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An enhanced seasons optimization algorithm for numerical optimization and engineering design

Phospho-CREB Regulation on NMDA Glutamate Receptor 2B and Mitochondrial Calcium Uniporter in the Ventrolateral Periaqueductal Gray Controls Chronic Morphine Withdrawal in Male Rats

Opioid use disorder (OUD) is a chronic disease of the brain, and it currently continues at crisis proportions in the United States. Opioid physical withdrawal is a major driver of compulsive drug-taking behavior, triggering short-term relapse of opioid addiction. Early pharmacological evidence shows that midbrain periaqueductal gray (PAG) plays an important role in morphine withdrawal (MW). However, we still know few details about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Improving our understanding of such mechanisms will enable increasingly safe and effective treatments for patients with OUD. Here, MW was induced by the naloxone precipitation after chronic intraperitoneal administration of morphine for a period of 5 d in Sprague Dawley male rats. MW increased phosphorylation of cAMP response element binding protein (pCREB, a primary marker of CREB functional activation), NMDA glutamate receptor 2B subunit (NR2B), and mitochondrial calcium uniporter (MCU) within the ventrolateral PAG (vlPAG). Inhibition of pCREB, NR2B, or MCU within this brain region reduced the severity of MW. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay and luciferase report assay demonstrated that pCREB mediated the transcription of the Grin2b (glutamate ionotropic receptor NMDA type subunit 2B, encoding NR2B) and Ccdc109a (encoding MCU) genes. These findings describe the role of pCREB in Grin2b and Ccdc109a gene transcription levels in the vlPAG during MW. The study may provide a novel therapeutic approach for OUD.

Probing the Oxidative Addition Transition State in Nickel Metallaphotoredox Catalysis Using Intramolecular ¹³C Kinetic Isotope Effects

Cellular porosity in dentin exhibits complex network characteristics with spatio-temporal fluctuations

According to the current hydrodynamic theory, teeth sensitivity is mediated by odontoblast cell processes which can be activated by fluid flow in the pericellular space of bulk dentin. To better understand the possible spatial extent of such phenomena, we investigated the topology and connectivity of dentinal porosity of a healthy human tooth. Using confocal fluorescence microscopy, we modeled the porosity as a spatial graph with edges representing dentinal tubules or lateral branches and nodes defining their connections. A large fraction of porosity channels in crown dentin was found to be interconnected, with 47% of nodes linked in a single component over a millimetric distance from the dentin-enamel junction (DEJ). However, significant differences in network topology were also observed. A sharp transition in connectivity from 83% to 43% occurred at 300 µm from the DEJ, which corresponds to an early stage of tooth formation. This was reflected in all graph metrics investigated, in particular the network resilience which dropped by a factor 2. To test the robustness of our observations, an in-depth analysis of potential remaining biases of the graph extraction was conducted. Most graph metrics considered were found to be within a 10% precision range from a manually annotated ground truth. However, path metrics, which characterize transport properties, proved very sensitive to network defects. Residual errors were classified in 4 topological classes related to fluorescence staining and confocal detection efficiency, instrumental resolution and image processing. Their relative importance was estimated using statistical and physical graph attack simulations in a broad experimental range. Our modeling thus provides a practical framework to estimate the interpretability of calculated graph metrics for a given experimental microscopy setup and image processing pipeline. Overall, this study shows that dentin porosity exhibits typical characteristics of a complex network and quantitatively emphasize the importance of the smallest lateral branches. Our results could be used to model fluid flow more accurately in order to better understand mechanosensing by odontoblasts in dentin.

Framework for processing operando neutron radiography of energy devices

Abstract Neutron radiography is a powerful diagnostic technique for operando studies of electrochemical devices, such as fuel cells, batteries, and electrolyzers. However, processing time-series neutron images is challenging due to high spatial/temporal resolution requirements, limited neutron flux, complex sample geometry, and low signal-to-noise ratios. Existing image processing platforms are not adequate to mitigate these issues, causing bottlenecks in data analysis and interpretation. In this work, we present our Python-based framework: neutron radiography of electrochemical devices (NeuRED). This framework integrates a robust set of image processing functions within a transparent, reproducible, and user-friendly workflow. The advantages and unique features of the framework are outlined, and demonstrations are provided for proton exchange membrane fuel cells, Li-ion batteries, and gas-liquid systems. NeuRED is a unique open-access software tool for the electrochemistry community that will contribute to the advancements of operando imaging applications in energy research.

Unraveling the Potential-Dependent Selectivity of Propylene Electrooxidation: The Role of Electrochemistry-Induced Reconstruction

Changes in enzyme activity and microbial community of rhizosphere soil under continuously monocultured Passiflora edulis treatment

In response to the severe continuous cropping obstacles encountered during the cultivation of passion fruit, which leads to significant declines in yield and quality, as well as rampant pests and diseases, it is particularly important to explore strategies for mitigating these obstacles. The present study used the rhizosphere soil samples from one-year-old (FY, first-year cropping) and two-year-old (SY, second-year cropping) “Golden Passion Fruit” plants, along with soil from uncropped land (CK) as a control and the techniques such as high-throughput sequencing, qRT-PCR, and HPLC-MS to analyze the main physicochemical properties, phenolic acid content, and microbial community changes in the rhizosphere soil of passion fruit under different continuous cropping durations, the results indicated that the contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, available nitrogen, available phosphorus, available potassium, and organic matter in FY soil were significantly higher than those in SY soil, and the pH value of the FY soil was also significantly higher than that of SY soil. Additionally, compared with FY soil, the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase, urease, and invertase in SY soil were significantly reduced by 18.0%, 43.6%, 19.8%, and 45.5%, respectively. HPLC analysis revealed that the concentrations of syringic acid, vanillin, benzoic acid, and ferulic acid in the SY soil were significantly increased by 18.0%, 21.9%, 24.4%, and 21.1%, respectively, compared to those in the FY soil. qRT-PCR analysis showed that as the duration of continuous cropping increased, the total number of bacteria in the rhizosphere soil of passion fruit decreased by 9.37%, while the total number of fungi increased by 57.8%. High-throughput sequencing results demonstrated that at the genus level, the relative abundances of Acidothermus, Acidibacter, Bacillus, and Acidobacterium were significantly increased by38.0%, 56.3%, 34.3%, 77.3%. whereas the relative abundances of Rhizomicrobium, Nitrospira, Burkholderia, Sphingomonas, Gemmatimonas, Streptomyces, and Nocardioides were significantly lower 45.2%,59.3%,50.6%,89.1%,74.5%,82.7% in the SY soil, relative to those in the FY soil. In summary, as the duration of continuous cropping increases, the soil fertility, enzyme activity, pH value, and beneficial microbial content in the rhizosphere of passion fruit decrease significantly, while the contents of phenolic acids and pathogenic microorganisms increase significantly. The findings of this study provide a theoretical basis for further elucidating the formation mechanism and mitigation strategies of continuous cropping obstacles in passion fruit.

Measuring mitochondrial oxygenation and respiration during systemic inflammation in humans in vivo

Mixed-Chirality Prohibitin Peptide: D-(RLARLAR)2 Enhances Stability and <i>In Vivo</i> Effects on Obesity

University service utilization patterns in students with specific learning disabilities: An institutional cross-sectional study

Background/Objectives This study examined the relationship between university students’ use of common and specific services and the presence of specific learning disabilities (SLDs). The objective was to identify how sociodemographic factors, health status, and learning disabilities impact service utilization, with a focus on improving accessibility and support for students with SLDs. Methods Employing random but voluntary sampling, a cross-sectional survey of university students was conducted using a tool demonstrating good internal reliability (Cronbach’s α = 0.859). The survey collected data on sociodemographics, health status, and self-reported specific learning disabilities (SLDs). Participants assessed their utilization of common university services (e.g., library, academic advising, LMS) and specific support services (e.g., one-to-one meetings, electronic books, dispensatory measures, compensatory tools). Data analysis included frequency distributions, Chi-square tests, Binary Logistic Regression, and Pearson correlation to examine associations between SLDs and service utilization patterns. Results Participants (n = 302) were predominantly male (59.9%) and aged 18–25 years (89.7%), with high rates of dysgraphia (42.7%), dyscalculia (43%), and auditory processing disorder (23.8%). Regression analyses revealed: Frequent use of common services was significantly associated with visual perceptual/motor deficits (aOR=3.87, 95% CI = 1.82–8.21, P &lt; .001), advanced academic year (aOR=1.29, 95% CI = 1.09–1.53, P = 0.004), and positive educational self-perception (aOR=2.32, 95% CI = 1.12–4.80, P = 0.024). For specific services, key predictors included female gender (aOR=2.07, 95% CI = 1.15–3.73, P = 0.015), dyslexia (aOR=2.73, 95% CI = 1.07–6.98, P = 0.036), auditory processing disorder (aOR=2.52, 95% CI = 1.17–5.41, P = 0.018), while sleep disturbances reduced utilization (aOR=0.46, 95% CI = 0.27–0.79, P = 0.005). Conclusion This study reveals significant underutilization of university services among students with specific learning disabilities (SLDs), despite high prevalence rates. Engagement patterns were strongly influenced by SLD type, academic progression, self-perception, gender, and health factors. To address these barriers, we recommend targeted interventions including: 1) disability-awareness campaigns to reduce stigma, 2) tailored accommodation (e.g., extended time, multimodal materials) aligned with specific SLD profiles, and 3) mandatory faculty training on inclusive instructional strategies and available support resources. These evidence-based measures are critical for improving accessibility and academic success for this vulnerable population.

Catalytic oxidation of CO over the MOx – Co3O4 (M: fe, mn, cu, ni, cr, and Zn) mixed oxide nanocatalysts at low temperatures

Photocatalytic Synthesis of Hydrogen Peroxide by Rhenium Modified Metal–Organic Frameworks Incorporating Bianthracene Ligands

Tailored pc@zro₂@cellulose fiber composites as versatile materials for photocatalytic metal ion reduction and microbial deactivation

Abstract Water scarcity and contamination pose significant challenges to public health globally. Addressing these issues requires innovative and sustainable water purification technologies. This study investigates novel fixed bed photocatalysts composed of ZrO2@cellulose fibers, combined with various photocatalytic materials (PCs), including ZnO, V2O5, Bi2S3, MoS2, and PANI, for the reduction of heavy metal ions and microbial deactivation in water. The composite materials were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms, and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS). The results revealed successful integration of the PCs with the ZrO2-cellulose matrix, facilitating efficient charge transfer and enhanced photocatalytic performance. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated through the reduction of Cr (VI) and Cu (II) ions in simulated wastewater under simulated sunlight irradiation. ZnO-4%@ZrO2@cellulose and Bi2S3-4%@ZrO2@cellulose demonstrated excellent performance, achieving high reduction rates of Cr (VI) and Cu (III) ions. Kinetic studies showed that the Cr (VI) and Cu (III) ions reduction followed first-order kinetics. The reduction rates were significantly higher for the ZnO, Bi₂S₃, MoS₂, and PANI composites compared to the ZrO₂-cellulose control. Proposed mechanisms elucidate the role of reactive oxygen species in damaging microbial structures. Overall, the results suggest that the developed fixed bed photocatalysts hold promise for efficient water purification.

Spatial-Interactive Synergistic Confinement in Isoreticular Metal–Organic Frameworks for Facilitating C₂H₂ Separation from CO₂ with Record Packing Density

Housefly larva bioconversion enhances heavy metal stabilization and antibiotic degradation during chicken manure composting

Gene-Inherited [Se₂] Dimers in a Reactive Salt Flux: Synthesis of a Quasi-One-Dimensional NbSe₂ Superconductor

Multi-scale machine learning model predicts muscle and functional disease progression

Total Synthesis of Chartelline C

Unveiling alcohol bias and impaired inhibitory control in young binge drinkers: insights from the alcohol hayling task

Structural Insights into the Force-Transducing Mechanism of a Motor–Stator Complex Important for Bacterial Outer Membrane Lipid Homeostasis