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Abstract Multiple stressor research in aquaria is a useful approach to better understand the ecophysiology of marine species under different environmental conditions, including global change scenarios. Long‐term experiments are helpful to detect the response of sustained exposure to selected environmental conditions. Here, we present an experimental set‐up suitable to run long‐term experiments, composed of a life support system, a cost‐effective aquaria set‐up and an open‐source controller based on the use of a Raspberry Pi. In this set‐up, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen (DO) are individually manipulated and simultaneously controlled in eight different treatments. To prove the efficacy of the set‐up, we provide an assessment over a nine‐month experiment on a deep‐sea coral species, combining values from current in situ and IPCC AR5 RCP 8.5 scenarios for the aforementioned parameters. Recorded data from the controllers and independent measurements (e.g. cross‐checking with portable multiparameter devices and laboratory analyses) throughout the experimental time have been analysed and results have been discussed. Overall, the experimental set‐up performed well, proving the stability of the parameters over time, both individually and in combination. On average, low and high‐temperature treatments varied ~0.4 and 0.3°C, respectively. Low pH treatments were maintained within 0.05 pH units, whereas ambient pH treatments varied ~0.04 pH units. Low DO treatments had a variation of ~0.3 mg L−1, and ambient DO treatments varied ~0.2 mg L−1. No significant differences between scenarios for any parameter were detected (p

Abstract With climate extremes’ rising frequency and intensity, robust analytical tools are crucial to predict their impacts on terrestrial ecosystems. Machine learning techniques show promise but require well-structured, high-quality, and curated analysis-ready datasets. Earth observation datasets comprehensively monitor ecosystem dynamics and responses to climatic extremes, yet the data complexity can challenge the effectiveness of machine learning models. Despite recent progress in deep learning to ecosystem monitoring, there is a need for datasets specifically designed to analyse compound heatwave and drought extreme impact. Here, we introduce the DeepExtremeCubes database, tailored to map around these extremes, focusing on persistent natural vegetation. It comprises over 40,000 globally sampled small data cubes (i.e. minicubes), with a spatial coverage of 2.5 by 2.5 km. Each minicube includes (i) Sentinel-2 L2A images, (ii) ERA5-Land variables and generated extreme event cube covering 2016 to 2022, and (iii) ancillary land cover and topography maps. The paper aims to (1) streamline data accessibility, structuring, pre-processing, and enhance scientific reproducibility, and (2) facilitate biosphere dynamics forecasting in response to compound extremes.

Abstract Resonant interactions associated with the emergence of a bound state constitute one of the cornerstones of modern many-body physics. Here we present a Feshbach perspective on the origin of strong pairing in Fermi-Hubbard type models. We perform a theoretical analysis of interactions between spin-polaron charge carriers in doped Mott insulators, modeled by a near-resonant two-channel scattering problem, and report evidence for Feshbach-type interactions in the $${d}_{{x}^{2}-{y}^{2}}$$ d x 2 − y 2 channel, consistent with the established phenomenology of cuprates. Existing experimental and numerical results on hole-doped cuprates lead us to conjecture the existence of a light, long-lived, low-energy excited state of two holes, which enables near-resonant interactions. To put our theory to a test we suggest to use coincidence angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (cARPES), pair-tunneling measurements or pump-probe experiments. The emergent Feshbach resonance among spin-polarons could also underlie superconductivity in other doped antiferromagnetic Mott insulators highlighting its potential as a unifying strong-coupling pairing mechanism rooted in quantum magnetism.

Background and Aim: The sinoatrial node is responsible for the intrinsic electrical activation that in mammals leads to coordinated rhythmic contractions of the heart, from where it is distributed through the atrial tissue to the atrioventricular node. This study aimed to conduct a histological and morphometric study of the components and cells in cardiac nodes altered by myocardial infarction (MI) and compare them with normal tissues in humans and pigs. Materials and Methods: We analyzed 10 human hearts and 10 pig hearts that died from MI and compared them with 10 healthy control hearts from each species. Histological sections of 5 μm thickness were obtained using a microtome and stained with hematoxylin–eosin and Masson’s trichrome. The identification and assessment of the percentage of connective tissue and cellularity in the cardiac nodes were performed. Results: We observed a decreased size of cardiac nodes in humans and pigs, as well as an increased percentage of fibrosis inside the nodes, and changes in the size of the nodal cells and surrounding cardiomyocytes (decrease or hypertrophy) were observed. Cartilaginous metaplasia was also found in the cardiac skeleton of all pig samples. Conclusion: In the present study, a significant increase in collagen fibers and a decrease in cellularity were found in cardiac nodes in samples from humans and pigs with MI. These findings would explain the presence of arrhythmias, which often lead to death.

Abstract Virulence of many gram-negative bacteria relies upon delivery of type three effectors into host cells. To pass through the conduit of secretion machinery the effectors need to acquire an extended conformation, and in many bacterial species specific chaperones assist in this process. In plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae, secretion of only few effectors requires the function of chaperones. This raises a question how chaperone-independent effectors achieve an appropriate conformation for the secretion. One such mechanism was previously described for AvrPto. It contains a pH-sensitive switch, which is involved in unfolding of the effector at the mildly acidic pH corresponding to the pH value of the bacterial cytosol, and refolding at the neutral pH. Therefore, it was proposed that the switch facilitates first translocation of AvrPto and then its maturation once the effector reaches the cytoplasm of host cell. Here we show that an atypical motif of HopQ1, another effector of P. syringae, reversibly binds calcium in pH-dependent manner, regulating the effector thermal stability. Therefore, we propose a model that HopQ1 traversing through the type three secretion system encounters conditions that maintain its extended conformation, while upon delivery into host cell the effector undergoes refolding.

Abstract Ever since the discovery of high-temperature superconductivity in cuprates, gaining microscopic insights into the nature of pairing in strongly correlated systems has remained one of the greatest challenges in modern condensed matter physics. Following recent experiments reporting superconductivity in the bilayer nickelate La3Ni2O7 (LNO) with remarkably high critical temperatures of T c = 80 K, it has been argued that the low-energy physics of LNO can be described by the strongly correlated, mixed-dimensional bilayer t–J model. Here we investigate this bilayer system and utilize density matrix renormalization group techniques to establish a thorough understanding of the model and the magnetically induced pairing through comparison to the perturbative limit of dominating inter-layer spin couplings. In particular, this allows us to explain appearing finite-size effects, firmly establishing the existence of long-range superconducting order in the thermodynamic limit. By analyzing binding energies, we predict a BEC–BCS crossover as a function of the Hamiltonian parameters. We find large binding energies of the order of the inter-layer coupling that suggest strikingly high critical temperatures of the Berezinskii–Kosterlitz–Thouless transition, raising the question of whether (mixD) bilayer superconductors possibly facilitate critical temperatures above room temperature.

Abstract Background Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a prevalent and debilitating psychiatric condition often accompanied by Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), with a substantial prevalence of trauma history among affected individuals. The clinical, cognitive, and cerebral parallels shared with PTSD suggest a trauma-related etiology for BPD. Studies consistently demonstrate a reduction in hippocampal volume in individuals with BPD, echoing findings in PTSD. However, the interpretation of this shared neurobiological profile remains contentious, with ongoing debates regarding the independence of these pathologies or the potential exacerbation of diminished hippocampal volume in BPD due to concurrent PTSD. Differential impacts on hippocampal subfields across both disorders may further complicate interpretation, suggesting the volume of hippocampal subfields as a potential discriminant biomarker. This study aims to characterize the multidimensional specific and shared profiles of BPD and PTSD-related alterations, with a particular emphasis on hippocampal subfields during adolescence, a crucial period in BPD development. Methods This study focuses on female adolescents, who are more prevalent in the BPD population. Participants are categorized into three groups: BPD, BPD with comorbid PTSD, and a control group of matched healthy individuals. Data collection encompasses clinical, cognitive, and neuroimaging domains commonly affected in both disorders, utilizing various imaging markers (including gray matter macrostructure, white matter microstructural integrity, and regional functional connectivity). Discussion This study examines adolescent BPD with and without comorbid PTSD on clinical, neuroimaging, and cognitive levels. It is the first to use a comprehensive multi-modal approach within the same sample. Additionally, it uniquely explores hippocampal subfield volume differences in adolescents. Analysis of the relationship between the investigated domains and the effects of PTSD comorbidity will elucidate specific and shared alteration profiles in both disorders. Trial registration IDRCB number 2019-A00366-51 / clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT0485274. Registered on 21/04/2021.

SnCoNi catalysts were synthesized via electrodeposition, with and without citric acid, to assess their ethanol electrooxidation performance. The additive-free catalyst exhibited superior properties, including lower charge transfer resistance and a smaller Tafel slope compared to the citric acid-modified catalyst. Chronoamperometry testing further revealed better electrochemical stability for the additive-free catalyst, with less current loss over time. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed the enhanced ethanol oxidation activity with a relatively high current density. The improved performance is attributed to better mass transport, active site exposure, and the synergistic effects of Sn, Co, and Ni in the additive-free catalyst, making it more efficient for ethanol electrooxidation. These findings suggest that the additive-free catalyst exhibits more favorable properties for ethanol electrooxidation compared to its citric acid-modified counterpart.

Abstract Base excision repair (BER) is initialized by DNA glycosylases, which recognize and flip damaged bases out of the DNA duplex into the enzymes active site, followed by cleavage of the glycosidic bond. Recent studies have revealed that all types of DNA glycosylases repair base lesions less efficiently within nucleosomes, and their repair activity is highly depended on the lesion’s location within the nucleosome. To reveal the underlying molecular mechanism of this phenomenon, we determine the 3.1 Å cryo-EM structure of human 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase 1 (hOGG1) bound to a nucleosome core particle (NCP) containing a common oxidative base lesion, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodGuo). Our structural analysis shows that hOGG1 can recognize and flip 8-oxodGuo even within NCPs; however, the interaction between 8-oxodGuo and hOGG1 in a NCP context is weaker than in free DNA due to competition for nucleosomal DNA by the histones. Binding of OGG1 and the flipping of 8-oxodGuo by hOGG1 leads to a partial detachment of DNA from the histone core and a ratchet-like inward movement of nucleosomal DNA. Our findings provide insights into how the dynamic structure of nucleosomes modulate the activity of repair enzymes within chromatin.

Shape memory alloys have a wide range of applications, including high stroke actuation, energy-efficient ferroic cooling, and energy harvesting. These applications are based on a reversible martensitic transformation, which results in a complex microstructure in the martensitic state. Understanding the formation of this microstructure after fast heating and cooling is crucial, as a high cycle frequency is essential for achieving high power density in the mentioned applications. This article uses the epitaxial Ni-Mn-Ga film as a model system to study the formation of the martensitic microstructure, since the high surface-to-volume ratio of thin films enables rapid heating and cooling, and since the formation of a multi-level hierarchical microstructure during slow cooling of this material system is already well understood. We apply a millisecond flash lamp pulse of varying energy density on the Ni-Mn-Ga film and analyse the hierarchical martensitic microstructure afterwards. Substantial differences compared to slow cooling occur, which we attribute to the limited time available for the microstructure to form and to the thermal stress between film and substrate during rapid temperature changes.

In this work, alternative process chains for sewage sludge treatment by hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) and pyrolysis and the subsequent utilization of biochar and hydrochar were investigated by means of a comparative life cycle assessment (LCA). The mono-incineration of sewage sludge was defined as the benchmark process, being the main valorization route in several countries. The results revealed an advantage for HTC compared to pyrolysis and mono-incineration in most environmental impact categories, thanks to the higher char yield and the lower energy request. The global warming potential (GWP) of using hydrochar ranged from −71.4 to 7.7 g CO2-eq. kg−1 sewage sludge. However, the direct material application of the hydrochar in agriculture showed an increased toxicity potential, so that an energy utilization appears to be more environmentally friendly. For the pyrolysis route, a slightly higher energy demand and thus a higher environmental impact was determined, whereby GWP was between −11.7 to 9.1 g CO2-eq. kg−1 sewage sludge. The direct material application of the biochar in agriculture also showed low toxicity potentials while achieving nutrient recycling for phosphorus and a long-term carbon sequestration potential. Overall, ecological advantages were demonstrated for both thermochemical processes, making pyrolysis and HTC promising alternatives for sustainable sludge management.

The successful pursuit of future rewards requires forming an internal goal, followed by planning, decision-making, and progress-tracking over multiple steps. The initial step—forming goals and the plans for obtaining them—involves the subjective valuation of an anticipated reward, considering both the reward’s properties and associated delay and physical-effort costs. Recent findings indicate individuals similarly evaluate cognitive effort over time (Johnson and Most, 2023). Success and failure in these processes have been linked to differential life outcomes and psychiatric conditions. Here we review evidence from single-neuron recordings and neuroimaging studies that implicate the amygdala—a brain structure long associated with cue-reactivity and emotion—in decision-making and the planned pursuit of future rewards (Grabenhorst et al., 2012, 2016, 2019, 2023;Hernadi et al., 2015;Zangemeister et al., 2016). The main findings are that, in behavioral tasks in which future rewards can be pursued through planning and stepwise decision-making, amygdala neurons prospectively encode the value of anticipated rewards and related behavioral plans. Moreover, amygdala neurons predict the stepwise choices to pursue these rewards, signal progress toward goals, and distinguish internally generated (i.e., self-determined) choices from externally imposed actions. Importantly, amygdala neurons integrate the subjective value of a future reward with delay and effort costs inherent in pursuing it. This neural evidence identifies three key computations of the primate amygdala that underlie the pursuit of future rewards: (1) forming a self-determined internal goal based on subjective reward-cost valuations, (2) defining a behavioral plan for obtaining the goal, (3) executing this plan through stepwise decision-making and progress-tracking. Based on this framework, we suggest that amygdala neurons constitute vulnerabilities for dysfunction that contribute to maladaptive reward pursuit in psychiatric and behavioral conditions. Consequently, amygdala neurons may also represent potential targets for behavioral-change interventions that aim to improve individual decision-making.