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Editorial Note: Field and laboratory assessment of larvicidal activity of tobacco plants and the cigarette butt waste on Culex pipiens (Linnaeus, 1758), Aedes aegypti (Linnaeus, 1762) L. and non-target organisms
Unveiling the Role of Hydroxyls on Catalyst Surface in CO <sub>2</sub> Hydrogenation Reaction
ABSTRACT Understanding and tailoring catalyst surface species is crucial for controlling reaction pathways and product selectivity. Herein, we demonstrate that triply bridging hydroxyl ( t OH) on ceria oxide surfaces profoundly alter the CO 2 hydrogenation pathway, shifting the major product from CO to CH 4 . Steam treatment of CeO 2 supported rhenium catalyst generates abundant t ‐OH species, leading to a tenfold increase in the CH 4 formation rate and ∼90% selectivity at 340°C and 30 bar. The operando spectroscopy combined with isotope‐labeling experiments provide direct evidences for the involvement of t ‐OH in CH 4 formation. Density functional theory calculations reveal that t ‐OH acts as a reactive proton donor, facilitating the hydrogenation of * HCOO to * HCOOH and thereby suppressing the decomposition of * HCOO to CO. Kinetic analysis further indicates that the presence of t ‐OH lowers the apparent activation energy from 118.8 kJ mol −1 to 73.2 kJ mol −1 , enabling a more efficient methanation pathway. This phenomenon is also discovered to be universal on other oxide‐supported Ni, Ru, and Rh catalysts. This work highlights the pivotal role of surface hydroxyls in CO 2 hydrogenation reaction and offers fundamental insights into engineering surface‐species to modulate product selectivity.
Joint association of estimated glucose disposal rate and a body shape index with stroke incidence
Discovery of potent low-toxicity antimicrobial peptides through diffusion modeling
Abstract The rapid emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria has created an urgent need for improved antimicrobial discovery and screening platforms. Here, we present ARCADIAMP, a generative and virtual screening platform that couples an iterative-learning discrete denoising diffusion probabilistic model with a two-stage Evolutionary Scale Modeling 2 (ESM2)-based antibacterial activity classifier to generate, classify, and prioritize potent AMPs with high activity, low toxicity, and favorable serum stability. Eight of the ten experimentally screened peptide candidates showed antimicrobial activity (MIC ≤ 32 μg/mL), while one generated candidate, Arcinin, demonstrated strong activity against ESKAPE pathogens (MIC 8–32 μg/mL), low hemolytic activity (LC 50 > 512 μg/mL for human red blood cells), and strong serum-retained activity (MIC 32 μg/mL in 50% bovine serum for four ESKAPE species). Electron microscopy, membrane depolarization assays, time-kill kinetics, and molecular dynamics simulations showed that Arcinin acts through sub-microsecond insertion and penetration consistent with the behavior of other well-known AMPs. In a bacteria-infected wound murine model, Arcinin achieved a 4-log reduction in bacterial burden, which facilitated subsequent re-epithelialization and wound recovery. By framing antimicrobial discovery as an AI-assisted iterative optimization problem, ARCADIAMP links activity, toxicity, and efficacy and provides a scalable template for discovering therapeutically promising biologics.
Measurement of public space justice in traditional villages with coexistence of old and new based on villagers’ perceptions
Rural spatial justice studies lack frameworks addressing rural–urban contextual gaps. We bridge this by proposing a three-dimensional model (recognition-distribution-participation) to quantify villagers’ spatial justice perceptions in transitional villages with old-new coexistence. Using 314 surveys across Zhushan (Hunan) and Dabitou (Guangxi), structural equation modeling (SEM) confirms the model explains 63% of variance—highlighting the interconnected nature of recognition, distribution, and participation in shaping justice perceptions, a nuance that single-dimension approaches may overlook.Key results reveal: Distributive justice (e.g., infrastructure equity) dominantly shapes perceptions (β = 0.45);Recognition justice is mediated by cultural symbols but constrained by weak revitalization; Participatory justice remains critically low due to governance deficits. Qualitative contrasts suggest how endogenous governance in Zhushan may strengthen recognition, while capital-driven monopolies in Dabitou appear to suppress participation.This study advances rural geography by:Adapting urban-centered justice theory to rural transitions;Providing a preliminary metric for spatial equity assessment in similar aging rural contexts. Findings offer context-specific insights for optimizing public space allocation in transforming villages facing comparable demographic challenges.
Machine‐Learning‐Enabled Rapid Evolution of Photoenzymes for the Asymmetric Synthesis of <i>gem</i> ‐Difluorophosphonates
ABSTRACT gem ‐Difluorophosphonates are pivotal structural motifs in pharmaceuticals and bioactive molecules. While photoenzymatic catalysis provides a powerful platform to overcome the challenges of enantioselective synthesis, engineering enzymes for non‐natural transformations remains an arduous, labor‐intensive process. Although predictive methods utilizing protein language models (PLMs) offer fitness landscape guidance, they often struggle to generalize across diverse protein families or accurately map sequence to catalytic activity. Here, we report a small‐sample, accelerated evolution strategy that integrates focused rational iterative site‐specific mutagenesis (FRISM) with the EVOLVEpro model. This synergistic approach identifies high‐activity and enantiospecific variants through structure‐based hotspot identification and active learning, requiring minimal experimental throughput. By screening only 40 variants over three evolutionary rounds, we identified four beneficial mutations whose combinations enable the synthesis of diverse fluorinated products with up to > 99% yield and 98:2 enantiomeric ratio (e.r.)—a 65% reduction in workload compared to exhaustive screening. Mechanistic investigations suggest an electron donor‐acceptor (EDA)‐complex‐free radical addition pathway, terminated by the flavin semiquinone (FMN sq ) or the active‐site residue Y343. This study provides a robust, “lightweight” machine learning framework for the rapid development of new‐to‐nature photoenzymatic transformations.
Predictive modeling of Z-shaped gate source pocket TFET using machine learning and TCAD simulation data
Abstract Tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs) are considered to be promising devices for ultra-low-power and energy-efficient applications because of their steep subthreshold swing and low leakage current. In this work, a Z-shaped Gate source pocket TFET (ZSP-TFET) is designed and modeled using an ML-assisted modeling framework for efficiently predicting its electrical performance. This device features a source based on SiGe material, a silicon channel and a Z-shaped dual-gate architecture aimed at augmenting band-to-band tunneling and improving the electrostatic control. Extensive TCAD simulations have been performed to provide a complete dataset by changing critical device parameters: Oxide thickness ( t ox ), Source pocket thickness ( t sp ), Gate Work function (WF), Channel length ( L ch ) and V GS . Corresponding output parameters are the I D and SS used to train and validate several ML regression models. Among the considered algorithms, the Random Forest Regressor (RFR) achieves much higher prediction accuracy due to its strong capability to model the nonlinear behaviour of ZSP-TFET. This proposed ML model yields a maximum R 2 score of up to 99.41% with a minimum RMSE of 0.011 for the 90–10 split in training and testing datasets, respectively, which confirms excellent agreement between the simulated and predicted results. The parameter-wise validation of I ON , I OFF , and SS with regard to L ch , t ox , t sp , and WF variations returns an R 2 value above 0.99 for each case, which further establishes the robustness and reliability of the model performance. Moreover, comparative analysis among other ML algorithms establishes the efficacy of the applied RFR approach in predicting more accurate TFET performance. In this respect, the accomplished ML-assisted approach could reduce the computational cost significantly without sacrificing the accuracy of prediction. Therefore, this will be a strong tool for optimization and fast analyzing advanced TFET architectures such as ZSP-TFET.
IL-6-induced C/EBPα drives follicular regulatory T cell differentiation to regulate humoral immunity in mice
Morphology and phylogeny of Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. in Iran
Mangrove forests along the Iranian coast of the Persian Gulf are valuable both economically and for biodiversity. The main tree species in these forests is Avicennia marina (Forssk.) Vierh. The habitats of this species in Iran are separated by several thousand kilometers from other populations worldwide. Although introgressive hybridization is common in this species, no morphological study has evaluated this issue in Iranian populations. This study investigated the morphological variation of Iranian A. marina and used sequencing of ITS regions to infer phylogenetic relationships Iranian A. marina populations and other Avicennia species. Morphological analyses based on pollen grains and internodes have shown differences between A. marina populations which is the main species of the mangrove forests of Iran and a new population was identified, which is here described as A. marina subsp. australis . The phylogenetic analysis based on the ITS region confirmed the monophyly of Iranian populations and secondary analysis of ITS2 has moderate support from the two populations detected in the present study. Divergence time estimates suggest these lineages separated during the Pliocene-Pleistocene transition, likely due to climatic fluctuations and sea-level changes.
Perylenocarbazole‐Based Polycyclic Aromatic Self‐Assembled Monolayers with Tailored Electrostatic Potentials for High‐Performance Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
ABSTRACT The development of universal hole‐transporting layers for organic and perovskite solar cells (OSCs/PSCs) remains challenging due to the lack of molecular strategies that precisely control interfacial energetics, molecular packing, and active layer morphology. Here, we report an electrostatic potential (ESP)‐guided approach to construct nitrogen‐containing polycyclic aromatic self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) that address this challenge. By integrating a rigid, planar perylenocarbazole (PCz) core with extended π‐conjugation, alkyl chain optimization, and bromination, we designed two novel SAMs, 4PCzBr and 6PCzBr, with precisely tailored ESP distributions. Compared to conventional carbazole‐based SAMs, these designs substantially elevate the average ESP, strengthen intermolecular π–π interactions, and promote dense, ordered monolayer formation on ITO, thereby enhancing work function alignment and hole extraction. Interestingly, the elevated ESP of 6PCzBr strengthens electrostatic interactions with the donor PM6, driving preferential donor crystallization at the buried interface and establishing an ideal vertical phase separation for efficient charge transport. Leveraging this synergy, 6PCzBr‐based OSCs deliver an outstanding efficiency of 20.16%, while inverted PSCs achieve a remarkable efficiency of 26.20% with decent operation stability. This work establishes ESP‐engineered polycyclic aromatic SAMs as a versatile interfacial platform bridging organic and perovskite photovoltaics, offering a broadly applicable molecular design paradigm for high‐efficiency and stable solar cells.
Multifunctional properties of iron oxide nanorod-reinforced hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/chitosan biopolymer electrolytes for energy storage applications
Abstract Biodegradable hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/chitosan (HPMC/Cs) polymer electrolytes reinforced with iron oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) nanorods were fabricated via a solution casting method, and their structural, optical, dielectric, and ion transport properties were investigated. XRD and FTIR analyses confirmed strong interfacial interactions between Fe 2 O 3 nanorods and HPMC/Cs matrix, resulting in reduced crystallinity and enhanced amorphous content, which facilitates ion mobility. UV–Vis spectroscopy showed a gradual narrowing of both indirect and direct optical band gaps, due to the formation of localized states and an increase in structural disorder. Dielectric measurements revealed high dielectric constants (ε′) up to ~ 3400 for the sample containing 4.0 wt% Fe 2 O 3 . Nyquist plots and equivalent-circuit modeling depressed decreased bulk resistance and improved interfacial capacitance, confirming improved ionic conduction. These synergistic improvements demonstrate that Fe 2 O 3 nanorods significantly enhance polymer–filler interactions, structural disorder, and ion transport within the HPMC/Cs matrix. The resulting nanocomposite electrolytes exhibit improved dielectric and ionic properties, making them promising candidates for flexible energy storage and eco-friendly electronic applications.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis displays distinct colonic mucosa topography yet a shared mast cell state with ulcerative colitis
Abstract Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic, progressing cholestatic disease that often co-occurs with inflammatory bowel disease (PSC-IBD). PSC-IBD affecting the colon (PSC-ulcerative colitis or PSC-UC) resembles clinical UC, but is characterised by less severe disease flares, right-colon predominance, and a greater lifetime risk of colorectal cancer than UC alone. To elucidate differences in the underlying biology between PSC-UC and UC, here we combine single-cell mRNA and antigen receptor sequencing, 16S ribosomal RNA gene analysis and spatial transcriptomics on biopsies from four colon regions of patients with PSC-UC and UC during endoscopic remission or at the time of relapse. We show that the PSC-UC colon, compared to healthy control (HC) or UC colon, harbours distinct and region-specific mucosal-adherent microbial communities and an enrichment of activated CD8 T and γδ T cells at the right colon, even in the absence of histological inflammation. By contrast, a TMEM176B + mast cell population that may be pro-tumourigenic is enriched in the colon during disease relapse in both PSC-UC and UC colon. These results highlight that the PSC-UC and UC colonic mucosa are fundamentally different while sharing similar cell programmes during active disease. Our data thus provide insights to guide tailored clinical management and precision therapies.
Genotype-specific root morphology and metabolic traits shape bacterial communities and tolerance to Fusarium root rot in wheat
Plant genotype plays a critical role in shaping root-associated microbiota and in modulating plant tolerance to soilborne diseases such as Fusarium root rot (FRR). In this study, we investigated how four wheat ( Triticum aestivum ) varieties, with differing tolerance to FRR, influence the composition and structure of bacterial communities in the rhizosphere and root endosphere. In the current study evaluated root traits that may contribute to the genotype-specific assembly of bacterial communities across the four wheat genotypes. The variety Concret exhibited the highest FRR tolerance, whereas Pilier was the most susceptible. Analyses of root morphology revealed significant genotype-dependent differences in root length and volume. Notably, traits associated with the tolerant genotype were positively correlated with the abundance of key beneficial bacterial genera in the rhizosphere, including Bacillus , Lysobacter , and Sphingomonas . Untargeted metabolomics identified 879 features, with 20 key metabolites distinguishing the wheat genotypes, including alkaloids, benzoate derivatives, and benzoxazinoid-derived compounds. Correlation analysis revealed significant relationships between these root metabolites and key bacterial taxa. This findings demonstrate that wheat genotypes influence the assembly of the root microbiota through genotype-based morphological and metabolic traits, providing valuable insights into the specific root traits that wheat genotypes can leverage to modulate the plant microbiome and enhance disease resistance.
Reactivity‐Controlled Aluminum (III)‐Based Electrolyte Enables Year‐Long Stable Metal Anodes
ABSTRACT Traditional aluminum (Al) electrolytes are limited by the strong corrosivity and monovalent carriers ( e.g ., AlCl 4 – and Al 2 Cl 7 – ), preventing rechargeable Al‐metal batteries from long‐cycling stability and high energy density. Electrolytes composed of simple salts and organic solvents offer non‐corrosive properties and trivalent Al 3+ carriers, but their practical application is hampered by passivation issues and sluggish de‐solvation/diffusion kinetics. These two types of electrolytes exhibit fundamentally different reactivity modes: corrosion‐dominated destructive reactivity versus passivation‐dominated blocking reactivity. Here, we propose a reactivity‐control strategy that leverages the controlled corrosivity of organochlorine co‐solvents to rejuvenate passivation‐dominated simple‐salt‐based electrolyte systems. These reactivity‐controlled electrolytes not only support trivalent Al 3+ carriers but also avoid the extreme reactivity of passivation or corrosion. Consequently, they enable Al plating/stripping at a low overpotential of about 0.5 V (vs. over 5.0 V for blank) and achieve an ultra‐long cycling lifespan exceeding 8760 h (365 days).
Durability prediction of external thermal insulation composite systems – ETICS on the example of masonry multi-storey buildings
Large-area two-dimensional MoO3 as a high-κ dielectric for van der Waals integration
Abstract Large-area high-quality dielectrics are essential for the integration of two-dimensional (2D) transistors. However, this integration remains challenging, especially for conventional dielectrics that require deposition processes. Adopting van der Waals (vdW) dielectrics is attractive. Molybdenum trioxide (α-MoO 3 ) has been demonstrated as a vdW dielectric in 2D field-effect transistors (FETs), but previous demonstrations showed limited performance and small size. Here, we grow large-area single-crystalline MoO 3 with uniform thickness and explore its properties as a dielectric. Single-crystalline MoO 3 reaches the millimeter scale and maintains a high dielectric constant of ~ 18.5, low gate leakage of approximately 10 −2 A cm −2 at 3.0 MV cm −1, and a large breakdown field of ~ 26.75 MV cm −1 . Top-gated molybdenum disulfide (MoS 2 ) transistors exhibit an average subthreshold swing of ~ 71 mV dec −1 , and an on/off current ratio exceeding 10 8 . Furthermore, we demonstrate MoO 3 -based integrated circuits and low-power complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) inverters.
Scaling field pea technology in dryland areas through a cluster approach: The case of Waghimra zone, Ethiopia
Adoption of improved crop technologies is widely recognized as essential for enhancing agricultural productivity, yet their validation under real farming conditions remains limited. The scaling trial was aimed to provide an interesting agronomic challenge through introducing a new technology that contradicts the established local field production practice. The trial was conducted over four consecutive production years (2019–2022) involving 109 (22 female) purposively selected farmers who managed a collective 32.5 ha of farmland. The farmers were strategically selected to promote the dissemination of new technologies, create demand, strengthen stakeholder linkages, and establish a sustainable technology multiplication system in the area. The comprehensive quantitative and qualitative data were collected and analyzed using proper statistical methods. The results demonstrated that the improved field pea technology was provided a 71.1% yield advantage compared to the existing local practices. With continuous expert support, 75% of farmers applied the full technology package, although 62.5% perceived it as labor-intensive, particularly during planting and thinning stages. Despite this, 95.9% of participants expressed a strong interest in cultivating the new technology in the future. Farmer-to-farmer diffusion was evident, with 1520 kg of improved seed distributed by 75% of involved farmers and stakeholders to non-participant but interested farmers. The farmers and stakeholders who attended different field days were also impressed and committed to adopting the new technology, recognizing its potential adaptation to moisture-deficient areas. These findings hence confirm the agronomic and social viability of the new technology. Therefore, it is recommended that scaling up and out of this improved field pea technology in similar areas be facilitated by the establishment of viable seed-multiplying cooperatives and strengthened stakeholder linkages.
Harnessing the Reactivity of Sulfinate Salts With Cystine: An Umpolung Approach to Residue‐Specific Peptide Modification
ABSTRACT The first use of sulfinate salts for the late‐stage modification of peptidic disulfide bonds is reported. While the majority of cysteine‐based peptide modifications rely on the nucleophilicity of the side chain thiol functionality, umpolung approaches—exploiting instead the electrophilicity of the cystine disulfide—are underexplored. Using structurally diverse sulfinate salts, we have optimized a mild, photochemical strategy for the generation and coupling of carbon‐centered radicals with both symmetrical and electronically‐distinct, unsymmetrical cystine disulfides using high‐throughput experimentation techniques. A library of modified peptides was accessible, as confirmed by qualitative and quantitative analytical data, providing valuable insights into the matched reactivity of specific radical/disulfide substrate pairings. The method was broadly compatible with a range of unprotected amino acids, including histidine, tryptophan, and tyrosine, and can be used for the functionalization of biologically relevant peptides, as exemplified by the selective, late‐stage modification of a semaglutide analogue and the preparation of high‐value macrocyclic peptides.