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A novel ferrocene conjugated Mn(I)‐tricarbonyl complex viz [Mn(Fc‐tpy)(CO)3Br] (Mn2) where, Fc‐tpy=4′‐ferrocenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine was synthesized and fully characterized along with its non‐ferrocene analog [Mn(Ph‐tpy)(CO)3Br] Ph‐tpy=4′‐phenyl‐2,2′:6′,2′′‐terpyridine (Mn1) for ultrasound (US) activated anticancer applications. The X‐ray structure of Mn2 confirmed its distorted octahedral geometry. Mn1 and Mn2, for the first time, showed US‐triggered release of CO and ROS generation (1O2 and ⋅OH) in an aqueous solution from any Mn(I)‐tricarbonyl complexes, indicating its potential for synergetic CO gas therapy and sonodynamic therapy. The above‐mentioned in‐solution chemistry was successfully translated into in vitro cellular models. These complexes showed unprecedented US‐triggered toxicity against T‐cell lymphoma and human breast cancer cells (IC50 for Mn2<1 μM) while were minimally toxic without US or against normal spleen and human embryonic kidney cells. Mn2 was ca. 12 fold more anticancer active than Mn1, indicating that the ferrocene conjugation augmented the US sensitivity. The apoptotic sonotoxicity of Mn2 was due to US‐promoted mitochondrial depolarization via ROS generation and CO release. The apoptosis was triggered by caspase 3 activation. This is the first report of Mn(I)‐tricarbonyl‐based sonosensitizers for cancer SDT. Overall, this study, for the first time, establishes the effectiveness of 3d metal carbonyls in SDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the combustion characteristics of coal samples with different particle sizes under high temperature conditions, the combustion characteristic parameters of coking coal and its mixed coal samples with particle sizes of 0.200-0.450 mm, 0.125-0.200 mm and 0.097-0.125 mm were tested by cone calorimeter. The combustion efficiency parameters were calculated and the relationship between combustion efficiency parameters and the particle size of coal samples was analyzed. The results show that with the decrease of particle size, the ignition time becomes shorter, indicating that the smaller the particle size of the coal sample, the easier it is to burn; the time required to reach the peak value of heat release rate and the peak value decrease with the decrease of particle size, and the peak value of mixed coal sample is the lowest. When the heat release rate curve tends to be stable, the heat release rate and total heat release increase with the decrease of particle size, and the relationship is 0.097-0.125 mm > 0.125-0.200 mm > mixed coal sample > 0.2000-0.450 mm; the peak value of mass loss rate and the stable mass loss rate increase with the decrease of particle size, and the total mass loss also increases, and the relationship is 0.097-0.125 mm > 0.125-0.200 mm > mixed coal sample > 0.200-0.450 mm. The CO release decreases with the decrease of particle size. With the decrease of particle size, the fire performance index decreases, while the fire spread index increases. The fire performance index of mixed coal sample is the largest, and the fire spread index is slightly higher than that of 0.200-0.450 mm coal sample; the fire risk increases with the decrease of coal particle size, and the fire risk of mixed coal sample is low.

Overuse injuries or acute trauma in joints often lead to painful tendinopathy, and pharmacological treatment effects are limited. The site of the disease is hard to reach with drugs, both systemically and through the skin. Therapeutic gases may close this gap, as they permeate easier through tissues than conventional small molecules. We present a patch device releasing the anti-inflammatory gas carbon monoxide (CO) through the skin to the subcutaneous tendons and tissues. CO is chemically generated upon device activation and its design maximizes CO exposure to the underlying skin and protects the patient from all side and degradation products. The patch delivered CO successfully through the intact skin, granting lasting, subcutaneous CO exposure for up to 16 h. Furthermore, the released CO induced the proliferation of fibroblasts and the polarization of monocytes into anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages. In conclusion, the CO-releasing device might open an entirely new treatment option against tendinopathies in case of a positive outcome of future in vivo studies. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Four new monoiron (II) tricarbonyl complexes with the amine bound, fac‐[Fe(CO)3I2(NH2R)] (R = Et, 1; nPr, 2; nBu, 3; nPent, 4), were reported using cis‐[Fe(CO)4I2] as the precursor. All the complexes 1–4 were structurally confirmed by various techniques such as ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and elemental analysis of which complexes 1 and 2 are crystallographically determined. The reaction of the precursor with alkylamines proceeded in two main parallel pathways to form both aminium salts of fac‐[Fe(CO)3I3]− and the amine‐bound complexes (1–4). Their dominances altered with the reaction time. These complexes in DMSO undergo quick decomposition with complex 1 as the relatively most stable one (t1/2 = 7.3 min) although they are stable in solid status. Unlike the triiodo anion and pyridinyl analogs showing severe cytotoxicity due to the generation of iodine radical during the decomposition, no iodine radicals were detected from the fac‐[Fe(CO)3I2(NH2R)] complexes. Therefore, the cell viability of RT112 cells was not affected by the presence of the amine‐bound iron complex (1) up to 100 μmol L−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Carbon monoxide shows great therapeutic potential in anti-cancer. In particular, the construction of multifunctional CO delivery systems can promote the precise delivery of CO and achieve ideal therapeutic effects, but there are still great challenges in design. In this work, a RSS and ROS sequentially activated CO delivery system is developed for boosting NIR imaging-guided on-demand photodynamic therapy. This designed system is composed of a CO releaser (BOD-CO) and a photosensitizer (BOD-I). BOD-CO can be specifically activated by hydrogen sulfide with simultaneous release of CO donor and NIR fluorescence that can identify H 2 S-rich tumors and guide light therapy, also depleting H 2 S in the process. Moreover, BOD-I generates 1 O 2 under long-wavelength light irradiation, enabling both PDT and precise local release of CO via a photooxidation mechanism. Such sequential activation of CO release by RSS and ROS ensured the safety and controllability of CO delivery, and effectively avoided leakage during delivery. Importantly, cytotoxicity and in vivo studies reveal that the release of CO combined with the depletion of endogenous H 2 S amplified PDT, achieving ideal anticancer results. It is believed that such theranostic nanoplatform can provide a novel strategy for the precise CO delivery and combined therapy involved in gas therapy and PDT., (© 2023 Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an endogenous signaling molecule that controls a number of physiological processes. To circumvent the inherent toxicity of CO, light‐activated CO‐releasing molecules (photoCORMs) have emerged as an alternative for its administration. However, their wider application requires photoactivation using biologically benign visible and near‐infrared (NIR) light. In this work, a strategy to access such photoCORMs by fusing two CO‐releasing flavonol moieties with a NIR‐absorbing cyanine dye is presented. These hybrids liberate two molecules of CO in high chemical yields upon activation with NIR light up to 820 nm and exhibit excellent uncaging cross‐sections, which surpass the state‐of‐the‐art by two orders of magnitude. Furthermore, the biocompatibility and applicability of the system in vitro and in vivo are demonstrated, and a mechanism of CO release is proposed. It is hoped that this strategy will stimulate the discovery of new classes of photoCORMs and accelerate the translation of CO‐based phototherapy into practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tobacco Science & Technology is the property of Tobacco Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Copyright of China Pulp & Paper is the property of China Pulp & Paper Magazines Publisher and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Abstract The kinetics of the steam-assisted gasification for three different agro-industrial solid wastes (sawdust, olive and plum pits) was studied by macro thermo-gravimetric analysis (macro-TGA) at different heating rates (5, 10 and 15 K/min). The progressive CO release was moreover monitored to fully identify each step of the global gasification process. A single-step kinetics modelling was applied by using the Coats-Redfern method, with both a first order model for pyrolysis and a Ginstling - Brounstein 3D-diffusion model for the gasification stages, respectively. A comparison between macro-TGA and previous TGA results for the same bio-wastes was performed. Results indicated that the reaction proceeds in three well-defined and subsequent stages, involving water evaporation [298–473 K], biomass de-volatilization [473–648 K] with the highest production of CO, and char gasification as final step. Reaction rate parameters of the Arrhenius equation were determined for both the pyrolysis and gasification steps. Highlights • Gasification of biowastes is studied by macro-TGA analysis and Coast Redfern method. • Pyrolysis stage is well represented by a first-order model. • Gasification stage can be fitted by means of the Ginstling - Brounstein model. • Comparison with previous pyrolysis results is discussed. • CO release during thermal degradation is analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The electronic excited state reactivity of [Mn(im)(CO)3(phen)]+ (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline; im = imidazole) ranging between 420 and 330 nm have been analyzed by means of relativistic spin–orbit time‐dependent density functional theory and wavefunction approaches (state‐average‐complete‐active‐space self‐consistent‐field/multistate CAS second‐order perturbation theory). Minimum energy conical intersection (MECI) structures and connecting pathways were explored using the artificial force induced reaction (AFIR) method. MECIs between the first and second singlet excited states (S1/S2‐MECIs) were searched by the single‐component AFIR (SC‐AFIR) algorithm combined with the gradient projection type optimizer. The structural, electronic, and excited states properties of [Mn(im)(CO)3(phen)]+ are compared to those of the Re(I) analogue [Re(im)(CO)3(phen)]+. The high density of excited states and the presence of low‐lying metal‐centered states that characterize the Mn complex add complexity to the photophysics and open various dissociative channels for both the CO and imidazole ligands. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. The structural exploration of the potential energy surfaces associated with the low‐lying singlet excited states of a manganese carbonyl imidazole‐substituted α‐diimine complex, potentially functional PhotoCORM under visible irradiation, highlights the active reactive channels of dissociation. Qualitative state correlation diagrams that connect the low‐lying excited states of the parent molecule to those of the fragments [Mn(imidazole)(CO)2(phen)]+ + COax and [M(CO)3(phen)]+ + Imidazole point to two dissociative channels. The two lowest S1 and S2 singlet states are weakly dissociative for the CO loss with energy barriers generated nearby the FC region. Systematic searches for critical geometries identify several dissociative pathways, namely, equatorial CO bent, imidazole dissociation, or axial CO bent are competitive with the direct CO loss. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The suppression effect of graphene in the fire hazards and smoke toxicity of polymer composites has been seriously limited by both mass production and weak interfacial interaction. Though the electrochemical preparation provides an available approach for mass production, exfoliated graphene could not strongly bond with polar polymer chains. Herein, mussel-inspired functionalization of electrochemically exfoliated graphene was successfully processed and added into polar thermoplastic polyurethane matrix (TPU). As confirmed by SEM patterns of fracture surface, functionalized graphene possessing abundant hydroxyl could constitute a forceful chains interaction with TPU. By the incorporation of 2.0 wt % f-GNS, peak heat release rate (pHRR), total heat release (THR), specific extinction area (SEA), as well as smoke produce rate (SPR) of TPU composites were approximately decreased by 59.4%, 27.1%, 31.9%, and 26.7%, respectively. A probable mechanism of fire retardant was hypothesized: well-dispersed f-GNS constituted tortuous path and hindered the exchange process of degradation product with barrier function. Large quantities of degradation product gathered round f-GNS and reacted with flame retardant to produce the cross-linked and high-degree graphited residual char. The simple functionalization for electrochemically exfoliated graphene impels the application of graphene in the fields of flame retardant composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) has recently been identified as a gaseous signaling molecule that exerts various salutary effects in mammalian pathophysiology. Photoactive metal carbonyl complexes (photoCORMs) are ideal exogenous candidates for more controllable and site-specific CO delivery compared to gaseous CO. Along this line, our group has been engaged for the past few years in developing group-7-based photoCORMs towards the efficient eradication of various malignant cells. Moreover, several such complexes can be tracked within cancerous cells by virtue of their luminescence. The inherent luminecscent nature of some photoCORMs and the change in emission wavelength upon CO release also provide a covenient means to track the entry of the prodrug and, in some cases, both the entry and CO release from the prodrug. In continuation of the research circumscribing the development of trackable photoCORMs and also to graft such molecules covalently to conventional delivery vehicles, we report herein the synthesis and structures of three rhenium carbonyl complexes, namely, fac-tricarbonyl[2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole-κ2 N, N′](4-vinylpyridine-κ N)rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C7H7N)(C12H8N2S)(CO)3](CF3SO3), ( 1), fac-tricarbonyl[2-(quinolin-2-yl)-1,3-benzothiazole-κ2 N, N′](4-vinylpyridine-κ N)rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C7H7N)(C16H10N2S)(CO)3](CF3SO3), ( 2), and fac-tricarbonyl[1,10-phenanthroline-κ2 N, N′](4-vinylpyridine-κ N)rhenium(I) trifluoromethanesulfonate, [Re(C7H7N)(C12H8N2)(CO)3](CF3SO3), ( 3). In all three complexes, the ReI center resides in a distorted octahedral coordination environment. These complexes exhibit CO release upon exposure to low-power UV light. The apparent CO release rates of the complexes have been measured to assess their comparative CO-donating capacity. The three complexes are highly luminescent and this in turn provides a convenient way to track the entry of the prodrug molecules within biological targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-flavonolate compounds are of significant current interest as synthetic models for quercetinase enzymes and as bioactive compounds of importance to human health. Zinc-3-hydroxyflavonolate compounds, including those of quercetin, kampferol, and morin, generally exhibit bidentate coordination to a single ZnII center. The bipyridine-ligated zinc-flavonolate compound reported herein, namely bis(μ-4-oxo-2-phenyl-4 H-chromen-3-olato)-κ3 O3: O3, O4;κ3 O3, O4: O3-bis[(2,2′-bipyridine-κ2 N, N′)zinc(II)] bis(perchlorate), {[Zn2(C15H9O3)2(C10H8N2)2](ClO4)2} n, ( 1), provides an unusual example of bridging 3-hydroxyflavonolate ligation in a dinuclear metal complex. The symmetry-related ZnII centers of ( 1) exhibit a distorted octahedral geometry, with weak coordination of a perchlorate anion trans to the bridging deprotonated O atom of the flavonolate ligand. Variable-concentration conductivity measurements provide evidence that, when ( 1) is dissolved in CH3CN, the complex dissociates into monomers. 1H NMR resonances for ( 1) dissolved in d6-DMSO were assigned via HMQC to the H atoms of the flavonolate and bipyridine ligands. In CH3CN, ( 1) undergoes quantitative visible-light-induced CO release with a quantum yield [0.004 (1)] similar to that exhibited by other mononuclear zinc-3-hydroxyflavonolate complexes. Mass spectroscopic identification of the [(bpy)2Zn( O-benzoylsalicylate)]+ ion provides evidence of CO release from the flavonol and of ligand exchange at the ZnII center. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Materials that can simultaneously release CO and generate singlet oxygen upon visible light irradiation under ambient conditions are highly desirable for therapeutic applications. Furthermore, materials that can sequester the undesirable side products into the matrix without affecting the release of CO and singlet oxygen generation would allow them to be used for practical applications. Focussing on these aspects, we prepared two dipicolylamine appended BODIPY‑manganese(I) tricarbonyl complexes wherein the metal core was systematically tethered at 5- and 8- positions of the BODIPY core. The complexes were embedded into a polymer matrix via electrospinning and the resulting non-woven fabrics showed CO release as well as singlet oxygen generation upon irradiation. While the hybrid materials were non-toxic in dark, they were strongly photocytotoxic to c6 cancer cells when exposed to light. Rapid CO release alongside significant singlet oxygen generation, indefinite dark stability, good biocompatibility and negligible dark toxicity makes these fabrics a potent candidate for phototherapeutic applications. Two dipicolylamine appended BODIPY‑manganese(I) tricarbonyl complexes are synthesized and embedded into a polymer matrix which show CO release and singlet oxygen generation upon light exposure. The fibres are biocompatible and strongly photocytotoxic to c6 cancer cells. Incorporation of BODIPY helps in stabilization of CO releasing core as well as assists singlet oxygen generation. [Display omitted] • Dipicolylamine appended BODIPY‑manganese(I) tricarbonyl complexes synthesized. • Controlled CO release and singlet oxygen generation upon light exposure. • The fibres are biocompatible and strongly photocytotoxic to c6 cancer cells. • Antibacterial effect observed against E. coli. • Incorporation of BODIPY stabilizes CO releasing core. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, facial tricarbonylmanganese(I) complexes [Mn(bpeaCH2C6H4R)(CO)3]PF6 incorporating a functionalized 2,2-bis(pyrazolyl)ethylamine (bpea) ligand with R = I, C≡CH, and CHO have been explored for their utility in bioorthogonal coupling to carrier peptides bearing N-terminal alkyne, azide, and aminoxy residues. As a model system, the transforming growth factor β-recognizing (TGF-β) peptide sequence R′-Leu-Pro-Leu-Gly-Asn-Ser-His-OH was used in which R′ is the reactive group complementary to the metal complex functionality. The use of catalyst-free oxime ligation gave the most stable conjugate with no degradation observed by HPLC over 96 h even after repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Both the parent complex as well as the functionalized peptide were investigated for photoactivated CO delivery to heme proteins by using the myoglobin assay and found to have essentially identical release properties. This work has established a new strategy for the conjugation of photoactivatable CO-releasing molecules (PhotoCORMs) to biological carrier systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a bioactive molecule with high potential as it shows promising efficacy for regulating inflammation. Materials capable of storing and delivering CO are of great potential therapeutic value. Although CO-releasing molecules (CORMs) have been developed to deliver CO, the short CO duration of minutes to 2 h confines their practical use. In this study, partially reduced MIL-100(Fe) as a new CO-releasing nanoMOF was developed and used for sustained CO release and macrophage (MA) phenotypic polarization regulation. MIL-100(Fe) was synthesized and mildly annealed in vacuum for partial reduction. When the annealing temperature was lower than 250 °C, less Fe(II) present in MIL-100(Fe) and the subsequent CO adsorption and desorption profiles displayed typical features of physisorption. While it was annealed at 250 °C, it showed about 20% of Fe(III) was reduced, which resulted in chemisorption of CO due to the high coordination affinity of Fe(II) to CO. The loading amount of CO was increased, and the CO release was prolonged for about 24 h. Furthermore, the CO release from this nanoMOF could alter the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage from M1 to the alternative M2 phenotype and promoted the growth of endothelial cells (ECs) by paracrine regulation of MA. It can be envisioned as a promising CO-releasing solid for biomedical application.

Aims: This study was carried out to improve our understanding of the interception effect of understorey vegetation on litter decomposition in Cinnamomum camphora plantation forest of subtropical China. Methods: The interception simulation experiment in field was performed to determine how the litterfall interception delayed the leaf litter decomposition of C. camphora, by comparing the difference in variables among 4 litter interception locations. Results: The results showed that total mass loss, lignin loss, cellulose loss, microbial activities (CO release, fungal biomass and enzyme activities), and water content except nitrogen for litters on the crown were significantly lower than that of litters without interception. The maximum mass loss difference value among litter locations reached 35 %, indicative of obvious decomposition delay by the understorey. Litter CO release, enzyme activities and water content exhibited a clear seasonal pattern, suggesting a strong relation between the degree of microbial activities and the succession of cold and warm as well as moist and dry periods. A clear nitrogen increase was observed in this experiment, indicating persistent immobilization. No clear variation pattern in nitrogen content was observed in this study, which was probably mixed by the N precipitation from acid rain. Conclusions: The litterfall interception delayed the decomposition of leaf litter, displaying slow decomposition rate and inhibitive microbial activities by interception, which presumably resulted from low water content on the crown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The reactions of [Fe(H2O)6] [BF4]2 with aminoethyl-diphenylphosphane and 2-(diphenylphosphino)aniline lead to the formation of trans-[Fe(NC-Me)2(H2NCH2CH2PPh2)2] [BF4]2 (1a) and trans-[Fe(NC-Me)2(H2NC6H4-2-PPh2)2] [BF4]2 (1b), respectively. One acetonitrile ligand can be substituted by CO yielding [Fe(CO)(NC-Me)(H2NCH2CH2PPh2)2] [BF4]2 (2a, CORM-P1) and [Fe(CO)(NC-Me)(H2NC6H4-2-PPh2)2] [BF4]2 (2b, CORM-P2). Upon irradiation with visible light, CO is liberated making especially 2a a promising photo-CORM whereas for 2b a slow and incomplete CO release is observed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Organic amendments could be used as alternative to inorganic P fertilisers, but a clear understanding of the relationship among type of P amendment, microbial activity and changes in soil P fractions is required to optimise their use. Two P-deficient soils were amended with farmyard manure (FYM), poultry litter (PL) and biogenic waste compost (BWC) at 10 g dw kg soil and incubated for 72 days. Soil samples were collected at days 0, 14, 28, 56 and 72 and analysed for microbial biomass C, N and P, 0.5 M NaHCO extractable P and activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase. Soil P fractions were sequentially extracted in soil samples collected at days 0 and 72. All three amendments increased cumulative CO release, microbial biomass C, N and P and activity of dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphomonoesterase compared to unamended soils. The increase in microbial biomass C and N was highest with PL, whereas the greatest increase in microbial biomass P was induced with FYM. All three biomass indices showed the same temporal pattern, with the highest values on day 14 and the lowest on day 72. All amendments increased 0.5 M NaHCO extractable P concentrations with the smallest increase with BWC and the greatest with FYM, although more P was added with PL than with FYM. Available P concentrations decreased over time in the amended soils. Organic amendments increased the concentration of the labile P pools (resin and NaHCO-P) and of NaOH-P, but had little effect on the concentrations of acid-soluble P pools and residual P except for increasing the concentration of organic P in the concentrated HCl pool. Resin P and NaHCO-P pools decreased over time whereas NaOH-P and all organic P pools increased. It is concluded that organic amendments can provide P to plants and can stimulate the build-up of organic P forms in soils which may provide a long-term slow-release P source for plants and soil organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last three decades, increased temperatures and reduced annual precipitation have resulted in significant changes in several Central European deciduous forests. These effects include changes in soil moisture content and detritus production. Within the framework of a detritus manipulation experiment carried out in an old-growth Quercetum petraea-cerris community, we examined how changes in detritus inputs affect soil moisture content and microbial activity within six treatments. CO release and microbial enzyme activities are known to be highly sensitive to environmental factors such as soil moisture and detritus inputs. We applied three detritus removal (No Litter, No Roots and No Input) and two detritus addition (Double Litter and Double Wood) treatments. Although the plots received the same amount of precipitation, the various detritus inputs caused significant differences in soil moisture. Treatments excluding living roots had the highest moisture levels, while the treatment excluding only aboveground detritus inputs had the lowest. CO release, arylsulphatase activity and saccharase activity showed significant seasonal differences with the highest values occurring in spring. Moisture content had a significant positive correlation with CO release, and enzyme activities of the plots were affected by the quantity and quality of detritus inputs. Arylsulphatase activity showed the strongest correlation with soil moisture content ( R = 0.62 in the control plot) followed by CO release ( R = 0.61) and finally saccharase activity ( R = 0.42). We observed that there was a remarkably weaker correlation between soil moisture content and the three parameters in the detritus removal treatments ( R values between 0.56 and 0.13) than in the Control and detritus addition treatments ( R values between 0.72 and 0.42). The correlation between the three parameters of interest and soil moisture content weakens considerably under drought conditions relative to the optimal moisture range of soil moisture content for microbial activity. If the amount of precipitation in the area continues to decrease as anticipated, then litter production and soil microbial activity may be reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]