bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Constraining the rheology of the lower mantle with the global trend in slab sinking
Authors: Spakman Wim , Čížková Hana , Cordier Patrick 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The rheology of Earth’s lower mantle plays a crucial role in shaping mantle convection and consequently in planetary evolution but is still under debate1. Propositions differ on the rheology of ferropericlase, whether it is stronger2 or weaker than bridgmanite1,3,4, the majority phase, but especially also on the mechanism by which bridgmanite deforms, either by pure diffusion creep1,5-7 or by pure dislocation climb2,8-10, or possibly in combination. Here we put the pure climb creep rheology to practice in mantle convection experiments with a novel focus on the role of atomic self-diffusion which is pivotal for the effectiveness in mantle convection of both diffusion creep and pure climb creep. From flow models that achieve a close fit to the inferred trend in slab sinking11, we introduce new constraints on the coefficient of self-diffusion. From this we show that pure climb creep prevails over diffusion creep in high-stress regions where the lower mantle deforms most strongly, i.e., ambient to sinking slabs and rising plumes, at last providing more clarity on the rheology of the lower mantle. An immediate implication is that the supposed ancient bridgmanite-enrichment below ~1000 km12,13 can only have survived in low-stress regions remote from sinking slabs and rising plumes and is subordinate for the style of mantle convection. The stress-dependence of pure climb creep leads to a dynamic viscosity field, a propensity for localization of flow in high-stress regions and fast plume ascent. Flow speeds are 1-2 cm/a ambient to sinking slabs and rising plumes and sub-cm/a flow elsewhere. In all, this predicts a much different dynamic role of the lower mantle than modelled so far in the investigating of Earth and rocky planets alike.
Tamarind Kernel Gum based superabsorbent polymer composite preparation and investigation of properties
Authors: Sharma Anju , Sand Arpit 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this paper, the preparation of a super absorbent polymer from bio-based monomer by free radical polymerization of tamarind kernel gum (TKG), itaconic acid (IA) in presence of kaolin powder with potassium persulfate (KPS) as reaction initiator and n-methylenebisacrylamide (n-MBA) as a cross-linker has been done. The reaction depends on the concentration of following variables like initiator, monomer, cross-linker, and kaolin. The optimization of swelling behaviour was done. In situ polymerization, hydrophilicity, stability and release kinetics were analysed. The FTIR gave the chemical composition by identifying functional group of the product structure by indicating specific frequency on Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. TGA was performed to investigate the weight loss to observe the thermal stability of synthesized superabsorbent polymer composite. The linkage of kaolin-organic monomer was seen at an absorption band of 2924 cm− 1 in the composite spectrum. The swelling behaviour measurements were analysed in diluted salt solution as well. It was observed that on increasing the concentration of n-MBA and kaolin the swelling capacity decreased. The swelling behaviour was also studied by varying pH to observe the response of composite towards pH. Swelling-Deswelling pulsation behaviour was recorded at pH 2 and 12. The swelling kinetics of synthesised composites with various porous sizes was also researched. Such characteristics make these smart materials suitable for several technological applications.
Intensive grassland management and drought amplify pathways of energy flux in soil food webs
Authors: Caruso Tancredi , Chomel Mathilde , Lavallee Jocelyn , Segura Nil Alvarez , de Castro Francisco , Magilton Matthew , Clemente Giulio , Garlaschelli Diego , Rhymes Jennifer , Baggs Elizabeth , de Vries Franciska , Emmerson Mark , Johnson David , Bardgett Richard 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Soil food webs contribute significantly to ecosystem energy (carbon) fluxes, but how energy flow through them is affected by both intensification of land management and extreme climatic events, such as drought, is poorly understood. Here, we quantified in situ the energetics and stability of soil food webs under experimental drought across a range grasslands in the United Kingdom with contrasting management intensity. Over the short term of a growing season and a wide range of environmental conditions, drought increased food web energy fluxes and respiration resulting in more unpredictable distribution of fluxes. Intensive grassland management similarly increased energy fluxes and total ecosystem respiration. Our statistical modelling confirmed that the changes observed in soil food web energy fluxes under drought and intensive management trigger an increase in ecosystem respiration mediated by decreased predictability in the distribution of the soil food web energy fluxes. The latter was also linked to reduced population level return time, likely caused by the recovery of metabolically faster components of the food webs such as bacteria. The study thus shed lights on how land use intensification combined with climate change alters pathways of below-ground energy flux and processes that may cause net emissions of C from soil
Lipidated macrocyclic peptide S-880008 as a broad-spectrum SARS-CoV-2 fusion inhibitor
Authors: Sanaki Takao , Kawaguchi Yoshimasa , Anraku Yuki , Kusumoto Yoshifumi , Sato Akihiko , Toba Shinsuke , Taniguchi Keiichi , Yamamoto Atsuko , Maruyama Yuki , Miyamoto Tadashi , Arita Shuhei , Natsume Yuka , Morita Hirotoshi , Mayumi Kei , Haruna Takayo , Izawa Masaaki , Kita Shunsuke , Sasaki Michihito , Orba Yasuko , Hashiguchi Takao , Sawa Hirofumi , Mikamiyama Hidenori , Shishido Takao , Maenaka Katsumi 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), remains a threat to public health and the economy. Although several SARS-CoV-2 vaccines exist, they have failed to elicit effective neutralizing antibody responses against emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants harboring spike protein mutations. Moreover, while certain neutralizing-antibody-based therapies were effective in the early stages of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, their performance declined with the emergence of spike protein mutations. Thus, it is essential to develop antiviral agents that inhibit the early stages of viral infection by effectively targeting spike protein mutants. Broad-spectrum anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity relies on the targeting of conserved sites within the spike protein. Herein, we used mRNA display screening and chemical modification to generate S-880008, a lipid-modified macrocyclic peptide. S-880008 exhibited efficacy against a broad range of SARS-CoV-2 (including Omicron) variants and inhibited SARS-CoV-2 fusion rather than attachment via a novel mechanism. Cryo-electron microscopy analysis revealed that, unexpectedly, S-880008 simultaneously recognized the vulnerable sites of both the interface between the receptor-binding domain (RBD) and subdomain 1 (via the macrocyclic peptide portion) and the N-terminal domain of the adjacent protomer (via the acyl chain) to enforce a RBD 3-up conformation. The results of the structure-activity relationship experiments with S-880008 derivatives supported the notion that S-880008 binding inhibited fusion by suppressing protomer dissociation. Crucially, the intranasal administration of S-880008 to mouse-adapted SARS-CoV-2-infected mice significantly reduced the viral titer in lung homogenates and improved survival rates in a dose-dependent manner. Our findings show that S-880008 has the potential to overcome the increasing threat posed by emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants, providing a rationale for the design of a broad range of antiviral fusion inhibitors.
Redefining Early Osteoarthritis Detection: Deep Learning Meets Historical Radiography
Authors: Majumder Rifatul Islam 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The Kellgren-Lawrence (KL) grading system, established by Lawrence and Aitken Swan [1] and Kellgren and Lawrence [2] in the early 1950s, remains the clinical standard for radiographic osteoarthritis (OA) classification despite well‐documented inter‐ and intra‐observer variability [3-6]. Early studies revealed that occupational factors, particularly in coal miners, are strongly associated with knee OA [1,2]. However, subsequent research has highlighted that, over reliance on osteophytes, ambiguous criterion especially for KL Grade 1 (doubtful OA) lead to diagnostic uncertainty [3-6]. Comparative evaluations of multiple radiographic scoring systems based on joint space narrowing (JSN) and osteophyte formation [7-10] have further underscored limited sensitivity of the KL system to early cartilage damage and inconsistent reproducibility [11-16].
A Direct Primary Motor Cortex-Globus Pallidus Internus Circuit Regulates Both Motor and Non-Motor Symptoms in Parkinson's Disease.
Authors: Wang Yong , Li Yaqian , Zhang Xueping , Zheng Ruobing , Wang Qianwen , Liu Zikang , Li Derong 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The cortico-basal ganglia (BG) circuit is vital for motor control and Parkinson's disease (PD) symptoms. The Globus Pallidus Internus (GPi) is a principal BG output nucleus and a key target for Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in PD treatment. However, the structure and function of the cortico-GPi circuit have not been completely addressed. In the present studies, data demonstrate a direct Primary Motor Cortex (M1)-GPi pathway, bypassing the classical direct, indirect, and hyperdirect pathways. This direct M1-GPi pathway plays an essential role in motor regulation under normal conditions. Importantly, in PD, post-synaptic inhibition of this pathway alleviates motor deficits. Post-synaptic activation of the M1-GPi pathway ameliorates depression symptoms associated with PD but exacerbates the PD motor symptoms. Interventions targeting the pre-synaptic M1-GPi pathway do not significantly affect motor regulation or PD symptoms. It suggests that the M1-GPi pathway may play a crucial role in motor regulation, PD motor symptoms and non-motor symptoms. Aberrant activities of the post-synaptic M1-GPi pathway potentially contributing to PD deficits. And the mechanism of GPi-DBS in PD therapy may involve post-synaptic regulation of M1-GPi pathway activities, rather than the retrograde modulation of pre-synaptic M1-GPi pathways.
Navigational Analysis of Legged Robot using the Modified African Vulture Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Das Pinaki , Parhi Dayal R. , Mahapatro Abhijit , Dash Himansu Sekhar , Prakash V. S. Surya 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

The main challenges in the legged robot are navigation, obstacle avoidance, and path development. This study uses a swarm intelligence based meta-heuristic technique the Modified African Vulture Optimization Algorithm (MAVOA), to address the optimum path planning problem. The developed algorithm imitates the foraging behaviour of vultures. The MAVOA dynamically adjusts the movement of vultures to equate exploration and exploitation. This technique is selected to get the optimum path by avoiding obstacles while navigating a legged robot in an unfamiliar, congested environment. When it comes to the legged robot navigation, the path planning problem is solved by selecting four governing constraints: front-side hurdle length (FHL), left-side hurdle length (LHL), right-side hurdle length (RHL), and the direction of turn (DT) that are considered as the inputs and outputs respectively. The main constraints of earlier researches on existing techniques are impotence to account for motion in new environments, challenges in navigating crowded and complex areas, and the need to optimize intricate pathways. The WEBOT software is chosen for simulating a navigation of a legged robot, and result of simulation is differentiated to experimental outputs configured in a lab setting. Both outcomes show that the legged robot successfully navigated to its objectives while avoiding impediments. After the findings were assessed, it was found that there was less than 5% difference between the output of the simulation and the experiment. The approach can be applied to multiple-purpose or discrete optimization issues and future complicated engineering and science disciplines.
The U-shaped Curve of Energy Supply in the First 72 Hours of Critical Illness May Apply Only to Patients with Normal Body Mass Index: A Post-hoc Analysis of a Prospective Observational Multicenter Study
Authors: Wang Youquan , Wang Yanjuan , Fu Yao , Bao Lingling , Zhang Dong , Li H 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Objective
Nutritional support is crucial for critically ill patients. Body mass index (BMI) represents nutritional reserves to some extent, but it is unclear whether the U-shaped relationship between caloric delivery during the acute phase of critical illness and prognosis applies to patients across all BMI categories.
Methods
This secondary analysis of a multicenter prospective observational study, which included patients who were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for at least 3 days. The patients were divided into two subgroups based on BMI: normal BMI and overweight (BMI > 25 kg/m²). We used univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses to investigate the relationship between calorie delivery within the first 72 hours of ICU admission and 28-day mortality, and to explore whether a non-linear relationship exists between the two.
Results
A total of 361 patients were included in the final analysis, including 272 in the normal BMI subgroup and 89 in the overweight subgroup. In the normal BMI subgroup Cox regression, there was a significant non-linear relationship (P = 0.003) and association (P = 0.002) between daily delivered calories and 28-day mortality. Increasing the daily delivered calories from 0 to 18 kcal/kg/day was associated with decreasing mortality (hazard ratio (HR) 0.892, 95% CI 0.816–0.975), while the daily delivered calories > 18 kcal/kg/day was associated with increasing mortality (HR 1.116, 95% CI 1.016–1.227)); In the overweight subgroup, higher daily delivered calories was also observed to increase mortality (HR 1.124, 95% CI 1.043–1.211, P = 0.003), but this non-linear relationship disappeared (P = 0.466). After adjustment, the above results still hold up.
Conclusions
The U-shaped relationship between daily delivered calories within the first 72 hours of ICU admission and 28-day mortality in critically ill patients applies only to those with BMI < 25 kg/m², and no such U-shaped curve was observed in patients with BMI > 25 kg/m². Further research is still needed to validate this conclusion.
Thermodynamic analysis of liquid hydrogen production by using geothermal-based multigeneration plant
Authors: Cigerci Tuba , Yuksel Yunus Emre , Ozturk Murat 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this paper, a new geothermal energy-based multigeneration plant was designed to produce several valuable outputs, such as electricity, liquid hydrogen, freshwater, greenhouse heating, and cooling. This study aimed to find a solution regarding using fossil fuels to supply valuable products such as electricity, hydrogen, heating, and cooling. In addition, it was targeted to increase the geothermal energy systems’ efficiencies by integrating sub-systems into the geothermal power plant. To achieve the highly efficient multigeneration plant, an organic Rankine cycle, a greenhouse heating plant, a freshwater production plant, hydrogen production and liquefaction plants and a single-effect absorption cooling system were integrated into the injection well of the geothermal power source. Thermodynamic and parametric analyses were performed to evaluate the plant’s performance as well as environmental impact assessment and exergo-environmental analysis are done to see how the designed system operates environmental-friendly. According to the thermodynamic assessment results, the energy and exergy performances of the multigeneration plant were 59.14% and 54.83%, and the total electricity production rate was 1404 kW. Also, parametric analyses revealed that increasing reference temperature, geothermal mass flow rate and geothermal water temperature improved the overall system’s performance. These results imply that by controlling these indicators, the plant's performance can be optimized, leading to increased energy and exergy efficiencies and higher electrical energy production rates.
Dexamethasone-loaded platelet-inspired nanoparticles improve intracortical microelectrode recording performance
Authors: Shoffstall Andrew , Li Longshun , Hartzler Aniya , Menendez-Lustri Dhariyat , Zhang Jichu , Chen Alex , Lam Danny , Traylor Baylee , Quill Emma , Hoeferlin George , Pawlowski Christa , Bruckman Michael , Gupta Sen A. , Capadona Jeffrey 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Long-term robust intracortical microelectrode (IME) neural recording quality is negatively affected by the neuroinflammatory response following microelectrode insertion. This adversely impacts brain-machine interface (BMI) performance for patients with neurological disorders or amputations. Recent studies suggest that the leakage of blood-brain barrier (BBB) and microhemorrhage caused by the IME insertions lead to the increased neuroinflammation and reduced neural recording performance. Additionally, a sustained presence of activated platelets and coagulation factors is found near the insertion site. Thus, we hypothesized that the systemic administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate-loaded platelet-inspired nanoparticle (SPPINDEX) can improve the neural recording performance of intracortical microelectrodes (IMEs) by promoting hemostasis, facilitating blood-brain barrier (BBB) healing, and achieving implant-targeted drug delivery. Leveraging the hemostatic and coagulation factor-binding properties of the platelet-inspired nanoparticle (PIN) drug delivery platform, SPPINDEX treatment can initially attenuate the invasion of neuroinflammatory triggers into the brain parenchyma caused by insertion-induced microhemorrhages or a compromised BBB. Furthermore, targeted delivery of the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEXSP) to the implant site via these nanoparticles can attenuate ongoing neuroinflammation, enhancing overall therapeutic efficacy. Weekly treatment with SPPINDEX for 8 weeks significantly improved the recording capabilities of IMEs compared to platelet-inspired nanoparticles alone (PIN), free dexamethasone sodium phosphate (Free DEXSP), and a diluent control trehalose buffer (TH), as assessed through extracellular single-unit recordings. Immunohistochemical analyses of neuron density, activated microglia/macrophage density, astrocyte density, and BBB permeability suggest that the improved neural recording performance may be attributed to reduced neuron degeneration, activated microglia and astrocytes at the implant interface caused by the decreased infiltration of blood-derived proteins that trigger neuroinflammation and the therapeutic effects from DEXSP. Overall, SPPINDEX treatment promotes an anti-inflammatory environment that improves neuronal density and enhances recording performance.
Epidemiological trends and burden of nutritional deficiencies among infants in India: Insights from the Global Burden of Disease study, 1990–2021
Authors: Roy Chandan 
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Background

Nutritional deficiencies among children remain a critical contributor to the disease burden in India. Therefore, this study analyzes the annual trends and burden of nutritional deficiencies and forecasts the prevalence of these deficiencies among infants in India.

Materials and Methods

We analyzed data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 study to assess temporal changes in the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies among infants in India from 1990 to 2021 using joinpoint regression analysis and the ARIMA model was applied for future trends. Additionally, subnational level performance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) data were extracted from the National Institute for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog dashboard to understand the association between nutritional deficiencies and SDGs, illustrated through a heat map created using MS Excel.

Results

From 1990 to 2021, the prevalence of nutritional deficiencies among infants in India significantly declined from 798.69 (95% UI: 765.85 to 830.22) to 683.54 (95% UI: 664.02 to 702.93) per 1,000 live births, highlighted by an annual percentage change of -14.42. However, significant regional disparities in nutritional deficiencies persist across India. Notably, in 2021, Bihar [763.04 (95% UI: 723.24 to 799.46)], Jharkhand [756.8 (95% UI: 729.3 to 787.24)], and Uttar Pradesh [726.57 (95% UI: 697.24 to 758.62)] had the highest prevalence of nutritional deficiencies, while Mizoram [408.87 (95% UI: 367.44 to 455.12)] reported the lowest.
Conclusion
Nutritional deficiencies among infants in India remain a major public health challenge, with regional disparities suggesting a need to enhance primary healthcare services and strengthen nutritional support.
Influence of Glass Furnace Age, Cullet Share and Glass Color on the Glass Production Energy Efficiency
Authors: DEC Przemysław , SKOREK-OSIKOWSKA Anna 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Glass manufacturing is a high-volume process during which large quantities of natural raw materials are turned into commercial products, with large amounts of non-renewable resources and energy consumed in the process. Therefore, it is critical to support the transition to higher levels of energy and material efficiency, CO2 emissions and increased resource productivity.
The main objective of this paper is to present the results of a simulated correlation study considering the age of the glass furnace, cullet share in the process and batch composition of the glass produced, and their influence on the coefficient of energy consumption. In this work, the quoted dependencies were observed. Identification of relations influencing energy consumption enables optimization of particular technological parameters of the process.
Industrial companies are expected to reduce energy consumption in several ways, including technological improvements in production processes and recover lost energy, and recycling of recyclables from waste. Therefore, studies such as this one allow industrial companies to research and learn from, and implement solutions to meet global regulatory and market expectations.
New Approach for Calculation of Recycling Rates of Municipal Waste in the Circular Economy (CE)
Authors: DOROSZ Aneta , GENEROWICZ Agnieszka , KULTYS Henryk 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
In December 2020, new waste recycling targets were adopted for the functioning of municipal waste management systems, which are the result of the transformation of the Polish waste management system from a linear model into circular economy. Municipal waste management systems are very diverse, undergoing a constant evolution since 2013, i.e. since municipalities took over the management of the system, related to the collection, processing and disposal of waste, they must be effective, i.e. achieve the objectives of environmental policy. The assumptions of the European Union (EU) environmental policy, in particular new waste recycling rates set until 2035, determine the direction of development of waste management and at the same time the implementation of circular economy. The aim of the paper is to analyse the methods of calculating new recycling rates permitted by European law and to try to implement the methodology into national regulations. In addition, based on the available statistical data on the Polish municipal waste management system, the analysis was supplemented by simulation of solution enabling the achievement of high recycling levels in 2035.