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What we eat is making us obese and sick — but science shows solutions are within reach

Tuning the upper critical solution temperature of acrylamide and acrylonitrile copolymers with ionic monomers

A putative membrane-associated YdjB-like protein from Salmonella enterica exhibits a non-canonical ACT-like fold

The Aspartokinase-Chorismate mutase-TyrA (ACT) domain is a conserved regulatory module found in a wide range of proteins involved in diverse biological processes, including amino acid metabolism, signal transduction, and cytoskeletal organization. Despite extensive studies, the structural and functional diversity of ACT domains continues to expand. Here, we present the high-resolution crystal structure of an 18 kDa YdjB-like protein from Salmonella enterica (seYdjB-like protein), a conserved but previously uncharacterized ACT domain-containing protein. Structural analysis reveals a novel ACT-like fold distinct from canonical ACT domains, despite superficial resemblance to aspartokinase. Interestingly, seYdjB-like protein forms a stable dimer in solution and is predicted to be associated with the membrane, suggesting functional divergence from typical cytosolic ACT domain proteins. This structure represents an alternative form of the ACT domain, expanding our understanding of ACT domain architecture and its functional potential. Given its conservation across bacterial species such as E. coli and S. enterica, this putative membrane-associated ACT-like protein may play an important but previously unrecognized role in bacterial physiology. Our results identify this 18 kDa ACT-like domain containing YdjB-like protein as a unique dimeric membrane protein featuring a non-canonical ACT-like fold.

Food will be more affordable — if we double funds for agriculture research now

Chromosome-resolved genome assemblies of Rhodotorula toruloides reveal abnormal chromosomal evolution under artificial culture conditions

Transformer maintenance strategy based on improved risk assessment method considering operation and maintenance costs

The rapid development of modern industry cannot be separated from the support of large power equipment such as transformers. Transformers need to maintain high reliability to provide power support, and adopting a reasonable maintenance strategy is one of the important methods to maintain high reliability. At present, maintenance strategy research around transformers mainly focuses on transformer groups, single equipment or components, and lacks specialized research on specific failure modes. The overall maintenance strategy had the problem of insufficient identification and prevention of specific failure, which led to insufficient focus on resource investment. Traditional risk analysis methods insufficiently consider some risk factors and weight allocation. Therefore, this study considers specific failure modes of transformers and obtains a cost-oriented maintenance strategy for failure modes based on an improved risk analysis method. This study provides a new method for maintenance management of transformers, which helps to allocate maintenance resources reasonably and reduce maintenance costs.

Better models are needed to gauge the ecological impacts of reservoirs

Experimental study of lubricating wear phenomena in Ag-Mg alloy systems

Butyrate ameliorates DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice by facilitating autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells and modulating the gut microbiota through blocking the PI3K-AKT-mTOR pathway

Background Ulcerative colitis (UC) is an idiopathic, chronic inflammatory disease of the colon that imposes a significant global public health burden due to its recurrent and refractory nature. The therapeutic effects of butyrate on UC have been documented previously, but its specific mechanisms remain unclear. Objective This study aimed to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of butyrate in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced UC. Methods A UC mouse model was induced utilizing 3% DSS, followed by interventions of 300 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, or 1200 mg/kg of butyrate. The fecal condition and colonic pathology of the mice were observed, along with measurements of body weight and colon length. The expression of serum inflammatory factors, autophagy-related proteins, and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway-related proteins were detected. Additionally, the impact of butyrate on the mouse gut microbial communities was evaluated using 16S rRNA sequencing technology. Results It was demonstrated that butyrate effectively alleviated UC symptoms, including bloody stools, weight loss, and colon shortening. Furthermore, butyrate reduced colonic tissue damage, decreased the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and significantly upregulated Beclin-1, Atg5, and the LC3II/I ratio, while reducing P62 expression. Butyrate also decreased the relative expression of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-Akt/Akt, and p-mTOR/mTOR. 16S rRNA sequencing results revealed that butyrate improved the intestinal microbial community structure by inhibiting harmful bacteria and accelerating the growth of beneficial bacteria. Conclusion This study suggests that butyrate may alleviate DSS-induced UC in mice by blocking the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to facilitating autophagy in intestinal epithelial cells and by modulating the gut microbiota.

Drug woes won’t be tamed by US price regulations

Study on the influencing factors of photovoltaic siting in coal mining subsidence areas–taking Shanxi Province as an example

Multi-criteria group shilling attacks

The rapid advancement of technology has enabled the collection of detailed, multi-dimensional user data, paving the way for multi-criteria recommendation systems that consider diverse aspects of user preferences. While traditional recommendation systems aim to satisfy individual users, group recommendation systems are designed to generate suggestions that accommodate the collective preferences of a group. However, the increasing prevalence of group interactions in digital environments has also introduced new vulnerabilities, such as group shilling attacks, where coordinated malicious users manipulate recommendation outcomes. This study conducts the first comprehensive robustness analysis of multi-criteria group recommender systems, addressing a critical research gap. A novel shilling attack strategy is proposed by adapting the group shilling model to multi-criteria settings, allowing a deeper understanding of the risks these systems face. Experimental results indicate that the proposed multi-criteria recommender system achieves notable robustness across datasets. Specifically, the average hit ratio (AvgHR) increases up to approximately 12% on the YM20 dataset and reaches around 15% on the YM10 dataset. Furthermore, among the target item selection strategies, the MUP-NNZ method consistently demonstrates superior resistance to profile injection attacks, confirming its effectiveness in maintaining recommendation accuracy under adversarial conditions.

Competitive swarm reinforcement learning improves stability and performance of deep reinforcement learning

Establishing biomarkers and clinical endpoints in myotonic dystrophy type 1 (END-DM1): Protocol of an international natural history study

Background Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is an autosomal dominant inherited multi-system disorder that affects skeletal muscles but also many other organ systems. Molecular targets have been identified and targeted therapies are being developed and tested in first-in-human clinical trials. However, insufficient knowledge of the phenotypic heterogeneity and natural course of the disease, together with a lack of reliable biomarkers, complicate the design of clinical trials. Methods The main objectives of this study are to 1) characterize the phenotypic heterogeneity and disease progression of DM1 in a large cohort; 2) identify baseline characteristics that predict subsequent progression; 3) validate RNA biomarkers of disease severity. This is a prospective, multi-site observational study with a follow-up period of 24 months including approximately 700 adult DM1 patients. Visits will occur at baseline, and months 12 and 24. All patients will undergo strength testing, myotonia assessment, a battery of functional outcome assessments, spirometry, and complete various questionnaires and cognitive tests. Blood and urine samples will be taken at each visit for biomarker studies. A subset of 60 patients will undergo a muscle biopsy at baseline and at an additional 3-month visit. The sensitivity to disease progression and minimally clinically important differences will be determined for the various clinical outcome measures. Associations between baseline patient characteristics and the rate of disease progression will be evaluated. Discussion The results of this large international study on DM1 will contribute to optimizing clinical trial design. Both data and biological samples will be collected for future research as well. Trial registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03981575

Anomalous dynamic response and micro-zonation of saline sabkha soils of eastern Saudi Arabia using 3D seismic behavior modelling

Abstract The available seismic response parameters do not accurately represent the unusual behavior of sabkha soils; the weak soils with high salt content. This study aimed at developing seismic response parameters for sabkha soils in Ras Al-Khair Industrial City, Saudi Arabia. These sabkhas revealed an anomalous response to geophysical and dynamic tests. The methodology involved analysis of extensive available data to come up with micro-zonation based on subsurface strata. Field and laboratory explorations were conducted, and 3-D seismic response was numerical simulated. This study identified an anomalous dynamic response of sabkha soil, as it has higher shear modulus. The spectral accelerations values, for both short-period and long-period, have been found to differ from the values specified in local codes. Scientific contributions include the localized liquefaction potential along the boundary of the contrasting strata. The site-specific seismic response is found to be not only dependent on the structure and fabric of the soil, but also highly affected by the pore fluid. Originality appears in utilizing 3-D modelling/ simulations to produce liquefaction hazard maps. It is concluded that 3-D modelling/simulations lead to a more realistic representation of ground conditions. The seismic parameters are recommended to be revised based on 3-D modelling that considers the type of pore fluids.

Anti-arthritic and endothelial protective effects of Derris scandens extract in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular mortality. This study investigated the therapeutic potential of Derris scandens (Roxb.) Benth. stem extract (DS) in mitigating vascular and cardiac damage associated with arthritis in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Treatment with DS (200 mg/kg/day, p.o.), methotrexate (1 mg/kg/week, s.c.), or their combination was administered post-induction from day 11–32. Body weight, arthritis scores, and paw diameters were monitored daily. At the end of the treatment period, electrocardiographic parameters and blood pressure were assessed in anesthetized rats. Endothelial function was evaluated in isolated pulmonary arteries (PA) and aortae via acetylcholine-induced relaxation. Plasma inflammatory cytokines were quantified, and leukocyte populations were analyzed in blood and PA tissues. The direct vascular effects of DS were also examined in healthy rats. Direct exposure to DS induced greater relaxation in the PA (E max  = 90%) than in the aorta (E max  = 38%). When administered to arthritic rats, DS significantly reduced arthritis scores and paw diameters compared to untreated rats. Furthermore, DS markedly improved endothelial function in both the PA and aorta, in conjunction with reductions in plasma levels of TNF-α and IL-1β, as well as a decrease in leukocyte populations, particularly neutrophils. However, co-administration with methotrexate attenuated the vascular effects. No significant changes were observed in body weight, electrocardiographic parameters, or blood pressure across treatment groups. This study highlights the potential of DS in improving endothelial function and in mitigating arthritis-related inflammation. Our data also supports the role of vascular neutrophil infiltration in the manifestation of endothelial dysfunction.

Argentina must finish building the CART radio telescope

Phase estimation algorithms for quantum enhanced magnetometry with artificial atoms

Analysis of spatial differentiation and influencing factors of rural industrial integration efficiency in China

The integrated development of rural industries is a primary method to accelerate rural revitalization, a practical path to promote agricultural and rural modernization, and an important means to build a strong agricultural nation. Based on the super-efficiency EBM model, rural industrial integration efficiency in the east, central and west regions of 31 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions) in China from 2012 to 2022 is measured, and the spatial differentiation, dynamic distribution and influencing factors of rural industrial integration efficiency are analyzed by using Dagum Gini coefficient, Kernel density estimation and Tobit model, respectively. The study shows that the core driving forces of rural industrial integration efficiency in the east, central and west regions are pure technical, comprehensive and pure technical efficiency, respectively; hyper-variable density is the main source of spatial differentiation; serious divergence in rural industrial integration efficiency in the east; there is regional heterogeneity in the impact of different factors on the efficiency of rural industrial integration. It is necessary to strengthen the structure of financial inputs, establish an efficiency assessment system, and enhance the infrastructure and public services.

Five important financial moves for PhD students