bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of HpnG as a Purine Nucleoside Phosphorylase in Bacteriohopanepolyol Biosynthesis†
Authors: Li Xinhui , Zhu Xiaoyu , Zhong Yuting , Zhang Wei , Chen Fener , Wang Wenning , Ding Wei , Zhang Qi
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive Summary

HpnG plays a crucial role in the production of ribosylhopane, a key intermediate in the biosynthesis of bacteriohopanepolyol. Despite early extensive studies, the precise function of HpnG has remained elusive. Here, we report functional characterization of HpnG as a purine nucleoside phosphorylase, which converts adenosylhopane to phosphoribosylhopane in the presence of phosphate. HpnG demonstrates broad substrate specificity and impressive stability, making it a valuable enzymatic tool for applications in nucleoside processing and related biotechnology.
Visible‐Light‐Induced Domino Cyclization to Access Pyrido[2,3‐d]pyrimidine‐2,4‐diones via a Radical‐Polar Crossover Reaction
Authors: Zuo Wanqing , Cheng Yu , Zhu Zhizhen , Zuo Lingling , Geng Xiao , Li Zhifang , Wang Lei
Published: May 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Catalytic and green strategies for the synthesis of privileged scaffolds are synthetically appealing. We now report a radical‐polar crossover (RPC)‐enabled three‐component cyclization of bromodifluoroalkyls with enaminones and 6‐aminouraciles via a visible‐light‐induced domino cyclization. The reaction exhibited a broad substrate scope (> 40 examples) including complex molecules, which highlighted the utility of this strategy for the construction of a library of bioactive analogs.
Effect of high blood flow on heat distribution and ablation zone during microwave ablation‐numerical approach
Authors: Boregowda Gangadhara , Mariappan Panchatcharam
Published: May 2024

Microwave ablation has become a viable alternative for cancer treatment for patients who cannot undergo surgery. During this procedure, a single‐slot coaxial antenna is employed to effectively deliver microwave energy to the targeted tissue. The success of the treatment was measured by the amount of ablation zone created during the ablation procedure. The significantly large blood vessel placed near the antenna causes heat dissipation by convection around the blood vessel. The heat sink effect could result in insufficient ablation, raising the risk of local tumor recurrence. In this study, we investigated the heat loss due to large blood vessels and the relationship between blood velocity and temperature distribution. The hepatic artery, with a diameter of 4 mm and a height of 50 mm and two branches, is considered in the computational domain. The temperature profile, localized tissue contraction, and ablation zones were simulated for initial blood velocities 0.05, 0.1, and 0.16 m/s using the 3D Pennes bio‐heat equation, temperature–time dependent model, and cell death model, respectively. Temperature‐dependent blood velocity is modeled using the Navier–Stokes equation, and the fluid–solid interaction boundary is treated as a convective boundary. For discretization, we utilized elements for the wave propagation model, elements for the Pennes bio‐heat model, and elements for the Navier–Stokes equation, where represents the computational domain. The simulated results show that blood vessels and blood velocity have a significant impact on temperature distribution, tissue contraction, and the volume of the ablation zone.
Use ofCYP2D6Inhibitors withCYP2D6Opioids: Association with Emergency Department Visits for Pain
Authors: Nahid Noor Ahmed , McDonough Caitrin W. , Wei Yu‐Jung Jenny , Cicali Emily J. , Gong Yan , Fillingim Roger B. , Johnson Julie A.
Published: May 2024

Hydrocodone, tramadol, codeine, and oxycodone are commonly prescribed opioids that rely on activation by cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6). CYP2D6 inhibitors can significantly decrease CYP2D6 activity, leading to reduced generation of active metabolites, and impairing pain control. To understand this impact, we assessed emergency department (ED) visits in patients initiating these CYP2D6‐dependent opioids while on CYP2D6‐inhibitor antidepressants vs. antidepressants that do not inhibit CYP2D6. This retrospective cohort study included adult patients prescribed CYP2D6‐dependent opioids utilizing electronic health records data from the University of Florida Health (2015–2021). The association between ED visits and inhibitor exposure was tested using multivariable logistic regression. The primary analysis had 12,118 patients (72% female; mean (SD) age, 55 (13.4)) in the hydrocodone/tramadol/codeine cohort and 5,547 patients (64% female; mean (SD) age, 53.6 (14.2)) in the oxycodone cohort. Hydrocodone/tramadol/codeine‐treated patients exposed to CYP2D6‐inhibitor antidepressants (n = 7,043) had a higher crude rate of pain‐related ED visits than those taking other antidepressants (n = 5,075) (3.28% vs. 1.87%), with an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) of 1.75 (95% CI: 1.36 to 2.24). Similarly, in the oxycodone cohort, CYP2D6‐inhibitor antidepressant‐exposed individuals (n = 3,206) had a higher crude rate of ED visits than individuals exposed to other antidepressants (n = 2,341) (5.02% vs. 3.37%), with aOR of 1.70 (95% CI: 1.27–2.27). Similar findings were observed in secondary and sensitivity analyses. Our findings suggest patients with concomitant use of hydrocodone/tramadol/codeine or oxycodone and CYP2D6 inhibitors have more frequent ED visits for pain, which may be due to inadequate pain control.
Assessing the suitability of fused deposition modeling to produce acrylic removable denture bases
Authors: Alanazi Khalid K. , Wood Duncan , Shepherd Joanna , Stokes Christopher W. , Asencio Ilida Ortega
Published: May 2024

Objective

To study the feasibility of using poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) filament and fused deposition modeling (FDM) to manufacture denture bases via the development of a study that considers both conventional and additive‐based manufacturing techniques.

Materials and Methods

Five sample groups were compared: heat and cold cured acrylic resins, CAD/CAM milled PMMA, 3D‐printed PMMA (via FDM), and 3D‐printed methacrylate resin (via stereolithography, SLA). All groups were subjected to mechanical testing (flexural strength, impact strength, and hardness), water sorption and solubility tests, a tooth bonding test, microbiological assessment, and accuracy of fit measurements. The performance of sample groups was referred to ISO 20795‐1 and ISO/TS 19736. The data was analyzed using one‐way ANOVA.

Results

Samples manufactured using FDM performed within ISO specifications for mechanical testing, water sorption, and solubility tests. However, the FDM group failed to achieve the ISO requirements for the tooth bonding test. FDM samples presented a rough surface finish which could ultimately encourage an undesirable high level of microbial adhesion. For accuracy of fit, FDM samples showed a lower degree of accuracy than existing materials.

Conclusions

Although FDM samples were a cost‐effective option and were able to be quickly manufactured in a reproducible manner, the results demonstrated that current recommended testing regimes for conventionally manufactured denture‐based polymers are not directly applicable to additive‐manufactured denture base polymers. Therefore, new standards should be developed to ensure the correct implementation of additive manufacturing techniques within denture‐based fabrication workflow.
Frequency of apical periodontitis in root‐filled teeth restored with post and core: A 5‐year retrospective study
Authors: Johansson Louise , Sjögren Jakob Jonsson , Wirén Anders , Eliasson Alf , Frisk Fredrik
Published: May 2024

Background

In conjunction with post placement in root‐filled teeth with periapical healthy conditions, root canal retreatment may be performed to improve the seal of the root canal. Whether root canal retreatment for technical reasons (retreatments in teeth without apical periodontitis (AP)) results in lower frequency of AP is unknown.

Objective

To examine whether there is a difference in frequency of AP between roots with root canals retreated for technical reasons, and roots with root canals not retreated before post placement, with a minimum follow‐up of 5 years. Also, to examine changes in root filling quality following root canal retreatment for technical reasons.

Methods

This retrospective study included radiographs of 441 root‐filled roots without periapical radiolucencies at baseline, scheduled for post and core treatment. Follow‐up data for a minimum of 5 years were available for 305 roots (loss to follow‐up 30.8%), 46 of which were retreated for technical reasons. Two calibrated observers assessed root filling sealing quality and length, respectively, and periapical status according to the Periapical Index. The main outcome of the study, AP, was used as the dependent variable and all analyses were performed at root level.

Results

The overall frequency of AP at follow‐up was 13.8%. The difference in frequency of AP between retreated (4.3%) and nonretreated (15.4%) root canals was not statistically significant, p = .061. Analyses including only roots with preoperatively inadequate root filling quality showed a statistically significant difference (p = .017) between the two treatment groups (2.4% vs. 22.9%).

Conclusions

Root canal retreatment for technical reasons before post and core placement significantly reduces the frequency of AP in roots with inadequate root filling quality.
Comparative effects of glazing versus polishing on mechanical, optical, and surface properties of zirconia ceramics with different translucencies
Authors: Jamali Maryam , Ezoji Fariba , Esmaeili Behnaz , Khafri Soraya
Published: May 2024

Objectives

This study compared the effects of glazing versus polishing on mechanical, optical, and surface properties of zirconia ceramics with different translucencies.

Materials and Methods

In this in vitro study, 120 bar‐shaped specimens (25 × 4 × 1.2 mm) were fabricated from three different types of zirconia with different translucencies (n = 40, DD Bio ZW, ZX2, and Cube X2). After sintering, each zirconia group was randomly divided into five subgroups of control (glazing), glazing + bur abrasion, glazing + bur abrasion + polishing with EVE Diacera® kit, glazing + bur abrasion + reglazing, and glazing + bur abrasion + polishing with EVE Diacera® kit + reglazing. The specimens underwent surface roughness, hardness, flexural strength, and translucency tests, as well as X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for assessment of surface topography. Data were analyzed by one‐way analysis of variance, Tukey test, and Pearson test (α = .05).

Results

Flexural strength, surface hardness, and translucency were significantly correlated with zirconia type. ZW zirconia had significantly higher flexural strength and surface hardness and significantly lower translucency than Cube X2 and ZX2 (p < .001). Surface roughness had no significant correlation with zirconia type (p = .274). Polishing created the smoothest, and bur abrasion created the roughest surface (p < .001). Flexural strength and hardness in most experimental groups were significantly lower than in the control group (p < .001). Translucency was not significantly different in bur abrasion and polishing groups, compared with the control group; however, reglazing significantly increased the translucency (p < .001). SEM micrographs confirmed the surface roughness results. XRD showed monoclinic phase only in reglazed groups.

Conclusion

Of different surface treatments, polishing improved the surface properties and caused the smallest change in mechanical properties of zirconia with different translucencies.
Effect of mandatory sustainability performance disclosures on firm value: Evidence from listed European firms
Authors: Vishnu Nampoothiri Madhavan , Entrop Oliver , Annamalai Thillai Rajan
Published: May 2024

Corporate Sustainability Performance (CSP) reporting is becoming increasingly important to investors who seek to identify and invest in companies that are managing their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks effectively. The European Union's Non‐Financial Reporting Directive (NFRD), which was implemented in 2017, mandates that certain large companies must disclose their sustainability performance. This study examines the impact of the EU NFRD on the firm value of listed European firms using a difference‐in‐differences regression model. We find that the mandatory disclosure of corporate sustainability performance does not significantly affect firm value at an aggregate level. However, the results suggest minor inter‐industry differences, which can be attributed to varying sustainability performance metrics across industries. These findings contribute not only to the nascent literature on mandatory sustainability disclosures but also to the deliberations of policymakers and regulators across the world who are devising and implementing mandatory corporate sustainability performance disclosure regulations.
Upcycling Humins via Esterification Reactions of Hydroxyl Groups: From Functional Powders to PLA Foams and Compatibilized Blends
Authors: Kandemir Dilhan , Van Puyvelde Peter , Ginzburg Anton
Published: May 2024

The valorization of humins side streams from bio‐refineries holds significant economic and sustainability potential. One plausible strategy involves using them as building blocks to create new materials. However, humins pose conceptual challenges in their natural state due to their high viscosity, processing difficulties, and temperature sensitivity. This article presents a synthetic strategy for modifying humins properties to make them thermally stable and processable. Employing a sequence of esterification reactions and varying the reagent steric length, we showcase the selective transformation of humins into thermally‐stable fine powders and low‐viscosity liquids. We extend this approach by reacting humins with polyesters such as polylactic acids and polycaprolactone. In particular, we detail a one‐pot single‐step synthesis of micro‐phase separated compatibilized blends of polylactic acid and humins capped with the polylactic acid arms. Processed via solution‐casting, the obtained materials behave as high‐strength thermoplastic elastomers having uniform foam morphologies and material characteristics superior to the pure polylactic acid. By varying the content of D‐enantiomers, we demonstrate an additional possibility of manipulating the cellular structures of the foams. Finally, we provide a solution to product circularity by reporting a dissolution recycling method.
Bionic Design of Iron‐Doped MoSe2 Catalyst for Efficient Nitrogen Fixation
Authors: Ye Tong , Li Hongbin , Xiao Taishi , Sun Zhengzong
Published: May 2024

The catalytic system of biological nitrogen fixation in nature primarily relies on the “FeMo cofactor” within nitrogenase enzymes. Inspired by this natural structure, we have designed a bionic inorganic counterpart, iron‐doped MoSe2, for the efficient electroreduction of dinitrogen to ammonia. The introduced Fe dopant significantly enhances nitrogen fixation activity of MoSe2. Furthermore, we constructed a heterostructure catalyst, the Fe‐MoSe2/Mo2C with more versatile Mo valence states. The heterostructured electrocatalyst achieves an ammonia production rate of 3.38 μg cm−2 h−1, and a Faradaic efficiency of 30.8 %, which is ~5 fold higher than that of pristine MoSe2. This study presents a novel approach for designing bionic nitrogen fixation electrocatalysts.
A Binary Ionogel Electrolyte for the Realization of an All Solid‐State Electrical Double‐Layer Capacitor Performing at Low Temperature
Authors: Pameté Emmanuel , Wang Zhuanpei , Béguin François
Published: May 2024

Over the last years, solid‐state electrolytes made of an ionic liquid (IL) confined in a solid (inorganic or polymer) matrix, also known as ionogels, have been proposed to solve the leakage problems occurring at high temperatures in classical electrical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) with an organic electrolyte, and thereof improve the safety. However, making ionogel‐based EDLCs perform with reasonable power at low temperature is still a major challenge due to the high melting point of the confined IL. To overcome these limitations, the present contribution discloses ionogel films prepared in a totally oxygen/moisture‐free atmosphere by encapsulating 70 wt % of an equimolar mixture of 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate – [EMIm][BF4]0.5[FSI]0.5 – into a poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF‐HFP) network. The further called “binary ionogel” films demonstrated a high flexibility and a good ionic conductivity of 5.8 mS cm−1 at 20 °C. Contrary to the ionogels prepared from either [EMIm][FSI] or [EMIm][BF4], displaying melting at Tm=−16 °C and −7 °C, respectively, the crystallization of confined [EMIm][BF4]0.5[FSI]0.5 is quenched in the binary ionogel, which shows only a glass transition at −101 °C. This quenching enables an increased ionicity and ionic diffusion at the interface with the PVdF host network, leading the binary ionogel membrane to display higher ionic conductivity below −20 °C than the parent binary [EMIm][BF4]0.5[FSI]0.5 liquid. Laminate EDLCs were built with a 100 μm thick binary ionogel separator and electrodes made from a hierarchical micro‐/mesoporous MgO‐templated carbon containing a reasonable proportion of mesopores to enhance the mass transport of ions, especially at low temperature where the ionic diffusion noticeably decreases. The EDLCs operated up to 3.0 V with ideal EDL characteristics from −40 °C to room temperature. Their output specific energy under a discharge power of 1 kW kg−1 is ca. 4 times larger than with a cell implementing the same carbon electrodes together with the binary [EMIm][BF4]0.5[FSI]0.5 liquid. Hence, this binary ionogel electrolyte concept paves the road for developing safe and flexible solid‐state energy storage devices operating at subambient temperatures in extreme environments.
Silicon‐photonic four‐mode triple‐band multiplexing device for hybrid wavelength/mode division multiplexing networks
Authors: Tam Linh Ho Duc , Hong Yen Nguyen Thi , Duy Phuc Vo , Buu Ngo Trong Huynh , Duy Thang Dao , Tuan Nguyen Van , Cao Dung Truong , Tan Hung Nguyen
Published: May 2024

While wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology combines several wavelengths onto a single waveguide, the technology of mode division multiplexing (MDM) allows many orthogonal modes of the same wavelength to operate simultaneously without interchannel crosstalk. Thus, the hybrid WDM and MDM network in which the two above‐mentioned techniques cooperate could give a several‐fold increase in the overall network capacity. Constructing this network requires hybrid wavelength‐and‐mode multiplexers, especially ones with high integration and complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS) compatibility. In this paper, we propose a design of a four‐mode triple‐band multiplexer that is capable of multiplexing up to 12 separate optical signal flows by utilizing four eigenmodes (TE0, TE1, TE2, and TE3) and three‐wavelength windows, which center at 1310, 1490, and 1550 nm. The device is on silicon‐on‐insulator (SOI) platform, consisting of four butterfly‐shaped multimode interference (MMI) couplers, four directional couplers, and a
cascaded asymmetric Y‐junction coupler. Via numerical simulations, the proposed design is verified to be able to operate effectively on the three aforementioned bandwidth slots with an optical conversion efficiency of over 93% in all functions. Moreover, it exhibits insertion loss less than 1.5 dB and crosstalk smaller than −16 dB within 25 nm bandwidth at each wavelength window. These results can affirm the success of wavelength–mode combination, which leads to a massive improve in the channel capacity on the same optical multiplexing system for optical telecommunications and photonics on‐chip interconnections.
Diagnostic accuracy and clinical impact of renal biopsy cytology
Authors: Xu Hongzhi , Taylor‐Cho Ian A. , “Sara” Jiang Xiaoyin , Foo Wen‐Chi
Published: May 2024

Background

The role of fine needle biopsy cytology in the workup of renal mass lesions remains controversial. With advances in imaging technology and clinical management for renal masses, a critical reevaluation of the role of renal biopsy is needed. This study was designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the performance and clinical impact of fine needle biopsy in patients with renal masses.

Methods

A 5‐year retrospective study of ultrasound or computer tomography (CT)‐guided fine needle biopsies of renal masses diagnosed via cytopathology was conducted. Overall diagnostic rate, sensitivity, and diagnostic accuracy were calculated. Further analysis of the impact of fine needle biopsy cytology on clinical management was performed.

Results

A total of 227 cases of fine‐needle aspiration and/or biopsy (FNA/B) of renal masses were identified, including 76 with subsequent nephrectomies. Complications were rare (<1%). The diagnostic rate and sensitivity of FNA/B were 83.3% and 89.5%, respectively. Diagnostic accuracy was 98.7% at the major categorical level and 94.7% at the tumor subtype level. Subsequent clinical actions were associated with a definitive cytologic diagnosis of malignancy/neoplasia (p < .05) and were affected by tumor subtype (p < .05).

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that FNA/B of renal masses is a safe and reliable minimally invasive diagnostic tool with excellent accuracy in confirmation of malignancy and subclassification of tumors. Diagnoses made on FNA/B play a key role in guiding a personalized clinical treatment plan.
A hands‐on guide to use network video recorders, internet protocol cameras, and deep learning models for dynamic monitoring of trout and salmon in small streams
Authors: Karlsson Konrad
Published: May 2024

This study outlines a method for using surveillance cameras and an algorithm that calls a deep learning model to generate video segments featuring salmon and trout in small streams. This automated process greatly reduces the need for human intervention in video surveillance. Furthermore, a comprehensive guide is provided on setting up and configuring surveillance equipment, along with instructions on training a deep learning model tailored to specific requirements. Access to video data and knowledge about deep learning models makes monitoring of trout and salmon dynamic and hands‐on, as the collected data can be used to train and further improve deep learning models. Hopefully, this setup will encourage fisheries managers to conduct more monitoring as the equipment is relatively cheap compared with customized solutions for fish monitoring. To make effective use of the data, natural markings of the camera‐captured fish can be used for individual identification. While the automated process greatly reduces the need for human intervention in video surveillance and speeds up the initial sorting and detection of fish, the manual identification of individual fish based on natural markings still requires human effort and involvement. Individual encounter data hold many potential applications, such as capture–recapture and relative abundance models, and for evaluating fish passages in streams with hydropower by spatial recaptures, that is, the same individual identified at different locations. There is much to gain by using this technique as camera captures are the better option for the fish's welfare and are less time‐consuming compared with physical captures and tagging.
Behavioral trade‐offs and multitasking by elk in relation to predation risk from Mexican gray wolves
Authors: Farley Zachary J. , Thompson Cara J. , Boyle Scott T. , Tatman Nicole M. , Cain James W.
Published: May 2024

Predator non‐consumptive effects (NCE) can alter prey foraging time and habitat use, potentially reducing fitness. Prey can mitigate NCEs by increasing vigilance, chewing‐vigilance synchronization, and spatiotemporal avoidance of predators. We quantified the relationship between Mexican wolf (Canis lupus baileyi) predation risk and elk (Cervus canadensis) behavior. We conducted behavioral observations on adult female elk and developed predation risk indices using GPS collar data from Mexican wolves, locations of elk killed by wolves, and landscape covariates. We compared a priori models to determine the best predictors of adult female behavior and multitasking. Metrics that quantified both spatial and temporal predation risk were the most predictive. Vigilance was positively associated with increased predation risk. The effect of predation risk on foraging and resting differed across diurnal periods. During midday when wolf activity was lower, the probability of foraging increased while resting decreased in high‐risk areas. During crepuscular periods when elk and wolves were most active, increased predation risk was associated with increased vigilance and slight decreases in foraging. Our results suggest elk are temporally avoiding predation risk from Mexican wolves by trading resting for foraging, a trade‐off often not evaluated in behavioral studies. Probability of multitasking depended on canopy openness and an interaction between maternal period and predation risk; multitasking decreased prior to parturition and increased post parturition in high‐risk areas. Openness was inversely related to multitasking. These results suggest adult female elk are altering the type of vigilance used depending on resource availability/quality, current energetic needs, and predation risk. Our results highlight potentially important, but often‐excluded behaviors and trade‐offs prey species may use to reduce the indirect effects of predation and contribute additional context to our understanding of predator–prey dynamics.
Trophic facilitation in forest restoration: Can Nothofagus trees use ectomycorrhizal fungi of the pioneer shrub Leptospermum?
Authors: Strawsine Merissa , van Galen Laura G. , Lord Janice M. , Larcombe Matthew J.
Published: May 2024

The benefits of plant‐to‐plant facilitation in ecological restoration are well recognized, yet the potential for indirect trophic facilitation remains understudied. Nothofagus (southern beech; Nothofagaceae) is an iconic southern hemisphere tree genus that is frequently the focus of ecological restoration efforts. One aspect of Nothofagus ecology that may limit restoration success is the availability of appropriate ectomycorrhizal fungi. It has been suggested that pioneer dual‐mycorrhizal hosts such as Leptospermum species (Myrtaceae) could facilitate Nothofagus establishment by providing fungal inoculum, but the capacity for Nothofagus to use Leptospermum ectomycorrhizal fungi is unknown. To investigate potential indirect facilitation, we conducted a common garden pot trial to determine if Nothofagus cliffortioides (mountain beech) can use symbionts from Leptospermum scoparium (mānuka) ectomycorrhizal communities. Nothofagus and Leptospermum seedlings were grown in monoculture and mixed pairs with reciprocal “home” and “away” soil fungal inoculum. ITS2 metabarcoding of eDNA from hyphal ingrowth bags revealed that Nothofagus and Leptospermum inoculum contained different ectomycorrhizal fungal communities, but that half of the common ectomycorrhizal taxa identified were found in both soil types, suggesting generalist fungi exist. Nothofagus was able to form associations with some fungal species originating from Leptospermum inoculum, however, probable spore contamination meant that the proportion of root colonization associated with those species was ambiguous. Root ectomycorrhizal colonization rates were positively associated with seedling biomass, and there was some evidence of a home soil inoculum advantage in Nothofagus, but these effects were minor. Additionally, we found evidence that home inoculum provides a protective advantage against drought stress for Leptospermum seedlings. Our results indicate the potential for using Leptospermum to promote Nothofagus establishment in restoration plantings and highlight the possible benefits of considering fungal mutualists in ecological restoration projects.
Birds of Berlin: Changes in communities and guilds in the urban park “Tiergarten” since 1850
Authors: Felgentreff Esther Sophie , Pernat Nadja , Buchholz Sascha
Published: May 2024

Urbanization has far‐reaching consequences on birds, and knowledge of the impacts on taxonomic and functional diversity is necessary to make cities as compatible as possible for species. Avian diversity in parks in urban centers has been investigated multiple times, but rarely so in long‐term studies due to lacking data. The Tiergarten in Berlin is a large‐scale park in the city center of great value for people and many species including birds. We compiled bird species lists since 1850 and from monitoring in 2022 in one dataset to investigate how bird communities and guilds have changed over time and how these alterations were influenced by the eventful history of the park's vegetation conditions. Long‐term changes in species assemblages were analyzed with an ordination analysis, and changes in guild presence and functional richness were discussed with regard to landscape transitions. A gradual development of species assemblages yet only small changes in guild composition since 1850 was detected, whereas the 1950 community stands out with a drop in species richness and replacement of forest species with an open land community, which reflects the deforestation of the park during World War II. Consideration of habitat, lifestyle, trophic, and migration guilds revealed no sign of functional homogenization over the last 172 years (1850–2022). Despite the high frequentation of the park by humans it still allows for a high bird diversity due to the Tiergarten's sheer size and heterogeneity of vegetation and habitats. We recommend that the park is maintained and managed accordingly to preserve this condition and advise other urban parks to strive for these beneficial features.
Effects of different hydrological conditions on the taxonomic structure and functional traits of mollusk communities in a large floodplain wetland
Authors: Zhang Yao , Datry Thibault , Zhang Qingji , Wang Xiaolong , Xiang Xianling , Gong Zhijun , Cai Yongjiu
Published: May 2024

Floodplain wetlands are critical to the conservation of aquatic biodiversity and the ecological integrity of river networks. However, increasing drought severity and frequency caused by climate change can reduce floodplain wetlands' resistance and recovery capacities. Mollusks, which are common inhabitants of floodplain wetlands, are among the most vulnerable species to drought. However, the response of mollusk communities to drought has received little attention. Here, we investigated how the structure and functional traits of mollusk communities changed in response to varying hydrological conditions, including a flash drought (FD) in the Poyang Lake floodplain wetland. Our findings showed that FD strongly reduced mollusk abundance and biomass, decreased both α‐ and β‐diversity, and resulted in the extinction of bivalve taxa. A sudden shift in community trait structure was discovered due to the extinction of many species. These traits, which include deposit feeding, crawling, scraping, aerial respiration, and dormancy, help mollusks survive in FD and tolerate completely dry out of their Changhuchi habitat. Finally, we discovered that dissolved oxygen was an important controlling variable for mollusk communities during drought. Our findings provide a scientific basis for the management and conservation of floodplain wetland biodiversity in the context of increasing drought frequency and intensity.
An Easily Accessible Chiral Carbodiphosphorane and its Coinage Metal Complexes
Authors: Dunaj Tobias , Krampe M.Sc.Chloé , Heinrichs B.Sc.Jasmin , Müller Fabian , Neumüller Bernhard , Xie Xiulan , Kuzu Istemi
Published: May 2024

Herin, the high yielding synthesis of the chiral carbodiphosphorane (3) prepared in a two‐step procedure from commercially available (R)‐BINAP (([1,1′‐binaphthalene]‐2,2′‐diyl)bis(diphenylphosphane), BINAP) and dibromomethane is presented. In the first reaction step, the bis phosphonium salt 1[Br]2 is obtained, which is subsequently deprotonated either with potassium hydroxide to yield the mono phosphonium salt 2[Br], or with potassium hexamethyldisilazide to produce 3. Moreover, coinage metal complexes of 3 were prepared via reaction with CuCl (4Cu, 5Cu, 6Cu), Cu(OTf)⋅toluene0.5 (7Cu) or AuCl ⋅ (tht) (5Au, 6Au). The prepared compounds were characterised by NMR‐ and IR‐spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, elemental analysis, single crystal X‐ray diffraction and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Photoluminescence emission spectra were obtained for most of the complexes (3, 4Cu, 5Cu, 6Cu and 6Au).
Robot‐based 6D bioprinting for soft tissue biomedical applications
Authors: Albrecht Franziska B. , Schmidt Freia F. , Schmidt Christian , Börret Rainer , Kluger Petra J.
Published: May 2024

Within this interdisciplinary study, we demonstrate the applicability of a 6D printer for soft tissue engineering models. For this purpose, a special plant was constructed, combining the technical requirements for 6D printing with the biological necessities, especially for soft tissue. Therefore, a commercial 6D robot arm was combined with a sterilizable housing (including a high‐efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter and ultraviolet radiation (UVC) lamps) and a custom‐made printhead and printbed. Both components allow cooling and heating, which is desirable for working with viable cells. In addition, a spraying unit was installed that allows the distribution of fine droplets of a liquid. Advanced geometries on uneven or angled surfaces can be created with the use of all six axes. Based on often used bioinks in the field of soft tissue engineering (gellan gum, collagen, and gelatin methacryloyl) with very different material properties, we could demonstrate the flexibility of the printing system. Furthermore, cell‐containing constructs using primary human adipose‐derived stem cells (ASCs) could be produced in an automated manner. In addition to cell survival, the ability to differentiate along the adipogenic lineage could also be demonstrated as a representative of soft tissue engineering.
Treatment simplification to optimize cenobamate effectiveness and tolerability: A real‐world retrospective study in Spain
Authors: Rodríguez‐Uranga Juan Jesús , Sánchez‐Caro Juan María , Hariramani Ramchandani Roshan
Published: May 2024

Objective

This study aimed to explore the impact of co‐antiseizure medication (co‐ASM) optimization on the effectiveness and tolerability of adjunctive cenobamate (CNB) in patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This unicentric, retrospective, observational study included adults with focal‐onset seizures who had received ≥2 previous ASMs. The main effectiveness endpoints included responder rates and seizure frequency reduction at 3, 6, and 12‐month visits. The number of co‐ASMs and defined daily dose (DDD) were analyzed at every visit. Safety endpoints included adverse drug reactions (ADRs).

Results

Thirty‐four patients with a median epilepsy duration of 22 years and a median of 15.5 seizures/month were analyzed. The median number of prior ASMs was 12, and the mean number of co‐ASMs was 2.9 (SD 1). There was a reduction in seizure frequency/month from baseline to the last visit (p < 0.0001). Between baseline and the end of the study, the mean number of co‐ASMs in the per‐protocol (PP) population was reduced from 2.9 to 1.6 (p < 0.0001), and DDD was reduced from 3.6 to 1.4 (p < 0.0001). Sodium channel blockers (carbamazepine and lacosamide) and GABAergic drugs (clobazam) were the agents with the most significant reductions in DDD after 12 months. The percentage of patients in the PP population with ≥3 co‐ASMs was reduced from 61.8% at baseline to 14.3% at 12 months; 1 patient was receiving CNB as monotherapy at the last visit. At the last visit, 85.7% of the PP population were ≥50% responders, and 33.3% were seizure‐free. The percentage of patients with ADRs in the PP population was 71.9% at 3 months and 52.3% at 12 months.

Significance

Following rational polytherapy, optimization of co‐ASM management during CNB treatment allowed high seizure freedom rates despite meaningful reductions in co‐medication, while also achieving both good tolerability and patient satisfaction scores in a highly drug‐resistant population.

Plain Language Summary

Many patients with epilepsy still have seizures, even after being treated with several different epilepsy drugs. In this study of 34 patients from a Spanish clinic, we show that the epilepsy drug cenobamate can reduce the number of seizures in these patients, even after many other epilepsy drugs have failed. We also show that patients treated with cenobamate can reduce the dose or even stop taking certain other epilepsy drugs. This allows them to simplify their treatment and reduce adverse effects while still keeping control of their epilepsy.
The importance of corner frequency in site‐based stochastic ground motion models
Authors: Su Maijia , Dabaghi Mayssa , Broccardo Marco
Published: May 2024

Synthetic ground motions (GMs) play a fundamental role in both deterministic and probabilistic seismic engineering assessments. This paper shows that the family of filtered and modulated white noise stochastic GM models overlooks a key parameter—the high‐pass filter's corner frequency, . In the simulated motions, this causes significant distortions in the long‐period range of the linear‐response spectra and in the linear‐response spectral correlations. To address this, we incorporate as an explicitly fitted parameter in a site‐based stochastic model. We optimize by individually matching the long‐period linear‐response spectrum (i.e., for ) of synthetic GMs with that of each recorded GM. We show that by fitting the resulting stochastically simulated GMs can precisely capture the spectral amplitudes, variability (i.e., variances of ), and the correlation structure (i.e., correlation of between distinct periods and ) of recorded GMs. To quantify the impact of , a sensitivity analysis is conducted through linear regression. This regression relates the logarithmic linear‐response spectrum () to 7 GM parameters, including the optimized . The results indicate that the variance of observed in natural GMs, along with its correlation with the other GM parameters, accounts for 26% of the spectral variability in long periods. Neglecting either the variance or correlation typically results in an important overestimation of the linear‐response spectral correlation.
Probabilistic life‐cycle environmental impact of conventional and emerging steel frames in seismic zones
Authors: Ping Boyan , Fang Cheng , Chen Jason Ziqiang , Wang Jiawei , Osofero Adelaja Israel , Ping Yiwei
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive framework for life‐cycle carbon emission assessment of steel frame structures in seismic zones, with a particular focus on emerging self‐centering steel structures with reduced residual deformation and enhanced seismic resilience. The proposed framework is illustrated through a life‐cycle embodied carbon (EC) emission study on an office building located at Los Angeles, USA. Different structural bracing systems are considered for comparison, namely, conventional concentrically braced frame (CBF), bucking‐restrained braced frame (BRBF), and self‐centering braced frames (SCBFs). The life cycle assessment (LCA) of EC emissions mainly involves four phases: (1) components manufacturing phase, (2) construction phase, (3) operation and maintenance phase, and (4) EC emissions related to seismic hazard. For the last stage, the engineering demand parameter (EDP) is obtained through incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), and combined with the fragility function and the seismic risk curve to obtain the expected EC emissions related to seismic hazard over the life cycle. Among other findings, the results show that: (1) In the manufacturing process, the EC emissions of the emerging SCBFs are slightly increased (by up to 1.4%) compared with the two other conventional steel frames. (2) During the construction, operation, and maintenance phases, there is no difference in the EC emissions for the different structural systems. (3) The EC emissions related to potential seismic risk are reduced by up to 65.3% when the proposed self‐centering structural system (P‐SCBF) is used. (4) Compared with the CBF, the total EC emission over a 100‐year lifespan can be reduced by up to 14.6% when the P‐SCBF is used. Due to the limited deformation capacity of braces, the EC emissions of CBF and BRBF are more sensitive to increases in the intensity measure (IM). Since a building becomes difficult to repair when the maximum residual inter‐story drift exceeds 0.5%, BRBF and CBF are more susceptible to demolition due to unacceptable residual deformation, leading to higher EC emissions. The EC reduction efficiency of the emerging steel frames become more remarkable with increasing life span.
Stability control of goaf‐driven roadway surrounding rock under interchange remaining coal pillar in close distance coal seams
Authors: Wang Chengshuai , Yao Huimiao , Huang Yucheng
Published: May 2024

The roadway surrounding rock stability under the influence of interchange remaining coal pillar in close distance coal seams is one of the key factors affecting the coal mines safe and efficient mining. To reduce the roadway deformation, theoretical analysis, numerical simulation, and on‐site verification were used to study the influence of geological, mining, and support factors on the stability of the floor roadway surrounding rock. A design method for strengthening the roadway surrounding rock support was proposed. The results showed that the coal seam depth, the distribution characteristics of the remaining coal pillar load, the starting point position of stress recovery in the upper coal seam goaf and the lower coal seam goaf lateral load had a significant influence on the lower coal seam stress. The peak stress in the lower coal seam increased linearly with the increase of the coal seam depth, the remaining coal pillar, and the lower coal seam goaf lateral peak stress. The remaining coal pillar influence area width increased linearly and exponentially with the increase of the remaining coal pillar width and the distance between the starting point of stress recovery in goaf and the coal pillar edge, respectively. The peak stress and shear strength of the narrow coal pillar decreased exponentially with the increase of the spacing between bolts or cables. The roadway surrounding rock deformation decreased exponentially with the increase of the distance between the strengthening support area and the remaining coal pillar edge. For the Baigou coalmine, a design scheme for bolt strengthening support parameters has been proposed. The roadway surrounding rock deformation tended to stabilize after 21 days, with deformation values of 264 and 488 mm for the roof and floor, and two sides, respectively.
Optimal technoeconomic reliability‐oriented design of islanded multicarrier microgrids with electrical and hydrogen energy storage systems considering emission concerns
Authors: Imanloozadeh Amir , Nazififard Mohammad , Hashemi‐Dezaki Hamed
Published: May 2024

Although several studies have been performed on energy systems, there is a gap in examining the impact of energy storage systems (ESSs) technologies on the technoeconomic design of optimal multicarrier microgrids (MCMGs), considering environmental concerns. This paper aims to address this research gap by developing an optimal technoeconomic reliability‐oriented design of MCMGs, specifically focusing on battery storage systems (BSSs) and hydrogen storage systems (HSSs). The study was applied to MCMG at an actual MCMG, using HOMER Pro software. Additionally, a reliability‐oriented sensitivity analysis is conducted to understand the effects of reliability constraints, such as desired maximum capacity shortage, on the performance of various ESS technologies. One of the main contributions is analyzing the HSS and BSS from different viewpoints, such as cost, emission, and other technical–economic features for MCMGs. The comparative test results show that if a highly reliable MCMG is desired, the BSS‐based MCMG is the more practical option in terms of technoeconomic indices. However, regardless of reliability constraints, the HSS‐based MCMGs offer better environmental conditions. The total net present cost of the HSS‐based MCMG is 1.68% higher than the BSS‐based one, while it has 17.99% less CO2 emissions, while the HSS one has 17.99% less CO2 emissions.
Developing an Approach for Integrating Chemical Analysis and Transcriptional Changes to Assess Contaminants in Water, Sediment, and Fish
Authors: Cardenas Perez Ana Sharelys , Challis Jonathan K. , Alcaraz Alper James , Ji Xiaowen , Ramirez Alexis Valerio Valery , Hecker Markus , Brinkmann Markus
Published: May 2024

Pharmaceuticals in aquatic environments pose threats to aquatic organisms because of their continuous release and potential accumulation. Monitoring methods for these contaminants are inadequate, with targeted analyses falling short in assessing water quality's impact on biota. The present study advocates for integrated strategies combining suspect and targeted chemical analyses with molecular biomarker approaches to better understand the risks posed by complex chemical mixtures to nontarget organisms. The research aimed to integrate chemical analysis and transcriptome changes in fathead minnows to prioritize contaminants, assess their effects, and apply this strategy in Wascana Creek, Canada. Analysis revealed higher pharmaceutical concentrations downstream of a wastewater-treatment plant, with clozapine being the most abundant in fathead minnows, showing notable bioavailability from water and sediment sources. Considering the importance of bioaccumulation factor and biota–sediment accumulation factor in risk assessment, these coefficients were calculated based on field data collected during spring, summer, and fall seasons in 2021. Bioaccumulation was classified as very bioaccumulative with values >5000 L kg–1, suggesting the ability of pharmaceuticals to accumulate in aquatic organisms. The study highlighted the intricate relationship between nutrient availability, water quality, and key pathways affected by pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and rubber components. Prioritization of these chemicals was done through suspect analysis, supported by identifying perturbed pathways (specifically signaling and cellular processes) using transcriptomic analysis in exposed fish. This strategy not only aids in environmental risk assessment but also serves as a practical model for other watersheds, streamlining risk-assessment processes to identify environmental hazards and work toward reducing risks from contaminants of emerging concern. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:2252–2273. © 2024 SETAC