Browse Articles

Neuroprotective effect of intraperitoneal Humanin-G in retinal degeneration of Royal College of Surgeons rats

Abstract This study aimed to examine whether Humanin-G (HNG), a mitochondrial derived peptide with cytoprotective properties, could improve the retinal function and gene expression in Royal College of Surgeons (RCS) rats with retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) dysfunction and retinal degeneration. Starting at postnatal day 21, RCS rats received twice a week intraperitoneal injection of either Low Dose HNG (0.4 mg/kg), High Dose HNG (4 mg/kg), or sham-saline for 1 or 4 weeks. Visual function was tested with electroretinography (ERG) and optokinetic testing (OKT). Then the rats were euthanized for RNA, cDNA and Quantitative Real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) analysis. The results showed that high dose HNG at 4 weeks after first injection (WAFI) was associated with the largest change in gene expression in the RPE and retina of treated animals, altering expression of genes involved in apoptosis, oxidative stress, inflammation and retinal/RPE function. At 4 WAFI, ERG showed no difference between either low or high dose of HNG and sham injection, while the visual acuity tested by OKT in rats treated with high dose HNG showed significant improvement. Our findings suggested that HNG can modulate gene expression and improve vision. Further studies are warranted to show whether HNG may be a potential treatment for retinal degeneration diseases.

A lightweight, integrated generative AI assistant for accelerated early-stage drug discovery on constrained-resource hardware

Fishery variability across distinct habitat groups in the Indian exclusive economic zone and its teleconnections to large-scale climate drivers

Choroidal thickness postural changes in healthy young adults

Effect of acid pretreatment and extraction conditions on the yield and functional properties of gelatin from goat skin

TempoCross: instance-aware sparse representation for multimodal temporal fusion in 3D detection

Thermodynamic modeling and experimental analysis of reduction of iron and nickel from oxide nickel ore

Abstract This study presents the results of thermodynamic modeling and thermal analysis of the reduction roasting process of lateritic nickel ore using coke as a carbonaceous reductant. Thermodynamic modeling was performed using version 10.0 of the HSC Chemistry software package based on the minimization of Gibbs free energy under isobaric–isothermal conditions. To evaluate the thermodynamic stability of phases, predominance diagrams of the Fe-C-O, Ni-C-O, Si-C-O, and Mg-C-O systems were constructed, and the equilibrium phase composition was determined as a function of temperature and carbon consumption. The results showed that increasing temperature and carbon reducing potential promote the sequential reduction of iron-bearing phases according to the scheme Fe 2 O 3 → Fe 3 O 4 → FeO → Fe. The most favorable conditions for magnetite formation were observed within the temperature range of 700–900 °C at moderate carbon consumption, providing favorable conditions for subsequent magnetic beneficiation. At higher temperatures and elevated carbon consumption, the probability of fayalite (Fe 2 SiO 4 ), FeO, and metallic iron formation increases. Analysis of the Ni-C-O system demonstrated that the reduction of NiO to metallic nickel proceeds most intensively at temperatures of 900–1200 °C and carbon consumption above 0.6 kg. At the same time, the silicate phases CaSiO 3 , MgSiO 3 , and Mg 2 SiO 4 retain high thermodynamic stability within the investigated temperature range. To verify the thermodynamic modeling results, thermal analysis of the lateritic nickel ore–coke mixture was performed using the simultaneous thermal analysis method. TG–DTA–DTG analysis revealed the main physicochemical transformations associated with dehydration, destruction of hydrosilicate mineral structures, reduction of iron-bearing oxides, and partial melting of the material. It was established that the presence of coke shifts several thermal effects toward lower temperatures due to the enhancement of the reducing atmosphere. The formation of a magnetic phase after thermal treatment indicates the possibility of magnetite formation during reduction roasting. The obtained results confirm the potential of reduction roasting followed by magnetic separation for improving nickel recovery from lateritic nickel ore.

Identification of a major QTL and candidate gene for flowering time in industrial hemp via BSA-seq and fine mapping

ViBioChain: a blockchain-enabled architecture for privacy-preserving, ethically governed, and explainable personalized gene editing

Unveiling GSPT1 as a crucial prognostic biomarker and therapeutic vulnerability in breast cancer

Abstract Breast cancer (BRCA) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, necessitating the identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets to overcome challenges such as treatment resistance and metastasis. In this study, we systematically characterized the multi-omic landscape of G1 to S phase transition protein 1 (GSPT1) in BRCA. Integrative bioinformatic analysis of public datasets revealed that GSPT1 mRNA and protein levels are significantly upregulated in BRCA across all clinical stages and molecular subtypes. To validate these findings, we performed immunohistochemical (IHC) staining on representative patient-derived tissue samples, which, complemented by transcriptomic analysis of diverse cell lines, confirmed this upregulation. High GSPT1 expression and its prevalent genomic alterations identified in public cohorts—particularly gene amplification observed in approximately 14% of cases—were strongly correlated with poor clinical outcomes, including diminished overall survival (OS), relapse-free survival (RFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Functional enrichment analyses indicated that GSPT1 expression is strongly associated with pathways critical for tumorigenesis, such as the cell cycle, DNA replication, and mitotic spindle organization. Furthermore, dependency analysis via the DepMap database and our experimental validation demonstrated that BRCA cells are highly dependent on GSPT1 for survival. Collectively, our findings further substantiate GSPT1 as a robust prognostic biomarker and provide translational evidence supporting its feasibility as a molecular glue-targetable vulnerability for precision oncology in BRCA.

Learning-driven MIMO channel estimation using a residual U-Net–BiLSTM–attention hybrid model

Digital twin for scenario-based design evaluation of manufacturing robotic fleets and factory layouts

Assessing unprofessional behaviors of dental students through multi-source feedback: A mixed methods analysis of engagement and influencing factors

Background Unprofessional behaviors have been identified as a hindrance to the professional identity formation of dental students. This study aimed to investigate dental students’ engagement with unprofessional behavior in a clinical setting and to explore their experiences regarding the factors influencing this behavior in dental school. Methods The sequential mixed-methods study conducted at Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences. A total of 140 dental students participated, selected through a census method. The quantitative phase focused on evaluating unprofessional behaviors among students using Multi-Source Feedback (MSF), which included assessments from clinical teachers, nurses, and self-evaluations by the students. In the qualitative phase, participants were chosen through purposeful sampling, and their experiences were explored through semi-structured interviews. Results Responses from all three groups of clinical teachers, nurses, and students showed that the highest students’ engagement with unprofessional behaviors was related to aspects of responsibility and respect. The highest engagement of unprofessional behavior was reported among junior learners (P = 0.0001) and male students (P = 0.0001). The students’ experiences were classified into a theme “disturbance of individual and systemic factors in the development of professional behaviors,” with two categories of “individualism” and “challenges of the overt and covert curriculum in professional development”. Conclusion The disruption of both individual and systemic factors has led to unprofessional behaviors at the dental school. On an individual level, issues such as a focus on profit and a reluctance to meet professional responsibilities have hindered adherence to principles of professionalism. At the systemic level, negative role models and inadequate educational requirements and training processes have also contributed to the prevalence of unprofessional behaviors among participants. Given generalizability limited to culturally similar educational contexts, other institutions may adopt MSF and targeted interventions on clinical role models and early responsibility training.

Chessboard Microneedle Array for Inflammation Regulation via Spatiotemporally Controlled Drug Delivery

ABSTRACT Excessive production of reactive oxygen species during photodynamic therapy (PDT) can exacerbate inflammation at the infection site and increase the risk of tumor metastasis, thereby posing significant challenges to treatment efficacy. In this study, a chessboard‐structured microneedle patch (HPC@PCN CMN) was designed using a micromolding technique. This design spatially separates and encapsulates photosensitizers and antioxidants within distinct fast‐ and sustained‐release microneedle systems, respectively, thereby achieving spatiotemporally ordered control of PDT and anti‐inflammatory treatment. Additionally, by adjusting the crosslinking degree of hyaluronic acid, the release rate of antioxidant drugs can be regulated, which facilitates a prolonged anti‐inflammatory effect. The results indicate that the anti‐inflammatory process of HPC@PCN CMN can alleviate inflammation by inhibiting the ATP‐P2RX4 pathway, demonstrating promising efficacy in the treatment of acne and melanoma. Overall, the developed chessboard microneedle platform is programmable, enabling not only the sequential regulation of oxidation‐antioxidation but also the potential for broader applications in drug‐delivery scenarios.

21.26% Efficiency Organic Solar Cells Enabled by Mixed Self‐Assembled Multilayers

ABSTRACT Insufficient surface coverage persists as a critical limitation for self‐assembled monolayers/multilayers (SAMs/SAMULs) in photovoltaic field. The co‐assembled SAMULs (Co‐SAMULs) strategy, which incorporates a guest self‐assembled molecule, offers an effective solution. However, the working mechanism of the guest molecule is still not fully understood. Herein, benzo[b]thien‐2‐ylboronic acid (BBA) was introduced as a guest material into the host molecule system based on (4‐(3,6‐di(thiophen‐3‐yl)‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)butyl) phosphonate (4PAThCz) to construct efficient Co‐SAMULs. We found that BBA can fused into 4PAThCz micelles rather than forming individual micelles, respectively, thereby inhibiting micelle growth. During the film‐forming process, BBA engages in synergistic adsorption with the host molecules, selectively fills the voids between host molecule and substantially improving surface coverage. Such a homogeneous and high‐quality film effectively suppresses surface defect states, enhances interfacial charge transport capacity and minimizes non‐radiative exciton recombination. As a result, a champion power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 21.26% (certificated as 20.79%) with an outstanding fill factor (FF) of 83.54% is achieved, representing the highest performances reported for organic solar cells (OSCs) to date.

Superwetting Framework Polymer Membranes Enabling Fast TFSI ⁻ Conduction for Nonaqueous Redox Flow Batteries

ABSTRACT Nonaqueous redox flow batteries (NARFBs) can overcome the voltage limitation of aqueous batteries; however, their practical application is constrained by several membrane‐related challenges, including the conductivity‐selectivity tradeoff in porous separators, poor wettability of microporous membranes, and the incompatibility of ion exchange membranes with organic electrolytes. Here, we propose framework polymer membranes and introduce a diversity‐oriented design strategy through which we have developed a microporous anion conductive membrane that is resistant to swelling and exhibits superb wettability with acetonitrile. We reveal that the enhanced affinity of robust micropores with acetonitrile allows for rapid and highly selective conduction of charge carrier ions, affording a TFSI − diffusion coefficient of 8.12 × 10 −7 cm 2 s −1 (23 times that for the weakly affinitive counterpart) and a high charge‐carrier/electrolyte selectivity of 433. The membrane thereby enables NARFBs to operate at 80 mA cm −2 under both room and sub‐zero temperatures, while maintaining a constant Coulombic efficiency of greater than 99.5% over 900 cycles, thus improving the existing performance level. This study provides insights for designing membranes tailored for electrochemical devices that utilize organic electrolytes.

Orbital and Spin Edelstein Effects in KTaO ₃ (110) Two‐Dimensional Electron Gases

ABSTRACT The orbital Edelstein effect converts an electric field into a non‐equilibrium orbital polarization, opening new opportunities for orbitronics. Although signatures of the orbital Edelstein effect have been reported, its microscopic mechanisms and quantitative validation remain underexplored. Here, by directly linking the atomic structure of (110) two‐dimensional electron gases to both their calculated and measured electronic band dispersions, we predict and provide experimental evidence for a significant orbital Edelstein contribution that governs the anisotropy of its harmonic transport response. Scanning transmission electron microscopy and electron energy‐loss spectroscopy resolve the interfacial atomic configuration, which is used as input for density‐functional calculations. Angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy then confirms the resulting band structure, which is fitted by a tight‐binding model enabling computation of the spin and orbital Edelstein responses. Harmonic magnetotransport measurements reveal an anisotropic response that cannot be accounted for within a purely spin Edelstein framework, and is quantitatively reproduced by including an orbital contribution of order 20%. Our results establish (110) as a model platform for orbitronics and demonstrate a pathway to generate and harness orbital polarization in quantum oxide systems while also offering new insights into pairing mechanisms in their superconducting state.

The collective turing test: large language models can generate realistic multi-user discussions

Abstract Large Language Models (LLMs) offer new avenues to simulate online communities and social media. Potential applications range from testing the design of content recommendation algorithms to estimating the effects of content policies and interventions. However, the validity of using LLMs to simulate conversations between various users remains largely untested. We evaluated whether LLMs can convincingly mimic human group conversations on social media. We collected authentic human conversations from Reddit and generated artificial conversations on the same topic with two LLMs: Llama 3 70B and GPT-4o. When presented side-by-side to study participants, LLM-generated conversations were mistaken for human-created content 39% of the time. In particular, when evaluating conversations generated by Llama 3, participants correctly identified them as AI-generated only 56% of the time, barely better than random chance. Our study demonstrates that LLMs can generate social media conversations sufficiently realistic to deceive humans when reading them, highlighting both a promising potential for social simulation and a warning message about the potential misuse of LLMs to generate new inauthentic social media content.

Thermal management of prismatic lithium-ion battery using mist cooling with single and multiple injections: a numerical study

Abstract Thermal management of high-discharge prismatic lithium-ion battery packs remains challenging due to their large planar heat-transfer surfaces, strong streamwise thermal gradients, and stringent temperature uniformity requirements. This study numerically investigates mist-assisted air cooling as an enhancement to conventional forced air cooling for a high-discharge (5 C) prismatic LiFePO₄ battery pack. A transient three-dimensional CFD framework that incorporates detailed spray dynamics, droplet breakup, evaporation, and two-way phase coupling is employed to compare pure air cooling with single- and multiple-mist injection configurations. Results indicate that pure air-cooling leads to a peak cell temperature of approximately 62 °C, accompanied by significant thermal nonuniformity. Single mist injection reduces the maximum temperature by 2–3 °C but exhibits limited downstream effectiveness due to vapour accumulation. In contrast, multiple mist injection achieves a peak temperature reduction of nearly 10 °C with reduced non-uniformity in temperature. Vapour mass-fraction contours reveal that distributed injection sustains evaporation along the entire flow path, mitigates boundary-layer redevelopment, and ensures uniform latent heat absorption. Transient analysis further demonstrates improved thermal stability under sustained discharge. The findings establish multiple mist injection as a lightweight, energy-efficient, and effective cooling strategy for high-rate prismatic battery thermal management.

Boosting Acidic Overall Water Splitting via Brønsted Acid Site‐Induced Bridging‐Oxygen‐Assisted Deprotonation

ABSTRACT Developing efficient and stable electrocatalysts for acidic overall water splitting is essential for proton exchange membrane water electrolysis (PEMWE), yet remains a significant challenge. In this work, Ir nanoparticles are anchored onto Fe‐doped MoO 2 , yielding a novel material (Ir/Fe–MoO 2 ) with high performance for both acidic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Fe doping stabilizes the MoO 2 lattice by forming Mo─O─Fe bonds and increases the Mo valence state, effectively suppressing over‐oxidation and dissolution. The formed Ir─O─Fe interfacial structures enable bidirectional electron transfer, lowering the Ir oxidation state to prevent deactivation and activating bridging oxygen as Brønsted acid sites. These sites facilitate the deprotonation of oxygenated intermediates via a bridging‐oxygen‐assisted deprotonation mechanism, bypassing the rate‐limiting steps of conventional adsorbate evolution pathways. As a result, Ir/Fe–MoO 2 achieves ultralow OER and HER overpotential in 0.5 M H 2 SO 4 , and a PEMWE device employing Ir/Fe–MoO 2 as both anode and cathode requires only 1.60 V to reach 500 mA cm −2 at 80°C and sustains this performance for 350 h. This work pioneers Brønsted acid sites in a Mo oxide‐based matrix, offering a new design concept for cost‐effective, highly active acidic OER and HER electrocatalysts.