bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Parental stress: Severity warrants a Surgeon General advisory
Authors: Walters Anne S.
Published: November 2024

Perhaps old news by the time this commentary is published, but essential to our work with children and families, the U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy has issued a public health advisory about the level of stress that parents in the United States face in trying to raise their children (Murthy, 2024). He cites the APA study statistic that 48% of parents report their day as overwhelming, compared to 26% of other adults (APA, 2023), a study which looked at trauma as a national aftereffect of the pandemic.
SFMD‐X: A New Functional Data Classifier Based on Shrinkage Functional Mahalanobis Distance
Authors: Bao Shunke , Guo Jiakun , Li Zhouping
Published: November 2024

In this article, we propose a novel classification approach for functional data based on a shrinkage estimate of functional Mahalanobis distance. We first introduce a new shrinkage functional Mahalanobis distance (SFMD), by using this new distance, we transform the functional observations into a set of vector‐valued pseudo‐samples. Furthermore, we adopt some good classification algorithms designed for multivariate data to this pseudo‐samples instead of the original functional data. The new approach has advantage of highly flexible and scalable, that is, it can easily combine with any classification algorithm, such as support vector machine, tree‐based methods, and neural networks. We demonstrate the performance of the proposed functional classifier through both extensive simulation studies and two real data applications.
Mechanical, Thermal, and Morphological Analysis of Himalayan Agave Fiber/GO Coated Fly Ash Hybrid Polypropylene Composites
Authors: Kumar Piyush , Sharan Gupta Hariome , Singh Manjinder , Chaudhari Arjun S. , Maurya Atul Kumar , Manik Gaurav
Published: November 2024

Composites containing two different types of reinforcements offer a wide range of possibilities and synergistic properties. This study investigates the hybridization effect of chemically active fly ash (FA) (5 wt %) on the composites made from alkali (1 wt %) ‐ APTES silane (2 wt %) treated Himalayan agave fibers (HAF) (25 wt %) and polypropylene (PP). Prior to FA activation, the planetary ball mill was used to suitably reduce the particle size of the FA with was confirmed by the dynamic light scattering approach. Secondary reinforcement FA was modified with APTES silane (1 wt %), followed by treatment with graphene oxide (GO) (0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt %). The highest tensile strength of 40.47 MPa and modulus of 1.49 GPa were observed for the hybrid composites fabricated from 0.75 and 1.0 wt % GO treated fly ash. Interestingly, this trend differed for flexural properties, and the highest flexural strength of 53.52 MPa was demonstrated by 0.5 wt % GO treated FA hybrid composite. Thermal characterization revealed that addition of fiber increased crystallinity but decreased thermal stability, whereas a good wettability of the fiber and FA in matrix was demonstrated through morphological characterization.
Sicherheit in der chemischen Industrie
Authors: Bopp Carsten
Published: November 2024

In der chemischen Industrie spielt die funktionale Sicherheit eine zentrale Rolle, um Risiken für Mensch und Umwelt effektiv zu reduzieren. Dieser Artikel beleuchtet die Prinzipien und Anforderungen von Safety Instrumented Systems (SIS) gemäß den Normen IEC 61508 und IEC 61511. Erfahren Sie, wie SIL‐basierte Sicherheitslösungen konzipiert, gewartet und gegen Cyberangriffe geschützt werden, um einen langfristigen, sicheren Betrieb zu gewährleisten.
Innovationskraft und Digitalisierung als Basis für nachhaltigen Erfolg
Authors: Gandert Etwina
Published: November 2024

Endress+Hauser präsentierte auf dem Fachpressetag im Freiburger Innovationszentrum FRIZ seine Innovationskultur und Investitionen in Forschung und Entwicklung für die Prozessmesstechnik der Zukunft. Themen wie Innovationsmanagement, digitale Zwillinge und die Netilion‐Plattform standen im Fokus, die mit Echtzeitdaten eine optimale Anlagenüberwachung ermöglichen. Das Unternehmen stellte zudem neue Produktlinien für die Lebensmittel‐ und Life‐Science‐Branche vor und demonstrierte seine strategische Ausrichtung auf digitale Lösungen und nachhaltige Technologien.
Reinstwasser als Schlüssel für effiziente Elektrolyse und PtX‐Verfahren
Authors: Lenz Christopher
Published: November 2024

Die Zukunft der Energiewirtschaft hängt von innovativen Speicherlösungen ab. Power‐to‐X (PtX) ermöglicht die Nutzung überschüssiger erneuerbarer Energien für grünen Wasserstoff, klimaneutrale Kraftstoffe (E‐Fuels) und chemische Grundstoffe. Reinstwasser ist dabei unverzichtbar für effiziente Elektrolyseprozesse. Ein Anlagenbauer liefert modulare Systeme zur Wasseraufbereitung und Kreislaufführung von Prozesswasser. EnviroFalk bringt viel Erfahrung in Wasserstoff und PtC‐Projekten mit. EnviroFALK hat sich darauf eingestellt, PtX‐Projekte mit modernsten Reinstwasseranlagen zu unterstützen und damit die Klimaneutralität weiter voranzutreiben.
Thermoplastische Werkstoffe in der Wasserstoffproduktion
Authors: Ardjomandi Cyrus
Published: November 2024

Insbesondere aufgrund ihrer chemischen Beständigkeit, einem äußerst geringen Leach‐Out und ihrer Flexibilität qualifizieren sich Kunststoffrohrleitungssysteme deutlich vor Metallwerkstoffen für Anwendungen mit Reinstwasser, und speziell für Elektrolyseure. Sie minimieren das Risiko von Kontaminationen und bieten eine kosteneffiziente Lösung für die Herausforderungen der Wasserstoffproduktion. Gleichzeitig sind Studien und Materialtests sinnvoll, um ihre Langzeitstabilität und Eignung unter extremen Betriebsbedingungen zu gewährleisten.
In der Kombi liegt die Sicherheit
Authors: Willis Roger
Published: November 2024

Magnetkupplungen bieten eine hermetische Abdichtung für Pumpen und sind ideal für Medien, die unter keinen Umständen in die Atmosphäre gelangen dürfen. Netzsch hat eine spezielle Magnetkupplung entwickelt, die für Exzenterschneckenpumpen optimiert ist und Herausforderungen wie hohe Viskosität und Anlaufmoment meistert. Die innovative Technologie eignet sich besonders für Anwendungen in der Chemie‐, Lack‐ und Batterieindustrie, bei denen toxische oder hochviskose Medien sicher und effizient gefördert werden müssen.
Repurposing Naturally Occurring Enzymes Using Visible Light
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Liu Fulu , Zhao Beibei , Huang Xiaoqiang
Published: November 2024

Enzymes are natural treasure troves that hold multiple superiority. Enzymatic catalysis has become a powerful tool for asymmetric synthesis, though it is typically limited to a relatively narrow range of reaction types. By integrating the advantages of enzymatic catalysis with photocatalysis, photoenzymatic catalysis not only expands the catalytic capabilities of enzymes but also provides an effective strategy for the stereo‐control of photochemical reactions, thereby emerging as a significant research field. Herein, we focus on new‐to‐nature photoenzymatic catalysis by repurposing naturally occurring enzymes with visible light. We highlight the seminal work in reshaping various classes of enzymes, emphasizing their catalytic mechanism and synthetic potentials.

Early Day Record
Efficient All‐Polymer Solar Cells Enabled by a Novel Medium Bandgap Guest Acceptor
Authors: Meng Yongdie , Tang Luting , Xiao Manjun , Zhou Wenjing , Li Nana , Jia Jianchao , Jia Tao , Su Wenyan , Bi Zhaozhao , Peng Wenhong , Fan Baobing , Jen Alex K.‐Y. , Ma Wei , Fan Qunping
Published: November 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Near‐infrared (NIR)‐absorbing polymerized small molecule acceptors (PSMAs) based on a Y‐series backbone (such as PY‐IT) have been widely developed to fabricate efficient all‐polymer solar cells (all‐PSCs). However, medium‐bandgap PSMAs are often overlooked, while they as the third component can be expected to boost power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) of all‐PSCs, mainly due to their up‐shifted lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy level, complimentary absorption, and diverse intermolecular interaction compared to the NIR‐absorbing host acceptor. Herein, an IDIC‐series medium‐bandgap PSMA (P‐ITTC) is developed and introduced as the third component into D18/PY‐IT host, which can not only form complementary absorption and cascade energy level, but also finely optimize active layer morphology. Therefore, compared to the D18/PY‐IT based parental all‐PSCs, the ternary all‐PSCs based on D18/PY‐IT:P‐ITTC obtain an increased exciton dissociation, charge transport, carrier lifetime, as well as suppressed charge recombination and energy loss. As a result, the ternary all‐PSCs achieve a high PCE of 17.64% with a photovoltage of 0.96 V, both of which are among the top values in layer‐by‐layer typed all‐PSCs. This work provides a method for the design and selection of the medium‐bandgap third component to fabricate efficient all‐PSCs.
Current Context of Designing Phototheranostic Cyclometalated Iridium (III) Complexes to Open a New Avenue in Cancer Therapy
Authors: U Sreelekha , Basu Uttara , Paira Priyankar
Published: November 2024

Photo‐induced chemotherapy offers the best option for the selective treatment of cancer among all the prevailing modalities. Iridium (III) complexes, flourished with excellent photophysical and photochemical properties, have been considered to be superior for undergoing photo‐responsive cancer therapy. Large Stokes shift, long‐lived triplet excited state, photostability, and tuneable emission have rendered its excellence as a phototheranostic agent. In particular, the cyclometalated Ir (III) complexes and their respective nanoparticles have made a strong niche in the arena of cancer therapy. In recent years, Ir (III) based complexes have shown promising utilities as both imaging and therapeutic agents as well. Therefore, this review summarises the recent advances in the strategic designing of cyclometalated Ir(III) complexes to augment their phototheranostic applications in precision medicine.
Afferent and Efferent Connections of the Postinspiratory Complex (PiCo) Revealed by AAV and Monosynaptic Rabies Viral Tracing
Authors: Oliveira Luiz M. , Huff Alyssa , Wei Aguan , Miranda Nicole C. , Wu Ginny , Xu Xiangmin , Ramirez Jan‐Marino
Published: November 2024

The control of the respiratory rhythm and airway motor activity is essential for life. Accumulating evidence indicates that the postinspiratory complex (PiCo) is crucial for generating behaviors that occur during the postinspiratory phase, including expiratory laryngeal activity and swallowing. Located in the ventromedial medulla, PiCo is defined by neurons co‐expressing two neurotransmitter markers (ChAT and Vglut2/Slc17a6). Here, we mapped the input–output connections of these neurons using viral tracers and intersectional viral‐genetic tools. PiCo neurons were specifically targeted by focal injection of a doubly conditional Cre‐ and FlpO‐dependent AAV8 viral marker (AAV8‐Con/Fon‐TVA‐mCherry) into the left PiCo of adult ChatCre/wt: Vglut2FlpO/wt mice, for anterograde axonal tracing. These experiments revealed projections to various brain regions, including the Cu, nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS), Amb, X, XII, Sp5, RMg, intermediate reticular nucleus (IRt), lateral reticular nucleus (LRt), pre‐Bötzinger complex (preBötC), contralateral PiCo, laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (LDTg), pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus (PPTg), periaqueductal gray matter (PAG), Kölliker–Fuse (KF), PB, and external cortex of the inferior colliculus (ECIC). A rabies virus (RV) retrograde transsynaptic approach was taken with EnvA‐pseudotyped G‐deleted (RV‐SAD‐G‐GFP) to similarly target PiCo neurons in ChatCre/wt: Vglut2FlpO/wt mice, following prior injections of helper AAVs (a mixture of AAV‐Ef1a‐Con/Fon oG and viral vector AAV8‐Con/Fon‐TVA‐mCherry). This combined approach revealed prominent synaptic inputs to PiCo neurons from NTS, IRt, and A1/C1. Although PiCo neurons project axons to the contralateral PiCo area, this approach did not detect direct contralateral connections. We suggest that PiCo serves as a critical integration site, projecting and receiving neuronal connections implicated in breathing, arousal, swallowing, and autonomic regulation.
Enhanced Na‐Ion Electrochemical Performance through Cu Doping‐Mediated Sb2Se3 Phase Transformation into CuSbSe2 with Improved Kinetics
Authors: Ul Islam Shah Jahan , Majid Kowsar , Wahid Malik
Published: November 2024

This work investigates the influence of structural and electronic modification on the electrochemical performance of conversion and alloying materials. The CuSbSe2, a promising 2D layered conversion, and alloying material is being investigated with references to parent pristine Sb2Se3 and a doped version of later Sn0.2Sb1.8Se3 for their sodium‐ion battery performance. The CuSbSe2 with layered structure is well known to accommodate lattice distortions via inter‐layer movement, potentially mitigating distortions brought about by the Alkali ion (Na in this case) insertion. In contrast, the parent conversion‐cum‐alloying material Sb2Se3 with its one‐dimensional crystal structure leads to structural disintegration during battery operation. The Sn‐doped analog, Sn0.2Sb1.8Se3, comparatively exhibits enhanced kinetics owing to the reduced long‐range order. The 2D layered, CuSbSe2 despite exhibiting 2D long‐range order exhibits superior electrochemical performance owing to the favorable electronic and structural features. The CuSbSe2 exhibits a reversible capacity of 881 mAh g−1 compared to 516 mAh g−1 for Sn0.2Sb1.8Se3 and 429 mAh g−1 for Sb2Se3, with an improved Coulombic efficiency as well. The transient electrochemical investigations of Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) and Galvanostatic intermittent titration techniques (GITT) reveal that better performance exhibited by CuSbSe2 may well be attributed to kinetics owing to enhanced diffusion coefficients in the intercalation and conversion regime.
Foams‐To‐Films: A Facile Approach Towards Space‐Confined CVD Growth of MoS2
Authors: Currie Taylor M. , Davalos Barrios Jesse , Lan Nguyen Moc , Tetard Laurene , Jurca Titel
Published: November 2024

2D materials have rapidly become the building blocks for the next generation of semiconducting materials and devices, with chemical vapor deposition (CVD) emerging as a prefered method for their synthesis. However, the predictable and reproducible growth of high quality, large 2D monolayers remains challenging. An important facet is controlling the local environment at the surface of the substrate – here, space‐confinement techniques have emerged as promising candidates. We demonstrate that space‐confined CVD growth using microstructured MoOx grown on Ni foam is an appealing approach for rapid growth of high quality MoS2 monolayers; a very important subset of 2D materials. This method eschews the use of powders which can be more difficult to control. By incorporation of a porous barrier in the Ni foam support, the rate of delivery of both the Mo and S source to the substrate is dampened, leading to coverage of large, high quality, mono‐to‐few layer triangular domains as confirmed by Raman and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies together with atomic force microscopy (AFM) height measurements.
Light‐Induced Transformation of a Supramolecular Gel to a Stronger Covalent Polymeric Gel
Authors: Saleem Sabith K. , Pramod Thejus , Kuruva Pruthvi , Haridas Shyamkumar V. , Shanmugam Anusha , Thalakulam Madhu , Sureshan Kana M.
Published: November 2024

A polymerizable diacetylene gelator, containing urea and urethane groups, that congeals various non‐polar solvents was synthesized. The gelator molecules self‐assemble forming non‐covalent polymers through intermolecular hydrogen bonding, as evidenced from FT‐IR and concentration‐dependent 1H NMR spectroscopy. The self‐assembly positions the diyne units of adjacent molecules at proximity and in a geometry suitable for their topochemical polymerization. UV irradiation of the gel resulted in topochemical polymerization, transforming the non‐covalent polymer to a covalent polymer, in situ, in the gel state. The polymerization was confirmed by characterizing the polydiacetylene (PDA) using UV‐Vis and Raman spectroscopy. Time‐dependent rheological studies revealed gradual strengthening of the gel with the duration of irradiation, suggesting that the degree of polymerization increases with the duration of irradiation. The PDA formed is a semiconductor, which might be useful for various applications.
An Investigation of the Structures of [(Glycine)(1‐Methyluracil)]M+ Complexes (M=H, Li, Na, K) in the Gas Phase by IRMPD Spectroscopy and Theoretical Methods
Authors: Atkinson Samuel C. , Fridgen Travis D.
Published: November 2024

The presence of ions in the complexation of molecules can profoundly affect the structure, resulting in changes to functionality and stability. These non‐covalent interactions drive many biological processes both necessary and inimical and require extensive research to understand and predict their effects. Protonated and alkali metalated complexes of glycine (Gly) and 1‐methyluracil (1‐mUra) were studied using infrared multiphoton dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The experimental and simulated vibrational spectra were compared to help elucidate the structure of each complex. The lowest energy structure for [(Gly)(1‐mUra)]H+ consists of amine protonated Gly bound to O4 of canonical 1‐mUra through a single ionic hydrogen bond with another, intraglycine ionic hydrogen bond between the protonated amine group and the carbonyl oxygen. For [(Gly)(1‐mUra)]Li+, [(Gly)(1‐mUra)]Na+ and [(Gly)(1‐mUra)]K+, the experimental spectra are most consistent with the metal cations binding in a trigonal planar geometry with 1‐mUra bound to the metal cation via the O4 carbonyl. In [(Gly)(1‐mUra)]Li+ and [(Gly)(1‐mUra)]Na+, the metal cation is bound to canonical Gly via the carbonyl oxygen and amine nitrogen, but in [(Gly)(1‐mUra)]K+, Gly is bound through both oxygens and contains an intraglycine hydrogen bond from the hydroxyl to the amine nitrogen. It was found that the B3LYP/6‐31+G(d,p) vibrational spectra are most consistent with the experimental spectra, but M062X was better than B3LYP at determining the lowest‐energy structures.
Evolutionary History and Ecology of Andrena (Foveoandrena) androfovea: A New Nearctic Mining Bee (Hymenoptera, Andrenidae) Species and Subgenus
Authors: Bossert Silas , Hung Keng‐Lou James , Neff John L.
Published: November 2024

With about 1700 described species, the mining bee genus Andrena is a rapidly diversifying lineage and one of the most species‐rich groups of bees. Recent phylogenomic advances have greatly improved our understanding of the phylogeny of the genus, yet many species still await description, subgeneric assignments that are in line with their evolutionary history, as well as study of their morphology and behavior. Here we provide a comprehensive account of a newly discovered species, Andrena androfovea n. sp. We sequence the genome of the new species and include it in the presently most comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of Andrena using ultraconserved element (UCE) sequence data, comprising 264 samples and 249 species. Given the recovered phylogenetic position of the new species, we establish a new subgenus, Foveoandrena, provide a detailed morphological description, and discuss the antiquity and historical biogeography of the lineage in light of molecular divergence time estimates. Lastly, we study and document the foraging behavior of the new species with photos and video footage, and discuss the species' unusual host plant associations with Chamaesaracha and Quincula, both Solanaceae. Being likely oligolectic on these plants, we present the first documented case of an Andrena species being narrowly associated with members of this plant family. By integrating multiple lines of documentation, our study provides a particularly detailed account of species discovery and description.
An Updated Framework for Modeling White‐Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) Habitat Quality in Illinois, USA
Authors: Mori Jameson , Brown William , Skinner Daniel , Schlichting Peter , Novakofski Jan , Mateus‐Pinilla Nohra
Published: November 2024

White‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are a cervid species found mostly in the Americas. Managing white‐tailed deer requires understanding their relationship with the environment, which was characterized by Roseberry and Woolf (Wildlife Society Bulletin 1, 1998, 252) for all counties in Illinois, USA, who incorporated habitat quantity and quality in a deer habitat suitability index. However, this index was based on satellite imagery from 1996 and did not explore the smaller spatial scales used by deer. Our study addressed these gaps by developing a deer land cover utility (LCU) score for each TRS (township, range, and section), township, and county in Illinois based on the methodology outlined in Roseberry and Woolf (Wildlife Society Bulletin 1, 1998, 252) but using data from the National Land Cover Database (2001–2021). These deer LCU scores were validated against minimum deer population data using Bayesian regression with additional covariates relevant to hunting and deer density. These models performed well with Bayesian R2 values of 0.501 (TRS), 0.5 (township), and 0.969 (county). The regression coefficients for the deer LCU scores were statistically significant (95% credibility interval not containing 0) and positive at the TRS, township, and county levels, reflecting the expected relationship between minimum deer density and deer LCU. Predictions made by these regression models on new data were accurate, with the median absolute difference between the true and predicted values being 0.398 deer/km2 for TRS', 0.085 deer/km2 for townships, and 0.066 deer/km2 for counties. This deer LCU could be used in other studies about deer in Illinois or studies in which deer are a relevant factor such as investigations about deer disease or tick distribution. This modeling approach could also be adapted to different wild species, locations, and/or time periods for which land cover data is available.
The Effect of Grazing on Central Anatolian Steppe Vegetation: A Modeling Approach Using Functional Traits
Authors: Bahar Anıl , Tavşanoğlu Çağatay
Published: November 2024

Grazing is a major ecological driver that influences vegetation dynamics globally. We investigated the long‐term effects of different grazing regimes on the vegetation structure of the Central Anatolian steppes, a region characterized by its unique convergence of biogeographical influences and historical land use. We employed the spatially explicit FATELAND model to simulate vegetation dynamics over a 50‐year period under three distinct grazing scenarios: no grazing, moderate grazing, and overgrazing. Our simulations incorporated a range of plant functional traits to predict changes across five different vegetation types in Central Anatolia, including woodland steppes and treeless steppes. The simulations revealed that moderate grazing supports the diversity and abundance of various plant functional groups, excluding resprouter trees, which flourish under no grazing conditions. In contrast, overgrazing leads to significant reductions in the abundance of perennial forbs and both spiny and non‐spiny subshrubs, often resulting in a shift toward grassland dominated by resprouter gramineae or an annual herb‐dominated grassland, depending on the initial abundance of gramineae. Our findings highlight the critical role of grazing management in maintaining biodiversity and ecological stability in steppe ecosystems. While moderate grazing can enhance plant functional group diversity, overgrazing significantly threatens the ecological integrity of the Central Anatolian steppes. In conclusion, our modeling approach reveals that the grazing regime is a major driver in shaping the vegetation structure of Central Anatolian steppes. Grazing management strategies that are adjusted to the ecological characteristics and historical context of specific regions are required to prevent degradation and promote sustainable grassland vegetation.
Growth and Survival Outcomes for Immature Gopher Tortoises in Contrasting Habitats: A Test of Drone‐Based Habitat Assessment
Authors: Stemle Leyna R. , Sorfleet Julie M. , Moore Chelsea L. , Christie Jack T. , Searcy Christopher A. , Rothermel Betsie B.
Published: November 2024

Juvenile growth rate is a critical demographic parameter, as it shortens the time to maturity and often dictates how long individuals remain vulnerable to predation. However, developing a mechanistic understanding of the factors determining growth rates can be difficult for wild populations. The gopher tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is an ecosystem engineer threatened by habitat loss and deficient management of pinelands in the southeastern United States. We investigated the factors governing immature gopher tortoise growth and explored the use of drone‐based imagery for habitat assessment by comparing predictive models based on ground‐based plant surveys versus drone‐derived data. From 2021 to 2022, we tracked and measured immature tortoises in native sandhill and human‐modified, ruderal habitat in south‐central Florida. Using quarterly, high‐resolution drone imagery, we quantified plant cover types and vegetation indices at each occupied burrow and measured the frequency of occurrence of forage species by hand. Annual growth rates of immature tortoises in ruderal habitat were higher than those in sandhill and were the highest published for this species. Models based on drone‐derived data were able to explain similar proportions of variation in growth as ground‐collected measures of forage, especially during the late dry season when both types of models were most predictive. Habitat differences in forage nitrogen content were also more pronounced during this season, when dominant ground cover in ruderal habitat (bahiagrass) had much higher nitrogen content than dominant ground cover in sandhill (wiregrass). Despite concerns about potential growth‐survival trade‐offs, tortoises in ruderal habitat did not exhibit lower apparent survival. Our findings indicate that habitat dominated by nutritious non‐native grass can provide a valuable supplement to native sandhill through the mechanism of increased growth rates due to higher forage quality. Finally, our study demonstrates that drone technology may facilitate management by providing less labor‐intensive ways to assess habitat quality for this and other imperiled herbivores.
Predicting the Impact of Climate Change on Corylus Species Distribution in China: Integrating Climatic, Topographic, and Anthropogenic Factors
Authors: Liu Yu , Chen Lin
Published: November 2024

This study investigates the impact of climate change on the distribution of Corylus species in China using the MaxEnt model. Key environmental variables, such as Bio6 (mean temperature of the coldest month) and human footprint, emerged as significant determinants of habitat suitability. The study reveals substantial shifts in suitable habitats due to global warming and increased precipitation, with notable expansion towards higher latitudes. Species like Corylus heterophylla Fisch. ex Bess. and Corylus mandshurica Maxim. demonstrate resilience in extreme conditions, highlighting the importance of specific ecological traits for conservation. Future projections under various SSP scenarios predict continued habitat expansion, emphasizing the need for targeted conservation strategies to address the critical role of human activities. This research highlights the complex interplay between climatic, topographic, and anthropogenic factors in shaping Corylus habitats, advocating for integrated adaptive management approaches to ensure their sustainability amid ongoing climate change.
Mesoporous WO3‐Dot‐Decorated Flexible Electrodes for the Determination of Industrial Pollutants
Authors: Koyappayil Aneesh , Seok Hyunho , Choi Gwan Hyun , Chavan Sachin , Yeon Sangho , Son Sihoon , Go Anna , Lee Jinhyoung , Kim Keon‐Woo , Lee Dongho , Choi Hyun‐Bin , Kim Hyeong‐U , Kim Jin Kon , Kim Taesung , Lee Min‐Ho
Published: November 2024

This study demonstrates the fabrication of mesoporous tungsten trioxide (WO3)‐decorated flexible polyimide (PI) electrodes for the highly sensitive detection of catechol (CC) and hydroquinone (HQ), two environmental pollutants. Organic–inorganic composite dots are formed on flexible PI electrodes using evaporation‐induced self‐assembly (EISA) and electrospray methods. The EISA process is induced by a temperature gradient during electrospray, and the heated substrate partially decomposes the organic parts etched by O2 plasma, creating mesoporous structures. Differential pulse voltammetry and cyclic voltammetry demonstrate a linear correlation between analyte concentration and the electrochemical response. Computational studies support the spontaneous adsorption of CC and HQ molecules on model WO3 surfaces. The proposed sensor shows high sensitivity, a wide linear range, and a low detection limit for both individual and simultaneous determination of CC and HQ. Real sample analysis on river water confirms practical applicability. The WO3‐decorated PI electrode presents an efficient and reliable approach for detecting these pollutants, contributing to environmental safety measures.
A Well‐Advanced High‐Throughput Test System for Electrocatalytic Screening Applications Under Industrial Relevant Conditions – A Perspective to Accelerate Electrolysis Research and Development
Authors: Dogan Deniz , Hecker Burkhard , Hou Xuehuai , Dessel Inka , Müller Andreas , Wasserschaff Guido , Köcher Simone S. , Karyofylli Violeta , Kungl Hans , Tempel Hermann , Eichel Rüdiger‐A.
Published: November 2024

Electrolysis is a dynamic research area in which both mature and new promising processes, such as alkaline water electrolysis and electrochemical CO2 reduction, are under enormous development pressure due to their high relevance for the energy sector. High‐throughput (HT) technologies are efficient screening platforms that can accelerate research activities and significantly shorten development times. Over the past 25 years, various HT platforms have found their way into electrochemical research. These typically have one or more major disadvantages: they are characterized by abstract experimental conditions, designed for a specific application or process, or generate insufficiently comparable data. In this publication, we present a newly developed HT test system that enables the parallel operation of 16 electrochemical bench‐scale flow cells under industry‐relevant test conditions. The specially developed modular flow cell can be operated variably in the fully automated system and allows research into the most common applications in electrochemistry for many different processes with a focus on all relevant variants of water electrolysis and electrochemical CO2 reduction. Both the HT system and the developed flow cell are designed to accelerate the generation of reliably reproducible data with high comparability in order to strengthen scientific exchange. The fully automated process control, online analysis and programmable feedback loops of the HT test system provide great potential for the design of experiment strategies. The implementation of Design of Experiment strategies will maximize the testing efficiency of this innovative research system.
Epilepsy in CHAD: Realities, constraints, and prospects
Authors: Sakadi Foksouna , Christian Madjirabe Ngardidjim , Lamine Toure Mohamed , Dakisia Kamis , Christelle Nderbe Melom , Doufene Diponbe , Foksia Lintel Anicet , Nguelngar Carlos Othon , Balanmo Anatole , Babing‐ne Kobada , Nalire Desire , Amara Cisse
Published: November 2024

Epilepsy is a significant public health problem. More than 50 million people worldwide live with epilepsy, and over three‐quarters of them are in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The situation in Chad regarding people with epilepsy is challenging to assess, starting from the shortage of scientific data, the inadequacy of technical facilities, the lack of human resources, and the inadequacy of government action. The Ministry of Health and Chadian Society of Neurology are looking forward to prioritizing epilepsy as well as improving the living conditions of persons with this disease.

The epilepsy treatment issue is also problematic. Most of the patients are either off treatment or under‐medicated. Few antiseizure medications (ASMs) are available, notably carbamazepine, phenobarbital, and valproic acid. Epilepsy remains little‐known and does not seem to be a priority for decision‐makers. We describe the current situation in Chad, to improve the conditions under which epilepsy is treated.

Plain Language Summary

Epilepsies is a chronic brain problem that is common in poorer settings. The daily lives of people with epilepsy are chaotic in Chad. The challenges are numerous, particularly those related to health infrastructures, due to the lack of adequate diagnostic means and the lack of neurologists. The cultural and language challenges, especially since epilepsy is still considered the devil's disease and the name differs according to the dialects. Stigmatization is also frequent and is often responsible for school dropout, refusal, or dismissal from work. Care and prevention are daily challenges that require government action. Social coverage is insufficient and almost absent in rural areas. It is urgent to prioritize epilepsy in future action plans and also to increase awareness of the conditions to overcome these challenges.
Research on the attenuation characteristics of seismic energy in multicoal seam mining and the warning method of rock burst
Authors: Mu Hongwei , Zhang Yongliang , Gao Mingzhong , Zhu Quanlin , Li Jingbo , Cao Jinfeng , Fan Wentao
Published: November 2024

The mechanism of rock burst induced by the superposition of dynamic and static loads in multicoal seam mining is unique. To investigate the propagation attenuation law of large‐energy microseismic events and the induced mechanism of rock burst under this condition, this study employs FLAC3D's dynamic module to simulate and analyze the influence of propagation distance, overburden structure in multicoal seam mining, and interlayer plastic zone on vibration wave attenuation. Results indicate that when coal seams are mined at close distances, vibration waves experience significant attenuation while passing through the plastic zone between two layers of coal. At equal attenuation distances, multicoal seam mining structures exhibit greater effects on vibration wave attenuation. Considering differences between rock‐burst induction mechanisms in close‐distance coal seam group mining versus single coal seam mining, a discriminant criterion for rock bursts induced by superimposed dynamic and static loads in multicoal seam mining is established along with a monitoring and early warning method suitable for such conditions.
Automated identification of earthen berms in Western US rangelands from LiDAR‐based digital elevation models
Authors: Xu Haiqing , Nichols Mary H. , Lapides Dana , Crompton Octavia
Published: November 2024

Earthworks such as earthen berms have been constructed across the western US since the late 1800s to mitigate erosion in landscapes where water is both the dominant driver of erosion and the limiting resource for biota. Berms alter hydrologic, geomorphic and ecologic processes by intercepting runoff and altering patterns of water availability in the landscape. Understanding site‐specific changes in process dynamics requires accurate mapping of berm locations and knowledge of their condition. This paper presents an automated, object‐based framework for identifying earthen berms from 1 m LiDAR‐derived digital elevation models in the western US rangelands. Geomorphon, a computer vision tool, was used to classify landforms and identify berm‐like landforms, including summits and ridges. Ten geomorphic and geometric attributes associated with each potential berm object were used to develop a machine‐learning model for distinguishing berms from natural summits and ridges. The model was trained and applied to independent test sites to identify and map berms. The mapped berms were compared with manually identified reference berms for accuracy assessment. The identification results achieved 79% to 87% recall, 82% to 92% precision and 81% to 89% F‐measure. We also explored the influence of training sample selection on model performance and conducted an analysis of attribute relative importance. The automated framework has the potential to be scaled up to larger areas in semi‐arid environments.
Refinement of the volcanic slope rating approach for determining slope stability in volcanic rocks of the Canary Islands
Authors: Leyva Sergio , Cruz‐Pérez Noelia , Santamarta Juan C.
Published: November 2024

Due to their genesis, volcanic rocks present some singularities that make their geotechnical characteristics significantly different from other, more common types of rock masses, such as sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. The formation mechanisms of volcanic rocks are varied, rapid and generally high energy. These processes give this type of rock geotechnical behaviour and geomechanical properties that are completely different from those of nonvolcanic materials, due to their high heterogeneity and anisotropy. In volcanic rock slopes, applying widely used geomechanical classifications to assess the quality of any rock mass present several challenges due to their distinctive and singular characteristics, which detract from their validity. For this reason, the Center for Studies and Experimentation of Public Works (CEDEX) of the Ministry of Public Works, under the agreement signed with the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of the Government of the Canary Islands, carried out during 2017 and 2018 an exhaustive analysis and reviews of existing geomechanical classifications and their applications to volcanic terrains. They developed a new geomechanical classification called VSR (volcanic slope rating), based on data obtained from 85 slopes across the Canary Islands, which allowed for the estimation of the stability of volcanic rock slopes by evaluating seven geotechnical parameters. This article presents the work conducted to review and calibrate this tool, based on the study of 94 slopes of different lithotypes throughout the Canary Islands (lavas, pyroclasts, heterogeneous), culminating in the proposal of a new classification for pyroclastic massifs (with new parameters and different weightings) and the adjustment of the current classification for the other slopes (regarding the Surface Regularity parameter). Therefore, the VSR geomechanical classification was applied to assess the stability of these 94 slopes, revealing a strong fit for Types A and C (R2 > 0.97), while the tool overestimated stability in Type B slopes, prompting a new classification proposal for this category.
Phytochemical Profiling and Pharmacological Evaluation of Methanolic Leaf Extract of C. digyna for Cytotoxic, Anti‐inflammatory, Antioxidant, Antiarthritic, and Analgesic Activities
Authors: Fatema Kanij , Mia Md. Abdur Rashid , Nipun Tanzina Sharmin , Hossen S. M. Moazzem
Published: November 2024

Caesalpinia digyna (Family: Fabaceae) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for various medicinal purposes, including as a treatment for wounds, leprosy, skin diseases, fever, diabetes, etc. Although the root and stem of this plant have a significant medicinal value, there was little research on the leaves of this plant. This study aimed to investigate the qualitative phytochemical profile and evaluate the in vitro cytotoxic, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiarthritic activities, as well as the in vivo anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities, of C. digyna leaf extract. The methanolic extract of C. digyna leaves was prepared using an ultrasonic‐assisted extraction process. In vitro and in vivo anti‐inflammatory activities were evaluated using the hypotonicity‐induced hemolysis and carrageenan‐induced paw edema methods, respectively. Additionally, the extract was assessed for in vitro DPPH (1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging, antiarthritic (protein denaturation), and in vivo analgesic (acetic acid‐induced writhing and tail immersion) activities. Brine shrimp lethality bioassay (BSLB) showed moderate cytotoxic activity (LC50 = 2.25 μg/mL) compared with the standard vincristine sulfate (LC50 = 1.61 μg/mL). In vitro, anti‐inflammatory activity exhibited 85.13% (IC50 value = 2.51 μg/mL) inhibition of Human Red Blood Cell (HRBC) membrane lysis at a concentration of 2000 μg/mL whereas in vivo anti‐inflammatory study exerted its maximum effect (p < 0.05) at 400 mg/kg bw dose. This extract also showed significant antioxidant (IC50 = 0.218 μg/mL), antiarthritic (83.61% inhibition) activity, and moderate analgesic effect (p < 0.05) in both methods. These research findings indicated that C. digyna leaves extract has potent antioxidant, analgesic, and anti‐inflammatory effects which can be used as a supplementary medication for inflammatory pain‐relieving factors. In future, finding the mechanism involved in these effects could have significant impact on clinical science.
RhoA regulates oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination by orchestrating cortical and membrane tension
Authors: Vale‐Silva Raquel , de Paes de Faria Joana , Seixas Ana Isabel , Brakebusch Cord , Franklin Robin J. M. , Relvas João B.
Published: November 2024

Timely differentiation and myelin formation by oligodendrocytes are essential for the physiological functioning of the central nervous system (CNS). While the Rho GTPase RhoA has been hinted as a negative regulator of myelin sheath formation, the precise in vivo mechanisms have remained elusive. Here we show that RhoA controls the timing and progression of myelination by oligodendrocytes through a fine‐tuned balance between cortical tension, membrane tension and cell shape. Using a conditional mouse model, we observe that Rhoa ablation results in the acceleration of myelination driven by hastened differentiation and facilitated through membrane expansion induced by changes in MLCII activity and in F‐actin redistribution and turnover within the cell. These findings reveal RhoA as a central molecular integrator of alterations in actin cytoskeleton, actomyosin contractility and membrane tension underlying precise morphogenesis of oligodendrocytes and normal myelination of the CNS.
Dissecting the Hippocampal Regulation of Approach‐Avoidance Conflict: Integrative Perspectives From Optogenetics, Stress Response, and Epigenetics
Authors: Forastieri C. , Romito E. , Paplekaj A. , Battaglioli E. , Rusconi F.
Published: November 2024

Psychiatric disorders are multifactorial conditions without clear biomarkers, influenced by genetic, environmental, and developmental factors. Understanding these disorders requires identifying specific endophenotypes that help break down their complexity. Here, we undertake an in‐depth analysis of one such endophenotype, namely imbalanced approach‐avoidance conflict (AAC), reviewing its significant dependency on the hippocampus. Imbalanced AAC is a transdiagnostic endophenotype, being a feature of many psychiatric conditions in humans. However, it is predominantly examined in preclinical research through paradigms that subject rodents to conflict‐laden scenarios. This review offers an original perspective by discussing the AAC through three distinct lights: optogenetic modulation of the AAC, which updates our understanding of the hippocampal contribution to behavioral inhibition; the impact of environmental stress, which exacerbates conflict and strengthens the stress‐psychopathology axis; and inherent epigenetic aspects, which uncover crucial molecular underpinnings of environmental (mal) adaptation. By integrating these perspectives, in this review we aim to underline a cross‐species causal nexus between heightened hippocampal activity and avoidance behavior. In addition, we suggest a rationale to explore epigenetic pharmacology as a potential strategy to tackle AAC‐related psychopathology. This review assumes greater significance when viewed through the lens of advancing AAC‐centric diagnostics in human subjects. Unlike traditional questionnaires, which struggle to accurately measure individual differences in AAC‐related dimensions, new approaches using virtual reality and computer games show promise in better focusing the magnitude of AAC contribution to psychopathology.
Suppressing Inversion of a Chiral Polycyclic Aromatic Aza Monkey Saddle by Molecular Editing
Authors: Kirschbaum Tobias , Ebel Simone Felicia , Rominger Frank , Mastalerz Michael
Published: November 2024

Chiral polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with monkey saddle topology are a fascinating class of negatively curved compounds. To make the monkey‐saddles valuable building blocks for chirality‐assisted synthesis (CAS) approaches, the inversion barriers between the two possible enantiomers need to be high enough to prevent interconversion under CAS conditions. By molecular editing, aza monkey saddles were converted to the corresponding chromene monkey saddles that are configurationally stable even at temperatures of 220 °C over a period of 47 days. Their structures were studied by single X‐ray diffraction and enantiomers were separated to study the chiroptical properties. Furthermore, mechanistic assumptions of the formation of the chromene monkey saddles by DFT calculations are discussed.
Different minimally invasive surgical methods to hysterectomy for benign gynecological disease: A systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: Guan Meijun , Li Hui , Tian Tian , Peng Jirong , Huang Yan , He Li
Published: November 2024

Background and Aims

This network meta‐analysis aimed to compare the perioperative efficacy of various minimally invasive hysterectomy procedures for treating benign gynecological diseases and to assess whether vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic hysterectomy (VNOTEH), a recently emerging procedure, is inferior to traditional laparoscopy.

Methods

We searched PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine disc (CBM), Wanfang Data, and China VIP Database from inception to August 2022 and updated in June 2023. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing different minimally invasive hysterectomy techniques in patients with benign gynecological conditions. The intervention measures included nine minimally invasive hysterectomies. The two researchers used the Cochrane risk‐of‐bias assessment tool for study appraisal. All statistical analyses and drawings were performed using STATA 17.0 and R 4.4.1. A network meta‐analysis (NMA) was conducted to compare the effectiveness of minimally invasive hysterectomy and rank its relative impact probabilistically.

Results

A total of 78 RCTs involving 7640 patients and nine minimally invasive hysterectomy methods with 16 intervention combinations were included in this study. Among these, 2, 63, and 13 studies were deemed to have a low, medium, and high risk of bias, respectively. Based on the Surface Under the Cumulative Ranking (SUCRA) probability ranking results of NMA, laparoendoscopic single‐site surgery‐laparoscopic‐assisted vaginal hysterectomy (LESS‐LAVH) demonstrated superior outcomes in terms of complications, infections, and 24‐h postoperative pain scores. LAVH exhibited better performance in injuries and hospital stays, total laparoscopic hysterectomy showed the least blood loss, and vaginal hysterectomy had the shortest operation time.

Conclusion

LESS‐LAVH and LAVH are recommended options, if feasible. Meanwhile, VNOTEH can achieve comparable results to traditional laparoscopy but requires careful attention to the risk of injury and infection. Future research should aim to broaden the search scope by including high‐quality, large‐scale, multicenter RCTs.