bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unveiling the macrosegregation formation mechanism and its impact on properties in dissimilar welding between CoCrFeMnNi high-entropy alloy and 316 stainless steel
Authors: Shen Jiajia , Kim Rae Eon , Mestre Martim , Lopes J. G. , He Jingjing , Yang Jin , Zeng Zhi , Schell N. , Kim Hyoung Seop , Oliveira J. P.
Published: February 2025

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are increasingly preferred as structural materials in nuclear engineering and aerospace applications. These fields often require the design of dissimilar joints. Here, gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW) was used for the first time to join CoCrFeMnNi HEAs with 316 stainless steel. Microstructural characterization, including electron microscopy, high-energy synchrotron X-ray diffraction, and thermodynamic calculations, along with micro- and macroscale mechanical assessments, was utilized. These methods were instrumental in evaluating and clarifying the effects of the non-equilibrium solidification and weld thermal cycle on the microstructure evolution of the joint. In the fusion zone (FZ), distinctive peninsula-shaped macroscopic segregation area is observed, with its formation being related to the liquidus temperature differences between the base materials (BMs) and the welded metal, compounded by the Marangoni effect. The weld thermal cycle was found to promote multiple solid-state phase transformations in the heat-affected zone (HAZ) adjacent to the CoCrFeMnNi BM, leading to varying degrees of softening. The HAZ near the 316 stainless steel BM maintained its original microstructural and mechanical properties. Fracture predominantly occurred in the FZ, mainly due to the interplay of large columnar grains, macrosegregation effects, and emergence of BCC and σ brittle phases due to the complex chemistry within this region. Thermodynamic modeling validated the formation of these phases. The ultimate tensile strength and elongation at room temperature were approximately ≈493 MPa and ≈10.70%, respectively.
Optimizing Gold Recovery from Witwatersrand-Type Ores Using Alkaline Glycine Leaching and Conditional Simulation
Authors: Nwaila Glen T. , Notole Viwe , Alex Samira , Ghorbani Yousef
Published: February 2025

Witwatersrand-type gold deposits in South Africa are generally amenable to cyanidation due to their free-milling nature. However, the relatively easy-to-process gold ores have been mostly depleted, and the remaining ores are of low-grade combined with semi-refractory properties. Here, we use an integrated approach to understand the mineralogical and textural characteristics of the Witwatersrand-type gold ores and to explore the effectiveness of glycine-leaching gold recovery. Analysis of sulfide minerals using 3D micro-X-ray computed tomography data shows these minerals can be used as predictive indicators for feed gold grade as they either co-exist and/or encapsulate gold. Primary experimental results demonstrate that alkaline glycine can recover > 80% Au in 100 hours at ambient temperatures. Glycine thus holds promise for gold recovery of low-grade free-milling and semi-refractory Witwatersrand-type gold ores. We also note that the presence of carbonaceous matter in ores, such as in the Black Reef orebody, adversely affects gold recovery. Ore blending may therefore be a suitable option to remediate poor gold recovery. Lastly, we demonstrate that stochastic simulations and data analytics can help augment primary experimental data to estimate uncertainty, providing a better understanding of experimental results, and thus providing future research directions.
Diagnosing Human-Object Interaction Detectors
Authors: Zhu Fangrui , Xie Yiming , Xie Weidi , Jiang Huaizu
Published: February 2025

We have witnessed significant progress in human-object interaction (HOI) detection. However, relying solely on mAP (mean Average Precision) scores as a summary metric does not provide sufficient insight into the nuances of model performance (e.g., why one model outperforms another), which can hinder further innovation in this field. To address this issue, we introduce a diagnosis toolbox in this paper to offer a detailed quantitative breakdown of HOI detection models, inspired by the success of object detection diagnosis tools. We first conduct a holistic investigation into the HOI detection pipeline. By defining a set of errors and using oracles to fix each one, we quantitatively analyze the significance of different errors based on the mAP improvement gained from fixing them. Next, we explore the two key sub-tasks of HOI detection: human-object pair localization and interaction classification. For the pair localization task, we compute the coverage of ground-truth human-object pairs and assess the noisiness of the localization results. For the classification task, we measure a model’s ability to distinguish between positive and negative detection results and to classify actual interactions when human-object pairs are correctly localized. We analyze eight state-of-the-art HOI detection models, providing valuable diagnostic insights to guide future research. For instance, our diagnosis reveals that the state-of-the-art model RLIPv2 outperforms others primarily due to its significant improvement in multi-label interaction classification accuracy. Our toolbox is applicable across various methods and datasets and is available at https://neu-vi.github.io/Diag-HOI/.
Effects of the industry format on sustainability-oriented service innovation, relationship value, and firm performance
Authors: Marín-García Antonio , Gil-Saura Irene , Ruiz-Molina María Eugenia , Moise Mihaela Simona
Published: February 2025

This paper explores the impact of the sustainability-oriented service innovation (SOSI) construct on relationship value and organizational performance in the service sectors from the business’ perspective. In order to achieve this goal, a theoretical model based on the literature is proposed through an empirical study carried out on a sample of 450 managers and supervisors of retail establishments and hotels. Findings support the critical role of SOSI in enhancing relationship value and driving economic and non-economic benefits. Significant industry-specific differences are revealed, offering valuable insights for managers to design effective, sustainability-aligned customer communication and value creation strategies.
A surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia
Authors: Jaalkhorol M. , Johansson H. , Avirmed S. , Dashtseren A. , Bruyère O. , Lorentzon M. , Harvey N. C. , McCloskey E. V. , Kanis J. A.
Published: February 2025

A surrogate FRAX® model for Mongolia has been constructed using age- and sex-specific hip fracture rates for mainland China and age- and sex-specific mortality rates from Mongolia.

Introduction

FRAX models are frequently requested for countries with little or no data on the incidence of hip fracture. In such circumstances, the development of a surrogate FRAX model is recommended based on country-specific mortality data but using fracture data from a country, usually within the region, where fracture rates are considered to be representative of the index country.

Objective

This report describes the development and characteristics of a surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia.

Methods

The FRAX model used the ethnic-specific incidence of hip fracture in mainland China, combined with the death risk for Mongolia in 2015–2019. Intervention thresholds were developed based on fracture probabilities equivalent to women with a prior fragility fracture, and their impact was assessed in a referral cohort comprising men at age 50 and above and postmenopausal women. The number of hip fractures in 2015 and 2050 was estimated based on United Nations’ predicted changes in population demography.

Results

The surrogate model gave similar hip fracture probabilities to estimates from China. Age-dependent intervention thresholds for a major osteoporotic fracture ranged from a 10-year probability of 2.4% at the age of 40 years to 13.7% at the age of 90 years. In the cohort of those eligible for assessment, 46% of men and 36% of women were eligible for treatment because of a prior fracture. Based on intervention thresholds, a further 0.5% of men and 7.0% of women would be eligible for treatment. It was estimated that 440 hip fractures arose in 2015 in individuals aged 50 years and older in Mongolia, with a predicted 4.3-fold increase expected by 2050, when 1896 hip fractures are expected nationally.

Conclusion

The surrogate FRAX model for Mongolia provides an opportunity to determine fracture probability within the Mongolian population and help guide decisions about treatment.
Modeling of the Stress Path-Dependent Strain Ratcheting Behaviour of 304L Stainless Steel Through Crystal Plasticity Frameworks
Authors: Acar Sadik Sefa , Yalçinkaya Tuncay
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the strain ratcheting behavior of 304L stainless steel under complex stress-controlled cyclic loading conditions employing crystal plasticity models in the DAMASK framework. Strain ratcheting, a phenomenon characterized by the accumulation of plastic strain during cyclic loading, is particularly important in industries such as aerospace and nuclear energy, where components are subjected to non-proportional multiaxial loading. A polycrystalline representative volume element with 200 randomly oriented grains was generated to predict the material response under various stress paths, including Uniaxial, Shear, Cross, Square, and Circle loading conditions. Two crystal plasticity models were used: a phenomenological power-law (PP) model and a combined isotropic-kinematic hardening (IK) model. Simulations were conducted to identify parameters under monotonic and cyclic strain-controlled loading conditions. Model parameters are identified by using experimental results from literature and conducting strain-controlled uniaxial monotonic and cyclic loading simulations for PP and IK models, respectively. In addition, FEM and spectral solvers are compared for monotonic and cyclic loading conditions, and very similar macroscopic responses are obtained. The uniaxial strain ratcheting simulations under stress-controlled cyclic loading were compared against experimental data, with the IK model producing closer results due to its back-stress and memory terms. The analysis also revealed that the mechanical response, both at the macroscopic and local levels, is highly sensitive to the applied stress path, with significant differences in strain accumulation observed across different loading conditions. Torsional and axial strain evolutions were analyzed in detail, showing that the PP and IK models each performed better under certain stress paths. This study emphasizes the critical role of stress path effects in strain ratcheting and the variation in torsional and axial ratcheting predictions of two models for different stress paths.

Graphic Abstract
Bioinspired Trailing Edge Serrations for Vertical Axis Wind Turbine Blades in Urban Environments: Performance Effects
Authors: Santamaría Luis , Suarez Fernandez Laura , Garcia-Diaz Manuel , González Pérez José , Galdo Mónica
Published: February 2025

Biomimetics has recently emerged as an interesting approach to enhance renewable energy technologies. In this work, bioinspired Trailing Edge Serrations (TES) were evaluated on a typical Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) airfoil, the DU06-W200. As noise reduction benefits of these mechanisms are already well-established, this study focuses on their impact on airfoil and VAWT performance. A saw-tooth geometry was chosen based on VAWT specifications and existing research, followed by a detailed assessment through wind tunnel tests using a newly developed aerodynamic balance. For a broad spectrum of attack angles and Reynolds numbers, lift, drag, and pitching moments were carefully measured. The results show that TES enhance the lift-to-drag ratio, especially in stalled conditions, and postpone stall at negative angles, expanding the effective performance range. A notable increase in pitching moment also is also observed, relevant for blade-strut joint design. Additionally, the impact on turbine performance was estimated using an analytical model, demonstrating excellent accuracy when compared against previous experimental results. TES offer a modest 2% improvement in peak performance, though they slightly narrow the optimal tip-speed ratio zone. Despite this, the potential noise reduction and performance gains make TES a valuable addition to VAWT designs, especially in urban settings.
Influence of microwave treatment conditions and acid concentration on pyrodextrinization of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas Lam.) starch using response surface methodology
Authors: Tsatsop Roli Karole Tsague , Kom Raissa Regonne , Djiobie Gertrude Eleonore Tchienou , Chendjou Stive Martial Sikandi , Nkenmogne Sidonie Beatrice , Nguimbou Richard Marcel , Ngassoum Martin Benoit
Published: February 2025

Microwave irradiation provides advantages including homogeneous and rapid heating, significant reaction acceleration due to heating rate and selective heating. This study aims to optimize the microwave assisted pyrodextrinization of sweet potato (I. batatas Lam.) starch isolated from tubers grown in Central Africa to produce a yellow pyrodextrin with improved structural and functional properties. The effects irradiation of power (80—100 W), Acid to starch ratio (1.5—3.0 g HCl/kg of starch) and number of cycle/time unit (4—6 cycles with 20 s/cycle) on the response variables were investigated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The physicochemical characteristics were also determined on pyrodextrins obtained in optimal conditions by microwave pyroconversion process. The positive interactions were observed between Irradiation power (X1) and Acid to starch ratio (X2) and between Acid to starch ratio (X2) and number of cycle/time unit (X3) for Color index response (P < 0.05). The Acid to starch ratio and its quadratic effect had significant (P < 0.05) influence on saccharification percentage. Th optimal condition for the domain of study were: irradiation power 84 W; Acid to starch ratio of 3.14 g HCl/Kg of starch and number of cycle/time unit of 4.6 for 20 s per cycle. The characteristic of microwave assisted pyrodextrin were: saccharification percentage 92.5%, solubility 98.20%. Its relative crystallinity of 20.97% compared to 26.32% of native starch from XRD and glass transition temperature Tg 144 °C from DSC. The FTIR analysis suggested that of native starch native starch had more short-range order than pyrodextrin. Yellow pyrodextrin with high solubility might be produced in a comparatively short amount of time using microwave assisted treatment.
Depth Dependence of Coseismic Off‐Fault Damage and Its Effects on Rupture Dynamics
Authors: Ferry Roxane , Thomas Marion Y. , Bhat Harsha S. , Dubernet Pierpaolo
Published: February 2025

Faults are complex systems embedded in an evolving medium fractured by seismic ruptures. This off‐fault damage zone is shown to be thermo‐hydro‐mechano‐chemically coupled to the main fault plane by a growing number of studies. Yet, off‐fault medium is still, for the most part, modeled as a purely elastic—hence passive—medium. Using a micromechanical model that accounts for dynamic changes of elastic moduli and inelastic strains related to crack growth, we investigate the depth variation of dynamically triggered off‐fault damage and its counter‐impact on earthquake slip dynamics. We show that the damage zone, while narrowing with depth, also becomes denser and contrary to prevailing assumptions continues to act as an energy sink, significantly influencing rupture dynamics by stabilizing slip rates. Furthermore, we observe that damage formation markedly reduces rupture velocity and delays, or even prevents, the transition to supershear speeds even for a narrow damage zone. This underscores the critical need to incorporate the complex interplay between the main fault plane and its surrounding medium across the entire seismogenic zone. As a proof of concept, we introduce a 1D spring‐slider model that captures bulk elastic variations, by modulating spring stiffness, and normal stress variations that emulate changes in bulk load. This simple model demonstrates the occurrence of slow slip events alongside conventional earthquakes, driven by the dynamic interaction between bulk temporal evolution and fault slip dynamics, without necessitating any changes to frictional properties.
Molecular principles underlying aggressive cancers
Authors: Nussinov Ruth , Yavuz Bengi Ruken , Jang Hyunbum
Published: February 2025

Aggressive tumors pose ultra-challenges to drug resistance. Anti-cancer treatments are often unsuccessful, and single-cell technologies to rein drug resistance mechanisms are still fruitless. The National Cancer Institute defines aggressive cancers at the tissue level, describing them as those that spread rapidly, despite severe treatment. At the molecular, foundational level, the quantitative biophysics discipline defines aggressive cancers as harboring a large number of (overexpressed, or mutated) crucial signaling proteins in major proliferation pathways populating their active conformations, primed for their signal transduction roles. This comprehensive review explores highly aggressive cancers on the foundational and cell signaling levels, focusing on the differences between highly aggressive cancers and the more treatable ones. It showcases aggressive tumors as harboring massive, cancer-promoting, catalysis-primed oncogenic proteins, especially through certain overexpression scenarios, as predisposed aggressive tumor candidates. Our examples narrate strong activation of ERK1/2, and other oncogenic proteins, through malfunctioning chromatin and crosslinked signaling, and how they activate multiple proliferation pathways. They show the increased cancer heterogeneity, plasticity, and drug resistance. Our review formulates the principles underlying cancer aggressiveness on the molecular level, discusses scenarios, and describes drug regimen (single drugs and drug combinations) for PDAC, NSCLC, CRC, HCC, breast and prostate cancers, glioblastoma, neuroblastoma, and leukemia as examples. All show overexpression scenarios of master transcription factors, transcription factors with gene fusions, copy number alterations, dysregulation of the epigenetic codes and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions in aggressive tumors, as well as high mutation loads of vital upstream signaling regulators, such as EGFR, c-MET, and K-Ras, befitting these principles.
A multiparametric anti-aging CRISPR screen uncovers a role for BAF in protein synthesis regulation
Authors: Breusegem Sophia Y. , Houghton Jack , Romero-Bueno Raquel , Fragoso-Luna Adrián , Kentistou Katherine A. , Ong Ken K. , Janssen Anne F. J. , Bright Nicholas A. , Riedel Christian G. , Perry John R. B. , Askjaer Peter , Larrieu Delphine
Published: February 2025

Progeria syndromes are very rare, incurable premature aging conditions recapitulating most aging features. Here, we report a whole genome, multiparametric CRISPR screen, identifying 43 genes that can rescue multiple cellular phenotypes associated with progeria. We implement the screen in fibroblasts from Néstor-Guillermo Progeria Syndrome male patients, carrying a homozygous A12T mutation in BAF. The hits are enriched for genes involved in protein synthesis, protein and RNA transport and osteoclast formation and are validated in a whole-organism Caenorhabditis elegans model. We further confirm that BAF A12T can disrupt protein synthesis rate and fidelity, which could contribute to premature aging in patients. This work highlights the power of multiparametric genome-wide suppressor screens to identify genes enhancing cellular resilience in premature aging and provide insights into the biology underlying progeria-associated cellular dysfunction.
Genetic regulation of TERT splicing affects cancer risk by altering cellular longevity and replicative potential
Authors: Florez-Vargas Oscar , Ho Michelle , Hogshead Maxwell H. , Papenberg Brenen W. , Lee Chia-Han , Forsythe Kaitlin , Jones Kristine , Luo Wen , Teshome Kedest , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Billingsley Kimberly J. , Kolmogorov Mikhail , Meredith Melissa , Paten Benedict , Chari Raj , Zhang Chi , Schneekloth John S. , Machiela Mitchell J. , Chanock Stephen J. , Gadalla Shahinaz M. , Savage Sharon A. , Mbulaiteye Sam M. , Prokunina-Olsson Ludmila
Published: February 2025

The chromosome 5p15.33 region, which encodes telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), harbors multiple germline variants identified by genome-wide association studies (GWAS) as risk for some cancers but protective for others. Here, we characterize a variable number tandem repeat within TERT intron 6, VNTR6-1 (38-bp repeat unit), and detect a strong link between VNTR6-1 alleles (Short: 24-27 repeats, Long: 40.5-66.5 repeats) and GWAS signals rs2242652 and rs10069690 within TERT intron 4. Bioinformatics analyses reveal that rs10069690-T allele increases intron 4 retention while VNTR6-1-Long allele expands a polymorphic G-quadruplex (G4, 35-113 copies) within intron 6, with both variants contributing to variable TERT expression through alternative splicing and nonsense-mediated decay. In two cell lines, CRISPR/Cas9 deletion of VNTR6-1 increases the ratio of TERT-full-length (FL) to the alternative TERT-β isoform, promoting apoptosis and reducing cell proliferation. In contrast, treatment with G4-stabilizing ligands shifts splicing from TERT-FL to TERT-β isoform, implicating VNTR6-1 as a splicing switch. We associate the functional variants VNTR6-1, rs10069690, and their haplotypes with multi-cancer risk and age-related telomere shortening. By regulating TERT splicing, these variants may contribute to fine-tuning cellular longevity and replicative potential in the context of stress due to tissue-specific endogenous and exogenous exposures, thereby influencing the cancer risk conferred by this locus.
Modelling the high-voltage grid using open data for Europe and beyond
Authors: Xiong Bobby , Fioriti Davide , Neumann Fabian , Riepin Iegor , Brown Tom
Published: February 2025

This paper provides the background, methodology and validation for constructing a representation of the European high-voltage grid (AC lines from 220 to 750 kV and all DC lines) based on OpenStreetMap data. Grid components include commissioned substations, transmission lines and cables, transformers, and converters as well as technical parameters based on standard types. The data is provided as easy-to-access comma-separated values files which makes it suitable for model-independent, large-scale electricity and energy system modelling. For further ease-of-use, an interactive map is included to enable visual inspection. To assess the data quality, this paper compares the dataset with official statistics and representative model runs using PyPSA-Eur based on different electricity grid representations. The dataset and workflow are provided as part of PyPSA-Eur, an open-source, sector-coupled optimisation model of the European energy system. By integrating with the codebase for initiatives such as PyPSA-Earth, the benefits of this work of this work extend to the global context. The dataset is published under the Open Data Commons Open Database (ODbL 1.0) licence.
High-quality genome assembly of a cosmopolitan insect predator, Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi (Esben-Petersen)
Authors: Mohan Muthugounder , Venkatesan Thiruvengadam , Upasna Selvapandian , Selva Babu Selvamani , Aneesha P J , Ashok Karuppannasamy , Roli Budhwar , Gracy Gandhi R , Sushil Satya N
Published: February 2025

Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi is an extensively employed bio-control agent against crop pests. However, the genomic information on adaptive evolution and predator-prey interaction was lacking to enhance its predatory potential. Here, we presented a high contiguity, chromosomal-level genome assembly of C. zastrowi sillemi using short and long-read sequencing (Illumina and PacBio) coupled with Hi-C. The highly homozygous genome assembly has 597 Mb in span. The assembly contains six chromosomal pseudomolecules, occupying 84% of genome, which range from 29.36 to 170.05 Mb. Genome annotation using Refseq, EggNOG, SwissProt and Eukaryotic Orthologous Groups database has identified 14,495 protein coding genes. The mitochondrial genome is 16 Kb in length with 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNAs and three rRNA genes without any gene rearrangements. The genomic information furnished herein could be useful in choosing heritable traits for selective breeding to improve its bio-control potential.
Ecological change and conflict reduction led to a social circulatory system in ants
Authors: Meurville Marie-Pierre , Silvestro Daniele , LeBoeuf Adria C.
Published: February 2025

Behavioral innovations can be ecologically transformative for lineages that perform them and for their associated communities. Many ecologically dominant, superorganismal, and speciose ant lineages use mouth-to-mouth social regurgitation behavior – stomodeal trophallaxis – to share exogenous and endogenous materials within colonies. This behavior is less common in other species-poor, less cooperative ant lineages. How and why trophallaxis evolved and fixed in only some ant clades remains unclear, and whether this trait could be indicative of superorganismality has yet to be established. Here we show that trophallaxis evolved in two main events, in non-doryline formicoids around 130 Ma and in some ponerines around 90 Ma, lineages that today encompass 86% of all ant species. We found that trophallaxis evolved in lineages that began drinking sugary liquids and that had reduced intra-colonial conflict by constraining worker reproductive potential. Evolution of trophallaxis increased net diversification. Causal models indicate that trophallaxis required low reproductive conflict and contributed to the large colony sizes of the ants that use it. This suggests that the evolution of social regurgitation was enabled by both social conflict reduction and opportunistic inclusion of nectar and honeydew in the ant diet during the shifts in terrestrial ecosystems toward flowering plants.
Long-lasting intense cut-off lows to become more frequent in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Mishra Aditya N. , Maraun Douglas , Schiemann Reinhard , Hodges Kevin , Zappa Giuseppe , Ossó Albert
Published: February 2025

Cut-off Lows are slow-moving mid-latitude storms that are detached from the main westerly flow and are often harbingers of heavy and persistent rainfall. The assessment of Cut-off Lows in climate models is relatively limited, in fact, there are no studies conducted on the future changes of Cut-off Lows within climate models. Given the importance of Cut-off Lows in leading to severe hazards, here we study them in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6’s worst-case future simulations (SSP5-8.5). Most (80%) of the models show that Cut-off Lows with high intensity and longer lifetimes are projected to become more frequent in spring over the land regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Such an increase in Cut-off Low frequency could substantially increase related potential hazards. An increase in Cut-off Low propagation velocity, however, may partly offset this increase in hazard. Lastly, projected changes in the jet stream with possible dynamical linkages to Cut-off Lows corroborate the findings of this study.
Neural codes track prior events in a narrative and predict subsequent memory for details
Authors: Collin Silvy H. P. , Kempner Ross P. , Srivatsan Sunita , Norman Kenneth A.
Published: February 2025

Throughout our lives, we learn schemas that specify what types of events to expect in particular contexts and the temporal order in which these events usually occur. Here, our first goal was to investigate how such context-dependent temporal structures are represented in the brain during processing of temporally extended events. To accomplish this, we ran a 2-day fMRI study (N = 40) in which we exposed participants to many unique animated videos of weddings composed of sequences of rituals; each sequence originated from one of two fictional cultures (North and South), where rituals were shared across cultures, but the transition structure between these rituals differed across cultures. The results, obtained using representational similarity analysis, revealed that context-dependent temporal structure is represented in multiple ways in parallel, including distinct neural representations for the culture, for particular sequences, and for past and current events within the sequence. Our second goal was to test the hypothesis that neural schema representations scaffold memory for specific details. In keeping with this hypothesis, we found that the strength of the neural representation of the North/South schema for a particular wedding predicted subsequent episodic memory for the details of that wedding.
Emerging 15–16 group Xenes: structures, properties, preparation methods, and their catalytic applications
Authors: Ma Cong , Bao Kai , Qi Junlei , Wang Wenbin , Wu Jingkun , Li Ruijie , Lin Yu , Wang Lingzhi , Yin Zhuangzhuang , Tao Zhixiang , Ke Chengxuan , Wu Zongxiao , Liu Yingxia , He Qiyuan
Published: February 2025

A schematic of the review, illustrating the structures, preparation methods, properties and applications of emerging group 15 and 16 Xenes.
Enhancing the mechanical and antibacterial properties of hydroxyapatite bioceramics by in situ graphene doping to promote osseointegration in infected bone defects
Authors: Li Qipeng , Shi Hao , Wang Yuyi , Hu Ruitao , Feng Cong , Ma Xiaodong , Wang Ye , Li Xiangfeng , Zhu Xiangdong , Zhang Xingdong
Published: February 2025

HA ceramics with in situ graphene doping were fabricated by the ball milling and vacuum sintering in a convenient way, which not only enhanced their flexural strength and fracture toughness, but also imparted efficient antibacterial properties to promote osseointegration in infected bone defect.
Handling the challenges of a green supply chain in the context of product blending transportation within a neutrosophic environment
Authors: Thiziri Sifaoui , AIDER Méziane
Published: February 2025

The accelerated growth of economic activity and resource consumption underscores the urgent need to integrate sustainability into transportation systems. This paper explores the incorporation of sustainability into multi-product blending processes within these systems, focusing on several critical objectives: minimizing transportation costs — including variable expenses, fixed charges, and maintenance costs — carbon emissions, and product deterioration, while maximizing the volume of liquid transported and reducing transportation time. Real-world transportation scenarios are often complicated by data limitations, measurement inaccuracies, and uncertainties, which challenge effective decision-making. To address these challenges, this research introduces Neutrosophic Sets as a robust framework for managing uncertainty by capturing varying degrees of truth, falsity, and indeterminacy. The study employs a neutrosophic environment with Neutrosophic Goal Programming, Fuzzy Programming, and Two-Phase Programming methodologies to determine a compromise solution for the multi-objective transportation problem. The effectiveness of the proposed model is demonstrated through numerical simulations, with results compared to traditional methods. The paper concludes with a comprehensive sensitivity analysis and outlines future research directions, providing valuable insights into the optimization of sustainable transportation systems.
Customer-centric economic policies of closed-loop dual-channel supply chain with product-quality practices and versatile refunds in online channel
Authors: Qiu Siyuan , Yang Siyu , Das Manojit , Naskar Sagnic , Alam Shariful , Garai Arindam
Published: February 2025

The present study aims to excavate some sustainable policies for a closed-loop dual-channel supply chain with single
manufacturer and single retailer, all while placing a strong emphasis on enhancing customer satisfaction through the
product-quality and versatile refund for unsatisfactory products in the online channel. In contrast to the majority of
existing literature, this study explores the potential benefits of implementing a return policy and increasing recycling-
related investments, thereby ensuring managers’ environmental goals to align with organizations’ profitability. After
defuzzification of fuzzy parameters by employing fuzzy possibility measures, this study calculates the maximum
expected operating profit of the whole supply chain under centralized decision support system, and that of the man-
ufacturer under decentralized decision support system, considering five major decisions, namely the quality level of
online products, the return ratio of used products, the manufacturer’s wholesale and online sale prices, and the re-
tailer’s sale price. Current analytical results plead the manufacturer to prioritize providing consistent product-quality
in the online channel, regardless of the presence of its return policy. The manufacturer should cautiously increase its
recycling-related investments, whereas this study proposes the retailer to mitigate potential increases in sale prices
while adhering to environmental goals. In a customer-centric sustainable approach, this study pleads the manufac-
turer to target self-price sensitive online customers with lower-priced products, while offering discounts to the retail
customers. Besides, this study advocates for fostering collaborative relationships between the manufacturer and the
retailer.
Comparative analysis of waterlogging and drought stress regulatory networks in barley (Hordeum vulgare)
Authors: Panahi Bahman
Published: February 2025

We applied a systems biology approach to gain a deep insight into the regulatory mechanisms of barley (Hordeum vulgare) under drought and waterlogging stress conditions. To identify informative models related to stress conditions, we constructed meta-analysis and two distinct weighted gene co-expression networks. We then performed module trait association analyses. Additionally, we conducted functional enrichment analysis of significant modules to shed light on the biological performance of underlying genes in the two contrasting stresses. In the next step, we inferred the gene regulatory networks between top hub genes of significant modules, kinases, and transcription factors (TFs) using a machine learning algorithm. Our results showed that at power = 10, the scale-free topology fitting index (R2) was higher than 0.8 and the connectivity mean became stable. We identified 31 co-expressed gene modules in barley, with 13 and 14 modules demonstrating significant associations with drought and waterlogging stress, respectively. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that these stress-responsive modules are involved in critical processes, including ADP-rybosylation factors (ARF) protein signal transduction, ethylene-induced autophagy, and phosphoric ester hydrolase activity. Specific TFs and kinases, such as C2C2-GATA, HB-BELL, and MADS-MIKC, were identified as key regulators under these stress conditions. Furthermore, certain TFs and kinases established unique connections with hub genes in response to waterlogging and drought conditions. These findings enhance our understanding of the molecular networks that modulate barley’s response to drought and waterlogging stresses, offering insights into the regulatory mechanisms essential for stress adaptation.
Kin-discriminating partner choice promotes the evolution of helping
Authors: Scott Thomas W , Wild Geoff , Gardner Andy
Published: February 2025

Kin selection theory predicts that individuals should evolve to help relatives, either by helping indiscriminately in a population where they do not move very far from their relatives, or by discriminating kin and conditionally helping them. It has been argued that, because kin discrimination enables individuals to reduce how helpful they are with some social partners as well increase how helpful they are with others, this could lead to an increase or a decrease in the overall level of helping. Specifically, it was argued that kin discrimination would increase the overall level of helping if the function relating the optimal level of help and genetic relatedness is convex, but kin discrimination would decrease the overall level of helping if the function relating the optimal level of help and genetic relatedness is concave. However, this prediction was based on a model in which individuals were not able to choose their social partners but only adjust how helpful they should be towards those social partners they have been allocated. Here, we perform a mathematical analysis showing that being able to choose social partners increases the overall level of helping. Consequently, if kin discriminators are allowed to choose whom they help, kin discrimination is more likely to increase the overall level of helping than previously anticipated. We obtained these results in two complementary theoretical settings: one more general, which makes few demographic assumptions, and the other more specific and concrete, which assumes a patch-structured population with complete dispersal.
The addition of partially Pregelatinized sago starch and red Rice-sago fibre mixture on the functional properties of sago Analog Rice produced through extrusion
Authors: Sabirin  , Sitanggang Azis Boing , Budijanto Slamet , Kusarpoko Mardonius Budi , Pramana Yanuar Sigit , Darussalam Abdullah , Purwoto Ahmad Safrudin , Triwiyono Bambang , Kuswardani Novi , Yassaroh  , Pangesti Anggun , Ratri Laila Widya
Published: February 2025

Partially pregelatinized sago starch (PPSS) and a red rice-sago fibre mixture were investigated for their effects on the functional properties of sago analog rice. Five PPSS:sago starch ratios were tested, each mixed with 33% red rice and 7% sago fibre. Extrusion was performed without precooking using specific process conditions. The addition of 15% PPSS resulted in the lowest cooking loss and improved texture. Sago analog rice had higher crude fibre content than red and white rice due to the sago fibre. X-ray diffraction revealed the formation of intrahelical V-type complexes between sago analog rice and red rice via non-covalent bonds. Various properties were analysed and compared with those of red and white rice.
Microbial ecology of Serpentinite-hosted ecosystems
Authors: Colman Daniel R , Templeton Alexis S , Spear John R , Boyd Eric S
Published: February 2025

Serpentinization, the collective set of geochemical reactions initiated by the hydration of ultramafic rock, has occurred throughout Earth history and is inferred to occur on several planets and moons in our solar system. These reactions generate highly reducing conditions that can drive organic synthesis reactions potentially conducive to the emergence of life, while concomitantly generating fluids that challenge life owing to hyperalkalinity and limited inorganic carbon (and oxidant) availability. Consequently, the serpentinite-hosted biosphere offers insights into the earliest life, the habitable limits for life, and the potential for life on other planets. However, the support of abundant microbial communities by serpentinites was only recognized ~20 years ago with the discovery of deep-sea hydrothermal vents emanating serpentinized fluids. Here, we review the microbial ecology of both marine and continental serpentinization-influenced ecosystems in conjunction with a comparison of publicly available metagenomic sequence data from these communities to provide a global perspective of serpentinite microbial ecology. Synthesis of observations across global systems reveal consistent themes in the diversity, ecology, and functioning of communities. Nevertheless, individual systems exhibit nuances due to local geology, hydrology, and input of oxidized, near-surface/seawater fluids. Further, several new (and old) questions remain including the provenance of carbon to support biomass synthesis, the physical and chemical limits of life in serpentinites, the mode and tempo of in situ evolution, and the extent that modern serpentinites serve as analogs for those on early Earth. These topics are explored from a microbial perspective to outline key knowledge-gaps for future research.
Biphasic bone loss in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
Authors: Schmidt Constantin , Woo Marcel S , Alimy Assil-Ramin , Baranowsky Anke , Krasemann Susanne , Yorgan Timur A , Beil Frank Timo , Schinke Thorsten , Keller Johannes , Friese Manuel A , Amling Michael , Rolvien Tim
Published: February 2025

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) and a common cause for neurological disabilities in young adults. Although it is known that the peripheral immune landscape is altered in people with MS (pwMS), the impact on other organ systems than the CNS is frequently overlooked. In addition to neurological deficits, pwMS suffer from impaired bone health and increased fracture risk. However, the mechanisms underlying bone loss in pwMS are poorly understood. Here, we investigated the compartment-specific bone microarchitecture as well as cellular and molecular mechanisms of altered bone remodeling in pwMS and the corresponding mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). We show that pwMS and EAE mice have reduced bone mineral density characterized by a combined loss of trabecular and cortical bone. Intriguingly, bone loss in EAE followed a biphasic dynamic defined by increased osteocyte apoptosis associated with decreased bone formation in acute EAE and increased bone resorption in the chronic phase, which could be explained by increased CXCL13/CXCR5 signaling. In conclusion, the identified stage-dependent mechanism for bone loss in EAE may help to develop improved strategies for osteoporosis treatment in pwMS.
Distinct Gut Microbiota Composition in Pediatric Patients with Central Nervous System (CNS) Tumors: A Comparative Study
Authors: Dossena Chiara , Bergamaschi Luca , Rossignoli Federico , Licata Armando Giuseppe , Gasparini Patrizia , Venturini Lara Veronica , Marra Manuela , Oriani Matilde , Biassoni Veronica , Schiavello Elisabetta , Nigro Olga , Chiaravalli Stefano , Massimino Maura , De Cecco Loris
Published: February 2025

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) tumors are the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children aged 0–14 years. Despite significant efforts, targeted therapies based on identified pathways have not improved survival rates. Research has shown that the gut microbiota (GM) can influence brain tumor cell proliferation, suggesting that the microbiota-gut-brain axis plays a role in CNS cancer. Our study aims to assess whether the GM composition in pediatric CNS tumors exhibits specific characteristics.

Methods

The study included 18 pediatric patients, 9 diagnosed with CNS tumors (CNS tumors group) and 9 with other tumor types (extra-CNS tumors group). Microbial DNA was extracted from stool samples, and 16S DNA libraries were generated and sequenced. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed using Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASV) tables.

Results

Alpha diversity analysis, represented by the number of observed features, was lower in CNS tumors group (p = 0.0054), while Pielou’s evenness index was similar between groups. LEfSe analysis revealed a significantly reduced abundance of the Firmicutes phylum in CNS tumors group, along with other taxa within this phylum, such as the Clostridia class, Clostridiales order, and Lachnospiraceae family, compared to extra-CNS tumors group. Further analysis using sPLS-DA showed a distinct pattern in GM composition in CNS tumors group, with lower levels of several taxa, particularly the Firmicutes phylum, Lachnospiraceae family, Clostridiales order, Clostridia class, Ruminococcaceae and Coriobacteriaceae families, and Blautia genus..

Conclusions

Pediatric patients with CNS tumors have a distinct gut microbiota composition. The reduction of specific beneficial microbial taxa may contribute to tumor growth through the microbiota-gut-brain axis.
Integration of New Approach Methods for the Assessment of Data Poor Chemicals
Authors: Paul Friedman Katie , Thomas Russell S , Wambaugh John F , Harrill Joshua A , Judson Richard S , Shafer Timothy J , Williams Antony J , Lee Jia-Ying Joey , Loo Lit-Hsin , Gagné Matthew , Long Alexandra S , Barton-Maclaren Tara S , Whelan Maurice , Bouhifd Mounir , Rasenberg Mike , Simanainen Ulla , Sobanski Tomasz
Published: February 2025

Use of new approach methods (NAMs), including high-throughput, in vitro bioactivity data, in setting a point-of-departure (POD) will accelerate the pace of human health hazard assessments. Combining hazard and exposure predictions into a bioactivity: Exposure ratio (BER) for use in risk-based prioritization and utilizing NAM-based bioactivity flags to indicate potential hazards of interest for further prediction or mechanism-based screening together comprise a prospective approach for management of substances with limited traditional toxicity testing data. In this work we demonstrate a NAM-based assessment case study conducted via the Accelerating the Pace of Chemical Risk Assessment (APCRA) initiative, a consortium of international research and regulatory scientists. The primary objective was to develop a reusable and adaptable approach for addressing chemicals with limited traditional toxicity data using a NAM-based POD, BER, and bioactivity-based flags for indication of putative endocrine, developmental, neurological, and immunosuppressive effects via data generation and interpretation for 200 substances. Multiple data streams, including in silico and in vitro NAMs, were used. High-throughput transcriptomics and phenotypic profiling data, as well as targeted biochemical and cell-based assays, were combined with generic high-throughput toxicokinetic models parameterized with chemical-specific data to estimate dose for comparison to exposure predictions. This case study further enables regulatory scientists from different international purviews to utilize efficient approaches for prospective chemical management, addressing hazard and risk-based data needs, while reducing the need for animal studies. This work demonstrates the feasibility of using a battery of toxicodynamic and toxicokinetic NAMs to provide a NAM-based POD for screening-level assessment.
Museums and Zoos: Rapid genetic identification of rare species and practical applications for conservation and systematics in a biodiverse country
Authors: Chavez Daniel E. , Carrión-Olmedo Julio C. , Cabezas María B. , Reyes-Barriga Daniela , Lojan Pamela , Mora David , Bustamante Martin , Pinto C. Miguel , Jarrin-V Pablo
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Obtaining genetic information from rare species is challenging for scientists, but it is crucial for understanding animal evolutionary history and informing conservation management initiatives. We present the first example of a collaborative local network that includes zoos and natural history collections to investigate the evolution, systematics, and conservation concerns of olingos (genusBassaricyon, Procyonidae, Carnivora, Mammalia). We sequenced the entire (1,146 base pairs) cytochromebgene to phylogenetically identify individuals that have been victims of wildlife trafficking. Unexpectedly, we detected an individual specimen belonging toBassaricyon medius orinomus(western lowland olingo), which may represent a new geographical record for this taxon in Ecuador. Through our practical experiences, we describe how local collaboration is possible and crucial for promoting wildlife genetic research in the Global South and contributing to protecting the last populations of rare mammals. We also discuss the significance of wild animals under human care as a valuable genetic resource for scientific research, conservation strategies, and informed wildlife management decisions.