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Ultra-soft organic combined film with piezoelectricity induced by liquid-liquid interface polar engineering

A geminivirus attenuation vector for crop protection using episomal plant gene therapy

Abstract Although plant viruses inflict billions of dollars in global crop yield loss, they also encode functions that can be used for crop protection. A viral vector attenuation strategy is developed that enables modulation of a ‘gene therapy’ viral vector designed for protective gene delivery. This attenuation vector targets its homologous native viral counterpart, where the A-component of the bipartite tomato mottle virus (ToMoV) viral vector delivers siRNA constructs targeting native viral sequences for which its own genome has been synthetically modified to avoid silencing. A target coat protein replacement viral vector was engineered with a Nano-luciferase reporter gene to quantify effectiveness based on bioluminescence. To silence the target virus, siRNA constructs were designed against the transactivating protein (TrAP) which is responsible for activating the promoter driving the native coat protein transcript. This siRNA was placed in the attenuation vector designed to avoid self-targeting by modifying its own TrAP sequence. Viral infections were initiated in tobacco using Agrobacterium DNA delivery. Measurements at 3, 6, and 9 days post infiltration revealed a significantly reduced luminescence in attenuation treatment demonstrating suppression of the target virus transgene expression. This work sets the stage for a breadth of virus attenuation studies that can be rapidly applied to diverse crop threats.

A neuromorphic processor with on-chip learning for beyond-CMOS device integration

Abstract Recent advances in memory technologies, devices, and materials have shown great potential for integration into neuromorphic electronic systems. However, a significant gap remains between the development of these materials and the realization of large-scale, fully functional systems. One key challenge is determining which devices and materials are best suited for specific functions and how they can be paired with complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor circuitry. To address this, we present a mixed-signal neuromorphic architecture designed to explore the integration of on-chip learning circuits and novel two- and three-terminal devices. The chip serves as a platform to bridge the gap between silicon-based neuromorphic computation and the latest advancements in emerging devices. In this paper, we demonstrate the readiness of the architecture for device integration through comprehensive measurements and simulations. The processor provides a practical system for testing bio-inspired learning algorithms alongside emerging devices, establishing a tangible link between brain-inspired computation and cutting-edge device research.

Treatment of non-small cell lung cancer using chem-bioinformatics-driven engineering of exosomal cargo-vehicle for telmisartan and pioglitazone targeted-delivery

Abstract The activation of the PPARG transcription factor is linked to reduced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) growth. Bioinformatics, cheminformatics, and molecular docking/dynamics studies assessing pioglitazone and telmisartan as repurposed PPARG agonists for treating NSCLC with a targeted delivery system was done. Bioinformatics confirmed that the expression of the PPARG gene can predict outcomes in lung adenocarcinoma and is related to immune cells present in the tumor. Cheminformatics data showed that pioglitazone and telmisartan have a strong attraction to the PPARG receptor, with good efficiency as ligands. Both drugs were found to be lipophilic, suggesting compatibility with a targeted delivery formulation that may include albumin. Further cheminformatics predictions highlighted systemic toxicity values and the need for targeted delivery to minimize toxic side effects. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations showed that the telmisartan-MyoVc cargo domain complex was strong and stable during an 18 ns simulation period. Bioinformatics and cheminformatics data support pioglitazone and telmisartan as promising repurposed drugs for LUAC, highlighting their lipophilicity and compatibility with exosomal components like albumin. Cheminformatics also pointed out potential off-target effects and hepatotoxicity, emphasizing the importance of exosomal targeted delivery. Molecular docking and MD simulations confirmed the affinity and stability of drug-exosomal vehicle complexes. The proposed engineering of exosomal cargo for targeted delivery of these drugs to lung cells could enhance NSCLC treatment and address drug resistance while minimizing systemic toxicity.

Direct entorhinal control of CA1 temporal coding

An enhanced YOLOv8 model for accurate detection of solid floating waste

Three weeks in a hide to spot one elusive bear: the life of a wildlife film-maker

Forced expression of MSR repeat transcripts above a threshold limit breaks heterochromatin organisation

Abstract Mouse heterochromatin is characterised by transcriptionally competent major satellite repeat (MSR) sequences and it has been proposed that MSR RNA contributes to the integrity of heterochromatin. We establish an inducible dCas9-effector system in mouse embryonic fibroblasts, where we can modulate MSR transcription through the targeting of a dCas9-Repressor or a dCas9-Activator. With this system, we can define a threshold limit of >300-fold deregulation of MSR transcript levels, above which the structural organisation of heterochromatin becomes disrupted. MEF cells expressing MSR RNA above this threshold limit are not viable and the defects in heterochromatin organisation and chromosome segregation cannot be reverted. This study highlights the importance of restricting MSR RNA output to maintain heterochromatin integrity and relates MSR transcript levels to either physiological or pathological conditions. It also reveals that the structural organisation of heterochromatin is governed by the transcriptional chromatin state and associated MSR RNA of the MSR repeats.

The effect of cold plasma treatment on the phenolic and flavonoid content and antioxidant activity of whole buckwheat grain and flour

Daily briefing: The true nature of Greenland’s unique sled dogs revealed by centuries-old DNA

Trehalose catalytic shift inherently enhances phenotypic heterogeneity and multidrug resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis

ST-CFI: Swin Transformer with convolutional feature interactions for identifying plant diseases

Co-benefits for cropland yield, nitrogen emissions, and climate impact through multi-objective optimization agricultural manure solutions

The quality and reliability of short videos about hypertension on TikTok: a cross-sectional study

Large mode volume integrated Brillouin lasers for scalable ultra-low linewidth and high power

Abstract Ultra-low linewidth, high output power, integrated single mode lasers, that operate from the visible to shortwave-IR, are critical for future compact, portable, precision applications. Achieving this performance in a CMOS compatible integration platform that can also enable scaling to lower linewidths and higher powers remains a key challenge. We report demonstration of a class of integrated laser with a 31 mHz instantaneous linewidth, 41 mW output power, and 73 dB sidemode suppression ratio, tunable over 22.5 nm. This performance is possible due to Brillouin nonlinear laser dynamics in a large mode volume, meter-scale, MHz free spectral range, low loss silicon nitride coil resonator with the potential to scale to an operating regime of mHz fundamental linewidth and Watt class lasers. Such lasers hold promise to unlock new sensitivity and fidelity for quantum sensing and computing, ultra-low-noise mmWave and RF generation, fiber sensing, and atomic, molecular, and optical physics.

Machine learning based characterization of high risk carriers of HTLV-1-associated myelopathy (HAM)

Vector competence of mosquitoes from Europe for Tahyna virus

Abstract Tahyna virus (TAHV) was the first mosquito-borne virus isolated in Europe, and has since been found throughout Eurasia and Africa. Infections are mostly asymptomatic but can cause “Valtice fever”, characterized by influenza-like symptoms, mainly in children, with severe cases occasionally causing neurological symptoms. The virus is maintained in an enzootic cycle between small mammals and mosquitoes. Recent and comprehensive studies of vector competence for TAHV are scarce. To fill this gap, and to better understand the transmission cycle of TAHV, we studied ten taxa (Ae. aegypti, Ae. albopictus, Ae. japonicus japonicus, Ae. koreicus, Ae. rusticus, Cx. pipiens biotype pipiens, Cx. torrentium, Cs. morsitans/fumipennis, An. daciae, and An. stephensi) by orally infecting them with TAHV. All taxa were susceptible to TAHV infection. Additionally, the invasive species Ae. albopictus, and Ae. rusticus, a species native to Europe, were able to transmit the virus at 27 ± 5 °C, with transmission efficiencies of 3.3% and 14.3%, respectively. Therefore, it is plausible for TAHV to be transmitted by Ae. albopictus and Ae. rusticus in natural settings in Europe. At a lower temperature of 24 ± 5 °C, infection and transmission decreased in Ae. albopictus. This data will allow future risk models and early warning systems to better predict TAHV transmission.

MambaCAttnGCN+: a comprehensive framework integrating MambaTextCNN, cross-attention and graph convolution network for piRNA-disease association prediction

TMEM150A overexpression was associated with poor prognosis and cancer progression in glioma verified by comprehensive analysis and cell experiments

Multifunctional scalable coated paper sheets for UV shielding and sublimation printing applications

Abstract Agricultural residues are produced annually; recycling these wastes in various ways is considered economically valuable. In this context, biopolymer-reinforced composite materials were developed to create alternative, eco-friendly, and sustainable resources for different applications. With advancements in innovative chemical techniques, cellulose nanofibers with silica have been simultaneously obtained. Rice residues were transformed into silica-based cellulose nanofibers (SCNNP) through hydrolysis using ammonium persulfate (APS) under microwave radiation at 70 °C, 1.25 M APS, an irradiation time of 20 min, and a liquor ratio of 1:75. Additionally, rice residue was converted into silica nanostructure SiO2NP via hydrochloric acid hydrolysis followed by calcination at 600 °C. The principal characterizations of the extracted SCNNP and SiO2NP were evaluated using FTIR, XRD, BET surface area analysis, SEM, TEM, EDX and ζ-potential measurements. To produce cellulose/silica hybrid composites on a paper matrix, co-processing of the isolated SiO2NP and/or SCNNP, which contained silica, was considered. Different concentrations of [SiO2NP (0.25–3%w/v)/SCNNP (0.5%w/v)] nanocomposites were used to modify the fabricated paper sheets, with cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) serving as a binder. Fabricated paper sheets treated with various concentrations of (CPAM/SiO2NP/SCNNP) nanocomposite solutions were prepared. The impact of SiO2NP and/or SCNNP on the modified paper’s surface structure, strength, barrier, and UV shielding characteristics was examined. To evaluate color properties, the fabricated paper sheets treated with different concentrations of CPAM/SiO2NP/SCNNP, were silk-screen printed using disperse dye. Under different conditions (temperatures of 170–210 °C and time of 30–60 s.), the printed paper sheets were tested as heat transfer paper in sublimation transfer printing of polyester fabrics. Polyester samples printed using sheets treated with CPAM/0.5% SCNNP and CPAM/3% SiO2NP showed enhanced color depth. All polyester samples printed with modified sheets demonstrated outstanding fastness properties. Additionally, some treated paper sheets showed remarkable transfer stability during a second printing run.