Browse Articles

Auditory decision-making deficits after permanent noise-induced hearing loss

Nord Stream methane leaks spread across 14% of Baltic waters

Abstract A suspected 443-486 kt of methane escaped from the Nord Stream pipelines in September 2022 at four explosion sites across three pipelines. Much of this methane rapidly escaped to the atmosphere, while an unknown amount was dissolved. We use sustained high-resolution observations of methane concentrations from autonomous gliders and an instrumented ship of opportunity to reveal the timing and spread of dissolved methane across different Baltic regions and marine protected areas. Estimates of methane spread and concentrations are essential to understand the ecosystem response, and for establishing accurate priors for atmospheric outgassing and transport models. A numerical model, initialized by engineering estimates and our observations, enables us to constrain the mass of locally dissolved Nord Stream methane (9.5-14.7 kt). We show that dissolved methane decreased rapidly through outgassing, however initial concentrations were so high that 14% of the Baltic Sea still experienced concentrations 5 times greater than average natural levels.

A novel breath pattern model and analysis to minimize patient discomfort in medical ventilators

Cyclodehydrogenation of molecular nanographene precursors catalyzed by atomic hydrogen

Abstract Atomically precise synthesis of graphene nanostructures on semiconductors and insulators has been a formidable challenge. In particular, the metallic substrates needed to catalyze cyclodehydrogenative planarization reactions limit subsequent applications that exploit the electronic and/or magnetic structure of graphene derivatives. Here, we introduce a protocol in which an on-surface reaction is initiated and carried out regardless of the substrate type. We demonstrate that, counterintuitively, atomic hydrogen can play the role of a catalyst in the cyclodehydrogenative planarization reaction. The high efficiency of the method is demonstrated by the nanographene synthesis on metallic Au, semiconducting TiO2, Ge:H, as well as on inert and insulating Si/SiO2 and thin NaCl layers. The hydrogen-catalyzed cyclodehydrogenation reaction reported here leads towards the integration of graphene derivatives in optoelectronic devices as well as developing the field of on-surface synthesis by means of catalytic transformations. It also inspires merging of atomically shaped graphene-based nanostructures with low-dimensional inorganic units into functional devices.

Investigating nonlinear dynamic properties of an inertial sensor with rotational velocity-dependent rigidity

A comprehensive assessment of current methods for measuring metacognition

Abstract One of the most important aspects of research on metacognition is the measurement of metacognitive ability. However, the properties of existing measures of metacognition have been mostly assumed rather than empirically established. Here I perform a comprehensive empirical assessment of 17 measures of metacognition. First, I develop a method of determining the validity and precision of a measure of metacognition and find that all 17 measures are valid and most show similar levels of precision. Second, I examine how measures of metacognition depend on task performance, response bias, and metacognitive bias, finding only weak dependences on response and metacognitive bias but many strong dependencies on task performance. Third, I find that all measures have very high split-half reliabilities, but most have poor test-retest reliabilities. This comprehensive assessment paints a complex picture: no measure of metacognition is perfect and different measures may be preferable in different experimental contexts.

Analyzing the impact of prolonged pauses on soccer performance

Robust genome editing activity and the applications of enhanced miniature CRISPR-Cas12f1

Abstract With recent advancements in gene editing technology using the CRISPR/Cas system, there is a demand for more effective gene editors. A key factor facilitating efficient gene editing is effective CRISPR delivery into cells, which is known to be associated with the size of the CRISPR system. Accordingly, compact CRISPR-Cas systems derived from various strains are discovered, among which Un1Cas12f1 is 2.6 times smaller than SpCas9, providing advantages for gene therapy research. Despite extensive engineering efforts to improve Un1Cas12f1, the editing efficiency of Un1Cas12f1 is still shown to be low depending on the target site. To overcome this limitation, we develop enhanced Cas12f1 (eCas12f1), which exhibits gene editing activity similar to SpCas9 and AsCpf1, even in gene targets where previously improved Un1Cas12f1 variants showed low gene editing efficiency. Furthermore, we demonstrate that eCas12f1 efficiently induces apoptosis in cancer cells and is compatible with base editing and regulation of gene expression, verifying its high utility and applicability in gene therapy research.

Ticam2 ablation facilitates monocyte exhaustion recovery after sepsis

Integration of ordered porous materials for targeted three-component gas separation

Generalized robust regression techniques and adaptive cluster sampling for efficient estimation of population mean in case of rare and clustered populations

In-situ restructuring of Ni-based metal organic frameworks for photocatalytic CO2 hydrogenation

Production of abiotic or biogenic hydrocarbons on rock particles in the presence of H2O and carbon compounds

TiO_<i>x</i>(OH)_{4–2<i>x</i>} Nanosheets with Catalytic Antioxidative Activity Alleviate Oxidative Injury in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Dynamically reconfigurable acoustofluidic metasurface for subwavelength particle manipulation and assembly

Abstract Particle manipulation plays a pivotal role in scientific and technological domains such as materials science, physics, and the life sciences. Here, we present a dynamically reconfigurable acoustofluidic metasurface that enables precise trapping and positioning of microscale particles in fluidic environments. By harnessing acoustic-structure interaction in a passive membrane resonator array, we generate localized standing acoustic waves that can be reconfigured in real-time. The resulting radiation force allows for subwavelength manipulation and patterning of particles on the metasurface at individual and collective scales, with actuation frequencies below 2 MHz. We further demonstrate the capabilities of the reconfigurable metasurface in trapping and enriching beads and biological cells flowing in microfluidic channels, showcasing its potential in high-throughput bioanalytical applications. Our versatile and biocompatible particle manipulation platform is suitable for applications ranging from the assembly of colloidal particles to enrichment of rare cells.

Bilateral hip exoskeleton assistance enables faster walking in individuals with chronic stroke-related gait impairments

Abstract Millions of individuals surviving a stroke have lifelong gait impairments that reduce their personal independence and quality of life. Reduced walking speed is one of the major problems limiting community mobility and reintegration. Previous studies have shown positive effect of robot-assisted gait training utilizing hip exoskeletons for individuals with gait impairments due to a stroke, leading to increased walking speed in post-treatment compared to pre-treatment assessments. However, no evidence emerged of a significant increasing in walking speed attributable to device usage compared to walking without the device. In this pilot investigation, we observed that hip flexion/extension assistance delivered by a portable bilateral powered hip exoskeleton increased overground self-selected walking speed by 20.2 ± 5.0% on average among six chronic post-stroke survivors. When comparing walking with and without the hip exoskeleton within the same experimental session, the observed speed increment resulted in statistically and clinically meaningful improvement (0.14 ± 0.03 m/s &gt; minimal clinically important difference, p = 0.015). The increased walking speed was the result of a higher self-selected cadence and longer step length both on the paretic and nonparetic limbs. By facilitating gait, a bilateral hip exoskeleton could be a viable technology for extending locomotor mobility and facilitating gait training of individuals affected by post-stroke hemiparesis.

A diagnostic host-specific transcriptome response for Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia to guide pediatric patient treatment

Rapamycin inhibits tamoxifen-induced endometrial proliferation in vitro as a pilot approach for endometrial protection in breast cancer

Abstract Tamoxifen, a common adjuvant therapy for hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, is associated with an increased risk of endometrial pathologies, such as hyperplasia, polyps, and carcinoma. This study investigates rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, as a potential novel strategy for preventing tamoxifen-induced endometrial proliferation. This in vitro study utilised endometrial stromal cells isolated from infertile women. The cells were treated with tamoxifen alone or in combination with rapamycin, and proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. The activation of the mTOR pathway, as well as apoptosis and cell cycle markers, was evaluated by Western blotting to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. The study design emphasised simulating clinically relevant exposure levels. Tamoxifen significantly increased endometrial cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Rapamycin effectively inhibited this proliferation, even at concentrations lower than those typically observed in clinical settings. Quantitative analysis by Western blotting showed activation of the mTOR pathway and cell cycle in the tamoxifen group, and inhibition of these pathways in the tamoxifen plus rapamycin combination group, whereas there was no change in apoptosis. In conclusion, rapamycin shows promise as a prophylactic agent against tamoxifen-induced endometrial pathologies, with potential implications for fertility preservation and endometrial protection in breast cancer patients.

ThCTi@<i>C</i>_<i>s</i>(6)-C₈₂: Th═C Double Bond in a Mixed Actinide-Transition Metal Cluster

The Toxoplasma rhoptry protein ROP55 is a major virulence factor that prevents lytic host cell death