bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cytotoxic Effect of New (E)‐2‐Cyano‐N‐(tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)acrylamide Derivatives: Down‐Regulation of RBL2 and STAT2 and Triggering of DNA Damage in Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Ibrahim Nada S. , Sroor Farid M. , Mahrous Karima F. , Abd Elaleem Jassmin A. , Abdelhamid Ismail A.
Published: September 2023

A novel series of 2‐cyano‐N‐(tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophen‐2‐yl)acrylamide derivatives were synthesized and their structures were confirmed using several spectral tools. All compounds were subjected to MTT assay to elucidate their cytotoxic effect against human hepatocellular carcinoma (HEPG2), human Caucasian breast adenocarcinoma (MCF7), human pancreatic cancer cell line (PACA2), human prostate cancer cell line (PC3), and normal skin fibroblast (BJ1). Among them, the acrylamide derivatives 5, 10 and 14 exerted potent activities against MCF7 with IC50 values of 61.2, 66.4, and 55.3 μg/ml respectively. A molecular docking was performed to study the possibility of the molecular binding of these three compounds with the active site of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 protein (STAT1). Gene expression analysis demonstrated the significant down‐regulation of RBL2 (RB transcriptional corepressor like 2) and STAT2 (Signal transducer and activator of transcription 2) in treated MCF7 cells and also showed the significant effect in down‐regulating KRAS (Ki‐ras2 Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) and SMAD (Sma and Mad proteins) genes in PC3 cells. Comet assay revealed the best effect of Ethyl 2‐(2‐cyano‐3‐(3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl)acrylamido)‐4,5,6,7‐tetrahydrobenzo[b]thiophene‐3‐carboxylate in damaging the DNA of MCF7 cells (18.75±1.50 %). Also, DNA fragmentation was studied electrophoretically, which confirmed the results of the comet assay.
Effect of Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding Interaction of Azo‐Hydrazone Tautomers of 3‐Diethylamino Phenol Based Azo Bonded Molecules and their Biological Potentialities
Authors: Krishnamurthy Chethan , Keshavayya J. , Noor Zahara Fiza , Shekharagouda Pampapathi
Published: September 2023

The synthesis of novel mono‐azo benzothiazole derivatives using 3‐Diethylaminophenol (3‐DEAP) as a common coupling component is an electrophilic substitution reaction that was influenced by the positive mesomeric effect (+M effect) under appropriate experimental conditions. Various spectroscopic and analytical methods, including UV‐vis, fluorescence, FT‐IR, (1H and 13C) NMR, and HRMS, were used to confirm the structural characteristics of the synthesized molecules. Further, the Gaussian 09, CAM‐B3LYP/LANL2MB functions are used to predict the quantum chemical characteristics and their molecular electrostatic potential region of all the designed mono‐azo derivatives. Based on the investigations of UV‐Vis, interactions between intramolecular hydrogen bonds were observed in a variety of solvents and polarities, with a maximum in the 508–534 nm range. The gram‐positive and two gram‐negative bacterial strains were utilized for antibacterial activity in order to examine the biological effectiveness of the colourants. The coupling component with benzothiazole derivative showed a 14 mm zone of inhibition against the Gram‐negative bacteria Salmonella typhi. When compared to the standard BHT and EDTA as the positive control, the data from the DPPH and FIC assay technique of the titled compounds showed that all colourants have promising anti‐oxidant capabilities.
Partial Oxidation of Methane to Methanol by Using Molecular O2 on Pd2+ Catalyst: An Insight from Theory
Authors: Dutta Priyanka , Biswakarma Nishant , Dowerah Dikshita , Neog Shilpa , Islam Saiful , Sarma Srutishree , Basumatary Moumita , Churi Partha Pratim , Sarma Plaban Jyoti , Gour Nand Kishor , Deka Ramesh Chandra
Published: September 2023

The partial oxidation of methane to methanol using cationic Pd2 dimers is investigated by employing density functional theory (DFT) method. We used B3PW91 functional for geometry optimization, and frequency calculations of all species involved in [Pd2]++O2+2CH4 reaction. Furthermore, a density‐fitting triple zeta valence with single‐polarization (def2TZVP) is used in the calculation to determine the atomic orbitals of the atoms. We oxidized Pd2+ to [Pd2O2]+ using O2 and performed possible partial oxidation of methane to methanol on [Pd2O2]+ and [Pd2O]+ and explored various intermediates and transition states on the potential energy surface (PES) diagram. From Potential Energy Surface (PES) analysis, it is found that the [Pd2O2]+ in doublet spin state multiplicity (SM=2) following radical mechanism is the more preferred pathway for methane to methanol conversion.
Synthesis of Isoindolo [1,2‐b]quinazolin‐12(10H)‐one by Double Ullman reaction of 2‐Iodobenzamides with Copper Cyanide under Microwave Irradiation
Authors: Lin Li‐Chun , Kavala Veerababurao , Ichake Sachin , Yao Ching‐Fa
Published: September 2023

A simple and one‐pot method for the synthesis of isoindolo [1,2‐b]quinazolin‐12(10H)‐one derivative via copper‐catalyzed tandem reaction of N‐(2‐bromobenzyl)‐2‐iodobenzamide as substrate and copper cyanide is developed under microwave irradiation. The procedure is easy and simple and the yields are good to excellent.
Design, Synthesis, and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of New Chalcone‐Based 2‐Arylidene‐1,3‐indandiones as Tyrosinase Inhibitors
Authors: Najafi Zahra , Rafiei Farshideh , Ghafouri‐Khosrowshahi Abolfazl , Mahdavi Mohammad , Dianatpour Mehdi , Iraji Aida
Published: September 2023

In this work, we synthesized a series of chalcone‐based 2‐arylidene‐1,3‐indandione and evaluated their inhibitory activities against the mushroom tyrosinase enzyme. Based on benzylidene moiety, derivatives were divided into 4‐benzyloxy‐benzylidene and 4‐benzyloxy‐3‐methoxy‐benzylidene derivatives. Among them, 2‐(3‐methoxy‐4‐((4‐methylbenzyl)oxy)benzylidene)‐1H‐indene‐1,3(2H)‐dione (6 l) was presented the superior activity with an IC50 value of 15.85±3.64 μM, which was lower than the standard kojic acid. The kinetic study of compound 6 l displayed an uncompetitive inhibition mode on the tyrosinase enzyme. Next, the docking study exhibited compound 6 l formed hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions with critical highly conserved amino acids in the target protein. Furthermore, based on the molecular dynamics simulation, compound 6 l depicted noticeable interaction with the essential residues of the binding site and exhibited a stable complex during the simulation run. The methoxy group on the central ring was important in inducing the effective conformation for ligand‐enzyme interaction. The drug‐likeness and pharmacokinetic properties were calculated via in silico predictions and showed an acceptable profile for these agents. According to our results, it was proposed that compound 6 l can serve as a drug candidate to develop more potent antityrosinase agents.
Design‐Expert a Powerful Tool for Optimizing Organic Synthesis: A Green and Facile Multicomponent Synthesis of New 2‐Pyridone‐pyrimidine Derivatives by p‐Toluene Sulfonic Acid in Water
Authors: Kamali Mahmood , Samadikhah Masoumeh
Published: September 2023

An efficient synthesis of a novel series of 2‐pyridone‐pyrimidine derivatives via multicomponent reaction of different 4‐hydroxy‐6‐methylpyridine‐2‐ones, aromatic aldehydes, and barbituric acid or 6‐aminouracil in the presence of p‐toluene sulfonic acid in water has been reported. At first, the modified conditions to afford the best yield of a sample product were obtained (100 °C, one hour, and 100 mole % of p‐TSA) and then used for the others. The significant point of this report is to use Design‐Expert software for optimizing conditions. This reaction addition to having all the advantages of a green approach for synthesizing potentially bioactive compounds, such as eco‐compatibility, high yield of products, simple operation, and so, due to the using the methodic and pre‐calculated statistical optimization process, has high precision and accuracy. This approach can show a new path in optimizing the synthetic procedures of organic compounds.
Introduction of Al(III)‐Ion‐Based Solid Polymer Electrolyte Material for Energy Storage Device Applications
Authors: Verma Dipendra Kumar , Tiwari Rudramani , Kumar Devendra , Yadav Shashikant , Adhikary Pubali , Krishnamoorthi S.
Published: September 2023

Solid phase electrolyte system PVIm‐R‐PEG‐AlCl3 is introduced for Al(III) ion‐based energy storage material. Here, we introduced [AlCl3Br]− counter anion system with N‐octyl‐polyvinyl imidazolium polymer matrix supported by PEG. Electrolyte material shows good thermal stability with a Glass transition temperature (Tg~148 °C), which provides a good working temperature range for material processing. PVIm‐R‐PEG‐AlCl3 shows electrochemical stability of 1.5 V and red‐ox properties, it has 96 % of ionic conduction against the Al metal. The conductivity of electrolyte material is found in the range of 10−5 S/cm at room temperatures and 10−4 S/cm at higher temperature (>40 °C). The polymer electrolyte matrix shows the mobility of 1.37×10−6 m2/Vs and drift ionic velocity of 3.42×10−4 m/s at 30 °C. The ionic movement of Al(III) ions inside the matrix follows correlated type hopping with the activation energy of 0.266 eV. This Al(III) ion‐based solid polymer electrolyte (SPE) is associated with a large amount of capacitance with a tiny electrode contribution.
The Unconventional Noncovalent Interactions Control: Crystallographic and Theoretical Analyses of the Crystalline Structure of 1,1′‐(1‐Chloro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)dibenzene as a Case Study
Authors: Hajji Melek , Haouas Amel , Abad Nadeem , Guerfel Taha
Published: September 2023

Unconventional noncovalent interactions are ubiquitous in molecular crystals, supramolecular systems, and biomolecules, but their significance has often been overshadowed by stronger intermolecular interactions such as hydrogen bonding and π‐stacking. This study aims to emphasize the significance of nonclassical noncovalent interactions in crystal packing. The crystal structure of 1,1′‐(1‐chloro‐4‐methoxyphenyl)dibenzene was reported as a representative case. A network of weak interactions governs the arrangement of the molecules within the crystal, encompassing C−H⋅⋅⋅X hydrogen bonding (where X=O, Cl, or π), weak Cl⋅⋅⋅Cl symmetrical bonding (classified as Type I halogen–halogen bonding), and C−H…H−C homopolar dihydrogen contacts (dH…H=2.348 Å). The nature, energetics, and cooperativity of these interactions were evaluated using computational calculations based on dispersion‐corrected density functional theory (DFT/wB97X‐D/aug‐cc‐pVTZ). Our findings contribute to a comprehensive understanding of unconventional noncovalent interactions and their role in crystal packing. The methods and concepts employed are likely to be applicable to other molecular systems in biology, chemistry, and materials science.
Unveiling the Influence of Tumor Microenvironment and Spatial Heterogeneity on Temozolomide Resistance in Glioblastoma Using an Advanced Human In Vitro Model of the Blood‐Brain Barrier and Glioblastoma
Authors: Lam Maxine SY , Aw Joey JY , Tan Damien , Vijayakumar Ragavi , Lim Hui Yi Grace , Yada Swathi , Pang Qing You , Barker Nick , Tang Carol , Ang Beng Ti , Sobota Radoslaw M. , Pavesi Andrea
Published: August 2023

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain cancer in adults with a dismal prognosis. Temozolomide (TMZ) is the first‐in‐line chemotherapeutic; however, resistance is frequent and multifactorial. While many molecular and genetic factors have been linked to TMZ resistance, the role of the solid tumor morphology and the tumor microenvironment, particularly the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), is unknown. Here, the authors investigate these using a complex in vitro model for GBM and its surrounding BBB. The model recapitulates important clinical features such as a dense tumor core with tumor cells that invade along the perivascular space; and a perfusable BBB with a physiological permeability and morphology that is altered in the presence of a tumor spheroid. It is demonstrated that TMZ sensitivity decreases with increasing cancer cell spatial organization, and that the BBB can contribute to TMZ resistance. Proteomic analysis with next‐generation low volume sample workflows of these cultured microtissues revealed potential clinically relevant proteins involved in tumor aggressiveness and TMZ resistance, demonstrating the utility of complex in vitro models for interrogating the tumor microenvironment and therapy validation.
A Purposefully Designed pH/GSH‐Responsive MnFe‐Based Metal‐Organic Frameworks as Cascade Nanoreactor for Enhanced Chemo‐Chemodynamic‐Starvation Synergistic Therapy
Authors: Chen Wei Jun , Gupta Dhanu , Yang Meiyang , Yang Fuwei , Feng Ning , Song Junling , Wood Matthew J. A. , Qiu Lipeng , Chen Jinghua
Published: August 2023

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising novel therapeutics for treating malignancies due to their tunable porosity, biocompatibility, and modularity to functionalize with various chemotherapeutics drugs. However, the design and synthesis of dual‐stimuli responsive MOFs for controlled drug release in tumor microenvironments are vitally essential but still challenging. Meanwhile, the catalytic effect of metal ions selection and ratio optimization in MOFs for enhanced chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is relatively unexplored. Herein, a series of MnFe‐based MOFs with pH/glutathione (GSH)‐sensitivity are synthesized and then combined with gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) and cisplatin prodrugs (DSCP) as a cascade nanoreactor (SMnFeCGH) for chemo‐chemodynamic‐starvation synergistic therapy. H+ and GSH can specifically activate the optimal SMnFeCGH nanoparticles in cancer cells to release Mn2+/4+/Fe2+/3+, Au NPs, and DSCP rapidly. The optimal ratio of Mn/Fe shows excellent H2O2 decomposition efficiency for accelerating CDT. Au NPs can cut off the energy supply to cancer cells for starvation therapy and strengthen CDT by providing large amounts of H2O2. Then H2O2 is catalyzed by Mn2+/Fe2+ to generate highly toxic •OH with the depletion of GSH. Meanwhile, the reduced DSCP accelerates cancer cell regression for chemotherapy. The ultrasensitivity cascade nanoreactor can enhance the anticancer therapeutic effect by combining chemotherapy, CDT, and starvation therapy.
Synergistic Enhancement of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction by Built‐in Electric Field/Piezoelectric Effect and Surface Plasmon Resonance via PVDF/CdS/Ag Heterostructure
Authors: Wei Zijun , Ji Tuo , Zhou Xuemei , Guo Jiawei , Yu Xin , Liu Hong , Wang Jingang
Published: August 2023

Photocatalytic reduction of CO2 using solar energy is an effective means to achieve carbon neutrality. However, the photocatalytic efficiency still requires improvements. In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) ferroelectric/piezoelectric nanofiber membranes are prepared by electrospinning. Cadmium sulfide (CdS) nanosheets are assembled in situ on the surface of PVDF based on coordination between F− and Cd2+, and then Ag nanoparticles are deposited on CdS. Because of the synergistic effect between localized surface plasmon resonance of Ag nanoparticles and the built‐in electric field of PVDF, the CO2 photocatalytic reduction efficiency using PVDF/CdS/Ag under visible light irradiation is significantly higher than that of any combination of CdS, CdS/Ag, or PVDF/CdS. Under micro‐vibration to simulate air flow, the CO2 reduction efficiency of PVDF/CdS/Ag is three times higher than that under static conditions, reaching 240.4 µmol g−1 h−1. The piezoelectric effect caused by micro‐vibrations helps prevent the built‐in electric field from becoming saturated with carriers and provides a continuous driving force for carrier separation.
Regulating the Active Sites of Cs2AgBiCl6 by Doping for Efficient Coupling of Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction and Benzyl Alcohol Oxidation
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Shahid Malik Zeeshan , Jiang Xinyan , Zhang Meng , Pan Danrui , Xu Hongpeng , Jiang Guocan , Wang Jin , Li Zhengquan
Published: September 2023

Halide perovskites exhibit outstanding optoelectronic properties, which make them an ideal choice for photocatalytic CO2 reduction and benzyl alcohol (BA) oxidation. Nevertheless, the simultaneous realization of the above redox coupling reactions on halide perovskites remains a great challenge, as it requires distinct catalytic sites for different target reactions. Herein, the catalytic sites of Cs2AgBiCl6 (CABC) are regulated by doping Fe for efficient coupling of photocatalytic CO2 reduction and BA oxidation. The Fe‐doped CABC (Fe: CABC) exhibits an enhanced visible‐light response and effective charge separation. Experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal a synergistic interplay between Bi and Fe sites, where the Bi and Fe sites have lower activation energies toward CO2 reduction and BA oxidation. Further investigations demonstrate that electrons and holes prefer to accumulate at the Bi site and Fe site under light irradiation, respectively, which creates favorable conditions for facilitating CO2 reduction and BA oxidation. The resultant Fe: CABC achieves a high photocatalytic performance toward CO (18.5 µmol g−1 h−1) and BD (1.1 mmol g−1 h−1) generation, which surpasses most of the state‐of‐the‐art halide photocatalysts. This work demonstrates a facile strategy for regulating the catalytic site for redox coupling reactions, which will pave a new way for designing halide perovskites for photocatalysis.
LOGOSOFIA: A platform for deliberative co‐construction of intersubjective consensual realities
Authors: Diedrich Jeff , Christakis Alexander , Kakoulaki Maria
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we revisit lessons learned regarding the process of Structured Dialogic Design in the arena during the past 50 years. Thirteen Lessons are presented with the intent of helping stakeholders design a strategy for escaping the labyrinth (vicious cycle) produced by the strong interactions among three issues: (1) the critical role of inclusive deliberative dialogue; (2) the dependency of inclusive deliberative dialogue on the application of a systemic methodology for supporting its authentic implementation; and (3) the commitment by organizations to inclusive deliberative dialogue. This paper will also discuss the development and deployment of Logosifa, the latest software platform to support the process and the enhancements (including improved metrics and a facilitator dashboard) informed by the lessons learned.
Chemical prestressing of concrete structures; state of the art review
Authors: Dhahir Mohammed K. , Marx Steffen , Zdanowicz Katarzyna
Published: September 2023

Chemical prestressing was developed during the 1960s; however, and due to technical difficulties at that time, the technology was not considered as an alternative to conventional prestressing; instead, it was only used as a shrinkage compensating method. Still, recent development in concrete technology encouraged several researchers to revisit this technology, where significant achievements were made. This paper aims to present a state‐of‐the‐art review about the recent development in the chemical prestressing technology. This includes reviewing existing field applications, existing types of expansive additives, influence of different expansive additives, influence of curing methods, mix proportioning, mechanical properties, and structural behavior. Furthermore, a thorough discussion was performed and suggestions were made for future researchers to help further contribute to the development of this prestressing technology. It was concluded that although the chemical prestressing technology seems very promising, more research is required before using it in practical applications.
Understanding Queer Filipino University Teachers' Queering Efforts in the English Classroom
Authors: Tarrayo Veronico N. , Potestades Rafaella R.
Published: August 2023

Efforts to promote gender equality/equity in education have received much focus in recent decades. The area of English language teaching (ELT) has contributed to this development by emphasizing gender concerns. However, the views of LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other genders) educators are often undermined in initiatives to engender an inclusive English classroom. Anchored in the notion of queer inquiry, the present study adds to this evolving discussion by focusing on the beliefs of queer Filipino university teachers about queering ELT. Using a qualitative survey of 19 English language teachers from different Philippine universities, the study explores the factors influencing LGBTQIA+ Filipino university teachers' efforts in queering ELT. The facilitating factors include legitimating (i.e., a positive school atmosphere and academic freedom) and favoring aspects (i.e., confidence in one's gender and sexuality literacy and students' acceptance of queer perspectives). On the other hand, the potential impediments cover censoring (i.e., the conservative ideology of relevant key players) and delegitimating factors (i.e., teachers' limited power and capacity to tackle queer perspectives, and lack of school support and sustainability). The findings may have implications in relevant educational situations where the concept of diversity in ELT is explored and promoted.
Efficacy of clove and tulsi supplementation in drinking water in broiler immunity
Authors: Islam Rafiqul , Sultana Nasrin
Published: September 2023

Background

Medicinal plants or their products are popular substitutes for antibiotics or other synthetic growth promoters for their beneficial effects and cost‐effectiveness. Clove (Cv) and tulsi (Ts) are rich in phytochemicals and are used to augment the growth performance of poultry.

Objectives

The current investigation was carried out to evaluate the effects of Cv and Ts supplementation in drinking water on the morphologic and morphometric adaptations in the lymphoid organs.

Methods

The experiment was conducted on 60 broiler chicks, divided into 4 homogenous groups (5 pens/group and 3 broilers/pen) named T0 (control), T1 (0.5% Cv and 2% Ts), T2 (1% Cv and 3% Ts) and T3 (1.5% Cv and 4% Ts). The treatments were administered from days 8 to 28. Lymphoid organs (thymus, spleen and bursa of Fabricius) were collected on days 14, 21 and 28 after sacrificing five broilers from each group.

Results

The treatment groups had higher thymus and spleen weights on day 21, whereas the weights of the bursa of Fabricius were higher on days 14, 21 and 28. In the histomorphologic study, no noticeable difference in the histoarchitectures of the lymphoid organs was noticed. However, substantial differences in the cortico‐medullary ratio and the number of follicles in the thymus and bursa of Fabricius, respectively, were found in the histomorphometric investigation.

Conclusion

The inclusion of Cv and Ts in drinking water augments the weight of lymphoid organs with histomorphometric adaptations that might improve the immune status in broilers.
Evaluating impacts of R3 workshops for first‐time hunters at universities across the United States
Authors: von Furstenberg Richard , Vayer Victoria R. , Larson Lincoln R. , Nils Peterson M. , Lee Kangjae Jerry , Stevenson Kathryn , Ahlers Adam A. , Anhalt‐Depies Christine , Bethke Taniya , Clark Brian , Davan Kiley M. , Dayer Ashley A. , Fisher Todd E. , Ghasemi Benjamin , Gigliotti Larry , Irwin Kris , Keith Samuel J. , Kelly Matt , Kyle Gerard , Metcalf Elizabeth , Needham Mark D. , Poudyal Neelam C. , Quartuch Michael , Rodriguez Shari L. , Romulo Chelsie , Sharp Ryan L. , Siemer William , Springer Matthew T. , Stedman Richard , Stein Taylor , Van Deelen Timothy R. , Winkler Richelle L. , Woosnam Kyle Maurice
Published: September 2023

Declines in hunter numbers across the United States make hunter recruitment, retention, and reactivation (R3) a high priority for wildlife management. As wildlife management agencies and nongovernmental organizations seek to reach new audiences, college campuses present a unique opportunity to cultivate nontraditional path hunters. Despite recent proliferation of R3 initiatives, little research has evaluated effects of hunting programs on knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors of new hunters. We designed and implemented Getting Started Outdoors: Hunting 101 workshops specifically targeting college students without previous hunting experience, and we assessed workshop efficacy with a theoretically‐grounded approach to workshop evaluation. Using quantitative and qualitative analysis of surveys conducted before, shortly after, and 12–18 months after workshops, we assessed impacts of R3 efforts at large public universities in 16 different U.S. states. Across all states, 19 workshops attracted 314 total participants, with 255 completing both pre‐ and post‐workshop assessments and 133 completing the follow‐up surveys. Workshops significantly increased participants' confidence in hunting, reduced barriers related to inadequate knowledge and skills, and fostered positive views of hunters and hunting. Immediately after workshops, most participants said they would definitely (50%) or probably (34%) hunt in the future; 82% said they would likely (or very likely) purchase a hunting license. Over one year after the workshops, 34% of workshop participants reported having hunted, and another 45% said they would probably hunt in the future. Overall, workshops attracted a diverse population of potential hunters, increased interest in future hunting, and created hunting advocates. Findings highlight the potentially powerful impact that R3 programs focused on diverse college students can have on the future of hunting across the United States.
Introduction to Rangeland Wildlife Ecology and Conservation
Authors: McNew Lance B. , Dahlgren David K. , Beck Jeffrey L.
Published: September 2023

Rangelands are vast, dynamic, and integral to providing habitat for thousands of vertebrate and invertebrate species, while concurrently serving as the foundation of human food and fiber production in western North America. Reciprocally, wildlife species provide critical services that maintain functional rangeland ecosystems. Therefore, human management of rangelands via fire, grazing, agricultural programs, and policy can enhance, disturb, or inhibit the necessary interactions among natural processes of plants and animals that maintain rangeland ecosystems. As conservation issues involving rangelands have grown in societal awareness and complexity, rangeland managers, wildlife biologists, and others have discovered the need to work more closely together with an increasingly holistic approach, spurring a rapid accumulation of rangeland wildlife information in the early twenty-first century. This book represents a synthesis of contemporary knowledge on rangeland wildlife conservation and ecology. Accordingly, we provide a review of the state of science for new, as well as seasoned, wildlife and rangeland professionals who have stewardship of North America’s most undervalued ecosystem.
Sage-Grouse
Authors: Beck Jeffrey L. , Christiansen Thomas J. , Davies Kirk W. , Dinkins Jonathan B. , Monroe Adrian P. , Naugle David E. , Schroeder Michael A.
Published: September 2023

In this chapter, we summarize the ecology and conservation issues affecting greater (Centrocercus urophasianus) and Gunnison (C. minimus) sage-grouse, iconic and obligate species of rangelands in the sagebrush (Artemisia spp.) biome in western North America. Greater sage-grouse are noted for their ability to migrate, whereas Gunnison sage-grouse localize near leks year-round. Seasonal habitats include breeding habitat where males display at communal leks, nesting habitat composed of dense sagebrush and herbaceous plants to conceal nests, mesic summer habitats where broods are reared, and winter habitat, characterized by access to sagebrush for cover and forage. While two-thirds of sage-grouse habitat occurs on public lands, private land conservation is the focus of national groups including the USDA-NRCS Sage-Grouse Initiative. Sage-grouse are a species of great conservation concern due to population declines associated with loss and fragmentation of more than half of the sagebrush biome. Wildlife and land management agencies have been increasingly proactive in monitoring trends in sage-grouse populations (e.g., lek count index), adapting regulations to reduce harvest on declining populations, and in designing and implementing conservation policies such as core areas to conserve sage-grouse habitats and populations. Much of the remaining sagebrush habitat is threatened by altered fire regimes, invasive annual grasses and noxious weeds, encroaching piñon (Pinus edulis and monophylla)-juniper (Juniperus spp.) woodlands, sagebrush conversion, anthropogenic development, and climate change. Several diseases affect sage-grouse, but to date, disease has not been a widespread cause of declines. Proper livestock grazing and limited hunting appear to be sustainable with sage-grouse, whereas improper grazing, increasing free-roaming equid populations, and sagebrush conversion are primary concerns for future conservation. Research has identified additional concerns for sage-grouse including effects from fence collisions, predation from common ravens (Corvus corax), and reduced habitat effectiveness resulting from grouse avoidance of anthropogenic infrastructure. There is a need for future research evaluating sage-grouse habitat restoration practices following improper rangeland management, habitat alteration from invasive species and fire, effects on small and isolated populations, and effects from diseases.
Avian Predators in Rangelands
Authors: Bedrosian Bryan
Published: September 2023

Management of avian predators in western rangelands is uniquely challenging due to differences in managing for/against particular species, management of sensitive prey species, long-standing human/wildlife conflicts, and the unique legal protections within this ecological group. In general, many avian predator species considered rangeland specialists have been declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, human sensitivity, and direct persecution. Conversely, avian predators that are more human-tolerant and/or are subsidized by human activities are significantly increasing across rangelands. The complicated nature of inter- and intra-species guilds, coupled with human dynamics has created a challenging scenario for both management for avian predators, as well as their prey. Human-mediated population control, both legal and illegal, continues for avian predators to reduce livestock conflict, aid sensitive prey populations, and/or because of general predator persecution. Conversion of rangeland to development for energy, cultivation, and urbanization remains the largest impediment to maintaining viable, historical assemblages of avian predators. Large-scale habitat protections, reduction of invasive plants, and reducing wildfire will continue to enhance at-risk populations of predators and their prey. Further, mediating human-induced mortality risks will also aid at-risk predator populations, such as reducing direct killing (poisoning and shooting), secondary poisoning from varmint control and lead ammunition use, electrocutions, and vehicle strikes, while reducing anthropogenic subsidies can help curtail population expansion of corvids. Additional understanding of long-term, successful predator control efforts for corvids and mitigation options for declining raptors is needed to help balance the avian predator–prey dynamic in western rangelands.
Burrowing Rodents
Authors: Augustine David J. , Smith Jennifer E. , Davidson Ana D. , Stapp Paul
Published: September 2023

Burrowing rodents have unusually disproportionate effects on rangeland ecosystems because they (1) engineer their environment through burrow construction and modification of vegetation structure, (2) influence ecosystem processes including aboveground plant production, nutrient cycling rates, and water infiltration patterns, (3) alter plant community composition, and (4) provide a prey base for a diverse array of predators. In some cases, engineering effects create habitat for certain faunal species that inhabit burrows or colonies of these rodents. We review the ecology and management of burrowing rodents that function as ecosystem engineers in western North America, which includes prairie dogs (five species in the genusCynomys), ground squirrels (11 species in the generaOtospermophilus,Poliocitellus, andUrocitellus), pocket gophers (16 widespread species in the generaCratogeomys, Geomys, andThomomys), and kangaroo rats (eight widespread species in the genusDipodomys). Effects of burrowing rodents on vegetation structure, species composition, and nutrient content vary with diet, degree of sociality, body size, and hibernation patterns, and potentially have significant effects on coexisting large grazers, including domestic livestock. Diets of prairie dogs overlap substantially with livestock. Impacts on ranching enterprises can vary with their abundance and seasonally, and may be greatest when burrowing rodents reduce dormant-season forage availability. Ground squirrel, pocket gopher, and kangaroo rat interactions with livestock vary among species in relation to their diet, degree of coloniality, and population density. All prairie dog and ground squirrel species are affected by outbreaks of plague caused byYersinia pestis, a non-native disease. Plague and population control via rodenticides are the primary factors determining the distribution and abundance of these species. In contrast, pocket gophers and kangaroo rats are unaffected by plague. Management and conservation efforts that enable burrowing rodents to coexist with livestock across broad landscapes will likely be essential for the conservation of a unique suite of bird, mammal, herpetofaunal and arthropod species that depend on them as prey or on their engineering activities for habitat.
Mesocarnivores of Western Rangelands
Authors: Young Julie K. , Butler Andrew R. , Holbrook Joseph D. , Shamon Hila , Lonsinger Robert C.
Published: September 2023

There are 22 species of mesocarnivores (carnivores weighing < 15 kg) belonging to five families that live in rangelands of the western United States. Mesocarnivores are understudied relative to large carnivores but can have significant impacts on ecosystems and human dimensions. In this chapter, we review the current state of knowledge about the biology, ecology, and human interactions of the mesocarnivores that occupy the rangelands of the central and western United States. In these two regions, mesocarnivores may serve as the apex predator in areas where large carnivores no longer occur, and can have profound impacts on endemic prey, disease ecology, and livestock production. Some mesocarnivore species are valued because they are harvested for food and fur, while others are considered nuisance species because they can have negative impacts on ranching. Many mesocarnivores have flexible life history strategies that make them well-suited for future population growth or range expansion as western landscapes change due to rapid human population growth, landscape development, and alterations to ecosystems from climate change; however other mesocarnivores continue to decline. More research on this important guild is needed to understand their role in western working landscapes.
Rangeland Ecoregions of Western North America
Authors: “Fee” Busby Frank E. , Thacker Eric T. , Kohl Michel T. , Mosley Jeffrey C.
Published: September 2023

The grasslands, deserts, shrublands, savannas, woodlands, open forests, and alpine tundra of western North America where livestock grazed were collectively referred to as ‘range’ in the nineteenth century. Today these ecosystems are often referred to as rangelands. In the United States, rangelands comprise about 1/3rd of the total land area, mostly in the 17 western states. Large areas of rangeland also occur in Canada and Mexico. Rangelands provide numerous products, values, and ecosystem services including wildlife habitat, clean air, clean water, recreation, open space, scenic beauty, energy and mineral resources, carbon sequestration, and livestock forage. This chapter describes rangeland ecoregions in western North America.
A Perspective on Rangeland and Wildlife Disciplines: Similarities Over Differences
Authors: Thacker Eric , Dahlgren David , Stoner David , Clayton Megan
Published: September 2023

The disciplines of rangeland and wildlife management were born out of necessity to protect dwindling resources during the early twentieth century. The development of the fields followed parallel paths to meet the needs and desires of society. Around the world, rangelands provide habitat for a wide variety of wildlife species. Across North America, wildlife conservation problems have impacted rangelands and thus influenced rangeland management. Wildlife and rangeland professionals often work on the same landscapes to manage related resources. Yet, because of professional traditions and biases, there is potential for misunderstanding of terminology, values, and conflicts. However, these two professions have more in common than differences. For example, early management for both fields revolved around sustainable harvest (i.e., game species and forage) and providing guidance on conserving limited but renewable resources. Although both disciplines were born out of similar needs, they have often been viewed as separate entities. In this chapter, we will attempt to address the differences and parallels between these two disciplines with the objective of finding common ground for future collaboration. We will outline the parallel development of crucial principles of rangeland and wildlife management, and professionals can improve communication and understanding between disciplines.
Western Rangeland Livestock Production Systems and Grazing Management
Authors: DelCurto Timothy , Wyffels Samuel A. , Vavra Martin , Wisdom Michael J. , Posbergh Christian J.
Published: September 2023

Rangeland wildlife ecology and conservation is strongly influenced by domestic livestock systems. Domestic livestock production on rangelands in North America is dominated by ruminant livestock, with beef cattle being the largest industry. Rangeland ruminant livestock production systems are unique in that land/animal managers develop production systems that attempt to optimize the use of limited-nutrition forage bases. This involves the strategic selection of calving/lambing dates to coincide with forage resources and labor limitations. Likewise, the species, breed, and age of animal is selected to be productive in sometimes suboptimal nutrition and environmental conditions. In addition, the role of this industry in the conservation and enhancement of wildlife diversity and ecosystem services is important now and paramount in future management goals. Grazing systems that are unique to the needs of ecosystems are designed to enhance soils, vegetation, and wildlife diversity. In addition, understanding how wild and domestic animals utilize landscapes of varying topography is an ongoing area of research. Continued investigations into how animals use landscapes, grazing distribution/behavior, botanical composition of diets, and dietary strategies will be important in designing management approaches for all animals that are dependent on rangeland resources. The paradigm of sustainable management of livestock systems needs to view herbivory as a tool to manage vegetation for optimal biological integrity and resiliency. Only by the optimization of biological processes within plant communities on rangelands, will managers create systems that benefit both livestock and wildlife.
Role and Management of Fire in Rangelands
Authors: Scasta J. Derek , Twidwell Dirac , Donovan Victoria , Roberts Caleb , Thacker Eric , Wilbur Ryan , Fuhlendorf Samuel
Published: September 2023

Fire is a fundamental ecological process in rangeland ecosystems. Fire drives patterns in both abiotic and biotic ecosystem functions that maintain healthy rangelands, making it an essential tool for both rangeland and wildlife management. In North America, humanity’s relationship with fire has rapidly changed and shifted from an era of coexistence to one that attempts to minimize or eliminate its occurrence. Prior to Euro-American settlement, Indigenous people’s coexistence with fire led to regionally distinct fire regimes that differed in terms of their fire frequency, intensity, severity, seasonality, and spatial complexity. As the relative occurrence of prescribed fire and wildfire continue to change in North American rangelands, it is necessary for wildlife managers to understand the complex social-ecological interactions that shape modern fire regimes and their conservation outcomes. In this chapter, we discuss the fire eras of North American rangelands, introduce foundational relationships between fire and wildlife habitat, and discuss potential futures for fire in wildlife management.
A Uniform Formalisation of Three-Valued Logics in Bisequent Calculus
Authors: Indrzejczak Andrzej , Petrukhin Yaroslav
Published: September 2023

We present a uniform characterisation of three-valued logics by means of bisequent calculus (BSC). It is a generalised form of sequent calculus (SC) where rules operate on the ordered pairs of ordinary sequents. BSC may be treated as the weakest kind of system in the rich family of generalised SC operating on items being some collections of ordinary sequents. This family covers several forms of hypersequent and nested sequent calculi introduced to provide decent SC for several non-classical logics. It seems that for many non-classical logics, including some many-valued, paraconsistent and modal logics, this reasonably modest generalization of standard SC is sufficient. In this paper we examine a variety of three-valued logics and show how they can be formalised in the framework of bisequent calculus. All provided systems are cut-free and satisfy the subformula property. Also the interpolation theorem is constructively proved for some logics.
Verification of NP-Hardness Reduction Functions for Exact Lattice Problems
Authors: Kreuzer Katharina , Nipkow Tobias
Published: September 2023

This paper describes the formal verification of NP-hardness reduction functions of two key problems relevant in algebraic lattice theory: the closest vector problem and the shortest vector problem, both in the infinity norm. The formalization uncovered a number of problems with the existing proofs in the literature. The paper describes how these problems were corrected in the formalization. The work was carried out in the proof assistant Isabelle.
Confluence Criteria for Logically Constrained Rewrite Systems
Authors: Schöpf Jonas , Middeldorp Aart
Published: September 2023

Numerous confluence criteria for plain term rewrite systems are known. For logically constrained rewrite system, an attractive extension of term rewriting in which rules are equipped with logical constraints, much less is known. In this paper we extend the strongly-closed and (almost) parallel-closed critical pair criteria of Huet and Toyama to the logically constrained setting. We discuss the challenges for automation and present , a new tool for logically constrained rewriting in which the confluence criteria are implemented, together with experimental data.
Combining Combination Properties: An Analysis of Stable Infiniteness, Convexity, and Politeness
Authors: Toledo Guilherme V. , Zohar Yoni , Barrett Clark
Published: September 2023

We make two contributions to the study of theory combination in satisfiability modulo theories. The first is a table of examples for the combinations of the most common model-theoretic properties in theory combination, namely stable infiniteness, smoothness, convexity, finite witnessability, and strong finite witnessability (and therefore politeness and strong politeness as well). All of our examples are sharp, in the sense that we also offer proofs that no theories are available within simpler signatures. This table significantly progresses the current understanding of the various properties and their interactions. The most remarkable example in this table is of a theory over a single sort that is polite but not strongly polite (the existence of such a theory was only known until now for two-sorted signatures). The second contribution is a new combination theorem showing that in order to apply polite theory combination, it is sufficient for one theory to be stably infinite and strongly finitely witnessable, thus showing that smoothness is not a critical property in this combination method. This result has the potential to greatly simplify the process of showing which theories can be used in polite combination, as showing stable infiniteness is considerably simpler than showing smoothness.
Uniform Substitution for Dynamic Logic with Communicating Hybrid Programs
Authors: Brieger Marvin , Mitsch Stefan , Platzer André
Published: September 2023

This paper introduces a uniform substitution calculus for $${\textsf {d{}L}} {}_{\text {CHP}}$$

d

L

CHP

, the dynamic logic of communicating hybrid programs. Uniform substitution enables parsimonious prover kernels by using axioms instead of axiom schemata. Instantiations can be recovered from a single proof rule responsible for soundness-critical instantiation checks rather than being spread across axiom schemata in side conditions. Even though communication and parallelism reasoning are notorious for necessitating subtle soundness-critical side conditions, uniform substitution when generalized to $${\textsf {d{}L}} {}_{\text {CHP}}$$

d

L

CHP

manages to limit and isolate their conceptual overhead. Since uniform substitution has proven to simplify the implementation of hybrid systems provers substantially, uniform substitution for $${\textsf {d{}L}} {}_{\text {CHP}}$$

d

L

CHP

paves the way for a parsimonious implementation of theorem provers for hybrid systems with communication and parallelism.
Gesunde und resiliente Quartiere für Kinder
Authors: Schicketanz Juliane
Published: September 2023

Urbane Resilienz ist auch vor dem Hintergrund der Bewegungsmangelkrise eine globale Herausforderung, der sich Städte mit ihren Teilräumen stellen müssen. Wie gesunde und resiliente Quartiere für Kinder zu gestalten sind, ist die zentrale Frage dieses Beitrags. Dabei wird die Perspektive der Kinder auf ihr Quartier in den Mittelpunkt gerückt und anhand von zwei Fallstudien in Berlin und Leipzig diskutiert. In beiden Fallstudien schildern Kinder Orte, die Raum für Bewegung, Spiel und soziale Interaktionen bieten. Außerdem werden lokale Barrieren wie Geruchsbelästigung oder gefährliche Verkehrssituationen beschrieben. Diesen Blick der Kinder in konkrete stadtplanerische Maßnahmen zu übersetzen, fördert die Gesundheit der Kinder.
Hitzestress in Stadtquartieren – Methodik und empirische Belege unter Nutzung des Planetary-Health-Ansatzes
Authors: Hertel Daniel , Pößneck Janine , Kabisch Sigrun , Schlink Uwe
Published: September 2023

Für urbane Resilienz gegenüber Hitzestress ist neben der gesamtstädtischen Perspektive die Betroffenheit auf Quartiersebene relevant, weil sich der Lebensalltag der Menschen überwiegend hier vollzieht. Die Erforschung der Rolle der Quartiersebene benötigt ein angemessenes methodisches Design. Dazu werden mikrometeorologische Simulationen (Modell PALM-4U) mit Bewohnerbefragungen und soziodemographischen Daten der Kommunalstatistik kombiniert. Empirisch werden zwei kontrastierende Quartiere in der Stadt Leipzig einschließlich der Ebene der statistischen Blöcke untersucht und verglichen. Die Analysen zeigen die räumliche Verteilung thermischer Hotspots. Mittels der Auswertung der verfügbaren Sozialdaten können gruppenspezifische Wahrnehmungen hinsichtlich des thermischen Komforts bestimmt werden. Damit wird ein interdisziplinärer Zugang zur Bewertung von Hitzestress auf Quartiersebene im Sinne des Planetary-Health-Ansatzes umgesetzt.