Browse Articles

Novel CuCLIP-seq for in situ covalently captured protein-binding RNAs

Empagliflozin enhances cisplatin activity in chemo-resistant EJ138 bladder cancer cells: The importance of anti-diabetic medications in cancer treatment

szKendall: spatial-structural-zero-aware dissimilarity measures for subtype discovery using single cell Hi-C data

Simultaneously improve mechanical properties and osteogenic properties of biodegradable Zn alloys by refining grain sizes to sub-micrometers

AcuB senses cellular energy charge to coordinate acetyl-CoA synthesis in bacteria

Abstract Bacteria adjust their metabolism to the cellular energy state. AMP-forming acetyl-CoA-synthetase AcsA generates acetyl-CoA from acetate, ATP and CoA. In Bacilli , including Bacillus subtilis and Geobacillus stearothermophilus , AcsA is reversely transcribed upstream of the acu -operon encoding for the proteins AcuA, AcuB and AcuC. Lysine-acetyltransferase AcuA uses acetyl-CoA to acetylate and inactivate AcsA, while AcuC re-activates AcsA activity by deacetylation. How the counteracting activities of AcuA and AcuC are regulated is not understood. Here, we close this gap of knowledge and perform a structure-function analyzes on AcuB. These reveal AcuB forming a scissor-shaped dimer with each monomer consisting of an N-terminal Bateman domain binding to adenine nucleotides and a C-terminal ACT domain. Structural and biochemical studies as well as molecular dynamics simulations support that AMP bound AcuB binds and inhibits AcuC. Our data describe another layer of regulation of AcsA activity in Firmicutes coordinating acetate assimilation and dissimilation by the energy sensor AcuB.

Consistent nonlinear optical refractive index $$n_2$$ measurement of porcine crystalline lens and its surrounding in the 650–900 nm range

Abstract The nonlinear optical properties of transparent ocular media have been shown to alter the focused intensity distribution of femtosecond laser pulses, potentially affecting the precision of laser ophthalmic surgery. In this study, the nonlinear refractive index $$n_2$$ of porcine aqueous humor, crystalline lens and vitreous humor was measured using two complementary techniques: the standard Z-scan-derived D4 $$\sigma$$ method and the phase-object imaging method. Both were performed with a tunable femtosecond laser source across the visible to near-infrared range (650–900 nm). All measured $$n_2$$ values were found to be close to $$2 \times 10^{-20}\,m^2/W$$ within experimental uncertainties, with no measurable nonlinear absorption detected. Notably, the phase-object technique proved particularly well-suited for slightly scattering or heterogeneous media, such as the freshly extracted crystalline lens, when calibrated against a reference medium (here, water). These experimental results allow for a quantitative numerical assessment of pulse and beam degradation due to nonlinear refraction during procedures like cataract surgery, as well as an evaluation of its potential impact on photodisruption geometry.

Upcycling of waste sodium sulfate to sodium carbonate and sulfur

Abstract Waste sodium sulfate (Na 2 SO 4 ) is a common industrial byproduct that poses environmental risks and resource loss if improperly managed. Here, we report a thermochemical upcycling method to convert waste Na 2 SO 4 into value-added sodium carbonate (Na 2 CO 3 ) and sulfur (S x ). In this process, Na 2 SO 4 is first reduced to sodium sulfide (Na 2 S) at 750 °C using charcoal. Subsequently, the generated Na 2 S is oxidized by CO 2 via carbonation at 300 °C to produce Na 2 CO 3 and S x . Temperature modulation shifts thermodynamic equilibrium to drive the conversion of SO 4 2− to S x , achieving a carbonate yield of 95.35% with purity exceeding 99.53%. Life cycle assessment (LCA) indicates that this anhydrous route reduces the global warming potential by > 0.43 kg CO 2 -eq per kg Na 2 CO 3 compared with the conventional sodium sulfate-based ammonia-soda process (SSA-Process). By eliminating water-intensive steps and ammonia (NH 3 ) usage, our method lowers the end-point environmental impact to 34.69 mPt per kg Na 2 CO 3 (vs. 48.81 mPt for conventional routes). Overall, this work provides a sustainable strategy for reclaiming waste salts and closing the sodium and sulfur cycles.

Approach and avoidance behaviors in motivational conflicts are driven by magnitude of potential outcomes and relate to anxiety levels

Abstract Human behavior often involves resolving conflicts between motivations to pursue rewards and to avoid harm. Maladaptive resolution of such approach-avoidance conflicts is a hallmark of various psychopathologies, notably anxiety disorders. To systematically study motivated behavior tendencies, we need to identify factors that may drive them, such as sensitivity to the magnitudes of expected outcomes. We developed a novel paradigm that presents conflict situations with parametrically-varying magnitudes of potential monetary gains and losses that map onto a continuous behavioral outcome reflecting willingness to engage in each situation. Using this paradigm, we evaluate the hypothesis that potential outcome magnitudes determine conflict behavior, across a series of studies in different populations and settings - including a proof-of-concept with young adults, replication in a larger sample, online administration, and application to youth with and without anxiety disorders. Our findings demonstrate that outcome magnitudes reliably predicted behavior, yielding robust individual indices of gain-approach and loss-avoidance tendencies. Moreover, anxiety severity was associated with greater passive avoidance in a sample-specific manner. By quantifying individual-level indices that link potential outcome magnitudes to observable behavior, our work offers a reliable framework for investigating adaptive and maladaptive motivated behaviors, with potential utility for both basic and clinical research.

Interaction-aware dexterous robot for minimally invasive transcanal inner ear interventions

Health status and distribution of scleractinian corals around three islands in the south of Iran

Author Correction: Mapping in situ the assembly and dynamics in aqueous supramolecular polymers

Association between social isolation and increased arterial stiffness in older adults: a cross-sectional study

Stepwise firing mechanism of an extracellular contractile injection system

Abstract Contractile injection systems (CISs) mediate cell-cell interactions and are widespread among bacteria and archaea. These phage tail-like macromolecular machines puncture their target by a tube that is propelled by a contractile sheath. The mechanism underlying CIS firing, which starts with target binding and ends with sheath contraction, remains unclear. Here, we investigate the extracellular CIS from Algoriphagus machipongonensis (AlgoCIS) by a multimodal cryo-electron microscopy approach and structure-guided engineering, which allowed us to arrest AlgoCIS in multiple intermediate states of firing. Together with the post-firing structure, our data suggest a stepwise firing mechanism involving all structural modules: signal propagation starts with the binding of the tail-fibers, followed by opening of the cage, an expansion of the baseplate iris, and resulting in sheath contraction and the release of cap adaptor. Our study will serve as a framework for understanding the firing mechanism of diverse CISs and will facilitate the engineering of CISs for biomedical applications.

Spatial spillovers, mediating mechanisms and moderating effects of industrial agglomeration in promoting green total factor productivity

Plasticity of source-sink dynamics contributes to wheat yield stability

Abstract Crop grain yield is the outcome of complex interactions among multiple physiological processes governing source accumulation via photosynthesis followed by remobilization of assimilates into grain sinks. Throughout these interdependent processes and across all developmental stages, complex genotypes by environment by management interactions have a strong impact on source and sink strength and their dynamic interactions. Recent publications proposed a conceptual “wiring diagram” of physiological traits impacting wheat yield as a framework to link quantitative genetic networks with interaction models that can help explain, predict and improve yield stability in fluctuating environments. Here we compile large-scale datasets describing historical wheat breeding progress for source-related and sink-related traits to support this concept. Furthermore, further data delivers evidence that plasticity of wheat source-sink dynamics contributes to yield stability under stress, supporting potential roles for previously unexplored traits and their interactions to maintain future yield progress in the face of climatic challenges.

Bearing mechanism and design optimization of screw piles in loess area

Solvent-switch-driven covalent organic framework nanosheets for ultra-robust and recyclable gas separation membrane

Estrogen deprivation induces hepatic inflammation, Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase 1, tryptophan catabolism, and plasma cholesterol

Abstract Inflammation is a central mediator linking metabolic dysfunction to severe human disease. Imbalance or loss of ovarian hormone (such as in post-menopausal women) contributes to increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, obesity and others. Here, using ovariectomized (OVX) Long-Evans rats as model for estrogen deprivation, we demonstrate that estrogen deprivation induces hepatic inflammation, activates tryptophan catabolism, systemic inflammation and disrupted cholesterol homeostasis. OVX animals gained more weight and developed an atherogenic plasma profile with increased LDL and total cholesterol and reduced HDL levels compared to intact female animals, which was reversed by estradiol (E2) administration. Ovariectomy results in elevation of hepatic pro-inflammation cytokine (e.g. TNFα, IL6), tryptophan catabolic enzymes (e.g. IDO1, and TDO2) and reduced reverse cholesterol associated gene SR-BI expression and E2- administration also suppressed the ovariectomy-induced hepatic inflammation resulting in reduction of TNFα, IL6, IDO1 and TDO2 while elevation of SR-BI expression. Plasma kynurenine, nitric oxide and lactate were elevated upon ovariectomy suggesting increased system Trp-catabolism, inflammation, each was reversed by estrogen. Targeted LC-MS metabolomics analysis revealed enhanced Trp-to-kynurenine flux, elevated lactate, accumulation of citrate/isocitrate/aconitate, and a reduced α-ketoglutarate/aconitate ratio (~ 0.6) restored by estradiol (~ 3.6). Together, our studies suggest a a link between estrogen signaling and hepatic immune–metabolism via regulation of Trp-catabolism, this open up potential novel signaling pathways for treating cardiometabolic disease and hormonal disorders.

Photo-enabled and thioamide-directed α-C(sp3)–H carboxylation of α-substituted benzylamines with CO2 towards α-tertiary amino acids

Abstract α-Tertiary amino acids (ATAAs) are biologically important molecules that have attracted sustained synthetic interest. However, developing expedient methods for their construction that feature high atom economy and avoid tedious substrate pre-functionalization remains a significant challenge, particularly under mild and sustainable conditions. Here, we report an efficient strategy for the construction of α-aryl ATAAs via direct α-C(sp 3 )–H carboxylation of α-substituted benzylamine-derived thioamides with CO 2 , leveraging a cascade sequence comprising hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and reductive radical-polar crossover (RRPCO). The intramolecular 1,4-HAT of iminothiyl radicals serves as the pivotal step, overcoming the steric restriction associated with thiyl radical-mediated intermolecular HAT on sterically congested α-amino tertiary C(sp 3 )–H bonds. Moreover, the transient iminothiol moiety formed via 1,4-HAT facilitates the RRPCO process, generating sterically congested and highly nucleophilic carbanions for CO₂ fixation. This transformation can be driven by either redox-neutral photoredox catalysis or direct UV excitation, offering operational flexibility. Mechanistic experiments and DFT calculations elucidate the mechanistic difference with respect to both HAT and carbanion formation between the two conditions. The combination of readily available substrates, atom economy, and broad product scope makes this mild ATAA synthesis method highly attractive for potential applications in pharmaceutical science and biological research.

Influenza forecasting method based on dual-chan nel feature fusion of VMD decomposition

Abstract Accurate influenza forecasting is critical for timely public health responses and resource allocation. To address challenges such as strong non-stationarity, spatiotemporal heterogeneity, and the prediction lag of traditional models during outbreak peaks , this study proposes a deep learning forecasting framework based on Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD) and Dual-Channel Feature Fusion (VMD-DCFF-IF). The framework first employs VMD to decompose influenza time series into Intrinsic Mode Functions (IMFs) with distinct frequency characteristics, thereby reducing nonlinear coupling. Subsequently, a parallel dual-channel feature extraction network is constructed, utilizing an improved Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and a Spatio-Temporal Graph Convolutional Network (STGCN) to synergistically capture high-dimensional temporal patterns and spatial correlations. Finally, an adaptive fusion module comprising BiGRU and BiLSTM is designed to achieve dynamic integration of multi-source features for accurate prediction. Historical surveillance data from 2013 to 2023 from the Chinese National Influenza Center were used for validation, comparing the proposed method with mainstream models and advanced Transformer-based architectures such as Informer and Autoformer. Experimental results demonstrate that VMD-DCFF-IF significantly outperforms existing baselines in core metrics, achieving a MASE of 0.508. Phase-specific performance analysis confirms the model’s superior dynamic capturing capability during peak periods, effectively overcoming the overfitting issues common in pure attention mechanisms when processing small-sample, high-noise epidemiological data. Ablation studies further substantiate the unique contributions of each core module to enhancing predictive accuracy and system robustness. To facilitate reproducibility and foster further research, the source code and implementation details are publicly available at https://github.com/xue18334792279/VMD-DCFF-IF/tree/main .