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STIM1-Mitofusin2 interactions tether mitochondria and melanosome contacts that promote melanosome maturation
Objective assessment of familiarity in music using imagery and EEG-based machine learning
How common depictions of wealth distributions can bias people to underestimate inequality
Abstract Economic inequality is a critical issue in elections and legislating, so having an informed electorate is vital to sensible policymaking. Unfortunately, misperceptions about the true extent of inequality abound. Here, we demonstrate that the most prevalent formats for representing economic distributions tend to dampen viewer impressions of inequality. We begin by showing that the most popular newspaper portrayals of inequality contain potentially biasing features. Next, in nine experiments ( N = 3599 U.S. adults), we explore how these common representations of inequality evoke biased impressions and we test methods to mitigate these biases. Specifically, we document two biases in how people evaluate economic distributions. First, people are under-sensitive to differences in the size of identified population groups (e.g., top 1% vs. top 10%) such that their judgments become distorted by arbitrary ways in which a population is divided ( partition dependence ). Second, people’s judgments under-weight information about intermediate groups relative to the most- and least-wealthy groups ( middle neglect ). We test ways to mitigate these biases and conclude by proposing presentation guidelines that promote more accurate impressions.
Prevalence and risk factors of headaches in middle-aged and older Chinese adults with hypertension: a cross-sectional study based on CHARLS
Mechanisms of gene regulation by SRCAP and H2A.Z
Abstract Discriminating regulatory functions of chromatin composition from those of chromatin-modifying complexes is a central problem in gene regulation. This question remains unexplored in the context of histone variants and their dedicated chromatin remodelers. Here we dissect the distinct and cell cycle-dependent functions of Snf2 Related CREBBP Activator Protein (SRCAP) and H2A.Z in gene regulation of pluripotent stem cells. Using acute degradation of endogenous SRCAP, we uncover dynamic changes of H2A.Z occupancy and continuous requirement of SRCAP over the cell cycle. We also engineered an SRCAP mutant, defective for H2A.Z deposition, allowing us to distinguish H2A.Z-dependent and independent functions of SRCAP. We discover that SRCAP exhibits essential H2A.Z-independent functions in inhibiting DNA binding of dozens of pioneer transcription factors at enhancers by steric hindrance. In contrast, H2A.Z acts mainly as a transcriptional repressor gatekeeping the expression of lineage-specific genes. Our study establishes the catalytic-independent role of a chromatin remodeler in broadly regulating transcription factor binding, and demonstrates how a chromatin remodeler-histone variant pair orchestrates transcription to maintain self-renewal and plasticity of pluripotent stem cells.
An optimization framework for battery health management in vehicle-to-grid systems integrating transformer-based degradation prediction and grid service requirements
Dynamic transcriptomic remodeling in grafted human neural progenitor cells uncovers mechanisms for vision preservation in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa
A novel approach to modifying eggshell-based adsorbent for the removal of acid red 1 and crystal violet dyes: kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics study
Abstract The pollution of synthetic dyes from textile wastewater has raised environmental and health concerns, prompting the search for economical, sustainable waste-derived adsorbents. This study investigates the ability of modified eggshell powder to adsorb two deleterious dyes, the anionic Acid Red 1 (AR1) and the cationic Crystal Violet (CV), from aqueous solutions. Eggshells, a prevalent biowaste of calcium carbonate, were treated with ferrous sulfate using co-precipitation to generate modified eggshells that enhance their adsorptive characteristics. Different analyses were performed on the adsorbent, including XRD, zeta potential, and XRF. The adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the effects of varying solution pH from 2 to 9, contact duration ranging from 5 to 60 min, initial dye concentration ranging from 10 to 100 mg/L, and adsorption temperature from 20 to 60 °C. It indicates that the efficiency of dye removal was considerably influenced by pH, as the maximum adsorption for CV and AR1 dyes was found at pH 9 and pH 2, respectively. The modified eggshells exhibited a maximal adsorption capacity of 138 mg.g − 1 for CV and 124 mg.g − 1 for AR1, which increased in tandem with the dye concentration. The kinetic analysis demonstrated that CV adsorption conforms to a pseudo-second-order model, signifying the influence of pore diffusion and surface interactions, whereas AR 1 adherence aligns with a pseudo-first-order model. The Freundlich and Langmuir models were effectively aligned with isotherm modeling to validate the mechanisms of physical and chemical adsorption. As the negative entropy changes and the Gibbs free energy values indicate a non-spontaneous phenomenon, the adsorption process is exothermic and becomes less favorable at elevated temperatures. Modified eggshells treated dyes wastewater better as a low-cost adsorbent, making them a viable and environmentally beneficial alternative.
Alkylsilane-extended hydrogen migration enhanced photothermal Sabatier reaction
Effectiveness of Four Different Gutta-percha Techniques in Filling Experimental Internal Resorptive Lesions Using Stereomicroscope: An In Vitro Study
The influence of multi-solvent systems on the electrospinning process
Abstract The paper analyses the influence of binary solvent systems on the electrospinning process and gelation effect. The characteristics of the electrospinning process are presented, considering the physicochemical properties of polymer solutions and the role of different solvents: chloroform, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and d -limonene. The shift in transition temperatures between the liquid and the gel phase were analyzed, and the obtained fiber structures were assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The optimization of solvent systems allows for the control of electrospinning process parameters, opening new possibilities for design advanced polymeric materials.
A bionic robotic trunk with tensegrity-enabled elephant-comparable stiffness variability for assisted daily living
Comparison of Nanosurface Evaluation and Antimicrobial Efficacy of Calcium Hydroxide–Coated Stainless Steel and Zirconia Crowns in Pediatric Dentistry: An Atomic Force Microscopic Study
Physical inactivity prevalence and associated factors among iranian older adults in the 2021 STEPS survey
Abstract Physical inactivity is a major, modifiable driver of non-communicable diseases in aging populations. We quantified the prevalence of physical inactivity among Iranian older adults and identified demographic, socioeconomic, and health-related correlates. We analyzed nationally representative 2021 STEPS data from 5,491 adults aged ≥ 60 years. Physical activity was assessed via World Health Organization Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (WHO GPAQ) and categorized as sufficient (≥ 600 MET-min/week) vs. insufficient (< 600). Sedentary time (min/day) was recorded. Complex survey design was accounted for in estimates. Associations with inactivity were examined using sex-stratified generalized linear mixed-effects models adjusting for age, education, marital and employment status, urban or rural residence, wealth tertile, obesity, depressive symptoms, and multimorbidity. Among the participants, mean sedentary time was 288 min/day and mean total activity was 1,326 MET-min/week. Overall, 69.6% (95% CI: 68.3–71.0) were inactive, higher in women (76.8%, 75.0–78.5) than men (62.4%, 60.3–64.4). Inactivity was highest in adults aged ≥ 80 years (80.9%, 77.1–84.7). Urban residence was associated with higher odds of inactivity (adjusted OR [aOR] 1.35, 95% CI: 1.13–1.61) and higher education (≥ 12 years formal education) showed lower odds (aOR 0.73, 0.61–0.88). Obesity and depressive symptoms were each related to higher odds of inactivity (aOR 1.34, 1.08–1.66 and aOR 1.30, 1.12–1.51); odds were progressively higher across multimorbidity categories (e.g., ≥ 3 conditions, aOR 1.26, 1.02–1.55 vs. none). Sex differences were evident. Compared with ages 60–69, adults aged ≥ 80 had higher odds of inactivity in women (aOR 3.20, 95% CI 1.96–5.24) than in men (aOR 1.91, 1.41–2.60). Urban residence and higher wealth were also related to higher odds in women (urban aOR 1.62, 1.25–2.11; wealth Q3 aOR 1.41, 1.14–1.75), while higher wealth was related to lower odds in men (Q3 aOR 0.76, 0.61–0.94). Physical inactivity is highly prevalent among Iranian older adults, especially women, the oldest age groups, urban residents, and those with obesity, depression, or multiple chronic conditions. Findings support gender-responsive, multicomponent strategies—including community programs, primary-care integration, and activity-supportive urban design—to reduce inactivity and advance healthy aging in Iran.
Global implications of uncertainty in China’s climate policy delivery
Abstract The delivery of China’s climate policy has substantial global implications, yet persistent gaps between policy targets and implementation raise concerns about policy credibility. This study presents a structured credibility assessment of 292 targets across 58 national climate and energy policies, including China’s updated 2035 NDC. We apply a morphological scenario framework to examine interactions between policy uncertainty and socio-economic and technological drivers, embedding these scenarios in an integrated assessment model under two global contexts: one aligned with current NDCs and one consistent with global net-zero ambition. We find that timely or accelerated delivery of China’s net-zero target could partially offset insufficient ambition elsewhere by mid-century. Full delivery by 2050 reduces global CO₂ emissions to 13 Gt, compared with 23 Gt without such policies. Policy delivery uncertainty alone could imply up to ~500 GtCO₂ difference in cumulative emissions by 2100 (~0.17 °C warming).