Potential Region Research Articles

A Cost-Effective Computational Strategy for the Electronic Layout Characterization of a Second Generation Light-Driven Molecular Rotary Motor in Solution.

Light-driven molecular rotary motors are nanometric machines able to convert light into unidirectional motions. Several types of molecular motors have been developed to better respond to light stimuli, opening new avenues for developing smart materials ranging from nanomedicine to robotics. They have great importance in the scientific research across various disciplines, but a detailed comprehension of the underlying ultrafast photophysics immediately after photo-excitation, that is, Franck-Condon region characterization, is not fully achieved yet. For this aim, it is first required to rely on an accurate description at ab initio level of the system in this potential energy region before performing any further step, that is, dynamics. Thus, we present an extensive investigation aimed at accurately describing the electronic structure of low-lying electronic states (electronic layout) of a molecular rotor in the Franck-Condon region, belonging to the class of overcrowded alkenes: 9-(2-methyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-cyclopenta[a]naphthalen-1-ylidene)-9H-fluorene. This system was chosen since its photophysics is very interesting for a more general understanding of similar compounds used as molecular rotors, where low-lying electronic states can be found (whose energetic interplay is crucial in the dynamics) and where the presence of different substituents can tune the HOMO-LUMO gap. For this scope, we employed different theory levels within the time-dependent density functional theory framework, presenting also a careful comparison adopting very accurate post Hartree-Fock methods and characterizing also the different conformations involved in the photocycle. Effects on the electronic layout of different functionals, basis sets, environment descriptions, and the role of the dispersion correction were all analyzed in detail. In particular, a careful treatment of the solvent effects was here considered in depth, showing how the implicit solvent description can be accurate for excited states in the Franck-Condon region by testing both linear-response and state-specific formalisms. As main results, we chose two cost-effective (accurate but relatively cheap) theory levels for the ground and excited state descriptions, and we also verified how choosing these different levels of theory can influence the curvature of the potential via a frequency analysis of the normal modes of vibrations active in the Raman spectrum. This theoretical survey is a crucial step towards a feasible characterization of the early stage of excited states in solution during photoisomerization processes wherein multiple electronic states might be populated upon the light radiation, leading to a future molecular-level interpretation of time-resolved spectroscopies.

The role of Latin America medicinal plants in wound healing

Wound healing represents a global public health problem when it is not treated correctly, which can cause complications for the patient, such as functional loss of an organ, amputation, and even death. At a biological level, wound healing involves a complex mechanism in which the immune system and cellular biochemical cascades intervene in a coordinated manner, whose development occurs in stages such as inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling. Therefore, therapies have been developed to accelerate wound healing and have proven effective. However, factors such as diabetes mellitus limit the healing process because it causes alterations in microvascular dysfunction, as well as in the inflammatory response and greater oxidative stress. This is reflected in an abnormal healing process; therefore, the search for healing compounds has become an area of interest. In this regard, medicinal plants have been used for centuries to treat wounds in different cultures in the world. Hence, this review documents the main plant species used in Latin America due to its great biodiversity and numerous species that are potentially important for the development of new active healing compounds. In this review, 62 plant families with wound healing studies were found, highlighting Fabaceae, Asteraceae and Euphorbiaceae family. Additionally, 32 natural compounds with diverse structural nature were found, whose effects have been evaluated in in vivo and in vitro models, which are essential for studying the pathogenesis of the tissue repair mechanism, detecting new biomarkers, and evaluate new treatments. Currently, several models are used to study the wound healing process, including in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models. On the other hand, there is no appropriate model to determine the wound healing effect, and, in many cases, they are combined to provide sufficient scientific evidence. Therefore, this review demonstrates that Latin America is a potential region for research into sources of healing molecules. Nevertheless, other species are still being studied whose scientific findings allow generating viable alternatives for the solution of health problems associated with wound healing.

Investigating the Immunogenic Properties of a Mutagenized NS3/4A-Based HCV Genotype 3a DNA Vaccine.

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a major health risk worldwide, with patients susceptible to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. This study focuses on the development of effective therapeutic strategies for HCV infection through the investigation of immunogenic properties of a DNA construct based on the NS3/4A gene of HCV genotype (g)3a. Gene expression of the mutagenized (mut) NS3/4A target genes was assessed through reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot analysis. Additionally, bioinformatics tools were employed to evaluate the impact of the mut-NS3/4A-based DNA vaccine. Analysis revealed increased mut-NS3/4A mRNA levels and target protein abundance compared with the native sequence. Elevated mut-NS3/NS4A levels could result from increased RNA stability and proper protein folding. Physicochemical analyses of the protein demonstrated favorable attributes such as thermostability and solubility. Three-dimensional mut-NS3/4A protein modeling confirmed its high stability and agreement with known protein structures. Additionally, potential immunogenic regions of both T and B cell epitopes were discovered based on peptide binding to major histocompatibility complex molecules of Asian origin. Importantly, these epitopes exhibited nonallergenic and nontoxic characteristics. These findings highlight the potential of the NS3/4A-based DNA construct as a promising candidate for an HCVg3a vaccine tailored for the Asian population, providing valuable insights for future immunotherapeutic approaches.

Understanding earthquake potential for future hazard mitigation

This study re-examines a broad region of the Sumatran subduction zone and off-coast southern West Java, building on findings of relative quiescence and utilizing the modified probability gain (mG) concept. By comparing pre- and post-quiescence seismicity, we identify potential earthquake sources and assess associated tsunami hazards. We propose a novel combined model integrating normalized seismicity smoothing, geodetic moment rate, and mG to characterize earthquake likelihood better. This model, coupled with a robust seismicity rate model, enables a spatiotemporal earthquake potential hierarchy for refined seismic hazard assessment. Our results confirm prior quiescence findings in specific zones and identify novel potential source regions for significant future earthquakes. We estimate tsunami height, emphasizing the importance of multiple source areas and static stress loading. By examining pre- and post-event expectations, we aim to improve understanding of major earthquakes in the Sumatran Subduction Zone and inform disaster mitigation strategies. This study provides crucial insights for enhanced regional earthquake and tsunami preparedness.

An orbital-overlap complement to σ-hole electrostatic potentials.

A σ-hole is an electron-deficient region of positive electrostatic potential (ESP) opposite from a half-filled p orbital involved in forming a covalent bond. The σ-hole concept helps rationalize directional noncovalent interactions, known as σ-hole bonds, between covalently bonded group V-VII atoms and electron-pair donors. The magnitude and orientation of σ-holes are correlated with the strength and geometry of halogen bonds. However, ESP computed for isolated σ-holes are not always predictive of interaction energies. For example, the σ-holes of isolated CHFBr2 and isolated CH2FI have identical ESP on the molecule surface, but halogen bonds to these molecules generally have different strengths. Here we show that the compact/diffuse nature of the orbitals involved plays an important role. Our orbital overlap distance quantifies the compact/diffuse nature of the "test orbital" that best overlaps with a systems orbitals at each point. The overlap distance captures the response properties of σ-holes: diffuse σ-holes with large overlap distance are typically "softer" and more polarizable. This aids visualization and interpretation. A linear fit to overlap distance and ESP is predictive of the halogen bond strengths of CH3X and CF3X (X = Cl, Br and I). We suggest that the overlap distance will be a useful partner to ESP for characterizing σ-holes.

Noble Gas Bonds Facilitate Anion···Anion Supramolecular Assemblies: Insights from CSD and DFT Analysis

Noble gas bonding (NgB) is a noncovalent interaction where noble gases, such as xenon or krypton, function as Lewis acids. These interactions arise from regions of positive electrostatic potential, known...

ELECTROCHEMICAL CORROSION EVALUATION OF SnSb ELECTRODEPOSITED COATINGS

SnxSb(1−x) coatings were electrodeposited from 1ChCl:2EG on copper. The corrosion resistance of the electrodeposits was evaluated in 0.1 mol dm-3 of NaCl. The characterization was performed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Voltammetric profiles showed that the electrodeposition potential shifted towards less positive values with increasing Sb3+ concentration. SEM images revealed that the coatings exhibited grains and clusters. EDS analyses showed that the Sb content increased with the Sb3+ concentration. XRD results indicated the formation of the SbSn phases such as Cu2Sb, Cu6Sn5, and Cu6(Sn,Sb)5. The potentiodynamic polarization (PP) curves showed that Sn and Sn77Sb23 presented a passive potential region, while Sn37Sb63 had an active dissolution in the electrolyte. Immersion tests were performed for 24 h and XRD results revealed Cu, Sn, SnO, SbSn and Sb2O4 phases. Considering 48 h, Cu, CuSn, SnO2 and SnSb phases were identified. The polarization resistance values of 4.60, 14.69 and 1.81 kΩ cm2 were achieved for Sn, Sn77Sb23, and Sn37Sb63, respectively. The EIS results suggested that adding Sb3+ improves corrosion resistance for SnSb samples with higher Sn content. For Sn77Sb23, the charge transfer resistance was 10.5 kΩ cm2, for Sn and Sn37Sb63 1.15 and 1.46 kΩ cm2, respectively.

Characterization of 3-Chloro-4-Fluoronitrobenzene Molecule with New Calculation Methods and Discussions for Advanced Applied Sciences

This current research characterizes 2-chloro-1-fluoro-4-nitrobenzene molecule via the Hartree Fock (HF) and density functional theory (DFT) quantum mechanical computational techniques using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) levels of computation. The molecular geometries, thermodynamic quantities at 300 K, NMR chemical shifts, corresponding vibrational spectra, UV-vis spectra, vibrational frequencies, and atomic point charge distributions are extensively investigated. The 1H and 13C NMR chemical shifts, and theoretical vibrational frequencies are compared to the experimental results. It is obtained that all calculations are in agreement with the available experimental data which has the 1H isotropic chemical shifts range from 8.306 ppm to 7.235 ppm, while the computed values range from 9.0368 ppm to 6.8397 ppm, 8.3213 ppm to 6.1242 ppm at DFT and HF GIAO levels, respectively. Besides, calculated 13C chemical shifts vary from 141.83 ppm to 186.394 ppm and from 129.743 ppm to 174.373 ppm by using DFT and HF in CH4, while these values are in the range of 117.00 ppm to 164.59 ppm, experimentally. This points out that the chosen computation sets are highly effective methods for identifying and characterizing the compound. In addition, simulations are performed to examine frontier molecular orbitals, electrostatic potential, and molecular electrostatic potential regions. Key properties such as dipole moment, chemical hardness, transition states, electronegativity, molecular softness, nucleophilic aromatic regions, electrophilicity index, and energy band gap are also analyzed to explore potential future applications such as advanced applied sciences, industry, chemistry, medical, physics, biology, pharmaceuticals, dyes, and agrochemicals of the compound. Additionally, it is noted that the compound contains significant intramolecular charge transfer (ICT) regions, lone electron pairs, electron-donating groups, π-bond conjugation, and particularly reactive electrophilic and nucleophilic aromatic sites. Accordingly, it is pointed out that the molecule has a strong potential for metallic bonding as well as various intermolecular interactions. In summary, this study provides valuable information that will benefit both basic research and technological or industrial applications by increasing the understanding of physical, chemical, structural, and reactive features of the 3-chloro-4-fluoronitrobenzene molecule.

Genomic-Inbreeding Landscape and Selection Signatures in the Polo Argentino Horse Breed.

Analyzing genetic variability and inbreeding trends is essential for effective breed management in animal populations. To this, the characterization of runs of homozygosity (ROH) provides a good genomic approach to study the phenomena. The Polo Argentino (PA) breed, globally recognized as the best adapted to playing polo, is known for its strong influence of Thoroughbreds, intense selective breeding, and extensive use of reproductive biotechnologies. This study investigates the PA's genomic variability, by characterizing the ROH landscape and identifying ROH islands (ROHi) as potential genomic footprints for the breed. PA horses (n = 506) were genotyped using EquineGGP™ array v5 (70 k). We calculated the inbreeding coefficient based on ROH (FROH-ancestral and recent) using a chromosomal approach. Finally, we identified genomic regions with increased ROH frequency (ROHi) and their associated genes. An average of 79.5 ROH per horse was detected, with a mean length of 4.6 Mb. The average FROH was 0.151, but most of them (54%) corresponded to ancestral inbreeding (ROH < 5.5 Mb). However, 4 ROHi were identified in ECA 1, 3, 7 and 17, containing 67 genes, some of which were related to behavior, neurodevelopment, and metabolic functions. This genomic analysis determined, for the first time, the length and location of homozygosity segments in the PA breed and identified ROHi associated with potential genomic regions and genes for positive selection in the breed.

Gretl-variation GRaph Evaluation TooLkit.

As genome graphs are powerful data structures for representing the genetic diversity within populations, they can help identify genomic variations that traditional linear references miss, but their complexity and size makes the analysis of genome graphs challenging. We sought to develop a genome graph analysis tool that helps these analyses to become more accessible by addressing the limitations of existing tools. Specifically, we improve scalability and user-friendliness, and we provide many new statistics tailored to variation graphs for graph evaluation, including sample-specific features. We developed an efficient, comprehensive, and integrated tool, gretl, to analyze genome graphs and gain insights into their structure and composition by providing a wide range of statistics. gretl can be utilized to evaluate different graphs, compare the output of graph construction pipelines with different parameters, as well as perform an in-depth analysis of individual graphs, including sample-specific analysis. With the assistance of gretl, novel patterns of genetic variation and potential regions of interest can be identified, for later, more detailed inspection. We demonstrate that gretl outperforms other tools in terms of speed, particularly for larger genome graphs. Commented Rust source code and documentation is available under MIT license at https://github.com/MoinSebi/gretl together with Python scripts and step-by-step usage examples. The package is available at Bioconda for easy installation.

Test–retest performance of [18F]MK-6240 tau burden and relative delivery indices in cognitively normal older subjects using PET/MRI

Abstract Accurate interpretation of quantitative positron emission tomography (PET) outcomes hinges on understanding the test–retest variability (T-RT). Previous studies of the tau-PET ligand [18F]MK-6240 reported adequate T-RT performance of tau burden estimates over a short-term 21-day and over a longer-term 6-month T-RT period, primarily involving Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and cognitively normal (CN) subjects, respectively. However, several T-RT characteristics have not yet been reported, particularly in older CN (oCN) subjects. Here, we investigate the short-term T-RT performance of dynamic [18F]MK-6240 outcomes in a group largely consisting of oCN. We report T-RT for uptake in potential reference regions, for extracerebral off-target signal, and for estimates of tau burden and relative delivery indices in tau-bearing target regions. Eight participants (7 oCN, 1 AD) underwent baseline dynamic [18F]MK-6240 PET/MRI (Biograph mMR) and a retest follow-up PET/MRI scan within approximately 3 weeks. T-RT was evaluated using absolute percentage differences and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) in three groups of regions: (1) potential reference regions using standardized-uptake values 90–110 minutes post-injection (SUV90–110); (2) target regions using SUV ratios (SUVR90–110), distribution volume ratios (DVR), and relative delivery (R1); and (3) extracerebral region using SUVR90–110. A voxel-based partial volume correction (PVC) was applied. T-RT was evaluated with and without PVC. In oCN subjects, the SUV90–110 T-RT in the evaluated reference regions ranged from 6 to 11% (ICC &amp;gt; 0.9); target region T-RT was similar for SUVR90–110 (4–9%, ICC: 0.62–0.97), DVR (3–10%, ICC: 0.66–0.92), and R1 (3–14%, ICC: 0.52–0.97). PVC had minimal impact on reference region SUV90–110 T-RT, but increased target region T-RT variability (SUVR90–110: 10–26%; DVR: 6–22%; R1: 4–20%). Extracerebral SUVR90–110 exhibited higher T-RT variability (~12%, ICC: 0.85) than other target regions (average 6%) and increased to ~15% after PVC. Our findings are consistent with previous reports and provide further evidence of acceptable [18F]MK-6240 T-RT in low-signal oCN subjects. Our results suggest [18F]MK-6240 is suitable for detecting early tau deposition and longitudinal changes over time, and further support the viability of [18F]MK-6240 R1 to evaluate longitudinal changes in perfusion. PVC increased T-RT variability in tau burden and R1 outcomes. Notably, the extracerebral signal exhibited higher T-RT variability than other target and reference regions and may affect their signal.

Studies on Square Wave and Cyclic Voltammetric Behavior of 1,2- and 1,4-Dihydroxybenzenes and Their Derivatives in Acetic Acid, Ethyl Acetate and Mixtures of the Two.

An electrochemical investigation of 1,2- and 1,4-dihydroxybenzenes was carried out with platinum macro- and microelectrodes using square wave and cyclic voltammetry techniques. Furthermore, the effect of the two solvents-acetic acid and ethyl acetate-was compared. When using square wave voltammetry, signals only appeared at lower frequencies and only when the supporting electrolyte was in excess, as expected due to the relatively low permittivity of the used solvents. The behavior of hydroquinone and catechol did not differ significantly from that of their derivatives (dihydroxybenzaldehydes, dihydroxybenzoic acids and 2',5'-dihydroxyacetophenone). When the cyclic voltammetric experiments using a microelectrode were extended to higher anodic potentials, electrode fouling was very significant in ethyl acetate after the potential region where steady-state oxidation to the corresponding quinone occurs. The substituent effect was not significant here either, which was proven by using different functional groups in different positions. In contrast, the position had a dramatic influence on the susceptibility to electropolymerization, as 1,2-dihydroxybenzenes-independent of the nature of the substituent on the benzene ring-deactivated the electrode, while 1,4-dihydroxybenzenes did not, possibly due to the different solubilities of the polymers formed from the primary oxidation product (quinones). A user-friendly analytical procedure is also proposed that uses an electropolymerization reaction and does not require frequent cleaning of the electrode via polishing, which is required usually especially with a microelectrode.

Genomic regions associated with flag leaf and panicle architecture in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

BackgroundFlag leaf (FL) and panicle architecture (PA) are critical for increasing rice grain yield as well as production. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) can better understand the genetic pathways behind complex traits like FL and PA.ResultsIn this study, 208 diverse rice germplasms were grown in the field at the Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center at Beaumont, TX, during 2022 and 2023 following Augmented Randomized Complete Block Design. After heading, eight different flag leaf and panicle architecture (FLPA) related traits were measured. GWAS analyses were performed to identify potential genomic regions associated with FLPA traits. A total of 97 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) (48 in 2022 and 49 in 2023) were distributed across all 12 chromosomes. GWAS revealed four QTLs (qSBPP4-2, qFLW6-2, qGNPP9, and qGWPP2-3) with phenotypic variation ranging from 11.7 to 22.3%. Two genetic loci were identified as multi-trait QTLs, i.e., S04_32100268 (qFLL4-1 and qFLA4-1) and S04_11552936 (qFLW4 and qFLA4-2) during 2022 and 2023, respectively. Additionally, these loci were further utilized to analyze candidate genes, and 65 genes were predicted in the 100-kb genomic region upstream and downstream. In silico expression analysis revealed 15 genes were expressed during the reproductive stage. These genes were associated with protein kinase, heat shock transcription factor family, sugar transporter conserved site and transcription factor bHLH95- like basic helix-loop-helix domain protein, as well as those that regulate the FLPA-related traits. Os04g0631100 was identified as a potential candidate gene that is highly expressed during the endosperm development stage, and it is associated with an important sugar transporter protein that will be helpful in grain improvement.ConclusionGWAS results revealed four major and two multi-trait QTLs. Expanding their candidate genes, and expression analysis provide the genetic information for molecular improvement of the FLPA-related trait in rice breeding programs.

Kinetics of electroreduction of zirconates on tungsten in fluoride melts

Aluminum alloys with zirconium additives are increasingly used in the aerospace industry, instrument making and power engineering, due to the combination of increased corrosion and thermal resistance without compromising density and electrical conductivity. A promising method for producing such alloys is synthesis in molten fluorides of alkali and alkaline earth metals, using oxides as a consumable metal-containing component. According to existing scientific and technical data, the use of electrolysis can contribute to an increase in the efficiency of reducing zirconium oxide to metallic oxide, in connection with which, the study of the electrochemical behavior of zirconium ions in fluoride melts is relevant. The method of cyclic chronovoltammetry was used to study the main regularities of cathodic electroreduction of zirconium and aluminum ions from melts based on KF–AlF3 with additives of zirconium and aluminum oxides at a temperature of 750°C on a tungsten cathode. A series of polarization curves were obtained both in a pure melt and with additives of zirconium and aluminum oxides at potential scan rates from 0.1 to 2 V. It was shown that the discharge of aluminum ions is observed more negative than the potential of –1.6 V, and at a potential of –1.8 to –1.9 V, the Al peak corresponding to the reduction of aluminum ions is formed. In the region of potentials more positive than –1.6 V, the cathodic process AlxWy is also observed, presumably associated with the reduction of aluminum ions and the formation of its intermetallic compounds with tungsten. When ZrO2 is added to the melt under study, the voltammograms additionally show a Zr platform and an Al+Zr peak at potentials of –1.3 and –1.6 V, associated with the discharge of zirconium ions and the combined discharge of zirconium and aluminum ions, respectively. When scanning the potential to the anodic region, the Al’ peak is observed at a potential of about –1.6 V and the Al’ and Zr’ waves, associated with the oxidation of metallic aluminum and aluminum with zirconium from the intermetallic compound, respectively. For the tungsten electrode, an increase in the current densities of the Al+Zr peak and a potential shift with an increase in the potential scanning rate are expectedly observed, which indicates the electrochemical irreversibility of the process under study.

Cis-Regulation of an m6A Eraser by an Insertion Variant Associated with Survival of Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Carcinoma.

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) serves as one of the crucial RNA modifications for genes involved in cancer progression. Here, 7273 expression quantitative trait loci potentially regulating 30 m6A pathway genes are identified from the GTEx database, with 69 single nucleotide polymorphisms significantly associated with survival of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients (n = 1523) from the ongoing genome-wide association study after false positive probability tests. Notably, the rs151198415 locus, situated in a potential enhancer region, demonstrated a prolonged survival effect with the C>CCACG insertion, which is validated in an independent prospective cohort (n = 237), yielding a pooled hazard ratio of 0.72 (p = 0.007). Mechanistically, the rs151198415 C>CCACG insertion engaged in long-range interaction with the promoter of m6A eraser ALKBH5, promoting ALKBH5 transcription by the creation of an EGR1 binding site. Then, ALKBH5 upregulated FBXL5 expression by m6A demethylation, which is dependent on the ALKBH5 H204 amino acid site and specific m6A sites on FBXL5 mRNA. Finally, the ALKBH5-FBXL5 axis reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, leading to PI3K/AKT and NF-kB pathway inhibition and consequently suppresses NSCLC proliferation and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Triggered by an insertion variant, this remote cis-regulation of m6A eraser and the downstream molecular events modulate the survival of NSCLC patients.

Stem Cell-Associated Proteins and Extracellular Matrix Composition of the Human Atrioventricular Junction.

The human heart regenerates slowly through life, but how new cells are generated is mostly unknown. The atrioventricular junction (AVj) has been indicated as a potential stem cell niche region. Little is known about the protein composition of the human AVj. To map the extracellular matrix (ECM) and expression of stem cell-related biomarkers, this study compares protein and gene expression patterns in AVj and Left Ventricular (LV) tissues. Biopsies were collected from 15 human hearts. Global quantitative proteomics and mRNA sequencing were used to identify differentially expressed proteins and altered genes. Of the total 4904 identified proteins, 1138 were differently expressed between the AVj and LV. While the top proteins in LV were involved in cardiac motor function and energy regulation, the AVj displayed proteins associated with early cardiomyocyte development, differentiation, proliferation, migration, and hypoxia. Furthermore, several developmental signalling pathways, including TGF-β, TNF, WNT, Notch, and FGF, were represented. RNA-seq data verified that the expressed genes were involved with differentiation, cell growth, proliferation, or ECM organization. Immunohistochemistry confirmed the expression of the stem cell-related biomarkers NPPA and POSTN in the AVj, further strengthening the hypothesis of the AVj as a specialized microenvironment conducive to stem cell niche activity.

A Comparative Study of the Oxygen Reduction Reaction on Pt and Ag in Alkaline Media

AbstractInvestigating the ORR under practical conditions is vital for optimizing metal–air batteries and alkaline fuel cells. Herein, we characterized Pt and Ag gas diffusion electrodes (GDE) in a GDE half‐cell in high alkaline concentrations at elevated temperatures by polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) combined with the distribution of relaxation times (DRT) analysis. The Pt catalyst's polarization curve displays substantial losses below 0.82 V vs. RHE. The DRT analysis reveals significantly increased charge transfer resistance and a decelerated ORR at that potential. RRDE measurements attributed the polarization loss observed for Pt catalysts to increased peroxide formation in this potential region triggered by the desorption of oxygenated species. Therefore, the ORR activity of Ag exceeds some of the here‐used Pt catalysts at high current densities. This work combines the benefits of the RRDE and the GDE half‐cell to study catalysts and identify the reaction mechanisms under conditions relevant to practical fuel cells and batteries. Moreover, the DRT analysis is introduced as an analytical tool to determine the charge transfer resistance contribution and the corresponding frequency of the ORR.

Craniofrontonasal syndrome in a patient with an inv(X)(p22.2q13.1), separating EFNB1 from its enhancer.

Craniofrontonasal syndrome (CFNS) is an X-linked developmental disorder caused by loss of function variants (LOFVs) in the ephrin B1 (EFNB1) gene located on Xq13.1. In CFNS, unlike in other X-linked disorders, females with heterozygous EFNB1 pathogenic variants (PVs) have a severe phenotype, whereas males carrying hemizygous EFNB1 PVs have a mild phenotype. Here we report a female CFNS patient who was diagnosed with the typical features of CFNS as a new-born. Chromosomal analysis revealed a de novo pericentric inversion of one X chromosome; inv(X)(p22q13). Molecular testing for EFNB1 mutations and a SNP-array test for genomic imbalances returned negative results. We identified the inversion breakpoints using whole genome sequencing (WGS). One of the breakpoints was about 97 kbp downstream of the 3' end of the EFNB1 gene, separating a potential EFNB1 enhancer region from the EFNB1 gene. To our knowledge, this is the first case of CFNS caused by a large structural variant, altering the genomic and regulatory context of EFNB1.

Ice nucleating ability of mineral particles from subtropical South American deserts

Mineral aerosols are one of the most important ice nucleating particles (INPs) because their efficiency in nucleating ice, wide transport and largest mass contribution to particulate matter in the atmosphere. They are sourced from the arid regions of the world. In this context, this work evaluates the INP potential of fourteen topsoil samples collected from subtropical South American deserts, the major source of mineral aerosols in South America, in the immersion freezing mode. Samples were obtained from three distinct regions located in the South American Arid Diagonal and recognized as potential dust source areas: the Puna-Altiplano Plateau in the north, the central-west of Argentina, and Patagonia in the south. In general, results reveal that samples from the Puna-Altiplano and Patagonia regions, and the central-west of Argentina region exhibit the highest and lowest INP abilities, respectively. The active sites per unit surface area for a given temperature were calculated and compared with previously reported values. The results demonstrate that soil mineral particles from the region of study exhibit ice nucleating abilities comparable to the inorganic fraction of agricultural soils of central Argentina. No direct relationship was identified between INP ability and the major minerals observed in the samples. This study is the first to analyze the ice nucleation properties of soil samples collected along the South American Arid Diagonal and one of the few in South America. Since the analyzed topsoil particles were collected from potential dust source regions, this work contributes to understanding the role of aerosols in initiating atmospheric ice formation, providing valuable data for empirical parameterizations. This could contribute to the improvement in the performance of climate models, as the obtained results suggest that the underestimation of coarse and super-coarse aerosols at altitudes relevant for cloud formation may lead to underestimations in INP concentrations, particularly in regions near to the emission sources.

Discovery of Potential Candidate Genes for Coat Colour in Wuzhishan Pigs by Integrating SNPs and mRNA Expression Analysis.

Despite identifying genes regulating the coat colour in Western pig breeds, the genetic basis of the coat colour in Chinese indigenous pigs is still not understood due to the diversity of indigenous breeds and their genetic differences from exotic pigs. In this study, 215 Wuzhishan pigs with three coat colour patterns (white, black, and black-back/white-belly) were used to conduct a genome-wide association analysis. We found that genes responsible for the coat colour in the Wuzhishan breed are located on chromosome 8. Ninety-seven genome-wide significant SNPs are related to the animal's coat colour. Using a haplotype-sharing analysis, we narrowed the potential candidate region to a 10.1 Mb interval encompassing only one gene, RAPGEF2, which participates in the regulation of melanogenesis. Two additional candidate genes, PDGFRA and KIT, are located within 1 Mb of the genome-wide significant SNPs. Gene ontology analysis and literature mining suggest that these candidate genes are associated with the animal's coat colour. mRNA expression results revealed that RAPGEF2 and PDGFRA had significantly higher expressions in black pigs than in white pigs and higher expressions in black skin than in white skin from the same black-back/white-belly pigs. These results suggest that RAPGEF2 and PDGFRA are potential candidate genes regulating the coat colour in Wuzhishan pigs. Interestingly, mutations of KIT (a gene duplication and a G to A substitution at the splicing site in intron 17) were detected in white Wuzhishan pigs but not in black-back/white-belly or black pigs, suggesting a close genetic relationship between white Wuzhishan pigs and Western white pig breeds. In summary, these results indicate that the expression of RAPGEF2 and PDGFRA may cause the coat colour variation by influencing the deposition of melanin, while the mutation of KIT causes the white coat colour. Our results may provide a theoretical basis for the breeding of white coat colour Wuzhishan pigs, and shed light on the complex genetic background of coat colour variations in indigenous Chinese pig breeds.