Browse Articles

Improved acid-driven inhibition of effector T cell function by a pHLIP variant-conjugated PD-L1

AAV vectors trigger DNA damage response-dependent pro-inflammatory signalling in human iPSC-derived CNS models and mouse brain

Ecofriendly synthesis characterization and biological activities of Eruca sativa mediated silver oxide nanoparticles

Inhibition of polymorphonuclear cells averts cytotoxicity against hypoimmune cells in xenotransplantation

Abstract Allogeneic, immune-evasive hypoimmune (HIP) cell therapeutics that are HLA-depleted and overexpress CD47 create the opportunity to treat immunocompetent patients with cancer, degenerative, or autoimmune diseases. However, HIP cell therapy has not yet been established for xenotransplantation. Here we engineer, for human-to-non-human primate studies, human HIP* endothelial cells (EC) that are HLA-depleted and express macaque CD47 to allow compatibility with the macaque SIRPα immune checkpoint. Although no T cell, NK cell, or macrophage responses and no antibody-dependent cytotoxicity is observed in cynomolgus recipients, we reveal that macaque polymorphonuclear cells (PMN) show strong xenogeneic cytotoxicity against HIP* ECs. Inhibition of PMN killing using a multi-drug regimen leads to improved xenogeneic human HIP* EC survival in cynomolgus monkeys. Similarly, human PMNs show xenoreactivity against pig ECs, which has implications for clinical xenotransplantation. Accordingly, our engineered pig HIP* ECs that are SLA-depleted, overexpress human CD47, and additionally overexpress the PMN-inhibitory ligands CD99 and CD200, are protected against all human adaptive and innate cytotoxicity, including PMNs. In summary, specific targeting of PMN-mediated killing of the transplanted cells might improve outcomes for clinical pig-to-human xenotransplantation.

Artificial intelligence-empowered functional design of semi-transparent optoelectronic and photonic devices via deep Q-learning

High-frequency supercapacitors surpassing dynamic limit of electrical double layer effects

The causal effect of multiple lifestyles and myopia: a Mendelian randomization study

TblncRNA-23, a long non-coding RNA transcribed by RNA polymerase I, regulates developmental changes in Trypanosoma brucei

Changes of EEG beta band power and functional connectivity during spaceflight: a retrospective study

Abstract Spaceflight exposes astronauts to unique conditions like microgravity, which may affect brain function, though it remains underexplored compared to other physiological systems. Astronauts often report temporary neurological symptoms, such as disorientation, visual disturbances, and motor issues, potentially linked to structural and electrophysiological brain changes. To investigate this, electroencephalography (EEG) is a reliable tool to study brain activity in space, measuring oscillatory activity and functional connectivity (FC). This study analyzed EEG data from five male astronauts during three stages: pre-flight, during low Earth orbit (LEO), and post-flight in a 2-min task-free eyes-closed (EC) condition followed by another 2-min of eyes-open (EO) condition. The focus was on beta band (12–30 Hz) activity, which is associated with motor control and proprioception. Results showed increased beta power during spaceflight when compared to pre-flight (EC: p < 0.01) and post-flight (EC: p < 0.01; EO: p < 0.05) conditions. FC strength also increased during spaceflight when compared to pre-flight (EO: p < 0.05) and post-flight (EC: p < 0.01; EO: p < 0.01) conditions. These differences were found primarily in the sensorimotor cortex (SMC) and frontotemporal regions, suggesting the brain’s adaptation to altered vestibular and proprioceptive inputs during microgravity. As these results reflect astronaut’s movement adaptation to microgravity, this study highlights the importance of understanding central nervous system (CNS) changes during spaceflights to ensure optimal performance and protect astronaut’s health during long-duration missions.

Manipulation of lithium dendrites based on electric field relaxation enabling safe and long-life lithium-ion batteries

Assembly and analysis of the complete mitochondrial genome of Leonurus japonicus (Lamiaceae)

Therapeutic target prediction for orphan diseases integrating genome-wide and transcriptome-wide association studies

The construction and validation of a prediction model of hypertensive disease in pregnancy

Infrared beam-shaping on demand via tailored geometric phase metasurfaces employing the plasmonic phase-change material In3SbTe2

Abstract Conventional optical elements are bulky and limited to specific functionalities, contradicting the increasing demand of miniaturization and multi-functionalities. Optical metasurfaces enable tailoring light-matter interaction at will, especially important for the infrared spectral range which lacks commercially available beam-shaping elements. While the fabrication of those metasurfaces usually requires cumbersome techniques, direct laser writing promises a simple and convenient alternative. Here, we exploit the non-volatile laser-induced insulator-to-metal transition of the plasmonic phase-change material In3SbTe2 (IST) for optical programming of large-area metasurfaces for infrared beam-shaping. We tailor the geometric phase of metasurfaces with rotated crystalline IST rod antennas to achieve beam steering, lensing, and beams carrying orbital angular momenta. Finally, we investigate multi-functional and cascaded metasurfaces exploiting enlarged holography, and design a single metasurface creating two different holograms along the optical axis. Our approach facilitates fabrication of large-area metasurfaces within hours, enabling rapid-prototyping of customized infrared meta-optics for sensing, imaging and quantum information.

Bacteriological quality of drinking water and associated factors in Alemwach refugee camp in Dabat District, Northwest Ethiopia

Spiral phyllotaxis predicts left-right asymmetric growth and style deflection in mirror-image flowers of Cyanella alba

Abstract Many animals and plants show left-right (LR) asymmetry. The LR asymmetry of mirror-image flowers has clear functional significance, with the reciprocal placement of male and female organs in left- versus right-handed flowers promoting cross-pollination. Here, we study how handedness of mirror-image flowers is determined and elaborated during development in the South African geophyte Cyanella alba. Inflorescences of C. alba produce flowers with a largely consistent handedness. However, this handedness has no simple genetic basis and individual plants can switch their predominant handedness between years. Rather, it is the direction of the phyllotactic spiral that predicts floral handedness. Style deflection is driven by increased cell expansion in the adaxial carpel facing the next oldest flower compared to the other adaxial carpel. The more expanding carpel shows transcriptional signatures of increased auxin signaling and auxin application can reverse the orientation of style deflection. We propose that a recently described inherent LR auxin asymmetry in the initiating organs of spiral phyllotaxis determines handedness in C. alba, creating a stable yet non-genetic floral polymorphism. This mechanism links chirality across different levels of plant development and exploits a developmental constraint in a core patterning process to produce morphological variation of ecological relevance.

In Silico and in vitro evaluation of the anticancer effect of a 1,5-Benzodiazepin-2-One derivative (3b) revealing potent dual inhibition of HER2 and HDAC1

Six-electron-conversion selenium cathodes stabilized by dead-selenium revitalizer for aqueous zinc batteries

Abstract Aqueous zinc batteries are attractive for large-scale energy storage due to their inherent safety and sustainability. However, their widespread application has been constrained by limited energy density, underscoring a high demand of advanced cathodes with large capacity and high redox potential. Here, we report a reversible high-capacity six-electron-conversion Se cathode undergoing a ZnSe↔Se↔SeCl4 reaction, with Br−/Brn − redox couple effectively stabilizes the Zn | |Se cell. This Se conversion, initiated in a ZnCl2-based hydrogel electrolyte, presents rapid capacity decay (from 1937.3 to 394.1 mAh gSe −1 after only 50 cycles at 0.5 A gSe −1) primarily due to the dissolution of SeCl4 and its subsequent migration to the Zn anode, resulting in dead Se passivation. To address this, we incorporate the Br−/Brn − redox couple into the Zn | |Se cell by introducing bromide salt as an electrolyte additive. The generated Brn − species acts as a dead-Se revitalizer by reacting with Se passivation on the Zn anode and regenerating active Se for the cathode reaction. Consequently, the cycling stability of the Zn | |Se cell is improved, maintaining 1246.8 mAh gSe −1 after 50 cycles. Moreover, the Zn | |Se cell exhibits a specific capacity of 2077.6 mAh gSe −1 and specific energy of 404.2 Wh kg−1 based on the overall cell reaction.

Characterization of mechanical damage and viscoelasticity on aortas from guinea pigs subjected to hypoxia

Molecular mechanism establishing the OFF pathway in vision

Abstract Parallel ON and OFF (positive- and negative-contrast) pathways fundamental to vision arise at the complex synapse of cone photoreceptors. Cone pedicles form spatially segregated functionally opposite connections with ON and OFF bipolar cells. Here, we discover that mammalian cones express LRFN2, a cell-adhesion molecule, which localizes to the pedicle base. LRFN2 stabilizes basal contacts between cone pedicles and OFF bipolar cell dendrites to guide pathway-specific partner choices, encompassing multiple cell types. In addition, LRFN2 trans-synaptically organizes glutamate receptor clusters, determining the contrast preferences of the OFF pathway. ON and OFF pathways converge in the inner retina to regulate bipolar cell outputs. We analyze LRFN2’s contributions to ON-OFF interactions, pathway asymmetries, and neural and behavioral responses to approaching predators. Our results reveal that LRFN2 controls the formation of the OFF pathway in vision, supports parallel processing in a single synapse, and shapes contrast coding and the detection of visual threats.