Unique Behavior Research Articles

Molecular complexity of intraductal carcinoma of the prostate.

Intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (IDC-P) is an aggressive subtype of prostate cancer characterized by the growth of tumor cells within the prostate ducts. It is often found alongside invasive carcinoma and is associated with poor prognosis. Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving IDC-P is crucial for improved diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment strategies. This review summarizes the molecular characteristics of IDC-P and their prognostic indications, comparing them to conventional prostate acinar adenocarcinoma, to gain insights into its unique behavior and identify potential therapeutic targets.

Control of excitation selectivity in pulse EPR on spin-correlated radical pairs with shaped pulses.

Spin-correlated radical pairs generated by photoinduced electron transfer are characterised by a distinctive spin polarisation and a unique behaviour in pulse electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Under non-selective excitation, an out-of-phase echo signal modulated by the dipolar and exchange coupling interactions characterising the radical pair is observed and allows extraction of geometric information in the two-pulse out-of-phase electron spin echo envelope modulation (ESEEM) experiment. The investigation of the role of spin-correlated radical pairs in a variety of biological processes and in the fundamental mechanisms underlying device function in optoelectronics, as well as their potential use in quantum information science, relies on the ability to precisely address and manipulate the spins using microwave pulses. Here, we explore the use of shaped pulses for controlled narrowband selective and broadband non-selective excitation of spin-correlated radical pairs in two model donor-bridge-acceptor triads, characterised by different spectral widths, at X- and Q-band frequencies. We demonstrate selective excitation with close to rectangular excitation profiles using BURP (band-selective, uniform response, pure-phase) pulses and complete non-selective excitation of both spins of the radical pair using frequency-swept chirp pulses. The use of frequency-swept pulses in out-of-phase ESEEM experiments enables increased modulation depths and, combined with echo transient detection and Fourier transformation, correlation of the dipolar frequencies with the EPR spectrum and therefore the potential to extract additional information on the donor-acceptor pair geometry.

Dynamics of a competition model with intra- and interspecific interference in the unstirred chemostat

This paper deals with an unstirred chemostat system with intra- and interspecific interference. We first investigate the uniqueness and asymptotic behaviors of the positive steady state solution of the single species model. The results show that the species cannot survive when the intraspecific interference is large enough. For two species system, we find that the two species can coexist when the influence of interspecific interference is relatively small, and that the system has no positive steady-state solution when the strength of interspecific interference is large enough. Furthermore, we study the influence of diffusion rate on species coexistence. The results show that for large diffusion rate, both species will be washed out, and the competition exclusion occurs at small diffusion rate. This indicates that species coexistence only occurs at intermediate diffusion rate.

Recent advances in Si-rhodamine-based fluorescent probes for live-cell imaging.

Fluorescence imaging is a powerful technique for visualizing biological events in living samples with high temporal and spatial resolution. Fluorescent probes emitting far-red to near infrared (NIR) fluorescence are particularly advantageous for in vivo imaging due to their high tissue permeability and low autofluorescence, as well as their suitability for multicolor imaging. Among the far-red to NIR fluorophores, Si-rhodamine is one of the most practical fluorophores for the development of tailor-made NIR fluorescent probes because of the relative ease of synthesis of various derivatives, the unique intramolecular spirocyclization behavior, and the relatively high water solubility and high photostability of the probes. This review summarizes these features of Si-rhodamines and presents recent advances in the synthesis and applications of far-red to NIR fluorescent probes based on Si-rhodamines, focusing on live-cell imaging applications such as fluorogenic probes, super-resolution imaging and dye-protein hybrid-based indicators.

Research progress on the conformational properties of comb-like polymers in dilute solutions.

As a special type of branched polymers, comb-like polymers simultaneously possess the structural characteristics of a linear backbone profile and crowded sidechain branches/grafts, and such structural uniqueness leads to reduced interchain entanglement, enhanced molecular orientation, and unique stimulus-response behavior, which greatly expands the potential applications in the fields of super-soft elastomers, molecular sensors, lubricants, photonic crystals, etc. In principle, all these molecular features can be traced back to three structural parameters, i.e., the degree of polymerization of the backbone (Nb), the degree of polymerization of the graft sidechain (Ng), and the grafting density (σ). Consequently, it is of great importance to understand the correlation mechanism between the structural characteristics and physicochemical properties, among which, the conformational properties in dilute solution have received the most attention due to its central position in polymer science. In the past decades, the development of synthetic chemistry and characterization techniques has greatly stimulated the progress of this field, and a number of experiments have been executed to verify the conformational properties; however, due to the complexity of the structural parameters and the diversity of the chemical design, the achieved experimental progress displays significant controversies compared with the theoretical predictions. This review aims to provide a full picture of recent research progress on this topic, specifically, (1) first, a few classical theoretical models regarding the chain conformation are introduced, and the quasi-two-parameter (QTP) theory for the conformation analysis is highlighted; (2) second, the research progress of the static conformation of comb-like polymers in dilute solution is discussed; (3) third, the research progress of the dynamic conformation in dilute solution is further discussed. The key issues, existing controversies and future research directions are also highlighted. We hope that this review can provide insightful information for the understanding of the conformational properties of comb-like polymers, open a new door for the regulation of conformational behavior in related applications, and promote related theoretical and experimental research in the community.

Revealing microscopic dynamics: in situ liquid-phase TEM for live observations of soft materials and quantitative analysis via deep learning.

In various domains spanning materials synthesis, chemical catalysis, life sciences, and energy materials, in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) methods exert a profound influence. These methodologies enable the real-time observation and manipulation of gas-phase and liquid-phase reactions at the nanoscale, facilitating the exploration of pivotal reaction mechanisms. Fundamental research areas like crystal nucleation, growth, etching, and self-assembly have greatly benefited from these techniques. Additionally, their applications extend across diverse fields such as catalysis, batteries, bioimaging, and drug delivery kinetics. However, the intricate nature of 'soft matter' presents a challenge due to the unique molecular properties and dynamic behavior of these substances that remain insufficiently understood. Investigating soft matter within in situ liquid-phase TEM settings demands further exploration and advancement compared to other research domains. This research harnesses the potential of in situ liquid-phase TEM technology while integrating deep learning methodologies to comprehensively analyze the quantitative aspects of soft matter dynamics. This study centers on diverse phenomena, encompassing surfactant molecule nucleation, block copolymer behavior, confinement-driven self-assembly, and drying processes. Furthermore, deep learning techniques are employed to precisely analyze Ostwald ripening and digestive ripening dynamics. The outcomes of this study not only deepen the understanding of soft matter at its fundamental level but also serve as a pivotal foundation for developing innovative functional materials and cutting-edge devices.

Discovery of a Dust Sorting Process on Boulders Near the Reiner Gamma Swirl on the Moon

AbstractIn a database of lunar fractured boulders (Rüsch & Bickel, 2023, https://doi.org/10.3847/psj/acd1ef), we found boulders with reflectance features dissimilar to previously known morphologies. We performed a photo‐geologic investigation and determined that the features correspond to a dust mantling on top of boulders with a unique photometric behavior. We next performed a photometric model inversion on the dust mantling using Bayesian inference sampling. Modeling indicates that the dust photometric anomaly is most likely due to a reduced opposition effect, whereas the single scattering albedo is not significantly different from that of the nearby background regolith. This implies a different structure of the dust mantling relative to the normal regolith. We identified and discussed several potential processes to explain the development of such soil. None of these mechanisms can entirely explain the multitude of observational constraints unless evoking anomalous boulder properties. Further study of these boulders can shed light on the workings of a natural dust sorting process potentially involving dust dynamics, a magnetic field, and electrostatic dust transport. The presence of these boulders appears to be limited to the Reiner K crater near the Reiner Gamma magnetic and photometric anomaly. This close spatial relationship further highlights that poorly understood processes occur in this specific region of the Moon.

Deciphering the impact of microenvironmental factors on cuticular hydrocarbon degradation in Lucilia sericata empty Puparia: Bridging ecological and forensic entomological perspectives using machine learning models

Blow flies (Calliphoridae) play essential ecological roles in nutrient recycling by consuming decaying organic matter. They serve as valuable bioindicators in ecosystem management and forensic entomology, with their unique feeding behavior leading to the accumulation of environmental pollutants in their cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), making them potential indicators of exposure history. This study focuses on CHC degradation dynamics in empty puparia of Lucilia sericata under different environmental conditions for up to 90 days. The three distinct conditions were considered: outdoor-buried, outdoor-above-ground, and indoor environments. Five predominant CHCs, n-Pentacosane (n-C25), n-Hexacosane (n-C26), n-Heptacosane (n-C27), n-Octacosane (n-C28), and n-Nonacosane (n-C29), were analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC–MS). The findings revealed variations in CHC concentrations over time, influenced by environmental factors, with significant differences at different time points. Correlation heatmap analysis indicated negative correlations between weathering time and certain CHCs, suggesting decreasing concentrations over time. Machine learning techniques Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multilayer Perceptron (MLP), and eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost) models explored the potential of CHCs as age indicators. SVM achieved an R-squared value of 0.991, demonstrating high accuracy in age estimation based on CHC concentrations. MLP also exhibited satisfactory performance in outdoor conditions, while SVM and MLP yielded unsatisfactory results indoors due to the lack of significant CHC variations. After comprehensive model selection and performance evaluations, it was found that the XGBoost model excelled in capturing the patterns in all three datasets. This study bridges the gap between baseline and ecological/forensic use of empty puparia, offering valuable insights into the potential of CHCs in environmental monitoring and investigations. Understanding CHCs' stability and degradation enhances blow flies' utility as bioindicators for pollutants and exposure history, benefiting environmental monitoring and forensic entomology.

Thermal evolution of a polymer-nanoparticle binary mixture.

We experimentally probe the microscopic variations in a model polymer-nanoparticle (NP) binary mixture (mixture of polybutadiene and clay nanoplatelets) across a thermal evolution path for which Tevolution > Tg(polymer). The evolution of the NP dispersion, NP crystallinity, polymer chain-NP interface, and nature of polymer chain-NP interaction are mapped for a spectrum of temperatures and NP concentrations constrained by experiments. Multiple pieces of evidence indicate that thermal evolution does not influence the nature of interparticle dispersion and is also independent of NP concentration in the binary mixture. However, the NP crystalline order significantly reduces across the thermal evolution path. Thermal evolution induces a transition of a sharp polymer chain-NP interface to a diffuse interfacial layer. In contrast, an already diffuse polymer-NP interface existing in the binary mixture due to particle crowding at high NP concentrations undergoes no significant change in its nature across the evolution path. At all particle concentrations, thermal evolution changes the dominant interaction from polymer chain-polymer chain to polymer chain-NP. These insights aid in explaining the molecular origins of unique and anomalous behaviors shown by polymer-nanoparticle binary mixtures while undergoing thermal evolution.

Lattice dynamics and thermoelectric properties of diamondoid materials

AbstractThe diamondoid compounds are a large family of important semiconductors, which possess various unique transport properties and had been widely investigated in the fields of photoelectricity and nonlinear optics. For a significantly long period of time, diamondoid materials were not given much attention in the field of thermoelectricity. However, this changed when a series of diamondoid compounds showed a thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) greater than 1.0. This discovery sparked considerable interest in further exploring the thermoelectric properties of diamondoid materials. This review aims to provide a comprehensive view of our current understanding of thermal and electronic transport in diamondoid materials and stimulate their development in thermoelectric applications. We present a collection of recent discoveries concerning the lattice dynamics and electronic structure of diamondoid materials. We review the underlying physics responsible for their unique electrical and phonon transport behaviors. Moreover, we provide insights into the advancements made in the field of thermoelectricity for diamondoid materials and the corresponding strategies employed to optimize their performance. Lastly, we emphasize the challenges that lie ahead and outline potential avenues for future research in the domain of diamondoid thermoelectric materials.

Structure formation induced by non-reciprocal cell-cell interactions in a multicellular system.

Collective cellular behavior plays a crucial role in various biological processes, ranging from developmental morphogenesis to pathological processes such as cancer metastasis. Our previous research has revealed that a mutant cell of Dictyostelium discoideum exhibits collective cell migration, including chain migration and traveling band formation, driven by a unique tail-following behavior at contact sites, which we term "contact following locomotion" (CFL). Here, we uncover an imbalance of forces between the front and rear cells within cell chains, leading to an additional propulsion force in the rear cells. Drawing inspiration from this observation, we introduce a theoretical model that incorporates non-reciprocal cell-cell interactions. Our findings highlight that the non-reciprocal interaction, in conjunction with self-alignment interactions, significantly contributes to the emergence of the observed collective cell migrations. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive phase diagram, showing distinct phases at both low and intermediate cell densities. This phase diagram elucidates a specific regime that corresponds to the experimental system.

Expanding CWD disease surveillance options using environmental contamination at deer signposts

Abstract Environmental surveillance can allow early detection of diseases, which increases management options and can improve disease trajectories. Chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids is a significant prion disease that has been spreading across North America since the 1960s, leading to cervid population declines and concern from hunters and state wildlife agencies. White‐tailed deer have a unique breeding season behaviour called scraping, where they deposit urine and saliva at shared sites. Since both these fluids can contain CWD prions, scrape sites have the potential to serve as sentinel sites for environmental surveillance of CWD. To examine this potential, we used camera traps to monitor deer behaviour and collected environmental samples from 105 scrape sites. The 48 km2 study site was located at the centre of the CWD zone in southwestern Tennessee, where CWD prevalence is ~50%. We also sampled scrapes in northern Mississippi at the leading edge of the same CWD distribution to test the potential for early CWD detection using scrape sampling. From camera data, we identified 218 unique bucks visiting 105 scrapes, with a mean of 12.2 ± 7.5 bucks per scrape (mean ± SD, range 1–39) and individual bucks visiting a mean of 5.9 ± 4.6 monitored scrapes each (range 1–23). Using real‐time quaking‐induced conversion (RT‐QuIC), we detected prion seeding activity in 20% of the soil and 41% of the licking branches of the scrape sites within the CWD study area, and in 25% of the soil and 11% of the licking branches of scrape sites sampled at the edge of the known CWD distribution. Our data show there is environmental prion contamination at scrape sites. This supports the idea that scrapes could serve as early warning sentinel sites for CWD surveillance through testing soil and licking branches for prion seeding activity, especially in areas with limited access to harvested deer samples.

Unique Behavior of Bacterially Expressed Rat Carnitine Palmitoyltransferase 2 and Its Catalytic Activity.

Mammalian type 2 carnitine parmitoyltransferase (EC 2.3.1.21), abbreviated as CPT2, is an enzyme involved in the translocation of fatty acid into the mitochondrial matrix space, and catalyzes the reaction acylcarnitine + CoA = acyl-CoA + carnitine. When rat CPT2 was expressed in Escherichia coli, its behavior was dependent on the presence or absence of i) its mitochondrial localization sequence and ii) a short amino acid sequence thought to anchor it to the mitochondrial inner membrane: CPT2 containing both sequences behaved as a hydrophobic protein, while recombinant CPT2 lacking both regions behaved as a water soluble protein; if only one region was present, the resultant proteins were observed in both fractions. Because relatively few protein species could be obtained from bacterial lysates as insoluble pellets under the experimental conditions used, selective enrichment of recombinant CPT2 protein containing both hydrophobic sequences was easily achieved. Furthermore, when CPT2 enriched in insoluble fraction was resuspended in an appropriate medium, it showed catalytic activity typical of CPT2: it was completely suppressed by the CPT2 inhibitor, ST1326, but not by the CPT1 inhibitor, malonyl-CoA. Therefore, we conclude that the bacterial expression system is an effective tool for characterization studies of mammalian CPT2.

Yolk-shell smart polymer microgels and their hybrids: fundamentals and applications.

Yolk-shell microgels and their hybrids have attained great importance in modern-day research owing to their captivating features and potential uses. This manuscript provides the strategies for preparation, classification, properties and current applications of yolk-shell microgels and their hybrids. Some of the yolk-shell microgels and their hybrids are identified as smart polymer yolk-shell microgels and smart hybrid microgels, respectively, as they react to changes in particular environmental stimuli such as pH, temperature and ionic strength of the medium. This unique behavior makes them a perfect candidate for utilization in drug delivery, selective catalysis, adsorption of metal ions, nanoreactors and many other fields. This review demonstrates the contemporary progress along with suggestions and future perspectives for further research in this specific field.

Teaching-Learning Process in a Juvenile Delinquents' Correction Center: Challenges in Focus.

A case study was employed to explore the effectiveness of the teaching-learning process in the center. Active participants in the process and the head of the juvenile correction center were purposely selected as informants. Semi-structured interviews and classroom observations were used to gather relevant data. Data analysis and data collection were conducted simultaneously. The study revealed that teachers either use corporal punishment or are laissez-faire when students show misbehavior. They often use the lecture method. Neither teachers nor students are motivated to take part in curricular and extra-curricular activities. Lack of adequate meals, absence of different facilities, mistreatment from teachers and guardians, and lack of appropriate counseling service make students develop hatred for the center. Moreover, the curriculum rarely addresses students' unique behavior and education needs. Thus, it is less likely to realize the intended objective of the center in such a situation.

Revisiting Peri-Aryloxyquinones: From a Forgotten Photochromic System to a Promising Tool for Emerging Applications.

Emerging applications of photochromic compounds demand new molecular designs that can be inspired by some long-known yet currently forgotten classes of photoswitches. In the present review, we remind the community about Peri-AryloxyQuinones (PAQs) and their unique photoswitching behavior originally discovered more than 50 years ago. At the heart of this phenomenon is the light-induced migration of an aromatic moiety (arylotropy) in peri-aryloxy-substituted quinones resulting in ana-quinones. PAQs feature absorbance of both isomers in the visible spectral region, photochromism in the amorphous and crystalline state, and thermal stability of the photogenerated ana-isomer. Particularly noticeable is the high sensitivity of the ana-isomer towards nucleophiles in solution. In addition to the mechanism of molecular photochromism and the underlaying structure-switch relationships, we analyze potential applications and prospects of aryloxyquinones in optically switchable materials and devices. Due to their ability to efficiently photoswitch in the solid state, PAQs are indeed attractive candidates for such materials and devices, including electronics (optically controllable circuits, switches, transistors, memories, and displays), porous crystalline materials, crystalline actuators, photoactivated sensors, and many more. This review is intended to serve as a guide for researchers who wish to use photoswitchable PAQs in the development of new photocontrollable materials, devices, and processes.

Drainage during Condensation on Microgrooved Biphilic Surfaces.

In this work, we investigate and compare the condensation behavior of hydrophilic, hydrophobic, and biphilic microgrooved silicon samples etched by reactive ion etching. The microgrooves were 25 mm long and 17-19 μm deep with different topologies depending on the etching process. Anisotropically etched samples had 30 μm wide rectangular microgrooves and silicon ridges between them. They were either left hydrophilic or covered with a hydrophobic fluorocarbon or photoresist layer. Anisotropically etched samples consisted of 48 μm wide semicircular shaped microgrooves, 12 μm wide silicon ridges between them, and a 30 μm wide photoresist stripe centered on the ridges. The lateral dimensions were chosen to be much smaller than the capillary length of water to support drainage of droplets by coalescence rather than droplet sliding. Furthermore, to achieve a low thermal resistance of the periodic surface structure consisting of water-filled grooves and silicon ridges, the trench depth was also kept small. The dripped-off total amount of condensate (AoC) was measured for each sample for 12 h under the same boundary conditions (chamber temperature 30 °C, cooling temperature 6 °C, and relative humidity 60%). The maximum increase in AoC of 15.9% (9.6%) against the hydrophilic (hydrophobic) reference sample was obtained for the biphilic samples. In order to elucidate their unique condensation behavior, in situ optical imaging was performed at normal incidence. It shows that the drainage of droplets from the stripe's surface into the microgrooves as well as occasional droplet sliding events are the dominant processes to clear the surface. To rationalize this behavior, the Hough Circle Transform algorithm was implemented for image processing to receive additional information about the transient droplet size and number distribution. Postprocessing of these data allows calculation of the transient water load on the stripe's surface, which shows an oscillatory behavior not previously reported in the literature.

Work–family conflict and behavioral outcomes of Chinese female leaders: the mechanisms of work–family guilt and family centrality

Purpose The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of work-to-family conflict (WFC) on unethical pro-family behavior (UPFB) and work engagement (WE) among Chinese female leaders. In addition, this study investigates the mediating role of work-to-family guilt (WFG) and the moderating role of family centrality (FC) in these relationships. Design/methodology/approach A quantitative approach was adopted, involving the collection of data through online questionnaires administered at three time points. These data were analyzed using hierarchical regression and the bootstrapping method to test the proposed hypotheses. Findings WFC exhibited a significant positive correlation with UPFB and a negative correlation with WE; WFG played a mediating role in the relationships between WFC and both UPFB and WE; and FC had a significant moderating effect on the relationship between WFC and WE. Originality/value This study sheds light on a model of WFC and its related effects, reveals how WFC affects UPFB and WE and uncovers the mediating role of WFG and the moderating role of FC; pays attention to a unique organizational behavior, UPFB, which enriches research on the antecedents influencing such behaviors; and examines Chinese female leaders in organizations, their current experience of WFC and the resulting psychological and behavioral outcomes.

Буриад хурим дахь хадамд мордох басганы ёслол, үйлийн антропологийн судалгаа

In Buryat wedding, the ceremony of basgan’s (bride’s) leaving to in-law is a ritual complex that takes place in three steps: the beginning – visiting relatives, the peak – basgan’s great celebration and the end – basgan’s leaving. In this case, theory of social transition ceremony from Van Gennep will be considered and applied. As the reflection of the Buryat social culture, the ceremony of basgan’s leaving has a unique meaning and expressive behavior. In this report, in addition to analyzing the process mentioned above, I clarified the meaning of this ceremony and the its features, roles, and importance by comparing the nomadic cultural Buryat basgan’s leaving ceremony and farming cultural Tujaa bride’s leaving ceremony, according to the theory of Franz Baos.

Epilepsy and EEG features in Angelman syndrome

Аngelman syndrome (AS) is an orphan disease caused by loss of function of the maternal allele of the UBE3A gene on chromosome 15 (region 15q11.2-q13), characterized by severe mental and speech retardation, movement disorders, unique behavior in the form of frequent laughter, and epileptic seizures with characteristic anomalies in EEG. Epilepsy is often drug-resistant, generalized seizure types dominate, among which myoclonic seizures and atypical absences are the most common. Infantile spasms are rare in AS children, but the EEG pattern, especially in infancy, in the form of diffuse slow-wave activity with multiregional and generalized epileptiform activity, may resemble a hypsarrhythmia pattern. We present own observation of a child in whom the EEG was incorrectly described as a hypsarrhythmia pattern, and hormonal therapy was prescribed with suspicion of epileptic spasms. In this article, we made a brief review of the literature on the treatment of epilepsy in AS patients with a recommended algorithm for choosing an antiepileptic drug (AED). In young children with developmental delay, a routine EEG pattern similar to hypsarrhythmia, but with out of clinical and EEG patterns of spasms, it is necessary to conduct video-EEG monitoring with recording of sleep, to exclude the “pseudo-hypsarrhythmia” pattern, which is especially important when Angelman syndrome is suspected. In the treatment of epilepsy in Angelman syndrome, it is necessary to adhere to the recommended, according to the literature, algorithm for choosing AEDs