bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studying Local Electrostatics by Terahertz Spectroscopy Using Amines as a Probe
Authors: Schulke Simon , Nolten Melinda , Schwaab Gerhard , Havenith Martina 
Published: October 2023

AbstractIn a previous study[1] we could show that a large amplitude mode of the zwitterion glycine can serve as a sensitive probe for protonation and allows to deduce local pKa values. Here we show that the underlying concept is more general: We present the results of a pH dependent measurement of Terahertz‐FTIR (THz‐FTIR) spectra of solvated amines, i. e. Diethylamine (DEA), Triethylamine (TEA), and Diisopropylamine (DiPA). We show that amines serve as a sensitive, label free probe for local protonation. Protonation of the amines yield intensity changes which can be quantified by precise THz spectroscopy (30 cm−1–450 cm−1). A detailed analysis allows us to correlate the titration spectra of solvated amines in the THz range with pKa values. This demonstrates the potential of THz spectroscopy to probe the charge state of biomolecules in water in a label free manner.
Recent Advances in Layered‐Double‐Hydroxide‐Based Separation Membranes
Authors: Li Biao , Xu Xiaozhi , Yang Zeya , Lu Jun , Han Jingbin 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe use of two‐dimensional materials shows great promise for the development of next‐generation membrane materials, thanks to their atomic thinness and the ease with which precise nanochannels can be constructed. Among these materials, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) stand out as an important class, possessing many features that make them ideal for constructing high‐performance membranes. LDHs offer many advantages, such as their abundant and tunable interlayer anions, which enable the preparation of membranes with adjustable sub‐nanometer pore sizes. Additionally, their hydrophilicity and positive charge characteristics afford them unique benefits. LDHs have been found to be effective in gas separation, ion sieving, and nanofiltration. This review provides a summary of the latest progress in using LDHs for membrane separation. It begins by introducing the basic properties of LDHs, followed by the assembly strategy for LDH membranes. Furthermore, the review presents the research status of LDHs membranes in various fields in a systematic manner. Lastly, the paper highlights some challenges and future prospects for preparing and applying LDHs membranes.
Recent Advances in the Conversion of Methane to Syngas and Chemicals via Photocatalysis
Authors: Li Ruitao , Zheng Yihan , Gong Kun , He Zhanjun , Dai Yuanyuan , Niu Qiang , Lin Tiejun , Zhong Liangshu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAs a primary constituent of natural gas and shale gas, direct conversion of methane has attracted significant attention due to its potential to reduce energy consumption and CO2 emissions. Compared with thermal catalysis, photocatalysis has the capacity to transcend thermodynamic constraint and enable the conversion of sustainable solar energy into chemical energy under mild reaction condition, which contributes to optimize the utilization of methane. In this review, we undertake a comparative analysis of various strategies for photocatalytic methane conversion to syngas and chemicals, including photocatalytic reforming of methane, photocatalytic partial oxidation of methane and photocatalytic coupling of methane. The distinct reaction systems with corresponding catalysts and underlying mechanisms are expounded in detail to foster a profound comprehension of solar‐driven methane conversion. Finally, the challenges and prospectives in photocatalytic methane conversion are discussed.
Ionic Liquid Boosting the Electrochemical Stability of a Poly(1,3‐dioxolane) Gel Electrolyte for High‐voltage Solid‐State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Chen Tianhua , Liu Jiaxin , Losic Dusan , Wang Jian , Zhang Haitao 
Published: October 2023

AbstractPoor interfacial contact between solid‐state electrolytes and electrodes limits high‐voltage performance of solid‐state lithium batteries. A new gel electrolyte is proposed via in‐situ polymerization, incorporating fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) solvent and ionic liquid1‐butyl‐1‐methylpiperidinium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide (PP14TFSI). This combination synergistically enhances Li ion transport, achieving a transfer number of 0.58 and improved electrochemical performance. FEC protects the Al current collectors from LiPF6 corrosion and promotes a protective interfacial layer formation. PP14TFSI improves interfacial contact and provides stable components. An interface layer of fluorine and nitrogen composites forms, preventing side reactions. LiCoO2||PPE||Li cell exhibits robust cycling stability at 4.45 V, retaining ~80 % capacity after 200 cycles at room temperature with 0.2 C and 1 C rates, showing increased coulombic efficiency. NCM811||PPE||Li cell also displays exceptional cycling. In‐situ polymerization and FEC‐ionic liquid coordination enable high‐voltage solid‐state lithium metal batteries for practical use.
Investigating tritrophic interactions using bioenergetic demographic models
Authors: Passoni Gioele , Coulson Tim , Cagnacci Francesca , Hudson Peter , Stahler Daniel R. , Smith Douglas W. , Lachish Shelly 
Published: October 2023

AbstractA central debate in ecology has been the long‐running discussion on the role of apex predators in affecting the abundance and dynamics of their prey. In terrestrial systems, research has primarily relied on correlational approaches, due to the challenge of implementing robust experiments with replication and appropriate controls. A consequence of this is that we largely suffer from a lack of mechanistic understanding of the population dynamics of interacting species, which can be surprisingly complex. Mechanistic models offer an opportunity to examine the causes and consequences of some of this complexity. We present a bioenergetic mechanistic model of a tritrophic system where the primary vegetation resource follows a seasonal growth function, and the herbivore and carnivore species are modeled using two integral projection models (IPMs) with body mass as the phenotypic trait. Within each IPM, the demographic functions are structured according to bioenergetic principles, describing how animals acquire and transform resources into body mass, energy reserves, and breeding potential. We parameterize this model to reproduce the population dynamics of grass, elk, and wolves in northern Yellowstone National Park (USA) and investigate the impact of wolf reintroduction on the system. Our model generated predictions that closely matched the observed population sizes of elk and wolf in Yellowstone prior to and following wolf reintroduction. The introduction of wolves into our basal grass–elk bioenergetic model resulted in a population of 99 wolves and a reduction in elk numbers by 61% (from 14,948 to 5823) at equilibrium. In turn, vegetation biomass increased by approximately 25% in the growing season and more than threefold in the nongrowing season. The addition of wolves to the model caused the elk population to switch from being food‐limited to being predator‐limited and had a stabilizing effect on elk numbers across different years. Wolf predation also led to a shift in the phenotypic composition of the elk population via a small increase in elk average body mass. Our model represents a novel approach to the study of predator–prey interactions, and demonstrates that explicitly considering and linking bioenergetics, population demography and body mass phenotypes can provide novel insights into the mechanisms behind complex ecosystem processes.
Belowground niche partitioning is maintained under extreme drought
Authors: Weides Sophie E. , Hájek Tomáš , Liancourt Pierre , Herberich Maximiliane M. , Kramp Rosa E. , Tomiolo Sara , Pacheco‐Riaño L. Camila , Tielbörger Katja , Májeková Maria 
Published: October 2023

AbstractBelowground niche partitioning presents a key mechanism for maintaining species coexistence and diversity. Its importance is currently reinforced by climate change that alters soil hydrological conditions. However, experimental tests examining the magnitude of its change under climate change are scarce. We combined measurements of oxygen stable isotopes to infer plant water‐uptake depths and extreme drought manipulation in grasslands. Belowground niche partitioning was evidenced by different water‐uptake depths of co‐occurring species under ambient and extreme drought conditions despite an increased overlap among species due to a shift to shallower soil layers under drought. A co‐occurrence of contrasting strategies related to the change of species water‐uptake depth distribution was likely to be key for species to maintain some extent of belowground niche partitioning and could contribute to stabilizing coexistence under drought. Our results suggest that belowground niche partitioning could mitigate negative effects on diversity imposed by extreme drought under future climate.
High frequency environmental DNA metabarcoding provides rapid and effective monitoring of fish community dynamics
Authors: Hallam Jane , Clare Elizabeth L. , Jones John Iwan , Day Julia J. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractLong‐term monitoring is critical to measure the response of biodiversity patterns and processes to human‐mediated environmental pressures. This is particularly pertinent in freshwaters, where recent estimates indicated a third of all fish species are threatened with extinction, making ongoing biomonitoring essential for conservation management. High frequency annual monitoring is critical for identifying temporal changes in fish community composition; however, traditional survey methods are typically less practical over such timeframes. While environmental (e)DNA measurement represents a potentially powerful tool for monitoring temporal community dynamics, studies are lacking. To address this deficit, we generated a high frequency time‐series dataset of entire fish communities using eDNA metabarcoding, to directly assess the repeatability and sensitivity of this method for detecting annual population trends. We targeted two differing environments (freshwater vs. intertidal) within the Thames catchment, UK, where detailed historical records from traditional monitoring were available for comparison. To test how robust eDNA data is for inferring the known community, we applied a hierarchical, nested design encompassing short and longer‐term variation in eDNA data. Our analyses showed that irrespective of environment, eDNA metabarcoding represented known seasonal shifts in fish communities, where increased relative read abundance of eDNA coincided with known migratory and spawning events, including those of the critically endangered native species Anguilla anguilla (European eel). eDNA species detections across a single year included over 75% of species recorded in a ca. 30‐year historical dataset, highlighting the power of eDNA for species detection. Our findings provide greater insight into the utility of eDNA metabarcoding for recovering temporal trends in fish communities from dynamic freshwater systems and insight into the potential best sampling strategy for future eDNA surveys.
Hydralazine combined with conventional therapy improved outcomes in severe systolic dysfunction and mitral regurgitation
Authors: Hsiao Shih‐Hung , Hsiao Chao‐Sheng , Shiau Jau‐Wen , Chiou Kuan‐Rau 
Published: October 2023

AbstractAimsPatients with heart failure (HF) and reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) accompanied by significant mitral regurgitation (MR) had poor outcome. Several vasodilator trials showed neutral results. We aimed to investigate the effect of early up‐titration of hydralazine combined with conventional treatment in acute HF with severe systolic dysfunction and significant MR.Methods and resultsThe study was open‐labelled, one‐to‐one ratio randomized designed. Consecutively hospitalized patients with decompensated HF symptoms, LVEF < 35%, and MR more than moderate severity were enrolled after exclusion. All participants with inadequate preload should have intake promotion with/without fluid supply. Patients receiving evidence‐based medications (EBMs) as conventional treatment served as the control. Hydralazine + conventional treatment group received up‐titration of hydralazine at Days 1–5 of the index admission combined with EBMs and throughout the course of follow‐up. The endpoints included cardiovascular (CV) death and HF rehospitalization. Totally, 408 patients were enrolled (203 in conventional treatment and 205 in hydralazine + conventional treatment). The mean follow‐up period was 3.5 years. The mean dose of hydralazine was 191 mg at index admission and 264 mg at study end in hydralazine + conventional treatment group. Both groups did not significantly differ in prescription rates and dosages of EBMs (all P > 0.05) at study end. Side effects did not differ between the two groups. Finally, 51% (104 out of 203 cases) reached endpoints in conventional group and 34.6% (71 out of 205 cases) in hydralazine + conventional treatment group, which had a significant reduction in CV events (hazard ratio 0.613, 95% confidence interval 0.427–0.877, P < 0.001). In‐hospital death during the index admission was significantly higher in conventional group (5.4% vs. 0.5%, respectively; P = 0.001).ConclusionsWhen administered without inadequate preload, combining early up‐titration of hydralazine with EBMs improves outcome in patients with severe systolic dysfunction and significant MR, and it is safe and well tolerated.
Applicability of Redirecting Artemisinins for New Targets
Authors: Golenser Jacob , Hunt Nicholas H. , Birman Ida , Jaffe Charles L. , Zech Johanna , Mäder Karsten , Gold Daniel 
Published: October 2023

AbstractEmploying new therapeutic indications for drugs that are already approved for human use has obvious advantages, including reduced costs and timelines, because some routine steps of drug development and regulation are not required. This work concentrates on the redirection of artemisinins (ARTS) that already are approved for clinical use, or investigated, for malaria treatment. Several mechanisms of action are suggested for ARTS, among which only a few have been successfully examined in vivo, mainly the induction of oxidant stress and anti‐inflammatory effects. Despite these seemingly contradictory effects, ARTS are proposed for repurposing in treatment of inflammatory disorders and diverse types of diseases caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. When pathogens are treated the expected outcome is diminution of the causative agents and/or their inflammatory damage. In general, repurposing ARTS is successful in only a very few cases, specifically when a valid mechanism can be targeted using an additional therapeutic agent and appropriate drug delivery. Investigation of repurposing should include optimization of drug combinations followed by examination in relevant cell lines, organoids, and animal models, before moving to clinical trials.
Eudiaptomus hadzici (Brehm) (Crustacea: Copepoda) from the Dinarid Karstic Area
Authors: Bukvić Ivančica , Kerovec Mladen , Mihaljevkič Zlatko 
Published: October 2023

AbstractDuring biological research in 1995/96 of Lake Visovac in karstic Dinarid area, a large number of calanoid and cyclopoid copepods were obtained from plankton. Among these materials, the uncommon high mountain species Eudiaptomus hadzici (Brehm, 1939) was recognized. The discovery of this species in a karstic Mediterranean lake at an altitude of 32 m is noteworthy and of some ecological value. It has never before been collected in Dinarid area, having been recorded only in high mountain glacial lakes in the south of the Balkan peninsula (Macedonia and Albania) and in periodical karstic lakes in the montane region (Slovenia). The distribution of this species is still little known and it is most probable that its geographical range could be enlarged by further investigations. In this work a short morphological description of the species found in Dinarid karst is given and also some notes on its ecology.
Management Impacts on Stand Structure of Lakeshore Phragmites Reeds
Authors: Ostendorp Wolfgang 
Published: October 2023

AbstractMany lakeside Phragmites australis reeds are frequently harvested or burnt in winter for several purposes like extraction of raw material, natural preservation or facilitation of professional fishing or fish breeding. The question is, whether these practices support a sustainable development of the reeds. Data from a long term monitoring program at Lake Constance (Germany) demonstrate that culm morphology, stand structure and aboveground peak biomass are strongly influenced by the treatment. Winter harvested and burnt reeds exhibited higher culm densities (+76% of the untreated controls), and a higher peak biomass (+13%). The mean culm height was reduced by −13%. The percentage of insect infested shoots was 8.8% of the total shoot population, compared with 20.1% of the untreated controls. Consecutive harvesting treatments intensified these effects. In the first two years after the treatment had stopped the reed stands showed an ‘overshoot’ biomass production, and a strong trend towards the features of the untreated controls. The possible mechanisms (mechanical damage, frost kill of the growth tips and breaking of the apical dominance) are discussed. It is concluded that winter harvesting and burning treatments make the reeds more susceptible against some environmental hazards, and should therefore applied with precaution on the basis of a close examination of risks and benefits.
Competition between the CyanobacteriumLimnothrix redekeiand Some Spring Species of Diatoms under P‐Limitation
Authors: Nicklisch Andreas 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe nutrient saturated growth and the competition betweenLimnothrix redekeiand some spring diatoms for phosphate were studied in semi‐continuous cultures at 10°C with a 6/18 h light/dark cycle and at 15 °C with a 12/12 light/dark cycle. Under these conditions in unialgal cultures, the maximum specific growth rate ofLimnothrix redekeiwas two to three time lower than that of the diatoms. However,Limnothrix redekeiwas the superior competitor for phosphate under both conditions in mixed cultures. The diatoms in mixed cultures from each species withLimnothrix redekeiwere competitively displaced but at a different rate. This allowed the diatoms to be ranked in terms of their competitive ability for phosphate at 10°C as follows:Synedra acus > Asterionella formosa > Stephanodiscus minutulus > Nitzschia acicularis > Cyclotella meneghiniana > Stephanodiscus neoastrea > Stephanodiscus hantzschii.The competitive ability ofLimnothrix redekeiat 15 °C was increased and the rank order of diatoms slightly changed. The hypothesis that cyanobacteria are promoted by phosphate because they are inferior competitors for phosphate is incorrect forLimnothrix redekei.
Forms and Mobility of Sediment Phosphorus in Shallow Eutrophic Lake Võrtsjärv (Estonia)
Authors: Nõges Peeter , Kisand Anu 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe surficial sediment (0–10 cm) of shallow eutrophic Lake Võrtsjärv (Estonia) was characterized by an acid insoluble residue of 50% dry weight and low nutrient, Fe and Mn content. Among phosphorus (P) fractions (Hieltjes and Lijklema, 1980), NaOH‐NRP amounted on an average to 50%, HCl‐RP to 30%, NaOH‐RP to 16%, and NH4Cl‐RP to 4% of their sum. Seasonal changes in sediment P content were inconsistent with mass balance calculations and could be attributed to sediment redistribution caused by decreasing water level. High Fe/P ratio (26–30) and the aeration of surficial sediment by frequent resuspension kept phosphate adsorbed. Low pore‐water SRP (commonly <10 μg l−1) usually prevented phosphate release from surficial sediment. However, a storm in September 1996 (max. wind speed 16 m s−1) which coincided with the extremely low water level in the lake (mean depth 1.44 m), denuded deeper anoxic sediment layers and caused a SRP release of 193 mg P m−2 d−1.
Woody Debris Accumulations — Important Ecological Components in a Low Order Forest Stream (Weidlingbach, Lower Austria)
Authors: Weigelhofer G. , Waringer J. A. 
Published: October 2023

AbstractFrom May 1996 to February 1998, the density of debris dams was surveyed in monthly intervals along a 750‐m‐long, third order section of the Weidlingbach, a fourth order sandstone brook in the Wienerwald. The mean density over the whole study period was one woody debris accumulation per 35 m stream length. The longevity of these structures ranged from one month to over one year, depending on the hydrology of the stream. More than 50% of the accumulations outlasted moderate floods (0.3–0.4 m3 s−1); of these, 52% were tightly fixed to the bank vegetation. However, only 12% of the destroyed dams were anchored in any way. In addition, two dams were sampled for macroinvertebrate colonisation every other month from June 1996 to June 1997. Dry weights of the leaf and wood fraction were determined and macroinvertebrates identified. Within dams, organismic densities were lowest in temporarily dry levels at the top of debris accumulations (mean density =171 specimens dm−3) and highest in permanently submerged levels near the water surface as well as in patches with high leaf litter concentrations (mean density = 1240 specimens dm−3). Within the topmost 5 cm sediment layer mean macroinvertebrate density was 67.7 specimens dm−3. Within debris dams, taxa composition was not significantly different between the lowermost level 1 and the sediment surface and among levels within dams; however, significant differences existed between the topmost level 4 and all other dam levels. In level 4, we observed significantly more terrestrial Diptera taxa and Coleoptera and significantly fewer Plecoptera and Gammaridae.
Pigment Content of Selected Planktonic Algae in Response to Simulated Natural Light Fluctuations and a Short Photoperiod
Authors: Nicklisch Andreas , Woitke Peter 
Published: October 2023

AbstractThe lipophilic photosynthetic pigments inLimnothrix redekei, Planktothrix agardhii(cyanobacteria),Stephanodiscus minutulus, Synedra acus(diatoms),Scenedesmus acuminatus, andScenedesmus armatus(chlorophycean) all isolated from an eutrophic lake were quantitatively determined by HPLC. The algae were grown semi‐continuously under nutrient sufficient conditions at 20°C at a 12/12 h light/dark cycle with constant irradiance or with simulated natural light fluctuations as well as at a 6/18 h light/dark cycle with constant irradiance, all at the same daily light exposure.The zeaxanthin and the myxoxanthophyll contents of cyanobacteria were not influenced by fluctuating light, a short photoperiod or a different sampling time. The chlorophyllb/aratio, the lutein/chlorophyllaratio, and the neoxanthin content of chlorophycean as well as the chlorophyllc/aand the fucoxanthin/chlorophyllaratio of diatoms were only slightly influenced by these factors. Therefore in some cases marker pigment contents and in other cases marker pigment/chlorophyllaratios may be more useful for quantifying the relative importance of different taxonomic groups in natural phytoplankton. Simulated natural light fluctuations or the length of the photoperiod only slightly influenced the pigment content or the marker pigment/chlorophyllaratio.