bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective B(3)‐H Activation Affording Multinuclear Ir(III) Complexes with (o‐Carboranyl)dithioester Ligands
Authors: Zhu Yong‐Xiao , Yuan Run‐Ze , Zhang Hai‐Ning , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: April 2024

A method was developed to link two or three o‐carborane moieties to form a series of carboranyl dithioester bridging ligands via in situ substitution of haloalkanes by tetraphenylphosphonium carboranyldithiocarboxylates. Based on these ligands, direct B−H activation without the assistance of Ag(I) and alkali was successfully achieved with half‐sandwich Ir(III) substrate [Cp*IrCl2]2 to yield corresponding bimetallic or trimetallic complexes. Single crystal structure analyses of the B−H activated complexes and corresponding SnCl2‐inserted derivatives confirm the selective B(3)‐H activation in these complexes.
Opportunity of Patterning in Chemistry
Authors: Gentili Denis , Cavallini Massimiliano
Published: April 2024

Patterning offers an efficient way to quantitatively enhance and enlarge material properties and functionalities, offering unprecedented opportunities for innovation in various scientific domains. By precisely controlling the spatial arrangement of materials at the micro‐ and nanoscale, patterning enables the exploitation of inherent material properties in novel ways. In addition, it generates new properties, leading to the development of advanced devices and applications. This article highlights the significant contributions of spatially controlled patterning in chemistry, particularly in generating new functional properties and devices, discussing some representative articles. Examples include the use of unconventional patterning techniques for surface functionalization, as well as the application of spatial confinement in improving material properties and controlling crystallization processes. Furthermore, the discussion extends to creating new devices, such as optical storage media and sensors, through spatial organization of materials.
Fluorescence and Lifetime Imaging of Endoplasmic Reticulum Polarity Change During Ferroptosis
Authors: Li Mingfeng , Chen Yuncong , He Weijiang , Guo Zijian
Published: April 2024

As a new form of regulated cell death, ferroptosis is closely related to various diseases. Tracing ferroptosis related biological behavior is helpful to better understand this process and its related biology. Considering that ferroptosis is featured with remarkable lipid peroxidation which can easily change the membranes’ compositions and structures, it is potential to detect intracellular environmental changes for direct assessment of ferroptosis. In view of the close relationship between endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and ferroptosis, we designed an ER‐targeted and polarity‐sensitive fluorescent probe SBD−CH, which has superior photostability and can respond to polarity with high selectivity without the affection of viscosity. SBD−CH can monitor the trend of ER polarity during ferroptosis by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and analyze the distribution of polarity in ferroptosis by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM). During Erastin induced ferroptosis, the polarity of ER in HT‐1080 cells increased and the polarity distribution in ER was more dispersed. Our work provides an effective strategy for evaluating the process of ferroptosis by monitoring the changes of ER polarity.
CFD simulations of a bubble column containing enhanced oil recovery chemicals
Authors: Orlando Aloisio E. , Haelssig Jan B. , Klein Tania S. , Medronho Ricardo A.
Published: April 2024

Chemical enhanced oil recovery (EOR) methods return produced water containing polymers and surfactants which poses a water treatment challenge at offshore facilities. The present work shows that numerical simulations of gas‐water systems containing these chemicals remain challenging. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) was used to predict gas holdup in a laboratory bubble column containing brine and EOR chemicals. The synthetic produced water was treated as non‐Newtonian in the simulations to match the experimentally‐determined physical properties. Two‐ and three‐dimensional numerical simulations were performed, and the latter were shown to be more appropriate through statistical analysis. Three classical drag models were assessed, and the results indicated that none of them could account for the high liquid viscosities and low surface tensions encountered in the system. A modification to the drag model of Tomiyama et al. (1988) was proposed to account for drag increases at low bubble Reynolds numbers when liquid apparent viscosity is high and surface tension is low. The importance of considering the interaction between apparent viscosity and surface tension was also shown through statistical analysis. CFD predictions of gas holdup showed that the proposed drag modification reduced errors from approximately 30% to less than 10% when compared to the experimental data. Radial profiles of the axial liquid velocity were also assessed and are apparently related to gas holdup prediction.
Covalent organic frameworks as novel materials for overcoming key obstacles in lithium metal battery development
Authors: Ghafari Adel , Dashtipour Bahareh , Sam Mahsa , Yeklangi Akbar Ghasemi , Akbari Somayeh
Published: April 2024

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging as a potential material to the obstacles preventing the broad adoption of lithium metal batteries (LMBs). While these batteries offer a high energy density, they are plagued by challenges including dendrite growth, formation of dead lithium, and generation of an unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). In this contribution, we undertake a comprehensive exploration of COFs, probing their capacity to surmount these hurdles via a spectrum of methodologies. These encompass the development of novel cathode materials, enhancement of the SEI layer, customization of separators, incorporation of electrolyte additives, and adaptation of current collector strategies. We also examine the potential of COFs in solid‐state LMBs, which offer even greater energy storage capability. Peering ahead, the ongoing refinement and advancement of COFs hold the potential to substantially elevate the efficiency and dependability of LMBs, ultimately paving the way for their expanded utilization in critical applications such as electric vehicles and energy storage for power grids.
Alkyl Radical Initiated Cyclization/Cascade for Synthesizing Lactam‐Substituted Alkyl Sulfones
Authors: Wu Li‐Jun , Zhang Kai‐Yi , Yang Pei , Peng Chuan‐Chong , Liu Jin‐Hui , Li Qing , Sun Da‐Zhi , Yin Shuangfeng
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive Summary

An alkyl radical initiated cyclization/tandem reaction of alkyl bromides and alkyl electrophiles by using potassium metabisulphite (K2S2O5) as a connector is developed for the synthesis of various lactam‐substituted alkyl sulfones. Notably, this process does not require a metal catalyst or metal powder reductant, highlighting its environmentally friendly features. The reaction demonstrates outstanding substrate adaptability and a high tolerance towards diverse functional groups. Furthermore, the biologically active molecules and commercially available drugs with a late‐stage modification are also highly compatible with this transformation. Mechanistic studies revealed that the reaction proceeds through a single‐step process involving intramolecular radical cyclization, "SO2" insertion, and external alkyl incorporation.
Three Types of Isocoumarins with Unusual Carbon Skeletons from Artemisia dubia var. subdigitata and Their Antihepatoma Activity
Authors: Yang Ke‐Xin , Li Tian‐Ze , Ma Yun‐Bao , Wang Yong‐Cui , Li Feng‐Jiao , Chen Ji‐Jun
Published: April 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Ten novel isocoumarins, including four pairs of enantiomers, were isolated from Artemisia dubia var. subdigitata (Asteraceae). Compounds 1, 2 and 3a/3b possessed a unique 6/6/6‐tricyclic system comprising an unusual 1‐(2‐methylcyclohexyl) propan‐1‐one moiety fused with isocoumarin core skeleton. Compounds 4a/4b were characterized as an unexpected 2,5‐dimethylcyclohexan‐1‐one scaffold, and compounds 5a/5b and 6a/6b were rare 1,2‐seco‐isocoumarin. Their structures and absolute configurations were elucidated through spectroscopic data, X‐ray crystallography, ECD and NMR calculations with DP4+ analyses. Plausible biosynthetic pathways were proposed from the naturally occurring isocoumarin. Network pharmacological analysis suggested that the targets of compound 1 were significantly enriched in the cell cycle and PI3K‐Akt signaling pathway. The molecular docking revealed that compound 1 had high binding affinity with CDK2 (total score: 6.8717). Furthermore, compounds 1 and 2 exhibited inhibitory activity on three human hepatoma cell lines, with inhibitory ratios of 85.1% and 84.5% (HepG2), 88.2% and 87.3% (Huh7), and 69.2% and 69.1% (SK‐Hep‐1) at 200 μmol·L–1, respectively.
Targeted genotyping for recurring variants in cancer susceptibility genes in non‐Ashkenazi Jewish patients with breast cancer diagnosed ≥50 years
Authors: Bernstein‐Molho Rinat , Shhada Narmeen Abu , Laitman Yael , Netzer Iris , Shoval Shelley , Friedman Eitan
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Several recurring pathogenic variants (PVs) in BRCA1/BRCA2 and additional cancer susceptibility genes are described in the ethnically diverse Israeli population. Since 2019, testing for these recurring PVs is reimbursed unselectively for all patients with breast cancer (BC) in Israel. The aim was to evaluate the yield of genotyping for these PVs in non‐Ashkenazi Jewish (AJ) patients with BC diagnosed ≥age 50 years.

Methods

Clinical and genotyping data of all patients with BC undergoing oncogenetic counseling at the Oncology Institute at Sheba Medical Center from June 2017 to December 2023 were reviewed.

Results

Of 2706 patients with BC (mean age at diagnosis, 54 years; range, 20–92 years) counseled, 515 patients of non‐AJ (all four grandparents) descent, diagnosed ≥age 50 years of age were genotyped, 55 with triple‐negative BC (TNBC) and 460 with non‐TNBC. One of the recurring PVs in BRCA1/BRCA2 were detected in 12.7% (7/55) of TNBC patients and 0.65% (3/460) of non‐TNBC. One patient with non‐TNBC had PMS2 PV. Low‐penetrance variants were found in 2.5% of genotyped TNBC and in 3.7% of patients with non‐TNBC, including CHEK2 c.499G>A (n = 3), APC c.3920T > A (n = 4), and heterozygous MUTYH c.1187G>A (n = 5). Following first‐pass genotyping, 146 patients performed multigene panel testing, none carried a BRCA1/BRCA2 PV, and only 5/127 non‐TNBC (3.9%) harbored PVs in CHEK2 (n = 2, c.846+1G>C and c.592+3A>T), ATM c.103C>T (n = 2), and NBN c.966C>G (n = 1).

Conclusions

The observed low rates of PV detection in non‐AJ non‐TNBC cases ≥age 50 years at diagnosis, mostly for clinically insignificant variants, questions the justification of unselected genotyping in this subset of patients.
Brain surface morphology and ecological and macroevolutionary inferences of avian New World suboscines (Aves, Passeriformes, Tyrannides)
Authors: Demmel Ferreira María Manuela , Degrange Federico Javier , Tirao Germán Alfredo
Published: April 2024

The New World suboscines (Passeriformes and Tyrannides) are one of the biggest endemic vertebrate radiations in South America, including the families Furnariidae and Tyrannidae. Avian brain morphology is a reliable proxy to study their evolution. The aim of this work is to elucidate whether the brains of these families reflect the ecological differences (e.g., feeding behavior) and to clarify macroevolutionary aspects of their neuroanatomy. Our hypotheses are as follows: Brain size is similar between both families and with other Passeriformes; brain morphology in Tyrannides is the result of the pressure of ecological factors; and brain disparity is low since they share ecological traits. Skulls of Furnariidae and Tyrannidae were micro‐computed tomography–scanned, and three‐dimensional models of the endocast were generated. Regression analyses were performed between brain volume and body mass. Linear and surface measurements were used to build phylomorphospaces and to calculate the amount of phylogenetic signal. Tyrannidae showed a larger brain disparity than Furnariidae, although it is not shaped by phylogeny in the Tyrannides. Furnariidae present enlarged Wulsts (eminentiae sagittales) but smaller optic lobes, while in Tyrannidae, it is the opposite. This could indicate that in Tyrannides there is a trade‐off between the size of these two visual‐related brain structures.
Evaluate the in vitro effect of anthracycline and alkylating cytophosphane chemotherapeutics on dopaminergic neurons
Authors: Desai Darshini , Majrashi Mohammed , Pathak Suhrud , Almaghrabi Mohammed , Liu Keyi , Pondugula Satyanarayana R. , Tiwari Amit K. , Babu R. Jayachandra , Deruiter Jack , Dhanasekaran Muralikrishnan
Published: April 2024

Background

Iatrogenesis is an inevitable global threat to healthcare that drastically increases morbidity and mortality. Cancer is a fatal pathological condition that affects people of different ages, sexes, and races around the world. In addition to the detrimental cancer pathology, one of the most common contraindications and challenges observed in cancer patients is severe adverse drug effects and hypersensitivity reactions induced by chemotherapy. Chemotherapy‐induced cognitive neurotoxicity is clinically referred to as Chemotherapy‐induced cognitive impairment (CICI), chemobrain, or chemofog. In addition to CICI, chemotherapy also causes neuropsychiatric issues, mental disorders, hyperarousal states, and movement disorders. A synergistic chemotherapy regimen of Doxorubicin (Anthracycline‐DOX) and Cyclophosphamide (Alkylating Cytophosphane‐CPS) is indicated for the management of various cancers (breast cancer, lymphoma, and leukemia). Nevertheless, there are limited research studies on Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide's pharmacodynamic and toxicological effects on dopaminergic neuronal function.

Aim

This study evaluated the dopaminergic neurotoxic effects of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide.

Methods and Results

Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide were incubated with dopaminergic (N27) neurons. Neuronal viability was assessed using an MTT assay. The effect of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide on various prooxidants, antioxidants, mitochondrial Complex‐I & IV activities, and BAX expression were evaluated by Spectroscopic, Fluorometric, and RT‐PCR methods, respectively. Prism‐V software (La Jolla, CA, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Chemotherapeutics dose‐dependently inhibited the proliferation of the dopaminergic neurons. The dopaminergic neurotoxic mechanism of Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide was attributed to a significant increase in prooxidants, a decrease in antioxidants, and augmented apoptosis without affecting mitochondrial function.

Conclusion

This is one of the first reports that reveal Doxorubicin and Cyclophosphamide induce significant dopaminergic neurotoxicity. Thus, Chemotherapy‐induced adverse drug reaction issues substantially persist during and after treatment and sometimes never be completely resolved clinically. Consequently, failure to adopt adequate patient care measures for cancer patients treated with certain chemotherapeutics might substantially raise the incidence of numerous movement disorders.
Online streaming feature selection based on hierarchical structure information
Authors: Lin Shuxian , Wang Chenxi , Yu Xiehua , Fang Huirong , Lin Yaojin
Published: April 2024

Hierarchical classification learning aims to exploit the hierarchical relationship between data categories. The high dimensionality and dynamic of the data feature space are the main challenges of this research. Hierarchical feature selection uses a hierarchical structure to divide large‐scale tasks into multiple small tasks, which can more effectively improve the training speed and prediction accuracy of classification models. To present, existing online feature selection methods ignore the hierarchical structure of data. In addition, the dependency relationships in the hierarchical structure can serve as auxiliary knowledge to aid feature selection. Based on this, this paper proposes an online streaming hierarchical feature selection method based on kernelized fuzzy rough sets (OFS‐HNFRS). First, we use the prior knowledge of the hierarchical structure to divide the sample set into multiple subsets. Second, the dependency relationship of hierarchical structure is extended to kernelized fuzzy rough sets, and hierarchical category dependency based on kernelized fuzzy rough sets is defined. Finally, a new online feature selection framework is proposed, which is used to evaluate the relevance, significance, and redundancy of features. We verify the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on six hierarchical datasets and eight flat datasets.
Prevention of sleep deprivation attack in MANET using cumulative priority based cluster head selection
Authors: Kumari Ankita , Singh Purushottam , Pranav Prashant , Dutta Sandip , Chakraborty Soubhik
Published: April 2024

In the rapidly evolving domain of Mobile Ad‐hoc Networks (MANETs), where their deployment spans critical military operations to essential organizational communication infrastructures, the pervasive threat of security breaches casts a long shadow on the networks' operational integrity and reliability. Central among these threats are sleep deprivation attacks, a particularly insidious form of cyber aggression that exploits the inherent decentralized and self‐organizing characteristics of MANETs to exhaust the energy reserves of nodes, compromising the network's stability and performance. This paper embarks on a journey to confront this challenge head‐on, introducing a pioneering and holistic defense mechanism that integrates a cumulative priority‐based model for the selection of cluster heads, ingeniously augmented by the principles of Chebyshev's Inequality for optimal load balancing. This novel strategy is designed not only to counteract the direct impacts of sleep deprivation attacks but also to address the underlying vulnerabilities of MANETs that these attacks exploit. Through a rigorous series of simulations, conducted across a spectrum of network scenarios to test the resilience and adaptability of our proposed model, we have observed a commendable success rate of 98% in neutralizing sleep deprivation attacks. By leveraging the dynamic nature of MANETs and integrating advanced statistical methods for load distribution and cluster management, our model offers a robust framework that significantly improves network performance and energy efficiency. This, in turn, fosters a more sustainable and reliable network environment, crucial for the high‐stakes applications MANETs support. By championing a comprehensive and adaptable approach to security, this study promises to reinstate user trust and ensure the continued reliability of these indispensable networks, securing their place as a cornerstone of modern communication infrastructure in the face of evolving cyber threats.
Adaptability of Heteropolytungstate Anions as Efficient Anode Redox Mediators in Redox Flow Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Naruse Shinji , Muroyama Hiroki , Matsui Toshiaki , Eguchi Koichi
Published: April 2024

Heteropolyanions (HPAs) are known as the candidate for an anode redox mediator for redox flow polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs). The electrochemical properties of HPAs differ depending on the transition elements and heteroatoms in HPAs. For example, heteropolytungstate anions (W−HPAs), in which the transition element is tungsten, have a lower one‐electron reduction potential than other HPAs. Therefore, it has been reported that redox flow PEFCs adapted with W−HPAs exhibit high power generation performance. On the other hand, studies on the heteroatoms of HPAs are limited only to electrochemical properties, and statistical and comprehensive studies on the power generation performance of redox flow PEFCs are lacking. Thus, it is beneficial to clarify the optimal heteroatom in order to design anolytes suitable for redox flow PEFCs. In this study, heteropolytungstate anions with different heteroatoms were adapted as anodic redox mediators in a redox flow PEFC. In power generation tests, the redox flow PEFC with an anolyte of zinctungstate anion showed the highest performance. Zinctungstate anion exhibited the fastest reduction and oxidation rates among the W−HPAs investigated in this study.
Magnetically Recyclable Borane Lewis Acid Catalyst for Hydrosilylation of Imines and Reductive Amination of Carbonyls
Authors: Saptal Vitthal B. , Ranjan Prabodh , Zbořil Radek , Nowicki Marek , Walkowiak Jędrzej
Published: April 2024

Fluorinated arylborane‐based Lewis acid catalysts have shown remarkable activity and serve as ideal examples of transition metal‐free catalysts for diverse organic transformations. However, their homogeneous nature poses challenges in terms of recyclability and separation from reaction mixtures. This work presents an efficient technique for the heterogenization of boron Lewis acid catalysts by anchoring Piers’ borane to allyl‐functionalized iron oxide. This catalyst demonstrates excellent activity in the hydrosilylation of imines and the reductive amination of carbonyls using various silanes as reducing agents under mild reaction conditions. The catalyst exhibits broad tolerance towards a wide range of functional substrates. Furthermore, it exhibits good recyclability and can be easily separated from the products using an external magnetic field. This work represents a significant advance in the development of sustainable heterogenous metal‐free catalysts for organic transformations.
CO2 Valorization in Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Guo Zhenbo , Zhang Zhicheng , Huang Yuchen , Lin Tianxing , Guo Yixin , He Liang‐Nian , Liu Tianfei
Published: April 2024

The deep eutectic solvent (DES) has emerged in recent years as a valuable medium for converting CO2 into valuable chemicals because of its easy availability, stability, and safety, and its capability to dissolve carbon dioxide. CO2 valorization in DES has evolved rapidly over the past 20 years. As well as being used as solvents for acid/base‐promoted CO2 conversion for the production of cyclic carbonates and carbamates, DESs can be used as reaction media for electrochemical CO2 reduction for formic acid and CO. Among these products, cyclic carbonates can be used as solvents and electrolytes, carbamate derivatives include the core structure of many herbicides and pesticides, and formic acid and carbon monoxide, the C1 electrochemical products, are essential raw materials in the chemical industries. An overview of the application of DESs for CO2 valorization in recent years is presented in this review, followed by a compilation and comparison of product types and reaction mechanisms within the different types of DESs, and an outlook on how CO2 valorization will be developed in the future.
Advancing precision medicine through single‐cell sequencing: Insights and implications
Authors: Zhang Xu , Gao Rongrong , Yang Liuke , Zhu Youwei , Zhang Tiancheng , Shen Xiaorong , Gu Wenwen , Yang Long , Peng Shenjie
Published: April 2024

Background

Single‐cell sequencing (SCS) marks the advent of a transformative period in biomedical studies, enabling unprecedented insight into the cellular intricacies of health and disease.

Methods

By dissecting the genetic, epigenetic and proteomic landscapes at the single‐cell level, SCS transcends traditional bulk sequencing methodologies, illuminating the heterogeneity and dynamics of individual cells.

Results

This analytical leap facilitates a deeper understanding of disease mechanisms, offers novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets and underpins the development of precision medicine across diverse fields such as neurology, oncology and immunology.

Conclusions

Despite its profound potential, SCS encounters challenges, including complex sample preparation, sophisticated data analysis and cost considerations. Nevertheless, ongoing advancements promise to overcome these barriers, integrating SCS with other omics data and leveraging machine learning to enhance biological understanding and clinical application. With the advancement of SCS technologies, personalised healthcare might be fundamentally altered, facilitating tailored and efficacious treatment strategies.
Historical fragmentation and stepping‐stone gene flow led to population genetic differentiation in a coastal seabird
Authors: Harkness Bronwyn A. S. , Ibarguchi Gabriela , Poland Veronica F. , Friesen Vicki L.
Published: April 2024

Understanding the forces that shape population genetic structure is fundamental both for understanding evolutionary trajectories and for conservation. Many factors can influence the geographic distribution of genetic variation, and the extent to which local populations differ can be especially difficult to predict in highly mobile organisms. For example, many species of seabirds are essentially panmictic, but some show strong structure. Pigeon Guillemots (Cepphus columba; Charadriiformes: Alcidae) breed in small colonies scattered along the North Pacific coastline and feed in shallow nearshore waters year‐round. Given their distribution, gene flow is potentially lower and population genetic structure is stronger than in most other high‐latitude Northern Hemisphere seabirds. We screened variation in the mitochondrial control region, four microsatellite loci, and two nuclear introns in 202 Pigeon Guillemots representing three of five subspecies. Mitochondrial sequences and nuclear loci both showed significant population differences, although structure was weaker for the nuclear loci. Genetic differentiation was correlated with geographic distance between sampling locations for both the mitochondrial and nuclear loci. Mitochondrial gene trees and demographic modeling both provided strong evidence for two refugial populations during the Pleistocene glaciations: one in the Aleutian Islands and one farther east and south. We conclude that historical fragmentation combined with a stepping‐stone model of gene flow led to the relatively strong population differentiation in Pigeon Guillemots compared to other high‐latitude Northern Hemisphere seabird species. Our study adds to growing evidence that Pleistocene glaciation events affected population genetic structure not only in terrestrial species but also in coastal marine animals.
Historical changes in the distribution of the Sichuan golden snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) in Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Dai Yunchuan , Xia Wancai , Zhu Yujing , Hacker Charlotte , Wang Xueyu , Li Dayong
Published: April 2024

The Sichuan golden snub‐nosed monkey (Rhinopithecus roxellana) is a rare and endangered primate species endemic to China. Conducting research on the population distribution changes of the Sichuan golden snub‐nosed monkey holds paramount importance for its conservation. Our study represented a comprehensive investigation into the population distribution of the Sichuan snub‐nosed monkey by integrating data acquired from field surveys, protected areas, and historical records and using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to explore changes in distribution across various time periods, including the historical (the Mid‐to‐Late Pleistocene), recent (1980–2000), and current (2001–2023). The research findings demonstrate a significant shift in the distribution range of the Sichuan golden snub‐nosed monkey compared to historical time frames. Notably, between 1980 and 2000, there was a sharp decline in distribution area. Analyses revealed that the southernmost distribution county for the Sichuan golden snub‐nosed monkey in Sichuan Province has shifted northward from Huili to Kangding. Furthermore, distribution changes in Sichuan Province are not solely characterized by a reduction in habitat area but also by a decrease in vertical distribution zones. Regions in the northeastern part of Sichuan with elevations below 1000 m, such as Guang'an City, Bazhong City, Dazhou City, and Nanchong City, no longer support the presence of the Sichuan golden snub‐nosed monkey. At present, the distribution range is confined to elevations between 1000 and 4000 m in the two major mountain ranges of Qionglai and Minshan. A holistic approach is required to safeguard this species. The establishment of movement corridors can play a critical role in enhancing the overall connectivity of current distribution areas. Additionally, we propose implementing a hierarchical approach to protect current habitats. Spatially differentiated conservation measures should be implemented to prioritize the protection of key habitats while simultaneously monitoring anthropogenic activities in non‐key habitats to prevent further fragmentation and isolation of the monkey's distribution areas.
A flexible theory for the dynamics of social populations: Within‐group density dependence and between‐group processes
Authors: Lerch Brian A. , Abbott Karen C.
Published: April 2024

Despite the importance of population structures throughout ecology, relatively little theoretical attention has been paid to understanding the implications of social groups for population dynamics. The dynamics of socially structured populations differ substantially from those of unstructured or metapopulation‐structured populations, because social groups themselves may split, fuse, and compete. These “between‐group processes” remain understudied as drivers of the dynamics of socially structured populations. Here, we explore the role of various between‐group processes in the dynamics of socially structured populations. To do so, we analyze a model that includes births, deaths, migration, fissions, fusions, and between‐group competition and flexibly allows for density dependence in each process. Both logistic growth and an Allee effect are considered for within‐group density dependence. We show that the effect of various between‐group processes is mediated by their influence on the stable distribution of group sizes, with the ultimate impact on the population determined by the interaction between within‐group density dependence and the process's effect on the group size distribution. Between‐group interactions that change the number of groups can lead to both negative and positive density dependence at the global population level (even if birth and death rates depend only on group size and not population size). We conclude with a series of case studies that illustrates different ways that age, sex, and class structure impact the dynamics of social populations. These case studies demonstrate the importance of group‐formation mechanisms, the cost of having excess males in a group, and the potential drawbacks of generating too many reproductive individuals. In sum, our results make clear the importance of within‐group density dependence, between‐group dynamics, and the interactions between them for the population dynamics of social species and provide a flexible framework for modeling social populations.
MelastomaTRAITs 1.0: A database of functional traits in Melastomataceae, a large pantropical angiosperm family
Authors: Reginato Marcelo , Ordónez‐Parra Carlos A. , Messeder João Vitor S. , Brito Vinicius L. G. , Dellinger Agnes , Kriebel Ricardo , Marra Camilla , Melo Lilian , Cornelissen Tatiana , Fuzessy Lisieux , Sperotto Patricia , Calderón‐Hernández Manuela , Guerra Tadeu J. , Kopper Constantin , Mancipe‐Murillo Carolina , Pizo Marco A. , Posada‐Herrera Juan Mauricio , Hasui Érica , Silva Wesley R. , Silveira Fernando A. O.
Published: April 2024

The recent availability of open‐access repositories of functional traits has revolutionized trait‐based approaches in ecology and evolution. Nevertheless, the underrepresentation of tropical regions and lineages remains a pervasive bias in plant functional trait databases, which constrains large‐scale assessments of plant ecology, evolution, and biogeography. Here, we present MelastomaTRAITs 1.0, a comprehensive and updatable database of functional traits for the pantropical Melastomataceae, the ninth‐largest angiosperm family with 177 genera and more than 5800 species. Melastomataceae encompass species with a wide diversity of growth forms (herbs, shrubs, trees, epiphytes, and woody climbers), habitats (including tropical forests, savannas, grasslands, and wetlands from sea level to montane areas above the treeline), ecological strategies (from pioneer, edge‐adapted and invasive species to shade‐tolerant understory species), geographic distribution (from microendemic to continental‐wide distribution), reproductive, pollination, and seed dispersal systems. MelastomaTRAITs builds on 581 references, such as taxonomic monographs, ecological research, and unpublished data, and includes four whole‐plant traits, six leaf traits, 11 flower traits, 18 fruit traits, and 27 seed traits for 2520 species distributed in 144 genera across all 21 tribes. Most data come from the Neotropics where the family is most species‐rich. Miconieae (the largest tribe) contains the highest number of trait records (49.6%) and species (41.1%) records. The trait types with the most information in the database were whole‐plant traits, flowers, and leaf traits. With the breadth of functional traits recorded, our database helps to fill a gap in information for tropical plants and will significantly improve our capacity for large‐scale trait‐based syntheses across levels of organization, plant–animal interactions, regeneration ecology, and thereby support conservation and restoration programs. There are no copyright restrictions on the dataset; please cite this data paper when reusing the data.
Active Cu and Fe Nanoparticles Codecorated Ruddlesden–Popper‐Type Perovskite as Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells Cathode for CO2 Splitting
Authors: Liu Dongliang , Shang Hang , Zhou Chuan , Miao Jie , Xue Daxiang , Chen Zeping , Fei Meijuan , Liang Fengli , Niu Qiang , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: April 2024

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs), displaying high current density and energy efficiency, have been proven to be an effective technique to electrochemically reduce CO2 into CO. However, the insufficiency of cathode activity and stability is a tricky problem to be addressed for SOECs. Hence, it is urgent to develop suitable cathode materials with excellent catalytic activity and stability for further practical application of SOECs. Herein, a reduced perovskite oxide, Pr0.35Sr0.6Fe0.7Cu0.2Mo0.1O3‐δ (PSFCM0.35), is developed as SOECs cathode to electrolyze CO2. After reduction in 10% H2/Ar, Cu and Fe nanoparticles are exsolved from the PSFCM0.35 lattice, resulting in a phase transformation from cubic perovskite to Ruddlesden–Popper (RP) perovskite with more oxygen vacancies. The exsolved metal nanoparticles are tightly attached to the perovskite substrate and afford more active sites to accelerate CO2 adsorption and dissociation on the cathode surface. The significantly strengthened CO2 adsorption capacity obtained after reduction is demonstrated by in situ Fourier transform‐infrared (FT‐IR) spectra. Symmetric cells with the reduced PSFCM0.35 (R‐PSFCM0.35) electrode exhibit a low polarization resistance of 0.43 Ω cm2 at 850 °C. Single electrolysis cells with the R‐PSFCM0.35 cathode display an outstanding current density of 2947 mA cm−2 at 850 °C and 1.6 V. In addition, the catalytic stability of the R‐PSFCM0.35 cathode is also proved by operating at 800 °C with an applied constant current density of 600 mA cm−2 for 100 h.
Machine learning‐driven diagnostic signature provides new insights in clinical management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Liu Shutong , Yuan Peiyu , Zheng Youyang , Guo Chunguang , Ren Yuqing , Weng Siyuan , Zhang Yuyuan , Liu Long , Xing Zhe , Wang Libo , Han Xinwei
Published: April 2024

Aims

In an era of evolving diagnostic possibilities, existing diagnostic systems are not fully sufficient to promptly recognize patients with early‐stage hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) without symptomatic and instrumental features. Considering the sudden death of HCM, developing a novel diagnostic model to clarify the patients with early‐stage HCM and the immunological characteristics can avoid misdiagnosis and attenuate disease progression.

Methods and results

Three hundred eighty‐five samples from four independent cohorts were systematically retrieved. The weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, differential expression analysis (|log2(foldchange)| > 0.5 and adjusted P < 0.05), and protein–protein interaction network were sequentially performed to identify HCM‐related hub genes. With a machine learning algorithm, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression algorithm, a stable diagnostic model was developed. The immune‐cell infiltration and biological functions of HCM were also explored to characterize its underlying pathogenic mechanisms and the immune signature. Two key modules were screened based on weighted gene co‐expression network analysis. Pathogenic mechanisms relevant to extracellular matrix and immune pathways have been discovered. Twenty‐seven co‐regulated genes were recognized as HCM‐related hub genes. Based on the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator algorithm, a stable HCM diagnostic model was constructed, which was further validated in the remaining three cohorts (n = 385). Considering the tight association between HCM and immune‐related functions, we assessed the infiltrating abundance of various immune cells and stromal cells based on the xCell algorithm, and certain immune cells were significantly different between high‐risk and low‐risk groups.

Conclusions

Our study revealed a number of hub genes and novel pathways to provide potential targets for the treatment of HCM. A stable model was developed, providing an efficient tool for the diagnosis of HCM.
Left ventricular reverse remodelling as a promising strategy for resolving left ventricular thrombus
Authors: Chen Xuefu , Zhang Xinxin , Yang Yahui , Sun Yuxi , Si Jinping , Jiang Shufen , Hu Yuze , Ding Zijie , Xia Yunlong , Chen Yanwei , Liu Ying
Published: April 2024

Aims

Recent years, several studies have suggested that abnormal baseline left ventricular (LV) function and structure are associated with left ventricular thrombus (LVT) formation. Despite this, most studies have given less attention to the potential role of left ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR), that is, the improvement of LV function and structure, in resolving LVT. In this study, we aim to investigate the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and LVT resolution in patients with LVRR.

Methods and results

This is a retrospective study conducted at The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University. Our cohort consists of patients diagnosed with LVT between 1 November 2015 and 31 May 2020. Enrolled patients were categorized into two groups: LVRR and Failure of LVRR. The primary endpoints included LVT resolution and embolic events. A total of 84 patients were included in the study, with 59 patients in the LVRR group and 25 patients in the Failure of LVRR group. In our study, patients in the LVRR group experienced higher incidence of LVT resolution and a lower risk of embolic events. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that Failure of LVRR was the only independent negative predictor for LVT resolution and positive predictor for embolic events.

Conclusions

Patients with LVRR experience higher incidence of LVT resolution and have lower risk of embolic events, highlighting the significance of identifying and mitigating risk factors that contribute to abnormal LV function and structure in management of patients with LVT.
Oral nutritional supplements in older outpatients with heart failure: rationale and design of the ALIMENT‐HF trial
Authors: Fujimoto Yudai , Dotare Taishi , Maekawa Emi , Kamiya Kentaro , Kitai Takeshi , Kuwahara Koichiro , Sugano Teruyasu , Konishi Masaaki , Ohtani Tomohito , Sakamoto Yoko , Jujo Kentaro , Noda Chiharu , Ako Junya , Yanagisawa Naotake , Matsue Yuya
Published: April 2024

Aims

The ALIMENT‐HF trial aims to determine whether high‐calorie and high‐protein oral nutritional supplements (ONS) are safe and beneficial for older adult outpatients with heart failure (HF).

Methods and results

This multicentre, single‐arm, interventional pilot trial is designed to evaluate the tolerance, efficacy, and safety of ONS in older adult outpatients with chronic HF, malnutrition, and anorexia. In total, 80 outpatients with HF regardless of their left ventricular ejection fraction will be treated with ONS, including high‐energy (900 kcal/day) and high protein (36 g/day) supplementation, at eight sites in Japan. Inclusion criteria are as follows: age, ≥65 years; outpatients receiving maximally tolerated guideline‐directed medical therapy for HF and without change in their diuretic dosage during the last 3 months; outpatients at risk of malnutrition, defined as a Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool score ≥1 point, and anorexia, defined using a Simplified Nutritional Appetite Questionnaire for the Japanese Elderly (SNAQ‐JE) score of ≤14 points. Nutritional intervention will continue for up to 120 days, with an observational period lasting for a further 60 days. The primary outcome is a change in body weight between baseline and day 120.

Conclusions

The ALIMENT‐HF trial will evaluate the tolerance, efficacy, and safety of high‐calorie and high‐protein‐rich ONS in older outpatients with HF co‐morbid with malnutrition and anorexia and will provide insightful information for future randomized controlled trials.
Fluorene and Fluorenone Unnatural Amino Acid Motifs via Diastereoselective Pd(II)‐Catalyzed sp3C−H Functionalization
Authors: Banga Shefali , Babu Srinivasarao Arulananda
Published: April 2024

This paper reports the construction of racemic and enantiopure (D‐ and L‐) fluorene and fluorenone‐based novel unnatural amino acid derivatives. The Pd(II)‐catalyzed bidentate directing group‐aided arylation of prochiral β‐C(sp3)‐H bonds in racemic, enantiopure carboxamides of amino acids with iodofluorenes was reported. The construction of novel examples of fluorene and fluorenone motifs containing amino acids comprising of norvaline, leucine, phenylalanine, norleucine, 2‐aminooctanoic acid derivatives having the anti‐stereochemistry (with good enantiopurity) was accomplished. The construction of bis fluorenyl alanine scaffolds and fluorenyl motif‐containing non‐α‐amino acid (aminoalkanoic acid) derivatives was also reported. Examples of removal of the directing group (8‐aminoquinoline) and phthalimide‐protecting group present in the fluorenyl‐based unnatural amino acid derivatives have been shown. Accordingly, fluorene motif‐based amino acid esters and free amino group‐containing unnatural amino acid derivatives were synthesized. The stereochemistry of the major (anti) diastereomers obtained via the prochiral β‐C(sp3)‐H arylation of norvaline, leucine, phenylalanine, norleucine, 2‐aminooctanoic acid derivatives was ascertained from the X‐ray structure of a representative compound. Fluorene‐ and fluorenone‐based motifs are vital skeletons in materials and medicinal chemistry research. Accordingly, this work is a contribution towards enriching the library of fluorene and fluorenone unnatural amino acid scaffolds.
Clinicians diagnosing virtual patients with the classification algorithm for chronic pain in the ICD‐11 (CAL‐CP) achieve better diagnoses and prefer the algorithm to standard tools: An experimental validation study
Authors: Hay Ginea , Korwisi Beatrice , Lahme‐Hütig Norman , Rief Winfried , Barke Antonia
Published: April 2024

Background

The ICD‐11 classification of chronic pain comprises seven categories, each further subdivided. In total, it contains over 100 diagnoses each based on 5–7 criteria. To increase diagnostic reliability, the Classification Algorithm for Chronic Pain in the ICD‐11 (CAL‐CP) was developed. The current study aimed to evaluate the CAL‐CP regarding the correctness of assigned diagnoses, utility and ease of use.

Methods

In an international online study, n = 195 clinicians each diagnosed 4 out of 8 fictitious patients. The clinicians interacted via chat with the virtual patients to collect information and view medical histories and examination findings. The patient cases differed in complexity: simple patients had one chronic pain diagnosis; complex cases had two. In a 2 × 2 repeated‐measures design with the factors tool (algorithm/standard browser) and diagnostic complexity (simple/complex), clinicians used either the algorithm or the ICD‐11 browser for their diagnoses. After each case, clinicians indicated the pain diagnoses and rated the diagnostic process. The correctness of the assigned diagnoses and the ratings of the algorithm's utility and ease of use were analysed.

Results

The use of the algorithm resulted in more correct diagnoses. This was true for chronic primary and secondary pain diagnoses. The clinicians preferred the algorithm over the ICD‐11 browser, rating it easier to work with and more useful. Especially novice users benefited from the algorithm.

Conclusions

The use of the algorithm increases the correctness of the diagnoses for chronic pain and is well accepted by clinicians. The CAL‐CP's use should be considered in routine care and research contexts.

Significance Statement

The ICD‐11 has come into effect in January 2022. Clinicians and researchers will soon begin using the new classification of chronic pain. To facilitate clinicians training and diagnostic accuracy, a classification algorithm was developed. The paper investigates whether clinicians using the algorithm—as opposed to the generic tools provided by the WHO—reach more correct diagnoses when they diagnose standardized patients and how they rate the comparative utility of the diagnostic instruments available.
Unraveling the Role of Perovskite Composition on Selectivity of NiOx Hole‐Transport Layer: Correlative Analysis of Interface Chemistry and Resultant Carrier Selectivity
Authors: Sudhakaran Menon Vidya , Ganesan Saraswathi , Raman Rohith Kumar , Alagumalai Ananthan , Krishnamoorthy Ananthanarayanan
Published: April 2024

The performance of conventional methylammonium (MA)‐based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) and their MA‐free counterparts showcase explicit divergence in device performance often stemming from crucial open‐circuit voltage (VOC) deficits while employing NiOx hole‐transport layer (HTL). In this work, the performance of MAPbI3 and FA0.9Cs0.1PbI3 based PSCs are correlatively analyzed using surface photovoltage (SPV) and photocurrent density (Jph) studies for the first time to quantify hole selectivity and contact passivation of NiOx HTL when used in conjunction with distinct perovskite compositions. In the findings of the study, it is shown that the perovskite composition is a major determinant of NiOx HTL's carrier selectivity by regulating quasi‐Fermi level (QFL) equilibration at the absorber/HTL interface. Higher charge collection probability and SPV shown by methylammonium (MA)‐free devices highlight the suppressed formation of PbI2‐rich hole‐extraction barrier at FACsPbI3/HTL interface as opposed to MAPbI3/HTL interface, in‐turn establishing a trade‐off between carrier selectivity and contact passivation of NiOx HTL. These experimental quantifications help in understanding the evolution of internal QFL splitting and external VOC of devices employing NiOx HTL for varied perovskite composition. Therefore, to maximize the performance of PSCs, the findings of the study emphasize the significance of tailoring the energetics and kinetics at the perovskite/HTL interfaces.