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Frequency-specific neural abnormalities in congenital prosopagnosia revealed by magnetoencephalography during face perception

Abstract Congenital prosopagnosia (CP) is characterized by lifelong impairment in face recognition despite intact basic visual processing. While previous studies have demonstrated preserved “core” face processing with disrupted information propagation to “extended” regions, the temporal dynamics of these deficits remain unclear. Here, we used magnetoencephalography (MEG) during a seeing-as-face task to investigate frequency-specific neural mechanisms in three individuals with CP compared to seventeen healthy controls. By presenting identical visual stimuli perceived either as abstract patterns (Non-Face condition) or schematic faces (Face condition), we isolated face-specific cognitive processes while controlling for low-level visual processing. CP showed preserved early face detection (M120) but exhibited enhanced alpha-band (8–13 Hz) activity in right anterior temporal sensors in the 300–450 ms time window (p = 0.046, cluster-corrected) during face processing – the sole finding surviving rigorous statistical correction. This abnormality was specific to Face conditions and suggests disrupted information integration between core and extended face processing networks. The temporal dissociation between preserved early detection and impaired later processing supports conceptualizing CP as a disconnection syndrome. Our preliminary findings suggest potential frequency-specific neural patterns of face processing deficits in CP, providing neural signatures that may warrant investigation in larger studies.

Richardson–Gaudin states of non-zero seniority. II. Single-reference treatment of strong correlation

Strongly correlated systems are well described as a configuration interaction of Slater determinants classified by their number of unpaired electrons. This treatment is, however, unfeasible. In this paper, it is demonstrated that single reference methods built from Richardson–Gaudin states yield comparable results at polynomial cost.

In-depth investigation the size effect of zinc oxide nanostructures on the photodegradation of different dyes under UV-irradiation: anticancer application

Abstract The aim of this research was to prepare a different particle sizes of zinc oxide nanostructures by two different methods. The zinc oxide nanoparticle (ZnO NPs) was successfully prepared by a green synthesis technique but the zinc oxide quantum dot (ZnO QDs) was successfully prepared by a chemical method. The structure, composition and morphology of the prepared different shapes of ZnO nanostructures have been characterized by the means of X-ray diffractograms (XRD), high resolution transmission electron microscope (HRTEM), Energy Dispersive x-ray (EDX), UV-Vis spectroscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). From UV-Vis spectroscopy studies we noticed that the optical band gap energy of ZnO nanostructures was decreased by increasing an irradiation time. The removal of complex organic contaminants and pollutants from water, the heterogeneous photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB), Fluorescein and Rhodamine 6G (Rh 6G) dyes were studied using ZnO NPs and ZnO QDs as a derived catalyst. We had studied the impact of ZnO NPs and ZnO QDs as a catalyst to enhance the photocatalytic activity of different organic dyes under UV-Vis irradiation and we observed that the photodegradation percentage of organic dyes was rapidly increased by increasing UV irradiation time in both two shapes of ZnO nanostructures. ZnO QDs behave as the best photocatalyst for successfully photodegraded due to the smallest size of ZnO QDs has a higher photocatalytic activity than the large particle size of ZnO NPs. So, it is better to use the ZnO QDs as a removal dyes and pollutants in the wastewater application. Also, we have assessed the cytotoxicity of ZnO NPs and ZnO QDs against two cell lines, (T-47) breast cancer carcinoma, and (DU-145) prostate cancer cell compared to Human skin fibroblast (HSF). The proliferation of cancer cells using MTT assay clarified that both cancer cells (T-47), (DU-145) as well as (HSF) normal cell line are regularly inhibited as they grow on different concentrations of ZnQ QDs and ZnQ NPs. The maximum inhibitory effect of both were recorded at concentration of 100 µg/ml (62.63, 79.72 and 42.59% and 72.68, 83.28, 18.12 µg/ml) in case of ZnQ QDs and ZnQ NPs respectively. It was cleared that ZnQ NPs was more potent for test cancer cell lines, this was confirmed by IC50, since it was (18.12,13.3,74.86) in ZnO NPs compared with (42.59,17.05 and 76.4) in ZnQ QDs respectively. Finally, it was proved that the ZnO NPs behave as a good anticancer nanomaterial than ZnO QDs. This means ZnO NPs are superior for anticancer applications if compared with ZnO QDs.

Thermal properties of Na2CO3–NaCl–KCl ternary eutectic salt for high-temperature thermal energy storage: Experimental and deep potential molecular dynamics combined

With the global energy structure transitioning toward decarbonization, molten salts serve as critical media for efficient thermal energy storage and transfer in large-scale utilization of renewable energy. However, the experimental measurements of the thermal properties of high-temperature molten salts suffer severe obstacles due to their strong corrosiveness and toxicity, necessitating high-precision multiscale predictive models. This study focuses on the Na2CO3–NaCl–KCl ternary eutectic molten salt system, integrating experimental measurement with deep potential molecular dynamics simulation to systematically investigate its high-temperature thermal properties. The experimental results show that the melting point, enthalpy of fusion, and specific heat capacity of ternary eutectic salt is 852.65 K, 392.00 J/g, and 1.268 J/(g K), respectively, indicating the outstanding heat storage capacity. Initial datasets generated from first-principle molecular dynamics are optimized using the DP-GEN enhanced sampling strategy, and the simulation results reveal that the density decreased from 1.776 g/cm3 (873 K) to 1.690 g/cm3 (1073 K), with a maximum deviation of 2.68% compared to experimental data. The specific heat capacity is 1.276 J/(g K), exhibiting a negligible error of 0.63% against experimental values. Viscosity declined from 3.117 mPa s (873 K) to 1.755 mPa s (1073 K), consistent with the Stokes–Einstein relationship, while thermal conductivity slightly decreased with rising temperature. This study validates the high accuracy and reliability of the DP model in predicting thermal properties of molten salt and provides theoretical insights for material design and operational optimization of high-temperature molten salt thermal energy storage systems.

The impact of photobiomodulation therapy on the survival and differentiation of periodontal ligament mesenchymal stem cells exposed to zoledronic acid

The world’s largest methane emitter manages to curb one source

Directed light emission from monolayers on 2D materials via optical interferences

Two-dimensional materials provide a rich platform to explore phenomena such as emerging electronic and excitonic states, strong light–matter coupling, and new optoelectronic device concepts. The optical response of monolayers is entangled with the substrate on which they are grown or deposited on, often a two-dimensional material itself. Understanding how the properties of the two-dimensional monolayers can be tuned via the substrate is therefore essential. Here we employ angle-resolved reflectivity and photoluminescence spectroscopy on highly ordered molecular monolayers on hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) to systematically investigate the angle-dependent optical response as a function of the thickness of the hBN flake. We observe that light reflection and emission occur in a strongly directed fashion and that the direction of light reflection and emission is dictated by the hBN flake thickness. Transfer matrix simulations reproduce the experimental data and show that optical interference effects in hBN are at the origin of the angle-dependent optical properties. While our study focuses on molecular monolayers on hBN, our findings are expected to be general and relevant for any 2D material placed on top of a substrate given the ubiquitous presence of optical interferences. Our findings demonstrate the need to carefully choose substrate parameters for a given experimental geometry but also highlight opportunities in applications such as lighting technology, where the direction of light emission can be controlled via substrate thickness.

UPP1 is a dual biomarker of prognosis and immune microenvironment in IDH wild-type glioblastoma

Modulating magneto-photoluminescence effects in 3D lead halide perovskites via halide-component dependent Rashba spin–orbit coupling

Three-dimensional lead halide perovskites (3D LHPs) exhibit giant Rashba spin–orbit coupling (SOC) due to their inherent lattice asymmetry and heavy-metal composition; yet, the impact of Rashba SOC on the luminescence dynamic of 3D LHPs remains debated. Here, we utilize the magneto-photoluminescence (Magneto-PL) effects as an effective tool to reveal the underlying spin-related opto-physical process in 3D LHPs. We find that the magneto-PL effects of 3D LHPs CH3NH3Pb(Br/I/IxCl1-x)3 thin films are negative and tunable at room temperature, indicating the remarkable suppression of their PL emission intensity by magnetic fields. Moreover, the largest magneto-PL magnitude of −3.60% is realized in CH3NH3PbIxCl3−x thin film at a magnetic field strength of ±1 T; oppositely, in CH3NH3PbI3 thin film, it is merely −0.75%. Combining magneto-optical spectroscopy and crystallographic analysis of 3D LHP thin films, we attribute this phenomenon to the interplay of the Rashba SOC-driven spin mixing and Zeeman splitting between dark singlet and bright triplet excitons, promoting spin conversion from dark excitonic states to bright states. In addition, we demonstrate that the Rashba SOC is tunable and has a direct relationship with the crystalline phase transition and grain size by modifying halide-components, which leads to the halide-components dependent magneto-PL effects in 3D LHP thin films. This work paves the way for improving the luminescence property of opto-spintronics materials via modulating Rashba SOC.

A comparison of oral microbiome composition between highly trained competitive athletes and untrained controls

Abstract The oral microbiome has a crucial role in nitric oxide (NO) production and contributes to oral and systemic health. This study compared oral microbiome composition and markers of NO production between highlytrained competitive athletes and inactive controls. Competitive athletes and untrained controls (N = 10 per group) were recruited. Saliva, plasma, supragingival plaque and the tongue dorsum microbiome were sampled. The microbiome was examined using long-read 16S rRNA sequencing and ozone-based chemiluminescence used to measure nitrate (NO 3 - ) and nitrite (NO 2 - ) levels. Weekly training duration was recorded and aerobic fitness capacity (V̇O 2max ) assessed via maximal exercise testing.The beta-diversity of the tongue dorsum microbiome differed between groups (Adonis p  = 0.046) and athletes had a higher relative abundance of NO 3 - -reducing Rothia mucilaginosa and unclassified Gemella species. No significant differences were detected in the supragingival plaque. Positive correlations were detected between R. mucilaginosa and unclassified Gemella species and aerobic fitness. Athletes had higher levels of salivary NO 3 - ( p  = 0.003) and NO 2 - ( p  = 0.03). Exercise training may impact the tongue dorsum microbiome more than supragingival plaque, with the relative abundance of specific health-associated bacteria higher in the tongue dorsum microbiome of athletes. The robust methodologies employed in this study highlight a possible link between consistent exercise and the development of an oral microbiome conducive to health. However, further research is needed to explore the mechanisms connecting exercise, the oral microbiome, and overall health.

Diffusive transport through nanopores: What the size of a molecule is?

A flexible molecule can adjust its shape to diffuse through a pore having a diameter smaller than its average dimension. The fluctuations of molecular dimensions as well as the rotations of the molecule inside the pores require special attention to the definition of the molecular size descriptors for diffusive transport in the pores. Within the framework of the previously proposed theory of the steric free energy barrier, we suggest an effective spherical model of a molecule of an arbitrary shape and define two size descriptors—the effective average radius of the molecule and its variance. The two geometric parameters effectively encode both the fluctuations of the molecule and its rotation in the pore. Once determined for a molecule, they can be used to estimate the steric free energy in a pore of arbitrary radius. The results can be applied to diffusive transport through biological nanopores as well as to size-exclusion molecular filtering.

Accuracy of guided insertion of orthodontic temporary anchorage devices comparing two different 3D printed surgical guide designs: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract Temporary anchorage devices (TADs) provide maximum anchorage in orthodontic therapy. Surgical guides can be used to accurately achieve pre-planned TAD positions. The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of guided TAD insertion in the anterior palate, comparing two 3D printed surgical guide designs. Patients were randomized in two groups. TADs were inserted using either a surgical guide with a skeletonized design or full arch design. The primary outcome was translational and rotational deviations from the virtually planned TAD positions. Secondary outcomes included the dependence of deviations on age and gender and TAD success rate after a follow-up period of three months. In total 40 patients were included in this RCT and 80 TADs were inserted. During the follow-up period, no TAD loss was observed. The skeletonized design showed significantly higher deviations between the planned TAD position and the actual TAD position in all, but two spatial dimensions (translational and rotational) compared to the full arch design. The right TAD showed higher deviations compared to the left TAD for the skeletonized design. The full arch design showed significantly higher accuracy compared to the skeletonized design. During virtual planning of TAD positions, a safety distance should be considered to account for possible deviations using 3D printed surgical guides for TAD insertion in the anterior palate.

Cryptic variation fuels plant phenotypic change through hierarchical epistasis

Abstract Cryptic genetic variants exert minimal phenotypic effects alone but are hypothesized to form a vast reservoir of genetic diversity driving trait evolvability through epistatic interactions 1–3 . This classical theory has been reinvigorated by pan-genomics, which is revealing pervasive variation within gene families, cis -regulatory regions and regulatory networks 4–6 . Testing the ability of cryptic variation to fuel phenotypic diversification has been hindered by intractable genetics, limited allelic diversity and inadequate phenotypic resolution. Here, guided by natural and engineered cis -regulatory cryptic variants in a paralogous gene pair, we identified additional redundant trans regulators, establishing a regulatory network controlling tomato inflorescence architecture. By combining coding mutations with cis -regulatory alleles in populations segregating for all four network genes, we generated 216 genotypes spanning a wide spectrum of inflorescence complexity and quantified branching in over 35,000 inflorescences. Analysis of this high-resolution genotype–phenotype map using a hierarchical model of epistasis revealed a layer of dose-dependent interactions within paralogue pairs enhancing branching, culminating in strong, synergistic effects. However, we also identified a layer of antagonism between paralogue pairs, whereby accumulating mutations in one pair progressively diminished the effects of mutations in the other. Our results demonstrate how gene regulatory network architecture and complex dosage effects from paralogue diversification converge to shape phenotypic space, producing the potential for both strongly buffered phenotypes and sudden bursts of phenotypic change.

Coherent modified Redfield approach to describe photoinduced proton-coupled electron transfer

Coherent modified Redfield theory is employed to describe photoinduced proton-coupled electron transfer for a model Hamiltonian. This formalism is an extension of Redfield theory to capture weak to moderate system–bath coupling strengths, and the dynamics is secular and non-Markovian. In the model Hamiltonian, the electron is coupled to the proton and a phonon bath and is initially photoinduced from the ground electronic site to a donor site. At small bath reorganization energies, the system parameters, such as the energy bias between the donor and acceptor sites and overlaps of the vibronic states, play a crucial role in influencing the population decay and isotope effect. The energy bias decides the spacing between adjacent pairs of donor–acceptor levels as well as the energetically favorable acceptor states for the non-adiabatic transition. For the models we considered, the overlaps of the donor–acceptor wavefunctions of the proton are larger than those of deuterium. When the population is initially distributed over several donor vibrational states, the H/D population decays faster for the case that has the smaller adjacent donor–acceptor spacing. The donor population decay shows an inverse isotope effect when this spacing is smaller for deuterium than for protons. These models demonstrate a subtle balance between the spacing and overlaps in deciding the rate of population decay. Weak electron–phonon coupling leads to coherent oscillations in the electronic population decay and proton wavepacket dynamics. Larger coupling strengths lead to wavepacket localization and the transition to incoherent population decay.

Study on the impact of stress effects on gas extraction in thick inclined coal seam caving faces

Effects of guest molecular occupancy and electric field on thermal conductivity of CO2 hydrates

CO2 hydrate technology plays a pivotal role in carbon dioxide capture/storage, gas separation, and natural gas recovery from natural gas hydrates, while simultaneously serving as a cost-effective phase-change material for thermal energy storage. The thermal transport characteristics of CO2 hydrates are of particular importance in these promising applications. Here, the role of CO2 molecular occupancy and external electric fields on the thermal conductivity (κ) of sI-type CO2 hydrates is explored using equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. Results reveal that increasing CO2 occupancy in large 51262 cages enhances κ by up to 27.2%, while small 512 cages contribute minimally (<1%). The water framework dominates heat transport (>90%), with CO2@51262 and CO2@512 cages contributing ∼17%–18% and <1%, respectively, mediated by synergistic host–guest interactions. External electric fields reduce κ by around 4%–5% due to enhanced low-frequency phonon localization in CO2 and intensified anharmonic scattering. Phonon analyses, including phonon density of states, phonon lifetime, phonon participation ratio, and spectral energy density, reveal that CO2 occupancy suppresses water lattice vibrations, while electric fields redistribute phonon modes, reducing delocalization. This work advances the fundamental understanding of thermal transport in hydrate systems.

Correction: First evidence of spinal arthropathy and congenital block of the cervical vertebrae in Temnospondyli

Testing the approximations in large-scale simulations of systems with gravitational forces

In simulations of galaxies and structures in the universe, the particle-particle–particle-mesh “PPPM” (P3M) or “TreePM” approximations are used. The forces from objects at large distances are replaced by forces localized at meshes, and solving the Poisson equation determines their effect on an object. The particle-mesh approximation (PM) breaks the symmetry of pair interactions between objects and destroys the exact conservation of momentum and angular momentum. Here, the effects of the PM approximations are examined by performing “brute-force” simulations with and without the PM approximation. However, the exact simulations can only be performed for a small “dwarf galaxy” of ≈500 objects. The simulations show that the stability of the galaxy is sensitive to the approximations, which sooner or later lead to the objects being released from their bound rotation. However, the stability of the dwarf galaxy can be ensured by modifying Newton’s gravitational long-range attractions from an inverse square attraction to an inverse attraction, a gravity modification often proposed in the f(R) modified general relativity theory.

Gamification in higher education administration: a conceptual model for enhancing faculty and staff engagement

Halogen anion (Cl−, Br−) and alkali metal cation (Cs+, K+, Rb+) synergistic binding behaviors using a belt shaped dual-functional hydrocarbon receptor

The belt shaped functionalized hydrocarbon receptors have attracted great interest because of their special “frustum-like” configuration, in which the openings at the upper and lower ends (dual-functional sites) are more beneficial when used as ion recognition sites. In this paper, the binding behaviors of the belt shaped dual-functional hydrocarbon receptors for halogen anions (Cl− and Br−) and alkali metal cations (K+, Rb+, and Cs+) were investigated in depth using density functional theory calculations. It is found that anion/cation binding can be enhanced and synergistically regulated by counterion and the corresponding conformational changes of the receptor, which well reflects the electrical complementary matching and mutual reinforcement effects. The nature of the receptor–ion interactions was further elucidated by combining the noncovalent intermolecular interaction with molecular electrostatic potential analysis. The complexation process of Cs+/Cl− with the receptor was dynamically tracked using ab initio molecular dynamics simulation.