Browse Articles

High-efficiency, polarization-independent broadband metasurface absorber with angular stability for ISM applications

This study presents a high-efficiency broadband metasurface (MS) absorber designed for applications in the Industrial, Scientific, and Medical (ISM) frequency bands, specifically at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz. The proposed absorber offers wide-angle stability and polarization insensitivity within a compact structure. It consists of a split-ring resonator (SRR) integrated with lumped resistors, hosted on an FR4 substrate and backed by a copper ground plane. An optimized 8 mm air gap is introduced to improve impedance matching and extend the absorption bandwidth without increasing the overall profile. The absorber’s performance was evaluated through theoretical analysis, full-wave electromagnetic simulations, and experimental measurements. The simulated results show near-unity absorption, exceeding 98% at 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz under normal incidence. Additionally, the absorber achieves broadband absorption spanning 2.1 to 6.96 GHz for both transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarizations, maintaining stable operation for incidence angles up to 60°. The measured results closely agree with simulations, confirming the reliability of the design. Compared with previously reported absorbers, the proposed structure demonstrates enhanced bandwidth, compactness, and angular stability, making it a strong candidate for wireless communication, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, and sensing applications.

Interoception predicts mental imagery vividness: exploring a key relationship

Abstract Interoception, the sense of the internal state of the body, plays a fundamental role in emotional awareness and self-referential processing. Recently, interoception has been linked to the experience of mental imagery. However, this association has not been empirically characterized. We therefore tested how task-based and self-reported measures of interoception predict individual differences in task-based and self-reported measures of mental imagery. Participants ( N  = 104) completed two heartbeat detection tasks (heartbeat tracking and heartbeat discrimination; assessing objective (behavioural) interoceptive performance accuracy), and the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) questionnaire, assessing subjective (self-reported) dimensions of interoceptive experience. Behavioural and self-reported aspects of mental imagery were assessed respectively from performance of a mental rotation task and from scores on the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire (VVIQ). Results revealed that, across participants, interoceptive (heartbeat discrimination performance) accuracy predicted mental rotation ability. In contrast, both heartbeat tracking accuracy and self-reported interoceptive awareness (MAIA) predicted self-reported vividness of mental imagery (VVIQ). Interoceptive measures did not predict performance on a control task (2-back working memory task). Together, these findings suggest that distinct components of interoception underpin different aspects of mental imagery: Heightened (cardioceptive) physiological sensitivity facilitates the active deployment of imagery in mental rotation and enhances the vividness of imagery experience. Moreover, people reporting more subjective sensitivity to interoceptive state also perceive greater vividness of mental imagery. These new results underscore the influence of bodily representation in shaping conscious experience through both controlled and spontaneous expressions of mental simulation.

Parkinson’s disease-associated PLA2G6 protects IP3R1 protein to control ER-mitochondria tethering and Ca2+ transfer

Abstract Mutations in the phospholipase A2 group VI ( PLA2G6 ) gene have been linked to autosomal recessive Parkinson’s disease (PD), yet the molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study provides the in vitro and in vivo evidence, specifically in dopaminergic neurons derived from patients with PD, that PLA2G6 loss-of-function disrupts the mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane (MAM), a critical regulator of Ca 2+ transfer and energy homeostasis. This study demonstrates that the PLA2G6 protein localizes to the MAM and physically associates with the IP3R1-GRP75-VDAC1 complex. PLA2G6 deficiency destabilizes this complex, accelerating IP3R1 degradation, which in turn reduces ER-mitochondria contacts and impairs Ca 2+ transfer. Notably, introducing a MAM linker restores the phenotypes caused by PLA2G6 loss. In iPSCs-derived dopaminergic neurons from patients with PD harboring PLA2G6 mutations, the structural and functional disruption of the MAM is further confirmed, underscoring its role in PD pathogenesis. These findings uncover the pivotal function of PLA2G6 within the MAM and suggest that modulating inter-organelle contacts could be a therapeutic strategy for correcting PD’s ion channel dysfunction and energy imbalances.

Cave reservoir characterization method driven by GA-KPCA and geological knowledge

This paper presents a novel method for cave reservoir characterization based on the Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Kernel Principal Component Analysis (KPCA), aimed at improving the precision of reservoir characterization through adaptive multi-attribute fusion. Sensitive seismic attributes are first extracted using geophysical algorithms and their correlations are analyzed based on geological interpretation. Initial attribute weights are then determined scientifically, ensuring reliable geological input for the fusion process. KPCA, with its strong nonlinear analysis capabilities, is used for efficient clustering and feature extraction of complex cave data, while GA optimizes KPCA’s key bandwidth parameter to enhance search efficiency. The GA-KPCA method was validated using both synthetic cave model data and real carbonate rock field data in Tarim Basin, demonstrating significant advantages over traditional methods. The results indicate that the proposed approach effectively addresses the limitations of existing techniques, improving the reservoir identification success rate by approximately 33%, and offering an innovative and efficient solution for cave reservoir exploration and development. This method not only contributes to the advancement of cave reservoir characterization but also provides valuable theoretical and practical insights for future research in the field.

IL-8 contributes to postoperative adhesion formation through the crosstalk of neutrophils and mesothelial cells

Coexisting kagome and heavy fermion flat bands in YbCr6Ge6

ITS2 and 18S rRNA gene sequence-structure phylogeny of the Haptophyta (Haptista)

The phylogeny of haptophytes, a diverse and ecologically significant group of microalgae, remains incompletely resolved despite extensive molecular studies. In this study, we apply a sequence-structure phylogenetic framework to the Haptophyta, utilizing ribosomal RNA (rRNA) small subunit (SSU) gene (18S; nearly complete sequences) and internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) datasets. By integrating secondary structure information during sequence alignment and tree inference, we aim to enhance phylogenetic resolution and clarify evolutionary relationships within this lineage. Our taxon sampling reduced over 40,000 available 18S sequences to 396 representatives, alongside a compilation of 224 ITS2 sequences. Comparative modeling and homology-based structure prediction revealed both conserved and variable features in 18S and ITS2 secondary structures, with notable deviations in certain taxa. Maximum likelihood (ML) subset phylogenies based on 18S sequence-structure data showed the greatest congruence with established taxonomy, such as the division between calcifying and non-calcifying lineages. In contrast, ITS2 data presented alignment challenges due to high sequence variability, length differences, and limited taxon representation. Incorporating secondary structure information improved alignment quality and reduced phylogenetic artifacts, though ITS2 remained unsuitable for resolving deep relationships among haptophytes. Instead, ITS2 proved more valuable for distinguishing closely related species. While bootstrap support values were similar between sequence-only and sequence-structure approaches, the latter suggested alternative phylogenetic placements that better aligned with previous studies (using multiple markers or also some partial 18S sequences); for Hayaster perplexus in particular, these placements also better matched morphological data. Our results underscore the critical impact of taxon sampling and methodological choices on phylogenetic outcomes. Despite these challenges, the 18S sequence-structure ML tree offers a reliable depiction of haptophyte phylogeny, even though some backbone relationships remain weakly supported. Overall, this study highlights both the benefits and limitations of integrating RNA secondary structure into molecular phylogenetics and advances our understanding of haptophyte evolution.

Dopamine takes a hit: how neuroscience is rethinking the ‘feel-good’ chemical

TREM1–NLRP3–driven pyroptosis in sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (AKI) with parallel autophagy changes

Abstract Sepsis-associated acute kidney injury (SAKI) is a leading cause of critical illness and death, yet its upstream drivers remain unclear. Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 (TREM-1) amplifies innate immune signaling. We investigated whether TREM-1 acts upstream of the NLRP3 inflammasome to promote pyroptotic injury in septic kidneys, while documenting accompanying changes in autophagy. Male mice with genetic deletion of Trem1 and wild-type littermates underwent cecal ligation and puncture; kidneys and serum were collected at 24 h. A subset received pharmacologic modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome (MCC950 inhibitor or nigericin activator). Renal injury was assessed by histology and tubular injury scores, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and cytokines. Inflammasome and pyroptosis readouts (NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, cleaved gasdermin D, interleukin-1β) and autophagy markers (LC3B, Beclin-1, Atg5) were measured by Western blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In human proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2), TREM-1 was overexpressed or silenced and cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide; the same readouts were quantified. Trem1 deletion reduced kidney injury after sepsis, with lower tubular injury scores, improved serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen, and decreased circulating cytokines. Renal inflammasome–pyroptosis activity was blunted in Trem1 -deficient mice, with reduced NLRP3, cleaved caspase-1, cleaved gasdermin D, and interleukin-1β. Pharmacologic modulation aligned with this axis: MCC950 lessened injury in wild-type mice, whereas nigericin aggravated injury despite Trem1 deficiency. In tubular cells, TREM-1 overexpression increased NLRP3 activation, interleukin-1β release, and pyroptosis markers, while TREM-1 knockdown produced the opposite pattern. Across models, Trem1 loss or inhibition was associated with higher autophagy markers. Limited to the autophagy non-perturbed experimentally, these increases are interpreted as concomitant rather than causal. TREM-1 functions as an upstream amplifier of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and pyroptotic tubular injury in SAKI. Autophagy marker changes accompanied TREM1 loss; their functional relevance to NLRP3 activation remains to be determined. These data support soluble TREM-1 as a candidate early biomarker and nominate TREM-1 as a therapeutic target. Future work should define time courses, test post-insult TREM-1 blockade, and link circulating or urinary TREM-1 with renal inflammasome signatures to refine risk stratification and guide intervention.

Volumetric 3D printing of a fluoropolymer and closed-loop chemical recycling of its fluorinated content

Orthostatic tolerance and training methodology in physically active men and women

Previous studies suggest that training methodology alters orthostatic tolerance in elite and/or well-trained athletes. However, little is known about the effect of training methodology on orthostatic tolerance among the general physically active population. We tested the hypothesis that men and women participating in hybrid training (i.e., combined resistance and endurance training) would demonstrate superior orthostatic tolerance compared to aerobic endurance trained and recreationally active individuals. Twenty-nine participants were classified into one of the three groups depending on their current, self-reported training methodology. All participants reported at least 150 minutes per week of recreational activity (Recreationally Active Group; n = 10), hybrid training classes (Hybrid Group; n = 9), or endurance training (Endurance Group; n = 10) for ≥6 months. Anthropometrics (height and mass) were measured, and body composition was assessed via air displacement plethysmography. Orthostatic tolerance was assessed by a progressive lower-body negative pressure (LBNP) test and quantified via cumulative stress index (CSI). CSI did not differ between groups (p = 0.2542). Fat-free mass (FFM) was positively related to CSI (R² = 0.4092) and differed between groups (recreationally active: 56.1 ± 10.0 kg; hybrid: 65.5 ± 13.2 kg; endurance: 51.2 ± 10.5 kg; p = 0.0453). However, CSI normalized to FFM did not differ between groups (p = 0.6210; FFM missing for two participants). Among recreationally active adults, training methodology does not appear to modify orthostatic tolerance. Consistent with previous work, we report that body composition and anthropometrics are related to orthostatic tolerance highlighting the importance in maintaining lean mass regardless of training methodology.

Multi-buffer zones reveal the relationship between spatial pattern of land surface temperature and land use indices in Guangzhou, China

Abstract Land surface temperature is a crucial physical parameter in the examination of the natural ecological environment. The study utilized Landsat data to investigate land use indices and thermal environment change in Guangzhou, employing the radiative transfer equation, concentric circles, Pearson correlation coefficient, and other geospatial methods. Overall, as the distance from the city center increased, NDVI values tended to rise, while land surface temperature showed a gradual decreasing trend. Additionally, land surface temperature exhibited a negative correlation with NDVI and a positive correlation with NDBI. Barren had the highest LST, followed by impervious, while the water and the forest were cooler. The high-temperature area took on a V-shape, primarily situated in the west and southern areas, whereas the cooler temperature zone was mainly found in the northeast. The results can offer a scientific foundation for further exploration of the urban heat island formation mechanism, development of rational planning policies, and assessment of urbanization’s impact on local climate.

MDM2 Inhibition with Alrizomadlin (APG-115) in TP53 wild-type salivary gland cancers: a phase I clinical trial

Differentiation of ecological niche patterns between sympatric lemurs in northwestern Madagascar: Implications for their conservation

Understanding how species respond to habitat loss and fragmentation is a critical requirement for effective conservation action, particularly in biodiversity hotspots like Madagascar. Species with specialized, narrower ecological niche requirements are hypothesized to be more vulnerable to extinction than generalists, yet empirical tests of this prediction among closely related taxa remain limited. Here, we compare the ecological niche patterns and predicted distributions of two sympatric lemurs in northwestern Madagascar – the Vulnerable Common Brown Lemur ( Eulemur fulvus ) and the Critically Endangered Mongoose Lemur ( Eulemur mongoz ) – to assess how niche flexibility relates to extinction risk. Using presence-only data collected between 2015 and 2020 and ten environmental covariates, we developed species distribution models and ran niche equivalence analysis. The models indicate that E. fulvus occupies a broader and more continuous predicted distribution range (48,591 ha) than E. mongoz (17,757 ha). In comparison, E. mongoz is predicted to occur primarily in moist lowland forests near water basins, showing a stronger spatial association with these habitat conditions that E. fulvus . Despite these marked differences in their predicted geographic distributions, niche equivalence analysis showed substantial overlap in the environmental conditions occupied by the two species within the study area. Together, these results suggest that E. mongoz’s restricted distribution is not explained solely by the measured environmental predictors, highlighting the need for future work that integrates additional environmental variables and evaluates potential behavioural or demographic constraints not captured here. These findings highlight how subtle differences in niche requirements can shape a species’ habitat use and vulnerability to environmental change. From a management perspective, our findings support prioritizing the protection of moist lowland forests near water basins for E. mongoz while maintaining or enhancing habitat connectivity for E. fulvus in fragmented landscapes.

Improved intelligent decision model for electric vehicle battery using q-Rung orthopair fuzzy Schweizer–Sklar prioritized Z-information

StrucGAP: a modular, streamlined and traceable data mining platform for structural and site-specific glycoproteomics

GBP2 promotes podocyte pyroptosis and contributes to the pathogenesis of pediatric lupus nephritis

Background Lupus nephritis (LN), a prevalent and serious manifestation of systemic lupus erythematosus, exhibits particularly high incidence in children, yet its pathogenesis remains incompletely elucidated. This study aimed to investigate differentially expressed genes in LN and elucidate their regulatory mechanisms. Methods Bioinformatics analysis was conducted on the publicly available glomerular gene expression dataset GSE32591 from the Gene Expression Omnibus to identify hub genes. Based on this screening, Guanylate-binding protein 2 ( GBP2 ) was selected for further investigation. In vivo, GBP2 expression was assessed in renal tissues from pediatric LN patients by immunohistochemistry. In a murine LN model, the expression levels of GBP2 and key pyroptosis-associated markers were evaluated using immunohistochemistry, RT-qPCR, and western blotting. In vitro, a podocyte pyroptosis model was induced by lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate treatment. Functional experiments involving Gbp2 knockdown and overexpression, followed by a rescue experiment where absent in melanoma 2 ( Aim2 ) was overexpressed in Gbp2 -knockdown cells, were performed to elucidate its role and underlying mechanisms in regulating pyroptosis. Results Bioinformatics analysis identified OAS1 , OAS2 , IRF7 , GBP2 , and GBP1 as hub genes. An upregulation of GBP2 and gasdermin D (GSDMD) was observed in the glomeruli of children with LN, showing a strong correlation with 24-hour urinary protein excretion. Renal tissues from LN mice exhibited markedly increased expression of GBP2, AIM2, Caspase-1, and GSDMD compared to controls. Following siRNA-mediated knockdown of Gbp2 in vitro, a consequent reduction was observed in pyroptosis-associated proteins (GSDMD, AIM2) and diminished secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Conversely, Gbp2 overexpression aggravated these effects. Pyroptosis suppressed by Gbp2 knockdown was partially restored upon concurrent overexpression of Aim2 . Conclusion Our results demonstrate that GBP2 expression is significantly upregulated in LN and promotes podocyte pyroptosis, likely contributing to renal injury. These findings suggest that GBP2 facilitates the progression of pediatric LN by activating the pyroptotic pathway and triggering the release of inflammatory cytokines.

Rethinking AI’s role in survey research: from threat to collaboration

Analysis of postmortem dermal extracts is an efficient illicit drug screening method supporting forensic medicine

Superacid-resistant macrocyclic BODIPYs

Abstract Boron-dipyrromethenes (BODIPYs) are versatile fluorophores with intense fluorescence and broad applications in bioimaging and sensing. However, they undergo deboronation under acidic conditions, which causes fluorescence degradation. Herein, we designed exceptionally acid-stable BODIPYs by harnessing the synergistic boron-chelation effect of calix[3]pyrrole-like macrocycles. We show that their characteristic optical properties are retained in strongly acidic media, including superacids, without undergoing deboronation. Macrocyclic BODIPYs exhibit sharp absorption and protonation-induced fluorescence switching, with quantum yields of up to 0.90 and narrow Stokes shifts. Notably, no deboronation was observed even in non-diluted fluorosulfuric acid, and visible fluorescence was sustained for over a day. Beyond their unusual acid resistance, the macrocyclic BODIPYs had higher thermal- and photostability compared with conventional BODIPYs. Peripheral substitution allowed the modulation of absorption and emission wavelengths, and fluorous-tagging through axial ligand exchange enabled fluorescence switching in response to perfluorooctanoic acid in a fluorous solvent. We used superacid-resistant BODIPYs as acid indicators for the fluorescence staining of Nafion beads and sulfonylated gels, which are too acidic to sustain the fluorescence emission of conventional BODIPYs. Our findings expand the scope of BODIPYs into strongly acidic, non-aqueous environments, opening opportunities for fluorescence imaging and sensing in materials and biological systems.