FE programme, and used for the constitutive model recently proposed by the same authors in this journal for the Cosserat continuum, which allows to set various classical failure criteria as yield and plastic potential surfaces. Numerical analyses have been conducted to simulate a biaxial compression test and a shallow strip footing resting on a Tresca, Mohr–Coulomb, Matsuoka–Nakai and Lade–Duncan soil. The benefits of the Cosserat continuum over the Cauchy/Maxwell medium are discussed considering mesh refinement, non‐associated flow and softening behaviour.
Supplementing a widely available weight loss program with gamified inhibitory control training: A randomized pilot study
Authors: Cáceres Nenette A. , Yu Qihan , Lauzon Marie , Diniz Marcio A. , Tuckerman Rebecca , Carrillo Audrey , Philipp Mark , Foster Gary D. , Seitz Aaron R. , Salvy Sarah‐Jeanne
Published: May 2022

Background

Increasing evidence suggests that targeting self‐regulatory processes may improve obesity treatment outcomes. Incorporating gamification principles in inhibitory control training may promote sustained training adherence and resulting benefits. This pilot study evaluated the preliminary efficacy of supplementing an evidence‐based weight management program (WW) with sustained gamified inhibitory control training (PolyRules!) on change in Body Mass Index (BMI) among adults with overweight/obesity.

Methods

30 adults with overweight/obesity (M age 49.9 ± 12.4, 86.7% female; 23.3% Hispanic, mean BMI 35.3 ± 6.3) were randomly assigned to receive WW with or without PolyRules! for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in BMI from baseline to post‐intervention across study arms. Implementation and process indicators were captured to inform larger trials.

Results

Average change in BMI was −0.9 in the WW arm and −1.2 in the WW + PolyRules! arm (Cohen's d = 0.26). In the WW + PolyRules! arm, increased training was associated with greater decreases in BMI (r = −0.506, p = 0.0454). WW + PolyRules! participants completed an average of 60.4% sessions and reported positive experiences. There was no difference in frequency of food (d = −0.02) and weight tracking (d = −0.19) between arms.

Conclusions

Studies in larger samples should evaluate training‐related effects on weight. Supplementing WW with gamified inhibitory training appears feasible, with no detrimental effect on engagement.
Recent Advances in Pathology: the 2022 Annual Review Issue of The Journal of Pathology
Authors: Herrington C Simon , Poulsom Richard , Pillay Nischalan , Bankhead Peter , Coates Philip J
Published: May 2022

The 2022 Annual Review Issue of The Journal of Pathology, Recent Advances in Pathology, contains 15 invited reviews on research areas of growing importance in pathology. This year, the articles include those that focus on digital pathology, employing modern imaging techniques and software to enable improved diagnostic and research applications to study human diseases. This subject area includes the ability to identify specific genetic alterations through the morphological changes they induce, as well as integrating digital and computational pathology with ‘omics technologies. Other reviews in this issue include an updated evaluation of mutational patterns (mutation signatures) in cancer, the applications of lineage tracing in human tissues, and single cell sequencing technologies to uncover tumour evolution and tumour heterogeneity. The tissue microenvironment is covered in reviews specifically dealing with proteolytic control of epidermal differentiation, cancer‐associated fibroblasts, field cancerisation, and host factors that determine tumour immunity. All of the reviews contained in this issue are the work of invited experts selected to discuss the considerable recent progress in their respective fields and are freely available online (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/journal/10969896). © 2022 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A comparative study of surface properties of Urtica dioica (nettle) leaves, roots, and seeds and examination of their ability to separate xylene isomers
Authors: Isik Birol , Cakar Fatih , Cankurtaran Ozlem
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Urtica dioica (nettle) is a plant species of the Urticaceae family that grows in various parts of the world and exerts antioxidant, antibacterial, antiulcer, antiviral, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Their leaves, roots, and seeds are used in various fields such as food, medicine, and cosmetics.

Objectives

Inverse gas chromatography (IGC) was used to evaluate the surface characteristics and separation ability of U. dioica leaves, roots, and seeds. Characterization of these biomasses was performed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses.

Methodology

The surface properties of the biomasses including dispersive surface energy, adsorption enthalpy, Gibbs free energy, and acidity‐basicity constants were determined at infinite dilution using various organic solvents. These properties were compared with each other. Dispersive surface energies were calculated using the Dorris–Gray, Donnet–Park, and Schultz methods. The accuracy of these methods and their applicability were evaluated. In the last stage of this study, the separation of xylene isomers was investigated by using U. dioica biomasses as stationary phases.

Results

The surface functional groups were determined by FTIR analysis. As a result of the IGC studies, it was found that the adsorption of polar solvents on biomasses occurred exothermically and spontaneously. Besides, it was found that the surfaces of biomasses were basic. From the retention diagrams and selectivity coefficients, it was determined that xylene isomers were effectively separated.

Conclusion

IGC is a promising, low‐cost, easy‐to‐apply, and high‐accuracy technique for the investigation of the surface properties of biomasses and their ability to separate isomers.
Facile preparation and properties of polybenzoxazine/graphene porous nanocomposites for electromagnetic wave absorption
Authors: Xu Wanghezi , Wang Hanwu , Ran Qichao
Published: May 2022

Polybenzoxazine/graphene porous nanocomposites were prepared by sol–gel and subsequent thermal curing. The porous nanocomposites showed low densities ranging from 0.154 to 0.204 g/cm3. The chemical structures and microscopic morphology of the porous nanocomposites were studied using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The electromagnetic wave absorbing ability of the porous nanocomposites was investigated, and the results showed that the minimum reflection loss for the porous nanocomposite with 15 wt% of graphene (PBG‐15) can reach −35.72 dB at a thickness of 2.6 mm with a 1.5 GHz frequency bandwidth. The excellent absorption ability was due to the conductivity loss in the porous nanocomposite. Also, PBG‐15 exhibited good heat resistance with a thermal deformation temperature near 220°C and a char yield of 56%. In addition, the addition of graphene could increase the compressive strength and compressive modulus of the porous nanocomposites by up to 126% and 364%, respectively. These polybenzoxazine/graphene porous nanocomposites have good potential application in light electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.
Global profiling of lysine succinylation in human lungs
Authors: Yang Ye‐Hong , Wu Song‐Feng , Zhu Yun‐Ping , Yang Jun‐Tao , Liu Jiang‐Feng
Published: May 2022

The lysine succinylation (Ksucc) is involved in many core energy metabolism pathways and affects the metabolic process in mitochondria, making this modification highly valuable for studying diseases related to mitochondrial disorders. In this paper, we used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) to perform the first global profiling of succinylation in human lungs under normal physiological conditions. Using an MS‐based platform, we identified 1485 Ksucc sites in 568 proteins. We then compared these sites with those previously identified in human succinylome studies to investigate specific succinylated proteins and identify their possible functions in the lung and to explore the substrate preferences of succinylation modifiers in different cell lines and at different subcellular localizations. Our work expands the succinylation database and supplementary materials on the human succinylome and will thus help in further study of the function of Ksucc and regulation under related physiological and pathological conditions.
Elements of microfinance on spatial poverty alleviation in Sri Lanka: Structural equation modeling
Authors: Kumari Prasansha
Published: May 2022

Sri Lanka being a developing country, its poverty can be identified as a serious issue for the development of the country. Poverty can be identified as a spatial characteristic in Sri Lanka which can be seen in the high poverty rates in several areas as the result of disparities of natural and physical resources distribution and, geographical disadvantages. Microfinance has been identified as a significant tool for eradicating poverty in many Asian countries after the 1990s. Sri Lanka also launched several microfinance programs to reduce poverty in the country. Despite the availability of microfinance in Sri Lanka, very few studies have been carried out; therefore, only limited knowledge of the empirical and theoretical impacts of the various microfinance elements on poverty alleviation is available. This study is an attempt to remedy this paucity of knowledge. Primary data were gathered through a Likert scale questionnaire that was distributed among 497 borrowers of the Samurdhi microfinance program. This sample was chosen from five districts of Sri Lanka. Structural Equation Modeling was used for testing the hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that microcredit was the most significant element of microfinance for alleviating spatial poverty in Sri Lanka. Nonfinancial Services and Insurance Services also had a positive impact on spatial poverty alleviation. Micro Savings and Social Intermediation Services did not have a notable positive impact on spatial poverty alleviation in Sri Lanka. The findings of this study enhance the existing knowledge of microfinance, providing conceptual and empirical contributions. This study could substantially contribute to the government by offering it deeper insight into its programs. Therefore, policymakers and regulators will be able to introduce better tools for eradicating poverty, based on this new knowledge.
Household poverty dynamics in tribal Madhya Pradesh, India: A case study of 54 villages
Authors: Kumar Rishi
Published: May 2022

I study the time path of households' poverty, as well as determinants of mobility in and out of poverty in rural India. The research combines qualitative and quantitative data collected from tribal settlements of rural Kesla block of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Methodologically, we build on the “stages of progress” framework and additionally conduct a transition matrix analysis of mobility using participatory data. Nonpoor but vulnerable households are identified using two cut‐offs: a poverty line and a prosperity line. The main finding is that factors lifting households out of poverty differ from those factors that cause a fall into poverty and the same is also true for reasons behind poverty persistence. Hence, the design of public policy interventions to alleviate chronic poverty and facilitate households' graduation out of poverty need to be different, taking into consideration various factors at play.
Physical therapists demonstrate clinical behaviors consistent with established clinical practice guidelines in managing individuals following amputation
Authors: Bernal Salcedo Jeremy , Treacy Daniel , Noblet Tim , Scrivener Katharine
Published: May 2022

Background and Purpose

Investigating physical therapy in amputation management offers insights into clinical practice. This study explores the self‐reported clinical practice of physical therapists in amputation management and compares it to established clinical practice guidelines to determine whether physical therapists are delivering care that is considered recommended clinical practice.

Method

An online survey of Australian physical therapists with limited or extensive experience in managing individuals following amputation.

Results

A total of 110 responses were received. The majority of Australian physical therapists (83%) reported their skills were adequate however, reported a lack of professional development opportunities. Physical therapists reported coordinating care with other health and medical professionals across all phases of care. They report providing comprehensive care in the following areas: residual limb management, pain management, falls prevention, education, counselling, psychological and peer support, and discharge planning. The majority of physical therapists were not aware if a comprehensive care plan was in place following a transition of care from a previous health service.

Discussion

Overall, physical therapists displayed clinical practice meeting the guidelines across most areas of amputation management. Future research into alternate data collection of clinical practice, and the development of physical therapy‐specific clinical practice guidelines is needed.
Review of functional magnetic resonance imaging in the assessment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma treatment response
Authors: Wong Kwun Lam , Cheng Ka Hei , Lam Sai Kit , Liu Chenyang , Cai Jing
Published: May 2022

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a common malignancy endemic in South‐East Asia. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has been used for prompt detection of treatment response before visible morphological changes in NPC treatment. Among different fMRI techniques, diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) and dynamic contrast enhancement (DCE) were proved to be more successful in NPC treatment response assessment whilst the application of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) remains questionable. Apart from discussing the imaging technique, time points for post‐treatment response assessments are recommended. Four instead of three  months is recommended for prompt identification of non‐ or partial responders and 6–9 months post‐treatment multiparametric MRI is also recommended for effective confirmation of complete responding individuals to avoid residual disease. For future advancement, in addition to the post‐treatment response assessment, continuous or longitudinal assessment on the treatment response with the use of magnetic resonance simulator (MR‐simulator) or magnetic resonace imaging guided linear accelerator (MR‐Linac) tailor‐made for radiotherapy (RT) maybe feasible. Longitudinal assessments or predictive radiomics modeling allow spotting out the possibility of treatment failure before the completion or even before the start of treatments. Adaptive instead of salvage treatments can then be prepared, thus reducing the damage and side effects of consecutive cytotoxic treatments.
Mortality dynamics of a polyphagous invasive herbivore reveal clues in its agroecosystem success
Authors: Naranjo Steven E. , Cañas Luis , Ellsworth Peter C.
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

The population dynamics of polyphagous pests such as Bemisia argentifolii (B. tabaci MEAM1) are governed by complex, interacting factors involving its cultivated and wild host plants, seasonality, movement and demography. To understand mechanisms contributing to population development and pest success within the agroecosystem, contiguous multi‐host field sites were established in three environmentally distinct areas in Arizona. Life tables quantified and partition models described mortality sources and rates for immature insect stages on each host plant.

RESULTS

Predation and dislodgement were the largest sources of marginal mortality, supplied the highest irreplaceable mortality and predation was the key factor. Rates of mortality were best predicted, in order, by source, temperature, host plant and season. Marginal mortality was highest for fourth‐stage nymphs followed by eggs. Mortality rates were predicted in descending order by stage, temperature and season. Survivorship patterns varied among host plants, and generational mortality averaged 70% on spring cantaloupes but nearly 95% on all other hosts. Population density varied seasonally, persisting at low levels on winter hosts and expanding beginning in the spring; perennial hosts and weeds bridge populations year‐round.

CONCLUSION

Survival on winter hosts such as broccoli, albeit low, enables population continuity, whereas unusually high survivorship on spring crops like cantaloupe is an ecological release propelling population growth and driving regional dynamics in the summer and fall. This detailed understanding of mortality dynamics provides clues to the success of this invasive pest in our agroecosystems and facilitates opportunities for improved pest management at a broader landscape scale. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry. This article has been contributed to by U.S. Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Functional characterization of MoSdhB in conferring resistance to pydiflumetofen in blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae
Authors: Liu Shiyi , Ma Ji , Jiang Bingxin , Yang Guogen , Guo Min
Published: May 2022

BACKGROUND

Rice (Oryza sativa) is an important cereal crop around the world, and has constantly been threaten by the most destructive fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Pydiflumetofen, a novel succinate dehydrogenase inhibitor (SDHI), is currently being used for controlling various fungal diseases. However, the potential resistance risk of M. oryzae to pydiflumetofen has remained unclear to date, and finding the resistance mechanism is critical for the usage of this fungicide.

RESULTS

The M. oryzae strain Guy11 is sensitive to pydiflumetofen, with EC50 value of 1.24 μg mL−1. 58 pydiflumetofen‐resistant (PR) mutants were obtained through pydiflumetofen‐induced spontaneous mutation, with a mean EC50 value >500 μg mL −1, and the resistance factor (RF) >400. The PR mutants displayed positive cross‐resistance to carboxin, but were more sensitive to fluopyram. Sequencing analysis showed that all PR mutants presented a cytosine‐to‐thymine transition at nucleotide position +1218, resulting in a replacement of histidine 245 by tyrosine (H245Y) on MoSdhB. The mutation of MoSdhB exhibited strong resistant phenotype, but no detectable growth deficits in fungal development, including vegetative growth and pathogenicity of M. oryzae. An allele‐specific PCR for rapid detection of the H245Y mutants was established in M. oryzae.

CONCLUSION

The M. oryzae is sensitive to pydiflumetofen, and shows a medium to high resistance risk to pydiflumetofen. A point mutation of MoSdhB (H245Y) is responsible for the fungal resistance to pydiflumetofen in M. oryzae. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Monitoring shallow coral reef exposure to environmental stressors using satellite earth observation: the reef environmental stress exposure toolbox (RESET)
Authors: Williamson Michael J. , Tebbs Emma J. , Dawson Terence P. , Thompson Henry J. , Head Catherine E. I. , Jacoby David M. P.
Published: May 2022

Coral reefs are significantly threatened by multiple environmental stressors associated with climate change. While there is growing recognition of the importance of interacting stressors on coral reefs, so far this has been primarily limited to in situ studies. Satellite remote sensing has potential for investigating coral reef exposure to multiple environmental stressors at a global scale over multiple years; however, current satellite monitoring is primarily focused on thermal stress. Here we collate nine environmental variables (cloud cover, current, depth, salinity, wind, and four sea surface temperature‐based metrics) from readily available satellite datasets using the Google Earth Engine geospatial processing platform. Using ecological and health‐based thresholds obtained from the literature, we developed, using fuzzy logic (discontinuous functions), a Reef Environmental Stress Exposure Toolbox (RESET) for monitoring environmental stress exposure at multiple scales. Stress exposure scores for 3157 reefs were generated and mapped globally across 12 coral reef ecosystem regions. RESET was also applied to three case‐study reefs, previously well monitored for stress and disturbance using other methods. PCA analysis indicated that depth, current, sea surface temperature (SST) and SST anomaly accounted for the greatest contribution to the variance in environmental stress exposure in these three regions. Depth, degree heating weeks, and SST anomaly were identified as the potential drivers of inter‐ and intra‐region variation in environmental stress exposure. Individual variables were then integrated into a multi‐metric index of combined stress exposure which corroborated temporal and spatial differences due to known disturbance events. RESET provides a open access, easily interpretable set of tools and associated indices for monitoring environmental stress exposure on coral reefs, designed to inform conservation and management decisions. As such RESET has broad potential to assist in the monitoring of our increasingly imperilled coral ecosystems, in particular, those that are remote or inaccessible.
Multivariate methods with feature wavebands selection and stratified calibration for soil organic carbon content prediction by Vis‐NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Wu Jun , Guo Daqian , Li Guo , Guo Xi , Zhong Liang , Zhu Qing , Guo Jiaxin , Ye Yingcong
Published: May 2022

Visible–near‐infrared (Vis‐NIR) spectroscopy is increasingly used to predict soil organic carbon (SOC) content. However, the prediction accuracy of this technology is dependent on model selection and study scale. This study explored the roles of spectral variable selection and stratified calibration based on soil type in Vis‐NIR spectroscopy for predicting SOC content at a provincial scale. A total of 490 samples, collected in Jiangxi Province (southeast China), were used for modeling with partial least squares regression, support vector machine, random forests, and back‐propagation neural network (BPNN). The feature wavebands of soil samples were selected by competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS), and a stratified calibration was conducted based on soil type. The results showed that CARS‐based models outperformed models with full wavebands in predicting the SOC content. The CARS‐BPNN model combined with stratified calibration showed the best prediction performance for total soils (validation set R2 = .82, which was .21 higher than that of BPNN based on global calibration). This study established an accurate method to predict SOC content from provincial‐scale spectral data using the CARS‐BPNN model coupled with stratified calibration based on soil type.
Energy transition and environmental quality prospects in leading emerging economies: The role of environmental‐related technological innovation
Authors: Onifade Stephen Taiwo , Alola Andrew Adewale
Published: May 2022

The world has witnessed a significant rise in greenhouse gas emissions since the end of the 20th century as several economies begin to emerge into industrial hubs and manufacturing giants across the globe. Thus, in the wake of global interest in clean energy development and campaign for sustainable climate and ecosystem, the role of the emerging countries in the debate is unarguably vital and demanding. Importantly, this study seeks to examine the commitment of the leading emerging countries (E7) of Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, and Turkey to energy transition and carbon‐neutral 2050. We employ the cross‐sectionally augmented autoregressive distributed lag approach that accounts for potential country‐specific factors to examine the role of environmental‐related technological innovations (ERT) in achieving climate neutrality in the E7 over the period from 1992 to 2018. Notably, the findings revealed that a 1 percent increase in ERT yields ~0.33% (short‐run) and ~ 0.17% (long‐run) reductions in carbon emission, thus suggesting that the E7 economies could be heading toward environmental sustainability with the application of ERT. Additionally, the result revealed that the application of ERT in the energy utilization profile significantly reduced the undesirable impact of primary energy utilization. However, the result showed that such an impact is not enough to trigger a transition to environmentally desirable cleaner energy that could mitigate carbon emissions. This is because the larger share of the E7 countries' primary energy utilization is from conventional and/or non‐renewable energy sources. The environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis is also validated.
Construction of hydrophobic lauric acid film on aluminum alloy and its corrosion resistance mechanism
Authors: Wang Qi , Cao Yijun , Li Jiaojiao , Li Jiaping , Shang Wei , Peng Ning , Chen Tianfeng , Liao Qun , Wen Yuqing
Published: May 2022

6061 aluminum alloy is one of the light metal materials, which has the advantages of good elasticity and lightweight. However, aluminum alloy is susceptible to corrosion in industrial applications. Therefore, in this paper, we successfully prepared an organic lauric acid film on the surface of aluminum alloy by electrodeposition. The film was characterized by SEM, EDS, WCA, XPS, EIS, FT‐IR, and neutral salt spray test. According to the results of the EIS test, impedance value has increased by two orders of magnitude compared to the substrate, and corrosion current density reached 8.51 × 10−7 A/cm2. The salt spray test was conducted for 192 h before the corrosion point appeared, indicating that the film have better anticorrosion ion permeability. Calculated chemical results show that COOH of lauric acid is the dominant reaction group and the carboxyl group is near the aluminum alloy surface for the reaction equilibrium state, which provide a theoretical basis for the study of the film.
Bayesian inference for discretely observed continuous time multi‐state models
Authors: Barone Rosario , Tancredi Andrea
Published: May 2022

Multi‐state models are frequently applied to represent processes evolving through a discrete set of states. Important classes of multi‐state models arise when transitions between states may depend on the time passed since entry into the current state or on the time elapsed from the start of the process. The former models are called semi‐Markov while the latter are known as inhomogeneous Markov models. Inference for both the models presents computational difficulties when the process is only observed at discrete time points with no additional information about the state transitions. In fact, in both the cases, the likelihood function is not available in closed form. To obtain Bayesian inference under these two classes of models, we reconstruct the entire unobserved trajectories conditioned on the observed points via a Metropolis‐Hastings algorithm. As proposal density we use that given by the nested Markov models whose conditioned trajectories can easily be drawn with the uniformization technique. The resulting inference is illustrated via simulation studies and the analysis of two benchmark datasets for multi‐state models.
Coupling Fe3C Nanoparticles and N‐Doping on Wood‐Derived Carbon to Construct Reversible Cathode for Zn–Air Batteries
Authors: Cao Mengmeng , Liu Yanyan , Sun Kang , Li Heng , Lin Xiaoqian , Zhang Pengxiang , Zhou Limin , Wang Ao , Mehdi Sehrish , Wu Xianli , Jiang Jianchun , Li Baojun
Published: May 2022

Electrochemical reduction of oxygen plays a critical role in emerging electrochemical energy technologies. Multiple electron transfer processes, involving adsorption and activation of O2 and generation of protons from water molecules, cause the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, a double‐active‐site catalyst of Fe3C nanoparticles coupled to paulownia wood‐derived N‐doped carbon (Fe3C@NPW) is fabricated via an active‐site‐uniting strategy. One site on Fe3C nanoparticles contributes to activating water molecules, while another site on N‐doped carbon is responsible for activating oxygen molecules. Benefiting from the synergistic effect of double active sites, Fe3C@NPW delivers a remarkable catalytic activity for ORR with a half‐wave potential of 0.87 V (vs. RHE) in alkaline electrolyte, outperforming commercial Pt/C catalyst. Moreover, zinc–air batteries (ZABs) assembled with Fe3C@NPW as a catalyst on cathode achieve a large specific capacity of 804.4 mA h gZn−1 and a long‐term stability of 780 cycles. The model solid‐state ZABs also display satisfactory performances with an open‐circuit voltage of 1.39 V and a high peak power density of 78 mW cm−2. These outstanding performances reach the level of first‐rank among the non‐noble metal electrode materials. This work offers a promising approach to creating double‐active‐site catalysts by the active‐site‐uniting strategy for energy conversion fields.
New barklice (Psocodea, Trogiomorpha) from Lower Cretaceous Spanish amber
Authors: Álvarez‐Parra Sergio , Peñalver Enrique , Nel André , Delclòs Xavier
Published: May 2022

Barklice are insects belonging to the order Psocodea. They are herbivorous or detritivorous, and inhabit a wide range of environments. Their oldest fossil record dates back to the late Carboniferous, but it was not until the Cretaceous that they became much more diverse. However, their fossil record could be affected by taphonomic processes due to their tiny size and soft bodies. Here, we present new psocid specimens from five amber‐bearing outcrops in Spain that are Albian in age. One of the specimens, a well‐preserved psocid nymph assigned to †Archaeatropidae, lacks evidence of debris‐carrying behaviour. Some of the specimens belong to the previously known species Archaeatropos alavensis Baz & Ortuño and Preempheria antiqua Baz & Ortuño (Trogiomorpha: Atropetae), providing new anatomical and biogeographical information. Furthermore, we describe a new species, Libanoglaris hespericus sp. nov. (†Archaeatropidae). The diagnosis for the family †Archaeatropidae is emended. The abundance of psocids in Cretaceous amber and their virtual absence in compression outcrops could be due to taphonomic bias. Considerations on the phylogenetic placement of trogiomorphan families and the relationships between †Archaeatropidae and †Empheriidae are included. Today, the least diverse psocid suborder is Trogiomorpha, but this suborder comprises the majority of the Cretaceous psocodean species described to date, possibly due to palaeobiological or evolutionary constraints. Trogiomorphans could have been relegated to marginal habitats by niche competition with psocomorphans. Debris‐carrying behaviour in response to predatory pressure might not have been widely distributed, geographically or phylogenetically, in the Cretaceous psocid nymphs.
The impact of the integration of opportunity and resources of new ventures on entrepreneurial performance: The moderating role of BDAC‐AI
Authors: Ge Baoshan , Zhao Liyi
Published: May 2022

Opportunity and resources are the two key elements of entrepreneurship, and they are inseparable. Scholars have paid more attention to integrating opportunities and resources for new ventures. At the same time, the academic community has widely recognized the important role of ‘dynamic capability’ in the survival and development of enterprises. However, few studies have explored the relationship between the integration of opportunity resources and dynamic capabilities of new ventures in essence and have not revealed the mechanism of big data analysis capability supported by artificial intelligence (BDAC‐AI) in the process of improving the entrepreneurial performance of new ventures. Based on the resource‐based view and dynamic capability theory, this paper integrates opportunity resource integration and dynamic capability into a research framework for the first time, constructs a new theoretical model and discusses the impact mechanism of BDAC‐AI and opportunity resource integration on entrepreneurial performance. Based on the data of 225 new ventures, this paper finds that (1) both BDAC‐AI and opportunity resource integration of new ventures have a positive impact on dynamic capability and dynamic capability has a positive role in promoting entrepreneurial performance; (2) dynamic capability plays an intermediary role in the relationship between BDAC‐AI, opportunity resource integration and new venture performance; and (3) BDAC‐AI positively regulates opportunity resource integration. However, it has no moderating effect on the mediating effect of dynamic capabilities. The research conclusion has important theoretical significance for the improvement of new ventures' entrepreneurial performance and has important practical significance for the survival and development of new ventures under the background of artificial intelligence.
Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Materials for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries: Energy Storage Mechanism and Function
Authors: Xu Xilian , Chen Ye , Liu Dongshu , Zheng Dong , Dai Xiaojing , Shi Wenhui , Cao Xiehong
Published: May 2022

Aqueous rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) featuring competitive performance, low cost and high safety hold great promise for applications in grid‐scale energy storage and portable electronic devices. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs), relying on their large framework structure and abundant active sites, have been identified as promising materials in ZIBs. This review comprehensively presents the current development of MOF‐based materials including MOFs and their derivatives in ZIBs, which begins with Zn storage mechanism of MOFs, followed by introduction of various types of MOF‐based cathode materials (PB and PBA, Mn‐based MOF, V‐based MOF, conductive MOF and their derivatives), and the regulation approaches for Zn deposition behavior. The key factors and optimization strategies of MOF‐based materials that affect ZIBs performance are emphasized and discussed. Finally, the challenges and further research directions of MOF‐based materials for advanced zinc‐ion batteries are provided.
CT anatomy of cervical vertebrae of Asian elephant (Elephas maximus)
Authors: Zehtabvar Omid , Vajhi Ali Reza , Akbarein Hesam‐aldin , Ahmadian Faeze Sadat , khanamooeiashi Mahdokht , Soflaei Reihaneh , Borgheie Fakhra
Published: May 2022

Background

Elephants are currently the largest mammals on earth. A comprehensive examination of the anatomy of this animal to diagnose various disorders is required. In addition, due to the heavy head of these animals, adaptations have been made in the anatomical structure of the neck that is worth studying.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate a standard morphologic and morphometric description of the elephant cervical spine. Another aim of this study was to compare the changes in the cervical skeleton of elephants with horses and cattle.

Methods

For this study, the cervical vertebrae of the Asian elephant, cattle and horse were examined. CT Images were obtained using Somatom Spirit II CT Machine. Statistical analysis was done by SPSS 24 software.

Results

Two dorsal tubercles and a groove between them were observed on the dorsal arch of the atlas vertebra of the Asian elephant. In elephant samples, the variation of vertebral body height, spinous process height, transverse process width, vertebral body length and vertebral foramen volume indices were statistically significant. The volume of the vertebral foramen in the elephant decreases in the second vertebra compared to the first vertebra, decreases in the third vertebra, decreases in the fourth, increases in the fifth, decreases in the sixth and increases in the seventh.

Conclusions

In this study, the structure of the cervical vertebrae of the Asian elephant was examined, and certain features were observed. One of the main features was the reduction of the length of the vertebrae, which leads to the decrease of the ratio of neck length to the size of the body. This condition can be due to the high weight of the head in the elephant. To maintain this weight, it is necessary to reduce the length of the neck and confer less mobility.
Phylogenetic analysis of porcine circovirus 3 circulating in Canadian pigs
Authors: Zhang Maodong , Liu Chao Chun , Huang Yanyun , Hill Janet E. , Bravo Araya Maria , Ojkic Davor , Gagnon Carl A.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) has been detected in pigs worldwide and associated with several clinical signs.

Methods

To investigate the genetic diversity of PCV3 strains circulating in Canada, 44 PCV3 positive samples from Saskatchewan (2/44), Manitoba (2/44), Quebec (4/44), Alberta (11/44) and Ontario (25/44) submitted to diagnostic laboratories in Canada between 2019 and 2021 were sequenced and analyzed.

Results

Phylogenetic analysis of capsid genes showed that all of the 44 Canadian strains classified into PCV3a and segregated into seven lineages with common amino acid changes observed at A24V, R27K, N56D, T77S, Q98R, L150I (F) and R168K positions.

Conclusion

Future studies are required to determine whether the polymorphisms in capsid proteins, as revealed in this study, could be associated with differences in the pathogenicity or antigenicity of PCV3 strains. This is the first phylogenetic analysis of PCV3 strains among different provinces in Canada.