bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Breaking the Trade‐Off Between Mobility and On–Off Ratio in Oxide Transistors
Authors: Chang Yu‐Cheng , Wang Sung‐Tsun , Lee Yung‐Ting , Huang Ching‐Shuan , Hsu Chu‐Hsiu , Weng Tzu‐Ting , Huang Chang‐Chang , Chen Chien‐Wei , Chou Tsung‐Te , Chang Chan‐Yuen , Woon Wei‐Yen , Lin Chun‐Liang , Sun Jack Yuan‐Chen , Lien Der‐Hsien
Published: December 2024

Amorphous oxide semiconductors (AOS) are pivotal for next‐generation electronics due to their high electron mobility and excellent optical properties. However, In2O3, a key material in this family, encounters significant challenges in balancing high mobility and effective switching as its thickness is scaled down to nanometer dimensions. The high electron density in ultra‐thin In2O3 hinders its ability to turn off effectively, leading to a critical trade‐off between mobility and the on‐current (Ion)/off‐current (Ioff) ratio. This study introduces a mild CF4 plasma doping technique that effectively reduces electron density in 10 nm In2O3 at a low processing temperature of 70 °C, achieving a high mobility of 104 cm2 V⁻¹ s⁻¹ and an Ion/Ioff ratio exceeding 10⁸. A subsequent low‐temperature post‐annealing further improves the critical reliability and stability of CF4‐doped In2O3 without raising the thermal budget, making this technique suitable for monolithic three‐dimensional (3D) integration. Additionally, its application is demonstrated in In2O3 depletion‐load inverters, highlighting its potential for advanced logic circuits and broader electronic and optoelectronic applications.
High External Quantum Efficiency and Ultra‐Narrowband Organic Photodiodes Using Single‐Component Photoabsorber With Multiple‐Resonance Effect
Authors: Yao Xiang , Li Yanru , Sun Yajing , Li Yao , Li Ting , Tang Zheng , Wu Jiaying , Fei Zhuping
Published: December 2024

Organic photodiodes (OPDs) that utilize wavelength‐selective absorbing molecules offer a direct approach to capturing specific wavelengths of light in multispectral sensors/imaging systems without filters. However, they exhibit broad response bandwidths, low external quantum efficiency (EQE), and often require compromises in two‐component photoactive materials. Herein, the first utility of boron‐nitrogen (BN) single‐component photoabsorbers, leveraging a multi‐resonance effect are introduced to attain OPDs with both record‐high EQE of 33.77% and ultra‐small full‐width half‐maximum (FWHM) of 36 nm in the reported narrowband OPDs using single‐component photoabsorbers. It is found that the outstanding performance of these narrowband OPDs can be attributed to the ultra‐small FWHM, slow charge recombination, low activation energy, and balanced bipolar charge transport within the para‐tert‐butyl substituted B,N‐embedded rigid polycyclic molecule (BNCz) film. Furthermore, BN derivatives such as BN(p)SCH3, BN(p)SO2CH3, and pyBN‐m‐H have also shown high EQE, minimal FWHM, and tunable photoresponse peaks ranging from blue‐violet to blue‐turquoise, highlighting the potential of BN molecules and molecular engineering in the development of novel narrowband absorbers for advanced wavelength‐selective OPDs. Such pioneering working can provide a class of novel narrowband absorbers to propel the advancement of high‐performance wavelength‐selective OPDs.
Photocatalytic C−I Bond Borylation and Phosphorylation of Diaryliodonium Salts with Excellent Atom‐Economy
Authors: Ding Tian‐Yu , Guo Xiao‐Ning , Chen Bin , Tung Chen‐Ho , Wu Li‐Zhu
Published: December 2024

Highly atom‐economic conversion of diaryliodonium salts represents an underdeveloped but highly desirable domain. Most reactions involving these species only utilize single aryl group of the diaryliodonium salts and produce an equivalent of aryl iodide as waste. Herein, by further transforming the side‐product aryl iodide, we report an overall new two‐step one‐pot strategy that allows photocatalytic C−I bond borylation of diaryliodonium salts and ensures effective conversion of both aryl groups of the diaryliodonium into the relevant arylboronic esters. Mechanistic investigations suggest that electron‐donor‐acceptor complex is formed between the photocatalyst phenothiazine and diaryliodonium salt substrate. Upon visible light irradiation, this complex produces aryl radical and aryl iodide. With addition of a base in the second step, the reducing ability of the photocatalyst is enhanced via proton‐coupled electron transfer process, thereby aryl iodide produced in the first step is reduced to yield aryl radical again. Both aryl radicals generated in the two steps react with B2(OR)4 to produce the corresponding monoarylation product in a quantitative yield. The strategy is also applicable for C−I bond phosphorylation of diaryliodonium salts, ensuring that both aryl moieties can be phosphorylated with high efficiency.
The Critical Role of YAP/BMP/ID1 Axis on Simulated Microgravity‐Induced Neural Tube Defects in Human Brain Organoids
Authors: Guo Di , Yao Bin , Shao Wen‐Wei , Zuo Jia‐Chen , Chang Zhe‐Han , Shi Jian‐Xin , Hu Nan , Bao Shuang‐Qing , Chen Meng‐Meng , Fan Xiu , Li Xiao‐Hong
Published: December 2024

Integrated biochemical and biophysical signals regulate embryonic development. Correct neural tube formation is critical for the development of central nervous system. However, the role of microgravity in neurodevelopment and its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effects of stimulated microgravity (SMG) on the development of human brain organoids are investigated. SMG impairs N‐cadherin‐based adherens junction formation, leading to neural tube defects associated with dysregulated self‐renewal capacity and neuroepithelial disorganization in human brain organoids. Bulk gene expression analyses reveal that SMG alters Hippo and BMP signaling in brain organoids. The neuropathological deficits in SMG‐treated organoids can be rescued by regulating YAP/BMP/ID1 axis. Furthermore, sing‐cell RNA sequencing data show that SMG results in perturbations in the number and function of neural stem and progenitor cell subpopulations. One of these subpopulations senses SMG cues and transmits BMP signals to the subpopulation responsible for tube morphogenesis, ultimately affecting the proliferating cell population. Finally, SMG intervention leads to persistent neurologic damage even after returning to normal gravity conditions. Collectively, this study reveals molecular and cellular abnormalities associated with SMG during human brain development, providing opportunities for countermeasures to maintain normal neurodevelopment in space.
Intermittent Vibration Induces Sleep via an Allatostatin A‐GABA Signaling Pathway and Provides Broad Benefits in Alzheimer's Disease Models
Authors: Mou Yang , Zhang Yan , Zheng Yuxian , He Guang , Xu Zhi‐Xiang , Xiao Xiao , Ping Yong
Published: December 2024

While animals across species typically experience suppressed consciousness and an increased arousal threshold during sleep, the responsiveness to specific sensory inputs persists. Previous studies have demonstrated that rhythmic and continuous vibration can enhance sleep in both animals and humans. However, the neural circuits underlying vibration‐induced sleep (VIS) and its potential therapeutic benefits on neuropathological processes in disease models remain unclear. Here, it is shown that intermittent vibration, such as cycles of 30 s on followed by 30 s off, is more effective in inducing sleep compared to continuous vibration. A clear evidence is further provided that allatostatin A (AstA)‐GABA signaling mediates short‐term intermittent vibration‐induced sleep (iVIS) by inhibiting octopaminergic arousal neurons through activating GABAA receptors. The existence of iVIS in mice is corroborated, implicating the GABAergic system in this process. Finally, intermittent vibration not only enhances sleep but also reduces amyloid‐β (Aβ) deposition and reverses memory defects in Alzheimer's disease models. In conclusion, the study defines a central neural circuit involved in mediating short‐term iVIS and the potential implications of vibration in treating sleep‐related brain disorders.
WDR36 Regulates Trophectoderm Differentiation During Human Preimplantation Embryonic Development Through Glycolytic Metabolism
Authors: An Shiyu , Hou Shuyue , Xu Feifei , Yan Huanyu , Zhang Wenyi , Xiang Jinfeng , Chen Haoran , Zhang Hanwen , Dong Lingling , Sun Xiaobin , Huo Ran , Chen Yun , Wang Xi , Yang Yang
Published: December 2024

Mammalian pre‐implantation development is a complex process involving sophisticated regulatory dynamics. WD repeat domain 36 (WDR36) is known to play a critical role in mouse early embryonic development, but its regulatory function in human embryogenesis is still elusive due to limited access to human embryos. The human pluripotent stem cell‐derived blastocyst‐like structure, termed a blastoid, offers an alternative means to study human development in a dish. In this study, after verifying that WDR36 inhibition disrupted polarization in mouse early embryos, it is further demonstrated that WDR36 interference can block human blastoid formation, dominantly hindering the trophectoderm lineage commitment. Both transcriptomics and targeted metabolomics analyses revealed that WDR36 interference downregulated glucose metabolism. WDR36 can interact with glycolytic metabolic protein lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), thereby positively regulating glycolysis during the late stage of human blastoid formation. Taken together, the study has established a mechanistic connection between WDR36, glucose metabolism, and cell fate determination during early embryonic lineage commitment, which may provide potential insights into novel therapeutic targets for early adverse pregnancy interventions.
Oxime ether photobromination in a photomicroreactor: Process parameters and kinetic modeling
Authors: Ma You , Qian Guozhi , Pasha Mohsin , Wang Yuhan , Li Jiayi , Liu Yuzhe , Liu Saier , Xue Xiao , Qiu Min , Zhong Zihao , Shang Minjing , Zheng Jie , Lin Zhigang , Su Yuanhai
Published: December 2024

Photobromination reaction of oxime ether (OE) to brominated oxime ether (BOE) is an important process for the synthesis of trifloxystrobin in the fungicide industry. Herein, continuous synthesis of BOE in photomicroreactors was performed. Initially, an investigation was carried out to study the effects of various parameters, including mixing performance, molar ratios, solvents, incident photon flux, and temperature, on the photobromination process. Moreover, a kinetic model was established, and the activation energies for the main and side reactions were determined. The relationship between the reaction rate constant and light flux was illuminated. Transition states and energy changes in the bromination process were analyzed using density functional theory calculation. Remarkably, an 83.1% yield of BOE was achieved in the photomicroreactor and the required reaction time was reduced to approximately 1/10 of the batch reactor. This work was of crucial theoretical significance and practical value for better understanding of photobromination processes and parameter optimization.
Secular Trends in the Median Age at Menarche and Spermarche Among Chinese Children From 2000 to 2019 and Analysis of Physical Examination Indicators Factor
Authors: Hu Jiajia , Han Wenhao , Zhou Meng , Geng Yixiao , Zhang Junna , Zhou Fanke , Wu Wencan , Ban Xiaolei , Lou Xiaomin , Wang Xian
Published: December 2024

Objectives

This research aimed to understand the long‐term trends in the age of menarche among girls and spermarche among boys, and to analyze the factors that may influence the onset of menarche and first spermarche.

Methods

The study was based on data from 49 566 students in Henan Province collected from the Chinese National Surveys on Students' Constitution and Health (CNSSCH) conducted between 2000 and 2019. Median age at menarche and spermarche was estimated by probit analysis. t‐Tests were used to analyze the influence of menarche and first spermarche on physical examination indexes of adolescent children, and the chi‐squared test was used to compare whether the differences in physical activity were statistically significant.

Results

The age at menarche has decreased from 12.33 years in 2000 to 12.00 years in 2019, and the age at first spermarche has decreased from 14.01 years in 2000 to 13.99 years in 2019. The age at first spermarche in urban boys (13.61 years in 2000; 12.94 years in 2014) was consistently younger than that in rural boys (14.43 years in 2000; aged 13.08 in 2014), except in 2019. The age of menarche in urban girls (12.23 years in 2000; 11.89 years in 2019) was always earlier than that in rural girls (12.44 years in 2000; 12.05 years in 2019).

Conclusions

The age at menarche and spermarche for children in Henan Province generally showed a decreasing trend from 2000 to 2019. The status of BMI is significantly associated with the early onset of puberty in children.
Enzymatisches Reaktionsnetzwerk‐gesteuerte polymerisationsinduzierte transiente Koazervation
Authors: Sharma Surbhi , Belluati Andrea , Kumar Mohit , Dhiman Shikha
Published: December 2024

Eine lebende Zelle besitzt ein hochkomplexes Mikro‐Umfeld, in dem zahlreiche enzymgesteuerte Prozesse gleichzeitig aktiv sind. Diese Prozesse sind äußerst präzise und effizient, obwohl eine vergleichbare Kontrolle in vitro noch nicht etabliert wurde. In dieser Arbeit entwerfen wir ein enzymatisches Reaktionsnetzwerk (ERN), das antagonistische und orthogonale enzymatische Netzwerke kombiniert, um anpassbare Dynamiken der ATP‐getrieben transienten Koazervation zu erzeugen. Mithilfe der Meerrettichperoxidase‐vermittelten biokatalytischen radikalischen Atomtransferpolymerisation (BioATRP) synthetisierten wir Poly(dimethylaminoethylmethacrylat), das anschließend in Anwesenheit von ATP Koazervate bildete. Wir untersuchten rational die enzymatische Kontrolle über die Koazervation und Auflösung und setzten dabei orthogonale und antagonistische Enzym‐Paare ein, wie Phosphatase, Kreatinphosphokinase, Hexokinase, Esterase und Urease. Die ATP‐gefüllten Koazervate zeigen zudem eine enzymatische Katalyse und belegen das Potenzial, als zelluläre Mikroreaktoren genutzt zu werden. Zusätzlich entwickelten wir das ERN‐Polymerisations‐induzierte transiente Koazervation (ERN‐PIC), das vollständige Kontrolle über das System, die Polymerisation, die Koazervation und die Auflösung ermöglicht. Besonders bemerkenswert ist, dass der Koazervationsprozess selbst funktionelle Eigenschaften bestimmt, wie zum Beispiel selektive Ladungsaufnahme. Die Strategie bietet hochmoderne biomimetische Anwendungen und Einblicke in die zelluläre Kompartmentalisierung, indem sie die Lücke zwischen synthetischen und biologischen Systemen überbrückt. Die Entwicklung von temporär programmierten Koazervaten ist vielversprechend für die räumliche Anordnung von Multienzym‐Kaskaden und bietet neue Ideen zur Architektur künstlicher Zellen.
Enzymatic Reaction Network‐Driven Polymerization‐Induced Transient Coacervation
Authors: Sharma Surbhi , Belluati Andrea , Kumar Mohit , Dhiman Shikha
Published: December 2024

A living cell has a highly complex microenvironment whereas numerous enzyme‐driven processes are active at once. These procedures are incredibly accurate and efficient, although comparable control has not yet been established in vitro. Here, we design an enzymatic reaction network (ERN) that combines antagonistic and orthogonal enzymatic networks to produce adjustable dynamics of ATP‐fueled transient coacervation. Using horseradish peroxidase (HRP)‐mediated Biocatalytic Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (BioATRP), we synthesized poly(dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate), which subsequently formed coacervates with ATP. We rationally explored enzymatic control over coacervation and dissolution, using orthogonal and antagonistic enzyme pairs viz., alkaline phosphatase, Creatine phosphokinase, hexokinase, esterase, and urease. ATP‐fuelled coacervates also demonstrate the enzymatic catalysis to prove its potential to be exploited as a cellular microreactor. Additionally, we developed ERN‐polymerization‐induced transient coacervation (ERN‐PIC), with complete control over the system, polymerization, coacervation, and dissolution. Notably, the coacervation process itself determines functional properties, as seen in selective cargo uptake. The strategy offers cutting‐edge biomimetic applications, and insights into cellular compartmentalization by bridging the gap between synthetic and biological systems. The development of temporally programmed coacervation is promising for the spatial arrangement of multienzyme cascades, and offers novel ideas on the architecture of artificial cells.
Divergent Oxidation Reactions of E‐ and Z‐Allylic Primary Alcohols by an Unspecific Peroxygenase
Authors: Li Jiacheng , Duran Cristina , Pogrányi Balázs , Cornish Katy A. S. , Cartwright Jared , Osuna Sílvia , Unsworth William P. , Grogan Gideon
Published: December 2024

Unspecific peroxygenases (UPOs) catalyze the selective oxygenation of organic substrates using only hydrogen peroxide as the external oxidant. The PaDa−I variant of the UPO from Agrocybe aegerita catalyses the oxidation of Z‐ and E‐allylic alcohols with complementary selectivity, giving epoxide and carboxylic acid/aldehyde products respectively. Both reactions can be performed on preparative scale with isolated yields up to 80 %, and the epoxidations proceed with excellent enantioselectivity (>99 % ee). The divergent reactions can also be used to transform E/Z mixtures of allylic alcohols, enabling both product series to be isolated from a single reaction. The utility of the epoxidation method is exemplified in the total synthesis of both enantiomers of the insect pheromone disparlure, including a highly enantioselective gram‐scale transformation. These reactions provide further evidence for the potential of UPOs as catalysts for the scalable preparation of important oxygenated intermediates.
Regulated Magnesium Ion Release From Polydopamine‐Mg Modified Polyetheretherketone Surface for Improved Anti‐Infection and Osseointegration Properties
Authors: Liu Shengdong , Li Da , Xiao Tianhua , Yuan Zhufeng , Zhang Huanhuan , Min Yonggang
Published: December 2024

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) emerges as a highly promising biopolymer due to its mechanical properties and elastic modulus akin to those of human cortical bone. Despite these advantages, the clinical utilization of PEEK is often hindered by its limited bioactivity and suboptimal capability for bone integration. Herein, we introduce a facile and expeditious method for enhancing the osseointegration efficacy of PEEK substrates by depositing polydopamine (PDA) chelated with magnesium ions at varying concentrations (0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 M) as a surface coating (PDA‐Mg). This PDA‐Mg‐modified PEEK surface exhibits distinctive properties, including antibacterial properties (antibacterial rate of 93.267%), improved vascular regeneration, and osteogenic promotion (ALP activity increased by 239.5%). Moreover, the Mg2+ ions are released in a regulated way, and the impact of Mg2+ concentration on the aforementioned properties has been thoroughly examined. Our study demonstrates that PDA‐Mg‐modified PEEK offers a highly promising prospect for clinical applications. Specifically, these implants stand out as exceptional candidates for bone graft materials, with the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes and accelerate recovery processes.
Understanding and Enhancing the Cycling Stability of Layered Double Hydroxides with Intercalated Ferrocene Anions for Energy Storage Application
Authors: Gerlach Patrick , Douard Camille , Sarmet Julien , Leroux Fabrice , Tavoit‐Gueho Christine , Stevens Philippe , Toussaint Gwenaëlle , Brousse Thierry
Published: December 2024

In this work, the layered double hydroxide (LDH) Mg2Al(OH)6 was intercalated with redox active ferrocene carboxylate anions in order to implement charge storage capability to the interlayer spaces of the LDH structure. Two sets of anions, namely mono‐ and dicarboxylic ferrocene, were intercalated to produce two different active materials: MgAl‐FcMono and MgAl‐FcDi. The electrochemical investigation of these two materials was performed in two model electrolytes: 1 M LiTFSI in H2O and Pyr13TFSI. In the aqueous electrolyte, the first charge reaches the full theoretic capacity of ca. 60 and 40 mAh g−1 for both materials. However, significantly less capacity is stored and delivered during subsequent cycles. In‐situ UV/vis experiments identified the loss as a release of charged ferrocene anions from the LDH during oxidation in the charging process, which is more severe for MgAl‐FcMono. It is possible to prevent this release of redox species by the use of the ionic liquid Pyr13TFSI as a high concentrated electrolyte. Subsequently, both materials cycled very steadily with high coulombic efficiency for 150 cycles. This better understanding of the capacity degradation of the LDH‐ferrocene active material is key to improving this new and promising concept of using modified LDHs as active material in energy storage application.
Self‐Esteem, Family Support and Online Grooming Risk Among Adolescents: The Role of Problematic Internet Usage
Authors: Aktu Yahya
Published: December 2024

The online grooming risk (OGR) among adolescents has risen due to the development of technology and the growing use of social media. Although crucial links have been described among family support, self‐esteem and OGR, little is known about the mechanisms problematic Internet usage has in these links. This study aims to investigate the mediating role of problematic Internet usage in the relationship among family support, self‐esteem and OGR. The participants consist of a total of 406 adolescents in Türkiye, with 283 girls and 123 boys (age, mean ± standard deviation = 16.25 ± 1.68). The relationships among the variables were examined using the Pearson correlation, while mediation analyses were carried out using structural equation modelling. Correlational analyses reveal family support to be negatively associated with both OGR and problematic Internet usage. Meanwhile, family support was positively correlated with self‐esteem. Similarly, a positive and statistically significant relationship was determined between OGR and problematic Internet usage. The results indicate problematic Internet usage to mediate the relationship between family support and OGR as well as the relationship between self‐esteem and OGR. These results highlight the importance of paying attention to adolescents' mental health regarding problematic Internet usage by considering the protective factors of self‐esteem and family support due to their close association with OGR.
What Is the Outcome When Schools Report Concern for a Child to the Norwegian Child Welfare and Protection Services?
Authors: Vis Svein Arild , Lauritzen Camilla
Published: December 2024

School teachers are a professional group that are responsible for a large proportion of reports concerning suspected child abuse and neglect. This study looks at which concerns are more often reported by schools and if these reports are more likely substantiated when the school is the reporter. The study was designed as a retrospective case‐file study (N = 883). Results show that concerns about the child being exposed to physical abuse were notably more frequent in reports from schools compared to other reporters and were more often substantiated when the reports came from schools as opposed to other reporting agencies. The odds for substantiation of abuse were 6.4 times higher if an abuse concern had been raised in the report compared to when it had not. This effect was not significantly mediated by the school being the reporter. School reports contain to a lesser extent concern about risk factors within the family and local environment. This is not necessarily a shortcoming on behalf of schools but may represent conditions that a teacher has less knowledge of and that constitute a ‘blind spot’ for employees in the education sector. The child welfare service must take this into account when assessing school reports.
Developing an Understanding of Complex Trauma Among Child Sexual Assault Survivors in South Africa: Implications for Practice
Authors: Mathews Shanaaz , Berry Lizette M.
Published: December 2024

South Africa has extraordinarily high levels of CSA with profound immediate and long‐term mental health outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the mental health adjustment of children who experienced CSA and accessed support services using mixed methods. Structured interviews using validated mental health screening tools were conducted with children, between the ages of 7–18 years at three intervals over a 10‐month period. Semi‐structured qualitative interviews were conducted with primary caregivers to explore their views on the child's adjustment, and a validated parenting measure was used to assess parenting practices over time. Nearly 20% of all children met the clinical criteria for depression, but younger children showed increased recovery from depression over time. More than a third (37%) of younger children had full‐symptom PTSD at baseline, with about a quarter (24%) of adolescents meeting the full‐symptom PTSD criteria. We found that although full‐symptom PTSD decreased to 26% for younger children, there was a slight increase (32%) in full‐symptom PTSD among adolescents. Children's experiences of poly‐victimisation were highlighted through caregiver interviews combined with caregivers' own experiences of unresolved trauma. Therapeutic models need to address the complex nature of trauma that children experience and unresolved trauma experienced by many families to break this intergenerational cycle.
The Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Care of the Irish State—Professionals' Perspectives
Authors: Canning Mary , Keenan Marie , Breslin Ruth
Published: December 2024

Drawing on interviews with key stakeholders who have diverse experience of working with children in Ireland, this article highlights that children in residential care are being targeted for sexual exploitation in an organised manner, by networks or gangs of predatory men. The study found that current staffing challenges in the care environment are making it difficult for children to develop trusting relationships to feel sufficiently comfortable to disclose their experiences of sexual exploitation and seek help. It also found that some professionals saw children who were sexually exploited in residential care as ‘problematic’ or even at times inadvertently blamed them for their own exploitation. It further found that the risk of sexual exploitation for children is increased when care staff lack the skills and language to identify, speak about and respond to reports of sexual exploitation. Although there is some evidence of children in families being sexually exploited, a particular context for targeting children for sexual exploitation, that of being in state care, is clearly highlighted in this paper and aligns with evidence from other jurisdictions. The findings suggest a need for a national policy on the protection of children in care from sexual exploitation that would not only prioritise the issue but would trigger increased training and education of social carers, social workers and the Irish police force on the complexities underpinning sexual exploitation so that they are better equipped to protect children in care.
Design, Synthesis, Anti‐Proliferative, and Apoptotic Assessment of Spirocyclopropyl Oxindole–Isatin Hybrids on Triple‐Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Preeti  , Raza Asif , Sharma Rajni Kant , Sharma Arun K. , Kumar Vipan
Published: December 2024

A series of 1H‐1,2,3‐triazole‐tethered spirocyclopropyl oxindole–isatin hybrids were synthesized using a copper‐promoted click reaction and evaluated for their anti‐proliferative activities against triple‐negative breast cancer cell lines. The most potent compound in the series outperformed tamoxifen and 5‐fluorouracil, with selectivity indices of 1.60 and 1.99 against MDA‐MB‐468 and MDA‐MB‐231 cancer cells, respectively. The Caspase 3/7 7‐AAD assay showed live cell populations of 72.10% and 49.20% after 24 and 48 h, respectively, indicating that the cytotoxic effect is mediated through the caspase apoptotic pathway. Molecular docking studies further suggested the compound's potential as an epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor, highlighting its promise as a therapeutic agent.
Click Coupling of Flavylium Dyes with Plasmodione Analogues: Towards New Redox‐Sensitive Pro‐Fluorophores
Authors: Dupouy Baptiste , Cotos Leandro , Binder Annika , Slavikova Lucie , Rottmann Matthias , Mäser Pascal , Jacquemin Denis , Ganter Markus , Davioud‐Charvet Elisabeth , Elhabiri Mourad
Published: December 2024

The development of redox‐sensitive molecular fluorescent probes for the detection of redox changes in Plasmodium falciparum‐parasitized red blood cells remains of interest due to the limitations of current genetically encoded biosensors. This study describes the design, screening and synthesis of new pro‐fluorophores based on flavylium azido dyes coupled by CuAAC click chemistry to alkynyl analogues of plasmodione oxide, the key metabolite of the potent redox‐active antimalarial plasmodione. The photophysical and electrochemical properties of these probes were evaluated, focusing on their fluorogenic responses. The influence of both the redox status of the quinone and the length of the PEG chain separating the fluorophore from the electrophore on the photophysical properties was investigated. The fluorescence quenching by photoinduced electron transfer is reversible and of high amplitude for probes in oxidized quinone forms and fluorescence is reinstated for reduced hydroquinone forms. Our results demonstrate that shortening the PEG chain has the effect of enhancing the fluorogenic response, likely due to non‐covalent interactions between the two chromophores. All these systems were evaluated for their antiparasitic activities and fluorescence imaging suggests the efficacy of the fluorescent flavylium dyes in P. falciparum‐parasitized red blood cells, paving the way for future parasite imaging studies to monitor cellular redox processes.
Zero‐Dimensional Lead‐Free Perovskite Single Crystals for the Sensitive Detection of Visible Light and X‐Rays
Authors: Zhang Min , Lei Lin , Zheng Xiaojia
Published: December 2024

The excellent performance and facile fabrication process of perovskite semiconductor materials make them highly promising candidates in the field of optoelectronic devices. Whether for visible light or X‐rays, detectors with low detection limits can better identify weak light signals, significantly reducing the intensity of the received light source during device operation. In particular, for X‐ray detectors, reducing X‐ray dosage can greatly enhance the safety of X‐ray imaging technology. This work develops detectors with low detection limit based on zero‐dimensional (0D) MA3Bi2I9 single crystals. The anisotropy of MA3Bi2I9 and its influence on the detector‘s performance were investigated in detail. Detectors perpendicular to the (001) crystal plane have better weak light detection capability and require significantly less light intensity compared to devices parallel to the (001) crystal plane. X‐ray detector with a limit of detection (LoD) of 0.68 nGyair s−1 and sensitivity of 5072 μC Gyair−1 cm−2 was obtained. The present study offers comprehensive insights into the operational mechanism of layered perovskites, which can provide valuable guidelines for future designs and fabrications of highly sensitive photo and X‐ray detectors.
Interfacial Oxygen Vacancy of CuOx‐CeO2 Enhances H2O2 Activation and Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Song Chunli , Wang Tao , Xu Tian , Qian Jieshu
Published: December 2024

In the Fenton process, the development of catalysts with a wide pH range and good stability has been a long‐term goal for water treatment purpose. This study proposes a strategy to solve this problem by preparing supported catalysts CuOx@CeO2‐IE using an ion exchange reversed loading method. The generation of a large number of interfacial oxygen vacancies with Cu‐OV‐Ce (OV represents an oxygen vacancy site) structures prolongs the O−O bond of H2O2, promotes the rupture of the peroxide bond of H2O2, and thereby promotes the activation of H2O2 on the surface of the catalyst. The results show that with a H2O2 concentration of 5 mM and CuOx@CeO2‐IE at 50 mg/L, the removal rate of bisphenol A is 94.1 % in 60 min, in which • OH dominates the degradation process. Moreover, the system can operate well within a relatively wide pH range (4–8). This study provides a novel strategy for the design of Fenton catalysts with a wide pH suitability and excellent stability.
Hemilabile α‐Diimine Nickel Catalyzed Olefin Polymerization
Authors: Khan Muhammad Asadullah , Liu Yue , Pang Wenmin , Chen Ao , Chen Min
Published: December 2024

Comprehensive Summary

For coordination‐insertion olefin polymerization, the development of novel transition‐metal catalysts has drawn extensive attention in this field. In this contribution, we designed a series of hemilabile α‐diimine nickel catalysts bearing oxygen atom as neighboring group. The steric hindrance and oxygen atom number of these nickel complexes (Ni1—Ni4) could be adjusted, which influenced ethylene (co)polymerization processes. The introduction of oxygen atoms could enhance the thermal stability during ethylene polymerization for Ni2 compared to the counterpart without oxygen atoms. And for the copolymerization process of ethylene with polar monomers, higher catalytic activity (1.4 × 106 g·mol−1·h−1) and polar monomer incorporation ratio (1.2 mol%) were achieved. However, Ni4 with four oxygen atoms in this work was not active in ethylene polymerization due to the interaction between the oxygen atom and nickel catalytic center. The hemilabile effect in this work presented an example to enhance the stability of the α‐diimine nickel catalysts in olefin polymerization.
From Mn‐Triazine Crystalline Framework to MnOx@NC: Biomimetic Double‐Enzyme Activity and Labeling of Ascorbic Acid as Well as Application in Pharmaceuticals
Authors: Gai Shi‐Ping , Chen‐Wang  , Jiao Wen‐Na , Teng Bai‐Chong , Chi Yu‐Xian , Wang Yu‐Fei , Liu Yun‐Ling , Sun Li‐Xian , Xing Yong‐Heng , Bai Feng‐Ying
Published: December 2024

Comprehensive Summary

Imbalance in the levels of ascorbic acid (AA) can pose a risk to human health. Therefore, it's essential to establish an accurate method for the detection of AA. In this work, a novel N‐doped carbon composite (MnOx@NC) with dual enzyme‐like activities to detect AA was prepared by calcination of Mn‐MOF containing H3TTPCA ligand. Interestingly, the •O2− that leads to its oxidase‐like activity was not formed by dissolved oxygen, but came from the synergistic effect of lattice oxygen generated by calcination and the transformation of MnII/MnIII/MnIV, and the presence of H2O2 provided much •OH, which caused its peroxidase‐like activity. Meanwhile, the residual N element came from H3TTPCA ligand assisted the catalytic process. Accordingly, a dual‐signal sensing platform and smartphone‐assisted recognition for detection of AA was developed and a colorimetric sensor array was established to distinguish three antioxidants. This work also demonstrates considerable promise for the detection of AA in authentic pharmaceuticals.
Does environmental materiality matter to corporate financial performance: Evidence from 34 countries
Authors: Shen Siyu , Xie Jun , Fujii Hidemichi , Keeley Alexander Ryota , Managi Shunsuke
Published: December 2024

This study examines the financial implications of corporate environmental disclosure and performance across 34 countries, with a particular focus on industry‐specific materiality following the SASB accounting metrics. A multilevel regression model was applied to a global sample spanning 2015 to 2022 to investigate the firm‐level impacts while controlling for country‐level effects to account for the heterogeneity in business environments. The analysis revealed a positive relationship between corporate environmental performance, both overall and materiality‐based, and financial performance, including ROA and Tobin's Q. Notably, better environmental performance was significantly associated with decreased capital costs, particularly the cost of equity. However, materiality‐based environmental scores exhibited weaker impacts, likely due to the limited data availability and inconsistent global integration of materiality concepts. The research findings indicate that investors tend to favor companies with accountable environmental performance over those that rely solely on disclosure. These findings provide valuable insights for investors and business practitioners, emphasizing the importance of considering environmental materiality in corporate reporting and operations.
Climatic versus biotic drivers' effect on fitness varies with range size but not position within range in terrestrial plants
Authors: Louthan Allison M. , Baumgardner Aaron W. , Ehrlén Johan , Dahlgren Johan P. , Loomis Alexander K. , Morris William F.
Published: December 2024

All populations are affected by multiple environmental drivers, including climatic drivers such as temperature or precipitation and biotic drivers such as herbivory or mutualisms. The relative response of a population to each driver is critical to prioritizing threat mitigation for conservation and to understanding whether climatic or biotic drivers most strongly affect fitness. However, the importance of different drivers can vary dramatically across species and across populations of the same species. Theory suggests that the response to climatic versus biotic drivers can be affected by both the species' fundamental niche breadth and the latitude of the population at which the response is measured. However, we have few tests of how these two factors affect relative response to drivers separately, let alone tests of how niche breadth and latitude together influence responses. Here, we use a meta‐analysis of published studies on population response to climatic and biotic drivers in terrestrial plants, combined with estimates of climatic niche breadth and position within climatic niche derived from herbarium records, to show that species' niche breadth is the primary determinant of response to climatic versus biotic drivers. Namely, we find that response to climatic drivers changes only minimally with increasing niche breadth, while response to biotic drivers increases with niche breadth. We see similar relationships when considering range size instead of niche breadth. Surprisingly, we find no effects of latitude on the relative effect of climatic versus biotic drivers. Our work suggests that populations of species with small and large ranges experience similar extirpation risks due to the negative impacts of climate change. By contrast, populations of species with large (but not small) ranges may be highly susceptible to changes in densities or distributions of interacting species.
Drought before fire increases tree mortality after fire
Authors: Cansler C. Alina , Wright Micah C. , van Mantgem Phillip J. , Shearman Timothy M. , Varner J. Morgan , Hood Sharon M.
Published: December 2024

Fire and drought are expected to increase in frequency and severity in temperate forests due to climate change. To evaluate whether drought increases the likelihood of post‐fire tree mortality, we used a large database of tree survival and mortality from 32 years of wildland fires covering four dominant western North American conifers. We used Bayesian hierarchical modeling to predict the probability of individual tree mortality after fire based on species—Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine), Abies concolor (white fir), Pseudotsuga menziesii (Douglas‐fir), and Pinus ponderosa (ponderosa pine)—bark thickness, bark char, percentage live tree crown scorched or consumed crown volume scorch (CVS), and mean annual climatic water deficit (CWD) anomalies the year pre‐fire and fire year relative to the 1985–2015 reference period. Although crown injury was the primary determinant of tree mortality after fire, drought increased likelihood of death, with a 2‐SD increase in CWD (+115.7) resulting in a 78% increase in the probability of mortality. We assessed the crown scorch level expected to result in >50% probability of mortality under different CWD scenarios: observed CWD, CWD of +2, and +4°C warming scenarios. Increased climatic moisture stress amplified tree death, reducing the threshold that causes tree mortality across all conifers under +4°C warming, with more subtle and species‐specific reductions for the +2°C scenario. Models predicting post‐fire tree mortality are components of global and regional carbon estimates, habitat suitability assessments, and forest management planning and decision support systems. The amplifying effects of drought on post‐fire tree mortality and predicted future climates are likely to lead to higher tree mortality following fires in forested landscapes of western North America and may have cascading effects on ecosystem services and future forest resilience.
Threshold responses of freshwater fish community size spectra to invasive species
Authors: Novak Bradley , Murry Brent A. , Wesner Jeff S. , Gjoni Vojsava , Arantes Caroline C. , Shepta Erin , Pomeranz Justin P. F. , Junker James R. , Zipfel Kathrine , Stump Andrew , Solomon Levi E. , Maxson Kristopher A. , DeBoer Jason A.
Published: December 2024

Aquatic invasive species (AIS) threaten biodiversity and ecosystem services around the world, but their management has been hampered by the lack of quantifiable control targets. The introduction of Silver Carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) throughout the mid‐western United States epitomizes both the impacts of AIS and the need for quantitative control targets. Silver Carp are large‐bodied planktivores that compete with native planktivores, which can cause cascading effects throughout the food web. Our study tested the threshold of abundance beyond which Silver Carp alter fish assemblage structure. We used a community size spectra (CSS) approach to evaluate fish community size structure across temporal and spatial gradients of Silver Carp abundances. We hypothesized that Silver Carp would flatten the size spectra slope because they are large‐bodied and feed at a low trophic position. Electrofishing data were obtained for the La Grange Pool of the Illinois River (1994–2021) and for six pools of the Ohio River (2015–2020). Results supported our hypothesis, showing a 98% probability that the relative biomass of Silver Carp is positively related to the CSS slope (resulting in “flattening”). This pattern was strongest in the Illinois River, where Silver Carp made up >30% of fish assemblage biomass in recent years. The pattern was weakest in the Ohio River (78% probability of a positive relationship) where Silver Carp rarely exceeded 20% of total fish biomass. Subsequent changepoint models indicated that a Silver Carp relative biomass of ~24% represents a threshold below which negative food web impacts should be minimized. Our study demonstrates a clear shift in fish community size structure following invasion by Silver Carp and suggests that pre‐invasion CSS slopes may serve as a restoration target. It also illustrates the benefits of CSS to guide Silver Carp and other AIS management.
Accumulation of sodium and manganese during litter decomposition of Qinghai spruce (Picea crassifolia) forest in China
Authors: Zhao Xinning , Zang Fei , Huang Fangyuan , Li Na , Zhao Chuanyan
Published: December 2024

Litter decomposition is a key ecological process as a control on nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Forest litter is an important carrier of element cycles in forest ecosystems. The biogeochemical cycle of elements is of great significance to plant communities and ecosystem functions. At present, most of the studies on the litter major elements have focused only on C, N, and P, and there are few studies on the biogeochemical cycle of sodium (Na) and manganese (Mn) of forest litter. In this study, we investigated the concentrations and fluxes of Na and Mn in needle litter of Qinghai spruce over a 12‐month period. We measured the release and accumulation dynamics of litter Na and Mn during litter decomposition at different canopy coverage and elevations over 3.9 years. The results show that the annual Na and Mn concentrations were 312.34 and 621.19 mg kg−1, and the annual fluxes of Na and Mn were 236.67 and 343.16 g ha−1 in needle litter, respectively. After 3.9 years of litter decomposition, Na released 15.6% and Mn accumulated 93.4% compared to the initial concentration. The concentration of Na and Mn in needle litter both accumulated fastest at low canopy coverage. The concentrations of Na and Mn were different at various elevations, but there was no obvious regularity. These results illustrate the seasonal characteristics of litter element return and nutrient cycling during litter decomposition in typical coniferous forests in the Qilian Mountains and could provide basic data and theoretical basis for ecological protection in the Qilian Mountains.
The temporal scale of energy maximization explains allometric variations in movement decisions of large herbivores
Authors: Fortin Daniel , Brooke Christopher F. , Fritz Hervé , Venter Jan A.
Published: December 2024

Empirical testing of energy maximization models has been used to clarify the drivers of resource partitioning among large herbivores. Most studies, however, have not considered that predictions of optimal diet depend on the temporal scale of maximization. This omission can hinder the effectiveness of optimality principles in elucidating animal distributions, dietary choices, and the dynamics of species coexistence. We used movement analysis and scale‐dependent energy gain modeling to study how three large herbivores share resources: red hartebeest (Alcelaphus buselaphus), a 120‐kg grazing ruminant; zebra (Equus quagga), a 300‐kg grazing nonruminant; and eland (Tragelaphus oryx), a 460‐kg ruminant, mixed feeder. We found that resource partitioning was achieved through a synergy of spatial segregation and interspecies differences in habitat selection and in the temporal scale of energy maximization. Radio‐collared individuals of the three species spent 95% of their time >850 m from one another. Hierarchical movement analysis revealed that red hartebeest and zebra selected grasslands within which they selected patches maximizing their daily energy gains. Selection was particularly strong for red hartebeest, as expected for a ruminant of relatively small size. Unlike the other species, eland avoided grasslands; when they ventured into grasslands, they selected patches offering high short‐term energy gains at the expense of daily gains. This selection for rapid energy gain could reflect relatively high missed opportunity costs when foraging in grasslands due to the broad range of feeding opportunities for this large mixed feeder. This finding is also consistent with the notion that larger herbivores tend to face stronger constraints from resources availability than digestibility. Overall, differences in selection strength and foraging currencies among these large herbivores are consistent with allometric theory. Our study illuminates the drivers of resource partitioning that can promote the coexistence of large herbivore species, while also showing that, to provide a useful and robust basis to explain animal movement and resource partitioning, energetic models should be based on a relevant scale of energy maximization.