Browse Articles

A modernized approach to sentiment analysis of product reviews using BiGRU and RNN based LSTM deep learning models

In silico machine learning–enabled detection of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from contaminated soil

The detection and identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their modified derivatives in contaminated soil is challenging due to the chemical and microbial complexity of soil organic matter. To address these challenges, we developed an innovative analytical approach that combines Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy with a Raman spectral library constructed in silico using density functional theory (DFT)-calculated spectra. This method overcomes several limitations associated with traditional experimental libraries, including spectral background interference, solvent effects, and commercially unavailable or challenging to synthesize compounds. Our methodology employs a physics-informed machine learning pipeline that operates in two stages: the characteristic peak extraction (CaPE) algorithm, which isolates distinctive spectral features, and the characteristic peak similarity (CaPSim) algorithm, which identifies analytes with high robustness to spectral shifts and amplitude variations. Validation of this approach showed strong similarity values (>0.6) between DFT-calculated and experimental Surface-enhanced Raman spectra for multiple PAHs, confirming its accuracy and discriminative capability. This study establishes the viability of DFT-calculated spectra as reliable references for identifying analytes that lack experimental reference spectra, including those formed through environmental modification of PAHs. This advancement addresses a critical gap in environmental monitoring, providing a valuable tool for assessing public health risks associated with these contaminants.

Study on mine pressure law and support resistance of working face under shallow buried gully terrain

Amplification mechanism with interacting atomic gases

The use of atoms, molecules, and free electrons in quantum amplifiers has greatly advanced precision measurements, paving the way for the development of extremely-low-noise quantum devices such as masers and lasers. Here, we investigate the signal amplification of interacting spins and observe the amplification of magnetic fields using mixtures of interacting alkali-metal and noble gases. In contrast to noninteracting systems used as amplifiers, we demonstrate that interactions resulting from random atomic collisions give rise to two distinct amplification phenomena. These phenomena provide essential resources for enhancing quantum sensing capabilities. Our results show that magnetic fields can be amplified by at least two orders of magnitude, enhancing magnetic sensitivity to the femtotesla per root hertz level. Additionally, we report a counterpart phenomenon, deamplification, where the magnetic noise response is suppressed by at least one order of magnitude within certain frequency regimes. In this work alkali-metal and noble-gas spins are weakly coupled. We further explore how the performance of amplification changes with the interaction strength as the two spin gases gradually enter the strong-coupling regime, unveiling hitherto unexplored amplification effects that hold promise for enhancing precision measurements.

Ancient DNA indicates 3,000 years of genetic continuity in the Northern Iranian Plateau, from the Copper Age to the Sassanid Empire

Abstract In this study, we present new ancient DNA data from prehistoric and historic populations of the Iranian Plateau. By analysing 50 samples from nine archaeological sites across Iran, we report 23 newly sequenced mitogenomes and 13 nuclear genomes, spanning 4700 BCE to 1300 CE. We integrate an extensive reference sample set of previously published ancient DNA datasets from Western and South-Central Asia, enhancing our understanding of genetic continuity and diversity within ancient Iranian populations. A new Early Chalcolithic sample, predating all other Chalcolithic genomes from Iran, demonstrates mostly Early Neolithic Iranian genetic ancestry. This finding reflects long-term cultural and biological continuity in and around the Zagros area, alongside evidence of some western genetic influence. Our sample selection prioritizes northern Iran, with a particular focus on the Achaemenid, Parthian, and Sassanid periods (355 BCE–460 CE). The genetic profiles of historical samples from this region position them as intermediates on an east-west genetic cline across the Persian Plateau. They also exhibit strong connections to local and South-Central Asian Bronze Age populations, underscoring enduring genetic connections across these regions. Diachronic analyses of uniparental lineages on the Iranian Plateau further highlight population stability from prehistoric to modern times.

Molecular insights into de novo small-molecule recognition by an intron RNA structure

Despite the promise of vastly expanding the druggable genome, rational design of RNA-targeting ligands remains challenging as it requires the rapid identification of hits and visualization of the resulting cocomplexes for guiding optimization. Here, we leveraged high-throughput screening, medicinal chemistry, and structural biology to identify a de novo splicing inhibitor against a large and highly folded fungal group I intron. High-resolution cryoEM structures of the intron in different liganded states not only reveal molecular interactions that rationalize experimental structure–activity relationship but also shed light on a unique strategy whereby RNA-associated metal ions and RNA conformation exhibit exceptional plasticity in response to small-molecule binding. This study reveals general principles that govern RNA–ligand recognition, the interplay between chemical bonding specificity, and dynamic responses within an RNA target.

Single scores in the RT-based value-driven attentional capture paradigm have high reliability

The oncoprotein SET promotes serine-derived one-carbon metabolism by regulating SHMT2 enzymatic activity

Cancer cells frequently reprogram one-carbon metabolic pathways to fulfill their vigorous demands of biosynthesis and antioxidant defense for survival and proliferation. Dysfunction of oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes is critically involved in this process, but the precise mechanisms by which cancer cells actively trigger one-carbon metabolic alterations remain incompletely elucidated. Here, by using untargeted metabolomic analysis, we identify the oncoprotein SE translocation (SET) as a key regulator of one-carbon metabolism in cancer cells. SET physically interacts with mitochondrial SHMT2 and facilitates SHMT2 enzymatic activity. Loss of SET profoundly suppresses serine-derived one-carbon metabolic flux, whereas reexpression of ectopic SET leads to the opposite effect. Notably, although the presence of SHMT2 is critical for SET-mediated one-carbon metabolic alterations, the depletion of SHMT2 alone is insufficient to antagonize SET-induced tumor growth, probably due to functional compensation by its cytosolic isozyme SHMT1 upon SHMT2 knockdown. Instead, pharmacological targeting of cellular SHMT (including both SHMT1 and SHMT2) activity results in dramatic suppression of SET-induced tumor growth. Moreover, by using a Kras/Lkb1 mutation-driven lung tumor mouse model, we demonstrate that the loss of SET compromises both tumor formation and intratumoral SHMT2 enzymatic activity. Clinically, the overexpression of SET and SHMT2 is observed in lung tumors, both of which correlate with poor prognosis. Our study reveals a SET–SHMT2 axis in regulating serine-derived one-carbon metabolism and uncovers one-carbon metabolic reprogramming as a mechanism for SET-driven tumorigenesis.

Enhancement of sandy soil water retention using superabsorbent carboxymethyl cellulose grafted with polyacrylamide and polyacrylamidomethyl propanesulfonic acid copolymer

Abstract To enhance the productivity of sandy soil, considerable efforts have been devoted to improving its water retention capacity, thereby reducing the frequency of irrigation and minimizing water loss through evaporation. The present study aimed to develop carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)—grafted-(polyacrylamide (PAM)-co-2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid (PAMPS) superabsorbent hydrogel (SAH) for effective water retentionin sandy soil. Characterization of the grafted copolymer hydrogel was performed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The synthesized CMC-g-(PAM-co-PAMPS) SAH exhibited improved thermal stability, demonstrating a half-weight loss at 391 °C compared to 331 °C for the pure CMC biopolymer. The consequence of various grafting conditions on the percentage add-on was systematically optimized. Additionally, factors influencing water uptake behavior, including contact time, pH and temperature of the medium, particle sizes, and total dissolved salts, were investigated. The results indicated that increasing the co-monomer ratio from 3 to 18% significantly raised the % add-on value from 81 to 97.4%. The developed SAH showed an exceptionalwater uptake capacity of 313 g/g within a short duration of 15 min. Furthermore, it demonstrated the ability to reabsorb water over five successive cycles, achieving an efficiency exceeding 70%. The incorporation of the SAH into sandy soil resulted in a reduction of water outflow, with a significant decrease in the flow rate from 0.96 to 0.32 cm/min. The fabricated superabsorbent hydrogel presents a promising approach for enhancing water retention in sandy soil.

Persistent pseudopod splitting is an effective chemotaxis strategy in shallow gradients

Single-cell organisms and various cell types use a range of motility modes when following a chemical gradient, but it is unclear which mode is best suited for different gradients. Here, we model directional decision-making in chemotactic amoeboid cells as a stimulus-dependent actin recruitment contest. Pseudopods extending from the cell body compete for a finite actin pool to push the cell in their direction until one pseudopod wins and determines the direction of movement. Our minimal model provides a quantitative understanding of the strategies cells use to reach the physical limit of accurate chemotaxis, aligning with data without explicit gradient sensing or cellular memory for persistence. To generalize our model, we employ reinforcement learning optimization to study the effect of pseudopod suppression, a simple but effective cellular algorithm by which cells can suppress possible directions of movement. Different pseudopod-based chemotaxis strategies emerge naturally depending on the environment and its dynamics. For instance, in static gradients, cells can react faster at the cost of pseudopod accuracy, which is particularly useful in noisy, shallow gradients where it paradoxically increases chemotactic accuracy. In contrast, in dynamics gradients, cells form de novo pseudopods. Overall, our work demonstrates mechanical intelligence for high chemotaxis performance with minimal cellular regulation.

Publisher Correction: Evaluating climate-related financial policies’ impact on decarbonization with machine learning methods

DDX24 spatiotemporally orchestrates VEGF and Wnt signaling during developmental angiogenesis

Vascular development is a precisely controlled process, yet how it is spatiotemporally orchestrated remains enigmatic. We previously identified DEAD-box RNA helicase 24 (DDX24) as a pathogenic gene for multiorgan vascular anomalies. Here, we show that DDX24 is expressed in the endothelium during embryonic angiogenesis in zebrafish. DDX24 deficiency causes intersegmental vessel hyperbranching in the trunk, but inhibits central artery angiogenesis in the brain. Mechanistically, DDX24 deficiency enhances VEGFR2 expression by direct binding to its mRNA in nonbrain endothelial cells (ECs), while suppressing GPR124/RECK-mediated Wnt signaling in brain ECs. Additionally, spatial transcriptome analysis profiles DDX24-mediated crosstalk between ECs and neighboring cells. Finally, pharmacological targeting of these two pathways in a temporal manner can rescue the phenotypes induced by DDX24 deficiency. Overall, our findings highlight an essential role for DDX24 in the spatiotemporal regulation of developmental angiogenesis.

Performance analysis of Thue Morse acoustic resonators for noise reduction

Observation of disorder-induced boundary localization

Bloch wavefunctions in crystals experience localization within the bulk when disorder is introduced, a phenomenon commonly known as Anderson localization. This effect is considered universal, being applicable to all types of waves, quantum or classical. However, the interaction between disorder and topology—a concept that has profoundly transformed many branches of physics—necessitates revisiting the original Anderson localization picture. For instance, in the recently discovered topological Anderson insulator, the introduction of disorder induces topological boundary states that can resist localization due to protection from line-gap topology. While line-gap topology applies to both Hermitian and non-Hermitian systems, non-Hermitian systems uniquely exhibit point-gap topology, which has no Hermitian counterparts and leads to the non-Hermitian skin effect. Here, we experimentally demonstrate disorder-induced point-gap topology in a non-Hermitian acoustic crystal. This crystal, with non-Hermitian disorder in nearest-neighbor couplings, exhibits the non-Hermitian skin effect, where all eigenstates localize at a boundary. Interestingly, the boundary where localization occurs—either the left or right—depends on the strength of the disorder. As the disorder strength increases, the direction of boundary localization can be reversed. Additionally, we observe a “bipolar” skin effect, where boundary localization occurs at both the left and right boundaries when disorder is introduced in next-nearest-neighbor couplings. These findings experimentally reveal a non-Hermitian mechanism of disorder-induced localization that goes beyond the conventional framework of Anderson localization.

A cohort study evaluating myocardial work and right ventricle strain in sepsis in critical care

Evidence of a social evaluation penalty for using AI

Despite the rapid proliferation of AI tools, we know little about how people who use them are perceived by others. Drawing on theories of attribution and impression management, we propose that people believe they will be evaluated negatively by others for using AI tools and that this belief is justified. We examine these predictions in four preregistered experiments (N = 4,439) and find that people who use AI at work anticipate and receive negative evaluations regarding their competence and motivation. Further, we find evidence that these social evaluations affect assessments of job candidates. Our findings reveal a dilemma for people considering adopting AI tools: Although AI can enhance productivity, its use carries social costs.

The potential of secretogranin V as a prognostic biomarker in non-small cell lung cancer

NF-κB-mediated developmental delay extends lifespan in <i>Drosophila</i>

Developmental time (or time to maturity) strongly correlates with an animal’s maximum lifespan, with late-maturing individuals often living longer. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain largely unknown. This may be because most previously identified longevity genes regulate growth rate rather than developmental time. To address this gap, we genetically manipulated prothoracicotropic hormone (PTTH), the primary regulator of developmental timing in Drosophila , to explore the genetic link between developmental time and longevity. Loss of PTTH delays developmental timing without altering the growth rate. Intriguingly, PTTH mutants exhibit extended lifespan despite their larger body size. This lifespan extension depends on ecdysone signaling, as feeding 20-hydroxyecdysone to PTTH mutants reverses the effect. Mechanistically, loss of PTTH blunts age-dependent chronic inflammation, specifically in fly hepatocytes (oenocytes). Developmental transcriptomics reveal that NF-κB signaling activates during larva-to-adult transition, with PTTH inducing this signaling via ecdysone. Notably, time-restricted and oenocyte-specific silencing of Relish (an NF-κB homolog) at early 3rd instar larval stages significantly prolongs adult lifespan while delaying pupariation. Our study establishes an aging model that uncouples developmental time from growth rate, highlighting NF-κB signaling as a key developmental program in linking developmental time to adult lifespan.

Prosthetic bacterial culture for bacterial identification of nasal infections after rhinoplasty

Hdac1 as an early determinant of intermediate-exhausted CD8 ⁺ T cell fate in chronic viral infection

The exhausted CD8 + T (T EX ) cells consist of distinct subsets including Tcf1 + stem-like, Tcf1 – Cx3cr1 + intermediate (T EX -int) and Tcf1 – Cx3cr1 – terminally exhausted cells; yet, epigenetic determinants of T EX subset differentiation remain incompletely understood. Using chronic viral infection, we show that histone deacetylase 1 (Hdac1) was specifically required for the formation of antigen-specific T EX -int cells at the effector phase of responses. Single-cell transcriptomics validated that Hdac1 deficiency depleted T EX -int cells and revealed that Hdac1 was critical for positive regulation of T EX -int-characteristic genes, including Cx3cr1 , Cxcr6 , and Klf2 . Furthermore, profiling chromatin accessibility landscape in T EX subsets demonstrated that loss of Hdac1 resulted in a prevalent increase in chromatin open state, as evidently observed at the exhaustion program genes, which were linked to induced expression of exhaustion-inducing Tox transcription factor, PD1 and Lag3 coinhibitory receptors in T EX cells. Hdac1 thus has dual regulatory functions: promoting T EX -int cell fate and preventing excessive activation of the exhaustion program to curtail uncontrolled virus replication.