bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mono‐Palmitoyl‐N‐Alkylurea Ligands as Specific Activators of Human Toll‐Like Receptor 2/6 Heterodimer
Authors: Isendoorn Marjolein M. E. , Castello Giulia , Koç Çağla , Meeuwenoord Nico , Codée Jeroen D. C. , Ossendorp Ferry , Filippov Dmitri V.
Published: October 2024

Ligands for Toll‐like‐receptor 2 (TLR2) have demonstrated significant potential as immune‐stimulating components in synthetic vaccines. Activation of TLR2 relies on the formation of dimeric complexes with either TLR1 or TLR6 and the nature of these dimers can impact therapeutic outcomes. The lipopeptide‐based TLR2 ligands Pam3CysSK4 and Pam2CysSK4 have been extensively studied, and their recognition by different TLR‐receptor heterodimers, TLR2/TLR1 and TLR2/TLR6, respectively, has been established. However, the high lipophilicity of these ligands, containing multiple palmitoyl residues, can result in solubility issues when used as vaccine adjuvants. To address this, we previously synthesized a less lipophilic ligand containing a single palmitoyl chain called mini‐UPam, which effectively stimulates human moDC maturation. We here probe the receptor‐dimer specificity of several mini‐Upam derivatives and reveal that these mini‐UPam are hTLR2/TLR6 selective ligands and that the introduction of longer urea alkyl chains does not shift the binding specificity to hTLR2/TLR1 heterodimers, in contrast to their Pam2CysSK4 and Pam3CysSK4 counterparts, pointing to a different binding mode of the UPam ligands.
Management of iatrogenic ascending aortic dissection after percutaneous intervention of chronic total occlusion
Authors: Safdar Ahmad , Young Laura , Khatri Jaikirshan
Published: October 2024

Background

This study highlights the prevalence and conservative management strategies of iatrogenic ascending aortic dissection after percutaneous intervention (PCI) of chronic total occlusion (CTO).

Methods

Retrospective analysis on patients who underwent CTO PCI from one medical center from 2020 to 2022 was performed by two operators. Data was obtained from the Prospective Global Registry for the Study of CTO database.

Results

Out of 318 patients, there were six reported cases of iatrogenic ascending aortic dissection. The causes of dissection included guiding catheter trauma, antegrade injection, two retrograde injection, and two cases of balloon rupture after lithotripsy. IVUS‐guided stenting of the coronary back to the origin to seal the entry of the dissection flap occurred in two patients. All patients had a conservative management approach. No patient had to undergo urgent surgery.

Conclusion

While the incidence remains rare, complications, including aortic dissection, are more frequent in CTO PCI as compared to non‐CTO PCI. IVUS can be used to complete coronary intervention so long as the patient remains clinically and hemodynamically stable. Patients should have formal imaging with either transesophageal echocardiogram or computed tomography angiography. The outcomes of patients who experience iatrogenic aortic dissection during CTO PCI with stable coronary disease seem to be better than in patients with acute coronary syndrome.
Hydrogenation‐Driven Metal Dispersion and Catalytic Enhancement of Borophane‐Supported Single‐Atom Catalysts for Electrochemical Nitrogen Reduction
Authors: Sun Yi‐Bing , Dang Jing‐Shuang , Zhao Xiang
Published: October 2024

The present study delves into electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) for ammonia synthesis using borophane‐supported single‐atom catalysts (SACs) through density functional theory (DFT) calculations. In comparison to previously reported borophene, which serves as a potential substrate for SACs in NRR, hydrogenated borophane, especially borophane‐2H(B5H2), not only prevents metal aggregation, resulting in stable atomically dispersed metal centers, but also enhances catalytic activity by modulating the metal's charge state. Among all candidates, atomic tungsten anchored on W1/borophane‐2H(B5H2) displays the most favorable NRR activity and product selectivity.
Toughening Healable Supramolecular Double Polymer Networks Based on Hydrogen Bonding and Metal Coordination
Authors: Onori Ilaria , Formon Georges J. M. , Weder Christoph , Augusto Berrocal José
Published: October 2024

Double polymer networks (DNs) consist of two interpenetrating polymer networks and can offer properties that are not merely a sum of the parts. Here, we report an elastic DN made from two supramolecular polymers (SMPs) that consist of the same poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (BA) backbone. The two polymers feature different non‐covalent binding motifs, which form dynamic, reversible cross‐links. The polymers were prepared by reversible addition−fragmentation chain‐transfer polymerization of n‐butyl acrylate and either the self‐complementary hydrogen‐bonding motif 2‐ureido‐4[1H]pyrimidinone, or the 2,6‐bis(1′‐methylbenzimidazolyl)pyridine ligand, which forms complexes with metal ions. The supramolecular DN made by these components combines features of the single networks, including high thermal stability and resistance to creep. The DN further exhibits excellent healability and displays a higher extensibility and a higher toughness than its constituents. The mechanical characteristics of the DN can be further enhanced by selectively pre‐stretching one of the networks, which is readily possible due to the reversible formation of the supramolecular cross‐links and their orthogonal stimuli‐responsiveness.
Intraoperative peritoneal cytology for cervical gastric‐type adenocarcinoma: Cytopathology and clinical impact
Authors: Takigawa Waku , Yoshida Hiroshi , Kitamura Shoichi , Tokutake Chika , Kondo Madoka , Fujima Mizuho , Shibuki Yasuo , Kobayashi‐Kato Mayumi , Tanase Yasuhito , Uno Masaya , Ishikawa Mitsuya
Published: October 2024

Background

The objective of this study was to elucidate the frequency and cytologic features of positive peritoneal washing cytology (PWC) in cervical gastric‐type adenocarcinoma (GAS) and to clarify the clinical significance of positive PWC.

Methods

The authors analyzed cases from their institution between 1991 and 2023 in which patients underwent surgery and PWC. The study included 62 patients who had cervical GAS (1991–2023; including seven patients with adenocarcinoma in situ and 26, 15, nine, and five patients with International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2018 stage I, II, III, and IV disease, respectively) and 100 patients who had usual‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma (2007–2023; including 65, 15, and 20 patients with stage I, II, and III disease, respectively). The frequency of positive PWC results and cytologic features was assessed, and correlations between positive PWC results and clinicopathologic factors were examined, including prognosis, in the GAS group.

Results

Positive PWC results were significantly more frequent in patients who had GAS at 24% (15 of 62 patients) compared with 7% (seven of 100 patients) in those who had usual‐type endocervical adenocarcinoma. The cytologic features of GAS included distinct cellular atypia (enlarged nuclei, nuclear irregularity) and frequent formation of spherical clusters (10 of 15 cases) without the golden‐yellowish mucus commonly seen in cervical smears. A positive PWC result in GAS was significantly correlated with larger tumor size, parametrium invasion, lymph node metastasis, and elevated carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 levels. In patients with stage I GAS, the PWC‐positive group had significantly shorter disease‐free survival and overall survival compared with the PWC‐negative group.

Conclusions

Positive PWC findings are frequent in cervical GAS and are associated with pathologic factors indicative of tumor growth and progression. In patients who have stage I GAS, positive PWC results may indicate a poor prognosis, warranting further investigation.
Binder‐Free 3D Printed Polyurethane/Bi‐MOFs Composites for Photocatalytic Degradation of Rhodamine‐B
Authors: Chen Peiru , Zhang Ximin , Wang Wenbiao , Xu Gang , Dong Shijiao , Cai Meiqing , Liu Jing‐Cheng , Song Jun‐Ling
Published: October 2024

The modularization of metal‐organic‐frameworks (MOFs) powders is a crucial to bringing out the excellent properties of MOFs to industrial applications in water treatment, gas adsorption/separation and catalytic fields. To improve their practical application and recyclability, we propose a hybrid composite of biocompatible MOFs decorated on self‐supported three‐dimensional (3D) printed polyurethane acrylate (PUA) for wastewater treatment. In this study, we select Bi‐based MOFs with good visible‐light response and chemical stability as photocatalysts, two MOFs, bismuth gallate (Bi‐GA) and bismuth ellagic acid (Bi‐EA), are loaded into the mesh‐like PUA template by in‐situ growth method. And then, these two composites, PUA/Bi‐GA and PUA/Bi‐EA are used for the photocatalytic treatment of Rhodamine‐B (RhB) dye. The results demonstrate that PUA/Bi‐EA could reach the highest removal rate of 98.08 % under acidic conditions in 4 hours. The excellent performance should be attributed to unique structure that endow their high adsorption capacity for dyes, further, the adsorbed dye as a sensitizer enhances the utilization of sun‐light. This study provides a new composite for advanced photocatalytic water treatment and other environmental purification.
Rotameric Heterogeneity of Conserved Tryptophan Is Responsible for Reduced Photochemical Quantum Yield in Cyanobacteriochrome Slr1393g3
Authors: Köhler Lisa , Trunk Florian , Rohr Valentin , Fischer Tobias , Gärtner Wolfgang , Wachtveitl Josef , Matysik Jörg , Slavov Chavdar , Song Chen
Published: October 2024

The red/green cyanobacteriochrome (CBCR) slr1393g3 exhibits a quantum yield of only 8 % for its forward photoconversion, significantly lower than other species from the same CBCR subfamily. The cause for this reduced photoconversion is not yet clear, although in the related NpR6012g4 dark‐state structural heterogeneity of a paramount Trp residue has been proposed to cause the formation of nonproductive subpopulation. However, there is no such information on the equivalent residue in slr1393g3, W496. Here we use solid‐state NMR to explore all possible sidechain rotamers of this Trp residue and their local interactions at the atomic level. The indole nitrogen (Nϵ1) is used as an NMR probe, achieved by site‐specific 15N‐indole labeling of a quadruply Trp‐deleted variant and trehalose vitrification technique. The data reveal a set of seven indole rotamers of W496 with four distinct environments for the Nϵ1‐H group. Only a minority population of 20 % is found to retain the π‐stacking and hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the chromophore in the dark state that has been assigned to account for complete forward photoconversion. Our results demonstrate the direct role of W496 in modulating the forward quantum yield of slr1393g3 via rearrangement of its sidechain rotameric conformations.
Mitochondrial Function and Dysfunction in White Adipocytes and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Wang Fenfen , Huynh Phu M. , An Yu A.
Published: October 2024

For a long time, white adipocytes were thought to function as lipid storages due to the sizeable unilocular lipid droplet that occupies most of their space. However, recent discoveries have highlighted the critical role of white adipocytes in maintaining energy homeostasis and contributing to obesity and related metabolic diseases. These physiological and pathological functions depend heavily on the mitochondria that reside in white adipocytes. This article aims to provide an up‐to‐date overview of the recent research on the function and dysfunction of white adipocyte mitochondria. After briefly summarizing the fundamental aspects of mitochondrial biology, the article describes the protective role of functional mitochondria in white adipocyte and white adipose tissue health and various roles of dysfunctional mitochondria in unhealthy white adipocytes and obesity. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of enhancing mitochondrial quantity and quality as a therapeutic avenue to correct mitochondrial dysfunction, promote white adipocyte browning, and ultimately improve obesity and its associated metabolic diseases. © 2024 American Physiological Society.Compr Physiol14:5581‐5640, 2024.
Non‐destructive characterization of pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] composition using single‐kernel NIR spectroscopy
Authors: Mendoza Princess Tiffany D. , Armstrong Paul R. , Siliveru Kaliramesh , Pulivarthi Manoj Kumar , Ramalingam Ajay Prasanth , Prasad P. V. Vara , Perumal Ramasamy
Published: October 2024

As a gluten‐free cereal with high nutritional properties, pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.] has been increasingly regarded as an alternative dryland resilient food crop with enriched grain nutritional value. This paper explores the potential of single‐kernel near‐infrared (SKNIR) spectroscopy combined with multivariate analysis for rapid and non‐destructive evaluation of protein, moisture, fat, fiber, and ash contents of pearl millet grains. Samples harvested from two consecutive years (2021 and 2022) were evaluated under dryland and irrigated conditions in Kansas State University, Agricultural Research Center, Hays (ARCH), KS and were analyzed using SKNIR and conventional laboratory methods. Model calibrations were developed using partial least squares regression. Results showed satisfactory performance of models with standard errors cross‐validation of 1.04%, 0.17%, 0.39%, 0.21%, and 0.16%, respectively, for protein, moisture, fat, fiber, and ash content. The findings suggest that SKNIR can be a potential tool for high‐throughput pearl millet composition screening efficiently, which will assist breeders and grain processors to optimize grain properties and enhance the grain quality and products.
A method to spatially assess multipass spray deposition patterns via UV fluorescence and weed population shifts
Authors: Koo Daewon , Godara Navdeep , Cubas Juan R. Romero , Askew Shawn D.
Published: October 2024

Spray deposition patterns from agricultural sprayers are traditionally sampled discretely along a field transect accounting for 0.5% or less of the treated area. Such methods may not fully capture the dimensional variability inherent in large‐scale, multiple‐pass spray applications, especially evident from an agricultural spray drone (ASD). This study investigated the utilization of UV‐fluorescent dye and nighttime aerial imaging techniques to assess large‐scale, multipass spray deposition patterns. Accuracy of digital hue from UV‐fluorescent photography to predict deposition of proxy dye was confirmed via fluorometry assessed intensity levels of extracted UV‐fluorescent dye from 384 Petri dishes placed prior to treatment. Results showed that ASD applications, regardless of nozzle type, exhibited greater spatial variability within the target area compared to ride‐on sprayer applications, primarily due to overapplication. Additionally, the ASD generated spray drift to adjacent nontarget areas that was at least three times more than that of ride‐on and spray‐gun sprayers. Multipass deposition was further assessed via in situ smooth crabgrass infestation following treatment with quinclorac or topramezone by multipass ASD or hand‐held, four‐nozzle spray boom. Weed infestation annotated from overlaid grids with 9.3‐dm2 ground resolution inconsistently detected spatial heterogeneity between transects assessed along the center and edge of each sprayer pass. The ASD controlled smooth crabgrass 11% more than the hand‐held sprayer, albeit with an 18% increase in spray drift to nontarget areas, similar to the UV‐fluorescence study. Digitally assessed average hue of fluorescence photography appears to be a viable method to assess multidimensional and continuous spatial relationships of spray deposition.
Accelerating genetic gain through strategic speed breeding in spring wheat
Authors: Batista Lucas Alexandre , Bandillo Nonoy , Friskop Andrew , Green Andrew
Published: October 2024

Spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a popular bread wheat with high milling and baking requirements. Vernalization is not required for spring wheat, which allows for fast growth under manipulated conditions. This experiment's objective was rapid development of inbred lines of hard red spring wheat throughout the off‐season and preserve enough genetic variability to perform selection. A total of 1575 F2 heads from three distinct populations were randomly harvested in the field‐season 2021. To break seed dormancy, seeds were held for 2 days at 0°C. Three breeding cycles were performed through single seed descent under manipulated growth condition during the off‐season 2021–2022. We were able to harvest plant materials as quickly as 54 days after planting in comparison to 110 days average field season. We lost a total of 36.4% during the three off‐season fast advancement generations and 711 genotypes reached the F5:6 generation with enough seed to perform a partially replicated small plot yield trial at two locations during the 2022 field‐season. Response traits collected included grain yield, grain protein, plant height, days to heading, and bacterial leaf streak (Xanthomonas transluens) disease severity. Heritability of collected traits varied between 0.61 and 0.92. Although we had considerable loss during the speed breeding, we were able to identify superior genotypes compared to the parents.
Cultivating connections: Framing turfgrass as a thriving social–ecological–technological system
Authors: Barnes Michael R. , Friell Joshua , Runck Bryan C. , Soldat Douglas J. , Watkins Eric , Yue Chengyan
Published: October 2024

Turfgrass systems are some of the most ubiquitous forms of perennial agricultural systems. People interact with them on a daily basis, and they provide a wide variety of social and environmental benefits. Over the past two decades, turfgrass systems have been increasingly seen as coupled human‐natural systems, which has prompted new avenues of research across multiple areas from breeding to management. While this human‐natural systems framework has been helpful, the rapid development and integration of technology (e.g., smart sensors, robotic mowers) and the push for nature‐based solutions and green infrastructure have changed the landscape significantly for turfgrass systems. With this in mind, the current work advocates for the adoption of a new framework, social–ecological–technological systems (SETS), to better understand where turfgrass systems research is situated now and, more importantly, what directions it could go in the future.
How is ISO14001:2015 boosting the spread of product‐oriented environmental management practices?
Authors: Arana‐Landín Germán , Landeta‐Manzano Beñat , Laskurain‐Iturbe Iker , Priyadarshini Anushree
Published: October 2024

This research sheds light on the impact of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 14001:2015 standard, particularly in its role in driving life cycle perspective (LCP) and effectively integrating product‐oriented environmental management practices (POEMPs) within manufacturing sectors. Addressing this research gap, our analysis utilizes a worldwide sample of 1951 medium and large enterprises from the Thomson Reuters environmental, social and governance (ESG) database to compare the integration of POEMPs, in certified and non‐certified companies, before and after the ISO14001 standard update with a quantitative approach. The findings reveal a higher adoption rate of the seven POEMPs analyzed among certified companies before the publication of the standard. However, its LCP‐focused revision elevates only the implementation of three of them. This highlights a predominant selection effect over the intended treatment effect of the new standard and challenges the assumption that certification to the new version represents an advance in companies' product‐related environmental strategies. The originality of this research lies in its critical analysis of the practical outcomes of ISO14001:2015, pointing the disconnection between certification and the incorporation of POEMPs into environmental management systems. It highlights the need to strengthen implementation mechanisms and provides a nuanced understanding of the role of the standard in driving environmental progress.
Green bonds and corporate Environmental social and governance performance: Innovative approaches to identifying greenwashing in green bond markets
Authors: Ge Pengfei , Liu Yichao , Tang Chuxiong , Zhu Rui
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of green bond issuance on companies' environmental social and governance (ESG) performances and greenwashing behavior of a sample of Chinese‐listed firms. We find that the issuance of green bonds significantly bolsters corporate ESG performance through the financing and signaling mechanisms. The moderating effect of policy uncertainty proves to have a mutually reinforcing effect on the impact of green bonds on ESG performance. By signaling the commitment to green and low‐carbon transformation, the issuance of green bonds offsets the negative effects of policy uncertainty on firm's ESG performance. Extended analysis on greenwashing discerns no notable differences among firms with different polluting conditions and politically connected levels. The issuance primarily improves environmental (E) and social (S) dimensions, with negligible influence on the governance (G) aspect of ESG. Our findings suggest that a potential propensity of greenwashing in China's green bond market.
Non‐Noble Metal Anchored 2D Covalent Organic Framework for Ambient CO2 Fixation to High‐Value Compounds
Authors: Parihar Vaibhav , Singh Gulshan , Duhan Nidhi , Kumar Shubham , Dhilip Kumar T. J. , Nagaraja C. M.
Published: October 2024

The catalytic functionalization of CO2 into high‐value compounds comprises a promising approach to mitigate its atmospheric content and sustainable generation of fine chemicals. In this respect, covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer great potential in carbon dioxide capture and utilization. Herein, we report application of a crystalline, nanoporous 2D COF (ET‐BP‐COF) obtained by condensation of 4,4′,4′′,4′′′‐(ethene‐1,1,2,2‐tetrayl) tetraaniline (ET‐NH2) and 2,2′‐bipyridyl‐5,5′‐dialdehyde (BP‐CHO) building blocks for strategic utilization of CO2. The ET‐BP‐COF features a unique 2D kagome (kgm) topology composed of hexagonal and triangular 1D channels decorated with bipyridine sites, which were exploited for covalent anchoring of eco‐friendly, alkynophilic Cu(I) by the post‐synthetic method. The Cu(I) engrafted COF was applied as a recyclable catalyst for coupling CO2 with alkynes to generate two high‐value compounds, α‐alkylidene cyclic carbonates (α‐ACCs) and 2‐oxazolidinones. Notably, Cu(I)@ET‐BP‐COF demonstrated excellent catalytic performance for transforming propargylic amine and CO2 to 2‐oxazolidinone, an essential building block for antibiotics. Besides, an efficient transformation of propargylic alcohols to generate α‐ACCs, valuable commodity chemicals, has been achieved by utilizing carbon dioxide. Further, detailed theoretical simulations disclosed the insight mechanistic path of Cu(I) catalyzed coupling of CO2 and alkynes to produce 2‐oxazolidinones and α‐ACCs. Significantly, the Cu(I)@COF was reusable for multiple cycles without losing framework rigidity and catalytic performance. This study showcases the potential application of ET‐BP‐COF for stable anchoring of eco‐friendly metals as catalytic sites for effective utilization of CO2 to produce two high‐value products, 2‐oxazolidinones and α‐ACCs, under mild atmospheric conditions.
Effects of short‐term nitrogen addition on the recovery of alpine grassland in the Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang, China
Authors: Wang Juan , Liu Junjie , Liu Chao , Ding Xiaoyu , Ma Yonggang , Yang Jianjun , Xu Zhonglin
Published: October 2024

The restoration of alpine grasslands has garnered significant attention across various sectors. Historically, natural restoration has been the primary approach for grassland recovery, characterized by its prolonged duration. To expedite the recovery of degraded grasslands, it is essential to identify the limiting factors of restoration, enabling efficient and rapid recovery. Appropriate nitrogen (N) addition levels have been considered a potential strategy to enhance the recovery of grassland ecosystems and augment their ecological benefits. However, the effectiveness of N addition in alpine grassland restoration remains debated. This study investigated the impact of five N addition levels (CK: control [0 g/m2]; LN: low N [5 g/m2]; MN: medium N [10 g/m2]; HN: high N [15 g/m2]; SN: severe N [20 g/m2]) and two experimental approaches (N addition once per year [NPY] and three times per year [NTY] at the same dosages) on plant and soil properties and the maximum restoration capacity of alpine meadows. Our findings reveal three key insights: The level of N addition was the primary factor influencing aboveground plant biomass and coverage. Plant diversity decreased under the NTY regime and increased with NPY in the Bayinbruck grassland. N addition significantly altered soil properties, including pH, salinity, soil organic carbon (SOC), soil‐available phosphorus (AP), and soil total phosphorus (TP). Notably, soil TP, total nitrogen (TN), and AP substantially impacted plant community structure and diversity. Based on structural equation model (SEM) and analysis of variance (ANOVA), optimal grassland restoration was achieved with the HN (15 g/m2) treatment under NPY and the MN and HN (10 and 15 g/m2) treatments under NTY. Overall, our study offers crucial insights into the conservation, management, and restoration of grassland ecosystems on the Bayinbruck Plateau. It underscores the significance of N addition effects on plant communities, vegetation restoration, and soil properties.
Ant's Nest as a microenvironment: Distinct Mucoromycota (Fungi) community of the red wood ants' (Formica polyctena) mounds
Authors: Siedlecki Igor , Kochanowski Michał , Pawłowska Julia , Reszotnik Gabriela , Okrasińska Alicja , Wrzosek Marta
Published: October 2024

Many social insect species build nests, which differ from the surrounding environment and are often occupied by specific organismal communities. These organisms may interact mutualistically or parasitically with the nest‐builders, or simply co‐occur, being able to survive in these microenvironments. In temperate forests, red wood ants (e.g. Formica polyctena) are known to create distinct, highly developed nests, which consist of large, above‐ground mounds, built primarily out of plant matter collected from the forest litter. The microorganismal communities of such mounds remain understudied. As representatives of Mucoromycota fungi commonly engage in the decomposition process of the forest litter, they would be expected to occur in the mounds. However, it is still not known whether the Mucoromycota community of these ants' nests differ from the one of the surrounding forest litter. In order to distinguish mound‐associated taxa, we characterized Mucoromycota communities of Formica polyctena mounds and the surrounding forest litter. We sampled four sites, twice in a season. Sampled material was plated on agar media and emerging Mucoromycota colonies were identified based on their morphology. Fungal identification was further confirmed using DNA barcoding. In order to compare described communities, PERMANOVA test and non‐metric multidimensional scaling ordinations were used. To distinguish taxa associated with the mounds, multilevel pattern analysis was performed. Our results show that the Mucoromycota community of Formica polyctena's mound differs from the community of the surrounding forest litter. While representatives of Entomortierella lignicola and Absidia cylindrospora clade were found to be associated with the mound environment, representatives of Umbelopsis curvata and Podila verticillata‐humilis clade were associated with forest litter, and were rarely present in the mounds. Our findings strongly suggest that the red wood ants' nest is a specific microenvironment in the temperate forest floor, which is a preferred microhabitat for the mound‐associated Mucoromycota, possibly adapted to live in proximity to ants.
Incorporating Implicit Information to Disentangle the Impacts of Hydropower Dams and Climate Change on Basin‐Scale Fish Habitat Distribution
Authors: Bai Xiongfeng , Zhang Peng , Cao Xin , Zhang Dongya , Yang Zhi , Dong Xianghong , Wang Siyang , Li Wenbin , Xiong Lihua
Published: October 2024

The loss of freshwater fish habitats, exacerbated by climate change and dam constructions, poses a critical environmental concern. The upper Yangtze River basin, noted for its abundant fish fauna and concentrated dam development, serves as a crucial locale for investigating the impacts of climate shifts and dam construction. This study aims to disentangle the impacts of hydroelectric dams and climate change on fish habitat distribution by analyzing species presence data across different periods. Species distribution models were constructed using Maxent for Coreius guichenoti (a warm‐water endangered fish) and Schizopygopsis malacanthus (a cold‐water endangered fish). The model accuracy was assessed using the area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic. Habitat distribution modeling and prediction for the pre‐dam period (1970–2000) and post‐dam period (2001–2020), as well as future climate change under two shared socioeconomic pathways scenarios, were conducted. The impacts of climate change and dam construction on the habitat suitability of two fish species were quantified. The results revealed dam construction predominantly diminished habitat suitability and range, with high‐suitability habitats in the post‐dam period decreasing by 56.3% (720.18 km) and 67.0% (1665.52 km) for the two fishes, respectively. Climate change would enhance the habitat suitability of Coreius guichenoti, while it would decrease the habitat suitability of Schizopygopsis malacanthus. The impact of dam construction is greater that of climate change for them. This study underscores the profound impacts of dam construction on fish habitats, particularly for cold‐water species, and highlights the critical need for habitat restoration in sustainable hydropower development. Our method of disentangling these factors also provides a new approach to evaluating environmental impacts in large river basins.
An ecological niche model that considers local relationships among variables: The Environmental String Model
Authors: Beaugrand Grégory
Published: October 2024

Many methods have been proposed to model the spatial distribution of a species. While some methods have been specifically designed for this purpose, others are well‐known statistical tools that can be used in many scientific fields. In this paper, I propose a new ecological niche model, called the Environmental String Model (ESM), that is based on the concept of environmental string, which is defined as being a combination of environmental variables, with as many nodes as environmental variables. There are two types of environmental strings: (1) the abundance‐known string and (2) the abundance‐unknown string (or target string) for which an estimation of abundance is searched. The novelty of the model is that it assesses the abundance associated with a target string from nearby abundance‐known strings, which preserve the local multidimensional relationships with the target string. The model does not provide an abundance estimate in the absence of data from a similar environment and it can therefore deal with truncated spatial distributions or niches. It is tested in the North Atlantic Ocean on two key copepod species, Calanus finmarchicus and Calanus helgolandicus, which have been monitored by the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) survey for decades. I investigate the influence of variables on model performance. I show that the model reconstructs the mean spatial distribution and seasonal fluctuations in both Calanus well. When compared with generalized linear models (GLMs), generalized additive models (GAMs) and generalized regression neural network (GRNN), the ESM gives the best performance. I propose a number of indicators to evaluate the robustness of estimated abundance in space and time and show how the model may be extended to presence/absence or presence‐only data. I think that the ESM could be used to fill gaps in any sampling program such as the CPR survey and many satellite databases (e.g., ocean color and photosynthetically active radiation).
Vegetation productivity determines the response of butterflies along elevation gradients in the trans‐Himalayas, Nepal
Authors: Shrestha Bimal Raj , Baral Suraj , Budha‐Magar Shanta , Thapa Magar Kiran , Gaudel Prakash , Suwal Sanej Prasad , Tamang Sanjaya Raj , Dewan Ashant , Gurung Min Bahadur , Shrestha Pratichhya
Published: October 2024

Environmental parameters along elevational gradients affect the number of butterflies and the variety of species. However, which variables play significant roles and how they operate can be difficult to untangle. Here, we examine the relationships between observed butterfly richness (overall and subgroups) at different elevation gradients and remotely sensed environmental variables (vegetation productivity, surface temperature, landscape heterogeneity, and moisture stress) using generalized linear models. We surveyed butterflies with a fixed‐point count method in 19 elevation bands within 1600–5200 m above sea level in Manang district, trans‐Himalayan region, north‐central Nepal. The number of butterflies in each elevation band was studied and estimated, then interpolated across the lowest and highest elevation to estimate butterfly species richness. Then, the selection of models was performed on butterfly richness and elevations to test the best model support based on the lowest value of the Akaike information criterion and a multimodel averaging for other environmental variables. Altogether, 94 butterfly species, representing 20 subfamilies and six families, were recorded throughout the study periods. We obtained cubic model support for overall species richness, Papilionidae, and Hesperiidae, quadratic to Nymphalidae and Pieridae, and the linear model to Lycaenidae. In our study, vegetation productivity was found to have a significant positive impact on butterfly communities. Our study further suggests species richness of Papilionidae and Hesperiidae has a strong positive correlation with surface temperature and landscape heterogeneity and negative associations with moisture stress but other subgroups of butterfly communities including overall species richness showed insignificant relationships with these variables. This study provides significant information related to the responses of montane butterflies to environmental variables along elevational gradients from the Himalayas Nepal. However, further detailed studies on the functional behaviors of butterflies potentially offer more insights into their distribution patterns and ecological relationship in the montane environment.
In Situ Unraveling Surface Reconstruction of Ni‐CoP Nanowire for Excellent Alkaline Water Electrolysis
Authors: Liu Haiquan , Hu Sihang , Long Baojun , Dai Huan , Yang Yafei , Yang Menghua , Zhang Qi , Ke Zunjian , Li Wenqing , He Dong , Wang Ziyu , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: October 2024

The surface reconstruction behavior of transition metal phosphides precursors is considered as an important method to prepare efficient oxygen evolution catalysts, but there are still significant challenges in guiding catalyst design at the atomic scale. Here, the CoP nanowire with excellent water splitting performance and stability is used as a catalytic model to study the reconstruction process. Obvious double redox signals and valence evolution behavior of the Co site are observed, corresponding to Co2+/Co3+ and Co3+/Co4+ caused by auto‐oxidation process. Importantly, the in situ Raman spectrum exhibits the vibration signal of Co–OH in the non‐Faradaic potential interval for oxygen evolution reaction, which is considered the initial step in reconstruction process. Density functional theory and ab initio molecular dynamics are used to elucidate this process at the atomic scale: First, OH− exhibits a lower adsorption energy barrier and proton desorption energy barrier at the configuration surface, which proposes the formation of a single oxygen (–O) group. Under a higher –O group coverage, the Co–P bond is destroyed along with the POx groups. Subsequently, lower P vacancy formation energy confirm that the Ni‐CoP configuration can fast transform into a highly active phase. Based on the optimized reconstruction behavior and rate‐limiting barrier, the Ni‐CoP nanowire exhibit an excellent overpotential of 1.59 V at 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting, which demonstrates low degradation (2.62%) during the 100 mA cm−2 for 100 h. This work provide systematic insights into the atomic‐level reconstruction mechanism of transition metal phosphides, which benefit further design of water splitting catalysts.
A New CuI/Oxalamide Catalytic System for the Large‐Scale Aerobic Oxidation of Alcohols
Authors: Xing Kexue , Xiang Jicong , Luo Zijin , Liu Guiyuan , Zhang Xianghao , Zhang Guofu , Ding Chengrong
Published: October 2024

Since the report of oxamide ligands, they have been widely used for the efficient construction of various types of C−X (such as C, N, O and S) bonds. To evaluate whether the easily tunable electronic properties and unique coordination modes of oxamide ligands can also shine in the field of oxidation, we initiated a study on oxamide ligand/copper/air oxidation and applied it to the oxidation of alcohols to assess its practicality and potential applications. The practicality of this strategy was further verified through scale‐up reactions on a 100 mmol scale and gram‐scale derivatization of pharmaceutical molecules.
Robust 3D multi‐material hydrodynamics using discontinuous Galerkin methods
Authors: Li Weizhao , Pandare Aditya , Luo Hong , Bakosi Jozsef , Waltz Jacob
Published: October 2024

A high‐order discontinuous Galerkin (DG) method is presented for nonequilibrium multi‐material () flow with sharp interfaces. Material interfaces are reconstructed using the algebraic THINC approach, resulting in a sharp interface resolution. The system assumes stiff velocity relaxation and pressure nonequilibrium. The presented DG method uses Dubiner's orthogonal basis functions on tetrahedral elements. This results in a unique combination of sharp multimaterial interfaces and high‐order accurate solutions in smooth single‐material regions. A novel shock indicator based on the interface conservation condition is introduced to mark regions with discontinuities. Slope limiting techniques are applied only in these regions so that nonphysical oscillations are eliminated while maintaining high‐order accuracy in smooth regions. A local projection is applied on the limited solution to ensure discrete closure law preservation. The effectiveness of this novel limiting strategy is demonstrated for complex three‐dimensional multi‐material problems, where robustness of the method is critical. The presented numerical problems demonstrate that more accurate and efficient multi‐material solutions can be obtained by the DG method, as compared to second‐order finite volume methods.
The Influence of Structural Brain Changes on Cognition in the Context of Healthy Aging: Exploring Mediation Effects Through gBAT—The Graphical Brain Association Tool
Authors: Rangus Ida , Teghipco Alex , Newman‐Norlund Sarah , Newman‐Norlund Roger , Rorden Chris , Riccardi Nicholas , Wilson Sarah , Busby Natalie , Wilmskoetter Janina , Nemati Samaneh , Bakos Lumi , Fridriksson Julius , Bonilha Leonardo
Published: October 2024

The contribution of age‐related structural brain changes to the well‐established link between aging and cognitive decline is not fully defined. While both age‐related regional brain atrophy and cognitive decline have been extensively studied, the specific mediating role of age‐related regional brain atrophy on cognitive functions is unclear. This study introduces an open‐source software tool with a graphical user interface that streamlines advanced whole‐brain mediation analyses, enabling researchers to systematically explore how the brain acts as a mediator in relationships between various behavioral and health outcomes. The tool is showcased by investigating regional brain volume as a mediator to determine the contribution of age‐related brain volume loss toward cognition in healthy aging. We analyzed regional brain volumes and cognitive testing data (Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA]) from a cohort of 131 neurologically healthy adult participants (mean age 50 ± 20.8 years, range 20–79, 73% females) drawn from the Aging Brain Cohort Study at the University of South Carolina. Using our open‐source tool developed for evaluating brain‐behavior associations across the brain and optimized for exploring mediation effects, we conducted a series of mediation analyses using participant age as the predictor variable, total MoCA and MoCA subtest scores as the outcome variables, and regional brain volume as potential mediators. Age‐related atrophy within specific anatomical networks was found to mediate the relationship between age and cognition across multiple cognitive domains. Specifically, atrophy in bilateral frontal, parietal, and occipital areas, along with widespread subcortical regions mediated the effect of age on total MoCA scores. Various MoCA subscores were influenced by age through atrophy in distinct brain regions. These involved prefrontal regions, sensorimotor cortex, and parieto‐occipital areas for executive function subscores, prefrontal and temporo‐occipital regions, along with the caudate nucleus for attention and concentration subscores, frontal and parieto‐occipital areas, alongside connecting subcortical areas such as the optic tract for visuospatial subscores and frontoparietal areas for language subscores. Brain‐based mediation analysis offers a causal framework for evaluating the mediating role of brain structure on the relationship between age and cognition and provides a more nuanced understanding of cognitive aging than previously possible. By validating the applicability and effectiveness of this approach and making it openly available to the scientific community, we facilitate the exploration of causal mechanisms between variables mediated by the brain.
Dynamic water‐quality responses to wildfire in Colorado
Authors: Clow David W. , Akie Garrett A. , Murphy Sheila F. , Gohring Evan J.
Published: October 2024

In 2020, Colorado experienced the most severe wildfire season in recorded history, with wildfires burning 625 357 acres across the state. Two of the largest fires burned parts of Rocky Mountain National Park (RMNP), and a study was initiated to address concerns about potential effects on drinking water quality from mobilization of ash and sediment. The study took advantage of a wealth of pre‐fire data from adjacent burned and unburned basins in western RMNP. Pre‐ and post‐fire data collection included discrete sample collection and high‐frequency water‐quality measurements using in‐stream sensors. Kruskal–Wallis tests on discrete data indicated that specific conductance, base cations, sulphate, chloride, nitrate, and total dissolved nitrogen concentrations increased post‐fire, whereas silica and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) did not (p ≤ 0.05). In‐stream sensors captured large spikes in concentrations of nutrients, turbidity, and DOC in the burned basin that were missed by discrete sampling. Sensor data indicated nitrate and turbidity increased by up to one and two orders of magnitude, respectively, from pre‐event concentrations during storms, and DOC increased up to 3.5×. Empirical regression equations were developed using pre‐fire data and applied to the post‐fire period to estimate expected stream chemistry in the absence of fire (a ‘no‐fire’ scenario). Overlays of actual post‐fire chemistry showed the timing and magnitude of differences between observed and ‘estimated’ chemistry. For most solutes, observed post‐fire concentrations were notably greater than expected under the ‘no‐fire’ scenario, and differences were greatest during storm events. Comparison of data from the burned and unburned basins indicated DOC concentrations were affected by climate as well as fire. Results from this study demonstrate the importance of both pre‐fire data and high‐frequency data for characterizing dynamic hydrochemical responses in wildfire‐affected areas.
Energy‐Water Asynchrony Principally Determines Water Available for Runoff From Snowmelt in Continental Montane Forests
Authors: Webb Ryan William , Knowles John F. , Fox Alex , Fabricus Alex , Corrie Timothy , Mooney Kori , Gallais Jocelyn , Frimpong Nana Afua Gyau , Akurugu Christopher Akuka , Barron‐Gafford Greg , Blanken Peter D. , Burns Sean P. , Frank John , Litvak Marcy
Published: October 2024

Changes in the volume, rate, and timing of the snowmelt water pulse have profound implications for seasonal soil moisture, evapotranspiration (ET), groundwater recharge, and downstream water availability, especially in the context of climate change. Here, we present an empirical analysis of water available for runoff using five eddy covariance towers located in continental montane forests across a regional gradient of snow depth, precipitation seasonality, and aridity. We specifically investigated how energy‐water asynchrony (i.e., snowmelt timing relative to atmospheric demand), surface water input intensity (rain and snowmelt), and observed winter ET (winter AET) impact multiple water balance metrics that determine water available for runoff (WAfR). Overall, we found that WAfR had the strongest relationship with energy‐water asynchrony (adjusted r2 = 0.52) and that winter AET was correlated to total water year evapotranspiration but not to other water balance metrics. Stepwise regression analysis demonstrated that none of the tested mechanisms were strongly related to the Budyko‐type runoff anomaly (highest adjusted r2 = 0.21). We, therefore, conclude that WAfR from continental montane forests is most sensitive to the degree of energy‐water asynchrony that occurs. The results of this empirical study identify the physical mechanisms driving variability of WAfR in continental montane forests and are thus broadly relevant to the hydrologic management and modelling communities.
Realizing the Promise of Digital Engineering: Planning, Implementing, and Evolving the Ecosystem
Authors: Schindel William D.
Published: October 2024

Gaining benefits of digital engineering is not only about implementing digital technologies. An ecosystem for innovation is a system of systems in its own right, only partly engineered, subject to risks and challenges of evolving socio‐technical systems. This paper summarizes an aid to planning, analyzing, implementing, and improving innovation ecosystems. Represented as a configurable model‐based reference pattern used by collaborating INCOSE working groups, it was initially applied in targeted INCOSE case studies, and subsequently elaborated and applied to diverse commercial and defense ecosystems. Explicating the recurrent theme of consistency management underlying all historical engineering, it is revealing of digital engineering's special promise, and enhances understanding of historical as well as future engineering and life cycle management. It includes preparation of human and technical resources to effectively consume and exploit digital information assets, not just create them, capability enhancements over incremental release trains, and evolutionary steering using feedback and group learning.