Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Water balance components in a dry-seeded rice-wheat system: Untangling the effects of tillage and mulching practices
Abstract Groundwater depletion threatens the sustainability of rice-wheat (RW) cropping systems in north-west India. Reducing evapotranspiration (ET), particularly its non-beneficial component soil evaporation (Es), is essential to improve water productivity and limit groundwater decline. This study combines field measurements and APSIM modeling to quantify water balance components and ET partitioning in a dry-seeded RW system in Punjab, India, under conventional and zero tillage (CT, ZT), with and without rice straw mulch. Annual ET losses were high (1,000–1,400 mm), of which 400–500 mm occurred as Es, predominantly during the rice phase, which also dominated deep drainage. Zero tillage was often associated with lower ET but responses varied with crop growth and irrigation differences rather than a consistent tillage effect. Mulch consistently suppressed Es from wheat but had small and inconsistent effects on system-scale ET and transpiration (T). Water productivity with respect to ET and T was generally higher under ZT than CT, reflecting system-dependent management interactions rather than an intrinsic tillage advantage. These findings highlight substantial ET and deep drainage losses in flood-irrigated dry-seeded RW systems and identify rice-phase Es reduction as a key strategy for improving water sustainability.
Sub-basin sea level budget analysis in the North Indian Ocean (2003–2024)
Abstract This study investigates sea level trends in the North Indian Ocean (NIO) from 2003 to 2024, quantifying the contributions of thermosteric, halosteric, and ocean mass components using satellite altimetry, observation-based gridded products, and GRACE gravimetry datasets. The NIO Sea level is rising at 4.83 ± 0.22 mm/yr, driven primarily by thermosteric sea level (2.21 ± 0.16 mm/yr) followed by ocean mass component (1.69 ± 0.09 mm/yr). Sub-basinal analysis reveals strong spatial heterogeneity, with the highest rates of sea level rise in the Western Bay of Bengal (5.19 ± 0.41 mm/yr) and the lowest in the Western Arabian Sea (4.29 ± 0.27 mm/yr). A distinct halosteric contrast exists, where freshening accelerates rise in the Bay of Bengal (up to 0.65 ± 0.08 mm/yr in the Eastern Bay), and increasing salinity suppresses it in the Arabian Sea (down to -1.12 ± 0.12 mm/yr in the western Arabian Sea). Furthermore, while western sub-basins are predominantly steric-driven, eastern sub-basins of Bay of Bengal and Equatorial Indian Ocean exhibit anomalously high GRACE-derived mass contributions (> 3 mm/yr), likely influenced by post-seismic crustal adjustments from the 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake. Interannual variability closely tracks steric changes modulated by ENSO and the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), triggering basin-specific responses via wind anomalies and long-period waves. Further analysis of tropical SST indices reveals that the Western Tropical Indian Ocean SST index closely mirrors the spatial correlation structures of the Dipole Mode Index, and may serve as a useful indicator of regional sea level variability, particularly over the Equatorial Indian Ocean and Bay of Bengal. Ultimately, unlike the predominantly mass-driven global trends where both mass and steric contributions are of comparable magnitude, the NIO remains uniquely steric-dominated and the sea level budget leaves a residual of 0.98 mm/yr (~ 20% of the total trend), which, while comparable to uncertainties in individual components, highlights remaining challenges in fully closing the regional sea level budget.
Automatic prediction of cotton leaf’s diseases using deep learning techniques
Green HPTLC–densitometry for simultaneous determination of antibiotic residues in milk with greenness assessment and application to real samples
Abstract A validated HPTLC densitometric approach was employed for the simultaneous determination of Cefazolin (CFZ), Sulfadimidine (SDD), and Marbofloxacin (MFC) residues in milk. The method utilizes a mobile phase composed of ethyl acetate, methanol, and triethylamine in a 50:30:1 v/v/v ratio, with detection carried out at 270 nm. The chromatographic conditions were carefully optimized, and the retardation factor (R f ) values for CFZ, MFC, and SDD were 0.29, 0.58, and 0.73, respectively. Sample preparation included protein precipitation with acetonitrile, followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction (dSPE) using Enhanced Matrix Removal-Lipid (EMR-L) tubes to remove interfering lipids. Validation in accordance with ICH Q2(R2) guidelines demonstrated excellent linearity for all analytes over the concentration range of 0.001–0.09 µg/band. Accuracy was confirmed by recovery values between 98.19% and 99.15%. The proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of the investigated drug residues in real cattle milk samples following the withdrawal period, showing no statistically significant differences in accuracy and precision compared to previously reported HPLC method. Furthermore, sustainability evaluation using multiple greenness assessment tools (Eco-scale score of 77, AGSA score of 75%, BAGI score of 77.5, and RGB12 score of 85.2) demonstrated that the method is excellent green.
Automated enhancement of post-infectious lung CT images using multi-technique noise detection and denoising with quantitative evaluation
Assessing iatrogenic atrial septal defect as a primary unloading strategy in acute myocardial infarction using computational and swine model
Effect of unilateral intrathecal prilocaine–fentanyl versus bupivacaine–fentanyl on postoperative spontaneous voiding in ambulatory male patients undergoing inguinal hernioplasty: a randomized double-blinded comparative study
Abstract Ambulatory inguinal hernia repair requires anesthetic techniques that provide reliable intraoperative analgesia while facilitating rapid recovery and timely discharge. Postoperative spontaneous voiding is a critical determinant of discharge readiness. This study compared unilateral intrathecal prilocaine–fentanyl with bupivacaine–fentanyl in male patients undergoing elective inguinal hernioplasty. In this randomized comparative trial, 70 male patients (ASA I–II, aged 18–60 years) scheduled for elective unilateral inguinal hernia repair were allocated to receive either intrathecal prilocaine 40 mg plus fentanyl 25 µg (Pr‑F group, n = 35) or bupivacaine 7.5 mg plus fentanyl 25 µg (Bu‑F group, n = 35). Blocks were performed unilaterally with patients maintained in the lateral decubitus position for 15 min. The primary outcome was time to first spontaneous voiding. Secondary outcomes included block characteristics, recovery parameters, pain scores, rescue analgesia, discharge readiness (Modified Post-Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System ≥ 9), and adverse events. Baseline demographics and intraoperative hemodynamics were comparable between groups. The Pr‑F group demonstrated significantly shorter time to first spontaneous voiding (213 ± 27 vs. 307 ± 22 min, p < 0.001). Motor and sensory regression times were also shorter with prilocaine (98 ± 11 vs. 187 ± 19 min; 120 ± 11 vs. 209 ± 23 min, respectively; p < 0.001). Time to achieve Modified Post-Anesthesia Discharge Scoring System ≥ 9 was reduced in the Pr‑F group (97 ± 11 vs. 187 ± 19 min, p < 0.001). Pain scores were higher with prilocaine, and rescue analgesia was required more frequently (34% vs. 11%, p = 0.023). Kaplan–Meier analysis confirmed earlier voiding in the Pr‑F group (log‑rank χ²=82.85, p < 0.0001). Adverse events, including pruritus, shivering, urinary retention, and transient neurological symptoms, were infrequent and comparable between groups. Unilateral intrathecal prilocaine–fentanyl provided faster recovery of sensory and motor function, earlier spontaneous voiding, and shorter discharge times compared with bupivacaine–fentanyl in male patients undergoing ambulatory inguinal hernia repair. Both regimens were safe, but prilocaine–fentanyl offers distinct advantages for fast‑track hernia surgery. Larger multicenter studies are warranted to confirm these findings across broader patient populations. Trial registration: The study was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (Identifier: NCT07262398) on 14/11/2025.
Acridocarpus orientalis ethanolic extract induces senescence and abortive autophagy in human breast cancer cells
Topological approaches to quantum tensor train compression via ZX-calculus and SVD
A data-driven framework for long-term risk stratification of advanced Parkinson’s disease using PPMI
Abstract Advanced Parkinson disease has prognostic and therapeutic implications, yet staging tools are qualitative and difficult to operationalize for longitudinal modelling and cross-cohort comparison. We developed a reproducible operationalization that translates the 13-item Diagnostic Criteria for Advanced Parkinson Disease questionnaire into structured variables and generates longitudinal labels capturing certainty of advanced disease. In the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative near-diagnosis cohort ( n = 1,302; up to 13 years), we applied this pipeline to characterize label trajectories and face validity over time. As a proof of utility, we used baseline clinical and genetic features to forecast advanced disease at years 7–11, explicitly separating forecasting from contemporaneous staging. Using a binary long-horizon endpoint, the best year-9 model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.89 (95% CI 0.81–0.97). In an independent real-world cohort with ≥ 11 years follow-up ( n = 35), discrimination attenuated (0.55–0.61), consistent with dataset shift and limited event counts.
Reliable estimation of the confined compressive strength of FRP-confined circular concrete columns using an ANFIS-based model
Targeted long-read sequencing enables comprehensive analysis of the genetic and epigenetic landscape of inherited myopathies
Abstract The genetic variants that cause inherited myopathies vary widely in type, size and sequence context, encompassing small sequence variants, large structural variants, repeat expansions, and more complex events, such as the D4Z4 macrosatellite contraction and hypomethylation that causes facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy. Many of these are challenging to characterise using next-generation sequencing and other older molecular technologies. To address this, we developed a targeted long-read sequencing assay and bioinformatics analysis framework that captures the full suite of genes, variants and epigenetic signatures currently implicated in inherited myopathies. Applying this to a cohort of myopathy patients, we demonstrate the analytical validity of our approach and its improved accuracy and resolution compared to existing methods. Our assay led to new genetic diagnoses in 35.5% (11/31) of patients who remained undiagnosed after standard clinical genetic testing. This methodology constitutes a single streamlined assay for comprehensive genetic and epigenetic characterisation of inherited myopathies.
Signaling downstream of tumor–stroma interaction regulates mucinous colorectal adenocarcinoma apicobasal polarity
Abstract Mucinous colorectal carcinoma (MUC CRC) metastasis to multiple organs, and to the peritoneum, is associated with poor prognosis. Disseminating MUC CRCs exhibit either conventional (apical-in) or inverted (apical-out) polarity that influence patient outcomes. Therefore, it is critical to identify how MUC CRC polarity is regulated. Here, we analyze patient-derived MUC CRC xenografts with either apical-in or apical-out polarity. Single-cell analyses reveal α2β1-integrin as a key collagen-binding receptor in these models. Collagen–α2β1-integrin interaction activates Src and upregulates SorLA, an endosomal sorting receptor. SorLA supports apical-in polarity by promoting integrin recycling and HER2/HER3 expression. We observe positive correlation between HER2, HER3 and SorLA in patient samples and higher HER2 expression in apical-in-presenting tissues. Clinically relevant HER2/HER3-targeting antibodies revert tumor sphere polarity, and impede collagen remodeling and adhesion to mouse peritoneum. This SorLA—integrin—HER2/HER3 axis could represent a MUC CRC-patient stratification approach and be relevant for other carcinomas with apical-out phenotypes.
metilene3: identifying DMRs across multiple conditions with auto-classification
Abstract DNA methylation is a critical epigenetic mark across numerous species, and identifying differentially methylated regions (DMRs) is essential for understanding genome regulation. Most existing DMR detection methods require predefined sample conditions, limiting the discovery of new epigenetic patterns, especially when group identities are unknown or uncertain, as is common in clinical settings. Additionally, only a very few approaches enable comparisons across multiple conditions. To address this significant gap, we present metilene 3 , a method for rapid, multi-condition DMR detection that operates in both supervised and unsupervised modes, using user-provided labels or autonomously clustering unlabeled samples. By segmenting the genome based on multiple pairwise methylation difference signals, metilene 3 enables sample classification and DMR-anchored inference of epigenetic relationships. Using simulated and diverse human datasets, we show that metilene 3 accurately detects DMRs, robustly clusters samples, and holds the potential to reveal new regulatory elements and sample stratifications. Specifically, in a pancreatic tissue dataset, metilene 3 identifies DMRs enriched for key transcription factors involved in pancreatic cancer development, hinting towards an altered NFKB-NFAT regulatory program. Together, metilene 3 provides a fast, interpretable framework for exploring heterogeneous methylomes and discovering epigenetic patterns across complex biological and clinical datasets.
Click-polymerized polyenamine membranes for efficient lithium extraction
Dual-interface stabilization of low-iridium anodes for durable proton exchange membrane water electrolysis
Abstract The durability and cost of iridium-based anodes remain key challenges for high-current density operation of proton exchange membrane water electrolyzers. Here, we report a dual-interface stabilization strategy based on atomic layer deposition of TiO 2 onto IrO 2 catalysts. The resulting anodes sustain operation at 3.0 A cm −2 for 2600 h with near-zero voltage degradation at an iridium loading of 0.4 mg cm −2 , whereas bare IrO 2 exhibits continuous voltage decay over 1000 h at a rate of 31.5 mV kh −1 . Combined experimental characterization and theoretical calculations reveal that interfacial Ti-O-Ir coupling suppresses Ir over-oxidation and dissolution, while the TiO 2 -coated surface strengthens ionomer-catalyst interactions and preserves mass-transport pathways during prolonged operation. This strategy is fully compatible with roll-to-roll manufacturing, enabling industrially scalable implementation. This interfacial engineering approach offers a generalizable design principle for extending electrolyzer lifetime and reducing precious-metal loading across diverse electrochemical energy conversion technologies.
Widespread controls of precipitation sensitivity on drought recovery of global forests
North Pacific meltwater weakens the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation and preconditions Heinrich Stadial 1
Abstract Heinrich Stadials provide insights into a potential future weakening of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC), yet the mechanisms driving AMOC weakening during these intervals remain elusive. While Heinrich Stadials are associated with iceberg-discharge events over the North Atlantic (i.e., Heinrich events), AMOC weakening is known to precede Heinrich events. Here we run freshwater hosing experiments to show that contemporaneous Northeast Pacific iceberg-discharge events (i.e., Siku events), which consistently occur at the onsets of Heinrich Stadials, could trigger AMOC weakening by transporting freshwater to the North Atlantic deepwater formation regions. This initial weakening may subsequently be amplified by further meltwater release from the British and Laurentide Ice Sheets, induced by stepwise subsurface warming in the northeastern and northern North Atlantic. Our findings suggest that Siku events may have played a critical role in preconditioning the North Atlantic for Heinrich events, underscoring the interconnected nature of the global ocean–cryosphere system.