bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two‐dimensional adaptive Whittaker–Shannon Sinc‐based zooming
Authors: Ciulla Carlo , Shabani Blerta , Yahaya Farouk
Published: June 2024

In this work, we introduce a novel image zooming methodology that transitions from a nonadaptive Sin‐based approach to an adaptive Sinc‐based zooming technique. The two techniques base their theoretical foundation on the Whittaker–Shannon interpolation formula and the Nyquist theorem. The evolution into adaptive Sinc‐based zoom is accomplished through the use of two novel concepts: (1) the pixel‐local scaled k‐space and (2) the k‐space filtering sigmoidal function. The pixel‐local scaled k‐space is the standardized and scaled k‐space magnitude of the image to zoom. The k‐space filtering sigmoidal function scales the pixel‐local scaled k‐space values into the numerical interval [0, 1]. Using these two novel concepts, the Whittaker–Shannon interpolation formula is elaborated and used to zoom images. Zooming is determined by the shape of the Sinc functions in the Whittaker–Shannon interpolation formula, which, in turn, depends on the combined effect of the pixel‐local scaled k‐space, the sampling rate, and the k‐space filtering sigmoidal function. The primary outcome of this research demonstrates that the Whittaker–Shannon interpolation formula can achieve successful zooms for values of the sampling rate significantly greater than the bandwidth. Conversely, when the sampling rate is much greater than the bandwidth, the nonadaptive technique fails to perform the zoom correctly. The conclusion is that the k‐space filtering sigmoidal function is identified as the crucial parameter in the adaptive Sinc‐based zoom technique. The implications of this research extend to Sinc‐based image zooming applications.
The therapeutic potential of indole hybrids, dimers, and trimers against drug‐resistant ESKAPE pathogens
Authors: Qiongxian Ye , Jun Deng , Zhenfeng Zhang , Tongyou Luo , Zhicong Tan , Zhenyou Tan
Published: June 2024

Enterococcus faecium, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterobacter (ESKAPE) species as causative agents are characterized by increased levels of resistance toward multiple classes of first‐line as well as last‐resort antibiotics and represent serious global health concerns, creating a critical need for the development of novel antibacterials with therapeutic potential against drug‐resistant ESKAPE species. Indole derivatives with structural and mechanistic diversity demonstrated broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity against various clinically important pathogens including drug‐resistant ESKAPE. Moreover, several indole‐based agents that are exemplified by creatmycin have already been used in clinics or under clinical trials for the treatment of bacterial infections, demonstrating that indole derivatives hold great promise for the development of novel antibacterials. This review is an endeavor to highlight the current scenario of indole hybrids, dimers, and trimers with therapeutic potential against drug‐resistant ESKAPE pathogens, covering articles published from 2020 to the present, to open new avenues for the exploration of novel antidrug‐resistant ESKAPE candidates.
Targeted Chemo‐Phototherapy in Red Light with Novel Doxorubicin and Iron(III) Complex‐Functionalized Gold Nanoconjugate (Dox‐Fe@FA‐AuNPs)
Authors: Pal Maynak , Bera Arpan , Masarkar Neha , Upadhyay Aarti , Mukherjee Sukhes , Roy Mithun
Published: June 2024

The anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin, an anthracycline‐based and FDA‐approved chemotherapeutic drug, is significantly hindered by acquired chemoresistance and severe side effects despite its potent anticancer properties. To overcome these challenges, we developed an innovative therapeutic formulation that integrates targeted chemotherapy and phototherapy within a single platform using gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This novel nanoconjugate, designated as Dox‐Fe@FA‐AuNPs, is co‐functionalized with folic acid, doxorubicin, and an iron(III)‐phenolate/carboxylate complex, enabling cancer‐specific drug activation. Here, we report the synthesis, characterization, and comprehensive physico‐chemical and biological evaluations of Dox‐Fe@FA‐AuNPs. The nanoconjugate exhibited excellent solubility, stability, and enhanced cellular uptake in folate receptor‐positive cancer cells. The nanoconjugate was potently cytotoxic against HeLa and MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells (HeLa: 105.5±16.52 μg mL−1; MDA‐MB‐231: 112.0±12.31 μg mL−1; MDA‐MB‐231 (3D): 156.31±19.35 μg mL−1) while less cytotoxic to the folate(−) cancer cells (MCF‐7, A549 and HepG2). The cytotoxicity was attributed to the pH‐dependent release of doxorubicin, which preferentially occurs in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Additionally, under red light irradiation, the nanoconjugate generated ROS, inducing caspase‐3/7‐dependent apoptosis with a photo‐index (PI) >50, and inhibited cancer cell migration. Our findings underscore the potential of Dox‐Fe@FA‐AuNPs as a highly effective and sustainable platform for targeted chemo‐phototherapy.
Understanding the potential of bamboo fibers in the USA: A comprehensive techno‐economic comparison of bamboo fiber production through mechanical and chemical processes
Authors: Vivas Keren A. , Pifano Alonzo , Vera Ramon E. , Urdaneta Fernando , Urdaneta Isabel , Forfora Naycari , Abbati de Assis Camilla , Phillips Richard B. , Dasmohapatra Sudipta , Saloni Daniel , Venditti Richard A. , Gonzalez Ronalds
Published: June 2024

The growing interest in bamboo fibers for pulp, paper, and board production in the USA necessitates a comprehensive financial viability assessment. This study conducts a detailed technoeconomic analysis (TEA) of bamboo fiber production, primarily for the consumer hygiene tissue market although it is also applicable to other industrial uses. The economic viability of two pulping methods – alkaline peroxide mechanical pulping (APMP) and ammonium bisulfite chemical pulping (ABS) – was explored within three different pulp mill settings to supply pulp to two nonintegrated tissue and towel mills in South Carolina, USA. The target was to produce wet lap bamboo bleached pulp at 50% consistency and 70% ISO brightness. Despite higher initial capital invesment and operating costs, ABS achieved a lower minimum required selling price – USD 544 to 686 per bone dry metric ton (BDt = 1000 BDkg) – in comparison with USD 766 to 899 BDt−1 for APMP. This price advantage is partly due to an additional revenue stream (lignosulfonate byproduct), which not only boosts revenue but also circumvents the need for expensive chemical recovery systems. When compared with traditional kraft pulping, both methods require significantly lower capital investments, with minimum required selling prices (estimated to achieve 16% IRR) below current market rates for extensively used bleached kraft pulps in the USA tissue industry. The economic benefits derive from several factors: the low cost of bamboo as raw material, reduced capital needs for new pulping technologies, lower transportation costs from the pulp mill to tissue and towel manufacturing facilities, and the high market price of bleached kraft pulp.
The concept of balance in microbiome research
Authors: O'Malley Maureen A.
Published: June 2024

Microbiome research is changing how ecosystems, including animal bodies, are understood. In the case of humans, microbiome knowledge is transforming medical approaches and applications. However, the field is still young, and many conceptual and explanatory issues need resolving. These include how microbiome causality is understood, and how to conceptualize the role microbiomes have in the health status of their hosts and other ecosystems. A key concept that crops up in the medical microbiome literature is “balance.” A balanced microbiome is thought to produce health and an imbalanced one disease. Based on a quantitative and qualitative analysis of how balance is used in the microbiome literature, this “think again” essay critically analyses each of the several subconceptions of balance. As well as identifying problems with these uses, the essay suggests some starting points for filling this conceptual gap in microbiome research.
Preparation of nanocellulose/reduced graphene oxide matrix loaded with cuprous oxide nanoparticles for efficient catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol
Authors: Khili Faouzia , Omrani Amel Dakhlaoui
Published: June 2024

The paper reports on the preparation of cellulose nanocrystals/reduced graphene oxide matrix loaded with cuprous oxide nanoparticles (CNC/rGO‐Cu2O) through a simple solvothermal method and its application for 4‐nitrophenol reduction to 4‐aminophenol using sodium borohydride. The CNC/rGO‐Cu2O nanocomposite was formed chemically by first mixing CNC and graphene oxide (GO) followed by complexation of the negatively charged functional groups of CNC/GO with Cu2+ ions and subsequent heating at 100°C. This resulted in the simultaneous reduction of GO to rGO and the formation of Cu2O nanoparticles. The as‐elaborated nanocomposite was firstly characterized using different techniques such as atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, UV–Vis spectrophotometry, Raman spectroscopy and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Then, it was successfully applied for efficient catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol to 4‐aminophenol using sodium borohydride: the reduction was completed in about 6 min. After eight times use, the catalyst still maintained good catalytic performance. Compared to CNC/rGO, rGO/Cu2O and free Cu2O nanoparticles, the CNC/rGO‐Cu2O nanocomposite exhibits higher catalytic activity even at lower copper loading.
α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activity of Prenylated Pyranocoumarins from Clausena excavata: Mechanism of Action, ADMET and Molecular Docking
Authors: Promden Worrawat , Lophaet Aphiwat , Sripadung Ployvadee , Sungthong Bunleu , Samsee Thanatcha , Ploylearmsang Chanuttha , Kijjoa Anake , Seephonkai Prapairat
Published: June 2024

Three naturally occurring prenylated pyranocoumarins, nordentatin (1), dentatin (2), and clausarin (3), isolated from the roots of Clausena excavata (Family Rutaceae), and O‐methylclausarin (4) which was obtained by methylation of 3, were investigated for their α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity. The mechanism of action and the in silico prediction of their physicochemical and ADMET properties as well as the molecular docking were also studied. Compounds 1–4 exhibited stronger α‐glucosidase inhibitory activity than the positive control, acarbose, through a non‐competitive mechanism. Among them, 3 exhibited the highest activity, with an IC50 of 8.36 μM, which is significantly stronger than that of acarbose (IC50=430.35 μM). The prenyl group on C‐3 and the hydroxyl group on C‐5 in 3 may play important roles in enhancing the activity. Calculated physicochemical and ADMET parameters of 1–4 satisfied the Lipinski's and Veber's rules. Molecular simulation analysis indicated they are promising drug candidates with no hepatotoxicity. Compound 3 exhibited potent activity in the experiment and demonstrated good drug properties based on the calculations. A molecular docking study revealed that 3 showed H‐bonding and π‐π stacking interactions with selective Phe321, as well as interactions with thirteen other amino acid residues of the α‐glucosidase.
Impact of intravascular ultrasound‐guided endovascular therapy on periprocedural outcomes in patients with lower‐extremity artery disease
Authors: Nakao Sho , Takahara Mitsuyoshi , Iida Osamu , Kohsaka Shun , Amano Tetsuya , Ishii Hideki , Shinke Toshiro , Nakama Tatsuya , Fujihara Masahiko , Mano Toshiaki , Kozuma Ken
Published: June 2024

Background

Although technological improvements in intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) may reduce technical failures in endovascular therapy (EVT), perioperative complications (POCs) associated with IVUS use may increase.

Aims

This study investigated the impact of IVUS on periprocedural outcomes in symptomatic lower‐extremity artery disease (LEAD) patients undergoing EVT.

Methods

This study evaluated 28,088 symptomatic LEAD patients who underwent EVT between January 2021 and December 2021 using a prospective nationwide registry in Japan. Outcome measures included periprocedural outcomes, including technical failure and POCs. To compare outcomes with and without IVUS use, propensity score matching analysis was performed for overall and for each arterial region (aortoiliac [AI], femoropopliteal [FP], and infrapopliteal [IP] arteries) using a binary logistic regression model.

Results

IVUS was used in 75%, 72%, and 37% of AI, FP, and IP lesions, respectively. After propensity matching extraction, the IVUS group had a tendency of lower technical failure rate than the non‐IVUS group, although not statistically different (3.9% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.054), without an increase in the POC rate (1.8% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.54). Regarding the per‐regional analysis, the technical failure rate of FP‐EVT was significantly lower in the IVUS group (3.1% vs. 4.2%, p = 0.006), whereas those of AI‐EVT (2.2% vs. 3.1%, p = 0.12) and IP‐EVT (6.8% vs. 6.1%, p = 0.37) were not significantly different between the two groups. Furthermore, IVUS did not increase the POC rate for any region (AI‐EVT: 1.3% vs. 1.3%, p = 1.00; FP‐EVT: 1.8% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.75; and IP‐EVT: 2.0% vs. 1.7%, p = 0.56).

Conclusion

The current study revealed that IVUS did not increase the POCs and technical failure for overall lesions but reduced the incidence of FP‐EVT technical failure.
Intentional replantation for a Class 4/Stage C cemental tear: Etiology, choice and outcomes of treatment
Authors: Luo Ning , Ying Xuan , Tong Yuxin , Chen Yue
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Cemental tears, root cracks, and associated periapical‐periodontal lesions may occur simultaneously in one tooth, and can be effectively managed by intentional replantation and etiological control. A durable splint, along with occlusal and periodontal monitoring, is required as healing progresses slowly and may be insufficient.
26 cm fall caught on video causing subdural hemorrhages and extensive retinal hemorrhages in an 8‐month‐old infant
Authors: Brook Chris , Squier Waney , Mack Julie
Published: June 2024

Key Clinical Message

Severe, too many to count retinal hemorrhages (RH) in infants have been associated with abusive head trauma, but can occur in short falls. An 8‐month‐old male fell backward from a height of 26 cm, landing on his buttocks then hitting the back of his head on a vinyl floor. The fall was videotaped. Acute subdural hemorrhages were found along with extensive, too many to count intra‐RH in both eyes. Falls from small heights on to the occiput can lead to extensive RH of the type often associated with abusive head trauma.
Chiral Brønsted Acid‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Reaction via Vinylidene Ortho‐Quinone Methides
Authors: Zhu Xin‐Qi , Yang Hai‐Yu , Ye Long‐Wu
Published: June 2024

Vinylidene ortho‐quinone methides (VQMs) have been proven to be versatile and crucial intermediates in the catalytic asymmetric reaction in last decade, and thus have drawn considerable concentrations on account of the practical application in the construction of enantiomerically pure functional organic molecules. However, in comparison to the well established chiral Brønsted base‐catalyzed asymmetric reaction via VQMs, chiral Brønsted acid‐catalyzed reaction is rarely studied and there is no systematic summary to date. In this review, we summarize the recent advances in the chiral Brønsted acid‐catalyzed asymmetric reaction via VQMs according to three types of reactions: a) intermolecular asymmetric nucleophilic addition to VQMs; b) intermolecular asymmetric cycloaddition of VQMs; c) intramolecular asymmetric cyclization of VQMs. Finally, we put forward the remained challenges and opportunities for potential breakthroughs in this area.
Chemical Reaction Steers Spatiotemporal Self‐Assembly of Supramolecular Hydrogels
Authors: Wang Hucheng , Bai Shengyu , Gu Guanyao , Zhang Chunyu , Wang Yiming
Published: June 2024

Supramolecular structures are widespread in living system, which are usually spatiotemporally regulated by sophisticated metabolic processes to enable vital biological functions. Inspired by living system, tremendous efforts have been made to realize spatiotemporal control over the self‐assembly of supramolecular materials in synthetic scenario by coupling chemical reaction with molecular self‐assembly process. In this review, we focused on the works related to supramolecular hydrogels that are regulated in space and time using chemical reaction. Firstly, we summarized how spatially controlled self‐assembly of supramolecular hydrogels can be achieved via chemical reaction‐instructed self‐assembly, and the application of such a self‐assembly methodology in biotherapy was discussed as well. Second, we reviewed dynamic supramolecular hydrogels dictated by chemical reaction networks that can evolve their structures and properties against time. Third, we discussed the recent progresses in the control of the self‐assembly of supramolecular hydrogels in both space and time though a reaction‐diffusion‐coupled self‐assembly approach. Finally, we provided a perspective on the further development of spatiotemporally controlled supramolecular hydrogels using chemical reaction in the future.
Total Synthesis of an Epothilone Analogue Based on the Amide‐Triazole Bioisosterism
Authors: Colombo Eleonora , Coppini Davide A. , Borsoi Simone , Fasano Valerio , Bucci Raffaella , Bonato Francesca , Bonandi Elisa , Vasile Francesca , Pieraccini Stefano , Passarella Daniele
Published: June 2024

Epothilones are 16‐membered macrolides that act as microtubule‐targeting agents to tackle cancer. Many synthetic analogues have been investigated for their activity, yet often based on macrolide structures. A notable exception is Ixabepilone, an azalide whose metabolic stability and pharmacokinetics are significantly improved. Exploiting the amide‐triazole bioisosterism, in this work we report the synthesis of the first generation of epothilones lacking the macrolide or azalide structure, with the ester or amide linkage replaced by a triazole unit. Together with the synthesis of this new analogue, computational and biological evaluations have been performed too.
The Affective Bias Test and Reward Learning Assay: Neuropsychological Models for Depression Research and Investigating Antidepressant Treatments in Rodents
Authors: Hinchcliffe Justyna K. , Robinson Emma S. J.
Published: June 2024

The Affective Bias Test (ABT) quantifies acute changes in affective state based on the affective biases they generate in an associative reward learning task. The Reward Learning Assay (RLA) provides a control assay for the ABT and reward‐induced biases generated in this model are sensitive to changes in core affective state. Both tasks involve training animals to associate a specific digging substrate with a food reward. Animals learn to discriminate between two digging substrates placed in ceramic bowls, one rewarded and one unrewarded. In the ABT, the animal learns two independent substrate‐reward associations with a fixed reward value following either an affective state or drug manipulation, or under control conditions. Affective biases generated are quantified in a choice test where the animals exhibit a bias (make more choices) for one of the substrates which is specifically related to affective state at the time of learning. The ABT is used to investigate biases generated during learning as well as modulation of biases associated with past experiences. The RLA follows a similar protocol, but the animal remains in the same affective state throughout and a reward‐induced bias is generated by pairing one substrate with a higher value reward. The RLA provides a control to determine if drug treatments affect memory retrieval more generally. Studies in depression models and following environmental enrichment suggest that reward‐induced biases are sensitive to core changes in affective state. Each task offers different insights into affective processing mechanisms and may help improve the translational validity of animal studies and benefit pre‐clinical drug development. © 2024 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Bowl digging and discrimination training

Basic Protocol 2: The reward learning assay

Basic Protocol 3: The affective bias test ‐ new learning

Basic Protocol 4: The affective bias test ‐ modulation of affective biases associated with past experiences
Morphologically defined substages of tail morphogenesis in C. elegans males
Authors: Kiontke Karin , Fernandez Porfirio , Woronik Alyssa , Fitch David H. A.
Published: June 2024

Background

Sex‐specific morphogenesis occurs in Caenorhabditis elegans in the vulva of the hermaphrodite and in the male tail during the last larval stage. Temporal progression of vulva morphogenesis has been described in fine detail. However, a similar precise description of male tail morphogenesis was lacking.

Results

We here describe morphogenesis of the male tail at time points matching vulva development with special focus on morphogenesis of the tail tip. Using fluorescent reporters, we follow changes in cell shapes, cell fusions, nuclear migration, modifications in the basement membrane, and formation of a new apical extracellular matrix at the end of the tail.

Conclusion

Our analysis answers two open questions about tail tip morphogenesis (TTM) by showing that one of the four tail tip cells, hyp11, remains largely separate, while the other cells fully fuse with each other and with two additional tail cells to form a ventral tail syncytium. This merger of cells begins at the apical surface early during TTM but is only completed toward the end of the process. This work provides a framework for future investigations of cell biological factors that drive male tail morphogenesis.
Microbial vectoring capacity by internal‐ and external‐infesting stored product insects after varying dispersal periods between novel food patches: An underestimated risk
Authors: Ponce Marco A. , Maille Jacqueline M. , Stoll Ian , James Avery , Bruce Alexander , Kim Tania N. , Scully Erin D. , Morrison William R.
Published: June 2024

Understanding the ability of internal‐ and external‐infesting stored product insects to vector microbes is important for estimating the relative risk that insects pose to postharvest commodities as they move between habitat patches and in the landscape. Thus, the aim of the current study was to evaluate and compare the microbial growth in novel food patches at different dispersal periods by different populations of Sitophilus oryzae (e.g., internal‐infesting) and Lasioderma serricorne (e.g., external‐infesting). Adults of both species collected from laboratory colonies or field‐captured populations were either placed immediately in a novel food patch, or given a dispersal period of 24 or 72 h in a sterilized environment before entering a surrogate food patch. Vectored microbes in new food patches were imaged after 3 or 5 days of foraging, and microbial growth was processed using ImageJ while fungal species were identified through sequencing the ITS4/5 ribosomal subunit. We found that increasing dispersal time resulted in multiple‐fold reductions in microbial growth surrogate food patches by L. serricorne but not S. oryzae. This was likely attributable to higher mobility by S. oryzae than L. serricorne. A total of 20 morphospecies were identified from 13 genera among the 59 sequences, with a total of 23% and 16% classified as Aspergillus and Penicillium spp. Our data suggest that there is a persistent risk of microbial contamination by both species, which has important food safety implications at food facilities.
Forecasting climate change impacts on neotropical Myotis: Insights from ecological niche models for conservation strategies
Authors: de Oliveira Karoliny , Novaes Roberto Leonan M. , Weber Marcelo M. , Moratelli Ricardo
Published: June 2024

Myotis originated during the Oligocene in Eurasia and has become one of the most diverse bat genera, with over 140 species. In the case of neotropical Myotis, there is a high degree of phenotypic conservatism. This means that the taxonomic and geographic limits of several species are not well understood, which constrains detailed studies on their ecology and evolution and how to effectively protect these species. Similar to other organisms, bats may respond to climate change by moving to different areas, adapting to new conditions, or going extinct. Ecological niche models have become established as an efficient and widely used method for interpolating (and sometimes extrapolating) species' distributions and offer an effective tool for identifying species conservation requirements and forecasting how global environmental changes may affect species distribution. How species respond to climate change is a key point for understanding their vulnerability and designing effective conservation strategies in the future. Thus, here, we assessed the impacts of climate change on the past and future distributions of two phylogenetically related species, Myotis ruber and Myotis keaysi. The results showed that the species are influenced by changes in temperature, and for M. ruber, precipitation also becomes important. Furthermore, M. ruber appears to have been more flexible to decreases in temperature that occurred in the past, which allowed it to expand its areas of environmental suitability, unlike M. keaysi, which decreased and concentrated these areas. However, despite a drastic decrease in the spatial area of environmental suitability of these species in the future, there are areas of potential climate stability that have been maintained since the Pleistocene, indicating where conservation efforts need to be concentrated in the future.
Can allelopathic potentialities of Mediterranean plant species reduce the spread of invasive plant species, Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima?
Authors: Brasseur Solène , Santonja Mathieu , Rébufa Catherine , Affre Laurence , Dupouyet Sylvie , Dumas Estelle , Tatoni Thierry , Farnet Da Silva Anne‐Marie , Bousquet‐Mélou Anne
Published: June 2024

Beyond ecological and health impacts, invasive alien plant species can generate indirect and direct costs, notably through reduced agricultural yields, restoration, and management of the invaded environment. Acacia dealbata and Ailanthus altissima are invasive plant species that cause particularly significant damage to the railway network in the Mediterranean area. The allelopathic properties of Mediterranean plant species could be used as nature‐based solutions to slow down the spread of such invasive plant species along railway borders. In this context, a mesocosm experiment was set‐up: (i) to test the potential allelopathic effects of Cistus ladanifer, Cistus albidus, and Cotinus coggygria leaf aqueous extracts on seed germination and seedling growth of A. dealbata and A. altissima; (ii) to evaluate whether these effects depend on the extract dose; and finally, (iii) to estimate whether these effects are modified by soil amendment. Leaf aqueous extracts of the three native plant species showed negative effects on both seed germination and seedling growth of the two invasive species. Our results show that the presence of allelochemicals induces a delay in seed germination (e.g., A. dealbata germination lasted up to 269% longer in the presence of high‐dose leaf aqueous extracts of C. coggygria), which can lead to a decrease in individual recruitment. They also highlight a decrease in seedling growth (e.g., high‐dose C. coggygria leaf aqueous extracts induced a 26% decrease in A. dealbata radicle growth), which can alter the competitiveness of invasive species for resource access. Our results also highlight that compost addition limits the inhibitory effect of native Mediterranean plants on the germination of invasive alien plants, suggesting that soil organic matter content can counteract allelopathic effects on invasive alien plants. Thus, our findings revealed that the allelopathic potential of certain Mediterranean plant species could be a useful tool to manage invasive plant species.
Constitutive immune function is not associated with fuel stores in spring migrating passerine birds
Authors: Ronanki Shivani , Hegemann Arne , Eikenaar Cas
Published: June 2024

Migratory birds may either upregulate their immune system during migration as they might encounter novel pathogens or downregulate their immune system as a consequence of trade‐offs with the resource costs of migration. Support for the latter comes not least from a study that reports a positive correlation in autumn migrating birds between fuel stores and parameters of innate and acquired immune function, that is, energy‐exhausted migrants appear to have lowered immune function. However, to our knowledge, no study has tested whether this pattern exists in spring migrating birds, which may face other trade‐offs than autumn migrants. Here, we investigate if in spring there is a relationship between fuel stores and microbial‐killing ability, a measure of innate immune function, and total immunoglobulin (IgY), a measure of acquired immune function, in four migrating bird species: chaffinches (Fringilla coelebs), dunnocks (Prunella modularis), song thrushes (Turdus philomelos) and northern wheatears (Oenanthe oenanthe). Our findings indicate no significant correlation between fuel stores and either microbial killing ability or IgY levels when considering all species collectively. When analysing species separately, we found a significant negative correlation between fuel stores and microbial‐killing ability in chaffinches and a positive correlation between fuel stores and IgY levels in wheatears. In song thrushes, but not in any of the other species, there was a significant negative correlation between relative arrival date and microbial‐killing ability and between arrival date and IgY levels. Sex did not affect immune function in any of the species. Our study suggests that the relationship between immune function and fuel stores may be different during spring migration compared to autumn migration. Differences in the speed of migration or pathogen pressure may result in different outcomes of the resource trade‐off between investment in immune function and migration among the seasons.
Capture rates of Eptesicus fuscus increase following white‐nose syndrome across the eastern US
Authors: Simonis Molly C. , Hartzler Lynn K. , Turner Gregory G. , Scafini Michael R. , Johnson Joseph S. , Rúa Megan A.
Published: June 2024

Emerging infectious diseases threaten wildlife globally. While the effects of infectious diseases on hosts with severe infections and high mortality rates often receive considerable attention, effects on hosts that persist despite infection are less frequently studied. To understand how persisting host populations change in the face of disease, we quantified changes to the capture rates of Eptesicus fuscus (big brown bats), a persisting species susceptible to infection by the invasive fungal pathogen Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd; causative agent for white‐nose syndrome), across the eastern US using a 30‐year dataset. Capture rates of male and female E. fuscus increased from preinvasion to pathogen establishment years, with greater increases to the capture rates of females than males. Among females, capture rates of pregnant and post‐lactating females increased by pathogen establishment. We outline potential mechanisms for these broad demographic changes in E. fuscus capture rates (i.e., increases to foraging from energy deficits created by Pd infection, increases to relative abundance, or changes to reproductive cycles), and suggest future research for identifying mechanisms for increasing capture rates across the eastern US. These data highlight the importance of understanding how populations of persisting host species change following pathogen invasion across a broad spatial scale. Understanding changes to population composition following pathogen invasion can identify broad ecological patterns across space and time, and open new avenues for research to identify drivers of those patterns.
Local variation in stress response of juvenile anadromous brown trout, Salmo trutta
Authors: Berry Madeleine , Zena Lucas A. , Roques Jonathan A. C. , Sandblom Erik , Thorstad Eva B. , Höjesjö Johan
Published: June 2024

Habitat fragmentation may cut off anadromous salmonids from parts of their potential native habitat and separate previously connected populations. Understanding the consequences of this is vital for fish management and prioritization of restoration activities. Here, we show that there is a significant difference in the body morphology, physiological stress response, and aspects contributing to aerobic capacity between juvenile anadromous brown trout, Salmo trutta, collected at a downstream site and an upstream site, separated by 2 km and several challenging stream sections, in a small unfragmented stream system in western Sweden. Following a standardized stress test, there were significant differences between fish from the upstream and downstream sites (plasma cortisol concentration, plasma osmolality, hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration). Plasma glucose concentration did not significantly differ between fish from the two sites. Fish from the upstream site had larger spleen mass, although there was no evidence of differences in ventricle mass or proportion of compact ventricular myocardium. These physiological differences indicate local variation in stress response and highlight the importance of considering local trait variation in river management. If a section of the river becomes fragmented or degraded, and there are differences in the juveniles in different parts of the river, the consequence for the population might be larger than the proportional loss of habitat.
Combining potential and realized distribution modeling of telemetry data for a bycatch risk assessment
Authors: Frantz Bethany H. , Sepúlveda Maritza , García‐Reyes Marisol , Vega Rodrigo , Palacios Daniel M. , Bedriñana‐Romano Luis , Hückstädt Luis A. , Santos‐Carvallo Macarena , Davis Jerry D. , Hines Ellen
Published: June 2024

Establishing marine species distributions is essential for guiding management and can be estimated by identifying potential favorable habitat at a population level and incorporating individual‐level information (e.g., movement constraints) to inform realized space use. In this research, we applied a combined modeling approach to tracking data of adult female and juvenile South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens; n = 9) from July to November 2011 to make habitat predictions for populations in northern Chile. We incorporated topographic and oceanographic predictors with sea lion locations and environmentally based pseudo‐absences in a generalized linear model for estimating population‐level distribution. For the individual approach, we used a generalized linear mixed‐effects model with a negative exponential kernel variable to quantify distance‐dependent movement from the colony. Spatial predictions from both approaches were combined in a bivariate color map to identify areas of agreement. We then used a GIS‐based risk model to characterize bycatch risk in industrial and artisanal purse‐seine fisheries based on fishing set data from scientific observers and artisanal fleet logs (2010–2015), the bivariate sea lion distribution map, and criteria ratings of interaction characteristics. Our results indicate population‐level associations with productive, shallow, low slope waters, near to river‐mouths, and with high eddy activity. Individual distribution was restricted to shallow slopes and cool waters. Variation between approaches may reflect intrinsic factors restricting use of otherwise favorable habitat; however, sample size was limited, and additional data are needed to establish the full range of individual‐level distributions. Our bycatch risk outputs identified highest risk from industrial fisheries operating nearshore (within 5 NM) and risk was lower, overall, for the artisanal fleet. This research demonstrates the potential for integrating potential and realized distribution models within a spatial risk assessment and fills a gap in knowledge on this species' distribution, providing a basis for targeting bycatch mitigation outreach and interventions.
Spatial prediction of plant invasion using a hybrid of machine learning and geostatistical method
Authors: Shen Liang , LaRue Elizabeth , Fei Songlin , Zhang Hao
Published: June 2024

Modeling ecological patterns and processes often involve large‐scale and complex high‐dimensional spatial data. Due to the nonlinearity and multicollinearity of ecological data, traditional geostatistical methods have faced great challenges in model accuracy. As machine learning has increased our ability to construct models on big data, the main focus of the study is to propose the use of statistical models that hybridize machine learning and spatial interpolation methods to cope with increasingly large‐scale and complex ecological data. Here, two machine learning algorithms, boosted regression tree (BRT) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO), were combined with ordinary kriging (OK) to model plant invasions across the eastern United States. The accuracies of the hybrid models and conventional models were evaluated by 10‐fold cross‐validation. Based on an invasive plants dataset of 15 ecoregions across the eastern United States, the results showed that the hybrid algorithms were significantly better at predicting plant invasion when compared to commonly used algorithms in terms of RMSE and paired‐samples t‐test (with the p‐value < .0001). Besides, the additional aspect of the combined algorithms is to have the ability to select influential variables associated with the establishment of invasive cover, which cannot be achieved by conventional geostatistics. Higher accuracy in the prediction of large‐scale biological invasions improves our understanding of the ecological conditions that lead to the establishment and spread of plants into novel habitats across spatial scales. The results demonstrate the effectiveness and robustness of the hybrid BRTOK and LASOK that can be used to analyze large‐scale and high‐dimensional spatial datasets, and it has offered an optional source of models for spatial interpolation of ecology properties. It will also provide a better basis for management decisions in early‐detection modeling of invasive species.
Kelp forest community structure and demography in Kongsfjorden (Svalbard) across 25 years of Arctic warming
Authors: Düsedau Luisa , Fredriksen Stein , Brand Markus , Fischer Philipp , Karsten Ulf , Bischof Kai , Savoie Amanda , Bartsch Inka
Published: June 2024

The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is a hotspot of global warming and many fjords experience a continuous increase in seawater temperature and glacial melt while sea‐ice cover declines. In 1996/1998, 2012–2014, and 2021 macroalgal biomass and species diversity were quantified at the study site Hansneset, Kongsfjorden (W‐Spitsbergen) in order to identify potential changes over time. In 2021, we repeated the earlier studies by stratified random sampling (1 × 1 m2, n = 3) along a sublittoral depth transect (0, 2.5, 5, 10, and 15 m) and investigated the lower depth limits of dominant brown algae between 3 and 19 m. The maximum fresh weight (FW) of all seaweeds was 11.5 kg m−2 at 2.5 m and to 99.9% constituted of kelp. Although biomass distribution along the depth transect in 2021 was not significantly different compared to 2012/2013, the digitate kelp community (Laminaria digitata/Hedophyllum nigripes) had transformed into an Alaria esculenta‐dominated kelp forest. Consequently, a pronounced shift in kelp forest structure occurred over time as we demonstrate that biomass allocation to thallus parts is kelp species‐specific. Over the past decade, kelp demography changed and in 2021 a balanced age structure of kelps (juveniles plus many older kelp individuals) was only apparent at 2.5 m. In addition, the abundances and lower depth limits of all dominant brown algae declined noticeably over the last 25 years while the red algal flora abundance remained unchanged at depth. We propose that the major factor driving the observed changes in the macroalgal community are alterations in underwater light climate, as in situ data showed increasing turbidity and decreasing irradiance since 2012 and 2017, respectively. As a consequence, the interplay between kelp forest retreat to lower depth levels caused by coastal darkening and potential macroalgal biomass gain with increasing temperatures will possibly intensify in the future with unforeseen consequences for melting Arctic coasts and fjord ecosystem services.
Chemoselective and Triggered Decomposition of Diazo Esters by the [(IMes)Rh2(OAc)4] Complex: En Route to Assisted Tandem Catalysis from Mixtures of Diazo Compounds
Authors: Hammoud Jana , Gandon Vincent , Joosten Antoine Y. P. , Lecourt Thomas
Published: June 2024

Decomposition of aryl and unsubstituted diazo ester into Rh(II)‐carbenes by the [(IMes)Rh2(OAc)4] complex is shown to be slower than with Rh2(OAc)4. Diazo esters substituted by a second electron‐withdrawing group do not suffer nitrogen extrusion when exposed for several hours to this (NHC)Rh(II) complex at room temperature. This chemoselective decomposition of diazo esters depending on their substituent (Ar, H, EWG) can furthermore be achieved on a mixture of substrates. The catalytic activity of [(IMes)Rh2(OAc)4] towards electron‐poor diazo compounds is also restored by heating to reflux in chloroform, or after decomplexation of the NHC by addition of GaCl3. The [(IMes)Rh2(OAc)4] complex was then used to induce a fully selective reaction cascade from a mixture of two diazo esters. First, a donor/acceptor diazo compound was decomposed selectively at room temperature to give an intermolecular O−H insertion product without any decomposition of the electron poor diazo compound. Addition of GaGl3 then triggered nitrogen extrusion from the diazo malonate to give a 1,5‐C−H insertion product. This transformation, where decomposition of diazo compounds catalyzed by Rh(II) complexes can be externally controlled, represents the first example of assisted tandem catalysis with two metal carbene precursors.
Cost‐effective amperometric sensor for monitoring levofloxacin in groundwater
Authors: Alvarez‐Serna Bryan E. , García‐Mejía Tania A. , Arzate Sandra , Yañez‐Aulestia Ana , Ramírez‐Chavarría Roberto G. , Ramírez‐Zamora Rosa María
Published: June 2024

The presence of water micropollutants, such as antibiotics, has proved the necessity to develop novel and cost‐effective devices for their identification and quantification. These devices aim to save time, reagent usage, and costs associated with conventional analytical methods. In this work, we introduce poly(methylene blue) based screen‐printed electrodes (SPE‐PMB) as electrochemical sensors designed for the quantification of levofloxacin (LVX), given its current prevalence as a micropollutant. Integrating the fabrication and measurement processes into a single electrochemical device is a significant step in creating affordable detection tools. The proposed sensor was assessed using LVX solutions prepared in real groundwater samples, demonstrating its selectivity and achieving a detection limit of 3.3 μM. Finally, we compared the SPE‐PMB sensor and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to validate its operation and performance. Consequently, our results suggest that the sensor can be a viable alternative to chromatographic methods for identifying and quantifying micropollutants at very low concentrations in complex matrices.
Three‐Dimensionally Arranged NiSe2 Nanosheets as an Efficient Electrocatalyst for Methanol Electrooxidation Reaction
Authors: Ullah Nabi , Guziejewski Dariusz , Mahmood Asim , Ullah Sami , Khan Sikandar , Hussain Shahid , Imran Muhammad
Published: June 2024

Methanol oxidation stands out as a pivotal solution in addressing the global energy crisis and environmental pollution, owing to its practical applicability, high current density, and the ready availability of methanol as a fuel source. To effectively catalyze methanol oxidation, an electrocatalyst is imperious to overcome the activation energy barrier. Herein, a three‐dimensionally arranged NiSe2 nanosheet‐based electrocatalyst is synthesized through a facile solvothermal followed by an annealing method. The catalyst's porous structure enhances catalytic efficiency by providing a substantial electrochemical surface area (ECSA) equivalent to 0.121 mF cm−2. Notably, the electrocatalyst exhibits a remarkable response of 21.58 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 1.70 V vs RHE, accompanied by the lowest Tafel slope recorded at 39.14 mV dec−1. The electronic circuit, represented by Rs(Qf(RfW(QdlRct)), aligns well with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, elucidating the reaction path and intrinsic properties. Furthermore, the catalytic performance is elucidated concerning ECSA and weight, revealing current densities of 5.60 mA cm−2 and 71.34 mA mg−1, respectively. Impressively, the catalyst demonstrates exceptional resistance to poisoning and sustained stability over a continuous 3600‐s operation. This comprehensive study underscores the promising potential of the NiSe2 nanosheet‐based electrocatalyst for efficient methanol oxidation, providing valuable insights for advancing clean energy technologies.
The international league against epilepsy primary healthcare educational curriculum: Assessment of educational needs
Authors: Singh Gagandeep , Braga Patricia , Carrizosa Jaime , Prevos‐Morgant Marielle , Mehndiratta Man Mohan , Shisler Priscilla , Triki Chahnez , Wiebe Samuel , Wilmshurst Jo , Blümcke Ingmar
Published: June 2024

Objective

To assess the need for an epilepsy educational curriculum for primary healthcare providers formulated by the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) and the importance attributed to its competencies by epilepsy specialists and primary care providers and across country‐income settings.

Methods

The ILAE primary care epilepsy curriculum was translated to five languages. A structured questionnaire assessing the importance of its 26 curricular competencies was posted online and publicized widely to an international community. Respondents included epilepsy specialists, primary care providers, and others from three World Bank country‐income categories. Responses from different groups were compared with univariate and ordinal logistic regression analyses.

Results

Of 785 respondents, 60% noted that a primary care epilepsy curriculum did not exist or they were unaware of one in their country. Median ranks of importance for all competencies were high (very important to extremely important) in the entire sample and across different groups. Fewer primary care providers than specialists rated the following competencies as extremely important: definition of epilepsy (p = .03), recognition of seizure mimics (p = .02), interpretation of test results for epilepsy care (p = .001), identification of drug‐resistant epilepsy (0.005) and management of psychiatric comorbidities (0.05). Likewise, fewer respondents from LMICs in comparison to UMICs rated 15 competencies as extremely important.

Significance

The survey underscores the unmet need for an epilepsy curriculum in primary care and the relevance of its competencies across different vocational and socioeconomic settings. Differences across vocational and country income groups indicate that educational packages should be developed and adapted to needs in different settings.