bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
“How Will I Know?”: Semiotic Indeterminacy, Transparency, and Expectations of Sincerity in the Global Nuclear Order
Authors: Weichselbraun Anna 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Semiotic indeterminacy describes the basic observation that signs are always unstable and open to interpretation. As such, semiotic indeterminacy can become a resource for the strategic pursuit and exploitation of political goals. In this article, I examine the role and multiple dimensions of semiotic indeterminacy in nuclear nonproliferation, the global governance project to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons. Taking as an illustrative example the controversy around the nuclear program of the Islamic Republic of Iran, I demonstrate that when the transparency practices implemented to close down on the semiotic indeterminacy of nuclear materials fail, nuclear verification turns from a techno-rational project into a moral-evaluative one with the aim of uncovering the hidden intentions of a state. This transduction of one semiotic register into another derives from transparency’s dual tradition as both a rationalizing imperative as well as a moralized norm of sincerity. Attending to the semiotic dimensions of liberal forms of governance offers a new perspective on its contradictions.
Pliocene Warmth and Patterns of Climate Change Inferred From Paleoclimate Data Assimilation
Authors: Tierney Jessica E. , King Jonathan , Osman Matthew B. , Abell Jordan T. , Burls Natalie J. , Erfani Ehsan , Cooper Vincent T. , Feng Ran 
Published: January 2025

AbstractAs the last time period when concentrations were near 400 ppm, the Pliocene Epoch (5.33–2.58 Ma) is a useful paleoclimate target for understanding future climate change. Existing estimates of global warming and climate sensitivity during the Pliocene rely mainly on model simulations. To reconstruct Pliocene climate and incorporate paleoclimate observations, we use data assimilation to blend sea‐surface temperature (SST) proxies with model simulations from the Pliocene Modeling Intercomparison Project 2 and the Community Earth System Models. The resulting reconstruction, “plioDA,” suggests that the mid‐Pliocene (3.25 Ma) was warmer than previously thought (on average 4.1°C warmer than preindustrial, 95% CI = 3.0°C–5.3°C), leading to a higher estimate of climate sensitivity (4.8°C per doubling of , 90% CI = 2.6°C–9.9°C). In agreement with previous work, the tropical Pacific zonal SST gradient during the mid‐Pliocene was moderately reduced (°C, 95% CI = –0.4°C). However, this gradient was more reduced during the early Pliocene (4.75 Ma, °C, 95% CI = –°C), a time period that is also warmer than the mid‐Pliocene (4.8°C above preindustrial, 95% CI = 3.6°C–6.2°C). PlioDA reconstructs a fresh North Pacific and salty North Atlantic, supporting Arctic gateway closure and contradicting the presence of Pacific Deep Water formation. Overall, plioDA updates our view of global and spatial climate change during the Pliocene, as well as raising questions about the state of ocean circulation and the drivers of differences between the early and mid‐Pliocene.
Multi‐Model Assessment of Groundwater Recharge Across Europe Under Warming Climate
Authors: Kumar Rohini , Samaniego Luis , Thober Stephan , Rakovec Oldrich , Marx Andreas , Wanders Niko , Pan Ming , Hesse Falk , Attinger Sabine 
Published: January 2025

AbstractClimate change threatens the sustainable use of groundwater resources worldwide by affecting future recharge rates. However, assessments of global warming's impact on groundwater recharge at local scales are lacking. This study provides a continental‐scale assessment of groundwater recharge changes in Europe, past, present, and future, at a resolution under different global warming levels (1.5, 2.0, and 3.0 K). Utilizing multi‐model ensemble simulations from four hydrologic and land‐surface models (HMs), our analysis incorporates E‐OBS observational forcing data (1970–2015) and five bias‐corrected and downscale climate model (GCMs) data sets covering the near‐past to future climate conditions (1970–2100). Results reveal a north‐south polarization in projected groundwater recharge change: declines over 25%–50% in the Mediterranean and increases over 25% in North Scandinavia at high warming levels (2.0–3.0 K). Central Europe shows minimal changes (5%) with larger uncertainty at lower warming levels. The southeastern Balkan and Mediterranean region exhibited high sensitivity to warming, with changes nearly doubling between 1.5 and 3.0 K. We identify greater uncertainty from differences among GCMs, though significant uncertainties due to HMs exist in regions like the Mediterranean, Nordic, and Balkan areas. The findings highlight the importance of using multi‐model ensembles to assess future groundwater recharge changes in Europe and emphasize the need to mitigate impacts in higher warming scenarios.
A Stronger Kuroshio Intrusion Leads to Higher Chlorophyll a Concentration in the Northern South China Sea
Authors: Li Weinan , Shang Yiwei , Li Changlin , Xu Chao , Laws Edward A. , Liu Xin , Huang Bangqin 
Published: January 2025

AbstractThe Kuroshio intrusion from the Luzon Strait significantly affects ecosystems in the South China Sea (SCS), especially during the Northeast Monsoon, a time when field observations are notably sparse and where vertical mixing induced by strong winds can obscure the effects of the Kuroshio intrusion. In this study, we address these gaps by reanalyzing data from 20 cruises (5,067 samples) in the SCS between 2004 and 2015. We also carried out two dedicated field cruises during the Northeast and the Southwest Monsoon in 2018. Field observations from both cruises revealed a consistent unimodal relationship between total chlorophyll a (Chla) concentrations in the upper 50 m of the water column and the index of the Kuroshio intrusion. Specifically, a strong Kuroshio intrusion during the Northeast Monsoon significantly enhanced Chla concentrations in the northern SCS. This enhanced Chla concentration during the Northeast Monsoon was primarily driven by increases of Synechococcus and nanophytoplankton that contrasted with the dominance of Prochlorococcus during the Southeast Monsoon. Long‐term remote sensing data corroborated these findings and demonstrated a consistent pattern wherein intrusion by the Kuroshio led to elevated Chla concentrations, particularly during the Northeast Monsoon. There was a significant positive correlation between the intensity of the Kuroshio intrusion and the magnitude of the Chla increase. Furthermore, these findings suggested a concerning possibility: weakening of the Kuroshio intrusion intensity over time might diminish future biogeochemical effects on SCS ecosystems. Continued monitoring and research will be crucial to understanding and responding to these changes.
Tracking the Dispersal of River Water, Atmospheric Deposition, and Shallow Sedimentary Trace Metal Inputs From the Congo Region Into the South Atlantic
Authors: Gu Yuanyuan , Hopwood Mark James , Carroll Dustin , Liu Te , Krisch Stephan 
Published: January 2025

AbstractRecent work has revealed the presence of an offshore near‐surface plume of dissolved trace elements in the South Atlantic Ocean (SAO). Dissolved Fe (dFe) supply from the Congo plume is equivalent to ∼40% of the annual atmospheric dFe supply to the SAO. However this plume is not captured by biogeochemical models, raising questions about its exact sources. To help understand the potential source mechanisms, we use particle tracking experiments to investigate elemental distributions. Results suggest that elevated concentrations of some elements in the Congo plume are primarily sourced from river discharge and wet atmospheric deposition with minimal influence from shelf sediments. River discharge is the main source in shelf regions and some off‐shelf regions, whereas atmospheric deposition dominates the area to the southwest of the Congo River outflow. A quantitative analysis along 3S specifically for dFe suggests a decrease in the contribution of river discharge from 90% to 30% moving off‐shelf, with a corresponding increase in the contribution of atmospheric deposition. Within the shelf zone, atmospheric deposition accounts for roughly 20%–40% and could be a major source of dFe around the river mouth. Integration of data from cruise GA08 reinforces the finding that wet deposition augments the concentrations of dFe, manganese (dMn), and cobalt (dCo) at distances over 1,000 km from the river mouth. Given present‐day patterns of nitrate, Fe, and Co limitation for primary producers in the SAO, changing rainfall patterns may have long‐term implications for both regional elemental budgets and ecologically dependent processes sensitive to trace element ratios.
Water-mediated ion transport in an anion exchange membrane
Authors: Wang Zhongyang , Sun Ge , Lewis Nicholas H. C. , Mandal Mrinmay , Sharma Abhishek , Kim Mincheol , Montes de Oca Joan M. , Wang Kai , Taggart Aaron , Martinson Alex B. , Kohl Paul A. , Tokmakoff Andrei , Patel Shrayesh N. , Nealey Paul F. , de Pablo Juan J. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Water is a critical component in polyelectrolyte anion exchange membranes (AEMs). It plays a central role in ion transport in electrochemical systems. Gaining a better understanding of molecular transport and conductivity in AEMs has been challenged by the lack of a general methodology capable of capturing and connecting water dynamics, water structure, and ionic transport over time and length scales ranging from those associated with individual bond vibrations and molecular reorientations to those pertaining to macroscopic AEM performance. In this work, we use two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy and semiclassical simulations to examine how water molecules are arranged into successive solvation shells, and we explain how that structure influences the dynamics of bromide ion transport processes in polynorbornene-based materials. We find that the transition to the faster transport mechanism occurs when the reorientation of water molecules in the second solvation shell is fast, allowing a robust hydrogen bond network to form. Our findings provide molecular-level insights into AEMs with inherent transport of halide ions, and help pave the way towards a comprehensive understanding of hydroxide ion transport in AEMs.
Enantioselective reductive cross-couplings to forge C(sp2)–C(sp3) bonds by merging electrochemistry with nickel catalysis
Authors: Wang Yun-Zhao , Sun Bing , Guo Jian-Feng , Zhu Xiao-Yu , Gu Yu-Cheng , Han Ya-Ping , Ma Cong , Mei Tian-Sheng 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Motivated by the inherent benefits of synergistically combining electrochemical methodologies with nickel catalysis, we present here a Ni-catalyzed enantioselective electroreductive cross-coupling of benzyl chlorides with aryl halides, yielding chiral 1,1-diaryl compounds with good to excellent enantioselectivity. This catalytic reaction can not only be applied to aryl chlorides/bromides, which are challenging to access by other means, but also to benzyl chlorides containing silicon groups. Additionally, the absence of a sacrificial anode lays a foundation for scalability. The combination of cyclic voltammetry analysis with electrode potential studies suggests that NiI species activate aryl halides via oxidative addition and alkyl chlorides via single electron transfer.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B using polyaniline-coated XTiO3(X = Co, Ni) nanocomposites
Authors: Abouri Mariyem , Benzaouak Abdellah , Elouardi Mohamed , El Hamdaoui Lahcen , Zaaboul Fatima , Azzaoui Khalil , Hammouti Belkheir , Sabbahi Rachid , Jodeh Shehdeh , El Belghiti Mohammed Alaoui , El Hamidi Adnane 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this study, novel polyaniline-coated perovskite nanocomposites (PANI@CoTiO3 and PANI@NiTiO3) were synthesized using an in situ oxidative polymerization method and evaluated for the photocatalytic degradation of Rhodamine B (RhB) a persistent organic pollutant. The nanocomposites displayed significantly enhanced photocatalytic efficiency compared to pure perovskites. The 1%wt PANI@NiTiO3 achieved an impressive 94% degradation of RhB under visible light after 180 min, while 1wt.% PANI@CoTiO3 reached 87% degradation under UV light in the same duration. X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that the crystalline structures of CoTiO3 and NiTiO3 remained intact post-polymerization. At the same time, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) verified the successful deposition of PANI through characteristic functional group vibrations. Diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) revealed reduced band gaps of 2.63 eV for 1wt.% PANI@NiTiO3 and 2.46 eV for 1wt.% PANI@CoTiO3, enhancing light absorption across UV and visible ranges. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) analysis demonstrated the uniform distribution of PANI, ensuring consistent surface activity and efficient charge transfer. The photocatalytic test confirmed a pseudo-first-order degradation mechanism. The study elucidates the degradation mechanism through intermediate identification via HPLC-MS analysis, highlighting N-de-ethylation, aromatic ring cleavage and eventual mineralization into CO2 and H2O as critical pathways. Furthermore, the 1wt.%PANI@NiTiO3 nanocomposite demonstrated excellent stability and recyclability, maintaining its degradation efficiency over four consecutive cycles with minimal change. These findings highlight the potential of PANI@XTiO3 nanocomposites for sustainable and efficient wastewater treatment, addressing diverse environmental challenges by tailoring photocatalysts to specific light sources.
α-Copaene is a potent repellent against the Asian Citrus Psyllid Diaphorina citri
Authors: Magnani Rodrigo Facchini , Volpe Haroldo Xavier Linhares , Luvizotto Rejane Angélica Grigio , Mulinari Tatiana Aparecida , Agostini Thiago Trevisoli , Bastos Jairo Kenupp , Ribeiro Victor Pena , Carmo-Sousa Michele , Wulff Nelson Arno , Peña Leandro , Leal Walter S. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP), Diaphorina citri, severely threatens citrus production worldwide by transmitting the greening (= Huanglongbing)—causing bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus. There is growing evidence that the push-pull strategy is suitable to partially mitigate HLB by repelling ACP with transgenic plants engineered to produce repellents and attracting the vector to plants with a minimal disease transmission rate. Species that pull ACP away from commercial citrus plants have been identified, and transgenic plants that repel ACP have been developed. The concept of a repellent-producing plant was first demonstrated with an Arabidopsis line engineered to overexpress a gene controlling the synthesis of β-caryophyllene and other sesquiterpenes. We have analyzed the volatile organic compounds released by this Arabidopsis line and identified α-humulene, α-copaene, and trace amounts of β-elemene, in addition to β-caryophyllene. Behavioral measurements demonstrated that α-copaene repels ACP at doses ca. 100× lower than those needed for β-caryophyllene repellence. In contrast, α-humulene is innocuous at the level emitted by the transgenic plant. We confirmed that a mixture of the three sesquiterpenes in the ratio 1:100:10 repels ACP. Likewise, a commercial sample of copaiba oil containing the three sesquiterpenes, in a proportion similar to that in the transgenic plant, repelled ACP.
Investigating time-independent and time-dependent diffusion phenomena using steady-state diffusion MRI
Authors: Tendler Benjamin C. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Diffusion MRI is a leading method to non-invasively characterise brain tissue microstructure across multiple domains and scales. Diffusion-weighted steady-state free precession (DW-SSFP) is an established imaging sequence for post-mortem MRI, addressing the challenging imaging environment of fixed tissue with short T2 and low diffusivities. However, a current limitation of DW-SSFP is signal interpretation: it is not clear what diffusion ‘regime’ the sequence probes and therefore its potential to characterise tissue microstructure. Building on Extended Phase Graphs (EPG), I establish two alternative representations of the DW-SSFP signal in terms of (1) conventional b-values (time-independent diffusion) and (2) encoding power-spectra (time-dependent diffusion). The proposed representations provide insights into how different parameter regimes and gradient waveforms impact the diffusion sensitivity of DW-SSFP. I subsequently introduce an approach to incorporate existing biophysical models into DW-SSFP without the requirement of extensive derivations, with time dependence estimated via a Gaussian phase approximation representation of the DW-SSFP signal. Investigations incorporating free-diffusion and tissue-relevant microscopic restrictions (cylinder of varying radius) give excellent agreement to complementary analytical models and Monte Carlo simulations. Experimentally, the time-independent representation is used to derive Tensor and proof-of-principle NODDI estimates in a whole human post-mortem brain. A final SNR-efficiency investigation demonstrates the theoretical potential of DW-SSFP for ultra-high field microstructural imaging.
Novel brain SPECT imaging unravels abnormal cerebral perfusion in patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome and cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Seeley Marie-Claire , O’Brien Howard , Wilson Gemma , Coat Clair , Smith Tess , Hickson Kevin , Casse Reynold , Page Amanda J. , Gallagher Celine , Lau Dennis H. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is frequently reported in individuals with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), possibly resulting from reduced cerebral blood flow (CBF). We used brain SPECT, an accessible imaging modality that has not been systematically evaluated in this patient group. Retrospective review of participants from our registry was undertaken to identify those who had a brain SPECT performed for investigation of cognitive dysfunction. Abnormal CBF was taken as z-score > 2 standard deviations of healthy control reference values. Patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) such as autonomic, gastric and quality of life symptom scores were analyzed. From a total of 56 participants (mean 34.8 ± 10.7 years, 88% females), PROMs indicate: moderate to severe autonomic dysfunction in 75%; at least mild to moderate gastroparesis in 23%; low global health rating and utility scores. Abnormal CBF was seen in 61% but did not differ by POTS triggers. The regions with the lowest mean z-scores were the lateral prefrontal and sensorimotor cortices. Hierarchal regression analyses found number of brain regions with abnormal CBF, autonomic and gastric symptoms to account for 51% of variances in health utility. Cerebral hypoperfusion is prevalent in those with POTS and cognitive dysfunction even whilst supine, contributing to reduced quality of life.
In-pixel foreground and contrast enhancement circuits with customizable mapping
Authors: Udoy Md Rahatul Islam , Islam Md Mazharul , Johnson Elijah , Aziz Ahmedullah 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper presents an in-pixel contrast enhancement circuit that performs image processing directly within the pixel circuit. The circuit leverages HyperFET, a hybrid device combining a MOSFET and a phase transition material (PTM), to enhance performance. It can be tuned for different modes of operation. In foreground enhancement mode, it suppresses low-intensity background pixels to nearly zero, isolating the foreground for better object visibility. In contrast enhancement mode, it improves overall image contrast. The contrast enhancement function is customizable both during the design phase and in real-time, allowing the circuit to adapt to specific applications and varying lighting conditions. A model of the designed pixel circuit is developed and applied to a full pixel array, demonstrating significant improvements in image quality. Simulations performed in HSPICE show a nearly 6x increase in Michelson Contrast Ratio (CR) in the foreground enhancement mode. Furthermore, process variation and Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) analysis has been conducted to evaluate the robustness of the design under manufacturing variations. The simulation results indicate its potential for real-time, adaptive contrast enhancement across various imaging environments.
Micropeptide hSPAR regulates glutamine levels and suppresses mammary tumor growth via a TRIM21-P27KIP1-mTOR axis
Authors: Huang Yan , Lu Hua , Liu Yao , Wang Jiabei , Xia Qingan , Shi Xiangmin , Jin Yan , Liang Xiaolin , Wang Wei , Ma Xiaopeng , Wang Yangyi , Gong Meng , Li Canjun , Cang Chunlei , Cui Qinghua , Chen Ceshi , Shen Tao , Liu Lianxin , Wang Xiangting 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
mTOR plays a pivotal role in cancer growth control upon amino acid response. Recently, CDK inhibitor P27KIP1 has been reported as a noncanonical inhibitor of mTOR signaling in MEFs, via unclear mechanisms. Here, we find that P27KIP1 degradation via E3 ligase TRIM21 is inhibited by human micropeptide hSPAR through its C-terminus (hSPAR-C), causing P27KIP1’s cytoplasmic accumulation in breast cancer cells. Furthermore, hSPAR/hSPAR-C also serves as an inhibitor of glutamine transporter SLC38A2 expression and thereby decreases the cellular glutamine levels specifically in cancer cells. The resultant glutamine deprivation sequentially triggers translocation of cytoplasmic P27KIP1 to lysosomes, where P27KIP1 disrupts the Ragulator complex and suppresses mTORC1 assembly. Administration of hSPAR or hSPAR-C significantly impedes breast cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth in xenograft models. These findings define hSPAR as an intrinsic control factor for cellular glutamine levels and as a novel tumor suppressor inhibiting mTORC1 assembly.
Structural basis for human NKCC1 inhibition by loop diuretic drugs
Authors: Zhao Yongxiang , Vidossich Pietro , Forbush Biff , Ma Junfeng , Rinehart Jesse , De Vivo Marco , Cao Erhu 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Na+–K+–Cl− cotransporters functions as an anion importers, regulating trans-epithelial chloride secretion, cell volume, and renal salt reabsorption. Loop diuretics, including furosemide, bumetanide, and torsemide, antagonize both NKCC1 and NKCC2, and are first-line medicines for the treatment of edema and hypertension. NKCC1 activation by the molecular crowding sensing WNK kinases is critical if cells are to combat shrinkage during hypertonic stress; however, how phosphorylation accelerates NKCC1 ion transport remains unclear. Here, we present co-structures of phospho-activated NKCC1 bound with furosemide, bumetanide, or torsemide showing that furosemide and bumetanide utilize a carboxyl group to coordinate and co-occlude a K+, whereas torsemide encroaches and expels the K+ from the site. We also found that an amino-terminal segment of NKCC1, once phosphorylated, interacts with the carboxyl-terminal domain, and together, they engage with intracellular ion exit and appear to be poised to facilitate rapid ion translocation. Together, these findings enhance our understanding of NKCC-mediated epithelial ion transport and the molecular mechanisms of its inhibition by loop diuretics.