bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Branch canker battles: understanding and managing the Botryosphaeriaceae in avocado
Authors: Möller Heike , Slippers Bernard , van den Berg Noëlani
Published: January 2025

Avocado holds an important position in global agriculture and economic development. However, this thriving industry faces significant challenges from fungal pathogens, particularly those in the Botryosphaeriaceae. These fungi have emerged as major pathogens across various hosts, causing branch cankers, dieback, and fruit rots in avocados. These diseases reduce fruit quality and lead to substantial yield losses, threatening the profitability and sustainability of avocado production. This review consolidates current knowledge on Botryosphaeriaceae species affecting avocados, with a focus on their diversity, disease dynamics, detection methods, management strategies, and recent omics advances related to species reported in avocados. Given the escalating global production and economic importance of avocados, understanding, and effectively managing Botryosphaeriaceae infections is crucial. The review aims to identify research gaps and propose future research avenues to enhance disease management practices in avocado cultivation.
New semisynthetic α-glucosidase inhibitor from a doubly-chemically engineered extract
Authors: Osella María I. , Salazar Mario O. , Solís Carlos M. , Furlan Ricardo L. E.
Published: January 2025

Chemically engineered extracts represent a promising source of new bioactive semi-synthetic molecules. Prepared through direct derivatization of natural extracts, they can include constituents enriched with elements and sub-structures that are less common in natural products compared to drugs. Fourteen such extracts were prepared through sequential reactions with hydrazine and a fluorinating reagent, and their α-glucosidase inhibition properties were compared. For the most bioactive mixture, a chemically modified propolis extract, enzyme inhibition increased 22 times due to the reaction sequence. Bio-guided fractionation led to the isolation of a new fluorinated pyrazole produced within the extract by chemical transformation of the flavonoid chrysin. The inhibitor results from the action of the two reagents used on four common functional groups present in natural products (carbonyl, phenol, aromatic carbon, and a double bond). The reactions led to the opening of a 6-member oxygenated heterocycle to produce a 5-member nitrogenated one, as well as the dehydroxylation and fluorination in two different positions of one of the aromatic rings of the natural starting material, all within a complex mixture of natural products. Overall, these transformations led to an approximately 20-fold increase in the α-glucosidase inhibition by the isolated inhibitor compared to its natural precursor.

Graphical Abstract
Resistant PRL-secreting PitNET associated with breast carcinoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Dumitriu-Stan Roxana-Ioana , Burcea Iulia-Florentina , Nastase Valeria Nicoleta , Ceausu Raluca Amalia , Raica Marius , Poiana Catalina
Published: January 2025

In several studies, hyperprolactinemia has been associated with increased breast cancer risk. Evidence shows that prolactin (PRL) is linked to mammary tumorigenesis, especially in postmenopausal patients, but the data remain controversial. We present a case of a 67 year-old patient with a resistant PRL-secreting PitNET who subsequently developed breast cancer. The patient was known to have persistent high PRL levels despite multimodal treatment (surgery, radiotherapy, and high doses of cabergoline). The tumor specimens obtained after transsphenoidal intervention were histologically and immunohistochemically examined for the following parameters: anterior pituitary hormones, the ki-67 labeling index, CAM 5.2 expression, ER ∝ expression, and somatostatin receptors, which revealed a densely granulated tumor with intense positivity for PRL and ER ∝ , a ki-67 labeling index of 6% and negative MGMT expression. Years later, the patient was diagnosed with breast carcinoma. Histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of the tumor specimen obtained after radical mastectomy confirmed ductal invasive breast cancer with negative immunostaining for prolactin receptors (PLRr) but positive immunostaining for estrogen (ER) and progesterone receptors (PGR) and a ki-67 labeling index of 8%. PRL is involved in mammary development and differentiation, which leads to lactation, the major driver during pregnancy, by regulating ovarian progesterone production. On the basis of the physiological actions of PRL, a role for this hormone in breast cancer has been suggested. Few cases of different types of breast carcinoma associated with hyperprolactinemia due to a pituitary tumor have been reported in the literature. The association between hyperprolactinemia and the risk of breast carcinoma is not well understood. Immunohistochemistry evaluation of PLRr can be helpful to provide information in these cases.
Mathematical modelling of hydrotreating of Kazakhstan and west Siberian vacuum gas oil mixtures
Authors: Vorobev Anatoliy , Ivashkina Elena N. , Arkenova Saniya B. , Kaliyev Toleubek A.
Published: January 2025

A numerical model for practical simulation of hydrotreatment of vacuum gas oil in a trickle-bed reactor is developed. The model is based on the mass balance of species; it incorporates a seven-lump chemical scheme that describes the reactions of hydrodesulphurisation and hydrodearomatisation, the accuracy of calculations using the model is no less than 93.7%. The novelty of the model is splitting of sulphur-containing compounds into different lumps by their reactive abilities. The splitting is supported by the chromatographic analysis of hydrocarbon mixtures that are sampled from the inlet and outlet ends of an industrial hydrotreatment unit. The analysis reveals different susceptibilities of sulphides, benzothiophene, and dibenzothiophenes to hydrotreatment. The new model is applied for simulation of the hydrotreatment at a refinery, adjusting kinetic parameters, and demonstrating that the model provides an adequate (and, at the same time, simple) description of the process, giving guidance for optimisation that is needed after each variation of the feedstock. Using the kinetic model, it is found that an increase in temperature from 330 to 390 °C leads to a decrease in the content of aromatic compounds in hydrotreated vacuum gas oil by 20.75%, and sulphur compounds by 92%. It has been established that an increase in the hydrogen consumption from 50,000 to 90,000 nm3/h leads to a decrease in the sulphur content in the product by 3%. When the feedstock consumption rise from 100 to 150 m3/h, the desulphurization depth decreases by 6.5%.
Causal discovery and fault diagnosis based on mixed data types for system reliability modeling
Authors: Wang Xiaokang , Jiang Siqi , Li Xinghan , Wang Mozhu
Published: January 2025

Causal relationships play an irreplaceable role in revealing the mechanisms of phenomena and guiding intervention actions. However, due to limitations in existing frameworks regarding model representations and learning algorithms, only a few studies have explored causal discovery on non-Euclidean data. In this paper, we address the issue by proposing a causal mapping process based on coordinate representations for heterogeneous non-Euclidean data. We propose a data generation mechanism between the parent nodes and the child nodes and create a causal mechanism based on multi-dimensional tensor regression. Furthermore, within the aforementioned theoretical framework, we propose a two-stage causal discovery approach based on regularized generalized canonical correlation analysis. Using the discrete representation in the shared projection direction, causal relationships between heterogeneous non-Euclidean variables can be discovered more accurately. Finally, empirical research is conducted on real-world industrial sensor data, which demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed method for discovering causal relationships in heterogeneous non-Euclidean data.
A New Approach: Using Biometric Technology to Explore the Physiological Stress of Working in Child Welfare
Authors: Griffiths Austin , Link Kim , Haughtigan Kara , Beer Oliver W. J. , Powell Lindsey , Royse David
Published: January 2025

Job stress among child welfare professionals affects their mental and physical health and is associated with negative outcomes. Researchers have used self-report measures to document the stress experienced by those in the child welfare field, and this is the first study to use biometric technology across 72 h to identify physiological indicators of stress, recovery, and sleep in frontline child welfare workers in mostly rural areas (n = 32). A stress profile of the participants is presented on their heart rates, mean time-stressed, percent of time stressed, mean time relaxed, percent of time relaxed, mean sleep time, mean RMSSD in sleep, and body mass index (BMI). Variables were also examined by length of employment with the agency. Results indicate participants averaged nearly 16 h of physiological stress per day and were unable to spend much time in relaxation or recovery from stress. Stress appeared ubiquitous and possibly difficult to manage.
Harmonious ageing: a narrative review of music therapy in the biomedical literature
Authors: Raja Shaz , Barry Ciara , Upadhyay Rohit , Alash Rana , O’Raghallaigh Méabh , Hayes Róisín , Romero-Ortuno Roman
Published: January 2025

Purpose

As the global population of older adults rises, the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030) advocates for disease prevention, management, and enhancing overall wellbeing in older adults. We reviewed the MEDLINE literature under the MeSH term “music therapy” (MT), for its role in promoting healthy ageing.

Methods

A systematic search of the MEDLINE biomedical database (Ovid) was conducted using “MT” and “Ageing” as keywords, retrieving relevant full-text studies in English. Preference was given to more recent studies with higher levels of evidence. The studies were categorised according to the biopsychosocial framework into physical, cognitive and social domains, and further subcategorised based on their relevance to disease prevention and management.

Results

The initial search identified 1147 articles, of which 75 met inclusion criteria. Studies encompassed both MT and music interventions delivered by non-music therapists. Overall, studies showed benefits in the promotion of physical health, including enhancing exercise capacity and improving fitness among older adults. Results were promising in managing conditions such as Parkinson’s disease and frailty. In the area of brain health, studies showed cognitive benefits, particularly in attention and processing speed among older adults. Socially, there was evidence of enhanced quality of life, reduced anxiety and depression, and improved social engagement, including in people living with dementia, underscoring the role of music in fostering emotional connections and mitigating caregiver stress.

Conclusion

MT and interventions can enhance biopsychosocial health outcomes in older adults. Research should prioritise isolating MT’s specific effects, standardising definitions and methodologies, and exploring therapeutic mechanisms.
Hydrocephalus as a Rare Presentation of Neurosarcoidosis—A Case Report
Authors: Stauning A. T. , Larsen C. C. , Holst A. V.
Published: January 2025

Neurosarcoidosis represents a rare manifestation of sarcoidosis, with hydrocephalus occurring in only 5–9% of cases. A 56-year-old female presented with severe hydrocephalus. Initial management involved a third ventriculostomy. Subsequent diagnostic evaluations confirmed neurosarcoidosis. However, before initiating medical treatment, recurrent hydrocephalus required reopening of the third ventriculostomy. The patient is currently undergoing a therapeutic regimen comprising methotrexate and infliximab, and no new manifestations of hydrocephalus were observed following the reoperation. In cases where obstructive hydrocephalus is associated with neurosarcoidosis, the prompt initiation of steroid treatment is imperative. Delays may contribute to the risk of relapse, underscoring the importance of timely medical management.
Alternative Stewart Platform Configuration for the Enhanced Isolation of CMG-Induced Microvibration
Authors: Chung Bawoul , Lee Jong-Kuk , Song Tae-Seong , Song Deok-ki , Han Jae-Hung
Published: January 2025

For sensitive payloads in satellites, microvibration is a cause of significant performance degradation. The Control Moment Gyro (CMG), an attitude control device for agile satellites, generates microvibration due to imbalance and irregularities in its high-speed flywheel. As the satellite body transmits microvibration to the sensitive payloads due to its low damping characteristics, it is imperative to isolate microvibration at the source. In this study, a hexapod microvibration isolator based on the Stewart platform is proposed with an alternative configuration. This alternative configuration, originally proposed to reduce coupling transmissibility, is adopted to provide stable performance across a broad frequency range with less weight compared to the widely used cubic configuration in Stewart platform microvibration applications. Modal analysis showed that the alternative configuration is stiffer compared to the cubic configuration. The performance of the isolator was experimentally tested with a high-torque CMG. The proposed hexapod microvibration isolator with an alternative configuration successfully isolated microvibration from the CMG without severe performance degradation.
Microbe-mediated organic fertilization increases insect predator attraction upon fruit damage in olive trees
Authors: Aguirrebengoa Martin , Moreno Beatriz , Guirado Nuria , Núñez Rafael , Fernández-Sierra María L. , Reyes Fernando , Martín Jesús , Benítez Emilio
Published: January 2025

Revalorized olive waste impacts root microbiome.

Root microbiome modulates plant-induced defense.

Insect’s exudate simulates the pest attack.

The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of soil amendments and pest attack on plant-induced defense and their impact on a biological control agent’s behavior. The effects of olive mill wastes revalorized through vermicomposting on the aboveground tri-trophic interactions among olive trees (Olea europaea), the olive seed-feeder, Prays oleae, and its natural predator, Chrysoperla carnea, were evaluated. The findings demonstrate that soil nitrogen and organic carbon levels, in conjunction with fungal diversity and functionality within olive roots, exert a significant influence on the volatile compounds emitted by the plant under attack that are most appealing to C. carnea. Moreover, the attractiveness of aerial volatiles was found to correlate with soil organic carbon content and the taxonomic and functional diversity of both bacteria and fungi in the olive root system. It is worthy of note that three particular volatile compounds, namely 5-hepten-2-one-6-methyl, acetic acid and nonanal, were consistently observed to attract C. carnea. These findings highlight the potential of soil amendments to enhance biological control strategies. Future research should prioritise the validation the greenhouse findings through large-scale field trials and the assessment of the practical applications of soil amendments in pest management programmes.
COVID-19 Misbehavior During the Lockdown in Iran: An Extension of Situational Action Theory
Authors: Shadmanfaat Shamila , Kabiri Saeed , Wellen Hadley , Smith Hayden P. , Cochran John , Yousefvand Saman
Published: January 2025

There is a notable gap in research applying criminological theory to the examination of deviant behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study addresses this gap by utilizing Situational Action Theory (SAT) to investigate violations of social hygiene ordinances during a COVID-19 lockdown in Iran. The study is based on survey data collected from a sample of 396 university students across 10 universities in Rasht, Iran. The findings support SAT, demonstrating the relevance of its four theoretical components: personal morality, situational morality, self-control, and perceptual deterrence. Additionally, the study reveals significant multiplicative interactions between criminal propensity, criminal exposure, perceptions of action alternatives, and the process of choice. These factors were significantly linked to COVID-19 related misbehavior, offering valuable insights into individual decision-making processes when faced with criminogenic and health-related dilemmas.
Divergent models of soil organic carbon sequestration related to vegetation restoration
Authors: Deng Lei , Shangguan Zhouping
Published: January 2025

Long-term vegetation restoration increases soil organic carbon (SOC) stock, while short-term vegetation restoration shows inconsistent results. This paper attempts to explore the short-term and long-term responses of SOC sequestration dynamics to vegetation restoration, and elucidate their influence mechanism, which can provide a theoretical basis for vegetation restoration.

Graphical Abstract
Lawmaking in Dutch Sri Lanka
Authors: Rupesinghe Nadeera
Published: January 2025

Dutch and Sinhalese law coexisted in seventeenth- and eighteenth-century Sri Lanka. A dual forum called the Landraad empowered colonial justices to defer to either imperial or indigenous law on issues ranging from standards of evidence to inheritance rights. So, while major judicial decisions were often skewed toward assimilation, everyday life in the colony was marked by a cultural multiplicity. In Navigating Pluralities, Nadeera Rupesinghe focuses on these day-to-day experiences of the law in colonial Sri Lanka, discovering how such plural practices affected both colonized and colonizers in surprising ways.
The Influence of Topography on the Global Terrestrial Water Cycle
Authors: Gnann Sebastian , Baldwin Jane W. , Cuthbert Mark O. , Gleeson Tom , Schwanghart Wolfgang , Wagener Thorsten
Published: January 2025

Topography affects the distribution and movement of water on Earth, yet new insights about topographic controls continue to surprise us and exciting puzzles remain. Here we combine literature review and data synthesis to explore the influence of topography on the global terrestrial water cycle, from the atmosphere down to the groundwater. Above the land surface, topography induces gradients and contrasts in water and energy availability. Long‐term precipitation usually increases with elevation in the mid‐latitudes, while it peaks at low‐ to mid‐elevations in the tropics. Potential evaporation tends to decrease with elevation in all climate zones. At the land surface, topography is expressed in snow distribution, vegetation zonation, geomorphic landforms, the critical zone, and drainage networks. Evaporation and vegetation activity are often highest at low‐ to mid‐elevations where neither temperature, nor energy availability, nor water availability—often modulated by lateral moisture redistribution—impose strong limitations. Below the land surface, topography drives the movement of groundwater from local to continental scales. In many steep upland regions, groundwater systems are well connected to streams and provide ample baseflow, and streams often start losing water in foothills where bedrock transitions into highly permeable sediment. We conclude by presenting organizing principles, discussing the implications of climate change and human activity, and identifying data needs and knowledge gaps. A defining feature resulting from topography is the presence of gradients and contrasts, whose interactions explain many of the patterns we observe in nature and how they might change in the future.
Particulate Cadmium Accumulation in the Mesopelagic Ocean
Authors: Laubach A. , Lee J.‐M. , Sieber M. , Lanning N. T. , Fitzsimmons J. N. , Conway T. M. , Lam P. J.
Published: January 2025

Observations of dissolved cadmium (dCd) and phosphate (PO4) suggest an unexplained loss of dCd to the particulate phase in tropical oxyclines. Here, we compile existing observations of particulate Cd and phosphorus (P), and present new data from the US GEOTRACES GP15 Pacific Meridional Transect to examine this phenomenon from a particulate Cd perspective. We use a simple algorithm to reproduce station depth profiles of particulate Cd and P via regeneration and possible subsurface accumulation. Our examination of regeneration reveals decoupling of particulate Cd and P driven by variable partitioning between two particulate pools with differing labilities. Further, we identify evidence for subsurface particulate Cd accumulation at 31 stations. Subsurface particulate Cd accumulation occurs most consistently in the mesopelagic tropical Pacific but can be found in all examined ocean basins. This accumulation is not well‐correlated with dissolved oxygen or particulate sulfide concentration. Instead, we observe that particulate Cd accumulation occurs in regions where the concentration of dCd is relatively high compared to dissolved zinc (dZn) and speculate that it is the result of enhanced dCd biological uptake in response to the subsurface micronutrient balance.
Inner Forearc Stress State and Plate Coupling
Authors: Sharma Viven , Wada Ikuko , Rippke Joe
Published: January 2025

The long‐term state of stress in the subduction forearc depends on the balance between margin‐normal compression due to the plate‐coupling force and the margin‐normal tension due to the gravitational force on the margin topography. In most subduction margins, the outer forearc is largely in margin‐normal compression due to the dominance of the plate‐coupling force. The inner forearc's state of stress varies within and among subduction zones, but what gives rise to this variation is unclear. We examine the state of stress in the forearc region of nine subduction zones by inverting focal mechanism solutions for shallow forearc crustal earthquakes for five zones and inferring the previous inversion results for the other four. The results indicate that the inner forearc stress state is characterized by margin‐normal horizontal deviatoric tension in parts of Nankai, Hikurangi, and southern Mexico. The vertical and margin‐normal horizontal stresses are similar in magnitudes in northern Cascadia as previously reported and are in a neutral stress state. The inner forearc stress state in the rest of the study regions is characterized by margin‐normal horizontal deviatoric compression. Tension in the inner forearc tends to occur where plate coupling is shallow. A larger width of the forearc also promotes inner‐forearc tension. However, regional tectonics may overshadow or accentuate the background stress state in the inner forearc, such as in Hikurangi.
A Laboratory‐Validated, Graph‐Based Flow and Transport Model for Naturally Fractured Media
Authors: Sutton Collin R. , Zahasky Christopher
Published: January 2025

Fractures are a primary feature controlling flow, transport, and coupled processes in geologic systems. To date, experimental image‐based observations of these processes have been challenging. Here, we use pulse‐tracer experiments with a conservative radiotracer ([18F]‐fludeoxyglucose) spanning multiple flow rates with simultaneous positron emission tomography imaging to characterize transport in a 5.08 cm fractured Sierra granite core. A graph‐based, laboratory‐validated flow and transport model is successfully demonstrated to describe the conservative solute transport in the natural fracture. Model network complexity, determined by the number of nodes and edges, significantly impacts model fit to observed data. Large graphs over‐describe a fracture plane and act similarly to a porous medium while small graphs oversimplify the solute transport behavior. To our knowledge, this work provides the first validation of graph‐based flow and transport models across a range of experimental conditions and sets the groundwork for upscaling to more complex and computationally efficient fracture models.
A Shorter Duration of the Indian Summer Monsoon in Constrained Projections
Authors: Cheng Yifeng , Wang Lu , Chen Xiaolong , Zhou Tianjun , Turner Andrew
Published: January 2025

A reliable projection of the future duration of the Indian summer monsoon (ISM) provides an important input for climate adaptation in the Indian subcontinent. Nevertheless, there is low confidence for projections of ISM duration, due to large inter‐model uncertainty of onset and withdrawal changes. Here, we find that models with excessive sea surface temperature (SST) over the tropical western Pacific (WP) during spring and greater surface warming trends over the northern mid‐high latitudes (NMHL) during autumn in the present day tend to overestimate future delays to ISM onset and withdrawal, respectively. This can be attributed to the influence of surface thermal conditions on upper‐tropospheric warming patterns. Constrained by the observational WP SST and NMHL surface warming trends, projected ISM duration under a high‐emission scenario is shortened by 6 days compared to the current climate, with a reduction of inter‐model uncertainty by 46% relative to the unconstrained results.
Slip Modeling of Large Earthquakes by Joint Inversion of W‐Phase and Back‐Projected Images
Authors: Peng Yuyang , Wang Dun , Takeuchi Nozomu , Rivera Luis
Published: January 2025

We present a novel finite fault inversion algorithm that combines W‐phase finite fault inversion with Image Deconvolution Back‐Projection (IDBP) for the determination of coseismic slip models following large earthquakes. This integrated algorithm leverages the strengths of both methods, enabling rapid determination of moment tensor, slip distribution, and centroid location. The application of this integrated algorithm to the analysis of the 2015/04/25 Mw 7.8 Nepal and the 2013/01/05 Mw 7.5 Craig Alaska earthquakes yielded results closely aligned with detailed post‐earthquake studies, highlighting the algorithm's accuracy and reliability. By overcoming inherent limitations of individual methods, it provides a comprehensive understanding of the earthquake source process. The algorithm's potential for automated implementation, requiring few parameters, enhances its suitability for near real‐time earthquake analysis.
Examining the Power Law Relationship Between Absorption and Frequency Using Spectral Riometer Data
Authors: Fiori R. A. D. , Kero A. , Gillies R. , Cameron T. G. , Cully C. , Ghaffari R.
Published: January 2025

High frequency radio wave propagation is sensitive to absorption in the D and lower E‐region ionosphere. Absorption models typically characterize attenuation expected at 30 MHz, meaning scaling relationships are required to map to absorption expected at other frequencies. This is important when evaluating absorption at <20 MHz, as these frequencies are typically used for communication, and are highly sensitive to ionospheric disturbances. Typically, a power law relationship between absorption and frequency with a coefficient of n = −2 is used. This relationship can be demonstrated through consideration of the Appleton‐Hartree equation. This paper examines the performance of this relationship using data from the Kilpisjärvi Atmospheric Imaging Receiver Array for 13–14 November 2012. Using absorption measured at 30 MHz as a baseline, the power law relationship was used to calculated absorption at frequencies of 10–80 MHz. For this event, the power law relationship performed well when the measured absorption at 30 MHz was <1–2 dB, but strongly overestimated measurements as absorption increased. Performance improved when n was allowed to vary as a function of the overall level of absorption at 30 MHz. This accounts for local ionospheric changes associated with absorption events that change the balance of parameters in the Appleton‐Hartree equation causing deviation from n = −2. To further accommodate deviations associated with both local ionospheric disturbances and ambient electromagnetic noise contributions, an empirical relationship relating the logarithm of absorption to frequency was evaluated as a function of overall absorption. Compared to the simplified n = −2 power law relationship between absorption and frequency, the new relationship better represents measured absorption for the event studied.
TIE‐GCM ROPE ‐ Dimensionality Reduction: Part I
Authors: Mehta Piyush M. , Licata Richard J.
Published: January 2025

Physics‐based models of the ionosphere‐thermosphere system have been touted as the next big thing in the context of drag modeling and space operations for decades. However, the computational complexity of such models have primarily kept them being used operationally. We recently demonstrated a proof‐of‐concept for developing what we call a reduced order probabilistic emulator (ROPE) for the thermosphere using the thermosphere ionosphere electrodynamics ‐ general circulation model (TIE‐GCM). The methodology uses a page out of dynamical systems theory to first reduce the order of the state using dimensionality reduction and then modeling the temporal dynamics in the reduced state space. The methodology uses an ensemble of temporal dynamic models to provide uncertainty estimates in the prediction. This work focuses on the dimensionality reduction step of the ROPE development process and addresses three limitations of the proof‐of‐concept: (a) extending the altitude upper boundary from 450 km to nearly 1000 km, (b) employing deep learning for nonlinear dimensionality reduction over principal component analysis (PCA) for improved performance during storm periods, and (c) maintaining the spatial resolution of the physical TIE‐GCM model, without down‐sampling, to preserve the spatial scales and variations. Results show overall performance boost over PCA for the high‐resolution and extrapolated data set as well as reduced reconstruction errors during storm‐time conditions. This work represents a major step toward operationalization.
Temperature Overshoot Would Have Lasting Impacts on Hydrology and Water Resources
Authors: Marshall Adrienne , Grubert Emily , Warix Sara
Published: January 2025

Models of climate change impacts could be missing significant risks to hydrologic and water infrastructure systems through a shared feature: the idea that temperatures rise monotonically. By contrast, temperature overshoot pathways describe non‐monotonic warming trajectories, in which global temperatures first exceed a given target before declining to that target. Risks from overshoot pathways are qualitatively different from risks associated with monotonic warming trajectories, and are likely underestimated in current research and policy. Models suggest overshoot may be almost unavoidable if the more stringent Paris Agreement target limiting warming to 1.5°C over preindustrial levels is to be met by 2100. While overshoot has been relatively widely described in the climate literature, the impacts of overshoot on individual system characteristics have not. We suggest that failure to consider disparities between monotonic and overshoot warming impacts on hydrology and water resources presents particular risks due to divergent adaptation needs. Processes with decadal hysteresis are especially vulnerable. These include glacial contributions to streamflow; hydrologic consequences of vegetation change; altered groundwater; higher water use for fossil fuel combustion and carbon dioxide removal; and water infrastructure and policy that depends on climate conditions. We argue that risks of overshoot cannot be fully captured in current integrated assessment models and that overshoot needs to be specifically evaluated to adequately characterize risk in the water system. We consider how current modeling tools could be adapted to evaluate overshoot consequences, but also recognize that decisions must be made even without perfect knowledge.
Experiences of perinatal genetic screening for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds: a scoping review
Authors: Kanga-Parabia Anaita , Archibald Alison D. , Biggs Laura J. , Lewis Sharon , Tutty Erin , Dawson-McClaren Belinda
Published: January 2025

People from refugee and migrant backgrounds often face poor experiences and outcomes in healthcare, and genetic healthcare is no exception. Understanding whether and how these health inequities manifest is an important step towards equitable perinatal genetic screening for genetic or chromosomal conditions (offered preconception, prenatally, or during the newborn period). A scoping review was conducted to review international evidence of perceptions and experiences of perinatal genetic screening for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds. Search strategies were applied to Medline, Embase, and CINAHL databases to identify articles meeting eligibility criteria. Evidence was synthesised using descriptive and content analysis, with theoretical frameworks of proportionate universality and relational autonomy used to interpret findings. Of 11,046 unique articles identified, twenty-six met inclusion criteria and underwent full-text review. Most studies were set in Western countries, and participants were primarily born in Asia, South America, or Africa. Studies indicated varying awareness, knowledge, attitudes, and uptake of screening. Several studies highlighted a lack of adequate in-language resources, the use of concepts that were unrecognised in particular communities, and poor interactions with healthcare providers. Strategies to address the above issues included person-centred counselling, increased consultation time, access to interpreters, and training for relevant providers. Other recommendations included addressing structural, financial, and geographical barriers to improve access to screening and associated care. Whilst additional research is required, we propose evidence and theory-informed strategies to improve perinatal genetic screening services for people from migrant and refugee backgrounds.
Ab initio machine-learning unveils strong anharmonicity in non-Arrhenius self-diffusion of tungsten
Authors: Zhang Xi , Divinski Sergiy V. , Grabowski Blazej
Published: January 2025

The knowledge of diffusion mechanisms in materials is crucial for predicting their high-temperature performance and stability, yet accurately capturing the underlying physics like thermal effects remains challenging. In particular, the origin of the experimentally observed non-Arrhenius diffusion behavior has remained elusive, largely due to the lack of effective computational tools. Here we propose an efficient ab initio framework to compute the Gibbs energy of the transition state in vacancy-mediated diffusion including the relevant thermal excitations at the density-functional-theory level. With the aid of a bespoke machine-learning interatomic potential, the temperature-dependent vacancy formation and migration Gibbs energies of the prototype system body-centered cubic (BCC) tungsten are shown to be strongly affected by anharmonicity. This finding explains the physical origin of the experimentally observed non-Arrhenius behavior of tungsten self-diffusion. A remarkable agreement between the calculated and experimental temperature-dependent self-diffusivity and, in particular, its curvature is revealed. The proposed computational framework is robust and broadly applicable, as evidenced by first tests for a hexagonal close-packed (HCP) multicomponent high-entropy alloy. The successful applications underscore the attainability of an accurate ab initio diffusion database.
Continental drift triggered the Early Permian aridification of North China
Authors: Ren Qiang , Zhang Shihong , Hou Mingcai , Zheng Dongyu , Wu Huaichun , Yang Tianshui , Li Haiyan , Chen Anqing , Ogg James G.
Published: January 2025

The boundary between wet and arid climate zones in the Tethys Ocean remains challenging to trace, complicating our understanding of global aridification pattern during the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian transition. The North China Block (NCB), situated in the Tethys Ocean, underwent a transition from humid to arid climate during the Early Permian, providing a rare opportunity to trace this climate boundary across this region. Here, we present paleomagnetic evidence indicating that the NCB underwent rapid northward drift between 290 and 281 million years ago. The NCB’s movement from a tropical wet to a subtropical arid zone corresponds to a lithological change from coal-bearing to red-bed deposits, demonstrating tectonic drift into a subtropical arid zone as the main driver of aridification in the NCB during this period. This drift also delineates the wet–dry boundary over the Tethys Ocean, consistent with modern climatic zonation patterns.
Analysis of full length transcriptome and resistance characteristics of Atraphaxis bracteata under drought
Authors: He Cai , Liu Wei , Jin Min , Li Yi , Wu Yuan , Shan Lishan , Chong Peifang , Wei Meiying , Hu Fang , Liu Yuan , Li Chaoqun , Zhang Qinde
Published: January 2025

Drought is one of the main environmental factors affecting plant survival and growth. Atraphaxis bracteata is a common desert plant mainly utilized in afforestation and desertification control. This study analyzed the morphological, physiological and molecular regulatory characteristics of different organs of A. bracteata under drought stress. The results showed that with the intensification of drought stress, the height, root length and leaf area of A. bracteata seedlings decreased, while the content of osmotic substances and antioxidant enzyme activity increased. Furthermore, a total of 63 907 non-redundant transcript sequences, of which 55 574 transcripts were annotated, 248 178 FLNC sequences, 107 112 high-quality consistent sequences and 291 314 CCSs were obtained from Iso-Seq. Meanwhile, a total of 2 039 AS events, 22 919 SSR, 40 404 CDS and 5 902 lncRNA were also obtained. The RNA-Seq analysis results revealed that a total of 2 821, 3 907 and 5 532 DETs were identified from roots, stems and leaves, respectively, and which had significantly enrichment in “circadian rhythm-plant” and “starch and sucrose metabolism” pathway. These results would be great significance for further research on the stress resistance of A. bracteata and these DETs function.
Integrated approach for estimating climate change impacts on CO2 sink capacity of inland waterbodies using hydrodynamic modelling and GIS analysis
Authors: Khalil Hanady H. , Abdrabo Mohamed A. , Hassaan Mahmoud A. , Elshemy Mohamed M.
Published: January 2025

As one of their key regulatory ecosystem functions, inland lakes serve as CO2 sinks. The CO2 sink capacity of inland lakes depends on their water temperature and salinity as well as their water volume which are all highly sensitive to climate conditions. This paper aims to quantitatively estimate the change in the CO2 sink capacity of Wadi El-Rayan Lakes under climate change scenarios. For this purpose, an integrated approach combining CO2 solubility modelling, hydrodynamic simulations (Delft3D-FLOW) and GIS analysis was employed. According to the developed approach, CO2 solubility under variable temperature and salinity is mathematically modelled and this model is further used with the developed hydrodynamic model data for Wadi El-Rayan Lakes (temperature, salinity and water depth) to estimate their CO2 sink capacities. CO2 sink capacity is estimated for 2014 and 2050 under two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) 2.6 and 8.5. Afterwards, the alteration in CO2 sink capacities due to climate change is determined using the modified hydrodynamic model. The results revealed that by 2050, the lakes would lose about 23–25% of their capacities compared to that of 2014 according to RCP 2.6 and 8.5, respectively.
Carboxymethyl hemicellulose hydrogel as a fluorescent biosensor for bacterial and fungal detection with DFT and molecular docking studies
Authors: Tohamy Hebat-Allah S.
Published: January 2025

A new method was developed to quickly produce carboxymethyl hemicellulose (CM-Hemi) and fluorescent nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N–CDs) from sugarcane bagasse (SB). These materials were then combined with calcium chloride (CaCl₂) to create hydrogel sensors with antibacterial and antifungal properties. The CM-Hemi@Ca-N–CDs hydrogel was effective against both Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria compared to CM-Hemi@Ca which give no antibacterial activity. Both hydrogels also exhibited antifungal properties against Candida albicans. Molecular docking studies revealed that the CM-Hemi@Ca-N–CDs hydrogel had strong binding interactions with the protein from Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans (1.92 A°) compard to Escherichia coli (2.01 A°), which was aligned with the inhibition zone measurements from the antibacterial test. The fluorescence microscope revealed differences in the emitted light color when the hydrogel interacted with different types of microorganisms, likely due to variations in their cell walls. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations indicate that the incorporation of N–CDs into the CM-Hemi@Ca hydrogel enhances its stability and rigidity. This is evidenced by the lower energy gap (Eg), higher electron affinity (μ), and lower softness (S) of the CM-Hemi@Ca-N–CDs compared to the CM-Hemi@Ca hydrogel. Additionally, the formation of amide bonds between the N–CDs and CM-Hemi contributes to the increased rigidity of the hydrogel.These findings supporting th effectiveness of CM-Hemi@Ca-N–CDs as an antibacterial/antifungal sensor.
Nanobody-based indirect competitive ELISA for the detection of aflatoxin M1 in dairy products
Authors: Yi Li , Liu Haiyuan , Liu Yingda , Aiyisi  , He Jing , Ming Liang , Jirimutu
Published: January 2025

Aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) is known to be carcinogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic and poses a serious threat to food safety and human health, which makes its surveillance critical. In this study, an indirect competitive ELISA (icELISA) based on a nanobody (Nb M4) was developed for the sensitive and rapid detection of AFM1 in dairy products. In our previous work, Nb M4 was screened from a Bactrian-camel-immunized phage-displayed library. It exhibits VH-like features, possesses higher thermal stability than monoclonal antibody (mAb 1E6) and tightly binds to AFM1–BSA with a KD value of 2.5 nM. Under the optimal conditions, its half-maximal inhibitory concentration was 0.338 ng/mL, the limit of detection was 0.051 ng/mL, and linearity was noted in the range of 0.168–0.679 ng/mL. Nb M4 displayed almost no cross-reactivity with other mycotoxins. No matrix effect was observed in milk and milk powder samples, and the matrix effect in yogurt samples could be weakened by 2-fold dilution. Furthermore, validation studies in spiked samples (milk, yogurt, and milk powder) resulted in good recoveries of 95.40–111.33%, with a low coefficient of variation (2.89–6.78%). High-performance liquid chromatography was used to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the developed icELISA, which indicated a satisfactory consistent correlation (R2 = 0.9722). This study highlights the potential of Nb M4 as a promising component for detecting AFM1 in dairy products.
Supercontinuum generation in scintillator crystals
Authors: Marčiulionytė Vaida , Tamošauskas Gintaras , Šutovas Matas , Dubietis Audrius
Published: January 2025

We present a comparative experimental study of supercontinuum generation in undoped scintillator crystals: bismuth germanate (BGO), yttrium orthosilicate (YSO), lutetium oxyorthosilicate (LSO), lutetium yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) and gadolinium gallium garnet (GGG), pumped by 180 fs fundamental harmonic pulses of an amplified Yb:KGW laser. In addition to these materials, experiments in yttrium aluminium garnet (YAG), potassium gadolinium tungstate (KGW) and lithium tantalate (LT) were performed under identical experimental settings (focusing geometry and sample thickness), which served for straightforward comparison of supercontinuum generation performances. The threshold and optimal (that produces optimized red-shifted spectral extent) pump pulse energies for supercontinuum generation were evaluated from detailed measurements of spectral broadening dynamics. The measured cut-off wavelengths at the short-wavelength side are in line with the general trend of blue-shifted spectral broadening on the bandgap of nonlinear material. All the nonlinear materials produced reasonable red-shifted spectral broadenings under conditions of optimal pump pulse energies, with the largest red-shift exceeding 2000 nm measured in GGG crystal. Our results revealed that GGG and BGO (which also had the lowest supercontinuum generation threshold) offer durable, optical damage-free performance at a laser repetition rate of 200 kHz, suggesting that these materials are good alternatives to YAG and KGW for low threshold, high average power supercontinuum generation in the near- and short-wave infrared spectral ranges. We also demonstrated that scintillating properties of bulk materials could be readily studied in the filamentation regime, via multiphoton excitation using near-infrared femtosecond laser pulses.
A disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain (ADAM) 12, ADAM 17 mRNA and ADAM10 protein hold potential as biomarkers for detection of early gastric cancer
Authors: Oh Sooyeon , Lee Sang-Soo , Jin Hoeyoung , Choi Seo-Hyeon , Cha Choong-Keun , Lee Jooho , Kwack KyuBum , Kim Sang Gyun , Choi Sang-Woon
Published: January 2025

No biomarker can effectively screen for early gastric cancer (EGC). Players in the A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM)-natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) receptor axis may have a role for that. As a proof-of-concept pilot study, the expression of ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM10, ADAM12, ADAM17, and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I chain-related sequence A (MICA), a ligand for NKG2D, in gastric cancer was investigated in silico using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Subsequently, the mRNA and protein expression levels of these markers except ADAM8 were tested in blood samples from patients with EGC and healthy controls. In the TCGA data analyses, EGC tissues (n = 57) expressed significantly higher mRNA levels of ADAM8, ADAM9, ADAM10, ADAM12, and ADAM17 than normal tissues (n = 35) (p < 0.005). In human blood sample analyses, ADAM12 (p = 0.0007), ADAM17 mRNA (p < 0.0001) and ADAM10 (p < 0.0017) protein were significantly elevated in patients with EGC (n = 27 for mRNA and n = 25 for protein) compared to the controls (n = 30 for mRNA and n = 26 for protein). Areas under the curves calculated by receiver-operating characteristic analysis for ADAM12, ADAM17 mRNA and ADAM10 protein were 0.7568 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6334 to 0.8802), 0.8062 (95% CI: 0.6889 to 0.9234; p < 0.0001), and 0.8108 (95% CI: 0.6895 to 0.9320; p = 0.0001), respectively. Thus, ADAM12, ADAM17 mRNA and ADAM10 protein levels in peripheral blood could hold potential as biomarkers for screening EGC, and further investigations are required.