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A high-fidelity electron-source Monte Carlo model of a mobile C-arm fluoroscopy system was developed using Particle and Heavy Ion Transport code system (PHITS) to evaluate scattered radiation and calculation acceleration. Electrons were injected into the X-ray tube target, and energy spectra, dose profiles, and scattered doses around the tube head and in the room were calculated. Simulated spectra Simulated spectra agreed with the measured spectra with a root mean square error of 0.06 or less, and the simulation-to-measurement ratios of the scattered air kerma from the electron-source simulations were within 20% at every measurement point. In the simulated two-dimensional distributions, the electron-source simulations showed higher scattered doses than the photon-source simulation at heights above 150 cm. The time required to reach 10% statistical uncertainty decreased from 168.28 h to 72.33 h using the dump technique and to 1.25 h, excluding the dump-generation stage, when combined with the weight window method. The method supports characterization of scattered air-kerma distributions relevant to occupational exposure.
Hyaluronic acid (HA) is widely used for intra-articular injection to improve joint lubrication and mobility, but its influence on microbiologically influenced corrosion of joint implants remains unclear. Here, we investigated how HA affects the corrosion behavior of TiZr alloy in simulated body fluid (SBF) under sterile and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) biofilm conditions. Surface observations and chemical analysis indicated that HA-related surface coverage was formed on the TiZr surface and reduced surface damage under sterile conditions, suggesting a protective role of HA. However, in the presence of S. aureus biofilm, HA showed contrasting effects at different immersion stages, slightly reducing corrosion at the early stage compared with the S. aureus group but aggravating biofilm-associated localized damage after prolonged exposure. Contact angle analysis showed decreases of 68.1% and 57.1% within 1 min in the S. aureus + HA group on days 7 and 14, respectively, indicating that HA promoted rapid surface wetting and altered the interfacial wetting behavior in the biofilm environment. At these time points, electrochemical tests further confirmed corrosion acceleration, with the S. aureus + HA group showing the highest corrosion current densities among all groups, reaching 7.972 × 10-6 A cm-2 and 2.715 × 10-6 A cm-2, respectively. These results demonstrate that the effect of HA on TiZr alloy corrosion shifts from protection under sterile conditions to corrosion aggravation during prolonged S. aureus biofilm exposure. This finding suggests that HA-related effects on biofilm formation and implant corrosion should be considered when assessing the corrosion risk of TiZr joint implants under infection-related conditions.
This study develops and validates a smartphone-based framework for automatically detecting emergency maneuvers, strong jolts, and crashes involving electric scooters and electric bicycles. Detection criteria were established through controlled track experiments and subsequently evaluated using data collected during a naturalistic riding study involving 119 participants and more than 26,000 km and 1,600 h of riding, combining accelerometer, gyroscope, GPS, and video recordings. Threshold-based detection criteria were defined using variables selected for their physical relevance and ability to discriminate between target and non-target situations. Hard braking, sharp turns, strong jolts, and crash-related events were identified using combinations of acceleration, jerk, rotational dynamics, and post-event vehicle motion. Video review showed that 74% of hard-braking detections corresponded to harsh-braking maneuvers, 64% of sharp-turn detections reflected genuine avoidance maneuvers, and 91% of strong-jolt detections were associated with infrastructure features. Video verification of collision candidates confirmed several reported and previously unreported impacts, including collisions with other road users and single-vehicle falls. Application of the framework to the naturalistic dataset revealed marked differences between vehicle types. E-scooter users experienced higher rates of hard braking and strong jolts than e-bicycle users, reflecting behavioral differences and vehicle characteristics. Illustrative mapping examples showed that detected events and rider-reported hazardous situations could occur in close proximity, suggesting opportunities for future spatial analyses of micromobility safety. Although additional validation on larger crash datasets is required, the results demonstrate that threshold-based approaches can provide meaningful indicators of rider safety, support large-scale monitoring of micromobility risks, and contribute to infrastructure and transport-safety assessment.
To examine the effect of chronic alcohol exposure on the activity of CYP3A enzymes in human liver, we studied the metabolism of CYP3A-specific substrates 7-benzyloxyquinoline (7-BQ) and ivermectin in 23 preparations of human liver microsomes (HLM) obtained from donors with documented alcohol exposure, from non-drinkers to heavy alcoholics. All HLM samples were characterized for the composition of the cytochrome P450 pool by global proteomics. Our studies revealed a significant increase in the activities of CYP3A enzymes by alcohol exposure. This effect is not associated with CYP3A enzyme levels, which do not correlate with alcohol exposure. Instead, the rates of 7-BQ and ivermectin metabolism correlate with the content of alcohol-inducible CYP2E1. However, this enzyme does not metabolize ivermectin, and its activity with 7-BQ is negligible. A significant increase in the rate of ivermectin demethylation was also observed in CYP3A4-containing Supersomes® and pooled HLM upon incorporation of purified CYP2E1 into their membrane. These results suggest that the reported acceleration of the elimination of drugs metabolized by CYP3A enzymes by alcohol exposure is due to functional effects of the interaction between CYP3A and CYP2E1. To elucidate the potential mechanism of this effect, we studied the formation of CYP2E1-CYP3A4 complexes in CYP3A4-containing Supersomes with co-incorporated CYP2E1 using tag-transfer chemical crosslinking mass spectrometry (CX-MS). These experiments confirmed physical interactions between the proteins and allowed the identification of CYP3A4 residues at the sites of contact. This information was used to build structural models of the CYP2E1-CYP3A4 complex and to propose possible mechanisms for the observed effects.
This study presents direct in situ observational evidence of a cyclonic circulation cell east of Cape Santa María (CSM), in the northern Gulf of Cádiz (GoC). Three Lagrangian drifters deployed in October 2022 revealed a coherent cyclonic circulation cell with a characteristic diameter of approximately 40-45 km, consistently estimated from drifter trajectories and relative vorticity. Their trajectories showed alternating eastward and westward flows, modulated by wind variability, bathymetry, and mesoscale dynamics. Satellite observations showed a cooler, chlorophyll-a enriched core, consistent with upwelling and retention of enriched surface water masses within the circulation cell. High-resolution WRF atmospheric simulations indicated alternating easterly and westerly wind regimes that were associated with reversals in coastal circulation. Westerly winds between 18th and 24th October produced positive Ekman pumping east of CSM, creating conditions favourable to the intensification of cyclonic circulation. The IBI ocean model reproduced the main structure of the circulation cell structure, including flow accelerations near the shelf edge, and indicated upward vertical motions within the cyclonic circulation cell. A Lagrangian particle experiment suggested that the cyclonic cell favours both retention and offshore export of surface waters, with residence times of up to approximately 16 days. Overall, this study highlights the role of interactions between atmospheric forcing, bathymetry, and mesoscale dynamics in controlling small-scale surface circulation in the GoC, and underscores the value of integrating drifter observations, satellite data, and numerical models to characterize coastal dynamics.
High-Intensity Interval Cross Training (HIICT) combines sprinting, plyometric, and functional strength exercises, but its effects compared with classical sprint training in male junior sprinters remain unclear. This study examined the effects of HIICT and Classical Training (CT) on physical and sprint performance in male junior sprinters. Sixty-four male junior sprinters were randomly assigned to an HIICT group or a CT group for an 8-week intervention. Both groups completed similar overall internal training loads. Assessments before and after the intervention included sprint performance, jump performance, ground contact time, strength-related outcomes, anaerobic power, and body composition. Internal load was monitored using session rating of perceived exertion. Training load was comparable between groups throughout the intervention. Compared with CT, HIICT showed more favorable changes in 100-m sprint performance, first-60-m split time, ground contact time, countermovement jump performance, and relative peak power. Squat jump performance improved in both groups, with a greater tendency toward improvement following HIICT. Changes in body composition and several strength-related outcomes were broadly similar between groups, whereas power-clean performance showed a more favorable response in the HIICT group. These findings suggest that, under comparable internal training loads, HIICT may provide additional benefits for sprint-related explosive qualities and acceleration-related performance in male junior sprinters. From a practical perspective, HIICT may be considered as a supplementary training option within junior sprint training programs, particularly when the aim is to target sprint-specific neuromuscular qualities. However, given the specific sample and methodological limitations, these findings should be interpreted cautiously and require confirmation in future studies.
Perovskite quantum-dot light-emitting diodes (PeQLEDs) remain limited by coupled surface and interfacial losses: labile ligand binding produces trap-rich perovskite quantum dot (PeQD) surfaces while unbalanced carrier injection accelerates interfacial charge accumulation and nonradiative recombination. Here, triphenylmethylium tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (TrTPFB) is introduced as a fluorinated ionic molecule to synergistically regulate both the surface coordination and charge-injection behavior of FAPbBr₃ PeQDs. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal pronounced charge redistribution between TrTPFB and the PeQD surface. Experimental results show that the fluorinated tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)borate (TPFB-) anion and the positively charged triphenylmethylium (Tr+) cation cooperatively stabilize the surface coordination environment and suppress trap-mediated nonradiative recombination. TrTPFB also induces p-type electronic modulation of the PeQD film, shifts the Fermi level toward the valence band, lowers the hole-injection barrier, and mitigates interfacial charge accumulation. Consequently, The combined operation of these mechanisms significantly improves the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of perovskite films to an impressive 98.50%. The corresponding green PeQLED achieves a peak external quantum efficiency of 17.50%, a maximum luminance of 80,859.28 cd m-2, and an approximately threefold increase in the average T₅₀ lifetime compared with the control device. This work establishes a fluorinated ionic molecular strategy that integrates surface passivation and charge-injection regulation for efficient and stable PeQLEDs.
Conflict-related injuries create a unique environment for the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant pathogens. To clarify the burden and dynamics of resistance in this high-risk population, we investigated the genomic and clinical profiles of 63 Gram-negative bacterial isolates recovered exclusively from conflict-trauma cases in Southern Lebanon during the 2024 war. Whole-genome sequencing revealed Acinetobacter baumannii (31.7%) and Escherichia coli (20.6%) as the predominant species, marking a significant epidemiological shift toward A. baumannii compared to pre-conflict baselines. Acquired antimicrobial resistance genes were detected in 66.7% of isolates, with a high prevalence of determinants and mutations targeting aminoglycosides (87%), fluoroquinolones (74.6%), and carbapenems (54%). Carbapenem resistance was primarily driven by acquired blaOXA carbapenemases and blaNDM variants; notably, we report the first detection of blaNDM-40 in Lebanon, alongside blaNDM-1 and blaNDM-5. Clinically, the admitted cases (n = 23) experienced intensive broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure, high rates of major surgery (74%), and documented hospital-acquired infections (48%), culminating in a 17.4% mortality rate among admitted cases. Minimum spanning tree analysis highlighted clonal, healthcare-associated transmission for A. baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae, contrasted by polyclonal distributions for E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Extensive broad-spectrum antibiotic exposure and acute trauma care within compromised healthcare infrastructures accelerate the selection of multidrug-resistant (MDR) genotypes. Mitigating this dissemination in conflict settings requires integrating genomic surveillance with targeted antimicrobial stewardship and infection control.
NLRC3 serves as a critical negative regulator of inflammatory signalling pathways and is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple disorders, including inflammatory diseases and malignancies. However, the specific functions and underlying mechanisms of NLRC3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development remain largely elusive. Here, we report that the expression of NLRC3 was downregulated in HCC tissues and was associated with poor prognosis. Mice deficient in NLRC3 were hypersusceptible to chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis, and NLRC3 exerted a tumour-suppressive function during HCC development by inhibiting the TRAF6/MYC/NF-κB signalling cascade. Mechanistically, the NLRC3-HSP90 interaction competitively inhibited the binding of the HSP90 chaperone to TRAF6/MYC and impaired the K63-linked ubiquitination and stabilization of the TRAF6/MYC proteins. In the absence of NLRC3, TRAF6 and MYC reciprocally regulated the expression of the other and triggered a TRAF6-MYC positive feedback loop that accelerated the progression of HCC. Our study reveals a novel functional link between NLRC3 and MYC signalling and indicates that HSP90 is a potential target for hindering the progression of NLRC3-deficient HCC.
Predicted deleterious mutations (SNPs) have different distributions of effects compared to random SNPs based on population composition. Variant prioritization of markers based on deleterious scores can improve the prediction of yield. Favoring mating schemes between parents with fewer highly deleterious mutations can increase the rate of genetic gain. The study of mutations is fundamental to understanding evolution, domestication, and genetics. Characterizing mutations has potential to accelerate breeding programs through selection and purging deleterious mutations (DelMut). We investigated how predicting DelMut in breeding populations informs genomic prediction (GP) increasing the rate of genetic gain. DelMut were annotated in three independent common bean populations using a previously developed random forest (RF) model for common bean incorporating phylogenetic and protein information. Deleterious scores from the RF model were around 0.25, with the top 1% (highly DelMut) of variants scoring between 0.78 and 0.82 among populations. All populations showed variation in the number of highly DelMut per line (max. 13-197) and in genetic load. We assessed the impact of incorporating a priori information on DelMut for variant prioritization and weighting in GP models for yield and flowering time. Stochastic simulations were conducted to evaluate how designing mating schemes based on variable numbers of DelMut per parent can affect genetic gain. Variants with higher predicted scores had significantly different effect distributions compared to random or lower-scored markers. Simulated breeding cycles showed that selecting parents with fewer highly DelMut consistently increases the rate of genetic gain, and depending on the population, can be superior to phenotypic selection. These results highlight the potential of DelMut information for variant prioritization and the optimization of common bean breeding programs. The approaches we developed can be applied to other species to improve the efficacy of crop improvement.
Barocaloric materials hold significant promise for solid-state cooling, but their development is limited by challenges in precisely measuring the adiabatic temperature change under realistic conditions. Existing methods struggle with achieving adiabaticity, accurate in situ temperature sensing, continuous high-pressure stability, and fatigue testing. To overcome these limitations, we developed a novel multifunctional experimental platform. This system integrates high-pressure generation, a specialized pressure cell, and advanced temperature control, enabling high-precision in situ temperature measurements under near-adiabatic conditions. Validation with standard materials confirmed its accuracy, with temperature-pressure curves closely matching theoretical predictions, and simulations verified high adiabatic performance during rapid depressurization. The platform successfully characterized various barocaloric materials and demonstrated its capability for evaluating fatigue performance through cyclic pressurization-depressurization. This standardized tool provides an effective solution for performance screening and mechanistic investigation, thereby accelerating the practical development of room-temperature solid-state refrigeration technologies.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy affect approximately 9% of pregnancies in the United States and are a leading cause of maternal morbidity and mortality. For nephrologists, these conditions sit at a critical intersection: chronic kidney disease is among the strongest risk factors for preeclampsia, and pregnancy itself can unmask previously unrecognized kidney disease. The physiologic demands of gestation stress renal and vascular reserve in ways that make the pregnant and immediately postpartum patient particularly vulnerable. Preeclampsia, driven by placental release of anti-angiogenic factors and widespread maternal endothelial dysfunction, produces acute cardiorenal injury that does not entirely resolve with delivery. Postpartum hypertension peaks between days 3 to 6 after delivery and is under-recognized, yet this period carries the greatest risk of preventable maternal death, with cardiovascular causes accounting for more than one third of pregnancy-related deaths. Beyond the acute phase, women with hypertensive pregnancies face accelerated trajectories toward chronic hypertension, chronic kidney disease, and overall cardiometabolic risks that compound with each affected pregnancy. The postpartum visit represents a critical and underutilized opportunity to identify women who warrant nephrology evaluation, initiate renoprotective therapy, and interrupt a long-term cardiorenal disease course. Nephrologists are well-positioned to recognize cardiorenal sequelae of hypertensive pregnancy and ensure that the postpartum period is not a missed opportunity for intervention. This review addresses the diagnosis, pathophysiology, and management of hypertensive disorders across the full peripartum continuum, with particular attention to the role of nephrologists in recognizing kidney disease that pregnancy has brought to light and in ensuring that delivery is not treated as a clinical endpoint.
Penile injury induces rapid structural disruption of the corpus cavernosum, ultimately culminating in erectile dysfunction (ED). Owing to the inherently limited regenerative capacity of injured tissue, current therapies fail to restore both structure and function. To address this unmet clinical need, we employed 3D printing technology to fabricate a hydrogel-based biomimetic penile corpus cavernosum with a sinusoidal architecture. It can simulate the penile erection process under fluid pressure in vitro. This construct was functionally modified by seeding with porcine umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), and its therapeutic potential was systematically evaluated in a preclinical porcine model of corpus cavernosum defects. The treatment brought about the relative improvement in reproductive performance compared with defect control groups. Mechanistically, MSCs accelerate hydrogel degradation to support tissue integration and facilitate nearly complete structural regeneration of damaged cavernous sinuses. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) revealed a multifaceted regulatory network in which MSCs enhance the terminal differentiation of endothelial cells (ECs) to rebuild functional vascular networks, mitigate cluster of differentiation 4-positive (CD4+) T-cell-induced endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) by reducing transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) secretion, and reprogram the immune microenvironment, specifically by activating anti-inflammatory interleukin-10 (IL-10) signaling in M1 macrophages and downregulating prorejection pathways in M2 macrophages. Collectively, these effects inhibit excessive inflammation and attenuate graft rejection. These findings not only deepen our mechanistic understanding of MSC-based interventions for ED secondary to penile injury but also establish a novel, more efficient therapeutic strategy for penile reconstruction to restore the reproductive capability of males.
The photocatalytic hydrogen evolution (PHE) rate on ZnIn2S4 is severely limited by the low utilization of photogenerated electrons and the sluggish reaction kinetics. Driving the directional transfer of photogenerated electrons to the target site is crucial for enhancing the electron utilization efficiency and the PHE performance. Herein, this study rationally designed a ternary composite photocatalyst ZnIn2S4/Mo2TiC2-RuC, in which Mo2TiC2-RuC serves as an electron acceptor and efficient active site. The in-situ KPFM and Mott-Schottky results indicate that the establishment of interfacial electron transport channel accelerates the transfer of photogenerated electrons from ZnIn2S4 to Mo2TiC2. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations verify the strong metal-support interaction (EMSI) and interfacial electron delocalization of Mo2TiC2-RuC, which synergistically optimize the water dissociation at Ru nanocluster and the hydrogen evolution desorption at the Mo2TiC2 terminal, promoting the efficient utilization of photogenerated electrons. Therefore, ZnIn2S4/Mo2TiC2-RuC achieved a PHE rate of 6.15 mmol·g-1·h-1 under visible light, and demonstrated excellent potential for PHE application under natural light. This study provides a new paradigm for integrating electron transfer dynamics with active site engineering to improve the utilization efficiency of photogenerated electrons in the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution process.
The accelerating global crisis of antibiotic resistance demands new therapeutic paradigms, and antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have emerged as promising candidates owing to their broad activity and reduced propensity for resistance development. However, despite rapid progress in AMP discovery and generation, the accurate prediction of antimicrobial potency and activity spectrum remains a major bottleneck for clinical translation. In this Review, we examine how recent advances in machine learning are reshaping AMP research, driving a shift from large-scale discovery toward precision-guided prediction and design. We first summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying AMP function and critically assess existing AMP databases from the perspective of machine learning readiness, highlighting limitations in quantitative and spectrum-resolved annotations. We then review recent developments in peptide representation learning, describing how modern models encode sequence, structure, and dynamic features to capture antimicrobial activity. Building on this foundation, we discuss progress in de novo AMP design and emerging frameworks for quantitative minimum inhibitory concentration prediction and strain-specific spectrum profiling. Finally, we outline future directions for the field, emphasizing integrated generative-predictive pipelines, interpretable models, and closed-loop experimental validation as key enablers for the development of potent, selective, and clinically viable antimicrobial therapeutics.
Mitochondria are central to oocyte competence and early embryonic development, with roles that extend beyond energy production to include regulation of redox homeostasis, apoptosis and cellular aging. Mitochondrial dysfunction is increasingly recognized as a key contributor to diminished ovarian reserve, impaired embryo development, and accelerated reproductive aging. Mitochondria-targeted therapeutic strategies, including pharmacological approaches such as Coenzyme Q10, mitoquinone, resveratrol, rapamycin, and NAD+ precursors, as well as mitochondrial replacement techniques such as maternal spindle and pronuclear transfer, have shown promise in preclinical models; however, clinical outcomes remain heterogeneous and often inconclusive. This translational gap likely reflects critical limitations, including variability in therapeutic targets, suboptimal timing of intervention relative to oocyte development, and insufficiently powered or standardized clinical studies. Greater emphasis on well-defined, physiologically justified therapeutic targets, along with the use of physiologically relevant experimental systems, may improve therapeutic precision and efficacy. Rigorous evaluation of safety, particularly for interventions with pleiotropic effects or heritable consequences, remains essential. A more targeted, developmentally informed and systematically validated approach is needed to advance mitochondria-based therapies toward meaningful improvements in reproductive outcomes.
Bispecific antibodies that reroute cytotoxic effectors toward infected cells are promising HIV-1 cure agents, yet existing formats bind Env and are limited by antigenic variation and Env down-regulation. We engineered a TCR-mimic single-chain diabody, HI12, that recognizes a conserved Pol-derived peptide presented by HLA-A*02:01 and evaluated its effect in HLA-matched, HIV-infected humanized mice. When administered during early antiretroviral therapy (ART), HI12 was well tolerated, activated CD8+ T cells, and accelerated plasma virus decay. Treatment produced three- to eightfold reductions in intact and total proviral DNA within lymph-node and splenic CD4+ T cells, indicating substantive reservoir clearance. After ART interruption, HI12-treated animals showed a significant delay in viral rebound compared with controls, linking reservoir reduction to improved posttherapy control. These findings provide in vivo evidence that a peptide-HLA-directed bispecific antibody can both shrink the intact HIV reservoir and defer viral recrudescence, supporting further development of TCR-mimic bispecific antibodies for cure strategies.
Antimicrobial resistance is accelerating the search for sustainable alternatives to growth-promoting antibiotics (GPAs) in tropical poultry farming. The objective of this study was to evaluate three indigenous strains of lactic acid bacteria (LABs): Enterococcus faecium JK96, Pediococcus acidilactici JK148, and Lactobacillus pentosus JK151, isolated from the gastrointestinal tract of free-range, native Ivory Coast chickens, as probiotic candidates for commercial broiler production. To this end, in a 42-day completely randomized trial, 480 one-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were divided into six treatment groups: three individual probiotic strains, a combination of several strains (1:1:1), an antibiotic growth promoter (Tylo-dox), and an untreated control group. Each group consisted of two pens of 40 chickens each. Freeze-dried probiotic powders (viable cell count: ~1.0 × 10¹⁰ CFU/g) were administered daily in drinking water at a rate of 0.5 g per 10 L. Growth performance, blood biochemical parameters, and intestinal microbiota were assessed in 42-day-old chickens. The results of this study showed that probiotic supplementation significantly improved average daily gain (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control and antibiotic-treated groups. The Lactobacillus pentosus JK151 strain achieved the highest ADG on day 28 (108.27 g/day vs. 83.83 g/day in the control group), maintained an FCR below 2.0 throughout the finishing period, and exhibited no cumulative mortality, compared to 5.0% in the antibiotic-treated group. No significant differences were observed in serum biochemical parameters (glucose, total protein, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, uric acid, alkaline phosphatase) or carcass characteristics between treatments (p > 0.05), thus confirming the physiological safety of all tested strains. All probiotic groups significantly reduced the intestinal bacterial load of Escherichia coli (1.38-9.54 × 10⁷ CFU/g) compared to the untreated control group (9.81 × 10⁹ CFU/g) and the antibiotic-treated group (1.10 × 10⁹ CFU/g), without significantly altering the total mesophilic aerobic flora or lactic acid bacteria populations. Notably, the antibiotic-treated group exhibited a higher bacterial load of E. coli than the control group, These results demonstrate that indigenous strains of lactic acid bacteria, in particular L. pentosus JK151, are effective, safe and locally adapted alternatives to growth-promoting antibiotics (GPAs) for sustainable broiler chicken production in Côte d'Ivoire.
Chromosome-scale genome assemblies in gymnosperms have lagged behind those of angiosperms, likely due to their large genomes. Coniferous tree species, which belong to the gymnosperms, are important resources for wood production in the forestry industry. To elucidate the evolution and speciation of these species and establish genome resources for breeding, we integrated draft assemblies with optical and genetic mapping to construct chromosome-scale genomes for Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa, 8.7 Gb), Japanese cedar (Cryptomeria japonica, 9.6 Gb), and Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata, 13.4 Gb). Additionally, we assembled and annotated their chloroplast and mitochondrial genomes. Comparative analysis of the nuclear genomes revealed that while synteny is largely conserved, distinct translocations and inversions occurred in chromosomes 2, 6, and 9. Notably, the significantly larger genome of Cu. lanceolata was associated with frequent tandem gene duplications rather than transposon expansion. These findings suggest that chromosomal rearrangements and segmental duplications played key roles in the divergence of these species. The genomic resources presented here including chromosome-scale sequences, gene annotations, and genetic maps will facilitate advanced conifer genetics and accelerate forest tree breeding programmes.
Prelithiation is a pivotal strategy for enhancing the initial coulombic efficiency (ICE) and energy density of lithium-ion batteries, yet its practical application is impeded by the pronounciked sensitivity of prelithiated electrodes to ambient moisture and oxygen during storage. Herein, we rationally devise a targeted design for a fluorine-rich acrylate copolymer-poly (tridecafluorooctyl methacrylate-co-methyl methacrylate) (PFMMA)-and introduce it as a multifunctional protective coating, with Li13Si4-prelithiated SiOC electrodes (preSiOC) employed as a proof of concept. Fluorinated side chains impart strong hydrophobicity, while methyl methacrylate units retain electrolyte affinity; the two moieties act synergistically to stabilize electrodes in air and preserve unimpeded interfacial ion/charge transport during redox reactions. Consequently, the preSiOC/PFMMA electrode with a 540 nm-thick PFMMA coating retains 97.4% capacity and 95.3% ICE after 48 h air exposure at 50% relative humidity (RH), alongside robust cycling stability (677.5 mAh·g-1 after 100 cycles). These results outperform both unprotected preSiOC and other reported conventionally protected prelithiated electrodes. Furthermore, the electrode shows exceptional environmental adaptability, maintaining functionality under extreme scenarios (10% RH for 100 days or 90% RH for 3 days). This study establishes a rational copolymer design paradigm for fabricating durable, electrolyte-compatible interfaces, thereby accelerating the development of ambient-stable prelithiated electrodes.