House Mice in the Atlantic Region: Genetic Signals of Their Human Transport.

Background/objectives: The colonization history of house mice reflects the maritime history of humans that passively transported them worldwide. We investigated western house mouse colonization in the Atlantic region through studies of mitochondrial D-loop DNA sequences from modern specimens.

Methods: We assembled a dataset of 758 haplotypes derived from 2765 mice from 47 countries/oceanic archipelagos (a combination of new and published data).

Refining the Allostatic Self-Efficacy Theory of Fatigue and Depression Using Causal Inference.

Allostatic self-efficacy (ASE) represents a computational theory of fatigue and depression. In brief, it postulates that (i) fatigue is a feeling state triggered by a metacognitive diagnosis of loss of control over bodily states (persistently elevated interoceptive surprise); and that (ii) generalization of low self-efficacy beliefs beyond bodily control induces depression. Here, we converted ASE theory into a structural causal model (SCM).

Electronic confinement induced quantum dot behavior in magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene.

Magic-angle twisted bilayer graphene (TBLG) has emerged as a versatile platform to explore correlated electron phases driven primarily by low-energy flat bands in moiré superlattices. While techniques for controlling the twist angle between graphene layers have spurred rapid experimental progress, understanding the effects of doping inhomogeneity on electronic transport in correlated electron systems remains challenging. In this work, we investigate the interplay of confinement and doping inhomogeneity on the electrical transport properties of TBLG by leveraging device dimensions and twist angles.

multiplex imaging of dynamic neurochemical networks with designed far-red dopamine sensors.

Neurochemical signals like dopamine (DA) play a crucial role in a variety of brain functions through intricate interactions with other neuromodulators and intracellular signaling pathways. However, studying these complex networks has been hindered by the challenge of detecting multiple neurochemicals simultaneously. To overcome this limitation, we developed a single-protein chemigenetic DA sensor, HaloDA1.

Eukaryotic composition across seasons and social groups in the gut microbiota of wild baboons.

Background: Animals coexist with complex microbiota, including bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotes (e.g., fungi, protists, and helminths).

A Leadfield-Free Optimization Framework for Transcranially Applied Electric Currents.

Background: Transcranial Electrical Stimulation (TES), Temporal Interference Stimulation (TIS), Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) and Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) are based on the application of electric current patterns to the brain.

Objective: The optimal electrode positions, shapes and alignments for generating a desired current pattern in the brain vary between persons due to anatomical variability. The aim is to develop a flexible and efficient computational approach to determine individually optimal montages based on electric field simulations.

Centromere diversity and its evolutionary impacts on plant karyotypes and plant reproduction.

Karyotype changes are a formidable evolutionary force by directly impacting cross-incompatibility, gene dosage, genetic linkage, chromosome segregation, and meiotic recombination landscape. These changes often arise spontaneously and are commonly detected within plant lineages, even between closely related accessions. One element that can influence drastic karyotype changes after only one (or few) plant generations is the alteration of the centromere position, number, distribution, or even its strength.

Effects of repeated intravenous esketamine administration on affective biases.

Objectives: While neuropsychological effects of conventional antidepressants are well-documented, more research is needed for rapid-acting antidepressants. This study examines the effects of esketamine on emotion processing and cognitive functioning, both acutely and sub-chronically.

Methods: Eighteen treatment-resistant depression (TRD) patients received repeated intravenous esketamine infusions.

Resolving the source of branch length variation in the Y chromosome phylogeny.

Background: Genetic variation in the non-recombining part of the human Y chromosome has provided important insight into the paternal history of human populations. However, a significant and yet unexplained branch length variation of Y chromosome lineages has been observed, notably amongst those that are highly diverged from the human reference Y chromosome. Understanding the origin of this variation, which has previously been attributed to changes in generation time, mutation rate, or efficacy of selection, is important for accurately reconstructing human evolutionary and demographic history.

NOMPC ion channel hinge forms a gating spring that initiates mechanosensation.

The sensation of mechanical stimuli is initiated by elastic gating springs that pull open mechanosensory transduction channels. Searches for gating springs have focused on force-conveying protein tethers such as the amino-terminal ankyrin tether of the Drosophila mechanosensory transduction channel NOMPC. Here, by combining protein domain duplications with mechanical measurements, electrophysiology, molecular dynamics simulations and modeling, we identify the NOMPC gating-spring as the short linker between the ankyrin tether and the channel gate.

Selectively expressed RNA molecules as a versatile tool for functionalized cell targeting.

Targeting of diseased cells is one of the most urgently needed prerequisites for a next generation of potent pharmaceuticals. Different approaches pursued fail mainly due to a lack of specific surface markers. Developing an RNA-based methodology, we can now ensure precise cell targeting combined with selective expression of effector proteins for therapy, diagnostics or cell steering.

Thickness Dependent Structural Transition in Ph-BTBT-10 Thin Films and Stabilization of the Ubiquitous Interface Bilayer.

The influence of the film/substrate interface and the role of film thickness on the structural transition temperature for thin films of the asymmetric BTBT derivative 7-decyl-2-phenyl[1]benzothieno[3,2-][1]-benzothiophene (Ph-BTBT-10) have been addressed by using Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) and synchrotron grazing incidence wide angle X-ray scattering (GIWAXS). Our data strongly suggest that the structural transformation from a single-layer phase to the thermodynamically stable bilayer structure develops from the bottom of the film to its surface. Contrary to observations in other organic semiconductor films, notably, the thinner the Ph-BTBT-10 film, the lower is the transition temperature.

The Missing Link in the Monogermanide Series: YbGe.

High-pressure, high-temperature synthesis at 12 GPa between 750 and 1000 °C for 30 to 300 min yields the last missing rare-earth metal monogermanide, YbGe. Powder and single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements reveal that the compound crystallizes in a FeB-type structure (space group Pnma, a=7.901(2) Å, b=3.

Reductive Carbon Materials: Tailoring Chemistry and Electronic Properties to Improve Sodium-Ion Batteries.

The development of versatile strategies for preparing functional carbon materials is essential for advancing a wide range of applications in materials science. Precursor design plays a pivotal role in governing the chemistry and structure of carbon materials for target applications. In this work, we report the synthesis of Meldrum's acid derivatives through Knoevenagel condensation with aromatic heterocycles such as pyrrole, furan, and thiophene, which serve as precursors for carbonaceous materials with tailored chemical and electronic properties.

Molecular engineering of supramolecular polymer adhesive with confined water and a single crown ether.

Here, we report a water-induced supramolecular polymer adhesive formed from confined water and an intrinsically amphiphilic macrocyclic self-assembly in a nanophase-separated structure. The selenium-containing crown ether macrocycle, featuring a strong hydrophilic hydrogen-bond receptor (selenoxide) and a synergistic hydrophobic selenium-substituted crown core, confines water within a segregated, interdigitated architecture. While water molecules typically freeze around 0 °C, the confined water in this supramolecular polymer remains in a liquid-like state down to -80 °C.

Axodendritic targeting of TAU and MAP2 and microtubule polarization in iPSC-derived versus SH-SY5Y-derived human neurons.

Cell polarity is crucial in neurons, characterized by distinct axonal and dendritic structures. Neurons generally have one long axon and multiple shorter dendrites, marked by specific microtubule (MT)-associated proteins, e.g.

Automatic imitation of intransitive actions in macaws.

Automatic imitation is the involuntary tendency of humans to copy others' actions even when counterproductive. We examined the automatic imitation of actions in blue-throated macaws (), employing a stimulus-response-compatibility task. After training seven macaws to perform two different actions with legs and wings upon specific hand commands, the subjects were divided into a compatible and incompatible group.

Optimizing Acidic Oxygen Evolution Reaction via Modulation Doping in Van der Waals Layered Iridium Oxide.

Anodic oxygen evolution reaction (OER) exhibits a sluggish four-electron transfer process, necessitating catalysts with exceptional catalytic activity to enhance its kinetic rate. Van der Waals layered oxides are ideal materials for catalyst design, yet its stability for acidic OER remains large obstacle. Doping provides a crucial way to improve the activity and stability simultaneously.

Patterns and Driving Factors of Litter Decomposition Rates in Global Dryland Ecosystems.

Litter decomposition is essential in linking aboveground and belowground carbon, nutrient cycles, and energy flows within ecosystems. This process has been profoundly impacted by global change, particularly in drylands, which are highly susceptible to both anthropogenic and natural disturbances. However, a significant knowledge gap remains concerning the extent and drivers of litter decomposition across different dryland ecosystems, limiting our understanding of its role in ecosystem metabolism.

Organic Metasurfaces with Contrasting Conducting Polymers.

Conducting polymers have emerged as promising active materials for metasurfaces due to their electrically tunable states and large refractive index modulation. However, existing approaches are often limited to infrared operation or single-polymer systems, restricting their versatility. In this Letter, we present organic metasurfaces featuring dual conducting polymers, polyaniline (PANI) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT), to achieve contrasting dynamic optical responses at visible frequencies.