bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Eco‐Innovation, Corporate Governance and Nation‐Level Institutions: A Cross‐Country Evidence
Authors: Roy Arup , DasGupta Ranjan
Published: February 2025

There is a dearth of empirical research to examine how a firm's internal corporate governance mechanisms would impact eco‐innovation practices under distinctive nation‐level institutions. Therefore, we conducted this study to examine the individual roles of board size, board diversity (i.e., female directors' presence) and board independence in motivating a firm's eco‐innovation practices in an extended cross‐country setting. Furthermore, we examine whether nation‐level institutions moderate our primary study associations. By employing the system generalized method of moment (SGMM) method for panel data of 19 countries from 2010 to 2021, we find a positive impact of board diversity and independence, whereas board size has a significant negative influence on a firm's eco‐innovation practices. However, the political and cultural systems moderate negatively, whereas the education and labour systems and financial systems strengthen our primary findings. The results remain strong even after using additional measurements for dependent variables, addressing endogeneity concerns and using multiple estimating methods to account for bias from omitted variables. Regulators and policymakers can use these findings to formulate stringent institutional policies in regard to nation‐level eco‐innovation.
Efficient fermentative production of lactodifucotetraose by controlling sequential glycosyltransferase reactions in Escherichia coli
Authors: Moriyama Shu , Sugita Tomotoshi , Yamashita Makoto
Published: February 2025

Lactodifucotetraose (LDFT) is a human milk oligosaccharide (HMO) that might reduce inflammation in infants. In this study, we established a useful production process of LDFT by engineering two key enzymes, α1,2‐fucosyltransferase (α1,2‐FucT) and α1,3‐fucosyltransferase (α1,3‐FucT). First, we verified which of 2′‐fucosyllactose (2′‐FL) or 3‐fucosyllactose (3‐FL) (mostly unverified) was more useful. We searched for FucTs that functioned efficiently in vivo against the raw material lactose or the two intermediates 2′‐FL or 3‐FL by external substrate addition to culture medium. We found that α1,2‐ FucT (HMFT) from Helicobacter mustelae and the N‐terminal truncated form of α1,3‐FucT from Bacteroides fragilis (BfFucTΔN10) had high potential. 3‐FL was not efficiently converted to LDFT, which might be attributed to the low reactivity of HMFT to 3‐FL as well as the low uptake efficiency of 3‐FL by LacY, as revealed by a growth test with exogenously added FL as the sole carbon source and heterologously expressed intracellular fucosidase. Furthermore, because 3‐FL accumulation had a negative impact on cell growth, we avoided the route passing through 3‐FL. By adjusting the copy numbers of HMFT and BffucTΔN10, we produced LDFT from lactose predominantly via 2′‐FL. Finally, 17.5 g/L of LDFT (with 6.8 g/L 2′‐FL and no 3‐FL or residual lactose) accumulated in a 3‐L fed‐batch culture after 77 h. This study reports the detailed analysis of multiple pathways and shows the control of glycosyltransferases can improve the production efficiency of complex HMOs.
How Come They Know? The Effects of Social Comparison on Value Consciousness and Price Mavenism
Authors: Pillai Kishore Gopalakrishna , Jha Shweta , Sharma Piyush , Chakraborty Ratula , Dobson Paul
Published: February 2025

Social interactions and the exchange of interpersonal information are important to consumers' shopping experiences. Social interactions can trigger social comparisons that can influence consumer's value and price perceptions. This research investigates the effects of social comparison orientation (SCO) on consumers' value consciousness (VC) and price mavenism (PM). It also examines the moderating role of general self‐efficacy (GSE) and identification. We employed a mixed‐method approach and investigated the conceptual framework using a survey (N = 229) and an experimental (N = 516) method. The findings revealed the positive effects of SCO on VC and PM. GSE negatively moderates the impact of SCO on VC. Further, when identification with the social referent is high (vs. low) and assimilation (vs. contrast) effect is observed then upward (vs. downward) comparison leads to greater levels of VC and PM. The paper concludes with implications for marketing value‐focused brands and retailers.
Cyclization of Short Peptides Designed from Late Embryogenesis Abundant Protein to Improve Stability and Functionality
Authors: Wu Yinghan , Ikeno Shinya
Published: February 2025

LEA peptides, which are designed based on late embryogenic abundant (LEA) protein sequences, have demonstrated chaperone‐like functions, such as improving drought stress tolerance of Escherichia coli (E. coli). Previous studies have focused on the biological functions of linear LEA peptides. However, the function of cyclic LEA peptide still unknown. This study aimed to explore the cyclic LEA peptides’ bio function like enhance the drought stress tolerance of E. coli by cyclizing the LEA peptide using SICLOPPS (Split Intein Circular Ligation of Peptides and Proteins). The results indicated that cyclization significantly improved the function and extended the potential applications. At the same time, we found that peptides containing numerous lysine residues exhibited reduced performance, which may be due to the exteins’ residues affecting the SICLOPPS efficiency.
Role of the calcium‐sensing receptor in regulating vascular function
Authors: Albert Anthony P. , Greenberg Harry Z.E.
Published: February 2025

Functional expression of the calcium‐sensing receptor (CaSR) in calcitropic tissues, for example, parathyroid glands and kidneys, is important for maintaining Ca2+ homeostasis. It is also established that the CaSR is present in tissues previously thought to be noncalcitropic and this review discusses the role of the CaSR in vascular function, focusing mainly on contractility but also outlining its role in cell proliferation and calcification. Stimulation of the CaSR by extracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]o) on perivascular sensory nerves and vascular endothelial cells is associated with vasodilatation through the release of vasoactive substances and stimulation of IKCa channels and nitric oxide synthesis, respectively, which mediate endothelium‐derived hyperpolarizations and activation of BKCa channels and KATP channels in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). CaSR‐induced vasoconstrictions are mediated by the CaSR expressed in VSMCs, which are coupled to the Gq/11 protein‐coupled pathway. In addition, the CaSR expressed on VSMCs also regulates proliferation and calcification. Consequently, the CaSR has been implicated in regulating systemic and pulmonary blood pressure and calcimimetics and calcilytics are potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases, such as hypertension, pulmonary artery hypertension, and atherosclerosis.
Insights into the Role of the D‐Cluster in [NiFe]‐CODH from Rhodospirillum Rubrum
Authors: Contaldo Umberto , Guigliarelli Bruno , Perard Julien , Pichon Thomas , Le Goff Alan , Cavazza Christine
Published: February 2025

The [NiFe]‐CODH from Rhodospirillum rubrum contains [4Fe4S] clusters that allow electron transfer from the buried active sites to the protein surface. Among them, the role of the D‐cluster, located at the dimer interface is still not fully understood. In this study, the removal of the D‐cluster by site‐directed mutagenesis revealed remarkable features in the behavior of the enzyme. Quantitative analysis and spectroscopic studies unveiled the suppression of D‐cluster in the mutants and the influence on other metal cofactors. Furthermore, the CO oxidation activity in solution measured in the presence of methylviologen is almost completely abolished in the mutants. Conversely, direct electrochemistry at a functionalized carbon nanotube electrode shows that the mutants are still catalytically active reaching reduced but significant current densities of 0.7 mA cm−2. Moreover, the electroenzymatic activity towards oxygen is not affected by the removal of the D cluster. EPR studies reveal a remarkable change in the magnetic coupling between FeS clusters upon removal of the D‐cluster, highlighting the effect of the location of this D‐cluster at the dimer interface. It is noteworthy that in addition to its role as electron relay, the D‐cluster appears to play an important role in the biosynthesis of the active site.
NXS/TBHP as a Reagent System for Expedient Generation of Halogen Radicals: Site‐Selective Halogenation of Quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones and Conversion of Terminal Alkynes to gem‐Dihaloketones
Authors: Yadav Navin , Sahoo Ajay Kumar , Sarkar Debarghya , Moorthy Jarugu Narasimha
Published: February 2025

We report an efficient and practical protocol for the generation of halogen (Br and Cl) radicals using inexpensive and readily available N‐bromo/N‐chlorosuccinimide (NXS) and t‐butylhydroperoxide (TBHP) at rt. The NXS/TBHP reagent systems are demonstrated for site‐selective bromination and chlorination of the benzene‐core of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones. It is shown that the reagent system permits regioselective halogenation at the C7 position of the benzene core over the readily‐functionalized C3 position of quinoxalin‐2(1H)‐ones under mild reaction conditions. We further show that terminal alkynes can be converted to gem‐dihaloketones in a facile manner by NXS/TBHP. Mechanistically, single electron transfer between TBHP and NXS leads to instantaneous formation of electrophilic halogen radicals, which attack arenes and alkynes.
Supramolecular Interpenetrated Faujasite‐like Crystals from [4+4] Imine Cages
Authors: Lauer Jochen C. , Zhang Wen-Shan , Elbert Sven M. , Rominger Frank , Schröder Rasmus R. , Mastalerz Michael
Published: February 2025

In recent years, porous organic cages have gained in importance, inter alia, due to their ability to be processed from solution. Especially the packing of the cages in the solid state structure has a significant effect on the porosity. Therefore, it is important to be able control the packing pattern either by crystallization conditions or the interaction of molecular units, defined as crystal engineering synthons. Here, tribromoarene subunits as such are incorporated into cage structures, namely a [2+3] and a [4+4] imine cages, to study the reliability of thus subunit as crystal engineering synthon. Several solvatomorphs of both cages were studied by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and packing patterns thoroughly analyzed. Among those solvatomorphs an interpenetrated Faujasite‐type supramolecular arrangement is found.
COBALT DOPED IRON BASED PEROVSKITE CATALYSTS FOR EFFICIENT REDUCTION OF NITRATE TO AMMONIA
Authors: Syoum Wahid Meles , Zhang Kai , Wang Yasen , Peng Hongbo , Guo Haoran , Chen Jun Song , Li Tingshuai
Published: February 2025

Electrochemical nitrate reduction reaction (NO3RR) has received universal attention to synthesize value‐added ammonia, which requires high‐efficiency catalysts to reduce the reaction barrier. Herein, cobalt doped SrFeO3 nanofibers (SCFO) with abundant oxygen vacancies via electrospinning technique is proposed to convert nitrate to ammonia.  Such catalyst achieves an optimum Faradaic efficiency of 81.5% and a high NH₃ yield of 16.1 mg h⁻¹ mg‐1cat. in a 0.1 M PBS + 0.1 M NaNO₃ solution at ‐0.9 V reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Moreover, the in‐situ electrochemical test and DFT calculations confirm the potential‐determining step (PDS) for SCFO is *NO‐*N with an energy barrier of only 1.28 eV.
A First Principle Study to Understand the Importance of Edge‐exposed and Basal Plane Defective MoS2 Towards Nitrogen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Xiao Yuan-Hui , Wu Xin-Wei , Chen Lai-Ke , Ma Zi-Wei , Lin Jian-De , Rajkumar Devasenathipathy , Wu De-Yin , Tian Zhong-Qun , Devasenathipathy Rajkumar
Published: February 2025

Nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) as a promising approach to ammonia synthesis has received much attention in recent years.  Herein, by using density functional theory (DFT) calculations, we constructed edge‐exposed MoS2 and different kinds of basal plane defects, including anti‐site, sulfur vacancy and pore defects, to systematically investigate their influence on the NRR performance. The thermodynamically calculated results revealed that the NRR on edge‐exposed MoS2, anti‐site defects, sulfur vacancy with three sulfur atoms missing (S3V) and porous defect (D) exhibit great catalytic activity with low limiting potentials. The calculated limiting potentials are ‐0.43 and ‐0.47 V at armchair and zigzag edge MoS2, ‐0.42 and ‐0.44 V at anti‐site defects, ‐0.49 and ‐0.67 V at S3V and D. However, by inspecting the thermodynamic properties of the hydrogen evolution reaction, we proposed that the zigzag‐end MoS2 and anti‐site defects exhibit a better NRR selectivity compared to armchair‐end MoS2, S3V and D. Electronic structure calculations reveals that the edge‐exposed and basal plane defective MoS2 can improve the conductivity of the material by reducing the band gap. Donation‐backdonation mechanism can effectively promote the activation of nitrogen molecule.
Design, Synthesis and Molecular Docking of New Thieno[2,3‑d]Pyrimidin‐4‐One Derivatives as Dual EGFR and FGFR Inhibitors
Authors: Sultan Sara , Tawfik Samar S. , Selim Khalid B. , Nasr Magda N.A.
Published: February 2025

Novel thienopyrimidinone hybrids 5–25 were developed and synthesized as potential inhibitors of human EGFR and FGFR. The in vitro antiproliferative action of all compounds, towards the human breast tumor cells MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7, was evaluated with doxorubicin serving as a reference (IC50 = 6.72 µM). Compound 23 demonstrated the highest anti‐breast cancer efficacy against both cellular lines having IC50 ranging from 2.95 to 3.80 µM. The enzyme inhibition of human EGFR and FGFR by the most active candidates 18, 21and 23–25 was further evaluated. Compounds 21 and 25 were the best EGFR inhibitors having IC50 values of 0.077 and 0.059 µM, respectively, in comparison to Erlotinib (IC50 = 0.04 µM). In comparison with Staurosporine (IC50 = 0.024 µM), compounds 24 and 25 were the most active FGFR inhibitors having IC50 values of 0.055 and 0.029 µM, respectively. The study of molecular docking was carried out among the most active EGFR inhibitors 21 and 25 and the most active FGFR inhibitors 24 and 25 to examine the relation between the binding pattern of these compounds with EGFR and FGFR catalytic active sites and their biological activity, whereas the computational results were aligned with the biological results. Finally, compound 25, which was found to be the best dual inhibitor against EGFR and FGFR, was tested for inducing apoptosis and affecting cellular arrest within G2/M phase as well as it was screened to measure its safety towards normal breast cells MCF10a with IC50 value of 47.16 µM in contrast to the reference Staurosporine (IC50 = 18.86 µM). Accordingly, compound 25 could be considered as a potential breast cancer therapy.
Impact of Menstrual Cycle and Oral Contraceptives on Haematological and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Highly Trained Female Athletes
Authors: Collomp Katia , Teulier Caroline , Castanier Carole , Bonnigal Juliette , Marchand Alexandre , Buisson Corinne , Ericsson Magnus , Crépin Nathalie , Duron Emmanuelle , Favory Eric , Zimmermann Mathieu , Amiot Virgile , Olivier Agnès
Published: February 2025

Haematological and inflammatory biomarkers play an important role in athlete performance and health, with some of them used in the fight against doping. However, little is known about how they are modulated by sex hormone fluctuations in highly trained female athletes. We therefore measured the haematological parameters monitored in the athlete biological passport (ABP) as well as erythropoietin, serum markers of iron and inflammatory statuses (iron, ferritin, transferrin, transferrin saturation, albumin, creatinine, total protein, interleukin‐6 and TNF‐alpha) in 20 highly trained female athletes: 10 with normal menstrual cycle (NMC) during the early follicular and mid‐luteal phases and 10 using a combined oral contraceptive (COC, i.e., ethinyloestradiol and levonorgestrel) during active and inactive hormone intake. Body composition, leptin and lipid profile (total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and triglycerides) were determined in parallel. No changes were observed throughout NMC phases. Irrespective of active/inactive pill intake, COC use increased transferrin, triglycerides as well as reticulocyte count (p < 0.05) and decreased interleukin‐6 (p < 0.05), with no significant changes in the other parameters studied. In conclusion, given our results across NMC phases in highly trained athletes, it seems warranted to investigate whether intense physical training would mitigate the impact of endogenous sex hormones on body composition and haematological and inflammatory parameters. In addition, further studies are needed to determine the extent of the changes induced by COCs on these blood biomarkers in elite female athletes when subjected to extreme environments such as intensive training or competition in humid heat, cold and/or hypoxia or when using other medications in parallel.
Substantial Decline in the Groundwater in the Ten Kongduis Basin in the Loess Plateau During 2001–2020
Authors: Luan Jinkai , Li Xiaojie , Naeem Shahid , Kumar Amit , Miao Ping , Wang Ruidong , Yang Zhenqi , Ma Hongli , Ma Ning
Published: February 2025

The Loess Plateau has experienced obvious greening because of anthropogenically induced vegetation restoration. However, the impact of ecological restoration on groundwater storage over the past two decades remains unclear, though it is widely known that the growth of plants in this region depends heavily on groundwater. Such a knowledge gap is partly due to the scarcity of groundwater monitoring data. Here, this study reconstructed the groundwater level records in a typical basin in the Loess Plateau (the Ten Kongduis basin) spanning from 2001 to 2020 using an emergent relationship between the cumulative surface water fluxes over a 12‐month moving window and the groundwater level changes. The long‐term reconstruction suggests a persistent decreasing trend in the groundwater level from 2001 to 2020, with a short period of recovery observed between 2011 and 2013. In particular, the declining trend notably intensified after 2013, indicating an accelerated depletion of groundwater in the most recent few years. Further attribution analysis suggests that the decrease in groundwater levels was primarily attributed to the increasing evapotranspiration because of extensive vegetation restoration. Additionally, the development and utilization of regional groundwater resources also play an important role in this phenomenon. Our results provide crucial insights into the management and utilization of groundwater resources in the Loess Plateau, thus highlighting that a more sustainable strategy for future adaptation must be planned in this water‐scarce region.
Effects of Heavier Congeners on the Structural and Photophysical Properties of Visible‐Light‐Absorbing Dinuclear Complexes of Group‐12 Elements
Authors: Wada Yoshimasa , Matsuo Eri , Sunada Yusuke
Published: February 2025

Unlike most d‐block metal complexes, group‐12 metal complexes exhibit a lack of visible light absorption involving atomic orbital of metal center, despite the growing demand for visible light‐driven photofunctional materials. To overcome this limitation, we previously developed a dinuclear Zn(II) complex that absorbs visible light through an empty σ orbital formed between two proximal Zn atoms and exhibits dual emission at 77 K. However, the roles of the central metal atom in influencing the structural and photophysical properties were not fully investigated. In this study, we synthesized a dinuclear Cd(II) complex, structurally analogous to the Zn(II) complex, to investigate the effects of the central metal atoms on these properties. Structural analyses revealed that both complexes are highly similar, with slightly elongated Cd–Cd distances because of Cd's larger van der Waals radius. Theoretical calculations indicated attractive intermetallic interactions between the central metal atoms in both complexes. Although both complexes displayed negligibly different visible light absorptions, the Cd(II) complex displayed a much higher intersystem crossing rate than the Zn(II) complex, generating distinctly different overall emission profiles. These findings emphasize the crucial roles of the central metal atoms in influencing the structural and photophysical behaviors of dinuclear complexes, providing deeper insights for designing group‐12‐element‐based materials.
Non‐Oscillatory Control Based Fixed‐Time Synchronization of Fuzzy Memristive Neural Networks
Authors: Li Zuhao , Abdurahman Abdujelil
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the fixed‐time (FXT) synchronization issue of fuzzy memristive neural networks (MNNs) via using incomplete Beta functions from the view of improving the estimate accuracy of settling time (ST). First, the parameter mismatching issue brought by the switching characteristics of the memristor is handled through the convex analysis method. Then, a new FXT stability theorem that provides a more accurate ST estimation is derived by using incomplete Beta functions. Furthermore, based on this result, some new sufficient conditions are obtained to ensure the FXT synchronization of considered fuzzy MNNs via designing a class of control schemes by introducing a new saturation function as well as using some inequality techniques. Significantly, the introduced FXT controller can achieve synchronization aim at bounded ST and it is not affected by the system's initial values. Finally, a numerical example is provided to verify the affectivity of introduced results.
Quantifying the environmental benefits of green development: A carbon emission reduction analysis of air logistics in airport‐type national logistics hub cities
Authors: Kang Xinyu , Chen Lu
Published: February 2025

Improving the efficiency of aviation logistics and enhancing the green development level of national airport logistics hub cities is an effective way to achieve low‐carbon development of aviation industry. This study takes 23 airport‐type national logistics hub cities as the research object, calculates the carbon emissions generated in the process of air logistics transportation from 2010 to 2022. The study constructs an index for the green development level of city‐level aviation logistics. It uses super‐efficiency slacks‐based measure data envelopment analysis to dynamically measure the green development level of aviation logistics in airport‐type national logistics hub cities. On this basis, the study deeply analyzes the spatial differentiation characteristics of the air logistics green development level of different airport logistics hub cities and puts forward multi‐dimensional policy recommendations. The results are as follows: (1) Since 2010, the total carbon emissions of aviation logistics in airport‐type national logistics hub cities have been increasing year by year, especially in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhengzhou, and Chengdu. The carbon emissions of aviation logistics in different economic zones differ greatly, showing the characteristics of East > West > Central > Northeast. (2) The green development level of air logistics in different airport‐type national logistics hub cities is gradually rising, relatively maintaining a stable state, but the difference is large. (3) Negative spatial autocorrelation exists in the green development level of air logistics in different cities. No significant spatial clustering features appear. This study puts forward policy recommendations to promote the low‐carbon development.
Geomorphological evidence of the Malta‐Sicily land‐bridge during the Last Glacial Maximum inferred from seismic profiles
Authors: Rossi Sofia , Prampolini Mariacristina , Galea Charles , Valle Giacomo Dalla , Caruana Albert , Soldati Mauro
Published: February 2025

The Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) witnessed substantial sea‐level fluctuations profoundly impacting the geomorphological evolution of the Maltese Islands, located in the SW part of the Malta Plateau (central Mediterranean Sea). It is known that during that period, a land‐bridge connected the Maltese Islands to Sicily. However, discerning detailed geomorphological evidence of past sea‐level changes in offshore regions proves difficult due to the limited availability of high‐resolution multibeam bathymetry data, subsurface seismic profiles and potential tectonic influences. By addressing these challenges, this study sets out to meticulously reconstruct the coastline of the Malta Plateau and to delineate the extent of the land‐bridge connecting Malta to Sicily during the LGM. The study was conducted by exploiting 2D multichannel seismic profiles acquired during oil exploration seismic surveys carried out offshore Malta and EMODnet bathymetry data. This analysis enabled the recognition of the coastline of the western side of the land‐bridge connecting Malta and Sicily during the LGM, at a depth ranging from 119 to 131 m b.s.l. Uncertainties about the location of the eastern coastline remain due to the quality and extent of the seismic profiles and to the more intense morphodynamics of the Malta Plateau. A coastal lagoon system, bounded offshore by a barrier corresponding to a structural high, was recognized. During transgressional phases, the emerged LGM landscape was progressively submerged and locally sealed by a thin layer of sediments, which still preserves the most significant geomorphological features. With reference to the stratigraphic sequence, two facies were distinguished, the lower one interpreted as the pre‐Plio‐Quaternary (pre‐PQ) sequence outcropping in Malta, and the upper one consisting of Plio‐Quaternary (PQ) deposits onlapping on the former one. These results provide valuable insights into the palaeoenvironmental history of the region, contributing to a broader understanding of sea‐level dynamics and geological evolution in the tectonically complex Mediterranean area.
Global open‐access DEM vertical elevation and along track neighbouring structure evaluations in the Tibetan Plateau using ICESat‐2 ATL03 points
Authors: Chen Jun , Xiong Liyang , Li Sijin , Tang Guoan
Published: February 2025

Global digital elevation models (GDEMs) are critical in the measurement and analysis of Earth's surface, and should be evaluated prior to use. However, existing GDEM evaluations mainly use global statistical metrics to evaluate vertical elevation (VE) differences with reference data, ignoring the relationship between a centre pixel and its neighbouring pixels, which is defined as the GDEM's neighbouring structure (NS). Along track ATL03 points allow evaluation of the along track NS (ATNS). This study comprehensively accesses the VE and ATNS accuracy of 1 arc‐second GDEMs, including Copernicus, NASA, AW3D30 and ASTER DEM, using for the first time ICESat‐2 ATL03 along track points throughout the Tibetan Plateau, where the rugged terrains and various features make it difficult to maintain its NS's accuracy. This study first introduces continuous and discrete ATNS metrics, then evaluates their effectiveness by analysing their relationships with errors in GDEM terrain derivatives. Finally, the better‐performing metric is used for evaluations across various terrain parameters, landforms and land covers. The proposed framework achieved DEM evaluations from pixel‐by‐pixel statistical analysis of elevation differences to local ATNS assessment. Evaluation results demonstrate that the ATNS errors of the GDEMs are linearly correlated with the RMSE of the vertical errors. Overall, the errors of the VE RMSE and ATNS are ranked as Copernicus< AW3D30 < NASA< ASTER. However, evaluations conducted in the Andes and Alps reveal regional variations in these rankings. This study endeavours to introduce a new framework for large‐scale GDEM evaluations, and the conclusions are beneficial for GDEM selection in further applications.
New Names in Habenaria for Species Currently in the Genus Bonatea
Authors: Bytebier Benny
Published: February 2025

Molecular phylogenetic research has corroborated the long‐standing suggestion that Bonatea should not be separated from Habenaria. Here, we list all names in Habenaria for species previously in Bonatea and provide two new combinations.
Characterisation of Lentinus Edodes Chicken Filling Based on Their Flavour Profiles Using SPME‐GC–MS, Electronic Sensory Analysis, and Fuzzy Mathematics
Authors: Li Qianyu , You Kaiyan , Wang Ya , Cao Xuehui , Zhu Danshi
Published: February 2025

The flavour quality of Lentinus edodes chicken meat filling with varying proportions of mushroom was analysed using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (SPME‐GC–MS), electronic sensory technology and fuzzy mathematical sensory evaluation. The results indicate that the addition of Lentinus edodes increased the content of unsaturated fatty acids by 3.97% and total volatile compounds by 79.20%, compared to the filling without Lentinus edodes. Furthermore, the ratio of umami amino acids increased by 6.54%. Spearman correlation analysis revealed that sensory scores are influenced by multiple factors rather than a single or few factors alone. Correlation analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between sensory score and the content of flavour amino group and Mushroom alcohol, while showing a negative correlation with the content of 5′‐GMP. These findings suggest that changes in the proportion of dry and fresh Lentinus edodes significantly impact the flavour profile of chicken stuffed with Lentinus edodes.
Lower Palaeolithic Site Kamianka in Eastern Ukraine: Geoarchaeological Assessments
Authors: Stepanchuk Vadim N. , Veklych Yurii M.
Published: February 2025

The paper presents an initial attempt to assess ancient findings in Eastern Ukraine through a synthesis of archaeological and geomorphological data. It focuses on a newly discovered Lower Palaeolithic site on a valley slope of a right‐bank tributary of the Seversky Donets River, cutting into the Jarkiv stage terrace (Pliocene) of the Ukrainian stratigraphic scale. Flint, quartzite, quartz flakes, and modified pebbles were found in the clastic material from the upper cover layer. The artefacts date from 2.6 to 0.6 Ma, corresponding to the interval between the boundary separating Bogdanivka and Beregove stages (i.e., Reuverian and Tiglian, respectively) and the Lubny (Cromerian) stage. A new terrace analysis method identified the lower boundary near the Pliocene‐Quaternary transition, with the upper boundary based on regional archaeological analogies. Deflationary processes prevent further narrowing of the timeframe. Taphonomic evidence indicates prolonged exposure in aquatic and wetland environments before surface deposition. The collection includes hammerstones, choppers, scrapers, and retouched flakes, predominantly shaped using the bipolar‐on‐anvil technique with some free‐hand flaking. Technological and typological features classify the assemblage as an archaic Mode I core‐and‐flake industry. Geological–geomorphological age assessments confirm these findings, refining correlations between archaeological industries and palaeogeographic stages.
Thinking About It All Together: A Descriptive Analysis to Understand Comorbidities in People Living With Dementia
Authors: Zhang Yuchen , Deng Zhirui , Seaman Jennifer , Koleck Theresa A.
Published: February 2025

Background and Aims

The prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) is on the rise. There is a corresponding escalation in the number of persons living with dementia who require complex, longitudinal support in care due to the progressive declines in cognitive and clinical profiles of persons living with dementia when delivering individualized person‐centered care that promotes overall health and well‐being. Hence, we aim to describe the presence and patterns of co‐occurring comorbidities in persons living with dementia.

Methods

This study is a retrospective, cross‐sectional descriptive analysis based on curated electronic health record data from the All of Us Research Program from October 1, 2015, to June 30, 2022. We included individuals who were 65 years of age or older with at least one dementia‐related diagnosis. We categorized 14 comorbidities by the Charlson Comorbidity Index, and defined all diseases based on the International Classification of Diseases Tenth Revision Diagnosis codes. We employed descriptive statistics and visualized data with UpSet Plots. Demographic characteristics (i.e., age, sex, race, and ethnicity) between people with and without co‐occurring comorbidities were compared with either chi‐square or Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests.

Results

Persons living with dementia (N = 4003) were a mean of 73 years old, 72.5% non‐Hispanic White, and 47.5% female. Approximately 87% of persons living with dementia were diagnosed with at least one additional comorbidity. The most common comorbidities included diabetes (67.82%), renal disease (40.24%), chronic pulmonary disease (39.85%), congestive heart failure (37.37%), and peripheral vascular disease (34.57%). Heterogeneous patterns of co‐occurring comorbidity were noted among persons living with dementia.

Conclusion

Our study demonstrates the high prevalence of co‐occurring comorbid illness among persons living with dementia. It is critical that the impact of these co‐occurring conditions on patients' disease trajectories be better understood to promote treatment choices that are person‐centered and goal‐concordant.
Dynamic Effects of Persistent Shocks
Authors: Alloza Mario , Gonzalo Jesús , Sanz Carlos
Published: February 2025

We provide evidence that many narrative shocks used by prominent literature display some persistence. We show that the two leading methods to estimate impulse responses to an independently identified shock (local projections and distributed lag models) treat persistence differently, hence identifying different objects. We propose corrections to re‐establish the equivalence between local projections and distributed lag models, providing applied researchers with methods and guidance to estimate their desired object of interest. We apply these methods to well‐known empirical work and find that how persistence is treated has a sizable impact on the estimates of dynamic effects.
The Future of Snowstorms in Central and Eastern North America
Authors: Ashley Walker S. , Zeeb Aaron , Haberlie Alex M. , Gensini Vittorio A. , Michaelis Allison
Published: February 2025

We investigate the changing snowstorm landscape in eastern North America using dynamically downscaled regional climate simulations that compare the late‐20th century against mid‐ and late‐21st‐century epochs for two climate pathways that include moderate and pessimistic warming. By identifying, tracking, and cataloguing snowstorms, we illustrate how the frequency, snow water equivalent, and other features of these events may change. Results suggest changes in snowstorm characteristics are most significant for the pessimistic pathway, especially toward the late 21st century. There is similar event frequency between the historical period and mid‐21st‐century projections but declines of 3% to 10% are still projected for snowstorm counts, hours, cumulative area, and snow water equivalent. By the late 21st century, snowstorm attributes have losses of 6% to 37% versus the historical period, revealing a projected acceleration in loss from the mid to late century. Spatially, snowstorm reduction is most dramatic along and south of the Ohio River Valley as the latitude that separates steady snowstorm counts to the north and reduced snowstorms to the south migrates poleward in the future. Similarly, extreme snowstorms decline to the south, with some northern regions experiencing increase in counts and snow water equivalent, affirming prior research theorising that some snowfall may intensify as increasing moisture in a warming climate interacts with environments with temperatures still supportive of snowfall. Significant reductions in early and late cool‐season snowstorms are projected across all future epochs, revealing a shrinking season. These results provide a set of perspectives on how a dominant cryospheric input—the snowstorm—will change across eastern North America in the future.
Enhanced metabolic regulation in II/R injury: Comparing multiroute and monoroute enteral nutrition
Authors: Duan Jianfeng , Liu Jiali , Chen Jiawen , Qian Suwan , Liang Xinran , Han Yanyu , Zhang Beiyuan , Gao Tao , Wang Gang , Li Xiaoyao , Yu Wenkui
Published: February 2025

Objective

This study aimed to compare the effects of enteral nutrition (EN) administered via multiroute or via monoroute on metabolic regulation in intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion (II/R) injury rat model.

Methods

The rats were divided into sham operation and II/R injury groups. The rats in each group were further treated with either multiroute or monoroute EN. Rats subjected to multiroute EN were administered a continuous infusion of 30 kcal/kg × day of nutrition via a gastric tube and additionally provided with 0.5 g of standard rat forage for oral intake q8h (for a total of approximately 20 kcal/kg × day) each day. Conversely, rats on the monoroute regimen underwent a continuous infusion of 50 kcal/kg × day of EN through a gastric tube. Hypercatabolism was evaluated by assessing skeletal muscle protein synthesis and atrophy, and insulin resistance. Moreover, serum gastrointestinal hormone levels, hypothalamic ghrelin, and neuropeptide pro‐opiomelanocortin (POMC) were detected.

Results

In rats subjected to II/R injury, multiroute EN more effectively restored serum and hypothalamic ghrelin levels, decreased the expression of the POMC neuropeptide, decreased skeletal muscle atrophy, and enhanced skeletal muscle synthesis. These effects collectively contributed to a reduction in muscle wasting, an improvement in hypercatabolic status, and a mitigation of body weight loss.

Conclusion

Compared with monoroute nutrition, multiroute EN may further improve hypercatabolic metabolism, reduce muscle wasting, and prevent weight loss in II/R injury rat. This research suggested that an optimized multiroute EN regimen is superior to the monoroute EN approach.
Chemical characterization, antioxidant activity and activation of macrophages RAW264.7 viaMAPK signaling pathway of the exopolysaccharide from Penicillium EF‐2
Authors: Wang Gang , Ma Ping , Mo Shiru , Liu Wendong , Chen Ting , Huang Zhibing , Xie Jianhua
Published: February 2025

BACKGROUND

Microbial exopolysaccharides represent a significant source of polysaccharides, with their production unconstrained by temporal or spatial limitations. Penicillium, a filamentous fungus widely recognized for its medicinal food applications, is known to produce exopolysaccharides that exhibit cancer‐inhibitory properties.

RESULTS

In the present study, exopolysaccharides from Penicillium EF‐2 (EPS) were extracted and structurally characterized using ion chromatograph, infrared spectroscopy and NMR. The in vitro antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities were also investigated. EPS has a molecular weight of 111.47 kDa, is primarily composed of mannose, glucose and galactose, possesses a crystalline region, and exhibits excellent thermal properties. In free radical scavenging assays, EPS demonstrated robust in vitro antioxidant activity. Furthermore, EPS activated the mitogen‐activated protein kinase pathway, enhancing the immunomodulatory capacity of macrophages.

CONCLUSION

EPS has excellent antioxidant and biological activities. The present study provides a theoretical basis for the utilization of EPS and offers new ideas for active sources of Penicillium fermented foods. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.
Changes in Soil Properties, Organic Carbon, and Nutrient Stocks After Land‐Use Change From Forests to Grasslands in Kumaun Himalaya, India
Authors: Fartyal Archana , Bargali Surendra Singh , Bargali Kiran , Negi Bhawna
Published: February 2025

Land‐use changes are anticipated to be a substantial contributor to global change climate, substantially causing significant modifications in soil characteristics. This study addressed the impact of land‐use change from native forests to grasslands on the soil physico‐chemical properties in entirely replicated grasslands of three different forest zones (Oak, Pine and Cypress) in temperate region of Kumaun Himalaya. A total of 162 soil samples (6 sites × 3 plots × 3 seasons × 3 depths = 162 samples) were randomly collected from each site in triplicates from depths. The soil texture, bulk density (bD), porosity, water holding capacity, soil moisture content, pH, organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (P) and available potassium (K) were determined at different depths in forest and grassland sites. Results showed that soil bD, pH, SOC, TN, P and K significantly (p < 0.05) decreased with increasing depth. Moreover, conversion of forests into grassland reduced nutrient concentrations, physical qualities (bD and porosity), and pH levels. The decreasing trend of nutrient along the soil depth explains that the zone of nutrient accumulation is not well established in these grasslands because of the substantial leaching effect. Our findings indicate that conversion of natural forests into grasslands resulted in significant losses of SOC and TN stocks which can be attributed to the disturbance of natural forests. Therefore, while making land‐use change plans, the impact of these alterations on soil nutrients must be considered. These findings emphasize the value of establishing natural vegetation (forests) in these areas to retain nutrients and safeguard soil against runoff and erosion. However, anticipating the physico‐chemical impacts of land‐use alteration necessitates a better comprehension of its relations with other drivers of global change, such as changing climate and nitrogen deposition.
Development and Degradation Study of PLA‐Based Medical Implant Markers for Magnetic Particle Imaging
Authors: Elfers Patrick N. , Lüdtke‐Buzug Kerstin , Malhotra Ankit , Ackers Justin , Mirzojan Liana , Wattenberg Maximilian , Engster Johann C. , Melenberg David , Ahlborg Mandy , Friedrich Thomas , Buhné Maria‐Josephina , Sieren Malte M. , Buzug Thorsten M. , Kloeckner Roman , Barkhausen Jörg , Wegner Franz
Published: February 2025

Magnetic particle imaging (MPI) is a promising imaging modality nearing clinical introduction. MPI's tracer‐based principle allows for highly sensitive background‐free imaging. Potential clinical applications include cardiovascular imaging and endovascular interventions. In principle, medical instruments are invisible in MPI due to the missing signal generation. Therefore, permanent marking technologies have been introduced. Additionally, temporary markers are of interest for follow‐up examinations after stent implantation to prevent artifacts during postinterventional stent lumen quantification. Consequently, medical instrument markers for MPI, based on biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA) and superparamagnetic iron‐oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), are developed in this study. To investigate the markers, signal characteristics and degradation over time are studied for 28 d in a water bath at 37 °C. The samples are analyzed using a scale, micro‐CT, microscopy, magnetic particle spectroscopy (MPS), MPI, and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM). A continuous mass decrease is detected (≈90% after 28 d), while MPS and MPI data show no loss of signal. VSM confirms that the markers’ mass reduction can be accounted for the degradation of PLA, while the SPIONs hardly detach from the coating. The introduced marking technology, with its degradation characteristics and signal behavior, is the basis for a variety of anticipated medical application scenarios.
Enhanced Intracellular Protein Activity by Caveolae‐Mediated Endocytosis of Conjugated Polymer/Protein Complexes
Authors: Sarker Golam Sabbir , Romagosa Carlos R. , Moon Joong Ho
Published: February 2025

Conjugated polymers (CPs) with rigid hydrophobic backbones and polar side chains are known for their efficient cellular entry using various endocytic pathways. Here, the efficient delivery of ribonuclease A (RNase A) into the cytosol of a model cancer cell using a charge‐neutral CP with phenyl carbamoylated guanidine (Ph‐CG) group at the end of a short ethylene oxide side chain is described. This unique combination of the hydrophobic backbone and the polar nonionic side chain facilitates efficient protein complex formation and subsequent cellular entry through a non‐lysosomal pathway, leading to concentration‐dependent cell viability inhibition at a half‐maximal effective concentration of 0.07 µg mL−1 (or 5 nm). This work demonstrates the potential of CPs as carriers for intracellular protein delivery and the importance of the end functional group of protein carriers.
Water‐Soluble Polymeric Probe with Naphthalimide Pendants for Fluorimetric Formaldehyde Sensing
Authors: Pan Swagata , Roy Subhadip , De Priyadarsi
Published: February 2025

Formaldehyde (FA) is a common raw material extensively used in various industrial applications. However, FA is a known carcinogen and poses significant risks to human health. Therefore, developing a sensitive and selective probe for detecting FA is crucial. Herein, a naphthalimide‐based water‐soluble fluorescent polymeric probe for selective detection of FA in an aqueous medium at physiological pH is presented. The aromatic hydrazine units present in the side chains of the polymer react with FA through an addition‐elimination reaction with the formation of hydrazone derivative, which halts the photoelectron transfer (PET) mechanism within the polymer, leading to a “turn‐on” in green fluorescence. The formation of hydrazone is confirmed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) analysis for a model reaction of (6‐hydrazinyl‐2‐(2‐hydroxyethyl)‐1H‐benzo[de]isoquinoline‐1,3(2H)‐dione, SM) with FA. The sensing mechanism through a PET on–off is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculation. The probe demonstrates remarkable sensitivity, detecting FA concentrations as low as 1.7 µm, and shows a five‐fold fluorescence intensity increase within 10 min when exposed to 10 µm formaldehyde. Additionally, the probe offers selective detection of FA over other analytes via fluorometric methods. This study represents a significant advancement in developing sensitive and selective polymeric probes.
Helical Polymer‐Containing Bottlebrush Polymers (BBPs): Design, Synthesis, and Perspectives
Authors: Zou Hui , Wang Shiqi , Han Chaofan , Hu Menghao , Chu Benfa , Zhou Li
Published: February 2025

Helical polymer‐containing bottlebrush polymers (BBPs) are a special and fascinating type of polymer. They possess bottlebrush topology and contain helical polymers as main chains (MCs) or side chains (SCs), thereby presenting interesting and fantastic properties, such as chiral amplification, circularly polarized luminescence, photonic crystal, and so on. This review mainly focuses on BBPs containing helical polymers of polypeptides, polyacetylenes (PAs), and polyisocyanides (PIs). Detailed summarizations are severally given to BBPs with helical polypeptides as MCs and SCs. Meanwhile, BBPs comprising helical PAs as MCs are fully discussed. What's more, BBPs consisted of helical PIs as MCs and SCs are described separately. In addition, BBPs with other helical polymers are briefly introduced, too. The authors hope this review will motivate more interest in developing helical polymers with complex topologies and fascinating properties, and encourage further progress in functional chiral materials.