bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pan-Canadian Predictive Modeling of Lithium–Cesium–Tantalum Pegmatites with Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing
Authors: Parsa Mohammad , Lawley Christopher J. M. , Cawood Tarryn , Martins Tania , Cumani Renato , Zhang Steven E. , Thompson Aaron , Schetselaar Ernst , Beyer Steve , Lentz David R. , Harris Jeff , Fam Hossein Jodeiri Akbari , Voinot Alexandre
Published: February 2025

The discovery of new lithium resources is essential because lithium plays a vital role in the manufacturing of green technology. Along with brines and volcano–sedimentary deposits, approximately a one-third share of global lithium resources is associated with lithium-cesium-tantalum (LCT) pegmatites, with Canada hosting numerous examples. This research applied generative adversarial networks, natural language processing, and convolutional neural networks to generate mineral prospectivity models and support exploration targeting for Canadian LCT pegmatites. Geoscientific text data included within public bedrock geology maps and natural language processing were used to convert conceptual targeting criteria into evidence layers that complement more traditional, geophysical and geochronological data used for mineral prospectivity modeling (MPM). A multilayer architecture of convolutional neural networks, including an attention mechanism, was designed for data modeling. This architecture was trained and validated using variable synthetically generated class labels, input image sizes, and hyperparameters, resulting in an ensemble of 1000 models. The uncertainty of the ensemble was analyzed using a risk–return analysis, yielding a bivariate choropleth risk–return plot that facilitates the interpretation of prospectivity models for downstream applications. This was further complemented by employing post hoc interpretability algorithms to translate the black-box nature of neural networks into comprehensible content. The low-risk and high return class of our prospectivity models reduces the search space for discovering LCT pegmatites by 88%, delineating 99% of known LCT pegmatites in Canada. The results of this study suggest that our workflow (i.e., combining synthetic data generation, natural language processing, convolutional neural networks, and uncertainty propagation for MPM) facilitates decision-making for regional-scale lithium exploration and could also be applied to other mineral systems.
Media coverage of corporate social irresponsibility and firm equity risk
Authors: Gutknecht Dominic
Published: February 2025

This study aims to empirically investigate the impact of media coverage of corporate social irresponsibility (CSI) on firm equity risk. I apply two-way fixed effects regression models using a panel dataset covering 6928 listed firms from 20 countries between 2007 and 2021 to empirically assess the impact of CSI media coverage on different types of firm equity risk. Based on daily return data, I calculate firms’ quarterly total (volatility), systematic (beta), unsystematic (idiosyncratic volatility), and crash (down-to-up volatility and negative coefficient of skewness) risk. I find that news articles criticising firms for social, environmental, and governance issues increase total, unsystematic, and crash risk. While the risk-generation effect is largest for CSI coverage in high-reach media, criticism expressed in limited-reach sources, including local media, smaller NGOs, local governmental bodies, and social media, is also statistically significant and economically meaningful. Furthermore, I demonstrate that the risk-generation effect is larger for small firms and for media coverage that includes criticism of governance issues. This is the first study that explicitly explores the impact of CSI media coverage on different types of firm equity risk and hence extends previous research on the risk-generating effect of CSI, which is complementary to the stream of literature about the risk-mitigating effect of corporate social performance.
Reflections of Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Understanding of the Nature of Science on a Socioscientific Issue
Authors: Şen Ayşenur , Öztuna Kaplan Aysun
Published: February 2025

This study aims to determine third-year pre-service science teachers’ conceptions of the nature of science (NOS) to examine the reflections of their NOS conceptions in the process of socioscientific reasoning and to address the status of their NOS conceptualizations in scientific and socioscientific contexts. The research used a qualitative design. Views about the Nature of Science Questionnaire-C (VNOS-C) and Decision-Making Survey on Socioscientific Issues: COVID-19 (SBKKA-COVID-19) were used as data collection tools. Descriptive analysis and content analysis were used together to analyze the data. The study’s findings show that pre-service teachers generally have a naive understanding of NOS and that the reflection of their understanding of the nature of science on the socioscientific reasoning process is limited. It is seen that there are differences in their understanding of scientific and socioscientific contexts in the sub-dimensions of the changeability of scientific knowledge and understanding of the role of sociocultural factors in science. The findings obtained from the study were discussed using the related literature, and some inferences were made regarding science education.
Order, Language, and Property: Textual Formulae and Legal Relations in the Mycenaean Greek Land Records
Authors: Nikias K.
Published: February 2025

Since the earliest Ancient Greek written records from the Mycenaean palaces (ca. 1450–1200 BC) contain no laws, contracts, or judicial decisions, some scholars have considered them unsuitable evidence for legal historical study. Yet this large body of administrative documents reveals much about the operation of the land regime and the interaction of property relations with the central power of the palaces. This article offers a treatment of the relationship between structures in language and normativity in the administrative records relating to land from Late-Bronze-Age Pylos, in particular focussing on a family of textual formulae constructed with the preposition pa-ro, which represents a derivative proprietary relation. By focussing on how the records represent the land regime through the use of this formula, and what inconsistencies in its use may tell us, this article explores how we can analyse textual strategies towards an understanding of the system of order in documentary sources. While the tablets are not formally ‘legal’ or normative sources, a study of strategic patterns in the structure of the texts, as well as their inconsistencies and limitations, together shows that normative and legal relations are indeed represented in the records, but appear to be more complex than what is written down. The technical language used by the Mycenaean administrators does not construct a perfectly applied system of abstractions, which has consequences for our understanding of power in the period, perhaps indicating that the complicated sphere of land relations operated partly beyond the palatial system of order. Through this case study this article proposes a method for a more critical approach to normativity in documentary records more generally. The approach outlined here for critically analysing formulae which carry legal meanings may be applied in other contexts using the evidence of ‘practice’, which has often been sidelined by legal historians in favour of normative or formal legal texts.
Public endorsement of social explanations for mental illness: an investigation of demographic predictors and links to stigma
Authors: Huggard Leigh , O’Connor Cliódhna
Published: February 2025

Previous research has indicated that biological attributions for mental illness are linked to stigma attitudes, but the implications of social attributions have received less empirical attention. This study aimed to explore the extent to which four distinct types of social attributions, along with biological attributions, relate to stigma, and how attribution tendencies vary by sociodemographic characteristics. Participants (N = 500) over the age of 18 from the UK and Ireland were recruited to an online repeated-measures survey, where they rated how important they believed different causal factors were in the aetiology of depression, schizophrenia, PTSD, and anorexia nervosa. Participants also completed demographic and attitudinal measures, including their desire for social distance from people with each mental illness. The importance people placed on the attributions varied by gender, prior knowledge of mental illness, and the type of mental illness. Violence/abuse was rated as the most important cause for depression, PTSD, and anorexia nervosa, while heredity/biological factors were rated as most important for schizophrenia. Overall, higher attributions to sociopolitical turmoil were associated with lower stigma. Attributions to heredity/biological factors were associated with greater stigma. There was no association between stigma and attributions to life circumstances, violence/abuse or relational challenges. Results indicate that explanations that emphasise experiences of sociopolitical turmoil as determinants may promote more tolerant attitudes towards people with mental illness. The findings hold implications for clinical practice and could aid in predicting the degree of stigma people with mental health conditions may face. Mental health practitioners, commentators, and policy-makers should be mindful of the potential negative implications of certain aetiological explanations.
Mindfulness in Preadolescents—A Feasibility Study on the Efficacy and Acceptance of a School-Based Training (“8SAM”)
Authors: Zeislmeier Anna L. , Wolter Vanessa B. , Eskic Jasmina , Hammerle Florian
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Interest in mindfulness-based programs for students in school settings is growing. Few such programs exist for secondary schools in Germany and none is specifically tailored for integration into the full-year 5th grade school curriculum. Moreover, qualitative surveys of student acceptance are lacking. Therefore, this study assessed the efficacy and acceptance of a school-based mindfulness training (“8SAM”) tailored for preadolescents in the 5th grade.

Methods

In this feasibility study, the mindfulness training was implemented by trained classroom teachers in a German gymnasium (a type of secondary school) as part of the regular school curriculum for an entire school year. In total, 95 preadolescents aged 10–12 years participated. Following a mixed-methods approach, both quantitative and qualitative instruments were employed. Self-report measures based on the German version of the Child and Adolescent Mindfulness Measure (CAMM) were longitudinally assessed at baseline (t
0), mid-intervention (t
1), and post-intervention (t
2). Acceptance of the training was surveyed using quantitative and qualitative self-reports.

Results

A one-way repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant main effect of time (F(1.66, 151.41) = 14.23, p < 0.001,

$${\eta }_{p}^{2}$$

η

p

2

= 0.14), with mindfulness increasing at t
1 and t
2. Acceptance was more ambiguous: 52.43% of preadolescents liked the “quiet” and “calm” atmosphere or interactive exercises whereas 17% rated the training as “boring.”

Conclusions

The findings suggest that 8SAM (a) can be implemented by classroom teachers as part of the regular full-year 5th grade curriculum and (b) may increase mindfulness in preadolescents. Furthermore, (c) to increase preadolescents’ subjective benefits and acceptance, more age-appropriate didactic approaches need to be identified and implemented.

Preregistration

This study is registered at the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00015044).
Time-Dependent Strategies in Repeated Asymmetric Public Goods Games
Authors: Hübner Valentin , Hilbe Christian , Staab Manuel , Kleshnina Maria , Chatterjee Krishnendu
Published: February 2025

The public goods game is among the most studied metaphors of cooperation in groups. In this game, individuals can use their endowments to make contributions towards a good that benefits everyone. Each individual, however, is tempted to free-ride on the contributions of others. Herein, we study repeated public goods games among asymmetric players. Previous work has explored to which extent asymmetry allows for full cooperation, such that players contribute their full endowment each round. However, by design that work focusses on equilibria where individuals make the same contribution each round. Instead, here we consider players whose contributions along the equilibrium path can change from one round to the next. We do so for three different models – one without any budget constraints, one with endowment constraints, and one in which individuals can save their current endowment to be used in subsequent rounds. In each case, we explore two key quantities: the welfare and the resource efficiency that can be achieved in equilibrium. Welfare corresponds to the sum of all players’ payoffs. Resource efficiency relates this welfare to the total contributions made by the players. Compared to constant contribution sequences, we find that time-dependent contributions can improve resource efficiency across all three models. Moreover, they can improve the players’ welfare in the model with savings.
Kinetic modelling of the biomethane production potential of acidic pretreated groundnut shells
Authors: Olatunji K. O. , Olugbemide A. D. , Akerejola R. F. , Madyira D. M.
Published: February 2025

Process parameter optimization is of significant interest in the search for renewable energy from biomass. This study investigates the potential of three kinetic models to analyze and optimize biomethane production from acidic pretreated groundnut shells. First-order, logistic, and Gompertz models were investigated. Groundnut shells were pretreated with H2SO4 at different concentrations, temperatures, and exposure times before anaerobic digestion. The cumulative biomethane yield was used to validate the kinetic models developed. The model accuracy was determined using performance metrics of root mean square error (RMSE), Akaike’s information criterion (AIC), correlation coefficient (R
2), and percentage difference (%diff). A comparative analysis was carried out to ascertain the best-fit model. The results show that H2SO4 pretreatment improves the biomethane yield by 62–178%. The value of the pretreated feedstock’s lag phase (λ) is lower (0.4) than that of the untreated feedstock (2.74), indicating pretreatment’s efficiency in reducing the retention time. The models’ performance shows an RMSE of 10.57–77.42, AIC of 253.94–281.74, R
2 of 0.9708–0.9967, and %diff of 0.18–1.55%. It was noticed from the model that pretreatment conditions are significant to the performance of the models. The performance metrics show that all the models can analyze and optimize the biomethane yield of pretreated lignocellulose feedstock, and the Gompertz model produces the highest accuracy. Findings from this study can be applied to optimize and predict biomethane production from acidic pretreated lignocellulose feedstock at the commercial scale.
The ground-nesting bee Anthophora plumipes as a model species for assessing effects of soil-mediated pesticide exposure
Authors: Hellström Sara , Seidelmann Karsten , Colombo Roberto , Serra Giorgia , Lora Giulia , Gaboardi Gian Carlo , Paxton Robert J.
Published: February 2025

Though many wild bee species nest in the ground, little is known of their potential exposure to pesticide residues in soil, or the effects of such exposure. Here, we introduce Anthophora plumipes as a potential model ground-nesting solitary bee species for controlled exposure to pesticides through soil. Bees from a naturally occurring population were allowed to nest in loam blocks containing varying concentrations of the neonicotinoid imidacloprid. Measured residues of imidacloprid in brood provisions and in bee bodies remained at < 0.01% of the concentration in surrounding soil, suggesting limited migration of contaminants from soil to brood. Furthermore, imidacloprid contamination had no marked effect on the number, survival, body size or rate of parasitism of offspring at the tested concentrations (≤ 10 mg/kg). This species native to Eurasia and North Africa may be a suitable model for further research on the ecotoxicology of ground-nesting solitary bee species.
Highly Thermally Conductive
and Flame-Retardant Waterborne Polyurethane Composites with 3D BNNS Bridging Structures via Magnetic
Field Assistance
Authors: Jiang Hao , Xie Yuhui , He Mukun , Li Jindao , Wu Feng , Guo Hua , Guo Yongqiang , Xie Delong , Mei Yi , Gu Junwei
Published: February 2025

The microstructure design for thermal conduction pathways in polymeric electrical encapsulation materials is essential to meet the stringent requirements for efficient thermal management and thermal runaway safety in modern electronic devices. Hence, a composite with three-dimensional network (Ho/U-BNNS/WPU) is developed by simultaneously incorporating magnetically modified boron nitride nanosheets (M@BNNS) and non-magnetic organo-grafted BNNS (U-BNNS) into waterborne polyurethane (WPU) to synchronous molding under a horizontal magnetic field. The results indicate that the continuous in-plane pathways formed by M@BNNS aligned along the magnetic field direction, combined with the bridging structure established by U-BNNS, enable Ho/U-BNNS/WPU to exhibit exceptional in-plane (λ

//
) and through-plane thermal conductivities (λ

⊥
). In particular, with the addition of 30 wt% M@BNNS and 5 wt% U-BNNS, the λ

//
and λ

⊥
of composites reach 11.47 and 2.88 W m−1 K−1, respectively, which representing a 194.2% improvement in λ

⊥
compared to the composites with a single orientation of M@BNNS. Meanwhile, Ho/U-BNNS/WPU exhibits distinguished thermal management capabilities as thermal interface materials for LED and chips. The composites also demonstrate excellent flame retardancy, with a peak heat release and total heat release reduced by 58.9% and 36.9%, respectively, compared to WPU. Thus, this work offers new insights into the thermally conductive structural design and efficient flame-retardant systems of polymer composites, presenting broad application potential in electronic packaging fields.
Sticking and Swelling of Iron Ore Pellets: Mechanisms and Controlling Factors
Authors: Purohit S. , Pownceby M. I. , Guiraud A.
Published: February 2025

The sticking and breakage of iron ore pellets during high-temperature reduction pose significant challenges in shaft furnace ironmaking. As the steel industry transitions towards decarbonization, hydrogen-based shaft furnace processes are expected to play an increasingly important role in achieving low-emission steel production. One of the critical challenges in this transition is the global decline in iron ore quality. This review critically examines how degrading ore quality and changes in reduction mechanisms affect adverse pellet behaviors, such as sticking and swelling. The mechanisms of pellet sticking and swelling are discussed. Key contributors include the formation of iron whiskers, dense metallic iron, and low-melting eutectic phases. The impact of impurity oxides, such as SiO₂, Al₂O₃, MgO, CaO, TiO₂, and alkali oxides, on sticking and swelling indices is assessed, along with the mineralogy of iron ores. Lower-grade iron ores are tend to exhibit lower sticking and swelling. SiO₂ and MgO effectively mitigate these issues; SiO₂ forms a glassy silicate layer that inhibits iron whisker growth, while MgO enhances magnetite stability through the formation of high-melting spinel phases, promoting uniform distribution in the wüstite lattice. While the role of CaO is quite complex, a basicity (CaO/SiO₂) range of below 0.2 or above 0.8 is recommended to prevent adverse sticking and swelling behaviors. In contrast, alkali oxides have a detrimental effect on pellet performance. Furthermore, induration and reduction conditions including pellet size, induration temperature, reduction temperature, and reducing gas composition significantly affect these pellet behaviors. Higher reduction temperatures are correlated with increased sticking and swelling due to enhanced diffusion and crystallization of iron whiskers. Temperatures below 900 °C are recommended to prevent sticking in uncoated pellets. Importantly, the presence of hydrogen in the reducing atmosphere transitions the reduction mechanism from chemical-reaction control to diffusion control, thereby reducing iron whisker formation.

Graphical Abstract
Design of additively manufactured glass components for glass point fixings
Authors: Chhadeh Philipp Amir , Sleiman Khodor , Hoffmann Henriette , Funke Nicole , Rettschlag Katharina , Jäschke Peter , Baitinger Mascha , Knaack Ulrich , Kaierle Stefan , Seel Matthias
Published: February 2025

Additive manufacturing (AM) has opened new possibilities in many disciplines. Complex geometries can now be created from a variety of materials and material compositions that were previously unimaginable. As a result, there is also the potential for customization and personalization for each user. The present paper and the related research provide insight into the possibilities to further process glass by additive manufacturing methods and thereby exploring the potential for the built environment. This research focuses on developing AM glass components to be used as point fixings for flat glass elements. The innovative laser glass deposition printing process (LGD), developed by Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., involves locally heating fused silica glass fibres with a CO2-laser, enabling precise deposition of viscose glass on substrates of the same material. In order to implement the LGD process in glass facades an examination of the component is required. This paper introduces a series of mechanical examination techniques, such as indentation and bending tests. The results derived from the testing are the foundation for a parameter study in order to develop a button shaped point fixing for glass facades.
First record of the white root rot fungus Dematophora necatrix on indigenous South African trees
Authors: Balocchi Felipe , Wingfield Michael J. , Paap Trudy
Published: February 2025

The soilborne fungus Dematophora (=Rosellinia) necatrix and causal agent of white root rot, has a wide host range that includes many tree species of economic importance. The pathogen has a worldwide distribution, including reports from commercial orchards in South Africa since the 1970s. During tree health surveys conducted as part of a sentinel plant project, we detected the pathogen on two symptomatic individuals from the indigenous South African tree species Diospyros whyteana and Noronhia foveolata subsp. major. Observed symptoms included wilting and root rot, with characteristic white mycelium present under the bark. Dematophora necatrix was isolated from both hosts and its identity confirmed by sequencing two gene regions (ITS and actin). Pathogenicity was confirmed through inoculation tests under semi-controlled conditions by inoculating the soil with bamboo sticks colonized with the fungus. Plants of both species developed similar symptoms to those observed naturally, and the fungus was successfully recovered from all symptomatic plants. This is the first record in South Africa of D. necatrix on indigenous species and outside of commercial orchards. Given the environmental threat posed we recommend the fungus is considered for regulation in South Africa.
Phytogenics in swine nutrition and their effects on growth performance, nutrient utilization, gut health, and meat quality: a review
Authors: Madesh Muniyappan , Yan Jin , Jinan Gao , Hu Ping , Kim In Ho , Liu Hao-Yu , Ennab Wael , Jha Rajesh , Cai Demin
Published: February 2025

Phytogenic feed additives have undergone extensive testing in swine production to determine their effects on gastrointestinal function and health, as well as their implications for pigs' systemic health and welfare, flock production efficiency, food safety, and environmental impact. These feed additives derived from plants, encompassing herbs, spices, fruits, and various plant components, contain numerous bioactive ingredients. An examination of published documents concerning the supplementation of phytogenic feed additives uncovers conflicting findings about their efficacy in swine production. This suggests that additional effort is required to ascertain the suitable inclusion levels and thoroughly clarify their mechanisms of action. This review aims to summarise the prevailing trends in the application of phytogenic feed additives in poultry, emphasising their effects on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, biochemical profiles, gene expression, hypocholesterolemic properties, immunity, meat quality, fatty acid composition, amino acid content, and the gut microbiota of swine.
Electromagnetic Fields for Engineers
Authors: Elliott Daniel S.
Published: February 2025

Master the fundamentals of undergraduate electromagnetics with this concise and accessible textbook, linking theoretical principles to real-world engineering applications. Lightning, nuclear fusion, superconductors: over 80 real-world TechNote case studies throughout the book show how key electromagnetic principles work in a wide variety of natural effects and man-made devices. Learn in confidence: over 170 annotated step-by-step examples, with illustrated field patterns, aid student visualization of key physical principles, and help them build a solid foundation for future study. Dive deeper: sidenotes provide detailed proofs and context without distracting from core learning, and carefully designed appendices provide additional mathematical assistance when needed. Make progress: over 375 end-of-chapter homework problems to assess and extend student understanding. Flexible instructor support: start your students off with statics, or dive straight into dynamics, with this versatile full-color textbook for a one-or two-semester course, supported by lecture slides, instructor solutions, Matlab animations, and PowerPoint and JPEG figures.
Measurable Vizing’s theorem
Authors: Grebík Jan
Published: February 2025

We prove a full measurable version of Vizing’s theorem for bounded degree Borel graphs, that is, we show that every Borel graph
$\mathcal {G}$
of degree uniformly bounded by
$\Delta \in \mathbb {N}$
defined on a standard probability space
$(X,\mu )$
admits a
$\mu $
-measurable proper edge coloring with
$(\Delta +1)$
-many colors. This answers a question of Marks [Question 4.9, J. Amer. Math. Soc. 29 (2016)] also stated in Kechris and Marks as a part of [Problem 6.13, survey (2020)], and extends the result of the author and Pikhurko [Adv. Math. 374, (2020)], who derived the same conclusion under the additional assumption that the measure
$\mu $
is
$\mathcal {G}$
-invariant.
To gather is to heal: Women’s mental health circles in rural Chiapas, Mexico
Authors: Ortega Ana Cecilia , Buckner Margaret
Published: February 2025

In the rural villages of the Sierra Madre region of Chiapas, women experiencing hardship show signs of emotional distress that are diagnosed as depression and anxiety by health professionals. In this study, we critically analyze the impact of a pilot mental health group intervention (Women’s Circles) facilitated by community mental health workers. The intervention consisted of eight structured sessions that included psychoeducation from a gender perspective, mindfulness exercises, interactive activities, arts and crafts, and sharing personal experiences. We carried out participant observation and 27 semi-structured interviews with the participants. The main outcomes were, first, that participants’ moods improved, and second, that the improvement was mainly due to gathering with others and having someone to talk to. In addition, we observed that lessons during the Circles were often prescriptive, which, rather than creating a space for reflection on personal experiences, imposed globalized views of mental health and gender. In sum, we describe both the positive impact this program had on mental well-being and the problematic spreading of psychoeducation.
The Plasma Proton Environment Within Saturn's F‐G Ring Gap as Observed by the Cassini Plasma Spectrometer Ion Mass Spectrometer During Saturn Orbit Insertion
Authors: Sittler E. C. , Woodson A. K. , Johnson R. E. , Cooper J. F. , Tseng W.‐L. , Sturner S. J. , Chornay D. J. , Smith H. T. , Simpson D. G. , Reisenfeld D. B.
Published: February 2025

We report on the detection of protons and the potential detection of H2+ between Saturn's F and G rings based on Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) Ion Mass Spectrometer (IMS) time‐of‐flight (TOF) composition measurements acquired during Saturn Orbit Insertion (SOI) outbound pass. The range in dipole L shell is 2.3 < L < 2.8. Initial results based on TOF data were presented in E. C. Sittler et al. (2017). Here we present the latest results of our analysis. During the SOI outbound pass between the F and G rings the CAPS IMS was in a mode of reduced post‐acceleration voltage at −6 kV instead of the usual −14.6 kV. This reduced voltage still allows the analysis of protons since 6 keV protons are minimally scattered by the instrument's ultrathin carbon foils when compared to heavier ions O+ and O2+. Background noise from penetrating radiation and ghost peaks produced by foil‐scattered O+ ions within the instrument were considered in our analysis. The analysis allowed an determination of the proton density, temperature and flow velocity, accounting for spacecraft potential by assuming a convected Maxwellian for the proton velocity distribution function. We find average proton density nP = 3.4 ± 1.2 #/cm3, proton temperature TP = 1.74 ± 0.12 eV, proton corotation flow speed VP = 24 ± 1.5 km/s in spacecraft reference frame and spacecraft potential ΦSC = −0.8 ± 1.5 V. These results are compared with previous theoretical estimates of H+ and H2+ ions within Saturn's inner magnetosphere.
Evidence of Magma Reservoirs Beneath Volcanoes in Northern Sulawesi and the Molucca Sea From Regional Earthquake Tomography
Authors: Supendi Pepen , Rawlinson Nicholas , Han Jifei , Widiyantoro Sri , Pilia Simone , Nugraha Andri Dian , Karnawati Dwikorita
Published: February 2025

We present a new 3‐D P‐wave velocity model of the crust and upper mantle beneath Sulawesi from regional earthquake body wave tomography. The arrival time data were sourced from the Agency for Meteorology, Climatology, and Geophysics (BMKG) Indonesian earthquake catalog for the period 2018 through to 2023, which is based on records from 126 seismic stations in Sulawesi and its neighborhood. Our results reveal clear evidence of high velocity subducting slabs beneath the Molucca Sea Collision Zone and northern Sulawesi, along with low velocity zones above the Sangihe and Halmahera slabs, that likely represent magma reservoirs. Furthermore, we found a diffuse low‐velocity anomaly in the mantle beneath Colo volcano, a solitary island volcano located in the distant back‐arc region of the North Sulawesi subduction zone, which is consistent with decompression melting induced by extension.
Giant Undulations Driven by Pitch‐Angle Scattering of Time Domain Structures Modulated by Plasmapause Surface Wave
Authors: Zhou Yi‐Jia , Du Pei‐Heng , Liu Jian , Shi Quan‐Qi , Guo Meng‐Dan , He Fei , Zhang Xiao‐Xin , Zhang Yong‐Liang , Yao Zhong‐Hua , Zhong Jun , Rong Zhaojin , Wei Yong
Published: February 2025

Plasmapause surface waves (PSWs) near the plasmapause boundary are regarded to be the magnetospheric source of ionospheric auroral giant undulations (GUs) located at the equatorward boundary of diffuse aurora. However, the observational evidence of wave‐particle interaction connecting PSWs and GUs is absent. In this letter, we demonstrate GUs are driven by pitch‐angle scattering of time domain structures modulated by the PSWs, based on the conjugated ionospheric and magnetospheric observations. Specifically, ionospheric GUs are lighted by the pitch‐angle scattering of <1 keV thermal electron and ions and energetic ions with energy up to dozens of keV near the plasmapause. Further, the total fluxes during one PSW period and energy of scattered electron and ions determine the size and luminosity of GUs. Our research provides observational evidence that PSWs cause periodic electron precipitation via modulating the time domain structures rather than the previously predicted chorus or electron cyclotron harmonic waves.
Lithospheric Thinning of the Northeastern Arabian Margin Revealed by Matrix‐Free Teleseismic Traveltime Tomography
Authors: Guo Gaoshan , Lan Haiqiang , Chen Ling , Meng Lingkai , Badal José
Published: February 2025

The obduction of the Tethys oceanic lithosphere is documented by the Semail ophiolite along the northeastern Arabian continental margin. Although the ophiolite is continuous and of similar age across the region, the eastern and western segments display distinct geological contrasts. To investigate the deep structural mechanisms underlying these surface variations, we applied teleseismic traveltime tomography using an advanced eikonal solver and a matrix‐free adjoint‐state approach on data from a dense seismic array. Our 3D upper mantle P‐wave model reveals a significant velocity contrast, with positive anomalies in the west and negative anomalies in the east, separated by a prominent fault zone. We propose that the continental lithosphere beneath northeastern Arabia underwent thinning during the Permian breakup of Pangaea. This pre‐obduction lithospheric segmentation likely influenced the subduction dynamics associated with the ophiolite obduction process. Additionally, early Cenozoic thermal activity may have further amplified lithospheric thinning, contributing to the observed structural variations.
The Role of Inductive Electric Fields in Shaping the Morphology, Asymmetry, and Energy Content of the Storm‐Time Ring Current
Authors: Liu Jianghuai , Ilie Raluca , Liemohn Michael W. , Tóth Gábor
Published: February 2025

The inductive component of the magnetospheric electric field, which is associated with the temporal change of magnetic field, provides an additional means of local plasma energization and transport in addition to the electrostatic counterpart. This study examines the detailed response of the inner magnetosphere to inductive electric fields and the associated electric‐driven convection corresponding to different solar wind conditions. A novel modeling capability is employed to self‐consistently simulate the electromagnetic and plasma environment of the entire magnetospheric cavity. The explicit separation of the electric field by source (inductive vs. electrostatic) and subsequent implementation of inductive effects in the ring current model allow us to investigate, for the first time, the effect of the inductive electric field on the kinetics and evolution of the ring current system. The simulation results presented in this study demonstrate that the inductive component of the electric field is capable of providing an additional source for long‐lasting plasma drifts, which in turn significantly alter the trajectories of both thermal and energetic particles. Such changes in the plasma drift, which arise due to the inductive electric fields, further reshape the storm‐time ring current morphology and alter the degree of the ring current asymmetry, as well as the timing and the peak of the ion pressure. The total ion energy is increasing at a faster rate than the supply of energetic ions to the ring current, suggesting that the inductive electric field provides effective and accumulative local energization for the trapped ring current population without confining additional particles.
Effect of Pressure on the Diversity and Potential Activity of Aerobic Methanotrophs in Marine Sediments: A Case Study From the Shenhu Area, Northern South China Sea
Authors: Li Jing , Liu Changling , Wu Nengyou , Hu Gaowei , Chen Qiang , Bu Qingtao , Sun Jun , Xu Xiaoqing , Wei Jiangong
Published: February 2025

High hydrostatic pressure in deep‐sea environments potentially impacts microbial community diversity, the structure of cellular components and functions. The specific characteristics of aerobic methanotrophs originating from deep‐sea environments and their responses to local pressure fluctuations in terms of community diversity and methane oxidation potential remain unexplored. This study investigates subsurface sediments rich in aerobic methanotrophs from the natural gas hydrate‐bearing region in the Shenhu area, Northern South China Sea. By conducting aerobic oxidation of methane (AeOM) incubation experiments under various environmental pressures up to 10 MPa, the study aims to elucidate differences in microbial community diversity and AeOM rates. The results show a profound impact of pressure on both the taxonomic composition of bacterial and methanotrophic communities and their capacity for methane consumption. The key aerobic methanotrophs, that is, Methylococcales, exhibit a gradual decrease in composition as pressure rises. Accordingly, their AeOM rates also show a significant negative correlation with pressure (r = 0.986, P < 0.01). The composition of three dominant methanotrophic genera, that is, unclassified_Methylococcaceae, Methylobacter, and Methylocaldum, exhibited irregular fluctuations under varying pressure conditions, with the lowest abundance observed at 2 MPa. Our study also shows that unclassified_Methylococcaceae is the primary methanotroph that exhibits the main response to pressure changes in marine environments.
Genetically edited human placental organoids cast new light on the role of ACE2
Authors: Arthurs Anya L. , Dietrich Bianca , Knöfler Martin , Lushington Caleb J. , Thomas Paul Q. , Adikusuma Fatwa , Williamson Jessica M. , Babikha Susan , Damhuis Tyla , Jankovic-Karasoulos Tanja , Smith Melanie D. , Pringle Kirsty G. , Roberts Claire T.
Published: February 2025

ACE2 expression is altered in pregnancy disorders and ACE2 gene variants are associated with several major pregnancy complications including small-for-gestational-age, fetal growth restriction and preeclampsia. This study utilised gene-editing to generate both ACE2 knockout and ACE2 rs2074192 placental organoids, facilitating mechanistic studies into the role of ACE2 in placental development, and the effect of fetal carriage of ACE2 rs2074192 CC, CT and TT genotypes. Parameters of cell and organoid growth were measured, together with qPCR, Western Blotting, and ELISA assessments, in all groups from both organoid models. Here, we report that ACE2 knockout results in delayed placental cell growth and increased cell death. ACE2 knockout organoids had lower ACE protein expression, reduced organoid diameters and asymmetrical growth. Placental organoids with the ACE2 rs2074192 TT genotype had significantly higher expression of ACE2 mRNA and ACE2 protein with elevated ACE2:ACE expression ratio and no change in ACE protein. Despite increased expression of ACE2 protein, ACE2 enzyme activity was significantly decreased in ACE2 rs2074192 TT placental organoids. TT organoids also had reduced diameters and asymmetrical growth. Our research provides a new molecular understanding of the role of ACE2 in placental development, with potential implications for pregnancy in the carriage of the ACE2 rs2074192 gene variant.
Metabolic deficiencies underlie reduced plasmacytoid dendritic cell IFN-I production following viral infection
Authors: Greene Trever T. , Jo Yeara , Chiale Carolina , Macal Monica , Fang Ziyan , Khatri Fawziyah S. , Codrington Alicia L. , Kazane Katelynn R. , Akbulut Elizabeth , Swaminathan Shobha , Fujita Yu , Fitzgerald-Bocarsly Patricia , Cordes Thekla , Metallo Christian , Scott David A. , Zúñiga Elina I.
Published: February 2025

Type I Interferons (IFN-I) are central to host protection against viral infections, with plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) being the most significant source, yet pDCs lose their IFN-I production capacity following an initial burst of IFN-I, resulting in susceptibility to secondary infections. The underlying mechanisms of these dynamics are not well understood. Here we find that viral infection reduces the capacity of pDCs to engage both oxidative and glycolytic metabolism. Mechanistically, we identify lactate dehydrogenase B (LDHB) as a positive regulator of pDC IFN-I production in mice and humans; meanwhile, LDHB deficiency is associated with suppressed IFN-I production, pDC metabolic capacity, and viral control following infection. In addition, preservation of LDHB expression is sufficient to partially retain the function of otherwise exhausted pDCs, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, restoring LDHB in vivo in pDCs from infected mice increases IFNAR-dependent, infection-associated pathology. Our work thus identifies a mechanism for balancing immunity and pathology during viral infections, while also providing insight into the highly preserved infection-driven pDC inhibition.
Orphan G protein-coupled receptor GPRC5B controls macrophage function by facilitating prostaglandin E receptor 2 signaling
Authors: Kwon Jeonghyeon , Kawase Haruya , Mattonet Kenny , Guenther Stefan , Hahnefeld Lisa , Shamsara Jamal , Heering Jan , Kurz Michael , Kirchhofer Sina , Krasel Cornelius , Ulrich Michaela , Persechino Margherita , Murthy Sripriya , Orlandi Cesare , Sadik Christian D. , Geisslinger Gerd , Bünemann Moritz , Kolb Peter , Offermanns Stefan , Wettschureck Nina
Published: February 2025

Macrophages express numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that regulate adhesion, migration, and activation, but the function of orphan receptor GPRC5B in macrophages is unknown. Both resident peritoneal and bone marrow-derived macrophages from myeloid-specific GPRC5B-deficient mice show increased migration and phagocytosis, resulting in improved bacterial clearance in a peritonitis model. In other models such as myocardial infarction, increased myeloid cell recruitment has adverse effects. Mechanistically, we found that GPRC5B physically interacts with GPCRs of the prostanoid receptor family, resulting in enhanced signaling through the prostaglandin E receptor 2 (EP2). In GPRC5B-deficient macrophages, EP2-mediated anti-inflammatory effects are diminished, resulting in hyperactivity. Using in silico modelling and docking, we identify residues potentially mediating GPRC5B/EP2 dimerization and show that their mutation results in loss of GPRC5B-mediated facilitation of EP2 signaling. Finally, we demonstrate that decoy peptides mimicking the interacting sequence are able to reduce GPRC5B-mediated facilitation of EP2-induced cAMP signaling in macrophages.
A holistic stochastic model for precipitation events
Authors: Weyant Alexander , Gershunov Alexander , Panorska Anna K. , Kozubowski Tomasz J. , Kalansky Julie
Published: February 2025

In the western United States, much of the annual precipitation falls during relatively few storm events. When precipitation is measured as daily (or hourly, etc.) accumulations, these events appear as sequences of various durations. We describe a trivariate probability distribution and assert that it provides a natural description for the durations, magnitudes, and maximum intensities of such events. We show that this distribution, in its most straightforward application, indeed describes precipitation events composed of daily observations at most long-term weather stations across the western United States, allowing for a flexible assessment of specific event probabilities and return periods with respect to their three defining components. This characterization opens the door to further understanding of risk associated with out-of-sample meteorological events.
A deep learning approach for automatic 3D segmentation of hip cartilage and labrum from direct hip MR arthrography
Authors: Meier Malin Kristin , Helfenstein Ramon Andreas , Boschung Adam , Nanavati Andreas , Ruckli Adrian , Lerch Till D. , Gerber Nicolas , Jung Bernd , Afacan Onur , Tannast Moritz , Siebenrock Klaus A. , Steppacher Simon D , Schmaranzer Florian
Published: February 2025

The objective was to use convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for automatic segmentation of hip cartilage and labrum based on 3D MRI. In this retrospective single-center study, CNNs with a U-Net architecture were used to develop a fully automated segmentation model for hip cartilage and labrum from MRI. Direct hip MR arthrographies (01/2020-10/2021) were selected from 100 symptomatic patients. Institutional routine protocol included a 3D T1 mapping sequence, which was used for manual segmentation of hip cartilage and labrum. 80 hips were used for training and the remaining 20 for testing. Model performance was assessed with six evaluation metrics including Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). In addition, model performance was tested on an external dataset (40 patients) with a 3D T2-weighted sequence from a different institution. Inter-rater agreement of manual segmentation served as benchmark for automatic segmentation performance. 100 patients were included (mean age 30 ± 10 years, 64% female patients). Mean DSC for cartilage was 0.92 ± 0.02 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.92–0.93) and 0.83 ± 0.04 (0.81–0.85) for labrum and comparable (p = 0.232 and 0.297, respectively) to inter-rater agreement of manual segmentation: DSC cartilage 0.93 ± 0.04 (0.92–0.95); DSC labrum 0.82 ± 0.05 (0.80–0.85). When tested on the external dataset, the DSC was 0.89 ± 0.02 (0.88–0.90) and 0.71 ± 0.04 (0.69–0.73) for cartilage and labrum, respectively.The presented deep learning approach accurately segments hip cartilage and labrum from 3D MRI sequences and can potentially be used in clinical practice to provide rapid and accurate 3D MRI models.
Influence of Artocarpus hirsutus (AH) cellulose micro fiber, bamboo fiber in thermoplastic biocomposites
Authors: Keerthiveettil Ramakrishnan Sumesh , Vijayananth Kavimani , Arivendan Ajithram , Ammarullah Muhammad Imam
Published: February 2025

In this experiment Artocarpus hirsutus (AH) fiber was utilized as the filler material for bamboo fiber (NF)/polyethylene (PE) biocomposites. This was a waste to wealth approach by utilising biomaterial and also can reduce the use of PE plastics. The crystallinity index (Crl) of 45.1%, 56.4%, 67% was observed in AH, alkali treated (NaOH) and cellulose AH fiber respectively. The combination with 20 wt% NF/3 wt% cellulose AH filler observed better tensile and flexural strength. Agglomeration at 4, 5 wt% affects the flexural properties by lesser interfacial adhesion with filler/matrix phase, having properties reducing up to 20.3 MPa. Comparing to cellulose AH filler, both alkali treated and untreated AH filler combinations possess lesser flexural strength. The addition of natural fibers increases the tensile and flexural modulus property with better properties at 30 wt% NF/5 wt% cellulose AH filler combination. The Impact strength doesn’t observe high influence with filler incorporation. This AH fiber hasn’t been explored in detail for mechanical and hydrophilic properties with incorporation with PE matrix. This fabricated composite is suited for bioengineering applications.
In vivo regulation of the monocyte phenotype by Mycobacterium marinum and the ESX-1 type VII secretion system
Authors: Munke Kristina , Wulff Line , Lienard Julia , Carlsson Fredric , Agace William W.
Published: February 2025

Pathogenic mycobacteria require the conserved ESX-1 type VII secretion system to cause disease. In a murine Mycobacterium marinum infection model we previously demonstrated that infiltrating monocytes and neutrophils represent the major bacteria-harbouring cell populations in infected tissue. In the current study we use this model, in combination with scRNA sequencing, to assess the impact of M. marinum infection on the transcriptional profile of infiltrating Ly6C⁺MHCII⁺ monocytes in vivo. Our findings demonstrate that infection of infiltrating monocytes with M. marinum alters their cytokine expression profile, induces glycolytic metabolism, hypoxia-mediated signaling, nitric oxide synthesis, tissue remodeling, and suppresses responsiveness to IFNγ. We further show that the transcriptional response of bystander monocytes is influenced by ESX-1-dependent mechanisms, including a reduced responsiveness to IFNγ. These findings suggest that mycobacterial infection has pleiotropic effects on monocyte phenotype, with potential implications in bacterial growth restriction and granuloma formation.