Browse Articles

Neutralizing and binding antibodies are a correlate of risk of COVID-19 in the CoVPN 3008 study in people with HIV

Abstract People with HIV (PWH) are understudied in COVID-19 vaccine trials, leaving knowledge gaps on whether the identified immune correlates of protection also hold in PWH. CoVPN 3008 (NCT05168813) enrolled predominantly PWH and reported lower COVID-19 incidence for a Hybrid vs. Vaccine Group (baseline SARS-CoV-2-positive and one mRNA-1273 dose vs. negative and two doses). Using case-cohort sampling, antibody markers at enrolment (M0) and four weeks post-final vaccination (Peak) are assessed as immune correlates of COVID-19. For the Hybrid Group [n = 287 (195 PWH)], all M0 markers inversely correlate with COVID-19 through 230 days post-Peak, with 50% inhibitory dilution BA.4/5 neutralizing antibody titer (nAb-ID50 BA.4/5) the strongest and only independent correlate (HR per 10-fold increase=0.46, 95% CI 0.28, 0.75; P = 0.002). For the Vaccine Group [n = 115 (86 PWH)], Peak nAb-ID50 BA.4/5 correlates with reduced COVID-19 risk (1.9%, 1.1%, and 0.3% at titers 10, 100, and 1000 AU/ml) through 92, but not 165, days post-Peak. Using multivariable Cox analysis of binding and nAb, nAb titers predict COVID-19 in PWH. Two doses of a 100-µg Ancestral strain mRNA vaccine in baseline-SARS-CoV-2-negative individuals elicit sufficient cross-reacting Omicron antibodies to reduce COVID-19 incidence for 90 days post-Peak, but viral evolution and waning antibodies abrogate this protection thereafter.

Three‐in‐One π‐Conjugated Chiral Macrocycles: Photoswitching, Amplified Chirality, and Photo‐Tailored Chiroptics

AbstractChiral macrocycles have attracted considerable attention because of their fascinating circular chiral topologies, circularly distributed electronic structures, and excellent chiroptical features. However, the challenging synthesis and limited cases hinder the understanding, improvement, and regulation of their optoelectronic properties. To avoid this dilemma, we employed cyclic Suzuki–Miyaura coupling between dithienylethene (DTE) and [6]helicene to firstly synthesize donor–acceptor (D–A)‐type π‐conjugated chiral macrocycles, including m‐[1 + 1], m‐[2 + 2], and m‐[3 + 3], where these compounds displayed photocontrollable ring sizes and chiroptical properties. More importantly, continuous amplification in chirality can be achieved via distinctive multiple chiral‐centers‐bonding in series within helical rings, giving high |gabs| and |glum| of up to 0.023 and 0.013, respectively. The macrocycles were endowed with a photoswitchable function that is absent in previously documented π‐conjugated chiral macrocycles. Both the cavity sizes and chiroptical properties could be photoregulated. As typical examples, the cavity dimension of m‐[3 + 3]‐PPP was photoadjusted from 25.8 × 19.8 to 22.6 × 18.3 Å, accompanied by reversible photoswitched |gabs| between 0.023 and 0.014 and remarkable CPL ON/OFF behavior. Moreover, a size‐photoswitching correlation was revealed innovatively, i.e., the photoswitching ability increased with increasing ring size. Our study provides a new guidance for developing high‐performance chiral systems and novel stimuli‐responsive chiral macrocycles and provides ideal platforms for understanding chiral structure–functionality relationships.

Large language models for autism: evaluating theory of mind tasks in a gamified environment

Abstract Autism Spectrum Disorder often significantly affects reciprocal social communication, leading to difficulties in interpreting social cues, recognizing emotions, and maintaining verbal interactions. These challenges can make everyday conversations especially demanding. To support autistic people in developing their social competence and communication abilities, we propose an interactive game specifically designed to enhance social understanding. By incorporating gamification elements and a user-centered design approach, the application aims to balance clinical relevance with high usability, ensuring it remains accessible, engaging, and beneficial for anyone seeking to improve their social skills. Large Language Models have recently been assessed for their ability to detect sarcasm and irony within Theory of Mind tasks, showing performance comparable to that of trained psychologists. However, a significant limitation remains: their dependence on traditional “black box” AI architectures, which often lack explainability, interpretability, and transparency. This limitation is particularly concerning when people with and without Autism Spectrum Disorder use these models to learn and practice social skills in safe, virtual environments. This study investigates and compares the performance of Large Language Models and human experts in evaluating Theory of Mind tasks, providing a detailed comparative analysis. A total of 21 participants engaged with our game, and their responses were assessed by four human experts alongside GPT-4o. The results indicate that GPT-4o matches human experts in both adherence to instructional criteria and evaluation accuracy, with no statistically significant differences observed. These findings underscore the potential of LLMs to support scalable, always-available social training systems that are accessible from anywhere.

Sustainable recycling of polyamides via C–N bond cleavage facilitated by methyl tosylate under mild conditions

An experimental study on productivity, energy, and exergy efficiency improvement of inclined solar still using different uncoated wick materials

Dinickel-catalyzed enantioselective reductive addition of imines with vinyl halides

Abstract A dinickel complex-enabled, enantioselective reductive alkenylation reaction of N-Ts imines with vinyl chlorides is reported. This method is effective with a wide array of (hetero)aryl and aliphatic imines bearing diverse functional groups. Under mildly reductive conditions, synthetically valuable allylic amines are obtained in good yields with excellent enantioselectivities. Furthermore, this catalytic system can be extended to aldehydes, offering an efficient route to access chiral allylic alcohols from readily available starting materials. The potential applications of this method are demonstrated by its use in the late-stage functionalization of biologically active molecular derivatives and the manipulation of reaction products. Initial mechanistic investigations and DFT calculation lend support to a catalytic addition pathway.

Integrated multimethod analysis of miners’ safety behavior and risk interaction for practical applications

Stability models regulate the adaptation of male sterility-based chilli hybrids for agro-ecologically diverse regions of north-western Himalayas

Design and Synthesis of Box[6]arenes for 3D Charge‐Transfer Co‐Crystal Engineering via Macrocyclic Self‐Complementary and Exo‐Wall Interactions

AbstractThe construction of well‐defined 3D charge‐transfer (CT) co‐crystals using new macrocyclic hosts to enable programmable functionality remains challenging due to the dimensional constraints imposed by conventional assembly strategies. Herein, we address this limitation using a new synthetic macrocycle named box[6]arene (B[6]A) with a flexible skeleton, which adopts two distinct conformations (B[6]Aα and B[6]Aβ). Crucially, the self‐complementary and exo‐wall CT co‐assembly of B[6]A facilitates the construction of 3D macrocycle‐based co‐crystals (MCCs) with planar electron‐deficient guests, including 1,2,4,5‐tetracyanobenzene (TCNB), tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile (TFTN), and tetrachloroterephthalonitrile (TClTN). These MCCs exhibit tunable fluorescence with emission maxima at 690, 594, and 592 nm, respectively. Notably, activated B[6]A‐TCNB demonstrates selective vapochromic behaviors toward picoline isomers via a dual response mechanism. This study provides new insights into the design of functional macrocyclic arenes and 3D MCCs, paving the way for the development of color‐tunable crystalline luminescent materials and advanced vapochromic systems.

EgoVision a YOLO-ViT hybrid for robust egocentric object recognition

Pd‐Catalyzed Stereospecific and Ligand‐Controlled Regiodivergent Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling for the Synthesis of 3‐<i>C</i>‐Glycals and 2,3‐Unsaturated <i>C</i>‐Glycosides

AbstractThe selective modification of carbohydrates to achieve structural complexity has emerged as a crucial strategy in carbohydrate‐based drug development. However, the intricate stereochemistry and densely packed functional groups of carbohydrates pose significant challenges for precise stereoselectivity and regioselectivity control. Herein, we report a palladium‐catalyzed, stereospecific, and ligand‐controlled regiodivergent glycosyl Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of 3‐boryl‐glycals, establishing a robust platform for glycoside diversification with versatile C1 and C3 modification. Notably, stable 3‐boryl‐glycals with 1,1,2,2‐tetraethylethylene glycol protection were first synthesized and fully characterized. Operating under mild conditions, this reaction enables the efficient synthesis of diverse 2,3‐unsaturated aryl/alkenyl C‐glycosides with exceptional regio‐ and stereoselectivity. Importantly, this ligand‐controlled regiodivergent C‐glycosylation offers a concise and efficient strategy for accessing 3‐C‐glycals (C3‐arylated/alkenylated glycals), circumventing time‐consuming and labor‐intensive multi‐step sequences. To elucidate the origins of regioselectivity control, we employ a data‐driven approach integrating DFT‐assisted multivariate regression analysis, identifying key ligand parameters that govern regioselectivity. Leveraging this predictive model, we pursued rational ligand design to enhance C3‐glycosylation selectivity and yield. Additionally, density functional theory calculations (DFT) provide critical insights into the fundamental principles dictating regioselectivity and tunability. These findings establish a solid foundation for advancing ligand‐controlled regiodivergent glycosylation reactions and significantly expand the synthetic toolkit for glycochemical synthesis.

Author Correction: Preparation, characterization and antioxidant and anticancerous potential of Quercetin loaded β-glucan particles derived from mushroom and yeast

Knowledge, attitudes, and associated factors of cervical cancer screening among women in Debre Markos town, Northwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study

Abstract Cervical cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality among young women globally, resulting in a significant number of deaths each year. Despite the well-established benefits of cervical cancer screening, its uptake is often influenced by women’s knowledge and attitudes toward the screening process. Considering this, the present study was conducted to evaluate the level of knowledge about cervical cancer, the attitudes toward screening, and the factors associated with these outcomes among women in Debre Markos Town, Northwest Ethiopia. This study was designed as a community-based cross-sectional survey, focusing on women aged 30 to 49 years living in Debre Markos Town. A multistage sampling technique was used to select a total of 630 participants for the study, which was conducted between July 1 and August 30, 2018. Data was entered using EPI Info version 7, while cleaning and analysis were done with SPSS version 25. Initially, bivariable logistic regression was applied to assess the relationships between the outcome variables and potential factors. Then, multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify the independent factors associated with each outcome. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. The study found that 374 (59.4%) of the participants had adequate knowledge about cervical cancer, while 385 (61.1%) displayed favorable attitudes toward cervical cancer screening. Key factors associated with a knowledge of cervical cancer screening included a history of multiple sexual partners [AOR: 1.768 (95% CI: 1.227, 2.549)] and the use of modern family planning methods [AOR: 2.238 (95% CI: 1.410, 3.554)]. In terms of attitudes toward screening, significant factors included higher educational attainment (college education or above) [AOR: 2.006, 95% CI: 1.147, 3.508], single, divorced, or widowed [AOR: 2.101 (95% CI: 1.219, 3.620)], and more than five pregnancies [AOR: 1.830 (95% CI: 1.125, 2.976)]. The results of this study indicate that both knowledge and attitudes toward cervical cancer screening were below optimal levels among the women in Debre Markos.

AuNis modified AlGaN/GaN HEMT biosensor for reliable detection of small Rho GTPases in Jurkat T cell lysate

Abstract A highly sensitive and stable biosensor was crucial for the early screening and treatment of diseases. As one of the most promising and powerful platforms, AlGaN/GaN HEMT biosensors have enormous potential owing to their distinctive 2DEG channel features. While gold nanomaterials offer great potential for creating highly sensitive sensing surfaces due to their nanoscale size, their lack of robustness and inconsistent concentration on the HEMT surface hinders the reliability and reproducibility of biosensors. Herein, gold nanoislands (AuNis) are utilized for the first time as a sensing membrane on AlGaN/GaN HEMT devices for biosensing applications. The high sensitivity for pH detection verified the excellent AuNis sensing capability. For biosensing applications, glutathione S-transferase–p21-activated kinase1–GTPase-binding domain (GST-PAK1-GBD; residues 56–272) served as a bioreceptor for small Rho GTPases in Jurkat T-cell lysate detection, achieving high current and voltage sensitivities of 9.10% and 33.00% at 3 × 10⁻⁷ g/mL, respectively. Benefitting from the large surface binding site of the AuNis sensing surface, a wider range of Jurkat T-cell lysate detection from 3 × 10−16 to 3 × 10−7 g/mL and an ultra-low limit of detection of 3 × 10−16 g/mL are obtained. Furthermore, excellent reproducibility with a reported correlation coefficient (R2 ≥ 0.950) across multiple sensors and &gt; 98% signal recovery after regeneration cycles further validates the sensor’s performance and reusability. The modification of the sensing surface with AuNis marks a significant advancement toward the development of robust and reproducible biosensors.

Stereoselective Self‐Assembly of a Topologically Chiral [6]Catenane with 18 Crossings

AbstractMechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs) exhibit unique properties and functions arising from their structural entanglement, features of which are absent in their individual components. However, synthesizing topologically complex architectures, particularly those with topological chirality, remains a significant challenge due to the lack of general methods for controlled entanglement. Herein, we report the stereoselective synthesis of a 24‐metal‐center topologically chiral [6]catenane featuring 18 crossings ( link), representing one of the most intricate MIMs constructed to date. This complex architecture was achieved in high yield (71%) via one‐step coordination‐driven self‐assembly of 12 chiral semirigid bidentate ligands and 12 conjugated binuclear half‐sandwich organometallic clips. Critically, chirality transfer from enantiopure ligands enabled exclusive formation of topological enantiomer pairs (Rh‐1S/Rh‐1R), each containing four topologically chiral stereogenic units—three cyclic [3]catenane components and one closed three‐link chain component. The self‐assembly is synergistically directed by integrated noncovalent interactions (sevenfold π–π stacking, hydrogen bonding, and solvophobic effects), as unambiguously confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. This design strategy, incorporating tailored noncovalent interaction sites in building blocks, provides a viable approach for synthesizing other structurally complex topologically chiral MIMs.

A comprehensive evaluation of drought resistance in Hemerocallis fulva L. using membership function and principal component analysis

Abstract Drought is a significant environmental stressor affecting a broad range of ornamental plants. Selecting and developing drought-resistant ornamental plants is a key strategy to solve this problem. This study comprehensively evaluated the drought resistance of 25 Hemerocallis fulva genotypes, which were collected from natural populations along the Taihang Mountain range in Shanxi Province, China. Five growth indices and eight physiological parameters were measured both prior to and following drought stress exposure in plants. These parameters included total chlorophyll (Chl) content, Chl a and Chl b contents, the Chl a/b ratio, carotenoid content, leaf relative water content (RWC), electrolyte leakage, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content. The results indicated that drought stress led to a reduction in plant height, canopy width, as well as leaf length, width, and area. Interestingly, under drought conditions, the contents of total Chl, Chl a, Chl b, and carotenoids, along with the Chl a/b ratio, generally increased, though the extent of these changes varied across different genotypes. On the other hand, the drought treatment resulted in elevated electrolyte leakage and MDA content, while RWC showed a marked decrease. To better understand the underlying physiological responses, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was applied to condense the thirteen individual growth and physiological parameters into three principal components: (1) a plant growth index, (2) a photosynthetic pigments index, and (3) a comprehensive water status and cell membrane damage index. Based on the comprehensive evaluation scores, cluster analysis, and heatmap analysis, the 25 Hemerocallis fulva wild genotypes were categorized into three groups: high drought-resistance, moderate drought-resistance and low drought-resistance. Genotypes Taiyuan No.1, Taiyuan No.2, Qinshui No.1, Taigu No.1, Jiaocheng No.1 and Datong No.1 were classified as exhibiting high drought resistance. No significant correlation was observed between drought resistance and either chromosome ploidy or the number of flower petals in wild Hemerocallis fulva. Drought resistance showed a positive correlation with the Chl a/b ratio and a negative correlation with leaf electrolyte leakage. This study not only provides valuable genetic resources for landscape architecture in arid regions. Moreover, it establishes a comprehensive and reliable methodology for evaluating drought resistance across different Hemerocallis fulva genotypes.

Tailoring Low‐Miller‐Index Crystal Facets Realizes Perovskite Solar Cells with Flat Grain‐boundary Grooves

AbstractCharge transport and nonradiative recombination loss at the buried interface are important factors, which limit the efficiency and stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs). Herein, we screen a series of diphosphate Lewis‐base molecules, where N,N‐bis(diphenylphosphino)amine (N‐DPPM) with appropriate alkyl chains and multiple active sites not only can efficiently facilitate carrier transport but also coordinate with undercoordinated Pb2+ and interact with FA+ through N⋯H bond. These features prompt the formation of high‐quality perovskite films along (100)/(200) crystal facets. Interestingly, these oriented low‐Miller‐index crystal facets have approximately a twice‐increase in heterointerface energy and twice‐decrease in grain‐boundary energy, flattening grain‐boundary grooves, thereby reducing nanoscale physical voids and releasing residual stress. Consequently, the champion inverted PSCs exhibit impressive power conversion efficiencies of 26.80%, 26.18%, and 20.59% for narrow‐bandgap (1.55 eV), large‐area (0.5 cm2), and wide‐bandgap (1.73 eV) devices, respectively. Meanwhile, the unencapsulated devices exhibit excellent stability after long‐term storage, thermal‐aging, or light‐soaking.

Correction: A cross-sectional study of oral health and disease prevalence in HIV-positive patients in Tabriz, Iran (2024)

Correction: The shifting of buffer crop repertoires in pre-industrial north-eastern Europe

Bidirectional Electron Relay at TiN‐TiO₂ Interfaces Enables Oxidation‐Resistant Ru for High‐Potential Hydrogen Oxidation Catalysis

AbstractRuthenium‐based catalysts are pivotal as cost‐effective alternatives to Pt for alkaline hydrogen oxidation reaction (HOR). However, they typically face irreversible deactivation above 0.2 V vs. RHE due to synergistic Ru oxidation/OHad over‐adsorption. We propose a Taichi‐inspired TiN‐TiO2 heterophase‐segregated electron‐relay mechanism that dynamically balances bidirectional electron flow (Ru→TiN electron donation and TiO2→Ru electron replenishment), achieving complete activity retention (100%) even under 1.1 V operation. This potential‐adaptive regulation can significantly inhibit electron redistribution and band compression under the high potential induced electric field, and effectively alleviate the d‐band upshift and OH adsorption energy surge. Spatially decoupled Ti(TiN)‐Ru bridge sites simultaneously adsorb OHad (Eads = ‐1.40 eV) and decouple Had/OHad adsorption domains, eliminating competitive binding. This configuration delivers triple synergies: 1) geometric isolation of reactive intermediates adsorption, 2) potential‐responsive Ru0 stabilization, and 3) accelerated Volmer kinetics via interfacial hydroxyl migration. The Ru/TiN‐TiO2 catalyst achieves 100% activity retention at 1.1 V vs. RHE (vs. &gt;60% loss for Ru/TiN) with 73.23% metallic Ru0 preserved after 10 h operation. This work resolves the intrinsic activity‐stability trade‐off in Ru HOR catalysts and establishes dynamic charge‐relay interfaces as a universal design paradigm for oxidation‐prone electrocatalysts.