Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Epigenome-wide association study of BMI and waist-to-hip ratio and their associations with dietary patterns in Korean adults
<i>anti</i> -Diastereo- and Enantioselective Ruthenium-Catalyzed C–C Coupling-Oxidative Lactonization of 1,4-Butanediol: Alkynes as Allylmetal Pronucleophiles
Local genetic sex differences in quantitative traits
Abstract Many traits show small global sex differences in genetic correlations and heritability. However, how these differences are distributed across the genome remains unknown. Here, we use LAVA to test for local genetic sex differences in genetic correlations, heritabilities, and the magnitude of genetic effects across 157 quantitative traits in the UK Biobank. Nearly every trait shows evidence for sex-dimorphic effects in at least one locus. We find that such loci can flag biological differences between the sexes. Moreover, we test for differences in the magnitude of genetic effects on the raw and the standardized scale. We show these have complementary interpretations, where only the latter scale is informative for heritability. Our results show how average metrics of genetic correlation and heritability across the whole genome can mask important variability between loci and that the scale of genetic effects needs to be considered carefully when comparing their magnitudes.
Comprehensive identification of the PEBP gene family in Vicia faba highlighting VfTFL1a variation and phenotypic insights into determinate growth
Abstract The phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein (PEBP) family regulates key plant processes including growth, development, flowering, seed germination, formation, and dormancy. Despite their importance for these processes that determine agronomical important characters, PEBP genes in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) and closely related legumes remain underexplored. This study identified 11 VfPEBP genes for the first time in Vicia faba, classifying them into MFT-like, TFL-like, and FT-like subfamilies, and examining their relationships to PEBP-genes of the legumes Pisum sativum and Vicia sativa. TFL1 homologs, crucial for growth determinacy, are an important focus for breeding to achieve a more confined flowering and maturation time. Cis-element analysis suggested VfTFL1-genes are regulated by light, hormones, and abiotic stress. Amplicon sequencing of VfTFL1a, a gene linked to shoot apical meristem fate, identified novel allelic variation but none of these could discriminate determinate from indeterminate varieties, invalidating a previously reported marker. Field trials revealed that determinate varieties of faba bean flowered later but had more uniform agronomic traits compared to indeterminate ones. These findings provide new insights into the PEBP gene family, highlighting its critical role in regulating flowering time and plant architecture in Vicia faba and underscoring its potential as a target for crop improvement.
Johnson Solid Gold Nanoclusters as Heterogeneous Visible-Light Photocatalysts for Fukuyama Indole Synthesis
In-situ self-assembly of hole transport monolayer during crystallization for efficient single-crystal perovskite solar cells
Abstract Single-crystal perovskite solar cells (SC-PSCs) are emerging as a promising technology owing to their intrinsically low defect densities, long carrier diffusion lengths, and enhanced stability compared to their polycrystalline counterpart. However, their performance has been limited by interface-related losses, particularly at the perovskite/charge transport layer, which hinders effective hole extraction and promotes non-radiative recombination. In this work, we introduce a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) deposition strategy that exploits an asymmetric substrate stack configuration during space-confined inverse temperature crystallization (SC-ITC). This configuration triggers an in-situ migration of SAM molecules from the SAM-coated substrate to the uncoated substrate, resulting in a denser and more homogeneous SAM coating than the conventional spin-coating method can achieve. The improved SAM coverage significantly enhances hole extraction. Consequently, our SC-PSCs achieved power conversion efficiency as high as 24.32%.
Real-world pharmacovigilance assessment of hepatotoxicity risk with HER2-Targeted drugs using FAERS database analysis
Why did researchers stick a duck to a rock? To show off their super glue
Induced Bioconjugation via On-Demand Isocyanate Formation
Preconditioning of sediment failure by astronomically paced weak-layer deposition
Abstract Low-strength sediment layers within continental slope strata precondition submarine sediment for failure, potentially leading to destructive tsunamis. Using geophysical and Ocean Drilling Program well data, here we show that the glide planes of widespread submarine failures in the northern South China Sea, dated to the glacial stages following the Mid-Pleistocene Transition, have higher opal content, particle size, and porosity, which reduce the undrained shear strength. Cyclic weak-layer deposition, modulated at Milankovitch time scale, was controlled by increased ocean primary productivity and sedimentation rates linked to high-amplitude sea-level fluctuations and intensified winter monsoons. This study represents an important step forward for understanding how climate influences the formation of weak layers and the stability of continental slope globally.
Short-term efficacy of peripheral nerve stimulation for essential tremor in a randomized double-blind controlled trial
Abstract Peripheral nerve stimulation (PNS) demonstrates promise for some neurological conditions. However, its effectiveness for essential tremor (ET) requires further research. In this randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial, we investigated the safety and efficacy of a single, 40-minute PNS session in ET. Eighty-eight participants (age: 63.5 [52.5, 70.3], male: 57.95%) were assigned to active PNS stimulation (n = 45) or sham procedure (n = 43). Efficacy was assessed using accelerometer-measured tremor amplitude (m/s²), clinician-rated tremor severity using the Tremor Research Group Essential Tremor Rating Assessment Scale (TETRAS), patients’ own experience with daily activities using the Bain and Findley Activities of Daily Living scale (BF-ADL), and their perceived improvement based on the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement scale (CGI-I). Assessments were conducted at baseline, immediately post-stimulation, and at multiple intervals up to 90 min (extending to 24 h for subjective outcomes). Temporal changes in outcomes over time were evaluated using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE). The effects of group, time, and their interaction (group*time) on the outcomes were subsequently assessed using GEE. GEE analyses revealed significant group*time interaction for tremor amplitude (B = − 51.61, 95%CI [− 94.60, − 8.62], p = 0.019). However, no significant group*time interactions were observed for TETRAS, BF-ADL, and CGI-I. This study indicated the effect of PNS on reducing ET amplitude. ID: IRCT20161212031362N2.
Functional interplay between condensin I and topoisomerase IIα in single-molecule DNA compaction
Impact of soil salinity on structural attributes and above ground biomass carbon in a mangrove community of a Colombian Caribbean Coast
Abstract Mangrove forests are known for their exceptional carbon storage capacity, but the influence of environmental factors on this service remains understudied. This study examines how environmental conditions shape tree community composition and carbon storage in Mallorquin Swamp, an urban mangrove ecosystem in Barranquilla, Colombia. We assessed tree composition, vegetation structure, soil pH, and salinity across 18 circular plots in areas of Low, Medium, and High salinity. Above ground biomass (AGB) and carbon stock were estimated using allometric equations and wood density databases. Our findings revealed significant salinity differences among sampling areas, especially during the dry season, while soil pH showed minimal variation. Avicennia germinans was dominant in Low salinity areas, Laguncularia racemosa in Medium salinity areas, and Rhizophora mangle in High salinity areas. Trees in Low salinity zones were notably taller and larger, contributing to significantly higher carbon stock (4098.6 Mg C) compared to Medium (104.6 Mg C) and High (1761 Mg C) salinity areas. These results underscore the importance of local environmental factors, particularly salinity, in shaping mangrove structure and carbon dynamics. Identifying such patterns is vital for guiding conservation efforts and carbon policies, particularly in urban and climate-sensitive areas, where focused management can strengthen mangrove resilience and carbon storage.
Cooperative Bimetallic Radical Catalysis Enables Asymmetric Hydrogen-Atom Transfer
CUT&Tag reveals unconventional G-quadruplex landscape in Mycobacterium tuberculosis in response to oxidative stress
Golgi retention of KIT in gastrointestinal stromal tumour cells is phospholipase D activity-dependent
Abstract A constitutively active mutant of the receptor protein tyrosine kinase KIT is a major cause of gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs). Recently, we discovered that, during biosynthetic transport, the KIT mutant (KIT mut ) is retained in the Golgi/ trans- Golgi network (TGN), where it activates downstream molecules. This retention is dependent on the phospholipase Cγ2–protein kinase D2–PI4 kinase IIIβ (PLCγ2–PKD2–PI4KIIIβ) pathway, which KIT mut activates at the Golgi/TGN. The activated cascade aberrantly recruits GGA1 and the γ-adaptin subunit of AP1, resulting in KIT mut retention in the Golgi/TGN. However, the precise mechanisms, including the mediators and effectors of the pathway, remain unclear. In humans, the phosphatidic acid-generating enzymes, phospholipase D1 (PLD1) and PLD2 are known downstream proteins of PKD. In the presence of the PLD inhibitor CAY10594, KIT mut is released from the Golgi/TGN and subsequently degraded in lysosomes, leading to signal inactivation. Knockdown experiments indicated that PLD2 plays a role in KIT mut retention. KIT mut activates PLD2 through PKD2, but not PI4KIIIβ, for Golgi/TGN retention. PLD activity is required for the association of γ-adaptin with GGA1. Therefore, the KIT–PLCγ2–PKD2 pathway separately activates PLD2 and PI4KIIIβ to recruit γ-adaptin and GGA1. Collectively, these results suggest that KIT mut retention is dependent on the activation of the PLCγ2–PKD2–PLD2 cascade in GIST cells.
Underwater glue shows its sticking power in rubber duck test
Nontrivial Spin Dynamics Synergy in a Weakly Coupled Heteroanisotropic Dysprosium Chain-Based Array
Ocean freshening near the end of the Mesozoic
Abstract Paleogeographic changes have significantly shaped ocean circulation and climate dynamics throughout Earth’s history. This study integrates geological proxies with climate simulations to assess how ocean gateway evolution influenced ocean salinity near the end of the Mesozoic (~66 Ma). Our modeling results demonstrate that 1) Central American Seaway shoaling reorganizes ocean currents, and 2) Arctic marine gateway restrictions, confining Arctic–Global Ocean exchange exclusively to the Greenland–Norwegian Seaway, drive Arctic Ocean surface freshening and southward outflow of buoyant, low-salinity waters. However, only the combined effect of these two factors leads to both Arctic freshening and increased water mass stratification in the Greenland–Norwegian Seaway, proto-North Atlantic, and the Western Tethys. This scenario aligns with Maastrichtian palynological, micropaleontological, and geochemical records from high- and low-latitude sites. Our findings highlight the profound impact of these latest Cretaceous paleogeographic reconfigurations in altering global salinity patterns, underscoring their role as key drivers of global climate dynamics.