bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibre: The Forgotten Carbohydrate in Sports Nutrition Recommendations
Authors: Mancin Laura , Burke Louise M. , Rollo Ian
Published: January 2025

Although dietary guidelines concerning carbohydrate intake for athletes are well established, these do not include recommendations for daily fibre intake. However, there are many scenarios in sports nutrition in which common practice involves the manipulation of fibre intake to address gastrointestinal comfort around exercise, or acute or chronic goals around the management of body mass or composition. The effect of fibre intake in overall health is also important, particularly in combination with other dietary considerations such as the elevated protein requirements in this population. An athlete’s habitual intake of dietary fibre should be assessed. If less than 20 g a day, athletes may consider dietary interventions to gradually increase intake. It is proposed that a ramp phase is adopted to gradually increase fibre ingestion to ~ 30 g of fibre a day (which includes ~ 2 g of beta-glucan) over a duration of 6 weeks. The outcomes of achieving a daily fibre intake are to help preserve athlete gut microbiome diversity and stability, intestinal barrier function as well as the downstream effects of short-chain fatty acids produced following the fermentation of microbiome accessible carbohydrates. Nevertheless, there are scenarios in which daily manipulation of fibre intake, either to reduce or increase intake, may be valuable in assisting the athlete to maintain gastrointestinal comfort during exercise or to contribute to body mass/composition goals. Although further research is required, the aim of this current opinion paper is to ensure that fibre is not forgotten as a nutrient in the athlete’s diet.
Enhancing COVID-19 Vaccine Acceptance Within Scotland Black, African, and Caribbean Communities and Lessons for Future Vaccination Programmes
Authors: Adekola J. , Audu J. G. , Okey-Adibe T. , Abubakar A. , Lance M. , Blaize C. , Miragoli M.
Published: January 2025

This study highlights how the intersection of multiple factors shapes the experiences of Scotland’s Black, African, and Caribbean communities in their access and uptake of COVID-19 vaccines in the vaccination programme’s first, second, and booster stages. There was particular interest in understanding the vaccination journey, from scheduling an appointment to attending the appointment. Data in this study was collected between the 1 and 30 April 2022 using a triangulated approach, including a survey (with 408 responses), interviews (26), and focus group discussions (5 groups involving 30 participants). The study shows that 62% of respondents found scheduling a COVID-19 appointment easy, with less than 1% of respondents indicating that the process was complex. Online booking, appointment letters, and walk-in appointments were the most common ways of securing vaccination appointments. Letter appointments, specifically the blue envelope, were beneficial reminder mechanisms. It also provided information about COVID-19 vaccines and what to expect when attending the appointments. Other forms of securing vaccination appointments, such as through GP surgeries, were less commonly used. Around 21.5% of participants felt that receiving an appointment letter provided useful pre-vaccination information and a helpful reminder for their appointment. The accessibility of the vaccination centre, professionalism of the staff, and friendly approach enhanced the vaccine user access, use, and experience of COVID-19 vaccination.
Local Strain Engineering of Two-Dimensional Transition Metal Dichalcogenides Towards Quantum Emitters
Authors: Ai Ruoqi , Cui Ximin , Li Yang , Zhuo Xiaolu
Published: January 2025

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (2D TMDCs) have received considerable attention in local strain engineering due to their extraordinary mechanical flexibility, electonic structure, and optical properties. The strain-induced out-of-plane deformations in 2D TMDCs lead to diverse excitonic behaviors and versatile modulations in optical properties, paving the way for the development of advanced quantum technologies, flexible optoelectronic materials, and straintronic devices. Research on local strain engineering on 2D TMDCs has been delved into fabrication techniques, electronic state variations, and quantum optical applications. This review begins by summarizing the state-of-the-art methods for introducing local strain into 2D TMDCs, followed by an exploration of the impact of local strain engineering on optical properties. The intriguing phenomena resulting from local strain, such as exciton funnelling and anti-funnelling, are also discussed. We then shift the focus to the application of locally strained 2D TMDCs as quantum emitters, with various strategies outlined for modulating the properties of TMDC-based quantum emitters. Finally, we discuss the remaining questions in this field and provide an outlook on the future of local strain engineering on 2D TMDCs.
Soil Organic Carbon Fractionation Assessment in Areas with High Fire Activity Using Diffuse Spectroscopy and Tree-Based Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Salgado Lorena , Forján Rubén , Rodríguez-Pérez José Ramón , Colina Arturo , Mejía-Correal Karen B. , López-Sánchez Carlos A. , Gallego José Luis R.
Published: January 2025

Wildfires have a significant impact on Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) content and fractionation. Here we used Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms, particularly decision tree-based ones, to assess post-wildfire changes in labile, removable, and recalcitrant SOC fractions across six distinct areas with varying wildfire recurrence levels. Once spectral data had been acquired by DRS, the transformation of raw data through first and second derivatives enhanced the resolution of the measurements. In addition, Quantile Random Forest (QRF) emerged as the best algorithm to optimize unbiased models, with a notable goodness-of-fit. However, while QRF excelled in predicting recalcitrant C, it yielded slightly lower precision for the most labile C fraction (cold-water extracted C), with R2 and rRMSE (%) ranging from 0.62 to 0.83 and from 78.70 to 7.99, respectively, accompanied in both cases by acceptable RPD statistics. Moreover, the study underscored the importance of the NIR spectral range in accurately predicting SOC fractions. Moreover, our findings highlighted specific spectral regions related to clay content and organic C features, which are crucial for understanding post-wildfire SOC dynamics and useful for future determinations by remote sensing (drone, satellite).
The Affordances of Pragmatism for a Postdigital Citizen Social Science
Authors: Connor Stuart
Published: January 2025

In efforts to inform a postdigital citizen social science, this paper argues that the traditions of pragmatism are a rich resource for enacting a postdigital citizen social science’s commitment to dialogue and collaboration. Claims as to the value of pragmatism for informing a postdigital citizen social science are rehearsed and assessed through an extension of the Human Data Interaction framework to an engagement with the ‘small’ data and associated regimes that constitute a global governing complex in education. A datafication of education policy and practice offers an unprecedented challenge and opportunity for a postdigital citizen social science, to not only contend and reconfigure the forms and functions of data regimes but also seek to (re)open a neglected epistemological terrain for exploring how data could and should be used to inform education policy and practice. It is asserted that an encounter between pragmatism and a postdigital citizen social science practice, affirms and enriches efforts to enact dialogue with diverse publics, with the aim of generating actionable insights, where what works is itself, a question open to scrutiny and revision.
Reliable and Cost-Effective Fuzzy-Based Cloud Broker
Authors: Sekhi Ihab Razzaq , Abdah Hadeel , Nehéz Károly
Published: January 2025

Due to the rapid increase in cloud service providers, users are finding it challenging to select a cloud service that suits their needs and budget. Thus, it is more crucial than ever to have an intermediate entity between the two in the form of cloud brokerage services. This broker is responsible for meeting the user’s needs while considering the interests of cloud service providers. To accomplish these goals, the cloud broker should be thoughtfully designed. In this paper, we present a fuzzy logic-based cloud brokerage technique that helps users select the right cloud service instance, considering both their needs and the service characteristics. To demonstrate the feasibility of the suggested technique, we investigate multiple scenarios and closely examine the outcomes. The simulation results prove that our approach outperforms conventional methods in guaranteeing better service quality at a reduced cost for immobile users, and can offer mobile users affordable and consistent quality services when service migration is implemented.
Research on biomass energy and CO2 conversion to methanol: a combination of conventional and bibliometric review analysis
Authors: Agyekum Ephraim Bonah , Okonkwo Paul C. , Rashid Farhan Lafta
Published: January 2025

The use of methanol as a chemical precursor and fuel additive has increased recently on a global scale. Hence, this study combined bibliometric and traditional review methods to assess the recent trends and evolution of methanol production, as well as its use. According to the study, producing methanol on a large scale from renewable sources is still hampered by the immature technologies used in its production. For instance, methanol production via the process of biochemical conversion still remains at the laboratory level even though it has proven to be a promising production option. Cu-based catalysts, especially Cu-Zn-based catalysts, were found to be the most frequently used catalysts for the hydrogenation of CO2 to methanol due to their superior activity. The bibliometric study shows an annual growth rate of 3.63% in research within the last decade, with 867 authors involved. China leads globally in methanol production and consumption research. The highest collaboration occurred between China and the United States of America with a frequency of six. The study proposed future research directions, including the evaluation of the environmental impact of CO2 conversion to methanol, focusing on the entire life cycle, comparing approaches, and streamlining procedures. It is also recommended to conduct research on flow chemistry and novel reactor designs that enhance mass and heat transfer in catalytic reactors.

Graphical Abstract
Evaluating the impact of clinical and translational pilot funding using multiple outcome metrics
Authors: Philibert Ingrid , Batson Angela , Fletcher Amanda
Published: January 2025

NIH/NIGMS-funded IDeA-Clinical and Translational Research (CTR) networks seek to expand translational research infrastructure to support research that has at its endpoints measurable clinical, public health, technological, or economic benefits. This retrospective case study followed 14 projects that received Pilot funding from the Great Plains IDeA-CTR (GP IDeA-CTR) at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. It focuses on the impact of pilot funding and GP IDeA-CTR resources on subsequent clinical and translational research. Metrics include extramural awards, lessons learned that relate to clinical and translational research infrastructure, and demonstrated and potential benefits using the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM).
Adenosinergic Signalling in Cervical Cancer Microenvironment
Authors: Iser Isabele Cristiana , Bertoni Ana Paula Santin , Beckenkamp Liziane Raquel , Consolaro Marcia Edilaine Lopes , Maria-Engler Silvya Stuchi , Wink Marcia Rosângela
Published: January 2025

Despite the emergence of the first human papillomavirus vaccine, the incidence of cervical cancer is still responsible for more than 350,000 deaths yearly. Over the past decade, ecto-5′-nucleotidase (CD73/5′-NT) and extracellular adenosine (ADO) signalling has been the subject of many investigations to target cancer progression. In general, the adenosinergic axis has been linked to tumourigenic effects. However, CD73 can play contradictory effects, probably dependent on the tumour type, tumour microenvironment and tumour stage, thus being in some circumstances, inversely related to tumour progression. We herein reviewed the pathophysiological function of CD73 in cervical cancer and performed in silico analysis of the main components of the adenosinergic signalling in human tissues of cervical cancer compared to non-tumour cervix tissue. Our data showed that the NT5E gene, that encoded CD73, is hypermethylated, leading to a decreased CD73 expression in cervical cancer cells compared to normal cells. Consequently, the high availability of ADO cytoplasmatic/extracellular leads to its conversion to AMP by ADK, culminating in global hypermethylation. Therefore, epigenetic modulation may reveal a new role for CD73 in cervical cancer.
Restricted Euler dynamics in free-surface turbulence
Authors: Qi Yinghe , Xu Zhenwei , Coletti Filippo
Published: January 2025

The small-scale velocity gradient is connected to fundamental properties of turbulence at the large scales. By neglecting the viscous and non-local pressure Hessian terms, we derive a restricted Euler model for the turbulent flow along an undeformed free surface and discuss the associated stable/unstable manifolds. The model is compared with the data collected by high-resolution imaging on the free surface of a turbulent water tank with negligible surface waves. The joint probability density function (p.d.f.) of the velocity gradient invariants exhibits a distinct pattern from the one in the bulk. The restricted Euler model captures the enhanced probability along the unstable branch of the manifold and the asymmetry of the joint p.d.f. Significant deviations between the experiments and the prediction are evident, however, in particular concerning the compressibility of the surface flow. These results highlight the enhanced intermittency of the velocity gradient and the influence of the free surface on the energy cascade.
The Search for Our Bayard: 1987–2013
Authors: Lee Marcus
Published: January 2025

This study charts Bayard Rustin’s contentious career as a biographical subject, from 1987 to 2013. Interpreting biographies of Rustin as “ethically constitutive stories,” I argue that shifting accounts of his life-history address public debates over issue definition and political conduct in the wake of the Civil Rights Movement. At stake in rival portrayals of Rustin, then, is not just memory of him but the very idea of civil rights, including how and by whom such rights were—and ought to be—pursued. The article examines the production and reception of two distinct waves of biographical representation, with close attention to how each narrates the pursuit and proper locus of civil rights. I end with notes toward an alternate rendering of Bayard Rustin. Instead of recovering his singular authority vis-à-vis the Civil Rights Movement, the concluding “story” reckons with the manifold history of black politics by reappraising the specificity of “black and gay” peoplehood.
Infants of diabetic mothers: epidemiology, pathophysiology, fetal heartassessment, structural and functional heart consequences: A narrative review
Authors: Shati Ayed A. , Mahmood Syed E. , Alqahtani Youssef A. , Al-Qahtani Saleh M. , Bushari Tajudeen M. , Parvez Ashib
Published: January 2025

Infants of diabetic mothers are neonates born to a woman who had periodic hyperglycaemia during pregnancy. Consequently, infants of diabetic mothers are at higher risks of illness besides morbidity and mortality due to teratogenic effects on the fetal cardiovascular system, causing most frequent CHDs. The primary purpose of this review is to present, on this topic, a better-comprehended review covering pertinent material and data to be informed of severe risks to a newborn’s cardiac system and function. These conditions can affect maternal, fetal, neonatal, and future adult health. Further research should be addressed towards the early detection of diabetes, its magnitude, and management. Immediate interventions should be proposed to lessen the diabetes burden and its adversative effects during the prenatal period.
KLF5 loss sensitizes cells to ATR inhibition and is synthetic lethal with ARID1A deficiency
Authors: Awwad Samah W. , Doyle Colm , Coulthard Josie , Bader Aldo S. , Gueorguieva Nadia , Lam Simon , Gupta Vipul , Belotserkovskaya Rimma , Tran Tuan-Anh , Balasubramanian Shankar , Jackson Stephen P.
Published: January 2025

ATR plays key roles in cellular responses to DNA damage and replication stress, a pervasive feature of cancer cells. ATR inhibitors (ATRi) are in clinical development for treating various cancers, including those with high replication stress, such as is elicited by ARID1A deficiency, but the cellular mechanisms that determine ATRi efficacy in such backgrounds are unclear. Here, we have conducted unbiased genome-scale CRISPR screens in ARID1A-deficient and proficient cells treated with ATRi. We found that loss of transcription factor KLF5 has severe negative impact on fitness of ARID1A-deficient cells while hypersensitising ARID1A-proficient cells to ATRi. KLF5 loss induced replication stress, DNA damage, increased DNA-RNA hybrid formation, and genomic instability upon ATR inhibition. Mechanistically, we show that KLF5 protects cells from replication stress, at least in part through regulating BRD4 recruitment to chromatin. Overall, our work identifies KLF5 as a potential target for eradicating ARID1A-deficient cancers.
Stable antivortices in multiferroic ε-Fe2O3 with the coalescence of misaligned grains
Authors: Xue Wuhong , Wang Tao , Yang Huali , Zhang Huanhuan , Dai Guohong , Zhang Sheng , Yang Ruilong , Quan Zhiyong , Li Run-Wei , Tang Jin , Song Cheng , Xu Xiaohong
Published: January 2025

Antivortices have potential applications in future nano-functional devices, yet the formation of isolated antivortices traditionally requires nanoscale dimensions and near-zero magnetocrystalline anisotropy, limiting their broader application. Here, we propose an approach to forming antivortices in multiferroic ε-Fe2O3 with the coalescence of misaligned grains. By leveraging misaligned crystal domains, the large magnetocrystalline anisotropy energy is counterbalanced, thereby stabilizing the ground state of the antivortex. This method overcomes the traditional difficulty of observing isolated antivortices in micron-sized samples. Stable isolated antivortices were observed in truncated triangular multiferroic ε-Fe2O3 polycrystals ranging from 2.9 to 16.7 µm. Furthermore, the unpredictability of the polarity of the core was utilized as a source of entropy for designing physically unclonable functions. Our findings expand the range of antivortex materials into the multiferroic perovskite oxides and provide a potential opportunity for ferroelectric polarization control of antivortices.
Nonlinear valley selection rules and all-optical probe of broken time-reversal symmetry in monolayer WSe2
Authors: Herrmann Paul , Klimmer Sebastian , Lettau Thomas , Weickhardt Till , Papavasileiou Anastasios , Mosina Kseniia , Sofer Zdeněk , Paradisanos Ioannis , Kartashov Daniil , Wilhelm Jan , Soavi Giancarlo
Published: January 2025

In monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides, time-reversal symmetry—combined with broken space-inversion symmetry—defines the spin–valley degree of freedom. As such, the engineering and control of time-reversal symmetry by optical or magnetic fields constitutes the foundation of valleytronics. Here we propose a new approach for the detection of broken time-reversal symmetry and valley imbalance in monolayer WSe2 based on second-harmonic generation. At room temperature, our method can selectively probe a net valley imbalance generated by ultrafast, coherent and valley-exclusive optical Stark and Bloch–Siegert effects. This work demonstrates the potential and unique capabilities of nonlinear optics as a probe of broken time-reversal symmetry as well as a tool for ultrafast and non-destructive valleytronic operations.
LEGO-Lipophosphonoxin membrane activity is enhanced by presence of phosphatidylethanolamine but hindered by outer membrane
Authors: Brzobohatá Hana , Dugić Milica , Mojr Viktor , Sahatsapan Nitjawan , Kóšiová Ivana , Křížek Tomáš , Dolejšová Tereza , Lišková Petra , Cwiklik Lukasz , Rejman Dominik , Fišer Radovan , Mikušová Gabriela
Published: January 2025

Finding effective antibiotics against multi-resistant strains of bacteria has been a challenging race. Linker-Evolved-Group-Optimized-Lipophosphonoxins (LEGO-LPPOs) are small modular synthetic antibacterial compounds targeting the cytoplasmic membrane. Here we focused on understanding the reasons for the variable efficacy of selected LEGO-LPPOs (LEGO-1, LEGO-2, LEGO-3, and LEGO-4) differing in hydrophobic and linker module structure and length. LEGO-1–4 permeabilized cytoplasmic membrane of Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Escherichia coli, LEGO-1 with the longest linker module being the most effective. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to LEGO-LPPO action compared to Gram-negatives, which was manifested as a delayed membrane permeabilization, higher minimal inhibitory concentration and lower amount of LEGO-LPPO bound to the cells. Outer membrane permeability measurements and time-kill assay showed that presence of the intact outer membrane brought about reduced susceptibility of Gram-negatives. Using liposome leakage and in silico simulations, we showed that membranes with major content of phosphatidylethanolamine were more prone to LEGO-LPPO permeabilization. The proposed mechanism stems from an electrostatic repulsion between highly positively charged LEGO-1 molecules and positively charged amino groups of phosphatidylethanolamine which destabilizes the membrane. Collectively, these data suggest that LEGO-LPPO membrane activity is enhanced by presence of phosphatidylethanolamine but hindered by presence of intact outer membrane.
Identification of key elements in MRI reporting of intracranial meningiomas based on a nationwide survey of clinical experts in Germany
Authors: Huckhagel Torge , Abboud Tammam , Regelsberger Jan , Rieken Stefan , Riedel Christian
Published: January 2025

While MRI has become the imaging modality of choice for intracranial meningiomas, no radiologic reporting guidance exists to date that relies on a systematic collection of information relevant to the core medical disciplines involved in the management of these patients. To address this issue, a nationwide expert survey was conducted in Germany. A literature-based catalog of potential reporting elements for MRI examinations of meningioma patients was developed interdisciplinarily. Subsequently, all board-certified members of the German Societies of Neuroradiology, Neurosurgery and Radiation Oncology with expertise in managing meningioma patients were invited to vote on the relevance of the suggested items via online survey. A total of 150 experts participated in the study (104 neurosurgeons/radiation oncologists, 46 neuroradiologists). The reporting elements of tumor location, extent, growth pattern, contrast uptake, associated cysts, and impact on adjacent anatomic structures received widespread approval (> 75.0% of all participants). In addition, a vast majority (> 75.0%) supported reference to perifocal edema, signs of mass effect, and hydrocephalus. Postoperative imaging is particularly requested to describe the extent of resection (94.0%) and treatment-related changes (89.3%). Advanced methods (diffusion, perfusion, proton spectroscopy) and meningioma-specific classifications (Nauta, Zee, Sindou) were judged to be less relevant (< 50.0% agreement) to MRI reporting. To serve as a vital clinical communication tool and enable an optimal contribution to the care of meningioma patients, the radiological report should focus on the fundamental information requirements of the neuro-oncology treatment team encompassing primarily tumor location, extent, tissue imaging characteristics, and potential impairment of neighboring anatomical structures.
Multi-objective optimization and algorithmic evaluation for EMS in a HRES integrating PV, wind, and backup storage
Authors: Shaier Ahmed A. , Elymany Mahmoud M. , Enany Mohamed A. , Elsonbaty Nadia A.
Published: January 2025

This manuscript focuses on optimizing a Hybrid Renewable Energy System (HRES) that integrates photovoltaic (PV) panels, wind turbines (WT), and various energy storage systems (ESS), including batteries, supercapacitors (SCs), and hydrogen storage. The system uses a multi-objective optimization strategy to balance power management, aiming to minimize costs and reduce the likelihood of loss of power supply probability (LPSP). Seven different algorithms are assessed to identify the most efficient one for achieving these objectives, with the goal of selecting the algorithm that best balances cost efficiency and system performance. The system is assessed across three operational scenarios: (1) when energy supply meets demand with help from backup systems, (2) when demand exceeds supply and energy storage systems are depleted, and (3) when energy generation surpasses demand and storage systems are full. The HBA-based optimization effectively manages energy flow and storage, ensuring grid stability and minimizing overcharging risks. This system offers a reliable and sustainable power supply for isolated microgrids, effectively managing energy production, storage, and distribution. The research sets a new benchmark for future studies in decentralized energy systems, particularly in balancing technical efficiency and economic feasibility.
Improved properties of hybrid Al-CNTs via h-BNs coated with ag and ni for ball bearings
Authors: Barakat Waheed S. , Samir Ahmed , Elkady Omayma A. , Abu-Okail Mohamed , Mohamed Abdelkarim Y. A. , EL-Nikhaily A. , Abu-Oqail A. M. I.
Published: January 2025

Ball bearings face numerous challenges under harsh operating conditions of elevated pressure between the balls and other contacting parts of the bearing like drop in tribological properties. To address these challenges, this paper presents the first successful experimental investigation of incorporating an innovative hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) into Aluminum-Carbon nanotube (Al-0.6 wt% CNTs) nanocomposites. This was achieved using electroless chemical deposition technique to coat the materials with silver (Ag) and nickel (Ni), improving the wettability and dispersion between the matrix and reinforcement. Various h-BN ratios (2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 wt%) are incorporated and consolidated through high-energy ball milling and hot compaction techniques. The produced samples were tested and analyzed physically, mechanically, tribologically, and microstructurally. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses were used to explore the new morphologies and structures. The study delves into density, hardness, and wear resistance. The optimal h-BN content is determined to be 8 wt%, enhancing wettability and dispersion within the Al-CNTs matrix. Thus, the properties of hardness, compressive strength, wear rate, and COF at 8 wt% of h-BN content were enhanced by 105%, 60%, 74.5%, and 78.5%, respectively, compared to pure Al. This is due to the uniform scattering of h-BN nanoparticles across the entire surface, despite a significant decrease in relative density. In conclusion, the combination of mechanical alloying, electroless deposition, and hot compaction techniques proves to be effective in producing Al-CNTs/h-BN nanocomposites coated with Ag and Ni nanoparticles.
Higher spatial resolution is not always better: evaluating satellite-sensed sea surface temperature products for a west Pacific coral reef system
Authors: Lachs Liam , Donner Simon , Edwards Alasdair J. , Golbuu Yimnang , Guest James
Published: January 2025

As marine heatwaves and mass coral bleaching events rise in frequency and severity, there is an increasing need for high-resolution satellite products that accurately predict reef thermal environments over large spatio-temporal scales. Deciding which global sea surface temperature (SST) dataset to use for research or management depends in part on the desired spatial resolution. Here, we evaluate two SST datasets – the lower-resolution CoralTemp v3.1 (0.05° ~ 5 km grid) and the Multiscale Ultra-high Resolution MUR v4.1 (0.01° ~ 1 km grid) – in their ability to predict in situ reef thermal environments (nightly mean and daily maximum) and the severity of past bleaching in Palau, western Pacific Ocean. We expected higher-resolution data to improve prediction accuracy, yet CoralTemp data explained 10% additional variability of in situ temperatures and 70% additional variance in past bleaching. This likely relates to differential data protocols; despite MUR using a higher spatial resolution grid, CoralTemp achieves higher raw satellite observation density in coastal areas by utilising geostationary satellites. MUR SSTs were also consistently more variable. These results reinforce calls to develop more accurate high-resolution SST products for coral reefs. Our paper demonstrates that higher spatial resolution SST data is not necessarily better at predicting in situ thermal environments of coral reefs and local marine heatwave impacts.
Uncertainty-aware diabetic retinopathy detection using deep learning enhanced by Bayesian approaches
Authors: Akram Mohsin , Adnan Muhammad , Ali Syed Farooq , Ahmad Jameel , Yousef Amr , Alshalali Tagrid Abdullah N. , Shaikh Zaffar Ahmed
Published: January 2025

Deep learning-based medical image analysis has shown strong potential in disease categorization, segmentation, detection, and even prediction. However, in high-stakes and complex domains like healthcare, the opaque nature of these models makes it challenging to trust predictions, particularly in uncertain cases. This sort of uncertainty can be crucial in medical image analysis; diabetic retinopathy is an example where even slight errors without an indication of confidence can have adverse impacts. Traditional deep learning models rely on single-point predictions, limiting their ability to provide uncertainty measures essential for robust clinical decision-making. To solve this issue, Bayesian approximation approaches have evolved and are gaining market traction. In this work, we implemented a transfer learning approach, building upon the DenseNet-121 convolutional neural network to detect diabetic retinopathy, followed by Bayesian extensions to the trained model. Bayesian approximation techniques, including Monte Carlo Dropout, Mean Field Variational Inference, and Deterministic Inference, were applied to represent the posterior predictive distribution, allowing us to evaluate uncertainty in model predictions. Our experiments on a combined dataset (APTOS 2019 + DDR) with pre-processed images showed that the Bayesian-augmented DenseNet-121 outperforms state-of-the-art models in test accuracy, achieving 97.68% for the Monte Carlo Dropout model, 94.23% for Mean Field Variational Inference, and 91.44% for the Deterministic model. We also measure how certain the predictions are, using an entropy and a standard deviation metric for each approach. We also evaluated the model using both AUC and accuracy scores at multiple data retention levels. In addition to overall performance boosts, these results highlight that Bayesian deep learning does not only improve classification accuracy in the detection of diabetic retinopathy but also reveals beneficial insights about how uncertainty estimation can help build more trustworthy clinical decision-making solutions.
Enhancing water quality and well-being of Penaeus vannamei (Boone, 1931) in Inland saline systems using mixed biochar amendments
Authors: Tachangliu Newmei , Bharti Vidya S. , Amal Chalungal T. , Kara Tao , Kumar Saurav , Kumar Pankaj , Verma A. K. , Konduri Arun , Adakney Swaraj , Sawant Shamika
Published: January 2025

An experiment was conducted for 60 days in a 500L capacity FRP tank containing inland ground saline water (fortified to a level of 50% potassium) with one control (sediment) and three treatments; T1(Paddy Straw Biochar (PSB) in sediment), T2 (Banana Peduncle Biochar (BPB) in sediment), and T3 (PSB + BPB in sediment). Biochar (100 g) was amended with sediment (25 kg) at 9 tons/ha. Shrimps of average weight 5 ± 0.03 g were stocked at 60 juveniles/m3 and were fed at satiation levels using commercially available feed. Compared to control, in biochar contained treatments the ammonia levels were reduced, the pH, alkalinity, calcium-magnesium ratio, and potassium in water, were increased significantly. Growth metrics reveal a significant increase in final body weight, weight gain percentage, PER, HPSI, SGR, and reduced FCR (within 1–1.26) in biochar-treated groups with the highest survivability (92%) was observed in T3, which is mixed biochar amended sediment. At the end of the experiment, shrimp organs (hepatopancreas, gills, and muscles) and serum were sampled for tissue enzymes and serum profiles, respectively. The mean levels of lipase, amylase and protease varied significantly, and in biochar treated groups significant reduction in the activities of oxidative stress enzymes (SOD and CAT in Hepatopancreas) were recorded in comparison to control. For the serum, higher hemocyanin (0.33 ± 0.01mMolL-1) was observed in mixed biochar amended treatment (T3) and the least in control. In addition, the glucose level in the serum was significantly dropped in biochar-amended groups indicating reduced stress levels, while it increased in control. T3 was found to be the best, among all, in improving growth performance and maintaining the water quality. Even though biochar-amended treatments demonstrated positive outcomes regarding inland saline water quality, growth metrics, and well-being of the P. vannamei compared to control, a deeper analysis is necessary to understand the underlying mechanisms determining these beneficial effects of biochar.
Geospatial modeling of near subsurface temperatures of the contiguous United States for assessment of materials degradation
Authors: Gordon Jonathan E. , Akanbi Olatunde D. , Bhuvanagiri Deepa C. , Omodolor Hope E. , Mandayam Vibha , French Roger H. , Yarus Jeffrey M. , Barcelos Erika I.
Published: January 2025

Understanding subsurface temperature variations is crucial for assessing material degradation in underground structures. This study maps subsurface temperatures across the contiguous United States for depths from 50 to 3500 m, comparing linear interpolation, gradient boosting (LightGBM), neural networks, and a novel hybrid approach combining linear interpolation with LightGBM. Results reveal heterogeneous temperature patterns both horizontally and vertically. The hybrid model performed best achieving a root mean square error of 2.61 °C at shallow depths (50–350 m). Model performance generally decreased with depth, highlighting challenges in deep temperature prediction. State-level analyses emphasized the importance of considering local geological factors. This study provides valuable insights for designing efficient underground facilities and infrastructure, underscoring the need for depth-specific and region-specific modeling approaches in subsurface temperature assessment.
Neutron imaging and molecular simulation of systems from methane and p-xylene
Authors: Melčák Martin , Durďáková Tereza-Markéta , Tvrdý Štěpán , Šercl Jonatan , Lee Jong Min , Boillat Pierre , Heyda Jan , Trtik Pavel , Vopička Ondřej
Published: January 2025

Bulk properties of two-phase systems comprising methane and liquid p-xylene were derived experimentally using neutron imaging and theoretically predicted using molecular dynamics (MD). The measured and predicted methane diffusivity in the liquid, Henry’s law constant, apparent molar volume, and surface tension compared well within the experimentally studied conditions (273.15 to 303.15 K, ≤ 100 bar). Since MD is a physical model, extrapolations of the two-phase systems properties were performed for a broader temperature range (260 to 400 K, ≤ 100 bar). Moreover, the species diffusivities in single phases formed by infinitely diluted p-xylene in methane were predicted under conditions relevant to the methane liquefaction (90 to 290 K, 50 bar). The predicted p-xylene diffusivity in the supercritical methane was one order of magnitude higher than that calculated using Wilke–Chang and He–Yu correlations. This study provides novel experimental and MD-simulated characteristics for this industrially relevant system, for which intensive freeze-out formation from the supercritical methane is predicted.
Promotion of beta cell proliferation through DYRK kinase inhibition using the marine natural product breitfussin C
Authors: Ullsten Sara , Østnes Hansen Kine , Petit Guillaume Axel , Hansen Espen Holst , Andersen Jeanette Hammer
Published: January 2025

Pro-inflammatory cytokines, like interleukin-1 beta and interferon gamma, are known to activate signalling pathways causing pancreatic beta cell death and dysfunction, contributing to the onset of diabetes. Targeting cytokine signalling pathways offers a potential strategy to slow or even halt disease progression, reducing reliance on exogenous insulin and improving glucose regulation. This study explores the protective and proliferative effects of breitfussin C (BfC), a natural compound isolated from the Arctic marine hydrozoan Thuiaria breitfussi, on pancreatic beta cells exposed to pro-inflammatory cytokines. Using the beta cell line RIN-M5F, we assessed the protective effects of BfC through a MTS assay for cell viability, caspase 3/7 activity for apoptosis, and EdU incorporation and cell cycle distribution for proliferation. Additionally, we investigated BfC’s inhibitory effects on the DYRK family of kinases using kinase activity and binding assays, western blotting, and docking simulations. Our findings reveal that BfC treatment effectively increases beta cell proliferation and counteracts cytokine-induced decrease in proliferation. The proliferative effect is associated with inhibition of DYRK kinases and a subsequent decrease in the cell cycle inhibitor p27KIP. These results suggest that BfC mediates beta cell-protective effect by promoting proliferation through DYRK inhibition, highlighting its potential as a molecular starting point for the development of a therapeutic agent against diabetes.
Analyzing temporal imaging patterns in acute ischemic stroke via DICOM-timestamps
Authors: Rau Alexander , Reisert Marco , Frank Benedikt , Deuschl Cornelius , Russe Maximilian F , Elsheikh Samer , Köhrmann Martin , Urbach Horst , Kellner Elias
Published: January 2025

Acute stroke management is time-sensitive, making time data crucial for both research and quality management. However, these time data are often not reliably captured in routine clinical practice. In this proof-of-concept study we analysed image-based time data automatically captured in the DICOM format. We enrolled data from two separate stroke centers (n = 3136 and n = 2089). Data from the first center was additionally separated into groups with large-vessel-occlusion (LVO, n = 1.092), medium-vessel-occlusions (MVO, n = 416), and no occlusion (NVO, n = 1630). The DICOM-tag StudyTime was used to analyze the distribution of scan times throughout the day. Additionally, manually documented onset- and admission were extracted from the patients’ records in a subset of cases (n = 347). Timestamps were compared across centers and occlusion groups, and a probabilistic model was developed to illustrate and compare stroke occurrence patterns throughout the day. The temporal distribution of the scan times at both centers was exceptionally consistent with a peak around noon and a nighttime low. The groups with vessel occlusions showed an earlier peak compared to those without (p < 0.04). The median interval between admission and scan time was 23 min, while the median onset-to-imaging time was 1 h:54 min. This proof-of-concept study indicates that DICOM-timestamps can reveal insights into the temporal patterns of stroke imaging and may be a promising tool for quality control and stroke research in general since they are always automatically captured by imaging devices as opposed to manual data collection in routine clinical practice.
Risk factors for all-cause mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period in an adult population of Arkhangelsk, Russia
Authors: Krieger Ekaterina , Kudryavtsev Alexander V. , Sharashova Ekaterina , Samodova Olga , Postoev Vitaly A.
Published: January 2025

We investigated and compared mortality rates and risk factors for pre-pandemic and pandemic all-cause mortality in a population-based cohort of men and women in Arkhangelsk, Russia. A prospective cohort study enrolled 2,324 participants aged 35 to 69 years between 2015 and 2017. All participants were followed up for all-cause deaths using the mortality registry. Mortality rates per 1000 person-years were calculated for men and women in the pre-pandemic and pandemic periods. Cox regression models were used to investigate demographic, lifestyle, and health characteristics associated with increased risk of death in both periods. During the pandemic, age-standardized all-cause mortality increased in women, but minor change was observed in men. Older age, smoking, and diabetes were associated with a higher risk of all-cause death in both periods and for both sexes. In women, higher risk during the pandemic was associated with obesity, angina, elevated cystatin C levels, and a history of COVID-19. In men, asthma and elevated hs-Troponin T levels increased the risk of death during the pandemic, while elevated hs-CRP and NT-proBNP levels were associated with higher risk in both periods. Targeted preventive interventions for men and women with specific risk factors can be implemented during potential future infectious disease outbreaks.
Novel insights into insect mediated polystyrene biodegradation through bacterial genome analyses
Authors: Zarra Felice , Funari Rebecca , Cucini Claudio , Nardi Francesco , Carapelli Antonio , Marri Laura , Frati Francesco
Published: January 2025

Plastic pollution is a significant environmental challenge of contemporary age. Polystyrene (PS), among the most commonly used plastic polymers worldwide, is highly durable and difficult to degrade. Despite various disposal strategies, PS continues to impact biodiversity, human health, and ecosystems. Recently, the scientific community has focused on the potential role of microorganisms for plastic biodegradation, particularly those from the gut of plastivorous insects. In a previous study, three bacterial strains, each representing a distinct taxonomic group (Klebsiella, Pseudomonas, and Stenotrophomonas), were isolated from Alphitobius diaperinus larvae after rearing on a PS diet and enriched in a medium with PS as the sole carbon source. The Stenotrophomonas sp. strain, here identified as S. indicatrix, showed the greatest potential for PS degradation. The present study investigates the genetic profile of the newly isolated S. indicatrix strain DAI2m/c through genome sequencing, to identify enzyme-encoding genes involved in the intracellular metabolic pathways responsible for the biodegradation of the styrene monomer. Our findings indicate that the genome of S. indicatrix strain DAI2m/c encodes all enzymes required for one of the two recognized styrene degradation pathways, suggesting its ability to convert styrene into byproducts that are then utilized for cellular energy production.
Stabilization of soil organic matter in Luvisols under the influence of various tree species in temperate forests
Authors: Staszel-Szlachta Karolina , Błońska Ewa , Lasota Jarosław
Published: January 2025

Tree species through aboveground biomass and roots are a key factors influencing the quality and quantity of soil organic matter. Our study aimed to determine the stability of soil organic matter in Luvisols under the influence of five different tree species. The study areas were located 25 km north of Krakow, in southern Poland. The study included five tree species - Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), European larch (Larix decidua Mill.), pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) and hornbeam (Carpinus betulus L.). Forest stands growing in the same soil conditions (Luvisols) with similar geological material (loess) and grain size were selected for the study. We evaluated labile and heavy fractions of soil organic matter (SOM). Additionally, basic physicochemical properties (pH, carbon and nitrogen content, base cation content) were determined in soil samples. The results of our study showed that soils under the influence of coniferous species were characterized by a higher content of carbon of free light fraction (CfLF) and carbon of occluded light fraction (CoLF) compared to deciduous species. Similar relationships were found with the nitrogen content of the free light fraction (NfLF) and nitrogen of occluded light fraction (NoLF). Higher CMAF and NMAF contents were recorded in soils influenced by deciduous species. The carbon, nitrogen and base cations content positively correlated with the C and N of free light fraction and occluded light fraction. PCA analysis confirmed the connection of C and N of heavy fractions (CMAF and NMAF) with deciduous species. Our research shows that avoiding single-species conifer stands and introducing admixtures of deciduous species, which increase SOM, is justified in forest management. The selection of suitable species will provide greater stand stability and contribute more to the carbon accumulation in the soil.
Unconventional nonlinear Hall effects in twisted multilayer 2D materials
Authors: Okyay Mahmut Sait , Choi Min , Xu Qiang , Diéguez Adrián Perez , Del Ben Mauro , Ibrahim Khaled Z. , Wong Bryan M.
Published: January 2025

We present the first investigation of unusual nonlinear Hall effects in twisted multilayer 2D materials. Contrary to expectations, our study shows that these nonlinear effects are not merely extensions of their monolayer counterparts. Instead, we find that stacking order and pairwise interactions between neighboring layers, mediated by Berry curvatures, play a pivotal role in shaping their collective nonlinear optical response. By combining large-scale Real-Time Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (RT-TDDFT) simulations with model Hamiltonian analyses, we demonstrate a remarkable second-harmonic transverse response in hexagonal boron nitride four-layers, even in cases where the total Berry curvature cancels out. Furthermore, our symmetry analysis of the layered structures provides a simplified framework for predicting nonlinear responses in multilayer materials in general. Our investigation challenges the prevailing understanding of nonlinear optical responses in layered materials and opens new avenues for the design and development of advanced materials with tailored optical properties.
Graphene-based single-atom catalysts for electrochemical CO2 reduction: unraveling the roles of metals and dopants in tuning activity
Authors: Gallagher Colin , Kothakonda Manish , Zhao Qing
Published: January 2025

This first-principles study discovers efficient single-atom catalysts (SACs) that can convert carbon dioxide to C1 hydrocarbons and reveals the role of metal-coordination environment in tuning SAC reactivity.
Moving mechanochemistry forward
Authors: Batteas James , Blank Kerstin G. , Colacino Evelina , Emmerling Franziska , Friščić Tomislav , Mack James , Moore Jeffrey , Rivas Maria Elena , Tysoe Wilfred
Published: January 2025

James Batteas, et al., introduce the field of mechanochemistry in “Moving mechanochemistry forward”.
How tailor-made copolymers can control the structure and properties of hybrid nanomaterials: the case of polyionic complexes
Authors: Peng Liming , Odnoroh Maksym , Destarac Mathias , Coppel Yannick , Delmas Céline , Benoit-Marquié Florence , Mingotaud Christophe , Marty Jean-Daniel
Published: January 2025

The ion accessibility and environment in colloidal structures with a charged metal-rich core can be easily tuned by adjusting ion coordination. This adjustment enables the fine-tuning of their synthetic or catalytic properties.