Browse Articles

Correction: HS-RankFormer for efficient and robust RGB-to-Hyperspectral image reconstruction across domains

Evaluating the energy-saving potential of MPCM-modified AAC bricks under dynamic outdoor conditions

Experimental evaluation of multiscale damage evolution in fissured limestone under different wet–dry cycles and axial stress

Biomechanical analysis of Peking Opera hat-wing technique

Abstract The Peking Opera hat-wing technique is an intangible cultural heritage. This study adopted a single-subject case study design to characterize the movements of this technique, facilitating its intergenerational preservation and transmission. Biomechanical analysis was conducted to investigate the left-wing toss movement in the hat-wing technique, aiming to reveal the intrinsic biomechanical mechanism of the movement and provide a basis for its inheritance and training. An infrared motion capture system was used to collect kinematic parameters of the markers, and a three-dimensional force platform was employed to gather force data from the actor’s left and right feet. Three sets of data—including Center of Pressure (COP) position, head movement parameters, and knee joint angles—were analyzed to elucidate the operating mechanism of the left-wing toss movement. Based on the results, the left-wing toss movement was theoretically segmented, and the initiation principle of the movement was determined. Additionally, factors influencing the sustained movement of the left-wing toss and those required to achieve a relatively static state at the end of the movement were identified. The primary hypothesis was that the phase relationship between the L3 Z-axis displacement–time (L3 Z-T) curve and the head tilt angle–time (α-T) curve can effectively distinguish the initiation, maintenance, and termination stages of the left-wing toss movement. Quantitative analysis of five repeated trials showed high movement repeatability, with a coefficient of variation (CV) < 15% for all key kinematic metrics. Among them, the phase difference (CV = 6.0%) and peak angular velocity (CV = 10.6%) exhibited excellent repeatability (CV < 11%), and other indicators also met the repeatability requirements for single-subject case studies (CV < 15%). During the initiation stage, the peak head tilt angle reached 6° ± 0.8°, and the peak angular velocity was 29.3°/s ± 3.1°/s. Throughout the movement, the COP excursion in the anterior-posterior direction was 4.2 ± 0.5 cm, and the medial-lateral excursion was 2.1 ± 0.3 cm. These findings provide a scientific foundation for the standardized training and intergenerational preservation of the Peking Opera hat-wing technique, highlighting the value of biomechanical analysis in traditional performing arts heritage.

Two novel strains isolated from a brackish lake constitute Aeoliella fuhlenseeensis sp. nov. and Bythopirellula superficialaquae sp. nov. in the family Lacipirellulaceae

Abstract The strain collection of Heinz Schlesner (Kiel University, Germany) largely consists of budding bacteria collected from the 1980s to early 2000s. It still holds an untapped diversity of bacteria with uncommon morphologies and cell division modes. Here, we characterize two strains from his collection, SH292 T and SH678 T , that he isolated from Lake Fuhlensee, a slightly brackish lake in Northern Germany. Phylogenetic tree reconstruction places the novel strains in the family Lacipirellulaceae within the phylum Planctomycetota . More detailed analyses based on five phylogenetic markers suggest positions within the genera Aeoliella and Bythopirellula , respectively. The novel isolates have an aerobic and heterotrophic lifestyle and a mesophilic and neutrophilic growth profile. Optimal growth was observed at 25 °C and pH 7.0–7.5. Genome sequencing revealed slightly smaller genomes of 5.6–6.0 Mbp compared to those of the close relatives (6.1–7.8 Mbp). An analysis of genome-encoded features suggests differences in the portfolio of secondary metabolite-associated biosynthetic gene clusters and carbohydrate-active enzymes. Genomic and morphological differences support the results of the phylogenetic inferences that together delineate the novel strains from previously described species. Hence, we conclude that the two novel isolates belong to two novel species, for which we introduce the names Aeoliella fuhlenseeensis sp. nov. and Bythopirellula superficialaquae sp. nov. The novel taxa are represented by strains SH292 T (= DSM 116587 T  = KCTC 102092 T ) and SH678 T (= DSM 116729 T  = KCTC 102079 T ) as the corresponding type strains.

Multiple independent origins of neoteny reveal convergent relaxation of mitochondrial selection in beetles

Crop-weed classification using deep learning: a comparative study of CNNs, vision transformers, and interpretable models

Digital orientation enables disruptive technological innovation in agricultural technology enterprises

The effect of multimodal sensory stimulation on physiological parameters and consciousness levels in ICU-admitted traumatic brain injury patients: a clinical trial design

Effect of Al₂O₃ nanoparticle reinforcement and annealing on PMMA composite performance for prosthetic feet

The leg-swing interface: a novel approach to seated VR locomotion with balanced immersion and physical load

Anion-engineered CsInTiS₄₋ₓOₓ (x = 0.8) quantum dots for enhanced nonlinear photonics and optoelectronics

Classification of functional movement screening scores and reported fall-incident history from deep squat videos among logistics service workers using deep learning

Menin-MLL inhibitors enhance JUND activity in MLLr leukemic cells contributing to tumorigenesis and therapy resistance

MLL-rearranged (MLLr) acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and acute lymphoid leukemia (ALL) involve reciprocal translocations of the KMT2A (MLL1) gene with various translocation partner genes, which yields oncogenic chimeric MLL1 fusion proteins (MLL-FPs). Menin, the protein product of the MEN1 gene, is essential for the leukemogenic activity of MLL-FPs. Revumenib is a small-molecule inhibitor that selectively disrupts the menin-MLL interaction, and it is now in clinical use for treatment of MLLr and NPM1-mutated (NPM1c) acute leukemia. Notably, menin also interacts with the JUND member of the AP-1 transcription factor family through a conserved protein sequence in the MLL1/2 binding pocket of menin. Despite this structural similarity, the impact of menin-MLL inhibitors on JUND function has remained unexplored. Here, we investigated the influence of menin-MLL inhibitors on JUND activity. Quantitative mass spectrometry analysis of MLLr leukemic cells demonstrated that menin-MLL inhibitors also disrupt menin-JUND interactions. Furthermore, CRISPR-mediated inactivation of JUND or pharmacological inhibition using JNK inhibitors synergistically enhanced the anti-leukemic effects of menin-MLL inhibitors leading to reduced cell proliferation, cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. RNA sequencing and chromatin binding assays revealed that menin-MLL inhibitor treatment increased JUND chromatin occupancy leading to upregulation of target genes and contributing to resistance against menin-MLL inhibitors. Immunocompromised mice engrafted with JUND-deficient leukemia cells exhibited reduced tumor burden compared to control mice engrafted with wild type leukemic cells. These findings reveal a role for JUND in MLLr AML and suggest that targeting JUND transcription factor activity enhances the efficacy of menin-MLL inhibitors towards MLLr leukemic cells.

E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF11 protects against liver ischemia reperfusion injury through HINT1 degradation-mediated PI3K/AKT activation

One-stage Assay Factor VIII Activity Reflects AAV-Derived Factor VIII-Enhanced Thrombin Activation and Predicts Phenotype

Hemophilia A (HA) phenotype is predicted by factor VIII (FVIII) activity. Most HA adeno-associated virus (AAV) trials incorporate the B-domain-deleted FVIII-SQ variant and one-stage assay (OSA) FVIII activity exceeds chromogenic substrate assay (CSA) values by 1.5-2-fold. This contrasts with recombinant FVIII-SQ (rFVIII-SQ), suggests altered biochemical properties, and highlights the need to determine which assay reflects hemostatic function. In gene therapy treated mice and SPK-8011 trial participants, AAV-derived FVIII-SQ (AAV-FVIII-SQ) activation and function within the intrinsic tenase enzyme complex was compared to rFVIII-SQ. In both species, AAV-FVIII-SQ demonstrated normal cofactor function and A2-domain stability. In mice, the assay discrepancy persisted without von Willebrand factor (vWF), indicating it is not driven by altered vWF interactions. Both species demonstrated enhanced thrombin-mediated activation of AAV-FVIII-SQ, detectable by OSA but not CSA. Negative binomial regression analysis of 23 SPK-8011 participants, representing 99 cumulative patient-years, trended toward better prediction of annualized bleeding rate with OSA than CSA. In vivo evaluation of AAV-FVIII-SQ in mice demonstrated that OSA activity better correlated with hemostatic function and corresponded to rFVIII-SQ function. These findings support that OSA FVIII activity reflects AAV-FVIII-SQ function within the intrinsic tenase complex, captures enhanced activation not detected by CSA, and best predicts clinical outcome.

Dynamic multi-period optimal power flow considering renewable energy degradation and temperature derating

Abstract Renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind, play vital role in reducing emissions of carbon dioxide and combating climate change. However, their stochastic behavior has an impact on modern electric networks. Hence, Modelling variability and uncertainty in optimal power flow (OPF) concerns is critical for ensuring dependable and environmentally friendly grid operations. This study investigates the impact of climate change on the integration of wind and solar energy into power systems, with a specific focus on how temperature variations affect the performance and optimal dispatch of wind turbines and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. To minimize total costs and carbon emissions, both single-objective and multi-objective optimization problems are developed, incorporating temperature-dependent de-rating effects on PV modules and wind turbines. Mayfly algorithm (MA) is applied to the IEEE-30 bus system for Optimal Power Flow (OPF), achieving a 0.6% and 0.5% reduction in fuel cost and carbon emissions compared to PSO and further techniques in single-objective OPF. The study extends to Stochastic OPF (SOPF) on a modified IEEE-30 system with two wind farms and one PV plant. Where, temperature-dependent models are used for both wind energy and solar energy. To additionally encourage and increase the reliance on renewable energy, Carbon credit concept is added to the total cost objective function as novel contribution. The results show that when the carbon credit is taken into account the total cost is reduced by 0.8% compared to the case when it is not considered. To assess the climate change impact, it is found that at 40 °C, the total cost and emissions increase by 21% and 45.67% respectively when minimizing cost, and by 9.67% and 45.7% when minimizing emissions. The multi-period analysis evaluates the evolution of renewable penetration over the 25-year lifetime by considering the gradual reduction in renewable output caused by annual degradation and temperature-related derating. The renewable penetration limits are therefore updated across the planning period to reflect the reduced contribution of PV and wind generation over time. where, this impact is on total cost and carbon emissions over 25-year lifetime through both single and multi-objective dynamic Multi-Period SOPF (MPOPF) problem. For single-objective MPSOPF problem, after 25 years, the results at 40 °C show that the total cost and emissions increase by 24.96% and 51.8% respectively when minimizing the total cost compared to the results obtained at the beginning of wind and solar plants operation. Moreover, Multi-Objective SOPF is solved, a fuzzy-based Pareto front is used, the outcomes show that when the ambient temperature rises to 40 °C, the compromise solution shows an increase of 16.65% total cost and 41.87% carbon emission respectively. For Multi-Objective MPSOPF problem, at 40 °C, the compromise solution shows a 20.16% cost and 60.1% emission increase after 25 years compared to the case when the temperature rise and degradation effect are not taken into account. The findings reveal that climate change and degradation adversely affect renewable energy integration, resulting in increased reliance on thermal power and emphasizing the need for informed planning of sustainable energy infrastructures and re-powering the renewable energy resources at the end of their lifetime.

Arterial iron regulates vasodilation during anemia via endothelial holo α-globin

Iron deficiency is a highly prevalent nutrient deficiency and the most common cause of anemia. Although iron deficiency exacerbates cardiovascular disease, the direct impact of iron deficiency on the vasculature remains unstudied. We assessed iron levels across the vascular endothelium in mouse and human endothelial cells and found resistance artery endothelial cells have the lowest iron stores, suggesting they may be especially impacted by iron deficiency. Anemia has previously been shown to increase arterial NO signaling in patients, and we have previously shown endothelial a-globin scavenges nitric oxide (NO) in the resistance artery endothelium. We hypothesized iron regulates vascular function through regulation of endothelial a-globin. To test this, we used a mouse model of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). In female mice, IDA increased NO signaling, which was rescued to control levels by repletion of vascular iron with iron dextran. Despite being similarly anemic and having a similar reduction in a-globin protein, there were no changes in NO signaling across groups in male mice. We further measured whether a-globin was in its heme-bound (holo a-globin) or heme-free (apo a-globin) state and found males did not fully lose its functional, heme-bound a-globin. Using endothelial specific a-globin knockout mice, we show loss of endothelial a-globin is necessary for increased NO signaling in IDA and for the rescue of NO signaling by iron dextran in female mice. Altogether, the data presented here demonstrate iron is a determinant of endothelial identity and modulates endothelial NO signaling through the regulation of a-globin.

Integrated XRD–SEM–EDS characterization of Al₂O₃ nano-enhanced engine oil and its influence on surface preservation of diesel engine cylinder liners

NSD2 Degradation Remediates the Oncogenic Cistrome in t(4;14) Multiple Myeloma

The t(4;14) chromosomal translocation drives overexpression of the histone methyltransferase NSD2 and defines a high-risk segment of multiple myeloma (MM) patients. Herein, we report the discovery of NSD2-LDD, a cereblon-recruiting and PWWP1-mediated ligand directed degrader (LDD) that selectively and potently eliminates full length and PWWP1 domain containing NSD2 protein isoforms. NSD2-LDD treatment induces global loss of H3K36me2 leading to promoter-proximal spreading of H3K27me3 and re-wiring of cis-regulatory interactions that reverse t(4;14) transcriptional programs. These effects suppress MM disease-associated phenotypes including stromal adhesion, three-dimensional colony growth and paracrine signaling. By integrating patient single cell profiles with model 3D epigenomic and spatial transcriptomics, we delineate t(4;14) disease state together with the tumor-intrinsic reprogramming and resultant remodeling of the bone marrow microenvironment upon NSD2 degradation. In cell line derived xenografts and genetically engineered mouse models of t(4;14), NSD2-LDD extends median survival accompanied by tumoral H3K36me2 loss and niche re-modelling. Although the NSD2-LDD response is restricted to PWWP1-containining models, collectively this work validates NSD2 as a tractable dependency and supports clinical development of NSD2 degradation as a novel, targeted therapeutic strategy in high-risk MM.