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Chemical Biology Tools for Decoding the Cell Surface GlycoRNA
ABSTRACT The discovery of glycosylated RNAs (glycoRNAs) on the outer surface of mammalian cells, represents a spatial awakening in RNA biology. This identification redefines the spatial boundaries of RNA biology, possibly extending its role beyond the nucleus and cytoplasm to the extracellular membrane interface. This unexpected localization and the presence of glycosylation modifications challenge longstanding conventional paradigms and raise new questions about the biosynthetic pathways, structural diversity, and signaling functions of glycoRNAs in the intercellular environment. Chemical biology tools are central to their discovery, further identification, and future exploration, enabling enrichment, imaging, and functional analysis of glycoRNAs in both physiological and pathological contexts. In this review, we highlight how these technologies have driven the discovery of glycoRNAs and revealed new principles of RNA localization and membrane‐related functions. We further discuss several challenges and future directions in decoding the RNA‐centric membrane biology.
Research on epilepsy detection methods based on interpretable features and machine learning
Epilepsy is a prevalent neurological condition that impacts a significant number of individuals worldwide. Patients’ physical and mental health, as well as their daily activities, are significantly affected by seizures, necessitating prompt diagnosis and treatment. The automatic detection of epilepsy using electroencephalogram (EEG) signals has been a significant area of research. Nevertheless, the majority of current methods are based on intricate feature engineering processes that require the extraction and selection of a large number of features to identify the most discriminative feature sets. This results in a high level of algorithmic complexity, inadequate robustness, and inadequate interpretability, which complicates the provision of theoretical support to clinicians. This paper proposes a pathophysiology-driven, interpretable machine learning algorithm to address the limitations of current EEG-based epilepsy detection methods, which include poor interpretability and complex feature engineering. We developed a low-dimensional, interpretable feature combination consisting of only five features and systematically validated its discriminative capability across various epilepsy phases by innovatively integrating electrophysiological markers of epileptic seizures with nonlinear dynamical properties. In the binary classification of seizure versus non-seizure EEG segments, the XGB classifier achieved the highest accuracy of 98.73% and an F1 score of 98.57%. Classification accuracy for interictal versus ictal periods reached 95.33%, with an F1 score of 95.27%. In the challenging ternary classification task encompassing preictal, interictal, and ictal periods, the model achieved a respectable accuracy of 86.3% and an F1 score of 85.79%. Cross-database validation yielded a maximum accuracy of 82.17% and an F1 score of 81.99%, confirming the proposed features’ robust generalization capability and transformative potential. This feature set exhibits outstanding and stable performance across all models, as demonstrated by evaluations across two public datasets using five machine learning classifiers. In addition, SHAP values quantified the contribution of each feature to predictions, thereby providing a transparent decision-making rationale that substantially improves the algorithm’s interpretability and clinical utility.
DMF-free co-solvent doctor-bladed FA0.6MA0.4PbI3 perovskite solar cells and modules under ambient conditions
Perovskite solar cells (PSCs), recognized for their high efficiency and scalable manufacturing potential, face significant challenges in achieving uniform, high-quality large-area films via ambient doctor-blading techniques, particularly due to limitations in conventional solvent systems. This study addresses the critical need for solvent systems capable of serving as viable alternatives to conventional solvent, while simultaneously optimizing crystallization kinetics and film morphology under ambient conditions. We demonstrate a N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF)-free co-solvent strategy utilizing 2-methoxyethanol (2-ME) and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) to precisely modulate solvent evaporation dynamics and perovskite nucleation. The weak coordination of Pb2+ by 2-ME promotes rapid volatilization, while the strong coordination by NMP stabilizes the intermediates and delays surface nucleation, enabling uniform crystallization and dense films formation. The optimized NMP improved crystallinity, reduced non-radiative recombination, and boosted charge transport, enhancing power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 20.18% to 23.43%. Furthermore, a mini-module (10.3 cm2) fabricated under the same conditions achieved a PCE of 19.08%, underscoring the scalability and applicability of the proposed approach. These findings suggest that the DMF-free co-solvent strategy is highly effective for the scalable fabrication of large-area PSC modules and offers a promising pathway toward their commercialization.
Course assessment model in vocational education based on BPNN optimized by genetic algorithm
In silico design of novel recombinant antigens containing immunologically relevant regions of wild-type and escape mutant variants of HBsAg
Hepatitis B virus (HBV) contributes substantially to liver cancer, related mortality, and liver transplantation worldwide. The small hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), particularly its major hydrophilic region (MHR) and the “a” determinant, is the primary target of serological diagnostics. However, escape mutant amino acid variants (EMAVs) within this region may reduce diagnostic specificity and sensitivity. In this study, publicly available HBsAg sequences were analyzed to determine the prevalence of EMAVs circulating in Ethiopia. We computationally designed three region-specific recombinant antigens (MeRPYS1, MeRPYS2, and MeRPYS3) by incorporating both wild-type and prevalent EMAV sequences. Linear and conformational B-cell epitopes, as well as T helper cell epitopes, were predicted for each antigen. Homology analyses were also performed to assess similarity to host proteins. Secondary and tertiary structures of the antigens were predicted to generate theoretical molecular models. Molecular docking analyses were performed to explore putative interaction patterns between each designed antigen and an anti-HBsAg-specific antibody. The predicted antigen–antibody complexes were further examined using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to assess their theoretical stability and behavior over time. The resulting simulations provide predictive computational insights into possible antigenic features and interaction tendencies of the designed constructs. These findings are intended to generate testable hypotheses and should be interpreted cautiously, as the study is limited to in silico analyses and requires experimental validation.
Tuning magnetic anisotropy and Curie temperature in two-dimensional half-metal CoOBr via alloying strategy
Two-dimensional (2D) half-metallic materials hold great promise for spintronic applications, yet their practical implementation is often hindered by relatively low Curie temperature (Tc) and limited magnetic anisotropy energy (MAE). In this paper, we systematically study the intrinsic electromagnetic properties of the CoOBr monolayer and further investigate the effect of Co site Ir substitution on the formation of the CoIrO2Br2 structure. It indicates that the CoOBr monolayer exhibits typical half-metallic behavior with a Curie temperature (Tc) of 109 K. The easy magnetization axis (EMA) of CoOBr lies in the plane, with the minimum MAE of −0.55 meV per unit cell along the y-axis. Upon Ir substitution, the CoIrO2Br2 monolayer retains its half-metallic character while showing significantly enhanced magnetic properties, with the Tc markedly increased to 409 K. The EMA remains in-plane, accompanied by strongly enhanced magnetic anisotropy, where the MAE reaches −2.72 and −1.84 meV per unit cell along the x-axis and y-axis, respectively. This change induces the opening of the spin wave bandgap, thereby enhancing the stability of the magnetic sequence. This study reveals that elemental substitution provides an effective strategy for tuning the Tc and magnetic anisotropy characteristics in CoOBr-based 2D systems, offering useful insights into the modulation of magnetic properties in low-dimensional materials.
Intra and inter-network functional connectivity among long-Covid patients with ongoing disease duration
Correction: How University students in Bangladesh engage with ChatGPT: A qualitative study
Sensor-free, self-regulating thermal switching via anomalous Ettingshausen effect and spin reorientation in DyCo5
We propose a sensor-free, self-regulating thermal switch that combines the anomalous Ettingshausen effect with a temperature-driven spin reorientation transition (SRT) in the rare-earth cobalt compound DyCo5. Using density functional theory and the Kubo linear-response formalism, we compute the anomalous Hall conductivity σxy(ε) and the finite-temperature anomalous Nernst conductivity αxy(T) for two magnetization directions, M∥c and M⊥c. While the intrinsic σxy at the Fermi level remains sizable for both orientations, αxy exhibits about two orders of magnitude contrast in the SRT temperature window. This contrast is consistent with the low temperature Mott relation through the energy slope ∂εσxy(ε)|EF and is traced to strongly peaked Berry curvature hot spots generated by spin–orbit coupling induced avoided crossings of Co 3d bands. Combining αxy with longitudinal transport coefficients, we estimate device-level metrics, namely, the anomalous Nernst thermopower SANE and the Ettingshausen coefficient ΠAEE=TSANE, and demonstrate robust orientation-controlled switching under a fixed in-plane bias current. These results establish a materials based route to compact thermal control without external sensors or feedback electronics and provide a concrete example that the proposed principle can be realized in an existing ferromagnet.
Application research of powder forming technology in the preparation of heated tobacco core materials
Beyond Excimer: Engineering Pyrene Stacking With Mechanical Bonds for Tunable Emissions
ABSTRACT Aiming to deepen the fundamental understanding of how hierarchical molecular packing governs the overall photophysical properties in multi‐chromophore systems, engineering pyrene stacking with mechanical bonds has been successfully realized, leading to the construction of a novel family of pyrene‐functionalized [1]rotaxanes, particularly ones with tunable triple‐layered pyrene stacking. The precisely controlled pyrene excimer conformations in these structures enable adjustable photophysical behaviors, particularly in circularly polarized luminescence (CPL), including tunable luminescence dissymmetry factors ( g lum ), invertible handedness, and programmable emission wavelengths. Notably, introducing a third pyrene unit into tris‐pyrene‐functionalized [1]rotaxanes further modulates CPL properties through synergistic or antagonistic interactions, as further confirmed by time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT) simulations, revealing a previously unobserved stacking effect. This correlation between spatial stacking and photophysical response not only provides more in‐depth fundamental insights for pyrene excimer emissions but also offers critical design principles for developing advanced chiral luminescent materials.
Expression of Concern: The MAPK Pathway Signals Telomerase Modulation in Response to Isothiocyanate-Induced DNA Damage of Human Liver Cancer Cells
Experimental observation of enhanced quantum-entangled two-photon absorption fluorescence at milliwatt pump power levels
Optical technologies based on two-photon absorption can provide high resolution and deep tissue penetration but require very high peak power intensities because of the extremely small absorption cross sections associated with this phenomenon. The use of quantum-entangled photon pairs has been reported to increase the two-photon absorption rate compared with that obtainable using classical coherent laser sources. However, the enhancement that can possibly be obtained using entangled two-photon absorption (ETPA) has thus far been realized only at low photon rates, typically ranging from 107 (on the pW level) to 1013 (on the μW level) photons/s. For this reason, ETPA has been regarded as impractical. The present work demonstrates an experimental evaluation of ETPA-excited fluorescence at both low (μW) and relatively high (mW) pump power levels, using a high-gain parametric down-conversion source. Both an increase in the absorption rate and a linear correlation between rate and power were observed within both power ranges. This work also compared quantum and coherent sources. Assessments of the crossover photon flux suggest that the larger spatial-mode diameter of the present quantum source at the focal point (relative to values used in prior research) may have contributed to the rate enhancement seen at high-power levels. The results presented herein are expected to provide a new route to the mitigation of damage often associated with two-photon imaging and photodynamic therapies.
A behaviour-adaptive AI assistant enhancing accessibility and usability for blind users through real-time interaction personalization
The impact of social support on career decision-making difficulties: The serial mediating roles of career decision-making self-efficacy and job search clarity, and moderation by proactive personality
Career decision-making difficulties are a common challenge for college students, which can hinder their transition from education to employment. Based on the Social Cognitive Model of Career Self-Management, this study explored how social support was related to career decision-making difficulties. A total of 991 vocational college students participated in this cross-sectional quantitative study. Social support was measured through the Perceived Social Support Scale, career decision-making self-efficacy with the Career Decision-Making Self-Efficacy Questionnaire, job search clarity via the Job Search Clarity Questionnaire, career decision-making difficulties using the Career Decision-Making Difficulties Questionnaire, and proactive personality by the Proactive Personality Scale. The results showed that: Job search clarity partially mediates the relationship between social support and career decision-making difficulties. The indirect effect was significant, β = −0.08, p < 0.001, accounted for 20% of the total effect. In addition, career decision-making self-efficacy and job search clarity jointly serve as serial mediators in the link between social support and career decision-making difficulties. The serial indirect effect was significant, β = −0.12, p < 0.001, accounting for 30% of the total effect, indicating that higher social support sequentially enhances career decision-making self-efficacy and job search clarity, which in turn reduces career decision-making difficulties. Furthermore, proactive personality moderates the mediating role of job search clarity, particularly in the second stage of the mediation. Specifically, the effect of job search clarity on career decision-making difficulties became more pronounced as proactive personality increased (β = −0.04, p < 0.001). These findings extend the social cognitive model of career self-management by demonstrating the sequential mediating roles of career decision-making self-efficacy and job search clarity, and the moderating role of proactive personality, in the link between social support and reduced career decision-making difficulties. Practically, they highlight the importance of designing career interventions for vocational college students that simultaneously strengthen social support networks, enhance self-efficacy, and build job search clarity, with particular attention to students with lower proactive personality who may benefit most from such clarity-building activities.
Effects of pre-deposition annealing prior to gate insulator deposition in planar AlGaN/GaN MIS-HEMT with a thin AlGaN barrier layer
A planar-type enhancement-mode transistor, termed an extrinsically electron induced by a dielectric (EID) AlGaN/GaN metal–insulator–semiconductor high-electron-mobility transistor (HEMT), is a promising candidate for reliable and stable high-power switching devices, since it can be fabricated without damaging processes such as dry etching, fluorine plasma exposure, or Mg doping. This study revealed that the AlGaN surface annealing process prior to gate insulator deposition contributes to enhancing the threshold voltage (Vth) in the EID AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Consequently, a high Vth of 4.6 V was achieved with a large figure of merit of 280 MW/cm2. The enhancement of Vth is attributed to an increased density of interfacial states and the resulting suppression of channel mobility caused by the surface annealing. It was also confirmed that the interface states do not adversely affect the stability of the transfer characteristics but, conversely, improve it.
Research on deformation mechanisms in deep excavation tunnels and the application of the pile foundation-unit-type support
Assessment of current good manufacturing practice (cGMP) compliance in pharmaceutical manufacturers in Ethiopia: Cross-sectional descriptive study
Background The distribution of low-quality medications poses a serious risk to public health, especially in underdeveloped nations like Ethiopia. Ineffective use of Current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) increases these dangers, which include cross-contamination, mix-ups, and incorrect labeling. To ensure consistent product quality and adherence to set standards, a Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS) that effectively integrate cGMP is essential. Assessing cGMP compliance is essential for the reliable production of safe pharmaceuticals. Objective This study aims to assess cGMP compliance in Ethiopian pharmaceutical manufacturers. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive design was employed for this study. The data collection process involved a checklist for field observations and, interview-based questions. The checklist, developed based on WHO GMP requirements, was filled through direct site observations, document reviews, and discussions with key persons in the appropriate departments. The study included six companies located in Addis Ababa and its surrounding areas. The qualitative data were transformed into quantitative data through coding and categorization for easier analysis. The data were then analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, and other statistical tests with SPSS software version 28. The results were displayed using data visualization tools like tables and graphs. Results The study revealed overall cGMP compliance rates of 62.8%, 85.84%, 84.95%, 86.72%, 84.95%, and 84.1% for companies 1–6, respectively. All companies had some degree of GMP non-conformity; however, only Company 1 had critical deviations. The GMP standards were well-maintained by the remaining five companies. Company 1 has to make improvements in several areas, most notably its QA systems. Additionally, Companies 1, 5, and 6 must improve their QRM systems. Company 5 needs to improve its production process, while Companies 1, 2, and 3 should focus on better managing their equipment and materials. Conclusion and recommendation This study evaluated GMP compliance levels across six pharmaceutical manufacturers in Ethiopia. Most of the assessed companies showed a satisfactory degree of GMP compliance. To improve compliance, minimize risks, and ensure product quality, safety, and operational efficiency, the study suggested strengthening risk mitigation measures such as raising employees’ knowledge and training.
Giant spin–orbit torques in W/MgO nanostructures for energy-efficient SOT-MRAM applications
High critical switching current density (Jc) and limited charge-to-spin conversion efficiency [spin–orbit torque (SOT) efficiency, ξSOT] of heavy metal-based SOT channels are the two key challenges for the development of energy-efficient SOT magnetic random-access memory (SOT-MRAM). In this paper, we demonstrate a significant enhancement of SOT efficiency in β-tungsten (W) films through magnesium oxide (MgO) doping, achieved via co-sputtering (CS) and multilayer-heterostructure (MLH) deposition, respectively. The W/MgO nanostructures retain the β-phase and exhibit a remarkable increase in ξSOT, from 0.20 in pure W to 0.48 for CS films (4% MgO doping)—and even more impressively—to 0.51 for the MLH method. The drastic SOT efficiency improvement is attributed primarily to the significantly enhanced skew scattering induced by MgO incorporation. As direct performance gauges, Jc of W/MgO nanostructures is reduced by up to 50.6%, and the power consumption is lowered by over 42%, compared to pure W-based devices. These findings highlight W/MgO nanostructures as highly promising SOT channel materials for energy-efficient SOT-MRAM applications.