bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
H2S‐Activated Near‐Infrared Emission Chemiluminescent Probes for Precise Diagnosis of Inflammations and Tumors
Authors: Liang Mengke , Zhang Ling'e , Yu Bo , Geng Zirui , Ge Huazhen , Sun Ying , Liu Luyu , Jiang Xiqun , Wu Wei
Published: January 2025

Compared to fluorescence imaging, chemiluminescence imaging does not need external excitation light, and hence presents high imaging depth and signal‐to‐noise ratio without autofluorescence and phototoxicity, making it a promising tool for biological detection and analysis. However, the target‐specific activatable near‐infrared emission chemiluminescent probes still need to be developed for the precise diagnosis of diseases. In this paper, we synthesized four direct near‐infrared emission Schaap's chemiluminophores (AINCL, AIFCL, ABTCL, and APYCL) by incorporating different electronic acceptors, respectively, and studied the effect of the acceptors on the optical properties of the chemiluminophores. To achieve the specific detection of hydrogen sulfide (H2S)‐related diseases, we used H2S‐cleavable 2,4‐dinitrophenylsulfonate to cage the phenol groups in the chemiluminophores. It was demonstrated that the endogenous H2S in inflammations and tumors could activate effectively the chemiluminescence with high specificity, which provided the precise location of nidus in chemiluminescence imaging and allowed us to perform surgical resection.
Therapeutic Errors Associated With Antithrombotic Medications Reported to United States Poison Centers
Authors: Cravo Emma N. , Hays Hannah L. , Badeti Jaahnavi , Spiller Henry A. , Rine Natalie I. , Zhu Motao , Smith Gary A.
Published: January 2025

The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics and trends of therapeutic errors in non‐healthcare facility settings associated with antithrombotic medications reported to United States Poison Centers by analyzing data from the National Poison Data System from 2000 to 2021. There were 57 288 reported therapeutic error‐related exposures involving antithrombotic medications as the primary substance. The rate of therapeutic errors increased by 590.9% during this 22‐year period. Although most (90.1%) therapeutic errors were clinically inconsequential and did not receive treatment at a healthcare facility, 2.3% were medically admitted, and 2.1% experienced a serious medical outcome, including 16 fatalities. Three‐fourths (74.9%) of therapeutic errors were among > 59‐year‐olds, and females represented 58.0% of exposures. Warfarin was the most commonly involved antithrombotic medication (37.5%), followed by direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs, 28.7%) and clopidogrel (23.3%). Therapeutic errors involving warfarin were more likely to be associated with a medical admission (odds ratio [OR] = 2.23; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.99–2.49) or a serious medical outcome (OR = 2.99; 95% CI: 2.65–3.37), and DOACs were less likely to be associated with a medical admission (OR = 0.53, 95% CI: 0.46–0.61) or a serious medical outcome (OR = 0.45; 95% CI: 0.38–0.53) than therapeutic errors involving other antithrombotic medications. The rate of therapeutic errors involving warfarin significantly increased by 187.0% during 2000–2011, followed by a 57.6% significant decrease during 2011–2021. The rate of therapeutic errors involving DOACs increased significantly by 1118.2% during 2011–2021. The scenario “inadvertently took/given medication twice” accounted for 56.3% of all therapeutic errors. Increased risk reduction efforts are needed to prevent antithrombotic‐related therapeutic errors.
Robodebt cultures and useful idiots: Why Robodebt was not a techno‐failure
Authors: Henman Paul W. F.
Published: January 2025

Australia's Robodebt scheme is now internationally infamous for how not to use automation in government. Belying heightened concern with artificial intelligence, Robodebt involved traditional, relatively simple computer algorithms to automate the identification and pursuit of alleged historical welfare debts. Yet, it was based on a false legal premise. This paper argues that rather than a technical failure, Robodebt was intentional, motivated by political imperatives, aided and abetted by an overly responsive public service culture. Engaging with the literature of organisational wilful ignorance, it is argued that these political and public service cultures were constituted by useful idiots, who acted as foils to keep the illegal scheme running for 4 years. Drawing on the Report of the Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, the paper identifies a range of practices through which strategic wilfulness ignorance of Robodebt's unlawfulness was actively constituted. Such practices, particularly well‐versed in the senior echolons of the public service, include feigning ignorance, studious nonresponse and not asking questions, telling untruths and giving ambiguous information, advising informally, not sharing and withholding information, and individual and institutional bullying. Documenting the concrete mechanisms of wilful organisational ignorance contributes to better understanding of this phenomenon and helps remedial action.
Plasma proteomic biomarkers as mediators or moderators for the association between poor cardiovascular health and white matter microstructural integrity: The UK Biobank study
Authors: Beydoun May A. , Beydoun Hind A. , Noren Hooten Nicole , Li Zhiguang , Hu Yi‐Han , Georgescu Michael F. , Hossain Sharmin , Tanaka Toshiko , Bouhrara Mustapha , Maino Vieytes Christian A. , Fanelli‐Kuczmarski Marie T. , Launer Lenore J. , Evans Michele K. , Zonderman Alan B.
Published: January 2025

INTRODUCTION

The plasma proteome's mediating or moderating roles in the association between poor cardiovascular health (CVH) and brain white matter (WM) microstructural integrity are largely unknown.

METHODS

Data from 3953 UK Biobank participants were used (40–70 years, 2006–2010), with a neuroimaging visit between 2014 and 2021. Poor CVH was determined using Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and reversing standardized z‐scores (LE8z_rev). The plasma proteome was examined as a potential mediator or moderator of LE8z_rev’s effects on quantitative diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) metrics.

RESULTS

LE8z_rev was significantly associated with deteriorated WM microstructural integrity, as reflected by lower tract‐averaged fractional anisotropy (dMRI‐FAmean), (β ± standared error (SE): −0.00152 ± 0.0003, p < 0.001) and higher tract‐averaged orientation dispersion (dMRI‐ODmean), (β ± SE:+0.00081 ± 0.00017, p < 0.001). Ten strongly mediating plasma proteins of 1463 were identified, with leptin as the principal driver.

DISCUSSION

Poor CVH is linked to poor WM microstructural integrity measures (lower FAmean and higher ODmean), mostly mediated through leptin.

Highlights

Up to 3953 UK Biobank participants were selected for this study.

Poor cardiovascular health (CVH) was determined using Life's Essential 8.

The plasma proteome was examined as a potential mediator or moderator of poor CVH's effect on dMRI metrics.

Ten plasma proteins were identified with strong mediating effects, with leptin being the principal driver.
Rod‐Like Nanofibres Polyaniline@Expanded Graphite Based on “Achieve Two Things at One Stroke” Strategy for Supercapacitor and Photosensor Applications
Authors: Liu Fuchen , Pan Yunjie , Zhu Lin
Published: January 2025

Polyaniline (PANI) was formed by chemical oxidative polymerization and composited with expanded graphite (GIC) to obtain a “achieve two things at one stroke” PANI@GIC composite. In the polymerization process, rod‐shaped polyaniline was grown in situ on expanded graphite with a size of 700 to 1000 μm. The diameter of the rod‐shaped polyaniline nanofibers was 30 to 40 nm, with lengths ranging from 300 to 400 nm. Preparation of composite materials where the “one thing” refers to their application as supercapacitor. Composite materials achieving a specific capacitance of 377.3 F/g when doped with 0.49 mol/L p‐toluenesulfonic acid. Even after 1000 CV testing cycles, nearly 91.3% of the capacitance was retained. The prepared composite materials have an additional “one thing,” which refers to the application of photoactive materials. Under 1 V voltage, the photocurrent produced by P‐toluene sulfonic acid doped PANI@GIC composite under ultraviolet light and red light was 5.52 × 10−4 A and 6.00 × 10−5 A, respectively. PANI@GIC The composite was 9.20 times more sensitive to ultraviolet light than red light. The above results indicated that rod‐shaped nanofibrous PANI@GIC composites hold significant promise for applications in optical sensors and supercapacitors.
Inflation in a Non‐Commutative Riemannian‐Foliated Quantum Gravity Domain
Authors: Weber Fridolin , Hess Peter O. , de Freitas Pacheco José , Marzola Marcelo , Hadjimichef Dimiter , Bodmann Benno , Naysinger Geovane , Fraga Rodrigo , Gimenez João G. G. , Razeira Moisés , Zen Vasconcellos César A.
Published: January 2025

We explore the implications of Branch‐Cut Quantum Gravity (BCQG), a novel framework leveraging non‐commutative geometry within a symplectic phase‐space, on the accelerated expansion of the universe. Non‐commutativity, introduced through a deformation of the Poisson algebra and enhanced by a symplectic metric, provides a robust mechanism for addressing key challenges in cosmology, such as the youngness paradox and the fine‐tuning of initial conditions in standard inflationary models. By embedding quantum dual‐field dynamics within a Riemannian‐foliated spacetime, BCQG naturally integrates short‐ and long‐range spacetime effects into a unified formalism. This approach offers an alternative to standard inflationary models by predicting cosmic acceleration through geometric restructuring rather than finely‐tuned initial states. In contrast to models like ΛCDM or String Theory, BCQG introduces unique corrections to cosmic scale factors and predicts a novel transition between contraction and expansion phases via topological branch‐cuts, circumventing the singularity problem. Moreover, BCQG's non‐commutative formulation provides testable predictions, such as modifications in cosmic microwave background (CMB) anisotropies and large‐scale structure evolution. We discuss the mathematical foundation, observational implications, and future avenues for validating BCQG through astrophysical data, positioning it as a promising theoretical alternative for understanding the universe's accelerated growth.
How school principals' empowering leadership influences teacher autonomy: The mediating role of teachers' academic optimism
Authors: Kasapoğlu Tankutay Hülya , Çolak İbrahim
Published: January 2025

Over the past decade, teacher autonomy has become increasingly significant due to its positive impact on educational outcomes. The study explores the mediating role of teachers' academic optimism in the relationship between school principals' empowering leadership and teacher autonomy. In this study, we proposed teachers' academic optimism as a mediator in the relationship between empowering leadership and teacher autonomy. Data obtained from a sample of 384 teachers in Türkiye were analysed according to structural equation modelling. The results showed that school principals' empowering leadership positively and directly predicted both teachers' autonomy and their academic optimism. The results also indicated that teachers' academic optimism positively and directly predicted teacher autonomy. In addition, academic optimism was found to significantly mediate the relationship between empowering leadership and teacher autonomy. The findings highlight the importance of empowering teachers and strengthening their academic optimism as a means to enhancing their independent actions and decision‐making capabilities. Our findings provide practical recommendations for developing principals' empowering leadership behaviours and in the enhancement of their academic optimism.
Dynamic Culture of Bioprinted Liver Tumor Spheroids in a Pillar/Perfusion Plate for Predictive Screening of Anticancer Drugs
Authors: Joshi Pranav , Nascimento Hamilton Silva do , Kang Soo‐Yeon , Lee Minseong , Vanga Manav Goud , Lee Sang‐Hyun , Ku Bosung , Miranda Moyses dos Santos , Lee Moo‐Yeal
Published: January 2025

Recent advancements in three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture technologies, such as cell spheroids, organoids, and 3D bioprinted tissue constructs, have significantly improved the physiological relevance of in vitro models. These models better mimic tissue structure and function, closely emulating in vivo characteristics and enhancing phenotypic analysis, critical for basic research and drug screening in personalized cancer therapy. Despite their potential, current 3D cell culture platforms face technical challenges, which include user‐unfriendliness in long‐term dynamic cell culture, incompatibility with rapid cell encapsulation in biomimetic hydrogels, and low throughput for compound screening. To address these issues, we developed a 144‐pillar plate with sidewalls and slits (144PillarPlate) and a complementary 144‐perfusion plate with perfusion wells and reservoirs (144PerfusionPlate) for dynamic 3D cell culture and predictive compound screening. To accelerate biomimetic tissue formation, small Hep3B liver tumor spheroids suspended in alginate were printed and encapsulated on the 144PillarPlate rapidly by using microsolenoid valve‐driven 3D bioprinting technology. The microarray bioprinting technology enabled precise and rapid loading of small spheroids in alginate on the pillar plate, facilitating reproducible and scalable formation of large tumor spheroids with minimal manual intervention. The bioprinted Hep3B spheroids on the 144PillarPlate were dynamically cultured in the 144PerfusionPlate and tested with anticancer drugs to measure drug effectiveness and determine the concentration required to inhibit 50% of the cell viability (IC50 value). The perfusion plate enabled the convenient dynamic culture of tumor spheroids and facilitated the dynamic testing of anticancer drugs with increased sensitivity. It is envisioned that the integration of microarray bioprinting of tumor spheroids onto the pillar plate, along with dynamic 3D cell culture in the perfusion plate, could more accurately replicate tumor microenvironments. This advancement has the potential to enhance the predictive drug screening process in personalized cancer therapy significantly.
A Paradigm of Computer Vision and Deep Learning Empowers the Strain Screening and Bioprocess Detection
Authors: Xu Feng , Su Lihuan , Wang Yuan , Hu Kaihao , Liu Ling , Ben Rong , Gao Hao , Mohsin Ali , Chu Ju , Tian Xiwei
Published: January 2025

High‐performance strain and corresponding fermentation process are essential for achieving efficient biomanufacturing. However, conventional offline detection methods for products are cumbersome and less stable, hindering the “Test” module in the operation of “Design‐Build‐Test‐Learn” cycle for strain screening and fermentation process optimization. This study proposed and validated an innovative research paradigm combining computer vision with deep learning to facilitate efficient strain selection and effective fermentation process optimization. A practical framework was developed for gentamicin C1a titer as a proof‐of‐concept, using computer vision to extract different color space components across various cultivation systems. Subsequently, by integrating data preprocessing with algorithm design, a prediction model was developed using 1D‐CNN model with Z‐score preprocessing, achieving a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.9862 for gentamicin C1a. Furthermore, this model was successfully applied for high‐yield strain screening and real‐time monitoring of the fermentation process and extended to rapid detection of fluorescent protein expression in promoter library construction. The visual sensing research paradigm proposed in this study provides a theoretical framework and data support for the standardization and digital monitoring of color‐changing bioprocesses.
Navigating the Green Path: Strategies for Enhancing Organizational Citizenship Behavior for the Environment Through Green HRM Practices
Authors: Dwumah Karen , Sappor Peter , Sarpong Francis Atta
Published: January 2025

Organizational citizenship behavior for the environment (OCBE) has become increasingly important in response to the harmful activities of some manufacturing firms in Ghana. Drawing on the Ability, Motivation, and Opportunity (AMO) framework, this study explores the influence of Green Human Resource Management (HRM) practices on OCBE, with a focus on the mediating role of employee engagement and the moderating effect of employee personality traits. Data were collected from 234 respondents using a structured questionnaire, and partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS‐SEM) was used for analysis. The findings reveal that Green HRM practices have a positive impact on OCBE, with green recruitment and selection exerting the most significant influence. Additionally, green training and development positively affect employee engagement, which in turn mediates the relationship between green recruitment and selection, green training and development, and OCBE. Moreover, employee personality traits moderate these relationships, positively influencing the link between green recruitment and selection and employee engagement.
YTHDF1 Regulates RELA m6A Modification and Activates the NF‐Kappa B Signaling Pathway to Promote the Mechanism of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Huang Yangyuan , Liang Shihao , Li Liping , Zeng Qingyu , Li Bin
Published: January 2025

Background

Gastric cancer (GC) is an important cause of death. Molecular targeted therapy and immunotherapy are progressing rapidly. It is very important to explore the pathogenesis pathways of GC and provide strong support for its treatment. However, the mechanism of occurrence and development of GC is still unclear.

Methods

Online databases and immunohistochemistry (IHC) of clinical samples were used to analyze the differential expression of YTHDF1 in the GC and nearby tissues, and its effect on survival prognosis. In vitro experimental study of GC, other mechanisms and functional analyses were specifically designed and performed too.

Results

Online data and clinical samples analysis showed that the expression of YTHDF1 in GC was markedly elevated compared to surrounding tissues. Higher YTHDF1 levels were correlated with worse survival outcomes. Analysis of correlation with clinical parameters showed that the expression level of YTHDF1 exhibited a favorable correlation with lymphatic metastases, as well as with PD‐1 and PD‐L1 levels. In vitro studies of YTHDF1 overexpression have demonstrated its ability to enhance GC cell growth and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. Based on our results, RELA is a downstream target of YTHDF1, and YTHDF1 triggers the NF‐κB signaling pathway by regulating RELA translation.

Conclusion

In comparison to adjacent tissues, GC exhibits significantly elevated YTHDF1 expression. Increased YTHDF1 expression in the GC is correlated with decreased patient survival. Lymph node metastasis and the expression of PD‐1 and PD‐L1 are positively correlated with YTHDF1 levels. YTHDF1 inhibits apoptosis while promoting the migration and proliferation of GC. Additionally, it stimulates the NF‐κB pathway and controls the translation of RELA.
Post‐game fights, flag planting can expose schools to liability
Authors: O’Brien Timothy
Published: January 2025

Upset victories on an opponent's home field or court often result in an explosion of emotion by the members of the victorious team. Excited players, coaches, and staff members often jump up and down, run excitedly all around, embracing one another, relishing the accomplishment, and spontaneously celebrating a thrilling victory.
Did court dismiss student‐athlete's harassment claim?
Authors: Lyerly Eric
Published: January 2025

Alexander Smith was a student at Loyola University's New Orleans campus when he intervened in an incident involving Tulane University football players allegedly disrespecting women.
A Comprehensive Review of Phytochemistry and Anticancer of the Genus Goniothalamus
Authors: Xie Fan , Zhang Zi‐Long , Zheng Xiu‐Qin , Li Yi‐Ming , Wang Rui , Li Wen‐Yan
Published: January 2025

Natural products (NPs) play a crucial role in drug discovery, with over 30% of recent FDA‐approved drugs derived from them. Plants from the genus Goniothalamus, belonging to the Annonaceae family, have garnered significant interest as potential sources of active lead compounds. Over the last five decades, researchers have isolated 357 compounds from Goniothalamus species (GCs), which exhibit a wide range of pharmacological properties, including cytotoxicity, antibacterial, antifungal, antiplasmodial, antioxidant, and other activities. Notably, cytotoxicity stands out as the most prominent characteristic of GCs. This review also summarizes the structure–activity relationship (SAR) studies related to the cytotoxicity of GCs and their underlying mechanisms. In summary, our objective is to provide an overview of the research progress concerning the Goniothalamus genus, aiming to foster further development and utilization of these plants.
Chemical Compositions of the Marine Red Alga Laurencia composita Collected in Japan
Authors: Miwa Tatsuhide , Sato Kosuke , Osada Daiki , Nimura Kazumi , Kato Aki , Tsuge Keisuke , Fukada Ryosuke , Yokoshima Kota , Ishii Takahiro , Yamagishi Yukimasa , Kamada Takashi
Published: January 2025

Marine red alga Laurencia composita was collected from seven sampling locations in Japan, and all samples were identified based on morphological studies as well as rbcL sequencing analysis. This is the first report of the isolation of (‐)‐8‐bromo‐9‐hydroxy‐(E)‐γ‐bisabolene (1) as a natural product, and bisabolene‐type and β‐chamigrene‐type sesquiterpenes found in L. composita collected in Japan. In previous Japanese reports of L. composita, highly oxidized α‐chamigrene‐type sesquiterpenes were isolated as their major secondary metabolites. Therefore, these populations are the fissure chemical race in L. composita. All isolated compounds were tested for their insect‐repellent activity against the adult maize weevil Sitophilus zeamais.
Aortic Periannular Abscess Missed by Transthoracic Echocardiography: A Case Report
Authors: He Wenjuan , Peng Yudong , Yi Yan , Hu Han , Lu Jinzhi , Chen Keming , Zeng Qingsong
Published: January 2025

An aortic periannular abscess (PA) is a critical consequence of infective endocarditis (IE). In our case report, the patient's clinical symptoms were only fever, cough, and shortness of breath. He was then diagnosed with aortic PA, which was overlooked in the initial TTE assessment but later identified through transesophageal echocardiography (TEE). The patient underwent surgery immediately and recovered well. This case underscores the importance of TEE in revealing small, yet critical, intracardiac lesions that may be missed by TTE.
Transitioning to Green Discovery‐Based Catalysis
Authors: Waterman Rory
Published: January 2025

Pressure is mounting to minimize the carbon footprint of chemical industry while increasing its sustainability. An argument is made that working from Green Chemistry principles during discovery‐based catalysis results in effective chemistry and circumvents a need to “rediscover” chemical reactivity under sustainable conditions. Examples of comparative success in selected examples of hydrophosphination catalysis in various degrees of development are provided to support two main ideas: 1) Starting from more sustainable practices in chemical discovery is inertia in methodology that should be overcome, and 2) substantial challenges remain in catalysis for which sustainable solutions would positively impact other areas of chemistry. Examples of successes, even in the face of the challenges noted, are presented herein as indications that even as a starting point, sustainability can meet short‐ and long‐term needs. These ideas indicate critical but simple strategies for fundamental research to be impactful in the sustainability of the chemical industry broadly.
Pyrolysis kinetics of the carbonization of high‐sulphur anthracite for activated carbon production
Authors: Wang Chen , Dai Guofu , Chai Xuesen , Peng Chao , Zhao Jinke , Wang Weinan , Fu Zhijie , Duan Chenlong
Published: January 2025

The knowledge of pyrolysis kinetics of coal carbonization is essential for the optimization of reactor design and operation for activated carbon production. In the current work, non‐isothermal thermodynamics is used to study the pyrolysis process in the preparation of activated carbon from the high‐sulphur anthracite. It is seen that the co‐pyrolysis of multi‐component coal mixtures can significantly decrease the initial reaction Ea. With a heating rate of 5–20 K/min, the Ea is found to be 18–314 KJ/mol by the distributed activation energy model (DEAM). The similar Ea values of 18–314 KJ/mol and 25–344 KJ/mol are obtained by the integral isoconversional methods of Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa (FWO) and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose (KAS), respectively. With the increase of pyrolysis degree, the required activation energy increases accordingly. Based on the KAS model, the pyrolysis kinetic equations of high‐sulphur anthracite and its blended coal were derived using the master curve method.
On the Use of Embedding Techniques for Modeling User Navigational Behavior in Intelligent Prefetching Strategies
Authors: Buyuktanir Tolga , Aktas Mehmet S.
Published: January 2025

In today's data‐intensive client‐server systems, traditional caching methods often fail to meet the demands of modern applications, especially in mobile environments with unstable network conditions. This research addresses the challenge of improving data delivery by proposing an advanced prefetching framework that utilizes various embedding techniques. We explore how to model user navigation using graph‐based, autoencoder‐based, and sequence‐to‐sequence‐based embedding methods and assess their impact on prefetching accuracy and efficiency. Our study shows that utilizing these embedding techniques with supervised learning models improves prefetching performance. We also present a software architecture that blends supervised and unsupervised learning approaches, along with user‐specific and collective learning models, to create a robust prefetching mechanism. The contributions of this study include developing a scalable prefetching solution using machine learning/deep learning algorithms and providing an open‐source prototype of the proposed architecture. This paper offers a significant improvement over previous research and provides valuable insights for enhancing the performance of data‐intensive applications.
Optimization of Path for Road Network With Modified Ant Colony Optimization (MACO)
Authors: Singh Raushan Kumar , Kumar Mukesh
Published: January 2025

Optimizing routes in road networks is crucial for smooth transportation and economic progress. Different methods exist for finding the best routes, including genetic algorithms, particle swarm optimization, and simulated annealing. Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) stands out for its efficiency. In this study, we introduce a modified version called MACO, which considers accidents when determining optimal routes. Evaluating different ACO versions reveals differences in solution quality, runtime, and number of iterations. Performance metrics including maximum obtained solution, runtime, and iteration number were evaluated for each method. In Case 1, TACO, and AACO both achieved a maximum of 21 solutions from the available possible solution of 24, exhibiting run‐times of 0.4359 and 0.4575 s, respectively. Meanwhile, MACO attained a maximum of 22 solutions from available possible solution 24, in a runtime of 0.5345 s and 10 iterations. In the second scenario, TACO, AACO, and MACO achieved maximum solutions of 20 with obtained solutions of 15, 16, and 17, respectively. TACO demonstrated a runtime of 0.1853 s with 26 iterations, AACO ran in 0.1749 s with 22 iterations, and MACO completed in 0.5799 s with 15 iterations. These findings highlight the varying performance of the optimization methods and suggest MACO as a promising approach for balancing solution quality and computational efficiency in road network path optimization.
Controlling the Chiroptical Properties of Pyrene‐Based Tweezers by Conformation Locking
Authors: Benny Renitta , Kumar Nithish , Bera Anshuman , Srithar Rakshantha , Pramanik Susnata , Reddy Vennapusa Sivaranjana , De Soumen
Published: January 2025

Circularly polarized excimer emission is highly sought‐after due to its potential in advanced optoelectronic and sensing applications. However, achieving precise control over this phenomenon remains a significant challenge. To address this challenge, we have designed a system where circularly polarized excimer emission could be controlled via conformation locking and aggregation. The structural conformations were extensively examined using circular dichroism spectroscopy, X‐ray crystallography, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and molecular modelling. Self‐assembly was triggered by adding water to THF solutions, with water‐induced aggregation leading to redshifts in absorption bands and excimer emission in T1 (major monomer emission), T2 (minor monomer emission) and T3 at high water content. Additionally, the effects of aggregation on chiroptical properties were studied using circular dichroism and circularly polarized luminescence spectroscopy, revealing a reduction in circular dichroism signal and circularly polarized luminescence quenching with increasing water content. Notably, T3 displayed both excimer and monomer circularly polarized luminescence signals, reflecting two excited‐state geometries. This research underscores the impact of rigidity on the photophysical and chiroptical properties of pyrene and opens avenues for further exploration of BINOL‐pyrene‐based macrocycles and cages.
Innovative Sustainability Strategies and the Role of Digital Transformation in Organisations
Authors: Arantes Luzia , Ferreira João J.
Published: January 2025

This article aims to systematically analyse the main trends in formulating digital strategies aimed at environmental sustainability. In particular, it will examine the use of these strategies to foster the development of sustainable initiatives and the need for integrating technological innovation with environmentally responsible practices. Carrying out a systematic review of the literature, the study exposed a variety of approaches that encompass innovations in products and services, energy efficiency through smart technologies and the development of digital platforms that support the circular economy. The success of these initiatives depends significantly on collaboration between different sectors and the strategic use of data.
Differential recruitment drives pathogen‐mediated competition between species in an amphibian chytridiomycosis system
Authors: Mangan Madelyn J. , McCallum Hamish I. , West Matt , Scheele Ben C. , Gillespie Graeme R. , Grogan Laura F.
Published: January 2025

Pathogens that infect multiple host species have an increased capacity to cause extinctions through parasite‐mediated apparent competition. Given unprecedented and continuing losses of biodiversity due to Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd), the causative fungus of the amphibian skin disease chytridiomycosis, a robust understanding of the mechanisms driving cross‐species infection dynamics is essential. Here, we used stage‐structured, susceptible‐infected compartmental models to explore drivers of Bd‐mediated apparent competition between two sympatric amphibians, the critically endangered Litoria spenceri and the non‐threatened Litoria lesueurii. We additionally simulated the impact of plausible L. spenceri conservation management interventions on competitive outcomes between these two species. Despite being more susceptible to disease than its competitor, a high relative rate of recruitment allowed the non‐threatened L. lesueurii to reach substantially higher densities than L. spenceri in our baseline models, applying a strong absolute force of infection on L. spenceri as an amplifying host. However, simulated management interventions which bolstered L. spenceri recruitment (i.e., captive breeding and release, removal of predatory non‐native trout) spurred strong recoveries of L. spenceri while simultaneously (1) increasing the force of Bd infection in the environment and (2) reducing L. lesueurii population density. At high and moderate elevations, combined captive breeding/release and non‐native trout removal were sufficient to make L. spenceri the most abundant species. Overall, our results demonstrate the importance of recruitment in moderating pathogen dynamics of multi‐host amphibian chytridiomycosis systems. While infection‐based parameters are undoubtedly important in Bd management, modifying relative rates of recruitment can substantially alter pathogen‐mediated competition between species of an amphibian community.
Breeding bird sensitivity to urban habitat quality is multi‐scale and strongly dependent on migratory behavior
Authors: Byer Nathan W. , Moll Remington J. , Krynak Timothy J. , Shaffer Erik E. , Brumfield Jen L. , Reinier John E. , Eysenbach Sarah R. , Cepek Jonathon D. , Hausman Constance E.
Published: January 2025

Human‐caused conversion of natural habitat areas to developed land cover represents a major driver of habitat loss and fragmentation, leading to reorganization of biological communities. Although protected areas and urban greenspaces can preserve natural systems in fragmented landscapes, their efficacy has been stymied by the complexity and scale‐dependency underlying biological communities. While migratory bird communities are easy to‐study and particularly responsive to anthropogenic habitat alterations, prior studies have documented substantial variation in habitat sensitivity across species and migratory groups. This may make approaches that explicitly consider the hierarchical nature of ecological organization useful for planning and decision‐making, particularly in developed landscapes. Herein, we leverage regional vegetation and breeding bird monitoring efforts to investigate the influences of spatial scale, urbanization, and migratory habit on breeding bird occupancy across Cleveland Metroparks, a large urban park system in Ohio. Using multispecies occupancy models, we found that fine‐scale vegetation covariates were more predictive of bird community dynamics than landscape‐level covariates, suggesting positive benefits of vegetation management activities for breeding bird communities. We also found that short‐distance migrants were positively associated with plants that have broad ecological tolerances and that tropical migrants were more negatively associated with human development than other migratory groups. While local vegetation management may be effective for protecting sensitive breeding bird communities, many tropical migrants required intact forests with low human development and may require targeted habitat management for continued breeding‐season occupancy. More broadly, this study emphasizes how avian management strategies in developed landscapes should consider features at multiple spatial scales—as well as species‐specific migratory behaviors.
Differences in Perceived Versus Actual Sensory Perception in Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder
Authors: Gydus Julia , Holman Katherine , Harshman Stephanie , Stull Madeline , Kuhnle Megan , Wons Olivia , Asanza Elisa , Hauser Kristine , Stern Casey , Becker Kendra R. , Kambanis P. Evelyna , Misra Madhusmita , Eddy Kamryn T. , Micali Nadia , Lawson Elizabeth A. , Thomas Jennifer J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Individuals with avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) self‐report heightened sensitivity to taste and smell, but neither phenomenon has been systematically explored in the laboratory. We hypothesized that, compared to healthy controls (HC, n = 34), children, adolescents, and adults with full/subthreshold ARFID (n = 100; ages 9 to 23 years) would self‐report heightened response to taste/smell stimuli and exhibit stronger bitter taste perception and heightened smell perception in performance‐based tasks, and these differences would be especially prominent in those with the ARFID‐sensory sensitivity presentation.

Method

We measured self‐reported sensitivity to taste/smell with the adolescent/adult sensory profile (AASP). We measured performance‐based bitter taste perception with the regional taste intensity test (RTIT) and 6‐N‐propylthiouracil (PROP) test, and olfactory performance with the Sniffin' Sticks test (including the odor threshold, odor detection, and odor identification subscales).

Results

As expected, the ARFID group self‐reported heightened response to taste/smell on the AASP, compared to HC, with an especially large effect size in the subset with the ARFID‐sensory sensitivity presentation. Contrary to hypotheses, on performance‐based measures, neither the ARFID group—nor the ARFID‐sensory sensitivity group specifically—demonstrated heightened sensitivity to bitter taste on the RTIT or PROP tests, nor heightened smell perception on the Sniffin' Sticks test.

Conclusion

These first laboratory findings in a clinically diagnosed sample of individuals with full/subthreshold ARFID highlight the discrepancy between perceived versus actual sensitivity to taste/smell stimuli. Future research should explore whether this discrepancy can be replicated and therapeutically leveraged to facilitate successful food exposures.
Elevating the Discourse on the Comorbidity and Treatment of Eating Disorders and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Commentary on Inal‐Kaleli et al. and Nimbley et al.
Authors: Thomas Jennifer J. , McPherson Iman K.
Published: January 2025

Two recent review papers published in the International Journal of Eating Disorders have considerably elevated the rigor of scholarship on the comorbidity between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and eating disorders. One paper reported that more than one‐quarter of individuals with acute anorexia nervosa also have ASD, and that autistic traits are positively correlated with eating disorder psychopathology. The other paper reported that, compared to individuals with low autistic traits, those with high autistic traits report poorer experiences of eating disorder treatment, despite similar treatment outcomes. While both papers make excellent points, in this commentary we highlight important challenges in the assessment of ASD that may artificially inflate its prevalence in the context of disordered eating. We then caution the field against completely discarding evidence‐based eating disorder treatments in the setting of comorbid ASD. Finally, we offer recommendations for future research to determine when and how eating disorder treatments should be modified to accommodate neurodiversity.
Ecological Drivers of Molt‐Breeding Overlap, an Unusual Life‐History Strategy of Small‐Island Birds?
Authors: De Ruyck Christopher C. , Koper Nicola
Published: January 2025

Terrestrial bird populations on small, species depauperate islands often experience selection for generalist foraging traits via ecological release; however, it is unclear how island conditions may uniquely influence other life‐history characteristics of small‐island birds, such as the unusually high rates of molt‐breeding overlap exhibited on the island of Grenada. To explore this question, we collected data on the life cycles and diets of 10 commonly occurring Grenadian bird species to assess the degree of generalist foraging and evaluate how seasonal patterns in diet niche breadth and diet overlap among species relates to the high rates of molt‐breeding overlap. We evaluated three hypotheses explaining drivers of molt‐breeding overlap (constraints on molt rate, unpredictable food abundance, and limited duration of food abundance), and suggest that widespread overlap in small‐island tropical communities may be the result of generalist foraging adaptations and restricted time periods of sufficient invertebrate availability for successful breeding and molt to occur. We found that these species typically exhibited low breeding period seasonality followed by synchronized peaks in molt intensity and molt‐breeding overlap during peak rainfall and high invertebrate abundance. There was also greater diet overlap and wider niche widths of invertebrate resources in the wet season when molt‐breeding overlap occurred, and greater niche partitioning of invertebrate items among species in the dry season suggesting that competitive interactions for invertebrates were stronger in the dry season. Birds also shared more plant food sources in the dry season when invertebrate abundance is low, though seasonal differences in plant diet diversity and niche width varied by species. These results provide evidence that scarce invertebrate resources and competition likely limit productivity and molt/self‐maintenance in these island‐adapted, species‐depauperate communities, and drive high rates of molt‐breeding overlap, a relatively uncommon life‐history strategy.
Frugivore Traits Predict Plant–Frugivore Interactions Using Generalized Joint Attribute Modeling
Authors: Yohe Laurel R. , Leiser‐Miller Leith B. , Kaliszewska Zofia A. , Whitehead Susan R. , Santana Sharlene E. , Dávalos Liliana M.
Published: January 2025

Under an adaptive hypothesis, the reciprocal influence between mutualistic plants and frugivores is expected to result in suites of matching frugivore and plant traits that structure fruit consumption. Recent work has suggested fruit traits can represent adaptations to broad groups of functionally similar frugivores, but the role of frugivore traits and within‐species variation in structuring fruit consumption is less understood. To address these knowledge gaps, we assess the presence of reciprocal trait matching for the mutualistic ecological network comprising of Carollia bats that feed on and disperse Piper seeds. We used generalized joint attribute modeling (GJAM), a Bayesian modeling approach that simultaneously accounts for multiple sources of variance across trait types. In support of frugivore adaptation to their dietary composition and suggesting niche partitioning among Carollia bats, we find differential consumption of a suite of Piper species influenced by bat traits such as body size; however, the Piper morphological traits considered had no effect on bat consumption. Slow evolutionary rates, dispersal by other vertebrates, and unexamined fruit traits, such as Piper chemical bouquets, may explain the lack of association between bat Piper consumption and fruit morphological traits. We have identified a potential asymmetric influence of frugivore traits on plant–frugivore interactions, providing a template for future trait analyses of plant–animal networks. As intraspecific trait variation is rarely included in studies on trait matching, this paper contributes to closing that important knowledge gap.
Hibernation Habitat Selection by the Threatened Chinese Softshell Turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) in the Yellow River Wetlands of Northwest China: Implications for Conservation Management
Authors: Zhu Qingjun , Hong Meiling , Xie Qiutong , Kong Fei , Lin Liu , Shi Hai‐tao
Published: January 2025

Hibernation is a crucial aspect of the life history of freshwater turtles inhabiting temperate regions. Therefore, understanding their hibernation habitat selection is essential for the targeted conservation of turtle species and their habitats. The Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis), a medium‐sized freshwater turtle, is widely distributed in China; however, populations are rapidly declining, and threatened by habitat destruction, overfishing, and water pollution. Little is known regarding this species' habitat selection during the winter months. In 2020–2022, we equipped 22 P. sinensis with radio transmitters (VHF), and we successfully relocated 13 turtles, 11 of which were buried in submerged substrates and 2 buried in terrestrial soil for hibernation. In aquatic habitats, turtles preferred ponded areas formed during the dry period of the Yellow River with low water velocity and less anthropogenic disturbance. However, we found little evidence for the selection of dissolved oxygen levels. In terrestrial habitats, turtles are buried under densely vegetated soils with their dorsal carapace approximately 5 cm beneath the surface, allowing respiration through a protruded neck. Terrestrial hibernacula were close to the water, maintained more than 30% humidity throughout the winter, and were effectively protected against freezing. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first formal report of the behavior of terrestrial hibernation in softshell turtles. Our results suggest that P. sinensis has selectivity toward hibernation habitats with specific microenvironmental characteristics, indicating that protection of the characterized habitats provided in this study is important for the future conservation of this threatened softshell turtle species.
The Role of Local and Upstream Colonisation in Determining Stream Periphyton Metacommunity Assemblages
Authors: Zamorano Daniel , Ingram Travis , Matthaei Christoph D.
Published: January 2025

Stream periphyton is an ideal study system for explaining how dispersal shapes community patterns. Few studies have tried to investigate periphyton metacommunities at the reach scale, and studies comparing local versus upstream periphyton propagule sources are lacking. We aimed to address these knowledge gaps by disentangling environmental constraints and dispersal sources, including dispersal hypotheses related to periphyton functional guilds. We covered 25‐m sections of streambed with plastic silage cover sheets in three streams in Southern New Zealand, allowing river water to flow over the sheets. Samples on top of these sheets allowed periphyton colonisation only by drifting upstream propagules, while ‘control’ samples placed directly upstream of the plastic sheets were colonised by local and upstream propagules. We collected samples after 7, 14, and 25 days of colonisation. Response variables included periphyton biomass, community structure, and relative abundances of functional guilds. Control samples showed 1.5–6 times higher cell densities than plastic‐cover samples, suggesting that local colonisation is very important for biomass accrual. Periphyton communities on both tile types became more similar to each other with time, indicating that environmental filters overcame effects of colonisation sources. While motile and flagellated taxa showed the ability to reach their preferred microhabitats in all streams, the responses of the remaining functional guilds did not follow the expected patterns. We conclude that periphyton community assembly strongly depends on reach‐scale connectivity, which results in higher biomass accrual and community structure. These findings suggest that the mass effect paradigm is likely to be the principal metacommunity process shaping stream periphyton communities at the reach scale.