Browse Articles

Isolation of bacteria that catabolize abiotically synthesized tetroses via the formose reaction

Abstract Sugars synthesized through abiotic processes, specifically the formose reaction, are promising candidates for next-generation feedstocks for biomanufacturing. One of the significant challenges associated with the utilization of abiotically synthesized sugars via the formose reaction is the presence of unusual sugars, which are not metabolized by typical microorganisms. This study aimed to identify microorganisms capable of catabolizing tetroses, which are among the unusual sugars present in the abiotically synthesized sugars. Tetroses were not catabolized by and exhibited inhibitory effects on model bacteria commonly used in biomanufacturing. We isolated eight phylogenetically diverse bacterial strains capable of catabolizing and tolerating tetroses. The isolates exhibited the ability to grow in high concentrations of the abiotically synthesized sugars, which inhibit the growth of typical microorganisms, and to consume tetroses contained therein. Further investigation into the molecular mechanisms of tetrose metabolisms in the isolates will facilitate the development of biomanufacturing processes utilizing the abiotically synthesized sugars.

Insight of the seed germination of Lily species under different chemical treatments and light conditions

Efficient eDNA-based assessment of mitochondrial lineage diversity in wild brown trout populations

Discrete mathematical network analysis bridging clinical vocabulary and patient discourse in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome online communications

Abstract Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome is a chronic condition involving pelvic pain and urinary symptoms. A three-stage analytical framework examined the correspondence between vocabulary from validated clinical questionnaires and language used in patient discussions on social media. Stage 1 identified 19 symptom-related terms from three questionnaires, all consistent with international diagnostic criteria. Stage 2 analyzed over 500,000 words from online discussions, detecting 73.7% of these terms and revealing a central “pain–urgency–voiding” triad in patient discourse. Stage 3 mapped strong symptom–site links, including burning–urethra and pain–abdomen, which may indicate underrecognized comorbidities. Clinical terms occupied central positions in the discourse network and showed greater structural importance than general vocabulary. Findings highlight differences between clinical terminology and patient-preferred language, suggesting strategies to improve assessment tools, address terminology gaps, and enhance patient-centered care. The approach is adaptable to other chronic conditions, supporting integration of real-world patient expression into clinical practice.

Wellbore stability model for argillaceous limestone - claystone thin interbeds under synergistic effect of fluctuating pressure -hydration

Abstract The effect of hydration and fluctuating pressure in drifting conditions presents challenges to wellbore stability, impacting cost savings and safety in drilling operations. This study investigates the stability of thin mudstone-limestone and claystone interlayers in the East Baghdad oil field, introducing strength damage variables influenced by hydration and fluctuating pressure. Utilizing damage mechanics, elasticity, and joint strength theories, and accounting for matrix and weak plane failures, drilling fluid hydration reactions, and fluctuating pressures, a wellbore stability model is established. Key parameters such as wellbore trajectory, weak plane quantity, hydration time on collapse pressure, and tripping speed are examined, assessing stability under combined hydration and pressure effects. The results suggest optimizing wellbore trajectory, particularly the inclination angle, can reduce collapse pressure and increase fracture pressure, thus enhancing operational safety. Weak planes raise collapse pressure, reduce fracture pressure, and limit safe drilling directions, heightening wellbore instability and tripping challenges. Prolonged formation exposure to drilling fluids should be minimized, and fluid density optimized to widen the safe density window. Controlling tripping speed and monitoring wellbore pressure are critical to mitigating instability risks. Field validation confirms the model’s accuracy, aligning predictive outcomes with real conditions and enhancing safe drilling fluid density and tripping speed guidance.

Autonomous recognition of erroneous raw key bit bias in quantum key distribution

Abstract As quantum key distribution technologies mature, it is pertinent to consider these systems in contexts beyond lab settings, and how these systems may have to operate autonomously. To begin, an abstract definition of a type of error that can occur with regard to the ratio of bit values in the raw key is presented, and how this has an impact on the security and key rate of QKD protocols. A mechanism by which errors of this type can be autonomously recognised is given, along with simulated results. A two part countermeasure that can be autonomously put in place to mitigate against errors of this type is also given. Finally some motivating examples where this type of error could appear in practice are presented to add context, and to illustrate the importance of this work to the development of quantum key distribution technologies.

Low-density granulocytes and neutrophil extracellular traps in dengue, impacts of interferon alpha and cell-free DNA

Optimization of chemical texturing time for enhanced optical and electrical performance of Boron-Doped silicon solar wafers

Abstract Surface texturing is a crucial step in enhancing the light-trapping efficiency of silicon solar cells by reducing optical reflection. The etching time plays a key role in determining the morphology and effectiveness of the textured surface. This study investigates the impact of chemical texturing duration on the structural, optical, and electrical properties of p-type boron-doped silicon wafers for solar cell applications. Texturing was performed using a mixture of potassium hydroxide and isopropyl alcohol (KOH-IPA) solution for varying durations (5–25 min). Structural, optical and electrical analysis revealed optimal pyramid formation at 20 min, coinciding with the lowest reflectivity and the lowest energy gap E g (1.77 eV) and Urbach energy E u indicating the most efficient absorption and reduced structural disorders. Also, conduction behavior transitions from DC-dominated at low frequencies to AC-dominated at higher frequencies, in agreement with the correlated barrier hopping (CBH) model. Maximum conductivity and dielectric loss were also observed in the 20-min etched sample and attributed to improved morphology and charge transport. These findings highlight 20 min as the optimal etching duration for enhancing photovoltaic efficiency by balancing light absorption and charge carrier dynamics.

Impact of fluorine-containing nanoparticle PEGylation on inflammation imaging by 19F MRI

Abstract Fluorine-containing nanoparticles (FNPs) are widely used for inflammation imaging by fluorine-19 magnetic resonance imaging ( 19 F MRI) due to their biocompatibility and suitability to track immune cells via phagocytic uptake. For targeting approaches beyond passive incorporation, surface PEGylation of FNPs is required to reduce cellular uptake, but is known to prolong blood half-life of the particles. This study investigates the efficacy of FNP PEGylation for inflammation imaging in vivo. FNPs and PEGylated FNPs ( PEG FNPs) of different size were synthesized and characterized for particle properties and fluorine content. Cellular uptake was explored in CHO, RAW, and J774 cells as well as in whole blood using flow cytometry. For in vivo imaging, a murine lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation model was employed, followed by intravenous injection of FNPs or PEG FNPs and 19 F MRI to monitor inflammation. PEGylation significantly reduced the uptake of FNPs by macrophages and blood immune cells, as observed through reduced fluorescence and 19 F signals. Despite reduced cellular uptake in vitro, in vivo 19 F MRI showed similar signal intensities in inflamed tissues for both FNPs and PEG FNPs, suggesting contributions from both immune cell-associated and non-cell-associated signals for small particles. However, for bigger particles significantly more 19 F signal was observed in inflamed tissue for FNP compared to PEG FNP. In conclusion, increase in particle size can abolish the non-specific accumulation of FNPs in inflammatory lesions and additionally increase the phagocytosis of FNPs by murine immune cells. This results in a specific immune-cell dependent 19 F signal with rather no background due to non-specific diffusion.

Psychological resilience and clinical depression on bone loss and fracture

Cytotoxicity and cell cycle changes in prostate cancer cells with differing PSMA expression and p53 status after treatment with PSMA-targeting radioligand [212Pb]Pb-AB001

Three stream fusion network with color aware transformer for image to point cloud registration

Functionalized MoS2 nanosheets as high-affinity nanocarriers for gemcitabine: a molecular simulation study

Scour process, flow dynamics, hydrodynamic forces, around a series of repelling spur dikes

Optimizing thiamine pyrophosphate metabolism enhances crop yield and quality

Precipitation disaster hotspots depend on historical climate variability

Abstract Record-high precipitation events are relevant for impacts since they are more severe than any observed event and can lead to unforeseeable consequences. Climate change increases average record-breaking probability, but the current, local record-breaking probability and local disaster preparedness are dependent on observed precipitation history as well. Here, we show that historical variability shapes current and future record-breaking probabilities: regions with low current records are more at risk. Climate change modifies this pattern non-linearly: moderate climate change (SSP2-4.5) increases average record-breaking probability by 2050 by 40%, but high current records are most sensitive to climate change with a record-breaking probability increase of up to 75%. Thus, regions with low current records are most at risk, but regions with high current records see the steepest risk increase with climate change. Disaster risk is further increased by low preparedness. If the last record-breaking event is long ago, local society is more likely to be unprepared for the next one. Vulnerability and exposure in many regions with high record-breaking probability is high due to poverty and rapid urbanisation, resulting in a major imminent threat.

Little millet genome reveals evolutionary insights into tetraploid structure and genetic basis of micronutrient density

Abstract Little millet is a hardy and nutrient-rich cereal which improves food and nutritional security in marginal environments. Despite its importance, genomic resources for this orphan crop have been limited. Here, we report a high quality, chromosome-scale genome assembly of little millet comprising 18 chromosomes and 59,045 genes. Eleven chromosomes are assembled from telomere to telomere, revealing an 850 Mb tetraploid genome that closely resembles broomcorn millet. Comparative analyses indicate early stages of diploidization, characterized by gene loss and subgenome-specific expression biases that vary across genes and tissues. Resequencing of 300 accessions uncovers extensive genetic diversity, including single-nucleotide polymorphism and structural variants. Genome-wide association studies identify genetic loci linked to grain micronutrient traits, including several associated with high iron content. These genomic and phenotypic resources provide a foundation for molecular breeding and marker-assisted selection, enabling the improvement of little millet as a climate-resilient crop to support global food and nutritional security.

Microgliopathy as a primary mediator of neuronal death in models of Friedreich’s Ataxia

Abstract Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) is an incurable neurodegenerative disorder caused by a GAA repeat expansion in the frataxin ( FXN ) gene, leading to a severe reduction of the mitochondrial FXN protein, crucial for iron metabolism. While microglial inflammation is observed in FRDA, it remains unclear whether immune dysfunction is a primary disease mediator or a secondary reactionary phenotype. Utilizing patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), we report an intrinsic microglial phenotype of stark mitochondrial defects, iron overload, lipid peroxidation, and lysosomal abnormalities. These factors drive a pro-inflammatory state that contributes to neuronal death in co-culture systems. In a murine xenograft model, transplanted human FRDA microglia accumulate in white matter and the Purkinje cell layer, resulting in Purkinje neuron loss in otherwise healthy brains. Notably, CRISPR/Cas9-mediated correction of the GAA repeat reverses microglial defects and mitigates neurodegeneration. Here, we suggest that microglial dysfunction serve as a disease driver and a promising therapeutic target in FRDA.

Structural basis for MEKK2 dimerization and substrate recognition

Coherent X-rays reveal anomalous molecular diffusion and cage effects in crowded protein solutions

Abstract Understanding protein motion within the cell is crucial for predicting reaction rates and macromolecular transport in the cytoplasm. A key question is how crowded environments affect protein dynamics through hydrodynamic and direct interactions at molecular length scales. Using megahertz X-ray Photon Correlation Spectroscopy (MHz-XPCS) at the European X-ray Free Electron Laser (EuXFEL), we investigate ferritin diffusion at microsecond time scales. Our results reveal anomalous diffusion, indicated by the non-exponential decay of the intensity autocorrelation function g 2 ( q ,  t ) at high concentrations. This behavior is consistent with the presence of cage-trapping between the short- and long-time protein diffusion regimes. Modeling with the δ γ -theory of hydrodynamically interacting colloidal spheres successfully reproduces the experimental data by including a scaling factor linked to the protein direct interactions. These findings offer insights into the complex molecular motion in crowded protein solutions, with potential applications for optimizing ferritin-based drug delivery, where protein diffusion is the rate-limiting step.