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Analysis of the migration and sedimentation patterns and factors of pollutants in incineration flue gas
Author Correction: Bubble-burst-induced Puddle Jumping and Jet Printing
BDL: transformer-based super-resolution network for degraded underground coal mine images
Abstract Underground coal mine images often suffer from severe blurring and low-resolution degradation due to harsh lighting, dust, and machinery motion, which hinder accurate visual inspection and automated analysis. This study proposes a transformer-based super-resolution (SR) network that integrates local convolution with adaptive interaction mechanisms for effective local–global feature modeling. The network employs a hierarchical architecture consisting of shallow feature extraction, cascaded spatial and channel transformer blocks, and a reconstruction module. Each transformer block incorporates a bidirectional adaptive interaction module (BAIM) to fuse convolutional local features with transformer-based global representations through adaptive reweighting in both spatial and channel dimensions. A dual-group feedforward network (DGFN) decouples channel feature preservation from spatial information enhancement, while cross-group interactions ensure balanced channel modeling and spatial perception without information loss. Additionally, a local convolution block (LCB) with SE-based channel weighting is used to restore fine-grained details. Extensive experiments on both a dedicated coal mine dataset and public benchmarks demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms existing state-of-the-art (SOTA) SR approaches. Specifically, for ×2 super-resolution, it achieves a PSNR/SSIM of 32.07/0.9688 on the coal mine dataset, improving over the previous best by 0.59 dB and 0.0036, respectively. For ×4 super-resolution, it attains 28.10/0.8836, surpassing the previous best by 0.24 dB and 0.0013. Similar improvements are observed on public datasets, confirming the method’s effectiveness in both general and challenging industrial scenarios.
A phage-encoded sponge protein suppresses bacterial TIR-Caspase immune signaling
Multicentre evidence for an independent association between third-trimester hypoaldosteronism and preeclampsia
Shapeshifting exsolved FeNi bimetallic nanostructures as catalytic switchers during the CO2-mediated ethane conversion
Abstract In the era of the energy transition, the development of sustainable, high-performance, and multifunctional catalysts that adapt to complex catalytic processes is essential. Here, we report shapeshifting bimetallic iron–nickel catalysts developed via an exsolution strategy for carbon dioxide–mediated ethane conversion. By controlling the reduction temperature of a perovskite host, either alloyed iron–nickel nanoparticles or oxide–alloy core–shell nanoparticles are selectively formed. Oxidative regeneration of the perovskite enables reversible interconversion between these distinct nanostructures within the same parent material. As a result, the catalyst exhibits switchable selectivity between ethane dry reforming and carbon dioxide–assisted oxidative dehydrogenation while maintaining high stability. Repeated redox cycling confirms that the structural transformation and catalytic performance are largely reversible. These results demonstrate that exsolution provides a robust platform for designing regenerable catalysts with deliberately tunable and switchable catalytic states.
An adaptive cryptographic fusion framework for secure and efficient medical image encryption
Double-helix optical point spread function enables real-time mesoscopic 3D functional microangiography in the living mouse brain and skull
Abstract Quantitative, volumetric imaging of cerebrovascular networks and microcirculation is essential for understanding brain function. However, rapid mesoscopic 3D imaging remains challenging because of fundamental trade-offs between spatiotemporal resolution, field of view, and sensitivity to functional parameters. Here we present a mesoscopic fluorescence imaging platform featuring a double-helix phase mask for real-time, depth-resolved measurements through the intact mouse skull. The compact phase-mask design is compatible with both laser-scanning and widefield microscopy. Using multifocal laser scanning, we demonstrate real-time volumetric in vivo imaging while discriminating calvarial from cerebral vasculature across 6.6×6.6×0.8 mm 3 volume. Beyond high-resolution structural imaging, perfusion time-to-peak values are extracted from the laser-scanning configuration while accurate flow velocity/direction information is provided via widefield tracking of fluorescently labeled cells. We demonstrate the platform’s capabilities by analyzing brain-layer-specific perfusion dynamics and vascular topology in glioma-bearing mouse brains, offering unprecedented views for probing cerebrovascular alterations in both physiological and pathological contexts.
A multi-method approach to characterising dynamic human–shark interactions at a remote oceanic island
Abstract Negative human-wildlife interactions (HWI) pose a growing global conservation challenge, yet marine contexts remain underexplored relative to terrestrial systems. Sharks, as an ecologically critical but socially polarising group, exemplify these challenges and current monitoring frameworks often overlook the dynamic and complex nature of human–shark interactions (HSI). Here, we adopt a multi-method approach to characterise HSI at Ascension Island; a remote oceanic island surrounded by one of the world’s largest marine protected areas. By synthesising data from social media ( n = 135 posts), semi-structured interviews ( n = 26 interviewees), an online survey ( n = 14 responses), archival records ( n = 59 accounts), and remote camera footage ( n = 325 days monitored), we (1) quantify spatiotemporal variation in HSI, (2) examine how the nature of HSI has changed, and (3) assess changes in local sentiment. Findings reveal fluctuations in the frequency of HSI across multiple temporal scales, from intra- and inter-annual variation to broader decadal oscillations. Collectively, the results suggest a decline in sightings of sharks during the late 20th century, followed by a recent resurgence preceding two shark bites in 2017. Temporal variation in HSI was associated with periods of heightened inshore shark presence and rapid behavioural shifts (e.g. increased aggression), whilst sentiment analysis highlights diverse and shifting views toward sharks, suggesting possible resilience or evolving acceptance within the community. This study highlights the value of a multi-method approach to better understand spatiotemporal dynamics of HSI and support adaptive management to foster coexistence. We underscore the need for monitoring approaches that account for both social and ecological dimensions of HSI and call for further research into the environmental drivers of observed variation in HSI.
Chemical anchoring of immunotherapeutic drugs within senescent tumor cells overcomes senescence-driven immunotherapy resistance
A comparative evaluation of sustainable asphalt binder modifiers for enhanced performance
Abstract Asphalt pavement production accounts for approximately 1.5% of global carbon emissions, underscoring the need for sustainable binder modification strategies that enhance performance without compromising durability. Existing studies on eco-friendly asphalt modifiers remain largely fragmented, limiting cross-comparison and mechanistic understanding. This study develops a unified, multi-scale experimental framework to comparatively evaluate waste-derived polymers and geopolymer-based modifiers under identical processing and testing conditions. Five modifiers, crumb rubber (CR), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), a combination of CR/LDPE, fly ash (FA), and metakaolin–silica fume (MK–SF) geopolymers, were assessed alongside a commercial fiber elastomer modifier (VIATOP), using two virgin binders from Egyptian refineries to capture source dependency, resulting in twelve modified systems. Binder behavior was evaluated through integrated microstructural (SEM), chemical (FTIR and CI + SI indices), thermal and photochemical (TGA and UV–Vis), and rheological (viscosity and performance grading) analyses. Results show that geopolymer modifiers provided the most consistent improvements across scales, reducing chemical aging indices, increasing decomposition onset temperatures by approximately 10–20 °C, suppressing UV-induced aromatic growth, and maintaining workable viscosities (< 500 cP at 135 °C) with moderate Performance Grade (PG) enhancement ( ≈ + 2–4 °C). Crumb rubber offered balanced performance, yielding moderate PG increases ( ≈ + 4–5 °C) with improved aging resistance. In contrast, LDPE and VIATOP produced the largest PG increases (up to ≈ + 10–13 °C) but exhibited poorer dispersion, higher oxidation, and reduced thermal and UV stability, indicating short-term stiffening rather than long-term durability. The hybrid CR/LDPE combination showed intermediate, partially synergistic behavior. Overall, the study demonstrates that rheological gains alone are insufficient indicators of durability and highlights the decisive role of base binder chemistry. The proposed framework provides quantitative, transferable design guidance for selecting sustainable asphalt modifiers that balance stiffness, durability, and aging resistance.
Author Correction: Expected effects of a global transformation of agricultural pest management
Sensory traits are associated with global differences in the pupillary light reflex waveform in young adults
Proinsulin regulators identified with CRISPR screen and in vivo mouse QTL mapping
Abstract Altered proinsulin levels in β-cells and bloodstream are hallmarks of diabetes and other diseases, but our knowledge about the proinsulin regulators remains limited. Here we perform a genome-wide CRISPR screen to identify 84 proinsulin regulators that alter intracellular proinsulin/insulin ratio in a mouse β-cell line. The proinsulin regulators are distinct from the insulin regulators from a previous orthogonal CRISPR screen. Functional annotation of the proinsulin regulators highlights Golgi as the primary organelle for proinsulin storage and regulation. Trafficking towards the Golgi increases the intra-cellular proinsulin/insulin ratio, while trafficking away from the Golgi, including exocytosis and Golgi-to-ER retrograde transport, decreases the intracellular proinsulin levels. We also map mouse quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with plasma proinsulin levels and use the CRISPR screen results to pinpoint the causal genes within the QTL loci. Interestingly, protein disulfide isomerase Pdia6 is the strongest hit from both CRISPR screen and the in vivo QTL mapping. Knocking down Pdia6 significantly reduce proinsulin accumulation in Golgi and secretory granules. Intriguingly, Pdia6 -depletion in both human and mouse β-cells does not affect the folding status of proinsulin but causes significantly impaired proinsulin production through a UPR-independent mechanism. Taken together, our genetic profiles provide mechanistic insights into the regulation of proinsulin/insulin homeostasis.
An advanced GIS based hazard index tool for an automated health risk assessment framework
Kinetic resolution of amino acids by phosphine oxide catalyzed enantioselective esterification
Abstract Chiral amino acids are essential building blocks in asymmetric synthesis and drug discovery, yet their efficient preparation from racemic mixtures remains challenging. Here we show that a rationally designed phosphine oxide catalyst derived from L -pyroglutaminol enables the highly efficient kinetic resolution of racemic amino acids under mild conditions. Using L -pyroglutaminol as the esterification reagent, this catalytic system delivers a broad range of chiral esters and recovered amino acids with excellent stereoselectivities (s > 1057). Mechanistic studies suggest that the superior stereocontrol arises from a cooperative double hydrogen-bonding interaction between the catalyst and the pyroglutaminol core. This work provides a practical and scalable approach to enantioenriched amino acids, highlighting the potential of dual chiral cooperative catalysis in asymmetric synthesis.
Retraction: Erectile dysfunction drugs altered the activities of antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress and the protein expressions of some cytochrome P450 isozymes involved in the steroidogenesis of steroid hormones
A fundamental model for oxygen consumption of Atlantic salmon
Abstract Predicting oxygen availability in Atlantic salmon farms is challenging, but digital simulations that couple bioenergetics and hydrodynamics show great promise. Robust simulations depend on reliable estimates of oxygen demand, yet previous empirical models offer limited accuracy. Here, we present a refined fundamental model for Atlantic salmon oxygen consumption rate (MO 2 ) as a function of three readily measurable parameters: body weight, water temperature, and relative swimming speed. Retaining the established framework of Grøttum and Sigholt (1998), we refined the model through an improved coefficient estimation approach and a methodologically rigorous dataset derived from group swim tunnel respirometry measurements on 718 fish across seven experiments. Model coefficients were re-estimated using log-linear regression fitted via nonlinear mixed-effects, substantially improving parameterisation and yielding a model that explains 80% of the observed variation in MO 2 : $${MO}_{2}=79.7{W}^{-0.14}1.0{4}^{T}1.{63}^{U}$$ , where MO 2 is oxygen consumption rate (mg O 2 kg − 1 h − 1 ), W is body weight (kg), T is water temperature (°C), and U is relative swimming speed (body lengths s − 1 ). Our model delivers reliable estimates of Atlantic salmon oxygen demand across relevant farming conditions (0.2–3.4 kg, 3–18 °C, 0.3–2.8 body lengths s − 1 ). With broad utility in both research and industry, our model supports the development of more precise, data-driven strategies for modern salmon aquaculture.