Browse Articles

The H3K4 methyltransferase KMT2D is an essential cofactor for GATA1 at erythroid gene enhancers

Correction: Impact of aging on acute myeloid leukemia epidemiology and survival outcomes: A real-world, population-based longitudinal cohort study

The effect of sex and slaughter age on the quality of the breast muscle (Pectoralis major) in pheasants housed in aviaries

A human-specific microRNA controls the timing of excitatory synaptogenesis

Abstract Neural circuit development in the human cortex is considerably prolonged in comparison to non-human primates, a trait that contributes to the remarkable cognitive capacity of modern humans. Here, we explore the regulatory role of non-coding RNAs, which dramatically expanded during brain evolution, in synapse development of human induced pluripotent stem-cell derived neurons. We found that inhibition of a human-specific microRNA, miR-1229-3p, alters the trajectory of human neuronal maturation and enhances excitatory synaptic transmission. Transcriptome analysis following miR-1229 knockdown revealed a downregulation of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encoded genes. We further show that miR-1229 regulates mitochondrial morphology, mtDNA abundance as well as mitophagy, and that stimulation of mitochondrial metabolism rescues decreased calcium buffering in miR-1229-3p depleted neurons. Accordingly, miR-1229 directly targets an entire network of genes involved in mitochondrial function and ER-associated protein homeostasis. Our findings reveal an important function of human-specific miR-1229-3p in developmental timing of human synaptogenesis and generally implicate non-coding RNAs in the control of human connectivity and cognition.

Enhancing data completeness in time series: Imputation strategies for missing data using significant periodically correlated components

Missing data in periodic time series can bias inference when temporal dependence is not preserved during imputation. We propose a framework that integrates the Variable Bandpass Periodic Block Bootstrap (VBPBB) with multiple imputation using Amelia II by incorporating statistically significant periodic components as auxiliary covariates. Performance was evaluated using simulated missingness in temperature time series data with seasonal structure under a Missing at Random (MAR) mechanism. Imputation accuracy was assessed using Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) and Mean Absolute Error (MAE), comparing Amelia II models with and without VBPBB-derived periodic covariates. Incorporating periodic components reduced RMSE and MAE by approximately 55%, indicating improved reconstruction of seasonal patterns. These results suggest that preserving periodic dependence can enhance imputation performance in time series with strong seasonal structure.

Atomically Dispersed Mn Synergized With LiBaH ₃ on MgO Enables Efficient Ammonia Synthesis via an H ⁻ Assisted N ₂ Dissociation Mechanism

ABSTRACT Ammonia is an essential chemical feedstock and a promising hydrogen energy carrier, motivating the development of efficient ammonia synthesis catalysts. However, scaling relations fundamentally limit conventional transition metal‐based catalysts, rendering strongly N 2 ‐binding metals such as Mn ineffective due to sluggish hydrogenation. Herein, we demonstrate that atomically dispersed Mn (Mn 1 ) anchored on the ternary hydride LiBaH 3 (LiBaH 3 ─Mn 1 ) enables efficient ammonia synthesis via an H − ion‐assisted N 2 dissociation mechanism. The MgO supported LiBaH 3 ─Mn 1 catalyst (LiBaH 3 ─Mn 1 /MgO) exhibits an ammonia synthesis rate two orders of magnitude higher than that of manganese nitride and exceeds the benchmark Cs─Ru/MgO catalyst by a factor of 2.5 at 400°C, representing a state‐of‐the‐art performance among group 4–7 transition metal–based catalysts. Mechanistic investigations reveal that Mn 1 serves as the active site for N 2 adsorption, while H − ions from LiBaH 3 further activate the adsorbed *N 2 through a reductive protonation process to form *N 2 H intermediates. Subsequent N─N bond cleavage of *N 2 H yields surface nitride (Mn─N) and imide (*NH) species on the LiBaH 3 ─Mn 1 surface. This H − ion‐assisted N 2 dissociation pathway fundamentally overcomes the intrinsic limitations of bulk Mn, transforming it into an efficient metal for ammonia synthesis.

Breaking the activity-selectivity dilemma in direct electrocatalytic hydrogenolysis of furfural into furanic biofuel

Behind the screen: Unraveling the role of perceived closeness difference in shaping viewers’ engagement behaviors

Viewer engagement is central to the live-streaming economy. While existing literature primarily examines the dyadic relationship between a viewer and a streamer, it largely overlooks the social context: viewers simultaneously witness the streamer’s real-time interactions with peers. Drawing on Leader-Member Exchange (LMX) differentiation and Social Comparison Theory, we introduce Perceived Closeness Difference (PCD), defined as the cognitive gap between a viewer’s perceived closeness to the streamer and their perception of a peer’s closeness. Across six experimental studies ( N  = 1,980), we examine how PCD is associated with engagement behaviors. Study 1 shows that witnessing a streamer favor a peer (Negative PCD) is associated with lower engagement, whereas witnessing peer rejection (Positive PCD) is associated with higher engagement, partly mediated by participants’ subjectively measured PCD scores. Studies 2 and 3 identify boundary conditions, indicating that these effects are stronger in emotional (vs. utility) contexts and among more emotionally oriented viewers. Study 4 shows that the pattern varies with the peer’s group identity (in-group vs. out-group). Study 5 indicates that PCD is more strongly related to public/social engagement (e.g., commenting) than to private/financial engagement. Finally, Study 6 links PCD to long-term loyalty via perceived streamer trustworthiness. Together, these findings extend one-and-a-half-sided relationship perspectives and offer implications for community management in interactive media.

Supramolecular Near‐Infrared Photocatalysts for Efficient and Oxygen‐Tolerant Aqueous RAFT Polymerization

ABSTRACT Near‐infrared (NIR) photocontrolled polymerization in aqueous media is promising for bioapplications. However, it typically suffers from low polymerization efficiency and requires high catalyst loadings due to the aggregated nature of the photocatalyst. Herein, we report a supramolecular strategy to overcome this limitation via host–guest complexation between an anionic photocatalyst and a cationic macrocycle. Spectroscopic and computational studies confirmed the formation of stable 1:1 host–guest complexes via synergistic electrostatic, π‐π, and hydrophobic interactions. Supramolecular complexation effectively suppresses photocatalyst aggregation and significantly enhances oxygen tolerance and reaction kinetics, enabling high‐throughput, open‐to‐air NIR‐mediated reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerizations to be conducted in aqueous media with excellent control over molecular weight and dispersity. High conversions and low dispersities were achieved even for polymerizations conducted through thick porcine tissue barriers, demonstrating excellent NIR penetration depth. This work provides a versatile supramolecular approach to enhancing photocatalyst performance, highlighting new avenues for precision polymer synthesis under biologically relevant conditions.

Dynamic S-acylation controls CMG2 maturation extracellular matrix regulation and anthrax toxin susceptibility in vivo

Abstract CMG2/ANTXR2 functions as a Collagen VI receptor required for extracellular matrix homeostasis and as the primary portal for anthrax toxin entry. Mutations in CMG2 cause Hyaline Fibromatosis Syndrome (HFS), a rare and often fatal genetic disorder characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation, yet the molecular mechanisms regulating CMG2 function remain poorly understood. We show that CMG2 is controlled by ordered cycles of S-acylation and deacylation that regulate its folding, trafficking, and signalling competence. S-acylation by ZDHHC7 on two juxtamembrane cysteines protects CMG2 from ER-associated degradation by stabilizing folding intermediates, leading to a ~ 5-fold increase in folded receptors competent for ER exit. In the Golgi, ZDHHC3-dependent acylation of a third cysteine promotes Arf6-mediated CMG2 transport to the plasma membrane, where it exerts its functions. Ligand binding triggers recruitment of the thioesterase APT2, which enables release of CMG2 from the actin cytoskeleton and endocytosis, linking extracellular recognition to intracellular signalling and uptake. Inhibition of APT2 reduces Collagen VI turnover and strongly attenuates anthrax toxin toxicity in a zebrafish model, showing lipidation cycles as regulators of receptor function and potential therapeutic targets.

Selecting suitable entities to implement blockchain in green agricultural supply chains

Blockchain implementation in green agricultural supply chains can be undertaken independently by manufacturers or retailers or jointly by both in industrial practices. However, most existing studies predesignate implementation entities artificially and largely ignore firms’ endogenous economic willingness, which restricts the practical explanatory capability. Addressing this research gap, this study systematically explores firms’ implementation willingness and the optimal selection of blockchain implementers in green agricultural supply chains, thereby offering targeted decision-making insights for blockchain policymakers and industrial practitioner. Four game-theoretic models are constructed involving entities: none, retailer-only, manufacturer-only, and both. By comparing the equilibrium outcomes of different game models, this study employs the dual thresholds of deployment costs and operational costs to quantitatively evaluate the economic willingness of supply chain entities to implement blockchain. Different from prior studies that treat blockchain implementers as exogenous and only consider a single cost dimension, this paper endogenizes firms’ blockchain implementation decisions based on economic intentions and establishes a dual-cost threshold framework to categorize and identify the optimal implementer under different scenarios, and illustrate the results with a case study. The key findings are concluded as follows. First, economic willingness varies within thresholds. Manufacturers and retailers may take the initiative to implement blockchain regardless of their partners’ behavior, or act reactively by following their partners; beyond the thresholds, they refuse to implement it. Second, entity selection varies across scenarios. Under moderately high dual costs, independent retailer implementation is optimal; under balanced costs, manufacturers may implement alone. Extremely high operational costs lead to no willing implementer, while extremely high deployment costs require joint implementation. Third, the likelihood of implementation modes differs substantially within thresholds. The most likely scenario is retailers’ independent implementation, the least likely is manufacturers’ independent implementation, with joint implementation in between. Beyond these thresholds, no entity implements it at all, a situation accounting for over 50% in the case study. Methodologically, this paper applies global optimization rather than the local optimization strategy with fixed designated implementer settings in previous studies, effectively capturing the internal economic motivation driving voluntary blockchain implementation in green agricultural supply chains.

Electrochemically‐Triggered Spin Switching Enables Anti‐Passivation of Active Sites in Lithium–Sulfur Catalytic Chemistry

ABSTRACT The irreversible accumulation of insulating Li 2 S in lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) constitutes a central bottleneck that triggers active‐site passivation and performance degradation of catalytic materials. To address the long‐standing challenge faced by conventional steady‐state catalysts in simultaneously balancing sulfur conversion kinetics and long‐term stability, we propose a spin‐state‐programmable dynamic catalysis strategy. Herein, Zero‐strain Wadsley–Roth phase TiNb 2 O 7 is employed as a model system. Through a customized catalytic stability evaluation protocol combined with in situ characterization and multiscale kinetic analysis, a π–electron feedback mechanism induced by a reversible Ti 4+ /Ti 3+ transition within the operating voltage window of LSBs is revealed. This mechanism directionally regulates the occupation of Li–S antibonding states of Li 2 S, thereby promoting reversible Li 2 S dissociation and suppressing interfacial passivation. Enabled by this mechanism, the LSBs maintains 94.6% capacity retention over 240 cycles even at an extreme temperature of −33°C. Furthermore, an energy density of 560 Wh kg −1 is achieved in pouch cells, which operate stably for 100 cycles. Our study establishes a new materials design principle and mechanistic foundation for simultaneously enhancing activity and stability in sulfur conversion catalytic chemistry.

Correction: Correction: Intravenous thrombolysis for acute central retinal artery occlusion: Protocol for a systematic review and individual participant data meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Automated Dynamic Flow Experimentation for Rapid Kinetic Fitting of Transition Metal Catalysis

ABSTRACT Automated flow platforms are well‐established in the context of chemical reaction optimization leveraging techniques such as Design of Experiments and self‐optimization. However, the development of such platforms in the context of kinetic investigations proves challenging, as an underlying mechanistic model needs to be identified. In order to address these challenges, we have developed an automated dynamic flow experimentation platform to automatically fit and identify the most accurate model. The effectiveness of this platform was successfully demonstrated on three complex transition metal catalyzed transformations (Buchwald‐Hartwig reaction, Re‐catalyzed oxygen atom transfer and Cu‐catalyzed C─H activation), automatically performing dynamic flow experiments, automatically fitting the kinetic parameters and independently identifying the appropriate kinetic model from a set of candidates. The obtained models were subsequently optimized using multi‐objective Bayesian optimization and both Pareto‐optimal and non‐Pareto‐optimal points from each of the models were seamlessly transferred to continuous flow to validate the workflows efficacy.

Correction: Bone quality, mineral density, and fractures in heart failure

Skeletal Rearrangement of Indazoles to Indoles With α‐Trifluoromethyl Diazosilanes

ABSTRACT Heterocycle interconversion represents a powerful strategy for molecular diversification. Despite its potential, the direct conversion of indazoles into indoles remains underdeveloped. Here, we report the first catalytic method for the direct transformation of indazoles to indoles, enabling the replacement of a single nitrogen atom with a trifluoromethyl‐substituted carbon within a heteroaromatic framework. The reaction employs α‐trifluoromethyldiazosilane as a carbene precursor and a copper catalyst, proceeding via N – N carbene insertion followed by a metal‐free silyl‐assisted rearrangement to achieve skeletal remodeling. This method features broad substrate scope, excellent functional group tolerance, and compatibility with complex drug molecules and gram‐scale synthesis, offering a versatile platform for late‐stage diversification.

Joint optimization of smart inverters and EV charging coordination for enhanced DG-EV hosting capacity under uncertain conditions for resilient distribution systems

The rapid growth of renewable-based distributed generation (DG) and electric vehicles (EVs) poses significant operational challenges for distribution systems (DSs), particularly under uncertainties in renewable output, load demand, and EV charging behavior. Distribution system operators must therefore evaluate and enhance both DG hosting capacity (DG-HC) and EV hosting capacity (EV-HC) while maintaining voltage security and reducing losses. This study presents a stochastic, multi-objective optimization framework that jointly coordinates smart inverter (SI)-based Volt/VAR control and EV charging scheduling to simultaneously maximize DG-HC and EV-HC and minimize active power losses and voltage deviation. The framework integrates active power management through EV charging coordination and reactive power support via optimally deployed SIs. The resulting multi-objective problem is solved using the Starfish Optimization Algorithm (SFOA) and benchmarked against three established metaheuristics. The methodology is validated on the IEEE 33-bus system and a real 59-bus distribution network in Cairo, Egypt. Results show that coordinated SI–EV control increases DG-HC and EV-HC by up to 74% and 89%, respectively, and achieves voltage deviation reductions of 55% in the IEEE 33-bus system and 11% in the Cairo DS. Comparative analysis confirms that SFOA provides superior convergence and solution quality relative to the competing techniques.

Acidic Electron Acceptors in Imine‐Linked Covalent Organic Framework for Enhanced Gas Sensing With Field‐Effect Transistor Evaluation

ABSTRACT Semiconducting covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that combine structural order with porous characteristics are promising candidates for chemiresistive sensors. Understanding carrier transport behavior and improving their electrical properties remain critical challenges due to the low intrinsic conductivity of semiconducting COFs and the difficulty of electronic device fabrication. Herein, we propose a strategy that introduces acidic electron acceptors into a semiconductive COF, Py‐1P, to modulate its electrical properties. Comprehensive characterizations confirmed charge‐transfer interactions between electron acceptors and imine bonds, achieving a chemical doping effect. The modified COF‐based chemiresistors exhibited a significantly enhanced sensing response for detecting sub‐ppm NO 2 gas, among the best reported chemiresistive sensors. The measurement of COF‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) revealed a one‐order‐of‐magnitude enhancement in mobility upon the p‐type doping, indicating the corresponding relationship between carrier density and mobility in polycrystalline COFs. These findings provide a comprehensive understanding of doping effects and carrier transport in the semiconductive COF, establishing a foundation for optimizing COF‐based electronic devices.

Perceptions and public health risks of the bat-human interface in households from fragmented rural landscapes in southern Chile

Land-use change and habitat fragmentation in southern Chile have favored synanthropic bat species, promoting their contact with domestic animals and humans, representing a potential risk of exposure. This study aimed to characterize dwellings with bat colonies in rural zones of the Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions, estimate the frequency of human–bat contact, and determine the health risk perception from residents. A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted in 69 rural dwellings. A structured survey was used to gather information on demographics, household characteristics, frequency of contacts, and risk perception. Data regarding contact levels and household attributes were evaluated using descriptive statistics and non-parametric tests. Surveyed dwellings were predominantly wooden construction, whit 67% presenting unsealed openings, and bat presence was reported in 46% of households. Higher contact levels were significantly associated with the presence of pets (dogs p = 0.0014, V = 0.69; cats p = 0.021, V = 0.5) and vulnerable residents (minors or seniors, p = 0.0014, V = 0.67). Conversely, dwelling structure did not present a clear pattern differentiating the contact level. Although 84% of respondents acknowledged disease transmission risk, primarily rabies, there was a significant gap in risk perception regarding livestock, in addition to a lack of consistent preventive actions regardless of health risk knowledge. This perception paradox requires a One Health educational approach, beyond traditional rabies management. These results highlight a high frequency of cohabitation creating significant potential for exposure and representing a potential public health concern in southern Chile.

Correction: Social determinants of vaccine hesitancy among the Lebanese parents: A cross-sectional Study