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Hydrophobic Metal–Formate Composites for Efficient CO₂ Capture

Nf2-FAK signaling axis is critical for cranial bone ossification and regeneration

Evaluation of long lasting insecticidal nets in experimental huts and WHO PQT/VCP compliance: A systematic review

Malaria control in highly endemic regions relies heavily on vector control tools, particularly LLINs. The effectiveness of LLINs varies by eco-epidemiological conditions and brands. A comprehensive review of WHO interim-approved LLIN brands is necessary to address this variability. This systematic review screened 145 articles, refining them to 27 eligible publications, to assess the efficacy of WHO-recommended LLINs, focusing on synthetic pyrethroids and synergists like Piperonyl Butoxide or Pyriproxyfen. The review demonstrated that LLINs impregnated with synthetic pyrethroids, especially when used with synergists, are more effective than regular LLINs. However, adherence to WHO PQT/VCP (World Health Organization Prequalification Unit/Vector Control Product) checklists was inconsistent. Several LLIN pairs which includes candidate and comparator nets showed equal efficacy (100% in both arms), including Olyset Plus vs. Olyset Net, DuraNet vs. PermaNet 3.0, Interceptor G2 vs. Interceptor, MagNet vs. DuraNet, Dawa Plus 3.0 vs. Dawa Plus 2.0, and Veerralin vs. PermaNet 3.0 in terms of mosquito mortality. Significant efficacy differences were noted between various bed net pairs: Interceptor vs CTN (RR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.28-1.66); Olyset Net Duo vs Olyset Net (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18); ICON Maxx vs CTN polyester (RR: 7.7, 95% CI: 3.6-16.31); Dawa Plus 3.0 vs Dawa Plus 2.0 (RR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34-3.15); Interceptor G2 vs Interceptor G1 (RR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.77-0.96). These findings inform the development of improved net designs and ensure alignment with WHO guidelines, enhancing vector control measures. The review supports improved malaria control strategies and sustained LLIN utilization, highlighting the need for LLIN manufacturers to align with WHO guidelines.

Theory-Guided Design of N-Confused Porphyrinic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Author Correction: Ballistic superconductivity in semiconductor nanowires

Supporting islet function in a PVDF membrane based macroencapsulation delivery device by solvent non-solvent casting using PVP

Type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients are life-long dependent on insulin therapy to keep their blood glucose levels under control. An alternative cell-based therapy for exogenous insulin injections is clinical islet transplantation (CIT). Currently the widespread application of CIT is limited, due to risks associated with the life-long use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of donor cells. An immunoprotective macroencapsulation device can protect allogeneic islet cells against the host immune system and allow exploring extrahepatic transplantation sites. We report on the characterization and creation of porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane-based devices intended for islet and beta-cell transplantation. We hypothesize that by incorporating polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) into a PVDF solution the permeability of PVDF membranes for insulin and glucose can be improved by solvent-non solvent casting to create submicrometer porous films. We show that the use of water-soluble PVP, can significantly increase glucose diffusion through these membranes while still having the ability to block immune cells from migrating through these membranes. Human donor islets loaded into devices made from these thin PVDF/PVP membranes showed a 92 ±  4% viability after 8 days similar to their free-floating counterparts. The glucose responsiveness of human donor islets encapsulated inside PVDF/PVP membrane-based devices was significantly improved compared to islets seeded in devices made from PVDF membranes without PVP, with a stimulation index of 3.2 for PVDF/PVP devices and 1.3 for PVDF-alone devices at day 8. Our data show that by addition of PVP as pore forming agent during membrane fabrication at a specific ratio the diffusion characteristics can be tuned such that human islet function in these closed macrodevices, can be kept at the same level as non-encapsulated islets, while the membrane can still serve as a protective barrier preventing the entry of primary human macrophages and damaging beta cells.

Sequential Charge Transfer and Magnetic Ordering in Quasi-One-Dimensional Antiferromagnet CrSbS₃

Machine learning-driven molecular dynamics unveils a bulk phase transformation driving ammonia synthesis on barium hydride

Utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods and associated factor among women of reproductive age in East Africa: A multi-level analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys

Background Comprehensive family planning is essential for reproductive health, allowing individuals to make informed choices about family size and enhancing maternal and child health. Long-acting contraceptives (LACs) are known for their high efficacy and consistent use. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of LAC utilization among women of reproductive-age in 11 East African countries. Methods Secondary data from Demographic and Health Surveys (2015-2022) across 11 East African nations were pooled and analyzed. The study sample included 144,414 women aged 15–49. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted using Stata 17 to explore factors associated with LAC utilization. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR), with statistical significance at p <  0.05. Results The prevalence of LAC utilization among reproductive-age women in East Africa is 14.87%. Women from middle-income households are 13% more likely to utilize LACs compared to those from poor households (AOR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08–1.18), while those from wealthy households are 15% more likely (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11–1.20). Married women and those living with a partner are 42% more likely to utilize LACs than unmarried women (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.33–1.52). Educational attainment significantly impacts LAC utilization: women with primary education are 52% more likely (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.44–1.60), those with secondary education are 63% more likely (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.53–1.73), and women with higher education are twice as likely to utilize LACs (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.84–2.17). Conclusions LAC utilization remains relatively low in the studied East African countries. Factors positively associated with higher LAC utilization include being married, higher income, educational attainment, employment, and media exposure. Additionally, women with more than three children and those from countries with lower illiteracy and poverty rates also have higher LAC utilization. Conversely, a history of abortion, fewer health fieldworker visits, and later initiation of sexual activity and childbirth are associated with lower LAC utilization. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to overcome barriers and promote LAC access and utilization.

Preparation of Dual-Asymmetric Acceptors via Selenium Substitution Combined with Terminal Group Optimization Strategy for High Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

Structural mechanisms for centrosomal recruitment and organization of the microtubule nucleator γ-TuRC

Abstract The γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) acts as a structural template for microtubule formation at centrosomes, associating with two main compartments: the pericentriolar material and the centriole lumen. In the pericentriolar material, the γ-TuRC is involved in microtubule organization, while the function of the centriole lumenal pool remains unclear. The conformational landscape of the γ-TuRC, which is crucial for its activity, and its centrosomal anchoring mechanisms, which determine γ-TuRC activity and turnover, are not understood. Using cryo-electron tomography, we analyze γ-TuRCs in human cells and purified centrosomes. Pericentriolar γ-TuRCs simultaneously associate with the essential adapter NEDD1 and the microcephaly protein CDK5RAP2. NEDD1 forms a tetrameric structure at the γ-TuRC base through interactions with four GCP3/MZT1 modules and GCP5/6-specific extensions, while multiple copies of CDK5RAP2 engage the γ-TuRC in two distinct binding patterns to promote γ-TuRC closure and activation. In the centriole lumen, the microtubule branching factor Augmin tethers a condensed cluster of γ-TuRCs to the centriole wall with defined directional orientation. Centriole-lumenal γ-TuRC-Augmin is protected from degradation during interphase and released in mitosis to aid chromosome alignment. This study provides a unique view on γ-TuRC structure and molecular organization at centrosomes and identifies an important cellular function of centriole-lumenal γ-TuRCs.

Sustainable visions: unsupervised machine learning insights on global development goals

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development of the United Nations outlines 17 goals for countries of the world to address global challenges in their development. However, the progress of countries towards these goal has been slower than expected and, consequently, there is a need to investigate the reasons behind this fact. In this study, we have used a novel data-driven methodology to analyze time-series data for over 20 years (2000–2022) from 107 countries using unsupervised machine learning (ML) techniques. Our analysis reveals strong positive and negative correlations between certain SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). Our findings show that progress toward the SDGs is heavily influenced by geographical, cultural and socioeconomic factors, with no country on track to achieve all the goals by 2030. This highlights the need for a region-specific, systemic approach to sustainable development that acknowledges the complex interdependencies between the goals and the variable capacities of countries to reach them. For this our machine learning based approach provides a robust framework for developing efficient and data-informed strategies to promote cooperative and targeted initiatives for sustainable progress.

Impact of chemical fertilizer and composts application on growth and yield of rice in Northeast India

Solvent-free processing of lignin into robust room temperature phosphorescent materials

Abstract Producing room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials from biomass resources using a solvent free method is essential but hard to achieve. Here, we discovered that lignin dissolved well in the liquid monomer, 2-hydroxyethyl acrylate (HEA), due to extensive hydrogen bonding and non-bonding interactions between lignin and HEA. Motivated by this discovery, we developed a solvent free system consisting of HEA and urethane dimethacrylate (UDMA) for converting lignin into RTP materials. With this design, lignin generated radicals upon UV irradiation, which initiated the polymerization of HEA (as monomer) and UDMA (as crosslinker). The as-obtained polymer network rigidifies lignin and activates the humidity/water-resistant RTP of lignin with a lifetime of 202.9 ms. Moreover, the afterglow color was successfully tuned to red after loading with RhB via energy transfer (TS-FRET). Using these properties, the as-developed material was used as photocured multiple-emission RTP inks, luminescent coatings and a smart anti-counterfeiting logo for a medicine bottle.

Velocity of Sargassum migration in the Caribbean observed with Landsat 8/9 and Sentinel 2 A/B imagery

Imagery from Landsat 8/9 (L89) and Sentinel-2 A/B (S2) was employed to monitor the velocity migration of Sargassum aggregations. The displacement characteristics of these aggregations offer insights that can inform the formulation of preventive strategies and the planning of harvesting operations for the floating biomass. Images L89 and S2 are sometimes acquired the same day and a few minutes apart. Sargassum landmark identification was performed manually on enhanced RGB composite images using quotient indices. A review of images between 2019 and 2023 was performed to select rafts that were distinguishable in both images. Geographic positions were recorded to determine traveled distance, direction, and speed. Pairs of 279 rafts were found on 21 coincident dates. Ninety eight percent of Sargassum rafts traveled between 200 m and 1700 m in a time frame of 14 to 26 minutes with an average speed of 0.63 m/s, a standard deviation of 0.24 m/s, a minimum of 0.15 m/s, and a maximum of 1.40m/s. Dominant directions were 34% NW, 23% WNW, 14% NNW, 14% W and 6% N. HYCOM ocean currents showed a positive correlation with Sargassum drift, and translation rates are also consistent with surface drifter data. The use of L89 and S2 satellite imagery as an early warning system, in conjunction with current and wind data, may help anticipate the arrival of Sargassum in coastal areas.

Compromising Tyrosine Hydroxylase Function Extends and Blunts the Temporal Profile of Reinforcement by Dopamine Neurons in <i>Drosophila</i>

For a proper representation of the causal structure of the world, it is adaptive to consider both evidence for and evidence against causality. To take punishment as an example, the causality of a stimulus is unlikely if there is a temporal gap before punishment is received, but causality is credible if the stimulus immediately precedes punishment. In contrast, causality can be ruled out if the punishment occurred first. At the behavioral level, this is reflected in the associative principle of timing-dependent valence reversal: aversive memories are formed when a stimulus occurs before the punishment, whereas memories of appetitive valence are formed when a stimulus is presented upon the relieving termination of punishment. We map the temporal profile of memories induced by optogenetic activation of the PPL1-01 neuron in the fly Drosophila melanogaster (of either sex) and find that compromising tyrosine hydroxylase function, either acutely by pharmacological methods or by cell-specific RNAi, extends and blunts this profile. Specifically, it (1) enhances learning with a time gap between the stimulus and PPL1-01 punishment (better trace conditioning), (2) impairs learning when the stimulus immediately precedes PPL1-01 punishment (worse delay conditioning), and (3) prevents learning about a stimulus presented after PPL1-01 punishment has ceased (worse relief conditioning). Under conditions of low dopamine, we furthermore observe a role for serotonin that is pronounced in trace conditioning, weaker in delay conditioning, and absent in relief conditioning. We discuss the psychiatric implications if related alterations in the temporal profile of reinforcement were to occur in humans.

Conformational ensembles for protein structure prediction

Abstract Acquisition of conformational ensembles for a protein is a challenging task, which is actually involving to the solution for protein folding problem and the study of intrinsically disordered protein. Despite AlphaFold with artificial intelligence acquired unprecedented accuracy to predict structures, its result is limited to a single state of conformation and it cannot provide multiple conformations to display protein intrinsic disorder. To overcome the barrier, a FiveFold approach was developed with a single sequence method. It applied the protein folding shape code (PFSC) uniformly to expose local folds of five amino acid residues, formed the protein folding variation matrix (PFVM) to reveal local folding variations along sequence, obtained a massive number of folding conformations in PFSC strings, and then an ensemble of multiple conformational protein structures is constructed. The P53_HUMAN as a well-known protein and LEF1_HUMAN and Q8GT36_SPIOL as typical disordered proteins are token as the benchmark to evaluate the predicted outcomes. The results demonstrated an effective algorithm and biological meaningful process well to predict protein multiple conformation structures.

Enantioselective Multicomponent Electrochemical Difunctionalization of Terminal Alkynes

Ground-state charge transfer in single-molecule junctions covalent organic frameworks for boosting photocatalytic hydrogen evolution

Analysis of the release pattern of floral aroma components of Rhus chinensis based on HS-SPME-GC-MS technique

Rhus chinensis, a native plant species of China, possesses significant economic value in the ornamental sector. This study investigates the floral fragrance components and release patterns of R. chinensis, thus providing a theoretical foundation for the utilization of its floral fragrance. Headspace-solid phase microextraction (HS-SPME), gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and chemometrics were used in conjunction with principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) to identify the essential components of the floral aroma during the budding, blooming, and withering stages of R. chinensis. The important components of the aroma were also indicated by using the Variable Importance Projections (VIP) and Kruskal-Wallis nonparameters (P). The floral scent components of R. chinensis were abundant; 91 and 84 types of floral compounds were found throughout varying flowering seasons and daily patterns, respectively. The primary compounds responsible for flower odors were terpenes, representing over 70% of the floral aroma. Significant fluctuations were observed in the composition of 18 essential scent components and 21 chemicals, with daily variations observed in various flowering stages. The types of floral scent substances continued to rise during the flowering process; however, the relative concentrations of the floral aroma components of R. chinensis initially climbed and then fell, reaching 3.60μg/g at the full flowering stage and only 2.40μg/g after the withering stage. In the course of the daily shift, the release amount increased during the day compared to the night, peaking at 4.80μg/g. The substance type reached its greatest point at 12:00, making the circadian rhythm change rule evident. This study provides a reference for the further development and utilization of the flower fragrance of R. chinensis.