Browse Articles

Correction: Comparing the performance of ChatGPT, Gemini, and Claude in English and Polish on medical examinations

Outside Back Cover: Artificial Decision Tree Guided Screening of Ultralong Room‐Temperature Phosphorescent Cocrystals with Locally Excited States (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 51/2025)

Correction: Prognostic value of circulating tumor DNA in patients with colon cancer: Systematic review

Insight into acid generation and the release risk of Cd, Cu and Mo from a high-latitude polymetallic mine in China

Strengthening tropical cyclones are associated with more frequent hazardous material pipeline failures in the Eastern US

Psychological perspectives on robotic assisted pivotal response treatment in autism

Abstract The impact of Pivotal Response Treatment (PRT) assisted by the social robot Pepper on the emotional regulation and treatment adherence of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their caregivers is explored. Given the integration of technology and psychology, our study provides empirical evidence on the role of social robots not only as therapeutic tools but also as facilitators of family engagement and personalized ASD interventions. Our findings highlight significant improvements in children’s emotional responses with the use of a social robot and offer new insights into the variability of caregiver adherence.

Accelerating Medicinal Chemistry: A C(sp ³ )‐Rich Fragment Toolbox for Redox‐Neutral Cross‐Coupling

Abstract The hit‐to‐lead phase of drug discovery is frequently bottlenecked by the time‐consuming, iterative synthesis of analogs, especially when incorporating small C(sp 3 )‐rich fragments such as methyl, cyclopropyl, or oxetanyl groups—moieties known to improve drug solubility, bioactivity, and metabolic stability. Conventional approaches like Suzuki or Negishi couplings make use of unstable reagents, high costs, and harsh reaction conditions, while many modern radical‐based methods rely on exogenous redox agents or costly metal catalysts. To overcome these limitations, a toolbox of 15 sulfonyl hydrazide reagents is disclosed to facilitate redox‐neutral, nickel‐catalyzed radical cross‐coupling of 14 distinct small fragments onto (hetero)arenes under mild conditions. These crystalline, bench‐stable reagents are straightforward to synthesize from accessible precursors and require no additional oxidants, reductants, or precious metals, offering a modular and operationally simple platform. Demonstrated across a diverse set of over 60 (hetero)aryl halides, the method exhibits exceptional substrate scope and functional group tolerance, accommodating complex, medicinally relevant scaffolds. Comparative studies with existing techniques underscore its advantages, including a 51% yield for trideuteromethylation of a MET kinase inhibitor precursor (versus a precedented 14% via Kumada coupling) and a streamlined one‐step cyclobutylation of an NLRP3 inhibitor intermediate at 41% yield (versus a known < 5% over a four‐step sequence).

A Multiply and Long‐Chain Branched Polyolefin with Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE)‐Like Properties Containing Two Types of Functional Groups

Abstract Low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) is an important material or plastic, which, unfortunately, is synthesized under very harsh conditions and challenging to recycle. We report here on a highly flexible catalytic synthesis of multiply branched and long‐chain branched polyolefins under mild conditions. We combine coordinative chain transfer polymerization of ethylene and branched alpha‐olefins with ring‐opening metathesis polymerization and hydrogenation catalysis. Our plastic contains two types of functional groups: olefins and esters. The olefin functional groups can be used to enable closed‐loop recycling, and the ester groups permit faster decomposition than LDPE to potentially reduce the micro‐plastic formation or enable a second depolymerization pathway. Our material matches key properties of LDPE, such as the melting point, rheology and stress–strain behavior.

Thermoring basis for the proton-driven heat activation of a cation-selective channel in myriapods

Abstract Thermo-gated ion channels undergo significant time-dependent structural rearrangements for activation. Although the tertiary noncovalent interaction networks can be constrained as thermorings to explain specific temperature thresholds and sensitivity, the timing of critical intra-subunit and inter-subunit noncovalent interactions unfolding remains poorly understood. Here the tertiary noncovalent interaction networks of the broad-range thermal receptor 1 (BRTNaC1) in myriapods were quantified by the thermoring model to estimate thermal thresholds and structural unfolding sequences. The results showed that the theoretical threshold of the weakest intra-subunit noncovalent interaction in the resting closed state of the D217N/E218Q mutant at low temperature matched the experimental activation threshold. Further, the strong inter-subunit swapping interactions at H352, although weakened before strong acid activation of the native channel below pH 4.5, were absent before weak acid-induced heat activation of the mutant at pH 7. Therefore, the different unfolding sequence from strong inter-subunit interactions to the weakest intra-subunit bridges may be required for proton-driven heat activation of BRTNaC1.

Bearing fault detection with lightweight feature extraction mechanism based on smoothed dilated convolution

Targeting Aurora Kinases as Essential Cell‐Cycle Regulators to Deliver Multi‐Stage Antimalarials Against <i>Plasmodium Falciparum</i>

Abstract Kinases play critical roles in the development and adaptation of Plasmodium falciparum and present novel opportunities for chemotherapeutic intervention. Mitotic kinases that regulate the proliferation of the parasites by controlling nuclear division, segregation, and cytokinesis. We evaluated the potential of human Aurora kinase (Aur) inhibitors to prevent P. falciparum development by targeting members of the Aurora‐related kinase (Ark) family in this parasite. Several human AurB inhibitors exhibited multistage potency (&lt; 250 nM) against all proliferative stages of parasite development, including asexual blood stages, liver schizonts, and male gametes. The most potent compounds, hesperadin, TAE684, and AT83, exhibited &gt; 1000x selectivity towards the parasite. Importantly, we identified Pf Ark1 as the principal vulnerable Ark family member, with specific inhibition of Pf Ark1 as the primary target for hesperadin. Hesperadin's whole‐cell and protein activity validates it as a unique Pf Ark1 tool compound. Inhibition of Pf Ark1 results in the parasite's inability to complete mitotic processes, presenting with unsegregated, multi‐lobed nuclei caused by aberrant microtubule organization. This suggests Pf Ark1 is the main Aur mitotic kinase in proliferative stages of Plasmodium , characterized by bifunctional AurA and B activity. This paves the way for drug‐discovery campaigns based on hesperadin targeting Pf Ark1.

Scale morphometry, geometry and ultrastructure of three Nemipterus species from the Egyptian part of the Red Sea

Abstract The present investigation aimed to document and analyze the diversity of scale characteristics in three Nemipterus species; N. zysron (12.2–18.5 cm SL), N. randalli (13–18 cm SL), and N. japonicus (8.5–17.2 cm SL) collected from the Egyptian Red Sea near Hurghada. Assessing interspecific differences in scale morphology, geometry, and morphometry provides valuable insights for taxonomy and stock identification. The results revealed pronounced interspecific variations in scale geometry, morphometrics, and radii meristics, particularly with respect to overall shape and size. Detailed structural features and surface ornamentation were examined using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Notable differences were observed in surface morphology, interradial and intercircular grooves, interradial tongues and circuli, denticles, inner and outer lateral circuli and caudal field segmentation and granulation pattern. The observed variation in scale form among the three species underscores the potential utility of scale morphology in stock discrimination. Collectively, these findings contribute to improved species differentiation and offer a valuable tool for fisheries management and taxonomic assessment.

Detection accuracy of an AI platform for dental treatment features on panoramic radiographs – tooth- and patient-level analyses

Inside Front Cover: Harnessing Halogen Bonds in Porous Molecular Crystals for Efficient SF ₆ /N ₂ Separation (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 51/2025)

Spatially‐Directed C─C Coupling inside Three‐dimensional Metal‐organic Frameworks for CO ₂ Electroreduction to C ₂ Products

Abstract The CO 2 electroreduction reaction to fuels and chemicals is a promising strategy for storing intermittent energy (such as sunlight and wind power) and closing the carbon cycle. Producing multi‐carbon oxygenates and hydrocarbons (C 2+ ) with broader applicability is highly desirable. However, the difficulty of the C─C coupling reaction hinders the conversion of CO 2 to C 2+ products with high energy input, low reaction rate, and poor selectivity. Here, we construct a three‐dimensional (3D) Fe‐quinoxalinedithiol (Fe‐QDT)‐based metal‐organic framework (MOF) featuring dual Fe sites within its ordered channel walls, enabling efficient interwall electrocatalysis for C 2 coupling reactions. We found that dual Fe sites can co‐catalyze the dimerization of *OCH 2 to *OCH 2 CH 2 O*, thus facilitating the generation of C 2 products. The free energy changes for the potential‐limiting steps in the electroreduction of C 2 species are −0.010 and 0.045 eV for CH 3 CH 2 OH and C 2 H 4 , respectively, which are significantly lower than those for other C 2 products. Consequently, the Fe‐QDT MOFs demonstrate high activity and selectivity in converting CO 2 to CH 3 CH 2 OH and C 2 H 4 . This work designs a novel and efficient active site for C─C coupling and provides valuable insights into the design principles of electrocatalysts for C 2 products.

Efficacy and safety of home-based transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on patients with depressive disorders: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

Sustainable shear behavior of clayey sand reinforced with recycled PET strips under moisture variation

Abstract Moisture-sensitive granular soils containing fines, such as sand-clay (SC) mixtures, lose their shear strength after cycles of wetting and drying, compromising the stability of shallow foundations, embankments, and sub-base layers. Improving performance using conventional stabilisers such as cement and lime comes at a cost to the environment and the economy. This study examines recycled polyethylene terephthalate (PET) strips as a green reinforcement for a sand-kaolin mixture (65% sand, 35% kaolin; SC according to the unified soil classification system unified soil classification system (USCS)). Direct shear tests were performed conducted at normal stresses of 100, 200, and 300 kPa and moisture contents of ranging from 0 to 12%. The unreinforced samples suffered a loss of strength of up to 50% at 12% moisture content, while the PET-reinforced soils achieved a maximum shear stress that was 25–30% higher, 40% greater cohesion, and a 35% reduction in vertical deformation. The friction angle was slightly better (+ 1.3° at 0–4% moisture content) but decreased at higher water contents due to lubrication. Even at 12% moisture content, the reinforced soils had a cohesion of 19 kPa compared to 15 kPa for the unreinforced soils and a shear stress of 90 kPa compared to 145 kPa for the dry strength. These results confirm that PET strips act as traction elements, resisting softening due to moisture and offering a sustainable and cost-effective alternative to traditional stabilisers, while contributing to circular economy initiatives.

The research on water control and oil stabilization technologies in ultra-low permeability reservoirs of the Jiyuan oilfield under the control of reservoir architecture

Single copy optogenetic system for Streptomyces

Abstract LitR is a blue-green light-sensing transcriptional regulator that uses coenzyme B 12 as a chromophore. In this study, we developed a genome-integrative light-inducible expression (iLiEX) system in Streptomyces griseus NBRC 13350, a Gram-positive bacterium that produces streptomycin. The system incorporates LitR, transcriptional amplification module T7 RNA polymerase, and a serine integrase. Using iLiEX, we achieved light-dependent overproduction of catechol-2,3-dioxygenase and β-glucuronidase (GUS) at levels comparable to those from a high-copy plasmid. Notably, GUS activity was 39-fold higher than with the constitutively strong ermE * promoter. The iLiEX system was also functional in S. coelicolor , S. lividans , S. albus J1074, and S. avermitilis . We improved iLiEX in two key ways: by optimizing the ribosome-binding site of T7 RNA polymerase to increase expression, and by introducing the T7 lysozyme gene to reduce leaky transcription. The system’s versatility was improved by shortening the T7 promoter from 89 to 44 bp. For simple visualization on agar plates, light-dependent overexpression of fluorescent proteins, a chromogenic protein, and a brown pigment synthesis enzyme was demonstrated. High-level production of secreted enzymes, including laccase and transglutaminase, was also confirmed. Overall, we developed a single-copy light-inducible overexpression system with broad functionality across multiple Streptomyces species.

Ultrawideband Emission of Bi ³⁺ Ions Spanning Visible to Near‐Infrared Spectral Regions (400 nm–1700 nm)

Abstract Although Bi 3+ ions exhibit exceptional luminescent properties and spectral tunability, their potential as activators for near‐infrared (NIR) ultrawideband emission remains underexplored, while transition metal ions such as Ni 2+ , Fe 3+ , and Cr 3+/4+ have long been the predominant candidates in this demanding research area. Herein, we demonstrate ultrawideband emission from 400 to 1700 nm in K 2 MgGeO 4 :Bi 3+ (KMGO:Bi 3+ ), achieving an internal quantum efficiency (IQE) of 88.02% and external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 66.41%. The emission spectrum features interconnected visible and NIR bands, peaking at 614 and 1125 nm, respectively. Notably, the full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) of the NIR band exceeds 340 nm, significantly broader than most of the conventional phosphors doped with transition metal ions. Through a comprehensive combination of experimental investigations and crystal structure analysis, we elucidate the underlying mechanism of this ultra‐broadband emission, attributing it to Bi 3+ centers formed by the substitution of K + and Mg 2+ sites. This work expands the role of Bi 3+ ions as activators in the second NIR (NIR‐II) region, offering new insights into the design of ultra‐broadband‐emitting materials and introducing the only known phosphor capable of spanning the full 400 nm to 1700 nm spectrum, thereby filling a longstanding gap in this field.