bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Canopy Closure and Emigration by Juvenile Gopher Frogs
Authors: ROZNIK ELIZABETH A. , JOHNSON STEVE A.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  Although studies have addressed effects of abrupt transitions in habitat type (e.g., forest‐clear‐cut or forest‐field edges) on amphibian movements, little is known about effects of more subtle habitat transitions on patterns of migration and habitat use in amphibians. We used radiotelemetry to study movement patterns of juvenile gopher frogs (Rana capito) emigrating from ponds that were surrounded by longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) forest that varied in structure as a result of fire suppression. Our primary purpose was to determine if frogs emigrate directionally from their natal ponds and select habitat at random during their first month following metamorphosis. We found that frogs emigrated in nonrandom directions from ponds that were surrounded by heterogeneous habitat and selected fire‐maintained habitat that was associated with an open canopy, few hardwood trees, small amounts of leaf litter, and large amounts of wiregrass (Aristida beyrichiana). Fire‐maintained habitat contained higher densities of burrows excavated by gopher tortoises (Gopherus polyphemus) and small mammals, which are the priamry refuge sites for both juvenile and adult gopher frogs. Frogs moved up to 691 m from their natal ponds, frequently crossed dirt roads, and even seemed to use these roads as migration corridors. To maintain suitable terrestrial habitat for gopher frogs, including habitat used by migrating individuals, it is important to apply frequent prescribed fire to uplands surrounding breeding ponds that lead all the way to the edges of breeding ponds, as well as through ponds during periodic droughts.
Use of Conifer Snags as Roosts by Female Bats in Western Oregon
Authors: ARNETT EDWARD B. , HAYES JOHN P.
Published: January 2009

ABSTRACT  Forest management activities influence habitat suitability for bats, and knowledge of the roosting ecology of bats is fundamental to developing strategies for conserving bats in managed forests. Information on use of roosts by multiple species of bats in a given area may provide insight into interspecific ecological patterns and could improve management prescriptions to provide habitat for bats through time across diverse ownerships and over multiple spatial scales. We investigated use of conifer snags as roosts by females of 3 species of forest‐dwelling bats in Douglas‐fir (Pseudotsuga menzesii) forests in the western Oregon Cascade Range. We radiotagged 29 female big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus), 55 long‐legged myotis (Myotis volans), and 27 long‐eared myotis (Myotis evotis) and located 42, 105, and 24 snag roosts for the 3 species, respectively. All 3 species most frequently used Douglas‐fir snags and in similar proportions to their availability. Big brown bats and long‐legged myotis rarely roosted in stands <40 years old but age of stands used by female long‐eared myotis did not differ from those randomly available. Odds of a snag being used as a roost by big brown bats increased with diameter at breast height and decreased with distance from the capture site. Diameter of snags used for roosting and the number of small (10–50 cm dbh) snags within the 20‐m radius plot were variables in the best model for roost use by long‐legged myotis. The best model for long‐eared myotis included distance to the capture site. Odds of a snag being used by female long‐eared myotis decreased with increasing distance from the capture site. There was considerable overlap in structural characteristics and the physical context of roost snags among the 3 species, but the types of roosts used among landscapes with differing densities of snags differed among the 3 species. Although big brown bats and long‐legged myotis used only snags and live trees as roosts, long‐eared myotis used a diversity of structures and the frequency of use of these structures differed with density of snags in the landscape. Relative to other roost types, frequency of use of snags by long‐eared myotis was nearly twice as high in landscapes with high densities of snags as in those with low densities. We found that some species of bats alter selection of roosts depending on landscape context and availability of different types of roosts. Our findings demonstrate that forest managers must consider the needs of multiple bat species and the distribution of roosts in the landscape, especially where densities of snags are low and at low elevations in intensively managed landscapes.
Should (and Could) We Ban Prescriptions?
Authors: Richiardi Matteo G
Published: January 2009

In a simple model of social interaction I analyze the welfare effects of positive (prescriptive) and negative (proscriptive) social norms, together with the private incentives for their enactment. I find that imposing no law is socially optimal when individual actions have no significant externalities, while bans become socially optimal as the externalities increase. Prescriptions are generally the worst choice, except when the externalities involved are very high. However, in the political arena support is rarely won for non intervention or for a ban, since an alternative majority will generally be found in favor of some prescription. This remains true even when strategic voting is considered, and provides an argument for the idea that a liberal state cannot be liberally enforced by rational voters.
A Perspective on the Scientific, Philosophical, and Policy Dimensions of Hormesis
Authors: Hoffmann George R.
Published: January 2009

The hormesis concept has broad implications for biology and the biomedical sciences. This perspective on hormesis concentrates on toxicology and toxicological risk assessment and secondarily explores observations from other fields. It considers the varied manifestations of hormesis in the context of a broad family of biological stress responses. Evidence for hormesis is reviewed, and the hormesis model is contrasted with more widely accepted dose-response models in toxicology: a linear nonthreshold (LNT) model for mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, and a threshold model for most other toxicologic effects. Scientific, philosophical, and political objections to the hormesis concept are explored, and complications in the hormesis concept are analyzed. The review concludes with a perspective on the current state of hormesis and challenges that the hormesis model poses for risk assessment.
An Index to Estimate the Wing Area in A Small Passerine, Using the Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) As A Case Study
Authors: Nowakowski Jarosław , Chruściel Jacek
Published: January 2009

An Index to Estimate the Wing Area in A Small Passerine, Using the Blue Tit (Cyanistes caeruleus) As A Case Study

In this paper we suggest two new indices that can be used to estimate passerines' wing area. The first is a simplified index that considers wing pointedness and the width of each primary, the second is an extended index that also considers the length of the forearm. Using the Blue Tit as an example, we show that the sum of the width of all remiges is correlated with the maximum length of the folded wing (rp
= 0.42, p = 0.020, N = 30). The length of the ulna is correlated with the maximum length of the folded wing (rp
= 0.56, p = 0.005, N = 24). The two indices were derived from measurements of the wing length and the wing formula of birds caught at ringing stations. The indices can be used to analyse materials the stations have collected over the past 50 years. We also discuss how these indices can be applied in intra- and interspecific comparisons and to data collected using different standard methods.
Students' Views Regarding the Use of the First Language: An Exploratory Study in a Tertiary Context Maximizing Target Language Use
Authors: Rolin-Ianziti Jeanne , Varshney Rachel
Published: January 2009

The present study investigates the functions that language learners attribute to the first language (L1) within a teaching context that maximizes the target language (TL). Beginners of French in an Australian university (N = 52) completed a questionnaire consisting of 21 closed questions on their views on L1/TL use and two open questions on the advantages/disadvantages of using the L1 in teaching and learning a language. Results confirm previous studies indicating that students attribute a function to L1 to impart knowledge about the TL medium. The particularities of the context may help explain other findings of the study. First, a majority of students showed a preference for the use of L1 to perform classroom management. Second, for respondents, L1 and TL have an impact on anxiety and motivation. While L1 use may alleviate classroom anxiety, it may also be a demotivating factor. This article calls for further research to examine the impact of the teaching context on students' views of L1/TL distribution.
Reflections on Ten Years of Teaching Writing for Publication to Graduate Students and Junior Faculty
Authors: Belcher Wendy Laura
Published: January 2009

This article reports on the origins, pedagogy, structure, and limitations of a writing workshop the author devised for graduate students and faculty to aid them in publishing articles in peer-reviewed journals. Started in 1998, the ten-week seminar-style course provided participants the instruction, exercises, structure, and deadlines needed to perform a rigorous revision of an article and actually submit that article for publication by the end of the course. The author found that teaching the course helped her as much as it helped the students.
Responses to Oregon's Experiment in Road Pricing
Authors: Rufolo Anthony M. , Kimpel Thomas J.
Published: January 2009

The Oregon Department of Transportation tested a system to collect a vehicle-based mileage fee as a replacement for the Oregon gas tax. Devices based on the Global Positioning System were installed on participating vehicles to determine the location and time of vehicle travel. The only information collected was vehicle mileage by location and time category. Midway through the study, vehicles were assigned to one of three groups: control, vehicle miles traveled (VMT), and peak hour. The VMT group was charged a flat fee per mile traveled that approximated the amount of the state gas tax then paid by the average vehicle and was given a credit for the amount of gas tax included in the purchase. The peak hour group was charged a higher mileage fee during peak periods and given a discount on the mileage fee outside the peak times or peak zones. The control group continued to pay the price, including gas tax at the pump, as before. The VMT group showed a reduction in total mileage relative to the control group, and survey responses indicated that people did change their behavior even though there was little price differential. However, this change might have developed because of being in an experiment. The peak hour group showed about a 20% reduction in travel during peak periods relative to the VMT group. This reduction appeared to be due to the pricing system, because factors other than the congestion price differential were likely to affect each group similarly.
Minnesota Pay-as-You-Drive Pricing Experiment
Authors: Abou-Zeid Maya , Ben-Akiva Moshe , Tierney Kevin , Buckeye Kenneth R. , Buxbaum Jeffrey N.
Published: January 2009

The Minnesota Department of Transportation carried out a pay-as-you-drive demonstration simulating the replacement of the fixed costs of vehicle ownership and operation with variable costs that gave drivers explicit price signals about travel decisions and alternatives. The objective was to estimate the reduction in mileage due to the mileage-based pricing scheme. The study consisted of market assessment surveys and a field experiment. The experiment is the focus of this paper. The experimental design divided participants into three groups: a control-only group, a treatment-then-control group, and a control-then-treatment group. Participants in the treatment phase were subjected to per-mile prices, and the mileage of all participants was recorded for the entire study duration. Two types of analyses were conducted. Aggregate analyses using bootstrap methods to determine groupwise changes in mileage showed that participants reduced their mileage when charged on a per-mile basis, with the greatest reduction during the summer period when trips could be more discretionary in nature. In addition, to understand better the variance in mileage sensitivity to per-mile prices, disaggregate analyses were performed by using a matching method that matched members of the treatment group to those of the control group based on the probability of participation in the experiment and their baseline mileage. The resulting percentage change in mileage was regressed against the percentage change in price and lifestyle variables. The price elasticity of peak-period mileage was found to be negative. However, in both aggregate and disaggregate analyses, the price effect was statistically insignificant as a result of the small sample size.
Technology Evaluation of Oregon's Vehicle-Miles-Traveled Revenue Collection System
Authors: Kim David S. , Porter J. David , Whitty Jim , Svadlenak Jack , Larsen Norman C. , Capps Darel F. , Imholt Betsy , Pearson Jill L. , Hall D. Douglas
Published: January 2009

Many states in the United States rely on fuel taxes to maintain roads. In 2005 eighty percent of Oregon's road revenues depended either directly or indirectly on fuel taxes. However, Oregon has seen this flow of revenue slowly decline during the past 30 years. It is envisioned that further improvement of automobile fuel efficiency will have an even more dramatic effect on fuel tax revenues in the near future. In 2001 the Oregon Legislative Assembly passed House Bill 3946 mandating the Oregon Department of Transportation to examine alternatives to the current system of taxing highway use through fuel taxes. Since 2003 Oregon State University, in collaboration with the Oregon Department of Transportation and the Road User Fee Task Force, has investigated a vehicle miles traveled (VMT)-based alternative to the fuel tax. The design, development, and testing of the VMT-based solution was broken down into several phases, the last of which required the execution of a pilot test from June 19, 2006, to March 25, 2007, involving approximately 250 volunteer drivers. The main objectives of this paper are to present the technology performance results of the VMT-based solution gathered during the pilot test and to share the lessons learned from its subjective evaluation.
New Road Financing System for U.S. Metropolitan Areas
Authors: DeCorla-Souza Patrick
Published: January 2009

This paper discusses a broad congestion pricing approach that could replace federal and state fuel taxes and possibly other taxes used to finance transportation needs in congested metropolitan areas. The approach may be implemented in the near term because technologies needed to implement it are already deployed extensively. The approach involves converting existing freeways (all lanes) into premium-service, free-flowing highways that provide fast, frequent, and inexpensive express bus service, while charging all vehicles a variable toll—except authorized buses and certified vanpool vehicles. The toll would vary by level of demand and would be set high enough to guarantee that excessive demand will not cause a breakdown of traffic flow. Sketch-planning analysis for the five most congested U.S. metropolitan areas suggests that implementing the concept could provide sufficient revenue to replace the fuel tax and potentially other transportation taxes, while providing large economic benefits. Public acceptance would be a major hurdle but could be achieved with careful system design along with a major public education and outreach campaign.
Municipal Mobility Manager
Authors: Millard-Ball Adam
Published: January 2009

This paper analyzes five different options for incorporating the transportation sector into a carbon cap-and-trade program. An upstream system at the refinery or importer level would be administratively simple but would lead to minimal reductions in transportation emissions as a result of inelastic demand for driving. In effect, emissions reductions would be “exported” to the electricity generation and industrial sectors. A downstream system at the household level would lead to similar changes in emissions but would raise major administrative and privacy issues. Greater changes in behavior might result from a vehicle manufacturer–based scheme, but there are complex administrative issues. Tailpipe standards appear to be achieving the same result. An offset system would provide financial incentives for a wider range of abatement measures, including those undertaken by local governments such as smart growth zoning, parking pricing, and transit improvements. Empirical experience with the Clean Development Mechanism, however, suggests that transportation offsets, particularly those reliant on travel behavior changes, face significant hurdles in proving “additionality” and documenting emissions savings. This paper therefore proposes a “municipal mobility manager” trading design, under which local governments would assume responsibility for transportation emissions. This would give them the same financial incentives to implement abatement measures as under an offset scheme but would avoid the methodological and administrative challenges. The paper also argues that any design for including transportation in a carbon trading program will be beneficial because it would avoid the tendency to overallocate allowances to other sectors and force more realism in the expected emissions reductions from transportation.
Protecting the Public Interest
Authors: Ortiz Iris N. , Buxbaum Jeffrey N. , Little Richard
Published: January 2009

Lack of cash has led virtually every state in the United States to explore innovative finance techniques that allow important improvement projects to move forward while keeping taxes and fees low. Many observers have hailed long-term concession agreements as the long-awaited silver bullet to solve the transportation funding crisis, but others have raised concerns about these deals. How are public-sector decision makers to know whether they are advancing the public interest when they consider these agreements? The concession approach has many advantages over traditional methods, but there are many concerns with these nontraditional techniques. At this point, very few people have a complete picture of the short- and long-term implications of different approaches and associated trade-offs. Some of the public concerns include facility undervaluation, use of upfront payments, length of concession, and noncompete clauses, among others. Many of the concerns with long-term concessions are legacies from the past that have been rectified as both the public and private sectors have learned and adapted. This paper summarizes public concerns related to long-term concessions, describes recent trends in how governments have evolved to respond to public reaction, and suggests key issues that need to be considered in the future.
Welfare and Financial Implications of Unleashing Private-Sector Investment Resources on Transportation Networks
Authors: Zhang Lei
Published: January 2009

With an increasing number of private toll road projects constructed or proposed in the United States through various forms of public–private partnerships and with more states removing legal constraints to the entry of private roads into the existing public road system, there are imperative needs to analyze the welfare and financial implications of using private-sector capital in road financing for public policy decisions and private investment decisions. This paper develops models of market entry, price, and capacity choices on mixed-ownership networks to address these research needs. A small-network equilibrium model enables theoretical analysis of welfare and financial effects of private toll roads on stylized parallel and serial networks, and an evolutionary simulation model is applicable to large real-world networks. The calibrated evolutionary model for the Twin Cities, Minnesota, road network (7,776 nodes, 20,486 links) shows that under a free-entrance policy without any toll or capacity regulation on private roads, the private sector would invest $19.5 billion in the next 15 years to construct more than 400 lane kilometers of private freeways. The average annual rate of investment returns would be 18.2% for private investors. The total social welfare would be improved by more than $6.7 billion, with only 16.4% of the welfare gains enjoyed by system users. The average toll on private roads would be $0.17/km, about seven times higher than that on public roads. Findings suggest that unleashing private-sector investment resources alone can provide only one-fourth of the total new capacity needed to build our way out of congestion. To attract private-sector investments, public policy makers do not have to, nor should they, guarantee short-term profits for private toll roads when there exist multiple private investment firms. Private investors can efficiently find optimal tolls and increase profits by making adjustments with adaptively learned demand information.
Evaluation of Value Capture Mechanisms from Linkage Capture to Special Assessment Districts
Authors: Rolon Abigail
Published: January 2009

There has been an increasing interest in the academic literature in how to seize the positive impact of transportation investments on land values and to use such funds as a source for financing transportation projects. Value capture mechanisms such as special assessment districts, tax increment financing, and linkage capture are seen as alternative strategies for funding transportation projects and making beneficiaries of higher land values pay a share of the benefits that they receive from transportation investments. This study assesses existing value capture mechanisms based on three desired criteria of taxation policy: maximization of efficiency, minimization of transaction costs, and minimization of regressivity.
Transport Project Appraisal in Israel
Authors: Shiftan Yoram , Sharaby Nir , Solomon Charles
Published: January 2009

Major investments in transport projects currently under way in Israel account for 1.2% of gross domestic product. The government is allocating budgets for new roads, intercity rail lines, and mass transit systems in all major metropolitan areas, with a growing share of private financing of public infrastructure. The government issued a new guide for transport project appraisal in 2006 to improve the decision-making process and the efficient allocation of funds. The guide is a result of substantial research and comprehensive review of worldwide developments, positioning project appraisal technique in line with best practices and state-of-the-art transport economics. The paper focuses on the main methodologies and changes in the new guide. The 2006 guide broadens the project impacts taking into account cost–benefit analysis (CBA) and thus reduces potential bias among different types of projects. New safety and environmental impact analysis are now part of CBA. Other impacts include equity analysis and accessibility and level-of-service indices. Special attention was given to improve the interaction between the transportation model and the economic model, integrating the various project impacts under a broad systematic analysis. Benefits are calculated based on welfare theory, and a special procedure is introduced to evaluate the potential bias under fixed demand travel demand models. It was shown that benefits are usually overestimated by use of the fixed demand assumption. These overestimates are negligible under normal flow conditions, but the bias is high under congestion conditions and elastic demand.
Making the Case for Funding Using Performance Management
Authors: Bremmer Daniela , Bryan James H.
Published: January 2009

Even though an agency is performing well, the public may perceive its performance as poor. This perception is due to a lack of relevant information or an imbalance between what an agency knows about its performance versus what the public knows about agency management and results. This is also known as information asymmetry. This paper shows that information asymmetry and the resulting lack of support for agency funding can be corrected using performance management and measurement and effective, ethical communication. This requires that information be presented in a manner that is timely, clear, sincere, truthful, and legitimate. The Washington State Department of Transportation's (DOT) response to a severe funding and accountability crisis is presented. Although the Washington State DOT was well regarded by its national peers as a high-performance agency, public, media, and legislative sentiment questioned its credibility and performance. The Washington State DOT responded to this crisis by instituting a program of regular, timely performance measurement and reporting designed to effectively communicate results to the legislature and the public and thus make the case for increased funding. During a period of approximately 3 years, polling data changed from nearly 75% of voters saying they did not trust the agency to spend tax dollars wisely, to just 12%. At the same time, two transportation tax increases (2003 and 2005) were approved and an initiative to repeal the 2005 tax increase was rejected by voters. The Washington State DOT case suggests that effective performance management and reporting, combined with strong leadership, is important for increasing agency credibility and securing funding.
Synthesis and Evaluation of a Molecularly Imprinted Polymer for 2,4-Dinitrophenol
Authors: Zakaria Nor Dyana , Yusof Nor Azah , Haron Jelas , Abdullah Abdul Halim
Published: January 2009

Molecular imprinted polymers (MIP) are considered one of the most promising selective and novel separation methods for removal phenolic compound in wastewater treatment. MIP are crosslinked polymeric materials that exhibit high binding capacity and selectivity towards a target molecule (template), purposely present during the synthesis process. In this work MIP were prepared in a bulk polymerization method in acetonitrile using 2,4-dinitrophenol, acrylamide, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, and benzoyl peroxide as template, functional monomer, cross-linker and initiator, respectively. An adsorption process for removal of nitrophenol using the fabricated MIP was evaluated under various pH and time conditions. The parameters studied for 2,4-dinitrophenol includes adsorption kinetics, adsorption isotherm, and selectivity. The maximum adsorption of nitrophenol by the fabricated MIP was 3.50 mg/g. The adsorption of 2,4-dinitrophenol by the fabricated MIP was found effective at pH 6.0. A kinetics study showed that nitrophenol adsorption follows a second order adsorption rate and the adsorption isotherm data is explained well by the Langmuir model.
Prepandemic Prevalence of Dietary Supplement Use for Immune Benefits
Authors: Nagai-Singer Margaret A. , Wambogo Edwina A. , Pasiakos Stefan M. , Gahche Jaime J.
Published: February 2025

This cross-sectional study of a national survey of US adults examines the prevalence of use of dietary supplements for perceived immune system benefits.
Pregnancy-Associated Mortality Due to Homicide, Suicide, and Drug Overdose
Authors: Wallace Maeve E. , Jahn Jaquelyn L.
Published: February 2025

Importance

Despite growing national concern about high and increasing rates of pregnancy-associated mortality due to homicide, suicide, and drug overdose, state-level incidence has previously not been available.

Objective

To identify cases of pregnancy-associated homicide, suicide, drug overdose, and deaths involving firearms in the US from calendar year 2018 to 2022 and estimate 5-year proportionate mortality and mortality ratios per 100 000 live births by state and cause of death.

Design, Setting, and Participants

This cross-sectional study is a population-based analysis of the 2018-2022 restricted-use mortality files provided by the National Center for Health Statistics. These data include all deaths occurring in the US, with geographic identifiers for state of residence. All records in which the decedent was female aged 10 to 44 years and pregnant at the time of death or up to 1 year earlier were included in the analysis. Data were analyzed from July 1 to December 1, 2024.

Main Outcomes and Measures

International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision codes for underlying cause of death were used to identify cases of homicide, suicide, drug overdose, and deaths involving firearms occurring in each state from 2018 to 2022. Proportionate mortality was estimated as the count of cases divided by the total count of deaths of pregnant and postpartum women in each state. Cause-specific mortality ratios were estimated as the count of cases divided by the total count of live births in each state from 2018 to 2022.

Results

Nationally, there were 10 715 deaths of people who were pregnant or within 1 year post partum from 2018 to 2022, including 837 homicides, 579 suicides, 2083 drug overdoses, and 851 that involved firearms. Proportionate mortality and mortality ratios for homicide, suicide, and drug overdose varied across the US. Of states with more than 9 cases, pregnancy-associated homicide mortality was highest in Mississippi (12.86 per 100 000 live births), pregnancy-associated suicide mortality was highest in Montana (21.55 deaths per 100 000 live births), and pregnancy-associated drug overdose was highest in Delaware (36.03 deaths per 100 000 live births). Firearms accounted for as many as 15.56% of pregnancy-associated deaths in Colorado, and pregnancy-associated firearm mortality was highest in Mississippi (13.42 deaths per 100 000 live births).

Conclusions and Relevance

The information in this study may provide relevant guidance for state and local intervention strategies to advance the health, safety, and well-being of women during pregnancy and beyond.
The apo LETM1 F‐EF‐hand adopts a closed conformation that underlies a multi‐modal sensory role in mitochondria
Authors: Lin Qi‐Tong , Colussi Danielle M. , Stathopulos Peter B.
Published: February 2025

Leucine zipper EF‐hand containing transmembrane protein‐1 (LETM1) plays a critical role in mitochondrial function, with haploinsufficiency linked to Wolf‐Hirschhorn syndrome. Here, we present the solution NMR structure of the calcium (Ca2+)‐depleted LETM1 EF‐hand domain, revealing a closed conformation facilitated by a distinct F1‐helix pivot rather than decreased interhelical angle. Further, we observe regiospecific unfolding in response to hot and cold denaturation and show H662 has a pKa in‐line with physiological pH fluctuations. Finally, we demonstrate Ca2+‐dependent transient interactions between the EF‐hand and other LETM1 or GHITM protein domains. Collectively, our data reveal the apo‐to‐holo structural dynamics and mechanisms underlying the multi‐modal sensing by the LETM1 EF‐hand domain, highlighting its role as an adaptable regulatory element within the mitochondrial matrix.
CPDD launches website supporting researchers
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: February 2025

After the Trump administration's Office of Management and Budget (OMB) issued a memo freezing federal funds for all grants, including those from the National Institutes of Health, chaos and lawsuits ensued (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/adaw.34393). The actual memo was rescinded, but not the “policy” behind it (which apparently had to do with eliminating all diversity equity and inclusion). The halt to funding for all grants until the government has time to “review” them for “compliance” with White House philosophy was destructive to the scientific community as well as to patients, according to commenters.
Efficient Proton Conduction through [N···X···N]+ Halogen Bond Coordination in Halogen‐Bonded Organic Frameworks
Authors: Zhao Qi , Lin Siyi , Sun Penghao , Lu Ya , Li Qian , Tian Zhennan , Bai Xuguan , Wang Jike , Wang Lu , Chen Shigui
Published: February 2025

Advancing anhydrous proton‐conducting materials is essential for the fabrication of high‐temperature (>373 K) polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (HT‐PEMFCs) and remains a significant challenge. Herein, halogen‐bonded organic frameworks linked by [N···I··N]+ interactions are reported as outstanding high‐temperature conductive materials. By incorporating carbazole groups into the monomers, two highly crystalline halogen‐bonded organic frameworks (XOF‐CSP/CTP) are constructed. These XOFs exhibit a high intrinsic conductivity (σ = 1.22 × 10−3 S cm−1) under high‐temperature anhydrous conditions. Doping the XOFs with H3PO4 allows the nitrogen sites and I+ sites on the pore walls to stabilize and tightly confine the H3PO4 network within the porous framework through hydrogen bonding, thereby enhancing proton conductivity under anhydrous conditions (σ = 1.02 × 10−2 S cm−1). Temperature‐dependent curves and theoretical calculations indicate that proton transport is governed by a low‐energy barrier hopping mechanism. These materials exhibit excellent stability and maintain high proton conductivity across a broad temperature range. This work provides a new platform for designing anhydrous proton‐conducting materials with significant potential as high‐temperature proton exchange membranes.
Osteomimix: A Multidimensional Biomimetic Cascade Strategy for Bone Defect Repair
Authors: Wu Xiaoyi , Yang Hongye , Liu Gufeng , Sun Wei , Li Jiyun , Zhao Yaning , Gao Xin , Liu Xuzheng , Song Fangfang , Wang Shilei , Lu Ziyang , Chen Chaoji , Huang Cui
Published: February 2025

Despite advancements in biomimetic mineralization techniques, the repair of large‐scale bone defects remains a significant challenge. Inspired by the bone formation process, a multidimensional biomimetic cascade strategy is developed by replicating the biomineralization cascade, emulating the hierarchical structure of bone, and biomimicking its biological functions for efficient bone regeneration. This strategy involves the photocrosslinking of sodium methacrylate carboxymethyl cellulose‐stabilized amorphous magnesium‐calcium phosphate with methacrylate‐modified type I collagen to create a self‐mineralizing hydrogel. The hydrogel is then integrated with either naturally derived or synthetic oriented bulk scaffolds. The resulting composite, named Osteomimix, provides excellent mechanical support and can be customized for irregular bone defects using CAD/CAM technology. Through in vitro and in vivo studies, this work finds that Osteomimix exhibits spontaneous in situ biomimetic mineralization in a cell‐free environment, while modulating immune responses and promoting vascularized bone formation in a cell‐dependent manner. Built on bone‐specific insights, this strategy achieves biomimicry across temporal, spatial, and functional dimensions, facilitating the seamless integration of artificial constructs with the natural tissue repair dynamics.
Chiral Inorganic Nanomaterial‐Based Diagnosis and Treatments for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Dong Jingqi , Xu Liguang , Qu Aihua , Hao Changlong , Sun Maozhong , Xu Chuanlai , Hu Shudong , Kuang Hua
Published: February 2025

Chiral nanomaterials are widely investigated over recent decades due to their biocompatibility and unique chiral effects. These key properties have significantly promoted the rapid development of chiral nanomaterials in bioengineering and medicine. In this review, the basic principles of constructing chiral nanomaterials along with the latest progress in research are comprehensively summarized. Then, the application of chiral nanomaterials for the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) is systematically described. In addition, the significant potential and broad prospects of chiral nanomaterials in the treatment of NDDs are highlighted from several aspects, including the disaggregation of neurofibrils, the scavenging of reactive oxygen species, regulation of the microbial–gut–brain axis, the elimination of senescent cells, and the promotion of directed differentiation in neural stem cells. Finally, a perspective of the challenges and future development of chiral nanomaterials for the treatment of NDDs is provided.
“Pumping” Trace Cu Impurity out of Zn Foil for Sustainable Aqueous Battery Interface
Authors: Zhong Rui , Wang Shengbo , He Kun , Wang Wei , Mo Guixing , Ma Weidong , He Xiaobin , Liang Wenhao , Li Jun , Jin Huile , Ju Zhijin , Wang Yao , Wang Shun , Yuan Yifei
Published: February 2025

Dendritic zinc (Zn) electrodeposition presents a significant obstacle to the large‐scale development of rechargeable zinc‐ion batteries. To mitigate this challenge, various interfacial strategies have been employed. However, these approaches often involve the incorporation of foreign materials onto Zn anode surface, resulting in increased material costs and processing complexities, not to mention the compromised interface endurability due to structural and compositional heterogeneity. Realizing that Cu atoms typically exist as trace impurities in commercial Zn, a novel approach is demonstrated that leverages these Cu impurities to create a Cu‐rich surface for effective modulation of Zn electrodeposition. By simply heating commercially available Zn foil with a naturally oxidized surface, not only the internal Cu atoms are thermally activated to become diffusible, their diffusion is also navigated toward the surface via oxygen attraction. The resulting Cu‐rich surface effectively regulates Zn electrodeposition, comparable to conventional interfacial strategies, yet exhibits superior cycling durability. 3D in situ microscopy confirms that this Cu‐rich surface enables dendrite‐free, compact, and (101)‐oriented Zn electrodeposition, contrasting with the traditional (002)‐oriented dendrite‐suppression mechanism. By transforming trace Cu impurity within Zn foil into a Cu‐rich surface, this work demonstrates a straightforward, cost‐effective and efficient method for controlling Zn electrodeposition.
Effective and Practical Stereoselective Synthesis of Nutlins Precursors by Immobilization of Privileged Chiral Mono‐Amidine Catalyst
Authors: Toldo Sofia , Poletti Lorenzo , Di Carmine Graziano , Bortolini Olga , De Risi Carmela , Felletti Simona , Compagnin Greta , Massi Alessandro , Ragno Daniele
Published: February 2025

A strategy for the immobilization of Johnston's Mono(AMidine) catalyst (MAM) onto polystyrene, silica and hybrid silica‐polystyrene nanoparticles is presented. The catalyst activity was evaluated in the stereoselective aza‐Henry reaction leading to the pivotal β‐amino nitroalkane precursors of the anti‐cancer agents Nutlins (with Nutlin‐3a as the most active drug). The effect of the support and the linker on the catalytic performance was investigated, observing an interesting match/mismatch effect when using a chiral linker. The polystyrene‐supported 3‐pyrrolidinol‐linked PS‐(S)‐Pyr‐MAM organocatalyst showed the best activity among the tested catalysts, behaving very similarly to the homogeneous counterpart in the synthesis of a library of Nutlins precursors: yield up to 95%, ee up to 99%, and dr up to >99:1. The catalyst recyclability was also assessed through simple filtration, yielding a satisfactory 93% ee after 5 cycles, showing only a moderate decrease in conversion efficiency (ca. 5% after each cycle), which resulted in an accumulated turnover number (TON) of 69.7.
Effectiveness and Safety of Oral Azvudine for Elderly Hospitalized Patients With COVID‐19: A Multicenter, Retrospective, Real‐World Study
Authors: Sun Ranran , Wang Haiyu , Sun Junyi , Yang Mengzhao , Zhang Shixi , Hu Xinjun , Yu Bo , Song Zhan , Han Na , Luo Hong , Cheng Ming , Li Guangming , Li Guotao , Yuan Yiqiang , Liang Lili , Zhang Yanyang , Zhang Donghua , Li Silin , Kan Quancheng , Liang Hongxia , Ren Zhigang
Published: February 2025

Azvudine is recommended as a priority treatment for patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‐19) during Omicron wave in China, but its efficacy and safety in elderly patients is unknown. In this multicenter, retrospective study, we identified 19763 elderly patients (aged over 60 years) with COVID‐19 from nine hospitals in Henan Province, China. The primary outcome is all‐cause death and the secondary outcome is composite disease progression. After propensity score matching, 4109 Azvudine recipients and 4109 matched controls is included, with average age of 75.15 years. Kaplan–Meier analysis reveales a notably survival and progression‐free benefit in Azvudine treatment. The Cox analysis shows that compared with controls, Azvudine recipients have a 33% lower risk of all‐cause death (95% confidence Interval (CI): 0.580–0.772, p < 0.001), but have no significant difference in composite disease progression (hazard ratio: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.833‐1.046, p = 0.234). Subgroup analysis suggested Azvudine have a stronger protective effect in patients concomitant with antibiotics. Three sensitive analyses confirm the robustness of the findings. The safety of Azvudine in elderly patients is acceptable. These findings indicate that Azvudine therapy can reduce the rate of all‐cause death in hospitalized elderly patients with COVID‐19, and without obvious adverse events.
The FBXW7‐RPAP2 Axis Controls the Growth of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells and Determines the Fate of Liver Cell Differentiation
Authors: Cui Danrui , Shao Shengpeng , Qu Ruirui , Chen Xiaoyu , Jiang Shanghong , Wang Linchen , Gong Longyuan , Li Tianqi , Zhai Danyi , Song Wenfeng , Song Penghong , Sun Yi , Liang Tingbo , Xiong Xiufang , Zhao Yongchao
Published: February 2025

RNA polymerase II‐associated protein 2 (RPAP2) plays a critical role in transcriptional regulation. However, little is known about whether and how RPAP2 regulates hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell growth, and how the RPAP2 stability is precisely maintained. Here it is reported that high RPAP2 levels in HCC tissues correlate with poor patient survival. RPAP2 depletion suppresses the growth and survival of HCC cells. F‐box and WD repeat domain‐containing 7 (FBXW7) targets RPAP2 for polyubiquitylation and degradation after RPAP2 being pre‐phosphorylated at Ser562 and Thr565 by p38 and GSK3, respectively. HSP90 inhibition significantly promotes RPAP2 degradation by CRL5FBXW7 ligase, whereas USP7 deubiquitylates and stabilizes RPAP2. FBXW7 knockdown promotes HCC cell growth via RPAP2 accumulation in vitro and in vivo. In mice, the hepatic‐specific deletion of Fbxw7 leads to hepatic cystogenesis with consequential accumulation of RPAP2. Simultaneous deletion of Rpap2 completely reverses the hepatic cystogenesis, indicating a causal role of RPAP2. Taken together, this study demonstrates that the RPAP2 stability is negatively regulated by FBXW7, but positively regulated by HSP90 and USP7. The FBXW7‐RPAP2 axis regulates HCC cell growth and modulates the fate of liver cell differentiation. These findings provide proof‐of‐concept evidence that oncogenic RPAP2 could be a promising therapeutic target for HCC.
High‐Speed Embedded Ink Writing of Anatomic‐Size Organ Constructs
Authors: Hua Weijian , Zhang Cheng , Cui Haoran , Mitchell Kellen , Hensley Dale K. , Chen Jihua , Do Changwoo , Raymond Lily , Coulter Ryan , Bandala Erick , Rubbi Fazlay , Chai Guangrui , Zhang Zhengyi , Liao Yiliang , Zhao Danyang , Wang Yan , Gaharwar Akhilesh K. , Jin Yifei
Published: February 2025

Embedded ink writing (EIW) is an emerging 3D printing technique that fabricates complex 3D structures from various biomaterial inks but is limited to a printing speed of ∼10 mm s−1 due to suboptimal rheological properties of particulate‐dominated yield‐stress fluids when used as liquid baths. In this work, a particle‐hydrogel interactive system to design advanced baths with enhanced yield stress and extended thixotropic response time for realizing high‐speed EIW is developed. In this system, the interactions between particle additive and three representative polymeric hydrogels enable the resulting nanocomposites to demonstrate different rheological behaviors. Accordingly, the interaction models for the nanocomposites are established, which are subsequently validated by macroscale rheological measurements and advanced microstructure characterization techniques. Filament formation mechanisms in the particle‐hydrogel interactive baths are comprehensively investigated at high printing speeds. To demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed high‐speed EIW method, an anatomic‐size human kidney construct is successfully printed at 110 mm s−1, which only takes ∼4 h. This work breaks the printing speed barrier in current EIW and propels the maximum printing speed by at least 10 times, providing an efficient and promising solution for organ reconstruction in the future.
Artificial Intelligence‐Based Approaches for AAV Vector Engineering
Authors: Tan Fangzhi , Dong Yue , Qi Jieyu , Yu Wenwu , Chai Renjie
Published: February 2025

Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) has emerged as a leading vector for gene therapy due to its broad host range, low pathogenicity, and ability to facilitate long‐term gene expression. However, AAV vectors face limitations, including immunogenicity and insufficient targeting specificity. To enhance the efficacy of gene therapy, researchers have been modifying the AAV vector using various methods. Traditional experimental approaches for optimizing AAV vector are often time‐consuming, resource‐intensive, and difficult to replicate. The advancement of artificial intelligence (AI), particularly machine learning, offers significant potential to accelerate capsid optimization while reducing development time and manufacturing costs. This review compares traditional and AI‐based methods of AAV vector engineering and highlights recent research in AAV engineering using AI algorithms.
Optogenetically Activatable MLKL as a Standalone Functional Module for Necroptosis and Therapeutic Applications in Antitumoral Immunity
Authors: Jeong Da‐Hye , Kim Seokhwi , Park Han‐Hee , Woo Kyoung‐Jin , Choi Jae‐Il , Choi Minji , Shin Jisoo , Park So Hyun , Seon Myung‐Wook , Lee Dakeun , Cha Jong‐Ho , Kim You‐Sun
Published: February 2025

Necroptosis plays a crucial role in the progression of various diseases and has gained substantial attention for its potential to activate antitumor immunity. However, the complex signaling networks that regulate necroptosis have made it challenging to fully understand its mechanisms and translate this knowledge into therapeutic applications. To address these challenges, an optogenetically activatable necroptosis system is developed that allows for precise spatiotemporal control of key necroptosis regulators, bypassing complex upstream signaling processes. The system, specifically featuring optoMLKL, demonstrates that it can rapidly assemble into functional higher‐order “hotspots” within cellular membrane compartments, independent of RIPK3‐mediated phosphorylation. Moreover, the functional module of optoMLKL significantly enhances innate immune responses by promoting the release of iDAMPs and cDAMPs, which are critical for initiating antitumor immunity. Furthermore, optoMLKL exhibits antitumor effects when activated in patient‐derived pancreatic cancer organoids, highlighting its potential for clinical application. These findings will pave the way for innovative cancer therapies by leveraging optogenetic approaches to precisely control and enhance necroptosis.