Browse Articles

Regrafting submillimeter-scale ferromagnetic soft continuums

Abstract Submillimeter-scale ferromagnetic soft continuums (FSCs) own innate skills in performing desirable and delicate bending for confined space navigation, especially in biological lumens. However, such tiny structures are difficult to endow with complex designs, thereby challenging to realize more sophisticated functions for various purposes, especially in vivo therapies and manipulations. Inspired by grafting for muscles and plants, we propose submillimeter-scale FSCs that can actively divide into pieces at any region, and conversely, the pieces can actively graft to each other to form the original structure or novel shapes. We define these functions as regrafting, comprising self-division and self-mergence. Implementing regrafting implies actively switching between two opposing characteristics: sufficient continuum structural strength for steering loads and a low fracture strength for division and mergence. Therefore, we developed ferromagnetic thermoplastic soft materials to replace the widely applied thermoset materials for continuums and shed the commonly required coating layers. Being made of the ferromagnetic material family that can undergo reversible elastomer-fluid transitions, the proposed FSCs can perform arbitrary division-mergence and navigate confined spaces for multiple endoscopic tasks in one go. Endowed with enhanced flexibility and reconfigurability in situ by regrafting, the proposed FSCs may open a multifunctional path for operating a wider range of biomedical tasks.

Stable preservation and recovery of methylation marks from FTA elute cards in species with nucleated red blood cells using a customized DNA extraction method

Specialized chemically-coated paper cards, such as Flinders Technology Associates (FTA) cards, provide simple and reliable storage of nucleic acids by protecting DNA from degradation. Owed to their simplicity, FTA cards are widely used in clinical testing, forensic science and specimen archives. Originally developed for PCR-based applications that only require short DNA fragments, FTA cards are now being explored as an avenue for whole-genome and epigenetic sequencing applications. FTA cards and their corresponding DNA extraction protocols have not kept pace with advances in sequencing technologies. Because the initial protocols developed for FTA cards were geared towards applications using PCR amplification of short fragments, they typically yield low molecular weight DNA. This issue is particularly pronounced for FTA elute cards where heat-based elution at 95°C leads to DNA denaturation and fragmentation. Isolation of DNA from nucleated blood deposited onto FTA elute cards poses an additional challenge when compared to FTA classic cards, because hemoglobin is irreversibly bound to the card matrix, making the majority of DNA present in nucleated blood inaccessible. Here, we describe an easy, fast, and inexpensive protocol to extract high molecular weight DNA (>10 kb) of nucleated blood stored on FTA elute cards suitable for most genomic library preparations including those that interrogate DNA methylation. Our protocol yields a 14-fold increase in yield compared to numerous alternatives. Using our protocol, we demonstrate that high molecular weight DNA can still be extracted even after storage at ambient temperature for over a decade. Moreover, we show that DNA methylation marks are preserved on FTA elute cards, broadening the utility of FTA elute cards. This opens possibilities for (epi-)genomic studies using historical samples and enabling specimen collection where access to chemicals or cryogenic storage is limited – reducing project costs and extending collection opportunities into remote areas.

GFP-on mouse model for interrogation of in vivo gene editing

Abstract Gene editing technologies have revolutionized therapies for numerous genetic diseases. However, in vivo gene editing hinges on identifying efficient delivery vehicles for editing in targeted cell types, a significant hurdle in fully realizing its therapeutic potential. A model system to rapidly evaluate systemic gene editing would advance the field. Here, we develop the GFP-on reporter mouse, which harbors a nonsense mutation in a genomic EGFP sequence correctable by adenine base editor (ABE) among other genome editors. The GFP-on system was validated using single and dual adeno-associated virus (AAV9) encoding ABE8e and sgRNA. Intravenous administration of AAV9-ABE8e-sgRNA into adult GFP-on mice results in EGFP expression consistent with the tropism of AAV9. Intrahepatic delivery of AAV9-ABE8e-sgRNA into GFP-on fetal mice restores EGFP expression in AAV9-targeted organs lasting at least six months post-treatment. The GFP-on model provides an ideal platform for high-throughput evaluation of emerging gene editing tools and delivery modalities.

An analysis of knowledge, attitude and practice gaps in scientific buffalo husbandry

Buffalo husbandry remains vital to India’s dairy sector, yet adoption gaps hinder productivity. This study assesses knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) among 380 buffalo farmers in India, revealing critical disparities. While awareness was relatively high in key areas—heat detection (79.4%), mastitis identification (77.4%), and balanced feed (77.9%)—practice rates lagged severely (32.9–44.7%), with the widest gap in silage-making (71.5% awareness vs. 32.9% adoption, a 38.6-point deficit). Cluster analysis identified five farmer segments, highlighting adoption disparities: smallholders (36.8% of the sample) practised only 25% of techniques despite moderate knowledge, while commercial farmers (7.9%) achieved 90.5% adoption. Chi-square tests confirmed education (OR=3.4, p < 0.001) and herd size (OR=2.4, p < 0.01) as the strongest KAP predictors, with logistic regression underscoring income’s pivotal role (OR=4.3 for practices). In order to bridge gaps, the study proposes three strategies: (1) targeted training for smallholders through farmer groups, (2) subsidized input bundles (feed, minerals) paired with mobile-based advisories, and (3) market incentives for quality milk to reward adoption. Findings stress the need to replace blanket extension approaches with segmented interventions addressing structural barriers (credit, vet access) and attitudinal resistance (silage scepticism, vaccine hesitancy). Policy action should prioritize doubling frontline extension staff and integrating cooperatives with digital tools to scale solutions.

Misfit layered superconductor (PbSe)1.14(NbSe2)3 with possible layer-selective FFLO state

Assessment of economic development of central business districts – A combination multi-criteria evaluation methodology

Background The economic development of central business districts (CBDs) is a key driver of urban economic growth and enhances regional competitiveness. However, existing research predominantly focuses on macro-level analyses, lacking systematic and quantitative indicator systems for detailed evaluation of CBD economic development performance, while studies on urban office buildings or specific CBD components often neglect the broader context of the entire district. Objectives This study aims to propose a multi-criteria evaluation system to effectively evaluate the economic development performance of CBDs, and provide theoretical references for a more comprehensive evaluation of the sustainable CBD growth in other regions. Methods Firstly, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy method are proposed to determine combination weights for each indicator. The VlseKriterijumska Optimizacija Kompromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method is then introduced to rank the economic development performance of CBDs. Finally, a numerical example of Zhejiang province is carried out to validate the results by comparing its rankings with existing methods. Results and conclusion The multi-criteria evaluation of regional CBD economic development showed that the top two cities remained consistent across subjective, objective, and combined weights methods, while discrepancies in rankings for other cities were balanced by the combined weights approach. Meanwhile, minor variations in rankings highlighted the unique advantages of each method. These findings validate the effectiveness of combining subjective and objective methods for assessments. Future research should enhance data comprehensiveness and reliability through fieldwork to further improve the scientific validity of such evaluations.

Oxygen vacancy-induced strengthening and toughening in (K,Na)NbO3-based piezoceramics revealed via nanoindentation

The status in Africa of fall armyworm expressing genetic markers related to infestations of pasture, millet, alfalfa, and rice in the Americas

The establishment of the fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, in Africa is reported to have caused substantial agricultural losses since its detection in 2016 and subsequent spread into Asia and Australia by 2020. Based on the crops being infested, it appears that the population (C strain) primarily responsible for FAW infestations of corn in the Americas is widespread in Africa but there is uncertainty about the status of the R strain that targets pastures, alfalfa, millet, and rice in the United States. The two strains can only physically be distinguished by molecular markers, with single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the mitochondrial Cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) and nuclear Z-chromosome-linked Triosephosphate isomerase (Tpi) gene demonstrated to consistently identify strains in both American continents. However, the COI and Tpi markers are generally in disagreement in the Eastern Hemisphere. This together with conflicting results from whole genome SNP studies creates uncertainty about the strain composition of this invasive population. In this paper the legitimacy of the Tpi markers is supported and used to not only confirm the existence of the R strain in Africa, but to also provide evidence for the introduction of new R strain variants in western Africa since 2017. These findings have implications on the crops at risk in the Eastern Hemisphere and for understanding how the invasion of Africa by FAW occurred.

Black carbon emissions generally underestimated in the global south as revealed by globally distributed measurements

Optimizing ISO standard microbiological techniques for isolating Campylobacter from poultry samples amidst challenges from extended spectrum beta lactamase producing Escherichia coli

Isolation of zoonotic Campylobacter species has been standardized through the ISO 10272:2017 protocol. However, application of the protocol in a LMIC country failed to isolate Campylobacter due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL) producing Escherichia coli overgrowth during the Campylobacter selective enrichment phase. The aim of the study was to identify the contaminants and explore ways to mitigate them. A set of 25 non-Campylobacter contaminants isolated from chicken cecal samples grown on modified charcoal-cefoperazone-deoxycholate agar (mCCDA) during Campylobacter isolation were included. All isolates were screened for species identification and the presence of selected ESBL producing genes. Minimum inhibitory concentrations of tazobactam were measured using a microbroth dilution technique. The Campylobacter isolation protocol was then modified to inhibit the contaminants by adding the required tazobactam supplement to Preston broth or to mCCDA. All contaminants were found to be E. coli carrying at least one of the ESBL-producing genes blaTEM, blaCTX or blaSHV. The MIC of tazobactam sodium for ESBL-producing E. coli strains grown in Preston broth was at least 128 mg/L. Preston broth supplemented with tazobactam at 128 mg/L inhibited the growth of ESBL-producing E. coli but did not inhibit the growth of C. jejuni or C. coli. Interestingly, mCCDA plates supplemented with tazobactam at a much lower concentration of 4 mg/L could also prevent growth of ESBL-producing E. coli even without broth enrichment, increasing the efficiency of isolation of Campylobacter. Direct inoculation of cecal materials to mCCDA supplemented with tazobactam at 4 mg/L was recommended as the most cost-effective way to conduct Campylobacter surveillance targeting the cecal matrix instead of directly following ISO 10272:2017 protocol.

Collapse of density wave and emergence of superconductivity in pressurized-La4Ni3O10 evidenced by ultrafast spectroscopy

Uncovering locomotor learning dynamics in people with Parkinson’s disease

Locomotor learning is important for improving gait and balance impairments in people with Parkinson’s disease (PD). While PD disrupts neural networks involved in motor learning, there is a limited understanding of how PD influences the time course of locomotor learning and retention. Here, we used a virtual obstacle negotiation task to investigate whether the early stages of PD affect the acquisition and retention of locomotor skills. On Day 1, 15 participants with PD (Hoehn and Yahr Stage 1–2) and 20 age-matched controls were instructed to achieve a specified level of foot clearance while repeatedly stepping over two different virtual obstacles on a treadmill. We assessed online performance improvement on Day 1 and overnight retention after at least 24 hours on Day 2. We used a hierarchical Bayesian state-space model to estimate the learning rate and the degree of interference between the two obstacles. There was a 93% probability that people with PD learned the locomotor skill faster than controls, but there was limited evidence of group differences in interference between the two heights of obstacles. Both groups improved their performance to a similar magnitude during skill acquisition and performed similarly during retention on Day 2. Notably, a slower learning rate was associated with greater online performance improvement, while lower interference was linked to better overnight retention, and this effect was strongest for the control group. These results highlight that people with early-stage PD retain the ability to use multisensory information to acquire and retain locomotor skills. In particular, our finding that people with early-stage PD learned faster than age-matched controls may reflect the emergence of compensatory motor learning strategies used to offset early motor impairments in people with PD.

Revealing polymerisation defects and formation mechanisms in aldol condensation for conjugated polymers via high-resolution molecular imaging

Abstract Aldol condensation is a crucial synthetic reaction in organic chemistry, particularly valued for fabricating conjugated polymers without the use of metals or toxic organostannanes. However, due to the lack of reliable and precise analytical methods, no direct evidence of the microstructure and sequence of synthesised polymers has been obtained, limiting control over their structure and performance. Here, by combining electrospray deposition and scanning tunnelling microscopy (ESD-STM), we analyse sub-monomer resolution images of four different n -type polymers produced via aldol condensation, revealing unexpected defects in both the sequence of (co)monomers and their coupling. These defects, observed across all polymer samples, indicate alternative side reaction pathways inherent to aldol condensation. Our findings not only uncover the reaction mechanism responsible for these defects but also bring new insights for the design of more effective synthetic pathways to minimise structural defects in conjugated polymers.

Carboxylic ligands and their influence on the structural properties of PbTe quantum dots

We present a low-cost, straightforward, and tunable hot-injection method for synthesizing PbTe quantum dots (QDs). By incorporating short-chain carboxylic acids—hexanoic acid (HexA), heptanoic acid (HepA), and acetic acid (AcA)—alongside oleic acid (OA), we controlled QD morphology and size within the range of 13–17 nm. The resulting QDs exhibited a well-defined cuboctahedral shape and a core-shell structure, consisting of a crystalline core and an amorphous shell. Morphology and growth behavior were strongly influenced by precursor composition, ligand ratio, and steric hindrance. Compared to QDs synthesized with longer-chain acids (lauric (LA), decanoic (DA), and octanoic acids(OctA)), which produced multiple shapes, the use of shorter ligands led exclusively to uniform cuboctahedral nanocrystals. PbTe QDs are typically reported as cubic when their size exceeds 10 nm. In contrast, our method consistently produces cuboctahedral structures in this size range. QDs were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). These findings open a route toward controlled shape engineering of PbTe QDs for future applications in quantum optics, infrared detectors, and thermoelectrics.

Photocatalytic C(sp3)–C(sp3) cross-coupling of carboxylic acids and alkyl halides using a nickel complex and carbon nitride

Abstract Developing robust catalytic methods for constructing C( sp 3 )–C( sp 3 ) bonds is critically important for synthesizing a diverse array of drug molecules. However, this type of reaction poses significant challenges from a chemical standpoint due to issues with regioselectivity, functional group tolerance and complex catalyst design. Current metallaphotoredox approaches do not provide a viable solution because they rely on expensive, toxic, and rare iridium-based photocatalysts, severely limiting their widespread application. In this study, we introduce carbon nitride nanosheets as an efficient and sustainable alternative to traditional photocatalysts. When combined with nickel, carbon nitride nanosheets facilitates the cross-coupling of alkyl halides and carboxylic acids. Our results demonstrate a broad substrate scope and highlight the recyclability of the photocatalyst. Density functional theory calculations provide molecular insights into the role of the catalytic system in facilitating photodecarboxylation and subsequent C–C bond formation. This work expands the potential of photoredox chemistry, and offers a novel method for efficient, industrially relevant light-to-chemical conversion processes.

How can health systems sustain lessons drawn from emergency contexts? Evidence from Colombia

The Covid-19 pandemic demanded rapid adaptation to health systems internationally, but little is known about the sustained value of the approaches to learning adopted. How does ongoing environmental turbulence influence the lessons drawn from health system responses to pandemics? To address this question, we engage with, and further develop, Levitt and March’s highly cited perspective on experiential learning by analyzing Colombian healthcare professionals’ experiences gathered during semi-structured interviews. Interviews included representatives of national government, service providers, administrative staff, clinicians, including physicians and nurses, professional associations, and academics. Aspects from the macro, meso, and micro contexts associated with the sustainability of organizational learning were identified. At the macro level, reform efforts seem to overlook lessons learned from the pandemic and divert the attention of key actors. At the meso level, leadership uses success stories to motivate teams, but financial challenges and absence of formal evaluations hinder the sustainability of innovations. At the micro level, there is a diminished workforce capacity, some concerns about virtual professional training and difficulties to address mental health issues is difficult due to stoic professional identities, unrelenting tempo of medical work, and institutional encouragement. This study extends Levitt and March’s organizational learning framework to include environmental turbulence as a factor influencing learning. It highlights that a turbulent context simultaneously triggers learning processes while being a precursor to the interpretation of experiences. The research concludes there are additional moderating variables for organizational learning like human resource capacities, political cycles, and infrastructure continuity, which relate to professional pressures to “turn the page” on the pandemic, the patchy resourcing of new initiatives at the organizational level, and the distraction of health reform.

Queuosine is incorporated into precursor tRNA before splicing

Abstract Each newly transcribed tRNA molecule must undergo processing and receive modifications to become functional. Queuosine (Q) is a tRNA modification present at position 34 of four tRNAs with “GUN” anticodons. Among these, the precursor of tRNATyr carries an intronic sequence within the anticodon loop that is removed by an essential non-canonical splicing event. The functional and temporal coupling between tRNA-splicing and Q-incorporation remains elusive. Here, we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo that intron-containing precursors of tRNATyr are modified with Q or with the Q-derivative galactosyl-queuosine (galQ) before being spliced. We show that this order of events is conserved in mouse, human, flies and worms. Using single particle cryo-EM, we confirm that pre-tRNATyr is a bona fide substrate of the QTRT1/2 complex, which catalyzes the incorporation of Q into the tRNA. Our results elucidate the hierarchical interplay that coordinates Q-incorporation and splicing in eukaryotic tRNAs, providing a relevant but unappreciated aspect of the cellular tRNA maturation process.

Government subsidy research on the application of IoT technology in contract-farming supply chain

Existing research have not yet focused on the mechanism of Internet of Things(IoT) technology’s impact on the contract-farming supply chain.We introduce the IoT technology into the contract-farming supply chain with financing, successively construct decision models for the contract-farming supply chain under the scenarios of no subsidy policy, interest rate subsidy policy, and cost subsidy policy. The results show that an increase in bank interest rate will reduce the level of IoT application, purchasing price, members benefits. When the financing interest rate is within a certain range, members benefits in the case of interest rate subsidy policy are greater than the corresponding values in the case of cost subsidy policy. In the case of no subsidy policy, interest rate subsidy policy, and cost subsidy policy, the application level of the IoT, purchasing price, and the company benefit are positively correlated with the output effect factor of the IoT technology. The farmer will actively invest in the IoT only when the cost-reducing effect of IoT is substantial. When the government’s subsidy expenditure is equal, if the goal is to increase social welfare, the government should adopt the interest rate subsidy policy; if the goal is to promote the popularization of IoT and help impoverished farmers, the government should adopt the cost subsidy policy.

General method for carbon–heteroatom cross-coupling reactions via semiheterogeneous red-light metallaphotocatalysis

Abstract Combining transition-metal catalysis with photocatalysis has emerged as a valuable, complementary approach for achieving carbon–heteroatom cross-coupling reactions. However, the need to use blue or high-energy near-UV light leads to problems with scalability, chemoselectivity, and catalyst deactivation, which have limited the synthetic applications of this combination. Herein, we report a method for red-light-driven nickel-catalyzed cross-coupling reactions of aryl halides with 11 different types of nucleophiles using a polymeric carbon nitride (CN-OA-m) as a photocatalyst. This semiheterogeneous catalyst system enabled the formation of four different types of carbon–heteroatom bonds (C–N, C–O, C–S, and C–Se) with a wide range of substrates (more than 200 examples) with yields up to 94%. Moreover, the photocatalyst is easily recovered and recycled, which makes it a promising new tool for the development of other reactions involving red-light metallaphotoredox catalysis.

Channelization and flow depletion shift benthic macroinvertebrate and fish communities in urban rivers

Aquatic ecosystems worldwide are increasingly affected by human activities, with urbanization representing a major source of environmental stress. Channelization and flow depletion are key stressors in urban aquatic ecosystems. However, the combined effects of these factors on benthic macroinvertebrate and fish communities in urban rivers remain poorly understood. We examined the ecological impacts of channelization and flow depletion on benthic macroinvertebrates and fish in four urban rivers in Beijing, China: the natural high-flow Yongding River, the natural low-flow Gaojinggou River, the artificial high-flow Yongding River Diversion Channel, and the artificial low-flow Renmin Channel. By analyzing community composition, diversity, biomass, and water quality parameters, we assessed how river type (natural vs. artificial) and flow conditions (high vs. low) shape macroinvertebrate and fish communities across these urban rivers. Results showed that artificial channels had higher water temperatures, lower pH and DO, and higher concentrations of COD, NH4+, TP, fluorides, and sulfides compared to natural rivers, with flow depletion intensifying these effects. Both macroinvertebrate and fish community compositions varied significantly between river types and flow conditions. Channelization and flow depletion significantly reduced species richness, Shannon-Wiener diversity, and biomass in both macroinvertebrates and fish. Furthermore, we found a significant interaction between river type and flow depletion, as revealed by two-way ANOVA, with macroinvertebrate and fish communities in natural rivers being more sensitive to flow reductions than artificial channels. Redundancy analyses (RDAs) revealed that total phosphorus (TP) was the primary driver of macroinvertebrate community variation (contributing 23.6%), while DO played a crucial role in fish assemblages (contributing 20.6%). These findings underscore the significant impacts of channelization and flow depletion on urban river ecosystems, highlighting the vulnerability of natural rivers to flow depletion. Our study calls for urgent implementation of integrated management strategies to mitigate hydrological alterations, restore natural flow regimes, and reduce nutrient inputs, thereby enhancing the ecological resilience of urban aquatic ecosystems.