bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Antifungal Activity, and Action Mechanism of Anethole‐Derived Amide‐Urea Compounds
Authors: Liu Chuwen , Duan Wengui , Ma Xianli , Lin Guishan , Li Baoyu , Deng Huan
Published: December 2024

In order to develop new antifungal molecules and explore further applications of natural products, 25 novel amide‐urea compounds were synthesized from anethole in this work by a few simple reactions, and structural confirmation was conducted using 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR), 13C‐NMR, high‐resolution mass spectrometry, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Preliminary bioactivity tests were performed against eight plant pathogens. The results demonstrated that all compounds exhibited antifungal activity against the tested fungi, and 5p exhibited the most potent antifungal activity. To explore the action mechanism of the antifungal compounds, the inhibitory activity of 5p against succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) was evaluated and found to be comparable to that of boscalid. Furthermore, the binding mode of the compound to SDH was simulated by molecular docking, and similarities between 5p and boscalid's binding with SDH were identified. The results indicate that further investigation of compound 5p may prove beneficial in determining its potential as a fungicide.
Antioxidative Indole Diketopiperazine Alkaloids from Endophytic Fungi Aspergillus sp. JXC‐5
Authors: He Gui‐Ling , Shu Yan , Huang Geng , Ma Yu‐Chen , Yu Qun , Zhang Wei , Huang Lei , Yang Yin‐He , Xiao Huai , Wang Jia‐Peng
Published: December 2024

Three previously undescribed indole diketopiperazine alkaloids and seventeen known compounds were characterized by Aspergillus sp. JXC‐5 by solid fermentation. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic methods and high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and the absolute configurations were further confirmed by electronic circular dichroism (ECD), induced CD spectra, and ML_J_DP4 methods. In the in vitro bioassays, compound 5 exhibits potent 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2'‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonic acid) (ABTS)·+ free radicals radical scavenging activities with half‐maximal inhibitory concentration values of 19.54 ± 0.39 and 26.39 ± 0.09 µM, respectively. Compounds 10–12, 14, and 15 exhibited potent ABTS·+ free radicals radical scavenging activity.
Calcium level and autophagy defect in GNE mutants of rare neuromuscular disorder
Authors: Sharma Shweta , Mashangva Fluencephila , Oswalia Jyoti , Singh Shagun , Alag Rohan , Arya Ranjana
Published: December 2024

Rare genetic disorders are low in prevalence and hence there is little or no attention paid to them in the mainstream medical industry. One of the ultra‐rare neuromuscular disorders, GNE myopathy is caused due to biallelic mutations in the bifunctional enzyme, GNE (UDP N‐acetylglucosamine‐2‐epimerase/N‐acetylmannosamine kinase). It catalyses the rate‐limiting step in sialic acid biosynthesis. There are no effective treatments for GNE myopathy as the pathomechanism is poorly understood. Pathologically, the disease is characterized by the formation of rimmed vacuoles that contain aggregates of β‐amyloid, tau, presenilin etc proteins in muscle biopsy samples. Accumulation of aggregated proteins in the cells may occur due to the failure of the regulated autophagy phenomenon. In the present study, we aim to understand the effect of GNE mutations on autophagy. The cytosolic calcium levels in GNE mutant cells were found to be altered in a GNE mutation‐specific manner. The chaperone levels, such as HSP70 and PDI, as well as autophagic markers (LC3II/I ratios) were altered in the GNE mutant cells. Treatment with BAPTA‐AM, calcium chelator, significantly restored cytosolic calcium levels in some GNE mutant cells as well as autophagic marker levels and autophagic punctae formation. The effect on the calcium signalling cascade involving CaMKKβ/AMPK/mTOR was studied in the GNE mutant cells. Our study provides insights into the role of calcium in autophagic vacuole formation in the cells with GNE mutations that will have significance towards understanding the pathomechanism of GNE Myopathy and drug target identification for the rare disease.
Wnt/β‐catenin pathway as a link between therapy resistance‐driven epithelial‐mesenchymal transition and stemness in colorectal cancer
Authors: Rocha Murilo Ramos , Castillo‐Medina Yuri Kelly , de Lima Coelho Bárbara Martins , Rios Luidy Lucas Lopes , Morgado‐Diaz Jose Andres
Published: December 2024

The high plasticity of cells undergoing epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) promotes increased tumor heterogeneity, and its interaction with tumor‐associated stromal cells appears to contribute to developing a stemness phenotype. Cells with these characteristics exhibit increased resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy, leading to disease relapse and metastasis. Here, we discuss the activation of the Wnt/β‐catenin pathway in promoting EMT and stemness within the context of cellular resistance to these therapies. We discuss whether EMT and cancer stem cells (CSCs) function in conjunction, independently, or if a link is connecting their development. We further propose that this pathway is necessary to establish a connection between these two phenotypes. And suggest that it could hinder the rise of CSCs from treatment‐induced EMT cells when inhibited. Understanding this cellular phenomenon might allow the development of new targeted therapies to improve clinical responses, particularly in colorectal cancer.
Advances in Zero‐Shot Prediction‐Guided Enzyme Engineering Using Machine Learning
Authors: Liu Chang , Wu Junxian , Chen Yongbo , Liu Yiheng , Zheng Yingjia , Liu Luo , Zhao Jing
Published: December 2024

The advent of machine learning (ML) has significantly advanced enzyme engineering, particularly through zero‐shot (ZS) predictors that forecast the effects of amino acid mutations on enzyme properties without requiring additional labeled data for the target enzyme. This review comprehensively summarizes ZS predictors developed over the past decade, categorizing them into predictors for enzyme kinetic parameters, stability, solubility/aggregation, and fitness. It details the algorithms used, encompassing traditional ML approaches and deep learning models, emphasizing their predictive performance. Practical applications of ZS predictors in engineering specific enzymes are discussed. Despite notable advancements, challenges persist, including limited training data for ZS predictors and the necessity to incorporate environmental factors (e.g., pH, temperature) and enzyme dynamics into these models. Future directions are proposed to advance ZS prediction‐guided enzyme engineering, thereby enhancing the practical utility of these predictors.
Forced Vasohibin‐1 Expression Increases Paclitaxel Sensitivity of Ovarian Cancer by Inhibiting Microtubule Activity
Authors: Koyanagi Takahiro , Saga Yasushi , Takahashi Yoshifumi , Tamura Kohei , Takahashi Suzuyo , Taneichi Akiyo , Takei Yuji , Mizukami Hiroaki , Fujiwara Hiroyuki
Published: December 2024

Background

Vasohibin‐1 (VASH1), an angiogenic inhibitor, exhibits tubulin carboxypeptidase activity, which is involved in microtubule functions. Paclitaxel, the core chemotherapeutic agent for ovarian cancer chemotherapy, has a point of action on microtubules and may interact with VASH1.

Aims

To examine the influence of VASH1 on intracellular tubulin detyrosination status, cyclin B1 expression, and paclitaxel chemosensitivity using VASH1‐overexpressing ovarian cancer cell lines.

Methods and Results

Gene‐transfected human ovarian cancer cell lines were subjected to western blot analysis. Western blot analysis of VASH1‐overexpressing ovarian cancer cells revealed upregulated expression of detyrosinated tubulin and cyclin B1 compared with control cells. By WST‐1 assay, paclitaxel chemosensitivity of VASH1‐overexpressing ovarian cancer cells was markedly enhanced compared with that of control cells, whereas there was no significant difference in chemosensitivity to cisplatin. The forced expression of VASH1 enhanced tubulin carboxypeptidase activity and increased cyclin B1 expression, resulting in augmented paclitaxel chemosensitivity in ovarian cancer cells.

Conclusion

Ovarian cancer treatment strategies targeting VASH1 can potentiate the effects of conventional chemotherapy by inhibiting angiogenesis and regulating microtubule activity.
Synthesis of Renewable Furan‐Based Benzoxazines and Polybenzoxazines: Recent Advances
Authors: Karlinskii Bogdan Ya.
Published: December 2024

The burgeoning field of materials science is currently witnessing a paradigm shift toward the utilization of renewable plant biomass as a viable chemical source for the production of sustainable materials. This trend is substantiated by a significant corpus of recent experimental and theoretical research focused on the synthesis and property analysis of such polymers. Within this context, polybenzoxazines stand out as a pioneering class of thermosetting polymers, distinguished by their exceptional thermal and mechanical characteristics, coupled with the feasibility of synthesizing their precursor monomers from eco‐friendly, renewable resources, including plant phenols and furfurylamine. Opting for furfurylamine over traditional aniline and its petroleum‐derived counterparts in the synthesis of benzoxazines not only increases the eco‐compatibility of the resultant materials but also imparts a significant alteration to their properties. This short review, spanning the last three years, delves into the principal advancements achieved in the realm of novel furan‐bearing benzoxazines and polybenzoxazines from 2021 to present, accentuating both the triumphs and challenges encountered in this burgeoning domain.
Environmentally Sustainable Preparation of Oleuropein and Its Dialdehydic Derivatives in a Simple Pharmaceutical Formulation
Authors: Nardi Monica , Bonacci Sonia , Frisina Marialaura , Oliverio Manuela , Scarpelli Rosa , Procopio Antonio
Published: December 2024

In this paper, Krapcho's one‐step decarbomethoxylation of oleuropein in DES is reported. Oleuropein used as reagent was extracted with water from olive leaves, widely available and inexpensive waste from the olive oil production chain. The reaction has been carried out in a series of ChCl‐based DES of increasing acidity, with or without the addition of an amount of water, under microwave and conventional heating. The antioxidant power of the best reaction mixture, both in terms of biocompatibility of the medium and conversion of the starting material, was measured and compared with a natural phenolic mixture coming from EVOO. The reported results indicate that the formulation deriving by the Krapcho's one‐step decarbomethoxylation of oleuropein in ChCl:Citric acid (1 : 1) DES can provide a ready‐to‐use “phenolic complex“ with oxygen scavenging power similar to a mixture of phenols extracted from an EVOO that meets the requirements of EFSA health claim.
“FBT Is for the Rich”: A Qualitative Study Examining Clinicians' Experiences and Perceptions of Treatment Access and Engagement for Diverse Families in Family‐Based Treatment
Authors: Sauerwein Jessica , Austin Amelia , Singh Manya , Pedram Pardis , Allan Erica , Bruett Lindsey , Eckhardt Sarah , Forsberg Sarah , Keery Helene , Kimber Melissa , Pradel Martin , Accurso Erin C. , Le Grange Daniel , Dimitropoulos Gina
Published: December 2024

Objective

Family‐based treatment (FBT) is the leading evidence‐based treatment for adolescent eating disorders, but research exploring access and engagement in FBT is sparse. This paper focuses on findings from a broader study, specifically addressing the social determinants of health (SDH) impeding access and engagement in FBT for diverse families (i.e., families belonging to identity groups subject to systemic barriers and prejudices).

Methods

Forty‐one FBT clinicians were recruited globally using purposive and snowball sampling. Clinicians participated in individual interviews or focus groups, discussing their experiences engaging diverse families in FBT. Qualitative data were transcribed verbatim and analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

The findings underscore the pervasive impact of SDH on equitable access to FBT, specifically, the critical need for tailored approaches by clinicians to enhance access and engagement in FBT for diverse families experiencing practical, resource, and systemic barriers. Recommendations include broader dissemination of FBT knowledge, telehealth options to mitigate geographical barriers, community resource collaborations, and sensitivity to cultural and systemic factors impacting treatment engagement.

Discussion

Results of this study may inform future FBT planning (tailoring treatment approaches to address barriers), clinician training, clinical decision‐making tools, and opportunities for supporting under‐resourced families within the model, leading to more equitable FBT treatment access and engagement for diverse families.
Detrital Zircon U–Pb Geochronological Records and Geological Significance of the Cambrian–Devonian Strata in the Southern Part of South China
Authors: Liu Fei , Li Kun , Liu Asui , Yan Lejia , Yu Yushuai , Cheng Shunbo , Qiu Xiaofei , Yang Qidi , Huang Xiaokun , Zhou Yun , Tong Xirun
Published: December 2024

The southern part of South China records an unconformity between the Devonian and the underlying Cambrian strata, which responded to the Caledonian Movement during the Early Palaeozoic period. Zircon U–Pb dating and in situ Lu–Hf isotope analyses were conducted on four samples from the Cambrian and Early Devonian strata near the unconformity on the west side of Qin‐Fang Belt, and their significance for palaeogeographic evolution was discussed followed by regional provenance comparisons. The results show that the Early Devonian and Cambrian samples share the similar detrital zircon age spectra with two prominent peaks at ~985 and ~ 530 Ma, respectively. Based on comparisons of the detrital zircon age spectra and εHf(t) values with contemporary igneous zircons inside and outside of South China, the provenances of the Cambrian strata are deduced to be mainly supplied by the old strata in the East Gondwana margins. But the ultimate provenances were mainly from the East Ghats‐Rayner orogenic belt and South Indian Granulite Terrane, and partly from Musgrave Province. The provenances of the Early Devonian strata were mainly derived from the recycling of the underlying Cambrian strata. Both sides of the Qin‐Fang Belt share the same detrital zircon age spectra in the Cambrian period, indicating that there existed not the South China Residual Ocean. The Early Palaeozoic (460–430 Ma) detrital zircons are absent in the Early Devonian strata on the Qin‐Fang Belt and its west side, but are widely distributed in the Middle Devonian strata on the Qin‐Fang Belt and eastern margin of the Yunkai Massif, indicating that the most of the Yunkai Massif was submerged below the sea level in the Early Devonian period and emerged above the sea level in the Middle Devonian period.
Study of the association of niacin and vitamin B6 intake with endometriosis: Evidence from NHANES 2003–2006
Authors: Sheng Jiangxin , Chen Limei , Yan Han , Nie Jichan
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aims to investigate the association between dietary intake of niacin and vitamin B6 and the prevalence of endometriosis using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2006.

Methods

We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis using data from women aged 25–45 years in the 2003–2006 NHANES. Niacin and vitamin B6 intake were assessed using 24‐h dietary recalls, and endometriosis status was determined by self‐report. Covariates included age, race, body mass index, poverty income ratio, smoking status, and alcohol consumption. Weighted logistic regression models were used to evaluate the association between vitamin intake and endometriosis, with stratified analyses performed for different age groups. Data visualization included scatter plots with locally estimated scatterplot smoothing (LOESS) curves to illustrate the relationship between nutrient intake and the probability of endometriosis.

Results

A total of 1467 participants were included, of whom 7.17% (105 individuals) reported having endometriosis. There were significant differences in dietary intake of niacin and vitamin B6 between participants with and without endometriosis. In the unadjusted model, vitamin B6 intake was significantly negatively associated with endometriosis (odds ratio [OR], 0.79 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.62–0.99], P = 0.033), and niacin intake showed a marginally significant negative association (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.96–1.00], P = 0.019). In the models adjusted for age and race, the negative association between vitamin B6 and endometriosis remained significant (OR, 0.80 [95% CI, 0.63–1.01], P = 0.044), and the association for niacin remained marginally significant (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.96–1.00], P = 0.023). In the fully adjusted model, the negative association for vitamin B6 remained significant (OR, 0.79 [95% CI, 0.63–0.99], P = 0.033), and the association for niacin remained marginally significant (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.96–1.00], P = 0.021). Age‐stratified analysis showed that niacin intake was not significantly associated with endometriosis in women aged 35 years and younger (OR, 0.98 [95% CI, 0.95–1.02], P = 0.3), whereas vitamin B6 intake was significantly negatively associated with endometriosis in women older than 35 years (OR, 0.75 [95% CI, 0.56–0.99], P = 0.048). Scatter plots with LOESS curves indicated a negative trend between higher intakes of niacin and vitamin B6 and the probability of endometriosis.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that dietary vitamin B6 intake is negatively associated with the prevalence of endometriosis, particularly among women older than 35 years, highlighting the potential role of dietary adjustments in managing endometriosis. Niacin intake also showed a protective effect, although this was less pronounced than vitamin B6. These results provide a basis for further research into the relationship between diet and endometriosis.
A case of seminal vesicle metastasis from bilateral seminoma
Authors: Aida Yusuke , Yasuda Yosuke , Sugawara Emiko , Takemura Kosuke , Yoneoka Yusuke , Fujiwara Ryo , Oguchi Tomohiko , Numao Noboru , Yonese Junji , Yuasa Takeshi
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Postoperative recurrence of seminoma is often seen in lungs, liver, and retroperitoneal lymph nodes, such as the para‐aortic lymph nodes. Most of these recurrences (>90%) occur in the first 3 years after orchiectomy. We report a case of a single recurrence in the seminal vesicle after bilateral radical orchiectomies for metachronous bilateral testicular seminoma.

Case presentation

A 52‐year‐old patient with a past history of bilateral testicular seminoma was diagnosed with left seminal vesicle metastasis by magnetic resonance imaging followed by needle biopsy 8 years after the first orchiectomy. After four cycles of bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin regimen were administered, FDG‐18 positron emission tomography‐computed tomography showed no abnormal signal in the left seminal vesicle.

Conclusion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of seminal vesicle metastasis following radical orchiectomies for bilateral testicular seminoma.
Bixa orellana (Bixaceae) seeds as a potential source of bioactive compounds for modulating postprandial hyperglycemia
Authors: Uuh Narvaez Jonatan Jafet , Guerrero‐Analco José A. , Monribot‐Villanueva Juan Luis , Vidal‐Limon Abraham , Melgar Lalanne Guiomar , Herrera Rafael Rojas , Segura Campos Maira Rubi
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

α‐Amylase (α‐AMY) and α‐glucosidase (α‐GLU) inhibitors are important for controlling postprandial hyperglycemia (PHG). Bixa orellana (annatto) reported inhibitory activity against these enzymes because of its bioactive compound content. However, an understanding of its inhibitory mechanisms and metabolic profile is necessary to establish its therapeutic potential. The present study aimed to elucidate the inhibitory mechanisms of B. orellana extract (BOE) on α‐AMY and α‐GLU, identify and quantify its bioactive compounds using metabolomics (untargeted and targeted) analyses, and evaluate their interactions through in silico approaches.

RESULTS

BOE exhibited IC50 values of 37.75 and 47.06 mg mL−1 for α‐AMY and α‐GLU, respectively, indicating mixed and competitive inhibition types. Thirty‐six putative compounds were identified by untargeted metabolomics, mainly fatty acids (dethiobiotin, occidentalol, palmitic acid, norbixin, among others). The most significant biosynthetic pathways included secondary metabolites (unclassified), unsaturated fatty acids, phenylpropanoids and flavonoid metabolism. Eighteen compounds were identified and quantified by the targeted analysis, such as l‐phenylalanine, gallic acid, protocatechuic acid and naringenin. In silico studies highlighted xanthoangelol, norbixin, myricetin and 26‐hydroxybrassinolide as key compounds with the highest binding affinities to enzyme active sites.

CONCLUSION

BOE effectively inhibited α‐AMY and α‐GLU, with gallic acid, naringenin, xanthoangelol, norbixin and 26‐hydroxybrassinolide identified as key bioactive contributors. These findings provide molecular evidence of the inhibitory mechanisms of BOE and support its potential for PHG management and diabetes control. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Enhancing Hidradenitis Suppurativa Assessment
Authors: Michelucci Alessandra , Granieri Giammarco , Cei Bianca , Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Janowska Agata , Oranges Teresa , Romanelli Marco , Dini Valentina
Published: December 2024

Introduction

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting hair follicles, causing recurrent abscesses and nodules in intertriginous regions. The International HS Severity Score System (IHS4) is widely used to assess HS severity by counting inflammatory nodules, abscesses, and draining fistulas/tunnels. However, traditional clinical examinations may underestimate HS severity due to the presence of subclinical lesions. This study aims to enhance the accuracy of HS severity assessment by incorporating ultra‐high frequency ultrasound (UHFUS) to detect subclinical lesions, such as microtunnels.

Methods

A cohort of 122 patients with HS (75 females and 47 males) was evaluated. Clinical severity was assessed using the IHS4 scoring system. UHFUS assessments were performed using a 70 MHz probe for patients with mild and moderate IHS4 scores. Statistical tools were used to assess the significance of UHFUS in detecting additional lesions not identified during clinical examinations.

Results

The study found that 23% of patients had mild HS, 58.2% had moderate HS, and 18.9% had severe HS according to IHS4. Among the 28 patients with mild IHS4, 14 had microtunnels detected by UHFUS, leading to a change in disease staging: 11.5% of patients were reclassified as mild, while 69.7% were reclassified as moderate. A statistically significant difference in the distribution of severity classifications before and after UHFUS examination was observed (χ2 = 5.11, P = .0238).

Conclusion

The study underscores the critical role of UHFUS as a non‐invasive technique for the precise assessment of HS. The integration of UHFUS with a 70 MHz probe significantly enhances the detection of subclinical lesions, such as microtunnels, enabling timely intervention and potentially preventing disease progression. Despite the study's limitations, including its monocentric design and small sample size, the findings support the use of UHFUS in improving the accuracy of HS severity assessment.
Bringing heatwaves into the lab: A low‐cost, open‐source, and automated system to simulate realistic warming events in an experimental setting
Authors: Ritger Amelia L. , Hofmann Gretchen E.
Published: December 2024

Aquatic ecosystems face increasing threats from heatwaves driven by anthropogenic climate change, necessitating continued research to understand and manage the ecological consequences. Experimental studies are essential for understanding the impacts of heatwaves in aquatic systems; however, traditional experimental methods often fail to capture real‐world complexity. Here, we present a method for simulating aquatic heatwaves that match the dynamic nature of real‐world heatwave events in an experimental setting. Our method allows researchers to re‐create heatwaves that have happened in the past or produce entirely new heatwave scenarios based on future projections. A Raspberry Pi serves as the foundation of our autonomous, customizable temperature control system, leveraging a low‐cost and open‐source platform for adaptability and accessibility. We demonstrate system functionality for laboratory experiments by first simulating a hypothetical marine heatwave scenario with defined temperature parameters and then replicating a real‐world marine heatwave that occurred in the Santa Barbara Channel, California, in 2015. The average difference between desired and observed temperatures was 0.023°C for the basic heatwave simulation and less than 0.001°C for the real‐world heatwave simulation, with standard deviations of 0.04°C and 0.01°C, respectively. Our novel method facilitates broader access to high‐quality and affordable tools to study extreme climate events. By adopting a more realistic experimental approach, scientists can conduct more informative aquatic heatwaves studies.
The Power That Blinds: How Power and Persuasion Knowledge Affect Marketplace Interactions
Authors: Ziegler Alexander H. , Barone Michael J. , DeCarlo Thomas E. , Craig Adam W.
Published: December 2024

This research examines how consumers' psychological power states and persuasion knowledge jointly affect their responsiveness to persuasion attempts. Results from four experiments demonstrate that when persuasion knowledge is accessible, consumers will detect and correct marketers' ulterior motives, reducing their susceptibility to persuasion tactics. However, under conditions where persuasion knowledge is relatively inaccessible, consumers experiencing low‐ (vs. high‐) power states continue to exhibit reduced susceptibility to persuasion tactics. This effect is theorized to arise because low‐ (vs. high‐) power states promote the perspective‐taking necessary for identifying a marketer's ulterior motives when persuasion knowledge is not accessible. Reflecting this theorizing, low‐power consumers exhibited greater persuasion under cognitive load conditions that limit their capacity to consider the markers' perspective in using a persuasion tactic, an effect that was mediated by the level of sincerity attributed to the marketer. Collectively, these findings offer a more nuanced understanding of how persuasion knowledge shapes consumers' processing and 'response to marketing appeals. The results also hold implications for marketers and sales managers by emphasizing the importance of considering both persuasion knowledge and consumer power in developing persuasive communications and sales strategies.
Shifting Proactive or Keeping Silent: How Does Environmental Legislation Enhance Companies' ESG Performance?
Authors: Huang Xijia , Ao Wenkai , Hu Wei , Yang Lisi
Published: December 2024

By integrating the behavioral theory of firms with institutional theory, this study examines the causal impact of environmental legislation on corporate ESG performance through a quasi‐natural experiment involving the implementation of the China's New Environmental Protection Law (NEPL). Utilizing data on Chinese listed companies from 2010 to 2021 and employing a difference‐in‐differences model, our findings reveal that the NEPL significantly boosts ESG performance, with improvements increasing over time. Our mechanism analysis indicates that this enhancement is primarily driven by the improved quality of environmental information disclosure, suggesting proactive disclosure under stringent environmental legislation. Further heterogeneity analysis reveals complementary effects from private attribute, institutional shareholdings, and public media attention. This paper opens the “black box” of how environmental legislation influences corporate ESG performance from the perspective of strategic company disclosure, highlighting the critical role of proactive information disclosure in navigating complex external environments.
Pathways to Urban Green Innovation: Does Extreme Temperature Pose a Barrier?
Authors: Ren Ligang , Huang Dasen , Shu Ao , Feng Lingbing
Published: December 2024

To achieve the goal of “peak carbon dioxide emissions and carbon neutrality,” China has proposed significant measures to promote green technological innovation. Though abundant research has confirmed the positive impact of green innovation on the environment, whether environmental factors reciprocally influence green innovation remains insufficiently explored. This study delves into the influence of extreme temperatures on urban green innovation, utilizing panel data from 287 prefecture‐level cities in China spanning from 2003 to 2019. Results indicate that extreme temperatures significantly impede the development of urban green innovation, with a series of robustness tests affirming the reliability of this effect. We find that this effect is transmitted through both the “inequality exacerbation effect” and the “industrial production inhibition effect.” In addition, the dampening effect is more pronounced in cities in the eastern part of the country, in smaller cities, and in cities with low river densities. This paper further finds that extreme heat is the main factor that causes extreme temperature to inhibit green innovation in cities. Moreover, extreme temperatures also had a consistent inhibitory effect on the overall innovation capacity of cities.
Exploration of the Fertility Decision‐Making Experiences of Women of Reproductive Age With Cancer: A Qualitative Systematic Review
Authors: Zhang Zitong , Zhang Yilin , Deng Cai , Zhang Wanting , Peng Yunyun , Ma Guiyuan , Lin Sulan , Chan Carmen Wing Han , Chow Ka Ming , Gu Can
Published: December 2024

Women of reproductive age with cancer face unique considerations in terms of fertility. The related decision‐making process is complicated, and insufficient support can lead to decisional conflict. The aim of this qualitative systematic review was to identify and integrate qualitative evidence regarding the fertility decision‐making process of women of reproductive age undergoing treatment for cancer. A qualitative systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute's methodology. Eight electronic databases were searched from inception to June 2023 for articles describing qualitative studies of the fertility decision‐making process of women of reproductive age with cancer. Only original, full‐text literature was examined, no limitation was placed on the publication language. Finally, 18 studies were included in a thematic analysis. We identified three analytical themes, namely “Perceived changes in fertility,” “Influential participants in the decision‐making process” and “Hard fertility decision‐making processes of women,” and nine descriptive themes that described the three analytical themes in detail. The results of qualitative synthesis emphasized that for women of reproductive age with cancer, fertility decision‐making is a complex and dynamic process. These patients had experienced decisional conflict. Decision support from health care professionals was considered to be essential, and the use of patient decision aids in clinical settings was recommended. The synthesis results clarify women's fertility decision‐making process, decision needs and the influencing factors, which offer evidence to guide the development of applicable patient decision aid tools to provide high‐quality fertility services to women.

Trial Registration

PROSPERO Registration Number: CRD42023434490.
Agreement Between Mother, Father, and Teacher Ratings of Academic, Cognitive, and Writing Problems and Comparison With Objective Test Scores in Children With Autism and Children With ADHD
Authors: Mayes Susan D. , Calhoun Susan L. , Waschbusch Daniel A.
Published: December 2024

No studies have analyzed agreement between mother, father, and teacher ratings of academic, cognitive, and handwriting problems in school‐age children and compared these with objective achievement, IQ, and writing scores. The sample comprised 503 children with autism and/or ADHD 6–16 years rated by mothers, fathers, and teachers on the Pediatric Behavior Scale and administered IQ, achievement, and graphomotor tests. Interrater agreement and correlations were all significant, and mean informant ratings for academic, cognitive, and writing problems were similar (between “sometimes” and “sometimes/often” a problem). However, mother ratings were higher than father and teacher ratings, and mother‐father agreement was better than mother‐teacher and father‐teacher agreement. Correlations between ratings and test scores were significant, but agreement on children identified with and without problems was poor. Informants identified more children as having problems than did test scores. Information from multiple sources requires integration by experienced, well‐trained school psychologists and other educational and clinical professionals and can provide useful educational and diagnostic information to aid in targeted intervention.
Engineering Quantum Phases of Ultracold Bosons on Lieb Lattice
Authors: Lin Yang
Published: December 2024

The quantum phase transition of the hardcore boson model on a Lieb lattice by quantum Monte Carlo simulations is studied. Considering nearest‐neighbor interchain hopping, the phase diagram of the Bose‐Hubbard model on the Lieb lattice contains solid phases with average density = 2/3, and superfluid phases between solid phases.Two ways of controlling quantum states are discussed: to add an alternating on‐site potential, and to add an alternating hopping amplitude in the X‐ and Y‐directions. For the above cases, there exists a new filling state, = 1/3. Adding an alternating on‐site potential to the Hamiltonian, the phase transition from to is sharp and discontinuous, featuring the nature of a first order. Considering a dimerization term, for large V, it is expected that there is a direct transition from the valence‐bond insulator to the CDW as the interaction is strengthened. For the three cases, upper boundary for and lower boundary for are calculated.
Methodology to Track Incremental Adaptation in Smallholder Farmers' Livelihood Changes in Wolaita Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Fanta Workneh , Gibbons Pat , Kuma Berhanu
Published: December 2024

Wolaita zone, like most other Ethiopian zones, is subject to top‐down policy formulation with limited opportunities to engage with local populations. This is at odds with conventional thinking that seeks to “value” local knowledge and experience. This study aims to address this anomaly by building a rich baseline on livelihood practices and locally experienced adaptation strategies elicited from 400 households and six districts of the zone. The study was designed to accommodate agroecologies and technologies (GPS) to overcome challenges associated with changing farm ownership and kebele boundaries. The researcher can go back to the same 400 locations at 2‐year intervals to monitor livelihood changes and to ascertain the rationale for these changes. Data are analyzed using the linear mixed‐effects models to compare the level of changes and causes. It is anticipated that this methodology will significantly contribute to providing policymakers with evidence‐based and up‐to‐date information continuously.
Optimization of a Mobile Transdiagnostic Emotion Regulation Intervention for University Students: A Micro‐Randomized Trial
Authors: Laure Tajda , Remmerswaal Danielle , Konigorski Stefan , Engels Rutger C. M. E. , Boffo Marilisa
Published: December 2024

Increasing mental health problems among university students highlight the need for scalable, effective solutions. We have developed a transdiagnostic mobile intervention called ROOM, promoting adaptive emotion regulation (ER) skills among university students. Understanding how the intervention works and optimising content and delivery is essential for creating an effective and adaptive system. Therefore, this study aimed to optimise ROOM through a sequential explanatory mixed‐methods design, combining a Micro‐Randomized Trial (MRT), evaluating within‐person effects using repeated randomisation, with user experience interviews. 161 university students (82% females) participated in a 3‐week MRT to assess the intervention proximal outcomes, that is, participants' positive and negative emotional states after completing intervention exercises. Additionally, we evaluated impact on distal outcomes (i.e., distress symptoms and ER skills), and user experience by combining objective (e.g., exercise completion rates) and subjective (e.g., exercise likability and helpfulness ratings) engagement patterns with insights from the semi‐structured interviews (n = 18). Upon receiving the intervention, positive emotional states increased and negative ones decreased. The effect on positive emotional states gradually decreased over time while the effect on negative emotional states remained stable throughout the 3‐week intervention period. Distress symptoms and ER skills either remained stable or improved over the 3 weeks, which indicated the intervention's safety. Overall, engagement patterns and interview data show that the intervention was well received, students enjoyed this study design and found context‐sensitive content recommendations highly relevant.
Hydrothermally Synthesized SnS2 Anode Materials with Selectively Tuned Crystallinity
Authors: Bekzhanov Akzhan , Daniyeva Nurgul , Jiang Qixiang , Surace Yuri , Kleitz Freddy , Cupid Damian
Published: December 2024

SnS2‐based anode active materials for lithium‐ion battery applications are synthesized with varying degrees of crystallinity via a hydrothermal method, and their electrochemical performance properties are assessed. Different ratios of tin chloride and thioacetamide precursors are used and studied to control the crystallization. In situ electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and galvanostatic intermittent titration technique experiments are used to study the lithium‐ion diffusion kinetics into the crystal structures and the conversion reaction mechanisms for discharge up to x ≈ 2.08 moles of lithiation per SnS2, equivalent to a discharge capacity of 300 mAh g−1. Transmission electron microscopy reveals the presence of amorphous and crystalline domains, as well as the existence of additional Sn2S3 layers on one of the samples. The highest specific reversible capacity during cycling and rate performance are 598 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles and 605 mAh g−1 after rate capability test, which are obtained for the samples prepared with the 1:4 tin chloride to thioacetamide ratio.
Heterogeneity During the Formation of Waterborne Barrier Coating Revealed by Cryogenic Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Du Haiqin , Xu Yifan , Yan Qiangqiang , Liu Zhongqi , Drumright Ray , Zheng Chen , Zhang Zheng , Song Amy , Zhang Pilan , Cui Shiwen , Zhou Guangrong , Nie Zhihong , Xu Yifei
Published: December 2024

Imaging the film formation process of waterborne barrier coatings in situ with nanoscopic resolution is very challenging, which limits the understanding of the underlying mechanisms and rational design of the materials. Here this challenge is tackled using in situ cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryoTEM) in combination with electron tomography (cryoET), which allows 3D imaging of the process with <1 nm resolution. By monitoring the film formation process of poly(ethylene‐co‐methacrylic acid) (EMAA) ionomer dispersion, onion‐like nano‐aggregates are captured. These aggregates can be removed by weakening the interactions between EMAA particles via adding amino alcohol coalescing agents or increasing the EMAA neutralization degree, which improves the barrier property of the coating simultaneously, indicating the importance of these heterogeneities to the material performance. The study benefits a better understanding of the formation kinetics of waterborne coatings, and demonstrates cryoTEM as an efficient method for studying the film formation process in situ.
A fiber‐based deterioration modeling framework for reinforced concrete structures subject to spatially non‐uniform corrosion patterns described by limited information
Authors: Bernardini Davide , Ruta Daniela , Di Re Paolo , Paolone Achille
Published: December 2024

Reinforced concrete structures are often subject to significantly non‐uniform corrosion patterns. In real situations, the information available about deterioration is incomplete and sometimes is reduced to qualitative judgments formulated by inspectors based on in‐situ surveys. This work proposes a practice‐oriented fiber‐based modeling approach capable to model arbitrary spatial distributions of corrosion characterized by limited information. The approach is based on the partition of the structure into pieces, regions and zones and by the use of degradation laws for material parameters. Local and global deterioration scales are introduced to facilitate consistent specification of material parameters on the basis of qualitative judgments. The penetration of deterioration beyond the exposed surfaces is modeled by the concepts of exposition zone and deterioration attenuation laws. The approach has been implemented in a macroelement of arbitrarily corroded beam‐column in OpenseesPy and validated by comparison with 16 experimental tests of columns with different section types, corrosion intensities, axial load and confinement levels. Results show that strength and ultimate drift can be predicted with remarkable accuracy.
When MNC Subsidiaries Are Caught in a Political Crisis: The Case of Mozambique
Authors: Finocchi Emiliano , Mudambi Susan M. , Oetzel Jennifer , Feinberg Susan
Published: December 2024

In political crises, subsidiary‐level managers of multinational corporations (MNCs) face critical decisions around managing investment risk. Given the potentially existential threat posed by political crises, this study examines subsidiary responses to political risk. The focus is on the effect of firm crisis experience, threat perception, and managerial social embeddedness on the stay‐or‐exit decisions. With data from senior managers of 107 MNCs in Mozambique, we test three hypotheses. We find that the crisis experience of the MNC is a significant predictor of managers' threat perceptions (H1). While threat perception positively affects the likelihood of subsidiary exit (H2), the social embeddedness of the subsidiary manager dampens that relationship (H3). Threat perception does not necessarily drive exit likelihood, as subsidiaries led by socially embedded managers with high levels of social interactions with Mozambican and foreign friends are less likely to exit. These findings contribute to the literature on subsidiary‐level political risk management and underscore the significance of social embeddedness and crisis experience in shaping subsidiary resilience to political instability. For managers, these results highlight the value of fostering strong local networks and crafting flexible risk management strategies. Such insights are crucial for navigating the complexities of international markets during political turmoil.
Lead Mediated Lipopolysaccharides Exacerbates Fatty Liver Processes in High‐Fat Diets‐Induced Mice
Authors: Nie Penghui , Hu Liehai , You Tao , Jia Tiantian , Xu Hengyi
Published: December 2024

Obesity leads to a variety of health risks, and lead, which is ranked second in Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry's priority list of harmful substances, may be more harmful to individuals that are obese. C57BL/6 mice were fed a normal diet or a high‐fat diet with or without exposure to 1 g/L lead exposure in drinking water for 8 consecutive weeks. Serum and hepatic biochemistry analysis, histopathological observation, and RT‐qPCR were used to explore the potential mechanism of liver damage in obese individuals after Pb exposure, and fecal microbiota transplantation was performed to investigate the role of the gut microbiota in the progression of fatty liver disease. We found that the progression of fatty liver disease induced by high‐fat diets was accelerated by chronic lead intake. In addition, the occurrences of liver injury in recipient mice suggested the role of the gut microbiota. These findings indicated that the combination of lead and a HFD exacerbated hepatic lipotoxicity by activating LPS‐mediated inflammation, and that gut microbiota disorders and impaired intestinal barrier function play pivotal roles in the progression of fatty liver disease.
Advances in posterity of visualization in paradigm of nano‐level ultra‐structures for nano–bio interaction studies
Authors: Ghosh Aishee , Gupta Abha , Jena Snehasmita , Kirti Apoorv , Choudhury Anmol , Saha Utsa , Sinha Adrija , Kumari Shalini , Kujawska Małgorzata , Kaushik Ajeet , Verma Suresh K.
Published: December 2024

The progression in contemporary scientific field is facilitated by a multitude of sophisticated and cutting‐edge methodologies that are employed for various research purposes. Among these methodologies, microscopy stands out as a fundamental and essential technique utilized in scientific investigations. Moreover, due to the continuous evolution and enhancement of microscopic methodologies, nanotechnology has reached a highly developed stage within modern scientific realm, particularly renowned for its wide‐ranging applications in the fields of biomedicine and environmental science. When it comes to conducting comprehensive and in‐depth experimental analyses to explore the nanotechnological aspects relevant to biological applications, the concept of nano–biological interaction emerges as the focal point of any research initiative. Nonetheless, this particular study necessitates a meticulous approach toward imaging and visualization at diverse magnification levels to ensure accurate observations and interpretations. It is widely acknowledged that modern microscopy has emerged as a sophisticated and invaluable instrument in this regard. This review aims to provide a comprehensive discussion on the progress made in microscopic techniques specifically tailored for visualizing the interactions between nanostructures and biological entities, thereby facilitating the exploration of the practical applications of nanotechnology in the realm of biological sciences.