bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrochemical CO2 Reduction by Urea Hangman Mn Terpyridine species
Authors: Li Minghong , Huang Fang , Zhang Ping , Xiong Ying , Zhang Yaping , Li Fei , Chen Lin
Published: February 2024

Based on our previous study in chemical subtleties of the proton tunneling distance for metal hydride formation (PTD‐MH) to regulate the selectivity of CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), we have developed a family of Mn terpyridine derivatives, in which urea groups functions as multipoint hydrogen‐bonding hangman to accelerate the reaction rate. We found that such changes to the second coordination sphere significantly increased the turnover frequency (TOF) for CO2 reduction to ca. 360
with this family of molecular catalysts while maintaining high selectivity (ca. 100 %±3) for CO even in the presence of a large amount of phenol as proton source. Notably, the compounds studied in this manuscript all exhibit large value for
as that achieved by Fe porphyrins derivates, while saving up to 0.55 V in overpotential with respect to the latter.
Metal‐(Acyclic Diaminocarbene) Complexes Demonstrate Nanomolar Antiproliferative Activity against Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Katkova Svetlana A. , Bunev Alexander S. , Gasanov Rovshan E. , Khochenkov Dmitry A. , Kulsha Andrey V. , Ivashkevich Oleg A. , Serebryanskaya Tatiyana V. , Kinzhalov Mikhail A.
Published: February 2024

Hydrolytically stable PdII and PtII complexes supported by acyclic diaminocarbene ligands represent a novel class of structural organometallic anticancer agents exhibiting nanomolar antiproliferative activity in a panel of cancer cell lines (IC50 0.07–0.81 μM) and up to 300‐fold selectivity for cancer cells over normal primary fibroblasts. The lead drug candidate was 300 times more potent than cisplatin in vitro and showed higher efficacy in reducing the growth of aggressive MDA‐MB‐231 xenograft tumors in mice.
Synthesis and Investigation of a Soluble Distannene with no Trans‐Bent Angle or Twisting in the Solid‐State
Authors: Kimmich Roman , Kern Ralf H. , Strienz Markus , Koldemir Aylin , Eichele Klaus , Pöttgen Rainer , Wesemann Lars , Schnepf Andreas
Published: February 2024

By treating KSiiPr3 with Sn[N(SiMe3)2]2 the distannene Sn2(TIPS)4 (TIPS=SiiPr3) is formed in a metathesis reaction. The crystal structure analysis of Sn2(TIPS)4 reveals a planar arrangement of the substituents in the solid‐state and hence the second planar alkene like distannene of its kind. Due to the TIPS substituents, Sn2(TIPS)4 is well soluble in all commonly used organic solvents, opening the door for various analytics and reactivity studies. Due to its stability in solution, various reactions can be performed such as cycloaddition reactions with 2,3‐dimethyl‐1,3‐butadiene (DMBD) and TMS‐azide.
Triplet Energy Transfer Mechanism in Copper Photocatalytic N‐ and O‐Methylation
Authors: Hoving Martijn , Haaksma Jacob‐Jan , Stoppel Anne , Chronc Lukas , Hoffmann Jonas , Beil Sebastian B.
Published: February 2024

Methylation reactions are chemically simple but challenging to perform under mild and non‐toxic conditions. A photochemical energy transfer strategy was merged with copper catalysis to enable fast reaction times of minutes and broad applicability to N‐heterocycles, (hetero−)aromatic carboxylic acids, and drug‐like molecules in high yields and good functional group tolerance. Detailed mechanistic investigations, using kinetic analysis, aprotic MS, UV/Vis, and luminescence quenching experiments revealed a triplet‐triplet energy transfer mechanism between hypervalent iodine(III) reagents and readily available photosensitizers.
Clinical characteristics and statin eligibility of patients under 50 with ST‐elevation myocardial infarction
Authors: Haq Ayman , Walser‐Kuntz Evan , Gamam Abdulrahman , Albers Alexis , Bae Aaron , Benson Gretchen , Miedema Michael D. , Makori Jessica , Cahnbley Melina
Published: February 2024

Aims

This study seeks to understand the clinical characteristics, risk factors, and statin eligibility of younger adults who present with STEMI.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospective cohort of STEMI patients <50 years. Baseline characteristics, medical history, prior medications, drug use, lipid profiles, cardiovascular risk factors were examined. Ten‐year ASCVD risk was calculated utilizing the Pooled Cohort Equations. Statin eligibility was determined according to the 2019 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) and the 2022 US Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) guidelines.

Results

Six hundred and thirty‐five individuals were included, the majority were men (82.4%) and white (89%), with a median age was 46.9 [42.0–48.0]. The most prevalent risk factors were current smoking (59%), hyperlipidemia (44%), and hypertension (37%). Drug use was rare (8.3%). Preventative medication use was low, aspirin was the most common (14%), followed by ACE inhibitors/ARBs (12%), statins (11%), and beta‐blockers (9.1%). Mean HDL‐C was low at 36.4 ± 12.0 mg/dL, while mean LDL was unremarkable at 112.4 ± 37.9 mg/dL. According to the 2019 ACC/AHA guidelines, 45.5% were classified as statin recommended, 8.7% were classified as statin considered, and 45.8% were classified as statin not recommended. According to the 2022 USPSTF guidelines, 29% were classified as statin recommended, 12.4% were classified as statin considered, and 58.6% were classified as statin not recommended.

Conclusions

Younger adults with STEMI exhibit high rates of tobacco use and low rates of preventative medications use. Approximately half of the cohort did not meet criteria for statin initiation.
Tube law parametrization using in vitro data for one‐dimensional blood flow in arteries and veins
Authors: Colombo Chiara , Siviglia Annunziato , Toro Eleuterio F. , Bia Daniel , Zócalo Yanina , Müller Lucas O.
Published: February 2024

The deformability of blood vessels in one‐dimensional blood flow models is typically described through a pressure‐area relation, known as the tube law. The most used tube laws take into account the elastic and viscous components of the tension of the vessel wall. Accurately parametrizing the tube laws is vital for replicating pressure and flow wave propagation phenomena. Here, we present a novel mathematical‐property‐preserving approach for the estimation of the parameters of the elastic and viscoelastic tube laws. Our goal was to estimate the parameters by using ovine and human in vitro data, while constraining them to meet prescribed mathematical properties. Results show that both elastic and viscoelastic tube laws accurately describe experimental pressure‐area data concerning both quantitative and qualitative aspects. Additionally, the viscoelastic tube law can provide a qualitative explanation for the observed hysteresis cycles. The two models were evaluated using two approaches: (i) allowing all parameters to freely vary within their respective ranges and (ii) fixing some of the parameters. The former approach was found to be the most suitable for reproducing pressure‐area curves.
“The early bird catches the worm”—Prediction of early response and its importance for treatment outcome in a naturalistic setting of cognitive behaviour therapy
Authors: Röhrig Bonnie , Witthöft Michael , Herpertz Stephan , Petrak Frank
Published: February 2024

Objective

Knowledge about predictors of early response (ER) remains limited. This study examined patient, process, and therapist variables to predict ER in a naturalistic setting.

Research Design and Methods

Data from 493 psychotherapy outpatients were analysed. ER was defined by a ≥25% reduction in general psychological distress (ER percent) and by the reliable change index (ER RCI) within the first 10 sessions measured by the Brief Symptom Inventory‐18. ER prediction was determined using logistic regression. General psychological distress (GSI) throughout treatment in patients with and without ER was modelled using a multilevel linear model. This model aimed to predict GSI over treatment using repeated measurements, considering group affiliation (ER percent vs. no ER percent), controlled for other predictors.

Results

The prevalence of ER percent and ER RCI were 63.6% and 47.5%, respectively. GSI and therapeutic relationship significantly predicted ER (ER percent: χ2 (6) 70.32, p < .001, Nagelkerkes R2 = .19; ER RCI: χ2 (6) 134.71, p < .001, Nagelkerkes R2 = .35). Patients who rated the therapeutic relationship more positively were more likely to achieve ER (OR = 1.10). Difference in outcomes between patients with and without ER during treatment was influenced by factors such as therapeutic relationship, GSI, therapist experience, and mental comorbidities. Including these variables improved the predictive model from AIC = 17,042.98 to AIC = 16,730.24.

Conclusion

The therapeutic relationship is a crucial predictor of ER. Patients achieving ER tend to have better outcome than those without ER. The early phase of therapy warrants particular attention to enhance psychotherapy outcomes.
Phenotypic characterization of Southeastern United States open‐pollinated maize landraces
Authors: Woore Matthew S. , Flint‐Garcia Sherry A. , Holland James B.
Published: February 2024

Maize (Zea mays L. subsp. mays) is the most important crop in the United States, but maize food and distillation products often rely on varieties that are not bred explicitly for these purposes. Farmers targeting niche food grain markets have expressed interest in historical open‐pollinated varieties of maize, but few such populations are widely available, and even fewer are well‐characterized. We planted field trials of 76 open‐pollinated heirloom varieties available from seed catalogs and the United States Department of Agriculture germplasm collection along with four F1 hybrid cultivars. We measured 24 traits across 3 years and three locations to characterize the selected varieties and measure their phenotypic relationships. We identified a subset of 19 traits with heritability >0.5 and pairwise correlation coefficients not exceeding 0.9 for phenotypic analysis. Our results demonstrate that many historical accessions contain substantial genetic variation that should permit improvement from within‐population selection. Variety name and origin are often not useful indicators of phenotypic relationships or potential crop value, although Hickory King varieties have maintained their identity even following global dispersion. Cluster analysis identifies nine morphologically distinct groups within the varieties tested, which are largely in agreement with previously proposed landrace groupings. Our results suggest a complex intermixing of Southern Dents with other maize types, rather than a clear distinction between Southern Dents and Derived Southern Dents, however. Genetic analysis of larger samples of US open‐pollinated populations will help better define the natural classification of maize indigenous to the United States.
Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification assay: A novel disease diagnostics tool in sweetpotato seed quality assurance
Authors: Wanjala Bramwel W. , Kreuze Jan F. , McEwan Margaret A. , Low Jan W.
Published: February 2024

Sweetpotato is an important food crop in global production. However, sweetoptato viruses pose a threat to sustainable agriculture and cause significant economic loss. More than 30 viruses have been reported to date, with sweet potato feathery mottle virus (SPFMV) and sweet potato chlorotic stunt virus (SPCSV) occurring frequently and in combination, causing sweetpotato virus disease. The detection of viruses directly from sweetpotato is still a challenge, and efforts are being made toward this front. Therefore, rapid detection of viruses is critical for effective control. Current diagnostic tests are not sufficiently sensitive to reliably detect viruses directly from sweetpotato and require expensive laboratory equipment and a high level of skilled experience. Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is sensitive and specific for both DNA/RNA amplification; it is affordable and its characteristics make it potentially suitable for on‐site testing. LAMP assays have been developed for several sweetpotato viruses: SPCSV, SPFMV, and sweet potato leaf curl virus (and related sweepoviruses). Laboratory validation showed a 100% diagnostic sensitivity for all three viruses. The LAMP on‐site testing results were comparable to those of polymerase chain reaction and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction confirmatory laboratory tests. Interlab validation and packaging into affordable kits will ensure high adoption in sub‐Saharan Africa. The LAMP assay can be used for field surveys and monitoring the phytosanitary status of pre‐basic seed production in quarantine or certification program. This guarantees pathogen‐free planting material enters the seed system. We discuss opportunities for LAMP as a diagnostic assay for the rapid detection of sweetpotato viruses and its adoption as a quality control system for planting materials.
The effect of environmental, social, and governance disclosure and real earning management on the cost of financing
Authors: Amarna Khayria , Garde Sánchez Raquel , López‐Pérez Maria Victoria , Marzouk Mahmoud
Published: February 2024

This study identifies if sustainable development practices measured through ESG information disclosure are related to stakeholder confidence, leading to a lower cost of debt and equity financing. We also investigate the possible moderating role of real earnings management. We apply a fixed effects panel data analysis to 1659 firm‐year observations of 177 European companies from 2010 to 2019. The results show that investors value ESG disclosure negatively and increase the cost of equity, whereas lenders value it positively and reduce the cost of debt. In addition, when the moderating effect of real earnings management is introduced, the effect of ESG disclosure on the cost of debt decreases, and the effect of ESG disclosure on the cost of equity is reinforced by increasing it. In the presence of real earnings management, investors and lenders seem to think companies use ESG disclosure to legitimise their practices or mislead financing providers.
Boosting Dimethyl Carbonate Production from CO2 and Methanol using Ceria‐Ionic Liquid Catalyst
Authors: Asare‐Bediako Bernard Baffour , Li Mi , Houston Austin , Vilmercati Paolo , Mannella Norman , Labbé Nicole , Abdoulmoumine Nourredine
Published: February 2024

As a crucial strategy towards a sustainable chemical industry, the direct synthesis of dimethyl carbonate (DMC) from renewable carbon dioxide (CO2) and methanol (MeOH) is studied using CeO2 nanoparticles modified with 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium hydrogen carbonate ([BMIm][HCO3]) devoid of stoichiometric dehydrating agents. The synthesized CeO2@[BMIm][HCO3] catalyst having high thermal stability harnesses the unique physicochemical properties of CeO2 and the ionic liquid to exhibit a DMC yield of 10.4 % and a methanol conversion of 16.1 % at optimal conditions (pressure of CO2=5 MPa; temperature=130 °C). The catalytic behavior of CeO2@[BMIm][HCO3] studied with a detailed XRD, XPS, CO2 and NH3‐TPD, Raman spectroscopy, TGA, FTIR, SEM and TEM suggests that the synergy between the two catalytic components originating from an increased surface oxygen vacancies boosts the overall catalytic performance. After several recycling tests, the catalyst demonstrated no significant reduction in DMC yield and methanol conversion. This platform is an attractive approach to synthesize thermally stable nanoparticle@ionic liquid that retains and merges the physical attributes of both materials for producing useful bulk chemicals from readily available chemical resources.
On the Thomas–Fermi model: Gabor J. Kalman's contribution and numerical approximations
Authors: Pain Jean‐Christophe
Published: February 2024

In this article, we would like to pay tribute to Gabor Kalman, outlining his contribution to a model widely used in dense plasma physics: the high‐temperature Thomas–Fermi model. The approach of Ruoxian Ying and Kalman relies on the separation of the bound and free electrons, a physically reasonable definition of the bound electrons, a description of the source density in the Poisson equation through the electron–ion and ion–ion pair correlation functions and a determination of the degree of ionization from the minimization of the total free energy. We also report on different approximations of the function , which is a cornerstone of the original Thomas‐Femi model.
Future curriculum‐makers: The role of professional experience placements as sites of learning about curriculum‐making for preservice teachers
Authors: Poulton Phillip , Golledge Claire
Published: February 2024

The teaching profession and initial teacher education face ongoing pressures which challenge how teachers' work with curriculum is positioned. Within Australia, recent reviews into initial teacher education have emphasised the need for ‘classroom ready’ graduates with knowledge of ‘proven’ pedagogical approaches. Parallel to this has been increasing push for ‘ready‐made’ curriculum materials to be made available to all teachers for their use in classrooms. This discourse espouses curriculum as a product, positioning preservice teachers as future ‘deliverers’ of prescriptive forms of curriculum and dismissing their future potential as classroom curriculum‐makers who engage with curriculum as a process, and think systematically and critically about their curriculum choices. In this paper, we explore the classroom curriculum‐making experiences of two preservice teachers, and the role of professional experience placements as key sites of learning about curriculum‐making, noting this as a significantly under‐researched theme in existing literature. Our in‐depth exploration of these individual cases highlights the contrasting opportunities these teachers had to engage with curriculum as a process, identifying, enabling and constraining structures within these placements which impact on preservice teachers' development, and future potential, as curriculum‐makers. We contend that the pursuit of Lawrence Stenhouse's vision of curriculum work as an iterative, enquiry process driven by and for teachers rests not only on the way in which initial teacher education frames curriculum work in theory, but also in the way it is modelled to preservice teachers during their professional experience placements.
APOE ε4 allele status modulates the spatial patterns of progressive atrophy in the temporal lobes after mild traumatic brain injury
Authors: Gan Shuoqiu , Sun Yingxiang , Liu Kejia , Jia Xiaoyan , Li Xuan , Zhang Ming , Bai Lijun
Published: February 2024

INTRODUCTION

We evaluated how the apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele modulated the spatial patterns of longitudinal atrophy in the Alzheimer's disease–vulnerable brain areas of patients with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) from the acute to chronic phase post injury.

METHODS

Fifty‐nine adult patients with acute mTBI and 48 healthy controls with APOE ε4 allele testing underwent T1‐weighted magnetic resonance imaging and neuropsychological assessments with 6 to 12 months of follow‐up. Progressive brain volume loss was compared voxel‐wise in the temporal lobes.

RESULTS

Patients with the APOE ε4 allele presented significant longitudinal atrophy in the left superior and middle temporal gyri, where the progressive gray matter volume loss predicted longitudinal impairment in language fluency, whereas mTBI APOE ε4 allele noncarriers showed mainly significant longitudinal atrophy in the medial temporal lobes, without significant neuropsychological relevance.

DISCUSSION

The atrophy progression observed in mTBI patients with the APOE ε4 allele may increase the possibility of developing a specific phenotype of Alzheimer's disease with language dysfunction.

Highlights

The apolipoprotein E (APOE) ε4 allele and mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) are risk factors for Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression.

It is unclear how the interaction of mTBI with the APOE ε4 allele impacts the progressive atrophy topography in AD‐vulnerable brain regions.

In this study, patients with the APOE ε4 allele showed progressive atrophy patterns similar to the early stage of logopenic variant of primary progressive aphasia (lvPPA) phenotype of AD.

APOE ε4 allele carriers with mTBI history may be at the risk of developing a given AD phenotype with language dysfunction.
Conservation detection dogs: A critical review of efficacy and methodology
Authors: McKeague Beth , Finlay Caroline , Rooney Nicola
Published: February 2024

Conservation detection dogs (CDD) use their exceptional olfactory abilities to assist a wide range of conservation projects through the detection of target specimens or species. CDD are generally quicker, can cover wider areas and find more samples than humans and other analytical tools. However, their efficacy varies between studies; methodological and procedural standardisation in the field is lacking. Considering the cost of deploying a CDD team and the limited financial resources within conservation, it is vital that their performance is quantified and reliable. This review aims to summarise what is currently known about the use of scent detection dogs in conservation and elucidate which factors affect efficacy. We describe the efficacy of CDD across species and situational contexts like training and fieldwork. Reported sensitivities (i.e. the proportion of target samples found out of total available) ranged from 23.8% to 100% and precision rates (i.e. proportion of alerts that are true positives) from 27% to 100%. CDD are consistently shown to be better than other techniques, but performance varies substantially across the literature. There is no consistent difference in efficacy between training, testing and fieldwork, hence we need to understand the factors affecting this. We highlight the key variables that can alter CDD performance. External effects include target odour, training methods, sample management, search methodology, environment and the CDD handler. Internal effects include dog breed, personality, diet, age and health. Unfortunately, much of the research fails to provide adequate information on the dogs, handlers, training, experience and samples. This results in an inability to determine precisely why an individual study has high or low efficacy. It is clear that CDDs can be effective and applied to possibly limitless conservation scenarios, but moving forward researchers must provide more consistent and detailed methodologies so that comparisons can be conducted, results are more easily replicated and progress can be made in standardising CDD work.
The influence of incubation temperature on offspring traits varies across northern and southern populations of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Smaga Christopher R. , Bock Samantha L. , Johnson Josiah M. , Rainwater Thomas , Singh Randeep , Deem Vincent , Letter Andrew , Brunell Arnold , Parrott Benjamin B.
Published: February 2024

Maternal provisioning and the developmental environment are fundamental determinants of offspring traits, particularly in oviparous species. However, the extent to which embryonic responses to these factors differ across populations to drive phenotypic variation is not well understood. Here, we examine the contributions of maternal provisioning and incubation temperature to hatchling morphological and metabolic traits across four populations of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis), encompassing a large portion of the species' latitudinal range. Our results show that whereas the influence of egg mass is generally consistent across populations, responses to incubation temperature show population‐level variation in several traits, including mass, head length, head width, and residual yolk mass. Additionally, the influence of incubation temperature on developmental rate is greater at northern populations, while the allocation of maternal resources toward fat body mass is greater at southern populations. Overall, our results suggest that responses to incubation temperature, relative to maternal provisioning, are a larger source of interpopulation phenotypic variation and may contribute to the local adaptation of populations.
Genetic differentiation and bottleneck effects in the malaria vectors Anopheles farauti and Anopheles punctulatus after an LLIN‐based vector control program in Papua New Guinea
Authors: Keven John B. , Vinit Rebecca , Katusele Michelle , Reimer Lisa J. , Zimmerman Peter A. , Karl Stephan , Walker Edward D.
Published: February 2024

Implementation of long‐lasting insecticide‐treated net (LLIN) programs to control human malaria transmission leads to substantial reductions in the abundance of Anopheles mosquitoes, but the impact on the population genetic structure of the malaria vectors is poorly known, nor has it been investigated in Papua New Guinea, where malaria is highly endemic and where several species of Anopheles have vector roles. Here, we applied Wright's F‐statistic, analysis of molecular variance, Bayesian structure analysis, and discriminant analysis of principle components to microsatellite genotype data to analyze the population genetic structure of Anopheles farauti between and within the northern and southern lowland plains and of Anopheles punctulatus within the northern plain of Papua New Guinea after such a program. Bottleneck effects in the two malaria vectors were analyzed using Luikart and Cornuet's tests of heterozygosity. A large, panmictic population of An. punctulatus pre‐LLIN program diverged into two subregional populations corresponding to Madang and East Sepik provinces post‐LLIN distribution and experienced a genetic bottleneck during this process. By contrast, the An. farauti population existed as two regional populations isolated by mountain ranges pre‐LLIN, a genetic structure that persisted after the distribution of LLINs with no further geographic differentiation nor evidence of a genetic bottleneck. These findings show the differential response of populations of different vector species to interventions, which has implications for program sustainability and gene flow.
Feasting on the ordinary or starving for the exceptional in a warming climate: Phenological synchrony between spongy moth (Lymantria dispar) and budburst of six European tree species
Authors: Vitasse Yann , Pohl Nora , Walde Manuel G. , Nadel Hannah , Gossner Martin M. , Baumgarten Frederik
Published: February 2024

Global warming is affecting the phenological cycles of plants and animals, altering the complex synchronization that has co‐evolved over thousands of years between interacting species and trophic levels. Here, we examined how warmer winter conditions affect the timing of budburst in six common European trees and the hatching of a generalist leaf‐feeding insect, the spongy moth Lymantria dispar, whose fitness depends on the synchrony between egg hatch and leaf emergence of the host tree. We applied four different temperature treatments to L. dispar eggs and twig cuttings, that mimicked warmer winters and reduced chilling temperatures that are necessary for insect diapause and bud dormancy release, using heated open‐top chambers (ambient or +3.5°C), and heated greenhouses (maintained at >6°C or >10°C). In addition, we conducted preference and performance tests to determine which tree species the larvae prefer and benefit from the most. Budburst success and twig survival were highest for all tree species at ambient temperature conditions, whereas it declined under elevated winter temperature for Tilia cordata and Acer pseudoplatanus, likely due to a lack of chilling. While L. dispar egg hatch coincided with budburst in most tree species within 10 days under ambient conditions, it coincided with budburst only in Quercus robur, Carpinus betulus, and, to a lesser extent, Ulmus glabra under warmer conditions. With further warming, we, therefore, expect an increasing mismatch in trees with high chilling requirements, such as Fagus sylvatica and A. pseudoplatanus, but still good synchronization with trees having low chilling requirements, such as Q. robur and C. betulus. Surprisingly, first instar larvae preferred and gained weight faster when fed with leaves of F. sylvatica, while Q. robur ranked second. Our results suggest that spongy moth outbreaks are likely to persist in oak and hornbeam forests in western and central Europe.
Limited spatiotemporal niche partitioning among mesocarnivores in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Authors: Grabowski Kathryn L. , Phillips Erin M. , Gaynor Kaitlyn M.
Published: February 2024

Competition drives community composition and structure in many ecosystems. Spatial and temporal niche partitioning, in which competing species divide the environment in space or time, are mechanisms that may allow for coexistence among ecologically similar species. Such division of resources may be especially important for carnivores in African savannas, which support diverse carnivore assemblages. We used camera traps to explore patterns of spatial and temporal niche partitioning among four mesocarnivore species in Mozambique's Gorongosa National Park: large‐spotted genet (Genetta maculata), African civet (Civettictis civetta), honey badger (Mellivora capensis) and marsh mongoose (Atilax paludinosus). We applied a multispecies occupancy model to evaluate spatial partitioning among mesocarnivores and to quantify the environmental factors that affect species‐specific habitat use, including relative lion (Panthera leo) activity. We also analyzed the temporal activity overlap of the four focal species. We identified species‐specific habitat covariates that influenced detection probabilities but found no evidence of spatial or temporal partitioning among mesocarnivores in the study system. Indeed, we found some evidence for spatial co‐occurrence between two of our focal species: African civet and marsh mongoose. There may be limited competition among mesocarnivores in this system, perhaps due to niche and diet differentiation among these species and an abundance of resources. While we found limited evidence that lion activity impacts mesocarnivores, ongoing monitoring of intraguild interactions is vital as apex predator populations recover in the system. This study adds to a growing understanding of African mesocarnivore ecology and highlights the importance of understanding these dynamics for effective multispecies conservation and restoration.
Linked selection and the evolution of altruism in family‐structured populations
Authors: Thomson Lia , Espinosa Daniel Priego , Brandvain Yaniv , Van Cleve Jeremy
Published: February 2024

Much research on the evolution of altruism via kin selection, group selection, and reciprocity focuses on the role of a single locus or quantitative trait. Very few studies have explored how linked selection, or selection at loci neighboring an altruism locus, impacts the evolution of altruism. While linked selection can decrease the efficacy of selection at neighboring loci, it might have other effects including promoting selection for altruism by increasing relatedness in regions of low recombination. Here, we used population genetic simulations to study how negative selection at linked loci, or background selection, affects the evolution of altruism. When altruism occurs between full siblings, we found that background selection interfered with selection on the altruistic allele, increasing its fixation probability when the altruistic allele was disfavored and reducing its fixation when the allele was favored. In other words, background selection has the same effect on altruistic genes in family‐structured populations as it does on other, nonsocial, genes. This contrasts with prior research showing that linked selective sweeps can favor the evolution of cooperation, and we discuss possibilities for resolving these contrasting results.
Insights into the spatial ecology of severely injured free‐living felids: Iberian lynx, bobcat, and snow leopard
Authors: Nájera Fernando , Uiterwaal Stella F. , Crespo Elena , Grande‐Gómez Rebeca , Sánchez Juan Francisco , Mata‐Huete Manuel , Palmer Jamie , Iturrarte Gabone , Peña Jorge , Munkhtsog Bayaraa , Munkhtsog Bariushaa , Poyarkov Andrey D. , Hernandez‐Blanco Jose A. , Alexandrov Dmitry Y. , Galsandorj Naranbaatar , Deem Sharon L.
Published: February 2024

Severe musculoskeletal diseases, such as those associated with congenital or traumatic events, that result in missing limbs may compromise the fitness and survival of free‐living felids. Here we report the space use of four amputee individuals from three felid species captured from 2017 to 2022 in Missouri (USA), Toledo and Badajoz (Spain), and Suitai Khairkhan Mountain (Mongolia). We describe home ranges and daily travel distances post‐release of free‐living felids that had either suffered a traumatic amputation or following a surgical amputation. We compared these data with those reported in the literature for felids without amputations. Forelimb or hindlimb amputation did not affect the hunting, mating, or territory patrolling behavior of any of the individuals. However, we recorded significant differences in the daily movement before and after the traumatic event of the Iberian lynx forelimb amputee. We attribute this difference to the physical impairment, although we consider other variables that may have played a role. Nevertheless, all animals appeared to cope well with their limb loss, showing home ranges and daily distances within those recorded for their sex and species. Unless amputee felids represent a threat to domestic livestock or humans, our data suggest these individuals may remain free‐living as they contribute to local population persistence and appear to maintain good general health and welfare.
Sexual dichromatism in the fur of a bat: An exploration of color differences and potential signaling functions
Authors: Beilke Elizabeth A. , Sanchez Jahshua F. , Hews Diana K. , O'Keefe Joy M.
Published: February 2024

Sex differences in body color (i.e., sexual dichromatism) are rare in bats and, more broadly, in mammals. The eastern red bat (Lasiurus borealis) is a common tree‐roosting bat that occupies much of North America and has long been described as sexually dichromatic. However, previous research on this species found that absolute body size and collection year were better predictors of fur color in preserved specimens than sex. We revisited this issue and photographed 82 live eastern red bats under standardized conditions, then used image analysis to quantify pelage hue, saturation, and value. We used an information theoretic approach to evaluate four competing hypotheses about the principal drivers of color differences in the fur of eastern red bats. Our analyses demonstrated that sex was a better predictor of pelage color than body size; males had redder, more saturated, and lighter pelages than females. Additionally, the fur color of juvenile versus adult bats differed somewhat, as juveniles were darker than adults. In general, absolute body size (i.e., forearm length in bats) was a poor predictor of color in live eastern red bats. In an exploratory post‐hoc analysis, we confirm that fur color is related to body mass (i.e., a proxy for body condition in bats), suggesting color might serve as a sexually selected signal of mate quality in this partially diurnal species. Future work should investigate the functional role of sexual dichromatism in this species, which could be related to signaling or possibly thermoregulation.
Aggregating taxa and the influence of scale: Potential concerns for analysis of stability using functional measures
Authors: Kolasa Jurek , Northey Brooke , Shaikh Mueez , Hammond Matthew
Published: February 2024

A functional group approach to analyzing ecological processes calls for aggregating species populations' data (e.g., biomass, abundance) into larger functional units. This method offers a more direct insight into the coarse community and ecosystem dynamics than a species level. Since aggregation changes the scale of analysis, it is reasonable to expect that the results and inferences will also change. To gauge the nature and size of this effect, we examined two sets of communities using the same methodology at taxonomic and functional levels. We asked how asynchrony among constituent populations stabilizes the regional biomass or abundance in two systems: zooplankton in North American temperate lakes and rock pool invertebrates in Jamaica. We aggregated species into pairs by organism size for the functional level analysis because it correlates well with life history traits. We hypothesized that taxonomical and functional level analyses would yield different pictures and inferences. We analyzed asynchrony among local populations, metapopulations, and populations of different species at different locations. We found that in lakes, different asynchrony classes contributed to the stabilization of the regional metric than in the rock pools. We further found that aggregation of taxa into functional units changed the pattern of differences between lakes and rock pools revealed by taxonomical analysis and that each set of communities responded differently to species lumping. While aggregating taxa leads to different results, the taxonomic and functional lenses add new insights to the biological interpretation of mechanisms stabilizing communities when interpreted jointly. Specifically, population asynchrony—a known stabilizing factor—can provide complementary stabilizing mechanisms when seen through taxonomic and functional lenses. Without exposing these modes, inferences about abundance/biomass/richness stabilizing contributions arising from asynchrony will remain tenuous. Exposing these modes offers a path for significant breakthroughs in linking local, spatial, and functional structures to multispecies system dynamics.
Creating a systematic prioritization of stream reaches for conservation of aquatic species
Authors: Kiser Alexander H. , Craig Cody A. , Bonner Timothy H. , Littrell Brad , Smith Chase H. , Robertson Clinton R. , Wang Hsiao‐Hsuan , Grant William E. , Johnson Matthew S. , Lopez Roel , Randklev Charles R.
Published: February 2024

Human impacts on aquatic ecosystems have resulted in systemic declines of global freshwater species abundance and richness. Conservation and governmental groups worldwide have designated protected areas to preserve the remaining diversity. The biodiversity hotspot approach, which designates areas based on high levels of species richness, has been useful for identifying areas to protect both terrestrial and aquatic species. However, for freshwater species, additional approaches are warranted to identify specific stream reaches for protection and/or restoration. To address this issue, we present a methodology to create a Gridded River Identification System (GRIS) for river segments based on 30 arc‐second grids (~0.9 km) using the USGS National Hydrography High Resolution Dataset. To demonstrate the utility of this approach, we obtained occurrence data for six imperiled freshwater mussel species in Texas and created ensemble species distribution models (ESDMs) based on climate and topographical variables. Predicted occupancies were overlayed onto the GRIS in Texas. The predicted occupancies were rank ordered from 1 to 5, with 1 being the lowest probability of occupancy and 5 being the greatest. The rank‐ordered segments were then used to identify reaches for conservation and restoration activities. Our approach is novel and widely applicable to other freshwater species so long as distribution information is available. The GRIS can also be easily developed for stream systems outside of the current study area. Future studies could build upon our framework by incorporating additional taxa data and projected changes in climate and land use.
Decomposing an elevational gradient in predation by insectivorous birds
Authors: Dean Lydia S. , Vázquez‐González Carla , Hellwitz Sierra , Abdala‐Roberts Luis , Mooney Kailen A.
Published: February 2024

Insectivorous birds have ecologically important effects on prey abundance, behavior, and evolution, and through top‐down control, birds indirectly reduce herbivory and promote plant growth. While several studies sought to characterize biogeographic patterns in top‐down control by birds, variation in bird predation along elevational gradients is not well characterized in terms of both its commonness and the mechanisms underlying such variation. Here, we characterized variation in bird predation along a 700‐m montane elevation gradient using artificial clay caterpillars, assessing the roles of variation in aridity, other elevational effects not associated with aridity (e.g., most notably growing season length), and bird abundance and diversity. Multivariate models revealed increasing attack rates with aridity (when controlling for the effects of elevation) and elevation (when controlling for aridity). Because aridity declines with elevation, elevational patterns were not detectable in a univariate analysis. Bird abundance (but not diversity) decreased with elevation (but not aridity) and did not provide an explanation for our results, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms were behaviorally based. We speculate that the declining abundance of insect prey with elevation and aridity leads to increased bird foraging efforts and thus the likelihood of attacking clay caterpillars. If widespread, these dynamics have important consequences for both the interpretation of predation bioassays generally and our understanding of the multivariate drivers of variation in top‐down control by predators and predation risks experienced by prey.
Pregnancy and cardiac maternal outcomes in women with inherited cardiomyopathy: interest of the CARPREG II risk score
Authors: Wallet Thomas , Legrand Lise , Isnard Richard , Gandjbakhch Estelle , Pousset Françoise , Proukhnitzky Julie , Dommergues Marc , Nizard Jacky , Charron Philippe
Published: February 2024

Aims

Inherited cardiomyopathies are relatively rare but carry a high risk of cardiac maternal morbidity and mortality during pregnancy and postpartum. However, data for risk stratification are scarce. The new CARPREG II score improves prediction of prognosis in pregnancies associated with heart disease, though its role in inherited cardiomyopathies is unclear. We aim to describe characteristics and cardiac maternal outcomes in patients with inherited cardiomyopathy during pregnancy, and to evaluate the interest of the CARPREG II risk score in this population.

Methods and results

In this retrospective single‐centre study, 90 consecutive pregnancies in 74 patients were included (mean age 32 ± 5 years), including 28 cases of dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM), 46 of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, 11 of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy and 5 of left ventricular noncompaction, excluding peripartum cardiomyopathy. The discriminatory power of several risk scores was assessed by the area under the receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC). Median CARPREG II score was 2 [0;3] and was higher in the DCM subgroup. A severe cardiac maternal complication was observed in 18 (20%) pregnancies, mainly driven by arrhythmia and heart failure (each event in 10 pregnancies), with 3 cardiovascular deaths. Forty‐three pregnancies (48%) presented foetal/neonatal complications (18 premature delivery, 3 foetal/neonatal death). CARPREG II was significantly associated with cardiac maternal complications (P < 0.05 for all) and showed a higher AUC (0.782) than CARPREG (0.755), mWHO (0.697) and ZAHARA (0.604).

Conclusions

Pregnancy in women with inherited cardiomyopathy carries a high risk of maternal cardiovascular complications. CARPREG II is the most efficient predictor of cardiovascular complications in this population.
One‐Pot Regioselective γ‐Trifluoromethylthiolation and γ‐Methylthiolation of Enals
Authors: Banoun Camille , Henault Killian , Magnier Emmanuel , Dagousset Guillaume
Published: February 2024

We describe herein the direct electrophilic γ‐trifluoromethylthiolation and γ‐methylthiolation of enals, via the in situ formation of the corresponding silyl dienol ether. This one‐pot process is carried out under simple and mild reaction conditions and is compatible with a variety of functional groups.
A Novel Framework Interweaving in Mesoporous AlPO4 and Its Function in CO2 Decomposition
Authors: Devi Karthika , Kannan Chellapandian
Published: February 2024

Molecular sieves are reported with isomorphous substitution by various metal ions. In this article, interweaving between tetrahedral framework of AlPO4 and the octahedral framework of CoO to produce a novel framework material is investigated; it is named as “Kankarlite” (CoO–AlPO4‐4). It is characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), UV‐Vis analysis, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), temperature programmed desorption (TPD) analysis, and transmission electron microscopy. The special feature of the catalyst is that it has two frameworks that are interweaved together to form a novel framework, which is proved by XRD and the crystal structure is drawn by VESTA software. In CoO framework, oxygen has three coordinations, which is proved by crystal structure. An excess negative charge appears on oxygen, creating an oxyanion. The TPD is also proved the oxyanion formation. This oxyanion is responsible for decomposing CO2 with high selectivity and conversion. The AlPO4 framework's function is to create mesopores in the catalyst. The TGA and UV‐Vis analyses prove the interweaving between two frameworks. The BET analysis proves that the Kankarlite has a pore size of 4 nm.
High temperature and fire properties of sustainable syntactic foam reinforced by end‐of‐life tyre‐derived rubber particles
Authors: Buddhacosa Nathaphon , Giustozzi Fillippo , Wang Cheng , Yuen Anthony Chun Yin , Khatibi Akbar , Das Raj , Kandare Everson
Published: February 2024

The management of end‐of‐life tyres faces challenges due to insufficient recycling infrastructure and technologies, as well as limited markets for the materials recovered from them. To mitigate this, waste rubber can be upcycled and used as filler material for polymer matrix composites. Before rubber‐reinforced composites can be certified for fire‐prone applications, their thermal and flammability properties must be understood. This research investigates the effect of rubber fillers on the thermal stability, flammability and flame spread characteristics of epoxy matrix syntactic foam. Thermogravimetric analysis, Fourier Transform Infrared spectrometry (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy and attenuated total reflection FTIR spectrometry were employed to elucidate changes in thermal degradation behaviours. The influence of rubber fillers on the flammability of syntactic foam was assessed using the cone calorimeter. The fire reaction properties of rubber‐reinforced foam were affected by the intensity of the incident heat flux. Regardless of the incident heat flux, an increase in rubber content led to higher total heat release. At the lower heat flux of 35 kW/m2, the fire growth rate increased with rubber content, but at the higher heat flux of 50 kW/m2, the fire growth rate decreased as the rubber content increased. Importantly, all rubber‐reinforced syntactic foams achieved a UL94 HB ranking and exhibited reduced flame spread rates compared to the unmodified foam. This study demonstrated the potential for upcycling waste rubber into sustainable engineering products and expanded the knowledge base on fire reaction properties and flame spread characteristics of such hybrid composite materials.