bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tree identity and canopy openness mediate oil palm biodiversity enrichment effects on insect herbivory and pollination
Authors: Li Kevin , Grass Ingo , Zemp Delphine Clara , Lorenz Hendrik , Sachsenmaier Lena , Nurdiansyah Fuad , Hölscher Dirk , Kreft Holger , Tscharntke Teja
Published: April 2023

As the extent of oil palm (Elaeis guineensis) cultivation has expanded at the expense of tropical rainforests, enriching conventional large‐scale oil palm plantations with native trees has been proposed as a strategy for restoring biodiversity and ecosystem function. However, how tree enrichment affects insect‐mediated ecosystem functions is unknown. We investigated impacts on insect herbivory and pollination in the fourth year of a plantation‐scale, long‐term oil palm biodiversity enrichment experiment in Jambi, Sumatra, Indonesia. Within 48 plots systematically varying in size (25–1600 m2) and planted tree species richness (one to six species), we collected response data on vegetation structure, understory insect abundances, and pollinator and herbivore activity on chili plants (Capsicum annuum), which served as indicators of insect‐mediated ecosystem functions. We examined the independent effects of plot size, tree species richness, and tree identity on these response variables, using the linear model for random partitions design. The experimental treatments were most associated with vegetation structure: tree identity mattered, as the species Peronema canescens strongly decreased (by approximately one standard deviation) both canopy openness and understory vegetation cover; whereas tree richness only decreased understory flower density. Further, the smallest plots had the lowest understory flower density and richness, presumably because of lower light availability and colonization rates, respectively. Enrichment influenced herbivorous insects and natural enemies in the understory to a lesser extent: both groups had higher abundances in plots with two enrichment species planted, possibly because higher associated tree mortality created more habitat, while herbivores decreased with increasing tree species richness, in line with the resource concentration hypothesis. Linking relationships in structural equation models showed that the negative association between P. canescens and understory vegetation cover was mediated through canopy openness. Likewise, canopy openness mediated increases in herbivore and pollinator insect abundances. Higher pollinator visitation increased phytometer yield, while impacts of insect herbivores on yield were not apparent. Our results demonstrate that even at an early stage, different levels of ecological restoration influence insect‐mediated ecosystem functions, mainly through canopy openness. These findings suggest that maintaining some canopy gaps while enrichment plots develop may be beneficial for increasing habitat heterogeneity and insect‐mediated ecosystem functions.
Population‐level policy recommendations for the prevention of disordered weight control behaviors: A scoping review
Authors: Raffoul Amanda , Turner Samantha L. , Salvia Meg G. , Austin S. Bryn
Published: April 2023

Objective

The aim of this scoping review was to identify recommendations and gaps in knowledge surrounding the prevention of disordered weight control behaviors (DWCBs) through policy.

Method

A search was conducted in several databases to identify English language articles that described an active policy, recommendation, guideline, or educational curriculum that could be implemented by governments or regulatory bodies to prevent DWCBs or related constructs (e.g., weight stigma, body dissatisfaction). Two researchers independently screened articles with oversight from a third researcher. Data were extracted from the final sample (n = 65) and analyzed qualitatively across all articles and within the domains of education, public policy, public health, industry regulation, and media.

Results

Only a single empirical evaluation of an implemented policy to reduce DWCBs was identified. Over one‐third of articles proposed recommendations relating to industry regulation and media (n = 24, 36.9%), followed by education (n = 21, 32.3%), public policy (n = 19, 29.2%), and public health (n = 10, 15.4%). Recommendations included school‐based changes to curricula, staff training, and anti‐bullying policies; legislation to ban weight discrimination; policies informed by strategic science; collaboration with researchers from other fields; de‐emphasizing weight in health communications; diversifying body sizes and limiting modified images in media; and restricting the sale of weight‐loss supplements.

Discussion

The findings of this review highlight gaps in empirically evaluated policies to reduce DWCBs but also promising policy recommendations across several domains. Although some policy recommendations were supported by empirical evidence, others were primarily based on experts’ knowledge, highlighting the need for greater research on population‐level DWCBs prevention through policy.

Public significance

Our scoping review of the evidence on policies for the prevention of disordered weight control behaviors identified several recommendations across the domains of education, public policy, public health, and industry regulation and media. Although few empirical investigations of implemented policies have been conducted, expert recommendations for policies to prevent disordered weight control behaviors among populations are plentiful and warrant future consideration by researchers and policymakers alike.
Detection of vertebrates from natural and artificial inland water bodies in a semi‐arid habitat using eDNA from filtered, swept, and sediment samples
Authors: McDonald Rupert , Bateman Philip W. , Cooper Christine , van der Heyde Mieke , Mousavi‐Derazmahalleh Mahsa , Hedges Brock A. , Guzik Michelle T. , Nevill Paul
Published: April 2023

Biomonitoring is vital for establishing baseline data that is needed to identify and quantify ecological change and to inform management and conservation activities. However, biomonitoring and biodiversity assessment in arid environments, which are predicted to cover 56% of the Earth's land surface by 2100, can be prohibitively time consuming, expensive, and logistically challenging due to their often remote and inhospitable nature. Sampling of environmental DNA (eDNA) coupled with high‐throughput sequencing is an emerging biodiversity assessment method. Here we explore the application of eDNA metabarcoding and various sampling approaches to estimate vertebrate richness and assemblage at human‐constructed and natural water sources in a semi‐arid region of Western Australia. Three sampling methods: sediment samples, filtering through a membrane with a pump, and membrane sweeping in the water body, were compared using two eDNA metabarcoding assays, 12S‐V5 and 16smam, for 120 eDNA samples collected from four gnammas (gnamma: Australian Indigenous Noongar language term–granite rock pools) and four cattle troughs in the Great Western Woodlands, Western Australia. We detected higher vertebrate richness in samples from cattle troughs and found differences between assemblages detected in gnammas (more birds and amphibians) and cattle troughs (more mammals, including feral taxa). Total vertebrate richness was not different between swept and filtered samples, but all sampling methods yielded different assemblages. Our findings indicate that eDNA surveys in arid lands will benefit from collecting multiple samples at multiple water sources to avoid underestimating vertebrate richness. The high concentration of eDNA in small, isolated water bodies permits the use of sweep sampling that simplifies sample collection, processing, and storage, particularly when assessing vertebrate biodiversity across large spatial scales.
On the phenology of soil organisms: Current knowledge and future steps
Authors: Bonato Asato Ana E. , Wirth Christian , Eisenhauer Nico , Hines Jes
Published: April 2023

Phenology is the study of timing of periodic activities in biological life cycles. It describes an inherent component of ecosystem dynamics, and shifts in biological activity have been increasingly recognized as an indicator of global change. Although phenology is mainly studied above the ground, major ecosystem processes, such as decomposition, mineralization, and nutrient cycling, are soil‐dependent. Therefore, the phenology of soil organisms is a crucial, but understudied, aspect of terrestrial ecosystem functioning. We performed a systematic review of 96 studies, which reported 228 phenological observations, to evaluate the current knowledge of soil microbial and animal phenology. Despite the increasing number of soil phenology reports, most research is still concentrated in a few countries (centered in the Northern Hemisphere) and taxa (microbiota), with significant gaps in the most diverse regions of the globe (i.e., tropics) and important taxa (e.g., ants, termites, and earthworms). Moreover, biotic predictors (e.g., biodiversity and species interactions) have rarely been considered as possible drivers of soil organisms' phenology. We present recommendations for future soil phenology research based on an evaluation of the reported geographical, taxonomic, and methodologic trends that bias current soil phenology research. First, we highlight papers that depict good soil phenology practice, either regarding the research foci, methodological approaches, or results reporting. Then, we discuss the gaps, challenges, and opportunities for future research. Overall, we advocate that focusing both on highly diverse ecosystems and key soil organisms, while testing for the direct and indirect effects of biodiversity loss and climatic stressors, could increase our knowledge of soil functioning and enhance the accuracy of predictions depicting the effects of global change on terrestrial ecosystem functioning as a whole.
Noninvasive camera data and spatial capture–recapture models reveal strong temporal variation in fawn survival
Authors: Engebretsen Kristin N. , Cherry Michael J. , Conner L. Mike , Garrison Elina P. , Miller Karl V. , Chandler Richard B.
Published: April 2023

In south Florida, white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) are the primary prey of the endangered Florida panther (Puma concolor coryi). Deer populations in some regions of south Florida have declined in recent years, and the role of fawn survival and recruitment in these declines is unknown. Determining known‐fate survival of fawns is challenging, requires invasive and costly methods, and often has a limited geographic scope. We deployed 180 cameras throughout the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Cypress National Preserve to understand how environmental variables influence fawn survival. We identified 271 fawns from 12,715 photographs in 2015 and 2016. We utilized a noninvasive sampling method coupled with a spatial capture–recapture model to estimate the number of fawns born, the spatial distribution of birth locations, and the number of fawns that survived to recruitment (180 days old) during two fawning seasons. We found strong evidence of temporal variation in survival, but little evidence of spatial variation. Within the 10,941‐ha study area, we estimated that 305 (95% CI: 245–385) fawns were born in 2015 and 278 (212–381) fawns were born in 2016. In 2015, 36% (110) of the estimated 305 fawns survived to 180 days. However, in 2016, only 13% (36) of the estimated 278 fawns survived to 180 days. The large difference in recruitment between years was likely driven by record flooding in 2016. Our data suggest that extreme weather events, coupled with high adult mortality, likely contributed to recent deer population decline in south Florida through reduced fawn recruitment. Unlike studies of known‐fate fawn survival that require labor‐intensive and invasive capture of both adults and neonates, our approach relies exclusively on camera data, which makes it possible to conduct studies over broad spatiotemporal scales in challenging environments to illuminate the drivers of variation in juvenile survival.
Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies in gastronomy: A review
Authors: Çöl Başak Gökçe , İmre Melike , Yıkmış Seydi
Published: April 2023

With the rapid development of technology today, people have to develop appropriate devices to keep up with the changes. The world of gastronomy has been impacted by the technological advancements driven by the industrial revolution and the orientation to new gadgets. In recent years, the concepts of “virtual reality (VR)” and “augmented reality (AR),” the essential components of technological developments in the reality‐virtual dimension, have offered many new applications in gastronomy. Before examining these applications, it is necessary to understand the content and distinctive features of the two concepts mentioned. VR is a technology that recreates three‐dimensional digital images and videos to create authentic visual experiences for users. AR, on the other hand, enriches the user's perception and provides a live view of the real world with digital information. Although many of them are at the experimental stage, understanding these applications' purposes and usage patterns may contribute to improving or increasing the number of these applications in the future. This review provides an explanation of VR and AR technologies, along with examples of their applications in the gastronomy or food sector. Additionally, the review discusses the impact of these technologies on customer satisfaction and experience.
Reactivity of Hypervalent Iodine(III) Reagents Bearing Transferable N‐Based Groups
Authors: Macara João , Caldeira Catarina , Poeira Diogo L. , Marques M. Manuel B.
Published: April 2023

Hypervalent iodine reagents have the ability of inverting the polarity of functional groups bound to iodine, a reactivity known as umpolung. This reactivity makes hypervalent iodine compounds highly attractive for the creation of electrophilic synthons of known nucleophiles, resulting in novel synthetic disconnections and the formation of new Nu(nucleophile)−N bond.

Electrophilic sources of nitrogen‐based groups have been known for many decades and are of great synthetic importance. Traditionally, these reagents are limited to few examples. With the use of hypervalent iodine, the transfer of a wide diversity of nitrogen sources became a possibility. This review compiles the latest reported examples of hypervalent iodine reagents capable of electrophilic transfer of nitrogen‐based groups. It showcases the preparation of such reagents, their synthetic utility, and reaction mechanisms involving these group transfer reagents.
Synthesis of Rhodomyrtone Analogs Modified at C7
Authors: Wenninger Marvin , Maier Martin E. , Viswanathan Ammanath Aparna , Huang Li , Götz Friedrich
Published: April 2023

We developed a route to rhodomyrtone analogs that feature different acyl groups at C7. Since electrophilic substitution reactions on the aryl part of the rhodomyrtone core led to C5 derivatives, the C5 position was blocked by a chlorine. Subsequent Duff type formylation followed by Grignard addition to the aldehyde group and oxidation gave various phenones. The benzyl protecting groups were removed by hydrogenation or boron tribromide. Some derivatives turned out to be quite active against multiple resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains and a rhodomyrtone resistant mutant (RomR). The chlorine at C5 seems to have a beneficial effect on the antibacterial activity.
A Building Block Approach for the Total Synthesis of YM‐385781
Authors: Zhu Yu , Liu Siyue , Zigmond Johnny , Kaltenbronn Kevin M. , Blumer Kendall J. , Moeller Kevin D.
Published: April 2023

YM‐254890 and FR900359 are potent and selective inhibitors of the Gq/11‐signaling pathway. As such, they have been attractive targets for both synthesis and biological studies. Yet in spite of this effort, a versatile synthetic approach to the molecules that allows for the rapid construction of a variety of non‐natural and labelled analogs and an increase in the amount of those analogs available remains elusive. We report here a convergent building block approach to the molecules that can solve this challenge.
Kill or be killed: Can correcting misperceptions of out‐group hostility de‐escalate a violent inter‐group out‐break?
Authors: Nir Nimrod , Nassir Yara , Hasson Yossi , Halperin Eran
Published: April 2023

Defueling violent inter‐group escalation as it erupts is a major quest for scholars and change agents as it may prevent casualties and further aggression between warring parties. In May 2021, Israel experienced an unprecedented outbreak of ethnic violence between its Jewish and Arab citizens, causing fatalities on both sides and hundreds wounded. During these riots, we conducted two studies aimed at increasing opposition to inter‐group violence. The first study revealed that although the vast majority of Jews and Arabs opposed violence, each group perceived their respective out‐group as significantly less opposed to such violence, and that meta‐perception was strongly associated with participants' own opposition to inter‐group violence. The second study found that experimentally exposing Jewish and Arab citizens to information showing that their out‐group vastly opposes violence increased participants' own opposition to inter‐group violence in the midst of nationwide violent inter‐group attacks. A third study, conducted during the ‘June 22 wave of terror’ inside Israel, replicated these results, while demonstrating that the intervention was successful in both increasing opposition to violence and decreasing support for violence. The current work reveals the importance and potency of minimizing inter‐group biases and misperceptions via corrective information in reducing inter‐group violence and escalation as it occurs.
Cushioning properties and application of expanded polystyrene for a dynamic nonlinear system
Authors: An Xue , Huang Bowen , Shi Dongyan
Published: April 2023

To explore the cushioning properties of expanded polystyrene (EPS), a novel two‐degree‐of‐freedom mathematical model is proposed with a dynamic nonlinear system and successfully implemented it. The maximum response acceleration of the product was first determined in the novel dynamic mathematical model and used as a parameter for evaluating product damage. Furthermore, a drop test was carried out to verify the theoretical model and showed good consistency. Based on the correct theoretical model, a number of simulations with different drop heights and thicknesses of the cushion were done to investigate cushioning properties of EPS. The results show that EPS can reduce the maximum response acceleration of the product by more than 20% of the excitation acceleration. Thus, EPS has good cushioning ability and can be used as packaging material to protect products. Finally, the theoretical model was applied to an example application. A new method for constructing the cushioning curve is recommended, which could replace the traditional ASTM D 1596 drop test method.
Interplanar Spacing Engineering on Copper‐Benzenedicarboxylate Toward Stabilized Lithium Storage
Authors: Meng Chunfeng , Fang Mingjia , Chen Junfeng , Hu Pinfei , Wang Ping , Yuan Aihua
Published: April 2023

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have drawn intensive attention for their prospect as electrode materials of lithium‐ion batteries. However, MOFs with high capacity usually suffer from poor cycling stability, due to the volume fluctuation during cycles. Herein, based on the structure tenability of MOFs, copper phthalate (Cu‐oBDC), copper isophthalate (Cu‐mBDC), and copper terephthalate (Cu‐pBDC) with the same active sites for lithium storage are chosen as target materials and investigated as anodes for LIBs. The three MOF materials display different cycle stability in the galvanostatic charge–discharge test. Cu‐mBDC and Cu‐pBDC show obvious performance attenuation in cycles, while Cu‐oBDC with the largest interplanar spacing (13.02 Å) is eventually stabilized, and the solid electrolyte interface membrane is formed in the later cycling. At a current density of 100 mA g−1, the Cu‐oBDC delivers a reversible specific discharge capacity of 683.6 mAh g−1after 250 cycles, outperforming the other two counterparts. This work adjusts the crystal structure of MOFs toward the improvement of cycle stability and provides a strategy to optimize the electrochemical performances of MOFs.
Engineering Redox Flow Battery Electrodes with Spatially Varying Porosity Using Non‐Solvent‐Induced Phase Separation
Authors: Wan Charles Tai-Chieh , Jacquemond Rémy Richard , Chiang Yet-Ming , Forner-Cuenca Antoni , Brushett Fikile R.
Published: April 2023

Redox flow batteries (RFBs) are a promising electrochemical platform for efficiently and reliably delivering electricity to the grid. Within the RFB, porous carbonaceous electrodes facilitate electrochemical reactions and distribute the flowing electrolyte. Tailoring electrode microstructure and surface area can improve RFB performance, lowering costs. Electrodes with spatially varying porosity may increase electrode utilization and provide surface area in reaction‐limited zones; however, the efficacy of such designs remains an open area of research. Herein, a non‐solvent‐induced phase‐separation (NIPS) technique that enables the reproducible synthesis of macrovoid‐free electrodes with well‐defined across‐thickness porosity gradients is described. The monotonically varying porosity profile is quantified and the physical properties and surface chemistries of porosity‐gradient electrodes are compared with macrovoid‐containing electrode, also synthesized by NIPS. Then, the electrochemical and fluid dynamic performance of the porosity‐gradient electrodes is evaluated, exploring the effect of changing the direction of the porosity gradient and benchmarking against the macrovoid‐containing electrode. Lastly, the performance is examined in a vanadium RFB, finding that the porosity‐gradient electrode outperforms the macrovoid electrode, is independent of gradient direction, and performs favorably compared to advanced electrodes in the contemporary literature. It is anticipated that the approach motivates further exploration of microstructurally tailored electrodes in electrochemical systems.
The Amphibian Short-Term Assay: Evaluation of a New Ecotoxicological Method for Amphibians Using Two Organophosphate Pesticides Commonly Found in Nature—Assessment of Behavioral Traits
Authors: Boualit Laurent , Cayuela Hugo , Ballu Aurélien , Cattin Loïc , Reis Christophe , Chèvre Nathalie
Published: April 2023

Neurotoxic pesticides are used worldwide to protect crops from insects; they are recognized to impact nontarget organisms that live in areas surrounded by treated crops. Many biochemical and cell-based solutions have been developed for testing insecticide neurotoxicity. Nevertheless, such solutions provide a partial assessment of the impact of neurotoxicity, neglecting important phenotypic components such as behavior. Behavior is the apical endpoint altered by neurotoxicity, and scientists are increasingly recommending including behavioral endpoints in available tests or developing new methods for assessing contaminant-induced behavioral changes. In the present study, we extended an existing protocol (the amphibian short-term assay) with a behavioral test. To this purpose, we developed a homemade device along with an open-source computing solution for tracking trajectories of Xenopus laevis tadpoles exposed to two organophosphates insecticides (OPIs), diazinon (DZN) and chlorpyrifos (CPF). The data resulting from the tracking were then analyzed, and the impact of exposure to DZN and CPF was tested on speed- and direction-related components. Our results demonstrate weak impacts of DZN on the behavioral components, while CPF demonstrated strong effects, notably on speed-related components. Our results also suggest a time-dependent alteration of behavior by CPF, with the highest impacts at day 6 and an absence of impact at day 8. Although only two OPIs were tested, we argue that our solution coupled with biochemical biomarkers is promising for testing the neurotoxicity of this pesticide group on amphibians. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:1595–1606. © 2023 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.
Does landscape ecology matter to a country's financial development? Evidence from China
Authors: Feng Amei , Fu Qinghua
Published: April 2023

Landscape ecology is vital and significantly contributes to the country's social and economic growth. This concept is directly linked with sustainable development goals, and a growing potential exists that landscape ecology will replace conventional landscaping practices as the authoritative framework for environmentally responsible landscaping. Decentralizing spatial planning policy requires local actors to work together to determine what physical changes must be made to the environment to reflect their respective values. To be applicable in such bottom‐up landscape‐development processes, this study checks the relationship between the landscape ecological perspective and the financial development of China over the period 1995–2021 by using the autoregressive distributed lag model. The findings indicated that green investment, environmental pressure and energy consumption play a significant role in China's financial development. Landscape ecological research should pay more attention to these dilemmas as a unifying common ground to produce a joint knowledge base that can be incorporated into multifunctional, actor‐led landscape development. This research adds value to the modern pattern‐process model in landscape ecology by developing this idea into a knowledgeable framework. Subsequently, this study promotes green investment activities and consumption of energy sources so that landscape ecology aims should be obtained through interdisciplinary research. Future research can be done by taking the emerging economies into account.
The “Medicare effect” on head and neck cancer diagnosis and survival
Authors: Smith Joshua B. , Jayanth Prerana , Hong Scott A. , Simpson Matthew C. , Massa Sean T.
Published: April 2023

Background

Uninsured individuals age 55–64 experience disproportionately poor outcomes compared to their insured counterparts. Adequate coverage may prevent these delays. This study investigates a “Medicare‐effect” on head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database was queried for persons ages 60–70 years in the United States from 2000 to 2016 with HNSCC. A “Medicare effect” was defined as an increase in incidence, reduction in advanced stage presentation, and/or decrease in cancer‐specific mortality (CSM).

Results

Compared to their Medicaid or uninsured counterparts, patients age 65 have an increased incidence of HNSCC diagnosis, reduction in advanced stage presentation, decrease in cancer‐specific mortality, and higher likelihood of receiving cancer‐specific surgery.

Conclusions

Patients age 65 with Medicare have decreased incidence of HNSCC, less hazard of late‐stage diagnosis, and lower cancer‐specific mortality than their Medicaid or uninsured counterparts, supporting the idea of a “Medicare effect” in HNSCC.
Can Non‐ToxigenicVibrio choleraeReduce a Cholera Infection?
Authors: Sela R. , Hammer B. K. , Halpern M.
Published: April 2023

Vibrio cholerae, is the causative agent of cholera, that infects millions, annually. Chironomids are aquatic insects that hostV. cholerae. Toxigenic strains produce cholera toxin (CT) which is the main virulence factor that causes cholera symptoms. In contrast to other bacterial pathogens,V. choleraeproduces CT when at low cell densities while hemagglutinin/protease (HAP) is a high cell density‐controlled gene. WhenV. choleraebehavior was examined on chironomids, we showed that high cell densities of non‐toxigenic strains, increased HAP production in a toxigenic strain, conditions which could also potentially reduce CT production. Here we propose the value of studies that could support the potential ofV. choleraenon‐toxigenic strains to repress virulence gene expression in cholera‐infected humans. High cell densities of a non‐toxigenic strain present in an infected individual, may down‐regulate CT expression, reducing cholera symptoms. To further test the hypothesis supported by a chironomid model, additional experiments in animal models are first needed.
The natural real rate of interest and monetary policy: New evidence for the US
Authors: Zhu Sheng , Kavanagh Ella , Gao Jun
Published: April 2023

We propose a new method to estimate the unobservable natural real rate of interest in the United States (US). We begin by describing the natural rate in the New Keynesian model and then theoretically linking its evolution to both demand and supply‐side shocks hitting the US economy. Our results indicate that the technology shock dominated the shift in the natural real rate of interest during the sample period 1947–2017. In addition, we also examine whether the Taylor rule should be augmented for changes in the estimated natural rate. Our maximum likelihood estimation shows that the inclusion of the natural interest rate shift in the Taylor rule leads to significant improvement of the interest rate modelling.
Single‐atom metal‐nitrogen‐carbon catalysts energize single molecule detection for biosensing
Authors: Zhang Xianyang , Chen Pengfei , He Siwuxie , Jiang Bowen , Wang Yong , Cheng Yonghua , Peng Jian , Verpoort Francis , Wang John , Kou Zongkui
Published: April 2023

Biosensors featuring single molecule detection present huge opportunities as well as challenges in food safety inspection, disease diagnosis, and environmental monitoring. Single‐molecule detection is largely lacking of high enough activity, precision molecule selectivity, and understanding in the exact operating mechanism. Single‐atom catalysts (SACs), especially those metals‐nitrogen‐carbon that mimic the natural metalloenzyme structure, and with well‐defined metal atom bond configurations, high level of molecular selectivity, and easy fabrication, endow single molecule detections with practical‐use feasibilities. The recent advances in single‐atom catalysts also present new pathways in the key mechanism understandings. In this short review, we will first visit the brief history and advantages of SACs that have been explored only recently for molecule‐scale biosensors, where they are analogous and also differentiated from those nanozymes and natural metalloenzymes. Their applications in electrochemical, photochemical, and photoelectrochemical sensors are then discussed comprehensively by focusing on the different molecule‐scale sensing modes in achieving local coordination‐modulated signal amplifications. Finally, we identify new opportunities and challenges faced by these SACs‐based single molecule detections in the further development of biosensors.

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Advancing Adaptive Leadership Through Adaption‐Innovation Theory: Enhancements to The Holding Environment
Authors: Seibel Megan , Kaufman Eric K. , Cletzer D. Adam , Elliott‐Engel Jeremy
Published: April 2023

While adaptive leadership is a useful framework for leadership practitioners, there is limited empirical research supporting its conceptual tools and tactics. Kirton's adaption‐innovation (A‐I) theory contends individuals have innate problem‐solving style preferences for more or less structure. In the current conceptual paper, we examine the theoretical underpinnings of adaptive leadership and A‐I theory within the context of complex problem‐solving. We connect A‐I theory to concepts from adaptive leadership to link a more rigorous and empirically supported theory to a popular practice. We go further to explore how a leader's A‐I style informs the maintenance of an adaptive leadership holding environment (HE), particularly with regard to facilitating a productive zone of disequilibrium (PZD).
Real‐world effectiveness of Azvudine versus nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in hospitalized patients with COVID‐19: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Deng Guangtong , Li Daishi , Sun Yuming , Jin Liping , Zhou Qian , Xiao Chenggen , Wu Qingrong , Sun Huiyan , Dian Yating , Zeng Furong , Pan Pinhua , Shen Minxue
Published: April 2023

Chinese guidelines prioritize the use of Azvudine and nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in COVID‐19 patients. Nevertheless, the real‐world effectiveness of Azvudine versus nirmatrelvir–ritonavir is still lacking, despite clinical trials showing their effectiveness compared with matched controls. To compare the effectiveness of Azvudine versus nirmatrelvir–ritonavir treatments in real‐world clinical practice, we identified 2118 hospitalized COVID‐19 patients, with a follow‐up of up to 38 days. After exclusions and propensity score matching, we included 281 Azvudine recipients and 281 nirmatrelvir–ritonavir recipients who did not receive oxygen therapy at admission. The lower crude incidence rate of composite disease progression outcome (7.83 vs. 14.83 per 1000 person‐days, p = 0.026) and all‐cause death (2.05 vs. 5.78 per 1000 person‐days, p = 0.052) were observed among Azvudine recipients. Azvudine was associated with lower risks of composite disease progression outcome (hazard ratio [HR]: 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.32–0.94) and all‐cause death (HR: 0.40; 95% CI: 0.16–1.04). In subgroup analyses, the results of composite outcome retained significance among patients aged <65 years, those having a history of disease, those with severe COVID‐19 at admission, and those receiving antibiotics. These findings suggest that Azvudine treatment showed effectiveness in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients compared with nirmatrelvir–ritonavir in terms of composite disease progression outcome.
Analytic solution of carrier concentration as an explicit function of gate voltage in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs using the Lambert W‐function
Authors: Rouag Nouari , Trad Meriem , Aounallah Belkhir , Ouennoughi Zahir , Ortiz‐Conde Adelmo
Published: April 2023

Simple analytic expressions are presented for the two‐dimensional electron gas density and the drain current in a high‐electron mobility transistor. These compact expressions, which are based on the Lambert W‐function, are continuous over the entire range of interest. The analytic differentiation or integration of the drain current can also be expressed in terms of the Lambert W‐function. The expression for carrier density is in close agreement with rigorous numerical calculations while the expression for the drain current presents reasonable agreement with measurements.
Multipurpose cellulases of Promicromonospora sp. VP111, with broad substrate specificity and tolerance properties
Authors: Thomas Lebin , Ram Hari , Singh Ved P.
Published: April 2023

Cellulolytic actinobacterium, Promicromonospora sp. VP111 concomitantly produced cellulases (CELs), xylanase and pectinase when grown on commercial cellulose and untreated agricultural lignocellulosic residues (wheat straw and sugarcane bagasse). Secreted CELs hydrolyzed (enhanced with Co2+ ion) multiple cellulosic substrates, including sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (Na‐CMC), Whatman filter paper no. 1, microcrystalline cellulose (avicel), p‐nitrophenyl‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside (pNPG), laminarin, and cellulose powder. The CELs showed stabilities in the presence of various chemicals, including glucose (0.2 M), detergents (1%, w/v or v/v), denaturants (1%, w/v or v/v), and sodium chloride (NaCl, 30%, w/v). The CELs were fractionated using ammonium sulfate precipitation and dialysis. Activities (%) of fractionated CELs were retained at 60°C for endoglucanase/carboxymethyl cellulase (CMCase) (88.38), filter paper cellulase (FPase) (77.55), and β‐glucosidase (90.52), which indicated of thermo‐stability. Similarly, the activities (%) for CMCase (85.79), FPase (82.48), and β‐glucosidase (85.92) at pH 8.5 indicated of alkaline‐stability. Kinetic factors, Km and Vmax for endoglucanase component of fractionated CELs were 0.014 g/l and 158.23 µM glucose/min/mL, respectively. Fractionated CELs yielded activation energies (kJ/mol) of 17.933, 6.294, and 4.207 for CMCase, FPase, and β‐glucosidase activities, respectively in linear thermostable Arrhenius plots. Thus, this study reports on the multipurpose CELs from an untreated agricultural residue utilizing Promicromonospora in relation to broad substrate specificity, halo‐tolerance, alkaline‐tolerance, detergent‐tolerance, thermo‐tolerance, organic solvent‐tolerance, and end product‐tolerance.
The association between GLIM criteria–defined malnutrition and 2‐year unplanned hospital admission in outpatients with unintentional weight loss: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Duan Ruoshu , Zhang Qi , Zhu Jiahong , Sun Yujing , Ye Kangli , Li Shuai , Liu Ying , Wang Lei , Zhao Min , Zhu Lu , Qiu Yan , Ren Wen , Qin Hongli , Chen Mingmin , Zhang Xiaochen , Ren Jingjing
Published: April 2023

Background

This study aimed to assess malnutrition using the Global Leadership Initiative on Malnutrition (GLIM) criteria and Subjective Global Assessment (SGA) at baseline and determine the GLIM criteria that best predicted unplanned hospitalization in outpatients with unintentional weight loss (UWL).

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 257 adult outpatients with UWL. The GLIM criteria and SGA agreement were reported using the Cohen kappa coefficient. Kaplan‐Meier survival curves and adjusted Cox regression analyses were used for survival data. Logistic regression was used for the other correlation analysis.

Results

This study collected data from 257 patients for 2 years. Based on the GLIM criteria and SGA, malnutrition prevalence was 79.0% and 72.0%, respectively (κ = 0.728, P < 0.001). Using the SGA as a standard, GLIM had a sensitivity of 97.8%, a specificity of 69.4%, a positive predictive value of 89.2%, and a negative predictive value of 92.6%. Malnutrition was associated with higher rates of unplanned hospital admission independent of other prognostic factors (GLIM: hazard ratio [HR]=2.85, 95% CI=1.22–6.68; SGA: HR=2.07, 95% CI=1.13–3.79). Of the five GLIM criteria–related diagnostic combinations, disease burden or inflammation was the most important to predict unplanned hospital admission in multivariable analysis (HR=3.27, 95% CI=2.03–5.28).

Conclusion

There was good agreement between the GLIM criteria and the SGA. GLIM‐defined malnutrition, as well as all five GLIM criteria–related diagnosis combinations, had the potential to predict unplanned hospital admissions in outpatients with UWL within 2 years.
High‐efficiency nanowire light‐emitting diodes for augmented reality and virtual reality displays
Authors: Qian Yizhou , Yang Zhiyong , Huang Yu‐Hsin , Lin Kuan‐Heng , Wu Shin‐Tson
Published: April 2023

Through 3D dipole cloud model, RGB (red, green, and blue) nanowire light‐emitting diode (LED) structures are geometrically optimized to exhibit a narrower radiation pattern, weaker angular color shift, and higher optical efficiency. In comparison with micro‐LEDs whose external quantum efficiency is dependent on the mesa size, these RGB nanowire LEDs are more efficient than micro‐LEDs when the chip size is below 20, 80, and 10 μm, respectively. As a result, nanowire LED is a promising candidate for augmented reality and virtual reality displays where high‐resolution density and efficient directional light emission are desired.
Novel pancake‐based HMD optics to improve light efficiency
Authors: Usukura Naru , Minoura Kiyoshi , Maruyama Ryo
Published: April 2023

Recently, compactness of head‐mounted display (HMD) products have been strongly required to improve comfortableness of user. The folded optics, so‐called “Pancake optics”, is suitable for realizing compact HMD, but there is a big drawback of lowering light efficiency. To overcome this problem, we propose a novel pancake‐based HMD optics named “Double path pancake optics” using two light paths. The optical simulation is performed to find highly optimized optical properties such as thickness, and field of view (FOV). As a result of the simulation, we fixed the appropriate design. From our simple evaluation of both brightness and transmittance, we conclude that light efficiency of “Double path pancake optics” becomes 1.8 times higher than conventional pancake optics. We made the prototype using 1200 ppi high resolution liquid crystal display (LCD) and confirmed that the high image quality can be displayed.
Development of the ink‐jet printing technology for 55‐inch 8K AMQLED display
Authors: Zhang Yuanming , Yuan Xu , Chen Zhuo , Li Dong , Feng Jingwen , Gao Yang , Li Yanzhao , Li Xinguo , Xu Xiaoguang
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we obtained the optimal structure of QLED top‐emission spin‐coating device. Meanwhile, we also have successfully developed quantum dots and ZnO ink materials with high stability. With the top‐emission device structure and stable ink materials, we optimize the morphology of every film by controlling the drying process after ink‐jet printing. The emission area of united devices prepared by using the optimized ink‐jet printing process is equal to the designed area of pixels, with clear boundaries, uniform electroluminescent morphologies within a single sub‐pixel, and no significant difference in luminescence between pixels. Finally, we assembled and fabricated a 55‐in. 8K AMQLED display with a color gamut of 116% NTSC.
Analysis of steroidal glycoalkaloids and their metabolites in Solanum nigrum fruits based on liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking
Authors: Zhao Wenwen , Yan Tianyue , Huang Xiaobin , Zhang Yujie
Published: April 2023

Solanum nigrum fruit is like a treasure house for anticancer drugs because of its steroidal alkaloids. However, the clinical treatment of cancer mainly uses immature fruits, which can cause a toxic reaction if eaten directly, while mature fruits are eaten as fruit. In order to clarify the reasons for the differences in pharmacodynamics and toxicity between them, we studied the composition and metabolism of steroidal alkaloids in fruits of different maturities based on liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry and molecular networking. As a result, 114 steroidal glycoalkaloids were identified. During fruit ripening, the aglycones of steroidal alkaloids mainly undergo hydroxylation and carboxylation, and the sugar side chains mainly undergo acylation and glycosylation reactions. Furthermore, 219 steroidal alkaloids were identified in a metabolism experiment in rats. Metabolic processes include deglycosylation, redox, sulfuric acid binding, acetyl binding, and glucuronic acid‐binding. Steroidal alkaloids in mature fruits have high molecular weight and polarity, which are difficult to absorb, and most of them are excreted through feces and urine, which may be the reason for their poor efficacy. This study lays a foundation for research on the biosynthesis of steroidal alkaloids and provides potential candidates for the discovery of new steroidal alkaloid anticancer drugs.
Enhancement in tribological performance of plastic oil by solid lubricant additives
Authors: Sikdar Soumya , Rahman Md Hafizur , Ralls Alessandro M. , Menezes Pradeep L.
Published: April 2023

In this study, plastic oil (PO) as a potential lubricant was investigated. The base PO was incorporated with graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nano additives in varying concentrations to form nano lubricants. Their viscosity, tribological, acidic/basic nature, thermal degradation and dispersion stability properties were investigated. It was observed that 1.5 wt% GNP and 1.0 wt% hBN added separately to the base PO, provided the lowest coefficient of friction (COF) and wear volume. Based on these lowest COF and wear volume insights, three nano lubricant mixtures were formulated by incorporating both GNP and hBN at different combinations using base PO. Positive synergistic behaviour was observed for COF (49%–60% reduced) and wear volume (90%–97% reduced) for two combination mixtures compared to the base PO. These improvements in the mixture were due to the polishing, mending mechanisms and tribofilm that protected the interacting surfaces.
Mulberry Leaves (Morus Rubra)‐Derived Blue‐Emissive Carbon Dots Fed to Silkworms to Produce Augmented Silk Applicable for the Ratiometric Detection of Dopamine
Authors: John Varsha Lisa , Nayana A. R. , Keerthi T. R. , K. A. Athira Krishnan , Sasidharan B. C. P. , T. P. Vinod
Published: April 2023

Silk fibers (SF) reeled from silkworms are constituted by natural proteins, and their characteristic structural features render them applicable as materials for textiles and packaging. Modification of SF with functional materials can facilitate their applications in additional areas. In this work, the preparation of functional SF embedded with carbon dots (CD) is reported through the direct feeding of a CD‐modified diet to silkworms. Fluorescent and mechanically robust SF are obtained from silkworms (Bombyx mori) that are fed on CDs synthesized from the Morus rubra variant of mulberry leaves (MB‐CDs). MB‐CDs are introduced to silkworms from the third instar by spraying them on the silkworm feed, the mulberry leaves. MB‐CDs are synthesized hydrothermally without adding surface passivating agents and are observed to have a quantum yield of 22%. With sizes of ≈4 nm, MB‐CDs exhibited blue fluorescence, and they can be used as efficient fluorophores to detect Dopamine (DA) up to the limit of 4.39 nM. The nanostructures and physical characteristics of SF weren't altered when the SF are infused with MB‐CDs. Also, a novel DA sensing application based on fluorescence with the MB‐CD incorporated SF is demonstrated.
High‐Performance Low‐kPoly(dicyclopentadiene) Nanocomposites as Achieved via Reactive Blending with Norbornene‐Functionalized Larger POSS
Authors: Wang Jian , Lin Xiong , Zhou Dai‐Lin , Fu Si‐Rui , Zhang Qin , Bai Hongwei , Han Di , Fu Qiang
Published: April 2023

Low dielectric constant (k) polymers with excellent comprehensive properties are useful materials in the microelectronics industry as matrix resins or encapsulation layers. With the inherent low polarization, high reactivity, good processability, and low cost, poly(dicyclopentadiene) (PDCPD) has received considerable attention as low‐kmaterials. However, its practical application is limited by the relatively high thermal expansion andkvalue. Herein, three norbornene‐functionalized polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSSs) with T8, T10, and T12polyhedral cores are synthesized and employed for enhancing the dielectric and comprehensive properties of PDCPD via reactive blending. The results show that these POSSs have good compatibility with PDCPD matrix and nano‐dispersed POSSs particles could be obtained. As a result, the materials’ properties can be largely enhanced by varying the POSS content and POSS size. Especially, PT12N12‐40 (40 wt% of T12N12) shows the lowestkvalue (2.1) and coefficient of thermal expansion (63.4 ppm°C−1), highest glass transition temperature (202.5 °C), yield strength (78.0 MPa), and elastic modulus (2.36 GPa), along with excellent hydrophobicity. This study highlights a useful strategy to fabricate high‐performance low‐kpolymer nanocomposites by using larger POSS and reactive blending, which provides useful materials for the future microelectronic industry and high frequency communication.
Compactness in the spaces of variable integrability and summability
Authors: Dymek Michał , Górka Przemysław
Published: April 2023

We study totally bounded sets in the spaces of variable integrability and summability. The full characterization of these sets is given. Furthermore, the Sudakov theorem in the setting of the mixed Lebesgue sequence spaces is proven.