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A comparative analysis of deep learning architectures for thyroid tissue classification with hyperspectral imaging
Pharmacological inhibition of the CCL2-CCR2 axis fails to reduce inflammation in a rat model of acute lung injury
Abstract New therapeutic approaches are needed to regulate inflammation and control monocyte recruitment in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Excessive monocyte influx into the alveolar space can exacerbate lung damage, worsening patient outcomes. Delaying or reducing monocyte recruitment into the alveoli space after the injury has been proposed as a strategy to balance the inflammatory response and mitigate lung damage. In the present study, we assessed the possible role of the CCL2-CCR2 axis as a therapy for controlling acute lung injury after the initial neutrophil-driven influx. We administered a CCL2-antibody (CCL2-Ab) or a CCR2-antagonist (CCR2-Ant) locally into the lung following lung injury induced by HCl/LPS instillation. Our results show that after 24 h, both treatments transiently reduced monocyte infiltration into the bronchoalveolar space. After 72 h, neither CCL2-Ab nor CCR2-Ant sustained a reduced monocyte infiltration or significantly alleviated alveolar or lung inflammation. CCR2-Ant prevented an increase of alveolar permeability, but neither of both treatments, CCL2-Ab nor CCR2-Ant, improved lung damage or function. Our findings indicate that blocking the CCL2-CCR2 axis to control monocyte trafficking at early stages of lung injury is insufficient to control inflammation or prevent disease progression. These results highlight the complexity of ARDS pathophysiology and suggest that alternative strategies may be required to effectively modulate monocyte-driven lung inflammation.
Effect of combined ethanol and ultrasound pretreatment on energy consumption and bioactive compounds of rose petals in hot air drying
Abstract This study evaluates the impact of ultrasound (US), ethanol (ET), and combined ultrasound-ethanol (ET/US) pretreatments on the drying efficiency and quality of Rosa damascena petals during hot air drying. All pretreatments significantly reduced the drying time and specific energy consumption (p < 0.05). The highest reduction in drying time (52.38%) and specific energy consumption (64%) was observed for the ET/US pretreatment. Ultrasound alone (US30) and in combination with ethanol (ET/US) significantly improved rehydration ability and essential oil yield (up to 1.31%, p < 0.05). Furthermore, the ET/US treatment preserved more antioxidant activity, total phenolic content, and flavonoid content compared to other pretreatments and control (p < 0.05). The results of this study can show new perspectives for using the potential of ethanol- ultrasound as a cost-effective and energy-efficient method for industrial drying sensitive medicinal plants. Future studies could explore its scalability and applicability to other aromatic or perishable botanical species.
Experimental observation of a radio frequency plasmonic gradient resonance in water
The role of allotropy on phase formation in high entropy alloys
Abstract Identifying single phase, high-entropy systems has been a prominent research focus of materials engineering over the past decade. The considerable effort in computational modeling and experimental verification has yielded several methods and descriptors for predicting if a single phase will form; however, the details surrounding the resulting crystal structure have largely remained a mystery. Here, we present a compelling argument for the role of allotropy in determining the crystal structure of a single-phase, high-entropy alloy. High entropy alloys can contain 5 or more elements and must achieve a configurational entropy greater than 1.5R. This study shows that when these high entropy material conditions are met, the majority crystal structure of the non-allotrope forming element plays a dominant role in crystal structure determination. The theory is demonstrated via several approaches, including analysis of 434 unique known single-phase compositions from the literature, thermodynamic modeling of more than 1400 compositions, and experimental synthesis of nine specific alloys that test this hypothesis. The results demonstrate allotropy can identify a subset of compositions unlikely to form a single phase and predict the crystal structure with a high degree of accuracy for a wide range of simple (e.g., 5 equiatomic elements) and more complex (e.g., Al0.3B0.6CoCrFeNiCu0.7Si0.1) high entropy alloys. Allotropy provides new insight into the underlying physics governing the resultant crystal structure in materials without a principal element. As high entropy materials continue to be an area of focus for developing materials with unique properties, this study is expected to serve as a significant tool in the screening of materials for specific crystal structures.
The impact of hemispherically asymmetrical volcanic aerosol injections on the North Atlantic Oscillation
Abstract Volcanic eruptions exert a considerable influence on global climate and may impact large scale modes of atmospheric variability, including the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO). However, little consensus on the nature of this relationship exists, partially because of the numerous possible NAO forcing mechanisms, the large number of variables associated with eruptions (e.g., size, time of year, latitude, etc), the small number of large eruptions across the instrumental era, and conflicting climate model simulations. This study leverages statistical techniques to evaluate the relationship between historical volcanic eruptions and the observed NAO response since the beginning of the twentieth century. Monte Carlo analyses show that large northern hemisphere eruptions (VEI 5 or greater) are significantly related to a positive NAO response at the 1% significance level across the twentieth century, whereas no significant association is found for southern hemisphere eruptions, though this may reflect a low sample size. Furthermore, results suggest an increasing NAO response amplitude to northern hemisphere eruptions across recent decades, possibly illustrating dynamic changes in the atmospheric phenomenon resulting from anthropogenic activity.
Lysyl oxidase as a potential biomarker of lung recurrence after hepatectomy in hepatocellular carcinoma
A tubulin–MAPKKK pathway engages tubulin isotype interaction for neuroprotection
The microtubule (MT) cytoskeleton is essential for neuronal morphology, neurite growth, synapse formation and maintenance, as well as regulation of signal transduction. Most cells express multiple isotypes of α- and β-tubulin that can coassemble into MTs. While a variety of signaling pathways regulate MT integrity and homeostasis, little is known about how tubulin isotypes interact in vivo. Here, we report a mechanism in which altered function of a neuronal β-tubulin in Caenorhabditis elegans activates the conserved kinase DLK-1 and its downstream signal transduction, which in turn upregulates expression of an α-tubulin isotype to ensure MT integrity. We find that alteration in the T7 loop of the β-tubulin/BEN-1 causes the formation of BEN-1-enriched islands along MTs in neurites. Combining genome editing with cellular imaging, we identified amino acid residues in α-tubulin/TBA-2 that are necessary for formation of BEN-1 islands. Activation of DLK-1 signaling in ben-1 mutants promotes TBA-2 transcription and protects axon and synapse morphology. These data uncover a positive feedback loop between DLK-1 and regulation of tubulin isotype interaction that maintains neuronal resilience.
Deciphering molecular determinants of GPBAR1-Gs protein interactions by HDX-MS and cryo-EM
Abstract Many physiological processes are dependent on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), the biggest family of human membrane proteins and a significant class of therapeutic targets. Once activated by external stimuli, GPCRs use G proteins and arrestins as transducers to generate second messengers and trigger downstream signaling, leading to diverse signaling profiles. The G protein-coupled bile acid receptor 1 (GPBAR1, also known as Takeda G protein-coupled receptor 5, TGR5) is a class A bile acid membrane receptor that regulates energy homeostasis and glucose and lipid metabolism. GPBAR1/Gs protein interactions are implicated in the prevention of diabetes and the reduction of inflammatory responses, making GPBAR1 a potential therapeutic target for metabolic disorders. Here, we present combined hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) and cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) to identify the molecular determinants of GPBAR1 conformational dynamics upon G protein binding. Thanks to extensive optimization, we achieved over 75% sequence coverage by HDX-MS of a complete GPCR complex and a 2.5 Å resolution structure by cryo-EM, both of which are state-of-the-art. Altogether, our results provide information on the under-investigated GPBAR1 binding mode to its cognate G protein, pinpointing the synergic and powerful combination of higher cryo-EM and lower HDX-MS resolution techniques to dissect GPCR/G protein binding characteristics.
Chitosan and carboxymethyl chitosan nanocarriers enhance mango seed extract stability and antimicrobial activity to improve strawberry postharvest quality
Abstract Strawberries are highly perishable fruits due to moisture loss, intense metabolic activity, and microbial contamination, leading to rapid quality deterioration during storage. In this study, mango seed extract (MSE), a natural antioxidant source, was loaded with chitosan (CS) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CCS) nanoparticles to develop edible coatings for postharvest quality enhancement. Nanoparticles were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) to determine particle size and zeta potential, revealing stable formulations with average sizes of 68.1 nm (CS LM) and 91.3 nm (CCS LM). Antioxidant capacity was assessed using ABTS and DPPH radical scavenging assays, where CCS LM exhibited superior activity (> 92%, p < 0.05) compared to free MSE and CS LM. Antimicrobial properties were evaluated by microbial inhibition tests against Staphylococcus aureus , Escherichia coli , and Candida albicans , showing significant inhibition rates at 800 µg/mL. Storage performance was assessed over 21 days at 2 °C by monitoring weight loss, firmness, color preservation, pH, titratable acidity, and microbial counts. Results demonstrated that CCS LM-coated strawberries had minimal weight loss (5.7%, p < 0.05), retained firmness, and showed reduced bacterial (1.2 log₁₀ CFU/g) and fungal counts (1.3 log₁₀ CFU/g) compared to uncoated fruits. These findings suggest that MSE-loaded CCS nanoparticles, through their antioxidant and antimicrobial functions, offer a promising sustainable strategy to improve the postharvest quality and storage performance of strawberries.
The role of forestland size on rural household’s forest management efficiency
Deformation analysis of large-section quasi-rectangular shield construction on existing underground pipelines and power tunnel
Radiocarbon evidence of river transport and food web uptake of old carbon in Lake Athabasca, Canada
Abstract Rivers are major conduits that connect terrestrial carbon cycling with downstream receiving environments. In large lakes, the utilization of river-transported carbon in biological production remains poorly constrained. Lake Athabasca, the eighth largest lake in Canada, receives inflow from the Athabasca River and a large boreal wetland, the Peace-Athabasca Delta. Radiocarbon (14C) was measured to trace the transport of old carbon into western Lake Athabasca and its influence on a modern lake food web by distinguishing the ages of river and lake carbon pools. The fraction of modern carbon in surface sediments showed river inputs of old organic carbon extended at least 50 km into the lake. Old carbon was incorporated into the food web via surface water plankton, and it subsidized ~ 20–50% of carbon in vertebrate consumers, specifically fish and aquatic-feeding birds. These measurements of old carbon showed extensive river influence in western Lake Athabasca (likely > 1500 km2) and high connectivity of river loads with biological uptake.
Individual perceptions of renewable energy investment in Somali firms
Abstract Somalia’s energy sector is seen as potential for development and investment. financing this sector is crucial for development and economic growth. Small and medium-sized private-sector enterprises are the primary electricity generators and distributors, operating diesel-powered systems via off-grid networks This study investigates the factors influencing investment intentions in renewable energy in Somalia. This study utilized a quantitative research approach employing a descriptive research design. The research data for this study were gathered using a structured questionnaire developed based on previous studies to collect primary data from the targeted respondents. A survey was conducted with 220 potential investors both online and face-to-face methods. The data collected were analysed using SmartPLS. This study’s findings show that the intention to invest in renewable energy is directly determined by attitude towards renewable energy investments, subjective norms, Perceived behavioural control and risk aversion. These findings have important implications for promoting renewable energy in a country with abundant solar, wind, and biomass resources but limited infrastructure and awareness. The practical implications derived from this study suggest that, policymakers and organizations should prioritize campaigns highlighting the advantages of renewable energy, such as energy independence, cost savings, and environmental sustainability. This research contributes to the literature by extending the TPB to fragile states and providing a nuanced understanding of the behavioural and contextual drivers of renewable energy investments.
A unified multifield formulation for analysis of a sandwich graphene origami reinforced composite curved structure
The rural-urban disparity in the quality of life among people living with HIV under different household structures in China: a cross-sectional study
Exploring novel thiazolo[5,4-f]quinoline-based scaffolds as promising antimicrobial agents through synthesis and molecular insights
Abstract In pursuit of novel antimicrobial agents, a series of thiazolo[5,4-f]quinoline derivatives incorporating pyridine and thiophene moieties were synthesized and structurally characterized using IR and 1H-NMR spectroscopy. The synthetic strategy employed diverse condensation and cyclization reactions involving cyanoacetamide intermediates, aryl isothiocyanates, and α-halocarbonyl compounds. The resulting compounds were evaluated for their antimicrobial efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans. Notably, compounds 18, 19, and 23 exhibited potent broad-spectrum activity, surpassing standard drugs such as chloramphenicol and cephalothin in several assays (MIC = 3.125–6.25 µg/mL). Structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis revealed that the incorporation of bulky, lipophilic aromatic systems and electron-withdrawing substituents significantly enhanced antimicrobial potency. Molecular docking studies further supported these findings, with compound 19 demonstrating the strongest binding affinity (-6.6951 kcal/mol) to bacterial DNA gyrase (PDB: 6F86) via a synergistic network of hydrogen bonds and π-interactions. These results highlight the thiazoloquinoline framework, particularly derivatives bearing thiophene and naphthoyl functionalities, as a promising scaffold for future antimicrobial drug development.