Social identity and environmental concern: the importance of contextual effects

This study draws on social identity theory to explain differences in individual support for environmental protection, a conative component of environmental concern. It argues that an individual’s identification with higher social units—community, nation, and world—strengthens its in-group solidarity and empathy and, in consequence, its readiness to protect the environment benefitting the in-group’s welfare. The study hypothesizes that country-level manifestations of social identity (1) lift individuals’ support for environmental protection above the level that their own social identity suggests (elevator effect), and (2) reinforce the effect of individuals’ social identity on their support for environmental protection (amplifier effect). Using a sample of over 30,000 individuals located in 38 countries around the world, the study finds strong evidence for the two contextual effects. The findings indicate that social identity plays an important role not just as an individual attribute but also as a central component of culture in fostering environmental concern

Against the Norm: Non Irving–Williams Transmetalation in Transition Metal Dimers

We report the synthesis and characterization of three dinuclear 3d3d′ complexes, CuCu ([CuII2L(NO3)2] CuII2L(NO3)2]), MnMn ([MnII2L(MeOH)2(NO3)2][MnII2L(MeOH)2(NO3)2]), and CuMn ([CuIIMnIIL(NO3)2]), that utilize the ligand, H2L (6,6′-dimethoxy-2,2’-[(1,3-propylene)dioxybis(nitrilomethylidyne)]diphenol). The relative stabilities of these complexes were investigated using experimental and computational techniques, revealing a non-Irving-Williams transmetalation, whereby a MnII ion can displace a CuII ion from its binding pocket in CuCu to yield the more stable CuMn complex. Magnetic characterization of the reported complexes revealed an unexpected ferromagnetic coupling between the two CuII ions of CuCu with J = +63.0 cm–1

Sharks, rays and marine protected areas: a critical evaluation of current perspectives

Marine protected areas (MPAs) are increasingly advocated for the conservation and management of sharks and rays. However, substantial uncertainty remains regarding which species can benefit from MPAs. Meanwhile, area-focused protection targets have spurred recent and rapid gains in the creation of large MPAs, many of which carry vague objectives set by a diverse group of stakeholders with potentially different notions of "success." Here, we capture and critically evaluate current views on the use of MPAs for shark and ray conservation. Through interviews with scientists, MPA managers, fisheries experts, conservation practitioners, advocates and policy experts (n = 53), we demonstrate a variety of perspectives regarding: (a) the effectiveness of MPAs as a tool for shark and ray conservation; (b) which factors influence the success of MPAs for sharks and rays; and (c) the desired outcomes of these MPAs. While MPAs created specifically for sharks and rays were viewed to be slightly more effective than regular MPAs as a tool for shark and ray conservation, both were generally considered insufficient in isolation. Despite greater emphasis on social success factors (e.g., local support) over biophysical success factors (e.g., size), biological outcomes (e.g., increased abundance) were prioritized over social outcomes (e.g., livelihood benefits). We argue that a stronger focus on achieving social outcomes can enhance the potential for MPAs to benefit sharks and rays. In revealing current thinking regarding the drivers and indicators of MPA success for sharks and rays, the results of this study can inform efforts to conserve and manage these species

Magnetic exchange, anisotropy and excitonic fluctuations in a [Ni^II₇] Anderson wheel

The solvothermal reaction of Ni(ClO4)2·6H2O with hmpH and picH in a basic MeOH solution affords [Ni7(hmp)7.55(pic)4.45](ClO4)2·6MeOH (1·6MeOH) directly upon cooling the mother liquor. The metallic skeleton of 1 describes a [NiII7] centred hexagon, commonly referred to as an Anderson wheel. Magnetic measurements reveal ferromagnetic exchange between the central Ni ion and the ring Ni ions, and antiferromagnetic exchange between neighbouring ring Ni ions. They also confirm the presence of easy-plane anisotropy for the central Ni ion, and easy-axis anisotropy for the ring Ni ions, in agreement with DFT calculations and neutron scattering. For the analysis of the latter we apply an excitonic formalism using a Green's function response theory.</p

Enhancing SMM properties via axial distortion of Mn-3(III) clusters

Replacement of carboxylate and solvent with facially capping tripodal ligands enhances the single-molecule magnet (SMM) properties of [Mn-3(III)] triangles

Pressure-and temperature induced phase transitions, piezochromism, NLC behaviour and pressure controlled Jahn–Teller switching in a Cu-based framework

In situ single-crystal diffraction and spectroscopic techniques have been used to study a previously unreported Cu-framework bis[1-(4-pyridyl)butane-1,3-dione]copper(II) (CuPyr-I). CuPyr-I was found to exhibit high-pressure and low-temperature phase transitions, piezochromism, negative linear compressibility, and a pressure induced Jahn?Teller switch, where the switching pressure was hydrostatic media dependent.The support by the Spanish Ministerio de Econom´ıa, Industria y Competitividad (PGC2018-101464-B-I00), and INNVAL 18/28 is also acknowledged

Site-Specific Metal Chelation Facilitates the Unveiling of Hidden Coordination Sites in an Fe II/Fe III -Seamed Pyrogallol[4]arene Nanocapsule

Under suitable conditions, C-alkylpyrogallol­[4]­arenes (PgCs) arrange into spherical metal–organic nanocapsules (MONCs) upon coordination to appropriate metal ions. Herein we present the synthesis and structural characterization of a novel FeII/FeIII-seamed MONC, as well as studies related to its electrochemical and magnetic behaviors. Unlike other MONCs that are assembled through 24 metal ions, this nanocapsule comprises 32 Fe ions, uncovering 8 additional coordination sites situated between the constituent PgC subunits. The FeII ions are likely formed by the reducing ability of DMF used in the synthesis, representing a novel synthetic route toward polynuclear mixed-valence MONCs

An IRAK1-PIN1 signalling axis drives intrinsic tumour resistance to radiation therapy

Drug-based strategies to overcome tumour resistance to radiotherapy (R-RT) remain limited by the single-agent toxicity of traditional radiosensitizers (for example, platinums) and a lack of targeted alternatives. In a screen for compounds that restore radiosensitivity in p53 mutant zebrafish while tolerated in non-irradiated wild-type animals, we identified the benzimidazole anthelmintic oxfendazole. Surprisingly, oxfendazole acts via the inhibition of IRAK1, a kinase thus far implicated in interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) immune responses. IRAK1 drives R-RT in a pathway involving IRAK4 and TRAF6 but not the IL-1R/TLR-IRAK adaptor MyD88. Rather than stimulating nuclear factor-κB, radiation-activated IRAK1 prevented apoptosis mediated by the PIDDosome complex (comprising PIDD, RAIDD and caspase-2). Countering this pathway with IRAK1 inhibitors suppressed R-RT in tumour models derived from cancers in which TP53 mutations predict R-RT. Moreover, IRAK1 inhibitors synergized with inhibitors of PIN1, a prolyl isomerase essential for IRAK1 activation in response to pathogens and, as shown here, in response to ionizing radiation. These data identify an IRAK1 radiation-response pathway as a rational chemoradiation therapy target