bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is corporate greening beneficial? Exploring the relationship between perceived corporate environmental behavior and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Lu Hui , Yang Fang , Xu Shen , Liu Xia , Yang Zhilin
Published: September 2022

Based on the social identity theory, this study investigates whether and how employee perceptions of corporate environmental behavior (CEB) influence the realization of an organization's internal value. Using employees' organizational citizenship behavior (OCB) as a direct agent for corporate internal value, the current study constructs a theoretical model of perceived CEB and OCB, with work meaningfulness and person–organization (P‐O) value fit serving as mediator and moderator, respectively. After analyzing 235 questionnaire samples, we discovered that the perceived CEB positively influenced OCB via work meaningfulness and that this positive effect was strengthened by a greater P‐O value fit. These findings suggest that in the process of motivating employees to implement OCB, firms should address the significance of internal driving roles of work meaningfulness and boundary‐spanning roles of P‐O value fit in order to enhance corporate internal value and correct managers' misconceptions about the value of CEB.
Double laterally moved coronally advanced flap combined with a connective tissue graft plus enamel matrix derivatives for the management of adjacent deep gingival recessions in lower incisors: A case report
Authors: Vilarrasa Javi , Blasi Gonzalo
Published: September 2022

Background

Several surgical approaches have been described for the management of deep adjacent gingival recessions (GRs) in the lower anterior sextant with contrasting clinical outcomes. A modified surgical technique is presented, which consists of a double laterally moved and coronally advanced flaps in combination with a connective tissue graft (CTG) and enamel matrix derivatives (EMDs).

Methods and Results

A 42‐year‐old systemically healthy female presented with dentin hypersensitivity and discomfort while brushing on two adjacent Cairo recession Type 2 of 7‐mm depth with a narrow band of keratinized tissue in the lower incisors. The root coverage procedure was performed using a double laterally rotated and coronally advanced flap combined with a CTG harvested from the lateral palate and EMD. At 1‐year follow‐up, 85% of both of the roots were covered and 6 mm of keratinized tissue width was gained.

Conclusion

The presented technique is a predictable procedure for treating adjacent and deep GRs in the anterior sextant whenever keratinized tissue lateral to the gingival defects is available.

Key points

Why is this case new information?

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case report in the literature using a double laterally moved and coronally advanced flap combined with EMD and CTG for adjacent deep recessions.

What are the keys to successful management of this case?

Flap design, handling of the bilateral pedicles, and suture technique are the most important factors to obtain a predictable root coverage.

What are the primary limitations to success in this case?

Lack of keratinized tissue lateral to the recession defects, flap tension, and interproximal attachment loss are the main limitations to succeed with this technique.
Effects of Lipophilicity and Structural Features on the Antiherpes Activity of Digitalis Cardenolides and Derivatives
Authors: de Pádua Rodrigo Maia , Kratz Jadel Müller , Munkert Jennifer , Bertol Jéssica Wildgrube , Rigotto Caroline , Schuster Daniela , Maltarollo Vinícius Gonçalves , Kreis Wolfgang , Simões Cláudia Maria Oliveira , Braga Fernão Castro
Published: September 2022

There is growing interest in exploring Digitalis cardenolides as potential antiviral agents. Hence, we herein investigated the influence of structural features and lipophilicity on the antiherpes activity of 65 natural and semisynthetic cardenolides assayed in vitro against HSV‐1. The presence of an α,β‐unsaturated lactone ring at C‐17, a β‐hydroxy group at C‐14 and C‐3β‐OR substituents were considered essential requirements for this biological activity. Glycosides were more active than their genins, especially monoglycosides containing a rhamnose residue. The activity enhanced in derivatives bearing an aldehyde group at C‐19 instead of a methyl group, whereas inserting a C‐5β‐OH improved the antiherpes effect significantly. The cardenolides lipophilicity was accessed by measuring experimentally their log P values (n‐octanol‐water partition coefficient) and disclosed a range of lipophilicity (log P 0.75±0.25) associated with the optimal antiherpes activity. In silico studies were carried out and resulted in the establishment of two predictive models potentially useful to identify and/or optimize novel antiherpes cardenolides. The effectiveness of the models was confirmed by retrospective analysis of the studied compounds. This is the first SAR study addressing the antiherpes activity of cardenolides. The developed computational models were able to predict the active cardenolides and their log P values.
Phytochemical Composition and Biological Activities of Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé‐Lall ex Boiss.: An Endangered Medicinal Plant of Northeast Turkey
Authors: Karaçelik Ayça Aktaş , Türkuçar Semra Alkan , Karaköse Mustafa
Published: September 2022

Angelica sylvestris L. var. stenoptera Avé‐Lall ex Boiss. (ASS) is an endangered endemic plant to Turkey. The objective of the study was to determine antioxidant activities, total phenolics, and phytochemical properties of methanolic extracts (MEs) and essential oil (EO) from ASS for the first time with the methods of 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH⋅) radical scavenging activities, 2,2‐azinobis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid (ABTS⋅+), ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP), the Folin–Ciocalteu, liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS), and gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS), respectively. The leaf extract of ASS was found to be the richest in phenolic content (543.91±6.33 GAE, μg/mL) and showed the highest DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50: 0.1140±0.0011 mg/mL, 675.62±15.01 μM TEAC). EO of ASS root showed DPPH⋅ and FRAP activities (IC50: 1.3248±0.0572 mg/mL, 346.67±12.75 μM TEAC). 19 phenolics were detected in MEs of different parts of ASS by LC/MS/MS. In the chemical composition of ASS root EO by GC/MS, globulol (70.70 %) was found to be the major compound. Our results indicate that ASS can be used a source of phytochemicals and antioxidants for conservation and sustainability of endangered plants.
Melatonin prevents diabetes‐induced nephropathy by modulating the AMPK/SIRT1 axis: Focus on autophagy and mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Siddhi Jain , Sherkhane Bhoomika , Kalavala Anil Kumar , Arruri Vijay , Velayutham Ravichandiran , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: September 2022

Impaired nutrient sensing mechanisms such as AMPK/silent information regulator type 1 (SIRT1) axis and autophagy in renal cells upon chronic diabetic condition accelerate renal injury and upregulating these mechanisms has been reported to prevent renal damage. Melatonin, a neuroendocrine agent, also possess antioxidant and AMPK modulatory effect. In the current study, the protective effect of melatonin against diabetic renal injury was assessed in streptozotocin‐induced diabetic nephropathy model and in in vitro model of high‐glucose‐induced tubular injury. Melatonin (3 and 10 mg/kg) was administered for 28 days after 4 weeks of diabetes induction in Sprague–Dawley rats. For in vitro model, the NRK‐52E cells were co‐incubated with high glucose and melatonin (25 and 50 μM). Melatonin supplementation abrogated the diabetes‐induced renal injury and improved renal function in diabetic rats. Immunoblot analysis of renal tissue lysates revealed improved expression of AMPK, as well as upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2, SIRT1, PGC‐1α, TFAM and enhanced autophagy upon melatonin treatment in diabetic rats. Likewise, melatonin treatment in high glucose exposed NRK‐52E cells improved expression of AMPK, enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and positively modulated autophagy. However, these effects were repressed upon inhibition of AMPK activity in NRK‐52E cells by treatment of Compound‐C, suggesting that the protective effects of melatonin were mainly mediated through activation of AMPK. These results suggest that melatonin might mediate the renoprotective effect by upregulating the AMPK/SIRT1 axis, enhancing the autophagy and mitochondrial health in DIabetic Nephropathy.
Drag models coupled with CFD–PBM method for simulation in bubble columns
Authors: Qi Mengtong , Jia Xiangfei , Chen Jianpei
Published: September 2022

In this study, three‐dimensional numerical simulation of gas–liquid flow in bubble columns was realized by using the computation fluid dynamics (CFD)–population balance model (PBM). The new drag model improves the stability‐constrained multi‐fluid (SCMF‐C) model because of the consideration of the wake accelerating and the hindering effects for calculating the drag correction factor. The gas holdup, axial liquid velocity, and bubble size distribution (BSD) predicted by four drag models at 0.02 and 0.1 m/s were compared. The results revealed that the proposed drag model can provide excellent predictions for both bubbly and heterogeneous flows. Because the wake accelerating and the hindering effects were considered, reliable predictions were achieved for the gas holdup, and the problem of uniform gas holdup distribution was mitigated. Therefore, the SCMF‐C model can be extended for nonuniform BSD. The gas holdup and liquid velocity increased, and the nonuniformity of radial results became pronounced at 0.1 m/s. The profiles of four drag models were similar at a low height, whereas the difference between the simulations of the four models became obvious with the variation of heights. The results of the four models were accurate, and the BSD was wide at 0.1 m/s. Subsequently, the feasibility of the four drag models was evaluated at 0.2 and 0.4 m/s. The results of the comparison revealed that the proposed drag model exhibited excellent feasibility at higher gas velocities and was powerful for the simulation of bubble columns.
Transient Polymer Hydrogels Based on Dynamic Covalent Borate Ester Bonds
Authors: Zhang Chunxiao , Lu Haoyue , Wang Xu
Published: September 2022

Comprehensive Summary

In nature, biological systems maintain their unique structures and functions by using nonequilibrium processes driven by chemical fuels. Inspired by natural systems, transient hydrogel systems based on chemical reaction networks have been developed that are in thermodynamically nonequilibrium states. The formation of dynamic covalent bonds is an effective tool for designing analogous systems. Herein, we design a transient polymer hydrogel based on fuel‐mediated covalent borate ester bonds. The pH‐sensitive covalent borate ester bond is formed by the reaction between polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and boric acid (B(OH)3). Sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and 1,3‐propanesulfonate (PrS) are used together as the chemical fuels to temporally control the pH of the system. Meanwhile, the lifetime of the transient hydrogel can be simply controlled by adjusting the composition of the chemical fuel, and the cyclic phase transitions can also be achieved. These programmable transient hydrogels have potential applications in the fields of information transmission and fluid guidance.
Analysis of atherosclerotic plaque distribution in the carotid artery
Authors: Yang Shin‐Seok , Woo Shin‐Young , Kim Dong‐Ik
Published: September 2022

Background

The present study was designed to investigate the hypothesis that the outer wall at the carotid bifurcation is the most common area of atherosclerotic plaque deposition due to the low shear stress.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that the most common site of arteriosclerosis in carotid arteries is different in the early and late stages.

Methods

This is an observational study of patients with <50% stenosis of the common and internal carotid arteries (ICAs) identified by Duplex ultrasound in our health promotion center. Plaque location was categorized as a quarter of the cross‐section in the distal common carotid artery (CCA) and proximal ICA. Carotid plaque score (CPS) was calculated by the addition of one point for each detected section. The sum of CPSs was calculated for each section.

Results

Among 3996 Duplex scans of carotid arteries in 999 patients between June 2020 and October 2020, a total of 569 patients (73.6% male; mean age, 68.4± 9.1 years; 652 CCAs and 567 ICAs) were included. Total CPS was high in the anterior and posterior sections. The distribution in the ICA was: 308 (31.0%) anterior, 90 (9.0%) medial, 373 (37.5%) posterior, and 224 (22.5%) lateral section. The distribution in the CCA was 385 (32.6%) anterior, 103 (8.7%) medial, 528 (44.7%) posterior, and 165 (14.0%) lateral section. The axial distribution of posterior and lateral sections was significantly different according to the directional flow (p < .001).

Conclusions

Anterior and posterior sections of the CCA and ICA were atherosclerotic plaque‐prone sites. This result is different from the tendency of atherogenesis to affect the lateral section having low shear stress at the carotid bifurcation.
Comparison of incorporation of wild type and mutated actins into sarcomeres in skeletal muscle cells: A fluorescence recovery after photobleaching study
Authors: Wang Jushuo , Fan Yingli , Mittal Balraj , Sanger Jean M. , Sanger Joseph W.
Published: September 2022

The α‐actin mutation G15R in the nucleotide‐binding pocket of skeletal muscle, causes severe actin myopathy in human skeletal muscles. Expressed in cultured embryonic quail skeletal myotubes, YFP‐G15R‐α‐actin incorporates in sarcomeres in a pattern indistinguishable from wildtype YFP‐α‐actin. However, patches of YFP‐G15R‐α‐actin form, resembling those in patients. Analyses with FRAP of incorporation of YFP‐G15R‐α‐actin showed major differences between fast‐exchanging plus ends of overlapping actin filaments in Z‐bands, versus slow exchanging ends of overlapping thin filaments in the middle of sarcomeres. Wildtype skeletal muscle YFP‐α‐actin shows a faster rate of incorporation at plus ends of F‐actin than at their minus ends. Incorporation of YFP‐G15R‐α‐actin molecules is reduced at plus ends, increased at minus ends. The same relationship of wildtype YFP‐α‐actin incorporation is seen in myofibrils treated with cytochalasin‐D: decreased dynamics at plus ends, increased dynamics at minus ends, and F‐actin aggregates. Speculation: imbalance of normal polarized assembly of F‐actin creates excess monomers that form F‐actin aggregates. Two other severe skeletal muscle YFP‐α‐actin mutations (H40Y and V163L) not in the nucleotide pocket do not affect actin dynamics, and lack F‐actin aggregates. These results indicate that normal α‐actin plus and minus end dynamics are needed to maintain actin filament stability, and avoid F‐actin patches.
Antigiardial Activity of Novel Guanidine Compounds
Authors: Stevens Andrew J. , Abraham Rebecca , Young Kelly A. , Russell Cecilia C. , McCluskey Siobhann N. , Baker Jennifer R. , Rusdi Bertha , Page Stephen W. , O'Handley Ryan , O'Dea Mark , Abraham Sam , McCluskey Adam
Published: September 2022

From four focused compound libraries based on the known anticoccidial agent robenidine, 44 compounds total were synthesised and screened for antigiardial activity. All active compounds were counter‐screened for antibiotic and cytotoxic action. Of the analogues examined, 21 displayed IC50<5 μM, seven with IC50<1.0 μM. Most active were 2,2′‐bis{[4‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]methylene}carbonimidic dihydrazide hydrochloride (30), 2,2′‐bis{[4‐(trifluoromethylsulfanyl)phenyl]methylene}carbonimidic dihydrazide hydrochloride (32), and 2,2′‐bis[(2‐bromo‐4,5‐dimethoxyphenyl)methylene]carbonimidic dihydrazide hydrochloride (41) with IC50=0.2 μM. The maximal observed activity was a 5 h IC50 value of 0.2 μM for 41. The clinically used metronidazole was inactive at this timepoint at a concentration of 25 μM. Robenidine off‐target effects at bacteria and cell line toxicity were removed. Analogue 41 was well tolerated in mice treated orally (100 mg/kg). Following 5 h treatment with 41, no Giardia regrowth was noted after 48 h.
Safety and Dosing Study of a Cholecystokinin Receptor Antagonist in Non‐alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Rabiee Atoosa , Gay Martha D. , Shivapurkar Narayan , Cao Hong , Nadella Sandeep , Smith Coleman I. , Lewis James H. , Bansal Sunil , Cheema Amrita , Kwagyan John , Smith Jill P.
Published: September 2022

High saturated fat diets have been shown to raise blood levels of cholecystokinin (CCK) and induce nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). CCK receptors are expressed on stellate cells and are responsible for hepatic fibrosis when activated. The purpose of this study was to test the safety and dose of a CCK receptor antagonist, proglumide, in human participants with NASH. An open‐label single ascending dose study was conducted in 18 participants with clinical NASH based upon steatosis by liver ultrasound, elevated hepatic transaminases, and a component of the metabolic syndrome. Three separate cohorts (N = 6 each) were treated with oral proglumide for 12 weeks in a sequential ascending fashion with 800 (Cohort 1), 1,200 (Cohort 2), and 1,600 (Cohort 3) mg/day, respectively. Blood hematology, chemistries, proglumide levels, a biomarker panel for fibrosis, and symptom surveys were determined at baseline and every 4 weeks. Abdominal ultrasounds and transient elastography utilizing FibroScan were obtained at baseline and at Week 12. Proglumide was well tolerated at all doses without any serious adverse events. There was no change in body weight from baseline to Week 12. For Cohorts 1, 2, and 3, the median percent change in alanine aminotransferase was 8.42, −5.05, and −22.23 and median percent change in fibrosis score by FibroScan was 8.13, −5.44, and −28.87 (kPa), respectively. Hepatic steatosis as measured by controlled attenuation parameter score significantly decreased with proglumide, (P < 0.05). Blood microRNA biomarkers and serum 4‐hydroxyproline were consistent with decreased fibrosis at Week 12 compared with baseline. These findings suggest proglumide exhibits anti‐inflammatory and anti‐fibrotic properties and this compound is well tolerated in participants with NASH.
Perhalomethyl Chromones: Spectroscopic, X‐Ray Diffraction, Hirshfeld Surface, and Density Functional Theory Studies of the Noncovalent Interactions
Authors: Espitia Cogollo Edeimis , Echeverría Gustavo A. , Piro Oscar E. , Jios Jorge L. , Ulic Sonia E.
Published: September 2022

The structure of two perhalomethylated chromones, 2‐chlorodifluoromethylchromone (a) and its 6‐nitro substituted derivative (b), are investigated. The supramolecular assembly is governed by the hydrogen bond interaction (C−H···O) between the olefinic proton (OC−C(=C<)‐H) and the carbonyl oxygen atom (>C=O) giving rise to center‐symmetric graph‐set motifs. The H···O interatomic distance is shorter in (b) suggesting a stronger hydrogen bonding for this derivative. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) calculated energies and the higher polarity computed for (b) agree with this experimental finding. The Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) graph shows a distinctive C···Cl contact, found only for (b), involving a more electrophilic methine carbon atom.
Cavity Etching Behavior on the M‐Plane of Sapphire Crystal
Authors: Zhou Dingran , Li Fei , Yuan Zhiyong , Zhao Yu , Zuo Hongbo , Han Jiecai , Zhang Lunyong , Sun Jianfei
Published: September 2022

Wet etching has been a fundamental process for the fabrication of sapphire crystal substrates with critical position in the current semiconductor devices industry. The present work reveals the etching behaviors of cavities on the M‐plane {100} of sapphire crystal by the hot KOH etchant. It is shown that the boundary of cavities changes from smooth circle to octagon‐like and the edges evolve sharper as the etching temperature increases. Carefully analyzing the structure of the etched cavities suggests they are partially framed by low index planes (20) (20), (100), (010), and (110).
Novel approaches for periodontal tissue engineering
Authors: Swanson W. Benton , Yao Yao , Mishina Yuji
Published: September 2022

The periodontal complex involves the hard and soft tissues which support dentition, comprised of cementum, bone, and the periodontal ligament (PDL). Periodontitis, a prevalent infectious disease of the periodontium, threatens the integrity of these tissues and causes irreversible damage. Periodontal therapy aims to repair and ultimately regenerate these tissues toward preserving native dentition and improving the physiologic integration of dental implants. The PDL contains multipotent stem cells, which have a robust capacity to differentiate into various types of cells to form the PDL, cementum, and alveolar bone. Selection of appropriate growth factors and biomaterial matrices to facilitate periodontal regeneration are critical to recapitulate the physiologic organization and function of the periodontal complex. Herein, we discuss the current state of clinical periodontal regeneration including a review of FDA‐approved growth factors. We will highlight advances in preclinical research toward identifying additional growth factors capable of robust repair and biomaterial matrices to augment regeneration similarly and synergistically, ultimately improving periodontal regeneration's predictability and long‐term efficacy. This review should improve the readers' understanding of the molecular and cellular processes involving periodontal regeneration essential for designing comprehensive therapeutic approaches.
Associations between emotion reactivity and eating disorder symptoms in a transdiagnostic treatment‐seeking sample
Authors: Bodell Lindsay P. , Egbert Amy H. , Anaya Carolina , Wildes Jennifer E.
Published: September 2022

Objective

Individuals with eating disorders (EDs) demonstrate difficulties with emotion regulation, and these difficulties have been associated with severity and maintenance of ED symptoms. Although emotion reactivity (i.e., the strength and duration of emotional experiences) is distinct from emotion regulation, few studies have examined emotion reactivity in the context of EDs. The purpose of the current study was to examine longitudinal associations between emotion reactivity and ED symptoms and impairment in individuals with EDs.

Method

Individuals seeking outpatient ED treatment (N = 265) completed questionnaires assessing ED symptoms and severity, emotion reactivity, and emotion regulation difficulties at treatment intake and bi‐monthly during treatment.

Results

Individuals with anorexia nervosa or binge eating or purging presentations had higher emotion reactivity scores than a non‐ED comparison group. Controlling for age, diagnosis, and emotion regulation difficulties, emotion reactivity was positively associated with ED severity, ED‐related impairment, and loss of control eating severity. Moreover, emotion reactivity, but not emotion regulation difficulties, was associated with change in ED symptoms during treatment.

Discussion

Findings support that emotion reactivity may differ based on ED presentations and may be an important correlate of ED symptom severity.

Public Significance

Emotion reactivity refers to the strength and duration of an emotional experience. This study found that higher emotion reactivity was related to greater eating disorder symptom severity and eating disorder‐related impairment. It may be beneficial to consider the role of emotion reactivity in conceptualizations of eating disorders, particularly those characterized by binge eating or purging.
Do alternative resources dampen functional responses of native but not alien gammarids?
Authors: Cuthbert Ross N. , Kotronaki Syrmalenia G. , Hütt Jasmin C. , Renk Elisabeth , Warlo Niklas , Briski Elizabeta
Published: September 2022

While aquatic invasive predators are among the most impactful trophic groups, we lack the understanding of whether alternative food resources mediate adverse predatory effects and stabilize native prey communities. Here, we use comparative functional responses to examine the influence of alternative food resources (Fucussp.) on predator–prey interaction strengths from three gammarid crustaceans, with one native (Gammarus locusta) and two existing and emerging invasive (Gammarus tigrinus,Pontogammarus maeoticus, respectively) species, towards larval chironomid prey. All gammarids exhibited Type II functional responses, irrespective of the presence of alternative seaweed disks.Fucussp. disks significantly reduced predation rates overall; however, significant reductions in maximum feeding rates (i.e., functional response magnitudes) were only evident in the native species and not for the two invaders. Our results thus may suggest that alternative resources dampen the predatory interaction strength of native but not invasive alien species, concerning these three study organisms. This potentially exacerbates the impacts of invasive predators relative to natives in diverse communities. Studies should increasingly consider alternative resources when quantifying ecological impacts of current and future invasive alien species compared with natives.
Zero‐inflated count distributions for capture–mark–reencounter data
Authors: Riecke Thomas V. , Gibson Daniel , Sedinger James S. , Schaub Michael
Published: September 2022

The estimation of demographic parameters is a key component of evolutionary demography and conservation biology. Capture–mark–recapture methods have served as a fundamental tool for estimating demographic parameters. The accurate estimation of demographic parameters in capture–mark–recapture studies depends on accurate modeling of the observation process. Classic capture–mark–recapture models typically model the observation process as a Bernoulli or categorical trial with detection probability conditional on a marked individual's availability for detection (e.g., alive, or alive and present in a study area). Alternatives to this approach are underused, but may have great utility in capture–recapture studies. In this paper, we explore a simple concept: in the same way that counts contain more information about abundance than simple detection/non‐detection data, the number of encounters of individuals during observation occasions contains more information about the observation process than detection/non‐detection data for individuals during the same occasion. Rather than using Bernoulli or categorical distributions to estimate detection probability, we demonstrate the application of zero‐inflated Poisson and gamma‐Poisson distributions. The use of count distributions allows for inference on availability for encounter, as well as a wide variety of parameterizations for heterogeneity in the observation process. We demonstrate that this approach can accurately recover demographic and observation parameters in the presence of individual heterogeneity in detection probability and discuss some potential future extensions of this method.
Effect of drought and nutrient availability on invaded plant communities in a semi‐arid ecosystem
Authors: Ali Hamada E. , Bucher Solveig Franziska
Published: September 2022

Ecosystem functions are heavily dependent on the functional composition of the plant community, i.e., the functional traits of plants forming the community. This, on the one hand, depends on plant occurrence, but on the other hand, depends on the intraspecific variability of functional traits of the species, which are influenced by climate and nutrient availability and affected by plant–plant interactions. To illustrate that, we studied the effects of drought and nitrogen addition (+ N), two important abiotic variables which are changing with ongoing global change, as well as their combined effect on the functional responses of grassland communities in semi‐arid environments of Northern Africa comprising of natural and invasive species. We conducted an experiment where we planted three native species and one invasive plant species in artificial communities of five individuals per species per plot. We exposed these communities to four different treatments: a drought treatment, an N‐addition treatment, the combination between drought and N‐addition, as well as a control. To assess the performance of plants within treatments, we measured selected plant functional traits (plant height, specific leaf area [SLA], leaf dry matter content [LDMC], N content of the leaves [Nmass], specific root length [SRL], and root diameter) for all individuals occurring in our plots, and additionally assessed the above and belowground biomass for each plant individual. We found that the invasive species showed a higher performance (higher biomass accumulation, taller plants, higher SLA, Nmass, SRL, and root diameter as well as lower LDMC) than the native species under drought conditions. The invasive species was especially successful with the combined impact of drought + N, which is a likely scenario in ongoing global change for our research area. Thus, plant functional traits might be a key factor for the invasion success of plant species which will be even more pronounced under ongoing global change.
Metabolic rates of the Asian shore crab Hemigrapsus sanguineus in air as a function of body size, location, and injury
Authors: Fletcher Laura S. , Bolander Mikayla , Reese Tanner C. , Asay Emily Gail , Pinkston Emily , Griffen Blaine D.
Published: September 2022

Rapid warming in the Gulf of Maine may influence the success or invasiveness of the Asian shore crab, Hemigrapsus sanguineus. To better predict the effects of climate change on this invasive species, it is necessary to measure its energy dynamics under a range of conditions. However, previous research has only focused on the metabolism of this intertidal species in water. We sampled adult crabs from three different sites and measured their metabolic rates in the air. We show that metabolic rate increases with body mass and the number of missing limbs, but decreases with the number of regenerating limbs, possibly reflecting the timing of energy allocation to limb regeneration. Importantly, metabolic rates measured here in the air are ~4× higher than metabolic rates previously measured for this species in water. Our results provide baseline measurements of aerial metabolic rates across body sizes, which may be affected by climate change. With a better understanding of respiration in H. sanguineus, we can make more informed predictions about the combined effects of climate change and invasive species on the northeast coasts of North America.
Ecological stoichiometry influences phytoplankton alpha and beta diversity rather than the community stability in subtropical bay
Authors: Xu Qiangsheng , Huang Meiqin , Yang Shu , Li Xiaoli , Zhao Huaxian , Tang Jinli , Jiang Gonglingxia , Li Zhuoting , Huang Yuqing , Dong Ke , Huang Liangliang , Li Nan
Published: September 2022

Numerous studies have shown that changes in environmental factors can significantly impact and shift the structure of phytoplankton communities in marine ecosystems. However, little is known about the association between the ecological stoichiometry of seawater nutrients and phytoplankton community diversity and stability in subtropical bays. Therefore, we investigated the relationship between the phytoplankton community assemblage and seasonal variation in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea. In this study, we found that the abundance of Bacillariophyceae in spring was relatively greater than in other seasons, whereas the abundance of Coscinodiscophyceae was relatively low in spring and winter but greatly increased in summer and autumn. Values of the alpha diversity indices gradually increased from spring to winter, revealing that seasonal variations shifted the phytoplankton community structure. The regression lines between the average variation degree and the Shannon index and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity values showed significantly positive correlations, indicating that high diversity was beneficial to maintaining community stability. In addition, the ecological stoichiometry of nutrients exhibited significantly positive associations with Shannon index and Bray–Curtis dissimilarity, demonstrating that ecological stoichiometry can significantly influence the alpha and beta diversity of phytoplankton communities. The C:N:P ratio was not statistically significantly correlated with average variation degree, suggesting that ecological stoichiometry rarely impacted the community stability. Temperature, nitrate, dissolved inorganic phosphorous, and total dissolved phosphorus were the main drivers of the phytoplankton community assemblage. The results of this study provide new perspectives about what influences phytoplankton community structure and the association between ecological stoichiometry, community diversity, and stability in response to environmental changes.
High Efficiency Formamidinium‐Cesium Perovskite‐Based Radio‐Photovoltaic Cells
Authors: Gao Runlong , Chen Rui , Wan Pengying , Ouyang Xiao , Lei Qiantao , Deng Qi , Guan Xinyu , Niu Guangda , Tang Jiang , Chen Wei , Liu Zonghao , Ouyang Xiaoping , Liu Linyue
Published: September 2022

Radio‐photovoltaic cell is a micro nuclear battery for devices operating in extreme environments, which converts the decay energy of a radioisotope into electric energy by using a phosphor and a photovoltaic converter. Many phosphors with high light yield and good environmental stability have been developed, but the performance of radio‐photovoltaic cells remains far behind expectations in terms of power density and power conversion efficiency, because of the poor photoelectric conversion efficiency of traditional photovoltaic converters under low‐light conditions. This paper reports an radio‐photovoltaic cell based on an intrinsically stable formamidinium‐cesium perovskite photovoltaic converter exhibiting a wide light wavelength response from 300 to 800 nm, high open‐circuit voltage (VOC), and remarkable efficiency at low‐light intensity. When a He ions accelerator is adopted as a mimicked α radioisotope source with an equivalent activity of 0.83 mCi cm−2, the formamidinium‐cesium perovskite radio‐photovoltaic cell achieves a VOC of 0.498 V, a short‐circuit current (JSC) of 423.94 nA cm−2, and a remarkable power conversion efficiency of 0.886%, which is 6.6 times that of the Si reference radio‐photovoltaic cell, as well as the highest among all radio‐photovoltaic cells reported so far. This work provides a theoretical basis for enhancing the performance of radio‐photovoltaic cells.
Hybrid 2D/3D Graphitic Carbon Nitride‐Based High‐Temperature Position‐Sensitive Detector
Authors: Chen Xuexia , Yang Dongwen , Yang Xun , Lou Qing , Liu Zhiyu , Chen Yancheng , Lv Chaofan , Dong Lin , Shan Chongxin
Published: September 2022

Ultraviolet position‐sensitive detectors (PSDs) are expected to undergo harsh environments, such as high temperatures, for a wide variety of applications in military, civilian, and aerospace. However, no report on relevant PSDs operating at high temperatures can be found up to now. Herein, we design a new 2D/3D graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4)/gallium nitride (GaN) hybrid heterojunction to construct the ultraviolet high‐temperature‐resistant PSD. The g‐C3N4/GaN PSD exhibits a high position sensitivity of 355 mV mm−1, a rise/fall response time of 1.7/2.3 ms, and a nonlinearity of 0.5% at room temperature. The ultralow formation energy of −0.917 eV atom−1 has been obtained via the thermodynamic phase stability calculations, which endows g‐C3N4 with robust stability against heat. By merits of the strong built‐in electric field of the 2D/3D hybrid heterojunction and robust thermo‐stability of g‐C3N4, the g‐C3N4/GaN PSD delivers an excellent position sensitivity and angle detection nonlinearity of 315 mV mm−1 and 1.4%, respectively, with high repeatability at a high temperature up to 700 K, outperforming most of the other counterparts and even commercial silicon‐based devices. This work unveils the high‐temperature PSD, and pioneers a new path to constructing g‐C3N4‐based harsh‐environment‐tolerant optoelectronic devices.
Free‐Standing α‐MoO3/Ti3C2 MXene Hybrid Electrode in Water‐in‐Salt Electrolytes
Authors: Saraf Mohit , Shuck Christopher E. , Norouzi Nazgol , Matthews Kyle , Inman Alex , Zhang Teng , Pomerantseva Ekaterina , Gogotsi Yury
Published: September 2022

While transition‐metal oxides such as α‐MoO3 provide high capacity, their use is limited by modest electronic conductivity and electrochemical instability in aqueous electrolytes. Two‐dimensional (2D) MXenes, offer metallic conductivity, but their capacitance is limited in aqueous electrolytes. Insertion of partially solvated cations into Ti3C2 MXene from lithium‐based water‐in‐salt (WIS) electrolytes enables charge storage at positive potentials, allowing a wider potential window and higher capacitance. Herein, we demonstrate that α‐MoO3/Ti3C2 hybrids combine the high capacity of α‐MoO3 and conductivity of Ti3C2 in WIS (19.8 m LiCl) electrolyte in a wide 1.8 V voltage window. Cyclic voltammograms reveal multiple redox peaks from α‐MoO3 in addition to the well‐separated peaks of Ti3C2 in the hybrid electrode. This leads to a higher specific charge and a higher rate capability compared to a carbon and binder containing α‐MoO3 electrode. These results demonstrate that the addition of MXene to less conductive oxides eliminates the need for conductive carbon additives and binders, leads to a larger amount of charge stored, and increases redox capacity at higher rates. In addition, MXene encapsulated α‐MoO3 showed improved electrochemical stability, which was attributed to the suppressed dissolution of α‐MoO3. The work suggests that oxide/MXene hybrids are promising for energy storage.
In Situ Raman Monitoring of Trace Antibiotics in Different Harsh Water Environments
Authors: Liu Chundong , Lei Fengcai , Gong Maogang , Zhou Xiaoming , Zhao Xiaofei , Li Zhen , Zhang Chao , Man Baoyuan , Yu Jing
Published: September 2022

In situ surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a widely used operando analytical technique, while facing numerous complex factors in applications under aqueous environment, such as low detection sensitivity, poor anti‐interference capability, etc., resulting in unreliable detectability. To address these issues, herein a new hydrophobic SERS strategy has been attempted. By comprehensively designing and researching a SERS‐active structure of superhydrophobic ZnO/Ag nanowires, we demonstrate that hydrophobicity can not only draw analytes from water onto substrate, but also adjust “hottest spot” from the bottom of the nanowires to the top. As a result, the structure can simultaneously concentrate the dispersed molecules in water and the enhanced electric field in structure into a same zone, while perfecting its own anti‐interference ability. The underwater in situ analytical enhancement factor of this platform is as high as 1.67 × 1011, and the operando limited of detection for metronidazole (MNZ) reaches to 10−9 M. Most importantly, we also successfully generalized this structure to various real in situ detection scenarios, including on‐site detection of MNZ in corrosive urine, real‐time warning of wrong dose of MNZ during intravenous therapy, in situ monitoring of MNZ in flowing wastewater with particulate interference, etc., demonstrating the great application potential of this hydrophobic platform. This work realizes a synergistic promotion for in situ SERS performance under aqueous environment, and also provides a novel view for improving other in situ analytical techniques.
Achieving Narrowed Bandgaps and Blue‐Light Excitability in Zero‐Dimensional Hybrid Metal Halide Phosphors via Introducing Cation–Cation Bonding
Authors: Fu Pengfei , Geng Shining , Mi Ruixiang , Wu Ranyun , Zheng Guangya , Su Binbin , Xia Zhiguo , Niu Guangda , Tang Jiang , Xiao Zewen
Published: September 2022

Zero‐dimensional (0D) hybrid metal halides, which consist of organic cations and isolated inorganic metal halide anions, have emerged as phosphors with efficient broadband emissions. However, these materials generally have too wide bandgaps and thus cannot be excited by blue light, which hinders their applications for efficient white light‐emitting diodes (WLEDs). The key to achieving a blue‐light‐excitable 0D hybrid metal halide phosphor is to reduce the fundamental bandgap by rational chemical design. In this work, we report two designed hybrid copper(I) iodides, (Ph3MeP)2Cu4I6 and (Cy3MeP)2Cu4I6, as blue‐light‐excitable yellow phosphors with ultrabroadband emission. In these compounds, the [Cu4I6]2− anion forms an I6 octahedron centered on a cationic Cu4 tetrahedron. The strong cation–cation bonding within the unique cationic Cu4 tetrahedra enables significantly lowered conduction band minimums and thus narrowed bandgaps, as compared to other reported hybrid copper(I) iodides. The ultrabroadband emission is attributed to the coexistence of free and self‐trapped excitons. The WLED using the [Cu4I6]2− anion‐based single phosphor shows warm white light emission, with a high luminous efficiency of 65 lm W−1 and a high color rendering index of 88. This work provides strategies to design narrow‐bandgap 0D hybrid metal halides and presents two first examples of blue‐light‐excitable 0D hybrid metal halide phosphors for efficient WLEDs.
Integrated Electrode‐Electrolyte Optimization to Manufacture a Real‐Life Applicable Aqueous Supercapacitor with Record‐Breaking Lifespan
Authors: Liu Jichi , Wu Chongchong , Gates Ian D. , Jia Baohua , Huang Zihang , Ma Tianyi
Published: September 2022

Aqueous supercapacitors (SCs) have been regarded as a promising candidate for commercial energy storage device due to their superior safety, low cost, and environmental benignity. Unfortunately, an age‐old challenge of achieving both long electrode lifespan and qualified energy‐storage property blocks their practical application. Herein, we develop an electrode‐electrolyte integrated optimization strategy to fulfill the real‐life device requirements. Electrode optimization simultaneously regulates the nanomorphology and surface chemistry of the tungsten oxide anode, resulting in superior electrochemical performance given by an ideal “bird‐nest” structure with optimal oxygen vacancy status; the anodes interact with and are protected from dissolution and structural collapse by the rationally designed hybrid electrolyte with optimized pH and facilitated cation desorption behavior. Collaboratively, a record‐breaking durability of no capacitive decay after 250 000 cycles is achieved. On the basis of this integrated optimization, the first aqueous pouch SCs with real‐life practicability were manufactured by a soft‐package encapsulation technique, which can steadily power commercial 3 C products such as tablets and smartphones and maintain safely working against extreme conditions. This work demonstrates the possibility of using aqueous energy storage devices with enhanced safety and lower cost to replace the commercial organic counterparts for wide range of daily applications.
An electronic consultation program impacts on heart failure patients' prognosis: implications for heart failure care
Authors: Mazón‐Ramos Pilar , Álvarez‐Álvarez Belén , Ameixeiras‐Cundins Cristina , Portela‐Romero Manuel , Garcia‐Vega David , Rigueiro‐Veloso Pedro , Rey‐Aldana Daniel , Lage‐Fernández Ricardo , Cinza‐Sanjurjo Sergio , González‐Juanatey José R.
Published: September 2022

Aims

e‐consults are asynchronous, clinician‐to‐clinician exchanges that answer focused, non‐urgent, patient‐specific questions using the electronic medical record. We instituted an e‐consultation programme (2013–2019) for all general practitioners (GPs) referrals to cardiologists that preceded patients' in‐person consultations when considered. In our study, we aimed to analyse the clinical characteristics, 1 year prognosis and the prognostic determinants of patients with a previous diagnosis of HF referred for an e‐consult, categorized by their previous HF‐related hospitalization status (recent hospitalization, <1 year before; remote hospitalization, >1 year before or never been hospitalized because of HF), and to analyse the impact of reducing the time elapsed between e‐consultation and response by the cardiologist in terms of prognosis.

Methods and results

Epidemiological and clinical data were obtained from 4851 HF patients referred by GPs to the cardiology department for an e‐consultation 2013 and 2020. The delay of time to e‐consults were solved was 8.6 + 8.6 days with 84.3% solved in <14 days. For the 1 year prognosis evaluation after the e‐consult were assessed the cardiovascular hospitalizations, HF‐related hospitalizations, HF‐related mortality, cardiovascular mortality, and all‐cause mortality. Compared with the group without a previous hospitalization, patients with recent and remote HF hospitalization were at higher risk of a new HF‐related hospitalization (OR: 19.41 [95% CI: 12.95–29.11]; OR: 8.44 [95% CI: 5.14–13.87], respectively), HF‐related mortality (OR: 2.47 [95% CI: 1.43–4.27]; OR: 1.25 [95% CI: 0.51–3.06], respectively), as well as cardiovascular hospitalizations and mortality and all‐cause mortality. Reduction in the time elapsed because e‐consultation was solved was associated with lower risk of HF‐related mortality (OR: 0.94 [95% CI: 0.89–0.99]), cardiovascular mortality (OR: 0.96 [95% CI: 0.93–0.98]), and all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.98 [95% CI: 0.97–1.00]).

Conclusions

A clinician‐to‐clinician e‐consultation programme between GPs and cardiologists in patients with HF allows to solve the demand of care in around 25% e‐consults without an in‐person consultation; the patients with a previous history of HF‐related hospitalization showed a worse 1 year outcome. A reduction in the time elapsed because e‐consultation was solved was associated with a mortality reduction.
Nationwide screening of Fabry disease in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in Czech Republic
Authors: Zemánek David , Januška Jaroslav , Honěk Tomáš , Čurila Karol , Kubánek Miloš , Šindelářová Štěpánka , Zahálková Lucie , Klofáč Petr , Laštůvková Eliška , Lichnerová Eva , Aiglová Renata , Lhotský Jan , Vondrák Jiří , Dostálová Gabriela , Táborský Miloš , Kasper David , Linhart Aleš
Published: September 2022

Aims

Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X‐linked genetic disorder caused by α‐galactosidase A (AGALA) deficiency. Whereas ‘classic’ variant has multisystemic manifestation, the more recently described ‘later‐onset’ variant is characterized by predominant cardiac involvement that often mimics hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Methods and results

Consecutive unrelated patients with HCM were screened for FD in 16 (out of 17) cardiac centres in the Czech Republic covering specialized cardiology care from June 2017 to December 2018. AGALA activity and globotriaosylsphingosine (lyso‐Gb3) levels were measured in all subjects using the dry blood spot method. FD was suspected in male patients with AGALA activity <1.2 μmol/h/L and in females with either low AGALA activity or lyso‐Gb3 > 3.5 ng/mL. Positive screening results were confirmed by genetic testing. We evaluated 589 patients (390 males, 66%) with HCM (mean maximal myocardial thickness 19.1 ± 4.3 mm). The average age was 58.4 ± 14.7 years. In total, 17 patients (11 males, 6 females) had a positive screening result, and subsequently, six of them (four males and two females) had a genetically confirmed pathogenic GLA mutation (total prevalence of 1.02%). Five of these patients were carrying the p.N215S mutation known to cause a typical later‐onset cardiac FD.

Conclusions

We confirmed the prevalence of FD repeatedly reported in previous screening programmes (approximately 1% irrespective of gender) in a non‐selected HCM population in Central Europe. Our findings advocate a routine screening for FD in all adult patients with HCM phenotype including both genders. The dry blood spot method used led to identification of clearly pathogenic variants.