bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic and functional diversity of North American vegetation during the last interglacial–glacial cycle
Authors: Terlizzi Timothy , Minckley Thomas
Published: February 2025

We synthesized pre-last glacial maximum pollen records to reconstruct North American pollen diversity since ca. 130 ka. Using taxonomic diversity (a measure of the number and abundance of taxa) and functional diversity (a measure of the number and abundance of different phenotypes) we identified temporal and spatial diversity trends for six North American bioregions: Arctic, Intermountain West, Mexico, Pacific Northwest, Southeast, and Yucatán. Reconstructed taxonomic temporal and spatial trends vary among bioregions, with regional diversity patterns captured in the functional metric, suggesting shifts in species composition coincide with shifts in ecosystem function. However, significant shifts in taxonomic pollen diversity differed in frequency, magnitude, and timing from their functional counterparts. Variations in both regional taxonomic and functional diversity response to global and regional temperature trends were evident, suggesting temperature alone does not fully explain changes in species composition. Regional richness estimates exhibited higher stability relative to the weighted diversity estimates indicating low levels of species turnover through Late Quaternary warming–cooling phases. Shifts in regional diversity did not predictably respond to stadial and interstadial transitions. Instead, North American patterns of plant diversity over the last ca. 130 ka differ geographically, likely responding to regional rather than global climate change.
Adaptive optimization for virtual model control of quadruped robots based on BP neural network
Authors: Liu Jianwen , Xu Xiaojun , Wang Wenhao , Tang Yuanjiang , Lu Shengyang
Published: February 2025

The virtual model control (VMC) method establishes a direct correlation model between the end-effector and the main body by selecting appropriate virtual mechanical components. This approach facilitates direct force control while circumventing the necessity for complex dynamic modeling. However, the simplification inherent in this modeling can result in inaccuracies in the calculation of joint driving torques, ultimately diminishing control precision. Moreover, VMC typically depends on predefined models for control, which constrains its adaptability in dynamically complex environments and under varying movement conditions. To address these limitations, this paper proposes the BP-VMC method, which is based on a backpropagation neural network (BPNN). Initially, a quadruped robot model was established through kinematic analysis. Subsequently, a decomposed VMC model was developed, and BPNN was introduced to facilitate the adaptive tuning of virtual parameters. This approach resulted in the creation of a virtual mechanical component model with adaptive capabilities, compensating for errors arising from simplified modeling. Finally, a simulation control system was constructed based on the BP-VMC control framework to validate the optimization of control performance. Simulation experiments demonstrated that, in comparison to traditional VMC methods, the BP-VMC method exhibits enhanced control accuracy and stability, achieving a 30% reduction in trajectory tracking error, a 40% reduction in velocity tracking error, and a 20–30% improvement in instability indices across various working conditions. This evidence underscores the BP-VMC method’s robust adaptability in dynamic environments.
Kabuki patients with CHDs: outcomes after cardiac surgery
Authors: Lam Regina W. , Haro Victoria , Tabbutt Sarah , Kinami Hiroo , Reddy V. Mohan , Kim Minso
Published: February 2025

Objective:

This study aims to examine the surgical outcome of Kabuki syndrome patients after neonatal congenital heart surgery.

Methods:

This was a single-centre retrospective study of Kabuki syndrome patients undergoing neonatal congenital heart surgery from 2018 to 2023. Primary outcome was survival to discharge after index surgery. Secondary outcomes were morbidities and complications. Survival and hospital length of stay were compared to neonates with non-Kabuki genetic anomalies undergoing congenital heart surgery in the same time period.

Results:

A total of seven patients were reviewed. All Kabuki syndrome patients had left-sided lesions including three with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, three with aortic stenosis and/or aortic arch hypoplasia, and one with an isolated coarctation of aorta. Hospital survival was 5/7 (71% compared to 88% for neonates with non-Kabuki genetic anomalies). To date, four remain alive, including one with hypoplastic left heart syndrome. A higher percentage of Kabuki syndrome patients had unplanned interventions (43% vs 15% in non-Kabuki), abnormal brain imaging (29% vs 5%), and bacteremia (29% vs 9%). Median total ventilator days for Kabuki patients were also longer (16 days vs 6 days in non-Kabuki) as was hospital length of stay (66 days vs 41 days).

Conclusions:

Despite survival to discharge after index operation, Kabuki syndrome patients with single ventricle physiology remain at high risk of mortality and morbidity after cardiac surgery. However, they may be discharged without ventilator dependency and survive to toddler years.
Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor use in patients with a Fontan circulation
Authors: Gaydos Stephanie S. , McHugh Kimberly E. , Woodard Frances K. , Judd Rochelle N. , Brenzel Thomas J. , Henderson Heather T. , Savage Andrew J. , Atz Andrew M. , Gregg David
Published: February 2025

Background:

Sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors reduce cardiovascular outcomes in patients with congestive heart failure and a biventricular circulation. Congestive heart failure in Fontan univentricular circulation is distinctly different. Experience with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in this group has not yet been well described.

Objectives:

This work describes safety and tolerability of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors in patients with Fontan circulation.

Methods:

Single-centre review of patients with Fontan circulation prescribed a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for congestive heart failure. Primary outcome was tolerability or need for discontinuation. Secondary outcomes were changes in New York Heart Association class, congestive heart failure hospitalisation, ventricular function, exercise performance, and laboratory values.

Results:

We identified 25 patients with Fontan circulation prescribed an sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors, most with a systemic right ventricle. Over a third of subjects had at least moderately reduced baseline ventricular function. Baseline catheterisation showed a mean Fontan pressure of 17.1 ± 3.7 mmHg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure 11.7 ± 3.2 mmHg at rest; 59% had occult diastolic dysfunction with abnormal pulmonary capillary wedge pressure elevation following volume expansion. Most were on congestive heart failure medications and/or a pulmonary vasodilator prior to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors addition, and three had a congestive heart failure hospitalisation within the previous year. All reported good medication tolerance except one patient was nonadherent to medications and two discontinued sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors for perceived side effects. There were no significant differences in secondary outcomes. There was, however, a downward trend of serum brain natriuretic peptide (n = 13) and improved peak VO2 (n = 6), though neither statistically significant (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

This series, the largest published to date, suggests that sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors are safe and tolerable congestive heart failure therapy in Fontan circulation. Further research is warranted to explore therapy in this unique population.
New Autosomal Syndromes: Trisomies 4p and 9p
Authors: Dallapiccola B. , Mastroiacovo P. , Segni G.
Published: February 2025

Six cases of trisomy 4p and three of trisomy 9p are reported. Growth retardation is an aspecific clinical sign, present in both of these “new autosomal” syndromes. Growth hormone determinations fit in the normal range. The attempts to subclassify these disorders correlating the severity of clinical manifestations and the size of the imbalanced chromosome segment, are considered unrealistic approaches.
Abo Blood Groups and Chicken Pox in an Indian Population
Authors: Chakravartti M. R. , Chakravartti Rama
Published: February 2025

ABO blood groups have been examined in a sample of 400 chicken-pox patients and their 383 unaffected siblings from Hyderabad Andhra Pradesh, India. Subjects of blood group A (and possibly AB) would appear to have a somewhat higher risk than persons with group B and O to develop chicken pox.
Twinning and Blood Groups — II. Distribution of ABO, MN and Rh-Hr Phenotypes in a Twin Sample
Authors: Milani-Comparetti M. , Pace D.P. , Brenci G. , Damiani S. , Gedda L.
Published: February 2025

The distribution of ABO, MN and Rh-Hr phenotypes has been examined in a sample of 688 twin pairs, with particular emphasis on the ABO distribution. It appears that MZ and DZ pairs exhibit opposing deviations from the expected distribution; such deviations tend to cancel out each other in the total sample, thus masking the phenomenon.

The results are briefly discussed, calling for an extension of the study to the twins' families, while forthcoming papers will present further analyses.
How Stress Biaxiality Controls Crack Morphology and Apparent Fracture Energy of Dikes and Sills
Authors: Guggisberg Antoine , Lebihain Mathias , Moore Jo , Violay Marie
Published: February 2025

The emplacement of dikes and sills plays a crucial role in crustal mechanics. The parameter used to describe their resistance to propagation, fracture energy, remains controversial. Here, we show how different stress biaxiality levels experienced by dikes can directly affect the micromechanisms of crack propagation in rocks, consequently impacting fracture energy. We performed controlled tensile crack propagation experiments under opposite stress biaxialities. We connect fracture energy variations monitored through a compliance‐based method to crack microstructures observed on post‐mortem specimens. Microscopy techniques showed that biaxial tension generates intricate microstructures driven by topological instabilities, such as deflections and branches, to circumnavigate tougher grains. This yields a higher fracture energy, that we attribute to front roughening and bridging mechanisms due to front fragmentation. Bridging toughening is gradual and increase with crack size. This hints at the existence of a scale dependency of fracture energy of dikes also experiencing biaxial tension.
Aerosol Decline Accelerates the Increasing Extreme Precipitation in China
Authors: Zou Aili , Yang Yang , Wang Hailong , Wang Pinya , Liao Hong
Published: February 2025

Extreme precipitation is becoming more intense and frequent. The increasing trends in extreme precipitation in China in warm season related to changes in aerosols and greenhouse gases (GHGs) are investigated using observations, reanalysis data and model simulations. A significant accelerating increase in extreme precipitation occurred around 2010, with the trend in accumulated extreme rainfall amount (R95pTOT) increasing from 2.88 mm per decade during 2000–2010 to 22.88 mm per decade during 2010–2023. The sudden acceleration of the increasing extreme precipitation is largely attributed to the reverse in aerosol trends associated with China’s clean air actions, which affects extreme precipitation through perturbing cloud microphysics and atmospheric dynamics, accounting for half of the change in R95pTOT trends. Future aerosol reduction to achieve carbon neutrality is shown to continue to intensify the extreme precipitation, which overweighs the effect induced by GHGs, highlighting the importance of aerosol changes in modulating future climate and weather extremes.
A Decline in the Vertical Transport of Particulate Organic Carbon in the Global Open Ocean
Authors: Tian Detong , Li Xuegang , Song Jinming , Zhong Guorong , Ma Jun , Wang Yanjun , Yuan Huamao , Duan Liqin , Wang Qidong , Xing Jianwei , Qu Baoxiao , Dai Jiajia
Published: February 2025

In recent years, as the ocean absorbs increasing amounts of atmospheric CO2, ocean acidification has intensified. Simultaneously, global warming and enhanced ocean stratification have led to the continuous expansion of the oceanic oxygen minimum zone (OMZ). Under the combined effects of these processes, a key question arises: How will the transport of particulate organic carbon (POC) to the deep ocean (>1,000 m) be affected? Analysis of POC flux data from 547 stations, collected via global sediment traps since the 1980s, reveals that POC flux has increased only in the shallow ocean (<300 m) but has significantly decreased in the deep ocean. These findings suggest that the expansion of the OMZ has not led to more carbon being transported to the deep ocean. Instead, more POC is being retained in the mid‐upper ocean (<1,000 m), where its degradation results in significant consumption of dissolved oxygen, contributing to the expansion of the OMZ.
Characterization of Porous In‐Stream Structures to Assess Their Implications on Flow Dynamics and Sediment Transport
Authors: You Hojung , Tinoco Rafael O.
Published: February 2025

In aquatic environments, the presence of porous obstacles induces intricate flow dynamics as the flow passes through and around them. These flows exhibit large local vertical and lateral gradients, influencing the evolution of downstream flow structures across various scales. In this study, we investigated flow around five idealized porous obstacles with varying porosity and pore arrangements using Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV). By introducing a two‐layer model and computing turbulent kinetic energy budgets, we quantified jet velocity and length to predict the development of downstream flow structures. Recirculation zones were observed downstream of obstacles with small pore sizes, while forward flow motions prevailed downstream with larger pore sizes due to increased jet velocity and length. To study the effect of multiple porous obstacles, we installed a second obstacle at various downstream distances, which showed minimal influence on jet length and velocity once the distance between obstacles exceeded the jet length determined from single obstacle analysis, particularly with obstacles featuring large pore sizes. Our study identifies the need to properly characterize in‐stream obstacles based on both their porosity and their representative pore sizes, as the jets created through the obstacles significantly alter the expected flow structures from solid‐obstacle predictions. Based on the insights from the hydrodynamic study and using the balance between resistance and driving force of sediment motions, we discuss ecological and geomorphic applications in the vicinity of porous obstacles, highlighting the potential locations for sediment erosion and deposition.
Controls of Morphometric and Climatic Catchment Characteristics on Debris Flow and Flood Hazard on Alluvial Fans in High Mountain Asia: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Bazilova Varvara O. , de Haas Tjalling , Immerzeel Walter W.
Published: February 2025

Debris flows and floods pose considerable hazards to populated areas of High Mountain Asia (HMA). Debris flows are generally more hazardous than floods, and therefore identification of process type is important for hazard assessment and mitigation. Prior statistical assessments, though informative, typically considered a limited number of parameters, excluded climatic variables, and failed to address classification probability and uncertainty. Here we developed a machine learning model to determine process type and its likelihood for a diverse set of 1,793 catchments in HMA using a wide range of morphometric and climatic parameters. We classified the alluvial fans of these catchments as either debris flow or flood dominated based on surface morphology. A data set of morphometric (e.g., catchment area, slope, relief, Melton ratio) and climatic features (e.g., temperature and precipitation regime, freeze–thaw cycles, glacier and permafrost presence) per catchment was subsequently built, and a CatBoost machine learning model to quantify debris flow and flood probabilities was employed. The CatBoost model has a high classification accuracy compared to traditional approaches, and offers the advantage of providing classification uncertainty. Results show that catchment slope, area, and perimeter are the main morphometric controls on process type across HMA, in line with previous work, and further show that including climate information leads to a minor improvement of model performance. These findings shed light on controls on debris flow and flood occurrence in mountainous area, showcase the potential of machine learning models in mountain hazard research, and provide insights for assessing risks.
How Rivers Carved the Canyons of the Central Colorado Plateau
Authors: Owen Rebecca
Published: February 2025

A new study offers insights into a puzzling piece of the geological history of the Grand Canyon and surrounding regions.
Ultrasensitive photoelectric detection with room temperature extremum
Authors: Wu Tuntan , Li Yongzhen , Zhou Qiangguo , Qiu Qinxi , Gao Yanqing , Zhou Wei , Yao Niangjuan , Chu Junhao , Huang Zhiming
Published: February 2025

Room-temperature photodetection holds pivotal significance in diverse applications such as sensing, imaging, telecommunications, and environmental remote sensing due to its simplicity, versatility, and indispensability. Although different kinds of photon and thermal detectors have been realized, high sensitivity of photodetection with room temperature extremum is not reported until now. Herein, we find evident peaks in the photoelectric response originated from the anomalous excitonic insulator phase transition in tantalum nickel selenide (Ta2NiSe5) for room-temperature optimized photodetection from visible light to terahertz ranges. Extreme sensitivity of photoconductive detector with specific detectivity (D*) of 5.3 × 1011 cm·Hz1/2·W−
1 and electrical bandwidth of 360 kHz is reached in the terahertz range, which is one to two orders of magnitude improvement compared to that of the state-of-the-art room-temperature terahertz detectors. The van der Waals heterostructure of Ta2NiSe5/WS2 is further constructed to suppress the dark current at room temperature with much improved ambient D* of 4.1 × 1012 cm·Hz1/2·W−1 in the visible wavelength, rivaling that of the typical photodetectors, and superior photoelectric performance in the terahertz range compared to the photoconductor device. Our results open a new avenue for optoelectronics via excitonic insulator phase transition in broad wavelength bands and pave the way for applications in sensitive environmental and remote sensing at room temperature.
Costunolide normalizes neuroinflammation and improves neurogenesis deficits in a mouse model of depression through inhibiting microglial Akt/mTOR/NF-κB pathway
Authors: Zhang Shao-qi , Deng Qiao , Tian Cheng , Zhao Huan-huan , Yang Li-ying , Cheng Xin-wei , Wang Guo-ping , Liu Dong
Published: February 2025

Neuroinflammation is crucial for the pathogenesis of major depression. Preclinical studies have shown the potential of anti-inflammatory agents, specifically costunolide (COS), correlate with antidepressant effects. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying the antidepressant actions of COS. Chronic restraint stress (CRS) was induced in male mice. The mice were treated with either intra-DG injection of COS (5 μM, 1 μL per side) or COS (20 mg/kg, i.p.) for 1 week. We showed that administration of COS through the both routes significantly ameliorated the depressive-like behavior in CRS-exposed mice. Furthermore, administration of COS significantly improved chronic stress-induced adult hippocampal neurogenesis deficits in the mice through attenuating microglia-derived neuroinflammation. We demonstrated that COS (5 μM) exerted anti-neuroinflammatory effects in LPS-treated BV2 cells via inhibiting microglial Akt/mTOR/NF-κB pathway; inactivation of mTOR/NF-κB/IL-1β pathway was required for the pro-neurogenic action of COS in CRS-exposed mice. Our results reveal the antidepressant mechanism of COS that is normalizing neuroinflammation to improve neurogenesis deficits, supporting anti-inflammatory agents as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.
Interpreting mammalian synonymous site conservation in light of the unwanted transcript hypothesis
Authors: Christmas Matthew J. , Dong Michael X. , Meadows Jennifer R. S. , Kozyrev Sergey V. , Lindblad-Toh Kerstin
Published: February 2025

Mammalian genomes are biased towards GC bases at third codon positions, likely due to a GC-biased ancestral genome and the selectively neutral recombination-related process of GC-biased gene conversion. The unwanted transcript hypothesis posits that this high GC content at synonymous sites may be beneficial for protecting against spurious transcripts, particularly in species with low effective population sizes. Utilising a 240 placental mammal genome alignment and single-base resolution conservation scores, we interpret sequence conservation at mammalian four-fold degenerate sites in this context and find evidence in support of the unwanted transcript hypothesis, including a strong GC bias, high conservation at sites relating to exon splicing, less human genetic variation at conserved four-fold degenerate sites, and conservation of sites important for epigenetic regulation of developmental genes. Additionally, we show that high conservation of four-fold degenerate sites in essential developmental genes, including homeobox genes, likely relates to the low mutation rates experienced by these genes.
Calibrating quantum gates up to 52 qubits in a superconducting processor
Authors: Fan Daojin , Liu Guoding , Li Shaowei , Gong Ming , Wu Dachao , Zhang Yiming , Zha Chen , Chen Fusheng , Cao Sirui , Ye Yangsen , Zhu Qingling , Ying Chong , Guo Shaojun , Qian Haoran , Wu Yulin , Deng Hui , Wu Gang , Peng Cheng-Zhi , Ma Xiongfeng , Zhu Xiaobo , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: February 2025

Benchmarking large-scale quantum gates, typically involving multiple native two-qubit and single-qubit gates, is crucial in quantum computing. Global fidelity, encompassing information about inter-gate correlations, offers a comprehensive metric for evaluating and optimizing gate performance, unlike the fidelities of individual local native gates. In this work, utilizing the character-average benchmarking protocol implementable in a shallow circuit, we successfully benchmark gate fidelities up to 52 qubits. Notably, we achieved a fidelity of 63.09% ± 0.23% for a 44-qubit parallel CZ gate. Utilizing the global fidelity of the parallel CZ gate, we explore the correlations among local CZ gates by introducing an inter-gate correlation metric, enabling one to simultaneously quantify crosstalk error when benchmarking gate fidelity. Finally, we apply our methods in gate optimization. By leveraging global fidelity for optimization, we enhance the fidelity of a 6-qubit parallel CZ gate from 87.65% to 92.04% and decrease the gate correlation from 3.53% to 3.22%, compared to local gate fidelity-based optimization. The experimental results align well with our established composite noise model, incorporating depolarizing and Z
Z-coupling noises, and provide valuable insight into further study and mitigation of correlated noise.
CRISPRi-ART enables functional genomics of diverse bacteriophages using RNA-binding dCas13d
Authors: Adler Benjamin A. , Al-Shimary Muntathar J. , Patel Jaymin R. , Armbruster Emily G. , Colognori David , Charles Emeric J. , Miller Kate V. , Lahiri Arushi , Cui Michael L. , Oromí-Bosch Agnès , Voelker Angela , Trinidad Marena , Lee Jina , Beurnier Sebastien , Boger Ron , Nomburg Jason , Barrangou Rodolphe , Mutalik Vivek K. , Schoeniger Joseph S. , Pogliano Joseph A. , Savage David F. , Doudna Jennifer A. , Cress Brady F.
Published: February 2025

Bacteriophages constitute one of the largest reservoirs of genes of unknown function in the biosphere. Even in well-characterized phages, the functions of most genes remain unknown. Experimental approaches to study phage gene fitness and function at genome scale are lacking, partly because phages subvert many modern functional genomics tools. Here we leverage RNA-targeting dCas13d to selectively interfere with protein translation and to measure phage gene fitness at a transcriptome-wide scale. We find CRISPR Interference through Antisense RNA-Targeting (CRISPRi-ART) to be effective across phage phylogeny, from model ssRNA, ssDNA and dsDNA phages to nucleus-forming jumbo phages. Using CRISPRi-ART, we determine a conserved role of diverse rII homologues in subverting phage Lambda RexAB-mediated immunity to superinfection and identify genes critical for phage fitness. CRISPRi-ART establishes a broad-spectrum phage functional genomics platform, revealing more than 90 previously unknown genes important for phage fitness.
A dataset of laymen olfactory perception for 74 mono-molecular odors
Authors: Bierling Antonie Louise , Croy Alexander , Jesgarzewsky Tim , Rommel Maria , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Hummel Thomas , Croy Ilona
Published: February 2025

The molecular structure of an odor determines whether and how it is perceived by humans. However, the principles of how odorant chemistry links to perceptual patterns remain largely unknown and are primarily studied using odor rating datasets from highly trained olfactory experts, such as perfumers. This limits our knowledge of typical odor perception and its variability over individuals. We provide a dataset featuring free descriptions, evaluative ratings, and qualitative labels for 74 chemically diverse mono-molecular odorants, rated by a large sample of young adults. A total of 1,227 participants described and rated the odors, and completed questionnaires covering their demographic background, personality traits, and the role of olfaction in their daily lives. The dataset offers a valuable foundation for research aimed at understanding the fundamentals of olfactory perception.
Effects of startle on cognitive performance and physiological activity revealed by fNIRS and thermal imaging
Authors: Schwartz Flora , Deniel Jonathan , Causse Mickaël
Published: February 2025

Sudden and threatening stimuli can trigger a startle reflex, a stereotyped physiological response that may lead to a brief cognitive incapacitation. Better understanding this reaction would be beneficial to safety-critical occupational domains. We characterized some physiological correlates of the startle response while participants completed a difficult task (Toulouse N-back task) tapping executive functions. During the task, loud and threatening sounds were presented unpredictably to trigger a startle reflex. Brain activity and facial skin temperature were measured in 34 participants using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) and functional infrared thermal imaging (fITI), respectively. In the high difficulty condition, participants were generally less efficient, but their performance improved slightly following startle in the high difficulty condition. Brain activity in the right prefrontal cortex was also higher following startle, potentially reflecting a compensatory overactivation to sustain performance. Interestingly, higher trait-anxiety was associated with lower task performance, still following startle in the high difficulty condition. Finally, we found a decrease in temperature of the right eye and right cheek as well as an increase in the nose temperature following startle. These results underscore the complexity of startle-induced cognitive and physiological dynamics, which may have implications for occupational settings where managing sudden stressors is crucial.
Intersect between brain mechanisms of conditioned threat, active avoidance, and reward
Authors: Badarnee Muhammad , Wen Zhenfu , Hammoud Mira Z. , Glimcher Paul , Cain Christopher K. , Milad Mohammed R.
Published: February 2025

Active avoidance is a core behavior for human coping, and its excess is common across psychiatric diseases. The decision to actively avoid a threat is influenced by cost and reward. Yet, threat, avoidance, and reward have been studied in silos. We discuss behavioral and brain circuits of active avoidance and the interactions with fear and threat. In addition, we present a neural toggle switch model enabling fear-to-anxiety transition and approaching reward vs. avoiding harm decision. To fully comprehend how threat, active avoidance, and reward intersect, it is paramount to develop one shared experimental approach across phenomena and behaviors, which will ultimately allow us to better understand human behavior and pathology.
The NLRP1 inflammasome is an essential and selective mediator of axon pruning in neurons
Authors: Romero Selena E , Geden Matthew J , Basundra Richa , Kelly-Rajan Kiran , Miao Edward A , Deshmukh Mohanish
Published: February 2025

Axon pruning is a unique process neurons utilize to selectively degenerate axon branches while keeping the neuronal cell body intact. The mechanisms of axon pruning have much in common with those of apoptosis. Both axon pruning and apoptosis pathways require key apoptotic proteins (Bax, Caspase-9, Caspase-3). Interestingly, axon pruning does not require Apaf-1, a key member of the apoptosome complex. As such, exactly how caspases are activated in an apoptosome-independent manner during axon pruning is unknown. Here we show that neurons utilize the NLRP1 inflammasome, an innate immune sensor of pathogens, specifically for axon pruning. Strikingly, NLRP1b-deficient neurons were unable to prune axons both in vitro and in vivo, but fully capable of degenerating during apoptosis. Our results reveal NLRP1 as an immune molecule engaged by neurons for an unexpected physiological function independent of its pathogen-induced proinflammatory role.
Atlas: A Brain for Self-driving Laboratories
Authors: Hickman Riley J. , Sim Malcolm M , Pablo-García Sergio , Tom Gary , Woolhouse Ivan , Hao Han , Bao Zeqing , Bannigan Pauric , Allen C. J. , Aldeghi Matteo , Aspuru-Guzik Alan
Published: February 2025

Self-driving laboratories (SDLs) are next-generation research and development platforms for closed-loop, autonomous experimentation that combine ideas from artificial intelligence, robotics, and high-performance computing. A critical component of SDLs is the...
Bifidobacterium adolescentis FJSSZ23M10 modulates gut microbiota and metabolism to alleviate obesity through strain-specific genomic features
Authors: Zhang Bo , Qiu Jiayin , Qu Zhihao , Xiao Rui , Wang Linlin , Tian Peijun , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Wang Gang
Published: February 2025

Bifidobacterium adolescentis FJSSZ23M10 alleviates HFD-induced obesity by reshaping gut microbiota, boosting butyrate production, and modulating metabolic pathways, showcasing strain-specific genomic advantages for targeted probiotic interventions.
Phosphorylated Cellulose Nanofiber Membranes with High Proton Conductivity for Polymer Electrolyte Membranes
Authors: Matsuo Yoshimasa , Kimura Taisei , Koyanagi Hinako , Netsu Natsuki , Komatsu Fuwa , Nagata Takashi , Nishitsuji Shotaro , Matsui Jun , Masuhara Akito
Published: February 2025

Proton conductive polymers are one of the basic materials for polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFCs). Currently, perfluorosulfonic acid polymers (PFSAs), such as Nafion, are commonly...
A high-performance H2 gas sensor based on PtOx and PdOy co-decorating WO3 film
Authors: Yang Yongqi , Fu Huaian , Song Fei , Yu Shanshan , Tang Zhipeng , Zhang Kai , Li Qiuxia , Yang Chen , Zhang Lixin , Wang Jinshun , Pang Yuhao , Wang Cao , Chen Jingwei , Jing Qiang , Liu Bo
Published: February 2025

As a form of clean energy, hydrogen (H2) offers significant potential to mitigate the effects of global warming caused by fossil fuels. The development of high-performance H2 gas sensors is...
Colloidal Organometallic Synthesis of Solution-processable Barium Titanate Nanoparticles for Nanoelectronic Applications
Authors: Linke Lara Kim , Dehm Katharina , Gubanov Kirill , Fink Rainer H. , Szyja Bartlomiej M. , Crisp Ryan W.
Published: February 2025

Perovskite oxides like barium titanate (BaTiO3) exhibit desirable properties: notably high dielectric constants, piezoelectricity, and ferroelectricity, thereby enabling more advanced electronic devices and actuators. There are numerous synthesis procedures for...
Intramolecular-Locking Modification Enables Efficient Asymmetric Donor-Acceptor-Donor’ Type Ultraviolet Emitters for High-Performance OLEDs with Reduced Efficiency Roll-Off and High Color Purity
Authors: Wang Shengnan , Zhang Rui , Ding Runjie , Huang Hao , Qi Haoyuan , Liu Yuchao , Ying Shian , Ma Dongge , Yan Shouke
Published: February 2025

Developing high-performance ultraviolet organic light-emitting diodes with low efficiency roll-off and high color purity remains challenging due to their inherent wide bandgap characteristics. In this work, we present an intramolecular...
Environmentally ion-dissociable high-performance supramolecular polyelectrolyte plastics
Authors: Dong Zhi , Wu Jiang , Liu Anhong , Hua Zan , Liu Guangming
Published: February 2025

The fabrication of environmentally ion-dissociable high-performance supramolecular polyelectrolyte plastics with a synergistic multivalent and hydrophobic counterion strategy.
A Comparative Cost and Qualitative Analysis for the Transportation of Green Energy Carriers
Authors: Kroon Tom , Fattahi Amir , Dalla Longa Francesco , Slootweg Chris , Van der Zwaan Bob
Published: February 2025

Green energy carriers play a pivotal role in the transition towards the pervasive use of variable renewable electricity, as they allow for efficient storage, transportation, and utilization of excess electricity...
Designing NNO-Manganese Complex Overcoming Steric Constraints in (De)hydrogenative Coupling
Authors: Mondal Avijit , Phukan Hirak  Jyoti , Mohar Kailash , Pal Debjyoti , Sharma Rahul , Purkayastha Siddhartha Kumar , Guha Ankur Kanti , Srimani Dipankar
Published: February 2025

Herein, we have developed a NNO-manganese complex featuring a less congested metal-ligand cooperative environment, which enables the alkylation of bulky α-branched ketones with bulky alcohols. We demonstrate that while the...
A first-principles study of interfacial vacancies in the β-CsPbI3/1T-MoS2 heterostructure towards photocatalytic applications
Authors: Ri Chol-Hyok , Pak Se-Hun , O. Song-II , Jang Chol-Su , Kim Yu-Song , Kim Jin-Song , Yu Chol-Jun
Published: February 2025

We conceived novel heterostructures composed of halide perovskite β-CsPbI3 and metallic 1T-MoS2 and performed first-principles calculations to investigate the influence of vacancy defects on their interfacial properties.
Influence of ancillary ligands on the formation and functionality of oxovanadium(V) metallosupramolecular assemblies: advanced computational and catalytic analysis
Authors: Topic Edi , Sarjanović Josipa , Musija Danijela , Mandarić Mirna , Cocut Andrea , Hrenar Tomica , Agustin Dominique , Pisk Jana , Vrdoljak Višnja
Published: February 2025

Coordination-driven self-assembly approach offers opportunity for designing metallosupramolecular architectures with tailored properties. Applying this strategy, we present the synthesis and detailed characterization of tetranuclear and polynuclear vanadium(V) compounds with an...
Nitrogen and phosphorus co-doped porous carbons for high energy density and low shuttling Na/S batteries
Authors: Aslfattahi Navid , Kiai Maryam Sadat , Baydogan Nilgun , Samylingam Lingenthiran , Kadirgama Kumaran , Kok Chee Kuang
Published: February 2025

This research contributes valuable insights into the development of advanced Na–S batteries through the utilization of heteroatom-doped functionalized porous carbons.
Total Synthesis of (±)-Halichonine B
Authors: Yoshimura Fumihiko , Uchida Masaya , Aratame Kaori , Ouchi Hitoshi , Inai Makoto , Kondo Mitsuru , TAKITA Ryo , Kan Toshiyuki
Published: February 2025

The stereocontrolled total synthesis of (±)-halichonine B was achieved in 18 steps for the longest linear sequence. This synthesis features the stereoselective construction of a trans-fused dehydrodecalin framework containing three...
A focus on delocalization error poisoning the density-functional many-body expansion
Authors: Zulueta Barbaro , Keith John A.
Published: February 2025

Many-body expansions of quantum chemistry data are used for multiscale modeling, but density functional approximations with less than 50% of exact Hartree–Fock exchange can bring significant errors (Broderick et al., Chem. Sci., 2024, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4SC05955G).
Correction: Room-temperature ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal showing a large and diverging density
Authors: Parton-Barr Charles , Gleeson Helen F. , Mandle Richard J.
Published: February 2025

Correction for ‘Room-temperature ferroelectric nematic liquid crystal showing a large and diverging density’ by Charles Parton-Barr et al., Soft Matter, 2024, 20, 672–680, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SM01282D.
Polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) production by thermophilic Caldimonas thermodepolymerans comb. nov. from xylan
Authors: Zhou Wen , Llorens Salvador Bertrán , Deuss Peter J. , Euverink Gert-Jan W. , Krooneman Janneke
Published: February 2025

Complex polysaccharide substrates can serve as direct feedstocks for PHA biosynthesis, potentially eliminating the need for extra processing steps and significantly lowering production costs for sustainable plastics.
Signal‐quality‐aware multisensor fusion for atrial fibrillation detection
Authors: Malone Shane , Cardiff Barry , John Deepu , John Arlene
Published: February 2025

This letter introduces a novel method to enhance atrial fibrillation detection accuracy in healthcare monitoring. Wearable devices often face inconsistent signal quality due to noise. To address this, a multimodal data fusion technique that improves signal reliability during continuous monitoring is proposed. The method improves the precision of detecting R–R intervals by integrating wavelet coefficients from electrocardiogram, photoplethysmogram, and arterial blood pressure signals, weighted according to the quality of each signal. Furthermore, a bi‐directional long short‐term memory network is developed to accurately detect AF based on the derived heartrate or R–R intervals. Unlike prior studies, this work uniquely evaluates the system’s performance under noisy conditions, demonstrating significant accuracy improvements over single‐channel methods. The system's generalizability is confirmed by evaluating the classifier's performance as the number of sensor inputs increases. At a signal‐to‐noise ratio of −10 dB, the accuracy improves by 4.51% with two sensor inputs and by 10.92% with three inputs, compared to using a single input.
Muss eine diskriminierungssensible Haltung erlernt werden?
Authors: Kahraman Birsen
Published: February 2025

Während „Kultursensibilität“ in den vergangenen Jahren zunehmend Eingang in Curricula der Aus- und Weiterbildung von Psychotherapeut*innen gefunden hat, werden Diskriminierungsstrukturen wie Rassismus und Antisemitismus immer noch selten adressiert. Dieser Beitrag möchte Kolleg*innen ermutigen, sich antisemitismus- und rassismuskritisch weiterzubilden, um ihre Expertise diskriminierungssensibel und menschenrechtsorientiert einbringen zu können.
A versatile and transportable endstation for controlled molecule experiments
Authors: Jin Wuwei , Bromberger Hubertus , He Lanhai , Johny Melby , Vinklárek Ivo S. , Długołęcki Karol , Samartsev Andrey , Calegari Francesca , Trippel Sebastian , Küpper Jochen
Published: February 2025

We report on a new versatile transportable endstation for controlled molecule (eCOMO) experiments providing a combination of molecular beam purification by electrostatic deflection and simultaneous ion and electron detection using velocity-map imaging (VMI). The b-type electrostatic deflector provides spatial dispersion of species based on their effective-dipole-moment-to-mass ratio. This enables selective investigation of molecular rotational quantum states, conformers, and molecular clusters. Furthermore, the double-sided VMI spectrometer equipped with two high-temporal-resolution event-driven Timepix3 cameras provides detection of all generated ions independently of their mass-over-charge ratio and electrons. To demonstrate the potential of this novel apparatus, we present experimental results from our investigation of carbonyl sulfide (OCS) after ionization. In particular, we provide the characterization of the molecular beam, electrostatic deflector, and electron- and ion-VMI spectrometer. The eCOMO endstation delivers a platform for ultrafast dynamics studies using a wide range of light sources from table-top lasers to free-electron-laser and synchrotron-radiation facilities. This makes it suitable for research activities spanning from atomic, molecular, and cluster physics, over energy science and chemistry, to structural biology.
Signal-noise analysis of miniaturized delta-E effect magnetic field sensors
Authors: Ilgaz Fatih , Spetzler Elizaveta , Wiegand Patrick , Faupel Franz , Rieger Robert , McCord Jeffrey , Spetzler Benjamin
Published: February 2025

Delta-E effect sensors developed for detecting small amplitude and low-frequency magnetic fields have shown potential for miniaturization. However, a comprehensive signal-and-noise analysis of such miniaturized sensors is lacking. Here, we present an in-depth study of the key performance characteristics of sub-millimeter-sized delta-E effect sensors with a double-wing resonator geometry. Several resonance modes are evaluated for their sensitivity, noise, and limit of detection (LoD) as functions of the excitation voltage amplitude and magnetic bias flux density. We identify and discuss the optimal conditions for sensor operation and compare the performance to that of the reported macroscopic devices. While all investigated resonance modes behave qualitatively similar, quantitative differences in signal and noise lead to an almost sevenfold difference in LoD s. The performance is limited by magnetic noise at large excitation amplitudes and, unlike reported macroscopic delta-E effect sensors, by noise from the excitation signal and charge amplifier at low excitation amplitudes. The best performance is achieved in the third resonance mode excited at 683 kHz with a LoD≤7.4±3 nT/Hz between 10 and 1000 Hz and a minimum of 2.8 nT/Hz at 195 Hz. This demonstrates an improvement over previously reported values for miniaturized delta-E effect sensors in this frequency range. Moreover, the sensors show a −3 dB bandwidth of ≈440 Hz, which is significantly wider compared to macroscopic delta-E effect sensors. Reducing electronic noise and employing advanced magnetic multilayers can further improve the LoD, making these miniaturized sensors promising candidates for compact arrays.
Adenine base editing rescues pathogenic phenotypes in tissue engineered vascular model of Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome
Authors: Abutaleb Nadia O. , Gao Xin D. , Bedapudi Akhil , Choi Leandro , Shores Kevin L. , Kennedy Crystal , Duby Jordyn E. , Cao Kan , Liu David R. , Truskey George A.
Published: February 2025

The rare, accelerated aging disease Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is commonly caused by a de novo c.1824 C > T point mutation of the LMNA gene that results in the protein progerin. The primary cause of death is a heart attack or stroke arising from atherosclerosis. A characteristic feature of HGPS arteries is loss of smooth muscle cells. An adenine base editor (ABE7.10max) corrected the point mutation and produced significant improvement in HGPS mouse lifespan, vascular smooth muscle cell density, and adventitial fibrosis. To assess whether base editing correction of human HGPS tissue engineered blood vessels (TEBVs) prevents the HGPS vascular phenotype and to identify the minimum fraction of edited smooth muscle cells needed to effect such changes, we transduced HGPS iPSCs with lentivirus containing ABE7.10max. Endothelial cells (viECs) and smooth muscle cells (viSMCs) obtained by differentiation of edited HGPS iPSCs did not express progerin and had double-stranded DNA breaks and reactive oxygen species at the same levels as healthy viSMCs and viECs. Editing HGPSviECs restored a normal response to shear stress. Normal vasodilation and viSMC density were restored in TEBVs made with edited cells. When TEBVs were prepared with at least 50% edited smooth muscle cells, viSMC proliferation and myosin heavy chain levels significantly improved. Sequencing of TEBV cells after perfusion indicated an enrichment of edited cells after 5 weeks of perfusion when they comprised 50% of the initial number of cells in the TEBVs. Thus, base editing correction of a fraction of HGPS vascular cells improves human TEBV phenotype.
Vertical Al2O3/GaN MOS capacitors with PEALD-GaOx interlayer passivation
Authors: Zhu Renqiang , Lin Jinpei , Gu Hong , Chen Lixuan , Zhang Bo , Liu Hezhou , Liu Xinke
Published: February 2025

In this Letter, we report high-quality vertical GaN metal–oxide–semiconductor (MOS) capacitors with sulfur passivation and a plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition -grown GaOx interlayer, exhibiting a low interface trap density (Dit) of ∼8 × 1010 cm−2 eV−1 and a low frequency-dependent flatband voltage shift [ΔVFB (f)] of ∼20 mV (from 1 kHz to 1 MHz). The introduction of the GaOx interlayer effectively suppresses the leakage current (from ∼10−3 to ∼10−6 A/cm2 under 10 V positive bias) and passivates nitrogen/oxygen-related vacancies and dangling bonds. The demonstrated controllable and low-destructive passivation technique provides the insights and methodologies for the fabrication of high-performance GaN MOS structure-based devices.
Micro-computed tomography beamline of the Australian synchrotron: Density measurements
Authors: Arhatari Benedicta D. , Thompson Darren , Stevenson Andrew W. , Walsh Adam , Fiala Tom , Ruben Gary , Feng Tingting , Mudie Stephen
Published: February 2025

The Micro-Computed Tomography (MCT) beamline at the Australian Synchrotron (ANSTO) offers superior capabilities in micrometer-scale spatial resolution and three-dimensional x-ray imaging. MCT is the first of the eight new BRIGHT beamlines and has been operating successfully with users for approximately two years. It is a bending magnet beamline capable of delivering a white beam, a pink beam, or a monochromatic beam in the 8–40 keV energy range using a Double Multilayer Monochromator (DMM). Ongoing development continues at the MCT beamline to extend its capabilities. In this article, we present the operation and energy calibration of the DMM, highlighting the unique advantages offered by synchrotron-based micro-CT and its application for quantitative imaging, such as density measurements using monochromatic energy.