bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies discovers 67 new loci associated with chronic back pain
Authors: Stanaway Ian B. , Suri Pradeep , Afari Niloofar , Dochtermann Daniel , Gerstenberger Armand , Pyarajan Saiju , Rosen Eric J. ,   Million Veteran Program, Gasperi Marianna
Published: February 2025

This multi-ancestry meta-analysis of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) investigated the genetic factors underlying chronic back pain (CBP) in a sample from the Million Veteran Program comprised of 553,601 Veterans of African (19.2%), European (72.6%), and Hispanic (8.2%) ancestry. The results revealed novel (N = 67) and known (N = 20) genome-wide significant loci associated with CBP, with 43 independent variants replicating in a non-overlapping contemporary meta-GWAS of the spinal pain dorsalgia phenotype. The most significant novel variant was rs12533005 (chr7:114416000, p = 1.61 × 10−20, OR = 0.96 (95% CI: 0.95–0.97), EA = C, EAF = 0.39), in an intron of the FOXP2 gene. In silico functional characterization revealed enrichment in brain and pituitary tissues. Mendelian randomization analysis of 62 variants for CBP-MVP revealed 48 with causal links to dorsalgia. Notably, four genes (INPP5B, DRD2, HTT, SLC30A6) associated with these variants are targets of existing drugs. Our findings more than double the number of previously reported genetic predictors across all spinal pain phenotypes.
Histone H3 lysine 4 methylation recruits DNA demethylases to enforce gene expression in Arabidopsis
Authors: Wang Ming , He Yan , Zhong Zhenhui , Papikian Ashot , Wang Shuya , Gardiner Jason , Ghoshal Basudev , Feng Suhua , Jami-Alahmadi Yasaman , Wohlschlegel James A. , Jacobsen Steven E.
Published: February 2025

Patterning of DNA methylation in eukaryotic genomes is controlled by de novo methylation, maintenance mechanisms and demethylation pathways. In Arabidopsis thaliana, DNA demethylation enzymes are clearly important for shaping methylation patterns, but how they are regulated is poorly understood. Here we show that the targeting of histone H3 lysine four trimethylation (H3K4me3) with the catalytic domain of the SDG2 histone methyltransferase potently erased DNA methylation and gene silencing at FWA and also erased CG DNA methylation in many other regions of the Arabidopsis genome. This methylation erasure was completely blocked in the ros1 dml2 dml3 triple mutant lacking DNA demethylation enzymes, showing that H3K4me3 promotes the active removal of DNA methylation. Conversely, we found that the targeted removal of H3K4me3 increased the efficiency of targeted DNA methylation. These results highlight H3K4me3 as a potent anti-DNA methylation mark and also pave the way for development of more powerful epigenome engineering tools.
A multi-site data sample for analyzing the online commercial sex ecosystem
Authors: Freeman Nickolas K. , Bott Gregory J. , Keskin Burcu B. , Marcantonio Tiffany L.
Published: February 2025

Online sex advertisements (sex ads) have been linked to many U.S. sex trafficking cases. However, since the closure of the dominant website, Backpage.com (Backpage), many competing sites have emerged that are hosted in countries where U.S. law enforcement organizations have no jurisdiction. Although the online ecosystem has changed significantly, very little research uses data from sites other than Backpage, and even less uses data from multiple sites. This paper presents an anonymized dataset derived from the text and image artifacts of more than 10 million sex ads. By making this dataset publicly available, we aim to reduce barriers to entry for researchers interested in conducting data-driven counter-trafficking research. The dataset can be used to test hypotheses related to sex ads and intersite connectivity, understand the posting processes employed by prominent sites in the current online sex ad ecosystem, and develop multidisciplinary approaches for estimating ad legitimacy. Progress in any of these areas can result in potentially lifesaving interventions for ST victims.
Global mercury dataset with predicted methylmercury concentrations in seafoods during 1995–2022
Authors: Zhou Haifeng , Li Yumeng , Zhong Qiumeng , Wu Xiaohui , Liang Sai
Published: February 2025

Mercury exposure poses significant threats to human health, particularly in its organic form, methylmercury (MeHg). Diet is the main pathway for human MeHg exposure, especially through seafood consumption. In this context, numerous studies have established seafood MeHg concentration datasets to assess MeHg-related health risks from seafood consumption. However, existing datasets are limited to specific regions and short-term observations, making it difficult to support continuous and dynamic assessments of global MeHg-related health risks. This study takes a bottom-up approach to construct a global seafood MeHg concentration dataset during 1995-2022. Firstly, it compiles a long-term time series marine-scale dataset of seafood MeHg concentrations, based on the reported seafood mercury concentrations from existing literature and machine learning methods. Subsequently, this study used the seafood catch volumes of each nation in different marine areas as weights to estimate the national-scale seafood MeHg concentrations. This dataset can provide essential data support for environmental impact assessment of mercury and its compounds as mentioned in Articles 12 and 19 of the Minamata Convention on Mercury.
Validation of two swabbing methods to sample DNA for genotyping Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus)
Authors: Righton D. , Garzon F. , Hawkes L. A. , Hicks R. , Horton T. , Ives M. , Katsiadaki I. , McCully Phillips S. R. , Roslyn S. , Sebire M. , Stone D. , Witt M. J. , Wright S. , McKeown N. J.
Published: February 2025

In fisheries, genetic based assignment of individuals to their population of origin can benefit efforts aimed at monitoring and managing stocks. Assignment combined with knowledge of the migration history of individuals can provide powerful insights into mechanisms of genetic mixing, for which refined sampling methods are required to minimise any impacts. In this study we tested two minimally invasive swabbing techniques for sampling DNA when attaching electronic satellite tags to Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) for migration studies. First, DNA was sampled by skin swabbing (hereafter skin swabs) individuals from which there were corresponding fin clip samples. Second, swabs were taken from the applicator poles used to attach electronic tags (hereafter pole swabs). Quantification of DNA from the different sources revealed decreasing yields moving from fin clips, to skin swabs, to pole swabs. The utility of the DNA obtained by both swabbing methods for individual genotyping was then assessed by sequencing of the mtDNA control region and genotyping of six microsatellite loci. In all cases successful genotyping was achieved. For mtDNA an 868 bp fragment was successfully amplified in all samples with 775 bp aligned across individuals revealing 26 haplotypes (overall haplotype diversity = 0.987). All six microsatellites were successfully amplified including a largest allele size of 291 bp. mtDNA and microsatellite genotypes for the skin swabs matched with the corresponding fin clip samples. Although no tissue replicates were available for the pole swab samples the genotypes obtained were unambiguous, consistent across repeated PCRs, and reported no evidence of PCR issues such as large allele drop out. Overall, the genetic data suggested high variability among individuals sampled, comparable to levels of genetic diversity seen within the species’ Atlantic range. The study demonstrates that non-invasive sampling can be used to obtain DNA for population assignment studies and that valuable material can be sampled from tagging equipment.
Innovative application of ceftriaxone as a quorum sensing inhibitor in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Naga Nourhan G. , El-Badan Dalia E. , Mabrouk Mona E. M. , Rateb Heba S. , Ghanem Khaled M. , Shaaban Mona I.
Published: February 2025

Pseudomonas aeruginosa is a Gram-negative bacterium that has the potential to induce various healthcare-related infections through its array of virulence factors. The control of virulence factor expression is mainly regulated by a communication process among cells called quorum sensing (QS). Blocking QS could be a viable tactic to suppress virulence factors and reduce pathogenicity without impacting bacterial growth. This approach has the potential to significantly decrease the multiple drug resistance emergence. In this study, we explored the impact of ceftriaxone (CRO), which is a commonly used β-lactam antibiotic, and its metal derivatives on the QS system and virulence factors of both standard strains and clinical isolates of P. aeruginosa. The quorum sensing inhibitory (QSI) activity of CRO and ceftriaxone Nickel complex (CRON) was evaluated. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined and the effect of sub-MICs of CRO and CRON was assessed on P. aeruginosa strains virulence factors. CRO and CRON effectively suppressed the virulence factors of P. aeruginosa strains at sub-MICs, without altering bacterial viability. Additionally, a molecular docking investigation was carried out to identify potential mechanisms of QSI. CRO and CRON exhibited high ICM scores, potentially displacing natural ligands when interacting with LasR, LasI, and PqsR receptors.
Thin-layer modeling, drying parameters, and techno-enviro-economic analysis of a solar dried salted tilapia fish fillets
Authors: Ghanem Tarek Hussien M. , Nsasrat Loai S. , Younis Omar Shahat , Metwally Khaled A. , Salem Ali , Orban Zoltan , Eid Mohamed Hamdy , El-Mesery Hany S. , Eldin Abdalla Zain , Elmolakab Khaled Mohamad , Mahmoud Samy F. , Elwakeel Abdallah Elshawadfy
Published: February 2025

This study focused on the development of an indirect forced solar dryer that incorporates a three-sided flat plate solar collector (TSFPSC) specifically designed for increasing thermal efficiency, and the system used for drying salted tilapia fish fillets (STFF). The investigation analyzed three fillet thicknesses—4 mm, 8 mm, and 12 mm, employing both open sun drying (OSD) and the developed solar dryer (DSD), with a constant airspeed of 0.5 m/s. The research additionally developed thin-layer drying models (TLDM), assessed drying parameters, and performed an extensive techno-enviro-economic analysis. Results showed that the initial and final moisture content (MC) (w.b. %) of the STFF were 74.83 and 18.84%, respectively, and reached the equilibrium MC after 16–20.5 h for the DSD and 30–36 h for the OSD, which means the drying time reduced by about 53.3%, and 61.11% compared with the OSD. This reduction in drying time demonstrates the effectiveness of the developed solar dryer. The effective moisture diffusivity (EMD) of different STFF samples at both drying systems were 0.51 × 10–10 to 9.16 × 10–10 m2/s. In addition, all eleven basic TLDM were applied to predict the drying behavior of STFF during the drying process, while the combined Two-Term and Page model had the best fitting for the OSD system, and the modified Midilli II model and combined Two-Term and Page model had the best fitting for the DSD system. In terms of economic analysis, the annual capital and investment costs were calculated to be $22.458 and $21.334, respectively. Additionally, the environmental analysis indicated an energy payback (EP) period of 1.59 years, with a net CO2 mitigation of 14 tons realized over the operational lifetime of the DSD.
Oxygen and hydrobiological profiles of homemade manure-based tea in North Africa
Authors: Djezzar Miliani , Kaci Zakia , Yahiaoui Ibrahim , Leauthaud Crystele
Published: February 2025

Homemade manure tea (HMT) is commonly used in North Africa to enhance crop yields. Yet their physicochemical and biological characteristics remain poorly understood. This study evaluated oxygen and hydrobiological profiles of three types of HMT (bovine, ovine and poultry based, respectively noted HMTb, HMTo, HMTp) and compared them to control solutions of water and water supplemented with soluble NPK fertilizer. For these three types of HMT, oxygen and hydrobiological profiles were measured daily over a 7-day incubation period in three repeated, identical experiments, each comprising randomized treatments and five repetitions per treatment. Our results show that all HMT types rapidly transitioned to hypoxic conditions in the first 24h, shifting to anoxia between day 2 and day 7 depending on HMT type. This anoxic environment promoted denitrification and led to elevated NH4
+ concentrations, suggesting the presence of anammox and microaerobic processes. Particulate organic matter contents and bacterial densities were highest in HMTp, while ciliate densities were highest in HMTb. These findings underscore the bioactive potential of HMT as fertilizers, with HMTp showing a favorable nitrogen profile beneficial for agricultural applications. To maintain aerobic conditions longer and reduce nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions, we recommend passive or mechanical aeration, applying HMT during cooler hours, and stabilizing the pH of HMT. This study offers valuable insights to refine HMT preparation protocols, enhancing their use as bioactive fertilizers.
Sensing the restoring force characteristics for detached house structural health monitoring using a camera and accelerometer fusion
Authors: Muramatsu Shun , Tamura Keito , Yamamoto Michitaka , Takamatsu Seiichi , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: February 2025

A new method to sense the restoring force characteristics using camera and accelerometer fusion was developed. Simple methods for monitoring detached wooden houses are required to minimize earthquake damage. The restoring force characteristics, which are calculated using the interstory drift and response acceleration, must be measured. However, the conventional method requires a complex system to synchronize multiple accelerometers and suffers from acceleration integration errors. In this study, a method that uses a camera in addition to an accelerometer was developed. The interstory drift was measured by a camera, and the response acceleration was calculated by adding the ground acceleration measured by the accelerometer and the interstory acceleration. These can be used to obtain the restoring-force characteristics of a house when assuming a single-mass system. In addition, this method has no integration errors as those in previous studies. The scale model experiments demonstrated that the restoring force characteristics could be measured with a measurement error of 1% using a common camera. A shake table experiment demonstrated that the prototype fabricated utilizing the camera and accelerometer successfully measured the restoring force characteristics of a full-scale two-by-four timber-framed building.
Food classifications provide an approximate packaging indicator to support monitoring of mismanaged plastic waste
Authors: Dzodzomenyo Mawuli , Asamoah Moses , Okotto-Okotto Joseph , Okotto Lorna-Grace , Wanza Peggy , Myers-Hansen Gustavus A. , Wright Jim
Published: February 2025

Mismanaged plastic waste undermines environmental quality, aquatic ecosystems and ultimately public health. Mismanaged plastics increasingly originate from urban populations lacking waste collection services. Household expenditure survey analyses have quantified plastic waste generation among these populations, but only for individual products (e.g. bagged or bottled drinking-water), not for the overall packaging profile of households’ basket-of-goods. This study aims to evaluate how far the international NOVA classification of foods/beverages and commodity classifications by residents predict plastic food packaging. Via a cross-sectional market surveillance survey, packaging was observed for 502 and 396 transactions at selected retail outlets serving low-income areas of Greater Accra, Ghana, and Kisumu, Kenya respectively. In both cities, NOVA processed/ultra-processed food and food/beverage classes created by local residents were significantly associated with greater plastic food packaging, with similar predictive performance. Plastic packaging prevalence was also significantly higher in supermarkets. Plastic packaging use was significantly lower in Kisumu, where single-use carrier bags are banned. Thus, given their international availability and national representativeness, household expenditure surveys have potential for monitoring to inform policy by targeting plastic pollution hot-spots. However, survey-based monitoring should incorporate expert knowledge of national context and the retail environment to reflect the realities of packaging use.
Health risk assessment via Monte Carlo simulation and sensitivity analysis for fluoride and nitrate content in bottled waters consumed in Kermanshah city, Iran
Authors: Mianeh Hanieh Yari , Amiri Laya , Jafari Ali , Nourozi Nasim
Published: February 2025

Bottled water consumption has increased in recent decade due to many reasons, especially significant decline in water quality and quantity. The concentration of fluoride and nitrate in bottled waters may vary based on brands and locations. This study was carried out to determine the levels of fluoride and nitrate in bottled waters consumed in Kermanshah city and assess the related non -carcinogenic risks. Totally, 22 brands of bottled water were collected from markets. Fluoride and nitrate measurement was conducted via a UV-visible spectrophotometer (DR-5000). From the results, Fluoride and nitrate levels in the studied bottled waters were 0.32 ± 0.18 mg/L and 2.3 ± 1.41 mg/L, respectively. The risk of non-carcinogenic in term of HQ for fluoride exposure, for only 2 brands of bottled water were > 1 for infants group. HQ was less than 1 for nitrate in all the brands for all the age groups revealed non-carcinogen risks. Hazard index (HI) calculation showed that only in 2 brands of bottled water HI was > 1 for infants group. The HI were as infants (0.64) > children (0.36) > teenagers (0.27) > adults (0.24). From Monte Carlo simulation, 95th Percentile for nitrate and fluoride was less than 1 for all the groups. This result indicated non-carcinogenic risks of nitrate and fluoride for 95% of the studied groups. Moreover, sensitivity analysis showered that concentration for both nitrate and fluoride had the highest effect on HQ for all the groups. From this work, although fluoride and nitrate content in the bottled waters were at standard range, but infants were proportionally at higher risk.
A reduced order pseudochannel model accounting for flow maldistribution in automotive catalysis
Authors: Chanda Nagarajan Pratheeba , Ström Henrik , Sjöblom Jonas
Published: February 2025

Exhaust aftertreatment systems (EATS) play a critical role in reducing emissions and ensuring compliance with stringent emission regulations. Catalytic converters, as part of EATS, involve complex physico-chemical processes. To accurately predict their behavior in realistic geometries, transient 3D models are necessary. However, the computational cost associated with simulations based on such models prevents their application to long-time behaviors as well as in real-time control and diagnostics. While single-channel models (SCMs) are computationally efficient, they struggle to provide accurate predictions during real-time operations with flow maldistribution. In this study, we propose a pseudochannel model derived using steady-state reactive 3D simulations and a nonlinear least squares optimization technique. We show that the performance of this pseudochannel model is superior to a conventional SCM in both transient and steady state test cases. At the same time, the computational cost of the pseudochannel model is equivalent to that of the SCM. These results imply that flow maldistribution effects can be well incorporated in SCMs via a pseudochannel approach that relies on relatively inexpensive steady-state system data.
Poldip2 promotes mtDNA elimination during Drosophila spermatogenesis to ensure maternal inheritance
Authors: Wang Ziming , Meerod Tirawit , Cortes-Silva Nuria , Chiang Ason C-Y , Nie Ziyan , Di Ying , Mu Peiqiang , Verma Ankit , Reid Adam James , Ma Hansong
Published: February 2025

Maternal inheritance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is highly conserved in metazoans. While many species eliminate paternal mtDNA during late sperm development to foster maternal inheritance, the regulatory mechanisms governing this process remain elusive. Through a forward genetic screen in Drosophila, we identified 47 mutant lines exhibiting substantial retention of mtDNA in mature sperm. We mapped one line to poldip2, a gene predominantly expressed in the testis. Disruption of poldip2 led to substantial mtDNA retention in mature sperm and subsequent paternal transmission to progeny. Further investigation via imaging, biochemical analyses and ChIP assays revealed that Poldip2 is a mitochondrial matrix protein capable of binding mtDNA. Moreover, we showed that ClpX, the key component of a major mitochondrial protease, interacts with Poldip2 to co-regulate mtDNA elimination in Drosophila spermatids. This study sheds light on the mechanisms underlying mtDNA removal during spermatogenesis and underscores the pivotal role of this process in safeguarding maternal inheritance.
Substituent effect on the ligand-centred electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution of antimony(iii) corroles
Authors: Yu Qing-Hua , Li Yu-Fei , Cao Xu-You , Liu Liang-Hong , Chen Jun-Ying , Si Li-Ping , Liu Hai-Yang
Published: February 2025

A series of antimony(iii) triaryl corroles bearing different numbers of meso-pentafluorophenyl substituents was synthesized and evaluated as catalysts for electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution.
A comprehensive survey of cytotoxic active half-sandwich Ir(iii) complexes: structural perspective, and mechanism of action
Authors: Mansour Ahmed M. , Arafa Mohamed M. , Hegazy Yara S. , Sadek Muhammed S. , Ibrahim Hadeer H. , Abdullah Yomna S. , Shehab Ola R.
Published: February 2025

Since half-sandwich Ir(iii) complexes have garnered more attention, this review will focus on the intricate connections between the cytotoxicity, cellular uptake efficiency, and their intracellular distribution properties, while taking coordination site atom variation into account.
Simple Size Tuning of Magnetic Nanoparticles using a Microwave Solvothermal Method and their Application to Facilitate Solid Phase Synthesis of Smart Polymers.
Authors: Stephen Andrei N. , Mercer Tim , Stockburn William J. , Dennison Sarah , Readman Jennifer , Reddy Subrayal M
Published: February 2025

We demonstrate a simple, economical, rapid and scalable microwave method to produce magnetite-based magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) at a desired size and their application to facile synthesis of high value polymer...
Acceleration characteristics of macroscopic contact line induced by interactions of liquid film with micro spheres
Authors: Gong Luyuan , Yan Chengtao , Mu Lizhong
Published: February 2025

It has been reported that a rapid acceleration of a macroscopic contact line (MCL) during droplet spreading is induced by particles deposited on a hydrophilic surface. In this study, we...
Facile synthesis of nickel and cobalt oxide-integrated 3-D porous nitrogen-doped carbon derived from Psidium guajava (PNDC/NiCo2O4) for supercapacitor applications
Authors: Mukherjee Gaurav , Raveendran Asha , Chen Chuanxiang , Siddiqui Masoom Raza , Wabaidur Saikh Mohammad , Dhanusuraman Ragupathy
Published: February 2025

In this experimental investigation, porous N-doped carbon (AC) was developed from rotting guavas (Psidium guajava), followed by doping with nickel and cobalt oxide spinel, and was studied for its supercapacitive behaviour.
Total synthesis of isoflavonoids
Authors: Selepe Mamoalosi A. , Mthembu Siyanda T. , Sonopo Molahlehi S.
Published: February 2025

The review is on synthesis of different classes of isoflavonoids that include isoflavones, isoflavanones, isoflavans, isoflavenes, pterocarpans, rotenoids, coumaronochromones, and coumestans.
Self-photocatalysis with multiple activities: divergent synthesis of benzo[b]fluorenones and benzo[b]fluorenols from enone-ynes
Authors: Shi Jifu , Sun Qingyao , Gao YunLing , Hu Yongqin , Li Weili , He Binbin , Gao Shulin , Sun Shaoguang , Liang Deqiang
Published: February 2025

Photocatalyst-free synthesis of benzo[b]fluorenones and benzo[b]fluorenols enabled by self-photocatalysis featuring multiple activities, including energy, electron and atom transfers and photocycloaddition.
Light-promoted borylation and lactonization of propargyl acetates using NHC-borane
Authors: Ni Hangcheng , Li Yu , Li Chaoming , Liu Zhenxiang
Published: February 2025

In the absence of photoredox catalyst, we achieved radical borylation and lactonization of propargyl acetates under light irradiation using N-heterocyclic carbene borane, leading to the synthesis of substituted 4-(NHC-boryl)-2(5H)-furanones.
In situ-decorated heterocomposites derived from Zn(ii)-based coordination polymer for asymmetric supercapacitor applications
Authors: Ali Arif , Kumari Khusboo , Joy Anupama , Parween Fatma , Sultana Mst Shubnur , Nayak Ganesh Chandra
Published: February 2025

The hetero-composite (RGMZ11) was used as an asymmetric supercapacitor that shows a diffusion-controlled mechanism. The optimized RGMZ11 device could power a multiple-color disco LED and a red LED and displayed a good discharge time.
Poroelasticity and permeability of fibrous polymer networks under compression
Authors: Mollenkopf Paul , Kochanowski Jakub A. , Ren Yifei , Vining Kyle H. , Janmey Paul A. , Purohit Prashant K.
Published: February 2025

Fibrous biopolymer gels under compression lose volume by the flow of water through pores. Fluid flow and network deformation in the gel are non-uniform. A model accounting for buckling of fibers captures the observed deformation and flow patterns.
Ratiometric Luminescence Sensing of Bio-Macromolecules via Highly Sensitive Templated Pyrene-Based nanoGUMBOS
Authors: Sahoo Rajkumar , Pramanik Prabal , Das Sudhir Kumar , Halder Mintu
Published: February 2025

A series of pyrene-based ionic liquids comprised of a group of uniform materials based on organic salt (GUMBOS) were synthesized by incorporating pyrene butyrate with quaternary alkyl phosphonium and ammonium-based...
The role of precursor coverage in the synthesis and substrate transfer of graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Darawish Rimah , Braun Oliver , Müllen Klaus , Calame Michel , Ruffieux Pascal , Fasel Roman , Borin Barin Gabriela
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the growth mechanism of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) on vicinal surfaces and the influence of precursor coverage on the quality and alignment of GNRs on the growth substrate and upon substrate transfer.
Prebiotic synthesis of the major classes of iron–sulfur clusters
Authors: Scintilla Simone , Rossetto Daniele , Clémancey Martin , Rendon Julia , Ranieri Antonio , Guella Graziano , Assfalg Michael , Borsari Marco , Gambarelli Serge , Blondin Geneviève , Mansy Sheref S.
Published: February 2025

Greater concentrations of hydrosulfide lead to the prebiotic formation of higher nuclearity Fe–S peptides, culminating in a putative nitrogenase-like [6Fe–9S] cluster. Higher nuclearity clusters are more stable with lower reduction potential.
Low‐frequency noise removal and acoustic spectral distribution assessment method for high‐voltage power transformers with varying service lifetimes
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Chen Guanyu , Xu Fuseng , Zhao Tao , Liu Hongliang
Published: February 2025

The acoustic signals of power transformers serve as key indicators for assessing operational statuses and detecting internal mechanical issues. However, low‐frequency noise, such as fan noise, often obscures critical features. This study introduces an adaptive low‐frequency denoising algorithm based on the filtered‐x least mean square (FxLMS) model. By optimising the step size and convergence factor, the algorithm resolves the peak offset issue in traditional LMS methods, enhances denoising performance and computational efficiency, and demonstrates effectiveness in practical scenarios. Using denoised acoustic data, quantitative analysis based on information entropy (frequency complexity analysis (FCA)) evaluates changes in mechanical properties. The analysis indicates that healthy transformers exhibit lower FCA values, whereas aged transformers show values approximately double those of healthy units, reflecting the mechanical changes associated with normal ageing. Further analysis of transformers commissioned in 2004 reveals that FCA values of abnormally aged transformers exceed three times those of typically aged units, indicating severe mechanical degradation. These findings demonstrate that combining the FxLMS algorithm with FCA analysis effectively extracts denoised acoustic features and distinguishes between healthy states, normal ageing, and abnormal ageing in transformers.
Dust supply to close binary systems
Authors: Marzari Francesco , D'Angelo Gennaro
Published: February 2025

Binary systems can be born surrounded by circumbinary discs. The gaseous disc around either of the two stellar companions can have its life extended by the supply of mass arriving from the circumbinary disc. The objective of this study is to investigate the gravitational interactions exerted by a compact and eccentric binary system on the circumbinary and circumprimary discs, and the resulting transport of gas and solids between the disc components. We assume that the gas in the system behaves as a fluid, and we model its evolution by means of high-resolution hydrodynamical simulations. Dust grains are modelled as Lagrangian particles that interact with the gas and the stars. Our models indicate that significant fluxes of gas and dust proceed from the circumbinary disc towards the circumprimary disc. For the applied system parameters, grains of certain sizes are segregated outside the tidal gap generated by the stars. Consequently, the size distribution of the transported dust is not continuous, but presents a gap in the millimetre size range. In close binaries, the lifetime of an isolated circumprimary disc is found to be short, ∼ 10^ years, because of its low mass. However, because of the influx of gas from beyond the tidal gap, the disc around the primary star can survive much longer, ∼ 10^ years, as long as gas accretion from the circumbinary disc continues. The supply of solids and the extended lifetime of a circumbinary disc also aids in the possible formation of giant planets. Compared to close binary systems without a circumbinary disc, we expect a higher frequency of single-planet or multiple-planet systems. Additionally, a planetesimal or debris belt can form in the proximity of the truncation radius of the circumprimary disc and/or around the location of the exterior edge of the tidal gap.
Stabilization of walls in notched ferromagnetic nanowires
Authors: Carbou Gilles , Sanchez David
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we study a one-dimensional model of ferromagnetic nanowire featuring notches. We prove the existence of stable wall profiles even under a small applied magnetic field, with the walls localized in notches. Moreover, in order to illustrate domain-wall depinning by an applied magnetic field, we prove the non-existence of stationary wall profiles in the presence of a large applied magnetic field.
Computation of excited states for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation: numerical and theoretical analysis
Authors: Besse Christophe , Duboscq Romain , Le Coz Stefan
Published: February 2025

Our goal is to compute excited states for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation in the radial setting. We introduce a new technique based on the Nehari manifold approach and give a comparison with the classical shooting method. We observe that the Nehari method allows to accurately compute excited states on large domains but is relatively slow compared to the shooting method.
Versorgung mit Blut und Blutprodukten in militärischen
Einsatzgebieten
Authors: Sauer Diana , Meyer Jürgen
Published: February 2025

Das Trauma mit hämorrhagischem Schock ist eine der führenden Todesursachen in
militärischen Konflikten. Die möglichst frühzeitige optimale Versorgung
inklusive Transfusion von Blut(-produkten) im Rahmen der sogenannten Damage
Control Resuscitation spielt hierbei eine zentrale Rolle. Eine besondere
Herausforderung im militärischen Einsatz stellt in Bezug auf die Blutversorgung
die Logistik hinsichtlich des Transportes wie auch vor Ort dar. Eingeschränkte
Ressourcen im Hinblick auf Produkte, Material, Laborkapazität und Personal
wirken sich ebenso aus. Eindeutig favorisiert für die Versorgung von akut
blutenden Traumapatienten wird aus medizinischer wie auch logistischer Sicht
Vollblut, hier vor allem Vollblut der Blutgruppe Null mit niedrigem
Isoagglutinintiter (LTOWB). Dieses kommt bis dato in der Bundeswehr aufgrund
fehlender rechtlicher Rahmenbedingungen jedoch nicht zum Einsatz.

Nationale Notfallpläne zur resilienten Versorgung in militärischen und
nicht-militärischen Krisen sind unabdingbar und werden von der EU-Kommission in
der 2024 verabschiedeten SoHO-Verordnung gefordert, auch um internationale
Abstimmungen zur Interoperabilität zu ermöglichen.
Impfschutz bei Patienten mit dialysepflichtiger Niereninsuffizienz
Authors: Girndt Matthias
Published: February 2025

Verschiedene Einflüsse beeinträchtigen die Immunabwehr bei chronischer Niereninsuffizienz. Toxische Einflüsse urämiebedingt retinierter Stoffe 1, Inflammation durch verminderte Elimination von Zytokinen 2, 3 und regelmäßiger Kontakt zwischen Blut und Kunststoffoberflächen der Dialysesysteme 4 sind einige der Belastungen, die zum erhöhten Risiko für Infektionen beitragen. Besonders respiratorischen Infektionen kommt eine besondere Bedeutung zu, die Sterblichkeit hierdurch liegt ca. 15-fach höher als in der Allgemeinbevölkerung 5. Impfmaßnahmen gegen Influenza oder SARS-CoV-2 („severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“) sind bei Gesunden sehr effektiv. Bei chronischer Nierenkrankheit ist ihre Wirksamkeit, die aufgrund der Immunschwäche durchaus nicht selbstverständlich ist, schwer zu bewerten, denn Impfstudien bei dieser Patientengruppe sind meist relativ klein. Daher ist dieser kürzlich erschienene systematische Review zu serologischen Ergebnissen der Impfungen gegen Influenza und SARS-CoV-2 bei Dialysepatienten sehr interessant.
Impfschutz vor Pneumonien bei CKD
Authors: Kunter Uta
Published: February 2025

Infektionen, insbesondere der unteren Atemwege, gehören zu den häufigsten Hospitalisierungsanlässen und sind weltweit die zweithäufigste Todesursache bei Patienten mit fortgeschrittener chronischer Nierenerkrankung (CKD: „chronic kidney disease“). Deren oft höheres Lebensalter und ausgeprägte Komorbidität tragen erheblich dazu bei. Pneumonien führen nicht nur unmittelbar zu Morbidität, Mortalität und Ressourcenverbrauch, sondern erhöhen das Risiko des Patienten für einen vorzeitigen (vor allem kardiovaskulären) Tod noch bis zu 10 Jahre nach einem überstandenen Infekt. Immundefizienz/Immunsuppression ist – nicht unerwartet – als unabhängiger Risikofaktor für ambulant erworbene Pneumonien nachgewiesen worden. Eine konsequente Prävention durch Impfung ist unerlässlich. Mit nachlassender Nierenfunktion nimmt die Impfantwort ab, Grundimmunisierungen sollten daher möglichst frühzeitig durchgeführt beziehungsweise vervollständigt werden. Zu den drei wichtigsten Impfungen bei CKD gehören saisonale Influenza, COVID-19 („coronavirus SARS-CoV-2“) und Pneumokokken, letztere ab sofort mit einem 20-valenten Konjugatimpfstoff (PCV20). Neu zugelassen wurden 2 RSV-Impfstoffe (RSV: „respiratory syncytial virus“). Zu den selteneren Ursachen von Atemwegsinfektionen gehören Masern und Varizellen, entsprechende Lebendimpfungen müssen rechtzeitig vor dem Beginn einer medikamentösen Immunsuppression abgeschlossen werden.
Besonderheiten des Impfens nach Nierentransplantation
Authors: Jansen Sarah , Weber Peter , Rohn Hana , Witzke Oliver
Published: February 2025

Patienten nach einer Nierentransplantation (NTx) sind besonders anfällig für Infektionen, da ihre Immunantwort durch immunsuppressive Therapien stark beeinträchtigt wird. Infektionen erhöhen nicht nur das Risiko für Morbidität und Mortalität, sondern können auch die Funktion des Nierentransplantats beeinträchtigen und Abstoßungsreaktionen auslösen. Daher ist die Infektionsprävention für die wachsende Anzahl an Transplantationsempfängern von höchster Bedeutung. Das Risiko einer Infektion und die Möglichkeit, Infektionen durch Impfungen zu verhindern, hängen direkt vom „net state of immunosuppression“ des einzelnen Patienten ab. Impfantworten und Sicherheitsprofile können bei Transplantationspatienten erheblich von denen der Allgemeinbevölkerung abweichen, was unterschiedliche Impfstrategien und Booster-Impfung in dieser vulnerablen Patientengruppe erforderlich macht. Zum Schutz der immunsupprimierten Patienten können neben Impfstoffen auch passive Immunisierungen, wie intravenöse Immunglobuline und zusätzliche Maßnahmen wie antivirale Prophylaxe nach Influenza-Exposition notwendig sein.
History Page: Milestones in the History of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology
Authors: Vanhoenacker Filip M. , Kainberger Franz
Published: February 2025

This history page is dedicated to the history of the European Society of Musculoskeletal Radiology (ESSR), a relatively young radiologic society dedicated to musculoskeletal radiology. Since its very modest beginnings in 1993, the society has gradually grown to become one of the largest and most respected subspecialty imaging societies in and beyond Europe.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Thumb Carpometacarpal Arthroplasty: Preoperative Evaluation and Postoperative Imaging
Authors: Lemos Diego F. , Kanner Christopher D. , Geeslin Matthew G. , Lack Mark E. , Benoit Michel Y. , Alaia Erin F.
Published: February 2025

In this review we discuss the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearance of thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) arthroplasty, both the preoperative evaluation and particularly the postoperative MRI of different surgical options for patients with advanced degenerative disease of the basal joint of the thumb. The first CMC joint is one of the most frequently involved articulations in the hand and wrist in the setting of degenerative osteoarthrosis and certainly a pain generator and important cause of disability due to its significant impact on hand function. It is the most common joint for which surgery is sought in the wrist. Radiologists interpreting imaging studies of patients with first CMC joint arthroplasty must be familiar with the normal and abnormal preoperative appearance of the thumb basal joint. Moreover, knowledge of the normal postoperative MRI findings, as well as the appearance of patterns of failure and complications, is of paramount importance.
Accelerating plasma and radiation surface science using transient grating spectroscopy
Authors: Wylie A. P. C. , Woller K. B. , Rae M. , Lanzrath A. T. , Dacus B. R. , Ferry S. E. , Short M. P.
Published: February 2025

A facility for the investigation of in situ radiation-materials and plasma-materials interaction is demonstrated with tungsten, using transient grating spectroscopy as a probe of thermal diffusivity and surface acoustic wave speed. Helium plasma exposure at 645 °C to 1.18 × 1018 cm−2 helium, until the growth of tungsten fuzz, showed an increase in surface acoustic wave speed at the near-surface from 2542 ± 1 m s−1 up to 2565 ± 1 m s−1, followed by a greater drop to 2499 ± 7 m s−1. No observable change in thermal diffusivity was present for plasma exposure alone. A separate 10.26 MeV self-ion-irradiation of tungsten to a dose of 7.92 dpa showed a reduction in both thermal diffusivity from 61.4 ± 1.4 mm2 s−1 to 36.0 ± 0.7 mm2 s−1, following trends seen in existing studies, and surface acoustic wave speed from 2647.8 ± 0.6 m s−1 to 2640.0 ± 0.4 m s−1. Facilities like these are poised to rapidly close critical knowledge gaps regarding the coupled effects of plasma and radiation damage for materials in fusion systems.
The scaling limit of boundary spin correlations in non-integrable Ising models
Authors: Cava Giulia , Giuliani Alessandro , Greenblatt Rafael Leon
Published: February 2025

We consider a class of non-integrable 2D Ising models obtained by perturbing the nearest-neighbor model via a weak, finite range potential which preserves translation and spin-flip symmetry, and we study its critical theory in the half-plane. We prove that the leading order long-distance behavior of the correlation functions for spins on the boundary is the same as for the nearest-neighbor model, up to an analytic multiplicative renormalization constant. In particular, the scaling limit is the Pfaffian of an explicit matrix. The proof is based on an exact representation of the generating function of correlations in terms of a Grassmann integral and on a multiscale analysis thereof, generalizing previous results to include observables located on the boundary.
Nonideality-aware training makes memristive networks more robust to adversarial attacks
Authors: Joksas Dovydas , Muñoz-González Luis , Lupu Emil , Mehonic Adnan
Published: February 2025

Neural networks are now deployed in a wide number of areas, from object classification to natural language systems. Implementations using analog devices such as memristors promise better power efficiency, potentially bringing these applications to a greater number of environments. However, such systems suffer from more frequent device faults, and overall, their exposure to adversarial attacks has not been studied extensively. In this work, we investigate how nonideality-aware training—a common technique to deal with physical nonidealities—affects adversarial robustness. We find that adversarial robustness is significantly improved, even with limited knowledge of what nonidealities will be encountered during test time.
Shielding effect of moving SiC ceramic fragments on jets
Authors: Li Y. S. , Zhu L. Y. , Li W. H. , Feng L. X. , Sun J. Q. , Tang X. C. , Yao X. H.
Published: February 2025

Silicon carbide (SiC) is a promising candidate material as a component in lightweight and high-performance protective systems. However, its performance subjected to high-speed ejecta remains unclear. To this end, MD (molecular dynamics) simulations were utilized to investigate the jets induced damage and fragmentation of SiC ceramic. The effect of moving speed of SiC as a target and fragment size on the overall impact resistance were revealed. Then, we developed a damage efficiency criterion for the dispersion effect of the target on the jet and assessed the damage effectiveness at various target moving speeds. It is found that the moving speed of the fractured target significantly affects the effectiveness of resistance to ejecta. An optimized strategy to achieve better resistance to jets was proposed accordingly. Our work provides new insights into the damage and fragmentation of SiC and would benefit for the design of the protection system.
Phase-separated amorphous Si2BN: A computational study
Authors: Durandurdu Murat
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the atomic structure, bonding, and electrical and mechanical properties of amorphous silicon boron nitride (a-Si2BN) using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The simulations reveal a distinct phase-separated structure comprising Si-rich and BN-rich domains. BN layers are embedded within the amorphous Si matrix, with only a few bridging atoms linking these regions. The Si-rich region exhibits topological similarities to amorphous silicon, albeit with notable structural distortions. Electronic structure calculations indicate semiconducting behavior with a small bandgap, while mechanical property analysis shows a moderate bulk modulus and Young's modulus, achieving a balance between rigidity and elasticity. These findings position a-Si2BN as a promising material for advanced applications, including flexible electronics, high-temperature semiconductors, and energy storage devices. While the proposed structure is currently hypothetical, its potential experimental realization could open new avenues in material design for emerging technologies.
Oxygen vacancy distribution and phase composition in scaled, Hf0.5Zr0.5O2-based ferroelectric capacitors
Authors: Iung T. , Pérez Ramírez L. , Gloskovskii A. , Cho C.-Yi , Lao M.-Y. , De S. , Hou T.-H , Lubin C. , Gros-Jean M. , Barrett N.
Published: February 2025

In this paper, we address correlations between film thickness, phase composition, and oxygen vacancy (VO) distribution in scaled, hafnia-based ferroelectric capacitors (FeCAPs), necessary to achieve low operating voltages, higher endurance, and advanced node integration. Using x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, hard x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, grazing incidence x-ray diffraction, and electrical characterization, we investigate the evolution of phase composition and VO profiles in Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO) films of 6 and 10 nm thickness. We demonstrate that thinner films exhibit a greater fraction of the non-polar tetragonal phase (t-phase), with increased VO concentration at the interface, affecting the device performance. Electrical measurements reveal contrasting wake-up and fatigue behavior between the two thicknesses, with thinner films showing decreased remanent polarization (2PR) due to t-phase dominance and VO redistribution during field cycling. These findings highlight the critical interplay of strain, phase stability, and VO dynamics, providing key insights for the optimization of HZO-based FeCAPs for advanced, low-power memory applications.
Topographically selective atomic layer deposition within trenches enabled by an amorphous carbon inhibition layer
Authors: Janssen Thijs , Vossen Lodewijk J. P. , Verheijen Marcel A. , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. , Mackus Adriaan J. M.
Published: February 2025

To meet the demands for more advanced computer chips, creating devices with advanced 3D architectures is becoming commonplace in the semiconductor industry. To ensure alignment between the different layers, the bottom-up technique of area-selective deposition (ASD) is promising. However, ASD may not always be feasible depending on the various surface chemistries present during manufacturing of complex semiconductor devices. Topographically selective deposition (TSD) is emerging as an alternative, focusing on differences in surface orientation rather than chemical properties. This work demonstrates a TSD supercycle approach in which atomic layer deposition (ALD) is directed to proceed exclusively within a 3D trench structure, by covering the top of the trench with an amorphous carbon (aC) inhibition layer. The aC layer is applied selectively on the top surface of the trench by exploiting the ion-radical synergy required for its deposition. Since the aC layer lacks adsorption sites for ALD precursors, growth of the target material is inhibited on the top surface of the trench, whereas it occurs selectively within the trench. After several ALD cycles of selective deposition of the target material, the aC layer is removed and reapplied in a supercycle recipe until sufficient material has been deposited in the trench. The selective deposition of an aC inhibition layer on the top surface of the trench, as well as the selective deposition of 3.0 ± 0.1 nm of TiO2 in a trench is demonstrated on a 3D nanostructure.