bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increasing solar UV radiation in Dortmund, Germany: data and trend analyses and comparison to Uccle, Belgium
Authors: Lorenz Sebastian , Heinzl Felix , Bauer Stefan , Janßen Marco , De Bock Veerle , Mangold Alexander , Scholz-Kreisel Peter , Weiskopf Daniela 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIncreasing solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) can raise human exposure to UVR and adversely affect the environment. Precise measurements of ground-level solar UVR and long-term data series are crucial for evaluating time trends in UVR. This study focuses on spectrally resolved data from a UVR measuring station in Dortmund, Germany (51.5° N, 7.5° E, 130 m a.s.l.). After a strict quality assessment, UV data, such as the daily maximum UV Index (UVImax) and daily erythemal radiant exposure (Her,day) values, were analyzed concerning monthly and annual distribution, frequency, occurrence of highest values and their influencing factors. An advanced linear trend model with a flexible covariance matrix was utilized and applied to monthly mean values. Missing values were estimated by a validated imputation method. Findings were compared to those from a station in Uccle, Belgium (50.8° N, 4.3° E, 100 m a.s.l.). Parameters possibly influencing trends in both UVR and global radiation, such as ozone and sunshine duration, were additionally evaluated. The 1997–2022 trend results show a statistically significant increase in monthly mean of Her,day (4.9% p. decade) and UVImax (3.2% p. decade) in Dortmund and Her,day (7.5% p. decade) and UVImax (5.8% p. decade) in Uccle. Total column ozone shows a slight decrease in the summer months. Global radiation increases similarly to the UV data, and sunshine duration in Dortmund increases about twice as much as global radiation, suggesting a strong influence of change in cloud cover. To address health-related consequences effectively, future adaptation and prevention strategies to climate change must consider the observed trends.
Graphical abstract
Comparing Machine Learning Models for Strength and Ductility in High-Entropy Alloys
Authors: Ibarra-Hoyos Diego , Simmons Quentin , Poon S. Joseph 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWe compare several machine learning (ML) models that predict the yield strength and plasticity of high-entropy alloys (HEAs) for achieving high-accuracy with notably low root mean square errors (RMSE). Our models, developed using a comprehensive database of single-phase body-centered cubic (BCC) HEAs and BCC + B2 HEAs (where B2 is ordered BCC), integrate advanced feature engineering reflecting the current understanding of electronic factors, atomic ordering informed by mixing enthalpy, and the D parameter associated with stacking fault energy in HEAs. This approach enables systematic comparisons of different ML models, providing deep insights into the mechanical properties of BCC and related alloys. By leveraging genetic algorithms for feature selection and meticulous hyperparameter optimization, our ML framework excels in both predictive power and interpretability. The rigorous validation process includes repeated k-fold cross-validation and leave-one-out cross-validation (LOOCV), ensuring robust generalization. Moreover, our use of Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP) revealed critical predictors such as the testing temperature-to-melting temperature ratio $$\left(\frac{{T}_{test}}{{T}_{melt}}\right)$$

T

test

T

melt

, the mixing enthalpy $$\left(\Delta {\text{H}}_{\text{mix}}\right)$$

Δ

H
mix

and the D parameter, which play key roles in determining plasticity and yield strength. Our work represents an advancement in designing high-performance HEAs with optimized strength and ductility, offering a powerful tool for predicting mechanical properties and exploring new candidate alloys with exceptional mechanical behavior.
A Qualitative Approach to Universal Numerical Integrators (UNIs) with Computational Application
Authors: Tasinaffo Paulo M. , Dias Luiz A. V. , da Cunha Adilson M. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractUniversal Numerical Integrators (UNIs) can be defined as the coupling of a universal approximator of functions (e.g., artificial neural network) with some conventional numerical integrator (e.g., Euler or Runge–Kutta). The UNIs are used to model non-linear dynamic systems governed by Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). Among the main types of UNIs existing in the literature, we can mention (i) The Euler-Type Universal Numerical Integrator (E-TUNI), (ii) The Runge-Kutta Neural Network (RKNN), and (iii) The Non-linear Auto Regressive Moving Average with Exogenous input or NARMAX model. All of them are equally accurate, regardless of their order. Furthermore, one of the reasons for writing this article is to show the reader that there are many other UNIs besides these. Thus, this article aims to carry out a detailed bibliographic review of this object of study, taking into more significant consideration the qualitative aspects of these UNIs. Computational experiments are also presented in this article to prove the numerical effectiveness of the main types of UNIs in the literature. Therefore, it is expected that this paper will help researchers in the future development of new UNIs.
The impact of storm-induced tree loss on the population of Wilkins’s Finch Nesospiza wilkinsi
Authors: Ryan Peter G. , Moloney Coleen L. , Dilley Ben J. , Glass Trevor , Schofield Andy 
Published: November 2024

Summary
Wilkins’s Finch Nesospiza wilkinsi is endemic to Nightingale Island (2.5 km2), Tristan da Cunha. It feeds on the woody fruits of the Island Tree Phylica arborea and in 2017 had a population of 120 breeding pairs. In 2021 it was uplisted from “Endangered” to “Critically Endangered” following damage to P. arborea woodland during severe storms in 2019. During a brief visit to Nightingale in February 2024, we confirmed that the finch population in the area of storm-damaged woodland has decreased by up to 75%, but the density in other areas was similar to that prior to 2019. Extrapolating from the 2017 survey, we estimated the current population to be 60–90 breeding pairs. Surveys of P. arborea structure in the storm-affected area indicated that some large trees had survived, despite being flattened, that recruitment of new trees is occurring, and that fruit loads on surviving trees are similar to those in 2017. Satellite imagery from 2005 showed similar woodland loss during another severe storm in 2001 to that experienced in 2019, indicating that the finch has survived similar events in the past. Coupled with the successful release of a biological control agent to limit the impact of the introduced brown soft scale Coccus hesperidum on Phylica fruit production, the future prospect for Wilkins’s Finch is less bleak than previously thought. However, the risk that global warming is increasing the frequency of severe storms remains a concern. Planting more woodland patches in sheltered areas would help to offset future storm damage.
River Dune Behavior in Dredged Areas
Authors: Lokin L. R. , Kruis W. S. , Van Denderen R. P. , Hulscher S. J. M. H. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSafe navigation in rivers often requires repeated dredging operations. River dunes are causing shallow areas, so a better understanding of dune behavior can aid decision‐making on dredging strategies. A new dune‐tracking method was developed to analyze dunes after dredging. This knowledge was combined with information on dredging methods and intensity. This enables the analysis of dune development after dredging and the assessment of the impact of dredging methods such as topping (removing sediment from the crest) and swiping (transferring sediment from the crest to the trough). The results show that dredging increases the growth rate of dunes, especially when the discharge increases after dredging. For the studied dredging intensities, topping has a more pronounced effect than swiping on the immediate reduction of dune height. The changes in dune heights due to dredging are within the natural dune height variability. In the long term, topped dunes exhibit larger growth rates than those undergoing swiping. So dredging does have an effect on dune dynamics, in particular on the dune height growth rates.
Forest Areas in China Are Recovering Since the 21st Century
Authors: Wei Xuexin , Liu Ronggao , Liu Yang , He Jiaying , Chen Jilong , Qi Lin , Zhou Yanlian , Qin Yuanwei , Wu Chaoyang , Dong Jinwei , Xiao Xiangming , Chen Jingming , Ge Quansheng 
Published: November 2024

AbstractChina is reported as the leading country in the Earth's greening. However, it is a challenge to capture the gradual recovery in forest cover and distinguish the contribution of trees from herbaceous vegetation using remote sensing data. We developed a new fractional tree cover product (GLOBMAP FTC China) from MODIS time series data to investigate change patterns of China's forests during 2000–2022. This annual product showed high consistency with China's National Forest Inventory. We found a significant increase (∼4 Mha/year) in the annual forest area in China from ∼154.47 Mha in 2000 to ∼236.01 Mha in 2015. This rate then slowed by 50% in 2015–2022 (∼2 Mha/year). The forest recovery primarily started in 2000–2004, and reached saturation in 2015. It was primarily contributed by the tree cover gain (92%) from forest conservation and restoration programs. Our findings can support forest management and carbon neutrality achievement for the country.
Study of the Micromechanical Properties and Dissolution Characteristics of Porous Coral Reef Limestone
Authors: Xu Dongsheng , Zhang Shanshan , Qin Yue 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the fundamental properties of shallow aragonite‐component dominant porous coral reef limestone (CRL) to investigate its micromechanical properties and micrometer‐scale pore dissolution characteristics. Nanoindentation tests were performed to assess changes in mechanical properties before and after dissolution. A novel numerical model, integrating the level‐set method (LSM), reactive‐transport modeling, and image processing technology (IPT) was developed to simulate the static dissolution process of a computed tomography (CT)‐scanned porous CRL structure. The nanoindentation results showed that after dissolution, the Young's modulus (E) of the primary mineral component aragonite decreased from 34.09 to 30.01 GPa. Numerical simulations further explored the effects of temperature and mineral component on the dissolution characteristics of CRL. In the multicomponent CRL structure, where both aragonite and calcite coexist, selective dissolution occurred, with aragonite inhibiting calcite dissolution and altering the dissolution pathway. Conversely, the monocomponent aragonite structure was more susceptible to forming larger pores during dissolution. Meanwhile, the dissolution volume and porosity increased with temperature, rising by 47% and 4.84%, respectively, whereas the variation in pore radius did not exhibit a consistent trend with increasing temperature. The macroscopic E was estimated using both the Mori‐Tanaka approach and simulation methods, demonstrating that pore dissolution weakens the macromechanical properties of the CRL. This comprehensive analysis enhances the understanding of the physical and chemical properties of CRL, providing valuable insights for the safe and stable construction of islands and reefs.
Holocene Lake Sediments Reveal Alluvial Fan History With Links to Climate, Wildfire, and Earthquakes
Authors: Gavin Daniel G. , Struble William T. , Fonstad Mark A. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractFlood hazards along alluvial rivers vary over time due to changes in both flow regime and channel morphology; however, their millennial‐scale histories are difficult to study from incomplete and poorly dated alluvial stratigraphies. Thus, the role of external forcings (e.g., climate) in the magnitude of alluvial channel dynamics remains poorly understood. We developed a record of overbank flows of the Tolt River in Washington from a continuous 6,100‐year sediment record obtained from a 33‐m deep lake with an outlet dammed by alluvium. Overbank flows from the adjacent river result in fine laminations preserved in the lake sediment. Multi‐century periods of overbank flows with fine (<2 mm; ca. annual) laminations account for 36% of the last 6,100 years. The only event recorded in the lake during the last 900 years is dated by 210Pb‐verified varves to a historic atmospheric river event in December 1867. Tree‐ring and radiocarbon‐dated alluvial surfaces upriver from the lake are consistent with a significantly aggraded channel during silt periods in the lake. Although a sediment slump in the lake dates to a known earthquake, there is little other linkage between earthquake history and alluvial history. However, regional paleoclimate, local fire history, and landslide ages suggest that the continuous periods of overbank flows were sustained by aggradation from sediment input after fires and during dry climate periods. The lake record indicates an alternation of incision and aggradation and a much more dynamic channel history than observed over the last several decades following channel modification and dam development.
Dysregulation of the mTOR-FMRP pathway and synaptic plasticity in an environmental model of ASD
Authors: Hilal Muna L. , Rosina Eleonora , Pedini Giorgia , Restivo Leonardo , Bagni Claudia 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is caused by genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors. Mutations in the human FMR1 gene, encoding the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein 1 (FMRP), cause the most common monogenic form of ASD, the Fragile X Syndrome (FXS). This study explored the interaction between the FMR1 gene and a viral-like infection as an environmental insult, focusing on the impact on core autistic-like behaviors and the mGluR1/5-mTOR pathway. Pregnant heterozygous Fmr1 mouse females were exposed to maternal immune activation (MIA), by injecting the immunostimulant Poly (I:C) at the embryonic stage 12.5, simulating viral infections. Subsequently, ASD-like behaviors were analyzed in the adult offspring, at 8–10 weeks of age. MIA exposure in wild-type mice led to ASD-like behaviors in the adult offspring. These effects were specifically confined to the intrauterine infection, as immune activation at later stages, namely puberty (Pubertal Immune Activation, PIA) at post-natal day 35 or adulthood (Adult Immune Activation, AIA) at post-natal day 56, did not alter adult behavior. Importantly, combining the Fmr1 mutation with MIA exposure did not intensify core autistic-like behaviors, suggesting an occlusion effect. Mechanistically, MIA provided a strong activation of the mGluR1/5-mTOR pathway, leading to increased LTP and downregulation of FMRP specifically in the hippocampus. Finally, FMRP modulates mTOR activity via TSC2. These findings further strengthen the key role of the mGluR1/5-mTOR pathway in causing ASD-like core symptoms.
Naltrexone blocks alcohol-induced effects on kappa-opioid receptors in the plasma membrane
Authors: Oasa Sho , Sezgin Erdinc , Ma Yuelong , Horne David A. , Radmilović Mihajlo D. , Jovanović-Talisman Tijana , Martin-Fardon Rémi , Vukojević Vladana , Terenius Lars 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNaltrexone (NTX), a homolog of the opiate antidote naloxone, is an orally active long-acting general opioid receptor antagonist used in the treatment of opiate dependence. NTX is also found to relieve craving for alcohol and is one of few FDA-approved medications for treatment of alcohol use disorder (AUD). While it was early on established that NTX acts by blocking the binding of endogenous opioid peptide ligands released by alcohol, experimental evidence emerged that could not be fully accounted for by this explanation alone, suggesting that NTX may have additional modes of action. Mu- and kappa-opioid receptors (MOP and KOP, respectively) are structurally related G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), but they are anatomically differently distributed and functionally distinct, often mediating opposite responses, with MOP typically promoting euphoria and reward, while KOP is associated with dysphoria and aversive states. While the actions of NTX on MOP are extensively characterized, the interactions with KOP are not. Here, we used sensitive fluorescence-based methods with single-molecule sensitivity to study in live cells the influence of alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) on KOP and the interaction between KOP and NTX. Our data show that alcohol, at relevant concentrations (10–40 mM), alters KOP interactions with the lipid environment in the plasma membrane. The counteracting effects of NTX are exerted by both its canonical action on KOP and its hitherto unrevealed effects on the lateral dynamics and organization of lipids in the plasma membrane. The KOP-specific antagonist LY2444296, in clinical trial for major depressive disorder (MDD), blocks KOP but does not show the full action profile of NTX. The therapeutic effect of NTX treatment in AUD may in part be due to direct actions on KOP and in part due to its effect on the surrounding lipid environment.
Interstellar formation of lactaldehyde, a key intermediate in the methylglyoxal pathway
Authors: Wang Jia , Zhang Chaojiang , Marks Joshua H. , Evseev Mikhail M. , Kuznetsov Oleg V. , Antonov Ivan O. , Kaiser Ralf I. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractAldehydes are ubiquitous in star-forming regions and carbonaceous chondrites, serving as essential intermediates in metabolic pathways and molecular mass growth processes to vital biomolecules necessary for the origins of life. However, their interstellar formation mechanisms have remained largely elusive. Here, we unveil the formation of lactaldehyde (CH3CH(OH)CHO) by barrierless recombination of formyl (HĊO) and 1-hydroxyethyl (CH3ĊHOH) radicals in interstellar ice analogs composed of carbon monoxide (CO) and ethanol (CH3CH2OH). Lactaldehyde and its isomers 3-hydroxypropanal (HOCH2CH2CHO), ethyl formate (CH3CH2OCHO), and 1,3-propenediol (HOCH2CHCHOH) are identified in the gas phase utilizing isomer-selective photoionization reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry and isotopic substitution studies. These findings reveal fundamental formation pathways for complex, biologically relevant aldehydes through non-equilibrium reactions in interstellar environments. Once synthesized, lactaldehyde can act as a key precursor to critical biomolecules such as sugars, sugar acids, and amino acids in deep space.
Hydro- and deutero-deamination of primary amines using O-diphenylphosphinylhydroxylamine
Authors: Ma Panpan , Guo Ting , Lu Hongjian 
Published: November 2024

AbstractWhile selective defunctionalizations are valuable in organic synthesis, hydrodeamination of primary amines poses challenges. Deuterodeamination, analogous to hydrodeamination, presents even greater difficulties due to its frequently slower deuteration rate, interference by hydrogenation and constraints in deuterated sources. This study introduces a reliable, robust, and scalable hydro- and deuterodeamination method capable of handling various primary amines. Defined by its mild reaction conditions, rapid completion, simplified purification facilitated by water-soluble byproducts, the method leverages deuterium oxide as a deuterium source and employs commercialized O-diphenylphosphinylhydroxylamine for deamination. Applied to a diverse range of biologically active molecules, it has consistently achieved high yields and efficient deuterium incorporation. By synergizing with site-selective C–H functionalization of primary aliphatic amines, our method reveals synthetic strategies utilizing nitrogen atom as a traceless directing group, encompassing deaminative alkylation, 1,1-deuteroalkylation, 1,1-dialkylation, 1,1,1-deuterodialkylation, C–H arylation, and 1,3-deuteroarylation. Emphasizing this innovation, the processes of deaminative degree-controlled deuteration have been developed.
FMR1 genetically interacts with DISC1 to regulate glutamatergic synaptogenesis
Authors: Honda Takato , Kurita Kazuki , Arai Yuko , Pandey Himani , Sawa Akira , Furukubo-Tokunaga Katsuo 
Published: November 2024

AbstractSynaptic development and functions have been hypothesized as crucial mechanisms of diverse neuropsychiatric disorders. Studies in past years suggest that mutations in the fragile X mental retardation 1 (FMR1) are associated with diverse mental disorders including intellectual disability, autistic spectrum disorder, and schizophrenia. In this study, we have examined genetical interactions between a select set of risk factor genes using fruit flies to find that dfmr1, the Drosophila homolog of the human FMR1 gene, exhibits functional interactions with DISC1 in synaptic development. We show that DISC1 overexpression in the dfmr1null heterozygous background causes synaptic alterations at the larval neuromuscular junctions that are distinct from those in the wild-type background. Loss of dfmr1 modifies the DISC1 overexpression phenotype in synaptic formation, suppressing the formation of synapse boutons. Interaction between the two genes was further supported molecularly by the results that dfmr1 mutations suppress the DISC1-mediated upregulations of the postsynaptic expression of a glutamate receptor and the expression of ELKS/CAST protein, Bruchpilot, in presynaptic motoneurons. Moreover, DISC1 overexpression in the dfmr1null heterozygous background causes downregulation of a MAP1 family protein, Futsch. These results thus suggest an intriguing converging mechanism controlled by FMR1 and DISC1 in the developing glutamatergic synapses.
Synthesis of potent vasodilating agents: in silico and in vitro evaluation of 6-(4-substitutedphenyl)-3-pyridazinone derivatives as potential hydralazine analogues
Authors: Aziz Marian W. , Mohamed Khaled O. , Farag Doaa B. , Khalifa Amira Karam , Mahmoud Zeinab 
Published: November 2024

AbstractPeople of all age categories and lifestyles suffer to different extents from hypertension. Accordingly, this necessitates the rise of new ways to defeat this enemy. Vasodilators exert a principal portion of highly effectual antihypertensive agents; our research is focused on the design, synthesis and biological evaluation of a new series of 6-(4-substitutedphenyl)-3-pyridazinones as potential hydralazine vasodilator analogues implementing both in vitro and in silico approaches. All the synthesized compounds were assessed for their vitro vasorelaxant activity against multiple references. New members revealed potent vasorelaxant activity (EC50 = 0.02916–1.907 µM) compared to the conventional vasorelaxants hydralazine, diazoxide, isosorbitole mononitrate and nitroglycerin (EC50 = 18.21, 19.5, 30.1 and 0.1824 µM, respectively). Compounds 2e, 2h and 2j exerted superior activities compared to others with EC50 = 0.1162, 0.07154 and 0.02916 µM, respectively. The physiochemical properties and drug-likeliness behavior of the new derivatives were investigated by conducting ADMET studies.