bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen‐Bridged S−N−Cu Sites for CO2 Photoreduction to Ethanol with 99.5 % Selectivity in Pure Water
Authors: Li Weilin , Liu Zheyang , Rhimi Baker , Zhou Min , Li Jing , Nie Kaiqi , Yan Binhang , Jiang Zhifeng , Shi Weidong , Xiong Yujie
Published: January 2025

Solar‐driven CO2 reduction to ethanol is extremely challenging due to the limited efficiency of charge separation, sluggish kinetics of C−C coupling, and unfavorable formation of oxygenate intermediates. Here, we elaborately design a red polymer carbon nitride (RPCN) consisting of S−N and Cu−N4 dual active sites (Cu/S‐RPCN) to address this challenge, which achieves an impressive ethanol evolution rate of 50.4 μmol g−1 h−1 with 99.5 % selectivity for CO2 photoreduction in pure water. Cu and S atoms within the Cu−N−S configuration can serve as trapping centers for electrons and holes, respectively, providing spatial separation for photogenerated charge carriers. The incorporation of S atoms optimizes the adsorption of *CO on Cu atoms and reduces the energy barrier for the formation of *CO−COH intermediate. The adsorption strength of *OCHCH2OH intermediate on the Cu atoms via the O−Cu−C configuration can affect the selectivity of the C2 products as the cleavage of the Cu−O/Cu−C bonds determines the ethanol/ethylene pathway. The S−N−Cu structure weakens the Cu−O bond, thereby promoting the production of ethanol. This work provides a novel approach to fine‐tune the surrounding microenvironment of metal atoms on carbon nitride for highly effective photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to ethanol.
Porous Supramolecular Crystalline Materials for Photocatalysis
Authors: Gong Yun‐Nan , Zhong Di‐Chang , Lu Tong‐Bu
Published: January 2025

Porous supramolecular crystalline materials (PSCMs), such as hydrogen‐bonded organic frameworks (HOFs), π frameworks, can be defined as a type of porous supramolecular assemblies stabilized by hydrogen‐bonding, π‐π stacking and other non‐covalent interactions. Benefiting from the unique features of mild synthesis conditions, well‐defined and synthetically tailorable structures, easy healing and regeneration, PSCMs have garnered widespread interest in research fields including molecular recognition, sensor, gas storage and separation. Moreover, they have emerged as promising photocatalysts because these PSCMs could be readily endowed with optical function, and the hydrogen‐bonding and π‐π stacking can offer channels for electron transfer to boost the photocatalytic activity. However, the research on PSCMs for photocatalysis is still at an early stage, and a review on this topic would help to promote the development of supramolecular chemistry. In this Minireview, we first introduce the synthesis methods for PSCMs, and then highlight their advantages in photocatalysis. Subsequently, we summarize the applications of PSCMs in photocatalysis including CO2 reduction, H2 evolution, H2O2 production, organic transformation and pollutant degradation, and we put particular emphasis on delineating the structure‐performance relationship. At the end, we discuss the challenges and perspectives in developing high‐performance PSCM‐based photocatalysts.
Ultrastable Imidazole‐linked Porous Organic Cages for Ammonia Capture and Detection
Authors: Zhang Guoshi , Xu Ning , Yang Miao , Wang Wenjing , Su Kongzhao , Yuan Daqiang
Published: January 2025

Here, we report the facile synthesis of imidazole‐linked porous organic cages (IPOCs) via an in situ cyclization reaction protocol. Specifically, three IPOCs with [2+4] lantern‐like structures and one with a [3+6] triangular prism structure were successfully prepared through condensation reactions between tetraformyl‐functionalized calix[4]arene and bis(o‐phenylenediamine) monomers in a single pot. Notably, these IPOCs exhibit high porosity, with Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) specific surface areas reaching up to 1162 m2 g−1. Moreover, they demonstrate excellent chemical stability in both strong acidic and alkaline solutions. Furthermore, IPOC‐2 and IPOC‐4 display a remarkable NH3 capturing capability, with uptakes of up to 11.5 mmol g−1 at 1 bar and 298 K, surpassing most reported porous organic materials. Additionally, IPOC‐1 exhibits highly efficient fluorescent quenching sensing of aqueous NH3, with a detection limit as low as 3.35×10−6 M. These findings strongly suggest the potential for widespread use of imidazole linkages in the development of robust functional porous organic cage materials for diverse applications.
Application of High‐Density Polyethylene as a Modifier to Prepare Desulfurized Rubber Asphalt With Excellent Storage Stability
Authors: Yang Song , Li Rui , Zhu Hongzhou , Chen Yuanyuan , Yang Xiaosi , Tan Qiqi , Lei Luyuan
Published: January 2025

To address the issues of poor temperature sensitivity and unstable storage performance in rubber asphalt, this paper proposes a formulation that blends high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) with desulfurized rubber. The goal is to develop high‐performance desulfurized rubber asphalt that exhibits excellent storage stability. The study found that adding HDPE not only enhances the temperature sensitivity of the asphalt but also significantly improves the high‐temperature viscosity of the rubber asphalt. The asphalt modified with 3% HDPE showed an increase of 31.8% in viscosity–temperature indices compared to the desulfurized rubber asphalt. HDPE facilitates the formation of a structure in the mixture where rubber particles are encapsulated by polyethylene. This structure restricts the movement of particles within the modified asphalt, reducing asphalt deformation and rubber particle agglomeration, thus enhancing the uniformity and stability of the desulfurized rubber asphalt. Rheological tests indicate that HDPE not only enhances the elasticity of the entire asphalt system but also significantly improves the rutting resistance of rubber asphalt under dynamic strain loads. Specifically, at 46°C, the asphalt modified with 3% HDPE showed an increase of 34.1% in rutting factor and 35.6% in complex modulus compared to the desulfurized rubber asphalt. Furthermore, HDPE improves the low‐temperature crack resistance and aging resistance of rubber asphalt. This is because HDPE promotes vulcanization reactions between sulfur bonds in the asphalt and free sulfur or other sulfur‐containing functional groups in the rubber, forming new sulfur bonds and creating a cross‐linked structure within the rubber. This phenomenon can be verified through fluorescence microscope images.
A Copolymer of Benzoquinone and Pyrrole as High Rate, Durable Polymer Electrode for Aqueous Zn‐ and Mg‐Ion Based Batteries
Authors: Dey Gargi , Fayaz Adil , Jasmin Risana M , Dinesan Sruthymol , Sampath S.
Published: January 2025

The growing energy demands have led to an increased attention towards the development of efficient energy storage devices. In this direction, aqueous rechargeable batteries have attracted considerable attention due to their affordability, environmental friendliness and quite importantly, safety. In the present studies, a two‐dimensional copolymer of benzoquinone and pyrrole that is insoluble in aqueous solutions is explored as an electrode for aqueous, rechargeable divalent ion storage. The polymer exhibits high capacity, long cycle life and lends itself amenable for high rates of discharge/charge. It reveals a stable capacity of 125 mAh/g at a high current density of 1 A/g in the case of zinc ion batteries while a stable capacity of 75 mAh/g at 1 A/g is observed in the case of aqueous magnesium ion battery. Electrochemical studies reveal contributions due to capacitive storage of the 2‐dimensional polymer. The charge storage mechanism due to the involvement of carbonyl groups is deciphered using spectroscopic techniques.
Rational Design of a Novel DNA Polymerase From Clostridium thermocellum to Improve LAMP Detection Performance
Authors: Wang Cheng , Hong Bin , Li Yanmei , Ma Yi , Xu Wei , Wang Jufang
Published: January 2025

Loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a detection method widely used in pathogen detection and clinical diagnosis. Nevertheless, it is highly constrained by thermal stability, catalytic activity, and resistance to inhibitors of Bst DNA polymerase. In this study, a novel DNA polymerase was characterized from Clostridium thermocellum, exhibiting potential in LAMP detection. Through bioinformatics analysis, the enzyme and the DNA‐binding domain (DBD) from Pyrococcus abyssi were mutated for enhanced interaction between proteins and DNA. A chimeric mutant DBDE146K‐S738R reaches the detection threshold 13 min earlier than wild‐type Cth DNA polymerase in real‐time LAMP detection with a template concentration of 1.58 × 105 fg/µL. It also showed the highest enzymatic activity at pH 9.0 and 65°C. The chimeric enzyme DBDE146K‐S738R exhibits good thermal stability, capable of performing LAMP reactions after treatment at 73°C or 70°C for 8 h. Moreover, it maintains high activity even under the inhibitory conditions of 50 U/mL heparin, 1.6 mM EDTA, 200 mM NaCl, 10% ethanol, 1.2 M urea, or 0.8% phenol. Notably, it was able to detect 1.58 × 102 ag/µL of the genome and 1.03 CFU/mL of the colony in Salmonella typhimurium detection. The enzyme's performance is superior to commercial Bst 2.0 and comparable to commercial Bst 3.0. The results suggest that DBDE146K‐S738R in LAMP exhibits great potential for molecular biological studies and clinical diagnostic analysis.
Circular Economies and Sectoral Green Productivity in the European Union
Authors: Soto Gonzalo Hernández
Published: January 2025

In this study, we explore the impacts of the waste recycling ratio as a proxy for circular economies on sectoral productivity in the European Union between 2000 and 2021. We present a productivity model that contextualizes the industry's transition to green economies, namely, the green productivity model, in which we adapt neoclassical productivity models by considering energy intensity and the development of green technologies. After estimating the results using FGLS and PCSE, we understand that a higher availability of secondary raw materials contributes to the European productivity functions in different industries, but this effect is limited as exponential increases in these materials reduce productivity. To ensure the efficiency of policies aimed at consolidating circular economies, we propose policy recommendations that leverage economies of scale and scope to improve the efficiency of European industries while contributing to the circular cycle of their own productivity externalities.
Modulation of CRISPR‐Cas9 Cleavage with an Oligo‐Ribonucleoprotein Design
Authors: Gao Yahui , Shan Ang Yan , Lanry Yung Lin‐Yue
Published: January 2025

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) associated protein Cas9 system has been widely used for genome editing. However, the editing or cleavage specificity of CRISPR Cas9 remains a major concern due to the off‐target effects. The existing approaches to control or modulate CRISPR Cas9 cleavage include engineering Cas9 protein and development of anti‐CRISPR proteins. There are also attempts on direct modification of sgRNA, for example, structural modification via truncation or hairpin design, or chemical modification on sgRNA such as partially replacing RNA with DNA. The above‐mentioned strategies rely on extensive protein engineering and direct chemical or structural modification of sgRNA. In this study, we proposed an indirect method to modulate CRISPR Cas9 cleavage without modification on Cas9 protein or sgRNA. An oligonucleotide was used to form an RNA‐DNA hybrid structure with the sgRNA spacer, creating steric hindrance during the Cas9 mediated DNA cleavage process. We first introduced a simple and robust method to assemble the oligo‐ribonucleoprotein (oligo‐RNP). Next, the cleavage efficiency of the assembled oligo‐RNP was examined using different oligo lengths in vitro. Lastly, we showed that the oligo‐RNP directly delivered into cells could also modulate Cas9 activity inside cells using three model gene targets with reduced off‐target effects.
Construction of MOF‐Derived Vanadium Nitride Decorated Micro/Mesoporous Carbon Nanofibers for Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Haiping , Hou Wenbo , Wang Xin , Xie Xuan , Peng Hui , Ma Guofu , Zhu Lei , Xu Yuxi
Published: January 2025

Design and manufacture of cathode materials, with suitable pore structure and high electrical conductivity to matching zinc anode, solving the problem of dissolution and structural degradation of cathode materials for zinc ion batteries (ZIBs), is great significance to the development of ZIBs. Herein, Vanadium Nitride (VN) uniformly decorated N‐doped micro/mesoporous carbon nanofibers (VN/N‐MCNF) with appropriate porous and reactive sites for Zn2+ is prepared by using V–MOF, as important precursor via electrostatic spinning and pyrolysis technique. As a cathode electrode for ZIBs, the VN/N‐MCNF is suitable for diffusion and adsorption of large‐sized solvated structured [Zn(H2O)6]2+, for its abundant micro/mesoporous structure and good electrical conductivity. The VN/N‐MCNF electrode has high specific capacity of 242 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and rate performance. Moreover, the VN/N‐MCNF‐based ZIBs can reach 92.5 % capacity retention after 200 cycles at a low current density of 0.3 A g−1, and can reach 86.1 % capacity retention after 5000 cycles at a high current density of 5 A g−1. These findings highlight the importance of a rational design of cathode materials for high‐performance metal batteries, which can also be extended to the design of other materials.
The role of acetylation and deacetylation in cancer metabolism
Authors: Wang Cuicui , Ma Xiaoxin
Published: January 2025

As a hallmark of cancer, metabolic reprogramming adjusts macromolecular synthesis, energy metabolism and redox homeostasis processes to adapt to and promote the complex biological processes of abnormal growth and proliferation. The complexity of metabolic reprogramming lies in its precise regulation by multiple levels and factors, including the interplay of multiple signalling pathways, precise regulation of transcription factors and dynamic adjustments in metabolic enzyme activity. In this complex regulatory network, acetylation and deacetylation, which are important post‐translational modifications, regulate key molecules and processes related to metabolic reprogramming by affecting protein function and stability. Dysregulation of acetylation and deacetylation may alter cancer cell metabolic patterns by affecting signalling pathways, transcription factors and metabolic enzyme activity related to metabolic reprogramming, increasing the susceptibility to rapid proliferation and survival. In this review, we focus on discussing how acetylation and deacetylation regulate cancer metabolism, thereby highlighting the central role of these post‐translational modifications in metabolic reprogramming, and hoping to provide strong support for the development of novel cancer treatment strategies.

Key points

Protein acetylation and deacetylation are key regulators of metabolic reprogramming in tumour cells.

These modifications influence signalling pathways critical for tumour metabolism.

They modulate the activity of transcription factors that drive gene expression changes.

Metabolic enzymes are also affected, altering cellular metabolism to support tumour growth.
Interaction between perfluoro‐octanoic sulfonate and common antibiotics induces developmental anomalies and lethality in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Harrison Emma , Chattapadhyay Shreya , Neka Ganad , Baskin Maya , Richmond Nora , Nguyen Quynh , Wade Isabel , Anekal Arya , Lucanish Olive , Young John J.
Published: January 2025

Background

Perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants previously used for industrial purposes as a non‐stick coating and flame retardant. The stability of these molecules prevents their breakdown, which results in ground water contamination across the globe. Perfluoroalkyl substances molecules are known to bioaccumulate in various organisms. However, the health consequences remain unclear due to the large number of molecules in the PFAS family and different effects on various tissues. Here, we use the frog Xenopus laevis to investigate the developmental consequences of exposure to the PFAS molecule perfluoro‐octanoic sulfonate (PFOS).

Results

We find that exposure to high levels of PFOS results in significant axial shortening of developing tadpoles. Further, we find that PFOS exposure results in a dose‐dependent formation of a cellular mass in the dorsal fin. Unexpectedly, we found that these developmental phenotypes are exacerbated upon co‐exposure with commonly used antibiotics. Specifically, PFOS and gentamicin co‐treatment results in increased apoptosis, loss of cellular integrity, and increased overall lethality.

Conclusions

Our results suggest a mechanism whereby gentamicin reaches levels that are toxic to mitochondria only in the presence of PFOS. These findings add to our understanding of PFOS exposure to vertebrate development and present an added concern with potential interactions with antibiotics.
Characteristics of the Bacterial Community in Alpine Meadows in Response to Altitude and Aspect in the Qilian Mountains, Northwest China
Authors: Li Qiang , Zhang Ying , Liu Xiaoni , Yang Fan
Published: January 2025

As one of the most sensitive and fragile alpine ecosystems in the Qilian Mountains, the alpine meadow holds significant scientific importance in understanding the changes in the characteristics of soil bacterial community in response to altitude and aspect variations. In our study, we analyzed the composition, diversity, and function of soil bacterial communities in alpine meadows at different altitudes and aspects and their relationship with environmental factors. Our results indicate that altitude and aspect orientation significantly influences the diversity index and composition of soil bacterial communities. Specifically, the Shannon and Chao1 indices of soil bacteria initially increased and then decreased with increasing altitude, with the Shannon index being lower in shady aspects compared to sunny aspects, and the Chao1 index being lower in sunny aspects above an altitude of 3400 m compared to shady aspects at the exact altitudes. Using Linear Discriminant Analysis Effect Size analysis, we identified 77 bacterial species in the research area, with key ecological functions primarily associated with nitrification, aerobic ammonia oxidation, and chitinolysis. Furthermore, we found that soil water content and Urease were the main factors influencing bacterial community composition. Our findings underscore the significant impact of altitude orientation on bacterial communities in alpine grasslands, emphasizing the importance of considering bacterial differences in evaluating alpine grassland health.
Molecular Phylogenetic Relationships Based on Mitogenomes of Spider: Insights Into Evolution and Adaptation to Extreme Environments
Authors: Zhang Rongxiang , Xiang Niyan , Gao Xiaoman , Zhang Guiyu , Lu Tian , Yuan Tao
Published: January 2025

In this study, we performed a comparative analysis based on a total of 255 spider mitogenomes and four outgroups, of which the mitogenomes of 39 species were assembled de novo, to explore the phylogenetic relationships and the adaptive evolution of mitogenomes. Results showed that Argyroneta aquatica had the longest mitochondrial length and the most pronounced codon preference to be UUA, followed by CCU. Codon usage frequencies were similar between families and codon usage in the mitogenome of spiders was mainly influenced by natural selection pressures rather than G/C mutation bias. Our phylogenetic topology clearly explained the evolutionary relationships among the spiders, and divergence time estimates indicated that the spiders originated in the early Devonian, and that the two clades of Mesothelae and Opisthothelae separated in the late Carboniferous. Ancestral range and trait reconstruction results supported the ancestral origin of spiders to the Devonian Nearctic realm, with the trapdoor being the original trait. Selection analysis detected positive selection signals in the ATP8 gene in Desis jiaxiangi. The ND5 gene is a convergent evolutionary gene between D. jiaxiangi and A. aquatica. Positive selection signals in the ATP8 gene and convergent selection sites in the ND5 gene may facilitate metabolic adaptation to the aquatic environment in two aquatic spiders. In conclusion, our analysis contributes to a better understanding of the taxonomic status, species diversity, mitochondrial characteristics, and environmental adaptations of these spiders.
How Can Overlooking Social Interactions, Space Familiarity or Other “Invisible Landscapes” Shaping Animal Movement Bias Habitat Selection Estimations and Species Distribution Predictions?
Authors: Dejeante Romain , Lemaire‐Patin Rémi , Chamaillé‐Jammes Simon
Published: January 2025

Species' future distributions are commonly predicted using models that link the likelihood of occurrence of individuals to the environment. Although animals' movements are influenced by physical and non‐physical landscapes, for example related to individual experiences such as space familiarity or previous encounters with conspecifics, species distribution models developed from observations of unknown individuals cannot integrate these latter variables, turning them into ‘invisible landscapes’. In this theoretical study, we address how overlooking ‘invisible landscapes’ impacts the estimation of habitat selection and thereby the projection of future distributions. Overlooking the attraction towards some ‘invisible’ variable consistently led to overestimating the strength of habitat selection. Consequently, projections of future population distributions were also biased, with animals following changes in preferred habitat less than predicted. Our results reveal an overlooked challenge faced by correlative species distribution models based on the observation of unknown individuals, whose past experience of the environment is by definition not known. Mechanistic distribution modeling integrating cognitive processes underlying movement should be developed.
Biodiversity Change in Cultural Landscapes—The Rural Hotspot Hypothesis
Authors: Neumann Carsten , Behling Robert , Weiss Gabriele
Published: January 2025

A dramatic decrease of biodiversity is currently questioning human‐environment interactions that have shaped ecosystems over thousands of years. In old cultural landscapes of Central and East European (CEE) countries, a vast species decline has been reported for various taxa although intensive land cultivation has been reduced in favor of agroecological transformation, nature conservation and sustainable land management in the past 30 years. Thus, in the recent history, agricultural intensification cannot solely be discussed as the major driver controlling biodiversity. In cultural landscapes, we state that drivers and pressures mainly emerge from the backyards of rural settlements that act as interconnected rural hotspots and therefore form an ecological metapopulation in which small‐scale backyard habitats are capable of preserving and exchanging species pools of the historical cultural landscape. We further argue that shifting sociocultural norms significantly affecting the survival of source populations in rural hotspots and drastically limit their dispersal pathways, which triggers the degradation of the rural metapopulation in recent times. Pressures of cultivation shift, landscape decoupling, structural homogenization, and use of technology and agrochemicals are identified as backyard ecological drivers negatively affecting biodiversity preservation, particularly in the surrounding rural landscape. Spatiotemporal dimensions of backyard pressures involving material fluxes, species exchange and retention, alternation of site conditions, and local genetic adaptation are delineated for different backyard features, including building structures, gardens, lawns, and paved grounds. Finally, we propose a future research agenda to quantify effects and trends of rural hotspots and followed patterns of altered species dynamics. We give an example on the use of satellite time series to remotely map rural backyard habitats and reveal significant spatiotemporal trends induced by small‐scale human behavior that may lead to a new socioecological perception and stimulate actions to shape ecological dynamics emerging from the backyards of human settlements.
Testing Phylogenetic Placement Accuracy of DNA Barcode Sequences on a Fish Backbone Tree: Implications of Backbone Tree Completeness and Species Representation
Authors: Fernando M. A. Thanuja M. , Fu Jinzhong , Adamowicz Sarah J.
Published: January 2025

Advancements in DNA sequencing technology have facilitated the generation of a vast number of DNA sequences, posing opportunities and challenges for constructing large phylogenetic trees. DNA barcode sequences, particularly COI, represent extensive orthologous sequences suitable for phylogenetic analysis. Phylogenetic placement analysis offers a promising method to integrate COI data into tree‐building efforts, yet the impacts of backbone tree completeness and species composition remain under‐explored. Using a dataset comprising 27 genes and 4520 species of bony fishes, we assessed the accuracy of phylogenetic inference by “placing” COI sequences onto backbone trees. The backbone tree completeness was varied by subsampling 20%, 40%, 60%, 80%, and 99% of the total species separately, followed by placement of those missing species based on their COI sequences using software packages EPA‐ng and APPLES. We also compared the effects of biased, random, and stratified sampling strategies; the latter ensured the representation of all major lineages (Family) of bony fish. Our findings indicate that the placement accuracy is consistently high across all levels of backbone tree completeness, where 70%–78% missing species are correctly placed (by EPA‐ng) in the same locations as the reference tree derived from the complete data. High completeness produces slightly high placement accuracy, although in many cases the differences are nonsignificant. For example, at the 99% completeness level with stratified sampling, EPA‐ng placed 78% missing species correctly, and when only considering placement with high confidence (LWR > 0.9), the percentage is 87%. Additionally, stratified sampling outperforms random sampling in most cases, and biased sampling has the worst performance. The likelihood‐based EPA‐ng consistently provide higher accurate placements than the distance‐based APPLES. In conclusion, COI‐based placement analysis represents a potential route of using the available vast barcoding data for building large phylogenetic trees.
Dynamic Test of Negative Stiffness Damped Outrigger With Damping Amplification
Authors: Wang Meng , Koetaka Yuji , Sun Fei‐Fei , Liu Chao , Nagarajaiah Satish , Ashida Yosuke , Du Xiu‐Li
Published: January 2025

This paper proposed a novel negative stiffness damped outrigger with damping amplification (NSDO‐DA) through a smart combination of an L‐shape lever, a precompressed disc spring brace (DSB), and a viscous damper. A theoretical model of the NSDO‐DA considering nonlinear adaptive negative stiffness, damping amplification of nonlinear viscous dampers, and frictions were established. Cyclic tests of disc spring pairs and DSB were presented to verify the feasibility of using DSB as the precompression component of the NSDO‐DA. Subsequently, large‐scale dynamic tests of five different outrigger systems were conducted involving (i) conventional damped outrigger (CDO), (ii) amplified damped outrigger (ADO), (iii) purely negative stiffness mechanism, (iv) negative stiffness damped outrigger (NSDO), and (v) NSDO‐DA. Then, discussions on the dynamic test results and validations of the NSDO‐DA model were provided. The major contributions of this paper are the proposal of the NSDO‐DA and the experimental validation of its two special features: (i) producing negative stiffness force in the parallel direction of the precompression force rather than in the perpendicular direction, making the physical configuration more concise and condensed for outrigger application; (ii) sharing the amplification mechanism of the L‐shape lever for both the viscous damper and the negative stiffness mechanism, leading to an additional damping amplification mechanism for the damper. Moreover, the adaptive stiffness behavior and the frequency‐independent feature of the proposed negative stiffness mechanism were successfully validated by the dynamic tests.
Advancing Sustainable Compressed Earth Blocks Practices: A Critical Application of Simulation and Optimization in Reducing Energy Consumption and Greenhouse Emissions in Green Building
Authors: Al‐Sakkaf Yaser Khaled , Bashir Faizah Mohammed , Mohamed Mohamed Ahmed Said , Falude Emmanuel , Gammoudi Taha , Dodo Yakubu Aminu , Nazoktabar Mohsen
Published: January 2025

This study investigates the viability and benefits of utilizing compressed earth blocks (CEBs) as a sustainable construction material under varying climatic conditions, focusing on two cities in Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, representing a hot desert climate, and Abha, representing a cooler, high‐altitude climate. A comprehensive simulation‐based methodology was employed, which included energy performance modeling and optimization using EnergyPlus software, climate data analysis, environmental impact assessment, and cost analysis. To further verify the results, the EnergyPlus simulations were validated using a machine learning model, specifically the gradient boosting regressor (GBR), to ensure accuracy and reliability. The simulations demonstrate that CEBs provide substantial benefits in terms of structural performance, energy efficiency, and sustainability. For instance, CEB buildings showed reduced cooling loads by 35% in Riyadh and 25% in Abha, while also maintaining high indoor air quality and thermal comfort, leading to 80‐85% occupant satisfaction. The use of CEBs contributed to significant reductions in carbon emissions, with 90% renewable materials, and proved to be cost‐effective over the long term. The GBR validation confirmed less than 2% variation from the EnergyPlus simulations, further ensuring the reliability of the results. Environmental impact assessments revealed substantial reductions in carbon emissions, resource consumption, and waste generation through the adoption of CEBs. Although the initial cost of CEBs may be slightly higher than traditional materials, the long‐term energy savings and reduced maintenance costs make them an economically viable option, particularly in regions with extreme climates. This study underscores the potential of CEBs as a versatile, efficient, and sustainable building material, offering significant benefits in energy efficiency, environmental impact reduction, cost‐effectiveness, and occupant comfort—all based on robust simulation and modeling results.
Morphophysiological Plant Phenotyping for the Development of Plant Breeding Under Drought and Heat Conditions: A Practical Approach
Authors: Estrada Félix , Gonzàlez‐Meler Miquel A. , Dias de Oliveira Eduardo A. , del Pozo Alejandro , Lobos Gustavo A.
Published: January 2025

Currently, the breeding programs focus their efforts on identifying and developing tolerant genotypes to adverse conditions, such as drought and high temperatures. In this context, the physiological approach, which involves phenotyping several traits, is useful for breeding programs. Leaf photosynthetic traits have become one of the main objectives to be evaluated for breeders due to their relationship with improving grain yield and biomass production. Gas exchange (Ge) and chlorophyll “a” fluorescence (Chf) are the main tools to characterize the photosynthetic activity in real time at the leaf level. Consequently, several association studies using proximal and nonproximal sensing (e.g., RGB, thermography) have been developed. However, for the correct application of this breeding approach, it is essential to have a basic knowledge of both the physiological principles involved in the readings and the limitations of phenotyping due to the characteristics of the devices available on the market. This revision also covers other traits, such as the morphological and anatomical characteristics of leaves and roots, and the use of isotopes complementing Ge and Chf measurements.
Economic Value of Informal Care: Contingent Valuation From the Perspective of Caregivers and Care Recipients in China
Authors: Fan Hongli , Gao Jinyan , Chen Lu , Peng Zixuan , Coyte Peter C.
Published: January 2025

We estimated the monetary value of informal care from the perspectives of informal caregivers and care recipients in China using the contingent valuation method. Data were obtained from a specially designed survey of 1458 informal caregivers and 972 care recipients. The mean for caregivers' willingness to pay (WTP) for reducing informal care by 1 h per week was CNY32.37 (€4.11), while the mean for willingness to accept (WTA) increasing informal care by 1 h was CNY46.21 (€5.87). The mean for care recipients' WTP (WTA) values for increasing or reducing informal care by 1 h per week were CNY28.74 (€3.65) and CNY44.78 (€5.69), respectively. The WTP and WTA values varied according to care hours and tasks, kinship, and living arrangements, and correlated with the characteristics of both caregivers and care recipients. The WTP and WTA values were also sensitive to a broad range of factors such as health, level of education, employment status, and household income. We highlight the contribution made by informal caregivers to elderly care and recommend the promotion of informal care activities to support and incentivize them.
An Exploration of Adults Transitioning Into Retirements' Perspectives on Vigorous Intermittent Lifestyle Physical Activity
Authors: Pang Bingyan , McVeigh Joanne A. , Thompson Craig , Thøgersen‐Ntoumani Cecilie , Stamatakis Emmanual , Moullin Joanna C.
Published: January 2025

Issue Addressed

Australian adults transitioning into retirement aged 55–75 years (> 50%) do not meet the World Health Organization recommendation of physical activity (PA). One potential strategy to promote PA is through vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity (VILPA). This study aimed to investigate barriers and facilitators from adults transitioning to retirement about participation in VILPA and to identify strategies to promote and implement VILPA.

Methods

Thirty adults transitioning to retirement (mean age = 64 years) were recruited to participate in focus groups to provide their perceptions on VILPA. All participants' PAs were measured by accelerometers. A set of semi‐structured questions developed from the findings of a previous scoping review was used to guide focus groups with participants. To increase awareness of PA bouts and intensity, the focus group discussions were prompted by participants' individualised accelerometer‐measured PA reports. The identified barriers and facilitators were mapped to the Theoretical Domains Framework. Intervention strategies were derived from the framework domains.

Results

Three focus groups were conducted. Participants perceived barriers to participation in VILPA stem from health constraints, insufficient awareness about VILPA, and adverse weather conditions. To promote VILPA, adults transitioning to retirement require a better understanding of PA intensities, knowledge of identifying VILPA opportunities, and monitoring and feedback for engagement. Intervention to promote VILPA should include elements of education, persuasion, incentivisation and enablement.

Conclusions

Adults transitioning to retirement perceived VILPA as feasible and convenient for increasing their overall PA.

So What?

The study findings will directly inform the development of a targeted VILPA intervention with key stakeholders and an implementation plan to promote PA in adults transitioning to retirement.
The Impacts of Engagement in Men's Sheds on Incidental Physical Activity and Wellbeing Outcomes
Authors: Guerrini Briana , Clarke James J. , Smith Brendan J. , McVeigh Joanne A. , Holmes Kirsten , Wild James , Talbot Rebecca , Ashley Jaxon , McEvoy Peter M.
Published: January 2025

Background

As a large proportion of older adults are insufficiently active, it is imperative to identify ways to increase incidental physical activity. Men's Sheds, a mutual‐aid, community‐based organisation appear to be a promising approach for optimising wellbeing outcomes.

Objectives

To investigate whether Men's Sheds attendance is associated with higher levels of physical activity, and the relationships between physical activity, health‐related quality of life (HRQOL), and wellbeing in Men's Shed members.

Methods

Participants (N = 45) wore a hip accelerometer (Actigraph GTX‐9) for 11 days. The majority (n = 30, Mage = 72.3 ± 9.4) also consented to complete an online questionnaire investigating HRQOL and wellbeing.

Results

Linear mixed models revealed members, on average, spent an additional 34 min in light physical activity, had an extra six breaks in sedentary behaviour, and took an extra 1193 steps on days they attended Men's Sheds, though, these effects were small. Physical activity was not significantly associated with HRQOL and wellbeing.

Conclusion

Men's Sheds appear to be a valuable approach for increasing light intensity physical activity, breaks in sedentary behaviours, and step count in older adults. However, additional Men's Shed activities specifically targeting increased movement may be required to realise greater impacts on health‐related quality of life and wellbeing.

So What?

Men's Sheds may provide a valuable opportunity to increase some indices of physical activity, which may contribute to better overall health. While these effects may be small for active Men's Shed members, these effects may be more appreciable for more sedentary individuals.
Do Mortgage Buy‐To‐Let Investors Pay More or Less for Properties? Empirical Evidence From the UK Residential Market
Authors: Petris Panagiotis , Dotsis George , Alexakis Panayotis
Published: January 2025

In this paper, we test whether mortgage buy‐to‐let investors buy houses at significantly different prices compared to other buyers. The distinctive characteristic of a mortgage buy‐to‐let transaction is that lenders require the price offered to be explicitly tied to the rental income that the property will be able to generate. To test the existence of a price differential between the two groups of buyers, we use house price data of more than 600,000 residential unit transactions that took place in England and Wales. Using data that span the period 2014–2021, our empirical findings show that mortgage buy‐to‐let investors buy houses at a significantly discounted price (discount of about 4.5%) compared to other buyers. We provide evidence that home price differentials among the two buyer groups are less pronounced in a highly competitive market, such as the London housing market. We also find that the mortgage buy‐to‐let discount was on average higher before the 3% rise in the stamp duty land tax that took place in 2016.
The Role of CXCL13 in GC‐1 Cell Cycle Arrest Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Through JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Lei Yuzhu , Dong Ruoyun , Sun Chenhao , Hu Yunhua , Yan Yizhong , Song Guanling , Wang Yan
Published: January 2025

Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO2 NPs) can induce the cell cycle arrest in spermatogonia, and the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in cell cycle progression, but the specific upstream regulatory mechanisms are not completely clarified. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether CXCL13 regulated the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway to participate in cell cycle arrest after mouse spermatogonia cell line (GC‐1) exposure to TiO2 NPs. The GC‐1 cells were treated with TiO2 NPs at different concentrations (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 μg/mL) for 24 h to detect cell viability, cell cycle distribution, CXCL13 protein, JAK2/STAT3 pathway‐related proteins, and cell cycle–related proteins. The CXCL13 recombinant protein was used to verify the role of CXCL13 in cell cycle and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. TiO2 NPs inhibited cell viability; regulated cell cycle–related proteins including remarkably decreased Cyclin D1, CDK4, Cyclin E1, and CDK2 as well as increased p21; and induced cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. TiO2 NPs inhibited the levels of CXCL13 protein and weakened the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by reducing the levels of p‐JAK2/JAK2 and p‐STAT3/STAT3 proteins. Furthermore, CXCL13 mitigated the suppression of the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway and the G0/G1 cell cycle arrest caused by TiO2 NPs. Taken together, TiO2 NPs downregulated the expression of CXCL13 to inhibit the activation of downstream JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway, eventually inducing cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase. These results provide a novel insight for complemented understanding of the mechanisms of TiO2 NPs–induced cell cycle arrest in GC‐1 cells.
Exploring management and environment effects on edge‐of‐field phosphorus losses with linear mixed models
Authors: Kruger Kelsey M. , Thompson Anita M. , Li Qiang , Radatz Amber M. , Cooley Eric T. , Stuntebeck Todd D. , Winslow Christopher J. , Oldfield Emily E. , Ruark Matthew D.
Published: January 2025

Evaluating how weather, farm management, and soil conditions impact phosphorus (P) loss from agricultural sites is essential for improving our waterways in agricultural watersheds. In this study, rainfall characteristics, manure application timing, tillage, surface condition, and soil test phosphorus (STP) were analyzed to determine their effects on total phosphorus (TP) and dissolved phosphorus (DP) loss using 125 site‐years of runoff data collected by the University of Wisconsin Discovery Farms and Discovery Farms Minnesota. Three linear mixed models (LMMs) were then used to evaluate the influence of those factors on TP and DP losses: (1) a model that included all runoff events, (2) manured sites only, and (3) precipitation events only. Results show that the timing of manure application relative to the timing of a runoff event only had a marginal association with P loads and concentrations, although the majority of the runoff events were collected after 10 days of manure application. Tillage was as influential factor, with greater DP loads and concentrations associated with no‐till, especially during frozen conditions. Fields in this study had high STP values, but the model results only showed positive associations between DP load and DP flow‐weighted mean concentration (FWMC) loss at the 0‐ to 15‐cm depth. The precipitation event LMM (which included precipitation characteristics) was the model that resulted in the largest R2 value. While the predictive capacity of the LMMs was low, they did illuminate the relative importance of management and environmental variables on P loss, and can be used to guide future research on P loss in this region.
Soil stressors on ecophysiology of bauxite mine impacted soil: Heavy metal–acidity–organic matter nexus
Authors: Charan Kasturi , Banerjee Sonali , Mandal Jajati , Bhattacharyya Pradip
Published: January 2025

Soil ecophysiology is adversely affected by various environmental hazards, particularly in mining regions. While there has been substantial research on the effects of coal, mica, copper (Cu), and manganese (Mn) mining on soil quality, the impact of bauxite mining operations on nearby soils has largely been overlooked in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to investigate how microbial activity and dynamics are influenced by soil stressors, such as acidity and heavy metals, in areas adjacent to active bauxite mines. Soil samples were collected from three adjacent locations of an active bauxite mine area at distances of <100 m (S1), 100–500 m (S2), and >500 m (S3). The samples contained chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and cadmium (Cd), as well as elevated acidity and aluminum (Al). These conditions adversely affected the soil microbial indicators, including fluorescein diacetate (FDA), microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and enzyme activity. The highest concentrations of labile metals (i.e., water‐soluble and exchangeable) were found in soil mixed with mining waste (S1), whereas acidity and Al were highest in sparsely vegetated soil (S3). Total acidity, total potential acidity, pH‐dependent acidity, and Al were significantly positively correlated. Moreover, the significant positive correlation among organic carbon (OC), acidity, Al, and microbial properties (FDA, MBC, and microbial enzymes) suggests a potential effect of OC in mitigating acidity in S3. The ratios of microbial properties with OC depicted a significant negative correlation with acidity and Al fraction, denoting that acidity and Al posed a deleterious effect on soil microbial health. The similarity percentage analysis identified acid phosphatase as the key enzyme accounting for ∼78% of the observed differences in enzyme composition across the sites. Visual MINTEQ modeling revealed that the sites were saturated with different Al‐bearing minerals. Pollution load index (PI) and the geo‐accumulation index (Igeo) values identified the region as heavily contaminated (PI > 1). Finally, the health risk analysis revealed that Ni posed a potential carcinogenic risk for both adults and children.
Progression of Spinal Cord Disease in Adult Men With Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Yska Hemmo A. F. , Voermans Marije , Kabak Eda , Engelen Marc
Published: January 2025

This study presents the longest systematic prospective follow‐up of spinal cord disease in adult male ALD patients to date. Standardized yearly quantitative data collection included scoring of the EDSS, SSPROM, 6‐min walking test (6MWT), urological and quality of life questionnaires and vibration sense of the hallux. Progression rates were compared between patients with mild (EDSS ≤ 2.5) and moderate to severe (EDSS > 2.5) disability over a period of 7 years. Data from 79 patients was included. EDSS, SSPROM and 6MWT showed significant disease progression over time. The general progression pattern was linear. Stratified by disease severity, the increase in EDSS was 0.1 points per year in the low EDSS group and 0.2 points per year in the higher EDSS group. SSPROM decreased by −0.7 points per year in the low EDSS group and by −1.9 points per year in the higher EDSS group. 6MWT decreased by −9.3 m/year in the low EDSS group and by −18.2 m/year in the higher EDSS group. The rate of progression in patients with relatively severe disability was higher than in patients with mild disability. Clinical trials will therefore observe effects more rapidly in patients with more advanced disease.