Browse Articles

Revealing the roles of the solid–electrolyte interphase in designing stable, fast-charging, low-temperature Li-ion batteries

Designing the solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI) is critical for stable, fast-charging, low-temperature Li-ion batteries. Fostering a “fluorinated interphase,” SEI enriched with LiF, has become a popular design strategy. Although LiF possesses low Li-ion conductivity, many studies have reported favorable battery performance with fluorinated SEIs. Such a contradiction suggests that optimizing SEI must extend beyond chemical composition design to consider spatial distributions of different chemical species. In this work, we demonstrate that the impact of a fluorinated SEI on battery performance should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Sufficiently passivating the anode surface without impeding Li-ion transport is key. We reveal that a fluorinated SEI containing excessive and dense LiF severely impedes Li-ion transport. In contrast, a fluorinated SEI with well-dispersed LiF (i.e., small LiF aggregates well mixed with other SEI components) is advantageous, presumably due to the enhanced Li-ion transport across heterointerfaces between LiF and other SEI components. An electrolyte, 1 M LiPF 6 in 2-methyl tetrahydrofuran (2MeTHF), yields a fluorinated SEI with dispersed LiF. This electrolyte allows anodes of graphite, μSi/graphite composite, and pure Si to all deliver a stable Coulombic efficiency of 99.9% and excellent rate capability at low temperatures. Pouch cells containing layered cathodes also demonstrate impressive cycling stability over 1,000 cycles and exceptional rate capability down to −20 °C. Through experiments and theoretical modeling, we have identified a balanced SEI-based approach that achieves stable, fast-charging, low-temperature Li-ion batteries.

Characterization of Human Balance through a Reinforcement Learning-based Muscle Controller

Objective characterization of human balance remains a challenge and clinical observation-based balance tests during physical rehabilitation are often affected by subjectivity. On the other hand, computational approaches mostly rely on center of pressure (COP) tracking and inverted pendulum models, which do not capture the multi-joint and muscle contributions to whole-body balance. This study proposes a novel musculoskeletal modeling and control methodology to investigate human balancing capabilities in the center of mass (COM) state space. A musculoskeletal model is integrated with a balance controller trained through reinforcement learning (RL) to explore the limits of dynamic balance during postural sway. The RL framework consists of two interlinked neural networks (balance recovery and muscle coordination) and is trained using Proximal Policy Optimization (PPO) under multiple training strategies. By exploring recovery from random initial COM states with a trained controller, a balance region (BR) is obtained that encloses successful state-space trajectories. Comparing BRs obtained from different trained controllers with the analytical postural stability limits of a linear inverted pendulum model, we observe a similar trend in COM balanced states, but reduced recoverable areas. Furthermore, the effects of muscle weakness and neural excitation delay on the BRs are investigated, revealing reduced balancing capability in the COM state space. The novel approach of determining regions of stability through learning muscular balance controllers provides a promising avenue for personalized balance assessments and objective quantification of balance capability in humans with different health conditions.

Prediction of deep remission through serum TNF-α level at 1 year of treatment in pediatric Crohn’s disease

Adaptive ATP-induced molecular condensation in membranized protocells

Liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) has been achieved in various cytomimetic (protocell) models, but controlling molecular condensation using noninert crowders to systematically alter protocell function remains challenging. Intracellular ATP levels influence protein–protein interactions, and dysregulation of ATP can alter cellular crowding dynamics, thereby disrupting the normal formation or dissolution of condensates. Here, we develop a membranized protocell model capable of endogenous LLPS and liquid–gel-like phase separation through precise manipulation of intermolecular interactions within semipermeable polysaccharide-based microcapsules (polysaccharidosomes, P-somes), prepared using microtemplate-guided assembly. We demonstrate that intraprotocellular diffusion-mediated LLPS can be extended into the liquid–gel-like domain by the uptake of the biologically active crowder ATP, resulting in a range of modalities dependent on the fine-tuning of molecular condensation. Endogenous enzyme activity in these crowded polysaccharidosomes is enhanced compared to free enzymes in solution, though this enhancement diminishes at higher levels of intraprotocellular condensation. Additionally, increased molecular crowding inhibits intraprotocell DNA strand displacement reactions. Our findings introduce an expedient and optimized approach to the batch construction of membranized protocell models with controllable molecular crowding and functional diversity. Our mix–incubate–wash protocol for inducing endogenous LLPS in membranized protocells offers potential applications in microreactor technology, environmental sensing, and the delivery and sustained release of therapeutics.

Study of the survival of patients with head and neck cancer in relation to Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs)

Distant metastasis in head and neck cancer are one of the first factors contributing to death. Currently, it is difficult to detect them early with our conventional techniques such as Positron Emission Tomography scanner (PET-scanner) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI). Therefore, it is important to find new markers that can help us in the care of the patient. This study aimed at comparing two methods (Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction and CellSearch) to detect circulating tumor cells (CTC) as a prognosticator. Results were statistically significant for markers EphB4 (p-value =  0.0003), CEA (p-value =  0.0006), CK 18 (p-value =  0.0011) and Ep-CAM (p-value =  0.0299) and demonstrate that our detection techniques could be used by optimizing our protocol. In addition, results of the rate of CTCs helped identify this as an indicator of a prognosis for the patient. Indeed, the study revealed that most patients in remission exhibited a decrease in post-operative CTCs, whereas patients experiencing relapses demonstrated an increase in CTCs, which was correlated with a poor prognosis.

Antioxidant effects of silver-ceria nanoparticles on the reduction of melanin in amelanotic melanoma cell biology

Magnetic suppression of quantum tunneling: Insights from Fefferman, Shapiro, and Weinstein

Inhibition of PHB1/PHB2 suppresses atherosclerotic plaque formation by interrupting PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling

Prohibitin 1 (PHB1) and prohibitin 2 (PHB2) are highly conserved proteins belonging to the stomatin-prohibitin flotillin-HflC/K (SPFH) protein superfamily. They are ubiquitously expressed and implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation, migration, and survival. However, the expression and biological functions of PHB1/PHB2 in atherosclerosis (AS) remain unclear. In the present study, an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect PHB1/PHB2 expression in the serum of patients with hyperlipidemia. The potential effect and mechanism of PHB1/PHB2 in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE−/−) mice were also investigated. shRNA-PHB1 and shRNA-PHB2 lentiviruses were engineered and tail vein-injected into ApoE−/− mice fed a high-fat diet. IL-8, a proatherogenic cytokine, was used as an inducer in vitro. The effects of a PHB1/PHB2 knockdown on vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation, migration, and autophagy and endothelial cell (EC) adhesion were evaluated using methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT), Transwell migration, Boyden chamber, and monocyte adhesion assays, as well as transmission electron microscopy. Compared with the healthy subjects, PHB1/PHB2 expression was elevated in the serum of patients with hyperlipidemia. Animal experiments showed that downregulation of PHBs reduced the area of atherosclerotic lesions, and the expression of cyclinD1, MMP9, and LC3. In addition, in vitro experiments showed that downregulating PHB1/PHB2 expression under inflammatory stimulation reduced the adhesion, proliferation, migration, and autophagy of ECs and VSMCs by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway activation. Collectively, our findings showed that PHBs are activly associated with AS progression.

Seepage and stability analysis of fractured soil slope considering permeability anisotropy

Superficial auditory (dis)fluency biases higher-level social judgment

When talking to other people, we naturally form impressions based not only on what they say but also on how they say it—e.g., how confident they sound. In modern life, however, the sounds of voices are often determined not only by intrinsic qualities (such as vocal anatomy) but also by extrinsic properties (such as videoconferencing microphone quality). Here, we show that such superficial auditory properties can have surprisingly deep consequences for higher-level social judgments. Listeners heard short narrated passages (e.g., from job application essays) and then made various judgments about the speakers. Critically, the recordings were modified to simulate different microphone qualities, while carefully equating listeners’ comprehension of the words. Though the manipulations carried no implications about the speakers themselves, common disfluent auditory signals (as in “tinny” speech) led to decreased judgments of intelligence, hireability, credibility, and romantic desirability. These effects were robust across speaker gender and accent, and they occurred for both human and clearly artificial (computer-synthesized) speech. Thus, just as judgments from written text are influenced by factors such as font fluency, judgments from speech are not only based on its content but also biased by the superficial vehicle through which it is delivered. Such effects may become more relevant as daily communication via videoconferencing becomes increasingly widespread.

Correction: Historical precipitation and flood damage in Japan: Functional data analysis and evaluation of models

BRD4 as the key lactylation related gene in heart failure identified through bioinformatics analysis

Lysosomal PIP ₃ revealed by genetically encoded lipid biosensors

3-Phosphoinositides (3-PIs), phosphatidylinositol (3,4) bisphosphate [PI(3,4)P 2 ] and phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5) trisphosphate (PIP 3 ), are important lipid second messengers in the Phosphoinositide 3-Kinase (PI3K)/Akt signaling pathway, which is crucial to cell growth and frequently dysregulated in cancer. Emerging evidence suggests these lipid second messengers may be present in membranes beyond the plasma membrane, yet their spatial regulation within other membrane compartments is not well understood. To dissect the spatial regulation of specific 3-PI species, we developed genetically encodable biosensors with selectivity for PIP 3 or PI(3,4)P 2 . Using these biosensors, we showed that PIP 3 significantly accumulated at the lysosome upon growth factor stimulation, in contrast to the conventional view that PIP 3 is exclusively present in the plasma membrane. Furthermore, we showed that lysosomal PIP 3 originates from the plasma membrane and relies on dynamin-dependent endocytosis for lipid internalization. Thus, PIP 3 can exploit dynamic trafficking pathways to access subcellular compartments and regulate signaling in a spatially selective manner.

Socio-demographic drivers of household food waste management practices in Thailand

Objective The escalating food waste crisis, with millions of tons of food being discarded annually, highlights the pressing necessity to improve household food waste management practices. This complex and multifaceted challenge is a crucial element of a comprehensive national strategy for reducing food waste. This article seeks to examine the diverse demographic and social factors that shape household food waste management practices in Thailand. Methods A substantial national dataset (n =  2,500) was meticulously gathered through questionnaires, using multi-stage sampling and multiple regression analysis to reveal critical insights. Results This study reveals that educational attainment (β =  0.299), household size (β =  0.201), and monthly income (β =  0.058) are positively associated with effective household food waste management practices. Notably, the type of housing, such as single houses over 200 square meters (β = .058**) and condominiums/apartments (β = .063**), significantly influence food waste management behaviors. However, townhouses (β =  -.074***) are negatively associated with improved food waste management practices. The research also identifies key barriers to effective food waste prevention, including the lack of organizational guidance (29.4%), the perception that waste reduction does not save costs (26.1%), and uncertainty about where to donate surplus food (25.2%). Additional challenges of managing food scraps include the uncertainty about options for donation or sale of food scraps (43.3%) and the limited knowledge of composting or bio-fermentation methods (30.2%). Conclusions In conclusion, this study provides essential insights for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers by identifying key demographic, knowledge-based, and behavioral factors that shape household food waste management. The study’s findings underscore the need for targeted educational initiatives and infrastructure enhancements. Policymakers can leverage these insights to develop policies that support public-private partnerships and improve waste management infrastructure. Practitioners can apply this knowledge to implement more effective waste segregation strategies, while researchers are encouraged to explore socio-economic factors influencing food waste at a national scale, thereby addressing critical research gaps. This comprehensive approach is vital for reducing household food waste and promoting sustainable waste management practices across diverse communities.

Treatment adherence and its association with family support among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Jinja, Eastern Uganda

Pre-treatment direct costs for people with tuberculosis during the COVID-19 pandemic in different healthcare settings in Bandung, Indonesia

The tuberculosis (TB) program was massively disrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have impacted on an increase in costs for people with TB (PWTB) and their households. We aimed to quantify the pre-treatment out-of-pocket costs and the factors associated with these costs from patients’ perspective during the COVID-19 pandemic in Bandung, Indonesia. Adults with pulmonary TB were interviewed using a structured questionnaire for this cross-sectional study recruiting from 7 hospitals, 59 private practitioners, and 10 community health centers (CHCs) between July 2021 to February 2022. Costs in rupiah were converted into US dollars and presented as a median and interquartile range (IQR). Factors associated with costs were identified using quantile regression. A total of 252 participants were recruited. The median total pre-treatment cost was $35.45 (IQR 17.69-67.62). The highest median cost was experienced by participants from private hospitals ($54.51, IQR 29.48-98.47). The rapid antigen and PCR for SARS-CoV-2 emerged as additional medical costs among 26% of participants recruited in private hospitals. Visiting ≥  6 providers before diagnosis ($38.40 versus $26.20, p <  0.001), presenting first at a private hospital ($50.68, p <  0.05) and private practitioners ($34.97, p <  0.05), and being diagnosed in the private health sector ($39.98 versus $20.30, p <  0.05) were significantly associated with higher pre-treatment costs. PWTB experienced substantial out-of-pocket costs in the process of diagnosis during the COVID-19 pandemic despite free TB diagnosis and treatment. Early detection and identification play an important role in reducing pre-diagnostic TB costs.

Large-scale combination screens reveal small-molecule sensitization of antibiotic-resistant gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens

Antibiotic resistance, especially in multidrug-resistant ESKAPE pathogens, remains a worldwide problem. Combination antimicrobial therapies may be an important strategy to overcome resistance and broaden the spectrum of existing antibiotics. However, this strategy is limited by the ability to efficiently screen large combinatorial chemical spaces. Here, we deployed a high-throughput combinatorial screening platform, DropArray, to evaluate the interactions of over 30,000 compounds with up to 22 antibiotics and 6 strains of gram-negative ESKAPE pathogens, totaling to over 1.3 million unique strain-antibiotic-compound combinations. In this dataset, compounds more frequently exhibited synergy with known antibiotics than single-agent activity. We identified a compound, P2-56, and developed a more potent analog, P2-56-3, which potentiated rifampin (RIF) against antibiotic-resistant strains of Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae . Using phenotypic assays, we showed P2-56-3 disrupts the outer membrane of A. baumannii . To identify pathways involved in the mechanism of synergy between P2-56-3 and RIF, we performed genetic screens in A. baumannii . CRISPRi-induced partial depletion of lipooligosaccharide transport genes ( lptA - D , lptFG ) resulted in hypersensitivity to P2-56-3/RIF treatment, demonstrating the genetic dependency of P2-56-3 activity and RIF sensitization on lpt genes in A. baumannii. Consistent with outer membrane homeostasis being an important determinant of P2-56-3/RIF tolerance, knockout of maintenance of lipid asymmetry complex genes and overexpression of certain resistance-nodulation-division efflux pumps—a phenotype associated with multidrug-resistance—resulted in hypersensitivity to P2-56-3. These findings demonstrate the immense scale of phenotypic antibiotic combination screens using DropArray and the potential for such approaches to discover new small molecule synergies against multidrug-resistant ESKAPE strains.

Assessing the usability of Accessercise to increase physical activity in adults with physical disabilities: A qualitative think-aloud study

Background Mobile health (mHealth) applications (apps) offer a convenient way to increase physical activity to people with disabilities. While several mHealth apps have been developed for this population, there is limited evidence assessing app usability and how this might impact physical activity. Objective To investigate the usability of a novel mHealth app, Accessercise, that aims to increase physical activity in people with physical disabilities. Methods Twelve adults with different physical disabilities participated in a face-to-face think-aloud interview. Interviews were analysed using deductive content analysis based on the User Version of the Mobile Application Rating Scale (uMARS). Findings Data mapped onto 12 uMARS domains; most participants expressed positive views concerning Accessercise, namely, entertainment, customisation, tailoring to the target group, ease of use and navigation, and visual information. Some additional elements were viewed positively but required modification to improve usability, perceived credibility, and relevance, including the app’s layout, visual appeal, interactivity, and quality/quantity of information. Conclusion This study provides an example of how the think-aloud method can be employed to evaluate mHealth apps that aims to increase physical activity in people with physical disabilities. Therefore, developers and researchers could use this study to inform future usability evaluations in this area.

Structural design and optimization of egg carrier for dynamic egg slit detection platforms

This paper presents an improved egg carrier for supporting common types of eggs during an egg slit inspection platform opeations. The carrier conveys the eggs forwards to the inspection position. The egg carrier consists of three basic modules and has the advantages of adaptability, adjustability, low maintenance and manufacturing costs, and stable and efficient operation. First, the egg carrier functions are analysed, and preliminary design concepts and solutions are proposed via TRIZ theory. Second, the egg carrier structure is designed, the material properties are analysed, and key parameters such as deformation are simulated by SolidWorks and Ansys Workbench. Finite element and fatigue analyses are carried out for the key parameters of the structure, and deformation, fatigue and other data that appear in the actual operation process are obtained. On the basis of stable egg carrying, a carrying motion mathematical model is established, and the genetic algorithm (GA) is chosen to optimize the structural parameters. Finally, motion simulation is carried out for the improved egg carrier, which verifies the optimized structure reasonableness.

Social control drove ant evolution