bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Perennial disaster patterns in Central Europe since 2000 and implications for hospital preparedness planning – a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: von der Forst Maik , Dietrich Maximilian , Schmitt Felix C. F. , Popp Erik , Ries Markus 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe goal of this analysis is to describe seasonal disaster patterns in Central Europe in order to raise awareness and improve hospital disaster planning and resilience, particularly during peak events. Hospitals are essential pillars of a country’s critical infrastructure, vital for sustaining healthcare services and supporting public well-being—a key issue of national security. Disaster planning for hospitals is crucial to ensure their functionality under special circumstances. But the impact of climate change and seasonal variations in the utilization of hospital services are raising challenges. Therefore, the knowledge of perennial disaster patterns could help strengthen the resilience of hospitals. We conducted a cross-sectional analysis of the Emergency Events Database EM-DAT for disasters in Central Europe (Germany, France, Denmark, The Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Czech Republic, and Poland) between January 2000 and December 2023. Time distribution of disasters, patterns and longitudinal trends, were analyzed to discuss impact on disaster preparedness in hospitals. Out of 474 events, 83% were associated with a natural hazard and only 80 events (17%) were of technological cause. While technological disasters were spread equally over the whole year, the vast majority of disasters related to natural hazards (n = 394), i.e. storms (n = 178, 45%), floods (n = 101, 26%), and extreme temperatures (n = 93, 24%) peaked during summer and winter months. Fewer disasters were registered during autumn and especially spring seasons. More than 50% of the technological disasters were categorized in the transport accident subgroup. Technological disasters were spread equally over the whole year. Looking at the three most common disaster types, extreme temperatures, floods, and storms are clearly dominating and cause over 90% of the disasters due to natural hazards in central Europe. Overall, the number of events per year fluctuates without a clear trend, only the technological events appear to become less frequent with 70% (n = 56) of the registered disasters occurring in the first half of the study period (2000–2011). An overlap of hospital admissions due to seasonal effects and catastrophic events, mainly triggered by disasters of natural cause in vulnerable periods may lead to a partial collapse of the health care system. To close knowledge gaps, future comprehensive data collection is vital for informed decision-making. Awareness and preparedness are key: an "all-hazards" approach to manage diverse, potentially simultaneous seasonal threats is often the most versatile strategy for hospital emergency planning.
Depression among Tibetan residents in the Southeastern region of Qinghai-Tibet plateau: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Chen Yuji , Long Ga , Huang Qing , Zhang Ping , Xu Nie 
Published: January 2025

AbstractDepression has emerged as a significant public health concern, with its prevalence fluctuating based on varying environmental and demographic factors. This study categorized participants based on altitude. A convenient sampling approach was used, and the hamilton depression rating scale-24 was used to assess depressed symptoms while gathering demographic information. A total of 600 Tibetan residents from the Dege area of Garze Prefecture, Sichuan, China, participated in the survey. The mean age is 56.81 years, males comprising 52.8% and females 47.2% of the sample. Of the participants, 41.2% resided permanently at elevations exceeding 3500 m. The results found that the weighted prevalence of depression in the area was 24.62%. Regardless of gender, the age group with the highest prevalence was 55–64 years old. Depression increased with age as well as gradually decreased after the age of 60. Logistic regression analysis showed that middle-aged (OR 2.86, 95% CI 1.69–4.82, P < 0.01) and elderly people (OR 2.27, 95% CI 1.30–3.98, P < 0.01), living in ultra-high altitude areas (OR 3.48, 95% CI 1.35–2.91, P < 0.01) and low BMI (OR   4.31, 95% CI 1.33–13.93) are high-risk factors for depression. This study enhances the understanding of the characteristics of depression in high-altitude regions of China, contributing to a more comprehensive view of the psychological well-being of residents in these areas. The findings underscore the need for targeted prevention and treatment strategies tailored to the specific needs of these populations.
In situ synthesis of ZnO/g-C3N4 based composites for photodegradation of methylene blue under visible light
Authors: Pourali S. , Amrollahi R. , Alamolhoda S. , Masoudpanah S. M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractIn this study, in situ-synthesized ZnO/g-C3N4 based composites were used as photocatalysts for organic pollution removal. These nanocomposites were prepared through simple calcination of a mixture of melamine and ZnO nanoparticles and underwent comprehensive evaluation of their structural, morphological, optical, and photocatalytic properties, using various analytical techniques. As the g-C3N4 content increased, the band gap decreased from 3.02 to 2.94 eV. Additionally, the reduction in photoluminescence intensity confirmed the heterojunction interface between the g-C3N4 and ZnO components. The photodegradation rate of methylene blue (MB) dye exhibited an increase, rising from 0.016 (min−1) for ZnO and 0.011 (min−1) for g-C3N4 to 0.022 (min−1) for the ZnO/g-C3N4 (10 wt%) composite. Furthermore, combining ZnO (50 wt%) with g-C3N4 led to a significant enhancement in the MB dye removal efficiency, reaching 97% compared to the ZnO/g-C3N4 (10 wt%) composite. In contrast, the removal efficiencies were 90% for pristine ZnO and 73% for g-C3N4 phases.
A quality by design HPLC method for cephalosporin analysis in pharmaceuticals and water samples with environmental impact assessment
Authors: Alqahtani Ali , Alqahtani Taha , Al Fatease Adel , Tolba Enas H. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe present study applied a combined analytical quality-by-design and green analytical chemistry approach to develop an HPLC method for the determination of four cephalosporin pharmaceuticals in both their formulations and water samples. These drugs include ceftriaxone, cefotaxime, ceftazidime and cefoperazone. A Box–Behnken experimental design was employed to optimize three chromatographic parameters: mobile phase composition, flow rate and buffer pH. The predicted optimal conditions involved using a mobile phase of acetonitrile and 0.04 M phosphate buffer at pH 6 in a 7:93 (v/v) ratio, pumped at 1.3 mL/min through a Nucleosil C18 (4.6 × 250 mm, 5 μm) column with UV detection at 240 nm. Under these optimum conditions, the developed HPLC method successfully separated the four drugs with good resolution in less than 6 min. Linearity was established across the concentration ranges of 5–300 µg/mL for ceftriaxone and cefotaxime, 5–400 µg/mL for ceftazidime and 5–100 µg/mL for cefoperazone. Furthermore, full validation of the method in terms of accuracy, precision, specificity and robustness was carried out as per ICH guidelines. The greenness profile of the optimized HPLC method was also evaluated using the Analytical GREEnness (AGREE) tool and found to be environmentally friendly with AGREE score of 0.75, making it a greener alternative for quality control and routine analysis of the investigated cephalosporins in their pharmaceutical formulations and tap water samples. Furthermore, the blueness assessment of the proposed HPLC method using the blue applicability grade index (BAGI) tool yielded a value of 77.5, indicating its high analytical practicality and substantial potential for routine analysis applications.
Vessel strike encounter risk model informs mortality risk for endangered North Atlantic right whales along the United States east coast
Authors: Blondin Hannah , Garrison Lance P. , Adams Jeffrey D. , Roberts Jason J. , Good Caroline P. , Gahm Meghan P. , Lisi Niki E. , Patterson Eric M. 
Published: January 2025

AbstractVessel strikes are a critical threat to endangered North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis), significantly contributing to their elevated mortality. Accurate estimates of these mortality rates are essential for developing effective management strategies to aid in the species’ recovery. This study enhances existing vessel strike models by incorporating detailed regional data on vessel traffic characteristics as well as whale distribution and behavior. Our model assesses the spatial and temporal variability in vessel strike risk along the U.S. east coast apportioned into three vessel length classes (26–65 feet, 65–350 feet, > 350 feet). By including regional right whale depth distributions and parameterizing potential whale avoidance based on factors such as descent rate, bottom depth, and vessel speed and size, the model provides a refined estimation of mortality risk. We also address the underrepresentation of smaller vessel activity via a correction factor, offering a more accurate annual mortality risk estimate for each vessel size class. These findings highlight that vessels > 350 feet in length pose the greatest risk to right whales. Simulations of reduced vessel speeds indicate that speed measures can mitigate mortality rates; however, residual risk remains even at speeds of 10 knots or less suggesting limitations to this mitigation approach.
Rapid cryogenic characterization of 1,024 integrated silicon quantum dot devices
Authors: Thomas Edward J. , Ciriano-Tejel Virginia N. , Wise David F. , Prete Domenic , Kruijf Mathieu de , Ibberson David J. , Noah Grayson M. , Gomez-Saiz Alberto , Gonzalez-Zalba M. Fernando , Johnson Mark A. I. , Morton John J. L. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
As quantum processors grow in complexity, new challenges arise such as the management of device variability and the interface with supporting electronics. Spin qubits in silicon quantum dots can potentially address these challenges given their control fidelities and potential for compatibility with large-scale integration. Here we report the integration of 1,024 independent silicon quantum dot devices with on-chip digital and analogue electronics, all operating below 1 K. A high-frequency analogue multiplexer provides fast access to all devices with minimal electrical connections, allowing characteristic data across the quantum dot array to be acquired and analysed in under 10 min. This is achieved by leveraging radio-frequency reflectometry with state-of-the-art signal integrity, characterized by a typical signal-to-noise voltage ratio in excess of 75 for an integration time of 3.18 μs. We extract key quantum dot parameters by automated machine learning routines to assess quantum dot yield and understand the impact of device design. We find correlations between quantum dot parameters and room-temperature transistor behaviour that could be used as a proxy for in-line process monitoring.
A subcellular sampling instrument allows spatial resolution of amyloid deposit-derived organelle-specific effects in microglia
Authors: Subirana Slotos Robert , Nguyen Tinh Thi , Fiska Ledjona , Friedland Kristina , Endres Kristina 
Published: January 2025

AbstractMethodological developments in biomedical research are currently moving towards single-cell approaches. This allows for a much better spatial and functional characterization of, for example, the deterioration of cells within a tissue in response to noxae. However, subcellular resolution is also essential to elucidate whether observed impairments are driven by an explicit organelle. Here, we use the Single Cellome™ System SS2000 (Yokogawa) to investigate the local effects of Aβ plaque-like deposits (characteristic for Alzheimer’s disease) on mitochondria in the mouse microglial cell line SIM-A9. First, the specificity of subcellular extraction is demonstrated by detecting subcellular staining and RT-qPCR concerning marker genes by comparing nuclear and mitochondrial samples. Oxygen consumption and gene expression is then assessed in cells near and far from peptide deposits. Mostly, all analyses confirm the high specificity and integrity of the sampled material. In addition, impact of the peptide deposits occur concerning spatial distribution of the cells: e.g., oxygen consumption is only reduced in cells close to Aβ deposits but not in proximity to deposits of biologically inactive Aβ (scrambled) or in far distance. Moreover, a distance-related gene expression pattern occurs, demonstrating the local initiation of mitochondrial changes of microglia when approaching toxic peptide deposits.
Ultrastable and ultra-accurate clock transitions in open-shell highly charged ions
Authors: Lyu Chunhai , Keitel Christoph H. , Harman Zoltán 
Published: January 2025

AbstractHighly charged ions (HCIs) are less sensitive to external perturbations and are therefore attractive for the development of ultrastable clocks. However, only a few HCI candidates are known to provide optical clock transitions. In this work, we discover a large family of HCI clocks, with more than 100 suitable optical clock transitions hidden in the fine-structure terms of open-shell ions over 70 elements. Their projected instabilities and accuracies are $${\sigma }_{\tau } \sim 1{0}^{-17}/\sqrt{\tau }$$

σ

τ

~
1

0

−
17

/

τ

and δν/ν < 10−20, respectively, surpassing state-of-the-art optical clocks by several orders of magnitude. This indicates that having a high-performance optical clock transition is not a property of particular elements, but a virtue host by most elements from the periodic table. Furthermore, at given configurations, the clock transitions in heavy ions scale up to the XUV and soft-x-ray region, and thus enable the development of ultrastable clocks based on shorter wavelengths. The existence of multiple clock transitions in different charge states of a single element, as well as in a whole isoelectronic sequence would significantly enrich the search for new physics and the test of nuclear theories via high-precision spectroscopy.
Pressure-sensitive in-situ underwater adhesives
Authors: Liu Jiabin , Singh Parth , Wong Tsz Hung , Lin Shaoting 
Published: January 2025

AbstractWhile in-situ underwater adhesives are highly desirable for marine exploration and underwater robotics, existing underwater adhesives suffer from significantly reduced performance compared to air-cured adhesives, mainly due to difficulties in removing interfacial water molecules. Here, we develop a pressure-sensitive in-situ underwater adhesive featuring superabsorbent particles infused with functional silane and hydrogel precursors. When injected into an underwater crack, the particles quickly absorb water, swell, and fill the crack. Mechanical pressure is applied to improve particle-particle and particle-substrate interactions, while heat is utilized to trigger thermal polymerization of the hydrogel precursors. This process creates porous adhesives via bulk polymerization and forms covalent bonding with the substrate via surface silanization. Our experiments demonstrate that mechanical pressure significantly enhances the adhesive’s stretchability (from 3 to 5), stiffness (from 37 kPa to 78 kPa), fracture toughness (from 1 kJ/m2 to 7 kJ/m2), and interfacial toughness with glass substrates (from 45 J/m2 to 270 J/m2).
An ultra-conserved poison exon in the Tra2b gene encoding a splicing activator is essential for male fertility and meiotic cell division
Authors: Dalgliesh Caroline , Aldalaqan Saad , Atallah Christian , Best Andrew , Scott Emma , Ehrmann Ingrid , Merces George , Mannion Joel , Badurova Barbora , Sandher Raveen , Illing Ylva , Wirth Brunhilde , Wells Sara , Codner Gemma , Teboul Lydia , Smith Graham R , Hedley Ann , Herbert Mary , de Rooij Dirk G , Miles Colin , Reynard Louise N , Elliott David J 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The cellular concentrations of splicing factors (SFs) are critical for controlling alternative splicing. Most serine and arginine-enriched (SR) protein SFs regulate their own concentration via a homeostatic feedback mechanism that involves regulation of inclusion of non-coding ‘poison exons’ (PEs) that target transcripts for nonsense-mediated decay. The importance of SR protein PE splicing during animal development is largely unknown despite PE ultra-conservation across animal genomes. To address this, we used mouse genetics to disrupt an ultra-conserved PE in the Tra2b gene encoding the SR protein Tra2β. Focussing on germ cell development, we found that Tra2b PE deletion causes azoospermia due to catastrophic cell death during meiotic prophase. Failure to proceed through meiosis was associated with increased Tra2b expression sufficient to drive aberrant Tra2β protein hyper-responsive splice patterns. Although critical for meiotic prophase, Tra2b PE deletion spared earlier mitotically active germ cells, even though these still required Tra2b gene function. Our data indicate that PE splicing control prevents the accumulation of toxic levels of Tra2β protein that are incompatible with meiotic prophase. This unexpected connection with male fertility helps explain Tra2b PE ultra-conservation and indicates the importance of evaluating PE function in animal models.
A phosphorylation-regulated NPF transporter determines salt tolerance by mediating chloride uptake in soybean plants
Authors: Wu Yunzhen , Yuan Jingya , Shen Like , Li Qinxue , Li Zhuomeng , Cao Hongwei , Zhu Lin , Liu Dan , Sun Yalu , Jia Qianru , Chen Huatao , Wang Wubin , Kudla Jörg , Zhang Wenhua , Gai Junyi , Zhang Qun 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Chloride (Cl−) ions cause major damage to crops in saline soils. Understanding the key factors that influence Cl− uptake and translocation will aid the breeding of more salt-tolerant crops. Here, using genome-wide association study and transcriptomic analysis, we identified a NITRATE TRANSPORTER 1 (NRT1)/PEPTIDE TRANSPORTER family (NPF) protein, GmNPF7.5, as the dominant gene locus influencing Cl− homeostasis in soybean (Glycine max). A natural SNP variation resulted in two haplotypes (GmNPF7.5HapA and GmNPF7.5HapB), which was associated with Cl− content. GmNPF7.5HapA mediated Cl− or nitrate (NO3
−) uptake in a pH-dependent manner and exhibited higher permeability for Cl− over NO3
−. The suppression of GmNPF7.5

HapA
expression decreased Cl− accumulation and salt damage in plants, whereas its overexpression showed the opposite effects. The elite haplotype GmNPF7.5HapB diminished Cl− transport activity independently from NO3
− permeability, thus enhancing soybean salt tolerance. Furthermore, the protein kinase GmPI4Kγ4 could phosphorylate GmNPF7.5, which repressed Cl− uptake without affecting NO3
− permeability. Our findings define a regulatory mechanism for Cl− control under NaCl stress, providing a strategy for the improvement of salt tolerance in soybean plants.
E3 ligase FBXW7 suppresses brown fat expansion and browning of white fat
Authors: Yu Jian , Gu Xuejiang , Guo Yingying , Gao Mingyuan , Cheng Shimiao , Meng Meiyao , Cui Xiangdi , Zhang Zhe , Guo Wenxiu , Yan Dandan , Sheng Maozheng , Zhai Linhui , Ji Jing , Ma Xinhui , Li Yu , Cao Yuxiang , Wu Xia , Zhao Jiejie , Hu Yepeng , Tan Minjia , Lu Yan , Xu Lingyan , Liu Bin , Hu Cheng , Ma Xinran 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Thermogenic fat, including brown and beige fat, dissipates heat via thermogenesis and enhances energy expenditure. Thus, its activation represents a therapeutic strategy to combat obesity. Here, we demonstrate that levels of F-box and WD repeat domain-containing 7 (FBXW7), an E3 ubiquitin protein ligase, negatively correlate with thermogenic fat functionality. FBXW7 overexpression in fat suppresses energy expenditure and thermogenesis, thus aggravates obesity and metabolic dysfunctions in mice. Conversely, FBXW7 depletion in fat leads to brown fat expansion and browning of white fat, and protects mice from diet induced obesity, hepatic steatosis, and hyperlipidemia. Mechanistically, FBXW7 binds to S6K1 and promotes its ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, which in turn impacts glycolysis and brown preadipocyte proliferation via lactate. Besides, the beneficial metabolic effects of FBXW7 depletion in fat are attenuated by fat-specific knockdown of S6K1 in vivo. In summary, we provide evidence that adipose FBXW7 acts as a major regulator for thermogenic fat biology and energy homeostasis and serves as potential therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic diseases.
miRNA-target complementarity in cnidarians resembles its counterpart in plants
Authors: Admoni Yael , Fridrich Arie , Weavers Paris K , Aharoni Reuven , Razin Talya , Salinas-Saavedra Miguel , Rabani Michal , Frank Uri , Moran Yehu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
microRNAs (miRNAs) are important post-transcriptional regulators that activate silencing mechanisms by annealing to mRNA transcripts. While plant miRNAs match their targets with nearly-full complementarity leading to mRNA cleavage, miRNAs in most animals require only a short sequence called ‘seed’ to inhibit target translation. Recent findings showed that miRNAs in cnidarians, early-branching metazoans, act similarly to plant miRNAs, by exhibiting full complementarity and target cleavage; however, it remained unknown if seed-based regulation was possible in cnidarians. Here, we investigate the miRNA-target complementarity requirements for miRNA activity in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. We show that bilaterian-like complementarity of seed-only or seed and supplementary 3’ matches are insufficient for miRNA-mediated knockdown. Furthermore, miRNA-target mismatches in the cleavage site decrease knockdown efficiency. Finally, miRNA silencing of a target with three seed binding sites in the 3’ untranslated region that mimics typical miRNA targeting was repressed in zebrafish but not in Nematostella and another cnidarian, Hydractinia symbiolongicarpus. Altogether, these results unravel striking similarities between plant and cnidarian miRNAs supporting a possible common evolutionary origin of miRNAs in plants and animals.
The dynamics of loss of heterozygosity events in genomes
Authors: Dutta Abhishek , Schacherer Joseph 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Genomic instability is a hallmark of tumorigenesis, yet it also plays an essential role in evolution. Large-scale population genomics studies have highlighted the importance of loss of heterozygosity (LOH) events, which have long been overlooked in the context of genetic diversity and instability. Among various types of genomic mutations, LOH events are the most common and affect a larger portion of the genome. They typically arise from recombination-mediated repair of double-strand breaks (DSBs) or from lesions that are processed into DSBs. LOH events are critical drivers of genetic diversity, enabling rapid phenotypic variation and contributing to tumorigenesis. Understanding the accumulation of LOH, along with its underlying mechanisms, distribution, and phenotypic consequences, is therefore crucial. In this review, we explore the spectrum of LOH events, their mechanisms, and their impact on fitness and phenotype, drawing insights from Saccharomyces cerevisiae to cancer. We also emphasize the role of LOH in genomic instability, disease, and genome evolution.