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Flexible intelligent microwave metasurface with shape-guided adaptive programming
Molecular basis of SLC19A1-mediated folate and cyclic dinucleotide transport
Photocatalytic deoxygenative Z-selective olefination of aliphatic alcohols
Stabilization mechanism accommodating genome length variation in evolutionarily related viral capsids
Anionic high-entropy doping engineering for electromagnetic wave absorption
Cross-ancestry genome-wide association study identifies implications of SORL1 in cerebral beta-amyloid deposition
Distinct ventral tegmental area neuronal ensembles are indispensable for reward-driven approach and stress-driven avoidance behaviors
Abstract Assigning valence to stimuli for adaptive behavior is an essential function, involving the ventral tegmental area (VTA). VTA cell types are often defined through neurotransmitters (NT). However, valence function in VTA does not parse along NT-boundaries as, within each NT-class, certain neurons are excited by reward and others by stressors. Here we identify, in male mice, the co-activated VTA neuronal ensembles for reward and stress, and determine their role in adaptive behaviors. We show that stimuli of opposite valence (opioid vs acute social stress) recruit two distinct VTA neuronal ensembles. These two ensembles continue to be preferentially engaged by congruent valence stimuli. Stimulation of VTA stress- or reward ensembles is aversive/reinforcing, respectively. Strikingly, external valence stimuli fully require activity of these small discrete VTA ensembles for conferring approach/avoidance outcomes. Overall, our study identifies distinct VTA ensembles for positive and negative valence coding and shows their indispensability for adaptive behavior.
Neoadjuvant Aumolertinib for unresectable stage III EGFR-mutant non-small cell lung cancer: a single-arm phase II trial
Machine learning in point-of-care testing: innovations, challenges, and opportunities
Molecular insights into the α6β4 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor function and ligand recognition
Enantioselective Alkyl–Acyl Radical Cross-Coupling Enabled by Metallaphotoredox Catalysis
Hydration-induced stiffness enabling robust thermal cycling of high temperature fuel cells cathode
Cold hardiness of Corythucha marmorata (Hemiptera: Tingidae) on the functional crop Helianthus tuberosus
Abstract The invasive phytophagous lace bug, Corythucha marmorata, threatens the functional food crop Helianthus tuberosus, but its overwintering ecology on this plant is poorly understood. This study evaluated the cold hardiness of C. marmorata at various life stages, focusing on the differences between female and male adults. C. marmorata overwinter as adults on H. tuberosus, based on a four-year winter field investigation. The supercooling and equilibrium freezing points of C. marmorata decline with development. Female adults showed the greatest supercooling capacity. The lower lethal temperature (female − 15 °C, male − 16 °C) is above the supercooling point (− 26 °C). The low temperature exposure mortality of C. marmorata female and male adults exhibited different regularities. We conclude that C. marmorata belongs to chill susceptible insects. October to February is the most recommended period for C. marmorata control by harvesting H. tuberosus. Weed removal, such as Erigeron bonariensis, Erigeron canadensis, and Ambrosia trifida, is an early control measure. These results enhance our understanding of C. marmorata’s cold tolerance and inform targeted pest management strategies for H. tuberosus crops.
Radiative pumping vs vibrational relaxation of molecular polaritons: a bosonic mapping approach
Abstract We present a formalism to study molecular polaritons based on the bosonization of molecular vibronic states. This formalism accommodates an arbitrary number of molecules N, excitations and internal vibronic structures, making it ideal for investigating molecular polariton processes accounting for finite N effects. We employ this formalism to rigorously derive radiative pumping and vibrational relaxation rates. We show that radiative pumping is the emission from incoherent excitons and divide its rate into transmitted and re-absorbed components. On the other hand, the vibrational relaxation rate in the weak linear vibronic coupling regime is composed of a $${{\mathcal{O}}}(1/N)$$ O ( 1 / N ) contribution already accounted for by radiative pumping, and a $${{\mathcal{O}}}(1/{N}^{2})$$ O ( 1 / N 2 ) contribution from a second-order process in the single-molecule light-matter coupling that we call polariton-assisted Raman scattering. This scattering is enhanced when the difference between fluorescence and lower polariton frequencies matches a Raman-active excitation.
A web-based tool for rapid and accurate craniometric differentiation of clouded leopard species
Abstract The illegal wildlife markets of Southeast Asia are bolstered by organised criminal networks and the region’s rich density of charismatic wildlife. Forensic tools identifying species and their origins are vital to combat wildlife crime. However, many require expensive technology and skilled personnel, limiting their use in rural trade hotspots. This study introduces a replicable statistical framework, using skull morphometrics, to distinguish related species with simple measurements. We developed a web-based classifier trained on clouded leopard (Neofelis spp.) skulls from museum collections across Europe, Asia and the U.S.A., a genus often targeted in wildlife trade. Our categorical predictive model, based on two key metrics, the fronto-nasal “pit” and m1 talonid morphology achieved 97% accuracy (p < 0.005). A continuous predictor model, using postorbital width, achieved 80.6% accuracy for males and 85.6% for females (both p < 0.05). These models were encoded into a free, user-friendly web app, enabling practitioners in remote areas to distinguish these two species easily. This tool not only supports anti-trafficking efforts but also enables museum curators to correctly assign provenance to clouded leopard skulls with uncertain origins.
Structural mimicry of UM171 and neomorphic cancer mutants co-opts E3 ligase KBTBD4 for HDAC1/2 recruitment
Abstract Neomorphic mutations and drugs can elicit unanticipated effects that require mechanistic understanding to inform clinical practice. Recurrent indel mutations in the Kelch domain of the KBTBD4 E3 ligase rewire epigenetic programs for stemness in medulloblastoma by recruiting LSD1-CoREST-HDAC1/2 complexes as neo-substrates for ubiquitination and degradation. UM171, an investigational drug for haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, was found to degrade LSD1-CoREST-HDAC1/2 complexes in a wild-type KBTBD4-dependent manner, suggesting a potential common mode of action. Here, we identify that these neomorphic interactions are mediated by the HDAC deacetylase domain. Cryo-EM studies of both wild-type and mutant KBTBD4 capture 2:1 and 2:2 KBTBD4-HDAC2 complexes, as well as a 2:1:1 KBTBD4-HDAC2-CoREST1 complex, at resolutions spanning 2.7 to 3.3 Å. The mutant and drug-induced complexes adopt similar structural assemblies requiring both Kelch domains in the KBTBD4 dimer for each HDAC2 interaction. UM171 is identified as a bona fide molecular glue binding across the ternary interface. Most strikingly, the indel mutation reshapes the same surface of KBTBD4 providing an example of a natural mimic of a molecular glue. Together, the structures provide mechanistic understanding of neomorphic KBTBD4, while structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of UM171 reveals analog S234984 as a more potent molecular glue for future studies.
Environmental and energy analysis of chromium recovery from residual tanned leather using alkaline thermal hydrolysis
Abstract The leather industry efficiently uses livestock byproducts but struggles with pollution, especially from chromium in waste. Innovations in chromium recovery can prevent contamination and offer economic benefits, aligning with circular economy principles. However, environmental assessments like life cycle assessment (LCA) are crucial for sustainability. This study evaluates the environmental and energy implications of chromium recovery from leather waste using LCA. Findings indicate that recovering 1 kg of chromium through thermal hydrolysis with an alkaline method results in $ 8.42E-02 resource damage, 4.28E-06 DALY to human health, and 1.60E-08 species year ecosystem damage, according to the ReCiPe method. Sodium hydroxide significantly contributes to environmental damage, highlighting the need for sustainable strategies. With a weighted impact of 201.04 mPt/kg, human health accounts for 62% of the burden, and resource depletion 34%. Recovered chromium reduces environmental damage by 95.65% overall compared to raw production, demonstrating substantial sustainability benefits. The energy assessment shows sodium hydroxide dominates consumption, using 98% of total demand, with 98% from non-renewable sources. Despite energy challenges, chromium recovery reduces environmental impact compared to crude production, promoting ecological resilience.