bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Calculation of sustainable development index and empirical analysis: the case of BRICS-T countries
Authors: Ülger Mücahit , Kasap Ahmet
Published: February 2025

In recent years, increasing economic competition between countries has brought environmental pollution and carbon emissions. Especially in developing countries, the flexibility in the implementation of laws causes this pollution to increase even more. Taking environmentally friendly measures on a global scale while developing both economically and socially is defined as sustainable development. Sustainable development is a priority research area at the country and regional level and has become the new goal of world development. The aim of the study is to create a Sustainable Development Index for BRICS-T countries by compiling data from the OECD. The variable pool used in the applied method is quite wide and is basically divided into three groups: economic, environmental and result indicators. Additionally, another aim of the study is to examine the relationships between external debt stock, R&D expenditures and renewable energy use in the Sustainable Development Index. In the analysis conducted using the Panel ARDL method, while no relationship was found between the external debt stock and the Sustainable Development Index for BRICS-T countries, it was concluded that there was a negative relationship between R&D expenditures and the Sustainable Development Index, and a positive relationship between the use of renewable energy and the Sustainable Development Index.
Intermodal targeted energy transfer in two dimensions
Authors: Veltman Yuval , Gzal Majdi , Gendelman Oleg V.
Published: February 2025

In this paper implementation of the intermodal targeted energy transfer (IMTET) mechanism for passive mitigation of a two-dimensional asymmetric linear oscillator subjected to the external excitation is suggested. The considered model contains a planar rigid body with clearance cast in the form of asymmetric rotated elliptical hole, and a fixed internal rigid core. The planar oscillator possesses three degrees of freedom, namely, two translations and rotation. This paper addresses blast mitigation and harmonic forcing excitations by inducing rapid, broadband energy transfers from low-frequency to high-frequency structural modes. These targeted energy transfers within the modal space are driven by a non-resonant, nonlinear dynamic mechanism facilitated by vibro-impacts between the primary linear oscillator and an internal rigid barrier within the tilted elliptical clearance. To improve the blast mitigation performance, the clearance parameters are optimized using a multi-objective genetic algorithm. The results demonstrate that redistributing the blast energy from low- to high-frequency structural modes significantly reduces the amplitude of the overall structural response within an extremely fast time-scale while efficiently utilizing the intrinsic dissipative modal capacity of the structure. Additional blast energy dissipation is achieved by considering inelastic and frictional vibro-impacts. The robustness of the proposed two-dimensional IMTET mechanism has been demonstrated for a wide set of bi-axial blast excitations. Finally, the response of the same structure to harmonic excitation is investigated, particularly when the excitation frequency is close to the structure's lowest natural frequency. Although this is typically a scenario for potential resonance, the IMTET is employed as a non-resonant mechanism that can significantly reduce the energy and amplitude of the structure's oscillations. This mechanism helps to quickly dampen or mitigate the overall response, effectively preventing the excessive amplitude and energy gain that accompanies resonance.
The role of protective genetic variants in modulating epigenetic aging
Authors: Bejaoui Yosra , Srour Luma , Qannan Abeer , Oshima Junko , Saad Chadi , Horvath Steve , Mbarek Hamdi , El Hajj Nady
Published: February 2025

Several progeroid syndromes’ causative mutations have been linked to epigenetic age acceleration as measured via several epigenetic clocks. At the same time, several protective variants have also been discovered that can reduce the risk of developing certain age-related disorders. However, the impact of these protective variants on epigenetic aging has not been well elucidated. Our research, which involved screening over 14,669 healthy individuals enrolled in the Qatar BioBank (QBB) and sequenced by the Qatar Genome Project (QGP), identified individuals carrying protective variants against age-related disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), type 2 diabetes (T2D), and atherosclerosis. In this study, we measured methylation levels in blood DNA using the EPIC v2 arrays. In addition, epigenetic age was calculated using various epigenetic clocks. Our analysis revealed that the APOE*E2 protective variant reduces the rate of GrimAge epigenetic aging when compared to individuals with the APOE4 AD risk allele. Furthermore, our differential DNA methylation analysis discovered the association of the PCSK9 protective variant with specific biological processes related to immune function and the cardiovascular system. In conclusion, APOE*E2 protective variants have a positive impact on epigenetic aging, while PCSK9 protective variants have a significant effect on DNA methylation signatures. Further studies are needed to better understand the underlying mechanisms by which protective variants influence epigenetic aging, particularly the role of APOE*E2 protective variants in biological aging. Furthermore, additional research is required to fully uncover the processes that might enable specific targeted therapies to mimic the effects of beneficial mutations, such as LOF variants in PCSK9, in reducing the risk of geriatric disorders.
How cities source their food: spatial interactions in West African urban food supply
Authors: Karg Hanna , Bellwood-Howard Imogen , Ramankutty Navin
Published: February 2025

In West Africa, increasing rural–urban flows of food, driven by growing urban populations, require functional, efficient links between cities and production areas. However, underlying mechanisms of urban food sourcing in West Africa are poorly understood. This study deepens understanding of spatial interactions between cities and production areas by examining the effects of settlement size, geographical distance, and agricultural suitability on food inflows to four West African cities. The analysis was informed by theoretical spatial models and data on food flows, road network, agricultural suitability, and settlements. Results showed that food travelled further from larger supplying settlements, and towards the two larger destination cities. This supports the idea of a hierarchical system, where food provisioning area and upstream supply chain length increase with settlement size. Overall, towns with fewer than 100,000 inhabitants, often representing aggregation centres, were among the major suppliers to the cities. Complementary agricultural suitability between origin and destination shaped food flow direction and length, but poor road access and international borders impeded trade. Spatial models did not fully explain food flows: they were also influenced by historical factors shaping certain settlements’ importance as sources. Study cities were supplied by a diversity of more and less concentrated food sources, representing production sites or aggregating markets, which should theoretically support food supply resilience. Improvements to storage and road infrastructure, and removing trade barriers, could improve food supply to cities, and producer and trader livelihoods. Emerging research on urban food systems governance could support understanding of how best to do this.
The role of the comprehensive complication index in the prediction of tumor-related death in transplanted patients with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Lai Quirino , Melandro Fabio , Vitale Alessandro , Ghinolfi Davide , Coubeau Laurent , Pravisani Riccardo , Nowak Greg , Mocchegiani Federico , Vivarelli Marco , Rossi Massimo , Ericzon Bo-Göran , Baccarani Umberto , De Simone Paolo , Cillo Umberto , Lerut Jan
Published: February 2025

Liver transplantation (LT) is the primary treatment for selected patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, HCC-related mortality post-LT remains a significant concern, with up to 10% of cases reported in international series. Identifying risk factors for adverse clinical outcomes is essential. We hypothesized that post-LT HCC-related mortality rates are higher in patients with a high (≥ 42) Comprehensive Complication Index (CCI) calculated at discharge. This study aims to compare post-LT HCC-related mortality rates between two groups of patients with high versus low CCI following LT for HCC. This study included data from seven collaborative European centers. A cohort of 1121 HCC patients transplanted between 2005 and 2019, surviving more than six months post-LT, was analyzed retrospectively. Patients were divided into two groups based on the CCI at discharge: Low-CCI Group (n = 942, 84.0%) and High-CCI Group (n = 179, 16.0%). An inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) approach was applied for analysis. In the post-IPTW cohort, four multivariable logistic regression models with mixed effects identified independent risk factors for HCC-related death, overall death, recurrence, and early recurrence. A CCI score of ≥ 42 emerged as an independent risk factor across all models. Specifically, CCI ≥ 42 was associated with increased odds of HCC-related death (OR = 3.35; P < 0.0001), overall death (OR = 2.63; P < 0.0001), overall recurrence (OR = 2.09; P = 0.001), and early recurrence (OR = 1.88; P = 0.02). A CCI score at discharge should be considered a critical factor for recurrence and HCC-related mortality risk. Incorporating CCI into standard post-LT predictive models may enhance prognostic accuracy for adverse HCC outcomes.
Dry Needling in Sports and Sport Recovery: A Systematic Review with an Evidence Gap Map
Authors: Kużdżał Adrian , Trybulski Robert , Muracki Jarosław , Klich Sebastian , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Kawczyński Adam
Published: February 2025

Background

Dry needling is an increasingly popular technique used in sports and regenerative medicine contexts. However, there is no comprehensive overview of investigations of dry needling in sports and sport recovery.

Objectives

The objectives were to perform a systematic review of dry needling in sports athletes with an evidence gap map, to identify current gaps in the literature, and to provide stakeholders with direction for future research.

Methods

Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines were followed. Studies on healthy and injured athletes receiving dry needling were included. Three databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science) were searched, data were synthesized narratively, key data were summarized quantitatively, and an evidence gap map was created.

Results

The authors incorporated 24 studies into the current study, encompassing 580 athletes, predominantly involving talent/developmental and highly trained/national-level athletes across 13 sports. Most studies used passive or placebo controls, with 37.5% incorporating active controls. Interventions focused mainly on the lower limbs (58.3%). Around 69% of studies reported pain perception outcomes, while six examined muscular strength, activity, and range of motion. While results varied, dry needling generally showed a more positive effect on pain than on athletic performance.

Conclusions

Dry needling studies seem to describe general effectiveness and safety for reducing pain and muscle stiffness in a wide variety of body regions. However, further research is needed on underrepresented populations such as elite, world-class, and Paralympic athletes, as well as expanding investigations into long-term effects and a broader range of muscle groups, particularly the hamstrings. The results may be valuable for medical professionals, sports medicine specialists, and researchers.

Registration

OSF project no.: osf.io osf.io/h3yeq.
Failure mechanisms of electronic detonators subjected to high impact loading in rock drilling and blasting
Authors: Leng Zhendong , Fan Yong , Lu Wenbo , Gao Qidong , Yang Guangdong
Published: February 2025

In rock drilling and blasting, the misfire of electronic detonators will not only affect the rock fragmentation result but also bring serious potential safety hazards to engineering construction. An accurate and comprehensive understanding of the failure mechanisms of electronic detonators subjected to impact loading is of great significance to the reliability design and field safety use of electronic detonators. The spatial distribution characteristics and failure modes of misfired electronic detonators under different application scenarios are statistically analysed. The results show that under high impact loads, electronic detonators will experience failure phenomena such as rupture of the fuse head, fracture of the bridge wire, falling off of the solder joint, chip module damage and insufficient initiation energy after deformation. The lack of impact resistance is the primary cause of misfire of electronic detonators. Combined with the underwater impact resistance test and the impact load test in the adjacent blasthole on site, the formulas of the impact failure probability of the electronic detonator under different stress‒strength distribution curves are deduced. The test and evaluation method of the impact resistance of electronic detonators based on stress‒strength interference theory is proposed. Furthermore, the impact failure model of electronic detonators considering the strength degradation effect under repeated random loads is established. On this basis, the failure mechanism of electronic detonators under different application environments, such as open-pit blasting and underground blasting, is revealed, which provides scientific theory and methods for the reliability analysis, design and type selection of electronic detonators in rock drilling and blasting.
Allelopathic activity of coriander (coriandrum sativum L.)
Authors: Pannacci Euro , Monni Vittorio , Contini Giulia , Bravi Elisabetta , Tei Francesco
Published: February 2025

In recent years there has been increased interest about the allelopathic effects of plant extracts used as bioherbicides, in order to manage weeds with a decreasing use of herbicides. An interesting crop, from an allelopathic point of view, is coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), a medicinal plant member of Apiaceae family. The aim of this study was to evaluate the allelopathic activity of coriander against a possible succeeding crop, like wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), and against some weeds, like Lolium multiflorum Lam., Sinapis alba L. and Amaranthus retroflexus L., ubiquitous in the Mediterranean agroecosystems. In Petri dish bioassays, seeds of above-mentioned species were treated with 0, 2.5, 5, 10, 17.5, 25% w/v concentrations of aqueous extracts from leaves, stems and roots of coriander at flowering and maturity growth stage. The ranking among different extracts based on their allelopathic effects was: leaves extract > stems extract > roots extract. The allelopathic activity of coriander at maturity stage decreased with respect to that at flowering stage. Total polyphenols, flavonoids and phenolic acids were involved in the allelopathic activity of coriander. The aqueous extracts from aerial biomass of coriander inhibited the seed germination of weeds, but not that of T. aestivum. This research has provided interesting scientific insights into the allelopathic activity of coriander in weed management, however, other aspects need to be further investigated.
Estimation of rock strength parameters from petrological contents using tree-based machine learning techniques
Authors: Hussain Javid , Fu Xiaodong , Chen Jian , Ali Nafees , Iqbal Sayed Muhammad , Hussain Wakeel , Hussain Altaf , Saleem Ahmed
Published: February 2025

The demand for construction materials in Pakistan has experienced a significant increase, particularly due to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which necessitates substantial amounts of resilient resources for infrastructure development. Parameters of rock strength, including uniaxial compressive strength (UCS), Young’s modulus (E), and Poisson’s ratio (ν), are critical attributes of rock materials vital for applications such as rock slope stability assessment, tunnel construction, and foundation design. Conventionally, the measurement of UCS, E, and ν in laboratory settings resource-intensive, requiring considerable time and financial investment. This study proposes to provide a comprehensive assessment framework using an adaptive boosting machine (AdaBoost), extreme gradient boosting machine (XGBoost), and category gradient boosting machine (CatBoost), to indirectly estimate UCS, E, and ν through streamlined mineralogical analyses. The performance of the boosting trees was analyzed using Taylor diagrams and a suite of five regression metrics: coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), mean absolute error (MAE), variance accounted for (VAF), and the A-20 index. The results indicate that the proposed boosting trees robust predictive capabilities for the constructed database. Notably, AdaBoost demonstrated the highest efficacy in predicting the strength of carbonate rock, achieving R2 values of 0.98, 0.99, and 0.97, with the lowest RMSE values of 0.3164, 0.63, and 0.18, for UCS, E, and ν, respectively. Moreover, variable importance analysis highlighted that the presence of micrite and calcite has a significant impact on predicting UCS, E, and ν of carbonate rock. Furthermore, the AdaBoost model was validated using an independent dataset, which corroborated its predictive reliability. In conclusion, the proposed models present a highly effective methodology for the indirect prediction of essential mechanical properties of carbonate rocks, offering substantial time and cost efficiencies compared to traditional laboratory techniques.
Efficient and accurate road crack detection technology based on YOLOv8-ES
Authors: Zeng Kaili , Fan Rui , Tang Xiaoyu
Published: February 2025

Road damage detection is an important aspect of road maintenance. Traditional manual inspections are laborious and imprecise. With the rise of deep learning technology, pavement detection methods employing deep neural networks give an efficient and accurate solution. However, due to background diversity, limited resolution, and fracture similarity, it is tough to detect road cracks with high accuracy. In this study, we offer a unique, efficient and accurate road crack damage detection, namely YOLOv8-ES. We present a novel dynamic convolutional layer(EDCM) that successfully increases the feature extraction capabilities for small fractures. At the same time, we also present a new attention mechanism (SGAM). It can effectively retain crucial information and increase the network feature extraction capacity. The Wise-IoU technique contains a dynamic, non-monotonic focusing mechanism designed to return to the goal-bounding box more precisely, especially for low-quality samples. We validate our method on both RDD2022 and VOC2007 datasets. The experimental results suggest that YOLOv8-ES performs well. This unique approach provides great support for the development of intelligent road maintenance systems and is projected to achieve further advances in future applications.
Decoding submergence tolerance in Prunus persica: Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic acclimations of antioxidant system, cell wall dynamics, and hormonal signaling
Authors: Ateeq Muhammad , Zhang Dongmei , Xiao Jinping , Zhang Huiqin , Shen Xingyi , Meng Jian , Yang Jinzhi , Alam Shariq Mahmood , Kaleem Muhammad Mohsin , Khan Muhammad Abbas , Zhu Kaijie , Li Guohuai , Liu Junwei
Published: February 2025

Low oxygen stress (hypoxia) induced by submergence significantly impairs respiration in fruit trees, leading to reduced yield and, in extreme cases, tree mortality. While extensive research has focused on the root responses of peach trees to waterlogging, the mechanisms underlying leaf responses to complete submergence remain poorly understood. In this study, both transcriptomic and metabolic approaches were employed to explore the differential submergence tolerance between two peach cultivars: 'Dongxi Xiaoxian' (DX), which exhibits tolerance, and 'Hujing Milu' (HM), which is sensitive. Compared to HM, DX leaves experienced less decline in leaf verdancy, chlorophyll, and carotenoid content under submergence. DX leaves also showed enhanced antioxidant activities of ROS scavengers and reduced levels of H2O2 and MDA, correlating with improved tolerance. Transcriptomic analysis revealed significant alterations in the expression of genes involved in photosynthesis, glycan biosynthesis, and α-linolenic acid metabolism between the two cultivars. Key metabolites, including sugars (sorbitol and sucrose), amino acids (phenylalanine and L-norvaline), cell wall polysaccharides (lignin and pectin), and plant hormones (jasmonic acid and salicylic acid), were identified as critical for DX's superior submergence tolerance. These findings elucidate the mechanisms of peach leaf tolerance to submergence, providing insights into potential strategies for genetic improvement aimed at enhancing hypoxia resistance in fruit trees.
Latent and Manifest Tuberculosis in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated with Anticytokine Therapy
Authors: Skamlova Martina , Kmecova Zlata , Kanianska Michaela , Barekova Ludmila , Rybar Ivan
Published: February 2025

Objectives

The aim of study was to determine the occurrence and risk factors of latent (LTBI) and manifest tuberculosis infection (MTBI) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treated with biologic and targeted-synthetic disease-modifying drugs (b/tsDMARDs) in Slovakia.

Methods

Retrospective observational study included 689 patients with moderate-to-severe RA treated with b/ts DMARDS, screened for LTBI.

Results

The prevalence of of LTBI before the initiation of b/tsDMARDs was 10.3%. During subsequent treatment with b/tsDMARD, LTBI was diagnosed in another 12% of remaining patients (17,9 cases/1000 patient-years of treatment). Patients diagnosed with LTBI were older (64.2 ± 12.4 vs 60.9 ± 12.8, p = 0.02), more often treated with TNF inhibitors (p = 0.032), and had a longer duration of bDMARD/tsDMARD therapy (83.7 ± 44.1 versus 49.2 ± 40.2 months, p < 0.001). As many as 73 of 74 patients with LTBI were treated with the first bDMARD/tsDMARD (p < 0.001). Risk factors associated with LTBI were first bDMARD/tsDMARD (OR = 32.5 (95% CI: 6.3–609.6), p = 0.001) and duration of anticytokine treatment (OR 1.013 (CI: 1.007–1.019), p < 0.001). MTBI was diagnosed with an incidence of 0.3% (2 of 689 patients). The proportion of tuberculosis manifestation in previously diagnosed LTBI cases was 1.4%.

Conclusion

LTBI can affect up to 21% of RA patients treated by b/tsDMARDs. Treatment with the initial bDMARD, TNF inhibition, and the duration of anticytokine therapy have been identified as risk factors for LTBI occurence. The incidence of MTBI is 1.4%, which demonstrates the high effectiveness of chemoprophylaxis in preventing the activation of tuberculosis.
The economics of occupational health and safety
Authors: Belzer Michael H. , Quinlan Michael Garry
Published: February 2025

This special Themed Collection of The Economic and Labour Relations Review examines the ‘Economics of Occupational Health and Safety’ (OHS). The economics of OHS looks at how economic structures and incentives, including labour markets and production processes, influence the health and wellbeing of workers and the communities where they live. It is a large and diverse subject that has been viewed from multiple different lenses. This thematic issue can only touch on some of these but will remind readers how economic incentives and industrial competitive pressures affect OHS. This editorial will take the form of an article which explores some of these intersections and places them in a wider context. To do this, the economics of OHS will not only be examined in terms of economic welfare and microeconomics at the industry and workplace level, but also from an historical perspective, as well as the intersection of these levels, thus providing a useful framework to shape research and discussion.
Dynamical Diophantine approximation and shrinking targets for
$C^{1}$
weakly conformal IFSs with overlaps
Authors: DAVIAUD EDOUARD
Published: February 2025

In this article, we extend, with a great deal of generality, many results regarding the Hausdorff dimension of certain dynamical Diophantine coverings and shrinking target sets associated with a conformal iterated function system (IFS) previously established under the so-called open set condition. The novelty of the result we present is that it holds regardless of any separation assumption on the underlying IFS and thus extends to a large class of IFSs the previous results obtained by Beresnevitch and Velani [A mass transference principle and the Duffin–Schaeffer conjecture for Hausdorff measures. Ann. of Math. (2)164(3) (2006), 971–992] and by Barral and Seuret [The multifractal nature of heterogeneous sums of Dirac masses. Math. Proc. Cambridge Philos. Soc.144(3) (2008), 707–727]. Moreover, it will be established that if S is conformal and satisfies mild separation assumptions (which are, for instance, satisfied for any self-similar IFS on

$\mathbb {R}$

with algebraic parameters, no exact overlaps and similarity dimension smaller than

$1$

), then the classical result of Hill–Velani regarding the shrinking target problem associated with a conformal IFS satisfying the open set condition (and for which the Hausdorff measure was later computed by Allen and Barany [On the Hausdorff measure of shrinking target sets on self-conformal sets. Mathematika67 (2021), 807–839]) can be extended.
Law and History in Angola: The Collection of Court Cases in the Benguela District Court (1850–1945)
Authors: Candido Mariana P. , Dias Paes Mariana A. , de Matos Ngãla Juelma
Published: February 2025

Court records are rich primary sources to social historians, and much attention has been paid to these types of documents in different African territories. In most cases only summaries have survived, but in Angola complete proceedings have been preserved. Examining the court case collection available at the Benguela District Court, we discuss its strengths and methodological challenges, and present possible themes for future research. The use of these records reveals new aspects of the Angolan past, including more information on local norms and the ability of African women to use the Portuguese courts.
Characterization of the complete mitochondrial genomes of Corynosoma bullosum (von Linstow, 1892) and C. evae Zdzitowiecki, 1984 (Acanthocephala: Polymorphida), and the phylogenetic implications
Authors: Xie Y.-Y. , Chen H.-X. , Kuzmina T. A. , Lisitsyna O. , Li L.
Published: February 2025

Species of the genus Corynosoma (Acanthocephala: Polymorphida) mainly parasitize marine mammals and rarely marine birds, and are of veterinary and medical importance due to causing corynosomiasis in wildlife and humans. However, the current knowledge of the mitochondrial genomes and mitogenomic phylogeny of this group remains very insufficient. In the present study, the complete mitochondrial genomes of C. bullosum (von Linstow, 1892) and C. evae Zdzitowiecki, 1984 were sequenced and annotated for the first time. Both mitogenomes comprise 12 protein-coding genes (missing atp8), 22 tRNA genes, and 2 ribosomal RNAs (rrnS and rrnL), plus 2 non-coding regions (NCR1 and NCR2). Corynosoma bullosum has the largest mitogenome (14,879 bp) of any polymorphid species reported so far, while C. evae has the smallest (13,947 bp), except for Sphaerirostris lanceoides (Petrochenko, 1949). Comparative mitogenomic analysis also revealed the presence of distinct discrepancies in A + T content and gene rearrangement across the families Polymorphidae, Centrorhynchidae, and Plagiorhynchidae. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses based on the concatenated amino acid sequences of 12 protein-coding genes strongly supported the monophyly of the order Polymorphida and a close affinity between the families Polymorphidae and Centrorhynchidae in Polymorphida. The present mitogenomic phylogeny provides additional evidence for a sister relationship between the genera Corynosoma and Bolbosoma and demonstrated that C. evae has a closer relationship with C. villosum than C. bullosum in the genus Corynosoma.
Accessing Magma: A Necessary Revolution in Earth Sciences and Renewable Energy
Authors: Lavallée Yan , Kendrick Jackie E. , Eichelberger John C. , Papale Paolo , Sigmundsson Freysteinn , Dingwell Donald B.
Published: February 2025

Earth System Science stands as the future operating framework to monitor the pulse of the Earth, and to diagnose and address the challenges of global change. Magmatism and volcanism are primary processes connecting the solid Earth to the atmosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. In addition to regulating the Earth system, they are both an unavoidable source of hazards and a tremendous resource of energy and raw materials. Accessing magma is the necessary next step in the exploration of our planet. It will enable us to develop next-generation geothermal energy (magma energy), to transform volcano monitoring strategies, and perhaps even to alleviate volcanic activity. Recent exploratory geothermal drilling activities around the world have serendipitously encountered shallow magma bodies in the Earth. Following these remarkable magma drilling occurrences, the Krafla Magma Testbed (KMT) has been established in Iceland in order to create the first magma observatory – a world-class international in situ magma laboratory with access to the magma-rock-hydrothermal boundary through wells suitable for advanced studies and experiments. Here we review the importance of magma in the Earth system, present the multifaceted need for magma observatories and introduce the benefits of KMT as we enter a new generation of energy demands and resilience strategies.
Greater sensitivity to communication partners’ perspectives in children learning a second language at school
Authors: Agostini Valeria , Apperly Ian A. , Krott Andrea
Published: February 2025

Early learning of a second language at home has been found to be beneficial for children’s cognitive development, including their ability to ascribe mental states to others. We investigated whether second language learning in an educational setting can accelerate children’s sensitivity to a communication partner’s perspective and whether the amount of exposure to second language education makes a difference. We tested three groups of English monolingual four-five year old children with varying language exposure at the beginning of their first year at primary school and 24 weeks later. Children attending bilingual schools and children with weekly second language lessons exhibited similar accelerated development of communicative perspective-taking skills compared to children without second language provision. Such advances were not related to other cognitive advances. Thus, limited foreign language teaching might boost young children’s development in communicative perspective-taking skills, providing an enhanced basis for their social competence development.
Recognising differentiated affectedness within a global demos: promoting the democratic legitimacy of the UNFCCC
Authors: Sharman Nicola
Published: February 2025

This article seeks to understand the evolving democratic legitimacy demands of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by reflecting on the challenges of catering to a globally affected public and enhanced participation opportunities given to some highly affected groups. It argues that the principle of democratic equality at a global scale fails to take account of inequities in affectedness and power within the demos and, instead, an approach that strives towards a principle of proportionality based on degrees of affectedness could enhance the UNFCCC’s democratic legitimacy. This builds on existing scholarship identifying a turn to an affectedness paradigm in international institutions more generally and the emerging influence of affected peoples organisations, characterised by the more direct forms of representation they facilitate and emphasis placed on the affectedness of their constituents to claim recognition and influence. The normative appeal of giving enhanced participatory opportunities to those most affected by climate governance is weighed against its challenges and risks. It is concluded that, despite conceptual and practical difficulties connected to the subjective nature of affectedness, a pragmatic approach that treats such a proportionality principle as a democratic ideal to be strived towards could have a legitimising effect on the UNFCCC.
Sensitivity of Pearl Millet (Pennisetum glaucum [L.] R. Br.) Parental Lines to POST Herbicides: Clethodim, Quizalofop-P-ethyl, Imazamox and Nicosulfuron
Authors: Tugoo Midhat Z. , Kumar Vipan , Ramalingam Ajay Prasanth , Parray Sabreena A. , Serba Desalegn D. , Prasad P.V. Vara , Perumal Ramasamy
Published: February 2025

Pearl millet is a climate-resilient grain and forage crop. Weeds pose a major constraint to its successful production. Limited herbicide options for grass weed control in pearl millet is a serious problem. The objectives of this study were to 1) evaluate the sensitivity of pearl millet parental lines to POST-applied clethodim (136 g ai ha-1), quizalofop-p-ethyl (QPE) (77 ai g ha-1), imazamox (52 g ai ha-1) and nicosulfuron (70 g ai ha-1), and 2) characterize the sensitivity of selected lines to imazamox and nicosulfuron. A total of 56 parental lines were tested. Three lines with low sensitivity to imazamox (ARCH35R, 45R, and 73R), two to nicosulfuron (ARCH45R and 73R), one line with high sensitivity (ARCH21B), and a susceptible sorghum (SOR) hybrid (P84G62) to both herbicides were characterized. All parental lines were sensitive to clethodim and QPE (only four lines showed 2 to 12% survival with 90 to 95% injury at 21 d after application [DAA]). However, all parental lines showed variable sensitivity to imazamox and nicosulfuron (70 to 100% survival with 5 to 70% visible injury and shoot dry biomass reduction at 21 DAA). Dose-response assays revealed that ARCH35R, 45R, and 49R had 7.7 to 12.2 and 3.2- to 12.2-fold reduced sensitivity to imazamox compared to the ARCH21B and SOR, respectively. Similarly, ARCH45R and 49R had 2.5 to 6.0 and 1.5- to 3.7-fold reduced sensitivity to nicosulfuron compared to ARCH21B and SOR, respectively. These findings confirm the first report of reduced sensitivity to imazamox and nicosulfuron among pearl millet lines, suggesting their potential use for in-season grass weed control.
Resistance Profile of Glufosinate-Resistant Palmer amaranth Accessions and Herbicide Options
Authors: Carvalho-Moore Pâmela , Norsworthy Jason K. , Souza Maria C. C. R. , Barber L. Tom , Bonilha Piveta Leonard , Meiners Ingo , Porri Aimone
Published: February 2025

Glufosinate resistance was previously confirmed in three Palmer amaranth accessions from Arkansas (MSR1, MSR2, and CCR). Greenhouse screening results suggested the presence of multiple herbicide resistance. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the postemergence resistance profile of three glufosinate-resistant Palmer amaranth accessions from Arkansas. Field experiments were also conducted to assess preemergence (PRE) and postemergence (POST) herbicide options to control the accession with the highest glufosinate resistance level (MSR2). A dose-response assay with the three resistant accessions and two susceptible standards was conducted with the herbicides 2,4-D, atrazine, dicamba, diuron, fomesafen, glyphosate, imazethapyr, and mesotrione. The PRE and POST field experiments with MSR2 evaluated fifteen and sixteen single active ingredients, respectively. The previously described Palmer amaranth accessions carrying glufosinate resistance were also confirmed resistant to six other POST herbicides: 2,4-D, diuron, fomesafen, glyphosate, imazethapyr, and mesotrione. CCR is also resistant to dicamba. Therefore, accessions MSR1, MSR2, and CCR have evolved resistance to POST herbicides pertaining to seven sites of action. A shift towards increased tolerance to atrazine has been observed among all resistant accessions as well. Overall, field PRE treatments with atrazine, pyroxasulfone, or trifludimoxazin obtained the highest MSR2 control levels at all evaluation times and the lowest number of seedlings emerging at 3 and 6 weeks after treatment. In the POST experiment, only paraquat obtained MSR2 control levels above 90% at all ratings. The lowest number of alive MSR2 plants was obtained in POST treatments with paraquat or trifludimoxazin. Fields near where glufosinate resistance has been confirmed in Palmer amaranth will likely demand a more diverse and proactive management strategy relying on combinations of chemical, cultural, and mechanical control tactics. Future efforts should focus on sequential applications and mixture, the elucidation of all resistance mechanisms in the evaluated accessions, and soil applied dose-response.
The Scaling of MCS, Non‐MCS, and Total Extreme Precipitation With Temperature Over the Central United States
Authors: Hu Huancui , Leung L. Ruby , Sun Xiaoming , Wang Guiling
Published: February 2025

While extreme precipitation is expected to increase in a warming climate, its scaling with temperature at weather timescales often produces puzzling results. Here, we focus on the summer months over the central U.S. to investigate the scaling of extreme precipitation intensity (EPI) with local temperature and determine the contribution of mesoscale convective systems (MCSs) to the EPI scaling. Using an observational data set that differentiates precipitation associated with MCS and non‐MCS storms, we find that MCS storms contribute to 70% of EPI samples at temperatures lower than 298 K where EPI increases with temperature. However, at temperatures of 298–305 K, MCSs' contribution to EPI decreases as the predominant storm type shifts from MCS to non‐MCS storms, causing EPI to decrease with temperature due to the weaker rainfall intensity associated with non‐MCS storms compared with MCS storms. Our findings underscore the important role of different storm types in affecting the EPI scaling relationships.
High-fidelity light-field display with enhanced information utilization by modulating chrominance and luminance separately
Authors: Zhang Zhaohe , Yu Xunbo , Gao Xin , Liu Boyang , Wang Hanbo , Gao Chao , Hao Zeyu , Zhao Ruiang , Sang Xinzhu
Published: February 2025

Light-field displays typically consist of a two-dimensional (2D) display panel and a light modulation device. The 2D panel presents synthesized parallax images, with the total information content of the three-dimensional (3D) light field dictated by the panel’s total resolution. Angular resolution serves as a critical metric for light-field displays, where higher angular resolution correlates with a more realistic 3D visual experience. However, the improvement of angular resolution is typically accompanied by a reduction in spatial resolution, due to the limitations of the 2D display panel’s total resolution. To address this challenge, a light-field display method with enhanced information utilization is introduced, achieved through the independent modulation of chrominance and luminance. A static light-field image display system is proposed to verify the feasibility of this method. The system employs a bidirectional angular modulation grating (BAMG) and a collimated light source (CLS) to create uniformly distributed viewpoints in space. A luminance modulation film (LMF) and a chrominance modulation film (CMF) are utilized to modulate the light-field information, with chrominance and luminance synthesized images printed at pixel densities of 720 pixels per inch (PPI) and 8000 dots per inch (DPI), respectively, to align with the differential sensitivities of the human visual system. In the experiment, the proposed display system achieves a full-parallax, high-fidelity color display with a 98.2° horizontal and 97.7° vertical field of view (FOV). So, the light-field display method of modulating chrominance and luminance separately has been proven to achieve high-fidelity display effects.
Horizontal transfer of accessory chromosomes in fungi – a regulated process for exchange of genetic material?
Authors: Habig Michael , Patneedi Satish Kumar , Stam Remco , De Fine Licht Henrik Hjarvard
Published: February 2025

Horizontal transfer of entire chromosomes has been reported in several fungal pathogens, often significantly impacting the fitness of the recipient fungus. All documented instances of horizontal chromosome transfers (HCTs) showed a marked propensity for accessory chromosomes, consistently involving the transfer of an accessory chromosome while other chromosomes were seldom, if ever, co-transferred. The mechanisms underlying HCTs, as well as the factors regulating the specificity of HCTs for accessory chromosomes, remain unclear. In this perspective, we provide an overview of the observed propensity in reported cases of horizontal chromosome transfers. We hypothesize the existence of a signal that distinguishes mobile, i.e., horizontally transferred, accessory chromosomes from the rest of the donor genome. Recent findings in Metarhizium robertsii and Magnaporthe oryzae, suggest that a mobile accessory chromosome may contain putative histones and/or histone modifiers, which could generate such a signal. Based on this, we propose that mobile accessory chromosomes may encode the machinery required for their own horizontal transmission, implying that HCT could be a regulated process. Finally, we present evidence of substantial differences in codon usage bias between core and accessory chromosomes in 14 out of 19 analysed fungal species and strains. Such differences in codon usage bias could indicate past horizontal transfers of these accessory chromosomes. Interestingly, HCT was previously unknown for many of these species, suggesting that the horizontal transfer of accessory chromosomes may be more widespread than previously thought, and therefore an important factor in fungal genome evolution.
Breakage fusion bridge cycles drive high oncogene number with moderate intratumoural heterogeneity
Authors: Raeisi Dehkordi Siavash , Wong Ivy Tsz-Lo , Ni Jing , Luebeck Jens , Zhu Kaiyuan , Prasad Gino , Krockenberger Lena , Xu Guanghui , Chowdhury Biswanath , Rajkumar Utkrisht , Caplin Ann , Muliaditan Daniel , Gnanasekar Aditi , Coruh Ceyda , Jin Qiushi , Turner Kristen , Teo Shu Xian , Pang Andy Wing Chun , Alexandrov Ludmil B. , Chua Christelle En Lin , Furnari Frank B. , Maciejowski John , Paulson Thomas G. , Law Julie A. , Chang Howard Y. , Yue Feng , DasGupta Ramanuj , Zhao Jean , Mischel Paul S. , Bafna Vineet
Published: February 2025

Oncogene amplification is a key driver of cancer pathogenesis. Both breakage fusion bridge (BFB) cycles and extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) can lead to high oncogene copy numbers, but the impact of BFB amplifications on intratumoral heterogeneity, treatment response, and patient survival remains poorly understood due to detection challenges with DNA sequencing. We introduce an algorithm, OM2BFB, designed to detect and reconstruct BFB amplifications using optical genome mapping (OGM). OM2BFB demonstrates high precision (>93%) and recall (92%) in identifying BFB amplifications across cancer cell lines, patient-derived xenograft models, and primary tumors. Comparisons using OGM reveal that BFB detection with our AmpliconSuite toolkit for short-read sequencing also achieves high precision, though with reduced sensitivity. We identify 371 BFB events through whole genome sequencing of 2557 primary tumors and cancer cell lines. BFB amplifications are prevalent in cervical, head and neck, lung, and esophageal cancers, but rare in brain cancers. Genes amplified through BFB exhibit lower expression variance, with limited potential for regulatory adaptation compared to ecDNA-amplified genes. Tumors with BFB amplifications (BFB(+)) show reduced structural heterogeneity in amplicons and delayed resistance onset relative to ecDNA(+) tumors. These findings highlight ecDNA and BFB amplifications as distinct oncogene amplification mechanisms with differing biological characteristics, suggesting distinct avenues for therapeutic intervention.
Asymmetric small-molecule acceptor enables suppressed electron-vibration coupling and minimized driving force for organic solar cells
Authors: Guo Jing , Qin Shucheng , Zhang Jinyuan , Zhu Can , Xia Xinxin , Gong Yufei , Liang Tongling , Zeng Yan , Han Guangchao , Zhuo Hongmei , Li Yuechen , Meng Lei , Yi Yuanping , Chen Jianhui , Li Xiaojun , Qiu Beibei , Li Yongfang
Published: February 2025

Minimizing the energy loss, particularly the non-radiative energy loss (ΔE
nr), without sacrificing the charge collection efficiency, is the key to further improve the photovoltaic performance of organic solar cells (OSCs). Herein, we proposed an asymmetric molecular design strategy, via developing alkyl/thienyl hybrid side chain based asymmetric small molecule acceptors (SMAs) BTP-C11-TBO and BTP-BO-TBO, to manipulate the intermolecular interactions to realize enhanced luminescence efficiency and reduced energy loss. Theoretical and experimental results indicate that compared to the three symmetric SMAs BTP-DC11, BTP-DTBO and BTP-DBO, the asymmetric SMAs BTP-C11-TBO and BTP-BO-TBO exhibit repressed electron-vibration coupling and reduced ΔE
nr. Moreover, the asymmetric nature of BTP-BO-TBO allows the formation of multiple D:A interfacial conformations and interfacial energies, which have made the charge-transfer state energies closer to that of the strongly absorbing (and emitting) local-exciton state, thus gaining the low ΔE
nr while maintaining efficient exciton dissociation. Consequently, the PM6:BTP-BO-TBO-based OSCs achieve a higher power conversion efficiency of 19.76%, with a high open circuit voltage of 0.913 V and an efficient fill factor of 81.17%, profiting from the more improved and balanced charge mobility and longer carrier lifetime. This work provides molecular design ideas to suppress nonradiative decay and paves the way to obtain high-performance OSCs.