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Background and Objective: Sourdough involves spontaneous fermentation by wild yeast and lactic acid bacteria. This study investigates the effects of varying water and flour proportions on sourdough and formulated dough viscoelasticity and bread textural properties after a 7‐day refreshment period. Daily, 20% or 30% water and 30% or 40% flour were added using refined or 20% fiber‐enriched flour. The pH and titratable acidity of the sourdough were measured, while dynamic frequency sweep tests were conducted to assess the viscoelastic properties of both sourdough and formulated dough. Additionally, the textural parameters of bread were evaluated. Findings: The pH of the sourdough was lower when refined flour was used, but total titratable acidity analyses indicated higher acidity with 20% fiber‐enriched flour, demonstrating greater efficacy in this study. In the sourdough, G″ exceeded G′, indicating a more pronounced viscous behavior. Conversely, in the formulated dough, G′ was higher, suggesting greater elasticity. The treatment involving 20% water and 40% refined flour resulted in higher G′ and G″ values in both the sourdough and formulated dough. Meanwhile, the combination of 20% water and 30% refined flour produced bread with the highest specific volume and springiness, along with the lowest firmness, chewiness, and gumminess. Conclusion: The best bread was achieved with 20% water and 30% refined flour for refreshment. Significance and Novelty: This study provides insights for optimizing sourdough formulations, benefiting artisanal and industrial bread‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with secondary acute myeloid leukemia who previously received hypomethylating agents for prior myeloid neoplasms (HMA‐sAML) face a dismal prognosis. Methods: The authors analyze the characteristics, therapeutic approaches, and outcomes of patients with HMA‐sAML from the Programa Español para el Tratamiento de Hemopatías Malignas (PETHEMA) registry. Results: A total of 479 patients were included, mostly from prior myelodysplastic syndrome (84%). Frontline therapy consisted of intensive chemotherapy (IC) in 31%, low‐dose cytarabine‐based in 19%, supportive care and clinical trial 17% each, and HMA‐based therapy in 12% and 4% in venetoclax‐based regimen. Complete remission was achieved in 95 patients (27%), with higher rate among IC and venetoclax‐based groups (44% and 41%, respectively). The median overall survival (OS) was 4.93 months, with 7.68 months for IC patients, 7.82 months after HMA monotherapy, and 4.66 months after venetoclax‐based regimens. Patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in first remission (n = 33, 9%) had a better survival outcome (median OS not reached). Multivariate analyses identified age (≥65 years), Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group >2, higher white blood cell count, and adverse risk cytogenetic as adverse prognostic factors, whereas NPM1 mutation was a favorable factor. Conclusions: Patients with HMA‐sAML have a poor prognosis and suboptimal outcomes with conventional treatments, including BCL2 inhibitors, highlighting the need for clinical trials targeting this population. This study analyzes the characteristics and outcomes of adults with secondary acute myeloid leukemia who previously received hypomethylating agents for prior myeloid neoplasms (HMA‐sAML). This analysis of 479 patients from the PETHEMA registry shows a poor overall survival of 4.93 months with suboptimal outcomes, highlighting the unmet clinical need for this population. Whenever is feasible, fit HMA‐sAML patients should undergo an allo‐hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in first remission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of hydrophilic and basic sites from phosphotriazaadamantane and saccharine in a water‐soluble Pd complex and the subsequent confinement into mesoporous silica support increases the activity and stability of the palladium catalytic species for the room‐temperature aqueous hydrogenation of either bicarbonate or CO2 into formic acid. The use of low Pd loadings (<0.1 mmolPd g−1) of the well‐dispersed complex on SBA‐15 mesoporous silica allows performing the reaction under room temperature, and aqueous conditions, exhibiting TON of ca. 40–100, for the CO2 or bicarbonate hydrogenation, respectively, which is one order of magnitude higher than the homogeneous case, allowing the easy isolation and recycling of the solid catalyst. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work provides a novel, low‐cost, and effective method to prepare disordered carbon materials for advanced sodium‐ion batteries using biomass. A large amount of olive stone waste is yearly produced in the world, and it could be re‐used for fine applications other than fuel for heat production. After treatment with sulfuric acid solution and carbonization process, wastes of olive stone are efficiently transformed into optimized carbon electrode material. XRD, XRF and XPS, electron microscopy, and physical gas adsorption are used for the compositional, microstructural, and textural characterization of the carbons. During the synthesis, impurities are removed, C−S links are formed and micropores pores are created. Sulfuric acid acts like S‐dopant. The latent pores, or pores closed to nitrogen, can be found using CO2 adsorption, and are very suitable for accommodation for sodium. The results reveal that the reversible capacity is raised from ca. 200 mAh g−1 to ca. 250 mAh g−1 for the carbon obtained through treatment with sulfuric acid. The improved electrochemistry is the result of the s‐doping and the porosity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT We introduce the definition of two distinct trade elasticities corresponding to imports from regions located in the same country (national elasticities) and foreign regions located in other countries (foreign elasticities). We resort to a three‐tier nested CES utility structure to derive the corresponding demand gravity equations. In absence of tariffs within single markets, we identify and recover the elasticities through a precise measure of generalized transport cost that combines economic, engineering, and logistic criteria. Results using PPML estimation methods on EU trade data show that national elasticities double in value their foreign counterparts. Our estimates allow revisiting previous results on border effects, gains from trade, and CGEs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of a Pd(0) source and a phosphoramidite ligand promotes a formal allylic cross‐coupling between alkylidenecyclopropanes (ACPs) and boronic acids to yield synthetically appealing 1,1‐disubstituted alkenes. Remarkably, the reaction proceeds both under neutral and basic conditions, and works with both aryl‐ and alkenylboronic acids. DFT calculations suggest that the reaction entails a C−C activation/protonation mechanism instead of a hydropalladation pathway, which has been frequently proposed for other metal‐promoted hydrofunctionalizations of ACPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Spiteful behaviors are those aimed at inflicting harm on another person while also incurring a cost to the self. Although spite sometimes reflects destructive and socially undesirable behaviors including aggression, the current work sought to examine a potentially socially beneficial aspect of spite: engagement in costly punishment for selfish behavior. Method: Four studies used a costly third‐party punishment task and measured individual differences in spite, narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy, and motivations for engaging in punishment. Results: Trait spite was positively associated with costly punishment of selfish behavior. That association was independent of other dark personality traits (narcissism, Machiavellianism, psychopathy) and was statistically mediated by a desire for retribution. One of the studies also provided evidence that trait spite was associated with costly punishment of even generous behavior; however, rather than a desire for retribution, that association was mediated by a desire to threaten the person being punished. Conclusion: Punishing selfishness and other forms of wrongdoing plays an essential role in cooperative group living. The current work provides new insight into the role spiteful motivations might play in this crucial social behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Post‐translational modifications (PTMs) of proteins are ubiquitous processes present in all life kingdoms, involved in the regulation of protein stability, subcellular location and activity. In this context, cytochrome c (Cc) is an excellent case study to analyze the structural and functional changes induced by PTMS as Cc is a small, moonlighting protein playing different roles in different cell compartments at different cell‐cycle stages. Cc is actually a key component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) under homeostatic conditions but is translocated to the cytoplasm and even the nucleus under apoptotic conditions and/or DNA damage. Phosphorylation does specifically alter the Cc redox activity in the mitochondria and the Cc non‐redox interaction with apoptosis‐related targets in the cytoplasm. However, little is known on how phosphorylation alters the interaction of Cc with histone chaperones in the nucleus. Here, we report the effect of Cc Tyr48 phosphorylation by examining the protein interaction with SET/TAF‐Iβ in the nuclear compartment using a combination of molecular dynamics simulations, biophysical and structural approaches such as isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and in cell proximity ligation assays. From these experiments, we infer that Tyr48 phosphorylation allows a fine‐tuning of the Cc‐mediated inhibition of SET/TAF‐Iβ histone chaperone activity in vitro. Our findings likewise reveal that phosphorylation impacts the nuclear, stress‐responsive functions of Cc, and provide an experimental framework to explore novel aspects of Cc post‐translational regulation in the nucleus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The field of bioorthogonal chemistry has revolutionized our ability to interrogate and manipulate biological systems at the molecular level. However, the range of chemical reactions that can operate efficiently in biological environments without interfering with the native cellular machinery, remains limited. In this context, the rapidly growing area of photocatalysis offers a promising avenue for developing new type of bioorthogonal tools. The inherent mildness, tunability, chemoselectivity, and external controllability of photocatalytic transformations make them particularly well‐suited for applications in biological and living systems. This minireview summarizes recent advances in bioorthogonal photocatalytic technologies, with a particular focus on their potential to enable the selective generation of designed products within biologically relevant or living settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What can be considered an appropriate statistical method for the primary analysis of a randomized clinical trial (RCT) with a time‐to‐event endpoint when we anticipate non‐proportional hazards owing to a delayed effect? This question has been the subject of much recent debate. The standard approach is a log‐rank test and/or a Cox proportional hazards model. Alternative methods have been explored in the statistical literature, such as weighted log‐rank tests and tests based on the Restricted Mean Survival Time (RMST). While weighted log‐rank tests can achieve high power compared to the standard log‐rank test, some choices of weights may lead to type‐I error inflation under particular conditions. In addition, they are not linked to a mathematically unambiguous summary measure. Test statistics based on the RMST, on the other hand, allow one to investigate the average difference between two survival curves up to a pre‐specified time point τ—a mathematically unambiguous summary measure. However, by emphasizing differences prior to τ, such test statistics may not fully capture the benefit of a new treatment in terms of long‐term survival. In this article, we introduce a graphical approach for direct comparison of weighted log‐rank tests and tests based on the RMST. This new perspective allows a more informed choice of the analysis method, going beyond power and type I error comparison. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extreme wildfire events, such as the Pantanal 2020 megafires, are expected to become more common. Assessing the impacts of such extreme events on wildlife is imperative for conservation planning. Direct observation of carcasses can provide valuable information on how these impacts relate to spatial heterogeneity.Here, we use double‐observer carcass surveys to assess the numbers and spatial patterns of direct mortalities of medium‐ to large‐sized mammals resulting from the Pantanal 2020 megafires in a large reserve (1080 km2) in the northern Pantanal wetland. Accounting for imperfect detection, we model the spatial variation in mortality occurrence and abundance, testing the effects of habitat‐related variables and wildfire severity using multi‐species N‐mixture models.We found that 26 out of 27 species of medium and large‐sized mammals died from the fires with a mean estimate of around 49 thousand individuals. The most affected species included capuchin monkeys, agoutis, peccaries, tapirs, brocket deer, tamanduas, coatis and capybaras.Direct mortality of mammals by wildfires was affected by landscape factors related to species habitats, species traits (probably related to escape or refuge strategies), and the intensity of the wildfires. Mortalities presented a general positive relationship with non‐flooded forests (a fire‐sensitive habitat in Pantanal) and with the severity of wildfires. Artificial water bodies, a common landscape structure in Pantanal, had 7.5 times more deaths than other areas.Synthesis and applications: With the approach used, we were able to: (i) identify mortality hotspots associated with landscape features; (ii) simultaneously identify the most affected species and assess the average relationships for all the assemblage of medium‐ and large‐sized mammals. We discuss conservation and management actions in two contexts: species prioritization for rescuing and monitoring; and territory prioritization for fire prevention and fighting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural product databases are an integral part of chemoinformatics and computer‐aided drug design. Despite their pivotal role, a distinct scarcity of projects in Latin America, particularly in Mexico, provides accessible tools of this nature. Herein, we introduce BIOMX‐DB, an open and freely accessible web‐based database designed to address this gap. BIOMX‐DB enhances the features of the existing Mexican natural product database, BIOFACQUIM, by incorporating advanced search, filtering, and download capabilities. The user‐friendly interface of BIOMX‐DB aims to provide an intuitive experience for researchers. For seamless access, BIOMX‐DB is freely available at www.biomx‐db.com [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The advent of edge computing holds immense promise for advancing the digitization of society, ushering in critical applications that elevate the overall quality of life. Yet, the practical implementation of the edge paradigm proves more challenging than anticipated, encountering disruptions primarily due to the constraints of applying conventional cloud‐based strategies at the network's periphery. Increasingly influenced by sustainability commitments, industry regulations currently view edge computing as a potential threat, primarily due to the energy inefficiency of solutions situated in close proximity to data generation sources and the rising density of computing. This paper presents a proactive strategy to transform the perceived threat into an opportunity, steering the sustainable evolution of future edge infrastructures to make them both environmentally and economically competitive for accelerated adoption. The vision outlined addresses key challenges associated with edge deployment and operation, emphasizing energy efficiency, fault‐tolerant automation, and collaborative orchestration. The proposed approach integrates two‐phase immersion cooling, formal modeling, machine learning, and federated management to effectively harness heterogeneity, propelling the sustainability of edge computing. To substantiate the efficacy of this approach, the paper details initial efforts towards establishing the sustainability of an edge infrastructure designed for an Advanced Driver Assistance Systems application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Relationships between crop genetic and functional diversity are key to addressing contemporary agricultural challenges. Yet, there are few approaches for quantifying the relationship between genetic diversity and crop functional trait expression. Here, we introduce 'functional space accumulation curves' to analyze how trait space increases with the number of crop genotypes within a species.We explore the potential for functional space accumulating curves to quantify genotype–trait space relationships in four common annual crop species: barley (Hordeum vulgare), rice (Oryza sativa), soybean (Glycine max), and durum wheat (Triticum durum). We also employ these curves to describe genotype–trait space relationships in the wild annual Arabidopsis thaliana, which has not been subjected to artificial selection.All five species exhibited asymptotic functional space accumulation curves, suggesting a limit to intraspecific functional crop diversity, likely due to: dominant phenotypes represented by several genotypes; or functional redundancy that might exist among genotypes. Our findings indicate that there is a diminishing return of functional diversity with increasing number of genotypes.Our analysis demonstrates the efficacy of functional space accumulation curves in quantifying trait space occupancy of crops, with implications for managing crop diversity in agroecosystems, and genetic diversity in crop breeding programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SUMMARY: Cyst nematodes establish permanent feeding structures called syncytia inside the host root vasculature, disrupting the flow of water and minerals. In response, plants form WOX11‐mediated adventitious lateral roots at nematode infection sites. WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting modulates tolerance to nematode infections; however, whether this also benefits nematode parasitism remains unknown. Here, we report on bioassays using a 35S::WOX11‐SRDX transcriptional repressor mutant to investigate whether WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting promotes syncytium development and thereby female growth and fecundity. Moreover, we chemically inhibited cellulose biosynthesis to verify if WOX11 directly modulates cell wall plasticity in syncytia. Finally, we performed histochemical analyses to test if WOX11 mediates syncytial cell wall plasticity via reactive oxygen species (ROS). Repression of WOX11‐mediated transcription specifically enhanced the radial expansion of syncytial elements, increasing both syncytium size and female offspring. The enhanced syncytial hypertrophy observed in the 35S::WOX11‐SRDX mutant could be phenocopied by chemical inhibition of cellulose biosynthesis and was associated with elevated levels of ROS at nematode infection sites. We, therefore, conclude that WOX11 restricts radial expansion of nematode‐feeding structures and female growth and fecundity, likely by modulating ROS‐mediated cell wall plasticity mechanisms. Remarkably, this novel role of WOX11 in plant cell size control is distinct from WOX11 adventitious lateral rooting underlying disease tolerance. Significance Statement: In this study, we uncover a novel role for WOX11 in Arabidopsis, which may help plants cope with infections by endoparasitic cyst nematodes in the field. By controlling plant cell size, WOX11 significantly limits the expansion of nematode feeding sites, ultimately reducing nematode offspring size. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the exception of a few groups of birds, such as large raptors and colonial seabirds, direct counts of nests cannot be conducted over very large areas for most of the abundant and widely distributed species, and thus indirect methods are used to estimate their relative abundances and population sizes. However, many species of the Family Hirundinidae (swallows and martins) build their mud nests in discrete, predictable and accessible sites, which are reused across years. Therefore, the direct count of active nests could constitute a reliable method for estimating breeding population sizes and their changes at large spatial and temporal scales. We illustrate the feasibility of this monitoring approach through a single year survey of >2700 nests of three coexisting Old‐World species, the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), the red‐rumped swallow (Cecropis daurica), and the crag martin (Ptyonoprogne rupestris), distributed across Portugal and Spain. Our results revealed changes in the use of nesting substrates and increases in interspecific nest usurpation rates over recent decades. While 56% of the nests of C. daurica were located in rocks five decades ago, almost 100% are nowadays located in anthropogenic substrates such as bridges, road culverts, and abandoned buildings, which could have favored the range expansion of this species. Nest occupation rates were surprisingly low (12% in C. daurica, 21% in H. rustica, and 37% in P. rupestris), and the proportion of abandoned nesting sites was very high (65% in C. daurica, 50% in H. rustica, and 27% in P. rupestris). Abandonment rates reflect the population decline reported for H. rustica. Notably, the usurpation of nests of C. daurica by house sparrows Passer domesticus, which is the main cause of breeding failure, has increased from 2.4% in 1976–1979 to 34.7% of the nests nowadays. The long‐term monitoring of nests may constitute a reliable and affordable method, with the help of citizen science, for assessing changes in breeding population sizes and conservation threats of these and other mud‐nest building hirundines worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Xanthium is a genus of annual herbaceous plants that stands out within Asteraceae for being wind‐pollinated, diclinous monoecious, and bearing solitary pistillate flowers in peculiar spiny structures (burs). Xanthium sect. Acanthoxanthium is native to South America and characterized by the presence of trifurcate spines at the base of the leaves. Past taxonomic treatments of the section have been contradictory, some recognising up to six species, others reducing all to a single polymorphic species. Altogether, 42 samples of X. sect. Acanthoxanthium were analysed, the vast majority taken from herbarium specimens between 20 and 160 years old. We sampled multiple specimens of X. spinosum from throughout its broad range as well as those taxa with narrower distributions, covering the whole range of morphological variation in the section. When possible, we included types and original material. We used Hyb‐Seq techniques to obtain information from about 1000 single‐copy nuclear genes and complete plastomes. Phylogenomic data were submitted to coalescent‐based species delimitation approaches (SPEEDEMON). Additionally, we performed geometric morphometric analysis of leaf outlines. The results strongly support the identification of four lineages in the section favouring the acceptance of four of the hitherto described species, i.e., X. ambrosioides, X. argenteum, X. catharticum, and X. spinosum. These results were to some extent corroborated by morphometric analyses. While X. ambrosioides was well distinct from X. spinosum based on leaf morphology, such difference was not observed between X. spinosum and X. catharticum. However, X. catharticum differs from X. spinosum in its ecological requirements, being a species rather adapted to high‐mountain environments of the Neotropics. Intriguingly, X. argenteum – a taxon described from a single herbarium collection – was also inferred as a species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endurance athletes fail to meet carbohydrate (CHO) guidelines for competition, which may be due to limited knowledge. However, the relationship between knowledge and practice in this population is unknown. To investigate this, we assessed the dietary intake in 50 athletes (37 females) who completed endurance events ≥2.5 h in duration and compared CHO intake against the carbohydrates for endurance athletes in competition questionnaire validated nutrition knowledge questionnaire, with specific questions related to CHO loading, pre‐competition meal and during‐competition intake. CHO‐loading guidelines (10–12 g · kg−1 · day−1) were met in practice by n = 5 (10%), but there was no relationship between identified requirements (range 0–12 g · kg−1 · day−1) and actual intake (rs = 0.133, p = 0.358), with the n = 18 (36%) who correctly identified requirements, ingesting 6.1 ± 1.9 g · kg−1 · day−1. CHO intake for pre‐competition meal guidelines (1–4 g · kg−1) was met in practice by n = 40 (80%), but there was no relationship between identified requirements (range 0 to >4 g · kg−1) and actual intake (rs = 0.101, p = 0.487), with n = 19 (38%) who correctly identified guidelines requirements, ingesting 1.4 ± 0.6 g · kg−1. CHO intake during‐competition guidelines (60–90 g · h−1) was met in practice by n = 18 (36%), but there was no relationship between the amounts of CHO required (range 30 to >90 g/h) and actual intake (rs = 0.028, p = 0.849), with n = 32 (64%) who correctly identified guidelines requirements, ingesting 56 ± 20 g · h−1. Results show no relationship between the knowledge of CHO recommendations and practice, suggesting that theoretical knowledge does not guarantee the achievement of best practice and other important factors may ultimately determine practice. Highlights: The carbohydrates for endurance athletes in competition questionnaire (CEAC‐Q) score did not show any association between theoretical knowledge and actual intake for carbohydrate (CHO) loading, pre‐competition, or during competition scenarios, indicating that athletes do not necessarily apply what they know.Despite 30% of athletes meeting the guidelines for CHO loading, and CHO intake during competition, there was no clear relationship between practice and their knowledge of these guidelines as measured by the CEAC‐Q.The discrepancy between theoretical knowledge and actual intake within real‐world competition highlights that other factors may be important barriers and facilitators to translate scientific knowledge and bridge the gap into optimal dietary practices of endurance athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Forested headwater catchments ensure good water quality for downstream ecosystems and human consumption. Climate change and the exacerbating likelihood of extreme events elevate the risk of severe forest dieback. However, the effects of forest dieback on the quantity and quality of stream water are not fully understood. Here, we analyse high‐frequency observations of discharge, electrical conductivity (EC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and nitrate (NO3N) obtained before, during and after a drought‐induced forest dieback in a headwater stream in the German Harz Mountains. We focus on the characteristics of concentration‐discharge (C‐Q) relationships at the scale of runoff events to assess the effects of forest dieback on the sources, mobilisation and pathways of EC, DOC and NO3N. When comparing pre‐ and post‐dieback conditions, we found a significant increase in runoff efficiency and a doubling of DOC loads exported from the catchment, while DOC concentrations increased only moderately and their C‐Q patterns did not change. EC exhibit no changes in concentrations but a steepening of C‐Q dilution patterns. We explain these findings with a dieback‐induced decrease in evapotranspiration, which leads to more intensive drainage of the upper organic soil layers in the riparian zone. In contrast, we observed a strong increase in NO3N concentrations and fluxes by a factor of ~5, while C‐Q patterns at the event scale changed from enrichment to dilution. We argue that the dieback led to an excess of NO3N on the hillslopes that connect to the stream via surficial flowpaths. In this way, NO3N bypasses the riparian zone, reducing the catchment's efficiency in attenuating this nutrient. Our study emphasises the pivotal role of riparian zones in mediating water quality in headwater streams. Different configurations of the riparian zone and its connection to the hillslopes and the stream network may be a missing piece in explaining differences in water quality responses of catchments to forest dieback. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysis is an area of increasing interest for the in‐situ production of H2O2 or the development of energy‐related devices such as hydrogen fuel cells. Although pyrolyzed catalysts still offer the best performances to date with reference to the organic‐based catalysts, metal‐free and non‐pyrolyzed covalent organic frameworks (COFs) stands out as promising alternatives candidates due to their favourable characteristics such as crystallinity, porosity, and organic composition, allowing the study of structural‐property relationships. Herein, we present the design principles and recent advances in COFs‐based ORR electrocatalysts, demonstrating how composition influences the activity and electronic pathway of the oxygen reduction process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

PEGylated PAMAM dendrimers (PEG‐PAMAM) are well‐characterized biomaterials with still unexplored applications as carriers of drugs acting via membrane receptors, such as octreotide. This work confirmed the safety and negligible internalization capacity of fourth‐generation 50%‐PEG‐PAMAM in HEK‐293 cells, to then assessed their supramolecular binding to octreotide through tryptophan quenching experiments and Gaussian‐accelerated molecular dynamics (GaMD) simulations. Tryptophan quenching showed that PEG‐PAMAM binds octreotide with a Kbind of 6 × 106 M−1 and a complex stoichiometry of 1:1.4, unlike native PAMAM. GaMD simulations revealed that octreotide binds at the outer PEG shell of PEG‐PAMAM, potentially hindering the drug from proteolytic degradation and enabling its release at a membrane level. Viability experiments on HeLa, PC‐12, and HEK‐293 cells incubated with increasing concentrations of octreotide in free drug solutions and equimolar mixtures with PEG‐PAMAM confirmed that the PEGylated dendrimer acts as an efficient supramolecular carrier for octreotide and enhances the antiproliferative effects of the drug. Our findings highlight a novel facet for PEG‐PAMAM dendrimers as macromolecular vehicles for peptide or non‐peptide drugs acting via membrane receptor sites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pyrroles and indoles bearing N‐allenyl tethers participate in a variety of iridium‐catalyzed cycloisomerization processes initiated by a C−H activation step, to deliver a diversity of synthetically relevant azaheterocyclic products. By appropriate selection of the ancillary ligand and the substitution pattern of the allene, the reactions can diverge from simple intramolecular hydrocarbonations to tandem processes involving intriguing mechanistic issues. Accordingly, a wide range of heterocyclic structures ranging from dihydro‐indolizines and pyridoindoles to tetrahydroindolizines, as well as cyclopropane‐fused tetrahydroindolizines can be obtained. Moreover, by using chiral ligands, these cascade processes can be carried out in an enantioselective manner. DFT studies provide insights into the underlying mechanisms and justify the observed chemo‐ regio‐ and stereoselectivities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Background: Myofascial trigger points (TrPs) are hypersensitive points located in a tight band of muscle that, when palpated, produce not only local pain but also referred (distant) pain. The role of TrPs in patients with cervical dystonia (CD) has not been investigated. Objective: To identify the presence of TrPs in patients with isolated idiopathic CD and their association with pain. Methods: Thirty‐one patients (74.2% women; age: 61.2 years, SD: 10.1 years) participated. TrPs were explored in the sternocleidomastoid, upper trapezius, splenius capitis, levator scapulae, anterior scalene, suboccipital, and infraspinatus muscles. Clinical features of CD were documented as well as the presence of pain. The severity of dystonia and its consequences were assessed using the Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale (TWSTRS). Results: The mean number of TrPs for each patient was 12 (SD:3), with no differences between patients with pain (n = 20) and those without pain (n = 11). Active TrPs were only found in patients with pain (mean: 7.5, SD:4). Latent TrPs were found in both groups but were more prevalent (P < 0.001) in patients without pain (mean: 11, SD:3.5) than in those with pain (mean: 5, SD:3.5). The number of active TrPs or latent TrPs was positively associated with the TWSTRS disability subscale and the TWSTRS total score. The number of active, but not latent, TrPs was associated with worse scores on the TWSTRS pain subscale. Conclusion: Active TrPs were present in patients with CD reporting pain, while latent TrPs were present in all CD patients, irrespective of their pain status. The numbers of active/latent TrPs were associated with disability. TrPs could act as pain generators in CD and also contribute to the involuntary muscle contractions characteristic of dystonia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the movements and mortality of individuals across different life stages is crucial for the effective conservation of wild populations. We used data from 32 Egyptian vultures (Neophron percnopterus) tagged with GPS transmitters as nestlings in three Iberian breeding areas to study their dependence period, migration routes, movements in Africa, and mortality at each stage. Our results show no significant differences in the timing of nest departure or the duration of the dependence period between individuals of different sexes or breeding nuclei. Most juveniles migrated to sub‐Saharan Africa in their first year, but some (3 of 32, 9.4%) remained in the Iberian Peninsula. Individuals that migrated to Africa did so annually, while those remaining in Iberia never migrated to the Sahel, indicating distinct migratory and non‐migratory strategies. Non‐migratory individuals consistently moved northward during the breeding season to their natal territories. Siblings did not coordinate their migration strategy or timing. All juveniles showed extensive overlap in the vast areas used in Africa, where females arrived before males, and in the Iberian Peninsula. Our study also revealed that no juveniles died immediately after fledging, but that none of the tagged individuals lived more than 7 years or were recruited as breeders. Although most casualties occurred during the longer stay in the Sahel, the mortality rate was highest during the few days of the first migration. Our results show that despite small variations in movement patterns between breeding nuclei and sexes, Egyptian vultures face similar challenges during the years before recruitment as breeders, mostly determined by their migratory strategy. These findings are relevant for designing conservation strategies, both in breeding areas and, more importantly, in wintering areas and along migration pathways. Such strategies will significantly impact the entire Iberian population of this endangered species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehending symbiont abundance among host species is a major ecological endeavour, and the metabolic theory of ecology has been proposed to understand what constrains symbiont populations.We parameterized metabolic theory equations to investigate how bird species' body size and the body size of their feather mites relate to mite abundance according to four potential energy (uropygial gland size) and space constraints (wing area, total length of barbs and number of feather barbs). Predictions were compared with the empirical scaling of feather mite abundance across 106 passerine bird species (26,604 individual birds sampled), using phylogenetic modelling and quantile regression.Feather mite abundance was strongly constrained by host space (number of feather barbs) but not by energy. Moreover, feather mite species' body size was unrelated to the body size of their host species.We discuss the implications of our results for our understanding of the bird–feather mite system and for symbiont abundance in general. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contrary to differentiated cells, cancer cells predominantly convert glucose to lactate even under conditions of adequate oxygen supply ("Warburg effect"). The initial enzyme implicated in this route is hexokinase, which transforms D‐glucose into D‐glucose‐6‐phosphate. We proposed the use of different polyphenols (resveratrol, epigallocatechin gallate, pterostilbene, phloretin) and their derivatives (α‐glucosides and acylated α‐glucosides) to inhibit this enzyme. For this study, we used Saccharomyces cerevisiae hexokinase, whose two isoforms show high resemblance at the active site with human hexokinase HK2. To monitor the reactions, a method of anion‐exchange chromatography coupled with pulsed amperometric detection (HPAEC‐PAD) was developed. Remarkably, most of the assayed compounds inhibited the enzyme more than 50 % in the standard assay. Among them, phloretin 4'‐O‐(6"‐O‐octanoyl)‐α‐D‐glucopyranoside showed the highest inhibition and was studied in depth to determine the inhibition pattern and inhibition constant. The Ki for glucose was calculated to be 22.1±0.4 μM. Computational models of inhibition were carried out with the three molecules displaying the highest inhibition, and correlated adequately with the observed inhibitory effects on the enzyme. The inhibitory effect of several of the assayed polyphenols on hexokinase and their lack of toxicity renders them promising candidates as adjuvant drugs for cancer therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although the treatment landscape has rapidly evolved over the last years, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers. With recent advances, both immunotherapy and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs)‐based chemotherapy constitute the standard treatment for advanced HCC. A systematic search of randomized clinical trials employing TKIs was performed in 17 databases, obtaining 25 studies evaluating the prognosis, tumor response, and presence of adverse events (AEs) related to TKIs in HCC. Overall effect sizes were estimated for the hazard ratios (HR) and odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), either extracted or calculated with the Parmar method, employing STATA 16. Heterogeneity was assessed by Chi‐square‐based Q‐test and inconsistency (I2) statistic; source of heterogeneity by meta‐regression and subgroup analysis; and publication bias by funnel plot asymmetry and Egger's test. The research protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023397263). Meta‐analysis revealed a correlation between survival and tumor response parameters and TKI treatment vs. placebo, despite detecting high heterogeneity. Combined TKI treatment showed a significantly better objective response rate (ORR) with no heterogeneity, whereas publication bias was only detected with time to progression (TTP). Few gastrointestinal and neurological disorders were associated with TKI treatment vs. placebo or with combined treatment. However, a higher number of serious AEs were related to TKI treatment vs. sorafenib alone. Results show positive clinical benefits from TKI treatment, supporting the approval and maintenance of TKI‐based therapy for advanced HCC, while establishing appropriate strategies to maximize efficacy and minimize toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new quinoline‐based COF (covalent organic framework), obtained by Povarov reaction, containing 2,6‐diisopropylphenyl moieties as substituents over the heterocyclic ring is described for detecting Zn2+ in aqueous solution. The introduction of the mentioned bulky phenyl rings into the network favors an increase of the distance between the reticular sheets and their arrangement, obtaining a new material with an alternating AB type stacking. The new material exhibits good selectivity to detect Zn2+ by fluorescence emission in aqueous solutions up to a concentration of 1.2 × 10−4 m of the metal ion. In order to have a deeper insight into the interaction between the COF and the zinc cation, a thorough spectroscopical, microscopical, and theoretical study is also presented and discussed in this communication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 22‐hydroxy‐23,24‐bisnorchol‐4‐ene‐3‐one (4‐HBC) is a C22 steroid synthon of pharmaceutical interest that can be produced as a lateral end‐product of the catabolism of natural sterols (e.g., cholesterol or phytosterols). This work studies the role of an aldehyde dehydrogenase coded by the MSMEG_6563 gene of Mycolicibacterium smegmatis, named msRed, in 4‐HBC production. This gene is located contiguously to the MSMEG_6561 encoding the aldolase msSal which catalyses the retroaldol elimination of acetyl‐CoA of the metabolite intermediate 22‐hydroxy‐3‐oxo‐cholest‐4‐ene‐24‐carboxyl‐CoA to deliver 3‐oxo‐4‐pregnene‐20‐carboxyl aldehyde (3‐OPA). We have demonstrated that msRed reduces 3‐OPA to 4‐HBC. Moreover, the role of msOpccR reductase encoded by MSMEG_1623 was also explored confirming that it also performs the reduction of 3‐OPA into 4‐HBC, but less efficiently than msRed. To obtain a M. smegmatis 4‐HBC producer strain we deleted MSMEG_5903 (hsd4A) gene in strain MS6039‐5941 (ΔkshB1, ΔkstD1) that produces 4‐androstene‐3,17‐dione (AD) from natural sterols (cholesterol or phytosterols). The triple MS6039‐5941‐5903 mutant was able to produce 9 g/L of 4‐HBC from 14 g/L of phytosterols in 2 L bioreactor, showing a productivity of 0.140 g/L h−1. To improve the metabolic flux of sterols towards the production of 4‐HBC we have cloned and overexpressed the msSal and msRed enzymes in the MS6039‐5941‐5903 mutant rendering a production titter of 12.7 g/L with a productivity of 0.185 g/L h−1, and demonstrating that the new recombinant strain has a great potential for its industrial application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low‐bandgap nonfullerene acceptors (NFAs) offer a unique potential for photovoltaic (PV) applications, such as transparent PV and agrivoltaics. Evaluating each new PV system to achieve the optimum thickness, microstructure, and device performance is, however, a complex multiparametric challenge with large time and resource requirements. Herein, the PV potential of low‐bandgap donor and NFA materials by combining high‐throughput screening and statistical methods is evaluated. The use of thickness gradients (20–600 nm) facilitates the fabrication of more than 2000 doctor‐bladed devices from 24 different low‐bandgap blend combinations. The corresponding power conversion efficiencies varies significantly, from 0.06% to 10.45% across materials and thicknesses. The self‐consistency of the large dataset allows to perform a parameter sensitivity study as well as parameter correlation analysis. These reveal that the choice of materials and energy alignment‐related features (i.e., electron affinity offset, ionization energy offset, bandgap, and energy loss) has the largest influence on final device performance, while processing conditions appear less important for the final efficiencies. Our study demonstrates that high‐throughput experimentation is a perfect match for correlation analyses in order to gain a statistically meaningful understanding of these systems, potentially accelerating the discovery of new materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Irrigation & Drainage is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The increasing age of liver donors and transplant candidates, together with the growing prevalence of metabolic comorbidities, could impact the risk of vascular complications after liver transplantation. We enrolled a consecutive cohort of adult patients undergoing liver transplantation from 2012 to 2021 who had a blinded pathological assessment of atherosclerosis in the donor and recipient hepatic arteries (HA). Patients receiving partial or reduced grafts, retransplantation, or combined organ transplantation were excluded. The relationship between HA atherosclerosis and HA thrombosis after liver transplantation was evaluated using logistic regression in the whole study cohort and in a propensity score‐matched subpopulation. Among 443 eligible patients, 272 had a full pathological evaluation of the donor and recipient HA and were included in the study. HA atheroma was present in 51.5% of donors and in 11.4% of recipients. HA thrombosis occurred in 16 patients (5.9%), being more likely in patients who received a donor with HA atherosclerosis than in those without (10.7% vs. 0.8%; p < 0.001). Donor HA atherosclerosis was an independent risk factor of HA thrombosis (OR = 17.79; p = 0.008), and this finding was consistent in the propensity score‐matched analysis according to age, sex, complex arterial anastomosis, and alcoholic liver disease (OR = 19.29; p = 0.007). Atheromatous disease in the recipient had no influence on the risk of HA thrombosis (OR = 1.70; p = 0.55). In conclusion, patients receiving donors with HA atherosclerosis are at increased risk for HA thrombosis after liver transplantation. The evaluation of the donor graft vasculature could guide antiplatelet therapy in the postoperative period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bile duct injury (BDI) repair surgery is usually associated with morbidity/mortality. The neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) easily assesses a patient's inflammatory status. The study aims to determine the possible relationship between preoperative NLR (pNLR) with postoperative outcomes in BDI repair surgery. Methods: Approved Ethics/Research Committee retrospective study, in patients who had a Bismuth‐Strasberg type E BDI repair (2008–2023). Data registered was: morbidity, mortality, and long‐term outcomes (primary patency and loss of primary patency) (Kaplan–Meier). Group comparison (U Mann–Whitney), receiver operator characteristic (ROC): area under curve [AUC]; cut‐off value, and Youden index [J], and logistic regression analysis were used for pNLR evaluation. Results: Seventy‐three patients were studied. Mean age was 44.4 years. E2 was the commonest BDI (38.4%). Perioperative morbidity/mortality was 31.5% and 1.4%. Primary patency was 95.9%. 8.2% have lost primary patency (3‐year actuarial patency: 85.3%). Median pNLR was higher in patients who had any complication (4.84 vs. 2.89 p = 0.015), biliary complications (5.29 vs. 2.86 p = 0.01), and patients with loss of primary patency (5.22 vs. 3.1 p = 0.08). AUC's, cut‐off values and (J) were: any complication (0.678, pNLR = 4.3, J = 0.38, p = 0.007), serious complication (0.667, pNLR = 4.3, J = 0.34, p = 0.04), biliary complications (0.712, pNLR = 3.64, J = 0.46, p = 0.001), and loss of primary patency (0.716, pNLR = 3.24, J = 0.52, p = 0.008). Logistic regression was significant in any complication (Exp [B]: 0.1, p = 0.002), serious complications (Exp [B]: 0.2, p = 0.03), and biliary complications (Exp [B]: 8.1, p = 0.003). Conclusions: pNLR is associated with complications in BDI repair with moderate to acceptable predictive capacity. pNLR could potentially predict patency of a BDI repair. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Compound databases of natural products play a crucial role in drug discovery and development projects and have implications in other areas, such as food chemical research, ecology and metabolomics. Recently, we put together the first version of the Latin American Natural Product database (LANaPDB) as a collective effort of researchers from six countries to ensemble a public and representative library of natural products in a geographical region with a large biodiversity. The present work aims to conduct a comparative and extensive profiling of the natural product‐likeness of an updated version of LANaPDB and the individual ten compound databases that form part of LANaPDB. The natural product‐likeness profile of the Latin American compound databases is contrasted with the profile of other major natural product databases in the public domain and a set of small‐molecule drugs approved for clinical use. As part of the extensive characterization, we employed several chemoinformatics metrics of natural product likeness. The results of this study will capture the attention of the global community engaged in natural product databases, not only in Latin America but across the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the effects of premixed calcium silicate based ceramic sealers on the viability and osteogenic/cementogenic differentiation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs). The materials evaluated were TotalFill BC Sealer (TFbc), AH Plus Bioceramic Sealer (AHPbc), and Neosealer Flo (Neo). Standardized discs and 1:1, 1:2, and 1:4 eluates of the tested materials were prepared. The following in vitro experiments were carried out: ion release, cell metabolic activity 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, cell migration, immunofluorescence experiment, cell attachment, gene expression, and mineralization assay. Statistical analyses were performed using one‐way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post hoc test (p <.05). Increased Ca2+ release was detected in TFbc compared to AHPbc and Neo (*p <.05). Biological assays showed a discrete cell metabolic activity and cell migration in Neo‐treated cell, whereas scanning electronic microscopy assay exhibited that TFbc group had a better cell adhesion process of substrate attachment, spreading, and cytoskeleton development on the niche‐like structures of the cement than AHPbc and Neo. The sealers tested were able to induce overexpression of the CEMP‐1, ALP, and COL1A1 genes in the first days of exposure, particularly in the case of TFbc (***p <.001). All materials tested significantly increased the mineralization of hPDLSCs when compared to the negative control, although more pronounced calcium deposition was observed in the TFbc‐treated cells (***p <.001). Our results suggested that TFbc promotes cell differentiation, both by increasing the expression of key osteo/odontogenic genes and by promoting mineralization of the extracellular matrix, whereas this phenomenon was less evident in Neo and AHPbc. Research Highlights: TFbc group had a better cell adhesion process of substrate attachment, spreading, and cytoskeleton development on the niche‐like structures of the cement than AHPbc and Neo.The sealers tested were able to induce overexpression of the CEMP‐1, ALP, and COL1A1 genes in the first days of exposure, particularly in the case of TFbc.All materials tested significantly increased the mineralization of hPDLSCs when compared to the negative control, although more pronounced calcium deposition was observed in the TFbc‐treated cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Autophagy is a central degradative pathway highly conserved among eukaryotes, including microalgae, which remains unexplored in extremophilic organisms. In this study, we described and characterized autophagy in the newly identified extremophilic green microalga Chlamydomonas urium, which was isolated from an acidic environment.The nuclear genome of C. urium was sequenced, assembled and annotated in order to identify autophagy‐related genes. Transmission electron microscopy, immunoblotting, metabolomic and photosynthetic analyses were performed to investigate autophagy in this extremophilic microalga.The analysis of the C. urium genome revealed the conservation of core autophagy‐related genes. We investigated the role of autophagy in C. urium by blocking autophagic flux with the vacuolar ATPase inhibitor concanamycin A. Our results indicated that inhibition of autophagic flux in this microalga resulted in a pronounced accumulation of triacylglycerols and lipid droplets (LDs). Metabolomic and photosynthetic analyses indicated that C. urium cells with impaired vacuolar function maintained an active metabolism. Such effects were not observed in the neutrophilic microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.Inhibition of autophagic flux in C. urium uncovered an active recycling of LDs through lipophagy, a selective autophagy pathway for lipid turnover. This study provided the metabolic basis by which extremophilic algae are able to catabolize lipids in the vacuole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attaining precise control over molecular arrangements is of paramount importance for numerous applications in nanotechnology, particularly in constructing molecular templates to accurately immobilize target materials on surfaces. A strategic combination of supramolecular and interfacial chemistry may serve to build a well‐organized molecular network, enabling the subsequent location of target molecules on specific positions of a surface. A supramolecular complex (compound 1) comprised of a melamine unit forming hydrogen bonds with dendritic arms terminated in a coumarin unit is utilized, which readily undergoes photodimerization. The research demonstrates the formation of well‐organized Langmuir films of compound 1 which can be transferred on substrates at low surface pressures adopting a lying‐flat orientation. Upon irradiation of the pristine films at 365 nm the coumarin units undergo photo‐cross linking, leading to the formation of a compact photo‐crosslinked film. Incubation of these photo‐crosslinked films in a solution containing 1‐hexanethiol results in the withdrawal of the melamine and the chemisorption of two thiol molecules per each melamine unit. The nanopores created by the removal of the melamine core are attributed to the disruption of hydrogen bonds in compound 1 by the thiols. This precisely defined molecular network holds significant promise as a template for orchestrating the arrangement of functional materials on surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Dysfunctions in the oxytocin system have been reported in patients with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Deficits could be related to interpersonal hypersensitivity, which has been previously associated with failures in social cognition (SC) in this disorder, especially in Theory of Mind (ToM) skills. The aim of this work is to study the links between the oxytocin system and SC impairments in patients with BPD. Method: Plasma oxytocin levels (OXT) and protein expression of oxytocin receptors in blood mononuclear cells (OXTR) were examined in 33 patients with a diagnosis of BPD (age: M 28.85, DT = 8.83). Social cognition was assessed using the Movie for the Assessment of Social Cognition (MASC). Statistical associations between biochemical factors and different response errors in MASC were analyzed through generalized linear regression controlling for relevant clinical factors. Results: Generalized linear regression showed a significant relationship between lower OXTR and overmentalization in BPD patients (OR = 0.90). Conclusions: This work supports the relationship between alterations in the oxytocin system and ToM impairments observed in BPD patients, enhancing the search for endophenotypes related to the phenotypic features of the disorder to improve current clinical knowledge and address more specific therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Antillean manatees (Trichechus manatus manatus) are endangered coastal, marine, and riverine megaherbivores with high environmental plasticity, constrained by tidal and seasonal water level cycles that affect access to food and fresh water. Accurate quantification of the species' habitat requirements, typically achieved through home range (HR) estimation, is required to implement area‐based conservation initiatives. In this study, we used GPS tracking data from 38 wild and captive‐rehabilitated released manatees to estimate HR using autocorrelated kernel density estimators (AKDE) and average time speed. We investigated whether body size, habitat type, sex and behavioural group influence home range size due to energy requirements, resources availability, a scramble‐competitive polygyny mating system, and adaptation to the wild. Eighteen manatees exhibited range‐resident behaviour, with a mean 95% home range of 72.96 km2 (± 218.52) and a median of 10.69 km2. The mean daily speed was estimated to be 13.47 km/day (± 4.16). Home range and body size were positively correlated, consistent with HR allometry theory. Long‐term tracked individuals showed a trend of increasing HR over time. Only four released animals (17.4%) were range‐resident, suggesting that they may need additional time to establish a home range. Individuals using only the marine environment had larger home ranges compared to mixed (marine and estuarine) and estuarine environments, probably due to freshwater availability. Our study contributes to the understanding of the factors driving manatee movement and provides more accurate estimates of area requirements, which can inform the establishment and zoning of marine protected areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the field of organic solar cells, organic semiconductors with Y6‐based chemical structure and their corresponding quinoxaline‐based assemblies are settled down as promising materials in the field of OSCs. However, the chemical structure of Y6 derivatives does not allow an expansion in the electron‐withdrawing central core, in contrast to their quinoxaline‐based analogues. For this reason, herein, two different quinoxaline‐based A–D–A′–D–A derivatives with 2D π‐extended cores endowed with electroactive rylenimide moieties, named as Y6‐1Napht and Y6‐1Pery, are designed and synthesized. These enlarged fused‐ring electron acceptors (FREAs) allow to study the influence of the length of the ryleneimide moiety on its structural, optical, electrochemical, and thermal properties as well as the tailoring of the frontier molecular orbitals. These results are also supported by quantum chemical calculations and photoluminescence measurements that provide additional information about their thermal stability and the microstructure of the films. Finally, as a proof of concept and to study the influence of these chemical modifications on the central core, solar cells based on these π‐conjugated nonfullerene acceptors are fabricated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, an approximate analytical solution (AS) is presented to evaluate the radiative thermal exchange through a gaseous participating medium composed of H2O, CO2, and CO, which is valid for the product values of pressure path‐length (PL) from 0.06 to 20 atm m and temperatures (T) from 300 K to 2100 K. The Spence root weighting method is used to approximate the exact solutions. For each set of PL;T $\mathrm{PL}{\rm{;}}T$, the value of exact spectral emissivity and absorptivity ελ ${\varepsilon }_{\lambda }$ and aλ ${a}_{\lambda }$ for the gas mixture is calculated using the AS, the Hottel graphical method (HGM) and the proposed approximate solution. The weaker adjustment was achieved in the modeling of the HGM, with a mean deviation obtained of ±15% and ±20% for 43.8% and 56.3% of the data evaluated, respectively, while the best indices were obtained in the estimation of the proposed method, with a mean deviation obtained of ±10% and ±15% for 81.3% and 98.1% of the available data, respectively. In all cases, the agreement of the proposed model with the available experimental data is good enough to be considered satisfactory for practical design. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of People & Nature is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

This article discusses the errors and corrections made to a study on the molecular characterization of autophagic and apoptotic signaling induced by sorafenib in liver cancer cells. The authors mistakenly assembled panels for some of the Western Blots presented and incorrectly stated the number of experiments conducted. The corrected versions of the Western Blot experiments are provided, and the legends for the figures are updated to reflect the changes. The corrections do not affect the results and conclusions of the study. The authors apologize for any confusion caused by these errors. [Extracted from the article]

This work provides a comprehensive characterization of coincidence site lattices that arise from the compositions of the reflections of cubic lattices. For this purpose, we apply Cartan's theorem and use reflections as basic isometries, which allows the use of Clifford algebra as a powerful tool to handle reflections and products of reflections, leading to explicit expressions for coincidence indices and the basis of coincidence lattices. The three possible cases were studied: simple reflections, the product of two reflections (rotations), and the product of three reflections, where a factorization that produces improper rotations was provided. In the case of rotations, it is formally proven that Ranganathan's well-known generating function of coincidence indices for cubic systems under rotations yields all possible coincidence lattices. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the mathematical properties of coincidence site lattices and the use of Clifford algebras to describe orthogonal transformations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Bone tissue homeostasis relies on the coordinated activity of the bone‐forming osteoblasts and bone‐resorbing osteoclasts. Osteomesopyknosis is considered a distinctive rare sclerosing skeletal disorder of unelucidated pathophysiology and presumably autosomal dominant transmission. However, the causal genes are unknown. Methods: We present a case report encompassing clinical assessments, imaging studies, and whole‐exome sequencing analysis, complemented by functional in vitro experiments. Results: This new case of osteomesopyknosis was associated with a missense ALOX5 variant predicted to induce protein misfolding and proteasomal degradation. Transfection experiments demonstrated that the variant was associated with reduced protein levels restored by proteasomal inhibition with bortezomib. Likewise, gene expression analysis showed that the mutated gene was associated with a decreased RANKL/OPG ratio, which is a critical driver of osteoclast precursor differentiation. Conclusion: Our data indicate impaired bone resorption as the underlying mechanism of this rare osteosclerosis, implicating ALOX5 pathogenic variants as potential etiological factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plant–soil biodiversity interactions are fundamental for the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems. Yet, the existence of a set of globally distributed topsoil microbial and small invertebrate organisms consistently associated with land plants (i.e., their consistent soil‐borne microbiome), together with the environmental preferences and functional capabilities of these organisms, remains unknown. We conducted a standardized field survey under 150 species of land plants, including 58 species of bryophytes and 92 of vascular plants, across 124 locations from all continents. We found that, despite the immense biodiversity of soil organisms, the land plants evaluated only shared a small fraction (less than 1%) of all microbial and invertebrate taxa that were present across contrasting climatic and soil conditions and vegetation types. These consistent taxa were dominated by generalist decomposers and phagotrophs and their presence was positively correlated with the abundance of functional genes linked to mineralization. Finally, we showed that crossing environmental thresholds in aridity (aridity index of 0.65, i.e., the transition from mesic to dry ecosystems), soil pH (5.5; i.e., the transition from acidic to strongly acidic soils), and carbon (less than 2%, the lower limit of fertile soils) can result in drastic disruptions in the associations between land plants and soil organisms, with potential implications for the delivery of soil ecosystem processes under ongoing global environmental change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]