bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gewellte Graphen‐Nanostreifen mit Periodischen Achtgliedrigen Ringen für Lichtemittierende Elektrochemische Zellen
Authors: Obermann Sebastian , Zhou Xin , Guerrero‐León L. Andrés , Serra Gianluca , Böckmann Steffen , Fu Yubin , Dmitrieva Evgenia , Zhang Jin‐Jiang , Liu Fupin , Popov Alexey A. , Lucotti Andrea , Hansen Michael Ryan , Tommasini Matteo , Li Yungui , Blom Paul W. M. , Ma Ji , Feng Xinliang
Published: September 2024

Präzisions‐Graphen‐Nanostreifen (GNS, engl. GNR) bieten charakteristische physikalisch‐chemische Eigenschaften, die in hohem Maße von ihrer geometrischen Topologie abhängen, und bergen damit großes Potenzial für Anwendungen in der kohlenstoffbasierten Optoelektronik und Spintronik. Während die Kontrolle der Randstruktur und Breite eine beliebte Strategie für die Entwicklung der optoelektronischen Eigenschaften von GNRs ist, sind nicht‐Sechsring‐haltige GNRs aufgrund synthetischer Herausforderungen noch wenig erforscht, obwohl sie ein ebenso großes Potenzial für maßgeschneiderte Eigenschaften bieten. In diesem Artikel berichten wir über die Synthese eines gewellten GNR (engl. wGNR), in dessen Kohlenstoffgerüst periodisch achtgliedrige Ringe eingebettet sind. Dies wurde durch eine A2B2‐Diels–Alder‐Polymerisation zwischen Dibenzocyclooctadiin (6) und einem Dicyclopenta[e,l]pyren‐5,11‐dion‐Derivat (8) erreicht, gefolgt von einer selektiven Scholl‐Reaktion des erhaltenen Leiter‐Typ Polymervorläufers (engl. LTP). Der erhaltene wGNR mit einer Länge von bis zu 30 nm wurde durch Festkörper NMR ‐, FT‐IR‐, Raman‐ und UV/Vis‐Spektroskopie, und mit Hilfe von DFT‐Berechnungen eingehend charakterisiert. Die nicht planare Geometrie des wGNR verhindert effizient die π–π‐Aggregation zwischen den Streifen, was zu Photolumineszenz in Lösung führt. Folglich können die wGNR als emittierende Schicht für organische elektrochemisch Licht emittierende Zellen (engl. OLECs) fungieren und bieten einen Konzeptnachweis für die Implementierung lumineszierender GNRs in optoelektronische Geräte. Die schnell reagierenden OLECs, die wGNR verwenden, werden den Weg für Fortschritte in der OLEC‐Technologie und anderen optoelektronischen Geräten ebnen.
Diatomic Catalysts for Aqueous Zinc‐Iodine Batteries: Mechanistic Insights and Design Strategies
Authors: Hei Peng , Sai Ya , Li Wenjie , Meng Jianming , Lin Yulai , Sun Xiaoqi , Wang Jing , Song Yu , Liu Xiao‐Xia
Published: September 2024

There has been a growing interest in developing catalysts to enable the reversible iodine conversion reaction for high‐performance aqueous zinc‐iodine batteries (AZIBs). While diatomic catalysts (DACs) have demonstrated superior performance in various catalytic reactions due to their ability to facilitate synergistic charge interactions, their application in AZIBs remains unexplored. Herein, we present, for the first time, a DAC comprising Mn−Zn dual atoms anchored on a nitrogen‐doped carbon matrix (MnZn−NC) for iodine loading, resulting in a high‐performance AZIB with a capacity of 224 mAh g−1 at 1 A g−1 and remarkable cycling stability over 320,000 cycles. The electron hopping along the Mn−N−Zn bridge is stimulated via a spin exchange mechanism. This process broadens the Mn 3dxy band width and enhances the metallic character of the catalyst, thus facilitating charge transfer between the catalysts and reaction intermediates. Additionally, the increased electron occupancy within the d‐orbital of Zn elevates Zn's d‐band center, thereby enhancing chemical interactions between MnZn−NC and I‐based species. Furthermore, our mechanism demonstrates potential applicability to other Metal‐Zn−NC DACs with spin‐polarized atoms. Our work elucidates a clear mechanistic understanding of diatomic catalysts and provides new insights into catalyst design for AZIBs.
Glycosylated AIE‐active Red Light‐triggered Photocage with Precisely Tumor Targeting Capability for Synergistic Type I Photodynamic Therapy and CPT Chemotherapy
Authors: Zhou Wei , Liu Yi‐chen , Liu Guang‐jian , Zhang Yuan , Feng Gai‐li , Xing Guo‐wen
Published: September 2024

Photocaging is an emerging protocol for precisely manipulating spatial and temporal behaviors over biological activity. However, the red/near‐infrared light‐triggered photolysis process of current photocage is largely singlet oxygen (1O2)‐dependent and lack of compatibility with other reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐activated techniques, which has proven to be the major bottleneck in achieving efficient and precise treatment. Herein, we reported a lactosylated photocage BT‐LRC by covalently incorporating camptothecin (CPT) into hybrid BODIPY‐TPE fluorophore via the superoxide anion radical (O2−⋅)‐cleavable thioketal bond for type I photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anticancer drug release. Amphiphilic BT‐LRC could be self‐assembled into aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active nanoparticles (BT‐LRCs) owing to the regulation of carbohydrate‐carbohydrate interactions (CCIs) among neighboring lactose units in the nanoaggregates. BT‐LRCs could simultaneously generate abundant O2−⋅ through the aggregation modulated by lactose interactions, and DNA‐damaging agent CPT was subsequently and effectively released. Notably, the type I PDT and CPT chemotherapy collaboratively amplified the therapeutic efficacy in HepG2 cells and tumor‐bearing mice. Furthermore, the inherent AIE property of BT‐LRCs endowed the photocaged prodrug with superior bioimaging capability, which provided a powerful tool for real‐time tracking and finely tuning the PDT and photoactivated drug release behavior in tumor therapy.
Exploring the Potential of Seed‐Based Dwarf Eelgrass (Zostera noltii) Restoration
Authors: Gräfnings Max L. E. , Hijner Nadia , Heusinkveld Jannes H. T. , Zwarts Maarten , Maldonado Gabriela , Wiersema Henk , Cammenga Raven , Smeele Quirin , van der Heide Tjisse , Govers Laura L.
Published: September 2024

Dwarf eelgrass, Zostera noltii, is an important ecosystem engineer that creates dense meadows along the coasts of Europe and Northwest Africa. During the last century, this seagrass species suffered severe population declines, and to counteract these losses, restoration has emerged as an important management tool. Thus far, restoration efforts with Z. noltii have only been performed with shoot‐ and core‐based methods, which are challenging to upscale sustainably.

Here, we explored if Z. noltii can be restored with seeds, thus potentially offering an upscalable solution for future restoration efforts. With the newly developed dispenser injection seeding (DIS) method, we tried seed‐based Z. noltii restoration in the intertidal Wadden Sea. With a field experiment, we investigated how seeding depth (1.5 and 3 cm) and seed amount (5, 10 and 20 seeds/injection) affected Z. noltii recruitment success and efficiency.

Most importantly, our results show that Z. noltii can be restored with seeds, as 3 months after seeding, 184 individual patches had emerged from our 7000 seeds (2.6% recruitment). Recruitment success (number of restored patches/plot) was enhanced by higher seed amounts (20 > 5 seeds/injection), while the opposite was true for recruitment efficiency (number of restored patches/seed), which was reduced by higher seed amounts (20 < 5 seeds/injection). Restored Z. noltii survived the first winter in all experimental plots, but seagrass cover (square metre/plot) reduced in two‐thirds of the plots compared to the first growing season.

In conclusion, our findings show the potential of seed‐based Z. noltii restoration and provide insights on how upscaling of restoration efforts for this species can be performed more efficiently and sustainably in the future.
Output feedback stabilization of logical dynamical systems with state‐dependent control constraints
Authors: Dai Chaoqun , Guo Yuqian
Published: September 2024

Control constraints are common in real‐world applications. However, when the control constraint depends on the system state, designing a stabilizing output feedback that adheres to the constraint can be challenging if the state is unmeasurable. This study proposes a novel dual‐loop structural output feedback for logical dynamical systems (LDSs) with state‐dependent control constraints. The inner‐loop controller is a pre‐output feedback designed based on the state‐dependent constraint, which always selects a common admissible control for all possible states. A system with free control input is obtained by combining the pre‐output feedback with the LDS. The outer‐loop controller, an ordinary output feedback, is then designed for the combined system. It is proven that any admissible time‐invariant output feedback can be decomposed into a pre‐output feedback and an ordinary output feedback. Furthermore, a necessary and sufficient condition for stabilizability by admissible output feedback is obtained. Finally, an example is presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Green servitization, circular economy, and sustainability a winning combination analysis through hybrid SEM‐ANN approach
Authors: Johl Satirenjit Kaur , Ali Kashif , Shirahada Kunio , Oyewale Oyelakin Idris
Published: September 2024

To accomplish the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the manufacturing industry faces significant hurdles, particularly in embracing green servitization and circular economy ideas and confronting the dearth of research on green servitization for sustainability. To fill this lacuna, this study examines the role of green servitization in promoting circular economy practices (CEPs) and sustainability in Malaysian manufacturing firms. A robust framework has been forged based on the natural resource‐based view (NRBV) theory. Data from a survey of 251 manufacturing firms (Malaysian and Japanese) were collected and analyzed using a hybrid methodology that included structural equation modeling and artificial neural network (SEM‐ANN). The research findings from SEM highlight that green servitization positively promotes CEP and sustainable performance. Furthermore, CEP has a mediating role between green servitization and sustainable performance. The ANN results indicate that CEP is the dominant predictor of sustainability dimensions. Unlike the prior research that theoretically assumes that all relationships are linear, this has been the nascent study that has successfully validated that there exists a nonlinear relationship in the NRBV framework. Based on the outcomes, study contributions, practical implications, and future research avenues have been discussed.
Phytochemical Diversity and Biological Effects of Juniperus Thurifera L., Essential Oil : A Comparative Study using In Vitro and In Silico Methods
Authors: Elhrech Hamza , Aguerd Oumayma , El Omari Nasreddine , Benali Taoufiq , Akhazzane Mohamed , Ullah Riaz , Alotaibi Amal , Chamkhi Imane , Bouyahya Abdelhakim
Published: September 2024

Juniperus thurifera L., a plant endemic to the Moroccan High Atlas Mountains, thrives in extreme climatic conditions, resulting in the production of valuable secondary metabolites. This study aims to elucidate the phytochemical diversity and biological activities of J. thurifera essential oil (JTEO) through a comparative analysis of samples from two distinct regions: Tensift‐Al Haouz and Azilal, using both in vitro and in silico methods. Gas Chromatography‐Mass Spectrometry (GC‐MS) analysis revealed 21 components in the Tensift‐Al Haouz JTEO (99.99 % of the oil) and 23 components in the Azilal JTEO (99.58 % of the oil), with oxygenated monoterpenes being the predominant compounds in both. The biological activities were assessed in vitro. Antioxidant properties, evaluated using DPPH, FRAP, and ABTS assays, showed significant activity in both oils. Antibacterial activity was tested against two strains of Gram‐positive and two strains of Gram‐negative bacteria, with both oils demonstrating notable bacterial growth inhibition. Enzymatic assays assessed the antidiabetic (α‐amylase and α‐glucosidase), dermo‐protective (tyrosinase and elastase), and neuroprotective (AChE and BChE) activities. Both oils displayed substantial inhibitory effects across all tested activities, with variations attributed to their distinct chemical compositions. In silico analyses of six target enzymes confirmed significant binding affinities of the major compounds. Notably, 2,2’‐Thiobis(6‐tert‐butyl‐p‐cresol) exhibited strong binding affinities with AChE, BChE, α‐amylase, α‐glucosidase, tyrosinase, and elastase, with binding energies ranging from −10.0 to −6.2 kcal/mol. These findings indicate that JTEO is a rich source of bioactive compounds with promising potential in pharmacological and cosmetic applications.
Concentration‐Dependent Thermodynamics of the Inhibitory Paths in Homogeneous Mn(I) Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Yang Wenjun , Nieuwlands Erik , Chernyshov Ivan Yu. , Filonenko Georgy A. , Pidko Evgeny A.
Published: September 2024

Many catalytic reactions suffer from product inhibition, which especially hard to control in homogeneous hydrogenation due to the scaling relation between the inhibited and active states of the catalyst. We recently reported one such pathway in Mn(I) hydrogenation and demonstrated that addition of alkoxide bases could affect the thermodynamic favorability of this reaction and selectively suppress the product inhibition. Since external reaction promotors are formally not involved in reaction thermodynamics, we set to investigate the explicit molecular interactions behind these apparently environmental effects. Herein, we reveal that the thermodynamic landscape of the inhibitory process exhibits a non‐monotonic dependence on the base concentration. This study related this phenomenon to the presence of two dominant mechanisms operating at different base concentrations. Specifically, the base additives can enhance the ionic strength and lower the free energy of the inhibited state at low promotor concentration. At high base concentrations this study suggested the formation of highly labile alcohol‐alkoxide clusters which stabilize the free alcohol and make its addition to the catalyst unfavourable, thereby suppressing the inhibition. While relatively weak, such noncovalent interactions between reactants and reaction environment can cause substantial perturbations to the free energy of catalytic process, ultimately deciding its fate.
Heterogeneous Electrocatalysts for Electrochemical Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Kori Deepak K. K. , Das Apurba K.
Published: September 2024

Electro‐organic synthesis, a method that uses electrical current to drive various organic transformations, has garnered significant attention, and so has heterogeneous electrosynthesis, a process that produces chemicals through electrochemical reactions at the interface between the electrode and an electrolyte. This concept highlights the synergistic potential of heterogeneous electrocatalysts, particularly in their use in cross‐coupling reactions. After thoroughly analyzing existing literature, key examples have been highlighted in this paper where heterogeneous electrocatalysts have facilitated the transformation of simple starting materials into useful products. This process lowers energy consumption and reduces waste. We hope this short review sparks the interest among those involved in organic electrosynthesis to explore and use heterogeneous electrocatalysis for cross‐coupling reactions.
Political long‐termism and the European Union: Five research questions for the future
Authors: Leruth Benjamin
Published: September 2024

This article introduces the concept of political long‐termism, defined as the conscious choice to prioritise the future consequences of today's political actions over their short‐term benefits and emphasises its relevance in the realm of European Studies. It contends that the European Union (EU), in theory, possesses the potential to address creeping crises more effectively than its member states, while acknowledging the varying degrees of support for political long‐termism within different EU institutions. The article advocates for additional research to explore the EU and international organisations' role in fostering political long‐termism, an area that has seen limited empirical investigation. To do so, it proposes five research questions as a starting point to establish political long‐termism as a subdiscipline of European Studies. As such, it aims to set the agenda by shedding light on the intertemporal aspect of EU politics.
Covariation of Skull and Brain Morphology in Domestic Dogs
Authors: Barton Sophie A. , Kent Marc , Hecht Erin E.
Published: September 2024

Despite their distinct embryonic origins, the skull and brain are highly integrated. Understanding the covariation between the skull and brain can shed light on anatomical, cognitive, and behavioral traits in extant and extinct species. Domestic dogs offer a unique opportunity to investigate skull–brain covariation due to their diverse skull morphologies and neural anatomy. To assess this question, we examined T2‐weighted MRI studies of 62 dogs from 33 breeds, plus an additional 17 dogs of mixed or unknown breeds. Scans were opportunistically collected from a veterinary teaching hospital of dogs that were referred for neurological examination but did not have grossly observable structural brain abnormalities. As the neurocrania of dogs become broader and shorter, there is a significant decrease in the gray matter volume of the right olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, marginal gyrus, and cerebellum. On the other hand, as the neurocrania of dogs become narrower and longer, there is a significant decrease in the gray matter volume of the olfactory bulb, frontal cortex, temporal cortex, amygdala, hypothalamus, hippocampus, periaqueductal gray, cerebellum, and brainstem. Selective breeding for specific skull shapes may impact canine brain anatomy and function.
Set Up and Utilization of a Three‐Dimensional In Vitro Bioreactor System for Human Intestinal Studies and Microbial Co‐Cultures
Authors: Rudolph Sara E. , Bethi Eesha , Iglesias‐Ledon Lilianne , Kumarasinghe Hirunika U. , Da'darah Omar , Salgam Gautham K. , Vieira Karolinny C. , Chen Ying , Kaplan David L.
Published: September 2024

The study of human intestinal physiology and host‐microbe interactions is crucial for understanding gastrointestinal health and disease. Traditional two‐dimensional cell culture models lack the complexity of the native intestinal environment, limiting their utility in studying intestinal biology. Here, we present a detailed protocol for the set up and utilization of a three‐dimensional (3D) in vitro bioreactor system for human intestinal studies and bacterial co‐culture. This article outlines the design and assembly of the bioreactor system, scaffold fabrication, bacterial culture techniques, analysis methods, and troubleshooting tips. By providing step‐by‐step instructions, the goal is to enable other laboratories to utilize physiologically relevant tissue models of the human intestine, incorporating key features, such as nutrient flow, multiple human cell types, 3D architecture, and microbial communities. The incorporation of commensal bacteria into the bioreactor system allows for the investigation of complex host‐microbe interactions, providing insight into gastrointestinal health and pathology. This article serves as a comprehensive resource for scientists seeking to advance their understanding of intestinal biology toward the development of novel therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders. © 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Scaffold design

Basic Protocol 2: Intestinal cell culture: Caco2 cells

Basic Protocol 3: Intestinal cell culture: organoids

Basic Protocol 4: Bioreactor design and set up

Basic Protocol 5: Bacteria in 3D bioreactor set up

Basic Protocol 6: Bacteria and drug dosing
Revisiting virtual communications and etiquette norms
Authors: Arnett Autumn A.
Published: September 2024

I recently sat through a very elementary presentation on executive presence. The presenter walked through appropriate dress and basic etiquette for a variety of professional settings. I was slightly annoyed that the presenter had chosen to spend so much time with adult professionals going over things I’d learned in my teenage‐era etiquette classes and in real‐time professional contexts. And then it occurred to me that, since coronavirus disease and the shift to mostly remote work, the blending of personal and professional spaces has likely meant a blurring of the lines of what is socially acceptable.
Individual timing consistency across long‐distance songbird migrations
Authors: Bridges Colin G. , Bani Assadi Saeedeh , Garroway Colin J. , Fraser Kevin C.
Published: September 2024

Migration timing in long‐distance migratory birds plays an essential role in individual survival and fitness and is thought to be driven by circannual routines cued by photoperiod with some plasticity to environmental conditions. We examined the individual order of migration timing in purple martins (Progne subis), a neotropical migratory songbird that travels between breeding sites throughout eastern North America and nonbreeding sites in Brazil. Migration timing data were collected for 295 different individual purple martins over 9 years using light‐level geolocators deployed at breeding sites across the range. We used linear mixed‐effect models to examine the influence of the rank order of individual departure dates in one season on the rank order of four subsequent migration events while controlling for the effects of breeding latitude, sex, and age. Overall, we found evidence for consistent individual timing that can extend across 8 months and 12,000–24,000 km of migration. Individual rank order of migration timing in purple martins was generally conserved across migrations with consistent timings between fall departure dates from, and spring arrival dates to the breeding site the following year (0.28 ± 0.03, 95% CI 0.22–0.34), as well as at a finer scale across fall migration (0.33 ± 0.05, 95% CI 0.23–0.43), over the stationary nonbreeding period (0.39 ± 0.04, 95% CI 0.31–0.47), and across spring migration (0.03 ± 0.001, 95% CI 0.028–0.032). These results demonstrate that purple martins exhibit consistency in individual migration timing throughout the annual cycle that is likely driven by inherent individual circannual schedules. We additionally found that migration distance played a significant role, as the consistency of individual timing lessened over longer distances. Understanding how individual birds time migrations and if individuals are consistent between events can provide insight into how birds respond to shifts in their environment with climate change.
Predator becomes prey: Martial eagle predation of lion cubs in the greater Mara region, Kenya
Authors: Hatfield Richard Stratton , Parmuntoro Lemein , Thomsett Simon , Reynolds Patrick , Elliot Nicholas B.
Published: September 2024

In many intact African savannah ecosystems, martial eagles are the top avian predator, while lions are the top terrestrial predator. Here, we report seven records of martial eagle predation or attempted predation of lion cubs in the greater Mara region, Kenya. These events resulted in the death of nine lion cubs, most of which were at least partially consumed, and are the first detailed records of this behaviour to be published. While these observations represent intraguild interactions, we suggest that they reflect neither intraguild predation nor interspecific killing. Rather, the ecology of both species coupled with the details of our records suggest that martial eagles opportunistically kill lion cubs purely to eat them. We hope that by publishing these records we will encourage others to share their observations of raptors predating on large mammalian carnivores, thus improving our understanding of a behaviour that we suspect may be more widespread than the current lack of evidence suggests.
Using spatial distribution modeling of commercial species to inform management of small‐scale fisheries in a Mediterranean marine protected area
Authors: La Manna G. , Ronchetti F. , Moro Merella M. , Vargiu R. , Perretti F. , Ceccherelli G.
Published: September 2024

Marine protected areas (MPAs) make an essential contribution to the spatial management of critical areas, the conservation of coastal species exploited by human activities, and the sustainable use of marine resources. Within MPAs, fishing closure areas are among the most used small‐scale fishery management tools, even though their effectiveness largely remains untested or controversial. To reduce the impact of small‐scale fisheries on marine resources, a seasonal fishing closure area (SFCA) was established beginning in 2022 in autumn–winter season inside the Capo Caccia–Isola Piana MPA (Sardinia, northwestern Mediterranean Sea). Here, we assessed a posteriori whether the areas of higher habitat suitability for eight species/taxa of relevant ecological value and economic interest to small‐scale fisheries were included in the established SFCA, adequately meeting the ecological objectives of the MPA. Thus, landing data (from 2019 to 2023) were used as occurrence records to develop MaxEnt distribution models for the eight target species/taxa. The model outputs allow us to draw important insights about the spatial adequacy of the SFCA established within the MPA aimed to protect the most exploited marine resources. Furthermore, the modeling exercises were useful for understanding the local processes influencing species' habitat selection and to identify essential areas for the target species that could remain unrevealed in larger‐scale investigations.
Mitonuclear and phenotypic discordance in an Atlantic Forest frog hybrid zone
Authors: de Sá Fábio P. , Akopyan Maria , Santana Erika M. , Haddad Célio F. B. , Zamudio Kelly R.
Published: September 2024

Discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear DNA is common among animals and can be the result of a number of evolutionary processes, including incomplete lineage sorting and introgression. Particularly relevant in contact zones, mitonuclear discordance is expected because the mitochondrial genome is haploid and primarily uniparentally inherited, whereas nuclear loci are evolving at slower rates. In addition, when closely related taxa come together in hybrid zones, the distribution of diagnostic phenotypic characters and their concordance with the mitochondrial or nuclear lineages can also inform on historical and ongoing dynamics within hybrid zones. Overall, genetic and phenotypic discordances provide evidence for evolutionary divergence and processes that maintain boundaries among sister species or lineages. In this study, we characterized patterns of genetic and phenotypic variation in a contact zone between Cycloramphus dubius and Cycloramphus boraceiensis, two sister species of frogs endemic to the Atlantic Coastal Forest of Brazil. We examined genomic‐scale nuclear diversification across 19 populations, encompassing the two parental forms and a contact zone between them. We compared the distribution of genomic DNA variability with that of a mitochondrial locus (16S) and two morphological traits (dorsal tubercles and body size). Our results reveal multiple divergent lineages with ongoing admixture. We detected discordance in patterns of introgression across the three data types. Cycloramphus dubius males are significantly larger than C. boraceiensis males, and we posit that competition among males in the hybrid zone, coupled with mate choice by females, may be one mechanism leading to patterns of introgression observed between the species.
Optimising recovery of DNA from minimally invasive sampling methods: Efficacy of buccal swabs, preservation strategy and DNA extraction approaches for amphibian studies
Authors: Martin R. , Mullin K. E. , White N. F. D. , Grimason N. , Jehle R. , Wilkinson J. W. , Orozco‐terWengel P. , Cunningham A. A. , Maddock S. T.
Published: September 2024

Studies in evolution, ecology and conservation are increasingly based on genetic and genomic data. With increased focus on molecular approaches, ethical concerns about destructive or more invasive techniques need to be considered, with a push for minimally invasive sampling to be optimised. Buccal swabs have been increasingly used to collect DNA in a number of taxa, including amphibians. However, DNA yield and purity from swabs are often low, limiting its use. In this study, we compare different types of swabs, preservation method and storage, and DNA extraction techniques in three case studies to assess the optimal approach for recovering DNA in anurans. Out of the five different types of swabs that we tested, Isohelix MS‐02 and Rapidry swabs generated higher DNA yields than other swabs. When comparing storage buffers, ethanol is a better preservative than a non‐alcoholic alternative. Dried samples resulted in similar or better final DNA yields compared to ethanol‐fixed samples if kept cool. DNA extraction via a Qiagen™ DNeasy Blood and Tissue Kit and McHale's salting‐out extraction method resulted in similar DNA yields but the Qiagen™ kit extracts contained less contamination. We also found that samples have better DNA recovery if they are frozen as soon as possible after collection. We provide recommendations for sample collection and extraction under different conditions, including budgetary considerations, size of individual animal sampled, access to cold storage facilities and DNA extraction methodology. Maximising efficacy of all of these factors for better DNA recovery will allow buccal swabs to be used for genetic and genomic studies in a range of vertebrates.
Simplified Environmental Flow Metrics and Environmental Water Requirements for Mediterranean Seasonal Rivers
Authors: Green Douglas , Savadamuthu Kumar
Published: September 2024

The flow regime of a river is well established as being one of the key drivers of riverine ecosystem type, diversity and condition. This is especially true of seasonal rivers that experience a cease to flow period over the dry months of the year. To effectively assess changes in the components of the flow regime, it is required that flow data be quantified into metrics for ease of assessment and to effectively relate changes to environmental outcomes. Previous methods have used large numbers of, often complex, flow metrics to assess the flow regime. These metrics are often highly internally correlated with each other, and their complicated nature makes communication difficult. We suggest that the high correlation and the targeted nature of ecological flow regime assessment means a smaller number of well selected metrics can be used more effectively that large suites of generic metrics. We report on a series of six flow metrics that cover the whole of the flow regime, are reported annually and are simple to assess and interpret. We further expand on the practical use of these metrics as environmental indicators in their application to the highly variable seasonal rivers of southern Australia by using a moving average approach rather than single years. This approach accounts for, and allows for, the interannual variability expected in these systems. Environmental water requirements are defined using upper and lower bounds of a moving average for each metric over an environmentally stable period. We argue that this approach represents a more representative and robust approach to the assessment of environmental water requirements that is simpler and easier to interpret and communicate that existing flow regime assessment methods.
Timing of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor initiation and post‐discharge outcomes in acute heart failure with diabetes: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Wu Che‐Yuan , Shah Baiju R. , Sharma Abhinav , Sheng Yiru , Liu Peter P. , Kopp Alexander , Saskin Refik , Edwards Jodi D. , Swardfager Walter
Published: September 2024

Aims

Results from randomized trials suggest benefit of sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor initiation in clinically stable acute heart failure. We aim to examine the real‐world effectiveness of early versus delayed post‐discharge SGLT2 inhibitor initiation in people with acute heart failure and type 2 diabetes.

Methods and results

Using linkable administrative databases in Ontario, Canada, individuals aged 66 years or older with type 2 diabetes who were discharged to the community from acute care hospitals for heart failure between 1 July 2016 and 31 March 2020 were included in this retrospective, population‐based cohort study. The primary outcome was hospitalization for heart failure (HHF) or cardiovascular mortality as a composite. Follow‐up started from discharge for maximum 1 year. We compared outcomes between post‐discharge SGLT2 inhibitor initiation within 3 days, 4–90 days, or 91–180 days, versus delayed initiation for at least 180 days. The ‘clone‐censor‐weight’ approach with a target trial emulation framework was used to address time‐related biases. There were 9641 eligible individuals. After cloning and artificial censoring, there were 38 564 clones, 12 439 person‐years, and 7584 events. Compared to delayed initiation for at least 180 days, initiation within 3 days post‐discharge was associated with a lower 1‐year risk of HHF or cardiovascular mortality (risk ratio [RR] 0.65, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.45–0.83), while initiation 4–90 days (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.72–0.93) or 91–180 days (RR 0.89, 95% CI 0.79–0.97) showed smaller risk reduction.

Conclusion

Real‐world evidence supports early SGLT2 inhibitor initiation to reduce HHF or cardiovascular mortality in acute heart failure and type 2 diabetes.
Geomorphological evolution in transitional environments on the eastern coast of Brazil
Authors: Moreira Vinícius Borges , Lämmle Luca , Torres Bruno Araújo , Donadio Carlo , Perez Filho Archimedes
Published: September 2024

The morphology of the coastal landscape in transitional environments results from the gradual and complex dynamics of natural processes at different scalarity, capable of elaborating and remodeling the relief. Their arrangements and interactions are reflected in the configuration and evolution of the landscape and waterscape governed by allogenic factors (climate, tectonics and, more recently, anthropogenic) generating autogenic responses in environmental systems. In this sense, several studies have demonstrated the importance of sea level oscillations, sedimentary balance and river‐coastline displacements associated with climate fluctuations during the Quaternary. However, there is still a relative lack of recent research that focuses on the last glacial maximum (LGM) and the Holocene for the eastern Brazilian coast. In this way, the intense morphodynamics between estuarine and deltaic systems could become interpretative keys in the general understanding of these environments worldwide because they are located in a particular context within the connectivity of these geomorphological systems. To investigate these processes between the Jequitinhonha, Pardo and Una Rivers, detailed mapping and geomorphic topographic profiles were carried out using pre‐selected digital elevation models, and fieldworks were carried out on land and water to validate the mappings and to collect samples. Then, they were subjected to geochronological analysis using Optically Stimulated Luminescence and grain size distribution to recognize the depositional age and characterize the surficial cover. It was possible to identify five depositional landscape units: fluvial terraces, fluvial‐marine terraces and three staggered levels of marine terraces. Based on these results, a paleogeographic reconstruction of the evolutionary phases of this eastern sector of Brazil's coast was carried out, chronologically covering the Pleistocene/Holocene transition up to the present. The aim is to understand littoral dynamics as a response to both fluvial adjustments and oscillations of the regional relative sea level.
Fluvial responses to Holocene climatically induced coastline migration in the Iguape River estuary (Southeast Brazil)
Authors: Souza André de Oliveira , Filho Archimedes Perez , Arruda Emerson Martins , Cerrone Ciro , Lämmle Luca
Published: September 2024

Rivers represent intricate geomorphological systems that exhibit sensitivity to even subtle base‐level changes. This study examines the geomorphological response of Ribeira de Iguape River, located along the southern coast of São Paulo state, Brazil, to hydrological changes and coastline migration resulting from Holocene climate pulses. Using a multidisciplinary approach, including geomorphological and stratigraphical analyses, optically stimulated luminescence dating, grain‐size analyses, interpretation of satellite images, mapping and reassessment of previous studies, we investigated the potential impacts of these geomorphological dynamics on the river system. Our study reveals two distinct orders of low fluvial terraces, typically inserted no more than 10 m above the average channel discharge, which are geochronologically correlated with the low marine terraces that document the former coastline position at the river mouth, as previously identified in other studies. Such findings indicate a deposition phase when the coastline was stabilised on the inner continent in the Medieval Warm Period, as well as an erosion phase when the coastline migrated seaward during the Little Ice Age. This research contributes to improving our understanding of how rivers can respond to base‐level changes and provides valuable insights into the dynamic interactions between river systems and coastal environments.
Performance Analysis of a Renewable‐Powered Multi‐Gas Floating Storage and Regasification Facility for Ammonia Vessels With Reconversion to Hydrogen
Authors: Andriani Dindha , Sajid Muhammad Usman , Bicer Yusuf
Published: September 2024

Natural gas and renewable energy carriers play critical roles in the energy supply chain due to rising energy consumption demands and a significant shift toward cleaner energy. However, the requirement to liquefy and regasify liquefied natural gas (LNG) and renewable energy carriers for transportation makes the entire process expensive and challenging. Hence, a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) plant provides a solution to the aforementioned problems with the additional benefit of being more affordable, time‐efficient, and having less land footprint requirement than the conventional onshore facility. The proposed integrated FSRU in this study, is powered by renewable energy, including solar and ocean thermal energy. The subsystems of integrated FSRU consist of parabolic dish collectors (PDC), Rankine cycle, organic Rankine cycle (ORC), multi‐stage flashing (MSF) desalination unit, decomposition, reliquefication, and regasification plants, which provide valuable commodities such as freshwater, electricity, hydrogen, and heating. It can also cater to standard multi‐gas harboring vessels for storage and regasification of sustainable energy carriers. The study assesses the performance of the proposed system thermodynamically by analyzing mass, energy, entropy, and exergy balance equations using the engineering equation solver (EES) software. Furthermore, parametric studies were conducted to understand the interlinkage among various variables. The analytical results show that the proposed system is able to produce 1.82 MW of electricity, 2056 kg/day of fresh water, and 338.3 kg/day of hydrogen, achieving an overall system energy efficiency of 32.7% and exergy efficiency of 79.3%. This approach aims to foster energy diversification, enhance energy security, and support the transition toward sustainable energy systems, as well as further the advancement of maritime transport systems.
Corporate foresight for the benefit of corporates' innovation climate
Authors: Wach Bernhard , Schwarz Jan O. , von Held Felix
Published: September 2024

Corporate foresight (CF) can be considered a future‐oriented capability that incorporates perceiving and prospecting. Extant CF‐related studies tackle the CF−innovation relationship but do not provide details on how CF relates to innovation climate. As we assume that the innovation climate of companies is a relevant antecedent to innovation, we conduct a quantitative empirical study with 147 upper‐tier managers to investigate how CF and the respective training of managers relate to a corporate's innovation climate. Results show that strong perceiving and prospecting positively influence the innovation climate, whereby prospecting is of particular importance. Further, we find that training managers in future‐oriented capabilities is only under certain circumstances (i.e., low prospecting) beneficial to the innovation climate in companies.
Liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS)‐based quantification of hydroxyanthracene derivatives in Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. gel commercial beverages and preliminary safety evaluation through in vitro genotoxicity studies
Authors: Di Minno Alessandro , Morone Maria Vittoria , Ullah Hammad , Sommella Eduardo , Buccato Daniele Giuseppe , De Lellis Lorenza Francesca , Campiglia Pietro , De Filippis Anna , Galdiero Massimiliano , Daglia Maria
Published: September 2024

Estimating the hydroxyanthracene derivative (HAD) concentrations and assessing the genotoxicity of several marketed Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. gel beverages are the goals of this study. The results showed that five commercial samples contained aloin A at concentrations ranging from 6.05 to 337.98 ng/mL and aloin B at concentrations ranging from 8.84 to 346.89 ng/mL. Four commercial samples contained aloin A and B in concentration higher than 1 ppm, while one sample contained less than 1 ppm. Aloe‐emodin was detected in three samples with concentrations ranging from 80.30 to 109.40 ng/mL. Different strains of bacteria were used to perform the Ames test on the samples with the lowest and highest HAD concentrations, and no signs of mutagenicity were found in experiments with samples that increased in concentration (0.0016–5 μL/mL). In accordance with published data and in contrast to findings acquired using products containing A. vera latex, which is rich in HADs and whose genotoxicity is extensively proven, even the sample with the highest concentrations of aloin A and B does not show any in vitro genotoxicity, suggesting the importance to standardize the operating procedures to obtain A. vera gel to minimize the content of HADs in the commercial formulations.
Anatomo‐functional changes in neural substrates of cognitive memory in developmental amnesia: Insights from automated and manual Magnetic Resonance Imaging examinations
Authors: Chareyron Loïc J. , Chong W. K. Kling , Banks Tina , Burgess Neil , Saunders Richard C. , Vargha‐Khadem Faraneh
Published: September 2024

Despite bilateral hippocampal damage dating to the perinatal or early childhood period and severely impaired episodic memory, patients with developmental amnesia continue to exhibit well‐developed semantic memory across the developmental trajectory. Detailed information on the extent and focality of brain damage in these patients is needed to hypothesize about the neural substrate that supports their remarkable capacity for encoding and retrieval of semantic memory. In particular, we need to assess whether the residual hippocampal tissue is involved in this preservation, or whether the surrounding cortical areas reorganize to rescue aspects of these critical cognitive memory processes after early injury. We used voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) analysis, automatic (FreeSurfer) and manual segmentation to characterize structural changes in the brain of an exceptionally large cohort of 23 patients with developmental amnesia in comparison with 32 control subjects. Both the VBM and the FreeSurfer analyses revealed severe structural alterations in the hippocampus and thalamus of patients with developmental amnesia. Milder damage was found in the amygdala, caudate, and parahippocampal gyrus. Manual segmentation demonstrated differences in the degree of atrophy of the hippocampal subregions in patients. The level of atrophy in CA‐DG subregions and subicular complex was more than 40%, while the atrophy of the uncus was moderate (−24%). Anatomo‐functional correlations were observed between the volumes of residual hippocampal subregions in patients and selective aspects of their cognitive performance, viz, intelligence, working memory, and verbal and visuospatial recall. Our findings suggest that in patients with developmental amnesia, cognitive processing is compromised as a function of the extent of atrophy in hippocampal subregions. More severe hippocampal damage may be more likely to promote structural and/or functional reorganization in areas connected to the hippocampus. In this hypothesis, different levels of hippocampal function may be rescued following this variable reorganization. Our findings document not only the extent, but also the limits of circuit reorganization occurring in the young brain after early bilateral hippocampal damage.
Bruton tyrosine kinase inhibitor monotherapy in B‐cell lymphoma and risk of infection: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Zuber Mohammed , Borate Samruddhi Nandkumar , Gokhale Pooja , Yerubandi Akhila , Alam Bhuiya N. M. Mahmudul , Rawal Smita , Young Henry N. , Villa Zapata Lorenzo
Published: September 2024

Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are important therapeutic advances with promising efficacy outcomes in the treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and other B‐cell lymphoma subtypes. However, the utility of BTK inhibitors can be limited by adverse events such as infections. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aim to determine the risk of various infections associated with BTK inhibitor monotherapy in B‐cell lymphoma patients. A comprehensive search was conducted in MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science databases from their inception until October 2023. ClinicalTrials.gov, bibliographies, and relevant conference abstracts were also searched for additional records. Randomized controlled trials that included any B‐cell lymphoma patients treated with BTK inhibitor monotherapy and reported infection were included. Meta‐analysis was performed to calculate risk ratio (RR) using a random‐effects model in R Statistical Software, version 4.3.2. Of 3292 studies retrieved, we included 12 studies in this systematic review and meta‐analysis. The median age of patients across the study arms ranged between 64 and 73 years. The overall pooled RR for any grade upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) associated with BTK inhibitor treatment was 1.55 (95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.22–1.97). The RR of grade ≥3 URTI was reported in 14 out of 1046 patients, yielding an RR of 1.46 (95% CI 0.61–3.54), which was not statistically significant. The pooled RR of any grade pneumonia was 1.20 (95% CI 0.68–2.10) and grade ≥3 pneumonia was 1.12 (95% CI 0.67–1.85), both of which were not statistically significant. Patients with B‐cell lymphoma who are undergoing BTK inhibitor monotherapy face an elevated risk of developing URTI. Clinicians prescribing BTK inhibitors should be aware of the potential infectious events that may occur. Close monitoring and the implementation of effective prophylactic measures are essential for managing these patients.