bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The value of social media wildlife sightings for elusive species monitoring: a population assessment of servals in a South African urban nature reserve
Authors: Smith Kyle , Somers Michael J.
Published: February 2025

Data sourced from social media platforms is an underutilised resource for wildlife research, especially in studying enigmatic species. This study evaluates the potential of such data to provide population and behavioural insights into an elusive species, the serval (Leptailurus serval), from Rietvlei Nature Reserve, an urban protected area in South Africa. We collected 153 visitor sightings of servals within the reserve from different online platforms spanning from June 2011 to August 2024, from which we identified 30 different individual servals, including three long-term residents. Analysis of these sightings revealed a stable serval population with evidence of reproduction within the reserve and migration through a permeable border fence. Behavioural information from the sightings, such as prey captured and habitat use, align with existing knowledge of serval ecology. Even though data sourced from passive contributions by the public generally falls short in terms of data quality and detail, this study demonstrates that a well-supported social media community can be a valuable source of behavioural and basic population data of elusive species in a specific protected area. This approach allows for cost-effective wildlife research that is beneficial to both wildlife management and the formulation of conservation strategies.
A review of advancements, properties, and challenges of carbon nanotubes in food packaging
Authors: Bangar Sneh Punia , Whiteside William Scott , Kajla Priyanka , Tavassoli Milad
Published: February 2025

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have emerged as promising nano-fillers for enhancing food packaging materials due to their high mechanical strength, excellent thermal conductivity, and superior barrier properties. When incorporated into films and coatings, CNTs can significantly improve the quality, safety, and shelf life of packaged products, making them valuable for advancing food packaging technology. Additionally, CNTs-based films can provide better protection against UV light, which can preserve the nutritional value of food products. Moreover, CNTs could be used as additives in packaging materials to impart antimicrobial properties, prevent the growth of harmful microbes, and extend the shelf life of perishable food products. Despite the promising advancements, challenges related to scale-up production, safety concerns, and regulatory considerations of CNTs food packaging materials must be addressed to facilitate their integration into food packaging industries. Considering all the aspects, this review provides a comprehensive summary of synthesis methods, properties, and recent advancements in the application of CNTs in food packaging.

Graphical abstract
Katastrophen(Risiko)Management und Soziale Arbeit
Authors: Kaschlik Anke , Wagner Leonie
Published: February 2025

In den letzten Jahren haben Krisen und Katastrophen insgesamt zugenommen. Während lange Zeit vor allem die materiellen Schäden im Vordergrund standen, kommen in neuen Definitionen zum einen die sozialen Folgen und zum anderen die Bedeutung von Vulnerabilität und Resilienz in den Blick. Damit ist gleichzeitig die Beteiligung von Sozialer Arbeit an Planungen und Maßnahmen stärker in den Fokus gerückt. In die Prozesse des Katastrophen(Risiko)Managements sind Sozialarbeiter_innen trotz ihrer für die Bewältigung von Krisen und Katastrophen unerlässlichen Kompetenzen oftmals nur punktuell eingebunden. In der Einführung werden zum einen die möglichen Beiträge von Sozialarbeiter_innen und die Verankerung Sozialer Arbeit im Katastrophen(Risiko)management thematisiert und ein Überblick über die weiteren Beiträge in diesem Schwerpunkt gegeben.
Citizen Science in der Zeckenforschung — ein Erfolgsmodell
Authors: Springer Andrea , Strube Christina
Published: February 2025

Ticks are medically relevant as vectors for multiple pathogens. Besides Ixodes ricinus, which occurs ubiquitously throughout Europe, the meadow tick Dermacentor reticulatus is increasingly common. We used a Citizen Science approach to demonstrate the recent Germany-wide range expansion of this tick species, and to investigate its infection rate with Babesia canis, a canine pathogen causing potentially fatal disease. Travelling dogs seem to play a key role in spreading the vector and the pathogen.
Biotechnologische Verfahren für die Tiergift-basierte Wirkstoffforschung
Authors: Dresler Josephine , Lüddecke Tim
Published: February 2025

Venoms are a rich source of drug leads. However, only recent developments enabled the study of venom from small arthropods by modern omics approaches. To evaluate the pharmaceutical potential of compounds identified in the venom, they need to be assessable. To achieve this, our team has pioneered the establishment of biotechnological production tools to open new avenues for medical biodiscovery.
Polyphosphat, ein ubiquitärer und multifunktioneller Metabolit
Authors: Milanov Martin , Vögtle Markus , Koch Hans-Georg
Published: February 2025

The ability to store energy within covalent bonds and to transform this energy into biological reactions is vital for all pro- and eukaryotic cells. Among the wide variety of high-energy compounds, polyphosphate (polyP), a polymer of three to more than a thousand phosphoanhydrid-linked phosphate groups is one of the most ancient energy-rich molecules. Despite its structural simplicity, energy storage is only one of the multiple biological functions of polyP, which we briefly highlight here.
An investigation of the practices of middle leaders in Australian schools
Authors: Attard Catherine , Grootenboer Peter , Edwards-Groves Christine , Tindall-Ford Sharon
Published: February 2025

The role of middle leaders in Australian schools as influencers on classroom practice has been the focus of increased attention in recent years. Although there is recognition of the importance of middle leaders, there are gaps in what we understand about their practices and the nuances of practice that occur due to site-based conditions, or practice architectures, within each individual school context. This paper explores the self-reported practices of 25 middle leaders from a range of primary and secondary schools across Australia to deepen our understanding of how those practices are played out and how best to support the development of middle leaders. Analysis of data from in-depth interviews revealed the need to provide resources, conditions, and arrangements that are focused on what happens in classrooms, along with professional learning that is individualised and contextualised to assist the transition from teacher to leader of teaching and learning. Further, middle leaders require support from senior leaders that recognises the complex and hectic nature of middle leading.
Disparities in COVID-19 Testing and Infection Among Beneficiaries in the Military Health System During the First Year of the Pandemic
Authors: Liang Elta , Chuang Kevin , Chung Kevin K. , Coles Christian L. , Koehlmoos Tracey Pérez
Published: February 2025

Background

Although disparities in access to COVID-19 testing and infection rates were identified in civilian literature, it is unclear whether the universally-insured U.S. Military Health System (MHS) experienced similar inequities. We examined whether there were disparities by race, sex, and rank within the MHS’ direct care sector during the early pandemic period.

Methods

Retrospective study of adult TRICARE beneficiaries from March 1, 2020 to February 28, 2021. Likelihood of COVID-19 testing and infection, among eligible beneficiaries, for each exposure variable was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

697,769 beneficiaries received COVID-19 testing during the study period with 56,037 testing positive. Women were more likely to be tested than men (OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.21–1.24), but less likely to test positive (OR: 0.87, 95% CI: 0.85–0.89). Compared to White beneficiaries, Black and Asian/Pacific Islander beneficiaries were more likely to be tested (OR: 1.07, 95% CI: 1.07–1.08; OR: 1.23, 95% CI: 1.21–1.24). Black beneficiaries were more likely to test positive (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.07–1.13). Junior Enlisted members were less likely, while Junior Officers were more likely to be tested than Senior Enlisted members (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.73–0.74; OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.18–1.21). Junior and Senior officers were less likely to test positive (OR: 0.92, 95% CI: 0.89–0.95; OR: 0.70, 95% CI: 0.67–0.74).

Conclusion

Despite universal healthcare coverage, disparities in COVID-19 testing and infection rates by race, sex, and sponsor rank were identified within the MHS. Further research of underlying factors of observed disparities and targeted outreach are necessary for equitable care.
What’s Surprising About Surprisal
Authors: Slaats Sophie , Martin Andrea E.
Published: February 2025

In the computational and experimental psycholinguistic literature, the mechanisms behind syntactic structure building (e.g., combining words into phrases and sentences) are the subject of considerable debate. Much experimental work has shown that surprisal is a good predictor of human behavioral and neural data. These findings have led some authors to model language comprehension in a purely probabilistic way. In this paper, we use simulation to exemplify why surprisal works so well to model human data and to illustrate why exclusive reliance on it can be problematic for the development of mechanistic theories of language comprehension, particularly those with emphasis on meaning composition. Rather than arguing for the importance of structural or probabilistic information to the exclusion or exhaustion of the other, we argue more emphasis should be placed on understanding how the brain leverages both types of information (viz., statistical and structured). We propose that probabilistic information is an important cue to the structure in the message, but is not a substitute for the structure itself—neither computationally, formally, nor conceptually. Surprisal and other probabilistic metrics must play a key role as theoretical objects in any explanatory mechanistic theory of language processing, but that role remains in the service of the brain’s goal of constructing structured meaning from sensory input.
Cyberbullying Bystanding: A Multi-faceted Sociocognitive Approach
Authors: Barton Elissa , Bussey Kay , Jackson Emma
Published: February 2025

The prevalence of cyberbullying has been rising. To reduce the incidence of cyberbullying, it has been proposed to enlist the assistance of bystanders. However, most bystanders do not intervene in bullying episodes. As a result, anti-bullying programs have begun to encourage witnesses to become defenders (those who help the victim). However, further research is needed to investigate the sociocognitive processes associated with different bystander responses. The present study investigated the role of morality (moral disengagement and prosocial self-efficacy) and three bystander responses: passive bystanding, constructive defending, and aggressive defending. Participants were 257 male and female ethnically diverse 11- to 15-year-old students who completed a questionnaire involving two sociocognitive measures (cyberbullying moral disengagement and prosocial self-efficacy) and their frequency of passive bystanding, constructive defending, and aggressive defending. Results revealed that constructive defending was associated with low levels of moral disengagement and high levels of prosocial self-efficacy. Aggressive defending was only associated with high levels of moral disengagement, and passive bystanding was not associated with either moral disengagement or prosocial self-efficacy. These results suggest that promoting constructive defending will require students to assume moral responsibility for observing cyberbullying and also believe in their ability to intervene prosocially.
A standardized in vitro bioengineered skin for penetrating wound modeling
Authors: Salazar Silva C. Sofia , Petzold Werner , Hirsch Ulrike , Schmelzer Christian E. H. , Friedmann Andrea
Published: February 2025

Over the years, significant progress has been made in developing cost-effective and ethical in vitro bioengineered skin substitutes to study cutaneous wound healing processes. Rodents and small animal models are not optimal due to physiological differences in their skin compared to human skin. The generation of reproducible and precise wounds is key to obtaining comparable results. We created a three-dimensional skin wounding model by growing a fully differentiated, stratified squamous epithelium from human keratinocytes at an air–liquid interface on a type I collagen scaffold concealed with human dermal BJ fibroblasts. To generate the wounds, a stamp with incorporated needles with a length of 250 µm was used to puncture the epidermis to produce standardized wounds. The stamping needle technique is a practical and inexpensive method for creating length-tailored wounds on three-dimensional skin models. The effectiveness of this technique in treating 3D skin models was demonstrated, accompanied by an evaluation of the model’s functionality in terms of cell proliferation, differentiation, and immunological characteristics.
Navigating the (Post-) Pandemic Landscape: An Analysis of COVID-19’s Current Status and Future Implications
Authors: Bistagnino Filippo , Subramanian Arunkumar , Tovani-Palone Marcos Roberto
Published: February 2025

Although it is true that the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) situation has improved significantly around the world, especially after the implementation of mass vaccination campaigns, there is still a lack of consensus both in the literature and among health authorities and other stakeholders about the current epidemiological situation. This, in turn, has been intensified after the World Health Organization declared the end of the public health emergency of international concern related to COVID-19. In this context, worrying questions have arisen, including a rampant dissemination of scientific misinformation coupled with increased resistance to the implementation and/or revocation of appropriate public health measures. In response to these challenges and hoping to contribute to their mitigation, this article addresses current aspects about the epidemiological situation of COVID-19, discusses long COVID and its controversies, the intensification of scientific misinformation as well as considerations on related health surveillance, and recommendations for improving the existing situation.
Fossil abalones of Europe and their relationships with modern Haliotis (Haliotidae, Gastropoda): a multivariate analysis
Authors: Dominici Stefano , Forli Maurizio , Brunetti Mauro M. , Taviani Marco
Published: February 2025

Haliotis Linnaeus, 1758, a commercially important gastropod, is the only known genus in the family Haliotidae (Mollusca, Vetigastropoda, or abalone) worldwide. Its poor Cenozoic record and high intraspecific variability resulted in different interpretations of nomenclature, impeding a robust species-level taxonomy and biogeographic history. Among the best-studied forms, three subspecies of H. tuberculata Linnaeus, 1758 currently inhabit the temperate waters of the Mediterranean and the eastern Atlantic. New findings in the Pliocene of Tuscany (Italy) are presented here, and the taxonomy of the European record is revised. On the basis of a multivariate analysis of shell morphometrics for the first time applied to the study of fossil abalones, and consistent with the chronostratigraphic and geographic framework, H. plioetrusca n. sp. is introduced and H. volhynica Eichwald, 1829 and H. lamellosoides Sacco, 1897 are reinstated as valid species. Some recently described forms from the Pliocene of Spain are placed in synonymy with H. lamellosoides. Haliotis ovata Michelotti, 1847 is proposed as the ancestral taxon of modern H. tuberculata, via H. lamellosoides. This lineage diversified in the subtropical/warm temperate Pliocene Mediterranean, represented by H. lamellosoides, H. bertinii Forli et al., 2003 and H. plioetrusca. The progressive global cooling starting at around 3.0 Ma is associated with the appearance of H. tuberculata at temperate latitudes. H. plioetrusca is not known from younger strata, whereas H. bertinii survived into the Calabrian.

UUID: http://zoobank.org/7c2f2258-2574-4976-a2f5-804c54c86679
Stable Isotope Analysis of Ancient Maya Skeletal Remains from Late Postclassic Iximche’, Guatemala
Authors: Whittington Stephen L. , Reed David M. , Tykot Robert H. , Olsen Karyn C. , Longstaffe Fred J.
Published: February 2025

War, captives, and human sacrifice were parts of Late Postclassic (AD 1250–1524) Maya culture in highland Guatemala. Las Casas (1958:152) wrote that the supreme lord “put the heads of the sacrificed on some poles on a certain altar dedicated only to this, where they had these for some time, after which they buried them.” These cultural aspects show up in human remains excavated at Iximche’, the Kaqchikel Maya capital. Here, we integrate previously published and unpublished results of stable isotope analyses and explore their implications for diets and the geographic origins of individuals who were buried at the site on the eve of the Spanish conquest. Data from Iximche’ are compared with available results from other ancient Maya sites.
Histological description of new specialized reproductive structures in Atlantic Tubastraea corals (Scleractinia, Dendrophylliidae)
Authors: Alves Silva Aurea Helena , Alves Jessika , Santana Dourado Fernanda , Zanetti Luca , Amor Divino Dalton , Amor Divino André , Nepomuceno Thalia , Alcantara Joseane , Carvalho de Oliveira Alisson , Serra Saulo , Farias Amilcar , Silva José Rogerio , Johnsson Rodrigo , Neves Elizabeth Gerardo
Published: February 2025

The family Dendrophylliidae comprises a genus of azooxanthellate corals, Tubastraea (also known as ‘sun corals’ or ‘cup corals’), native from the Indo-Pacific and introduced into the Atlantic Ocean in the early 1940s. In Brazil, Tubastraea colonies were first registered on oil platforms on the northern coast of Rio de Janeiro state (22°S) in the late 1980s. Two decades later, these corals were for the first time identified in the Todos-os-Santos Bay (Bahia state, 13°S), a warmer environment with diverse marine ecosystems including estuaries, mangroves, and coral reefs. Intending to describe the biological cycle of exotic dendrophylliids from the Brazilian northeastern coast, histological analyses revealed three new reproductive structures for Scleractinia: (1) a mucin layer composed of acid glycoproteins surrounding immature sun coral oocytes, (2) trophonema or specialized cells connecting the oocyte to the adjacent gastrodermis, and (3) nucleolini, small condensations in nucleoli.
Bilingual Vocabulary Development in Mexican Indigenous Infants: The Effects of Language Exposure from Home and Mothers’ Language Dominance
Authors: Mulík Stanislav , Arias-Trejo Natalia
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates how language exposure and mothers’ language dominance relate to infants’ early bilingual vocabulary development in a low-socioeconomic status (SES) sample from an understudied population: Mexican Indigenous bilinguals. Thirty-two mother–child dyads participated. All mothers were bilingual speakers of Spanish and one of Mexican Indigenous languages, including Zapotec, Mixtec, and Otomi. Infants’ (between 16 and 37 months) vocabulary size was estimated in both languages using the Mexican Spanish version of the MacArthur-Bates CDI II. Infants’ language exposure, mothers’ bilingual profile, and their SES were estimated on numerical scales. The results of Spearman correlations showed infants’ vocabulary size in Spanish grows with age, while their vocabulary in the Indigenous language depends on relative language exposure. Mothers’ language dominance correlated with Indigenous language exposure and infants’ vocabulary size in the Indigenous language. These findings are discussed in the context of early bilingual vocabulary acquisition in speakers of minority languages.
Quality Assessment of the Academic Freedom Index: Strengths, Weaknesses, and How Best to Use It
Authors: Lott Lars , Spannagel Janika
Published: February 2025

This article reviews the data quality of the first systematic global measurement of academic freedom, the Academic Freedom Index (AFI), by using a data quality assessment approach proposed by McMann et al. (2022). By analyzing three distinct components of data quality (content validity, the data generation process, and convergent validity), we examine the specific strengths and potential shortcomings of the AFI. The findings indicate that the AFI does well in terms of its theoretical embeddedness (within some conceptual limits), of the transparent data generation process, and the handling of expert assessments, as well as of its temporal and spatial coverage. A critical assessment of the level of disagreement between expert coders further shows that there are few systematic predictors, providing no evidence for problematic biases among AFI coders. Overall, we conclude that the data quality of the AFI is comparatively high but that it could be further increased by recruiting even more experts and thereby enhancing the Bayesian IRT model’s performance.
Monsoon‐Frontal Interactions Drive Cyclone Biparjoy's Wake Recovery in the Arabian Sea
Authors: Kerhalkar Siddhant , Kannad Ankitha , Kinsella Alex , Tandon Amit , Sprintall Janet , Lee Craig M.
Published: February 2025

Cyclone‐generated cold wakes enhance productivity and impact local air‐sea interaction, paths and intensities of subsequent storms in the region. However, in‐situ observations of recovery across such wakes are rare. A cold wake in the Arabian Sea was surveyed using multiple shipboard instruments approximately 10 days after the passage of Cyclone Biparjoy in 2023. The wake, nearly 30 km wide, had a stronger (weaker) buoyancy gradient at its eastern (western) edge and assumed a downfront (upfront) orientation relative to the southwesterly monsoon winds. This resulted in notable asymmetry in the vertical structure of temperature, salinity and velocity at the edges of the wake, indicating the importance of Ekman Buoyancy Fluxes and Mixed Layer Eddies. While the wake recovery following a cyclone is often attributed to one‐dimensional diurnal heating and cooling, these observations underscore the role of interactions between monsoon winds and underlying three‐dimensional submesoscale processes for a slow‐moving cyclone wake recovery.
Evaluating personal care product use by Environmental Working Group hazard scores in relation to consumers’ sociodemographic characteristics, purchasing behaviors, and product safety perceptions
Authors: Barrett Emily S. , Wadie Karolin , Getz Kylie , Greenberg Patricia , Moore Taina , Llanos Adana A. M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Personal care products (PCPs) are a source of environmental chemical exposures. Little research has examined the specific PCPs people use, the environmental hazards posed by those PCPs, and factors informing PCP selection.

Objective

To examine chemical hazards of the specific products used in relation to sociodemographic factors, purchasing behaviors, and perceptions about PCP safety.

Methods

In a cross-sectional, university-based sample (NJ, USA, N = 593), participants reported on sociodemographics, PCP purchasing behaviors and perceptions, and PCP use in the last 24–48 h (including brand and product name). Those PCPs were linked to product hazard scores (1=least hazardous, 10=most hazardous) in the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep® database. For each participant, we calculated average hazard scores across all PCPs used and by category (e.g., haircare, skincare) and evaluated use of PCPs with high hazard scores (7–10). We fitted adjusted regression models examining associations of sociodemographic factors and participants’ perceptions and purchasing behaviors with product hazard scores.

Results

Of 9349 unique PCPs used by participants, 68% matched to Skin Deep®. Average hazard scores varied by participant characteristics (e.g., age) for perfumes/colognes, beauty, and skin care products. The relative risk (RR) of recent use of a hair product with a high hazard score was twice as high in non-Hispanic Black women compared to non-Hispanic White women (RR:1.99; 95%CI:1.37, 2.89). Frequent use of healthy product apps (β = −0.49, 95%CI:−0.77, −0.21), reading product ingredient labels (β = −0.26; 95%CI:−0.82, −0.30), and seeking eco-friendly products (β = −0.17; 95%CI:−0.36, −0.01) were associated with use of skin care products with lower hazard scores. Results for hair and beauty products were similar. Concerns about PCP health impacts and regulation were associated with using products with lower hazard scores.

Impact Statement

Personal care products (PCPs) can contain numerous endocrine disrupting and carcinogenic chemicals. In a U.S. university-based sample, we linked the PCPs used by participants in the last 24–48 h to hazard scores in the Skin Deep® database. Average hazard scores of the PCPs used by participants varied by sociodemographic factors. Participant behaviors (e.g., use of healthy product apps) and perceptions of PCP safety and regulation were associated with the average hazard scores of the PCPs they used. Our findings suggest that education and tools to inform PCP choice may help consumers choose safer products and potentially, reduce chemical exposures.
Golden hour management of infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: 15 year experience at a high-volume center
Authors: Taylor Wild K. , Hedrick Holly L. , Rintoul Natalie E. , Ades Anne M. , Gebb Juliana S. , Mathew Leny , Reynolds Tom , Bostwick Anna , Eppley Elizabeth , Flohr Sabrina , Scott Adzick N. , Foglia Elizabeth E.
Published: February 2025

Objective

To review the evolution of golden hour management and outcomes for infants with congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH).

Study design

Retrospective single center cohort study of infants with CDH born 2008–2023 at a quaternary children’s hospital. Infants were grouped into 3 epochs: 2008–2013, 2014–2018, and 2019–2023. Outcome measures included extracorporeal membrane oxygenation therapy and survival.

Result

There were 454 infants, including 106 (2008–2013), 156 (2014–2018), and 192 (2019–2023). Despite increased disease severity, survival improved over time, from 71% (2008–2013) to 82% (2014–2018) and 83% (2019–2023), p = 0.02 for trend, with no difference in ECMO utilization.

Conclusion

Management of infants with CDH continues to evolve with ongoing experience at our high-volume center. Despite increasing severity of illness, survival outcomes have improved over time. In the absence of clinical trial data, observational data should be evaluated rigorously to inform care in a data-driven manner.
Extended phenotypic spectrum of benign yellow dot maculopathy
Authors: Kiraly Peter , Birtel Johannes , Ong Ariel Y. , Ruan Claire , Fischer M. Dominik , Charbel Issa Peter
Published: February 2025

Background

To present the morphological and functional characteristics of individuals with benign yellow dot maculopathy (BYDM).

Methods

Assessments included ocular examinations, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) testing, optical coherence tomography (OCT), blue-light fundus autofluorescence (BAF), and near-infrared autofluorescence (NIR-AF). First degree family members were also examined whenever available.

Results

25 individuals with BYDM (15 females, 10 males) from 19 unrelated families with a median age at first presentation of 37 years (range, 4–54 years) were included in the study. The 19 index patients were referred for assessment of early-onset drusen (n = 10), macular dystrophy (n = 6), or an unrelated ocular condition (n = 3). Clinical examination of 15 first-degree family members of 8 probands revealed vertical transmission in 6 relatives. After excluding 6 patients with other ocular pathologies, BCVA was 20/25 or better in all patients. Fundoscopically, all patients had yellow dots in the macular area, extending to the vascular arcades in 19 and beyond in 11 individuals. Hyper-autofluorescent dots on BAF topographical matched the dots seen on fundoscopy, while hypo-autofluorescent dots were noted on NIR-AF. OCT revealed no abnormalities in 14 cases, but mild ellipsoid zone irregularities were observed in 11. No morphological or functional progression was noted in 15 individuals over an average follow-up period of 3.6 years.

Conclusion

BYDM may present with a mild phenotype with yellow dots extending to the vascular arcades and beyond, suggesting it could be more common than previously reported. Recognizing this phenotype may reduce unnecessary investigations and follow-ups. Yellow dots show hypo-autofluorescence on NIR-AF and there is no morphological or functional progression.
Striatal dopamine D2/D3 receptor regulation of human reward processing and behaviour
Authors: Osugo Martin , Wall Matthew B. , Selvaggi Pierluigi , Zahid Uzma , Finelli Valeria , Chapman George E. , Whitehurst Thomas , Onwordi Ellis Chika , Statton Ben , McCutcheon Robert A. , Murray Robin M. , Marques Tiago Reis , Mehta Mitul A. , Howes Oliver D.
Published: February 2025

Signalling at dopamine D2/D3 receptors is thought to underlie motivated behaviour, pleasure experiences and emotional expression based on animal studies, but it is unclear if this is the case in humans or how this relates to neural processing of reward stimuli. Using a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover neuroimaging study, we show in healthy humans that sustained dopamine D2/D3 receptor antagonism for 7 days results in negative symptoms (impairments in motivated behaviour, hedonic experience, verbal and emotional expression) and that this is related to blunted striatal response to reward stimuli. In contrast, 7 days of partial D2/D3 agonism does not disrupt reward signalling, motivated behaviour or hedonic experience. Both D2/D3 antagonism and partial agonism induce motor impairments, which are not related to striatal reward response. These findings identify a central role for D2/D3 signalling and reward processing in the mechanism underlying motivated behaviour and emotional responses in humans, with implications for understanding neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and Parkinson’s disease.
Bio-inspired electronics: Soft, biohybrid, and “living” neural interfaces
Authors: Boufidis Dimitris , Garg Raghav , Angelopoulos Eugenia , Cullen D. Kacy , Vitale Flavia
Published: February 2025

Neural interface technologies are increasingly evolving towards bio-inspired approaches to enhance integration and long-term functionality. Recent strategies merge soft materials with tissue engineering to realize biologically-active and/or cell-containing living layers at the tissue-device interface that enable seamless biointegration and novel cell-mediated therapeutic opportunities. This review maps the field of bio-inspired electronics and discusses key recent developments in tissue-like and regenerative bioelectronics, from soft biomaterials and surface-functionalized bioactive coatings to cell-containing ‘biohybrid’ and ‘all-living’ interfaces. We define and contextualize key terminology in this emerging field and highlight how biological and living components can bridge the gap to clinical translation.
The synergistic impact of Spirulina and Sulfate reducing bacteria on lettuce growth in Cadmium contaminated soil
Authors: Seifikalhor Maryam , Latifi Mojgan , Nasiri Almanghadim Neda , Akbar-Tajari Zahra , Ahangir Anahita , Hassani Seyedeh Batool , Soltani Neda , Sadeghi Hossein , Eghbal Elyas , Fallahi Zahra , Gruda Nazim S.
Published: February 2025

Cadmium (Cd) contamination is a critical environmental issue, adversely affecting plant growth and agricultural productivity. While numerous studies have explored the role of various bacteria in mitigating heavy metal toxicity, the specific impacts of sulfate-reducing bacteria (
Desulfovibrio desulfuricans
, SRB) and the cyanobacterium Spirulina (
Arthrospira platensis
, SP), both individually and in combination, on Cd-contaminated plants remain underexplored. This study investigates the effects of SRB and SP on lettuce plants exposed to Cd contamination, aiming to enhance our understanding of their potential in alleviating Cd toxicity and promoting plant health. Results revealed that Cd contamination significantly reduced root growth in all treatments except for the combined application of SRB and SP. This combination also led to a marked decrease in leaf Cd content and improved leaf area, particularly under Cd stress. Furthermore, SP and SRB together increased the relative water content in contaminated soils, and SRB alone induced hydrogen peroxide production in non-contaminated soils. The co-application of SRB and SP significantly boosted catalase and superoxide dismutase activities, enhancing photosynthetic capacity and overall plant growth under Cd stress. These findings underscore the promising potential of using SRB and SP synergistically to mitigate Cd-induced challenges in lettuce cultivation, offering a viable strategy to improve crop productivity in contaminated environments.
Affinity-based DEL Selections with Different Target Types: Overview and Achievements
Authors: Chen Qiuxia , Israel David I.
Published: February 2025

DNA-encoded library (DEL) selection is typically an affinity-based process that encompasses the incubation of DELs with a target, separation of compounds that bind the target from those that do not bind, amplification and sequencing of the DNA barcodes, and decoding to reveal the chemical structures of binders. DEL technology has had a notable impact in drug discovery with various projects progressing into different stages of development and clinical trials. DEL methodology allows for ultra-high throughput screening, permitting exploration of broad chemical diversity and rapid identification of hits that exhibit desired effects with specific targets. DELs have been successfully employed in the discovery of small molecules targeting a variety of pharmaceutical targets, including proteins and nucleic acids. This approach has expedited the identification of tool compounds to probe biological processes and the discovery of hit compounds that have progressed to clinical candidates, thereby facilitating the drug discovery process. In this chapter, we provide an overview of different DEL affinity selection strategies and the achievements of DEL selections on different target types.
DNA-encoded Libraries with Covalent Warheads
Authors: Liu Sixiu , Jin Rui , Duan Zhiqiang , Lu Xiaojie
Published: February 2025

Currently, research on the application of covalent DNA-encoded compound libraries (covalent DELs, or CoDELs) is experiencing rapid growth, with numerous advancements and diverse applications. CoDELs provide several advantages over traditional discovery methods for discovering covalent inhibitors and have successfully overcome some of their limitations. This section provides an overview of the current state and major applications in CoDELs. It will briefly introduce the design principles and selection methods, and provide a detailed analysis of the compound properties exhibited by these libraries.
Decomposition pathways of isoprene-derived hydrotrioxides and their clustering abilities in the atmosphere
Authors: Ahongshangbam Emelda , Franzon Lauri , Golin Almeida Thomas , Hasan Galib , Frandsen Benjamin , Myllys Nanna
Published: February 2025

In atmospheric gas-phase chemistry, hydrotrioxides (ROOOH) are formed as intermediates in the reactions of peroxyl radicals (RO2) with OH radicals, and their stabilization has been confirmed experimentally by direct observation....
Control of circular dichroism in ion yield of 3-methyl cyclopentanone with femtosecond laser pulses
Authors: Das Sagnik , Ghosh Jayanta , Sudheendran Vaseudevan , Ranecky Simon , Rosen Tonio , Ladda Nicolas , Lee Han-gyeol , Stehling Till-Jakob , Westmeier Fabian , Mikosch Jochen , Senftleben Arne , Baumert Thomas , Braun Hendrike
Published: February 2025

Circular dichroism (CD) in ion yield in the gas phase is a promising chiral recognition technique. Combining it with broadband ultrafast laser pulses allows us to examine the possibility of...
Effects of fermented wheat germ on the placenta of high-fat diet-induced obese maternal rats: morphology, metabolism, and nutrient transport
Authors: Li Xiaolin , Zhao Yingyu , Huang Jihong
Published: February 2025

Fermented wheat germ improved morphology, alleviated metabolic disorders, and regulated nutrient transport of placenta in maternal rats with obesity induced by a high-fat diet.
In vitro and in vivo ADME of heterobifunctional degraders: a tailored approach to optimize DMPK properties of PROTACs©
Authors: Maurer Christine Katharina , Fang Zhizhou , Schindler Christina , Pohl Gianna , Machrouhi-Porcher Fouzia , Lecomte Marc , Petersson Carl , Duevel Heide Marika
Published: February 2025

This study suggests a tailored in vitro DMPK discovery assay cascade and frontloading in vivo studies. It also underlines the need for inclusion of surrogate permeability descriptors and experimentally determined values for IVIVE of CLint.
Selective sensing of heavy metal ions using carbon dots synthesized from Azadirachta indica seeds
Authors: Maity Somedutta , Kumar Santhosh , Singh Gurmeet , Patra Sukanya , Pareek Divya , Paik Pradip
Published: February 2025

There are a notable advancement in the technology associated with using waste resources to create novel and beneficial products. It was demonstrated that the Azadirachta indica kernel component, also known...
High-throughput and Data-Driven Search for Stable Optoelectronic AMSe3 Materials
Authors: Singh Nikhil , Samanta Kushal , Maharana Suneet K. , Pal Koushik , Tretiak Sergei , Talapatra Anjana , Ghosh Dibyajyoti
Published: February 2025

The rapid advancement in optoelectronic technologies demands highly efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly materials. In this context, ternary chalcogenides show early promise as a material class due to their stability and...
Electrophotochemical ligand-to-metal charge transfer catalysis: an emerging platform for sustainable synthesis
Authors: Zhang Haonan , Wei Dengchao , Xu Kun , Zeng Cheng-Chu
Published: February 2025

Electrophotochemical ligand-to-metal charge transfer (LMCT) catalysis has contributed to advancing sustainable radical chemistry by exploiting both visible light and electricity as the clean energy inputs. Moreover, electrophotochemical LMCT catalysis not...
Hybridization Chain Reaction-DNAzyme Amplified Switch Micro-plate Assay for Magnesium Ions
Authors: Shen Jianjing , Zhang Chengzhou , Cheng Donghao , Huang Shan , Chen Xiaojun
Published: February 2025

It is recognized that metal ion contaminants present in food and the environment posed a serious threat to human health and contributed to huge economic losses. Therefore, the development of...
Formation of filaments and feathers in disc galaxies: Is self-gravity enough?
Authors: Arora Raghav , Federrath Christoph , Krumholz Mark , Banerjee Robi
Published: February 2025

Dense filaments, also known as feathers, are kiloparsec-scale dusty features present in nearby main sequence galaxies. Distinct from the spiral arms, filaments constitute a major portion of dense gas concentration. They are expected to play an important role in star formation and are known to harbour embedded star-forming regions and H$,$ II regions. We explore the origin of filaments and feathers in disc galaxies via global gravitational instability. We conduct a parameter study using three-dimensional hydrodynamical simulations of isolated disc galaxies that are isothermal, self-gravitating and are initialised in equilibrium. Our galaxies are uniquely characterised by two dimensionless parameters, the Toomre Q and the rotational Mach number, machc= (ratio of circular velocity to sound speed). We carry out simulations covering a wide range in both parameters. We find that galaxies with Q=1 form filaments within a single rotation, while galaxies with Q ≥ 2 do not, even within a couple of rotations. These filaments are kiloparsec long and are semi-regularly spaced along the azimuth of the galaxy. Their morphology, density contrast and formation timescale vary with machc, with filament spacing and instability onset time both inversely proportional to machc and the density contrast increasing with machc. However, filament growth rates in all Q=1 galaxies are ∼ 0.5 , Ω, where Ω is the angular frequency. We compare the filament spacing in our simulations with the ones in JWST/Mid-Infrared Instrument and HST observations of nearby galaxies and find them to be in agreement. Our study suggests that self-gravity and rotation alone are sufficient to form filaments and feathers, even in the absence of spiral arms or magnetic fields. The morphologies of the resulting filaments are determined primarily by machc, which parametrises the importance of thermal versus rotational support.
The Relationship Between Engagement with Natural Beauty and Pro-environmental Behaviors Using Structural Model Analysis
Authors: Wang Hongqijie , Liu Pingping
Published: February 2025

Addressing environmental issues requires enhancing pro-environmental behaviors (PEBs). This study examines the relationship between engagement with natural beauty (ENB) and PEBs, focusing on the mediating roles of awe and connectedness to nature (CN). A total of 387 participants from 17 provinces in China completed self-report measures via an online survey platform, assessing ENB, awe, CN, and PEBs. All scales used were well-established, with internal consistencies ranging from 0.79 to 0.89. Structural equation modeling showed that ENB significantly predicts PEBs, with awe and CN as parallel mediators. Additionally, ENB predicts PEBs through a serial mediation pathway involving both awe and CN. These findings enhance the understanding of the ENB-PEB relationship, offering new theoretical perspectives and practical implications. Specifically, promoting exposure to and appreciation of natural beauty can increase ENB, encouraging more pro-environmental behaviors.
Emergy Analysis of Ecosystem in Qiandao Lake Asian Games Zone
Authors: Wang Chao , Sun Yinrui , Zheng Yuchen
Published: February 2025

Under the background of double carbon targets, the sustainable development of city of major sports events become the focus of global attention. This study focuses on assessing the sustainability of the overall operations within the Qiandao Lake Asian Games Zone. The evaluation utilized an emergy analysis method, resulting in the creation of an emergy chart for the system, and the development of an evaluation index system. The findings indicate that: The environmental load rate of the Qiandao Lake competition area is 50.3, the sustainability index ESI is 0.02, and the system sustainable development emergy index EISD is 0.038. This shows that the environmental pressure in the system is high, the environmental load rate is high, and the environment is in a relatively unsustainable state of development. This is mainly due to the fact that the Qiandao Lake competition area, on the basis of tourism and sightseeing, also has the functions of hosting events and recuperating and vacationing. The operation and maintenance process of sports venues will bring a lot of energy and economic consumption. In the subsequent development, the system can increase the investment of internal renewable resources by expanding the area, reduce the investment of non-renewable resources through green lighting transformation, green transportation planning, photovoltaic system construction, etc. in the competition area, and improve the energy value use efficiency. Strengthen the system's sustainable development capabilities.
Solidification of Water Plant Sludge and Domestic Waste Incineration Bottom Ash
Authors: Cao Qi-Guang , Lu Peng , Yang Dong-Qing , Xie Guo-Li , Li Jun , Zheng Ming-Yue , Li-Xing Nan , Xiao-Zhang Hui , Chen Liang , Li Song , Ya-Song Peng , Hong-Yue Yu , Yuan Yuan , Hong-Chen Mei , Ming Lang , Jia-Li Le , Zhang Yu-Xin
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the solidification of water plant sludge mixed with domestic waste incineration bottom ash through cement addition, The solidification experiment was carried out by adding the same amount of cement in different dry ratio of sludge and incineration bottom ash. The density of solidified body, unconfined compressive strength of solidified body were tested. pH value, total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the extract of original material and solidified body were also tested. It is found that with the increase of the amount of incineration bottom ash, the density and the unconfined compressive strength of the solidified body increased, the coefficient of variation gradually decreased, and the stability of the solidified body is improved. At the same time, the variation coefficients of the solidified bodies were high and the consistency between repeats is low with six different ratios of incineration bottom ash and sludge. With the amount of sludge added increases, the solidification cannot effectively inhibit the microbial activities in the sludge, which may have a harmful impact on the strength of the solidified body.
Study on the Uneven Settlement Patterns at the Bottom of Seepage Control Structures in Deep Backfilled Reservoir Basins
Authors: Meng Yayun , Wang Xianfei , Ye Xiangfei , Liu Yaolai , Yuan Li , Peng Shuairan
Published: February 2025

When a pumped storage power station adopts a full reservoir basin seepage control scheme, significant uneven settlement may occur at the bottom if there is a deep backfilled area, which could lead to cracks in the seepage control structure and threaten the system's safety. This study analyzes the basic patterns of uneven settlement in the bottom of the seepage control structure in deep backfilled basins. Using a finite element deformation gradient method, risk areas were identified, and the influence of material parameters in the backfilled area on uneven settlement was considered. The results showed that uneven settlement is particularly evident near the boundary of the excavation-backfill line and dam body boundary, with deformation gradient values exceeding the critical 1.0% mainly in corner areas of the excavation-backfill boundary, although the overall affected area is relatively small. From the perspective of material parameters, proper compaction in the backfilled areas, especially near the excavation-backfill boundary and dam body boundary, can effectively reduce uneven settlement at the reservoir bott.
Transboundary Marine Spatial Planning: Theoretical Implications, Practical Analysis, and Future Prospects
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Teng Xin , Zhang Xiangguo , Sang Xinchun
Published: February 2025

Marine spatial planning, as a highly effective policy tool for mitigating conflicts and fostering collaboration, has garnered significant attention in coastal countries and regions worldwide in recent years. With the global rise and advancement of marine spatial planning, transboundary marine spatial planning has emerged as a novel concern for nations aiming to safeguard the marine environment, foster ocean sustainable development, and foster maritime collaboration. Nevertheless, significant challenges persist in the implementation of transboundary MSP due to legislative gaps, difficulties in acquiring and effectively managing cross-border data, variations in governance systems, and other related issues. Therefore, the objective of this article is to enhance comprehension and awareness regarding transboundary marine spatial planning through a systematic review of its developmental process and an extensive elucidation of its implications in transboundary contexts. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis of MSP in the Baltic Sea region is conducted as a case study. Finally, drawing on both theoretical and empirical research, this study presents future prospects for the advancement of transboundary MSP in terms of enhancing legal frameworks and regulations, facilitating scientific data sharing, and establishing robust governance systems.