bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using integrated step selection to determine effects of predation risk on bison habitat selection and movement
Authors: Salganek S. , Schoenecker K. A. , Terwilliger M. L. N. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractAnimal movement is a fundamental mechanism that shapes communities and ecosystems. Ungulates alter the ecosystems they inhabit and understanding their movements and distribution is critical for linking habitat with population dynamics. Predation risk has been shown to strongly influence ungulate movement patterns, such that ungulates may select habitat where predation risk is lower (refugia), adjust movement rates, temporal patterns, or selection of cover variables in areas with greater predation risk. We evaluated potential predation avoidance behavior in a population of plains bison inhabiting the north rim of Grand Canyon National Park (GRCA) and adjacent Kaibab National Forest (KNF). The KNF has year‐round hunting managed by Arizona Game and Fish Department, whereas hunting is not allowed in GRCA. Human‐maintained water sources on the KNF are particularly important resources for bison wherein they may be exposed to higher predation risk to access these resources. We used 2‐h GPS locations for three years from 31 bison (n = 9 males; n = 22 females), and integrative step selection analysis to test four hypotheses about the potential for bison to reduce their risk from human predation by avoiding areas of high predation risk; moving faster in areas with high predation risk; entering high‐risk areas at night when risk is reduced; and entering high‐risk areas in habitats that provide cover (coniferous forest). The highest performing model indicated bison movement was 1.3 times faster per 2‐h step interval than in areas with no hunting across all vegetation classes (coniferous forest, shrub, quaking aspen, grass‐forb meadow) and across all topography classes (valley, slope, ridge). Bison moved more slowly in grass‐forb meadows than all other vegetation types, and in valleys relative to slopes and ridges. Several radio‐collared individuals had no GPS locations in KNF for the duration of the study. Bison avoided predation risk using two strategies: moving faster while in the KNF, and fully avoiding high‐risk areas by remaining within GRCA. Management that manipulates or reduces timing of hunting seasons may reduce perceived predation risk and encourage bison to distribute into the KNF and across a broader range of available habitat.
Carbon budget of paddy ecosystems in China simulated by denitrification‐decomposition model
Authors: Lu Xinqing , Zhang Xiuying , Wang Zhen , Li Shengfeng 
Published: July 2024

AbstractQuantifying the carbon budget in rice paddy ecosystems is fundamental to understanding the role of paddy fields as carbon sinks or sources and to mitigating global climate change. This study used a process‐based model of the denitrification‐decomposition (DNDC) model to estimate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and carbon sinks in the paddy ecosystem across China. The simulation results showed that the GHG emissions were 0.147 Pg C‐equivalent year−1 and that the carbon sequestration in rice plants and soils reached 0.253 Pg C year−1 in 2016, indicating high carbon sequestration potential of the Chinese paddy ecosystem. Land management had a great influence on carbon budgets, among which straw residue incorporation rate and nitrogen fertilizer applications had a stronger influence on carbon budgets, particularly for double cropping rice. These results indicate that appropriate tillage practices can reduce GHG emissions and increase carbon sequestration of rice ecosystems while ensuring rice yields.
Human footprint and rainfall shape Masai giraffe's habitat suitability and connectivity in a multiple‐use landscape
Authors: Muthiuru Amos C. , Crego Ramiro D. , Simbauni Jemimah A. , Muruthi Philip M. , Waiguchu Grace , Lala Fredrick , Millington James D. A. , Kairu Eunice W. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractGiraffe populations have declined by around 40% in the last three decades. Climate change, poaching, habitat loss, and increasing human pressures are confining giraffes to smaller and more isolated patches of habitats. Masai giraffes (Giraffa tippelskirchi) have been subjected to habitat loss and fragmentation, diseases, poaching, and unpredictable calamities such as wildfires and climate change. In this study, we aimed to identify (1) suitable Masai giraffe habitats within the transboundary landscape of Tsavo‐Mkomazi in Southern Kenya and Northern Tanzania; and (2) key connecting corridors in a multiple‐use landscape for conservation prioritization. We combined Masai giraffe presence data collected through a total aerial survey with moderate resolution satellite data to model habitat suitability at 250 m resolution using species distribution models (SDMs) implemented in Google Earth Engine (GEE). Model accuracy was assessed using area under precision recall curve (AUC‐PR). We then used the habitat suitability index as a resistance surface to model functional connectivity using Circuitscape theory and cost‐weighted distance pairwise methods. Human habitat modification, rainfall, and elevation were the main model predictors of Masai giraffe habitat and corridors. On average, our 10‐fold model fitting attained a good predictive performance with an average AUC‐PR = 0.80 (SD = 0.01, range = 0.79–0.83). The model predicted an area of 15,002 km2as potential suitable Masai giraffe habitat with over 17% outside protected areas within the landscape. Although Tsavo West National Park formed a key habitat and a key connecting corridor, nonprotected community ranches connecting Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks are equally important in maintaining landscape connectivity joining more than two Masai giraffe core areas with low resistance and high permeability. To maintain critical Masai giraffe's habitats and landscape functional connectivity, especially in multiple‐use landscapes, conservation‐compatible land use practices, capacity building, and land use planning should be considered at the outset of any new infrastructure development and land use changes. This modeling shows the potential of utilizing remotely sensed information and ground surveys to guide the management of habitats and their connecting corridors across important African landscapes, complementing existing efforts to identify, conserve, and protect wildlife habitats and their linkage zones.
A dramatic northward range expansion of a Red Sea soft coral in the Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Shlesinger Tom , Mills Elad , McFadden Catherine S. , Benayahu Yehuda 
Published: July 2024

AbstractHistorically isolated from tropical influences, the Mediterranean Sea underwent drastic changes, including the Lessepsian migration facilitated by the opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we report on the discovery of a thriving and lush population of an Indo‐Pacific soft coral in the transforming Mediterranean Sea. This species was identified as Dendronephthya hemprichi (Klunzinger, 1877) through morphological and genetic assessments. The unexpected appearance of a dense population of this tropical coral off the Israeli Mediterranean coast signifies a northward range expansion of approximately 350 km from the northern Red Sea. Considering the potential for this soft coral to alter benthic community structure and create new marine animal forests, the population's sudden and massive colonization of artificial structures raises intriguing questions about its possible long‐term ecological implications in the Mediterranean ecosystem. This study emphasizes the urgency of continuous monitoring and research to understand the ecological consequences of this unprecedented abrupt tropical incursion of hundreds of colonies and its potential implications for the region's biodiversity. Moreover, the findings contribute to the broader discourse on the tropicalization of temperate and subtropical regions, highlighting the need to adapt conservation strategies that embrace and understand novel configurations of ecosystems in the face of ongoing local and global changes.
Competition between mixo‐ and heterotrophic ciliates under dynamic resource supply
Authors: Flöder Sabine , Klauschies Toni , Klaassen Moritz , Stoffers Tjardo , Lambrecht Max , Moorthi Stefanie 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe outcome of species competition strongly depends on the traits of the competitors and associated trade‐offs, as well as on environmental variability. Here, we investigate the relevance of consumer trait variation for species coexistence in a ciliate consumer–microalgal prey system under fluctuating regimes of resource supply. We focus on consumer competition and feeding traits, and specifically on the consumer's ability to overcome periods of resource limitation by mixotrophy, that is, the ability of photosynthetic carbon fixation via algal symbionts in addition to phagotrophy. In a 48‐day chemostat experiment, we investigated competitive interactions of different heterotrophic and mixotrophic ciliates of the genera Euplotes and Coleps under different resource regimes, providing prey either continuously or in pulses under constant or fluctuating light, entailing periods of resource depletion in fluctuating environments, but overall providing the same amount of prey and light. Although ultimate competition results remained unaffected, population dynamics of mixotrophic and heterotrophic ciliates were significantly altered by resource supply mode. However, the effects differed among species combinations and changed over time. Whether mixotrophs or heterotrophs dominated in competition strongly depended on the genera of the competing species and thus, species‐specific differences in the minimum resource requirements that are associated with feeding on shared prey, nutrient uptake, light harvesting, and access to additional resources such as bacteria. Potential differences in the curvature of the species' resource‐dependent growth functions may have further mediated the species‐specific responses to the different resource supply modes. Overall, our study demonstrates that genus‐ or species‐specific traits other than that related to nutritional mode may override the relevance of acquired phototrophy by heterotrophs in competitive interactions, and that the potential advantage of photosynthetic carbon fixation of symbiont‐bearing mixotrophs in competition with pure heterotrophs may differ greatly among different mixotrophs, playing out under different environmental conditions and depending on the specific requirements of the species. Complex trophic interactions determine the outcome of competition, which can only be understood by taking on a multidimensional trait perspective.
Germination response to winter temperature changes with seed shape and length of temperature exposure
Authors: Ladwig Laura M. , Henn Jonathan J. , Stahlheber Karen A. , Meiners Scott J. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractIn many regions, the climate is changing faster during winter than during the other seasons, and a loss of snow cover combined with increased temperature variability can expose overwintering organisms to harmful conditions. Understanding how species respond to these changes during critical developmental times, such as seed germination, helps us assess the ecological implications of winter climate change. To address this concern, we measured the breaking of seed dormancy and cold tolerance of temperate grassland species in the lab and field. In the lab, we ran germination trials testing the tolerance of 17 species to an extreme cold event. In the field, we deployed seeds of two species within a snow manipulation experiment at three locations and measured germination success biweekly from seeds subjected to ambient and reduced snow cover from winter into spring. From lab trials, cold tolerance varied among species, with seed germination decreasing <10%–100% following extreme cold events. Cold tolerance was related to seed traits, specifically less round seeds, seeds that required cold stratification, and seeds that mature later in the season tended to be more impacted by extreme cold temperatures. This variation in seed cold tolerance may contribute to altered community composition with continued winter climate change. In the field, germination increased through late winter, coinciding with the accumulation of days where temperatures were favorable for cold stratification. Through spring, germination success decreased as warm temperatures accumulated. Collectively, species‐specific seed cold tolerances and mortality rates may contribute to compositional changes in grasslands under continued winter climate change.
Optimization and application of bacterial environmental DNA and RNA isolation for qualitative and quantitative studies
Authors: Browne Daniel J. , Miller Catherine M. , O'Hara Emily P. , Courtney Robert , Seymour Jamie , Doolan Denise L. , Orr Ryan 
Published: July 2024

AbstractMolecular detection of environmental DNA (eDNA) and RNA (eRNA) allows highly sensitive qualitative (i.e., presence or absence) and quantitative (i.e., abundance) monitoring of aquatic bacteria. However, bacterial molecular diagnostics are limited by low positive predictive values. Protocols for bacterial eDNA and eRNA molecular monitoring have primarily focused on optimizing specimen collection, and the optimal method to purify bacterial nucleic material from postcollection aquatic specimens to maximize the analytical sensitivity of molecular diagnostics remains poorly defined. Accordingly, strategies to isolate bacterial eDNA and eRNA from fresh and saltwater were investigated. We evaluated two filtration and four nucleic acid purification systems as representative of current generation bacterial eDNA and eRNA isolation strategies for capacity to isolate bacterial eDNA and eRNA from prelysed (i.e., free‐nucleic acids) and viable (i.e., colony forming units, CFU) bacterial cells. We also compared the sensitivities of reverse transcription quantitative PCR (RT‐qPCR) and metagenomic shotgun microbiome sequencing. The optimal protocol used 0.7 μm borosilicate glass filters (Whatman plc) followed by extraction with the RNeasy PowerWater kit (Qiagen). The protocol had a very high analytical sensitivity (10−3–100 ng and 102–101 CFU detected in 500 mL) across multiple species of bacteria, when tested with either RTqPCR or metagenomic sequencing. Importantly, this study highlighted several limitations which are restrictive to both qualitative and quantitative bacterial eDNA and eRNA studies. First, a 12‐h time course between sampling and extraction revealed significant species‐specific changes in cell number and free‐nucleic acid concentrations can occur postspecimen collection. Second, we found Gram‐positive bacteria yielded less nucleic material compared to Gram‐negative bacteria suggesting bacterial eDNA and eRNA studies could be biased by microorganism genome stability and extraction efficiency. This study highlights the need to define the species‐specific diagnostic sensitivity of a protocol when monitoring aquatic bacterial eDNA and eRNA with molecular diagnostics.
Green Synthesis of Starch‐Capped CdS Nanoparticles Doped with Copper (II) and Manganese (II): Structural, Optical, and Photocatalytic Properties
Authors: Thangamuniyandi Pilavadi , Nagaraj Karuppiah , Velmurugan Gunasekaran , Kamalesu Subramaniam , Alshalwi Matar , Alotaibi Khalid M. , Maity Prasenjit , Abhijith S. M. , Shah Flora , Kaliyaperumal Raja , Rajaraman D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPure CdS and Cu2+/Mn2+‐doped CdS nanoparticles were synthesized using a green capping method via mechanochemical techniques, with starch as the capping agent. Characterization using XRD revealed a cubic phase structure of CdS nanoparticles, evidenced by peaks at 2θ values of 26.30°, 43.80°, and 51.80° corresponding to the (111), (220), and (311) planes, respectively. SEM‐EDAX analysis confirmed the presence of Cd, Cu, Mn, and S elements in the samples. Diffuse reflectance analysis indicated an average crystallite size ranging from 111 nm to 139 nm, accompanied by a band gap energy ranging from 2.25 to 1.95 eV. Raman spectroscopy identified peaks at 366 cm−1, 482 cm−1, and 556 cm−1, attributed to the skeletal modes of the pyranose ring in starch, thus confirming its presence in the starch‐capped CdS nanoparticles.
Dynamic Thermodynamic Resolution of Unprotected Amino Acids Using Ni(II) Chiral Schiff Bases
Authors: Nakano Arina , Hayashi Akari , Nagaoka Keita , Moriwaki Hiroki , Izawa Kunisuke , Yano Shigekazu , Konno Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2024

AbstractDynamic thermodynamic resolution of amino acids (AAs) using Ni(II) chiral Schiff bases is one of the simplest and most efficient methods to obtain optically active AAs. A comparison of the reactivity of 36 rac‐AAs with the Ni(II) complex revealed that this method can be easily applied to dynamic thermodynamic resolution and S/R interconversion of AAs with unprotected active functional groups. It can also be really applied for the side‐chain modification of AA derivatives with active functional groups on the Ni(II) complex. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activities of the synthesized Ni(II) complexes were evaluated, and the Ni(II) complexes [(S,S)−3 g, (S,S)−3 h, and (S,S)−3 i] showed remarkable antibacterial activity against Micrococcus luteus, a Gram positive bacterium.
Annual progress in global carbon capture, utilization, and storage in 2023
Authors: Fang Siyuan , Hu Yun Hang 
Published: July 2024

AbstractSince the industrial revolution, global anthropogenic CO2 emissions have surged dramatically to unsustainable levels, resulting in severe issues, such as global warming, extreme weather events, and species extinction. In response to this critical situation, extensive efforts have been undertaken across academia, industry, and policymaking sectors to deploy carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies. Here, we present the annual summary of global CCUS for the year 2023. We begin by discussing the trends of anthropogenic CO2 emissions and atmospheric CO2 concentrations, and then offer an up‐to‐date summary of progress in academia, industry, and policy, respectively. In academia, we analyze the number and categories of publications and highlight some key breakthroughs. In the industry sector, we meticulously collect and present information on operational commercial carbon‐capture and storage facilities. Furthermore, we elucidate significant policy announcements and reforms across diverse regions. This concise and comprehensive annual report aims to inspire ongoing efforts and collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers toward advancing carbon neutrality.
A synergy of Cr2O3 with eco‐friendly and thermally stable CsSnCl3 perovskite for solar energy storage: Density functional theory and SCAPS‐1D analysis
Authors: Pandya Ankur , Sharma Atish Kumar , Bhatt Misaree , Jha Prafulla K. , Sangani Keyur , Chourasia Nitesh K. , Chourasia Ritesh Kumar 
Published: July 2024

AbstractThe present study employs rigorous DFT analysis using WIEN2k for the best suitability of the Cr2O3 as an electron transport layer, synergetic with nontoxic and thermally stable CsSnCl3 perovskite solar energy storage device, configured as FTO/Cr2O3/CsSnCl3/CBTS/Au. The main objective of our investigation is to improve the device performance by optimizing thickness, carrier concentration, bulk defect density of each layer, interface defects, operating temperature, as well as the impact of parasitic elements on device performance. SCAPS‐1D tool was used to optimize the novel device architecture. The simulation results reveal that a CsSnCl3 layer with an optimized thickness of 800 nm and a doping concentration of 1 × 1015 cm−3 yields noteworthy outcomes, specifically, champion efficiency (𝜂) of 22.01% along with an open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.12 V, a short‐circuit current (Jsc) of 23.86 mA/cm2, and a fill factor of 81.65%. These improved findings were compared with existing theoretical and experimental reported data and found to exhibit the best performance. The present research substantially enhances the understanding of eco‐friendly CsSnCl3 perovskite solar cell optimization, thereby extending its applicability to future photovoltaic and optoelectronic devices.
Structural and Electrochemical Investigation of Anode‐Supported Proton‐Conducting Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Fabricated by the Freeze Casting Process
Authors: Karimi Ali , Paydar Mohammad Hossein , Aghaei Hamed , Masoumi Hossein 
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACTHierarchically oriented macroporous NiO–BaZr0.1Ce0.7Y0.2O3−δ (BZCY7) anode‐supporting layer (ASL) was developed using the freeze casting technique. The resulting freeze‐cast structure was analyzed through scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray computed tomography. A thin layer of BZCY7 was utilized as a proton‐conducting electrolyte, whereas La1.9Sr0.1Ni0.7Cu0.3O3−δ –gadolinium‐doped ceria 10% Gd (LSNC–GDC10) was employed and evaluated as cathode layer. The performance of the cell was assessed by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and I–V–P curves at various temperatures. Furthermore, as a point of comparison, a cell with an ASL was prepared using the dry pressing method, incorporating 20 wt.% graphite as a pore‐forming agent. The freeze‐cast anode‐supported cell demonstrated a polarization resistance of 1.45 Ω cm2 at 550°C and 0.29 Ω cm2 at 750°C. Maximum achieved power densities were 0.189 and 0.429 W cm−2 at 550 and 750°C, respectively. For the cell fabricated by the dry pressing method, the maximum power densities were 0.158 and 0.397 W cm−2 at 550 and 750°C, respectively. Additionally, the tortuosity factor of the anode layer and the gas diffusion streamline in the direction of solidification were determined by using 3D X‐ray tomography imaging and subsequent image processing.
Impact of dose distribution by a 3D planning system for brachytherapy with 198Au grains for head and neck cancer
Authors: Kishida Keita , Jingu Keiichi , Ito Kengo , Umezawa Rei , Yamamoto Takaya , Takahashi Noriyoshi , Suzuki Yu , Omata So , Harada Hinako , Seki Yasuhiro , Chiba Nanae , Okuda Shinsaku 
Published: July 2024

AbstractBackgroundThere has been no study in which the correlation between clinical results and dosimetry based on a 3D treatment planning system in patients with 198Au grains for head and neck cancer was evaluated.MethodsThirty‐two patients who were treated with 198Au grains for head and neck cancer were reviewed. Twenty‐five patients were treated with brachytherapy alone and seven patients were treated with a combination of brachytherapy and neoadjuvant external beam radiation therapy.ResultsWith a median observation period of 60 months, the 5‐year local control rate was 82.9%. V85Gy of CTV in patients with local recurrence tended to be lower than that in patients without local recurrence (p = 0.07). The maximum dose of the keratinized gingiva in patients in whom bone exposure occurred was significantly higher than that in patients in whom bone exposure did not occur (p = 0.001).ConclusionsDose distribution with 198Au grains can predict local control and late adverse events.