Browse Articles

Computationally-designed aptamers targeting RAD51-BRCA2 interaction impair homologous recombination and induce synthetic lethality

Codon usage of human DNA viruses and its similarity to certain host genes

Nonlinear spatiotemporal signatures of whistler-mode wave activity around Mercury during six flybys of BepiColombo mission

Fractal fractional approach to investigate the forecasting and dynamics of malaria disease for early control precaution

How multispecific molecules are transforming pharmacotherapy

Ozone pollution monitoring using a full-time hyperspectral tomography system for multiple air pollutants

Synthesis and pharmacological profiling of cis-1-amino-2-indanol derivatives as α-glucosidase inhibitors

Pathway-dependent cold activation of heat-responsive TRPV channels

Abstract The homotetrameric thermosensitive transient receptor potential vanilloid 1–4 (TRPV1-4) channels in sensory neurons are highly responsive to environmental heat stimuli. However, their primary heat sensors or triggers for heat activation have not been examined for cold activation. In this computational study, cold activation of minimal TRPV1 without the pore turret was compared with that of full-length human TRPV3. The former followed a pathway from the putative heat activation starter, while the latter tracked a different pathway starting far from the assumed heat activation point. The results showed that disrupting the highly conserved intersubunit interactions near the lower gate was necessary for final channel opening. Further, the former with the same starter shared temperature sensitivity with heat activation while the latter with the different triggers did not. Therefore, this mirrored thermosensitivity, together with the matched thresholds, can be used to confirm the location of the primary thermal sensor for TRPV1 or TRPV3, and further to define the primary thermal sensor of thermosensitive TRPV4 or TRPV2 once the same heat capacity mechanism is applied.

Deriving monetary value of quality-adjusted life years through life extension from the value of a statistical life

Abstract To address the recent rise in healthcare expenditure due to an aging population, the rational allocation and efficient use of resources, based on scientific evidence, have become indispensable. This study proposes an alternative framework for estimating quality-adjusted life years (QALY) based on the value of statistical life, which can be used for cost-benefit analysis (CBA) of policy interventions and the efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Specifically, we estimate the monetary value of a QALY based solely on life extension. We assess the accuracy of conventional QALY estimates while proposing a new, more rational, and flexible QALY estimation that combines age and scenario factors. Our numerical analysis suggests that updating QALY by considering regional characteristics such as population, age distribution, and changes in quality of life (QoL) can lead to a more accurate CBA. This metric provides information for decision-making in policy budgeting based on scientific evidence and suggests that this approach may contribute to a more efficient allocation of healthcare resources. Furthermore, increasing the proportion of healthy individuals with a gradual decline in QoL may support efforts to reduce healthcare expenditure.

Design of Cryogenic Electrolyte with Organic‐Free Solvation Structure for Wide‐Temperature Zinc Metal Batteries

Abstract Albeit the promising performance at ambient temperatures, the development of zinc metal batteries (ZMBs) is still haunted by the freezing‐prone characteristic of aqueous electrolytes and the deteriorative interface reaction in extreme scenarios. Especially at low‐temperature conditions, the abundant hydrogen bonds (H‐bonds) between H 2 O molecules inevitably drive the aqueous solution transform into an orderly frozen state, resulting in sluggish reaction kinetics. Herein, a bio‐inspired cryogenic electrolyte is proposed, and the strong interaction between proline additive and H 2 O solvent effectively disrupts the H‐bond network, thereby depressing the freezing point while maintaining high ionic conductivity under extremely‐low temperatures. Furthermore, the tailored weak and organic‐free solvation structures facilitate rapid desolvation of Zn 2+ ions, and the reduced H 2 O activity mitigates parasitic reactions on Zn anode surface, thus guaranteeing reversible zinc deposition and dendrite‐free interface. Consequently, the anti‐freezing electrolyte endows Zn||Zn cells with durable cyclic behavior over 2500 h. The PANI||Zn cell demonstrates excellent temperature adaptability from −30 to 60 °C, achieving a reversible capacity of 173.6 mAh g −1 at 60 °C and maintaining 93.6% capacity retention after 1300 cycles at −30 °C. This work reports a practical electrolyte design strategy for ZMBs in harsh environments, promoting the future application of low‐temperature‐resistant aqueous batteries.

Recognition method for microgrid switching misoperations based on multi-source heterogeneous data fusion

Paeoniflorin inhibits angiogenesis in multiple myeloma by decreasing the MEF2A level to downregulate the expression of lncRNA MALAT1 within exosomes

In Situ Chemical Construction of Ultrathin Zn ²⁺ ‐Conductive Interphase for Dendrite‐Free Zinc Metal Batteries

Abstract Aqueous zinc (Zn) interfacial chemistry is inherently safe but encounters significant challenges with irreversibility, as exemplified by low Coulombic efficiency (CE) and uncontrollable deposition. Here, an ultra‐thin electrode skin, merely ∼100 nm thick and composed of zinc‐polyphosphate and graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) (denoted as PPAG) has been in situ constructed on the Zn anode surface through an ultrafast chemical synthesis. The PPAG layer integrates chain‐like polyphosphate architectures with a ring‐shaped negative microelectric field generated by g‐C 3 N 4 , synergistically enabling Zn 2+ ‐dominated charge transport. This unique configuration facilitates long‐range and rapid movement of cations, thereby increasing the Zn 2+ transference number from 0.34 (bare Zn) to 0.70, ensuring high‐current operation of the Zn anode. Moreover, the homogeneous dispersion of g‐C 3 N 4 within PPAG provides abundant nucleation sites, simultaneously enabling smooth Zn 2+ deposition and suppressing parasitic reactions. Consequently, the Zn@PPAG||Cu half‐cell achieves exceptional cyclability with a CE of 99.67% over 2900 cycles. Furthermore, symmetric cells demonstrate a superior cycling lifespan exceeding 3800 and 1500 h at current densities of 5.0 and 20 mA cm −2 , respectively. This work establishes a universal ultrafast strategy for Zn anode engineering, accelerating practical applications of Zn‐based energy storage systems.

Formulation, development and characterization of fosfomycin tromethamine pessaries for the treatment of vaginal infections

A method for UAV inspection path planning based on safety distance in substation

Comparative human and porcine skin permeation profiles of novel metformin lotion formulations

Methyl hexenoate and linalool emitted by hot peppers repel western flower thrips (Frankliniella occidentalis) and attract their predator (Orius laevigatus)

Deep reinforcement learning-driven personalized training load control algorithm for competitive sports performance optimization

Abstract Traditional training load management methods in competitive sports rely heavily on subjective assessments and standardized protocols, often failing to account for individual physiological variations and dynamic adaptation responses. This research proposes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) framework for personalized training load optimization that integrates real-time physiological monitoring, individual athlete characteristics, and adaptive decision-making algorithms. The proposed system employs a hybrid neural network architecture combining multilayer perceptrons and convolutional neural networks to process heterogeneous physiological data and generate training prescriptions. Empirical validation across multiple sports disciplines including track and field, swimming, and ball sports, with ethical approval (IRB: DU-IRB-2023-001), shows performance improvements averaging 12.3% (95% CI: 10.1–14.5%, p  < 0.001) compared to traditional periodization-based methods as measured by sport-specific performance tests using independent samples t-tests, with injury rate reductions of 43% and training efficiency enhancements ranging from 1.15 to 1.42 times conventional approaches. The system maintains operational reliability with 99.7% availability and sub-2-second response times in tested environments. Cost-benefit analysis reveals favorable return on investment for professional teams achieving payback periods of 8–12 months. The research establishes theoretical foundations through mathematical modeling of personalized training load relationships and fatigue-recovery dynamics. Important limitations include cold-start periods requiring 2–4 weeks of data accumulation before optimal performance, high implementation costs ($50,000-200,000), technical infrastructure requirements, and validation primarily conducted in well-resourced competitive environments with predominantly male Asian athletes (72% male, mean age 23.1 ± 3.2 years). This adaptive training load control system suggests potential applications for evidence-based personalized athletic training optimization in competitive sports settings with adequate resources and technical support.

Adaptive control of DC-DC power converter: design and experimental investigation with constant power load

Abstract Constant power load (CPL) is a representation of dynamic loads such as power converters and electric motor drives to the DC-DC converter. Precise voltage regulation is necessary for such a combination of loads in a DC microgrid setup. In contrast to typical resistive loads, these loads exhibit negative impedance characteristics, which can cause instability in the DC microgrid system. The proposed adaptive backstepping control methodology effectively solves stability problems while yielding a smooth and fast response of the output voltage and inductor current to changes in resistive load and CPL combination. The success of the proposed method is confirmed by extensive real-time experiments carried out on the prototype of 120 W converter using the dSpace DS1104 platform. Additionally, to demonstrate the strength of the proposed technique, a thorough comparison is made with the systematically designed cascade-proportional-integral (PI) and the sliding mode based control systems, which clearly indicate the proposed control is found to be $$46\%$$ and $$60\%$$ faster compared to cascade PI and sliding mode control methods respectively. Thus showcasing the potential of proposed control technique for real-time CPL applications.

Advances in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus