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Smuggling charges against NIH virologists trigger political uproar
Nuclear decay networks reveal stability patterns in superheavy nuclei
Abstract Predicting the stability of superheavy nuclei remains a major challenge owing to limited experimental accessibility and substantial uncertainties among existing theoretical nuclear models. In this work, we introduce a network science–based framework in which nuclear decay chains, constructed from evaluated nuclear data, are represented as directed weighted networks, which allows for the analysis of topological properties alongside conventional nuclear descriptors. We find a statistically significant negative association between betweenness centrality and a structural stability score, indicating that nuclei occupying more topologically peripheral positions within the decay network tend to be relatively more stable. This behavior highlights known regions of enhanced relative stability within the analyzed transuranic domain and provides a qualitative network-based trend consistent with the expected movement toward the long-discussed superheavy stability region. Rather than identifying isolated topological clusters, the framework maps topological peripherality to localized regions of high stability determined by nuclear shell effects. Sensitivity analyses with respect to stability-score weighting schemes confirm the robustness of these trends. Rather than replacing existing nuclear models, the proposed approach provides a complementary, system-level perspective that captures collective decay patterns beyond single-nucleus descriptions. These results suggest that simple network measures can serve as useful qualitative indicators of relative nuclear stability and may help prioritize regions for further theoretical and experimental investigation.
Mg‐Mediated Dual Cross‐Electrophile Coupling of Propargyl and Allyl Dichlorides with Chlorosilanes: Access to Disilyl‐substituted Allene and Bis(Silyl)Propenes
ABSTRACT We have developed a novel strategy for synthesizing disilyl‐substituted allenes and bis(silyl)propenes using propargyl and allyl gem ‐dichlorides with chlorosilanes in the presence of magnesium. This approach achieves good to excellent yields without requiring transition metal catalysts or ligands, highlighting its efficiency and innovation. Preliminary mechanistic studies show that dichlorides react with magnesium to generate carbon nucleophiles, which undergo S N 2 substitution with chlorosilanes to form the final products. This method offers a straightforward synthetic route with potential applications in organic synthesis.
Experiments and discussions on the shear strength of root-soil complexes after phytoremediation of ionic rare earth tailings soils
Genomic insights into the Iron Age Saka of Boz-Barmak, Kyrgyzstan
Abstract The nomadic cultures of the Iron Age played an important role in shaping the genetic and cultural landscape of Eurasian populations. Yet despite its key geographical location, the Central Eurasian region remains underrepresented in ancient DNA studies of humans. We address this gap through genomic analysis of 12 individuals from the Boz-Barmak burial site in Kyrgyzstan associated with Saka pastoralists (4th−2nd centuries BCE), 9 of which yielded low-coverage genomes (on average 0.7-fold coverage). Genetic clustering analysis placed these individuals within the genetic variation of ancient and modern Central Eurasian and Siberian populations. We found no evidence of first-degree relatives in a kinship analysis, however a network of second- and third-degree relationships seems to be present. Notably, all male individuals share the same Y-chromosomal haplotype, common in present-day Kyrgyz groups, while mitochondrial DNA showed comparably high diversity, with distinct haplogroups observed across the analysed individuals. These findings are in line with archaeological and ethnographic evidence of patrilocality in Early Iron Age Saka, where male lineages remained stable across generations, while female mobility contributed to genetic diversity. Our study complements our understanding of the interplay between kinship, social organisation and population history in nomadic cultures.
Robustly enhancing crop genomic prediction accuracy through ensemble learning and iterative optimization
Adenosine triphosphate regulates metastatic behaviors of oral squamous cell carcinoma cells
Engineering ion migration and interface chemistry via covalent organic framework-enhanced polymer electrolytes for fast-charging sodium solid-state batteries
Abstract Solid-state sodium batteries offer a promising route toward safe and cost-effective energy storage, yet their practical implementation remains limited by the difficulty of coupling fast ion transport with stable electrode–electrolyte interfaces, especially under fast-charging and long-cycling conditions. Here we report a covalent organic framework/poly(sodium acrylate-co-fluorinated ethylene) (COF/PNSE) composite electrolyte developed through synergistic structural and chemical regulation. The aligned nanoporous COF provides continuous Na⁺ transport pathways while mechanically reinforcing the PNSE matrix, delivering an ionic conductivity of 1.2 mS cm −1 at 30 °C. This integrated electrolyte enables robust Na metal compatibility, as demonstrated by symmetric Na cells operating for 6,750 h with low polarization of 85 mV and a critical current density of 1.9 mA cm −2 . Na | |Na 2/3 Ni 1/3 Mn 2/3 O 2 batteries deliver 82.5 mAh g −1 at 1 A g −1 and retain 77.2% capacity after 1,000 cycles at 100 mA g −1 , while maintaining 92.7% retention at 4.2 V over 180 cycles and 83.5% retention at 1 A g −1 over 2,000 cycles. Ah-level pouch cells further retain 87.3% capacity after 488 cycles at 1 A. Mechanistic analyses reveal that the COF framework guides uniform Na deposition and promotes dual-gradient NaF/Na 2 O-rich interphases, suppressing dendrite growth and stabilizing both electrodes. These findings inform future composite electrolyte design for solid-state sodium batteries.
Conditioning-adapted methotrexate in cord blood transplantation for high-risk acute myeloid leukemia: a nationwide Japanese cohort analysis
Relaxor-like ferroelectric response and achiral–chiral switching in an amorphous molecular solid
Association between hemispheric lateralization and 12-month stroke recurrence and mortality following ischemic stroke: a multicenter retrospective cohort study
Histone Acetylation Differentially Modulates CTCF-CTCF Loops and Intra-TAD Interactions
Abstract The cohesin complex structures the interphase genome of human cells by extruding loops and organizing topologically associating domains (TADs), yet how chromatin state regulates cohesin-chromatin interactions remains unclear. Here, we show that histone hyperacetylation induced by trichostatin A (TSA) selectively disrupts short-range intra-TAD interactions while largely preserving CTCF-anchored loops. These distinct responses define two functional cohesin populations: a TSA-sensitive pool associated with dynamic loop extrusion, and a TSA-resistant pool at CTCF sites maintained by topological entrapment. Using a semi-in vitro system with TEV-cleavable RAD21, we demonstrate that hyperacetylation increases the sensitivity of CTCF-anchored loops to cohesin ring cleavage, supporting a topological basis for their stability. We further identify a TSA-sensitive cohesin fraction at CTCF sites, suggesting transient, non-encircling intermediates. Together, our results reveal that cohesin exists in distinct biochemical states that differentially regulate chromatin loop stability and responsiveness to epigenomic perturbation.
Quantifying the impact of air conditioner waste heat on neighbourhood scale microclimate and building energy demand in hypothetical urban blocks
Abstract With the advent of ongoing population growth and rapid urbanization, building density has increased significantly. This trend has been responsible for increased urban temperatures and thus resulting in higher reliance on air-conditioning (AC) systems. Although these systems improve indoor comfort, they also release waste heat into the outdoor environment. This waste heat can worsen the urban microclimate and thus represents a hidden thermal cost of AC. This study investigates the influence of AC waste heat on neighbourhood-scale microclimate using an uncoupled computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and building energy modelling framework. The study utilises a hypothetical urban area consisting of 16 buildings under the hot semi-arid climate of Rajkot, Gujarat, India. A total of six air conditioner deployment scenarios with different condenser locations were analysed to evaluate heat build-up and its impact on cooling energy demand. The results indicate that façade-mounted AC systems can increase pedestrian-level temperatures, with interior street canyons warming by more than 1 ℃ due to limited airflow and heat trapping. In contrast, rooftop-mounted systems allowed heat to disperse more effectively and resulted in lower heat accumulation within the canyons. These changes in the urban microclimate also affected building cooling demand, with façade-mounted configurations increasing annual cooling energy consumption by up to 2113.6 kWh, whereas rooftop installations limited the increase to about 513.6 kWh. To assess the combined thermal and energy impacts of AC waste heat, an Urban Cooling Energy Penalty (UCEP) metric was developed. The UCEP values ranged from 0.65 for rooftop-mounted configurations to 11.94 for façade-mounted configurations. These findings suggest that AC condenser placement can influence thermal conditions and cooling energy demand and may therefore be considered in urban planning and building design.