bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS‐g‐GMA) on flame retardancy and mechanical properties of water hyacinth fiber/ammonium polyphosphate/poly (butylene succinate) composites
Authors: Suwanniroj Anothai , Suppakarn Nitinat
Published: August 2022

In this study, water hyacinth fiber (WHF) was used as a carbon source in combination with ammonium polyphosphate (APP) to formulate an environmentally friendly intumescent flame retardant for poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) composites. Glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly (butylene succinate) (PBS‐g‐GMA) was prepared via a reactive melt grafting reaction to serve as a compatibilizer for WHF/APP/PBS composites. Effects of incorporating APP and WHF, and PBS‐g‐GMA on mechanical properties, thermal properties and flame retardancy of PBS composites were investigated. Results showed that the addition of PBS‐g‐GMA greatly improved tensile strength, flexural strength and crystallization rate of WHF/APP/PBS composites. According to UL‐94 and limiting oxygen index (LOI) tests, the presence of 15 wt% WHF, 30 wt% APP, and 15 wt% PBS‐g‐GMA enabled the WHF/APP/15PBS‐g‐GMA/PBS composite to achieve a V‐0 rating and the maximum LOI value of 29.2%. Char residue analysis revealed that the combination of APP and WHF promoted the formation of an expanded char layer, whereas the addition of PBS‐g‐GMA induced the formation of compact, highly graphitized residues. Findings will contribute to the development of biodegradable flame‐retardant polymer composites for engineering applications.
First reported observation of an apparent reproductive bottlenose × Risso’s dolphin hybrid
Authors: van Geel Nienke , Marr Tony , Hastie Gordon , Wilson Ben
Published: August 2022

Bottlenose dolphin photo‐identification data were compiled from western Scotland to identify individuals and ultimately investigate population size, demographic parameters, spatio‐temporal distribution, and movement patterns.

Opportunistic citizen science photographs revealed what appeared to be an adult bottlenose × Risso’s dolphin hybrid along with an apparent second‐generation hybrid or back‐cross calf. Both had atypically short rostra and the dorsal fin of the adult was noticeably taller than is normal for bottlenose dolphins.

Based on these characteristics, this case may represent a congenital rostral abnormality or the first intergeneric calf reported for this species combination, either in captivity or in the wild.

The previously reported presence of several putative hybrids and mixed‐species sightings in the area, in combination with the tall dorsal fin, provide support for the second possibility, i.e. intergeneric hybrids.

Although rare, hybridization may have disproportionate conservation consequences, with population‐level impacts in very small coastal populations of long‐lived, slow‐breeding animals.
Postcranial description of Wendiceratops pinhornensis and a taphonomic analysis of the oldest monodominant ceratopsid bonebed
Authors: Scott Sebastian H. W. , Ryan Michael J. , Evans David C.
Published: August 2022

The early centrosaurine ceratopsid, Wendiceratops pinhornensis, was discovered in Alberta, Canada in a medium density monodominant bonebed from the Oldman Formation (mid‐Campanian, ~79 Ma). The bonebed contains abundant, well‐preserved, adult‐sized and some juvenile‐sized postcranial material, allowing for the first description of a number of elements of the postcrania of this basal centrosaurine ceratopsid. The postcranial elements described are generally consistent with postcrania described for more derived centrosaurine taxa. However the rectangular‐shaped distal terminus of the ischium previously considered to be an apomorphy of Wendiceratops. is shown to also be present in Medusaceratops, and thus may be a synapomorphy of basal centrsaurines. The bonebed represents a lag deposit within a mudstone‐bearing overbank facies and contains individuals from multiple age classes. It contains over 95% ceratopsid remains, with all identifiable elements referable to Wendiceratops. The elements are completely disarticulated, but have undergone little weathering or abrasion (both Stage 0), although the ends of long bones and processes capped by cartilage in life frequently exhibit evidence of wet rot and breakage by hydrological reworking after decomposition. The taphonomy of the bonebed is consist with other monodominant centrosaurine bonebeds that have been interpreted as mass death assemblages preserving evidence of gregarious (herding) behavior. At approximately 79 million years old, the Wendiceratops bonebed is approximately two million years older than other ceratopsid bonebeds indicating that this bonebed is the oldest documented evidence of herding behavior in a ceratopsid.
Changes in immune responses, gene expression, and life table parameters of Helicoverpa armigera Hübner fed on a diet containing the saponin of tea plant, Camellia sinensis
Authors: Mirhaghparast Seyyedeh Kimia , Zibaee Arash , Hajizadeh Jalil , Ramzi Samar
Published: August 2022

Saponins cause mortality in insects by reducing food absorption and movement in the gut, which may be used to exploit the control of insect pests. In the current study, tea seed saponin (TSS) was extracted and then added to the artificial diets of Helicoverpa armigera. Pre‐ovipositional period of the TSS‐treated individuals increased while longevity and fecundity decreased compared to control. There was a significant reduction of the treated individuals in the life table parameters of TSS‐treated Individuals including net reproduction rate (R0), intrinsic rate of population increase (r), finite rate of increase (λ), and gross reproduction rate (GRR). Also, we found that saponin suppressed the immune system by reducing the total hemocyte count, immune‐related gene expression, and phenoloxidase activity. Our results demonstrated a lower expression of cecropin gene in the treated larvae with TSS while no significant differences were observed in attacin gene. Our results clearly showed that feeding of H. armigera larvae in the diet containing TSS significantly reduced demographic parameters, forced insects to obtain more time to complete one generation, and caused vulnerabilities against pathogens. These discrepancies alleviated nutrient uptake of the larvae and disrupted their feeding and growth. Hence, a proper formulation with a desirable concentration would be prepared and applied in the fields suffering H. armigera damage to monitor insecticidal efficiency of TSS.
Biomass dry matter yield of willow and Miscanthus in low‐input cropping on heavy clay soils in Ukraine
Authors: Prysiazhniuk Oleh , Maliarenko Oksana , Roik Mykola , Fuchylo Yaroslav , Lewandowski Iris , Makovskis Kristaps , Lazdina Dagnija , von Cossel Moritz
Published: August 2022

In Ukraine, 6.5 million hectares of agricultural land characterized by heavy clay soil could be available for sustainable bioenergy crop cultivation because they are considered marginal for food crop cultivation. This study investigated the biomass dry matter yield (DMY) of willow (Salix triandra L. and Salix viminalis L.) and Miscanthus (Miscanthus × giganteus Greef et Deuter) at two experimental sites with heavy clay in Ukraine. To promote plant rooting and adaptation in the first year of cultivation under low‐input conditions, tillage, moisture‐retaining agents, foliar fertilization, planting density and row spacing were varied. Willow obtained notable DMY on hard clay soils (clay >50%). The variety ‘Tora’ revealed the best DMY performance, indicated by the highest increment (4.1–4.6 m) in the first year of the second cycle. The highest biomass DMY (28.8 Mg ha−1) was obtained at a planting density of 15 000 plants ha−1 and a row spacing of 0.75 × 1.50 m. However, neither willow nor Miscanthus allow for a feasible biomass production at clay contents above 64%, because the young roots are damaged and deprived of nutrients as the soil dries out. For Miscanthus, plowing provided better soil loosening and easier sprouting of rhizomes compared with mini‐till. The application of moisture‐retaining agent Aquasorb (200 kg ha−1) supported Miscanthus plants with moisture in the first year of vegetation, but it did not maintain soil moisture in the long term. Therefore, growing willow and Miscanthus on soils with clay contents above 64% is not feasible because the soil texture and tendency to crack significantly reduce the DMY. © 2022 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts and Biorefining published by Society of Industrial Chemistry and John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Functional impact of androgen‐targeted therapy on patients with castration‐resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Beer Tomasz M. , Shore Neal , Morgans Alicia , Winters‐Stone Kerri , Wefel Jeffrey S. , George Daniel J.
Published: August 2022

Context

Second‐generation androgen receptor inhibitors (ARIs) extend metastasis‐free survival, prolong overall survival, and delay symptoms when added to androgen deprivation therapy for the treatment of castration‐sensitive or castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). However, ARIs may adversely impact physical and cognitive function, thereby decreasing quality of life and prognosis.

Objective

To evaluate the evidence regarding the potential effects of ARIs on physical and cognitive function and to contextualize how drug‐related adverse effects may influence treatment decisions in CRPC.

Evidence acquisition

We performed a literature search using MEDLINE from January 1998 to June 2020 using terms relating to prostate cancer, androgen deprivation, and physical and cognitive function. We selected 61 publications for analysis.

Evidence synthesis

Treatment‐induced deterioration in physical and cognitive function may impair the independence and well‐being of patients with CRPC. Patient‐reported outcomes from clinical trials of ARIs provide quantitative evidence of their impact on these domains, which appears to vary between ARIs, reflecting the different adverse event profiles of these agents. Thus, the risk of physical or cognitive dysfunction may be managed or mitigated by appropriate selection of treatment options. Studies in patients with CRPC have assessed the cognitive effects of ARIs with validated instruments, whereas quantitative analysis of the impact on physical function has been limited.

Conclusion

Several validated instruments utilized for the assessment of physical and cognitive function in clinical studies have been adapted for clinical practice; however, consensus on the standardization of these assessments is required. Future clinical studies employing validated tools may generate data on the impact of ARIs and guide treatment decisions for patients with CRPC.

Patient summary

We review the hormonal therapies used to treat men with prostate cancer and the effects they have on physical and cognitive function. We discuss how to measure these effects and how this may assist when choosing treatment.
Prolactin as an adrenocorticotropic hormone: Prolactin signalling is a conserved key regulator of sexually dimorphic adrenal gland function in health and disease
Authors: Lalli Enzo , Figueiredo Bonald C.
Published: August 2022

A large number of previous reports described an effect of the pituitary hormone prolactin (PRL) on steroid hormone production by the adrenal cortex. However, those studies remained anecdotal and were never converted into a conceptual and mechanistic framework, let alone being translated into clinical care. In the light of our recently published landmark study where we described PRL signalling as a pivotal regulator of the sexually dimorphic adrenal phenotype in mouse and of adrenal androgen production in humans, we present here the overarching hypothesis that PRL signalling increases the activity of Steroidogenic Factor‐1 (SF‐1/NR5A1), a transcription factor that has an essential role in adrenal gland development and function, to regulate adrenal cortex growth and hormonal production in physiological and pathological conditions. PRL can then be considered as a bona fide adrenocorticotropic hormone synergizing with ACTH in the endocrine control of adrenal cortex function.
NMR as powerful technology for noninvasively monitoring cell health and expansion during bioprocessing
Authors: Benevelli Francesca , Vella Serena , Crosta Chiara , Demetrio Elena , Fischer Christian , Pupo Marco , Baila Stefano
Published: August 2022

Over the last decades, the success of advanced cell therapies and the increasing production volumes of vaccines, proteins, or viral vectors have raised the need of robust cell‐based manufacturing processes for ensuring product quality and satisfying good manufacturing practice requirements. The cultivation process of cells needs to be highly controlled for improved productivity, reduced variability, and optimized bioprocesses. Cell cultures can be easily monitored using different technologies, which could deliver direct or indirect assessment of the cells’ viability. Among these techniques, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a powerful technology that permits the evaluation and the identification of key endogenous metabolites. NMR can provide information on the cell metabolic pathways, on the bioprocesses, and is also capable to quickly test for impurities. In this study, NMR was successfully used as a technology for monitoring cell viability and expansion in different supports for cell growth (including bioreactors), to predict the bioprocess output and for the early identification of key metabolites linked to cell starvation. This investigation will allow the timely control of culture conditions and favor the optimization of the bioprocesses.
The reciprocal relationship between episodic memory and future thinking: How the outcome of predictions is subsequently remembered
Authors: Patel Sneh P. , McCurdy Matthew P. , Frankenstein Andrea N. , Sklenar Allison M. , Urban Levy Pauline , Szpunar Karl K. , Leshikar Eric D.
Published: August 2022

Evidence suggests that memory is involved in making simulations and predictions about the future (i.e., future thinking), but less work has examined how the outcome of those predictions (whether events play out as predicted or expected) subsequently affects episodic memory. In this investigation, we examine whether memory is better for outcomes that are consistent with predictions, or whether memory is enhanced for outcomes that are inconsistent with predictions, after the predicted event occurs. In this experiment, participants learned a core trait associated with social targets (e.g., high in extroversion), before making predictions about behaviors targets would perform. Participants then were shown behaviors the social targets actually performed (i.e., prediction outcome), which was either consistent or inconsistent with predictions. After that, participants completed a memory test (recognition; recall) for the prediction outcomes. For recognition, the results revealed better memory for outcomes that were consistent with traits associated with targets (i.e., trait‐consistent outcomes), compared to outcomes that were inconsistent (i.e., trait‐inconsistent outcomes). Finding a memory advantage for trait‐consistent outcomes suggests that outcomes that are in line with the contents of memory (e.g., what one knows; schemas) are more readily remembered than those that are inconsistent with memory, which may reflect an adaptive memory process. For recall, memory did not differ between trait‐consistent and trait‐inconsistent outcomes. Altogether, the results of this experiment advance understanding of the reciprocal relationship between episodic memory and future thinking and show that outcome of predictions has an influence on subsequent episodic memory, at least as measured by recognition.
Amino acid abundance and composition in cell culture medium affects trace metal tolerance and cholesterol synthesis
Authors: Rawat Jyoti , Bhambri Aksheev , Pandey Ujjiti , Banerjee Sanchita , Pillai Beena , Gadgil Mugdha
Published: August 2022

Amino acid compositions of cell culture media are empirically designed to enhance cell growth and productivity and vary both across media formulations and over the course of culture due to imbalance in supply and consumption. The interconnected nature of the amino acid transporters and metabolism suggests that changes in amino acid composition can affect cell physiology. In this study, we explore the effect of a step change in amino acid composition from a DMEM: F12‐based medium to a formulation varying in relative abundances of all amino acids, evaluated at two amino acid concentrations (lean LAA vs. rich HAA). Cell growth was inhibited in LAA but not HAA. In addition to the expected effects on expression of the cell cycle, amino acid response and mTOR pathway genes in LAA, we observed an unanticipated effect on zinc uptake and efflux genes. This was accompanied by a lower tolerance to zinc supplementation in LAA but not in the other formulations. Histidine was sufficient but not necessary to prevent such zinc toxicity. Additionally, an unanticipated downregulation of genes in the cholesterol synthesis pathway was observed in HAA, accompanied by an increase in cellular cholesterol content, which may depend on the relative abundances of glutamine and other amino acids. This study shows that changes in the amino acid composition without any evident effect on growth may have profound effects on metabolism. Such analyses can help rationalize the designing of medium and feed formulations for bioprocess applications beyond replenishment of consumed components.
Willingness to pay for packaging cancer screening of Chinese rural residents
Authors: Zhang Qianqian , Ren Deyu , Chang Xuan , Sun Chen , Liu Ruyue , Wang Jialin , Zhang Nan
Published: August 2022

Background

This study examined the acceptance and willingness to pay (WTP) of rural residents toward packaging cancer screening (PCS) to provide a reference basis for promoting the screening sustainable development.

Methods

A face‐to‐face questionnaire survey was conducted among rural residents aged 40–69. The combination of double‐bounded dichotomous choices and open‐ended questions in the Contingent Valuation Method was used to guide participants' WTP. Logistic regression was used to explore the influencing factors of participants' screening acceptance, and Tobit model was used to analyze the associated factors of WTP.

Results

Of the 959 respondents, 89.36% were willing to accept PCS, but 10.64% stated unwillingness for the dominant reason that they did not attend clinics until symptom onset. Willingness to accept screening was significantly associated with region (Dongchangfu, OR = 0.251, 95%CI: 0.113~0.557; Linqu, OR = 0.150, 95%CI: 0.069~0.325), age with 60–69 (OR = 0.321, 95%CI: 0.126~0.816), annual income with 10,000–30,000 (OR = 1.632, 95%CI: 1.003~2.656) and having cancer‐screening experience (OR = 0.581, 95%CI: 0.371~0.909). And 57.66% of participants were willing to pay part of the screening cost among those willing to accept PCS. The residents' average WTP was ¥622, accounting for 20.73% of the total cost (¥3000). Willingness to pay for PCS was positively correlated with male gender, self‐employed occupation, residence in Feicheng (than Linqu), higher income, and having cancer‐screening experience.

Conclusions

Most rural residents were willing to accept free PCS, more than half of them were willing to pay part of the ¥3000 total cost, but their WTP‐values were low. It is necessary to carry out PCS publicity activities to improve public awareness and participation in precancerous screening. Additionally, for expanding the coverage and sustainability of screening, the appropriate proportion of rural residents to pay for screening costs should be controlled at about 20%, and governments, insurance and other sources are encouraged to actively participate to cover the remaining costs.
An in Vitro Cytomimetic of In‐Cell RNA Folding
Authors: Yoo Hyejin , Davis Caitlin M.
Published: August 2022

To discover the cytomimetic that accounts for cytoplasmic crowding and sticking on RNA stability, we conducted a two‐dimensional scan of mixtures of artificial crowding and sticking agents, PEG10k and M‐PERTM. As our model RNA, we investigate the fourU RNA thermometer motif of Salmonella, a hairpin‐structured RNA that regulates translation by unfolding and exposing its ribosome binding site (RBS) in response to temperature perturbations. We found that the addition of artificial crowding and sticking agents leads to a stabilization and destabilization of RNA folding, respectively, through the excluded volume effect and surface interactions. FRET‐labels were added to the fourU RNA and Fast Relaxation Imaging (FReI), fluorescence microscopy coupled to temperature‐jump spectroscopy, probed differences between folding stability of RNA inside single living cells and in vitro. Our results suggest that the cytoplasmic environment affecting RNA folding is comparable to a combination of 20 % v/v M‐PERTM and 150 g/L PEG10k.
Bacterial Biofilm Probed by Scanning Electrochemical Microscopy: A Review
Authors: Zhou Yan , Zhang Junjie , Zhao Yuxiang , Liu Yulin , Li Fei
Published: August 2022

Bacterial biofilm, a highly structured community with developmental processes from cell adherence to highly dense biofilms, is of critical concern in many industries. Investigations of parameters mediating biofilm formation, interactions between bacterial species, and parameters governing biofilm stability are quite important for understanding mechanism of biofilm formation. Scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM), a local electrochemical technique using a microelectrode as its probe, can monitor microbe interactions in situ via detection of small molecules or biochemical cues with spatial and temporal resolution. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in biofilm research using SECM. First, we introduce the applications and potential biochemical cues of biofilms. Then, we classify the applications based on the bacterial species of interest, focusing on SECM to study key biochemical cues and highlighting underlying metabolic processes involved in biofilm formation. Finally, we discuss the challenges and limitations given the complexity and diversity of biofilms for future SECM studies.
Terpyridine Diphosphine Ruthenium Complexes as Efficient Photocatalysts for the Transfer Hydrogenation of Carbonyl Compounds
Authors: Ballico Maurizio , Alessi Dario , Jandl Christian , Lovison Denise , Baratta Walter
Published: August 2022

The cationic achiral and chiral terpyridine diphosphine ruthenium complexes [RuCl(PP)(tpy)]Cl (PP=dppp (1), (R,R)‐Skewphos (2) and (S,S)‐Skewphos (3)) are easily obtained in 85–88 % yield through a one‐pot synthesis from [RuCl2(PPh3)3], the diphosphine and 2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (tpy) in 1‐butanol. Treatment of 1–3 with NaPF6 in methanol at RT affords quantitatively the corresponding derivatives [RuCl(PP)(tpy)]PF6 (PP=dppp (1 a), (R,R)‐Skewphos (2 a) and (S,S)‐Skewphos (3 a)). Reaction of [RuCl2(PPh3)3] with (S,R)‐Josiphos or (R)‐BINAP in toluene, followed by treatment with tpy in 1‐butanol and finally with NaPF6 in MeOH gives [RuCl(PP)(tpy)]PF6 (PP=(S,R)‐Josiphos (4 a), (R)‐BINAP (5 a)) isolated in 78 % and 86 % yield, respectively. The chiral derivatives have been isolated as single stereoisomers and 3 a, 4 a have been characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies. The tpy complexes with NaOiPr display high photocatalytic activity in the transfer hydrogenation (TH) of carbonyl compounds using 2‐propanol as the only hydrogen donor and visible light at 30 °C, at remarkably high S/C (up to 5000) and TOF values up to 264 h−1. The chiral enantiomers 2, 2 a and 3, 3 a induce the asymmetric photocatalytic TH of acetophenone, affording (S)‐ and (R)‐1‐phenylethanol with 51 and 52 % ee, respectively, in a MeOH/2‐propanol mixture.
Design of a Photocatalytic [2+2] Cycloaddition Reaction Using Redox‐Tag Strategy
Authors: Hashimoto Yasuhiro , Horiguchi Genki , Kamiya Hidehiro , Okada Yohei
Published: August 2022

The design of photocatalytic processes is important for a sustainable society. Key to these photocatalytic reactions is electron transfer. This article is focused on titanium dioxide photocatalyzed organic synthesis and the design of a new [2+2] cycloaddition reaction based on the electron transfer process. Electron transfer ‐ not only between the substrate and the photocatalyst but also inter‐ and intramolecularly – is crucial for the reaction design. Radical cations were generated by the photocatalyst and trapped by alkenes. The resultant cyclobutyl radical cations were immediately reduced by the aryl rings via intramolecular electron transfer to obtain cyclobutane rings. The outcome of the reaction was controlled by substitution of the aryl ring and the linker connecting the aryl ring to the enol ether. The carefully designed substrates were highly effective for photocatalytic cycloaddition.
Engineering Multipedal DNA Walker on Paper for Sensitive Electrochemical Detection of Plant MicroRNA
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Xiang Junzhu , Cheng Hao , Wang Yuying , Li Feng
Published: August 2022

Comprehensive Summary

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are vital regulators in both plants and animals. Therefore, it is highly desirable to develop portable and user‐friendly biosensors for convenient and sensitive detection of miRNAs. Herein, a novel paper‐based electrochemical biosensor was intelligently engineered for the detection of plant miRNA based on a smart DNA walking machine and λ‐exonuclease (λ‐Exo)‐assisted target recycling amplification. Using TaMIR5086 as a target plant miRNA, the presence of TaMIR5086 could initiate the target recycling process and activate the DNA walker to move along the track on the paper. Then, numerous electroactive molecules‐labeled single‐strand DNA (ssDNA) would be released and adsorbed onto the surface of screen‐printed electrode, generating a remarkably increased electrochemical signal. Benefitting from the dual amplification, the developed biosensor exhibits excellent analytical performance toward TaMIR5086 with a detection limit down to 0.37 pmol/L. Furthermore, the paper‐based biosensor could be applied for the analysis of target miRNA in complex biological samples, which found great potential in the fields of miRNA analysis and plant biology research.
Many‐objective evolutionary algorithm assisted by a novel angle‐based fitness strategy
Authors: Zhu Zhuanghua
Published: August 2022

Measuring the convergence of solutions is greatly significant for many‐objective optimization problems. Although various methods have been proposed regarding this issue, they still suffer from the performance consistency on different problems. For this issue, this article proposes a novel angle‐based fitness strategy. To be specific, the convergence of solutions is defined with adaptive key solutions, which are determined by the angles between solutions. Based on the novel angle‐based fitness strategy, this article designs a many‐objective evolutionary algorithm assisted by a novel angle‐based fitness strategy. Experiments are conduced to verify the performance of the proposed method in comparison with other state‐of‐the‐art methods. The experimental analyzes illustrate the outstanding performance of the proposed method for many‐objective optimization problems.
Designing a Propellane‐based Nonlinear Optically Active System Absorbing in Three Different Wavelength Regions
Authors: Rajput Swati Singh , Alam Mehboob
Published: August 2022

The aim of this work is to demonstrate the possibility of using propellane in designing a molecule that can absorb in three different wavelength regions and their nonlinear optical (NLO) activity can be fine‐tuned by varying the three wings. We considered 22 tailor‐made propellane derivatives consisting of phenyl, naphthyl, and biphenyl wings for this purpose. Using the state‐of‐the‐art linear and quadratic response methods within TD‐DFT and RI‐CC2 theories and a suitable generalized few‐state model that quantifies the effect of orientation of different transition moments on NLO properties, we discussed how and why the linear and nonlinear optical activity of propellane vary when the three wings are assembled successively to construct a full‐propellane.
Walking the talk, but above all, talking the walk: Looking green for market stakeholder engagement
Authors: Amores‐Salvadó Javier , Martin‐de Castro Gregorio , Albertini Elisabeth
Published: August 2022

In recent years, corporate environmental commitment is showing different postures going from greenwashing to undue modesty and from environmental excellence to environmental inaction. In this paper, we go a step beyond the most recent research work on the dichotomy greenwashing–brownwashing and develop a more comprehensive model that reflect more subtly four main corporate environmental strategic positions based on both firm's environmental performance and disclosure achievements. Jointly with their characterization, and adopting a question‐driven approach we add to the literature on environmental disclosure‐firm performance proposing an explorative research question that consider cluster membership on market firm performance under the general assumption that, at least theoretically, each of the four main corporate environmental strategic positions under analysis can result in market performance improvements. Our empirical results from a panel data of international industrial companies show very interesting and novel insights, highlighting the fact that being green is good, but above all, it is good to look green.
Write‐enhanced and radiation‐hardened SRAM for multi‐node upset tolerance in space‐radiation environments
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Dong Hanwen , Peng Chunyu , Lu Wenjuan , Lin Zhiting , Chen Junning , Wu Xiulong
Published: August 2022

As transistor feature size is scaling down, the probability of charge sharing in a space‐radiation environment increases because of the reduced distance between adjacent transistors. The single‐event multiple‐node upset (SEMNU) caused by charge sharing is a major source of data errors in high‐density static random‐access memory (SRAM). In this paper, a radiation‐hardened SRAM using polarity hardening is proposed. Compared to other cells (RHPD‐12T, RSP14T, SEA14T, We‐Quatro, QUCCE12T, SARP12T, SIS10T, and 12T), the proposed RHC‐14T cell saves 8.47%, 91.34%, 162.71%, ‐20.63%, −20.50%, 113.18%, 63.27%, and 20.60% of the read‐delay time and 7.96%, 66.17%, 68.16%, 57.71%, 22.39%, 12.44%, 1,010.45%, and 13.43% of the write‐delay time, respectively. Moreover, this excellent performance entails only minimal power consumption. The proposed cell can work well in the radiation‐intensive space environment.
Molecular characterization of the immediate wound response of the solitary ascidian Polycarpa mytiligera
Authors: Hendin Noam , Gordon Tal , Shenkar Noa , Wurtzel Omri
Published: August 2022

Background

Injury response is key to successful regeneration. Yet, transcriptome analyses of injury response were performed only on a handful of regenerative organisms. Here, we studied the injury response of the solitary ascidian Polycarpa mytiligera, an emerging model system, capable of regenerating any body part. We used the siphon as a model for studying transcriptional changes following injury, and identified genes that were activated in the initial 24 hours post amputation (hpa).

Results

Highly conserved genes, such as bone morphogenetic protein‐1 (BMP1), growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR) and IL‐17, were upregulated by 12 hpa, yet their expression was sustained only in non‐regenerating tissue fragments. We optimized fluorescent in situ hybridization, and found that the majority of BMP1+ cells were localized to the rigid tunic that covers the animal. This highlights the importance of this tissue, particularly during injury response. BMP1 was overexpressed following injuries to other body regions, suggesting that it was a part of a common injury‐induced program.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that, initially, specific injury‐induced genes were upregulated in P. mytiligera organs, yet, later, a unique transcriptional profile was observed only in regenerating tissues. These findings highlight the importance of studying diverse regenerating and non‐regenerating organisms for complete understanding of regeneration.
What state of the world are we in? Targeted monitoring to detect transitions in vegetation restoration projects
Authors: Jones Christopher Stuart , Thomas Freya Mary , Michael Damian Richard , Fraser Hannah , Gould Elliot , Begley Jim , Wilson Jenny , Vesk Peter Anton , Rumpff Libby
Published: August 2022

Monitoring vegetation restoration is challenging because monitoring is costly, requires long‐term funding, and involves monitoring multiple vegetation variables that are often not linked back to learning about progress toward objectives. There is a clear need for the development of targeted monitoring programs that focus on a reduced set of variables that are tied to specific restoration objectives. In this paper, we present a method to progress the development of a targeted monitoring program, using a pre‐existing state‐and‐transition model. We (1) use field data to validate an expert‐derived classification of woodland vegetation states; (2) use these data to identify which variable(s) help differentiate woodland states; and (3) identify the target threshold (for the variable) that signifies if the desired transition has been achieved. The measured vegetation variables from each site in this study were good predictors of the different states. We show that by measuring only a few of these variables, it is possible to assign the vegetation state for a collection of sites, and monitor if and when a transition to another state has occurred. For this ecosystem and state‐and‐transition models, out of nine vegetation variables considered, the density of immature trees and percentage of exotic understory vegetation cover were the variables most frequently specified as effective to define a threshold or transition. We synthesize findings by presenting a decision tree that provides practical guidance for the development of targeted monitoring strategies for woodland vegetation.
Winter locations of red‐throated divers from geolocation and feather isotope signatures
Authors: Duckworth James , O'Brien Susan , Petersen Ib K. , Petersen Aevar , Benediktsson Guðmundur , Johnson Logan , Lehikoinen Petteri , Okill David , Väisänen Roni , Williams Jim , Williams Stuart , Daunt Francis , Green Jonathan A.
Published: August 2022

Migratory species have geographically separate distributions during their annual cycle, and these areas can vary between populations and individuals. This can lead to differential stress levels being experienced across a species range. Gathering information on the areas used during the annual cycle of red‐throated divers (RTDs; Gavia stellata) has become an increasingly pressing issue, as they are a species of concern when considering the effects of disturbance from offshore wind farms and the associated ship traffic. Here, we use light‐based geolocator tags, deployed during the summer breeding season, to determine the non‐breeding winter location of RTDs from breeding locations in Scotland, Finland, and Iceland. We also use δ15N and δ13C isotope signatures, from feather samples, to link population‐level differences in areas used in the molt period to population‐level differences in isotope signatures. We found from geolocator data that RTDs from the three different breeding locations did not overlap in their winter distributions. Differences in isotope signatures suggested this spatial separation was also evident in the molting period, when geolocation data were unavailable. We also found that of the three populations, RTDs breeding in Iceland moved the shortest distance from their breeding grounds to their wintering grounds. In contrast, RTDs breeding in Finland moved the furthest, with a westward migration from the Baltic into the southern North Sea. Overall, these results suggest that RTDs breeding in Finland are likely to encounter anthropogenic activity during the winter period, where they currently overlap with areas of future planned developments. Icelandic and Scottish birds are less likely to be affected, due to less ship activity and few or no offshore wind farms in their wintering distributions. We also demonstrate that separating the three populations isotopically is possible and suggest further work to allocate breeding individuals to wintering areas based solely on feather samples.
Democratizing macroecology: Integrating unoccupied aerial systems with the National Ecological Observatory Network
Authors: Koontz Michael J. , Scholl Victoria M. , Spiers Anna I. , Cattau Megan E. , Adler John , McGlinchy Joseph , Goulden Tristan , Melbourne Brett A. , Balch Jennifer K.
Published: August 2022

Macroecology research seeks to understand ecological phenomena with causes and consequences that accumulate, interact, and emerge across scales spanning several orders of magnitude. Broad‐extent, fine‐grain information (i.e., high spatial resolution data over large areas) is needed to adequately capture these cross‐scale phenomena, but these data have historically been costly to acquire and process. Unoccupied aerial systems (UAS or drones carrying a sensor payload) and the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON) make the broad‐extent, fine‐grain observational domain more accessible to researchers by lowering costs and reducing the need for highly specialized equipment. Integration of these tools can further democratize macroecological research, as their strengths and weaknesses are complementary. However, using these tools for macroecology can be challenging because mental models are lacking, thus requiring large up‐front investments in time, energy, and creativity to become proficient. This challenge inspired a working group of UAS‐using academic ecologists, NEON professionals, imaging scientists, remote sensing specialists, and aeronautical engineers at the 2019 NEON Science Summit in Boulder, Colorado, to synthesize current knowledge on how to use UAS with NEON in a mental model for an intended audience of ecologists new to these tools. Specifically, we provide (1) a collection of core principles for collecting high‐quality UAS data for NEON integration and (2) a case study illustrating a sample workflow for processing UAS data into meaningful ecological information and integrating it with NEON data collected on the ground—with the Terrestrial Observation System—and remotely—from the Airborne Observation Platform. With this mental model, we advance the democratization of macroecology by making a key observational domain—the broad‐extent, fine‐grain domain—more accessible via NEON/UAS integration.
Resistance of groundwater invertebrates to droughts: Two new cases in planarians and isopods
Authors: Manenti Raoul , Barzaghi Benedetta , Toffola Roberto Della , Lapadula Stefano
Published: August 2022

Benthic invertebrate communities are deeply influenced by hydrological variability in surface freshwater habitats. However, the responses of macroinvertebrates composing stygofauna in aquifers and unsaturated groundwater environments are not well understood nor specifically studied. Here, we present two new cases of resistance to drying in groundwater‐dwelling animals: planarians of the genus Dendrocoelum and the isopod crustacean Monolistra pavani. Multiple surveys were performed in 53 caves of the Italian Alps and Apennines, sampling different stable and unstable subterranean aquatic environments. Planarians and crustaceans were searched visually and by distressing the substrate. When we detected individuals in dry sectors, we photographed them, observed their features, and released them in pools or streams of the same cave. We rinsed dry individuals of M. pavani in small tanks and recorded the time of reactivation. In a dried subterranean stream, we observed a Dendrocoelum planarian encapsulated in a thick mucus layer, which after a total of 5 min started gliding slowly and reached a length of 18 mm. During the drought of January–April 2022, we detected several individuals of M. pavani in dry areas of two caves. In total, 72% of the tested individuals were able to reactivate. This percentage decreased to 42% after 20 days of dryness. Time to reactivate ranged between 0 and 30 s. Living individuals were observed even after 39 days of drought. Our observations provide new insights into the natural history of groundwater‐dwelling invertebrate taxa that are often neglected in the studies of freshwater ecology. Resistance of groundwater‐dwelling animals to droughts has several implications for global climatic changes and could be species‐ and site‐specific, as previously observed in surface macroinvertebrates.
Albiglutide in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart failure: a post‐hoc analysis from Harmony Outcomes
Authors: Ferreira João Pedro , Sharma Abhinav , Vasques‐Nóvoa Francisco , Angélico‐Gonçalves António , Leite Ana Rita , Borges‐Canha Marta , Carvalho Davide , Packer Milton , Zannad Faiez , Leite‐Moreira Adelino , Neves João Sérgio
Published: August 2022

Aim

Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP1‐RA) improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). However, some studies suggest that their effects in patients with heart failure (HF) may be attenuated. We aimed to explore the effects of the GLP1‐RA albiglutide on HF outcomes in patients with and without HF history enrolled in the Harmony Outcomes trial.

Methods and results

Harmony Outcomes enrolled patients with T2D and cardiovascular disease randomized to either albiglutide or placebo over a median follow‐up of 1.6 years. A total of 9462 patients were included, of whom 1922 (20%) had HF history. Patients with HF had more cardiovascular comorbidities, poorer renal function, and had a three to four‐fold higher risk of HF events compared to patients without HF. Compared to placebo, the effect of albiglutide on the composite of cardiovascular death or HF hospitalization was more pronounced among patients without HF (hazard ratio [HR] 0.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.56–0.95) than in patients with HF (HR 1.06, 95% CI 0.79–1.43) (interaction p = 0.062). A similar pattern was observed for HF hospitalizations (interaction p = 0.025). The effect of albiglutide on cardiovascular death, sudden death or ‘pump failure’ death, and all‐cause mortality was also attenuated among patients with HF history, but without significant interaction (p > 0.1). The benefit of albiglutide to reduce atherosclerotic events was consistent regardless of HF history.

Conclusions

In patients with T2D and cardiovascular disease, albiglutide appeared to have no effect in reducing HF‐related events among patients with HF history. These findings, placed in the context of other trials, suggest that GLP1‐RA may not improve HF outcomes in patients with HF.
First Synthesis, Confirmation of Stereochemistry, and Cytotoxic Activity of Oxyfungiformin
Authors: Rahelivao Marie Pascaline , Bauer Ingmar , Lübken Tilo , Kataeva Olga , Vehlow Anne , Cordes Nils , Knölker Hans‐Joachim
Published: August 2022

The relative configuration of the marine sesquiterpenoid oxyfungiformin, isolated from the soft coral Capnella fungiformis, was confirmed by synthesis using the natural product guaiol as chiral precursor. The absolute configuration of oxyfungiformin could be assigned by combination of X‐ray diffraction and comparison of the values for the specific optical rotation. Oxyfungiformin and a diastereoisomer showed cytotoxic activity in cells originating from cancers of the lung, breast, and cervix.
Cloud‐based authentication and key management protocol for advanced metering infrastructure in smart grid
Authors: Roman Luis Fernando Arias , de Gondim Paulo Roberto
Published: August 2022

In smart grid networks, the advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) enables sensors and communication networks to measure electricity consumed or generated by users. However, among the challenges to be overcome related to security in the AMI system is resistance to computer attacks, such as impersonation, denial of service, man in the middle, and redirection, which can compromise privacy, confidentiality, and availability of electrical systems. An efficient and effective authentication system is necessary to guarantee the privacy and confidentiality of data without compromising system performance, thus characterizing a challenge (need for a tradeoff between security and performance), which involves limited computing power and bandwidth and a high number of meters to be installed in a certain geographic area. This article introduces a group authentication and key agreement protocol that ensures both confidentiality and privacy of communications and avoids several computer attacks. It showed better communication and computational cost‐based performance compared to other protocols. Automated validation of internet security protocols and applications formally validated it, while security protocol animator tool simulated an intrusion, with good results.
Enhancement of thermal stability and flame retardancy of ethylene vinyl acetate/magnesium hydroxide composite by carbon black
Authors: Guo Yiming , Liu Jichun , Luo Jie , Liu Hongyu , Peng Shuge
Published: August 2022

Nano‐sized carbon black (CB) was introduced to ethylene vinyl acetate/magnesium hydroxide (EVA/MH) composite by melt compounding and the EVA/MH/CB ternary composites were investigated in terms of their thermal, flame retardant, mechanical, and electrical properties. The results indicate that the introduction of MH and CB has no impact on thermal degradation mechanism of EVA, but inhibits its degradation substantially. The presence of CB can hinder thermo‐oxidative degradation and increase thermal stability of the EVA/MH composite significantly. The addition of CB increases the flame‐retardant efficiency of MH effectively. The EVA/MH/CB composite with 3.6% CB can achieve V‐0 rating and its peak heat release rate is 23% smaller than that of the EVA/MH composite, which only achieves V‐2 rating in UL‐94 test. The improvement in flame retardancy happens in condensed phase. On the whole, the introduction of proper CB can enhance the thermal and flame‐retardant properties of EVA/MH composite considerably without damaging its mechanical and electrical performances. This work provides a simple and cost‐effective method to further increase the properties of EVA/MH composite for wire and cable industry.
The regulatory effects of Pseudostellaria heterophylla polysaccharide on immune function and gut flora in immunosuppressed mice
Authors: Kan Yongjun , Liu Yingying , Huang Yating , Zhao Li , Jiang Chang , Zhu Yanjin , Pang Ziqin , Hu Juan , Pang Wensheng , Lin Wenxiong
Published: August 2022

Polysaccharide (PF40) has been recognized as a main bioactive substances in Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Miq.). The current study explored the potential protective effects of PF40 on immune system in mice with cyclophosphamide‐induced immunosuppression. The mice were intragastric administered PF40 at the dosage of 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg once daily for 30 days, On the 24th and 25th day, the additional intraperitoneal injection of PF40 (50 mg/kg) were administered. The results showed that PF40 enhanced the cell‐mediated immunity via improvements in macrophage phagocytosis, splenocyte proliferation, NK cell activity and delayed type hypersensitivity. Equally, it improves humoral immunity through promoting the formation of serum hemolysin. Moreover, PF40 maintain the immune balance of splenic lymphocytes and altered the intestinal physiological status in Cyp‐induced mice. PF40 regulates the intestinal microbiota by restoring the relative abundance of Odoribacter and Mucispirillum and reducing the relative abundance of Sporosarcina, Yaniella, and Jeotgalicoccus in Cyp‐intervened mice. The findings suggested that PF40 might be a promising natural functional foods for reducing chemotherapy‐induced immunosuppression.