bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of a groundwater model to evaluate groundwater–surface water interaction at a riverbank filtration site: a case study in Binh Dinh, Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Thanh Kim Hue , Nuottimäki Kristiina , Jarva Jaana , Dang Tran Trung , Luoma Samrit , Nguyen Kim Hung , Pham Thanh Long , Hoang Thi Ngoc Anh
Published: February 2025

A comprehensive understanding of groundwater–surface water (GW–SW) interaction is important for sustainable water resource management. Riverbank filtration (RBF) serves as a natural method to enhance groundwater recharge, especially in systems where surface water and groundwater are closely connected. Thus, RBF is a feasible option for water management particularly in regions dealing with water scarcity and overexploitation of groundwater. This study investigated GW–SW interaction at a well-field next to the Dai An River in Phu Cat district, Binh Dinh province, Vietnam, with the primary goal of evaluating the feasibility of RBF for water supply at this site. Using FEFLOW 7 software, numerical modelling was conducted to simulate groundwater flow and estimate groundwater recharge rates from riverbank filtration during wet and dry seasons. The model incorporated key aquifer parameters, including hydraulic conductivity and porosity. Additionally, stable (water) isotope analysis of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) was performed to trace GW–SW interaction. The modelling results demonstrated that approximately 72% of total groundwater recharge came from riverbank filtration, confirming a strong hydraulic connection between the river and the aquifer. Stable isotope analysis revealed seasonality in mixing rates, with the surface water contribution to the aquifer ranging from 2% during the dry season up to 54% during the wet season. The travel time from the riverbank to the nearest abstraction well was estimated to be less than 3 days. These findings contribute to understanding of GW–SW interaction in the region and also offer general guidance for optimizing well placement and sustainable groundwater extraction practices.
Commercial availability of invertebrate biological control agents targeting plant pests in Germany
Authors: Lemanski Kathleen , Herz Annette
Published: February 2025

Biological control is a recognized and well-implemented strategy to protect crops from pests and diseases, and there is an urgent need to expand biocontrol-based crop protection further, also in Germany. Specially, the use of invertebrate biological control agents (IBCA) is considered as a fundamental method in integrated pest management and organic farming. The objective of this article is to give an overview of the current commercially available and used IBCA species in Germany. Of those, individual non-indigenous species are critically examined for potential environmental risks. Furthermore, the current legal situation in Germany about the use of IBCA is described. Based on this information, this article clarifies the need for an environmental impact assessment for IBCA species that do not occur naturally in Germany. An outlook for their safe use in the future is discussed.
Face and cycle percolation
Authors: Hirsch Christian , Valesin Daniel
Published: February 2025

We consider face and cycle percolation as models for continuum percolation based on random simplicial complexes in Euclidean space. More precisely, we consider the Vietoris–Rips with connection radius 1, with respect to Euclidean norm, on a stationary Poisson process in

$${\mathbb {R}}^D$$

R

D

of intensity

$$\lambda $$

λ

. Face percolation is defined through infinite sequences of d-simplices sharing a

$$(d-1)$$

(
d
-
1
)

-dimensional face. In contrast, cycle percolation demands the existence of infinite d-cycles, thereby generalizing the lattice notion of plaquette percolation. We discuss the sharp phase transition for face percolation and derive comparison results between the critical intensities for face and cycle percolation. Finally, we consider an alternate version of simplex percolation, by declaring simplices to be neighbors whenever they are sufficiently close to each other, and prove a strict inequality involving the critical intensity of this alternate version and that of face percolation.
Utilization of polyethylene waste for designing foamy oil sorbents
Authors: Hailan Sarah M. , Nogellova Zuzana , Popelka Anton , Ilcikova Marketa , Mrlík Miroslav , Minařík Antonín , Mikulka Filip , McKay Gordon , Krupa Igor
Published: February 2025

Recycling low-density polyethylene (LDPE) in its original form presents several challenges, including limited interest from converters, poor market demand for recycled products, higher sorting and cleaning costs, and reduced quality in the final products. It happens because recycled LDPE often exhibits lower mechanical strength and diminished aesthetic appeal than its virgin counterpart, making it rarely suitable for its original purpose, especially in packaging. Therefore, new applications for LDPE recyclates are needed to overcome these barriers and extend the material’s lifecycle. One such solution involves converting LDPE waste into foamy sorbents for water purification. The presented study investigated two strategies for recycling LDPE waste by exploring the potential of the modified waste to remove free oil spills. The first approach involves preparing and characterizing robust, mechanically stable foams using recycled waste from LDPE packaging. The process is based on parallel foaming and crosslinking of LDPE by peroxides. The final foamy structure (Foam 1) possesses around 75 vol% of pores (46 vol% open pores) and rapidly absorbs various organic liquids quickly (hexane, diesel oil, crude oil) in multiple cycles. The second target deals with the screening, testing, and characterizing of LDPE-based foams that were initially used for various packaging and deposited as waste to explore their potential free oil sorbents. The foam that was used in this study has a significantly porous structure, having 96 vol% of pores and more than 89 vol% open pores (Foam 2). Whereas the sorption capacity of Foam 1 was 4–5 g/g, depending on the type of oil, Foam 2 absorbed those oils in the range of 8–12 g/g. The Foam 1 showed significantly better stability over multiple cycles and better mechanical performance.

Graphical abstract
Engaging Disadvantaged Young Adults Through Collaborative Game Development
Authors: Reid Andrew James
Published: February 2025

Disadvantaged young people face disproportionate challenges in accessing education and employment. Higher education serves as an aspirational destination and recommended route to entry for certain industries, yet young people from lower socioeconomic backgrounds are less likely to apply and enrol in higher education programmes. Disadvantaged young people may also be underrepresented within the workforce of certain sectors, compounding barriers to entering desired industries. Solutions to reduce barriers into education and employment are required. The paper presents a postmortem from a collaborative game development project with aims of addressing social inequalities and positive destinations towards the games industry. The project involved a third sector social enterprise delivering economic regeneration and community-based support, an eight-person interdisciplinary team of game development students, and a practice-based research group exploring multiple themes of game-based research practice. The paper captures the experiences of student developers, young people, and engagement officers in reviewing the value and impact of the project. The intention of this paper is to present a case study of collaborative practice which shows positive impact on addressing community support outcomes for young adults within its service, with the potential to apply similar practices to wider initiatives related to outreach, engagement, and employability pathways.
An extensive examination of the influence of financial technology (Fintech) on advancing financial inclusion: a bibliometric investigation
Authors: Kesavan Varun , Polisetty Aruna
Published: February 2025

Financial technologies are the fundamental basis and driving force for financial inclusion initiatives, hence facilitating the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals. This research is extensive and meticulous, focusing on the papers in the Scopus database related to fintech and financial inclusion. The data unequivocally demonstrate that China, India, and the United States are at the forefront of fintech and financial inclusion initiatives. Furthermore, the data reveals a significant increase in the number of articles pertaining to fintech and financial inclusion. The primary contributions in this field are Ozili PK, Banna H, and Zhang Y. Principal ties include Pan-Atlantic University, the University of Professional Studies, and Renmin University of China. This study indicates that successful fintech innovation enhances financial inclusion by bridging the divide between urban and rural communities, eventually contributing to sustainability. Likewise, effective financial innovation fosters increased growth in green investments, green initiatives, and green finance, transitioning economies from a linear to a circular model. The forthcoming research has the potential to enlighten and influence regulators, politicians, and future scholars.
Hybrid intelligent optimization strategy of battery swapping station for electric vehicles based on reinforcement learning
Authors: Yi Hongwei , Zhang Huan , Li Jianghong , Zhao Yanling
Published: February 2025

Smart transportation is an important application scenario in the field of urban computing. As the popularity of electric vehicles increases, the demand for fast charging is growing rapidly. In response to this, battery swapping stations are being proposed as a solution, but their operational efficiency is challenged by factors such as battery life, vehicle queues, and grid load management. In this paper, a mixed intelligent optimization strategy combining the proximal policy optimization (PPO) algorithm from reinforcement learning and the goat swarm optimization (GSO) algorithm is proposed. The GSO-PPO algorithm is constructed, where PPO algorithm learns the optimal scheduling strategy for the battery swapping station in a dynamic environment, and the GSO algorithm optimizes the hyperparameters of PPO and adjusts the weight of the reward function to achieve the multi-objective optimization of minimizing battery life, shortening vehicle waiting time, and efficiently managing grid load. The experimental results show that compared with random strategies and traditional PPO algorithms, GSO-PPO reduces vehicle waiting time and improves service efficiency, making the overall operation of the battery swapping station more stable. The study demonstrates the potential of combining reinforcement learning and swarm intelligence algorithms in smart energy infrastructure and solving multi-objective optimization problems.
How do we improve the reproducibility and accuracy of EIS and Tafel testing in corrosion science?
Authors: Shao Zexi , Ma Mingyuan , Liu Xuhui , Yuan Sicheng , Lin Dan , Bai Ziheng , Hu Haodong , Yu Jingtai , Du Yafei , Zhu Yanji , Wang Huaiyuan
Published: February 2025

Electrochemical is crucial in corrosion, energy storage, and electrocatalysts and are essential for mitigating carbon emissions. However, deviations in electrochemical testing can result from experiment errors and electrode preparation differences. Therefore, electrochemical experiment results are required to assess the reproducibility. Herein we found that the surface resistance is a key factor of electrochemical testing, and the difference of surface resistance could inform future anode oxidation devices, and enhance the reproducibility and accuracy of electrochemical testing.

Graphical Abstract
Harnessing the power of genomics in hypertension: tip of the iceberg?
Authors: Naderi Hafiz , Warren Helen R. , Munroe Patricia B.
Published: February 2025

Despite the blaze of advancing knowledge on its complex genetic architecture, hypertension remains an elusive condition. Genetic studies of blood pressure have yielded bitter-sweet results thus far with the identification of more than 2,000 genetic loci, though the candidate causal genes and biological pathways remain largely unknown. The era of big data and sophisticated statistical tools has propelled insights into pathophysiology and causal inferences. However, new genetic risk tools for hypertension are the tip of the iceberg, and applications of genomic technology are likely to proliferate. We review the genomics of hypertension, exploring the significant milestones in our current understanding of this condition and the progress towards personalised treatment and management for hypertension.
Gray and white matter differences in the medial temporal lobe in late-life depression: a multimodal PET-MRI investigation
Authors: Takamiya Akihiro , Radwan Ahmed , Christiaens Daan , Van Cauwenberge Margot , Vande Casteele Thomas , Laroy Maarten , Vansteelandt Kristof , Sunaert Stefan , Koole Michel , Van den Stock Jan , Van Laere Koen , Bouckaert Filip , Vandenbulcke Mathieu , Emsell Louise
Published: February 2025

Background

Late-life depression (LLD) is characterized by medial temporal lobe (MTL) abnormalities. Although gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) differences in LLD have been reported, few studies have investigated them concurrently. Moreover, the impact of aetiological factors, such as neurodegenerative and cerebrovascular burden, on tissue differences remains elusive.

Methods

This prospective cross-sectional study involved 72 participants, including 33 patients with LLD (mean age 72.2 years, 23 female) and 39 healthy controls (HCs) (mean age 70.6 years, 24 female), who underwent clinical and positron emission tomography (PET)-magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) assessments. High-resolution 3D T1-weighted and T2-weighted FLAIR images were used to assess MTL GM volumes and white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), a proxy for cerebrovascular burden. Diffusion kurtosis imaging metrics derived from multishell diffusion MRI data were analyzed to assess WM microstructure in the following MTL bundles reconstructed using constrained spherical deconvolution tractography: uncinate fasciculus, fornix, and cingulum. Standardized uptake value ratio of 18F-MK-6240 in the MTL was used to assess Alzheimer’s disease (AD) type tau accumulation as a proxy for neurodegenerative burden.

Results

Compared to HCs, patients with LLD showed significantly lower bilateral MTL volumes and WM microstructural differences primarily in the uncinate fasciculi bilaterally and right fornix. In patients with LLD, higher vascular burden, but not tau, was associated with lower MTL volume and more pronounced WM differences.

Conclusions

LLD was associated with both GM and WM differences in the MTL. Cerebrovascular disease, rather than AD type tau-mediated neurodegenerative processes, may contribute to brain tissue differences in LLD.
Dietary intakes, food behaviours and health indicators among Métis youth in Manitoba, Canada
Authors: Perchotte Chantal , Kloss Olena , Slater Joyce , Katz Alan , Pilli Bhanu , Hinds Aynslie , Urquia Marcelo L , Sanguins Julianne , Green Chris , Cidro Jaime , Chateau Dan , Nickel Nathan , Falkenberg Thomas
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Poor diets and food insecurity during adolescence can have long-lasting effects, and Métis youth may be at higher risk. This study, as part of the Food and Nutrition Security for Manitoba Youth study, examines dietary intakes, food behaviours and health indicators of Métis compared with non-Métis youth.

Design:

This observational cross-sectional study involved a cohort of adolescents who completed a self-administered web-based survey on demographics, dietary intake (24-h recall), food behaviours, food security and select health indicators.

Setting:

Manitoba, Canada

Participants:

Participants included 1587 Manitoba grade nine students, with 135 (8·5 %) self-identifying as Métis, a distinct Indigenous nation living in Canada.

Results:

Median intake of sugar was significantly higher in Métis (89·2 g) compared with non-Métis (76·3 g) participants. Percent energy intake of saturated fat was also significantly higher in Métis (12·4 %) than non-Métis (11·6 %) participants. Median intakes of grain products and meat and alternatives servings were significantly lower among Métis than non-Métis (6·0 v. 7·0 and 1·8 v. 2·0, respectively) participants. Intake of other foods was significantly higher in Métis (4·0) than non-Métis (3·0). Significantly more Métis participants were food insecure (33·1 %) compared with non-Métis participants (19·1 %). Significantly more Métis participants ate family dinners and breakfast less often than non-Métis participants and had lower self-reported health. Significantly more Métis participants had a BMI classified as obese compared with non-Métis participants (12·6 % v. 7·1 %).

Conclusions:

The dietary intakes observed in this study, both among Métis and non-Métis youth, are concerning. Many have dietary patterns that put them at risk for developing health issues in the future.
A quantitative environmental impact assessment of Australian ultra-processed beverages and impact reduction scenarios
Authors: Anastasiou Kim , Hadjikakou Michalis , Geyik Ozge , Hendrie Gilly A. , Baker Phillip , Pinter Richard , Lawrence Mark
Published: February 2025

Objective:

Ultra-processed beverages (UPBs) have known adverse impacts on health, but their impact on the environment is not well understood across different environmental indicators. This study aimed to quantify the environmental impacts of water-based UPBs and bottled waters sold in Australia and assess the impacts of various scenarios which may reduce such impacts in the future.

Design:

This study presents a quantitative environmental impact assessment of a major sub-category of UPBs (water-based UPBs, including soft drinks, energy drinks, cordials, fruit drinks) and non-UPBs (bottled waters) in Australia. Alternative mitigation scenarios based on existing health and environmental targets were also modelled using sales projections for 2027. Sales data from Euromonitor International were matched with environmental impact data from peer-reviewed lifecycle assessment databases. Environmental impact indicators included greenhouse gas emissions, land use, eutrophication potential, acidification potential, water scarcity and plastic use.

Setting:

The Australian beverage supply in 2022 and projected sales for 2027.

Participants:

N/A

Results:

Environmental impacts of UPBs were higher than bottled waters. UPBs accounted for 81-99% of total environmental impacts, partly driven by the volume of sales. Reformulation, reducing UPB consumption and increasing recycling all led to meaningful reductions in environmental impacts but with diverse effects across different environmental indicators. The largest reductions occurred when policy scenarios were combined to represent a suite of policy actions which aimed to meet health and environmental targets (30-82% environmental savings).

Conclusions:

The results indicate that implementing a suite of policies which act to target multiple drivers of environmental harm are likely to lead to the most environmental benefits.
Are You Engaged With Bodily Signals?
Authors: Pohl Anna , Wolters Carolin , Petzke Tara M. , Bogaerts Katleen , Walentynowicz Marta , Witthöft Michael , Gerlach Alexander L. , Hennemann Severin
Published: February 2025

Abstract: The conscious engagement with neutral and symptom-related bodily signals (i.e., interoceptive sensibility) is an important transdiagnostic factor whose assessment remains challenging. In two studies, we examined the psychometric properties and the validity of the German Interoceptive Sensitivity and Attention Questionnaire (ISAQ) assessing two convenience samples ( N = 365 and N = 254), adults at risk for rosacea ( N = 376) and 44 outpatients with pathological illness anxiety compared to 40 controls. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated the structure of the German ISAQ is best represented by the 3‐factor model of the original version (F1: sensitivity to neutral bodily sensations, F2: attention to unpleasant bodily sensations, and F3: difficulty disengaging from unpleasant bodily sensations) with an acceptable model fit after consideration of modification indices. Reliability was acceptable for F1 and F2, but poor for F3. Higher correlations of F1 with measures of functional and of F2/F3 with measures of dysfunctional body focus indicated validity. Measurement invariance to the Dutch original was partially met. Persons with illness anxiety scored significantly higher in all ISAQ subscales. Comparable to the original, the German ISAQ is a valid instrument to assess neutral and negative body perception. The third subscale should be interpreted cautiously.
Asian Summer Monsoon Anticyclone—The Primary Entryway for Chlorinated Very‐Short‐Lived Substances to the Stratosphere
Authors: Liang Qing , Newman Paul A. , Fleming Eric L. , Lait Leslie R. , Atlas Elliot , Pan Laura , Kinnison Doug , Western Luke M. , Schauffler Sue , Smith Katie , Treadaway Victoria , Hendershot Roger , Donnelly Stephen , Lueb Richard
Published: February 2025

Rapid growing emissions of dichloromethane (CH2Cl2), a chlorinated very‐short‐lived substance (Cl‐VSLS) and an ozone depleting substance (ODS), has raised concerns as this increase offset a part of the stratospheric chlorine (Cl) reduction due to decreasing long‐lived ODSs. We have combined simulations of the two most abundant Cl‐VSLSs, CH2Cl2 and chloroform (CHCl3) using the NASA GEOS Chemistry Climate Model (GEOSCCM) with Asian Summer Monsoon Chemical and CLimate Impact Project aircraft observations to examine transport of Cl‐VSLSs to the stratosphere and to assess their contribution to total stratospheric Cl. With ongoing large emissions (total ∼1,500 Gg yr−1), Cl‐VSLSs add about 100 ppt Cl to the stratosphere between 2020 and 2022. The Asian Summer Monsoon plays a primary role in the troposphere‐to‐stratosphere transport of Cl‐VSLSs and delivers double the amount to the stratosphere, about 200 ppt Cl in August 2022. The overall Cl‐VSLSs impact on stratospheric chlorine (∼3.3%) and ozone (∼1 DU) remain small.
Impacts of Stress‐dependent Hydraulic Properties on Hillslope‐Scale Groundwater Flow
Authors: Figueroa Ronny , Abhervé Ronan , Halloran Landon J. S. , Valley Benoît , Roques Clément
Published: February 2025

Groundwater flow at the hillslope scale is controlled by hydraulic properties and topography. Geological media are inherently heterogeneous, with properties depending on both lithology and external factors such as weathering, erosion, and tectonic activity. The effects of stress‐dependent variations in porosity and hydraulic conductivity on groundwater flow and residence times remain unexplored. Using process‐based hillslope models, we demonstrate how external lateral stresses cause significant variations in stress and strain, particularly on slopes steeper than 30%. These stresses reorganize porosity and hydraulic conductivity, with compressive regimes reducing these properties at valley bottoms and tensional regimes elevating values at crests. This redistribution of porosity and hydraulic conductivity leads to a channeling of groundwater flow near the surface. Channeling increases discharge rates in the upper seepage zone and the proportion of rapid flows. Our results highlight geomechanical‐hydraulic property relationships as critical controls on critical zone processes in mountain settings.
Propagation of Slow Slip Events on Rough Faults: Clustering, Back Propagation, and Re‐Rupturing
Authors: Sun Yudong , Cattania Camilla
Published: February 2025

Seismic and geodetic observations show that slow slip events (SSEs) in subduction zones can happen at all temporal and spatial scales and propagate at various velocities. Observation of rapid tremor reversals indicates back‐propagating fronts traveling much faster than the main rupture front. Heterogeneity of fault properties, such as fault roughness, is a ubiquitous feature often invoked to explain this complex behavior, but how roughness affects SSEs is poorly understood. Here we use quasi‐dynamic seismic cycle simulations to model SSEs on a rough fault, using normal stress perturbations as a proxy for roughness and assuming rate‐and‐state friction, with velocity‐weakening friction at low slip rate and velocity‐strengthening at high slip rate. SSEs exhibit temporal clustering, large variations in rupture length and propagation speed, and back‐propagating fronts at different scales. We identify a mechanism for back propagation: as ruptures propagate through low‐normal stress regions, a rapid increase in slip velocity combined with rate‐strengthening friction induces stress oscillations at the rupture tip, and the subsequent “delayed stress drop” induces secondary back‐propagating fronts. Moreover, on rough faults with fractal elevation profiles, the transition from pulse to crack can also lead to the re‐rupture of SSEs due to local variations in the level of heterogeneity. Our study provides a possible mechanism for the complex evolution of SSEs inferred from geophysical observations and its link to fault roughness.
Thermo‐Tectonic History of the Qilian Shan and Adjacent Areas: New Insights From Apatite U‐Pb and Fission Track Thermochronology
Authors: He Zhiyuan , Glorie Stijn , Boutsalis Christopher , Jolivet Marc , Nixon Angus , De Grave Johan
Published: February 2025

The Qilian Shan is situated along the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau, and has undergone multiple episodes of tectonic deformation since the Paleozoic. Strikingly, tectonic deformation in the Qilian Shan and adjacent areas encompasses newly formed and inherited lithospheric and crustal structures. This study presents the Mesozoic‐Cenozoic post‐orogenic thermo‐tectonic histories of these active tectonic units utilizing an integrated approach combining apatite U‐Pb and fission track thermochronometers. The apatite U‐Pb dates are dominantly Paleozoic, mainly recording post‐magmatic cooling of the sampled granitoid rocks. The apatite fission track data record Late Triassic to Cretaceous cooling ages (central ages between ∼223 and ∼88 Ma), and most of the measured mean track lengths are between ∼13 and ∼12 μm. The apatite fission track results and thermal history models revealed that the Qilian Shan, Longshou Shan and Beida Shan experienced various moderate to rapid basement cooling episodes during the Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous, which we interpret as a far‐field response to a series of distant tectonic events including the Paleo‐Asian Ocean's closure, Qiangtang collision, Tethys‐deformation and Lhasa collision. During this period, these fault‐bounded tectonic units displayed different exhumation patterns, with the North Qilian Shan exhibiting a late Early Cretaceous rapid denudation while others preserved uplifted apatite partial annealing zones.
Potential for Augmenting Water Yield by Restoring Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) Forests in the Southeastern United States
Authors: Liu Ning , Sun Ge , Yang Yun , Aguilos Maricar , Starr Gregory , O’Halloran Thomas L. , Amatya Devendra M. , Oishi A. Christopher , Zhang Yulong , Trettin Carl
Published: February 2025

Over 95% of original longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) (LLP) forests have been converted to other land uses, including loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L) (LOP), croplands, urban uses during the past two centuries in the southeastern United States (U.S.) for socioeconomic developments. Restoring the LLP forests represents a contemporary forest management objective to improve wildlife habitat, water yield, and overall ecosystem services and resilience to a changing climate. Given the importance of understanding ecohydrological processes for guiding restoration efforts, this study compared evapotranspiration (ET) measurements at eight eddy covariance flux sites dominated by LLP or LOP forests in the southeastern U.S. In addition, we developed a “paired stands” approach to compare remote sensing based ET estimates and associated site biophysical properties for approximately 1,600 LLP‐LOP pairs. We found significant differences in ET, ET/Precipitation ratio, and water yield/precipitation ratio between the two types of pine forests, and these differences are explained by surface properties and management histories. Compared to LOP, the LLP forests generally had lower ET due to their significantly (p < 0.05) lower leaf area index but higher land surface temperature and albedo. Regionally, forest ET differences increased with the increase in atmospheric dryness index (reference ET/precipitation ratio). Therefore, we conclude that large‐scale restoration of LLP forests has the potential to reduce ET and augment water yield in the long run, especially in relatively drier watersheds. Maintaining low stand tree density and understory leaf area characteristic of natural LLP ecosystems through active forest management is critical for enhancing forest water supply. Our study provides the scientific basis for large scale restoration of a diminishing ecosystem for benefiting water resources in the southeastern U.S.
Confluence Effects of Dongting Lake in the Middle Yangtze River: Discontinuous Fluvial Processes and Their Driving Mechanisms
Authors: Zhou Weixing , Sun Zhaohua , Yang Zhonghua , Guo Ge
Published: February 2025

Confluence‐induced river discontinuities pose several challenges for flood control, navigation, and maintenance of ecological integrity. River‐connected lakes in lowland regions represent a unique type of confluence, fulfilling significant floodplain functions in fluvial processes and forms of main streams, yet they remain insufficiently studied. This study utilized Dongting Lake in the Middle Yangtze River as a representative case to examine the confluence effects of lake‐type tributary on the fluvial processes of the main stream and to identify key driving factors. The findings revealed that during the equilibrium period, both the flow frequency curves and sediment‐transport rating curves exhibited segmentation characteristics due to the floodplain functions of river‐lake system. The confluence effects of the lake amplified the segmentation behaviors across spatial scales, which inherently depended on the river‐lake flow combination. Following the Three Gorges Reservoir impoundment, alterations in the confluence effects of the lake led to recent abnormal local erosion‐deposition adjustments under sediment subsaturation conditions, whereas upstream reservoir regulation dominated a long‐term reduction in channel‐forming discharge with a channel shrinkage trend downstream of the confluence. Despite the altered water‐sediment regimes, tributary inflow qualitatively remains a critical factor influencing the discontinuity of fluvial processes in the main stream. Our research demonstrated that the hydrological characteristics of confluence, rather than sediment transport, significantly influence the fluvial processes of lowland alluvial river. This insight enhances our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms of large alluvial rivers with complex river‐lake relationships and offers important implications for the management of water resource systems.
CDCA7 enhances STAT3 transcriptional activity to regulate aerobic glycolysis and promote pancreatic cancer progression and gemcitabine resistance
Authors: Zheng Dijie , Deng Yazhu , Deng Lu , He Zhiwei , Sun Xinghao , Gong Yanyu , Shi Binbin , Lu Deqin , Yu Chao
Published: February 2025

Cell division cycle associated 7 (CDCA7) plays a role in various malignancies, especially pancreatic cancer (PC). However, its expression pattern and functional significance in PC require further research. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate CDCA7 expression levels and biological functions in PC using in vitro and in vivo experiments. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were performed to detect CDCA7 expression in PC cells and tissues. Additionally, the biological functions of CDCA7 were assessed using cell proliferation, wound healing, and Transwell assays. CDCA7 overexpression promoted PC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, and increased resistance to the chemotherapy drug gemcitabine, possibly through enhanced aerobic glycolysis. Additionally, immunoprecipitation assay showed that CDCA7 interacted with STAT3 protein and affected the transcriptional regulation of hexokinase 2. Conclusively, targeting CDCA7 might be a promising therapeutic strategy to increase gemcitabine sensitivity by inhibiting glycolysis in PC cells.
Epigenetic regulation in female reproduction: the impact of m6A on maternal-fetal health
Authors: Li Peipei , Lin Yumeng , Ma Hongyun , Zhang Jiao , Zhang Qiaorui , Yan Ruihua , Fan Yang
Published: February 2025

With the development of public health, female diseases have become the focus of current concern. The unique reproductive anatomy of women leads to the development of gynecological diseases gradually become an important part of the socio-economic burden. Epigenetics plays an irreplaceable role in gynecologic diseases. As an important mRNA modification, m6A is involved in the maturation of ovum cells and maternal-fetal microenvironment. At present, researchers have found that m6A is involved in the regulation of gestational diabetes and other reproductive system diseases, but the specific mechanism is not clear. In this manuscript, we summarize the components of m6A, the biological function of m6A, the progression of m6A in the maternal-fetal microenvironment and a variety of gynecological diseases as well as the progression of targeted m6A treatment-related diseases, providing a new perspective for clinical treatment-related diseases.
Multi-omic spatial effects on high-resolution AI-derived retinal thickness
Authors: Jackson V. E. , Wu Y. , Bonelli R. , Owen J. P. , Scott L. W. , Farashi S. , Kihara Y. , Gantner M. L. , Egan C. , Williams K. M. , Ansell B. R. E. , Tufail A. , Lee A. Y. , Bahlo M.
Published: February 2025

Retinal thickness is a marker of retinal health and more broadly, is seen as a promising biomarker for many systemic diseases. Retinal thickness measurements are procured from optical coherence tomography (OCT) as part of routine clinical eyecare. We processed the UK Biobank OCT images using a convolutional neural network to produce fine-scale retinal thickness measurements across > 29,000 points in the macula, the part of the retina responsible for human central vision. The macula is disproportionately affected by high disease burden retinal disorders such as age-related macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, which both involve metabolic dysregulation. Analysis of common genomic variants, metabolomic, blood and immune biomarkers, disease PheCodes and genetic scores across a fine-scale macular thickness grid, reveals multiple novel genetic loci including four on the X chromosome; retinal thinning associated with many systemic disorders including multiple sclerosis; and multiple associations to correlated metabolites that cluster spatially in the retina. We highlight parafoveal thickness to be particularly susceptible to systemic insults. These results demonstrate the gains in discovery power and resolution achievable with AI-leveraged analysis. Results are accessible using a bespoke web interface that gives full control to pursue findings.
Terminal differentiation and persistence of effector regulatory T cells essential for preventing intestinal inflammation
Authors: Dikiy Stanislav , Ghelani Aazam P. , Levine Andrew G. , Martis Stephen , Giovanelli Paolo , Wang Zhong-Min , Beroshvili Giorgi , Pritykin Yuri , Krishna Chirag , Huang Xiao , Glasner Ariella , Greenbaum Benjamin D. , Leslie Christina S. , Rudensky Alexander Y.
Published: February 2025

Regulatory T (Treg) cells are a specialized CD4+ T cell lineage with essential anti-inflammatory functions. Analysis of Treg cell adaptations to non-lymphoid tissues that enable their specialized immunosuppressive and tissue-supportive functions raises questions about the underlying mechanisms of these adaptations and whether they represent stable differentiation or reversible activation states. Here, we characterize distinct colonic effector Treg cell transcriptional programs. Attenuated T cell receptor (TCR) signaling and acquisition of substantial TCR-independent functionality seems to facilitate the terminal differentiation of a population of colonic effector Treg cells that are distinguished by stable expression of the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10. Functional studies show that this subset of effector Treg cells, but not their expression of IL-10, is indispensable for colonic health. These findings identify core features of the terminal differentiation of effector Treg cells in non-lymphoid tissues and their function.
TNBC response to paclitaxel phenocopies interferon response which reveals cell cycle-associated resistance mechanisms
Authors: Calistri Nicholas L. , Liby Tiera A. , Hu Zhi , Zhang Hongmei , Dane Mark A. , Gross Sean M. , Heiser Laura M.
Published: February 2025

Paclitaxel is a standard of care neoadjuvant therapy for patients with triple negative breast cancer (TNBC); however, it shows limited benefit for locally advanced or metastatic disease. Here we used a coordinated experimental-computational approach to explore the influence of paclitaxel on the cellular and molecular responses of TNBC cells. We found that escalating doses of paclitaxel resulted in multinucleation, promotion of senescence, and initiation of DNA damage induced apoptosis. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of TNBC cells after paclitaxel treatment revealed upregulation of innate immune programs canonically associated with interferon response and downregulation of cell cycle progression programs. Systematic exploration of transcriptional responses to paclitaxel and cancer-associated microenvironmental factors revealed common gene programs induced by paclitaxel, IFNB, and IFNG. Transcription factor (TF) enrichment analysis identified 13 TFs that were both enriched based on activity of downstream targets and also significantly upregulated after paclitaxel treatment. Functional assessment with siRNA knockdown confirmed that the TFs FOSL1, NFE2L2 and ELF3 mediate cellular proliferation and also regulate nuclear structure. We further explored the influence of these TFs on paclitaxel-induced cell cycle behavior via live cell imaging, which revealed altered progression rates through G1, S/G2 and M phases. We found that ELF3 knockdown synergized with paclitaxel treatment to lock cells in a G1 state and prevent cell cycle progression. Analysis of publicly available breast cancer patient data showed that high ELF3 expression was associated with poor prognosis and enrichment in programs associated with cell cycle progression. Together these analyses disentangle the diverse aspects of paclitaxel response and identify ELF3 upregulation as a putative biomarker of paclitaxel resistance in TNBC.
Development of an mPBPK machine learning framework for early target pharmacology assessment of biotherapeutics
Authors: Patidar Krutika , Pillai Nikhil , Dhakal Saroj , Avery Lindsay B. , Mavroudis Panteleimon D.
Published: February 2025

Development of antibodies often begins with the assessment and optimization of their physicochemical properties, and their efficient engagement with the target of interest. Decisions at the early optimization stage are critical for the success of the drug candidate but are constrained due to the limited knowledge of the antibody and target pharmacology. In the present work, we propose a machine learning-based target pharmacology assessment framework that utilizes minimal physiologically based pharmacokinetic (mPBPK) modeling and machine learning (ML) to infer optimal physicochemical properties of antibodies and their targets. We use a mPBPK model previously developed by our group that incorporates a multivariate quantitative relationship between antibodies’ physicochemical properties such as molecular weight (MW), size, charge, and in silico + in vitro derived descriptors with their PK properties. In this study, we perform a high-throughput exploration of virtual antibody drug candidates with varying physicochemical properties (binding affinity, charge, etc.), and virtual target candidates with varying characteristics (baseline expression, half-life, etc.) to unravel rules for antibody drug candidate selection that achieve favorable drug-target interaction, which is defined by target occupancy (TO) percentage. We identified that variations in the antibody dose and dosing scheme, target form (soluble or membrane-bound), antibody charge, and site of action had a significant effect on the TO and selection criteria for antibody drug candidates. By unraveling new design rules for antibody drug properties that are dependent on ML-based TO assessment, we deliver a first-in-class ML-based target pharmacology assessment framework toward better understanding of the biology-specific PK and ADME processes of antibody drug candidate proteins and reduce the overall time for drug development.
Production of novel theranostic nano-vector based on superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles/miR-497 targeting colorectal cancer
Authors: Elfiky Asmaa M. , Eid May M. , El-Manawaty May , Elshahid Zeinab A. , Youssef Elham Mohamed , Mahmoud Khaled
Published: February 2025

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a serious public health concern worldwide. Immune checkpoint inhibition medication is likely to remain a crucial part of CRC clinical management. This study aims to create new super paramagnetic iron oxide nano-carrier (SPION) that can effectively transport miRNA to specific CRC cell lines. In addition, evaluate the efficiency of this nano-formulation as a therapeutic candidate for CRC. Bioinformatics tools were used to select a promising tumor suppressor miRNA (mir-497-5p). Green route, using Fusarium oxyporium fungal species, manipulated for the synthesis of SPION@Ag@Cs nanocomposite as a carrier of miR-497-5p. That specifically targets the suppression of PD1/PDL1 and CTLA4pathways for colorectal therapy. UV/visible and FTIR spectroscopy, Zeta potential and MTT were used to confirm the allocation of the miR-497 on SPION@Ag@Cs and its cytotoxicity against CRC cell lines. Immunofluorescence was employed to confirm transfection of cells with miR-497@NPs, and the down- regulation of CTLA4 in HT29, and Caco2 cell lines. On the other hand, PDL1 showed a significant increase in colorectal cell lines (HT-29 and Caco-2) in response to mir497-5p@Nano treatment. The data suggest that the mir-497 -loaded SPION@Ag@Cs nano-formulation could be a good candidate for the suppression of CTLA4in CRC human cell lines. Consequently, the targeting miR-497/CTLA4 axis is a potential immunotherapy treatment strategy for CRC.
Cultural diversity shaped neolithic subsistence in the Carpathian Basin
Authors: Depaermentier M. L. C. , Kempf M. , Bánffy E. , Alt K. W.
Published: February 2025

Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope analysis from archaeological human and animal bone collagen is a powerful tool to enlighten past socio-agricultural systems and their close links to environmental conditions. To assess whether isotopic patterns are a function of cultural behavior or rather determined by environmental diversity, we test the spatio-temporal effects of conditional and multivariate exploratory and environmental models on stable isotope variability in the Neolithic and Chalcolithic Carpathian Basin (6000–2800 BCE). Our results stress that variation in environmental settings influence both the isotope baselines and the subsistence strategies of early agricultural societies. Major shifts in isotopic patterns are, however, culturally-driven, which is particularly visible with the development and intensification of adapted agropastoral practices from 5500 − 5350 BCE and among the diet between different cultural groups. We conclude that socio-cultural diversity was the main driver of dietary habits and isotopic variability in early agropastoral societies of Neolithic Hungary.
Three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis of human skin with the arrector pili muscle interacting with the hair follicle epithelium
Authors: Ezure Tomonobu , Matsuzaki Kyoichi , Urakubo Hidetoshi , Ohno Nobuhiko
Published: February 2025

This study developed a three-dimensional ultrastructural analysis application using serial block-face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) to investigate surgically acquired human skin tissues containing the arrector pili muscle. We utilized the en bloc staining, including reduced osmium, thiocarbohydrazide, and lead aspartate, as well as the embedding using a carbon-based conductive resin. Next, we obtained serial images with SBF-SEM. The results revealed dense nerve fiber networks branching from nearby nerve fiber bundles outside the muscle and running among muscle fibers. Additionally, the dense nerve network running through and along arrector pili muscle fibers rarely penetrates the connective tissues between smooth muscle fibers and epithelial cells. Furthermore, in the observation area, no individual smooth muscle fibers formed adhesion structures with the epithelial cells of the hair follicle, ending in the dermal extracellular matrix near the epithelial cells. These results indicate the usefulness of this approach for three-dimensional ultrastructural analyses of human skin tissues comprising follicular units and revealing structural changes in skin tissues, especially the arrector pili muscle and nerve fibers with hair follicular epithelium, in aging and diseased conditions.
Decision-making model for production and operation of underground gold mines considering low-carbon condition
Authors: Hou Jie , Gu Yingyu , Li Guoqing , Guo Guangjun , Yu Qianqian
Published: February 2025

Within the framework of a low-carbon transition and integrated mineral resource exploitation, this study presents an innovative system dynamics (SD) model designed to optimize decision-making and enhance profitability in underground gold mining operations. The novel approach seamlessly integrates critical subsystems, including reserves, mining, ore dressing, smelting, financial, and carbon reduction, offering a comprehensive framework for the analysis of efficiency and sustainability. Utilizing causal loop and system flow diagrams, the model elucidates the synergistic impacts of index variations on mine operational efficiency. The model is applied to a case study involving three mining areas within a specific gold mine in China, where sensitivity analysis identifies key indicators affecting profitability. Furthermore, it examines dynamic trends under varying carbon tax scenarios. The findings reveal that mining strategic adjustments can significantly enhance profitability, extend the operational lifespan of mines, and reduce emissions.