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Aluminum (Al), as a carbon-free energy source, features favorable characteristics regarding its production, transportation, utilization, and recyclability. The combustion of single Al particles mainly occurs as a vapor-phase diffusion flame, wherein the gas-phase combustion kinetics plays an important role. However, the understanding of the kinetics is still limited and rate constants for the same
The peptide Ac-KGSFSIQYTYHVD-CONH₂ (KD), derived from residues 37–49 of human semenogelin I, forms a pH-responsive hydrogel in an aqueous environment with tunable mechanical properties that evolve over time. We hypothesize that KD self-assembles into a hydrogel through a pH-dependent mechanism involving predominantly a change in histidine protonation state, leading to structural transformations th
Conventional diagnostic methods often involve long incubation times due to limited fluid mixing in confined spaces, despite offering high sensitivity. Therefore, acoustic streaming was employed to enhance microscale advection, thereby improving biomolecular interactions and reducing assay duration. The micromixing capability was demonstrated by dispersing methylene blue (MB) in deionized water and
The investigation of carbon monoxide (CO) adsorption on the unreconstructed Ir(100)-(1 × 1) surface under ultra-high vacuum (UHV) conditions is studied with scanning tunneling microscopy (STM), low-energy electron diffraction (LEED), and high-resolution core-level spectroscopy (HRCLS). At a low coverage of 0.5 ML (monolayer), CO molecules adopt a previously documented c(2 × 2) structure, having CO
Background: The lectin-like oxidised low-density lipoprotein receptor-1 (LOX-1) mediates atherosclerotic plaque inflammation and vulnerability. On activation, LOX-1 sheds its extracellular domain into the circulation as soluble LOX-1 (sLOX-1). sLOX-1 is markedly elevated in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). Methods: We prospectively assessed the associations between plasma sLOX-1 and th
The amyloid precursor protein intracellular domain (AICD), a cleavage product of amyloid precursor protein implicated in Alzheimer disease and amyloid lateral sclerosis, is a functionally important but structurally elusive intrinsically disordered protein. In this study, we investigate the conformational ensemble of a 35-residue AICD segment encompassing the conserved YENPTY motif using molecular
The molecular chaperone αB-crystallin is a small heat shock protein that inhibits the aggregation of, among others, Aβ42 and α-synuclein. These proteins are major hallmarks of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, respectively. In order to understand the mechanism with which αB-crystallin performs its chaperone function it is essential to characterize its self-assembly in terms of aggregate size di
In this perspective, we ask the question whether the apparently lower solubility of specific proteins in amyloid disease is a cause or consequence of the protein deposition seen in such diseases. We focus on Alzheimer's disease and start by reviewing the experimental evidence of disease-associated reduction in the measured concentration of amyloid β peptide, Aβ42, in cerebrospinal fluid. We propos
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most prevalent childhood cancer. Bone marrow (BM) fibrosis in ALL has been associated with adverse outcomes; however, little is known about the mechanisms that cause fibrosis in ALL. Therefore, we established a novel and advanced analysis method by combining multicolor immunofluorescence (IF) staining with in situ RNA expression analysis (RNAscope) to inve
“Seeding” is the addition of preformed fibrils to a solution of monomeric protein to accelerate its aggregation into new fibrils. It is a versatile and widely used tool for scientists studying protein aggregation kinetics, as it enables the isolation and separate study of discrete reaction steps contributing to protein aggregation, specifically elongation and secondary nucleation. However, the see
Objective: Synovial fluid contains proteins that may have been released from surrounding tissues, our aim was to gain new insights into the proteomic profiles of human synovial fluid in knees with and without osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: We used synovial fluid from 11 patients with end-stage medial compartment knee OA, aspirated during total knee replacement, and from 13 deceased donors who had n
We present a superconducting cavity-coupled double quantum dot (DQD) photodiode that achieves a maximum photon-to-electron conversion efficiency of 25% in the microwave domain. With a higher-quality-factor cavity and improved device design to prevent photon leakages through unwanted pathways, our device measures microwave signals down to the 100-aW power level and achieves sensitivity to probe mic
Background: Inhaled nanomaterials can translocate from the lungs into systemic circulation and reach the liver, which is the main secondary organ for nanomaterial uptake, potentially causing adverse effects. Understanding how inhaled nanomaterials localize within liver tissue is important for understanding their clearance mechanisms and potential toxicity. Previous in vivo studies have primarily f
Multi-wavelength thermo-optical analysis (MW-TOA) and Raman spectroscopy are commonly used methods to study soot sampled on filters, in terms of carbon content, nanostructure, and absorption properties. In this work, these techniques were combined to study how these characteristic properties of soot change in premixed flames, 1) at various flame heights during soot maturation and 2) as a result of
Using megahertz x-ray free electron laser imaging with x-ray pulses of ~25 femtoseconds and a machine-learning strategy, we have conducted comprehensive in situ imaging studies on the dynamics of cavitation bubble clouds in ultrasound fields at the SPB/SFX beamline of the European XFEL. The research unambiguously revealed the quasi-simultaneous implosion of multiple bubbles and simultaneous collap
Background: Studies in breast cancer patients have consistently shown that physical activity improves survival. We examined if change in physical activity from before to after a breast cancer diagnosis is associated with outpatient specialist care use and hospitalisations in women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: This register-based cohort study included 2145 women with T2DM who self
Introduction: Cell-free DNA is an emerging marker of allograft injury, yet its role in the immediate phase of ischemia–reperfusion injury remains incompletely understood.Methods: In this prospective cohort of 127 kidney transplant recipients (86 deceased donors, 41 living donors), intraoperative plasma samples were collected systemically pre-implantation and from the allograft vein postreperfusion
The growing complexity of urban energy systems, climate uncertainties, and geopolitical disruptions highlight the need for energy flexibility and smart management. Recent developments in smart buildings enable real-time adaptability and collective energy behavior through the deployment of Reinforcement Learning (RL), which optimizes energy use, integrates distributed resources, and enhances demand
BACKGROUND: Digital technologies are increasingly central to supporting autonomy, health, and social participation in later life. However, disparities persist in the ability to keep up with technological developments, affecting individuals' opportunities to benefit from digital health and social innovations.OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate factors associated with individuals' self-report
