bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
11,000 researchers gave their views on data sharing, here's what we learned
Authors: Lucraft Mithu , Winthrop Samuel
Published: September 2019

Good data sharing can make research more productive, more likely to be cited, and unlock innovation for the good of society. In 2019, a Springer Nature white paper (Lucraft et al. 2019), based on surveys with more than 11,000 researchers internationally, set out key challenges in data management and data sharing.

We found:

Data sharing is increasing: more than 64% of researchers in a 2018 survey said they made their data openly available.

The majority of researchers see data sharing as important: across three surveys, when asked about the importance of making data discoverable, researchers gave an average rating of 7.5 out of 10.

Data sharing and planning is currently suboptimal: The majority of the research community are not yet managing or sharing data in ways that make it findable, accessible or reusable.

Increasingly, funders and other expert groups (European Commission 2018) are emphasising the need for data that is FAIR (findable, accessible, interoperable and re-useable). To shift the needle on data sharing and to reap the benefits from more widely-available open data, collaborative action is required. In this presentation, we will discuss the five measures we believe are needed to make data sharing the norm:

Clear policy: from funders, institutions, journals/publishers, and research communities themselves.

Better credit: to make data sharing worth a researcher’s time.

Explicit funding: for data management and data sharing, as well as data publishing.

Practical help: for organising data, finding appropriate repositories, and provision of faster, easier routes to share data.

Training and education: to answer common questions from researchers on data sharing and to help build skills and knowledge.

We will draw on evidence and case studies from across Europe and beyond, as well as further feedback from our market research.
Building a university Open Access scholarly publishing environment
Authors: Karlová Tereza , Hrdličková Lenka
Published: September 2019

As Open Access publishing has been playing a more important role in scholarly communication, well-developed Open Access publishing infrastructure should be adopted by universities in order to make their outputs more competitive and provide its authors the immediate impact of their work. More than that, such “in-house” publications are very good starting points for early career researchers while they are joining the world of scholarly publishing. Not because of lower quality or reduced requirements, but because of extra help and guidance that might be provided to students by editorial office.

The Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU) - Central Library has developed, based on the community needs, an Open Access journal publishing environment including the complete set of publishing standards, and being linked to the global Open Access infrastructure. One university scholarly journal and proceedings series is published there by the library, the platform also hosts a number of subject-specialized journals published by smaller departments. Such hosting is essential for many editorial teams, since it provides current publishing standards that they would hardly be able to keep by their own. Furthermore, being part of a university library, the editorial office has skills to provide value-added services in full range of information and publishing skills to researchers, authors, and students.

To capture a full scale of Open Access publishing services, an Open Access monograph platform ought to be adopted in such a manner that is able to deal with various multimedia document types and contents, live monographs etc.

The hosting of publishing platforms and guidance in Open Access publishing, research assessment and information and publishing literacy enhances good cooperation between the library and the academic community, and also provides the community with a lot of practical added value and help in meeting the current publishing criteria to succeed in the competitive research environment.
The Global South and the challenge of assessment
Authors: Hachani Samir , Olijhoek Tom
Published: September 2019

This presentation will present the Journal Publishing Practices and Standards and its implementaion by The International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publication (INASP) on the Journal On Line project. It will try to see what  different countries have achieved in responding in the system the INASP has put forward.

Open access has undoubtedly allowed a bigger share and spread of scientific and technical information at both green and gold road. The statistics in every key open access site show an increase in the number of freely available data and peer reviewed material. Nevertheless, there is a clear “divide” between countries when it comes to the prestige and recognition for publishing in a Global North or a Global South journal. The reasons are multiple but prejudice about the quality and transparency is the most prominent. The International Network for the Availability of Scientific Publication (INASP) and its flagship program Journals On Line ( JOL) that encompasses a number of national and regional platforms have established a framework: Journal Publishing Practices and Standards (JPPS), whose goal is to bring these journals up to par and afford them a respectable place among the more established journals. The JPPS framework is made up of 6 levels of quality that determine the standing of the journal: inactive title; new title; no stars; one star; two stars; and three stars. The levels are used to rank and classify the journals. The other goal of JPPS is to give the editors of journals feedback on what to improve and how. We will in this presentation present the framework and show statistics for the different platforms using the star system. We will also present a conclusion on whether the framework has achieved its goals and what journals and countries have achieved a leap forward using the system.
Assessing the Water and Thermal Use Efficiencies of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea) Grown under Different Strength of Jute Agro Textile Mulch in India
Authors: Sarkar Anwesha , Ghosh Argha , Tarafdar P. K. , De S. K.
Published: September 2019

Aims: To evaluate the effects of jute agrotextile mulches on yield and yield attributes, dry matter accumulation, water use efficiency as well as accumulated agrometeorological indices and thermal utilization of groundnut.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in the experimental farm of Bidhan Chandra Krishi Viswavidyalaya, West Bengal, India during kharif season of 2017 and 2018.

Methodology: The experiment was carried in randomized block design with five treatments each of which was replicated four times Groundnut (variety J L-24) as a test crop. The treatments (T), composing different strength of jute agro textile (JAT) used as mulching material were as follows: T1: 1000 GSM JAT, T2: 800 GSM, T3: 600 GSM, T4: 400 GSM JAT and T5: farmer's practice (control) where GSM is gram per square meter. All the data regarding the yield, yield attributes, water use efficiency and thermal utilization of the crop were recorded accordingly.

Results: Response of pod yield over control were 24.26 q/ha, 26.44 q/ha, 20.98 q/ha and 18.25q/ha in T1, T2, T3, T4, T5 respectively. Though all the treatments showed increment over control, the highest result was found in T2 and a further increase in strength of JAT showed a decrement in all aspects. The water use efficiency, at an average, increased by 69.12% due to the various treatments over control. Heat unit and thermal units use efficiencies were also highest in treatment T2 which showed the most accurate utilization of thermal indices.

Conclusion: Therefore, among all the treatments T2 exhibited the most promising effect on improving yield and other attributes along with maintaining sustainability as it might have provided the most favourable soil condition compared to other mulches for groundnut.
Phenotypic Screening of Elite Rice Germplasms against Brown Planthopper [Nilaparvata lugens (Stal.)] for Identification of Resistant Donor Lines
Authors: Raj M. Nikhil , Kanth P. Rajani , Varma N. R. G. , Balram M.
Published: September 2019

Aims: To identify Brown Planthopper (BPH) resistant rice genotypes and categorize all the test entries based on their level of resistance against BPH.

Study Design: Completely Randomized Design.

Place and Duration of Study: Poly-house, Department of Entomology, Rice Research Centre, Agriculture Research Institute (ARI), Rajendranagar, Hyderabad, India, between June 2016 and July 2017.

Methodology: A total of 61 elite rice genotypes selected including resistant (PTB33) and susceptible check (TN1). All these test entries were screened against Brown Planthopper (BPH) using Standard Seedbox Screening Technique (SSST) inside poly-house conditions. Based on the Damage Score (DS) achieved during study, all entries were categorized into resistant (R), moderately resistant (MR), moderately susceptible (MS), susceptible (S) and highly susceptible (HS).

Results: Among 61 cultures, the resistant check PTB33 and BM71 exhibited R reaction to BPH with a DS of 3.0, while twelve cultures viz. Milyang 63, IET 23993, HHZ 5 DT-1 DT-1, HHZ 25 SAL DT-1 DT-1, Bobhu Kongbu, BPT 2671, BPT 2611, MTU 1121, MTU 1001, MTU 1010, RNR 23079 and GSR 234 exhibited MR reaction to BPH with a DS ranging between 3.1 to 5.0. The rest of the cultures showed MS and S reactions while the susceptible check, TN1 along with other 12 cultures exhibited HS reaction to BPH with a DS of 9.0.

Conclusion: Resistant and moderately resistant rice genotypes have been identified for development of BPH resistant lines. Further detailed studies are required to understand the underlying mechanisms of resistance among the R and MR genotypes.
Modulational Instability of Ion Acoustic Waves in a Magnetized Plasma Consisting of Isothermally Distributed Hot and Cold Electrons
Authors: Dalui Sandip , Bandyopadhyay Anup
Published: September 2019

Using the standard Reductive Perturbation Method a nonlinear Schr¨odinger equation is derived to study the modulational instability of small amplitude ion acoustic waves in a collisionless magnetized plasma composed of adiabatic warm ions, Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of hot electrons as well as Maxwell-Boltzmann distribution of cold electrons, and the plasma system immersed in an external uniform static magnetic field (B0 = B0ˆz) propagating along the z-axis.The instability condition and the maximum growth rate of instability have been investigated analytically as well as numerically. We have studied the effect of each parameter of the present plasma system on the maximum growth rate of instability. In particular, it is found that the maximum growth rate of instability decreases with the increasing value of the ion cyclotron frequency with some set of values of the parameters associated with the present plasma system. Again, we have seen that the instability region decreases with the increasing value of the ion cyclotron frequency.
Ocular Cultures
Authors: Burd Eileen M.
Published: December 2024

Ocular infections can lead to serious morbidity and blindness. Superficial eye infections are commonly treated empirically; however, effective management of unresponsive, recurrent, or severe superficial infections and of inner‐eye infections requires identification of the specific etiology. Culture of clinical samples remains the gold standard for definitive etiologic diagnosis. The amount of specimen collected from the eye is very small, and it is common for ophthalmologists to inoculate culture media in the patient care area rather than transport the specimen to the laboratory for processing. Nucleic acid amplification tests have been successfully used for ocular specimens and are preferred for detection of viruses and organisms that are difficult to culture, such as Chlamydia, Toxoplasma gondii, Acanthamoeba, etc. Ophthalmologists are trained on the proper collection of specimens, but it is also the responsibility of the laboratory director or designee to provide physicians and caregivers with proper specimen collection instructions.
Urine Cultures
Authors: Yarbrough Melanie L.
Published: December 2024

Urine culture results are reported semiquantitatively, as the colony count is used to guide the microbiological significance of bacteriuria. Thoughtful design and implementation of a urine reflex algorithm may improve diagnostic stewardship by increasing probability of a positive culture and decreasing overutilization of urine culture in cases of asymptomatic bacteriuria. Accordingly, interpretation of bacteria growing from urinary stone culture must take into account organism identification (e.g., urease producer, traditional uropathogen, traditional skin bacteria) and the mechanism by which the stone was obtained, in conjunction with concurrent urine culture results. Urinary stone disease is the result of urinary tract calcification leading to the formation of large mineral deposits. The exact molecular mechanism leading to the formation of urinary stones is unknown; however, there is a well‐understood association between the presence of bacteria within the genitourinary tract and formation of struvite stones.
Detection of Human Mycoplasmas and Ureaplasmas from Clinical Specimens by Culture and PCR
Authors: Bébéar Cécile , Waites Ken B.
Published: December 2024

Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory infections in persons of all ages. Tracheobronchitis is the most common clinical syndrome, but pneumonia commonly occurs and extrapulmonary infections have been described.
Mycoplasma hominis
and
Ureaplasma
species are recoverable by culture from the human urogenital tract.
Mycoplasma genitalium
causes male nongonococcal urethritis and has been associated with salpingitis endometritis and cervicitis in women. Susceptibility testing is useful mainly for systemic infections caused by
Mycoplasma hominis
or
Ureaplasma spp.
, particularly in immunosuppressed hosts or when treatment failure raises suspicion of acquired resistance, as in the case of macrolide resistance in
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
.
Mycoplasma pneumoniae
is a common cause of respiratory tract infections, involved in tracheobronchitis and community‐acquired pneumonia in children and adults.
Guidelines for Biochemical Identification of Aerobic Bacteria
Authors: Dunn James J.
Published: December 2024

The identification of aerobic bacteria has traditionally been based on assessment of biochemical characteristics, and many laboratories continue to rely on these methods. The biochemical tests that are most useful to laboratories have been selected, with an emphasis on rapid testing. Depending on the type of organism, a set of substrates is selected for their positive and negative reactions. The pattern of reactivity for a particular organism can then be compared to charts or databases of expected reactions to identify the genus and/or species. Commercial biochemical identification systems can provide accurate identifications of the most commonly encountered bacterial pathogens with little hands‐on time. One of the main limitations of most biochemical identification methods is the time required to generate results, since gauging reactivity may require a number of hours of incubation. A potential limitation of commercial biochemical test systems is the breadth of organisms that can be identified and taxonomic updates maintained by the manufacturer.
Storage and Stocking of Anaerobes
Authors: Valencia‐Shelton Frances , Brown Kristen L.
Published: December 2024

Preservation of anaerobic isolates may be required for many reasons, including clinical inquiry, research, teaching, and quality assurance testing. The method of storage used will depend on the length of storage required. Short‐term storage may occur using routine culture media on the benchtop or frozen, though self‐defrosting units must be avoided to prevent repeated freeze‐thaw of the stored isolates. Glass vials may be used and are the preferred method for years of long‐term storage. One of the most used vial types consists of plastic polypropylene tubes with screw tops. Commercially preprepared solutions for cryopreservation in vials are available, some of which include beads onto which the organisms can adhere, which can make for an easier job of thawing and culturing frozen stores. Products should indicate that they are for the frozen maintenance of bacterial cultures, but may not specifically reference anaerobes. A heavy inoculum is recommended to ensure some cell survival throughout the freeze‐thaw cycle.
Anaerobic Gram‐Positive Bacilli
Authors: Bernard Kathryn , Hamula Camille
Published: December 2024

Anaerobic Gram‐positive bacilli of clinical relevance in human infections are divided into two distinct groups: sporeforming Gram‐positive anaerobic bacilli, including
Clostridium sensu stricto
and allied genera, and a group of asporogenic, anaerobic Gram‐positive bacilli (Grampositive rods (GPRs)). Many of these anaerobic GPRs are part of the normal microbiota of the oral cavity, gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary tract, and skin. They can, however, be associated with skin and soft tissue infections, periodontitis and other oral infections, pulmonary infections (usually in combination with other aerobes and anaerobes), genitourinary tract infections, and, in the case of
Cutibacterium acnes
, infected CSF shunts, prosthetic joint infections, and endophthalmitis. Many of the nonsporeformers are aerotolerant and are often resistant to metronidazole, an antimicrobial agent that is usually effective against most other anaerobes.
Continuous Monitoring Blood Culture Systems for Detection of Acid‐Fast Bacilli and Fungi
Authors: Lainhard William D. , Leuthy Paul M.
Published: December 2024

Diagnosis of sepsis and initiation of appropriate antimicrobial therapies are essential for optimal clinical outcomes. Detection of bloodstream infections with fungal and mycobacterial pathogens is often delayed due to the slow‐growing nature of these organisms. As many molds and mycobacteria are opportunistic pathogens, patients with bloodstream infections caused by these agents tend to be immunocompromised and/or have indwelling intravascular catheters or central lines. Among fungi, the most common pathogens recovered in blood culture are
Candida
spp. However,
Fusarium
,
Scedosporium
, and occasionally the thermally dimorphic molds can be recovered in fungal blood cultures. Positive culture bottles are smeared and stained to confirm the presence of acid‐fast bacilli or fungi. After inoculation, both sets of bottles are incubated in their respective blood culture systems, which consist of a series of drawers/cabinets, each containing locations for the placement of culture bottles.
Disk Diffusion Testing
Authors: Ransom Eric M. , Burnham Carey‐Ann D. , Matuschek Erika
Published: December 2024

The goal of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) is to provide useful information to assist clinicians with the selection of antimicrobial therapy for patient care. An AST reference method that is widely used worldwide is disk diffusion testing. Disk diffusion testing was originally described by AW Bauer and colleagues in 1966. The method uses a standardized inoculum of bacteria swabbed onto the surface of an agar plate, most commonly Mueller‐Hinton agar. This chapter describes how to perform disk diffusion testing and describes testing guidance from CLSI and EUCAST. It provides troubleshooting tips, quality control information, and a disk diffusion reading guide. Both CLSI and EUCAST have developed standardized disk diffusion methods calibrated to the reference MIC method. While both disk diffusion methods are based on the same basic methodology, there are important differences. These include the supplements in media for fastidious organisms, disk contents for some antimicrobial agents, and interpretive categories.
Broth Microdilution Test
Authors: Gamage Dulini , Chandrasekaran Sukantha , Carpenter Darcie E.
Published: December 2024

The broth microdilution MIC method is used to measure the
in vitro
activity of an antimicrobial agent against a bacterial isolate. A sterile multiwell plastic tray containing various concentrations of antimicrobialagents is inoculated with a standardized number of test bacteria. MICs obtained are interpreted as susceptible, susceptible dose‐dependent, intermediate, resistant, or nonsusceptible based on the criteria listed in the CLSI MIC standard. Infections caused by both staphylococci and streptococci with inducible clindamycin resistance may fail to respond to clindamycin therapy. Thymidine can interfere with performance of sulfonamides and trimethoprim. For
Streptococcus pneumoniae
with trimethoprim and sulfonamides Antagonists in the medium may allow some slight growth.
Detection of Inducible Clindamycin Resistance in
Staphylococcus
spp.,
Streptococcus Pneumoniae
, and
Streptococcus
spp. Beta‐Hemolytic Group
Authors: Bard Jennifer Dien
Published: December 2024

Inducible clindamycin resistance (ICR) in staphylococci and streptococci can be detected by agar disk diffusion (D‐zone test) or broth microdilution methods. Prior to reporting clindamycin results, the CLSI recommends testing for ICR in all staphylococci,
Streptococcus pneumoniae
, and beta‐hemolytic streptococci that are resistant to erythromycin and susceptible or intermediate to clindamycin. Isolates with ICR should be reported as clindamycin resistant alongside a comment stating that the isolate is presumed to be resistant to clindamycin based on the presence of ICR, as determined by testing clindamycin in combination with erythromycin. It is best to perform the ICR test concurrently with individual tests for erythromycin and clindamycin, especially with the MIC method. The chapter covers proper quality control principles for analytical tests. With postanalytical considerations, it provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
Fungal Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Authors: Lockhart Shawn R. , Wiederhold Nathan P.
Published: December 2024

Defining the rules for fungal taxonomy is an evolving process. Changes in nomenclature continue to have significant implications for understanding fungi in the environment, fungal disease, and the treatment of infections. Fungi differ from bacteria in that many of them are capable of undergoing a sexual cycle and multiplying through meiotic division. They can exist in two states: an asexual state that divides only through mitotic division, called the anamorph state, and a sexual state that divides by meiotic division, called the teleomorph state. As most fungal infections are caused by a single isolate, mating in the laboratory is rare and the anamorph state is most often identified. However, on rare occasions a homothallic fungus is isolated and the teleomorph state is identified. The Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute is working on a standard for the incorporation of bacterial and fungal taxonomy in the clinical laboratory.
Biosafety in the Clinical Virology Laboratory
Authors: Cárdenas Ana María
Published: December 2024

Laboratory biosafety is fundamental to protecting medical and public health laboratory workers and preventing unintentional exposures and acute infectious disease threats. Performing diagnostic testing and research‐related activities in the clinical virology laboratory requires special emphasis in defined areas. These areas include: general safety rules; biohazard signs and warning labels; specimen transportation, receipt, and storage; work area safety; personal protective equipment; laboratory equipment; biosafety related to virus cell cultures; biosafety considerations for virus antigen detection assays; biosafety related to molecular virology work areas; and so on. This procedure enables implementation of sustainable laboratory biosafety practices that are relevant to diagnostic virology laboratory circumstances and priorities. Facilities handling biological agents have an obligation to perform a risk assessment and implement appropriate risk control measures as well as putting into practice personnel competence and training plans to ensure continuous safe laboratory practices.
Introduction
Authors: Miller J. Michael
Published: December 2024

Epidemiologic and infection control microbiology brings together the best of microbiology science and medical expertise, most often through a team of infection preventionists (IP) focused on preventing hospital‐associated infections and keeping patients safe. The role of the IP team includes providing surveillance and prevention of hospital‐acquired infections, continuing education to the staff, outbreak control using epidemiology skills, protecting employees and visitors, advising on new products and procedures, and engaging with antibiotic stewardship. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hosts the National Healthcare Safety Network, which is the most widely used health care‐associated infection tracking network. This chapter features a description of the role of the CDC‐sponsored Antimicrobial Resistance Laboratory Network and its role in addressing the issue of current and emerging resistance of microbial pathogens.
Management of Infectious Waste
Authors: Relich Ryan F.
Published: December 2024

For effective and efficient management of infectious wastes, a comprehensive waste management plan is essential for ensuring the safety of the employees handling wastes, compliance with various regulatory requirements, meeting the standards of The Joint Commission and the guidelines of other groups such as the CLSI, and implementation of cost‐effective strategies for waste disposal. Microbiology laboratories generate various types of wastes, including infectious waste, chemical waste (some of which is probably hazardous per Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976 regulations), and wastes with mixed hazards, in addition to general trash and wastewater. Most laboratories in the United States use red‐colored sharps containers and biohazardous waste bags for disposal of infectious wastes that are treated and disposed of by specialized waste contractors. Soft wastes such as intact culture plates, gloves, and specimen bags can be discarded in color‐coded plastic bags marked with the international biohazard symbol and verbal warnings.
Novel Influenza Viruses and Highly Pathogenic Coronaviruses
Authors: Loeffelholz Mike J. , Relich Ryan F.
Published: December 2024

Three viruses in the family
Orthomyxoviridae
cause influenza in humans: influenza virus types A and B, and influenza virus C. Influenza viruses are enveloped and have a segmented, single‐stranded, negative‐sense RNA genome. There are seven known human‐pathogenic coronaviruses, including the human coronaviruses (HCoV229E, HCoV‐NL63, HCoV‐OC43, and HCoV‐HKU1), Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS‐CoV), severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARSCoV or SARS‐CoV‐1) and SARSCoV‐2. In humans, coronaviruses primarily cause respiratory tract diseases that range from mild nasopharyngitis to severe, life‐threatening pneumonia; however, many of these viruses have been found to cause extrapulmonary diseases as well. The chapter covers safety considerations, specimen collection, and methods for preanalytical considerations. For analytical considerations, it provides specimen processing, incubation and examination of cultures, and culture identification. With postanalytical considerations, the chapter also provides attention to common test limitations, interpretive challenges, and results reporting.
A Review on Biomass‐Derived Carbon Quantum Dots: Emerging Catalysts for Hydrogenation Catalysis
Authors: Nayak Ripsa Rani , Khairun S. Hafila , Parveen Gazala , Garg Ayesha , Chumachenko Yulia A. , Shu Riyang , Gupta Navneet Kumar
Published: December 2024

The circular economy and the depletion of Earth's resources highlight the need to transform waste into value‐added emerging materials like carbon quantum dots (CQDs), which show great promise in energy storage, catalysis, and other applications. The production of catalytically active CQDs from biomass garners significant attention due to their unique advantages, such as ease of availability, natural abundance, renewability, low cost, and environmental friendliness. This review addresses the synthesis of CQDs from biomass, the factors influencing their properties and performance, and their diverse applications in catalytic hydrogenation reactions, selective reduction of nitroaromatic compounds, and azo dyes. Recent studies demonstrate that biomass‐derived CQDs exhibit significantly improved catalytic activity, selectivity, and stability, effectively addressing the long‐standing challenges of low activity and poor stability in catalysts derived from conventional sources.
Graue Emissionen von Hochbaudeckensystemen – Praxis‐Umfrage und Hintergründe zur neuen DAfStb‐Richtlinie
Authors: Heckmann Michael , Glock Christian
Published: December 2024

Deckenbauteile tragen mit einem Anteil von 35–45 % zu den Grauen Emissionen der Rohbaukonstruktion eines mehrgeschossigen Hochbaus bei. Ihre Optimierung kann folglich einen wichtigen Beitrag zur Reduktion der Treibhausgasemissionen eines Bauwerks leisten. Daher befasst sich auch die neue Richtlinie des Deutschen Ausschuss für Stahlbeton (DAfStb) „Treibhausgasreduzierte Tragwerke aus Beton, Stahlbeton oder Spannbeton“ in einem eigenen Teil 2 mit Deckensystemen. Bei der Entwicklung der neuen DAfStb‐Richtlinie wurde besonderes Augenmerk auf deren Praxistauglichkeit gelegt. Einen Baustein bildet eine Praxis‐Umfrage des DAfStb, anhand derer der Status quo in Bezug auf die Grauen Emissionen von Deckensystemen in Deutschland ermittelt werden sollte. Hierbei wurden statische Randbedingungen sowie Materialmengen und ‐eigenschaften von insgesamt 56 geplanten und/oder gebauten Deckensystemen erhoben. Neben der Harmonisierung und Analyse dieser Rohdaten wurden die Grauen Emissionen der Deckensysteme ermittelt und darauf aufbauend ein Referenzzustand bestimmt. Aufgrund der direkten Abhängigkeit der erforderlichen Materialmengen von den statischen Randbedingungen der Deckensysteme wird der Referenzwert in Form einer Benchmarkfunktion in Abhängigkeit von der Spannweite beschrieben. Durch die betrachteten Randbedingungen bei der Festlegung der Benchmarkfunktion werden Belastungen des üblichen Hochbaus implizit berücksichtigt.
Photoredox catalysis of acridinium and quinolinium ion derivatives
Authors: Fukuzumi Shunichi , Lee Yong‐Min , Nam Wonwoo
Published: December 2024

Photoredox catalysis has attracted increasing attention because of wide range of synthetic transformations and solar energy conversion applications. Reviews on photoredox catalysis have so far focused predominantly on the synthetic applications. This review highlights how organic photoredox catalysts were developed and how they function as efficient photocatalysts in mechanistic point of views. In particular, 9‐mesityl‐10‐methylactidinium (Acr+–Mes) has been highlighted as one of the best organic photoredox catalysts. Acr+–Mes was originally developed as a model compound of the photosynthetic reaction center to mimic the long lifetime of the charge‐separated state in which the energy is converted to chemical energy in photosynthesis. The reason why Acr+–Mes acts as one of the most efficient photoredox catalyst is clarified in terms of the one‐electron redox potentials and long lifetimes of the electron‐transfer state (Acr•–Mes•+) produced upon photoexcitation of Acr+–Mes in different solvents. The reason why the mesityl substituent at the 9‐position of the Acr+ moiety is essential for the efficient photoredox catalysis is discussed in comparison with acridinium ions with different substituents R (Acr+–R) including 10‐methylacridinium ion with no substituent (AcrH+). The mechanisms of photoredox catalysis of Acr+–Mes are discussed in various synthetic transformations and solar energy conversion reactions mimicking photosynthesis. Photoredox catalysis of quinolinium ion and its derivatives is also discussed in comparison with that of Acr+–Mes. Finally, immobilization of Acr+–Mes and quinolinium ions to form the composite catalysts with redox catalyst is discussed to improve the photoredox catalytic activity and stability.
Irx3/5 Null Deletion in Mice Blocks Cochlea‐Saccule Segregation and Disrupts the Auditory Tonotopic Map
Authors: Fritzsch Bernd , Weng Xin , Yamoah Ebenezer N. , Qin Tianli , Hui Chi‐Chung , Lebrón‐Mora Laura , Pavlinkova Gabriela , Sham Mai Har
Published: December 2024

A gene cadre orchestrates the normal development of sensory and non‐sensory cells in the inner ear, segregating the cochlea with a distinct tonotopic sound frequency map, similar brain projection, and five vestibular end‐organs. However, the role of genes driving the ear development is largely unknown. Here, we show double deletion of the Iroquois homeobox 3 and 5 transcription factors (Irx3/5 DKO) leads to the fusion of the saccule and the cochlear base. The overlying otoconia and tectorial membranes are absent in the Irx3/5 DKO inner ear, and the primary auditory neurons project fibers to both the saccule and cochlear hair cells. The central neuronal projections from the cochlear apex‐base contour are not fully segregated into a dorsal and ventral innervation in the Irx3/5 DKO cochlear nucleus, obliterating the characteristic tonotopic auditory map. Additionally, Irx3/5 deletion reveals a pronounced cochlear‐apex‐vestibular “vestibular‐cochlear” nerve (VCN) bilateral connection that is less noticeable in wild‐type control mice. Moreover, the incomplete segregation of apex and base projections that expands fibers to connect with vestibular nuclei. The results suggest the mammalian cochlear apex is a derived lagena reminiscent of sarcopterygians. Thus, Irx3 and 5 are potential evolutionary branch‐point genes necessary for balance‐sound segregation, which fused into a saccule‐cochlea organization.
Operando Investigation of Zr Doping in NMC811 Cathode for High Energy Density Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Colalongo Mattia , Ali Basit , Vostrov Nikita , Ronovský Michal , Mirolo Marta , Vinci Valentin , Atzori Cesare , Martens Isaac , Kúš Peter , Sartori Andrea , Yao Lide , Jiang Hua , Schulli Tobias , Drnec Jakub , Kankaanpää Timo , Kallio Tanja
Published: December 2024

LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) is one of the most promising cathode materials for high energy density Li‐ion batteries (LiBs). However, NMC811 suffers from capacity fading during electrochemical cycling because of its structure instability at voltages >4.2 V vs Li|Li+ due to the known hexagonal H2→H3 phase transition. Zr doping has proven to be effective in enhancing electrochemical performances of the NMC811. In depth investigations are conducted through operando x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and ex situ x‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements to mechanistically understand the benefits of Zr‐doping in a NMC811 material when doped during the co‐precipitation step. Herein, Zr‐doping in NMC811 reduces the formation of the detrimental H3 phase and mitigates the transition metal dissolution upon cycling.
Circulating Proneurotensin Levels Predict Impaired Bone Mineralisation in Postmenopausal Women With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Barchetta Ilaria , Dule Sara , Cimini Flavia Agata , Sentinelli Federica , Oldani Alessandro , Passarella Giulia , Filardi Tiziana , Venditti Vittorio , Bleve Enrico , Romagnoli Elisabetta , Morano Susanna , Lenzi Andrea , Melander Olle , Baroni Marco Giorgio , Cavallo Maria Gisella
Published: December 2024

Context

The mechanisms underlying bone fragility and increased fracture risk observed in individuals with type 2 diabetes (T2D) are not yet fully elucidated. Previous research has suggested a role for neuropeptides in regulating bone metabolism; however, the contribution of the neuropeptide Neurotensin (NT), which is thoroughly implicated in T2D and cardiovascular disease, has not been investigated in this context.

Objective

To study the relationship between circulating levels of the NT precursor proneurotensin (proNT) and bone mineralisation in T2D women.

Materials and Methods

This is a cross‐sectional investigation with a longitudinal prospective phase, involving 126 women with T2D who underwent bone density scans and had proNT levels measured. Biomarkers of bone metabolism and inflammation were also assessed. Data on bone mineral density (BMD) after 12 months were available for 49 patients.

Main Outcome Measure

Plasma proNT levels in relation to BMD.

Results

32% of the participants had osteopenia/osteoporosis and exhibited higher proNT than those with normal BMD (200.8 ± 113.7 vs. 161.6 ± 108.8 pg/mL; p = 0.013). ProNT inversely correlated with femur BMD and T‐score (p < 0.01) and was associated with degraded bone architecture (TBS, p = 0.02), and higher OPN, P1NP, TNF‐α and IL‐1β levels. Baseline proNT correlated with further BMD reduction at the 12‐month follow‐up, independently of potential confounders (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

In women with T2D, greater proNT levels are associated with impaired bone mineralisation and predict mineral density decline overtime. ProNT could potentially serve as a diagnostic tool for identifying patients at higher risk of osteopenia/osteoporosis, suggesting a significant connection between this neuropeptide and bone metabolism in diabetes.
An Enigmatic Cretaceous Beetle in Kachin Amber With Tentative Affinities to Pythidae (Coleoptera: Tenebrionoidea)
Authors: Li Yan‐Da , Pollock Darren A. , Johnston M. Andrew , Huang Di‐Ying , Cai Chen‐Yang
Published: December 2024

Tenebrionoids are not uncommon in late Mesozoic ambers, but their paleodiversity remains poorly explored, partly due to the insufficiently defined families of the extant fauna. Here, we describe and illustrate a new tenebrionoid beetle from mid‐Cretaceous Kachin amber, Glyphonotum hsiaoi gen. et sp. nov., which exhibits an unusual form of pronotal sulcus and tarsi. Based on morphological comparison and phylogenetic analyses, we tentatively place Glyphonotum in the extant family Pythidae, representing the first Mesozoic fossil of this family.
Does Climate Change Pose a Threat to the Guild Mimicry System of Australian Orchids?
Authors: Kolanowska Marta , Scaccabarozzi Daniela
Published: December 2024

Global warming is one of the biggest threats to global biodiversity causing not only changes in the patterns of precipitation and temperature but also disturbing ecological interactions. The aim of our study was to forecast the effect of climate change on the distribution of food‐deceptive orchid species whose pollination strategy relies on a strict association with pollinators and co‐occurring rewarding Faboideae plants. We used the ecological niche modeling approach to evaluate future overlap of the suitable niches of studied orchid species with the predicted distribution of their ecological partners. Models were made based on two different global circulation models (FIO, CNRM). CNRM projections predict expansion of orchids' geographical range. In contrast, FIO prediction is less optimistic, forecasting species range contraction. The studied Faboideae species showed different responses to predicted global warming with no consistent patterns in how their suitable niches might change. Most climate change projections and scenarios of the future modifications of temperature and precipitation patterns do not predict significant loss of suitable niches of Trichocolletes bees (Colletidae) pollinating Diuris species. However, global warming has the potential to disrupt interactions between the studied orchids and their co‐occurring pea plants by altering the overlap of their geographical ranges which can further disturb pollination success. CNRM projections predict an overall loss of Faboideae within the potential geographical range of Diuris brumalis. Conversely, FIO projections suggest a less extensive predicted divergence. Our simulations offer suggestions for conservation strategies of orchids and potentially for other species that have a similar pollination strategy. The areas indicated here as suitable in the future for the occurrence of all ecological partners can be important climate refugia to consider in local conservation plans. The approach used in our study can serve as a model for understanding the potential effects of climate change on the strength of the pollination system via food deception.
Resistance and resilience of soil microbiomes under climate change
Authors: Boyle Julia A. , Murphy Bridget K. , Ensminger Ingo , Stinchcombe John R. , Frederickson Megan E.
Published: December 2024

Soil microbiomes play key roles in plant productivity and nutrient cycling, and we need to understand whether and how they will withstand the effects of global climate change. We exposed in situ soil microbial communities to multiple rounds of heat, drought, or heat and drought treatments, and profiled microbial communities with 16S rRNA and ITS amplicon sequencing during and after these climatic changes. We then tested how domain and symbiotic lifestyle affected responses. Fungal community composition strongly shifted due to drought and its legacy. In contrast, bacterial community composition resisted change during the experiment, but still was affected by the legacy of drought. We identified fungal and bacterial taxa with differential abundance due to heat and drought and found that taxa affected during climate events are not necessarily the taxa affected in recovery periods, showing the complexity and importance of legacy effects. Additionally, we found evidence that symbiotic groups of microbes important to plant performance respond in diverse ways to climate treatments and their legacy, suggesting plants may be impacted by past climatic events like drought and warming, even if they do not experience the event themselves.
Temporal variation in habitat quality shapes the distribution–abundance relationship in waterbirds at landscape scale
Authors: Charalambous Constantinos , Musil Petr , Legoguelin Mathilde , Musilová Zuzana , Hořák David
Published: December 2024

The distribution–abundance relationship (DAR) is a well‐established macroecological pattern, where more locally abundant species are also more widespread across landscapes. However, it is not clear whether this relationship is temporally invariant, or how destabilization may manifest. Here, we examine the DAR at the landscape level in a unique but overlooked model system, that is, a waterbird assemblage inhabiting fishponds within the Třeboňsko Basin Biosphere Reserve, Czechia. Using 12 years of biannual census data across 134 intensively managed fishponds, collected in May and July, we describe variation in the slope of the DAR, expressed as the association between bird density and fishpond occupancy. We then tested for the role of environmental parameters and bird traits in determining the relationship's shape, utilizing general multivariate regression and a model‐averaging technique. Overall, we corroborated an expected positive DAR for waterbirds, and we present, for the first time, a consistent seasonal weakening of the interspecific DAR. We posit that this decline in the relationship's slope is a result of the deterioration and homogenization of habitat quality later in the summer, which resulted in a large deficit of suitable fishponds as populations increased. The DAR did not vary among years in either month. We also found that population trend was the most influential predictor of each species' response to changing environmental conditions; species with increasing regional abundance have stronger intraspecific DARs. Our results show that seasonal deterioration of habitat quality significantly impacts waterbird communities by altering the population spatial structure and that this is reflected in the shape of the DAR. This finding has important practical consequences, particularly in landscapes under human exploitation, where management decisions can determine ecosystem structure. Such analytical approaches can be used to pinpoint processes that are difficult to detect otherwise and thus assist conservation efforts.
Individual variation underlies large‐scale patterns: Host conditions and behavior affect parasitism
Authors: Brehm Allison M. , Assis Vania R. , Martin Lynn B. , Orrock John L.
Published: December 2024

Identifying the factors that affect host–parasite interactions is essential for understanding the ecology and dynamics of vector‐borne diseases and may be an important component of predicting human disease risk. Characteristics of hosts themselves (e.g., body condition, host behavior, immune defenses) may affect the likelihood of parasitism. However, despite highly variable rates of parasitism and infection in wild populations, identifying widespread links between individual characteristics and heterogeneity in parasite acquisition has proven challenging because many zoonoses exist over wide geographic extents and exhibit both spatial and temporal heterogeneity in prevalence and individual and population‐level effects. Using seven years of data collected by the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), we examined relationships among individual host condition, behavior, and parasitism by Ixodid ticks in a keystone host species, the white‐footed mouse, Peromyscus leucopus. We found that individual condition, specifically sex, body mass, and reproductive condition, had both direct and indirect effects on parasitism by ticks, but the nature of these effects differed for parasitism by larval versus nymphal ticks. We also found that condition differences influenced rodent behavior, and behavior directly affected the rates of parasitism, with individual mice that moved farther being more likely to carry ticks. This study illustrates how individual‐level data can be examined using large‐scale datasets to draw inference and uncover broad patterns in host–parasite encounters at unprecedented spatial scales. Our results suggest that intraspecific variation in the movement ecology of hosts may affect host–parasite encounter rates and, ultimately, alter zoonotic disease risk through anthropogenic modifications and natural environmental conditions that alter host space use.