bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Boosting I–/I3− ${\mathrm{I}}_{3}^{-}$ liquid state thermocells through solubility‐driven biphasic system optimization
Authors: Liu Xiangyu , Wang Taiyu , Ye Haobin , Nan Wenjing , Chen Mingyu , Fang Jiale , Fan Feng Ru 
Published: July 2024

AbstractLiquid state thermocells (LTCs) offer a promising approach for harvesting low‐grade heat. In exploring the impact of concentration difference (ΔCr) on the Seebeck coefficient (Se) in LTCs, previous studies mainly focused on two strategies: host–guest complexation and thermosensitive crystallization, which involved adding polymers or cation additives for targeted interaction with the redox couple. However, these methods face challenges in scalability and long‐term application due to the selection and costs of additives, along with the stability of recognition. This study pioneers a unique strategy that utilizes solubility differences in an organic‐aqueous biphasic system. We investigated an electrolyte consisting of an I−/ redox couple, an organic‐aqueous solvent, and ammonium sulfate. This biphasic system enables an enriched concentration of in the upper phase, thereby enhancing the reduction reaction on the hot side. Our approach achieves a Se of 1.8 mV K−1 and a maximum output of 120 μW m−2 K−2, representing a substantial improvement, over threefold compared to traditional single‐phase systems. Therefore, this cost‐effective strategy using a biphasic system establishes a novel pathway for advancing performance of LTCs and presents a promising approach toward achieving carbon neutrality.
Advancing electrochemical CO2 reduction with group 11 metal nanoclusters for renewable energy solutions
Authors: Biswas Sourav , Shingyouchi Yamato , Ogami Masaki , Kamiyama Maho , Kawawaki Tokuhisa , Negishi Yuichi 
Published: July 2024

AbstractUnderstanding the intricate relationship between structure and properties is paramount in distinguishing nanocluster (NC) materials from their counterparts. Despite the progress in synthesizing new NCs, the sluggish exploration of their potential applications persists due to the difficulty in stabilizing these materials. However, recent investigations have unveiled their remarkable efficacy as catalysts in electrochemical CO2 reduction reactions, surpassing traditional materials. This discovery, addressing urgent global concerns, has quickly drawn significant attention to this field, leading to its rapid expansion. Hence, there is an urgent need to outline this research landscape and pinpoint effective strategies, marking a significant advancement. In this context, our endeavor is dedicated to offering researchers a thorough understanding of recently synthesized NC materials. We aim to elucidate their distinct structural architectures and associated properties essential for catalyst design. We envision that this systematic review will serve as a guiding beacon for future research endeavors in this burgeoning field.
Genetic–environment associations explain genetic differentiation and variation between western and eastern North Pacific rhinoceros auklet (Cerorhinca monocerata) breeding colonies
Authors: Graham Brendan A. , Hipfner J. Mark , Wellband Kyle W. , Ito Motohiro , Burg Theresa M. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAnimals are strongly connected to the environments they live in and may become adapted to local environments. Examining genetic–environment associations of key indicator species, like seabirds, provides greater insights into the forces that drive evolution in marine systems. Here we examined a RADseq dataset of 19,213 SNPs for 99 rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata) from five western Pacific and 10 eastern Pacific breeding colonies. We used partial redundancy analyses to identify candidate adaptive loci and to quantify the effects of environmental variation on population genetic structure. We identified 262 candidate adaptive loci, which accounted for 3.0% of the observed genetic variation among western Pacific and eastern Pacific breeding colonies. Genetic variation was more strongly associated with pH and maximum current velocity, than maximum sea surface temperature. Genetic–environment associations explain genetic differences between western and eastern Pacific populations; however, genetic variation within the western and eastern Pacific Ocean populations appears to follow a pattern of isolation‐by‐distance. This study represents a first to quantify the relationship between environmental and genetic variation for this widely distributed marine species and provides greater insights into the evolutionary forces that act on marine species.
Unraveling the genomic landscape of Campylorhynchus wrens along western Ecuador's precipitation gradient: Insights into hybridization, isolation by distance, and isolation by the environment
Authors: Montalvo Luis Daniel , Kimball Rebecca T. , Austin James D. , Robinson Scott K. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEnvironmental gradients have the potential to influence genetic differentiation among populations ultimately leading to allopatric speciation. However, environmental gradients can also facilitate hybridization between closely related taxa. We investigated a putative hybrid zone in western Ecuador, involving two polytypic wren species (Aves: Troglodytidae), Campylorhynchus zonatus and C. fasciatus. Our study addressed two primary questions: (1) Is there evidence of population structure and genetic admixture between these taxa in western Ecuador? and (2) What are the relative contributions of isolation by distance and isolation by the environment to the observed genetic differentiation along the environmental gradient in this region? We analyzed 4409 single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 112 blood samples sequenced using ddRadSeq and a de novo assembly. The optimum number of genetic clusters ranged from 2 to 4, aligning with geographic origins, known phylogenetics, and physical or ecological constraints. We observed notable transitions in admixture proportions along the environmental gradient in western Ecuador between C. z. brevirostris and the northern and southern genetic clusters of C. f. pallescens. Genetic differentiation between the two C. f. pallescens populations could be attributed to an unreported potential physical barrier in central western Ecuador, where the proximity of the Andes to the coastline restricts lowland habitats, limiting dispersal and gene flow, especially among dry‐habitat specialists. The observed admixture in C. f. pallescens suggests that this subspecies may be a hybrid between C. z. brevirostris and C. fasciatus, with varying degrees of admixture in western Ecuador and northwestern Peru. We found evidence of isolation by distance, while isolation by the environment was less pronounced but still significant for annual mean precipitation and precipitation seasonality. This study enhances our understanding of avian population genomics in tropical regions.
Predicting climate change impacts on the distribution of endemic fish Cyprinion muscatense in the Arabian Peninsula
Authors: Gholamhosseini Ali , Yousefi Masoud , Esmaeili Hamid Reza 
Published: July 2024

AbstractFreshwater fishes are facing considerable threats in the Arabian Peninsula which is considered as a highly stressed region in the Middle East. It is predicted that northern Oman is likely to face decreasing rainfall and increasing temperature in coming decades. In this study, we focused on an endemic cyprinid fish Cyprinion muscatense, as a model to investigate impacts of climate change on the mountain fishes inhibiting in this arid region. This species is expected to be strongly affected by climate change because of its limited distribution range in a montane area surrounded by lowlands and sea, limiting the species in shift to other areas. We used an ensemble approach by considering two regressions‐based species distribution modeling (SDM) algorithms: generalized linear models (GLM), and generalized additive models (GAM) to model the species habitat suitability and predict the impacts of climate change on the species habitat suitability. Based on the distribution models, the montane area located in northeastern Oman was identified as the most suitable habitat for this species. Our results indicate that, even under the minimum greenhouse gas emissions scenario (RCP 2.6), climate change will produce a high reduction in its potential future habitats. According to the results of percent contribution, elevation and annual minimum temperature were the most important variables in predicting the species suitable habitats. Results also showed that only a small percentage of suitable habitats for the species within boundaries of protected areas. Therefore, the impact of climate change on the species appears particularly alarming. Although our study was restricted to a single cyprinid freshwater species, decreases in potential habitats are likely predicted for other cyprinid fish species restricted to the mountains of this region, suggesting severe consideration is needed for aquatic systems in future conservation planning, especially for endemic freshwater fishes.
Characteristics of demersal fish community structure during summer hypoxia in the Pearl River Estuary, China
Authors: Lai Han , Bi Sheng , Yi Huadong , Li Haiyang , Wei Xuchong , Wang Gongpei , Guo Dingli , Liu Xuange , Chen Jiahui , Chen Qiuxian , Zhang Zhilun , Liu Shuang , Huang Chenlei , Lin Li , Li Guifeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn recent decades, hypoxic areas have rapidly expanded worldwide in estuaries and coastal zones. The Pearl River Estuary (PRE), one of China's largest estuaries, experiences frequent seasonal hypoxia due to intense human activities and eutrophication. However, the ecological effects of hypoxia in the PRE, particularly on fish communities, remain unclear. To explore these effects, we collected fish community and environmental data in July 2021 during the summer hypoxia development period. The results revealed that bottom‐layer dissolved oxygen (DO) in the PRE ranged from 0.08 to 5.71 mg/L, with extensive hypoxic zones (DO ≤ 2 mg/L) observed. Hypoxia has varied effects on fish community composition, distribution, species, and functional diversity in the PRE. A total of 104 fish species were collected in this study, with approximately 30 species (28.6%) exclusively found in hypoxic areas. Species responses to hypoxia varied: species such as Sardinella zunasi, Coilia mystus, and Nuchequula nuchalis were sensitive, while Decapterus maruadsi, Siganus fuscescens, and Lagocephalus spadiceus showed higher tolerance. Within the hypoxia area, dissolved oxygen was the main limiting factor for fish community diversity. Functional diversity (FDiv) decreased with higher dissolved oxygen levels, indicating a potential shift in the functional traits and ecological roles of fish species in response to changing oxygen conditions. Further analysis demonstrated that dissolved oxygen had a significantly stronger effect on fish community structure at hypoxic sites than in the whole PRE. Moreover, other environmental variables also had significant effects on the fish community structure and interacted with dissolved oxygen in the hypoxia area. These findings suggest that maintaining sufficient dissolved oxygen levels is essential for sustaining fish communities and ecosystem health in the PRE. This study provides novel insights into the effects of hypoxia on fish communities in estuarine ecosystems and has significant implications for the ecological health and management of the PRE.
The tale of the rattle: Using rattle size to understand growth and sexual dimorphism in an insular population of rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus caliginis)
Authors: Nava Roman A. , Sigala‐Rodríguez José Jesús , Redetzke Nathaniel , Villalobos‐Juarez Ivan , Franco‐Servin‐de‐la‐Mora Cristian , Rosales‐García Ramses , Clark Rulon W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIslands have played a key role in our understanding of rapid evolution. A large body of literature has examined morphological changes in response to insularity and isolation, which has yielded useful generalizations about how animals can adapt to live in very small geographic areas. However, understanding the evolution of morphological variation in insular populations often requires detailed data sets on longitudinal patterns of growth and development, and such studies typically necessitate long‐term mark‐recapture on a large sample of individuals. Rattlesnakes provide a unique opportunity to address some of these difficulties because the addition of rattle segments to the rattle string occurs with regular periodicity and their size directly correlates with the body size of the snake at the time of the ecdysis cycle generating the segment. Here, we used a large database of rattle segment sizes recorded from island (Isla Coronado Sur, Baja California, Mexico) and mainland (Camp Pendleton, California, United States) populations of Western Rattlesnakes (Crotalus oreganus and C. o. caliginis) that separated approximately 10,000 years ago to compare body sizes at different ecdysis cycles, which allowed us to assess differences in growth rates and patterns of sexual size dimorphism. Our results show that rattlesnakes on Isla Coronado Sur appear to be born smaller and grow more slowly than their mainland counterparts, resulting in a “dwarfed” island population. However, despite significant differences in body size, both populations exhibited the same degree of sexual dimorphism. Our study demonstrates the potential to use rattle characteristics to recover detailed estimates of fundamental demographic parameters.
Accounting for imperfect detection when estimating species‐area relationships and beta‐diversity
Authors: Noble Ciar D. , Peres Carlos A. , Gilroy James J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractEcologists have historically quantified fundamental biodiversity patterns, including species‐area relationships (SARs) and beta diversity, using observed species counts. However, imperfect detection may often bias derived community metrics and subsequent community models. Although several statistical methods claim to correct for imperfect detection, their performance in species‐area and β‐diversity research remains unproven. We examine inaccuracies in the estimation of SARs and β‐diversity parameters that emerge from imperfect detection, and whether such errors can be mitigated using a non‐parametric diversity estimator (iNEXT.3D) and Multi‐Species Occupancy Models (MSOMs). We simulated 28,350 sampling regimes of 2835 fragmented communities, varying the mean and standard deviation of species detection probabilities, and the number of sampling repetitions. We then quantified the bias, accuracy, and precision of derived estimates of model coefficients for SARs and the effects of patch area on β‐diversity (pairwise Sørensen similarity). Imperfect detection biased estimates of all evaluated parameters, particularly when mean detection probabilities were low, and there were few sampling repetitions. Observed counts consistently underestimated species richness and SAR z‐values, and overestimated SAR c‐values; iNEXT.3D and MSOMs only partially resolved these biases. iNEXT.3D provided the best estimates of SAR z‐values, although MSOM estimates were generally comparable. All three methods accurately estimated pairwise Sørensen similarity in most circumstances, but only MSOMs provided unbiased estimates of the coefficients of models examining covariate effects on β‐diversity. Even when using iNEXT.3D or MSOMs, imperfect detection consistently caused biases in SAR coefficient estimates, calling into question the robustness of previous SAR studies. Furthermore, the inability of observed counts and iNEXT.3D to estimate β‐diversity model coefficients resulted from a systematic, area‐related bias in Sørensen similarity estimates. Importantly, MSOMs corrected for these biases in β‐diversity assessments, even in suboptimal scenarios. Nonetheless, as estimator performance consistently improved with increasing sampling repetitions, the importance of appropriate sampling effort cannot be understated.
Eligibility for vericiguat in a real‐world, contemporary heart failure population
Authors: Vergaro Giuseppe , Aimo Alberto , Gentile Francesco , Mandoli Giulia Elena , Focardi Marta , Castiglione Vincenzo , Giannoni Alberto , Panichella Giorgia , Fornaro Alessandra , Carluccio Erberto , Liga Riccardo , Salatin Mattia , Passino Claudio , Piepoli Massimo F. , Cameli Matteo , Cappelli Francesco , Di Mario Carlo , Emdin Michele 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAimsVericiguat is a soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator and improves survival in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) and an increased risk of decompensation. As real‐world data on how many patients could be eligible for vericiguat therapy derive from outdated registries, we aimed to assess eligibility in a prospective cohort of patients with HF.Methods and resultsData from consecutive HF patients undergoing an elective ambulatory visit at five university hospitals from 3 July to 28 July 2023 were collected. Independent investigators assessed which patients (i) met the eligibility criteria of the VICTORIA trial, (ii) complied with HF guideline recommendations, (iii) met regulatory agency criteria, or (iv) met criteria for refundability according to the Italian regulatory agency. Patients (n = 346, 72% men, median age 69 years) had HFrEF in 57% of cases, left ventricular ejection fraction < 45% in 68%, and New York Heart Association class II–IV symptoms in 76%. Patients meeting the eligibility criteria of the VICTORIA trial or European and American HF Guideline recommendations were 9% and 13%, respectively. Patients meeting Food and Drug Administration (FDA) or European Medicines Agency (EMA) label criteria were 19% and 17%, respectively. Drug costs would be covered by the Italian National Health System in 10% of patients [if a sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) is not mandatory] or in 8% (if an SGLT2i is requested).ConclusionsIn a real‐world study, 9% of patients met the eligibility criteria of the VICTORIA trial, but up to 13% complied with guideline recommendations and up to 19% met FDA or EMA criteria. In Italy, drug costs would be covered by up to 10% of patients.
A sham‐controlled, randomized trial of spinal cord stimulation for the treatment of pain in chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Gulisano Helga Angela , Eriksen Elin , Bjarkam Carsten Reidies , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Olesen Søren Schou 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundSpinal cord stimulation (SCS) has emerged as a treatment option for patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) who experience pain that does not respond to standard interventions. However, there is a lack of sham‐controlled trials to support its efficacy.MethodsThis randomized, double‐blinded, sham‐controlled, cross‐over trial enrolled 16 CP patients with insufficient pain relief from standard therapies. Patients underwent high‐frequency (1000 Hz) paraesthesia‐free SCS or sham for two 10‐day stimulation periods, separated by a 3‐day washout period. The primary outcome was daily pain intensity registered in a pain diary based on a numeric rating scale (NRS). Secondary outcomes included various questionnaires. Quantitative sensory testing was used to probe the pain system before and after interventions.ResultsThe average daily pain score on the NRS at baseline was 5.2 ± 1.9. After SCS, the pain score was 4.2 ± 2.1 compared to 4.3 ± 2.1 in the sham group (mean difference −0.1, 95% CI [−1.4 to 1.1]; P = 0.81). Similarly, no differences were observed between groups for the maximal daily pain score, secondary outcomes or quantitative sensory testing parameters. During an open‐label, non‐sham‐controlled and non‐blinded extension of the study, the average daily NRS was 5.2 ± 1.7 at baseline, 3.2 ± 1.8 at 3 months, 2.9 ± 1.9 at 6 months and 3.4 ± 2.2 at 12 months of follow‐up (P = 0.001).ConclusionIn this first sham‐controlled trial of SCS in painful CP, we did not find evidence of short‐term pain relief with paraesthesia‐free high‐frequency (1000 Hz) stimulation. However, evaluation of the long‐term effect by larger sham‐controlled trials with long‐term follow‐up is warranted.Significance StatementIn this first sham‐controlled trial to apply high‐frequency (1000 Hz) spinal cord stimulation in patients with visceral pain due to chronic pancreatitis, we did not find evidence for clinically relevant pain relief. Taken together with potential procedure‐related complications, adverse effects and costs associated with spinal cord stimulation, our findings question its use for management of visceral pain.
Who likes meat, fish, and seafood? Influence of sex, age, body mass index, smoking, and olfactory efficiency on meat product preferences
Authors: Hartman‐Petrycka Magdalena , Lebiedowska Agata , Kamińska Magdalena , Krusiec‐Świdergoł Beata , Błońska‐Fajfrowska Barbara , Witkoś Joanna , Wilczyński Sławomir 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMeat, fish, and seafood are animal products that can be found in various forms in the human diet. In Western culture, there are trends to reduce meat consumption. This work was created to assess how various factors influence the fact that we like to eat meat, fish, and seafood. Exploring these relationships will contribute to our understanding of why dietary interventions for the above foods may be so difficult to implement in some groups of people. Two hundred eighty‐three people living in Poland took part in the study. An interview and olfactory tests were conducted together with assessments of food preferences from 25 types of food products. The extent to which sex, age, body mass index, tobacco addiction, and sense of smell influence ‘meat, fish and seafood’ consumption was assessed. Using the factor analysis, a coherent group of ‘meat, fish and seafood’ products was selected: beef, pork, veal, cured meats, poultry, fish dishes, and seafood. ‘Meat, fish and seafood’ was liked more by men, compared to women (B = .85; CI = .60, 1.10; t = 6.66, η2 = .14; p < .001), whereas other factors did not affect the preference of dishes from this group as a whole. A detailed analysis of each type of food separately showed, however, that not only is gender important, but fish is liked more by older people, and cured meats by people who identify odors more efficiently. When planning a diet change, including the products mentioned above, we should consider the sex and age of the person to whom the diet is addressed, because men declare a higher derived pleasure from eating various types of meat, fish, and seafood than women, while older people like fish more.