bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemo‐Enzymatic Functionalization of Bovine Milk Exosomes with an EGFR Nanobody for Target‐specific Drug Delivery
Authors: Zhang Ranran , Li Dan , Zhou Zhifang , Hong Haofei , Shi Jie , Wu Zhimeng
Published: August 2024

Bovine milk exosomes (BmExo) have been identified as versatile nanovesicles for anti‐cancer drugs delivery due to their natural availability and biocompatibility. However, tumor‐specific delivery based on BmExo often requires post‐isolation modifications of the membrane surface with active‐targeting ligands. In this study, we report an alternative approach to functionalize BmExo with nanobody combining facile chemical modification and Sortase A‐mediated site‐specific ligation, as demonstrated by the development of an epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted drug delivery system. The BmExo membrane was first coated with a diglycine‐containing amphiphile molecule, NH2‐GG‐PEG2000‐DSPE, by hydrophobic insertion. The diglycine as nucleophiles displayed on the membrane enabled the subsequent ligation of the EGFR nanobody (7D12) by Sortase A (SrtA)‐mediated site‐specific transpeptidation. The successful construction of BmExo‐7D12 was confirmed by Western blotting analysis, electron microscopy, and dynamic light scattering (DLS). As a demonstration model, BmExo‐7D12 loaded with the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (Dox) was shown to be able to deliver Dox to cancer cells in response to the expression of EGFR as manifested by immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry analysis. Finally, the cytotoxicity assay showed that BmExo‐7D12‐Dox was more effective in killing tumor cells with high EGFR expression while significantly reduced the non‐specific toxicity to EGFR negative cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that 7D12‐functionalized BmExo can serve as a target‐specific delivery system for Dox to selectively kill EGFR‐expressing tumor cells. This approach should prove to be versatile and efficient for the generation of protein‐ligands modified BmExo.
Photoinduced Copper‐Catalyzed Three‐Component Radical Carboamination of Styrene Derivatives
Authors: Huan Xiao‐Die , Zhang Juan , Xiao Wen‐Jing , Chen Jia‐Rong
Published: August 2024

The catalytic three‐component radical carboamination of alkenes has recently emerged as an alternative and robust platform for the rapid construction of diverse and valuable amines. Despite great advances in this field, new methods that enable highly selective access to new chemical space surrounding the amine functional groups are still in high demand. Herein, we report a generally applicable visible light‐induced copper‐catalyzed three‐component radical cyanoalkylamination reaction of alkenes, oxime carbonates, and benzoyloxycarbamates. This protocol demonstrates high chemo‐selectivity, broad substrate scope, and good functional group tolerance, providing access to a variety of cyanoalkylated aliphatic amines with good yields.
Achieving Regioselectivity for Remote C−H Activation by Substructure Conformations: an Approach of Paralogous Cytochrome P450 Enzymes
Authors: Zhang Liping , Jiang Peng , Jin Hongbo , Zhang Changsheng
Published: August 2024

For advanced synthetic intermediates or natural products with multiple unactivated and energetically similar C(sp3)−H bonds, controlling regioselectivity for the C−H activation is particularly challenging. The use of cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs) is a promising solution to the ‘regioelectivity’ challenge in remote C−H activation. Notably, CYPs and organic catalysts share a fundamental principle: they strive to control the distance and geometry between the metal reaction center and the target C−H site. Most structural analyses of the regioselectivity of CYPs are limited to the active pocket, particularly when explaining why regioselectivity could be altered by enzyme engineering through mutagenesis. However, the substructures responsible for forming the active pocket in CYPs are well known to display complex dynamic changes and substrate‐induced plasticity. In this context, we highlight a comparative study of the recently reported paralogous CYPs, IkaD and CftA, which achieve different regioselectivity towards the same substrate ikarugamycin by distinct substructure conformations. We propose that substructural conformation‐controlled regioselectivity might also be present in CYPs of other natural product biosynthesis pathways, which should be considered when engineering CYPs for regioselective modifications.
ZnH2P4N8: Case Study on Topochemical Imidonitridophosphate High‐Pressure Synthesis
Authors: Pritzl Reinhard M. , Steinadler Jennifer , Buda Amalina T. , Wendl Sebastian , Schnick Wolfgang
Published: August 2024

Nitridophosphates are subject of current research, as they have a broad spectrum of properties and potential applications, such as ion conductors or luminescent materials. Yet, the subclass of imidonitridophosphates has been studied less extensively. The primary reason is that the controlled N−H functionalization of nitridophosphates is not straight forward, making targeted synthesis more challenging. Inspired by the high‐pressure (HP) post‐synthetic modification of nitridophosphates, we present the topochemical HP deprotonation of phosphorus nitride imides using the high‐pressure polymorph β‐PN(NH) as an example. Additional incorporation of Zn2+ results in the first quaternary transition metal imidonitridophosphate ZnH2P4N8. The crystal structure was elucidated by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction (SCXRD), energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) and solid‐state magic angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MAS NMR). In addition, the presence of H as part of an imide group was confirmed by IR spectroscopy. The potential of this defunctionalization approach for controlling the N−H content is demonstrated by the preparation of partially deprotonated intermediates ZnxH4−2xP4N8 (x≈0.5, 0.85). This topochemical high‐pressure reaction represents a promising way to prepare, control and manipulate new imide‐based materials without altering their overall anionic framework.
Hydroflux Synthesis and Structural Phase Transition of Rare‐Earth Borate Hydroxides Na2[RE(BO3)(OH)2] (RE=Y, Gd−Er)
Authors: Li Yuxi , Carrillo‐Aravena Eduardo , Qu Jiang , Thakur Gohil S. , Ruck Michael
Published: August 2024

Reacting RE2O3 and H3BO3 in an ultra‐alkaline NaOH hydroflux at about 250 °C yielded pure, crystalline samples of Na2[RE(BO3)(OH)2] (RE=Y, Gd−Er). The compounds dehydrate to Na3RE(BO3)2 upon heating in air to about 500 °C. Na2[RE(BO3)(OH)2] (RE=Tb−Er) are photoluminescent under UV radiation. Their UV‐Vis spectra show the typical absorptions associated with 4f–4f transitions and absorption edges in the UV (band gaps ≥5.7 eV). The RE3+ cation is coordinated by seven oxygen atoms, which define a distorted pentagonal bipyramid. The bipyramids share trans‐edges of their base forming infinite chains. Triangular (BO3)3− groups connect the chains into layers. The crystal structure of Na2[Ho(BO3)(OH)2] was investigated at various temperatures in the range 100 K≤T≤320 K. Above 310(2) K, the compound crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm (β‐phase), below, it undergoes a displacive phase transition of second order resulting in a monoclinic structure in space group C2/c (α‐phase). The critical exponents derived from different structural parameters indicate a cooperative distortion of the borate layers, but a rather uncorrelated adaptation of the sodium cations to their local environment. The other compounds of the series also adopt the structure of the α‐phase at 296 K.
Janus Reactivity of Crownphyrinoids: Alkali‐ vs. Transition Metal‐Mediated Transformations of Crown Ether‐Porphyrin Hybrids
Authors: Matviyishyn Maksym , A. Konieczny Krzysztof , Trzaskowski Bartosz , Szyszko Bartosz
Published: August 2024

Crownphyrinogens and crownphyrins constitute a group of macrocycles that combine the structural facets of porphyrinoids and crown ethers. The dual‐nature cavity embedded in their molecules enables reactivity involving two structurally distinct parts of the macrocyclic ligand. Upon Ni(II) and Pd(II) insertion, coordination compounds are produced wherein the metal is incorporated into the porphyrinoid‐like pocket, resulting in monomeric or accordion‐like dimeric products, depending on the oxidation level of the macrocycle and metal cation. The reactions with Na(I) and K(I) resulted in the formation of complexes where only the crown ether segment of the molecule is involved in metal binding, yielding remarkable dimeric species. The exploitation of a crownphyrin large enough to accommodate two metal cations allowed the synthesis of an alkali/transition metal binuclear complexes wherein the macrocycle demonstrated the Janus reactivity with one cavity acting as a porphyrinoid and the other mimicking the crown ether.
Microorganisms usage in enhanced oil recovery: Mechanisms, applications, benefits, and limitations
Authors: Nikravesh Hamed , Kazemzadeh Yousef , Hasan‐Zadeh Atefeh , Safaei Ali
Published: August 2024

In today's world, where the oil and gas industry faces challenges such as declining production and the increasing need for efficient resource utilization, microbial enhanced oil recovery (MEOR) is introduced as a biological solution. This method, based on mechanisms like surfactant production, reduction of oil viscosity, and improvement of reservoir chemical properties, can increase oil recovery by 15%–20%, reduce operational costs by up to 30%, and is highly environmentally friendly. This study reviews various MEOR methods, including stimulating existing microbial activity in reservoirs or injecting microbes and nutrients. It presents successful examples of this technology in different oil fields, showing how MEOR can be a sustainable alternative to traditional methods. However, challenges such as the need for further research, control of biological processes, and advanced technology usage are also emphasized.
Lack of Class I Vasoreactivity Testing for Diagnosing Patients With Coronary Artery Spasm
Authors: Sueda Shozo , Hayashi Yutaka , Ono Hiroki , Okabe Hikaru , Sakaue Tomoki , Ikeda Shuntaro
Published: August 2024

Background

Vasoreactivity testing, such as intracoronary acetylcholine (ACh) or ergometrine (EM), is defined as Class I for the diagnosis of patients with vasospastic angina (VSA) according to recommendations from the Coronary Vasomotion Disorders International Study (COVADIS) group and guidelines from the Japanese Circulation Society (JCS).

Hypothesis

Although vasoreactivity testing is a clinically useful tool, it carries some risks and limitations in diagnosing coronary artery spasm.

Methods

Previous reports on vasoreactivity testing for diagnosing the presence of coronary spasm are summarized from the perspective of Class I.

Results

There are several problems such as reproducibility, underestimation, overestimation, and inconclusive/nonspecific results associated with daily spasm. Because provoked spasm caused by intracoronary ACh is not always similar to that caused by intracoronary EM, possibly due to different mediators, supplementary use of these vasoreactivity tests is necessary for cardiologists to diagnose VSA when a provoked spasm is not revealed by each vasoactive agent.

Conclusions

Cardiologists should understand the imperfection of these vasoreactivity tests when diagnosing patients with VSA.
The Role of Water Networks in Phosphodiesterase Inhibitor Dissociation and Kinetic Selectivity
Authors: Blaazer Antoni R. , Singh Abhimanyu K. , Zara Lorena , Boronat Pierre , Bautista Lady J. , Irving Steve , Majewski Maciej , Barril Xavier , Wijtmans Maikel , Danielson U. Helena , Sterk Geert Jan , Leurs Rob , van Muijlwijk‐Koezen Jacqueline E. , Brown David G. , de Esch Iwan J. P.
Published: August 2024

In search of new opportunities to develop Trypanosoma brucei phosphodiesterase B1 (TbrPDEB1) inhibitors that have selectivity over the off‐target human PDE4 (hPDE4), different stages of a fragment‐growing campaign were studied using a variety of biochemical, structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic binding assays. Remarkable differences in binding kinetics were identified and this kinetic selectivity was explored with computational methods, including molecular dynamics and interaction fingerprint analyses. These studies indicate that a key hydrogen bond between GlnQ.50 and the inhibitors is exposed to a water channel in TbrPDEB1, leading to fast unbinding. This water channel is not present in hPDE4, leading to inhibitors with a longer residence time. The computer‐aided drug design protocols were applied to a recently disclosed TbrPDEB1 inhibitor with a different scaffold and our results confirm that shielding this key hydrogen bond through disruption of the water channel represents a viable design strategy to develop more selective inhibitors of TbrPDEB1. Our work shows how computational protocols can be used to understand the contribution of solvent dynamics to inhibitor binding, and our results can be applied in the design of selective inhibitors for homologous PDEs found in related parasites.
Fulgide Derivatives as Photo‐Switchable Coatings for Cathodes of Lithium Ion Batteries – A DFT Study
Authors: Dietrich Fabian , Cisternas Eduardo
Published: August 2024

Photo‐switchable coatings for lithium ion batteries (LIB) can offer the possibility to control the diffusion processes from the electrode materials to the electrolyte and thus, for example, reducing the energy loss in the fully charged state. Fulgide derivatives, as known photo‐switches, are investigated concerning their use as coating for vanadium pentoxide, a potential cathode material for LIB. With the help of Density Functional Theory calculations, two fulgide derivatives are characterized with respect to their photophysics, their aggregation behaviour on the cathode material and the ability to form self‐assembled monolayers (SAM). Furthermore, the two states of the photo‐switchable coating are tested with respect to lithium diffusion from the cathode material, passing the SAM and entering the electrolyte. We found a difference for the energy barriers depending on the state of the photo‐switch, preferring its closed form. This behaviour can be used to prevent the loss of charge in batteries of portable devices.
Assessing Post‐Marketing Requirements for Orphan Drugs: A Cross‐Sectional Analysis of FDA and EMA Oversight
Authors: Yu Jae Hyeon , Lee Sangwon , Kim Yoon Jung , Kim Won Young , Lee Min Jung , Kim Yun
Published: August 2024

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) oversee pharmaceutical regulations, including orphan drugs targeting rare diseases with limited patient populations. Post‐marketing studies are crucial for monitoring safety and efficacy, with post‐marketing requirements (PMRs) mandated by the regulatory agencies to ensure compliance. This study aims to compare PMR statuses, objectives, and pivotal trial characteristics of orphan drugs approved by the FDA (n = 154) and EMA (n = 79) from 2008 to 2018, shedding light on regulatory differences and their impact on drug development. Contrary to expectations, our analysis found no significant disparity in the proportion of orphan drugs with and without PMRs approved by both the FDA (48.1%) and EMA (55.7%). Safety concerns surrounding orphan drugs post‐approval, attributed partly to pivotal trial design, underscore the need for robust post‐marketing surveillance. While the FDA primarily focuses on post‐marketing safety (36.1%), the EMA places a higher emphasis on both efficacy and safety (47.1%), reflecting distinct approaches to PMR management between the two regulatory bodies. The observed trend of delayed PMRs at the EMA (47.1%) highlights the importance of effective cooperation between regulators and pharmaceutical companies to ensure the timely completion of PMRs and enhance drug safety.
Right Time: In‐Season Nitrogen Applications
Authors: Nigon Leanna
Published: August 2024

In‐season nitrogen applications, when managed effectively, offer a powerful tool for enhancing crop productivity and environmental sustainability. By aligning nutrient availability with crop needs, optimizing application methods, and mitigating potential risks, farmers can achieve better outcomes for both their crops and the environment. Earn 1 CEU in Nutrient Management by reading this article and taking the quiz at https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning‐Center/Courses.
Optimizing nitrogen fertilization and planting density management enhances lodging resistance and wheat yield by promoting carbohydrate accumulation and single spike development
Authors: Mu Haimeng , Wang Zhuangzhuang , Sun Lifang , Huang Yuan , Song Yifan , Zhang Rong , Wu Zijun , Fu Kaixia , Duan Jianzhao , Kang Guozhang , Guo Tiancai , Wang Yonghua
Published: August 2024

Nitrogen fertilizer application and increasing planting density have been recognized as essential measures to achieve higher wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yields. However, inadequate management practices often lead to poor culm quality and lodging. We hypothesized that optimizing culm characteristics could be a feasible approach to improving both lodging resistance and yield. In this study, field experiments involved five nitrogen levels (0, 180, 240, 300, and 360 kg ha−1) and three planting densities (225, 375, and 525 × 104 ha−1). Two wheat cultivars with different lodging resistance were selected and their culm morphological characteristics, biochemical components, field lodging rate, and yield in different treatments were measured. We found that field lodging rate in wheat was negatively correlated with yield, and there was a contradiction between increasing spike number and lodging resistance. Culm carbohydrate accumulation affected field lodging rate by regulating culm quality rather than the center of gravity height. Compared with Xinmai 26, Xinhuamai 818 had higher culm carbohydrate accumulation, which increased the breaking strength and yield by 14.2% and 17.0%. Nitrogen application and planting density had significant effects on yield and lodging resistance. Compared with N0 treatment, increasing nitrogen application rate improved yield of 67.2%–83.2% by increasing spike number and grain number per spike, and the N2 treatment showed the largest increase. Planting density had little effect on yield. Reducing planting density can increase the culm carbohydrate accumulation and enhance lodging resistance. Compared with D3 treatment, the culm breaking strength was increased by 27.6% under the D1 treatment. This study determined that the optimal combination of nitrogen and density for improving wheat lodging resistance and yield is 240 kg ha−1 and 225 × 104 ha−1. This combination enhances culm breaking strength by increasing carbohydrate accumulation and achieves high yield by increasing grain number per spike, 1000‐grain weight, and stabilizing spike number.
Methane Storage and Purification of Natural Gas in Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Xie Wenpeng , Fu Qiuju , Yang Ling‐Zhi , Yan Liting , Zhang Jun , Zhao Xuebo
Published: August 2024

Natural gas, primarily composed of methane (CH4), represent an excellent choice for a potentially sustainable renewable energy transition. However, the process of compressing and liquefying CH4 for transport and storage typically results in significant energy losses. In addition, in order to optimize its efficacy as a fuel, the CH4 content of natural gas needs to be increased to a level of at least 97 % to ensure its quality and efficiency in various applications. Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) represent a novel category of porous materials that possess exceptional capability in modifying pore size and chemical environment, making them ideally suited for the storage of CH4 and the adsorption of propane (C3H8), ethane (C2H6), carbon dioxide (CO2), nitrogen (N2), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) to facilitate the purification process of CH4 from natural gas. In this paper, we systematically summarize the mechanism by which MOF materials facilitate the storage of CH4 and the purification of CH4 from natural gas, leveraging the structural characteristics inherent to MOF materials. The focus of further research should also be directed towards the investigation of CH4 storage by flexible MOFs, the resolution of the trade‐off dilemma, and the commercial application of MOFs.
Nickel Phosphide: The Effect of Phosphorus Content on the Activity and Stability toward Oxygen Evolution Reaction in Alkaline Medium
Authors: Poureshghi Fatemeh , Seland Frode , Jensen Jens Oluf , Sunde Svein
Published: August 2024

In this work a systematic study of the effect of the metal to phosphorus ratio in Ni−P nanoparticles on their catalytic activity with respect to the OER is reported. To this end, nickel phosphide nanoparticles are synthesized through two different synthesis routes, one involving in‐situ phosphidation and one involving ex‐situ phosphidation. In‐situ phosphidation is performed via two steps route in a one‐pot synthesis, in which Ni nanoparticles are formed at 220 °C, but not isolated, and then transformed to phase‐pure either Ni12P5 or Ni2P nanocrystallites. In the second synthesis method (ex‐situ phosphidation), nickel nanoparticles with an excess amount of trioctylphosphine (TOP) as a capping agent are synthesized and separated from the solution, then subsequently annealed in three different atmospheres, leading to the formation of three types of NixPy viz. [NixPy‐H2/Ar], [NixPy‐Ar], and [NixPy‐air]. [NixPy‐air] nanoparticles shows the best electrocatalytic activity among the annealed nanoparticles in Ar and H2/Ar but lower than Ni12P5 nanoparticles. However, [NixPy‐air] shows very high stability in comparison with other synthesized nanoparticles. Moreover, the effect of the adventitious and spiked Fe in the electrolyte is studied on the electrocatalytic activity of all synthesized nanoparticles.
Linking changes in landscape structure to insect herbivory in forest edges and interiors of Atlantic Forest remnants
Authors: Morante‐Filho José Carlos , Cruz Clarisse Dias , Benchimol Maíra , Almeida Fabrine Vitória , de Oliveira Rosilene Aparecida
Published: August 2024

Human activities have triggered profound changes in natural landscapes, resulting in species loss and disruption of pivotal ecological interactions such as insect herbivory. This antagonistic interaction is affected by complex pathways (e.g., abundance of herbivores and predators, plant chemical defenses, and resource availability), but the knowledge regarding how forest loss and fragmentation affect insect herbivory in human‐modified tropical landscapes still remains poorly understood. In this context, we assessed multi‐pathways by which changes in landscape structure likely influence insect herbivory in 20 Atlantic forest fragments in Brazil. Using path analysis, we estimated the direct effects of forest cover and forest edge density, and the indirect effect via canopy openness, number of understory plants and phenolic compounds, on leaf damage in understory plants located in the edge and interior of forest fragments. In particular, plants located in forest edges experienced greater leaf damage than interior ones. We observed that landscape edge density exerted a positive and direct effect on leaf damage in plants sampled at the edge of forest fragments. Our findings also indicated that forest loss and increase of edge density led to an increase in the canopy opening in the forest interior, which causes a reduction in the number of understory plants and, consequently, an increase in leaf damage. In addition, we detected that phenolic compounds negatively influence leaf damage in forest interior plants. Given the increasing forest loss in tropical regions, in which forest fragments become stranded in highly deforested, edge‐dominated and degraded landscapes, our study highlights the pervasive enhancement in insect herbivory in remaining forest fragments—especially along forest edges and canopy gaps in the forest interior. As a result, increased herbivory is likely to affect forest regeneration and accelerate the ecological meltdown processes in these highly deforested and disturbed anthropogenic landscapes.
Code sharing in ecology and evolution increases citation rates but remains uncommon
Authors: Maitner Brian , Santos Andrade Paul Efren , Lei Luna , Kass Jamie , Owens Hannah L. , Barbosa George C. G. , Boyle Brad , Castorena Matiss , Enquist Brian J. , Feng Xiao , Park Daniel S. , Paz Andrea , Pinilla‐Buitrago Gonzalo , Merow Cory , Wilson Adam
Published: August 2024

Biologists increasingly rely on computer code to collect and analyze their data, reinforcing the importance of published code for transparency, reproducibility, training, and a basis for further work. Here, we conduct a literature review estimating temporal trends in code sharing in ecology and evolution publications since 2010, and test for an influence of code sharing on citation rate. We find that code is rarely published (only 6% of papers), with little improvement over time. We also found there may be incentives to publish code: Publications that share code have tended to be low‐impact initially, but accumulate citations faster, compensating for this deficit. Studies that additionally meet other Open Science criteria, open‐access publication, or data sharing, have still higher citation rates, with publications meeting all three criteria (code sharing, data sharing, and open access publication) tending to have the most citations and highest rate of citation accumulation.
Vicariant speciation resulting from biogeographic barriers in the Australian tropics: The case of the red‐cheeked dunnart (Sminthopsis virginiae)
Authors: Umbrello Linette S. , Newton Hayley , Baker Andrew M. , Travouillon Kenny J. , Westerman Michael
Published: August 2024

Global biodiversity loss continues unabated, and in Australia, the rate of recent mammal extinctions is among the worst in the world. Meanwhile, the diversity among and within many endemic mammal species remains undescribed. This information is crucial to delineate species boundaries and thus inform decision‐making for conservation. Sminthopsis virginiae (the red‐cheeked dunnart) is a small, dasyurid marsupial found in four disjunct populations around the northern coast of Australia and New Guinea. There are three currently recognized subspecies, each occupying a distinct geographic location. Sminthopsis v. virginiae occurs in Queensland, S. v. rufigenis is distributed across New Guinea and the Aru Islands, and S. v. nitela has populations in the Top End of the Northern Territory and the Kimberley region of Western Australia. Previous molecular work has suggested the current subspecies definitions are not aligned with DNA sequence data, though the sampling was limited. We undertook a comprehensive genetic and morphological review of S. virginiae to clarify relationships within the species. This included mitochondrial (CR, 12S, and cytb) and nuclear (omega‐globin, IRBP, and bfib7) loci, and morphometric analysis of skulls and whole wet‐preserved specimens held in museums. Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses resolved samples into two distinct clades, demarcated by the Gulf of Carpentaria in Australia's north. Sminthopsis. v. nitela was consistently separated from S. v. virginiae and S. v. rufigenis, based on the overall body and skull size and craniodental features, while S. v. virginiae and S. v. rufigenis were more difficult to distinguish from each other. Thus, we redescribed S. virginiae, recognizing two species, S. nitela (raised from subspecies) and S. virginiae (now comprising the subspecies S. v. virginiae and S. v. rufigenis). This study highlights the importance of recognizing cryptic mammal fauna to help address the gap in our knowledge about diagnosing diversity during a time of conservation crisis.
Divergent seed dispersal outcomes: Interactions between seed, disperser, and forest traits
Authors: Dehaudt Bastien , Bruce Tom , Deblauwe Vincent , Ferraz António , Gardner Brett , Bibila Tafon Godwin ‘Babs’ , LeBreton Matthew , Mempong Gaston , Njabo Kevin , Nkengbeza Standly Nkemnyi , Ordway Elsa M. , Pavan Lucas , Russo Nicholas J. , Smith Thomas B. , Luskin Matthew Scott
Published: August 2024

Animals disperse seeds in various ways that affect seed deposition sites and seed survival, ultimately shaping plant species distribution, community composition, and ecosystem structure. Some animal species can disperse seeds through multiple pathways (e.g., defecation, regurgitation, epizoochory), each likely producing distinct seed dispersal outcomes. We studied how seed traits (size and toughness) interact with disperser species to influence seed dispersal pathway and how this ultimately shapes the proportion of seeds deposited in various habitat types. We focused on three frugivorous species of duikers (African forest antelopes) in the Dja Faunal Reserve, a tropical rainforest in southern Cameroon. Duikers can both defecate and regurgitate seeds, the latter predominantly occurring during rumination at their bedding sites (or “nests”). We located duiker nests and dungs along 18 linear 1‐km‐transects to assess: (1) how seed traits affect the likelihood of dispersal via defecation versus regurgitation, (2) if defecated versus regurgitated seeds are deposited at different rates in different forest types (assessed by indigenous Baka), microhabitats, and forest structural attributes (measured by drone lidar), and (3) if these differ between three duiker species that vary in size and diel activity patterns. We found that duikers predominantly defecated small seeds (<3 mm length) and regurgitated larger and tougher seeds (>10 mm length), the latter including 25 different plant species. The three duiker species varied in their nesting habits, with nocturnal bay duikers (Cephalophus dorsalis) nesting in dense understory vegetation at proportions 3–4 times higher than Peter's and yellow‐backed duikers (Cephalophus callipygus and Cephalophus silvicultor). As a result, bay duikers deposited larger regurgitated seeds at a higher rate in habitats with denser understory where lianas and palms predominate and near fallen trees. This directed regurgitation seed deposition likely plays an important and unique role in forest succession and structure. This study highlights the importance of ungulate seed dispersal by regurgitation, a vastly understudied process that could impact many ecosystems given the prevalence of ruminating ungulates worldwide.
Molecular and functional in vivo characterisation of murine Dectin‐1 isoforms
Authors: Leinung Nadja , Mentrup Torben , Hodzic Sajma , Schröder Bernd
Published: August 2024

Dectin‐1 is a C‐type lectin‐receptor involved in sensing fungi by innate immune cells. Encoded by the Clec7a gene, Dectin‐1 exists in two major splice isoforms, Dectin‐1a and 1b, which differ in the presence of a membrane‐proximal stalk domain. As reported previously, this domain determines degradative routes for Dectin‐1a and 1b leading to the generation of a stable N‐terminal fragment exclusively from Dectin‐1a. Here, we narrow down the responsible part of the stalk and demonstrate the stabilisation of the Dectin‐1a N‐terminal fragment in tetraspanin‐enriched microdomains. C57BL/6 and BALB/c mice show divergent Dectin‐1 isoform expression patterns, which are caused by a single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 3 of the Clec7a gene, leading to a non‐sense Dectin‐1a mRNA in C57BL/6 mice. Using backcrossing, we generated mice with the C57BL/6 Clec7a allele on a BALB/c background and compared these to the parental strains. Expression of the C57BL/6 allele leads to the exclusive presence of the Dectin‐1b protein. Furthermore, it was associated with higher Dectin‐1 mRNA expression, but less Dectin‐1 at the cell surface according to flow cytometry. In neutrophils, this altered ROS production induced by Dectin‐1 model ligands, while cellular responses in macrophages and dendritic cells were not significantly influenced by the Dectin‐1 isoform pattern.
Grid‐connected PV system in air cooled double‐stage ORC geothermal power plant performance evaluation, case study: Sultanhisar GPP‐2
Authors: Kaçmaz Şeyma , Demirpolat Havva
Published: August 2024

Many factors determine the percentage of parasitic load of the geothermal power plant. Domestic consumption accounts for about 20–25 per cent of total production in low‐temperature geothermal power plants. As a case study, the ratio of a 1 MW grid‐connected PV system to the internal consumption of the Sultanhisar GPP‐2 and its effect on increasing the efficiency of the system have been examined. The current production of the power plant has been modeled thermodynamically with the parameters taken from the plant, and the efficiency of the system has been calculated. Sultanhisar GPP‐2, which operates at a geothermal well temperature of 140.2°C and a net efficiency of 6.28%, has a domestic consumption to production ratio of around 25%. The installation of a 1 MW PV system is expected to produce 2140MWh per year, equivalent to 7% of the internal energy consumption.
Cross‐laminated timber for seismic retrofitting of RC buildings: Substructured pseudodynamic tests on a full‐scale prototype
Authors: Kallioras Stylianos , Bournas Dionysios , Smiroldo Francesco , Giongo Ivan , Piazza Maurizio , Molina Francisco Javier
Published: August 2024

This paper presents an experimental study on an innovative timber‐based retrofit solution for reinforced concrete (RC) framed buildings, with or without masonry infills. The intervention aims to enhance seismic resistance through a light, cost‐effective, sustainable, and reversible approach integrating energy efficiency upgrades. The method employs cross‐laminated timber (CLT) panels as infills or external retrofitting elements, mechanically connected to the RC frame through steel fasteners. The system is combined with thermal insulation for improved energy efficiency. The seismic performance of the proposed retrofit technique was assessed experimentally on a full‐scale building model at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA). The experiments included tests on two five‐story building configurations: a masonry‐infilled RC building as a reference and the same structure strengthened with CLT panels. Each building was subjected to unidirectional earthquake simulations of increasing intensity using the pseudodynamic (PsD) testing method with substructuring. The physical substructure of the hybrid model consisted of the first story of a two‐story mockup built and retrofitted in the laboratory, while stories two to five were simulated numerically. The paper discusses major observations from the tests, comparing the damage evolution and hysteretic responses of the two configurations. The experiments yielded promising results, showing that the suggested retrofit solution significantly increased displacement and energy dissipation capacity. The retrofitted building survived earthquake intensities up to 50% higher than the non‐retrofitted counterpart, exhibiting only slight structural damage. These pioneering experiments provide compelling data on the high effectiveness of the proposed CLT‐based retrofit system in enhancing the seismic performance of full‐scale RC buildings.
Lignocellulosic Biomass‐Derived Graphene: Fabrication, Challenges and Its Potential for Hydrogen Storage Application
Authors: Singh Anjali , Tudu Aman John , Lal Basant , Haque Shafiul , Verma Bhawna
Published: August 2024

This review explores the utilization of lignocellulosic biomass (LCB) waste in the fabrication of graphene and its applications in hydrogen storage. Several LCB wastes, such as rice straws, coconut shells, wheat straws, and sugarcane bagasse, along with the methodology used and the characteristics of the final graphene, have been discussed in detail. It was found that the coconut shells produced crumpled multilayered graphene, rice husks (RHs) provided a mix of graphene layers and amorphous carbon, wheat straw yielded few‐layered graphene, and sugarcane bagasse contributed to different graphene‐like materials. This review has also focused on the various synthesis processes, such as carbonization, hydrothermal carbonization (HTC), chemical activation, pyrolysis, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), and Hummers' method for graphene fabrication from LCB waste, along with their advantages and disadvantages, for a better understanding. Various results have been discussed exploring the use of lignocellulosic biomass‐derived graphene (LCB‐G) and its various modified forms for hydrogen storage applications. Various challenges in graphene fabrication from LCB, such as low yield, product quality, scalability, use of expensive synthesis methods, and toxic chemicals, along with some potential solutions, have been mentioned. Finally, the review concludes with insights into the future of LCB‐G and its role in hydrogen storage while identifying some gaps, such as scalability and product quality, for further research and development.
Discrete strong extremum principles for finite element solutions of advection‐diffusion problems with nonlinear corrections
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yuan Guangwei
Published: August 2024

A nonlinear correction technique for finite element methods of advection‐diffusion problems on general triangular meshes is introduced. The classic linear finite element method is modified, and the resulting scheme satisfies discrete strong extremum principle unconditionally, which means that it is unnecessary to impose the well‐known restrictions on diffusion coefficients and geometry of mesh‐cell (e.g., “acute angle” condition), and we need not to perform upwind treatment on the advection term separately. Moreover, numerical example shows that when a discrete scheme does not satisfy the strong extremum principle, even if it maintains the global physical bound, non‐physical numerical oscillations may still occur within local regions where no numerical result is beyond the physical bound. Thus, it is worth to point out that our new nonlinear finite element scheme can avoid non‐physical oscillations around sharp layers in advection‐dominate regions, due to maintaining discrete strong extremum principle. Convergence rates are verified by numerical tests for both diffusion‐dominate and advection‐dominate problems.
Eliciting public preferences across health and wellbeing dimensions: An equivalent income value set for SIPHER‐7
Authors: Ta An , Van Landeghem Bert , Tsuchiya Aki
Published: August 2024

The call for “health and wellbeing in all policies” requires a preference‐based measure that collapses multi‐dimensional health and wellbeing into a single index, such as equivalent income. We aim to elicit preferences of the UK general public to estimate a value set for a suite of seven commonly used wellbeing indicators including health, income, and other dimensions, in terms of equivalent income. Secondly, we examine heterogeneous preferences by gender, by age, and by income. Thirdly, we explore the stability of preferences, since the survey took place amid the pandemic, possibly affecting preferences over health and wellbeing. Effects of attrition and of time are distinguished. Data were collected online across two waves using Discrete Choice Experiments through an internet panel (N1 = 3362; and N2 = 3357). The regression coefficients for all the ordered attribute levels have the expected sign, are significant, and ordered. Equivalent income was found to vary up to 10% by gender and by age (both significant) and 4% by income (not significant), while the effect of time was up to 16% (significant). The study facilitates the calculation of overall wellbeing in terms of equivalent income based on the preferences of the UK public, where the relevant wellbeing indicators are available.
The effectiveness of oral motor interventions on the weight gain, independent oral feeding, and length of hospital stay in hospitalized preterm infants: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mahmoodabadi Ghasem , Bavali‐Gazik Ahmad , Mouhebati Fateme , Arab‐Zozani Morteza , Boghrati Meysamreza
Published: August 2024

Background and Aims

Oral feeding for preterm infants has been a challenging issue globally. In an effort to enhance the effectiveness of oral feeding in preterm infants, oral motor intervention (OMI) was developed. Present systematic review and meta‐analysis study aims to examine the impact of various OMI techniques on key outcomes, including body weight at the time of discharge, the duration required to achieve independent oral feeding, and the length of hospital stay for preterm infants.

Methods

A systematic search of the literature was performed across various databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science and Google Scholar up to September 28, 2023. Quality assessment was conducted using the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) checklist. The overall effect measure was calculated using a random‐effects model and was presented as the standard difference of the mean (SDM), accompanied by the standard error and a 95% confidence interval (CI). We used I2 statistic for investigating the heterogeneity between studies. Data analysis was performed by CMA software (Version 2).

Results

Finally, 22 articles included in this review. The overall effect for body weight at discharge was found to be statistically significant in the prefeeding oral stimulation (PFOS) (SDM = 7.91, 95% CI: 5.62, 10.2, p = 0.000, I2 = 86.31) and Premature Infant OMI (PIOMI) (SDM = 3.71, 95% CI: 0.72, 6.69, p = 0.01, I2 = 96.64) groups versus control group. The overall effect of independent oral feeding was significant for PFOS‐only (SDM = −0.64, 95% CI: −1.1, −0.17, p = 0.007, I2 = 75.45), PIOMI only (SDM = −1.48, 95% CI: −2.49, −0.46, p = 0.004, I2 = 93.73) and nonnutritive sucking (NNS) only (SDM = −0.53, 95% CI: −0.76, −0.30, p = 0.001, I2 = 0) groups versus control groups. The overall effect of length of hospital stay was significant for NNS group (SDM = −0.45, 95% CI: −0.67, −0.23, p = 0.067, I2 = 0) and PIOMI group (SDM = −0.42, 95% CI: −0.69, −0.15, p = 0.002, I2 = 20.18) versus control group.

Conclusion

Among OMIs, the PIOMI approach generally exhibited a more favorable impact on body weight gain at discharge, the duration required to achieve independent oral feeding, and the length of hospital stay.
The changing characteristics of propagation time from meteorological drought to hydrological drought in a semi‐arid river basin in India
Authors: Gupta Ajay , Jain Manoj Kumar , Pandey Rajendra Prasad
Published: August 2024

This study employs an event‐based approach to analyse drought propagation from meteorological to hydrological drought via agricultural drought in the semi‐arid Krishna River basin of India. The Standardized Precipitation Evapotranspiration Index (SPEI), Standardized Soil Moisture Index (SSMI) and Standardized Streamflow Index (SSI) representing meteorological, agricultural and hydrological drought, respectively, were estimated. Two different cases of drought propagation are analysed: meteorological‐to‐agricultural (SPEI‐to‐SSMI) and agricultural‐to‐hydrological (SSMI‐to‐SSI). The drought propagation is analysed using three‐time matrices, namely the time difference between initiation (), peak () and termination () at multiple timescales of 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months using different drought threshold values 0, −0.5, −1 and − 1.5, respectively, to delineate shifts from mild to extreme drought conditions in detail. The results indicate that the propagation time from SPEI‐to‐SSMI drought decreased for most of the tributaries using multiple timescales at different threshold values, whereas it increased significantly for SSMI‐to‐SSI drought. The drought propagation changes with respect to time as well as magnitude (intensity and severity). The propagation factor (PF), defined as the ratio of the average value of succeeding drought to preceding drought characteristics, has also been studied. For SPEI‐to‐SSMI drought, the duration PF shrinks across all tributaries using multiple timescales at different threshold values, whereas it expands for SSMI‐to‐SSI drought. On the other hand, the severity and intensity PF magnify for SPEI‐to‐SSMI drought, whereas it experiences dampening effects for SSMI‐to‐SSI drought. Thus, the proposed study provides valuable insights into drought propagation dynamics, aiding in managing and mitigating droughts in the semi‐arid river basin and elsewhere.
Ultrasound‐guided staging and reversal of female genital mutilation
Authors: Baumfeld Yael , Welch Eva , Shobeiri S. Abbas , Alshiek Jonia
Published: August 2024

Importance

FGM/C is common, effecting over 200 million women worldwide and has substantial associated morbidity. We seek improving the reversal procedure using ultrasound imaging.

Objective

The use of peri‐ and intraoperative ultrasound imaging for reconstructive surgery following FGM/C for staging and surgical planning, with focus on the clitoral structures and blood flow.

Study design

This is a case series of patients with FGM/C who were evaluated and underwent reconstructive surgical management at a single institution between 2018 and 2022. Ultrasound examination with Doppler imaging was performed. The electronic medical record was queried for data regarding patient characteristics, examination and ultrasound findings, and surgical and postoperative course.

Results

Seven patients are described in this case series who sustained the FGM/C with classifications ranging from Ia to IIIb. The primary complaints were dyspareunia or apareunia. Six of seven (86%) reported anorgasmia. Four of seven (57%) had prior vaginal deliveries, and one of seven (14%) was delivered only by cesarean sections, two of seven (29%) have not been able to have intercourse. Ultrasound examination was utilized to facilitate recognition of the anatomic structures during the reconstruction, and Doppler was used to evaluate the clitoral blood flow. Doppler was useful to delineate clitoral tissues from a closely involved periclitoral inclusion cyst, aiding in surgical excision while minimizing clitoral vascular or nerve injury. Postoperative anatomical restoration, sexual function, and alleviation of dyspareunia were excellent. None of the patients reported decreased sexual pleasure postoperatively.

Conclusions

Ultrasound imaging with Doppler can be utilized to facilitate personalized approaches to optimize both anatomical and functional results in cases of genital reconstruction.
How mindfulness, decentering, nonattachment and rumination interact with the temporal associations between emotions and thoughts: An experience sampling study
Authors: Fuochi Giulia , Voci Alberto
Published: August 2024

The way emotions and thoughts affect each other in daily life deeply impacts an individual's well‐being. This experience sampling study (N = 132, 24 random‐schedule signals in 6 days) aimed to (a) test the bidirectionality of within‐person concurrent (simultaneous) and prospective (from time t‐1 to time t) associations between real‐life emotions and thoughts; (b) explore the moderator roles of dispositions involving the ability to take an aware and detached perspective on inner experience (i.e., mindfulness, decentering, nonattachment and low rumination) in the abovementioned associations. Multilevel within‐person and multilevel lagged models assessed concurrent and prospective links, respectively. Emotions and thoughts showed concurrent associations, and prospective associations only between same‐valence emotions and thoughts. Low rumination and decentering strengthened the—respectively—simultaneous and prospective relationship between positive thoughts and positive emotions; decentering, nonattachment and low rumination suppressed the positive association between lagged negative emotions and present negative thoughts. Decentering also nullified the negative concurrent link between positive thoughts and negative emotions. Mindfulness and nonattachment strengthened the concurrent negative link between negative thoughts and positive emotions. Dispositions involving a detached perspective on inner experience improve individual abilities to deal with negative emotions and promote upward spirals between positive emotions and thoughts.