Exploring novelty to unpack the black-box of motivation.

Murayama and Jach point out that we do not sufficiently understand the constructs and mental computations underlying higher-order motivated behaviors. Although this may be generally true, we would like to add and contribute to the discussion by outlining how interdisciplinary research on has advanced the study of learning and curiosity.

Quantitative Enhancement of Arsenate Immobilization Induced by Vacancy Defects on Various Exposed Lattice Facets of Hematite.

Defects are common features in hematite that arise from deviations from the perfect mineral crystal structure. Vacancy defects have been shown to significantly enhance arsenate (As) immobilization by hematite. However, the contributions from vacancy defects on different exposed facets of hematite have not been fully quantified.

Linking warmer nest temperatures to reduced body size in seabird nestlings: Possible mitochondrial bioenergetic and proteomic mechanisms.

Rapid reduction of body size in populations responding to global warming suggests the involvement of temperature-dependent physiological adjustments during growth, such as mitochondrial alterations, in the efficiency of producing metabolic energy, a process that is poorly explored, especially in endotherms. Here, we examined the mitochondrial metabolism and proteomic profile of red blood cells in relation to body size and cellular energetics in nestling shearwaters (Calonectris diomedea) developing at different natural temperatures. We found that nestlings of warmer nests had lighter bodies and smaller beaks at fledging.

iSODA: A Comprehensive Tool for Integrative Omics Data Analysis in Single- and Multi-Omics Experiments.

Thanks to the plummeting costs of continuously evolving omics analytical platforms, research centers collect multiomics data more routinely. They are, however, confronted with the lack of a versatile software solution to harmoniously analyze single-omics and interpret multiomics data. We have developed iSODA, a web-based application for the analysis of single- and multiomics data.

Validation of the PANAMA-Score for Survival and Benefit of Adjuvant Therapy in Patients with Resected Pancreatic Cancer After Neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX.

Aim: To validate the prognostic value of the PAncreatic NeoAdjuvant MAssachusetts (PANAMA)-score and to determine its predictive ability for survival benefit derived from adjuvant treatment in patients after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) following neoadjuvant FOLFIRINOX.

Background: The PANAMA-score was developed to guide prognostication in patients after neoadjuvant therapy and resection for PDAC. As this score focuses on the risk for residual disease after resection, it might also be able to select patients who benefit from adjuvant after neoadjuvant therapy.

Unit-cell parameters determination from a set of independent electron diffraction zonal patterns.

Due to the short de Broglie wavelength of electrons compared with X-rays, the curvature of their Ewald sphere is low, and individual electron diffraction patterns are nearly flat in reciprocal space. As a result, a reliable unit-cell determination from a set of randomly oriented electron diffraction patterns, an essential step in serial electron diffraction, becomes a non-trivial task. Here we describe an algorithm for unit-cell determination from a set of independent electron diffraction patterns, as implemented in the program PIEP (Program for Interpreting Electron diffraction Patterns), written in the early 1990s.

Expression and localization of two β-carbonic anhydrases in , a single-cell C plant.

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze reversibly both the hydration and dehydration reactions of CO and HCO-, respectively. Higher plants contain many different isoforms of CAs that can be classified into α-, β- and γ-type subfamilies. β-type CAs play a key role in the CO-concentrating mechanism, thereby contributing to efficient photosynthesis in the C plants in addition to many other biochemical reactions in plant metabolism.

synergistically supports systemic plant defense response in against .

The network of antagonistic, neutral, and synergistic interactions between (micro)organisms has moved into the focus of current research, since in agriculture, this knowledge can help to develop efficient biocontrol strategies. Applying the nematophagous fungus as biocontrol agent to manage the root-knot nematode is a highly promising strategy. To gain new insight into the systemic response of plants to a plant-parasitic nematode and a nematophagous fungus, was inoculated with and/or and subjected to transcriptome and metabolome analysis of leaves.

Variance and covariance components of agronomic and quality traits assessed in tetraploid potato and their implications on practical breeding.

Potato is a versatile food crop and major component of human nutrition worldwide. Model calculations and computer simulations can be used to optimize the resource allocation in potato breeding programs but require quantitative genetic parameters. The objectives of our study are to (i) estimate quantitative genetic parameters of the most important phenotypic traits in potato breeding programs, (ii) compare the importance of inter- vs.

Long-term disease control in dedifferentiated liposarcoma: a case report on trabectedin priming followed by PD-1 inhibition.

Background: Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is a rare mesenchymal cancer originating from the adipose tissue, with poor survival rates for most patients, highlighting the critical need for novel treatment options.

Case Description: This report examines the efficacy and safety of sequential pre-treatment with the marine-derived alkaloid trabectedin followed by checkpoint inhibition using the anti-PD-1 antibody nivolumab in a 63-year-old male patient with unresectable retroperitoneal DDLPS. Treatment was initiated at the time of the seventh relapse as part of the NitraSarc phase 2 multicenter trial for inoperable soft tissue sarcoma conducted by the German Interdisciplinary Sarcoma Group (GISG-15, ).

SARS-CoV-2 surveillance in a hospital and control of an outbreak on a geriatric ward using whole genome sequencing.

Background: During the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, dominant viral variants were repeatedly replaced by new variants with altered properties, frequently changing the dynamics of the infection event, as well as the effectiveness of vaccines and therapeutics. SARS-CoV-2 variant monitoring by whole genome sequencing was established at the University Medical Center Mainz, Germany to support patient management during the pandemic.

Methods: SARS-CoV-2 RNA samples from the University Medical Center were analysed weekly with whole genome sequencing.

Shape-tailored semiconductor dot-in-rods: optimizing CdS-shell growth for enhanced chiroptical properties the rationalization of the role of temperature and time.

Colloidal chemistry provides an assortment of synthetic tools for tuning the shape of semiconductor nanocrystals. To fully exploit the shape- and structure-dependent properties of semiconductor nanorods, high-precision control on growth and design is essential. However, achieving this precision is highly challenging due to the high temperatures (>350 °C) and short reaction times (<8 minutes) often required for these reactions.

Synergetic efficiency: growth of a novel 2D/2D chemically bonded BiO/CsBiBr S-scheme heterostructure for improved photocatalytic performance and stability.

Adverse reactions caused by waterborne contaminants constitute a major hazard to the environment. Controlling the pollutants released into aquatic systems through water degradation has been one of the major concerns of recent research. Bismuth-based perovskites have exhibited outstanding properties in the field of photocatalysis.

Quantitative Prediction of Protein-Polyelectrolyte Binding Thermodynamics: Adsorption of Heparin-Analog Polysulfates to the SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein RBD.

Interactions of polyelectrolytes (PEs) with proteins play a crucial role in numerous biological processes, such as the internalization of virus particles into host cells. Although docking, machine learning methods, and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are utilized to estimate binding poses and binding free energies of small-molecule drugs to proteins, quantitative prediction of the binding thermodynamics of PE-based drugs presents a significant obstacle in computer-aided drug design. This is due to the sluggish dynamics of PEs caused by their size and strong charge-charge correlations.

The Devil Is in the Details: Pitfalls and Ambiguities in the Analysis of X-ray Powder Diffraction Data of 2D Covalent Organic Frameworks.

X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) data of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) seem to be simple and apparently do not contain a lot of structural information, as these patterns usually do not show more than 3-5 distinguishable Bragg peaks. As COFs are inherently complex materials exhibiting a variety of disorder phenomena like stacking faults, layer curving, or disordered solvent molecules populating the pores, the interpretation of XRPD patterns is far from being trivial. Here we emphasize the critical need for precision and caution in XRPD data acquisition, refinement, and interpretation to avoid common pitfalls and overinterpretations in data analysis.

Protein-Driven Electron-Transfer Process in a Fatty Acid Photodecarboxylase.

Naturally occurring photoenzymes are rare in nature, but among them, fatty acid photodecarboxylases derived from (FAPs) have emerged as promising photobiocatalysts capable of performing the redox-neutral, light-induced decarboxylation of free fatty acids (FAs) into C1-shortened alka(e)nes. Using a hybrid QM/MM approach combined with a polarizable embedding scheme, we identify the structural changes of the active site and determine the energetic landscape of the forward electron transfer (fET) from the FA substrate to the excited flavin adenine dinucleotide. We obtain a charge-transfer diradical structure where a water molecule rearranges spontaneously to form a H-bond interaction with the excited flavin, while the FA's carboxylate group twists and migrates away from it.

Bullying roles, moral disengagement, and motivational perceptions among university students.

Introduction: Bullying is a significant social problem that affects educational institutions worldwide, including those in Pakistan. This study extends the existing literature by going beyond reporting the prevalence and consequences of bullying in Pakistan. It examines the prevalence of different bully groups among university students ( = 1,034; male = 361; female = 665) and explores the relationships between their characteristics, moral disengagement beliefs, and perceptions about motivations for bullying perpetration.

Lysosomal activity in response to the incubation of pristine and functionalized carbon nanodots.

We present functional studies of lysosomes in human cells after uptake of carbon nanodots (CNDs). Even under high CND concentrations, the lysosomal functionality, as characterized via cathepsins B and L as well as the autophagic markers SQSTM1/p62 and LC3B-II, is maintained. Furthermore, branched polyethylenimine (bPEI) molecules have been coupled to the CNDs as a model functionalization or example of a drug.

Targeting the Neuro-vascular Presynaptic Signalling in STROKE: Evidence and Therapeutic Implications.

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of death and long-term adult disability worldwide. Stroke causes neurodegeneration and impairs synaptic function. Understanding the role of synaptic proteins and associated signalling pathways in stroke pathology could offer insights into therapeutic approaches as well as improving rehabilitation-related treatment regimes.

Exploiting the inherent promiscuity of the acyl transferase of the stambomycin polyketide synthase for the mutasynthesis of analogues.

The polyketide specialized metabolites of bacteria are attractive targets for generating analogues, with the goal of improving their pharmaceutical properties. Here, we aimed to produce C-26 derivatives of the giant anti-cancer stambomycin macrolides using a mutasynthesis approach, as this position has been shown previously to directly impact bioactivity. For this, we leveraged the intrinsically broad specificity of the acyl transferase domain (AT) of the modular polyketide synthase (PKS), which is responsible for the alkyl branching functionality at this position.

Pregnancy-Associated Spontaneous Coronary Dissection in a 32-Year-Old During the Third Trimester.

We report a case of spontaneous coronary dissection (SCAD) in a 32-year-old pregnant patient during the seventh month of her second pregnancy. A 32-year-old pregnant woman in the 28th week of gestation was referred to our intensive care unit because of angina as well as elevated troponin levels. The initial electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) were normal.

Predicting patient outcomes with gene-expression biomarkers from colorectal cancer organoids and cell lines.

Introduction: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is characterized by an extremely high mortality rate, mainly caused by the high metastatic potential of this type of cancer. To date, chemotherapy remains the backbone of the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Three main chemotherapeutic drugs used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer are 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin and irinotecan which is metabolized to an active compound SN-38.

Setting the tone: crossmodal emotional face-voice combinations in continuous flash suppression.

Emotional stimuli are preferentially processed in the visual system, in particular, fearful faces. Evidence comes from unimodal studies with emotional faces, although real-life emotional encounters typically involve input from multiple sensory channels, such as a face paired with a voice. Therefore, in this study, we investigated how emotional voices influence preferential processing of co-occurring emotional faces.

P2X7R antagonism suppresses long-lasting brain hyperexcitability following traumatic brain injury in mice.

Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is one of the most common life-quality reducing consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, to date there are no pharmacological approaches to predict or to prevent the development of PTE. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) is a cationic ATP-dependent membrane channel that is expressed throughout the brain.