bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Increased PRP19 in Hepatocyte Impedes B Cell Function to Promote Hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Liu Zhiyong , Lin Xiahui , Zhang Danying , Guo Dezhen , Tang Wenqing , Yu Xiangnan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Si , Xue Ruyi , Shen Xizhong , Dong Ling
Published: October 2024

Tumor immune microenvironment is strongly associated with the malignancy behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the immune function and regulatory mechanisms of B cells in HCC remain unclear. The expression differences between B cell high‐ and low‐infiltration HCC samples are explored to identify the key regulator. Pre‐mRNA processing factor 19 (PRP19) expression is increased in B cell low‐infiltrated tissues and negatively correlated with the B cell marker, CD20. Inhibition of PRP19 expression promoted B cell infiltration in tumor tissue and impeded HCC growth. Mechanically, the co‐immunoprecipitation (Co‐IP) assay revealed that PRP19 interacts with DEAD‐box helicase 5 (DDX5), leading to ubiquitination and degradation of the DDX5 protein. The attenuated DDX5 impairs CXCL12 mRNA stability to suppress B cell recruitment and plasma cell differentiation via CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Moreover, the adoptive transfer of CXCR4+ B cells combined with CXCL12 treatment in mice models effectively inhibits HCC development by reshaping the immune response. The expression of PRP19, DDX5, and infiltrating B cells are recognized as clinical prognosis indicators for HCC patients. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the clinical benefits of HCC immunotherapy by targeting PRP19 and modulating tumor‐infiltrating B cell immune function.
Neuropeptide Precursor VGF Promotes Liver Metastatic Colonization of Gαq Mutant Uveal Melanoma by Facilitating Tumor Microenvironment via Paracrine Loops
Authors: Ouyang Shumin , Shi Shuo , Ding Wen , Ge Yang , Su Yingxue , Mo Jianshan , Peng Keren , Zhang Qiyi , Liu Guopin , Xiao Wei , Yue Peibin , Lu Jinjian , Wang Yandong , Xiong Xiaofeng , Zhang Xiaolei
Published: October 2024

Uveal melanoma (UM), the predominant primary ocular malignancy, often progresses to liver metastasis with limited therapeutic options. The interplay of the tumor microenvironment, encompassing secreted soluble factors, plays a crucial role in facilitating liver metastasis. In this study, the role is elucidated of the neural growth factor‐inducible gene (VGF), a secreted neuropeptide precursor, in Gαq mutant UM. Employing a multiomics approach, encompassing transcriptomic and secretomic analyses, the intricate involvement of VGF in UM progression is unveiled. VGF is upregulated in Gαq mutant UM cells and associated with poor prognosis of UM patients. Targeting VGF significantly suppressed the growth of UM in vitro and in vivo. Further evidence shows that VGF is regulated by Gαq through MAPK/CREB pathway. Mechanistically, CREB modulates VGF expression by directly binding to consensus DNA response elements in the promoters of the VGF gene. Combined inhibition of Gαq and MEK remarkably reduces tumor burden in the UM xenograft model. Notably, VGF triggers liver metastatic colonization of UM and activates the fibrosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), creating a favorable microenvironment, through an autocrine and paracrine loop. Furthermore, VGF directly binds to TGFBR2 and regulates TGF‐β‐SMAD signaling pathway, thereby regulating genes associated with endothelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) to promote metastasis. Taken together, these findings identify VGF as a pivotal driver in the progression and metastasis of Gαq mutant UM and confers a promising therapeutic target and strategy for UM patients.
TIL Therapy in Lung Cancer: Current Progress and Perspectives
Authors: Hu Weilei , Bian Yifei , Ji Hongbin
Published: October 2024

Lung cancer remains the most prevalent malignant tumor worldwide and is the leading cause of cancer‐related mortality. Although immune checkpoint blockade has revolutionized the treatment of advanced lung cancer, many patients still do not respond well, often due to the lack of functional T cell infiltration. Adoptive cell therapy (ACT) using expanded immune cells has emerged as an important therapeutic modality. Tumor‐infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) therapy is one form of ACT involving the administration of expanded and activated autologous T cells derived from surgically resected cancer tissues and reinfusion into patients and holds great therapeutic potential for lung cancer. In this review, TIL therapy is introduced and its suitability for lung cancer is discussed. Then its historical and clinical developments are summarized, and the methods developed up‐to‐date to identify tumor‐recognizing TILs and optimize TIL composition. Some perspectives toward future TIL therapy for lung cancer are also provided.
Autonomous Battery Optimization by Deploying Distributed Experiments and Simulations
Authors: Vogler Monika , Steensen Simon Krarup , Ramírez Francisco Fernando , Merker Leon , Busk Jonas , Carlsson Johan Martin , Rieger Laura Hannemose , Zhang Bojing , Liot François , Pizzi Giovanni , Hanke Felix , Flores Eibar , Hajiyani Hamidreza , Fuchs Stefan , Sanin Alexey , Gaberšček Miran , Castelli Ivano Eligio , Clark Simon , Vegge Tejs , Bhowmik Arghya , Stein Helge Sören
Published: October 2024

Non‐trivial relationships link individual materials properties to device‐level performance. Device optimization therefore calls for new automation approaches beyond the laboratory bench with tight integration of different research methods. This study demonstrates a Materials Acceleration Platform (MAP) in the field of battery research based on the problem‐agnostic Fast INtention‐Agnostic LEarning Server (FINALES) framework, which integrates simulations and physical experiments while leaving the active control of the hardware and software resources executing experiments or simulations with the partners running the respective units. This decentralization of control is a distinctive feature of MAPs using the FINALES framework. The connected capabilities entail the formulation and characterization of electrolytes, cell assembly and testing, early lifetime prediction, and ontology‐mapped data storage provided by institutions distributed across Europe. The infrastructure is used to optimize the ionic conductivity of electrolytes and the End Of Life (EOL) of lithium‐ion coin cells by varying the electrolyte formulation. Trends in ionic conductivity are rediscovered and the effect of the electrolyte formulation on the EOL is investigated. Further, the capability of this MAP to bridge diverse research modalities, scales, and institutions enabling system‐level investigations under asynchronous conditions while handling concurrent workflows on the material‐ and system‐level is shown, demonstrating true intention‐agnosticism.
Interaction of drought stress and potassium deficiency on soybean vigor and leaf temperature
Authors: Ortel C. C. , Roberts T. L. , Purcell L. C. , Ross W. J. , Hoegenauer K. A. , Followell C. A. , Pessotto M. Victorio
Published: October 2024

Potassium (K) nutrition and drought stress affect soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) vigor and productivity through the combined impacts on water regulation. A study was conducted with soybean grown in 18.9‐L buckets under a rain out shelter to determine how the interaction between these crop stresses at various growth stages influences the crop leaf K concentration, biomass production, total K uptake (TKU), grain yield, and temperature of the uppermost fully expanded trifoliate. Treatments included soybean grown with and without preplant fertilizer K, soil moisture at 50% (drought) or 80% (well‐watered) field capacity, imposed drought during vegetative growth (V3–V7), flowering (R1–R3), pod development (R4–early R6), and seed development (R5–mid‐R6) on two different silt loam soils. Widespread K deficiencies were observed during the study across all treatments. Drought stress significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the TKU, aboveground biomass production, and grain yield. The crop growth stage when drought stress was imposed was a significant factor, with greater reductions in plant response parameters when stress was imposed during reproductive growth. Preplant fertilizer K increased trifoliolate K concentrations and TKU in drought conditions, but did not increase the grain yield of well‐watered soybean. Leaf temperature increased when under drought stress compared to well‐watered soybean (p < 0.0001) but the impact of crop K nutrition status on leaf temperature was inconclusive because of widespread K deficiencies. Results emphasize the complexity of the interactions between K nutrition and drought stress in soybean, as drought stress impeded K uptake, exacerbated K deficiencies, and limited yield.
Machine learning‐aided process design using limited experimental data: A microwave‐assisted ammonia synthesis case study
Authors: Masud Md Abdullah Al , Araia Alazar , Wang Yuxin , Hu Jianli , Tian Yuhe
Published: October 2024

An open research question lies in how machine learning (ML) can accelerate the design optimization of chemical processes which are at very early experimental development stage with limited data availability. As an example, this article investigates the design of an intensified microwave‐assisted ammonia production reactor with 46 experimental data. We present an integrated approach of neural networks and synthetic minority oversampling technique to quantify the nonlinear input‐output relationships of this process. For ammonia concentration predictions at discrete operating conditions, the approach demonstrates 96.1% average accuracy over other ML methods (e.g., support vector regression 84.2%). The approach has also been applied for continuous optimization, identifying the optimal synthesis conditions at 597.37 K, 0.55MPa with feed flow rate of 1.67 ×10−3 m3/s kg and hydrogen to nitrogen ratio of 1 which is consistent with experimental observations. The data‐driven model enables to integrate this reactor with existing ammonia production infrastructure and benchmark with conventional techniques.
Property of waste bottle‐grade polyethylene terephthalate restored by Ti‐based catalysts
Authors: Wang Nan , Li Yi , Cheng Xiujie , Zhang Ruiqi , Zhou Qing , Xin Jiayu , Yan Dongxia , Xu Junli , Lu Xingmei
Published: October 2024

This study employed titanium catalysts to degrade low‐quality PET (polyethylene terephthalate) bottle flakes and subsequently re‐polymerized the degradation solution to investigate whether the titanium catalyst could restore the physical and chemical properties of the degraded PET bottle flakes. The reaction process of property restoration was characterized using GPC, DSC, ICP, NMR, and so forth. The mechanism of titanium catalyst‐catalyzed PET polymerization was explored through simulation calculations. The results indicate that the waste PET bottle flakes have been restored to the standard of first‐grade PET bottle flakes under the degradation and re‐polymerization processes with the aid of dibutyl ethylene glycol titanate catalysts. The Ti ion in the recycled PET is stable and the metal ion leached from the restored PET in the strong acid environment meets food‐grade safety requirements. This study is expected to provide a new way for recycling waste PET bottle flakes.
Development of thermomorphic ionic liquids derived from organophosphorus acids for homogeneous extraction processes
Authors: Zhu Xiaorui , Zhu Lingyu , Wang Jianli , Wang Jiayuan
Published: October 2024

The objective of this study is to develop ionic liquids (ILs) derived from organophosphorus acids, featuring thermomorphic phase behavior tailored for homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction applications, addressing the challenges posed by the high viscosity of ILs. The novelty of our work includes a logP‐based guideline for designing thermomorphic water/organophosphorus IL solvent systems and a proof‐of‐concept study on homogeneous liquid–liquid extraction applications. Specifically, we reported a series of novel ILs exhibiting lower critical solution temperature behavior in aqueous solutions by exploring various combinations of tetraalkylammonium cations with organophosphorus acid‐based anions. Practical applications utilizing this type of thermomorphic solvent system for extracting metal ions and acids were demonstrated. The benefits of homogeneous extraction, as well as the limitations stemming from the salting‐out effect, were presented and discussed.
Continuous Flow Synthesis of Five‐Membered N‐Heterocycles by Ynone System
Authors: Duraisamy Tamilselvan , Thavasianandam Seenivasan Vijay , Wang Li‐Yu , Govindan Karthick , Ganesan Balaji , Kandasamy Mohanraj , Chiou Yu‐Ting , Lin Wei‐Yu
Published: October 2024

In this study, we devised a practical and effective method for synthesizing ynones from terminal alkynes and anhydride utilizing a continuous flow apparatus at ambient temperature. Moreover, we coupled the ynones with hydrazines, and hydroxylamine hydrochloride to synthesize pyrazole and isoxazole derivatives. This protocol's unique characteristics include a metal‐free approach, mild reaction conditions, a short residence time, and a wide range of functional group tolerance. Sustainable strategies are most useful and affordable than conventional benchtop approaches.
N‐Oxyl Radicals in Oxidative C−O Coupling: Free‐Radical Hydrogen Substitution and Addition to C=C Bonds
Authors: Lopat'eva Elena R. , Krylov Igor B. , Yu Bing , Terent'ev Alexander O.
Published: October 2024

N‐oxyl radicals occupy an important place in free‐radical oxidative CH‐functionalization being one of the most efficient redox‐organocatalysts for hydrogen atom abstraction (HAT). Their applications include aerobic radical chain autoxidation, CH‐functionalization with the formation of carbon‐carbon and carbon‐heteroatom bonds. The persistent nature of N‐oxyl radicals combined with their high reactivity in HAT results in their unique dual chemistry: the same radical can both propagate radical chain reaction (at low N‐oxyl concentrations) and effectively “terminate” carbon‐centered radicals (at higher N‐oxyl concentrations). The latter case opens a new synthetic application area of N‐oxyl radicals, in which they act as both hydrogen abstracting species and O‐reagents for cross‐coupling with carbon‐centered radicals thus produced. Apart from the C−H bond cleavage, reactive N‐oxyl radicals have been extensively used recently in C=C double bond functionalization via radical addition reactions. In this review, both free‐radical CH‐functionalization reactions with the introduction of N‐oxyl fragments and alkene difunctionalizations by N‐oxyls are covered with emphasis on the relationship between reaction conditions and selectivity.
Order‐Parameter‐Free Analysis of Soft Matter: Applications of Machine Learning via Image Recognition
Authors: Terao Takamichi , Kondo Masato
Published: October 2024

Various characteristic structures, with no long‐range spatial order, have often been observed in studies on the structural formation of soft materials. The order parameters, used to date, are not promising for computer detection of these types of structures. In this previous study, it is shown that machine‐learning analysis using convolutional neural networks is very effective for the structural formation of spherical colloidal particles. This method is applied to non‐spherical inverse patchy colloids and demonstrated that this order‐parameter‐free analysis method is effective for non‐spherical soft matter, which often exhibits complex structures. A recent development in the structural formation of colloidal particle systems corresponds to the problem of monolayers of core‐corona particle systems that exhibit a variety of structures. Monte Carlo simulations are performed for core‐corona particles, confined between parallel plates, to clarify the conditions for the appearance of the bilayer and its in‐plane structure formation. Parameter‐free analysis is performed using image‐based machine learning. The bilayer formation of the Jagla fluids is performed, and the phase diagram is clarified.
Tuning the controller gains using sensitivity analysis
Authors: Pal Anil Kumar , Kumar Sunil , Kamal Shyam , Leung Henry , Xiong Xiaogang
Published: October 2024

This paper tries to solve the general problem of controller gain tuning. To that end, sensitivity analysis has been utilized. The study provides vital results to extend the usage of sensitivity analysis for the class of finite‐time stable dynamics. The controller gain tuning procedure is elaborated by considering the examples of state feedback control and predefined time control. An insight into the selection of the gains or system parameters for these class of systems is presented with the help of sensitivity analysis. The sensitivity of the solution for these class of systems with the variation in the gains or system parameters is studied. Having know‐how about the adjustment of these system gains or parameters will be beneficial from the point of view of practical applications. Thus, the proposed approach finds utility in controller gain tuning, which is an important aspect of control design.
Therapeutic Effects of Puerarin Loaded Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cell‐Derived Exosomes in a Rat Model of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Zhang Yifei , Liu Kang , Ma Xuejing , Su Xiangchen , Zhao Liang , Wu Yi , Shi Yijie
Published: October 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic degenerative joint disease among the aged population. The primary objective of this study was to assess the therapeutic potential of puerarin loaded bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell‐derived exosomes (Pue@BMSC‐Exo), and reveal their inflammatory regulating mechanisms through affecting the nuclear factor kappa‐B (NF‐κB) signaling pathway. In this study, exosomes derived from BMSCs were isolated and identified. Cell proliferation and migration were evaluated by CCK‐8 and scratch methods. Furthermore, histological and micro‐computed tomography analysis were performed to assess alterations of articular cartilage in OA rats. Results showed that BMSC‐Exo and Pue@BMSC‐Exo conformed with the basic characteristics of exosomes. BMSC‐Exo increased the solubility of Pue and enhanced drug uptake by chondrocytes. In addition, Pue@BMSC‐Exo stimulated proliferation and migration of chondrocyte, and also promoted cartilage repair by reducing matrix metalloproteinase MMP13 production and increasing type II collagen (Col2) synthesis. Furthermore, Pue@BMSC‐Exo, by effectively inhibiting the NF‐κB signaling pathway, reduced the production of inflammatory mediators and attenuated the release of the inflammatory marker nitric oxide (NO), ultimately ameliorating the damage of chondrocyte. These findings exhibited the potential therapeutic significance of Pue@BMSC‐Exo in OA and warranted further exploration in clinical applications.
Production of Phenyldiazene Derivatives Using the Biosynthetic Pathway of an Aromatic Diazo Group‐Containing Natural Product from an Actinomycete
Authors: Kawai Seiji , Ning Jiayu , Katsuyama Yohei , Ohnishi Yasuo
Published: October 2024

The diazo group is an important functional group in organic synthesis because it confers high reactivity to the compounds and has been applied in various chemical reactions, such as the Sandmeyer reaction, Wolff rearrangement, cyclopropanation, and C−N bond formation with active methylene compounds. Previously, we revealed that 3‐diazoavenalumic acid (3‐DAA), which is potentially produced by several actinomycete species and contains an aromatic diazo group, is a biosynthetic intermediate of avenalumic acid. In this study, we aimed to construct a production system for phenyldiazene derivatives by adding several active methylene compounds to the culture of a 3‐DAA‐producing recombinant actinomycete. First, acetoacetanilide and its derivatives, which have an active methylene and are raw materials for arylide yellow dyes, were individually added to the culture of a 3‐DAA‐producing actinomycete. When their metabolites were analyzed, each expected compound with a phenyldiazenyl moiety was detected in the culture extract. Moreover, we established a one‐pot in vitro enzymatic production system for the same phenyldiazene derivatives using a highly reactive diazotase, CmaA6. These results showed that the diazo group of natural products is an attractive tool for expanding the structural diversity of natural products both in vivo and in vitro.
Regulating Zn Deposition Manner by Confining the Reactivity of Free Water in the Electric Double Layer
Authors: Liao Guoli , Zhang Yufei , Ye Minghui , Tang Yongchao , Wen Zhipeng , Du Wencheng , Liu Xiaoqing , Chao Li Cheng
Published: October 2024

Aqueous Zn ion batteries (AZIBs) are promising candidates of next‐generation energy storage devices with high safety and theoretical capacity. However, the irreversibility of metallic Zn anode, attributed to dendrite growth and water decomposition, severely limits the cycling durability of AZIBs and restricts their further development. Herein, a facile surface engineering strategy is put forward to tackle the issue of poor reversibility of the Zn anode. Benzotriazole (BTA) is employed as a functional additive of ZnSO4 electrolyte to confine the reactivity of free water situated in the electric double layer (EDL). Experimental results and theoretical simulation reveal that BTA can preferiencially adsorb onto the Zn surface to uniform Zn2+ ion distribution and alleviate H2O‐involved side reactions like hydrogen evolution, and surface passivation. Consequently, in BTA‐modulated aqueous electrolyte, the lifespan of the Zn anode is extended from 170 h–1092 h at 1 mA cm−2/1 mAh cm−2. The reversibility improvement of Zn anode also benefits the cycling durability of full devices including supercapacitors and batteries. Zn||I₂ batteries assembled in as‐designed electrolyte witness only 11.3 % capacity decay over 17000 cycles at 1 A g−1, far outstripping that observed in ZnSO4 counterpart (~4675 cycles). The design criteria proposed in this study offers a new concept for the development of regulation additives that confine the reactivity of free water in the electric double layer.
ACuGa6S10 (A = Rb, Cs): Design and Synthesis of Two New Cavity‐Chalcopyrite Chalcogenides Based on “Iterative Substitution” Strategy
Authors: Li Kaixuan , Zhang Xingyu , Chai Binqiang , Yu Hongwei , Hu Zhanggui , Wang Jiyang , Wu Yicheng , Wu Hongping
Published: October 2024

Two new non‐centrosymmetric chalcogenides, ACuGa6S10 (A=Rb, Cs) have been successfully synthesized by an “iterative substitution” strategy based on chalcopyrite CuFeS2 structural template. Benefiting from the substitution of Fe3+ cations by Ga3+ cations, ACuGa6S10 (A = Rb, Cs) exhibit wide suitable band gap of 2.48 and 2.40 eV, respectively, which is about five times higher than their structure template CuFeS2, and a large second harmonic generation response (1.5 and 1.8×AgGaS2). Combining theoretical calculation and structural analysis confirms that the [GaS4] tetrahedra make the main contribution on their good liner and nonlinear optical (NLO) performances. The “iterative substitution” strategy expands the design idea of materials and can lead to the discovery of a large number of IR NLO compounds.
A Bioequivalence Study of Azilsartan in Healthy Chinese Subjects
Authors: Liu Xiaobei , Dai Xiangrong , Yu Xiaohui , Zhou Huan , Xie Jing
Published: October 2024

Azilsartan is an angiotensin II receptor blocker used for treating adult hypertension. It significantly improves cardiovascular outcomes in patients with high‐risk hypertension, heart failure, and diabetic nephropathy. A single‐center, randomized, open‐label, single‐dose, dual‐cycle, dual‐crossover clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the bioequivalence of azilsartan under fasting and postprandial conditions in 60 Chinese healthy volunteers. Thirty healthy subjects were enrolled in each test group, with random cross‐administration for fasting and postprandial tests. The concentration of azilsartan in human plasma was evaluated using liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry after a single oral administration of test and reference preparations, each at a dose of 20 mg (1 tablet). Pharmacokinetic parameters were determined using WinNonlin8.2 software, and bioequivalence was evaluated using SAS 9.4 software. The geometric mean ratios and 90% confidence intervals for maximum concentration, area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to the time of last measurable concentration, and area under the plasma concentration‐time curve from time 0 to infinity of the test and reference preparations in the fasting and postprandial test groups were in the range of 80%‐125%. The incidence of adverse events in the fasting and postprandial test groups was 30% (9/30) and 33.3% (10/30), respectively. No serious adverse events or unexpected adverse drug reactions were observed. In conclusion, the test and reference preparations of azilsartan tablets demonstrate bioequivalence and good safety in healthy Chinese subjects under fasting and postprandial conditions.
Growth of YAG:Nd laser crystals by Horizontal Directional Crystallization in Protective Carbon‐Containing Atmosphere
Authors: Nizhankovskyi S. , Romanenko A. , Serdiuk O. , Vovk E. , Sidelnikova N. , Kozlovskyi A. , Kryvonohov S. , Lukienko O. , Skorik S. , Kovalenko N. , Bryliova K. , Pritula I.
Published: October 2024

Laser‐quality yttrium‐aluminum garnet single crystals doped with neodymium (YAG:Nd) of a concentration up to 1 at. % is grown by the method of horizontal directional crystallization from a molybdenum crucible in the protective reducing atmosphere based on argon, СО, and hydrogen. It is found that the content of carbon impurity in the grown crystals does not exceed 5·10−3 wt %, the content of molybdenum being on the level of 1.5·10−3 wt %. The optical quality of the crystals depends on the composition of the growth atmosphere and annealing. It is shown that, besides the bands of neodymium ion absorption, the crystals are characterized by the intense absorption in the UV edge of the spectrum at 370 nm wavelength, and by the wide absorption band with a maximum at 580 nm caused by formation of F and F+‐centers. The absorption at 370 and 580 nm can be eliminated by annealing. The structure perfection of the crystals is characterized by the rocking curve half‐width (β) which value varies within the limits of 10–14 arc. sec for (001) plane. Laser testing demonstrates the parameters comparable with those of YAG:Nd crystals grown by the Czochralski method from iridium crucible.
Impact of environmental, social, and governance performance on cash holdings in BRICS: Mediating role of cost of capital
Authors: Chen Sisi , Farooq Umar , Aldawsari Salem Hamad , Waked Sami Sobhi , Badawi Mamoun
Published: October 2024

As businesses globally navigate the intricate landscape of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices, understanding their financial implications becomes paramount. The primary objective is to illuminate the impact of ESG performance on cash holdings (CHO) within the context of the BRICS nations. Additionally, the study aims to explore the mediating role of the cost of capital (COC) in shaping these relationships. The empirical analysis was conducted on comprehensive dataset over the period 2010–2022 of BRICS. We establish the regression analysis by utilizing a fixed effect and system GMM models. The empirical findings reveal a significant negative (−0.012 coefficient value) impact of ESG performance on CHO, indicating that a one‐unit increase in ESG can decrease the CHO by 1.2% and this effect is significant at 1%. This further highlights declining trend in cash reserves among companies embracing sustainability practices. Notably, the study documents the mediating role of the COC, showcasing its influence in reducing internal cash reserves in the presence of low external financing costs. The study highlights the financial benefits associated with robust ESG practices. Companies in the BRICS nations are encouraged to integrate sustainability considerations into their business strategies, recognizing the potential for reduced CHO and favorable COC outcomes. Beyond financial gains, the study underscores the societal and environmental contributions of ESG practices. This study contributes to the literature by uncovering the mediating role of the COC, providing a comprehensive understanding of how sustainability practices influence internal cash reserves in the context of diverse economic landscapes.
Efficient Hydrodeoxygenation of Lignin‐Derived Phenolic Compounds Over Ru‐Based Catalyst with Biochar and Al2O3 as Composite Support
Authors: Yin Tao , Ye Yichao , Jiang Hao , Lin Chengyin , Shu Riyang , Tian Zhipeng , Wang Chao , Shi Ning
Published: October 2024

Hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is a common strategy for upgrading lignin‐derived phenolic compounds into high‐quality liquid fuels, and the support rational design of HDO catalysts is critical to achieve a good reaction performance. This work proposed a novel Ru‐based catalyst with biochar and Al2O3 as composite support. The addition of biochar can enlarge the porous structure, and the addition of Al2O3 can enhance the acid property of the support. By regulating the content of biochar and Al2O3 components, Ru/CA‐2 catalyst achieved the best HDO performance of lignin‐derived phenolic compounds, with the optimal component balance of 50 %C and 50 %Al2O3. This catalyst possesses the high Ru metal dispersion (1.38 nm particle size) to activate the hydrogen source, the moderate acid property to suppress carbon deposition and the abundant oxygen vacancy to promote substrate adsorption at the same time. 99.9 % conversion of guaiacol is obtained at 230 °C, with 99.9 % selectivity towards cyclohexane. Ru/CA‐2 catalyst also has a good recyclability, with no obvious activity loss after five runs. Furthermore, in the application of catalytic lignin‐oil HDO, the content of hydrocarbons increase from 10.7 % to 95.7 %, showing great potential on the industrial usage.
Recent Progress in External‐Field Enhanced Photo‐Electrochemistry
Authors: Wang Chengyi , Liu Zhifeng
Published: October 2024

The ever‐growing demands for energy supply have put great stress on environment protections. Photo‐electrochemistry (PEC) is a repaid developing technique which can directly transform solar energy into chemical compounds and have been regarded as a promising strategy to solve the energy and environmental problems. However, the biggest restriction is the fast recombination of photo‐generated charge carriers which greatly limits the PEC efficiency. In recent years, introducing external‐field into PEC system have been proved to be a powerful method to enhance the PEC performance and attracted more and more attentions. In this review, we summarized the remarkable progresses in external‐field enhanced PEC reactions including mechanical stress field, thermal field, electrical field, magnetic field and muti‐field coupling. The enhancing principles of different external‐fields have also been systemically discussed. Furthermore, the challenges and outlook of the external‐field enhanced PEC reactions are presented.
ON‐OFF Switching of Photocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution by Built‐in Pt‐Nitrogen‐Carbon Reticular Heterojunctions
Authors: Cognigni Leonardo , Gobbato Thomas , Benazzi Elisabetta , Paoloni Lorenzo , Vizio Biagio Di , Bonetto Ruggero , Rigodanza Francesco , Bonetto Alessandro , Agnoli Stefano , Bonchio Marcella , Costa Paolo
Published: October 2024

COF engineering with a built‐in, high concentration of defined N‐doped sites overcomes the “black‐box” drawback of conventional trial‐and‐error N‐doping methods (used in polymeric carbon nitride and graphene), that hamper a directed evolution of functional carbon interfaces based on structure‐reactivity guidelines. The cutting‐edge challenge is to dissect the many complex and interdependent functions that originate from reticular N‐doping, including modification of the material optoelectronics, band alignments, interfacial contacts and co‐localization of active‐sites, producing a multiple‐set of effectors that can all play a role to regulate photocatalysis. Herein, an ON‐OFF gated photocatalytic H2 evolution (PHE) is dictated by the Pt‐NPyridine‐carbon active sites and probed with a dual COF platform, based on stable β‐ketoenamine connectivities made of triformylphloroglucinol (Tp) as the acceptor knots and 1,4‐diaminonaphtalene (Naph) or 5,8‐diaminoisoquinoline (IsoQ) as donors. Our results showcase two novel COF‐Naph‐Tp and COF‐IsoQ‐Tp frameworks featuring quasi‐identical slip‐stacked microporous structure, and similar surface area, band gap, light harvesting envelope up to 700 nm, fluorescence emission profile/lifetime, and PEIS response at the surface/water interface (Rct=16–10±4 KΩ). A divergent behaviour is indeed observed for COF‐IsoQ‐Tp with record photoelectrochemical outputs (J=−16 μA cm−2, Rt=3 KΩ at 0.40 V vs RHE) and two orders of magnitude higher rate of PHE (11.3 mmol g−1 h−1, λ>400 nm, pH 5) compared to the inactive COF‐Naph‐Tp analogue. It turns out that PHE is regulated by the isoquinoline residues at the COF pores where emergent Pt‐NPyridine‐carbon functional heterojunctions are formed upon photo‐deposition of Pt nanoparticles as co‐catalysts, as probed by combined XPS and DFT calculations evidence. This work sets a key guideline to direct the design of carbon‐based materials encoding the installation of metal‐nitrogen‐carbon active sites within tailored coordination environments enabling the catalytic performance.
Evolution of and Perspectives on Differential‐Pair‐Based CMOS Variable Gain Amplifiers With Linear‐in‐Decibel Gain Control: A Tutorial
Authors: Wang Siqi , Lu Zhenghao , Tang Zhong , Yu Xiaopeng , Wu Hanming , Yeo Kiat‐Seng , Chen Yong
Published: October 2024

A variable gain amplifier (VGA) is an essential building block used in the automatic gain control (AGC) loop to provide a continuous, adjustable gain for the signal strength. To maintain the stability and consistency of the AGC loop, it is necessary to ensure that the gain of the VGA has an accurate dB‐linear characteristic. This tutorial provides a detailed overview of the development of dB‐linear VGAs based on differential pair structures over recent years. We categorize various VGA cells based on differential pair structures, analyze their operating principles, and explain the key features of each topology. Based on observation and extraction of the dB‐linear implementation schemes used by these VGAs, we summarize three basic methods for achieving dB‐linear gain control. We also discuss specific methods for realizing the exponential function, using a true exponential and a mathematical approximation, and present the different types of approximation functions adopted in the works described here. Considerations in regard to the tuning range, gain error, bandwidth, linearity, process‐temperature robustness, and circuit simplicity are also discussed. Finally, we draw comparisons and give perspectives for future dB‐linear VGAs.
A Case of Facultative Polygyny in an Enigmatic Monogamous Species, the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus)
Authors: Evens Ruben , Lathouwers Michiel , Creemers Jitse , Ulenaers Eddy , Eens Marcel , Kempenaers Bart
Published: October 2024

In many socially monogamous bird species with biparental care, occasional social polygyny has been detected. We provide information about a case of facultative polygyny in the European Nightjar (Caprimulgus europaeus). The male nightjar (I96) formed a pair with two females (I95: the presumed primary female with whom he already bred since 2018; M042: the presumed secondary female, an inexperienced yearling). GPS and accelerometer data demonstrate how the male only sang in proximity of the primary nest, while assisting both females during incubation, as well as during the nestling period. When the male came to the nest, the primary and/or secondary female went foraging, but the secondary female received less assistance during incubation than the primary female, and her eggs were often left unattended. However, once the chicks of the secondary female hatched, male assistance suddenly increased, presumably at a cost to the primary female. Being only the second record of social polygyny in the European Nightjar, we do not have a direct explication for the occurrence of this polygynous event. We note that male density at the study site was lower than that observed in previous seasons. The male may have taken over the female that was initially paired to a neighbouring territory holder that then died. Alternatively, the inexperienced female might have mated with an already paired male, either because she was not aware of the mating status of the male, or because she could not find an unpaired male, or because mating with this paired male was better than mating with another unpaired male. In any case, the breeding ecology and mating behaviour of this crepuscular bird species remains little understood.
Egg Size Scales Negatively With System Size in a Periodic Fish Species
Authors: Koenigbauer Scott T. , Feiner Zachary S. , Dickinson Benjamin , Shaw Stephanie L. , Almeida L. Zoe , DuFour Mark R. , Gatch Alexander J. , Schraidt Claire , Höök Tomas O.
Published: October 2024

Optimal egg size theory implies that female organisms balance between fecundity and individual offspring investment according to their environment. Past interspecific studies suggest that fishes in large marine systems generally produce smaller eggs than those in small freshwater systems. We tested whether intraspecific egg size variation reflected a similar pattern by comparing egg size among yellow perch (Perca flavescens) populations inhabiting a range of system sizes. In 2018, 2019, and 2023, we collected yellow perch egg samples from 12 locations in systems ranging in surface area from 37 to 5,390,492 ha. First, we found that egg diameter significantly increased with maternal total length in five of eight individually tested populations. After accounting for these maternal effects, we found a significant interaction, where females inhabiting larger lakes, such as the main basins of Lakes Erie and Michigan, produced smaller eggs than those in smaller inland lakes, and the greatest differences were demonstrated among females of greater total length. This egg size variation in the largest females is consistent with interspecific egg size comparisons between marine and freshwater fishes. However, by examining a single species across vastly different environments, we were able to support theoretical expectations that maternal investment in offspring should vary with environmental conditions controlling early‐life resource acquisition and competition.
Megabenthic Diversity Patterns on a Seamount in the Philippine Sea: Implications for Conservation Planning on the Kyushu‐Palau Ridge
Authors: Lu Xun , Shen Chengcheng , Yang Chenghao , Xu Weikun , Yang Juan , Wang Chunsheng , Sun Dong
Published: October 2024

The oligotrophic tropical western Pacific region is characterized by a high density of seamounts, with the Kyushu‐Palau Ridge (KPR) being the longest seamount chain here. Effective spatial management plans for seamount ecosystems necessitate an understanding of distribution patterns and key environmental factors influencing benthic communities. However, knowledge regarding deep‐sea biodiversity patterns over intricate topography remains limited. In this study, we investigated a seamount with a water depth of 522 m at the summit located in the southern section of KPR. Survey transects were conducted from 522 m to 4059 m. By analyzing video‐recorded data obtained by a human‐occupied vehicle (HOV) during dives and environmental variables derived from bathymetry, distinct assemblages were identified through noise clustering. α‐ and β‐diversity patterns within the seamount megabenthic community were analyzed across the depth gradient, along with investigation of their environmental drivers. A total of 10,596 megafauna individuals were documented, categorized into 88 morphospecies and statistically separated into six distinct community clusters using noise clustering analysis. Species abundance and richness were highest within the 700–800 m water depth range, declining notably beyond 2100 m, indicating a critical threshold for habitat classification in this region. The β‐diversity of megabenthic communities was high (0.836). Although β‐diversity patterns along the depth gradient were mostly dominated by differences in species richness, the contribution of species replacement increased with depth, becoming dominant at depths greater than 3000 m. Depth emerged as the primary driver of spatial variation in community structure, while near‐bottom current velocity, topographic parameters (bathymetric position index, slope), and substrate type also influenced the formation of microhabitats. The study highlights the depth gradients, thresholds, and other intricate environmental factors shaping the spatial heterogeneity of these communities. It provides valuable insights for the future development of effective survey and conservation strategies for benthic biodiversity on the KPR.
Reproductive ecology and egg parasitism of the Samoan swallowtail butterfly
Authors: Banko Paul C. , Schmaedick Mark A. , Peck Robert W. , Miles Adam C. , Leifi Niela P.
Published: October 2024

We investigated the reproductive ecology and effects of egg parasitism on the Samoan swallowtail butterfly (Papilio godeffroyi), which survives only on Tutuila Island, American Samoa, after having disappeared from the much larger islands of Upolu and Savai‘i in independent Samoa. During monthly surveys of its only known host plant, Micromelum minutum, across eight sites in 2013 and 2014, we collected eggs, eggshells, larvae, pupae, and pupal exuviae. Live specimens were reared under laboratory conditions to determine reproductive outcomes, developmental rates, and sex ratios, as well as parasitoid attack frequencies, brood sizes, and sex ratios. Sixty‐six of 448 (14.7%) eggs produced larvae, 47 of which became adults. The sex ratio was approximately even overall and within each developmental stage. Eggs were slightly larger on individual host trees and in host tree stands that yielded more eggs per unit of foliage, indicating that ovipositing females responded to some features of host trees and stands. Eggs hatching female or male larvae were similar in size, and the sexes developed at similar rates. A newly described species of parasitoid wasp, Ooencyrtus pitosina (Encyrtidae), emerged from 73.6% of 382 butterfly eggs that failed to hatch in the laboratory (62.7% of 448 eggs overall). Forty‐one other eggs contained dead parasitoid larvae. An additional, unidentified Ooencyrtus wasp species emerged from a single P. godeffroyi egg. No parasitoids were reared from P. godeffroyi larvae or pupae. Of 656 P. godeffroyi eggshells collected in the field and examined in the laboratory, 62.2% showed signs of having been parasitized by O. pitosina. There was no evidence that parasitism rates were density‐dependent. O. pitosina brood sizes ranged from 1 to 5, with the sex ratio skewed toward females (2.40 F:1.00 M). Larger parasitoid broods were associated with slightly larger host eggs, indicating that female wasps may adjust brood size according to host egg size or that fewer wasp larvae are able to complete development in smaller eggs. Techniques used to rear both P. godeffroyi and O. pitosina in the laboratory could be applied to a captive‐rear, wild‐release program, which may facilitate reestablishment of the species in Samoa.
KSCN‐Mediated One‐Pot Thiocyanation Tandem Cyclization of Enaminones: a Facile Access to 2‐amino/imino Thiazolo Fused Chromone and Coumarin Frameworks
Authors: Kumawat Akshay , Mansuri Sumbul , Sravani Galla Mary , Shankaraiah Nagula
Published: October 2024

A rapid metal‐free approach describing one‐pot thiocyanation of chromone and coumarin enabling tandem cyclization via potassium thiocyanate as a sulfur surrogate was unveiled. Interestingly, this enaminone‐mediated protocol facilitated straightforward access to medicinally significant 2‐amino/imino thiazolo fused chromone and coumarin frameworks. This methodology provided good atom‐economy, remarkable functional group tolerance, and scalability. Alongside establishing a wide substrate scope, it also provided a feasible scalability up to gram scale.
A Mechanistic Study of the Oxidation of Substituted Benzyl Alcohols with Trichloroisocyanuric Acid
Authors: dos Santos Carlos V. P. , de Mattos Marcio C. S.
Published: October 2024

A systematic mechanistic study employing rate constant (kobs) kinetics measurements, linear free‐energy relationship, hydrogen kinetic isotope effect and rate law, as well as the Density Functional Theory (DFT) approach (M06‐2x/6‐311G(d,p)) for the oxidation of diverse substituted benzyl alcohols with trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA)/H2O in 50 % MeCN/CH2Cl2 at 25.0 °C is present. The kinetic results showed an autocatalytic behavior and a primary kinetic isotope effect (4.22). The linear free‐energy relationship (σ, ρ=−1.22) indicated a mechanism change for 4‐CF3, 3‐NO2 and 4‐NO2 substituted benzyl alcohols and a fractional rate law (3.25) for benzyl alcohol. The DFT results indicated Cl2, formed in situ from TCCA and HCl. Furthermore, calculations support the kinetic results with high agreement through a transition state that performs a hydride abstraction by autocatalytic Cl2 in the induction zone. In the case of substrates bearing strong electron withdrawing groups, the mechanism changes to hydrogen abstraction from the corresponding benzyl hypochlorite as the main pathway.
Influencing factor and path research on the high‐quality development of the urban mining industry
Authors: Wang Yusu , Liu Jinlong , Li Luomeng
Published: October 2024

The recycling of urban mining is one of the means to alleviate resource bottlenecks and build an ecological industrial system in China. To study the characteristics of high‐quality development of the urban mining industry, the high‐quality development capacity of this industry from 2006 to 2020 is evaluated based on the entropy weighting – catastrophe progression method, and its development pattern and influencing factors are discussed. The analysis results show that: ①The high‐quality development capacity of the urban mining industry declines slowly, with an average annual decline of about 0.399% from 2006 to 2020, and the overall development quality level is on average. The provinces with high‐quality development are scattered from the east region of the Hu Line to the north and south regions, and non‐high‐quality development provinces are contiguous. ②The positive spatial correlation of the urban mining industry is significant, but the agglomeration degree in high‐quality development provinces is low‐high‐low. According to the spatial agglomeration characteristics, the high‐quality development pattern is divided into five zones. ③Among the factors driving the high‐quality development of the urban mining industry, regional GDP per capita, R&D investment, the number of patent applications granted and Internet penetration rate are the core influencing factors. High‐quality sustainable zone and high‐quality restoration zone need to rely on the number of granted patent applications to achieve high‐quality maintenance and restoration, high‐quality compensation zone and high‐quality stability maintenance zone need GDP per capita and R&D investment, high‐quality development zone relies on Internet penetration rate to explore high‐quality development potential.