Browse Articles

Can the Hock Process Be Used to Produce Phenol from Polystyrene?

Uptake of small extracellular vesicles by recipient cells is facilitated by paracrine adhesion signaling

Abstract Small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) play crucial roles in intercellular communication. However, the internalization of individual sEVs by recipient cells has not been directly observed. Here, we examined these mechanisms using state-of-the-art imaging techniques. Single-molecule imaging shows that tumor-derived sEVs can be classified into several subtypes. Simultaneous single-sEV particle tracking and observation of super-resolution movies of membrane invaginations in living cells reveal that all sEV subtypes are internalized via clathrin-independent endocytosis mediated by galectin-3 and lysosome-associated membrane protein-2C, while some subtypes that recruited raft markers are internalized through caveolae. Integrin β1 and talin-1 accumulate in recipient cell plasma membranes beneath all sEV subtypes. Paracrine, but not autocrine, sEV binding triggers Ca 2+ mobilization induced by the activation of Src family kinases and phospholipase Cγ. Subsequent Ca 2+ -induced activation of calcineurin–dynamin promotes sEV internalization, leading to the recycling pathway. Thus, we clarified the detailed mechanisms of sEV internalization driven by paracrine adhesion signaling.

Photo- and Electrocatalytic Dual-Layer Cathode Facilitating Zn Peroxide Chemistry in Near-Neutral Zn–Air Batteries

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks for photocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide

Optical Waveguiding Charge-Transfer Cocrystals: Examining the Impact of Molecular Rotations on Their Photoluminescence

Increasing soil nitrous acid emissions driven by climate and fertilization change aggravate global ozone pollution

Abstract Soil microbial nitrous acid (HONO) production is an important source of atmospheric reactive nitrogen that affects air quality and climate. However, long-term global soil HONO emissions driven by climate change and fertilizer use have not been quantified. Here, we derive the global soil HONO emissions over the past four decades and evaluate their impacts on ozone (O 3 ) and vegetation. Results show that climate change and the increased fertilizer use enhanced soil HONO emissions from 9.4 Tg N in 1980 to 11.5 Tg N in 2016. Chemistry-climate model simulations show that soil HONO emissions increased global surface O 3 mixing ratios by 2.5% (up to 29%) and vegetation risk to O 3 , with increasing impact during 1980s-2016 in low-anthropogenic-emission regions. With future decreasing anthropogenic emissions, the soil HONO impact on air quality and vegetation is expected to increase. We thus recommend consideration of soil HONO emissions in strategies for mitigating global air pollution.

Elucidating Gas Reduction Effects of Organosilicon Additives in Lithium-Ion Batteries

Blockade of glucagon receptor induces α-cell hypersecretion by hyperaminoacidemia in mice

Women’s attitudes towards physical intimate partner violence in India: Trends, patterns, and determinants

Women’s attitudes towards physical intimate partner violence are a major determinant of the likelihood of their exposure to physical intimate partner violence. In this study, we scrutinize the third, fourth, and fifth rounds of the National Family Health Survey using descriptive analyses and logistic regression models to understand the trends, patterns, and drivers of women’s attitudes towards physical intimate partner violence across various demographic and socioeconomic groups in India. Our findings reveal a noticeable decline in the level of women’s acceptability of physical intimate partner violence over the past 15 years, albeit at a slow pace. Furthermore, the study demonstrates that the acceptability of physical intimate partner violence is more prevalent among women from demographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds. This includes women who marry at a young age, have no formal education, are exposed to interparental violence, belong to lower caste or tribal communities, exhibit poor wealth status, and reside in rural areas. The findings suggest a need for targeted policy interventions focusing on enhancing educational opportunities and promoting socioeconomic equity, particularly within demographically and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups.

Hydrophobic Metal–Formate Composites for Efficient CO₂ Capture

Nf2-FAK signaling axis is critical for cranial bone ossification and regeneration

Evaluation of long lasting insecticidal nets in experimental huts and WHO PQT/VCP compliance: A systematic review

Malaria control in highly endemic regions relies heavily on vector control tools, particularly LLINs. The effectiveness of LLINs varies by eco-epidemiological conditions and brands. A comprehensive review of WHO interim-approved LLIN brands is necessary to address this variability. This systematic review screened 145 articles, refining them to 27 eligible publications, to assess the efficacy of WHO-recommended LLINs, focusing on synthetic pyrethroids and synergists like Piperonyl Butoxide or Pyriproxyfen. The review demonstrated that LLINs impregnated with synthetic pyrethroids, especially when used with synergists, are more effective than regular LLINs. However, adherence to WHO PQT/VCP (World Health Organization Prequalification Unit/Vector Control Product) checklists was inconsistent. Several LLIN pairs which includes candidate and comparator nets showed equal efficacy (100% in both arms), including Olyset Plus vs. Olyset Net, DuraNet vs. PermaNet 3.0, Interceptor G2 vs. Interceptor, MagNet vs. DuraNet, Dawa Plus 3.0 vs. Dawa Plus 2.0, and Veerralin vs. PermaNet 3.0 in terms of mosquito mortality. Significant efficacy differences were noted between various bed net pairs: Interceptor vs CTN (RR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.28-1.66); Olyset Net Duo vs Olyset Net (RR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1.01-1.18); ICON Maxx vs CTN polyester (RR: 7.7, 95% CI: 3.6-16.31); Dawa Plus 3.0 vs Dawa Plus 2.0 (RR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.34-3.15); Interceptor G2 vs Interceptor G1 (RR: 0.9, 95% CI: 0.77-0.96). These findings inform the development of improved net designs and ensure alignment with WHO guidelines, enhancing vector control measures. The review supports improved malaria control strategies and sustained LLIN utilization, highlighting the need for LLIN manufacturers to align with WHO guidelines.

Theory-Guided Design of N-Confused Porphyrinic Covalent Organic Frameworks for Oxygen Reduction Reaction

Author Correction: Ballistic superconductivity in semiconductor nanowires

Supporting islet function in a PVDF membrane based macroencapsulation delivery device by solvent non-solvent casting using PVP

Type 1 diabetic (T1D) patients are life-long dependent on insulin therapy to keep their blood glucose levels under control. An alternative cell-based therapy for exogenous insulin injections is clinical islet transplantation (CIT). Currently the widespread application of CIT is limited, due to risks associated with the life-long use of immunosuppressive drugs to prevent rejection of donor cells. An immunoprotective macroencapsulation device can protect allogeneic islet cells against the host immune system and allow exploring extrahepatic transplantation sites. We report on the characterization and creation of porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane-based devices intended for islet and beta-cell transplantation. We hypothesize that by incorporating polyvinyl-pyrrolidone (PVP) into a PVDF solution the permeability of PVDF membranes for insulin and glucose can be improved by solvent-non solvent casting to create submicrometer porous films. We show that the use of water-soluble PVP, can significantly increase glucose diffusion through these membranes while still having the ability to block immune cells from migrating through these membranes. Human donor islets loaded into devices made from these thin PVDF/PVP membranes showed a 92 ±  4% viability after 8 days similar to their free-floating counterparts. The glucose responsiveness of human donor islets encapsulated inside PVDF/PVP membrane-based devices was significantly improved compared to islets seeded in devices made from PVDF membranes without PVP, with a stimulation index of 3.2 for PVDF/PVP devices and 1.3 for PVDF-alone devices at day 8. Our data show that by addition of PVP as pore forming agent during membrane fabrication at a specific ratio the diffusion characteristics can be tuned such that human islet function in these closed macrodevices, can be kept at the same level as non-encapsulated islets, while the membrane can still serve as a protective barrier preventing the entry of primary human macrophages and damaging beta cells.

Sequential Charge Transfer and Magnetic Ordering in Quasi-One-Dimensional Antiferromagnet CrSbS₃

Machine learning-driven molecular dynamics unveils a bulk phase transformation driving ammonia synthesis on barium hydride

Utilization of long-acting contraceptive methods and associated factor among women of reproductive age in East Africa: A multi-level analysis of recent Demographic and Health Surveys

Background Comprehensive family planning is essential for reproductive health, allowing individuals to make informed choices about family size and enhancing maternal and child health. Long-acting contraceptives (LACs) are known for their high efficacy and consistent use. This study examines the prevalence and determinants of LAC utilization among women of reproductive-age in 11 East African countries. Methods Secondary data from Demographic and Health Surveys (2015-2022) across 11 East African nations were pooled and analyzed. The study sample included 144,414 women aged 15–49. Bivariate and multivariate regression analyses were conducted using Stata 17 to explore factors associated with LAC utilization. Results are presented as adjusted odds ratios (AOR), with statistical significance at p <  0.05. Results The prevalence of LAC utilization among reproductive-age women in East Africa is 14.87%. Women from middle-income households are 13% more likely to utilize LACs compared to those from poor households (AOR = 1.13, 95% CI: 1.08–1.18), while those from wealthy households are 15% more likely (AOR = 1.15, 95% CI: 1.11–1.20). Married women and those living with a partner are 42% more likely to utilize LACs than unmarried women (AOR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.33–1.52). Educational attainment significantly impacts LAC utilization: women with primary education are 52% more likely (AOR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.44–1.60), those with secondary education are 63% more likely (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI: 1.53–1.73), and women with higher education are twice as likely to utilize LACs (AOR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.84–2.17). Conclusions LAC utilization remains relatively low in the studied East African countries. Factors positively associated with higher LAC utilization include being married, higher income, educational attainment, employment, and media exposure. Additionally, women with more than three children and those from countries with lower illiteracy and poverty rates also have higher LAC utilization. Conversely, a history of abortion, fewer health fieldworker visits, and later initiation of sexual activity and childbirth are associated with lower LAC utilization. These findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to overcome barriers and promote LAC access and utilization.

Preparation of Dual-Asymmetric Acceptors via Selenium Substitution Combined with Terminal Group Optimization Strategy for High Efficiency Organic Solar Cells

Structural mechanisms for centrosomal recruitment and organization of the microtubule nucleator γ-TuRC

Abstract The γ-tubulin ring complex (γ-TuRC) acts as a structural template for microtubule formation at centrosomes, associating with two main compartments: the pericentriolar material and the centriole lumen. In the pericentriolar material, the γ-TuRC is involved in microtubule organization, while the function of the centriole lumenal pool remains unclear. The conformational landscape of the γ-TuRC, which is crucial for its activity, and its centrosomal anchoring mechanisms, which determine γ-TuRC activity and turnover, are not understood. Using cryo-electron tomography, we analyze γ-TuRCs in human cells and purified centrosomes. Pericentriolar γ-TuRCs simultaneously associate with the essential adapter NEDD1 and the microcephaly protein CDK5RAP2. NEDD1 forms a tetrameric structure at the γ-TuRC base through interactions with four GCP3/MZT1 modules and GCP5/6-specific extensions, while multiple copies of CDK5RAP2 engage the γ-TuRC in two distinct binding patterns to promote γ-TuRC closure and activation. In the centriole lumen, the microtubule branching factor Augmin tethers a condensed cluster of γ-TuRCs to the centriole wall with defined directional orientation. Centriole-lumenal γ-TuRC-Augmin is protected from degradation during interphase and released in mitosis to aid chromosome alignment. This study provides a unique view on γ-TuRC structure and molecular organization at centrosomes and identifies an important cellular function of centriole-lumenal γ-TuRCs.