bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plant size and neighbourhood characteristics influence survival and growth in a restored ex‐agricultural ecosystem
Authors: Atkinson Joe , Freudenberger David , Dwyer John M. , Standish Rachel J. , Moles Angela T. , Bonser Stephen P. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Restoring woody vegetation on degraded agricultural land is a widespread and common ecological restoration practice. However, highly variable plant survival and growth limit outcomes for many projects. Inconsistent reporting and monitoring of projects mean that an assessment of the relative importance of community‐assembly processes is limited, particularly over longer timescales.

We use 7 years of monitoring data of nearly 2000 native trees and shrubs in a restoration project on ex‐agricultural land in south‐western Australia to test the potential effects of facilitation or competition from neighbouring plants, as well as look for patterns in their interaction with the attributes of individuals and species traits.

Overall, plant size was the strongest single predictor of survival and incremental growth. Individual plants in neighbourhoods with higher inter‐generic basal area were more likely to survive, with this effect strongest in smaller individuals. When plants were larger, they were less likely to grow when in neighbourhoods with high intra‐generic basal area. Taller‐growing plants (higher species maximum height) were more likely to survive when individuals were small (basal area of 1–10 cm2), compared with shorter growing plants. Growth was also more likely in taller‐growing plants, and this relationship increased with the size of the individual. Recruitment was very low, with just 148 new recruits recorded across the 42 plots over 7 years.

Maximizing the growth of plants in restorations in the early stages may promote survival and growth in the longer term. We also demonstrate that increased levels of inter‐generic neighbouring plants may improve individual plant survival in the restoration of ex‐agricultural land. As a result, we suggest tailoring direct‐seeding methods to minimize clustering of congeneric individuals. We also highlight the need to find means of promoting recruitment for the long‐term sustainability of restoration efforts.
Uncertainties in linac primary barrier transmission values
Authors: McDermott Patrick N. , Sigler Michael D. , Lake Ian P. , Lack Danielle 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPrimary barrier design for linac shielding depends very sensitively on tenth value layer (TVL) data. Inaccuracies can lead to large discrepancies between measured and calculated values of the barrier transmission. Values of the TVL for concrete quoted in several widely used standard references are substantially different than those calculated more recently. The older standard TVL data predict significantly lower radiation levels outside primary barriers than the more recently calculated values under some circumstances. The difference increases with increasing barrier thickness and energy, and it can be as large as a factor of 4 for 18 MV and concrete thickness of 200 cm. This may be due to significant differences in the beam spectra between the earlier and the more recent calculations. Measured instantaneous air kerma rates sometimes show large variations for the same energy and thickness. This may be due to confounding factors such as extra material on, or inside the barrier, variable field size at the barrier, density of concrete, and distal distance from the barrier surface. In some cases, the older TVL data significantly underestimate measured instantaneous air kerma rates, by up to a factor of 3, even when confounding factors are taken into account. This could lead to the necessity for expensive remediation. The more recent TVL values tend to overestimate the measured instantaneous dose rates. Reference TVL data should be computed in a manner that is mathematically consistent with their use in the calculation of air kerma rate outside barriers directly from the linac “dose” rate in MU/min.
Implementing corrections of isocentric shifts for the stereotactic irradiation of cerebral targets: Clinical validation
Authors: Wegener Sonja , Schindhelm Robert , Sauer Otto A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPurpose: Any Linac will show geometric imprecisions, including non‐ideal alignment of the gantry, collimator and couch axes, and gantry sag or wobble. Their angular dependence can be quantified and resulting changes of the dose distribution predicted (Wack, JACMP 20(5), 2020). We analyzed whether it is feasible to correct geometric shifts during treatment planning. The successful implementation of such a correction procedure was verified by measurements of different stereotactic treatment plans.Methods: Isocentric shifts were quantified for two Elekta Synergy Agility Linacs using the QualiForMed ISO‐CBCT+ module, yielding the shift between kV and MV isocenters, the gantry flex and wobble as well as the positions of couch and collimator rotation axes. Next, the position of each field's isocenter in the Pinnacle treatment planning system was adjusted accordingly using a script. Fifteen stereotactic treatment plans of cerebral metastases (0.34 to 26.53 cm3) comprising 9–11 beams were investigated; 54 gantry and couch combinations in total. Unmodified plans and corrected plans were measured using the Sun Nuclear SRS‐MapCHECK with the Stereophan phantom and evaluated using gamma analysis.Results: Geometric imprecisions, such as shifts of up to 0.8 mm between kV and MV isocenter, a couch rotation axis 0.9 mm off the kV isocente,r and gantry flex with an amplitude of 1.1 mm, were found. For eight, mostly small PTVs D98 values declined more than 5% by simulating these shifts. The average gamma (2%/2 mm, absolute, global, 20% threshold) was reduced from 0.53 to 0.31 (0.32 to 0.30) for Linac 1 (Linac 2) when including the isocentric corrections. Thus, Linac 1 reached the accuracy level of Linac 2 after correction.Conclusion: Correcting for Linac geometric deviations during the planning process is feasible and was dosimetrically validated. The dosimetric impact of the geometric imperfections can vary between Linacs and should be assessed and corrected where necessary.
Signature Urbanism: Shaping Subperceptual Forms for the New Multispectral City
Authors: Kripa Ersela , Mueller Stephen 
Published: March 2022

AbstractErsela Kripa and Stephen Mueller, codirectors of the Project for Operative Spatial Technologies (POST) research centre at Texas Tech University College of Architecture, describe the city in all its newfound multispectral complexity and how their architectural interventions reveal a world determined by scopic regimes.
Flatness‐based disturbance observer for exoskeleton robots under time‐delayed contact forces
Authors: Rigatos Gerasimos , Abbaszadeh Masoud , Pomares Jorge 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe article proposes flatness‐based control and a Kalman filter‐based disturbance observer for solving the control problem of a robotic exoskeleton under time‐delayed exogenous disturbances. A two‐link lower‐limb robotic exoskeleton is used as a case study. It is proven that this robotic system is differentially flat. The robot is considered to be subject to unknown contact forces at its free‐end which in turn generate unknown disturbance torques at its joints. It is shown that the dynamic model of the robotic exoskeleton can be transformed into the input–output linearized form and equivalently into the linear canonical Brunovsky form. This linearized description of the exoskeleton's dynamics is both controllable and observable. It allows for designing a stabilizing feedback controller with the use of the pole‐placement (eigenvalues assignment) method. Moreover, it allows for solving the state estimation problem with the use of Kalman Filtering (the use of the Kalman filter on the flatness‐based linearized model of nonlinear dynamical systems is also known as derivative‐free nonlinear Kalman filtering). Furthermore, (i) by extending the state vector of the exoskeleton after considering as additional state variables the additive disturbance torques which affect its joints and (ii) by redesigning the Kalman filter as a disturbance observer, one can achieve the real‐time estimation of the perturbations that affect this robotic system. Finally, by including in the controller of the exoskeleton additional terms that compensate for the estimated disturbance torques, the perturbations' effects can be eliminated and the precise tracking of reference trajectories by the joints of this robot can be ensured.
Constructing Interfacial Nanolayer Stabilizes 4.3 V High‐Voltage All‐Solid‐State Lithium Batteries with PEO‐Based Solid‐State Electrolyte
Authors: Wang Xufeng , Song Yajie , Jiang Xin , Liu Qingsong , Dong Jidong , Wang Jian , Zhou Xin , Li Bing , Yin Geping , Jiang Zaixing , Wang Jiajun 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe complicated interfacial problems of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)‐based solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) at high voltages severely hinder its practical applications for high‐energy‐density all‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSLBs). Herein, the failure mechanisms of ASSLBs with LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM)‐PEO are studied. It is found that the ASSLBs after charge generates a sharp drop of 0.62 V at the cut‐off voltage of 4.30 V, and induce a high interfacial resistance due to forming an uneven thick cathode electrolyte interface on the NCM surface, as well as cause the destruction of NCM surface structure during storage, leading to serious performance degradation. Constructing the interfacial nanolayer with aromatic polyamide (APA) on the surface of NCM active particles (NCM@APA) can mitigate interfacial side reactions between NCM and SPE. Robust interfacial nanolayers not only effectively protect the crystal structure of NCM but also provide a steady interfacial environment for Li+ diffusion kinetics. Accordingly, NCM@APA||SPE||Li ASSLBs exhibit an acceptable voltage drop of 0.27 V after 10 days storage and a substantially improved electrochemical performance with an average coulombic efficiency of 99.1% and capacity retention of 76.7% at 30 mA g−1 after 80 cycles.
Biomimetic and Biologically Compliant Soft Architectures via 3D and 4D Assembly Methods: A Perspective
Authors: Taylor Jay M. , Luan Haiwen , Lewis Jennifer A. , Rogers John A. , Nuzzo Ralph G. , Braun Paul V. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractRecent progress in soft material chemistry and enabling methods of 3D and 4D fabrication—emerging programmable material designs and associated assembly methods for the construction of complex functional structures—is highlighted. The underlying advances in this science allow the creation of soft material architectures with properties and shapes that programmably vary with time. The ability to control composition from the molecular to the macroscale is highlighted—most notably through examples that focus on biomimetic and biologically compliant soft materials. Such advances, when coupled with the ability to program material structure and properties across multiple scales via microfabrication, 3D printing, or other assembly techniques, give rise to responsive (4D) architectures. The challenges and prospects for progress in this emerging field in terms of its capacities for integrating chemistry, form, and function are described in the context of exemplary soft material systems demonstrating important but heretofore difficult‐to‐realize biomimetic and biologically compliant behaviors.
Selective Adsorption and Photocatalytic Clean‐Up of Oil by TiO2 Thin Film Decorated with p‐V3D3 Modified Flowerlike Ag Nanoplates
Authors: Shondo Josiah , Veziroglu Salih , Tjardts Tim , Fiutowski Jacek , Schröder Stefan , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Strunskus Thomas , Rubahn Horst‐Günther , Faupel Franz , Aktas Oral Cenk 
Published: March 2022

AbstractVarious methods are developed and used to treat oil‐contaminated water, including mechanical separation, chemical treatment, biological treatment, membrane filtration, and sorption. Oil clean‐up via selective sorption of the oil by an engineered surface is the most accepted technique due to its high removal efficiency and low cost. Here, a multifunctional surface providing highly selective oil sorption and clean‐up capability via the photocatalytic decomposition is proposed. This novel surface is named as the “three‐in‐one (3‐in‐1) surface” since it is composed of 1) a highly photocatalytic layer, 2) micro‐ and nanostructures, and 3) a low surface energy layer. First, the TiO2 photocatalytic layer is prepared by magnetron sputtering. Then flowerlike Ag nanoplates are photocatalytically deposited on the sputtered TiO2 layer. Afterward, a low surface energy layer, poly‐1,3,5‐trivinyl‐1,3,5‐trimethylcyclotrisiloxane (p‐V3D3), is over‐coated on Ag/TiO2 surface by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) while retaining the topographical features of the surface (micro‐ and nanoscale surface structures). The p‐V3D3/Ag/TiO2 surface demonstrates a high selective adsorption to oil whereas simultaneously it shows extreme repellency to water. The p‐V3D3/Ag/TiO2 surface can also be photocatalytically cleaned up and this may find applications in various technology fields including water treatment, microfluidics, self‐cleaning, and water harvesting.
Photo‐Actuated Chiral Smectic Superstructures
Authors: Wu Sai‐Bo , Cao Hui‐Min , Wu Jin‐Bing , Ma Ling‐Ling , Lu Yan‐Qing , Hu Wei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractChirality and hierarchy are two representative features of complex configurations inspiring exotic functions. Chiral additives are adopted to break the mirror symmetry of molecular orientation inside smectic layers, and overcome the restriction on in‐layer helical arrangement by virtue of the surface electroclinic effect. The chirality strength of liquid crystals is regulated via the photo‐isomerization of chiral molecular switch, the doping concentration control, and the mixing of different chiral additives. The dynamic evolution of chiral smectic superstructures leads to the reversible rotation of oily streaks (OSs), and even structural transformation between OSs and focal conic domains is demonstrated. This releases new freedom of chiral hierarchical configurations and may inspire fantastic applications in active optics, sensing, and micro‐manufacturing.
Gold‐Catalyzed Reaction of Anthranils with Alkynyl Sulfones for the Regioselective Formation of 3‐Hydroxyquinolines
Authors: Wu Yufeng , Hu Chao , Wang Tao , Eberle Lukas , Hashmi A. Stephen K. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe gold‐catalyzed regioselective formation of 3‐hydroxyquinoline is accessed by combining anthranils and alkynyl sulfones. The selective scission of the epoxide intermediate stems from the thermodynamic stability difference of the resultant cation according to quantum chemical calculations. The subsequent semi‐pinacol rearrangement leads to the 1,2‐shift of an aryl or alkyl group originating from the sulfone. A gram‐scale synthesis of 3‐hydroxyquinoline further manifests the viability of the protocol for the preparation of this important scaffold.magnified image
Medical comorbidities and ethnicity impact plasma Alzheimer's disease biomarkers: Important considerations for clinical trials and practice
Authors: O'Bryant Sid E. , Petersen Melissa , Hall James , Johnson Leigh A. ,   for the HABS‐HD Study Team
Published: March 2022

AbstractIntroductionDespite the clinical implementation, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge regarding the impact of race/ethnicity or common medical comorbidity on plasma Alzheimer's disease (AD) biomarkers.MethodsPlasma biomarkers of amyloid beta (Aβ)40, Aβ42, total tau, and neurofilament light chain (NfL) were measured across cognitively normal Mexican Americans (n = 445) and non‐Hispanic Whites (n = 520).ResultsDyslipidemia was associated with elevated Aβ40 (P = .01) and Aβ42 (P = .001) while hypertension was associated with elevated Aβ40 (P = .003), Aβ42 (P < .001), and total tau (P = .002) levels. Diabetes was associated with higher Aβ40 (P < .001), Aβ42 (P < .001), total tau (P < .001), and NfL (P < .001) levels. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was associated with elevations in Aβ40 (P < .001), Aβ42 (P < .001), total tau (P < .001), and NfL (P < .001) levels. Mexican Americans had significantly lower Aβ40 (P < .001) and higher total tau (P = .005) levels.DiscussionPlasma AD biomarkers vary significantly in association with common medical comorbidities as well as ethnicity. These findings are important for those using these biomarkers in clinical practice and clinical trials.
Spectral studies, thermal investigations, and anticancer activity of some divalent metal complexes derived from 2‐(4‐bromophenylamino)acetohydrazide ligand
Authors: Emara Esam M. , El‐Sayed Wael A. , Khalaf‐Allah Abeer S. A. , Alminderej Fahad M. , Abdel‐Monem Yasser K. , Abd‐Rabou Ahmed A. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA series of biologically active metal complexes was yielded from the reactions of 2‐(4‐bromophenylamino)acetohydrazide ligand (HL) with Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Cd(II) chlorides, CuBr2, Cu(CH3COO)2, and Cu(ClO4)2 salts. The structure and stereochemistry of the afforded complexes were elucidated by means of elemental analyses, molar conductance, magnetic susceptibility, thermal analyses (TG/DTG), and spectral techniques (mass, IR, UV‐Vis, and 1H NMR). Elemental analyses along with molar conductance data demonstrated that all metal complexes are nonelectrolyte and were formed with 1L:1M, 1L:2M, and 2L:1M stoichiometry. IR spectral data provided an evidence for the neutral bidentate behavior of the hydrazide ligand toward metal ions via carbonyl oxygen and amino nitrogen atoms (ON donor). Magnetic susceptibility along with electronic absorption spectral results authenticated that all complexes have an octahedral geometry except, CuCl2 complex (3), which possessed a square planar one. The hydrazide ligand and some of its synthesized metal complexes were screened in vitro for their antitumor and apoptotic activity. The results showed that CuBr2 complex (4) has promising anticancer activities against breast MCF7, liver HepG2, and colorectal HCT 116 cancerous cells through induction of proapoptotic gene (Bax) and inhibit the antiapoptotic gene (Bcl‐2), thus increase the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio. Moreover, these newly synthesized compounds were most potent and can be used as a therapeutic chemoprevention against these cancerous cells compared with doxorubicin (DOX), the currently available anticancer drug against solid tumors.
First trial of wild juvenile collection of tropical sea cucumbers from settling larvae, using coconut fibre from waste husks in Solomon Islands: A new conservation tool
Authors: Tanita Iwao , Masaki Kunihiko , Hirohavi Edward Brown , Diau Billy Anthony , Tsatsia Catherine , Tagua Henry Stanley , Misiga Sebastian , Komatsu Toru , Ramofafia Christain 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Wild juvenile collection (WJC) from settling larvae has been reported for two temperate holothurians (Apostichopus japonicus and Apostichopus californicus), mainly for the objective of restocking, but its applicability to tropical holothurians is unknown. This study, for the first time, tested the applicability of WJC for tropical sea cucumbers.
First, hatchery‐produced larvae of peanutfish (Stichopus horrens) before settlement were introduced in a tank in which bundles of coconut fibre, rolled mesh bags, and oyster shells were suspended to identify the most suitable settlement material. The results showed that the coconut fibre and mesh bags collected more settling larvae than the oyster shells.
Second, 25 collectors were installed for 3 months in the field in Nggela, Solomon Islands. The newly designed simple collector comprised between two and four net bags filled with coconut fibre, which were tied to a rope vertically moored between a concrete block anchor and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle floats. A total of 14 juvenile holothurians were collected, including Stichopus cf. horrens, stonefish (Actinopyga lecanora), kingfish (Synapta maculata), and five unidentified species. It is characteristic of tropical WJC that diverse species can be collected simultaneously (including rare, non‐culturable species), which is advantageous over hatchery production for restocking purposes. The total yield corresponded to approximately 1% of the total abundance of the ambient holothurian community, demonstrating potential for restocking, considering the ease of the extension and repetition of the trials. Collection in the inner bay areas was successful, whereas rough weather physically damaged the collectors in areas open to the ocean.
These results show that WJC is a viable option for tropical holothurians. Thus, the use of the low‐cost, simple collectors using coconut fibre could be a new conservation measure for endangered holothurian resources, and are manageable by local communities.
Sunscreen pollution and tourism governance: Science and innovation are necessary for biodiversity conservation and sustainable tourism
Authors: Downs Craig A. , Cruz Orion T. , Remengesau Tommy E. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Sunscreen pollution can be a symptom of unsustainable tourism and coastal development, impacting marine and aquatic resources. When introduced into marine and freshwater ecosystems, sunscreen pollution can cause a cascade of insults to the ecological structure, from impacting primary production to reducing wildlife reproductive viability and fecundity.
Without intervention, tourism and its associated development in these coastal areas may become self‐destructive, ultimately degrading or destroying the natural resources that are the principal attractions. The environmental sciences that focus on pollution, such as ecotoxicology, environmental contaminant surveys and monitoring, and ecological risk assessments are critical for both describing the pollution phenomenon and identifying pollution sources, as well as providing the basis for mitigation.
As a case study, the Republic of Palau has taken the step of implementing a precautionary governance policy to tourism that conserves and protects its marine and aquatic resources from chemical factors that are known to contribute to sunscreen and cosmetic pollution.
Governance policies can inspire the cosmetic and fashion industries to innovate product formulations that are shown to be ecologically safer – a critical and viable option for pollution mitigation and an essential component for sustained conservation. Safer products and a precautionary approach to governance, when combined with ecologically and culturally cognizant branding and education, may contribute to an authentic experience that effectively promotes environmentally sustainable tourism.