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The important role of wave climate variability in driving shoreline evolution has been demonstrated recently with improved satellite-derived shoreline detection algorithms, wave buoy records, and wave reanalysis and hindcast models. While severe beach erosion with extreme El Niño waves is well documented on Pacific coastlines, less clear is the broader link between interannual wave energy and shoreline response. Here, we show half of California’s interannual Landsat shoreline change is a coherent response to wave power anomalies originating from a specific central North Pacific swell generation region, which in turn is only weakly correlated with the Niño3.4 index. Positive wave power anomalies (beach narrowing) are strongly associated with El Niños, but the negative anomalies (beach widening) are not similarly tied to La Niñas. The North Pacific wave climate modulation of beach width narrowing and widening over interannual to multi-decadal time scales has implications for long-term coastal resilience planning. Landsat satellite images reveal coherent interannual beach narrowing and widening across California in response to changes in central North Pacific wave power, with no 1985-2021 statewide mean shoreline loss. Low wave power (beach widening) correlates poorly with the El Niño climate index.

During in vitro culture, human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) often acquire survival advantages characterized by decreased susceptibility to mitochondrial cell death, known as “culture adaptation.” This adaptation is associated with genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, including TP53 mutations, copy number variations, trisomy, and methylation changes. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this acquired survival advantage is crucial for safe hPSC-based cell therapies. Through transcriptome and methylome analysis, we discovered that the epigenetic repression of CHCHD2, a mitochondrial protein, is a common occurrence during in vitro culture using enzymatic dissociation. We confirmed this finding through genetic perturbation and reconstitution experiments in normal human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). Loss of CHCHD2 expression conferred resistance to single cell dissociation-induced cell death, a common stress encountered during in vitro culture. Importantly, we found that the downregulation of CHCHD2 significantly attenuates the activity of Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), which is responsible for inducing single cell death in hESCs. This suggests that hESCs may survive routine enzyme-based cell dissociation by downregulating CHCHD2 and thereby attenuating ROCK activity. These findings provide insights into the mechanisms by which hPSCs acquire survival advantages and adapt to in vitro culture conditions.

Quasi-bound states in the continuum (quasi-BICs) in all-dielectric metasurfaces support high-Q resonances that are highly sensitive to structural symmetry and radiative coupling. Most previous studies have focused on static configurations on rigid substrates, whereas the behavior of quasi-BIC modes in the presence of low-index polymer supports remains less explored. In this work, we present a numerical investigation of quasi-BIC resonances in a silicon nanodimer metasurface on a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate by systematically analyzing the effects of in-plane asymmetry, light incident angle and substrate thickness variation on their spectral position and quality factor. The results demonstrate pronounced tuning of the resonance wavelength and linewidth while preserving the characteristic high-Q behavior of quasi-BIC modes. This study establishes PDMS-supported silicon nanodimers as a viable platform for quasi-BIC metasurfaces and provides guidelines for future mechanically or chemically reconfigurable infrared devices based on polymer substrates.

Background The homing of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) is crucial for their therapeutic efficacy and is characterized by the orchestrated regulation of multiple signaling modules. However, the principal upstream regulators that synchronize these signaling pathways and their mechanisms during cellular migration remain largely unexplored. Methods miR-29a-3p was exogenously expressed in either wild-type or DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8 (DGCR8) knockdown hMSCs. Multiple pathway components were analyzed using Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and real-time quantitative PCR. hMSC migration was assessed both in vitro and in vivo through wound healing, Transwell, contraction, and in vivo migration assays. Extensive bioinformatic analyses using gene set enrichment analysis and Ingenuity pathway analysis identified enriched pathways, upstream regulators, and downstream targets. Results The global depletion of microRNAs (miRNAs) due to DGCR8 gene silencing, a critical component of miRNA biogenesis, significantly impaired hMSC migration. The bioinformatics analysis identified miR-29a-3p as a pivotal upstream regulator. Its overexpression in DGCR8-knockdown hMSCs markedly improved their migration capabilities. Our data demonstrate that miR-29a-3p enhances cell migration by directly inhibiting two key phosphatases: protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type kappa (PTPRK) and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN). The ectopic expression of miR-29a-3p stabilized the polarization of the Golgi apparatus and actin cytoskeleton during wound healing. It also altered actomyosin contractility and cellular traction forces by changing the distribution and phosphorylation of myosin light chain 2. Additionally, it regulated focal adhesions by modulating the levels of PTPRK and paxillin. In immunocompromised mice, the migration of hMSCs overexpressing miR-29a-3p toward a chemoattractant significantly increased. Conclusions Our findings identify miR-29a-3p as a key upstream regulator that governs hMSC migration. Specifically, it was found to modulate principal signaling pathways, including polarization, actin cytoskeleton, contractility, and adhesion, both in vitro and in vivo, thereby reinforcing migration regulatory circuits.

Sexual dimorphism in dogs ( Canis lupus familiaris ) manifests through pronounced differences in morphology, physiology, and disease susceptibility. Despite early neutering, the persistence of sex-specific differences highlights the need to investigate factors beyond sex hormones that contribute to these characteristics. We collected whole blood tissue from spayed female ( n  = 4) and castrated male ( n  = 4) beagles and performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) and RNA seq. To investigate hormone-independent sex dimorphism of DNA methylation in neutered dogs, we investigated differentially methylated genes (DMGs) between sexes and candidate molecular pathways. Furthermore, we analyzed sex-related correlations between gene expression and methylation levels. Sex-related differentially methylated genes, independent of hormone influence, are associated with oncogenic signaling and neuronal pathways. Differences in methylation status between the sexes were significantly associated with alterations in gene expression, indicating that methylation plays a regulatory role in gene transcription. Identification of canine XIST , previously annotated as LOC102156855 , suggests a conserved mechanism of X-chromosome inactivation across species and a sex-specific epigenetic imprint on the genome, which is maintained independent of sex hormones. These findings enrich the understanding of sex-specific biology in dogs and highlight the intricate interplay between epigenetic modifications and gene expression in determining sex-specific phenotypes and disease susceptibilities.

Background Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and relapsing inflammatory skin disease. Great efforts have been recently made to treat AD using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which have immunomodulatory functions. However, the immunomodulatory effects of MSCs need to be enhanced for clinical application in the treatment of AD. Objectives To evaluate and characterise the therapeutic effects of human Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) primed with the Toll-like receptor 3 agonist poly I:C or interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in a murine model of AD. Methods Mice were treated with Aspergillus fumigatus extract to induce AD and then subcutaneously injected with non-primed, poly I:C-primed or IFN-γ-primed WJ-MSCs. Clinical symptom scores, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), histological characteristics and cytokine levels were determined. Transcriptome profiling and pathway analyses of primed WJ-MSCs were conducted. Results The clinical symptom score and TEWL in skin lesions were reduced in mice administered non-primed and primed WJ-MSCs. Epidermal thickness and inflammatory cell infiltration in skin lesions were reduced more in mice administered primed WJ-MSCs than in mice administered non-primed WJ-MSCs. Secretion of interleukin-17 was significantly reduced in skin draining lymph nodes of mice administered primed WJ-MSCs. Genomics and bioinformatics analyses demonstrated the enrichment of certain pathways specifically in WJ-MSCs primed with poly I:C or IFN-γ. Conclusions Priming with poly I:C- or IFN-γ improved the therapeutic effects of WJ-MSCs in a murine model of AD. This study suggests that priming with poly I:C or IFN-γ enhances the immunomodulatory functions of WJ-MSCs and can be used as a novel therapeutic approach for AD.

In this work, we present a low-cost, label-free cellulose-based paper SERS (Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering) substrate for the sensitive detection of thiol compounds. Uniform silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized on cellulose filter paper via in situ reduction of a silver precursor under UVC irradiation, achieving a high SERS enhancement factor of 8.5 × 106. The Ag-cellulose substrate demonstrated reliable detection of benzenethiol, capturing its characteristic SERS signals with remarkable sensitivity. Quantitative analysis was enabled by adjusting exposure times for accurate calibration. Furthermore, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was successfully employed to distinguish mixed samples of benzenethiol, hexanethiol, and propanethiol, showcasing the substrate’s capability in separating complex mixtures. This cellulose-based AgNP platform offers a sustainable, cost-effective solution for rapid chemical detection, with significant potential for real-world applications such as environmental monitoring and food safety.

We have developed a 5′-capping library screening (CLS) method using over 30 different novel cap analogues. The optimal 5′-cap for the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) mRNA vaccine STP2104 was selected and applied. This is the first report to describe the proven safety of the novel cap analogue, SmartCap ® SC101, in humans and emphasize the importance of cap selection. STP2104 demonstrates safety, tolerability, and strong immune responses in humans. After confirming its safety through a GLP toxicity study, STP2104 was administered intramuscularly as a two-dose vaccine, separated by 28 days, in COVID-19-naive, healthy adult volunteers. In this multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation, phase I study with 30 participants (18 to 55 years of age), 15 individuals each were assigned to the low-dose (25 μg) and high-dose (50 μg) cohorts. The primary endpoints were the safety and immunogenicity in all cohorts. During the reporting period of the trial, no serious adverse events were reported. A plaque reduction neutralization test demonstrated an at least 21-fold increase in NAb titers from both cohorts when comparing pre-vaccination to 4-week post-second vaccination. These safety and NAb titer interim results support the efficiency and safety of SC101 and the STP2104 mRNA vaccine, including how STP2104 effectively induces NAb titers against SARS-CoV-2.

Sensors that capture diverse environmental information are crucial in the elemental technology driving the Fourth Industrial Revolution. However, the trade‐off between sensitivity and working range exhibited by conventional sensors results in limitations when the target stimuli deviate from their predesigned specifications. Thus, single sensors with adjustable performance characteristics must be developed to satisfy functionality requirements in diverse environments. In this study, a Tunable Usability‐Nourished Electrostatic‐based self‐powered force sensor (TUNE sensor) is introduced to overcome the limitations of the fixed detection performance of a single sensor. The tunable sensing performance of the TUNE sensor is achieved via mechano‐guided geometrical adaptation of its three‐dimensional (3D) structure formed via mechanical buckling. Continuous and reversible shape changes in the 3D structure allow modulation of the stiffness of the TUNE sensor, resulting in tunable sensing performance (sensitivity of 0.53 1.08 nC/N and working range of 1.01 0.35 N). The effectiveness of the tunable sensing performance is demonstrated through its implementation in a reconfigurable electronic scale and robotic sensing. This mechano‐guided geometrical adaptation strategy offers the potential for extending the use of sensors in multivariate environments and providing new opportunities for intelligent sensing systems in various applications. The Tunable Usability‐Nourished Electrostatic‐based self‐powered force sensor (TUNE sensor) is presented as a solution to the inherent limitation of fixed detection performance in conventional single sensors. Its tunable sensing capability is realized through mechano‐guided geometric adaptation of a three‐dimensional (3D) structure formed via mechanical buckling. The TUNE sensor's stiffness can be modulated through continuous and reversible deformation of this 3D structure.

Ethyl carbamate (EC) classified as a probable human carcinogen (Group 2A) is naturally formed in alcoholic beverages and fermented foods during fermentation process and/or during storage. The objective of this study was to analyze EC in 34 food items including 14 alcoholic beverages and 20 fermented foods sold in Korea. Each food was collected from 18 supermarkets in 9 metropolitan cities in Korea, and then made into composite. According to food composition and alcohol content, samples were divided into four matrices such as apple juice, milk, Soju (liquor containing about 20% alcohol), and rice porridge. The maximum EC value of 151.06 µg/kg was found in Maesilju (liquor made from Maesil and Soju). Whisky and Bokbunjaju (Korean black raspberry wine) contained 9.90 µg/kg and 6.30 µg/kg, respectively. EC was not detected in other alcoholic beverages. Of 20 fermented foods, Japanese-style soy sauce had highest level of 15.59 µg/kg and traditional one contained 4.18 µg/kg. Soybean paste had 1.18 µg/kg, however, EC was not found in other fermented foods.