DOMAIN,FIELD,PQ_FORMAT,TITLE,URL,PUBLISHING_DATE,EXPERIMENTAL_SETUP,MEASUREMENT_TAKEN,OUTCOME_PREDICTION_QUESTION,GTA,BACKGROUND_KNOWLEDGE,RELATED_PAPERS_DATA Physics,Experimental Condensed Matter Physics,MCQ,Ionization and temperature measurements in warm dense copper using x-ray absorption spectroscopy.,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.13272,"September 16, 2025","Researchers investigated the ionization and temperature of warm dense copper (Cu) using X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the OMEGA Laser Facility to characterize plasmas at several times solid density. The experimental configuration consists of a planar target and a separate backlighter positioned 3 mm away. A series of 60 laser beams, delivering 3.4–5.4 kJ per side of 351 nm light, and the achieved laser intensity is 161 - 770 TW/cm2 over the three pulse length configurations, was symmetrically focused onto a planar buried-layer target composed of 125 μm CH ablators enclosing a 10 μm-thick Cu foil (8.96 g/cm3 solid density) with a 500 µm diameter, surrounded by an Au washer. The laser spot (≈approximately 880 μm diameter) was smoothed with distributed phase plates and spectral dispersion to generate uniform counter-propagating shocks. A 6 μm Ge backlighter foil, coated on graphite and irradiated with six additional beams (≈1.2 kJ, 500 ps pulse), is produced at a spot diameter of 140 μm. The transmitted x-rays were recorded using the EFX flat-crystal spectrometer (Si 111) over the 6.3–11.4 keV range on an image plate with Mn, Fe, and W filters serving as fiducial markers. Shock timing and planarity, as well as shock break-in and break-out of the Cu layer, were verified through a line-imaging VISAR system and a streaked optical pyrometer (SOP) on one-sided targets, ensuring symmetric compression and precise backlighter synchronization. 3 VISAR measurement is done with 1 ns, 2 ns, or 3 ns square pulses using 14 beams per side, respectively. Each measurement has two VISAR channels with different sensitivities; one leg was set with 33.66 µm/ns/fringe, and the second with 13.538 µm/ns/fringe. ","- Shock breakout times (in ns) and planarity were measured with the VISAR system. - Shock velocity time history as a function of position across the target measured with the VISAR system. ","An investigation into shock breakout times and shock velocity time histories as a function of position across the target of warm dense copper (Cu) plasma is conducted using a VISAR system. The experimental configuration consists of a planar target and a separate backlighter positioned 3 mm away. A series of 60 laser beams was symmetrically focused onto a planar buried-layer target surrounded by an Au washer. The laser spot was smoothed with distributed phase plates and spectral dispersion to generate uniform counter-propagating shocks, compressing the Cu layer. A Ge backlighter foil, coated on graphite and irradiated with six additional beams, is produced. The transmitted X-rays were also recorded using the EFX flat-crystal spectrometer. Which behavior is most likely observed? a) Shocks were non-planar over the target region, and warm dense copper shows Ionization Potential Depression (IPD). b) Shocks were highly planar over the target region, and the absorption spectra of warm dense copper features blue shift of both the K-edge and the bound-bound resonance 1s→3p absorption relative to the cold edge. c) Shocks were highly planar over the target region, and the absorption spectra of warm dense copper features red shift of both the K-edge and the bound-bound resonance 1s→3p absorption relative to the cold edge. d) Shocks were highly planar over the target region, and the absorption spectra of warm dense copper features blue shift of the K-edge relative to the cold edge, but no shift for the bound-bound resonance 1s→3p absorption.","b) Shocks were highly planar over the target region, and the absorption spectra of warm dense copper features blue shift of both the K-edge and the bound-bound resonance 1s→3p absorption relative to the cold edge.","- Generating warm dense matter in the laboratory often involves significant temporal and spatial gradients that complicate the analysis of experimental observables. Incorporating gradients in the analysis of experimental data, while possible, increases the uncertainties in the inferred plasma conditions. - At these high-density conditions, the measured Cu K-edge exhibits sensitivity to the electron temperature, allowing for a direct inference of the temperature from the slope of the Cu K-edge. - Temperature sensitivity of the K-edge can still be the dominant edge effect, in general, as the temperature nears the Fermi energy, the K-edge shape of the non-degenerate material becomes unsuitable as a temperature inference.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Generating WDM in the laboratory often involves significant temporal and spatial gradients that complicate the analysis of experimental observables. Incorporating gradients in the analysis of experimental data, while possible, increases the uncertainties in the inferred plasma conditions. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Quantifying electron temperature distributions from time-integrated x-ray emission spectra""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/rsi/article-abstract/93/9/093517/2849062/Quantifying-electron-temperature-distributions?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 26, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 7 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Temperature sensitivity of the K-edge can still be the dominant edge effect, in general, as the temperature nears the Fermi energy, the K-edge shape of the non-degenerate material becomes unsuitable as a temperature inference.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""X-ray absorption 𝐾 edge as a diagnostic of the electronic temperature in warm dense aluminum""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.085117""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 10, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 10 in the paper""}]" Biology,"Neurobiology, Animal Behavior and Cognition.",Free-Format Question,Dopamine induces fear extinction by activating the reward-responding amygdala neurons,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12067255/,"April 28, 2025.","Researchers tested whether ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) drives fear extinction by acting on reward-responding posterior BLA (pBLA) neurons versus fear-coding anterior BLA (aBLA) neurons, using adult mice (DAT-IRES-Cre; EYFP controls; subtype mapping with Rspo2-Cre for aBLA and Ppp1r1b/Cartpt-Cre for pBLA). DAT-Cre mice received bilateral VTA injections of Cre-dependent ChR2-EYFP (activation) or eNpHR3.0-EYFP (inhibition); controls received EYFP; optic fibers were implanted over pBLA or aBLA to manipulate VTA→BLA terminals. Training: Day 1 contextual fear conditioning (baseline ~3 min, then 3 footshocks, 0.60 mA, 2 s); Day 2 45-min extinction (no shocks); Day 3 10-min retrieval. Intervention (extinction only): starting 5 min into extinction, deliver 8 cycles of 3-min light separated by 2-min no-light (activation: blue 450–470 nm, 8–12 mW, 20 Hz pulses; inhibition: green 520–550 nm, 8–12 mW, continuous) with fibers targeted to pBLA or aBLA. Behavior videos were recorded with VideoFreeze software and freezing level was scored manually by experimenters who were blinded to conditions or automatically with DeepLabCut behavior analysis toolbox and custom Python code (68). Freezing was quantified in 5-min bins across extinction and again during retrieval.","- Extinction learning: Percent freezing per 5-min bin across the 45-min Day 2 session (9 bins). Scored manually by experimenters who were blinded to conditions or automatically with DeepLabCut behavior analysis toolbox and custom Python code (68). - Extinction memory: Percent freezing during the Day 3 retrieval test (10 min). Scored manually by experimenters who were blinded to conditions or automatically with DeepLabCut behavior analysis toolbox and custom Python code (68).","Mice underwent contextual fear conditioning (Day 1: context + three 0.60 mA, 2 s shocks), 45-min extinction (Day 2, no shocks), and 10-min retrieval (Day 3). During extinction, VTA dopamine terminals in pBLA (Ppp1r1b⁺) or aBLA (Rspo2⁺) were optogenetically manipulated beginning 5 min into the session using 8 cycles of 3 min light separated by 2 min: activation (blue 450–470 nm, 8–12 mW, 20 Hz) or inhibition (green 520–550 nm, 8–12 mW, constant). Freezing was binned in 5-min windows across extinction and measured again at retrieval. How do these projection-specific manipulations (activation and inhibition of VTA dopamine terminals in the pBLA and in aBLA) affect fear extinction and retrieval compared with EYFP controls?","Activation of VTA dopamine terminals in the pBLA promotes faster extinction and improved retrieval, indicating an enhancement of extinction learning. In contrast, inhibition of pBLA dopamine input impairs both extinction and retrieval. Activation of VTA terminals in the aBLA leads to increased freezing later in extinction and poorer retrieval performance, suggesting interference with extinction memory formation, while inhibition of aBLA terminals produces no reliable behavioral change.","- Fear extinction is a form of new learning that allows for the adaptive control of fear behaviors and is commonly studied using Pavlovian conditioning tasks. - aBLA Rspo+ neurons encode negative valence and drive aversive behaviors whereas pBLA Ppp1r1b+ neurons encode positive valence and drive appetitive behaviors. - VTA dopamine as a teaching signal: DA activity to shock omission can initiate extinction learning and is required for extinction. - Terminal activation (ChR2, blue, pulsed) vs inhibition (eNpHR3.0, green, constant) at BLA terminals tests sufficiency/necessity of VTA→BLA pathways. - Freezing is the behavioral measure; decreases across 5-minute bins and at retrieval indicate successful extinction. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fear extinction is a form of new learning that allows for the adaptive control of fear behaviors and is commonly studied using Pavlovian conditioning tasks.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Conditioned reflexes: An investigation of the physiological activity of the cerebral cortex""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4116985/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""aBLA Rspo+ neurons encode negative valence and drive aversive behaviors whereas pBLA Ppp1r1b+ neurons encode positive valence and drive appetitive behaviors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antagonistic negative and positive neurons of the basolateral amygdala""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nn.4414""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 17, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""VTA dopamine as a teaching signal: DA activity to shock omission can initiate extinction learning and is required for extinction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A dopaminergic switch for fear to safety transitions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-04784-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 27, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Physiology,Free-Format Question,"Effect of combined Respiratory Muscle Training on Sleep and Cardiovascular Biometrics in a non-clinical cohort ",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.27.661934v1,"July 1, 2025","This prospective study investigated the effects of combined inspiratory and expiratory RMT (cRMT) on sleep parameters and cardiovascular biometrics, specifically heart rate variability (HRV), in a non-clinical adult cohort. Utilizing a wearable device for remote data collection, this randomized controlled trial included 67 participants divided into good and poor sleeper groups based on historical sleep data. Participants were selected from existing users of the Biostrap EVO (Biostrap LLC) wearable device. Participants were selected into two sub-samples based on their historical sleep characteristics. Participants who met the following criteria based on historical Biostrap data were considered good sleepers (n = 44): less than five awakenings per night, an average sleep score >70 out of 100, and an average sleep SpO2 of >96 24. The sleep score was determined from factors including total sleep duration, minutes of deep sleep (estimated), number of involuntary awakenings, relative HR compared to an individual's rolling 30 day average, and absolute number of low SpO2 readings with bins of 90-95, 80 to 89, and below 80 representing specific penalties. This gives a gross sleep score that is then corrected based on sleep efficiency, calculated as the total time asleep relative to the time in bed with a 5% buffer (no penalty). The remaining participants who did not meet these criteria were considered poor sleepers (n= 23). Within each subsample, participants were randomized into control and intervention groups. All participants signed a written informed consent form prior to participating in the study. All participants completed a one-week baseline phase, during which participants were required to wear their wrist-worn Biostrap wearable device each night while sleeping. Following the baseline phase, all participants completed a five-week experimental phase including combined inspiratory and expiratory combined RMT (cRMT). Participants randomized to the intervention group (n = 29) were required to use the Breather Fit (PN Medical, FL, USA), an cRMT device. The device provides adjustable resistance during inhale and exhale for strengthening the inspiratory and expiratory muscle groups. The training protocol included three sets of 10 breaths, twice per day on six days of the week. The target intensity of cRMT was 70% of maximum effort and those in the intervention group were supplied with an instructional video on cRMT and device care. Participants of the control group (n = 38) received no respiratory exercise. All participants were required to continue wearing the Biostrap EVO device throughout the experimental phase. Lastly, all participants completed a one-week washout phase, during which they continued wearing the Biostrap device but ceased using the RMT device.","-Measurement of sleep parameters and cardiovascular biometrics of the participants. - Heart rate variability (HRV) in participants in the intervention and control groups.","During a five-week intervention period, participants in the intervention group underwent cRMT using a Breather Fit device, while control group participants did not receive the intervention. What would you expect to happen in terms of heart rate variability and sleep parameters between the participants in intervention and control groups? ","Study findings demonstrated a significant increase in overnight HRV metrics during the intervention period compared to the baseline, indicating improved autonomic cardiac function. However, no significant changes were observed in any parameters of sleep quality.","-Insufficient sleep has various short- and long-term consequences, including an elevated risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. -Previous research has demonstrated that resistive respiratory muscle training (RMT) can enhance both sleep quality and cardiovascular health in individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, underscoring its efficacy as a non-pharmacological therapeutic strategy for this patient group. -Sleep-breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increase the incidence of major adverse events in patients with cardiovascular disease. -Given the intricate relationship between sleep-breathing disorders and cardiovascular health, heart rate variability (HRV) emerges as a critical non-invasive biomarker for assessing the autonomic nervous system’s response to these conditions. -HRV is the variation or irregularity in duration of beat-to-beat or interbeat intervals. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Insufficient sleep has various short- and long-term consequences, including an elevated risk of cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Short- and long-term health consequences of sleep disruption""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28579842/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 19, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Previous research has demonstrated that resistive respiratory muscle training (RMT) can enhance both sleep quality and cardiovascular health in individuals diagnosed with obstructive sleep apnea, underscoring its efficacy as a non-pharmacological therapeutic strategy for this patient group. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effects of inspiratory muscle training in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36419804/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 1, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Sleep-breathing disorders such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) increase the incidence of major adverse events in patients with cardiovascular disease.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A systematic review on the association of sleep-disordered breathing with cardiovascular pathology in adults""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36253378/\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 17, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Given the intricate relationship between sleep-breathing disorders and cardiovascular health, heart rate variability (HRV) emerges as a critical non-invasive biomarker for assessing the autonomic nervous system’s response to these conditions. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An Overview of Heart Rate Variability Metrics and Norms""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29034226/ ""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 28, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-HRV is the variation or irregularity in duration of beat-to-beat or interbeat intervals.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A healthy heart is not a metronome: an integrative review of the heart's anatomy and heart rate variability""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25324790/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 30, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,Free-Format Question,"Total Synthesis of Eudesmanolides Alantolactone, Isoalantodiene, Alloalantolactone, and 5α,6α-Epoxyalantolactone ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68a9905d23be8e43d6a01501,"August 29, 2025","To a flamed dried round-bottomed flask was added thiourea Jacobsen's organocatalyst (40.0 mg, 0.104 mmol, 5 mol%), 1-(4-Bromofuran-2-yl)-5-methylhex-5-en-1-one (0.535 g, 2.08 mmol, 1 equiv) and CH₂Cl₂ (4.2 mL, 0.5 M). The reaction flask was cooled to –78 °C in an acetone/dry ice bath, and TMSCN (0.57 mL, 4.56 mmol, 2.22 equiv) was added dropwise. The reaction was stirred for 15 min at the same temperature and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol (0.16 mL, 2.12 mmol, 1 equiv) was then added to the reaction flask. The mixture was stirred for 4 days at –78 °C using a cryocooler. After warming to rt the reaction was concentrated in vacuo, and the yellow oil obtained in this manner was purified by silica gel flash column chromatography (eluting with 5% Et₂O/hexanes) to yield the title compound (22, 0.50 g, 67%) as a clear, colorless oil. The enantiomers of the product could not be resolved by chiral GC or SFC analyses. Consequently, the researchers advanced the material to stereoselective IMDAF and desilylation, where these products were resolvable by chiral SFC analysis. ","- Yield of the enantiomeric mixture using NMR. - Enantiomeric excess determined by chiral SFC analysis ",1-(4-bromofuran-2-yl)-5-methylhex-5-en-1-one was reacted with TMSCN (excess) and Jacobsen's thiourea catalyst (5 mol%) in CH₂Cl₂ at -78 °C for 4 d. What is the name of the product obtained?,2-(4-bromofuran-2-yl)-6-methyl-2-((trimethylsilyl)oxy)hept-6-enenitrile,"- Ketones can be enantioselectively cyanosilylated in the presence of Jacobsen's thiourea catalyst and TMSCN -Alantolactone and isoalantolactone, members of the eudesmanolide class of sesquiterpenoid lactones, have been extensively investigated for their pharmacological function","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ketones can be enantioselectively cyanosilylated in the presence of Jacobsen's thiourea catalyst and TMSCN.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thiourea-Catalyzed Enantioselective Cyanosilylation of Ketones""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ja052511x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 4, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled ""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Alantolactone and isoalantolactone, members of the eudesmanolide class of\nsesquiterpenoid lactones, have been extensively investigated for their pharmacological function""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Alantolactone: A Natural Plant Extract as a Potential Therapeutic Agent for Cancer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2021.781033/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 25, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Alantolactone and isoalantolactone, members of the eudesmanolide class of\nsesquiterpenoid lactones, have been extensively investigated for their pharmacological function""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Isoalantolactone: a review on its pharmacological effects""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2024.1453205/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 22, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Spintronics,MCQ,Enhanced Spin Pumping and Magnetization dynamics in Ni_80Fe_20/MoS_2 stack via interface modification,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.09248,"May 14, 2025","An experiment is conducted to investigate the magnetization dynamics at the interface of a spintronic heterostructure. A thin film of Permalloy ($Ni_{80}Fe_{20}$, or Py) with a thickness of 5 nm is deposited via DC magnetron sputtering onto a silicon substrate ($Si/SiO_{2}$) that is covered by a monolayer of molybdenum disulfide ($ML-MoS_{2}$). For comparison, a reference sample of 5 nm Py is also deposited directly onto a bare $Si/SiO_{2}$ substrate. The quality and thickness of the deposited layers are confirmed via X-ray reflectivity (XRR) using a Rigaku X-ray diffractometer. The dynamic magnetic properties of the samples are then characterized at room temperature using broadband ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy, where the derivative of the microwave absorption is measured as a function of an in-plane applied DC magnetic field. These measurements were conducted at room temperature using a lock-in-based broadband FMR setup (NanOsc). The spectra were recorded at a microwave frequency of 11 GHz.",- Ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectra showing the derivative of microwave absorption (dI/dH) as a function of the in-plane DC magnetic field ($H_{DC}$) for the reference Py (5 nm) and ML-MoS_{2}/Py (5 nm) sample. ,"An experiment compares the ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectrum of a 5 nm Permalloy (Py) film deposited on a bare silicon substrate with an identical Py film deposited on a silicon substrate covered by a monolayer of $MoS_{2}$. Based on the principles of magnetization dynamics, what is the most likely shape of the FMR spectrum for the Py film deposited on the monolayer $MoS_{2}$? A) The spectrum exhibits two distinct resonance peaks, as the discontinuous, island-like MoS_{2} underlayer creates two different magnetic environments. B) The spectrum shows a single resonance peak that is significantly broadened compared to the reference sample, due to increased Gilbert damping from spin pumping into the $MoS_{2}$ layer. C) The spectrum shows a single resonance peak that is shifted to a lower magnetic field compared to the reference sample, caused by a change in the interfacial anisotropy. D) The spectrum shows a single resonance peak that is significantly sharper and narrower than the reference sample, as the two-dimensional nature of the $MoS_{2}$ interface reduces magnetic inhomogeneities.","A) The spectrum exhibits two distinct resonance peaks, as the discontinuous, island-like MoS_{2} underlayer creates two different magnetic environments.","- Pure spin currents can be generated via spin pumping on material interfaces. - Two dimensional (2D) semiconducting layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have unique electronic band structures, valley effects, strong spin orbit coupling, and broken inversion symmetry, which enable distinct charge and spin transport phenomena. - Gilbert damping can be enhanced at material interfaces. - The intrinsic FMR linewidth for conduction electrons arises from spin-orbit coupling. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pure spin currents can be generated via spin pumping on material interfaces.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Spin pumping and magnetization dynamics in metallic multilayers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.66.224403""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 5, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item. This paper is used as a reference in the main paper (Reference 7).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pure spin currents can be generated via spin pumping on material interfaces.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nonlocal magnetization dynamics in ferromagnetic heterostructures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/rmp/abstract/10.1103/RevModPhys.77.1375""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item. This paper is used as a reference in the main paper (Reference 6).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two dimensional (2D) semiconducting layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have unique electronic band structures, valley effects, strong spin orbit coupling, and broken inversion symmetry, which enable distinct charge and spin transport phenomena.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Atomically Thin MoS₂: A New Direct-Gap Semiconductor""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.105.136805""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 24, 2010 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item. This paper is used as a reference in the main paper (Reference 12).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two dimensional (2D) semiconducting layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have unique electronic band structures, valley effects, strong spin orbit coupling, and broken inversion symmetry, which enable distinct charge and spin transport phenomena.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Giant spin-orbit-induced spin splitting in two-dimensional transition-metal dichalcogenide semiconductors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.153402""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 14, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item. This paper is used as a reference in the main paper (Reference 13).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two dimensional (2D) semiconducting layered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have unique electronic band structures, valley effects, strong spin orbit coupling, and broken inversion symmetry, which enable distinct charge and spin transport phenomena.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Control of valley polarization in monolayer MoS2 by optical helicity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":"" https://doi.org/10.1038/nnano.2012.96""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 17, 2012 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item. This paper is used as a reference in the main paper (Reference 14).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Gilbert damping can be enhanced at material interfaces.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Study of fully epitaxial Fe/Pt bilayers for spin pumping by ferromagnetic resonance spectroscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.93.134405""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 5, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item. This paper is used as a reference in the main paper (Reference 41).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The intrinsic FMR linewidth for conduction electrons arises from spin-orbit coupling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Origin of Intrinsic Gilbert Damping""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.102.137601""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 31, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item. This paper is used as a reference in the main paper (Reference 38).""}]" Chemistry,Archaeological chemistry,MCQ,Adjacent radiocarbon dating of Iron Age site foundation ,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/682ec5413ba0887c3332b980,"May 28, 2025","Researchers have developed a chemical procedure for radiocarbon dating metal archaeological samples. A total of six samples from the iconic Iron Age site Creney-le-Paradis were analysed, all consisting of fibres extracted from mineralised textiles still in contact with a bronze substrate. The conversion of the samples to CO2 took place in sealed quartz tubes under vacuum (l = 16 cm, 0.8 cm diameter; Möller, Switzerland) and heated to 643 K for 30 min in a muffle furnace (SOLO Industrieöfen GmbH, Biel, Switzerland). After the combustion process, CO2 is purified in a dedicated vacuum line for cryo-trapping. Water is trapped in a Peltier module cooled to 248 K, while carbon dioxide is trapped in a calibrated volume cold finger fitted with a pressure sensor and cooled to 78 K with liquid nitrogen. The latter is finally transferred, frozen, and flame-sealed in a borosilicate tube cooled with a liquid nitrogen trap. 14C measurement of the purified CO2 fraction, corresponding to the mineral carbon in the carbonates, is carried out via a gas interface system (GIS) coupled to the accelerator mass spectrometer (AMS). The black solid residue left in the broken glass ampoule is treated with 1-M HCl, ensuring the removal of other carbonate contamination. The dried solid residue is packed in an aluminum boat and its 14C content is measured by direct combustion in an elemental analyzer (EA) coupled to the AMS. All radiocarbon measurements were performed on the compact Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) at the Laboratory of Ion Beam Physics, ETH Zurich, Switzerland.","• Stable isotope ratios expressed as δ13C in ‰ units. • Radiocarbon ages expressed in BP years units. • Calendar ages expressed in BC years units. ","Researchers have developed a chemical procedure for radiocarbon dating metallic archaeological samples. A total of six samples from the iconic Iron Age site Creney-le-Paradis were analysed, all consisting of fibres extracted from mineralised textiles still in contact with the bronze substrate. Two CO2 fractions were obtained by both thermal decomposition of copper carbonates and combustion of the remaining solid organic residue, if any. Then, the CO2 fractions were assessed by AMS, and their respective 13C/12C ratios were measured by IRMS. Radiocarbon ages were calibrated using Oxcal v.4.4 software with the Intcal20 atmospheric curve. Mark all the correct options. A. The mean radiocarbon age is 2619 ± 11 yr BP, and the calendar age is 808-790 BC. B. The calendar age is 2619 ± 11 yr BC, and the mean radiocarbon age is 808-790 BP. C. δ13C values range from −27 to -22‰. D. δ13C values range from −22 to −17‰. ","A. The mean radiocarbon age is 2619 ± 11 yr BP, and the calendar age is 808-790 BC. D. δ13C values range from −22 to −17‰. ","• The advent of accelerator mass spectrometers (AMS) allows the number of 14C atoms to be measured relative to the number of 12C atoms. • 13C/12C isotope ratio can be expressed as a δ13C value, which indicates the possible origin of the dated carbon fraction. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The advent of accelerator mass spectrometers (AMS) allows the number of 14C atoms to be measured relative to the number of 12C atoms.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Carbon-14: Direct Detection at Natural Concentrations""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.198.4316.507""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 4, 1977""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""13C/12C isotope ratio can be expressed as a δ13C value, which indicates the possible origin of the dated carbon fraction. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""STABLE ISOTOPES IN ECOSYSTEM STUDIES""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.es.18.110187.001453""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 1, 1987""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Physics,"Applied physics, thermodynamics, mechanical engineering, energy and transport.",MCQ,Reducing Temperature Swing and Rectifying Radiative Heat Transfer for Passive Dynamic Space Thermal Control with Variable-Emittance Coatings,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.13794,"Sep 17, 2025","Tunable VO2-based Fabry-Pérot (VO2FP) variable-emittance coating made of 55-nm VO2, 500-nm silicon, and 200-nm aluminum thin films was fabricated on a double-side polished silicon wafer via thin film sputtering. Black Actar and highly reflective tungsten mirrors are used to calibrate the parasitic head load and heat flux sensor sensitivity. With the cold finger at 80 K to mimic external radiative scenarios in space. A tungsten mirror was fabricated by sputtering 200-nm-thick tungsten at a rate of 0.15 nm/s onto a polished silicon wafer. Double-sided, polished silicon wafers, 280 µm thick, with various doping levels, were commercially purchased with different resistivities. A freshly deposited aluminum mirror was used as the reference. A commercial black Actar sample was attached to a polished silicon wafer with thermal paste. The spectral reflectance of these static-emittance samples was measured at a temperature of 25°C. The radiative thermal tests were conducted under high vacuum (<10^ (-3) Pa) inside a cryostat (Janis VPF-800) equipped with a cold finger and a custom-made sample mount. A test sample, along with a heat flux sensor (FluxTeq, PHFS-01) of ±5% accuracy and a polyimide thin-film heater (OMEGA Engineering, KHLVA-101/10-P), was first attached to a 5-mm-thick acrylic carrier plate of 1-inch square size. After the acrylic carrier plate was pinned onto the brackets with approximately 2 mm spacing between the sample and the cold finger, the cryostat was then brought down to high vacuum, followed by the filling of liquid nitrogen (LN2) to cool the cold finger to 80 K, which simulates the cold space thermal environment. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (Thermo Fisher Scientific, iS50) along with a variable-angle reflection accessory (Harrick Scientific, Seagull) was used to measure the spectral specular reflectance at 10° incidence angle in the wavelength range from 2 µm to 22 µm at a resolution of 4 cm-1 with each spectrum averaged over 32 scans. Spectral measurements were taken twice, once during the heating cycle and once during the cooling cycle, over the range of 27 °C to 91 °C. After each temperature reached the set point for 5 minutes, with a fluctuation of less than 1 °C, measurements were taken. ","- Spectral infrared reflectance (in %) measured against wavelength from 2 μm to 22 μm on a tunable VO₂FP variable-emittance coating in the heating cycle from 27 °C to 91 °C. - Spectral infrared reflectance (in %) measured against wavelength from 2 μm to 22 μm on a tunable VO₂FP variable-emittance coating in the cooling cycle from 27 °C to 91 °C.","A tunable VO2-based Fabry-Pérot (VO2FP) variable-emittance coating, composed of VO2 and aluminum thin films, was fabricated on a double-sided polished silicon wafer via thin-film sputtering. A Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, along with a variable-angle reflection accessory (Harrick Scientific, Seagull), was used to measure the spectral specular reflectance at 10° incidence angle in the wavelength range from 2 μm to 22 μm. Predict which statements accurately describe the behavior of spectral infrared reflectance and emittance for the tunable VO₂FP emitter across heating and cooling cycles? a) A high reflection dip around 19 - 21 μm wavelength and reflectance increases as the temperature decreases. b) A high reflection dip around 19 - 21 μm wavelength and reflectance decreases as the temperature decreases. c) A law reflecting a dip around 6 - 9 μm wavelength and reflectance decreases as the temperature decreases. d) A law reflecting a dip around 6 - 9 μm wavelength and reflectance increases as the temperature decreases.",d) A law reflecting a dip around 6 - 9 μm wavelength and reflectance increases as the temperature decreases.,"-Slight angular dependence of the total emittance for the VO2FP emitter at the metallic phase due to the nature of wave interference when FP resonance is excited; therefore, the total hemispherical emittance of the VO2FP emitter in the metallic phase is reduced by 10% from the total normal emittance, while it remains the same in the insulating phase without excitation of FP resonance. - The undoped and medium-doped silicon samples have almost the same total hemispherical emittance with the tunable VO2FP emitter in its insulating and metallic phase, respectively.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Slight angular dependence of the total emittance for the VO2FP emitter at the metallic phase due to the nature of wave interference when FP resonance is excited; therefore, the total hemispherical emittance of the VO2FP emitter in the metallic phase is reduced by 10% from the total normal emittance, while it remains the same in the insulating phase without excitation of FP resonance. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Vanadium dioxide based Fabry-Perot emitter for dynamic radiative cooling applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S002240731630574X?casa_token=Txf3yLnmKmQAAAAA:55GKPd5JdT7D7ILEzEajIolvZqK_C8PY5yy89APKv-c-DVpbM_TW7gQLTo6fwz_pKZ5uoj09z1kt""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 13 in the paper""}]" Biology,Biology/ Microbiology,Free-Format Question,Early Pregnancy Marks Significant Shifts in the Oral Microbiome,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.29.679276v2,"November 5, 2025","To analyze the development of the oral microbiome during pregnancy, the researchers recruited an Israeli cohort of pregnant women sampled during T1, T2, and T3. A total of 346 Israeli women were recruited, and 467 oral microbiome samples were processed: 235 from T1 (11-14 gestational weeks), 144 from T2 (24-28 gestational weeks), and 88 from T3 (32-38 gestational weeks). At recruitment, the height and current weight of the study participants were recorded, and participants were interviewed by a dietitian for stress level, working hours, sleeping hours, smoking, education, and a 24-hour recall for food intake, categorizing food remarks in 4: Normal, Vegan or Vegetarian, High Carb, and Gluten Free. Participants then provided a saliva sample, collected in 1.5 ml tubes and stored at 125 -80°C until processing. Similar procedures were repeated in the study population in T2 (24-28 gestational weeks) and T3 (32-38 gestational weeks) of pregnancy. DNA was extracted from all collected samples using the PowerSoil DNA Isolation Kit (MO BIO, Carlsbad, CA, USA) according to the manufacturer’s instructions and following a 2˜min bead beating step (BioSpec, Bartlesville, OK, USA). The variable V4 region of the 16S rRNA gene was PCR-amplified using the 515F and 806R barcoded primers following the Earth Microbiome Project protocol. Each PCR reaction contained 25 µl with ∼40 ng/µl of DNA, 2 µl 515F (forward, 10 µM) primer, 2 µl 806R (reverse, 10 µM) primer, and 25 µl PrimeSTAR Max PCR Readymix (Takara, Mountain View, CA, USA). PCR conditions were as follows: 30 cycles of denaturation at 98°C for 10 s, annealing at 55°C for 5 s, and extension at 72° C for 20 s, followed by a final elongation at 72° C for 1 min. Amplicons were purified using AMPure magnetic beads(Beckman Coulter, Indianapolis, IN, USA) and quantified using the Picogreen dsDNA quantitation kit (ThermoFisher, Waltham, MA, USA). Equimolar amounts of DNA from individual samples were pooled and sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform at the Azrieli Faculty of Medicine’s Genome Center. Microbiome associations were obtained from analyzing DNA samples.","-Microbiome associations obtained from processing of DNA samples collected from saliva of women at 3 stages of pregnancy (T1, T2, T3). -Categories of food intake per women: normal, vegetarian or vegan, high carb, and gluten-free, registered from interviews with a dietary.","Researchers analyzed the development of the oral microbiome during pregnancy by collecting saliva samples from 346 Israeli women at different pregnancy stages (T1, T2, and T3). Saliva samples were processed to extract DNA and obtain microbiome associations. Besides the sample collection, the 346 women were interviewed regarding their food intake habits, categorizing them in 4 different types of diet: normal, vegetarian or vegan, high carb, and gluten-free. Which of those types of diet would show the strongest and most consistent associations with oral microbiome composition?",Gluten-free diet showed the strongest and most consistent associations with oral microbiome composition across all trimesters,"-The oral microbiome undergoes distinct compositional changes throughout pregnancy, influenced by hormonal, immunologic, and metabolic shifts. - Pregnancy associated changes can increase susceptibility to oral disease and have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. -Conversely, diets rich in fiber, plant polyphenols, and micronutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium, are associated with greater oral microbial diversity, resilience, and anti-inflammatory properties.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The oral microbiome undergoes distinct compositional changes throughout pregnancy, influenced by hormonal, immunologic, and metabolic shifts.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Metabarcoding analysis of oral microbiome during pregnancy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39742335/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 17, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pregnancy associated changes can increase susceptibility to oral disease and have been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microbiome and Pregnancy Dysbiosis: A Narrative Review on Offspring Health""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40292452/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 15, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Conversely, diets rich in fiber, plant polyphenols, and micronutrients, such as vitamin D and calcium, are associated with greater oral microbial diversity, resilience, and anti-inflammatory properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Acquiring and maintaining a normal oral microbiome: current perspective""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25019064/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 26, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant Biology,Free-Format Question,Role of AtCPK5 and AtCPK6 in the regulation of the plant immune response triggered by rhamnolipids in Arabidopsis,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.22.683368v1,"October 23, 2025","Researchers examined the RL (Rhamnolipid)-induced resistance to Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato strain DC3000 (Pst DC3000). To do this, the strain was grown at 28 °C under stirring in King’s B (KB) liquid medium supplemented with antibiotic: 50 μg/mL rifampicin. Arabidopsis plants (WT, cpk5, cpk6, and cpk5/6 double mutant) were grown individually for 4 weeks in soil. For each experiment, six pots per condition were used (biological replicates, n = 6). Two days before infection, plants were sprayed with RLs (0.6mg/mL) or water as a control and were placed in a high-humidity atmosphere. The plants were then infiltrated with bacterial suspension at a concentration of 10^7 CFU/mL (in 10 mM MgCl2) using a needleless syringe. Bacterial quantification in planta (colony-forming units;CFU) was performed 3 days post-infection (dpi). To this end, all plant leaves from the same pot were harvested, weighed, and crushed in a mortar with 10 mL of 10 mM MgCl2, and serial dilutions were performed. For each dilution, 10 μL were dropped on KB plate supplemented with appropriate antibiotics. CFU were counted after 2 days of incubation at 28 °C. The number of bacteria per milligram of plant fresh mass was obtained with the following formula: CFU.mg^-1 = ((N × Vd/Vi × 10^𝑛−1 × 100)/M) where N= CFU number, Vi= volume depot on plate, Vd= total volume, n=dilution number, and M=plant fresh mass). ","- Bacterial load (CFU/mg fresh weight;P. syringae) in Arabidopsis plants (WT, cpk5, cpk6, and cpk5/6 double mutant) pretreated with vs. without rhamnolipids. ","Researchers investigated how RL (rhamnolipid) treatment affects resistance to the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 (Pst DC3000) in Arabidopsis wild-type and mutant plants (cpk5, cpk6, and cpk5/6). Two days before infection, plants were sprayed with RLs (0.6mg/mL) or water as a control and were placed in a high-humidity atmosphere. The plants were then infiltrated with bacterial suspension at a concentration of 10^7 CFU/mL (in 10 mM MgCl2) using a needleless syringe. Bacterial quantification in planta (colony-forming units;CFU) was performed 3 days post-infection (dpi). Plant leaves from the same pot were harvested, weighed, and crushed in a mortar with 10 mL of 10 mM MgCl2, and serial dilutions were performed. For each dilution, 10 μL were dropped on KB plate supplemented with appropriate antibiotics. CFU were counted after 2 days of incubation at 28 °C. The number of bacteria per milligram of plant fresh mass was obtained with the following formula: CFU.mg^-1 = ((N × Vd/Vi × 10^𝑛−1 × 100)/M) where N= CFU number, Vi= volume depot on plate, Vd= total volume, n=dilution number, and M=plant fresh mass). Predict the relative disease sensitivity (bacterial susceptibility) of all Arabidopsis plant genotypes after RL pretreatment and infection with P. syringae pv. tomato DC3000.","After pretreatment with RL, plant backgrounds will display similarly low disease senstivity.","-Rhamnolipids (RLs) are natural, highly biodegradable molecules produced by some bacteria that can induce disease resistance to phytopathogens in various plant species, therefore activating the immune response. - CPKs are involved in plant development and plant response to biotic and abiotic stress.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Rhamnolipids (RLs) are natural, highly biodegradable molecules produced by some bacteria that can induce disease resistance to phytopathogens in various plant species, therefore activating the immune response.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biosurfactants in Plant Protection Against Diseases: Rhamnolipids and Lipopeptides Case Study""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2020.01014/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 7, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CPKs are involved in plant development and plant response to biotic and abiotic stress.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The role of CDPKs in plant development, nutrient and stress signaling""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/genetics/articles/10.3389/fgene.2022.996203/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 29, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Behavioral ecology / Primatology,MCQ,Social Tolerance and Innovation in Capuchins: socially more tolerant brown capuchins are better problem-solvers than less tolerant white-faced capuchins,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.05.674457v1.full,"September 7, 2025","Researchers tested three groups of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus)(n = 23 individuals in total) and three groups of brown capuchins (Sapajus apella) (n = 20 individuals in total) to explore and compare the relationship between social tolerance and problem-solving propensities. To measure social tolerance, they prepared an area of 1 m2 per five animals in the group, in which they distributed apple pieces and measured the proportion of individuals within the co-feeding area at each scan sample. To measure problem-solving propensities, they designed three versions of novel extractive foraging devices requiring one to three steps to acquire the food reward. For the first puzzle, animals had to rotate a door to either the left or right to access a hidden reward (1/24 of an apple) by reaching into a box. For the second puzzle, animals had to pull on a chain reaching out of a box, which moved a blockade out of the way so that they could push in a door and reach into the box. For the third puzzle, animals had to pull a metal rod blocking a slider that had to be pulled upwards and held in position to reach into the box and then pull on a chain to access the hidden reward. Researchers analyzed the approaching, exploring, and solving behaviour separately.","- Proportion of individuals within the co-feeding area at each scan sample (social tolerance) - Proportion of individuals within the puzzle area at each scan sample (social tolerance) - Number of approaches to a food puzzle area. - Approaching a food puzzle area duration. - Approaches to a food puzzle area latency - Number of exploration events (touch, sniff, interact) during the approaches to a food puzzle area - Number of times the capuchins successfully solved the puzzles - Exploration of food puzzle events latency. - Time to solve a puzzle","Researchers tested three groups of white-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and three groups of brown capuchins (Sapajus apella) to explore and compare the relationship between social tolerance and problem-solving propensities. To measure social tolerance, they prepared an area of 1 m2 per five animals in the group, in which they distributed apple pieces and measured the proportion of individuals within the co-feeding area at each scan sample. To measure problem-solving propensities, they designed three versions of novel extractive foraging devices requiring one to three steps to acquire the food reward. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Both species should show the same levels of social tolerance and problem-solving propensities. B. White-faced capuchins should show the highest level of social tolerance and problem-solving propensities. C. White-faced capuchins should show the lowest level of social tolerance and problem-solving propensities. D. White-faced capuchins should show the highest level of social tolerance and the lowest level of problem-solving propensities.",C. White-faced capuchins should show the lowest level of social tolerance and problem-solving propensities.,"- Social tolerance has increasingly been linked to the facilitation of social learning across a variety of species, including chimpanzees, orangutans, macaques, capuchin monkeys, lemurs, and birds. - White-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and brown capuchins (Sapajus apella) exhibit a diverse array of traditions - White-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) are less known for using tools (but see Barrett et al., 2018), but they regularly engage in object use (Boinski, 1988). - Robust capuchins (Sapajus spp.) have fewer documented social traditions but exhibit a wide range of foraging traditions, including tool-use, and show notable social tolerance in these contexts, tolerating close proximity of conspecifics","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Social tolerance has increasingly been linked to the facilitation of social learning across a variety of species, including chimpanzees, orangutans, macaques, capuchin monkeys, lemurs, and birds. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Social tolerance and role model diversity increase tool use learning opportunities across chimpanzee ontogeny""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-07885-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 28, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""White-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) and brown capuchins (Sapajus apella) exhibit a diverse array of traditions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Complete Capuchin: The Biology of the Genus Cebus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cambridge.org/br/universitypress/subjects/life-sciences/biological-anthropology-and-primatology/complete-capuchin-biology-genus-icebusi?format=PB&isbn=9780521667685#contents""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 21, 2004""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Reference book (the URL provided is for reference only)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""White-faced capuchins (Cebus capucinus) are less known for using tools (but see Barrett et al., 2018), but they regularly engage in object use""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Habitual stone-tool-aided extractive foraging in white-faced capuchins, Cebus capucinus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.181002""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 25, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Robust capuchins (Sapajus spp.) have fewer documented social traditions but exhibit a wide range of foraging traditions, including tool-use, and show notable social tolerance in these contexts, tolerating close proximity of conspecifics""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Wild capuchin monkeys use stones and sticks to access underground food""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-61243-8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 06, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,Free-Format Question,Developmental and Stress-Induced Effects on 5-HT3R-Expressing Interneurons within Auditory Cortex,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.675013v1,"Sep 09, 2025","Researchers characterized the cell type-specific expression profiles of 5-HT3R within two major subpopulations of 5-HT3R cells, NDNF⁺ and VIP⁺, in A1, to analyze their developmental trajectories under normal conditions and the influence of early life stress (ELS). Brain sections containing A1 were obtained from mixed-sex groups of Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus) to study the development of cell populations. Two control groups, CTR10 and CTR15, were sacrificed at postnatal days 10 and 15, respectively, to characterize the timeline of normal development in A1 during the auditory cortex (ACx) critical period. A third control group, CTR30, was sacrificed at postnatal day 30 to assess the closure of the critical period. Two additional groups, “Restraint” ELS (ELSR) and “Open field” (ELSO), were subjected to a separate form of stress induction during the ACx critical period, and sacrificed at postnatal day 30. For each sample, coronal sections containing A1 were collected on a cryostat microtome, and adhered to SuperFrost Plus slides. RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) was performed using RNAscope probes, which were hybridized at 40°C for 2 hours, followed by of signal amplification, and fluorescent labeling using channel-specific horseradish peroxidases and TSA vivid fluorophores All slides were counterstained with DAPI for 30s prior to coverslipping. NDNF⁺ and VIP⁺ cells were quantified through the neocortical layers 1-4 (L1, L2/3, and L4), which were visually identified based on packing densities illuminated by DAPI. Tiled images of A1 containing L1-L4 were taken at 40x in four channels to generate A1 “maps” which were used to identify all cells that expressed NDNF⁺ and VIP⁺ mRNA within the region of interest. The RNAscope assay was used to quantify the levels of Htr3a mRNA expression through the count of discrete fluorescent puncta of each NDNF⁺ and VIP⁺ cell within A1 image at 150x in three channels. ","- Comparison of NDNF⁺ and VIP⁺ cell densities across layers under normal development and the influence of ELS. - Quantification of fluorescent puncta in NDNF⁺ and VIP⁺ cells under normal development and the influence of ELS. ","Two subpopulations of cells, NDNF⁺ and VIP⁺, contribute to 5-HT3R expression, which may play a role in regulating critical period plasticity in ACx. Quantification of cells and mRNA expression for each cell subpopulation was performed by manual counting of images obtained through RNA fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) to evaluate the effect of ELS. Results were compared between the A1 sections of L1-L4 from: a) control groups, sacrificed at postnatal days 10, 15, and 30; b) the ELSR group, sacrificed at postnatal day 30; c) the ELSO group, sacrificed at postnatal day 30. In NDNF⁺ Layer 1, what is the comparison of cell density between ELSR and CTR30? ",NDNF⁺ cell density is significantly higher in ELSR compared to CTR30,"- Early life stress (ELS) contributes to neuropsychiatric disease in both humans and animal models. - The auditory cortex (ACx) is a brain region where exposure to ELS during a critical period impairs both neural and behavioral responses to a variety of auditory stimuli that rely on temporal processing. - Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter linked to stress, developmental plasticity, and the auditory system. - 5-HT3 receptors (5-HT3R) are serotonin receptors that may have a role in regulating critical period plasticity in ACx. 5-HT3R gene expression can be affected by ELS. - Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are cells that are densely populated in superficial cortical layers that express 5-HT3R. - Neuron derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF) are cells that are mostly confined to L1, and that express 5-HT3R","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Early life stress (ELS) contributes to neuropsychiatric disease in both humans and animal models""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Childhood adversities and adult psychopathology in the WHO World Mental Health Surveys""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1192/bjp.bp.110.080499""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The auditory cortex (ACx) is a brain region where exposure to ELS during a critical period impairs both neural and behavioral responses to a variety of auditory stimuli that rely on temporal processing.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Early-Life Stress Impairs Perception and Neural Encoding of Rapid Signals in the Auditory Pathway\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1523/JNEUROSCI.1787-22.2023.""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 3, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Serotonin (5-HT) is a neurotransmitter linked to stress, developmental plasticity, and the auditory system.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Context-dependent modulation of auditory processing by serotonin""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heares.2010.12.015""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) are cells that are densely populated in superficial cortical layers that express 5-HT3R.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Primary auditory thalamus relays directly to cortical layer 1 interneurons""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.16.603741""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 18, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Neuron derived neurotrophic factor (NDNF) are cells that are mostly confined to L1, and that express 5-HT3R""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Primary auditory thalamus relays directly to cortical layer 1 interneurons""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.07.16.603741""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 18, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry,Numerical Values,Towards enhanced selection of antibiotics in a hospital laboratory – development of a rapid electrochemical-based antimicrobial sensitivity test for Urinary Tract Infections.,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68839d31728bf9025e354df8 ,"July 29, 2025","Clinical midstream urine samples received for culture and antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) were collected across three external hospital laboratories: Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI, UK), the North-East Innovation Lab at the Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (NuTH, UK), and Breach Candy Hospital Trust (BCHT, India). A total of 89 clinically derived urine samples were screened, with site-specific inclusion criteria used to preferentially select UTI-positive specimens (e.g., leukocyte or nitrite positivity on urinalysis at GRI, predefined microscopy-based screening at NuTH, and pus cell count plus leucocyte esterase positivity at BCHT). For RapidPlate™ testing, 20 μL of each selected urine sample was directly inoculated into wells of a disposable electrochemical cartridge containing agar gels with nutrients, redox mediator, and a panel of six UTI-relevant antibiotics—amoxicillin, cefalexin, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, and trimethoprim—each present at a single concentration corresponding to the EUCAST breakpoint and arranged in triplicate wells alongside positive and negative control wells. Cartridges were inserted into RapidPlate™ reader units, which performed electrochemical impedance spectroscopy–based monitoring of bacterial growth in the presence and absence of each antibiotic. In parallel, standard clinical AST was carried out on the same urine samples at each site using the routine reference methods: VITEK 2 automated broth microdilution (N445 card) at GRI and Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion (KBDD) at NuTH and BCHT, with species-specific breakpoints applied according to local clinical guidelines. For each clinical sample and antibiotic combination across all three clinical sites, the categorical AST result reported by the RapidPlate™ system (susceptible, resistant or, where applicable, intermediate/susceptible–increased exposure) was later compared with the corresponding categorical AST result from the site-specific reference method.","- For each included clinical urine sample at each hospital site (Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals, Breach Candy Hospital Trust) and for each antibiotic on the RapidPlate™ panel (amoxicillin, cefalexin, ciprofloxacin, fosfomycin, nitrofurantoin, trimethoprim), researchers recorded the categorical antibiotic susceptibility result reported by the RapidPlate™ system (e.g. susceptible, resistant or, where applicable, intermediate/susceptible–increased exposure) based on electrochemical impedance measurements collected during the cartridge run time. - For the same clinical urine samples and antibiotics, at each site, researchers recorded the categorical antibiotic susceptibility result reported by the local routine reference method (VITEK 2 automated broth microdilution at Glasgow Royal Infirmary; Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion at Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals and Breach Candy Hospital Trust), using site-specific species–antibiotic clinical breakpoints. - For all sample–antibiotic pairs that had valid categorical results from both RapidPlate™ and the corresponding reference method, researchers counted the number of pairs in which RapidPlate™ and the reference method reported the same susceptibility category, as well as the total number of such pairs across all three clinical sites. ","Researchers used a RapidPlate electrochemical impedance–based antibiotic susceptibility test on clinical midstream urine samples at three hospital laboratories and compared its antibiotic susceptibility predictions to conventional reference methods (VITEK 2 broth microdilution and Kirby–Bauer disk diffusion). Considering all three clinical sites together, what was the overall categorical agreement (in percent) between RapidPlate™ and the reference methods?","94% [89% - 99%] ","-Current standard methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) include automated systems such as VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, France), in addition to traditional techniques like Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and broth microdilution - Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is amongst the most sensitive electrochemical techniques for evaluating interfacial and bulk solution changes in a system. EIS can monitor differences in the electrical properties of the system over time by applying an alternating current at a range of frequencies.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Current standard methods for antibiotic susceptibility testing (AST) include automated systems such as VITEK 2 (bioMérieux, France), in addition to traditional techniques like Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion and broth microdilution""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Current and Emerging Methods of Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/9/2/49""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 3, 2019""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is amongst the most sensitive electrochemical techniques for evaluating interfacial and bulk solution changes in a system. EIS can monitor differences in the electrical properties of the system over time by applying an alternating current at a range of frequencies.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""10 - Impedance biosensors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/chapter/edited-volume/abs/pii/B9780323884310000041""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 8, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Catalysis,Free-Format Question,An investigation of the physical and chemical changes of Pd nanoparticles on carbon supports in response to the release of hydrogen from aqueous formate solutions,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68d16d29f2aff16770fa93bd,"September 25, 2025","Researchers prepared and analyzed Pd nanoparticles supported on carbon materials to examine their structural and chemical evolution during hydrogen release from aqueous sodium formate. Three supports were used: carbon black (Vulcan XC-72), nitrogen-doped carbon (NC), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄). Nitrogen-doped carbon was obtained by heating a melamine–carbon black mixture at 700 °C under nitrogen, while g-C₃N₄ was synthesized by heating urea at 500 °C in air. Pd catalysts were produced by reducing H₂PdCl₄ with NaBH₄ in trisodium citrate solution at 25 °C, yielding a 1 wt% Pd loading. The product was filtered, washed, and dried at 85 °C for 24 h, and selected samples were calcined at 250 °C for 3 h in air. Structural and compositional analyses included inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (PerkinElmer 7300 DV) to determine Pd content, X-ray diffraction (Rigaku SmartLab SE, Cu Kα, 2θ = 2–100°) to assess crystallinity, and nitrogen physisorption (Micromeritics ASAP 2020) using BET and BJH models to measure surface area and pore volume. Pd dispersion was quantified by CO chemisorption (Micromeritics ASAP 2020C, 30 °C, pre-reduced at 100 °C for 0.5 h), and nanoparticle morphology was examined by aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (Thermo Fisher Themis Z, 300 kV). Catalytic performance was tested in a 50 mL batch reactor containing 250 mg of catalyst and 10 mL of 1 M sodium formate at 65 °C under N₂ with stirring at 500 rpm for 2 h, where gas evolution was monitored by pressure change and analyzed using a micro-gas chromatograph. In-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy was performed at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource beamline 4-1 to monitor Pd oxidation states during reaction using Pd K-edge XANES and EXAFS scans (24126–25238 eV, 0.5 × 4 mm beam). Catalyst reuse tests were carried out by recovering the solid after reaction, washing with deionized water, drying at 80 °C, and re-calcining at 180 or 250 °C for 3 h when required. All synthesis, characterization, and catalytic experiments were conducted under controlled temperature and atmospheric conditions to ensure reproducibility. ","- Pd oxidation state and local atomic structure characterized by in-situ X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy (XAS, SSRL beamline 4-1) with Pd K-edge XANES and EXAFS scans (24126–25238 eV, beam size 0.5 × 4 mm) under reaction conditions. - Palladium loading (wt%) measured using Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES, PerkinElmer 7300 DV) to quantify Pd content on carbon supports. ","Palladium nanoparticles supported on carbon materials were assessed as catalysts for hydrogen release from aqueous sodium formate. Three supports- carbon black (Vulcan XC-72), nitrogen-doped carbon (NC), and graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄)- were employed, with NC synthesized by heating a melamine-carbon black mixture at 700 °C under N₂ and g-C₃N₄ prepared by urea pyrolysis at 500 °C in air. Pd catalysts (1 wt%) were obtained by reducing H₂PdCl₄ with NaBH₄ in trisodium citrate at 25 °C, followed by drying and optional calcination at 250 °C. Structural and chemical characterization included ICP–OES for Pd content, XRD for crystallinity, N₂ physisorption for surface area, CO chemisorption for Pd dispersion, and STEM for nanoparticle morphology. Catalytic performance was evaluated in a batch reactor (65 °C, 1 M sodium formate) by monitoring gas evolution and composition via micro-GC. In-situ XANES/EXAFS at the Pd K-edge tracked oxidation-state changes during reaction, and reuse tests examined catalyst stability following washing and re-calcination. What will in-situ XANES analysis reveal about the role of palladium oxide (PdO) as an active catalyst for formate dehydrogenation? ","In-situ XANES experiments unambiguously demonstrate that PdO is rapidly reduced to metallic Pd and then forms Pd hydride upon exposure to a formate solution, showing that PdO does not play a direct role in the mechanism of H2 formation. ","- Palladium nanoparticles on carbon supports (Pd/C) are effective for catalyzing hydrogen release from aqueous formate solutions but typically suffer from a gradual decrease of activity. - Nitrogen doping of carbon supports is observed to enhance the rates of hydrogen release from aqueous formate solutions","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Shin and cowrokers argued that desorption of hydrogen from the Pd metal is rate\nlimiting and the presence of nitrogen on a graphene sheet decreases the binding energy of hydrogen\nresulting in a lower barrier for the reaction. These results suggest that the benefits of N-containing\nsupports are twofold: retaining active Pd sites through an increased stability of Pd nanoparticles.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Novel nanoporous N-doped\ncarbon-supported ultrasmall Pd nanoparticles: Efficient catalysts for hydrogen storage and\nrelease""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":"".\nhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.apcatb.2016.10.080.""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""29 October 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Koh and Jeon found that the electron-rich pyridinic and pyrrolic\nnitrogen groups could donate electrons to Pd, resulting in electron-enriched Pd through strong\ninteractions between Pd and nitrogen. Our XPS results show that although Pd/NC has only 2 at.%\nN, the large majority of this is pyridinic and pyrrolic. The N in the Pd/g-C₃N₄ catalyst\nis mostly pyridinic, and therefore the enhanced activity observed for both N-containing catalysts\nis likely derive from an electronic effect similar to that proposed by Koh and Jeon.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"". Electronically modified Pd\ncatalysts supported on N-doped carbon for the dehydrogenation of formic acid.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijhydene.2016.04.102.""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 20, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Biomaterials / Bone tissue engineering,MCQ,Tenascin-c functionalised self-assembling peptide hydrogels for critical-sized bone defect reconstruction,https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961225004727,"July 11, 2025","Researchers aimed to explore the influence of functionalizing a self-assembling peptide hydrogel with Tenascin-c for bone defect reconstructions. The encoding nucleotide sequence of the tenascin-c monomer was collected from the NCBI public database (GeneID: 3371) and trimmed down to the 3rd to 5th units of the TNCIII domains, from G2725 to C3534 (transcript variant 1; NM_002160.4); the sequence was cross-referenced against the Uniprot database (P24821). The F3 (3rd TNCIII domain), F5 (5th TNCIII domain), and F35 (3rd, 4th, and 5th TNCIII domains) fragments had the peptide sequence 5′-GGGGFEFKFEFK-3′ added at the C-terminal to make them competent for self-functionalisation; a tetraglycine spacer was installed between the tenascin and peptide block units for flexibility. The inserts were capped with restriction sites at the 5’ (BamHI) and 3’ (XhoI) ends and submitted to the Genscript Gene Synthesis service for cloning into a pGEX-6P-1 vector harbouring a GST tag. Rosetta 2 pLysS/BL21-DE3 E. Coli were transformed with the different plasmids to produce the different Tenascin-c fragments, which were purified with a 1 mL sepharose column, dialysed for 45 min against PBS at pH 11.5 using a Slide-A-Lyser column (Thermo Fischer Scientific), and concentrated to 9 - 10 mg/mL by liquid evaporation. The Polymers & Peptides research group from the University of Manchester and Cell Guidance Systems Ltd provided the Delta1 peptide hydrogel. It was received as a ready-to-use peptide solution concentrated at 20 mg/mL. 0.5 μL of 5 M NaOH per 100 μL hydrogel was added to decrease fibre stability and facilitate the subsequent fragment incorporation. Hydrogel functionalisation consisted of adding the concentrated fragment stock to the Delta1 peptide solution, followed by rigorous vortexing. The fragment concentration in the hydrogels was kept consistent with the molarity of the F35 hydrogel group, functionalised at 1 mg/mL; accordingly, the F3 and F5 hydrogel groups were prepared at 0.66 mg/mL. The dilution factor was kept consistent across all hydrogel groups by supplementation of PBS at pH 11.5, where appropriate. Bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were harvested from a donor femoral head and supplied at passage 0 (P0) by PromoCell. The MSCs were expanded and sustained in basal media (DMEM) with 4.5 g/L glucose (Gibco), 11 mg/mL sodium pyruvate (Gibco), 1 % MEM non-essential amino acids (Gibco), 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Cytiva), 1 % penicillin/streptomycin (76 Units/mL and 76 μg/mL respectively) (Gibco), 2.3 mM L-glutamine (Sigma), and 0.25 μg/ mL Amphotericin B (Gibco)). Basal media was replenished every 72 h, and cells were passaged at 80 % confluency. Bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC), were consistently seeded at 1.000.000 cells/mL in the previously prepared hydrogel groups and rigorously vortexed; 50 μl of the cell/hydrogel mixture was formed in a non-tissue culture treated 48 well plate. The loaded gels were promptly submerged with 500 μL of basal media and left to incubate for 1 h in cell culture conditions, after which the media was replenished; the media was again replenished after 24 h and from there every 72 h. For the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro, hydrogel groups were prepared and supplemented with recombinant human BMP-2 to a 5 μg/mL concentration. The hydrogels were seeded, loaded in 50 μl volumes, and maintained over three weeks as previously described. Conditions were replicated thrice for the time points day 7, 14, and 21. The hydrogels were digested in pronase (5 mg/mL) (Merck) for 10 min at 37 °C, the RNA was subsequently extracted using the TriZol method. Recovered RNA was reverse-translated to a cDNA library using the QuantiTect Reverse Transcription Kit (Qiagen), as per the manufacturer's instructions. Samples were then used in the qPCR assay to quantify the expression of RPL13A (housekeeping gene), bone alkaline phosphatase (ALP), osteopontin (OPN), osterix (OSX), and osteocalcin (OCN) using the ΔΔCt method. Mineralisation was evaluated by Alizarin Red staining to visualise and compare calcium deposition across the hydrogel groups.","- RT-qPCR: MSCs in Delta 1, F3, F5, and F35 hydrogel groups supplemented with recombinant human BMP-2 to 5 μg/mL, for genes RPL13A (housekeeping gene), ALP, OPN, OSX, and OCN using the ΔΔCt method (Day 7, Day 14, Day 21). - Mineralisation (calcium deposit patterns) by Alizarin Red staining on day 21: Delta1 + BMP-2 vs functionalised hydrogels + BMP-2.","Researchers aimed to investigate the impact of functionalizing a self-assembling peptide hydrogel with Tenascin-C for bone defect reconstructions. Three different fragments of the Tenascin-c protein ( i.e. F3: 3rd TNCIII domain; F5: 5th TNCIII domain; F35: 3rd, 4th, and 5th TNCIII domains) were generated in E. coli with the peptide sequence 5′-GGGGFEFKFEFK-3′ added at the C-terminal to make them competent for self-functionalisation and a tetraglycine spacer in-between the tenascin and peptide block units for flexibility. These were mixed with the Delta1 peptide hydrogel (Polymers & Peptides research group, University of Manchester), keeping the concentration in the hydrogels consistent with the molarity of the F35 hydrogel group (1 mg/mL); accordingly, the F3 and F5 hydrogel groups were prepared at 0.66 mg/mL. Bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) were seeded at 1.000.000 cells/mL in the previously prepared hydrogel groups, and 50 μl of the cell/hydrogel mixture was formed in a non-tissue culture-treated 48-well plate. For the osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in vitro, the hydrogel groups were supplemented with recombinant human BMP-2 at a concentration of 5 μg/mL and cultured for 7, 14, and 21 days. At each time point, RT-qPCR was performed to assess the expression of osteogenic genes. To evaluate functional osteogenic outcomes, Alizarin Red staining was also performed to detect calcium deposition within the hydrogels. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) Gene expression in F35 was comparable between Delta1 + BMP-2 and functionalised hydrogels + BMP-2, while mineralisation was comparable across all groups B) Gene expression of osteogenic markers showed modest upregulation in functionalised hydrogels compared to Delta1 + BMP-2, with F35 trending highest, and mineralisation was comparable across all groups. C) Functionalised hydrogels and Delta1 + BMP-2 showed similar gene expression overall, but F3 and F5 exhibited slightly higher early marker expression, while mineralisation was minimal in Delta1 and more robust in the functionalised groups D) Gene expression was largely similar between Delta1 + BMP-2 and functionalised hydrogels + BMP-2, but mineralisation was stronger in the functionalised groups ","D) Gene expression was largely similar between Delta1 + BMP-2 and functionalised hydrogels + BMP-2, but mineralisation was stronger in the functionalised groups","- The tenascin-c monomer contains ‘fibronectin type III-like’ domain type (TNCIII), containing the 3rd and 5th TNCIII domains an RGD integrin-binding motif and an heparin-binding domain. - Self-assembling peptide hydrogels arise in an aqueous environment from the spontaneous assembly of customised peptide building blocks to form a supramolecular fibre network. - Self-assembling peptide hydrogels can be functionalised through ‘self-functionalisation’: a bioactive molecule of interest conjugated with the peptide building block to allow its incorporation in the fibre architecture.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The tenascin-c monomer contains ‘fibronectin type III-like’ domain type (TNCIII), containing the 3rd and 5th TNCIII domains an RGD integrin-binding motif and an heparin-binding domain.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The tenascin family of ECM glycoproteins: Structure, function, and regulation during embryonic development and tissue remodeling""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/(SICI)1097-0177(200006)218:2<235::AID-DVDY2>3.0.CO;2-G""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 24, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Self-assembling peptide hydrogels arise in an aqueous environment from the spontaneous assembly of customised peptide building blocks to form a supramolecular fibre network""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Hierarchical self-assembly of chiral rod-like molecules as a model for peptide β-sheet tapes, ribbons, fibrils, and fibers;""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.191250198""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 09, 2001\n""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Self-assembling peptide hydrogels can be functionalised through ‘self-functionalisation’: a bioactive molecule of interest conjugated with the peptide building block to allow its incorporation in the fibre architecture""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nanofibrillar Peptide Hydrogels for the Immobilization of Biocatalysts for Chemical Transformations""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/marc.201400027""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 07, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,ICP1 bacteriophage treatment antagonizes colonization of the zebrafish larval intestine by Vibrio cholerae,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.01.673471v1,"Sep 01, 2025","Researchers evaluated the influence of the aquatic environment on phage infection by performing in vitro bacteria-bacteriophage predation experiments. At a concentration of 10⁹ cells per mL,Vibrio cholerae was added to two different medias: Lysogeny broth (LB), used as a control, and artificial fresh water (AFW), used as the experimental condition. The bacteria concentration was diluted 1:1000. Bacteriophage ICP 1 was added to the bacterial culture at a Multiplicity of Infection (MOI) value of 2. A separate experiment was performed in Rhine water following the protocol described in Silva-Valenzuela, et al. (2018), where overnight grown V. cholerae were diluted 1:1000 and grown for 8 hours at 37° C in LB. A 20 μL inoculum of V. cholerae was added into 2.5 mL of Rhine water. After overnight growth in Rhine water, Bacteriophage ICP 1 was added to the culture at a MOI of 2. At 0, 1, 2, 4, 7 and 24 hours serial dilutions, Colony Forming Units (CFU), and Plaque Forming Units (PFU) counts were performed for each media.","- CFU of V. cholerae in LB at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours. - PFU of ICP1 in LB at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours. - CFU of V. cholerae in AFW at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours. - PFU of ICP1 in AFW at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours. - CFU of V. cholerae in Rhine water at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours. - PFU of ICP1 in Rhine water at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours.","The interaction between Vibrio cholerae and the bacteriophage ICP1 was evaluated in-vitro through predation experiments in two different aquatic environments: artificial fresh water (AFW), and Rhine water; and a control environment: Lysogeny broth (LB). Counts of CFU, and PFU were performed for each experiment at 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, and 24 hours. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? a) Only Rhine water will show an increase in bacteriophage propagation activity. b) Only AFW will show an increase in bacteriophage propagation activity. c) None of the aquatic environments will show an increase in bacteriophage propagation activity. ",a) Only Rhine water will show an increase in bacteriophage propagation activity. ,"- Vibrio cholerae is the causative agent of the diarrheal disease cholera. - Vibrio cholerae has shown antimicrobial resistant strains, which necessitates the need for alternative approaches to treat cholera. - Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, and offer a promising therapeutic strategy against bacteria due to their host specificity and self-limiting life cycles. - ICP1 is a bacteriophage that has been previously oral administered to V. cholerae in a phage cocktail, and has shown to reduce disease severity of V. cholerae, marked by decreased diarrhea, and lower bacterial loads in feces. - Zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) naturally ingest V. cholerae from their surrounding aquatic environment. - The protocol Silva-Valenzuela, et al. (2018) describes a method in the section Predation Assay in Aquatic Microcosms to culture V. cholerae in autoclaved filter sterilized fresh water or 0.7% Instant Ocean. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Bacteriophages are viruses that specifically infect bacteria, and offer a promising therapeutic strategy against bacteria due to their host specificity and self-limiting life cycles.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Insights into Bacteriophage Application in Controlling Vibrio Species""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2016.01114""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 18, 2016 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""ICP1 is a bacteriophage that has been previously oral administered to V. cholerae in a phage cocktail, and has shown to reduce disease severity of V. cholerae, marked by decreased diarrhea, and lower bacterial loads in feces.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A cocktail of three virulent bacteriophages prevents Vibrio cholerae infection in animal models""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1038/ncomms14187""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 01, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Zebrafish larvae (Danio rerio) naturally ingest V. cholerae from their surrounding aquatic environment.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Zebrafish as a Natural Host Model for Vibrio cholerae Colonization and Transmission""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1128/AEM.03580-13""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 14, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The protocol Silva-Valenzuela, et al. (2018) describes a method in the section Predation Assay in Aquatic Microcosms to culture V. cholerae in autoclaved filter sterilized fresh water or 0.7% Instant Ocean. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Niche adaptation limits bacteriophage predation of Vibrio cholerae in a nutrient-poor aquatic environment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1810138116""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 11, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,MCQ,Modeling neurodegenerative diseases in Drosophila is conditioned by stress resistance and gut microbiome composition of the reference line,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.03.673979v1,"Sep 8, 2025","Researchers tested whether acute oxidative stress induced by ingestion of paraquat in two apparently identical but independent Drosophila lines of the w1118 strain, wlineA and wlineB, would show a comparable response. The w1118 lines were cultured under conventionally reared (CR) and germ-free (GF) conditions. Under CR conditions, flies were maintained at 25°C on standard cornmeal-yeast (CMY) agar medium supplemented with an antifungal agent, under a 12:12 light-dark cycle. Under GF conditions, female adults emerging from eggs deposited on autoclaved standard culture medium (supplemented with an antibiotic cocktail) were maintained on antibiotic-supplemented standard medium. Axenicity was confirmed by incubating whole-body lysates. To measure Drosophila oxidative stress resistance, 7-day-old non-virgin female flies reared under CR and GF conditions were starved, anesthetized, and transferred to Petri dishes containing two layers of Whatman filter paper soaked with 400 µl of 20 mM paraquat in 2% (w/v) sucrose, and incubated under saturated humidity. Fly survival was scored at multiple time points over a 4-day period.","- Survival percentage after acute oxidative stress. - Survival time after acute oxidative stress. - Median survival time after acute oxidative stress. - Resistance to oxidative stress curves.","Acute oxidative stress induced by ingestion of paraquat was evaluated in two apparently identical but independent Drosophila lines of the w1118 strain, wlineA and wlineB, that were cultured conventionally reared (CR) and germ-free (GF) conditions. Fly survival was scored at several time points over a 4-days period following paraquat induction. Which of the following outcomes best describes the paraquat resistance on the w1118 lines under the different growth conditions? a) wlineA showed no significant difference in paraquat resistance when cultured under GF conditions compared to CR. wlineB showed no significant difference in paraquat resistance when cultured under GF conditions compared to CR. b) wlineA paraquat resistance increased when cultured under GF condition compared to CR. wlineB showed no significant difference in paraquat resistance when cultured under GF conditions compared to CR. c) wlineA showed no significant difference in paraquat resistance when cultured under GF conditions compared to CR. wlineB paraquat resistance increased when cultured under GF condition compared to CR. ",b) wlineA paraquat resistance increased when cultured under GF condition compared to CR. wlineB showed no significant difference in paraquat resistance when cultured under GF conditions compared to CR.,"- Drosophila is a genus of fly that is currently one of the major model organisms to study human diseases and progress in their treatments. - Paraquat is a pro-oxidant herbicide commonly used to model drug-induced Parkinson Disease in Drosophila. - w1118 is a mutant Drosophila strain which carries a null mutation in a gene (white) encoding an ABC-type guanine transporter involved in eye pigmentation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Drosophila is a genus of fly that is currently one of the major model organisms to study human diseases and progress in their treatments""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Human Disease Models in Drosophila melanogaster and the Role of the Fly in Therapeutic Drug Discovery""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3082451/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Paraquat is a pro-oxidant herbicide commonly used to model drug-induced Parkinson Disease in Drosophila""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Interaction of Genetic and Environmental Factors in a Drosophila Parkinsonism Model\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jneurosci.org/content/jneuro/27/10/2457.full.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 7, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""w1118 is a mutant Drosophila strain which carries a null mutation in a gene (white) encoding an ABC-type guanine transporter involved in eye pigmentation""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Transformation of white locus DNA in Drosophila: Dosage compensation, zeste interaction, and position effects""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/0092-8674(84)90240-X""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb, 1984""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Biochemistry / Molecular Biology,Free-Format Question,Vitamin B12 supports skeletal muscle oxidative phosphorylation capacity in male mice,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.19.654973v2,"May 19, 2025","Researchers measured the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) from mitochondrial homogenates of tibialis anterior (TA), and red muscle (cumulation of the soleus, and red portions from the quadriceps, and gastrocnemius) samples harvested from Male Mtr⁺ᐟ⁺, and Mtr⁺ᐟ⁻ mice to evaluate the effects of Mtr expression, and B12 content in the mitochondrial electron transport chain complexes (Complex I, Complex II and Complex IV). These mice had been previously weaned onto one of two defined diets for 7 weeks: a control AIN93G-based diet (C) containing 25 μg/kg vitamin B12, and a vitamin B12-deficient AIN93G-based diet (-B12) containing 0 μg/kg vitamin B12. Both diets included 1% succinyl sufathiazole antibiotics. Mice were sacrificed by cervical dislocation following CO2 euthanasia, and mitochondria were isolated from both skeletal muscle tissues. Quadricep, TA, gastrocnemius, and soleus wet wights were normalized to tibia length (mm), and stored at -80° C. In each sample, the OCR of each oxidative phosphorylation complex was determined. Mitochondria from frozen muscle were isolated in ice-cold MAS buffer using a Potter–Elvehjem (Teflon-glass) homogenizer with 25 strokes followed by centrifugation. Pierce BCA Protein Assay was performed to evaluate the protein concentration. Mitochondrial homogenates were loaded into the assay plates in the following conditions: a) TA in the Seahorse XFe24 microplate (150 µg of homogenate in 100 µl of MAS), and b) Red muscle in the Seahorse XFe96 (30 µg of homogenate in 70 µl of MAS), and then centrifuged (2,000 x g, 5 min., 4°C). The OCR was evaluated using Wave software (Agilent), and was defined by the highest respiratory capacity value following the injection of the corresponding complex-stimulating substrate: Complex I (1 mM NADH); Complex II (5 mM succinate + 2 µM rotenone); and Complex IV (0.5 mM N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethyl-pphenylenediamine dihydrochloride (TMPD) + 1 mM ascorbic acid).","- Protein concentration in mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscle groups (tibialis anterior (TA) and red muscle) of male mice (Mtr⁺ᐟ⁺, and Mtr⁺ᐟ⁻) following different diets (control diet and vitamin B12-deficient diet). - Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) (pmol O2/min/µg protein) across oxidative phosphorylation complexes (Complex I, II, and IV) in mitochondria isolated from skeletal muscle groups (tibialis anterior (TA) and red muscle) of male mice (Mtr⁺ᐟ⁺, and Mtr⁺ᐟ⁻) following different diets (control diet and vitamin B12-deficient diet).","Levels of Mtr expression and dietary vitamin B12 content can influence the oxygen consumption rate (OCR) across oxidative phosphorylation complexes in mitochondria from skeletal muscle. These conditions were evaluated by measuring OCR in tibialis anterior (TA) and red muscle samples from male Mtr⁺/⁺ and Mtr⁺/⁻ mice exposed to two diets: a control diet (C; 25 μg/kg vitamin B12) and a vitamin B12-deficient diet (−B12; 0 μg/kg vitamin B12). Both diets included 1% succinyl sulfathiazole antibiotics. After 7 weeks, skeletal muscle tissues were collected and normalized to tibia length following mouse sacrifice. Mitochondria were isolated from the tissue in an ice-cold MAS buffer using a Potter–Elvehjem homogenizer and centrifugation. Protein concentration was determined using the Pierce BCA Protein Assay. Mitochondrial homogenates were loaded into assay plates (TA in Seahorse XFe24 and red muscle in Seahorse XFe96) before centrifugation. OCR was measured in the mitochondria using Wave software for each complex (Complex I, Complex II, and Complex IV). When evaluating Complex II from mitochondria isolated from TA, which conditions (mouse group and diet) would show the highest OCR?", Mtr⁺/⁺ mice in a vitamin B-12 deficient diet,"- Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor of the methionine synthase enzyme. - Impaired FOCM, either by dietary or genetic means, leads to decreased dTMP synthesis and uracil misincorporation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as nDNA. - mtDNA encodes proteins that are components of the electron transport chain complexes, which drive cellular energy production via oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Vitamin B12 is an essential cofactor of the methionine synthase enzyme which is part of the folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Vitamin B12 deficiency""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://bevital.no/pdf_files/literature/green_2017%20_nrdp_3_17040.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 29, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Impaired FOCM, either by dietary or genetic means, leads to decreased dTMP synthesis and uracil misincorporation in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) as well as nDNA.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nuclear Folate Metabolism""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-071714-034441""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""mtDNA encodes proteins that are components of the electron transport chain complexes, which drive cellular energy production via oxidative phosphorylation in the mitochondria.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The little big genome: the organization of mitochondrial DNA""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.2741/4511""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Jan 01, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Molecular oncology,MCQ,Loss of the Y chromosome in bladder cancer drives metabolic reprogramming,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.26.672471v1,"Aug 31, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether the absence of the DDR2 gene in Loss of Y chromosome (LOY) tumour cells affected glucose fluctuations in the culture medium or within the clarified cell lysate, as well as its effects on L-lactate abundance. Two cell lines were used and cultured under DMEM medium: CON_YnegN as the control and DDR2KO_YnegN as the experimental cells. Culture medium was harvested, and cell lysates were prepared. Glucose and L-lactate levels were analyzed using a RayBiotech colorimetric assay kit and measured according to the manufacturer’s protocol. Approximately 1 × 10⁵ cells were seeded in each well of a 6-well plate for 72 hours before collecting culture media or cell lysates for analysis.","- Optical density of Glucose in culture media and cell lysate. - Optical density of Lactate in culture media. - Relative glucose comparison between the culture media and the cell lysate for CON_YnegN and DDR2KO_YnegN. - Relative lactate comparison in the culture media between CON_YnegN and DDR2KO_YnegN.","A mutation in the DDR2 gene in LOY tumour cells may affect glucose levels and L-lactate abundance. The mutant cell line DDR2KO_YnegN and a control line were cultured in DMEM medium. The culture medium was then harvested, and cell lysates were prepared to measure glucose and L-lactate levels. For glucose, which of the following outcomes explains the DDR2KO_YnegN cells' metabolism in the culture medium and the cell lysates? a) In both the culture medium and the cell lysates, glucose levels remained stable. b) In the culture medium, glucose levels indicate increased consumption, while in the cell lysates, they suggest a decrease in intracellular glucose levels. c) In the culture medium, glucose levels indicate reduced consumption, while in the cell lysates, they suggest an increase in intracellular glucose levels. ","c) In the culture medium, glucose levels indicate reduced consumption, while in the cell lysates, they suggest an increase in intracellular glucose levels.","- Loss of the Y chromosome (LOY) contributes to both phenotypes in bladder cancer (BC), where metabolic reprogramming may provide a potential explanation. - Metabolic reprogramming allows tumor cells to adapt their energy production and biosynthetic pathways, such as by shifting to aerobic glycolysis and lactate production even in the presence of oxygen. - DDR2 is a collagen receptor that influences BC aggressiveness and tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and is known to influence cancer cell metabolism, particularly glycolysis. - YnegN is a cell line in which cells naturally lack Y chromosome genes, also known as LOY. - DDR2KO_YnegN are YnegN cells in which the DDR2 gene is knocked out using CRISPR-Cas9.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Loss of the Y chromosome (LOY) contributes to both phenotypes in bladder cancer (BC), where metabolic reprogramming may provide a potential explanation""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Immunosurveillance encounters cancer metabolism""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1038/s44319-023-00038-w""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 12, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (“Paywalled”, “OA”, “No OA exists”, \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Metabolic reprogramming allows tumor cells to adapt their energy production and biosynthetic pathways, such as by shifting to aerobic glycolysis and lactate production even in the presence of oxygen.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Understanding the Warburg effect: the metabolic requirements of cell proliferation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2849637/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 22, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (“Paywalled”, “OA”, “No OA exists”, \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DDR2 is a collagen receptor that influences BC aggressiveness and tumor response to immune checkpoint inhibitors, and is known to influence cancer cell metabolism, particularly glycolysis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""DDR2 coordinates EMT and metabolic reprogramming as a shared effector of FOXQ1 and SNAI1""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1158/2767-9764.crc-22-0013""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 09, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (“Paywalled”, “OA”, “No OA exists”, \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant Biology,MCQ,The Arabidopsis UMAMIT30 transporter contributes to amino acid root exudation,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.23.671809v1,"Aug 27, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether the loss of UMAMIT30 function, an amino acid transporter, affects Arabidopsis thaliana growth. Seeds from wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana Col-0 plants and UMAMIT30 mutants (umamit30-1 and umamit30-2) were surface sterilized three times in 10% bleach for two minutes each, followed by three washes with sterile water. The seeds were then resuspended in 0.1% phytoagar and stratified in the dark at 4°C for two days. Seeds were plated onto 1x MS agar plates (4.4 g/L Murashige and Skoog Basal Medium with vitamins, 0.5% sucrose, 0.5 g/L MES, and 0.7% PhytoAgar, pH 5.7). Plates were sealed and incubated vertically in a reach-in growth chamber at 25 ± 2°C, 75% RH, under a 16 h light/8 h dark cycle, and 100 µmoles/m²/s light intensity for two weeks. Fresh and dry biomass of whole plants, shoots, and roots was measured. For dry weight analysis, samples were freeze-dried overnight using a lyophilizer.","- Biomass dry weight of the whole plant, shoots, and roots. - Biomass fresh weight of the whole plant, shoots, and roots.","Mutations in UMAMIT30, an amino acid transporter from Arabidopsis thaliana, may alter amino acids homeostasis and impact growth phenotypes. To evaluate the effect on growth, two seed mutants, umamit30-1 and umamit30-2, were grown in MS agar plates for two weeks after which fresh and dry biomass of the whole plant, shoots, and roots were measured. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? a) Neither of the umamit30 mutants alters amino acid homeostasis and impacts growth phenotypes. b) Only umamit30-1 mutants alter amino acid homeostasis and impact growth phenotypes. c) Only umamit30-2 mutants alter amino acid homeostasis and impact growth phenotypes. d) Both umamit30 mutants alter amino acids homeostasis and impact growth phenotypes.",a) Neither of the UMAMIT30 mutants alters amino acid homeostasis and impacts growth phenotypes.,"- Arabidopsis thaliana is a plant species in which plant–environment interactions are influenced by root exudation. - Plant root exudates typically consist of primary metabolites such as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids, as well as secondary metabolites. - The amino acid composition of root exudates modulates bacterial metabolism, affecting the beneficial interaction between Arabidopsis roots and plant growth-promoting bacteria. - UMAMIT transporters (Usually Multiple Amino acids Move In and out Transporters) are facilitator proteins that exhibit amino acid export activity in root-to-soil secretion. - UMAMIT30 is a member of the UMAMIT transporter family. - umamit30-1 is an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant in which UMAMIT30 expression is knocked out. - umamit30-2 is an Arabidopsis thaliana mutant in which UMAMIT30 expression is knocked out.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Arabidopsis thaliana is a plant species in which plant–environment interactions are influenced by root exudation""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Feed Your Friends: Do Plant Exudates Shape the Root Microbiome?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://escholarship.org/content/qt69z6h6mx/qt69z6h6mx.pdf ""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Plant root exudates typically consist of primary metabolites such as sugars, amino acids, and organic acids, as well as secondary metabolites.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Substrate flow in the rhizosphere""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00011685\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The amino acid composition of root exudates modulates bacterial metabolism, affecting the beneficial interaction between Arabidopsis roots and plant growth-promoting bacteria.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Arabidopsis LHT1 Amino Acid Transporter Contributes to Pseudomonas simiae-Mediated Plant Growth Promotion by Modulating Bacterial Metabolism in the Rhizosphere""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12020371""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 12, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""UMAMIT transporters (Usually Multiple Amino acids Move In and out Transporters) are facilitator proteins that exhibit amino acid export activity in root-to-soil secretion.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Amino Acid Export in Developing Arabidopsis Seeds Depends on UmamiT Facilitators""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2015.10.038""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 07, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Molecular oncology / Immunotherapy,Free-Format Question,Demonstration of SLU7 as a new pan-cancer target,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.25.672085v1,"Aug 29, 2025","To evaluate SLU7 as a potential cancer therapy target, two Pm299L-derived cell lines were generated: Pm299L-iCas9-sgSLU7 and Pm299L-iCas9-sgNTC. First, Pm299L cells were transduced with lentiviral vectors encoding a DOX-inducible Cas9, and a single clone with strong inducible expression (Pm299L-iCas9) was selected. This clone was then transduced with sgRNAs targeting SLU7 exon 3 or a non-targeting control (sgNTC). Cells were selected using neomycin and puromycin, and expanded. SLU7 knockdown in the cell lines after DOX treatment was confirmed by Western blot, using antibodies against SLU7, Cas9, and other relevant markers (PARP1, ACTIN, γ-H2AX).","- Band intensity of each protein evaluated - Comparison of protein expression levels of SLU7, Cas9, PARP1, ACTIN, and γ-H2AX, in the cell lines (Pm299L-iCas9-sgSLU7 and Pm299L-iCas9-sgNTC)","The target protein SLU7, the effector protein Cas9, the marker proteins PARP1 and γ-H2AX, and the control proteins ACTIN and GAPDH were evaluated by Western blot to assess the potential of SLU7 as a cancer therapy target. These proteins were extracted from two generated cell lines: Pm299L-iCas9-sgSLU7, a transducted cell line in which SLU7 gene is knocked down after DOX administration, and Pm299L-iCas9-sgNTC, a non-targeting control. After DOX administration in Pm299L-iCas9-sgSLU7 cells, which protein bands would be expected to show increased intensity on the Western blot compared to the control?","Cas9, PARP1, and γ-H2AX","- SLU7 is an essential splicing factor required for the survival of cancer cells. - SLU7 knockdown induces apoptosis across different cancer types, preceded by a cascade of molecular events including oxidative stress, R-loop accumulation, transcription-dependent genomic instability, DNA damage, replicative catastrophe, inhibition of DNA methylation, and disruption of NMD. - sgRNA are single-guide RNAs. - Pm299L is a mouse hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell line. - Doxycycline (DOX) induces high expression of Cas9 in an inducible manner in this system, while the cells constitutively express either a sgRNA directed against the SLU7 gene (sgSLU7) or a non-targeting control sgRNA (sgNTC). - Pm299L-iCas9-sgSLU7 is a mouse Pm299L cell line that was first transduced with lentiviral particles encoding a (DOX)-inducible Cas9, along with a sgRNA targeting exon 3 of the SLU7 gene. - Pm299L-iCas9-sgNTC is a mouse Pm299L cell line first transduced with lentiviral particles encoding a doxycycline (DOX)-inducible Cas9 and a non-targeting (NTC) sgRNA.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SLU7 is an essential splicing factor for the survival of cancer cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Splicing regulator SLU7 preserves survival of hepatocellular carcinoma cells and other solid tumors via oncogenic miR-17-92 cluster expression""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1038/onc.2015.517""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 25, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SLU7 knockdown induces apoptosis across different cancer types, preceded by a cascade of molecular events: oxidative stress, R-loop accumulation, transcription-dependent genomic instability, DNA damage, replicative catastrophe, inhibition of DNA methylation, and disruption of NMD.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Splicing Factor SLU7 Prevents Oxidative Stress-Mediated Hepatocyte Nuclear Factor 4α Degradation, Preserving Hepatic Differentiation and Protecting From Liver Damage""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/hep.32029""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Zoology / Cryobiology,MCQ,Cryopreservation of Platynereis dumerilii larvae,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.667934v2,"Aug 2, 2025","Researchers tested different individuals and combinations of cryoprotectant agents (CPAs), such as dimethyl sulfoxide (Me₂SO), ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), glycerol (Gly), and sucrose (SUC), to develop a cryopreservation protocol that ensures long-term viability and supports proper post-thaw growth and development of Platynereis dumerilii. Platynereis dumerilii were kept in a 50/50 mix of natural seawater and artificial sea water, adjusted to a salinity of 35 ppt, a pH between 7.9 and 8.2, a general culture temperature at 18-20 °C for optimum growth rate, and a 16:8 light/dark cycle. To assess the cryoprotectant toxicity, eight-days old larvae were exposed to CPA solutions in two phases. In the first phase, larvaes exposure to each permeating CPA had a duration of 3 minutes. The individual CPA analyzed were the following: Me₂SO, 1.4M; EG, 1.4M; PG, 1.4M. In the second phase, the exposure was of 30 minutes to a combination of CPAs that were tested by reducing Me₂O content and supplementing it with glycerol and/or sucrose. The combination of CPAs analyzed were the following: Me₂SO, 0.8M; Me₂SO 0.8M + 0.1% SUC (w/v); Me₂SO 0.8M + Gly 0.68M; Me₂SO 0.8M + Gly 0.68M + 0.1% SUC (w/v). After the exposure, the larvae were filtered, and transferred to clean sea water for observation.","- Exposure time in minutes after exposure to individual and combined CPAs. - Survival post-thaw percentage after exposure to individual and combined CPAs.","The cryoprotectant toxicity of individual and combined cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) were evaluated in eight day old Platynereis dumerilii to develop a cryopreservation protocol. Larvae were observed after being exposed to CPAs in two phases. The first phase consisted of a 3 minute exposure to individual CPAs: Me₂SO, 1.4M; EG, 1.4M; PG, 1.4M. The second phase involved a 30 minute exposure to combined CPAs: Me₂SO, 0.8M; Me₂SO 0.8M + 0.1% SUC (w/v); Me₂SO 0.8M + Gly 0.68M; Me₂SO 0.8M + Gly 0.68M + 0.1% SUC (w/v). Which of the CPAs would you expect to result in the highest post-thaw survival percentage after the 3-minute exposure? a) All individual CPAs tested will result in the same post-thaw survival percentage. b) Only Me₂SO 1.4M will result in the highest post-thaw survival percentage. c) Only EG 1.4M will result in the highest post-thaw survival percentage. d) Only PG 1.4M will result in the highest post-thaw survival percentage.",a) All individual CPAs tested will result in the same post-thaw survival percentage.,"- Platynereis dumerilii is a marine annelid that has emerged as a significant model organism in chronobiological, neurobiological, developmental and evolutionary biology research. - Cryopreservation offers a means to store and preserve biological materials for future use enabling long-term storage, facilitating sample transportation, and ensuring the availability of biological specimens. - Cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) are substances used to preserve the biological samples in cryobiology with different modes of action, some penetrating the tissue while others protecting the surface. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Platynereis dumerilii is a marine annelid that has emerged as a significant model organism in chronobiological, neurobiological, developmental and evolutionary biology research.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Seasonal variation in UVA light drives hormonal and behavioral changes in a marine annelid via a ciliary opsin""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7611595/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 11, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Cryopreservation offers a means to store and preserve biological materials for future use enabling long-term storage, facilitating sample transportation, and ensuring the availability of biological specimens.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cryopreservation of Marine Invertebrates: From Sperm to Complex Larval Stages""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-0716-0783-1_18""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 15, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Animal Behavior and Cognition,MCQ,Nighttime Caffeine Intake Increases Motor Impulsivity,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.09.658656v1,"Jun 13, 2025","Researchers examined whether nighttime caffeine consumption affected inhibitory control in female and male Drosophila melanogaster of the Canton-S (CS) wild-type strain. Flies were raised on a standard cornmeal/sucrose/yeast/agar medium at 25° C with 50 % relative humidity under a 12:12h light-dark cycle. For the experiment, flies were collected under carbon dioxide within two days after eclosion and housed in same-sex groups. For nighttime caffeine exposure, groups of female or male flies were transferred to vials containing caffeine-laced food 30 min before lights-off and remained on this food throughout the dark cycle. Caffeine concentrations used were 1, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/ml. At the end of the dark cycle, the Go/No-Go assay was performed by placing individual flies into a clear rectangular plexiglass chamber connected to a filtered air source. After a 1-minute acclimation period, a continuous airflow of 10 L/min was applied for 10 minutes. Fly behavior was video recorded to monitor and analyze movements before and during airflow exposure. Movements exceeding 60 mm/sec were classified as loss of inhibition events (LIEs), which were scored per fly per min.","- Number of movements exceeding 60 mm/sec following nighttime consumption of different caffeine concentrations (1, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/ml). - Number of loss of inhibition events (LIEs) following nighttime consumption of different caffeine concentrations (1, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/ml). - Comparison of the number of LIEs following consumption of different caffeine concentrations (1, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/ml) between female and male flies.","Nighttime consumption of different caffeine concentrations (1, 5, 7.5, and 10 mg/ml) in male and female Drosophila melanogaster of the Canton-S (CS) wild-type strain was evaluated to determine its effect on inhibitory control by loss of inhibition events (LIEs). Movements exceeding 60 mm/sec were counted as LIEs after nighttime caffeine exposure. These values were obtained through a Go/No-Go assay that was performed at the end of the dark cycle in flies by monitoring and analyzing movements before and during a continuous 10 L/min airflow exposure. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? a) After nighttime caffeine consumption, male flies exhibited more LIEs than female flies at all concentrations tested. b) After nighttime caffeine consumption, female flies exhibited more LIEs than male flies at all concentrations tested. c) After nighttime caffeine consumption, there was no significant difference in LIEs between male and female flies at all concentrations tested.","b) After nighttime caffeine consumption, female flies exhibited more LIEs than male flies at all concentrations tested.","- Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that increases alertness, reduces fatigue, and improves performance, especially under conditions of sleep deprivation. - Drosophila melanogaster is a fly species used as a model system to investigate how nighttime caffeine intake affects inhibitory control. - Inhibitory control is a fundamental executive function responsible for suppressing inappropriate actions, such as impulsive flying in flies. - Loss of inhibition event (LIEs) is a measure of impulsivity that in flies is quantified by rapid movements at speeds exceeding 60 mm/sec. - Go/No-Go test measures the ability to suppress movement in response to adverse conditions such as strong airflow or predator sounds.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Caffeine is a psychoactive substance that increases alertness, reduces fatigue, and improves performance, especially under conditions of sleep deprivation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Trends in intake and sources of caffeine in the diets of US adults: 2001–2010""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3945/ajcn.113.080077""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Loss of inhibition event (LIEs) is a measure of impulsivity that in flies is quantified by rapid movements at speeds exceeding 60 mm/sec.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Social context and dopamine signaling converge in the mushroom body to drive impulsivity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11870619/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 22, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Go/No-Go test measures the ability to suppress movement in response to adverse conditions such as strong airflow or predator sounds.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Social context and dopamine signaling converge in the mushroom body to drive impulsivity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11870619/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 22, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,"Streptococcus pneumoniae accessory capsular genes modulate fitness, pathogenicity and immune evasion",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.11.675585v1.full,"September 15, 2025","Researchers deleted all six acl (accessory capsular locus) genes from the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 GPSC9-ST5435 strain BVY11Z and reintroduced the genes into the capsular locus of serotype 3 GPSC10-ST700 strain BVY23H, using an allelic replacement strategy. To evaluate the role of the serotype 3 acl in modulating susceptibility to opsonophagocytic killing (OPK), they subjected WT ST700 and its acl reintroduction mutant (ST700 acl+ -cat), as well as WT5435 and its acl deletion mutant (ST5435 acl::cat), to an OPK assay. To determine if the bacterial tyrosine kinase (BYK) capsule regulation system plays a role in OPK susceptibility, they additionally tested the ST5435 cpsB deletion mutant (ST5435 cpsB::spec) and ST5435 cpsD deletion mutant (ST5435 cpsD::cat) in the OPK assay. Genetic manipulation of S. pneumoniae was carried out using a competence-stimulating peptide (CSP)-mediated transformation assay. Strains were grown in 12 mL of THY pH 6.8 supplemented with 1 mM CaCl2 and 0.2% BSA at 37°C with 5% CO2 to an OD600 of 0.01-0.03. Cultures were then harvested and resuspended in 1 mL of pre-warmed THY pH 8.0, supplemented with 1 mM CaCl2 and 0.2% BSA. 400 ng/ml CSP was added to the bacterial suspension (CSP-1 for ST5435, CSP-2 for ST700; Cambridge Biosciences). Suspensions were incubated at room temperature (RT) for 5 minutes, mixed with 300-500 ng transforming DNA, and further incubated at 37°C with 5% CO2 for 2 hours. The entire suspension was then plated on blood agar plates supplemented with relevant antibiotics. To construct the transforming DNA for making the unencapsulated (cps::cat) mutants, the areas flanking the capsular locus were amplified using primer pairs 001/002 and 003/004 from WT ST700 genomic DNA and primer pairs 001/002 and 005/006 from WT ST5435 genomic DNA. The chloramphenicol resistance cassette (cat) was amplified from pEMcat using primer pairs 007/008. PCR products corresponding to the upstream and downstream regions and cat were joined using overlap extension PCR (OE-PCR) with primer pairs 001/004 or 001/006, respectively. The purified OE-PCR product was used in transformation assays. Transforming DNA for making the acl-mutant (acl::cat) was constructed as described above using primer pairs 001/002 and 009/010 to amplify the up/downstream region of acl from ST5435 and primer pair 001/010 to generate the OE-PCR product. Transforming DNA for making the cpsD mutant (cpsD::cat) was constructed similarly using primer pairs 011/012 and 013/014 for the initial PCR and primer pair 011/014 for the OE-PCR product. Transforming DNA for making the cpsB mutant (cpsB::spec) utilized primer pairs 015/016 and 017/018 to amplify the flanking region, and primer pair 015/018 for the OE-PCR. Instead of cat, a spectinomycin resistance cassette (spec) was amplified from pR412 using primer pair 019/020 and used in OE-PCR. To reintroduce acl into ST700 (acl+), the entire acl region was amplified in 3kb fragments from WT ST5435 genomic DNA using primer pairs 021/022 and 023/024. The downstream region, which encompasses part of the coding region for Ugd, was amplified from WT ST700 genomic DNA using primer pairs 025/010. The three PCR pieces and the cat cassette were assembled using NEB Gibson Assembly master mix to obtain the transforming DNA. OPK analysis was performed using a WHO-approved standardized assay. The strains were compared to assess the reduction in killing against a reference serotype 3 strain (an optochin-resistant variant of the ST180 strain Wu2) using pooled serum samples from adults vaccinated with PCV13. THY and 4% filtered fetal bovine serum were used for the assay. Strains were incubated with serial dilutions of pooled human serum prior to treatment with HL-60 cells, baby rabbit complement, and plating onto agar plates. The opsonic index was calculated as the reciprocal of the serum dilution, reducing the bacterial colony forming units (CFU) to 50% of the no serum control.","- Opsonic index (OI) for each tested strain - Bacterial colony forming units (CFU). ","Researchers tested whether the absence of acl genes contributes to increased opsonophagocytic resistance in Streptococcus pneumoniae. To test this hypothesis, they deleted all six acl (accessory capsular locus) genes from the Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 GPSC9-ST5435 strain BVY11Z (hereafter WT ST5435) and reintroduced the genes into the capsular locus of serotype 3 GPSC10-ST700 strain BVY23H (hereafter WT ST700). Then, they subjected these strains to a WHO standard OPK assay using pooled serum from PCV-immunised adults. Additionally, they tested the ST5435 cpsB deletion mutant (ST5435 cpsB::spec) and ST5435 cpsD deletion mutant (ST5435 cpsD::cat) in the OPK assay. Which of the following outcomes are most likely? A. Reintroducing the acl region into GPSC10-ST700 would reduce its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing, and mutating acl in a serotype 3 ST5435 background would reduce its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing. B. Reintroducing the acl region into GPSC10-ST700 would increase its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing, and mutating acl in a serotype 3 ST5435 background would increase its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing C. Reintroducing the acl region into GPSC10-ST700 would increase its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing, and mutating acl in a serotype 3 ST5435 background would decrease its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing D. Reintroducing the acl region into GPSC10-ST700 would decrease its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing, and mutating acl in a serotype 3 ST5435 background would increase its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing.","A. Reintroducing the acl region into GPSC10-ST700 would reduce its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing, and mutating acl in a serotype 3 ST5435 background would reduce its resistance to opsonophagocytic killing.","1. Pneumococcal polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines (PCV) target the polysaccharide capsule (CPS) 2. Current PCVs induce suboptimal protection against serotype 3 strains 3. (ST) 700–GPSC10 serotype 3 lineage is characterized by the absence of at least 6 acl genes and a distinct antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile compared to other serotype 3 strains. 4. Accessory capsular genes (acl) regulate capsule production and shedding. 5. cpsB and cpsD are truncated homologs of acl genes, and are part of a bacterial tyrosine kinase (BYK) system that regulates capsule expression and chain length ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""(ST) 700–GPSC10 serotype 3 lineage is characterized by the absence of at least 6 acl genes and a distinct antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile compared to other serotype 3 strains.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Clonal Expansion of a Streptococcus pneumoniae Serotype 3 Capsule Variant Sequence Type 700 With Enhanced Vaccine Escape Potential After 13-Valent Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Introduction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/230/1/e189/7633460?login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 26, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""cpsB and cpsD are truncated homologs of acl genes, and are part of a bacterial tyrosine kinase (BYK) system that regulates capsule expression and chain length ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The bacterial tyrosine kinase system CpsBCD governs the length of capsule polymers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2103377118""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 3, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pneumococcal polysaccharide-conjugate vaccines (PCV) target the polysaccharide capsule (CPS)""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Global impact of ten-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on invasive pneumococcal disease in all ages (the PSERENADE project): a global surveillance analysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00665-0/fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 17, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Current PCVs induce suboptimal protection against serotype 3 strains""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Global impact of ten-valent and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on invasive pneumococcal disease in all ages (the PSERENADE project): a global surveillance analysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.thelancet.com/journals/laninf/article/PIIS1473-3099(24)00665-0/fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 17, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Pathology,Free-Format Question,A hierarchy of causes of death in senescent C. elegans,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.21.671442v1,"Aug 25, 2025","Researchers tested whether uterine tumors contribute to late-life mortality in Caenorhabditis elegans in the absence of bacterial infection. Worms were grown at 20˚C on agar plates containing nematode growth media, seeded with E. coli OP50 as a food source. Nematodes at two developmental stages, L4 and D2 (defined as day 0 and day 2 of adulthood, respectively), were evaluated under the following conditions of substance administration: 50 μM floxuridine (FUDR); 50 μM FUDR + 4mM carbenicillin (Carb). Mortality was assessed every 1 - 2 days, with individuals considered as alive if any movement was observed.","- Lifespan in days under substance administration (50 μM FUDR; 50 μM FUDR + 4mM Carb). - Survival percentage under substance administration (50 μM FUDR; 50 μM FUDR + 4mM Carb).","Mortality scoring was performed in Caenorhabditis elegans at two stages, L4 and D2, following administration of 50 μM floxuridine (FUDR), and 50 μM FUDR + 4mM carbenicillin (Carb), to evaluate whether uterine tumors contribute to late-life mortality when bacterial infection is inhibited. What would you expect to happen to the lifespan of C. elegans at each stage when FUDR + Carb are administered? ","In the presence of Carb and FUDR, L4 had a slightly shortened lifespan, but D2 had a significantly increased lifespan.","- Caenorhabditis elegans is a short-lived nematode whose death results from a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, with infection by its bacterial food source being one of the major extrinsic causes. - Escherichia coli is a bacteria used as a food source for C. elegans and is the major cause of infection to which all individuals succumb in later life. - Uterine tumors are among the most striking pathologies observed in senescent C. elegans hermaphrodites. - 5-fluoro-2’-deoxyuridine or floxuridine (FUDR) is a drug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer that can prevent uterine tumor development.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Caenorhabditis elegans is a short-lived nematode whose death results from a combination of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, with infection by its bacterial food source being one of the major extrinsic causes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Run-on of germline apoptosis promotes gonad senescence in C. elegans""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5129915/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 31, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Escherichia coli is a bacteria used as a food source for C. elegans and is the major cause of infection to which all individuals succumb in later life.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genetic analysis of tissue aging in Caenorhabditis elegans: a role for heat-shock factor and bacterial proliferation.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1462187/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 01, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Uterine tumors are among the most striking pathologies observed in senescent C. elegans hermaphrodites.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""TGF-β and Insulin Signaling Regulate Reproductive Aging via Oocyte and Germline Quality Maintenance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2955983/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 15, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""5-fluoro-2’-deoxyuridine or floxuridine (FUDR) is a drug used in the treatment of colorectal cancer that can prevent uterine tumor development.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""MDL-1, a growth- and tumor-suppressor, slows aging and prevents germline hyperplasia and hypertrophy in C. elegans""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3969279/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 16, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant genetics,MCQ,"DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1-mediated epigenetic regulation maintains gene expression balance required for heterosis in Arabidopsis thaliana ","https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.21.671646v1.full ","August 26, 2025.","Researchers investigated the role of epigenetic regulation, particularly DNA methylation mediated by DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1), in early seedling biomass heterosis using hybrids between Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type accessions Columbia-0 (Col-0) and C24 as parental lines. Two heterozygous mutants were generated: (a) C24 (DDM1/ddm1-9), resulting from a cross between wild-type C24 and the ddm1-9 mutant line (C24 background); and (b) Col (DDM1/ddm1-1), resulting from a cross between wild-type Col-0 and the ddm1-1 mutant line (Col-0 background). The F1 generation was obtained by crossing the two heterozygous mutants, C24 (DDM1/ddm1-9) and Col (DDM1/ddm1-1). Plants were grown under controlled environmental conditions with a 16-h light / 8-h dark photoperiod at 22 °C. Seeds were sown on plastic dishes containing Murashige and Skoog (MS) agar medium supplemented with 1.0% sucrose (pH 5.7), and seedlings were transferred to soil 14 days after sowing (DAS). Rosette diameter and leaf area were measured to evaluate plant size and heterosis in F1 plants at 14, 21, and 28 DAS. Rosette diameter was defined as the maximum diameter of the rosette, measured between the two largest leaves at a given developmental stage. It depends on both the leaf blade and petiole lengths. Leaf area was calculated from photographs using image analysis with ImageJ software.","- Rosette diameter (mm) at 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing in heterozygous and homozygous F1 lines after the cross of heterozygous mutants (C24 (DDM1/ddm1-9) x Col (DDM1/ddm1-1)). - Leaf area at 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing in heterozygous and homozygous F1 lines after the cross of heterozygous mutants (C24 (DDM1/ddm1-9) x Col (DDM1/ddm1-1)).","Researchers investigated the role of epigenetic regulation, particularly DNA methylation mediated by DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1), in early seedling biomass heterosis using hybrids between Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type accessions Columbia-0 and C24. To determine the effect of the DDM1 mutation, two heterozygous mutants, C24 (DDM1/ddm1-9) and Col (DDM1/ddm1-1), obtained from crosses with the respective wild-type accessions, were crossed to evaluate rosette diameter (mm) at 14, 21, and 28 days after sowing (DAS). At which time point after sowing is it most likely that the cross between C24 (DDM1/ddm1-9) and Col (DDM1/ddm1-1) will show the smallest statistical differences in rosette diameter among genotypes? A. At 14 DAS. B. At 21 DAS. C. At 28 DAS.",B. At 21 DAS.,"- Heterosis, also known as hybrid vigor, refers to the superior performance of the first filial generation (F1) plants compared to their parental lines. - Epigenetics refers to mechanisms that influence gene regulatory networks without altering the underlying DNA sequence. - Epigenetic regulation is important in the control of heterosis. - DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1) is a chromatin remodeling factor that has been shown to diminish heterosis in A. thaliana. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Epigenetics refers to mechanisms that influence gene regulatory networks without altering the underlying DNA sequence.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SHeterosis of Arabidopsis hybrids between C24 and Col is associated with increased photosynthesis capacity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1204464109""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 09, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Epigenetic regulation is important in the control of heterosis""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Parental DNA Methylation States Are Associated with Heterosis in Epigenetic Hybrids""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article/176/2/1627/6117228""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 01, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DECREASE IN DNA METHYLATION 1 (DDM1) is a chromatin remodeling factor that has been shown to diminish heterosis in A. thaliana.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Role of DNA methylation in hybrid vigor in Arabidopsis thaliana""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1613372113?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 7, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Entomology,MCQ,Effects of Three Natural Dietary Compounds on Insect Pests,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.23.655814v2,"May 28, 2025","Researchers evaluated the relative efficacy of three natural compounds —neem oil, boric acid, and gallotannin acid— against larvae of three pest species: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus (red palm weevil), Plodia interpunctella (Indian meal moth), and Spodoptera exigua (beet armyworm). The larvae were reared on an optimal artificial semi‒diet composed of agar (20 g), distilled water (880 ml), brewer’s yeast (50 g), wheat germ (50 g), corn meal (50 g), ascorbic acid (4.5 g), coconut fiber (8 g), and a vitamin/amino acid additive (50 ml). The diet provided 15.0% crude protein (as a percentage of dry weight). The rearing of R. ferrugineus was conducted following the protocol established by Martin & Cabello (2006), whereas that of P. interpunctella and S. exigua followed the method of Cabello et al. (1984). The three compounds tested were boric acid (99.5%, Panreac Quimica S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain), gallotannin acid (tannic acid 99.5%, Panreac Quimica S.L.U., Barcelona, Spain), and neem oil (azadirachtin, 3.2% LS, Sipcam, Valencia, Spain). Each II-instar larva in a 20 ml Coulter vial (20 ml) was an experimental unit. Treatments included five neem oil concentrations (0, 6.3, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 ppm), six boric acid concentrations (0, 312.5, 625.0, 1,250.0, 2,500.0, 5,000.0 ppm), and seven gallotannin acid concentrations (0, 156.3, 312.5, 625.0, 1,250.0, 2,500.0, 5,000.0 ppm). There were 20 repetitions per treatment (concentration), totaling 100 experimental units for neem oil trial, 120 for boric acid trial, and 140 for gallotannin acid trial. Larval survival was tracked at intervals: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 20 days for R. ferrugineus, and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days for the other species. Trials were conducted at 25±2 °C, 65±10% R.H. and photo period of 0:24 hours light: dark on R. ferrugineus and P. interpunctella species, and 16:9 hours on S. exigua species. Larval survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method with subsequent comparisons between treatments carried out via the long-rank test in each trial. These analyses were performed via IBM SPSS software, version 28. Effective median lethal concentrations (LC50) were calculated via probit analysis. If there is natural mortality in the controls, adjusted mortality is used according to Abbott’s formula.","- Larval survival (tracked at intervals: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 20 days for R. ferrugineus, and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days for the other species) - Effective median lethal concentrations (LC50) of the tested compounds (neem oil, boric acid, and gallotannin acid) - Corrected mortality (%) across species (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Plodia interpunctella and Spodoptera exigua) after compound treatment (neem oil, boric acid, and gallotannin acid)","Researchers evaluated the relative efficacy of three natural compounds —neem oil, boric acid, and gallotannin acid— against larvae of three pest species: Rhynchophorus ferrugineus, Plodia interpunctella, and Spodoptera exigua. The larvae were reared on an optimal artificial semi‒diet composed of agar (20 g), distilled water (880 ml), brewer’s yeast (50 g), wheat germ (50 g), corn meal (50 g), ascorbic acid (4.5 g), coconut fiber (8 g), and a vitamin/amino acid additive (50 ml). The diet provided 15.0% crude protein (as a percentage of dry weight). The three compounds tested were boric acid (99.5%), gallotannin acid (tannic acid 99.5%), and neem oil (azadirachtin, 3.2% LS). Each II-instar larva in a 20 ml Coulter vial (20 ml) was an experimental unit. Treatments included five neem oil concentrations (0, 6.3, 12.5, 25.0, 50.0 ppm), six boric acid concentrations (0, 312.5, 625.0, 1,250.0, 2,500.0, 5,000.0 ppm), and seven gallotannin acid concentrations (0, 156.3, 312.5, 625.0, 1,250.0, 2,500.0, 5,000.0 ppm). There were 20 repetitions per treatment (concentration), totaling 100 experimental units for neem oil trial, 120 for boric acid trial, and 140 for gallotannin acid trial. Larval survival was tracked at intervals: 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, and 20 days for R. ferrugineus, and 3, 6, 9, 12, and 15 days for the other species. Trials were conducted at 25±2 °C, 65±10% R.H. and photo period of 0:24 hours light: dark on R. ferrugineus and P. interpunctella species, and 16:9 hours on S. exigua species. Larval survival was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method. Effective median lethal concentrations (LC50) were calculated via probit analysis. If there is natural mortality in the controls, adjusted mortality is used according to Abbott’s formula. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. At the highest concentration tested (5000 ppm), boric acid resulted in an effectiveness (corrected mortalities) of 100% at 9 or 12 days for all species B. At the highest concentration tested (5000 ppm), boric acid resulted in an effectiveness (corrected mortalities) of 100% at 9 or 12 days for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus and Plodia interpunctella, but not for Spodoptera exigua. C At the highest concentration tested (5000 ppm), boric acid resulted in an effectiveness (corrected mortalities) of 100% at 12 days for Rhynchophorus ferrugineus only D. At the highest concentration tested (5000 ppm), boric acid resulted in an effectiveness (corrected mortalities) of 100% at 15 days for all species","A. At the highest concentration tested (5000 ppm), boric acid resulted in an effectiveness (corrected mortalities) of 100% at 9 or 12 days for all species","- The red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a pest species that affects various palm and coconut trees - The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella is a species that affects mainly stored plant products - The beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua is a pest affecting herbaceous and horticultural crops - Boric acid and borate salts serve as active ingredients in pesticides, effectively targeting insects, spiders, mites, algae, molds, fungi, and weeds. - Gallotannin acid, also known as tannic acid, is the most well known hydrolysable tannin. - Azadirachtin, which is a tetranortriterpenoid, is an active ingredient of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed oil. It controls two hundred species of insects, including locusts, gypsy moths, cockroaches, and fall armyworms","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The red palm weevil Rhynchophorus ferrugineus is a pest species that affects various palm and coconut trees""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biología y ecología del Curculiónido rojo de la palmera, Rhynchophorus ferrugineus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.researchgate.net/publication/256445857_Biologia_y_ecologia_del_Curculionido_rojo_de_la_palmera_Rhynchophorus_ferrugineus_Olivier_1790_Col_Dryophthoridae""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January, 2005 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella is a species that affects mainly stored plant products""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biology and management of Plodia interpunctella (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) in stored products""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022474X06000671?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The beet armyworm Spodoptera exigua is a pest affecting herbaceous and horticultural crops""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biología, ecología y control de Spodoptera exigua (Hübner, 1808) (Lep., Noctuidae) en cultivo de pimiento en invernadero""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://digibug.ugr.es/handle/10481/55815""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1994""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, pdf available for download.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Boric acid and borate salts serve as active ingredients in pesticides, effectively targeting insects, spiders, mites, algae, molds, fungi, and weeds.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Boric Acid Technical Fact Sheet""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.npic.orst.edu/factsheets/archive/borictech.html""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Gallotannin acid, also known as tannic acid, is the most well known hydrolysable tannin.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Multifunctional Roles of Polyphenols in Plant-Herbivore Interactions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33535511/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 01, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Azadirachtin, which is a tetranortriterpenoid, is an active ingredient of neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.) seed oil. It controls two hundred species of insects, including locusts, gypsy moths, cockroaches, and fall armyworms""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Toxicology and Biochemistry of Insects, 1st Edition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.taylorfrancis.com/books/mono/10.1201/9781420059762/toxicology-biochemistry-insecticides-simon-yu""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 04, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology,Free-Format Question,A novel expression system enabling scalable production of glycosylated flavonoids in Escherichia coli W using a plant-derived toxic gene,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.09.674713v1,"Sep 13, 2025 ","Researchers compared prunin production in the SBG2339 strain, which contains the synthetic phosphate (Pi)-depletion promoter system known as Pliar, with conventional strains SBG1818 and SBG2303, which use the RhaR/Prha and XylS/Pm promoters, respectively. To evaluate the performance of this regulatory system, the E. coli platform SBG1888 was first constructed to optimize efficient UDPG biosynthesis. This strain combined the parental chassis SBG1869 with the pUDG plasmid. For consistent expression analysis and fair comparison with conventional systems, all transcriptional units were standardized using the same ribosome binding site (RBS; STD) and a low-copy origin of replication (RK2). The SbaiC7OGT gene was then expressed in SBG1888 under the control of three different regulatory systems: 1) The phosphate-responsive Pliar53 promoter, resulting in strain SBG2339; 2) The RhaR/Prha promoter, resulting in strain SBG1818; 3) The XylS/Pm promoter, resulting in strain SBG2303. All media used with the Pliar53 system were supplemented with 5 mM phosphate. Gene expression was induced only during the production phase, using phosphate-depleted M3 medium supplemented with yeast extract (YE). A concentration of 3 mM naringenin was administered as the substrate for the production of naringenin-7-O-glucoside (prunin). Flavonoid quantification was carried out using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a diode array detector (DAD).","- Prunin concentration in different E. coli strains (SBG2339, SBG1818, and SBG2303) - Comparison of prunin production driven by different promoter systems (Pliar53, RhaR/Prha, and XylS/Pm)","Prunin production regulated by three different systems (Pliar53, RhaR/Prha, and XylS/Pm)was evaluated using E. coli strains SBG2339, SBG1818, and SBG2303, respectively. These strains were derived from the engineered platform SBG1888, which expresses the SbaiC7OGT gene. Prunin concentrations were measured in each strain after 24 hours of naringenin administration to enhance flavonoid production, and quantified using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). What would you expect to happen to prunin production in strain SBG2303 compared to the other two strains evaluated?",The SBG2303 strain will yield a lower prunin production than both the SBG2339 and SBG1818 strains.,"- Prunin, or naringenin-7-O-glucoside, is a flavonoid biosynthesized in plants. - Naringenin is a substrate used for the production of prunin. - SbaiC7OGT is a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene from Scutellaria baicalensis that catalyzes the 7-O-glycosylation of flavonoids. - Escherichia coli is a microbial host commonly used for the heterologous expression of plant-derived molecules. - Pliar53 is a synthetic phosphate (Pi)-depletion promoter system inspired by the bacterial phosphate (PHO) starvation response, in which low Pi concentrations activate the PHO regulon. - XylS/Pm is a regulatory system inducible by m-toluic acid, whose derivatives are toxic and may interfere with enzymatic reactions. - RhaR/Prha is a regulatory system inducible by L-rhamnose, whose high cost limits its application in large-scale processes.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Naringenin is a substrate used for the production of prunin.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flavonoids naringenin chalcone, naringenin, dihydrotricin, and tricin are lignin monomers in papyrus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/plphys/article/188/1/208/6400262""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 18, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SbaiC7OGT is a UDP-glycosyltransferase gene from Scutellaria baicalensis that catalyzes the 7-O-glycosylation of flavonoids.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cloning and expression of UDP-glucose: flavonoid 7-O-glucosyltransferase from hairy root cultures of Scutellaria baicalensis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/PL00008158""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Escherichia coli is a microbial host commonly used for the heterologous expression of plant-derived molecules.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flavonoids, terpenoids, and polyketide antibiotics: Role of glycosylation and biocatalytic tactics in engineering glycosylation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107550""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pliar53 is a synthetic phosphate (Pi)-depletion promoter system inspired by the bacterial phosphate (PHO) starvation response, in which low Pi concentrations activate the PHO regulon.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Functional expansion of the natural inorganic phosphorus starvation response system in Escherichia coli""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biotechadv.2023.108154""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""XylS/Pm is a regulatory system inducible by m-toluic acid, whose derivatives are toxic and may interfere with enzymatic reactions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Modular plasmid design for autonomous multi-protein expression in Escherichia coli""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://jbioleng.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13036-025-00483-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 10, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""RhaR/Prha is a regulatory system inducible by L-rhamnose, whose high cost limits its application in large-scale processes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Modular plasmid design for autonomous multi-protein expression in Escherichia coli""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://jbioleng.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13036-025-00483-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 10, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology / Genetics,Free-Format Question,Loss-of-function mutations in PLD4 lead to systemic lupus erythematosus,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-025-09513-x,"September 10, 2025","Researchers tested whether six mutations (P181L, D189E, R201Q, Y248C, A323V, G457D) in phospholipase D family member 4 (PLD4) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) had any effect on exonuclease activity. To evaluate the mutation, an assay was performed using lysates from reconstituted HEK293T PLD3-KO with wild-type PLD4 cells that were maintained in Dulbecco's modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. Protein lysates were collected and purified using Flag-tag magnetic beads, then subjected to a PLD4 enzymatic activity assay (50 mM MES, pH 5.5, 150 mM NaCl, 2.5 μM substrate, 10 nM or 20 nM purified PLD4). The incubation was performed at 37 ° C for various time points (16, 35, and 50 h) and analyzed by TBE–PAGE, with nucleic acid staining conducted for 15 minutes prior to imaging.","- Intensity of ssDNA band fragmentation across mutants (P181L, D189E, R201Q, Y248C, A323V, G457D) at 16, 35 and 50 hours.","Six mutations (P181L, D189E, R201Q, Y248C, A323V, G457D) in phospholipase D family member 4 (PLD4) from patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were evaluated in cell lysates from reconstituted HEK293T PLD3-KO with wild-type PLD4 cells to evaluate the effect on exonuclease activity. Previously, cells were in Dulbecco's modified Eagle’s medium supplemented with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin-streptomycin. Protein lysates, collected and purified using Flag-tag magnetic beads, were subjected to a PLD4 enzymatic activity assay (50 mM MES, pH 5.5, 150 mM NaCl, 2.5 μM substrate, 10 nM or 20 nM purified PLD4) and incubated at 37 ° C (16, 35, and 50 h). Analysis was performed through TBE–PAGE, with nucleic acid staining conducted for 15 minutes prior to imaging. Which of the evaluated mutations are expected to show ssDNA fragmentation?",None of the mutants are expected to show ssDNA fragmentation,"- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multiorgan condition of variable severity. - Phospholipase D family member 4 (PLD4) is a 5′ exonuclease that localizes in the endolysosomes and can cleave single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), thereby restricting the overactivation of TLR7 and TLR9. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex multiorgan condition of variable severity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genetics and pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus and lupus nephritis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25825084/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Phospholipase D family member 4 (PLD4) is a 5′ exonuclease that localizes in the endolysosomes and can cleave single-stranded RNA (ssRNA) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), thereby restricting the overactivation of TLR7 and TLR9.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PLD3 and PLD4 are single stranded acid exonucleases that regulate endosomal nucleic acid sensing""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6105523/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 13, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant genetics,Free-Format Question,"ARABIDOPSIS Bsister and SEEDSTICK MADS-box transcription factors modulate maternal nutrient flow for seed development in Arabidopsis ","https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.21.665905v1 ","July 24, 2025 ","Researchers evaluated whether mutation of abs (tt16-6) and stk (stk-2) in Arabidopsis thaliana had any effect in the development of ovules and seeds by monitoring scratch accumulation. A wild-type seed (wt), and mutant seeds (abs, stk, and abs stk) were sown either directly on soil or on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and then moved to soil. Before sowing in germination medium, seeds were surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol for 2 minutes (min), 1% bleach for 5 min, and then washed three times with sterile water. After 10 days, the seedlings were moved to soil and grown in a growth chamber under long-day conditions (22°C, 16 h light/8 h dark).To visualize starch accumulation, pistils were isolated from flowers before anthesis. Starch staining was performed with Lugol's solution and the pistils were dissected in water to isolate the ovules. The signal was observed using a Zeiss Axiophot D1 microscope equipped with DIC optics. Images were recorded with an Axiocam MRc5 camera (Zeiss) using the Axiovision program.","- Lugol staining intensity in mature ovules of Arabidopsis thaliana to assess starch accumulation across wild-type (WT) and mutant lines (abs, stk, and abs stk).","Starch accumulation was determined by Lugol staining intensity in isolated ovules from dissected pistils of Arabidopsis thaliana wild-type (WT) and mutant lines (abs, stk, and abs stk). Pistils were collected from flowers prior to anthesis, from plants grown from seeds previously sown either directly in soil or initially on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium and later transferred to soil. Before sowing on germination medium, seeds were surface-sterilized with 70% ethanol for 2 minutes, followed by 1% bleach for 5 minutes, and rinsed with sterile water. After 10 days, seedlings were transferred to soil and grown under long-day conditions in a growth chamber. Starch staining was performed using Lugol's solution, and signal detection was carried out with a Zeiss Axiophot D1 microscope equipped with DIC optics. At the final stages of ovule development in the abs mutant, based on Lugol staining intensity, which ovules sections would be expected to show higher starch accumulation?","Higher starch accumulation is expected within the embryo sac, at the boundary between the nucellus and the chalaza, between the chalaza and the funiculus, and in the micropylar integuments.","- Starch accumulation occurs in gamethophytic and sporophytic tissues when arabidopsis ovules behave as sink organs. - ARABIDOPSIS Bsister/TRANSPARENT TESTA 16 (ABS/TT16) sporophytically expresses MADS-box genes that regulates the differentiation and pigmentation of the endothelium, as well as nucellus degeneration. - Abs mutants exhibit abnormal cell morphology in the endothelium, and after fertilization, fails to accumulate proanthocyanidins (PAs) that give the typical pigmentation to the Arabidopsis seeds. - SEEDSTICK (STK) sporophytically expresses MADS-box genes that are required for seed coat differentiation, seed size and seed abscission. - Stk mutants are characterized by ectopic accumulation of PAs in the seed coat. - Abs stk double mutants have ovules that are characterized by an increased accumulation of starch, lack of endothelium differentiation and division, and severe fertility defects.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Starch accumulation occurs in gamethophytic and sporophytic tissues when arabidopsis ovules behave as sink organs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Starch Turnover and Metabolism during Flower and Early Embryo Development""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5129708/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 28, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""ARABIDOPSIS Bsister/TRANSPARENT TESTA 16 (ABS/TT16) sporophytically expresses MADS-box genes that regulates the differentiation and pigmentation of the endothelium, as well as nucellus degeneration.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Developmental patterning of the sub-epidermal integument cell layer in Arabidopsis seeds""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5399669/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 15, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Abs mutants exhibit abnormal cell morphology in the endothelium, and after fertilization, fails to accumulate proanthocyanidins (PAs) that give the typical pigmentation to the Arabidopsis seeds.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Proanthocyanidin-Accumulating Cells in Arabidopsis Testa: Regulation of Differentiation and Role in Seed Development""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC280558/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SEEDSTICK (STK) sporophytically expresses MADS-box genes that are required for seed coat differentiation, seed size and seed abscission.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SEEDSTICK is a Master Regulator of Development and Metabolism in the Arabidopsis Seed Coat""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1004856""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 18, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Stk mutants are characterized by ectopic accumulation of PAs in the seed coat.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SEEDSTICK is a Master Regulator of Development and Metabolism in the Arabidopsis Seed Coat""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1004856""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 18, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Abs stk double mutants have ovules that are characterized by an increased accumulation of starch, lack of endothelium differentiation and division, and severe fertility defects. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The MADS box genes SEEDSTICK and ARABIDOPSIS Bsister play a maternal role in fertilization and seed development""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-313X.2011.04878.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 16, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant genetics / Plant biotechnology,Free-Format Question,Diploid gametes in maize by mutation of A-Type cyclins: a step towards apomeiosis and synthetic apomixis,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.16.654085v1,"May 19, 2025","Researchers tested whether the maize genome contains A-type cyclins similar to those found in Arabidopsis thaliana. They identified eight A-type cyclins and tested their ability to produce diploid gametes in the B104 maize variety. To determine whether the loss of function of maize A-type cyclins results in diploid gamete formation, the researchers used CRISPR-Cas9 technology to create single and multiplexed gRNAs that targeted three A-type cyclins: CYC2, CYC6, and CYC27, because those genes were more abundant in Meiosis I than the others. Edits on the target genes were confirmed by DNA sequencing (single and multiplexed (CYC2-CYC6 and CYC2-CYC27)). Diploid gamete formation was evaluated by Flow Cytometry, using WT B104 pollen grains and leaves to determine the haploid-diploid controls. To assess the penetrance of diploid gamete formation, they performed crosses using the knock-out mutants as mother or father when crossing to wild-type plants.","- Ploidy of male gametes and somatic cells, determined by measuring DNA content of nuclei from pollen and leaves using flow cytometry. - Penetrance of the diploid gamete phenotype, inferred by calculating the percentage of filled, viable kernels resulting from reciprocal crosses between mutant and wild-type plants.",Diploid gamete formation regulated by A-type cyclins in maize was evaluated by targeting three genes using CRISPR-Cas9 in a single or multiplexed fashion. Diploid gamete formation was measured by performing flow cytometry on pollen grains or leaves of edited plants. What ploidy would you expect to find in an individual derived from a self-pollinated plant edited in CYC6?,"Progeny are diploid because the single mutant produces normal haploid gametes, showing that neither male nor female meiosis was disrupted to a detectable level.","1. A-type cyclins are required for meiosis II. 2. Unreduced gametes are gametes that did not undergo a meiotic division, resulting in 2n gametes. 3. Multiplexed gRNAs refer to constructs containing gRNAs that target more than one gene. 4. Wild-type Maize is a diploid species","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A-type cyclins are required for meiosis II.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The CYCLIN-A CYCA1;2/TAM Is Required for the Meiosis I to Meiosis II Transition and Cooperates with OSD1 for the Prophase to First Meiotic Division Transition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosgenetics/article?id=10.1371/journal.pgen.1000989""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 17, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Unreduced gametes are gametes that did not undergo a meiotic division, resulting in 2n gametes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Turning Meiosis into Mitosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1000124""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 9, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Plant Biotechnology, Developmental Genetics",Free-Format Question,Gene regulatory network analysis of somatic embryogenesis identifies morphogenic genes that increase maize transformation frequency,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.22.659756v1," June 23, 2025","An experiment was conducted to identify new morphogenic regulator genes that could improve maize transformation efficiency. Researchers induced somatic embryogenesis by transforming immature maize embryos with Agrobacterium carrying vectors expressing BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2. 1 week after transformation, transformed cells were isolated and sorted using fluorescence-activated cell sorting, yielding approx 100,000 cells for single-cell RNA sequencing (10x Genomics). After quality filtering, 6,830 cells were analyzed. Gene regulatory network inference using MINI-EX identified regulons in clusters associated with somatic embryogenesis, which were prioritized using text mining of relevant literature, yielding 60 candidate genes. These were screened by expressing each under a maize ubiquitin promoter in vectors containing a RUBY reporter (producing visible red pigment for visual confirmation). Immature B104 maize embryos were transformed via Agrobacterium, and morphogenic responses were monitored by light microscopy. Four candidates (bHLH48, EREB152, GRF4, and HB77) showed the strongest responses and were selected for validation. For validation, each candidate was cloned into vector pG3K-Cre-AG-RUBY with a Cre/loxP auto-excision system. Immature zygotic embryos from B104 maize (11-12 days after pollination, from at least three ears) were transformed using Agrobacterium, with approximately 189-194 explants per treatment. Five treatments were tested: the four candidates plus tdTomato (negative control). At 43 days after transformation, explants with RUBY-expressing shoots were imaged using a Canon EOS 1200D camera and counted, and transformation frequency was calculated as the percentage of explants producing transgenic shoots (number of embryos with RUBY-positive shoots at 43 DAT / total embryos infected) × 100 %).","- Transformation frequency: percentage of total explants transformed (as indicated by RUBY expression), measured using a Canon EOS 1200D camera for visual observation, across five experimental treatments: (1) tdTomato (negative control); (2) bHLH48; (3) EREB152; (4) GRF4; and (5) HB77 ","An experiment was carried out to identify new genes that could improve maize transformation efficiency. Using single-cell RNA sequencing and gene regulatory network analysis, researchers identified 60 candidate transcription factors. The four most promising candidates were validated in transformation experiments using immature B104 maize embryos transformed with vectors containing each candidate, along with a Cre/loxP auto-excision system and RUBY reporter. Transformation frequency was measured at 43 days after transformation as the percentage of explants producing transgenic shoots. Among the four newly identified candidate morphogenic regulators (bHLH48, EREB152, GRF4, and HB77), which one produced the greatest improvement in transformation efficiency compared to the negative control?",EREB152 produced the greatest improvement.,"- Somatic embryogenesis is the process by which a somatic plant cell develops into an embryo and potentially a fertile plant. It's a critical step in generating transgenic plants, through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene editing. - Low transformation frequencies in maize pose problems for maize crop improvement, with only a fraction of transgenic events being high quality single-copy insertions. - Expression of morphogenic regulator transcription factors such as BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2 can induce direct somatic embryogenesis in maize explants, substantially increasing transformation efficiency. - Although BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2 are useful in promoting transformation efficiency, they can cause infertility and excessive callus formation, necessitating onerous interventions involving Cre/loxP auto-excision to remove them after embryo induction. - Alternative morphogenic regulators from different transcription factor families (such as GRF-GIF fusions in wheat and maize, or WOX2A in maize) have shown promise for improving transformation while overcoming the problems with BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2. - Single-cell RNA sequencing enables the identification of cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks during developmental processes, pinpointing master regulator transcription factors that potentially enhance somatic embryogenesis. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Somatic embryogenesis is the process by which a somatic plant cell develops into an embryo and potentially a fertile plant. It's a critical step in generating transgenic plants, through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation and gene editing.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rapid genotype “independent” Zea mays L. (maize) transformation via direct somatic embryogenesis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11627-018-9905-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 30, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Low transformation frequencies in maize pose problems for maize crop improvement, with only a fraction of transgenic events being high quality single-copy insertions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Use of GRF‐GIF chimeras and a ternary vector system to improve maize (Zea mays L.) transformation frequency\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/tpj.16880""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 23, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Expression of morphogenic regulator transcription factors such as BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2 can induce direct somatic embryogenesis in maize explants, substantially increasing transformation efficiency.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Morphogenic Regulators Baby boom and Wuschel Improve Monocot Transformation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/plcell/article/28/9/1998/6098336""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 6, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Although BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2 are useful in promoting transformation efficiency, they can cause infertility and excessive callus formation, necessitating onerous interventions involving Cre/loxP auto-excision to remove them after embryo induction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Use of non-integrating Zm-Wus2 vectors to enhance maize transformation: Non-integrating WUS2 enhances\ntransformation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11627-019-10042-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 2, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Alternative morphogenic regulators from different transcription factor families (such as GRF-GIF fusions in wheat and maize, or WOX2A in maize) have shown promise for improving transformation while overcoming the problems with BABY BOOM and WUSCHEL2.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A key to totipotency: Wuschel‐like homeobox 2a unlocks embryogenic culture response in maize ( Zea mays L.)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/pbi.14098""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 26, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Single-cell RNA sequencing enables the identification of cell-type-specific gene regulatory networks during developmental processes, pinpointing master regulator transcription factors that potentially enhance somatic embryogenesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""MINI-EX: Integrative inference of single-cell gene regulatory networks in plants""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/molecular-plant/fulltext/S1674-2052(22)00368-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 7, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Chemistry,MCQ,"Lab-Scale Thermal Decomposition of Hydrogen Peroxide as Green Propellant over Low-Cost Catalysts Based on Copper Deposited on Different Supports ",https://www.mdpi.com/2226-4310/12/5/440,"May 15, 2025","Researchers investigate the thermal degradation of the H2O2 green monopropellant. Three distinct catalysts—copper supported on γ-alumina, graphite, and MNC clay—were used. Conversely, a LABSYS evo-gasorption apparatus (Category: DTA/TG/DSC, Model: Setaram Instrumentation) was used to perform differential thermal analysis– thermogravimetry (DTA–TG) measurements in order to investigate the thermal breakdown of H2O2 at constant atmospheric pressure (p = 1 atm). A syringe was used to inject a 30% (w/w) H2O2 microdroplet into the metallic sample cell. It was investigated how the three different catalysts affected the H2O2 thermogram. A microdroplet of liquid H2O2 was combined with a modest amount (a few micrograms) of powdered catalyst in the aluminum sample cell for each thermal study. Before each run, the following experimental conditions were maintained: (i) Carrier gas: argon, with a flow rate of 50 mL·min⁻1; (ii) Heating rate: 10 °C·min⁻1, from room temperature up to 250 °C; (iii) The H2O2 droplet was added directly to the catalyst particles already placed in the aluminum cell. After sealing the apparatus, a stabilization period of approximately 2 min was allowed for the system (carrier gas and sample) to equilibrate. The thermal run was then initiated to record the DTA–TG thermograms. Experiments were run at two constant temperatures: 0 °C and 36 °C","- Differential pressure (ΔP, in kPa) vs time (minutes) was recorded. - ΔP for each catalyst (Cu/γ-alumina, Cu/graphite, Cu/clay) compared to the uncatalyzed control. - ΔP at 0 °C and 36 °C to assess temperature effects on decomposition rate.","Which of the following statements best describes the observed catalytic activity (as measured by differential pressure, ΔP, vs time) for the decomposition of 30 % H₂O₂ over the three copper-supported catalysts (Cu/γ-alumina, Cu/graphite, Cu/clay) compared to the uncatalyzed decomposition, at 36 °C and 0 °C? A. At both temperatures all three catalysts produce rates almost identical to each other; the rates follow a similar trend, with 0°C just being slower than 36 °C, each gives a large increase over the uncatalyzed reaction at both temperatures. B. At 0°C all three catalysts give a similar rate, none of them is clearly faster than another, but at 36 °C Cu/γ-alumina gives the highest rate (largest ΔP increase), followed by Cu/graphite, then Cu/clay, each significantly faster than uncatalyzed at both temperatures. C. At 0 °C, Cu/clay a rate that is slower than the uncatalyzed reaction at the beginning, then becomes faster than the uncatalyzed reaction, while Cu/graphite, and Cu/γ-alumina have a similar rate and are higher than the uncatalyzed reaction. At 36 °C all three are faster than uncatalyzed reaction, Cu/γ-alumina is the fastest, closely followed by Cu/graphite, then Cu/clay. D. At 0 °C all three catalysts begin slightly faster than the uncatalyzed reaction then all three become much faster, the variability being larger than the difference between the catalysts. At 36 °C the reaction with all three catalysts is much faster than the uncatalyzed reaction, with Cu/γ-alumina being much faster than Cu/graphite, then Cu/clay lags because the copper particles came off the support particles.","C. At 0 °C, Cu/clay a rate that is slower than the uncatalyzed reaction at the beginning, then becomes faster than the uncatalyzed reaction, while Cu/graphite, and Cu/γ-alumina have a similar rate and are higher than the uncatalyzed reaction. At 36 °C all three are faster than uncatalyzed reaction, Cu/γ-alumina is the fastest, closely followed by Cu/graphite, then Cu/clay.","-As the world increasingly focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, there is a growing interest in exploring greener alternative propellants that offer comparable performance while mitigating the drawbacks associated with hydrazine and its derivatives. -The thermal decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a promising green propellant was performed over free-noble metallic-based catalysts deposited on abundant supports. -Green monopropellants have the potential for long-term cost savings due to reduced safety measures, disposal costs, and regulatory compliance requirements associated with hazardous materials such as hydrazine","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""As the world increasingly focuses on sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions, there is a growing interest in exploring greener alternative propellants that offer comparable performance while mitigating the drawbacks associated with hydrazine and its derivatives.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Propulsion Systems, Propellants, Green Propulsion Subsystems and their Applications: A Review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ect-journal.kz/index.php/ectj/article/view/1491""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 20, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Green monopropellants have the potential for long-term cost savings due to reduced safety measures, disposal costs, and regulatory compliance requirements associated with hazardous materials such as hydrazine""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Development of green propellants for future space applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jes.or.jp/mag/stem/Vol.77/documents/Vol.77,No.5,p.105-110.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 14, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Tendon Repair / Mechanotransduction,Numerical Values,GsMTx4-loaded GelMA promotes tendon regeneration and suppresses heterotopic ossification via the Apelin signaling pathway,https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0142961225004260?via%3Dihub,"June 19, 2025","Researchers employed Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (10–12 weeks old, weighing 250–300 g) as animal model for studying tendon repair and regeneration. A central defect (1 mm in width and 5 mm in length) was created in the Achilles tendon using two parallel No.15 surgical blades. Subsequently, the skin was sutured using 4-0 Vicryl sutures. The rats received temgesic (0.3 mg/kg of body weight) for three consecutive days following the surgery to manage pain. The rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Achilles tendon defect (ATD) (no treatment), GelMA, GelMA + 50 μg GsMTx4, GelMA + 100 μg GsMTx4. At the time of injury, a mixture of GelMA and LAP (Lithium Phenyl-2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoylphosphinate) (20 μl), loaded with 50 or 100 μg GsMTx4 where appropriate, was placed within the ATD of treated animals and transformed into the gel state with a blue light source (3 W, 405 nm) for 30 s at a distance of 2 cm from the defect. These animals were euthanized at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-treatment, with six rats per group per time point. The harvested Achilles tendons were fixed in 4 % paraformaldehyde at room temperature for 24 h. Following fixation, the samples were rinsed with running water and dehydrated with an ethanol gradient, and embedded in paraffin. The blocks were sectioned at 5 μm thickness using a microtome and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Semi-quantitative analysis of H&E staining results was conducted according to the modified Bonar score.","- Histologic Bonar Score (ATD, GelMA, GelMA + 50 μg GsMTx4, GelMA + 100 μg GsMTx4): 2 weeks; 4 weeks; 8 weeks.","Researchers employed Male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats (10–12 weeks old, weighing 250–300 g) as animal model for studying tendon repair and regeneration. A central defect (1 mm in width and 5 mm in length) was created in the Achilles tendon using two parallel No.15 surgical blades. The rats were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Achilles tendon defect (ATD) (no treatment), GelMA, GelMA + 50 μg GsMTx4, GelMA + 100 μg GsMTx4. At the time of injury, a mixture of GelMA and LAP (Lithium Phenyl-2,4,6-Trimethylbenzoylphosphinate) (20 μl), loaded with 50 or 100 μg GsMTx4 where appropriate, was placed within the ATD of treated animals and transformed into the gel state with a blue light source. The animals were euthanized at 2, 4, and 8 weeks post-treatment. The harvested Achilles tendons were embedded in paraffin, sectioned using a microtome, and stained with Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E). Semi-quantitative analysis of H&E staining results was conducted according to the modified Bonar score (BS). Based on the reported values of the BS for Achilles tendon repair and regeneration, what is the predicted difference of the BS (in points) between the GelMA and the GelMA + 100 μg GsMTx4 groups 8-weeks post treatment?","ΔBS (GelMA - GelMA + 100 μg GsMTx4) 8-weeks post treatment = 4 - 6 points; derived from BS GelMA 8-weeks post treatment = ~ 9 points, BS GelMA + 100 μg GsMTx4 8-weeks post treatment = ~ 4 points. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ± 10% units (rounded) applied.","- Tendon regeneration is highly relied on the surrounding mechanical environment. - Studies have demonstrated the importance of Piezo1 in modulating cellular behaviors to mechanical cues, such as cell migration, differentiation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis. - GelMA hydrogel demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and sustained release properties. - The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 is inhibited by the peptide GsMTx4","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Tendon regeneration is highly relied on the surrounding mechanical environment.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""In vitro loading models for tendon mechanobiology""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jor.23752""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Studies have demonstrated the importance of Piezo1 in modulating cellular behaviors to mechanical cues, such as cell migration, differentiation, proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effects of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 on proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of human dental follicle cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0940960221001734""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 20, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled source is the cited element in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- GelMA hydrogel demonstrates excellent biocompatibility and sustained release properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Multifunctional GelMA platforms with nanomaterials for advanced tissue therapeutics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2452199X21003133""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 6, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 is inhibited by the peptide GsMTx4""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""GsMTx4: Mechanism of Inhibiting Mechanosensitive Ion Channels""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/biophysj/fulltext/S0006-3495(16)31041-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0006349516310414%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 10, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology / Microbiology,Numerical Values,The gut microbiota directs vitamin A flux to regulate intestinal T cell development,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674524v1,"Sep 10, 2025","Researchers tested whether the intestinal microbiota influences retinoid flux through intestinal cellular pathways in five cell types: Intestinal epithelial (IE) cells, lamina propria (LP) CD11c⁺ cells, mesenteric lymph node (mLN) CD11c⁺ cells, LP CD4⁺ T cells, and mLN CD4⁺ T cells. For the study, cells from three groups of C57BL/6J wild-type mice were analyzed under different conditions: a) Conventional mice were housed under specific pathogen–free (SPF) conditions; b) Antibiotic treated mice received drinking water supplemented with Penicillin G sodium and Streptomycin sulfate for 10 days to deplete the intestinal microbiota; c) Reconventionalization mice were switched from antibiotic-treated water to untreated water for 48 hours, followed by gavage with a fecal slurry prepared from conventional donor mice. All groups were administered 10 μCi/mL ³H-retinol diluted in corn oil. For kinetic studies, mice were euthanized at 0 and 6 hours, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 days post-gavage. Peyer’s patches were excised, and the tissue was flushed, washed, and then incubated for intestinal preparations. IE cells and intraepithelial lymphocytes were subsequently released by vortexing and removed by filtration through a cell strainer. The remaining tissue was washed, digested, and filtered. The digestion step was repeated once more on residual tissue to maximize immune cell yield. LP cells were enriched, collected, and then washed twice. For mLN preparations, only lymph nodes draining the small intestine were excised. CD11c⁺ myeloid cells, and CD4⁺ T cells were isolated from the LP and mLNs and subjected to magnetic enrichment. Cells were solubilized in Biosol, mixed with Bioscint scintillation cocktail, and radioactivity was measured using a liquid scintillation counter. Counts per minute (cpm) were normalized to the number of live cells.","- Time points after ³H-retinol uptake. - Counts per minute of ³H-retinol uptake. - Comparison of peak ³H-retinol uptake across mice groups: conventional, antibiotic-treated and reconventionalization.","Retinoid flux of 10 μCi/mL ³H-retinol at 0 and 6 hours, and at 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, and 10 days through intestinal epithelial (IE), lamina propria (LP) CD11c⁺, mesenteric lymph node (mLN) CD11c⁺, LP CD4⁺ T, and mLN CD4⁺ T cells was measured in three groups of C57BL/6J wild-type mice (conventional, antibiotic-treated, and reconventionalized). Based on the results, the analysis identified distinct peaks of ³H-retinol uptake across these cell types. For the three mouse groups, at which time point does the ³H-retinol peak occur in LP CD11c⁺ cells?",0.95-1.05 days,"- Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from Vitamin A molecules. - Retinol is a type of retinoid that is converted into retinoic acid (RA) by intestinal myeloid cells, this molecule is transferred to developing mLN T cells. - The intestinal microbiota shapes adaptive immunity by restoring intestinal lymphocyte accumulation. - Microbial antigens and a vitamin-A derived signal are needed to program T cell migration and maturation. - Intestinal epithelial (IE) cells participate in the primary absorption of Vitamin A and its conversion to retinol. - Lamina propria (LP) is the immune-rich connective tissue beneath the intestinal epithelium. - Mesenteric lymph node (mLN) is a secondary lymph node located outside the intestinal wall, where CD4⁺ T cells are first primed. - CD11c⁺ cells are specialized myeloid cells in the LP that convert retinol acquired from IE cells into retinoic acid. - CD4⁺ T cells are a type of adaptive immune cell whose development in the intestine depends on signals from microbial cells.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Retinoids are a class of compounds derived from Vitamin A molecules.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Commensals Suppress Intestinal Epithelial Cell Retinoic Acid Synthesis to Regulate Interleukin-22 Activity and Prevent Microbial Dysbiosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/immunity/pdf/S1074-7613(18)30526-0.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 18, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Retinol is a type of retinoid that is converted into retinoic acid (RA) by intestinal myeloid cells, this molecule is transferred to developing mLN T cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A functionally specialized population of mucosal CD103+ DCs induces Foxp3+ regulatory T cells via a TGF-β– and retinoic acid–dependent mechanism""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2118683/\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 06, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The intestinal microbiota shapes adaptive immunity by restoring intestinal lymphocyte accumulation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Creating and Maintaining the Gastrointestinal Ecosystem: What We Know and Need To Know from Gnotobiology""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10.1128/mmbr.62.4.1157-1170.1998""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 01, 1998""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Microbial antigens and a vitamin-A derived signal are needed to program T cell migration and maturation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Retinoic Acid Imprints Gut-Homing Specificity on T Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/action/showPdf?pii=S1074-7613%2804%2900247-X""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct, 2004""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Intestinal epithelial (IE) cells participate in the primary absorption of Vitamin A and its conversion to retinol.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mechanisms involved in the intestinal absorption of dietary vitamin A and provitamin A carotenoids""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3525326/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Lamina propria (LP) is the immune-rich connective tissue beneath the intestinal epithelium.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Serum amyloid A delivers retinol to intestinal myeloid cells to promote adaptive immunity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8532503/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 17, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mesenteric lymph node (mLN) is a secondary lymph node located outside the intestinal wall, where CD4⁺ T cells are first primed.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rapid Acquisition of Tissue-specific Homing Phenotypes by CD4+ T Cells Activated in Cutaneous or Mucosal Lymphoid Tissues""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2196018/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 07, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CD11c⁺ cells are specialized myeloid cells in the LP that convert retinol acquired from IE cells into retinoic acid.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Serum amyloid A delivers retinol to intestinal myeloid cells to promote adaptive immunity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8532503/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 17, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CD4⁺ T cells are a type of adaptive immune cell whose development in the intestine depends on signals from microbial cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rapid Acquisition of Tissue-specific Homing Phenotypes by CD4+ T Cells Activated in Cutaneous or Mucosal Lymphoid Tissues""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2196018/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 07, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Pharmacology and Toxicology,Numerical Values,"Peripheral Neuropathy After Chronic Alcohol Exposure in Mice: Impact of sex, total intake and duration and alcohol metabolism.",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.02.673579v1,"Sep 7, 2025","Researchers tested whether chronic alcohol concentration (2.5% or 5% EtOH) induces long-term, concentration- and sex-dependent mechanical hypersensitivity in mice during both the development phase (1 to 4 weeks of intake) and the recovery phase (1 to 10 weeks post-withdrawal). Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were housed and fed control Lieber-DeCarli diet ad libitum for 7 days. After the acclimation period, mice were single housed and assigned to receive either a control Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet or a 5% (v/v) or 2.5% (v/v) alcohol Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet. For alcohol withdrawal studies, mice remained on their assigned liquid diet for four weeks and then switched back to normal pellet food and water bottles ad/libitum for ten weeks. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed by measuring paw withdrawal (PW) thresholds using a series of calibrated von Frey filaments (0.07-4.0 g) using the up-down method. A PW response was defined as immediate lifting, shaking or fluttering of the paw. Baseline PW thresholds were recorded before the onset of alcohol exposure.","- Paw withdrawal thresholds across alcohol consumption stages (development and withdrawal). - Comparison of paw withdrawal threshold across alcohol concentrations (2.5% and 5%). - Sex-based comparison of mechanical hypersensitivity curves (female vs. male mice).","Adult male and female C57BL/6J mice were given either a control Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet or a Lieber-DeCarli liquid diet containing 2.5% or 5% (v/v) alcohol during a 1- to 4-week development phase. After 4 weeks, the mice entered a 10-week withdrawal phase, during which they were switched back to standard pellet food and water bottles ad libitum. Based on the paw withdrawal (PW) thresholds used to evaluate mechanical hypersensitivity, what is the predicted difference (in decimal units) in PW threshold between the first and last week of alcohol withdrawal in female mice that consumed 2.5% (v/v) alcohol?","ΔPW = (0.18-0.22) g, derived from PW(1week)= ~ 0.4 g, PW(10week) = ~ 0.6 g at [2.5% v/v EtOH in females). Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±0.02 g applied.","- Chronic alcohol consumption can cause related pain phenotypes, such as alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy (AIPN). Behavioral responses, such as somatosensory hypersensitivity, vary by sex and are influenced by the overall level of alcohol exposure. - Alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy (AIPN) is a progressive and prevalent somatosensory disease by which individuals present disruptions in peripheral nerve integrity and debilitating neuropathic pain. - Mechanical sensitivity are typical assessments of sensory nociceptive changes in rodents. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Chronic alcohol consumption can cause related pain phenotypes, such as alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy (AIPN). Behavioral responses, such as somatosensory hypersensitivity, vary by sex and are influenced by the overall level of alcohol exposure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sex-specific differences in alcohol-induced pain sensitization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109354""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 01, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Alcohol-induced peripheral neuropathy (AIPN) is a progressive and prevalent somatosensory disease by which individuals present disruptions in peripheral nerve integrity and debilitating neuropathic pain.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Alcohol-related peripheral neuropathy: a systematic review and meta-analysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00415-018-9123-1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 22, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Organic chemistry / Photochemistry,MCQ,Antioxidant and Photoprotective Capacity of Secondary Metabolites Isolated from Pseudocyphellaria berberina,https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/18/3833,"September 22, 2025","Researchers aimed to evaluate the photoprotective and antioxidant capacities of lichen-extracted aromatic organic compounds. Brialmontin 2 (compound 1), physciosporin (compound 2), pseudocyphellarin A (compound 3), calycin (compound 4), and 22- hydroxistictan-3-one (compound 5) were isolated from the lichen material (thalli of Pseudocyphellaria berberina). The compounds were purified by column chromatography and purity and molecular identity was confirmed by NMR spectroscopic techniques (1H-NMR and 13C-NMR). Compounds 1 to 5 were tested in vitro using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical assay, at concentrations of 5, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 parts per million (ppm). A total of 1 mL of the sample was mixed with 3 mL of the DPPH solution (0.25 mg/L). After 30 min of reaction (at room temperature in the dark), the absorbance was measured at 517 nm in the spectrophotometer UV-VIS GENESYS 10 (Thermo Scientific, Madison, WI, USA). Free radical scavenging activity (RSA) (%) was calculated using the equation: 𝑅𝑆𝐴 (%) = 100 x (𝐴𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑘−𝐴𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒)/(𝐴𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑘); where RSA = free radical scavenging activity, Ablank = the absorbance of the blank (solvent mixture instead of sample solution); and Asample = the absorbance of the sample.","- DPPH free radical assay: Absorbance at 517 nm of assay reactions with compounds 1 to 5 at 5, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 ppm (UV-VIS GENESYS 10; Thermo Scientific, Madison, WI, USA). - Free radical scavenging activity (RSA) (%): 100 x (𝐴𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑘−𝐴𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒)/(𝐴𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑘); where RSA = free radical scavenging activity, Ablank = the absorbance of the blank (solvent mixture instead of sample solution); and Asample = the absorbance of the sample.","Researchers aimed to evaluate the photoprotective and antioxidant capacities of lichen-extracted aromatic organic compounds. Brialmontin 2 (compound 1), physciosporin (compound 2), pseudocyphellarin A (compound 3), calycin (compound 4), and 22-hydroxistictan-3-one (compound 5) were isolated from P. berberina. Purity and molecular identity was confirmed by NMR spectroscopic techniques. Compounds 1 to 5 were tested in vitro using DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical assay, at concentrations of 5, 50, 100, 500 and 1000 parts per million (ppm). A total of 1 mL of the sample was mixed with 3 mL of the DPPH solution (0.25 mg/L). After 30 min of reaction, the absorbance was measured at 517 nm and the free radical scavenging activity (RSA) (%) was calculated using the equation: 𝑅𝑆𝐴 (%) = 100 x (𝐴𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑘−𝐴𝑠𝑎𝑚𝑝𝑙𝑒)/(𝐴𝑏𝑙𝑎𝑛𝑘); where RSA = free radical scavenging activity, Ablank = the absorbance of the blank (solvent mixture instead of sample solution); and Asample = the absorbance of the sample. What of the following outcomes is most likely? A) Compound 5 demonstrates the highest antioxidant activity (%RSA) from all 5 tested compounds, with increasing %RSA with increasing concentrations (ppm). B) Compound 3 demonstrates a lower antioxidant activity (%RSA) than compound 2 at all tested concentrations (ppm) except for 1000 ppm. C) Compound 1 demonstrates the lowest antioxidant activity (%RSA) from all 5 tested compounds, with no differences in %RSA between all tested concentrations (ppm). D) Compound 4 demonstrates a higher antioxidant activity (%RSA) than compound 5 at all tested concentrations (ppm), with increasing %RSA with increasing compound 4 concentrations (ppm).",B) Compound 3 demonstrates a lower antioxidant activity (%RSA) than compound 2 at all tested concentrations (ppm) except for 1000 ppm.,"- Pseudocyphellaria berberina is found in open habitats with high humidity, rain, and high luminosity; being expected that it biosynthesizes photoprotective and/or antioxidant metabolites. - DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay determines antioxidant activity based on measured scavenging activity towards a stable free radical","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Pseudocyphellaria berberina is found in open habitats with high humidity, rain, and high luminosity; being expected that it biosynthesizes photoprotective and/or antioxidant metabolites.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Epiphytic lichens of Conguillío National Park, southern Chile (Líquenes epífitos en el Parque Nacional Conguillío, sur de Chile)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://revistas.udec.cl/index.php/gayana_botanica/article/view/3904""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 30, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) assay determines antioxidant activity based on measured scavenging activity towards a stable free radical.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Statistical evaluation of DPPH, ABTS, FRAP, and Folin-Ciocalteu assays to assess the antioxidant capacity of lignins""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0141813023003628""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 2, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Analytical chemistry / Nanotechnology,MCQ,Water Permeates and Plasticizes Amorphous Carbon Dots: Unraveling the Inner Accessibility of the Nanoparticles by Glass Transition Studies,https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.202510992,"September 22, 2025","Researchers aimed to determine the effects of different reaction conditions on the characteristics of carbon dots. To prepare the carbon dots, β-Alanine (β-Ala) and triethylenetetramine (TETA, 97%) were dissolved in Milli-Q water (300 µL) and stirred at room temperature for 10 min in the dark. The mixture was reacted in a CEM Discover 2.0 microwave at 230 °C and 200 W for different times (3, 5, 10, 30 and 60 minutes). Samples were referred to as “CDs_time” according to the reaction times (e.g. “CDs_30” for CDs obtained with the 30 min reaction). At the end of the process, the mixtures were cooled down at room temperature, diluted with 4 mL of Milli-Q water, and filtered through 0.2 µm PTFE syringe filters. Finally, solutions were dialyzed against Milli-Q water for 3 days (MWCO of 0.5 – 1 kDa) and freeze-dried. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) experiments were performed under nitrogen atmosphere (25 mL min−1 flow rate) using a TGA Discovery device (TA Instruments). The procedure used was composed of a thermal pretreatment at 120 °C for 5 min, followed by a ramp from 40 to 700 °C at 20 °C min−1. Flash Differential Scanning Calorimetry (FDSC) measurements were performed by means of a Mettler Toledo Flash DSC 1, equipped with a Huber TC100 intracooler, and operating in a temperature range between −100 and 450 °C. MultiSTaR UFS1 chip sensors were employed, after calibrating the temperature with the melting point of indium at a heating rate of 1000 K s−1. Dry samples of CDs were prepared by depositing, onto the chip's active area, a tiny particle (in the order of 100 ng) of freshly freeze-dried CDs with a single-haired brush. Samples were dried in situ by pre-treating at 180 °C for 1 min, followed by a rapid cooling at 1000 K s−1 up to −40 °C. Soon after, five consecutive heating/cooling scans were recorded, with a fixed heating/cooling rate of 1000 K s−1 between – 40 and 200 °C. The five curves were averaged before plotting for noise reduction.","- Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA): ramp from 40 to 700 °C at 20 °C/min for CDs_3, CDs_5, CDs_10, CDs_30 and CDs_60 (TGA Discovery; TA Instruments). - Flash Differential Scanning Calorimetry (FDSC): temperature range between −40 and 200 °C and heating/cooling rate of 1000 K/s for CDs_3, CDs_5, CDs_10, CDs_30 and CDs_60 (Mettler Toledo Flash DSC 1). ","To determine the effects of different reaction conditions on the characteristics of carbon dots, β-Alanine (β-Ala) and triethylenetetramine (TETA) were dissolved in Milli-Q water and stirred at room temperature for 10 min in the dark. The mixture was microwave reacted at 230 °C and 200 W for different times (3, 5, 10, 30 and 60 minutes). According to the reaction times, samples were referred to as “CDs_time” (e.g. “CDs_30” for CDs with 30 min reaction time). At the end of the process, the mixtures were cooled down at room temperature, diluted with 4 mL of Milli-Q water, and filtered through 0.2 µm PTFE syringe filters. Finally, solutions were dialyzed against Milli-Q water for 3 days (MWCO of 0.5 – 1 kDa) and freeze-dried. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) experiments were performed under nitrogen atmosphere (25 mL min−1 flow rate), using a thermal pretreatment at 120 °C for 5 min, followed by a ramp from 40 to 700 °C at 20 °C/min. Flash Differential Scanning Calorimetry (FDSC) measurements were performed in a temperature range between −40 and 200 °C and at a heating/cooling rate of 1000 K/s. What of the following outcomes is the most likely? A) The degradation temperature (Td), occurs at ≈390 ± 5 °C for all the specimens, while temperature mid-point (Tg) shifts from 112 °C for CDs_3 to 136 °C for CDs_60. B) The degradation temperature (Td), occurs at ≈380 ± 5 °C for all the specimens except for CDs_60, while temperature mid-point (Tg) shifts from 108 °C for CDs_3 to 129 °C for CDs_60. C) The degradation temperature (Td), occurs at ≈370 ± 5 °C for all the specimens, while the temperature mid-point (Tg) shifts from 112 °C for CDs_3 to 152 °C for CDs_60. D) The degradation temperature (Td), occurs at ≈390 ± 5 °C for all the specimens except for CDs_3 and CDs_5, while temperature mid-point (Tg) shifts from 118 °C for CDs_3 to 134 °C for CDs_60.","A) The degradation temperature (Td), occurs at ≈390 ± 5 °C for all the specimens, while temperature mid-point (Tg) shifts from 112 °C for CDs_3 to 136 °C for CDs_60.","- The core of carbon dots is generally described as hydrophobic and “inaccessible”, being highly dehydrated and composed of either amorphous, randomly cross-linked carbon or partially ordered sp2 domains (graphitic CDs). - The diffusion of a substance like water can modify the thermodynamic variables of amorphous materials, leading to detectable changes in critical phase transition temperatures.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The core of carbon dots is generally described as hydrophobic and “inaccessible”, being highly dehydrated and composed of either amorphous, randomly cross-linked carbon or partially ordered sp2 domains (graphitic CDs)""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The polymeric characteristics and photoluminescence mechanism in polymer carbon dots: A review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2468519416300933""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 23, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled source is the cited element in this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The diffusion of a substance like water can modify the thermodynamic variables of amorphous materials, leading to detectable changes in critical phase transition temperatures.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hydroplasticization of Polymers: Model Predictions and Application to Emulsion Polymers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/la904211e""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 19, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled source is the cited element in this paper.""}]" Chemistry,Controlled release / Nanotechnology,MCQ,Sustained Release of Antibacterial Therapeutic Elements from Functionalized Mesoporous Silica-Coated Silver Nanoparticles for Bone Tissue Engineering,https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8549/7/5/146,"September 10, 2025","Researchers aimed to characterize silver (Ag)-releasing pristine and functionalized mesoporous silica-coated silver nanoparticles. For that purpose, core–shell-structured silver (Ag)-mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) (Ag@MSNs) were synthesized using a sol–gel method. An NaOH solution (2 M, 3.5 mL) was added into water (480 mL) containing CTAB (1 g) and thoroughly mixed at 80 °C for 30 min to ensure the complete dissolution of the CTAB. Afterwards, a mixture of formaldehyde (1 M, 3 mL) and a AgNO3 solution (0.1 M, 8 mL) was added dropwise with magnetic stirring. After stirring the mixture for 5 min, TEOS (5 mL) was added slowly, and it was stirred for another 2 h. The reaction temperature was kept at 80 °C for all the steps. The resultant products were collected through centrifugation and washed twice with deionized water and ethanol. The nanoparticles were then transferred to an ethanol solution (100 mL) containing NH4NO3 (0.6 g) and kept in a reflux unit at 80 °C for 24 h. Finally, the sample was washed using the same procedure and dried under vacuum to yield as-prepared Ag@MSNs. For -NH2 functionalization, Ag@MSNs (100 mg) were dispersed in isopropyl alcohol (100 mL), and 0.2 mL of APTES was added to the solution. The mixture was heated to 85 °C and stirred for 24 h. Then, the precipitates were collected through centrifugation (10,000 rpm, 5 min) and rinsed with deionized water and ethanol. Finally, the sample was dried under vacuum to yield Ag@MSNs-NH2. For -COOH functionalization, Ag@MSNs-NH2 (100 mg) were dispersed in N, N-Dimethylformamide (100 mL), and excess maleic anhydride was added to the solution. The mixture was then kept in a reflux unit at 80 °C for 24 h. The solids were collected through centrifugation (10,000 rpm, 5 min) and washed with deionized water and ethanol. Finally, the sample was dried under vacuum to yield Ag@MSNs-COOH. N2 adsorption–desorption experiments were performed to obtain the surface area and mesopore size distribution (ASAP2020 HD88, Micromeritics, Norcross, USA).","- Specific surface (ASAP2020 HD88, Micromeritics, Norcross, USA): Ag@MSNs, Ag@MSNs-NH2 and Ag@MSNs-COOH. - Pore diameter (ASAP2020 HD88, Micromeritics, Norcross, USA): Ag@MSNs, Ag@MSNs-NH2 and Ag@MSNs-COOH. - Pore volume (ASAP2020 HD88, Micromeritics, Norcross, USA): Ag@MSNs, Ag@MSNs-NH2 and Ag@MSNs-COOH.","Researchers aimed to characterize silver (Ag)-releasing pristine and functionalized mesoporous silica-coated silver nanoparticles. For that purpose, core–shell-structured silver (Ag)-mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) (Ag@MSNs) were synthesized using a sol–gel method. For -NH2 functionalization, Ag@MSNs were dispersed in isopropyl alcohol and reacted with APTES at 85 °C for 24 h under stirring, ultimately yielding Ag@MSNs-NH2. For -COOH functionalization, Ag@MSNs-NH2 were dispersed in N, N-Dimethylformamide (100 mL), and excess maleic anhydride was added to the solution, being kept in a reflux unit at 80 °C for 24 h, ultimately yielding Ag@MSNs-COOH. N2 adsorption–desorption experiments were performed to obtain the surface area and mesopore size distribution. According to the information provided, which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) Pore diameter: Ag@MSNs > Ag@MSNs-NH2 > Ag@MSNs-COOH; Specific area: Ag@MSNs-COOH similar to Ag@MSNs-NH2 B) Pore volume: Ag@MSNs > Ag@MSNs-NH2 > Ag@MSNs-COOH; Specific area: Ag@MSNs-COOH ~1.25-fold lower than Ag@MSNs-NH2. C) Pore volume: Ag@MSNs-COOH similar to Ag@MSNs-NH2; Specific area: Ag@MSNs-COOH similar to Ag@MSNs-NH2 D) Pore volume: Ag@MSNs-COOH < Ag@MSNs-NH2; Specific area: Ag@MSNs-COOH 1.5-fold lower than Ag@MSNs-NH2",A) Pore diameter: Ag@MSNs > Ag@MSNs-NH2 > Ag@MSNs-COOH; Specific area: Ag@MSNs-COOH similar to Ag@MSNs-NH2,"- A change in the mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) structure following surface functionalization due to substantial number of functional group grafting onto the inner surface of the MSNs, results in a narrowed pore diameter and reduced pore volume and surface area. - The carboxylation treatment did not change the specific surface area versus -NH2 functionalization, but the pore volume was reduced by around 22%, indicating that the grafted COOH groups blocked part of the mesopore channel.", Chemistry,Physical Chemistry,Free-Format Question,"Comparison of the Performance of Fluorescent, Phosphorescent and TADF Luminophores for Explosives Sensing",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68b4a37ea94eede154c30152,"Sep 3, 2025","Optically dilute solutions of luminophore concentrations on the order of 42 μM were prepared in toluene. Absorption spectra were recorded at room temperature on a Shimadzu UV-2600 double beam spectrophotometer using a 1 cm quartz cuvette. Steady-state emission spectra and Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) emission decay measurements were recorded at 298 K on either an Edinburgh Instruments FS5 or FLS980 spectrofluorometer, both in air and under N2, the latter prepared via 3 freeze-pump-thawing cycles using a home-made Schlenk quartz cuvette. Samples were excited at 420 nm for the steady-state photoluminescence measurements in order to selectively excite the luminophore in the presence of the DNT. 375 and 379 nm picosecond pulsed diode lasers from Edinburgh Instruments were used for the time-resolved TCSPC measurements in optically diluted samples. These wavelengths correspond to the near-maximum absorbance of the emitter compounds but only the weak absorption tail of DNT. The instrument response function (IRF) was measured using a solution of Ludox (signal collected at the wavelength of the laser emission).","-Peak value of the lowest energy absorption band for luminophores Alq3, fac-Ir(ppy)3, and 4CzIPN, as well as for 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT) , in nm. -Molar absorptivity of luminophores Alq3, fac-Ir(ppy)3, and 4CzIPN, in M-1 cm-1 -Lowest energy absorption band performed at room temperature by exciting each compoundat its respective low-energy maximum lambda-abs, in nm. ","The optoelectronic characterization of Alq3, fac-Ir(ppy)3, and 4CzIPN in solution was measured before and after addition of DNT. What would you expect to happen with the absorbance after DNT addition? In which order- in terms of molar absorptivity, from the highest- would you expect the luminophores to be? In which range do you expect the ΦPL values for each luminophore analyzed?","Once DNT is introduced, the absorbance increases due to the contribution from the absorption band of DNT (labs = 297 nm), which extends to around 400 nm. In terms of molar absorptivity, the order of luminophores starting from the highest is 4CzIPN >Ir(ppy)3 >Alq3 . The ΦPL values for each luminophore are as follows: Alq3 (15%-20%), Ir(ppy)3 (74%-78%), and 4CzIPN (83%-87%).","-Nitroaromatic explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its precursor 2,4-dini-trotoluene (DNT), are frequently found in munitions industries for military applications, landmines, and other explosive remnants of war. Consequently, detecting these compounds is essential to protect people from unwanted explosive hazards and to preserve ecosystems. -Photoluminescence sensing is an attractive approach to detect trace concentrations of chemicals due its high sensitivity. -Given the human cost linked to unexploded ordinances, much effort has been devoted to the development of sensors for the detection of explosives and related nitroaromatic compounds, including optical sensors. -Organic luminophores are particularly attractive for photoluminescence sensing as many examples possess high photoluminescence quantum yield (FPL), are easy to synthesize, and their excited state and orbital energies can be readily tuned as a function of their structure.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Nitroaromatic explosives, such as 2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) and its precursor 2,4-dini-trotoluene (DNT), are frequently found in munitions industries for military applications, landmines, and other explosive remnants of war. Consequently, detecting these compounds is essential to protect people from unwanted explosive hazards and to preserve ecosystems.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Distribution and Fate of Military Explosives and Propellants in Soil: A Review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2012/617236""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 30, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Photoluminescence sensing is an attractive approach to detect trace concentrations of chemicals due its high sensitivity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Review—Recent Progress in Portable Fluorescence Sensors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1945-7111/abd494""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 7, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Given the human cost linked to unexploded ordinances, much effort has been devoted to the development of sensors for the detection of explosives and related nitroaromatic compounds, including optical sensors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Aggregation induced emission based fluorenes as dual-channel fluorescent probes for rapid detection of cyanide: applications of smartphones and logic gates""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/org/science/article/pii/S2046206922016680""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 22, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Organic luminophores are particularly attractive for photoluminescence sensing as many examples possess high photoluminescence quantum yield (FPL), are easy to synthesize, and their excited state and orbital energies can be readily tuned as a function of their structure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Principles of Fluorescence Spectroscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-0-387-46312-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,"Organic Chemistry, Electrochemistry",MCQ,Experimental mechanistic studies on alternating polarity electrolysis for carbon-centered radical generation,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68d702973e708a76496df5dd,"June 5, 2025","Researchers conducted a research on aryl radical C-P bond synthesis in a setup of two-electrode using an IKA ElectraSyn 2.0. The reaction was performed using 0.1mmol potassium 4-methoxyphenyl trifluoroborate and 0.1mmol triethyl phosphite solution ($P(OEt)_{3}$) in 4 mL of acetone with no additional salt as electrolyte. Both electrodes were made of platinum with approximately 1 cm of each electrode submerged in the above solution. Before the reaction, the solution was purged for 10 minutes with $N_{2}$ gas and maintained under an Nitrogen $N_{2}$ atmosphere. A total charge of 4 F/mol was passed through an alternating polarity square wave given. Three different conditions compared: Condition A with 20 mA current, 0.1 Hz frequency, condition B with 10 mA current, 0.5 Hz frequency, and condition C with 3 mA current, 10 Hz of frequency.","-Crude ${}^1\text{H NMR}$ spectroscopy and ppm shift in acetone-$d_{6}$ of ($P(OEt)_{3}$) produced by electrolysis at 20 mA-0.1 Hz (A), 10 mA-0.5 Hz (B), and 3 mA-10 Hz (C). -Integration of product peaks relative to a terephthalonitrile standard to determine product yield (%) of the resulting ($P(OEt)_{3}$) between A, B, and C. ","Researchers conducted an experiment of aryl radical C-P bond synthesis using electrolyzing potassium 4-methoxyphenyl trifluoroborate along with triethyl phosphite with platinum electrodes under an $N_{2}$ atmosphere. A total charge of 4 F/mol was passed through the cell. Three different sets of alternating polarity conditions were considered: Condition A (20 mA, 0.1 Hz) Condition B (10 mA, 0.5 Hz) Condition C (3 mA, 10 Hz) The yield of product was quantified by crude ${}^1\text{H NMR}$. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Greatest yield was achieved with Condition A (20 mA, 0.1 Hz) due to enhanced current driving reaction, but with product oxidation and side reactions due to increased applied potential. B. Condition C (3 mA, 10 Hz) showed the greatest effectiveness, as high-frequency pulses are known to improve mass transport and reduce electrode fouling. C. Condition B (10 mA, 0.5 Hz) produced the highest yield due to balancing of current and surface regeneration, but not full product conversion due to limited reaction driving potential. D. All the conditions had very similar product yields.","A. Greatest yield was achieved with Condition A (20 mA, 0.1 Hz) due to enhanced current driving reaction, but with product oxidation and side reactions due to increased potential.","- Alternating Polarity Electrolysis is an electrochemical technique in which the polarity of the working and counter electrodes is periodically switched, used in the electrosynthesis to mitigate the electrode passivation by the incorporation of a cleaning cycle into the waveform. - Carbon-centered radicals are unstable resulting in side reactions and reactive intermediates that result in fouling of the electrode and loss of product yield/selectivity.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Alternating Polarity Electrolysis is an electrochemical technique in which the polarity of the working and counter electrodes is periodically switched, used in the electrosynthesis to mitigate the electrode passivation by the incorporation of a cleaning cycle into the waveform.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Comprehensive Comparisons between Directing and Alternating Current Electrolysis in Organic Synthesis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anie.202309620""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 22, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Carbon-centered radicals are unstable resulting in side reactions and reactive intermediates that result in fouling of the electrode and loss of product yield/selectivity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Synthesis and Suzuki–Miyaura Cross-Coupling of Alkyl Amine-Boranes. A Boryl Radical-Enabled Strategy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.4c07767""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 13, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,"Physical Chemistry, Food Chemistry",MCQ,"Physicochemical Properties of Runner Bean and Their Starch, With a Comparison to Corn Starch",https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1750-3841.70440,"Jul 24, 2025","The amylose content of the runner bean starches was determined using 20 mg of the starch sample was dispersed in 10 mL of 0.5 N KOH. The suspension was homogenized for 5 min. It was then transferred to a 100-mL volumetric flask and diluted to the calibration mark with distilled water. A 10-mL aliquot of the starch solution was transferred into a 50-mL volumetric flask, to which 5 mL of 0.1 N HCl and 0.5 mL of iodine reagent were then added. The volume was made up to 50 mL with distilled water, and the absorbance was read and recorded at 625 nm using a spectrophotometer (Jenway, 7305 Bibby Scientific, UK). A stock solution of pure amylose was prepared and subsequently diluted to generate working standards with absorbance values within the optimal range for spectrophotometric analysis. The standard curve was constructed using final amylose concentrations of ∼0.004, 0.008, 0.012, 0.016, and 0.020 mg mL−1.","-Absorbances of the samples (Scarlet Emperor, White Swan, and Corn starch) in nm. -Calculation of % of amylose using a standard curve using final amylose concentrations of ∼0.004, 0.008, 0.012, 0.016, and 0.020 mg mL−1.","The amylose content of two runner bean starches (Scarlet Emperor and White Swan) was determined and compared to Corn starch using a spectrophotometry method. Considering that the % of amylopectin content is calculated by difference with amylose, which outcomes would you expect? Mark all the correct options: A) Scarlet Emperor has more amylose content (in %) than White Swan and Corn starch. B)The % of amylopectin of White swan is lower than Scarlet Emperor but higher than Corn starch. C)The amylose content of corn starch is higher than White Swan. D)Scarlet Emperor has more amylopectin than Corn starch. ","A) Scarlet Emperor has more amylose content (in %) than White Swan and Corn starch. C)The amylose content of corn starch is higher than White Swan. ","-Runner bean is an underutilized legume that is a rich in protein, similar to those found in other pulses such as Bambara groundnut (15%–27%) and cowpea (16%–31%) -The protein and starch in runner beans represent valuable ingredients with potential applications in the industry. For example, the protein isolates from pulses have reportedly showed potentials as functional foods and nutraceuticals that could be used to manage high blood pressure and combat oxidative stress. -Despite the nutritional and potential applications of runner bean, the beans remain underutilized and poorly studied in several parts of the world. -With the growing demand for food ingredients with novel functionality, exploring runner bean as a potential source of protein and starch requires a knowledge of their physicochemical and functional properties.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Runner bean is an underutilized legume that is a rich in protein, similar to those found in other pulses such as Bambara groundnut (15%–27%) and cowpea (16%–31%)""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Enrichment of food blends with bambara groundnut flour: Past, present, and future trends""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/leg3.25""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 13, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The protein and starch in runner beans represent valuable ingredients with potential applications in the industry. For example, the protein isolates from pulses have reportedly showed potentials as functional foods and nutraceuticals that could be used to manage high blood pressure and combat oxidative stress.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antihypertensive peptides from food proteins""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25884281/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Despite the nutritional and potential applications of runner bean, the beans remain underutilized and poorly studied in several parts of the world.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Physicochemical and Nutritional Evaluation of Bread Incorporated with Ayocote Bean (Phaseolus coccineus) and Black Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9717/9/10/1782""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 6, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""With the growing demand for food ingredients with novel functionality, exploring runner bean as a potential source of protein and starch requires a knowledge of their physicochemical and functional properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Physicochemical properties of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea) starch annealed at different temperatures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jfpp.17183""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 24, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Material Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Single-Crystal Synchrotron X-ray diffraction Study Reveals Bulk Intermediate M2 phase during the VO2 Insulator-to-Metal transition,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68c7e4b89008f1a467a158b5,"September 19, 2025","VO₂ single crystals were prepared by synthesizing VO₂ powder from V₂O₃ and NH₄VO₃ (750 °C, 3 h, Ar), then annealing at 1200 °C for 12 h in Ar; a ~45 × 30 × 25 µm crystal that initially showed no twinning was selected. Single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) was performed at SPring-8 BL02B1 (λ = 0.2463 Å) using a Pilatus3 1M CdTe detector and a nitrogen cryostream. At each temperature setpoint (300, 325, 335, 340, 345, 350, 355 K; then cooling 350, 345, 340, 335, 325 K), three 0–180° ω-scans were acquired at χ = 0°, 25°, 45°, with 0.2°/frame, 2700 frames per setpoint, 0.5 s/frame exposure, and a 600 µm Ni attenuator. Data were converted/integrated (Bruker SAINT) with absorption/scaling corrections (SADABS/TWINABS); structures were solved with SHELXT and refined with SHELXL (independent atom model) in OLEX2. At each temperature, refinement included atomic positions and anisotropic ADPs with appropriate weighting schemes and extinction corrections; V occupancies were checked (~1) and fixed; anharmonic TDPs were evaluated (not retained); when present, a twin law was applied and twin-fraction refinements were performed. ","- For the cooling setpoints 355, 350, 345, 340, and 335 K, single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SCXRD) datasets were acquired. Acquisition parameters per setpoint: three 0–180° ω-scans at χ = 0°, 25°, 45°; 0.2°/frame; 2700 frames; 0.5 s/frame exposure; 600 µm Ni attenuator. - From each dataset, unit-cell parameters (a, b, c, β, volume) were refined and recorded. - Integration and refinement statistics (e.g., data completeness, R factors) were recorded for each temperature. - Interatomic distances and angles were measured, including V–O and V–V distances and V–V–V bond angles for the vanadium coordination environments. - Octahedral distortion parameters (Σ and Θ, via OctaDist) for V-centered octahedra were computed from the refined coordinates. - Anisotropic atomic displacement parameters (ADPs) for vanadium (U11, U22, U33, Ueq, and principal-axis orientations) were determined at each temperature. - Where applicable, twin-fraction refinements were performed and the refined twin domain fractions were recorded. ","A pure, untwinned VO2 crystal is heated to 355 K and then cooled to 335 K in 5 K intervals while its structure is monitored using X-ray diffraction. In this cooling sequence, what phases, including the intermediate phases, would be observed at each temperature?","355 K: R (P4₂/mnm). 350 K: R (P4₂/mnm). 345 K (cooling): Mostly R, with M2 (C2/m) appearing transiently in frames 1–36, 708, and 709 (intermediate phase). 340 K: M2 (C2/m). 335 K: M1 (P2₁/c). ","- VO₂ IMT & phases: VO₂ exhibits a reversible insulator-to-metal transition near ~340 K (~67 °C) between M1 (monoclinic, P2₁/c) and R (tetragonal rutile, P4₂/mnm). - An intermediate monoclinic M2 (C2/m) phase can emerge in bulk VO₂ during the transition (thermal-path dependent), so phase identification may involve R ↔ M2 ↔ M1. - Single-crystal synchrotron X-ray diffraction distinguishes these phases via their symmetry/Bragg patterns and enables per-temperature phase assignment and unit-cell refinement.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""VO₂ IMT & phases: VO₂ exhibits a reversible insulator-to-metal transition near ~340 K (~67 °C) between M1 (monoclinic, P2₁/c) and R (tetragonal rutile, P4₂/mnm). ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Control of the metal–insulator transition in vanadium dioxide by modifying orbital occupancy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys2733""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 22, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Refining Nature's Defense: Production and Evaluation of Mosquito Repellents from Ocimum tenuiflorum L. (Krishna and Rama Subtypes) and Ocimum gratissimum L. Essential Oils,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68b28477a94eede1548681bb,"Sep 12, 2025","The effectiveness of the mosquito repellent sprays (each one formulated with one active component: O. tenuiflorum L.subtype Krishna, O. tenuiflorum L.subtype Rama, and O. gratissimum L.) was evaluated using the following method. Equal numbers of adult male and female volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55 were selected for the testing. All of them were in good physical health so that the possible variation could be minimized. They avoided alcohol and fragrance products for at least twelve hours before, and during, the test. Laboratory-reared, 3-10 days old, 200 blood-starved adult female Ae. albopictus (Skuse) mosquitoes were placed in 45 cm3 laboratory cages 1 hr before the test. Prior to the test, the forearm and hand of the human volunteers were cleansed with unscented soap, rinsing thoroughly, and allowing them to dry for 10 min before the repellent solution was applied. A 5 cm2 area on each forearm (between the wrist and elbow) of those volunteers was marked with a permanent marker. Approximately 0.1 mL of the repellent spray was uniformly applied to the marked area on one forearm, while the other forearm was treated with ethanol as a control. Both forearms were covered with sleeves during the test, leaving the marked areas exposed. Then both arms were simultaneously placed in the cage. An attempted bite by a mosquito was considered a confirmed bite. For each volunteer, only one repellent was tested per day. After 30 min of the repellent application, the participant’s forearm was exposed to the mosquitoes in the test cage for 3 min. This procedure was repeated for a 3 hr period at 30 min intervals. The time between repellent application and the first confirmed bite was recorded as the complete protection time (CPT). If the mosquitoes did not attempt to bite the control arm during the 3 hr period, the trial was terminated without recording data. It was repeated with a new batch of mosquitoes to ensure that the absence of bites was due to repellency and not because the mosquitoes were not actively seeking a blood meal at the time. DEET was used as the positive control and applied to one arm, instead of the repellent spray and the above procedure was followed. Each experiment was conducted three times in separate cages, with different male and female volunteers to eliminate any effects of skin differences on repellency. The percentage protection (%p) was calculated as the reduction in landings by the treatment when compared to the negative control over all exposures.","-Percentage protection (%p), calculated as the reduction in landings by the treatment when compared to the negative control over all exposures using equation %p = ((C−T)/C)X100, where T is the average number of mosquito bites on the surface per minute on the test arm and C is the average number of mosquito bites per minute on the control arm. --%p was calculated every 30 min until 180 min. ","The effectiveness of the mosquito repellent sprays (each one formulated with one active component: O. tenuiflorum L.subtype Krishna, O. tenuiflorum L.subtype Rama, and O. gratissimum L.) was evaluated through the calulation of percentage protection (%p) every 30 min. What values of %p would you expect each different repellent spray after 150 min to have? What about the positive control after the same time?","After 150 min, the O. tenuiflorum L. subtype Krishna repellent spray had a %p of 87.9±14.3, the O. tenuiflorum L.subtype Rama spray had a %p of 88.6±4.5, and the O. gratissimum L one had a %p of 88.6±4.1. The positive control (DEET) showed a %p of 90.7±6.9.","-Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika, pose major global health threats and are responsible for more than 700,000 deaths annually . -With climate change favorable for the pathogens and their resistance evolving, there is an urgent need for sustainable vector control strategies worldwide. -The overuse of chemical insecticides has been proven to lead to insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, harm to non-target species, and environmental pollution. This underscores the importance of exploring natural product-based mosquito repellents as safer alternatives that are environmentally appropriate and ecologically sustainable. -Basil (Ocimum spp.) is an aromatic plant native to Sri Lanka that is commonly used as a traditional mosquito repellent.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika, pose major global health threats and are responsible for more than 700,000 deaths annually.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Vector-borne diseases""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/vector-borne-diseases""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 26, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""With climate change favorable for the pathogens and their resistance evolving, there is an urgent need for sustainable vector control strategies worldwide.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A critical assessment of mosquito control and the influence of climate change on mosquito-borne disease epidemics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10668-021-01792-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The overuse of chemical insecticides has been proven to lead to insecticide resistance in mosquitoes, harm to non-target species, and environmental pollution This underscores the importance of exploring natural product-based mosquito repellents as safer alternatives that are environmentally appropriate and ecologically sustainable.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Plant-Based Bioinsecticides for Mosquito Control: Impact on Insecticide Resistance and Disease Transmission""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4450/13/2/162""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 3, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Basil (Ocimum spp.) is an aromatic plant native to Sri Lanka that is commonly used as a traditional mosquito repellent.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Exploration, Conservation, and Utilization of Ethnobotanical Knowledge: Sri Lankan Perspective""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-55494-1_19""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 27, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Electrochemistry.,Numerical Values,Time-resolved photo-electrochemical measurements to study band bending of BiVO4 photoanodes.,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68b1a2e2728bf9025e19a17e?,"Sep 05, 2025.","Thin-film BiVO₄ photoanodes were investigated in a three-electrode photo-electrochemical RRDE cell under chopped AM 1.5G illumination. Light switch-ON/OFF transients were recorded over 0–2.5 V vs RHE, and the disk photocurrent during switch-ON was fit with exponentials to isolate the fast space-charge reorganization time constant (τ\_fast) (along with slower components).","- Disk photocurrent transients** at light switch-ON/OFF (current vs time) across 0–2.5 V vs RHE. - Exponential fits of transients to extract characteristic time constants (including τ\_fast) in seconds; report the average τ\_fast (switch-ON) over the potential window. - Steady-state J–E curves** under illumination. - RRDE ring current** (Pt ring) vs time/potential for O₂ detection/validation. - Assignment of τ\_fast to space-charge reorganization based on transient behavior.","Thin-film BiVO₄ photoanodes were tested in a three-electrode photo-electrochemical RRDE cell under chopped AM 1.5G illumination. During light “switch-ON” steps over 0–2.5 V vs RHE, the disk photocurrent transients were fit with exponentials to isolate the fast space-charge reorganization process (τ\_fast). At these conditions, what is the average value of τ\_fast in seconds (s) for the switch-ON process? ",0.0022±0.002 s.,"- BiVO₄ is a semiconductor photoanode used for oxygen evolution under illumination; its behavior is probed in a three-electrode photoelectrochemical cell. - Band bending at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface creates a space-charge region that governs carrier separation and the early transient response. - Time-resolved photoelectrochemistry with chopped AM 1.5G illumination measures photocurrent transients at light on/off to extract characteristic time constants. - A rotating ring–disk electrode (RRDE) uses a Pt ring to detect dissolved O₂ produced at the disk, distinguishing disk photocurrent from ring current. - The flat-band potential is the potential where band bending vanishes and is estimated from cyclic-voltammetry features; potentials are reported vs RHE. - Exponential fitting of transients yields τ\_fast and slower components that reflect interfacial charge reorganization and reaction kinetics.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- BiVO₄ is a semiconductor photoanode used for oxygen evolution under illumination; its behavior is probed in a three-electrode photoelectrochemical cell.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Novel Aqueous Process for Preparation of Crystal Form-Controlled and Highly Crystalline BiVO4 Powder from Layered Vanadates at Room Temperature and Its Photocatalytic and Photophysical Properties""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja992541y""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 24, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Band bending at the semiconductor/electrolyte interface creates a space-charge region that governs carrier separation and the early transient response.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Energy-Band Alignment of BiVO4 from Photoelectron Spectroscopy of Solid-State Interfaces""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b06241""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Agus 21, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- A rotating ring–disk electrode (RRDE) uses a Pt ring to detect dissolved O₂ produced at the disk, distinguishing disk photocurrent from ring current.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rotating Ring–Disk Electrode Study of Oxygen Evolution at a Perovskite Surface: Correlating Activity to Manganese Concentration""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jpcc.6b07654""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 15, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The flat-band potential is the potential where band bending vanishes and is estimated from cyclic-voltammetry features; potentials are reported vs RHE.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flat band potential determination: avoiding the pitfalls""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2019/ta/c9ta09569a""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 8, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Materials Science / Materials Chemsitry,Free-Format Question,Distributed direct air capture by carbon nanofiber air filters,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68c21cac9008f1a467b779dd,"September 01, 2025",Researchers investigated the CO2 capture properties of carbon nanofiber (CNF) nonwoven prepared by electrospinning of 8wt% polyacrylonitrile (PAN) in DMF at 8kV and 1mL/hr flow rate. This was followed followed by calcination at 250C in air for 5hr and pyrolysis under argon between 600C-900C for 2hr to obtain conductive CNFs. CNFs were then impregnated with branched polyethylenimine (PEI) at mass loadings between 1-20wt% in methanol for 5s and dried ambiently to form a PEI–CNF direct-air-capture (DAC) filter with PEI mass loadings between 16-78 wt%. ,"-In situ Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflectance (FTIR-ATR) spectra during heating from 27 °C to 105 °C. -CO2 breakthrough analysis under dry and humid conditions with 400 ppm CO2/N2 mixture, measuring downstream CO2 concentration. -Adsorption capacity retention and PEI weight loss over temperature-swing cycles using in situ thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). ","Researchers prepared PEI–CNF direct-air-capture (DAC) filters with pyrolyzed between 600-900C and PEI mass loadings between 16-78% for CO2 capture experiments. Fibers with varying PEI loading were subject to breakthrough experiments under dry and humid conditions with 400 ppm CO2/N2 mixture, measuring downstream CO2 concentration. FTIR-ATR spectra during heating from 27 °C to 105 °C were collected to monitor CO2 desorption. Adsorption capacity retention and PEI weight loss over temperature-swing cycles using in situ TGA were investigated for a representative PEI-CNF DAC filter. What does the FTIR peak that forms at 3347cm-1 at 105C indicate about CO2 binding, and how is this reflected in the breakthrough and in-situ TGA experiments? ","The FTIR peak at 3347cm-1 is from amine stretching from free surface sites after CO2 desorption. As the CO2 adsorption is based on amine binding, breakthrough times (and consequently capacity) increase with PEI content and humidity. For the same reason, in-situ TGA confirms recoverable cyclic capacity fades with PEI mass. ","- Reversible amine - CO₂ binding governs capture and regeneration. CO₂ binds to PEI amine sites on the CNF filter during adsorption, and heating releases (desorbs) CO₂ to restore capacity. - At low temperatures, captured CO₂ remains bound. Without heating, there is no desorption; the adsorbed CO₂ stays on the amine sites until the filter is warmed to the regeneration temperature. - CO2 adsorption is enhanced in the presence of humidity as nucleophiles like water promote chemisorption.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Reversible amine - CO₂ binding governs capture and regeneration. CO₂ binds to PEI amine sites on the CNF filter during adsorption, and heating releases (desorbs) CO₂ to restore capacity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Polyethylenimine Applications in Carbon Dioxide Capture and Separation: From Theoretical Study to Experimental Work""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ente.201600694""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 22, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CO2 adsorption is enhanced in the presence of humidity as nucleophiles like water promote chemisorption""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Unified Approach to CO2–Amine Reaction Mechanisms""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.0c03727""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 1, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Catalysts / Materials Science,Numerical Values,Enhanced Amitriptyline Degradation by Electrochemical Activation of Peroxydisulfate: Mechanisms of Interfacial Catalysis and Mass Transfer,https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183835,"September 22, 2025","Carbon-encapsulated zinc oxide nanocomposites (C@ZnO) were synthesized using a hydrothermal–calcination method. Specifically, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 g of ZnO were mixed with equal amounts of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in 300 mL of ultrapure water. Then, 19.8 g of glucose was added to the above suspension. After 24 h of stirring, the suspension was hydrothermally treated at 180 °C for 4 h, washed with ethanol, and dried at 60 °C. The resulting powder was calcined under N2 at 600 °C (10 °C/min ramp, 4 h hold), yielding dark grey solid powder. This powder was ground and sieved through a 60-mesh nylon sieve to ensure uniform particle size. Through this process, amorphous carbon-encapsulated ZnO composites were obtained, with ZnO masses of 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg incorporated during synthesis. These were designated as 50 C@ZnO, 100 C@ZnO, 200 C@ZnO, and 400 C@ZnO, respectively. The surface morphology of the material samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and BET/BJH analysis of N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms were performed to determine surface area and pore volume.","- Surface morphology: scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of 50 C@ZnO, 100 C@ZnO, 200 C@ZnO, and 400 C@ZnO. - Surface area and pore volume: BET/BJH analysis of N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms of 50 C@ZnO, 100 C@ZnO, 200 C@ZnO, 400 C@ZnO, and pristine ZnO.","Researchers aimed to fabricate amorphous carbon-encapsulated zinc oxide modified anodes as catalysts for amitriptyline degradation. Carbon-encapsulated zinc oxide nanocomposites (C@ZnO) were synthesized using a hydrothermal–calcination method. Through this process, amorphous carbon-encapsulated ZnO composites were obtained, with ZnO masses of 50 mg, 100 mg, 200 mg, and 400 mg incorporated during synthesis. These were designated as 50 C@ZnO, 100 C@ZnO, 200 C@ZnO, and 400 C@ZnO, respectively. The surface morphology of the material samples were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and BET/BJH analysis of N2 adsorption–desorption isotherms were performed to determine surface area and pore volume. What is the predicted difference in BET surface area (m^2/g) between 50 C@ZnO and 400 C@ZnO groups?",Δ BET surface area [50 C@ZnO - 400 C@ZnO] (m^2/g): 247 - 302; derived from 443.44 (50 C@ZnO) - 169.20 (400 C@ZnO). Note: no CI reported → fallback ±10 % applied,"• Antibiotics and compounds such as amitriptyline (AMT) are detected in wastewater and natural waters, reaching high concentrations and causing negative ecological impacts. • Various methods are being investigated to remove AMT and other PPCPs, with particular emphasis on the use of carbon materials and metal oxides • Although these techniques demonstrate high efficiency, the toxicity of the byproducts generated is still unknown, and efforts are being made to improve the efficiency and sustainability of the processes, especially under natural water conditions. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Antibiotics and compounds such as amitriptyline (AMT) are detected in wastewater and natural waters, reaching high concentrations and causing negative ecological impacts.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antibiotics and antibiotic resistance genes in landfills: A review.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.researchgate.net/publication/354913786_Antibiotics_and_antibiotic_resistance_genes_in_landfills_A_review""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Various methods are being investigated to remove AMT and other pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs), with particular emphasis on the use of carbon materials and metal oxides. \n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""UV-driven removal of tricyclic antidepressive drug amitriptyline using TiO2 and TiO2/WO3 coatings""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349023269_UV-driven_removal_of_tricyclic_antidepressive_drug_amitriptyline_using_TiO2_and_TiO2WO3_coatings""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 20, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Applied Physics,MCQ,Reducing Temperature Swing and Rectifying Radiative Heat Transfer for Passive Dynamic Space Thermal Control with Variable-Emittance Coatings,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.13794,"September 17, 2025","An experiment was conducted to measure the thermal rectification of a dynamic, thermochromic $\text{VO}_{2}$ coating in a high-vacuum ($<1\times 10^{-3} \,\text{Pa}$) cryostat. The coating, consisting of a 55-nm $\text{VO}_{2}$, 500-nm silicon, and 200-nm aluminum thin film stack, was fabricated on a 1-inch-squared silicon wafer. This sample was attached to a polyimide thin-film heater and mounted on a 5 mm thick acrylic carrier plate with a thermistor for temperature measurement. The experiment operated in two distinct modes with the sample spaced $\sim 2 \,\text{mm}$ from a temperature-controlled surface. One is Forward-biased, in which the $\text{VO}_{2}$ sample was heated to various steady-state temperatures, and its radiative heat flux ($q_{\text{fwd}}$) to the surface held at a constant $25^{\circ}\text{C}$ was measured. Second is Reverse-biased, in which the $\text{VO}_{2}$ sample was maintained at a constant $25^{\circ}\text{C}$, while the surface was heated to various temperatures ($20^\circ\text{C}$ to $100^\circ\text{C}$) to create a hot environment radiating towards the sample, and the radiative heat flux ($q_{\text{rev}}$) was measured. The radiative thermal tests were conducted under high vacuum ($< 1 \times 10^{-3}$ Pa) inside a cryostat (Janis VPF-800) equipped with a cold finger and a custom-made sample mount. A test sample along with a heat flux sensor (FluxTeq, PHFS-01) of $ \pm 5 \% $ accuracy and a polyimide thin-film heater (OMEGA Engineering, KHLVA-101/10-P) was first attached to the $ 5 \text{mm} $-thick acrylic carrier plate, all in $ 1 \text{-inch-squared} $ size. A thermistor (Mouser Electronics, SC30F103VN) with an accuracy of $ \pm 0.1^{\circ} \text{C} $ was buried in the thermal paste between the sample and the heat flux sensor for measuring the sample temperature. After the acrylic carrier plate was pinned onto the brackets with about $ 2 \text{-mm} $ spacing between the sample and the coldfinger, the cryostat was then brought down to high vacuum followed by liquid nitrogen (LN2) filling to cool down the coldfinger to $ 80 \, \text{K} $, which mimics the cold space thermal environment.","- Measuring radiative heat flux (in KW/m2) against temperature from 25 °C to 100 °C, forward-biased scenarios in both heating and cooling cycles. - Measuring radiative heat flux (in KW/m2) against temperature from 25 °C to 100 °C, reversed-biased scenarios in both heating and cooling cycles.","An experiment was conducted to measure the thermal rectification of a dynamic, thermochromic $\text{VO}_{2}$ coating in a high-vacuum cryostat. The coating consists of a silicon and aluminum thin film stack. This sample was attached to a polyimide thin-film heater and mounted on a 5 mm thick acrylic carrier plate with a thermistor for temperature measurement. The experiment operated in two distinct modes. One is Forward-biased, in which the $\text{VO}_{2}$ sample was heated to various steady-state temperatures ($20^\circ\text{C}$ to $100^\circ\text{C}$), and its radiative heat flux ($q_{\text{fwd}}$) to the surface held at a constant $25^{\circ}\text{C}$ was measured. Second is Reverse-biased, in which the $\text{VO}_{2}$ sample was maintained at a constant $25^{\circ}\text{C}$, while the surface was heated to various temperatures to create a hot environment radiating towards the sample, and the radiative heat flux ($q_{\text{rev}}$) was measured. Consider the two scenarios when the temperature difference ($\Delta T$) between the $\text{VO}_{2}$ sample and the external object is identical ($\Delta T = 55^{\circ}\text{C}$). How does the measured forward heat flux ($q_{\text{fwd}}$) compare to the reverse heat flux ($q_{\text{rev}}$)? a) The forward heat flux is approximately equal to the reverse heat flux at low temperature and significantly larger at higher temperatures, and radiative heat flux shows a nearly constant thermal conductance for the forward-biased scenario, and linearly dependent thermal conductance for the reversed-biased scenario. b) Both forward heat flux and reverse heat flux don't depend upon temperature, have the same value at any given temperature measured in this experiment, and radiative heat flux shows a nearly constant thermal conductance for the reversed-biased scenario. c) The forward heat flux is significantly larger than the reverse heat flux at low temperatures and approximately equal at higher temperatures, and radiative heat flux shows a nearly constant thermal conductance for the forward-biased scenario, and linearly dependent thermal conductance for the reversed-biased scenario. d) The forward heat flux is approximately equal to the reverse heat flux at low temperature and significantly larger at higher temperatures, and the radiative heat flux shows a nearly constant thermal conductance for the reversed-biased scenario.","d) The forward heat flux is approximately equal to the reverse heat flux at low temperature and significantly larger at higher temperatures, and the radiative heat flux shows a nearly constant thermal conductance for the reversed-biased scenario.","- VO2 has a phase transition, which could occur within a narrow 20°C temperature range around 68°C. - The total hemispherical emittance of the VO2FP emitter in the metallic phase is reduced by 10% from the total normal emittance, while it remains the same in the insulating phase without excitation of FP resonance. - Radiative heat transfer from a body around 300 K to a heat sink at either 80 K or 3 K is almost the same, with only a 0.5% difference due to ~T4 dependence","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""VO2 has a phase transition, which could occur within a narrow 20°C temperature range around 68°C.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Highly transparent smart thermal emitter realized by thin vanadium dioxide""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/article/137/8/085302/3337032/Highly-transparent-smart-thermal-emitter-realized""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 24, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 13 in the paper""}]" Physics,Applied Physics,Free-Format Question,Thermal Endurance of Suspended Thin-Film Lithium Niobate up to 800 °C,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.13568,"September 16, 2025","An experiment was conducted to study the thermal endurance of suspended thin-film lithium niobate (LN) acoustic resonators. The devices were fabricated on a 600 nm thick stoichiometric X-cut LN film on 1 µm amorphous silicon (a-Si) on 500 µm high-resistivity silicon wafer, with interdigitated electrodes made of 40 nm of platinum (Pt) on a 5 nm titanium (Ti) adhesion layer. Release windows were etched through the LN and a-Si sacrificial layer by argon gas ion milling, and the Ti and Pt layers were deposited by electron beam evaporation. A second 40 nm Pt layer was applied to the probe pads in a second deposition round. The unwanted metal was removed with a liftoff process after each round, and the devices were released or suspended by a XeF2 etch. A variety of common resonator designs were implemented by varying the anchor designs (one, two or no anchors), the in-plane rotation, and the number and width of the electrodes. A meandering line structure is designed alongside the resonators using the same metal stack and thickness. To test the devices, these were subjected to a series of annealing rounds starting from 250°C to 550°C in increments of 50°C. The ramp rate for heating and cooling was selected to avoid the pyroelectric effects of LN (100°C). The target temperature was maintained for 10 hours and after each round, the devices were cooled to room temperature for characterization.","- Electrode metal resistivity obtained with DC probes on the meandering line resistivity structures initially and after each annealing round - Physical changes to the device structure via optical microscopy, including the observation of anchor breakage at elevated temperatures","Researchers studied the thermal endurance of suspended thin-film lithium niobate (LN) acoustic resonators. The devices were fabricated on a 600 nm thick stoichiometric X-cut LN film on a 1 µm amorphous silicon (a-Si) sacrificial layer on 500 µm high-resistivity silicon wafer, with interdigitated electrodes made of 40 nm of platinum (Pt) on a 5 nm titanium (Ti) adhesion layer. Meandering line structures were deposited alongside the resonators using the same metal stack and thickness to test electrode metal resistivity. The resonators were subjected to annealing rounds starting from 250°C to 550°C in 50°C increments. In each round, the target temperature was maintained for 10 hours, after which the samples were cooled to room temperature for characterization. Measurements of the electrode metal resistivity were conducted by applying a DC probe applied to the meandering line resistivity structure parallel to the resonators. This was done before the initial annealing and after each round. How did resistivity change, qualitative, from its initial value and after each subsequent round below 450°C?","Resistivity decreased after the first anneal at 250°C, and increased with subsequent annealing rounds in that range.","- Lithium niobate possesses a high Curie temperature of 1200 °C, which has potential for use in harsh thermal environments. - The LN quality can degrade when heated because lithium atoms can diffuse out of the LN, and can form Li-poor LiNb$_3$O$_8$ phases in the LN film. - The metal, LN, and support substrate all have different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) and are expected to crack when heated to and cooled from high temperatures. However, suspended LN devices have demonstrated operability at 500 °C.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The LN quality can degrade when heated because lithium atoms can diffuse out of the LN, and can form Li-poor LiNb$_3$O$_8$ phases in the LN film.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effect of the annealing treatment on the physical and structural properties of LiNbO3 thin films deposited by radio-frequency sputtering at room temperature""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsf.2021.138660""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 31, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [9] in the main article.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The metal, LN, and support substrate all have different coefficients of thermal expansion (CTEs) and are expected to crack when heated to and cooled from high temperatures. However, suspended LN devices have demonstrated operability at 500 °C.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Laterally Vibrating Lithium Niobate MEMS Resonator Array Operating at 500 °C in Air""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3390/s21010149""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 29, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, cited as reference [30] in the main article.""}]" Physics,"Physics/Atomic physics ",Free-Format Question,Compact Continuous Cold Atomic Beam from a Single Cell with 3D Cooling and Ultra-low Light Shift,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.13126,"October 15, 2025","Researchers investigated a compact single-cell source of a continuous cold-atom beam (⁸⁷Rb) that achieves simultaneous 3D cooling by integrating a two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (2D MOT) with an off-axis moving optical molasses (OM). A vapor-cell apparatus (overall length ≈170 mm) provided transverse MOT cooling with circularly polarized beams detuned by ΔMOT = −4Γ from the F = 2 → F′ = 3 D₂ transition and a cylindrical quadrupole field (≈10 G cm⁻¹), where Γ is the natural linewidth. Longitudinal cooling and velocity control were realized with two pairs of lin⊥lin OM beams oriented 20° to the extraction axis, detuned by ΔOM = −5Γ and symmetrically shifted by ±δOM to set the mean atomic speed (≈5–20 m s⁻¹) over an OM interaction length lOM ≈ 50 mm. Custom in-vacuum mirrors formed the off-axis geometry and incorporated a 0.8 mm output aperture to collimate the beam (cooling length lc ≈ 50 mm) while suppressing near-resonant stray light. The setup included permanent-magnet field generation, state-preparation “plug” lasers 40 mm downstream for sharp time-of-flight (TOF) edges, and fluorescence detection at 294 mm with a calibrated photomultiplier tube (PMT) to extract longitudinal temperature, velocity, and flux. For coherence diagnostics, two π/2 Raman beams separated by L = 100 mm in a magnetically shielded region produced spatial-domain Raman–Ramsey fringes, enabling quantification of decoherence and ultra-low light shift (typ. −0.51 Hz) under operating MOT power. ","- Time-of-flight (TOF) time series and distribution obtained from the emitted fluorescence from the atoms in F=2 state, collected with imaging optics and recorded by a calibrated PMT at a primary detection distance of 294 mm.","Researchers investigated the longitudinal temperature and atomic flux of a continuous cold ⁸⁷Rb beam using a time-of-flight (TOF) method. The temperature was extracted from the FWHM of the TOF distribution, while the flux was obtained from the integrated spectral density. Based on measurements for a saturation intensity of 1.67 mW/cm2, what outcome would researchers expect for the change in longitudinal temperature and atomic flux when the MOT power is increased?",Increasing MOT power raises the flux but affects the temperature only weakly.,"- Combining a 2D MOT with an off-axis moving OM yields a high-flux beam with significantly reduced longitudinal temperature compared to conventional MOT-based sources. - Continuous operation of cold-atom beam sources eliminates the dead time inherent to pulsed sources and thus suppresses aliasing noise from undersampling.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Continuous operation of cold-atom beam sources eliminates the dead time inherent to pulsed sources and thus suppresses aliasing noise from undersampling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Improvement of the frequency stability below the dick limit with a continuous atomic fountain clock""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6156823""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 27, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited in the main paper as reference [1].""}]" Physics,Condensed Matter Physics,Numerical Values,Role of non-reciprocity in spin-wave channeling,https://arxiv.org/pdf/2505.07401,"May 12, 2025","The study employed patterned synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) films composed of Co40Fe40B20 (17 nm)/Ru(0.7 nm)/Co40Fe40B20 (17 nm). The films were shaped into 5 μm-wide stripes acting as spin-wave conduits and insulated by a 150 nm Si3N4 layer. A 1.8 μm-wide, 160 nm-thick microwave antenna was fabricated on top to generate a radio-frequency magnetic field perpendicular to an externally applied static field Hx. Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscopy was employed to image the dynamic magnetization with a spatial resolution of roughly 350 nm and 200 × 200 nm² pixel size. The antenna was driven by a monochromatic RF source (3–10 GHz), exciting mainly the acoustic branch of spin waves. Measurements were performed for several field strengths (27–100 mT). The experiments shall analyze the magnetization response when feeding the antenna with an RF source. ",- Frequency of the uniform acoustic mode measured from microfocused BLS spectra patterned synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) films.,"The study employed patterned synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) films composed of Co40Fe40B20 (17 nm)/Ru(0.7 nm)/Co40Fe40B20 (17 nm). Brillouin light scattering (BLS) microscopy was employed to image the dynamic magnetization. The antenna was driven by a monochromatic RF source (3–10 GHz), which primarily excited the acoustic branch of spin waves. Measurements were performed for several field strengths (27–100 mT). The experiments shall analyze the magnetization response when feeding the antenna with an RF source. Predict the frequency of uniform modes for the acoustic mode.","The frequency of uniform modes for the acoustic mode at a field strength of 50 mT is 6.14 - 6.54 GHz. (No CI/SE/SD is mentioned, fallback ±0.2 GHz)","- Recognizing that the experiment uses patterned synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) stripes (5 µm wide) with a microwave antenna (1.8 µm wide) to excite spin waves. - Recognizing that the antenna’s coverage fraction affects excitation uniformity and hence influences the detected Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) signal. - In past studies of the SWs in confined geometries, it has often been possible to understand the nature of the modes by using the dispersion relation in the corresponding unbounded films and applying some quantification of the transverse wavevector according to specific boundary conditions. The BLS images could then be understood from overlap integrals of the antenna r.f. field and the profiles of the few allowed modes. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Recognizing that the experiment uses patterned synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) stripes (5 µm wide) with a microwave antenna (1.8 µm wide) to excite spin waves.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Exchange energies in CoFeB/Ru/CoFeB synthetic antiferromagnets.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevMaterials.7.044404""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 9 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Recognizing that the antenna’s coverage fraction affects excitation uniformity and hence influences the detected Brillouin Light Scattering (BLS) signal.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Analytical expression of the magneto-optical Kerr effect and Brillouin light scattering intensity arising from dynamic magnetization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1006.1906""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 32 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In past studies of the SWs in confined geometries, it has often been possible to understand the nature of the modes by using the dispersion relation in the corresponding unbounded films and applying some quantification of the transverse wavevector according to specific boundary conditions. The BLS images could then be understood from overlap integrals of the antenna r.f. field and the profiles of the few allowed modes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Magnonic Waveguides Studied by Microfocus Brillouin Light Scattering""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/7001083""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 1, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 27 in the paper""}]" Physics,Physics,Free-Format Question,Improving the lifetime of aluminum-based superconducting qubits through atomic layer etching and deposition,https://arxiv.org/pdf/2506.17474,"June 20, 2025","Researchers investigate the effect of a post-fabrication surface treatment combining atomic layer etching (ALE) and atomic layer deposition (ALD) on aluminum-based superconducting quantum devices. The device is comprised of λ/4 coplanar waveguide (CPW) resonators and planar trasmon qubits (24 µm-wide capacitor plates with 30 µm gaps and 200 nm-long Josephson junctions), both fabricated using 100 nm thick Al films on high-resistivity (> 20 kΩ · cm) silicon substrates (trace and gap widths of 30 μm). The ALE process was performed at 300 °C using 50 cycles of alternating exposures of HF-pyridine (4 ± 0.5 hPa) and trimethylaluminum (TMA, 1.7 ± 0.2 hPa), with a dose-purge sequence of 1–10–1–10 s, achieving an etch rate of 0.5 Å/cycle. This was followed in situ by 10 cycles of ALD using TMA and H₂O (2.3 ± 0.2 hPa), with a 0.2–10–0.2–10 s sequence, yielding a ~1 nm Al₂O₃ capping layer. The entire process was conducted in a Picosun/AMAT R-200 reactor under 11 hPa base pressure with 300 sccm N₂ carrier gas. The treatment was applied to fully fabricated devices, including both top and sidewall surfaces, without breaking vacuum. Each chip contained 12 resonators with frequencies from 5.2 to 6.2 GHz. Five chips (4 transmons each) were measured before and after treatment, along with six untreated control chips and one annealed-only chip. Measurements were performed in a dilution refrigerator (DR) at 10 mK using a vector network analyzer (VNA). Instruments used for measurements were X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) (Al Kα X-ray source (1486.6 eV)) and photo-induced force infrared microscopy (PiFM).","- PiFM spectra averaged across Si and Al regions for ALE+ALD-treated transmon qubit chips (a.u vs. cm^-1). - PiFM spectra averaged across Si and Al regions for untreated transmon qubit chips (a.u vs. cm^-1). ","A dry surface treatment that combines atomic layer etching and deposition (ALE and ALD) for dielectric loss in fully fabricated quantum devices formed from aluminum thin films on silicon is applied to coplanar waveguide resonators and planar transmon quibits. When comparing the area-normalized PiFM spectra averaged across Si and Al regions measured on the untreated and ALE+ALD-treated transmon qubit chips, what is the observed change in behavior of the area-normalized photo-induced force (a.u) between the ALE+ALD treated resonator (Al trace) and the Untreated resonator (Al and Si) for a wavenumber range of 1000-800 cm^-1?","The untreated resonator (Al and Si) exhibits a monotonic decay in area-normalized photo-induced force, while the ALE+ALD treated resonator (Al trace) exhibits higher values across the range, with a large peak around the 950 cm^-1 wavenumber and smaller peaks decreasing after that.","- Atomic layer etching (ALE) is a technique used to remove material with atomic level precision using sequential, self-limiting surface reactions. - Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a chemical vapor deposition technique based on sequential self-terminating gas–solid reactions used for manufacturing inorganic material layers with very small thicknesses. - A coplanar waveguide (CPW) is a transmission line consisting of a conductor and two ground planes on a substrate that is mainly used for high-frequency signals. - Transmon qubits are a specific type of superconducting quantum bit (qubit) used for quantum computing. - A dilution refrigerator (DR) is a specialized refrigerator that provides continuous cooling reaching extremely low temperatures, mainly using elements such as 3He or 4He.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Atomic layer etching (ALE) is a technique used to remove material with atomic level precision using sequential, self-limiting surface reactions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Competition between Al2O3 atomic layer etching and AlF3 atomic layer deposition using sequential exposures of trimethylaluminum and hydrogen fluoride""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jcp/article/146/5/052819/75040/Competition-between-Al2O3-atomic-layer-etching-and""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 4, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a chemical vapor deposition technique based on sequential self-terminating gas–solid reactions used for manufacturing inorganic material layers with very small thicknesses.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Surface chemistry of atomic layer deposition: A case study for the trimethylaluminum/water process ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/article-abstract/97/12/121301/893976/Surface-chemistry-of-atomic-layer-deposition-A?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 30, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (Referenced by original paper)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A coplanar waveguide (CPW) is a transmission line consisting of a conductor and two ground planes on a substrate that is mainly used for high-frequency signals.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Determining Interface Dielectric Losses in Superconducting Coplanar-Waveguide Resonators\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prapplied/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.12.014012""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 8, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (Referenced by original paper)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Transmon qubits are a specific type of superconducting quantum bit (qubit) used for quantum computing.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Merged-Element Transmons: Design and Qubit Performance\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prapplied/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.16.024023""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 13, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (Referenced in original paper)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A dilution refrigerator (DR) is a specialized refrigerator that provides continuous cooling reaching extremely low temperatures, mainly using elements such as 3He or 4He.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Principles and methods of dilution refrigeration\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/ppf/abstract/10.1103/PhysicsPhysiqueFizika.4.1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 1, 1968""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics/Medical Physics,Numerical Values,In vivo solid stress is associated with poor patient survival in glioma,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.00009,"September 15, 2025","Researchers tested whether tumor growth caused increased displacement field magnitude. Seven female C57BL/6 mice (10 ± 2 weeks old) were investigated at 13 and 22 days following GBM implantation. Implantation was done by injection of 20,000 GL261 tumor cells into the right striatum (2 mm lateral, 1 mm anterior, and 3 mm deep from the bregma) using a 1 μL Hamilton syringe over a 15-minute period. Mice were anesthetized with ketamine/xylazine (ketamine-hydrochloride + 1 mg xylazine per 100 g bodyweight) during the procedure. An additional group of twelve female C57BL/6 mice (12 weeks old) were used as healthy controls. Imaging was performed on a preclinical 7T MRI scanner (BioSpec 70/20 USR, Bruker, Germany and Paravision 6.0.1 Software) using a 20-mm diameter volume coil (RAPID Biomedical, Rimpar, Germany). The mice were anesthetized with isoflurane (1.0–1.5%, CP Pharma, Burgdorf, Germany) diluted in a mixture of 30% O2 and 70% N2O and placed inside the scanner. To assess tumor volume in GBM-bearing mice, 32 contiguous axial image slices were acquired using a T2-weighted (T2w) rapid acquisition with refocused echoes (RARE) sequence (repetition time (TR) = 4200 ms, echo time (TE) = 36 ms, field of view (FoV) = 19.2 x 19.2 mm², matrix size = 192 x 192, resolution = 0.1 x 0.1 x 0.5 mm$^3$). Nine contiguous slices were acquired in healthy mice (TR = 1800 ms, TE = 54 ms, FoV = 20 x 20 mm², matrix size = 256 x 256, resolution = 0.078 x 0.078 x 1 mm$^3$). ","● Tumour volume over time (day 13 vs day 22) ● Displacement field magnitude by MRI (healthy mice vs glioblastoma mice) ● Solid stress and deformation measurements (shear wave speed, volumetric strain, octahedral shear strain, shear modulus) using multifrequency MRE with 3D MRI and diffeomorphic image registration.","Female C57BL/6 mice (10 ± 2 weeks old) were investigated by 7T MRI at 13 and 22 days following GBM cell implantation and compared to healthy controls. Based on tumor growth rate and aggressiveness, what is the mean displacement field magnitude, in mm, of the GBM mice at day 22 when compared to healthy control mice?","GBM mean displacement field magnitude = [2.1 - 3.1] mm at day 22, based on 95% confidence intervals","● Gliomas are the most common malignant brain tumors with glioblastoma (GBM) being the most prevalent and lethal subtype, accounting for 54% of newly diagnosed gliomas. ● In vivo magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has revealed that gliomas exhibit unusual soft solid properties compared to the typically highly viscous brain parenchyma. ● Solid stress – defined as the sum of mechanical shear and compressive forces acting on tissue - has been suggested as a key driver of tumor aggressiveness by influencing cell signaling. ● Directly measuring tumor solid stress in patients is difficult as spatially resolved force fields are typically inaccessible through non-invasive imaging techniques.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Gliomas are the most common malignant brain tumors with glioblastoma (GBM) being the most prevalent and lethal subtype, accounting for 54% of newly diagnosed gliomas.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""CBTRUS Statistical Report: Primary Brain and Central Nervous System Tumors Diagnosed in the United States in 2006-2010""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3798196/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 1, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 1 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In vivo magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has revealed that gliomas exhibit unusual soft solid properties compared to the typically highly viscous brain parenchyma.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High-Resolution Mechanical Imaging of Glioblastoma by Multifrequency Magnetic Resonance Elastography""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0110588""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 22, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 12 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Solid stress – defined as the sum of mechanical shear and compressive forces acting on tissue - has been suggested as a key driver of tumor aggressiveness by influencing cell signaling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Compression stiffening of brain and its effect on mechanosensing by glioma cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4380293/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 04, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 21 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Directly measuring tumor solid stress in patients is difficult as spatially resolved force fields are typically inaccessible through non-invasive imaging techniques.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Quantifying solid stress and elastic energy from excised or in situ tumors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6546092/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 19, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 27 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Physics/Nuclear Experiment,Numerical Values,Beta-decay Half Lives beyond Ca-54: A Systematic Survey of Decay Properties approaching the Neutron Dripline,"https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.19757#:~:text=Uthayakumaar%2C%20W.%20B.%20Walters%2C%20S.,of%20single%2Dparticle%20neutron%20states.","October 22, 2025","Researchers investigated β-decay half-lives of neutron-rich nuclei near ⁵⁴Ca to study shell evolution toward the neutron dripline. The experiment was conducted at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) using the FRIB Decay Station initiator (FDSi). A 215 MeV/nucleon, 10-kW ⁸²Se primary beam bombarded a 5-mm carbon target, producing neutron-rich fragments around ⁵⁴Ca. The Advanced Rare Isotope Separator (ARIS) selected isotopes with two magnetic rigidity settings (Bρ = 5.2642 Tm for ⁵⁵Ca and 5.3613 Tm for ⁵⁴K). Particle identification was achieved using the ΔE–TOF method with a Si PIN detector and parallel-plate avalanche counter. The separated isotopes were implanted into a segmented YSO detector at the first focal plane of the FDSi, surrounded by HPGe, LaBr₃, and VANDLE detectors for β and γ detection. This configuration enabled correlated measurement of β-decay electrons, γ-rays, and β-delayed neutrons, allowing precise determination of half-lives for nuclei with Z = 17–22. ","- β-decay half-lives of neutron-rich isotopes near ⁵⁴Ca were measured using correlated β–γ–neutron detection at the FRIB Decay Station initiator (FDSi). - Particle identification was obtained from ΔE–TOF measurements using an MSX100 Si PIN detector and a parallel-plate avalanche counter. - Implantation and decay timing were recorded with a segmented YSO detector coupled to a position-sensitive photomultiplier. - Measurements of γ-ray and β-delayed neutron signals with HPGe, LaBr₃, and VANDLE detectors to identify decay channels. - Beam energy (215 MeV/nucleon) and separator rigidity (Bρ = 5.26–5.36 Tm) were controlled to maintain stable fragment selection ","Researchers investigated β-decay half-lives of neutron-rich isotopes near ⁵⁴Ca to explore changes in nuclear structure beyond the N = 34 shell closure. Based on the experimental data, what is the predicted half-life of ⁵⁹Sc obtained from decay curve fitting using the Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method?","Half-life(59Sc) = 5.5–9.5 ms (from MCMC decay-curve fitting). ","- Understanding of β-decay processes and how half-lives reflect nuclear shell structure and stability near the neutron dripline. - Knowledge of the experimental techniques such as ΔE–TOF particle identification and implantation–decay correlation analysis. - Knowledge of how γ-ray and β-delayed neutron detections are used to identify decay pathways and determine isotopic lifetimes. - Understanding of the use of Monte Carlo or MCMC methods for statistical fitting of decay curves and uncertainty evaluation. - Basic understanding of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) setup, including the FRIB Decay Station initiator (FDSi) and ARIS separator operation ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Understanding of β-decay processes and how half-lives reflect nuclear shell structure and stability near the neutron dripline.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Global description of 𝛽− decay in even-even nuclei with the axially-deformed Skyrme finite-amplitude method""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prc/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevC.93.014304""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 11, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled\n(There are no open-access alternatives; that is the flagship publication regarding the subject matter in the field).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Knowledge of the experimental techniques such as ΔE–TOF particle identification and implantation–decay correlation analysis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Commissioning of the Advanced Rare Isotope Separator ARIS at FRIB""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0168583X23001556""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":"" March 2, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled\n(There are no open-access alternatives; that is the flagship publication regarding the subject matter in the field).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Understanding of the use of Monte Carlo or MCMC methods for statistical fitting of decay curves and uncertainty evaluation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""emcee: The MCMC Hammer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1086/670067""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 9, 2013 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Knowledge of how γ-ray and β-delayed neutron detections are used to identify decay pathways and determine isotopic lifetimes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Development of a Reference Database for Beta-Delayed Neutron Emission""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2102.01165""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Basic understanding of the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) setup, including the FRIB Decay Station initiator (FDSi) and ARIS separator operation""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Isotope Harvesting at FRIB: Additional opportunities for scientific discovery\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1812.03984""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 7, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""No OA Exists\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant biotechnology,Numerical Values,Induction of synthetic apomixis in two sorghum hybrids enables seed yield and genotype preservation over multiple generations,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.02.662806v1,"July 5, 2025.","Researchers sought to induce a process similar to natural apomixis in Sorghum bicolor, a sexually reproducing species. They identified three genes—SPO11, REC8, and OSD1—that control the meiotic process. Using CRISPR-Cas9, the researchers targeted these genes, evoking a mitotic-like division and producing unreduced, non-recombinant gametes (MiMe mutant). The researchers then used a two-step approach to combine the MiMe with parthenogenesis to produce sorghum self-reproducing hybrids. In the first step, a characterized Tx430 transgenic line with the maize DD45 promoter:ASGR-BBML2 coding gene sequences was crossed with a wild-type Tx623 sorghum line to generate a F1 hybrid. In the second step, immature embryos from this cross were used in a secondary transformation to introduce CRISPR/Cas9 together with MiMe gRNA. To confirm the successful production of synthetic apomictic clonal sorghum progeny, estimate the system's penetrance was estimated in the T2/3/4 generations by assessing heterozygosity maintenance using SNP marker sequencing. 104 polymorphic SNP markers were chosen across the 10 chromosomes of sorghum for analysis. These SNP markers were compared between mother and offspring plants to calculate a percentage of conserved SNPs. SNP marker genotyping was performed using TaqMan SNP genotyping assays (ThermoFisher) with sorghum leaf samples, as previously described (Ye et al., 2024). ","- 104 SNP markers of the mother plant compared to its T3 offspring. - Percentage of SNP conservation between the mother plant and its T3 offspring. ","Maintenance of heterozygosity was assessed in a sorgum T2 hybrid progeny derived from a T2 transgenic plant that contained triple homozygous knockout edits for SPO11, REC8, and OSD1 genes, resulting in a Mitotic-like division (MiMe), with the ectopic expression of the BBM gene that induces parthenogenesis. What would be the percentage of heterozygosity maintenance of the progeny of T3 trasgenic offspring, based on the results of SNP analysis?",88%-98%,"-Some species can form seed asexually via apomixis where the maternal genotype is preserved in the progeny. -Introduction of apomixis from natural species to sexual relatives by plant breeding has generally proved inefficient or unsuccessful with respect to clonal seed production. -Two broad categories of apomictic mechanisms are sporophytic and gametophytic apomixis. -Meiotic avoidance, or apomeiosis, can be achieved through mutagenesis to induce the Mitosis instead of Meiosis, or MiMe phenotype.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Some species can form seed asexually via apomixis where the maternal genotype is preserved in the progeny""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Gametophytic Apomixis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-642-69302-1_10""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January, 1984""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Introduction of apomixis from natural species to sexual relatives by plant breeding has generally proved inefficient or unsuccessful with respect to clonal seed production""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Apomixis: Its Identification and Use in Plant Breeding""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.2135/cropsci1987.0011183X002700060010x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 1, 1987""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two broad categories of apomictic mechanisms are sporophytic and gametophytic apomixis""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Genetic Control of Apomixis: Asexual Seed Formation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4063905/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 1, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Meiotic avoidance, or apomeiosis, can be achieved through mutagenesis to induce the Mitosis instead of Meiosis, or MiMe phenotype""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Turning Meiosis into Mitosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1000124""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 9, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,Inhibition of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli adhesion via aptamers prevents infection in IPEC-J2 cells,https://bmcmicrobiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12866-025-04233-8,"August 25, 2025","Scientists tested whether two aptamers could reduce Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 adhesion and cytotoxicity in vitro in IPEC-J2 cells (intestinal porcine epithelial cells derived from neonatal piglet jejunum). Two aptamers, K88-Apt A04 (fimbrial-specific aptamer) and K88-Apt 37 (cell-targeting aptamer), were first applied in 200 µL of binding buffer at 37 °C to ETEC K88 with FAM-labels to determine binding affinity by measuring fluorescence intensity. Unbound ssDNA was removed with 1 mL of PBS. The adhesion rate of ETEC to IPEC-J2 cells was calculated by infecting the cells with ETEC K88 at MOIs of 1, 10, 10^2, 10^3, and 10^4 at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for one hour to allow for bacterial adhesion. Cells were further tested every hour for 5 hours after infection at the optimal MOI. Aptamer adherence assays were completed under three conditions. Aptamer inhibition assays (Apt + K88 + cell) included a control and treatment group with aptamer concentrations of 0, 20, 50, 100, and 200 nM and ETEC K88 (MOI of 10). The aptamer + bacteria suspension was incubated at 37 °C for 1.5 hours, then added to IPEC-J2 cell cultures and incubated at 37 °C with 5% CO2 for 1.5 hours. Unattached bacteria were removed and washed twice with PBS. Adherence prevention assays (Apt + cell + K88) were also conducted by aptamer concentrations of 0, 20, 50, 100, and 200 nM co-incubated with IPEC-J2 cells at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for 1.5 hours. ETEC K88 (MOI 10) was added to the pretreated aptamers at the same conditions for 1.5 hours. Unattached bacteria were removed and washed twice with PBS. Treatment assays (K88 + cell + Apt) included treatment with aptamers at concentrations of 0, 20, 50, 100, and 200 nM at 37 °C for 1.5 hours after IPEC-J2 cells were exposed to ETEC K88 at 37 °C, 5% CO2 for 1.5 hours. After each adhesion assay, the cells were stained with crystal violet to visualize cell morphology and detect apoptosis. Triton X-100 lysis, CFU plating, and flow cytometry were used to quantify adherent bacteria. Cytotoxicity was measured using a lactate dehydrogenase test kit. ELISA was also used to measure protein expression levels of TNF-alpha and IL-8, and qPCR was used to measure mRNA expression of TLR6, NOD1, NOD2, IL-6, IL-8, and TGFβ1. ","- Quantification of adherent bacteria via CFU counts after Triton X-100 lysis and plating (comparison across MOIs, incubation times and aptamer concentrations). - Morphology/apoptosus after crystal violet staining and microscopy. - Cytotoxicity measured by LDH assay (492/620 nm), expressed as % cytotoxicity relative to control. - ELISA quantification of TNF-alpha and IL-8 from culture supernatant - Gene expression (mRNA) for TLR6, NOD1, NOD2, IL-6, IL-8, and TGFβ1 by qPCR, normalized to beta-actin. - Aptamer-bacteria binding affinity of FAM-labeled aptamers incubated with ETEC K88 using fluorescence spectrometry (Kd values). ","Researchers tested whether two DNA aptamers, K88-Apt 37 (cell-targeting) and K88-Apt A04 (fimbrial-targeting), could reduce the adhesion of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 to porcine intestinal epithelial IPEC-J2 cells. Aptamers were tested in three conditions: adherence inhibition (aptamer + bacteria, then cells), adherence prevention (aptamer + cells, then bacteria), and treatment (cells + bacteria, then aptamer). Which of the following is the most likely outcome? A. K88-Apt 04 tended to show stronger adhesion inhibition than K88-Apt 37 with lower cytotoxicity. B. Both K88-Apt 37 and K88-Apt A04 demonstrated the best anti-adhesion effect when mixed with the bacteria first. C. The adherence-prevention group demonstrated the highest cytotoxicity. D. Pre-treating cells with aptamers results in maximum inhibition.",B. Both K88-Apt 37 and K88-Apt A04 demonstrated the best anti-adhesion effect when mixed with the bacteria first.,"- Entertoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 is a pathogenic strain causing diarrhea in post-weaned piglets that begins with adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells via fimbriae (K88 adhesin). - Aptamers are short single-stranded DNA or RNA sequences that bind to target molecules. - K88-Apt A04 binds ETEC K88 fimbriae. - K88- Apt 37 binds host cell surface molecules involved in ETEC adhesion.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Entertoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 is a pathogenic strain causing diarrhea in post-weaned piglets that begins with adhesion to intestinal epithelial cells via fimbriae (K88 adhesin).\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Both flagella and F4 fimbriae from F4ac + enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli contribute to attachment to IPEC-J2 cells in vitro""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/1297-9716-44-30""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 13, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Aptamers are short single-stranded DNA or RNA sequences that bind to target molecules. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Current perspectives on aptamers as diagnostic tools and therapeutic agents.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/7/646""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 9, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""K88-Apt A04 binds ETEC K88 fimbriae.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rapid fluorescent detection of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) K88 based on graphene oxide-dependent nanoquencher and Klenow fragment-triggered target cyclic amplification.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1366/15-07881?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 1, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""K88- Apt 37 binds host cell surface molecules involved in ETEC adhesion.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Aptamer selection for the detection of Escherichia coli K88.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/w11-030?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 31, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Chemical Ecology / Animal Behavior,MCQ,A male-derived volatile sex pheromone in Caenorhabditis nematodes identified through its mimicry by a predator,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.12.675966v1.full,"September 17, 2025","Researchers used solid phase microextraction (SPME) to sample headspace volatiles present above live cultures of C. remanei and C. elegans adult males, as well as those of females and hermaphrodites from both species, respectively. Focusing on methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB), a compound produced by a predacious fungi Arthrobotrys oligospora, known for its strong attractive potential that was highly female- and hermaphrodite-specific within several Caenorhabditis species, including C. remanei and C. elegans, suggesting that MMB might function as a mimic of an endogenous, male-produced, volatile sex pheromone (VSP) within these species. Nematode preparation for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) sampling in C. elegans and C. remanei N2, JK574 (fog-2) and CB1490 (him-5) strains of C. elegans and the EM464 strain of C. remanei were used for headspace sampling. The nematodes were propagated on NGM plates that had been seeded with Escherichia coli OP50 at 20°C. The nematodes were synchronized by bleaching and at the fourth larval stage (L4) the hermaphrodites/females and males were sorted and transferred onto new OP50 plates. The following day, 1000 each of the nematodes (C. elegans young adult N2 hermaphrodites, fog-2 females, him-5 males or C. remanei EM464 males) were picked into 1 ml of M9 buffer in 4 ml clear glass vials which were sealed with PTFE/silicone septa and immediately subjected to SPME sampling. Sperm depleted N2 hermaphrodites were prepared by transferring to a fresh OP50 plate every day until no more eggs were laid, at which point 250 of the sperm-depleted, old hermaphrodites in 250 µl of M9 buffer were subjected to headspace sampling as described above. Mated fog-2 females were prepared by overnight incubation with 1-3 of N2 males on an OP50 plate, following which 250 mated females with confirmed egg laying were used for the headspace sampling. Solid phase microextraction(SPME) was used to sample volatiles present in the headspace above worm cultures prepared in sealed 4 mL vials as described above. All SPME fibers (divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane, 50/30 mm; Supelco, Bellefonte, PA) were pre-conditioned for 10 min in the GC injector (250°C) prior to use. For a typical collection, each fiber was inserted through the vial septa and exposed for a time period of 16 hr at room temperature. Fibers were either immediately analyzed or sealed in SPME fiber assembly storage devices (Supelco) to await analysis. For quantitative analyses, standard dilutions of MMB prepared as 1 mL aliquots in sealed 4 mL vials were sampled by SPME for 16 hrs and immediately analyzed by GC-MS. Analyses of SPME samples were carried out using both comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatographic mass spectrometry (GC x GC-MS), as well as one-dimensional gas chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS). Methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) was positively identified based on a comparison of its electron-impact mass spectrum and gas-chromatographic retention time with those of an authentic sample purchased from Sigma Aldrich. Comprehensive two-dimensional gas-chromatographic mass-spectral analyses (GC x GC-MS) were carried out using a Pegasus 4D (Leco Corp., ST. Joseph, MI) equipped with a Restek Rxi-5 Sil MS primary column (5% diphenyl/95% dimethyl polysiloxane; 30m length x 0.25 mm i.d. x 0.25 -μm film thickness). Two different secondary columns were used during the course of this work. A Restek Rxi-5 Sil MS secondary column (5% diphenyl/95% dimethyl polysiloxane; 1.3 m length x 0.18 mm i.d. x 0.18 -μm film thickness) and an SGE Analytical Science BPX50 secondary column (50% diphenyl/50% dimethyl polysiloxane; 1.0 m length x 0.1 mm i.d. x 0.10 -μm film thickness). An injector temperature of 250 °C with splitless injection was used, with the split valve opening at 20 seconds. The primary column oven temperature was held at 40 °C for 1 min, then increased at a rate of 3 °C/min to a temperature of 126°C, after which it was increased at a rate of 12 °C/min to a final temperature of 275°C. The secondary column oven followed a temperature program that maintained a +15°C offset from the primary column oven. A 3.5 s modulation period (0.80 hot pulse; 0.95 cold pulse) was used with a modulator temperature program that maintained a +15 °C offset from the secondary column oven. The carrier gas flow rate was 1.3 mL/min. Data processing was carried out using LECO ChromaTOF software with a signal-to-noise threshold of 30 for peak detection. Additional analyses, including quantitative measurements, were carried out a Shimadzu QP2010 plus gas chromatograph mass spectrometer equipped with a Restek Rxi-5Sil MS column (5% diphenyl/95% dimethyl polysiloxane; 30m length x 0.25 mm i.d. x 0.25 -μm film thickness). An injector temperature of 250 °C with splitless injection was used, with the split valve opening at 0.52 minutes. A column temperature program was used that remained at 50°C for the first minute, increased at a rate of 6 °C per min to a temperature of 200 °C, and then increased at a rate of 20 °C per min to a final temperature of 280 °C. The carrier gas flow rate was 1.22 mL/min. Chemotaxis assays were performed to evaluate the attractiveness of either worm-conditioned media (WCM) or prepared solutions of authentic methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB). Two types of chemotaxis assays were conducted. The WCM-based chemotaxis assays tested whether adult females of C. remanei or hermaphrodites of C. elegans are attracted to WCM derived from adult males of either species. The worm-conditioned media (WCM) (20 worms/10 µL) containing the native sex pheromone from C. elegans males and C. remanei males in M9 buffer was prepared and used for the chemotaxis assay according to the method in Leighton et al.,10 and applied to the inside lid of a 6-cm Petri dish prepared with chemotaxis media (2.0% agar, 1 mM MgSO4, 1 mM CaCl2, 25 mM KH2PO4, pH 6.0). A 10 µL aliquot of WCM was pipetted above one sodium azide spot, and 10 µL of M9 buffer was pipetted to the opposite side as a control. The plate was then placed in a small box to eliminate the influence of light. The assay was run at least for 1 hr. If >20% of nematodes were still alive after 1 hr, we extended the incubation time until >80% of nematodes tested were dead, as determined by periodic checking. This took between 1 hr and 4 hrs. Pairwise comparisons were performed using a two-tailed Student’s t-test, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The MMB-based chemotaxis assays tested the attraction of C. remanei females to various concentrations of synthetic MMB. A dilution series ranging in concentration from 3.8 × 10-4 M to 3.8 × 10-9 M was prepared from a 50% (v/v) stock solution of MMB in ethanol. A 100 µL aliquot of each dilution was placed in the inverted cap of a microcentrifuge tube and positioned on the inside lid of a 10-cm Petri dish above one sodium azide spot. Approximately 100 synchronized C. remanei females were placed at the center of the plate. The plate was then placed in a small box to eliminate the influence of light. The assay was run for at least 1 hr. If >20% of nematodes were still alive after 1 hr, we extended the incubation time until >80% of nematodes tested were dead, as determined by periodic checking. This took between 1 hr and 4 hrs. Differences among concentrations were analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey’s multiple comparison test (p < 0.01). In both types of assays, worms were bleached and synchronized, and L4 stage males/hermaphrodites/females were manually picked to ensure sexual purity. Worms were allowed to mature for an additional 24 hours before use. Worms were washed twice in M9 buffer and twice in ddH2O before being transferred to assay plates. The chemotaxis index (CI) was calculated as {(number of nematodes at test cue zone) - (number of nematodes at the control zone)} /{(number of nematodes at test cue zone) + (number of nematodes at the control zone)}. All chemotaxis assays were repeated at least three times. ","- GC x GC-MS chromatograms obtained for SPME headspace sampling for both species, as well as for an authentic sample of methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) - GC x GC-MS mass spectra obtained for SPME headspace sampling for both species, as well as for an authentic sample of methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) - Chemotaxis index (CI) evaluating both species' attractiveness for worm-conditioned media (WCM) - Chemotaxis index (CI) evaluating both species' attractiveness for prepared solutions of authentic methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) - MMB concentration across different WCM samples.","Researchers used solid phase microextraction (SPME) to sample headspace volatiles present above live cultures of C. remanei and C. elegans adult males, as well as those of females and hermaphrodites from both species, respectively. Focusing on methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB), a compound produced by a predacious fungi Arthrobotrys oligospora, known for its strong attractive potential that was highly female- and hermaphrodite-specific within several Caenorhabditis species, including C. remanei and C. elegans, suggesting that MMB might function as a mimic of an endogenous, male-produced, volatile sex pheromone (VSP) within these species. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. The compound methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) was found to be produced by both C. remanei males and females; and C. elegans males and hermaphrodites. B. The compound methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) was found to be produced by C. remanei and C. elegans males only. C. The compound methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) was found to be produced by C. remanei males only. D. The compound methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) was found to be produced by C. elegans males only.",C. The compound methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB) was found to be produced by C. remanei males only.,"- The nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora has shown a remarkable instance of chemical mimicry wherein the fungus secretes a mixture of volatile compounds, including those representing olfactory cues of food, to lure prey nematodes - The strong attraction elicited by methyl 3-methyl-2-butenoate (MMB), was highly female- and hermaphrodite-specific within several Caenorhabditis species, including C. remanei and C. elegans - The existence of female- and hermaphrodite-derived volatile sex pheromones (VSPs), which are attractive to males, is well documented within C. elegans and related species. By contrast, evidence for the existence of a male-derived VSP that is attractive to females or hermaphrodites has been less clear. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The nematode-trapping fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora has shown a remarkable instance of chemical mimicry wherein the fungus secretes a mixture of volatile compounds, including those representing olfactory cues of food, to lure prey nematodes""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nematophagous fungus Arthrobotrys oligospora mimics olfactory cues of sex and food to lure its nematode prey""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://elifesciences.org/articles/20023""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 18, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The existence of female- and hermaphrodite-derived volatile sex pheromones (VSPs), which are attractive to males, is well documented within C. elegans and related species. By contrast, evidence for the existence of a male-derived VSP that is attractive to females or hermaphrodites has been less clear.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""C. elegans males optimize mate-preference decisions via sex-specific responses to multimodal sensory cues""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)00178-7?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224001787%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 11, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Entomology,MCQ,Envenomation leads to venom protein reduction and recovery delay in bumblebee workers,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.25.666811v1.full,"July 31, 2025","Researchers investigated proteomic changes in the venom sac, the primary reservoir for venom storage, of Bombus terrestris workers over a short time-course post-envenomation. Bombus terrestris colonies (n=5) were obtained from Koppert Biological Systems (Netherlands) and kept under constant conditions at 28°C and under red light illumination. Sugar water (APlinvert, Germany) and pollen (Biobest, Belgium) were provided ad libitum. To control for age, they collected callows (within 48h post-eclosion) and transferred each to a box (15cm x 15cm x 15cm) consisting of four related mature workers (distinguishable due to clipped wings), brood, and sugar water for approximately 72h to allow for maturation. To induce envenomation, they used parafilm-covered 0.2ml tubes filled with 100µl autoclaved phosphate buffered saline (PBS). For each collection, they temporarily restrained the bee and placed the collection tube close to the aculeus. They visually confirmed stinging by the presence of a hole in the parafilm. Control bees experienced the same handling procedure, but no venom was collected. Post-envenomation, workers were returned to their boxes and remained until a designated sampling time-point, which was either 1h, 24h or 168h(one week) after procedure. At each designated collection time-point, workers were transferred into individual cryotubes, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C before being dissected. In total, they collected 25 workers (Envenomation group: 1h (n=5), 24h (n=4) and 168h (one week, n=3); Control group: 1h (n=5), 24h (n=4) and 168h (n=4)). Individuals, one each from a different colony, were used for each treatment group and time-point. They also assessed the collected venom for protein content using the Qubit protein assay kit. For each bee, the venom sac was extracted and subsequently homogenised in PBS. To determine differently abundant proteins, an EASY-nLC 1000 system (Thermo Scientific) and a Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific) were used. MS/MS data were analysed using MaxQuant. ","- Protein content of the venom samples - Proteome changes in the venom sac at different timings post-evenomation","Researchers investigated proteomic changes in the venom sac, the primary reservoir for venom storage, of Bombus terrestris workers over a short time-course post-envenomation. To induce envenomation, researchers used parafilm-covered 0.2ml tubes filled with 100µl autoclaved phosphate buffered saline (PBS). For each collection, they temporarily restrained the bee and placed the collection tube close to the aculeus. Control bees experienced the same handling procedure, but no venom was collected. Post-envenomation, workers were returned to their boxes and remained until a designated sampling time-point, which was either 1h, 24h or 168h (one week) after procedure. At each designated collection time-point, workers were transferred into individual cryotubes, snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen, and stored at -80°C before being dissected. They also assessed the collected venom for protein content using the Qubit protein assay kit. For each bee, the venom sac was extracted and subsequently homogenised in PBS. To determine differently abundant proteins, an EASY-nLC 1000 system (Thermo Scientific) and a Q-Exactive Plus Orbitrap mass spectrometer (Thermo Scientific) were used. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Researchers found that nearly all reduced and elevated SDAPs (significantly differentially abundant proteins) were unique to individual time-points. B. Researchers found that nearly all reduced and elevated SDAPs (significantly differentially abundant proteins) were not unique to individual time-points. C. Researchers found that nearly all reduced SDAPs (significantly differentially abundant proteins) were not unique to individual time-points, while nearly all elevated SDAPs were unique to individual time-points. D. Researchers found that nearly all reduced SDAPs (significantly differentially abundant proteins) were unique to individual time-points, while nearly all elevated SDAPs were not unique to individual time-points.",A. Researchers found that nearly all reduced and elevated SDAPs (significantly differentially abundant proteins) were unique to individual time-points.,"- The venom sac acts as a reservoir for the storage of venom proteins that are primarily produced in the connected tubular venom glands. - Changes in the venom sac proteome can provide an insight into the molecular response and recovery post-envenomation. - Venom regeneration is potentially costly ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The venom sac acts as a reservoir for the storage of venom proteins that are primarily produced in the connected tubular venom glands.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The venom gland of queens of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae): morphology and secretory cycle""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0968432806000278?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 29, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Venom regeneration is potentially costly ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The venom optimization hypothesis revisited""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0041010112008173?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 22, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Changes in the venom sac proteome can provide an insight into the molecular response and recovery post-envenomation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The venom gland of queens of Apis mellifera (Hymenoptera, Apidae): morphology and secretory cycle""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0968432806000278?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 29, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Behavioral Ecology / Entomology,MCQ,Male bumblebees adapt foraging to environmental conditions to sustain mate-seeking efforts,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674615v1.full,"September 11, 2025","Researchers investigated how the spatial arrangement of nectar and scent-marking sites, along with nectar availability, influence male Bombus terrestris movement patterns. They manipulated the distribution of feeders (artificial flowers) and scent-marking locations (branches), and varied nectar delivery rates, to assess effects on foraging, scent-marking, and patrolling. They used high-resolution 3D video tracking of the spatial movement in a controlled flight cage environment, examining how males navigate trade-offs between feeding and reproductive efforts. Experiments were conducted in a flight cage (300 cm L × 300 cm W × 150 cm H) within a controlled laboratory environment. The cage was enclosed with white tulle fabric, a fine mesh material with an estimated pore size of c.a. 0.5mm. Environmental conditions were maintained at 21.8 ± 0.02 °C and 46.2 ± 0.3% relative humidity, recorded continuously using a digital sensor. They used male B. terrestris from ten commercial colonies (each containing a queen and 40–50 workers) and from additional male-only boxes (∼ 50 males per box). Colonies were housed in wooden nest boxes (28 × 16 × 11 cm) lined with cat litter to regulate moisture levels. A 25% (w/w) sucrose solution was provided via feeders, and nests were provided with Natupol pollen (Koppert, Suffolk, UK) twice weekly. To simulate a realistic environment for foraging, scent-marking, and patrolling, they arranged six Cotoneaster horizontalis branches and six artificial flowers in the flight cage. C. horizontalis is a shrub whose flowers are naturally visited by bumblebees (Corbet and Westgarth-Smith, 1992) and was used as a substrate for male scent-marking behaviour. Branches were selected to have minimal lateral branching and measured approximately 15 cm, providing a relatively uniform and accessible structure for landing and marking. Each branch was mounted on a 3D-printed white tripod (10 cm high) to ensure stability and consistent presentation across trials. The artificial flowers were designed to deliver controlled amounts of nectar substitute (BIOGLUC®, Biobest, Belgium). Artificial flowers were automatically refilled every hour using Tempatron AM24 drive motors and a gear kit-controlled cam sequencer system (RS Components, Corby, UK). The refill system was active for 15 minutes at the start of each hour, followed by a 45-minute pause, repeating this cycle continuously throughout the day. Two different sucrose delivery rates were implemented to simulate conditions of high and low nectar availability. Under the high-rate condition, nectar was delivered at 4.64 ± 0.16 μl/min, resulting in 69.6 ± 0.16 μl per flower over each 15-minute refill period. In contrast, under the low-rate condition, nectar was dispensed at 1.63 ± 0.23 μl/min, yielding 24.4 ± 0.23 μl per flower per refill cycle. Two spatial configurations were tested, representing contrasting resource distributions: a clumped array and a dispersed array. In the clumped array, items (branches and artificial flowers) were arranged at regular intervals (52 cm) within a 135 cm x 135 cm area (c.a. 1.82 m2), creating a dense, uniformly spaced layout that mimicked a tightly packed patch of vegetation. In the dispersed array, items were placed at irregular distances across a 208 cm x 208 cm area (c.a. 4.33 m2), guided by a 5 × 5 placement grid to achieve a heterogeneous layout with variable spacing between items. A total of 51 males were tested across the spatial and nectar availability conditions: 12 in the dispersed array with low nectar availability, 12 in the clumped array with low nectar, 12 in the clumped array with high nectar, and 15 in the dispersed array with high nectar. Male bees were released into the flight cage at c.a. 15:30 on the day prior to testing. The cage operated under a light-dark regime of 8 hours of light and 16 hours of darkness, with lights on from c.a. 09:00 to 17:00. Following release, bees experienced c.a. 1.5 hours of light (from 15:30 to 17:00), during which they began initial exploration and familiarisation with the new environment. On the day of testing, males were observed until at least one individual had scent-marked a branch, fed from an artificial flower, and demonstrated sustained flight. Once a suitable bee was identified, individual testing began. Only one bee was tested at a time to eliminate social interference. All other bees were removed and returned to the training box. The focal bee was then recorded for six hours, from 09:30 to 15:30, using two Basler GenICam cameras for 3D tracking. Since the behaviours they were interested in (feeding and scent-marking) can involve a range of movement speeds they treated all walking and sitting movement as the same for the purposes of further behavioural classification. Feeding was defined as any instance in which a bee was recorded walking or sitting within 20 cm of a flower and no more than 5.5 cm above or below the flower platform. To ensure interactions were specific to the flower platform, body movement had to be predominantly horizontal, with a horizontal-to-vertical movement ratio exceeding 1.5. Scent-Marking was characterised by a bee walking or sitting within a 20 cm radius of an item at a height of no more than 1 cm above it, where vertical body movement was predominant (horizontal-to-vertical movement ratio below 1). They used the term Patrolling to describe flight behaviour near flowers or branches involving slow, highly manoeuvrable movement, consistent with environmental inspection in search of mates. A patrolling bout began when a bee entered a 20 cm radius around a flower or branch and flew no more than 10 cm above it, while maintaining a flight speed below 50 cm/s and an angular velocity (i.e., rate of change in heading direction) above 125°/s. These thresholds were chosen to distinguish patrolling from faster, straighter transit flights, capturing the characteristic tight turning and hovering-like motion typical of inspection behaviour. A patrolling event was considered to have ended when the bee: (1) landed on a branch, the cage floor, or netting; (2) ascended more than 45 cm above the level of the items (suggesting transition to exploratory flight); or (3) went more than 5 seconds without meeting the criteria for further inspections. ","- Behavior frequency variability (foraging, scent-marking, and patrolling) across different combinations of spatial resource distribution (clumped vs. dispersed) and nectar availability (low vs. high) - Total time spent performing each behavior across different combinations of spatial resource distribution (clumped vs. dispersed) and nectar availability (low vs. high) - Duration of individual behavioral events in response to changes in spatial resource distribution (clumped vs. dispersed) and nectar availability (low vs. high)","Researchers investigated how the spatial arrangement of nectar and scent-marking sites, along with nectar availability, influence male Bombus terrestris movement patterns. They manipulated the distribution of feeders (artificial flowers) and scent-marking locations (branches), and varied nectar delivery rates, to assess effects on foraging, scent-marking, and patrolling. They used high-resolution 3D video tracking of the spatial movement in a controlled flight cage environment, examining how males navigate trade-offs between feeding and reproductive efforts. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Nectar availability had significant effects on foraging, scent-marking, and patrolling event frequencies. B. Nectar availability had minimal effects on patrolling and scent-marking event frequencies, but significant effects on foraging event frequencies. C. Nectar availability had minimal effects on foraging event frequencies but significant effects on patrolling and scent-marking event frequencies. D. Nectar availability had minimal effects on foraging, scent-marking, and patrolling event frequencies. ","D. Nectar availability had minimal effects on foraging, scent-marking, and patrolling event frequencies. ","- Animals adjust how they allocate time and energy – for example, balancing foraging with reproductive behaviors – based on both internal conditions (such as energy reserves) and external cues (such as resource availability, competition, and predation risk) - Bumblebee workers (Bombus spp.) learn sequences of flower visits that they adjust in response to changes in spatial layout and nectar availability - A key component of male reproductive behaviour in many Bombus species involves scent-marking patrol circuits during which they deposit pheromones on substrates such as branches, leaves, or stems as they establish regular flight paths to attract receptive queens","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Animals adjust how they allocate time and energy – for example, balancing foraging with reproductive behaviors – based on both internal conditions (such as energy reserves) and external cues (such as resource availability, competition, and predation risk) ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Meta-analysis reveals that animal sexual signalling behaviour is honest and resource based""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-021-01409-z""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 15, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Bumblebee workers (Bombus spp.) learn sequences of flower visits that they adjust in response to changes in spatial layout and nectar availability""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Habitat structure and animal movement: the behaviour of bumble bees in uniform and random spatial resource distributions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s004420050329""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 30, 1997""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A key component of male reproductive behaviour in many Bombus species involves scent-marking patrol circuits during which they deposit pheromones on substrates such as branches, leaves, or stems as they establish regular flight paths to attract receptive queens""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Patrolling and scent-marking behavior in Japanese bumblebee Bombus ardens ardens males: alternative mating tactic?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13592-017-0534-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 12, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant genetics,MCQ,ALFIN-LIKE Proteins Orchestrate H3K4me3-H3K27me3 Crosstalk to Regulate Plant Embryogenesis,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.08.647773v1,"April 8, 2025","Researchers studied the antagonistic interplay between H3K27me3 and H3K4me3 during Arabidopsis embryogenesis. They identified a developmentally specific interaction between the FIS-PRC2 complex and ALFIN-LIKE (AL) proteins. AL proteins are a family of plant-specific PHD domain proteins that recognize H3K4me3. The Arabidopsis genome contains seven AL protein-coding genes. Researchers examined self-pollinated siliques at the globular stage of embryo development in triple (al4/5/7), quadruple (al4/5/6/7 and al3/4/5/7), quintuple (al1/4/5/6/7 and al3/4/5/6/7), and sextuple (al1/3/4/5/6/7) mutants of ALFIN-LIKE genes to determine if loss-of-function of AL genes results in seed abortion or is related to embryo-defective phenotypes. The siliques were fixed overnight in an ethanol and acetic acid solution (9:1), transferred to 70% ethanol, and dissected. The seeds/ovules were then cleared in a chloral hydrate solution for several hours or overnight. Then, the seeds/ovules were imaged using a Zeiss DMR microscope with DIC filters and a Leica Flexacam C3 LSR camera. The researchers quantified the percentage of embryo defects classified as mild or severe for each combination of mutant lines. ","- Embryos defect at the globular stage (%) of wild type vs mutants of the alfin genes (triple, quadruple, quintuple, and sextuple). - Embryos defect at the heart stage (%) of wild type vs mutants of the alfin genes (triple, quadruple, quintuple, and sextuple). - Confocal images of seeds/ovules from wild type vs mutants of the alfin genes (triple, quadruple, quintuple, and sextuple). - Quantification of embryo elongation at the one-cell stage in wild-type and al sextuple mutant.","Researchers evaluated embryo development at the globular stage in wild-type and al mutant seeds (triple, quadruple, quintuple, and sextuple) from self-pollinated plants based on clearing analysis. Confocal images were taken and embryo defects were measured in both wild-type and al mutants, and classified as either mild or severe. Suppose researchers observed altered flowering time, slow development, reduced plant height, fewer branches, longer internodes, and fewer flowers with disrupted phyllotaxis. Mark all the al mutants you would expect to exhibit this characteristic observed? A. Four (quadruple) mutant. B. Three (triple) mutants. C. Five (quintuple) mutants. D. Six (sextuple) mutants.","C, D. Five (quintuple) mutants and Six (sextuple) mutants.","- The MEA-PRC2 (also called FIS-PRC2) complex functions specifically in the female gametophyte, early embryo, and endosperm, a placental-like tissue that fills the seed cavity and provides nutrients to the growing embryo. - ALFIN-LIKE (ALs), is a class of plant-specific PHD domain proteins that bind H3K4me3. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The MEA-PRC2 (also called FIS-PRC2) complex functions specifically in the female gametophyte, early embryo, and endosperm, a placental-like tissue that fills the seed cavity and provides nutrients to the growing embryo.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Arabidopsis MSI1 is a component of the MEA/FIE Polycomb group complex and required for seed development\n\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1093/emboj/cdg444\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 15, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- ALFIN-LIKE (ALs), is a class of plant-specific PHD domain proteins that bind H3K4me3.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Involvement of Alfin-Like Transcription Factors in Plant Development and Stress Response\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3390/genes15020184""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 29, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant genetics,Free-Format Question,AtSDR4L and its paralog DIG2 repress somatic embryogenesis during post-embryonic development in Arabidopsis,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.19.677292v1,"September 21, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether mutation of genes SEED DORMANCY 4-LIKE (Atsdr4l-5) and its paralog DYNAMIC INFLUENCER of GENE EXPRESSION 2 (dig2), had any effect in preventing the expression of positive regulators of somatic embryogenesis in seedlings of Arabidopsis thaliana and thus repressing somatic embryogenesis. To visualize if there is an influence of Atsdr4l-5 dig2 on the development of somatic embryogenesis, they induced callus formation by using Wildtype (Col-0) and double mutant (Atsdr4l-5 dig2) sterilized seeds that were inoculated in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (M0404, Sigma Aldrich) with 1% sucrose and 5 µM 2,4 D (D70724, Sigma Aldrich) and incubated at 4°C in the dark for 2 days (minimal condition). The seeds were shaken under light for 7 days at 130 rpm and were subjected to a 2,4 D-free half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1% sucrose and 0.7 % phytogar for two weeks. The seedlings were then stained with Sudan Red 7B for 40 minutes and underwent two rounds of wash with water, followed by five rounds of 70 % ethanol wash. The formation of somatic embryos was observed and acquired using a Leica M205 FCA Fluorescence stereo microscope. Acquired images were processed with Fiji software v1.54k. ","- Development of callus tissue on wild-type and the double mutant (Atsdr4l-5 dig2) after auxin treatment. - Development of somatic embryos on wild-type and the double mutant (Atsdr4l-5 dig2) after transferring the callus to an auxin-free medium.","Somatic embryo development was assessed by microscopical observation in wild-type (WT) and double mutant (Atsdr4l-5 dig2) seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana. Seeds were inoculated in half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (M0404, Sigma Aldrich) with 1% sucrose and 5 µM 2,4 D (D70724, Sigma Aldrich) and incubated at 4°C in the dark for 2 days. The seeds were shaken under light for 7 days at 130 rpm and were subjected to 2,4 D-free half-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium with 1% sucrose and 0.7 % phytogar for two weeks. Seedlings were then stained with Sudan Red 7B for 40 minutes and underwent two rounds of wash with water, followed by five rounds of 70 % ethanol wash. The formation of somatic embryos was observed and acquired using a Leica M205 FCA Fluorescence stereo microscope. Acquired images were processed with Fiji software v1.54k. Based on microscopical observations, which genotype was able to induce somatic embryos under a minimal condition medium?","In a minimal condition that can induce the callus formation in Col-0 seedlings without a subsequent formation of somatic embryos from calli, Atsdr4l-5 dig2 seedlings exhibited the formation of embryo-like structures from calli ","- Somatic embryogenesis is the capability to form asexual embryos arising from somatic cells, independent of fertilized gametes. - SEED DORMANCY 4-LIKE (AtSDR4L) is a transcriptional corepressor from Arabidopsis thaliana that is an accessory to the Polycomb Repressive Complex. - Atsdr4l loss-of-function mutants exhibit several developmental defects, including delayed germination, seedlings with swollen hypocotyls accompanied by the overaccumulation of fatty acids in this region, as well as growth arrest with a lack of true leaves and roots. - DYNAMIC INFLUENCER of GENE EXPRESSION 2 (dig2) is a paralog of AtSDR4L.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Somatic embryogenesis is the capability to form asexual embryos arising from somatic cells, independent of fertilized gametes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""'Open minded' cells: how cells can change fate""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17194589/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SEED DORMANCY 4-LIKE (AtSDR4L) is a transcriptional corepressor from Arabidopsis thaliana that is an accessory to the Polycomb Repressive Complex.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""clusterProfiler 4.0: A universal enrichment tool for interpreting omics data""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8454663/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Atsdr4l loss-of-function mutants exhibit several developmental defects, including delayed germination, seedlings with swollen hypocotyls accompanied by the overaccumulation of fatty acids in this region, as well as growth arrest with a lack of true leaves and roots.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""clusterProfiler 4.0: A universal enrichment tool for interpreting omics data""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8454663/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DYNAMIC INFLUENCER of GENE EXPRESSION 2 (dig2) is a paralog of AtSDR4L.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Co-repressors AtSDR4L and DIG1 interact with transcription factor VAL2 and promote Arabidopsis seed-to-seedling transition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://watermark02.silverchair.com/kiae225.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAA1owggNWBgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggNHMIIDQwIBADCCAzwGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQM2Ni5hVm7Zma-e5-TAgEQgIIDDdiwsgULDJrKfgXG_P8GVwat-2naSSVZcHCT0ur75kJbNLY7lKTAxDRHzAqImBxnwVUf1lRCKWF0_9bsjFKBuve6H5Ie_UADUaqZ0odmmfDZErpXKTFrUhtwPqmVNJpg7Z9wz0YWZagoOc0F4tTt1DBnTdgPQJcac1aY6xrdALT7QfyTGYmFmFVGKUdIGCEF6Vak9An1val2w1z9J_FW3sDNu8wvHl_4eMgNnNgTzMNbJXg8PPinmx9XTvqOE8wocJp4Yk4-qPG8oaJt1Xzd5L1inxPX1Sq2t88M1rjRNV1Ebs3ygm2AV13xWyWFheCLh_U-DfH8z3jAyJJiMIno44ALj61dqDHAnj9U9DcybX_6yK-6gcD-elAZoI3syFOYZun3xDLw6trxGnFyHqr7gCi0n2GxrEd2Lu1mlIXs0qbfTLUrWBpm2CLGfI95_TXa9-0FttN8AE3b-aAWdbow7Q0wW5_3Qk7QTxIzJErSPVHamflUGPkjGqOOAxdPrh5oeZX06-kgNJHI-sKZmj97vv7kZsvw_v1G5sBsKDul-t7kbcO3Fk1EJPAUYo73Z21Z2rSdJ-uksVj7CzZHUTKwJ7WaQF5SMXOiqhkfcJjOF9O7DaBr6MHMqrTtBTHjsXFoIPF5nb4yHKUtQv5CmPCXjxG3Rp-9uGhFpFukHYA1O6z4b10CPPKqaGw3N_pnPlOW5g0P0Sv53dUhFKIQOy0Tx4a10BUB1ehbPvWEX2bEuLgAG09V1S-NJqE_7Sy12vlSobSVxUrw8bVqc_3nRXe_e9jcf4IAr_-c3IiEUg2LtPJgr02g1ebF3fPlsKAYmjcz3A7V9zBCrP9Ds83IjfqbD09MsVSzRVcFUgceKaJrUwjNHzzMk8B9_8R1n-Eout0soJHLlqN5peGbAZaYDxB-jDEidlm512WRBF59GH-7QE1HVj3PCe-lTSeowAjK8TDIv261WGqd9A8xGghCSCF8t2AJkF2XPoRwJJmgse9DeX72yqo-UyRnBDFWejXHH8xnm6_Epzs-ho4p0Z3BXMc""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 23, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Biology / Zoology,Free-Format Question,The genitals of rhinoceros beetles: a general overview of the endophallus in the tribe Agaocephalini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae),https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.18.677223v1,"September 21, 2025","Researchers investigated the male genital structures (endophalli) of rhinoceros beetles in the tribe Agaocephalini. Selected specimens were softened by immersion in hot water for 10-20 minutes, and the abdomen was removed to extract the aedeagus. The tissues were digested in 10% KOH at room temperature for 6-24 hours depending on specimen condition, then transferred to distilled water, allowing partial eversion of the endophallus. Structures were washed in 70% ethanol and preserved in glycerol. To facilitate observation, endophalli were mounted in 2.5% carboxymethyl cellulose; specimens difficult to observe due to transparency were stained with 10% Nigrosin for contrast. For inflation, 2.5% carboxymethyl cellulose was injected through the phallobase using a 15 g oral zonde needle. Prepared structures were examined under Nikon SMZ645 stereoscope and Eclipse 50i microscope systems, photographed with a Nikon D5200 camera using macro lenses, and image stacks were processed with Zerene Stacker and retouched using Adobe Photoshop. A total of 93 specimens representing Agaocephalini and other comparative Dynastinae tribes were analyzed.","-Extent of endophallus eversion after KOH digestion and water immersion. -Visibility and contrast of endophalli with and without Nigrosin staining. -Morphological characters of the endophallus (temones, lobes, endophalliculi, raspulae, endophallites) observed under stereoscope and microscope. ","Researchers prepared and examined the endophalli (male intromittent organs) of 93 rhinoceros beetle specimens representing Agaocephalini and comparative Dynastinae tribes. Specimens were digested in 10% KOH, washed, preserved in glycerol, and mounted in 2.5% carboxymethyl cellulose; some were stained with 10% Nigrosin or inflated for improved visibility. Endophallus morphology was then analyzed under stereoscope and microscope, with imaging performed using macro photography and image stacking. What would be the expected shape to result from the joining of the temones? ",A ring-like structure,"- The endophallus is a membranous sac encased inside the aedeagus, specifically within the median lobe, is composed of two sclerotized temones, a lobe (or lobes), and a number of spine-like endophallites. - The aedeagus is the external sclerotized structure of the male genitalia, composed of a bilobed tegmen and a phallobase.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The endophallus is a membranous sac encased inside the aedeagus, specifically within the median lobe, is composed of two sclerotized temones, a lobe (or lobes), and a number of spine-like endophallites.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Morphology and terminology of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) male genitalia""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26176150/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The aedeagus is the external sclerotized structure of the male genitalia, composed of a bilobed tegmen and a phallobase.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The terminalia of the superfamily Scarabaeoidea (Coleoptera): specific glossary, dissecting methodology, techniques and previously unrecorded sexual dimorphism in some difficult groups""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/zoolinnean/article-abstract/191/4/1001/5879902?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 03, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,"Animal Behavior, Behavioral Ecology",Free-Format Question,Vocally mediated coordination during a cooperative task in parrots,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.10.681640v1,"October 11, 2025","Researchers investigated whether peach-fronted conures (small parrots) use vocal communication to coordinate during a cooperative string-pulling task. Four individuals (two males, two females) were tested in all six pairwise combinations. The apparatus consisted of an out-of-reach sliding board with food rewards, featuring two eyelets through which a wool string passed into the birds' individual cages. To retrieve food, both birds had to pull their string ends simultaneously; solo pulling caused the string to slip without reward. Birds were separated by a remotely operated trap door, with a cardboard barrier providing visual isolation in some conditions. Each pair was tested under four conditions differing only in visual access and release timing: (1) 'Cooperative' (visual contact, simultaneous release), (2) 'Delayed' (visual contact, staggered release with Bird 1 waiting for Bird 2), (3) 'Blind' (visual barrier, simultaneous release), and (4) 'Blind delayed' (visual barrier, staggered release). In delayed conditions, Bird 1's door opened first; after a 5-second delay, Bird 2's door opened. Each bird completed 20 trials per condition in each pairing role (Bird 1 or Bird 2 in delayed conditions). Vocalizations were recorded using a free-field microphone positioned 15 cm above the cages and digitized at 16-bit/44.1 kHz. Video footage from two synchronized webcams (25 fps) allowed matching each vocalization to its caller by observing beak opening. Calls were classified into nine distinct types (aggressive, contact, contact soft, high harmonics, intense, soft, soft harmonics, soft intense, readiness-call) using hierarchical cluster analysis (hclust function, R stats package) based on peak frequency, peak pressure, and first quartile acoustic features. The critical coordination window was defined from when Bird 1 reached the string until trial completion. Trial outcomes (success or failure) were recorded via video analysis. Fisher's exact tests determined statistical associations between specific call types and trial outcomes in each condition.","- Vocalization type per call: Units: Categorical (9 types: aggressive, contact, contact soft, high harmonics, intense, soft, soft harmonics, soft intense, readiness-call), determined by hierarchical cluster analysis (hclust, R stats package) applied to audio recordings; recorded across all trials over four experimental conditions (Cooperative, Delayed, Blind, Blind delayed) for all six parrot pairs - Trial outcome per trial: Units: Binary (success or failure), determined by visual observation of synchronized video footage (two webcams, 25 fps), recorded across all trials over four experimental conditions (Cooperative, Delayed, Blind, Blind delayed) for all six parrot pairs - Call occurrence during critical coordination window per call: Units: Binary (present during window or not), determined by temporal synchronization of audio recordings with video timestamps; recorded across all trials over four experimental conditions (Cooperative, Delayed, Blind, Blind delayed) for all six parrot pairs - Caller identity per call. Units: Categorical (four labelled individuals), determined by visual observation via video analysis, recorded across all trials over four experimental conditions (Cooperative, Delayed, Blind, Blind delayed) for all six parrot pairs","An experiment investigated whether peach-fronted conures (small parrots) use vocal communication to coordinate during a cooperative string-pulling task. The task required each pair to pull the two ends of a loose string at the same time. If either bird acted alone the string slipped and no reward was obtained (trial failure). Birds were tested in four conditions: (1) 'Cooperative' (visual contact, simultaneous release), (2) 'Delayed' (visual contact, staggered release with Bird 1 waiting for Bird 2), (3) 'Blind' (visual barrier, simultaneous release), and (4) 'Blind delayed' (visual barrier, staggered release). The critical coordination window was defined as the time from when Bird 1 arrived at the string, continuing until success or failure. Vocalizations were recorded continuously and classified into nine distinct call types: aggressive, contact, contact soft, high harmonics, intense, soft, soft harmonics, soft intense, and readiness-call. The researchers analyzed which specific call types were associated with successful versus unsuccessful coordination in each condition, using Fisher's exact tests to determine statistical associations between individual call types and trial outcomes. During the critical coordination window in the Blind delayed condition, which call type(s), if any, showed significant associations with trial failure?",High harmonics and Intense calls showed significant associations with trial failure.,"- Communication is a social event where an emitter produces a signal to be received by a listener with the purpose of influencing the listener’s behavior; communication has occurred when the listener receives and responds to the emitted signal. - In many animal species, vocalizations play a crucial role in coordinating group behaviors - Vocalizations not only help coordinate group activities but also enable cooperation to accomplish shared tasks to achieve common goals - Parrots show many cognitive abilities similar to those observed in large-brained mammals such apes and dolphins - Parrots rely heavily on vocal communication, since their gestural repertoire is limited","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Communication is a social event where an emitter produces a signal to be received by a listener with the purpose of influencing the listener’s behavior; communication has occurred when the listener receives and responds to the emitted signal.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Signalers and receivers in animal communication""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.psych.54.101601.145121""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 17, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In many animal species, vocalizations play a crucial role in coordinating group behaviors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sneeze to leave: African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) use variable quorum thresholds facilitated by sneezes in collective decisions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rspb.2017.0347""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 06, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Vocalizations not only help coordinate group activities but also enable cooperation to accomplish shared tasks to achieve common goals""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Evidence that bottlenose dolphins can communicate with vocal signals to solve a cooperative task""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.202073""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 17, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Parrots show many cognitive abilities similar to those observed in large-brained mammals such apes and dolphins""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cognitive and communicative abilities of grey parrots""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159106001055""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 27, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Parrots rely heavily on vocal communication, since their gestural repertoire is limited""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Gestural communication in a new world parrot""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0376635714000680""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 12, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Free-Format Question,Thyme essential oil potentials as a bactericidal and biofilm-preventive agent against prevalent bacterial pathogens,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-16485-5,"August 27, 2025","Researchers evaluated the antibacterial activity of nine essential oils (ginger oil, basil oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, sage oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, and garlic oil) against gram-positive and gram-negative pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) ATCC 43,300, Bacillus cereus ATCC 33,018, Listeria innocua ATCC 33,090, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19,115, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 35,032, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14,028, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) wild type strain 93111, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 700,728). Bacterial strains were cultured overnight (TGY broth medium). 100 µl of bacterial broth culture (108 CFU/ml, 0.5 McFarland standard) were seeded on MH agar with 6.0mm diameter wells. Essential oils were applied (100 mg/mL in DMSO and 60 µl of each oil transferred into a well in triplicate). DMSO only was used as a negative control, and gentamicin (Gram+) and ampicillin (Gram -) as positive controls. The diameter of the zone of inhibition was measured after incubation at optimal temperatures (30-37 °C) for 24 hours.","- Zone of inhibition (mm) of essential oils (ginger oil, basil oil, thyme oil, peppermint oil, clove oil, sage oil, geranium oil, lavender oil, and garlic oil) against bacterial srains (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25,923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 43,300, Bacillus cereus ATCC 33,018, Listeria innocua ATCC 33,090, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19,115, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 35,032, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14,028, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) wild type strain 93111, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 700,728). ","Researchers tested nine essential oils (ginger, basil, thyme, peppermint, clove, sage, geranium, lavender, and garlic) against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative pathogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus MRSA ATCC 43300, Bacillus cereus ATCC 33018, Listeria innocua ATCC 33090, Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 19115, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 35032, Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) wild type strain 93111, and Escherichia coli O157:H7 ATCC 700728) using an agar well diffusion assay. The bacteria were cultured overnight, and then 100 µl of bacterial broth culture (10^8 CFU/ml, 0.5 McFarland standard) was seeded on MH agar. Afterward, 6.0mm diameter wells were introduced into the agar. Essential oils were applied (100 mg/mL in DMSO), and 60 µl of each oil was transferred into a well in triplicate. DMSO only was used as a negative control, and gentamicin (Gram+) and ampicillin (Gram -) as positive controls. The plates were incubated at 30-37 °C for 24 hours before measuring inhibition zone (mm). Predict which essential oil will produce the smallest inhibition zone against Bacillus cereus ATCC 33018.",Sage oil and Geranium oil will produce the smallest inhibition zone against Bacillus cereus ATCC 33018,"- Plant essential oils (EOs) have low molecular weights and are lipophilic, allowing them to penetrate tissues quickly and efficiently. - EOs are considered antimicrobial. - EOs can interact with the lipid bilayer of bacterial cell membranes and disrupt function (cell cycle, protein synthesis, DNA replication, motility, QS activity, cell adhesion, and EPS formation). ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Plant essential oils (EOs) have low molecular weights and are lipophilic, allowing them to penetrate tissues quickly and efficiently.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibiofilm properties of essential oils extracted from Dialium guineense.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10942912.2023.2236322#abstract""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 28, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""EOs are considered antimicrobial.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Essential oils: A promising eco-friendly food preservative. Food Chem. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814620311304""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 15, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""EOs can interact with the lipid bilayer of bacterial cell membranes and disrupt function (cell cycle, protein synthesis, DNA replication, motility, QS activity, cell adhesion, and EPS formation).\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Anti-biofilm mechanisms of action of essential oils by targeting genes involved in quorum sensing, motility, adhesion, and virulence: A review.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2079-6382/14/5/503""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 13, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,Numerical Values,Mitochondria-targeting polymer cLipG/CuET activates the cGAS/STING pathway to enhance cholangiocarcinoma immunotherapy,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12512424/,"Oct 09, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether cLipG/CuET alone or in combination with αCTLA-4 exhibits anti-cancer activity in a cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) mouse (C57BL/6J) model. To establish the CCA model, each mouse received a hydrodynamic tail-vein injection containing 25 µg of KRAS^G12D and 10 µg of sgP19 plasmids together with Sleeping Beauty (SB) transposase. CCA-bearing mice were randomly divided into four groups: saline control, cLipG/CuET monotherapy, αCTLA-4 monotherapy, and combined cLipG/CuET + αCTLA-4 treatment. For the cLipG/CuET group, mice received tail-vein injections every two days throughout the 21-day study period. The αCTLA-4 group received intraperitoneal injections three times per week. Body weight was measured at each treatment point to monitor general health. After 21 days of treatment, mice were sacrificed under approved ethical protocols, and livers were excised and weighed to assess tumor burden.","- Body weight (g) of mice recorded throughout the 21-day treatment period after different treatments (saline, cLipG/CuET, αCTLA-4, and cLipG/CuET + αCTLA-4) - Liver weight (g) measured at necropsy of mice to assess tumor burden after different treatments (saline, cLipG/CuET, αCTLA-4, and cLipG/CuET + αCTLA-4). - Liver weight/body weight in mice after different treatments (saline, cLipG/CuET, αCTLA-4, and cLipG/CuET + αCTLA-4)","Researchers treated cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) model mice with cLipG/CuET alone, αCTLA-4 alone, or a combination of cLipG/CuET and αCTLA-4 for 21 days. The cLipG/CuET was administered intravenously every other day, and αCTLA-4 was administered intraperitoneally three times per week. After the 21-day treatment, mice were sacrificed, and tumor growth, body weight and liver weight were measured. What would be the expected body weight of CCA model mice on day 6 after treatment with αCTLA-4? ","Weight = [19.44 - 23.76] g , derived from body weight ~21.60 g after treatment with αCTLA-4 in CCA model mice on day 6. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±2.16 g applied.","- CTLA-4-positive are lymphocytes that are more enriched in Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) tissues than in peritumoral liver tissues. - cLipo is modified with disulfiram copper (CuET) to form nanoparticles (Lipo@CuET, cLipo/CuET) with a stronger anti-cancer efficacy. - CuET is a novel copper ethylthiocarbamate complex formed by the drug disulfiram (DSF), primarily used for treating alcohol addiction in combination with copper. Due to the presence of copper, CuET greatly enhances the anti-cancer property of DSF.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CTLA-4-positive are lymphocytes that are more enriched in Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) tissues than in peritumoral liver tissues.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Reprogramming the Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Immune Microenvironment by Chemotherapy and CTLA-4 Blockade Enhances Anti–PD-1 Therapy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10985468/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 22, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CuET is a novel copper ethylthiocarbamate complex formed by the drug disulfiram (DSF), primarily used for treating alcohol addiction in combination with copper. Due to the presence of copper, CuET greatly enhances the anti-cancer property of DSF.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Alcohol-abuse drug disulfiram targets cancer via p97 segregase adaptor NPL4""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5730499/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 6, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Infectious Disease,Numerical Values,Therapeutic potential of greenly synthesized selenium nanoparticles against experimental cyclosporiasis,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-15238-8,"August 17, 2025","Researchers studied the therapeutic potential of greenly synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in the treatment of Cycolospora cayetanensis infection. Swiss albino mice (male, 4-6 weeks, weighing 23+/- 2 g) were rendered immunocompromised by weekly intraperitoneal injections of cyclophosphamide (70 mg/kg) and orally infected with 10,000 Cycolospora oocysts (sporulated, 48 h after 2nd immunosuppression dose, 10^4 oocysts/0.1mL of PBS per mouse) isolated and purified from heavily infected HIV patients. SeNPs were synthesized by incubating the cell-free filtrate of Alcaligenes faecalis with sodium selenite to form stable nanoparticles. The mice (n=42) were divided into four groups: healthy uninfected untreated controls (n=6), infected untreated controls (n=12), infected mice treated with cotrimoxazole (CMX; 5 mg/kg trimethoprim + 25 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole daily for 7 days)(n=12), and infected mice treated with SeNPs (10 mg/kg orally for 7 consecutive days beginning on day 6 post-infection)(n=12). Half of the mice were sacrificed for evaluations on day 14 post infection for assessment of the efficacy of therapy, and the other half on day 30 for assessment of recurrence. Serum reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured in sera of mice in all studied groups on the 14th day post infection using a colorimetric kit according to the manufacturer’s instructions.","- Serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) (mol/mL) across groups (healthy uninfected untreated, infected untreated, infected mice treated with cotrimoxazole, and infected mice treated with SeNPs) on day 14 post-infection. - Serum levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) (mg/dL) across groups (healthy uninfected untreated, infected untreated, infected mice treated with cotrimoxazole, and infected mice treated with SeNPs) on day 14 post-infection. ","Researchers studied the therapeutic potential of greenly synthesized selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) in the treatment of Cycolospora cayetanensis infection. Swiss albino mice (male, 4-6 weeks, weighing 23+/- 2g) were rendered immunocompromised by weekly intraperitoneal injections of cyclophosphamide (70 mg/kg). Mice (n=42) were divided into four groups: healthy uninfected untreated controls (n=6), infected untreated controls (n=12), infected mice treated with cotrimoxazole (n=12), and infected mice treated with SeNPs. Infected mice were orally administrated with 10,000 Cycolospora oocysts (sporulated, 48 h after 2nd immunosuppression dose, 10^4 oocysts/0.1mL of PBS per mouse). On day 6 post-infection, infected treated groups were administrated for 7 days with either cotrimoxazole (5 mg/kg trimethoprim + 25 mg/kg sulfamethoxazole daily) or SeNPs (10 mg/kg orally). On day 14 post-infection, serum markers of oxidative stress, reduced glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using a colorimetric kit. What is the expected mean serum reduced glutathione (GSH) level (mg/dL) in the SeNP-treated group on day 14 post-infection?",MeanGSH = [4.30 – 5.22] mg/dL. Fallback ±0.46 SD.,"- Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that causes diarrheal disease in immunosuppressed individuals. - Cotrimoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the standard drug for cyclosporiasis infections. - Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are experimental, eco-friendly nanotherapeutics that exhibit high metabolic stability, membrane permeability, and low toxicity. - Redox imbalance during intracellular coccidian infection dominates due to the upsurge of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and subsequent depletion of endogenous glutathione (GSH), leading to tissue pathology and damage. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cyclospora cayetanensis is a protozoan parasite that causes diarrheal disease in immunosuppressed individuals. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cyclospora Cayetanensis Cyclosporiasis: Update Microorganisms ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/7/9/317""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 4, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cotrimoxazole (TMP-SMX) is the standard drug for cyclosporiasis infections.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Isatin-1,2,3-triazole derivatives: synthesis, molecular Docking and evaluation against acute experimental toxoplasmosis. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001706X24003528?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are experimental, eco-friendly nanotherapeutics that exhibit high metabolic stability, membrane permeability, and low toxicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Recent research progress on the synthesis and biological effects of selenium nanoparticles""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2023.1183487/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 15, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Redox imbalance during intracellular coccidian infection dominates due to the upsurge of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and subsequent depletion of endogenous glutathione (GSH), leading to tissue pathology and damage.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biogenic selenium nanoparticles: trace element with promising anti-toxoplasma effect""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/20477724.2023.2186079""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 05, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Organic Synthesis,MCQ,Selective Nitration and Nitrosation of ArylBoronic Acid Derivatives with N-Nitrososulfonamides,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12332795/,"May 15, 2025","Researchers performed the selective nitrosation of arylboronic acids using a controlled solution-phase method under mild, metal-free conditions. In a typical experiment, arylboronic acid (0.1 mmol) was combined with nitrosating reagent NO-1 (1.0 equiv) in dichloromethane (1 mL, 0.1 M) at room temperature (25 °C). Acetic acid (10 mol%) was added as a catalyst to promote the nitrosation process. The mixture was stirred under air for a defined reaction time (24 h) to ensure complete conversion. After the reaction, the mixture was directly analyzed without further oxidation steps. Product structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR (400 MHz), ¹³C NMR (100 MHz), and mass spectrometry (MS) to verify the formation of nitrosoarenes. ","- Product yield (%) measured by chromatographic isolation to quantify the conversion efficiency of arylboronic acids or aryltrifluoroborates to nitroso or nitroarenes. - Product identity and purity verified using ¹H NMR (400 MHz) and ¹³C NMR (100 MHz) spectroscopy. - Electronic substituent effects (σp values) analyzed to correlate substituent electron-withdrawing/donating strength with product selectivity. ","A mild, metal-free protocol was established for the nitration and nitrosation of arylboronic acids and aryltrifluoroborates using the nitrosating reagent NO-1 in dichloromethane (0.1 M, 25 °C). The effects of acid catalysts (AcOH, HCl), reaction time, and substituent electronics were systematically examined to control product selectivity. At what range of Hammett constant (σp) values for the 4-position substituent will the direct nitrosation/nitration of arylboronic acids begin to exclusively favor the NO₂ product (nitration)? A. Highly negative, approximately -0.40 B. Highly positive, approaching +0.80 C. In the range of approximately 0.20 to 0.40 D. Exactly 0.00 (unsubstituted arene)",C. In the range of approximately 0.20 to 0.40,"- 3,3-dimethyl-2-nitroso-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]isothiazol-1,1-dioxide is a source of nitroso groups, however is only able to achieve nitrosation via ipso substitution. - Aryl substitution products and rates can often be rationalised through the use of Hammett constants which is a measure of the electronic effect a functional group has on the system.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""3,3-dimethyl-2-nitroso-2,3-dihydrobenzo[d]isothiazol-1,1-dioxide is an electrophilic source of nitroso groups""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Versatile New Reagent for Nitrosation under Mild Conditions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.orglett.1c00637?ref=PDF""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 12, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, no OA paper available.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Aryl substitution products and rates can often be rationalised through the use of Hammett constants""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A survey of Hammett substituent constants and resonance and field parameters""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/cr00002a004?ref=PDF""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 1, 1991""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, common paper on the subject""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Numerical Values,Indolicidin derivatives as potent dual-action antifungal and antibacterial agents for the treatment of skin infections: A comprehensive study from in vitro to in vivo evaluation,https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0331796,"September 5, 2025","Researchers evaluated a novel antimicrobial peptide (AMP), synthesized from Indolicidin (IND-4, 11K), for antimicrobial efficacy against Gram-positive bacteria, Gram-negative bacteria, and Candida albicans. IND-4, 11K was designed by replacing proline at positions 3 and 10 with lysine (via solid-phase peptide synthesis) for in vitro testing against the parent peptide (IND). S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus, and Candida albicans strains were prepared from ATCC stocks, revived on nutrient media and prepped for testing (adjusted to 0.5 McFarland, diluted to 10^6 CFU/mL, then 1:100 in Brain-Heart Infusion (BHI) broth to 10⁴ CFU/mL). Serial twofold dilutions of peptides IND and IND-4, 11K (1280-80 µM) were prepared in 96-well plates in triplicate with Muller-Hinton broth and inoculated with microbial suspension (37 °C for 24 h). MIC (minimum inhibitory concentration) was measured as the lowest concentration with no growth (OD620), and MBC (minimum bactericidal concentration) was measured by subculturing from MIC and higher wells onto MH agar (observe colony formation after 24h). Controls included streptomycin (Gram -), penicillin (Gram +), and nystatin (fungal) with PBS as a negative control.","- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) (µM) across strains (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus, and Candida albicans) after administration of serial twofold dilutions of peptides IND and IND-4, 11K (1280-80 µM) - Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) (µM) across strains (S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, S. epidermidis, E. coli, K. pneumoniae, Enterococcus, and Candida albicans) after administration of serial twofold dilutions of peptides IND and IND-4, 11K (1280-80 µM)","In an in vitro antimicrobial study, researchers tested a novel peptide (IND-4,11K), derived from Indolicidin, against several bacterial and fungal pathogens. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC strains were revived on nutrient media, adjusted to ~10⁴ CFU/mL, and inoculated into 96-well plates containing Müller–Hinton broth. Peptides IND and IND-4,11K were prepared in twofold serial dilutions from 1280 µM down to 80 µM, and the plates were incubated at 37 °C for 24 hours. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was defined as the lowest peptide concentration at which no visible microbial growth was observed, measured by optical density at OD₆₂₀. Predict the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of IND-4,11K against Pseudomonas aeruginosa?",116-140 µM,"- AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) are short peptides that exhibit broad-spectrum activity by targeting bacterial membranes or inhibiting intracellular processes. - IND-4, 11K is an indolicidin derivative, replacing prolines at positions 3 and 10 with lysine.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) are short peptides that exhibit broad-spectrum activity by targeting bacterial membranes or inhibiting intracellular processes. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antimicrobial host defence peptides: functions and clinical potential""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41573-019-0058-8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 27, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" IND-4, 11K is an indolicidin derivative, replacing prolines at positions 3 and 10 with lysine.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Synthesis of all-hydrocarbon stapled α-helical peptides by ring-closing olefin metathesis. Nature protocols.""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 12, 2011""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nprot.2011.324""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Olfactory Experiments with Cotton or Viscose Pads: Major Chemical Confounders Detected by GCxGC-QTOF,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/68418f361a8f9bdab5ea55d6/original/olfactory-experiments-with-cotton-or-viscose-pads-major-chemical-confounders-detected-by-g-cx-gc-q-tof.pdf,"June 10, 2025","Researchers used two pad types to evaluate volatile emissions under controlled conditions: Dermatess (10 × 10 cm, 67% viscose / 33% polyester; Pietrasanta Pharma, Italy) and Cutisorb (10 × 10 cm, 100% cotton; BSN Medical, Germany). Water (Arium Pro, Sartorius) was evenly dosed to simulate sweat. For 25 °C dynamic headspace (DHS), pads received 0, 100, 200, 300, 500 µL with four replicate per condition and no thermal pre-treatment. For 60 °C DHS, pads received 0, 100, 150, 200, 300, 500 µL with five replicate per pad type; an additional set was pre-baked at 150 °C for 20 min before dosing. DHS was performed in a Markes µ-Chamber: stainless chambers were conditioned at 150 °C for 20 min under Nitrogen flow of 150 mL min⁻¹ (LNI Swissgas NG EOLO10L), cooled to 25 °C, purge off, then fitted with Tenax-GR sorbent tubes (120 mg; poly-2,6-diphenylphenylene oxide with 23% carbon; 60/80 mesh; mean particle size 0.5 µm). On-line thermal desorption used a Markes Centri platform with two-stage desorption to enable refocusing and flow compatibility (TD 25–75 mL min⁻¹; capillary GC 0.5–5 mL min⁻¹). GC×GC analysis employed an Agilent 7890B with capillary-flow modulator, a DB-5MS first dimension (30 m × 0.25 mm × 0.25 µm) and DB-INNOWAX second dimension (5 m × 0.25 mm × 0.15 µm), helium 5.0 in constant-flow mode (0.5 mL min⁻¹ in 1D; 18 mL min⁻¹ in 2D), and a 2 seconds modulation period. Identification used spectral similarity > 750, LRI proximity ≤ 50 units, and elemental-formula spectral accuracy < 10 ppm.","• Measurement of VOC release from cotton and viscose-polyester pads. • Comparison of VOC release across different water volumes (0, 100, 150, 200, 300, 500 µL). • Comparison of VOC release at different extraction temperatures (25°C and 60°C). • Measurement of the effect of thermal pre-treatment (150°C for 20 minutes) on VOC release. • Quantification of the fold change in peak volume for individual VOCs upon water addition. • Determination of the statistical significance (p-value) of changes in VOC release. • Estimation of extracted VOC amounts relative to an internal standard (d₅-chlorobenzene). • Analysis of VOC release patterns (exponential vs. linear) in response to water addition. • Identification of VOCs using criteria for spectral similarity, linear retention index, and mass accuracy. ","The effects of water load and extraction temperature (0–500 µL; 25 °C and 60 °C) were evaluated using Dermatess pads (10 × 10 cm, 67% viscose/33% polyester) and Cutisorb pads (10 × 10 cm, 100% cotton). Pads were extracted by dynamic headspace in a Markes µ-Chamber (N₂ 150 mL min⁻¹ conditioning), and analytes collected on Tenax-GR sorbent tubes. VOC concentrations were measured immediately after extraction by on-line thermal desorption (Markes Centri) coupled to GC×GC–QTOF-MS (Agilent 7890B; DB-5MS × DB-INNOWAX; Helium constant-flow; 2 seconds modulation), and compounds were identified using spectral similarity > 750, LRI proximity ≤ 50 units, and elemental-formula spectral accuracy < 10 ppm. Beyond simply increasing the amount of VOCs released, how did the fundamental emission pattern differ between cotton and viscose-polyester pads as more water was added?","The VOC release from cotton pads followed a consistent exponential trend, whereas the release from viscose-polyester pads was biphasic, starting exponentially at lower water volumes and then transitioning to a more linear increase at higher volumes.","-VOCs are volatile organic compounds that are highly spontaneous and readily react in air through several physical and chemical reactions. VOCs are released when moisture or heat interacts with materials like cotton and viscose-polyester - Thermal desorption (TD) is a physical remediation method used to treat contaminants, particularly for volatile and semi-volatile contaminants ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""VOCs are volatile organic compounds that are highly spontaneous and readily react with the particles of ambiance and produce a polluted atmosphere through several physical and chemical reactions. VOCs are released when moisture or heat interacts with materials like cotton and viscose-polyester\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Environmental and human health impacts of volatile organic compounds: A perspective review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653522039820""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Thermal desorption (TD) is a physical remediation method used to treat contaminants, particularly for volatile and semi-volatile contaminants ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thermal desorption for remediation of contaminated soil: A review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653519300797""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Physics,Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics,MCQ,Giant Spin-to-Charge Conversion by Tailoring Magnetically Proximitized Topological Dirac Semimetal,https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.17639,"July 23, 2025","Researchers investigated the influence of the magnetic proximity effect (MPE) on spin-to-charge conversion efficiency in ferromagnet/topological Dirac semimetal (TDS) bilayers. A series of Fe (4 nm)/α-Sn (tₛₙ = 0, 9, 25, 32.5, and 35 nm)/InSb heterostructures were fabricated using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on InSb (001) substrates. The substrates were annealed at 400°C to remove oxide layers, followed by the growth of a 100-200 nm InSb buffer layer at 500 nm h⁻¹ to achieve an atomically flat surface. For α-Sn thicknesses between 9 nm and 32.5 nm, the InSb surface was terminated by an In-rich reconstruction. The α-Sn and Fe layers were then deposited at rates of 1 nm min⁻¹ and 0.25 nm min⁻¹, respectively, and capped with a 3-5 nm Al layer to prevent oxidation. Frequency-dependent ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy was carried out on Fe (4 nm) / α-Sn (tₛₙ = 0 – 35 nm) / InSb heterostructures at room temperature using a coplanar waveguide and Keysight vector network analyzer (VNA).",- The frequency dependence of the peak to peak linewidth of the resonant field is measured against tₛₙ in 0 – 35 nm range from FMR spectrum. ,"Researchers investigated the influence of the magnetic proximity effect (MPE) on spin-to-charge conversion efficiency in ferromagnet/topological Dirac semimetal (TDS) bilayers. A series of Fe (4 nm)/α-Sn (tₛₙ = 0, 9, 25, 32.5, and 35 nm)/InSb heterostructures were fabricated using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). Frequency-dependent ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy was carried out on Fe (4 nm) / α-Sn (tₛₙ = 0 – 35 nm) / InSb heterostructures at room temperature using a coplanar waveguide and Keysight vector network analyzer (VNA). Predict which is correct for the Gilbert damping constant α measured from the frequency dependence of the peak-to-peak linewidth of the resonant field against tₛₙ. a) A pronounced increase in α is observed as the α-Sn layer thickness increases from tₛₙ = 0 nm to tₛₙ = 35 nm. b) A pronounced increase in α is observed as the α-Sn layer thickness increases from tₛₙ = 0 nm to tₛₙ = 25 nm, and then remains almost constant as tₛₙ exceeds 25 nm. c) A pronounced decrease in α is observed as the α-Sn layer thickness increases from tₛₙ = 0 nm to tₛₙ = 25 nm, followed by an increase as tₛₙ exceeds 25 nm. d) A pronounced increase in α is observed as the α-Sn layer thickness increases from tₛₙ = 0 nm to tₛₙ = 25 nm, followed by a decrease as tₛₙ exceeds 25 nm. ","d) A pronounced increase in α is observed as the α-Sn layer thickness increases from tₛₙ = 0 nm to tₛₙ = 25 nm, followed by a decrease as tₛₙ exceeds 25 nm. ","- It has been shown that spin-charge interconversion is absent at the interface of Fe and topological insulator (TI) α-Sn thin film (5 nm), and an Fe/Ag (2 nm)/α-Sn (5 nm) heterostructure exhibited a very high efficiency of spin-charge conversion, which was quantified as an inverse Edelstein length (λIEE) of 2.1 nm. - TDSs represent a rare class of topological materials characterized by linear band dispersions (Dirac cones), and these Dirac cones are composed of spin-degenerate linear bands, exhibiting strong coupling between spin, orbital, and momentum degrees of freedom. - The α-Sn, have promising preliminary results to exhibit highly efficient spin-charge interconversion and magnetization reversal.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""It has been shown that spin-charge interconversion is absent at the interface of Fe and topological insulator (TI) α-Sn thin film (5 nm), and an Fe/Ag (2 nm)/α-Sn (5 nm) heterostructure exhibited a very high efficiency of spin-charge conversion, which was quantified as an inverse Edelstein length (λIEE) of 2.1 nm.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Spin to Charge Conversion at Room Temperature by Spin Pumping into a New Type of Topological Insulator: 𝛼-Sn Films""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.116.096602""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 1, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 7 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""TDSs represent a rare class of topological materials characterized by linear band dispersions (Dirac cones), and these Dirac cones are composed of spin-degenerate linear bands, exhibiting strong coupling between spin, orbital, and momentum degrees of freedom. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Classification of stable three-dimensional Dirac semimetals with nontrivial topology""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms5898""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 15, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 14 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The α-Sn, have promising preliminary results to exhibit highly\nefficient spin-charge interconversion and magnetization reversal.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Switching of a Magnet by Spin-Orbit Torque from a Topological Dirac Semimetal""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adma.202005909""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 3, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 20 in the paper""}]" Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,Numerical Values,Activation Energies Reveal Unusual Temperature Sensitivity in Mechanochemical Reactions,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68daa4513e708a7649cca588,"Sep 17, 2025","The Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction between anthracene (1) and maleic anhydride (2) was investigated under solution, ball milling, and RAM conditions. The reaction under solid-state conditions was done using NaCl as a bulk material and toluene as a liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) additive (η = 0.025 µL/mg). Milling was performed in a custom-made stainless-steel vessel with a single stainless-steel ball (10 mm) at 30 Hz in a MM400 mill equipped with a temperature-controlled heating jacket and direct thermocouple monitoring for precise control of the reaction temperature. the reaction was studied under media-free conditions using RAM, adjusting the NaCl filler to compensate for the absence of a ball. Finally, the amount of toluene additive was systematically varied, spanning neat grinding (η = 0 µL·mg-1 ) to solution-like conditions (η = 0.58 µL·mg-1). ","- Conversion was quantified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy of the crude mixture. - Kinetic measurements were conducted across reaction times from 0 to 10,800 s and temperatures between 323–343 K. ","Knowing that the reported value for the Diels–Alder cycloaddition reaction between anthracene and maleic anhydride in solution is 14.9 kcal·mol-1, what is the expected activation energy for this reaction obtained in ball milling, under the following conditions: ball milling using NaCl as a bulk material and toluene as a liquid-assisted grinding additive (η = 0.025 µL/mg)?","Activation energy under ball milling conditions was determined as 28.9 kcal·mol⁻¹. Note: The fallback applied is +/-10%, so any energy value inside the following range is also acceptable: [26.0 kcal·mol⁻¹, 31.8 kcal·mol⁻¹].","- Mechanochemistry involves the initiation or acceleration of reactions through mechanical energy typically imparted by grinding, milling, or shearing forces. - RAM stands for resonant acoustic mixing, which address some limitations of mechanochemistry and does not use milling balls.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mechanochemistry involves the initiation or\nacceleration of reactions through mechanical energy— typically imparted by grinding, milling, or shearing forces.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mechanochemistry for Synthesis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ange.201906755""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 11, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- RAM stands for resonant acoustic mixing, which address some limitations of mechanochemistry and does not use milling balls.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Direct mechanocatalysis by resonant acoustic mixing (RAM)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2023/sc/d3sc01591b""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 18, 2023""}]" Physics,Optic Physics,MCQ,Spacetime-disorder-induced localization of light in non-Hermitian quasicrystals,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.04205,"May 07, 2025","An experiment was conducted using an optical synthetic quasicrystal to study wave packet dynamics. The setup consists of two coupled fiber loops of unequal lengths connected by a variable beamsplitter, forming a 1+1D mesh lattice. This initiates each run by injecting a single 50 ns pulse into a longer fibre loop, which is connected to a shorter fibre loop through a VBS. The input pulse is cut out of a continuous wave signal from a tunable laser with an AOM with a 40 dB suppression ratio. Pulses traveling through the shorter loop are advanced in time, whereas those in the longer loop are delayed. And its propagation is tracked over 80 time steps. A Mach-Zehnder modulator introduces a static, incommensurate imaginary potential g(n) on one of the loops. The MZM in the longer loop modulates pulse amplitudes to simulate disordered dissipation. A phase modulator on the same loop is used to introduce uncorrelated spacetime disorder by applying random phase shifts at each position n and time step m. Single-mode fibres are used to extend the propagation time for each loop to approximately 50 μs. By adding a fibre optic patch cable in one of the loops, a propagation time difference of 158 ns is created, distinguishing the long and short loops. An erbium-doped fibre amplifier in each loop compensates for propagation losses and allows us to maintain a high optical signal-to-noise ratio. For optical gain clamping, high-power continuous wave laser signals at 1,535 nm are injected into the amplifiers via an OC. All fibre components are designed for operation at 1,550 nm wavelength and employ standard single-mode fibres. The polarization needs to be aligned in front of polarization-sensitive components to obtain a high interference contrast. Arbitrary waveform generators generate all electrical signals that drive the modulators. The system is prepared with a coupling ratio of $\beta = 0.4\pi$. For this value of $\beta$, in the absence of spacetime disorder ($\phi = 0$), the system is known to be in a delocalized phase where all eigenstates are extended. ","- The normalized intensity distribution $|\psi_{n}(m)|^{2}$ of the optical pulse at each position n and time step m. - The second moment, $M_{2}(m)$, of the pulse distribution, calculated from the intensity profile at each time step to quantify its spatial spreading. - The Inverse Participation Ratio (IPR) of the wave packet's final intensity distribution at time step m=80.","In an optical synthetic quasicrystal with a non-Hermitian, incommensurate imaginary potential, a wave packet is prepared from a single-site excitation. The system's coupling ratio is fixed at $\beta = 0.4\pi$, a value for which the system is in a delocalized phase under coherent dynamics. Given this initial condition, what is the most likely outcome for the spreading dynamics of the wave packet when a strong, uncorrelated spacetime disorder ($\phi = 2\pi$) is introduced via random phase shifts at each lattice site and time step? A) The wave packet's spreading will transition from ballistic to diffusive, and its second moment will grow linearly with time. B) The wave packet will become strongly localized at its initial position, and its second moment will quickly saturate at a small, bounded value. C) The wave packet's spreading will remain delocalized and ballistic, as the non-Hermitian potential protects the system from the dephasing effects of the disorder. D) The wave packet will become localized, but its second moment will continue to grow at a slow, sub-diffusive rate.","B) The wave packet will become strongly localized at its initial position, and its second moment will quickly saturate at a small, bounded value.","- Anderson localization is a wave phenomenon where destructive interference of scattered waves in a disordered medium prevents their propagation, leading to the confinement of the wave packet. - A quasicrystal, such as one described by the Aubry-Andre (AA) model, is a structure that is ordered but lacks strict periodicity. - A non-Hermitian system is one that does not conserve energy which usually involves physical mechanisms like site-dependent gain or loss, which can be modeled with an imaginary potential. - Spacetime disorder refers to a potential that is random in both space and time, which is usually implemented experimentally using uncorrelated random phase shifts and acts as a dephasing mechanism. - The second moment, $M_{2}(m)$, of a wave packet's intensity distribution quantifies its spatial spread. Ballistic spreading corresponds to $M_{2}(m) \sim m^{2}$, while diffusive spreading corresponds to $M_{2}(m) \sim m$.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Anderson localization is a wave phenomenon where destructive interference of scattered waves in a disordered medium prevents their propagation, leading to the confinement of the wave packet.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Absence of Diffusion in Certain Random Lattices""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.109.1492""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 01, 1958""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [1] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A quasicrystal, such as one described by the Aubry-Andre (AA) model, is a structure that is ordered but lacks strict periodicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Analyticity breaking and Anderson localization in incommensurate lattices""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265502988_Analyticity_breaking_and_Anderson_localization_in_incommensurate_lattices""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January, 1980""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [29] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The second moment, $M_{2}(m)$, of a wave packet's intensity distribution quantifies its spatial spread. Ballistic spreading corresponds to $M_{2}(m) \\sim m^{2}$, while diffusive spreading corresponds to $M_{2}(m) \\sim m$.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""What Determines the Spreading of a Wave Packet?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.79.1959""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 15, 1997""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [44] in the report.""}]" Physics,Optical Physics,Free-Format Question,Digital holographic imaging of superfluid helium free surfaces,https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2509.10235,"September 12, 2025","The free surface of superfluid helium was visualized using off-axis digital holography in two distinct cryogenic systems to compare the characteristics of noise-driven surface waves. System A consisted of a helium bath (wet) cryostat. The wet cryostat consists of two double-walled glass Dewar flasks. The inner vessel contains liquid helium and is partially immersed in an open bath of liquid nitrogen (nitrogen jacket). This fully transparent configuration reaches a base temperature of approximately 1.55 K. Researchers mounted optical components required for DH on a breadboard above the cryostat. A fiber-coupled CW laser beam first passes through a beam expander, which increases its waist to approximately 17 mm. A 50:50 beam splitter splits the expanded beam into a reference and a probe beam. The reference beam reflects off a static mirror. In contrast, the probe beam (approximately 2 mW incident power) enters the cryostat, traverses the superfluid sample, and reflects off another mirror before recombining with the reference beam at the beam splitter. This design results in a Michelson interferometer with a probe-to-reference arms aspect ratio of approximately 30:1. The experimental region of interest is a cylindrical enclosure filled with superfluid helium. This experimental cell is suspended from the cryostat lid on fiberglass rods with low thermal conductivity and fitted with evenly spaced annular baffles. Researchers aligned the optical scheme for off-axis DH by mounting the room-temperature components on three-adjuster kinematic mounts, thereby eliminating the need to adjust the mirror inside the cryostat finely. With adjustments in the reference mirror, they introduced a relative tilt between the optical paths of the reference and probe beams, as crucially required by off-axis DH. The resulting hologram, which captures information about the fluctuating superfluid interface, is recorded by a high-speed CMOS camera with a camera sensor from the Phantom VEO 640L. The researchers acquired 20.48-second datasets of 4096 images with a resolution of 1536 × 1536 pixels, sampled at 200 frames per second. The spatially averaged PSDs were computed using Welch’s method, with 10 long Hann windows overlapped every 4 s. To extract the time series of the individual modes, they employed fifth-order Butterworth bandpass filters centered around each of the peaks. The experimental cell has a diameter of 54 mm. System B consisted of a cryogen-free (dry) refrigerator with a design of closed-cycle loops containing a thin superfluid helium film with a thickness of approximately $578~\mu\mathrm{m}$, which formed on a sapphire optical flat. The cooling power in the sample region is typically delivered through a cascade of cooling stages, the first of which is a cryocooler that operates by cyclically compressing and expanding gaseous helium. Researchers used a commercial dry system comprising four cooling stages, reaching a base temperature around $300~\mathrm{mK}$. A key characteristic of this setup is the presence of substantial, low-frequency mechanical vibrations generated by its $2~\mathrm{Hz}$ mechanical cryocooler. As the system cools to its base temperature, the helium condenses and enters the superfluid phase, forming a relatively thick superfluid film that coats the cell’s internal surfaces. Optical access along the cell’s axis of symmetry is achieved through a set of sapphire flats, enabling DH in a Mach-Zehnder interferometric configuration. A collimated laser beam is split into a reference beam and a probe beam by a beam splitter. Each beam is independently expanded, and the beams are later recombined at the beam splitter. As in the System A setup, the resulting hologram is recorded by a high-speed camera. In this configuration, the probe beam (incident power on the order of 100 µW) may traverse the superfluid film twice, as the film coats each optical port. To avoid this, researchers heated the top of the cell to (1.999 ± 0.001) K, a temperature sufficient to remove the top superfluid coating, allowing the laser beam to interact with only a single superfluid layer. Here, they also acquired 20-second-long datasets of 4000 images with 1024×1024 pixels, sampled at 200 frames per second. The spatially averaged PSDs and the frequency filtering required for the normal mode analysis were computed using the same algorithms and parameters as for the helium bath cryostat. ","- Recording a time series of off-axis digital holograms using a high-speed CMOS camera of system A consisted of a helium bath (wet) cryostat. - Recording a time series of off-axis digital holograms using a high-speed CMOS camera of system B consisted of a cryogen-free (dry) refrigerator","The free surface of superfluid helium was visualized using off-axis digital holography in two distinct cryogenic systems to compare the characteristics of noise-driven surface waves. System A consisted of a helium bath (wet) cryostat. The wet cryostat consists of two double-walled glass Dewar flasks. The inner vessel contains liquid helium and is partially immersed in an open bath of liquid nitrogen (nitrogen jacket). This fully transparent configuration reaches a base temperature of approximately 1.55 K. Researchers mounted optical components required for DH on a breadboard above the cryostat. A fiber-coupled CW laser beam first passes through a beam expander, which increases its waist to approximately 17 mm. A 50:50 beam splitter splits the expanded beam into a reference and a probe beam. The reference beam reflects off a static mirror. In contrast, the probe beam enters the cryostat, traverses the superfluid sample, and reflects off another mirror before recombining with the reference beam at the beam splitter. This design results in a Michelson interferometer with a probe-to-reference arms aspect ratio of approximately 30:1. This experimental cell is suspended from the cryostat lid on fiberglass rods with low thermal conductivity and fitted with evenly spaced annular baffles. The resulting hologram, which captures information about the fluctuating superfluid interface, is recorded by a high-speed CMOS camera. System B consisted of a cryogen-free (dry) refrigerator with a design of closed-cycle loops containing a thin superfluid helium film with a thickness of approximately $578~\mu\mathrm{m}$, which formed on a sapphire optical flat. The cooling power in the sample region is typically delivered through a cascade of cooling stages, the first of which is a cryocooler that operates by cyclically compressing and expanding gaseous helium. As the system cools to its base temperature, the helium condenses and enters the superfluid phase, forming a relatively thick superfluid film that coats the cell’s internal surfaces. Optical access along the cell’s axis of symmetry is achieved through a set of sapphire flats, enabling DH in a Mach-Zehnder interferometric configuration. A collimated laser beam is split into a reference beam and a probe beam by a beam splitter. Each beam is independently expanded, and the beams are later recombined at the beam splitter. As in the System A setup, the resulting hologram is recorded by a high-speed camera. Predict whether the wave amplitude in System B will be larger, smaller, or similar to that in System A.",The wave amplitude in System B will be smaller than in System A. ,"- Surface waves induce variations in the optical path of the probe beam, producing local phase shifts encoded in the recorded digital hologram. Reconstructing these phase shifts directly yields the topography of the evolving surface, obtained by scaling them with a constant factor proportional to the refractive index contrast ∆n between the sample and free space. - In a Helium bath cryostat, the temperature, starting at 4.2 K (boiling point at normal atmospheric pressure), can be further reduced through evaporative cooling by lowering the pressure above the bath, resulting in the cooling power on the order of 1 W. - Off-axis digital holography provides the quantitative retrieval of phase shifts encoded within holograms created by the interference of two beams. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Surface waves induce variations in the optical path of the probe beam, producing local phase shifts encoded in the recorded digital hologram. Reconstructing these phase shifts directly yields the topography of the evolving surface, obtained by scaling them with a constant factor proportional to the refractive index contrast ∆n between the sample and free space.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diffraction phase microscopy: principles and applications in materials and life sciences""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/aop/abstract.cfm?uri=aop-6-1-57""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 26, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as a reference 19 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In a Helium bath cryostat, the temperature, starting at 4.2 K (boiling point at normal atmospheric pressure), can be further reduced through evaporative cooling by lowering the pressure above the bath, resulting in the cooling power on the order of 1 W""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A continuously-cooled 3He/4He phase separation refrigerator\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2503.10754""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 13, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Off-axis digital holography provides the quantitative retrieval of phase shifts encoded within holograms created by the interference of two beams.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Digital Holography and Digital Image Processing\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-1-4757-4988-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 30, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced in the paper as ref [16]""}]" Physics,Optics,MCQ,Nonlocal Metasurface Lens for Long-Wavelength Infrared Radiation,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.04856,"May 07, 2025","An experiment was conducted to characterize a nonlocal metalens fabricated from a $1.45 \,\mu\text{m}$ thick germanium film on a 0.5-inch diameter zinc-selenide substrate. The metalens was square-shaped, with side length equal to $900 \,\mu\text{m}$, and had a hyperboloidal geometric phase profile. The proposed metalens design was characterized by a constant lattice of “unperturbed” crosses with spatially varying perturbed crosses at the interstitial sites. The perturbation was realized by displacing the horizontal rod along the x axis, and/or the vertical one along the y axis. The lens was designed to convert incoming right-circularly polarized (RCP) light into a focused, left-circularly polarized (LCP) beam at its resonant wavelength of $10.31 \,\mu\text{m}$. In the experiment, the metalens was illuminated with RCP light at this resonant wavelength. The transmitted light was then passed through a rotating linear polarizer before being imaged by a camera. The total light intensity was measured separately for two regions: the area of the focal spot and the surrounding unfocused background area, as a function of the linear polarizer's rotation angle.","- Integrated light intensity within the focal spot area as a function of the linear polarizer's rotation angle. - Integrated light intensity of the unfocused background area as a function of the linear polarizer's rotation angle. - Reflectance spectrum of the metalens measured with unpolarized light. ","A nonlocal metalens designed to convert right-circularly polarized (RCP) light to a focused left-circularly polarized (LCP) spot is illuminated with RCP light at its resonant wavelength of $10.31 \,\mu\text{m}$. The proposed metalens design has a constant lattice of “unperturbed” crosses with spatially varying perturbed crosses at the interstitial sites. The perturbation is realized by displacing the horizontal rod along the x axis, and/or the vertical one along the y axis. The transmitted light passes through a rotating linear polarizer, and a camera records the intensity. The intensity patterns (intensity vs. polarizer angle) are generated for both the focused spot and the unfocused background. What is the most likely relationship between these two intensity patterns? A) The focused spot will show a constant intensity regardless of the polarizer's angle, while the background intensity will follow a sinusoidal pattern. B) The intensity pattern of the focused spot will be phase-shifted by 90° with respect to the intensity pattern of the unfocused background. C) Both the focused spot and the unfocused background will show identical sinusoidal intensity patterns that are in phase with each other. D) The intensity pattern of the focused spot will be phase-shifted by 45° with respect to the intensity pattern of the unfocused background.",B) The intensity pattern of the focused spot will be phase-shifted by 90° with respect to the intensity pattern of the unfocused background.,"- A nonlocal metalens is an ultrathin, patterned optical component that uses extended lattice resonances (quasi-bound states in the continuum or q-BICs) to manipulate light. - q-BICs can arise from chiral perturbations that allow for arbitrary polarization states via geometric phase engineering. - For circularly polarized incident light matching the q-BIC resonance, two projections of the polarization basis are necessary to analyze the outgoing signal.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A nonlocal metalens is an ultrathin, patterned optical component that uses extended lattice resonances (quasi-bound states in the continuum or q-BICs) to manipulate light.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diffractive Nonlocal Metasurfaces""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202100633""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 03, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [1] in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""q-BICs can arise from chiral perturbations that allow for arbitrary polarization states via geometric phase engineering.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chiral Quasi-Bound States in the Continuum""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.126.073001""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 17, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference [13] in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""For circularly polarized incident light matching the q-BIC resonance, two projections of the polarization basis are necessary to analyze the outgoing signal.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Selection rules for quasibound states in the continuum""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.102.035434""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 24, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference [2] in the paper.""}]" Physics,Optics,Free-Format Question,Ablation of black-Si by (Gauss-)Bessel femtosecond laser beams,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.05263,"May 08, 2025","An experiment is conducted to study the laser machining of black-silicon (b-Si), a surface-nanotextured form of silicon. A femtosecond Gauss-Bessel (GB) laser beam (wavelength 1030 nm, pulse duration 201 fs, repetition rate of 602.7 kHz) is used for the ablation. The GB-beam is focused onto the b-Si sample, producing a central, high-intensity core with a measured diameter of approximately $2.6 \,\mu\text{m}$. A series of linear grooves is machined into the b-Si surface by scanning the beam. Each groove is created using a different, progressively increasing laser pulse energy $E_p$ from $1 \,\mu\text{J}$ to $13.6 \,\mu\text{J}$. The final morphology and dimensions of these ablated grooves are then imaged and measured using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).","- Pulse energy ($E_p$) of the Gauss-Bessel beam for each ablated groove - Top-view scanning electron microscope images of the ablated grooves - Width of the central ablated groove as a function of the incident laser pulse energy - Depth and aspect ratio of the ablated grooves","An experiment investigates the machining of black-silicon using a femtosecond Gauss-Bessel (GB) laser beam with a wavelength, pulse duration, and repetition rate of 1030 nm, 201 fs, and 602.7 kHz, respectively. A series of grooves are ablated, with each groove created using a progressively higher pulse energy ($E_p$), varied from $1 \,\mu\text{J}$ to $13.6 \,\mu\text{J}$. The final width of the central groove is then measured. Describe the relationship between the incident laser pulse energy ($E_p$) and the measured width of the central ablated groove, particularly when moving from intermediate to high pulse energies.","As the pulse energy increases to high levels, the measured width of the central opening becomes narrower due to the formation of a very high-aspect-ratio central groove, which leads to the redeposition and oxidation of material around the entrance of the opening.","- Black-Silicon (b-Si) is a form of silicon with a surface modified to have a random nano-needle pattern, which makes it highly absorbent to light and appear black. - Laser Ablation is a process where material is removed from a solid surface by irradiating it with a high-intensity laser beam. - A Gauss-Bessel (GB) beam is a specialized, non-diffracting type of laser beam that maintains a narrow, high-intensity central core over a much longer distance than a conventional Gaussian beam. - For Gaussian beams, the Liu method shows that the dependence of the width of the ablated pit W on the pulse energy $E_p$ follows $W^2(ln(E_p))$.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Black-Silicon (b-Si) is a form of silicon with a surface modified to have a random nano-needle pattern, which makes it highly absorbent to light and appear black.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Improved broadband and quasi-omnidirectional anti-reflection properties with biomimetic silicon nanostructures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2007.389""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 02, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [1] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Laser Ablation is a process where material is removed from a solid surface by irradiating it with a high-intensity laser beam.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ablation of solids by femtosecond lasers: Ablation mechanism and ablation thresholds for metals and dielectrics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1447555""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 01, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [52] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A Gauss-Bessel (GB) beam is a specialized, non-diffracting type of laser beam that maintains a narrow, high-intensity central core over a much longer distance than a conventional Gaussian beam.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Bessel and annular beams for materials processing""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.201100031""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 17, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [34] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""For Gaussian beams, the Liu method shows that the dependence of the width of the ablated pit W on the pulse energy $E_p$ follows $W^2(ln(E_p))$.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Simple technique for measurements of pulsed Gaussian-beam spot sizes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1364/OL.7.000196""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 1982""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [43] in the report.""}]" Physics,Applied Physics,Free-Format Question,Control of nanomechanical resonances by an electron beam,https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2509.10302,"September 12, 2025","An electrically isolated nanomechanical cantilever was studied inside a CamScan3600 scanning electron microscope (SEM) chamber at a pressure of 3 $\mu\text{bar}$. The cantilever, measuring 32 $\mu\text{m}$ in length, 800 $\text{nm}$ in width, and 150 $\text{nm}$ in thickness, was composed of a silicon nitride base with successive 50 $\text{nm}$ coatings of gold and gallium nitride. A piezoelectric actuator drove the cantilever's in-plane oscillations with a 500 $\text{mV}_{pp}$ sinusoidal voltage. The actuator was driven by the signal output of a Zurich Instruments UHFLI 600 MHz lock-in amplifier. The SEM's electron beam was held stationary at a distance of 100 $\text{nm}$ from the cantilever's edge, operating with a constant acceleration voltage of 10 $\text{kV}$. The beam current $(I_{e})$ was adjusted through six steps: 500 $\text{pA}$; 1.0 $\text{nA}$; 1.5 $\text{nA}$; 2.0 $\text{nA}$; 2.5 $\text{nA}$; and 3.0 $\text{nA}$.","- The oscillation amplitude of the isolated cantilever as a function of the driving frequency for each discrete value of electron beam current. - The cantilever's fundamental resonance frequency, determined from the peak of the frequency response curve at each electron beam current setting.","The resonance frequency of an electrically isolated nanomechanical cantilever is measured while the current $(I_{e})$ of a nearby electron beam is increased from $500 , \text{pA}$ to $3.0 , \text{nA}$. The interaction between the electron beam and the charge that accumulates on the cantilever results in a frequency shift $(\Delta f_{o})$. What is the expected functional dependence of this resonance frequency shift on the beam current?","The resonance frequency shift exhibits a superlinear dependence on the electron beam current, increasing more rapidly than a quadratic relationship would predict. While a simple electrostatic model predicts a quadratic shift, the size of the electron beam itself can expand at larger currents, which further contributes to charging the cantilever and causes the resonance frequency to shift faster with respect to $I_e$.","- An electron beam can cause significant electron beam charging, which is the accumulation of negative charge on samples that are electrically isolated or poorly conductive. - The mechanical resonance frequency of an oscillator is determined by its effective mass and spring constant; an increase in this constant (stiffening) causes the resonance frequency to increase in what is known as a blue-shift. - A repulsive Coulomb force between a charged object and a nearby charge source can cause electrostatic stiffening, an effect that acts against the object's motion to increase its effective spring constant and resonance frequency. - The principle of charge-current proportionality suggests that the amount of charge accumulating on a sample from an electron beam is expected to be proportional to the beam's current. - Electron beam expansion is a phenomenon where the effective size of an electron beam spot can expand at higher currents, increasing its interaction with a nearby sample and enhancing charge accumulation beyond simple proportionality.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""An electron beam can cause significant electron beam charging, which is the accumulation of negative charge on samples that are electrically isolated or poorly conductive. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Charging effect induced by electron beam irradiation: a review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1080/14686996.2021.1976597""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 11, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, this is reference 24 in the manuscript""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A repulsive Coulomb force between a charged object and a nearby charge source can cause electrostatic stiffening, an effect that acts against the object's motion to increase its effective spring constant and resonance frequency. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Frequency Tuning of Nanowire Resonator Using Electrostatic Spring Effect""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/4815997""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 17, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference 39 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Optics Physics,Numerical Values,A sub-volt near-IR lithium tantalate electro-optic modulator,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.00906,"May 01, 2025","Researchers fabricated a TFLT MZM operating at a near-IR wavelength of 737 nm. The fabricated unbalanced MZM consists of a directional coupler as an input beamsplitter and a L = 5 mm long electrode in the ground-signal-ground configuration, followed by another directional coupler at the output. Grating couplers are used to couple light on and off the chip to near-IR single-mode fibers. The optical layer of the device is defined using 150 keV electron-beam lithography with 500 nm-thick ma-N2405 resist on top of a 200 nm-thick x-cut TFLT-on-SiO2 layer. The waveguide width is designed to be 600 nm. The SiO2 layer is 2 µm-thick and is on a Si substrate. The TFLT is etched by 100 nm using an Ar+-based inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching. Etch-induced re-deposition is removed using a high-pH solution. The devices are then annealed in an O2 atmosphere at 520°C for 2 h to mitigate etch-induced imperfections. For the MZMs, an 800 nm-thick SiO2 cladding layer is then deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The DC bias stability of two electro-optic Mach-Zehnder modulators is compared. The first modulator is fabricated using thin-film lithium tantalate (TFLT), and the second, serving as a counterpart, is fabricated with a similar process using thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). For the test, each modulator is subjected to a constant on-chip optical power of 4.3 dBm at a wavelength of 737 nm. A DC step voltage is applied to each device to set its operating point at quadrature bias. The output optical power from the modulator is then monitored over 16 minutes in ambient conditions to measure any drift from this bias point. To measure the DC bias stability of MZM over long timescales. First, it applied a 0.1 Hz-frequency square wave to the modulator using an on-chip optical power, and measured the modulator response with a photodetector. ","- The output optical power as a function of time over 16 minutes for the TFLT modulator. - The output optical power as a function of time over 16 minutes for the TFLN modulator. - The total DC bias drift, in decibels (dB), for the TFLT modulator. - The total DC bias drift, in decibels (dB), for the TFLN modulator.","An experiment compares the long-term stability of two Mach-Zehnder modulators, one made from thin-film lithium tantalate (TFLT) and a counterpart from thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN). Both are operated with 4.3 dBm of on-chip optical power at 737 nm and biased at quadrature. The output power is monitored for 16 minutes to quantify the DC bias drift. To measure the DC bias stability of MZM over long timescales. First, it applied a 0.1 Hz-frequency square wave to the modulator using an on-chip optical power, and measured the modulator response with a photodetector. Based on the experimental results, what is the total measured DC bias drift, in decibels (dB), for the thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) modulator?",Δ DC bias drift = [7.2–8.8] dB at 16 min for the TFLN modulator operated at 4.3 dBm optical power (737 nm). No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ±0.8 dB applied.,"- In particular, the relaxation rate will increase with more applied optical power and can be exacerbated with applied DC or RF field. This effect reduces the DC stability of electro-optic circuits, such as Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs), and has been one of the main challenges faced by TFLN photonics","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In particular, the relaxation rate will increase with more applied optical power and can be exacerbated with applied DC or RF field. This effect reduces the DC stability of electro-optic circuits, such as Mach-Zehnder modulators (MZMs), and has been one of the main challenges faced by TFLN photonics""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Relaxation of the electro-optic response in thin-film lithium niobate modulators""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/oe/fulltext.cfm?uri=oe-32-3-3619""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":"" Jan 19, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 22 in the paper""}]" Physics,Physics/Applied Physics,Numerical Values,"Kilovolt-Class $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ Field-Plated Schottky Barrier Diodes with MOCVD-Grown Intentionally $10^{15}\,\text{cm}^{-3}$ Doped Drift Layers",https://arxiv.org/pdf/2509.14403,"September 17, 2025","Field-plated Schottky barrier diodes (FP-SBDs) were fabricated to test the electrical performance of a homoepitaxially grown $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ epilayer. The process began with the Metal-Organic Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) of a $10\,\mu\text{m}$ thick drift layer on a conductive (010) Sn-doped $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ substrate. This drift layer was intentionally doped with silane to achieve a target net donor concentration of $6.5 \times 10^{15}\,\text{cm}^{-3}$. The diode fabrication involved depositing a Ni/Au/Ni Schottky anode, followed by a $120\,\text{nm}$ TiO$_2$/Al$_2$O$_3$ nanolaminate dielectric layer. A field plate was then patterned to overlap the dielectric by $10\,\mu\text{m}$. Finally, a Ti/Au ohmic contact was deposited on the backside of the substrate to serve as the cathode. The final device chosen for high-voltage testing had a circular anode diameter of $60\,\mu\text{m}$. High voltage breakdown measurements were performed on a Keysight B1505a parameter analyzer using Fluorinert as a dielectric fluid to prevent air breakdown induced arcing during measurement.",- Current density (A/cm$^2$) as a function of the reverse bias voltage (kV) for the FP-SBD.,"A 60~$\mu$m diameter field-plated Schottky barrier diode is fabricated on a 10~$\mu$m thick MOCVD-grown $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ drift layer with an intentional net donor concentration of $6.5 \times 10^{15}$~cm$^{-3}$. Given these material and device parameters, what is the predicted maximum reverse breakdown voltage ($V_{\rm BR}$) in kilovolts (kV)?","The predicted maximum reverse breakdown voltage is in the range of 1.35 kV - 1.65 kV. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported by the authors -> a ±10% fallback policy was applied to the value reported by the authors, 1.50 kV.","- A Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD) is a type of semiconductor diode formed by the junction of a semiconductor with a metal, known for its fast switching speed and low forward voltage drop. - $\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ (Beta Gallium Oxide) is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor material prized in power electronics for its ability to withstand very high electric fields before breaking down. - A drift layer is a thick, lightly doped epitaxial layer in a power semiconductor device specifically designed to support the high voltage in the device's off-state. - Breakdown Voltage ($V_{\rm BR}$) is the minimum reverse voltage applied to a diode that causes it to break down and conduct a large current. - A field plate is an electrode structure in a semiconductor device designed to reshape the electric field, reducing its peak value at sensitive locations (like a contact edge) to increase the overall breakdown voltage.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A Schottky Barrier Diode (SBD) is a type of semiconductor diode formed by the junction of a semiconductor with a metal, known for its fast switching speed and low forward voltage drop.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Fundamentals of Power Semiconductor Devices""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93988-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [70] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""$\\beta$-Ga$_2$O$_3$ (Beta Gallium Oxide) is an ultra-wide bandgap semiconductor material prized in power electronics for its ability to withstand very high electric fields before breaking down.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""β-Gallium oxide power electronics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0060327""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 07, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A drift layer is a thick, lightly doped epitaxial layer in a power semiconductor device specifically designed to support the high voltage in the device's off-state.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Fundamentals of Power Semiconductor Devices""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93988-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [70] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Breakdown Voltage ($V_{\\rm BR}$) is the minimum reverse voltage applied to a diode that causes it to break down and conduct a large current.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Fundamentals of Power Semiconductor Devices""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-93988-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [70] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A field plate is an electrode structure in a semiconductor device designed to reshape the electric field, reducing its peak value at sensitive locations (like a contact edge) to increase the overall breakdown voltage.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High-k Oxide Field-Plated Vertical (001) β-Ga₂O₃ Schottky Barrier Diode With Baliga's Figure of Merit Over 1 GW/cm²""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""10.1109/LED.2021.3089945""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [72] in the report.""}]" Biology,Reproductive Biology,MCQ, Seminal F2-IsoP and RvD1 Levels in Idiopathic Infertile Men,https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/4/450,"April 21, 2025","Researchers investigated whether idiopathic male infertility is associated with altered levels of F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs) and Resolvin D1 (RvD1) in seminal plasma. Semen samples for were procured from 77 men (age range: 29–39 years) experiencing infertility (i.e. inability to achieve conception following a minimum of two years of regular, unprotected intercourse, with exclusion of female factor infertility), and classified as having idiopathic male infertility. Semen samples were collected following a period of sexual abstinence of 3–5 days. Standard semen parameters were evaluated according to the WHO guidelines. Specifically, sperm motility was assessed and categorized as rapid progressive, slow progressive, non-progressive, or immotile. Sperm morphology was evaluated using pre-stained Testsimplets® slides (Origio, Firenze, Italy). Sperm vitality was determined using the eosin staining technique, employing 0.5% Eosin Y (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltham, MA, USA) in a 0.9% aqueous sodium chloride solution. The established lower reference limit for sperm vitality is ≥54%. Following routine semen analysis, samples were aliquoted for subsequent assays. For immunolocalization studies, 100 μL aliquots were washed with phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and subsequently smeared onto microscope slides. Total F2-IsoP concentrations in seminal plasma were quantified following established methodologies. Initially, samples underwent basic hydrolysis. Subsequently, acidified water and an internal standard, deuterated prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α−d4), were added to each sample. Purification was performed using sequential solid-phase extraction. Samples were first loaded onto an octadecylsilane (C18) cartridge (WAT043395, Sep-Pak® Vac C18, 500 mg, Waters, Milford, MA, USA). The eluate from the C18 cartridge was then applied to an aminopropyl (NH2) cartridge (WAT054560, Sep-Pak® Vac NH2, 500 mg, Waters, Milford, MA, USA). Following purification, chemical derivatization was performed. The carboxylic acid group of F2-IsoPs was converted to its pentafluorobenzyl ester derivative, while the hydroxyl groups were converted to trimethylsilyl ethers. Final quantification was achieved using gas chromatography coupled with negative ion chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC/NICI-MS/MS) utilizing a TRACE GC and PolarisQ Ion Trap system (Thermo Finnigan, San Jose, CA, USA). F2-IsoPs were quantified by monitoring the specific precursor-to-product ion transition for 8−iso−PGF2α (Cayman Chemical, Ann Arbor, MI, USA), the most abundant F2-IsoP isomer, specifically targeting the fragment ion at m/z 299. Results were expressed as ng/mL. Concentrations RvD1 in seminal plasma were determined using a commercial double-antibody sandwich Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) kit (MyBioSource, San Diego, CA, USA). This assay employed microtiter plate wells pre-coated with an anti-RvD1 monoclonal capture antibody and utilized a biotin-conjugated polyclonal antibody for detection, and was performed according to the manufacturer’s protocol. RvD1 concentrations in the samples were interpolated from a standard curve and expressed in pg/mL. Patients were divided into two groups according to the levels of F2-IsoPs (Group 1 ≤ 29.96 ng/mL and Group 2 > 29.96 ng/mL). Immunofluorescence analysis was performed in 10 patients of Group 1 and 10 patients of Group 2 to evaluate the localization of F2-IsoPs. The smeared slides prepared as previously described were fixed in methanol at −20 °C for 20 min, followed by acetone at −20 °C for 5 min, and rehydrated in PBS for 10 min at room temperature before the reaction. Then, the slides were treated with PBS-bovine serum albumin (BSA) 1% and 5% of normal goat serum (NGS) for 20 min and incubated overnight at 4 °C with a rabbit polyclonal anti-8-iso-PGF2α antibody (Abcam, Cambridge, UK), diluted 1:100 in PBS-BSA 0.1% and NGS 1%. The reaction was detected using a goat anti-Rabbit IgG Secondary Antibody Alexa Fluor™ 488 (Thermo Fisher Scientific, Waltam, MA, USA) diluted 1:500 in PBS-BSA 0.1% and NGS 1%. Specificity of binding was confirmed by the negative staining using the diluent (PBS-BSA 0.1% and NGS 1%) and omitting the primary antibody. Sperm nuclei were stained with 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) solution (Vysis, Downers Grove, IL, USA) diluted 1:20,000 in PBS for 10 min at room temperature. Finally, the slides were rinsed in PBS and mounted with 1,4-diazabicyclo [2.2.2] octane (Sigma-Aldrich, St. Louis, MO, USA). The slides were observed and evaluated with a Leica DMI 6000 Fluorescence Microscope (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany), and the images were acquired by the Leica AF6500 Integrated System for Imaging and Analysis (Leica Microsystems, Wetzlar, Germany). Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient (ϱ) was utilized to evaluate the associations between the variables under investigation.","- Sperm motility: for all 77 patients (according to the WHO guidelines). - Sperm morphology: for all 77 patients (pre-stained Testsimplets® slides). - Sperm vitality: for all 77 patients (eosin staining technique). - F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs) concentration in seminal plasma (mg/mL): for all 77 patients (GC/NICI-MS/MS). - Resolvin D1 (RvD1) concentration in seminal plasma (pg/mL): for all 77 patients (sandwich ELISA). - Immunolocalization of F2-IsoPs: for patients from group 1 (n = 10) and group 2 (n = 10) (Leica DMI 6000 Fluorescence Microscope). ","Idiopathic male infertility may correlate with oxidative stress and inflammation markers in seminal plasma. To evaluate this, 77 men classified as having idiopathic male infertility were recruited into a study. Researchers measured standard semen parameters (according to the WHO guidelines) in semen samples from all patients, and F₂-isoprostanes (F₂-IsoPs) and Resolvin D1 (RvD1) concentrations in all seminal plasma samples from all patients. For Immunolocalization of F2-IsoPs, patients were divided into two groups according to the levels of F2-IsoPs (Group 1 ≤ 29.96 ng/mL (n = 10) and Group 2 > 29.96 ng/mL (n = 10)). Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. A significant correlation was observed between the F2-IsoPs levels and progressive sperm motility and sperm viability. B. The percentage of spermatozoa showing a faint F2-IsoPs immunolabeling signal in the tail was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2. C. A significant correlation was observed between the RvD1 levels and sperm normal morphology and progressive motility. D. The majority of spermatozoa in Group 2 not displayed any F2-IsoPs immunolabeling in the acrosomal region.",B. The percentage of spermatozoa showing a faint F2-IsoPs immunolabeling signal in the tail was significantly higher in Group 1 than in Group 2.,"- Idiopathic male infertility is defined as abnormality in at least one semen parameter, with no previous history of diseases affecting fertility. - F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) are formed via free-radical-mediated peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) esterified in membrane phospholipids. These compounds have been established as powerful markers of in vivo lipid peroxidation (LPO). - Resolvin D1 (RvD1), derived from docosahexaenoic acid, and it is linked to inflammatory male infertility and reduced sperm quality.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Idiopathic male infertility is defined as abnormality in at least one semen parameter, with no previous history of diseases affecting fertility.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Is There a Relevant Clinical Impact in Differentiating Idiopathic versus Unexplained Male Infertility?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://wjmh.org/DOIx.php?id=10.5534/wjmh.220069""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 02, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""F2-Isoprostanes (F2-IsoPs) are formed via free-radical-mediated peroxidation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) esterified in membrane phospholipids. These compounds have been established as powerful markers of in vivo lipid peroxidation (LPO).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The isoprostanes—25 years later""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1388198114002169?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 30, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the cited RBK element in this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Resolvin D1 (RvD1), derived from docosahexaenoic acid, and it is linked to inflammatory male infertility and reduced sperm quality.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Role of isoprostanes in human male infertility""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19396368.2020.1793032""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 25, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Optics,Numerical Values,Fabrication of highly uniform laser-induced periodic structures on polycarbonate via UV femtosecond pulses,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.02477,"May 5, 2025","A polycarbonate (PC) surface is irradiated in ambient air using a 258 nm, 170 fs pulsed laser source. The laser beam is focused on the surface by a plano-convex, achromatic spherical lens with a focal length of 100 mm. The polarization is set to circular using a quarter-wave plate to investigate the formation of 2D nanostructures. The experiment systematically varies the laser fluence and the effective number of pulses ($N_{eff}$) to study their impact on the resulting topography. A specific set of irradiations is performed at a constant fluence of 130 mJ/c^2, while $N_{eff}$ is varied. The resulting surface structures are visualized with a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and their features are quantified using image analysis software. ","- The morphology of surface topographies produced using circularly polarized light. - The size distribution of the radii of the protruded nanostructures as a function of the effective number of pulses. - The mean radius of the nanospheres for the specific condition of a fluence of 130 mJ/cm^2 and an effective number of 100 pulses. ","A polycarbonate surface is structured using circularly polarized 258 nm femtosecond laser pulses at a constant fluence of 130 mJ/cm^2. This process results in the formation of protruding, nanosphere-like structures. Based on the experimental results, what is the mean radius, in nanometers, of the nanospheres formed after irradiating the surface with an effective number of 100 pulses?",The mean radius of the nanospheres is in the range of 75 - 99 nm.,"- Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) are microscopic, self-organized patterns that can form on the surface of a material when it is irradiated with laser pulses. - The polarization of a laser beam describes the orientation of its electric field's oscillation. Linear polarization means the field oscillates along a single line, while circular polarization means the field vector rotates in a circle. - In LIPSS formation, linear polarization typically results in one-dimensional (1D) ripples. Circular polarization, which has no single preferred direction, often leads to the formation of two-dimensional (2D) patterns, such as dot-like or nanosphere-like structures. - Fluence is the laser pulse energy delivered per unit area (e.g., J/cm^2) , while the effective number of pulses (Neff) accounts for the cumulative dose on a given spot from overlapping pulses during scanning.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) are microscopic, self-organized patterns that can form on the surface of a material when it is irradiated with laser pulses.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Maxwell Meets Marangoni—A Review of Theories on Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/lpor.202000215""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 31, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS) are microscopic, self-organized patterns that can form on the surface of a material when it is irradiated with laser pulses.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Self-organized pattern formation upon femtosecond laser ablation by circularly polarized light""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsusc.2005.08.120""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 30, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [43] in the report.""}]" Biology,Biochemistry,MCQ,Neuroblastoma-associated ALK variants have distinct cellular and biochemical activities,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.25.677354v1,"September 25, 2025","Researchers investigated whether neuroblastoma-associated ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) variants differ in their ability to bind to Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 isoforms (GSK3α and GSK3β) in cells. HEK293T cells were transfected using Lipofectamine 2000 with plasmids expressing ALK^WT (wild-type), ALK^F1174L, ALK^R1275Q, or the kinase-dead ALK^I1250T, together with GSK3α- or GSK3β-FLAG constructs. After 24 h, cells were lysed in GST (Glutathione S-Transferase; 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4, 200 mM NaCl, 1 % NP-40, 2 mM MgCl₂, 10 % glycerol) buffer containing protease and phosphatase inhibitors. Protein complexes were isolated with Anti-FLAG M2 magnetic beads (10µl beads with 200µg protein), then pulled-down samples were analyzed by Western blotting using XCell SureLock™ Mini-Cell and XCell II™ Blot Module Electrophoresis System with antibodies against ALK, GSK3α, and GSK3β (primary dilution 1:1000). For total lysate, 10µg protein was added and 5 μl of Precision Plus Protein Dual Color Standards as protein ladder. Band intensities for ALK+GSK3α/β were quantified in ImageJ (three biological replicas).","- Relative ALK–GSK3 binding intensity across ALK variants (ALK^WT, ALK^F1174L, ALK^R1275Q, ALK^I1250T) and GSK3 isoforms (GSK3α, GSK3β).","Researchers investigated whether neuroblastoma-associated ALK (Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase) variants differ in their ability to bind to Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 isoforms (GSK3α and GSK3β) in cells. HEK293T cells were transfected using Lipofectamine 2000 with plasmids expressing ALK^WT (wild-type), ALK^F1174L, ALK^R1275Q, or the kinase-dead ALK^I1250T, together with GSK3α- or GSK3β-FLAG constructs. After 24 h, cells were lysed in GST (Glutathione S-Transferase; 50 mM Tris-HCl pH 7.4, 200 mM NaCl, 1 % NP-40, 2 mM MgCl₂, 10 % glycerol) buffer containing protease and phosphatase inhibitors. Protein complexes were isolated with Anti-FLAG M2 magnetic beads (10µl beads with 200µg protein), then pulled-down samples were analyzed by Western blotting with antibodies against ALK, GSK3α, and GSK3β (primary dilution 1:1000). Band intensities for ALK+GSK3α/β were quantified in ImageJ (three biological replicates). Given these experimental conditions, which of the following outcomes is most likely for the binding interactions between the ALK variants and GSK3 isoforms? A. The ALK^F1174L variant showed the highest binding affinity for GSK3α and GSK3β, compared to the other variants. B. The ALK^R1275Q variant showed the highest binding affinity for GSK3α and GSK3β, compared to the other variants. C. The ALK^WT variant showed similar affinity to GSK3α and GSK3β as ALK^R1275Q & ALK^F1174L variants D. The ALK^F1174L and ALK^R1275Q variants showed similar binding affinity for GSK3β and GSK3α, both higher than ALK^WT","A. The ALK^F1174L variant showed the highest binding affinity for GSK3α and GSK3β, compared to the other variants.","- Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is frequently mutated in neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer derived from neural crest cells. - In neuroblastoma, 85% of ALK mutations are found at three distinct positions in its kinase domain: F1174, F1245, R1275. - Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates neural crest cell migration.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Anaplastic Lymphoma Kinase (ALK) is a tyrosine kinase receptor that is frequently mutated in neuroblastoma, a childhood cancer derived from neural crest cells. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genomic ALK alterations in primary and relapsed neuroblastoma""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-023-02208-y""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 17, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- In neuroblastoma, 85% of ALK mutations are found at three distinct positions in its kinase domain: F1174, F1245, R1275""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genomic ALK alterations in primary and relapsed neuroblastoma""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41416-023-02208-y""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 17, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3 (GSK3) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates neural crest cell migration.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Glycogen synthase kinase 3 controls migration of the neural crest lineage in mouse and Xenopus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-018-03512-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 19, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Animal Behavior, Toxicology, Pharmacology",MCQ,Ivermectin Reduces Withdrawal-Induced Alcohol Intake via CeA GABAergic Enhancement,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.14.682432v1,"Oct 15, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether ivermectin attenuates escalated ethanol self-administration in dependent heterogeneous stock (HS) rats. 32 HS rats (16 males, 16 females) were trained to self-administer 10% (v/v) ethanol under a fixed ratio 1 schedule. Dependence was induced using chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) vapor exposure (14 h on / 10 h off daily) from week 4 to week 10, during which blood alcohol levels (collecting 0.1 ml of tail blood, centrifuge to separate plasma and then analyzed using gas chromatography or an Analox AM1 Alcohol Analyser) were measured twice weekly to maintain an average of approximately 180 mg/dl. After dependence was established, rats underwent 2-hour post-vapor self-administration sessions during acute withdrawal (7–10 h after vapor cessation). Self-administration sessions used an apparatus with two retractable levers positioned on the right wall, with a sipper cup containing two wells situated between them. Both levers were accessible throughout the session. Each equipped with a syringe that delivered ethanol and water solutions, respectively (0.1mL/reinforcer). Post-vapor self-administration Ivermectin was freshly dissolved in 0.9% saline with 5% Tween 80 and administered intraperitoneally four hours before testing different doses (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg) in a Latin square design. Ethanol intake (g/kg body weight) was recorded for each dose condition, and data were analyzed for dose- and sex-dependent effects.","-Ethanol intake (g/kg body weight) during post-vapor self-administration sessions at each ivermectin dose (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg) between male and female HS rats. -Blood alcohol levels (mg/dL) during vapor exposure to confirm the dependence state in male and female HS rats. ","Ivermectin is hypothesized to modulate GABAergic signaling in the central amygdala (CeA) and reduce alcohol intake during withdrawal. Researchers evaluated whether ivermectin attenuates escalated ethanol self-administration in male and female dependent HS rats. Rats underwent operant training for 10% ethanol self-administration, followed by chronic intermittent ethanol vapor exposure to induce dependence, verified by blood alcohol levels of approximately 180 mg/dl. During withdrawal, ivermectin (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 4–6 hours prior to 2-h post-vapor ethanol self-administration sessions and ethanol intake was measured (g/kg). Data were plotted as intake versus dose for males and females, and both. Which of the following outcomes is more likely to occur? A) Ivermectin dose-dependently reduced ethanol intake, but only males showed a significant decrease at 5 and 10 mg/kg. B) Ivermectin reduced ethanol intake only from dose 5mg/kg in both sexes. C) Ivermectin dose-dependently reduced ethanol intake in both sexes, females being more sensitive. D) Ivermectin dose-dependently reduced ethanol intake, with females showing slightly higher reduction than males at 5 and 10mg/kg doses. ","A) Ivermectin dose-dependently reduced ethanol intake, but only males showed a significant decrease at 5 and 10 mg/kg.","- Heterogeneous stock (HS) rats display broad phenotypic variation in ethanol drinking and related behaviors. - P2X4 receptor (P2X4R), encoded by the gene P2rx4, a ligand-gated ion channel highly expressed in the central nervous system that facilitates ATPmediated calcium influx and modulates GABAergic, glutamatergic, glycinergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission. - Ivermectin (IVM) is an antiparasitic agent and well-characterized positive allosteric modulator of P2X4Rs that antagonizes ethanol's inhibitory effect on the receptor. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Heterogeneous stock (HS) rats display broad phenotypic variation in ethanol drinking and related behaviors.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Preclinical Alcohol Biobank: Samples from Behaviorally Characterized HS Rats for AUD Research""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.eneuro.org/content/12/9/ENEURO.0207-25.2025""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 12, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""P2X4 receptor (P2X4R), encoded by the gene P2rx4, a ligand-gated ion channel highly expressed in the central nervous system that facilitates ATPmediated calcium influx and modulates GABAergic, glutamatergic, glycinergic, and cholinergic neurotransmission.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Activation and Regulation of Purinergic P2X Receptor Channels""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3141880/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ivermectin (IVM) is an antiparasitic agent and well-characterized positive allosteric modulator of P2X4Rs that antagonizes ethanol's inhibitory effect on the receptor. \n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Avermectins differentially affect ethanol intake and receptor function: Implications for developing new therapeutics for alcohol use disorders""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4209915/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 22, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Physiology / Neuroscience,Free-Format Question,APOE4 carriers resistant to cognitive decline show unique relationships between cerebrovascular response to exercise and dual-task cognitive-balance performance,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.30.679544v1,"October 1, 2025","Researchers investigated the relationship between cerebrovascular response and cognitive-motor dual-task performance in cognitively-normal APOE4 (Apolipoprotein E4) carriers who maintain preserved function. Cognitively-normal older adults (76±4 years, 8 APOE4 carriers [3 females, 5 males], 22 noncarriers [16 females, 6 males]) with absence of neurologic or orthopedic disability preventing independent standing and walking, completed clinical balance testing under dual-task conditions. Exclusion also included insulin dependence, peripheral neuropathy, and active coronary artery disease/congestive heart failure. Participants completed extensive neuropsychological testing and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) assessment. Only individuals with normal cognitive status (CDR=0) and APOE genotyping (classified as APOE carrier in the presence of 1 or 2 APOE4 alleles determined by Taqman single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allelic discrimination assay by two APOE-defining SNPs, rs429358 [C_3084793_20] and rs7412 [C_904973_10]) were included in this analysis. The clinical balance testing consisted of a walking task across a 16-foot long narrow beam (3.5-inch width) (1-inch height to minimize postural threat). Participants were instructed to fold their arms across their chest and walk as far as they could across the beam, but did not receive instructions on walking speed. Trials ended when the participant stepped off the beam, walked sideways, or unfolded their arms, and their initial ground foot placement position was marked. In the dual-task beam walk, participants had to perform a cognitive task that required them to verbally count backward by 3s, starting at a random integer between 20 and 100, as stated by the experimenter immediately following the cue to begin the beam walk. The beam distance traversed was recorded in feet.","- Distance traversed (feet) in APOE4 carriers vs. non-carriers under dual-task walking conditions (16-ft-long, 3.5 in-wide beam; arms folded; verbally count by 3's starting at a random integer between 20 and 100 given by the experimenter immediately following the cue to begin walking).","Researchers investigated the relationship between cerebrovascular response and cognitive-motor dual-task performance in cognitively-normal APOE4 (Apolipoprotein E4) carriers who maintain preserved function. Cognitively-normal older adults (76±4 years, 8 APOE4 carriers [3 females, 5 males], 22 noncarriers [16 females, 6 males]) with absence of neurologic or orthopedic disability preventing independent standing and walking, completed clinical balance testing under dual-task conditions. Exclusion also included insulin dependence, peripheral neuropathy, and active coronary artery disease/congestive heart failure. Participants completed extensive neuropsychological testing and Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR) assessment. Only individuals with normal cognitive status (CDR=0) and APOE genotyping (classified as APOE carrier in the presence of 1 or 2 APOE4 alleles determined by Taqman single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) allelic discrimination assay by two APOE-defining SNPs, rs429358 [C_3084793_20] and rs7412 [C_904973_10]) were included in this analysis. The clinical balance testing consisted of a walking task across a 16-foot long narrow beam (3.5-inch width) (1-inch height to minimize postural threat). Participants were instructed to fold their arms across their chest and walk as far as they could across the beam, but did not receive instructions on walking speed. Trials ended when the participant stepped off the beam, walked sideways, or unfolded their arms, and their initial ground foot placement position was marked. In the dual-task beam walk, participants had to perform a cognitive task that required them to verbally count backward by 3s, starting at a random integer between 20 and 100, as stated by the experimenter immediately following the cue to begin the beam walk. The beam distance traversed was recorded in feet. Predict the relative difference (higher, lower, no difference) in average beam distance traversed of cognitively-normal older adults with APOE4 compared to noncarriers conducted under dual-task conditions. ","Cognitively-normal older adults with APOE4 showed no differences in balance performance, measured as average beam distance traversed, compared to noncarriers in dual-task conditions.","- Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele is the strongest known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease - The emergence of cognitive interference in balance and walking over the course of aging is one of the most prevalent clinical phenomena that emerges with aging - Greater degradation of balance and gait performance under cognitive loading is an early and sensitive indicator of behavioral dysfunction in older adults and can predict future dementia and falls","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Apolipoprotein E4 (APOE4) allele is the strongest known genetic risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Neurobiology and Age-Related Prevalence of the ε4 Allele of Apolipoprotein E in Alzheimer’s Disease Cohorts""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5531868/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 06, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The emergence of cognitive interference in balance and walking over the course of aging is one of the most prevalent clinical phenomena that emerges with aging""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Stance perturbation-evoked potentials in old people with poor gait and balance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1388245799001959""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 08, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Greater degradation of balance and gait performance under cognitive loading is an early and sensitive indicator of behavioral dysfunction in older adults and can predict future dementia and falls""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Gait and Cognition: A Complementary Approach to Understanding Brain Function and the Risk of Falling""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1532-5415.2012.04209.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 30, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Pathology,MCQ,Alkalinized Filtered Water Induces Changes in the Gut Microbiome in Inflammatory Bowel Disease,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.19.677298v1,"September 21, 2025","A three-month, two-arm, randomized intervention study involving 46 patients with IBD in remission was conducted. Volunteers were asked to drink filtered water for three months, and received filtering jars containing either active filters (Alkanatur® Drops SLU, Milladoiro-Ames, A Coruña, Spain) or mock filters (Tap). Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention. Circulating levels of cytokines IL-1b, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-a, and IL-10 in plasma were analyzed by cellular cytometry using Multiplex Cytokine Assays (Pro-cartaPlex Immunoassays, ThermoFisher Scientific) at the CNB (CSIC) Flow Cytometry Unit. ","• Circulating cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α) in plasma, in pg/mL ","Researchers tested the effects of alkalinized filtered water in patients with IBD in remission through a threemonth intervention study. Participants were divided into two groups: one consumed filtered water from an active filtering device, and the control group consumed water from a mock device. Blood samples were collected before and after the intervention. Circulating cytokine levels (IL-1b, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-a, and IL-10 ) were assessed from plasma. Which of the following outcomes are most likely? Mark all the correct options: A) Subjects drinking alkalinized filtered water exhibited significant lower levels of IL-4 than controls. B) Subjects drinking alkalinized filtered water exhibited a significant, decrease in circulating IL-1b than controls. C) Subjects drinking alkalinized filtered water exhibited a consistent, albeit not statistically significant, decrease in circulating IL-1b than controls. D) Subjects drinking alkalinized filtered water exhibited a consistent, albeit not statistically significant, decrease in circulating IL-4 than controls.","A) Subjects drinking alkalinized filtered water exhibited significant lower levels of IL-4 than controls. C) Subjects drinking alkalinized filtered water exhibited a consistent, albeit not statistically significant, decrease in circulating IL-1b than controls.","• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, characterized by chronic gut inflammation and dysbiosis. • The gut microbiome plays a key role in IBD pathogenesis, and certain bacterial groups like Bacteroides fragilis can have dual roles (pro- or anti-inflammatory) depending on context. • Alkalinized filtered water has been shown in preclinical models to reduce inflammation and modulate gut microbiota. • qPCR targeting 16S rRNA genes is a common method for quantifying specific bacterial groups in fecal samples.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""•\tInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) includes Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, characterized by chronic gut inflammation and dysbiosis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) and the Microbiome-Searching the Crime Scene for Clues""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1053/j.gastro.2020.09.056""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 5, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""•\tThe gut microbiome plays a key role in IBD pathogenesis, and certain bacterial groups like Bacteroides fragilis can have dual roles (pro- or anti-inflammatory) depending on context.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Gut Microbiome and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-med-042320-021020""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mars 14, 2023 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""•\tAlkalinized filtered water has been shown in preclinical models to reduce inflammation and modulate gut microbiota.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intestinal Effects of Filtered Alkalinized Water in Lean and Obese Zucker Rats""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms12020316""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 2, 2024 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""•\tqPCR targeting 16S rRNA genes is a common method for quantifying specific bacterial groups in fecal samples.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Absolute quantitation of microbes using 16S rRNA gene metabarcoding: A rapid normalization of relative abundances by quantitative PCR targeting a 16S rRNA gene spike‐in standard""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/mbo3.977""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":"" January 11, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cell Biology,Free-Format Question,Discovery of A Small Molecule non-IMiD Degrader of ZBTB7A for the Treatment of β-hemoglobinopathies,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.17.676148v3,"September 17, 2025","Researchers tested whether the small molecule SH6 had any effect in the degradation of ZBTB7A in HUDEP-2 cells. Cells were cultured in StemSpan SFEM II media (Stem Cell Technologies) supplemented with 50 ng/mL human stem cell factor, 3 U/mL erythropoietin, 1 μM dexamethasone, and 1 μg/mL doxycycline. Cells were treated with SH6 at different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 μM) or DMSO for 24 hours and harvested in quadruplicates using RIPA buffer (Sigma) per the manufacturer’s instructions. Cells were lysed in RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors. Lysates were resolved on 4-12% Bis-Tris gels, transferred to PVDF membranes, and probed with antibodies against ZBTB7A (CST, 50565) and β-actin (Santa Cruz, sc-47778). Blots were developed using Biorad Chemidoc MP Imaging system. Quantification of WB signal performed by ImageJ (v1.54p).","- Protein levels in SH6- (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 μM) and DMSO- treated HUDEP-2 cells","Protein levels of ZBTB7A were measured from HUDEP-2 cells after SH6 treatment to evaluate the effect of the addition of this molecule. To assess the protein levels, a cells were cultured in StemSpan SFEM II media (Stem Cell Technologies) supplemented with 50 ng/mL human stem cell factor, 3 U/mL erythropoietin, 1 μM dexamethasone, and 1 μg/mL doxycycline. Then, cells were treated with SH6 at different concentrations (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2.5, 5 μM) or DMSO for 24 hours and harvested in quadruplicates using RIPA buffer (Sigma) per the manufacturer’s instructions. Cells were lysed in RIPA buffer supplemented with protease inhibitors. Lysates were resolved on 4-12% Bis-Tris gels, transferred to PVDF membranes, and probed with antibodies against ZBTB7A (CST, 50565) and β-actin (Santa Cruz, sc-47778). Blots were developed using Biorad Chemidoc MP Imaging system. Quantification of WB signal performed by ImageJ (v1.54p). What would be the expected SH6 concentration in which ZBTB7A protein levels will start to drop compared to β-actin in HUDEP-2 cells? ","ZBTB7A protein levels will start to drop at 0.25 μM SH6, instead β-actin protein levels will stay the same in the different concentrations.","- ZBTB7A, also known as leukemia/lymphoma-related factor or LRF, is a transcription factor that is a critical repressor of γ-globin expression during the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch. - SH6 is a novel small molecule non-iMID that targets ZBTB7A for CRBN-dependent proteasomal degradation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""ZBTB7A, also known as leukemia/lymphoma-related factor or LRF, is a transcription factor that is a critical repressor of γ-globin expression during the fetal-to-adult hemoglobin switch. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Transcription factors LRF and BCL11A independently repress expression of fetal hemoglobin""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aad3312""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 15, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Free-Format Question,Studies on the antibacterial activity of the antimicrobial peptide Mastoparan X against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus,https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-and-infection-microbiology/articles/10.3389/fcimb.2025.1552872/full,"May 28, 2025","Scientists investigated the antibacterial activity of Mastoparan X (MPX), an antimicrobial peptide, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The MRSA USA300 strain was resuscitated from frozen stock and cultured overnight at 37 °C, in Trypticase Soy Broth (TSB) with continuous shaking (200 rpm). The overnight culture was diluted (1:10,000) in fresh TSB medium and incubated for 4-6 hours until reaching the exponential growth phase. Logarithmic-phase MRSA USA300 cultures were adjusted to 5 × 10^6 CFU/mL in Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB). MPX was synthesized (solid-phase N-9-fluoromethoxycarbonyl chemistry, high-performance liquid chromatography purification to purity ≥95%), then dissolved in DMSO to prepare a 25 mg/mL stock solution. MPX was serially diluted (1–256 μg/mL) in 200 μL MHB within 96-well plates. Controls include MHB containing MRSA USA300 without MPX (positive control), MHB containing MPX without MRSA USA300 (negative control), and MHB only (blank control). After 24 h incubation at 37 °C, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined as the lowest concentration preventing a resazurin (0.1% dye) color change (blue to pink). ","- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) after exposure to serial two-fold dilution of Mastoparan X (1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 μg/mL) ","Researchers investigated the antibacterial activity of Mastoparan X (MPX), an antimicrobial peptide, against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of MPX against S. aureus MRSA USA300 was determined by broth microdilution. Cultures adjusted to 5 × 10⁶ CFU/mL in Mueller-Hinton broth were incubated with serial two-fold dilutions of MPX (1–256 μg/mL) in 96-well plates at 37°C for 24 hours. After adding 0.1% resazurin dye, the MIC was defined as the lowest concentration at which no color change occurred (blue, indicating inhibited metabolism). Predict the resazurin color outcome in the 16 μg/mL well after 24 h.",Resazurin in the 16 μg/mL well will turn pink after 24 hours.,"- Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of small-molecule peptides produced by the body’s innate immune system that can penetrate bacterial cell membranes and transport proteins. - Mastoparan X (MPX) is an AMP shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against Gram+ + bacteria, Gram - bacteria, and fungal pathogens (Candida albicans).","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are a class of small-molecule peptides produced by the body’s innate immune system that can penetrate bacterial cell membranes and transport proteins. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antimicrobial mechanisms and clinical application prospects of antimicrobial peptides.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/9/2675""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 21, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mastoparan X (MPX) is an AMP shown to exhibit antimicrobial activity against Gram+ + bacteria, Gram - bacteria, and fungal pathogens (Candida albicans).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The antimicrobial peptide mastoparan X protects against enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 infection, inhibits inflammation, and enhances the intestinal epithelial barrier.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.644887/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 9, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Free-Format Question,Role of NaCl and Glutamine on Biofilm Production from Pseudomonas aeruginosa,"https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/9/2198#:~:text=aeruginosa%20Pc%2C%20pyocyanin%2Dproducing),In%20P","September 19, 2025","Scientists investigated how nutritional shifts affect the function of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains. P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 was used as a standard reference against two clinical isolates: pyorubrin producer (Pr) and pyocyanin producer (Pc). The three strains were overnight culture to a turbidity equivalent to 0.5 McFarland. A concentration of 10⁷ CFU/mL was inoculated and incubated at 37°C with 150 rpm for 24 h in three cultured medias: Luria–Bertani (LB) broth as a control, LB without NaCl (LB-NaCl) prepared with only tryptone and yeast extract, and LB broth with yeast extract replaced by 10 mM glutamine (LB-YE/GLn). 200 µL of bacterial suspension were dispensed and incubated under static conditions (37°C, 48 h and 72 h) in flat-bottom 96-well, in triplicate for each condition. Non-adherent bacteria were washed three times (300 µL of phosphate-buffered saline). Incubation in the dark (37°C for 3 h) took place after the addition of 200 µL of PBS and 50 µL XTT solution. At 48 h and 72 h, absorbance was measured at 490 nm, after agitation, using a Perkin Elmer Wallac 1420 Victor2 Microplate Reader and corrected by subtracting the background levels of the corresponding uninoculated media. Biofilm reduction was calculated with the equation Br =[(A-B)/A] x 100, where A and B are the OD490 reads from the control culture (LB) and varied cultural conditions LB-NaCl or LB-YE/GLn)","- Absorbance at 490 nm of biofilm formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Pr, and Pc) under different culture media (LB, LB-NaCl, and LB-YE/GLn). - Biofilm reduction by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Pr, and Pc) under different culture media (LB, LB-NaCl, and LB-YE/GLn). - Percentage of biofilm production by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853, Pr, and Pc) under different culture media (LB, LB-NaCl, and LB-YE/GLn).","The nutritional shift caused by NaCl depletion and glutamine supplementation in biofilm production of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains was evaluated. Scientists cultured 10⁷ CFU/mL of three P. aeruginosa strains (ATCC 27853; clinical Pr—pyorubrin-producing; clinical Pc—pyocyanin-producing), previously grown overnight to a turbidity of 0.5 McFarland, into three media types: Luria–Bertani (LB) broth as control, LB without NaCl (LB-NaCl), and LB with yeast extract replaced by 10 mM glutamine (LB-YE/Gln). All cultures were incubated at 37°C. For biofilm formation, 200 µL of bacterial suspension was dispensed into flat-bottom 96-well plates and incubated under static conditions at 37°C for 48 and 72 hours. After incubation, non-adherent bacteria were washed off. Then, 200 µL of PBS and 50 µL of XTT solution were added to each well and incubated in the dark at 37°C for 3 hours. Absorbance was measured at 490 nm using a Perkin Elmer Wallac 1420 Victor2 Microplate Reader at both time points. What would be the expected strain that will have the lowest biofilm production percentage when growing in a culture without NaCl?",Pseudomonas aeruginosa Pr,"- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), an opportunistic pathogen capable of establishing persistent infections and classified among the ESKAPE pathogens due to its high levels of antibiotic resistance. - Biofilms are complex, three-dimensional microbial communities encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix. - Biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa is a well-documented contributor to its virulence and resistance mechanisms. - Glutamine is an aminoacid that plays a pivotal role in regulating biofilm formation and virulence in P. aeruginosa.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa), an opportunistic pathogen capable of establishing persistent infections and classified among the ESKAPE pathogens due to its high levels of antibiotic resistance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antimicrobial resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa: navigating clinical impacts, current resistance trends, and innovations in breaking therapies""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11026690/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 05, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Biofilms are complex, three-dimensional microbial communities encased in a self-produced extracellular matrix.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilms""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7698413/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 17, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Biofilm formation by P. aeruginosa is a well-documented contributor to its virulence and resistance mechanisms.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Pseudomonas aeruginosa Biofilm Formation and Its Control""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2673-8449/1/3/19""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 15, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Glutamine is an aminoacid that plays a pivotal role in regulating biofilm formation and virulence in P. aeruginosa.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Utilization of L-glutamate as a preferred or sole nutrient in Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 depends on genes encoding for the enhancer-binding protein AauR, the sigma factor RpoN and the transporter complex AatJQMP""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7962211/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 15, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Free-Format Question,Pyrazinamide kills Mycobacterium tuberculosis via pH-driven weak-acid permeation and cytosolic acidification,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.26.678883v1,"Sep 27, 2025","Researchers evaluated the bactericidal activity of Pyrazinamide (PZA) in two non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains to determine whether the acidification caused by PZA could induce bacterial cell death independently of the panCD locus. Two recombinant strains, Mtb H37Ra (ATCC 25177) and Mtb mc²6230, both expressing pH-GFP, were generated by electroporation and subsequently selected on 7H11 agar medium supplemented with 10% OADC and 50 mg/L Hygromycin B. To test the effect of PZA, exponentially growing cultures of Mtb H37Ra pH-GFP and Mtb mc²6230 pH-GFP were centrifuged, the supernatants were removed, and the pellets were washed and resuspended in phosphate-citrate buffer adjusted for Mtb H37Ra to pH 7 and pH 5.5, and for Mtb mc²6230 to pH 5.5. The media were supplemented with 50 mg/L Hygromycin B to obtain a final OD600 of 0.1. PZA was added at final concentrations of 0, 50, 200, or 500 mg/L. Monensin (MON) or rifampicin (RIF) was used as an internal positive control for growth inhibition. When required, 25 mg/L of pantothenate (Panto) was also added to the medium. At each time point (day 0, 2, 7, and 14), 200 μL of the undiluted culture (10⁰) was sampled. From this, serial dilutions were prepared ranging from 10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁵. Then, 10 μL of each dilution was spotted onto 7H10 agar plates supplemented with 10% (v/v) OADC, 50 mg/L Hygromycin B, and 25 mg/L Panto to facilitate recovery of Mtb cells. The plates were incubated for 21 days at 37 °C. Plates were scanned using a ChemiDoc™ MP Imaging System (Bio-Rad), with bacterial spot imaging performed using the ‘White Epi Illumination’ setting combined with the ‘Standard Filter’. Experiments were performed on two independent occasions and are representative of one biological replicate.","- Colony Forming Unit (CFU) counts of serially diluted (10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁵) Mtb strains at different pH conditions (H37Ra pH 7, H37Ra pH 5.5, and mc²6230 pH 5.5) across increasing concentrations of PZA (0, 50, 200, and 500 mg/L), in the presence or absence of 25 mg/L pantothenate.","The acidification effect of pyrazinamide (PZA) on bacterial cell death, independently of the panCD locus, was evaluated in two non-replicating Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) strains: Mtb H37Ra (ATCC 25177) and Mtb mc²623, using a spot colony-forming unit (CFU)-based assay. Exponentially growing Mtb cultures were previously washed several times, normalized, and incubated in phosphate-citrate buffer (PCB) at pH 7.0 (H37Ra) or pH 5.5 (H37Ra and mc²623), supplemented with 50 mg/L Hygromycin B to a final OD600 of 0.1. Strains were exposed to increasing concentrations of PZA (0, 50, 200, or 500 mg/L), in the presence or absence of 25 mg/L pantothenate (Panto). Serial dilutions (10⁻¹ to 10⁻⁵) were prepared and 10 µL of each dilution was spotted onto 7H10 agar plates supplemented with 10% (v/v) OADC, 50 mg/L Hygromycin B, and 25 mg/L pantothenate. Plates were incubated for 21 days at 37 °C. Monensin (MON) or rifampicin (RIF) was used as an internal positive control for growth inhibition. Bacterial spots were visualized by scanning the plates using a ChemiDoc™ MP Imaging System (Bio-Rad). What would be the expected concentration of PZA that will show an approximately 3-log¹⁰ reduction in Mtb H37Ra bacterial viability on day 7?","All concentrations (50, 200, or 500 mg/L) shows an approximately 3-log¹⁰ reduction in Mtb H37Ra bacterial viability on day 7","- Pyrazinamide (PZA) is a cornerstone drug in tuberculosis (TB) treatment with a strong bactericidal activity in vivo on both active and non-replicating bacterial subpopulations. - PZA antimicrobial activity is related to the release of protons inside Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cytoplasm which causes a decrease in the intrabacterial pH (IBpH) and membrane potential. - panD is a gene that encodes for the aspartate decarboxylase PanD, involved in Coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis. - panD gene mutation has been analyzed in Mtb low-level resistant mutants to pyrazinoate anion (POA⁻)/pyrazinoic acid (HPOA). - H37Ra (ATCC 25177) is a recombinant prototrophic Mtb strain expressing pH-GFP. - mc²623 is a recombinant pantothenate auxotrophic Mtb mutant strain lacking the panCD locus and expressing pH-GFP. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PZA antimicrobial activity is related to the release of protons inside Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) cytoplasm which causes a decrease in the intrabacterial pH (IBpH) and membrane potential. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Role of Acid pH and Deficient Efflux of Pyrazinoic Acid in Unique Susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to Pyrazinamide""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC93615/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""panD is a gene that encodes for the aspartate decarboxylase PanD, involved in Coenzyme A (CoA) synthesis. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mutations in panD encoding aspartate decarboxylase are associated with pyrazinamide resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3697303/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 12, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""panD gene mutation has been analyzed in Mtb low-level resistant mutants to pyrazinoate anion (POA⁻)/pyrazinoic acid (HPOA).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mutations in panD encoding aspartate decarboxylase are associated with pyrazinamide resistance in Mycobacterium tuberculosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3697303/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 12, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Pharmacology and Toxicology,Free-Format Question,Comparative study on the protective effect of dexrazoxane and blueberry extract against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-19853-3,"September 23, 2025","Researchers evaluated the protective effects of Dexrazoxane (DEX) and blueberry extract (BB) on Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy in rats. 56 male Wistar albino rats, aged 6–8 weeks and weighing 175 ± 25 g, were housed under a 12:12-hour light–dark cycle at 24 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 10% relative humidity, with ad libitum access to food and water for 14 days. The rats were randomly assigned to seven treatment groups: Control, DOX, BB, DEX, DOX+BB, DOX+DEX, and BB+DOX+DEX. For Control rats received an intraperitoneal (IP) injection of normal saline (1 ml/kg) on day 11. DOX group was administered with DOX as a single IP injection (18 mg/kg) on day 11. BB group was administered orally daily with BB extract dissolved in olive oil (80 mg/kg) for 14 days and an IP injection with a normal saline (18 mg/kg) on day 11. DEX group was administered with DEX (180 mg/kg in 5% DMSO) IP injection on day 11. BB+DOX group received the oral BB daily dose (80 mg/kg, for 14 days) and an IP injection of DOX (18 mg/kg) on day 11. DEX+DOX group received a single IP injection of DEX (180 mg/kg) 30 minutes before an IP injection of DOX (18 mg/kg) on day 11. BB+DEX+DOX group received an oral BB daily dose (80 mg/kg) for 14 days, and on day 11 an IP injection of DEX (180 mg/kg) 30 minutes before an IP injection of DOX (18 mg/kg). Rats were euthanized 24 hours after the final injection using isoflurane inhalation anestesia (4–5% for induction, 1–2% for maintenance) via a precision vaporizer, followed by decapitation. Cardiac tissues were collected, washed with saline, and homogenized. Total RNA was extracted using the miRNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany, Cat. No. 217004), converted to cDNA, and amplified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) with SYBR Green chemistry to measure gene expression of miR-140-5p, Nrf2, and Sirt2.","- Expression levels (fold change) of miR-140-5p in cardiac tissue of rats across treatment conditions (control, DOX, BB, DEX, DOX+BB, DOX+DEX, and BB+DOX+DEX). - Expression levels (fold change) of Sirt2 in cardiac tissue of rats across treatment conditions (control, DOX, BB, DEX, DOX+BB, DOX+DEX, and BB+DOX+DEX). - Expression levels (fold change) of Nrf2 in cardiac tissue of rats across treatment conditions (control, DOX, BB, DEX, DOX+BB, DOX+DEX, and BB+DOX+DEX).","To study the protective effects of Dexrazoxane (DEX) and blueberry extract (BB) against Doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiomyopathy in rats, researchers measured the expression of 3 molecular markers (miR-140-5p, Sirt2, and Nrf2) in Wistar albino rats cardiac tissue from seven treatment groups: a) Group I, intraperitoneal (IP) normal saline injection (1 ml/kg) on day 11; b) Group 2, DOX (18 mg/kg) IP injection on day 11; c) Group 3, daily oral administration of BB extract in olive oil (80 mg/kg) for 14 days and IP normal saline injection (18 mg/kg) on day 11; d) Group 4, DEX (180 mg/kg in 5% DMSO) IP injection on day 11; e) Group 5, daily oral administration of BB extract in olive oil (80 mg/kg) for 14 days and IP DOX injection (18 mg/kg) on day 11; f) Group 6, single IP DEX injection (180 mg/kg) 30 minutes before an IP DOX injection (18 mg/kg) on day 11; g) Group 7, daily oral administration of BB extract in olive oil (80 mg/kg) for 14 days, and a single IP DEX injection (180 mg/kg) 30 minutes before an IP DOX injection (18 mg/kg) on day 11. Rats were euthanized and cardiac tissues were collected. Total RNA was extracted, converted to cDNA, and amplified by qRT-PCR to measure gene expression (miR-140-5p, Nrf2, and Sirt2). What would be the expected group that will have the highest Sirt2 expression compared to the control?","Group 3, blueberry extract","- Doxorubicin (DOX): A chemotherapeutic drug effective against various cancers but can potentially cause acute or chronic cardiotoxicity. - Dexrazoxane (DEX): A derivative of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) that acts as an intracellular iron chelator, providing cardioprotective effects by reducing reactive oxygen species. - Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.): A natural source of anthocyanins, which function as antioxidant compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Doxorubicin (DOX): A chemotherapeutic drug effective against various cancers but can potentially cause acute or chronic cardiotoxicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity and risk factors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijcha.2023.101332""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Dexrazoxane (DEX): A derivative of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) that acts as an intracellular iron chelator, providing cardioprotective effects by reducing reactive oxygen species.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chemical, Biological and Clinical Aspects of Dexrazoxane and Other Bisdioxopiperazines""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""http://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867305666220314194045""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1998""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.): A natural source of anthocyanins, which function as antioxidant compounds that help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Blueberry Anthocyanins-Enriched Extracts Attenuate Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiac Injury""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0127813""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 2, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Developmental biology / Cryobiology,Numerical Values,Cryopreservation of Platynereis dumerilii larvae,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.31.667934v2,"August 2, 2025","Researchers developed a cryopreservation protocol for Platynereis dumerilii larvae. Animals were kept in a 50/50 mix of natural seawater (NSW, from the North Sea) and artificial sea water (ASW, Tropic Marin Pro Reef Salt), adjusted to a salinity of 35 ppt. pH is maintained between pH 7.9 and 8.2, general culture rooms are maintained at 18-20 °C for optimum growth rate and a 16:8 light/dark cycle. Adults are kept in 6L acrylic boxes containing 1.5 L of ASW and water changes are conducted every 2 weeks. Culture boxes containing juvenile worms less than 2 months of age are not water-changed. Original Standard feeding regime: new batches are not fed until after they are cultured at 7-13 days old. The original standard diet begins with feeding larvae < 1 month old twice a week with Tetraselmis marina . Once they begin forming tubes, they are fed twice a week: the first feeding consists of finely chopped organic spinach (denree Blattspinat or similar), and the second feeding consists of PlanktoMarin (a diatom-based liquid food, GROTECH GmBH) or, alternatively, a mixture of powdered Tetramine (Tetra) and Spirulina spec. Improved feeding regime: in further experiments that ultimately resulted in successful survival (up to maturing worms) the starter food for the thawed larvae was modified such that only 50% of the mixture consists of Tetraselmis marina, the other 50% are 1:1 mixture of diatoms Grammatophora marina (Lyngbye). Initially, f/2 was used for growing diatoms. However, we subsequently started using a set of commercial components from CORALAXY. 6-day cultures with a final concentration of ~1.6–1.8 x 10 cells/ml are used for feeding. In addition to this live algal diet fed twice a week, larvae were also fed once per week with the commercial food Planktomarin (GROTECH GmBH). After the worms began forming tubes, they were fed with approximately one small chopped organic spinach leaf per worm. Cryoprotectant agents (CPAs) used along the experiments were dimethyl sulfoxide (Me2SO), ethylene glycol (EG), propylene glycol (PG), Glycerol (Gly), Sucrose (SUC) from Sigma Aldrich. To test the sensitivity to different CPAs, 8 days post-fertilization larvae were exposed for 3 minutes to 1.4M of each permeating CPA (Me2SO, EG, PG and Gly), then carefully filtered (40 µm mesh) and transferred to clean sea water for observation. In a second phase, combinations of cryoprotecting agents were tested by reducing Me2SO content and supplementing it with glycerol and/or sucrose and proceeded as above. For cryopreservation, larvae were exposed to 0.25 ml straws (IMV technologies), with a 1:1 mix of larvae and different concentrations of Me2SO. Larvae were incubated for ca. 3,10,30 and 60 min in the cryoprotecting solution. Straws were sealed with colored sealing powder (IMV technologies) and cooled down from 20°C to -35°C at 2.5min -1, Straws were transferred immediately into liquid nitrogen. Thawing of each straw was done in a water bath at 18°C by immersion for 20-30 seconds. Thawed larvae were rinsed in filtered NSW. The morphology of the larvae was documented before and after each trial with a stereomicroscope, and in some cases with a compound microscope. Mortality rates were obtained from counts of damaged and seemingly healthy larvae. Histological analysis was done using haematoxylin and eosin (H&E). ","- Survival (%) of larvae measured immediately and longitudinally over days as a function of CPA composition and equilibration time (min). -Survival post-thaw (%) of larvae measured immediately and longitudinally over days after cooling/thaw protocol with different CPA composition. - External morphology after thaw (presence/absence of deformities) assessed by microscopy. -Histological tissue integrity post-thaw (H&E sections; normal vs disrupted structures). -Growth and development after thaw: number of segments/tube formation; maturation status (male/female) and lifespan (months). -Growth rate of survivors (% increase over time) under optimized post-thaw husbandry.","In the cryopreservation assay with 8-day-post-fertilization Platynereis dumerilii larvae, animals were equilibrated in 1.4 M Me₂SO (CPA) for a set time, loaded into 0.25-mL straws, cooled at 2.5 °C·min⁻¹ from 20 °C to −35 °C, plunged into liquid nitrogen, then thawed at 18 °C. What is the most likely immediate post-thaw survival (%) for the 60-min equilibration condition (exposure + cryopreservation)? ","Immediate post-thaw survival₆₀min = 13.7–23.7 %, derived from the reported mean 18.7 % for 8-dpf larvae exposed to 1.4 M Me₂SO and cryopreserved after a 60-min equilibration (Figure 2). Note: Numeric CI/SE/SD not provided → fallback tolerance ±5 pp applied.","- Successful cryopreservation protocols for Polychaete have been established only for the larvae of Nereis virens - Although rapid warming is generally associated with improved survival outcomes in some cases, thawing at temperatures closer to the organism’s physiological range yields better results","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Successful cryopreservation protocols for Polychaete have been established only for the larvae of Nereis virens""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cryopreservation of Nereis virens(Polychaeta, Annelida) Larvae: The Mechanism of Cryopreservation of a Differentiated Metazoan""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S001122409792006X?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 1997""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Although rapid warming is generally associated with improved survival outcomes in some cases, thawing at temperatures closer to the organism’s physiological range yields better results""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cryopreservation of sea urchin embryos (Paracentrotus lividus) applied to marine ecotoxicological studies""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0011224009001369?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 26, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Electrochemical catalysis,MCQ,Highly active hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalysts formed by energetic Ptn cluster deposition: Deposition dynamics and the HER mechanism,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68c471f19008f1a46720baa5,"Sep 17, 2025","Size-selected platinum clusters (Ptₙ⁺; n = 2, 4, 7) were deposited onto highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) under ultrahigh vacuum with controlled kinetic energies spanning 1–50 eV per atom and a uniform flux of 1.5 × 10¹⁴ Pt atoms cm⁻² (≈0.1 monolayer referenced to Pt(111)). Pt sticking and the fraction of Pt on the surface were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and low-energy He⁺ ion scattering (ISS), respectively, and clusters were imaged using scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM), cryo-S/TEM, and cryo-TEM. Hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity was measured in 0.1 M HClO₄ by cyclic voltammetry after initial stabilization, using background-subtracted currents (iₚₜ = i − 0.9·i_{HOPG}), and performance was compared systematically as a function of deposition energy and cluster size, enabling direct correlation between deposition dynamics and catalytic behavior. ","-Sticking probability of Ptₙ on HOPG (fraction or %) as a function of deposition energy (~1–50 eV atom⁻¹) for n = 2, 4, 7; assay: XPS/ISS. -Fraction of Pt exposed at the surface versus subplanted (fraction) versus deposition energy and cluster size (n = 2, 4, 7); assay: ISS/XPS ratio; initial fraction determined from the second ISS scan. -HER current, i_Pt, in 0.1 M HClO₄, measured after stabilization (CV cycles 4–6), compared across deposition energies (~1–50 eV atom⁻¹) and cluster sizes (n = 2, 4, 7); definition: i_Pt = i − 0.9·i_HOPG. -Tafel slope (mV dec⁻¹) obtained from tangent lines to Tafel plots built from CV-derived currents -Change in i_Pt before versus after scans to oxidizing upper potentials, assessed at representative deposition energies with follow-up CVs.","Size-selected platinum clusters (Ptₙ⁺, n ≤ 7) were deposited onto highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) under ultrahigh vacuum at controlled kinetic energies ranging from 1 to 50 eV/atom, with a total deposition flux of 1.5 × 10¹⁴ Pt atoms/cm² (~0.1 monolayer of Pt(111)). The resulting Ptₙ/HOPG electrodes were characterized using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), low-energy He⁺ ion scattering (ISS), and electron microscopy to determine sticking probability, surface vs. subplanted Pt fractions, and defect formation. Electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) activity was evaluated in 0.1 M HClO₄ using cyclic voltammetry. Based on the primary outcomes of the Ptₙ/HOPG study, which of the following statements are correct?( mark all the correct answers). A) The activities for Ptₙ/HOPG are substantially higher than those for Ptₙ/FTO, and one contributing factor is transport. B) The higher activity of the surface layer atoms in hard-landed Ptₙ/HOPG is a structural effect. C) The cluster size effects in this system are relatively weak. D) Electrolyte composition was the main factor determining HER activity. ","A) The activities for Ptₙ/HOPG are substantially higher than those for Ptₙ/FTO, and one contributing factor is transport. B) The higher activity of the surface layer atoms in hard-landed Ptₙ/HOPG is a structural effect. C) The cluster size effects in this system are relatively weak. ","-HER proceeds via the Volmer–Heyrovsky/Tafel sequence within the CHE framework, and the apparent activity reflects the availability of electrolyte-accessible H* adsorption sites. -On HOPG, sticking depends strongly on impact energy and sufficiently energetic impacts can break C–C bonds and drive subplantation. -Soft-landed clusters on HOPG tend to diffuse/aggregate, whereas higher-energy deposition can pin clusters -HOPG, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, is a model sp²-carbon electrode used to interpret support/transport effects.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""HER proceeds via the Volmer–Heyrovsky/Tafel sequence within the CHE framework, and the apparent activity reflects the availability of electrolyte-accessible H* adsorption sites.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Modeling the electrified solid–liquid interface""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0009261408013754""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 24, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited by the article""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""On HOPG, sticking depends strongly on impact energy and sufficiently energetic impacts can break C–C bonds and drive subplantation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Energy-controlled depositions of size-selected silver nanoparticles on HOPG substrates.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000926149900891X""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 1, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited by the article""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Soft-landed clusters on HOPG tend to diffuse/aggregate, whereas higher-energy deposition can pin clusters""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The impact of size-selected Ag clusters on graphite: an STM study""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0953-8984/8/41/025""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 12, 1996""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited by the article""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""HOPG, highly oriented pyrolytic graphite, is a model sp²-carbon electrode used to interpret support/transport effects.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nanoscale Electrochemistry of sp2 Carbon Materials: From Graphite and Graphene to Carbon Nanotubes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.accounts.6b00301""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 8, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited by the article""}]" Biology,"Synthetic Biology, Molecular Biology",Numerical Values,"Adverse Effects of UV-Exposure on DNA Strand Displacement Reactions ",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.27.673911v1,"September 28, 2025","The researchers examined the impact of UV-shadowing in the presence of impurities that disrupt circuit behaviour, for DNA strand displacement-based circuits. DNA samples were annealed at concentrations of 50–100 μM in volumes of 50–100 μL, depending on the experimental requirements, with top strands in 50% excess to ensure that only the purest top strands participated in hybridization; all non-four-way DSD reporters were annealed with a 120% top strand excess. Annealing was carried out by heating to 90°C, holding at 90°C for 5 minutes, and then cooling to 20°C, at a cooling rate of 1°C/min. 3wDSD reaction kinetics were monitored by fluorescent reporter reactions (a fluorophore is attached to the dsDNA reporter, when a signal DNA displaces the top strand of the reporter, the fluorophore is separated from the quencher and begins emitting fluorescence). By measuring the fluorescence, a researcher can quantify the amount of signal present in the system by calibrating fluorescence against known signal concentrations. In this experiment, fluorescence from the reporters was captured using a BioTek Synergy H1 plate reader with the following settings: * excitation wavelength, 490 nm * emission wavelength, 525 nm * optic position, bottom * gain, 75 * isothermal set-point temperature, 25◦C. The experiments were conducted in Corning 284-well black clear-bottom plates. To all experimental wells, 5 μM (2 μM for the four-way experiments) PolyT20 (an oligonucleotide consisting of 20 consecutive thymine bases) was added before adding any DNA to minimize adsorption of DNA to the well walls. For all experiments, reporter strands were added first, and their fluorescence values were recorded to measure the background fluorescence as a baseline. Calibration experiments were conducted alongside each experiment by adding known concentrations of signal DNA to the reporter and measuring the resulting fluorescence. The fluorescence values were baseline-corrected by subtracting their corresponding averaged baseline values (i.e., the self-fluorescence of the unactivated reporter). The correlation between known signal concentrations and baseline-corrected fluorescence was fitted to a second-order polynomial at each time point. During data processing, experimental fluorescence data were also baseline-corrected by subtracting their corresponding averaged baseline values. These baseline-corrected fluorescence values were then converted to reported signal concentration values using the time-dependent calibration curve. 3wDSD experiments were run at signal concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 nM, using both UV-exposed and UV-free signal strands, together with 75 nM of their complimentary UV-free dsDNA reporters. Relative fluorescence was calculated using the absolute result for the UV-exposed signal vs. the absolute result for the UV-free signal of the same concentration, as a percentage.","* Fluorescence at equilibrium (Eq. Fluorescence; excitation wavelength, 490 nm; emission wavelength, 525 nm). * UV-exposed and UV-free signal strands. * Different signal concentrations (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 nM). ","The researchers examined the impact of UV-shadowing (exposure to UV light) in the presence of impurities that disrupt circuit behaviour, for DNA strand displacement (DSD)-based circuits. Three-way DNA strand displacement (3wDSD; a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) signal invades a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) reporter) are the most widely used DSD architecture. The impact of UV-shadowing in 3wDSD was analyzed, using two types of signal sequences, pyrimidine-pair-rich (PP-rich) and pyrimidine-pair-poor (PP-poor), to investigate sequence dependent defects. For each sequence type, signal concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 37.5, and 50 nM were used, considering both UV-exposed (3 minutes) and UV-free signal strands, together with 75 nM of their complimentary UV-free reporters. The baseline-corrected equilibrium fluorescence values of the reporting reactions were obtained and plotted. In the experiment with UV-exposed and UV-free signals, considering the average across the different signal concentrations used, how much did the percent yield (aproximate to the closest integer, range +/-5%) drop for the pyrimidine-rich UV-exposed signals vs. the UV-free signals?",The yield for UV-exposed signals decreased by aproximately 48% (valid range of 43-53%).,"* DNA strand displacement (DSD) reactions are basic tools for molecular computation and programmable self-assembly. These reactions can execute complex information-processing tasks. * DSD circuits are DNA-based structures capable of binding to and manipulating physical materials, to enable the algorithmic control over matter, from the molecular to the macroscopic scale. * Three-way DNA strand displacement (3wDSD; a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) signal invades a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) reporter) is the most widely used form of DSD architecture. * Fluorescence reporters, with a fluorophore attached to the dsDNA reporter, are used to measure yield (reaction). When a signal DNA displaces the top strand of the reporter, the fluorophore is separated from the quencher and begins emitting fluorescence. * PAGE is a standard method for purifying double-stranded complexes in DSD systems. Such purification protocols commonly include the use of UV light (200–290 nm, referred to as UV-shadowing) to visualize DNA bands and is known to damage nucleic acids.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DNA strand displacement (DSD) reactions are basic tools for molecular computation and programmable self-assembly. These reactions can execute complex information-processing tasks.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Enzyme-Free Nucleic Acid Logic Circuits""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1132493""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 8, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DSD circuits are DNA-based structures capable of binding to and manipulating physical materials, to enable the algorithmic control over matter, from the molecular to the macroscopic scale.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Controlling Matter at the Molecular Scale with DNA Circuits""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-bioeng-060418-052357""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fluorescence reporters are used to measure yield (reaction). In the reporter, a fluorophore is attached to the dsDNA reporter. When a signal DNA displaces the top strand of the reporter, the fluorophore is separated from the quencher and begins emitting fluorescence.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Two novel “release-on-demand” fluorescent biosensors for probing UV-induced DNA damage induced in single stranded and double stranded DNA: Comparative study""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813022013769""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 31, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PAGE is a standard method for purifying double-stranded complexes in DSD systems. Such purification protocols commonly include the use of UV light (200–290 nm) to visualize DNA bands to locate and excise them. This gel monitoring method is referred to as UV-shadowing and is known to damage nucleic acids.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Individual Determination of the Yield of the Main UV-Induced Dimeric Pyrimidine Photoproducts in DNA Suggests a High Mutagenicity of CC Photolesions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/bi0022543""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 2, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Numerical Values,Antibacterial activity of a conventional hydrogel and a nanoparticle based hydrogel containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil.,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12215506/,"July 1, 2025","Researchers compared the antibacterial efficacy of two hydrogel formulations containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (EO): an alginate/CMC hydrogel (H-Alg/CMC-EO) and an alginate nanoparticle-CMC hydrogel (H-AlgNP/CMC-EO). EO (0.25% w/v) was emulsified with Tween 20 (0.25–1.0% w/v) at 2000 rpm for 3 min, then mixed with 0.5% sodium alginate. Crosslinking was achieved using CaCl₂ (0.04% or 0.1% w/v) for 40 minutes, resulting in the formation of nanoparticles. The optimal formulation (<200 nm particle size) was selected. H-AlgNP/CMC-EO was prepared by combining the selected EO-loaded AlgNPs with 3.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and stirring for 24 hours. A conventional hydrogel (H-Alg/CMC-EO) was prepared by emulsifying EO (0.25% w/v) with Tween 20 (0.25–1.0% w/v) in a 0.5% alginate solution. Distilled water was added during alginate blending to prevent nanoparticle formation. 3.5% CMC was added and stirred (24h, room temperature). Blank formulations (H-Alg/CMC and H-AlgNP/CMC) were prepared as controls. Experimental groups included evaluation against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa: control (untreated bacteria), H-Alg/CMC, H-Alg/CMC-EO, H-AlgNP/CMC, and H-AlgNP/CMC-EO at concentrations of 310, 625, and 1250 µg/mL. Bacterial suspensions (1.5x10⁸ CFU/mL) were treated with 0.25, 0.5, and 1 g of hydrogel formulations (37 °C for 24 h). 10 µL of each treated culture was then applied to Mueller-Hinton agar (MHA), incubated at 37 °C for 24 h, after which colony-forming units (CFU) were quantified for the control and treated samples. Antibacterial efficacy was expressed as % reduction in CFUs compared to the untreated control group.","- Colony-forming unit (CFU) counts of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after treatment with hydrogel formulations H-Alg/CMC, H-Alg/CMC-EO, H-AlgNP/CMC, and H-AlgNP/CMC-EO at 310, 625, and 1250 µg/mL. - Bacterial growth (%) of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa after treatment with hydrogel formulations (H-Alg/CMC, H-Alg/CMC-EO, H-AlgNP/CMC, and H-AlgNP/CMC-EO) at different concentrations (310, 625, and 1250 µg/mL).","In an antibacterial assay of hydrogel formulations containing Satureja khuzestanica essential oil (EO), researchers treated P. aeruginosa suspensions (1.5 x 10^8 CFU/mL) with 310, 625, and 1250 µg/mL concentrations of an alginate nanoparticle-CMC hydrogel loaded with essential oil (H-AlgNP/CMC-EO). The hydrogel and bacteria were incubated at 37 °C for 24 h. Colony-forming units were quantified by plating 10 µL of the treated bacterial suspension onto Mueller-Hinton agar at 37 °C for 24h. An untreated control was included for comparison. Antibacterial efficacy was expressed as bacterial growth (%) reduction in CFUs compared to the untreated control group. Based on this experimental setup, what is the expected bacterial growth (%) for the P. aeruginosa group treated with 625 µg/mL of H-AlgNP/CMC-EO?",27%-33%,"- Satureja khuzestanica is a medicinal plant exhibiting antimicrobial properties. - Hydrogels (three-dimensional polymeric networks capable of retaining large amounts of water) are candidate platforms for encapsulation and delivery of bioactive compounds. - Carboxymethyl cellulose's (CMC) biocompatibility, tunable viscosity, water retention, and chemical stability make it a good candidate for drug delivery systems. - Alginate nanoparticles (AlgNPs) enhance antimicrobial efficacy by facilitating wound penetration and protecting active agents (sustained drug release). ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Satureja khuzestanica is a medicinal plant exhibiting antimicrobial properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Essential oil constituents and antimicrobial activities of Iranian Satureja khuzestanica""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/fsn3.1871""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 17, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hydrogels (three-dimensional polymeric networks capable of retaining large amounts of water) are candidate platforms for encapsulation and delivery of bioactive compounds.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hydrogels in the clinic: An update""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://aiche.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/btm2.10680""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 16, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Carboxymethyl cellulose's (CMC) biocompatibility, tunable viscosity, water retention, and chemical stability make it a good candidate for drug delivery systems.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Carboxymethyl cellulose-based oral delivery systems.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0141813019306415?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 15, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Alginate nanoparticles (AlgNPs) enhance antimicrobial efficacy by facilitating wound penetration and protecting active agents (sustained drug release).\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Alginate nanoparticles for drug delivery and targeting. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31465282/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""The original article is not available online; paywalled.""}]" Chemistry,Materials Chemistry,MCQ,"Luminescent chiral molecular glasses by melt-quenching enantiopure BINAP ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68ba9100728bf9025e89c155,"Sep 18, 2025","A researcher prepares chiral molecular glasses from enantiopure BINAP (R-BINAP or S-BINAP). Microcrystalline BINAP (verified by solution ^1H/^31P NMR and PXRD) is loaded in hermetically sealed Al pans under inert gas and subjected to cyclic DSC: heat from RT to 320 °C at 10 °C min⁻¹ (N₂ flow) to pass the sharp melt near 244 °C for the enantiomers, then cool at −10 °C min⁻¹ to vitrify; repeat scans confirm a clear glass transition at ~98 °C without recrystallization for the enantiopure forms. The racemate, by contrast, recrystallizes on cooling (exotherm ≈ 218 °C) and shows no glass transition on reheating. The resulting glass is then sent for optical characterizations including steady-state photoluminescence and circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) analysis. Together, these data confirm successful melt-quenching of enantiopure BINAP into a kinetically stable, homochiral glass (T_g ≈ 98 °C), and provide the basis for understanding the observed enhancement of both the radiative rate constant (k_F) and CPL dissymmetry factor (g_lum) due to the rigid, isotropic glass environment.","-Steady-State Excitation and Emission Spectra – recorded in the solid state at room temperature, comparing glassy vs crystalline BINAP; -Stokes Shift Analysis – derived from excitation (~380 nm) and emission (~430 nm) maxima to assess reduced excited-state relaxation in the glass. -Time-Correlated Single-Photon Counting (TCSPC) – performed at room temperature, yielding τ ≈ 1.1 ns for g-R-BINAP vs 0.8 ns in crystal. - Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) measured under identical excitation conditions for crystalline and glassy samples; radiative rate constant 𝑘𝐹 estimated from the PLQY and lifetime measurements. - Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra in the solid state at room temperature for crystalline and glassy samples of both enantiomers; left- and right-circularly polarized intensities (IL, IR).","During the melt-quenching study of enantiopure BINAP, a ~30% increase in the radiative rate constant (kₓ) and an order-of-magnitude enhancement in the circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) dissymmetry factor (gₗᵤₘ) were observed in the glassy state compared to the crystalline state. What rationalizes this unusual dual enhancement? A. The glassy matrix restricts molecular motion and strengthens π···π interactions, leading to enhanced Franck–Condon factors and improved overlap between electric and magnetic dipole moments. B. The rigid, amorphous glass environment minimizes intermolecular coupling and conformational averaging, thereby enhancing Franck–Condon factors and increasing μ–m dipole alignment. C. The isotropic and kinetically trapped glass reduces structural relaxation and intermolecular interactions, resulting in stronger Franck–Condon transitions and improved μ–m dipole overlap. D. The vitrified state imposes structural rigidity and isotropy, limiting molecular reorganization and enhancing Franck–Condon factors while promoting greater μ–m transition overlap.","B. The rigid, amorphous glass environment minimizes intermolecular coupling and conformational averaging, thereby enhancing Franck–Condon factors and increasing μ–m dipole alignment.","-Franck–Condon Principle and Radiative Rate (kₓ): The Franck–Condon principle governs electronic transitions is essential. A stiffer molecular environment (like a glass) reduces vibrational relaxation, leading to stronger vertical transitions and higher oscillator strength, thereby increasing the radiative rate constant (kₓ). -Electric–Magnetic Dipole Interaction in CPL (μ–m Overlap): Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is required, particularly how electric (μ) and magnetic (m) transition dipole moments** interact. Improved μ–m overlap in a rigid, isotropic glass enhances the luminescence dissymmetry factor (gₗᵤₘ), yielding stronger chiral emission. -Effect of Structural Rigidity and Isotropy on Photophysics: Glass formation alters molecular packing is key — the rigid, amorphous structure suppresses intermolecular π–π coupling and conformational averaging, enabling enhanced kₓ and gₗᵤₘ simultaneously, an uncommon outcome compared to flexible or crystalline environments.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Effect of Structural Rigidity and Isotropy on Photophysics:\nGlass formation alters molecular packing is key — the rigid, amorphous structure suppresses intermolecular π–π coupling and conformational averaging, enabling enhanced kₓ and gₗᵤₘ simultaneously, an uncommon outcome compared to flexible or crystalline environments.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intriguing Room Temperature Phosphorescence in Crystalline Porous Organic Frameworks""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202308096""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 13, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Inorganic Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Accessibility and Reactivity of Pentavalent Plutonium Under Alkaline Conditions,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68cd7dc623be8e43d623d226,"April 07, 2025","Researchers analyse the crystallography of crystals of the Pu(V) hydroxides K₂[PuᵛO₂(OH)₃].2H₂O, Na[PuᵛO₂(OH)₂(H₂O)].2.5H₂O and Na₂[PuᵛO₂(OH)₃] ·2H₂O. The crystals were synthesized and placed directly into Parabar 10312 (Hampton Research) cryoprotective immersion oil. A high-quality single crystal of each compound was isolated in the fast-drying epoxy and secured on the tip of a glass fiber mounted on a Bruker Quazar single-crystal diffractometer equipped with a microfocus X-ray beam (Mo Kα; λ = 0.71073 Å) and an Apex II detector. The crystallographic frames were collected at 100K (Oxford Cryosystems Cryostream 700) with the Bruker APEXII software package. Peak intensities were corrected for Lorentz, polarization, background effects, and absorption effects using the APEX6 software. The initial structure solution was determined by intrinsic phasing and refined on the basis of F^2 for all unique data using the SHELXL version 5 program.","-Isolation of a high-quality single crystal of K₂[PuO₂(OH)₃].2H₂O, Na[PuO₂(OH)₂(H₂O)].2.5H₂O and Na₂[PuO₂(OH)₃] ·2H₂O in fast-drying epoxy -Collection of crystallographic frames at 100K using a Bruker Quazar single-crystal diffractometer equipped with a microfocus X-ray beam (Mo Kα; λ = 0.71073 Å) and an Apex II detector. -Correction of peak intensities, for Lorentz, polarization, background effects, and absorption effects using the APEX6 software -Determination of initial structure by intrinsic phasing -Refinement on the basis of F^2 for all unique data using the SHELXL version 5 program ","A crystallographic analysis of the Pu(V) hydroxides K₂[PuO₂(OH)₃].2H₂O, Na[PuO₂(OH)₂(H₂O)].2.5H₂O and Na₂[PuO₂(OH)₃] ·2H₂O was made. In what range (in ANgstromS) would the Pu=Oyl bond distance be for these compounds?",1.85-1.88 Angstrom,"- Pu(V) (PuO₂⁺) is important for its solubility in aqueous media, but its chemistry is poorly studied due to the difficulty of obtaining pure solutions and its tendency toward redox disproportionation. -In neutral or basic media, Pu(V) can be stabilized, but its behavior in strongly alkaline solutions is still poorly understood. -Pu(VI) and Pu(V) are known to have low solubilities in slightly alkaline media, but much higher solubilities in highly concentrated hydroxide solutions, probably due to the formation of soluble hydroxylated complexes. -To date, only a few crystal structures of Pu(V) complexes are known.-PuO2+ species are the predominant and most soluble species of plutonium in aqueous environments. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pu(V) (PuVO₂⁺) is important for its solubility in aqueous media, but its chemistry is poorly studied due to the difficulty of obtaining pure solutions and its tendency toward redox disproportionation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Solubility of plutonium hydroxides/hydrous oxides under reducing conditions and in the presence of oxygen""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://comptes-rendus.academie-sciences.fr/chimie/item/10.1016/j.crci.2007.02.011.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 7, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In neutral or basic media, Pu(V) can be stabilized, but its behavior in strongly alkaline solutions is still poorly understood.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Alkaline Chemistry of Transuranium Elements and Technetium and the Treatment of Alkaline Radioactive Wastes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/92064""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 1995""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pu(VI) and Pu(V) are known to have low solubilities in slightly alkaline media, but much higher solubilities in highly concentrated hydroxide solutions, probably due to the formation of soluble hydroxylated complexes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Aquatic Chemistry of Pentavalent Plutonium: Determination of the First Hydrolysis Constant""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36877636/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 6, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""To date, only a few crystal structures of Pu(V) complexes are known.-PuO2+ species are the predominant and most soluble species of plutonium in aqueous environments.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Pu(VI) hydrolysis: further evidence for a dimeric plutonyl hydroxide and contrasts with U(VI) chemistry""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ic051760j""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 13, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Materials Chemistry,MCQ,"Multidentate Macrocyclic Salphen-Based 2D Conjugated Metal-Organic Framework ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6871f6a743bc52e4ec925712,"Jul 15, 2025","A researcher aimed to construct a Cu-based 2D conjugated metal–organic framework (SM-MOF-Cu) using a multidentate salphen macrocyclic ligand (SM-6OH). The SM-6OH ligand was first synthesized under an inert argon atmosphere by dispersing SM-6OMe (447.1 mg, 0.5 mmol) in anhydrous CH₂Cl₂ (20 mL). Then, BBr₃ (1.0 M in CH₂Cl₂, 9 mL, 9 mmol) was added dropwise at 0 °C, and the mixture was stirred at room temperature for 72 h. After quenching with water and filtration, the resulting solid was washed and dried under vacuum to afford SM-6OH as a black powder (90% yield). For MOF fabrication, SM-6OH (16.2 mg, 0.02 mmol) was dispersed in DMF (0.75 mL) and sonicated for 15 min. Aqueous NH₄OH (100 µL, 25–28%) was then added to deprotonate the phenolic groups, and the mixture was sonicated again for 15 min. Subsequently, a solution of Cu(C₅H₄F₃O₂)₂ (37.0 mg, 0.1 mmol) in MeOH (1.0 mL) was introduced, followed by brief sonication (3 min). Finally, 1.0 mL of water was added, and the sealed vial was heated at 85 °C for 72 h. After cooling, the precipitate was collected by filtration, thoroughly washed with DMF, water, and acetone, and dried under vacuum to yield SM-MOF-Cu as a black powder (93% yield). Optimization studies confirmed that NH₃·H₂O was the preferred base over NaOH (which formed Cu₂O impurities) and that DMF/MeOH/H₂O = 0.75 / 0.25 / 1.0 mL offered optimal crystallinity For FTIR analysis, the researcher recorded solid-state ATR spectra on a Bruker Alpha spectrometer over 400–4000 cm⁻¹ at room temperature.","- For FTIR analysis, the researcher recorded solid-state ATR spectra on a Bruker Alpha spectrometer over 400–4000 cm⁻¹ at room temperature. Samples of SM-6OH, SM-MOF-Cu, and the Cu(II) precursor were analyzed.","A researcher synthesized a Cu-based two-dimensional conjugated metal–organic framework (SM-MOF-Cu) using a multidentate salphen macrocyclic ligand (SM-6OH) containing phenolic –OH groups. During FTIR analysis, the spectrum of the MOF revealed a new absorption band at approximately 494 cm⁻¹, which was absent in the free ligand. What does the emergence of this new peak indicate? Mark all the correct options. A. Appearance of low-frequency modes associated with weak Cu···N interactions or lattice vibrations, without the formation of direct Cu–N coordination bonds in the framework. B. Development of vibrational bands arising from Cu–O coordination between Cu²⁺ centers and phenolic oxygen atoms, indicating that nitrogen atoms are not involved in metal–ligand bonding at this frequency. C. Formation of Cu–N coordination vibrations associated with direct bonding between Cu²⁺ centers and nitrogen donors of the ligand. D. Emergence of Cu–N stretching modes corresponding to coordination linkages established between copper ions and nitrogen atoms in the framework.","C. Formation of Cu–N coordination vibrations associated with direct bonding between Cu²⁺ centers and nitrogen donors of the ligand. D. Emergence of Cu–N stretching modes corresponding to coordination linkages established between copper ions and nitrogen atoms in the framework.","- Two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs), characterized by inplane extended π- conjugated structures and out-of-plane π-π stacking interactions between layers, have emerged as a prominent class of crystalline porous materials. - Their unique structural and electronic properties have garnered significant research interest due to potential applications in electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, metal-ion batteries, and chemiresistive sensing, among others. - The strategic integration of macrocyclic building blocks (e.g., phthalocyanines, porphyrins, and tribenzocyclynes) into 2D c-MOFs has introduced well-defined inner cavities with tailored functionalities, demonstrating promising applications in tandem catalysis and ion-selective adsorption. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two-dimensional conjugated metal-organic frameworks (2D c-MOFs), characterized by inplane extended π- conjugated structures and out-of-plane π-π stacking interactions between layers, have emerged as a prominent class of crystalline porous materials.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Electrically Conductive Metal–Organic Frameworks""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.chemrev.9b00766""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 10, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Their unique structural and electronic properties have garnered significant research interest due to potential applications in electrocatalysis, supercapacitors, metal-ion batteries, and chemiresistive sensing, among others.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hierarchical Tuning of the Performance of Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction Using Conductive Two-Dimensional Metallophthalocyanine Based Metal–Organic Frameworks""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jacs.0c07041""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 11, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,"Materials Chemistry ",Free-Format Question,Tailored Phosphate Leaving Groups Direct Pathway-Dependent Self-Assembly ,"https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68e6bdc4dfd0d042d182cf7d ","Oct 13, 2025 ","Researchers synthesized N-terminally protected phenylalanine-derived aminoacyl phosphate esters (FEP, FPP, FNP, and FDDP) bearing ethyl, phenyl, naphthyl, and dodecyl phosphate leaving groups to study pathway-dependent self-assembly. Reactions were conducted by mixing each acyl phosphate ester (10 mM) with amino acid amide nucleophiles-arginine, leucine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan amides (10 mM)-in 0.6 M borate buffer (pH 9.1) at room temperature (~25 °C) in a total volume of 1 mL. Reaction parameters including buffer concentration (0.6 M), pH (9.1), temperature (25 °C), molar ratio (1:1), and stirring rate (0–800 rpm) were controlled to observe differences in assembly behavior. Structural and kinetic characterization was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) to monitor hydrolysis and product formation, confocal microscopy to visualize supramolecular structures, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to examine nanoscale morphology. Rheological measurements (storage and loss moduli) were used to assess gel mechanical properties, while dye-partitioning assays using Alexa Fluor 488 and Nile Red determined internal polarity of the formed assemblies. All reactions and measurements were performed at 25 °C under controlled pH and concentration conditions to ensure reproducibility. ","- Time-dependent absorbance (turbidity) was measured using a spectrophotometer for reactions in 0.6 M borate buffer at pH 9.1 and 25 °C. - Microscopic morphology was observed using confocal microscopy (with a 10 µm scale bar) for samples in 0.6 M borate buffer, pH 9.1. - Nanoscale structure was characterized using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) for assemblies formed in 0.6 M borate buffer, pH 9.1. ","N-terminally protected phenylalanine-derived aminoacyl phosphate esters (FEP, FPP, FNP, and FDDP) were synthesized to investigate pathway-dependent self-assembly driven by variations in phosphate leaving groups. Each ester (10 mM) was reacted with amino acid amide nucleophiles in 0.6 M borate buffer (pH 9.1, 25 °C) under controlled stirring and stoichiometry. Assembly kinetics and structures were analyzed using UPLC, confocal microscopy, TEM, and rheology, while dye-partitioning assays probed internal polarity, enabling correlation between molecular reactivity and supramolecular organization. How will the supramolecular structures of the dipeptide Boc-FR-NH2 differ when synthesized using Boc-FDDP compared to Boc-FEP and Boc-FPP? ","Boc-FR-NH2 from Boc-FEP and Boc-FPP remained soluble, while the product from Boc-FDDP underwent self-assembly into large spherical aggregates, originating from vesicular structures. ","-In peptide-based systems, differences in amino acid side chains or protecting groups are known to drive the formation of distinct structures by modulating noncovalent interactions. -Structures of reactive intermediates formed in water impact supramolecular organization.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In peptide-based systems, differences in amino acid side chains or protecting groups are known to drive the formation of distinct structures by modulating noncovalent interactions. \n\n\n\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Selective peptide bond formation via side chain reactivity and self-assembly of abiotic phosphates\n\n\n\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-56432-6\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 03, 2025\n\n\n""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA\n\n\n""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Structures of reactive intermediates formed in water could impact supramolecular organization.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Peptide self-assembly through liquid-liquid phase separation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451929423002413""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 14, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,"Photochemistry, Physical chemistry",Free-Format Question,"Comparison of the Performance of Fluorescent, Phosphorescent and TADF Luminophores for Explosives Sensing",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68b4a37ea94eede154c30152,"03 September, 2025","Researchers performed Tris(8-hydroxyquinolato)aluminum(III) (Alq3), factris(2-phenylpyridinato)iridium(III) (fac-Ir(ppy)3), and 1,2,3,5-tetrakis(carbazol-9-yl)-4,6-dicyanobenzene (4CzIPN) in solution. Alq3 was purchased from Sigma-Aldrich (sublimed grade, 99.995%). fac-Ir(ppy)3 and 4CzIPN were synthesized according to the literature. Optically dilute solutions of luminophore concentrations on the order of 42 μM were prepared in toluene. Absorption spectra were recorded at room temperature on a Shimadzu UV2600 double-beam spectrophotometer using a 1 cm quartz cuvette. Steady-state emission spectra and Time Correlated Single Photon Counting (TCSPC) emission decay measurements were recorded at 298 K on either an Edinburgh Instruments FS5 or FLS980 spectrofluorometer, both in air and under N2, the latter prepared via 3 freeze-pump-thawing cycles using a home-made Schlenk quartz cuvette. Samples were excited at 420 nm for the steady-state photoluminescence measurements. 375 and 379 nm picosecond pulsed diode lasers from Edinburgh Instruments were used for the time-resolved TCSPC measurements in optically diluted samples. These wavelengths correspond to the near-maximum absorbance of the emitter compounds. The instrument response function (IRF) was measured using a solution of Ludox (signal collected at the wavelength of the laser emission). Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements were fitted using the Fluoracle software (Edinburgh Instruments) to a sum of exponentials decay model, with chi-squared (𝜒A) values of between 1 and 2. Each component of the decay is assigned a weight (𝑤J), which is the contribution of the emission from each component to the total emission. Photoluminescence quantum yields (ΦPL) of solutions were determined using the optically dilute method in which four sample solutions with absorbances between 0.1 and 0.01 were used. fac-Ir(ppy)3 and 4CzIPN were degassed before emission measurements. The Beer-Lambert law was found to remain linear at the concentrations of the solutions. For each sample, linearity between absorption and emission intensity was verified through linear regression analysis with the Pearson regression factor (R2 ) for the linear fit of the data set surpassing 0.9. Individual relative FPL values were calculated for each solution, and the values reported represent the slope obtained from the linear fit of these results. The ΦPL was determined from the equation: ΦPL= ΦR * (Ar/As * Is/It * ns^2/nr^2) where A stands for the absorbance at the excitation wavelength, I is the integrated area under the corrected emission curve, and n is the refractive index of the solvent with the subscripts “s” and “r” representing sample and reference, respectively. ΦR is the absolute quantum yield of the external reference quinine sulfate (ΦR = 54.6% in 1 N H2SO4). The experimental uncertainty in the ΦPL is conservatively estimated to be 10%, though they have found that statistically they can reproduce ΦPL values to 3% relative error. ","- Preparation and optical measurements: Dilute solutions of Alq₃, fac-Ir(ppy)₃, and 4CzIPN at ~42 μM in toluene. - Absorption spectra: Collected on a Shimadzu UV-2600 double-beam spectrophotometer using a 1 cm quartz cuvette. - Stationary emission and TCSPC decay measured at 298 K in air and under N₂ (freeze-pump-thaw cycles). Excitation at 420 nm (stationary emission) and 375–379 nm (TCSPC). - Decay analysis: Fitting using a sum-of-exponentials model with Fluoracle software (χ² between 1 and 2). Relative weights were assigned to each decay component. - Quantum-yield measurement (relative Φ_PL): Determined by the optically dilute method using four solutions with absorbance 0.1–0.01; λ_exc = 365 nm for the relative Φ_PL determination; emission areas integrated and referenced to quinine sulfate (Φ_R = 54.6% in 1 N H₂SO₄) with refractive-index correction per the stated procedure. ","Given Alq₃, fac-Ir(ppy)₃, and 4CzIPN solutions, at ~42 μM in toluene (Ir(ppy)₃ and 4CzIPN degassed). The solutions were excited at 420 nm for stationary emission and 375–379 nm for TCSPC. In what order do you expect the photoluminescence quantum yield (ΦPL) of these compounds?",ΦPL 4CzIPN > ΦPL fac-Ir(ppy)₃> ΦPL Alq₃,"-Photoluminescence detection is an attractive method for detecting trace concentrations of chemicals due to its high sensitivity. -Organic luminophores are ideal due to their high quantum efficiency, ease of synthesis, and the ability to tune their electron levels through molecular design. -The interaction of a luminophore with an explosive molecule is a bimolecular interaction that often results in photoluminescence quenching, as electron-poor nitroaromatics possess very deep lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) and therefore typically act as photoinduced electron transfer (PET) acceptors. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Photoluminescence detection is an attractive method for detecting trace concentrations of chemicals due to its high sensitivity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent Progress in Portable Fluorescence Sensors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1945-7111/abd494/meta""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 7, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Environmental Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry,Free-Format Question,"Geospatial assessment of heavy metal contamination and metal-resistant bacteria in Qarun Lake, Egypt",https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-025-01152-3,"June 21, 2025","To conduct a geospatial analysis of heavy metal contamination, researchers used Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (Model: PerkinElmer AAnalyst 400, USA) to measure the levels of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cr) in water samples. The materials were acidified with HNO₃ to achieve a pH of less than 2, followed by filtration using Whatman No. 42 filter paper prior to analysis. Standard solutions obtained from credible reference materials were utilized for system calibration. The concentrations of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) were quantified at their specific wavelengths.","-Lead, Cadmium, Nickel and Chromium concentrations using Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry","To determine the concentration of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni), and chromium (Cr) in surface water samples from Lake Qarun, Egypt, researchers used Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. They acidified the materials with HNO₃ to achieve a pH<2, followed by filtration prior to analysis, and then they quantified the metals at their specific wavelengths. Which of the heavy metals Pb, Ni, Cd or Cr has the highest concentration in this samples? ",Lead,"Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) are heavy metals of particular concern due to their environmental persistence, propensity for bioaccumulation in animals, and toxicity.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and nickel (Ni) are heavy metals of particular concern due to their environmental persistence, propensity for bioaccumulation in animals, and toxicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Heavy Metal Toxicity and the Environment.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-7643-8340-4_6""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 01, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Physics,Physics/Atomic Physics,MCQ,High-sensitivity molecular spectroscopy of SrOH using magneto-optical trapping,https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2509.09786,"September 11, 2025","A strontium target inside a $2.4\,\mathrm{K}$ copper cell was ablated by a pulsed Nd:YAG laser. Water vapor was introduced into the cell reacting with the strontium atoms released in ablation to form strontium monohydroxide (SrOH) molecules. Helium introduced via a separate fill line thermalized with the cold walls of the cell and cooled the SrOH. The SrOH was extracted by hydrodynamic flow into a cryogenic buffer-gas beam (CBGB). The CBGB of SrOH was laser-slowed and directed into a 3D magneto-optical trap (MOT). Molecules captured in the trap were cooled to approximately 1 mK within 20 ms. The setup included a multi-laser (12 frequency) optical-cycling system addressing $\mathrm{\bar{X}^2\Sigma^+ \leftrightarrow \bar{A}/\bar{B}}$ bands to repump different vibrational modes, and magnetic quadrupole coils for confinement. To ensure high scattering rates, repumpers were broadened to $\sim 350\,\mathrm{MHz}$ by an over-driven electro-optic modulator. Some molecules fell out of the primary optical cycle into vibrationally excited dark states that were not addressed by the cooling lasers. These molecules remained in the MOT region for $\sim 10\,\mathrm{ms}$. During this free-flight duration, a separate weak $5\,\mathrm{mW}$ probe laser was overlapped with the trapping cloud. The frequency of this probe laser was scanned over a wide range of candidate repumping frequencies to find a transition that returned them to the main optical cycle. Cold (∼4 K) SrOH is created in a cryogenic buffer gas beam source. Then, spectroscopy is performed 1 inch from the cell aperture using a retro-reflected probe laser traveling perpendicular to the molecular beam axis. The fluorescence from the molecules is collected by a lens and a curved mirror, after which the resulting MOT fluorescence is recorded using a Czerny-Turner spectrometer and an EMCCD camera, thus identifying decay frequencies and vibronic assignments.","- The baseline MOT fluorescence signal was measured using the EMCCD optical imaging system. This provides the steady-state fluorescence proportional to the trapped molecular number before depletion. - The MOT fluorescence signal after depletion into the dark state was measured using the EMCCD camera. This is the depleted reference for recovery spectroscopy. - The MOT fluorescence signal after probe-induced recovery was measured using the EMCCD camera. - The probe laser frequency (scanned over several GHz) was monitored by a calibrated wavemeter. - The probe laser intensity / power in mW was measured with an optical power meter before MOT. - The MOT lifetime and free-flight time in ms was recorded with the optical imaging system after switching lasers. The free-flight time defines the effective interaction time for repumper spectroscopy. - The recovered signal linewidth was derived from MOT fluorescence and probe frequency scans. - MOT fluorescence was collimated using an invacuum lens and imaged on the EMCCD to determine the number of molecules. - The molecular temperature was measured using time-of-flight expansion.","An experiment uses a MOT to perform repumper spectroscopy on SrOH molecules. After molecules are moved into a dark state, a probe laser is scanned to find the recovery transition. Based on the principles of laser spectroscopy, what is the defining characteristic of the measured recovery signal as a function of the probe laser's frequency? A) The recovery signal is a significantly broadened peak, with a width primarily determined by power broadening from the probe laser. B) The recovery signal exhibits a highly asymmetric, Fano-like line shape, indicative of interference between the repumping pathway and background scattering processes. C) The recovery signal is a sharp, symmetric Lorentzian peak with a spectral width on the order of the natural linewidth of the transition (~10 MHz). D) The recovery signal is observed over an extremely broad frequency range of several GHz, hundreds of times larger than the natural linewidth of the transition.","D) The recovery signal is observed over an extremely broad frequency range of several GHz, hundreds of times larger than the natural linewidth of the transition.","- With the precise knowledge of the state energy from this work, we determine that many energy spacings between low-lying rotational levels in the band lie in the 1–100 GHz range. - A longer interaction time during spectroscopic measurements allows for low-probability, off-resonance events to accumulate. In systems with exceptionally long interaction times, this can generate a measurable signal over a frequency range much broader than the natural linewidth.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""With the precise knowledge of the state energy from this work, we determine that many energy spacings between low-lying rotational levels in the band lie in the 1–100 GHz range, confirming the viability of a proposed UDM search using temporal variations of µ.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Enhanced sensitivity to ultralight bosonic dark matter in the spectra of the linear radical SrOH""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/pra/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevA.103.043313""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 8, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference 1 in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A longer interaction time during spectroscopic measurements allows for low-probability, off-resonance events to accumulate. In systems with exceptionally long interaction times, this can generate a measurable signal over a frequency range much broader than the natural linewidth.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Theory of Coherent Atomic Excitation.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.250.4987.1603.a""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 14, 1990""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference 45 in the report.""}]" Chemistry,Radiopharmacy,Numerical Values,"A single-step radiolabeling strategy for PET, SPECT, and therapeutic radionuclides using nanoparticles as a universal chelator",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68a4302423be8e43d6e15c5d,"Jul 16, 2025","In this experiment, the researchers employed a microwave-assisted (MW) synthesis to obtain small ¹¹¹In radiolabeled nanoparticles with a core size of ~3 nm. The general protocol for the synthesis and radiolabeling of the nanoparticles was as follows: in a 0.5 – 2 mL MW vial with a suitable magnetic stirrer, 540 µL of milli Q water, 150 µL of a 50 mg/mL solution of iron (III) chloride hexahydrate, and 160 µL of a 50 mg/mL sodium citrate were added, and then 50 µL of ¹¹¹In (III) chloride solution (0.01 M HCl) and 100 µL of hydrazine hydrate were added to the vial. The vial was closed with a septum cap and stirred under MW at 100 ºC for 10 min. After this time, the reaction was cooled down with pressurized air to 50 ºC and then purified using a size exclusion Sephadex G-25 prepacked column. Using this protocol, they synthesized ¹¹¹In-IONT, where IONT (iron oxide nanotracers) denotes the nanoparticles formed by a maghemite core coated with citrate molecules. The average (N=3) hydrodynamic size of the obtained compound was measured by DLS in water, after its decay. ","- Dynamic light scattering (DLS) measurement of the hydrodynamic diameter of ¹¹¹In-IONT in water, after radioactivity decay (N = 3). ","Small radiolabeled nanoparticles of ¹¹¹In-IONT were synthesized using a microwave-assisted vial with a suitable magnetic stirrer. Milli Q water, 50 mg/mL solution of iron (III) chloride hexahydrate, and 50 mg/mL sodium citrate were added. Then, ¹¹¹In (III) chloride solution (0.01 M HCl) and hydrazine hydrate were added to the vial. The average hydrodynamic size was determined by DLS in water. What is the average hydrodynamic size obtained for ¹¹¹In-IONT (in nm)?",¹¹¹In-IONT average hydrodynamic size= [10.7-11.5] nm,"• There is no universal chelator that meets: binds rapidly and completely at very low concentrations of the radiometal, maintains high in vivo stability, allows easy bioconjugation with vector molecules, and functions with different radioisotopes for diagnosis and therapy. • Depending on the radioisotope, chelators may have specific problems. • Nanoparticles are proposed to replace traditional chelators. Chelator-free techniques offer greater stability, although each system exhibits distinct properties and in vivo behavior. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""There is no universal chelator that meets: binds rapidly and completely at very low concentrations of the radiometal, maintains high in vivo stability, allows easy bioconjugation with vector molecules, and functions with different radioisotopes for diagnosis and therapy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thrombo-Tag, an in Vivo Formed Nanotracer for the Detection of Thrombi in Mice by Fast Pre-Targeted Molecular Imaging""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/nr/d0nr04538a""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 8, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Depending on the radioisotope, chelators may have specific problems.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An Overview of PET Radiochemistry, Part 2: Radiometals""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://jnm.snmjournals.org/content/59/10/1500""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 10, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Nanoparticles are proposed to replace traditional chelators. Chelator-free techniques offer greater stability, although each system exhibits distinct properties and in vivo behavior.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Results of a randomized phase-III trial to evaluate the efficacy of strontium-89 adjuvant to local field external beam irradiation in the management of endocrine resistant metastatic prostate cancer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.redjournal.org/article/0360-3016(93)90309-J/abstract""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 2, 1993""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,"Flow Chemistry, Catalysis",Numerical Values,"CO-Degassing in a Segmented Slug Flow Reactor Enables Continuous Linear Alcohol Formation from Alkenes using a single, non-assisted Rh-catalyst by Switching Between Hydroformylation and Aldehyde Reduction",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/67efd8066dde43c9086929eb,"April 8, 2025","The experiment investigated a continuous tandem reductive hydroformylation of 1-octene to 1-nonanol using Rh(acac)(CO)₂ as precatalyst and Xantphos as ligand in a segmented slug-flow capillary reactor. The main intervention was the introduction of an in-line CO degassing step between the hydroformylation and reduction stages, achieved via a tube-in-tube AF2400 membrane operated under 5 mbar vacuum. This enabled selective removal of dissolved CO before the hydrogenation step, preventing CO inhibition of the reduction catalyst. The model system consisted of four serially connected FEP capillary modules (total length 75 m), with the first 15 m dedicated to hydroformylation, followed by the AF2400 degassing segment, and the remaining three modules used for aldehyde reduction. Critical parameters include the system being maintained at 150 °C under 10 bar (pPIC1) during hydroformylation and 11.5 bar (pPI2) post-degassing for reduction. The gas feed to the first section comprised syngas (CO/H₂) at 2.00 mL min⁻¹, while H₂ was introduced after degassing at 1.00 mL min⁻¹. The liquid feed consisted of a catalyst solution (0.94 mL min⁻¹) containing Rh(acac)(CO)₂ and Xantphos with a Rh/S ratio of 1/200 (0.5 mol %) and a Rh/P ratio of 1/7, alongside a 1-octene substrate feed (0.06 mL min⁻¹) in toluene. The total nominal residence time across the 75 m reactor path was 27.6 minutes, and reaction progress (l-nonanol yield %) was monitored via GC-FID at different reactor outlet points.","- l-nonanol yield (%) at reactor outlet (75m) [T = 150 °C, pPIC1 = 10.0 bar, pPI2 = 11.5 bar; Rh(acac)(CO)₂/Xantphos; Rh/S = 1:200, Rh/P = 1:7; syngas 2.00 mL min⁻¹ for the first 15 m (hydroformylation) → AF2400 CO-degassing at 5 mbar → H₂ 1.00 mL min⁻¹ for the remaining 60 m (reduction); total residence time = 27.6 min]. The results were determined via GC-FID","Under continuous-flow conditions at 150 °C and 10 bar (pPIC1), using Rh(acac)(CO)₂ as precatalyst and Xantphos as ligand (Rh/S = 1/200 mol/mol; Rh/P = 1/7 mol/mol) in toluene, 1-octene undergoes hydroformylation over the first 15 m of a segmented slug-flow capillary reactor, followed by continuous CO degassing through a tube-in-tube AF2400 membrane operated under 5 mbar vacuum. After degassing, hydrogen (1.00 mL min⁻¹) is introduced for the reduction step over the remaining reactor length (total = 75 m; residence time = 27.6 min). The gas feed to the first section consists of syngas (CO/H₂) = 2.00 mL min⁻¹, while the liquid feed comprises a catalyst phase (0.94 mL min⁻¹) and a 1-octene feed (0.06 mL min⁻¹). The pressure after degassing is 11.5 bar (pPI2). What is the yield (%) of l-nonanol measured at the reactor outlet?","l-nonanol yield = (62.1–72.1)% at reactor outlet (75m) [T = 150 °C, pPIC1 = 10.0 bar, pPI2 = 11.5 bar; Rh(acac)(CO)₂/Xantphos; Rh/S = 1:200, Rh/P = 1:7; syngas 2.00 mL min⁻¹ for the first 15 m (hydroformylation) → AF2400 CO-degassing at 5 mbar → H₂ 1.00 mL min⁻¹ for the remaining 60 m (reduction); total residence time = 27.6 min]. Reported point= 67.1 %. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ±5 pp applied. ","- Hydroformylation: is a catalytic reaction that adds a formyl group and a hydrogen atom across an alkene’s double bond to produce an aldehyde using synthesis gas (CO/H₂). - Reductive hydroformylation: is a tandem process in which the aldehyde intermediate from hydroformylation is further hydrogenated to the corresponding alcohol. - Rh(acac)(CO)₂: precatalyst combined with the bidentate ligand Xantphos to generate the active rhodium species responsible for catalyzing both the hydroformylation of 1-octene and the subsequent aldehyde reduction under continuous-flow conditions. - Xantphos: Bidentate ligand coordinated to the rhodium precatalyst Rh(acac)(CO)₂ to form the active catalytic species that enables both the hydroformylation of 1-octene and the subsequent aldehyde reduction under continuous-flow conditions. - CO inhibition: excess carbon monoxide binds strongly to the rhodium catalyst, suppressing the hydrogenation step and limiting alcohol formation. - The AF2400: amorphous copolymer of tetrafluoroethylene and perfluorodimethyldioxolane, that allows most gases to permeate while nearly impermeable to liquids membrane. it Allows selective removal of dissolved gases (CO) from liquid flow under vacuum, facilitating in-line degassing. - FEP capillary modules: Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tubing segments connected in series to form the continuous-flow reactor, providing chemically inert channels for the segmented slug-flow reactions, including hydroformylation, CO degassing, and aldehyde reduction. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""FEP capillary modules: Fluorinated ethylene propylene (FEP) tubing segments connected in series to form the continuous-flow reactor, providing chemically inert channels for the segmented slug-flow reactions, including hydroformylation, CO degassing, and aldehyde reduction. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Gas Introduction by Permeation into Long Fluorinated Ethylene Propylene Capillaries with Slug Flow""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ceat.202200557""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 16, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics/Optics,Numerical Values,Generation of UV-Vis correlated photon pairs using PP-LaBGeO₅,https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2509.09887,"September 11, 2025","Researchers conducted second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements of periodically poled LaBGeO5 (PP-LBGO) with 2.1 µm gratins. The device was 0.3 mm thick and 10 mm long, and the gratings were 1 mm wide. The chip was mounted to a temperature-controlled block on a three-axis translation stage and heated from room temperature to 80 °C, with a stability of 0.1 °C. The SHG performance was characterized by pumping a single-frequency, diode-pumped solid state laser source at 532 nm that operated at a maximum power of 0.28 W. The laser was directed through a bandpass filter, a half-wave plate and a 10 cm focal length lens that focused the beam through the grating. The output was then collimated and passed through a stack of 4 short-pass filters (total optical density of 20) to filter the second harmonic, 266 nm signal. The filtered signal was coupled into a multimode fiber to use as an input for a spectrometer and a UV-sensitive photodiode.","- SHG spectrum obtained with a spectrometer for different temperatures - SHG power (in µW) as a function of temperature, from room temperature to 80 °C.","Researchers conducted second harmonic generation (SHG) measurements of periodically poled LaBGeO5 (PP-LBGO) with 2.1 µm gratins. A 532 nm diode-pumped laser was directed into the sample and the output was filtered with a stack of short pass filters to obtain a 266 nm signal. The intensity of this signal was measured with an UV-sensitive photodiode to measure the generated power for temperatures ranging from room temperature up to 80 °C. Based these measurements, at which temperature (in °C) did the power reach its peak value?","[64.2-66.2] °C Note: No CI/SE/SD provided -> a ±1.0 °C fallback was applied to the 65.2°C value reported by the authors.","- Periodically poled LaBGeO5 (PP-LBGO) is an interesting alternative for QPM devices, with a transparency extending to 195 nm and non-hygroscopicity.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Periodically poled LaBGeO5 (PP-LBGO) is an interesting alternative for QPM devices, with a transparency extending to 195 nm and non-hygroscopicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PP-LBGO device with 2nd-order QPM structure for 266nm generation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1364/CLEO_SI.2015.STh3H.5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 10, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited in the main article as reference 16.""}]" Physics,Optics,Free-Format Question,Degeneracy-Locked Optical Parametric Oscillator,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.00936,"May 02, 2025","Researchers fabricated a degeneracy-locked counter-propagating optical parametric oscillator (CT-OPO) on a thin-film lithium niobate (LN) microresonator. The starting material consisted of a 50 nm-thick NbN layer on top of a silicon substrate, followed by a 2 µm PECVD SiO2 layer. A 600 nm z-cut LN layer was bonded to this substrate and poling electrodes were patterned using e-beam lithography, followed by nickel deposition and a liftoff process. A voltage of 650 V was applied for 10 ms to the electrodes for poling. During the fabrication process, domains with opposite polarization were etched at slightly different rates. Post-fabrication annealing was conducted at 200◦C for 12 hours. The device was pumped by a custom 775 nm pulsed laser (15 ns duration, 5 kHz repetition rate), created by frequency-doubling an amplified 1550 nm seed laser. The pump light was injected via a wavelength-division multiplexer (WDM), and the resulting counter-propagating signal and idler waves were collected from opposite sides of the chip using separate WDMs. A suite of characterization tools was employed: optical spectrum analyzers (OSA) and infrared photon detectors recorded the output power spectra; an electrical spectrum analyzer (ESA) measured the RF beat note from the mixed output to confirm frequency degeneracy; an acousto-optic modulator (AOM) shifted the seed laser to provide a reference for phase measurements, confirming the OPO's characteristic 0 or $\pi$ phase-flip; and a heater controlled the chip temperature across a 3-dB temperature bandwidth of ~0.37 $^\circ$C to tune the device's resonance mismatch ($\Delta$).","- The output power spectra of the signal and idler waves as a function of pump detuning at different temperatures. - The operational state of the OPO (e.g., symmetric degenerate, asymmetric degenerate, or non-degenerate) as the temperature is varied. ",A degeneracy-locked counter-propagating optical parametric oscillator (OPO) is fabricated using submicron periodically poled thin film lithium niobate and its operational stability is tested. The device's temperature is varied across a 3-dB temperature bandwidth of ~0.37 $^\circ$C. What is the expected effect of these temperature variations on the operational state of the optical parametric oscillator?,"The system remains in a degenerate state despite the temperature variations, demonstrating its robust operation.","- An optical parametric oscillator, which can be built in a microresonator, converts a high-frequency pump photon into two lower-frequency photons, known as the signal and idler. - Degenerate OPOs are challenging to operate in on-chip implementations due to temperature sensitivity and constraints such as phase matching and simultaneous resonance of of the pump and half-harmonic modes. - The initial resonance mismatch ($\Delta$) quantifies how well the pump resonance aligns with the signal/idler resonance. An ideal mismatch is often near zero. - Degenerate OPOs can operate in two different states, a symmetric degenerate state or an asymmetric degenerate state, depending on the pump detuning and resonance mismatch. - The system can switch between the symmetric and asymmetric degenerate states at a specific phase transition point.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""An optical parametric oscillator, which can be built in a microresonator, converts a high-frequency pump photon into two lower-frequency photons, known as the signal and idler.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Parametric generation of tunable light from continuous-wave to femtosecond pulses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1126/science.286.5444.1513""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 19, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 1 in the article.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Degenerate OPOs are challenging to operate in on-chip implementations due to temperature sensitivity and constraints such as phase matching and simultaneous resonance of of the pump and half-harmonic modes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Coherence properties of a doubly resonant monolithic optical parametric oscillator""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/josab/abstract.cfm?uri=josab-7-5-815""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 1990""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 27 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The system can switch between the symmetric and asymmetric degenerate states at a specific phase transition point.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Parity-time-symmetric coupled asymmetric dimers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevA.97.012121""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 19, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA. Phase transition between symmetric and asymmetric degenerate OPO states is asserted in the paper with no external reference.""}]" Physics,Atomic Physics,MCQ,Single-frequency inverted Doppler-free resonance as a platform for chip-scale optical clock,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.02219,"May 04, 2025","An experiment compares two methods for generating a Doppler-free resonance in a vapor of isotopically enriched $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms contained in a glass cell at $60^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$. In the first method, the dual-frequency technique, the atoms are interrogated using complex, counter-propagating bichromatic laser fields generated with an external modulator. In the second method, the single-frequency technique, the atoms are interrogated using a simplified setup with a single monochromatic laser beam with an intensity of approximately $0.8 \,\mathrm{mW/cm^{2}}$ that is reflected back through the cell with an orthogonally-oriented linear polarization. For both methods, the resulting spectroscopic resonance at the $F_{g}=2 \;-\; F_{e}=1$ transition is recorded. ","- The transmission spectrum of the Fg=2 - Fe=1 transition for the dual-frequency technique. - The transmission spectrum of the Fg=2 - Fe=1 transition for the single-frequency technique. - The contrast of the resonance for both techniques. - The full-width at half-maximum (linewidth) of the resonance for both techniques. - The ratio of the contrast to the linewidth for both techniques. ","An experiment compares two methods for generating a Doppler-free resonance in $^{87}\mathrm{Rb}$ atoms: an established dual-frequency technique using bichromatic fields and a new, simplified single-frequency technique using a monochromatic field with orthogonal polarizations. The quality of the resonance from each method is quantified by its contrast-to-width ratio. What is the most likely experimental result when comparing the simplified single-frequency method to the established dual-frequency method? A) The single-frequency method yields a resonance with a contrast-to-width ratio that is practically the same as the dual-frequency method. B) The single-frequency method yields a resonance with a significantly lower contrast-to-width ratio, representing the expected performance trade-off for its simplicity. C) The single-frequency method yields a resonance with a much higher contrast but also a proportionally larger linewidth, resulting in a similar ratio but different spectral characteristics. D) The single-frequency method yields a resonance with a significantly higher contrast-to-width ratio, proving it to be a superior technique.",A) The single-frequency method yields a resonance with a contrast-to-width ratio that is practically the same as the dual-frequency method.,"1. In atomic vapors, the thermal motion of atoms causes Doppler broadening, which obscures narrow spectroscopic features. Counter-propagating laser beams are used to perform Doppler-free spectroscopy on the stationary, zero-velocity group of atoms. 2. Alkali atoms like rubidium have a complex hyperfine structure. When probed with a single, fixed-polarization laser, atoms can be optically pumped into non-absorbing dark states, which degrades or eliminates the resonance signal. The dual-frequency technique was developed to overcome this. 3. Using counter-propagating laser beams with mutually orthogonal linear polarizations is a technique that can prevent optical pumping for the zero-velocity atoms. This creates a transparency effect at the exact resonance, resulting in a sharp, inverted spectroscopic peak.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In atomic vapors, the thermal motion of atoms causes Doppler broadening, which obscures narrow spectroscopic features. Counter-propagating laser beams are used to perform Doppler-free spectroscopy on the stationary, zero-velocity group of atoms.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Spectroscopy in a New Light""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/RevModPhys.54.697""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 01, 1982""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [2] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Alkali atoms like rubidium have a complex hyperfine structure. When probed with a single, fixed-polarization laser, atoms can be optically pumped into non-absorbing dark states, which degrades or eliminates the resonance signal. The dual-frequency technique was developed to overcome this.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Doppler-free spectroscopy on the Cs D1 line with a dual-frequency laser""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-41-13-2982""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 23, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [3] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Using counter-propagating laser beams with mutually orthogonal linear polarizations is a technique that can prevent optical pumping for the zero-velocity atoms. This creates a transparency effect at the exact resonance, resulting in a sharp, inverted spectroscopic peak.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Coherent Population Trapping in Laser Spectroscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://osiris.df.unipi.it/gruppi/arimondo/documents/EA157.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1996""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Mesoscale and Nanoscale Physics,Free-Format Question,Weak localization as probe of spin-orbit-induced spin-split bands in bilayer graphene proximity coupled to WSe₂,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.24632,"May 30, 2025","Researchers tested whether bilayer graphene proximitized by tungsten diselenide shows proximity induced spin split bands that can be read out by weak localization. The device was a dual gate heterostructure where bilayer graphene and tungsten diselenide were encapsulated between hexagonal boron nitride crystals. A graphite bottom gate and a narrow gold top gate provided independent control of Fermi level and band gap. Electrostatic control created lateral p-n-p cavities, and the devices operated in a quasi ballistic regime at a temperature of 60 mK. Low field magnetoconductance was measured to observe quantum interference effects.","- Two terminal resistance and differential conductance versus top and bottom gate voltages (Vtg, Vbg) in the range of -2 V to 2 V. - Low field magnetoconductance versus magnetic field (approx. -10 mT to 10 mT) to observe quantum interference effects and their transition under gate control. - The effects of varying displacement field intensity (D/ε₀) from -0.2 V/nm to -0.4 V/nm. ",Researchers constructed a dual gate bilayer graphene device proximitized by tungsten diselenide and recorded its low field magnetoconductance at 60 mK. What is the primary quantum interference effect observed as the Fermi level is tuned from the p-n-p cavity regime to a low hole density near the valence band edge?,A gate-tunable transition from weak anti-localization (WAL) to weak localization (WL) is observed.,"- Bilayer graphene is a two dimensional material whose band structure can be tuned by an electric displacement field. - Tungsten diselenide is a transition metal dichalcogenide with strong spin orbit coupling. - Proximity to tungsten diselenide can induce spin splitting in bilayer graphene. - Weak localization and weak anti localization are quantum interference effects observed in magnetotransport. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Bilayer graphene is a two dimensional material whose band structure can be tuned by an electric displacement field""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The electronic properties of bilayer graphene""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1088/0034-4885/76/5/056503""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 19, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled but cited as reference 21.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Proximity to tungsten diselenide can induce spin splitting in bilayer graphene\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Graphene on transition-metal dichalcogenides: A platform for proximity spin-orbit physics and optospintronics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.155403""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 5, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited as reference 1.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Weak localization and weak anti localization are quantum interference effects observed in magnetotransport.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Weak Localization in Graphene Flakes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.98.176805""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 26, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited as reference 27.""}]" Biology,Microbiology / Plant Pathology,MCQ,Fair-weather friends: Unequal partnerships between Parastagonospora nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis define disease dynamics in wheat,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.09.681059v2,"October 10, 2025","Researchers conducted sequential co-infection assays on wheat cultivar Scepter, which has moderate resistance to both pathogens, to investigate the role of temporal dynamics. Parastagonospora nodorum SN15 and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis M4 isolates were maintained on 90 mm V8 PDA plates at ambient temperature under a 12 h light and 12 h dark photoperiod, and mycelial tissue was harvested. Wheat seedlings were grown under white light on a 12-hour photoperiod until 12 days old. Attached leaves were inoculated with 15 µl of either 1x10^7 spores per millilitre of P. nodorum SN15, 1x10^5 spores per millilitre of P. tritici-repentis M4 suspended in 0.02% Tween 20, or a mixture maintaining the same final concentrations. Following inoculation, the spore suspension was spread with a paintbrush, the leaves were allowed to dry, then sealed inside humidity chambers. The chambers were maintained at 22°C ± 1°C, at or above 95% humidity under a 12 hr light photoperiod. The treatments included single-pathogen infections, simultaneous co-infection, repeated single-pathogen infections after 72 h, and staggered co-infections where P. nodorum preceded P. tritici-repentis by 72 h or vice versa. Seven days after secondary infection, leaves were photographed, and 50mm sections were excised. Different hue value masks were generated to distinguish between healthy, chlorotic, and necrotic tissue, with cutoffs at 90, 43, and 30, respectively, utilizing the opencv library for Python. All fungal and plant tissues were snap frozen in liquid nitrogen, homogenized using a Tissue Lyser II, and DNA was purified. DNA concentrations were determined by fluorometric analysis. Digital PCR reactions were carried out in 22-µl volumes, where each well contained 11µl ddPCR Supermix for Probes (No dUTP), 5μlDNA template, and 0.25µM of primer/probe mix at equimolar concentration. Primers used: aT_F and aT_R (designed to simultaneously amplify a 187-bp region in P. nodorum and a 185-bp region in P. tritici-repentis). Species-specific fluorescent probes: Pn_FAM and Ptr_HEX for species discrimination. A digital PCR-based model targeting conserved regions of the alpha-tubulin gene was used to quantify pathogen biomass during infection. The integrated biomass model was calculated from the number of alpha-tubulin gene copies per microlitre detected by digital PCR, divided by α (gene copies per nanogram of DNA), and multiplied by β (micrograms of DNA per milligram of tissue).","- Infection necrosis in Scepter wheat across co-infection treatments (single-pathogen, simultaneous, P. nodorum followed by P. tritici-repentis and P. tritici-repentis followed by P. nodorum at 72 h). - Pathogen biomass (µg) for P. nodorum and P. tritici-repentis via biomass model of dPCR quantification across co-infection treatments (single-pathogen, simultaneous, P. nodorum followed by P. tritici-repentis and P. tritici-repentis followed by P. nodorum at 72 h).","Sequential co-infection assays were conducted on 12-day-old wheat seedlings (cv. Scepter). Attached leaves were inoculated with 15 µl of either 1x10^7 spores per ml of P. nodorum SN15 spores or 1x10^5 per ml of P. tritici-repentis M4 spores, suspended in 0.02% Tween 20. Staggered co-infection treatments involved one pathogen applied 72 hours after the other (P. nodorum first, or P. tritici-repentis first). Seedlings were incubated at 22°C ± 1°C, ≥ 95% humidity, and leaves were assessed seven days after the secondary infection for infection levels and fungal biomass. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. When P. tritici-repentis establishes first, it compromises subsequent resistance responses to P. nodorum. B. When P. nodorum establishes first, it compromises subsequent resistance responses to P. tritici-repentis. C. When P. tritici-repentis establishes first, it enhances subsequent resistance responses to P. nodorum. D. When P. nodorum establishes first, it enhances subsequent resistance responses to P. tritici-repentis.","A. When P. tritici-repentis establishes first, it compromises subsequent resistance responses to P. nodorum. "," - Parastagonospora nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis are the causal agents of septoria nodorum blotch and tan spot of wheat, respectively. - In the colonisation of plant tissues, early arriving species modify environmental conditions and resource availability, altering biotic conditions that determine the trajectory of community development. - There are priority effects in plant-associated microbial communities, with pathogen arrival order determining infection outcomes and host responses. - Digital PCR (dPCR) provides absolute quantification of target nucleic acids without standard curves, offering greater precision and reproducibility than RT-PCR for fungal biomass estimations.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In the colonisation of plant tissues, early arriving species modify environmental conditions and resource availability, altering biotic conditions that determine the trajectory of community development.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Phyllosphere: Microbial Jungle at the Plant–Climate Interface""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-ecolsys-121415-032238""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 14, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""There are priority effects in plant-associated microbial communities, with pathogen arrival order determining infection outcomes and host responses.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Facilitative priority effects drive parasite assembly under coinfection""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41559-020-01289-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 31, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Digital PCR (dPCR) provides absolute quantification of target nucleic acids without standard curves, offering greater precision and reproducibility than RT-PCR for fungal biomass estimations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Digital MIQE Guidelines: Minimum Information for Publication of Quantitative Digital PCR Experiments""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/clinchem/article-abstract/59/6/892/5621919""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 1, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Parastagonospora nodorum and Pyrenophora tritici-repentis are the causal agents of septoria nodorum blotch and tan spot of wheat, respectively.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The pangenome of the wheat pathogen Pyrenophora tritici-repentis reveals novel transposons associated with necrotrophic effectors ToxA and ToxB""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://bmcbiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12915-022-01433-w""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 24, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Atomic Physics,Numerical Values,Single-atom imaging of 173Yb in optical tweezers loaded by a five-beam magneto-optical trap,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.07371,"May 12, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether a five beam magneto optical trap (MOT) in an orthogonal configuration could efficiently load and image single ¹⁷³Yb atoms in optical tweezers. A collimated thermal beam of neutral ytterbium atoms was generated by an oven kept at 380 °C, producing a flux of 1.5x10^12 atoms/s. A Zeeman slower reduced the longitudinal atomic beam velocity by 40m/s. A 2D MOT stage cooled atoms in the transverse direction and deflected the beam to an octagonal glass cell where the experiment took place. The trap operated on the 399 nm cooling transition with a beam waist of approximately 8 mm and intensity equal to 0.3 times the saturation intensity of 60 mW per cm². The atoms were confined for 200 ms in the trap during the MOT stage before undergoing a 250 ms compression MOT stage (pre-cMOT and cMOT). The first stage (pre-cMOT) slowly compressed the atom cloud whilst the field gradient increased to ~10 G/ cm and the power and global detuning of horizontal and vertical MOT beams were reduced. In the cMOT stage, the magnetic field gradient was ramped to ~30G/ cm over a linear increase of 100ms, whilst beam power and detuning were adjusted to yield lowest temperatures. In the last 50 ms of cMOT, the individual atoms were subsequently transferred into a tweezer array generated by 532 nm light focused to a waist of about 580 nm with a trap depth near 2 mK and spacing of 8.7 μm. After cMOT, the magnetic field was turned off and 50 ms of light-assisted collision was applied to isolate single atoms in the tweezers. Fluorescence imaging of the trapped atoms was performed for another 50 ms using 399 nm light at one hundredth of the saturation intensity, and scattered photons were collected by a 0.6 numerical aperture objective.","- Fluorescence photon counts collected during 50 ms imaging of trapped atoms - Single-atom imaging/detection fidelity - Survival probability of atoms after the imaging sequence ",Single ¹⁷³Yb atoms were loaded into 532 nm optical tweezers from a five beam magneto optical trap and illuminated with 399 nm light at approximately one hundredth of the saturation intensity for 50 ms. Fluorescence photons were collected with a high numerical aperture objective during the imaging interval. What is the expected number of detected fluorescence photons per atom over the 50 ms imaging period?,"N_detected = [33.12-40.48] photons/atom at I_399 = ~ [1.3 x 10^-2] I_s, over 50 ms (Fig. 5a, p. 8). Note: no CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ± 3.68 applied.","- Ytterbium-173 (¹⁷³Yb) is a fermionic isotope of ytterbium used in atomic physics because of its nuclear spin and optical transitions. - Contrary to six-beam MOTs, a five-beam configuration omits the down-propagating vertical beam and counteracts the push from the bottom beam by gravity alone.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ytterbium-173 (¹⁷³Yb) is a fermionic isotope of ytterbium used in atomic physics because of its nuclear spin and optical transitions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Two-orbital S U(N) magnetism with ultracold alkaline-earth atoms""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys1535""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 28, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited as reference 16.""}]" Physics,Condensed Matter Physics,Numerical Values,"Stoichiometry control and epitaxial growth of AgCrSe2 thin films by pulsed-laser deposition",https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.21867,"May 28, 2025","Researchers used pulsed laser deposition to epitaxially grow AgCrSe$_2$. The stoichiometry of the resulting thin films were studied by using stoichiometric and Ag-rich targets for laser ablation. Stoichiometric AgCrSe$_2$ targets were prepared using a solid-state reaction of stoichiometric amounts of starting materials Ag, Cr, and Se. Meanwhile, Ag-rich pellet targets were prepared by grinding previously made AgCrSe$_2$ pellets and combining them with Ag$_2$Se powder with a 2:1 molar ratio. The 100-nm-thick films were grown on YSZ(111) substrates which were heated from 300 to 500 $^\circ$C. The Ag/Cr composition ratio of the deposited films as a function of target composition and substrate temperature were characterized by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy using a scanning electron microscope equipped with an energy dispersive spectrometer.","- Ag/Cr ratio of the thin films deposited at substrate temperatures of 450, 500 K using the stoichiometric target. - Ag/Cr ratio of the thin films deposited at substrate temperatures of 400, 425, 450, 475 and 500 K using the Ag-rich target.",Stoichiometric and Ag-rich AgCrSe$_2$ targets were ablated to grow thin films via pulsed laser deposition. The Ag-rich target has a Ag/Cr ratio of 2. What is the Ag/Cr ratio of the thin film grown at 450 $^\circ$C using the Ag-rich target?,"ΔAg/Cr ratio = [0.94-0.98] at 450 $^\circ$C derived from estimating the error bar lengths, which represent the standard deviation of Ag/Cr ratio values. Note: No CI/SE/SD values reported in the study → fallback ±0.02 applied.","- AgCrSe$_2$ is a p-type and polar magnetic semiconductor - Stoichiometric AgCrSe$_2$ thin films are difficult to fabricate due to the volatility of Ag - The Ag-deficient phase is a common impurity in AgCrSe$_2$ thin films - Structural characterization of AgCrSe$_2$ is similar to that of a similar compound PdCoO$_2$ fabricated using pulsed laser deposition","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""AgCrSe$_2$ is a p-type and polar magnetic semiconductor""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ionic and electronic processes in AgCrSe2""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0167273883901510""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December, 1983""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced in the main paper (item [1]).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Stoichiometric AgCrSe$_2$ thin films are difficult to fabricate due to the volatility of Ag""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Epitaxial growth of AgCrSe2 thin films by molecular beam epitaxy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/article/135/4/045303/3131064""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 25, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Ag-deficient phase is a common impurity in AgCrSe$_2$ thin films""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thermoelectric modulation by intrinsic defects in superionic conductor AgxCrSe2""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/apl/article-abstract/116/16/163901/38414/Thermoelectric-modulation-by-intrinsic-defects-in?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 22, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced in the main paper (item [23]).""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Structural characterization of AgCrSe$_2$ is similar to that of a similar compound PdCoO$_2$ fabricated using pulsed laser deposition""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Highly conductive PdCoO2 ultrathin films for transparent electrodes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/apm/article/6/4/046107/121773""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 20, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant Biology,MCQ,"Antifungal activity and mechanism of limonene against Fusarium oxysporum, a pathogen of potato dry rot",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.06.675995v1,"October 6, 2025","A group of post-harvest scientists wants to test the effectiveness of limonene in controlling the growth of hyphae of a potato pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum. To do this, they developed an in vitro assay in a Petri dish with a final volume of 30 mL with a mix of PDA medium (200 g of potato, 20 g of glucose, and 15 g of agar) and decreasing concentrations of limonene emulsified with 0.3 DMSO (40.0, 20.0, 10.0, 5.0, 2.5, and 0 μL/mL). A 6-mm-diameter circular agar plug with mycelium, harvested from the periphery of a 5-day-old Fusarium oxysporum PDA plate, was placed at the centre of a plate containing 10ml of the limonene-diluted PDA medium. The 0 μL/mL limonene + DMSO group was considered as CK, and each group (limonene-treated and CK) included three biological replicates. The final prepared PDA plates were incubated at 28°C for 5 days and then observed. Colony diameters were measured using the cross-measurement method. The inhibition rate (%) was calculated using the following formula: Inhibition rate (%) = [(Control colony diameter (C) − Treated colony diameter (T)] / (Control colony diameter (C) − Disc diameter (D)) × 100%. The IC50 was also calculated. ","- Colony diameter (in cm) of Fusarium oxysporum from control group and limonene-treated groups (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 μL/mL) after 5 days of growth. - Inhibition rate (%) of Fusarium oxysporum from control group and limonene-treated groups (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 μL/mL) after 5 days of growth. - Disc diameter of Fusarium oxysporum from control group and limonene-treated groups (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 μL/mL) after 5 days of growth. - IC50 value of Fusarium oxysporum from the control group and limonene-treated groups (2.5, 5.0, 10.0, 20.0 and 40.0 μL/mL) after 5 days of growth. ","A group of post-harvest scientists wants to test the effectiveness of limonene in controlling the growth of hyphae of a potato pathogen, Fusarium oxysporum. To do this, they developed an in vitro assay in a Petri dish with a final volume of 30 mL with a mix of PDA medium (200 g of potato, 20 g of glucose, and 15 g of agar) and decreasing concentrations of limonene emulsified with 0.3 DMSO (40.0, 20.0, 10.0, 5.0, 2.5, and 0 μL/mL). A 6-mm-diameter circular agar plug with mycelium, harvested from the periphery of a 5-day-old Fusarium oxysporum PDA plate, was placed at the centre of a plate containing 10ml of the limonene-diluted PDA medium. The 0 μL/mL limonene + DMSO group was considered as CK, and each group (limonene-treated and CK) included three biological replicates. The final prepared PDA plates were incubated at 28°C for 5 days and then observed. Colony diameters were measured using the cross-measurement method. The inhibition rate (%) was calculated using the following formula: Inhibition rate (%) = [(Control colony diameter (C) − Treated colony diameter (T)] / (Control colony diameter (C) − Disc diameter (D)) × 100%. At what limonene concentrations is the inhibition rate most likely to fall between 20 and 40%? A. Only at 5 μL/mL B. Only at 10 μL/mL C. At 5 and 10 μL/mL D. At 2.5, 5 and 10 μL/mL",A. Only at 5 μL/mL,"- Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most prevalent and virulent pathogens causing potato dry rot. - Limonene, a bioactive compound, is a monoterpene widely distributed in plants and a key component of plant essential oils that is characterized by its lemon-like aroma. - Limonene inhibits Fusarium species, specifically, lemon essential oil (48.3% limonene content) at concentrations of 0.5–2.0% completely inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fusarium oxysporum is one of the most prevalent and virulent pathogens causing potato dry rot.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Survey for potato wilt in Pennsylvania and Southern New York""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF02911740""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September, 1924""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" Limonene, a bioactive compound, is a monoterpene widely distributed in plants and a key component of plant essential oils that is characterized by its lemon-like aroma.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Potential and application of plant volatile organic compounds in agricultural disease control""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""http://www.nyxxb.cn/en/article/doi/10.16801/j.issn.1008-7303.2022.0043""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 19, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Limonene inhibits Fusarium species, specifically, lemon essential oil (48.3% limonene content) at concentrations of 0.5–2.0% completely inhibited the growth of Fusarium graminearum. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Comparison of the Fungistatic Activity of Selected Essential Oils Relative to Fusarium graminearum Isolates""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/24/2/311""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 16, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiomics,MCQ,"Gut Microbiota Modulates and Predicts Disease Severity in Experimental Pemphigoid Disease ",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.01.679837v1,"October 1, 2025","To verify the influence of the microbiota composition on the severity and progression of Pemphigoid Disease, researchers, using a passive model of bullous pemphigoid-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (BP-like EBA), compared C57BL/6J mice from two sources that differed in their baseline microbiota. A total of 90 female C57BL/6J mice (8-14 weeks old) were sourced from two breeding sources: University of Lübeck (UL, n = 46) and Charles River Laboratories (CR; Sulzfeld, Germany, n = 44). Among those mice, 16 from UL and 14 CR were randomly chosen and co-housed (Mix_UL, Mix_CR) for 28 days, with 5 in each cage, with a darklight cycle of 12h:12h and under a constant temperature and humidity. All mice were maintained under specific pathogen-free (SPF) conditions with ad libitum access to standard water and chow. The passive BP-like EBA mouse model was induced in mice by injection of anti-COL7 IgG (every 2 days for 12 days), with age-matched controls receiving normal rabbit IgG. Disease severity was assessed based on the extent of clinical manifestations, including crusts, erythema, lesions, and/or alopecia on individual body parts on day 4, 8, and 12, according to a 0-4 score system, which relies on the percentage of the body surface area affected. Prior to disease induction, DNA was extracted from fecal samples (fresh pellets aseptically collected and immediately frozen at -80 °C). To identify the presence and abundance of different operational taxonomic units (OTU) composing each microbiome, researchers performed 16S rRNA gene amplicon-based sequence analysis (V1–V2 region amplified with 27F/338R primers, dual-barcoded, sequenced on Illumina MiSeq, processed in QIIME2/DADA2, clustered at 99 % OTU similarity, taxonomy assigned via SILVA 138). LEfSe analysis (|LDA| ≥ 2, adjusted p < 0.05) was performed in R (microeco v1.4.0) to identify differential gut OTUs. Spearman correlations between OTU abundance and disease severity were calculated across 45 mice, adjusted for source (CR, UL, Mix_CR, Mix_UL), including only taxa with ≥20% prevalence and applying Benjamini–Hochberg correction for multiple testing. ",- Relative abundance (%) of each operational taxonomic unit (OTU) across mice with differing disease severity scores (0–4 scale) under a passive model of bullous pemphigoid-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (BP-like EBA) following 16S rRNA gene sequencing of fecal DNA prior to disease induction.,"To verify the influence of the microbiota composition on the severity and progression of Pemphigoid Disease, researchers, using a passive model of bullous pemphigoid-like epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (BP-like EBA), compared C57BL/6J mice from two sources that differed in their baseline microbiota. A total of 90 female C57BL/6J mice (8-14 weeks old) were sourced from two breeding sources: University of Lübeck (UL, n = 46) and Charles River Laboratories (CR; Sulzfeld, Germany, n = 44). Among those mice, 16 from UL and 14 CR were randomly chosen and co-housed (Mix_UL, Mix_CR) for 28 days, with 5 in each cage, with a darklight cycle of 12h:12h and under a constant temperature and humidity. Disease was induced in mice by injection of anti-COL7 IgG (every 2 days for 12 days), with age-matched controls receiving normal rabbit IgG. Disease severity was assessed based on the extent of clinical manifestations, including crusts, erythema, lesions, and/or alopecia on individual body parts on day 4, 8, and 12, according to a 0-4 score system, which relies on the percentage of the body surface area affected. Baseline fecal DNA was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing to identify gut OTUs; LEfSe (|LDA| ≥ 2, adj. p < 0.05) and Spearman correlations (adjusted for source, ≥20% prevalence, Benjamini–Hochberg correction) were used to relate OTU abundance to disease severity. Which outcome best describes the expected relationship between baseline gut microbiota and disease severity? A. Researchers only found one OTU significantly associated with disease severity. B. Researchers did not find a single OTU significantly associated with disease severity. C. Researchers found multiple OTUs significantly associated with disease severity.",A. Researchers only found one OTU significantly associated with disease severity.,"- Pemphigoid diseases can be induced in mice either by repeated injections of rabbit IgG against Col 17/ Col7 (passive models), or immunization of mice with recombinant fragments of murine Col 17/ Col7 (active models) - Mice that did not develop clinical disease, although serum anti-Col7 IgG and tissue-bound IgG and C3 were present, revealed a significantly higher richness and distinctly clustered diversity of their skin microbiota compared to diseased animals - Gut dysbiosis can influence skin health by e.g. triggering immunological responses through microbial metabolites such as SCFA and GABA ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pemphigoid diseases can be induced in mice either by repeated injections of rabbit IgG against Col 17/ Col7 (passive models), or immunization of mice with recombinant fragments of murine Col 17/ Col7 (active models)""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A passive transfer model of the organ-specific autoimmune disease, bullous pemphigoid, using antibodies generated against the hemidesmosomal antigen, BP180""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jci.org/articles/view/116856""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 1, 1993""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mice that did not develop clinical disease, although serum anti-Col7 IgG and tissue-bound IgG and C3 were present, revealed a significantly higher richness and distinctly clustered diversity of their skin microbiota compared to diseased animals""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Skin microbiota-associated inflammation precedes autoantibody induced tissue damage in experimental epidermolysis bullosa acquisita""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0896841115300251""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Gut dysbiosis can influence skin health by e.g. triggering immunological responses through microbial metabolites such as SCFA and GABA""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Impact of gut microbiome on skin health: gut-skin axis observed through the lenses of therapeutics and skin diseases""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19490976.2022.2096995""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 22, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,"Potent antimicrobial activity of hydrogel loaded with the antimicrobial peptide, D-Bac8c2,5 Leu, against monospecies and polymicrobial biofilms of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa",https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1571649/full,"April 24, 2025","Researchers studied the effectiveness of five antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) against strains of Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. AMPs D-Bac8c2,5 Leu (RLWVLWRR, 1183.47 g/mol, +4), DRGN-1 (PSKKTKPVKPKKVA, 1535.95 g/mol, +7), 1037 (KRFRIRVRV, 1228.54 g/mol, +7), IDR-1018 (VRLIVAVRIWRR, 1535.93 g/mol, +5), RP557 (RFCWKVCYKGICFKKCK, 2139.73 g/mol, +7) were tested on methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA): USA300 LAC and BH1CC; methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA): SH1000 and BH48; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (ATCC 156920) with fusidic acid, gentamicin, and mupirocin as antibiotic comparators. AMPs were synthesized by solid-phase 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl (Fmoc) chemistry, purified to 95-99% by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC), and mass confirmed by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF MS). Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) was determined aerobically using a broth microdilution assay. 2-fold serial dilutions of the AMPs and antibiotics were prepared in Mueller-Hinton broth (MHB) in a 96-well round-bottom polypropylene plate. Bacterial suspensions were diluted in sterile phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) and then added to the wells, resulting in a final cell density of 10⁵ colony-forming units (CFU)/mL. Plates were incubated statically (18h at 37 °C). Each assay included inoculated medium without antimicrobials (growth) and uninoculated medium (sterility) as controls. The MIC value was determined as the lowest antimicrobial concentration that showed no visible growth relative to the controls. Each assay was conducted in triplicate and repeated three independent times.","- Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values across different antimicrobial peptide treatments (D-Bac8c2,5 Leu, DRGN-1, 1037, IDR-1018, RP557) and comparator antibiotics (fusidic acid, gentamicin, mupirocin) against bacterial strains (SH1000, BH48, USA300 LAC, BH1CC, PAO1).","In a MIC (minimum inhibitory concetration) assay, five antimicrobial peptides (AMPs): D-Bac8c2,5 Leu (RLWVLWRR, 1183.47 g/mol, +4), DRGN-1 (PSKKTKPVKPKKVA, 1535.95 g/mol, +7), 1037 (KRFRIRVRV, 1228.54 g/mol, +7), IDR-1018 (VRLIVAVRIWRR, 1535.93 g/mol, +5), RP557 (RFCWKVCYKGICFKKCK, 2139.73 g/mol, +7) were tested against methicillin-resistant S. aureus: USA300 LAC and BH1CC; methicillin-sensitive S. aureus: SH1000 and BH48; and Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 (ATCC 156920) with fusidic acid, gentamicin, and mupirocin as antibiotic comparators. MIC was determined by broth microdilution using 2-fold serial dilutions of AMPs and antibiotics in Mueller-Hinton broth, inoculated with ~10⁵ CFU/mL from PBS-diluted suspensions in 96-well plates, and incubated statically for 18 h at 37 °C. MIC was defined as the lowest concentration at which no visible growth was observed. Which answer option correctly summarizes the result? A. IDR-1018 consistently showed the lowest MIC across all strains B. D-Bac8c2,5 Leu requires a higher MIC against P. aeruginosa compared to S. aureus C. RP557 exhibited lower MIC values in S. aureus strains compared to P. aeruginosa D. IDR-1018 MIC matched the MIC of fusidic acid against methicillin-resistant S. aureus","B. D-Bac8c2,5 Leu requires a higher MIC against P. aeruginosa compared to S. aureus","- AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) are emerging as treatment alternatives to antibiotic-resistant strains due to antimicrobial properties, immunomodulatory effects, and low toxicity.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""AMPs (antimicrobial peptides) are emerging as treatment alternatives to antibiotic-resistant strains due to antimicrobial properties, immunomodulatory effects, and low toxicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""AMPs as anti-biofilm agents for human therapy and prophylaxis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-3588-4_14""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 13, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology/Cell Biology,Free-Format Question,Loss of tumor suppressor p53 upregulates stem cell factor SOX9 via Notch signaling,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.27.656408v1,"May 31, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether p53 controls Notch signalling and thereby SOX9 expression. Experimentally, they analyzed the level of Notch signalling proteins between p53-WT and p53-KO MaSC organoids derived from mouse breast tissue. p53-WT and p53-KO organoids were treated with DMSO (dimethyl sulfoxide) control and 10 μM Nut-3 (nutlin-3) for 48 hours in organoid culture conditions. Briefly, organoids were trypsinized, and live cells were counted using trypan blue. 400,000 live MaSCs were mixed with 2 mL of organoid media containing a final concentration of 10 μM Nut-3 and 5% Matrigel and seeded in one well of poly-HEMA-coated 6-well plates. After 48 hours of treatment, organoids were collected, and Matrigel was broken/diluted using ice-cold PBS and centrifuged at 500g for 5 min. The obtained organoid pellets were directly lysed in RIPA lysis buffer with the help of a syringe. Organoid lysates were centrifuged at 14,000 rpm for 15 min, and the collected proteins were run on precast Bis-Tris protein gels (4-12%). Resolved proteins were transferred to PVDF membrane, blocked with 5% non-fat milk for 1 hour, washed with 1xPBST three times, 10 minutes each, and incubated with primary antibodies against NOTCH, NICD1, and SOX9, overnight in the cold room. The next day, the blots were taken out from the primary antibodies and washed thrice with 1xPBST for 10 minutes each and incubated with secondary antibodies for 1 hour at RT, washed thrice with 1xPBST for 10 minutes each, and developed using ECL reagent in the darkroom.","- Protein expression levels of NOTCH, NICD1 and SOX9 (WT and p53-KO organoids in DMSO vs Nutlin)",Researchers grew mouse-derived mammary organoids in culture. Conditions included WT and p53 knockout organoids as well as control and Nutlin-3 treated. They were used to identify whether loss of P53 activates NOTCH signalling in these cultures. Would you expect there to be a significant change if NICD1 protein upon loss of P53?,"In organoid culture, we could only see a modest increase in NICD1 levels upon p53 loss.","- In BLBC, TP53 is mutated in nearly 90% of the cases - SOX9, a key developmental transcription factor of the luminal progenitor cells in mouse and human breast - SOX9 expression has also been linked to cancer progression for various cancer types such as breast cancer 26,42-46 - NICD1 can regulate SOX9 by binding to its promoter 81, 82, 89","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In BLBC, TP53 is mutated in nearly 90% of the cases ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Comprehensive molecular portraits of human breast tumors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature11412""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 23, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SOX9, a key developmental transcription factor of the luminal progenitor cells in mouse and human breast ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Lineage-Biased Stem Cells Maintain Estrogen-Receptor-Positive and -Negative Mouse Mammary Luminal Lineages""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(17)30289-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2211124717302899%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 21, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SOX9 expression has also been linked to cancer progression for various cancer types such as breast cancer ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Sox2–Sox9 signalling axis maintains human breast luminal progenitor and breast cancer stem cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41388-018-0656-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 08, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""NICD1 can regulate SOX9 by binding to its promoter ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genome-wide analysis of N1ICD/RBPJ targets in vivo reveals direct transcriptional regulation of Wnt, SHH, and Hippo pathway effectors by Notch1""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/stmcls/article-abstract/30/4/741/6415703?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cryobiology / Cancer Biology,MCQ,Enhancing cryopreservation of ex vivo 3D tumor models using vitrification strategies,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.01.679784v1,"October 3, 2025","Researchers determined the efficiency of the cryopreservation protocols, warm vitrification versus slow-freeze, by observing post-cryopreservation tissue viability in comparison with the results from fresh samples. The 2 cancer cell lines in the study are the human-derived ovarian (TOV112D) and prostate (49F). Each cancer cell line was cultured in petri dishes at 80% confluency in complete OSE media. A cell pellet (approximately 2 million cells) was prepared and injected into the lower left or right quadrant of a NOD-SCID (immunodeficient) mouse. The pellet was allowed to grow into a tumor of approximately 1000 mm³. Then, the tumor was harvested and microdissected into 500 ovaloids (microdissected tissue explants - MDTs), each approximately 350 µm in diameter. Then, fresh MDTs were cryopreserved using either slow-freeze method or warm vitrification. For slow-freezing, MDTs were suspended in freezing solution (fetal bovine serum (FBS) mixed with DMSO as a cryoprotective agent (CPA)), and gradually cooled from 25 °C to -80 °C in >90 mins, using a Mr. Frosty container to control the freezing rate. The samples were stored at -80 °C for one week. For warm vitrification, MDTs were pooled into groups of 80 and transferred into cryotubes. The freezing solution is DMETC199 mixed with FBS. Two successive baths of increasing CPAs (DMSO, EG, Sucrose) concentrations were applied inside the tubes (7.5% (v/v) → 15% (v/v)). As much liquid as possible was removed before freezing to maximize direct contact with liquid nitrogen, ensuring sub-second freezing time (37 to -196 °C in less than 1 sec). The cryotubes were stored in a liquid nitrogen tank for one week. The cryopreserved samples were then thawed to measure post-cryopreservation proliferation levels, cell density, and apoptosis levels. Warm vitrification samples were thawed by reversing the initial CPA baths, followed by a final wash in standard culture media. Slow-freeze samples were thawed by simply washing with culture media to remove cryoprotectants. The samples were loaded onto microfluidic platforms purchased from MISO chip (Montreal, Quebec, Canada). The culture medium was the complete OSE medium with antibiotics and FBS. The chips were kept in a humidified chamber inside an incubator at 37 °C and 5% CO2 for 4 days. The proliferation and apoptosis levels were measured through immunofluorescence (IF) staining for Ki-67, and cleaved caspase 3 (CC3) markers, using DAPI as counterstain. Image analysis was performed using VisionmorphTM (Visiopharm, Hørsholm, Denmark), applying a threshold-based method to quantify the area and count of positively stained pixels relative to negative background pixels. All quantitative data obtained from immunohistochemical and immunofluorescent assays were analyzed using One-way ANOVA to assess statistical significance across experimental groups in GraphPad Prism (GraphPad Software, San Diego, CA, USA).","- Quantitative data of the area and count of Ki-67 (proliferation) positively stained pixels relative to negative background pixels (%) of each preservation method (fresh sample, warm vitrification, and slow-freeze), of each cell line (49F and TOV112D). - Quantitative data of the area and count of CC3 (apoptosis) positively stained pixels relative to negative background pixels (%) of each cryopreservation method (fresh sample, warm vitrification, and slow-freeze), of each cell line (49F and TOV112D).","The efficiency of two cryopreservation methods, slow-freeze and warm vitrification, was evaluated by measuring post-cryopreservation proliferation levels and apoptosis levels of microdissected tissue explants (MDTs) derived from 2 cell lines, 49F (ovarian tumor) and TOV112D (prostate tumor), in comparison with the results from the fresh sample cultures. The fresh MDTs of each cell line were cryopreserved by either slow-freeze or warm vitrification for 7 days before being thawed, cultured for 4 days, and subjected to IF staining for Ki-67 (proliferation) and CC3 (apoptosis) markers. Then, image analysis was performed to quantify the area of positively stained pixels relative to negative background pixels, and determine the proliferation level and apoptosis level. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? Note: “A > B” denotes for A significantly (p < 0.05) higher than B; “A = B” denotes for no significant (p > 0.05) differences between A and B. A) Proliferation level of 49F: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification > Slow-Freeze; Apoptosis level of 49F: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification > Slow-Freeze; Proliferation level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification > Slow-Freeze; Apoptosis level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification > Slow-Freeze B) Proliferation level of 49F: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification > Slow-Freeze; Apoptosis level of 49F: Slow-Freeze > Warm Vitrification > Fresh sample; Proliferation level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification > Slow-Freeze; Apoptosis level of TOV112D: Slow-Freeze > Warm Vitrification > Fresh sample C) Proliferation level of 49F: Fresh sample > Slow-Freeze = Warm Vitrification; Apoptosis level of 49F: Fresh sample = Slow-Freeze > Warm Vitrification; Proliferation level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification = Slow-Freeze; Apoptosis level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification = Slow-Freeze D) Proliferation level of 49F: Fresh sample > Slow-Freeze = Warm Vitrification; Apoptosis level of 49F: Warm Vitrification = Slow-Freeze > Fresh sample; Proliferation level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification = Slow-Freeze; Apoptosis level of TOV112D: Warm Vitrification = Slow-Freeze > Fresh sample",C) Proliferation level of 49F: Fresh sample > Slow-Freeze = Warm Vitrification; Apoptosis level of 49F: Fresh sample = Slow-Freeze > Warm Vitrification; Proliferation level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification = Slow-Freeze; Apoptosis level of TOV112D: Fresh sample > Warm Vitrification = Slow-Freeze,"- Given the limited availability of tumor material from surgical or biopsy specimens, microdissected tissue explants (MDTs) from a single tumor sample maintained under microfluidic platforms would enable the study of multiple tailored treatment modalities on representative patient-derived tumor models. - Slow freezing cryopreservation involves a gradual reduction in temperature (typically 1 °C per minute) in the presence of a low concentration of cryoprotectants (CPAs) such as DMSO. - While effective for cell suspensions, slow-freezing is poorly suited to 3D explants due to the incomplete diffusion of cryoprotectant into the core of the 3D tissue explants, leading to ice crystal formation and tissue damage. - Vitrification is the process of inducing a transition from a liquid to an amorphous solid state, preventing crystalline ice formation. It is achieved by a combination of high concentrations of CPAs, which elevate solution viscosity, and ultra-rapid cooling, often via liquid nitrogen immersion.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Given the limited availability of tumor material from surgical or biopsy specimens, microdissected tissue explants (MDTs) from a single tumor sample maintained under microfluidic platforms would enable the study of multiple tailored treatment modalities on representative patient-derived tumor models.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microdissected Tissue vs Tissue Slices—A Comparative Study of Tumor Explant Models Cultured On-Chip and Off-Chip""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/16/4208""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 21, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- While effective for cell suspension, slow-freezing is poorly suited to 3D explants due to the incomplete diffusion of cryoprotectant into the core of the 3D tissue explants, leading to ice crystal formation and tissue damage.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biobanking of patient and patient-derived xenograft ovarian tumour tissue: efficient preservation with low and high fetal calf serum based methods""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/srep14495""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 6, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Vitrification is the process of inducing a transition from a liquid to an amorphous solid state, preventing crystalline ice formation. It is achieved by a combination of high concentrations of CPAs, which elevate solution viscosity, and ultra-rapid cooling, often via liquid nitrogen immersion. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Principles of Cryopreservation by Vitrification""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/protocol/10.1007/978-1-4939-2193-5_2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 14, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,MCQ,Comparative Analysis of the Effects of PSPH and PHGDH Inhibitors on Tumor Cell Proliferation,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.28.650903v1,"Apr 30, 2025","Researchers assessed the correlation between inhibition of serine metabolism and tumour growth. Cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay. HCC-70 and BT-20 cells were grown in DMEM (Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium). All media were supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 100 U/mL penicillin, and 100 mg/mL streptomycin. The cells were seeded into 96-well plates at a density of 5,000 cells per well. After cell attachment, the culture medium was replaced with serine/glycine-free DMEM containing either PSPH or PHGDH inhibitors at final concentrations of 40 or 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125, 0.15625, or 0.07812 μM. After 4 days of treatment, 10 μL of CCK-8 solution was added to each well and incubated at 37 °C for 2 hours. Absorbance was then measured at 452 nm. All experiments were performed in triplicate.","- Cell proliferation was assessed on cell lines (HHC-70 and BT-20) treated with PSPH or PHGDH in DMEM medium lacking serine and glycine using CCK-8 assay. ","Researchers cultured HCC-70 and BT-20 cells in serine and glycine-free DMEM media containing either PSPH or PHGDH inhibitors at final concentrations of 40 or 20, 10, 5, 2.5, 1.25, 0.625, 0.3125, 0.15625, or 0.07812 μM. After 4 days of treatment, 10 μL of CCK-8 solution was added to each well and incubated at 37°C for 2 hours. The absorbance was then measured at 452 nm. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Both PSPH and PHGDH had significant anti-proliferative effects B. PSPH was better at inhibiting cellular proliferation than PHGDH C. The PSPH inhibitors failed to significantly inhibit cell proliferation D. The PHGDH inhibitors had minimal anti-proliferative effects",C. The PSPH inhibitors failed to significantly inhibit cell proliferation,"- Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) converts 3-phosphoglycerate (3PG) to 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate (3PHP). - PHGDH is also involved in several other critical metabolic processes, including one-carbon metabolism, redox homeostasis via NAD⁺/NADH balance, α-KG production, and nucleotide biosynthesis. - PHGDH inhibition has been shown to markedly reduce tumor cell growth in some contexts. - Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) catalyzes the dephosphorylation of p-Ser to produce serine. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH) converts 3-phosphoglycerate (3PG) to 3-phosphohydroxypyruvate (3PHP). ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Serine Metabolic Reprogramming in Tumorigenesis, Tumor Immunity, and Clinical Treatment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2161831323003125?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PHGDH is also involved in several other critical metabolic processes, including one-carbon metabolism, redox homeostasis via NAD⁺/NADH balance, α-KG production, and nucleotide biosynthesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PHGDH: a novel therapeutic target in cancer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s12276-024-01268-1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 01, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PHGDH inhibition has been shown to markedly reduce tumor cell growth in some contexts.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The PHGDH enigma: Do cancer cells only need serine or also a redox modulator?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304383520300501#preview-section-introduction""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 04, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Phosphoserine phosphatase (PSPH) catalyzes the dephosphorylation of p-Ser to produce serine.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Serine Metabolic Reprogramming in Tumorigenesis, Tumor Immunity, and Clinical Treatment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10509429/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 13, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; the primary site cannot be reached.""}]" Biology,"Plant Developmental Biology, Crop Science",MCQ,The lag phase of seed development plays an important role in determining the maximum potential final seed weight in soybean (Glycine max L.),https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.679780v1,"October 7, 2025","An experiment was conducted to investigate how genetic background and resource availability influence early soybean seed development. Researchers selected four maturity group-0 cultivars representing contrasting seed sizes (two small-seeded: C1 and C2; two large-seeded: C3 and C4). Plants were grown under either control conditions (normal multi-pod development) or depodding treatment, where at anthesis all flowers except one marked flower per node on the main stem were removed, along with all flowers on secondary branches. Following this, emerging flowers were continuously eliminated. Lag phase duration was measured as days from open flower until seeds reached 3 mm in length, determined by tracking marked pods every three days and periodically sampling pods to measure seed size. Each cultivar-treatment combination included five replicate plants, and the experiment was performed over three consecutive growing seasons.","- Lag phase duration (days): temporal tracking from anthesis (open flower marking) until pods contained 3 mm seeds (measured via pod dissection and seed measurement); recorded for all four cultivars under both control and depodding conditions ","An experiment was conducted to investigate how genetic background and resource availability influence early soybean seed development. Researchers selected four maturity group-0 cultivars representing contrasting seed sizes (two small-seeded: C1 and C2; two large-seeded: C3 and C4) under two conditions: control (normal multi-pod development) or depodding (all flowers except one per node on the main stem removed at anthesis to eliminate resource competition). The lag phase duration, defined as days from open flower until pods contained 3 mm seeds, was measured for each cultivar under both conditions. Which of the following statements describes the observed results? Select all options that apply. A) Large-seeded cultivars exhibited significantly longer lag phase durations than small-seeded cultivars, regardless of treatment condition. B) Lag phase duration showed a strong positive correlation with final seed weight across all cultivars and treatments. C) Depodding treatment significantly extended lag phase duration compared to control conditions, demonstrating that resource availability modulates early developmental timing. D) The interaction between cultivar and treatment was significant, indicating that small-seeded and large-seeded cultivars responded differently to increased resource availability.","A) Large-seeded cultivars exhibited significantly longer lag phase durations than small-seeded cultivars, regardless of treatment condition. B) Lag phase duration showed a strong positive correlation with final seed weight across all cultivars and treatments.","- The lag phase is a plant developmental stage where embryo cells undergo continuous cell division to form preglobular, globular, and heart shapes, and reach the maximum number of cotyledon. - Since the number of cotyledon cells generated during the lag phase is positively associated with seed weight, the length of the lag phase is hypothesized to show a corresponding positive association with seed weight. - Pod development is a key factor influencing seed growth by encapsulating, protecting and supplying assimilates in developing seeds. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The lag phase is a plant developmental stage where embryo cells undergo continuous cell division to form preglobular, globular, and heart shapes, and reach the maximum number of cotyledon.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Control of Seed Growth in Soya Beans [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1093/oxfordjournals.aob.a086110""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August, 1981""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pod development is a key factor influencing seed growth by encapsulating, protecting and supplying assimilates in developing seeds. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The role of the pod in seed development: strategies for manipulating yield""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2011.03714.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 20, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Since the number of cotyledon cells generated during the lag phase is positively associated with seed weight, the length of the lag phase is hypothesized to show a corresponding positive association with seed weight.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Relationship of Cotyledon Cell Number and Seed Respiration to Soybean Seed Growth""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.2135/cropsci1985.0011183X002500050021x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 1, 1985""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Plant Biology,Free-Format Question,Jasmonate primes plant responses to extracellular ATP,https://doi.org/10.1111/tpj.70514,"October 6, 2025","Researchers analyzed how various plant stress hormones influence extracellular ATP (eATP) signaling differently. eATP-induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ levels after hormonal treatment (50 µM methyl jasmonate [MeJA], 300 µM salicylic acid [SA], 50 µM aminocyclopropane-carboxylic acid [ACC], or 50 µM abscisic acid [ABA]) were measured in transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings expressing the cytosolic calcium reporter apoaequorin, and the Ca²⁺-induced luminescence was recorded. Surface-sterilized and cold-stratified seeds were sown on square plates containing ½-strength Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium (pH 5.8) supplemented with 0.8% (w/v) sucrose, 0.8% (w/v) agar, and 0.5 g L⁻¹ MES. After sowing, the plates were transferred to a 22°C growth chamber with a 12-h light cycle (100–120 µmol photons m⁻² s⁻¹) and grown vertically for 7 days. On the morning of the 8th day, individual seedlings were transferred to single wells of 96-well plates containing the apoaequorin substrate coelenterazine, 2 mM MES buffer (pH 5.7), 10 mM CaCl₂, and the plant stress hormones and incubated overnight in darkness. 100 µM ATP was delivered the next day, and luminescence was monitored. 100 µl of discharge solution (20% ethanol [v/v] and 2 M CaCl₂·7H₂O) was added to each well, and luminescence was recorded for an additional 30 seconds before converting the data to Ca²⁺concentration values.","- Summed cytosolic Ca²⁺-induced luminescence (nM) in Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings expressing apoaequorin across treatments with plant stress hormones (50 µM MeJA, 300 µM SA, 50 µM ACC, 50 µM ABA) and a mock control, followed by ATP-induced bioluminescence.","Transgenic Arabidopsis thaliana seedlings expressing the calcium reporter apoaequorin were used to measure eATP-induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ responses. On the 8th day after germination, individual seedlings were transferred to single wells of 96-well plates containing the apoaequorin substrate coelenterazine, 2 mM MES buffer (pH 5.7), 10 mM CaCl₂, and one of the plant stress hormones (50 µM methyl jasmonate [MeJA], 300 µM salicylic acid [SA], 50 µM aminocyclopropane-carboxylic acid [ACC], or 50 µM abscisic acid [ABA]) or a mock solution and incubated overnight in darkness. The following day, 100 µM ATP was added, and the induced luminescence was recorded. 100 µl of discharge solution (20% ethanol [v/v] and 2 M CaCl₂·7H₂O) was then added to each well, and luminescence was recorded for an additional 30 seconds before converting the data to Ca²⁺concentration values. How would you expect each hormonal treatment to influence the plants’ cytosolic Ca²⁺ response to eATP, as measured by the summed calcium values calculated from the recorded luminescence? ","MeJA treatment enhanced the eATP-induced cytosolic Ca²⁺ response, SA suppressed it, and ABA and ACC showed no significant effect compared to the mock treatment.","- Extracellular ATP (eATP) is a biologically active molecule that is normally maintained at low concentrations outside the cell, where it functions as a signaling molecule mediating processes such as cytosolic Ca²⁺ responses. - Plant hormones like MeJa, SA, ABA and ACC mediate plant responses to environmental queues and influence the plant responses. - Apoaequorin is a photoprotein from _Aequorea victoria_ that requires binding of the coelenterazine substrate to emits light when Ca²⁺ binds. It allows measurement of cytosolic Ca²⁺ changes via luminescence.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Extracellular ATP (eATP) is a biologically active molecule that is normally maintained at low concentrations outside the cell, where it functions as a signaling molecule mediating processes such as cytosolic Ca²⁺ responses.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Identification of a Plant Receptor for Extracellular ATP""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1126/science.343.6168.290""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 17, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Plant hormones such as methyl jasmonate (MeJa), salicylic acid (SA), abscisic acid (ABA), and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC) regulate plant responses to environmental stimuli and stress conditions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Extracellular Nucleotides Elicit Cytosolic Free Calcium Oscillations in Arabidopsis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1104/pp.110.162503""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 29, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Apoaequorin is a photoprotein from _Aequorea victoria_ that requires binding of the coelenterazine substrate to emits light when Ca²⁺ binds. It allows measurement of cytosolic Ca²⁺ changes via luminescence.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Monitoring of intracellular calcium in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with an apoaequorin cDNA expression system""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.88.15.6878""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 1, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,Free-Format Question,"Minor Cannabinoids CBD, CBG, CBN and CBC differentially modulate sensory neuron activation",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.02.680148v1,"October 3, 2025","Researchers prepared primary cultures of adult mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from 8-12 week C57BL/6 (wild type), total TRPV1 knockout (TRPV1-/-), and conditional CB1R knockdown lines (CB1R flox Advillin-Cre or Nav1.8-Cre). Laboratory diet was freely available to mice ad libitum. Lumbar DRGs were dissociated and neurons plated as described previously. Minor cannabinoid stocks cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC) were prepared at a final target concentration of 2 mg/ml (CBD in 1:1 ethanol:water; CBG/CBN/CBC in ethanol; CBC first freed from methanol), stored in glass vials at -20ºC. Stock identity, purity, and concentration were verified by HPLC (agilent 1100; Eclipse Plus C18 4.6x150 mm, 3.5 μm; 210 nm UV; specified isocratic programs; gradient used to assess purity). Immediately before imaging, cannabinoids were diluted into Hank’s buffered salt solution (HBSS) (with Ca²+/Mg²+, 20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4) in glass, loaded into a glass Luer-lock syringe on a syringe pump, and delivered directly to the imaging bath via PEEK tubing to avoid plastic adsorption and time-depending loss; freshly prepared aqueous aliquots and lines were exchanged frequently. Aqueous dosing via this glass-syringe/PEEK were the ones administered to cultured DRG neurons during recordings. For calcium imaging, neurons were loaded with 5 μM Fluo-4AM + pluronic F-127 for 45 min at 37 ºC/5% CO2. Imaging used a Zeiss Axiovert (10x) with Axiocam and Zen Pro software. Cells were perfused with HBSS+HEPES (plus 1% penicilin-streptomycin) at ~2 mL/min at room temperature (~22 ºC). Responders were defined as ΔF/F% ≥ 10%; non-responders to terminal KCl were excluded. Dose-response experiments applied cannabinoids over 0.1-100 μM (log series) during live imaging to quantify ΔF/F% vs concentration. ","- ΔF/F% (Intracellular Ca²+ response) for cannabinoid (cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC)) in cultured mouse DRG neurons (log dose-response curves). - ΔF/F% (Intracellular Ca²+ response) of neurons classified as responders for each mouse line (C57BL/6 and TRPV1-/-) - Soma area (μm²) distribution of responding neurons by cannabinoid (cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC)) - HPLC-verified cannabinoid (cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC)) purity and achieved aqueous-phase concentration.","Harvested adult mouse dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons from 8-12 week C57BL/6 were administered doses of 0.1-100 μM of differents cannabinoids: cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), and cannabichromene (CBC). Cannabinoids stock (2 mg/ml) was previously prepared (CBD in 1:1 ethanol:water; CBG/CBN/CBC in ethanol; CBC first freed from methanol), and stored in glass vials at -20°C. Stock identity, purity, and concentration were verified by HPLC. Administration of cannabinoids was done through dilution into Hank’s buffered salt solution (HBSS) (with Ca²+/Mg²+, 20 mM HEPES, pH 7.4) in glass, loaded into a glass Luer-lock syringe on a syringe pump, and delivered directly to the imaging bath via PEEK tubing. For calcium imaging, neurons were loaded with 5 μM Fluo-4AM + pluronic F-127 for 45 min at 37 ºC/5% CO2, perfused with HBSS+HEPES (plus 1% penicilin-streptomycin) at ~2 mL/min at room temperature (~22 ºC), and recorded through Zeiss Axiovert (10x) with Axiocam and Zen Pro software. Responders were defined as ΔF/F% ≥ 10%; non-responders to terminal KCl were excluded. Predict how the ΔF/F% dose-response curve behavior differs between cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN).","CBD shows an approximately linear increase in ΔF/F% across 0.1-100 μM, whereas CBN exhibits an inverted U-shaped relationship.","- Minor cannabinoids are a diverse set of diterpene-related molecules derived from the plant Cannabis sativa that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. - Sensory neurons are functionally distinguished by their unique properties of activation, typically requiring noxious thermal, chemical and/or mechanical stimuli of sufficient magnitude to activate high threshold receptor / channels expressed on nociceptor terminal. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Minor cannabinoids are a diverse set of diterpene-related molecules derived from the plant Cannabis sativa that have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Systematic review and meta-analysis of cannabinoids, cannabis-based medicines, and endocannabinoid system modulators tested for antinociceptive effects in animal models of injury-related or pathological persistent pain""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8216112/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 15, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Sensory neurons are functionally distinguished by their unique properties of activation, typically requiring noxious thermal, chemical and/or mechanical stimuli of sufficient magnitude to activate high threshold receptor / channels expressed on nociceptor terminal.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The fundamental unit of pain is the cell""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3858489/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 24, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology/Immunology,Numerical Values,Reduced CSF1R expression in myeloid cells has limited impact on chronic lymphocytic leukemia progression,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.680920v1,"Oct 7, 2025","Researchers investigated whether Csf1r (colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor) expression impacts the growth of CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) in a mouse model. Csf1r+/- C57BL6J x C3Heb/FeJ mice were crossed with Eu-TCL1 C57BL/6J mice to create TCL1tg/wt Csf1r+/- (Csf1r haploinsufficient) and control TCL1tg/wt Csf1r+/+ mice. Spleen samples were taken from euthanized mice at 8-10 months old and analyzed via flow cytometry to calculate the percentage of CLL cells. Cells were stained with fluorochrome-conjugated antibodies against CD45+, CD19+, and CD5+ cells. The percentage of CLL cells was calculated relative to total CD45+ leukocytes.","- Percentage of CLL cells (%) in the spleen (CD45+, CD19+, and CD5+ cells relative to total CD45+ leukocytes) in WT vs. Csf1r-haploinsuffient mice.","Researchers investigated whether Csf1r (colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor) expression impacts the growth of CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) in a mouse model. Csf1r+/+ C57BL6J x C3Heb/FeJ mice were crossed with Eu-TCL1 C57BL6J mice to create TCL1tg/wt Csf1r+/- (Csf1r haploinsufficient) and control TCL1tg/wt Csf1r+/+ mice. Spleen samples were taken at 8-10 months from euthanized mice, and the percentage of CLL cells (CD45+, CD19+, and CD5+ cells relative to total CD45+ leukocytes) was determined using flow cytometry. Predict the average percentage of CLL cells expected to be found in the spleen in the Csf1r-haploinsufficient mice. ",42% +/- 5,"- The tumor microenvironment is critical in supporting CLL cell survival. - Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) is critical for the survival, proliferation, and differentiation of mononuclear phagocytes and acts exclusively through the CSF1 receptor (CSF1R). - Preclinical studies have shown that blocking CSF1R can disrupt macrophage support and trigger apoptosis in CLL cells. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The tumour microenvironment is critical in supporting CLL cell survival""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Role of the tumor microenvironment in CLL pathogenesis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0037196323000987?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF1) is critical for the survival, proliferation and differentiation of mononuclear phagocytes and acts exclusively through the CSF1 receptor (CSF1R).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""CSF-1--a mononuclear phagocyte lineage-specific hemopoietic growth factor""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcb.240210206""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1983""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Preclinical studies have shown that blocking CSF1R can disrupt macrophage support and trigger apoptosis in CLL cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Targeting Macrophages Sensitizes Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia to Apoptosis and Inhibits Disease Progression""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(16)30020-1?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2211124716300201%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Febuary 23, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neurobiology / Stem Cell Biology,Numerical Values,The Staufen2 modulates the temporal dynamics of human neurogenesis in vitro,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.02.679988v1.full.pdf,"October 2, 2025","Human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) lines were used to generate STAU2 knockout (KO) and isogenic wild-type (WT) control lines. Functional STAU2 KO lines were produced by deleting exons 7 and 8 of the STAU2 gene using CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing. Following genome editing, cells were plated in mTeSR1 medium supplemented with 10 µM Y-27632 (ROCK inhibitor) and clonally expanded. WT and STAU2 KO hiPSC lines were maintained and subjected to neural induction under identical culture conditions. Cells were maintained in neural induction medium with daily media changes until Day 11 of differentiation. On Day 11, cultures were processed for immunocytochemistry to evaluate neuronal differentiation. Cells were fixed using paraformaldehyde (PFA) and permeabilized with Triton X-100. After blocking in serum-containing buffer, cells were incubated with a primary antibody against the neuronal marker βIII-tubulin (TUBB3), followed by a fluorescent secondary antibody. Nuclei were counterstained with DAPI. Fluorescence imaging was performed using a Carl Zeiss LSM 880 spectral confocal laser scanning microscope (Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Jena, Germany). Image analysis was performed using Fiji/Image J (Wayne Rasband, NIH, USA). Quantification was performed for both WT and STAU2 KO cultures under matched conditions to enable comparison of neuronal differentiation at Day 11. ","- Percentage of TUBB3-positive cells quantified by immunocytochemistry in STAU2 knockout (KO) and isogenic wild-type (WT) cells. - Total cell count per image using DAPI nuclear staining in STAU2 knockout (KO) and isogenic wild-type (WT) cells.","Researchers generated functional STAU2 knockout (KO) human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) using CRISPR/Cas9 to delete exons 7 and 8 of the STAU2 gene. These STAU2 KO lines and their isogenic wild-type (WT) controls were differentiated under identical neural induction conditions. On Day 11 of differentiation, cultures were stained for the neuronal marker TUBB3, and the total cell count and percentage of TUBB3-positive cells was quantified by immunofluorescence. What is the predicted difference (in percentage points) in the proportion of TUBB3-positive cells between STAU2 knockout cultures and wild-type cultures at Day 11?","Δ TUBB3⁺ neurons = [1.7 – 2.1] percentage points, derived from WT = [3.8 %], STAU2 KO = [5.7 %] at Day 11 of neural differentiation. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ± 0.2 pp applied (per Numeric Tolerance Policy).","- The Staufen (Stau) family of double-stranded RBPs is essential for neurogenesis and neuronal function across species - Loss of STAU2 in the developing mouse cortex triggers premature cortical radial glial cells (RGCs) differentiation and mislocalization of key mRNAs such as Prox1 and Trim32 - Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into a wide variety of cortical neuron subtypes in vitro, recapitulating critical stages of human corticogenesis, such as neuroepithelial formation, RGC specification, and neuronal maturation. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Staufen (Stau) family of double-stranded RBPs is essential for neurogenesis and neuronal function across species\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Staufen2 regulates neuronal target RNAs""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24360961/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 26, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Loss of STAU2 in the developing mouse cortex triggers premature cortical radial glial cells (RGCs) differentiation and mislocalization of key mRNAs such as Prox1 and Trim32.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An asymmetrically localized Staufen2-dependent RNA complex regulates maintenance of mammalian neural stem cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22902294/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 5, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can differentiate into a wide variety of cortical neuron subtypes in vitro, recapitulating critical stages of human corticogenesis, such as neuroepithelial formation, RGC specification, and neuronal maturation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cortical neurogenesis from pluripotent stem cells: complexity emerging from simplicity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4386058/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 18, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Biology/Animal Behavior,Free-Format Question,Sleep-wake cycle and behavioral disturbance in a mouse model of frustrative nonreward,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.22.671819v2,"September 29, 2025","Researchers studied how an unexpected reduction in reward value (sucrose) affects mice behavior. Mice were housed in a controlled environment with a 12-h light/dark cycle, at a temperature of 23 ±1 °C, and had ad libitum access to food, water, and nesting material. 16 mice were used for the consummatory reward downshift task. The 16 mice were randomly assigned to the downshift condition and the unshifted control condition, and were connected to dummy boxes of similar shape and weight to the minilogger recording device. They were allowed to habituate to the dummy minilogger a week before experiments started with real miniloggers. Briefly, a sucrose solution (16% concentration for downshifted mice and 2% for unshifted mice) was presented in each animal’s home cage for 1 h by the end of the dark phase. On session 11 (first post-shift session) the 16% sucrose solution was downshifted to 2% sucrose for downshifted animals, to match that of unshifted controls that were always exposed to 2% sucrose. There were 5 post-shift sessions (sessions 11-15) during which both groups had access to 2% sucrose. Continuous video recordings were used to quantify the time spent in the reward zone (third of the cage nearest the sucrose bottle). ","- Video tracking of time spent in the reward zone (1/3 of the cage area closest to the sucrose bottle nozzle) for 1 hr per session (10 pre-shift sessions during which downshifted mice received 16% sucrose and unshifted controls received 2% sucrose, followed by 5 post-shift sessions during which both groups received 2% sucrose).","Behavior of 16 mice were evaluated based on a reduction of rewards, in this case a sucrose solution for 15 days of a consistent light/dark cycle. Eight of these mice were administered 2% sucrose solution for the 15-day duration of the experiment, while the other 8 were administered 16% sucrose solution for 10 days, and then downshifted to 2% for the remaining 5 days. What would you expect to be the difference in time spent in the rewarded zone (if any) among downshifted mice after the third downshift day relative to pre-shift levels?","By the third downshift day, time in the reward zone should be back to roughly pre-shift levels.","- Predictability of a reward can work as a cue to organize activity patterns. - Craving an expected reward can elicit strong anticipatory behavior that can persist after the reward is removed. - Unexpected onmission of a reward can trigger a negative emotional state (frustration).","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Predictability of a reward can work as a cue to organize activity patterns.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Random access to palatable food stimulates similar addiction-like responses as a fixed schedule, but only a fixed schedule elicits anticipatory activation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-54540-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 3, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Craving an expected reward can elicit strong anticipatory behavior that can persist after the reward is removed.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Expectancy for food or expectancy for chocolate reveals timing systems for metabolism and reward.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.ibroneuroscience.org/article/S0306-4522(08)00874-9/abstract""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 31, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Unexpected onmission of a reward can trigger a negative emotional state (frustration).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Frustrative Nonreward: Behavior, Circuits, Neurochemistry, and Disorders""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jneurosci.org/content/44/40/e1021242024""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 2, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology / Cell Biology,Numerical Values,Collagen-Based Tumor Spheroid Model for Investigating Tumor Macrophage Interactions through Extracellular Matrix Remodeling,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.01.679587v1,"October 03, 2025","Researchers developed a 3D collagen-based tumor spheroid model to investigate the impact of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived macrophages on cancer cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) and cancer cell-macrophage interactions within the tumor microenvironment (TME). MDA-MB-231 GFP breast cancer cells were maintained in Dulbecco's modified eagle medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin-glutamine. In order to generate tumor spheroids (TS) the MDA-MB-231 cells were harvested around 70% confluence and resuspended at a density of 1x10^5 cells/mL in culture media with 2.5% Matrigel. 100 µL cell solution was plated into each well of an ultra-low attachment U-bottom 96-well plate, followed by 5 min of centrifugation at 1000 rpm. Tumor spheroids were cultured at 37°C and harvested on Day 5 for experimentation. Human monocytes from healthy donors were purified from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) via a monocyte enrichment negative magnetic selection kit and verified by flow cytometry. The monocytes were cultured in ultra-low attachment plates at a density of 5x10^5 cells/mL RPMI media supplemented with 10% FBS, 1% penicillin-streptomycin, and 60 ng/mL human macrophage colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF). On Day 5, without removing the culture media, an equal volume of fresh media supplemented with 120 ng/mL M-CSF was added into each well. Cells were harvested on day 7 by washing with Dulbecco's phosphate-buffered saline (DPBS) then incubated with 5 mM ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) for 30 minutes at 37 ºC. Once detached, PBMC-derived macrophages were washed with DPBS and centrifuged at 400 xg for 10 min for further experimentation. Tumour invasion was performed under the effect of tumor spheroid conditioned macrophages (TSCM). After harvesting on day 5, TS were transferred to a 3D hydrogel model containing rat tail collagen I, which was buffered with 10X DPBS, neutralized to a pH of 7.4, then diluted to a 2mg/mL concentration, on ice. PBMC-derived macrophages were incubated with CellTrace FarRed (Thermo Fisher, Cat. # C34564) for 20 minutes at room temperature, before being washed with DPBS and added (1x10^5 stained cells) into 130 uL of collagen mixture, per sample. To ensure the TS were suspended in the collagen solution, 50 uL of collagen solution was added to the wells of a 96-well plate and incubated for 5 minutes at 37 ºC then 1 minute at room temperature. Once settled, an additional 80uL of collagen solution was placed on top of the lower layer and a single TS was embedded into the middle of the collagen solution. The plate was incubated at 37 °C for 20 minutes with 180uL of 50% MDA-MB-231 media and 50% macrophage media supplemented with 60ng/mL M-CSF. The wells were fed with this mixture every day for 5 days. The experimental design contained the following groups, prepared according to the previously defined methodology: 1) tumor spheroid without macrophages (TS+/Mφ-), 2) tumor spheroid with macrophages (TS+/ Mφ+), and 3) PBMC-derived macrophages encapsulated in collagen hydrogel (TS-/ Mφ+). To collect the soluble factors secreted by tumor spheroid and macrophages from the collagen hydrogel solution, at day 5, the supernatant was collected and spun at 400xg for 10 minutes at 4 °C to remove cell debris. This supernatant was used with the Proteome Profiler Human Oncology Array (R&D Systems, Cat. # ARY026), according to manufacturer’s instructions. Expression of soluble factors was analyzed by densitometry using ImageStudio Lite 2.2 (Licor). Protein expression was normalized by the total protein amount in the conditioned media, the latter being determined using the BCA protein assay. Fold-changes per protein are expressed using the normalized expression values of the (TS+/ Mφ-) group as the reference (e.g. (TS+/ Mφ-) = 1).","- Fold change of secreted proteins (MMP-9, Cathepsin B, Cathepsin D, Cathepsin S, CCL2, Osteopontin, Galectin-3, and Progranulin) in conditioned medium collected at day 5 from (TS+/Mφ-), (TS+/Mφ+), and (TS-/Mφ+) experimental conditions (Proteome Profiler Human Oncology Array).","Researchers developed a 3D collagen-based tumor spheroid model to investigate cancer cell-macrophage interactions. MDA-MB-231 GFP breast cancer cells embedded in Matrigel (1x10^5 cells/mL) were employed to generate tumour spheroids (TS). TS were transferred to a 3D hydrogel model derived from rat tail collagen I. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)-derived macrophages were incorporated in the collagen hydrogel (1x10^5 cells in 130 uL of collagen) and 3D models were incubated in 50% MDA-MB-231 media and 50% macrophage media supplemented with 60ng/mL M-CSF for 5 days. Experimental groups were: 1) tumor spheroid without macrophages (TS+/Mφ-), 2) tumor spheroid with macrophages (TS+/ Mφ+), and 3) PBMC-derived macrophages encapsulated in collagen hydrogel (TS-/ Mφ+). The conditioned media were analyzed at day 5 for soluble factors secretion (MMP-9, Cathepsin B, Cathepsin D, Cathepsin S, CCL2, Osteopontin, Galectin-3, and Progranulin) using the Proteome Profiler Human Oncology Array (R&D Systems). Protein expression was normalized by the total protein amount in the conditioned media, and fold-changes were calculated in reference to the (TS+/ Mφ-) group. What is the expected fold-change value for Osteopontin (OPN) protein, between the tumor spheroid only (TS+/Mφ-) and the tumor spheroid-macrophage co-culture (TS+/Mφ+)?","Osteopontin (OPN) fold-change (FC) [(TS+/Mφ+)/(TS+/Mφ-)] = 36 - 44. Note, no CI/SE/SD reported → ±10 % fallback applied over the FC value of ~ 40.","- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial players, comprising up to 50% of tumor mass and associated with poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer. - The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support, mediates biochemical signaling, and dynamically interacts with cancer cells to influence tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy. - TAMs enhance cancer cell invasiveness by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process characterized by the loss of cell adhesion and acquisition of migratory and invasive properties. This is mediated by TAM-secreted factors. - Osteopontin, along with other factors, can promote collagen degradation to create a low-resistant ECM. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are crucial players, comprising up to 50% of tumor mass and associated with poor clinical outcomes in breast cancer.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tumor-associated macrophages: unwitting accomplices in breast cancer malignancy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/npjbcancer201525""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 20, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides structural support, mediates biochemical signaling, and dynamically interacts with cancer cells to influence tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to therapy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The evolving tumor microenvironment: From cancer initiation to metastatic outgrowth""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1535-6108(23)00044-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 13, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- TAMs enhance cancer cell invasiveness by inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process characterized by the loss of cell adhesion and acquisition of migratory and invasive properties. This is mediated by TAM-secreted factors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tumor-associated macrophages promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the cancer stem cell properties in triple-negative breast cancer through CCL2/AKT/β-catenin signaling""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://biosignaling.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12964-022-00888-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 17, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Osteopontin, along with other factors, can promote collagen degradation to create a low-resistant ECM and may consequently facilitate cancer cell invasion.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Osteopontin: role in cell signaling and cancer progression""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0962892405003132""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 10, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology/Cell Biology,Numerical Values,VH032 suppresses glioma proliferation by inhibiting the VHL/HIF-1α/VEGF pathway,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12477846/,"Sep 18, 2025","Researchers investigated the effects of the drug VH032 on glioma cell migration by wound healing assay. Human U87MG and U251GBM cell lines were cultured at 5% CO2 atmosphere conditions in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10 % fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1 % antibiotics (streptomycin/penicillin). For wound healing assay, U87MG and U251, at a 80% - 90% confluence of growth, were added onto 6-well plates. Wounds of a similar width were produced in the cell by vertically scratching the plate using a 200 μL tip of a sterile pipette gun. The previous medium was removed, and a fresh serum free medium with IC50 of VH032 was added for each cell (U87MG = 59.2 μM, U251 = 85.07 μM). A blank and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used as controls. Scratched area images in each group were captured with an inverted microscope at 0 and 24 h and area quantification of the wounds healing was determined with the aid of ImageJ software.","- Relative migration rate (%) in glioma cell lines (U87MG and U251) at 0 and 24 hours after the addition of serum-free medium with different reagents (Blank, DMSO, VH032). ","Researchers investigated the effects of the drug VH032 on wound healing by measuring the relative migration rate of human U87MG and U251 cell lines, following injury. Previously, cells were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 1% antibiotics (streptomycin/penicillin) under standard conditions (37 °C, 5% CO2), then at a 80% - 90% confluence they were seeded into 6-well plated, and wounds of similar width were produced in the cell by vertically scratching the plate with a 200 μL tip of a sterile pipette gun. Medium was removed, and a fresh serum free medium with the relative IC50 of VH032 was used (U87MG = 59.2uM, U251 = 85.07). A blank and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used as controls. Area images were captured with an inverted microscope at 0 and 24 hours. Area quantification was determined with ImageJ Software. Following injury, what would you expect the difference in relative migration rate of U87MG cells, in %, before and following 24hrs treatment with VH032?",17.32%-21.16%,"- Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is an E3 ligase that functions primarily as a tumor suppressor gene and plays a crucial role in cancer prevention - VHL is efficacious in cancer treatment, with findings highlighting its anti-tumor activity in ovarian cancer. - VH032 can recruit the VHL protein. The cornerstone of this regulatory effect lies in the ability of VH032 to interact with target protein ligands through linkers to form proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which can serve as multi-target inhibitors. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) is an E3 ligase that functions primarily as a tumor suppressor gene and plays a crucial role in cancer prevention""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""VHL, the story of a tumour suppressor gene""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nrc3844""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 23, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""VHL is efficacious in cancer treatment, with findings highlighting its anti-tumor activity in ovarian cancer.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ultrasound Microbubble-Mediated VHL Regulates the Biological Behavior of Ovarian Cancer Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0301562920304890""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""VH032 can recruit the VHL protein. The cornerstone of this regulatory effect lies in the ability of VH032 to interact with target protein ligands through linkers to form proteolysis-targeting chimeras (PROTACs), which can serve as multi-target inhibitors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Understanding and Improving the Membrane Permeability of VH032-Based PROTACs""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsmedchemlett.0c00265""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 30, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology / Molecular Biology,Numerical Values,The Ubiquitination of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3717 Promotes Proteasomal Degradation of Interleukin Enhancer-Binding Factor,https://doi.org/10.3390/biology14101414,"October 14, 2025","Researchers aimed to investigate the role of Rv3717 in Mycobacterium spp. pathogenicity. For this purpose, the recombinant strains rM.smeg (control) and rM.smeg/Rv3717 (Tg+ Rv3717) were constructed using electroporation of wild-type Mycobacterium smegmatis with pSUM_EGFP and pSUM_Rv3717-EGFP plasmids, respectively. The bacterial suspension was adjusted to an appropriate concentration based on colony-forming units (CFU). The suspension was repeatedly aspirated using a 26G needle syringe and dispersed for 20 min in an ultrasonic cleaner. THP-1 cells were inoculated into 96-well plates with three replicates and differentiated into macrophages (dTHP-1) using 20 ng/mL phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Bacterial suspension was added to each well at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1:100. The cells were incubated for 3 h with mycobacteria and treated using amikacin at a final concentration of 50 μg/mL for 1 h to eliminate extracellular bacteria, and then incubated for 0, 1, 3, and 6 h. The dTHP-1 cells were broken using ddH2O at 37 ºC for 20 min, and the released mycobacterial suspension was calculated in CFU/mL after culture on LB agar. The bacterial clearance rate in dTHP-1 cells during 1, 3, or 6 h was calculated according to (CFU (0 h–1/3/6 h) / CFU 0 h) x 100%.","- Bacterial clearance rate (%): in dHTP-1 cells at 0, 1, 3, and 6h post-infection with rM.smeg and rM.smeg/Rv3717","Researchers aimed to investigate the role of Rv3717 in Mycobacterium spp. pathogenicity. The recombinant strains rM.smeg (control) and rM.smeg/Rv3717 (Tg+ Rv3717) were constructed through transfection of wild-type Mycobacterium smegmatis with pSUM_EGFP and pSUM_Rv3717-EGFP plasmids, respectively. THP-1 cells differentiated into dTHP-1 cells were infected with the recombinant strains at a multiplicity of infection (MOI) of 1:100, incubated for 3 h, treated with amikacin to eliminate extracellular bacteria, and then incubated for 0, 1, 3, and 6 h. After the incubation period, dTHP-1 cells were lysed in water and the bacterial clearance rate was calculated from the released mycobacterial suspension. What is the expected bacterial clearance rate (%) for the rM.smeg/Rv3717 treatment group, after 3h of incubation? ",Ground Truth Answer (GTA): Bacterial clearance rate (rM.smeg/Rv3717; 3h) = 22.5 - 32.5 %. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → ±5 % fallback applied over 27.5 %.,"- Rv3717 has been identified as a peptidoglycan (PG) amidase, playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the mycobacterial cell wall - Rv3717 has been implicated in facilitating bacillary dissemination to the spleen and promoting intracellular survival in murine infection models","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Rv3717 has been identified as a peptidoglycan (PG) amidase, playing a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the mycobacterial cell wall""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3717 on cell division and cell adhesion""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.micpath.2018.02.034""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 17, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Rv3717 has been implicated in facilitating bacillary dissemination to the spleen and promoting intracellular survival in murine infection models""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv3717 enhances the survival of Mycolicibacterium smegmatis by inhibiting host innate immune and caspase-dependent apoptosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.meegid.2020.104412""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 9, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""}]" Chemistry,Polymer Science,Free-Format Question,Ethylene and Alkyl Acrylate Copolymers Made-to-Order Using Dynamic Cation Switching Polymerization and Evidence for Improved Polymer Degradability with Low Polar Group Density,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68c714a13e708a76490f3069,"September 18, 2025","Given these polymers with the average molecular weight of ~20 kg/mol: - polyethylene (PE-1) - ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA-1), containing 0.8 mol% methyl acrylate - ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA-2), containing 1.1 mol% methyl acrylate - ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA-3), containing 1.4mol% methyl acrylate With the proposal of studying their mechanical properties, tensile tests were performed on an Instron Model 5567 equipped with a 1000 N load cell. The tensile bars were held in two clamps and extended at a rate of 10 mm/min at RT until failure. The T-bone tensile specimen (ASTM D638, type V) was made by compression molding using a hydraulic press. Two steel plates in the press were first pre-heated to 200 ℃. The mold was then filled with solid polymer powder and compressed at RT first. The filled mold was then sandwiched between two steel plates and placed between the two pre-heated steel plates. The compression force was ramped up from 5 to 20 tons in three steps. In each step, the force was held for 2 min before the pressure was released. The molds were then cooled to RT using an in-built water-cooling system, taken out, and kept at RT for 30 min. Tensile testing was then performed on the T-shaped molds to determine the strain and stress at break","-Tensile tests, performed on an Instron Model 5567 equipped with a 1000 N load cell. The T-bone tensile specimen (ASTM D638, type V) was made by compression molding using a hydraulic press. ","The following polymers with an average molecular weight of ~20 kg/mol were subjected to tensile tests: - polyethylene (PE-1) - ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA-1), containing 0.8 mol% methyl acrylate - ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA-2), containing 1.1 mol% methyl acrylate - ethylene-methyl acrylate copolymers (EMA-3), containing 1.4mol% methyl acrylate Order from lowest to highest the % elongation at break that these polymers will have. ",% elongation at break: EMA-3 0.995) %CH₄ conversion calculation %C₂⁺ selectivity calculation %C₂⁺ yield calculation Repeatability testing (3+ runs) Carbon balance verification","Predict the C₂⁺ yield (%) achieved when using the 4.6K–Co/Al₂O₃ catalyst under optimal reaction conditions (640°C, atmospheric pressure, CH₄:O₂ = 2:1, 40 mg catalyst, 40 mL min⁻¹ total flow rate) for the oxidative coupling of methane reaction.","8.1%. Note: The fallback applied is +/-5% so any energy value inside the following range is also acceptable: [7.7%, 8.5%].","-Despite its environmental impact, methane is also a valuable raw material for producing more complex and economically essential compounds. Efficient conversion of methane into higher-value chemicals can provide a dual benefit of mitigating climate impact and creating valuable products. -Methane conversion can proceed through two primary pathways: indirect and direct. -Oxidative Coupling of Methane (OCM) has attracted substantial attention as a feasible pathway for directly converting methane to C2+. In the OCM process, methane reacts with molecular oxygen at high temperatures (above 700 °C) to produce these valuable compounds and byproducts, including water, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide. -Early research on OCM explored a range of catalysts, including pure oxides of rare earth, alkaline earth, and transition metals.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Despite its environmental impact, methane is also a valuable raw material for producing more complex and economically essential compounds. Efficient conversion of methane into higher-value chemicals can provide a dual benefit of mitigating climate impact and creating valuable products.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Direct conversion of methane to value-added hydrocarbons using alkali metal-promoted cobalt catalysts""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/ra/d5ra02408k""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 7, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Methane conversion can proceed through two primary pathways: indirect and direct.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Non-oxidative coupling of methane over Mo-doped CeO2\ncatalysts""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pure.tue.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/303912005/1-s2.0-S1872206723644407-main.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 5, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Oxidative Coupling of Methane (OCM) has attracted substantial attention as a feasible pathway for directly converting methane to C2+. In the OCM process, methane reacts with molecular oxygen at high temperatures (above 700 °C) to produce these valuable compounds and byproducts, including water, hydrogen, carbon monoxide, and carbon dioxide.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High-Pressure oxidative coupling of methane on alkali metal catalyst – Microkinetic analysis and operando thermal visualization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://research.tudelft.nl/en/publications/high-pressure-oxidative-coupling-of-methane-on-alkali-metal-catal""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 11, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Early research on OCM explored a range of catalysts, including pure oxides of rare earth, alkaline earth, and transition metals.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Materials Enabling Methane and Toluene Gas Treatment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10820036/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 7, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Materials Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Nonaqueous formation mechanism of zirconium and hafnium oxo clusters,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68c7d21e3e708a76493253b0,"Sep 23, 2025","In order to follow the ester formation over time, a metal block was designed which can hold 20 mL vials. An additional plastic cover was used to minimize temperature fluctuations. The metal block (with cover) was put onto a stirring plate inside a fridge (4◦C) and heated to 15◦C. In a standard Zr12-acetate synthesis, a 20 mL vial was equipped with a septum and cycled three times between argon and vacuum. Zirconium propoxide (2.25 mL, 5 mmol, 1 eq.) was added to the vial, together with dry DCM (5.463 mL). Under stirring, distilled acetic acid (2.287 mL, 40 mmol, 8 eq.) was injected, reaching a total reaction volume of 10 mL and thus a zirconium concentration of 0.5 M. Aliquots were taken during the reaction. For each aliquot, 20 µL was added to 500 µL CDCl3 cooled in brine. Afterwards, the NMR was measured immediately. By integrating the α-CH2 resonance of propoxide and of propyl acetate ester, and considering the known total amount of propyl chains in the reaction mixture, the concentration of ester is calculated.","- Concentration of ester, measured via solution NMR spectroscopy, in M. ","To monitor ester formation over time, a special metal block was designed to hold 20 mL vials, with an additional plastic cover to minimize temperature fluctuations. During the reaction, aliquots were taken and mixed with CDCl3 cooled in brine for immediate NMR measurement. The ester concentration was calculated by integrating the α-CH2 resonance of propoxide and propyl acetate ester, using the known total of propyl chains. What would you expect regarding the ester concentration in the reaction between Zr(OPr)4 and acetic acid? what would you estimate would be the maximum concentration of esters? and what would this imply about the role of esters in cluster formation?",The ester concentration does not exceed 0.67 M (= 1.33 equivalents). The ester is thus exclusively a byproduct of the cluster formation. ,"RBK 1 - Understanding how to use EXAFS and PDF data profiling. As EXAFS measures atomic environment, while PDF profiling is for short to medium range information, both track cluster formation in non-aqueous metal systems. RBK 2 - Observing and identification of Trinuclear intermediates in Zr or Hf clusters. Trinuclear intermediates are made out of three metal atom species formulated during cluster assembly. RBK 3 - Fundamental knowledge of how clusters are structured within Metal Alkoxides. These clusters are put together by OH and directed by ligands. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" Understanding how to use EXAFS and PDF data profiling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Beyond crystallography: the study of disorder, nano crystallinity and crystallographically challenged materials with pair distribution functions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2004/cc/b309577k""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July, 2004""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, part of a journal that requires a purchase or signing up for a subscription. ""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Observing and identification of Trinuclear intermediates in Zr or Hf clusters.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Binding and Reactivity of Copper to R1 and R3 Fragments of tau Protein""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.9b02266""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 10, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, part of a journal that requires a subscription-based payment. ""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fundamental knowledge of how clusters are structured within Metal Alkoxides. \n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Crystal Nucleation in Liquids: Open Questions and Future Challenges in Molecular Dynamics Simulations""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrev.5b00744""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 26, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, accessible to all. ""}]" Chemistry,Environmental Chemistry / Materials Science,Numerical Values,Tuning the surface charge of cellulose super-bridging agents for improved performance during wastewater treatment,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68c8727e9008f1a467b917e2,"September 19, 2025","Recycled cardboard was used as a starting material to prepare a suspension of cellulose fibers. Cardboard was torn into 5 cm pieces and soaked in warm tap water for 5 min before blending for 7 s in a Ninja blender at 40 g/L. The resulting suspension was poured over a 160 μm sieve and rinsed in Milli-Q water for 60 s before excess water was pressed out of the fibers. Cellulose fibers modified with quaternary ammonium groups were obtained by oxidation with (meta)periodate followed by quaternary ammonium functionalization with 2-hydrazinyl-2-oxoethyl)-trimethylazanium chloride (i.e., Girard’s reagent T). First, 5.33 g sodium (meta)periodate (NaIO4) and 15.6 g sodium chloride (NaCl, Thermo Fisher Scientific) were dissolved in 179 mL of deionized (DI) water in a 500 mL flask covered in aluminum foil. Then, 91 g of a blended cardboard slurry (12 g/260 mL DI water, 46 g/L) was added and stirred for 60 min. The reaction was quenched with 3 mL of ethylene glycol (C2H6O), and the resulting oxidized fibers were poured over a 160 μm sieve and rinsed for 10 min in DI water (Pristine fibers). To induce the quaternary ammonium functionalization of cellulose, oxidized fibers underwent a Schiff base reaction with Girard’s reagent T (GT, Thermo Fisher Scientific). Fibers were stirred for 24 h at a ratio of 1 g dry fibers : 4.8 g NaCl : 2 g GT : 320 g DI water with the pH of the suspension adjusted to 4.5 with 1 M HCl. The resulting modified fibers were again washed over a 160 μm sieve and rinsed for 5 min using DI water (Modified fibers). For Jar tests, 10-fold concentrated synthetic wastewater (SWW) was prepared according to OECD guidelines by combining 10 mg of magnesium sulfate heptahydrate (MgSO4 + 7H2O), 20 mg of calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl2 + 2H2O), 35 mg of sodium chloride (NaCl), 0.15 g of urea (Alpha Chemicals), 0.14 g of dipotassium phosphate (K2HPO4), 0.55 g of meat extract, 0.8 g of peptone, and 500 mL of DI water. The concentrated SWW was stirred for 60 min before use and was stored at 4ºC. In jar tests, 25 mL of concentrated SWW was diluted in 225 mL of tap water at room temperature (21ºC), followed by the addition of 350 μL of a silicon dioxide suspension (40 mg SiO2/L, 1-5 μm in size) to raise the initial turbidity to 62 ± 1 NTU. By default, the pH of the SWW was 7.7. Jar tests were conducted in 500 mL glass beakers agitated with a magnetic stir bar at 200 rpm. To start coagulation, aluminum sulfate (alum) (ALS, Kemira Water Solutions Canada, Inc.) was added and mixed for 2 min. Then, anionic polyacrylamide (aPAM, molecular weight > 106 g/mol, anionic charge density < 5%) (Hydrex 3511, Veolia) was added in two equivalent doses one minute apart to prevent floc breakage for a total treatment time of 4 min. For treatment involving fibers, the fibers are added in a single dose, 15 s before the first addition of aPAM. For jar tests meant to elucidate the removal of metals, metal stocks were added to each jar to reach a concentration of 0.5x mg/L of Ni, Fe, and Zn, and 0.05 mg/L of Cr, Pb, and Mn. A 10 mL sample was collected after 30 s and 180 s of settling for metal analysis. Samples were acidified using nitric acid (ThermoFisher Scientific, 67 %) and subsequently digested at 95 °C for 1 h in a DigiPREP (SCP Science). Then, samples were subject to vacuum filtration through hydrophilic Teflon filters (pore size 0.45 μm, Fisherbrand) before injection in an iCAP 6000 series ICP Spectrometer (ThermoFisher Scientific) to determine the concentration of each metal in the sample.","- Metal analysis: for processed samples collected from jar tests (after 30s and 180s of settling) meant to elucidate the removal of metals from all tested groups (Conventional: no fibers; Pristine: 150 mg/L unmodified fibers; Modified: 50 or 150 mg/L modified fibers) (iCAP 6000 series ICP Spectrometer, ThermoFisher Scientific).","Cellulose fibers modified with quaternary ammonium groups were obtained by oxidation with (meta)periodate followed by quaternary ammonium functionalization with 2-hydrazinyl-2-oxoethyl)-trimethylazanium chloride (i.e., Girard’s reagent T). A jar test using synthetic wastewater (SWW) was employed to determine the performance of different treatments (Conventional: no fibers; Pristine: 150 mg/L unmodified fibers; Modified: 50 or 150 mg/L modified fibers) in metal removal from wastewater. Metal stocks were added to each jar to reach a concentration of 0.5x mg/L of Ni, Fe, and Zn, and 0.05 mg/L of Cr, Pb, and Mn. A 10 mL sample was collected after 30 s and 180 s of settling, and analysis of processed samples was performed in an iCAP 6000 series ICP Spectrometer. What is the expected average value (in %) of total metal removal for modified fibers (150 mg/L) after 30 s of settling?",53 - 63%. Note: no CI reported → fallback ±5 pp applied.,"- The coagulation-flocculation process is the most commonly used physicochemical method in wastewater treatment plants. In this process, a hydrolyzing metal coagulant is used in conjunction with a polymeric flocculant to destabilize suspended particles and facilitate floc formation and subsequent settling. - As jar tests are conducted at pH 7.7, most metals in solution form hydroxide precipitates which are removed through enmeshment with growing coagula during coagulation and flocculation in a process known as sweep flocculation. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The coagulation-flocculation process is the most commonly used physicochemical method in wastewater treatment plants. In this process, a hydrolyzing metal coagulant is used in conjunction with a polymeric flocculant to destabilize suspended particles and facilitate floc formation and subsequent settling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Super-bridging fibrous materials for water treatment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41545-022-00155-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 11, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- As jar tests are conducted at pH 7.7, most metals in solution form hydroxide precipitates which are removed through enmeshment with growing coagula during coagulation and flocculation in a process known as sweep flocculation""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Coagulation–flocculation process with metal salts, synthetic polymers and biopolymers for the removal of trace metals (Cu, Pb, Ni, Zn) from municipal wastewater""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10098-017-1481-3""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 7, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by the manuscript.""}]" Physics,"Physics, non-linear optics, nanotechnology",MCQ,Efficient and tunable frequency conversion using periodically poled thin-film lithium tantalate nanowaveguides,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.03162,"May 06, 2025","An experiment is conducted to characterize the thermal properties of a periodically poled thin-film lithium tantalate (PPLT) waveguide. The LT waveguide has a fixed width of 1µm and a thickness of 600nm with a 100nm thick unetched layer. The estimated poling period is 2.75µm at a pump wavelength of 1550nm. The device fabrication commences with the patterning of waveguides, followed by the poling process. A commercial lithium niobate on insulator (LTOI) wafer (supplied by NANOLN) is utilized, consisting of a 600nm-thick z-cut LT thin film on a 2.0µm-thick silicon dioxide (SiO2) layer over a silicon substrate. The bus waveguide pattern is defined using electron beam lithography (EBL) with hydrogen silsesquioxane resist and developed in 25% TMAH for high contrast. An optimized inductively coupled plasma reactive ion etching (ICP RIE) with Ar+ plasma transfers the pattern onto the LT layer. The chip is subsequently immersed in a 3:1 KOH (40%): H2O2 (30%) solution for 3 hours at 40 °C to remove redeposition generated by dry etching. For the poling process, nickel (Ni) finger electrodes are first deposited on the LT waveguides through EBL and liftoff processes. The chip is heated to 250 °C on a copper plate and then subjected to three 400V, 120ms pulses via a probe. The bus waveguide is ultimately tapered to a width of 3µm at both facets to improve the fiber-to-chip coupling efficiency. For second-harmonic generation (SHG), a tunable telecom laser (Santec TSL570) serves as the pump source, with a fiber polarization controller (FPC) ensuring that the on-chip pump light is aligned to the TM polarization. The telecom (IR) and near-visible (Nvis) outputs are separated using a wavelength division multiplexer (WDM) and subsequently measured by the corresponding photodetectors (PD). The device is placed on a thermoelectric cooler, and its temperature is precisely controlled and varied over a range from $30^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ to $100^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$, with the measured temperature-dependent cavity resonant wavelength. ","- The peak wavelength of the second-harmonic generation (SHG) spectrum as a function of the waveguide's temperature. - The absolute conversion efficiency of the SHG process as a function of on-chip pump power. - The temperature-dependent resonant wavelength shift of a separate microring resonator device.","An experiment is conducted to characterize the thermal properties of a periodically poled thin-film lithium tantalate (PPLT) waveguide. The LT waveguide has a fixed width of 1µm and a thickness of 600nm with a 100nm thick unetched layer. The estimated poling period is 2.75µm at a pump wavelength of 1550nm. The bus waveguide is ultimately tapered to a width of 3µm at both facets to improve the fiber-to-chip coupling efficiency. For second-harmonic generation (SHG), a tunable telecom laser serves as the pump source, with a fiber polarization controller (FPC) ensuring that the on-chip pump light is aligned to the TM polarization. The device is placed on a thermoelectric cooler, and its temperature is precisely controlled and varied over a range from $30^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$ to $100^{\circ}\mathrm{C}$, with the measured temperature-dependent cavity resonant wavelength. From the experiment, predict which of the following outcomes most accurately describes the observed phenomenon of the peak wavelength for efficient second-harmonic generation (SHG)? a) The peak wavelength shows a nonlinear temperature dependence, exhibiting a red shift. b) The peak wavelength is mainly independent of temperature, with no observable shift over the 30–100°C range. c) The peak wavelength exhibits a strong linear dependence on temperature, with a blue shift. d) The peak wavelength demonstrates a strong linear dependence on temperature, resulting in a broad red shift.","c) The peak wavelength exhibits a strong linear dependence on temperature, with a blue shift.","- TFLN has certain limitations, like a low optical damage threshold and a strong photorefractive effect, restricting its performance under high power. - TFLT demonstrates an enhanced optical damage threshold, a broader transparent window, and a lower birefringence, further enhancing its potential for devices such as electro-optic modulators, frequency converters, and optical switches. - SHG devices based on intermodal phase-matching and periodically poled lithium tantalate on x-cut have already been developed, showcasing its promise for nonlinear photonic applications.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""TFLN has certain limitations like low optical damage threshold and strong photorefract effect, restricting its performance under high power.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Erbium doping of lithium niobate on insulator using low-temperature ion exchange""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/ome/fulltext.cfm?uri=ome-14-1-157""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 15, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 28 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""TFLT demonstrates an enhanced optical damage threshold, a broader transparent window, and a lower birefringence, further enhancing its potential for devices such as electro-optic modulators, frequency converters, and optical switches. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Lithium tantalate photonic integrated circuits for volume manufacturing""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-07369-1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 8, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 29 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SHG devices based on intermodal phase-matching and periodically poled lithium tantalate on x-cut have already been developed, showcasing its promise for nonlinear photonic applications.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Continuous-wave second-harmonic generation of green light in periodically poled thin-film lithium tantalate""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-50-4-1125""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 3, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 33 in the paper""}]" Chemistry,Nanoscience / Photoelectrochemistry,Numerical Values,"A feasible, low temperature production of germanium nanowires: a photoelectrochemical study ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68ca71d43e708a7649a87938,"September 22, 2025","Germanium nanowires (GeNWs) were prepared using thermal CVD of GeH₄ (Union Carbide, 98%) on copper substrates (Provetro, 99.99%). Substrates were first cleaned with No. 1200 abrasive paper, followed by ultrasonic cleaning in acetone (Lachner, 99.98%), dried with a heat gun, and placed into a glass tube with an inner diameter of 14 mm that was evacuated with a rotary pump to 5–10 Pa. The furnace was heated at a ramp rate of 10 °C/min until reaching 180, 220, 280, or 330 °C, at which point germane was allowed to pressurize the tube to 30 kPa, and pyrolysis lasted 60 minutes, after which the tube was removed and cooled naturally to room temperature. Photoelectrochemical characterization was conducted using cyclic voltammetry in a two-electrode system, where the GeNW sample served as the working electrode, high-purity nickel (>99.99%) as the counter electrode, and 0.1 M aqueous K₂HPO₄ (pH ≈ 8.1) as the electrolyte. Measurements were performed at 22 °C using a Biologic SP-150e potentiostat, scanning from –2.0 to –0.6 V at 10 mV/s, recording 20 cycles and averaging the last 7 cycles. Illumination was provided by a solar light simulator Oriel LCS-100 positioned 5 ± 0.1 cm from the sample with an intensity of ~5 Sun.","- Cyclic voltammetry (CV) (I [mA] vs E [V]) measured with a Biologic SP-150e potentiostat for Ge/Cu samples grown at 180–330 °C, scanned from –2.0 to –0.6 V under dark and illuminated (~5 Sun) conditions, using a two-electrode setup in 0.1 M K₂HPO₄ (pH ≈ 8.1) at 22 °C. - Photocurrent (I [mA]) measured with a Biologic SP-150e potentiostat for Ge/Cu samples grown at 180–330 °C, scanned from –2.0 to –0.6 V under dark and illuminated (~5 Sun) conditions, using a two-electrode setup in 0.1 M K₂HPO₄ (pH ≈ 8.1) at 22 °C.","Germanium nanowires (GeNWs) were synthesized via thermal CVD on copper substrates (99.99% purity) at 180, 220, 280, and 330 °C using germane (GeH₄, 98%) at 30 kPa for 60 min under 5–10 Pa pressure. Cyclic voltammetry (I [mA] vs E [V]) was measured with a Biologic SP-150e potentiostat in a two-electrode setup (GeNW/Cu working, Ni counter) using 0.1 M K₂HPO₄ electrolyte (pH ≈ 8.1) at 22 °C, scanned from –2.0 to –0.6 V under dark and illuminated (~5 Sun) conditions. Under illumination, what is the predicted photocurrent (in mA) at –1.2 V for the GeNWs grown at 220 °C?","Photocurrent (I)= 0.25 ± 0.2 mA, for 220 ºC and -1.2V at illuminated conditions Note: confidence/standard error not reported → fallback uncertainty ± 0.2 mA applied.","- GeNW: Germanium nanostructures, most commonly germanium nanowires, synthesized by a variety of deposition techniques - CVD method: GeNWs are grown on molten metal nanodroplets; the process is simple but causes unwanted metal doping that cannot be fully removed. - Cyclic voltammetry (CV): is the electrochemical method used to record current–potential (I–E) curves of GeNW samples under dark and illuminated (~5 Sun) conditions using a two-electrode setup. - Photocurrent (I): measurable current generated upon illumination, arising from electron–hole pairs created in germanium by photons with energy above its bandgap; these carriers are separated at the semiconductor electrolyte interface and drive redox reactions, making photocurrent a key performance metric.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- CVD method: GeNWs are grown on molten metal nanodroplets; the process is simple but causes unwanted metal doping that cannot be fully removed.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Growth, Thermodynamics, and Electrical Properties of Silicon Nanowires†""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/cr900141g""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 13, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,"Polymer Chemistry (ring-opening polymerization, organocatalysis & kinetics)",Numerical Values,Ureate anion-catalyzed ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of CO2-derived lactones: rapid catalysis through pKa matching,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6887985423be8e43d66ebd05,"July 30, 2025","Researchers investigated ureate-anion–catalyzed ROP of DEtP under neat conditions at 25 °C using U2 urea (1 mol %), KHMDS (1 mol %), and 1,4-benzenedimethanol (BDM, 1 mol %). To quantify impurity effects, rigorously purified DEtP was doped with defined 2-ethylheptanoic acid (EHA) loadings of 0.00, 0.10, 0.50, 0.75, and 1.00 mol % while other components and temperature were held constant.","-Monomer conversion vs time tracked by ¹H NMR for DEtP under fixed catalyst/base/initiator loadings at 25 °C. -Pseudo–first-order rate constant k_obs (min⁻¹) obtained from the slope of ln([DEtP]ₜ/[DEtP]₀) vs time. -Focus condition for the prediction task: EHA = 0.10 mol % (others 1 mol %).","Under neat conditions at 25 °C with U2 (1 mol%), KHMDS (1 mol%), and 1,4-benzenedimethanol initiator (BDM, 1 mol%) for DEtP ring-opening polymerization, the monomer was deliberately doped with 0.10 mol % 2-ethylheptanoic acid (EHA). What single value did the authors report for the pseudo-first-order rate constant ​k_{obs} (in min⁻¹) under this 0.10 mol % EHA condition?","k_{obs} for DEtP ROP at 0.10 mol % EHA (U2 1 mol %, KHMDS 1 mol %, BDM 1 mol %, 25 °C, neat) = 0.11 min⁻¹, accept 0.10–0.12 min⁻¹.","-ROP monitoring by ¹H NMR: Conversion is calculated from relative integrals of monomer vs polymer resonances in the ¹H NMR spectrum. -Definition of k_obs: The pseudo–first-order rate constant is obtained from the slope of ln([DEtP]ₜ/[DEtP]₀) vs time (units reported per table: h⁻¹ in Table 1; min⁻¹ in Table 2). -pKₐ matching concept (urea/base): Rates increase as urea pKₐ approaches the base’s pKₐ-H; this mirrors prior Waymouth reports on (thio)urea-catalyzed ROP cited in the paper. -Referenced acidity/basicity values used by authors: Urea pKₐ range (13.8–26.9 in DMSO) and base pKₐ-H values (KHMDS 25.8; KOtBu 32.2; KO(CF₃)tBu 21.9; KBHT 16.8) are explicitly listed. -Initiation & role of BDM under standard conditions: Standard kinetic studies use 1 mol % each of urea, base, and BDM initiator; MALDI-TOF evidences BDM initiation under U2/KHMDS. -Acid impurity (EHA) inhibition & provenance: Trace EHA from EVP→DEtP hydrogenation inhibits anionic ROP; the manuscript cites Behr et al. for EHA formation and shows that 0.75 mol % drastically slows, and ≥1.00 mol % suppresses, polymerization.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-pKₐ matching concept (urea/base): Rates increase as urea pKₐ approaches the base’s pKₐ-H; this mirrors prior Waymouth reports on (thio)urea-catalyzed ROP cited in the paper.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Organic Ring-Opening Polymerization Catalysts: Reactivity Control by Balancing Acidity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.macromol.8b00540""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 4, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Referenced acidity/basicity values used by authors: Urea pKₐ range (13.8–26.9 in DMSO) and base pKₐ-H values (KHMDS 25.8; KOtBu 32.2; KO(CF₃)tBu 21.9; KBHT 16.8) are explicitly listed.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Acidity measurements on pyridines in tetrahydrofuran using lithiated silylamines""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/jo00217a050""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Agust 1, 1985""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Acid impurity (EHA) inhibition & provenance: Trace EHA from EVP→DEtP hydrogenation inhibits anionic ROP; the manuscript cites Behr et al. for EHA formation and shows that 0.75 mol % drastically slows, and ≥1.00 mol % suppresses, polymerization.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Homogeneous and heterogeneous catalyzed three-step synthesis of 2-ethylheptanoic acid from carbon dioxide, butadiene and hydrogen""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1381116902001905""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 9, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalld""}]" Physics,Physics/Nuclear Physics,Numerical Values,"Measurement of 3,4He(K−,π0)3,4 Λ Hreaction cross section and evaluation of hypertriton binding energy",https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.16967,"September 21, 2025","Researchers investigated the production of light hypernuclei (³ΛH and ⁴ΛH) via the in-flight (K⁻, π⁰) reaction on liquid ³He and ⁴He targets to determine the hypertriton binding energy. A 1.0 GeV/cK⁻ beam was directed onto cryogenic ³He and ⁴He targets at J-PARC's K1.8BR beam line. The setup included a timing counter (To), a beam profile chamber (BPC), a liquid-helium cryostat, a forward PbF₂ Cerenkov calorimeter for γ-ray detection from π⁰ decay, and a cylindrical detector system composed of a solenoidal magnet, drift chamber, and detector hodoscope to detect π⁻ from hypernuclear weak decay. The (K⁻, π⁰) events were identified using a K⁻ beam and γ-forward trigger, requiring a γ-ray signal in the calorimeter and no veto signal. The ⁴He and ³He data were extracted under identical conditions, with a target temperature of 2.6 - 2.9 K. This configuration enabled simultaneous detection of neutral and charged decay products, allowing precise determination of the (K⁻, π⁰) reaction cross sections and hypertrition binding energy.","- γ-ray energy recorded by the PbF₂ Cerenkov calorimeter to identify π⁰ decays from the (K⁻, π⁰) reaction. - π⁻ momentum measured by the cylindrical drift chamber within the CDS to reconstruct mesonic weak decay of ³ΛH and ⁴ΛH. - Beam particle timing obtained from the timing counter to synchronize the incident K⁻ beam with detector response. - Energy deposition in the calorimeter and veto counters used to discriminate γ-ray events and suppress background signals. - Target temperature and pressure are continuously monitored to maintain stable liquid ³He and ⁴He densities during data collection. - Decay vertex position reconstructed from the intersection of K⁻ and π⁻ tracks in the CDC to identify hypernuclear decay events. ","Researchers aimed to study the decay of hypernuclei ⁴ΛH; decay points (π⁻) are detected using a tracking system combined with a time-of-flight detector. To minimize contamination from muons, events are selected with mass-squared M² ≥ 0.015 (GeV/c²)², where M² is determined from the momentum and TOF measurements. Based on the above setup and selection criteria, what is the estimated efficiency percentage for π⁻?",94.5%-95.1%,"- Hypernuclei are produced via the in-flight (K$^-$, $\pi^0$) reaction at a forward angle. A u-quark in the target proton is replaced by an s-quark, thereby converting the participant proton into a Λ hyperon. - The production of $^{3,4}_\Lambda$ hypernuclei can be identified effectively by also considering the subsequent mono-energetic pions from $^{3,4}_\Lambda$H → $^{3,4}$He + $\pi^-$ two-body mesonic weak decay. - After event selection, the $\pi^-$ momentum spectra can be fundamentally described by two major components: the quasifree production of hyperons (Λ, Σ) and the events of MWD of hypernuclei. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The production of $^{3,4}_\\Lambda$ hypernuclei can be identified effectively by also considering the subsequent mono-energetic pions from $^{3,4}_\\Lambda$H → $^{3,4}$He + $\\pi^-$ two-body mesonic weak decay.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Precise lifetime measurement of H hypernucleus using in-flight 4He H reaction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2023.138128""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 10, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, cited as reference 8 (prior work from the authors).""}]" Physics,Nuclear Physics / Particle Physics,MCQ,Features of the EAR2 neutron beam following the spallation target upgrade at the n_TOF facility at CERN,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.00042,"April 29, 2025","Researchers characterized the EAR2 neutron beamline at CERN's n_TOF facility after installing a new spallation target. The previous target consisted of a monolithic solid lead cylinder, which limited cooling efficiency and neutron yield uniformity. The current design consists of a segmented solid lead spallation target, featuring a dedicated flat lead wedge to improve proton beam impact distribution and neutron moderation. This configuration, with a water moderator, a vacuum line window, collimators (small: 21.8 mm inner diameter, big: 60 mm inner diameter), and a beam dump was intended to enhance neutron flux. Neutron flux was measured using SiMon2 (with 6Li), MGAS (with 10B and 235U), and PPACMon (with 235U and 238U) detectors. Using PPACMon, the spatial beam profile was measured at a flight path of 19.95 meters. Resonance capture measurements with C6D6 scintillator detectors for 197Au(n,γ) and 56Fe(n,γ) were used to verify energy resolution and validate flux characterization.","- Neutron flux measured with SiMon2 - Resonance structures in 197Au(n,γ) and 56Fe(n,γ) reactions - Beam interception factor for samples of different diameters - Beam profile recorded by PPACMon at 19.95 m with 1.5 mm resolution. - γ-flash timing is used to define neutron TOF and energy calibration. - Target temperature, vacuum, and alignment kept stable during data collection. ","After installation of a segmented lead spallation target with a flat wedge at CERN’s n_TOF EAR2 beamline, researchers conducted a complete characterization of the neutron beamline using SiMon2 (6Li), MGAS (10B and 235U), and PPACMon (235U and 238U) detectors. The setup included a water moderator, vacuum window, and two collimators (21.8 mm and 60 mm inner diameters) along a 19.95 m flight path. Resonance capture studies in 197Au(n,γ) and 56Fe(n,γ) were used to validate energy-dependent flux and time-of-flight resolution. Based solely on these measurements and the described configuration, which of the following interpretations is most consistent with the observed neutron beam behavior? A. The segmentation and wedge likely improved proton impact uniformity and moderated neutrons more efficiently in water, resulting in some increase in low-energy flux below ~10 keV and a slightly smoother energy-dependent flux profile across detectors, with resonance sharpness in 197Au and 56Fe largely preserved. B. The segmentation and wedge likely improved proton impact uniformity and moderated neutrons more efficiently in water, resulting in some increase in low-energy flux below ~10 keV and a slightly smoother energy-dependent flux profile across detectors, but low-energy flux may actually be slightly overestimated due to detector sensitivity biases. C. The segmented target combined with the wedge slightly increased neutron flux in the sub-10 keV region and maintained time-of-flight resolution; resonance spectra in 197Au and 56Fe appear consistent with improved moderation, with only minor deviations in flux homogeneity across the beam profile. D. The segmented target and wedge slightly increased low-energy flux in the sub-10 keV region and generally maintained time-of-flight resolution; resonance peaks in 197Au and 56Fe appear largely consistent with improved moderation, although minor variations in flux across the beam profile may have slightly affected some low-energy resonance intensities.","A. The segmentation and wedge likely improved proton impact uniformity and moderation efficiency in water, resulting in generally enhanced low-energy flux below ~10 keV and a smoother energy-dependent flux profile across detectors, with resonance sharpness in 197Au and 56Fe largely preserved.","- Neutron flux is the number of neutrons per proton pulse integrated over the spatial profile of the neutron beam arriving at the experimental area. - A spallation target is a heavy metal target where high-energy protons collide with nuclei to produce neutrons through spallation reactions. - The n_TOF facility is a neutron time-of-flight facility at CERN used for measuring neutron-induced cross sections. - EAR2 is the second experimental area at n_TOF, located 20 m above the spallation target. - By absorbing neutrons outside of a predetermined path, collimators help to shape the neutron beam. - Peaks at particular energies that aid in characterizing the neutron beam are known as resonance structures in neutron capture reactions. - The Facility's capacity to discriminate between neutrons with varying energies is referred to as energy resolution.", Physics,Optics ,MCQ,Observation of resonant doublet and variable finesse in a tabletop meter-scale linear three-mirror cavity,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.03416,"May 06, 2025","The experiment used a linear three-mirror Fabry–Perot cavity of 1.00 m total length, divided symmetrically into two 0.50 m sub-cavities. Mirrors M₁–M₃ were dielectric Laseroptiks mirrors with reflectivity R=90±2 and outer-mirror radii of curvature of 1 m. The central mirror (M₂) was fixed; M₁ and M₃ were mounted on Piezoconcept HS1 piezo stages providing 10 µm travel (1 µm V⁻¹ calibration). A Coherent Mephisto S laser at 1064 nm illuminated the cavity, mode-matched by a two-lens telescope. Transmitted light was detected with a silicon photodiode and digitized on a Teledyne LeCroy HDO6401 oscilloscope. The cavity operated in air on an actively damped optical table. Lengths were scanned by driving the two piezos in opposite directions using identical and simultaneous displacement ramps, causing simultaneous expansion/contraction of the sub-cavities. Transmission peaks were recorded to determine resonance splitting and finesse variation.","- The transmission spectrum of the symmetric three-mirror cavity as a function of the sub-cavity length scan. - The relative amplitudes of the two peaks within the observed resonant doublets. - The spectral widths of the two peaks within the observed resonant doublets.","In order to study resonance frequency splitting, researchers devised a linear three-mirror Fabry-Perot cavity of 1.00 m total length, divided symmetrically into two 0.5 m sub-cavities. The position of the non-central mirrors at each end was adjusted by piezo stages providing 10 µm travel. A coherent 1064 nm source illuminated the cavity, and was recorded by a photodiode and digitalized on an oscilloscope. The length of the sub-cavities was changed simultaneously by equal amounts in opposite directions. Based on this setup, what pattern was observed in the splitting of the resonance? A) The two peaks within a doublet were virtually symmetrical. B) The two peaks within a doublet exhibited a random and fluctuating asymmetry in their amplitudes. C) The two peaks within a doublet consistently exhibited a systematic asymmetry in their amplitudes, with the first peak always being higher than the second. D) The two peaks within a doublet consistently exhibited a systematic asymmetry in their amplitudes, with the second peak always being higher than the first. ",B) The two peaks within a doublet exhibited a random and fluctuating asymmetry in their amplitudes. ,"- The first sub-cavity in the three-mirror system can be interpreted as a virtual mirror, whose effective reflection and transmission coefficients vary with its tuning. - The reflectivity and transmissivity of the virtual mirror M′1 correspond to those of the Fabry-Perot cavity formed by M1 and M2. - The symmetry is reflected in terms of peak width, amplitude, and spacing with respect to the central resonance condition. - The linear three-mirror cavity configuration exhibits two key features of interest: the splitting of its resonant peak into a doublet and its functional equivalence to a two-mirror cavity with variable finesse.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The first sub-cavity in the three-mirror system can be interpreted as a virtual mirror, whose effective reflection and transmission coefficients vary with its tuning.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent advances toward mesoscopic quantum optomechanics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/avs/aqs/article-abstract/5/1/014403/2879040/Recent-advances-toward-mesoscopic-quantum?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 3, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 14 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The linear three-mirror cavity configuration exhibits two key features of interest: the splitting of its resonant peak into a doublet and its functional equivalence to a two-mirror cavity with variable finesse.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Experimental demonstration of the use of a Fabry–Perot cavity as a mirror of variable reflectivity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/rsi/article-abstract/65/4/799/359752/Experimental-demonstration-of-the-use-of-a-Fabry?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 1, 1994""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 13 in the paper""}]" Physics,Physics/Non-linear dynamics,MCQ,Parametric resonance and nonlinear dynamics in a coupled double-pendulum system,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.08509,"September 10, 2025","Researchers investigated the nonlinear dynamics and parametric resonance phenomena in a collision-coupled double pendulum system (Lato Lato 2.0) to experimentally validate theoretical predictions derived from Lagrangian mechanics. A reciprocating motor with adjustable frequency and amplitude was employed to provide vertical sinusoidal driving to the common pivot of two pendulums through a connecting rod and square piston guide that constrained motion to a single vertical plane. Each pendulum consisted of a rigid light rod (length 0.245 m, ~1/10 of total mass) made with bicycle spokes sheathed with hollow thin steel tubes, and a steel ball (mass 0.10644 kg) connected by low-friction hinges at the pivot to allow smooth oscillation and collision. The driving frequency (ω) and amplitude (A₀) were varied to explore resonance behavior across different frequency ratios (ω/ω₀ = 1.5–3.0). A high-speed video acquisition system recorded the angular motion of the pendulum balls, and image analysis software was used to extract time-resolved displacement and damping data. The damping coefficient was determined from free-decay measurements by fitting the upper envelope of the oscillation curve. ",- Time series of each pendulum angle recorded by high-speed video analysis,"Researchers studied the maximum stabilized angle of a Lato Lato 2.0 coupled double pendulum. This pendulum comprised two 0.10644 kg steel balls connected through 0.245 m rigid rods to an axle indirectly attached to the base of a square piston. The piston was driven by a reciprocating motor of adjustable amplitude and frequency and provided near-perfect vertical sinusoidal motion. The maximum steady-state angular displacement (in degrees) (y-axis) vs the ratio of driving frequency vs natural frequency (ω/ω_0) (x-axis) was plotted for four different driving amplitudes A_0 = 0.0172m, A_0 = 0.0280m, A_0 = 0.0367m and A_0 = 0.0415m for ω/ω_0 spanning ~1.0 to ~3.0. Which of the following outcomes is most likely observed? A. All four driving amplitudes display one resonance peak in the ω/ω_0 = 1.9-2.1 range. B. The two smaller driving amplitudes display two distinct peaks in the ω/ω_0 = 2.4-2.9 range C. The peaks shift to higher ratios as the driving amplitude increases. D. No discernible peaks are observed in the ω/ω_0 = 1.0-2.0 range.",D. No discernible peaks are observed in the ω/ω_0 = 1.0-2.0 range.,"- The solution to the equation of motion of the damped, rigid pendulum shows oscillatory amplitude growth that eventually saturates due to the transition to a non-linear regime. - In other systems, such as discrete time crystals, parametric resonance occurs at driving frequencies that are integer multiples of the natural frequency.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The solution to the equation of motion of the damped, rigid pendulum shows oscillatory amplitude growth that eventually saturates due to the transition to a non-linear regime.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A magnetic pendulum for demonstrating Mathieu-type parametric resonance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6404/ad91fb""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 9, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited as reference 28 in the main article.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In other systems, such as discrete time crystals, parametric resonance occurs at driving frequencies that are integer multiples of the natural frequency.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Discrete Time Crystals: Rigidity, Criticality, and Realizations""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.030401""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 18, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited in the main article as reference 6.""}]" Physics,High energy particle physics,Free-Format Question,Measurement of muon neutrino induced charged current interactions without charged pions in the final state using a new T2K off-axis near detector WAGASCI-BabyMIND.,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.07814,"September 09, 2025","The experiment was carried out using the T2K muon-neutrino beam produced at J-PARC. Protons of 30 GeV struck a graphite target, and the resulting secondary particles, mainly pions, were focused by magnetic horns before decaying in a 96 m decay pipe to produce a muon-neutrino flux. The WAGASCI-BabyMIND detector was positioned at an off-axis angle of 1.5°, where the neutrino flux peaked at approximately 0.7 GeV. The integrated detector system combined several modules: WAter Grid And SCIntillator (WAGASCI) modules serving as water targets, a Proton Module made of hydrocarbon, two Wall Muon Range Detectors for angular coverage, and the BabyMIND magnetized iron spectrometer for muon charge and momentum measurements. The fiducial mass of the targets was 229 kg of H₂O and 62 kg of CH in WAGASCI, and 313 kg of CH in the Proton Module. Each sub-detector was constructed from plastic scintillator bars with wavelength-shifting fibers coupled to multi-pixel photon counters. The BabyMIND detector incorporated alternating magnetized iron planes and scintillator planes to track muons and determine their charge sign. The full dataset analyzed corresponded to 2.96 × 10²⁰ protons on target accumulated since 2018.","- Flux-integrated total cross section per nucleon for νμ CC0π interactions on hydrocarbon (CH). - Flux-integrated total cross section per nucleon for νμ CC0π interactions on water (H₂O). - Differential cross section as a function of muon momentum (pμ). - Differential cross section as a function of muon angle (cosθμ).","Using the off-axis (1.5°) T2K νμ beam (flux peak ≈0.7 GeV) and the WAGASCI–BabyMIND detector on H₂O and CH targets, and noting that at these energies CC0π interactions are dominated by quasi-elastic νμ + n → μ⁻ + p on neutrons (so free hydrogen protons in CH do not contribute to νμ CC0π per nucleon), state in one short phrase whether the flux-integrated total CC0π cross section per nucleon is expected to be higher on H₂O than on CH, lower, or comparable within typical experimental uncertainties. ","Comparable within typical experimental uncertainties ","- Muon-neutrino charged-current interactions (νμ CC): Muon neutrinos interact via the weak force, producing muons in CC events. This is fundamental to oscillation physics. - CC0π event definition: CC0π refers to charged-current interactions where no charged pion is observed in the final state, a key category in neutrino cross-section measurements. - Detector technology (WAGASCI-BabyMIND): The detector system uses water and hydrocarbon modules with plastic scintillators, MPPC readouts, and a magnetized spectrometer to measure muon kinematics. - Systematic modeling with event generators (NEUT): NEUT is a neutrino–nucleus interaction generator used in T2K to estimate efficiencies and systematics.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Muon-neutrino charged-current interactions (νμ CC): Muon neutrinos interact via the weak force, producing muons in CC events. This is fundamental to oscillation physics.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The T2K Experiment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1106.1238""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 7, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CC0π event definition: CC0π refers to charged-current interactions where no charged pion is observed in the final state, a key category in neutrino cross-section measurements.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""First measurement of the ν_μ charged-current cross section without pions in the final state on a water target""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1708.06771""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 22, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Detector technology (WAGASCI-BabyMIND): The detector system uses water and hydrocarbon modules with plastic scintillators, MPPC readouts, and a magnetized spectrometer to measure muon kinematics.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Baby MIND: A magnetised spectrometer for the WAGASCI experiment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1704.08079""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 26, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Systematic modeling with event generators (NEUT): NEUT is a neutrino–nucleus interaction generator used in T2K to estimate efficiencies and systematics.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The NEUT Neutrino Interaction Simulation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/0905.3740""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 30, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Experimental Condensed Matter Physics,Free-Format Question,"Effects of thermal treatment on micro-Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells prepared by one-stage selenization of sputter Cu–In–Ga precursor",https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/2515-7655/ae020e,"September 19, 2025","Researchers investigated the effects of microstructuring and thermal treatment on the properties of CIG absorbers and device performance. A 100 nm thick SiOxNyNa barrier was first deposited on soda-lime glass by RF magnetron sputtering, followed by a 500 nm Mo black contact bilayer. The SLG/SiOxNy/Mo substrates were cleaned ultrasonically. PECVD deposited a 2 μm SiOx layer, and a 2200 nm thick positive photoresist was spin-coated, patterned by direct laser writing, and developed. Micro holes were etched through the SiOx layer by RF until the Mo back contact was exposed. CIG precursor films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering from a ternary CIG target (Cu:In:Ga = 50:35:15 at%) at a power density of 1.5 W cm⁻² and working pressure of 5.6 × 10⁻³ mbar. The samples were thermally treated in a vacuum pot at 450°C for 30 min after three nitrogen purge-pump cycles. Selenization was performed in a tube furnace inside a graphite box containing 50 mg of Se under Ar flow at 480°C for 30 min. The furnace was cooled to below 130°C at a rate of 20°C min⁻¹. The selenized films were etched in a 5 wt% KCN solution for 30 seconds to remove Cu-Se₂ phases, followed by the deposition of a CdS buffer layer at 60°C via chemical bath deposition. I-ZnO and ZnO:Al window layers were deposited by RF magnetron sputtering. Electrical characterization of the micro-devices was performed using current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics under AM1.5 standard one-sun illumination. For the solar simulator measurement, the probes were placed on the window layer near the micro solar cell and Raman spectroscopy of the micro-CIGSe was conducted using a Witec Alpha 300 R confocal Raman system with a laser power of 3 mW at 532 nm and a 1800-line grating.","- Current density-voltage (J-V) of the micro solar cell was measured under AM 1.5G illumination. - Raman spectroscopy of the micro-CIGSe was measured with a laser power of 3 mW at 532 nm.","The effects of microstructuring and thermal treatment on the properties of CIG absorbers and device performance were studied. SLG/SiOxNy/Mo substrates were made and cleaned ultrasonically. PECVD deposited a SiOx layer, and a positive photoresist was spin-coated, patterned by direct laser writing, and developed. CIG precursor films were deposited by DC magnetron sputtering. The samples were thermally treated in a vacuum pot at 450°C for 30 min. Selenization was performed in a tube furnace under Ar flow at 480°C. The furnace was cooled to below 130°C. The selenized films were etched, followed by the deposition of a CdS buffer layer. I-ZnO and ZnO:Al window layers were deposited. Electrical characterization of the micro-devices was performed using current density–voltage (J–V) characteristics under AM1.5 standard one-sun illumination Based on the results from Raman Spectroscopy, predict the behavior of the dominant mode, if any, relative to the typical position of the dominant mode for CIGSe, 177 cm⁻¹.","The main dominant mode, A1, is red-shifted relative to the typical A1 position for CIGSe.","- CPV has achieved remarkably high efficiencies, with current records of 30.8% at 61× for flexible single-junction GaAs, 47.6% at 665× and four-junction GaAs concentrator solar cells, and 23.3% at 14.7× for thin-film CIGSe. - In the top–down fabrication, co-evaporation is employed, yielding high-quality CIGSe micro-absorbers with reported PCEs ranging from 11% to 16% under 1 sun, and up to 21% under concentrated illumination. - In bottom–up techniques, such as thermal evaporation of In precursors, has typically been significantly lower, typically below 6% under both standard and concentrated illumination conditions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CPV has achieved remarkably high efficiencies, with current records of 30.8% at 61× for flexible single-junction GaAs, 47.6% at 665× and four-junction GaAs concentrator solar cells, and 23.3% at 14.7× for thin-film CIGSe. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flexible Thin-Film Tandem Solar Cells With >30% Efficiency""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/6729050""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 15 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In the top–down fabrication, co-evaporation is typically employed, yielding high-quality CIGSe micro-absorbers with reported PCEs ranging from 11% to 16% under 1 sun, and up to 21%under concentrated illumination.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cu(In, Ga)Se2 microcells: High efficiency and low material consumption""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jrse/article-abstract/5/1/011202/819061/Cu-In-Ga-Se2-microcells-High-efficiency-and-low?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Febr 27, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 20 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In bottom–up techniques, such as electrodeposition, thermal evaporation of In precursors, and laser-induced forward transfer, efficiencies have typically been significantly lower, typically below 6% under both standard and concentrated illumination conditions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Femtosecond laser-assisted fabrication of chalcopyrite micro-concentrator photovoltaics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.beilstein-journals.org/bjnano/articles/9/281""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 12, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 27 in the paper""}]" Biology,Immunology,MCQ,Hemoglobin alpha regulates T-lymphocyte activation and mitochondrial function,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.01.668160v2,"Aug 2, 2025","Researchers investigated the role of T-lymphocyte-specific hemoglobin alpha-a1 (Hba-a1) in the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). They used Wild-type C57BL/6J (shorthand WT) and B6.Cg-Tg(Cd4-cre)1Cwi/BfluJ (shorthand CD4-cre) mice. Conditional Hba-a1 knock-out mice were crossed with CD4-Cre mice to generate pan-T-lymphocyte-specific modified progeny (HbKO). All mice were bred in-house to eliminate shipping stress and microbiome shifts, as well as co-housed with their littermates. Mice were housed with standard pine chip bedding, paper nesting material, and given access to standard chow and water ad libitum. Male and female experimental mice between the ages of 8-14 weeks were utilized in all experiments. EAE was induced using the MOG35-55/CFA Emulsion kit. 9-14 week old mice were anesthetized and injected with 100 µl of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) emulsion in two separate subcutaneous locations. Two hours later, mice were anesthetized again and injected intraperitoneally with 100 µL of 100 ng/µL pertussis toxin in PBS, followed by a second dose after 24 hours. Beginning seven days later, mice were weighed and scored every day to assess disease progression. Disease scores (0–5) were based on a standardized clinical signs and symptom rubric. Separate cohorts of mice were sacrificed at either peak disease (day 14) or after disease relapse (day 28).","- Daily clinical EAE disease severity scores (scale 0–5), tracked for each mouse up to 14 or 28 days. - Daily body weight measurements for each mouse, up to 14 or 28 days. - Circulating plasma cytokine levels at 14 and 28 days post-immunization. - Percentage of CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes in the spleen and inguinal lymph nodes at day 14 and day 28. - Percentage of splenic CD4+ polarized T-lymphocyte subtypes (e.g., $T_{H}1$, $T_{H}2$, $T_{H}17$, $T_{reg}$). - Splenocyte proliferation and cytokine production upon ex-vivo restimulation with $MOG_{35-55}$ antigen. - Plasma immunoglobulin concentrations (e.g., IgM, lambda) in EAE animals. - Expression of CD40L on CD4+ T-lymphocytes.","Researchers tested whether T-lymphocyte-specific hemoglobin alpha-a1 knockout alters the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). They used Wild-type C57BL/6J and B6.Cg-Tg(Cd4-cre)1Cwi/BfluJ (shorthand CD4-cre) mice. Conditional Hbα-a1 knock-out mice were crossed with CD4-Cre mice to generate pan-T-lymphocyte-specific modified progeny (HbKO). Mice were housed with standard pine chip bedding, paper nesting material, and given access to standard chow and water ad libitum. Mice between the ages of 8-14 weeks were utilized in all experiments. EAE was induced using the MOG35-55/CFA Emulsion kit. 9-14 week old mice were anesthetized and injected with 100 µl of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) emulsion in two separate subcutaneous locations. Two hours later, mice were anesthetized again and injected intraperitoneally with 100 µL of 100 ng/µL pertussis toxin in PBS, followed by a second dose after 24 hours. Beginning seven days later, mice were weighed and scored every day to assess disease progression. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Mice lacking Hbα in T-lymphocytes exhibited accelerated progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) compared to wild-type control animals B. Mice lacking Hbα in T-lymphocytes exhibited delayed progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) compared to wild-type control animals C. Mice lacking Hbα in T-lymphocytes exhibited equivalent progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) compared to wild-type control animals ",B. Mice lacking Hbα in T-lymphocytes exhibited delayed progression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) compared to wild-type control animals,"- Hemoglobin: A protein traditionally known for oxygen transport in erythrocytes, which is now recognized to be expressed in non-erythroid cells where it possesses diverse redox functions. - Hbα (Hemoglobin alpha): A specific subunit of the hemoglobin protein that is expressed in T-lymphocytes, where its expression is sensitive to redox perturbations and appears crucial for maintaining mitochondrial bioenergetics. - Hemoglobinopathies: A class of inherited genetic disorders affecting 7% of the global population, where one or more hemoglobin subunits are impacted, leading to conditions like sickle cell disease or thalassemia. - Low O2 (Hypoxia): A condition of low oxygen availability which has been shown to decrease T-lymphocyte responses, complicating the understanding of how hemoglobinopathies might influence immune-mediated diseases.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hemoglobin has been shown to possess varying redox functions and regulatory mechanisms throughout its diverse cellular potency""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hemoglobin Expression in Nonerythroid Cells: Novel or Ubiquitous?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2014/803237""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 5, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hbα is expressed in T-lymphocytes, and its expression is malleable to redox perturbations""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hemoglobin alpha is a redox-sensitive mitochondrial-related protein in T-lymphocytes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0891584924010785""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 1, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hemoglobinopathies are a class of genetic diseases in which one or more subunits of hemoglobin are impacted""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""World Distribution, Population Genetics, and Health Burden of the Hemoglobinopathies""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3426822/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 1, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Low O2 has been shown to decrease T-lymphocyte responses""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Importance of culturing primary lymphocytes at physiological oxygen levels""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.0611732104""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 13, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolates can encode plastic-degrading enzymes that allow survival on plastic and augment biofilm formation,https://www.cell.com/cell-reports/fulltext/S2211-1247(25)00421-8?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2211124725004218%3Fshowall%3Dtrue,"May 27, 2025","Researchers investigated how a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA-W23), which produces a novel polycaprolactone (PCL)- degrading enzyme, forms biofilms in the presence of PCL. PA-W23 was shown to include a PCL-degrading enzyme (pap1). The biofilm assay tested Pseudomonas aeruginosa clinical isolate WT PA-W23 (PCL-degrading, pap1+), a pap1 mutant with the pap1 gene deleted (Δpap1), a complemented mutant with the pap1 reintroduced (cΔpap1), and a control strain that does not degrade PCL (PA14). Strains were cultured overnight in Luria-Bertani (LB) broth at 37 °C, and diluted to an OD600 of 0.1 in 1 mL fresh LB. 150 μL was then added to six 96-well flat-bottomed plates. Three of the wells included a sterile PCL or glass bead, and three did not include PCL beads. The plate was incubated with agitation (37 °C, 24h), then cultures and PCL beads were removed, and the plate was washed 3 times with distilled water. 200 μL 0.1% crystal violet was added to each well (12 min), then removed, and the plate was washed 5 times with distilled water. Plates were dried at room temperature, then 200 μL 99% ethanol was added to each well to dissolve the crystal violet (4 h). The plate was then read at 570 nm.","- Absorbance at 570 nm of biofilms formed by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (PA-W23, Δpap1, cΔpap1, PA14) grown with and without PCL beads. - Biofilm formation (%) by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains (PA-W23, Δpap1, cΔpap1, PA14) grown with and without PCL beads.","Scientists performed a biofilm assay to investigate how a clinical isolate of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (WT PA-W23), which produces a novel polycaprolactone (PCL)-degrading enzyme, forms biofilms in the presence of PCL. They tested the clinical isolate PA-W23, Δpap1 (pap1 deletion mutant), cΔpap1 (Δpap1 complemented with pap1), and PA14 (non-PCL-degrading control) in the presence of PCL beads. They were also tested with glass beads as a comparison. Overnight Luria-Bertani (LB) cultures at 37 °C were adjusted to OD600 = 0.1; 150 µL was dispensed per well of a 96-well plate. Plates were incubated 24 h at 37 °C with agitation, washed, stained with 0.1% crystal violet, and destained in 99% ethanol. Biofilm biomass was quantified by absorbance at 570 nm. What would be the expected outcome of this experiment? A. When cultured without PCL beads, Δpap1 displayed roughly half the biofilm biomass of WT. B. When cultured without PCL beads, Δpap1 produced biofilm biomass statistically indistinguishable from WT. C. When cultured with PCL beads, Δpap1 displayed roughly half the biofilm biomass of WT. D. When cultured with PCL beads, Δpap1 produced biofilm biomass statistically indistinguishable from WT.","B. When cultured without PCL beads, Δpap1 produced biofilm biomass statistically indistinguishable from WT.","- Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a synthetic polyester that is biodegradable, biocompatible, and bioresorbable with a variety of medical uses, such as in sutures, as a composite for dental fillings, and as a collagen-stimulator dermal filler.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PCL is a biodegradable polycaprolactone commonly used as surgical mesh and sutures.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Monocryl® suture, a new ultra-pliable absorbable monofilament suture""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/014296129593577Z""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October, 1995""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Toxicology / Natural products,MCQ,"Oral Exposure to Chlorella sorokiniana Detoxifies Deoxynivalenol, Ochratoxin A, and Fumonisin B1 In Vitro and In Vivo",https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/17/7/318,"June 23, 2025","Researchers examined the capacity of Chlorella sorokiniana (CS) powder to adsorb and diminish the intestinal absorption of the mycotoxins deoxynivalenol (DON) and fumonisin B1 (FB1) in vivo. The heated-air-dried CS powder utilized for in vivo mice administration was obtained from commercially sourced dried biomass of Chlorella sorokiniana (Euglena Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan). The CS powder contained 4.3 g of water, 69.58 g of protein, 5.1 g of ash, 98 mg of sodium, 27.3 mg of iron, and 2.91 g of total chlorophyll per 100 g of product. DON and FB1 standards were obtained from FUJIFILM Wako Pure Chemical Corporation (Osaka, Japan). For in vivo assessment, male ICR mice (7 weeks old; n = 5 per group) were subjected to a 3-hour fasting period and thereafter administered 5 mg/kg of DON (in deionized water) or FB1 (in corn oil), with or without 500 mg/kg of CS (in deionized water), via oral gavage. Blood samples were obtained at 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours, and plasma was isolated using centrifugation. DON was quantified via LC–MS/MS employing a ZORBAX Eclipse XDB C18 column (150 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.9 µm) under electrospray ionization in negative mode, while FB1 was assessed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) according to the supplier’s instructions (Elabscience Bionovation Inc., Houston, TX, USA). Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted (Bartlett’s test and the Brown–Forsythe test), followed by Sidak’s multiple comparison test or an unpaired t-test with Welch’s correction to determine significant differences between the values of multiple or two groups. Statistical significance was set at 5%. ","- Plasma levels of deoxynivalenol (DON) after 30 min, 2 h, and 24 h of oral co-administration of 5 mg/kg of DON and either 500 mg/kg of CS powder or vehicle control (LC–MS/MS). - Plasma levels of DON after 30 min, 2 h, and 24 h of oral co-administration of 5 mg/kg of FB1 and either 500 mg/kg of CS powder or vehicle control (ELISA). ","The detoxification efficacy of Chlorella sorokiniana (CS) dry powder against various mycotoxins was assessed through an in vivo experiment. Male ICR mice (7 weeks old; n = 5 per group) were orally fed either 5 mg/kg deoxynivalenol (DON) or 5 mg/kg fumonisin B1 (FB1), with or without 500 mg/kg CS, following a 3-hour fasting period. Mice blood samples were obtained 30 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours post-treatment. DON plasma concentrations were measured using LC–MS/MS, while FB1 plasma levels were assessed by ELISA. The toxin-only group (without CS) acted as the vehicle control. Which of the following outcomes reflect the most likely effects of CS co-administration on the plasma concentrations of DON and FB1, in comparison to vehicle control? A) Both DON and FB1 plasma levels decreased significantly at all time points. B) DON plasma levels decreased significantly only after 30 minutes. C) Both DON and FB1 plasma levels decreased significantly only after 30 minutes and 2 hours. D) FB1 plasma levels decreased significantly at all time points. ",B) DON plasma levels decreased significantly only after 30 minutes.,"- Most deoxynivalenol (DON) and its metabolites rapidly eliminated via urinary excretion in rodents. - Chlorella spp. exhibits detoxifying activities against various environmental pollutants such as dioxin. - Chlorella spp. possess thick and highly resilient cell walls composed of complex polysaccharides which contribute to their selective binding capabilities and limited bioavailability, being key determinants of their adsorptive interactions with environmental toxins. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Most deoxynivalenol (DON) and its metabolites rapidly eliminated via urinary excretion in rodents.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sex Is a Determinant for Deoxynivalenol Metabolism and Elimination in the Mouse""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/9/8/240""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 4, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Chlorella spp. exhibits detoxifying activities against various environmental pollutants such as dioxin.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Maternal-fetal distribution and transfer of dioxins in pregnant women in Japan, and attempts to reduce maternal transfer with Chlorella (Chlorella pyrenoidosa) supplements""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653505004959""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 27, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Chlorella spp. possess thick and highly resilient cell walls composed of complex polysaccharides which contribute to their selective binding capabilities and limited bioavailability, being key determinants of their adsorptive interactions with environmental toxins.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Insights into cell wall disintegration of Chlorella vulgaris""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0262500""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 14, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Animal behaviour and cognition,MCQ,"Environmental enrichment accelerates cortical memory consolidation ",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.28.667332v1,"July 31, 2025","Researchers compared the functional characteristics of cortical ensembles after 9 weeks between environmentally enriched and exercise-matched control mice learning a virtual spatial foraging task. Ten male transgenic Thy1-GCaMP6s mice were randomly split into enriched (N=5) and control groups (N=5) and housed in standard rodent cages in pairs (one enriched and one control per cage) with food and water available ad libitum until the beginning of treadmill running sessions. The housing room was kept at 24ºC under a 12h light/dark cycle, with lights on at 7:30 AM. All experiments were carried out during the light cycle. Mice started the enrichment training at the age of 28 days, for 5 days a week for 9 weeks. The enriched group training was for one hour, in which the mice ran a custom-made square-shaped track having 12 obstacles spread across the track, which became more complex over the course of the training sessions, while the control group ran for the same time amount on an identical track filled with 12 ramps. The experiment was started by placing animals from both groups at the starting point. Once the mice reached the goal, they were allowed to consume the reward, chocolate milk, at the goal location. For the duration of the training period, during the session for the enrichment group, a new obstacle (such as a seesaw, stairs, or tunnel) or track manipulation was added every ten minutes with increasing level difficulty. At the end of the training period (9 weeks), the enrichment mice had faced 84 different obstacles. Following nine weeks of training, all animals received a cranial window implant over the dorsal cortex (AP: 2 mm anterior to −3 mm posterior from bregma; ML: -2.5 mm to +2.5 mm). After implantation, mice were given a week to recover from surgery before being water-restricted. Mice's weight was consistently measured to ensure it remains 85% above their baseline. Animals were gradually accustomed to being head-fixed and to rest over a clamped treadmill consisting of a 150 cm long belt with tactile cues placed at different locations. The belt was guided by two 10-cm-diameter, polyamide wheels located at each end of the treadmill, and an optical encoder was mounted to the wheel shaft to track the movement of the animal. At the end of each lap (detected by a photoelectric sensor), a solenoid pinch valve released a drop of sucrose water to the animal (10%, 2.5 µL). Before and after the running period (~10 min), mice were allowed to rest for 20 min with the belt clamped. The anticipatory response to the reward was measured by evaluating changes in speed across different positions of the treadmill. ","- Running performance on the treadmill (laps/minute) between environmentally enriched mice and exercise-matched control mice for each session after 9 weeks of training. - Anticipatory response to the reward site (changes in running speed near the reward site) between environmentally enriched mice and exercise-matched control mice for each session after 9 weeks of training. - Speed on the treadmill of environmentally enriched mice and exercise-matched control mice for each session after 9 weeks of training.","Researchers compared the functional characteristics of cortical ensembles between environmentally enriched and exercise-matched control mice learning a virtual spatial foraging task. Ten male transgenic Thy1-GCaMP6s mice were randomly split into enriched and control groups. Following nine weeks of training, all animals received a cranial window implant over the dorsal cortex. Animals were gradually accustomed to being head-fixed and to rest over a clamped treadmill consisting of a 150 cm long belt with tactile cues placed at different locations. At the end of each lap, a solenoid pinch valve released a drop of sucrose water to the animal (10%, 2.5 µL). Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Only after two days of performing on the treadmill, the enriched group exhibited substantially stronger anticipatory responses than the control group. B. Only after four days of performing on the treadmill, the enriched group exhibited substantially stronger anticipatory responses than the control group. C. Only after six days of performing on the treadmill, the enriched group exhibited substantially stronger anticipatory responses than the control group. D. Only after eight days of performing on the treadmill, the enriched group exhibited substantially stronger anticipatory responses than the control group.","C. Only after six days of performing on the treadmill, the enriched group exhibited substantially stronger anticipatory responses than the control group.","- Environmental enrichment improves spatial learning and the ability to predict reward locations. - Learning performance can be effectively quantified through anticipatory behaviors, such as licking or decelerating before reward delivery - Rodents that have been exposed to complex environments with more opportunities for physical and/or social engagements have demonstrated faster learning.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Environmental enrichment improves spatial learning and the ability to predict reward locations""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Exposure to Enriched Environment Improves Spatial Learning Performances and Enhances Cell Density but Not Choline Acetyltransferase Activity in the Hippocampus of Ventral Subicular–Lesioned Rats""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7044.121.3.491.""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 1, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Learning performance can be effectively quantified through anticipatory behaviors, such as licking or decelerating before reward delivery""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Differential Encoding of Behavior and Spatial Context in Deep and Superficial Layers of the Neocortex""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuron.2005.01.042""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 2, 2005.""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Rodents that have been exposed to complex environments with more opportunities for physical and/or social engagements have demonstrated faster learning ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Environmental Enrichment Modifies the PKA-Dependence of Hippocampal LTP and Improves Hippocampus-Dependent Memory""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC311356/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 13, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Evolutionary Biology,Free-Format Question,Population Consequences of Single-Cell Damage Dynamics: Theory and Experiment under Glucose Limitation in E. coli ,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.25.678661v1.full.pdf,"Sep 27, 2025","Researchers investigated the effects of glucose limitation on Escherichia coli MG1655, which carries a chromosomal PrpoS-GFP reporter. Cells were cultured in M9 minimal medium containing $0.2\%$ Casamino Acids, $0.075\%$ Tween-20, and $1~\mu\text{g}/\text{ml}$ propidium iodide (PI), at 37°C. Two conditions were tested: (1) glucose-rich ($0.4\%$ glucose) and (2) glucose-limited ($0.0\%$ glucose). Single-cell dynamics were tracked for up to 72 hours using a microfluidic ""mother machine"" device that traps mother cells inheriting the old pole, under continuous medium flow ($200~\mu\text{l}/\text{h}$). Time-lapse imaging was performed every 4 minutes using phase-contrast, GFP (RpoS activity), and RFP (PI fluorescence) microscopy. Parallel population-level dynamics were conducted in a 96-well plate reader under identical medium conditions, measuring Optical Density at $600~\text{nm}$ (OD600), GFP, and RFP fluorescence every 4 minutes.","- Division rate (in divisions per hour) estimated from active single-cell lineages ($r > 0.25$) across glucose-rich and glucose-limited conditions. - Single-cell mortality rate (estimated via growth arrest criterion and PI fluorescence) over time. - RpoS promoter activity (GFP fluorescence normalized to cell area) over time in single cells. - Population growth dynamics ($N(t)/N_{0}$) measured via optical density in batch culture. - Per-cell PI fluorescence (as a proxy for lysis/mortality) in plate reader assays. - Per-cell RpoS activity (GFP signal normalized to estimated population size) in plate reader measurements.","Researchers cultured Escherichia coli MG1655 carrying a PrpoS-GFP reporter in M9 minimal medium supplemented with $0.2\%$ Casamino Acids, $0.075\%$ Tween-20, and $1~\mu\text{g}/\text{ml}$ propidium iodide at 37°C, under two conditions: (1) glucose-rich ($0.4\%$ glucose) and (2) glucose-limited ($0.0\%$ glucose). Using a microfluidic mother machine with 4-minute imaging intervals over 72 hours, they tracked single-cell division, mortality (via propidium iodide and growth arrest), and RpoS stress response. In parallel, population growth, per-cell RpoS activity, and per-cell propidium iodide fluorescence were measured in a plate reader. Predict the outcome of mortality dynamics in glucose-limited versus glucose-rich conditions during the first 24 hours of the experiment.","In glucose-limited conditions, mortality rises sharply within a few hours and plateaus around $0.01/\text{h}$, whereas in glucose-rich conditions, mortality remains low for approximately 24 hours before gradually increasing.","- RpoS (sigma factor S) is an overall stress-response regulator in Escherichia coli that governs the expression of genes that are related to survival in adverse environments, including nutrient starvation, oxidative stress, and the stationary phase. - Propidium iodide (PI) is a fluorescent DNA-binding dye, which is unable to penetrate intact cell membranes; it is employed to measure membrane loss and cell lysis, which represent a surrogate of death in bacterial cells. - The mother machine is a microfluidic cell that entraps bacterial cells in small side channels as it continually supplies fresh medium, allowing long-term single-cell tracking of lineages that inherit the old pole (mothers) and new pole (daughters). - Carbon starvation impediment with glucose restriction in low medium (e.g. M9) causes global stress responses in E. coli and changes division processes and survival behaviors. - Casamino Acids are products of acid hydrolysis of casein that supply both amino acids and peptides to enable E. coli to maintain basal metabolism and restricted growth even in the absence of glucose.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- RpoS (sigma factor S) is an overall stress-response regulator in Escherichia coli that governs the expression of genes that are related to survival in adverse environments, including nutrient starvation, oxidative stress, and the stationary phase.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Identification of a Central Regulator of Stationary-Phase Gene Expression in Escherichia coli""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2958.1991.tb01825.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 1, 1991""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Propidium iodide (PI) is a fluorescent DNA-binding dye, which is unable to penetrate intact cell membranes; it is employed to measure membrane loss and cell lysis, which represent a surrogate of death in bacterial cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tracking Bacterial Lineages in Complex and Dynamic Environments with Applications for Growth Control and Persistence""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10277933/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 20, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The mother machine is a microfluidic cell that entraps bacterial cells in small side channels as it continually supplies fresh medium, allowing long-term single-cell tracking of lineages that inherit the old pole (mothers) and new pole (daughters).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Robust Growth of Escherichia coli""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2010.04.045""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 22, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Casamino Acids are products of acid hydrolysis of casein that supply both amino acids and peptides to enable E. coli to maintain basal metabolism and restricted growth even in the absence of glucose.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""E. coli Leverages Growth Arrest to Remodel Its Proteome upon Entry into Starvation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.02.29.582700v1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 1, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,Free-Format Question,Adolescent alcohol exposure disrupts extinction learning and retrosplenial cortex physiology in adult males,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.29.679287v1,"October 1, 2025","To verify whether adolescent alcohol exposure would produce lasting alterations in extinction recall behavior, researchers exposed male and female C57Bl/6J mice (n = 72) to air or adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) vapor via air or ethanol vapor chamber on a 2 days-on, 2 days-off schedule, for 16 hrs/day beginning at P28 (post natal day 28), and ending at P60. Mice were group-housed 4/cage and maintained on a 12-hour reverse light-dark cycle in temperature- and humidity-controlled facilities, with ad libitum access to food and water. Vapor chambers were calibrated to produce average blood ethanol concentrations (BECs) (0.08%, or 0.08 grams of alcohol per deciliter or higher). Then, mice were subjected to trace fear conditioning, extinction, and extinction recall. On the first day, mice were given one 5-minute context pre-exposure session in Context A (grid floor, cleaned with a 20% ethanol + 1% vanilla solution), during which they were allowed to freely explore the context. On day 2 (conditioning), mice were placed into Context A; after a 2-min baseline, mice were subjected to 5 tone-shock pairings separated by a 20 s stimulus-free trace interval (tone: 20 s, 80 dB, 3KHz; trace: 20 s; shock: 0.6 mA, 2 s). Each tone-trace-shock presentation was separated by a 120 s inter-trial interval. On day 3 (extinction), mice were placed into a novel context B (curved walls, white plastic flooring, cleaned with 0.5% acetic acid). After a 2 min baseline, mice were presented with 20 tone presentations separated by a 60 s inter-trial interval. On day 4 (extinction recall), mice were again placed into context B and received tone/inter-trial interval presentation as in day 3. Fear box hardware (Med Associates) was controlled by EthoVision XT, which recorded freezing behavior as the percentage of time spent immobile.",- Freezing behavior duration (% of time immobile) in female mice exposed to adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) or air control under trace fear extinction recall.,"To verify whether adolescent alcohol exposure would produce lasting alterations in extinction recall behavior, researchers exposed male and female C57Bl/6J mice (n = 72) to air or adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) vapor in air or ethanol vapor chambers on a 2 days-on, 2 days-off schedule for 16 h/day, from postnatal day 28 (P28) to P60. Mice were then subjected to trace fear conditioning, extinction, and extinction recall. On day 1, mice received a 5-min pre-exposure in Context A (grid floor cleaned with 20% ethanol + 1% vanilla). On day 2 (conditioning), mice were placed into Context A, given a 2-min baseline, and exposed to five tone-shock pairings (tone: 20 s, 80 dB, 3 kHz; trace: 20 s; shock: 0.6 mA, 2 s) separated by 120 s inter-trial intervals. On day 3 (extinction), mice were placed into a novel Context B (curved white floor cleaned with 0.5% acetic acid), given a 2-min baseline, and presented with 20 tone presentations separated by 60 s inter-trial intervals. On day 4 (extinction recall), mice were returned to Context B and received tone and inter-trial interval presentations identical to day 3. Fear box hardware (Med Associates) was controlled by EthoVision XT, which recorded freezing behavior as the percentage of time spent immobile. Predict the relative change (increase, decrease, or no change) in extinction recall following adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure in female mice.",Extinction recall was not significantly changed in female mice following adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure.,"- Initiation of binge drinking during adolescence is one of the single greatest predictors of comorbid affective disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder in adulthood - Trace fear conditioning is ideally suited for the examination of complex memory formation and extinction ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Initiation of binge drinking during adolescence is one of the single greatest predictors of comorbid affective disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder in adulthood""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Age at First Alcohol Use: A Risk Factor for the Development of Alcohol Disorders""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.5.745""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Trace fear conditioning is ideally suited for the examination of complex memory formation and extinction""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Demographic and social adjustment characteristics of patients with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder and alcohol dependence: potential pitfalls to PTSD treatment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0306460303001618?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"metabolic pathways, plant biology",Numerical Values,RETICULATA1 is a plastid-localized basic amino acid transporter,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12449267/,"Aug 22, 2025","Mutant Arabidopsis thaliana (Col-0) seeds deficient in the gene 'RE1' via T-DNA insertion - Salk_084529, referred to as re-6 hereafter were obtained from the Nottingham Arabidopsis Stock Centre (NASC). The seeds were surface-sterilized with sodium hypochlorite and subjected to cold stratification for 2 days at 4°C before being grown on half-strength MS (Murashige and Skoog) medium at pH 5.7 without sucrose supplemented with 0.8% (w/v) agar for 14 days under a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod under 100 micromole per square meter per second (μmol m⁻² s⁻¹) light intensity. Seedlings were then transferred to soil and grown under a 12-h light/12-h dark photoperiod under 130 μmol m⁻² s⁻¹ light intensity and 50% humidity, and samples were subsequently taken under the light period. RER1 knockout mutants (rer1) were generated from these re-6 mutants using CRISPR/Cas9. Four gRNA constructs were used targeting exon 1 of RER1 and were introduced into a plasmid under control of the U6-26 promoter in one construct using the polycistronic tRNA–gRNA (PTG) strategy (using the Golden Gate cloning tool MoClo) with phosphinothricin resistance as the selection mechanism, Cas9 under the control of the egg-cell-specific EC1.2 promoter, and a GFP (Green Fluorescent Protein) under the control of the seed-specific At2S3 promoter to additionally aid in selection. The final vector was integrated into the Arabidopsis mutant background via Agrobacterium-mediated transformation using the floral dip method. Positive transformants were selected via both (1) media as before (MS) but supplemented with 7.5 μg ml⁻¹ glufosinate-ammonium solution and (2) fluorescence in seeds from GFP, before final validation of mutations by Sanger sequencing. Mutant seeds were grown as before. Mature siliques were harvested from Col-0 (wildtype, n=94), re-6 (background mutant, n=88) and re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #22 and re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #23 (two hemizygous rer1 x re-6 mutants, as homozygous rer1 + re-6 is lethal, n=78 and n=87 respectively) and the length of the siliques was compared in mm (milimitres).","- Mature silique length (mm) across genotypes (Col-0, re-6, re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #22, and re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #23) ","The RE1 transporter gene affects plant growth (causing reticulate leaf growth phenotype) and is though to be related to amino acid transport. A homologous gene, RER1 was identified and was hypothesised to have a similar function. To test this, a knockout line of both homozygous knockout RE1 (re-6) and hemizygous knockout RER1 (rer1) was created (re-6 x rer1 (–/+)) using CRISPR/Cas9. Two double knockout plants (re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #22, re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #23), the wild type (Col-0), and the single knockout RE1 (re-6) were grown to maturity first on MS media and then in soil, and the silique length of the siliques of each plant was measured and averaged. What is the predicted difference in milimiters in mean silique length in the double knockout plants (re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #23 vs the single knockout (re-6)?","ΔSilique = [8.1 - 9.9] mm, derived from re-6 = [~14 mm], re–6 × rer1 (–/+) #23 = [~5 mm]. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±0.90 mm applied.","- RETICULATA1 (RE1) is a member of the RETICULATA (RE) protein family, which comprises eight plastid-localized membrane proteins in Arabidopsis.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""RETICULATA1 (RE1) is a member of the RETICULATA (RE) protein family, which comprises eight plastid-localized membrane proteins in Arabidopsis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3668055/""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Functional Redundancy and Divergence within the Arabidopsis RETICULATA-RELATED Gene Family""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 17, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Neuroscience, Chronobiology",Free-Format Question,Caffeine induces age-dependent increases in brain complexity and criticality during sleep,https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08090-z,"April 30, 2025","An experiment was carried out to investigate how caffeine changes brain dynamics during sleep by measuring electrophysiological features and their discriminative power. Forty healthy adults aged 20 to 58 years spent two non-consecutive nights in a sleep laboratory, receiving 200 mg caffeine in double-blind crossover fashion on one night, and placebo on the other. Night-long scalp electroencephalograms were acquired at 256 samples per second from electrodes positioned according to the international 10–20 system. Recordings were parsed into 20-second segments, visually classified into sleep stages using modified Rechtschaffen–Kales criteria, and consolidated into NREM and REM periods for analysis. To characterize spectral power, investigators applied Welch's method with 4-second sliding windows and 2-second overlap to NREM epochs under both conditions, then used the FOOOF algorithm to model and remove the aperiodic 1/f component, retaining oscillatory peaks up to five per spectrum. Power was averaged across five canonical bands—delta (0.5–4 Hz), theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), sigma (12–16 Hz), and beta (16–32 Hz)—and expressed in µV²/Hz. Entropy and complexity were quantified with dimensionless indices: spectral entropy and spectral sample entropy applied to the raw power spectrum, sample entropy computed with embedding dimension m=2 and tolerance r=0.2 standard deviations from the filtered time series, and Lempel–Ziv complexity after median-split binarization of the NREM epochs. Criticality was assessed through two additional dimensionless metrics: the detrended fluctuation analysis scaling exponent, fitted to the fluctuation function across window sizes, and the aperiodic slope extracted via FOOOF fits between 3–32 Hz, both derived from NREM epochs under each treatment condition. Finally, a random forest classifier distinguished caffeine from placebo using all three feature categories simultaneously. Feature importance was determined by normalized Gini importance, averaged across 1000 reinitializations with grouped seven-fold cross-validation and nested grid-search, and reported separately for spectral power, entropy/complexity measures, and criticality metrics during NREM sleep.","- Spectral power (five frequency bands): µV²/Hz, measured using Welch's method with FOOOF aperiodic removal applied to sleep-scored NREM epochs from 256 Hz EEG, caffeine vs placebo - Entropy and complexity indices (spectral entropy, sample entropy, spectral sample entropy, and Lempel-Ziv complexity): dimensionless, computed on sleep-scored NREM epochs from 256 Hz EEG, caffeine vs placebo - Criticality metrics (DFA scaling exponent and aperiodic slope): dimensionless, computed on sleep-scored NREM epochs from 256 Hz EEG, caffeine vs placebo - Feature importance scores for each of three feature categories (spectral power, entropy/complexity, criticality): dimensionless (normalized Gini importance), calculated using a random forest classifier (1000 reinitializations, grouped 7-fold cross-validation) trained to discriminate caffeine vs placebo in NREM sleep","An experiment was carried out to investigate how caffeine alters brain dynamics during sleep. Forty healthy adults ingested 200 mg caffeine or placebo during an experimental sleep session, and whole-night EEG was recorded and scored into NREM and REM stages. A random forest classifier was trained on all extracted features (spectral power, entropy/complexity, and criticality metrics) to discriminate caffeine from placebo. During NREM sleep, what was the ranking of the three feature categories, from highest to lowest, in terms of their importance for classification performance? ","Entropy/complexity measures ranked highest, followed by criticality metrics, then spectral power.","- While caffeine enhances alertness and cognitive performance, it disrupts sleep quality by increasing sleep latency (time to fall asleep), decreasing sleep efficiency, and reducing time spent in deep sleep. - Caffeine works primarily as an adenosine antagonist, blocking the natural sleep-promoting effects of adenosine, which normally accumulates during wakefulness to create homeostatic sleep pressure. - Prior sleep EEG research has demonstrated that caffeine reduces low-frequency delta and theta power while increasing sigma and beta oscillations (although spectral analyses do not capture the full complexity and information content of neural signals) - Brain signal entropy measures the unpredictability of neural activity and correlates positively with cognitive functions including attention and memory, with wakefulness showing the highest entropy followed by REM sleep and then progressively deeper NREM stages - According to criticality theory, maximal neural complexity emerges at an optimal balance between order and randomness—the “edge of chaos”, which enables maximal computational efficiency and can be assessed through Lempel‑Ziv complexity, aperiodic power spectrum slope, and long‑range temporal correlations. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""While caffeine enhances alertness and cognitive performance, it disrupts sleep quality by increasing sleep latency (time to fall asleep), decreasing sleep efficiency, and reducing time spent in deep sleep.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A review of caffeine’s effects on cognitive, physical and occupational performance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763416300690""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 14, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Brain signal complexities include entropy (how irregular/unpredictable) and Lempel-Ziv complexity (distinct patterns in a signal) as measured by EEGs.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Information measures, effective complexity, and total information""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/%28SICI%291099-0526%28199609/10%292%3A1%3C44%3A%3AAID-CPLX10%3E3.0.CO%3B2-X""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""6 September 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Caffeine works primarily as an adenosine antagonist, blocking the natural sleep-promoting effects of adenosine, which normally accumulates during wakefulness to create homeostatic sleep pressure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Caffeine and Adenosine""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3233/JAD-2010-1379""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 14, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Prior sleep EEG research has demonstrated that caffeine reduces low-frequency delta and theta power while increasing sigma and beta oscillations (although spectral analyses do not capture the full complexity and information content of neural signals).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Caffeine reduces low-frequency delta activity in the human sleep EEG""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0893133X9400079F""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 1995""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Brain signal entropy measures the unpredictability of neural activity and correlates positively with cognitive functions including attention and memory, with wakefulness showing the highest entropy followed by REM sleep and then progressively deeper NREM stages""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Electroencephalogram approximate entropy correctly classifies the occurrence of burst suppression pattern as increasing anesthetic drug effect""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.lww.com/anesthesiology/fulltext/2000/10000/electroencephalogram_approximate_entropy_correctly.14.aspx""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""According to criticality theory, maximal neural complexity emerges at an optimal balance between order and randomness (the “edge of chaos”) which enables maximal computational efficiency and can be assessed through Lempel‑Ziv complexity, aperiodic power spectrum slope, and long‑range temporal correlations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Optimal dynamical range of excitable networks at criticality""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nphys289""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 23, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Catalysis,MCQ,REVERSIBLE TEMPERATURE-INDUCED SHAPE TRANSITION OF PT NANOPARTICLES SUPPORTED ON AL2O3,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68d9f47e3e708a7649bab114,"Oct 01, 2025","γ-Al₂O₃-supported Pt catalyst (5 wt % Pt; average nanoparticle diameter ~1.8 nm; denoted “Pt 1.8 nm/Al₂O₃”) pre-reduced in H₂. Room-temperature HAADF-STEM and 35 °C CO/H₂ chemisorption were used to characterize the sample prior to in-situ studies. In-situ Pt L₃-edge XAS (EXAFS/XANES) was collected between 35–400 °C in two gas environments: 50% v/v H₂ and He (He spectra acquired after removal of adsorbed H₂). Environmental TEM of the same catalyst was performed under ~10⁻⁷ mbar, with images acquired at 25 °C and 400 °C using ~10 °C min⁻¹ heating/cooling ramps, including thermal cycling.","- HAADF-STEM, RT): Recorded particle size distribution and morphology images of Pt/Al₂O₃ at room temperature. - Volumetric chemisorption (35 °C): Measured CO and H₂ irreversible uptake on the catalyst. - EXAFS (in-situ, Pt L₃-edge): Collected k²-weighted χ(k) and Fourier transforms over ∆k = 3–12 Å⁻¹ to extract first-shell Pt–Pt coordination number and Pt–Pt bond distance as a function of temperature (35–400 °C) in 50% v/v H₂ and in He. - XANES (in-situ, Pt L₃-edge): Recorded spectra to track white-line intensity and edge energy at 35 °C and 400 °C in He and H₂. - ETEM (high vacuum): Acquired images of particle projections/outlines at 25 °C and 400 °C under ~10⁻⁷ mbar, with ~10 °C min⁻¹ ramps and heating/cooling cycles. ","Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Al2O3 have a significant effect on their shape at different temperatures. Please advise on the observations found on the shape of this cluster if the temperature were to increase? Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Al2O3 transition from a flatter 2-2.5D raft to a hemispherical shape irrespective of the chemical environment of He or H2. B) Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Al2O3 transition from a hemispherical shape to flatter 2-2.5D rafts irrespective of the chemical environment of He or H2. C) Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Al2O3 transition from a spherical shape to flatter 2-2.5D rafts irrespective of the chemical environment of He or H2. D) Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Al2O3 transition from a spherical shape to flatter 2-2.5D rafts within the chemical environment of H2.",B) Pt Nanoparticles Supported on Al2O3 transition from a hemispherical shape to flatter 2-2.5D rafts irrespective of the chemical environment of He or H2.,"- Supported metal nanoparticles are fluxional. Small supported clusters can change shape and electronic structure as a function of temperature and the adsorbates present. - Meaning of “2–2.5D rafts.”: “2–2.5D” refers to clusters that are one or a few atomic layers thick, i.e., fewer layers than a hemispherical nanoparticle. - Temperature vs. coverage in spectral/structural changes: Temperature can itself drive structural/shape changes that affect spectroscopic features, so changes (e.g., in XANES white line) should not be attributed only to adsorbate coverage.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Supported metal nanoparticles are fluxional. Small supported clusters can change shape and electronic structure as a function of temperature and the adsorbates present.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Shape Changes of Supported Rh Nanoparticles During Oxidation and Reduction Cycles""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.1160845""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 19, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Immunology/Cell Biology,Numerical Values,Impaired IFNγ responsiveness of lung monocyte-derived cells limits immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.06.680719v1,"Oct 06, 2025","Researchers explored how distinct subsets of lung mononuclearphagocytes (MNPs) respond to interferon-γ (IFNγ) during chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. The MNP populations analysed included alveolar macrophages (AM), monocyte-derived CD11c low (MNC1), and monocyte-derived CD11c high (MNC2) cells, which were isolated from 8–12-week-old C57BL/6 mice at 28 days post-infection (dpi) with Mtb. To generate single-cell suspensions, lungs were perfused with 10 mL PBS containing 2 mM EDTA, homogenized using a gentleMACS dissociator, and digested in 4 mL RPMI-1640 supplemented with 5% heat-inactivated FBS, 1 mg/mL collagenase D, and 50 μg/mL DNase I for 30 minutes at 37°C. The digested tissue was processed again with the gentleMACS system, filtered through a 70-μm strainer, and red blood cells were lysed using 3 mL ACK buffer for 3 minutes before two washes in RPMI-1640 with 5% HI-FBS. From each lung, one million cells were stained with Zombie Aqua Fixable Viability Dye at 4°C for 15 minutes and washed once. The cell suspensions were then stimulated with or without 100 μL of 20 ng/mL IFNγ at 37°C for 15 minutes, followed by fixation with 100 μL of 4% PFA/PBS for 15 minutes at room temperature. Following fixation, samples were washed in PBS and permeabilized with 180 μL of cold methanol for 12 minutes at 4°C. After two washes, cells were blocked with 50 μL of 1:50 anti-CD16/32 in PBS for 5 minutes, then stained with AF647-conjugated anti-phospho-STAT1 (pSTAT1) diluted in 50 μL of Brilliant Stain Buffer and incubated for 30 minutes at room temperature. Finally, cells were washed twice with PBS, resuspended in 1% PFA/PBS, and analyzed by flow cytometry to assess IFNγ-induced signaling responses across MNP subsets. ","- Mean fluorescence intensity of pSTAT1 in lung single cell samples (AM, MNC1 and MNC2) obtained from Mtb-infected mice (28 dpi), treated with or without IFNγ. - Relative fold change in median fluorescence intensity of pSTAT1 in lung single cell samples (AM, MNC1 and MNC2) obtained from Mtb-infected mice (28 dpi), treated with or without IFNγ. - relative fold change in median fluorescence intensity of pSTAT1 in lung single cell samples (AM, MNC1 and MNC2) obtained from Mtb-infected mice (28 dpi), treated with or without IFNγ","Researchers investigated whether different subsets of lung mononuclear phagocytes (MNP) respond differently to interferon-γ (IFNγ) during murine chronic Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection (28 days). The MNP subsets used were alveolar macrophage (AM), monocyte-derived CD11c low (MNC1) and monocyte-derived CD11c high (MNC2). 1 million lung cells of either AM, MNC1 or MNC2 were treated with or without 20ng/mL IFNγ, fixed, permeabilised and stained for pStat1. If we performed flow cytometry on these cells, what would be the relative fold-change in median fluorescent intensity (MFI) of pSTAT1 after treating AM cells with IFNγ?","Δ Relative fold change of pSTAT1 after treating AM cells with IFNγ = [4.9 - 5.3], derived from 5.1. No CI reported. Fallback of ±0.2 applied.","-Tuberculosis (TB), caused by the respiratory pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), is the leading cause of death from a single infectious disease worldwide. - Mtb infects multiple subsets of lung mononuclear phagocytes (MNP), among them, monocyte-derived cells (MNC) serve as the major bacterial reservoir during chronic infection. -Alveolar macrophages (AM) have a superior ability to restrict Mtb compared to MNC1 and MNC2 cells. - Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) plays a critical role in host defense against Mycobacterium tuberculosis - Individuals with mutations in genes responsible for IFNγ immunity, such as Stat1, are susceptible to mycobacterial infections, including non46 tuberculous mycobacteria and Mtb.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mtb infects multiple subsets of lung mononuclear phagocytes (MNP), among them, monocyte-derived cells (MNC) serve as the major bacterial reservoir during chronic infection.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Heterogeneity in lung macrophage control of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is modulated by T cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-024-48515-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 08, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Interferon-gamma (IFNγ) plays a critical role in host defense against mycobacterium tuberculosis""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Interferon-γ and infectious diseases: Lessons and prospects""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1126/science.adl2016""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 19, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Stat1 is one of the genes responsible for IFNγ mediated immunity""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Interferon-γ-Responsive Nonhematopoietic Cells Regulate the Immune Response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.immuni.2009.10.007""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 18, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Alveolar macrophages (AM) have a superior ability to restrict Mtb compared to MNC1 and MNC2 cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mycobacterium tuberculosis resides in lysosome-poor monocyte-derived lung cells during chronic infection""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.ppat.1012205""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 03, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Organometallic Chemistry / Analytical Chemistry,MCQ,A Novel Schiff Base Probe Based on Fluorescein for Fluorometric and Colorimetric Dual-Mode Rapid Detection of Cu2+,https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30183824,"September 20, 2025","Fluorescein (1.66 g, 5 mmol) was introduced into a three-necked flask containing 50 mL of ethanol. Excess hydrazine hydrate (2.5 mL) was then slowly added to the mixture. The reaction mixture was heated to 80 °C and refluxed while stirring for 6 h to obtain a dark red transparent solution. The dark red solution was subsequently subjected to rotary evaporation until a small amount of solid was formed. The resulting mixture was then poured into an appropriate volume of deionized water and allowed to stand until precipitation occurred. The precipitated solid was filtered, washed with deionized water until the filtrate became colorless, and then washed with anhydrous ethanol to obtain the crude product. The crude product was recrystallized from anhydrous ethanol and vacuum-dried. The dried light yellow solid was identified as compound 1, fluorescein hydrazide. Compound 1 (0.345 g, 1 mmol) and 8-hydroxyjulonidine-9-carboxaldehyde (0.2172 g, 1 mmol) were dissolved in 20 mL of ethanol. The reaction mixture was heated to 80 °C, and a few drops of glacial acetic acid were added as a catalyst. The solution was then refluxed and monitored using thin-layer chromatography (TLC) to track the progress of the reaction. Upon completion of the reaction, the mixture was allowed to cool to room temperature, resulting in the formation of a precipitate. The precipitate was filtered and thoroughly washed with cold ethanol. The resulting yellow solid was dried completely in an oven to obtain the final product, probe AH. In order to investigate the influence of solution pH on the luminescence performance of AH probe (10 µM), the changes in fluorescence intensity and absorbance of the probe during the detection process in an ethanol/HEPES (9:1, v/v, 20 mM HEPES) system with different pH values (2 - 12) after adding Cu2+ (12 µM) were examined after the mixture of ethanol and HEPES buffer solution.","- UV-Visible absorption spectra: before and after Cu2+ (12 µM) addition to probe AH (10 µM) in ethanol/HEPES (9:1, v/v, 20 mM HEPES) system with different pH values (2 - 12) (Cary 8454 UV-Vis spectrophotometer). - Fluorescence spectra: before and after Cu2+ (12 µM) addition to probe AH (10 µM) in ethanol/HEPES (9:1, v/v, 20 mM HEPES) system with different pH values (2 - 12) (λEx: 400 nm, Ex & Em slit width: 5 nm; Cary Eclipse fluorescence spectrophotometer).","Researchers synthesized a novel compound (probe AH) using fluorescein hydrazide and 8-hydroxyjulonidine-9-carboxaldehyde as raw materials. In order to investigate the influence of solution pH on the luminescence performance of AH probe (10 µM), the changes in fluorescence intensity and absorbance of the probe during the detection process in an ethanol/HEPES (9:1, v/v, 20 mM HEPES) system with different pH values (2 - 12) after adding Cu2+ (12 µM) were examined after the mixture of ethanol and HEPES buffer solution. What of the following outcomes is most likley? A) The probe blank solution exhibited stable behavior within the pH range of 2–12 for absorbance at 452 nm but not for fluorescence intesity (Em: 512 nm). B) The best probe response for both absorbance (452nm) and fluorescence (Em: 512 nm) was obtained between pH 5 - 6. C) At pH values > 9, absorbance (452 nm) gradually decreased while fluorescence intensity (512 nm) gradually increased. D) The fluorescence intensity (512 nm) approaches zero within the pH range of 7–12, while absorbance (452 nm) stabilized within the pH range of 5–9.","D) The fluorescence intensity (512 nm) approaches zero within the pH range of 7–12, while absorbance (452 nm) stabilized within the pH range of 5–9.","- Schiff base substances exhibit remarkable advantages in the detection of heavy metal ions due to the presence of lone electron pairs on the nitrogen atom within the imine bond in their structure, and their robust coordination ability with metal ions. - Fluorescein and its derivatives are frequently employed as key materials for fabricating metal ion detection probes, owing to their superior photochemical properties, including high fluorescence quantum yield, extended absorption and emission wavelengths, excellent photostability, favorable biocompatibility, and minimal toxicity. - Fluorescein, a chromophore, and fluorophore with high quantum yield and photostability, can be used as a chemosensor for Cu2+ ions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Fluorescein and its derivatives are frequently employed as key materials for fabricating metal ion detection probes, owing to their superior photochemical properties, including high fluorescence quantum yield, extended absorption and emission wavelengths, excellent photostability, favorable biocompatibility, and minimal toxicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A fluorescein-based fluorescent probe for real-time monitoring hypochlorite""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotochem.2022.114511""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 24, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the cited element in this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fluorescein, a chromophore, and fluorophore with high quantum yield and photostability, can be used as a chemosensor for Cu2+ ions""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A fluorescein conjugate as colorimetric and red-emissive fluorescence chemosensor for selective recognition Cu2+ ions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.optmat.2024.115580""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 27, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the cited element in this paper""}]" Chemistry,Physical Chemistry,MCQ,Raoult’s Law Comparison of Liquid Mixtures Using UV−vis Spectroscopy: A Physical Chemistry Laboratory Experiment,https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/acs.jchemed.4c01373?ref=article_openPD,"April 17, 2025","Researchers investigated which binary liquid mixture, acetone/toluene or acetone/ethyl acetate, behaves more ideally according to Raoult’s law. Approximately 50 mL of each pure liquid (acetone, toluene, and ethyl acetate) were provided to prepare mixtures. Each binary system was prepared at six mole fractions of the second component (x = 0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0). About 2.0 g of each mixture were made using a balance with 1 mg precision to ensure accurate composition. For each composition, a small amount of the liquid mixture was carefully transferred to a 1 cm quartz cuvette forming a 2 mm liquid layer at the bottom, and the cuvette was sealed to prevent evaporation. After 10 seconds, a UV–vis spectrum of the vapor phase above the liquid was collected using a Shimadzu UV-1800 spectrophotometer. Between samples, the cuvette was emptied and flushed with nitrogen gas to remove residual solvent. The absorbance at 278 nm (acetone), 258 nm (toluene), and 209 nm (ethyl acetate) was recorded. For the acetone/toluene system, the acetone contribution at 258 nm was subtracted using reference absorbance values of pure acetone vapor. The total absorbance (proportional to vapor pressure) for each mixture was plotted against mole fraction, and the data were fitted to a second-order polynomial (y = ax² + bx + c). The quadratic coefficient (a) was used to quantify the degree of deviation from Raoult’s law.","- Absorbance of each mixture at characteristic wavelengths (278 nm for acetone, 258 nm for toluene, and 209 nm for ethyl acetate) was recorded using UV–vis spectroscopy (Shimadzu UV-1800 spectrophotometer).","Two binary liquid mixtures, acetone/toluene and acetone/ethyl acetate, were prepared with mole fractions of 0.0–1.0 for the second component. UV–vis spectra of the vapor phase were analyzed and fitted to second-order polynomials to evaluate deviations from Raoult’s law. Based on the experimental results, which of the following statements are correct? (Mark all the correct options.) A. The acetone/ethyl acetate mixture behaves more ideally. B. The acetone/toluene mixture behaves more ideally. C. Both mixtures show negative deviations from Raoult’s law. D. Both mixtures show positive deviations from Raoult’s law.","A. The acetone/ethyl acetate mixture behaves more ideally. C. Both mixtures show negative deviations from Raoult’s law.","- Raoult's Law: used to assess the behavior of an ideal liquid mixture, where for a binary system the total vapor pressure is given by p = xApA + xBpB. - Ideal liquid mixture: An ideal liquid mixture is one in which A···B intermolecular forces are identical to those of A···A and B···B, and the vapor pressure of each component is directly proportional to its mole fraction in the liquid phase. - Absorbance: absorbance can be used as a quantity which is proportional to vapor pressure. ",[] Chemistry,Photochemistry,Free-Format Question,"Synthesis and Photophysics of 5-(1-Pyrenyl)-1,2-Azoles",https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8549/7/4/120,"July 27, 2025","A 10 μM solution of 5-(pyren-1-yl)isoxazole (compound 3) is prepared in acetonitrile at ~20°C. The compound exhibits strong fluorescence with absorption at 351 nm and emission at 398 nm when excited at 300 nm. To investigate acid-base interactions, trifluoroacetic acid (TFA, 0.1 M) is added incrementally in varying quantities (0.1-300 μL) to the fluorescent solution while monitoring spectroscopic changes.","-Absorption spectra recorded from 300-480 nm after each TFA addition to compound 3 -Fluorescence emission spectra recorded from 325-550 nm (λexc = 300 nm) after each TFA addition to compound 3 -Limit of detection calculations using 3σ/slope relationship from linear calibration plots","TFA is added incrementally in varying quantities (0.1-300 μL) to a 5-(pyren-1-yl)isoxazole (compound 3) solution in acetonitrile. Predict the spectroscopic changes that will occur in the fluorescence emission spectrum, upon adding TFA to compund 3.","Upon TFA addition, the emission band at 398 nm dramatically decreases, accompanied by a new emission band emerging at 350 nm. ","-Isoxazole ring basicity and protonation at the sp² nitrogen atom -The N-heterocyclic core incorporation as an electron-donating group (EDG) and an electron withdrawing group (EWG) extends π-electron delocalization and promotes intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), aggregation-induced emission/quenching (AIE/AIQ), or energy transfer (ET) processes by facilitating spatial interactions in the excited state -Pyrene excimers display distinct spectroscopic features compared to the monomeric species. The formation of these excited-state species is susceptible to environmental conditions, including temperature, viscosity, pressure, pH, solubility, and molecular confinement ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Isoxazole ring basicity and protonation at the sp² nitrogen atom""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Access to Five-Membered N-Heteroaromatic Compounds: Current Approach Based on Microwave-Assisted Synthesis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""http://dx.medra.org/10.17374/targets.2022.25.436\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The N-heterocyclic core incorporation as an electron-donating group (EDG) and an electron withdrawing group (EWG) not only extends π-electron delocalization but can also promote intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), aggregation-induced emission/quenching (AIE/AIQ), or energy transfer (ET) processes by facilitating spatial interactions in the excited state""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Structural Changes Accompanying Intramolecular Electron Transfer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/pdf/10.1021/cr940745l""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 17, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pyrene excimers display distinct spectroscopic features compared to the monomeric species. The formation of these excited-state species is susceptible to environmental conditions, including temperature, viscosity, pressure, pH, solubility, and molecular confinement""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Nature of Excimer Formation in Crystalline Pyrene Nanoparticles""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcc.8b03963""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 31, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Physical Chemistry / Electrochemistry / Materials Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Time-resolved photo-electrochemical measurements to study band bending of BiVO₄ photoanodes.,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68b1a2e2728bf9025e19a17e,"September 05, 2025","Polycrystalline monoclinic BiVO₄ thin films (~100 nm) were deposited on single-side-polished Nb-doped SrTiO₃ substrates (⌀ 5 mm, 0.5 mm) by pulsed-laser deposition using a KrF excimer laser (248 nm, 1.5 J·cm⁻², 10 Hz) at room temperature and vacuum; ~5000 pulses were used, followed by ex-situ annealing in air at 450 °C for 2 h with 5 °C·min⁻¹ ramps. The electrodes were mounted as the disk in a rotating ring–disk electrode (RRDE-3A) inside a custom Teflon cell with a quartz window, operated in a three-electrode configuration with a platinum counter electrode and a saturated calomel reference electrode (all potentials reported vs RHE). The electrolyte was neutral phosphate buffer (pH 7) prepared with ≥18.2 MΩ·cm water, purged with Ar for at least 30 min before and kept under continuous Ar purge during measurements; the assembly was rotated at 1600 rpm. Illumination was provided by a WaveLabs Sinus 70 LED simulating AM 1.5G, used in continuous or chopped mode with 1 s on / 1 s off; the LED on/off transient was ~3 ms. Cyclic voltammetry was run from 0–2.5 V vs RHE at 20 mV·s⁻¹ (and 60 mV·s⁻¹ when emphasizing capacitive currents). During chopped-CV, the acquisition resolution was ~0.83 ms in time and ~50 µV in potential. (If RRDE ring data were recorded, the ring was held at 0.4 V vs RHE with ~10 ms time and ~2 mV potential resolution.) For analysis under chopped illumination, applied-potential windows were predefined as follows: Region I, E ≤ 0.50 V; Region II, 0.50 ≤ E ≤ 0.95 V; Region IIIa, 0.95 ≤ E ≤ 1.25 V; Region IIIb, E ≥ 1.25 V. (Only the boundaries are specified here; no outcome is stated.) ","- Disk current transients under chopped AM 1.5G. During the CV sweep (0–2.5 V vs RHE; 20 mV s⁻¹; 1600 rpm), record time-resolved disk photocurrent with 1 s on / 1 s off chopping; acquisition resolution ≈ 0.83 ms (time) and 50 µV (potential); LED switching transient ~3 ms. - Switching-induced capacitive features. At each potential, detect and classify (without assigning values here) the presence/absence and sign (positive/negative) of the capacitive peak at light switch-on and at light switch-off. Results are aggregated by the defined potential regions I, II, IIIa, IIIb. ","When BiVO₄ photoanodes were subjected to chopped AM 1.5G illumination, how did the switching-induced capacitive peaks behave across the four potential regions (I, II, IIIa, IIIb), specifically in terms of their sign and presence at light switch-on and switch-off?","In Region I (≤0.5 V_RHE), the switch-on peak was negative and the switch-off peak was positive. In Region II (0.5–0.95 V_RHE), the switch-on peak was negative and the switch-off peak was positive, with a magnitude about one order of magnitude smaller than Region I. In Region IIIa (0.95–1.25 V_RHE), the switch-on peak was positive and the switch-off peak was a tiny positive feature. In Region IIIb (≥1.25 V_RHE), the switch-on peak was positive, and no switch-off peak was observed.","- Flat-band potential (E_fb): the potential at which band bending vanishes in a semiconductor/electrolyte interface. - Mott–Schottky pitfalls: Mott–Schottky analysis assumes depletion-layer capacitance dominates and that interface states and frequency dispersion are negligible. When surface states or parallel Helmholtz capacitance contribute appreciably, MS plots can misestimate 𝐸fb and carrier density. - Band bending in n-type semiconductors: upward bending promotes hole transport and governs space-charge layer behavior.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Flat-band potential (E_fb): the potential at which band bending vanishes in a semiconductor/electrolyte interface.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flat band potential determination: avoiding the pitfalls""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2019/ta/c9ta09569a""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 8, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mott–Schottky pitfalls: Mott–Schottky analysis assumes depletion-layer capacitance dominates and that interface states and frequency dispersion are negligible. When surface states or parallel Helmholtz capacitance contribute appreciably, MS plots can misestimate 𝐸fb and carrier density.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flat band potential determination: avoiding the pitfalls""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2019/ta/c9ta09569a""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 8, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,High-Energy Experimental Physics,MCQ,Testing perturbative QCD calculations with beauty-mesonproduction in proton–proton collisions with ALICE,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.00458,"August 30, 2025","Researchers measured the production cross section of B⁰ mesons to test perturbative QCD calculations. The model system used proton-proton (pp) collisions at a center-of-mass energy of √s=13.6 TeV, provided by the LHC and recorded by the ALICE experiment during Run 3. B⁰ mesons were fully reconstructed via their decay channel B⁰ → D⁻π⁺, with the subsequent decay D⁻ → π⁻K⁺π⁻. The analysis was performed in the transverse momentum (Pt) range of 1 fallback ±10% applied. ","- Aqueous aerosol microdroplets are unique microreactors; compared to bulk phase solutions, the air−water interface in these systems enhances reaction rates and enables redox chemistry. - S(IV) oxidation is accelerated in micron-sized aqueous aerosols compared to bulk solutions. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Aqueous aerosol microdroplets are unique microreactors; compared to bulk phase solutions, the air−water interface in these systems enhances reaction rates and enables redox chemistry.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Organic Reactions in Microdroplets: Reaction Acceleration Revealed by Mass Spectrometry""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.201602270""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 6, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the cited RBK item by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- S(IV) oxidation is accelerated in micron-sized aqueous aerosols compared to bulk solutions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Oxidation of sulfur dioxide by nitrogen dioxide accelerated at the interface of deliquesced aerosol particles""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/anie.201602270""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 30, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the cited RBK item by this paper""}]" Physics,Quantum Physics,Free-Format Question,Experimental observation of subabsorption,https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.09872,"June 11, 2025 ","The experiment is performed inside an ultrahigh vacuum chamber which is kept at a base pressure of ~10⁻⁹ torr. The model system was ultracold rubidium-87 atoms prepared in a magneto-optical trap at low optical depth and a dilute density of about 0.01 atoms per cubic wavelength. The main intervention was exposing the ensemble to weak resonant laser pulses on the D2 line at 780 nanometers, each containing only tens of photons. Three counter-propagating beam pairs are used; each pair has an optical power of approximately 40 mW and a beam radius of 3 cm. The third beam pair is not orthogonal to the other two, and has a smaller size, with a beam radius of 5 mm, and an optical power of 5 mW. Pulses were generated with an acousto-optic modulator set to an 8-nanosecond rise time, faster than the atomic excited state lifetime. Transmission through the atoms was recorded using single-photon counting modules (SPCM). An oscilloscope was used to measure the output of the SPCM was measured on an oscilloscope, which gave approximately 4 ns time resolution for the intensity of the pulse, and continuous measurements of both I input and I output over ∼10⁵ experimental cycles.","- Time dependent absorption of resonant laser pulses - Transmission with and without atoms (single photon counting module) - Absorption rise time under varied conditions (optical depth, atomic temperature, laser detuning), obtained from exponential fits","Researchers prepared ultracold rubidium-87 atoms in a magneto-optical trap at a temperature of about 40 microkelvin and low optical depth. The atoms were illuminated with weak resonant laser pulses on the D2 line at 780 nanometers, each pulse generated by an acousto-optic modulator with an 8-nanosecond rise time and containing only tens of photons. Transmission of the pulses was recorded with a single photon counting module. Absorption rise time was then measured under varied conditions, including changes in optical depth, atomic temperature, and laser detuning. Based on the observations, what would you expect to happen to measured absorption rise time of the laser pulses when the optical depth of the ensemble is 0.1 and the atomic temperature is increased from 60 to 80 μK?","At an optical depth of 0.1, the measured absorption rise time will decrease when the atomic temperature is increased from 60 to 80 μK.","- By controlling the atomic positions in a cavity using a nano-patterned mask, they demonstrated that the atomic ensemble can absorb photons in the cavity mode at a rate faster than what is dictated by single-atom physics. - An ensemble of atoms may interact with light in a way that is qualitatively different than how a single atom interacts. - If we have many atoms per cubic wavelength of the emitted radiation, the ensemble can spontaneously decay at a rate that is much faster than the single-atom decay rate.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""By controlling the atomic positions in a cavity using a nano-patterned mask, they demonstrated that the atomic ensemble can absorb photons in the cavity mode at a rate faster than what is dictated by single-atom physics.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Realization of superabsorption by time reversal of superradiance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-021-00770-6""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 37 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""An ensemble of atoms may interact with light in a way that is qualitatively different than how a single atom interacts.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Coherence in Spontaneous Radiation Processes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.93.99""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 1, 1954""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 1 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""If we have many atoms per cubic wavelength of the emitted radiation, the ensemble can spontaneously decay at a rate that is much faster than the single-atom decay rate.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Observation of Dicke Superradiance in Optically Pumped HF Gas""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.30.309""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 19, 1973""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 17 in the paper""}]" Physics,Nanophotonics Physics,MCQ,Distance dependent interaction between a single emitter and a single dielectric nanoparticle using DNA origami,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.03580,"May 06, 2025","An experiment investigates the potential of a 140 nm crystalline silicon nanoparticle using a DNA origami scaffold. A 7249-nucleotide-long scaffold extracted from the M13mp18 bacteriophage was folded into the desired shape using 243 staples in 1xTAE, 12 mM MgCl2, pH 8 buffer. It was mixed in a 10-fold excess of staples over the scaffold, and in a 100-fold excess for the functional staples. The mixture was heated to 70 °C and cooled at a rate of 1 °C every 20 minutes to 25 °C. The DNA origami structures were subsequently purified using 1% agarose gel electrophoresis at 70 V for 2 hours and stored at 4 °C. Measurements were performed on an inverted microscope (Olympus IX71). Excitation was performed with a randomly polarized supercontinuum white light laser (FYLA SCT1000) that was spectrally filtered to a wavelength of (635 ±5) nm or (532 ± 5) nm to efficiently excite the dye. Emitting fluorescence was spectrally split into two paths by a dichroic mirror and detected by two avalanche photodiodes with appropriate filters, at short distances (d_1 ≈ 7 nm and d_2 ≈ 20 nm) from the nanoparticle's surface. The APDs and the pulsed laser are connected to a module for time-correlated single-photon counting, which records the arrival times of photons. First, a confocal image of a region of the sample was recorded, and the position of the DNA origami structures was determined. The experiment's goal is to characterize the primary effects on the molecule's key emission properties: its overall brightness (fluorescence intensity) and its fluorescence lifetime ($\tau$).","- The fluorescence lifetime ($\tau$) of single molecules at distances of ≈7 nm and ≈20 nm from the silicon nanoparticle. - The overall fluorescence intensity of single molecules at distances of ≈7 nm and ≈20 nm from the silicon nanoparticle.","In the experiment, a single fluorescent molecule is placed at short distances (≈7 nm and ≈20 nm) from a dielectric (silicon) nanoparticle. What is the combined effect on the molecule's fluorescence lifetime ($\tau$) and its overall fluorescence intensity? A) The fluorescence lifetime is significantly reduced, while the overall fluorescence intensity remains essentially unchanged. B) The fluorescence lifetime is significantly reduced, and the overall fluorescence intensity is also significantly enhanced. C) The fluorescence lifetime is significantly reduced, and the overall fluorescence intensity is strongly quenched (reduced). D) Both the fluorescence lifetime and the overall fluorescence intensity remain essentially unchanged, indicating a weak interaction.","A) The fluorescence lifetime is significantly reduced, while the overall fluorescence intensity remains essentially unchanged.","- An optical antenna modifies the emission of a nearby light source (emitter) by altering its local electromagnetic environment. This typically speeds up the emitter's decay processes, resulting in a reduced fluorescence lifetime. - Plasmonic antennas, made from metals like gold or silver, suffer from high ohmic losses. At short distances (<20 nm), this causes a strong non-radiative process called quenching, where the emitter's energy is lost as heat to the metal, significantly reducing its brightness. - Dielectric antennas, made from high-refractive-index materials like silicon, have negligible ohmic losses. They can reduce an emitter's fluorescence lifetime without causing the significant quenching seen in plasmonic antennas. - DNA origami is a self-assembly technique used to build precise nanostructures. In this context, it functions as a molecular ruler to place an emitter and a nanoparticle at an exact, predefined distance from each other.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""An optical antenna modifies the emission of a nearby light source (emitter) by altering its local electromagnetic environment. This typically speeds up the emitter's decay processes, resulting in a reduced fluorescence lifetime.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Plasmonic Nanoantennas: Fundamentals and Their Use in Controlling the Radiative Properties of Nanoemitters""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/cr1002672""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 24, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 1 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Plasmonic antennas, made from metals like gold or silver, suffer from high ohmic losses. At short distances (<20 nm), this causes a strong non-radiative process called quenching, where the emitter's energy is lost as heat to the metal, significantly reducing its brightness.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Enhancement and Quenching of Single-Molecule Fluorescence""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.96.113002""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 21, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [16] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Dielectric antennas, made from high-refractive-index materials like silicon, have negligible ohmic losses. They can reduce an emitter's fluorescence lifetime without causing the significant quenching seen in plasmonic antennas.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Optically resonant dielectric nanostructures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1126/science.aag2472""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 18, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [19] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DNA origami is a self-assembly technique used to build precise nanostructures. In this context, it functions as a molecular ruler to place an emitter and a nanoparticle at an exact, predefined distance from each other.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Folding DNA to create nanoscale shapes and patterns""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature04586""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 16, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [43] in the report.""}]" Physics,Applied Physics,Numerical Values,Spalled barium titanate single crystal thin films for functional device applications,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.04045,"May 7, 2025","A ~20 μm thick, ~0.5 x 1.5 mm² barium titanate (BTO) film was fabricated by spalling a (001)-oriented bulk crystal previously coated with a Ti and Au seed layer and electroplated with Ni. The spalled film was analyzed with the Teng-Man technique using an incident light of wavelength 1520 nm, polarized at 45°, to obtain the Pockels coefficient ($r_{33}$). The film had a 100 nm thick Au back reflector and top electrodes consisting of a 50 nm thick indium tin oxide layer, and was poled by applying a constant 20 V voltage for one hour to reduce domain switching. The setup comprised a Soleil-Babinet compensator that controlled the phase retardation by positional adjustment, an analyzer, and a detector. The experiment was conducted using two configurations: (1) irises before and after the sample that limit the probing diameter to less than 300 μm, and (2) lenses of focal length $f=3.5$ instead of the irises.","- The DC and modulated output intensities of a reflected laser beam as a function of the modulating voltage, modulating frequency and phase retardation.","The electro-optic Pockels coefficient $r_{33}$ of a spalled and poled barium titanate (BTO) thin film was characterized using two different measurement configurations. One measurement averaged the response over a large, multi-domain area of the film. A second, separate measurement used lenses to probe a much smaller, likely single-domain region (tens of microns in size) to assess the material’s local, intrinsic properties. Based on the measurement performed on the small, likely single-domain region for a modulating voltage of 5 V and frequencies ranging from 10 to 18 kHz, what is the measured Pockels coefficient (in pm/V)?",120-200 pm/V,"- Barium titanate (BTO) is a perovskite oxide material with exceptional electro-optic properties suitable for photonic devices. - Spalling is a fabrication technique where a thin, single-crystal layer is exfoliated from a bulk substrate using a metal stressor layer. - The Pockels effect is a linear electro-optic effect where a material's refractive index changes in proportion to an applied electric field, quantified by the Pockels coefficient $(r_{33})$. - Ferroelectric domains are regions within a crystal that have a uniform direction of spontaneous electric polarization. - Poling is the process of applying a strong electric field to a ferroelectric material to align its domains in a single direction. - The Teng-Man technique is an experimental method that uses a reflection-based setup to measure the Pockels coefficient of a thin film.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Barium titanate (BTO) is a perovskite oxide material with exceptional electro-optic properties suitable for photonic devices.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Barium Titanate Nanostructures and Thin Films for Photonics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/adom.202001249""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 5, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [4] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Spalling is a fabrication technique where a thin, single-crystal layer is exfoliated from a bulk substrate using a metal stressor layer.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Controlled spalling-based mechanical substrate exfoliation for III-V solar cells: A review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2021.111018""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 15, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [35] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Pockels effect is a linear electro-optic effect where a material's refractive index changes in proportion to an applied electric field, quantified by the Pockels coefficient $(r_{33})$.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Large Pockels effect in micro- and nanostructured barium titanate integrated on silicon""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-018-0208-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 12, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [28] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ferroelectric domains are regions within a crystal that have a uniform direction of spontaneous electric polarization.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""R-Curve Behaviour of BaTiO3 Due to Stress-Induced Ferroelastic Domain Switching""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/S0955-2219(96)00211-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1997""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [43] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Poling is the process of applying a strong electric field to a ferroelectric material to align its domains in a single direction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A method for poling barium titanate, BaTiO3""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1080/00150199108008240""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1991""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [3] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Teng-Man technique is an experimental method that uses a reflection-based setup to measure the Pockels coefficient of a thin film.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Simple reflection technique for measuring the electro-optic coefficient of poled polymers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.103107""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apriil 30, 1990""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [44] in the report.""}]" Physics,Semiconductor Physics,Numerical Values,Direct Bandgap Photoluminescence of GeSn grown on Si(100) substrate by Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.04096,"May 07, 2025","Different GeSn layered structures were grown on a 2-inch wafer Si(100) utilizing the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) with Knudsen cells made of pyrolytic boron nitride (PBN) crucibles, loaded with ultra-high (7N) pure intrinsic Ge and metallic Sn respectively. The samples were grown in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV) MBE chamber at a background pressure of 1×10-11 Torr. The Si substrates were first cleaned by briefly submerging in a diluted HF:H₂O (1:20) solution and blow-dried with nitrogen. Then, they were degassed at 250 °C for over two hours inside the MBE chamber and then heated to ~900 °C to remove the oxide layer. Two Ge buffer layers were deposited, one grown at 400 °C to a thickness of ~70 nm, and a second one at 700 °C to ~120 nm. Three cyclic annealing was performed at 700-800 °C. The first GeSn layer was grown after cooling the substrate to ~180 °C. The second GeSn layer grown at 200 and 220 ⁰C for samples S1 and S2, respectively. The thickness of the final GeSn layers for both samples was then characterized using secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS).","- The depth profile of Ge and Sn concentration, measured by secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS). - Thickness of the GeSn layer for different Sn concentrations.","Two multi-layered GeSn samples, S1 and S2, were grown on Si substrates using MBE in a UHV chamber through a multi-step annealing process. Two Ge buffer layers were grown in The first GeSn layer was grown after cooling the substrate to ~180°C. What is its measured GeSn layer thickness (in nm) for sample S2, whose second GeSn layer was grown at 220°C?","GeSn layer thickness = [473-578] nm. No CI/SE/SD reported → a fallback ±10% applied.","- Germanium-Tin (GeSn) is a Group IV semiconductor alloy that is of interest for silicon-based photonics because its bandgap can be tuned to become a direct-gap material by increasing the Sn concentration. - Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) is a crystal growth technique used to deposit high-quality, single-crystal thin films (epilayers) with very precise control over thickness and composition. - Strain relaxation is a process in heteroepitaxy where the strain in a crystal layer grown on a substrate with a different lattice spacing is relieved, often through the formation of defects like dislocations. - Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is an analytical technique used to determine the composition and thickness of thin films by sputtering the surface with an ion beam and analyzing the ejected secondary ions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Germanium-Tin (GeSn) is a Group IV semiconductor alloy that is of interest for silicon-based photonics because its bandgap can be tuned to become a direct-gap material by increasing the Sn concentration.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Si-Ge-Sn alloys: From growth to applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pcrysgrow.2015.11.001""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 18, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [1] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Molecular Beam Epitaxy (MBE) is a crystal growth technique used to deposit high-quality, single-crystal thin films (epilayers) with very precise control over thickness and composition.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Molecular beam epitaxy of metastable, diamond structure SnxGe1-x alloys""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.101152""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 22, 1989""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [11] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Strain relaxation is a process in heteroepitaxy where the strain in a crystal layer grown on a substrate with a different lattice spacing is relieved, often through the formation of defects like dislocations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Critical thickness for strain relaxation of Ge1-xSnx (x≤0.17) grown by molecular beam epitaxy on Ge(001)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4922529""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 11, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [8] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) is an analytical technique used to determine the composition and thickness of thin films by sputtering the surface with an ion beam and analyzing the ejected secondary ions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Depth profiling by secondary ion mass spectrometry""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/sca.4950030202""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 16, 1979""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Soft Condensed Matter,Numerical Values,Negative drag force on beating flagellar-shaped bodies in active fluids,https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.13129,"Aug 18, 2025","Researchers examined how a translating, periodically beating “virtual flagellum” alters drag in an active colloidal bath by projecting a dynamic light pattern (length 275 µm, thickness 35 µm, waveform amplitude 10 µm with 1.75 oscillations, period 2π/ω ) that moved at constant speed u along −x . The model system was a quasi-2D suspension of active Janus colloids—SiO₂ spheres of diameter 7.89 µm half-coated with a 60 nm carbon layer—dispersed at the critical composition in water–propylene glycol n-propyl ether (40% m) inside a 200 µm-high cell held at 28 °C (below the 32 °C demixing point), forming an area fraction ϕ≈0.03 . Self-propulsion was induced with a 532 nm laser, with power up to 6 mW yielding speeds up to v_0 ≈ 0.2 µm s⁻¹ (tunable by intensity). Repulsion from the flagellum boundary exploited negative phototaxis, with a calibrated repulsive force magnitude of approximately 650 k_B T/σ . ","- Mean x-component of drag force on the flagellum, ⟨F_x⟩ , as a function of translational speed u , measured at fixed beating frequency ω=0.013Hz and varying active-particle propulsion speed v_0 ​ - Active-particle density maps near the flagellum - particle tracking from time-lapse microscopy with spatial binning/phase-averaging. - Repulsive force calibration (f_0) - straight-line runs in a constant light gradient with Stokes-drag relation - Measurement of departure-angle distribution at a light-defined flat wall. - Particle trajectories and positions - 2D single-particle tracking from video microscopy. - Self-propulsion speed - single-particle tracking under uniform illumination. - High-speed force–velocity slope - effective friction coefficient of the body ","In a quasi-2D bath of light-driven Janus colloids (7.89 µm SiO₂, 60 nm carbon) with self-propulsion set by a scanned 532 nm spot, a translating, periodically beating virtual flagellum (L = 275 µm, d = 35 µm, A₀ = 10 µm, period = 2π/ω) moves at speed (u); the x-component of the time-averaged force (\langle F_x\rangle) is measured versus (u) at fixed (\omega=0.013) Hz while bath activity (v_0) is varied. What is the zero-drag crossing speed (u^*) (in µm s⁻¹) of (\langle F_x\rangle(u))? ","The zero-drag crossing speed (u^*) of (\langle F_x\rangle(u)) is 0.18–0.22 µm s⁻¹ (No CI/SE/SD is given; The fallback is ±0.02 µm s⁻¹ ) ","- When these particles are illuminated with laser light (λ = 532nm) the carbon caps are selectively heated above TC, which leads to local demixing and eventually to self-propulsion. - We note that our experimental approach neglects possible hydrodynamic interactions between APs and a physical body, however, whose interaction with walls are dominated by short-range steric forces, AP–wall interactions in our system have been shown to be weak. - Due to the symmetry, the average force on the flagellum perpendicular to its direction of motion vanishes, and only the x-component ⟨Fx⟩ is considered in the following. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""When these particles are illuminated with laser light (λ = 532nm) the carbon caps are selectively heated above TC, which leads to local demixing and eventually to self-propulsion""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tuning the motility and directionality of self-propelled colloids""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-14126-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 2, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 27 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""We note that our experimental approach neglects possible hydrodynamic interactions between APs and a physical body, however, whose interaction with walls are dominated by short-range steric forces, AP–wall interactions in our system have been shown to be weak. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microswimmers in patterned environments""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2011/sm/c1sm05960b""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 23, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 33 in the paper""}]" Biology,Microbiology/Infectious Diseases,MCQ,A novel approach to studying infective endocarditis: Ultrasound-guided wire injury and bacterial challenge in mice.,https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318955,"April 7, 2025","Researchers tested whether endothelial injury plus bacteremia induces murine infective endocarditis. Male and female C57BL/6-J mice (10-12 weeks) underwent ultrasound-guided wire injury of the aortic valve via right carotid access using an Abbott HI-TORQUE 0.014 guidewire that moved 50 times across the valve, with 100 rotations under ketamine/xylazine anesthesia; the carotid was ligated afterward, and echocardiography was used to ensure that no aortic regurgitation occurred. At 24 h or 72 h post-injury, the mice received an intravenous Staphylococcus aureus challenge (methicillin-susceptible clinical isolate SA-LT 68/03C12Y7) at 10⁴, 10⁵, or 10⁶ CFU in 100 µL sterile 0.9% NaCl. The inoculum was prepared from LB cultures (8h, 37 °C) and verified by plating 10 µL on 5% blood agar. The control group included mice that received bacterial challenge without prior wire injury (BC-only group). Blood and valve tissues were collected 24 h after challenge for culture (CFU counts) and ex vivo analyses; echocardiography (1.5% isoflurane) assessed valve vegetations and regurgitation. IE incidence at 24 h, valve CFU stratified by dose (10⁴–10⁶) and WI vs BC-only, and echocardiographic detection of vegetations/regurgitation was determined.","- Incidence of infective endocarditis (IE) by group (WI + BC vs BC only). - Bacterial load (CFU) in blood and aortic valve tissue by group, dose (10⁴, 10⁵, or 10⁶ CFU), and time post-challenge (1 d, 3 d); assay: culture on blood agar. - Valve vegetations (present/absent) and aortic regurgitation grade by echocardiography, across groups and timepoints. ","Researchers tested whether endothelial injury plus bacteremia induces murine infective endocarditis (IE). Male and female C57BL/6J mice (10–12 weeks) either underwent aortic valve wire injury (WI) or no injury (BC-only). At 24 h or 72 h post-procedure, mice received an intravenous Staphylococcus aureus challenge of 10⁴, 10⁵, or 10⁶ CFU in 100 µL saline. At 24 h post-challenge, IE incidence was recorded, and valve CFU were quantified; echocardiography assessed valve vegetations and aortic regurgitation. Which outcome pattern is most likely? A) In WI+BC, IE incidence and valve CFU increase from 10⁴ to 10⁵ and increase further from 10⁵ to 10⁶; BC-only shows negligible IE at all doses B) In WI+BC, IE induction and valve burden rise from 10⁴ to 10⁵ and then plateau between 10⁵ and 10⁶; BC-only shows dose-dependent IE with substantial induction at 10⁶ C) WI+BC produces IE only at 10⁶ and only when the challenge is given 72 h after WI; at 24 h or lower doses, there are no vegetations or valve CFU; BC-only shows no IE at any dose. D) BC-only shows minimal IE at 10⁴–10⁵ but matches WI+BC at 10⁶; in WI+BC, delaying bacteremia from 24 h to 72 h markedly reduces valve CFU and IE incidence","B) In WI+BC, IE induction and valve burden rise from 10⁴ to 10⁵ and then plateau between 10⁵ and 10⁶; BC-only shows dose-dependent IE with substantial induction at 10⁶","- Infective endocarditis (IE) is a bacterial infection that primarily involves the heart valves and can form vegetations composed of fibrin and platelets with bacteria. - Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium capable of colonizing tissues and producing virulence factors relevant to IE. - Intact valvular endothelium is a barrier that normally limits bacterial adhesion to the valve surface. - An endothelial injury is an exposure of subendothelial matrix that promotes platalet activation and fibrin/von Willebrand factor deposition, generating microthombi. - Valvular microthrombi are fibrin/platelet aggregates that provide surfaces to which bacteria can adhere during bacteremia. - S. aureus adhesions are surface proteins that mediate attachment to matrix components and damaged valvular tissue. - Infective vegetation is a structure of bacteria, fibrin, and platelets that can limit immune cells access to the infected site. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Infective endocarditis (IE) is a bacterial infection that primarily involves the heart valves and can form vegetations composed of fibrin and platelets with bacteria. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Infective endocarditis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201659""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 1, 2016 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Staphylococcus aureus is a pathogenic bacterium capable of colonizing tissues and producing virulence factors relevant to IE. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Alpha-Toxin Induces Programmed Cell Death of Human T cells, B cells, and Monocytes during USA300 Infection""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0036532""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Intact valvular endothelium is a barrier that normally limits bacterial adhesion to the valve surface. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Isolating Crucial Steps in Induction of Infective Endocarditis With Preclinical Modeling of Host Pathogen Interaction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01325/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 18, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Valvular microthombi is a fibrin/platelet aggregates that provide surfaces to which bacteria can adhere during bacteremia. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Isolating Crucial Steps in Induction of Infective Endocarditis With Preclinical Modeling of Host Pathogen Interaction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2020.01325/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 18, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""S. aureus adhesions are surface proteins that mediate attachment to matrix components and damaged valvular tissue. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Staphylococcus aureus Fibronectin Binding Proteins Are Essential for Internalization by Osteoblasts but Do Not Account for Differences in Intracellular Levels of Bacteria""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/iai.69.5.2872-2877.2001""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" Infective vegatation is a structure of bacteria, fibrin, and platelets that can limit immune-cells access to the infected site. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Infective endocarditi""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nrdp201659""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 1, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,Growth Optimization Predicts Microbial Success in a Permafrost Thaw Experiment ,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.01.673550v2,"September 4, 2025","The researcher conducted controlled thaw experiments on permafrost cores from three Alaskan sites: the CRREL Permafrost Tunnel (AT), the CRREL Farmers Loop Experimental Station (FL), and the Barrow Experimental Observatory (BEO). Two cores were taken per site, with four replicate subsamples each. Cores were thawed at 2 °C for 96 days. DNA was extracted (Qiagen PowerSoil Pro Kit), prepared with Illumina TruSeq DNA Library Prep v2, quantified (Qubit HS Assay), purified (Blue Pippin), and sequenced on a 2×151 bp NextSeq run. Reads were trimmed (fastp v0.23.4), assembled (metaSPAdes v4.0.0), and binned (MetaBAT2 v2.17; ≥1.5 kb contigs). Bin quality was checked (CheckM2 v1.0.1) and annotated (Prokka v1.14.6; dbCAN v4.1.4). Growth rates were predicted using gRodon v2.4.0. Relative abundances were estimated with CoverM v0.7.0 and transformed using the modified centered log-ratio (mclr) method in SPRING v1.0.4. ","- Number and quality of metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs). - Predicted minimum doubling time of each high-quality MAG to compare fast vs. flow growing taxa. - Changes in abundance from day 0 to 96 of each MAG quantified. - Community classification by genomic trait grouping (oligotropic vs. copiotrophic) from genomic annotations.","Researchers obtained permafrost cores from three Alaskan sites: the CRREL Permafrost Tunnel (AT), the CRREL Farmers Loop Experimental Station (FL), and the Barrow Experimental Observatory (BEO). They were thawed at 2 °C for 96 days under controlled conditions. DNA was extracted, sequenced and assembled. Metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) were binned, quality-checked, and annotated. Predicted minimum doubling times were estimated, and relative abundance changes between day 0 and day 96 were quantified. Select the option that best predicts the outcome of the experiment. A) A small percentage (~10-15%) of oligotrophic bins increased in relative abundance B) About one-third (~30-40%) of oligotrophic bins showed no meaningful change in abundance C) Oligotrophic bins increased only at one site D) Nearly all (>85%) oligotrophic bins declined across sites, with no instances of increase detected ",A) A small percentage (~10-15%) of oligotrophic bins increased in relative abundance,"- Upon rapid thawing of permafrost, changes in biophysical conditions lead to a large shift in microbial communities. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Upon rapid thawing of permafrost, changes in biophysical conditions lead to a large shift in microbial communities. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Metagenomic analysis of a permafrost microbial community reveals a rapid response to thaw""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10576""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 6, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Ecology,MCQ,Soil microbial legacies and cultivar compatibility modulate the responses of wheat to drought,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.29.679177v1,"September 30, 2025","Researchers tested how long-term farming (organic vs conventional) and climate (ambient vs future) histories of soil microbiomes influence wheat performance. Soil samples were provided by a large multi-year field experiment in (51° 23’ 30N, 11° 52’ 49E, 116 m a.s.l.), a field containing 50 plots (16 m x 24 m each) arranged into 10 main plots, with 5 sub-plots consiting of different land-use regime (conventional farming, organic farming, intensively used grassland, mowing and grazing) per main plot. In conventional farming, the crop rotation consisted of winter rape, winter wheat, and winter barley, with the use of synthetic fertilisers and pesticides. Calcium ammonium nitrate was applied several times, at a total rate of 40–60 kg/ha to provide nitrogen, while potassium chloride was added at 110 kg/ha (to provide potassium), and superphosphate was added annually at a rate of 30 kg/ha (to provide phosphate). In organic systems, winter rape was rotated with legumes such as alfalfa and white clover. Organic fields were treated yearly with 120 kg/ha of potassium from patent kali (to provide postassium) and 45 kg/ha of phosphorus from rock phosphate (to provide phosphate). For future conditions, future climate, researchers placed half of the experimental blocks beneath a steel structure with a mobile roof, side panels, and an irrigation system. By adjusting the roof and panels, the night temperatures were raised and summer rainfall was reduced by around 20%, while boosting spring and autumn precipitation by 10% using irrigation. The other half of the blocks served as controls, housed under a similar structure but without any climate interventions, maintaining ambient conditions throughout the experiment. Researchers then collected soil from different treatment combinations: (1) conventional farming under ambient climate (CA), (2) conventional farming under future climate (CF), (3) organic farming under ambient climate (OA), and (4) organic farming under future climate (OF). Twenty soil subsamples (2 farming histories × 2 climate histories × 5 replicate plots) were collected from the topsoil (0–15 cm, ~0.5–0.6 kg per replicate), thoroughly homogenised within each treatment, and pooled to generate one representative composite sample per soil history type (CA, CF, OA, OF). All samples were stored at 4 °C before microbial extraction. For each extraction, 15 g of soil was mixed with 150 ml of Milli-Q water and shaken for 1.5 hours at 300 rpm. The liquid portion was then transferred to 50 ml centrifuge tubes and centrifuged at 22 °C, 1500 rpm for 5 minutes. The supernatant was collected and stored at 4 °C overnight. Next, 300 g of sterilised potting soil was placed into each of 100 pots (11 cm x 11 cm x 21.5 cm, tapering to 8.5 cm x 8.5 cm at the base). Each soil microbial extract (80 ml) was used to inoculate 40 pots, while 40 control pots received 80 ml of Milli-Q water. The pot experiment was conducted at (50.8083°N, 8.7694° E) with controlled light conditions. After two weeks of microbial incubation, half of the pots were sown with Nordkap and the remaining half with the SU Fiete cultivar. Six seeds were planted 5 cm deep per pot. The setup was placed under Neusius LED grow lights (12-hour photoperiod, day-night temperature) in a greenhouse. The pots were watered with 100 ml of tap water every two days for two weeks to ensure consistent initial growth conditions. Germination rate and time were measured over a period of 6 days. Germination rate was calculated as the percentage of seeds that successfully sprouted each day relative to the total number of seeds per pot. ","- Germination rate (percentage of seeds that sprouted each day) for all groups (CA, CF, OA, OF, and control) over a period of 6 days. - Germination time (mins) for all groups (CA, CF, OA, OF, and control) over a period of 6 days. ","Researchers examined how long-term farming practices (organic vs. conventional) and climate histories (ambient vs. simulated future) affect wheat performance through influences on soil microbiomes. Soil samples came from a multi-year experiment with 50 field plots arranged into 10 main plots, each subdivided into different land-use regimes, including conventional and organic farming, intensively used grassland, mowing, and grazing. Conventional farming followed a crop rotation of winter rape, wheat, and barley, using synthetic fertilisers and pesticides, while organic farming incorporated legume rotations and organic fertilisation. To establish future climate, half the blocks were placed beneath structures with adjustable roofs and panels, raising night temperatures and decreasing summer rainfall by 20%, while increasing spring and autumn precipitation by 10% with added irrigation; control blocks were housed similarly but maintained ambient conditions without intervention. Soil from four main treatments was collected: conventional farming under ambient (CA) and future climate (CF), organic farming under ambient (OA) and future climate (OF). Within each treatment, multiple soil subsamples were homogenised and pooled, then stored cold before microbial extraction. Soil microbial extracts were obtained by mixing and incubating soil in water, followed by centrifugation and supernatant collection. Potting soil in 100 pots was inoculated with either microbial extracts or sterile water controls. After incubating the soil for two weeks, pots were sown with either Nordkap or SU Fiete wheat cultivars. The experiment took place under controlled greenhouse conditions with specific lighting and temperature regimes; all pots received consistent watering schedules. Researchers measured wheat germination rate and timing over six days, using the percentage of successfully sprouted seeds in each pot to assess the influence of soil farming and climate histories on plant performance. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Seeds inoculated with microbes originating from organic farming exhibited the highest germination rates on day 5. B. Seeds inoculated with microbes originating from conventional farming exhibited the highest germination rates on day 5. C. Seeds inoculated with microbes originating from conventional farming exhibited germination rates equivalent to those originating from organic farming on day 5. D. Seeds inoculated with microbes originating from future climate exhibited germination rates equivalent to those originating from organic farming on day 5.",B. Seeds inoculated with microbes originating from conventional farming exhibited the highest germination rates on day 5.,"- Plant genotype-specific exudation patterns chemoattract and selectively enrich microbial taxa that can either mitigate drought effects or strengthen plant stress responses. - Repeated drought events have been shown to enrich soil and plant microbiomes for taxa with better survival traits. - Stress‐experienced microbes carry genes for carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and transport, which can act as inocula to improve plant performance under subsequent droughts. - Organic farming often supports higher soil microbial diversity and more heterogeneous microbial communities. - Intensified agricultural practices, such as conventional farming, simplify microbial networks, reduce the abundance of keystone taxa, and lower soil functionality.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Plant genotype-specific exudation patterns chemoattract and selectively enrich microbial taxa that can either mitigate drought effects or strengthen plant stress responses""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rhizodeposition under drought and consequences for soil communities and ecosystem resilience""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11104-016-3090-z""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 10, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Repeated drought events have been shown to enrich soil and plant microbiomes for taxa with better survival traits""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Water stress history and wheat genotype modulate rhizosphere microbial response to drought""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0038071718302943""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 6, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Stress‐experienced microbes carry genes for carbohydrate and amino acid metabolism and transport, which can act as inocula to improve plant performance under subsequent droughts""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Legacy effects of intensified drought on the soil microbiome in a mesic grassland""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://esajournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ecs2.4545""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 12, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Organic farming often supports higher soil microbial diversity and more heterogeneous microbial communities""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Soil Microbiome Is More Heterogeneous in Organic Than in Conventional Farming System""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2016.02064/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 04, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Intensified agricultural practices, such as conventional farming, simplify microbial networks, reduce the abundance of keystone taxa, and lower soil functionality""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Agricultural intensification reduces microbial network complexity and the abundance of keystone taxa in roots""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/ismej/article/13/7/1722/7475282""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 08, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Ecology, Biogeography",MCQ,From lowlands to highlands: how elevation and habitat complexity drive anuran multidimensional diversity?,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12514998/,"Oct 8, 2025","Researchers evaluated how elevation affects the optimal altitudes and altitudinal range size of anuran species (frogs and toads). The study was a test of the applicability of Rapoport's Altitudinal Rule, which states that, as a general principle, species living at higher elevations usually occupy wider altitudinal ranges. Sampling was conducted in the Serra Bonita Private Reserve of Natural Heritage (RPPN) in the Atlantic Forest of Bahia, Brazil, along an elevational gradient from 200 to 950 m. A total of 24 linear transects (each 100 m long) were established in the forest interior, distributed across four altitudinal bands: 200–300 m (low), 400–500 m (mid), 600–700 m (mid-high), and 800–900 m (high), with six transects per band. Transects were surveyed monthly, each time for six consecutive nights, over one year (December 2009 to November 2010) via active visual and acoustic searches conducted by two researchers for 40 minutes per transect. All anuran individuals encountered were identified to species level and the altitude at which they were observed was recorded. Altitude was measured precisely within every transect, not merely assigned to the broad band, using GPS coordinates cross-referenced with a topographic map. For each identified species, these data was used to calculate two derived measurements: (1) Altitudinal range-size distribution (in metres above sea level; maximum - minimum recorded altitude); and (2) Optimal altitude (the altitude of peak abundance), in meters above sea level; calculated via both Stevens's midpoint method (simple average of maximum and minimum altitudes) and the ""Specimen"" method of Almeida-Neto (an abundance-weighted mean).","- Precise altitude of each identified anuran specimen: metres above sea level, obtained by GPS coordinates cross-referenced with a topographic map; specimens distributed across 24 transects located in four elevation bands (low 200–300 m, mid 400–500 m, mid-high 600–700 m, high 800–900 m) - Altitudinal range-size distribution per species (derived): metres, (max elevation − min elevation) recorded for the species - Optimal altitude per species (derived): metres, calculated as a simple or abundance-weighted mean","A study was conducted to assess how geographic elevation affects anuran species occurences and altitudinal range size distributions. Researchers sampled anuran assemblages along an elevational gradient from 200 to 950 m in the Atlantic Forest, recording the altitude at which identified specimens were found. From this data, the researchers calculated the optimal altitude (where abundance is highest), and the altitudinal range-size distribution (the difference between the highest and lowest recorded altitudes), for all identified species. Based on their analysis, which outcome best describes the relationship between optimal altitude and range-size distribution? A. Species with higher optimal altitudes have wider range-size distributions. B. Species with higher optimal altitudes have narrower range-size distributions. C. Range-size distribution is widest for species whose optimal altitude lies near the middle of the gradient (450–650 m) and narrows toward both extremes, indicating a unimodal relationship. D. There is no consistent relationship between optimal altitude and range-size distribution.",B. Species with higher optimal altitudes have narrower range-size distributions.,"- Altitudinal gradients are changes in environmental conditions like temperature and habitat with increasing elevation, which can create zones of different flora and fauna. - Rapoport's Rule is a hypothesis suggesting that, as a general principle, species at higher altitudes (or latitudes) have broader geographical range sizes than those at lower altitudes. - Some studies suggest that amphibians in particular may diverge widely from the predictions of Rapoport's Rule.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Altitudinal gradients are changes in environmental conditions like temperature and habitat with increasing elevation, which can create zones of different flora and fauna.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Habitat amount and ambient temperature dictate patterns of anuran diversity along a subtropical elevational gradient""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ddi.13187""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 3, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Rapoport's Rule is a hypothesis suggesting that, as a general principle, species at higher altitudes (or latitudes) have broader geographical range sizes than those at lower altitudes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Altitudinal range-size distribution of breeding birds and environmental factors for the determination of species richness: An empirical test of altitudinal Rapoport’s rule and non-directional rescue effect on a local scale""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0203511""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 25, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Some studies suggest that amphibians in particular may diverge widely from the predictions of Rapoport's Rule.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Distribution of amphibians along an elevation gradient in the Eastern Himalaya, India""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1439179120300773""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Gynecologic Cancer,MCQ,Efficacy and Safety of Avutometinib ± Defactinib in Recurrent Low-Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer: Primary Analysis of ENGOT-OV6o/GOG-3052/RAMP 201,https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO-25-00112,"July 11, 2025","Patients aged ≥18 years with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) were assigned to different groups to evaluate the efficacy and safety of avutometinib alone or in combination with defactinib. Kirsten rat sarcoma virus homolog (KRAS) mutation status was previously validated in all patients before enrollment. Tumor response was assessed using archival tissue evaluated by RECIST v1.1, and KRAS mutation status was centrally confirmed using the tissue-based Tempus xT v4.0 LDT NGS-based assay. Additionally, patients were evaluated for response using computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The trial consisted of Parts A, B, and C. In Part A, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of the following treatments: avutometinib 4.0 mg orally twice per week, or avutometinib 3.2 mg orally twice per week plus defactinib 200 mg orally twice daily. Both treatment regimens were administered for three weeks followed by a one-week rest period. Randomization was stratified to achieve balanced numbers of patients with KRAS-mutant and KRAS wild-type tumors. Part B was an expansion phase using the same treatment regimens as in Part A (avutometinib alone or in combination with defactinib). Part C was an additional expansion phase evaluating only the combination of avutometinib plus defactinib, following the same dosing schedule as in Part A. Finally, the primary end point was evaluated as the objective response rate (ORR) according to RECIST v1.1 as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR), and the secondary end points, progression-free survival (PFS), was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a twosided 95% CI median PFS was determined using the Brookmeyer-Crowley method.","- KRAS oncogene variant (mutant or wild-type) in patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC). - Objective response rate (ORR) following administration of avutometinib (3.2 mg twice weekly) and defactinib (200 mg twice daily) in patients with KRAS-mutant and KRAS wild-type tumors. - Complete response following administration of avutometinib (3.2 mg twice weekly) and defactinib (200 mg twice daily) in patients with KRAS-mutant and KRAS wild-type tumors. - Partial response following administration of avutometinib (3.2 mg twice weekly) and defactinib (200 mg twice daily) in patients with KRAS-mutant and KRAS wild-type tumors. - Progression-free survival (PFS) following administration of avutometinib (3.2 mg twice weekly) and defactinib (200 mg twice daily) in patients with KRAS-mutant and KRAS wild-type tumors.","Patients with low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) participated in a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of avutometinib alone or in combination with defactinib. KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma virus homolog) mutation status was assessed prior to enrollment. Archival tissue was used to evaluate tumor response according to RECIST v1.1 and to determine KRAS mutation status using the tissue-based Tempus xT v4.0 LDT NGS-based assay. Tumor response was also assessed using computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The trial was conducted in three parts. In Part A, patients were randomly assigned (1:1) to one of these groups: 1) avutometinib 4.0 mg orally twice per week, or 2) avutometinib 3.2 mg orally twice per week plus defactinib 200 mg orally twice daily. Regimens were administered for three weeks with a one-week rest period. Both Part B and C were expansion phases. Part B used both treatments as in Part A, while Part C only followed the same combination treatment. The primary end point was evaluated as the objective response rate (ORR) according to RECIST v1.1 as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR), and the secondary end points, progression-free survival (PFS), was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method, and a twosided 95% CI median PFS was determined using the Brookmeyer-Crowley method. What is the expected outcome? Select all the correct options. A) KRAS wild-types will have the lowest ORR in both avutometinib alone and in combination with defactinib groups compared to KRAS mutants. B) KRAS wild-types will have the highest ORR only in avutometinib alone groups compared to KRAS mutants. C) KRAS mutant will have the highest ORR in both avutometinib alone and in combination with defactinib groups compared to KRAS wild-types. D) KRAS mutant will have the lowest ORR only in avutometinib combination with defactinib groups compared to KRAS wild-types.","A) KRAS wild-types will have the lowest ORR in both avutometinib alone and in combination with defactinib groups compared to KRAS mutants. C) KRAS mutant will have the highest ORR in both avutometinib alone and in combination with defactinib groups compared to KRAS wild-types.","- Low-grade serous ovarian cancer (LGSOC) is often driven by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mutations, the most common of which are Kirsten rat sarcoma virus homolog (KRAS) mutations. - Avutometinib is an oral rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma (RAF)/MEK clamp that inhibits MEK (i.e., mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase) while also blocking the compensatory reactivation of MEK. - Inhibition of the MAPK pathway by avutometinib leads to a compensatory activation of focal adhesion kinase. - Defactinib is a selective FAK inhibitor.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Low-grade serous ovarian cancer is often driven by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) mutations, the most common of which are Kirsten rat sarcoma virus homolog (KRAS) mutations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genomic profiling in low grade serous ovarian cancer: Identification of novel markers for disease diagnosis and therapy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi nlm.nih.gov/36229265/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Avutometinib is an oral rapidly accelerated fibrosarcoma clamp that inhibits MEK while also blocking the compensatory reactivation of MEK.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Allosteric MEK inhibitors acts on BRAF/MEK complexes to block MEK activation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8433572/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Inhibition of the MAPK pathway by avutometinib leads to a compensatory activation of focal adhesion kinase.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Targeting FAK in anticancer combination therapies""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8276817/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 17, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Defactinib is a selective FAK inhibitor.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Phase I study of the combination of the dual RAF/MEK inhibitor VS-6766 and the FAK inhibitor defactinib: Results of efficacy in low grade serous ovarian cancer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0923753421033974""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Infectious Disease,Free-Format Question,Antibacterial and wound healing effects of PEG-coated ciprofloxacin-loaded ZIF-8 nanozymes against ciprofloxacin-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa taken from burn wounds,https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2025.1556335/full,"September 10, 2025","Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were collected from burn patients. Sixty ciprofloxacin-resistant isolates were selected based on MIC (CLSI 2023); species identity was confirmed by oprL PCR. ZIF-8 was synthesized from zinc nitrate hexahydrate and 2-methylimidazole, then loaded with ciprofloxacin (1 mg/mL, 6 h, stirring) to obtain ZIF-8-CIP. A PEG coating (PEG:ZIF-8-CIP = 1:1 w/w, 12 h) yielded PEG-ZIF-8-CIP. Formulations (ZIF-8, ZIF-8-CIP, PEG-ZIF-8-CIP, and free CIP) were characterized for morphology/size by FESEM, hydrodynamic size by DLS, zeta potential, encapsulation (entrapment) efficiency, and stability. In vitro antibacterial activity was assessed by disk diffusion (10–50 mg/mL) and MBEC on biofilms grown 1, 3, and 5 days; biofilm removal was quantified after 24 h treatment. Cytotoxicity was measured in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF) using the MTT assay at 24, 48, 72 h over 10–100,000 ng/mL. For in vivo evaluation, female BALB/c mice (6–9 weeks) received a 5 mm burn wound, were infected with P. aeruginosa, and treated topically once daily (20 µL/wound) for 14 days in six groups (negative control, infected control, ZIF-8, ZIF-8-CIP, PEG-ZIF-8-CIP, free CIP). CFU from wounds were sampled on days 1, 3, 7, and 10; wound diameter/% contraction on days 1, 3, 7, and 14; and histopathology on day 14.","- Disk diffusion (in vitro antibacterial activity): Inhibition zone diameter (mm) on Mueller–Hinton agar after 24 h at 37 °C (tested concentrations 10–50 mg/mL for each formulation). - MBEC (biofilm eradication): Minimum concentration (mg/mL) that eradicates 1-, 3-, and 5-day biofilms after treatment, quantified by TTC assay. - Biofilm removal efficiency (time-dependent): Percent reduction in OD 470 nm (TTC) measured over 1, 3, and 5 days of treatment on biofilms aged 1, 3, and 5 days. -Cytotoxicity (HFF cells, MTT): Cell viability at 24, 48, and 72 h across 10–100,000 ng/mL; absorbance read at 570 nm. - In vivo CFU (wound bacterial burden): Bacterial counts from wound swabs on days 1, 3, 7, and 10. - Wound healing (% contraction): Calculated from wound area (A) using the paper’s formula, recorded on days 1, 3, 7, and 14. - Histopathology (H&E, day 14): Evaluation of neutrophil infiltration, fibroblast activity, epithelial regeneration, and neovascularization. ","Researchers tested the cytotoxicity of PEG-coated ciprofloxacin-loaded ZIF-8 nanozymes against ciprofloxacin ZIF-8 nanozymes in human foreskin fibroblasts (HFF cells) using the MTT assay. They were tested at concentrations of 10 to 100,000 ng/mL and measured at 24, 48, and 72 hours. How would you expect the cytotoxicity profiles of the two treatments to compare over time? ","PEG-ZIF-8-CIP was consistently less cytotoxic than ZIF-8-CIP in human foreskin fibroblasts, with the most significant safety advantage observed at 24–48 hours. However, by 72 hours, both treatments reached similarly high cytotoxicity levels, with no significant difference between them.","- ZIF-8 (zeolite imidazolate framework-8) is a zinc-based metal organic framework used for drug delivery. - ZIF-8-based formulations can exhibit antibacterial activity; in this work antibacterial performance is empirically measured (disk diffusion, MBEC), without assigning a specific mechanistic pathway - Pegylation involves coating nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol to improve stability and reduce toxicity. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""ZIF-8 (zeolite imidazolate framework-8) is a zinc-based metal organic framework used for drug delivery.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The resistance mechanisms of bacteria against ciprofloxacin and new approaches for enhancing the efficacy of this antibiotic.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2022.1025633/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 20, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""ZIF-8-based formulations can exhibit antibacterial activity; in this work antibacterial performance is empirically measured (disk diffusion, MBEC), without assigning a specific mechanistic pathway""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""ZnO@ZIF-8 Nanoparticles as Nanocarrier of Ciprofloxacin for Antimicrobial Activity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/1/259""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 11, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pegylation involves coating nanoparticles with polyethylene glycol to improve stability and reduce toxicity. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antibacterial countermeasures via metal–organic framework-supported sustained therapeutic release.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.8b21698""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 25, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,MCQ,Shedding light on left hippocampal mGlu5 in Alzheimer's disease,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680254v1,"October 3, 2025","To investigate the contribution of hippocampal metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) to memory deficits in J20 Alzheimer’s disease (AD) mice, researchers assessed mGlu5 expression in the hippocampus using western blotting after performing a spatial novelty preference tasks. Hemizygous J20 mice were bred on a C57BL/6J background (>10 backcrosses). Mice were housed in a standard animal facility under a 12 h light/dark cycle at 21 ± 2 °C with ad libitum access to food and water. To assess spatial short-term memory in mice, wild-type or J20 mice were placed in a maze test adapted for performing spatial novelty preference tasks. Initially, mice could explore all but one arm of the maze for 10 minutes. After a 5-minute delay with the novel arm blocked, the barrier was removed, and mice were given 3 minutes to explore the entire maze. The time spent in each arm was recorded, beginning when the mouse exited the start arm. To reduce olfactory cues, the novel arm was wiped with a tissue previously rubbed on the other arms. The main measure was the percentage of time spent in the novel arm, serving as an indicator of spatial memory. Immediately after the spatial novelty preference task, mice were killed by decapitation, hippocampi were dissected, and the tissues were homogenised by sonication in 3% SDS (having protease and phosphatase inhibitors), followed by determining protein concentration using the BCA assay (ThermoFisher Scientific). For western blot analysis, 30 μg of protein were loaded per lane, separated by 12% SDS-PAGE, and transferred onto nitrocellulose membranes. After overnight incubation with primary antibodies at 4 °C, membranes were washed and incubated with HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies for 2 hours, followed by signal reveal using ECL (Luminata Crescendo, Millipore) and resulting images were quantified with ImageJ software. β-Tubulin was used as a loading control for mGlu5.","- Total time (sec) spent by wild-type and J20 mice during the spatial novelty preference task. - Percentage of time (%) spent by wild-type and J20 mice in the novel arm, serving as an indicator of spatial memory. - Protein concentration (ug) from homogenised brain hippocampus of wild-type and J20 mice immediately after the spatial novelty preference task. - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) expression (quantification of band signal) in both hemispheres of the hippocampus, for both wild-type and J20 mice, immediately after the spatial novelty preference task. ","Researchers investigated how hippocampal mGlu5 receptor expression relates to memory deficits in J20 Alzheimer’s disease mice. J20 and wild-type mice (bred on a C57BL/6J background) were maintained under standard conditions and given ad libitum food and water. Mice underwent a spatial novelty preference maze test: they could explore all but one arm for 10 minutes, waited 5 minutes with the novel arm blocked, then explored the entire maze for 3 minutes. Immediately after behavioural testing, mice were sacrificed, and their hippocampi dissected and homogenised. Protein was extracted and quantified, then samples were run on SDS-PAGE gels, transferred to membranes, and incubated with specific antibodies for mGlu5 (using β-tubulin as a loading control). Signals were detected by ECL and quantified with ImageJ. If we assessed maze performance (spatial memory) with hippocampal mGlu5 protein levels in J20 and control mice, which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Researchers found that in J20 mice, mGlu5 expression is selectively increased in the left hippocampus compared to wild-type controls. B. Researchers found that in J20 mice, mGlu5 expression is selectively reduced in the left hippocampus compared to wild-type controls. C. Researchers found that in J20 mice, mGlu5 expression in the left hippocampus was equivalent to that in the left hippocampus of wild-type controls. D. Researchers found that in J20 mice, mGlu5 expression is selectively increased in the right hippocampus compared to wild-type controls. ","B. Researchers found that in J20 mice, mGlu5 expression is selectively reduced in the left hippocampus compared to wild-type controls.","- Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. - The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) is critically involved in the regulation of both long-term potentiation and long-term depression in the hippocampus, and thus in memory-related processes. - Hippocampal asymmetry, as left-sided atrophy, has been correlated with memory loss in alzheimer’s disease.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent age-related neurodegenerative disorder, characterized by progressive memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The neuropathological diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1186/s13024-019-0333-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 2, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGlu5) is critically involved in the regulation of both long-term potentiation and long-term depression in the hippocampus, and thus in memory-related processes""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Metabotropic glutamate receptor, mGlu5, regulates hippocampal synaptic plasticity and is required for tetanisation-triggered changes in theta and gamma oscillations""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.06.004""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 6, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hippocampal asymmetry, as left-sided atrophy, has been correlated with memory loss in alzheimer’s disease""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Presymptomatic hippocampal atrophy in Alzheimer's disease: A longitudinal MRI study""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/119.6.2001""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1, 1996""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology / Human Genetics,Numerical Values,Sex differences in alpha galactosidase protein processing and its impact on disease severity in Fabry disease,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.16.676554v1,"September 17, 2025","Researchers measured total α-galactosidase A (GLA) enzymatic activity in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Fabry disease (FD) patients and healthy controls. PBMCs were isolated from 10 mL of blood by gradient separation. PBMCs were grown in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 medium with 10% heat-inactivated FBS (fetal bovine serum) and cultured for a total of 6 days with 2 media renewals at 5% CO₂ and 37 °C. After culture, PBMCs were harvested, pelleted by centrifugation at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes at 4 °C. Whole cell lysates were prepared using a mammalian cell lysis solution supplemented with protease inhibitors. Total GLA activity was measured fluorometrically using 2 µg of total protein per reaction with 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-galactopyranoside as a substrate in 0.15 M McIlvaine’s buffer (pH 4.7), with N-acetyl-D-galactosamine as an inhibitor of α-D-galactosidase B, and reactions were terminated with 1.0 M glycine (pH 10.5). ",- Total α-galactosidase A (GLA) activity (nmol/hr/mg) across Fabry disease patients (female vs. male) and healthy controls under fluorometric assay of cultured PBMC lysates using fluorometry.,"Researchers measured total α-galactosidase A (GLA) enzymatic activity in cultured peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from Fabry disease (FD) patients and healthy controls. PBMCs were isolated from 10 mL of blood by gradient separation. PBMCs were grown in Roswell Park Memorial Institute (RPMI) 1640 medium with 10% heat-inactivated FBS (fetal bovine serum) and cultured for a total of 6 days with 2 media renewals at 5% CO₂ and 37 °C. After culture, PBMCs were harvested, pelleted by centrifugation at 1500 rpm for 10 minutes at 4 °C. Whole cell lysates were prepared using a mammalian cell lysis solution supplemented with protease inhibitors. Total GLA activity was measured fluorometrically using 2 µg of total protein per reaction with 4-methylumbelliferyl-α-galactopyranoside as a substrate in 0.15 M McIlvaine’s buffer (pH 4.7), with N-acetyl-D-galactosamine as an inhibitor of α-D-galactosidase B, and reactions were terminated with 1.0 M glycine (pH 10.5). Predict the expected median total GLA activity (nmol/hr/mg) in female Fabry patients.","17.3 - 21.1 nmol/hr/mg, derived from median total GLA activity measurements in female Fabry disease patients = 19.2 nmol/hr/mg. Note: no SD/SE/CI reported; ±10 % fallback rule applied.","• The GLA protein is synthesized as a precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and undergoes glycosylation and processing to become a mature, active enzyme in the lysosome. • Fabry disease is characterized by a deficiency in α-galactosidase A (GLA) enzyme activity due to GLA mutations that result in a range of phenotypes.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The GLA protein is synthesized as a precursor in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and undergoes glycosylation and processing to become a mature, active enzyme in the lysosome.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Synthesis and processing of alpha-galactosidase A in human fibroblasts. Evidence for different mutations in Fabry disease.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021925818616187""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 15, 1987""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fabry disease is characterized by a deficiency in α-galactosidase A (GLA) enzyme activity due to GLA mutations that result in a range of phenotypes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A systematic review on screening for Fabry disease: prevalence of individuals with genetic variants of unknown significance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://jmg.bmj.com/content/51/1/1.long""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 6, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Neuroscience / Neuropathology,Free-Format Question,The Impact of Formic Acid Treatment on Brain Tissues for Prion Inactivation,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.16.676643v1,"September 17, 2025","Researchers investigated the morphological effects of formic acid treatment on mouse brain tissues used for prion inactivation. Mouse brain hemispheres from three different models (wild-type C57Bl/6N, 5xFAD Alzheimer's model, and Cer-PrP-225SS chronic wasting disease model) were treated with 95% formic acid for 1 hour with gentle agitation in a biosafety cabinet, then returned to 10% formalin for 48 hours. Control hemispheres were placed in fresh 10% formalin for 48 hours. All tissues underwent standard histological processing including dehydration, paraffin embedding, and sectioning at 5 μm. Sagittal sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or rapid differential stain. Cortical width and hippocampal area were measured using Fiji ImageJ on sections approximately 1800 μm from the medial side of the hemisphere.","• Cortical width measurements (in millimeters) between formic acid-treated and control tissues across different brain regions • Hippocampal surface area measurements (in square millimeters) between formic acid-treated and control tissues across different brain regions • Tissue structural integrity and morphological preservation between formic acid-treated and control tissues across different brain regions","After formic acid treatment (95% for 1 hour) and H&E staining with microscopic analysis, what would you expect to happen to the cortical width in wild-type mouse brain tissues compared to untreated control samples? ",Formic acid treatment significantly reduces cortical width in wild-type mouse brain tissues by 24% compared to untreated controls.,"• Prions are infectious, misfolded proteins that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases and are highly resistant to standard inactivation methods • Formic acid is commonly used for prion decontamination but its effects on tissue morphology are not well-documented • Histological assessment using H&E staining requires preserved tissue morphology for accurate structural analysis • Different brain regions may have varying susceptibility to chemical treatments due to structural and compositional differences","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Prions are infectious, misfolded proteins that cause fatal neurodegenerative diseases and are highly resistant to standard inactivation methods""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Prions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.95.23.13363""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 10, 1998""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Formic acid is commonly used for prion decontamination but its effects on tissue morphology are not well-documented""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The effect of formic acid on BSE and scrapie infectivity in fixed and unfixed brain-tissue""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/s0378-1135(97)00165-x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 25, 1997""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Histological assessment requires preserved tissue morphology for accurate structural analysis""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rapid staining techniques in cytopathology: a review and comparison of modified protocols for hematoxylin and eosin, Papanicolaou and Romanowsky stains""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12075519/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 1, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled ""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Different brain regions may have varying susceptibility to chemical treatments due to structural and compositional differences""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Morphological maturation of the mouse brain: An in vivo MRI and histology investigation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811915009039?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 15, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Botany / Ecology,Numerical Values,Pollination and abiotic stress alter the distribution of variation in floral longevity and opportunities for adaptation,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.07.674481v1.full,"September 12, 2025","Researchers experimentally manipulated pollination rates in a wild population of Sabatia angularis (Gentianaceae) to assess how pollination influences floral longevity. The study was conducted in a large population (>1,000 plants) of S. angularis. Prior to flowering, plants were randomly assigned to one of four pollination treatments (pollinated, control, emasculated, and bagged) to create a gradient of pollination rates within the same population. Pollinated plants received supplemental outcross pollen on all flowers, using pollen collected from other plants in the population. Control plants were not manipulated and experienced ambient pollination conditions. Emasculated plants had all anthers removed to reduce visitation rates. Bagged plants were covered with cages made of bridal veil to exclude pollinators. In total, the study included 437 plants: 123 pollinated, 126 control, 119 emasculated, and 69 bagged. Plants were monitored three times per week to record the date the first flower opened. Once a plant began flowering, two flower buds were tagged to measure floral longevity. Tagging was restricted to flowers at secondary positions to control for potential position effects; however, tertiary flowers were used when all secondary flowers had already opened. Tagged flowers were checked daily, and the dates of flower opening and wilting were recorded. A flower was considered wilted when all five petals showed curling. Longevity was calculated as the number of days from opening to wilting. The following statistical procedures were used to evaluate differences among pollination treatments: 1) a general linear mixed model (proc mixed) to test the effect of treatment on floral lifespan; 2) a likelihood ratio test to assess heterogeneity of variance among treatments in the mixed model; and 3) a Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test on mean-centered data in R (within RStudio), with Bonferroni correction applied to adjust p-values. ","- Floral longevity calculated as the number of days from petal opening to wilting (curling of all five petals) in tagged buds of S. angularis plants assigned to different pollination treatments (pollinated, control, emasculated, and bagged). - Day of flower opening in tagged buds of S. angularis plants under different pollination treatments (pollinated, control, emasculated, and bagged). - Day of flower wilting in tagged buds of S. angularis plants under different pollination treatments (pollinated, control, emasculated, and bagged). - Flower lifespan in tagged buds of S. angularis plants under different pollination treatments (pollinated, control, emasculated, and bagged).","Researchers experimentally manipulated pollination rates in a wild population of Sabatia angularis (Gentianaceae) to assess how this influences pollen gain curves, the phenotypic distribution of floral longevity, trait correlations, and potential costs. This study was conducted in a large (>1,000 plants) population of S. angularis. Prior to flowering, scientists randomly assigned plants to one of four pollination treatments: a) pollinated, which received supplemental outcross pollen on all flowers (N = 123) b) control, not manipulated and experienced ambient pollination conditions (N = 126); c) enmasculated, anthers were removed to reduce visitation rates (N = 119); and d) bagged, covered with cages made of bridal veil (N = 69). Plants were monitored three times per week to record the date the first flower opened. Once a plant began to flower, they tagged two flower buds for measuring floral longevity. They restricted tagging to flowers at secondary positions to control for potential position effects, though in some cases, tertiary positions were used if all secondary flowers had already opened. Tagged flowers were checked daily to record the date each opened and the date each wilted. They considered a flower to be wilted when all five petals had evidence of curling. Three statistical procedures were used to evaluate differences among pollination treatments: 1) a general linear mixed model (proc mixed) to test the effect of treatment on floral lifespan; 2) a likelihood ratio test to assess heterogeneity of variance among treatments in the mixed model; and 3) a Kolmogorov-Smirnov (K-S) test on mean-centered data in R, with Bonferroni correction applied to adjust p-values. What is the expected floral lifespan for the bagged plants?",7 days (+/- 2.2 SD),"- Empirical studies have shown an inverse correlation between floral longevity and pollinator visitation rates across species or populations. - In many species, pollination shortens floral lifespan by triggering petal wilting. - Longer-lived flowers incur costs via resource demands of flower maintenance that are expected to result in a trade-off between flower number and longevity. - Floral longevity is the length of time a flower remains open and functional. It offers an opportunity to explore how ecological conditions influence selection and trait expression.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Empirical studies have shown an inverse correlation between floral longevity and pollinator visitation rates across species or populations""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Functional role of long-lived flowers in preventing pollen limitation in a high elevation outcrossing species""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/aobpla/article/9/6/plx050/4560779""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 21, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In many species, pollination shortens floral lifespan by triggering petal wilting""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Pollination-induced flower senescence: a review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00024427""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January, 1992""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Longer-lived flowers incur costs via resource demands of flower maintenance that are expected to result in a trade-off between flower number and longevity""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Towards the flower economics spectrum""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.16823""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 22, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Floral longevity is the length of time a flower remains open and functional. It offers an opportunity to explore how ecological conditions influence selection and trait expression.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Longevity of Individual Flowers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev.es.16.110185.000311""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 01, 1985""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology/Geroscience,Free-Format Question,Knockdown of the fly spliceosome component Rbp1(orthologue of SRSF1) extends lifespan,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.18.677196v1,"September 21, 2025","Researchers compared whether the same spliceosome or spliceosome-regulatory genes were differentially expressed in both the mTOR suppression and dietary restriction (DR) datasets, and whether they were modulated in a concordant direction. To test whether spliceosome components associated with both pro-longevity treatments could modulate lifespan, the top five significant genes from the DR dataset that were also differentially expressed in the mTOR dataset were selected for knockdown: barc, Sf3b1, CG4896, CG7974, Prp5, and Rbp1. Gene knockdown was performed via RNAi targeting each spliceosome gene, driven by the daughterless-GeneSwitch (daGS) system in Drosophila melanogaster females, generating the following fly lines: UAS-barc RNAi, UAS-CG4896 RNAi, UAS-CG7974 RNAi, UAS-Rbp1 RNAi, and UAS-Prp5 RNAi. The daughterless-GeneSwitch (daGS) line was used as a control. All flies were maintained at 25 °C in fly culture bottles containing 6% cornmeal, 13% table sugar, 1% agar, 0.225% nipagin, 8% yeast, and 0.4% propanoic acid (all w/v). To activate daGS, 200 μM RU486 was dissolved in ethanol and added to the food; control treatments received the same amount of ethanol without RU486. For survival experiments, flies were allowed to mate for two days after eclosion, then sorted under light CO₂ anesthesia. Females were placed in cages for lifespan assessment, with no more than 100 flies per cage. The number of deaths was recorded every other day, and dead flies were removed. Food vials were replaced at the same interval, continuing until no flies remained. ","- Survival across different female fly lines (daughterless-GeneSwitch driver line, UAS-barc RNAi, UAS-CG4896 RNAi, UAS-CG7974 RNAi, UAS-Rbp1 RNAi, UAS-Prp5 RNAi, UAS-Sf3b1 RNAi) with RU486 (200 µM) versus ethanol controls in Drosophila melanogaster females. ","Researchers identified spliceosome genes upregulated under both mTOR suppression and dietary restriction (DR) and tested whether knocking them down affected lifespan in Drosophila melanogaster. Using the daGS driver with RU486 to induce RNAi in adults on a rich diet, they targeted barc, Sf3b1, CG4896, CG7974, Prp5, and Rbp1. Female flies lines (daughterless-GeneSwitch(daGS), UAS-barc RNAi, UAS-CG4896 RNAi, UAS-CG7974 RNAi, UAS-Rbp1 RNAi, UAS-Prp5 RNAi) generated were maintained at 25 °C in fly culture bottles (6% cornmeal, 13% table sugar, 1% agar, 0.225% nipagin, 8% yeast, and 0.4% propanoic acid (all w/v)). 200 μM RU486 dissolved in ethanol was administrated to induce the activation of the daGS driver; control treatments received the same amount of ethanol without RU48. Flies were mated for 2 days, sorted, and monitored for survival with deaths recorded every other day until all had died. What would you expect to happen to lifespan in each gene knockdown scenario?","Knockdown of CG4896 and CG7974 did not affect the lifespan, knockdown of barc, Prp5, and Sf3b1 significantly reduced lifespan, whilst Rbp1 knockdown significantly extended lifespan.","- The two best studied treatments which positively impact health and lifespan across species are restriction (DR) and suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) - A shared feature of both mTOR suppression and DR is that they both exert widespread effects on alternative splicing irrespective of species - A genome wide dysregulation of alternative splicing is observed during ageing - The manipulation of a single individual spliceosome component can modulate lifespan (overexpression of one spliceosome component gene in C. elegans, sfa-1, extends lifespan) ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The two best studied treatments which positively impact health and lifespan across species are restriction (DR) and suppression of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Comparative idiosyncrasies in life extension by reduced mTOR signalling and its distinctiveness from dietary restriction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/acel.12489""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 03, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A shared feature of both mTOR suppression and DR is that they both exert widespread effects on alternative splicing irrespective of species""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Splicing factor 1 modulates dietary restriction and TORC1 pathway longevity in C. elegans""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature20789""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 05, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A genome wide dysregulation of alternative splicing is observed during ageing""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Changes in splicing factor expression are associated with advancing age in man""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0047637413000651""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 06, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The manipulation of a single individual spliceosome component can modulate lifespan (overexpression of one spliceosome component gene in C. elegans, sfa-1, extends lifespan)""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Splicing factor 1 modulates dietary restriction and TORC1 pathway longevity in C. elegans""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature20789""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 05, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Numerical Values,Bacillus cereus-derived α-amylase disrupts biofilm formation and quorum sensing in multidrug-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae,https://bmcmicrobiol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12866-025-04301-z,"Jul 29, 2025","Clinical respiratory Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (n = 25) were evaluated alongside the biofilm-positive control strain ATCC 700603. A purified soil-derived Bacillus cereus α-amylase was tested against a commercial Bacillus amyloliquefaciens α-amylase comparator. Antibacterial activity was determined by MIC (lowest enzyme concentration inhibiting visible growth) and MBC (no colonies after subculture of ≥MIC wells). Biofilm formation was screened by the tube method and Congo red agar. For anti-biofilm testing, three microtiter assays were performed: (i) biofilm inhibition at ½ MIC for 24 h quantified by crystal violet; (ii) MBIC with enzyme 16–512 μg/mL present during biofilm formation for 48 h; and (iii) MBEC on mature 5-day biofilms (medium refreshed every 48 h) followed by 48 h enzyme exposure at 16–512 μg/mL. MBIC and MBEC were defined as the lowest concentrations achieving ≥80% inhibition (MBIC) or ≥99% eradication with negative subculture (MBEC). Biofilm structure/viability was visualized by confocal laser scanning microscopy on chamber slides using AO/PI live–dead staining (enzyme at ½ MIC). Gene expression of fimH and mrkD (normalized to rpoB) was assessed by qRT-PCR after enzyme treatment.","- MIC (growth inhibition): lowest enzyme concentration with no visible growth. - MBC (bactericidal endpoint): no colonies after subculture from wells at or above the MIC. - Biofilm screening: tube method (crystal violet) and Congo red agar (morphology-based positivity). - Biofilm inhibition (24 h CV assay): enzyme at ½ MIC during biofilm formation; OD595 used to calculate % inhibition versus untreated control. - MBIC (formation-phase inhibition): enzyme 16–512 μg/mL present 48 h during biofilm formation; read at OD610; MBIC = lowest concentration with ≥80% inhibition. - MBEC (eradication of mature biofilms): 5-day pre-formed biofilms (medium refreshed every 48 h), then 48 h enzyme treatment at 16–512 μg/mL; read at OD610 and confirm ≥99% eradication by negative subculture. - CLSM live/dead imaging: AO/PI staining to assess biofilm thickness and viability after treatment at ½ MIC. - qRT-PCR (quorum-/adhesion-related genes): expression of fimH and mrkD, normalized to rpoB.","In a microtiter plate assay, mature (5-day) Klebsiella pneumoniae biofilms were treated for 48 h at 37 °C with a purified Bacillus cereus-derived α-amylase at concentrations of 16–512 µg/mL in a 96-well plate. Using the MBEC definition (≥99% eradication confirmed by negative subculture), what enzyme concentration (µg/mL) would be expected to achieve the MBEC against the biofilm-forming isolates?",115.2–140.8 µg/mL,"- Fimbriae, encoded by the fim and mrk gene clusters, are heavily involved in biofilm development and pathogenesis. - α-amylase is an enzyme that degrades extracellular polysaccharides. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fimbriae, encoded by the fim and mrk gene clusters, are heavily involved in biofilm development and pathogenesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Biological Effect of Rosmarinus officinelis L. Essential Oil on Biofilm Formation and Some Fimbrial Genes (fimH-1 and mrkD) of Klebseilla pneumoniae\nAuthors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.ijs.uobaghdad.edu.iq/index.php/eijs/article/view/9621""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 14, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""α-amylase is an enzyme that degrades extracellular polysaccharides. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Overview of Fungal Lipase: A Review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12010-011-9444-3""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 10, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Plant genetics,Numerical Values,"A deep-time landscape of plant cis-regulatory sequence evolution ","https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.17.676453v1 ","September 19, 2025","Researchers developed ""Conservatory"", an algorithm that leverages microsynteny and iterative alignments to map conserved non-coding sequences (CNS) - gene associations over evolution. To determine the functional role of CNS-gene association in development, they focused on evaluating the ancient CNS S217 from SlWOX9, an embryogenesis-related genes. They evaluated whether a mutation in this CNS produces phenotypic defects in edited plants of CNS-Slwox9 by CRISPR-Cas9. To specifically generate the slwox9^(Pro-Reg1-TFBS) allele, guide RNAs (gRNAs) were designed using the Geneious Prime software to target the transcription factor binding site (TFBS) within the Pro-Reg1 region of the SIWOX9 promoter. The Golden Gate cloning system was used to assemble the binary vector containing Cas9 and the specific gRNAs. Final binary vectors were then transformed into the tomato cultivar M82 or groundcherry by Agrobacterium tumefaciens. First-generation transgenic plants (T0) were genotyped with specific primers surrounding the target sites. All CRISPR-Cas9 T0 transgenic lines were backcrossed to parental wild-type M82 cultivar plants. These F1 populations were then screened for plants lacking the Cas9 transgene, and PCR products of the targeted regions were sequenced to confirm inheritance of alleles. Selected F1 plants were self-fertilized to generate F2 populations, and these segregating populations were used to validate the phenotypic effects of each allele by co-segregation. They defined vegetative trait phenotypes as shoot apical meristem (SAM) termination, cotyledon defects (multiple cotyledons, lobed cotyledons, and fused cotyledons), leaf fusion, and phyllotaxis defects. Vegetative trait phenotyping was done on five F2 families of young seedlings at various stages of vegetative growth.","- Count number of aberrant phenotypes (shoot apical meristem (SAM) termination, cotyledon defects (multiple cotyledons, lobed cotyledons, and fused cotyledons), leaf fusion, and phyllotaxis defects) - Comparison of vegetative defects (%) across F2 families with slwox9^(Pro-Reg1-TFBS) allele. - Genotyping by PCR amplification flanking the T-DNA - Edits in the CNS site related to WOX9 (Insertions, deletions, substitutions) by DNA sequencing ","Researchers investigated the functional role of the conserved non-coding sequence (CNS)-gene association in tomato development by identifying CNSs using their newly developed bioinformatic tool, “Conservatory.” They selected S217 as the CNS associated with the SlWOX9 homeotic gene, an ancient and conserved transcription factor important for embryogenesis in tomato. To determine the effect of the CNS-SlWOX9 interaction, they targeted this CNS using CRISPR-Cas9 to generate a slwox9^(Pro-Reg1-TFBS) allele. All CRISPR-Cas9 T0 transgenic lines were backcrossed to the parental wild-type M82 cultivar. These F1 populations were then screened for plants lacking the Cas9 transgene, and PCR products of the targeted regions were sequenced to confirm the inheritance of alleles. Selected F1 plants were self-fertilized to generate F2 populations, which were used to assess the frequency of aberrant phenotypes. These phenotypes were defined as shoot apical meristem (SAM) termination, cotyledon defects (e.g., multiple cotyledons, lobed cotyledons, and fused cotyledons), leaf fusion, and phyllotaxis defects. After recovering F2 families with the homozygous slwox9^(Pro-Reg1-TFBS) allele, what would be the expected approximate percentage of vegetative with no defects across these families?",VD = [ 70 - 80] %. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±5 pp applied.,"- WUSCHEL-HOMEOBOX 9 (WOX9) is an ancient and conserved transcription factor important for embryogenesis that has functions in development, and null mutants in tomato are embryonic lethal. - S217 is a conserved non-coding sequence from SlWOX9. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""WUSCHEL-HOMEOBOX 9 (WOX9) is an ancient and conserved transcription factor important for embryogenesis that has functions in development, and null mutants in tomato are embryonic lethal.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Conserved pleiotropy of an ancient plant homeobox gene uncovered by cis-regulatory dissection""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(21)00151-3?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867421001513%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 01, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry, Analytical chemistry,Free-Format Question,Direct infusion acoustic droplet ejection mass spectrometry (diADE-MS): enabling high-throughput shotgun lipidomics,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68b6d7d3a94eede15419aaf9,"September 08, 2025","Researchers optimized the ADE-MS/MS workflow for high-throughput lipidomics using lipid extracts prepared from human plasma. To evaluate the effect of solvent choice on signal intensity and lipid coverage, five solvents octanol, pentanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and heptanol were tested. Each solvent was analyzed under identical ADE-MS/MS acquisition conditions at room temperature, using 1 μL injection volumes, a carrier flow rate of 350 μL/min, and an accumulation time of 40 ms. Measurements were conducted in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes at +5500 V and −4500 V, respectively. The resulting signal intensity was compared to determine which solvent demonstrated higher lipid coverage.","- Signal intensity of lipid ions measured under ADE-MS/MS conditions using octanol, pentanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and heptanol. as sample solvents at room temperature. - Lipid coverage determined from precursor ion scans in both positive and negative electrospray ionization modes (+5500 V/−4500 V) and under ADE-MS/MS conditions using octanol, pentanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and heptanol. as sample solvents at room temperature ","During the optimization of the ADE-MS/MS workflow for high-throughput lipidomics using human plasma extracts, researchers evaluated various solvents octanol, pentanol, dimethylformamide (DMF), dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), and heptanol, to determine which provided the most stable ion signal and effective lipid ejection. Each solvent was tested at room temperature under identical ADE-MS/MS acquisition conditions, including 1 μL injection volumes, a carrier flow rate of 350 μL/min, and accumulation time of 40 ms, using positive and negative electrospray ionization modes at +5500 V/−4500 V. Predict which solvent demonstrated higher lipid coverage in terms of signal intensity. ",Octanol demonstrated larger lipid coverage in terms of signal intensity.,"- ADE-MS/MS: couples high-speed acoustic droplet ejection with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ZenoTOF) via an OPI. - Solvent: key factor for achieving a stable spray and consistent ionization in the ADE-MS system. - Electrospray Ionization (ESI): The ADE-MS flow is directed to the ESI source for direct infusion and MS/MS detection. Its role is to enable the high-throughput parallel monitoring of multiple transitions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Lipidomics Basics: Lipid species (TG, LPE, SM, etc.) and their variation in human plasma.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Analytical Methods in Lipidomics and Their Applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/ac403554h""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 11, 1023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Nanomaterials Chemistry,MCQ,Aluminum-Rich Reconstructed Sapphire as a High-Quality Substrate for Tungsten Disulfide Synthesis,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68cd0d2b23be8e43d613d1ae,"September 24, 2025","An AIXTRON cold-wall MOCVD reactor (CCS2D) was used for high-temperature annealing of sapphire substrates. To form the aluminum-rich (√31 × √31)R±9º reconstructed surface (reconstructed sapphire), sapphire substrates (C-plane (0001) 0.2º off M-axis, 2-inch wafers, Silian optoelectronics) were heated >1200 ºC temperature. The substrates were kept at processing temperature for 10 minutes under 40 standard liter per minute (SLM) H2 gas flow at 150 mbar pressure. For comparison purposes, sapphire substrates prepared in a standard method (standard sapphire)(C-plane (0001) 0.2º off M-axis, Silian optoelectronics) were annealed before growth at 1000 ºC temperature for 1 hour under 800 standard cubic centimeters per minute (SCCM) Ar flow at 5 mbar pressure. Tungsten disulfide (WS2) crystals were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) using WO3 powder (99.995%) and sulfur powder (99.998%) on sapphire substrates prepared as described above. The sapphire growth substrates were placed directly above the WO3 precursor powder with sapphire spacers. The distance between the precursor powder and the growth substrate was controlled with the thickness of the spacers. The samples and precursors were then loaded into a quartz tube furnace (Carbolite Gero TS1 12/200/600) for synthesis. The atmosphere of the reaction chamber was replaced with Ar by performing three consecutive pump-purge cycles to ensure an inert environment prior to deposition. The chamber was filled to about 950 mbar pressure and heated to a temperature of 930 ºC with a ramp of 10 ºC/min under 125 SCCM of Ar flow. Right before reaching the growth temperature, the pressure was lowered to 100 mbar and both pumping and injection gas flow was stopped, so that the growth was carried out under quasi-static conditions. After growth, the chamber was let to naturally cool under 125 SCCM Ar flow. Some samples were transferred to SiO2/Si substrates. Before transfer, the samples were spin coated with PMMA support at 4000 rpm for 60 seconds and baked at 90 ºC for 2 minutes, followed by placement of the PDMS frame on the PMMA. The support polymers with the WS2 crystals were delaminated by immersing the sample in deionized (DI) water or 1 M NaOH. Then, the entire stack was rinsed in DI water and let to dry in air before placing the stack on the target substrate. The samples were heated to 100 ºC to detach the PDMS frame and the PMMA was dissolved in acetone, followed by a rinse in isopropyl alcohol and drying with a nitrogen gun. Standard brightfield microscopy was employed to determine crystal size and nucleation density. Photoluminescence measurements were performed using a Renishaw inVia Raman microscope. Raman spectra were collected using a 532 nm laser, a 1800 1/mm diffraction grating, and a 100x 0.85 NA objective, yielding an approximately 0.77 μm spot size. Hyperspectral photoluminescence (PL) measurements were performed using a commercial epi-illumination optical microscope (Leica DMRBE) that was customized to enable fiber coupling. The standard eyepiece was replaced with a Translated Wedge-based Identical Pulses eNcoding System (TWINS) common-path birefringent interferometer. Above the interferometer an EMCCD camera (Andor LucaEM R, 1004 Å~ 1002 pixels, 8 μm pixel size, 14-bit depth) was mounted to capture the interferometric signal. For excitation, a green diode laser (λ = 532 nm) with a power density of approximately 10 μW/μm2, delivered through a 300 μm core diameter multimode fiber, was used. This configuration produced an illumination spot size of approximately 98.4 μm on the sample surface. A filter cube within the microscope directed the excitation light toward the sample and transmitted the emitted or reflected light toward the detection path. Light from the sample was collected using a 50Å~ HC PL FLUOTAR objective lens with a numerical aperture (N.A.) of 0.8. For hyperspectral data acquisition, the birefringent wedges of the TWINS interferometer were translated over a °æ1 mm range centered around the zero-path delay position, with a step size of 5 μm. This resulted in a total of 400 steps.The Fourier transform of the temporal interferometric data to generate the spectral hypercube was performed on a standard commercial PC.","- Crystal size and nucleation density of WS₂ on reconstructed vs standard sapphire, from optical micrographs (optical microscopy). - PL maps/spectra of WS₂ on both substrate types, before and after transfer to SiO₂/Si: Renishaw inVia; excitation 532 nm, grating 1800 l/mm, objective 100×, NA 0.85, spot ~0.77 µm; record emission intensity and peak wavelength/energy at positions spanning flake centers and edges. - Hyperspectral PL image cubes on both substrate types, before and after transfer: Leica DMRBE + TWINS; EMCCD LucaEM R (1004×1002, 8 µm, 14-bit); 532 nm excitation at ~10 µW µm⁻² via 300 µm fiber; illumination spot ~98.4 µm; 50×, NA 0.8 collection; wedge travel ±1 mm, step 5 µm (400 frames); extract intensity and peak position per pixel, enabling edge–center spatial comparisons. ","In a CVD experiment, tungsten disulfide (WS₂) was synthesized on two types of sapphire substrates: Standard sapphire and Al-rich reconstructed sapphire. Both substrates were exposed to WO₃ and sulfur precursors under identical furnace conditions. Also, some samples were transferred to SiO2/Si substrates. Which of the following outcomes are most likely? (Mark all the correct answers) A) WS₂ crystals on reconstructed sapphire were significantly larger and denser than on standard sapphire. B) Photoluminescence (PL) of WS₂ grown on reconstructed sapphire was quenched in the center and enhanced at the edges. C) Transfer of WS₂ crystals onto SiO₂ substrates removed the edge–center PL difference, confirming substrate coupling effects. D) Reconstructed sapphire reduced nucleation density compared to standard sapphire.","A) WS₂ crystals on reconstructed sapphire were significantly larger and denser than on standard sapphire. B) Photoluminescence (PL) of WS₂ grown on reconstructed sapphire was quenched in the center and enhanced at the edges. C) Transfer of WS₂ crystals onto SiO₂ substrates removed the edge–center PL difference, confirming substrate coupling effects.","- In the aluminum-rich (√31 × √31)R±9º reconstructed surface, oxygen atoms are removed from the first few layers of the material, leaving an excess of aluminum (Al) atoms on the surface, having metallic properties which should be beneficial for the synthesis of 2D materials. - The low-energy tail and the slight red-shift of the photoluminiscence peak can be explained by a higher density of sulfur defects at the edges, which have been observed before for TMD materials synthesized by chemical vapor deposition.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- In the aluminum-rich (√31 × √31)R±9º reconstructed surface, oxygen atoms are removed from the first few layers of the material, leaving an excess of aluminum (Al) atoms on the surface, having metallic properties which should be beneficial for the synthesis of 2D materials.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Metallic Character of the Al2O3(0001)-(√31 × √31)R ± 9° Surface Reconstruction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jp003587c""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 17, 2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the cited RBK item by this paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The low-energy tail and the slight red-shift of the photoluminiscence peak can be explained by a higher density of sulfur defects at the edges, which have been observed before for TMD materials synthesized by chemical vapor deposition.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Visualizing nanoscale excitonic relaxation properties of disordered edges and grain boundaries in monolayer molybdenum disulfide""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms8993""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 13, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Radiocarbon chemistry,MCQ,Towards online ramped oxidation (ORO)-AMS for thermal dissection and serial radiocarbon analysis of complex organic matter,https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/radiocarbon/article/towards-online-ramped-oxidation-oroams-for-thermal-dissection-and-serial-radiocarbon-analysis-of-complex-organic-matter/D4ABF56D7E4759B9137234637A2F793E,"Apr 4, 2025","Researchers present a compact, online ramped oxidation (ORO) setup, where CO₂ fractions resulting from environmental organic sample combustion are directly collected and transferred for ¹⁴C content measurement using an AMS equipped with a gas ion source. The instrumental configuration consists of an online ramped oxidation (ORO) system that includes two sequential ceramic fiber furnaces, where the first furnace is programmed to heat with a constant temperature ramp, and evolved products are continuously carried downstream by a combustion gas containing a mixture of O₂ (18 mol%) and He (82 mol%) and the second furnace, which is constantly held at 900°C and contains copper oxide (CuO) and silver (Ag) wool catalysts to ensure complete combustion to CO₂ and to remove unwanted nitrogen- and sulphur-containing compounds, while the excess O₂ is fed directly into the AMS source. After exiting the second furnace, generated CO₂ passes through a magnesium perchlorate (MgClO₄) water trap and is quantified at a frequency of 1 Hz using a non-dispersive infrared sensor (NDIR; smartGas flowEvo; precalibrated with N₂). There is also a double trap interface (DTI), where CO₂ is collected using parallel molecular sieve (zeolite) traps. During the release and measurement phase, the molecular sieve is heated from ∼10°C to 400°C in ∼3 min. This setup is then directly coupled to a Mini Carbon Dating System (MICADAS) AMS or Low Energy AMS (LEA) equipped with a CO₂-accepting ion source. Before analysis, soil and sediment samples are fumigated in the presence of concentrated acid (HCl 37%) to remove carbonates and subsequently neutralized with NaOH base (both steps at 65ºC for 72 hr in a vacuum desiccator). As standard procedure, samples are then homogenized with a mortar and pestle and weighed into precombusted (∼600°C, > 2 hr) quartz glass tubes along with CuO and Ag catalysts. When using the resulting thermogram for quantification, a conversion factor is required to determine the carbon mass released during combustion; this is obtained from a calibration curve created using compounds with known carbon content. For this purpose, known masses of acetanilide (ACE, Merck KgaA; 71% C content) and phthalic anhydride (PHA, Sigma-Aldrich; 60% C content) were oxidized at several flow rates. Conversion factors can then be calculated using the relationship M=sA, where M (mg) is the mass of carbon loaded, s (mg⋅ppm⁻¹⋅s⁻¹) is a flow-rate-specific conversion factor, and A (ppm⋅s) is the area of the thermogram.","Conversion factors, calculated using the relationship M=sA, where M (mg) is the mass of carbon loaded, s (mg⋅ppm⁻¹⋅s⁻¹) is a flow-rate-specific conversion factor, and A (ppm⋅s) is the area of the thermogram.","ACE and PHA standard materials were oxidized at several masses ranging from ∼0.1 to 0.8 mg with a complete combustion, independent of loaded mass. Using these thermograms, the researchers estimate the conversion factor. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) The conversion factor of ACE is higher than the PHA one because the oxidation is slower, decreasing the gas flow in the CO₂ sensor, thus increasing the integrated CO₂ signal. B) The conversion factor of ACE is smaller than the PHA one because the oxidation is slower, decreasing the gas flow in the CO₂ sensor, thus decreasing the integrated CO₂ signal. C) The conversion factor of ACE is higher than the PHA one because the oxidation is faster, increasing the gas flow in the CO₂ sensor, thus increasing the integrated CO₂ signal. D)The conversion factor of ACE is smaller than the PHA one because the C content of ACE is higher. ","A) The conversion factor of ACE is higher than the PHA one because the oxidation is slower, decreasing the gas flow in the CO₂ sensor, thus increasing the integrated CO₂ signal. ","• Ramped oxidation involves serial organic carbon (OC) combustion while increasing the temperature to ∼900°C at a constant ramp rate. This method separates OC as a function of thermal stability. • The concentration of evolved CO₂ is monitored continuously as a function of temperature to yield a so-called “thermogram” and aliquots are subsequently collected according to user-prescribed temperature intervals or “thermal fractions”.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" Ramped oxidation involves serial organic carbon (OC) combustion while increasing the temperature to ∼900°C at a constant ramp rate. This method separates OC as a function of thermal stability.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Study of Soil Organic Matter Stability Using Derivatography and Long-Term Incubation Methods""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1064229321040141""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 29, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" The concentration of evolved CO₂ is monitored continuously as a function of temperature to yield a so-called “thermogram” and aliquots are subsequently collected\naccording to user-prescribed temperature intervals or “thermal fractions”.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antarctic sediment chronology by programmed-temperature pyrolysis: Methodology and data treatment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2007GC001816""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 2, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,Numerical Values,Potassium Hydrogen Sulfate - Promoted One-Pot Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)alkanes from α-keto Carboxylic acids and Indole Derivatives: Experimental and Computational Studies,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68de2ca7f4163037703af14d,"Oct 5, 2025","Researchers developed a green, metal-free one-pot synthesis of 3,3′-bis(indolyl)alkane derivatives from α-keto carboxylic acids and indole derivatives promoted by potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO₄) in methanol as both reagent and solvent. The optimized experiment was conducted by combining indole (1 equiv.), glyoxylic acid (2 equiv.), and KHSO₄ in methanol (2 mL) at room temperature (~25 °C) under open-air atmosphere for 4 h. Reaction parameters such as KHSO₄ molar ratios, solvent type (MeOH, 0.1 M), atmosphere (air, O₂, Ar), and acid equivalents were systematically controlled. Analytical characterization included ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃), ¹³C NMR (125 MHz), and HRMS (ESI) for structural confirmation. Additional controlled variables were reaction scale (0.256–8.536 mmol) and reaction duration (1–24 h) to assess efficiency and scalability. All reactions were performed under ambient conditions without external heating or metal catalysts to evaluate the catalytic efficiency and selectivity of KHSO₄ in promoting bis(indolyl)alkane formation.","• ¹H NMR (500 MHz, CDCl₃), ¹³C NMR (125 MHz), and HRMS (ESI) for structural confirmation • Reaction yield (%) measured after completion of each reaction to evaluate product formation efficiency under varying conditions. • Catalyst loading (equivalents of KHSO₄) varied systematically to determine optimal acid concentration. ","A metal-free one-pot synthesis of 3,3′-bis(indolyl)alkane derivatives was achieved using potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO₄) as a green catalyst in methanol. The reaction combined indole and glyoxylic acid at room temperature (25 °C) under open air, optimized for different reagent ratios, solvent, and acid equivalents. Structural and purity analyses were conducted using ¹H/¹³C NMR and HRMS, confirming efficient and selective formation of bis(indolyl)alkanes under mild, sustainable conditions. What is the minimum number of KHSO₄ equivalents that may be used to obtain a yield of 80% in the synthesis of methyl 2,2-di(1H-indol-3-yl)acetate from indole and glyoxylic acid?","Number of equivalents that may be used to obtain a minimum yield of 80%: [0.3-0.7] equivalents. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±0.2 equivalents applied.","-Brønsted acids are widely applied as homogeneous catalysts in hydrolysis and esterification, but their use in carbon–carbon bond formation remains limited and is often constrained by safety and environmental concerns. - Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO₄) acts as a mild, solid Brønsted acid catalyst that can activate carbonyl groups under solvent-friendly and environmentally benign conditions. Its bifunctional nature as a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor allows it to activate substrates and enhance catalysis in various organic transformations. - Acid-catalyzed formation of bis(indolyl)methanes typically proceeds via activation of a carbonyl compound followed by electrophilic substitution at indole’s C3 position.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Brønsted acids are widely applied as homogeneous catalysts in hydrolysis and esterification, but their use in carbon–carbon bond formation remains limited and is often constrained by safety and environmental concerns.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Acid Catalysts in Industrial Hydrocarbon Chemistry""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1021/cr068042e""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 31, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO₄) acts as a mild, solid Brønsted acid catalyst that can activate carbonyl groups under solvent-friendly and environmentally benign conditions. Its bifunctional nature as a hydrogen bond donor and acceptor allows it to activate substrates and enhance catalysis in various organic transformations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Widely Applicable Hydrofluorination of Alkenes via Bifunctional Activation of Hydrogen Fluoride""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacs.7b12704""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 5, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Acid-catalyzed formation of bis(indolyl)methanes typically proceeds via activation of a carbonyl compound followed by electrophilic substitution at indole’s C3 position.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Regioselective C3Alkylation of Indoles for the Synthesis of Bis(indolyl)methanes and 3-Styryl Indoles""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.joc.3c02551""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 12, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Physics,Nuclear Experiment,MCQ,"Laser Mossbauer spectroscopy of 229 Th ",https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.00041,"August 23, 2025","Researchers excited the $^229$Th nuclear clock transition in CaF₂ single crystals using vacuum-ultraviolet (VUV) pulsed laser light near 148 nm and monitored de-excitation photons with a solar-blind photomultiplier. Three crystals were used with $^229$Th concentrations of $4 \times 10^14$ mm⁻³ (C10), $8 \times 10^14$ mm⁻³ (C13), and $5 \times 10^15$ mm⁻³ (X2), where C13 and X2 were annealed at 1250 °C in CF₄ to improve VUV transmittance. Each crystal was cut to ~1 mm³, wire-mounted, and kept at room temperature. The laser system comprised two external-cavity diode lasers at 749 nm and 786 nm that seeded Ti:sapphire ring cavities pumped by a 10 Hz, 532 nm Nd:YAG laser (40–50 mJ); the 749 nm pulses (4.5–6.0 mJ, 40–50 ns) were tripled in BBO to 250 nm and, together with the 786 nm pulses, drove xenon-resonant four-wave mixing to generate VUV radiation, which was separated by an MgF₂ prism, monitored by a VUV-filtered photodiode, and frequency-tracked with a wavemeter calibrated to a rubidium-locked 780 nm reference. For spectroscopy, the VUV frequency was scanned in 10 MHz steps over a 1.2 GHz range (C10/C13) or a 1.8 GHz range (X2) around the transition, applying 60 s of irradiation followed by 300 s of detection at each step. Emitted photons were collected by a parabolic mirror, passed through four right-angle dichroic mirrors (reflectance peak ~150 nm), focused by an MgF₂ lens, and detected by a Hamamatsu R10454 photomultiplier; a second photomultiplier (Hamamatsu R11265-203) provided temporal vetoing, and a rotating wheel blocked light during irradiation. In additional tests on X2, a continuous-wave 405 nm “quench” laser (~10 mW) was directed diagonally below the crystal to study laser-induced quenching under otherwise identical conditions. ","- VUV nuclear excitation spectrum (photon counts vs. excitation frequency) by laser scan with solar-blind PMT detection. - Time-resolved de-excitation photon counts (isomer lifetime) by delayed photon counting with PMT. - Site-selective spectral components (crystal-field/quadruple sublevels) by laser Mössbauer excitation in CaF₂. - Photon count rate during and after 405 nm continuous-wave laser illumination (for quenching assessment). - Background photon count rate by veto PMT timing cuts and rotating shutter gating.","VUV laser Mossbauer spectroscopy (60 s irradiation / 300 s detection per frequency step) of $^229$Th:CaF₂ single crystals resolves four thorium doping sites, namely S1, S2, S3, and S4 with electric field gradient $V_{zz}$ of 0 V/$\AA$, 110 V/$\AA$, -320 V/$\AA$, and 260 V/$\AA$, respectively. Site-selective excitation was performed by detuning the excitation laser by 0 MHz, -90 MHz, 240 MHz, and -210 MHz for S1 to S4, respectively. A 405 nm continuous-wave laser is then applied during detection for the crystal with a $^229$Th concentration of $5 \times 10^15$ mm⁻³ to probe laser-induced quenching. Based on this experimental configuration, which statement correctly describes (i) the unquenched isomeric lifetime and (ii) the observed quenching behaviour within the crystal? A) Lifetime is ~630 s and site-independent; quenching is most efficient for S3 among other sites. B) Lifetime varies by site (550–750 s range); quenching is most efficient for S1 because it contributes the most in the spectroscopic signal. C) Lifetime is ~630 s and site-independent; quenching lifetime for S2 is at least twice that of S1. D) Lifetime is longer for S2 (>750 s); quenching is negligible for S1 due to its structural symmetry.",C) Lifetime is ~630 s and site-independent; quenching lifetime for S2 is at least twice that of S1.,"- ^229Th possesses an unusually low-energy nuclear isomeric transition in the vacuum-ultraviolet, enabling direct optical excitation and making it a candidate for a solid-state nuclear clock. - Incorporating Th⁴⁺ into wide-band-gap fluoride crystals (e.g., CaF₂) creates local lattice environments and electric-field gradients that split nuclear sublevels via quadrupole interactions. - Narrow-linewidth laser spectroscopy of embedded nuclei (often described as nuclear laser/Mössbauer-type excitation) probes hyperfine structure and timing of de-excitation by recording VUV-induced photon signals with high spectral and temporal resolution. - Nonradiative decay channels in solids - mediated by defects, impurities, or multiphonon coupling - can compete with radiative de-excitation; auxiliary optical fields may influence these pathways by altering carrier or defect populations. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""^229Th possesses an unusually low-energy nuclear isomeric transition in the vacuum-ultraviolet, enabling direct optical excitation and making it a candidate for a solid-state nuclear clock.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nuclear laser spectroscopy of the 3.5 eV transition in Th-229""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://epljournal.edpsciences.org/articles/epl/abs/2003/02/7463/7463.html""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 1, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is reference 1 in the paper. It explains why laser spectroscopy is possible for Th-229.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Incorporating Th⁴⁺ into wide-band-gap fluoride crystals (e.g., CaF₂) creates local lattice environments and electric-field gradients that split nuclear sublevels via quadrupole interactions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Performance of a 229 Thorium solid-state nuclear clock""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1204.3268""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 15, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 4 in the paper. It justifies site-dependent spectral splitting.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Narrow-linewidth laser spectroscopy of embedded ^229Th nuclei probes hyperfine structure and de-excitation timing by recording VUV-induced photon signals with high spectral and temporal resolution.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The thorium-229 low-energy isomer and the nuclear clock""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s42254-021-00286-6""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 25, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is reference 12 in the paper. It describes the core measurement technique.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Nonradiative decay channels in solids - mediated by defects, impurities, or multiphonon coupling - can compete with radiative de-excitation; auxiliary optical fields may influence these pathways by altering carrier or defect populations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Extending Our Knowledge about the 229Th Nuclear Isomer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3390/atoms10010024""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 14, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this provides basis for 405 nm laser-induced quenching.""}]" Physics,High Energy Physics/ Detector Physics,Free-Format Question,Preparation and measurement of an 37Ar source for liquid xenon detector calibration,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.04829,"Sep 5, 2025","High purity (99.935%) ³⁶Ar was sealed in a quartz ampoule with a diameter of 1 cm, length of 4 cm and wall thickness of 1 mm to an inner pressure of 0.4 bar. The sealing was done by cooling the bottom side of the quartz ampoule and applying a high-temperature hydrogen torch to the other side. The ampoule was irradiated with a thermal neutron flux of 1.5×10¹³ n/(cm²·s) for 2.17 hours in a reactor to produce ³⁷Ar isotopes. After irradiation, the ampoule was placed in a pressure-transfer apparatus to recover all gases generated after irradiation. The extraction was done by evacuating the apparatus to achieve vacuum and applying pressure to the ampoule. The gas was then stored in a stainless steel container with a volume of 500 mL and progressively injected into a gaseous xenon time projection chamber (GXe TPC) to measure radioactivity. In each injection, 11% of the source volume was pumped into the system, which had an overall volume of 28 L. Gaseous xenon continuously circulated through a hot-getter system for purification. The TPC had Teflon walls and was operated using gaseous xenon at room temperature and a pressure of ~170 kPa. It was mounted inside a double-walled cryostat and equipped with 14 Hamamatsu R8520-406 PMTs operating at -800 V. These PMTs were placed on the top and bottom in regular hexagonal patterns comprising seven elements each. The electron drift region of the TPC had a volume of 181 mL and was defined by an anode at +1200 V, a gate at -2400 V, a cathode at -1800V, and a screen at -800 V. The waveforms from the PMTs were digitized using CAEN V1725 digitizers, which employ a dynamic acquisition window. Peaks were defined as two or more PMT signals within ~300 ns. The time spread of a peak was characterized by the leading time, defined as the time interval between the 0% and 50% percentiles of the waveform area. Data acquisition was carried over 8 hours. Photoelectron (PE) units were calibrated by single-photon counting with an LED.",- Peak leading time (in ns) and area (in PE) obtained from the processed PMT signals.,"A sample of ³⁶Ar gas was irradiated in a thermal neutron flux. The reactor neutron source generated a thermal neutron flux. The target gas was sealed in a quartz ampoule under slightly negative pressure. After exposure, the ampoule was cooled. The ³⁷Ar decay activity was characterized using a gaseous xenon time projection chamber (GXe TPC) operated at room temperature. The chamber, equipped with photomultiplier tubes (PMTs), detected the scintillation (S1) and ionization (S2) signals resulting from the low-energy electron-capture decays of ³⁷Ar. The ³⁷Ar source is introduced through multiple injections. Peaks were defined as two or more PMT signals within ~300 ns. The time spread of a peak was characterized by the leading time, defined as the time interval between the 0% and 50% percentiles of the waveform area. Predict which type of signal features greater maximum density in the area and leading time of peaks distribution after injection.",The largest density is observed for ionization signals (S2) from K-shell decay.,"- The radioactive isotope ³⁷Ar, with a half-life of 35.01 days, can decay to ³⁷Cl and neutrinos via the electron capture process. - Thermal neutron irradiation of ³⁶Ar is an effective technique for preparing radioactive isotopes 37Ar.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The radioactive isotope ³⁷Ar, with a half-life of 35.01 days, can decay to ³⁷Cl and neutrinos via the electron capture process. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Table of Radionuclides (Vol. 1 - A = 1 to 150)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ftp.cdc.gov/pub/FOIAREQ/168372-A45.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 2004""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 13 in the paper. It is a reference volume that has some details about the sample.""}]" Physics,Physics/Optics,Free-Format Question,Terahertz amplification by injection locking of waveguide resonant tunneling diode,https://arxiv.org/pdf/2509.14377,"September 17, 2025","Researchers investigated terahertz amplification by injection locking a waveguide resonant tunneling diode (RTD) to a low-phase-noise dual-wavelength Brillouin laser (DWBL). A waveguide-mounted RTD (ROHM semiconductor) biased at 620 mV produced about 40 µW of power at 260 GHz. The output passed through a WR-3.4 isolator (Micro Harmonics FR34M2) into a fundamental mixer (VDI WR3.4BAM-ULP). The local oscillator (LO) of the mixer was driven by a DWBL turned to 250 GHz and photomixed using a uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (NTT IOD-PMJ-13001). The resulting intermediate frequency (IF) signal, fIF​=∣fRTD​−fDWBL​∣, was analyzed with an electrical spectrum analyzer to determine the free-running linewidth and phase noise. The dual-wavelength Brillouin laser (DWBL) uses best-in-class phase noise from 300 GHz to 3 THz. For injection locking, the RTD received a signal from another DWBL through a low-loss WR-3.4 circulator (Micro Harmonics HC034). Optical power from the DWBL was amplified by an erbium-doped fiber amplifier (EDFA) and tuned with a variable optical attenuator (VOA), while injection power was calibrated using a Schottky diode detector (VDI ZBD-F). ","- RTD terahertz frequency and output power measured using a fundamental mixer and electrical spectrum analyzer. - Intermediate frequency (IF) spectra recorded. - Phase noise power spectral density measured with a phase noise analyzer for both free-running and injection-locked conditions. - Bias voltage dependence of RTD output measured between 530 - 620 mV at room temperature.","An investigation of terahertz amplification is conducted by injecting a waveguide resonant tunneling diode (RTD) into a low-phase-noise, dual-wavelength Brillouin laser (DWBL). The output was passed through a WR-3.4 isolator and then into a fundamental mixer. A DWBL drove the local oscillator (LO) of the mixer, turned to 250 GHz, and photomixed using a uni-traveling-carrier photodiode. The resulting intermediate frequency (IF) signal was analyzed with an electrical spectrum analyzer to determine the free-running linewidth and phase noise. The dual-wavelength Brillouin laser (DWBL) operates within a frequency range of 300 GHz to 3 THz. For injection locking, the RTD received a signal from another DWBL through a low-loss WR-3.4 circulator. Predict what was a key observation about the residual phase noise under low-injection conditions. ","Under low-injection conditions, residual phase noise was much more significant.","- Frequencies at or above 1THz tend to show much lower output power, dropping to ~ 10nW at 3THz. - Injecting an RTD with a low-noise photomixed source has been shown to considerably improve the linewidth of an RTD. - The DWBL exhibited lower instability than the RTD at all timescales, and thus did not affect the measurement.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" Frequencies at or above 1THz tend to show much lower output power, dropping to ~ 10nW at 3THz. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Collector Series-Resistor to Stabilize a Broadband 400 GHz Common-Base Amplifier.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9573439""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 14, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 16 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Injecting an RTD with a low-noise photomixed source has been shown to considerably improve the linewidth of an RTD. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Injection locking and noise reduction of resonant tunneling diode terahertz oscillator""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/app/article/6/2/021301/123536/Injection-locking-and-noise-reduction-of-resonant""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 23, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 19 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The DWBL exhibited lower instability than the RTD at all timescales, and thus did not affect the measurement.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Brillouin laser-driven terahertz oscillator up to 3 THz with femtosecond-level timing jitter""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-024-01513-z""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sept 13, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 12 in the paper""}]" Physics,Physics / Nuclear Physics,Free-Format Question,High-spin spectroscopy and the onset of quasicollective structures in 69Ga,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.01423,"October 1, 2025","High-spin states in 69-Ga were populated using the fusion-evaporation reaction 26-Mg (48-Ca, p4nγ) at a beam energy of 195 MeV—the experiment utilized the Gammasphere multidetector array in conjunction with the Fragment Mass Analyzer. The measurement used a highly enriched (>98%), self-supporting 26-Mg target with a thickness of 0.5mg/cm², bombarded by a 195-MeV 48Ca beam from the Argonne Tandem Linac Accelerator System (ATLAS). Particle detectors were incorporated into the experimental setup alongside Gammasphere to facilitate the clean selection of reaction exit channels. Neutrons were measured using a Neutron Shell made of liquid scintillation detectors, which replaced the HPGe-BGO modules in the five most forward rings of Gammasphere with respect to the beam direction. Charged-particle detection and identification were carried out using Microball, along with two double-sided silicon strip detectors (DSSD) positioned within the target chamber. A parallel plate avalanche counter (PPAC), placed at the focal plane, was used to record the position and time-of-flight information of the recoils on an event-by-event basis. For Z identification, a three-fold segmented ionization chamber, located behind the focal plane, was used to measure the energy loss of the reaction products. The events were recorded under the condition that the detection of a reaction product in the PPAC detector coincided with at least two γ rays detected by Gammasphere within a prompt time window.","- γ-ray energies recorded by the Gammasphere HPGe detector array to identify de-excitation transitions from the ²⁶Mg(⁴⁸Ca, p4nγ) reaction populating ⁶⁹Ga. - Recoil ions separated by the Fragment Mass Analyzer (FMA) using mass-to-charge (A/Q) selection and time-of-flight data from the PPAC detector. - Angular distributions of γ rays measured at eight detector angles (17.3°–90°). ","High-spin states in 69-Ga were populated using the fusion-evaporation reaction 26-Mg at a beam energy of 195 MeV. Particle detectors were incorporated into the experimental setup alongside Gammasphere to facilitate the clean selection of reaction exit channels. Neutrons were measured using a Neutron Shell made of liquid scintillation detectors, which replaced the HPGe-BGO modules in the five most forward rings of Gammasphere with respect to the beam direction. The events were recorded under the condition that the detection of a reaction product in the PPAC detector coincided with at least two γ rays detected by Gammasphere within a prompt time window. What are the energies (in keV) of the two most intense transitions measured for 69-Ga?",The gamma-ray energies of the most intense observed transitions are (574.5±0.3) keV and (1337.3±1.2) keV.,"- Results from (3He,d) reactions on 64, 66, 68, 70Zn targets showed significant shifts in transition strengths and excitation energies for low-lying states in 71Ga when compared to 65, 67, 69Ga. - There is a sharp rise in excitation energy of the 1/2− state from 320 keV in 69Ga to 1109 keV in 71Ga. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Results from (3He,d) reactions on 64, 66, 68, 70Zn targets showed significant shifts in transition strengths and excitation energies for low-lying states in 71Ga when compared to 65, 67, 69Ga.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The reactions 68, 70Zn(3He, d)69, 71Ga and level systematics of the odd-mass Ga isotopes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0375947474906150?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 19, 1974""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 27 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""There is a sharp rise in excitation energy of the 1/2− state from 320 keV in 69Ga to 1109 keV in 71Ga. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Spectroscopy of 68Zn, 70Zn, and 74Ge via the (𝑑, 3\tHe ) reaction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prc/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevC.16.1825""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 1, 1977""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 28 in the paper""}]" Physics,Condensed Matter Physics/ Microwave Engineering,Free-Format Question,Development of composite material with epoxy resin–magnetite for dielectric resonator antenna,https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/article/138/13/134901/3366161,"October 3, 2025","Researchers developed epoxy resin-magnetite (Fe3O4) composite materials with four different weight percentages of magnetite, which have 32.25% (ER/M1), 48.78% (ER/M2), 58.82% (ER/M3), and 65.57% (ER/M4) powder, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastic polymer material, and BaFe12O19. The composite was prepared by mixing epoxy resin and hardener in a 2:1 weight ratio for 5 minutes, followed by adding magnetite nanoparticles and mixing for another 10 minutes, which is derived from a range of materials such as (Zr0.8Sn0.2) TiO4, Al2O3, Fe3O4, iron, and a mixture of iron oxide (Fe3O4) and nickel (Ni). The mixture was poured into a 3D printed mold and cured at room temperature for three days. A four-probe-fed cylindrical DRA is designed using four epoxy resin–magnetite composites, which have a radius of 7.5mm and a height of 8.5mm. Dielectric characterization was performed at the X-band (8 to 12 GHz) using an Agilent E8362C PNA Series Vector Network Analyzer with samples placed in a metallic holder between coaxial to waveguide adapters, based on the Nicolson Ross Weir (NRW) method, and the dielectric properties, such as permittivity, density, permeability, and loss tangent, were measured for the four prepared samples. ","- Permittivity of ER/M1, ER/M2, ER/M3, ER/M4 measured across 8 to 12 GHz. - Permeability of ER/M1, ER/M2, ER/M3, ER/M4 measured across 8 to 12 GHz. - Loss tangent of ER/M1, ER/M2, ER/M3, ER/M4 measured across 8 to 12 GHz. - Density (kg/m3) of ER/M1, ER/M2, ER/M3, ER/M4 measured. ","An epoxy resin-magnetite (Fe3O4) composite material with four different weight percentages of magnetite, which have 32.25% (ER/M1), 48.78% (ER/M2), 58.82% (ER/M3), and 65.57% (ER/M4) powder, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastic polymer material, and BaFe12O19 was prepared. The composite was prepared by mixing epoxy resin, followed by adding magnetite nanoparticles. The mixture was poured into a 3D printed mold and cured at room temperature for three days. A four-probe-fed cylindrical DRA is designed using four epoxy resin–magnetite composites, which have a radius of 7.5mm and a height of 8.5mm. Dielectric characterization was performed at the X-band with samples placed in a metallic holder between coaxial to waveguide adapters, and the dielectric properties, such as permittivity, density, permeability, and loss tangent, were measured for the four prepared samples. Predict how do the permittivity, density, permeability, and loss tangent of the developed epoxy resin–magnetite composite materials vary with the increasing weight percentage of Fe₃O₄?","Both permittivity and density increase with the increasing weight percentages of magnetite, while permeability and loss tangent are not significantly affected.","- Dielectric resonator antennas are suitable for ultrawideband applications due to their wide bandwidth and design flexibility. - 3D printed DRAs are popular due to their simple fabrication process. - Metamaterial-based antennas are reported to enhance bandwidth and improve isolation in MIMO configurations. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Dielectric resonator antennas are suitable for ultrawideband applications due to their wide bandwidth and design flexibility.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Balanis, C. A. (2016). Antenna Theory: Analysis and Design""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.wiley.com/en-us/Antenna+Theory%3A+Analysis+and+Design%2C+4th+Edition-p-9781118642061""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled - Citation [1] in the paper states \""DRAs are preferred for ultra-wideband (UWB) applications due to their wide bandwidth and design flexibility\"" (p.1), with Balanis cited as the canonical reference for antenna fundamentals.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""3D printed DRAs are popular due to their simple fabrication process.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""3-D-Printed Dielectric Resonator Antenna Arrays Based on Standing-Wave Feeding Approach""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1109/LAWP.2019.2939734""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 10, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled - Citation [15] in the paper (p.1) mentions 3D printed DRAs' fabrication advantages. This IEEE journal article requires subscription access but is directly cited by the main paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Metamaterial-based antennas are reported to enhance bandwidth and improve isolation in MIMO configurations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Dual-band 5G MIMO antenna with enhanced coupling reduction using metamaterials""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-50446-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 2, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA - Citation [8] in the paper (p.1) references metamaterial-based antennas for bandwidth enhancement in MIMO systems. This Scientific Reports article is open access.""}]" Physics,Physics / Material Science,MCQ,Superlubricity of Borophene: Tribological Properties in Comparison to hBN,https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.07716,"July 10, 2025","Researchers prepared Ir(111) single crystals by repeated cycles of sputtering (Ar+ ions at an energy of 1 keV) and annealing at 1250 K. $\chi_6$-borophene and borophene-hBN heterostructures were grown on Ir(111) by dosing diborane and/or borazine while keeping the substrates at high temperature. The growth of the borophene-hBN lateral heterostructures was promoted by dosing a diborane-borazine mixture on a sample kept at 1200 K, controlled by mass spectrometry. The growth of borophene was promoted through a a diborane-borazine mixture dosed onto the sample at 1350 K, which resulted n the formation of pure borophene. The annealing was maintained for 10 min after the end of the dosing. Contact AFM measurements were performed with a microscope operated at room temperature using PPP-CONT cantilevers. The cantilevers preparation consisted of an annealing for 1 h at 400 K followed by an Ar+ sputtering for 2 min at 1 keV at an Ar+ pressure of 3e-6mbar. STM tips were made from Pt/Ir wire. The UHV system was maintained at a base pressure of 5e-11 mbar during the measurements.",- Lateral force (nN) of $\chi_6$ borophene and borophene hBN layers on Ir(111) for backward and forward traces spanning 10 nm under loads below 120 nN.,"Consider an experiments, where researchers grow $\chi_6$ borophene and hexagonal Boron Nitride (hBN) domains, separately, on top of Ir(111) crystals by dosing diborane and or borazine while keeping the substrates at high temperature. By changing the normal force in contact atomic force microscopy (AFM) measurements from 0 to 80 nN, load dependent frictional force measurements are performed on these domains. Considering the standard definition of superlubricity, which of the following outcome of the experiment is more likely? A) Superlubricity: $\chi_6$ borophene and hBN. Low-friction: none. B) Superlubricity: $\chi_6$ borophene. Low-friction: hBN. C) Superlubricity: hBN. Low-friction: $\chi_6$ borophene. D) Superlubricity: none. Low-friction: $\chi_6$ borophene and hBN.",B) Superlubricity: $\chi_6$ borophene. Low-friction: hBN.,"- Borophene has been theoretically studied as a potential tribological material. - Different polymorphs of borophene can be formed, depending on the growth method, the support material, or other treatments that can influence the desired properties. - Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is established as lubricant or as an intercalation layer, given its tribological performance. - Frictional force can be calculated with an Atomic Force Microscope from the lateral friction profiles, the force applied and the cantilever properties. - The thresholds for low friction and superlubricity are typically set to 0.1 and 0.01, respectively.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Borophene has been theoretically studied as a potential tribological material.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Disclosing boron’s thinnest side""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aad7021""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 18, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled: No OA version available""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Different polymorphs of borophene can be formed, depending on the growth method, the support material, or other treatments that can influence the desired properties""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Borophenes made easy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abk1490""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Novemeber 3, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) is established as lubricant or as an intercalation layer, given its tribological performance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Robust microscale superlubricity in graphite/hexagonal boron nitride layered heterojunctions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-018-0144-z#article-info""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 30, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but it is a flagship publication provided as the reference 41 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Frictional force can be calculated with an Atomic Force Microscope from the lateral friction profiles, the force applied and the cantilever properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Scanning Probe Microscopy: The Lab on a Tip""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-37089-3""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but it is an established reference book on SPM listed in the main paper as reference 59.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The thresholds for low friction and superlubricity are typically set to 0.1 and 0.01, respectively.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Overcoming friction and steps towards superlubricity: A review of underlying mechanisms""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apsadv.2021.100175""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Optics,Free-Format Question,Holographic Gaseous Lenses for High-Power Lasers,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.02659,"October 3, 2025","Researchers conducted an experiment at atmospheric temperature and pressure to demonstrate the performance of diffractive gaseous lenses capable of withstanding high-energy laser pulses. The lenses were formed by the interference of two ultraviolet (266 nm) write laser pulses within a controlled gas flow and were tested using a 532 nm read laser. Two electronically triggered Nd:YAG lasers were used: one frequency-quadrupled to 266 nm for the write beams (5 ns, ≤7.8 mJ total) and one frequency-doubled to 532 nm for the read beam (5 ns, ≤220 mJ). The write beams, 3 mm in diameter, intersected in the gas at angles from 0.4° to 1.0°, with one beam collimated and the other having adjustable divergence (−4.2 mrad to +4.5 mrad). The read beam was either collimated (2 mm, low energy) or focused (f/230, 1.2 mm, full energy). The gas flow cell consisted of nested rectangular channels: the inner channel carried a mixture of ozone (<10%), oxygen, and carbon dioxide (<50%) flowing at ~1 m/s, while an outer nitrogen flow reduced turbulence. The gas layer thickness was 5 mm or 10 mm, with a 10 mm channel height. Beam timing and alignment were optimized to maximize diffraction.","- UV interference patterns of write beams for different focal position of one of the write beams to vary the fringe curvature - Focusing and defocusing of the read beam for varying UV interference fringe curvatures","An experiment uses two interfering 266-nm ultraviolet ""write"" beams to create a holographic gaseous lens inside an ozone-based gas mixture. This UV interference pattern ""writes"" a transient phase grating into the gas via refractive index variations. This structure is then used to manipulate a separate 532-nm ""read"" beam, which diffracts off it. In the initial configuration, the ""write"" beams are set up with specific wavefronts to produce a pattern of curved interference fringes. This configuration successfully causes the gas optic to function as a focusing lens, converging the diffracted 532-nm ""read"" beam to a real focal spot at a distance of $+31$ cm after the gas. Now, the experimenter adjusts the ""write"" beam optics to reverse the sign of the wavefront curvature that generates the interference pattern. All other parameters (gas composition, beam wavelengths, and incident angles) remain identical. What is the predicted primary effect on the diffracted 532-nm ""read"" beam as it passes through this modified gas optic?","Reversing the sign of the interference fringe curvature converts the optic's function from a focusing (positive) lens to a defocusing (negative) lens. Instead of converging the ""read"" beam to a real focal point after the gas, this change will cause the beam to diverge, making it appear as if it is emanating from a virtual focal point located before the gas optic.","- Two overlapping ""write"" pulsed laser beams transiently write interference fringe patterns into a gas, creating a structure that diffracts the ""read"" beam. - Laser driven gratings can be designed to create holographic optics such as a diffractive lens. - Fringe curvature makes the gaseous structure behave like a focusing or defocusing lens. The curvature determines the focal length of the gaseous lens. -Just like a solid-state lens, a specific curvature will cause the ""read"" beam to converge (focus). Reversing the sign of that curvature creates the opposite effect, causing the beam to diverge (defocus).","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two overlapping \""write\"" pulsed laser beams transiently write interference fringe patterns into a gas, creating a structure that diffracts the \""read\"" beam.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Ultra high damage threshold optics for high power lasers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1038/s42005-020-0286-6""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 24, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, this is reference 56 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Laser driven gratings can be designed to create holographic optics such as a diffractive lens.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Holographic Plasma Lenses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.128.065003""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 8, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is reference 66 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Experimental condensed matter / materials science (spintronics-focused thin-film magnetism).,MCQ,Altermagnetic band splitting in 10 nm epitaxial CrSb thin films,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.00239,"May 1, 2025","Researchers tested whether altermagnetic band splitting persists in ultrathin CrSb by growing CrSb(0001) films on SrTiO₃(111) with an ≈2 nm Sb₂Te₃ buffer using MBE (UHV < 5 × 10⁻¹⁰ mbar). STO substrates were ultrasonically cleaned (acetone, isopropanol, DI water; 2 min each), DI-water treated (90 °C, 45 min), HCl (25% at RT, 45 min), oxygen-annealed (980 °C, 3 h), and outgassed (600 °C, 1 h). Cr and Sb were co-evaporated at 240 °C with flux ratio 1:5.8; 30 nm films grew at 0.2 nm min⁻¹ and 10 nm films at 0.04 nm min⁻¹; growth was RHEED-monitored (13 keV). Electronic structure was probed in-vacuo by ARPES: (i) He-lamp 21.2 eV at 300 K with a Scienta Omicron DA30L analyzer, and (ii) synchrotron ARPES (SSRL 5-2 and ALS 10.0.1.2, p-polarized, -10 K, chamber < 3 × 10⁻¹¹ Torr), with UHV suitcase transfer (< 4 × 10⁻¹¹ Torr) to preserve clean surfaces. These measurements targeted momentum-dependent band splitting in 10 nm films.","- ARPES band dispersions of 10 nm CrSb(0001) vs photon energy (synchrotron, p-polarized; kz-tuned cuts along bulk Γ–A; ~10 K). - ARPES in-plane band maps at 21.2 eV (~300 K): K̄–Γ̄–K̄, P̄–Γ̄–P̄, M̄–Γ̄–M̄ directions (in-vacuo He-lamp) - Fermi-surface map (hexagonal Brillouin zone) to identify high-symmetry nodal lines. - Thickness-comparison ARPES: 10 nm vs 100 nm along Γ̄–P̄ to assess quantum confinement effects.","Epitaxial CrSb(0001) films (10 nm with an ≈2 nm Sb₂Te₃ buffer on SrTiO₃(111)) were grown by MBE and measured in-vacuo by ARPES (synchrotron kz-tuned at low T; He-lamp at room T). Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. “The distinct altermagnetic band structure required for potential spin-transport applications survives down to the ∼ 10 nm thin film limit at room temperature.” B. No band splitting is detected in 10 nm films; only spin-degenerate bands are observed. C. Only surface Rashba-like splitting is present; bulk-like altermagnetic features are absent at all thicknesses. D. Altermagnetic band splitting occurs only at cryogenic temperatures and disappears at room temperature.",A. The distinct altermagnetic band structure required for potential spin-transport applications survives down to the -10 nm thin film limit at room temperature.,"- Altermagnets are collinear antiferromagnets that break PT symmetry and exhibit spin-split electronic bands without net magnetization. - In altermagnets the sign of the spin splitting reverses with momentum direction (d-/g-/i-wave symmetry) and does not arise from strong spin–orbit coupling. - CrSb (NiAs phase) is a canonical g-wave altermagnet; A-type antiferromagnet with T_N ~ 700 K in bulk.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In altermagnets the sign of the spin splitting reverses with momentum direction (d-/g-/i-wave symmetry) and does not arise from strong spin–orbit coupling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent progress on correlated electron systems with strong spin–orbit coupling""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1088/0034-4885/79/9/094504""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 16, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited as reference 4 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CrSb (NiAs phase) is a canonical g-wave altermagnet; A-type antiferromagnet with T_N ~ 700 K in bulk.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Neutron diffraction investigation of the atomic magnetic moment orientation in the antiferromagnetic compound CrSb""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.85.365""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 15, 1952""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited as reference 20 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Biological Physics,MCQ,"Confinement reduces surface accumulation of swimming bacteria ",https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.08092,"October 9, 2025","Researchers loaded e. coli suspensions at concentrations varying from 0.1*n0 to 1*n0 (where n0 = 8×10^8 bacteria per mL) into closed chambers formed by two horizontal parallel plates separated by a height ""H"" ranging from 5µm to 160 µm. The e. coli express green fluorescent protein and the researchers used spinning-disk confocal microscopy to image the bacteria. For any given value ""H"", researchers measured the vertical density profile Ψ(z) = A(z)/∫ 0H A(z′)dz′, where z is the height from the bottom plate and A(z) is the area occupied by bacterial bodies at z. To quantify the effect of confinement on surface accumulation, the researchers calculate the ratio of bacterial density at the mid-plane to its peak value, Ψmid/Ψpeak, as a function of H. ","- Height, z, of bacterial body from bottom of plate - Area occupied by bacterial body at a height z, A(z) - Vertical density profile, Ψ(z) ","For any given value ""H"", researchers measured the vertical density profile Ψ(z) = A(z)/∫ 0H A(z′)dz′, where z is the height from the bottom plate and A(z) is the area occupied by bacterial bodies at z. To quantify the effect of confinement on surface accumulation, the researchers calculate the ratio of bacterial density at the mid-plane to its peak value, Ψmid/Ψpeak, as a function of H. Sustained surface accumulation is where the ratio plateaus. Which of the following scenarios is most likely to happen? A) At H=80 µm, sustained surface accumulation starts to be observed. B) At H=40 µm, sustained surface accumulation starts to be observed. C) At H=30 µm, sustained surface accumulation starts to be observed. D) At H=20 µm, sustained surface accumulation starts to be observed.","B) At H=40 µm, sustained surface accumulation starts to be observed.","- As the plate separation decreases, bacterial accumulation near the surfaces reduces and can even shift into the bulk. - The profile Ψ(z) varies progressively from surface accumulation in thick chambers to bulk accumulation under strong confinement. - To quantify the effect of confinement on surface accumulation, we calculate the ratio of bacterial density at the mid-plane to its peak value, Ψmid/Ψpeak, as a function of H ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The profile Ψ(z) varies progressively from surface accumulation in thick chambers to bulk accumulation under strong confinement.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""""}]" Physics,Physics/Superconductivity,Numerical Values,Effect of decorating NiO nanoparticles on superconducting properties of YBCO,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.14322,"Oct 16, 2025","A series of YBa₂Cu₃O_{7 - delta) (YBCO) samples were synthesized with NiO nanoparticle additions ranging from 0.1 to 6 wt.% (0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 wt.%). The parent YBCO compound was produced via a conventional solid-state synthesis route using Y₂O₃, BaO, and CuO precursors. The NiO nanoparticles, having an average particle diameter of 23 nm, were supplied by the Institute of Catalysis SB RAS. For each composition, a specified mass of NiO nanoparticles was dispersed into the YBCO powder using ethyl alcohol as a suspension medium (ten times the powder mass). After thorough mixing, the alcohol was evaporated under mild heating, and the resulting powder was ground and hydrostatically pressed at 100 MPa. The compacts then underwent fast annealing: first heated to 920 °C for 2 min, followed by a secondary anneal at 400 °C for 10 h. The critical current density (𝐽_𝑐) for each sample was determined from the width of the magnetic hysteresis loop (ΔM) using the Bean model formula Surface morphology was characterised with a Hitachi TM4000Plus scanning electron microscope,. Magnetic measurements were obtained using a Lakeshore VSM 8604 vibrating-sample magnetometer.","- Magnetization measured while heating from 77 to 100 K in an applied field of 100 Oe after zero-field cooling for all NiO concentrations and an undoped sample. - Magnetization measured at 77 K under applied fields ranging from -15 to +15 kOe for all NiO concentrations and an undoped sample. - YBCO granule size determined from scanning electron microscopy images.","Researchers investigated the enhancement of superconducting performance of YBCO caused by the addition of NiO nanoparticles. Under a magnetic field H, the critical current density of the samples can be determined from the width of the magnetic hysteresis loop (ΔM) and the granule size D using the formula J_c(H) = 3ΔM/D. When a magnetic field of 10 kOe is applied at 77 K, by what numerical factor does the critical current density J_c of the YBCO sample doped with 0.5 wt.% NiO exceeds, at most, that of undoped YBCO?","Maximum increase in J_c by a factor of 1.22-1.50. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> ±10% fallback applied to the 1.36 factor reported.","- Critical current density can increase significantly when incorporating magnetic nanoparticles into superconductors. - Placing nanoparticles in the surface of the superconductor can reduce chemical interactions that lead to degradation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Critical current density can increase significantly when incorporating magnetic nanoparticles into superconductors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Practical Magnetic Pinning in YBCO""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1109/TASC.2009.2017861""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 5, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited as reference 8.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Placing nanoparticles in the surface of the superconductor can reduce chemical interactions that lead to degradation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Enhanced flux pinning and critical currents in films by nanoparticle surface decoration: Extension to coated conductor templates""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.2969771""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 20, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited as reference 16.""}]" Physics,Instrumentation and Detectors,Free-Format Question,High-resolution multi-reflection time-of-flight mass spectrometer for exotic nuclei at IGISOL,https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.10048,"Aug 12, 2025","Researchers investigated the performance of a Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MR-ToF-MS) at the IGISOL facility. A continuous beam of ions entered a RFQ cooler-buncher through injection electrodes. The main cooling section potential was closely matched with the 30 kV acceleration potential of IGISOL to efficiently capture the ions. The ions were bunched and accelerated to 2 kV through extraction electrodes. The 2 kV bunches were then guided to the MR-ToF-MS with a 90◦ electrostatic quadrupole bender, a double XY-steerer, a quadrupole triplet, an einzel lens, and an XY steerer. The MR-ToF-MS consisted of two six-electrode stacks and a central pulsed drift-tube used to inject and extract ions. A set of three cylindrical electrodes on the exit side of the spectrometer spatially focused the ions before a DM291 MagneToF-detector. The mass-resolving power of the instrument was evaluated using a beam of (39)K+ ions. In the experiment, the number of revolutions (n) that the ions completed inside the spectrometer was varied from 0 to over 1000. This was tested under three different pulsed drift-tube voltage conditions, corresponding to an energy change per revolution (\lambda) of 3 eV, 6 eV and 15 eV.","- Time-of-flight (ToF) of (39)K+ ions constructed from the time differences of the signal of ion impact on a DM291 MagneToF-detector and a initial timing signal matched with the buncher extraction time. - Number of revolutions that the ions completed inside the spectrometer.","Researchers used a Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer (MR-ToF-MS) to analyze the behavior (39)K+ ions. From the ToF data, they estimated the mass-resolving power as a function of the number of revolutions of ions completed inside the spectrometer, for different pulsed drift-tube voltage (\lambda). Based in this setup, predict the general trend of the mass-resolving power as the number of revolutions increases from 0 to 1000 for \lambda = 6 eV.","For \lambda = 6 eV, the mass-resolving power initially increases with the number of revolutions, peaks at approximately n=300 revolutions, and then gradually trails off.","- Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MR-ToF-MS): A technique for mass separation where ions are reflected multiple times along a defined path. This method significantly extends the flight path and time, enabling high-resolution mass measurements based on the ions' unique time-of-flight. - IGISOL: A research facility that produces and separates exotic radioactive ion beams, which are then delivered to various experiments.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Multi-Reflection Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MR-ToF-MS): A technique for mass separation where ions are reflected multiple times along a defined path. This method significantly extends the flight path and time, enabling high-resolution mass measurements based on the ions' unique time-of-flight.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Time-of-flight mass spectrometers with multiply reflected ion trajectories""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/0168-1176(90)85127-N""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 16, 1990""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited as reference [8]. Also, a cannonical reference on the subject matter.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""IGISOL: A research facility that produces and separates exotic radioactive ion beams, which are then delivered to various experiments.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Towards commissioning the new IGISOL-4 facility""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2013.06.036""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 15, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,"Temporal dynamics of the vaginal microbiome and host immune markers before, during, and after metronidazole treatment for bacterial vaginosis",https://journals.asm.org/doi/epub/10.1128/msystems.00380-25,"July 3, 2025","Seven women (across nine symptomatic bacterial vaginosis episodes) participated in a 10-week longitudinal study, collecting daily vaginal swabs around the time of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) and metronidazole treatment. Samples were taken two days before symptom onset, at BV diagnosis (BVDX), during early and late metronidazole treatment (days 1–4 and 5–7, respectively), and two days after treatment ended. Each BV episode was treated with oral metronidazole (500 mg twice daily for seven days). Microbial DNA was extracted: D-lactic-acid producing Lactobacillus (DL) species (L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. paragasseri, L. mulieris), L. iners, BV taxa (Gardnerella, Prevotella, F. vaginae, M. lornae, Ca. Lachnocurva vaginae) from one swab per time point and sequenced using Illumina NovaSeq 6000 (around 55 million reads per sample). Negative and positive controls were included to monitor contamination and sequencing accuracy. Human reads were removed, low-quality reads filtered, and remaining reads mapped to the VIRGO2 reference database. Gene abundances were normalized for gene length and library size, then summed to estimate species-level abundances. Absolute abundance for each taxon was calculated by multiplying its relative abundance (from metagenomics) by total bacterial load (measured by panbacterial 16S rRNA qPCR). ","- Bacterial DNA concentration and total 16S rRNA copy number for DL species (L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. paragasseri, L. mulieris), L. iners, BV taxa (Gardnerella, Prevotella, F. vaginae, M. lornae, Ca. Lachnocurva vaginae). - Sequence read counts per sample. - Reads mapped to bacterial genes against VIRGO2 reference database per sample. ","Seven women (across nine symptomatic bacterial vaginosis episodes) participated in a 10-week longitudinal study, collecting daily vaginal swabs around the time of symptomatic bacterial vaginosis (BV) and metronidazole treatment. Samples were taken two days before symptom onset, at BV diagnosis (BVDX), during early and late metronidazole treatment (days 1–4 and 5–7, respectively), and two days after treatment ended. Each BV episode was treated with oral metronidazole (500 mg twice daily for seven days). Microbial DNA was extracted: D-lactic-acid producing Lactobacillus (DL) species (L. crispatus, L. jensenii, L. gasseri, L. paragasseri, L. mulieris), L. iners, BV taxa (Gardnerella, Prevotella, F. vaginae, M. lornae, Ca. Lachnocurva vaginae). Choose the option that best predicts the changes in abundance of DL species, L. iners, and BV-associated taxa in the early MET phase (days 1-4). A. DL species increased; L. iners remained relatively stable; Gardnerella, Prevotella, and F. vaginae decreased, while M. lornae and Ca. Lachnocurva vaginae showed little or no change B. DL species remained unchanged, but L. iners and all BV-associated taxa decreased significantly C. DL species and L. iners both increased, while all BV-associated taxa decreased D. All bacterial groups, including DL species and L. iners, increased during early MET treatment ","A. DL species increased; L. iners remained relatively stable; Gardnerella, Prevotella, and F. vaginae decreased, while M. lornae and Ca. Lachnocurva vaginae showed little or no change ","-Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is defined by an imbalanced vaginal microbiome, where beneficial Lactobacillus species are reduced and a diverse community of anaerobic bacteria, particularly Gardnerella species, dominates. -Lactobacillus species that produce D-lactic acid, such as L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri, form a mutualistic relationship with the host, contributing to vaginal health and protection against pathogens. -The recommended treatment for BV is oral or topical metronidazole (MET), but the microbial composition rarely returns completely to its pre-BV state.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is defined by an imbalanced vaginal microbiome, where beneficial Lactobacillus species are reduced and a diverse community of anaerobic bacteria, particularly Gardnerella species, dominates.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1002611107?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 3, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Lactobacillus species that produce D-lactic acid, such as L. crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri, form a mutualistic relationship with the host, contributing to vaginal health and protection against pathogens.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Prevalence of hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus species in normal women and women with bacterial vaginosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""Vaginal microbiome of reproductive-age women""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Februrary 1, 1989""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-The recommended treatment for BV is oral or topical metronidazole (MET), but the microbial composition rarely returns completely to its pre-BV state.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sexually Transmitted Infections Treatment Guidelines, 2021""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8344968/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 23, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Bat ecology, Immunoecology",MCQ,Presence of white-nose syndrome in bats from Southern Mexico,https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0318461,"May 19, 2025","Researchers evaluated the thermotolerance of the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the causative agent of white-nose syndrome. The P. destructans reference strain ATCC MYA 4855 was cultured on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) in Petri dishes. A 4 mm mycelium disk was placed in the center of each Petri dish and incubated at 5°C, 17°C, 20°C, and 28°C for 60 days. The minimum and maximum colony diameter were measured daily, and micromorphology was verified. The experiments were performed in triplicate on different dates.","- Colony diameter (cm) of P. destructans reference strain ATCC MYA 4855 on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar (SDA) plates measurement across four temperature conditions (5°C, 17°C, 20°C, and 28°C) over a 60-day period. - Fungal micromorphology as a visual characterization of fungal structures (e.g., conidia shape, hyphae) for each temperature condition (5°C, 17°C, 20°C, and 28°C) through daily microscopic examination.","Researchers cultured the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (strain ATCC MYA 4855) on Sabouraud Dextrose Agar plates at four different temperatures: 5°C, 17°C, 20°C, and 28°C for 60 days. They measured the fungal colony diameter daily and examined its microscopic structures to assess growth and morphological changes across this temperature range. Which of the following outcomes is most likely based on this experimental setup? A. The fungus failed to grow at the two highest temperatures (20°C and 28°C), indicating a strict limitation to cold environments. B. The fungus grew equally well across all four temperatures, showing no difference in growth rate or final colony size. C. The fungus grew fastest at 28°C, demonstrating it is a heat-adapted species. D. The fungus grew at all four temperatures, but with the fastest rate at 5°C and the slowest at 28°C, and its microscopic structures changed with temperature. ","D. The fungus grew at all four temperatures, but with the fastest rate at 5°C and the slowest at 28°C, and its microscopic structures changed with temperature.","- White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans and is a significant threat to vespertilionid bat populations in North America. - Pseudogymnoascus destructans has the capacity to thrive in climates across a wide range of temperatures (5–28 °C) and its ease of dispersal via migratory species of bats and other hosts makes WNS a major threat to bat populations.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""White-Nose Syndrome (WNS) is caused by the fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans and is a significant threat to vespertilionid bat populations in North America.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Spread of white-nose syndrome on a network regulated by geography and climate""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms2301""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 18, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pseudogymnoascus destructans has the capacity to thrive in climates across a wide range of temperatures (5–28 °C) and its ease of dispersal via migratory species of bats and other hosts makes WNS a major threat to bat populations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""LONG-TERM SURVIVAL OF PSEUDOGYMNOASCUS DESTRUCTANS AT ELEVATED TEMPERATURES""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622188/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Physiology,MCQ,The effect of cold exposure on energy expenditure of mice fed an obesogenic diet,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.29.679278v1,"October 01, 2025","Researchers investigated the response to cold exposure between mice fed a standard (normal-fat) diet and a higher-fat diet. C57BL/6J mice were housed in micro-isolator cages with 4 mice per cage, kept at 25ºC, prior to temperature manipulations, and under a 12 h light/dark cycle. Water and food were provided ad libitum. Cold exposure was conducted differently for the standard diet (13.1% kcal from fat) and the higher-fat diet (21.6% kcal from fat). For cold treatment 1, mice fed the standard diet (n = 4) were singly housed at 10.5 weeks of age and exposed to a gradual temperature drop from 30ºC to 4-6ºC over 9 days, followed by a return to 25ºC. Energy expenditure and respiratory exchange ratio were assessed throughout the temperature decrease. For cold treatment 2, another group of mice (n = 15) was maintained on a standard diet until 13 weeks of age, after which they were fed the higher-fat diet. Then, they were singly housed at 13 weeks and placed in a cold room (4-6 °C) at 15 weeks of age, for four weeks. Body weights were measured daily, while rectal temperature was first measured four hours after the onset of cold exposure, and then daily, using a rectal probe. During the final week of cold exposure, energy expenditure and respiratory exchange ratio were assessed for 2.5 days at 4-6 °C. Oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER, VCO2/ VO2) were determined using the TSE PhenoMaster System. Energy expenditure was calculated as the product of the caloric value of oxygen (3.815+1.232 x RER) and VO2 and expressed as kcal/kg body weight/h.","- Oxygen consumption (VO2) for both groups of mice (standard diet vs higher-fat diet) using the TSE PhenoMaster System at different timepoints for each group during cold treatment 1 and 2.. - Carbon dioxide production (VCO2) for both groups of mice (standard diet vs higher-fat diet) using the TSE PhenoMaster System at different timepoints for each group during cold treatment 1 and 2.. - Respiratory exchange ratio (RER, VCO2/ VO2) for both groups of mice (standard diet vs higher-fat diet) using the TSE PhenoMaster System at different timepoints for each group during cold treatment 1 and 2.. - Energy expenditure (calculated as the product of the caloric value of oxygen (3.815+1.232 x RER) and VO2 and expressed as kcal/kg body weight/h) for both groups of mice (standard diet vs higher-fat diet) at different timepoints for each group during cold treatment 1 and 2.. - Body weight for each mouse (at different timepoints for each group) during cold treatment 1 and 2.","C57BL/6J mice were housed in micro-isolator cages with 4 mice per cage, kept at 25ºC, prior to temperature manipulations, and under a 12 h light/dark cycle. Water and food were provided ad libitum. Mice fed the standard diet (13.1% kcal from fat)(n = 4) were singly housed at 10.5 weeks of age and exposed to a gradual temperature drop from 30ºC to 4-6ºC over 9 days, followed by a return to 25ºC. Another group of mice (n = 15) was maintained on a standard diet until 13 weeks of age, after which they were fed the higher-fat diet(21.6% kcal from fat). Then, they were singly housed at 13 weeks and placed in a cold room (4-6 °C) at 15 weeks of age, for four weeks. Oxygen consumption (VO2), carbon dioxide production (VCO2), and respiratory exchange ratio (RER, VCO2/ VO2) were determined using the TSE PhenoMaster System. Energy expenditure was calculated as the product of the caloric value of oxygen (3.815+1.232 x RER) and VO2 and expressed as kcal/kg body weight/h. Which of the following outcomes is the most likely? A. For both groups, energy expenditure increased in response to temperature decrease, and the values obtained for mice fed with a higher-fat diet were only slightly higher than those for mice fed a standard diet B. For both groups, energy expenditure increased in response to temperature decrease, and the values obtained for mice fed with a higher-fat diet were only slightly lower than those for mice fed a standard diet C. For both groups, energy expenditure increased in response to temperature decrease, and the values obtained for mice fed with a higher-fat diet were significantly higher than those for mice fed a standard diet D. For both groups, energy expenditure increased in response to temperature decrease, and the values obtained for mice fed with a higher-fat diet were significantly lower than those for mice fed a standard diet","B. For both groups, energy expenditure increased in response to temperature decrease, and the values obtained for mice fed with a higher-fat diet were only slightly lower than those for mice fed a standard diet","- Thermogenic adipose tissue is specialized for the oxidation of nutrient substrates to generate heat through non-shivering thermogenesis. - Thermogenic adipose tissue plays a critical role in regulating systemic energy balance in mice. - Cold exposure is the most powerful physiologic stimuli for activating thermogenic adipocytes, known for increasing energy expenditure and reducing body mass.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Thermogenic adipose tissue plays a critical role in regulating systemic energy balance in mice.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Emerging debates and resolutions in brown adipose tissue research""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1550413124004480""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 06, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cold exposure is the most powerful physiologic stimuli for activating thermogenic adipocytes, known for increasing energy expenditure and\nreducing body mass.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Brown and Beige Fat: Physiological Roles beyond Heat Generation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1550413115004647""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 06, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,Interactions between Streptococcus agalactiae and Candida albicans affect persistence and virulence,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.681024v1,"Oct 8, 2025","To examine how interactions between Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) and Candida albicans affect virulence, researchers utilized a larval zebrafish (wild-type ZF1 strain) model to investigate differences in solo infections vs co-infections with both pathogens in vivo. The Streptococcus agalactiae strain GBS 515 was inoculated in Todd-Hewitt medium supplemented with 0.2% yeast extract (THY) in sealed conical tubes and grown statically at 37°C overnight. The fungal strain of Candida albicans (C. albicans) SC5314-NEON was inoculated onto a THY agar plate and grown overnight at 37°C aerobically. Adult zebrafish used for breeding were maintained at 29°C on recirculating systems. Embryos were stored at a density of 50 embryos per petri dish, with sterilized water obtained from the recirculating system supplemented with 0.1% methylene blue, and kept at 29°C. Larvae at ~48 hours post fertilization were manually dechorionated and anesthetized in 0.32 mg/mL of tricaine prior to injection of either 1 nL of GBS 515 at 2 X 10^7 cfu/ml, 1 nL of SC5314-NEON at 2 X 10^7 cfu/ml, or 1 nL of GBS at 1 X 10^7cfu/ml and SC5314-NEON at 1 X 10^7 cfu/ml combined into the yolk sac of the larval zebrafish to simulate an infection. Following use in experiments, zebrafish were transferred to a 31°C incubator and monitored for survival every 24 hours for 72 hours. Mortality of the fish was determined by observation of a loss of heartbeat and no movement when gently probed on the tail.","- Zebrafish survivability (as a percentage) monitored every 24 hours for 72 hours post-infection. - Survival curves for larvae in solo GBS, solo C. albicans, and GBS + C. albicans co-infection groups. - Pathogen inoculum concentration (cfu/mL) for each infection group, confirmed by serial dilution and plating. - Final zebrafish survival percentage at 72 hours post-infection (hpi) for each group.","To examine how interactions between Streptococcus agalactiae (strain GBS 515) and Candida albicans (strain SC5314-NEON) affect virulence, researchers utilized a larval zebrafish (wild-type ZF1 strain) model to investigate differences in solo infections vs co-infections with both pathogens in vivo. Zebrafish embryos were stored at a density of 50 embryos per petri dish, with sterilized water obtained from the recirculating system supplemented with 0.1% methylene blue, and kept at 29ºC. Larvae at ~48 hours post fertilization were manually dechorionated and anesthetized in 0.32 mg/mL of tricaine prior to injection of either 1 nL of GBS 515 at 2 X 10^7 cfu/ml, 1 nL of SC5314-NEON at 2 X 10^7 cfu/ml, or 1 nL of GBS at 1 X 10^7cfu/ml and SC5314-NEON at 1 X 10^7 cfu/ml combined into the yolk sac of the larval zebrafish to simulate an infection. Following use in experiments, zebrafish were transferred to a 31°C incubator and monitored for survival every 24 hours for 72 hours. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Co-infections of GBS and C. albicans by yolk sac injection were more virulent than solo infections with either pathogen B. Co-infections of GBS and C. albicans by yolk sac injection were as virulent as solo infections with either pathogen C. Co-infections of GBS and C. albicans by yolk sac injection were less virulent than solo infections with either pathogen",B. Co-infections of GBS and C. albicans by yolk sac injection were as virulent as solo infections with either pathogen,"- Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS): A Gram-positive, opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the gastrointestinal and/or vaginal tract of many healthy people. While often commensal, it can cause severe, life-threatening infections in high-risk patients like newborns. - Candida albicans: An opportunistic pathogenic yeast that commonly colonizes the vaginal tract. It is polymorphic (growing as yeast or hyphae) and can cause infections ranging from superficial thrush to severe systemic disease. - Polymicrobial interactions: The complex relationships between different microbial species, such as bacteria and fungi, co-existing in a shared environment. These interactions can alter the growth, virulence, and treatment susceptibility of the microbes involved. - Zebrafish (larval) infection model: A common vertebrate model used to study infectious diseases in vivo. Its larvae are transparent, allowing visualization of systemic infections simulated by yolk sac injection.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS): A Gram-positive, opportunistic pathogen that colonizes the gastrointestinal and/or vaginal tract of many healthy people. While often commensal, it can cause severe, life-threatening infections in high-risk patients like newborns.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus agalactiae)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6432937/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 22, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Candida albicans: An opportunistic pathogenic yeast that commonly colonizes the vaginal tract. It is polymorphic (growing as yeast or hyphae) and can cause infections ranging from superficial thrush to severe systemic disease.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Candida albicans pathogenicity mechanisms""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3654610/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 9, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Polymicrobial interactions: The complex relationships between different microbial species, such as bacteria and fungi, co-existing in a shared environment. These interactions can alter the growth, virulence, and treatment susceptibility of the microbes involved.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Polymicrobial Interactions: Impact on Pathogenesis and Human Disease""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3255964/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 1, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Zebrafish (larval) infection model: A common vertebrate model used to study infectious diseases in vivo. Its larvae are transparent, allowing visualization of systemic infections simulated by yolk sac injection.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A zebrafish larval model reveals early tissue-specific innate immune responses to Mucor circinelloides""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4631785/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 1, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,MCQ,Targeting the Glucose–Insulin Link in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Induces Cytotoxic Oxidative Stress and Inhibits Cancer Growth,https://aacrjournals.org/cancerrescommun/article/5/6/921/762850/Targeting-the-Glucose-Insulin-Link-in-Head-and,"June 06, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether treatment with streptozotocin (STZ) alters the growth of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenografts in immunodeficient mice. Six-week-old male NOD/SCID and NOD/SCID gamma mice were individually marked and weighed, and baseline tail-vein blood glucose was measured with a OneTouch Ultra glucometer. STZ was freshly dissolved in ice-cold 0.1 M sodium citrate buffer (pH 4.5) and administered intraperitoneally at 40 mg/kg once daily for five consecutive days; age-matched controls received buffer alone. Mice were housed under SPF conditions with chow and water ad libitum and observed daily for health and body weight. One week after the final injection, non-fasted blood glucose was re-measured. For tumor implantation, HNSCC cells FaDu, authenticated and Mycoplasma-free, were harvested in log phase, counted, and resuspended 1:1 in serum-free medium and growth-factor–reduced Matrigel on ice; 5 × 10^6 cells in 100 μL were injected subcutaneously into the right flank of diabetic and control mice. Tumor length and width were recorded with digital calipers 2-3 times per week for up to three weeks, and volume was calculated as (length × width^2)/2; body weight and clinical condition were recorded concurrently. At endpoint, mice were euthanized; blood was collected by cardiac puncture for plasma isolation and insulin ELISA, and tumors were excised, weighed, and divided for histopathology (10% neutral-buffered formalin, FFPE), protein analysis (snap-frozen for immunoblotting), and RNA analysis (snap-frozen for qPCR/RNA-seq).","- Baseline blood glucose concentration measured from tail-vein samples using a glucometer (pre-STZ vs. post-STZ induction; STZ-treated vs. buffer-treated controls). - Plasma insulin concentration measured by ELISA from terminal blood samples - Tumor volume measured by digital calipers 2-3 times per week for up to three weeks - Quantification of IHC markers Ki67, pS6, 4HNE and γ-H2A.X (% positive area) using ImageJ - Protein expression from snap-frozen tumor lysates analyzed by immunoblot (pS6, Ki67, 4HNE-modified proteins, y-H@A.X normalized to β-actin or GAPDH). - RNA expression from tumor tissue analyzed by qPCR or RNA-seq (mTOR pathway genes, cell proliferation genes, oxidative stress genes, DNA damage response genes, insulin receptor pathway genes).","Researchers evaluated whether streptozotocin (STZ) treatment alters the growth and molecular characteristics of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) xenografts in immunodeficient mice. Six-week-old NOD/SCID and NOD/SCID gamma mice received daily intraperitoneal injections of STZ or buffer for five days. FaDu cells were then implanted subcutaneously, and tumor growth was monitored for three weeks. Predict which of the following occured? A. Tumors in STZ-treated mice have larger tumours and show increased 4HNE and γ-H2A.X staining compared with controls B. Tumors in STZ-treated mice show decreased Ki67and pS6 staining compared with controls C. Tumors in STZ-treated mice are smaller with increased 4HNE and pS6 D. STZ-treated mice have smaller tumours with decreased Ki67, pS6 and 4HNE",B. Tumors in STZ-treated mice show decreased Ki67and pS6 staining compared with controls,"- HNSCC is a malignancy derived from the squamous epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, often displaying metabolic reprogramming toward elevated glycolysis and oxidative stress tolerance. - Streptozotocin is a nitrosourea compound that selectively destroys pancreatic β-cells via DNA alkylation and oxidative stress, producing insulin-deficient diabetic models. - Insulin activates PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling to regulate glucose uptake, cell proliferation, and protein synthesis; loss of insulin signaling limits anabolic metabolism. - Ki67 is a nuclear protein expressed during active cell-cycle phases (G₁, S, G₂, M); in tumors, high Ki67 labeling indicates rapid proliferation and is reduced when growth is metabolically or therapeutically suppressed. - pS6 is a downstream marker of mTORC1 activity; its phosphorylation correlates with active protein synthesis and tumor growth signaling, and decreases when nutrient or insulin pathways are inhibited. - 4HNE is a lipid peroxidation product that accumulates under oxidative stress; in tumor tissues, elevated 4HNE immunostaining indicates increased ROS-mediated damage and impaired redox homeostasis. - γ-H2A.X is the phosphorylated form of histone H2A.X at Ser139 that marks DNA double-strand breaks; in tumors, elevated γ-H2A.X indicates genotoxic or oxidative stress–induced DNA damage.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""HNSCC is a malignancy derived from the squamous epithelium of the upper aerodigestive tract, including the oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx, often displaying metabolic reprogramming toward elevated glycolysis and oxidative stress tolerance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-020-00224-3""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 26, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Streptozotocin is a nitrosourea compound that selectively destroys pancreatic β-cells via DNA alkylation and oxidative stress, producing insulin-deficient diabetic models.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Nude Mouse Model: Differences between Animals from Different Sources""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3155402/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 1, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Insulin activates PI3K-AKT-mTOR signaling to regulate glucose uptake, cell proliferation, and protein synthesis; loss of insulin signaling limits anabolic metabolism.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The PI3K-AKT network at the interface of oncogenic signalling and cancer metabolism""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41568-019-0216-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 4, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ki67 is a nuclear protein expressed during active cell-cycle phases (G₁, S, G₂, M); in tumors, high Ki67 labeling indicates rapid proliferation and is reduced when growth is metabolically or therapeutically suppressed.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Ki-67 protein: from the known and the unknown""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/(SICI)1097-4652(200003)182:3%3C311::AID-JCP1%3E3.0.CO;2-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 31, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""pS6 is a downstream marker of mTORC1 activity; its phosphorylation correlates with active protein synthesis and tumor growth signaling, and decreases when nutrient or insulin pathways are inhibited.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Regulation and function of ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K) within mTOR signalling networks""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://portlandpress.com/biochemj/article-abstract/441/1/1/47374/Regulation-and-function-of-ribosomal-protein-S6?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 5, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""4HNE is a lipid peroxidation product that accumulates under oxidative stress; in tumor tissues, elevated 4HNE immunostaining indicates increased ROS-mediated damage and impaired redox homeostasis. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal: a product and mediator of oxidative stress""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0163782703000146""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 3, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""γ-H2A.X is the phosphorylated form of histone H2A.X at Ser139 that marks DNA double-strand breaks; in tumors, elevated γ-H2A.X indicates genotoxic or oxidative stress–induced DNA damage.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""DNA double-stranded breaks induce histone H2AX phosphorylation on serine 139""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jbc.org/article/S0021-9258(18)67851-2/fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 6, 1998""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology,MCQ,"P2RY2 is a purinergic immune checkpoint linking extracellular ATP to immune evasion and adaptive resistance to immunotherapy.",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.09.681049v1,"October 10, 2025","Scientists investigated how extracellular ATP (eATP) and its non-hydrolyzable analog (nhATP) protect tumor cells by suppressing T-cell activation and cytotoxicity. In this research, the coculture of tumor cells (BxPC-3 or SW480 cells) and T cells (MART-1-TCR-T and CEA CAR-T) was used. For the cocultures of tumor cells and T cells, 50,000–200,000 tumor cells were seeded in each well of a 6-well plate, while for 96-well plates, 5,000–10,000 tumor cells were seeded. T cells and antigen-expressing tumor cells were mixed at ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:32 as indicated. After incubation at 37°C and 5% CO₂ for the specified durations, tumor cell viability was assessed using either the CellTiter Blue Assay (Promega, Cat# G8020). Cocultures were conducted in the absence or presence of 200 μM ATP or non-hydrolyzable ATP analog (nhATP) at specified effector-to-target (T: Tumor) ratios. After 72 hours, tumor cell viability was assessed using the CellTiterBlue Cell Viability assay. In the monoculture assay, tumor cells (such as BxPC-3 or SW480) were cultured alone, without T cells, and treated with 200 μM ATP or the non-hydrolyzable analog ATPγS (nhATP) for 72 hours; after incubation, tumor cell proliferation was assessed using the CellTiter-Blue Cell Viability Assay. ","- Tumor cell proliferation for monoculture experiments (T-cell growth rate with ATP, nhATP, and controls). - Tumor cell viability for coculture experiments (tumor cells culture with T-cells with ATP or nhATP). ","Scientists investigated how extracellular ATP (eATP) and its non-hydrolyzable analog (nhATP) protect tumor cells by suppressing T-cell activation and cytotoxicity. They cocultured tumor cells (BxPC-3 or SW480 cells) and T cells (MART-1-TCR-T and CEA CAR-T) in the absence or presence of 200 μM ATP or non-hydrolyzable ATP analog (nhATP) and checked tumor cell viability after 72 hours. They also cultured tumor cells alone without T-cells and treated them with 200 μM ATP or non-hydrolyzable ATP analog (nhATP) to measure tumor cell proliferation at 72 hours. Which of the following is the most likely outcome? A) ATP enhanced tumor survival more strongly than nhATP in coculture, while neither affected proliferation in monoculture B) Both ATP and nhATP enhanced tumor cell survival in coculture at the same level, but ATP had slightly greater impact on proliferation in monoculture C) nhATP had a greater impact on tumor survival in coculture, while neither affected proliferation in monoculture D) Both ATP and nhATP enhanced tumor cell survival in coculture, while neither had an impact on proliferation in monoculture ","D) Both ATP and nhATP enhanced tumor cell survival in coculture, while neither had an impact on proliferation in monoculture","- Extracellular ATP (eATP) accumulates in the tumor microenvironment and rises during immunotherapy. - eATP exhibits paradoxical immunomodulatory roles, as it acts as a pro-inflammatory “danger” signal that activates innate immune responses and facilitates adaptive immune priming, while persistently high concentrations of eATP (micromolar–millimolar range) exerts immunosuppressive effects.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Extracellular ATP (eATP) accumulates in the tumor microenvironment and rises during immunotherapy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Increased level of extracellular ATP at tumor sites: in vivo imaging with plasma membrane luciferase""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0002599""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 9, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- eATP exhibits paradoxical immunomodulatory roles, as it acts as a pro-inflammatory “danger” signal that activates innate immune responses and facilitates adaptive immune priming, while persistently high concentrations of eATP (micromolar–millimolar range) exerts immunosuppressive effects.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Extracellular ATP and P2 purinergic signalling in the tumour microenvironment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41568-018-0037-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 13, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Neuropharmacology / Electrophysiology,MCQ,Positive Modulators of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor: Structure-Activity Relationship Study on Steroidal C-17 and C-20 Oxime Ethers,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680025v1,"October 3, 2025","Researchers synthesized a series of pregn-5-ene and androst-5-ene derivatives and evaluated their positive allosteric modulator (PAM) activity on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). For this aim, HEK293 cells were plated in 24-well plates at a density of 2 × 10^5 cells per well. The next day, the cells were transfected with cDNA encoding rat GluN1-1a and GluN2B subunits, along with green fluorescent protein, using the pCI-neo expression vector. Briefly, equal amounts (200 ng) of cDNAs encoding GluN1-1a, GluN2B, and GFP were mixed with 0.6 μl of Matra-A reagent (IBA, Gottingen, Germany) in 50 μL of Opti-MEM I and added to confluent HEK293 cells cultured in 24-well plates. After trypsinization, the cells were resuspended in Opti-MEM I containing 1% FBS, supplemented with 20 mM MgCl2, 1 mM D,L-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid, 3 mM kynurenic acid, and 1 μM ketamine, and plated on 30 mm glass coverslips coated with collagen and poly-L-lysine. Transfected cells were identified by GFP epifluorescence. Electrophysiology experiments were performed 24–48 h after transfection. Whole-cell current recordings, voltage-clamped at a holding potential of -60 mV, were performed at room temperature using a patch-clamp amplifier (Axopatch 200B; Molecular Devices, Sunnyvale, CA, USA) after capacitance and series resistance (<10 MΩ) compensation (80–90%). NMDAR current responses were low-pass filtered at 2 kHz, digitally sampled at 5 kHz, and analysed using pClamp software (version 10.6; Molecular Devices). Patch pipettes (3–5 MΩ), pulled from borosilicate glass, were filled with an intracellular solution (ICS) containing 15 mM CsCl, 10 mM BAPTA, 3 mM MgCl2, 1 mM CaCl2, 120 mM gluconic acid, 10 mM HEPES, and 2 mM ATP-Mg salt (pH adjusted to 7.2 with CsOH). The extracellular solution (ECS) contained: 160 mM NaCl, 2.5 mM KCl, 0.2 mM EDTA, 10 mM glucose, 10 mM HEPES, and 0.7 mM CaCl2 (pH adjusted to 7.3 with NaOH). NMDAR responses were induced by 1 μM glutamate and 30 μM glycine. 1% DMSO was present in all control and testing solutions. Solution applications were performed using a microprocessor-controlled multibarrel fast-perfusion system with a solution exchange rate around the cells of ~10 ms. Compound 12 (20-Oxo-pregn-5-en-3β-yl hemiglutarate O-ethyloxime), or pregnenolone sulfate (PES) were included in the testing solutions, over a concentration range of 0.3 - 100 μM. The degree of modulation (E; potentiation/ inhibition) for the newly synthesized compounds was determined using the following formula: E (%) = ((Ie − Ia)/Ia) × 100; where Ie is the value of the current amplitude during glutamate and compound co-application and Ia is the current amplitude value for glutamate application. Emax was defined as the maximal value of potentiation induced by a saturating concentration of the compound, and EC50 was defined as the concentration of the compound that produces half-maximal potentiation of the agonist-evoked current.","- Degree of modulation (%) of the glutamate-evoked current, in GluN1-1a + GluN2B co-transfected HEK293 cells, under application of compound 12 (20-Oxo-pregn-5-en-3β-yl hemiglutarate O-ethyloxime) or pregnenolone sulfate (PES) (0.3 - 100 μM). - Maximal potentiation values (Emax) (%) of compound 12 (20-Oxo-pregn-5-en-3β-yl hemiglutarate O-ethyloxime) or pregnenolone sulfate (PES) in GluN1-1a + GluN2B co-transfected HEK293 cells. - Half-maximal potentiation concentration (EC50) (μM) of compound 12 (20-Oxo-pregn-5-en-3β-yl hemiglutarate O-ethyloxime) or pregnenolone sulfate (PES) in GluN1-1a + GluN2B co-transfected HEK293 cells.","Under whole-cell recordings at -60 mV from HEK293 cells co-expressing rat GluN1/GluN2B, glutamate (1 μM) + glycine (30 μM) were rapidly applied with 0.3-100 μM of a neurosteroid (20-Oxo-pregn-5-en-3β-yl hemiglutarate O-ethyloxime) named compound 12. Relative to pregnenolone sulfate (PES), which quantitative profile best matches compound 12? A. High-gain positive allosteric modulator: E_max ≈ 470% with EC_50 ≈ 6 μM. Both significantly more efficacious and more potent than PES measured in the same assay windows. B. Efficacy-limited positive allosteric modulator: E_max ≈ 290% with EC_50 ≈ 7μM. More potent than PES but only ~2.5x its efficacy, with responses plateauing by ~30 μM. C. High-gain positive allosteric modulator: E_max ≈ 670% with EC_50 ≈ 9 μM. Both more efficacious and more potent than PES. D. Ultra-potent ceiling-effect positive allosteric modulator: EC_50 < 1 μM with E_max ≈ 250%. Substantially more potent but constrained by a low efficacy ceiling relative to PES.",C. High-gain positive allosteric modulator: E_max ≈ 670% with EC_50 ≈ 9 μM. Both more efficacious and more potent than PES.,"- Endogenous neurosteroids such as pregnanolone sulfate and pregnenolone sulfate are well-established modulators of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. - For steroidal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors modulators, planar 3β-hydroxy-Δ5,6-ene scaffolds are associated with potentiation, and bent 3α-hydroxy-5β scaffolds are associated with inhibition.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Endogenous neurosteroids such as pregnanolone sulfate and pregnenolone sulfate are well-established modulators of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Neurosteroid modulation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors: Molecular mechanism and behavioral effects""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039128X11002807?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 7, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- For steroidal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors modulators, planar 3β-hydroxy-Δ5,6-ene scaffolds are associated with potentiation, and bent 3α-hydroxy-5β scaffolds are associated with inhibition.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Geometry and Charge Determine Pharmacological Effects of Steroids on N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor-Induced Ca2+ Accumulation and Cell Death""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0022356524392948""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology,Free-Format Question,Molecular determinants underlying functional divergence of TBP homologs,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680374v1,"October 4, 2025","To examine the evolutionary divergence of TATA-box binding protein (TBP) homologs in different species, researchers determined the ability of murine TBP and its paralogs to complement endogenous TBP in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. To generate a TBP replacement system, a S. cerevisiae strain with a temperature-sensitive TBP allele (tsTBP) was used; which is conditionally inactivated at the restrictive temperature of 36.5 ± 0.5 ºC. S. cerevisiae (tsTBP) strain was transformed with HA-tagged constructs expressing wild-type yeast TBP (HA-yTBP), mouse TBP (HA-mTBP), a mouse TBP with truncated conserved core domain (HA-mTBPc) and an empty vector control. All constructs were driven by the 5’ and 3’ UTR of the endogenous yeast TBP, and protein expression was verified by anti-HA Western blotting. Yeast cultures were grown in either selective media after transformation or YPD media (1% yeast extract, 2% peptone, and 2% dextrose). To examine DNA binding of the different TBP variants, transformed strains were grown under restrictive temperature (36.5 ± 0.5 ºC), and after 3 hours at the restrictive temperature, a spike-in normalized HA ChIP-seq was performed. For this purpose, cells were harvested, crosslinked in 1% formaldehyde for 20 minutes and quenched with the addition of liquid glycine to 300 mM for a further 5 minutes at room temperature. Cells were lysed by bead beating, and cell lysate was spun down at 15,000g for 30 minutes. The cell pellet was resuspended in lysis buffer (50 mM HEPES, pH 7.5, 140 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% sodium deoxycholate) and sonicated (Covaris Sonicator S220) to produce an average fragment size of 250 bp. The lysate was spun down at 9000g for 10 minutes, and the supernatant was precleared by rotating with Protein G Dynabeads for 1 hour at 4 °C. Five percent of the lysate was reserved for input, and the remaining was split and incubated with α-HA (EpiCypher 13-2010), antibody overnight at 4 °C, respectively. Antibody immunoprecipitations were isolated by adding magnetic Protein G Dynabeads and rotating at 4 °C for 1 h, and 5 minute washes were performed twice with lysis buffer, twice with high salt buffer (50 mM HEPES pH 7.5, 500 mM NaCl, 1 mM EDTA, 1% Triton X-100, 0.1% sodium-deoxycholate), twice with LiCl wash buffer (10 mM Tris-HCl pH 8.0, 250 mM LiCl, 0.6% NP-40, 0.5% sodium-deoxycholate, 1 mM EDTA), and once with TE (10mM Tris pH 8.0, 1 mM EDTA). Synthetic spike-in E coli DNA was added to eluates, to aid in quantification. Following proteinase K digestion, DNA was purified by phenol, chloroform, isoamyl alcohol extraction and RNase A treated. ChIP-seq libraries were prepared using a library prep strategy for Illumina sequencing that uses TruSeq-Y Adapters with a free 3'T overhang. Reads were trimmed for adapters sequence GATCGGAAGAGCACACGTCTGAACTCCAGTCA and mapped on sacCre3 genome build using Bowtie2 with the following parameters: --local --very-sensitive-local --no-unal --no- mixed --no-discordant --phred33 -I 10 -X 700. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) duplicate reads were removed. A normalization factor was determined from E coli DNA (normalized to the control) alignment from Bowtie2 mapping and used to scale during the generation of bigwig files. Replicates were averaged using bigwigAverage, which averages the reads after normalization. Downstream analyses, heatmaps, TSS plots, gene plots, and k-means clustering were performed using IGV, DeepTools, and BedTools suite. ComputeMatrix from deeptools was done using binsize 10. After alignment and de-duplication, spike-in normalized reads from averaged and individual replicates were displayed as average profiles and heatmaps in a 2kb window around the transcription start site (TSS) for all genes.","- Normalized reads around the transcription start site (± 2kb) for all genes of S. cerevisiae (tsTBP) strains transformed HA-yTBP, HA-mTBP, HA-mTBPc and empty vector control, after 3h of culture under restrictive temperature (36.5 ± 0.5 ºC) (spike-in normalized HA ChIP-seq) - RNA polymerase II promoter occupancy in S. cerevisiae (tsTBP) strains transformed HA-yTBP, HA-mTBP, HA-mTBPc and empty vector control, after 3h of culture under restrictive temperature (36.5 ± 0.5 ºC) (spike-in normalized HA ChIP-seq)","To examine the evolutionary divergence of TATA-box binding protein (TBP) homologs, a S. cerevisiae strain with a temperature-sensitive TBP allele (tsTBP), conditionally inactivated at the restrictive temperature of 36.5 ± 0.5 ºC, was transformed with HA-tagged constructs expressing wild-type yeast TBP (HA-yTBP), mouse TBP (HA-mTBP), a mouse TBP with truncated conserved core domain (HA-mTBPc) and an empty vector control. Transformed strains were grown under restrictive temperature (36.5 ± 0.5 ºC), and after 3 hours at the restrictive temperature, a spike-in normalized HA ChIP-seq was performed. Spike-in normalized reads in a 2kb window around the transcription start site (TSS) for all genes were employed to determine the ability of the different TBPs to bind gene promoters. What is the expected difference in terms of RNA polymerase II promoter occupancy observed between HA-mTBP, HA-mTBPc, and HA-yTBP?","HA-yTBP bound strongly at promoters of expressed genes, while both HA-mTBP and HA-mTBPc bound RNA Pol II promoters, though globally at only ~28% HA-yTBP levels. HA-mTBPc displayed a modestly higher promoter occupancy than HA-mTBP.","- Eukaryotes share three RNA Pols (Pol I-III), largely responsible for ribosomal, messenger, and transfer RNA (rRNA, mRNA, tRNA), respectively. - The TATA-box binding protein (TBP) is the only general transcription factor required by all three RNA Pols (Pol I-III): The RNA polymerase I transcription factor, upstream binding factor, interacts directly with the TATA box-binding protein. - The TATA-box binding protein (TBP) contains a conserved DNA-binding core domain that recognizes the promoters and binds to the DNA minor groove, and a divergent N-terminal domain (NTD): TFIID binds in the minor groove of the TATA box.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Eukaryotes share three RNA Pols (Pol I-III), largely responsible for ribosomal, messenger, and transfer RNA (rRNA, mRNA, tRNA), respectively.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Evolution of multisubunit RNA polymerases in the three domains of life""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro2507""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 13, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this article""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The TATA-box binding protein (TBP) is the only general transcription factor required by all three RNA Pols (Pol I-III): The RNA polymerase I transcription factor, upstream binding factor, interacts directly with the TATA box-binding protein.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The RNA polymerase I transcription factor, upstream binding factor, interacts directly with the TATA box-binding protein""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7982918/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 2, 1994""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The TATA-box binding protein (TBP) contains a conserved DNA-binding core domain that recognizes the promoters and binds to the DNA minor groove, and a divergent N-terminal domain (NTD)""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""TFIID binds in the minor groove of the TATA box""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/0092-8674(91)90299-E""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 20, 1991""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this article""}]" Biology,Cytotoxic natural products,Free-Format Question,Pomegranate root extract possesses anti-metastatic potential by suppressing invasiveness and vasculogenic mimicry capability of cancer cells,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12505693/pdf/main.pdf,"Sep 26, 2025","Cell viability in A549 lung cancer cells was measured by seeding cells into 96-well plates at a density of 1 × 10 4 cells/well and incubated for 24 h. After that, cells were incubated with leaf extract (PL) (0.1 µg/ml), root extract (PR) (0.1 µg/ml), and without extract (control) for 24 hs. At the end of treatment, culture media in each well were replaced with media containing MTT and further incubated for 2 h. Then, the media in each well were replaced with DMSO to solubilize formazan product. Absorbance was measured by using a microplate reader, absorbance at 550 nm was subtracted with absorbance at 650 nm. The number of viable cells was determined from the absorbance and expressed as percent cell viability compared with control.","- Number of viable A549 cells after treatment with extracts (Leaf extract or pomegranate root extract). - Cell viability (%) of A549 cells after treatment with extracts (Leaf extract or pomegranate root extract).","Researchers treated A549 lung cancer cells (1x10⁴ cells/well) grown in vitro with 0.1 µg/ml of pomegranate leaf (PL) and root (PR) extracts in order to determine the cell viability after treatment with these extracts. After 24 h, culture media was replaced with media containing MTT and incubated for 2 h. Formazan product was solubilized by replacing media with DMSO, and absorbance was measured with a microplate reader at 550 nm and 650 nm. The number of viable cells and the percentage cell viability was calculated. Which of the extract would be less cytotoxic for A549 cells? ",Pomegranate root extract,"- Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit tree that has been reported to prevent cancer metastasis of various cancers. - Pomegranate leaf extract induces apoptosis and inhibits migration and invasion in non-small cell lung carcinoma. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) is a fruit tree that has been reported to prevent cancer metastasis of various cancers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Molecular targets of pomegranate (Punica granatum) in preventing cancer metastasis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6880535/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 22, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pomegranate leaf extract induces apoptosis and inhibits migration and invasion in non-small cell lung carcinoma. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Punica granatum (pomegranate) leaves extract induces apoptosis through mitochondrial intrinsic pathway and inhibits migration and invasion in non-small cell lung cancer in vitro""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0753332215303772""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Free-Format Question,"Investigating Bacterial Vaginosis Pathogenesis Using Peptide Nucleic Acid-Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization With a Focus on the Roles of Gardnerella Species, Prevotella bivia, and Fannyhessea vaginae",https://academic.oup.com/ofid/article/12/9/ofaf556/8246403,"September 3, 2025","Researchers tracked bacterial colonization dynamics before, during, and after incident bacterial vaginosis (iBV) in women. Over the course of 60 days, vaginal specimens were collected twice daily from women (heterosexual, non-pregnant, aged 18-45, optimal microbiota at enrollment) who developed incident bacterial vaginosis (iBV). iBV diagnosis was defined as a Nugent score of 7–10 on ≥4 consecutive specimens with age, race, and contraceptive matched controls. Samples from iBV cases covered 14 days before diagnosis (day −14), the day of diagnosis (day 0), and 3 days after (day +3); controls provided 18 daily samples matched by menstrual cycle. Each 20 µL specimen was fixed on epoxy-coated slides at 37°C using methanol, paraformaldehyde, and ethanol, then hybridized with 10 µL of 200 nM peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes targeting 23S rRNA of Prevotella bivia species. Hybridization (PNA–fluorescence in situ hybridization [PNA-FISH]) and washing were performed (incubation at 60 °C for 90 min and washing at 60 °C for 30 min), followed by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) counterstaining. Slides were imaged under fluorescence microscopy, and bacterial counts were obtained manually or with Fiji/ImageJ. Median bacterial counts per species were calculated from six fields per sample and compared between cases and controls.",- Prevotella bivia bacterial cell count (number of bacteria per microscopic field) in incident BV (iBV) cases vs. matched controls -14 to +3 days relative to iBV diagnosis under fluorescence microscopy after PNA-FISH staining. ,"Researchers tracked bacterial colonization dynamics before, during, and after incident bacterial vaginosis (iBV) in women. Over the course of 60 days, vaginal specimens were collected twice daily from women (heterosexual, non-pregnant, aged 18-45, optimal microbiota at enrollment) who developed incident bacterial vaginosis (iBV). iBV diagnosis was defined as a Nugent score of 7–10 on ≥4 consecutive specimens with age, race, and contraceptive matched controls. Samples from iBV cases covered 14 days before diagnosis (day −14), the day of diagnosis (day 0), and 3 days after (day +3); controls provided 18 daily samples matched by menstrual cycle. Each 20 µL specimen was fixed on epoxy-coated slides at 37°C using methanol, paraformaldehyde, and ethanol, then hybridized with 10 µL of 200 nM peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes targeting 23S rRNA of Prevotella bivia species. Hybridization (PNA–fluorescence in situ hybridization [PNA-FISH]) and washing were performed (incubation at 60 °C for 90 min and washing at 60 °C for 30 min), followed by 4′,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) counterstaining. Slides were imaged under fluorescence microscopy, and bacterial counts were obtained manually or with Fiji/ImageJ. Median bacterial counts per species were calculated from six fields per sample and compared between cases and controls. Predict the change in relative abundance (higher, lower, or no change) from pre-infection (14 days prior to infection) to post-infection phases (day 3 post-infection) of Prevotella bivia counts in women who develop iBV.",The relative abundance of Prevotella bivia is expected to show no significant change from the pre-infection to post-infection phases in women who develop iBV.,"- Prevotella bivia is thought to be an early colonizer of the BV (bacterial vaginosis) biofilm. - Mechanistically, BV is characterized by loss of protective, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus spp. (eg, Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri) and an overgrowth of facultative (Gardnerella spp.) and strict anaerobic bacteria such as Prevotella spp. and Fannyhessea vaginae. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Prevotella bivia is thought to be an early colonizer of the BV (bacterial vaginosis) biofilm.\n\n\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An updated conceptual model on the pathogenesis of bacterial vaginosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/220/9/1399/5542783""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 1, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mechanistically, BV is characterized by loss of protective, lactic acid and hydrogen peroxide-producing Lactobacillus spp. (eg, Lactobacillus crispatus, L. jensenii, and L. gasseri) and an overgrowth of facultative (Gardnerella spp.) and strict anaerobic bacteria such as Prevotella spp. and Fannyhessea vaginae.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Influence of biofilm formation by Gardnerella vaginalis and other anaerobes on bacterial vaginosis.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/jid/article-abstract/212/12/1856/2911944?redirectedFrom=fulltext&login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 16, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Pharmacology/ Biotechnology ,Numerical Values,Synthesis of silver nanoparticles from Vicia faba aqueous extract with cytotoxic activity against human acute T cell leukemia,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-03679-0,"Sep 30, 2025","The researchers aimed to evaluate whether anticancer activity of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and aqueous extract of Vicia faba is concentration-dependent. The effect of AgNPs and aqueous extract of Vicia faba on the human acute T-cell leukemia cell line Jurkat was evaluated. Previously, seed coats from V. faba beans dry seeds were separated, milled to a 0.5 mm particle size and boiled in distilled water (1:100, 100° C, 5 minutes). Particles were filtered. For AgNPs synthesis the bottom-up method was employed. 50 mL of 1 mM AgNO3 solution were mixed with 50 mL of V. faba water extract and exposed to light for 10 minutes. The Jurkat cells were cultured in 48-well plates and exposed to five different concentrations of AgNPs or V. faba water extract: 0.375, 0.750, 1.5, 3, and 6 mg/mL, while untreated cells were used as a control. After 24 hours of incubation, cell viability was determined using the trypan blue exclusion test. The assay was performed in triplicate, and the results were calculated as the percentage of viable cells compared to the control. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was calculated from the dose-response curves.","- Cell viability (%) of Jurkat cells across concentrations (0.375, 0.750, 1.5, 3, 6 mg/mL) in AgNPs vs Vicia faba extract compared to control cells after 24 hours of exposure. - Inhibitory concentration (IC50) after treatment with AgNPs or Vicia faba extract across concentrations (0.375, 0.750, 1.5, 3, 6 mg/mL) in Jurkat cells.","Jurkat cells (human acute T-cell leukemia cells) were cultured in 48-well plates and exposed to five different concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) or Vicia faba aqueous extract: 0.375, 0.750, 1.5, 3, and 6 mg/mL. After 24 hours of incubation, cell viability was determined using the trypan blue dye-exclusion test, and the IC50 was calculated from dose–response curves. After 24 hours of treatment, what is the predicted IC50 (in mg/mL) of AgNP on Jurkat cells?",2.04-2.50,"- AgNPs are extremely small particles of silver with unique properties that can target cancer cells. - A method of producing nanoparticles is the green synthesis using plant extract.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- AgNPs are extremely small particles of silver with unique properties that can target cancer cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Applications of nanoparticles in treatment and diagnosis of leukemia""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0928493114006638?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 1, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- A method of producing nanoparticles is the green synthesis using plant extract.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A systematic review of biosynthesized metallic nanoparticles as a promising anti-cancer-strategy.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6694/13/11/2818""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 5, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Molecular Biology, Cell Biology",Free-Format Question,Vector-free DNA transfection by nuclear envelope mechanoporation,https://www.arxiv.org/abs/2510.02468,"October 2, 2025","An experiment was carried out to compare the temporal dynamics of EGFP expression in HeLa cells following transfection by three different delivery methods. HeLa S3 cells were suspended in OptiMEM. EGFP-encoding plasmid DNA (gWiz-GFP) was added to the suspension at 0.1 mg/ml. The cell-DNA mixture was flowed through a microfluidic device, called NEST, at 28 psi using a pressure-driven syringe pump. The device incorporated nanolancets that mechanically porated both plasma membrane and nuclear envelope as cells passed through microchannels. After treatment, cells were collected, incubated on ice for 5 minutes, then recovered in antibiotic-free warm growth medium (DMEM with 10% FBS) at 37°C with 5% CO₂ for 10 minutes before culture. For PEI transfection, HeLa cells at 70-90% confluence were transfected using 6.5 µg PEI complexed with 1 µg plasmid DNA in 150 mM NaCl per 500 µL medium. For Lipofectamine 2000 transfection, cells were transfected using 2 µL Lipofectamine complexed with 0.8 µg DNA per 500 µL growth medium per manufacturer protocol. Both chemical treatments were applied to plated cells 12-24 hours after seeding. Additional HeLa cells receiving no transfection treatment to served as a negative control. Measurement of EGFP Expression: Following all treatments, cells were cultured in standard growth medium. At time points 0, 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours post-treatment, cells were harvested and fixed with 2% paraformaldehyde for 15 minutes at room temperature. Transfection efficiency was assessed by multicolor flow cytometry (BD FACSCelesta Cell Analyzer), by measuring the percentage of viable cells expressing EGFP fluorescence above background. Each measurement comprised analysis of 10,000 cells per sample.","- EGFP expression level: percentage of total viable HeLa cells analyszed expressing EGFP, as measured by GFP fluorescence flow cytometry with a BD FACSCelesta Cell Analyzer, under four treatments (NEST device, PEI transfection, Lipofectamine 2000 transfection, negative control), at 0, 1, 2, 4, 12, and 24 hours post-treatment ","Researchers investigated the temporal dynamics of protein expression following transfection of HeLa cells with EGFP-encoding plasmid DNA. Three delivery methods were evaluated: (1) a NEST microfluidic device operating at 28 psi flow pressure; (2) polyethylenimine (PEI)-based chemical transfection; and (3) Lipofectamine 2000 lipid-based transfection. Following treatment, cells were cultured under standard conditions and EGFP expression was monitored at multiple time points, including 4 hours and 12 hours. What is the expected pattern of EGFP expression across these delivery methods and two time points?","NEST treatment results in substantial EGFP expression by 4 hours that further increases by 12 hours, while PEI and Lipofectamine transfection show no detectable expression at 4 hours and only begin to show expression by the 12-hour time point.","- The most common transfection methods for producing genetically modified cells, using viral vectors, have a number of drawbacks, such as low throughput and immunogenicity. - Mechanical delivery systems are an alternative to viral transfection, but typically have other drawbacks such a cell damage and imprecise delivery sites. - Transfected DNA must reach the cell nucleus before being transcribed and expressing proteins; a plasmid not delivered to the nucleus must wait until cellular division to be incorporated. - Microfluidics are an emerging platform for transfection overcoming the drawbacks of transfection using viruses and previous mechanical methods, and can achieve direct delivery into the cell nucleus. - Expression levels of GFP, measured by flow cytometry, can be used as a suitable metric for transfection success and efficiency ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The most common transfection methods for producing genetically modified cells, using viral vectors, have a number of drawbacks, such as low throughput and immunogenicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Transfection types, methods and strategies: a technical review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://peerj.com/articles/11165/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 21, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mechanical delivery systems are an alternative to purely viral transfection, but typically have other drawbacks such a cell damage and imprecise delivery sites.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Massively-Parallelized, Deterministic Mechanoporation for Intracellular Delivery""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.nanolett.9b03175""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 24, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Transfected DNA must reach the cell nucleus before being transcribed and expressing proteins; a plasmid not delivered to the nucleus must wait until cellular division to be incorporated.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cytoplasmic transport and nuclear import of plasmid DNA""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5705778/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 29, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Microfluidics are an emerging platform for transfection overcoming the drawbacks of transfection using viruses and previous mechanical methods, and can achieve direct delivery into the cell nucleus.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A vector-free microfluidic platform for intracellular delivery""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1218705110""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 22, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Expression levels of GFP, measured by flow cytometry, can be used as a suitable metric for transfection success and efficiency.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An Overview of Methods and Tools for Transfection of Eukaryotic Cells in vitro""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.701031/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 19, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neurobiology / Animal Behavior and Cognition.,MCQ,Dopamine supports reward prediction to constrain reward seeking,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.22.671841v1,"Aug 24, 2025","Researchers tested whether cue-evoked nucleus accumbens (NAc) dopamine at cue onset shapes Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer test (PIT) behavior using Long-Evans rats (Th-Cre⁺ and wild-type littermates). Th-Cre⁺ rats received bilateral ventral tegmental area (VTA) injections of AAV-FLEX-ArchT-tdTomato (opsin) or a fluorescent control; controls were handled identically; all rats had bilateral NAc optic fibers. The preliminary training included magazine (2 sessions; 30×45-mg pellets; ITI 60 s), Pavlovian (8 sessions; two 10-s cues at 75–78 dB: click 10 Hz, tone 1.5 kHz with 0.25-s on/off; CS90=90% reward, CS30=30%; 20 trials/cue; variable ITI 60–160 s, mean 110 s), and instrumental (≥8 sessions; CRF → RI-15 → RI-30 → RI-60; end after 30 outcomes or 40 min) → Pavlovian retraining (4 sessions). The PIT test (lever present, no rewards) included a 10 min lever-reward extinction, and then each 10-s cue was presented 10× in pseudorandom order (≤2 repeats) with fixed 110-s ITI and counterbalanced starting cue. During this PIT test, inhibit VTA-DA→NAc terminals at cue onset via the NAc fibers with continuous 532 nm light, 10 mW, 2.5 s, starting 0.5 s before each cue. ","- Reward Seeking (Lever Presses): Lever presses measured during the $15\text{-s}$ analysis window ($10\text{-s}$ cue $+ 5\text{-s}$ post-cue period) compared to the $15\text{-s}$ pre-cue baseline period. - Reward Checking (Food-Port Entries): Food-port checking responses measured during the $15\text{-s}$ analysis window, specifically excluding entries that occurred immediately ($\le 2~\text{s}$) following a lever press to isolate Pavlovian conditional responses. - Behavioral Change ($\Delta$): The cue-induced change ($\Delta$) in lever presses and unlinked food-port entries calculated by subtracting baseline values from the values in the $15\text{-s}$ cue period. - Optogenetic Effect: Comparison of lever presses and food-port entries between the ArchT group (inhibition applied) and the Control group (no inhibition effect). ","Rats were trained on Pavlovian short-delay conditioning with two 10-s auditory cues predicting a 45-mg pellet at 30% (CS30) or 90% (CS90), then on instrumental lever pressing. In a Pavlovian-to-instrumental transfer (PIT) test (lever present; no rewards), Th-Cre⁺ rats expressing ArchT in VTA dopamine neurons received bilateral inhibition of VTA-DA→NA terminals via NAc optic fibers (continuous 532 nm, 10 mW, 2.5 s, starting 0.5 s before cue onset); controls expressed fluorescent proteins or were wild-type. Measurements: (i) lever presses during the 15-s analysis window (10-s cue + 5-s post-cue) relative to pre-cue baseline; (ii) food-port checking responses during the cue window that were not linked to presses. Relative to controls, which pattern best describes the behavioral effect of inhibiting VTA-DA→NAc terminals at cue onset? A) Optical inhibition of cue-evoked VTA-DA→NAc activity decreased the reward-seeking motivational response to the low-probability cue, and no change in cue-evoked reward checking during both cues. B) Optical inhibition of cue-evoked VTA-DA→NAc activity elevated the reward-seeking motivational response to both cues, and decreased cue-evoked reward checking during the high-probability cue. C) Optical inhibition of cue-evoked VTA-DA→NAc activity led to no change in the reward-seeking motivational response to both cues, and elevated cue-evoked reward checking during the low-probability cue. D) Optical inhibition of cue-evoked VTA-DA→NAc activity decreased the reward-seeking motivational response to the high-probability cue, and elevated cue-evoked reward checking during the high-probability cue.","B) Optical inhibition of cue-evoked VTA-DA→NAc activity elevated the reward-seeking motivational response to both cues, and decreased cue-evoked reward checking during the high-probability cue.","• 　Reward prediction & dopamine. Reward-predictive cues evoke brief dopamine signals that convey expected value; these transients can bias how animals pursue rewards. • 　Mesolimbic pathway (VTA→NAc). Dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area project to the nucleus accumbens, a hub that shapes goal-directed approach and evaluation of reward-predictive cues. • 　Pavlovian conditioning with probabilities. Repeated pairing of a cue (CS) with reward at defined probabilities (e.g., 30% vs 90%) assigns predictive value that differs by cue. • 　Instrumental learning. Lever pressing is acquired because it produces pellets under schedules such as CRF and random-interval programs, creating an operant “seeking” response. • 　Pavlovian-to-Instrumental Transfer (PIT). In extinction (no pellets delivered), Pavlovian cues can modulate ongoing instrumental pressing, allowing the effects of cues to be measured without new learning. • 　Optogenetic terminal inhibition (ArchT). ArchT is a light-driven proton pump; green light (~532 nm) transiently suppresses activity in opsin-expressing neurons or their axon terminals at the illuminated site. • 　Genetic targeting with Th-Cre. Th-Cre rats express Cre recombinase in tyrosine-hydroxylase–positive (dopaminergic) neurons, enabling Cre-dependent AAVs to restrict opsin expression to DA circuits. • 　Behavioral readouts. “Reward seeking” refers to lever presses; “reward checking” refers to food-port entries not linked to a press, typically scored within defined cue/post-cue windows.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The human gut microbiome exerts both local and distant effects involving hormonal intermediates, metabolites, and immunologic pathways.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Role of the Microbiota in Immunity and Inflammation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(14)00345-6?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0092867414003456%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 27, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Interactions between the human host and microbes have the potential to influence carcinogenesis through mechanisms such as chronic inflammation, metabolism, induction of genotoxic responses, and alteration of the microenvironment.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Evolving Concepts: How Diet and the Intestinal Microbiome Act as Modulators of Breast Malignancy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2013/693920""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 25, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The ‘estrobolome’ is the aggregate of intestinal bacteria capable of metabolizing estrogens.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microbiome and Malignancy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cell-host-microbe/fulltext/S1931-3128(11)00296-4?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1931312811002964%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 20,2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Modulation of estrogen homeostasis through the enterohepatic circulation by the gut microbiome can differ amongst individuals.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Studies on the role of intestinal bacteria in metabolism of synthetic and natural steroid hormones""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0022473184902085?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 1984""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Conjugated estrogens excreted in bile can be deconjugated by resident bacterial taxa in the gut with β-glucuronidase\nenzymatic activity, subsequently leading to estrogen reabsorption into the circulation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The influence of the host on expression of intestinal microbial enzyme activities involved in metabolism of foreign compounds""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3938453/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1985""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Behavioral ecology,Numerical Values,Foraging competence and scrounging tolerance enhance social relationships in a socially tolerant wild primate,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.06.12.659242v1,"June 13, 2025","To investigate the influence of an individual’s role (in a foraging context) on its social relationships, researchers conducted experiments on four groups of human habituated red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons), comprising a total of 31 individuals. The study animals were marked with a collar and a tag for individual identification. Two-option food dispenser (20x20x30 cm) was used for this experiment, with the apparatus composed of two main sections: a wooden base containing a cavity that held the food reward and an upper box constructed from four square panels with a sliding front door, forming a cube-like structure. To obtain the food reward, individuals could either lift the sliding door at the front or push the entire upper box backwards along the wooden foundation. The sliding door would fall back shut if not held open. Similarly, if the box was opened by pushing, metal springs would return it to its initial position after release. Eight cameras, at a distance of about 50 m from a study group, were placed to record activity as well as to prevent animals from witnessing experimenters filling the food boxes with the food rewards. These included four front-facing ground cameras, two overview cameras on tripods, and two tree-mounted cameras capturing top views. Next, red-fronted lemurs were attracted to the experimental setup using an acoustic signal produced by a standard animal training clicker. To minimise any association between humans and food, experimenters wore white lab coats throughout the procedure. The lemurs were first habituated to the food dispensers during three to four sessions in which the boxes were presented open or half-open and contained visible food rewards. Following this habituation period, the animals participated in ten experimental sessions where the food boxes were fully closed. Depending on the group, these sessions were conducted over four to six weeks. Each session lasted between 10 and 30 minutes and was concluded when all individuals had lost interest and left the testing area for at least one minute. For each session, synchronised video recordings were obtained and annotated using BORIS v.7.13.9. Annotations were scored based on the following behaviours: scrounging duration (feeding from a food box that another individual had opened), manipulating the box duration (touching the food box with either the hand or any part of the head for at least 1 s), success count (successfully opening of the food box), obseration duration (looking at an individual that successfully opened the food box) and the technique used to open the food box.","- Video record annotation of scrounging behaviour (duration) of members of the four groups of human habituated red-fronted lemurs during a session. - Video record annotation of manipulating behaviour (duration) of members of the four groups of human habituated red-fronted lemurs during a session. - Video record annotation of the success (count) of members of the four groups of human habituated red-fronted lemurs during a session. - Video record annotation of the technique of members of the four groups of human habituated red-fronted lemurs during a session. - Video record annotation of observation behaviour (duration) of members of the four groups of human habituated red-fronted lemurs during a session.","To investigate the influence of an individual’s role (in a foraging context) on its social relationships, researchers conducted experiments on four groups of human habituated red-fronted lemurs (Eulemur rufifrons), comprising a total of 31 individuals. The study animals were marked with a collar and a tag for individual identification. They used a two-option food dispenser (20x20x30 cm) for this experiment. They used a two-option food dispenser (20x20x30 cm) for this experiment. The food box consisted of two parts: a wooden foundation with a cavity containing the food reward (a mixture of raisins and pieces of peeled oranges) and an upper box composed of four square boards and a sliding door aligned in a cube-shaped manner. Individuals could access the food reward by lifting the sliding front door or pushing back the box on the foundation. Researchers placed eight cameras at a distance of about 50 m from a study group, recorded and annotated scores based on the animals' scrounging duration, and four other behaviours. What is the expected average percentage of successful openings with individuals scrounging? ",Individuals scrounged for successful openings on average = [3.89 - 48.38] % obtained from 26.12 ± 22.26%. SD was provided and used as a fallback.,"- Non-human primates are able to monitor and recognise the expertise of others and adapt their own behaviour in a fine-tuned manner to take advantage of these capabilities. - Social learning is defined as changes in an individual's behaviour that result from exposure to another individual's behaviour or its products. - In social learning experiments in which several individuals can interact at the experimental apparatus, naïve individuals exhibit scrounging behaviour, benefiting from the efforts of others rather than actively learning by themselves. - Lemurs (Lemuriformes) are considered a model for early primate cognitive evolution","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Non-human primates are able to monitor and recognise the expertise of others and adapt their own behaviour in a fine-tuned manner to take advantage of these capabilities.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Group Responses To Specially Skilled Individuals in a Macaca Fascicularis Group""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1163/156853988X00368""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 01, 1988""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- In social learning experiments in which several individuals can interact at the experimental apparatus, naïve individuals exhibit scrounging behaviour, benefiting from the efforts of others rather than actively learning by themselves.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Social influences on the acquisition of tool-using behaviors in tufted capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1037/0735-7036.103.2.159""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1989""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Lemurs (Lemuriformes) are considered a model for early primate cognitive evolution.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The gray mouse lemur (Microcebus murinus) as a model for early primate brain evolution""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959438821001124""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 09, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Social learning is defined as changes in an individual's behaviour that result from exposure to another individual's behaviour or its products.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Detecting social learning using networks: a users guide.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/ajp.20920""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 18, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Physics,Physics / Materials Science,MCQ,Identification of formation of amorphous Si phase in SiOxNy films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.14701,"October 16, 2025","In an experiment to study the properties of Si oxynitride films (SiOxNy, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4/3) by studying the behavior of atoms of the main film-forming elements, namely silicon, oxygen, and nitrogen, 9 samples of 300 ± 5 nm thick SiOxNy films with different compositions (stoichiometry indices x and y) obtained by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) were used. The values of the N₂O/SiH₄ flow ratio during the film deposition and the respective film stoichiometries are as in the following table, where the composition is represented by the x, y, and relative Si content: Sample | N₂O/SiH₄ flow ratio | (x | y | Relative Si content) #1 | 9 | (1.95 | 0.01 | 0.34) #2 | 3 | (1.3 | 0.28 | 0.39) #3 | 1.5 | (1.09 | 0.32 | 0.41) #4 | 0.6 | 0.85 | 0.27 | 0.48) #5 | 0.4 | 0.59 | 0.16 | 0.57) #6 | 0.3 | 0.42 | 0.14 | 0.64) #7 | 0.2 | 0.37 | 0.11 | 0.68) #8 | 0.1 | 0.23 | 0.07 | 0.77) #9 | 0.06 | 0.18 | 0.05 | 0.80) The purpose of the experiment is to find the concentration of hydrogen in the films. This can be found from a Fourier Transform Infra Red (FTIR) transmittance spectra by integrating the area under the Infra Red (IR) spectra in the range of ~1900-2400 cm⁻¹. A Si substrate was used as a reference sample for all the measurements.","• FTIR transmittance spectra in the range of 400−4000 cm⁻¹ were measured at room temperature using a PerkinElmer BX-II spectrometer with a resolution of 2 cm⁻¹, and the number of scans was 100, and the measurement accuracy was ~0.5%.","From the nine different films with relative Si content ranging from 0.34 - 0.8, the hydrogen concentration was found from the FTIR measurements. Which of the following correctly describes the behavior of the hydrogen concentration as a function of the relative Si content in the films? A. The hydrogen concentration increases more rapidly in the range of [0.4 - 0.5] of the relative amount of Si in the films. B. The hydrogen concentration increases more rapidly in the range of [0.7 - 0.8] of the relative amount of Si in the films. C. The hydrogen concentration increases uniformly with the relative amount of Si in the films.",A. The hydrogen concentration increases more rapidly in the range of [0.4 - 0.5] of the relative amount of Si in the films.,"- Si oxynitride films (SiOxNy, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4/3) have great significance for fabricating modern microelectronic and optoelectronic devices. The structure of such films defines their properties. - Infrared (IR) spectroscopy with mathematical deconvolution of the IR absorption band is successfully used for the study of the microstructure of Si oxide films with excess Si content.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Si oxynitride films (SiOxNy, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4/3) have great significance for fabricating modern microelectronic and optoelectronic devices. The structure of such films defines their properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ultrathin (< 4 nm) SiO₂ and Si-O-N gate dielectric layers for silicon microelectronics: understanding the processing, structure, and physical and electrical limits""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.1385803""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 1, 2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; the paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Si oxynitride films (SiOxNy, 0 ≤ x ≤ 2, 0 ≤ y ≤ 4/3) have great significance for fabricating modern microelectronic and optoelectronic devices. The structure of such films defines their properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SiON high-refractive-index waveguide and planar lightwave circuits""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1147/rd.472.0239""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 1, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; the paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy with mathematical deconvolution of the IR absorption band is successfully used for the study of the microstructure of Si oxide films with excess Si content.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""IR study of short-range and local order in SiO₂ and SiOx films""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3093(95)00118-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 1, 1995""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""No OA version available; the paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Infrared (IR) spectroscopy with mathematical deconvolution of the IR absorption band is successfully used for the study of the microstructure of Si oxide films with excess Si content.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Transformation of the structure of silicon oxide during the formation of Si nanoinclusions under thermal annealing""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236236078_Transformation_of_the_structure_of_silicon_oxide_during_the_formation_of_Si_nanoinclusions_under_thermal_annealings""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA. The exact publication day is not mentioned, just the month and year. ""}]" Physics,Solid State Physics,MCQ,Experimental evidence of the topological obstruction in twisted bilayer graphene.,https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.08913,"June 10, 2025","An experiment was conducted to map the quasiparticle interference (QPI) pattern on a twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) sample with a twist angle of 4.3 degrees (moiré period of 3.25 nm). The sample was analyzed in a custom-built ultra-high vacuum (UHV) scanning tunneling microscope (STM) in a cryogenic environment at 8.4 K and a pressure of 10^-10 mbar. The STM was operated with a bias voltage of 200 mV and a tunneling current of 100 pA. Using a wire-cut Pt/Ir tip and lock-in detection with a 10 mV AC voltage modulation, the energy-resolved local density of states (LDOS) was measured at an energy 175 meV below the van Hove singularity (VHS) to map the QPI pattern in the vicinity of a point defect on the surface.","- Maps of the local density of states (LDOS) of QPI patterns at various electron energies around a point of defect in TBG - Fast Fourier transform of the QPI patterns into reciprocal space ","A twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) sample with a 4.3 degrees twist angle is studied using a scanning tunneling microscope (STM). A map of the local density of states (LDOS) around a point defect is measured, and a Fourier transform of this map is performed. What is the most likely feature observed in the resulting Fourier transform? A) The FFT map shows arcs of circles (2q-arcs) corresponding to inter-cone back-scattering, with each arc displaying a single point of zero intensity. B) The FFT map shows full circles (2q-circles) corresponding to inter-cone back-scattering, with each circle displaying two distinct points of zero intensity. C) The FFT map shows a single star-shaped contour centered around the Γ point of the mini-Brillouin zone. D) No coherent interference pattern is observed in the FFT map, as the moiré potential suppresses inter-cone scattering.","A) The FFT map shows arcs of circles (2q-arcs) corresponding to inter-cone back-scattering, with each arc displaying a single point of zero intensity.","- Twisted bilayer graphene (TBG) is a material made of two stacked graphene layers with a relative twist angle, creating a moiré superlattice. - Quasiparticle interference (QPI) refers to patterns in the local density of states that arise from electrons scattering off defects. The Fourier transform of these patterns reveals information about the electronic band structure. - The topological obstruction is a theoretical principle in TBG stating that the two Dirac cones within a moiré mini-valley must have the same chirality. - The QPI signature of inter-cone scattering is sensitive to the relative chirality of the Dirac cones. Scattering between cones of opposite chirality produces two intensity extinctions in the Fourier transform, while scattering between cones of the same chirality produces only a single intensity extinction.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Quasiparticle interference (QPI) refers to patterns in the local density of states that arise from electrons scattering off defects. The Fourier transform of these patterns reveals information about the electronic band structure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Quasiparticle Chirality in Epitaxial Graphene Probed at the Nanometer Scale""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.206802""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 14, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [5] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The topological obstruction is a theoretical principle in TBG stating that the two Dirac cones within a moiré mini-valley must have the same chirality.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Band structure of twisted bilayer graphene: Emergent symmetries, commensurate approximants, and Wannier obstructions.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.98.085435""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 28, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [17] in the report.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The QPI signature of inter-cone scattering is sensitive to the relative chirality of the Dirac cones. Scattering between cones of opposite chirality produces two intensity extinctions in the Fourier transform, while scattering between cones of the same chirality produces only a single intensity extinction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Quasiparticle Chirality in Epitaxial Graphene Probed at the Nanometer Scale.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.101.206802""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 14, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""This paper is paywalled but is cited as reference [5] in the report.""}]" Physics,Nuclear experiment,Free-Format Question,First measurement of $\pmb{\dstar}$ vector meson spin alignment in Pb--Pb collisions at $\pmb{\snn = 5.02}$ TeV,https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.00714,"April 1, 2025","Researchers conducted an analysis using Pb-Pb collision data at $\sqrt{s_{NN}} = 5.02$ TeV recorded by the ALICE detector in 2018. Events were selected using minimum bias and centrality-enriched triggers based on the V0 detector, which covers the pseudorapidity ranges $-3.7 < \eta < -1.7$ (V0C) and $2.8 < \eta < 5.1$ (V0A). Only events with a reconstructed primary vertex within $\pm 10 cm$ of the detector center along the beam axis were included. Centrality was determined using the V0 signal amplitude, and the analysis focused on two collision classes: central (0--10\%) and midcentral (30--50\%). For the midcentral class, approximately 85 million events were used, corresponding to an integrated luminosity of $\mathcal{L}_{\rm int} \simeq 56 \mu \mathrm{b}^{-1}$. For the central class, ~100 million events were used, corresponding to $\mathcal{L}_{\rm int} \simeq 130 \mu \mathrm{b}^{-1}$ Charged-particle tracking and vertex reconstruction were performed using the Inner Tracking System (ITS) and Time Projection Chamber (TPC), within the pseudorapidity range $|\eta| < 0.9$, inside a 0.5 T solenoidal magnetic field. Particle identification was provided by the TCP (via $dE/dx$) and the Time-of-Flight (TOF) detector.","- Spin alignment parameter of $D^{*+}$ mesons. - Yields of $D^{*+}$ mesons and their charge conjugates. - Transverse momentum $p_T$ and rapidity $y$ of $D^{*+}$ mesons.","In ultrarelativistic heavy-ion collisions of lead nuclei at $\sqrt{s_{nn}} = 5.02 TeV$, researchers measure the $D^{*+}$ meson spin alignment with respect to the direction orthogonal to the reaction plane. The spin alignment is quantified by measuring the element $\rho_{00}$ of the diagonal spin-density matrix for prompt $D^{*+}$ mesons with $4 GeV/c < p_T < 30 GeV/c$ in two rapidity intervals, $|y|<0.3$ and $0.3<|y|<0.8$, in central (0--10\%) and midcentral (30--50\%) collisions. For an unpolarized sample $\rho_{00} = 1/3$, values above 1/3 indicate that spin projections $m=0$ are overpopulated relative to $pm 1$. In non-central (30--50%) collisions, the large orbital angular momentum of the system can transfer vorticity to quarks and cause such alignment. For 30--50\% with $0.3<|y|<0.8$, what would you expect the $p_T$ dependence of $\rho_{00}$ to be for $6 GeV/c < p_T < 30 GeV/c$?",The measurement of $D^{*+}$ meson spin alignment results in an increasing trend of $\rho_{00}$ as a function of $p_T$ in the 6-30 GeV/c interval.,"- High-energy heavy-ion collision experiments create a quark--gluon plasma (QGP), a state of deconfined quarks and gluons. - High-energy heavy-ion collisions generate large angular momentum and vorticity, which can polarize quarks; this polarization can be transferred to vector mesons during hadronization. - The polarization is studied through measurements of spin alignment ($\rho_{00}$). - Heavy-flavor mesons like $D^{*+}$ are useful probes because charm quarks are produced early in the collision and can retain polarization effects. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""High-energy heavy-ion collision experiments create a quark--gluon plasma (QGP), a state of deconfined quarks and gluons.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The ALICE experiment: A journey through QCD""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.04384""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 8, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 1 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""High-energy heavy-ion collisions generate large angular momentum and vorticity, which can polarize quarks; this polarization can be transferred to vector mesons during hadronization. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Probing the magnetic field strength dependence of the chiral magnetic effect""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/pdf/2308.02361""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 4, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 3 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The polarization is studied through measurements of spin alignment ($\\rho_{00}$). \n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A quark coalescence model for polarized vector mesons and baryons""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1711.06008""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 16, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 6 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Heavy-flavor mesons like $D^{*+}$ are useful probes because charm quarks are produced early in the collision and can retain polarization effects. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The ALICE experiment: A journey through QCD""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2211.04384""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 8, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 1 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Heavy-flavor mesons like $D^{*+}$ are useful probes because charm quarks are produced early in the collision and can retain polarization effects. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Rotational Brownian motion and heavy quark polarization in QCD medium""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.20352""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 27, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 24 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Physics/sensors,Free-Format Question,"A Capacitive Pressure Sensor with a Hierarchical Microporous Scaffold Prepared by Melt Near-Field Electro-Writing",https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/9/2814,"April 29, 2025","Researchers fabricate a hierarchical microporous capacitive pressure sensor (HMCPS) by using melt near-field electro-writing technology to monitor dynamic and static pressures. The device consists of Polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds with hierarchical microporous structures--prepared via melt near-field electro-writing using PCL particles and parameters as follows: melting temperature: 70 C, voltage: 6 kV, air pressure: 30 kPa, needle tip height: 5 mm, number of electrospinning layers: 16 layers, room temperature: 22–30 C, humidity: about 40%, size of each layer: 12 × 12 mm, collector speed: 20 mm/s, and collector acceleration: 3 mm/s2. Multiple pore densities were produced in 16-layer electrospun squares:  High-density (side length 0.15 mm) and low-density (side length 0.6 mm), as well as a third hierarchically designed: 4 layers of equal-sized pores with different pore side lengths, respectively for the 4 levels being 0.15 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.45 mm, and 0.6 mm (layers are stacked in decreasing order of density from bottom to top, i.e., 0.15 mm at the bottom and 0.6 mm at the top.) From here, a 30% multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (Zhongke Shidai Nanomaterials Co., Ltd.) suspension was deposited on the PCL layer scaffold by vacuum filtration to obtain the hierarchical microporous MWCNT/PCL composite, serving as a dielectric layer. This is then assembled with MXene electrode layers located above and below, with 3M Tegaderm (20 μm) sandwiched between the lower electrode and the composite layer before the whole thing is covered with ultra-thin PI tape (500 nm thick). The dynamic pressure was measured (CMT4204, Mitter Industrial Systems Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China), as well as the corresponding capacitance change (LCR meter (TH2832, Tonghui Co., Ltd., Changzhou, China). Stability was also tested using a loading-unloading cyclic pressure of 15 kPa at a compression frequency of 2 mm/min for 5000 cycles.","- Dynamic pressure from the HMCPS (kPa) - Capacitance (corresponding to dynamic pressure (kPa)) - Stability of sensors under static and dynamic responses (days)","Three microporous capacitive pressure sensors are created to test pressure sensitivity: - a low-density structure with a single-layer microporous dielectric (pore side length 0.6 mm), - a high-density structure with a single-layer microporous dielectric (pore side length 0.15 mm), and - a hierarchical structure consisting of 4 layers with different pore side lengths of 0.15 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.45 mm, 0.6 mm, respectively, where the layer of 0.15 mm is at the bottom, and the layer of 0.6 mm is at the top. For each sensor, the relative capacitance variation is measured at three applied pressures: 5 kPa, 15 kPa, and 100 kPa. Based on the experimental data, describe how the hierarchical structure’s relative capacitance variation (sensitivity) compares with that of the low-density and high-density structures at low pressure (5 kPa), medium pressure (15 kPa), and high pressure (100 kPa).","At 5 kPa, the hierarchical structure’s relative capacitance change is smaller than that of the low-density structure but larger than that of the high-density structure. At both 15 kPa and 100 kPa, the hierarchical structure shows the largest relative capacitance change of the three, indicating higher sensitivity than both the low-density and high-density structures at medium and high pressures.","- HMCPS is a flexible capacitive pressure sensors where the sensitive pressure range has been extended by making multi-leveled microporous structures. - Melt electro-writing is a high-resolution 3D printing technique combining electro-hydrodynamic fiber attraction and melts extrusion.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""HMCPS is a flexible capacitive pressure sensors where the sensitive pressure range has been extended by making multi-leveled microporous structures.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""MXene/MWCNTs-based capacitive pressure sensors combine high sensitivity and wide detection range for human health and motion monitoring""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0924424724008525?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (Referenced 30 in original paper)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""melt electro-writing is a high-resolution 3D printing technique combining electro-hydrodynamic fiber attraction and melts extrusion.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent advances in melt electro writing for tissue engineering for 3D printing of microporous scaffolds for tissue engineering""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2022.896719/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 16, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Condensed Matter Physics,MCQ,"Laser-Synthesized Amorphous PdSe2−x Nanoparticles: A Defect-Rich Platform for High-Efficiency SERS, Photocatalysis, and Photothermal Conversion",https://arxiv.org/abs/2507.21918,"July 29, 2025","Researchers fabricated amorphous and non-stoichiometric palladium diselenide (PdSe$_{2-x}$ nanoparticles using femtosecond pulsed laser ablation in liquid. The colloidal nanoparticle suspension was obtained after 15 minutes of laser ablation. For the surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurements, 2 $\mu$L of the colloidal suspension were drop casted onto an aluminum surface and spin-coated to form thin films. The SERS substrates were then coated with 2 $\mu$L of dye solutions (crystal violet, methyl orange, rhodamine B, rhodamine 6G) at concentrations ranging from $10^{-4}$ to $10^{-10}$ M and allowed to dry for 1 h. Raman spectroscopy was conducted using a Horiba LabRAM HR Evolution system at excitation wavelengths of 532 nm and 633 nm, diffraction grating of 600 lines/mm, and a 100x microscope objective with a numerical aperture of 0.9.","- Raman spectra of SERS substrates with different types of dyes - Enhancement factor of the SERS substrate compared to conventional Raman substrates for different dye types and concentrations - Enhancement factor of the SERS substrate with different PdSe$_2$ morphology (nanoflakes vs. nanoparticles).","Non-stoichiometric, amorphous palladium diselenide nanoparticles are fabricated from crystalline PdSe$_2$ bulk target using femtosecond pulsed laser ablation in liquid. To test the performance of these nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, colloidal nanoparticle suspensions were deposited on aluminum substrates and tested for the detection of different concentrations of methyl orange, crystal violet, rhodamine B, and rhodamine 6G. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. The use of PdSe$_2$ flakes led to higher SERS enhancement factors compared to PdSe$_2$ nanoparticles. B. The amorphous nature of the nanoparticles inhibits charge transfer enhancement and weakens SERS performance. C. The enhancement factor for the PdSe$_2$ is the highest for crystal violet at $10^{-9}$ M. D. Vacancies in nanoflakes contributes to the enhanced SERS performance",C. The enhancement factor for the PdSe$_2$ is the highest for crystal violet at $10^{-9}$ M.,"- Palladium diselenide has an unusual puckered pentagonal lattice structure with in-plane optical anisotropy that is ideal of near-infrared optoelectronic applications. - Two-dimensional palladium diselenide can be used for surface enhanced Raman spectrocopy applications. - The stable amorphous phase of palladium diselenide has high defect density which is favorable for SERS applications. - Femtosecond pulsed laser ablation in liquid can produce stable amorphous nanoparticles.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Palladium diselenide has an unusual puckered pentagonal lattice structure with in-plane optical anisotropy that is ideal of near-infrared optoelectronic applications.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Applications of 2D‑Layered Palladium Diselenide and Its van der Waals Heterostructures in Electronics and Optoelectronics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s40820-021-00660-0.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 14, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two-dimensional palladium diselenide can be used for surface enhanced Raman spectrocopy applications.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Enhanced Raman scattering on two-dimensional palladium diselenide""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR07126B""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 3, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced as item [20] in the references. Can be obtained from the Guangdong University of Technology website through https://iptl.gdut.edu.cn/x-2022/x12.pdf""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The stable amorphous phase of palladium diselenide has high defect density which is favorable for SERS applications.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Evidence for intrinsic defects and nanopores as hotspots in 2D PdSe2 dendrites for plasmon-free SERS substrate with a high enhancement factor""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41699-023-00367-3.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 6, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Femtosecond pulsed laser ablation in liquid can produce stable amorphous nanoparticles.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tungsten Diselenide Nanoparticles Produced via Femtosecond Ablation for SERS and Theranostics Applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11721788/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 24, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics/Instrumentation and Detectors,MCQ,Series Testing and Characterization of 1100 Hamamatsu H12700 Multianode Photomultiplier Tubes,https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.00535,"August 1, 2025","Researchers constructed a dedicated test bench to characterize 1,100 Hamamatsu H12700 Multi-Anode Photomultiplier Tubes (MAPMTs) for use in the CBM-RICH (Ring Imaging Cherenkov) and HADES-RICH detectors. The setup was designed to test four MAPMTs simultaneously -three under measurement and one as a fixed reference- to ensure consistent comparison across all devices. The 3+1 MAPMTs were scanned simultaneously within eight hours. Each MAPMT, containing 64 channels, was placed in a light-tight enclosure and supplied with −1000 V nominal bias through a variable high-voltage source. A pulsed LED emitting at 465 nm served as the light source, delivering 25 ns pulses with 5 ns rise/fall times, −1 V ground level, 4.95 V peak amplitude, and a repetition rate of 13 kHz. The LED output was coupled to an optical fiber mounted on a computer-controlled x-y table that scanned the MAPMT surfaces in 1.000 ± 0.002 mm steps. Dimming was achieved by increasing the distance to 20 cm in the fiber coupling between the LED and the fiber. At each position, the fiber produced a 1.5 mm light spot, with the light intensity adjusted so that roughly one in ten pulses generated a signal, limiting double-photon events to 0.5%. Each scan point was illuminated for 1.5 s, collecting about 2,000 photon pulses per pixel, while the reference MAPMT remained stationary throughout all measurements to provide relative efficiency normalization. For each voltage setting, a subset of (pixels x pixels) was measured at their corresponding center positions to extract the key parameters for the given supply voltage (six values in the range of −850 V to −1100 V). The free streaming n-XYter-FEB was used for the readout of each MAPMT pixel, measuring the charge (QDC) and arrival time (TDC) of each pulse. The self-triggered, multi-hit capable n-XYter electronics were used for parallel readout of all 4 × 64 MAPMT pixels.","- Single photoelectron gain was measured per pixel using a pulsed 465 nm LED coupled through an optical fiber to the MAPMT test bench, during the 1.5 s measurement period at each measurement point (central 2 mm x 2 mm area of every pixel) for a nominal supply voltage of -1000 V.","Multi-Anode Photomultiplier Tube (MAPMT) characterization was assessed as a high-throughput platform for evaluating Hamamatsu H12700 devices intended for CBM-RICH and HADES-RICH detectors. The test bench allowed simultaneous measurement of four MAPMTs, three under test and one fixed reference, within a light-tight enclosure at −1000 V nominal bias. A 465 nm pulsed LED delivered 25 ns pulses through an optical fiber mounted on a computer-controlled x-y stage, scanning the MAPMT surfaces with 1 mm steps and a 1.5 mm light spot. Each scan point collected ~2,000 pulses per pixel, with the reference MAPMT providing relative efficiency normalization. Signals from all 4 × 64 channels were read via n-XYTER front-end boards in self-triggered, multi-hit mode, recording charge and timing. This setup provided a systematic determination of single-photoelectron gain for every MAPMT during the 1.5 s measurement period at each measurement point (central 2 mm x 2 mm area of every pixel). What general spatial trend is expected for the single photoelectron (SPE) gain across the surface of the H12700 MAPMT when averaged over 1,100 devices? A. The inner pixels are expected to have slightly higher gain compared to the outer rim pixels. B. The gain is expected to be highly uniform across the surface with no observable systematic variations. C. The outer rim pixels are expected to have slightly higher gain compared to the inner pixels. D. A significant horizontal gradient is expected, with higher gain on the left side.",C. The outer rim pixels are expected to have slightly higher gain compared to the inner pixels.,"- The Hamamatsu H12700 MultiAnode Photomultiplier Tube (MAPMT) is a 52 × 52 mm² device containing 64 individual 6 × 6 mm² amplification channels arranged in an 8×8 array, with each channel read out through a separate anode pad at the end of its metal-channel dynode chain. - The Hamamatsu H12700 MAPMT is well-suited for Cherenkov applications, featuring a bialkali photocathode with a quantum efficiency of ≥ 30% that peaks at a wavelength of 350 nm and extends into the UV region.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Hamamatsu H12700 MultiAnode Photomultiplier Tube (MAPMT) is a 52 × 52 mm² device containing 64 individual 6 × 6 mm² amplification channels arranged in an 8×8 array, with each channel read out through a separate anode pad at the end of its metal-channel dynode chain.""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, external source provided in reference [1], but the current accessible version of this manual was published in June 2025.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Hamamatsu H12700 MAPMT is well-suited for Cherenkov applications, featuring a bialkali photocathode with a quantum efficiency of ≥ 30% that peaks at a wavelength of 350 nm and extends into the UV region.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Characterization of the Hamamatsu H12700A-03 and R12699-03 multi-anode photomultiplier tubes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1506.04302""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 13, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cell Biology,MCQ,"Renal Effects of Sulfated Polysaccharides from the Seaweed Gracilaria cornea ", https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/17/10/499,"October 9, 2025","The researchers evaluated the cytotoxic effects of total sulfated polysaccharides (TSPs) derived from the red alga Gracilaria cornea on renal epithelial cells. Algal material was procured from Flecheiras Beach, Ceará, Brazil, and meticulously cleansed to eliminate epiphytes and detritus. Approximately 5 g of desiccated algal biomass was subjected to enzymatic digestion with papain for 6 hours at 60 °C in a 100 mM sodium acetate buffer (pH 5.0) supplemented with 5 mM cysteine and 5 mM EDTA. The extract was filtered and purified, and its composition was analyzed: carbohydrate content was determined using the phenol–sulfuric acid method, sulfate was assessed via the gelatin–barium test after acid hydrolysis (1 M HCl, 110 °C, 5 h), and protein was quantified using the Coomassie Brilliant Blue G-250 binding assay. Purity was confirmed using spectrophotometric analysis and agarose gel electrophoresis to ensure the absence of nucleic acids and protein impurities. Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells were grown in RPMI-1640 media enriched with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin for cytotoxicity testing. Cells were cultured at 37 °C in a humidified environment with 5% CO₂ and inoculated in 96-well plates at a density of 1 × 10⁵ cells/mL. Following 24 hours of adhesion, cells were exposed to incremental doses of TSP (3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) for an additional 24 hours. Subsequent to exposure, each well was treated with MTT solution (500 µg/mL in PBS), and the plates were incubated for 4 hours at 37 °C to enable mitochondrial dehydrogenases in live cells to reduce MTT to insoluble formazan crystals. The plates were subsequently centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 10 minutes, the supernatants were discarded, and 10% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) in 0.01 N HCl was introduced to solubilize the formazan overnight at 37 °C. Absorbance was measured at 570 nm with a microplate reader, and cell viability was reported as a percentage relative to untreated control wells, which established the 100% viability baseline. All treatments were conducted in triplicate across three different experiments, with data shown as mean ± SEM, evaluated using one-way ANOVA, where p < 0.05 was deemed significant.","* Measurement of cell viability using MTT assay at absorbance of 570nm for treated group. TSP concentrations at TSP at 3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL for 24, 48, and 72 hours. * Measurement of cell viability using MTT assay at absorbance of 570nm for untreated group. Untreated MDCK cells served as negative control and were set to 100% viability for normalization. * Measured cell viability was expressed as a percentage of untreated controls (mean ± SEM), and IC50 values were calculated via nonlinear regression using GraphPad Prism (v9.5.1).","An experiment evaluating the cytotoxic effects of total sulfated polysaccharides (TSPs) derived from the red alga Gracilaria cornea involved culturing Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells in RPMI-1640 medium enriched with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin–streptomycin at 37 °C in a 5% CO₂ incubator. Cells were inoculated in 96-well plates at a density of 1 x 10⁵ cells/mL and subjected to varying doses of TSP (3.12, 6.25, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 µg/mL) for a duration of 24 hours. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT reduction test, with absorbance measured at 570 nm to determine metabolic activity in comparison to untreated controls (established as 100%). Which experimental results most accurately characterize the impact of TSP on MDCK cell survival following 24 hours of exposure? A) TSP elicited a moderate, concentration-dependent effect in metabolic activity up to 100 µg/mL. B) Cell viability exceeded 80% at concentrations under 25 µg/mL but decreased significantly at 100 µg/mL and 200 µg/mL. C) Throughout the examined range, TSP treatment led to an approximate 50% decrease in cell viability at all concentrations. D) TSP demonstrated a biphasic effect with substantial cytoprotection at lower doses (<12.5 µg/mL) followed by a gradual decline in viability at levels over 50 µg/mL.","C) Throughout the examined range, TSP treatment led to an approximate 50% decrease in cell viability at all concentrations.","* MTT assay measures cell viability through mitochondrial NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase activity as an indication of metabolically active cells. * A non-dose dependent decrease in cell viability often indicates rapid cytotoxic activity. It is often linked to membrane disruption or oxidative inhibition. * Marine-derived sulfated polysaccharides are negatively charged macromolecules and are known to interact with cell membranes and other proteins. * Sulfated polysaccharides from algal sources exhibit anti-proliferative properties across cultured normal and cancer cell lines. * Sulfated polysaccharides modulate apoptosis-related protein expression such as caspase-3 and BCL-2, suggesting programmed cell death mechanisms. * The TSP composition is primarily composed of 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactose. Secondary components include 6-O-methylgalactose, glucose, xylose, and sulfate residues.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""MTT assay measures cell viability through mitochondrial NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductase activity as an indication of metabolically active cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The MTT Assay: Utility, Limitations, Pitfalls, and Interpretation in Bulk and Single-Cell Analysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/23/12827""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 26, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A non-dose dependent decrease in cell viability often indicates rapid cytotoxic activity. It is often linked to membrane disruption or oxidative inhibition.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""In vitro cytotoxicity assays: comparison of LDH, neutral red, MTT and protein assay in hepatoma cell lines following exposure to cadmium chloride""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378427405001967?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 18, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Marine-derived sulfated polysaccharides are negatively charged macromolecules and are known to interact with cell membranes and other proteins.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sustainable and biocompatible hybrid materials-based sulfated polysaccharides for biomedical applications: a review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2025/ra/d4ra07277d""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 14, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Sulfated polysaccharides from algal sources exhibit anti-proliferative properties across cultured normal and cancer cell lines.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biological Properties of Ulvan, a New Source of Green Seaweed Sulfated Polysaccharides, on Cultured Normal and Cancerous Colonic Epithelial Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.thieme-connect.com/products/ejournals/abstract/10.1055/s-1999-14009""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Sulfated polysaccharides modulate apoptosis-related protein expression such as caspase-3 and BCL-2, suggesting programmed cell death mechanisms.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Increased Sulfation in Gracilaria fisheri Sulfated Galactans Enhances Antioxidant and Antiurolithiatic Activities and Protects HK-2 Cell Death Induced by Sodium Oxalate""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/20/6/382""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 7, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The TSP composition is primarily composed of 3,6-anhydro-α-L-galactose. Secondary components include 6-O-methylgalactose, glucose, xylose, and sulfate residues.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Isolation and characterization of soluble sulfated polysaccharide from the red seaweed Gracilaria cornea""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://scispace.com/papers/isolation-and-characterization-of-soluble-sulfated-3erkk2lqix""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 1, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Physics,Condesned Matter/Materials Science,MCQ,"Sub-micron Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cell with efficiency of 18.2% enabled by a hole transport layer",https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.03253,"May 6, 2025","Researchers implemented a hole selective transport layer (HTL) on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells (CIGS) with a sample structure given by glass-Mo-(HTL-)CIGS-CdS-ZnO-ZnO:Al-Ni/Al. The HTL was grown as a CuGaSe₂/In₂O₃ stack deposited on Mo prior to absorber deposition. The CuGaSe₂ layer was prepared via co-evaporation at a substrate setting temperature of 356 °C, and set to a thickness of 100 to 200 nm. In₂O₃ deposition was achieved through either solution combustion and the thickness was adjusted to range from 10 to 40 nm. To characterize the fill factor (FF), the illumination current density-voltage (J-V) was measured at 25°C using a 4-probe configuratio and a AAA solar simulator that provided an AM1.5G spectrum. A forward scanning voltage ranging from -0.3 to 0.8 V was applied incrementally at intervals of 0.01 V with a waiting time of 0.25 s and scanning speed of 1 V/s. The thickness of the samples was analyzed with a scanning electron microscope.","- CuGaSe₂ layer thickness in nm. - In₂O₃ thickness in nm. - Current density (mA/cm2) as a function of voltage (V).","Researchers characterized indium (III) oxide (In₂O₃) as a transparent conducting layer to improve the efficiency of sub-micron solar cells. When focusing on the filling factor FF, which of the following sample thicknesses is expected to yield a FF closest to its maximum value? A) 20 nm B) 30 nm C) 40 nm D) All of the above",A) 20 nm,"- The solution processed In₂O₃ functions as a passivation layer for hole transport, leading to improved open circuit voltage and fill factor. - The current-voltage characteristics and electrophysical properties of In₂O₃ films are influenced by film thickness and interfacial surface conditions. - The FF is directly proportional to the power conversion efficiency of a solar cell and can be computed from the ratio of the maximum power to the product of the short circuit current Isc and the open circuit voltage Voc.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The FF is directly proportional to the power conversion efficiency of a solar cell and can be computed from the ratio of the maximum power to the product of the short circuit current Isc and the open circuit voltage Voc.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Improvements and gaps in the empirical expressions for the fill factor of modern industrial solar cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0927024823000041""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The solution processed In₂O₃ functions as a passivation layer for hole transport, leading to improved open circuit voltage and fill factor.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Shifting the paradigm: a functional hole selective transport layer for chalcopyrite solar cells. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1002/solr.202400212""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 14, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, cited as reference 30.""}]" Physics,Plasma Physics,Numerical Values,Spectroscopic measurements of graphite electrode erosion on the ZaP-HD sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch device,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.03414,"October 3, 2025","Researchers used the S/XB spectroscopy method to measure the gross erosion flux of a graphite electrode in a Zap-HD sheared-flow-stabilized Z-pinch device. The experiment involved creating a high-temperature plasma by applying a voltage between two coaxial electrodes, with peak electron temperature at 670 eV and peak electron density at 2 × 10^{23} m^{-3}. The resulting Z-pinch plasma directly contacted the graphite electrode nose cone, which has a pinch radius of 3 mm. UV emissions from the plasma, specifically the C-III emission line at 229.7 nm, were collected and analyzed to determine the flux of eroded carbon atoms from the electrode surface.","- Radial profiles of electron number density and electron temperature - Chord-integrated line emission of C-III at 229.7 nm","In a Zap-HD Z-pinch device, the erosion of a graphite electrode was measured using S/XB spectroscopy focused on the C-III emission line. Based on the experimental results, what is the peak value of the eroded carbon flux (in atoms m^{-2}s^{-1})?",Peak eroded carbon flux = 8.7 * 10^{30} - 1.1 * 10^{31} atoms m^{-2}s^{-1}. Note: A fallback tolerance of \pm 10% has been applied as no uncertainty range was provided for the point estimate of 9.7 * 10^{30}.,"- Z-pinch device: A plasma confinement system that uses an electrical current within the plasma to generate a magnetic field that compresses it (a process called the pinch effect). The Zap-HD device is a specific implementation that uses sheared-flow stabilization. - S/XB spectroscopy method: A diagnostic technique used to measure the flux of impurity ions from plasma-facing components. It works by relating the measured intensity of a specific spectral line (photons per unit time) to the ionization rate of the atoms, allowing for a calculation of the particle flux. - Plasma-material interactions (PMI): The set of physical and chemical processes that occur when a plasma interacts with a solid surface. This includes electrode erosion, which can impact the performance and lifetime of fusion devices. - Physical sputtering: Physical sputtering arises from the impact of energetic plasma ions on the electrode surface. A neutral carbon atom is sputtered if the energy transferred in the collision exceeds the binding energy between carbon atoms in the solid lattice. - Sublimation: Sublimation arises from the absorption of heat which provides sufficient energy for carbon atoms in the lattice to escape as a vapor.", Biology,Cell Biology,MCQ,SPINK3-sperm interaction determines a stable sperm subpopulation with intact CatSper channel,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.26.672324v3,"Sep 26, 2025","Researchers investigated whether the seminal protease inhibitor SPINK3 regulates mouse sperm capacitation by preventing proteolytic processing of the CatSper ion channel subunit CATSPER1. To assess the effects of SPINK3, 10^6 sperm/ml were incubated for 15 minutes at 37°C with or without 13 μM SPINK3. They were then capacitated in G-IVF plus medium under 5% CO2 (5 × 10⁶ cells/mL). The functional impact on fertility was assessed through in vitro fertilization, where 5-6 cumulus-oocyte complexes (COCs) were inseminated with 5,000 sperm cells and incubated for 4 hours at 37°C and 5% CO2. After washing, putative zygotes were incubated for 5 days to assess the blastocyst stages under an inverted microscope (Nikon Eclipse Ti-S, 400x). The percentage of blastocysts was calculated over the total fertilized oocytes.",* Percentage of blastocysts relative to total fertilized oocytes 5 days post-in vitro fertilization in SPINK3-treated sperm vs. control.,"To evaluate the effect of the seminal protease inhibitor SPINK3 on in vitro fertilization (IVF), mouse sperm were capacitated with or without 13 µM recombinant SPINK3. The functional impact was assessed by inseminating cumulus-oocyte complexes with 5,000 sperm cells and quantifying the percentage of blastocysts that developed after 5 days post-fertilization. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) Blastocyst formation was approximately 35–40 % in the control group and about 25 % in the SPINK3-treated group. B) Blastocyst formation was approximately 100 % in the control group and about 20 % in the SPINK3-treated group. C) Blastocyst formation was approximately 25 % in the control group and about 5 % in the SPINK3-treated group. D) Blastocyst formation was approximately 80 % in the control group and about 10 % in the SPINK3-treated group.",C) Blastocyst formation was approximately 25 % in the control group and about 5 % in the SPINK3-treated group.,"* SPINK3 is naturally secreted by the male seminal vesicles and contains a Kazal domain that acts as a substrate analogue by competitively and stoichiometrically binding to the active site of its target protease, forming a stable protease–protease inhibitor complex. * SPINK3 has a sperm-binding domain and attaches to sperm during ejaculation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SPINK3 is naturally secreted by the male seminal vesicles and contains a Kazal domain that acts as a substrate analogue by competitively and stoichiometrically binding to the active site of its target protease, forming a stable protease–protease inhibitor complex.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Novel Inhibitory Activity for Serine Protease Inhibitor Kazal Type-3 (Spink3) on Human Recombinant Kallikreins""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/55093""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SPINK3 has a sperm-binding domain and attaches to sperm during ejaculation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Epitope topology and removal of mouse acrosomal plasma membrane by P12-targeted immunoaggregation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0006291X06018377""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 13, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,"Cardiovascular Physiology, Pharmacology",MCQ,Phosphodiesterase type 1 regulates adenosine 2A receptor-associated cAMP signaling at the plasma membrane to increase myocardial contractility,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.03.680406v1,"October 5, 2025","An experiment was conducted to determine how inhibiting phosphodiesterase-1 (PED1) alters the contractile response of ventricular myocytes. Isolated cells from freshly excised adult guinea pig hearts were placed in a heated chamber (37°C) and superfused at 2 ml min^-1 with standard Tyrode’s containing 1.8 mM Ca2+ (composition: 140 mM NaCl, 5 mM KCl, 1 mM MgCl2, 10 mM HEPES, 5.5 mM glucose, pH 7.4 with NaOH). Field stimulation was delivered via platinum electrodes at 1 Hz (2 ms duration, 40 V) using a MyoPacer. A 3-min stable baseline was recorded before any drug addition. Cells from male and female animals were studied in separate runs. Drugs were applied in sequence: first 1 µM CGS-21680 (adenosine A₂A-receptor agonist, prepared as a 10 mM stock in DMSO and diluted 1:10 000 into Tyrode’s), followed, after signal plateau, by 1 µM IC200041 (PDE1 inhibitor, 1 mM aqueous stock diluted 1:1000). Sarcomere length was imaged with a MyoCam-SI camera at 250 Hz; IonWizard software calculated percentage shortening relative to the resting sarcomere length (%SS). Intracellular Ca2+ was recorded with Fura-2 AM (1 µM loading for 12 min, followed by two 15-min washouts). Dual-excitation ratio photometry (340/380 nm, emission 510 nm) was collected at 250 Hz; the 340/380 ratio was converted to relative Ca2+ transient amplitude. Signals were averaged over 10–15 consecutive beats once a new steady state was reached (typically 2–4 min after drug addition).","- Sarcomere-shortening amplitude: % of resting length, measured with an IonOptix MyoCam for three conditions: (1) baseline; (2) 1 µM CGS-21680; (3) 1 µM CGS-21680 + 1 µM IC200041 (recorded separately for male and female myocytes) - Peak intracellular Ca2+: arbitrary units (transient 340/380 fluorescence ratio), measured with Fura-2/PMT for three conditions: (1) baseline; (2) 1 µM CGS-21680; (3) 1 µM CGS-21680 + 1 µM IC200041 (recorded separately for male and female myocytes)","An experiment was conducted to test how inhibiting phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) affects heart-muscle contraction. Adult guinea-pig ventricular cardiomyocytes were electrically paced at 1 Hz. Female cells were exposed to 1 µM CGS-21680 (A₂A-receptor agonist) followed by the addition of 1 µM IC200041 (PDE1 inhibitor), while male cells received the same sequence. Sarcomere shortening and intracellular Ca²⁺ transients were recorded before and after each drug. Which of the following outcomes are expected to be observed? Select all options that apply. A. In female cells, IC200041 increased contraction amplitude and also increased the peak Ca2+ transient. B. In male cells, IC200041 alone produced a larger contraction than CGS-21680 alone. C. In male cells, the combination of CGS-21680 + IC200041 increased contraction amplitude without raising the peak Ca2+ transient. D. In female cells, CGS-21680 alone had no effect on contraction amplitude. ","A. In female cells, IC200041 increased contraction amplitude and also increased the peak Ca2+ transient. D. In female cells, CGS-21680 alone had no effect on contraction amplitude.","- Drugs such as dobutamine and milrinone strengthen the heartbeat by raising the messenger molecule cyclic AMP (cAMP), yet chronic use can provoke deadly arrhythmias. - Unlike the well-studied PDE3 enzyme, phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) is activated by calcium/calmodulin and can hydrolyse cAMP, but its role in living heart muscle has remained unclear. - Growing evidence shows that cAMP signals are confined to tiny “nano-domains” at the cell membrane, so which PDE controls which domain determines the final biological effect. - Adenosine released during ischaemia activates cardioprotective A₂A receptors that can raise cAMP; whether PDE1 regulates this specific pool had not been tested.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Drugs such as dobutamine and milrinone strengthen the heartbeat by raising the messenger molecule cyclic AMP (cAMP), yet chronic use can provoke deadly arrhythmias.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Pathophysiology and Therapeutic Approaches to Acute Decompensated Heart Failure""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.121.318186""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 13, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Unlike the well-studied PDE3 enzyme,\nphosphodiesterase-1 (PDE1) is activated by calcium/calmodulin and can hydrolyse cAMP, but its role in living heart muscle has remained unclear.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Profiling of cAMP and cGMP phosphodiesterases in isolated ventricular cardiomyocytes from human hearts: comparison with rat and guinea pig""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320511005789""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 27, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Growing evidence shows that cAMP signals are confined to tiny “nano-domains” at the cell membrane, so which PDE controls which domain determines the final biological effect.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Receptor-associated independent cAMP nanodomains mediate spatiotemporal specificity of GPCR signaling""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cell/fulltext/S0092-8674(22)00191-X""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 31, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Adenosine released during ischaemia activates cardioprotective A₂A receptors that can raise cAMP; whether PDE1 regulates this specific pool has not been tested.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Adenosine A2 receptor function in rat ventricular myocytes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/cardiovascres/article-abstract/34/2/337/331738""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 1997""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Obesity Biology / Integrated Physiology,MCQ,Semaglutide‐induced weight loss improves mitochondrial energy efficiency in skeletal muscle,https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/oby.24274,"April 20, 2025","Researchers investigated whether semaglutide treatment alters skeletal muscle mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) efficiency in obese mice. Male C57BL/6J mice were maintained on a high-fat diet ([HFD] 42% of calories from fat consisting of 210 g/kg anhydrous milk fat, with a composition of 61.8% saturated fat, 27.3% monounsaturated fat, 4.7% polyunsaturated fat) for the duration of the experiments. At 12 weeks of HFD feeding, mice were divided into two groups: vehicle (phosphate-buffered saline [PBS]) and semaglutide (subcutaneous, 3 nmol/kg body weight [bw]/day). Treatments were administered to mice by subcutaneous injection once daily for either 1 week or 3 weeks. Mice were housed in a 12-h light/dark cycle in a temperature-controlled room at 22°C and were provided access to food and water ad libitum. Body composition was determined by Bruker Minispec nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (Bruker Corp.) before and after the interventions. For terminal experiments, mice were injected intraperitoneally with ketamine (80 mg/kg) and xylazine (10 mg/kg), after which tissues were collected.","- Total body weight (g) in high-fat diet mice treated with semaglutide (3 nmol/kg) or vehicle (PBS) during 1 and 3 weeks. - Fat mass (g) in high-fat diet mice treated with semaglutide (3 nmol/kg) or vehicle (PBS) during 1 and 3 weeks. - Lean mass (g) in high-fat diet mice treated with semaglutide (3 nmol/kg) or vehicle (PBS) during 1 and 3 weeks. - Gastrocnemius muscle wet weight (mg) in high-fat diet mice treated with semaglutide (3 nmol/kg) or vehicle (PBS) during 1 and 3 weeks. ","To evaluate the effects of semaglutide on body composition, male C57BL/6J mice were fed a high-fat diet (42% of calories from fat) for 12 weeks and then treated with either vehicle (PBS) or semaglutide (3 nmol/kg body weight) by daily subcutaneous injection for 1 or 3 weeks. Body weight, fat mass, lean mass, and gastrocnemius muscle (GCM) wet weight were measured before and after treatment. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. In comparison with the vehicle-treated mice, body weight and fat mass and were significantly reduced in semaglutide-treated mice, while GCM wet weight remained unaltered, after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment. B. In comparison with the vehicle-treated mice, body weight was significantly reduced in semaglutide-treated mice, due to a higher loss in lean mass than in fat mass after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment. C. In comparison with the vehicle-treated mice, fat mass and lean mass were significanlty reduced in semaglutide-treated mice, after 3 weeks of treatment, while significant changes were not detected at week 1. D. In comparison with the vehicle-treated mice, body weight, fat mass, lean mass and GCM wet weight were significantly reduced in semaglutide-treated mice, after 1 week of treatment.","D. In comparison with the vehicle-treated mice, body weight, fat mass, lean mass and GCM wet weight were significantly reduced in semaglutide-treated mice, after 1 week of treatment.","- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (e.g. semaglutide) successfully reduce adiposity in mice and in humans. - A decrease in skeletal muscle mass during weight loss has been associated with a reduction in energy expenditure. - Energy expenditure per unit of lean mass appears to be reduced, promoted by an increase in skeletal muscle work efficiency.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (e.g. semaglutide) successfully reduce adiposity in mice and in humans.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antibody blockade of activin type II receptors preserves skeletal muscle mass and enhances fat loss during GLP-1 receptor agonism""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212877824000115?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 11, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- A decrease in skeletal muscle mass during weight loss has been associated with a reduction in energy expenditure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Changes in Energy Expenditure Resulting from Altered Body Weight""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199503093321001""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 9, 1995""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Energy expenditure per unit of lean mass appears to be reduced, promoted by an increase in skeletal muscle work efficiency.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effects of experimental weight perturbation on skeletal muscle work efficiency in human subjects""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpregu.00474.2002""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 1, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Developmental Biology,MCQ,Tetraploid Caenorhabditis elegans embryos exhibit enhanced tolerance to osmotic stress,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.13.678412v1,"October 14, 2025","Researchers investigated developmental traits and osmotic responses in tetraploid Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. They used the following strains: N2 (wild-type), SP346 (N2-derived tetraploid), NF4496 ([expressing GFP::Histone H2B (his-11) and mCherry::PH(PLCdelta-1) by mating EG4601 and OD70 strains) and ECB003 (tetraploid derivatives of NF4496). They exposed embryos to a range of osmotic conditions using conventional egg salts (ES) buffer(118 mM NaCl, 40 mM KCl, 3.4 mM CaCl2, 3.4 mM MgCl2, 5 mM Hepes[4-(2-hydroxyethyl)-1-piperazineethanesulfonic acid], pH 7.2): standard (100% ES), diluted (20–90% ES), and concentrated (110–200% ES) conditions. They performed RNAi knockdown of perm-1, a gene required for eggshell impermeability, to assess the osmotic sensitivity independent of eggshell. For live imaging, adult wild-type C. elegans were dissected into M9 buffer (41.8 mM Na2HPO4; 22 mM KH2PO4; 85.5 mM NaCl; 1 mM MgSO4) directly on a glass slide. Released embryos were transferred into M9 buffer on an eight-well glass slide pre-coated with 0.01% poly-L-lysine solution. A coverslip was gently placed over the sample, and the edges were sealed with (1:1:1 mixture of Vaseline, lanolin, and paraffin). Embryos were imaged using a spinning-disk confocal system. Imaging was performed at 21–22°C. Fluorescent imaging of GFP::Histone H2B and mCherry::PH was performed with 488 and 532 nm lasers, respectively, alongside differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. The DIC and fluorescent imaging were performed on embryos at 2–4 cell stages for over 30 minutes to evaluate abnormalities in cell cycle progression. Based on images, embryos were classified into four categories: normal division (cell division without any detectable delay or failures in chromosome segregation), slow division (cell division with delay but without any division failures), abnormal division (cell division exhibiting errors in chromosome segregation, or embryos containing abnormal shaped nuclei or multiple nuclei within an individual blastomere), and arrested division (embryos showing no progression of cell cycle events). The main comparison was between N2 and SP346, but a comparison between NF4496 and ECB003 was also done.","- Percentage of embryos showing ""normal division"" at each ES concentration (standard (100% ES), diluted (20–90% ES), and concentrated (110–200% ES)) for N2, SP346, NF4496, and ECB003 strains.","Researchers investigated developmental traits and osmotic responses in tetraploid Caenorhabditis elegans embryos. They used the following strains: N2, SP346, NF4496, and ECB003. They exposed embryos to a range of osmotic conditions using conventional egg salts (ES) buffer: standard (100% ES), diluted (20–90% ES), and concentrated (110–200% ES) conditions. They performed RNAi knockdown of perm-1. Embryos were imaged using a spinning-disk confocal system. The DIC and fluorescent imaging were performed on embryos at 2–4 cell stages for over 30 minutes to evaluate abnormalities in cell cycle progression. Based on images, embryos were classified into four categories: normal division, slow division, abnormal division, and arrested division. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. The range of ES concentrations supporting normal cell division was broader for the tetraploid individuals B. The range of ES concentrations supporting normal cell division was broader for the diploid individuals C. The range of ES concentrations supporting normal cell division was equivalent for diploid and tetraploid individuals ",A. The range of ES concentrations supporting normal cell division was broader for the tetraploid individuals,"- Polyploidization induces multiple alterations in the transcriptome and organelle morphology - Whole-body genome duplication can impair development and disrupt tissue organization in some species, including mice and zebrafish, where induced polyploidy leads to developmental arrest - The physiological consequences of polyploidization vary among species, and genome doubling can reshape multiple aspects of cellular physiology","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Polyploidization induces multiple alterations in the transcriptome and organelle morphology""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""DNA content contributes to nuclear size control in Xenopus laevis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.molbiolcell.org/doi/10.1091/mbc.E20-02-0113""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 12, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Whole-body genome duplication can impair development and disrupt tissue organization in some species, including mice and zebrafish, where induced polyploidy leads to developmental arrest""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hyper-polyploid embryos survive after implantation in mice""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/zygote/article/abs/hyperpolyploid-embryos-survive-after-implantation-in-mice/B9C994BB27A8C7CF1C036901186ED207""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 10, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology / Nanotherapeutics,Free-Format Question,Lipid nanoparticle co-delivery of mRNA and a small molecule drug for oral cancer chemoimmunotherapy,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.26.678832v2,"September 29, 2025","Researchers developed lipid-nanoparticles encapsulating p53 mRNA and ciclopirox (CPX) as a potential treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma. Cholesterol, 18:1 Δ9-cis phosphoethanolamine (DOPE), 14:0 PEG2000 phosphoethanolamine (C14-PEG2000), and an isopropyl-terminal-branched endosomal disruptor ionizable lipid (E10i-494) were dissolved in ethanol at a molar ratio of 46.5:16:2.5:35, respectively. CPX was added to the ethanol phase for the LNPs containing CPX (50 mol%). The aqueous phase was prepared by dissolving the corresponding mRNA (Firefly luciferase mRNA [FLuc]; Human p53 mRNA [p53]) in 10 mM citrate buffer at pH 3 (Teknova, Hollister, CA, USA). The volume ratio of the ethanol phase to aqueous phase was 1:3 with a 10:1 weight ratio of the corresponding ionizable lipid and mRNA. The citrate and ethanol phases were loaded into glass syringes (Hamilton Company, Reno, NV,USA) and connected to a Pump DDS syringe pump (Harvard Apparatus, Holliston, MA, USA) attached to a microfluidic device with a staggered herringbone micromixer design. Microfluidic devices were fabricated in polydimethylsiloxane utilizing standard soft lithographic procedures. A two-step exposure process was used to create the SU-8 master with positive channel features on a silicon wafer, where each mixing channel is 4 cm in length. The syringes were injected into the microfluidic device using flow rates of 1.8 mL/min and 0.6 mL/min for the aqueous and ethanol phases, respectively. After formulation, LNPs dialyzed against 1X PBS at pH 7.4 in 0.5 mL or 3 mL 20 kDa molecular weight cutoff (MWCO) cassettes (Thermo Fisher Scientific) for at least 2 h at room temperature. After dialysis, the LNPs were passed through a 0.22 μm syringe filter (Genesee Scientific, El Cajon, CA, USA) and stored at 4 ºC until further use. When necessary, LNPs were concentrated using Amicon 50k regenerated cellulose centrifugal filters (Millipore Sigma) pre-rinsed with 1X PBS, centrifuging at 700 g until the desired volume was reached. Caspase-3/7 assays were performed using the AnaSpec (Fremont, CA, USA) SensoLyte Homogenous AMC Caspase-3/7 Fluorimetric Assay Kit. CAL-27 (CRL-2095), FaDu (HTB-43), and OECM-1 (SCC180) cell lines were seeded in tissue-treated black 96-well plates (Greiner) (20,000 cells per well) in 100 μL of Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium with L-glutamine (Gibco) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (Gibco) and 1% penicillin-streptomycin (Gibco), and cells were left to adhere for 16 h. After incubating LNPs at 5, 20 and 50 ng of mRNA per well for 24 h in a total volume of 150 μL, 50 μL of the Caspase-3/7 substrate solution was added to each well and the plate was wrapped in aluminum foil and shook on a plate shaker at 200 rpm for 1 min. Fluorescence corresponding to caspase-3/7 activity was quantified using an Infinite 200 Pro plate reader using an excitation wavelength of 354 nm and emission wavelength of 442 nm. Fluorescence was normalized by dividing the fluorescence signal from each group by the average fluorescence signal of the untreated group. RFU was reported as mean ± SD of n = 4 technical replicates. Caspase-9 assays were performed using the Promega Caspase-Glo 9 Assay System. Tissue-treated white 96-well plates containing 20,000 cells per well were prepared as described above. After incubating LNPs at 50 ng of mRNA per well for 24 h, 100 μL of Caspase-Glo 9 Reagent was added to each well and the plate was wrapped in aluminum foil and shook on a plate shaker at 300 rpm for 2 min. The plate was then removed from the shaker and incubated at room temperature for 30 min. Luminescence corresponding to caspase-9 activity was quantified using an Infinite 200 Pro plate reader and normalized by dividing the luminescence from each group by the average luminescence signal of the untreated group. Relative luminescence was reported as mean ± SD of n = 3 technical replicates. The different LNP formulations employed were: 1) Firefly luciferase mRNA-loaded LNP (FLuc-LNP: untreated group), 2) Human p53 mRNA-loaded LNPs (p53-LNP), 3) ciclopirox (CPX)-loaded LNPs (CPX-LNP), and 4) CPX/p53 mRNA-loaded LNPs (CPX/p53-LNP).","- Caspase 3/7 activity in the CAL-27, OECM-1 and FaDu cells treated for 24h with FLuc-LNP, p53-LNP, CPX-LNP, and CPX/p53-LNP (5, 20, 50 ng mRNA (measured in relative fluorescent units, normalized to the corresponding FLuc-LNP (5 ng) treated group). - Caspase-9 activity in the CAL-27, OECM-1 and FaDu cells treated for 24h with FLuc-LNP, p53-LNP, CPX-LNP, and CPX/p53-LNP (50 ng mRNA) (measured as relative luminescence normalized to the corresponding FLuc-LNP treated group).","Researchers developed lipid-nanoparticles (LNPs) encapsulating p53 mRNA and ciclopirox (CPX) as a potential treatment for oral squamous cell carcinoma. CAL-27, OECM-1 and FaDu cell lines were seeded at 20,000 cells per well of tissue-treated 96-well plates and incubated for 24 h at 5, 20 or 50 ng with: 1) firefly luciferase mRNA-loaded LNP (FLuc-LNP), 2) human p53 mRNA-loaded LNPs (p53-LNP), 3) ciclopirox (CPX)-loaded LNPs (CPX-LNP), and 4) CPX/p53 mRNA-loaded LNPs (CPX/p53-LNP). Afterwards, Caspase 3/7 and caspase-9 activity were measured by fluorescence and luminiscence, respectively, and caspase activity was expressed relative to the corresponding FLuc-LNP group. What would you expect to be the cell line that demonstrates the highest overall caspase 3/7 and caspase-9 activity in response to p53-LNP exposure?",The FaDu cell line will demonstrate the highest overall caspase 3/7 and caspase-9 activity in response to p53-LNP exposure.,"- p53 is underexpressed or mutated in over 70% of oral squamous cell carcinoma cases. - Ciclopirox (CPX) is an FDA-approved anti-fungus medication that has been repurposed as a chemotherapeutic in bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer in preclinical studies. - Many chemotherapeutics, once delivered into the cell, mediate intracellular caspase-based apoptosis, where mitochondria release cytochrome C that induces the formation of an apoptosome, a complex protein complex that recruits and activates caspase-9, an initiator caspases, including caspase-3 and caspase-7.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- p53 is underexpressed or mutated in over 70% of oral squamous cell carcinoma cases.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""TP53 mutations in head and neck cancer\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/mc.23385""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 23, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Ciclopirox (CPX) is an FDA-approved anti-fungus medication that has been repurposed as a chemotherapeutic in bladder cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer in preclinical studies.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Reposition of the Fungicide Ciclopirox for Cancer Treatment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.eurekaselect.com/article/114109""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 10, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Many chemotherapeutics, once delivered into the cell, mediate intracellular caspase-based apoptosis, where mitochondria release cytochrome C that induces the formation of an apoptosome, a complex protein complex that recruits and activates caspase-9, an initiator caspases, including caspase-3 and caspase-7.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chemotherapeutic Approaches for Targeting Cell Death Pathways""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/oncolo/article/11/4/342/6397072""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 01, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Molecular Biology, Biochemistry",Free-Format Question,WNK kinase regulates plasma membrane levels of the WNT inhibitor RNF43,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.08.681128v1,"October 08, 2025","Researchers investigated how the E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF43 cell surface levels are modulated by WNK kinases in a HEK293T cell model. HEK293T cells were transiently transfected with HiBiT-Fzd5 or HiBiT-RNF43, tagged extracellularly with HiBiT, and plated 24 hours later onto 96-well, flat, clear-bottom, white polystyrene tissue-culture–treated microplates at a density of 100,000 cells per well. Cells were cultured in DMEM supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% glutamine, and 1% penicillin–streptomycin, maintained at 37 °C in 5% CO2, and passaged every 5–7 days. To assess WNK-dependent regulation of RNF43 surface abundance, cells were incubated overnight with either 5 μg/mL DMSO (as control) or 5 μg/mL of WNK kinase inhibitor STOCK2S-26016 (WNKi). The following day, cells were washed with PBS, and 100 μL of fresh medium was added to each well. The Nano-Glo 2x detection reagent was prepared by diluting the LgBiT protein (1:100) and the furimazine substrate (1:50) into the supplied detection buffer. 100 μL of the detection reagent was then added to the cells containing 100 μL of fresh medium, resulting in a 1:1 final dilution. Cells were incubated for 10 minutes at room temperature with gentle shaking before measuring luciferase activity using a Synergy 2 microplate reader (BioTek). Background luminescence was subtracted from all samples using mock-transfected cells as controls. ","-Relative light units (RLU, expressed as %) of HiBiT luciferase activity from the extracellular HiBiT tag on RNF43, measured following addition of LgBiT protein (1:100) and furimazine substrate (1:50), under two experimental conditions: control (DMSO, WNKi–) and WNK inhibitor treatment (WNKi+). - -Relative light units (RLU, expressed as %) of HiBiT luciferase activity from the extracellular HiBiT tag on Fzd5, measured following addition of LgBiT protein (1:100) and furimazine substrate (1:50), under two experimental conditions: control (DMSO, WNKi–) and WNK inhibitor treatment (WNKi+).","To study the regulation of Fzd5 and RNF43 cell surface levels, researchers measured luminescence from a HiBiT ectodomain tag in RNF43-overexpressing HEK293T cells. HEK293T cells were transiently transfected with VHiBiT-Fzd5 or HiBiT-RNF43 and plated for 24 hours at a density of 1x10⁵ cells/well (96-well). Cells were cultured and passaged every 5-7 days in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) (10% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% glutamine, and 1% penicillin-streptomycin) at 37 °C in 5% CO2. Cells were treated with 5 μg/mL WNK kinase inhibitor (WNKi+) or DMSO (WNKi-). A 10 minute incubation was performed after the addition of 100 μL of the detection reagent (LgBiT protein (1:100) and the furimazine substrate (1:50)) to the cells containing 100 μL of fresh medium. Luciferase activity was measured using a Synergy 2 microplate reader. How will the surface levels of RNF43 compare to those of FZD5 after WNK inhibition?",RNF43 surface levels will be higher than FZD5 surface levels after WNK inhibition.,"- RNF43: An E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates WNT signalling by tagging WNT receptors for degradation, reducing receptor availability at the cell surface. - WNK kinases: A family of serine/threonine kinases involved in ion transport processes. - STOCK2S-26016 (WNKi): A small-molecule inhibitor that blocks WNK kinase activity. - HiBiT: a peptide tag which associate with LgBiT to reconstitute a functional luciferase with luminescent signal.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""RNF43: An E3 ubiquitin ligase that negatively regulates WNT signalling by tagging WNT receptors for degradation, reducing receptor availability at the cell surface. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tumour suppressor RNF43 is a stem-cell E3 ligase that induces endocytosis of Wnt receptors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature11308""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 15, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""WNK kinases: A family of serine/threonine kinases involved in ion transport processes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""WNK kinases in development and disease""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5329892/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2016 ""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""STOCK2S-26016 (WNKi): A small-molecule inhibitor that blocks WNK kinase activity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chemical library screening for WNK signalling inhibitors using fluorescence correlation spectroscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1042/bj20130597""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 10, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Immunology,MCQ,P2RY2 is a purinergic immune checkpoint linking extracellular ATP to immune evasion and adaptive resistance to immunotherapy.,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.09.681049v1,"October 10, 2025","Scientists investigated how extracellular ATP (eATP) and its non-hydrolyzable analog (nhATP) protect tumor cells by suppressing T-cell activation and cytotoxicity. In this research, the coculture of tumor cells (BxPC-3 or SW480 cells) and T cells (MART-1-TCR-T and CEA CAR-T) was used. For the cocultures of tumor cells and T cells, 50,000–200,000 tumor cells were seeded in each well of a 6-well plate, while for 96-well plates, 5,000–10,000 tumor cells were seeded. T cells and antigen-expressing tumor cells were mixed at ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:32 as indicated. After incubation at 37°C and 5% CO₂ for the specified durations, tumor cell viability was assessed using either the CellTiter Blue Assay. Cocultures were conducted in the absence or presence of 200 μM ATP or non-hydrolyzable ATP analog (nhATP) at specified effector-to-target (T: Tumor) ratios. After 72 hours, tumor cell viability was assessed using the CellTiterBlue Cell Viability assay. In a monoculture assay, TCR-T and CART-T cells were stimulated with 0.1 μg/mL anti-CD3 in the absence or presence of 200 μM ATP or the nonhydrolyzable analog ATPγS (nhATP), followed by flow cytometry analysis of CD25, CD69, and CD137 expression. ","- T cell activation markers (CD25, CD69, and CD137 expression) in TCR-T and CART-T cells stimulated with anti-CD3 in the absence or presence of ATP or the nonhydrolyzable analog ATPγS (nhATP). ","Scientists investigated how extracellular ATP (eATP) and its non-hydrolyzable analog (nhATP) protect tumor cells by suppressing T-cell activation. If monocultures of TCR-T and CAR-T cells (in the absence of tumor cells) were stimulated with 0.1 μg/mL anti-CD3 in the absence or presence of 200 μM ATP or the nonhydrolyzable analog ATPγS (nhATP), followed by flow cytometry analysis of CD25, CD69, and CD137 expression, what would be the expected effect on T-cell activation? A) eATP supplementation will strongly drive and increase T cell activation when T cells are stimulated with agonist anti-CD3 antibodies. B) eATP supplementation will strongly inhibit T cell activation when T cells are stimulated with agonist anti-CD3 antibodies. C) eATP supplementation will slightly increase T cell activation when T cells are stimulated with agonist anti-CD3 antibodies. D) eATP supplementation will have no effect on T cell activation when T cells are stimulated with agonist anti-CD3 antibodies.",D) eATP supplementation will have no effect on T cell activation when T cells are stimulated with agonist anti-CD3 antibodies.,"- Extracellular ATP (eATP) accumulates substantially in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and rises further during immunotherapy. - eATP exhibits paradoxical immunomodulatory roles as acutely, it acts as a pro-inflammatory “danger” signal that activates innate immune responses and facilitates adaptive immune priming. - Persistently high concentrations of eATP (micromolar–millimolar range) exert immunosuppressive effects. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Extracellular ATP (eATP) accumulates substantially in the tumor microenvironment (TME) and rises further during immunotherapy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Increased level of extracellular ATP at tumor sites: in vivo imaging with plasma membrane luciferase""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0002599""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 9, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- eATP exhibits paradoxical immunomodulatory roles as acutely, it acts as a pro-inflammatory “danger” signal that activates innate immune responses and facilitates adaptive immune priming.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in dendritic cells induces IL-1beta-dependent adaptive immunity against tumors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nm.2028""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 20, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Persistently high concentrations of eATP (micromolar–millimolar range) exert immunosuppressive effects.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""P2X7 Receptor Activity Limits Accumulation of T Cells within Tumors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article-abstract/80/18/3906/645841/P2X7-Receptor-Activity-Limits-Accumulation-of-T?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 15, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbial Ecology / Plant Pathology,Free-Format Question,Phages indirectly maintain tomato plant pathogen defense through regulation of the commensal microbiome,https://doi.org/10.1093/ismeco/ycaf065,"April 18, 2025","Researchers examined the ability of different components (cellular vs. phage) of the microbiome of tomato plants to limit infection of the plants by the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Leaves of six-month-old tomato plants were sonicated in bags of buffer solution (10 mM MgCl2) for 10 min to separate microbiome constituents from the phyllosphere. The leaf wash thus obtained was passed through a 20 µm membrane to remove residual plant tissue, and then vacuum filtered through a 0.2 µm membrane to separate cellular microbes (fungi, bacteria, archaea) from viral particles. To release cellular microbes such as bacteria, archaea, and fungi (phage-depleted microbial community), the 0.2 μm filter was transferred to a sterile tube and sonicated in 10 mM MgCl2. Microbial cells were pelleted at 3500 x g for 10 min, resuspended in 50% glycerol, and stored at −80°C. The filtrate from the 0.2 μm filter, containing viruses and small molecules, was transferred to an Amicon Ultra-15 filter unit with a 100 kDa molecular weight cutoff. Amicon filters were centrifuged at 4000 x g for 25 min to isolate and concentrate viruses. The resulting phage fraction was stored at 4°C. Microbial inocula were applied to plant leaves, either with or without their respective phage communities. Early Girl tomato seeds (Eden Brothers) were surface sterilized in 70% ethanol for 1 min, then in 10 ml of 6% bleach and 10 ml of 0.2% Tween 20 for 20 min. Seeds were placed in a petri dish containing 0.8% water agar, then covered and incubated at 21°C in the dark. After germination, plates were maintained in a growth chamber at 24°C and 70% humidity with a 15 h day:9 h night light cycle. Nine days after planting, seedlings were transferred to pots containing autoclaved potting medium (Profile Porous Ceramic Greens Grade soil amendment, Sierra Pacific Turf Supply). Pots were spatially randomized with respect to treatment for the duration of the experiment. Three weeks after planting, leaves were sprayed with microbial inocula. Microbiome and phage inocula were each standardized to a fixed mass of plant material from the field (6 grams) so that phage-host ratios in the inocula were similar to those in their natural environment. Inocula were prepared in 4 ml of 10 mM MgCl2, with 0.04 μl of the surfactant Silwet L-77 added to facilitate microbial adhesion to the leaf surface. The experimental conditions (microbial inocula) applied to the plant leaves were: 1) Microbiome + phages (i.e. phage-depleted microbial community + phage fraction), 2) Microbiome (i.e. phage-depleted microbial community), 3) Phage fraction, 4) Control (i.e. sterile buffer solution). One week after inoculation, leaves were challenged with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (PT23). An overnight culture of P. syringae was pelleted and diluted to an optical density (OD600) of 0.0002. The resulting microbial suspension was infiltrated into the abaxial side of the leaves (three per plant) using a blunt-end syringe. At 24 h post-infection, three hole punches (6-mm diameter) were taken from each leaf. Leaf discs were homogenized in 1 ml 10 mM MgCl2 in a FastPrep-24 5G sample disruption instrument at 4.0 m/s for 40 s and stored at −20°C for molecular analysis. P. syringae population sizes on leaves were measured using the Bio-Rad QX200™ Droplet Digital PCR system. The ability of phage depletion to limit P. syringae colonization was assessed using linear regression. For each experiment, the dependent variable was the copies of P. syringae detected per standardized disc of infected leaf tissue. The independent variable was the treatment, with the control group (plants sprayed with a sterile buffer solution prior to P. syringae challenge) as the reference level.","- P. syringae pv tomato (PT23) population sizes in tomato plant leave samples from 1) Microbiome + phages, 2) Microbiome, 3) Phage fraction, and 4) Control inoculated leaves, 24 hours post infection with P. syringae (Digital Droplet PCR).","Researchers examined the ability of different components (cellular vs. phage) of the microbiome of tomato plants to limit infection of the plants by the bacterial plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae. Tomato phyllosphere microbial communities were sampled and their cellular vs. phage components were separated by filtration. Microbial inocula were applied onto the leaves of 3-weeks old juvenile tomato plants (Early Girl, Eden Brothers), either with or without their respective phage communities. The experimental conditions (microbial inocula) applied to the plant leaves were: 1) Microbiome + phages (i.e. phage-depleted microbial community + phage fraction), 2) Microbiome (i.e. phage-depleted microbial community), 3) Phage fraction, 4) Control (i.e. sterile buffer solution). One week after inoculation, leaves were challenged with Pseudomonas syringae pv tomato (PT23). At 24 h post-infection, leaf discs were harvested and P. syringae population sizes on leaves were measured by Digital Droplet PCR. In comparison with the control group, which of the treatments are most likely to significantly reduce the population size of P. syringae?",The microbiome + phages experimental treatment (i.e. phage-depleted microbial community + phage fraction).,"- Phages are viruses that infect bacteria, including in some cases plant pathogenic bacteria, and thus can serve as potential natural bio-control agents - Pseudomonas syringae is a plant pathogenic species of bacterium with some particularly virulent pathovars of tomato plants ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Phages are viruses that infect bacteria, including in some cases plant pathogenic bacteria, and thus can serve as potential natural bio-control agents""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A review of phage therapy against bacterial pathogens of aquatic and terrestrial organisms""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.3390/v9030050""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 18, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pseudomonas syringae is a plant pathogenic species of bacterium with some particularly virulent pathovars of tomato plants""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Engineering bacteriocin-mediated resistance against the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1111/pbi.13294""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 9, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology,MCQ,"P2RY2 is a purinergic immune checkpoint linking extracellular ATP to immune evasion and adaptive resistance to immunotherapy.",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.09.681049v1,"Oct 10, 2025.","Researchers examined the role of extracellular ATP (eATP) concentration and eATP signaling with regard to how these influence immune response in the tumour microenvironment. For cocolture experiments, CEA CART-T cells and MART-1-TCR-T cells were generated. To generate CEA CAR-T cells, 7 million HEK293T cells were seeded in a 10 cm culture dish one day before transfection. Transfection was performed using a plasmid mixture containing: 7.5 μg of the retroviral transfer plasmid: pMP71_MFE-23-CD28z-ires-GFP (CEA CAR construct, ScFv of MFE-23 described in patent US5876691A); 4.5 μg of pGag/pol; 2.94 μg of pVSV-G; 1.92 μg of pAdvanced plasmid; 50 μL of PEI MAX reagent was used for transfection. Retroviral supernatant was collected and added to the Retronectin-treated 24-well plates (5 μg/mL Retronectin; overnight incubation at 4°C). Plates were centrifuged at 3,500 rpm for 2 hours with no deceleration. After centrifugation, the supernatant was removed, and 2.5 × 10⁵ T cells were added per well in 500 μL of T cell medium (RPMI 1640 supplemented with 10% FBS, 5 ng/mL IL-15, and 50 U/mL IL-2). The next day, an additional 500 μL of fresh T cell medium was added, and transduction efficiency was assessed before use. MART-1-specific T cells (TCR clone #1D3) were generated using TCR constructs provided by collaborators. For cocultures of tumour cells (BxPc and SW480) and T cells (CAR-T and TCR-T), 50,000–200,000 tumour cells were seeded for each well of a 6-well plate, while for 96-well plates, 5,000–10,000 tumour cells were seeded. T cells and antigen-expressing tumour cells were mixed at ratios ranging from 1:1 to 1:32 as indicated. After incubation at 37°C and 5% CO₂ for the specified durations, T cells were collected and stained for T cell activation markers (CD25, CD137, CD69), which were analysed using flow cytometry. To assess cytokine expression (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα) in T cells, Brefeldin A was added 6 hours before harvesting. Tumour cell viability was assessed using CellTiter Blue Assay (Promega, Cat# G8020). To test eATP effects on T-cell activation and effector cytokine production, 200 μM ATP or the non-hydrolyzable analogue ATPγS were added to cocultures for 24 hours or not, and compared to controls.","- T cell activation markers (CD25, CD137, CD69) from cocultures were quantified by flow cytometry in MART-1 TCR- or CEA CAR-transduced T cells with antigen-positive tumor cells under control, 200 μM ATP, or 200 μM non-hydrolyzable ATP analog (ATPγS / nhATP) conditions. - T cell cytokine levels (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα) from cocultures were quantified by flow cytometry in MART-1 TCR- or CEA CAR-transduced T cells with antigen-positive tumor cells under control, 200 μM ATP, or 200 μM non-hydrolyzable ATP analog (ATPγS / nhATP) conditions.","MART-1 TCR–transduced T cells were cocultured with MART-1 epitope–loaded BxPC-3 cells, and CEA CAR-transduced T cells were cocultured with SW480 tumour cells that constitutively express CEA for 24 hours in the absence or presence of 200 μM ATP or the non-hydrolyzable analogue ATPγS (nhATP). If we were to assess the T cell activation marker and effector cytokines produced from the cocultures after the addition of 200 μM ATP or the non-hydrolyzable analogue ATPγS (nhATP) and compare with untreated controls, what would be the most likely outcome? A) Addition of exogenous eATP or ATPγS to the coculture will potently suppress T cell activation, evidenced by reduced expression of activation markers (CD25, CD137, CD69) and decreased production of effector cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα) compared to untreated controls. B) Addition of exogenous eATP or ATPγS to the coculture will not affect T cell activation, evidenced by similar expression of activation markers (CD25, CD137, CD69) and comparable production of effector cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα) compared to untreated controls. C) Addition of exogenous eATP or ATPγS to the coculture will potently increase T cell activation, evidenced by increased expression of activation markers (CD25, CD137, CD69) and higher production of effector cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα) compared to untreated controls. D) Addition of exogenous eATP or ATPγS to the coculture will potently increase T cell activation, evidenced by increased expression of activation markers (CD25, CD137, CD69) and but do not affect the production of effector cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα) compared to untreated controls.","A) Addition of exogenous eATP or ATPγS to the coculture will potently suppress T cell activation, evidenced by reduced expression of activation markers (CD25, CD137, CD69) and decreased production of effector cytokines (IL-2, IFN-γ, TNFα) compared to untreated controls.","- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the central energy currency of the cell, is typically confined intracellularly at millimolar concentrations, while extracellular ATP (eATP) is maintained at nanomolar levels in tissues under physiological conditions. - eATP exhibits paradoxical immunomodulatory roles as acutely, it acts as a pro-inflammatory “danger” signal that activates innate immune responses and facilitates adaptive immune priming. - Persistently high concentrations of eATP (micromolar–millimolar range) exert immunosuppressive effects.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the central energy currency of the cell, is typically confined intracellularly at millimolar concentrations, while extracellular ATP (eATP) is maintained at nanomolar levels in tissues under physiological conditions.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intracellular ATP Concentration and Implication for Cellular Evolution""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/10/11/1166""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 12, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- eATP exhibits paradoxical immunomodulatory roles as acutely, it acts as a pro-inflammatory “danger” signal that activates innate immune responses and facilitates adaptive immune priming.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in dendritic cells induces IL-1beta-dependent adaptive immunity against tumors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nm.2028""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 20, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Persistently high concentrations of eATP (micromolar–millimolar range) exert immunosuppressive effects.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""P2X7 Receptor Activity Limits Accumulation of T Cells within Tumors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://aacrjournals.org/cancerres/article-abstract/80/18/3906/645841/P2X7-Receptor-Activity-Limits-Accumulation-of-T?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 15, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,"Microbiology, Metabolomics",Numerical Values,Exploration of the mechanism of PCOS induced by microenvironmental changes in follicular fluid based on 16 S rRNA and metabolomics,https://ovarianresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13048-025-01781-5,"September 24, 2025","Researchers measured the cilostazol content in Acinetobacter haemolyticus culture supernatant using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS). The standard strain of Acinetobacter haemolyticus was cultured under standard activation conditions and 100 µl of the activated strain culture was added to 300 µl of methanol, vortexed and centrifuged at 17,000 g for 15 minutes to collect the supernatant. Liquid phase separation was performed using a Zorbax Rx-C8 column set at 40°C, with an injection volume of 5 µL and a flow rate of 400 µL/min. Mobile phase A was a 0.1% formic acid aqueous solution, and B was acetonitrile. Following chromatographic separation, analysis was performed on an AB 4500 mass spectrometer operating in positive ion mode and in Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode. The ESI ion source parameters were: ion source dry gas temperature (Gas Temp) 500°C, Curtain Gas 25 psi, Collision Gas 10 psi, IonSpray Voltage 4500 V, and Atomization Temperature 500°C. MultiQuant 3.0.3 software was used with an internal standard method to quantify metabolite concentrations and determine the cilostazol concentration that was present in the culture supernatant.",- Concentration (ng/mL) of cilostazol in Acinetobacter haemolyticus supernatant samples.,Researchers quantified the cilostazol content in the supernatant from a standard strain culture of Acinetobacter haemolyticus using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The supernatant was processed on a Zorbax Rx-C8 column and analysed on an AB 4500 mass spectrometer operating in positive ion and MRM modes and the concentration of cilostazol was determined. What is the expected average concentration (ng/mL) of cilostazol detected in the supernatant?,"[3.00 - 3.67] ng/mL, derived from the average concentration of 3.3387 ng/mL. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ±10% applied.","- Acinetobacter sp. are found in the follicular fluid microbiota of secondary infertility patients. - Cilostazol is a 2-hydroxyquinolone derivative that can inhibit phosphodiesterase III and increase cyclic adenosine phosphate levels. It is also associated with inhibition of adenosine reuptake and multidrug resistance protein 4.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Acinetobacter sp. are found in the follicular fluid microbiota of secondary infertility patients.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microbiological composition of follicular fluid in patients undergoing IVF and its association with infertility""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/aji.13652""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 17, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cilostazol is a 2-hydroxyquinolone derivative that can inhibit phosphodiesterase III and increase cyclic adenosine phosphate levels. It is also associated with inhibition of adenosine reuptake and multidrug resistance protein 4.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cilostazol: a Review of Basic Mechanisms and Clinical Uses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""doi.org/10.1007/s10557-021-07187-x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 16, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,Numerical Values,AETA peptide drives Alzheimer’s disease signature of synapse dysfunction,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.22.671719v1,"Aug 25, 2025","Researchers investigated the activation of p38 MAP kinase, a signaling protein implicated in synaptic spine shrinkage, in a mouse model expressing AETA peptides. The study used the AETA-m transgenic mouse model, which expresses human AETA in the hippocampus and cortex. For biochemical analysis, freshly dissected mouse hippocampi were homogenized in a Tris buffer containing 2% SDS, 1% Triton X-100, 10% glycerol, and protease/phosphatase inhibitors. Lysates were centrifuged for 10 minutes at 9000 rpm, and protein concentration was determined using a BCA assay. For immunoblotting, 10-20 µg of protein per sample were loaded onto 4-20% Tris-tricine gels and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes. Membranes were blocked with 0.2% I-Block and 0.1% Tween-20 in PBS for 1 hour before overnight incubation with primary antibodies against total p38 (anti-MAPK p38) and phospho-p38 (mouse anti-phosphop38). Antibody detection was performed using a conjugated secondary antibody (antimouse/rabbit-IgG-HRP), signals were detected using an ECL reagent. The phospho-38/total p38 ratio was then quantified using ImageJ to assess the level of kinase activation.","- Densitometric intensity of phosphorylated p38 (p-p38) in AETA-m and WT mouse models. - Densitometric intensity of total p38 in AETA-m and WT mouse models. - P-p38/p38 ratio in AETA-m and WT mouse models.","To investigate the activation of p38 MAP kinase in a mouse model expressing AETA peptides, researchers performed an immunoblotting analysis on hippocampal lysates. Freshly dissected hippocampi from AETA-m and wild-type (WT) mice were homogenized in a Tris buffer containing 2% SDS, 1% Triton X-100, and protease/phosphatase inhibitors. Following centrifugation, 10-20 µg of protein from each sample was loaded onto 4-20% Tris-tricine gels and transferred to nitrocellulose membranes. The membranes were blocked with 0.2% I-Block and 0.1% Tween-20 in PBS for 1 hour and then incubated overnight with primary antibodies against total p38 (anti-MAPK p38) and phospho-p38 (mouse anti-phosphop38). Signals were detected using an ECL reagent after incubation with HRP-conjugated secondary antibodies, and densitometry was quantified using ImageJ. Based on this experimental procedure, what is the expected percentage change in the phospho-p38/total p38 ratio in AETA-m mice compared to the WT controls?","ΔP-p38/p38 = [75 - 85] %, derived from WT = [~100%], AETA-m = [~180%]. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±5 pp applied.","* AETA (Aη-α and Aη-β) are peptides generated from the alternative η-secretase pathway of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing, which represents a non-amyloidogenic route associated with early synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease. * MAP kinase is a signaling protein implicated in synaptic spine shrinkage. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""AETA (Aη-α and Aη-β) are peptides generated from the alternative η-secretase pathway of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) processing, which represents a non-amyloidogenic route associated with early synaptic dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""η-Secretase processing of APP inhibits neuronal activity in the hippocampus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature14864""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 31, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""MAP kinase is a signaling protein implicated in synaptic spine shrinkage.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""APP fragment controls both ionotropic and non-ionotropic signaling of NMDA receptors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(24)00404-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 21, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,Numerical Values,Hyperexcitability in Alzheimers Disease triggers a compensatory neuroprotective response via TREK1,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.16.682816v1,"Oct 16, 2025","To assess the effect of KCNK2 (TREK1) knockdown on inhibitory synapse markers, researchers used 3xTg mice. Animals received a stereotaxic injection into the hippocampus of either KCNK2 shRNA lentiviral particles (1 x 10⁶ IFU) or control shRNA lentiviral particles in a total injection volume of 5 μL. Brains were isolated 15 days post-injection following perfusion with 4% PFA. Tissues were then post-fixed in 4% PFA, cryoprotected in increasing concentrations of sucrose (15, 20, and 30% w/v in PBS; each for 12-24 hs at 4°C), embedded in OCT, and sectioned into 30 μm coronal slices using a cryostat. For immunohistochemistry, sections were permeabilized with 0.5% Triton X-100 for 15 min and incubated overnight at 4°C with mouse anti-VGAT (1:100, Synaptic Systems, #131011). The signal was subsequently detected using an Alexa Fluor 555-conjugated anti-mouse IgG (1:1000, Cell Signaling Technology, #4409S) secondary antibody, and sections were mounted using ProLong Gold antifade reagent. High-resolution imaging was performed using a Leica SP8 laser-scanning confocal microscope with a 63X oil-immersion objective.",- VGAT fluorescence intensity (AU) in 3xTG mice after shRNA treament (control shRNA or KNCK2 shRNA),"Researchers investigated the impact of KCNK2 (TREK1) knockdown on inhibitory synapses in the hippocampus of 3xTg mice. Lentiviral particles for KCNK2 shRNA or a control shRNA (1 x 10⁶ IFU in 5 μL) were stereotaxically injected. Brains were isolated 15 days post-injection following perfusion with 4% PFA. Tissues were then post-fixed in 4% PFA, cryoprotected in increasing concentrations of sucrose (15, 20, and 30% w/v in PBS; each for 12-24 hs at 4°C), embedded in OCT, and sectioned into 30 μm coronal slices using a cryostat. For immunohistochemistry, sections were permeabilized with 0.5% Triton X-100 for 15 min and incubated overnight at 4°C with mouse anti-VGAT (1:100, Synaptic Systems, #131011). After quantifying the resulting signal, what is the expected difference in VGAT fluorescence intensity (AU) in the KCNK2 knockdown group compared to the control shRNA group?","ΔVGAT = [20.1 - 20.5] AU, derived from control = [~185.7 AU], KCNK2 = [~165.4 AU]. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±0.2 AU applied.","* Alzheimer's disease display neuronal hyperexcitability with onset in early stages of the disease. * 3xTg-AD mice exhibit early excitability phenotypes. * Two-pore domain leak potassium channels (K2P) play a critical role in maintaining resting membrane potential and modulating excitability. * TREK1 subfamily of K2P channels has emerged as a key neuroprotective player in hyperexcitability disorders such as stroke and epilepsy.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Alzheimer's disease display neuronal hyperexcitability with onset in early stages of the disease. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Epilepsy and cognitive impairments in Alzheimer disease""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2812914/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 9, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""3xTg-AD mice exhibit early excitability phenotypes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Increased Hippocampal Excitability in the 3xTgAD Mouse Model for Alzheimer's Disease In Vivo""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0091203""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 12, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Two-pore domain leak potassium channels (K2P) play a critical role in maintaining resting membrane potential and modulating excitability.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The neuronal background K2P channels: focus on TREK1""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nrn2117""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""TREK1 subfamily of K2P channels has emerged as a key neuroprotective player in hyperexcitability disorders such as stroke and epilepsy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""TREK-1, a K+ channel involved in neuroprotection and general anesthesia""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC449762/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 3, 2004""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology,Numerical Values,Pam3CSK4 as a Cross-Species Adjuvant for Polysaccharide Vaccines: Efficacy in Humanized Mouse and Non-Human Primate Models,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.09.681501v1,"October 11, 2025","The goal of the study was to evaluate whether MyD88 (Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response 88)-activating Toll-like receptor agonists are suitable as adjuvants for polysaccharide vaccines. Wild-type (WT), muMT, and MyD88⁻/⁻ mice on a C57BL/6 background were used for the experiments. Previously, bone marrow chimeras (BM chimeras) were generated by lethal irradiation (950 rad) of WT mice, followed by intravenous reconstitution with BM from muMT mice mixed with either WT or MyD88⁻/⁻ BM (80:20; 1×10⁷ BM cells). Mice were maintained on drinking water containing sulfamethoxazole (0.8 mg/mL) and trimethoprim (0.16 mg/mL) starting 1 week prior to and continuing for 2 weeks after irradiation. Mice were rested for 8 weeks before immunization. Two different immunization protocols were administered in the mouse lines (WT B cell chimera and MyD88⁻/⁻ B cell chimera): a) Pneumovax23 (Px) alone (~0.125 μg of pneumococcal polysaccharides [PPS]); b) Px (~0.125 μg PPS) + Salmonella minnesota monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL, 20 μg in Sigma Adjuvant System) + squalene emulsion (SQ) [20 μg synthetic cord factor (trehalose-6,6′-dicorynomycolate) in 0.5% squalene / 0.05% Tween-80 mixed with antigens]. Total Pneumovax23- and PPS-specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) were performed to measure antibody levels (IgM and IgG) in immunized mouse lines.","- PPS3-specific IgM (ug/ml) levels after immunization [Pneumovax23 (Px) alone or Px + Salmonella minnesota MPL + squalene emulsion (SQ)] across different mice B cell chimera (WT or MyD88⁻/⁻). - PPS3-specific IgG (ug/ml) levels after immunization [Pneumovax23 (Px) alone or Px + Salmonella minnesota MPL + squalene emulsion (SQ)] across different mice B cell chimera (WT or MyD88⁻/⁻). ","MyD88 (Myeloid Differentiation Primary Response 88)-activating Toll-like receptor agonists were analyzed to evaluate whether these are suitable as adjuvants for polysaccharide vaccines. The experiments were performed in bone marrow chimeras (BM chimeras), previously generated by lethal irradiation (950 rad) of WT mice, followed by intravenous reconstitution with BM from muMT mice mixed with either WT or MyD88⁻/⁻ BM. Mice were maintained on drinking water (with sulfamethoxazole (0.8 mg/mL) and trimethoprim (0.16 mg/mL)) 1 week prior and 2 weeks after irradiation. After 8 weeks, BM chimera lines (WT or MyD88⁻/⁻) were administered two different immunization protocols: a) Pneumovax23 (Px) alone (~0.125 μg of pneumococcal polysaccharides [PPS]); b) Px (~0.125 μg PPS) + Salmonella minnesota monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL, 20 μg in Sigma Adjuvant System) + squalene emulsion (SQ) [20 μg synthetic cord factor (trehalose-6,6′-dicorynomycolate) in 0.5% squalene / 0.05% Tween-80 mixed with antigens]. Total Pneumovax23- and PPS-specific Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assays (ELISAs) were performed to measure antibody levels (IgM and IgG) in immunized mouse lines. What is the level value for PPS3-specific IgG, with MPL/squalene and Pneumovax23, at 10 days post immunisation in ug/ml in the wild-type B cell chimeras?","PPS3-IgG = [0.36 - 0.44] ug/ml, derived from PPS3-specific IgG ~0.4 ug/ml in WT B cell chimeras in 10 days. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±0.04 ug/ml applied. ","- Polysaccharide antigens (Ags) typically behave as T cell-independent type 2 (TI-2) Ags, which elicit rapid Ab responses primarily through innate-like B cell subsets, including marginal zone and B1 B cells. - Adjuvants that can boost IgG responses to native polysaccharide. - Salmonella typhimurium monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and mycobacterial cord factor (trehalose-6,6'-dimycolate) in squalene oil-in-water emulsion increased primary PPS-specific Ab responses in mice.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Polysaccharide antigens (Ags) typically behave as T cell-independent type 2 (TI-2) Ags, which elicit rapid Ab responses primarily through innate-like B cell subsets, including marginal zone and B1 B cells. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""B Cell Subsets Differentially Contribute to the T Cell-Independent Memory Pool""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7578113/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 25, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Salmonella typhimurium monophosphoryl lipid A (MPL) and mycobacterial cord factor (trehalose-6,6'-dimycolate) in squalene oil-in-water emulsion increased primary PPS-specific Ab responses in mice.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Immune responses of systemic and mucosal lymphoid organs to Pnu-Imune vaccine as a function of age and the efficacy of monophosphoryl lipid A as an adjuvant.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC257162/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun, 1992""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cell and Molecular Neurobiology,MCQ,Graphene Nanoplatelets Enhance Neuronal Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12123866,"April 10, 2025","Researchers examined the effect of GNPs on hBMSC differentiation. For this, Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs; ATCC (PCS-500-012)) with passages 7–15 were used. The cells were cultured in a complete expansion medium containing low glucose DMEM supplemented with 2 mM l-glutamine, 10% FBS (heat-inactivated), and 1% penicillin/streptomycin in a humidified incubator at 37 °C with 5% CO2. Prior to the core experiment, various concentrations of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared by diluting a stock solution of GNPs (20 μg/ml) in DMSO, followed by further dilution of the GNP-DMSO solution in PBS to a final concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2, 5, and 10 μg/ml. To each of these GNP solutions, 0.2% gelatin was added and mixed thoroughly. The final concentrations were then coated onto the wells of a 96-well plate, after which hBMSCs were seeded into the coated wells at a density of 1 × 10^4 cells/well. As a control, a group of hBMSCs in culture medium with GNP was included. All cells were then incubated for 1, 4, and 7 days at 37 °C with 5% CO2. An MTT solution was prepared at a concentration of 5 mg/ml in DPBS and after the treatment period, medium from the cells was removed and fresh culture medium containing MTT solution (final concentration 0.5 mg/ml) was added to each well, and the plates were then incubated for 3 h at 37 °C with 5% CO2 until purple formazan crystals were visible under a microscope. The medium containing MTT was then removed and cells and 100 μl of DMSO was added to the cells, followed by gently shaking for 10 - 15 minutes to dissolve the formazan crystals. Absorbance at 570nm was then measured from the plate using a microplate reader (Tecan Infinite M200 Pro). Cell viability was determined by calculating the average absorbance for each set of triplicate wells, normalised to the absorbance of the control (no coating).","- Absorbance at 570 nm of hBMSC control cells, 0.2% gelatin-treated cells and GNP-treated hBMSC cells (concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2, 5, and 10 μg/ml) for 1, 4, and 7 days using a microplate reader. - Cell viability of hBMSC control cells, 0.2% gelatin-treated cells and GNP-treated hBMSC cells (concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2, 5, and 10 μg/ml) for 1, 4, and 7.","Researchers examined the effect of GNPs on hBMSC differentiation. For this, Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs; ATCC (PCS-500-012)) with passages 7–15 were used. The cells were cultured in a complete expansion medium containing low glucose DMEM supplemented with 2 mM l-glutamine, 10% FBS (heat-inactivated), and 1% penicillin/streptomycin in a humidified incubator at 37 °C with 5% CO2. Prior to the core experiment, various concentrations of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) were prepared by diluting a stock solution of GNPs (20 μg/ml) in DMSO, followed by further dilution of the GNP-DMSO solution in PBS to a final concentration of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 2, 5, and 10 μg/ml. To each of these GNP solutions, 0.2% gelatin was added and mixed thoroughly. The final concentrations were then coated onto the wells of a 96-well plate, after which hBMSCs were seeded into the coated wells at a density of 1 × 10^4 cells/well. As a control, a group of hBMSCs in culture medium with GNP was included. All cells were then incubated for 1, 4, and 7 days at 37 °C with 5% CO2. An MTT solution was prepared at a concentration of 5 mg/ml in DPBS and after the treatment period, medium from the cells was removed and fresh culture medium containing MTT solution (final concentration 0.5 mg/ml) was added to each well, and the plates were then incubated for 3 h at 37 °C with 5% CO2 until purple formazan crystals were visible under a microscope. The medium containing MTT was then removed and cells and 100 μl of DMSO was added to the cells, followed by gently shaking for 10 - 15 minutes to dissolve the formazan crystals. Absorbance at 570nm was then measured from the plate using a microplate reader (Tecan Infinite M200 Pro). Cell viability was determined by calculating the average absorbance for each set of triplicate wells, normalised to the absorbance of the control (no coating). If we determined the cell viability in the groups after the end of the treatment, which of these is most likely to happen? A. DMSO used to homogenise GNP solutions affects hBMSCs' viability in a concentration-dependent manner. B. DMSO concentrations in GNP solutions of 0.1 μg/ml, 0.2 μg/ml, 0.4μg/ml and 0.8 μg/ml will not significantly alter cell viability at any time point. C. By day 4, cells exposed to 0.1 μg/ml and 0.2 μg/ml GNP will show decreased viability compared to day 1. D. Concentrations of 0.1 μg/ml, 0.2 μg/ml, 0.4μg/ml and 0.8 μg/ml GNP will be ideal for future experiments.",A. DMSO used to homogenise GNP solutions affects hBMSCs' viability in a concentration-dependent manner.,"- Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) hold significant promise due to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, including neurons, and neuronal differentiation of hBMSCs is critical for studying human-specific conditions, drug discovery/screening/development, personalised therapies, biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and pathways in neurological disorders. - Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) exhibit distinct properties, such as superior electrical conductivity compared to graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which make them particularly advantageous for neuronal cell culture. These materials are known to facilitate cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation by interacting with cell surface receptors or through functionalization with bioactive molecules.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) hold significant promise due to their ability to differentiate into multiple cell types, including neurons, and neuronal differentiation of hBMSCs is critical for studying human-specific conditions, drug discovery/screening/development, personalised therapies, biomarkers, therapeutic targets, and pathways in neurological disorders.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells towards Neuronal Lineage: Clinical Trials in Nervous System Disorders""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6939692/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 25, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) exhibit distinct properties, such as superior electrical conductivity compared to graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which make them particularly advantageous for neuronal cell culture. These materials are known to facilitate cell attachment, proliferation, and differentiation by interacting with cell surface receptors or through functionalization with bioactive molecules.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Graphene Nanoplatelets Render Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) a Suitable Scaffold to Promote Neuronal Network Development.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnins.2021.731198/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 20, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,Numerical Values,Novel curcumin nanocarrier for targeting drug delivery of mitochondria proves efficacy in in vivo experiments on hepatocellular carcinoma mice models,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12508462/,"Oct 8, 2025","Researchers evaluated the antitumor efficacy of a curcumin-based mitochondria-targeted nanocarrier (TDC) in a hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mouse model to assess its therapeutic potential and tumor-targeted delivery efficiency. The carrier was synthesized on a PAMAM G4 dendrimer, where triphenylphosphonium (TPP) was first activated with DCC/NHS and conjugated to dendrimer surface amines. Curcumin (95%) was then partially activated with NPC and attached to the TPP-PAMAM scaffold, yielding the final TDC formulation after dialysis (MWCO 3 kDa). Female inbred BALB/c mice (4-5 weeks old) were used to establish the HCC model. 5 × 10⁶ Hepa1-6 cells were suspended in 100 µL of D-PBS, mixed with 100 µL of Matrigel, and subcutaneously injected into the flank to develop xenograft tumors. Once tumors reached approximately 100 mm³, mice were randomized into five groups (n = 10 per group): 1. TDC - mitochondria-targeted dendrimer with curcumin, 2. DC - dendrimeric curcumin (non-targeted), 3. FC - free curcumin, 4. TD -mitochondria targeted dendrimer without curcumin, 5. Con - PBS control. The same treatment schedule was applied to healthy BALB/c cohorts for systemic safety studies. Each formulation (0.5 mg drug in 500 µL PBS) was administered intraperitoneally, once daily for the first week and then every other day for the next eight days. Tumor sizes were measured with a caliper every few days for up to 45 days. Body weight and clinical condition were monitored throughout to assess therapeutic efficacy and toxicity.","- Tumor volume (mm³) measured over 45 days across five BALB/c mice groups (TDC, DC, FC, TD, Con) using a caliper - Body weight monitored in all BALB/c mice groups (TDC, DC, FC, TD, Con) throughout treatment to evaluate systemic toxicity and tolerance","Female BALB/c mice bearing subcutaneous hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) tumors (~100 mm³) were divided into five groups: untreated control (Con), blank nanocarrier (FC), free curcumin (DC), treatment drug (TD), and curcumin nanocarrier (TDC). Each group received intraperitoneal doses of 0.5 mg drug in 500 μL PBS every 48 hours for two weeks. Tumor volume was recorded every 3–4 days for 45 days. What would be the tumor volume (in mm³) on day 45 for the group that receive TDC treatment?",4.5- 5.5 mm³,"- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of liver cancer. - Curcumin is a flavonoid that has minimum side effects compared with other chemotherapeutics. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects. - PAMAM G4 causes more stability and solubility of curcumin, and improves its accumulation in the mitochondria. - Triphenylphosphonium (TPP) is expected to have high lipophilicity which cause electrostatic affinity to the immensely negatively charged membrane of mitochondria and facilitate its penetration and accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent form of liver cancer.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hepatocellular carcinoma: present status and future prospects""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.journal-of-hepatology.eu/article/S0168-8278(02)00432-4/fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Curcumin is a flavonoid that has minimum side effects compared with other chemotherapeutics. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer effects.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Multiple biological activities of curcumin: a short review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16413584/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 27, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Triphenylphosphonium (TPP) is expected to have high lipophilicity which cause electrostatic affinity to the immensely negatively charged membrane of mitochondria and facilitate its penetration and accumulation in the mitochondrial matrix.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Surface conjugation of triphenylphosphonium to target poly(amidoamine) dendrimers to mitochondria""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3725283/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 1, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Ecology,MCQ,The impacts of almond pollination on honeybee viral dynamics,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.678657v1,"October 17, 2025","Experimenters wanted to measure the occurrence and diversity of viruses in honeybees through the almond blooming and pollination season in California's Central Valley. Bees are shipped from all over the USA to the Central Valley to pollinate almond trees. Experimenters carried out an observational study of two populations of honeybees, specifically carrying out RNAseq targeting viruses, to ascertain the viral diversity at four points through the pollination season: T1: Pre-bloom on February 7, T2: Bloom on February 22, T3: Post-Bloom on March 8, and T4: Return on March 30. Sampling took place at two almond orchards managed by the same beekeeping operation, the 'treatment' condition - 30 hives directly involved in almond pollination efforts - and a 'control' condition of three hives isolated from almond orchards. These two conditions were within 3km of each other and were maintained by the same beekeeping operation to limit noise and variation due to different management practices. Foragers were sampled at the hive entrance using an insect vacuum. Approximately 50 workers were sampled per hive at each time point and placed into 50 ml vials. To measure viral abundance, 5 foragers per hive were homogenised via bead-beating (tubes containing a single steel ball and zirconia beads in an MPBio FastPrep-24 Classic Bead Mill 170 (speed 4 m/second for 30 seconds; 3 cycles; 20-second dwell)) before an unbiased nucleic acid (RNA) extraction with Trizol reagents. Briefly, RNA was extracted using 1.3 ml TRI Reagent (Invitrogen) and 100 μl of 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane (Sigma-Aldrich), precipitated with 500 μl of isopropanol, washed with 1000 μl of 70% EtOH twice, and eluted in 150 μl of ultra-pure water. DNA was removed from the samples using TURBO DNA-free DNAse Treatment (Thermo-Fisher) and cleaned using an RNA Clean and Concentrator kit (Zymo) before sequencing on Illumina NovaSeq PE150 machines. A poly-A tail enrichment step was done during library prep to preferentially sequence RNA viruses that often have long 3’ poly (a) tails, along with host mRNA. Viral RNA was assembled using HISAT2 and bowtie2, and contigs were compared to NCBI nucleotide databases using Minimap2 and DIAMOND searches. To allow comparison between different samples, normalisation was needed, as not all samples had the same levels of sequencing depth and coverage. For viruses which aligned to contigs in the NCBI nucleotide database, the normalised sequencing depth was calculated as: (coverage depth x library size / average library size). If reads did not align to a contig in the NCBI database, the sequencing depth was calculated as follows: (reads aligned x library size / average library size). The sequencing depth metrics for both contig-associated and contig-unassociated samples were further normalised to a per-sample relative abundance metric by dividing the abundance of each of the viruses by the total normalised abundance of all viruses in each sample. Presence/absence for each virus was scored by assigning viruses with zero relative abundance as absent, and all others as present. Viral species richness was calculated as: (the number of different viral OTUs/species found in each hive at each time point). Species richness was analysed via a GLM with richness as a dependent variable, and fixed effects of sampling time point, location, and their interaction, and pairwise comparisons of species richness were performed at each time point. Relative abundance metrics were used to calculate Shannon diversity for each sample at each time point. To compare richness and Shannon diversity among treatment/pollinating and control groups, researchers ran a type III ANOVA, with corrections for multiple comparisons. Specifically, the experimenters compared Shannon diversity between the control and treatment/pollinating groups at all four time points to quantify differences in viral diversity between the two groups throughout the blooming season. Shannon diversity is calculated as (the sum of proportion of individuals in a sample belonging to a species * ln(proportion of individuals in a sample belonging to a species) for all species), with presence and absence scored as either 1 or 0 based on the presence of reads corresponsing to a specific viral conting in the NCBI, or to the OTU level where NCBI contigs did not align.","- Viral diversity (viralOTU/species in hive) of treatment and control honey bees at Pre-bloom, Bloom, Post-Bloom, and Return time points using Shannon’s diversity index and Simpson’s diversity index. - Viral abundance of treatment and control honey bees at Pre-bloom, Bloom, Post-Bloom, and Return time points. - Viras richness (Number of distinct viral taxa per sample) of treatment and control honey bees at Pre-bloom, Bloom, Post-Bloom, and Return time points. - Viral prevalence of treatment and control honey bees at Pre-bloom, Bloom, Post-Bloom, and Return time points.","Experimenters carried out an observational study of two populations of honeybees, specifically carrying out RNAseq targeting viruses, to ascertain the viral diversity at four points through the pollination season: T1: Pre-bloom on February 7, T2: Bloom on February 22, T3: Post-Bloom on March 8, and T4: Return on March 30. Sampling took place at two almond orchards managed by the same beekeeping operation, the 'treatment' condition - 30 hives directly involved in almond pollination efforts - and a 'control' condition of three hives isolated from almond orchards. These two conditions were within 3km of each other and were maintained by the same beekeeping operation to limit noise and variation due to different management practices. Foragers were sampled at the hive entrance using an insect vacuum. Approximately 50 workers were sampled per hive at each time point and placed into 50 ml vials. To measure viral abundance, 5 foragers per hive were homogenised via bead-beating (tubes containing a single steel ball and zirconia beads in an MPBio FastPrep-24 Classic Bead Mill 170 (speed 4 m/second for 30 seconds; 3 cycles; 20-second dwell)) before an unbiased nucleic acid (RNA) extraction with Trizol reagents. Briefly, RNA was extracted using 1.3 ml TRI Reagent (Invitrogen) and 100 μl of 1-Bromo-3-chloropropane (Sigma-Aldrich), precipitated with 500 μl of isopropanol, washed with 1000 μl of 70% EtOH twice, and eluted in 150 μl of ultra-pure water. DNA was removed from the samples using TURBO DNA-free DNAse Treatment (Thermo-Fisher) and cleaned using an RNA Clean and Concentrator kit (Zymo) before sequencing on Illumina NovaSeq PE150 machines. A poly-A tail enrichment step was done during library prep to preferentially sequence RNA viruses that often have long 3’ poly (a) tails, along with host mRNA. Viral RNA was assembled using HISAT2 and bowtie2, and contigs were compared to NCBI nucleotide databases using Minimap2 and DIAMOND searches. To allow comparison between different samples, normalisation was needed, as not all samples had the same levels of sequencing depth and coverage. For viruses which aligned to contigs in the NCBI nucleotide database, the normalised sequencing depth was calculated as: (coverage depth x library size / average library size). If reads did not align to a contig in the NCBI database, the sequencing depth was calculated as follows: (reads aligned x library size / average library size). The sequencing depth metrics for both contig-associated and contig-unassociated samples were further normalised to a per-sample relative abundance metric by dividing the abundance of each of the viruses by the total normalised abundance of all viruses in each sample. Presence/absence for each virus was scored by assigning viruses with zero relative abundance as absent, and all others as present. Viral species richness was calculated as: (the number of different viral OTUs/species found in each hive at each time point). Species richness was analysed via a GLM with richness as a dependent variable, and fixed effects of sampling time point, location, and their interaction, and pairwise comparisons of species richness were performed at each time point. Relative abundance metrics were used to calculate Shannon diversity for each sample at each time point. To compare richness and Shannon diversity among treatment/pollinating and control groups, researchers ran a type III ANOVA, with corrections for multiple comparisons. Specifically, the experimenters compared Shannon diversity between the control and treatment/pollinating groups at all four time points to quantify differences in viral diversity between the two groups throughout the blooming season. Shannon diversity is calculated as (the sum of proportion of individuals in a sample belonging to a species * ln(proportion of individuals in a sample belonging to a species) for all species), with presence and absence scored as either 1 or 0 based on the presence of reads corresponsing to a specific viral conting in the NCBI, or to the OTU level where NCBI contigs did not align. Using the RNAseq, they calculated the viral species richness and the viral species diversity in treatment and control samples. Mark all the correct options when we would expect the difference in Shannon diversity between treatment and control populations to be largest. A) Pre bloom B) Bloom C) Post Bloom D) Return",B) Bloom,"- Honeybees provide critical pollination services, including the remarkable annual mass human-mediated intercontinental ‘migration’ where over half of all commercial honeybees in the United States are shipped to California's Central Valley to pollinate most of the world’s almond supply. - Migrations enhance the geographical spread of pathogens, increasing interspecies transmission and spillover risks. - Horizontal transmission of viruses between bees can occur indirectly through contact with contaminated flowers or through direct transmission from natal hive members and non-natal honeybees through inter-colony drift and robbing. - Mass Flowering Crops like almonds can decrease disease incidence by diluting the indirect interactions on flowers due to the sheer abundance of floral resources, or increase disease incidence via increased contact between susceptible pollinator host abundance on the same flowering resources.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Honeybees provide critical pollination services, including the remarkable annual mass human-mediated intercontinental ‘migration’ where over half of all commercial honeybees in the United States are shipped to California's Central Valley to pollinate most of the world’s almond supply.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A historical review of managed honey bee 824 populations in Europe and the United States and the factors that may affect them.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jip.2009.06.011""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 11, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Migrations enhance the geographical spread of pathogens, increasing interspecies transmission and spillover risks.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Animal Migration and Infectious Disease Risk""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.1194694""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 21, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Horizontal transmission of viruses between bees can occur indirectly through contact with contaminated flowers or through direct transmission from natal hive members and non-natal honeybees through inter-colony drift and robbing.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flowers as viral hot spots: Honey bees (Apis mellifera) unevenly deposit viruses across plant species""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31532764/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 18, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mass Flowering Crops like almonds can decrease disease incidence by diluting the indirect interactions on flowers due to the sheer abundance of floral resources, or increase disease incidence via increased contact between susceptible pollinator host abundance on the same flowering resources.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Landscape simplification shapes pathogen prevalence in plant-pollinator networks""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ele.13521""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 28, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Developmental Biology,MCQ,DNAH14 deficiency impairs sperm motility by reducing flagellar beat amplitude,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.07.28.667185v1,"Jul 31, 2025","To determine flagellar ultrastructure, researchers used a Dnah14 knockout mouse model (Dnah14-/-) generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology, which deleted exons 5-10 of the gene. Adut testis from Dnah14+/+ (control) and Dnah14-/- males were fixed overnight in a solution containing 1.5% glutaraldehyde, 1.5% paraformaldehyde, and 0.1 M cacodylic acid. Samples were then washed, post-fixed in 1% osmium tetroxide, dehydrated through a graded acetone series, and embedded in Epon resin. Finally, ultrathin sections were imaged using a JEM-1400 transmission electron microscope to analyze the axonemal structure and qualitatively assess the integrity of the canonical 9+2 microtubule configuration.","* Presence of the 9+2 axonemal structure for Dnah14+/+ and Dnah14-/- males. * Arrangement of the 9+2 axonemal structure for Dnah14+/+ and Dnah14-/- males. ","Researchers investigated the flagellar ultrastructure in Dnah14+/+ (wild-type; control) and Dnah14-/- (knock-out; KO) mice. Adut testes were fixed overnight, embedded in resin, and ultrathin sections were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy to observe the sperm flagellum cross-sections. Based on this ultrastructural analysis, how is the axoneme of Dnah14-/- sperm composed? A. 9+2 arrangement with disorganized inner microtubules B. 9+2 arrangement with organized inner and outer microtubules C. 9+2 arrangement with disorganized outer microtubules D. 9+2 arrangement with left vacuole",B. 9+2 arrangement with organized inner and outer microtubules,"* DNAH14 is a single-headed inner-arm dynein, which is a core mechanochemical component of ciliary and flagellar motility. * Flagellar motility is driven by the highly organized ""9+2” microtubule axoneme, within which dynein axonemal heavy chain (DNAH) proteins serve as the core molecular motors generating sliding forces between microtubule doublets via ATP hydrolysis","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DNAH14 is a single-headed inner-arm dynein, which is a core mechanochemical component of ciliary and flagellar motility""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flagellar and ciliary beating: the proven and the possible ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.biologists.com/jcs/article/123/4/519/31582/Flagellar-and-ciliary-beating-the-proven-and-the""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 15, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""* Flagellar motility is driven by the highly organized \""9+2” microtubule axoneme, within which dynein axonemal heavy chain (DNAH) proteins serve as the core molecular motors generating sliding forces between microtubule doublets via ATP hydrolysis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Novel DNAH1 Mutation Loci Lead to Multiple Morphological Abnormalities of the Sperm Flagella and Literature Review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9482856/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 25, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Animal behavior,Free-Format Question,Male social dominance affects access to mates but not female mate choice in a livebearing fish.,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.16.682567v1,"October 16, 2025","Researchers investigated female mate choice in the pygmy halfbeak Dermogenys colletei, to test whether females prefer socially dominant males. Lab-reared descendants of a wild-caught population from the Johor State of Malaysia (Tebrau River) were maintained on a 12:12 light:dark cycle at 26-27°C and fed daily a mixture of either ground flake food, freshly hatched Artemia, Drosophila melanogaster, or mosquito larvae (Chaoborus crystallinus). Aquaria contained ∼2 cm of gravel, were oxygenated, and contained live or artificial plants. Sexually mature fish were kept in either mixed sex or sex-specific 160L aquaria in groups of 10-25 individuals. They performed mate choice assays in dichotomous choice tanks (45 x 25 x 20 cm), consisting of one main chamber (45 x 15 x 20 cm) and three smaller stimulus chambers (each 15 x 10 x 20 cm), separated by removable transparent and opaque dividers. A focal virgin female that had visual access to 70 L tanks housing 10 males and 10 females for 11-12 days before entering the experiment was placed in the main chamber. Two males (photographed 3-4 days) were placed randomly in either the right or left stimulus chambers of the dichotomous choice tanks. All fish were given one hour to habituate in the experimental chambers (opaque barriers were in place to prevent the fish from visually interacting) to reduce stress. Then, the opaque barriers were lifted and the focal virgin females were allowed to freely explore the chamber and visually interact with both males for one hour. The opaque barriers separating the stimulus males were removed, allowing the males to interact with each other freely for one hour. During this period, the female had the opportunity to observe male-male interactions. Researchers recorded the number of times a male displaced the other male. This was used to calculate the dominance index score, ranging from 0 (totally subordinate) to 1 (totally dominant) for each male, by recording displacement behaviours, in which one male (the aggressor) approaches the other or performs an agonistic behaviour, making the targeted male distance himself from the other. These behaviours were used to calculate the dominance index as: 1 - (Displacements by an aggressor male/Total number of displacements in the dyad). After one hour of interactions, males were guided back to the stimuli chambers and the opaque barriers between the stimuli chambers were re-erected. Then, they assessed female preference for one hour, during which time the females could move freely in the main chamber. The association zone, which is the duration of time a female spent within 5 cm in front of each stimulus male’s chamber (total dimension: 15 x 5 cm), was recorded. Sixty-four dichotomous mate choice trials were conducted; however, trials with an unclear dominance hierarchy and those with insufficient female activity were excluded. The final sample size for analysis was n = 46. Recorded videos were scored using BORIS. To assess whether females showed a preference for one of the two males, they first calculated the strength of preference (SOP) (ranging from 0 to 1) for the preferred males as follows: (Time in preferred male’s association zone - Time in non-preferred male’s association zone) / Time in both association zones. SOP for the left male scores were used as the response variable in a single LMM. The male dominance of the two males was included as fixed factor. Tank identity was included as a random factor to account for potential variation among the experimental tanks. ","- Male dyads dominance hierarchy, estimated using a dominance index score calculated as: 1 - (Displacements by an aggressor male/Total number of displacements in the dyad). - Female mating preference, estimated using a strength of preference index (SOP), calculated as (Time in preferred male’s association zone - Time in non-preferred male’s association) / Time in both association zones - The effect of the male dominance status in the female mating preference (calculated using a linear mixed model, in which strength of preference for the left male scores was the response variable, and male dominance was the fixed factor)","Researchers investigated female mate choice in the pygmy halfbeak Dermogenys colletei, to test whether females prefer socially dominant males. They performed mate choice assays in dichotomous choice tanks (45 x 25 x 20 cm), consisting of one main chamber (45 x 15 x 20 cm) and three smaller stimulus chambers (each 15 x 10 x 20 cm). All chambers were separated by removable transparent and opaque dividers. A focal virgin female, was placed in the main chamber, and two males were placed randomly in either the right or left stimuli chambers of the dichotomous choice tanks. Fish were given one hour to habituate, with the opaque barriers in place. Then, the opaque barriers were lifted and females were allowed to freely explore the chamber and visually interact with both males for one hour. The opaque barriers separating the stimulus males were then removed, allowing the males to freely interact with each other for one hour, meanwhile, the female was observing them. Researchers recorded the number of times a male displaced the other male and calculated the dominance index score. After one hour of interactions, males were guided back to the stimuli chambers and the opaque barriers between the stimuli chambers were re-erected. Then, they assessed female preference for one hour, during which time they could move freely in the main chamber. Finally, they calculated the strength of preference (SOP) (ranging from 0 to 1) for the preferred males, and used it in a linear mixed model analysis, as the response variable. Male dominance was used as the fixed factor. Would you expect male dominance status to influence female strength of preference?",Female strength of preference (SOP) was not influenced by male dominance status.,"- Female preference for dominant males has been recorded for a variety of species. - In many species, males that are more successful during male-male competition can monopolize access to females, constraining female choice. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Female preference for dominant males has been recorded for a variety of species""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""How is female mate choice affected by male competition?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1017/S1464793105006809""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 15, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In many species, males that are more successful during male-male competition can monopolize access to females, constraining female choice""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""How is female mate choice affected by male competition?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1017/S1464793105006809""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 15, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Toxicology,Free-Format Question,Exploring the Venom Diversity of Australian Taipans: Comparative Characterization of Oxyuranus microlepidotus and Oxyuranus scutellatus,https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/17/10/488,"October 1, 2025","The researchers compared the quantitative proteomic profiles of two taipan species in Australia. The venoms of Oxyuranus microlepidotus (Inland Taipan) and Oxyuranus scutellatus (Coastal Taipan) were obtained from adult specimens and promptly lyophilized following extraction. Before analysis, each venom sample was reconstituted to a concentration of 2 mg/mL in 0.1% trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) in Milli-Q water. The samples were separated via reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) utilizing a Kinetex C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 5 µm) on a Shimadzu UPLC 20A Prominence system. A binary solvent system was utilized, with solvent A comprising water and acetic acid in a ratio of 999:1 (v/v), and solvent B consisting of acetonitrile, water, and acetic acid in a ratio of 949:50:1 (v/v/v). The separation was conducted at a constant flow rate of 0.2 mL/min utilizing an elution gradient of 0–40% solvent B over 80 minutes, preceded by an initial isocratic phase of 5 minutes at 5% B. The eluates were analyzed at 214 nm with a Shimadzu SPD-M20A photodiode array detector. Each collected fraction (50 µL aliquot) was subjected to reduction with 5 µL of 100 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) at 60 °C for 30 minutes, followed by alkylation with 5 µL of 100 mM iodoacetamide (IAA) in the dark for 45 minutes to inhibit the reformation of disulfide bonds. Digestion was conducted with 240 ng of sequencing-grade trypsin at 30 °C for 16 hours in a 50 mM ammonium bicarbonate buffer. Trypsin activity was inhibited with 5 µL of 10% TFA, and peptide samples were preserved at −20 °C prior to mass spectrometry analysis. Peptide mixtures were examined for proteome identification using liquid chromatography combined with an electrospray ionization ion-trap time-of-flight mass spectrometer (LC–ESI–IT–TOF/MS) from Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan. Samples were introduced into the identical C18 column, and ions were analyzed in positive mode (350–1400 m/z), with tandem MS/MS spectra acquired from 50–1950 m/z. The ESI interface was sustained at 4.5 kV, the detector functioned at 1.95 kV, and the interface temperature was set to 200 °C. The collision-induced fragmentation was conducted using an argon collision energy of 55 arbitrary units. To augment the electrospray data, matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF/MS) was conducted using the Axima Performance instrument from Shimadzu, Kyoto, Japan. Samples were co-crystallized with α-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (for the low mass range of 1,000–10,000 Da) and 3,5-dimethoxy-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (for the high mass range of 8,000–20,000 Da), and spectra were acquired in linear positive mode. The integration of LC–MS/MS and MALDI–TOF datasets facilitated the precise identification of individual toxin peptides and the verification of their theoretical molecular weights against experimentally obtained mass profiles. Proteomic data processing was performed utilizing PEAKS Studio and the UniProt Snakes database for protein identification and categorization. The quantitative assessment of toxin families utilized areas (%) under chromatographic peaks to proxy the total protein abundance using LCMSolution software (v 1.25). All procedures were conducted in triplicate for each species to ensure repeatability and evaluate inter-individual venom variability. ",- Measured the area under the chromatographic peaks (%) for Oxyuranus microlepidotus and Oxyuranus scutellatus venoms using LCMSolution software (v 1.25).,"A comparative quantitative bottom-up proteomic approach that integrates reversed-phase HPLC, LC–MS/MS and MALDI-TOF analysis was conducted to evaluate the venom composition of the Inland Taipan (Oxyuranus microlepidotus) with the Coastal Taipan (Oxyuranus scutellatus). Crude venoms (2 mg/mL) were subjected to fractionation on a C18 column (250 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with a 0.1% TFA–water/acetonitrile gradient (5–70% B, 60 min, 1 mL/min), with absorbance monitored at 214 nm. Each fraction underwent trypsin digestion (37 °C, 16 hours) and was subsequently analyzed using nanoLC–Orbitrap MS/MS (350–1800 m/z, ESI+, resolution = 70,000). Protein identities were determined using homology searches in the UniProt Snakes databases. Relative abundance was determined by integrating chromatographic peak areas using LCMSolution software (v 1.25) as a proxy for protein abundance. What would you expect to happen to the relative composition of the protein families PLA₂ and 3FTx in each Oxyuranus microlepidotus and Oxyuranus scutellatus venom under the described proteomic analysis conditions? ","O. scutellatus is dominated by PLA₂ with only a minor 3FTx component, whereas O. microlepidotus shows a much larger contribution from 3FTx and a less PLA₂-dominated profile.","- O. scutellatus and O. microlepidotus belong to a group of highly-venomous taipans found in Australian territory. - Along with the taipoxin, taipans produce toxins in its venom which contributes to neurotoxic effects such as blocking of the voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV). - Evidence has shown that O. microlepidotus has higher lethality compared to other known taipan species. - Phospholipases A₂ hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids that leads to myonecrosis and presynaptic neurotoxicity to tissues. - Small non-enzymatic peptides such as three-Finger Toxins (3FTx) target nAChRs which produce rapid paralysis and high selectivity for prey neuromuscular junctions. - Waprins are known to be structurally related to WAP (Whey Acidic Proteins) and have roles in innate immunity and immunomodulation. - 5′-nucleotidases have been implicated in hemostatic modulation through the inhibition of platelet aggregation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- O. scutellatus and O. microlepidotus belong to a group of highly-venomous taipans found in Australian territory.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The effects of antivenom on the in vitro neurotoxicity of venoms from the taipans Oxyuranus scutellatus, Oxyuranus microlepidotus and Oxyuranus scutellatus canni\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S004101019900118X?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 30, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Along with the taipoxin, taipans produce toxins in its venom which contributes to neurotoxic effects such as blocking of the voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Isolation and physiological characterization of taicatoxin, a complex toxin with specific effects on calcium channels""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0041010192905113?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 8, 2002\n""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Phospholipases A₂ hydrolyzes membrane phospholipids that leads to myonecrosis and presynaptic neurotoxicity to tissues.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""MYOTOXIC ACTIVITY OF THE CRUDE VENOM AND THE PRINCIPAL NEUROTOXIN, TAIPOXIN, OF THE AUSTRALIAN TAIPAN, Oxyuranus scutellatus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.1982.tb09191.x\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 1982""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Small non-enzymatic peptides such as three-Finger Toxins (3FTx) target nAChRs which produce rapid paralysis and high selectivity for prey neuromuscular junctions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Three finger toxins of elapids: structure, function, clinical applications and its inhibitors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11030-023-10734-3\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 25, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Waprins are known to be structurally related to WAP (Whey Acidic Proteins) and have roles in innate immunity and immunomodulation.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Identification of a Novel Family of Proteins in Snake Venoms: PURIFICATION AND STRUCTURAL CHARACTERIZATION OF NAWAPRIN FROM NAJA NIGRICOLLIS SNAKE VENOM""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0041010192905113\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 10, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""5′-nucleotidases have been implicated in hemostatic modulation through the inhibition of platelet aggregation.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The pharmacological role of nucleotidases in snake venoms\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cbf.1637""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 23, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology,Free-Format Question,Molecular basis of the autoregulatory mechanism of motor neuron-related splicing factor 30,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12398788/,"July 25, 2025","Flp-In T-REx 293 (293FTR) cells were maintained in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM) with high glucose (37 °C, 5% CO2). The culture media were supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 0.1 mg/ml streptomycin, and 100 U/ml penicillin G. A plasmid expressing SPF30-FLAG-6×His (pcDNA5/FRT/TO SPF30 (WT)-FH) was generated through the amplification of DNA fragments encoding full-length SPF30 using KOD Plus Neo polymerase (TOYOBO) with the primer pair KI-16 and KI-17, employing a modified pBICEP-CMV2 SPF30-FLAG plasmid as the template. The amplified DNA fragment was inserted into the BamHI site of pcDNA5/FRT/TO NVL2-FH with the NEBuilder HiFi DNA Assembly Master Mix. 293FTR cells were transfected with a 6xHis-tagged variant of SPF30 and pOG44 using Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. Clonal cell lines were selected in a culture medium supplemented with 100 μg/ml hygromycin B. To induce expression of SPF30-FLAG, the cells were treated with 1 μg/ml doxycycline (Dox) for 48 hours. After induction total RNA was extracted using either TRIzol Reagent or Sepasol-RNA I Super G. SPF30 mRNA relative expression, as shown by a coding sequence (CDS) or 3′-untranslated region (UTR) primer set, was measured with a RT-qPCR analysis through normalization with ACTB and compared to non-induced cells (-Dox). Additionally, non-transfected and therefore non-inducible cells (293FTR) were measured for the same outcomes. Reverse transcription was carried out using the PrimeScript RT reagent kit with oligo(dT) primers and random hexamers. Quantitative PCR was then performed with the THUNDERBIRD Next SYBR qPCR Mix on a CFX Connect Real-Time PCR System.",- Relative RNA levels in the DNA fragments (coding sequence (CDS) or 3′-untranslated region (UTR)) across cells (SPF30-FLAG-inducible or non-inducible 293FTR) after treatment (Doxycycline - or Doxycycline+).,"Flp-In T-REx 293 (293FTR) cells were transfected with a 6xHis-tagged variant of SPF30 (SPF30-FLAG-6×His) and pOG44 using Lipofectamine 2000 reagent. Clonal cell lines were selected in a culture medium supplemented with 100 μg/ml hygromycin B. Expression of SPF30-FLAG was induced with 1 μg/ml doxycycline (Dox) for 48 hours. After induction total RNA was extracted and SPF30 mRNA relative expression was measured in transfected and non-transfected cells, as shown by a coding sequence (CDS) or 3′-untranslated region (UTR) primer set, was measured with a RT-qPCR analysis through normalization with ACTB and compared to non-induced cells (-Dox). How does the mRNA expression of 3′UTR SPF30 change upon Doxycycline induced expression (Dox+) of a 6xHis-tagged variant of SPF30 (SPF30-FLAG) transgene in a Flp-In T-REx 293 (293FTR) cell line, normalized to ACTB and compared to non-induced controls (Dox-), measured by RT-qPCR 48h after induction?",The expression is reduced.,"- SPF30 is a splicing factor - Splicing factors can modify their own splicing variations to regulate their expression levels","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- SPF30 is a splicing factor""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SMNrp is an essential pre-mRNA splicing factor required for the formation of the mature spliceosome""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC125440/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Splicing factors can modify their own splicing variations to regulate their expression levels""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Post-transcriptional Regulation of Gene Expression via Unproductive Splicing""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11062102/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 10, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Reproductive Biology, Molecular Genetics",Numerical Values,Mating-type locus structure affects gene expression in unidirectional mating-type switching fungi,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.10.681704v1.full,"Oct 11, 2025","Researchers investigated how unidirectional mating-type switching (an endogenous mechanism inducing self-fertility that involves genomic rearrangements of the mating type genes) affects genome-wide gene expression in the fungus Ceratocystis albifundus. Starting with a self-fertile isolate (CMW4068, MAT-2 type) that naturally produces sexual structures (ascomata), single-ascospore cultures were generated and screened to identify offspring with different mating behaviors. Isolates that formed ascomata were classified as self-fertile, while those that did not were subcultured for two additional rounds to confirm sterility, then screened by PCR to determine mating-type locus structure. One MAT-2 self-sterile isolate (retaining both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 genes but unable to self-fertilize) was selected along with the original MAT-2 self-fertile parent for comparative analysis. For RNA extraction, each isolate was grown separately on 2% malt extract agar supplemented with thiamine (150 mg/L) and streptomycin (100 mg/L) at 25°C for 13 days, with mycelium collected from cellophane-covered plates. Three biological replicates per isolate type were prepared by pooling material from three plates per replicate. Total RNA was extracted using the RNeasy Plant Mini Kit with RLC buffer and on-column DNase I treatment. RNA-seq libraries were prepared and sequenced, then reads were mapped to the annotated C. albifundus reference genome (GenBank GCA_002742255; 7,024 genes) using CLC Genomics Workbench (length fraction = 0.5). Gene expression was quantified as FPKM (fragments per kilobase per million reads) and normalized using zFPKM; genes with mean zFPKM ≥ -3 were considered expressed. Differential expression between the MAT-2 self-fertile and MAT-2 self-sterile isolates was assessed using DESeq2, with significance defined as |log₂ fold change| ≥ 0.58 and adjusted p-value < 0.05.","- Gene expression levels (normalized counts or FPKM) measured by RNA sequencing in MAT-2 self-fertile and MAT-2 self-sterile isolates (three biological replicates each) - Number of differentially expressed genes (simple count of genes) between MAT-2 self-fertile and MAT-2 self-sterile isolates determined by DESeq2 statistical analysis (with significance criteria: |log₂FC| ≥ 0.58, adjusted p < 0.05) ","Researchers examined how mating-type locus configuration affects gene expression and fertility in Ceratocystis albifundus. The fungus C. albifundus isolate CMW4068 (MAT-2 self-fertile) was used as the parent strain. To obtain different mating-type forms (MAT-2 self-fertile, MAT-1 self-sterile, and MAT-2 self-sterile), single-ascospore isolates were generated from this parent culture. Cultures that formed ascomata were recorded as self-fertile, while those that did not were considered self-sterile. RNA was extracted, and the RNA reads were mapped to the reference genome of C. albifundus (n=7,024 genes). Gene expression levels were calculated and normalized, and differential expression between isolates was determined. Genes were considered significantly differentially expressed between sample types if there was a log2 fold change (log2FC) greater than 0.58 or less than –0.58 (approximately a 1.5-fold change) and an adjusted p-value less than 0.05. How many genes are expected to be differentially expressed between the MAT-2 self-sterile and MAT-2 self-fertile isolates?","Number of genes differentially expressed between the MAT-2 self-sterile and MAT-2 self-fertile isolates: 931-1137 (no confidence interval reported / applicable; Numerical Tolerance Fallback Policy applied of +-10% for reported value of 1,034 genes)","- Sexual reproduction in ascomycetes is controlled by a genomic region called the mating-type (MAT1) locus, which contains genes encoding transcription factors that regulate sexual compatibility. - Fungi exhibit two main reproductive strategies: heterothallic species require a partner of opposite mating type to reproduce sexually, while homothallic species can self-fertilize through various genetic mechanisms. - Unidirectional mating-type switching is a form of self-fertility found in certain filamentous ascomycetes where a single sexual event produces both self-fertile and self-sterile offspring through deletion of MAT1-2 genes from the mating-type locus. - Mating-type genes influence not only sexual reproduction but also other aspects of fungal biology including vegetative growth, spore structure, and pathogenicity, showing they function as broad regulators of gene expression. - In Ceratocystis species that undergo mating-type switching, three distinct isolate types exist: MAT-2 self-fertile individuals (containing both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 genes), MAT-1 self-sterile individuals (containing only MAT1-1 genes after deletion), and MAT-2 self-sterile laboratory mutants (retaining both gene sets but unable to self-fertilize). - Because isolates with different MAT1 locus configurations can be derived from the same parent, Ceratocystis albifundus is used as an experimental system to study how a single genetic locus influences genome-wide gene expression within an otherwise uniform genetic background.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Sexual reproduction in ascomycetes is controlled by a genomic region called the mating-type (MAT1) locus, which contains genes encoding transcription factors that regulate sexual compatibility.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genetic Networks That Govern Sexual Reproduction in the Pezizomycotina""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mmbr.00020-21""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 29, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fungi exhibit two main reproductive strategies: heterothallic species require a partner of opposite mating type to reproduce sexually, while homothallic species can self-fertilize through various genetic mechanisms.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Homothallism: an umbrella term for describing diverse sexual behaviours""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://imafungus.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.5598/imafungus.2015.06.01.13""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 19, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Unidirectional mating-type switching is a form of self-fertility found in certain filamentous ascomycetes where a single sexual event produces both self-fertile and self-sterile offspring through deletion of MAT1-2 genes from the mating-type locus.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mating-Type Switching in Filamentous Ascomycetes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1203058/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January, 1987""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mating-type genes influence not only sexual reproduction but also other aspects of fungal biology including vegetative growth, spore structure, and pathogenicity, showing they function as broad regulators of gene expression.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sexual reproduction and mating-type–mediated strain development in the penicillin-producing fungus Penicillium chrysogenum""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/abs/10.1073/pnas.1217943110""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 10, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In Ceratocystis species that undergo mating-type switching, three distinct isolate types exist: MAT-2 self-fertile individuals (containing both MAT1-1 and MAT1-2 genes), MAT-1 self-sterile individuals (containing only MAT1-1 genes after deletion), and MAT-2 self-sterile laboratory mutants (retaining both gene sets but unable to self-fertilize).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Unidirectional mating-type switching is underpinned by a conserved MAT1 locus architecture""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1087184523000907""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 17, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Because isolates with different MAT1 locus configurations can be derived from the same parent, Ceratocystis albifundus is used as an experimental system to study how a single genetic locus influences genome-wide gene expression within an otherwise uniform genetic background.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Variation in growth rates and aggressiveness of naturally occurring self-fertile and self-sterile isolates of the wilt pathogen Ceratocystis albifundus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://bsppjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ppa.12349""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 9, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Ecology and Entomology,Numerical Values,The influence of Temperature and Relative Humidity on the Development and Survival of Laboratory-Reared Anopheles arabiensis in Ethiopia,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.04.30.651405v1,"May 5, 2025","Anopheles arabiensis strain mosquitoes were reared under varying conditions, with eggs exposed to temperatures ranging from 14.5 to 34.35°C and relative humidity (RH) levels of 64–84%, and compared with those reared under standard insectary conditions (25±2°C and a relative humidity of 80±10%). 8,000 eggs were distributed across 20 treatments, each with four replicates, while control groups with 8 treatments received 3,200 eggs. The eggs were carefully washed and transferred into hatching trays after 24 hrs to hatch into larvae, which were monitored and recorded until pupation. Once pupation occurred, the pupae were transferred into cages, and adult emergence was closely monitored until the end of their lifespan. Mosquitoes were nourished with cotton balls soaked in a solution of one part sugar to nine parts dechlorinated water, which were placed on inverted plastic cups inside each cage. Female mosquitoes were given blood meals to facilitate egg development by allowing them to feed through the cage netting on the shaved belly of a rabbit secured to a wooden frame; feeding was confirmed when their abdomens appeared engorged and red. Researchers recorded daily the number of surviving and deceased adult mosquitoes for each combination of temperature and humidity conditions. ","- Survival rates of adult mosquitoes under each temperature and humidity condition - Mortality rates of adult mosquitoes under each temperature and humidity condition - Average lifespan of mosquitoes (day) under each temperature and humidity condition","Anopheles arabiensis strain mosquitoes were reared under varying conditions, with eggs exposed to temperatures of 14.5–34.35°C and relative humidity (RH) levels of 64–84% and compared with the ones that reared under standard insectary conditions (25±2°C and a relative humidity of 80±10%). 8,000 eggs were distributed across 20 treatments, each with four replicates, while 3,200 eggs were allocated to the control group. After a 24-hour period, the eggs were carefully washed and transferred to hatching trays. Once pupation occurred, the pupae were transferred into cages, and adult emergence was closely monitored until the end of their lifespan. Daily records were maintained to document the survival and mortality rates of adult mosquitoes under each temperature and humidity condition. At 34.35℃ and 64% RH, what is the expected minimum survival time?","At 34.35℃ and 64% RH, the minimum survival time was = [11.4 - 12.6] days, obtained from 12 ± 5% days. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ± 5%. Acceptable range 12 ± 0.6 days, or between 11.4 to 12.6 days.","- In Ethiopia, Anopheles species have been documented, with Anopheles arabiensis identified as the primary malaria vector. - Mosquito growth and population dynamics are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, with temperature, humidity, and precipitation being the most critical abiotic drivers - Temperature is the most influential abiotic factor, affecting mosquito behaviour, growth, survival, dispersal, and reproduction. It impacts all juvenile stages: egg, larval, and pupal development ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- In Ethiopia, Anopheles species have been documented, with Anopheles arabiensis identified as the primary malaria vector.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Updated list of Anopheles species (Diptera: Culicidae) by country in the Afrotropical Region and associated islands""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mapress.com/zt/article/view/zootaxa.4747.3.1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 04, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mosquito growth and population dynamics are influenced by both biotic and abiotic factors, with temperature, humidity, and precipitation being the most critical abiotic drivers""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Modeling the Impact of Seasonality on Mosquito Population Dynamics: Insights for Vector Control Strategies""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11538-024-01409-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 23, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Temperature is the most influential abiotic factor, affecting mosquito behaviour, growth, survival, dispersal, and reproduction. It impacts all juvenile stages: egg, larval, and pupal development""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effect of temperature on the development of the aquatic stages of Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto (Diptera: Culicidae)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/bulletin-of-entomological-research/article/abs/effect-of-temperature-on-the-development-of-the-aquatic-stages-of-anopheles-gambiae-sensu-stricto-diptera-culicidae/6375ECAEF9B542ABB63F074E0972C855""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 09, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Oncology / Proteomics,Numerical Values,Proteomic Characterization of Primary Human Pancreatic Cancer Cell Lines Following Long-Term Exposure to Gemcitabine,https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7382/13/4/48,"October 1, 2025","An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of gemcitabine exposure on the proteomes of human pancreatic cancer cells. Four such cell lines (PCC-1, PCC-2, PCC-7, and Mia PaCa-2) were cultured for 40 passages in DMEM (4.5 g/L glucose, GlutaMAX) supplemented with 10% FBS, 1% penicillin-streptomycin, and 1% amphotericin B, at 37 °C in a 5% CO₂ atmosphere. The two experimental treatments were control (no gemcitabine) versus GemR (50 nM gemcitabine for passages 1-25, then 150 nM for passages 26-40), with three replicates for each cell line. Cells were harvested at passages 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40. Following harvesting, whole-cell lysates were prepared using RIPA buffer. Proteins (10 μg per sample) were precipitated onto magnetic beads, reduced with dithiothreitol, alkylated with indole-3-acetic acid, and digested overnight with trypsin. Peptides were desalted using EVOTIPS. 200 ng samples of the digested peptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using an EVOSEP one LC system coupled to a timsTOF Pro2 mass spectrometer in data-independent acquisition (DIA) mode, scanning m/z 100-1700. Raw MS files were processed with DIA-NN 1.8.1 for protein identification and label-free quantification against the UniProt human database (European Bioinformatics Institute, EMBL-EBI, Cambridge, UK). Statistical analysis in the Perseus computational platform of the log2-transformed label-free quantitation (LFQ) intensities obtained from mass spectrometry analysis identified proteins with >30% abundance difference between GemR and control groups (p < 0.05) at each passage, classifying these as differentially abundant proteins (DAPs). ","- relative intensities of identified proteins (label-free quantitation (LFQ) values obtained from mass spectrometry analysis, for cell lines PCC-1, PCC-2, PCC-7, and Mia PaCa-2, under the two treatments of control vs. gemcitabine exposure, harvested at passages 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40) - number of differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) (simple count of proteins determined to have >30% abundance difference between control and gemcitabine-exposed groups, for each of four cell lines PCC-1, PCC-2, PCC-7, and Mia PaCa-2, harvested at passages 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40)","Researchers evaluated the long-term exposure effects of gemcitabine on pancreatic cancer cell proteomes. Four human pancreatic cancer cell lines (PCC-1, PCC-2, PCC-7, and Mia PaCa-2) were cultured for forty passages in the presence of gemcitabine (50 nM for the initial 25 passages, followed by 150 nM for the subsequent 15 passages), or without gemcitabine exposure (the control cohort), and harvested at passages 10, 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40. LC-MS/MS was used to characterize proteomes at each harvest, and a count was made of proteins with >30% abundance difference (DAPs) between gemcitabine-exposed and control groups for each cell line. Given the observation that cell line PCC-2 uniquely showed the culmination of progressive molecular adaptation with late adaptation, how many DAPs would you expect to be observed between gemcitabine-exposed and control PCC-2 cells at passage 40? ","Number of DAPs between PCC-2 treatments at passage 40: 348-426 (no CI/SE/SD reported or applicable; numerical tolerance fallback value for count data applied to reported value of 387) ","- When exposed to gemcitabine, pancreatic cancer cells quickly shift patterns of gene expression to supress drug transport, upregulate detoxification, and make other changes that lead to treatment failure. - Proteomic profiling is a highly valued technique for profiling the protein biomarkers that characterize the response of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine. - Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) is valued as a powerful proteomics technique for high-throughput quantification, in terms of accuracy and replicability, and applicability to oncology. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""When exposed to gemcitabine, pancreatic cancer cells quickly shift patterns of gene expression to supress drug transport, upregulate detoxification, and make other changes that lead to treatment failure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Barriers and opportunities for gemcitabine in pancreatic cancer therapy\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpcell.00331.2022""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 26, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Proteomic profiling is a highly valued technique for profiling the protein biomarkers that characterize the response of pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Comparative Proteomic Analysis Identifies Key Metabolic Regulators of Gemcitabine Resistance in Pancreatic Cancer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1535947622002171""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) is valued as a powerful proteomics technique for high-throughput quantification, in terms of accuracy and replicability, and applicability to oncology.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Data-independent acquisition mass spectrometry (DIA-MS) for proteomic applications in oncology\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2021/mo/d0mo00072h""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 9, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Oncology and molecular biology,MCQ,Investigating the Potential of Propranolol as an Anti-Tumor Agent in Colorectal Cancer Cell Lines,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12346906/,"Aug 4, 2025","Researchers assessed whether PRO (propranolol) treatment affects the viability of four colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines: (SW-480, HT-29, HCT-116, SW-620) in a dose-dependent manner. CRC cells were seeded in 24-well plates at a density of 5 × 10⁴ cells per well and incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C in a humidified atmosphere containing 5% CO₂. After incubation, the culture medium was replaced with serial dilutions (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µM) of PRO (treatment groups), while untreated wells served as controls. Cells were further incubated for 24 hours under identical conditions. Following treatment, cells were harvested and stained with 0.4% Trypan Blue solution. A 1:1 mixture of cell suspension and dye was prepared for each sample, and viable (unstained) cells were counted using a Nikon inverted microscope. Cell viability (%) was calculated as the ratio of viable cells in the treated group to those in the untreated control. The assay was performed in triplicate.","- Cell viability (%) calculated as the ratio of viable cells in colorectal cancer cell lines (SW-480, HT-29, HCT-116, SW-620) treated (serial dilutions of propranolol; 2.5–160 µM) to those in untreated groups.","Researchers assessed whether PRO (propranolol) treatment affects the viability of four colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines: (SW-480, HT-29, HCT-116, SW-620) in a dose-dependent manner. CRC cells were seeded in 24-well plates and incubated for 24 hours. After incubation, the culture medium was replaced with serial dilutions (2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 160 µM) of PRO (treatment groups), while untreated wells served as controls. Cells were further incubated for 24 hours under identical conditions. Following treatment, cells were harvested and stained with 0.4% Trypan Blue solution. Cell viability (%) was calculated as the ratio of viable cells in the treated group to those in the untreated control. Which of the following statements correctly ranks the CRC cells lines from most sensitive to least sensitive? A. SW-480 is the most sensitive to PRO, followed by HT-29, then HCT-116, and SW-620 as the least sensitive B. SW-480 is the most sensitive to PRO, with HCT-116, HT-29, and SW-620 having similar levels of sensitivity C. SW-480 is the most sensitive to PRO, followed by HCT-116, then HT-29, and SW-620 as the least sensitive D. SW-480 shows the greatest sensitivity, with HCT-116 and HT-29 showing similar sensitivity, and SW-620 as the least sensitive ","A. SW-480 is the most sensitive to PRO, followed by HT-29, then HCT-116, and SW-620 as the least sensitive","- Propranolol (PRO) is a non-selective beta-blocker (β-B). - PRO exhibits anti-tumor effects, suppressing tumor proliferation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Propranolol (PRO) is a non-selective beta-blocker (β-B) clinically used to treat cardiovascular diseases.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Repurposing Drugs in Oncology (ReDO)—Propranolol as an anti-cancer agent""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ecancer.org/en/journal/article/680-repurposing-drugs-in-oncology-redo-propranolol-as-an-anti-cancer-agent""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 10, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- PRO exhibits anti-tumor effects, suppressing tumor proliferation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Propranolol suppresses the growth of colorectal cancer through simultaneously activating autologous CD8+ T cells and inhibiting tumor AKT/MAPK pathway""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ascpt.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cpt.1894""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 17, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,"Cancer Biology, Pharmacology",MCQ,SLC25A39 regulates Hedgehog signaling to promote tumor progression and sorafenib resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-20008-7,"Oct 15, 2025","Researchers investigated whether combining SLC25A39 knockdown with sorafenib chemotherapy could enhance antitumor efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma using a mouse xenograft model. HCCLM3 liver cancer cells were stably transfected with either shSLC25A39 (to suppress SLC25A39 expression) or shControl (negative control) constructs. Six-week-old male BALB/c nude mice weighing 18-22 g received subcutaneous injections of 5 × 10^6 transfected cells into the right inguinal region. Once tumors became palpable, animals were randomly allocated into four experimental groups (n = 6 mice per group): shControl + PBS vehicle, shSLC25A39 + PBS vehicle, shControl + sorafenib, and shSLC25A39 + sorafenib. Mice assigned to sorafenib treatment received intraperitoneal injections of 20 mg/kg sorafenib (MCE, catalog HY-10201) on days 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24, while PBS groups received vehicle injections on the same schedule. The experiment continued for 28 days total. Tumor size (long and short diameters) was recorded every 4 days for a total of seven timepoints, and tumor volume (mm^3) was calculated from these measurements. On day 28, mice were anesthetized with inhaled isoflurane and euthanized by cervical dislocation. Subcutaneous tumors were surgically excised and weighed (in grams) using a balance to determine final tumor mass. Statistical analysis was performed using GraphPad Prism software (version 8.0.2). Data were presented as mean ± standard error of the mean (SEM). Statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05.","- Tumor volume (mm^3) at day 28, derived from longitudinal measurements of tumor long and short diameters recorded every 4 days (instrumentation and calculation not detailed), for four treatment groups: shControl+PBS, shSLC25A39+PBS, shControl+Sorafenib, and shSLC25A39+Sorafenib (n=6 mice per group)","Researchers investigated whether combining SLC25A39 knockdown with sorafenib treatment enhances antitumor efficacy in a hepatocellular carcinoma mouse xenograft model. Male nude mice (n = 6 per group) were injected subcutaneously with HCC cells that were stably transfected with either shControl or shSLC25A39. Mice received intraperitoneal injections of either PBS or sorafenib (20 mg/kg) on days 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 24. Tumor volume (mm³), calculated from measurements of tumor long and short diameter taken every 4 days, was compared between treatment groups at day 28. Statistical comparisons were performed on these endpoint data. Which of the following outcomes was observed? Select all that apply. A. Both shSLC25A39 knockdown alone (shSLC25A39 + PBS) and sorafenib monotherapy (shControl + sorafenib) significantly reduced tumor volume compared to control (shControl + PBS), but statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between these two monotherapy groups at day 28. B. The magnitude of tumor volume reduction achieved by the combination therapy (shSLC25A39 + sorafenib) compared to control was approximately equal to the sum of the individual reductions produced by shSLC25A39 knockdown alone and sorafenib monotherapy alone, consistent with an additive rather than synergistic therapeutic interaction. C. While both monotherapies reduced tumor volume significantly, the absolute magnitude of suppression achieved by shSLC25A39 knockdown alone (shSLC25A39 + PBS) was approximately 50% greater than that achieved by sorafenib monotherapy (shControl + sorafenib), indicating superior single-agent efficacy. D. The combination therapy group (shSLC25A39 + sorafenib) achieved approximately 85-90% tumor volume reduction compared to control (shControl + PBS), representing a substantially greater suppressive effect than either monotherapy alone.","A. Both shSLC25A39 knockdown alone (shSLC25A39 + PBS) and sorafenib monotherapy (shControl + sorafenib) significantly reduced tumor volume compared to control (shControl + PBS), but statistical analysis revealed no significant difference between these two monotherapy groups at day 28. D. The combination therapy group (shSLC25A39 + sorafenib) achieved approximately 85-90% tumor volume reduction compared to control (shControl + PBS), representing a substantially greater suppressive effect than either monotherapy alone.","- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 80% of primary liver cancers and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with many patients diagnosed at advanced stages unsuitable for surgical intervention. - Sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was the first FDA-approved systemic therapy for advanced, unresectable HCC and remains a standard treatment, though its long-term efficacy is limited by the emergence of acquired drug resistance. - SLC25A39 is a member of the solute carrier (SLC) transporter family and has been identified as playing an essential role in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and glutathione (GSH) transport, functions that are relevant to cellular stress responses and drug metabolism. - Drug resistance in HCC involves multiple mechanisms including overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that enhance drug efflux, metabolic alterations, and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, making combination therapeutic strategies important for overcoming resistance. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounts for approximately 80% of primary liver cancers and is the fourth leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with many patients diagnosed at advanced stages unsuitable for surgical intervention""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sorafenib in Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa0708857""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 24, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Sorafenib, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was the first FDA-approved systemic therapy for advanced, unresectable HCC and remains a standard treatment, though its long-term efficacy is limited by the emergence of acquired drug resistance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Systemic therapy for intermediate and advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: Sorafenib and beyond""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305737218300756""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SLC25A39 is a member of the solute carrier (SLC) transporter family and has been identified as playing an essential role in mitochondrial iron homeostasis and glutathione (GSH) transport, functions that are relevant to cellular stress responses and drug metabolism.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" SLC25A39 links mitochondrial GSH sensing with iron metabolism""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/molecular-cell/fulltext/S1097-2765(23)01083-3""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 15, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Drug resistance in HCC involves multiple mechanisms including overexpression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters that enhance drug efflux, metabolic alterations, and remodeling of the tumor microenvironment, making combination therapeutic strategies important for overcoming resistance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""ABC transporters affects tumor immune microenvironment to regulate cancer immunotherapy and multidrug resistance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1368764622001042""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 30, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Plant biology, growth hormones",MCQ,Strigolactones coordinate barley tillering and grain size,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12509884/,"June 4, 2025","The hvdwarf14.d (hvd14) strigolactone (SL) receptor mutant of the barley two-row spring cultivar ""Sebastian"" was compared with the wild type of the same cultivar. Both plants were grown under normal glasshouse conditions (16/8h long day lighting at 21/16 °C) in small sized (55 mm 0.22 litre tube) pots. 10 seeds each of the the wild type and mutant plants were sown at 2 cm depth in Cocopeat soil mix (56% coconut coir fibre, 44% sand, and slow release NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and ""K"" - Potassium) fertilizer). The final tiller number was scored at harvest and is determined from the appearance of the first visible node in the main stem. The grain number was manually scored for each spike post-harvest. ","- Tilled number of plants at harvest across strains (Wild type barley cultivar ""Sebastian"" (WT), and strigolactone receptor mutant of barley cultivar ""Sebastian"" (hvd14)) - Grain number of plants at harvest across strains (Wild type barley cultivar ""Sebastian"" (WT), and strigolactone receptor mutant of barley cultivar ""Sebastian"" (hvd14))","Strigolactone signalling is used in plants to modulate growth, and this is thought to be through inhibition of tiller bud outgrowth. Strigolactone receptor mutant plants of barley cultivar ""Sebastian"" (hvd14) were grown and compared with the wild type (WT) of the same cultivar (n = 10 for each group) under normal glasshouse conditions (16/8h long day lighting, 21/16°C) in Cocopeat soil mix (56% coconut coir fibre, 44% sand, and slow release NPK fertilizer). At harvest, the number of tillers, determined from the appearance of the first visible node in the main stem, was counted on each plant and compared. The number of grains was also counted. Which of the following outcomes is most likely when comparing hvd14 to WT? A. The number of tilers will be greater in hvd14 than in WT. The number of grains will be lower in hvd14 than in WT. B. The number of tilers will be lower in hvd14 than in WT. The number of grains will be lower in hvd14 than in WT. C. The number of tilers will be greater in hvd14 than in WT. The number of grains will be greater in hvd14 than in WT. D. The number of tilers will be lower in hvd14 than in WT. The number of grains will be greater in hvd14 than in WT. ","C. The number of tilers will be greater in hvd14 than in WT. The number of grains will be greater in hvd14 than in WT. ","- Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that modulate plant growth by inhibiting tiller outgrowth - Mutant barley ""hvd14"" is a mutant of the ""Sebastian"" cultivar created in a TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions In Genomes) population which carries a mutation in the HvDWARF14 gene which encodes the SL (strigolactone) receptor.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Strigolactones (SLs) are plant hormones that inhibit tiller outgrowth""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Strigolactone inhibition of shoot branching""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18690209/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 11, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mutant barley \""hvd14\"" is a mutant of the \""Sebastian\"" cultivar created in a TILLING (Targeting Induced Local Lesions In Genomes) population which carries a mutation in the HvDWARF14 gene which encodes the SL (strigolactone) receptor.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Identification and functional analysis of the HvD14 gene involved in strigolactone signaling in Hordeum vulgare""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/ppl.12460""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 27, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Ecology/ Microbiology,MCQ,Microbiome composition and function vary with depth in the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.683177v1,"October 18, 2025","Researchers investigated depth-related variations in the microbiome of the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis. Branch samples (10-15 cm long) were collected from 10 colonies at shallow depth (12m, n=5), and mesophotic depth, (57m, n=5) via SCUBA diving off the Banyuls-sur-Mer coast, in southern France, during December 2020. Genomic DNA was isolated from each sample using a standard Zymo DNA extraction kit protocol. High-depth shotgun metagenomic sequencing was performed on an Illumina NovaSeq platform (paired-end 2 x 150 bp reads, targeting >80 Gb per sample). For taxonomic profiling of the prokariotic community, reads were quality-trimmed with Cutadapt (v1.16, min length = 75 bp, quality cutoff = 20), then analyzed with mTAGs (97% similarity for OTUs) using the SILVA database v128. ","- Relative abundance of prokaryotic fom mTAGs at genus level across depths (shallow 12m vs mesophotic 57m). - Community composition similarity of prokaryotic microbiomes across depths (shallow 12m vs mesophotic 57m). - Abundance of prokaryotic metagenome-assembled genomes (MAGs) across depths. - Relative abundance of dominant bacterial genera across depths.","To study depth-related variations in the prokaryotic microbiome of the gorgonian coral Eunicella singularis, researchers sampled branches from colonies at shallow (12m) and mesophotic (57m) depths in the South of France. From the samples, DNA was extracted and subjected to high-depth shotgun metagenomic sequencing. Taxonomic profiling of the prokaryotic community was performed using mTAGs and the SILVA database (97% similarity). Which result would be more consistent with a depth-driven restructuring of the microbial community? A. A clear turnover in dominant bacterial taxa, with Endozoicomonas prevalent in shallow colonies and Bermanella replacing it in mesophotic ones. B. Reduced diversity but unchanged dominance of Endozoicomonas across depths, indicating a stable core microbiome. C. Significant enrichment of Symbiodiniaceae-associated taxa in deep colonies where photosynthetic activity is limited. D. A marked shift toward habitat specialists like Thalassolituus and Aquimarina dominating at depth. ","B. Reduced diversity but unchanged dominance of Endozoicomonas across depths, indicating a stable core microbiome.","- Eunicella singularis is a photophilic octocoral present at depths of 10-70m in the Western Mediterranean. - E. singularis harbors symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates, whose function is to supply energy through photosynthesis and aid nutrient absorption in nutrient-poor environments ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Eunicella singularis is a photophilic octocoral present at depths of 10-70m in the Western Mediterranean.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Size and spatial structure in deep versus shallow populations of the Mediterranean gorgonian Eunicella singularis (Cap de Creus, northwestern Mediterranean Sea)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00227-011-1686-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 24, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- E. singularis harbors symbiotic Symbiodiniaceae dinoflagellates, whose function is to supply energy through photosynthesis and aid nutrient absorption in nutrient-poor environments""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Novel tools integrating metabolic and gene function to study the impact of the environment on coral symbiosis.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2014.00448/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 20, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Molecular Biology, Metabolism",MCQ,The microprotein C16orf74/MICT1 promotes thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue,"https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.1038/s44318-025-00444-x ","April 30, 2025","Researched examined how overexpression of MICT1, a microprotein expressed in brown adipose tissue, affects thermogenesis in cultured brown adipocytes. Confluent brown adipocyte precursor cells were differentiated for 4 days using DMEM containing 10% FBS, 850 nM insulin, 0.5 mM IBMX, 1 μM dexamethasone, 1 nM T3, 125 nM indomethacin, and 1 μM rosiglitazone. On day 4 of differentiation, cells were infected with adenovirus expressing either C-terminal Flag-tagged MICT1 or GFP control at an optimized multiplicity of infection. Heat production was quantified on Day 6 by treating cells with 250 nM ERthermAC dye for 30 minutes, followed by flow cytometry to determine the percentage of dye-positive cells in the high-temperature region (R1) under basal stimulation conditions and stimulation with the β-adrenergic agonist forskolin(10 μM, 6h). Mitochondrial respiration was assessed on Day 6 using a Seahorse XFe24 Flux Analyzer after reseeding 50,000 cells/well; oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was recorded in pmol O₂/min under basal and β3-adrenergic stimulation with 1 μM CL-316,243 for 6h, followed by sequential addition of oligomycin (0.5 μM), FCCP (1 μM), and rotenone/antimycin A to calculate uncoupled OCR (oligomycin-resistant OCR minus non-mitochondrial respiration), with all values normalized to cellular protein content (pmol O₂/min/μg protein).","- Heat production, measured as the percentage of ERthermAC-positive cells in high-temperature region (R1) using flow cytometry with ERthermAC thermosensitive fluorescent dye, for MICT1 vs GFP-infected cells, across two experimental treatments of (1) basal, or (2) β-adrenergic agonist stimulation (using forskolin) - Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) measured in units of pmol/min, normalized to (pmol/min)/(µg protein) for comparative analysis, using a Seahorse Xfe24 Flux Analyzer, for MICT1 vs GFP-infected cells, over two experimental treatments of (1) basal, or (2) β-adrenergic agonist stimulation (using CL-316,243) ","In the gain-of-function study where differentiated brown adipocytes were infected with MICT1 or GFP control virus, heat production was monitored by ERthermAC and mitochondrial respiration by Seahorse OCR under both basal and CL-316,243–treated conditions. Based on the experimental description, which result was directly observed for the MICT1-overexpressing cells? A. A higher percentage of ERthermAC⁺ cells in the high-temperature (R1) region and higher OCR values in all tested conditions. B. No difference in ERthermAC signal or OCR compared with GFP controls. C. Reduced ERthermAC⁺ fraction and lower OCR under basal but not stimulated conditions. D. Higher ERthermAC signal only, with no corresponding change in OCR.",A. A higher percentage of ERthermAC⁺ cells in the high-temperature (R1) region and higher OCR values in all tested conditions.,"- Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a type of fat tissue that generates heat instead of storing energy. - Thermogenesis is the cellular process of heat production through mitochondrial activity. - MICT1 is a microprotein in brown-fat that binds PP2B to enhance the PKA-driven heat production. - Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) is a report of mitochondrial respiration. - ERthermAC dye is a fluorescent dye that measures any cellular heat production. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is a type of fat tissue that generates heat instead of storing energy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Protein kinase A induces UCP1 expression in specific adipose depots to increase energy expenditure and improve metabolic health""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/ajpregu.00114.2016""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 20, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Thermogenesis is the cellular process of heat production through mitochondrial activity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""UCP1 ablation induces obesity and abolishes diet-induced thermogenesis in mice exempt from thermal stress by living at thermoneutrality""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/AJHG/fulltext/S1550-4131(08)00421-X""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 4, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""MICT1 is a microprotein in brown-fat that binds PP2B to enhance the PKA-driven heat production.""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""No reference cited in paper; the paper is the canonical reference for this RBK item.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) is a direct measure of mitochondrial respiration.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mitochondria-derived peptides in aging and healthspan""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jci.org/articles/view/158449\n\n\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 2, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA\n\n""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""ERthermAC dye is a fluorescent dye that can be used to measure cellular heat production.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Optical visualisation of thermogenesis in\nstimulated single-cell brown adipocytes.\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-017-00291-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 3, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology/Plant development,MCQ,Enhanced auxin signaling promotes root-hair growth at moderately low temperature in Arabidopsis thaliana,https://www.cell.com/plant-communications/fulltext/S2590-3462(25)00112-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS2590346225001129%3Fshowall%3Dtrue,"June 9, 2025","Researchers sought to determine whether auxin levels are altered during enhanced root growth under low-temperature conditions. Arabidopsis seedlings expressing 35S:DII-Venus reporter were germinated on 0.5×Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium agar plates supplemented with MES (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid) and grown in a plant growth chamber under continuous light (120 μmol m− 2 s− 1). Plants were subjected to cold treatment by growing them for 5 days at 22◦C followed by 3 days at 10◦C before imaging. Controls were grown for 8 days at 22◦C. Confocal images were acquired using a Zeiss LSM 710 confocal microscope equipped with a 20×/1.0 NA Plan-Apochromat water objective. Fluorescence intensity (integrated density in arbitrary units) was measured in root regions to quantify auxin accumulation: the meristematic (n=24-34) and differentiation zones (n=25-33) for 35S:DII-Venus. The GFP signal was excited using a 488-nm argon laser, and its emission was acquired at 493–549 nm. The YFP signal, including Venus, was excited with a 514-nm argon laser, and its emission was acquired at 523–600 nm. Intensity measurements were performed using Fiji software.",- Fluorescence intensity of reporter 35S:DII-Venus in root regions (the meristematic and the differentiation zone) for control (22 °C) and low-temperature (10 °C) treated Arabidopsis seedlings.,"To assess whether auxin levels are altered during enhanced root growth under low-temperature conditions, researchers used the 35S:DII-Venus reporter. Arabidopsis seedlings expressing this reporter were subjected to cold treatment (5 days at 22 °C followed by 3 days at 10 °C) with controls (8 days at 22 °C). Fluorescence integrated density (AU) was measured in root regions (the meristematic and differentiation zones) to quantify auxin accumulation. Which outcome best describes the effect of low-temperature treatment on 35S:DII-Venus fluorescence? A. Fluorescence intensity increased significantly in both the meristematic and differentiation zones. B. Fluorescence intensity decreased significantly in the differentiation zone, while the meristematic zone showed only a slight, nonsignificant increase. C. Fluorescence intensity was unchanged in the differentiation zone but decreased in the meristematic zone. D. Fluorescence intensity increased significantly in the differentiation zone but decreased significantly in the meristematic zone. ","B. Fluorescence intensity decreased significantly in the differentiation zone, while the meristematic zone showed only a slight, nonsignificant increase.","- Auxin plays a complex and multifunctional role in RH growth, involving systemic auxin metabolism localized primarily in the root meristem and root cap, intercellular auxin transport through the root epidermis, and localized signaling in root hairs. - The 35S:DII-Venus reporter is used to determine whether auxin levels are altered during enhanced RH growth. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Auxin plays a complex and multifunctional role in RH growth, involving systemic auxin metabolism localized primarily in the root meristem and root cap, intercellular auxin transport through the root epidermis, and localized signaling in root hairs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Auxin: simply complicated""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/jxb/article/64/9/2565/521831""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 24, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The 35S:DII-Venus reporter is used to determine whether auxin levels are altered during enhanced RH growth.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A novel sensor to map auxin response and distribution at high spatio-temporal resolution""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature10791""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 15, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Cell Biology/ Autophagy,Free-Format Question,Role of Autophagy Induced by Pmel17 in the Pathogenesis of Vitiligo,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12523692/#cit0003,"October 11, 2025","Four-week-old SPF grade female C57BL/6 mice, weighing 15–18 g, were selected. Vitiligo was induced in the mice by shaving a 2×2 cm area on the abdomen and applying 40% monobenzone cream (4-benzyloxy phenol, Sigma) until fully absorbed. Application of the cream was discontinued on day 50 and observation continued until day 65. The mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group injected with Lv-sh-NC (Control group), control group injected with Lv-sh-Pmel17 (Pmel17-shRNA group), monobenzone group injected with Lv-sh-NC (Monobenzone group) and monobenzone group injected with Lv-sh-Pmel17 (Monobenzone+shRNA group). For lentivirus injection, 20 μL of 108 TU lentivirus was intradermally injected into the shaved back skin of each mouse every 3 days for 5 times. The mice were maintained at a constant temperature of 20±2°C, 50±10% relative humidity, and a 12 h light/dark cycle. After 65 days of observation, the mice were euthanized by cervical dislocation, and the skin tissues were collected for fixation and staining. Cells were fixed with 2.5% glutaraldehyde, rinsed and then fixed with 1% osmium tetroxide. Following fixation, the cells were fractionally dehydrated using acetone, embedded in epoxy resin and sectioned into ultrathin slices. The sections were stained with lead citrate and uranyl acetate, then observed using a transmission electron microscope (JEM-1200EX, JEOL).","- Number of melanosomes - Number of autophagosomes ","Mice were randomly divided into four groups: control group injected with Lv-sh-NC (Control group), control group injected with Lv-sh-Pmel17 (Pmel17-shRNA group), monobenzone group injected with Lv-sh-NC (Monobenzone group) and monobenzone group injected with Lv-sh-Pmel17 (Monobenzone+shRNA group). Skin tissue was harvested from these mice after 65 days of observation and imaged via TEM. Which treatment will have the most melanosomes and autophagosomes?","The results revealed a higher number of melanosomes in the Control group, the Pmel17-shRNA, Monobenzone, and Monobenzone+shRNA groups all showed a marked reduction in melanosomes. Additionally, the Monobenzone+shRNA group showed significant autophagosome formation.","- Vitiligo is a depigmentation disease where patients exhibit opalescent spots with clear boundaries, which tend to occur on the face, limbs and other exposed areas caused by the loss of functional melanocytes in the epidermis. - Melanocytes are melanin producing cells found in the epidermis of the skin. - Premelanosome Protein 17 (Pmel17, also known as gp100) plays an important role in the formation of signature fibers. Mutations in the Pmel17 gene can lead to structural abnormalities in melanosomes. - 40% monobenzone cream is used to induce vitiligo. - Autophagy plays a role in the clearance of defective melanosomes","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Melanosomes are melanin producing cells found in the epidermis of the skin.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Vitiligo: a focus on pathogenesis and its therapeutic implications.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1346-8138.15743""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 6, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Premelanosome Protein 17 (Pmel17, also known as gp100) plays an important role in the formation of signature fibers. Mutations in the Pmel17 gene can lead to structural abnormalities in melanosomes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PMEL: a pigment cell-specific model for functional amyloid formation.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/pcmr.12067""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 25, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Biology, algal physiology ",Free-Format Question,Modulation of PUFA and PUA production in coastal diatoms by varying light and phosphate availability,https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S221192642500476X/,"October 8, 2025 ","Cultures of the diatom Skeletonema pseudocostatum were grown in 3.5 L sterilized glass bottles under controlled conditions (20 °C; artificial light intensity of 75–100 μmol quanta m⁻² s⁻¹; 14:10 h light:dark cycle; continuous aeration with sterile air filtered through 0.22 μm PTFE). The experiment tested the effects of phosphate availability and light regime on fatty acid composition. Two nutrient conditions were established: high phosphate (P+; 32.42 ± 0.57 μM) and low phosphate (P-; 5.55 ± 0.16 μM). Cultures were exposed to three light treatments: cool white light (L1), warm white light with a 14:10 h cycle (L2), and continuous warm white light (L3). Each treatment was performed in triplicate. Samples were collected at exponential and stationary growth phases to quantify polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) relative content (%). To characterize PUFA, 200 mL of the experimental cultures were collected at exponential and stationary growth phases. After centrifugation at 3500 rpm for 5 min, the pellets were extracted 5 times with a solution of acetone:methanol (1:1) and sonicated for 5 min on ice (ultrasound bath, 200 W–50 Hz for 5 min). The combined extracts were filtered, evapo¬rated under reduced pressure, and frozen until the analysis of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). Transmethylation was performed by treating the extracts with 1 mL of MeOH/HCl (10:1) and heating under reflux for 1 h. After cooling, the reaction was extracted with hexane (3 × 3 mL), and the organic layers were combined, dried over MgSO4, and evaporated. FAME were analyzed by GC–MS using an Agilent Technologies 7890 A GC system, coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with an electron impact ionization source and scanning the mass range m/z 50–550. FAME were identified using a high resolution SYNAPT G2 in¬ strument (Waters, USA) equipped with a quadrupole-time of flight (QTOF) analyzer. FAME chromatographic separation was carried out on an HP-5MS column, and fatty acid quantification was based on retention times and mass spectrum compared to commercial FAME standards, analyzed by GC–MS using C17:0 as an internal standard. ","- Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) concentration (fmol cell− 1) of S. pseudocostatum cultures in exponential and stationary growth phase under different culture conditions (L1, L2 and L3 light conditions in high and low phosphate concentration), determined from FAME profiles obtained by GC–MS (Agilent 7890A system coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer), using C17:0 as an internal standard and commercial FAME standards for identification and quantification.","Researchers tested the effects of phosphate availability and light regime on fatty acid composition in a Skeletonema pseudocostatum culture. Two nutrient conditions were established: high phosphate (P+; 32.42 ± 0.57 μM) and low phosphate (P-; 5.55 ± 0.16 μM). Cultures were exposed to three light treatments: cool white light (L1), warm white light with a 14:10 h cycle (L2), and continuous warm white light (L3). Each treatment was performed in triplicate. Samples were collected at exponential and stationary growth phases to quantify polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). PUFA was determined from fatty acids methyl esters (FAME) profiles obtained by GC–MS (Agilent 7890A system coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer), using C17:0 as an internal standard and commercial FAME standards for identification and quantification. For samples taken during the exponential phase under conditions P+L1, P+L2, P-L2 and P-L3, in which condition did the cultures show the highest PUFA concentration?",P+L2 presented the highest PUFA concentration.,"- Interestingly, in certain diatom species, a rapid decline in PUFA content has been directly related to polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUA) production, as some PUFA serve as precursors into PUA. - It is well established that environmental conditions, particularly nutrient availability and light, play a critical role in regulating the biochemical composition of diatoms, including the PUFA content and their capacity to produce secondary metabolites such as PUA. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Interestingly, in certain diatom species, a rapid decline in PUFA content has been directly related to polyunsaturated aldehydes (PUA) production, as some PUFA serve as precursors into PUA.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Lipid Profile, Antioxidant and Antihypertensive Activity, and Computational Molecular Docking of Diatom Fatty Acids as ACE Inhibitors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/2/186""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 19, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""It is well established that environmental conditions, particularly nutrient availability and light, play a critical role in regulating the biochemical composition of diatoms, including the PUFA content and their capacity to produce secondary metabolites such as PUA.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Marine diatom Thalassiosira weissflogii based biorefinery for co-production of eicosapentaenoic acid and fucoxanthin""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0960852420305162?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 24, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Immunology,MCQ,The C. elegans immune switch proteins PALS-25 and PALS-22 localize to mitochondria and regulate fragmentation.,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.13.682198v1,"October 15, 2025","The C. elegans worms used in the research were maintained at 20°C on Nematode Growth Media (NGM) plates seeded with streptomycin-resistant Escherichia coli OP50-1. To ensure the worms were synchronised at the same life stage, gravid adults from NGM + OP50-1 plates were washed with M9 media into a 15ml conical tube. The tube was then centrifuged at 3,000 rpm for 30 seconds to pellet the worms, followed by supernatant removal, leaving around 2ml of M9 with the worm pellet. Next, 800µl of 5.65-6% sodium hypochlorite solution and 200µl of 2M NaOH were added, and the tube was vortexed intermittently for ∼2 minutes or until the majority of adult animals had partially dissolved and released embryos into solution. Next, the embryos were washed by filling the tube to 15ml with M9, the tube was centrifuged to pellet the embryos, and the supernatant was removed (wash process). This wash process was repeated 4 additional times for a total of 5 washes, and finally, the embryos were resuspended to a final volume of ∼5ml in M9. The tube containing the embryos was then placed in a 20 °C incubator with continual rotation for 16-24 hours to hatch synchronised L1s. For determining the location of PALS-22 and PALS-25 with/without RNAi knockdowns, TransgeneOme constructs (which are a resource collection of specific C. elegans genes tagged at their C termini with GFP, surrounded by approximately 20 kb of endogenous regulatory region) for PALS-22(PALS-22::GFP) and PALS-25(PALS-25::GFP) proteins were used. Synchronised L1s expressing either jyEx193[pals-22p::pals-22::GFP::3xFLAG] or jyEx237[pals-22p::pals-25::GFP::3xFLAG] were plated to 6-cm RNAi plates seeded with either L4440 control vector, pals-22(RNAi), or pals-25(RNAi) and were incubated at 20°C for 72 hours. MitoTracker Red CMXRos (Invitrogen M7512) staining of the C. elegans was performed using a 1mM MitoTracker stock solution in DMSO diluted to 5μM in M9, and 200μl of 5μM MitoTracker was then aliquoted into a 1.5ml microcentrifuge tube for each strain and/or RNAi condition. Approximately 50 adult animals per strain/condition were picked into 5 μM MitoTracker and were incubated in the dark at room temperature for 10 min with mixing by intermittent inversion. The worms were then pelleted by gravity settling, the supernatant was removed, 1 ml of M9 was added to the tube, and the worms were gently vortexed. The gravity settling and M9 wash procedure was repeated twice (3 washes total), and the worms were transferred to 10-cm NGM + OP50-1 plates. The worms were left to recover from MitoTracker treatment for 2 hours in the dark at 20°C. Localisation of PALS-22::GFP or PALS-25::GFP with MitoTracker Red following the different RNAi treatments was assessed using confocal imaging. For all confocal imaging, all animals were mounted on a 5% agarose pad in 100mM levamisole and imaged on an LSM700 confocal microscope with Zen 2010 software.","- Subcellular localization of PALS22::GFP following treatment with control or pals-25 RNAi knockdown. - Subcellular localization of PALS25::GFP following treatment with control or pals-22 RNAi knockdown. ","For determining the subcellular location of PALS-22 or PALS-25 proteins upon RNAi knockdowns, TransgeneOme constructs (which are a resource collection of specific C. elegans genes tagged at their C termini with GFP, surrounded by approximately 20 kb of endogenous regulatory region) for PALS-22(PALS-22::GFP) and PALS-25(PALS-25::GFP) proteins were used. Synchronised L1s C. elegans worm expressing either jyEx193[pals-22p::pals-22::GFP::3xFLAG] or jyEx237[pals-22p::pals-25::GFP::3xFLAG] were plated to 6-cm RNAi plates seeded with either L4440 control vector, pals-22(RNAi), or pals-25(RNAi) and were incubated at 20°C for 72 hours. If we successfully knockdown PALS-22 protein (RNAi knockdown of pals-22) in PALS-25::GFP worms, what would we expect if we examine PALS-25::GFP protein localisation via confocal microscopy? A) PALS-25::GFP maintains its mitochondrial association, but rather diffuses towards the outer mitochondrial membrane. B) PALS-25::GFP loses its mitochondrial association, showing a diffuse cytosolic expression pattern instead. C) PALS-25::GFP maintains its mitochondrial association, but rather forms puncta.","C) PALS-25::GFP maintains its mitochondrial association, but rather forms puncta.","- PALS-22 and PALS-25 proteins localize to mitochondria, with PALS-25 being required for PALS-22 localization to mitochondria - PALS-22 is a negative regulator that restrains pals-25, which serves as a positive regulator of immunity. - PALS-22 mutants have slowed development and shortened lifespan, which is reversed by mutations in pals-25, indicating that PALS-22 and PALS-25 control a physiological switch from a growth state to a defence state. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- PALS-22 mutants have slowed development and shortened lifespan, which is reversed by mutations in pals-25, indicating that PALS-22 and PALS-25 control a physiological switch from a growth state to a defence state.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antagonistic paralogs control a switch between growth and pathogen resistance in C. elegans.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6347328/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 14, 2019.""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Cancer Biology, Molecular Oncology",Numerical Values,SENP1 drives glycolysis and cisplatin resistance in gastric cancer via desumoylating ENO1,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12506269/,"Oct 8, 2025","Researchers investigated the effect of SENP1 overexpression on gastric cancer cell invasion. HGC-27 cells were cultured in RPMI-1640 medium with 10% FBS and 1% penicillin-streptomycin at 37°C under 5% CO2. For invasion assays, 10,000 cells in 200 µL serum-free medium were seeded into the upper chamber of transwell plates, with 600 µL medium containing 10% FBS added to the lower chamber. After 24-48 h incubation, invaded cells on the bottom surface were stained with crystal violet and counted (cell counts per microscopic field). Two groups were tested: non-targeted control (NC) and SENP1-overexpressing (OE) cells.","- Number of invaded GC cells per microscopic field (cells/field), across two experimental groups: NC (non-targeted control) and SENP1-OE (SENP1 overexpression)","Researchers investigated the effect of SENP1 on gastric cancer cell invasion. HGC-27 cells (10,000 cells in 200 µL FBS-free medium) were seeded into the upper chamber of a transwell plate, with 600 µL culture medium containing 10% FBS added to the lower chamber. After incubation, invaded cells on the bottom surface of the chamber were stained with crystal violet and counted using a microscope. Cells were counted per microscopic field. Two groups were compared: non-targeted control (NC) and SENP1-overexpressing (OE) cells. What was the difference in mean number of invaded cells per microscopic field (cells/field) between the SENP1-overexpressing and control groups after incubation?","Δ invaded cells = [90-110] cells/field after incubation (no confidence interval readable in paper; numerical tolerance fallback policy for count data applied to value of (400-300) = 100, derived from visual readouts of values for SENP1-OE = 400, and NC = 300)","- Gastric cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy and ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China. - SENP1 (sentrin-specific protease 1) is a desumoylation enzyme that is highly expressed in various tumors and promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in breast, colon, liver, and bladder cancers. - SENPs play crucial roles in cancer progression, including cell migration and invasion. - SENP1 is highly expressed in tumors and promotes the proliferation and aggressiveness of breast, colon, liver and bladder cancers.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Gastric cancer is a highly aggressive malignancy and ranks as the fifth leading cause of cancer-related deaths in China.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Global Cancer Statistics 2020: GLOBOCAN Estimates of Incidence and Mortality Worldwide for 36 Cancers in 185 Countries""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33538338/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 4, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SENP1 (sentrin-specific protease 1) is a desumoylation enzyme that is highly expressed in various tumors and promotes cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in breast, colon, liver, and bladder cancers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SUMO: From Bench to Bedside""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32666886/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 1, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SENPs play crucial roles in cancer progression, including cell migration and invasion.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The emerging roles of SUMOylation in the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic implications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10324244/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 6, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SENP1 is highly expressed in tumors and promotes the proliferation and aggressiveness of breast, colon, liver and bladder cancers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SUMO protease SENP1 deSUMOylates and stabilizes c-Myc""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6205424/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 10, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Microbiology, Microbial Ecology",Free-Format Question,Microbiome composition modulates the lethal outcome of Drosophila A virus infection,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.16.682821v1,"October 16, 2025","Researchers investigated whether Lactiplantibacillus plantarum supplementation affects survival of flies harboring different persistent viral infections. Female w1118 flies (1-2 days old) were either uninfected or carried persistent infections with Drosophila A virus (DAV), Nora virus, or Drosophila C virus (DCV). These persistent infections were maintained transgenerationally in laboratory fly stocks where viruses are transmitted vertically through successive generations without requiring new inoculations. Fly stocks were maintained at 25°C under a 12:12 hour light:dark cycle, but experimental flies were transferred to 29°C upon eclosion for survival analysis. Bacterial supplementation began one day before monitoring: food surfaces were coated with 10^8 CFU of live L. plantarum WJL or MRS broth control (creating eight treatment categories in total) for five consecutive days. After day 5, flies were maintained on standard food. Survival was monitored daily by counting dead flies until all died, with sample sizes of 36-76 flies per virus-bacteria combination. Statistical analysis used linear mixed-effects models with supplementation and infection as fixed factors and experimental block as random effect. Significance was determined by pairwise comparisons with Tukey's correction (P < 0.05).","- Fly lifespan (days), measured by daily visual mortality counts, across 8 treatment groups: uninfected, Nora virus, DAV, or DCV persistent infections, each with L. plantarum supplementation or MRS control; n=36-76 flies per group","Researchers investigated whether Lactiplantibacillus plantarum supplementation affects fly survival during persistent infections with different RNA viruses. Female w1118 flies persistently infected with Drosophila A virus (DAV), Nora virus, or Drosophila C virus, as well as uninfected controls, were maintained at 29°C. Flies were supplemented with L. plantarum by coating food surface with 10^8 CFU of bacterial culture or MRS broth as control, starting one day before the experiment and continuing for five days, after which flies were maintained on standard food. Survival was monitored daily until all flies died. Which persistent viral infection condition(s) showed significantly reduced survival under L. plantarum supplementation compared to control supplementation?""",Only flies persistently infected with Drosophila A virus (DAV) showed reduced survival with L. plantarum supplementation compared to control.,"- Microbiomes shape host responses to viral infections across diverse biological systems. - Drosophila melanogaster provides a simple, manipulable model for studying tripartite host-microbe-pathogen interactions, having gut microbiomes typically containing only 1-30 bacterial taxa. - Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a consistently identified member of laboratory Drosophila microbiomes that promotes growth under nutrient limitation - Drosophila A virus (DAV) is an enteric, single-stranded RNA virus that infects gut tissues, disrupts intestinal homeostasis, and reduces host lifespan. - Disease tolerance is defined as the ability to limit damage for a given pathogen load, distinct from resistance which reduces pathogen burden.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Microbiomes shape host responses to viral infections across diverse biological systems.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The interplay between the host microbiome and pathogenic viral infections""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/mbio.02496-21""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 2, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Drosophila melanogaster provides a simple, manipulable model for studying tripartite host-microbe-pathogen interactions, having gut microbiomes typically containing only 1-30 bacterial taxa""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Genome-Inferred Correspondence between Phylogeny and Metabolic Traits in the Wild Drosophila Gut Microbiome""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/gbe/article/13/8/evab127/6291655""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 3, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Lactiplantibacillus plantarum is a consistently identified member of laboratory Drosophila microbiomes that promotes growth under nutrient limitation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microbial community assembly in wild populations of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/ismej/article/12/4/959/7537760""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 22, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Drosophila A virus is an enteric, single-stranded RNA virus that infects gut tissues, disrupts intestinal homeostasis, and reduces host lifespan.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Discovery, Distribution, and Evolution of Viruses Associated with Drosophila melanogaster""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.plos.org/plosbiology/article?id=10.1371/journal.pbio.1002210""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 14, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Disease tolerance is defined as the ability to limit damage for a given pathogen load, distinct from resistance which reduces pathogen burden..""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Costs and benefits of plant responses to disease: resistance and tolerance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/evolut/article/48/6/1973/6870284""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1, 1994""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Biochemistry / Molecular oncology,Free-Format Question,"Methylated 1,2-naphthoquinone derivative SJ006 as an inhibitor of human glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines",https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-20702-6,"October 21, 2025","Researchers aimed to determine the cytotoxic effects of 1,2-naphthoquinone derivatives on non-small cell lung cancer cells. For this purpose, human non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, NCI-H292 ([H292] mucoepidermoid carcinoma; ATCC No. CRL-1848) and A549 (adenocarcinoma; ATCC No. CCL-185) were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium supplemented with 10% (v/v) fetal bovine serum (Gibco), and 1% penicillin–streptomycin (v/v). Cells were maintained in a humidified incubator at 37 °C with 5% CO2 in 95% air. The chemical compound SJ006 (2-methyl-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione), a 1,2-naphthoquinone derivative synthesized from lapachol (> 95% purity by 1H and 13C NMR and analytical TLC), was applied to H292 and A549 cells at a concentration of 20 µM for 48 h. Untreated cells served as the control groups. After treatment with SJ006, cell apoptosis was assessed using the FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit (BD Pharmingen, Cat. No. 556547), according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Briefly, after harvesting, the cells were resuspended in 500 µl of staining buffer, supplemented with propidium iodide (PI) and Annexin-V-FITC. The proportion of apoptotic cells was quantified using a Beckman Coulter DxFlex flow cytometer, and data was analyzed using CytExpert software (Version 2.0.2.18; Beckman Coulter). Fold-changes were calculated over the values obtained for the respective untreated (0 µM) control groups.","- Proportion of apoptotic cells in H292 and A549 cells after 48h treatment with 0 µM or 20 µM of SJ006 (Flow cytometry). - Apoptosis fold-change (over control group) in H292 and A549 cells after 48h treatment with 0 µM or 20 µM of SJ006 (Flow cytometry). ","Researchers aimed to determine the cytotoxic effects of 1,2-naphthoquinone derivatives on non-small cell lung cancer cells. The chemical compound SJ006 (2-methyl-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione) was applied to H292 and A549 cells at a concentration of 20 µM for 48 h, while untreated cells (0 µM) served as the control groups. After treatment with SJ006, cell apoptosis was assessed using the FITC Annexin V Apoptosis Detection Kit (BD Pharmingen), and the proportion of apoptotic cells was quantified through flow cytometry. Fold-changes were calculated over the values obtained for the respective untreated (0 µM) control groups. What would be the expected fold-changes in apoptotic cell proportions for A549 and H292 cells treated with 20 µM SJ006 for 48 h?","The expected fold-change in apoptotic cell proportion for A549 cells treated with 20 µM SJ006 for 48 h is of 1.14 (±1.1). For the case of H292 cells treated under the same conditions, the expected fold-change is 1.92 (±1.9).","- A549 and H292 represent distinct histological subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer cells which differ in their redox metabolism and baseline G6PD expression. - 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) derivatives are chemical compounds that have diverse biological activities and anticancer properties. - SJ006 (2-methyl-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione) is a 1,2-naphthoquinone derivative synthesized from lapachol, with demonstrated anticancer activity in human leukemia cell lines. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- SJ006 (2-methyl-2,3-dihydronaphtho[1,2-b]furan-4,5-dione) is a 1,2-naphthoquinone derivative synthesized from lapachol, with demonstrated anticancer activity in human leukemia cell lines.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Potent antileukemic action of naphthoquinoidal compounds: evidence for an intrinsic death mechanism based on oxidative stress and inhibition of DNA repair""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.scielo.br/j/jbchs/a/cTx9r8C6DSv3bjxrR5LwZHf/?lang=en""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 28, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ) derivatives are chemical compounds that have diverse biological activities and anticancer properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The diverse mechanisms and anticancer potential of naphthoquinones""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12935-019-0925-8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 2, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- A549 and H292 represent distinct histological subtypes of non-small cell lung cancer cells which differ in their redox metabolism and baseline G6PD expression.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Inhibition of Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Reverses Cisplatin Resistance in Lung Cancer Cells via the Redox System""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/pharmacology/articles/10.3389/fphar.2018.00043/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 30, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Animal Behavior and Cognition,MCQ,Habituation-Induced Expression of Immediate Early Genes in the Octopus Brain,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.16.682951v1,"Oct 19, 2025","The researcher aimed to identify brain regions potentially involved in memory-related gene activation in Octopus bimaculoides, combining a novel behavioral habituation task with whole-mount Hybridization Chain Reaction. For the behavioral habituation task, O. bimaculoides subjects were divided into three age groups: 2 months (n = 5), 6 months (n = 5), and 12 months (n = 2), and were tested in the habituation paradigm. The experiments started after 24 h acclimation period in 80 L tanks with artificial seawater (35 ppt salinity) under suitable conditions. To elicit a prey-capture response, a resin crab was used, with a different size according to the age of the animals: 15mm, 45mm and 95mm for the two-, six- and 12-month animals, respectively. During each session, animals were exposed to six stimulus presentations (trials), spaced three minutes apart. The total time the octopus spent physically manipulating the crab during each trial was recorded as a metric for engagement. The crab was dropped from the water surface at varying distances from the den (7 cm for two-month-old subjects and 35 cm for the others). To test long-term memory, the different groups were further divided in two: half performed a single trial per session, while the other half performed five trials per session. Training lasted one day, and memory retention was assessed 24, 48, and 120 hours after the training, using the same behavioral metric of manipulation time. To assess dishabituation, the exploration time was measured for a novel object: a 3D-printed, resin shrimp. This object was similar to the original stimulus in size, texture, and color, differing only in shape.","- Total time (seconds) the octopus in each group (two-, six- and 12-month) spent physically manipulating the crab during each trial in the habituation test. - Havitation curves of the octopus in each group (two- and six-months) from physically manipulating the crab during each trial in the memory retention trial. ","O. bimaculoides subjects were divided into three age groups: 2 months (n = 5), 6 months (n = 5), and 12 months (n = 2) and each group interacted with the fake crab, and their handling time was measured across trials. All groups underwent an initial trial, in which the prey was dropped near their den six times. After that, each group was divided into two: one group performed one trial per day, while the other performed five trials. After a day of training, their long-term memory (defined as handling time) was measured at 24, 48, and 120 hours. Which of these scenarios is the most plausible? A) The introduction of a different prey showed a normal, curious behaviour in the older animals. B) The younger animals spent more time manipulating the crab in the habituation trial. C) Handling time increases as the animal's age increases. D) Repeating the experiment every day for a week will cause the older animals to spend more time with the prey.",B) The younger animals spent more time manipulating the crab in the habituation trial.,"- Octopuses have relatively advanced cognitive abilities when compared to other invertebrate groups and memory is the most extensively studied. They have been shown to perform well in passive avoidance tasks, navigate mazes, learn to solve problems with increased efficiency, such as opening jars or manipulating objects to the correct orientation and form associations between visual cues and reinforcers. - Octopuses frequently fail to respond to the experimental stimuli, due to low motivation and the lack of suitable reinforcers. Several behavioural paradigms which do not rely on reinforcement take advantage of the octopus’s instinctive responses to various stimuli, novel object recognition, spatial memory tasks, and episodic-like memory tasks. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Octopuses have relatively advanced cognitive abilities when compared to other invertebrate groups and memory is the most extensively studied. They have been shown to perform well in passive avoidance tasks, navigate mazes, learn to solve problems with increased efficiency, such as opening jars or manipulating objects to the correct orientation and form associations between visual cues and reinforcers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An ethogram for Benthic Octopods (Cephalopoda: Octopodidae)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27078075/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 14, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Octopuses frequently fail to respond to the experimental stimuli, due to low motivation and the lack of suitable reinforcers. Several behavioural paradigms which do not rely on reinforcement take advantage of the octopus’s instinctive responses to various stimuli, novel object recognition, spatial memory tasks, and episodic-like memory tasks.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Husbandry and methodology for assessing learning and memory in the juvenile life stage of octopus""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2215016124001110?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Aquaculture,Numerical Values,Comparison of Different Microalgae Biomass Typologies Used in Rotifers Enrichment for Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Larvae Nutrition,https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1155/anu/5351038,"June 6, 2025","Researchers compare the effects of rotifers enriched with three different industrially produced microalgae species (i.e., Nannochloropsis oceanica, Tetraselmis chui, and Tisochrysis lutea) using paste and freeze-dried powder. First, Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis, type L) were grown in a semicontinuous culture using 5-L Erlenmeyer flasks at 20 ppt, with a temperature controlled at 24°C under slight aeration conditions. Culture quality was maintained by replacing 20% of the total water volume with artificial saltwater, and 20% of the rotifer culture was harvested daily for larval feeding purposes. Next, a saltwater solution of microalgae was made by adding 0.4g of microalgae powder or frozen paste to saltwater (final concentration of 18% in terms of cell density), and the resulting mixture was homogenised using a vortex to ensure uniform distribution. To enrich the rotifers, the saltwater microalgae at a cell concentration of 3.1 × 10^10 cells/mL were added to the rotifers' culture to reach a final concentration of 2.0 × 10^8 cells/mL and left under slight aeration for 14 h. On the following day, 2 h before larvae feeding, microalgae were added again to the culture for a final concentration of 2.0 × 10^8 cells/mL. To generate zebrafish larvae, broodstock of wild-type zebrafish AB (strain; ZFINID: ZDB-GENO-960809-7), housed in 3.5-L polycarbonate tanks in a 980-L recirculation system (ZebTEC, Tecniplast, Italy). A group of males (n = 10) and females (n = 10), between 4 and 5 months were used to generate all the necessary larvae. Mating was performed with a sex ratio of 1:1, where males and females were placed in 1 L breeding tanks with a physical separator for 16 h before the reproduction event. In the first hour of light, the separator was removed and the fish were allowed to breed for 2 h, and a total of 1800 eggs were collected and incubated with E2 embryo medium containing 50 ppt of methylene blue (Sigma–Aldrich, Spain) at 28.0 ± 0.5°C in 1-L breeding tanks at a density of 200 eggs/L. At 5 days postfertilization (dpf), larvae were randomly divided into triplicate groups (n = 100) in 1-L breeding tanks. Larvae were distributed at an initial density of 100 larvae/L in tanks with system water (1000 μS/cm and pH 7.5). Larvae were fed with either enriched Tetraselmis chui rotifer (TcPA; typology of paste) or microdiet standardised for zebrafish (ZF) as a control. Rotifier-enriched tank was provided with a daily total of 1500–1725 rots/mL, divided into two meals, with each meal containing 200–230 enriched rots/mL. Larvae were kept in these conditions until 15 dpf, and the survival rate was determined at 15 dpf. ","- Survival rate of TcPA feed larvae at 15 dpf. - Survival rate of microdiet standardised for zebrafish feed larvae at 15 dpf.","Rotifers (Brachionus plicatilis, type L) were grown in a semicontinuous culture using 5-L Erlenmeyer flasks at 20 ppt, with a temperature controlled at 24°C under slight aeration conditions. Culture quality was maintained by replacing 20% of the total water volume with artificial saltwater, and 20% of the rotifer culture was harvested daily for larval feeding purposes. Next, a saltwater solution of microalgae was made by adding 0.4g of microalgae powder or frozen paste to saltwater (final concentration of 18% in terms of cell density), and the resulting mixture was homogenised using a vortex to ensure uniform distribution. To enrich the rotifers, the saltwater microalgae at a cell concentration of 3.1 × 10^10 cells/mL were added to the rotifers' culture to reach a final concentration of 2.0 × 10^8 cells/mL and left under slight aeration for 14 h. On the following day, 2 h before larvae feeding, microalgae were added again to the culture for a final concentration of 2.0 × 10^8 cells/mL. To generate zebrafish larvae, broodstock of wild-type zebrafish were housed in 3.5-L polycarbonate tanks in a 980-L recirculation system, and a group of males (n = 10) and females (n = 10), between 4 and 5 months were were placed in 1 L breeding (with a sex ratio of 1:1) with a physical separator for 16 h before the reproduction event. In the first hour of light, the separator was removed and the fish were allowed to breed for 2 h, and a total of 1800 eggs were collected and incubated with E2 embryo medium containing 50 ppt of methylene blue (Sigma–Aldrich, Spain) at 28.0 ± 0.5°C in 1-L breeding tanks at a density of 200 eggs/L. At 5 days postfertilization (dpf), larvae were randomly divided into triplicate groups (n = 100) in 1-L breeding tanks. Larvae were distributed at an initial density of 100 larvae/L in tanks with system water (1000 μS/cm and pH 7.5). Larvae were finally fed with either enriched Tetraselmis chui rotifer (TcPA; typology of paste) or microdiet standardised for zebrafish (ZF) as a control. Rotifier-enriched tank was provided with a daily total of 1500–1725 rots/mL, divided into two meals, with each meal containing 200–230 enriched rots/mL. Larvae were kept in these conditions until 15 dpf. What would be the expected survival rate (in %) of larvae fed with TcPA at 15dpf? ",Survival rate of larvae fed with TcPA at 15dpf =[83.67 - 93.67]%. No CI given. Fallback of ±5 pp applied.,"- Zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1882), is the second most used animal model due to its many advantages, such as a fully sequenced genome, fast larval development, and short generation time. - Microalgae are valuable nutritional resources, presenting a balanced profile regarding proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates as well as relevant quantities of carotenoids and vitamins, important for (zebra)fish larvae nutrition. - Rotifers are zooplanktonic invertebrates used as live feed for fish larvae due to their adequate size for larval mouth gap, and possess slow locomotion to stimulate predation, which is known to reduce stress related to captivity and improve animal welfare. - Rotifers became the most useful live feed for zebrafish larvae ingestion (120–300 μm) due to their slow swimming speed and tolerance to high culture densities. Rotifers are commonly fed with a monoculture of microalgae, and Tetraselmis sp. is a microalga rich in high-quality proteins that benefit fish larvae development.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Zebrafish, Danio rerio (Hamilton, 1882), is the second most used animal model due to its many advantages, such as a fully sequenced genome, fast larval development, and short generation time.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Zebrafish in Biomedical Research: Biology, Husbandry, Diseases, and Research Applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://books.google.at/books/about/The_Zebrafish_in_Biomedical_Research.html?id=RDxHDgAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""22 November 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Rotifers became the most useful live feed for zebrafish larvae ingestion (120–300 μm) due to their slow swimming speed and tolerance to high culture densities. Rotifers are commonly fed with a monoculture of microalgae and Tetraselmis sp. is a microalga rich in high-quality proteins that benefit fish larvae development.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effect of Nutritional Status and Concentration of Nannochloropsis gaditana as Enrichment Diet for the Marine Rotifer Brachionus sp""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.aquaculture.2018.03.024""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 20, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Microalgae are valuable nutritional resources, presenting a balanced profile regarding proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates as well as relevant quantities of carotenoids and vitamins, important for (zebra)fish larvae nutrition.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effect of microalgae on intestinal inflammation triggered by soybean meal and bacterial infection in zebrafish""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0187696""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 8, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Rotifers are zooplanktonic invertebrates used as live feed for fish larvae due to their adequate size for larval mouth gap, and possess slow locomotion to stimulate predation, which is known to reduce stress related to captivity and improve animal welfare.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Lipid composition and some bioactivities of 3 newly isolated microalgae (Tetraselmis sp. IMP3, Tetraselmis sp. CTP4, and Skeletonema sp.)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1007/s10499-019-00489-w""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 16, 2019""}]" Biology,Ecology,MCQ,Macroecological patterns in experimental microbial communities,"https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1013044 ","May 8, 2025","Researchers aimed to investigate the macroecology (i.e., statistical ecological patterns) of an experiment where a large number of microbial communities were maintained over time. Close to 100 replicate microbial communities were assembled in a laboratory environment from a common progenitor soil community, using minimal media with glucose as the sole carbon source. Two migration treatments were applied: A) “regional migration”; where aliquots of the progenitor community were mixed with aliquots from the previous transfer cycle; B) and “global migration”, where aliquots were taken from each community at the end of a given transfer cycle (these aliquots were mixed and redistributed at the start of the subsequent transfer cycle at a dilution rate ≈ 0.0084 and dilution ratio of 504:60,000). Communities underwent a series of 18 transfer cycles (growth for 48 h, then dilution/inoculation) to maintain replicates over time. Migration manipulations were only performed for the first 12 dilution cycles (out of the total 18 transfer cycles). Community data was obtained via 16S rRNA sequencing. All replicate communities were sequenced at transfers 12 and 18. They reprocessed all raw FASTQ data from the study to obtain Amplicon Sequence Variants (ASVs) using the package DADA2. Mean and variance of species (ASV) relative abundances across replicate microbial communities were calculated. Taylor’s Law exponent (b) was estimated, calculated by log–log ordinary least squares regression of variance versus mean abundance with SciPy v1.4.1.","- Abundance of community members (as ASVs) across treatments and timescales (transfer cycles 12 and 18), obtained via 16S rRNA sequencing. Taylor’s Law exponent (b) was estimated. ","Researchers aimed to investigate the macroecology (i.e., statistical ecological patterns) of an experiment where many microbial communities were maintained over time. Two migration treatments were applied: A) “regional migration”, where aliquots of the progenitor community were mixed with aliquots from the previous transfer cycle; B) “global migration”, where aliquots were taken from each community at the end of a given transfer cycle. Communities underwent a series of 18 transfer cycles. How did the exponent (b) of Taylor’s Law (mean–variance relationship of species abundance) differ between treatments? A. The exponent was significantly lower under regional migration. B. The exponent was significantly higher under regional migration. C. The exponent remained approximately constant across both treatments. D. The exponent fluctuated unpredictably across replicates.",C. The exponent remained approximately constant across both treatments.,"- The generality of macroecology is a useful feature that permits the construction of a working theory of microbial ecology. However, there is a trade-off between this generality and the ability of macroecology to provide causal connections between ecological mechanisms and observed patterns (e.g., the exponent of Taylor’s Law). - The first treatment (referred to as regional migration) corresponds to a classical mainland-island scenario, where migrants from the community from which replicate communities were originally assembled (known as the progenitor community) continued to migrate over time. - The second case, referred here as global migration, corresponds to a fully-connected metacommunity model, where migration occurred between communities that were assembled from the same progenitor community. - Surprisingly, seemingly simple environments can maintain highly dissimilar microbial communities, even in systems harboring a single exchangeable resource. - The migration of individuals between communities is an ecological force that is amenable to experimental manipulation and can alter the heterogeneity of communities across replicates. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The generality of macroecology is a useful feature that permits the construction of a working theory of microbial ecology. However, there is a trade-off between this generality and the ability of macroecology to provide causal connections between ecological mechanisms and observed patterns (e.g., the exponent of Taylor’s Law). ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Towards a unification of unified theories of biodiversity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/ftr/10.1111/j.1461-0248.2010.01449.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 16, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The first treatment (referred to as regional migration) corresponds to a classical mainland-island scenario, where migrants from the community from which replicate communities were originally assembled (known as the progenitor community) continued to migrate over time. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The theory of island biogeography.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691088365/the-theory-of-island-biogeography""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 18, 2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The second case, referred here as global migration, corresponds to a fully-connected metacommunity model, where migration occurred between communities that were assembled from the same progenitor community.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Metacommunity ecology""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691049168/metacommunity-ecology""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 18, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Surprisingly, seemingly simple environments can maintain highly dissimilar microbial communities, even in systems harboring a single exchangeable resource.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Functional attractors in microbial community assembly""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cell-systems/fulltext/S2405-4712(21)00379-3""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 19, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The migration of individuals between communities is an ecological force that is amenable to experimental manipulation and can alter the heterogeneity of communities across replicates. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Transient invaders can induce shifts between alternative stable states of microbial communities""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aay8676""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 19, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Molecular Biology, Oncology",MCQ,"Naringenin Inhibits Cellular Proliferation, Arrests Cell Cycle and Induces Pro-Apoptotic Autophagy in MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells",https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12318615/,"Aug 3, 2025","Researchers investigated the relationship between naringenin-induced autophagy and apoptosis in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells by inhibiting autophagy initiation and quantifying key protein markers. MCF-7 cells were maintained in RPMI-1640 medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum and 1% penicillin-streptomycin at 37°C in a humidified 5% CO2 incubator. To evaluate NAR-induced cell death, cells were treated for 24 hours with either vehicle (control), 150 µM naringenin (NAR), or 150 µM NAR co-administered with the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA). For protein analysis, total protein content was quantified via Bradford assay. Equivalent loads of 40–60 µg protein were resolved by SDS-PAGE, transferred to polyvinylidene difluoride membranes, and blocked with 3% bovine serum albumin. Membranes were incubated overnight at 4°C with primary antibodies against LC3-II (1:1000), p62 (1:5000), or cleaved PARP (1:1000), followed by species-appropriate horseradish peroxidase–conjugated secondary antibodies. Protein bands were visualized using Bio-Rad ChemiDoc enhanced chemiluminescence, and densitometric values were normalized to the tubulin loading control for each lane to yield relative expression levels across treatment groups.","- Relative protein expression of Cleaved PARP: arbitrary units (densitometry ratio obtained from ChemiDoc, Bio-Rad enhanced chemiluminescence data) for treatments: Control, 150 µM NAR, 150 µM NAR + 3-MA - Relative protein expression of LC3-II: arbitrary units (densitometry ratio obtained from ChemiDoc, Bio-Rad enhanced chemiluminescence data) for treatments: Control, 150 µM NAR, 150 µM NAR + 3-MA - Relative protein expression of p62: arbitrary units (densitometry ratio obtained from ChemiDoc, Bio-Rad enhanced chemiluminescence data) for treatments: Control, 150 µM NAR, 150 µM NAR + 3-MA","An experiment was conducted to investigate the interaction between Naringenin (NAR)-induced apoptosis and autophagy in MCF-7 human breast cancer cells. Cells were treated for 24 hours with 150 µM NAR to induce maximal cytotoxic effects. In a parallel treatment arm, the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) was co-administered with 150 µM NAR to pharmacologically block the initiation stage of autophagy via class III PI3K inhibition. Which of the following molecular changes would be expected to occur simultaneously in the NAR + 3-MA co-treatment group relative to the NAR-only group, as assessed by quantitative Western blotting normalized to a tubulin loading control? Select all options that apply. A. The relative expression of cytosolic LC3-I is decreased, reflecting its increased conversion to membrane-bound LC3-II, as 3-MA's transient inhibition of class III PI3K activity is rapidly compensated by upregulated VPS34-independent, alternative autophagy pathways. B. Cleaved PARP (C-PARP) expression is reversed, reflecting reduced apoptotic commitment that is secondary to inhibition of pro-death autophagy signaling when the upstream vesicle nucleation step is blocked. C. Degradation of p62 (Sequestosome 1) is enhanced, reflecting compensatory activation of macroautophagy following autophagy inhibition by 3-MA. D. Expression of LC3-II is decreased, indicating that autophagosomal membrane recruitment is attenuated due to the suppression of class III PI3K activity.","B. Cleaved PARP (C-PARP) expression is reversed, reflecting reduced apoptotic commitment that is secondary to inhibition of pro-death autophagy signaling when the upstream vesicle nucleation step is blocked. D. Expression of LC3-II is decreased, indicating that autophagosomal membrane recruitment is attenuated due to the suppression of class III PI3K activity.","- Naringenin results in activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which leads to induction of autophagy. and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells. - A significant increase in C PARP expression is a key indicator of apoptosis. - Chemiluminescence data from Western blotting can be used to establish protein expression levels in studies of Naringenin toxicology. - 3-methyladenine (3-MA) is an autophagy inhibitor that can be deployed experimentally to determine whether NAR-induced cell death is chiefly dependent on apoptosis or autophagy.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Naringenin results in activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress, which leads to induction of autophagy and apoptosis in human osteosarcoma cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Naringenin Induces ROS-Mediated ER Stress, Autophagy, and Apoptosis in Human Osteosarcoma Cell Lines""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/27/2/373""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 7, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A significant increased in C PARP expression is key indicator of apoptosis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Characterization of the necrotic cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP-1): implication of lysosomal proteases""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/4400851""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 01, 2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (No OA version available, paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Chemiluminescence data from Western blotting can be used to establish protein expression levels in studies of Naringenin toxicology.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Naringenin Upregulates AMPK-Mediated Autophagy to Rescue Neuronal Cells From β-Amyloid Evoked Neurotoxicity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12035-020-01969-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""16 June, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (No OA version available, paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""3-methyladenine (3-MA) is an autophagy inhibitor that can be deployed experimentally to determine whether NAR-induced cell death is chiefly dependent on apoptosis or autophagy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Naringenin-Mediated ATF3 Expression Contributes to Apoptosis in Human Colon Cancer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4774494/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 1, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Ecology,Free-Format Question,"Volatile cues from pathogenic, mutualistic and saprotrophic fungi cause specific, fungus-dependent responses in poplar",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.680861v1,"Oct 7, 2025","To determine whether plants can detect and differentiate among pathogens, mycorrhizal fungi, and saprotrophs solely through volatile organic compounds (VOCs), researchers used Populus × canescens (INRA clone 717–1B4) and three fungi with distinct lifestyles: the pathogen Heterobasidion annosum, the mycorrhizal Laccaria bicolor (S238N), and the saprotroph Postia placenta. A pot-in-pot (PiP) system was designed to expose poplar roots to fungal VOCs without physical contact. Each setup included an upper pot with 180 g of substrate and a lower pot containing fungal cultures, connected by 28 small (1 mm) holes for gas exchange. The fungal growth on modified Melin-Norkrans (MMN) medium (1% glucose, 0.25% NH₄-tartrate, 0.025% (NH₄)₂SO₄, 0.05% KH₂PO₄, 0.015% MgSO₄·7H₂O, 0.005% CaCl₂·2H₂O, 0.0025% NaCl, 0.01% FeCl₃, 0.001% thiamine hydrochloride and 1% Gelrite at a pH of 5.2. The experiment followed a 2 × 4 factorial design: plant presence/absence in upper-pot × four lower-pot treatments (control, H. annosum, L. bicolor, P. placenta), with six replicates per treatment (n = 48). Root-zone VOCs were sampled after 3 and 6 weeks using a PDMS Twister (Gerstel GmbH, Mülheim, Germany) magnetically attached to the bottom of the upper pot above the fungal culture (for 16 h) and an additional PDMS Twister was attached to the abaxial side of a mature leaf to collect volatiles for 2 h under ambient light. VOCs were analyzed by GC–MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) equipped with a thermal desorption unit (TDU) and cooled injection system (CIS). Compounds were identified via spectral libraries and standards, quantified by internal/external calibration, and normalized to sampling time and plant surface area.","- Volatile organic compound profiles produced under monoculture conditions across treatments (H. annosum, L. bicolor, P. placenta) at Weeks 3 and 6. - Volatile organic compound profiles produced under poplar addition across treatments (Control, H. annosum, L. bicolor, P. placenta) at Weeks 3 and 6. - Volatile organic compounds emission rates (pmol m⁻² s⁻¹) produced under monoculture conditions across treatments (H. annosum, L. bicolor, P. placenta) at Weeks 3 and 6. - Volatile organic compounds emission rates (pmol m⁻² s⁻¹) produced under poplar addition across treatments (Control, H. annosum, L. bicolor, P. placenta) at Weeks 3 and 6.","Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed to determine whether the plant Populus × canescens (INRA clone 717–1B4) can detect and differentiate three fungi with distinct lifestyles: the pathogen Heterobasidion annosum, the mycorrhizal Laccaria bicolor (S238N), and the saprotroph Postia placenta. A pot-in-pot (PiP) system was employed following a 2x4 factorial design plant presence/absence in upper-pot × four lower-pot treatments (control, H. annosum, L. bicolor, P. placenta). At 3 and 6 weeks, root-zone VOCs were sampled with a PDMS twister in: a) Bottom of the upper pot abot the fungal culture (16 h), and b) Abaxial side of a mature leaf (2 h). VOCs profiles and emission rates (pmol m⁻² s⁻¹) were analyzed through Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Which fungus will exhibit more plasticity in response to the plant's presence?",Saprotroph Postia placenta,"- Mycorrhizal fungi help plants stimulate acquisition of nutrients and stress endurance. - Pathogens fungi impair host performance by triggering immune responses or transmitting effectors that interfere with host physiology. - Saprophytes fungi help by decomposing and reforming the soil structure. - Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a class of small airborne metabolites, represent a possible mechanism for pre-contact recognition in fungal-plant interactions as they diffuse through both soil airspaces and aqueous phases. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mycorrhizal fungi help plants stimulate acquisition of nutrients and stress endurance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Water relations, drought and vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal symbiosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.esalq.usp.br/lepse/imgs/conteudo_thumb/Water-relations--drought-and-vesicular-arbuscular-mycorrhizal-symbiosis.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pathogens fungi impair host performance by triggering immune responses or transmitting effectors that interfere with host physiology.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Plant Pathogenic Fungi""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11687436/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 27, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Saprophytes fungi help by decomposing and reforming the soil structure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A thready affair: linking fungal diversity and community dynamics to terrestrial decomposition processes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/37/4/477/2398950?login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Volatile organic compounds (VOCs), a class of small airborne metabolites, represent a possible mechanism for pre-contact recognition in fungal-plant interactions as they diffuse through both soil airspaces and aqueous phases. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microbial volatile organic compounds in intra-kingdom and inter-kingdom interactions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33526910/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Physiology,Free-Format Question,DNA-based delivery of incretin receptor agonists using MYO Technology leads to durable weight loss in a diet-induced obesity model,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.30.656889v2,"June 3, 2025","Researchers tested the efficiency of MYO (""Make Your Own"") Technology-delivered IRAs (incretin receptor agonists) in promoting long-lasting weight control in mouse models of diet-induced obesity. 6/8-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD;ResearchDiet D12451) for 8 weeks. Before study initiation, all mice were weighed and separated into treatment groups in a way that groups had similar starting body weights before treatment (n = 5/group). Then, before being electroporated with the pDNA encoding GLP-1 (with the cleavage site recognized by DPP-4 [dipeptidyl-peptidase-4] altered), mice were either kept on HFD or switched to a standard diet (SD;ResearchDiet D12450H). During the course of the study mice weight was recorded weekly. Within each diet group, one subgroup was electroporated and one kept as a control. Individual mouse weight recorded the day before intramuscular electroporation was considered 100%, and the weight at the following time points was calculated relative to this 100% baseline each week. For weight loss placebo-adjusted, for each week the mouse average weight in the control cohort was considered 100%. Then, the individual weights in the treated cohort calculated as a percentage of this 100% baseline. The difference between this percentage and 100% represents the percentage of weight loss compared to the placebo group. Electroporation was performed bilaterally in the tibialis anterior muscle, which was injected with a 40 µL mixture consisting of 50 µg of pDNA and 3U of Hylenex® (hyaluronidase human injection), formulated in 0.45% saline, with pDNA at a final concentration of 1.25 μg/μL. The pDNA injection was immediately followed by electroporation using an in-house-developed needle-based electroporator (4- 0.3 mm gold needle electrodes in corners of 2 x2 mm square; injection depth 1.9 +/- 0.2 mm). A series of pulses at 150 V/cm was applied.",- Body weight (% of baseline or placebo-adjusted %) across diet group (high-fat diet vs. standard diet) and treatment group (electroporated vs. control) under weekly monitoring following intramuscular pDNA-GLP-1 electroporation.,"Researchers tested the efficiency of MYO Technology-delivered IRAs in promoting long-lasting weight control in mouse models of diet-induced obesity. 6/8-week-old C57BL/6J male mice were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks. Then, all mice were weighed and separated into treatment groups. Before being electroporated with the pDNA encoding GLP-1, mice were either kept on HFD or switched to a standard diet (SD). During the course of the study, the mice's weight was recorded weekly. Within each diet group, one subgroup was electroporated and one kept as a control. Electroporation was performed bilaterally in the tibialis anterior muscle, which was injected with a 40 µL mixture consisting of 50 µg of pDNA and 3U of Hylenex® (hyaluronidase human injection), formulated in 0.45% saline, with pDNA at a final concentration of 1.25 μg/μL. The pDNA injection was immediately followed by electroporation. At week 3, how would the placebo-adjusted body weight (%) of the high-fat-diet (HFD) electroporated group compare to the HFD control group (same, higher, or lower)?","By week 3, the HFD electroporated mice gained weight at the same rate as controls.","- Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is an emerging glucose control and weight loss drug, which is used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity - Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has a short half-life, which is about 2-5 minutes in vivo - Current GLP-1 class of drugs used in the clinic (with modifications capable of improving its durability) still has a half-life of only about one week, making weekly dosing necessary to maintain its therapeutic effects - MYO (Make Your Own) Technology takes advantage of the efficiency of in vivo transfection of skeletal muscle cells enabled by electroporation, and the durable protein production by those cells following transfection - DPP-4 is a protease that breaks down incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP, and plays a key role in the regulation of GLP-1 activity","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) has a short half-life, which is about 2-5 minutes in vivo""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent updates on GLP-1 agonists: Current advancements & challenges""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0753332218327537""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 27, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Current GLP-1 class of drugs used in the clinic (with modifications capable of improving its durability) still has a half-life of only about one week, making weekly dosing necessary to maintain its therapeutic effects""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The discovery and development of GLP-1 based drugs that have revolutionized the treatment of obesity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2415550121""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 19, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""MYO (Make Your Own) Technology takes advantage of the efficiency of in vivo transfection of skeletal muscle cells enabled by electroporation, and the durable protein production by those cells following transfection""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Delivery of DNA-Based Therapeutics for Treatment of Chronic Diseases""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/16/4/535""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 13, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""DPP-4 is a protease that breaks down incretin hormones like GLP-1 and GIP, and plays a key role in the regulation of GLP-1 activity""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Pharmacology, Physiology, and Mechanisms of Action of Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/35/6/992/2354726""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 01, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Microbiology ",Numerical Values,Free-Living Protozoa and Legionella spp. Coexistence and Bacterial Diversity in Drinking Water Systems in Apartment Buildings and Hotels in Riga and Its Surroundings,https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/17/10/1485,"May 14, 2025","Water samples were collected from apartment buildings in Riga, Salaspils, and Jurmala (cold water: n=41; hot water: n=40) and hotels in Riga and Jurmala (n=50 hot water samples) between August 2019 and August 2020. Total DNA was extracted from 1 L filtered water samples from bulk tap water. 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing libraries were prepared using primers S-D-Bact-0341-b-S-17 and S-D-Bact-0785-a-A-21 to amplify a 464 bp fragment of the bacterial 16S rRNA V3–V4 region, with 40 PCR cycles performed to obtain products. Sequencing was conducted on an Illumina MiSeq platform using MiSeq Reagent Kit v3 and v2, generating 2 × 300 bp and 2 × 250 bp paired-end reads, respectively. Bacterial alpha diversity was calculated using the Bacterial and Viral Bioinformatics Resource Center (BV-BRC) Taxonomic Classification Service, which computed Shannon's diversity index (a combination of both species richness and species evenness).","- 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing of V3–V4 regions (464 bp) in hot and cold water tap samples from apartment buildings in Riga, Salaspils, and Jurmala (cold water: n=41; hot water: n=40) and hotels in Riga and Jurmala. - Bacterial alpha diversity indices (Shannon's) calculated using BV-BRC Taxonomic Classification Service. ","Researchers investigated how water temperature influences bacterial community diversity in apartment building tap water systems. Based on 16S rRNA bacterial diversity analysis of water samples (cold water: n=41; hot water: n=40), taken from apartment buildings in Riga, Salaspils, and Jurmalav and hotels in Riga, Salaspils, and Jurmala, what is the expected Δ Shannon's diversity index (increases with both species richness and evenness) between cold and hot water samples?",0.42-0.52,"- Shannon's diversity index is an alpha diversity metric that quantifies both species richness and evenness of bacterial abundances in a community; higher values indicate greater diversity and ecosystem stability. - Water temperature influences bacterial community composition; cold water systems typically exhibit higher bacterial diversity than hot water systems due to differential species adaptation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Shannon's diversity index is an alpha diversity metric that quantifies both species richness and evenness of bacterial abundances in a community; higher values indicate greater diversity and ecosystem stability.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Bioindices of Bacterial Communities""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""http://dx.doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2016.512.024""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 10, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Water temperature influences bacterial community composition; cold water systems typically exhibit higher bacterial diversity than hot water systems due to differential species adaptation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Bacterial Community Diversity of Bathroom Hot Tap Water Was Significantly Lower Than That of Cold Tap and Shower Water""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2021.625324/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 23, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Mycology,Numerical Values,Growth variation of an ambrosia fungus on different tree species indicates host specialization,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.08.674918v1.article-info,"September 8, 2025","For a serial of experiments a fungus strain, Dryadomyces montetyi (F80052), isolated from Platypus cylindrus on an oak stump near Freiburg, Germany, was used. The fungal growth was compared across five media: nutrient-rich synthetic yeast extract–malt extract agar (SYEMA; 3 g yeast extract, 10 g malt extract, 15 g agar, 100 mg streptomycin per L) and four semi-artificial media containing 20% aqueous wood extracts of Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Wood from each species was ground to obtain sawdust (a total of 200 grams), boiled in water for 20 minutes at 100C, filtered, and incorporated into a standardized agar medium (“Master-Mix”). After autoclaving, the medium was poured into Petri dishes (90 mm × 15 mm; 20 ml per dish). Each plate was lined with a cellophane layer and inoculated with a mycelium plug of 2mm radius taken from a 10-day-old D. montetyi culture grown on nutrient-rich SYEMA medium. Ten replicate plates per treatment were incubated at 25 °C four days or until the Petri dish was fully covered. After incubation, the mycelium was scraped off the cellophane, dried for five days at 50 °C, and weighed using a precision balance (Kern PNJ; accuracy 1 mg). Biomass was calculated by differential weighing of empty versus mycelium-containing microreaction tubes. Fungal tissue density (µg mm⁻²) was obtained by dividing the dry mass by the final colony area measured on the last day.","- Biomass (µg) of Dryadomyces montetyi on SYEMA medium (incubation for 4 days, dried for 5 days). - Colony area (mm^2) of Dryadomyces montetyi on SYEMA medium (incubation for 4 days).","For a serial of experiments a fungus strain, Dryadomyces montetyi (F80052), isolated from Platypus cylindrus on an oak stump near Freiburg, Germany, was used. The fungal growth was compared across five media: nutrient-rich synthetic yeast extract–malt extract agar (SYEMA; 3 g yeast extract, 10 g malt extract, 15 g agar, 100 mg streptomycin per L) and four semi-artificial media containing 20% aqueous wood extracts of Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba, and Pseudotsuga menziesii. Wood from each species was ground to obtain sawdust (a total of 200 grams), boiled in water for 20 minutes at 100C, filtered, and incorporated into a standardized agar medium (“Master-Mix”). After autoclaving, the medium was poured into Petri dishes (90 mm × 15 mm; 20 ml per dish). Each plate was lined with a cellophane layer and inoculated with a mycelium plug of 2mm radius taken from a 10-day-old D. montetyi culture grown on nutrient-rich SYEMA medium. Ten replicate plates per treatment were incubated at 25 °C four days or until the Petri dish was fully covered. After incubation, the mycelium was scraped off the cellophane, dried for five days at 50 °C, and weighed using a precision balance (Kern PNJ; accuracy 1 mg). Biomass was calculated by differential weighing of empty versus mycelium-containing microreaction tubes. Fungal tissue density (µg mm⁻²) was obtained by dividing the dry mass by the final colony area measured on the last day. Predict the expected tissue density in µg mm⁻² of D. montetyi cultured on SYEMA medium after 4 days of culture.","Tissue density (µg mm⁻²) = 5.163 - 6.311 µg mm⁻², derived from the tissue density of D. montetyi on SYEMA medium = 5.737 µg mm⁻². Note: +/- 10% fallback applied. ","- The fungus Dryadomyces montetyi is the primary ambrosia symbiont of Platypus cylindrus, which colonizes oak (Quercus robur) and other broad-leaved trees in Europe.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The fungus Dryadomyces montetyi is the primary ambrosia symbiont of Platypus cylindrus, which colonizes oak (Quercus robur) and other broad-leaved trees in Europe.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Fungi of Raffaelea genus (Ascomycota: Ophiostomatales) associated to Platypus cylindrus (Coleoptera: Platypodidae) in Portugal""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://revistas.rcaap.pt/rca/article/view/15606""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 18, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Biological and Medicinal Chemistry,Numerical Values,Repurposing an antifungal drug as an effective insulin aggregation inhibitor,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68e8987a5dd091524fbc095f,"October 14, 2025","The experimental setup involved using Sprague-Dawley albino rats (10 to 14 weeks old) as an in vivo model to test the biological efficacy of the stabilised insulin formulations. Diabetes was intentionally induced in the rats by injecting streptozotocin (STZ) at a dosage of 65 mg/kg. Rats were confirmed as diabetic if their blood glucose levels exceeded 350 mg/dL. Before the efficacy test, the diabetic rats were fasted overnight. The test involved administering various samples—native insulin, aggregated insulin, and Nystatin (Nys)-treated formulations (Lantus and NovoRapid)—via subcutaneous injection. The formulations treated with Nys were studied under various conditions mimicking storage instability, specifically after being incubated for 36 hours or 1 week at 37 °C, or for 1 week at 25 °C13. Nystatin treatment used was equimolar to insulin. After injection, the blood glucose levels of the rats were measured hourly over an observation period of 5 hours.","-Blood glucose level in mg/dL, in diabetic rats for Lantus incubated with equimolar concentration of Nys at 37°C for 36 h and 1 week, at 1,2,3,4,and 5 hours after injection. -Blood glucose level in mg/dL, in diabetic rats for NovoRapid incubated with equimolar concentration of Nys at 37°C for 36 h and 1 week, at 1,2,3,4,and 5 hours after injection. -Blood glucose level in mg/dL, in diabetic rats for Lantus incubated with Nys (1:1) at 25°C for 1 week, at 1,2,3,4,and 5 hours after injection. -Blood glucose level in mg/dL, in diabetic rats for NovoRapid incubated with Nys (1:1) at 25°C for 1 week, at 1,2,3,4,and 5 hours after injection.","For the in vivo efficacy study, when diabetic rats were administered the NovoRapid formulation that had been incubated with Nystatin (1:1 ratio) for 1 week at 37 °C, what would be the approximate mean blood glucose concentration, in mg/dL, recorded precisely at the 4-hour time point after subcutaneous injection? ","At the 4-hour time point, the approximate mean blood glucose concentration for the NovoRapid formulation incubated with Nystatin for 1 week at 37 °C returned to the pre-treatment level of approximately 350mg/dL -range between 300 and 400 mg/dL. (fallback not provided by the paper).","- Streptozotocin (STZ) is a common agent used to induce diabetes in rats by damaging the insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas, leading to decreased natural insulin production and elevated blood glucose levels -Commercial insulin is prone to fibrillation over extended periods, particularly at sites of repetitive injections in diabetic patients. - There is a pressing need for improved strategies, including identification of molecules that inhibit insulin aggregation, to preserve the structure and efficacy of insulin.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Streptozotocin (STZ) is a common agent used to induce diabetes in rats by damaging the insulin-producing β-cells in the pancreas, leading to decreased natural insulin production and elevated blood glucose levels.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Advancements in Injectable Hydrogels for Controlled Insulin Delivery: A Comprehensive Review of the Design, Properties and Therapeutic Applications for Diabetes and Its Complications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/17/6/780""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 14, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Commercial insulin is prone to fibrillation over extended periods, particularly at sites of repetitive injections in diabetic patients.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Insulin fibrillation: toward strategies for attenuating the process""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2020/cc/d0cc05171c""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 20, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""There is a pressing need for improved strategies, including identification of molecules that inhibit insulin aggregation, to preserve the structure and efficacy of insulin.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Structural basis of insulin fibrillation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adi1057""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 15, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cellular and Molecular Immunology,Numerical Values,Infiltrating macrophages replace Kupffer cells and play diverse roles in severe alcohol-associated hepatitis,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41423-025-01343-1,"September 17, 2025","For this research, three groups, namely, healthy controls (n = 9), patients with sAH (n = 10) and patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH) (n = 10) with ages ranging from 49 - 64 years, were used. Liver samples were obtained from all groups to determine the population of liver macropages in the liver. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining was performed on liver sections for the following marker: a) Ionised calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1); b) Cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68); c) T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 4 (TIM4).; d) Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO). IBA1 and CD68 serve as panmacrophage markers, whereas MARCO and TIM4 are specifically expressed by liver-resident Kupffer cells. For immunohistochemical (IHC) staining, liver tissues (2.5 μm) from all patients were collected and fixed in 10% buffered formalin, followed by paraffin embedding. Heat-induced epitope retrieval in buffer (1mM EDTA, 10mM Tris-HCl pH 9, and 10% glycerol) was performed, then the paraffin-embedded sections were stained with primary antibodies and visualised via the DAB Peroxidase Substrate Kit (SK-4105, Vector Laboratories). Images were acquired via a whole-slide scanner (Aperio VERSA, Leica Biosystems). Positive cells and positive areas in five randomly selected high-power fields (1250 μm × 1250 μm/field) were analysed via QuPath and ImageJ. The acquired images were processed and analysed via ImageJ and the FIJI plugin HyperStackReg V5.682, along with Ilastik (version 1.3.3post3) and CellProfiler (version 4.2.6) was used to quantify IBA1⁺ Kupffer cells and macrophages as a proportion of total liver cells. ","- Number of liver cells across groups (healthy controls (n = 9), alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC) patients (n = 9), and alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH) patients (n = 10)) - Number of IBA1⁺ Kupffer cells across groups (healthy controls (n = 9), alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC) patients (n = 9), and alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH) patients (n = 10)) - Number of IBA1⁺ macrophages cells across groups (healthy controls (n = 9), alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC) patients (n = 9), and alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH) patients (n = 10)) - IBA1⁺/total cells (%) proportion across groups (healthy controls (n = 9), alcohol-associated cirrhosis (AC) patients (n = 9), and alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH) patients (n = 10))","Liver tissues from healthy controls (n = 9), patients with severe alcohol-associated hepatitis (sAH; n = 10), and patients with alcohol-associated hepatitis (AH; n = 10), with ages ranging from 49 to 64 years. Multiplex immunofluorescence staining was performed on liver sections for the following marker: a) Ionised calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (IBA1); b) Cluster of differentiation 68 (CD68); c) T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain-containing protein 4 (TIM4).; d) Macrophage receptor with collagenous structure (MARCO). Immunohistochemical (IHC) staining was performed in 2.5 μm liver tissues collected and fixed (10% buffered formaling), followed by paraffin embedding and heat-induced epitope retrieval in buffer (1mM EDTA, 10mM Tris-HCl pH 9, and 10% glycerol), then the paraffin-embedded sections were stained with primary antibodies and visualised via the DAB Peroxidase Substrate Kit. Images were acquired and processed and analysed via ImageJ and the FIJI plugin HyperStackReg V5.682, along with Ilastik (version 1.3.3post3) and CellProfiler (version 4.2.6) was used to quantify IBA1⁺ Kupffer cells and macrophages as a proportion of total liver cells. What proportion IBA1⁺/total cells (%) would we expect to express IBA1 (IBA1⁺ liver macrophages) in the sAH group?", IBA1⁺/total cells-sAH = [35 - 45]% derived from IBA1⁺/total cells-sAH = [40] %. Note: no CI reported → fallback ±5 % applied.,"- Multiplex immunofluorescence staining analysis can be used to identify substantial infiltration of inflammatory cells, predominantly consisting of macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells, in sAH livers. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Multiplex immunofluorescence staining analysis can be used to identify substantial infiltration of inflammatory cells, predominantly consisting of macrophages, neutrophils, and T cells, in sAH livers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Distinct histopathological phenotypes of severe alcoholic hepatitis suggest different mechanisms driving liver injury and failure""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35838051/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 15, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer biology,MCQ,Determinants of membrane sensitivity to the peptide MP-1 (Polybia paulista),https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.17.676910v1,"September 19, 2025","Researchers determined the sensitivity of cell lines derived from either human cancers or from non-transformed origins, to the membrane-disrupting peptide Mastoparan-1 (MP-1) derived from wasp Polybia paulista. MP-1 peptide was synthesized by Bio-Synthesis Inc., Lewisville, TX, USA to >95% purity with counterion exchange to HCl. The peptides were lyophilized and shipped on dry ice. Quality control was conducted by HPLC and mass spectrometry. Cell lines namely, HepG2, PC-3, BT474, AU565, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HB-2, HUVEC, HEK-293, WI-38, HFFF2 and 3T3 were seeded in 96 well plates with DMEM medium supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and 100 units/ml of penicillin/streptomycin at 10,000 cells per well and incubated in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2 at 37°C for 18 h. Whereas MCF10A cells were seeded in DMEM/F12 containing 10% horse serum (HS), 20 ng/ml epidermal growth factor, 500 µg/ml Hydrocortisone, 500 ng/ml Cholera Toxin, 10 μg/ml Insulin, and 100 units/ml of penicillin/streptomycin with the same amount of seedlings and the incubation condition. Then, the growth medium was removed, and cells were treated with various concentrations (0 – 100 µM) of MP-1 peptide for 24 h in the growth medium without FCS or HS. After that, the growth medium containing MP-1 was removed, cells were then incubated with 0.5 mg/ml MTT reagent dissolved in the growth medium without FCS or HS for 3 h. The growth medium containing the reagent was then removed, the Formazan crystals (produced by the mitochondrial enzymes of viable cells) were dissolved in isopropanol, and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm using a microplate reader to obtain the percentage of cell survival and the IC50 value.","- Absorbance at 570 nm of the cancer cell lines (BT474, AU565, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HepG2, and PC-3) and non-cancer cell lines (MCF10A, HB-2, HUVEC, HEK-293, WI-38, HFFF2, and 3T3) after MP-1 treatment at different concentrations (0 – 100 µM). - IC50 values (µM) of the cancer cell lines (BT474, AU565, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HepG2, and PC-3) and non-cancer cell lines (MCF10A, HB-2, HUVEC, HEK-293, WI-38, HFFF2, and 3T3) after MP-1 treatment at different concentrations (0 – 100 µM). - Survival (%) of the cancer cell lines (BT474, AU565, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HepG2, and PC-3) and non-cancer cell lines (MCF10A, HB-2, HUVEC, HEK-293, WI-38, HFFF2, and 3T3) after MP-1 treatment at different concentrations (0 – 100 µM).","The membrane-disrupting peptide Mastoparan-1 (MP-1) derived from wasp Polybia paulista was previously reported to exhibit cytotoxicity against prostate and bladder cancer cell lines without inducing hemolysis. Therefore, the researchers aim to determine the sensitivities of other human cancer cell lines (BT474, AU565, MDA-MB-468, MDA-MB-231, MCF-7, HepG2, and PC-3) and non-cancer cell lines (MCF10A, HB-2, HUVEC, HEK-293, WI-38, HFFF2, and 3T3) to the MP-1 peptide in the unit of IC50 value (µM). The cell lines were treated with different doses of MP-1 (0 – 100 µM). After treatment, the MTT assay was performed, and the resulting absorbance measurements were used to calculate the percentage of cell survival relative to the untreated control. The MP-1 dose-response curves were plotted to determine the IC50 value (µM) of each cell line. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) All of cancer cell lines were significantly more sensitive to MP-1 showing IC50 values ranging from 19 – 30 µM. While all of the non-cancer cell lines were significantly more resistant to MP-1 showing IC50 values ranging from 80 – 111 µM. B) All of the cancer cell lines and a few non-cancer cell lines (HB2, HUVEC, and HEK-293) were significantly more sensitive to MP-1 showing IC50 values ranging from 19 to 30 µM. Where as the rest of the non-cancer cell lines were significantly more resistant to MP-1 showing IC50 values ranging from 80 to 111 µM. C) Cancer cell lines were not significantly more sensitive to MP-1 than non-cancer cell lines. The IC50 values among all of the tested cell lines were not much different, ranging narrowly from 19 to 30 µM. D) Cancer cell lines were not significantly more sensitive to MP-1 than non-cancer cell lines. The IC50 values among all of the tested cell lines varied greatly, ranging from 19 to 111 µM. ","D) Cancer cell lines were not significantly more sensitive to MP-1 than non-cancer cell lines. The IC50 values among all of the tested cell lines varied greatly, ranging from 19 to 111 µM.","- Mastoparan-1 (MP-1, [IDWKKLLDAAKQIL-NH2]) is an amphiphilic peptide derived from the wasp Polybia paulista. MP-1 has exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines including prostate and bladder cancer, without inducing hemolysis. - The membrane selectivity of MP-1 has been shown to be enhanced by the presence of cholesterol and phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids, with synergistic enhancement when PS and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids are both present. - Many cancers have increased exposure of PS and PE headgroup lipids on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane due to reduced activity of the flippase enzymes that ordinarily maintain the location of these lipids on the cytosolic leaflet.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mastoparan-1 (MP-1, [IDWKKLLDAAKQIL-NH2]) is an amphiphilic peptide derived from the wasp Polybia paulista. MP-1 has exhibited enhanced cytotoxicity against cancer cell lines including prostate and bladder cancer, without inducing hemolysis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antitumor effects, cell selectivity and structure–activity relationship of a novel antimicrobial peptide polybia-MPI""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196978108000454""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The membrane selectivity of MP-1 has been shown to be enhanced by the presence of cholesterol and phosphatidylserine (PS) lipids, with synergistic enhancement when PS and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) lipids are both present.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PE and PS Lipids Synergistically Enhance Membrane Poration by a Peptide with Anticancer Properties""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4564682/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 1, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Many cancers have increased exposure of PS and PE headgroup lipids on the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane due to reduced activity of the flippase enzymes that ordinarily maintain the location of these lipids on the cytosolic leaflet.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Role of Flippases, Scramblases and Transfer Proteins in Phosphatidylserine Subcellular Distribution""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/tra.12233""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 6, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology,Numerical Values,Zika virus induces persistent phenotypic changes in natural killer cells distinct from dengue virus infection,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.15.676203v1,"September 16, 2025","Researchers collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a Panamanian cohort of adult participants naturally infected with ZIKV. Samples were obtained at two time points: during the acute phase (1–5 days after symptom onset) and during the post-acute phase (1–6 weeks after symptoms), allowing longitudinal comparison of immune profiles. Sera was collected from Zika-infected patients, and PBMCs were isolated from the EDTA anticoagulated tubes. The obtained 12 ml of blood was then mixed with 1X Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) in a ratio of 3:2 (HBSS: anticoagulated blood) and overlaid on 15 ml of Ficoll-Paque for density gradient centrifugation at 800 × g for 30 min at 20 °C without brake. The PBMC fraction was then carefully collected and washed three times with sterile HBSS (400 × g, 10 min, 20 °C) and resuspended. Following this, Cell viability and concentration were determined by trypan blue exclusion using a Neubauer chamber. For Mass cytometry staining, samples were then resuspended in 10 mL of RPMI-1640 (Thermo Scientific #21870092) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Corning Ref #35-016-CV), 2 mM L-glutamine (Thermo Scientific #25030081), 1% Penicillin/Streptomycin/Amphotericin B (PSA, Gibco #15240062), and 20μL of benzonase (Millipore #70664). Next, 10^6 PBMCs per sample were set aside at 37 °C for staining with the PBMC panel after NK cell isolation and samples with greater than 2 X 10^6 PBMCs had Natural Killer (NK) cells isolated using a negative-selection NK cell isolation kit (Miltenyi Biotec #130-092-657) before CyTOF staining with the NK cell panel. Live-cell barcoding was performed using anti-β2-microglobulin (clone 2M2; BioLegend #316302) conjugated to Cell-ID cisplatin (194Pt, 195Pt, 196Pt, and 198Pt; Fluidigm/Standard BioTools #201194, 201195, 201196, and 201198) and combined in a four-choose-two scheme for 6-plex barcoding. Prior to surface staining, samples were stained with a (Ethylenediamine) palladium(II) chloride (Sigma-Aldrich #574902, CAS #15020-99-2) viability stain. Samples were then fixed in 4% PFA in PBS, permeabilised with eBioscence perm buffer (ThermoFisher), and stained with intracellular antibodies before storage in an iridium DNA intercalator / 2% PFA in PBS (Cell ID Intercalator (191Ir, 193Ir); Fluidigm/Standard BioTools (#201192B)) at 4°C overnight. Before data acquisition on a HELIOS mass cytometer, samples were washed once with PBS, then three times with water, and mixed with 1x EQ beads (Fluidigm) for normalisation. Cell subsets were identified from the resulting data from the mass cytometry acquisition by unsupervised clustering using parc.","- Cell viability in PBMC samples of healthy controls, ZIKV acute phase groups and ZIKV post-acute phase group. - Cell Number in PBMC samples of healthy controls, ZIKV acute phase groups and ZIKV post-acute phase group. - NK cells number in PBMC samples of healthy controls, ZIKV acute phase groups and ZIKV post-acute phase group. - NK cell receptor and ligand expression in PBMC samples of healthy controls, ZIKV acute phase groups and ZIKV post-acute phase group. - Immune cell subsets by unsupervised clustering using parc from mass cytometry performed on PBMCs from samples of healthy controls, ZIKV acute phase groups and ZIKV post-acute phase group.","Researchers collected peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a Panamanian cohort of adult participants naturally infected with ZIKV. Samples were obtained at two time points: during the acute phase (1–5 days after symptom onset) and during the post-acute phase (1–6 weeks after symptoms), allowing longitudinal comparison of immune profiles. Sera was collected from Zika-infected patients, and PBMCs were isolated from the EDTA anticoagulated tubes. The obtained 12 ml of blood was then mixed with 1X Hanks' Balanced Salt Solution (HBSS) in a ratio of 3:2 (HBSS: anticoagulated blood) and overlaid on 15 ml of Ficoll-Paque for density gradient centrifugation at 800 × g for 30 min at 20 °C without brake. The PBMC fraction was then carefully collected and washed three times with sterile HBSS (400 × g, 10 min, 20 °C) and resuspended. Following this, Cell viability and concentration were determined by trypan blue exclusion using a Neubauer chamber. For Mass cytometry staining, samples were then resuspended in 10 mL of RPMI-1640 (Thermo Scientific #21870092) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS, Corning Ref #35-016-CV), 2 mM L-glutamine (Thermo Scientific #25030081), 1% Penicillin/Streptomycin/Amphotericin B (PSA, Gibco #15240062), and 20μL of benzonase (Millipore #70664). Next, 10^6 PBMCs per sample were set aside at 37 °C for staining with the PBMC panel after NK cell isolation and samples with greater than 2 X 10^6 PBMCs had Natural Killer (NK) cells isolated using a negative-selection NK cell isolation kit (Miltenyi Biotec #130-092-657) before CyTOF staining with the NK cell panel. Live-cell barcoding was performed using anti-β2-microglobulin (clone 2M2; BioLegend #316302) conjugated to Cell-ID cisplatin (194Pt, 195Pt, 196Pt, and 198Pt; Fluidigm/Standard BioTools #201194, 201195, 201196, and 201198) and combined in a four-choose-two scheme for 6-plex barcoding. Prior to surface staining, samples were stained with a (Ethylenediamine) palladium(II) chloride (Sigma-Aldrich #574902, CAS #15020-99-2) viability stain. Samples were then fixed in 4% PFA in PBS, permeabilised with eBioscence perm buffer (ThermoFisher), and stained with intracellular antibodies before storage in an iridium DNA intercalator / 2% PFA in PBS (Cell ID Intercalator (191Ir, 193Ir); Fluidigm/Standard BioTools (#201192B)) at 4°C overnight. Before data acquisition on a HELIOS mass cytometer, samples were washed once with PBS, then three times with water, and mixed with 1x EQ beads (Fluidigm) for normalisation. Cell subsets were identified from the resulting data from the mass cytometry acquisition by unsupervised clustering using parc. If we obtained the cell subset population by unsupervised clustering using parc, what percentage of cells will be NK cells in the PBMCs of acute ZIKV?",Nk Cells percentage in acute ZIKV PBMCs = [13.1 - 23.1]%. No CI or SE given. Fallback of ± 5% applied ,"- Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus of global concern due to its ability to cause congenital neurological defects in infants, and as part of orthoflaviviruses, remains a significant public health risk, causing an estimated 400 million infections annually. - Natural killer (NK) cells are a mediator of disease protection following ZIKV infection, as they are innate lymphocytes that are important effectors in the antiviral immune response. In addition to facilitating immune signalling through the release of cytokines, NK cells can directly kill virus-infected cells through the release of cytotoxic granules containing perforin and granzymes, death receptor-induced apoptosis, and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne orthoflavivirus of global concern due to its ability to cause congenital neurological defects in infants, and as part of orthoflaviviruses, remains a significant public health risk, causing an estimated 400 million infections annually.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The global distribution and burden of dengue""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature12060""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 7, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology / Proteomics,Numerical Values,Temporal and Spatial Profiling of Escherichia coli O157:H7 Surface Proteome: Insights into Intestinal Colonisation Dynamics In Vivo,https://www.mdpi.com/2227-7382/13/4/52,"October 10, 2025","An experiment was conducted to characterize the surface proteome of E. coli O157:H7 across four distinct in vivo conditions. Adult male FVB mice (5-6 weeks old) underwent ileal loop surgery, entailing the ligation of (1) a 6 cm ileal segment; and (2) the entire colon. The ligated anatomy was then inoculated with a bacterial suspension of 5 x 10^8 CFU/mL of E. coli O157:H7 EDL933 in PBS (10 mM, pH 8). Following sacrifice at the appropriate times, the four treatment categories comprised: (1) ileum harvested at 3 h post-infection; (2) ileum harvested at 10 h post-infection; (3) colon harvested at 3 h post-infection; and (4) colon harvested at 10 h post-infection. For surface protein enrichment, intestinal mucosa from each condition was surface-scraped and incubated with membrane-impermeable Sulfo-NHS-SS-biotin (1% w/w) to label exposed primary amines on bacterial proteins. After quenching excess reagent with glycine, cells were lysed (1% Triton X-100) and biotinylated proteins were affinity-purified using NeutrAvidin agarose. Eluted proteins were trypsin-digested and analyzed by nanoLC-MS/MS (LTQ Velos, data-dependent acquisition, top 10 method). Protein identification was performed against the E. coli O157:H7 EDL933 database (KEGG Genome T00044) using Mascot (FDR <5%, minimum 2 peptides, score >20). (This approach achieved specificity for the inoculated E. coli strain despite the presence of other commensal gut microbiota.) To determine proteins common to all treatments, the intersection of identified proteins across the four conditions was calculated as a simple count.","- Protein identities (named matches against the E. coli O157:H7 EDL933 database, in all four experimental treatments of: (1) ileum harvested at 3 h post-infection; (2) ileum at 10 h post-infection; (3) colon at 3 h post-infection; and (4) colon at 10 h post-infection) - Proteome overlap (simple count of the number of identified proteins that were present in all four experimental treatments of: (1) ileum harvested at 3 h post-infection; (2) ileum at 10 h post-infection; (3) colon at 3 h post-infection; and (4) colon at 10 h post-infection) ","Researchers investigated the composition of the surface proteome of E. coli O157:H7 across four distinct experimental treatments. 6 cm ileal segments and entire colons of adult male FVB mice (5-6 weeks old) were ligated and inoculated with 5×10⁸ CFU/mL of E. coli (10 mM, pH 8). The four treatment categories were: (1) ileum harvested at 3 h post-infection; (2) ileum at 10 h post-infection; (3) colon at 3 h post-infection; and (4) colon at 10 h post-infection. The intestinal samples underwent protein enrichment and protein identification was then performed against the E. coli O157:H7 EDL933 database using nanoLC-MS/MS, to characterize the entire surface proteome. What is the expected total number of identified proteins that are common to all four of the experimental treatments? ","Number of proteins shared by all treatments: 12-14 (Note: no CI reported or applicable, numeric tolerance fallback for counts applied)","- Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a severe gastrointestinal pathogen whose virulence is linked to its ability to tightly adhere to host intestinal epithelial cells. - Surface adhesion, as well as colonisation, resistance and persistence of E. coli are mediated by its surface proteins, which are relatively poorly studied overall. - The techniques of surface proteomics (proteosurfaceomics) offer important insights into the complete contingent of bacterial surface proteins, including previously uncharacterized proteins. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a severe gastrointestinal pathogen whose virulence is linked to its ability to tightly adhere to host intestinal epithelial cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Brief Overview of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Its Plasmid O157""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3645889/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Surface adhesion, as well as colonisation, resistance and persistence of E. coli are mediated by its surface proteins, which are relatively poorly studied overall.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Molecular determinants of surface colonisation in diarrhoeagenic Escherichia coli (DEC): from bacterial adhesion to biofilm formation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/femsre/article/44/3/314/5815079""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 2, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The techniques of surface proteomics (proteosurfaceomics) offer important insights into the complete contingent of bacterial surface proteins, including previously uncharacterized proteins.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Proteomic Approaches to Unravel Mechanisms of Antibiotic Resistance and Immune Evasion of Bacterial Pathogens""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/medicine/articles/10.3389/fmed.2022.850374/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 2, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Antimicrobial activity of natural products,MCQ,"Extraction of essential oil, phytochemical screening, and antimicrobial activity study of Eucalyptus globulus",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.07.669139v1.full.pdf,"August 9, 2025","The in vitro antimicrobial activity of a hexane extract of Eucalyptus globulus was evaluated agains three microbial strains: Escherichia coli (ATCC 8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538P), and Candida albicans (ATCC 2091), using the well diffusion method. Mueller-Hinton agar plates were inoculated with bacterial cultures, and wells were loaded with 100 µL of extract solutions at a concentration of 100 mg/mL. Kanamycin (5 mg/mL) served as a positive control. Plates were incubated at 37°C for 24 hours, after which the zones of inhibition were measured.","- Zone of inhibition (cm) across strains (Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans) after hexane extract treatment from Eucalyptus globulus.","To evaluate the effect of a hexane extract (100 mg/mL) of Eucalyptus globulus on the in vitro growth of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans, the well diffusion method was used in inoculated Mueller-Hinton plates by loading 100 µL of the extract. Kanamycin (5 mg/mL) was used as a positive control. The zone of inhibition (cm) was measured after incubating the plates at 37°C. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) The zone of inhibition of E. coli will be the lowest after incubation with hexane extract, compared to S. aureus and C. albicans. B) The zone of inhibition of S. aureus will be the lowest after incubation with hexane extract, compared to E. coli and C. albicans. C) The zone of inhibition of C. albicans will be the lowest after incubation with hexane extract, compared to S. aureus and E. coli. ","B) The zone of inhibition of S. aureus will be the lowest after incubation with hexane extract, compared to E. coli and C. albicans.","- Eucalyptus globulus essential oils exhibits potent activity against a range of pathogenic microorganisms, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal strains like Candida albicans. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Eucalyptus globulus essential oils exhibits potent activity against a range of pathogenic microorganisms, including both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as fungal strains like Candida albicans. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chemical Composition and Biological Activities of Eucalyptus globulus Essential Oil""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2223-7747/12/5/1076""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 28, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology / Structural Biology,MCQ,Context-Dependent Variability Of HIF Heterodimers Influences Interactions With Macromolecular And Small Molecule Partners,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.05.29.656908v2.article-info,"May 30, 2025","Researchers evaluated the ability of various known HIF-2a or ARNT binding compounds to disrupt HIF-2 heterodimers using AlphaScreen (Amplified Luminescent Proximity Homogenous Assay Screen). HIF-2a-ARNT heterodimers with FLAG-tagged ARNT subunits were bound to 20 bp HRE (Hypoxia Response Element) biotinylated DNA fragments. The complexes (300 nM) were mixed with streptavidin Alpha donor beads (20 ug/mL), anti-FLAG Alpha acceptor beads (20 ug/mL) and various concentrations of one of either KG-548, KG279 or PT2385. KG-548 and KG-279 were used at concentrations between approximately 10^2 nM and 10^7 nM, and PT2385 was used at concentrations between approximately 0.01 nM and 1000 nM. Samples were incubated for 1 h at 25 degrees Celsius. Luminescence was measured using a SpectraMax i3 plate reader and used to calculate IC50 for each compound.","- Luminescence intensity between donor and acceptor beads (streptavidin donor and anti-FLAG acceptor) inidicating proximity of the HIF-2 heterodimer and HRE DNA fragment incubated with different concentrations of small molecule HIF-2 binder. - Luminescence due to interaction between donor and acceptor molecules fused to HIF-2 heterodimer and HRE DNA fragment incubated with different HIF-2 binders (KG-548, KG279 or PT2385) across dose-response series. - IC-50 calculated based on luminescence vs. concentration data.","Researchers evaluated the effects of different small molecules on the disruption of HIF-2a/ARNT heterodimers bound to 20 bp HRE (hypoxia response element) DNA fragments. The small molecules tested were KG-548, KG-279 and PT2385, which are known HIF-2a or ARNT binders. They used an AlphaScreen assay, in which the ARNT subunit was tagged with FLAG and the HRE DNA was biotinylated. In the AlphaScreen assay, the HIF-2/HRE complex (300 nM) was mixed with various concentrations of the one of the small molecules above, streptavidin Alpha donor beads (20 ug/mL) and anti-FLAG Alpha acceptor beads (20 ug/mL). The mixture was incubated for 1 h at 25 degrees Celsius and luminescence was measured using a plate reader. The luminescence measurements were plotted and used to calculate the IC50 for each of KG-548, KG-279 and PT2385. Which of the following trends in IC50 values is most likely? A. KG-279 > KG-548 > PT2385 B. KG-548 > PT2385 > KG-279 C. KG-548 > KG-279 > PT2385 D. KG-279 > PT2385 > KG-548",C. KG-548 > KG-279 > PT2385,"- HIF-2 is a heterodimer formed of HIF-2a and ARNT. - HIF-2 is a transcription factor that interacts with an HRE (Hypoxia Response Element) DNA sequence. - The role of HIF-2 in a range of cancers has led to the development of several small molecules that disrupt HIF-2a/ARNT interaction. - KG-548 is a small molecule that binds to the beta-sheet surface of ARNT involved in HIF-2a interaction. - KG-279 is a small molecule that binds to an internal cavity of ARNT that can disrupt HIF-2a interaction - PT2385 is a small molecule that binds HIF-2a and disrupts ARNT binding.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""1. HIF-2 is a heterodimer formed of HIF-2a and ARNT.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/stke.4072007cm8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 9, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""2. HIF-2 is a transcription factor that interacts with an HRE (Hypoxia Response Element) DNA sequence.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) pathway""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/stke.4072007cm8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 9, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""3. The role of HIF-2 in a range of cancers has led to the development of several small molecules that disrupt HIF-2a/ARNT interaction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Bidirectional modulation of HIF-2 activity through chemical ligands""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41589-019-0234-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 25, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""4. KG-548 is a small molecule that binds to the beta-sheet surface of ARNT involved in HIF-2a interaction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Identification of Small Molecule Ligand Binding Sites On and In the ARNT PAS-B Domain""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.565595v2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 5, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""5. KG-279 is a small molecule that binds to an internal cavity of ARNT that can disrupt HIF-2a interaction""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Identification of Small Molecule Ligand Binding Sites On and In the ARNT PAS-B Domain""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.11.03.565595v2.article-info""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 5, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""6. PT2385 is a small molecule that binds HIF-2a and disrupts ARNT binding.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Marked and rapid effects of pharmacological HIF-2α antagonism on hypoxic ventilatory control""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jci.org/articles/view/133194""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 30, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Pharmacology,MCQ,Low Dose GLP-1 Therapy Attenuates Pathological Cardiac and Hepatic Remodelling in HFpEF Independent of Weight Loss,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.26.678829v1,"September 29, 2025","Researchers aimed to investigate the effects of Semaglutide on weight loss in rats. They utilized 10-week-old male ZSF1 obese rats, which spontaneously exhibited heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), and randomly assigned them to two groups; a 6-rat vehicle group receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with 0.05% Tween 80 and another 6-rat experimental group receiving low-dose Semaglutide. The experimental group was given 30 nmol/kg dose of Semaglutide subcutaneously (1.5 mL/kg), given twice a week for the duration of 16 weeks. Body weight (g) was measured weekly during the 16-week experiment.",- Body weight (g) in HFpEF male ZSF1 obese rats treated with Semaglutide (30 nmol/kg biweekly; 16 weeks) vs. vehicle-treated control (PBS + 0.05% Tween-80).,"Researchers aimed to investigate the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist Semaglutide on weight loss in rats. The researchers utilized twelve 10-week-old male ZSF1 obese rats, which spontaneously exhibited HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction), and randomly assigned them to one of the two groups. A 6-rat vehicle group receiving phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with 0.05% Tween 80 and another 6-rat experimental group receiving low-dose Semaglutide. The experimental group was given 30 nmol/kg dose of Semaglutide via subcutaneous route (1.5 mL/kg), given twice a week for the duration of 16 weeks. Body weight was measured weekly during the 16-week experiment. Which outcome best describes the effect of semaglutide on body weight given at 30 nmol/kg twice a week for 16 weeks? A) Body weight decreased significantly over the 16-week treatment period B) Body weight increased slightly throughout treatment C) Body weight remained unchanged throughout treatment D) Body weight fluctuated during early dosing but decreased significantly by the final week",C) Body weight remained unchanged throughout treatment,"- Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 RA (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist) approved for weight loss (reduction of around 15%). - HFpE (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) is the most common form of heart failure with limited treatment options.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Semaglutide is a long-acting GLP-1 RA (glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonist) approved for weight loss (reduction of around 15%). ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa2032183?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 10, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- HFpE (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) is the most common form of heart failure with limited treatment options.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41572-024-00540-y""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 14, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Molecular Immun-oncology,Free-Format Question,Detecting Biomarkers of Radiation Pneumonitis in Exhaled Breath During Chemoradiotherapy for Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Results of a Prospective Feasibility Study,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12543010/,"Sep 22, 2025","Researchers investigated the presence and the concentration of radiation pneumonitis biomarkers in serum and Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer patients during chemoradiotherapy (CRT). Whole blood was collected in 8-mL EDTA tubes at baseline and at 2-, 6-, and 10-weeks after initiation of CRT (W0, W2, W6, and W10, respectively). EBC was collected using the RTubeTM device, a single-use apparatus that utilizes a metal cooling sleeve placed over a plastic tube to cool the exhaled breath, condensing and collecting it into a sterile tube. The patient was asked to breathe normally through the mouthpiece for 10 minutes, after which, a metal plunger was used to consolidate the EBC into a fresh sterile tube, which was stored at -80° C until analysis. Serum and EBC concentrations of TGF-β1, IL-6 and IL-1a (in pg/mL) were measured in serum and in EBC using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Samples were analysed on a SpectraMax 340PC plate reader. Duplicate measurements were taken","- Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) concentrations (in pg/mL) of TGF-β1, IL-6 and IL-1α (in pg/mL) from stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer patients during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using an ELISA kit at timepoints W0, W2, W6, and W10, respectively. - Serum concentrations of TGF-β1, IL-6 and IL-1α (in pg/mL) from stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer patients during chemoradiotherapy (CRT) using an ELISA kit, at timepoints W0, W2, W6, and W10, respectively. ","Authors investigated the difference in TGF-β1, IL-6 and IL-1α (in pg/mL) between Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) and serum in 8 patients with stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer during each time point (W0, W2, W6 and W10) of chemoradiotherapy (CRT). If we measured the EBC and serum concentrations of TGF-β1, IL-6 and IL-1α (in pg/mL) in stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer during each time point (W0, W2, W6 and W10) of chemoradiotherapy (CRT). How would the concentration levels of TGF-β1 change in EBC from W0 to W10? ",The concentration of TGF-β1 in EBC will increase from W0 to W10.,"- Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by consolidative immunotherapy is a standard treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), which includes radiation pneumonitis (RP) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs with variable severity. - Serum biomarkers, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1α have been associated with the development of symptomatic radiation pneumonitis.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Definitive chemoradiotherapy (CRT) followed by consolidative immunotherapy is a standard treatment for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) Radiation-induced lung injury (RILI), which includes radiation pneumonitis (RP) and pulmonary fibrosis (PF) occurs with variable severity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Predicting Radiation Pneumonitis after Chemoradiotherapy for Lung Cancer: An International Individual Patient Data Meta-analysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3448004/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 9, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Serum biomarkers, including transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1α have been associated with the development of SRP.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Early Variations of Circulating Interleukin-6 and Interleukin-10 Levels During Thoracic Radiotherapy Are Predictive for Radiation Pneumonitis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16314635/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 1, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbiology/Toxicology,Free-Format Question,"Effects of Low and High Doses of Deoxynivalenol (DON) on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Histology, Metabolites, and Microbial Community in Adult Rats",https://www.mdpi.com/3272182,"April 16, 2025","Researchers tested the dose-dependent effects of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on rat health. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=32) were divided into four groups after 1 week of acclimation: control group (CON) fed a basal diet, the T1 group fed a basal diet + 0.5 mg/L DON, the T2 group fed a basal diet + 50 mg/L DON, and the T3 group fed a basal diet + 100 mg/L DON. The animals were administered either 0.9% saline or DON dissolved in 0.9% saline daily for 42 days by gavage. Tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, jejunum, and abdominal fat) were collected rapidly after anesthesia on day 42. Samples were sectioned at five μm thickness for Masson's trichrome staining to visualize collagen deposition (fibrosis), calculated as the percentage of collagen fiber positivity under 200x magnification. ","- Fibrosis measured as % area of collagen-postive tissue (liver, kidney, muscle, jejunum, and abdominal fat) via Masson' trichrome-staining across treatment groups: control group (basal diet), T1 (basal diet + 0.5 mg/L DON), T2 group (basal diet + 50 mg/L DON), and T3 group (basal diet + 100 mg/L DON).","Researchers tested the dose-dependent effects of the mycotoxin deoxynivalenol (DON) on rat health. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n=32) were divided into four groups after 1 week of acclimation: control group (CON) fed a basal diet, the T1 group fed a basal diet + 0.5 mg/L DON, the T2 group fed a basal diet + 50 mg/L DON, and the T3 group fed a basal diet + 100 mg/L DON. The animals were administered either 0.9% saline or DON dissolved in 0.9% saline daily for 42 days by gavage. Tissues (liver, kidney, muscle, jejunum, and abdominal fat) were collected rapidly after anesthesia on day 42. Samples were sectioned at five μm thickness for Masson's trichrome staining to visualize collagen deposition (fibrosis), calculated as the percentage of collagen fiber positivity under 200x magnification. Predict the relative severity of fibrosis for each tissue type in the T3 group by ranking.","Fat tissue showed the highest levels of fibrosis, followed by muscle, jejunum, kidney, and liver tissue in decreasing order of severity.","- Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species that contaminates a variety of crops (maize, wheat, barley). - DON’s physiological effects in animals include reduced feed intake, growth suppression, intestinal damage, and metabolic stress. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a trichothecene mycotoxin produced by Fusarium species that contaminates a variety of crops (maise, wheat, barley).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mycotoxin Occurrence, Toxicity, and Detoxifying Agents in Pig Production with an Emphasis on Deoxynivalenol""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/13/2/171""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 23, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- DON’s physiological effects in animals include reduced feed intake, growth suppression, intestinal damage, and metabolic stress.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Animal performance and biochemical parameters are sex-dependent in peripubertal rats exposed to deoxynivalenol""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0041-0101(22)00295-1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Protein Engineering / Fluorescence Imaging,Free-Format Question,Bright and photostable yellow fluorescent proteins for extended imaging,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-58223-5,"April 4, 2025","Researchers aimed to engineer yellow fluorescent proteins (YFPs). For this purpose, the mVenus-derived YFP variant mGold was modified via high-throughput protein engineering. Two different versions of the original mGold protein were obtained: mGold2s and mGold2t. The mutations introduced in mGold protein to render mGold2s were: V1A, V22I, H77N, Q80R, K101E, D117G, I123V, S147C, Y151F, K156R, K158Q, A163V, D173V, and G232S. mGold2t differs from mGold2s by encoding a threonine rather than a serine at position 205, as reflected by the ‘t’ rather than ‘s’ designation. The brightness and photostability of the newly engineered mGold2s and mGold2t proteins were assessed in comparison with their precursor mGold and the widely used YFPs mVenus and mCitrine. For that purpose, HEK293A cells were plated at 30-40% confluency in a 96-well glass bottom plate. Cells were transfected with pJL2 plasmids encoding the different YFP variants using FuGENE (#E2311, Promega), according to manufacturer’s instructions. The YFPs in the pJL2 plasmids were expressed from the strong constitutive CMV promoter and the bovine growth hormone (bGH) polyadenylation terminator. This plasmid also co-expresses a reference EBFP2 via the P2A sequence. EBFP2 was used to normalize expression level variability. Cells were maintained in Dulbecco’s modified Eagle’s medium (DMEM)–high glucose supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 2 mM l-glutamine, and 1% (% v/v) penicillin-streptomycin. Two days post-transfection, the media was replaced with Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS) supplemented with 10 mM HEPES. Imaging was conducted using a widefield fluorescence microscope (Ti-E, Nikon Instruments) equipped with a 20x 0.75-numerical aperture objective (CFI Plan Apo Lambda, Nikon Instruments). Photobleaching was performed under continuous widefield illumination using 520/5-nm light at an irradiance of 2.4 mW/mm2, 17 mW/mm2, 38 mW/mm2, 59 mW/mm2, and 80 mW/mm2. During photobleaching, YFP images were captured every 5 s using 520/5-nm light at 3.5 mW/mm² with 10 ms exposure. Reference EBFP2 images were simultaneously captured using 405/0.6-nm light at 4.8 mW/mm² with 30 ms exposure to normalize for expression level variability. The brightness was defined as the YFP fluorescence/EBFP2 fluorescence ratio at the first time point. Photostability was quantified by calculating the photobleaching half-life, which is the time required for the fluorescence to decay by half from its initial level. The experiment was conducted with six independent transfections (n=6) for each variant.","- Brightness of five YFP variants (mGold, mGold2s, mGold2t, mVenus, and mCitrine) transfected in HEK293A cells (YFP/EBFP2 fluorescence). - Photobleaching half-life (s) of five YFP variants (mGold, mGold2s, mGold2t, mVenus, and mCitrine) transfected in HEK293A cells, across five different irradiance levels (2.4, 17, 38, 59, and 80 mW/mm²).","Researchers introduced mutations to the mVenus-derived yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) variant mGold to engineer the YFP protein variants mGold2s and mGold2t. The mutations introduced in mGold protein to render mGold2s were: V1A, V22I, H77N, Q80R, K101E, D117G, I123V, S147C, Y151F, K156R, K158Q, A163V, D173V, and G232S. mGold2t differs from mGold2s by encoding a threonine rather than a serine at position 205. They compared the brightness and photostability of mGold2s and mGold2t, with the ones from their precursor mGold and the widely used YFPs mVenus and mCitrine by expressing them in HEK293A cells and subjecting them to continuous widefield illumination (520/5-nm light at 2.4 mW/mm2, 17 mW/mm2, 38 mW/mm2, 59 mW/mm2, and 80 mW/mm2). The brightness was defined as the YFP fluorescence/EBFP2 fluorescence ratio. The photostability was quantified by measuring the photobleaching half-life. Which is the expected outcome in terms of brightness and photostability of mGold2s and mGold2t, in comparison with mVenus?","Both mGold2s and mGold2t variants displayed superior photostability but exhibited similar brightness, in comparison with mVenus protein.","- Many fluorescent proteins face a critical limitation: rapid photobleaching under repeated or prolonged illumination, reducing signal-to-noise ratios and constraining experiment duration; which is particularly problematic in advanced imaging techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy. - Notably, yellow fluorescent proteins (YFPs) photobleach more rapidly than fluorescent proteins in other spectral classes, despite their widespread use in biosensors. - mGold is a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) variant with a 4- to 5-fold improvement in photostability over its predecessor, mVenus, with maintained brightness levels.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Many fluorescent proteins face a critical limitation: rapid photobleaching under repeated or prolonged illumination, reducing signal-to-noise ratios and constraining experiment duration; which is particularly problematic in advanced imaging techniques, such as super-resolution microscopy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Navigating challenges in the application of superresolution microscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://rupress.org/jcb/article/216/1/53/46128/Navigating-challenges-in-the-application-of""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 5, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Notably, yellow fluorescent proteins (YFPs) photobleach more rapidly than fluorescent proteins in other spectral classes, despite their widespread use in biosensors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Engineering the ChlorON Series: Turn-On Fluorescent Protein Sensors for Imaging Labile Chloride in Living Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acscentsci.3c01088""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 18, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- mGold is a yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) variant with a 4- to 5-fold improvement in photostability over its predecessor, mVenus, with maintained brightness levels.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Versatile phenotype-activated cell sorting""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abb7438""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 23, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cognitive Neuroscience,MCQ,"Intermittent Cocaine Use Patterns, Not Total Intake, Predict Cue-induced Drug Seeking in Rats",https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.683821v1,"Oct 23, 2025","To challenge the assumption that total drug intake drives relapse propensity, researchers used an intermittent-access (IntA) paradigm, which models human binge-like use. Female Sprague Dawley rats were trained to self-administer cocaine ($0.5~\text{mg}/\text{kg}/\text{infusion}$) under two different daily session lengths for 15-18 sessions. The Short-IntA group ($n=18$) had 2-hour sessions (4 cycles), while the Long-IntA group ($n=20$) had 4-hour sessions (8 cycles). Each cycle consisted of a 5-minute ""DS+/cocaine ON"" period (where lever presses delivered cocaine + a CS+ cue) alternating with a 25-minute ""DS-/cocaine OFF"" period (where lever presses delivered a CS- cue). After a 4-week forced abstinence period, rats received a cue-induced cocaine-seeking test. In this test, rats were pre-injected with cocaine ($10~\text{mg}/\text{kg}$, i.p.) and then all cues (DS+, CS+, DS-, CS-) were presented response-independently (3 times for 2 min each) while active lever presses (which had no consequence) were recorded.","- Cumulative cocaine intake ($\text{mg}/\text{kg}$): Total drug consumed across all IntA sessions, compared between Short-IntA and Long-IntA groups. - Cue-induced drug-seeking (DS+): Total active lever presses during the 6 minutes (3x 2-min presentations) of response-independent DS+ cue presentation during the seeking test. - Cue-induced drug-seeking (CS+): Total active lever presses during the 6 minutes (3x 2-min presentations) of response-independent CS+ cue presentation during the seeking test. - Cue inhibition (DS-/CS-): Active lever presses during the 6-minute total presentation of the DS- and CS- cues, compared to the Inter-Trial Interval (ITI). - Relapse predictors: Correlation of DS+ and CS+ seeking behavior with individual behavioral markers from IntA session 15 (e.g., hourly intake, burst-like episodes, latency to first injection).","Previous studies suggest that longer continuous access to cocaine (e.g., 6h vs 2h) causes higher total intake and greater cue-induced relapse. To test if total intake or drug-use pattern is more important, researchers trained rats on an Intermittent Access (IntA) paradigm. Two groups (Short-IntA: 2h/day; Long-IntA: 4h/day) self-administered cocaine in 5-min ""ON"" periods separated by 25-min ""OFF"" periods. This procedure resulted in the Long-IntA group consuming more than twice the total cumulative amount of cocaine as the Short-IntA group. After 4 weeks of abstinence, both groups were given a cue-induced cocaine-seeking test, where active lever presses were measured during the presentation of the DS+ cue (the cue signaling cocaine availability). Given the significant difference in total cocaine intake, which of the following outcomes was observed when comparing the DS+-induced lever pressing between the two groups? A) The Long-IntA group showed significantly more DS+-induced seeking than the Short-IntA group, confirming that total intake is the primary driver. B) Both groups showed significant DS+-induced seeking, and there was no significant difference in the number of lever presses between the Short-IntA and Long-IntA groups. C) The Short-IntA group showed significantly more DS+-induced seeking than the Long-IntA group, suggesting limited access is more potent. D) Neither group showed significant DS+-induced seeking, indicating the DS+ cue failed to acquire motivational value in the IntA paradigm.","B) Both groups showed significant DS+-induced seeking, and there was no significant difference in the number of lever presses between the Short-IntA and Long-IntA groups.","Intermittent-access (IntA) vs continuous-access paradigms: IntA cocaine self-administration involves short, repeated drug-access periods separated by no-drug intervals, producing binge-like intake patterns that enhance dopamine sensitization and addiction-like behaviors compared to continuous long-access exposure. Discriminative stimuli (DS+) and DS–cues: DS+ cues signal cocaine availability, while DS– cues signal its absence; the difference between them conditions drug-seeking behavior and is used to test cue-controlled relapse. Cue-induced relapse paradigm: After a period of abstinence, presentation of cocaine-associated cues (e.g., DS+ or CS+) reinstates drug-seeking behavior, modeling relapse in rodents. Dopamine sensitization: Repeated intermittent cocaine exposure increases dopamine system responsiveness, enhancing incentive motivation and drug-seeking behavior during cue exposure. Relapse predictors: Patterns of drug intake, such as burst-like cocaine use, latency to first infusion, and frequency of self-administration, predict individual vulnerability to cue-induced relapse. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Intermittent-access (IntA) vs continuous-access paradigms""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intermittent access cocaine self-administration produces psychomotor sensitization: effects of withdrawal, sex and cross-sensitization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7244391/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Discriminative stimuli (DS+) and DS–cues, and Cue-induced relapse paradigm""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The reinstatement model of drug relapse: history, methodology and major findings""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12402102/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 26, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Dopamine sensitization and Relapse predictors""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intermittent Cocaine Self-Administration Produces Sensitization of Stimulant Effects at the Dopamine Transporter""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3989803/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 1, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Microbiology, Virology",Free-Format Question,Arginine Metabolism Supports De Novo Pyrimidine Biosynthesis to Block DNA Damage and Maintain Epstein-Barr Virus Latency,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.683727v1,"October 21, 2025","Scientists investigated how arginine metabolism regulates Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) latency and reactivation. EBV-positive Burkitt lymphoma cells (P3HR-1) were cultured for five days under two conditions: 1) Arginine-replete medium – standard SILAC-RPMI 1640 (Stable Isotope Labeling by Amino acids in Cell Culture) base medium that normally lacks both L-lysine and L-arginine, supplemented with 0.22 mM L-lysine, 0.22 mM L-arginine, and 10% dialyzed fetal bovine serum (FBS) to remove free amino acids; and 2) Arginine-free medium – the same SILAC-RPMI 1640 formulation supplemented with 0.22 mM L-lysine and 10% dialyzed FBS, but without L-arginine. After five days of culture, to define amino acid restriction effects on EBV lytic genome replication, total DNA from 0.5-1x106 cells was extracted with DNeasy Blood& Tissue Kit (Qiagen). Then, the DNA extracted from each sample was diluted to 10 ng/ml before being subjected to qPCR analysis with a primer pair targeting the EBV BALF5 gene. The quantitative real-time PCR was then performed using the Power SYBR Green PCR Master Mix (Applied Biosystems) on a CFX96 Touch Real-Time PCR Detection System (BioRad). Viral DNA copy number was calculated by interpolation of Cq values to a standard curve generated by serial dilutions of 25 ng/ml pHAGE-BALF5 plasmid. Since EBV genome copy number can also differ within latency, to differentiate between effects on latent versus lytic genome replication, the essay was repeated in the presence of acyclovir to block lytic EBV genome amplification. ","- EBV genome copy number cultured in arginine-replete vs. arginine-free medium and in the presence/absence of acyclovir, using qPCR and targeting the BALF5 gene. ","Scientists studied how arginine metabolism regulates Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) latency and reactivation. They cultured EBV-positive Burkitt lymphoma cells (P3HR-1) for 5 days on either arginine-replete or arginine-free RPMI medium supplemented with dialyzed fetal calf serum to remove free amino acids. Afterward, they extracted total DNA and analyzed by qPCR with a primer pair targeting the EBV BALF5 gene to assess viral genome copy number. Since EBV genome copy number can also differ within latency, to differentiate between effects on latent versus lytic genome replication, the essay was repeated in the presence of acyclovir to block lytic EBV genome amplification. How does arginine restriction affect EBV genome copy number in EBV-positive Burkitt lymphoma cells in the presence of acyclovir?",Arginine restriction increased EBV genome copy number in acyclovir treated cells.,"- Many EBV-infected tumors cells, including Burkitt and gastric carcinoma cells, exhibit high levels of DNA CpG hypermethylation, which support viral latency. - Upon lytic reactivation, the EBV-encoded immediate early genes BZLF1 and BRLF1 are first to be expressed, which are transcription activators that induce expression of ~35 early lytic viral genes. - Arginine supports eukaryotic pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis, supporting the growth and proliferation of EBV-transformed B-cells. - Early lytic viral genes include factors required for lytic cycle EBV genome amplification, including the processivity factor BMRF1 and the protein kinase BGLF4.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Upon lytic reactivation, the EBV-encoded immediate early genes BZLF1 and BRLF1 are first to be expressed, which are transcription activators that induce expression of ~35 early lytic viral genes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Lytic cycle switches of oncogenic human gammaherpesviruses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0065230X06970043?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 27, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Arginine supports eukaryotic pyrimidine de novo biosynthesis, supporting the growth and proliferation of EBV-transformed B-cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Epstein-Barr Virus Induced Cytidine Metabolism Roles in Transformed B-Cell Growth and Survival""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.asm.org/doi/10.1128/mbio.01530-21?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub++0pubmed""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 20, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Early lytic viral genes include factors required for lytic cycle EBV genome amplification, including the processivity factor BMRF1 and the protein kinase BGLF4.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Immunology of Epstein-Barr Virus–Induced Disease""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-immunol-032414-112326""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 11, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Pharmacology/Cancer Biology,Numerical Values,Cephalomannine as in vitro and in vivo anticancer agent in mesothelioma cells: mechanisms of action,https://bmccancer.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12885-025-14902-6,"October 22, 2025","Researchers assessed the efficacy of cephalomannine on six-week-old female non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice xenografted with REN mesothelioma cells (malignant pleural) and evaluated the overall survival. Cephalomannine (2 mg/kg of body weight) was administered intraperitoneally once daily for 5 days per week for two weeks. Beginning at one week after REN cell injection, the mice were monitored by visual inspection every other day for CO2 asphyxiation once humane criteria were met (weight loss, abdominal swelling, lethargy, or impaired movement) for euthanasia. The date of euthanasia was recorded as the death event for Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. ",- Median survival time (days) determined from Kaplan-Meier plot in (NOD-SCID) mice xenografted with REN mesothelioma cells (malignant pleural) treated with cephalomannine.,"Researchers assessed the efficacy of cephalomannine on six-week-old female non-obese diabetic severe combined immunodeficient (NOD-SCID) mice xenografted with REN mesothelioma cells (malignant pleural) and evaluated the overall survival. Cephalomannine (2 mg/kg of body weight) was administered intraperitoneally once daily for 5 days per week for two weeks. Beginning at one week after REN cell injection, the mice were monitored by visual inspection every other day for CO2 asphyxiation once humane criteria were met (weight loss, abdominal swelling, lethargy, or impaired movement) for euthanasia. The date of euthanasia was recorded as the death event and the Kaplan-Meier plot was used to determine the median overall survival in days. What is the expected median overall survival (days) for the cephalomannine-treated group?",75 days; (Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±7.5 days),"- Cephalomannine (CPM) is a highly toxic compound, exhibiting cytotoxic effects in both permanent and patient-derived primary cell lines. - CPM induces mitotic arrest, leading to cell death by affecting microtubule dynamics.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cephalomannine (CPM) is a highly toxic compound, exhibiting cytotoxic effects in both permanent and patient-derived primary cell lines.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Drug-repositioning screening identified fludarabine and risedronic acid as potential therapeutic compounds for malignant pleural mesothelioma. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10637-020-01040-y""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 9, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- CPM induces mitotic arrest, leading to cell death by affecting microtubule dynamics.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""How taxol/paclitaxel kills cancer cells. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.molbiolcell.org/doi/10.1091/mbc.E14-04-0916?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 13, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Biology, genetics",MCQ,Loss of miRNA-153 promotes endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and compromises lung vascular integrity,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.14.682369v1,"October 15, 2025","Researchers sought to determine if miR-153 is necessary to maintain normal endothelial survival in primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells under normoxic conditions. Cells were cultured in T25 flasks, pre-coated with 0.1% gelatin and maintained in VascuLife basal medium without antimicrobials or phenol red. Cells were maintained at 37 °C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO2. Normal cells were transfected with miRCURY LNA hsa-miR-153-3p inhibitor or miRCURY LNA inhibitor negative control (Qiagen) for 6 hours, then held at normoxic conditions (21% oxygen) for 72 hours cultured in medium supplemented with 2% FBS (fetal bovine serum). Cells with cleaved genomic DNA were detected using the TUNEL assay (In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit, Fluorescein, Roche), imaged with a Zeiss Axio Observer microscope at 20× magnification and analyzed using ImageJ software (% of TUNEL- positive cells normalized to total cell number). ",- DNA fragmentation (% TUNEL-positive nuclei normalized to total cell number in primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells (miR-153 inhibitor vs. negative control oligonucleotide) under normoxic conditions ( 21% O2; 72 hr post transfection) measured by TUNEL assay.,"Researchers sought to determine if miR-153 is necessary to maintain normal endothelial survival in primary human lung microvascular endothelial cells under normoxic conditions. Cells were cultured in T25 flasks, pre-coated with 0.1% gelatin and maintained in VascuLife basal medium without antimicrobials or phenol red. Cells were maintained at 37 °C in a humidified atmosphere with 5% CO2. Normal cells were transfected with miRCURY LNA hsa-miR-153-3p inhibitor or miRCURY LNA inhibitor negative control (Qiagen) for 6 hours, then held at normoxic conditions (21% oxygen) for 72 hours, cultured in medium supplemented with 2% FBS (fetal bovine serum). Cells with cleaved genomic DNA were detected using the TUNEL assay (In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit, Fluorescein, Roche), imaged with a Zeiss Axio Observer microscope at 20× magnification and analyzed using ImageJ software (% of TUNEL- positive cells normalized to total cell number). Which outcome best describes the effect of miR-153 inhibition under normoxia compared to the control? A) The percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei increased significantly B) The percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei decreased significantly C) The percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei was unchanged D) The percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei decreased slightly, although not significantly",B) The percentage of TUNEL-positive nuclei decreased significantly,"- Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a biological process in which lung vascular endothelial cells (ECs) undergo transdifferentiation into mesenchymal-like cells. - MicroRNAs (miRs) have recently emerged as critical regulators of EndMT, acting as fine-tuners of EC identity and responsiveness to profibrotic or hypoxic stimuli. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a biological process in which lung vascular endothelial cells (ECs) undergo transdifferentiation into mesenchymal-like cells.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Reassessing endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cardiovascular diseases.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41569-018-0023-y""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 20, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- MicroRNAs (miRs) have recently emerged as critical regulators of EndMT, acting as fine-tuners of EC identity and responsiveness to profibrotic or hypoxic stimuli.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Endothelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Cardiovascular Disease: JACC State-of-the-Art Review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jacc.org/doi/abs/10.1016/j.jacc.2018.09.089""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 14, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Ecology / Plant Biology,MCQ,Fertilizer and fungicide reduce herbicide efficacy and enhance growth of invasive common tansy (Tanacetum vulgare),https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0333818,"October 22, 2025","Researchers sought to understand how the application of fertilizer and fungicide could impact the growth of the invasive plant species Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy), via the control of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The experiment (starting mid June 2022) was conducted in a research pasture (Boreal Transition eco-region of the Northern Great Plains near Melfort, Saskatchewan (52.69°N, 104.97°W)) with dominant species being smooth brome (Bromus inermis), Kentucky Bluegrass (Poa pratensis), and cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer), native species comprising approximately 20% of the vegetation, and heavily invaded by common tansy; the latter representing >30% total vegetative cover. A fully factorial randomized complete block design was used, generating 12 treatments total. There were five replicated experimental blocks with 12 plots each. Three levels of AMF manipulation (control, fungicide, and fertilizer) and four levels of herbicide manipulation (control, 2,4-D, picloram, and CP+MS) were used on common tansy. Treatments included a fungicide containing thiophanate methyl, a N+P fertilizer, and three herbicides (2,4-D, picloram, and aminocyclapyrachlor+metsulfuron-methyl ([ACP+MS] 39.5% ACP, 12.6% MS)), all of which were combined in a fully factorial randomized complete block design, including the corresponding control groups for each manipulation level (i.e.: Control - Control; Fertilizer - Control; Fungicide - Control; Control - 2,4-D; Fertilizer - 2,4-D; Fungicide - 2,4-D; Control - ACP+MS; Fertilizer - ACP+MS; Fungicide - ACP+MS; Control - Picloram; Fertilizer - Picloram; Fungicide - Picloram). Fertilizers were applied twice (mid-June in both 2022 and 2023), fungicide was applied three times (mid June 2022, mid July 2022, and mid June 2023), and herbicides were applied once (mid June 2022). Fertilizer was applied at a rate of P (triple super phosphate): 60 kg/ha; N (urea): 50 kg/ha. Wettable powder fungicide (Senator) was applied always after fertilizers application, at a rate of 70kg active ingredient (ai) in 2500 L/ha water. Immediately after applying the initial AMF manipulations (i.e. fertilizer, fungicide), herbicides were then applied at the following rates: 1.1kg picloram in 180 L/ha (water); 66g+21g ACP+MS in 200 L/ha (water); 2.2 kg 2,4-D in 100 L/ha (water). 1% v/v Merge® surfactant (BASF Canada) was included with the ACP + MS application. Herbicides were applied with backpack sprayers. Species cover estimates were collected at the end of July of 2022 and 2023 using 0.25 m2 quadrats. Species were grouped into four groups: tansy, grasses, legumes, and other broadleaf plants. Total cover per group was divided by the total cover of the plot. In addition, after the cover estimates, plant biomass samples were also collected by clipping a 0.1 m^2 area to 1 cm stubble height. After sorting these samples into tansy and the remaining community, plant biomass was dried at 55°C for at least 48 h, then weighted.","- Species cover estimates (% of plot total cover) (tansy, grasses, legumes, and other broadleaf plants) in all tested experimental conditions (Control - Control; Fertilizer - Control; Fungicide - Control; Control - 2,4-D; Fertilizer - 2,4-D; Fungicide - 2,4-D; Control - ACP+MS; Fertilizer - ACP+MS; Fungicide - ACP+MS; Control - Picloram; Fertilizer - Picloram; Fungicide - Picloram) at mid July 2022 and mid July 2023. - Plant biomass (g/m^2) (tansy mass, community mass) in all tested experimental conditions (Control - Control; Fertilizer - Control; Fungicide - Control; Control - 2,4-D; Fertilizer - 2,4-D; Fungicide - 2,4-D; Control - ACP+MS; Fertilizer - ACP+MS; Fungicide - ACP+MS; Control - Picloram; Fertilizer - Picloram; Fungicide - Picloram) at mid July 2022 and mid July 2023.","Researchers sought to understand how the application of fertilizer and fungicide could impact the growth of the invasive plant species Tanacetum vulgare (common tansy), via the control of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The experiment (starting mid June 2022) was conducted in a research pasture (52.69°N, 104.97°W) heavily invaded by common tansy (>30% total vegetative cover). AMF manipulation treatments included a fungicide containing thiophanate methyl and a N+P fertilizer. Three herbicides (2,4-D, picloram, and aminocyclapyrachlor+metsulfuron-methyl (ACP+MS) were also applied. All treatments were combined in a fully factorial randomized complete block design, including the corresponding control groups for each manipulation level (12 treatments total). Fertilizers were applied twice (mid-June in both 2022 and 2023), fungicide was applied three times (mid June 2022, mid July 2022, and mid June 2023), and herbicides were applied once (mid June 2022). Species cover estimates (% of plot total cover) and plant biomass (g/m^2) were determined at the end of July of 2022 and 2023. For the tansy biomass (g/m²) evaluated, which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. In July 2023, Fertilizer - Picloram and Fungicide - Picloram groups showed the lowest tansy biomass compared to Fertilizer - Control, Fungicide - Control, Fertilizer - 2,4-D, Fungicide - 2,4-D, Fertilizer - ACP+MS and Fungicide - ACP+MS groups. B. In July 2023, Fertilizer - 2,4-D and Fungicide - 2,4-D groups showed the lowest tansy biomass compared to Fertilizer - Control, Fungicide - Control, Fertilizer - Picloram, Fungicide - Picloram , Fertilizer - ACP+MS and Fungicide - ACP+MS groups. C. In July 2023, Fertilizer - ACP+MS and Fungicide - ACP+MS groups showed the lowest tansy biomass compared to Fertilizer - Control, Fungicide - Control, Fertilizer - 2,4-D, Fungicide - 2,4-D, Fertilizer - Picloram and Fungicide - Picloram groups. D. In July 2023, Fertilizer - Control and Fungicide - Control groups showed the lowest tansy biomass compared to Fertilizer - Picloram, Fungicide - Picloram, Fertilizer - 2,4-D, Fungicide - 2,4-D, Fertilizer - ACP+MS and Fungicide - ACP+MS groups.","A. In July 2023, Fertilizer - Picloram and Fungicide - Picloram groups showed the lowest tansy biomass compared to Fertilizer - Control, Fungicide - Control, Fertilizer - 2,4-D, Fungicide - 2,4-D, Fertilizer - ACP+MS and Fungicide - ACP+MS groups.","- Common tansy is a tall, broadleaf plant that can be highly competitive - Symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide Asteraceae plants with nutrients and improve pathogen resistance - Fungicides can be used to suppress AMF, which can reduce the abundance of AMF dependent species - Both picloram and ACP + MS are residual herbicides that can provide effective multi-year tansy control ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Common tansy is a tall, broadleaf plant that can be highly competitive""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intense mowing management suppresses invader, but shifts competitive resistance by a native to facilitation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/rec.13483""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 19, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Symbiotic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) provide Asteraceae plants with nutrients and improve pathogen resistance""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Stronger mutualistic interactions with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi help Asteraceae invaders outcompete the phylogenetically related natives\n\n\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/nph.18435\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 17, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Fungicides can be used to suppress AMF, which can reduce the abundance of AMF dependent species""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Topsin-M: the new benomyl for mycorrhizal-suppression experiments""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/citedby/10.3852/08-024R?scroll=top&needAccess=true""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""January 20, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Both picloram and ACP + MS are residual herbicides that can provide effective multi-year tansy control""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Effect of Temperature and Moisture on Aminocyclopyrachlor Soil Half-Life""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/weed-technology/article/abs/effect-of-temperature-and-moisture-on-aminocyclopyrachlor-soil-halflife/106D53F9146359F592591462449C36F9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 20, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper.""}]" Biology,Animal behavior / Microbiology,MCQ,Faecal transplantation from exuberant toddlers increases exploratory behaviour in rats,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.10.681629v1,"October 11, 2025","Researchers investigated whether microbiota from toddlers expressing temperament extremes (exuberant or inhibited) induced changes in exploratory and activity-related behaviours in juvenile male rats. Faeces were obtained from 2.5-year-old (± 2 months) toddlers with high exuberance/approach (Overall Exuberance score -1.42 to -2.26) or high behavioural inhibition (Overall Exuberance score 0.31 to 1.21) in the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (LabTAB) bubbles-episode (trained psychologists scored video recordings of these study participants to confirm the phenotype). Only toddlers with no antibiotic exposure in previous 6 months, no oral medications, no gastroenteritis in previous 6 months, and no chronic disease, such as allergies or autoimmune disease were recruited (n=12). Finally, researchers selected 4 inhibited (2 boys, 2 girls) and 4 exuberant (2 boys, 2 girls) donors. The duration between LabTAB assessment and anaerobic faecal sample collection was 10-123 days (median 42, mean = 52, SD 36). Fresh faecal samples were immediately transferred in a pouch containing an anaerobic sachet to an anaerobic chamber, homogenised by brief vortexing with 10mM phosphate-buffered saline containing 15 % glycerol and divided into aliquots. Samples were then stored at -80°C until shipment. Juvenile male rats (Sprague Dawly; 21 day postnatal; n=53) were housed 3-6 rats per cage in RC2F type cages (56 x 38 x 22 cm) in a humidity- and temperature-controlled room set to 55±10% and 21°C ± 1°C. The light/dark cycle was set to 12 hours (light phase 7am-7pm). To prepare for faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), bowel cleansing was performed, where polyethylene glycol (PEG) was orally administered 2-4 times (200-300µl) at 20-minute intervals during one day (22/23 postnatal day). All animals, including the vehicle controls, received bowel cleansing with PEG. On the day of the FMT inoculation aliquots of faecal samples were unfrozen, filtered using 50 µm filters in an anaerobic hood and transferred to the animal facility on ice. Twenty minutes following the last PEG gavage, the animals received 300 µl of faecal inoculum or vehicle control (glycerol) orally (needle size). Rats in each cage received FMT from a single donor (n=4-6/rats per donor), or vehicle (n=3-6 in a cage). Rats receiving faeces from a single donor were housed in the same cage. Two days after the initial faecal inoculation or vehicle gavage, animals received 300 µl of faecal inoculum or vehicle control boosters once a day for two consecutive days. Thereafter, animals received boosters four times with 4-8 days in between. The hole board test was used to assess exploratory behaviour. The test consisted of a square arena (66 x 66 cm) with an opaque floor with four holes (3.7 cm diameter, 2.2 cm deep). Locomotion was assessed during a 6-minute period using an overhead video camera linked to EthoVision XT (Noldus), which quantified animal movement. ","- Overall locomotion (total movement within the hole-board arena; 6 minutes) quantified automatically using EthoVision XT tracking software for each group: control, faecal microbiota transplantation from exuberant donors, and faecal microbiota transplantation from inhibited donors","Faeces obtained from 2.5-year-old (± 2 months) toddlers with high exuberance/approach (Overall Exuberance score -1.42 to -2.26) or high behavioural inhibition (Overall Exuberance score 0.31 to 1.21) in the Laboratory Temperament Assessment Battery (LabTAB) bubbles-episode were used in a faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) procedure. Sprague Dawley rat pups were weaned from the dams on postnatal day 21, and only the resulting male offspring were used as the recipient rats. The animals received 300 µl of faecal inoculum or vehicle control (glycerol) orally (needle size). Rats in each cage received FMT from a single donor (n=4-6/rats per donor), or vehicle (n=3-6 in a cage). Rats receiving faeces from a single donor were housed in the same cage. Two days after the initial faecal inoculation or vehicle gavage, animals received 300 µl of faecal inoculum or vehicle control boosters once a day for two consecutive days. Thereafter, animals received boosters four times with 4-8 days in between. The hole-board test was used to assess exploratory behavior. Locomotion in the arena was quantified with Ethovision XT in a 6-minute test. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Rats that received faeces from the exuberant group showed the same amount of locomotion as both the control rats and the rats receiving faeces from inhibited toddlers B. Rats that received faeces from the exuberant group showed increased locomotion compared to controls, but did not differ from the rats receiving faeces from inhibited toddlers C. Rats that received faeces from the inhibited group showed reduced locomotion compared to both the control rats and the rats receiving faeces from the exuberant group D. Rats that received faeces from the exuberant group showed reduced locomotion compared to controls, while rats receiving faeces from inhibited toddlers showed increased locomotion",A. Rats that received faeces from the exuberant group showed the same amount of locomotion as both the control rats and the rats receiving faeces from inhibited toddlers,"- Temperament refers to the biologically-based differences in emotional reactivity and self-regulation that can be detected during the first year of life - Gut microbiota composition is linked with an early emerging behavioural phenotype - The gut microbiota is an organ-like system that is postulated to drive differences in behaviour via stimulation of the vagus nerve, production of microbial metabolites with the potential to stimulate the nervous and immune systems among other mechanisms - Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from patients with social anxiety disorder, depression, and schizophrenia has been able to alter the behavioral patterns of the recipient animal to resemble the human condition - High exuberance temperament can be defined as positive reactivity, decreased inhibition, social openness, and behavioural approach tendencies","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Temperament refers to the biologically-based differences in emotional reactivity and self-regulation that can be detected during the first year of life""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Temperament, Development, and Personality""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-8721.2007.00505.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Gut microbiota composition is linked with an early emerging behavioural phenotype""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The development of the gut microbiome and temperament during infancy and early childhood: A systematic review\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/dev.22306""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 13, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The gut microbiota is an organ-like system that is postulated to drive differences in behaviour via stimulation of the vagus nerve, production of microbial metabolites with the potential to stimulate the nervous and immune systems among other mechanisms""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/physrev.00018.2018""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 28, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Faecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) from patients with social anxiety disorder, depression, and schizophrenia has been able to alter the behavioral patterns of the recipient animal to resemble the human condition""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Transplantation of microbiota from drug-free patients with schizophrenia causes schizophrenia-like abnormal behaviors and dysregulated kynurenine metabolism in mice""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-019-0475-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 07, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""High exuberance temperament can be defined as positive reactivity, decreased inhibition, social openness, and behavioural approach tendencies""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Exuberant and inhibited toddlers: Stability of temperament and risk for problem behavior""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/development-and-psychopathology/article/abs/exuberant-and-inhibited-toddlers-stability-of-temperament-and-risk-for-problem-behavior/146E3AC3B52B453B36BB05B047FF9F6D""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 21, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Microbiology,MCQ,Resolving plasmid-encoded carbapenem resistance dynamics and reservoirs in a hospital setting through nanopore sequencing,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.08.20.671332v1,"August 25, 2025","Carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter isolates carrying KPC and/or OXA-48-like carbapenemases were obtained from patient (rectal and urine) and environmental (sink and shower drain) samples collected at the Technical University Hospital, Munich. The patient samples were plated out on BD® MacConkey (Becton Dickinson GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) and Thermo Scientific™ Brilliance™ ESBL agar plates and incubated at 37 °C for 20-24 hours. Environmental samples (20 mL) were transferred into a tryptic soy broth (TSB) enriched with disinhibitor to deactivate residual disinfectants for 20-24 hours and 100 µL of the broth was plated out on BD® Columbia Blood, MacConkey (Beck Dickinson GmbH, Heidelberg, Germany) and Thermo Scientific™ Brilliance™ ESBL agar plates. If no growth was detected in the broth after 48 hours, the plating was repeated. For each bacterial isolate, genomic DNA was extracted using a spin-column-based protocol. Briefly, 10–20 colony forming units (CFUs) from overnight cultures (BD® Columbia blood agar plates, 37° C) were resuspended in 1 mL phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), with 100 µL aliquots adjusted to 1 mL with PBS in Eppendorf tubes and centrifuged (12,000 x g, 2 min.). Genomic DNA was isolated from these pellets with the Qiagen DNeasy Blood & Tissue kit, following the Gram-negative bacteria protocol, with added proteinase K (40 µL) and an extended lysis time (2 hours) to improve yield and purity. DNA extracts (50 µL) were treated with high RNA content post hoc by adding 4 µL of DNase free RNase (10mg/ml) followed by vortex mixing and an incubation step at room temperature (15 min.). Bacterias from samples were identified through nanopore sequencing libraries which were previously prepared from the purified DNA using a SQK-RBK114 Rapid Barcoding Kit, with sequencing performed on Oxford Nanopore flow cells for 16–20 hours. Two barcodes were used per DNA sample to balance output, and 90–200 ng DNA per barcode served as input for library preparation, adjusted based on the DNA concentration.",- Bacterial species identification from patients and environmental samples after Nanopore sequencing.,"Carbapenem-resistant Citrobacter isolates carrying KPC and/or OXA-48-like carbapenemases were identified from patient (rectal and urine) and environmental (sink and shower drain) samples through Nanopore sequencing. Samples were previously cultured on different media: a) Patient samples on BD MacConkey agar (37 °C, 20–24 h) and Thermo Scientific Brilliance ESBL agar plates, and b) Environmental samples on BD Columbia Blood agar, MacConkey agar, and Thermo Scientific Brilliance ESBL agar plates. Genomic DNA was extracted from both types of samples using a spin-column-based protocol. After DNA extraction, a post hoc treatment was performed to remove residual RNA. Finally, bacteria were identified through Nanopore sequencing libraries. Which of the following bacterial species will be the second most frequently identified in the patient samples after Nanopore sequencing? a) Enterobacter mori b) Citrobacter freundii c) Citrobacter farmerii d) Citrobacter portucalensis ",c) Citrobacter farmerii,"- Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections, including Citrobacter spp., present significant clinical challenges due to limited therapeutic options, leading to delayed or ineffective treatment and increased morbidity and mortality. - Environmental reservoirs of CREs within healthcare facilities serve as persistent sources of CRE transmission and amplification. Hospital sink and shower drains have been identified as particularly problematic reservoirs, providing optimal conditions for CRE survival and proliferation. - In situ nanopore sequencing offers significant advantages for real-time genomic surveillance in the clinical setting due to its capacity for long-read sequencing enables the resolution of complex genomic structures, including complete plasmid sequences, while its rapid turnaround time supports timely infection prevention and control decision-making.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales (CRE) infections, including Citrobacter spp., present significant clinical challenges due to limited therapeutic options, leading to delayed or ineffective treatment and increased morbidity and mortality.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Global burden of bacterial antimicrobial resistance 1990-2021: a systematic analysis with forecasts to 2050.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11718157/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Hospital sink and shower drains have been identified as particularly problematic reservoirs, providing optimal conditions for CRE survival and proliferation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sanitary installations and wastewater plumbing as reservoir for the long-term circulation and transmission of carbapenemase producing Citrobacter freundii clones in a hospital setting""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10280848/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 19, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- In situ nanopore sequencing offers significant advantages for real-time genomic surveillance in the clinical setting due to its capacity for long-read sequencing enables the resolution of complex genomic structures, including complete plasmid sequences, while its rapid turnaround time supports timely infection prevention and control decision-making.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Oxford nanopore long-read sequencing enables the generation of complete bacterial and plasmid genomes without short-read sequencing""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/microbiology/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1179966/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 14, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Cancer Biology, Pharmacology",MCQ,BMAL2 is a druggable target for ARID1A-wildtype ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) ,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.683700v1.full.pdf,"October 22, 2025","Researchers investigated the effects of olaparib, a PARP inhibitor, on the cytotoxicity of GW833972A, a BMAL2-degrading compound, in ARID1A-wildtype ovarian clear cell carcinoma. JHOC5 cells (an ARID1A-wildtype OCCC line) were seeded at 2000 cells per well in 96-well plates and maintained in DMEM/F12 supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, 0.1 mM non-essential amino acids, and penicillin-streptomycin-amphotericin B solution at 37°C in 5% CO2. After allowing cells to attach, they were treated with vehicle control (DMSO), GW833972A (10 or 20 µM), olaparib (2.5 or 5 µM), and all combinations thereof for 72 hours. Cell viability was then assessed using Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8; BIOTOOLS) according to the manufacturer's instructions. Briefly, CCK-8 reagent was added to each well and absorbance was measured at 450 nm using a microplate reader (Sunrise, TECAN). Viability values were normalized to the vehicle control and expressed as a percentage. Statistical comparisons between treatment groups were performed using unpaired t-tests with significance set at p < 0.05.","- JHOC5 Cell viability: Relative percentage (normalized to vehicle control) measured by CCK-8 assay (absorbance at 450 nm quantified by Sunrise, TECAN microplate reader) across experimental treatments: vehicle control, GW833972A (10 or 20 µM), olaparib (2.5 or 5 µM), and all combinations thereof","Researchers investigated the influence of the PARP inhibitor olaparib on the cytotoxic effects of GW833972A, a BMAL2-degrading compound, in ARID1A-wildtype ovarian clear cell carcinoma. JHOC5 cells were plated in 96-well plates and, after attachment, were exposed for 72 h to vehicle control, GW833972A (10 or 20 µM), olaparib (2.5 or 5 µM), or combinations thereof; viability was then measured with a CCK-8 assay. Which of the following outcomes were observed in this viability assay? Select all options that apply. A. Treatment with 20 µM GW833972A alone reduced viability to approximately 40% of vehicle control, demonstrating substantial single-agent cytotoxicity. B. Adding 2.5 µM olaparib to 20 µM GW833972A did not produce significantly greater cytotoxicity than 20 µM GW833972A alone. C. GW833972A exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with 20 µM producing greater cell death than 10 µM. D. Adding 5 µM olaparib to 20 µM GW833972A reduced viability by an additional 25-30% compared to 20 µM GW833972A alone, demonstrating clear dose-dependent synergistic enhancement.","A. Treatment with 20 µM GW833972A alone reduced viability to approximately 40% of vehicle control, demonstrating substantial single-agent cytotoxicity. B. Adding 2.5 µM olaparib to 20 µM GW833972A did not produce significantly greater cytotoxicity than 20 µM GW833972A alone. C. GW833972A exhibited dose-dependent cytotoxicity, with 20 µM producing greater cell death than 10 µM.","- Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a chemoresistant subtype of ovarian cancer with poor prognosis at advanced stages, and effective targeted therapies remain limited, especially for tumors retaining wild-type ARID1A function. - Approximately 50% of OCCC cases harbor mutations in ARID1A, a chromatin remodeling factor involved in DNA damage repair, while ARID1A-wildtype OCCCs show distinct molecular profiles and therapeutic vulnerabilities. - BMAL2 is a circadian clock transcription factor that, unlike other clock genes, is uniquely upregulated across multiple cancer types and has been implicated in tumor progression and metastatic phenotypes. - PARP inhibitors such as olaparib block base-excision repair and selectively kill HR-deficient cells, but ARID1A-wildtype OCCC typically shows limited sensitivity to these agents as single therapy. - JHOC5 is an ARID1A-wildtype human OCCC cell line that expresses BMAL2, providing a model system to test whether BMAL2 targeting can create therapeutic vulnerability in this chemoresistant cancer subtype. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ovarian clear cell carcinoma (OCCC) is a chemoresistant subtype of ovarian cancer with poor prognosis at advanced stages, and effective targeted therapies remain limited, especially for tumors retaining wild-type ARID1A function.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Clear cell carcinoma of the ovary: a retrospective multicentre experience of 254 patients with complete surgical staging""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/6603116""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 25, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Approximately 50% of OCCC cases harbor mutations in ARID1A, a chromatin remodeling factor involved in DNA damage repair, while ARID1A-wildtype OCCCs show distinct molecular profiles and therapeutic vulnerabilities.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PARP inhibitors in the treatment of ARID1A mutant ovarian clear cell cancer: PI3K/Akt1-dependent mechanism of synthetic lethality""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/oncology/articles/10.3389/fonc.2023.1124147/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 22, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""BMAL2 is a circadian clock transcription factor that, unlike other clock genes, is uniquely upregulated across multiple cancer types and has been implicated in tumor progression and metastatic phenotypes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Preferential inhibition of BMAL2-CLOCK activity by\nPER2 reemphasizes its negative role and a positive role of BMAL2 in the circadian transcription""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0021925820306037""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 15, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PARP inhibitors such as olaparib block base-excision repair and selectively kill HR-deficient cells, but ARID1A-wildtype OCCC typically shows limited sensitivity to these agents as single therapy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Loss of ARID1A in Tumor\nCells Renders Selective Vulnerability to Combined Ionizing Radiation and PARP Inhibitor Therapy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://aacrjournals.org/clincancerres/article/25/18/5584/81867/Loss-of-ARID1A-in-Tumor-Cells-Renders-Selective""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 13, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""JHOC5 is an ARID1A-wildtype human OCCC cell line that expresses BMAL2, providing a model system to test whether BMAL2 targeting can create therapeutic vulnerability in this chemoresistant cancer subtype.""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""No reference given in paper; the paper is the canonical reference for this RBK item.""}]" Biology,Immunology / Microbiology ,Free-Format Question,Malnutrition drives infection susceptibility and dysregulated myelopoiesis that persists after refeeding intervention, https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.19.608575v2,"April 25, 2025","Researchers evaluated organ-specific outcomes in chronically underfed mice. Female C57Bl6 mice (6 to 8 weeks of age) were assigned randomly to ad libitum (AL) feeding or chronic dietary restriction (40RD) after one week of acclimation and baseline measurements (range of +/- 1.5 g weight). AL mice were allowed unrestricted access to chow. 40RD mice were placed on a 40% reduced diet by weight based on baseline measurements; 2.4g chow/day/mouse. Consistent weight loss and no competition for food was observed in 40RD mice. 40RD mice lost 10% of their IBW (initial body weight) every 4 weeks. If mice lost over 20% of their IBW they were euthanized. During the 40RD diet, experimental animals did not exhibit behavioral or clinical changes and only moderate changes in body composition and growth stunting. When all 40RD mice reached 10%-15% IBW loss, they were considered undernourished. Liver organ mass was measured after collecting, gently blotting, and weighing (g per mouse) after euthanasia by CO2 asphyxiation followed by cervical dislocation.",- Liver organ mass (g per mouse) across feeding groups (ad libitum vs. 40% dietary restriction) until undernourished (10-15% initial body weight loss after 4 weeks) after euthanasia.,"Researchers evaluated organ-specific outcomes in chronically underfed mice. Female C57Bl6 mice (6 to 8 weeks of age) were assigned randomly to ad libitum (AL) feeding or chronic dietary restriction (40RD) after one week of acclimation and baseline measurements (range of +/- 1.5 g weight). AL mice were allowed unrestricted access to chow. 40RD mice were placed on a 40% reduced diet by weight based on baseline measurements; 2.4g chow/day/mouse. Consistent weight loss and no competition for food was observed in 40RD mice. 40RD mice lost 10% of their IBW (initial body weight) every 4 weeks. If mice lost over 20% of their IBW they were euthanized. During the 40RD diet, experimental animals did not exhibit behavioral or clinical changes and only moderate changes in body composition and growth stunting. When all 40RD mice reached 10%-15% IBW loss, they were considered undernourished. Liver organ mass was measured after collecting, gently blotting, and weighing (g per mouse) after euthanasia by CO2 asphyxiation followed by cervical dislocation. Predict the relative (higher, lower, or similar) liver mass (g per mouse) in 40RD vs. AL mice until undernourished (10-15% initial body weight loss after 4 weeks).",Liver mass (g per mouse) was similar between ad libitum (AL) and 40% diet-restricted (40RD) mice at the undernourished endpoint (10–15% loss of initial body weight after ~4 weeks).,- Chronically undernourished individuals have demonstrated atrophy of immune organs.,"[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Chronically undernourished individuals have demonstrated atrophy of immune organs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Immune Dysfunction as a Cause and Consequence of Malnutrition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1471-4906(16)30006-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Biomedical biology,Free-Format Question,Transdermal Semaglutide Administration in Mice: Reduces Body Weight by Suppressing Appetite and Enhancing Metabolic Rate,https://www.mdpi.com/2079-7737/14/5/575,"May 20, 2025","Researchers developed a GLP-1 transdermal patch that combines the therapeutic efficacy of GLP-1 receptor agonists with the convenience and improved patient adherence offered by transdermal delivery and compared it with conventional injection methods. Eighteen male C57BL/6J mice (8–12 weeks old) were housed individually in plastic cages (29 cm × 18 cm × 16 cm) with sawdust bedding and maintained under standard laboratory conditions (23 ± 1◦C, 12:12 h light/dark cycle, lights on at 08:00). All animals had unlimited access to water and a high-calorie diet (22.0 kJ/g; Xie-tong Pharmaceutical Bioengineering Co) made up of 60% fat, 20% carbohydrates, and 20% protein. Three groups were made and mice(n = 6 per group) were randomly assigned to one of the following: vehicle control group - received weekly subcutaneous injections of 100 µL PBS; positive control group with injection - received weekly subcutaneous injections of 100 µL PBS with semaglutide (10 µg; Novo Nordisk); and TDDS (Transdermal Drug Delivery System) treatment group - underwent dorsal hair removal weekly, followed by application of a semaglutide-loaded transdermal patch (35 mm × 15 mm containing 2 mg semaglutide) for 8 h, after which the patch was removed. After 7 weeks of treatment, the body mass (weight) of each group was measured. ","- Body weight measured at 7:00 p.m. weekly in grams (nearest 0.1g) over 7 weeks for the vehicle control group. - Body weight measured at 7:00 p.m. weekly in grams (nearest 0.1g) over 7 weeks for the positive control group. - Body weight measured at 7:00 p.m. weekly in grams (nearest 0.1g) over 7 weeks for the TDDS (Transdermal Drug Delivery System) treatment group","Eighteen male C57BL/6J mice (8–12 weeks old) were housed individually in plastic cages (29 cm × 18 cm × 16 cm) with sawdust bedding and maintained under standard laboratory conditions (23 ± 1◦C, 12:12 h light/dark cycle, lights on at 08:00). All animals had unlimited access to water and a high-calorie diet (22.0 kJ/g; Xie-tong Pharmaceutical Bioengineering Co) made up of 60% fat, 20% carbohydrates, and 20% protein. Three groups were made and mice(n = 6 per group) were randomly assigned to one of the following: vehicle control group - received weekly subcutaneous injections of 100 µL PBS; positive control group with injection - received weekly subcutaneous injections of 100 µL PBS with semaglutide (10 µg; Novo Nordisk); and TDDS (Transdermal Drug Delivery System) treatment group - underwent dorsal hair removal weekly, followed by application of a semaglutide-loaded transdermal patch (35 mm × 15 mm containing 2 mg semaglutide) for 8 h, after which the patch was removed. After 7 weeks of treatment, the body mass (weight) of each group was measured. Over the 7-week treatment period, how would the groups be ranked from highest to lowest based on their average weekly weight gain?","The control group will be the highest, followed by the injection group (positive group) and finally, the TDDS group.","- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), such as liraglutide, exenatide, and semaglutide, have emerged as effective treatments for obesity and its related metabolic decrease. - Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that shows significant efficacy in treating obesity. - Transdermal patches have attracted considerable attention as a non-invasive and patient-friendly alternative. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA), such as liraglutide, exenatide, and semaglutide, have emerged as effective treatments for obesity and its related metabolic decrease.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Liraglutide and obesity: a review of the data so far""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.dovepress.com/liraglutide-and-obesity-a-review-of-the-data-so-far-peer-reviewed-fulltext-article-DDDT""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Transdermal patches have attracted considerable attention as a non-invasive and patient-friendly alternative.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent Advancements of Medical Patch for Transdermal Drug Delivery""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1648-9144/59/4/778""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Entomology,Free-Format Question,Persistent viral infections impact key biological traits in Drosophila melanogaster,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12530575/,"October 9, 2025","Researchers evaluated whether persistent viral infections in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have consequences on reproductive output, defined as the number of viable offspring per female. They tested populations that had already established persistent mono-infections of Drosophila melanogaster with four different enteric RNA viruses: Drosophila A virus (DAV), Drosophila C virus (DCV), Bloomfield virus, and Nora virus. To explore potential changes in viable offspring production in the infected populations, 20 males and 20 females from each infected population or from the uninfected population were collected on the day of eclosion and placed together in fresh vials for 24 hours to allow mating. After 24 hours, males were discarded, and the 20 females were transferred into new vials with fresh food each day until no more progeny was produced. All the tubes were kept 25°C under a 12:12 light:dark cycle, the number of adult flies or viable progeny in each tube was counted after 14 days. Initial female density across all populations was uniformly established at 20 females per tube, as these conditions provide optimal surface area and total tube space, thereby minimising crowding effects and promoting normal development. The viable offspring were counted daily as they emerged, and the viable offspring count was normalised based on the number of live females remaining in each vial. This normalisation allowed accounting for changes in the density of females per tube due to mortality over the course of the experiment. ","- Number of viable offspring (counted daily until 17dpe) from Nora, DAV, DCV or Bloomfield infected female Drosophilas. - Number of viable offspring (counted daily until 17dpe) from uninfected female Drosophilas. - Total offspring per female from Nora, DAV, DCV or Bloomfield infected female Drosophilas. - Total offspring per female from uninfected female Drosophilas.","To evaluate whether persistent viral infections in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, have consequences on reproductive output, researchers evaluated the reproductive output of an uninfected population and populations with established persistent mono-infections of Drosophila melanogaster with four different enteric RNA viruses: Drosophila A virus (DAV), Drosophila C virus (DCV), Bloomfield virus, and Nora virus. 20 males and 20 females from each infected population or from the uninfected population were collected on the day of eclosion and placed together in fresh vials for 24 hours to allow mating. After 24 hours, males were discarded, and the 20 females were transferred into new vials with fresh food each day. Initial female density across all populations was uniformly established at 20 females per tube, as these conditions provide optimal surface area and total tube space, thereby minimising crowding effects and promoting normal development. The number of viable offspring was counted daily from each of the 4 populations of infected Drosophila and uninfected population until no more embryos were laid (17 days post-eclosion). Which population would you expect to have the highest cumulative reproductive output? ",The highest cumulative offspring per female was from DCV-infected flies.,"- In the RNA virosphere, thousands of previously unknown viruses across diverse environments, including the most extreme habitats worldwide, have been identified. Many of these newly discovered viruses naturally infect Drosophila melanogaster. - Some novel viruses can maintain persistent infections that represent a metastable state in which the physiological impacts of viral infection are maintained below a lethal threshold without leading to viral clearance. During this time, the virus is still capable of being transmitted to other organisms, including the host’s offspring, despite the inherent limitations imposed by the host’s immune responses and cellular mortality.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- In the RNA virosphere, thousands of previously unknown viruses across diverse environments, including the most extreme habitats worldwide, have been identified. Many of these newly discovered viruses naturally infect Drosophila melanogaster.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The discovery, distribution, and diversity of DNA viruses associated with Drosophila melanogaster in Europe""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/ve/article/7/1/veab031/6207981""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Some novel viruses can maintain persistent infections that represent a metastable state in which the physiological impacts of viral infection are maintained below a lethal threshold without leading to viral clearance. During this time, the virus is still capable of being transmitted to other organisms, including the host’s offspring, despite the inherent limitations imposed by the host’s immune responses and cellular mortality.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Living with the enemy: viral persistent infections from a friendly viewpoint.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":"" https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mib.2012.06.002""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 5, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neuroscience,Free-Format Question,Human neural stem cell-derived exosomes activate PINK1/Parkin pathway to protect against oxidative stress-induced neuronal injury in ischemic stroke,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11971779/,"April 5, 2025","The study investigated the neuroprotective effects of human neural stem cell–derived exosomes (hNSC‑Exos) in both cell culture and animal models of ischemic stroke. In vitro, mouse hippocampal HT22 neurons were first cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) high-glucose medium (Meilun-Bio, MA0560), fetal bovine serum, penicillin and streptomycin and then placed in the incubator at 37 °C with 5% CO2. Oxidative stress (OS)-induced neuronal injury was established by treating HT22 cells with H2O2 (400 μM, Sigma-Aldrich, HX0640) for 6 h in vitro. hNSCs were isolated from human fetal forebrain tissue of healthy pregnant women at 10–12 weeks of gestation who requested an induced abortion and were grown with hNSC basal medium (Stemcell Technologies, 05751), epidermal growth factor (Stemcell Technologies, 78,136.1 l), basic fibroblast growth factor (Stemcell Technologies, 78,134.1), heparin (Stemcell Technologies, 07980), penicillin and streptomycin (Solarbio, P1400) on adheret flasks coated with matrigel (Corning, 356,234) at 37 °C with 5% CO2. Next, exosomes were isolated from hNSCs. To do this, the culture supernatant of hNSCs cultured for 3 days was transferred to a centrifuge tube (Sparkjade, GD0001), and repeated gradient centrifugation was performed at 200 g for 10 min, 2,000 g for 20 min, and 20,000 g for 30 min. The resulting supernatant was collected, filtered through a 0.22-μm sterile filter (Merck, SLGPR33RB), and added to an ultracentrifuge (Beckman, Optima XPN-100) and ultracentrifuged at 100,000 g and 4 °C for 1.5 h. The resulting precipitate was resuspended in sterile PBS (MeilunBio, MA0015), and the obtained exosomes were quantified using a bicinchoninic acid assay kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, 23,227) and stored in tubes at a concentration of 40 μg/tube. Next, hNSC-Exos were labelled with lipophilic membrane dye PKH26 (necessary for labelling exosome internalisation) at different doses (1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg, 40 μg) and co-cultured with OS-induced HT22 cells and internalisation process was observed at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, and 12 h using a fluorescence microscope.","- Exosome quantity (μg) isolated from culture supernatant of hNSCs cultured for 3 days. - Confocal Images of exosome internalisation process of PKH26-labelled hNSC-Exos (concentrations of 1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg, 40 μg) co-cultured with OS-induced HT22 cells at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, and 12 h using a fluorescence microscope.","Mouse hippocampal HT22 neurons were cultured in Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) high-glucose medium (Meilun-Bio, MA0560), fetal bovine serum, penicillin and streptomycin and placed in the incubator at 37 °C with 5% CO2. Oxidative stress (OS)-induced neuronal injury was established by treating HT22 cells with H2O2 (400 μM, Sigma-Aldrich, HX0640) for 6 h in vitro. hNSCs were isolated from human fetal forebrain tissue of healthy pregnant women at 10–12 weeks of gestation who requested an induced abortion and were grown with hNSC basal medium (Stemcell Technologies, 05751), epidermal growth factor (Stemcell Technologies, 78,136.1 l), basic fibroblast growth factor (Stemcell Technologies, 78,134.1), heparin (Stemcell Technologies, 07980), penicillin and streptomycin (Solarbio, P1400) on adheret flasks coated with matrigel (Corning, 356,234) at 37 °C with 5% CO2. Next, exosomes were isolated from hNSCs. To do this, the culture supernatant of hNSCs cultured for 3 days was transferred to a centrifuge tube (Sparkjade, GD0001), and repeated gradient centrifugation was performed at 200 g for 10 min, 2,000 g for 20 min, and 20,000 g for 30 min. The resulting supernatant was collected, filtered through a 0.22-μm sterile filter (Merck, SLGPR33RB), and added to an ultracentrifuge (Beckman, Optima XPN-100) and ultracentrifuged at 100,000 g and 4 °C for 1.5 h. The resulting precipitate was resuspended in sterile PBS (MeilunBio, MA0015), and the obtained exosomes were quantified using a bicinchoninic acid assay kit (Thermo Fisher Scientific, 23,227) and stored in tubes at a concentration of 40 μg/tube. Next, hNSC-Exos were labelled with lipophilic membrane dye PKH26 (necessary for labelling exosome internalisation) at different doses (1 μg, 5 μg, 10 μg, 20 μg, 40 μg) and co-cultured with OS-induced HT22 cells and internalisation process was observed at 0 h, 2 h, 6 h, and 12 h using a fluorescence microscope. If we focus on internalisation, what time point would we expect to have the most significant internalisation of exosomes by OS-induced HT22?","While internalisation of exosomes increased with time, the most significant was at 6 h.","- hNSC-Exos, by delivering bioactive molecules, exhibit remarkable promise in neuroprotection, injury repair, and disease treatment for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). - Mitochondria play a critical role in oxidative stress (OS)-induced neuronal injury during ischemic stroke (IS), making them promising therapeutic targets. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- hNSC-Exos, by delivering bioactive molecules, exhibit remarkable promise in neuroprotection, injury repair, and disease treatment for central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen species as novel therapy for inflammatory diseases and cancers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23442817/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Molecular Biology, Epigenetics",Free-Format Question,Automethylation of lysine methyltransferase SETDB1 on H3K9-like motifs regulates interactions with chromodomain proteins and controls its functions,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.22.683908v1,"October 22, 2025","Researchers investigated whether SETDB1 automethylation affects its methyltransferase activity through parallel in vitro and cellular functional approaches. For in vitro enzymatic assays, Myc-tagged wild-type (WT) and automethylation-deficient (AA; K1186A/K1194A) mouse SETDB1 constructs were transiently expressed in Setdb1 knockout MEFs to avoid interference from endogenous enzyme. Nuclear extracts were prepared, and SETDB1 proteins were immunoprecipitated using Myc-Trap agarose beads. Immunoprecipitated enzymes were incubated with purified nucleosomes and radioactive S-adenosyl-L-[methyl-³H]-methionine (³H-SAM, 30 mM) at 37°C for 2 hours. Following SDS-PAGE separation, histone H3 methyltransferase activity was detected by autoradiography (n=3 biological replicates). For cellular functional studies, Setdb1 conditional knockout mESCs were used because complete Setdb1 deletion is lethal. These cells were stably transfected with vectors expressing Flag-tagged WT or AA SETDB1 and selected with blasticidin. Endogenous Setdb1 was deleted by treating cells with 800 nM 4-hydroxytamoxifen for 96 hours. H3K9me3 enrichment at SETDB1 target loci was measured by chromatin immunoprecipitation using anti-H3K9me3 antibody followed by qPCR (n=4 biological replicates). ","- Histone H3 methylation activity: Radioactive signal intensity (arbitrary units), measured by autoradiography after in vitro methylation assay with immunoprecipitated Myc-SETDB1 from MEFs, for wild-type (WT) and automethylation-deficient (AA) variants (n=3 replicates each). - H3K9me3 enrichment at target loci (Ct values normalized to input) ChIP-qPCR signal with anti-H3K9me3 antibody in mESCs expressing Flag-tagged SETDB1 variants, for wild-type (WT) and automethylation-deficient (AA) (n=4 biological replicates each).","To investigate whether SETDB1 automethylation affects its catalytic activity, researchers compared wild-type and automethylation-deficient mutant (AA; K1186A/K1194A) SETDB1 using two experimental contexts. First, they immunoprecipitated Myc-tagged WT and AA mouse SETDB1 from mouse embryonic fibroblast lysates and measured histone H3 methylation in vitro. Separately, they expressed Flag-tagged versions in mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) and measured H3K9me3 at genomic targets by ChIP-qPCR. What was observed regarding the AA mutant's methyltransferase activity in these two contexts?",The AA mutant showed catalytic activity comparable to wild-type in vitro but substantially reduced H3K9me3 deposition at target loci in cells.,"-SETDB1 (SET Domain Bifurcated 1) is a histone methyltransferase that specifically catalyzes the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3), a hallmark of transcriptionally repressive heterochromatin. -H3K9me3 (Histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation) is a histone modification associated with gene silencing, heterochromatin formation, and repression of transposable elements. - SETDB1 is crucial for mammalian development, as it maintains embryonic stem cells (ESC) pluripotency in the early embryo by silencing numerous transposable element classes; it is essential for the survival of ESCs, and it influences ESCs identity, pluripotency and self-renewal. -Lysine methyltransferases, including G9A and the SUV39H ortholog Clr4, can undergo automethylation on lysine residues, a post-translational modification that regulates their catalytic activity and protein-protein interactions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SETDB1 (SET Domain Bifurcated 1) is a histone methyltransferase that specifically catalyzes the trimethylation of histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9me3), a hallmark of transcriptionally repressive heterochromatin.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""ATF7IP regulates SETDB1 nuclear localization and increases its ubiquitination""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.embopress.org/doi/full/10.15252/embr.201948297""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 02, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""H3K9me3 (Histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation) is a histone modification associated with gene silencing, heterochromatin formation, and repression of transposable elements.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Suv39h-Dependent H3K9me3 Marks Intact Retrotransposons and Silences LINE Elements in Mouse Embryonic Stem Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/article/S1097-2765(14)00453-5/fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 17, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SETDB1 is crucial for mammalian development, as it maintains embryonic stem cells (ESC) pluripotency in the early embryo by silencing numerous transposable element classes; it is essential for the survival of ESCs, and it influences ESCs identity, pluripotency and self-renewal.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""SetDB1 contributes to repression of genes encoding developmental regulators and maintenance of ES cell state""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://genesdev.cshlp.org/content/23/21/2484""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 01, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Lysine methyltransferases, including G9A and the SUV39H ortholog Clr4, can undergo automethylation on lysine residues, a post-translational modification that regulates their catalytic activity and protein-protein interactions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Automethylation of G9a and its implication in wider substrate specificity and HP1 binding""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/nar/article/35/21/7313/2375794""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 25, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Toxicology/ Mycotoxins,Numerical Values,Assessment of Maternal Exposure to Mycotoxins During Pregnancy Through Biomarkers in Fetal and Neonatal Tissues,https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6651/17/10/518,"October 21, 2025","Researchers measured mycotoxins in liver tissues and serum samples obtained from 43 autopsy specimens (20 stillbirths and 23 neonates) at the Clinical Hospital of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo. All subjects were enrolled based on a suspicion of maternal exposure to dietary mycotoxins during pregnancy. Liver tissues (n = 43, ≥3 g each) and serum samples (n = 38, from ≥ 1 mL of whole blood each) were obtained immediately post-mortem, and preserved at −80 °C until analysis. Neonates were under one week old and had not had any oral nutrition before death, hence excluding postnatal dietary confounding factors. The analytes comprised aflatoxins (AFM1, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FB1, FB2), zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites (α-ZEL, β-ZEL), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, and HT-2 toxin. For the liver, 1 g of cryo-milled tissue was extracted by salting out with 4 g of anhydrous sodium sulfate and 1.5 g of sodium acetate. Then, 10 µL of the Isotopic-labeled internal (IS) standards solution ([13C17]-AFM1, [13C17]-AFB1, [13C20]-OTA, [13C34]-FB1, [13C18]-ZEN, [13C15]-DON and [13C24]-T-2 toxin) and 10 mL of acetonitrile/water/acetic acid (79:20:1) were added. The mixture was blended using an ultra-turrax homogenizer. Homogenized samples were centrifuged (5000× g for 8 min), the supernatant was transferred to a clean Falcon tube, and defatted with n-hexane, evaporated under nitrogen flux (45 ± 5 °C × 20 min), reconstituted in 500 µL acetonitrile/water (10:90), vortexed (2 min.), and filtered (0.22 µm) before analysis. Serum samples (800 µL) were incubated overnight at 37 °C with 10 µL of IS standards solution and 40 µL of β-glucuronidase (2 mg/mL) in phosphate-buffered solution, for enzymatic deconjugation. Subsequently, precipitated with 840 µL of acetonitrile and 84 µL of acetic acid, vortexed (5 min.) and centrifuged (7500 x g, 5 min.). Supernatant (750 µL) was purified with MycoSpin™ 400 columns and underwent vortexing (1 min.) and centrifugation (10,000 rpm, 1 min.). Finally, it was desiccated under nitrogen flux (45 ± 5 ◦C × 40 min). Extracts were reconstituted in 340 µL of 10:90 acetonitrile/water solution, filtered (0.22 µm) before analysis. Quantification was conducted utilizing a Waters Acquity I-Class ultraperformance liquid chromatography (UPLC) equipped with a BEH C18 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.7 µm) at 40 °C, interfaced with a Xevo TQ-S triple quadrupole mass spectrometer functioning in electrospray ionization (both positive and negative) under Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) mode. The mobile phases consisted of water (eluent A) and acetonitrile (eluent B), each containing 5 mM ammonium acetate and 0.1% acetic acid, with a flow rate of 0.6 mL/min and a total run time of 10 minutes per sample. Matrix-matched calibration curves were developed for concentrations ranging from 0.06 to 100 ng/mL in serum and 0.10 to 100 ng/g in liver. Data were processed by MassLynx v4.1 software. Concentrations of mycotoxin biomarkers in liver tissues and serum were plotted in Microsoft Excel®, and reported as median and ranges (minimum–maximum). ","- Mycotoxins (aflatoxins (AFM1, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FB1, FB2), zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites (α-ZEL, β-ZEL), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, and HT-2 toxin) quantified in liver tissues (ng/g), and serum samples (ng/mL), obtained from 43 stillbirth and neonate autopsy specimens. - Percentage of samples with quantifiable mycotoxins per total number of samples tested (liver tissue: 43 samples, serum: 38 samples). ","In a quantitative toxicology study, researchers examined a broad panel of mycotoxins in liver tissue and serum samples from 43 human autopsy specimens (20 stillbirths and 23 neonates). These specimens were collected based on a suspicion of maternal exposure to dietary mycotoxins during pregnancy, considering the observed morphological abnormalities resulting from intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and/or birth defects. The mycotoxin panel included: aflatoxins (AFM1, AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, AFG2), ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FB1, FB2), zearalenone (ZEN) and its metabolites (α-ZEL, β-ZEL), deoxynivalenol (DON), T-2 toxin, and HT-2 toxin. Researchers examined matched serum and liver samples (43 liver tissues and 38 serum samples) utilizing ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC–MS/MS) to observe the correlation between tissue and blood concentrations of mycotoxins. What is the predicted percentages of liver tissue samples that had a quantifiable level of mycotoxins? ","The percentage of liver tissue samples that had a quantifiable level of mycotoxins = [15.9 – 25.9] % derived from the exact percentage of liver tissue samples with quantifiable mycotoxins per total number of liver tissue samples = [(9/43) x 100 = 20.9%]. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±5 pp applied. ","-The mycotoxins: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), and trichothecenes (DON, T-2, HT-2) are toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species. -Mycotoxins are known to cross the placenta. This exposes the fetus to toxins that can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), craniofacial and cardiac malformations, or preterm birth. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-The mycotoxins: aflatoxins, ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisins (FBs), zearalenone (ZEN), and trichothecenes (DON, T-2, HT-2) are toxic metabolites produced by Aspergillus, Penicillium, and Fusarium species. These are prevalent in tropical and subtropical food systems.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Exposure assessment of children to dietary mycotoxins: A pilot study conducted in Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0963996924001571""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 03, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Mycotoxins are known to cross the placenta. This exposes the fetus to toxins that can lead to intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), craniofacial and cardiac malformations, or preterm birth. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Aflatoxin Exposure During Pregnancy, Maternal Anemia, and Adverse Birth Outcomes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.ajtmh.org/view/journals/tpmd/96/4/article-p770.xml\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 5, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology,Numerical Values,Checkpoint-Dependent Sensitivities to Nucleoside Analogues Uncover Specific Patterns of Genomic Instability,https://www.mdpi.com/1467-3045/47/9/756,"September 12, 2025","Researchers evaluated how deficiencies in DNA damage and replication checkpoints affected the sensitivity of S. pombe to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). S. pombe cells (rad3Δ: h+ rad3∆::ura4+ leu1–32::hENT1-leu1+ (pJAH29) his7–366::hsv-tk-his7+ (pJAH31) ura4-D18 ade6-M210) were grown overnight at 30 °C in pombe minimal glutamate media (PMG) supplemented with uracil (225 mg/ml) and adenine (225 mg/ml)(+UA). After overnight incubation, the culture was diluted in fresh PMG + UA to an OD600 of 0.1 and incubated for 2 h at room temperature. To generate an IC50 curve, cells were then mixed with 5-fluorouracil at various final concentrations (0, 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 25, 50, 125, 250, 375, and 500 µM) in a total liquid culture medium volume of 200 µL. Before static incubation at 30 ºC, and after 48 h of growth at 30 ºC, OD600 readings were taken using a spectrophotometer. The average OD600 of 4 replicates per condition was plotted to generate dose-response curves, and this was used to calculate the IC50 dose of 5-FU. Drug concentrations were log10-transformed. A 3-parameter, non-linear fit of dose–response was fit to the data. IC50 values were calculated for each independent replicate. Graphs were made using the 48 h OD600 readings. Replicate IC50 values were averaged and assessed using standard deviation between calculated values.","- OD600 of S. pombe rad3Δ strain after 48 h of culture under 0, 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 25, 50, 125, 250, 375, or 500 µM 5-fluorouracil treatments (Spectrophotometry). - IC50 value (µM) of 5-fluorouracil of S. pombe rad3Δ strain after 48 h of culture under 5-fluorouracil treatments (calculated from OD600 data).","Researchers investigated how deficiencies in the DNA damage and replication checkpoint of S. pombe affected sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). S. pombe rad3Δ strain was cultured overnight at 30 ºC in pombe minimal glutamate media supplemented with uracil (225 mg/ml) and adenine (225 mg/ml). After overnight incubation, cells were diluted to an OD600 of 0.1 and incubated at room temperature for 2 h. Cells were mixed with various final concentrations of 5-FU (0, 0.05, 0.25, 0.5, 2.5, 5.0, 25, 50, 125, 250, 375, and 500 µM) and incubated at 30 ºC for 48 h. OD600 was measured using a spectrophotometer, and this was used to calculate the IC50 dose of 5-FU for the S. pombe rad3Δ strain. What is the predicted IC50 dose (µM) of 5-FU for the rad3Δ strain?",5-Fluorouracil IC50 (S. pombe rad3Δ - 48h) = 27.0 - 44.1 µM. Note: 95% CI provided for average IC50 value of 34.5 µM.,"- S. pombe (or Schizosaccharomyces pombe) is a rod-shaped, unicellular eukaryote that is phylogenetically distinct from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. - 5-fluorouracil is a thymidine nucleoside analogue that disrupts dNTP and mRNA synthesis. - Rad3 is a kinase in S. pombe that initiates the DNA replication and damage checkpoints. - S. pombe cells lacking Rad3 cannot activate the Intra-S and S-G2 checkpoints during replication stress; this causes DNA damage.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- S. pombe (or Schizosaccharomyces pombe) is a rod-shaped, unicellular eukaryote that is phylogenetically distinct from the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Primer on the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Model System""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/genetics/article/201/2/403/5930100?login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 2, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- 5-fluorouracil is a thymidine nucleoside analogue that disrupts dNTP and mRNA synthesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Incorporation of 5-Fluorouracil into RNA Affects the Ribonucleolytic Activity of the Exosome Subunit Rrp6""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://aacrjournals.org/mcr/article/9/3/332/90815/The-Incorporation-of-5-Fluorouracil-into-RNA""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 15, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Rad3 is a kinase in S. pombe that initiates the DNA replication and damage checkpoints.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Schizosaccharomyces pombe rad3 checkpoint gene""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.embopress.org/doi/abs/10.1002/j.1460-2075.1996.tb01054.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 2, 1996""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- S. pombe cells lacking Rad3 cannot activate the Intra-S and S-G2 checkpoints during replication stress; this causes DNA damage.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""S-phase-specific activation of Cds1 kinase defines a subpathway of the checkpoint response in Schizosaccharomyces pombe""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC316487/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":"" Feb 1, 1998""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Microbiology,Numerical Values,Survival of Filamentous Cyanobacteria Through Martian ISRU: Combined Effects of Desiccation and UV-B Radiation,https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/13/5/1083,"May 7, 2025","Filamentous cyanobacterial strains (Desmonostoc muscorum UTAD N213, Anabaena cylindrica UTAD A212 and an uncharacterized Desmonostoc sp.) isolated from freshwater were first maintained in Synthetic Woods Hole growth medium under 10 μmol m−2 s−1 continuous light intensity under no agitation. Two Martian regolith simulants were used, MGS-1 (Exolith Labs) and MMS-2 (The Martian Garden) and Polvo de Río Tinto (PRT) or Rio Tinto Dust. PRT was made up of rock dust sourced from “Gossan” rocks from the Río Tinto area (rich in iron oxides like hematite and jarosite and considered analogous to those found in some regions of Mars). Soluble Fraction of Martian Regolith Simulants (MGS-1, MMS-2 and PRT) were made by adding 1g of each stimulant to 5ml of either dH20 or MBL growth medium in 15 mL Falcon tubes, vortexed for one hour and centrifuged at 9000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature in an Eppendorf™Centrifuge 5810 R, with the soluble fraction collected and stored. Each cyanobacterium (D. muscorum, A. cylindrica and Desmonostoc sp.) was grown in wells of a Thermo Scientific 96 Well White Bottom plate, but with different plates. Cyanobacteria were grown in either dH20 or MBL for each species, and then 1.5 mL of each grown culture of cyanobacteria was centrifuged at 5000 rcf for 10 min; the supernatant was discarded, and the cyanobacterial pellet was resuspended in 5 mL of either dH2O or fresh growth medium. Next, 180 μL of the soluble fraction obtained from MGS-1, MMS-2 or PRT was added to the corresponding wells. To prevent evaporation to dryness, 200 μL of distilled water was added to all plates. Twenty microliters of the corresponding cyanobacteria (in growth medium or dH2O) was added to the soluble fraction, leading to an overall 10× dilution. Controls were added to assess growth in the absence of any soluble fraction, in either growth medium or dH2O alone. All treatment and control plates were covered with lid and parafin sealed, with gentle agitation for 5 minutes on a Heidolph Titramax 1000 platform shaker to homogenize the cyanobacteria with the soluble fractions. All plates were left to grow under 10 μmol m−2 s−1 of continuous polychromatic artificial light for a total of 70 days at room temperature, with fluorescence measurements taken with 20 s of prior shaking in orbital mode (Amplitude, 1mm; frequency, 432 rpm) and excited at a wavelength of 620. Emission intensity was measured at 685 nm every 3 days during the early stages of growth and weekly once growth stabilized using TECAN Infinite® M Nano + plate reader.","- Fluorescence Intensity (AU) of Cyanobacteria species (D. muscorum, A. cylindrica and Desmonostoc sp.) grown with or without Martian Regolith Simulants (MGS-1, MMS-2 and PR) every 3 days during the early stages of growth and weekly once growth stabilized. ","Filamentous cyanobacterial strains (Desmonostoc muscorum UTAD N213, Anabaena cylindrica UTAD A212 and an uncharacterized Desmonostoc sp.) isolated from freshwater were first maintained in Synthetic Woods Hole growth medium under 10 μmol m−2 s−1 continuous light intensity under no agitation. Two Martian regolith simulants were used, MGS-1 (Exolith Labs) and MMS-2 (The Martian Garden) and Polvo de Río Tinto (PRT) or Rio Tinto Dust. PRT was made up of rock dust sourced from “Gossan” rocks from the Río Tinto area (rich in iron oxides like hematite and jarosite and considered analogous to those found in some regions of Mars). Soluble Fraction of Martian Regolith Simulants (MGS-1, MMS-2 and PRT) were made by adding 1g of each stimulant to 5ml of either dH20 or MBL growth medium in 15 mL Falcon tubes, vortexed for one hour and centrifuged at 9000 rpm for 10 min at room temperature in an Eppendorf™Centrifuge 5810 R, with the soluble fraction collected and stored. Each cyanobacterium (D. muscorum, A. cylindrica and Desmonostoc sp.) was grown in wells of a Thermo Scientific 96 Well White Bottom plate, but with different plates. Cyanobacteria were grown in either dH20 or MBL for each species, and then 1.5 mL of each grown culture of cyanobacteria was centrifuged at 5000 rcf for 10 min; the supernatant was discarded, and the cyanobacterial pellet was resuspended in 5 mL of either dH2O or fresh growth medium. Next, 180 μL of the soluble fraction obtained from MGS-1, MMS-2 or PRT was added to the corresponding wells. To prevent evaporation to dryness, 200 μL of distilled water was added to all plates. Twenty microliters of the corresponding cyanobacteria (in growth medium or dH2O) was added to the soluble fraction, leading to an overall 10× dilution. Controls were added to assess growth in the absence of any soluble fraction, in either growth medium or dH2O alone. All treatment and control plates were covered with lid and parafin sealed, with gentle agitation for 5 minutes on a Heidolph Titramax 1000 platform shaker to homogenize the cyanobacteria with the soluble fractions. All plates were left to grow under 10 μmol m−2 s−1 of continuous polychromatic artificial light for a total of 70 days at room temperature, with fluorescence measurements taken every 3 days during the early stages of growth and weekly once growth stabilized using TECAN Infinite® M Nano + plate reader. If we checked the growth of A. cylindrica in growth medium and dH2O while in contact with PRT, what day would we expect to have peak growth reached?",Peak growth for A. cylindrica in both growth medium and dH2O while in contact with PRT = [40 - 50] day derived from the 45-day mark. No CI or SE given. Fall back of ± 5 days applied.,"- Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes capable of performing oxygenic photosynthesis, making them invaluable for space exploration. - Cyanobacteria can produce other valuable compounds such as aminoacids, polysaccharides, lipids and pigments. - Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) and Mojave Mars Simulant (MMS-1/MMS-2) are commercial regoliths analogous to Martian rock that can be supplemented with perchlorates. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Cyanobacteria are prokaryotes capable of performing oxygenic photosynthesis, making them invaluable for space exploration.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Niche partitioning among Prochlorococcus ecotypes along ocean-scale environmental gradients\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16556835/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 24, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Cyanobacteria can produce other valuable compounds such as aminoacids, polysaccharides, lipids and pigments.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Phycobiliproteins as a commodity: trends in applied research, patents and commercialization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10811-007-9188-1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 16, 2007""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mars Global Simulant (MGS-1) and Mojave Mars Simulant (MMS-1/MMS-2) are commercial regoliths analogous to Martian rock that can be supplemented with perchlorates.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Detection of perchlorate and the soluble chemistry of martian soil at the Phoenix lander site\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19574385/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jul 3, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Nanochemistry,MCQ,High-density covalent immobilisation of DNA on plasma-activated surfaces for biosensing applications,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f01cac5dd091524fada540,"October 17, 2025","DNA probes with different linkers (polyA, amine, amine-PEG, glycine-PEG, m-PEG, OH-PEG, and polyT), produced via strain-promoted azide–alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC), were immobilised on plasma-activated coating (PAC) surfaces under varying pH conditions (pH 3–8). DNA immobilisation was followed by hybridisation with fluorophore-labelled complementary DNA (Alexa Fluor 647) to determine probe density and orientation. Immobilisation conditions (pH, ionic strength, linker type) were optimized to maximize hybridised DNA density. Surfaces were rinsed to remove nonspecifically bound targets, and hybridisation was quantified fluorometrically. ","- Hybridised DNA surface density (molecules/cm²), for immobilisation efficiency and hybridisation yield, using Fluorescence quantification of Alexa Fluor 647-labelled complementary DNA after hybridisation. Comparative parameters: Linker type (polyA, amine, amine-PEG, glycine-PEG, m-PEG, OH-PEG, polyT) and immobilisation pH (3–8). ","Based on DNA immobilisation and hybridisation efficiency across different linker types, which linker–pH combination is expected to yield the highest hybridised DNA density on PAC-treated surfaces? A) PolyA linker at pH 4 B) Amine linker at pH 4 C) Amine-PEG linker at pH 8 D) Glycine-PEG linker at pH 8",D) Glycine-PEG linker at pH 8,"1. Plasma-Activated Coatings (PAC): Thin films generated via plasma deposition that introduce surface radicals enabling covalent biomolecule immobilisation. 2. DNA Linker Chemistry: Chemical modifications (e.g., PEG or amino linkers) alter charge and spacing, affecting DNA orientation and hybridisation on surfaces. 3. Hybridisation Efficiency: The extent to which complementary DNA strands bind under defined conditions, influenced by probe orientation, electrostatic interactions, and surface charge. 4. Strain-Promoted Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition (SPAAC): A copper-free click reaction used to covalently attach PEG linkers to azide-modified DNA with high yield and biocompatibility.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""1. Plasma-Activated Coatings (PAC): Thin films generated via plasma deposition that introduce surface radicals enabling covalent biomolecule immobilisation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Free radical kinetics in a plasma immersion ion implanted polystyrene: Theory and experiment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168583X12001425?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 1, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""2. DNA Linker Chemistry: Chemical modifications (e.g., PEG or amino linkers) alter charge and spacing, affecting DNA orientation and hybridisation on surfaces.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""CelB and β-glucosidase immobilization for carboxymethyl cellulose hydrolysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2013/ra/c3ra43666g""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 3, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""3. Hybridisation Efficiency: The extent to which complementary DNA strands bind under defined conditions, influenced by probe orientation, electrostatic interactions, and surface charge.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""DNA Surface Hybridization: Comparison of Theory and Experiment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20469913/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 10, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""4. Strain-Promoted Azide–Alkyne Cycloaddition (SPAAC): A copper-free click reaction used to covalently attach PEG linkers to azide-modified DNA with high yield and biocompatibility.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Strain-Promoted 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition of Cycloalkynes and Organic Azides""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s41061-016-0016-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 22, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Pharmacology and Toxicology,Numerical Values,CSF1R inhibitors pexidartinib and sotuletinib induce rapid glial ablation despite their limited brain penetrability,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.11.681780v1,"October 13, 2025","An experiment was conducted to investigate microglial depletion following CSF1R inhibitor treatment. Eight-week-old C57BL/6JrJ mice received five consecutive days of oral gavage dosing with either (1) sotuletinib (170 mg/kg/day) dissolved in 20% hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin; or (2) pexidartinib (80 mg/kg/day), dissolved in 10% DMSO/10% Cremophor EL/80% H2O. The control groups received corresponding formulations without drugs. At 24 hours after the final dose, animals were sacrified and brains were isolated and fixed in 10% formalin. One hemisphere per brain was processed for immunohistochemistry. Hemispheres were paraffin-embedded and sectioned at 4 µm thickness. Microglia were visualized using immunohistochemical staining with primary antibodies against P2Y12 (1:100 dilution) or Iba1 (1:2000 dilution), following antigen retrieval in Tris/EDTA pH 9.0 buffer or citrate buffer respectively. Sections were blocked with either 4% BSA/5% normal goat serum (P2Y12) or 10% milk powder (IBA1), then incubated overnight at 4°C with primary antibody in PBS containing 1% BSA/1.25% NGS. Detection employed the EnVision+ HRP-labeled polymer anti-rabbit secondary antibody for 30 minutes, followed by DAB+ substrate visualization for 3 minutes and hematoxylin counterstaining for 1 minute. Quantification of microglial depletion was performed as follows. For each mouse, four images (each of 500 × 500 µm region size) were captured per brain region. Cell nuclei were manually counted to determine microglial density, with mean values calculated per region, to yield densities for IBA+ cells (units of cells * 0.25mm^2) and P2RY12+ cells (units of cells * 0.25mm^2). Statistical comparisons between treatment and vehicle groups were conducted using one-way ANOVA with post-hoc Bonferroni tests. ","- cortex IBA+ cell density (units of cells * 0.25mm^2, calculated from cell counts by eye of images of 500 × 500 µm appropriately stained brain regions, for each of the three experimental treatments of control (vehicle gavage), sotuletinib gavage, or pexidartinib gavage. - cortex P2RY12+ cell density (units of cells * 0.25mm^2, calculated from cell counts by eye of images of 500 × 500 µm appropriately stained brain regions, for each of the three experimental treatments of control (vehicle gavage), sotuletinib gavage, or pexidartinib gavage.","After five daily oral gavage doses of pexidartinib (80 mg/kg/day) or sotuletinib (170 mg/kg/day), 8-week-old C57BL/6JrJ mice were sacrificed. Their brains were prepared for analysis by immunohistochemical staining of paraffin-embedded 4 µm brain sections, using either P2Y12 (1:100 dilution) or IBA1 (1:2000 dilution) antibodies. Microglial densities in their brain cortices were quantified by eye counts of stained nuclei from four 500×500 µm images per region per mouse. Considering both methods of staining, what average percent reduction in microglial density would you predict was observed 24 hours after the final dose, in the drug treatments vs the control?","Microglial numbers percent reduction = 80 - 93 (%, using fallback range of +- 5% for reported averages between 85% and 88% for both drug treatments with either staining method)","- Colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitors play a role in modulating brain-resident immune cells called microglia. - CSF1R inhibitors must be transported across the blood-brain barrier in order to exert effects on microglial density; these transport abilities are poorly characterized. - Because CSF1R inhibitors can directly reduce microglial effects but also modulate microglial populations through off-target effects on the wider immune system, their effects on microglia are difficult to predict ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF1R) inhibitors play a role in modulating brain-resident immune cells called microglia.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Inhibition of colony stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R) as a potential therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative diseases: opportunities and challenges.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00018-022-04225-1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 2, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CSF1R inhibitors must be transported across the blood-brain barrier in order to exert effects on microglial density; these transport abilities are poorly characterized.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microglial and neuronal fates following inhibition of CSF-1R in synucleinopathy mouse model""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159124006196""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 14, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Because CSF1R inhibitors can directly reduce microglial effects but also modulate microglial populations through off-target effects on the wider immune system, their effects on microglia are difficult to predict.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Limitations of PLX3397 as a microglial investigational tool: peripheral and off-target effects dictate the response to inflammation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2023.1283711/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 22, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Plant Ecology,Numerical Values,"Elevated CO2 and enriched nitrogen proportionallydecrease species richness most at small spatial scales in a grassland experiment ",https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2745.70128,"August 5, 2025","This experiment leverages the BioCON experiment located at the Cedar Creek reserve in Minnesota. It was planted in 1997 and uses a fully factorial cross of biodiversity x CO2 x nitrogen addition. BioCON was planted with 16 perennial plant species that represented four functional groups: C3 grasses, C4 grasses, forbs, and legumes. Beginning in 1998, CO2 was added in the form of CO2 enrichment (eCO2, +180 μmol/mol) through a free air carbon dioxide enrichment system (FACE) and nitrogen was added (+N, +4 g N m−2 year−1 spread over three doses) as ammonium nitrate. The 16 species were planted together in a total of 48 plots (i.e. a subset of a larger set of plots differing in planted species richness), each 2 m by 2 m. CO2 and N enrichment treatment were applied in a fully-factorial way, resulting in four treatment groups: AC-AN, ambient CO2 and ambient nitrogen; AC-EN, ambient CO2 and enriched nitrogen; EC-AN, elevated CO2 and ambient nitrogen; EC-EN, elevated CO2 and enriched nitrogen. Plots were weeded regularly to remove any plants that were not planted at the beginning of the experiment. Species-area curves, the number of species that are added as the areas that are sampled increases, were obtained on all plots that were initially planted with 16 species. First, the number of species in a 10 cm by 10 cm quadrate were measured, then subsequent 10 cm by 10 cm quadrats were added sequentially to create a succession of larger spatial areas covering a gradient of 3 orders of magnitude. This creates 18 size categories within each plot, with successively fewer replicates as quadrat size is increased. The species–area curves are fit according to the following form: S = cA^Z, where S is is species richness (count), A is area (from 0.01 to 3.24 m2), and c and z are empirically estimated coefficients using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. ","-Species richness given by the number of species present per patch size (from 0.01 to 3.24 m^2) of treatment groups (AC-AN, AC-EN, EC-AN and EC-EN) across plots.","This experiment leverages the BioCON experiment located at the Cedar Creek reserve in Minnesota. It was planted in 1997 and uses a fully factorial cross of biodiversity x CO2 x nitrogen addition. BioCON was planted with 16 perennial plant species that represented four functional groups: C3 grasses, C4 grasses, forbs, and legumes. Beginning in 1998, CO2 was added in the form of CO2 enrichment (eCO2, +180 μmol/mol) through a free air carbon dioxide enrichment system (FACE), and nitrogen was added (+N, +4 g N m−2 year−1, spread over three doses) as ammonium nitrate. The 16 species were planted together in a total of 48 plots (i.e. a subset of a larger set of plots differing in planted species richness), each 2 m by 2 m. CO2 and N enrichment treatments were applied in a fully-factorial way, resulting in four treatment groups: AC-AN, ambient CO2 and ambient nitrogen; AC-EN, ambient CO2and enriched nitrogen; EC-AN, elevated CO2 and ambient nitrogen; EC-EN, elevated CO2 and enriched nitrogen. Plots were weeded regularly to remove any plants that were not planted at the beginning of the experiment. Species-area relationship, the number of species that are added as the areas that are sampled increases, was obtained on all plots that were initially planted with 16 species. First, the number of species in a 10 cm by 10 cm quadrate were measured, then subsequent 10 cm by 10 cm quadrats were added sequentially to create a succession of larger spatial areas covering a gradient of 3 orders of magnitude. This creates 18 size categories within each plot, with successively fewer replicates as quadrat size is increased. The species–area curves are fit according to the following form: S = cA^Z, where S is is species richness (count), A is area (from 0.01 to 3.24 m2), and c and z are empirically estimated coefficients using the Levenberg–Marquardt algorithm. For an area of 1 m², what is the expected species richness under the AC-AN treatment?","Srich = [6.95 - 7.35] derived from an approximate species richness value of ~7.15 under AC-AN treatment. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported > fallback ±0.2 applied. ","- Increased nitrogen (N) deposition negatively influences species richness. - Carbon dioxide (CO2) can result in the loss of species diversity, especially in tandem with increased levels of N availability. - The impact of global changes on diversity at different spatial scales can be assessed by comparing species–area relationships (SARs) under different conditions. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Increased nitrogen (N) deposition negatively influences species richness.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The effects of air-borne nitrogen pollutants on species diversity in natural and semi-natural European vegetation\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1046/j.1365-2745.1998.8650717.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 28, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Carbon dioxide (CO2) can result in the loss of species diversity, especially in tandem with increased levels of N availability.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High CO2 dampens then amplifies N-induced diversity loss over 24 years""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41586-024-08066-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 16, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The impact of global changes on diversity at different spatial scales can be assessed by comparing species–area relationships (SARs) under different conditions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Species and Area""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jstor.org/stable/2255763""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep, 1921""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,MCQ,Discovery and Synthesis of Flueggeacosines D–F and Securingine J,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68ec6ba9dfd0d042d138c4a4,"Oct 15, 2025","Phyllantidine (30 mg, 0.129 mmol, 1.0 equiv.) and isobutyraldehyde (0.10 mL, 0.645 mmol, 5.0 equiv.) were added to a solution of tetra-n-butylammonium decatungstate (21 mg, 6.45×10-3 mmol, 0.05 equiv.) in 0.32 mL anhydrous acetonitrile. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C with the irradiation of Kessil lamp (PR160L model, wavelength: 370 nm, 100% intensity of light). After 16 hours, the resulting mixture was filtered through a pad of celite, rinsed with ethyl acetate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was dissolved in 5.4 mL tetrahydrofuran and 1,8- diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene (96 μL, 0.645 mmol, 5.0 equiv.) was added to the reaction mixture at 23 °C. The reaction mixture was heated to 45 °C and stirred for 2 hours. The reaction mixture was diluted with saturated aqueous ammonium chloride solution (10 mL) and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate (10 mL × 3). The combined organic layers were washed with brine, dried over anhydrous sodium sulfate and concentrated. The resulting crude residue was purified by flash column chromatography. ¹H and ¹³C NMR, HRMS (ESI-TOF), TLC, and optical rotation analysis were made to identify and obtain the yield of the product","- ¹H (400 MHz, CDCl₃) and ¹³C (101 MHz, CDCl₃) NMR for identification of the product - HRMS (ESI-TOF) for identification of the product. - TLC (hexane : ethyl acetate = 7 : 3) for identification of the product. - Optical rotation for characterization of the product. - Yield of the product.","Phyllantidine (1.0 equiv.) and isobutyraldehyde (5.0 equiv.) were added to a solution of tetra-n-butylammonium decatungstate (0.05 equiv.) in anhydrous acetonitrile. The reaction mixture was stirred at 23 °C with the irradiation of Kessil lamp (wavelength: 370 nm, 100% intensity). After 16 hours, the resulting mixture was filtered, rinsed with ethyl acetate, and concentrated under reduced pressure. The crude residue was dissolved in THF, and 1,8-diazabicyclo(5.4.0)undec-7-ene (5.0 equiv.) was added to the reaction mixture. Then, it was heated to 45 °C and stirred for 2 hours. The mixture was diluted with aqueous ammonium chloride solution, and the aqueous layer was extracted with ethyl acetate. How many hydrogens has the major product obtained from this reaction? A) 23 B) 24 C) 25 D) 26",A) 23 ,"- Reductive cleavage of the N-O bond is catalysed by Mo(CO)₆. Following reductive cleavage of the N-O bond, a rearrangement occurs. - The basic scaffold of monomeric securinega alkaloids has evolved into more highly oxidized and structurally complex downstream congeners. The flueggeacosines are dimeric high-oxidation state securinega alkaloids.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Reductive cleavage of the N-O bond is catalysed by Mo(CO)₆. Following reductive cleavage of the N-O bond, a rearrangement occurs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Total Synthesis of Altemicidin: A Surprise Ending for a Monoterpene Alkaloid""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jacsau.3c00417""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""12 Oct, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The basic scaffold of monomeric securinega alkaloids has evolved into more highly oxidized and structurally complex downstream congeners. The flueggeacosines are \ndimeric high-oxidation state securinega alkaloids.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Flueggeacosines A–C, Dimeric Securinine-Type Alkaloid Analogues with Neuronal Differentiation Activity from Flueggea suffruticosa""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.orglett.8b03432""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 28, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Electrochemistry,Free-Format Question,"Integrating Flow Field Geometries within Porous Electrode Architectures for Enhanced Flow Battery Performance ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/687378c5728bf9025e3ad47f,"April 1, 2025","Researchers were aiming to determine the electrochemical specific surface area (ECSA) of test micro-patterned carbon electrodes that they previously synthesized using a non-solvent induced phase separation method, where they incorporated a porous structure and imprint groove and pillar micro-patterns (1000 μm for both the groove width and the pillar diameter) for the purpose of enhancing flow battery performance. The electrochemical specific surface area (ECSA) of the porous electrodes was evaluated based on the equivalent double layer capacitance (EDLC) using a Bio-Logic VMP3 potentiostat. For this purpose, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was carried out in a single-tank battery setup using a 2 M hydrochloric acid solution as the supporting electrolyte. The impedance was recorded using an amplitude of 10 mV across a frequency range from 200 kHz to 400 mHz. An equivalent circuit model was employed to characterize the electrochemical double-layer charging process. It included an inductor for modeling cable inductance, a resistor for membrane resistance, and a simplified transmission-line model (Tlm-Q) to represent a continuously distributed pore network saturated with electrolyte. Under blocking conditions, the surface impedance of the interface between pores and electrolytes can be modelled with a constant phase element (CPE). The best-fit parameters were obtained from complex non-linear least squares fitting. The EDLC was estimated through Brug’s equation. After obtaining the ECSA, it was normalized by dividing by the volume of the compressed electrode, yielding a volumetric ECSA.",- The electrochemical specific surface area (ECSA) was estimated from impedance spectra measured in a 2 M HCl solution using a Bio-Logic VMP3 potentiostat.,"A micro-patterned carbon electrode using non-solvent induced phase separation, incorporating porous structure was synthesized. The electrochemical specific surface area (ECSA) of the porous electrodes was evaluated based on the equivalent double layer capacitance (EDLC) using a Bio-Logic VMP3 potentiostat. EIS was carried out using a 2 M hydrochloric acid solution as the supporting electrolyte and an amplitude of 10 mV across a frequency range from 200 kHz to 400 mHz. The EDLC was estimated through Brug’s equation. After obtaining the ECSA, it was normalized by dividing by the volume of the compressed electrode, yielding a volumetric ECSA. What will the effect on the ECSA be when micro-patterns are introduced?",The introduction of micro-patterns will lead to a reduction in volumetric electrochemical specific surface area (ECSA).,"- Redox flow batteries (RFB) are electrochemical energy storage system used for grid-scale applications. A typical RFB reactor consists of two porous electrodes separated by a membrane, with flow plates, current collectors, and end plates completing one electrochemical cell in a stack. - A critical component of a redox flow battery is the porous electrode. The electrode microstructure and the design of the adjacent flow fields play a central role in the electrolyte distribution, mass transport rates, and pressure drop. - Non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) is a versatile manufacturing approach for tailoring electrode microstructures. - Flow fields, commonly fabricated as engraved patterns on the flow plates, guide the electrolyte through the electrode, ensuring effective utilization of active sites while minimizing pressure losses","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Redox flow batteries (RFB) are electrochemical energy storage system used for grid-scale applications. A typical RFB reactor consists of two porous electrodes separated by a membrane, with flow plates, current collectors, and end plates completing one electrochemical cell in a stack.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Material design and engineering of next-generation flow-battery technologies""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/natrevmats201680""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 8, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A critical component of a redox flow battery is the porous electrode. The electrode microstructure and the design of the adjacent flow fields play a central role in the\nelectrolyte distribution, mass transport rates, and pressure drop.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Techno-Economic Modeling and Analysis of Redox Flow Battery Systems""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1996-1073/9/8/627""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 10, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Non-solvent induced phase separation (NIPS) is a versatile manufacturing approach for tailoring electrode microstructures.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intrinsically microporous polymer-based hierarchical nanostructuring of electrodes via nonsolvent-induced phase separation for high-performance supercapacitors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2018/ta/c8ta02451k""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 26, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Flow fields, commonly fabricated as engraved patterns on the flow plates, guide the electrolyte through the electrode, ensuring effective utilization of active sites while minimizing pressure losses""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Dead-zone-compensated design as general method of flow field optimization for redox flow batteries""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.2305572120""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 5, 2023\n""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Electrochemistry,Free-Format Question,"Investigation of copper binding competition between a potential anti-Alzheimer's drug and Aβ(1–16) based on voltametric and chemometric analysis ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68ed61a1bc2ac3a0e0ca33c8,"October 16, 2025","The chemical TDMQ20 (N1-(2-(8-amino-5,7-dichloroquinolin-2-yl)ethyl)-N2, N2-dimethylethane-1,2-diamine hydrochloride) was investigated by researchers for its ability to chelate Cu(II) ions from the peptide Aβ(1-16). For the experiments, the concentrations of the metal-free Aβ(1-16) peptide, TDMQ20, and their subsequent complexes were all standardized at 0.5 mM. Preparation of metal complexes involved a specific ligand-to-copper(II) ratio of 1:0.9. Electrochemical measurements were conducted using an Autolab PGSTAT204 potentiostat controlled by NOVA software. A conventional three-electrode system was employed, with a glassy carbon disk electrode (GCE) as the working electrode, a platinum rod as the counter electrode, and an Ag|AgCl (3 M NaCl) reference electrode, in a pH 7.4 phosphate buffer. The reference electrode was isolated from the main solution by a salt bridge. Square wave voltammetry (SWV) with a 2 mV step, 50 mV modulation amplitude, and 25 Hz frequency, across a potential range of 0.2 to 1.3 V was employed. Before data acquisition, solutions were degassed with argon for five minutes, and this inert atmosphere was maintained throughout the experiment. For each solution, measurements were recorded in eight replicates. A series of SWV measurements were conducted on solutions containing TDMQ20, Aβ(1-16), their individual Cu(II) complexes, and finally, a solution where TDMQ20 was added to the pre-formed Aβ(1-16)-Cu(II) complex. Prior to each measurement, the GCE was meticulously polished to a mirror-like finish and cleaned via ultrasonication. The recorded Square Wave (SW) voltammograms were processed using two multivariate analysis methods: Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Multivariate Curve Resolution (MCR). The raw dataset was first normalized using SNV and mean-centered before PCA was applied for data exploration. MCR-ALS was then used to determine the true chemical contributions of the four different chemical species present. This MCR-ALS model was built using four components and included crucial constraints like non-negativity for both concentration and signal modes, plus closure and equality constraints for the concentration mode. The analyses were performed using MATLAB with the PLSToolbox and MCR-ALS GUI 2.0 toolboxes, as well as Origin 2021b.","- SWV measurements conducted on solutions containing TDMQ20, Aβ(1-16), TDMQ20 and Aβ(1-16) Cu(II) complexes, and TDMQ20 added to Aβ(1-16)-Cu(II) complex, using an Autolab PGSTAT204 potentiostat controlled by NOVA software - Determination of contributions solutions components to electrochemical behavior from PCA and MCR analysis on acquired voltammograms.","Researchers conducted square wave voltammetry on 0.5mM solutions of TDMQ20, Aβ(1-16), their individual Cu(II) complexes, and TDMQ20 was added to Aβ(1-16)-Cu(II) solution with a 2 mV step, 50 mV modulation amplitude, and 25 Hz frequency, from 0.2 to 1.3 V. A glassy carbon disk electrode (GCE) as the working electrode, a platinum rod as the counter electrode, and an Ag|AgCl (3 M NaCl) reference electrode, in a pH 7.4 phosphate buffer, comprised the electrochemical cell. PCA and MCR were conducted on the voltammetry data to determine the contributions from the varying electrochemical behavior of the dissolved species. For the TDMQ20 molecule and the TDMQ20-Cu(II) complex, what would their oxidation peak values be?","For the TDMQ20 molecule, one mainoxidation peak at 0.68 V and a second wide peak at a potential of ~1 V vs. Ag|AgCl would be observed. The TDMQ20-Cu(II) complex also exhibit two oxidation signals: a peak at the Emax of 0.49 V, and a wave centred at 0.87 V vs. Ag|AgCl.","-TDMQ molecules efficiently extract Cu(II) from Cu(II)-Aβ complexes, by the formation of new 1:1 metal: ligand Cu(II)-TDMQ complexes. -Square wave voltammetry (SWV) is commonly used to monitor the aggregation process, particularly the oxidation of specific amino acids present in the peptide coupled with residue analysis from PCA. -PCA and MCR are chemometric methods used for data dimensionality reduction and analysis where signal responses between variation of individual parameters of an experiment offer trends and insight, based on statistical reasoning and numerical residue methods rather than theoretical modelling.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-TDMQ molecules efficiently extract Cu(II) from Cu(II)-Aβ(1–42) complexes, by the formation of new 1:1 metal: ligand Cu(II)-TDMQ complexes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Preparation of Tetradentate Copper Chelators as Potential Anti-Alzheimer Agents""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/cmdc.201700734""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 8, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Square wave voltammetry (SWV) is commonly used to monitor the aggregation process, particularly the oxidation of specific amino acids present in the peptide, coupled with residue analysis from PCA.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Amyloid beta peptides electrochemistry: A review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2451910321001514?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 15, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-PCA and MCR are chemometric methods used for data dimensionality reduction and analysis where signal responses between variation of individual parameters of an experiment offer trends and insight, based on statistical reasoning and numerical residue methods rather than theoretical modelling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chapter 2 - Chemometric Brains for Artificial Tongues""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123744685000027?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 17, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Polymer Chemistry / Materials Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Oxidation-degradable resins for 3D-printing of cell-responsive biomaterials,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68a7e618728bf9025eb65992,"August 28, 2025","Researchers formulated and characterized UV-photopolymerizable resins from synthesized thioketal (TK) dithiols and commercial alkene crosslinkers. Short-chain TK (SCTK) and long-chain TK (LCTK) dithiol oligomers were synthesized by adding p-toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (5.6823g) to a 1000mL tri-neck round bottom flask adapted with a 250mL addition funnel and stopcock. The reaction vessel was purged with nitrogen after being placed under high vacuum for 20 minutes. For SCTK synthesis, anhydrous acetonitrile was added to the round bottom flask (300mL) and addition funnel (100mL). 180mL (1.1mol) of 3,6-dioxa 1,8-octanedithiol (DOT) was added in the round bottom flask. 67.4mL (0.55mol) of 2,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) in a 1:2 molar equivalent ratio to DOT were then charged in the addition funnel. For LCTK synthesis, anhydrous acetonitrile was added to the round bottom flask (300mL) and addition funnel (150mL). Next, to the round bottom flask, 180mL (1mol) of DOT was added before adding 121.3mL (0.9mol) of DMP to the addition funnel in a 1:0.9 molar equivalent ratio to DOT. For both SCTK and LCTK syntheses, reaction vessels (round bottom flask and addition funnel) were degassed with nitrogen for 10 min before drop-wise addition of the DMP-acetonitrile solution into the round bottom flask with continuous stirring for 5 hours. Afterwards, the DMP-acetonitrile solution was added drop-wise into the round bottom flask with continuous stirring for 5 hours at room temperature. Acetonitrile was removed from both reaction solutions by rotary evaporation in 1000mL single neck round bottom flasks. SCTK and LCTK products were purified by three precipitation rounds in chilled 70:30 isopropanol and water volumes. Three TK resins, denoted as SCTK-MA, LCTK-MA, and SCTK-AE, were formulated for further experimentation. The SCTK-MA resin contained 63.9g of SCTK (5mol thiol content), 36.1g of trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate (MA, 5mol methacrylate content), 1.34g of phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (BAPO) (0.005mol, 1% molar eq.) and 50mg of 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) (0.0015mol, 0.3% molar eq.). The LCTK-MA resin contained 76.3g of LCTK (2.75mol thiol content), 23.7g of MA (2.75mol methacrylate content), 0.88g BAPO (1% mol eq.) and 33mg of TEMPO (0.3% mol. eq.). The SCTK-AE resin contained 70.1g of SCTK (5mol thiol content), 29.9g of pentaerythritol allyl ether (AE, 5mol allyl ether content), 1.46g of BAPO (0.005mol, 1% mol. eq.) and 110mg of TEMPO (0.001mol, 0.2% mol. eq.). The viscosity of fresh TK resins was compared with the viscosity of resins stored at room temperature (25ºC) or under refrigeration (4ºC) for 30 days. Resins from identical batches were aliquoted into 5mL scintillation vials and wrapped in aluminum foil to shield from light. A TA Discovery HR20 rheometer (20mm parallel plates, 25ºC) was used to determine viscosity values of fresh and stored resin formulations. Resin samples (0.1mL) were deposited between the parallel plates and the top plate was lowered to a gap height of 350μm, and shear sweep tests were run using a shear rate range of 0-100(1/s). Before testing, resins stored at 4ºC were equilibrated to room temperature.","- Viscosity (mPA/s) of freshly-made and 30-days-stored (4ºC or 25ºC) SCTK-MA, LCTK-MA, and SCTK-AE resin formulations (Shear sweep tests, TA Discovery HR20 rheometer).","Researchers formulated and characterized UV-photopolymerizable resins from synthesized thioketal (TK) dithiols and commercial alkene crosslinkers. Short-chain TK (SCTK) and long-chain TK (LCTK) dithiol oligomers were synthesized in-house and three TK resins, denoted as SCTK-MA, LCTK-MA, and SCTK-AE, were formulated as follows: 1) SCTK-MA resin (63.9g SCTK, 36.1g trimethylolpropane trimethacrylate [MA], 1.34g of phenylbis(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide [BAPO] and 50mg of 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl [TEMPO]); 2) LCTK-MA resin (76.3g of LCTK, 23.7g of MA, 0.88g BAPO and 33mg of TEMPO); 3) SCTK-AE resin (70.1g of SCTK, 29.9g of pentaerythritol allyl ether [AE], 1.46g of BAPO and 110mg of TEMPO). The viscosity (MPa/s) of fresh TK resins was compared with the viscosity of resins stored at room temperature (25ºC) or under refrigeration (4ºC) for 30 days, by performing shear sweep tests (0-100(1/s)shear rate). Resins stored at 4ºC were equilibrated to room temperature before viscosity testing. What is the expected effect of the storage for 30 days at 25ºC, in terms of viscosity of the LCTK-MA resin, compared to its fresh counterpart?","The LCTK-MA resin showed negligible differences in terms of viscosity after 30 days of storage at 25ºC, in comparison with the initial values obtained from its fresh counterpart.","- Thioketals (TKs) are easily synthesized polymers that show stability in non-oxidative conditions, and susceptibility to a relatively wide range of reactive oxygen-species (ROS) molecules. - Phenyl bis(2 4 6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phosphine oxide (BAPO) is a type 1 photo initiator with strong photo-initiation in the near UV-Vis light range, used in thiol-ene photopolymerizations [49]: Thiol–ene–methacrylate composites as dental restorative materials; https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0109564110004689?via%3Dihub; November 30, 2010; Paywalled version is the external reference cited by this paper. - 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) is a radical scavenger utilized to temper photo-radical polymerizations [50]: Controlled Photoradical Polymerization Mediated by 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-Oxyl; https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/4/2/1125; May 2, 2012; OA. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Thioketals (TKs) are easily synthesized polymers that show stability in non-oxidative conditions, and susceptibility to a relatively wide range of reactive oxygen-species (ROS) molecules.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Oxidative Stress and Biomaterials""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/book/9780128032695/oxidative-stress-and-biomaterials""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the external reference cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Phenyl bis(2 4 6-trimethylbenzoyl)-phosphine oxide (BAPO) is a type 1 photo initiator with strong photo-initiation in the near UV-Vis light range, used in thiol-ene photopolymerizations.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thiol–ene–methacrylate composites as dental restorative materials""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0109564110004689?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 30, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the external reference cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine 1-oxyl (TEMPO) is a radical scavenger utilized to temper photo-radical polymerizations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Controlled Photoradical Polymerization Mediated by 2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidine-1-Oxyl\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4360/4/2/1125""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 2, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Materials Chemistry / Electrochemistry,Numerical Values,Nickel-catalysed Carbon Hybrids with a Nasal Vestibular-Like Microstructure from a Preceramic Polymer Route as an Advanced Electrode for Supercapacitors.,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68c867d73e708a764949e92a,"September 24, 2025","Researchers synthesized nickel-functionalized polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) materials based on silicon oxycarbide (SiOC). Commercially available polymethylphenylsilsequioxane ([PMPS], SILRES® H44 (Wacker Silicones, Burghausen, Germany)), was employed as preceramic polymer. 4 g of PMPS (H44) were completely dissolved by stirring in 20 mL of isopropanol (IPA) at room temperature. 4 g of N220 conductive nanocarbon (Cabot Corporation, USA) were turned into a colloidal dispersion by ultrasound-assisted dispersion into 20 mL of IPA. Both solutions were combined and stirred for uniform blending of the organic and inorganic components. A nickel precursor solution (15% w/v) was prepared from NiCl2·6H2O in 10 mL of IPA, and slowly added dropwise into the polymer–carbon mixture under vigorous stirring. Triethanolamine (0.5% w/v) was later incorporated to the resulting solution (~50 mL), which was subjected to a vertical tube furnace for thermal crosslinking in an argon atmosphere at 350°C for 2.5 hours, with a dwell time of 2 hours. After cooling to ambient temperature under inert conditions, the black solid mass was retrieved, crushed, and finely powdered using a SPEX mixer/mill (USA). Pyrolysis was performed at 1200 ºC with a 2-hour dwell time at the peak temperature in an alumina tubular furnace under a continuous flow of high-purity argon gas (99.999%) (heating rate of 2 ºC/min). Pyrolyzed ceramic samples were immersed in 100 mL of a 20% hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution under gentle magnetic stirring for 1h, and thoroughly washed with deionized water and dried overnight at 50 ºC to render the Ni-SiOC-C active material. Electrochemical characterization was performed in a three-electrode setup consisting of a slurry being coated on a 0.5 x 1 mm cut nickel foam (working electrode [WE]). Pt-wire is used as a counter electrode (CE), and Ag/AgCl contained in 3M KOH solution is used as a reference electrode (RE). The WE was prepared by mixing 7.5 mg of Ni-SiOC-C active material, 1.5 mg of carbon black, and 1 mg of Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) with a mortar and pestle while using 40 μL (5% w/v) of N-Methyl-2- pyrrolidone (NMP) as the solvent. The as-obtained slurry was then coated on the 1 mm x 0.5 mm cut nickel foam to render the WE. The WE was soaked in a 3M KOH solution for 30 minutes before further experimentation. Cyclic voltammetry (−0.6 to 0.4 V, 2–100 mV/s) was performed with a Metrohm Autolab M204 potentiostat, and specific capacitance values (F/g) were obtained from the cyclic voltammetry data.","- Current density (A/g) of the Ni-SiOC-C-derived working electrodes in a potential window of -0.6 to 0.4 V at the scan rates of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 70, and 100 mV/s (Cyclic voltammetry). - Specific capacitance (F/g) of the Ni-SiOC-C-derived working electrodes at the scan rates of 2, 5, 10, 20, 50, 70, 100 mV/s.","Researchers synthesized nickel-functionalized polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) materials based on silicon oxycarbide (SiOC) by mixing polymethylphenylsilsequioxane (PMPS) (4 g) and N220 conductive nanocarbon (4g) in 40 mL of isopropanol, and adding 10 mL NiCl2·6H2O (15% w/v) in isopropanol to the solution. The solution was cross-linked in an argon atmosphere at 350°C for 2.5 hours (dwell time: 2 hours) after addition of triethanolamine (0.5% w/v). The resulting material was subject to pyrolysis (1200 ºC: 2-hour dwell time) under argon gas and pyrolyzed samples were immersed in 100 mL of a 20% hydrofluoric acid (HF) solution for 1h, washed with deionized water and dried at 50 ºC to render the Ni-SiOC-C active material. Working electrodes (WE) were prepared from the Ni-SiOC-C active material (7.5 mg Ni-SiOC-C active material + 1.5mg carbon black + 1mg Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) + 40 μL (5% w/v) of N-Methyl-2- pyrrolidone (NMP)) by coating 0.5 x 1 mm cut nickel foam, and soaking the WEs in a 3M KOH solution for 30 minutes. Electrochemical characterization was performed in a three-electrode setup, employing the developed WEs, a Pt-wire as a counter electrode (CE), and Ag/AgCl contained in 3M KOH solution as a reference electrode (RE). Cyclic voltammetry (−0.6 to 0.4 V, 2–100 mV/s) was performed using a potentiostat, and specific capacitance values (F/g) were obtained from the cyclic voltammetry data. What is the expected value of specific capacitance (F/g) of the Ni-SiOC-C-derived WE at a scan rate of 2 mV/s?",Specific capacitance (Ni-SiOC-C-derived WE; 2 mV/s)= 507 - 619 F/g. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ±10% applied over the value of 563 F/g.,"- The polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) method is an approach that involves crosslinking preceramic polymer at temperatures ranging from 200°C-400°C under an inert atmosphere, utilizing the organosilicon polymers as precursors.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The polymer-derived ceramic (PDC) method is an approach that involves crosslinking preceramic polymer at temperatures ranging from 200°C-400°C under an inert atmosphere, utilizing the organosilicon polymers as precursors.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Polymer-Derived Ceramics: 40 Years of Research and Innovation in Advanced Ceramics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ceramics.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1551-2916.2010.03876.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 18, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the reference cited by the paper for the given RBK item""}]" Chemistry,Nanoscience,Numerical Values,"Selective Growth of (6,5)- and (9,8)- Enriched Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68e5856fdfd0d042d1609d9b,"Oct 14, 2025","Researchers studied single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) growth by chemical vapor deposition using a cobalt–sulfur (Co–S) catalyst supported on magnesium oxide (MgO) [Co-S/MgO catalyst]. To prepare the catalyst, Co precursor together with sulfate additive were loaded on MgO by co-precipitation combining impregnation. Co precursor was CoSO4·7H2O, sulfate additive was CoSO4·7H2O and (NH4)2SO4, and Mg precursor was Mg(NO3)6·6H2O. The molar ratios of these precursors were 2:3:200, with the resulting catalyst termed Co2S3/MgO. The catalyst was prepared by co-precipitating CoSO4·7H2O, (NH4)SO4, and Mg(NO3)·6H2O in an ethanol/water mixture (pH 8.8-9.0, adjusted with NH3·H2O). The precipitate was washed with ethanol, dried at 90ºC for 24 h, and calcined in air at 400ºC for 50 min. Before growth, the catalyst was reduced under 100 sccm H2 while heating to 540ºC at 20 ºC/min. SWCNT growth was carried out at 780ºC for 60 min using 100 sccm CO as the carbon source and 200 sccm Ar as carrier gas. After growth, the furnace was cooled under Ar flow. The as-grown SWCNT product was soaked in 4M HCl(aq) for 1~2 h. Then, the mixture was centrifuged at 18.0 kG for 2 min, the precipitate was washed by ultrapure water to remove the residual metallic ions, H+ and Cl-, freeze-dried for 24 h to get the purified product. Ethanol was added into the purified product and ultrasound bathed. After that, the solution was added drop wise onto microgrid and dried at room temperature. The microgrid with the purified product was then tested by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) (FEI Company, Tecnai F20 field emission transmission electron microscope) with 590 kV operating voltage. SWCNTs diameters were measured. For obtaining the diameter distribution of the SWCNT product, 50 SWCNTs without bundling were taken into account.","- Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) product diameter (nm). - Single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) product diameter distribution (%).","Researchers studied single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) growth by chemical vapor deposition using a cobalt–sulfur (Co–S) catalyst supported on magnesium oxide (MgO) [Co-S/MgO catalyst]. To prepare the catalyst, Co precursor together with sulfate additive were loaded on MgO by co-precipitation combining impregnation. Co precursor was CoSO4·7H2O, sulfate additive was CoSO4·7H2O and (NH4)2SO4, and Mg precursor was Mg(NO3)6·6H2O (molar ratios 2:3:200). SWCNT growth was carried out at 780ºC for 60 min using 100 sccm CO as the carbon source and 200 sccm Ar as carrier gas. The as-grown SWCNT product was purified by HCl treatment and analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). What is the expected relative abundance (%) of SWCNTs with diameters lying between 0.7 - 0.8 nm?",Relative abundance SWCNTs (0.7 - 0.8 nm diameter) = 23 - 33 %. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → Fallback ±5% applied over the 28% value.,"- Among the preparation methods for single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is highly tunable, making it one of the primary techniques for SWCNTs synthesis. - The choice of carbon source significantly affects the chirality distribution of the as-grown single-walled carbon nanotubes. - Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes with different chiralities have different diameters and chirality angles.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Among the preparation methods for single-walled carbon nanotubes, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is highly tunable, making it one of the primary techniques for SWCNT synthesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diameter controlled growth of single-walled carbon nanotubes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciengine.com/SSC/doi/10.1360/SSC-2020-0115""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 14, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The choice of carbon source significantly affects the chirality distribution of the as-grown single-walled carbon nanotubes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tailoring (n,m) Structure of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes by Modifying Reaction Conditions and the Nature of the Support of CoMo Catalysts""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jp056095e; January 19, 2006""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 19, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes with different chiralities have different diameters and chirality angles.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High-performance single-walled carbon nanotube transparent conducting film fabricated by using low feeding rate of ethanol solution""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/10.1098/rsos.180392""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 27, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry,Numerical Values,Experiment and modeling of concentration dependent diffusion in a solution with dual transport-phase flow for paper-based sensing,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12134741/,"Jun 4, 2025","Researchers studied concentration-dependent diffusion in paper-based microfluidic channels using Whatman No. 1 filter paper laminated with polymer film and laser-cut into 10 × 10 mm reservoirs connected to 3 × 80 mm channels. KMnO₄ solutions (10–50 mM) were tested under three configurations-vertical (IVS), horizontal (IHS), and finite-source horizontal (FHS). Flow progression was recorded at 30 fps with a fixed camera, and image analysis extracted distance–time data for both analyte and water fronts using intensity thresholds (0.75 cutoff). Each test was repeated across concentrations and configurations, generating quantitative front-propagation profiles for modeling diffusion behavior.​","- Flow front position (mm) of the KMnO₄ analyte measured over time from video frames to quantify diffusion and wicking rates. - Concentration (mM) varied across 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 mM KMnO₄ solutions to study concentration-dependent transport behavior. - Geometric configuration tested under three flow setups-IVS (vertical infinite source), IHS (horizontal infinite source), and FHS (finite horizontal source)-to evaluate orientation effects. - Flow distance–time profiles compiled from frame analysis to generate quantitative transport curves for diffusion modeling.","A paper-based microfluidic system was developed to study concentration-dependent diffusion using Whatman No. 1 filter paper patterned into reservoirs and channels. KMnO₄ solutions (10–50 mM) were tested under vertical, horizontal, and finite-source setups, with front propagation recorded at 30 fps and analyzed by image-based distance–time profiling to quantify diffusion dynamics. What concentration of KMnO4 solution is required to maximize the analyte net flow distance after 1200 seconds in the Infinite-source with Vertical Strip (IVS)?",30±5 mM,"- Capillary wicking law (Lucas–Washburn model) states that liquid rise in porous media is proportional to the square root of time. - In geometric control strategies, different wicking behavior is achieved by changing the dimension of the paper strips.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Capillary wicking law (Lucas–Washburn model) states that liquid rise in porous media is proportional to the square root of time.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Lucas−Washburn Equation-Based Modeling of Capillary-Driven Flow in Porous Systems""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.langmuir.0c03134""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 29, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Organic Chemistry,MCQ,"Synthesis of keto hexafluoro alkyl sulfonyl amides via radical ring-opening polymerization of aryl-substituted vinyl cyclohexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)amides followed by hydrolysis",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f0e63c5dd091524fc9e455,"Oct 17, 2025","Researchers were aiming to synthesize fluoroalkyl sulfonyl amide compounds. As a model substrate, they used a vinyl-substituted cyclohexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)imide (c-HFSI-H), named 1a. To prepare a reaction solution, they added 1 mL of 1,2-dichloroethane (CH2ClCH2Cl) to 0.25 mmol of 1a and 5.0 equivalents of 1-octene. The solution was heated at 90 °C for 3 h using 0.2 equivalents of 2,2’-azobis(isobutyrate) (V-601) as the initiator, and a corresponding polymer was obtained. Then, they employed Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC, polystyrene standards) to determine the number average molecular weight (Mn) of said polymer. Finally, they performed acid-catalyzed hydrolysis by treating the crude polymer with 0.3 equivalents of Nafion (solid acid) in 1 mL of aqueous tetrahydrofuran (THF) and heating the obtained solution to 70 °C for 1 hour to yield the desired product.","- Number average molecular weight (Mn) of the obtained polymer using Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC, polystyrene standards) - Yield percentage of the desired product (a fluoroalkyl sulfonyl amide compound)","Researchers were aiming to synthesize fluoroalkyl sulfonyl amide compounds. To prepare a reaction solution, they added 1mL of 1,2-dichloroethane (CH2ClCH2Cl) to 0.25 mmol of a vinyl-substituted cyclohexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)imide and 5.0 equivalents of 1-octene. The solution was heated at 90°C for 3 h using 0.2 equivalents of 2,2’-azobis(isobutyrate), and a corresponding polymer was obtained. They employed Gel-permeation chromatography to determine the number average molecular weight. Finally, they treated the crude polymer with 0.3 equivalents of Nafion in 1mL of aqueous tetrahydrofuran and heated the obtained solution to 70 °C for 1 hour. ¿What would be the expected number average molecular weight of the polymer and yield of the desired product? A. Gel-permeation chromatography will indicate a Mn = 3,200 for the obtained polymer, and the desired product will be isolated in 59% yield. B. The desired product will have a 77% yield, while the obtained polymer from the previous stage will indicate a Mn = 1,100 C. Gel-permeation chromatography will indicate a Mn = 2,300 for the obtained polymer, and the desired product will be isolated in 59% yield. D. The desired product will have a 77% yield, while gel-permeation chromatography will indicate a Mn = 3,200 for the polymer obtained from the previous stage","A. Gel-permeation chromatography will indicate a Mn = 3,200 for the obtained polymer, and the desired product will be isolated in 59% yield.","- Cyclic monomers having vinyl groups can be polymerized via a radical addition–cleavage (ring-opening) mechanism to introduce functional groups into the polymer backbone. - Cyclohexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)imide (c-HFSI-H) is a strong acid that has been used in various acid-catalyzed reactions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Cyclic monomers having vinyl groups can be polymerized via a radical addition–cleavage (ring-opening) mechanism to introduce functional groups into the polymer backbone.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Radical Ring-Opening Polymerization: Scope, Limitations, and Application to (Bio)Degradable Materials""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrev.6b00319""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 13, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Cyclohexafluoropropane-1,3-bis(sulfonyl)imide (c-HFSI-H) is a strong acid that has been used in various acid-catalyzed reactions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Synthesis and decomposition of benzenediazonium tris((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)methanide, C6H5N2+(CF3SO2)3C- and benzenediazonium bis((trifluoromethyl)sulfonyl)amide C6H5N2+(CF3SO2)2N- and the cyclic analog, C6H5N2+ cyclo-SO2(CF2)3SO2N-""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ic00054a018""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 1, 1993""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry,Numerical Values,Quantification of Brominated Flame Retardants in Synthetic Polymers via Direct Mass Spectrometric Analysis,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12019777/,"April 11, 2025","The experiment investigates the effect of adding decaBDE, TBBPA, and HBCD as Brominated Flame Retardants (BFRs) into polymer matrices. HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) or ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene) resin is melt-blended with varying amounts of decaBDE, TBBPA, or HBCD. Sb₂O₃ is added in a 1:2 mass ratio to the BFRs to enhance the flame-retardant properties of the polymer. The mixture is made, ensuring uniform incorporation of additives. After blending, the polymer samples are cryoground using a high-speed mill, cooled by liquid nitrogen, to prevent heat-induced degradation. Then, the cryogrinded samples are dried in an oven at 60°C for 12 hours to eliminate any moisture. The bromine content in samples is varied between 0.1 wt % and 10 wt % to study its effect on polymer properties. The polymer samples are analyzed using DIP-MS (Direct Insertion Probe Mass Spectrometry) to determine the presence and quantity of BFRs. The DIP-MS technique involves directly inserting the solid polymer sample into the mass spectrometer, where it is thermally desorbed and ionized for analysis. This method is particularly useful for detecting BFRs such as decaBDE, TBBPA, and HBCD in complex polymer matrices. Finally, LOD and LOQ were determined.","-Elemental Bromine Concentration: Measured using X-ray fluorescence (XRF) in the polymer samples. -Brominated Flame Retardant (BFR) Quantification: Measured using Direct Insertion Probe Mass Spectrometry (DIP-MS), to determine the signal intensity of the BFRs and their correlation with elemental bromine content. Normalized and absolute signal intensities were recorded for decaBDE, TBBPA, and HBCD in the polymer matrices (HIPS and ABS). -Data Analysis: The average signal-to-noise (S/N) values for selected BFR signals from five parallel DIP-MS measurements were plotted against the elemental bromine concentration of the samples within the concentration range of 0.1−1.0 wt %. A resulting linear trendline was used to estimate the LOD and LOQ values (S/N ratio of 3:1 for the determination of LOD, and 10:1 for LOQ).","ABS containing decaBDE with a bromine content ranging from 0.1 wt % to 10 wt %, is analyzed using DIP-MS quantification to determine elemental bromine content. What is the most likely limit of detection of Br (in ppm) for decaBDE in the ABS matrix?","[90-110] ppm ±10% fallback applied","-Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are common additives used to inhibit ignition and combustion. They are often incorporated into engineering plastics, such as high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer for applications requiring compliance with fire safety regulations. -Rapid and reliable BFR analytics plays a key role in promoting recycling of hazardous plastic waste as the amount of BFRs in recyclates must not exceed the legislative limits. -Direct Insertion Probe Mass Spectrometry (DIP-MS) is a mass spectrometric technique that allows for the analysis of solid samples with minimal sample preparation. -The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is a key parameter to assess the quality of the measurements and the detectability of analytes in a sample.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Direct Insertion Probe Mass Spectrometry (DIP-MS) is a mass spectrometric technique that allows for the analysis of solid samples with minimal sample preparation. \n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Direct Insertion Probe – Mass Spectrometry in the Characterization of Opportunity Crudes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.chromatographyonline.com/view/direct-insertion-probe-mass-spectrometry-characterization-opportunity-crudes?utm_source=chatgpt.com""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 1, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) is a key parameter to assess the quality of the measurements and the detectability of analytes in a sample.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Signal, Noise, and Detection Limits in Mass Spectrometry""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.agilent.com/cs/library/technicaloverviews/public/5990-7651EN.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 6, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are common additives used to inhibit ignition and combustion. They are often incorporated into engineering plastics, such as high-impact\npolystyrene (HIPS) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) copolymer for applications requiring compliance with fire safety regulations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An overview of commercially used brominated flame retardants, their applications, their use patterns in different countries/regions and possible modes of release""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12850087/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 29, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Rapid and reliable BFR analytics plays a key role in promoting recycling of hazardous plastic waste as the amount of BFRs in recyclates must not exceed the legislative limits.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Assessment of brominated flame retardants in a small mixed waste electronic and electrical equipment (WEEE) plastic recycling stream in the UK""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969721016119""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 1, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Catalysis / Electrocatalysis,MCQ,Magnetic Field Sensitivity of Active Sites: A Universal Metric for Distinguishing Spin-Dependent Effects in OER,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f1ad2abc2ac3a0e077a560,"Oct 20, 2025","Ferromagnetic CoFe microchains were hydrothermally synthesized using FeCl₂·4H₂O (5 mM) and CoCl₂·6H₂O (45 mM) in ethylene glycol, reduced with N₂H₄·H₂O at 200 °C for 3 h under a 1.0 kOe magnetic field to direct nanoparticle assembly into chain structures. Catalyst ink was drop-cast (100 μL) onto a polished Au disk electrode and dried under a 0.1 kOe field for alignment. Electrochemical OER was performed in a flow cell with forced convection (1 M KOH electrolyte), using a three-electrode setup with graphite rod counter and Hg/HgO reference. LSV scans (5 mV s⁻¹) were conducted in a sequential magnetic field ramp: 0 → 0.5 → 1.0 → 1.5 → 2.0 → 3.0 → 4.0 → 5.0 → 6.0 → 7.0 → 8.0 → 8.5 kOe (perpendicular only), then descending to negative fields, with 5 repetitions per field. (n=5).","-LSV polarization curves at varying magnetic field strengths (0 to ±8.5 kOe, perpendicular orientation). -Overpotential from iR-corrected LSV data. -Magnetic field-induced potential shifts (ΔE) measured at selected field strengths during magnetization sequences ΔE","In the ferromagnetic CoFe microchain catalyst during oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in 1 M KOH using a flow cell with forced convection, a magnetic field is applied perpendicular to the electrode surface and swept during a complete magnetization cycle (0 → 8.5 → –8.5 → 0.5 kOe). At which values of ΔE (in mV) are constant plateaus featured? A) -0.4 and -1.1 mV B) -0.6 and -1.3 mV C) -0.5 and -1.2 mV D) -0.7 and -1.4 mV ",B) -0.6 and -1.3 mV,"-The application of external magnetic fields to ferromagnetic catalysts substantially enhances OER performance, achieving doubled current densities in some cases. -Critical experimental factors include precise control of magnetic field parameters (field strength, orientation, and uniformity), rigorous temperature management, optimized electrochemical cell design (electrode configurations and electrolyte flow), and standardized analytical procedures (iR correction, electrochemical impedance analysis, measurement sequences, and baseline control experiments). -Forced electrolyte convection has been incorporated into electrochemical analysis to minimize the OER enhancement contributed by MHD flows","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-The application of external magnetic fields to ferromagnetic catalysts substantially enhances OER performance, achieving doubled current densities in some cases.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Direct magnetic enhancement of electrocatalytic water oxidation in alkaline media""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41560-019-0404-4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 10, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Critical experimental factors include precise control of magnetic field parameters (field strength, orientation, and uniformity), rigorous temperature management, optimized electrochemical cell design (electrode configurations and electrolyte flow), and standardized analytical procedures (iR correction, electrochemical impedance analysis, measurement sequences, and baseline control experiments). ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Magnetic field manipulation of tetrahedral units in spinel oxides for boosting water oxidation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smll.202204143""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 15, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Materials Science/ Optical Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Penta-twinned gold nanoparticles under pressure: a comprehensive study,https://arxiv.org/abs/2506.13236,"Jun 16, 2025","Penta-twinned gold nanoparticles (PT-AuNPs) with three different geometries - rods, decahedra, bipyramids – with sizes ranging from 10 to 60 nm were synthesized, followed by surface functionalization with thiolated poly(ethylenglycol). Then, optical extinction spectra were recorded for PT-AuNP MeOH-EtOH colloids that were loaded in a Boehler-Almax DAC equipped with high transmission diamond anvils of 350 μm diameter culets. The pressure was applied in steps of approximately 0.3 GPa in upstroke and downstroke. ","* Optical extinction spectra at ambient conditions were recorded using a Cary6000i spectrophotometer with fused silica cuvettes (0.1 mm light path). * High-pressure optical extinction spectra were collected in a home-built fiber-optic, two reflective objective-based microscope. ","High pressure was applied on PT-AuNPs (decahedra, rods, and bipyramids) having a size range of 10-60 nm up to 30 GPa. What was the effect of increasing pressure on the longitudinal localized surface plasmon resonance (LLSPR) of these PT-AuNPs in their optical extinction spectra? ","With an increase in pressure, the LLSPR showed a red shift ","*Mechanical deformation significantly affects the plasmonic response of NPs because their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and extinction coefficients are highly sensitive to changes in NP size and shape induced by external forces. *PT-AuNPs adopt either tetragonal or orthorhombic structures due to elastic strain from surface pressure. * Optical methods are often preferred because they can be non-disturbing, the measurements can be made remotely, and analysis can be very rapid. Among various optical methods, the spectral extinction method is one of most used because it requires a simple optical disposition like the slight adaptation of a commercial spectrophotometer and it can work in an extended interval of sizes.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mechanical deformation significantly affects the plasmonic response of NPs because their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and extinction coefficients are highly sensitive to changes in NP size and shape induced by external forces.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tuning surface plasmon resonance by the plastic deformation of Au nanoparticles within a diamond anvil cell ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/apl/article-abstract/107/20/201909/30267/Tuning-surface-plasmon-resonance-by-the-plastic?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 19, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PT-AuNPs adopt either tetragonal or orthorhombic structures due to elastic strain from surface pressure ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ambient stable tetragonal and orthorhombic phases in penta-twinned bipyramidal au microcrystals""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25671293/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 4, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Optical methods are often preferred because they can be non-disturbing, the measurements can be made remotely, and analysis can be very rapid. Among various optical methods, the spectral extinction method is one of most used because it requires a simple optical disposition like the slight adaptation of a commercial spectrophotometer and it can work in an extended interval of sizes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The influence of PEGylated gold nanoparticles on the solidification of alcohols""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2024/tc/d4tc00358f""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 5, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Nanoscience / Materials Science,MCQ,Following the Light: Enhancing Block Copolymer-Encapsulated Perovskite Nanocrystals Through In Situ Photoluminescence Measurements,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f22617dfd0d042d1154c20,"Oct 21, 2025","polystyrene-b-poly(2-vinylpyridine) (PS-b-P2VP) block copolymer (BCP) micelles of the composition PS₁₃₆-P2VP₁₉₉ and methyl ammonium MAPbBr₃ as the nanocrystalline perovskite species. The synthesis approach commences by dissolving the BCP in toluene. Then, Methylammonium Bromide (MABr) and Lead Bromide (PbBr₂) are added to separate BCP solutions and stirred for 12 h at room temperature (RT). Varied stoichiometry between the P2VP-units of the polymer and PbBr₂ from 1:1 (standard composition) to 10:1. Then, the PbBr₂-BCP precursor was centrifuged after 12 h of stirring, while the MABr precursor was left as is. To trigger the nanocrystal formation, the MABr-BCP dispersion is added to the purified PbBr₂-BCP precursor and stirred for up to 72 h at RT. A final centrifugation step terminates the synthesis and purifies the resulting product. Samples were characterized by absorbance, photoluminescence (PL), TEM and SANS.","-Absorbance and photoluminescence emission spectra during perovskite formation. Photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY in %). λ exc= 360 nm. -Emission linewidth (FWHM in meV) from PL spectra at peak maximum, as an indicator of the size polydispersity in the dispersion. -Micelle size and inter-micelle distance, using SANS. -Nanocrystal size distribution from TEM images analyzed with ImageJ. ","Absorbance and PL spectrum were measured of a purified BCP-PbBr₂ precursor with a stoichiometry of P2VP:Pb of 1:1. At which wavelengths are the peaks obtained? A) Absorbance: 270 and 326 nm; PL: 590 nm B) Absorbance: 285 and 326 nm; PL: 590 nm C) Absorbance: 270 and 310 nm; PL: 570 nm D) Absorbance: 285 and 310 nm; PL: 570 nm ",B) Absorbance: 285 y 326 nm; PL: 590 nm,"Block Copolymer Self-Assembly: Amphiphilic polymers (like PS-b-P2VP) organize themselves in certain solvents to form tiny spherical structures called micelles. The inner (hydrophobic) part of these micelles can be used as a site to grow nanocrystals. Perovskite Nanocrystal Formation: Halide perovskites (such as MAPbBr₃) form tiny crystals when their ions come together in a solution. The process depends on the ratio of the ingredients and the type of solvent used. In Situ Photoluminescence: This method monitors how the emitted light (brightness and color) of the nanocrystals varies throughout the growth phase, providing insight into their growth process and size in real time.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Block Copolymer Self-Assembly: Amphiphilic polymers (like PS-b-P2VP) organize themselves in certain solvents to form tiny spherical structures called micelles. The inner (hydrophobic) part of these micelles can be used as a site to grow nanocrystals.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Design of block copolymer micelles via crystallization""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 25, 2025""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0032386115001901""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Perovskite Nanocrystal Formation: Halide perovskites (such as MAPbBr₃) form tiny crystals when their ions come together in a solution. The process depends on the ratio of the ingredients and the type of solvent used.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Controlling the nucleation and growth kinetics of lead halide perovskite quantum dots""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.abq3616""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 08, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In Situ Photoluminescence: This method monitors how the emitted light (brightness and color) of the nanocrystals varies throughout the growth phase, providing insight into their growth process and size in real time.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nucleation and Growth of Nanocrystals Investigated by In Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/smll.202303872?msockid=1e5d416644fd61601a045409456660c2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 23, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Physical Chemistry,MCQ,Anharmonic infrared spectra of cationic pyrene and superhydrogenated derivatives,https://arxiv.org/html/2504.11898v1,"Apr 16, 2025","Researchers recorded gas-phase IR action spectra of pyrene cations and their hydrogenated derivatives (pyrene, THP, HHP, PHP) at the FELIX facility using infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy in a modified 3D quadrupole ion trap mass spectrometer (Bruker Amazon Speed ETD) coupled to the FELIX laser beamline. Cations were generated by atmospheric-pressure chemical ionization (APCI) from 1 mM toluene stock solutions diluted in a 1:1 methanol–toluene mixture, with all compounds (THP, HHP, PHP) of ≥97–98% purity. The FELIX free-electron laser provided 5–10 µs macropulses at 10 Hz, delivering 40–100 mJ per pulse with ~0.4% bandwidth. IRMPD spectra were recorded from 600 to 1800 cm⁻¹ (5.5–16.6 µm) with a 3 cm⁻¹ step size by measuring IR-induced fragment ion yields as a function of wavelength. Multiple scans were averaged and power-corrected to account for variations in pulse energy across the tuning range. ","- Gas-phase IR action spectra of pyrene cations and hydrogenated derivatives (pyrene, THP, HHP, PHP) recorded using infrared multiple-photon dissociation (IRMPD) spectroscopy in the 600–1800 cm⁻¹ (5.5–16.6 µm) range with a 3 cm⁻¹ step size at room temperature. - Ion mass distribution of precursor and fragment species obtained by mass spectrometry to verify fragmentation patterns and ensure accurate IR action yield normalization. - Temperature-dependent model spectra (100 K vs 300 K) compared to experimental data to validate vibrational energy redistribution behavior and match low-frequency mode intensities.","Gas-phase IR spectra of pyrene cations and hydrogenated derivatives (THP, HHP, PHP) were recorded using IRMPD spectroscopy at the FELIX facility. Ions generated by APCI were analyzed in a 3D quadrupole ion trap coupled to the FELIX free-electron laser, with spectra collected from 600–1800 cm⁻¹ to probe vibrational features of hydrogenated pyrene species. Which observation highlights the failure of the harmonic approximation for the fully superhydrogenated pyrene cation (PHP) when compared to the experimental IRMPD spectrum? A) The harmonic spectrum incorrectly predicts the most intense band to be in the C–C stretching region around 1600 cm⁻¹, whereas the experiment shows the maximum intensity below 900 cm⁻¹. B) The harmonic spectrum predicts the most intense band around 600 cm⁻¹, but the experimental spectrum exhibits extremely low intensities for all bands below 800 cm⁻¹. C) The harmonic spectrum shows a dramatic red-shift of all bands compared to the experiment, indicating a severe miscalculation of the equilibrium geometry. D) The harmonic spectrum produces a dense manifold of high-intensity bands between 1000 cm⁻¹ and 1400 cm⁻¹, whereas the experimental spectrum is nearly featureless in this region.","B) The harmonic spectrum predicts the most intense band around 600 cm⁻¹, but the experimental spectrum exhibits extremely low intensities for all bands below 800 cm⁻¹.","- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generally regarded as the carriers of infrared emission bands (so-called aromatic infrared bands, AIBs) at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.7, 11.3 and 12.7 µm, which are observed in a wide variety of astronomical objects - One of the most common methods of computing anharmonic IR spectrum is the generalized vibrational perturbation theory to the second order","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are generally regarded as the carriers of infrared emission bands (so-called aromatic infrared bands, AIBs) at 3.3, 6.2, 7.7, 8.7, 11.3 and 12.7 µm, which are observed in a wide variety of astronomical objects""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Spectroscopic View on Cosmic PAH Emission""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33780617/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Apr 20, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- One of the most common methods of computing anharmonic IR spectrum is the generalized vibrational perturbation theory to the second order""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Fully anharmonic IR and Raman spectra of medium-size molecular systems: accuracy and interpretation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2014/cp/c3cp53413h""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 29, 2013\n""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Organometallic Chemistry ,Free-Format Question,"On-surface synthesis of organometallic nanorings linked by unconventional intermediates of the Ullmann reaction ",https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2025/sc/d5sc01269d,"Apr 21, 2025","Researchers investigated the on-surface synthesis of 10,13-dibromodibenzo[a,c]phenazine (DBP-Br) molecules on a Cu(111) surface under ultra-high-vacuum (UHV) conditions. Approximately 0.5 monolayer (ML) of DBP-Br was deposited onto the clean Cu(111) substrate held at room temperature. The samples were annealed at 333 K and 353 K for 20 minutes to promote further reaction on the surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to characterize the structural products formed after thermal treatment.","- Structural morphology of products by temperature condition (room temperature vs 353 K) determined by STM. ","Researchers deposited approximately 0.5 monolayer of 10,13-dibromodibenzo[a,c]phenazine (DBP-Br) on a Cu(111) surface held at room temperature, forming C–Cu–Br–Cu–C bonded nanorings. The sample was then annealed at 333 K and 353 K for 20 minutes. What would you expect to happen to the C–Cu–Br–Cu–C bonded intermediates after this thermal treatment?",The C–Cu–Br–Cu–C species are transformed to the conventional C–Cu–C bond upon further annealing.,"- On-surface synthesis: provided an unprecedented opportunity for the visualization of reaction intermediates and products at the single-molecule level. - Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM): A technique used to visualize reaction intermediates and products at the single-molecule level. ",[] Chemistry,"Environmental chemistry, surface chemistry",Free-Format Question,Copper (II) Complex Decorated PVDF Membranes for Enhanced Removal of Organic Pollutants from Textile and Oily Wastewater,https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/17/20/2988,"October 16, 2025 ","Researchers prepared [Bis-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)salicylaldiminate]copper(II) (CuL) incorporated poly-dopamine hydrochloride (PDA) doped polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membrane (PVDF/PDA/CuL) for studying the removal of pollutants from water. Market available poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) membranes with 47mm diameter and 0.45 micrometer pore size were immersed in ethanol for 60 minutes and then rinsed with water, to clean the surface. About 0.2g dopamine hydrochloride (DA) was dissolved in 40mL of a pH 8.5 40mM tris-HCl buffer under stirring for 60 minutes, where the DA was allowed to crosslink to PDA. The PVDF membranes were then immersed in the PDA solution and stirred for 60 minutes to achieve PVDF/PDA composite membranes. CuL was added in varying amounts to PVDF/PDA and stirred for 30 minutes, then filtered onto the membrane surface, before 5mL of glutaraldehyde was passed through the membranes. PVDF/PDA/CuL-4 (2.89 g/m^2), PVDF/PDA/CuL-20 (14.46 g/m^2), and PVDF/PDA/CuL-40 (28.92 g/m^2) were denoted by the ratio of mass CuL to membrane area. The membranes - pristine PVDF, PVDF/PDA, PVDF/PDA/CuL-4, PVDF/PDA/CuL-20 and PVDF/PDA/CuL-40 were tested for Drimaren Red X-6BN (DRX6BN) removal study where 200mL of 20mg/L DRX6BN was taken at pH 6 and 25 °C under stirring speed of 200 rpm, and the concentration of DRX6BN was measured over time by UV-Vis Spectrophotometer absorption at 516nm.","- Absorption of DRX6BN solution at 516nm utilizing Shimadzu UV-1800 UV–Vis spectrophotometer - Concentration of DRX6BN analysis based on absorbed intensity at 516 nm","Researchers prepared pristine PVDF, PVDF/PDA, PVDF/PDA/CuL-4, PVDF/PDA/CuL-20, and PVDF/PDA/CuL-40 membranes for testing the Drimaren Red X-6BN adsorption capacity. DRX6BN concentration was determined over time by UV-Vis at the absorption wavelength 516 nm. For membranes with a copper-based coordination compound as a catalyst, how do you expect the adsorption capacity to be (from highest to lowest)?",Adsorption capacity: PVDF/PDA/CuL-4>PVDF/PDA/CuL-20> PVDF/PDA/CuL-40,"-Surface modification aims to enhance the antifouling properties of membranes. Surface modification with catalysts enables chemical reactions to occur on the membrane surface. -Coordination compounds, especially those based on copper(II), are particularly attractive because they can operate over a wider pH range, including near-neutral conditions, where the competition between contaminant degradation and membrane degradation is less critical than when using simple metal salts. - Increased rejection rate can be attributed to the increased hydrophilicity conferred by PDA since it facilitates the diffusion of soluble species towards the membrane surface. -CuL loading enhances the number of active sites of the membrane surface for better adsorption of DRX6BN. But excess CuL loading leads to agglomeration of active sites and thus decreases the adsorption capacity of DRX6BN. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Surface modification aims to enhance the antifouling properties of membranes. Surface modification with catalysts enables chemical reactions to occur on the membrane surface.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Comprehensive Review on Membrane Fouling: Mathematical Modelling, Prediction, Diagnosis, and Mitigation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4441/13/9/1327""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 11, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Coordination compounds, especially those based on copper(II), are particularly attractive because they can operate over a wider pH range, including near-neutral conditions, where the competition between contaminant degradation and membrane degradation is less critical than when using simple metal salts.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Photocatalytic degradation of dyes by mononuclear copper(II) complexes from bis-(2-pyridylmethyl)amine NNN-derivative ligands""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0020169320311245?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 1, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Increased rejection rate can be attributed to the increased hydrophilicity conferred by PDA since it facilitates the diffusion of soluble species towards the membrane surface.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Polydopamine nanostructures as biomaterials for medical applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2018/tb/c8tb02310g""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 4, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CuL loading enhances the number of active sites of the membrane surface for better adsorption of DRX6BN. But excess CuL loading leads to agglomeration of active sites and thus decreases the adsorption capacity of DRX6BN.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Organic compounds removal aided by a copper(II) complex: kinetic investigation, mechanism evaluation, and catalyst reuse and stability""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13762-023-05047-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 26, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Biochemistry / Medicinal Chemistry,Numerical Values,"From Inert to Active: Charge-Compensated Metallacarboranes with High Toxicity and Anticancer Potential ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/681cbd08e561f77ed4a31d4f,"May 14, 2025","Researchers were aiming to determine the in vitro antiproliferative activity (expressed in IC50 values) of a compound [8-NH-(CH3)2-8’-I-3,3’-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)2] that they previously synthesized, using human adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549). For that purpose, the A549 cells were seeded on 384-well plates at the density of 1 × 103 cells/well. After overnight incubation, the compound along with control cytostatics were applied at 8 concentrations (ranging from 3 pM to 100 μM). After 72 h of incubation, a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was carried out, were 50 μL of the medium (OptiMEM supplemented with 5% v/v FBS and 2 mM Lglutamine) was replaced with 30 μL/well of 25% (w/v) trichloroacetic acid. After 40 minutes of incubation at room temperature, the plates were washed three times with tap water and 20 μL of a 0.1% (w/v) solution of sulforhodamine B in 1% (v/v) acetic acid was added to each well. After 20 min of incubation at room temperature, unbound dye was washed out with 1% (v/v) acetic acid. Bound dye was extracted with 70 μL of 10 mM unbuffered TRIS solution. The procedure was performed using a BioTek EL-406 washing station (BioTek Instruments). Absorbance was read using a Biotek Hybrid H4 reader (BioTek Instruments) at a wavelength of 540 nm. Crude absorbance data were used to calculate proliferation inhibition, using the following formula: proliferation inhibition [%] = [(𝐴𝑏𝑡 − 𝐴𝑏𝑏)/(𝐴𝑏𝑐 −𝐴𝑏𝑏)*100]-100, where Abt is the mean absorbance of compound-treated cells, Abb is the blank absorbance and Abc is the mean absorbance of non-treated (control) cells. The percentages obtained for proliferation inhibition were then used to calculate IC50 values (nM) in GraphPad Prism 10.0 using the ‘[Inhibitor] vs.response − Variable slope (four parameters)’ model.","- Proliferation inhibition (in crude absorbance data) using a Biotek Hybrid H4 reader (BioTek Instruments) at a wavelength of 540 nm - IC50 values (reported in nM units) in GraphPad Prism 10.0 (GraphPad Software, Inc.) using the ‘[Inhibitor] vs.response − Variable slope (four parameters)’ model","Researchers were aiming to determine the in vitro antiproliferative activity (expressed in IC50 values) of a [8-NH-(CH3)2-8’-I-3,3’-Co(1,2-C2B9H10)2] molecule they previously synthesized, using human adenocarcinomic alveolar basal epithelial cells (A549). For that purpose, they applied that compound in incubated A549 cells at 8 concentrations (ranging from 3 pM to 100 μM). After 72 h of incubation, a sulforhodamine B (SRB) assay was carried out. Absorbance was read using a Biotek Hybrid H4 reader (BioTek Instruments) at a wavelength of 540 nm. Crude absorbance data were used to calculate the percentage of proliferation inhibition, that was then used to calculate IC50 values in GraphPad Prism 10.0 using the ‘[Inhibitor] vs.response − Variable slope (four parameters)’ model. What would the expected IC50 value of the compound will be?","2.29 - 3.40 nM ","- Inorganic metallacarboranes (cobalt bis(dicarbollide) derivatives) with simple organic side groups attached to the cluster’s boron atom via nitrogen show higher in vitro antiproliferative activity (expressed IC50) in comparison to the parental molecule. - Metallacarboranes’ lipophilic character allows them to cross lipid barriers such as cellular membranes without their disruption","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Inorganic metallacarboranes (cobalt bis(dicarbollide) derivatives) with simple organic side groups attached to the cluster’s boron atom via nitrogen show higher in vitro antiproliferative activity (expressed IC50) in comparison to the parental molecule.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Metallacarborane Derivatives Effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Yersinia enterocolitica""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/13/6762""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 23, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Metallacarboranes’ lipophilic character allows them to cross lipid barriers such as cellular membranes without their disruption""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Imaging in living cells using νB–H Raman spectroscopy: monitoring COSAN uptake""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2014/cc/c3cc49658a""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 7, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Electrochemistry,Numerical Values,Activity of MXene Single Flakes in situ using SECCM,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/6883b69023be8e43d6fdd0b1,"Aug 18, 2025","To study the activity of Ti3C2 singles flakes, mixed single layer and multilayer, researchers synthesized Ti₃C₂Tₓ MXene flakes by selectively etching Ti₃AlC₂ (MAX phase, 1 g, 200 µm, Carbon Ukraine) in a mixed-acid solution containing concentrated Hydrofluoric acid (49-51 % HF, VWR Chemical), Hydrochloric acid (36.5%, Fisherbrand), and nanopure water with a volumetric ratio of 1:6:3 for 24h at 35°C at 500 rpm using a Teflon-coated magnetic stirrer. The etched product was washed repeatedly with nanopure water via centrifugation until a neutral pH was reached. Intercalation was performed using a LiCl solution (2 g LiCl in 50 mL nanopure water), in which the MXene was stirred for 18 h at 35 °C and 500 rpm. After settling for 30 min, the supernatant was removed, and fresh water was added to induce delamination. To prepare the sample for Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (SECCM) analysis, 600 µL of a delaminated Ti3C2 solution was spincoated on the surface of an HOPG crystal (NanoAndMore, ZYB grade). The electrocatalytic activity of the HOPG-supported MXene flakes was characterized using SECCM. A pipet probe filled with 100 mM HClO₄ + 50 mM KCl solution was used, containing a chloridized Ag wire as the quasi-reference counter electrode (QRCE) to obtain a current map with a voltage sweep from 0 to -0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl. The pipet was positioned and controlled using a HEKA ElProScan scanning electrochemical microscope, which was also employed for local electrochemical measurements and data collection. The total scanned area was 100 µm × 100 µm, with a spacing of 7 µm between approach sites. AFM images were acquired with a Multimode 8 (Bruker), using tapping mode.","• Current map from 0 to -0.6 V vs. Ag/AgCl using Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy (HEKA ElProScan). • Surface area in µm2 using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with a Multimode 8 (Bruker).","To study the electrocatalytic activity of Ti3C2Tx flakes, 600 µL of a delaminated Ti3C2 solution was spincoated on the surface of an HOPG crystal. Then, the electrocatalytic activity of the HOPG-supported MXene flakes was characterized using Scanning Electrochemical Cell Microscopy. A pipet probe filled with 100 mM HClO₄ + 50 mM KCl solution was used, containing a chloridized Ag wire as the quasi-reference counter electrode (QRCE). The pipet was positioned and controlled using a HEKA ElProScan scanning electrochemical microscope, which was also employed for local electrochemical measurements and data collection. The total scanned area was 100 µm × 100 µm, with a spacing of 7 µm between approach sites. AFM images were acquired with a Multimode 8 (Bruker), using tapping mode. With this information, find the overpotential ranges (V vs Ag/AgCl) at which the electrocatalytic current density of Ti₃C₂Tₓ flakes (normalized by AFM-based geometric area) reaches –5 mA/cm^2",[-0.40 to -0.25] V vs Ag/AgCl," - MXenes are two-dimension (2D) transition metal carbides - Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), a versatile nanopipet-based technique that enables high-resolution electrochemical imaging of an electrode surface -MXenes open structure provides numerous electrochemically active sites and allows rapid electron-transfer, resulting in high capacitance.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- MXenes are two-dimension (2D) transition metal carbides\n\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""25th Anniversary Article: MXenes: A New Family of Two-Dimensional Materials""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adma.201304138""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 19, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Scanning electrochemical cell microscopy (SECCM), a versatile nanopipet-based technique that enables high-resolution electrochemical imaging of an electrode surface""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Correlative co-located electrochemical multi-microscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2451910323001989#fig2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 30, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""MXenes open structure provides numerous electrochemically active sites and allows rapid electron-transfer, resulting in high capacitance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Energy Applications of 2D MXenes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/celc.202100482""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 22, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry ,Numerical Values,"Dried Milk Spots: A viable approach for assessing the chemical exposome in mothers and their infants by targeted LC-MS/MS ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68dfeddcdfd0d042d1d8e3c1,"October 07, 2025","Researchers developed and evaluated a sample preparation protocol and a liquid-chromatography / tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for determining the chemical exposome of mothers and their infants, by (semi-)quantitively assessing >200 xenobiotics in dried-milk spots (DMS). For this purpose, human breast milk samples collected from Austrian women in 2015 (>150 women, pooled and stored at -20 ºC) were obtained from the Semmelweis Women’s Clinic milk bank in Vienna. The pooled breast milk was spiked-in with an aliquot of a working solution of standards (i.e. a solution containing 216 selected xenobiotics at known concentrations; including butylparaben, isobutylparaben, heptylparaben and benzylparaben). The DMS were prepared by pipetting 40 μL of pooled breast milk sample onto 903 Whatman protein saver cards and drying for 3 h at room temperature. A 1.2 cm diameter punch was employed to collect the DMS from the paper cards. DMS were extracted in 1.5 mL tubes with 1 mL of acetonitrile/methanol/water (ACN/MeOH/H2O) at 40:40:20 ratio, by shaking at 1200 rpm for 5 min, sonication for 10 min and additional shaking for 5 min at 1200 rpm (all steps performed at room temperature). Samples were subsequently centrifuged at 9,500 xg and 4°C for 5 min and 800 μL of the supernatant were collected. Supernatants were completely dried into a vacuum concentrator at 20 ºC, and reconstituted in 80 μL of H2O/ACN (90:10 v/v) by shaking for 10 min. Before measurement, samples were centrifuged for 5 min and supernatants transferred to glass vials. To assess analyte stability under different storage conditions, before extraction, DMS samples were stored for 2 days, 2 weeks and 2 months at -80 ºC, -20 ºC, 4 ºC, 18 ºC, and 37 ºC. Measurements for xenobiotic compounds were performed in a An Agilent 1290 Infinity II LC connected to a SCIEX Triple Quad 7500 system with a heated electrospray ionization source (ESI, OptiFlow Pro). Data was obtained in scheduled multiple reaction monitoring mode (sMRM). Chromatographic separation was performed with a Waters Acquity HSST3 (100 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm) paired with a Waters VanGuard Acquity HSST3 precolumn (50 × 2.1 mm, 1.8 μm). The column compartment was kept at a temperature of 40°C, and the autosampler was maintained at 7°C. The injection volume was 5 μL and the flow rate was set to 0.4 mL/min. The mobile phases used were water + 0.3 mmol/L NH4F (eluent A) and acetonitrile (eluent B). Data analysis was performed using SCIEX OS (v3.0), with automatic peak integration (AutoPeak algorithm), followed by visual inspection of possible missing peaks, wrong peak assignment or peak integration of false positives. Raw peak areas were employed to determine analyte stability as a function of storage time and temperature, and peak areas were normalized to the corresponding -80 ºC samples as a reference (100%).","- Stability of xenobiotic compounds ([%] normalized to -80 ºC samples) in dried milk spots stored for 2 days, 2 weeks and 2 months at -80 ºC, -20 ºC, 4 ºC, 18 ºC, and 37 ºC (LC-MS/MS).","Researchers developed and evaluated a sample preparation protocol and a liquid-chromatography / tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method for determining the chemical exposome of mothers and their infants, by (semi-)quantitively assessing >200 xenobiotics in dried-milk spots (DMS). A human pooled breast milk sample was spiked-in with an aliquot of a working solution of standards (i.e. a solution containing 216 selected xenobiotics at known concentrations; including butylparaben, isobutylparaben, heptylparaben and benzylparaben) spotted (40 μL) into paper cards, and dried to obtain dried milk spots (DMS). To assess analyte stability under different storage conditions, DMS samples were stored for 2 days, 2 weeks and 2 months at -80 ºC, -20 ºC, 4 ºC, 18 ºC, and 37 ºC. After storage, DMS were extracted with acetonitrile/methanol/water (ACN/MeOH/H2O) at 40:40:20 ratio, completely dried into a vacuum concentrator at 20 ºC, and reconstituted in 80 μL of H2O/ACN (90:10 v/v). Measurements for xenobiotic compounds were performed by LC-MS/MS, employing raw peak areas to determine analyte stability as a function of storage time and temperature. Peak areas were normalized to the corresponding -80 ºC samples as a reference (100%). What is the expected stability ([%] normalized to -80 ºC) of butylparaben, after 2 months of storage at 37 ºC?",33% [28% - 38%],"- The exposome is the totality of endogenous and exogenous environmental influences acting on an individual from conception onwards. - Dried matrix spots (DMS) are a type of samples prepared by placing and drying a few drops of a liquid matrix (e.g. whole blood, milk, etc) directly onto a filter paper, followed by transportation, storage and extraction.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The exposome is the totality of endogenous and exogenous environmental influences acting on an individual from conception onwards.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Complementing the Genome with an “Exposome”: The Outstanding Challenge of Environmental Exposure Measurement in Molecular Epidemiology""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1158/1055-9965.EPI-05-0456""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 15, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Dried matrix spots (DMS) are a type of samples prepared by placing and drying a few drops of a liquid matrix (e.g. whole blood, milk, etc) directly onto a filter paper, followed by transportation, storage and extraction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The use of dried blood spots for characterizing children's exposure to organic environmental chemicals""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envres.2021.110796""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 25, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""}]" Chemistry,Electrocatalysis / PEM Electrolysis,Numerical Values,Unveiling Iridium Degradation Pathways during Intermittent Operation of a Proton Exchange Membrane Water Electrolyzer,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68de8208dfd0d042d1a6002d,"October 6, 2025","Researchers investigated iridium (Ir) loss and identified its deposition sites--namely, the anode water line (AWL), cathode water line (CWL), and cathode catalyst layer (CCL)--in a proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer subjected to three different accelerated stress tests (ASTs). To achieve this, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed to quantify dissolved Ir species and determine their distribution under varying operating conditions. The experimental setup employed a custom-built electrolyzer cell with an active surface area of 5cm2. The membrane electrode assemblies (MEAs) were constructed using a PFSA (perfluorosulfonic acid) membrane, with a Pt black cathode (0.6 mg/cm2) and an Ir black anode (1.2mg/cm2). The porous transport layers (PTLs): a 280um carbon felt fiber paper was applied to the cathode side, while a 280um sintered titanium sheet with approximately 50% porosity was used for the anode. MEAs were tested at 60C and atmospheric pressure with 5ml/min of deionized water supplied to the anode side of the electrolyzer in a closed loop. Prior to any testing the electrolyzer was conditioned for 1 hour at 1A/cm2. The two AST protocols simulated intermittent power supply conditions: a mitigated test (AST_1.3V) and an unmitigated test (AST_0V). In both cases, each AST cycle consisted of a 10-minute galvanostatic hold at 1 A cm⁻², followed by a 10-minute potentiostatic idle period. The idle potential was maintained at 1.3 V for AST_1.3V and 0 V for AST_0V. The ASTs consisted of 500 cycles in total. A chronopotentiometry (CP) method at 1 A cm⁻² for 20 minutes was used as reference. Water samples were collected after the 500-cycle ASTs from both the anode and cathode lines. The quantification of dissolved Ir in these samples was performed ex-situ using an ICP-MS instrument (PerkinElmer, NexION 350). To assess Ir accumulation in the cathode catalyst layer, the cathodes were chemically digested in aqua regia and the resulting bulk solutions were analyzed by ICP-MS. For each experimental condition, at least two post-mortem digestion analyses were conducted to verify the reproducibility of the measured Ir content.","-ICPMS of anode water line (AWL), cathode water line (CWL), and cathode catalyst layer (CCL) from electrolyzer after each AST protocol -AWL dissolved Ir mass (µg) normalized to the geometric surface area of the MEA for AST_1.3V, AST_0V, and AST_CP -CWL dissolved Ir mass (µg) normalized to the geometric surface area of the MEA for AST_1.3V, AST_0V, and AST_CP -CCL dissolved Ir mass (µg) normalized to the geometric surface area of the MEA for AST_1.3V, AST_0V, and AST_CP ","Researchers utilized a custom-built proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer cell (5cm^2 active area) featuring a PFSA membrane, a Pt black cathode (0.6mg/cm2), and an Ir black anode (1.2mg/cm2) to study iridium loss and deposition under accelerated stress conditions. The cell, which used carbon felt paper (cathode) and sintered titanium (anode) as porous transport layers (PTLs), was conditioned and then subjected to three 500-cycle Accelerated Stress Tests (ASTs)—one mitigated (AST_1.3V) and one unmitigated (AST_0V)—that simulated intermittent power supply by cycling between a 1A/cm-2 load (10 min) and a 1.3V or 0V idle period (10 min). Additionally a chronopotentiometry (CP) method at 1 A cm⁻² for 20 minutes was used as reference. After 500 cycles, Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) was employed ex-situ to quantify the dissolved Ir in the water samples from the anode and cathode lines, and to determine the amount of Ir accumulated in the cathode catalyst layer (CCL) following chemical digestion. What is the expected difference of dissolved Ir (in ug/cm2) between the AST_1.3V AWL and AST_0V CWL?","0.9-1.1 ug/cm2 (pm 10% fallback used)","- An accelerated stress test (AST) is a procedure in which a full single cell or an individual component of an electrolyzer is subjected to elevated stress conditions--such as higher current densities, temperatures, or pressures--beyond normal operating levels, with the aim of accelerating and replicating the same degradation mechanisms that occur during regular operation. - Dissolution and transport of catalysts within an electrolyzer are determined by the interplay between electro-migration and diffusion between the electrodes as intermittent current loading is applied. - Studies have shown that in in AMS MEA systems less than 10% of the total dissolved Ir is found in the AWL and CWL under standard operating conditions ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""An accelerated stress test (AST) is a procedure in which a full single cell or an individual component of an electrolyzer is subjected to elevated stress conditions--such as higher current densities, temperatures, or pressures--beyond normal operating levels, with the aim of accelerating and replicating the same degradation mechanisms that occur during regular operation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Electrolyzer Performance Loss from Accelerated Stress Tests and Corresponding Changes to Catalyst Layers and Interfaces""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1945-7111/ac697e""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 16, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Dissolution and transport of catalysts within an electrolyzer are determined by the interplay between electro-migration and diffusion between the electrodes as intermittent current loading is applied.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Dynamic Neutron Imaging and Modeling of Cationic Impurities in Polymer Electrolyte Water Electrolyzer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1149/1945-7111/abc83b""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 17, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Studies have shown that in in AMS MEA systems less than 10% of the total dissolved Ir is found in the AWL and CWL under standard operating conditions""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microscopic insights on the degradation of a PEM water electrolyzer with ultra-low catalyst loading""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0926337319309415""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 16, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Inorganic Chemistry,MCQ,Size-Dependent Optical Gaps in Metal-Organic Framework Nanoparticles,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f7ca1f3e6156d3be2de9d3,"Aug 19, 2025","Researchers synthesized nanoparticles of M(TA)₂ (M = Mn, Fe, Cd, Cr, Co, Zn) using metal precursors, triazolate ligands, and modulator-controlled or stoichiometry-controlled routes that produced samples spanning different crystalline domain sizes. For each metal variant, several particle sizes were generated by adjusting metal:ligand stoichiometry, modulator identity, or precursor concentration, and crystallite sizes were confirmed by Scherrer analysis. High-resolution powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) patterns were collected for each M(TA)₂ sample across its particle-size series. Crystalline domain size (nm) and unit cell parameters were determined from Pawley refinements of the PXRD data. To quantify changes in lattice structure as particle size decreased, unit cell volume, strain (ε, %), and microstrain (e, %) were extracted using double-Voigt integral breadth methods implemented in TOPAS Academic V6 with corrections for instrument-dependent line broadening.","- Crystalline domain size (nm) for each M(TA)₂ sample, determined from PXRD line broadening under high-resolution powder X-ray diffraction (HRPXRD) conditions (Cu Kα radiation). - Unit cell parameters and unit cell volume (ų) for each M(TA)₂ sample, obtained from Pawley refinement of high-resolution PXRD patterns. - Strain (ε, %) and microstrain (e, %) for each M(TA)₂ sample, extracted using double-Voigt integral breadth methods. ","Nanoparticles of M(TA)₂ (M = Mn, Fe, Cd, Cr, Co, Zn) were synthesized in different size regimes, and their unit cell parameters were extracted from high-resolution PXRD followed by Pawley refinement. The analysis reports whether decreasing crystalline domain size is associated with a contraction or an expansion of the unit cell volume for each metal variant. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Mn(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell contraction with decreasing size, while Fe(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell expansion. B. Mn(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell expansion with decreasing size, while Fe(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell contraction. C. Both Mn(TA)₂ and Fe(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell expansion with decreasing size. D. Both Mn(TA)₂ and Fe(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell contraction with decreasing size.","A. Mn(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell contraction with decreasing size, while Fe(TA)₂ nanoparticles show unit cell expansion.","- Colloidal nanocrystals of the metal-organic framework (MOF) Fe(1,2,3-triazolate)2 (Fe(TA)2) exhibit size-dependent optical behavior that eludes explanation by conventional models such as quantum confinement, or by unintentional effects such as Fe oxidation or change of spin state. - Emerging evidence suggests that metal-linker bonding in MOFs becomes more labile and tolerant to structural distortion as particle sizes decrease. We have argued previously24 that this behavior may relate, at a fundamental level, to the observation that lattice constants generally increase while phase change critical temperatures decrease as semiconductor particle diameters diminish in size.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Colloidal nanocrystals of the metal-organic framework (MOF) Fe(1,2,3-triazolate)2 (Fe(TA)2) exhibit size-dependent optical behavior that eludes explanation by conventional models such as quantum confinement, or by unintentional effects such as Fe oxidation or change of spin state.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Size-Dependent Properties of Solution-Processable Conductive MOF Nanocrystals""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jacs.1c10800""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 28, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Emerging evidence suggests that metal-linker bonding in MOFs becomes more labile and tolerant to structural distortion as particle sizes decrease. We have argued previously24 that this behavior may relate, at a fundamental level, to the observation that lattice constants generally increase while phase change critical\ntemperatures decrease as semiconductor particle diameters diminish in size.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""‘Madelung model’ prediction for dependence of lattice parameter on nanocrystal size""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0038109802002661""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 27, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,"Chemistry, Spectroscopy, Chemometrics and Statistics",MCQ,Semi-Targeted Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Metabolomics via Parahydrogen-Induced Hyperpolarization for Enhanced Sensitivity to Metabolic Composition,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12426882/pdf/ja5c11226.pdf,"August 26, 2025","Researchers investigated whether non-hydrogenative para-hydrogen-induced polarization (nhPHIP) NMR could improve metabolite detection in urine compared to conventional ¹H NMR. Urine samples from ten pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) patients and nineteen healthy controls were analyzed to assess group discrimination based on metabolic composition. For nhPHIP measurements, samples were prepared with an Ir-IMes catalyst (0.43-0.85 mM concentration), pyridine as cosubstrate (7.3-15 mM), and either piperidine (10.2mM, pH=11.1) or triethylamine buffer (20 mM). Para-enriched hydrogen gas (51%) was bubbled through the solution at 5 bar pressure. Spectra were acquired at 10 °C using a 600 MHz NMR spectrometer. Two nhPHIP datasets were collected, corresponding to the recorded signals: one-dimensional (1D) hydride spectra and two-dimensional (2D) zero-quantum (ZQ) spectra. The 1D spectra required approximately 2 min per sample, while 2D ZQ spectra required about 1 h. For comparison, conventional 1D ¹H NMR spectra were acquired on both groups under same conditions (H₂O/D₂O 90:10 v/v, pH 2.5, 298 K, 600 MHz-H). Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on all datasets to evaluate whether each method could separate PDE and control samples.","- Signals from 1D nhPHIP ¹H NMR, 2D nhPHIP zero-quantum (ZQ), and conventional 1D ¹H NMR spectra for urine samples from pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) patients and healthy controls.","Urine samples were studied with NMR for two groups, 10 samples for pyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) patients group and a control group. Different NMR methodlogies were used, 1D nhPHIP NMR spectroscopy, 2D nhPHIP zero quantum (ZQ) NMR spectroscopy and conventional 1D ¹H NMR spectroscopy. After acquiring the spectra, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed on all three datasets to determine if the methods could discriminate between PDE patients and healthy controls based on their urinary metabolite profiles. Which of the following outcomes is most likely regarding the separation between PDE and control groups?: A) The 2D nhPHIP ZQ method partially separated the two groups, while the 1D nhPHIP and conventional ¹H NMR methods showed no clear discrimination. B) Both the 1D nhPHIP and 2D nhPHIP ZQ methods achieved clear and statistically significant separation between the PDE and control groups, whereas the conventional ¹H NMR data showed no separation. C) Only the 2D nhPHIP ZQ method achieved separation between groups, while both the 1D nhPHIP and conventional ¹H NMR spectra produced overlapping clusters. D) All three methods successfully separated PDE from control samples, although the nhPHIP approaches showed slightly better resolution.","B) Both the 1D nhPHIP and 2D nhPHIP ZQ methods achieved clear and statistically significant separation between the PDE and control groups, whereas the conventional ¹H NMR data showed no separation.","- Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy (PDE): an inherited metabolic disorder, derives from mutations in the gene encoding α-aminoadipic semialdehyde (α-AASA) dehydrogenase, also known as antiquitin, and currently diagnosed by the presence of dilute unique biomarkers. - NMR: has gained an important role in metabolomics, for a large part due to its wide analyte scope, the minimal sample preparation, its reproducibility, and unique quantitative character. - Nonhydrogenative parahydrogen-induced hyperpolarization (nhPHIP): The selective character of nhPHIP-NMR makes it suitable for semi-targeted metabolomics to access low concentrations of the aforementioned classes of metabolites. -1D nhPHIP NMR: afford sensitivity and wide applicability, thanks to the ubiquitous presence of proton spins in bioorganic molecules. However, analytes at low- or submicromolar concentrations remain generally below the NMR detection limit. - 2D nhPHIP zero quantum (ZQ) NMR: When dealing with complex mixtures, such as biological samples, the overlap of the hydride resonances can be resolved by 2D zero quantum (ZQ) spectroscopy: hydride signals corresponding to different α-amino acids can be spread in the indirect dimension.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Pyridoxine-Dependent Epilepsy (PDE): an inherited metabolic disorder, derives from mutations in the gene encoding α-aminoadipic semialdehyde (α-AASA) dehydrogenase, also known as antiquitin, and currently diagnosed by the presence of dilute unique biomarkers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mutations in antiquitin in individuals with pyridoxine-dependent seizures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nm1366""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 19, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""NMR: has gained an important role in metabolomics, for a large part due to its wide analyte scope, the minimal sample preparation, its reproducibility, and unique quantitative character.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High-Throughput Metabolomics by 1D NMR""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/anie.201804736""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 12, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Nonhydrogenative parahydrogen-induced hyperpolarization (nhPHIP): The selective character of nhPHIP-NMR makes it suitable for semi-targeted metabolomics to access low concentrations of the aforementioned classes of metabolites.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Analysis of Complex Mixtures by Chemosensing NMR Using para-Hydrogen-Induced Hyperpolarization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acs.accounts.1c00796""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 16, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,"Materials Science, Electrochemistry",MCQ,Enhanced voltage and capacitance in flexible supercapacitors using electrospun nanofiber electrolytes and CuNi2O3@N‑Doped omnichannel carbon electrodes,https://nanoconvergencejournal.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s40580-025-00485-2,"April 29, 2025","Researchers prepared CuNi2O3@N-OCCF electrodes and investigated their electrochemical properties. The fabrication of CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs was a two-step process starting with electrospinning, which required preparing two precursor solutions. Solution A contained 8 wt% PAN and 12 wt% PMMA (1:1.5 w/w) in DMF. Solution B consisted of 1.5 wt% SDS (sodium dodecyl sulfate), 2.0 mmol Cu(CH3CO2)2, and 4.0 mmol Ni(CH3CO2)2 in DMF. After 6 hours of individual agitation, Solution B was added to Solution A, and the mixture was stirred for 6 more hours to create the working liquid. This liquid was electrospun at 15 kV onto aluminum foil, maintaining an 18 cm distance, and the collected nanofibers were vacuum-dried at 70 °C for 12 hours. The final material, CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs-1.5, was achieved by subjecting the film to stabilization in air at 270 °C for 2 hours, followed by carbonization at 600-900 °C for 2 hours in a high-purity N2 environment. The SDS additive facilitated the migration of the CuNi2O3 particles to the nanofiber surface during annealing. Other compositions of CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs were prepared by adjusting the PAN-to-PMMA ratio, while the metal-free N-OCCFs (0.5 to 2) were prepared using the same electrospinning and 900 °C carbonization procedure but without the addition of SDS, copper, or nickel salts in the precursor solution. The electrode preparation began with purifying the carbon cloth (CC), which was sequentially washed with 3 M HCl, acetone, ethanol, and deionized water for 10 minutes, and then dried at 60 °C for 6 hours. The CC was cut into 2×1.5 cm pieces and further cleaned with acetone. The final electrode composite was fabricated by blending the active material (CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs-1.5 or N-OCCFs-1.5), Super B, and polyvinylidene difluoride in an 8:1:1 weight ratio using a mortar and pestle, and then adding NMP solvent to form a slurry. This slurry was coated evenly onto the CC with a loading mass of about 2.0 mg/cm2 and allowed to dry for 5 hours at room temperature. The resulting CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs-1.5/CC and N-OCCFs-1.5/CC served as the working electrodes for electrochemical measurements. The full setup for a three-electrode system used an Ag/AgCl (saturated KCl) reference electrode and a platinum wire counter electrode, with 2.0 M KCl, NaCl, or LiCl as the aqueous electrolyte. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was measured using a multichannel potentiostat in the frequency range of 0.01 Hz to 100 kHz.","- Cyclic voltammetry (CV) of CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs-1.5 symmetric supercapacitors in 2.0 M LiCl, NaCl, and KCl at scan rates between 5 and 100 mV/s over a potential window of 0–0.6 V. - Galvanostatic charge–discharge (GCD) curves of CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs-1.5 symmetric supercapacitors in 2.0 M LiCl, NaCl, and KCl at current densities between 1 and 8 A/g over a potential window of 0–0.45 V. - Specific capacitance of CuNi2O3@N-OCCFs-1.5 symmetric supercapacitors in 2.0 M LiCl, NaCl, and KCl as a function of current density from 1 to 8 A/g, extracted from the GCD profiles.","Researchers fabricated CuNi2O3@N-OCCF active materials using a two-step process involving the electrospinning of two precursor solutions (one containing PAN/PMMA and the other metal salts/SDS) followed by high-temperature stabilization and carbonization in N2. The final working electrodes were prepared by mixing the active material with Super B and PVDF (in an 8:1:1 ratio) to form a slurry, which was then coated onto a cleaned carbon cloth (CC) substrate. These electrodes were subjected to electrochemical measurements (such as EIS) in a three-electrode system utilizing an aqueous 2.0 M electrolyte and Ag/AgCl and Pt wire as reference and counter electrodes, respectively. Cyclic voltammetry between 0 and 0.6V at scan rates between 5-100mV/s and galvanostatic charge-discharge curves were collected between 1A/g and 8A/g in 2M LiCl, NaCl, and KCl electrolytes. The specific capacitance was calculated in the three electrolytes as a function of current density between 1A/g and 8A/g. In which of the 3 electrolytes is the specific capacitance of the electrodes expected to be the least at 2A/g current density? A. LiCl B. NaCl C. KCl ",C. KCl,"-The selection and design of electrolyte plays a critical role in supercapacitor performance by shuttling ions between electrodes over wide potential windows - Li+ ions can intercalate and deintercalated within the electrode material during charge and discharge cycles can be attributed to more efficient ion storage and utilization","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Li+ ions can intercalate and deintercalated within the electrode material during charge and discharge cycles can be attributed to more efficient ion storage and utilization""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Low-grade heat recycling of vertical thermoelectric cells based on thermal-induced electric double layer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2468217924000339?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 4, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Electrochemistry,MCQ,Selective CO2-to-Formate Electroreduction Using Cu3Sn Gas Diffusion Electrodes Synthesized via a Scalable Electrochemical Route,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68e619b5dfd0d042d16d2281,"October 10, 2025","Researchers examined electrochemical CO2 reduction using CuSn gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) in a flow cell electrolyser. The preparation of CuSn GDE electrode was as follows. Commercial Cu2O particles were brush coated onto the surface of a 1cm×1cm commercial carbon gas diffusion layer, using ink consisting of 15 mg of Cu2O, 200 μL of isopropanol and 66 μL of a 5 wt% Nafion suspension (all sonicated for 20 minutes). Each applied coating layer was dried for 1-3 minutes at at 40-50C until 4-5mg/cm2 mass loading was achieved. In the second step Sn is deposited onto Cu2O-based gas diffusion electrodes using an in-situ electrochemical simultaneous deposition (ESD) method. The setup involved Cu2O GDE as the cathode and a tin foil as the anode, both immersed in an electrolyte containing 0.1 M SnCl4·5H2O and 0.05 M citric acid, running against a 2ohm potential. The deposition times of Sn on Cu2O GDE were 15, 28, and 35 minutes. Electrochemical measurements were conducted using an Autolab potentiostat/galvanostat (Metrohm Autolab PGSTAT302N) in a lab-customized 3D-printed electrolyser flow cell to investigate electrocatalytic CO2 reduction (ECR) catalysts. The setup utilized Ag/AgCl as the reference electrode, which was converted to the Reversible Hydrogen Electrode (RHE) potential using the equation E_RHE = E_Ag/AgCl + 0.1976 + 0.0591 x pH, and a Pt mesh as the counter electrode. The catalysts were deposited on a carbon paper GDL substrate. CO2 gas was continuously supplied to the gas chamber at a constant flow rate of 22 mL min-1, diffusing across the GDL to the catalyst layer. A Fumasem FBM bipolar membrane separated the cathodic and anodic compartments, with Platinum mesh serving as the anode. To investigate ECR behavior of CuSn electrodes, chronoamperometry (CA) tests were performed for 1 hour at various potentials: -0.5 V, -0.65 V, -0.75 V, -0.85 V, and -1.00 V vs. RHE. The Faradaic efficiency (FE) was estimated from the CA measurements by accounting for the input charge, reaction duration, and the quantified molar masses of the gaseous and liquid products. After electrolysis, 1 mL gas samples were taken via a septum port using a gas-tight syringe and injected into a Shimadzu 2014 Gas Chromatograph (GC) for the quantification of CO, H2, and hydrocarbons. Liquid products were analyzed using Thermo-Fisher Dionex ICS-1600 Ion Chromatography. The GC was equipped with a Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) to detect H2, and a Flame Ionization Detector (FID) with a methanizer to detect CO and other carbon-based gaseous products, using Argon as the carrier gas.","-Normalized faradaic efficiencies for hydrogen, formic acid, carbon monoxide, methane, and ethylene for Cu2O, CuSn15min, CuSn28min, CuSn35min, and Sn foil, at -0.75 V vs. RHE -Faradaic efficiency of formic acid and hydrogen production for Cu2O, Sn foil, CuSn15, CuSn28, and CuSn35 (Cu3Sn) during ECR between -0.5 and -1.00 V vs. RHE -Partial current density of formic acid and hydrogen production for Cu2O, Sn foil, CuSn15, CuSn28, and CuSn35 (Cu3Sn) during ECR at -0.5 and -1.00 V vs. RHE","Researchers prepared CuSn gas diffusion electrodes (GDEs) for electrochemical CO2 reduction (ECR) in a flow cell electrolyser. The preparation involved brush-coating Cu2O particles in a Nafion ink onto a carbon GDL, achieving a mass loading of 4-5 mg/cm2. Sn was then deposited onto the Cu2O GDE using an in-situ electrochemical deposition method at a 2 ohm potential against a Tin foil anode, with deposition times of 15, 28, and 35 minutes. ECR testing was conducted in a customized 3D-printed flow cell using a potentiostat/galvanostat, with the CuSn catalyst tested against a Pt mesh counter electrode and an Ag/AgCl reference electrode (potential converted to RHE). The cell utilized a bipolar membrane, a Pt anode, and a constant flow of CO2 gas at 22 mL min-1. ECR performance was studied via 1 hour chronoamperometry (CA) tests across potentials from -0.5 V to -1.00 V vs. RHE. Product analysis after electrolysis involved quantifying gaseous products (CO, H2, and hydrocarbons) using gas chromatography (GC with TCD and FID detectors) and liquid products using ion chromatography. How do the formic acid faradaic efficiencies of Cu2O, Sn foil, CuSn15, CuSn28, and CuSn35 compare at ~-0.9V vs. RHE? A. Cu2O [50 - 62 ºC],"- Predicting how molecules will pack, and how that packing will influence emergent properties, is still limited by the availability of well-defined, systematically tunable ligand frameworks. - Intermolecular interactions often compete in unpredictable hierarchies, for example, a large number of weaker forces (dipole-dipole, van der Waals, 𝜋 − 𝜋) may compete with a smaller number of stronger forces (hydrogen and halogen bonds) to orient the molecules in unanticipated spatial arrangements (self-assembly) to produce ordered structures; or where multiple stronger forces are present, these may compete with each other to produce different ordered structures (ie. polymorphs). - Thioureas offer promising design features as they also incorporate amine-based hydrogen bond donors and as such, have been widely used in anion sensing and crystal engineering","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Predicting how molecules will pack, and how that packing will influence emergent properties, is still limited by the availability of well-defined, systematically tunable ligand frameworks.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Supramolecular Coordination: Self-Assembly of Finite Two- and Three-Dimensional Ensembles""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/cr200077m""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 24, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Intermolecular interactions often compete in unpredictable hierarchies, for example, a large number of weaker forces (dipole-dipole, van der Waals, 𝜋 − 𝜋) may compete with a smaller number of stronger forces (hydrogen and halogen bonds) to orient the molecules in unanticipated spatial arrangements (self-assembly) to produce ordered structures; or where multiple stronger forces are present, these may compete with each other to produce different ordered structures (ie. polymorphs).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Competitive Hydrogen Bonding and Unprecedented Polymorphism in Selected Chiral Phosphorylated Thioureas""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.cgd.1c00758""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 17, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Thioureas offer promising design features as they also incorporate amine-based hydrogen bond donors and as such, have been widely used in anion sensing and crystal engineering""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thiourea-Based Receptors for Anion Recognition and Signaling""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.3c06861""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 17, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,"Physical Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry",Numerical Values,"Time-resolved study of in-situ generated protein subcomplexes by tandem-trapped ion mobility spectrometry ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68fb73583e6156d3bec22a9a,"October 28, 2025","Researchers investigated the stability of in-situ generated streptavidin subcomplexes using a tandem-trapped ion mobility spectrometer (Tandem-TIMS). Streptavidin tetramers (15+ charge state) were separated by ion mobility in the TIMS-1 cell under gentle conditions to preserve intact structures. Streptavidin samples (2.5 µM) were analyzed by nanoelectrospray, introducing desolvation gas at 2.5 L min⁻¹ and applying a voltage of 3500 V. The TIMS instrument operated at temperatures of 323 K and controlled pressures between 3.1 and 0.4 mbar, using radiofrequency potentials of 566 and 443 kHz. Mobility separation was achieved using linear voltage ramps in the TIMS-1 and TIMS-2 analyzers, acquiring the spectra in positive ion mode. Tetramers of the selected charge state were mobility-selected and exposed to a high electric field between TIMS-1 and TIMS-2, inducing fragmentation into monomers (3+), dimers (7+), and trimers (7+ and 8+) via collision-induced dissociation (CID). The resulting subcomplexes were transferred into TIMS-2 and trapped for different times, after which ion mobility measurements were used to monitor time-dependent structural changes. This assessment was conducted to monitor time-dependent structural changes in the in-situ generated streptavidin subcomplexes. Cross-section distributions over time spectra were obtained. ","- Time-resolved ion mobility spectrometry measurements of in situ generated streptavidin subcomplexes in Tandem-TIMS, to obtain the structural stability monitored over time (cross-section distributions).","Using Tandem-TIMS, streptavidin tetramers (native-like 15+ charge state) were mobility-selected in TIMS-1 and fragmented into monomers (3+), dimers (7+), and trimers (7+ and 8+) via collision-induced dissociation (CID) at the interface between TIMS-1 and TIMS-2. The resulting subcomplexes were trapped in TIMS-2 for varying durations. Based on these time-resolved ion mobility measurements, for how many seconds did the collision cross-section distributions of the monomers remain unchanged, indicating structural stability in the gas phase?","Time: [9.8-10.8] s ±5% Time Durations fallback applied","- Tandem-ion mobility spectrometry (tandem-IMS) enables novel experimental workflows by allowing ions to be mobility-selected, activated, and reseparated. - Tandem-TIMS features two sequential trapped ion mobility spectrometry cells, each capable of performing mobility separation and gas phase trapping for up to 20 seconds. The interface between TIMS-1 and TIMS-2 cells consists of two ion apertures that facilitate the selection of ions with specific mobilities. - Streptavidin forms native-like tetramers that can be mobility-selected in Tandem-TIMS. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Tandem-ion mobility spectrometry (tandem-IMS) enables novel experimental workflows by allowing ions to be mobility-selected, activated, and reseparated ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An IMS−IMS Analogue of MS−MS""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/ac051060w""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 11, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Tandem-TIMS features two sequential trapped ion mobility spectrometry cells, each capable of performing mobility separation and gas phase trapping for up to 20\nseconds. The interface between TIMS-1 and TIMS-2 cells consists of two ion apertures that facilitate the selection of ions with specific mobilities.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tandem-trapped ion mobility spectrometry/mass spectrometry coupled with ultraviolet photodissociation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/rcm.9192""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 8, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Streptavidin forms native-like tetramers that can be mobility-selected in Tandem-TIMS.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Elucidating Structures of Protein Complexes by Collision-Induced Dissociation at Elevated Gas Pressures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jasms.3c00191""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 20, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Nanoparticles,MCQ,Solvent-Dependent Stabilization of Gold Nanoparticles: A Comparative Study on Polymers and the Influence of Their Molecular Weight in Water and Ethanol,https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8549/7/5/159,"Oct 01, 2025","The researchers performed a systematic comparison of different polymers, synthesis methods and solvents in regards to Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The AuNPs were synthesized using the ligand exchange reaction/post-synthetic addition reaction (PAR) and the one-pot synthesis with the polymers poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), each with different molar weight averages. For the PAR, in a 500 mL Erlenmeyer flask with a glass stopper, a total of 20 mg (52.9 µmol) of KAuCl₄ was dispersed in 200 mL ultrapure water and heated to 100 °C. 90 mg (350 µmol) of NaCit was then added and the solution was heated to 100 °C for 15 min. During this time, the solution changed color from light yellow to dark red. Finally, the solution was cooled to room temperature, 4.3 µmol of polymer was added and stirring for 12 h. DLS and UV-Vis measurements were taken directly after the 12 h. The DLS measurements were taken without dilution, and for the UV-Vis measurements, the solution was diluted with water in a ratio of 50:50. For the One-Pot Synthesis, in a 500 mL round bottom flask, the amount of 20 mg (52.9 µmol) of KAuCl₄ and 4.3 µmol of polymer were dissolved in 200 mL of ultrapure water and the solution was heated to 90 °C under stirring.. Then, 90 mg (350 µmol) of NaCit was added and the solution continued to be stirred for 30 min. The color changed from light yellow to dark red. The DLS and UV-Vis measurements were taken directly after cooling to room temperature. ","• TEM analysis of the AuNPs made by PAR method and by one-pot synthesis in water, to determine their size. Graphical analysis of the TEM-derived AuNP core size and their standard deviation of the conjugates in water: (a) AuNP@PVA, (b) AuNP@PEG, (c) AuNP@PVP and (d) AuNP@PAA in water. • Hydrodynamic diameters and the polydispersity index using DLS. Graphical analysis of all the DLS results in water of (a) AuNP@PVA, (b) AuNP@PEG, (c) AuNP@PVP and (d) AuNP@PAA. • Comparative analysis of the TEM size from PAR in water and ethanol of (a) AuNP@PVA, (b) AuNP@PEG, (c) AuNP@PVPand(d) AuNP@PAA. • Comparative overview of the hydrodynamic diameter from DLS from PAR in water and ethanol of (a) AuNP@PVA, (b) AuNP@PEG, (c) AuNP@PVP and (d) AuNP@PAA.","The colloidal stability of Gold Nanoparticles (AuNPs) depends on the nature of the polymer used in their synthesis. Based on this research work, which of the following polymers shows the best stability in water and after transfer to ethanol, irrespective of whether they are synthesized by the post-synthetic addition reaction method (PAR) or the one-pot method? (a) AuNP@PVA (b) AuNP@PEG (c) AuNP@PVP (d) AuNP@PAA",(a) AuNP@PVA,"• The targeted control of size, shape, monodispersity and surface functionalization of AuNPs plays a central role in their successful use in nanomedicine. • Polymers are used for AuNP stabilization. • The molecular weight of the polymers plays a decisive role, as it significantly influences the density, thickness, and stability of the polymer shell and thus directly determines the stability of the AuNPs. • Various synthesis methods are often used to produce stabilized AuNPs. • A knowledge and comparison of different polymer-based stabilization and optimized synthesis methods are crucial to prepare stable AuNPs and to avoid unwanted agglomeration with loss of functionality. • The molecular weight of individual polymers can influence on the stability of AuNPs.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The targeted control of size, shape, monodispersity and surface functionalization of AuNPs plays a central role in their successful use in nanomedicine.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Nanoparticles in microelectronics advancements and biomedical applications.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mseb.2024.117191""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Polymers are used for AuNP stabilization.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Effects of Polymer Coating of Gold Nanoparticles on Oxidative Stress and DNA Damage.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1177/1091581820927646""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The molecular weight of the polymers also plays a decisive role, as it significantly influences the density, thickness, and stability of the polymer shell and thus directly determines the stability of the AuNPs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Highly Stable Au Nanoparticles with Double Hydrophilic Block Copolymer Templates: Correlation between Structure and Stability""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1039/c7py00773f""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Various synthesis methods are often used to produce stabilized AuNPs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Direct Bottom-Up In Situ Growth: A Paradigm Shift for Studies in Wet-Chemical Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrev.2c00914""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A knowledge and comparison of different polymer-based stabilization and optimized synthesis methods are crucial to prepare stable AuNPs and to avoid unwanted agglomeration with loss of functionality""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Preparation, aging and temperature stability of PEGylated gold nanoparticles. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfa.2017.04.005""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The molecular weight of individual polymers can influence on the stability of AuNPs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Enhanced dispersion stability of gold nanoparticles by the physisorption of cyclic poly(ethylene glycol)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-020-19947-8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,"Organic chemistry, metabolic/biocompatible catalysis",MCQ,A biocompatible Lossen rearrangement in Escherichia coli,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41557-025-01845-5,"June 23, 2025","A one-pot two-step procedure was optimized to enhance the synthetic utility of paracetamol synthesis from polyethylene terephthalate (0.5 mM), which is incubated at 50 °C in aqueous phosphate buffer (200 mM, 50 °C, pH 8.0), followed by the addition of induced E. coli BW25113ΔpabB_p354 and E. coli BW25113ΔpabB_p350 whole cells expressing panat and abh60, respectively (1:200, 37 °C, OD600 of 12.5–25). L-arabinose was used for induction by default. Under these conditions, the quantitative yield of paracetamol was observed from para-aminobenzoate (PABA). ","-Final paracetamol yield (%) at the end of the one-pot sequence quantified by ¹H NMR or HPLC versus an internal standard. ","Using a one-pot two-step procedure, a sponsor requires enabling a reduction in the ratio of panat and abh60 expressing strains to 1:100. What modification can be made to further produce a higher final yield of paracetamol? A) Increase L-arabinose during the protein-expression phase, leave all other parameters unchanged. B) Decrease L-arabinose during the protein-expression phase, leaving PET loading, buffer identity/strength/pH, and analytics unchanged. C) Decrease L-arabinose during the protein-expression, leave all other parameters unchanged except durations. D) Keep L-arabinose and shorten the Lossen stage, all else unchanged.","B) Decrease L-arabinose during the protein-expression phase, leaving PET loading, buffer identity/strength/pH, and analytics unchanged.","-Biocompatible reactions are non-enzymatic chemical transformations that can be interfaced with cellular metabolism. -The field of synthetic organic chemistry can access reactivity not observed in nature, and integration of these abiotic reactions within living systems offers a solution to the sustainable synthesis of many industrial chemicals from renewable feedstocks. -The Lossen rearrangement is characterized by the thermal- or metal-catalysed expulsion of a carboxylate from a bis-acylated hydroxylamine substrate. Overall, the reaction generates primary amines from carboxylate substrates with an accompanying one-carbon contraction, contrasting with the enzymatic chemistry enabled by ammonia lyases and aminotransferases ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Biocompatible reactions are non-enzymatic chemical transformations that can be interfaced with cellular metabolism.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Using non-enzymatic chemistry to influence microbial metabolism.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S136759311400194X""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 8, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The field of synthetic organic chemistry can access reactivity not observed in nature, and integration of these abiotic reactions within living systems offers a solution to the sustainable synthesis of many industrial chemicals from renewable feedstocks.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Opportunities for merging chemical and biological synthesis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24747284/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 14, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Lossen rearrangement is characterized by the thermal- or metal-catalysed expulsion of a carboxylate from a bis-acylated hydroxylamine substrate. Overall, the reaction generates primary amines from carboxylate substrates with an accompanying one-carbon contraction, contrasting with the enzymatic chemistry enabled by ammonia lyases and aminotransferases.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ueber Benzoylderivate des Hydroxylamins""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jlac.18721610219""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1872""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Materials Science / Optoelectronic Devices,Numerical Values,Improved operating voltage in InGaN-capped AlGaN-based DUV LEDs on bulk AlN substrates,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.24892,"Oct 28, 2025","Epitaxial growth: All samples grown by nitrogen plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on +c-plane single-crystal bulk AlN substrates. Contact metallurgy & anneals: p-contacts — Ni/Au (15/20 nm), rapid thermal anneal (RTA) at 450 °C for 30 s in O₂ ambient. n-contacts — V/Al/Ni/Au (20/80/40/100 nm) deposited by e-beam evaporation; RTA for n-contacts performed at varied temperatures (600 °C, 700 °C, 800 °C) for 30 s in N₂ ambient. In integrated LED processing, p-contacts are deposited after the n-contact anneal. SiO₂ capping process: For the SiO₂-protected experiments, a 50 nm SiO₂ cap was deposited by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PE-ALD) prior to high-temperature n-contact anneal to protect the p-InGaN surface during the n-contact anneal. Device fabrication: Mesa formation by ICP-RIE etching (~50 nm into n-Al₀.₇₆Ga₀.₂₄N), contact deposition as above, dicing into 1×1 cm² samples for comparative studies. Diode devices fabricated and characterized; LED emission at ~268 nm reported. ","Diode J–V (current density vs voltage) characteristics and differential ON-resistance (R_on): measured for LEDs fabricated with and without SiO₂ cap; R_on extracted at a specified current density (400 A/cm²). Comparison dimension: SiO₂-capped LED vs uncapped LED (same wafer). ","Two DUV LED samples were fabricated from the same epitaxial wafer. One sample used the SiO₂ capping technique and the other did not. Diodes were tested randomly from each sample. At room temperature, the current density vs. voltage was analyzed of the best-performing diode from each group (selected based on the lowest ON-resistance at 10 V). At 400 A/cm², what is the approximate difference (in voltage) obtained from the SiO₂-capped diode compared to the uncapped diode?",3.8 V → [3.42 V - 4.2 V],"-Dielectric (SiO2, SiNx) or epitaxial cap layers (GaN, AlN) are used to protect the device before contact deposition ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth of III-nitride heterostructures and typical stack used for DUV LEDs""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Demonstration of AlGaN-on-AlN pn diodes with dopant-free distributed polarization doping""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.researchgate.net/publication/378506332_Demonstration_of_AlGaN-on-AlN_p-n_Diodes_With_Dopant-Free_Distributed_Polarization_Doping""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 26, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry / Electrochemistry,Numerical Values,Determination of Caffeine in Energy Drinks Using a Composite Modified Sensor Based on Magnetic Nanoparticles,https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/10/2219,"May 20, 2025","Researchers developed a new voltammetric sensor for detecting and measuring caffeine (CAF) levels in solution. For that purpose, 0.5 mg of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (nanopowder, 50–100 nm particle size, Sigma-Aldrich, Germany) were mixed with 100 µL of 3% (w/v) nafion (etrafluoroethylene-perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonic acid copolymer) in ethanol and placed in an ultrasonic bath for 2 h, to render a nanocomposite, which was further employed to coat a boron-doped diamond electrode (BDDE). The BDDE was commercially available (Windsor Scientific Ltd., Slough, Berkshire, UK) and acquired in an inert polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, Teflon) body with an inner diameter of 3 mm (D-086-SA, boron doping level of 1000 ppm, electrical resistivity of 0.075 Wm). The surface of the BDDE was polished using 0.3 µm alumina slurry on a Buehler polishing pad (Lake Bluff, IL, USA) before applying the nanocomposite layer. After polishing, 0.5 µL of nanocomposite was applied to the BDDE surface and after 5 min at room temperature, the electrode was submerged into a solution of 0.1 M H2SO4, 6 µM Bi(III), and 0.1 µM CAF. Simultaneous bismuth film deposition and CAF accumulation in the electrode occured at a potential of −0.95 V (Edep.Bi+acc.CAF) for 60 s (tdep.Bi+acc.CAF) under stirring. Voltammetric studies were performed with the as prepared electrode (BDDE/Nafion@Fe3O4/BiF), using an electrochemical analyzer µAutolab (Eco Chemie, Utrecht, The Netherlands), an electrochemical cell with a silver chloride electrode (3 M KCl, reference) and a Pt wire (auxiliary electrode). Differential-pulse adsorptive stripping voltammograms (DPAdSVs) were registered in the range of 0.25 to 1.85 V with the amplitude (ΔEA) of 75 mV, the scan rate (υ) of 175 mV/s, and the modulation time (tm) of 4 ms. The background was subtracted from each measurement.","- Current (I, µA) measured with the BDDE/Nafion@Fe3O4/BiF electrode at 0.1 µM caffeine concentration, from 0.25 to 1.85 V, at amplitude (ΔEA) of 75 mV, scan rate (υ) of 175 mV/s, and modulation time (tm) of 4 ms (Differential-pulse adsorptive stripping voltammetry).","Researchers developed a new voltammetric sensor for detecting and measuring caffeine (CAF) levels in solution by depositing 0.5 µL of nanocomposite (0.5 mg of Fe3O4 nanopowder [50–100 nm particle size] in 100 µL of 3% (w/v) nafion [etrafluoroethylene-perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonic acid copolymer] in ethanol) onto the polished surface of a boron-doped diamond electrode ([BDDE] inner diameter: 3 mm; boron doping: 1000 ppm; electrical resistivity: 0.075 Wm). After nanocomposite drying, the as modified BDDE was submerged in 0.1 M H2SO4, 6 µM Bi(III), and 0.1 µM CAF for simultaneous bismuth film deposition and CAF accumulation at −0.95 V for 60 s under stirring. Differential-pulse adsorptive stripping voltammograms (DPAdSVs) were registered with the as-prepared electrode (BDDE/Nafion@Fe3O4/BiF) using an electrochemical analyzer equipped with an electrochemical cell with a silver chloride electrode (3 M KCl, reference) and a Pt wire (auxiliary electrode), in the range of 0.25 to 1.85 V with the amplitude (ΔEA) of 75 mV, the scan rate (υ) of 175 mV/s, and the modulation time (tm) of 4 ms. The background was subtracted from each measurement. What is the expected current value (I, µA) given by the BDDE/Nafion@Fe3O4/BiF electrode, at the voltage (V) value of 1.4V?","Current (I) for 0.1 µM caffeine measured with BDDE/Nafion@Fe3O4/BiF electrode at 1.4V, amplitude (ΔEA) of 75 mV, scan rate (υ) of 175 mV/s, and modulation time (tm) of 4 ms = 2.25 - 2.75 µA. Note: no CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ±10% applied over the value of 2.5 µA.","- Voltammetry is a method that can be employed to determine caffeine concentrations in solution. - Nafion (etrafluoroethylene-perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonic acid copolymer) is a cation exchanger that is used to coat the surface of electrodes. - Fe3O4 nanoparticles are magnetic nanoparticles that promote a very fast electron transfer between the sensor and the active site of the redox reaction.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Voltammetry is a method that can be employed to determine caffeine concentrations in solution.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Bismuth particles Nafion covered boron-doped diamond electrode for simultaneous and individual voltammetric assays of paracetamol and caffeine""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.snb.2016.05.087""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 17, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Nafion (etrafluoroethylene-perfluoro-3,6-dioxa-4-methyl-7-octenesulfonic acid copolymer) is a cation exchanger that is used to coat the surface of electrodes.\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""Simultaneous Determination of Caffeine and Pyridoxine in Energy Drinks using Differential Pulse Voltammetry at Glassy Carbon Electrode Modified with Nafion®""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://analyticalsciencejournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/elan.201800646""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 22, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Fe3O4 nanoparticles are magnetic nanoparticles that promote a very fast electron transfer between the sensor and the active site of the redox reaction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""DNA Modified Fe3O4@Au Magnetic Nanoparticles as Selective Probes for Simultaneous Detection of Heavy Metal Ions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsami.6b14247""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 12, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""}]" Chemistry,Analytical Chemistry,MCQ,"Cross-Platform Ion Mobility-Mass Spectrometry of Cationized Imidacloprid and Chlorpyrifos ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f051915dd091524fb24491,"Oct 15, 2025","Researchers investigated how cationization with different metal ions affects the gas-phase structure and ion mobility of two pesticide molecules, imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos. Analytical standards of both compounds were dissolved in methanol/water (1:1, v/v) at a final concentration of approximately 10 µM. To generate protonated, sodiated, and potassiated species, 100 µM NaCl or KCl was added to form [Imi+cation]⁺ and [CPF+cation]⁺ (where cation = H⁺, Na⁺, or K⁺) under positive-mode electrospray ionization (ESI) conditions. Samples were analyzed using four ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM–MS) platforms: drift tube (DTIM), traveling wave (TWIM), trapped ion (TIMS), and cyclic ion mobility (cIM), with nitrogen as the drift gas to determine the experimental collision cross sections (CCS) for each adduct type. ","- Collision cross sections (CCS) of protonated, sodiated, and potassiated imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos measured by drift tube (DTIM), traveling wave (TWIM), trapped ion (TIMS), and cyclic ion mobility (cIM) mass spectrometry in nitrogen gas. ","Researchers investigated how cationization with different metal ions affects the gas-phase structure and ion mobility of imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos using four ion mobility mass spectrometry (IM–MS) platforms: drift tube (DTIM), traveling wave (TWIM), trapped ion (TIMS), and cyclic ion mobility (cIM). Protonated, sodiated, and potassiated adducts were generated under positive-mode electrospray ionization (ESI) to measure their experimental collision cross sections (CCS) in nitrogen. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? (Mark all correct) A. Both imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos show increasing CCS values from protonated to sodiated to potassiated forms. B. Chlorpyrifos exhibits a larger CCS increase than imidacloprid upon cationization with Na⁺ and K⁺. C. Significant differences are observed in CCS values among the four IM–MS platforms. D. Sodiated [Imi+Na]+ and [CPF+Na]+ species are the most abundant in the mass spectra compared to their potassiated analogues","A. Both imidacloprid and chlorpyrifos show increasing CCS values from protonated to sodiated to potassiated forms. B. Chlorpyrifos exhibits a larger CCS increase than imidacloprid upon cationization with Na⁺ and K⁺. D. Sodiated [Imi+Na]+ and [CPF+Na]+ species are the most abundant in the mass spectra compared to their potassiated analogues.","- Imidacloprid: (1-(6-chloro-3-pyridylmethyl)-N-nitroimidazolidin-2-ylideneamine, an organochlorine neonicotinoid is almost harmless to humans. However, it can adversely impact beneficial pollinators or have less obvious side effects. - Chlorpyrifos: (O,O-diethyl O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphorothioate) is an organothiophosphate capable of disrupting an insect’s nervous system, resulting in paralysis and (eventually) death. - Ion mobility–mass spectrometry (IM–MS): can potentially separate any isomers based on their mobility. -Collision Cross Section (CCS): could help act as a molecular identifier combined with mass to charge ratio (m/z). ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Chlorpyrifos: (O,O-diethyl O-(3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridyl) phosphorothioate is an organothiophosphate capable of disrupting an insect’s nervous system, resulting in paralysis and (eventually) death.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A comprehensive review on chlorpyrifos toxicity with special reference to endocrine disruption: Evidence of mechanisms, exposures and mitigation strategies""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0048969720361787""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 10, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Environmental Chemistry / Catalysis,Numerical Values,Catalytic Ozonation of Diclofenac Using CuO/Al2O3- and MnO2/Al2O3-Supported Catalysts,https://www.mdpi.com/2624-8549/7/4/107,"June 25, 2025","Researchers evaluated the catalytic ozonation of diclofenac (DFC) using a CuO/Al₂O₃-supported catalyst. The catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation. Al2O3 was dried at 110 ºC for 2 h in a drying oven. Dry Al2O3 powder was weighed, denoting the mass as m1. The carrier was submerged with distilled water by dropwise addition to a beaker, and the mass denoted as m2. The following equation was used to calculate the saturated water absorption rate: Water absorption of carrier = [(m2 − m1)/m1] × 100%. The quasi-loading rate of CuO was 10%. The water absorption rate of Al2O3 and the quasi-loading rate of CuO were employed to calculate the Cu(NO3)2·3H2O solution requirements for the impregnation method. The determined mass of Al2O3 was added to the corresponding volume of Cu(NO3)2·3H2O and stirred. After standing for 24 h, the solution was dried at 110 ºC for 10 h to obtain a bulk solid, which was further calcined at 450 ºC for 5 h and ground into powder. Catalytic ozonation studies were carried out in batch mode at ambient temperature using a glass flat-bottom flask. A 100 mg/L DFC water solution (pH: 7.35) containing 1.0 g/L catalyst (Catalyst active component loading: 10%) was treated with O3 at a constant flow-rate of 0.2 m^3/h under magnetic stirring. Samples were collected from the reactor every 10 min up to a total reaction time of 60 min. Samples were filtered immediately after collection, and the content of DFC in supernatants was detected by HPLC. A chromatographic column (5 μm, 4.6 mm × 250 mm) was used with a mobile phase of methanol-4% glacial acetic acid solution (70:30), at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, 35 ºC, and a detection wavelength of 276 nm. The DCF removal rate was calculated as η = [(Co − Ct/Co] × 100%; where η represents the removal rate of DCF at time t (%); Co represents the initial concentration of diclofenac in the reaction solution (mg/L), and Ct represents the concentration of diclofenac in the reaction solution at time t (mg/L).","- Diclofenac removal rate (%) after 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 minutes of CuO/Al₂O₃-supported catalysis at pH 7.35 and 1.0 g/L catalyst concentration (HPLC).","Researchers evaluated the catalytic ozonation of diclofenac (DFC) using a CuO/Al₂O₃-supported catalyst. The catalyst was prepared by incipient wetness impregnation, with a quasi-loading rate of CuO of 10%. Catalytic ozonation studies were carried out in batch mode at ambient temperature with a 100 mg/L DFC water solution (pH: 7.35) containing 1.0 g/L catalyst and a O3 constant flow-rate of 0.2 m^3/h under magnetic stirring. Samples were collected from the reactor every 10 min up to a total reaction time of 60 min, the content of DFC in the samples was detected by HPLC, and the DCF removal rate (%) was calculated. What is the expected DFC removal rate (%) after 60 minutes of reaction time?",Diclofecnac removal rate (t = 60 min) = 68.99 - 78.99 %. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ± 5 percent points applied over the value of 73.99 %.,"- Diclofenac (DCF) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), frequently detected in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water. - Ozonation is an advanced oxidation process employed for the degradation of refractory organic contaminants. - Al2O3 is a widely used catalyst support with high surface area, thermal stability, and inherent Lewis acidity. - The incipient wetness impregnation method is a catalyst preparation method that relies on saturating a catalyst support (e.g. Al2O3) with a catalyst-containing solution (e.g. Cu(NO3)2) at proportions determined to reach a given catalyst loading rate (i.e. 10%). ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Diclofenac (DCF) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), frequently detected in surface water, groundwater, and drinking water.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Improving management and antimicrobial stewardship for bacterial and fungal infections in hospitalized patients with COVID-19""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":"" https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/20499361221095732\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 14, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Ozonation is an advanced oxidation process employed for the degradation of refractory organic contaminants.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Degradation of prometryn in Ruditapes philippinarum using ozonation: Influencing factors, degradation mechanism, pathway and toxicity assessment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0045653520302113?via%3Dihub\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 28, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the RBK item cited by this paper""}]" Chemistry,Catalysis,Free-Format Question,Polyester (PET) Degradation in Mild-Alkaline Solutions Assisted by Ultrasonication and UV-Activated Metal Oxides,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f676603e6156d3be019570,"October 23, 2025","In this experiment, researchers investigated the effect of five metal oxide catalysts: zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄), yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), and strontium oxide (SrO) on the alkaline depolymerization of polyethylene terephthalate (PET). For each run, 5 g of PET flakes were placed in a flat-bottom quartz tube with 0.1 M NaOH and the selected catalyst at concentration of 1% by weight of PET. The reaction was conducted inside a sound-insulated box containing an ultrasonic dismembrator probe (amplitude 103.6 μm), six UV grow light panels (10 W each, total 60 W), and a magnetic stirrer. To prevent overheating, a multi-stage cooling system was installed, consisting of a water coil around the ultrasonic converter head, a fan directed at the probe, and a refrigeration system along the box walls. An airline from an air pump was introduced to enhance mixing and oxidation, while a thermocouple continuously monitored temperature. The reaction proceeded for 2 hours under constant ultrasonic amplitude, after which the mixture was cooled to room temperature. Unreacted PET (UnPET) was separated by sieving and rinsed with deionized water to remove residual NaOH. The filtrate, containing disodium terephthalate (Na-TPA), was acidified with concentrated H₂SO₄ added dropwise under ice cooling until the pH reached 1–2, yielding precipitated terephthalic acid (TPA). The TPA was collected by vacuum filtration, washed with deionized water until neutral, and dried at 110 °C for 12 hours. Catalysts were recovered from the filtrate via centrifugation and vacuum filtration, then dried overnight and calcined at 600 °C to remove any micro-residual PET. The amount of UnPET was weighed to calculate PET conversion.","- PET conversion (%) using five metal oxide catalysts in a 1% by weight of PET under ultrasonication at an amplitude of 103.6 μm and UV light. ","Researchers conduct an alkaline depolymerization of PET using 0.1 M NaOH under ultrasonication (amplitude 103.6 μm) and UV irradiation to investigate the catalytic performance of five metal oxides zinc oxide (ZnO), zinc ferrite (ZnFe₂O₄), yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃), iron(III) oxide (Fe₂O₃), and strontium oxide (SrO) each applied at a 1% loading based on PET weight. What order (from highest to lowest) would you expect for the PET conversion among these catalysts under the described conditions?","From highest to lowest: SrO, Y₂O₃, ZnO, ZnFe₂O₄ and Fe₂O₃","- Alkaline depolymerization: is a chemical reaction that occurs in the presence of alkaline medium (0.1 M NaOH), breaking down polymer chains. - PET conversion: is the ratio of initial weight of PET before the reaction, and weight of unreacted PET after the reaction and sieve separation. -Ultrasonication: a physical technique that applies high-frequency sound to creates microbubbles that continuously collapse due to compression and expansion phases, leading to the generation of shock waves and shear forces on the PET surface; which further enhances the continuous stretching and/or elongation of the polymer chains promoting chain scission.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Ultrasonication: a physical technique that applies high-frequency sound to creates microbubbles that continuously collapse due to compression and expansion phases, leading to the generation of shock waves and shear forces on the PET surface; which further enhances the continuous stretching and/or elongation of the polymer chains promoting chain scission.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mechanochemical Degradation and Recycling of Synthetic Polymers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/anie.202300768""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 01, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Physical Chemistry,Numerical Values,Computing Nucleation Rates from Confined Equilibria: The Critical ClusterEquivalence Principle,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/api-gateway/chemrxiv/assets/orp/resource/item/68efa3e5dfd0d042d19fbe4b/original/computing-nucleation-rates-from-confined-equilibria-the-critical-cluster-equivalence-principle.pdf,"Oct 17, 2025","Eight molecular dynamics simulations of sodium chloride (NaCl) crystallization from aqueous solution were conducted. The simulations were performed in the NVT (canonical) ensemble at T = 298 K, using the Joung and Cheatham force field with the SPC/E water model (JC-SPC/E). To identify the steady-state crystalline clusters ($n_{ss}$), a classification criterion was used based on the local bond-order parameter ($\overline{q}_{6} \ge 0.2$) and ionic coordination number ($CN \ge 3$). These simulations were used to test the Critical Cluster Equivalence Principle (CEP) for multi-component solutions by solving an optimization problem based on the first derivative of the Helmholtz free energy, $d\beta\Delta F/dn$.","-Steady-state crystalline cluster size ($n_{ss,i}$) for eight different simulations.Solute mole fraction ($x(n_{ss,i})$) corresponding to each steady-state cluster. -Equilibrium solute mole fraction ($x^{*}$) determined by solving the optimization problem. Effective surface energy parameter ($\sigma^{\prime}$) determined by solving the optimization problem. -Equilibrium molality ($m^{*}$) derived from the predicted equilibrium mole fraction ($x^{*}$).","Eight NVT molecular dynamics simulations of NaCl solutions were performed at 298 K, using the JC-SPC/E force field. By identifying the steady-state cluster size ($n_{ss}$) and corresponding solute mole fraction ($x(n_{ss})$) for each simulation, the Critical Cluster Equivalence Principle (CEP) was applied. Using a minimization algorithm based on the Helmholtz free energy derivative, the equilibrium solute mole fraction ($x^{*}$) was determined for this specific force field. Based on this analysis, what is the predicted equilibrium solubility (molality, $m^{*}$) in mol kg$^{-1}$ for the JC-SPC/E NaCl model?",$m^{*} = [3.70 - 4.10]$ mol kg$^{-1}$ (derived from $3.90 \pm 0.20$ mol kg$^{-1}$).,"-Nucleation is the process where a new, stable phase (like a crystal) forms from a metastable parent phase (like a solution). -Classical Nucleation Theory (CNT) describes the free energy of forming a cluster, balancing a favorable bulk term (driving force) against an unfavorable surface energy cost. -The Critical Cluster Equivalence Principle (CEP) is a framework stating that stable equilibrium clusters in confined simulations (like NVT) are equivalent to unstable critical nuclei in open, macroscopic systems. -NaCl (sodium chloride) is a model system used for studying crystal nucleation. The Joung and Cheatham (JC-SPC/E) model is a specific empirical force field used to simulate aqueous NaCl solutions. -Solubility (often given as $m^{*}$ in molality) is the equilibrium concentration of a solute in a solvent at a given temperature. -The Helmholtz free energy ($\Delta F$) is the relevant thermodynamic potential for a system at constant volume and temperature (NVT ensemble). -The local bond-order parameter ($\overline{q}_{6}$) is a computational metric used to identify and distinguish crystalline (ordered) structures from disordered (liquid) environments.", Chemistry,Materials Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Preparation of Poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) Doped Cellulose Acetate Films for the Treatment of Calcium-Based Hardness from Aqueous Solution,https://www.mdpi.com/2673-7167/5/4/45,"October 20, 2025","Researchers fabricated cellulose acetate (CA), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), and PVDF-HFP/CA films for the removal of Ca2+ ions from water. All chemical compounds employed for film synthesis were analytical-grade (Merck Life Sciences, South Africa). First, CA films were prepared using a phase inversion method in which CA (0.900 g) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) (0.2 g) were dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF) (10 mL) and stirred at 80°C for 2 h. The solution was kept overnight in a silica gel desiccator, then cast onto a glass plate using a 180 µm thick casting knife (Elcometer 3580, Elcometer Limited, UK), washed with deionized water, and air-dried at room temperature. Similarly, PVDF-HFP films were fabricated by dissolving PVDF-HFP (1.00 g) and PEG (0.2 g) in DMF (10 mL), stirring at 80°C for 2 h, and settlling overnight in a silica gel desiccator. The mixture was cast onto a glass plate using a using an Elcometer 3580 casting knife (Elcometer Limited, UK) with a 180 µm gap, partially dried at 80°C for 30 s, and immersed in 5°C deionized water to induce phase inversion. The produced films were then rinsed with deionized water and air-dried at room temperature. For the 3 wt.% PVDF-HFP/CA films, CA (0.97 g) was dissolved in DMF (9 mL) with PEG (1 mL) by stirring at 600 rpm at 60 ºC, to render a cellulose acetate solution. Subsequently, PVDF-HFP polymer (0.03 g) was incorportaed into the cellulose acetate solution to form a 3 wt.% PVDF-HFP/CA solution. 3 wt.% PVDF-HFP/CA films were produced from the given solution by following the same steps as for the PVDF-HFP films. The films produced were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), using a Perkin Elmer STA 4000 analyser, assessing mass changes in the films (% initial weight) across various temperatures (0 - 900 ºC), thereby evaluating the thermal stability of the specimens.","- Weight (% initial weight) of CA, PVDF-HFP and 3 wt.% PVDF-HFP/CA films across the temperature range of 0 - 900 ºC (Thermogravimetric analysis). ","Researchers fabricated cellulose acetate (CA), poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP), and PVDF-HFP/CA films through a phase inversion technique. CA films were prepared with 0.9 g CA and 0.2 g polyethylene glycol (PEG). PVDF-HFP films were prepared with 1 g PVDF-HFP and 0.2 g PEG. 3 wt.% PVDF-HFP/CA films were prepared with 0.97 g CA, 0.03 g of PVDF-HFP polymer and 1 mL PEG. All film components were dissolved in dimethylformamide (DMF), at a final volume of 10 mL. Solutions were settled overnight in a silica gel desiccator, then cast onto a glass plate using a 180 µm thick casting knife (Elcometer 3580, Elcometer Limited, UK). After casting, PVDF-HFP-containing films were partially dried at 80°C for 30 s, and immersed in 5°C deionized water to induce phase inversion. All films were washed with deionized water, and air-dried at room temperature. The films produced were characterized by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and mass changes (% initial weight) were recorded across various temperatures (0 - 900 ºC). Which are the expected mass change values (% initial weight) at 500 ºC for the CA and PVDF-HFP films?",Mass change (% initial weight) at 500 ºC: CA = 7.5 - 17.5%; PVDF-HFP = 20 - 30%. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ±5 percent points applied over the values of 12.5% (CA) and 25% (PVDF-HFP).,"- Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is a polymer with excellent dielectric properties, mechanical strength, and elevated ionic conductivity that has been employed for manufacturing membranes for water disinfection. - Cellulose acetate (CA) is a polymer that when incorporated into PVDF-HFP membranes significantly enhances their porosity, electrolyte uptake, ionic conductivity, and hydrophilicity. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Poly(vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF-HFP) is a polymer with excellent dielectric properties, mechanical strength, and elevated ionic conductivity that has been employed for manufacturing membranes for water disinfection.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Characterization of poly(vinylidene fluoride–hexafluoropropylene) (PVdF–HFP) electrolytes complexed with different lithium salts""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0014305704003106""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 14, 2004""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the external reference cited by the paper for the given RBK item""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cellulose acetate (CA) is a polymer that when incorporated into PVDF-HFP membranes significantly enhances their porosity, electrolyte uptake, ionic conductivity, and hydrophilicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Cellulose-based Li-ion batteries: a review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10570-013-9973-8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 19, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the external reference cited by the paper for the given RBK item""}]" Physics,Photonics,Numerical Values,Reversing Annealing-Induced Optical Loss in Diamond Microcavities,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.03585,"October 4, 2025","Diamond microdisk optical resonators were fabricated from an optical grade single crystal (<100>-orientation) diamond synthesized by chemical vapor deposition. The micro disk optical cavities were patterned using quasi-isotropic etching with an O$_2$-plasma to diameters ranging 5 to 8 µm and ~940 nm thickness, supported by thin pedestals. The sample was subjected to annealing in a home-built vacuum setup consisting of a vacuum chamber housing a heater. It was set in a custom-made molybdenum holder sitting on top of the heating element, and a molybdenum heat shield was placed on top of the heater to avoid excessive heating due to radiation. The chamber was brought to a base vacuum level of 10$^{−9}$ mbar, and the heater temperature was slowly ramped from room temperature to 1200 °C in 200 °C intervals at a rate of 1 °C per minute, with intermediate wait times of 120 minutes between intervals. The diamond sample was cleaned pre and post annealing using an equal mixture of H$_2$SO$_4$, HNO$_3$, and HClO$_4$. The bath was applied at a constant temperature of 250 °C for 120 minutes in a glass flask fitted with a water-cooled reflux condenser in a dedicated fume hood. After extraction, the sample was repeatedly rinsed in ultra pure water (ASTM type II grade) and blow-dried with N$_2$. Characterization of microdisk optical modes was performed on the clean sample pre and post annealing using a swept wavelength laser (Santec TSL-710) in the 1480-1640 nm wavelength range to measure the transmission spectra of a dimpled fiber taper evanescently coupled to individual devices. ","- Fiber taper transmission spectra in the 1480-1640 nm probed for microdisks of 5, 6, 7 and 8 µm diameters","Microdisk optical resonators were etched on a single optical-grade diamond using O$_2$ plasma to diameters of 5 to 8 µm and a thickness of ~940 nm. The sample was cleaned in a tri-acid bath (equal mixture of H$_2$SO$_4$, HNO$_3$, and HClO$_4$) at 250 °C bath for two hours, then rinsed with ultrapure water and blow-tried with N$_2$. The sample was then slowly annealed from room temperature to 1200 °C in a custom vacuum chamber housing a heater and previously evacuated to 10$^{−9}$ mbar. After annealing, the sample was cleaned once again using the same procedure. Characterization of microdisk optical modes was performed on the clean sample pre and post annealing using a swept wavelength laser operating in the 1480 to 1640 nm range. Based on the resulting transmission spectra, what is the average blue-shift magnitude (in nm) of the optical resonance after annealing, if any?","[0.18-0.22] nm Note: No CI/SE/SD provided, so a ±10% fallback was applied to the 0.2 nm value reported on page 4.","- Diamond demands aggressive etching recipes for device patterning, which can promote surface damage and increase lattice strain. - Annealing steps can harm resonator performance by inducing additional losses from changes to surface morphology and other material characteristics. - Non-diamond (amorphous carbon) layers can be created on the diamond surface from background gas or out-gassing of the annealing system at high temperatures, which can act as a source of optical loss. - Tri-acid boiling creates an oxygen-terminated diamond surface through oxidation at 250 °C, crucial for the stabilization of spin, charge, and optical properties of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Diamond demands aggressive etching recipes for device patterning, which can promotes surface damage and increases lattices train.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diamond integrated quantum nanophotonics: spins, photons and phonons""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/9904837""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 28, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, referenced in the paper as ref [10]""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Non-diamond layers can be created on the diamond surface from background gas or out-gassing of the annealing system at high temperatures.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High temperature graphitization of diamond during heat treatment in air and in a vacuum""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1134/S1087659624600315""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 25, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced in the paper as ref [37]""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Tri-acid boiling creates an oxygen-terminated diamond surface through oxidation at 250 °C, crucial for the stabilization of spin, charge, and optical properties of nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diamond surface engineering for molecular sensing with nitrogen—vacancy centers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/tc/d2tc01258h""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 28, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, reference in the paper as ref [14]""}]" Physics,Condensed Matter Physics,MCQ,Observation of time crystal in a spin maser system,https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.15017,"Apr 30, 2025","In this experiment, the researchers employed a hybrid spin maser composed of rubidium and xenon gases contained in a heated vapor cell along with nitrogen as a buffer, in this step, a hot (∼120 ◦C) gaseous Rb-Xe vapor (containing a droplet of natural abundance Rb, 5 torr of isotope enriched 129Xe and 50 torr of buffer gas N2) is pumped with a resonant laser along the z axis, Rb spins are first polarized. Secondly, the Xe spins precess around a DC magnetic field Bz along the z-axis. The rubidium atoms were first optically pumped using a 795 nm laser. They prepare the initial state by first utilizing a 795-nm pump laser in the z axis with a power of approximately 40 mW. After that, they applied a magnetic field along the z-axis (Bz) and continuously monitored the polarization of the Rb atomic spins along the x-direction. This signal is transmitted to the feedback device, where the original signal from the vapor cell is processed, then fed back to the system parameter via the By coil. The collective spin precession of the ensemble was then tracked by a weak 780 nm probe laser whose signal, detected by an optical polarimeter, provided information about the transverse spin component. The probe laser power is kept at approximately 1 mW to prevent signal saturation in the photodetector. This electrical signal was processed by a feedback circuit that amplified it and imposed a controlled phase delay before sending it back through a magnetic coil to generate a transverse magnetic field, which acted on the spins.","- Recorded the real-time precession of rubidium spins under both weak and strong feedback strengths. - Examined Fourier spectra of the measured spin signal.","A hybrid spin maser composed of rubidium and xenon gases contained in a heated vapor cell, along with nitrogen as a buffer. The rubidium atoms were first optically pumped using a 795 nm laser to align their spins along an external magnetic field, and this polarization was transferred to the xenon nuclei through spin-exchange collisions. The collective spin precession of the ensemble was then tracked by a weak 780 nm probe laser whose signal, detected by an optical polarimeter, provided information about the transverse spin component. This electrical signal was processed by a feedback circuit. After that, the real-time precession of rubidium spins under both weak and strong feedback strengths and the Fourier spectra of the measured spin signal are measured. Predict which would be the outcome of this experiment. a) In the presence of weak feedback, in addition to the original peak, a stronger signal suddenly emerges at a lower frequency than the original frequency. b) In the presence of weak feedback, in addition to the original peak, a stronger signal suddenly emerges at a higher frequency than the original frequency. c) In the presence of strong feedback, in addition to the original peak, a stronger signal suddenly emerges at a lower frequency than the original frequency. d) In the presence of strong feedback, in addition to the original peak, a stronger signal suddenly emerges at a higher frequency than the original frequency. ","d) In the presence of strong feedback, in addition to the original peak, a stronger signal suddenly emerges at a higher frequency than the original frequency. ","- Feedback is a procedure of modifying system parameters according to the measurement outcomes. Feedback is not instantaneous but is accompanied by a time delay with a characteristic timescale, and thus can be considered a source of retarded interaction. - If the magnetization of spins is continuously measured and fed back into the system Hamiltonian with a time delay τ, then the dynamics of the spin at time t depend on the spin magnetization at an earlier time (t-τ). - A spin maser is a self-driven oscillating atomic system, where a phase-coherent feedback is used to maintain the persistent spin oscillation of a macroscopic ensemble of atoms and balance the spin depolarization or decoherence. - The spin maser is not only of practical significance in geomagnetic measurements and magnetic navigation, but also of fundamental interest in the search for permanent electric dipole moment [44–46] and spin-dependent exotic interactions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Feedback is a procedure of modifying system parameters according to the measurement outcomes. Feedback is not instantaneous but is accompanied by a time delay with a characteristic timescale, and thus can be considered a source of retarded interaction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Feedback-Based Quantum Optimization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.129.250502""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 13, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 28 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" A spin maser is a self-driven oscillating atomic system, where a phase-coherent feedback is used to maintain the persistent spin oscillation of a macroscopic ensemble of atoms and balance the spin depolarization or decoherence.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Principles of Operation of the Rubidium Vapor Magnetometer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/ao/abstract.cfm?uri=ao-1-1-61""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 1, 1962""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 38 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The spin maser is not only of practical significance in geomagnetic measurements and magnetic navigation, but also of fundamental interest in the search for permanent electric dipole moment [44–46] and spin-dependent exotic interactions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Floquet maser""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.abe0719""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 17, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 47 in the paper""}]" Physics,Condensed matter physics,MCQ,Identification of formation of amorphous Si phase in SiOxNy films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.14701,"October 16, 2025","Researchers deposited nine 300 ± 5 nm thick SiO$_x$N$_y$ films with different relative Si content using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. The relative Si contents for these films were 0.34, 0.39, 0.41, 0.48, 0.57, 0.64, 0.68, 0.77, and 0.80. The films were characterized via Raman spectroscopy using a 457-nm laser at room temperature and 1 mm sapphire plates as substrate. The Raman signals were detected using a spectrometer equipped with a CCD detector. The power density of the laser did not exceed 10$^3$ W/cm$^2$ to prevent alterations of the film structure.",- Raman spectra of the SiO$_x$N$_y$ films with different relative Si content,"The amorphous Si content in SiO$_x$N$_y$ films can be estimated from the integrated Raman signal of the transverse-optical band at around 476 cm$^{-1}$. To implement this, nine SiO$_x$N$_y$ films were grown with different relative Si content from 0.34 to 0.80 using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition and Raman spectroscopy was performed using a 457-nm excitation laser at room temperature. The Raman spectrum was decomposed into its Gaussian components and then the integrated intensity of the transverse optical (TO) Raman spectral band was calculated for each film. Which of the following outcomes are observed? Mark all the correct options. A. The Raman spectra feature two distinct peaks in the 400-570 cm$^{-1}$ range. B. The position of the maximum intensity in the Raman spectra is virtually independent of the Si content of the samples. C. The half width of the most intense TO band decreases as the amount of Si in the films increases. D. The integrated intensity increases exponentially with the relative Si content.","B. The position of the maximum intensity in the Raman spectra is virtually independent of the Si content of the samples. C. The half width of the most intense TO band decreases as the amount of Si in the films increases.","- Increasing the relative Si content changes the morphology and structure of SiO$_x$N$_y$. - Raman spectroscopy can detect amorphous Si clusters in as-deposited Si-rich SiO$_x$N$_y$ thin films. - SiO$_x$N$_y$ thin films with different film stoichiometries can be fabricated by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition - Raman spectrum of amorphous Si is characterized by a transverse-optical phonon vibrations of Si-Si bands.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Increasing the relative Si content changes the morphology and structure of SiO$_x$N$_y$. \n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Structural and morphological studies on SiOxNy thin films\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2007.09.063""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 6, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 8 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Raman spectroscopy can detect amorphous Si clusters in as-deposited Si-rich SiO$_x$N$_y$ thin films.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Silicon rich silicon oxynitride films for photoluminescence applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/S0040-6090(03)00008-7\n""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 14, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 9 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SiO$_x$N$_y$ thin films with different film stoichiometries can be fabricated by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Infrared study of the structure of silicon oxynitride films produced by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jnoncrysol.2023.122502""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 14, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 13 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Raman spectrum of amorphous Si is characterized by a transverse-optical phonon vibrations of Si-Si bands.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Micro-Raman spectroscopy characterization of silicon with different structures irradiated with energetic Bi-ions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nimb.2015.08.041""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 11, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 25 in the paper""}]" Physics,"Condensed Matter Physics, Material Science",MCQ,Isothermal Annealing Effects on β-Relaxations and Crystallization Behaviors in Amorphous GeTe,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.13313,"Oct 15, 2025","Researchers prepared amorphous samples of GeTe by magnetron sputtering deposition using stoichiometric targets at a background pressure of 3 × 10⁻³ mbar and an argon flow rate of 20 sccm. Thick layers of several micrometers were sputtered to obtain sufficient powder or flake samples for powder mechanical dynamic spectroscopy (PMS) measurements. Prior to PMS testing, the exfoliated flakes were carefully milled into a fine powder with a uniform particle size. For PMS measurements, a TA Q‑800 dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) was employed in combination with a custom‑designed powder container. To ensure data reliability, each measurement used a consistent powder mass of 300 mg, and the torsional force applied to the powder clamp was maintained at 5 pounds. For annealing experiments performed on powder samples within the DMA chamber under argon protection, the chamber temperature was rapidly equilibrated to the target annealing temperature, followed by in‑situ annealing at that temperature for 3 h, and then rapid cooling to room temperature.","- Temperature‑dependent relaxation spectra of the amorphous GeTe powder samples were recorded in multi‑frequency strain mode at discrete fixed testing frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, and 8 Hz), with a strain amplitude of 10 μm and a heating rate of 3 K/min, all conducted under an argon atmosphere. - Viscoelastic loss modulus (E′′) was measured at f = 1 Hz for an as-deposited GeTe sample. - Viscoelastic loss modulus (E′′) was measured at f = 1 Hz for a sample annealed at Tₐₙₙ = 166 °C for 3 hrs.","Powder mechanical spectroscopy (PMS) measurements allow for measuring viscoelastic loss modulus (E′′) and storage modulus (E’) of powder samples that lack the bulk glass-forming abilities required for conventional dynamic mechanical spectroscopy (DMS) measurements. E’’ and E’ can be used to characterize the α- and β-relaxations in glasses (amorphous and annealed GeTe powdered samples) at a given frequency (f). When time-dependent relaxation spectra were observed for GeTe samples (powdered by magnetron sputtering deposition using stoichiometric targets at a background pressure of 3 × 10⁻³ mbar and an argon flow rate of 20 sccm, with in‑situ annealing at 166 °C for 3 h, and then rapid cooling to room temperature, for the annealed sample) at different frequencies (0.5, 1, 2, 8 Hz), which of the following is the most likely outcome? A. No pronounced β-relaxation observed in amorphous GeTe samples, showing a positive deviation in the normalized α-relaxation peak compared to the annealed samples. B. Pronounced β-relaxation vanishes in amorphous GeTe samples with increasing frequency, showing a positive deviation in the normalized α-relaxation peak compared to the annealed samples. C. Pronounced β-relaxation vanishes in amorphous GeTe samples with increasing frequency, showing a negative deviation in the normalized α-relaxation peak compared to the annealed samples. D. Pronounced β-relaxation vanishes in amorphous GeTe samples with decreasing frequency, showing a positive deviation in the normalized α-relaxation peak compared to the annealed samples.","C. Pronounced β-relaxation vanishes in amorphous GeTe samples with increasing frequency, showing a negative deviation in the normalized α-relaxation peak compared to the annealed samples.","- Only in PCMs, excess wings in E’’ have been observed, indicating the presence of β-relaxations.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Only in PCMs, excess wings in E’’ have been observed, indicating the presence of β-relaxations.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Uncovering β-relaxations in amorphous phase-change materials""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.aay6726""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 10, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Quantum Atomic Physics / Atomtronics,Free-Format Question,Multi-loop and Multi-axis Atomtronic Sagnac Interferometry,https://arxiv.org/abs/2504.20345,"Apr 29, 2025","Researchers implemented a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer using approximately 10³⁸⁷Rb atoms confined within a two-dimensional toroidal optical waveguide generated by laser beams shaped through a spatial light modulator (SLM). The ⁸⁷Rb atoms were generated using a crossed optical dipole trap with 1064nm beams. The horizontal and vertical beams have waists of 17µm and 88µm, respectively. The atoms were cooled using delta-kick cooling, achieving a final effective temperature of 1.1nK and an axial size of 120µm (Thomas-Fermi FWHM) in the guide. To enable this collimation, the vertical beam is time-averaged (painted) at 10kHz to create a large harmonic lens of FWHM size 180µm. Controlled modulation of the optical potential drove the condensate along the ring to execute multiple orbits (multi-loop) and axis reorientation (multi-axis). The delta-kick collimation and focusing lens durations are 0.9ms and 2ms, respectively. The guide translation is performed by a one-axis acousto-optic deflector (AOD, IntraAction ATD274HD6), placed one focal length (f) behind a f = 20cm plano-convex lens. By changing the RF frequency to the AOD, the beam after the lens is translated by 338µm for a 1MHz change in the RF frequency. A double-square intensity pulse is used as a symmetric beam splitter, and a Gaussian pulse is used for the mirror operation on BECs. The beamsplitter pulse is composed of two square pulses of 22.3µs and 21.2µs with a no-light gap of 37.9µs in between, and the Bragg laser is ≈ 12.6GHz. Immediately after the recombination pulse, a strong delta-kick pulse is applied, focusing all three momentum states into a tight spot within 20ms, at which point the states are separated by 260µm. And use absorption imaging to count the number of atoms in the three peaks with no time of flight.","- Population fraction (in fraction) against the interferometer phase without phase correction. - Population fraction (in fraction) against the interferometer phase with phase correction.","Researchers implemented a Bose–Einstein condensate (BEC) interferometer using approximately 10³⁸⁷Rb atoms confined within a two-dimensional toroidal optical waveguide generated by laser beams shaped through a spatial light modulator (SLM). The atoms were cooled using delta-kick cooling. To enable this collimation, the vertical beam is time-averaged (painted) to create a large harmonic lens. Controlled modulation of the optical potential drove the condensate along the ring to execute multiple orbits (multi-loop) and axis reorientation (multi-axis). The guide translation is performed by a one-axis acousto-optic deflector (AOD, IntraAction ATD274HD6). A double-square intensity pulse is used as a symmetric beam splitter, and a Gaussian pulse is used for the mirror operation on BECs. Immediately after the recombination pulse, a strong delta-kick pulse is applied, focusing all three momentum states into a tight spot. And use absorption imaging to count the number of atoms in the three peaks with no time of flight. To measure the phase correction, two navigation-grade accelerometers are installed. Predict accelerometer correction depends upon which parameters?",This method of accelerometer correction depends only on interferometer time T.,"- A higher axial guide curvature or interferometer T both shorten the time wave-packets take to overlap again at the end. -We noticed that the waveguide waist moved for a duration of a few seconds due to the thermal lensing caused by the AOD. -with an increase in the number of loops or Sagnac area, contrast goes down due to technical (not fundamental) issues, and ARW remains of that order as mentioned above. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A higher axial guide curvature or interferometer T both shorten the time wave-packets take to overlap again at the end.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Confinement effects in a guided-wave atom interferometer with millimeter-scale arm separation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/pra/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevA.78.023619""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 14, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 41 in the paper""}]" Physics,Soft Condensed Matter,Free-Format Question,Dynamics of Choline Chloride based Deep Eutectic Solvents: Neutron Scattering Study,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.05882,"October 7, 2025","The experiment involves the synthesis of three deep eutectic solvents (DES)—reline (ChCl + urea), glyceline (ChCl + glycerol), and ethaline (ChCl + ethylene glycol)—by combining choline chloride with their respective deuterated hydrogen bond donors (HBDs) in a molar ratio of 1:2. The mixtures are heated to 340 K until a clear, homogeneous solution is achieved. The solutions are then cooled to room temperature (300 K), and the resulting DES systems remain in a liquid state. Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments are used to probe the self-diffusion of cholinium ions at molecular length and time scales. QENS experiments are performed on the IRIS spectrometer at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK). The IRIS spectrometer utilizes a PG (002) analyzer in offset mode, offering an energy transfer range from -0.3 to +1 meV with an energy resolution of approximately 17 µeV. The accessible wave-vector (Q) transfer range is between 0.54 and 1.8 Å⁻¹. A standard vanadium sample is used to calibrate the spectrometer's resolution.","- Quasielastic neutron spectra of ethaline, reline, and glyceline were recorded using IRIS spectrometer at ISIS to probe cholinium ion diffusion. - The jump diffusion coefficient of the cholinium ion (Ch⁺) in ethaline, reline, and glyceline, as a function of temperature (300–365 K).","Three deep eutectic solvent systems (reline, glyceline, and ethaline) were synthesized, comprising choline chloride (ChCl) mixed with urea, glycerol, and ethylene glycol in a 1:2 molar ratio. Each mixture was heated to 340 K until a clear, homogeneous solution was achieved, and the solution was cooled to room temperature (300 K) in a liquid state. Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments were performed using the IRIS spectrometer at the ISIS Neutron and Muon Source, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory (UK). QENS measurements were carried out at five temperatures: 300; 315; 330; 355; and 365 K. Which DES will have the steepest dependence of cholinium ion jump diffusion coefficient on temperature?","Based on the temperature-dependent measurements of the jump diffusion coefficient of ethaline, the jump diffusion coefficient of cholinium ions in ethaline should have the steepest dependence on temperature.","- Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are an emerging class of sustainable solvents that have gained attention as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). They are typically formed by combining a quaternary ammonium salt with a molecular hydrogen bond donor (HBD), resulting in a eutectic mixture with a melting point significantly lower than that of the individual components. - Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) experiments are used to probe the self-diffusion of cholinium ions at molecular length and time scales. The dynamics are modeled as a combination of jump diffusion of the molecular center of mass and localized translation within transient hydrogen-bond cages. - To elucidate the underlying diffusion mechanism, the QENS spectra is explicitly modeled using a microscopic diffusion mechanism that involves contributions from different dynamic processes. The QENS spectra were modeled using a two-component diffusion model incorporating both localized translation motion within transient cages and jump diffusion of the molecular center of mass. - To gain quantitative insight into the mobility of Ch⁺, the width of the Lorentzian component was modelled using the Singwi-Sjolander (SS) model.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Deep eutectic solvents (DESs) are an emerging class of sustainable solvents that have gained attention as environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional room-temperature ionic liquids (RTILs). They are typically formed by combining a quaternary ammonium salt with a molecular hydrogen bond donor (HBD), resulting in a eutectic mixture with a melting point significantly lower than that of the individual components. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Novel solvent properties of choline chloride/urea mixtures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1039/B210714G""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 26, 2002""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA; this is reference 1 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""To elucidate the underlying diffusion mechanism, the QENS spectra is explicitly modeled using a microscopic diffusion mechanism that involves contributions from different dynamic processes. The QENS spectra were modeled using a two-component diffusion model incorporating both localized translation motion within transient cages and jump diffusion of the molecular center of mass.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Transport Mechanism of Acetamide in Deep Eutectic Solvents""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jpcb.9b11137""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 4, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""The paper is paywalled, but this is cited as reference 8 in the paper. The paper is also important to understand the diffusion mechanisms of deep elastic solvents.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""To gain quantitative insight into the mobility of Ch⁺, the width of the Lorentzian component was modelled using the Singwi-Sjolander (SS) model.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diffusive Motions in Water and Cold Neutron Scattering""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRev.119.863""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 1, 1960""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""The paper is paywalled, but this is cited as reference 11 in the paper. It is also essential to understand the modeling of the width of the Lorentzian component using the Singwi-Sjolander (SS) model.""}]" Physics,High-Energy Nuclear Physics/Particle Physics,MCQ,News on strangeness production from the NA61/SHINE experiment ,https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.14998,"Aug 20, 2025 ","The NA61/SHINE experiment at the CERN Super Proton Synchrotron North Area used a fixed-target setup with an argon (Ar) beam incident on a scandium (Sc) target to study central collisions, selected as the 10% most central based on forward energy measurements. Beam momenta were 40 A GeV/c and 75 A GeV/c, corresponding to center-of-mass energies per nucleon pair of √s_NN = 8.77 GeV and 11.9 GeV. The detector included large-acceptance tracking and particle identification capabilities, with dE/dx measurements for charged kaons, combined time-of-flight and dE/dx for enhanced identification, and decay topology reconstruction for neutral K⁰_S mesons via the channel K⁰_S → π⁺ + π⁻ with a branching ratio of 69.2%. Yields were corrected for detector acceptance, reconstruction efficiency, selection cuts, and branching ratios, focusing on hadrons produced in strong interactions and electromagnetic decays. ","- Mid-rapidity yields (dn/dy at 0 0.7, p_π < 1.5 GeV/c. Two signal-enriched samples: TPC-π⁺ (pion tracked into downstream TPC) and FGD-π⁺ (contained π⁺ tagged via Michel e⁺ from π⁺ to μ⁺ to e⁺ chain). Use TPC dE/dx PID; Michel-electron clustering for FGD-π⁺; OOFV and ECal-track vetoes to reduce backgrounds, and at the end π⁺ momentum for contained tracks: inferred from distance to Michel-electron. ","- Differential, flux-integrated cross sections dσ/dx in 8 bins over the restricted phase space, against reconstructed electron momentum (pₑ), electron angle via cos θₑ, and pion momentum (p_π). - Total flux integrated cross section per target nucleon (carbon dominant FGD1) - Uncertainty breakdown recorded (detector response, flux, interaction model, target mass; stat vs. syst).","In the T2K experiment, using the ND280 near detector with 11.6 × 10²⁰ protons on target and selecting νₑ + C → e⁻ + π⁺ + X interactions within the restricted phase space, which is conducted by the Tokai to Kamioka (T2K) project. Predict what the measured total flux-integrated cross section per target nucleon (in × 10⁻³⁹ cm²) is for these νₑ CC π⁺ events?",The measured total flux-integrated cross section per target nucleon is 1.7 - 3.34 × 10⁻³⁹ cm² per nucleon. (The Standard Error is ±0.82 × 10⁻³⁹ cm² per nucleon),"- The single pion production (CC1π+) channels contribute ∼10% to the νe appearance signal from the T2K flux, given the current best-fit oscillation parameters. - A recent measurement of νeCC1π+, which combined T2K data with Super-Kamiokande atmospheric data, revealed an event rate excess localized to low lepton momentum.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The single pion production (CC1π+) channels contribute ∼10% to the νe appearance signal from the T2K flux, given the current best-fit oscillation parameters.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Measurements of neutrino oscillation parameters from the T2K experiment using 3.6 × 10^{21} protons on target. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjc/s10052-023-11819-x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 5, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":"" Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 3 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A recent measurement of νeCC1π+, which combined T2K data with Super-Kamiokande atmospheric data, revealed an event rate excess localized to low lepton momentum.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""First Joint Oscillation Analysis of Super-Kamiokande Atmospheric and T2K Accelerator Neutrino Data""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.134.011801""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":"" Jan 2, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 13 in the paper""}]" Physics,Experimental Condensed Matter Physics. ,MCQ,Listen! it’s a phase transition. The sound of a shape memory alloy,https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.18037,"Jul 31, 2025","Researchers evaluated the occurrence of phase transitions (PT) using the sound produced when one hits a nitinol (Ni40Ti50Cu10) sample, by continuously monitoring the sound using an elementary experimental setup. The bar used in the experiment has the following dimensions: (20 ± 0.1) cm long, with an approximate rectangular cross section (0.70 ± 0.05) x (0.60 ±0.05) cm2, and a mass of (50 ±1) g. An additional cylindrical iron bar, (20 ± 0.1) cm long with a diameter of (0.79 ±0.02) cm and a mass of (77 ±1) g was used as a control sample. The bars were immersed in water at 70 °C before being quickly extracted and allowed to cool down to room temperature. While cooling, the bars were quickly and repeatedly hit with a rubber hammer in the middle, perpendicularly to their length, to excite flexural vibrations. A thermocouple was attached to each bar near one node to monitor its temperature. The sound emitted by the bar was recorded with a USB microphone directly connected to a computer’s sound card. The sound spectrum and the frequency of the fundamental mode were measured. ","- The temperature of the bars is read by a multimeter attached to a thermocouple fixed to the bars. - The fundamental vibration mode frequency of iron and nitinol (NiTiCu) rods upon cooling from 70 °C to 20°C was measured. ","A NiTiCu shape memory alloy rod and an iron (Fe) rod are heated in water at 70 °C and then cooled to room temperature. During the cooling process, both rods are repeatedly struck with a hammer, and their sound spectra are recorded. Which of the following statements about the temperature dependence of the fundamental vibration mode frequency of NiTiCu and Fe is incorrect? A) The fundamental frequency of the NiTiCu rod drops as the temperature decreases for a specific interval, and outside that interval, it remains the same. B) The fundamental frequency of the NiTiCu rod rises as the temperature decreases for a specific interval, and outside that interval it remains the same. C) The fundamental frequency of the NiTiCu rod drops as the temperature decreases for every point in the measured interval. D) The fundamental frequency of the NiTiCu rod rises as the temperature decreases for every point in the measured interval. ","A) The fundamental frequency of the NiTiCu rod drops as the temperature decreases for a specific interval, and outside that interval, it remains the same. ","- The Ni40Ti50Cu10 alloy exhibits a stable crystal structure at high temperatures, which is cubic austenite, and at low temperatures, the stable phase is the less symmetric monoclinic martensite. - The temperature-induced austenite/martensite transformation is not isothermal. Upon cooling, the austenite starts transforming into martensite. - The fundamental frequency depends on the bar’s dimensions (length L and thickness h) and on the Young’s modulus of the material - Young’s modulus changes as a function of temperature for NiTiCu, which changes the fundamental frequency of the material. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Ni40Ti50Cu10 alloy exhibits a stable crystal structure at high temperatures, which is cubic austenite, and at low temperatures, the stable phase is the less symmetric monoclinic martensite.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Development and application of a Ni-Ti interatomic potential with high predictive accuracy of the martensitic phase transition. ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.92.134107""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 14, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 12 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The temperature-induced austenite/martensite transformation is not isothermal. Upon cooling, the austenite starts transforming into martensite. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Shape Memory Materials""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cambridge.org/it/universitypress/subjects/engineering/materials-science/shape-memory-materials#gVjol5kZADu6G7fF.97""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 18 in the paper""}]" Physics,Physics/Condensed Matter Physics,MCQ,Hybridization in van der Waals epitaxy of PtSe2/h-BN and PtSe2/graphene heterostructures,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.17464,"October 20, 2025","Researchers investigated monolayer and bilayer PtSe₂ grown on h-BN and graphene substrates via molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) to study substrate-induced hybridization effects. Growth was performed in a 2-inch MBE reactor using an electron-beam Pt source (Φ(Pt) = 0.003 Å s⁻¹) and a Se cracker source (Φ(Se) = 0.5 Å s⁻¹, 290 °C). Hydrogenated graphene/SiC(0001) substrates with exfoliated h-BN flakes were heated to 320 °C under UHV (~10⁻¹⁰ mbar). Five Se-Pt co-deposition and annealing cycles produced mono- and bilayer PtSe₂, followed by cooling to 200 °C under Se flux. Structural quality was confirmed by RHEED and micro-Raman spectroscopy (532 nm, 633 nm lasers), while nano-ARPES (hν = 95 eV, 600 nm spot, 85 K) and ARPES (hν = 90 eV) at SOLEIL synchrotron were used to probe valence band structure and interlayer hybridization. ","- Raman-active modes (E₉, A₁g, LO) measured by a Horiba Raman microscope (532/633 nm lasers) to assess PtSe₂ layer quality. - Se 3d and Pt 4f core levels were recorded by nano-ARPES/XPS (hν = 95 eV, 600 nm spot, 85 K) to analyze chemical states and charge transfer. - Band dispersion along Γ–K measured by ARPES (hν = 90 eV, ≤80 µm spot) to determine valence band maxima and hybridization. - RHEED patterns obtained during MBE growth to confirm epitaxial ordering. - Substrate temperature (320 °C) and Se/Pt flux ratio (~170:1) controlled for uniform PtSe₂ growth. ","Researchers investigated the Se 3d and Pt 4f core levels of PtSe₂/h-BN and PtSe₂/graphene heterostructures using nano-ARPES/XPS (hν = 95 eV, 600 nm spot, 85 K) to analyze charge transfer effects. What is the value of the shift in the Se 3d core-level binding energy that was observed between PtSe₂/h-BN and PtSe₂/graphene? A. shift of 0.22 eV B. shift of 0.15 eV C. shift of 0.35 eV D. shift of 0.45 eV",C. shift of 0.35 eV ,"- Understanding the molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) enables precise growth of mono- and bilayer PtSe₂ films on h-BN and graphene substrates under ultra-high vacuum (~10⁻¹⁰ mbar) at 320°C, allowing control of interfacial quality. - Knowledge of micro-Raman spectroscopy and RHEED diffraction techniques is essential to verify crystal quality, layer thickness, and epitaxial ordering of PtSe₂ during and after growth. - Background in nano-ARPES/XPS analysis is required to interpret Se 3d and Pt 4f core-level spectra, which reveal chemical states and charge transfer between PtSe₂ and its substrates. - Understanding of ARPES band mapping helps identify the valence band maxima (VBM) and detect interlayer hybridization effects in PtSe₂/graphene heterostructures. - Knowledge that a Se 3d binding energy shift indicates a measurable charge transfer difference between PtSe₂/h-BN and PtSe₂/graphene interfaces. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures are stacks of two-dimensional materials held together by weak van der Waals forces.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Van der Waals heterostructures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1038/nature12385""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 25, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Materials Science,Free-Format Question,Surface diffusion of phosphorus on Si(100) after PBr3 adsorption,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.15599,"October 17, 2025","Researchers studied the adsorption of $PBr_3$ gas molecules on top of a B-doped Si(100) substrate (1 Ωcm) at two different substrate temperatures: 77 K and 300 K. The substrate was inserted in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) setup with a base pressure of 5E-11 Torr and prepared by outgassing the wafer at 1170 K overnight in UHV followed by flash-annealing at 1470 K. A scanning tunneling microscope (GPI CRYO, SigmaScan Ltd) was performed by employing mechanically cut Pt-Rh and Pt-Ir tips, as well as polycrystalline W tips that had been electrochemically etched.","- Experimental empty state STM images (Us = +2.3V, It = 2.0 nA) recorded at 77 K. - Experimental empty state STM images (Us = +1.5V, It = 2.5 nA) recorded at 300 K.","Researchers studied the adsorption of $PBr_3$ gas molecule on top of a B-doped Si(100) sample (1 Ωcm) at two different substrate temperatures: 77 K and 300 K. The substrate is inserted in a ultra high vacuum (UHV) setup with a base pressure below 1E-10 mbar and prepared by outgassing the wafer at 1170 K overnight in UHV followed by flash-annealing at 1470 K. The diffusion of the phosphorus atom is studied using a scanning tunneling microscope with mechanically cut Pt-Rh and Pt-Ir tips and electrochemically etched polycrystalline W tips. Researchers acquire STM images at 77 K ($U_s$ = +2.3 V, $I_t$ = 2.0 nA) and 300 K ($U_s$ = +1.5 V, $I_t$ = 2.5 nA). What are the most likely starting or ending position of the P diffusion at 77 K and at 300 K?","At 77 K, P diffusion mostly started and ended in bridge positions of the Si(100) dimer. At 300 K, P diffuses between end bridge positions.","- A clean Si(100) surface is characterized by the formation of dimers. - PBr$_3$ molecule completely dissociates to a single phosphorus atom after adsorption on Si(100) at 300K. - P atom from PH$_2$ moves along a dimer row between the most favorable end-bridge positions.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A clean Si(100) surface is characterized by the formation of dimers.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hydrogen inserted into the Si(100)-2x1-H surface: A first-principles study""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2006.16371""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 29, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""PBr3 molecule completely dissociates to a single phosphorus atom after adsorption on Si(100) at 300K.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PBr3 Adsorption and Dissociation on the Si(100) Surface""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jpcc.3c00421""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 5, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is reference 10 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""P atom from PH$_2$ moves along a dimer row between the most favorable end-bridge positions.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Reaction paths of phosphine dissociation on silicon (001)""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4939124""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 7, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is reference 1 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Surface Physics,Free-Format Question,"Epitaxial growth of gold films on the elemental superconductors V(100), Nb(100) and Nb(110)",https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.08914,"May 13, 2025","A V(100) single crystal is inserted in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) system and Ar $^{+}$ sputtered for 20 min with 20 μA ion current. Then, it is degassed at 1000 °C for removing oxidized species due to air contamination. Later, the sample undergoes several cycles of sputtering and annealing, followed by flashes at 1600 °C. This results in the formation of the V(5 × 1)-O reconstruction of the surface. On this surface, Au is deposited in-situ through molecular beam epitaxy with a nominal coverage of 9 ML. The sample is investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and then undergoes a new annealing at 600 °C. After this last thermal heating , the sample is investigated again through XPS and STM. STM is acquired in low temperature mode (1.1 K) using a lock-in amplifier with a typical frequency of 980 Hz and oscillation amplitude of 0.1 mV. X-ray photons for XPS come from a non-monochromatic Al Kα photon source (hν = 1486.6 eV).","- Photoemission spectra on the V 2p energetic region (540-505 eV) as a function of the binding energy [eV] with Al Kα source. - Photoemission spectra on the Au 4f energetic region (92-80 eV) as a function of the binding energy [eV] with Al Kα source. - Low Temperature (1.1 K) STM image with atomic resolution. ","Consider the following experiment conducted by researchers: a V(100) single crystal is inserted in an ultra high vacuum (UHV) system and Ar $^{+}$ sputtered for 20 min with 20 μA ion current. Then, it is degassed at 1000 °C for removing oxidized species due to air contamination. Later, the sample undergoes several cycles of sputtering and annealing, followed by flashes at 1600 °C. This results in the formation of the V(5 × 1)-O reconstruction of the surface. On this surface, researchers deposit a nominal coverage of 9 ML of Au in-situ through molecular beam epitaxy. The sample then undergoes a new annealing at 600 °C and is investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). What can be expected about the quality of the Au films","Au films become atomically flat, but with clear proof of Au-V intermixing","- Typical surface reconstructions appear for V(100) presence of large amounts of oxygen in the bulk and the high affinity of V to form stable oxides. - Au is known for the high miscibility with transition metals.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Typical surface reconstructions appear for V(100) presence of large amounts of oxygen in the bulk and the high affinity of V to form stable oxides""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Making a noble metal of Pd\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1209/epl/i2005-10075-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 15, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, Cited in the paper as Ref [28]""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Au is known for the high miscibility with transition metals.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Extreme mixing in nanoscale transition metal alloys""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590238521001752""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 7, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,"Materials Science, Condensed Matter Physics",Free-Format Question,Incorporating Si into Sb2Se3: Tailoring Optical Phase Change Materials via Nanocomposites,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.14990,"October 2, 2025","Researchers synthesized thin films of antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) via magnetron co-sputtering onto 400 μm-thick sapphire substrates under ultrahigh vacuum (base pressure: 2 × 10⁻⁸ Torr) using argon (99.9997%, Airgas) at 4.6 × 10⁻³ Torr. High-purity Si (99.995%) and Sb₂Se₃ (99.999%) targets were co-sputtered using RF powers of 14 W and 17 W, respectively, for 25 minutes to produce films with nominal thicknesses of 30–120 nm. Two compositions were prepared: an undoped Sb₂Se₃ reference and a sample with 20 at.% Si doping, verified by wavelength-dispersive spectroscopy. All films were capped with a 30 nm SiO₂ layer to prevent oxidation. For optical and thermal characterization, samples were either analysed in the as-deposited (amorphous) state or annealed in an N₂ glovebox at 350°C for 20 minutes to achieve full crystallization—particularly required for the 20% Si-doped composition. The same synthesis and capping protocol was applied to both samples to ensure comparability. After that, measured temperature-dependent XRD on two samples: pure Sb2Se3 and 20% Si-doped Sb2Se3. Nano-differential scanning calorimetry, or NanoDSC, which meets industry standards with a sensitivity of 1 Å and a scanning rate of up to 3 × 10^6 K/s, is performed on two samples. ","- Temperature-dependent XRD is done for both undoped and 20% Si-doped Sb₂Se₃. -Melting temperature measured via nano-differential scanning calorimetry (NanoDSC), for both undoped and 20% Si-doped Sb₂Se₃.","Antimony selenide (Sb₂Se₃) thin film was synthesized via magnetron co-sputtering onto sapphire substrates under ultrahigh vacuum using argon. High-purity Si and Sb₂Se₃ targets were co-sputtered to produce films with nominal thicknesses of 30–120 nm. Two compositions were prepared: an undoped Sb₂Se₃ reference and a sample with 20 at.% Si doping. All films were capped with a 30 nm SiO₂ layer to prevent oxidation. After that, temperature-dependent XRD measurements were performed on two samples: pure Sb2Se3 and 20% Si-doped Sb2Se3. Additionally, nano-differential scanning calorimetry, or NanoDSC, which meets industry standards, was conducted on both samples. Predict, compared to undoped Sb₂Se₃, does 20% Si-doped Sb₂Se₃ exhibit a higher, lower, or similar transparency window and power consumption? ","Compared to pure Sb₂Se₃, the 20% Si-doped film shows a beneficial increase in the transparency window and reduced power consumption. ","- The undoped Sb₂Se₃ has Tc and Tm as 200°C and 600 °C respectably. -Si-doped samples are more challenging to crystallize; Si dopants suppress the crystallization of amorphous films, similar to Si-doped Sb2Te3.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The undoped Sb₂Se₃ has Tc and Tm as 200°C and 600 °C respectably. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Optical switching beyond a million cycles of low-loss phase change material Sb₂Se₃""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/ome/fulltext.cfm?uri=ome-14-1-22""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 6, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, but this is cited as reference 41 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Si-doped samples are more challenging to crystallize; Si dopants suppress the crystallization of amorphous films, similar to Si-doped Sb2Te3.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Phase change behavior improvement of Sb2Te3 films by Si doping: Raman scattering evidence at elevated temperatures""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/adv/article/12/3/035002/2818794/Phase-change-behavior-improvement-of-Sb2Te3-films""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 1, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, but this is cited as reference 43 in the paper""}]" Physics,"Plasma Physics, Laser Physics",Numerical Values,Mass use in 2 μm laser-driven tin plasma using sheet targets,https://pubs.aip.org/aip/jap/article/138/14/143304/3366875/Mass-use-in-2-m-laser-driven-tin-plasma-using,"October 8, 2025","The researcher demonstrates the mass-use efficiency of a 2-μm-wavelength laser-produced plasma. In a vacuum chamber maintained at ~ 10^-6 mbar, they stream droplets of liquid tin through a nozzle. The diameter of the tin droplets can be varied by controlling the volumetric flow rate in tandem with applying a suitable modulation to the nozzle. The resulting liquid stream is broken into droplets of consistent diameter. First, a low-energy, 1 μm wavelength prepulse laser is fired onto a tin droplet to produce thin sheet targets of tin. After the predetermined delay, a spatially and temporally flat-top 2 μm laser beam with an energy enclosed within the FWHM of the spatial profile, E_encl of 75%, is fired onto the tin sheet, generating the plasma. The generated tin plasma is studied using four calibrated EUV photodiodes placed at angles of 30 °, 41°, 64°, and 114° with respect to the direction opposite to the laser light propagation. Additionally, place two fast EUV photodiodes at angles of 21° (forward) and 159° (backward) with respect to the direction opposite to the laser light propagation. The EUV-emitting surface is captured using the EUV imaging system, which is placed at 90° with respect to the direction opposite to the laser light propagation. The main-pulse laser, which has a flat spatial profile, is measured before the pulse is directed into the vacuum chamber and is corrected for transmission through the vacuum window. The 2μm-wavelength drive laser characteristics are maintained at an 11ns time duration and an intensity of 7 x 10^10 W/cm^2. Then, the conversion efficiency (CE) of laser light into EUV light is studied as a function of the target diameter and as a function of overlap volume with the main-pulse laser.","- Conversion efficiency (CE) (in %) studied as a function of the target diameter at an intensity of 7 x 10^10 W/cm^2 with a 11ns time duration. - Conversion efficiency (CE) (in %) studied as a function of overlap volume at an intensity of 7 x 10^10 W/cm^2 of 11ns time duration.","The researcher demonstrates the mass-use efficiency of a 2-μm-wavelength laser-produced plasma. In a vacuum chamber maintained at ~ 10^-6 mbar, they stream droplets of liquid tin through a nozzle. The diameter of the tin droplets can be varied by controlling the volumetric flow rate in tandem with applying a suitable modulation to the nozzle. The 2μm-wavelength drive laser characteristics are maintained at an 11ns time duration and an intensity of 7 x 10^10 W/cm^2. Then, the conversion efficiency (CE) of laser light into EUV light is studied as a function of the target diameter and as a function of overlap volume with the main-pulse laser. Predict what the optimum overlap volume, which is the volume at which plasmas start to show near-peak CE (plateau) (in m^3)?","The volume at which plasmas start to show near-peak CE (plateau) is around 1.7 x 10^-15 - 2.3 x 10^-15 m^3. (No CI/SE/SD is given, fallback is 0.3 x 10^-15 m^3)","- After the pre-pulse laser impact the sheet is propelled in the direction of the beam and the sheet retracts due to the surface tension of the liquid - Late-time sheets may have the same diameter as early-time sheets, but will be thinner due to the continuous mass loss during the expansion, and retraction processes.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""After the pre-pulse laser impact the sheet is propelled in the direction of the beam and the sheet retracts due to the surface tension of the liquid ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mass Loss from a Stretching Semitransparent Sheet of Liquid Tin""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prapplied/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.13.024035""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 13, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 14 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Late-time sheets may have the same diameter as early-time sheets, but will be thinner due to the continuous mass loss during the expansion, and retraction processes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mass Partitioning in Fragmenting Tin Sheets""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prapplied/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevApplied.20.014048""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 21, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 17 in the paper""}]" Physics,Materials and surface science,Numerical Values,The Impact of Gas Cluster Ion Beam Sputtering on the Chemical and Electronic Structure of Methyl Ammonium Lead Iodide Thin Films,https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/admi.202500102,"May 23, 2025","The perovskite precursor solution prepares the thin film methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) for film fabrication was prepared under nitrogen atmosphere by dissolving 159 mg methylammonium iodide (MAI) (Dyenamo AB, 99.99% purity on trace elements basis) and 461 mg PbI2 (Tokyo Chemical Industry 99.99% purity in trace metals basis, >98.0% total purity) in 71 μL dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO, Sigma-Aldrich, ≥99.9% purity, anhydrous) and 0.6 mL of N, N dimethylformamide (DMF, Sigma-Aldrich, 99.8% purity, anhydrous) by mixing for ≈12 h. As substrates, we utilized quartz glass coated with indium tin oxide (ITO), which was cleaned for 10 minutes each in an ultrasonic bath with isopropanol and ethanol. After drying the substrate with N2 gas and exposing each to (UV)-ozone for 15 min, the samples were directly introduced into a nitrogen-filled glove box for perovskite deposition. The MAPbI3 thin films were fabricated by spin-coating 40 μL of the precursor solution for 30 s at 4000 rpm on the cleaned ITO. After 10 s in the spin-coating process, 200 μL of ethyl acetate (EA, Sigma-Aldrich, 99.8% purity, anhydrous) was introduced on top of the film as the anti-solvent. Crystallization was induced by annealing the sample for 3 minutes at 100 °C. For the fabrication of a PbI2 reference film, 461 mg of PbI2 was dissolved in 1 mL DMF and mixed for ≈12 h. The solution was then heated at 80 °C for 2 h, and while still hot, spin-coated for 30 s at 6000 rpm onto an ITO sample that had been cleaned as described above. All solutions were prepared one day before each film preparation and measurement. While the samples were prepared in a glove box with a nitrogen atmosphere, they were briefly exposed to ambient air (5 min) before being introduced into the photoemission system. The methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) thin films are exposed to argon gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) sputtering under two kinetic energy conditions: 3.2 and 1.5 eV per Ar atom (eV/Ar). For depth-profiling (long-term exposure), samples were sputtered for 1, 13, 16, and 32 hours at both energies. For surface cleaning (short-term exposure), samples were sputtered for 10, 30, and 60 minutes using only the 1.5 eV/Ar condition. A pristine (unsputtered) MAPbI₃ sample and a separately prepared PbI₂ reference film were included as controls. All photoemission measurements were conducted under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions and at room temperature using a hemispherical analyzer (EA15) with a microchannel plate (PREVAC). The UHV system is equipped with a monochromatic He I source with photon energy h𝜈 = 21.22 eV, and a monochromatic Al K𝛼 x-ray source with h𝜈 = 1486.6 eV. Measurements of the SECO were performed with the application of a – 10.0 V sample bias. The calibration of the photoemission system was performed by setting the Au Fermi edge for UPS and the Au 4f7/2 peak for XPS of a clean single-crystal Au(111) to 0 eV and 84 eV binding energies, respectively. Gas cluster ion beam sputtering was performed using the GCIB 10S (Ionoptika), which allows for the adjustment of cluster size and energy selection. Here, two settings for achieving the lowest energy per argon atom Ekin/n (≈3000 Ar atoms with an acceleration voltage of 5 and 10 kV, respectively) were utilized with the maximal sputter area of 67.1 mm2. ",- Work function shift is measured using ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS) on the surface of the MAPbI₃ after 16 hours of GCIB sputtering at 3.2 eV/Ar. ,"The perovskite precursor solution, which prepares the thin film methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) for film fabrication, was prepared under a nitrogen atmosphere by dissolving 159 mg methylammonium iodide and 461 mg PbI2 in 71 μL dimethyl sulfoxide and 0.6 mL of N, N-dimethylformamide by mixing for ≈12 h. The MAPbI3 thin films were fabricated by spin-coating 40 μL of the precursor solution for 30 s at 4000 rpm on the cleaned ITO. For the fabrication of a PbI2 reference film, 461 mg of PbI2 was dissolved in 1 mL DMF and mixed for ≈12 h. The solution was then heated at 80 °C for 2 h, and while still hot, spin-coated for 30 s at 6000 rpm onto an ITO sample that had been cleaned as described above. The methylammonium lead iodide (MAPbI₃) thin films are exposed to an argon gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) sputtering with a kinetic energy of 3.2 eV/Ar atom. For depth-profiling (long-term exposure), samples were sputtered for 16 hours. A pristine (unsputtered) MAPbI₃ sample and a separately prepared PbI₂ reference film were included as controls. All photoemission measurements were conducted under ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) conditions and at room temperature. The calibration of the photoemission system was performed by setting the Au Fermi edge for ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS). Predict the work function shift (ΔWF) for this condition (in eV ).","The work function shift (ΔWF) of MAPbI₃ thin film after 16 hours of GCIB sputtering at 3.2 eV/Ar is 0.8 - 1.2 eV. (No CI/SE/SD is mentioned, the fallback is ±0.1 eV)","- Upon illumination, PbI2 decomposes into Pb0 and gaseous I2 due to photolysis. Using 3.2 eV/Ar, we observed a complete loss of carbon and nitrogen on the surface after 1 h of sputtering, in agreement with the emergence of the Pb0 core level. - From the first hour and up to 16 h of sputtering, MAPbI3 gradually degrades into PbI2 and metallic Pb while the valence band still represents the perovskite feature, indicating a partial degradation on the surface. - Continued sputtering after 16 h drastically changed the surface composition, where the metallic Pb dominates on the surface, and the valence band differs significantly from the perovskite valence structure.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Upon illumination, PbI2 decomposes into Pb0 and gaseous I2 due to photolysis. Using 3.2 eV/Ar, we observed a complete loss of carbon and nitrogen on the surface after 1 h of sputtering, in agreement with the emergence of the Pb0 core level. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Photoinduced degradation of methylammonium lead triiodide perovskite semiconductors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2016/ta/c6ta06497c""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 22, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 36 in the pape""}]" Physics,Material science,MCQ,Soft Conductive Textile Sensors: Characterization Methodology and Behavioral Analysis,https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/14/4448,"July 17, 2025","Researchers characterized a soft conductive textile sensor in terms of its stability. The sensor was obtained by combining a soft silicone substrate and a conductive fabric. Both the soft silicone structure and the conductive fabric shape were designed in accordance with the ISO Standard 37:2017; specifically, the sensor was designed with a dog-bone or dumbbell shape. The conductive fabric was a Stretch Conductive Fabric from LESS EMF, which is a 76% Nylon and 24% elastic fabric with a silver-plating. The fabric had fibers with a 12.7µm diameter. The monoaxile strain testing was performed on an Instron tester, and the resistance was measured with a Wheatstone bridge and an NI USB 6009 DAQ Card from National Instruments. The sensor was tested at strain levels of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% and kept at each strain level for 30s.","- Mechanical strain - Electrical resistance","Researcher studied the performance of a textile sensor made from a soft silicone substrate and a conductive fabric containing 76% Nylon and 24% elastic fabric with a silver-plating. This 12.7µm diameter sensor was tested for its stability on four different strain levels, namely 25%, 50%, 75% and 100%. Which of these options best describes the relative change in resistance, which is the delta change in resistance from initial resistance, divided by initial resistance? A. The relative change in resistance increases with strain. B. The relative change in resistance is constant at the four strain levels. C. The relative change in resistance decreases with strain. D. The relative change in resistance increases from 25% to 75% but decreases below the 50% value at 100%.",C. The relative change in resistance decreases with strain.,"- Conductive textiles can be used to realize resistive stretching sensors, which are characterized by a change in electrical resistance as a function of the applied mechanical strain.", Physics,Physics/Applied Physics,MCQ,Experimental Characterization and Dynamic Modeling of THz Channels Under Fog Conditions,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.09906,"October 10, 2025","Researchers experimentally emulated a THz line-of-sight (LoS) channel transmitting through fog using a controlled environment via a fog chamber. From the transmitter side, a Ceyear 1465D signal generator produced a base signal (100 kHz to 20 GHz), which was then subjected to a Ceyear 82406D ×18 frequency multiplier to achieve the target THz frequencies of 220 GHz and 320 GHz. The radiated signal was launched using a Ceyear 89901S horn antenna integrated with a 10-cm dielectric lens, yielding a gain of up to 33 dBi at 220 GHz and a beam width of ~4º. For a symmetric channel, the receiver employed an identical horn-lens assembly. A Ceyear 71718 power sensor was used on the receiver side, with measurements sampled at 5 Hz. Both antennas were mounted at 85 cm to eliminate ground effects of the Fresnel zone. Power loss was monitored as a function of time. A purpose-built chamber with inner dimensions of 1.0×0.5×0.5 m$^3$ (in L×W×H) served as the propagation medium. Circular apertures (90 mm in diameter) on chamber walls allowed unobstructed channel propagation. Dense fog was created by a commercial ultrasonic generator, which generated water droplets with diameters ranging from 1 to 30 μ. The output was fed into the chamber through flexible tubing and controlled airflow to maintain a quasi-stationary state of fog necessary for robust small-scale statistical analysis. The temperature was maintained at around 24 $^{\circ}$C and the relative humidity during fog trials was up to 92.2% RH.","- Signal-to-noise ratio statistics (from 16.2 to 17.1 dB) for the 220 and 320 GHz signals - Power loss of the THz signals as a function of time up to 250 s","The terahertz (THz) band is a promising candidate for sixth-generation wireless networks, but its deployment in outdoor environments is challenged by meteorological phenomena such as fog, which imposes variable and difficult-to-predict channel degradation. Terahertz signals (220 GHz and 320 GHz) were allowed to propagate in a controlled fog chamber at 24 $^{\circ}$C and relative humidity of up to 92.2% RH. Which of the following outcomes are observed? Mark all the correct options. A. The presented environmental conditions cause power loss to be scatter-dominated. B. The Rician distribution provides an excellent fit to the measured SNR statistics across the entire probability range, outperforming the Weibull model. C. The fog-induced power loss is dominated by absorption components. D. The cumulative distribution function of the SNR fits better with the Weibull model at 220 GHz than at 320 GHz.","B. The Rician distribution provides an excellent fit to the measured SNR statistics across the entire probability range, outperforming the Weibull model. C. The fog-induced power loss is dominated by absorption components rather than scattering.","- Fog introduces significant and time-variable extinction losses to THz radiation. - The Rician model can be used as the cumulative distribution function to model the signal-to-noise ratio for a line-of-sight dominated channel. - Fog and other high humidity environments degrade radiated THz signals mainly due to water droplets absorption rather than scattering or scintillation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fog introduces significant and time-variable extinction losses to THz radiation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Review of weather impact on outdoor terahertz wireless communication links""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nancom.2016.07.006""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 5, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open access; this is reference 7 in the manuscript.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The Rician model can be used as the cumulative distribution function to model the signal-to-noise ratio for a line-of-sight dominated channel.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Impact of Snowfall on Terahertz Channel Performance: Measurement and Modeling Insights""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/abstract/document/10568390""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 21, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is reference 24 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Fog and other high humidity environments degrade radiated THz signals mainly due to water droplets absorption rather than scattering or scintillation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Experimental comparison of performance degradation from terahertz and infrared wireless links in fog""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/josaa/abstract.cfm?uri=josaa-29-2-179""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 14, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is reference 23 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Nuclear Physics,MCQ,High-precision Penning trap mass measurements of neutron-rich chlorine isotopes at the N = 28 shell closure,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.18354,"May 23, 2025","The researchers performed the first high-precision mass measurements of the neutron-rich isotopes 43–45Cl using the Time-of-Flight Ion Cyclotron Resonance (TOF-ICR) technique at the Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap (LEBIT) facility, which is coupled to the National Superconducting Cyclotron Laboratory (NSCL). A 48Ca primary beam was accelerated to 140 MeV/u and impinged on a 9Be target of thickness 846 mg/cm2. The produced fragments were sent through the A1900 fragment separator, where the 43−45Cl isotopes were identified at the focal plane via the energy loss and time-of-flight (∆E vs TOF) PID method and selected. After the separation, the beam proceeded via a momentum compression beamline to the gas stopping area. Before entering a gas cell, the beam was slowed with aluminum degraders and dispersion matched with an aluminum wedge. The effective thicknesses of the rotatable degraders were adjusted, allowing the beam to enter the gas cell at an energy of less than 1 MeV. The gas stopping area utilizes two gas cells, the Room Temperature Gas Cell (RTGC) and the Advanced Cryogenic Gas Cell (ACGS). In the RTGC or ACGS, the highly charged ions undergo collisions with the helium gas and the chlorine isotopes. In the RTGC, ions are transported by a combination of radiofrequency (RF) and direct current (DC) fields, as well as gas flow. In the ACGS, ions are transported via ion carpet surfing using an RF electric wave and a DC push field. In both gas cells, the ions are then extracted into an RF quadrupole (RFQ) ion guide. The gas stopping and LEBIT facilities are raised to 30 kV while the transport beam line between them is at ground potential. During transport, the ions are sent through a dipole magnet with a resolving power of approximately 1500. After entering LEBIT, the selected continuous beam was injected into a linear buffer-gas-filled Paul trap, which serves as both a cooler and a buncher. Following extraction, the ion bunches are guided and injected into the 9.4 T Penning trap mass spectrometer. Ions in the Penning trap are confined radially via a homogeneous magnetic field B and axially via a quadrupolar electrostatic field. The Time-of-Flight is measured with a Multi-Channel Plate (MCP) detector. Seven independent measurements with tRF = 100 ms were made of 43Cl+ using 39K+ as the reference, of which the final three utilized the pulsed Ramsey resonance technique. Seven independent measurements with tRF = 50 ms were made of 44Cl+, using [12C14N1H216O]+ (A = 44) and 39K+ as references. Four independent measurements with tRF = 100 ms of 45Cl+ were made using [28Si16O1H]+ (A = 45) as the reference ion.","- 7 independent measurements for Time-of-Flight (in μm) with tRF = 100 ms were made of 43Cl+ using 39K+ as the reference. - 7 independent measurements for Time-of-Flight (in μm) with tRF = 50 ms were made of 43Cl+ using [12C14N1H216O]+ and 39K+ as the reference. - 4 independent measurements for Time-of-Flight (in μm) with tRF = 100 ms were made of 43Cl+ using [28Si16O1H]+ as the reference.","High-precision mass measurements are done for the neutron-rich isotopes 43–45Cl using the Time-of-Flight Ion Cyclotron Resonance (TOF-ICR) technique at the Low Energy Beam and Ion Trap (LEBIT) facility. A 48Ca primary beam was accelerated and impinged on a 9Be target. After this, the beam proceeded via a momentum compression beamline to the gas stopping area. The gas stopping area utilizes two gas cells, the Room Temperature Gas Cell (RTGC) and the Advanced Cryogenic Gas Cell (ACGS). During transport, the ions are sent through a dipole magnet. After entering LEBIT, the selected continuous beam was injected into a linear buffer-gas-filled Paul trap, which serves as both a cooler and a buncher. Following extraction, the ion bunches are guided and injected into the 9.4 T Penning trap mass spectrometer. The Time-of-Flight is measured with a Multi-Channel Plate (MCP) detector. For all measurements, reference ion measurements are interleaved with those of the ion of interest to obtain a linearly interpolated value of B at the time the ion of interest is measured. Predict which statement is correct according to this experimental setup. a) The systematic shifts in mean frequency ratio scale linearly with this mass difference, which is over an order of magnitude higher than the statistical uncertainty. b) The systematic shifts in mean frequency ratio scale linearly with this mass difference, which is over an order of magnitude smaller than the statistical uncertainty. c) The systematic shifts in mean frequency ratio scale linearly with this mass difference, which is over multiple orders of magnitude smaller than the statistical uncertainty. d) The systematic shifts in mean frequency ratio scale linearly with this mass difference, which is over a multiple order of magnitude higher than the statistical uncertainty. ","b) The systematic shifts in mean frequency ratio scale linearly with this mass difference, which is over an order of magnitude smaller than the statistical uncertainty.","- Precision mass measurements in this region of the nuclear chart are highly desirable to fully characterize the strength of the shell closure. - Isobaric contamination was mitigated using a dipolar RF excitation applied to the central ring electrode near their respective reduced cyclotron frequencies.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Precision mass measurements in this region of the nuclear chart are highly desirable to fully characterize the strength of the shell closure.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Shape Coexistence and the 𝑁 = 28 Shell Closure Far from Stability""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.84.5062""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 29, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 34 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Isobaric contamination was mitigated using a dipolar RF excitation applied to the central ring electrode near their respective reduced cyclotron frequencies.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Population inversion of nuclear states by a Penning trap mass spectrometer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1209/epl/i2004-10089-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 2, 2004""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 53 in the paper""}]" Physics,Experimental Quantum Physics,Free-Format Question,Quantum light drives electrons strongly at metal needle tips,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41567-025-03087-1,"Nov 7, 2025","In the experiment, temporally and spatially single-mode bright squeezed vacuum (BSV) is generated from an unseeded optical parametric amplifier. The BSV is centred at 1,600 nm (photon energy of 0.77 eV) and has a pulse duration of 25 fs. The repetition rate of the pump laser is 1 kHz. The experiment is conducted with a range of mean pulse energies of BSV, from 3.2 nJ to 17.0 nJ. The adjustment of the mean pulse energy is done by varying the pulse energy of the optical parametric amplifier pump. To pick off a small percentage of each BSV pulse by a fused silica window reflection to monitor the pulse-to-pulse photon number fluctuations using a photodiode. The BSV pulses are sent into an ultrahigh vacuum chamber with a base pressure of p < 1 × 10−8 hPa, where they are focused to 8 μm (1/e2 intensity radius) using an off-axis parabolic mirror. A metal needle tip with a radius of a few tens of nanometres is situated on a three-axis nanopositioner, with which we align the tip apex to the optical focus. After the photoemission from the negatively biased tip (V = −310 V), the electrons travel towards a home-built low-energy spectrometer, which measures both the number of electrons (up to a few tens per shot) and each electron's energy from -20 eV to +60 eV for each laser pulse with an energy resolution of ~2 eV. The electron spectrometer is based on an electrostatic cylindrical deflector analyser. A microchannel plate equipped with a phosphor screen is used to image individual electrons with a camera. This camera and the photodiode in front of the vacuum chamber are synchronized to the laser's repetition rate, allowing us to correlate the photon number with the number and energy of the electrons for each light pulse. For each electron spectrum at a fixed BSV mean power, the final measurement is recorded by accumulating 10,000 images, each containing electrons from ~13 laser pulses per image.","- The number of electrons is measured for each electron's energy from -20 eV to +60 eV at mean pulse energies of 3.2 nJ. - The number of electrons is measured for each electron's energy from -20 eV to +60 eV at mean pulse energies of 5.3 nJ. - The number of electrons is measured for each electron's energy from -20 eV to +60 eV at mean pulse energies of 7.3 nJ. - The number of electrons is measured for each electron's energy from -20 eV to +60 eV at mean pulse energies of 10.2 nJ. - The number of electrons is measured for each electron's energy from -20 eV to +60 eV at mean pulse energies of 14 nJ. - The number of electrons is measured for each electron's energy from -20 eV to +60 eV at mean pulse energies of 17 nJ. ","In the experiment, temporally and spatially single-mode bright squeezed vacuum (BSV) is generated from an unseeded optical parametric amplifier. The experiment is conducted with a range of mean pulse energies of BSV, from 3.2 nJ to 17.0 nJ. A metal needle tip with a radius of a few tens of nanometres is situated on a three-axis nanopositioner, with which we align the tip apex to the optical focus. After photoemission from the negatively biased tip, the electrons travel towards a low-energy spectrometer, which measures both the number of electrons and the energy of each electron, ranging from -20 eV to +60 eV, for each laser pulse. After measuring electron energy spectra driven by BSV with increasing mean pulse energy, as mentioned in this experiment, is a plateau or cut-off observed, and if so, what type of cut-off is it? ",Neither a plateau nor a cut-off is observed for this experiment with these given parameters.,"- According to the three-step model of strong-field physics, electrons tunnel-emitted into an intense optical field can be driven back to the parent matter. - Recent studies show quantum correlations between non-perturbative harmonics and predict non-Gaussian states of harmonics and entanglement between harmonics. - BSV was used to generate high harmonics in solids. Most recently, a two-colour gas-phase high-harmonic generation (HHG) experiment showed in situ quantum state tomography.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""According to the three-step model of strong-field physics, electrons tunnel-emitted into an intense optical field can be driven back to the parent matter.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Plasma perspective on strong field multiphoton ionization""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.71.1994""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 27, 1993""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 16 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Recent studies show quantum correlations between non-perturbative harmonics and predict non-Gaussian states of harmonics and entanglement between harmonics.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Generation of Massively Entangled Bright States of Light during Harmonic Generation in Resonant Media""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.15.011023""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 5, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 28 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""BSV was used to generate high harmonics in solids. Most recently, a two-colour gas-phase high-harmonic generation (HHG) experiment showed in situ quantum state tomography.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Measuring and controlling the birth of quantum attosecond pulses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prx/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevX.15.011023""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 13 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 41 in the paper""}]" Physics,Physics / Instrumentation and Detectors,Numerical Values,"Low-temperature Performance of Gd₃(Ga,Al)₅O₁₂:Ce Scintillators",https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.13844v2,"October 22, 2025","To study the effect of temperature on GAGG:Ce, researches used two different GAGG crystal dimensions (GRAPE: 12 x 12 x 12 mm2; POLAR-2: 6 x 6 x 20 mm3) and placed each in a cryostat (Bluefors LD 250) with a photo-multiplier tube (PMT) (Hamamatsu R1924A; stable within ~1 K) coupled and sealed to the cryostat window for analysis. The GAGG was illuminated with a 22Na source (10.8 MBq) placed at 0.7 m distance in an external collimated lead enclosure, which also resulted in back-to-back 511 keV gamma-ray emission. A secondary PMT coupled to a plastic scintillator (12 x 12 x 12 mm2; balanced aluminum-gadolinium ratio) equidistant and opposite from the GAGG source was used in conjunction with the primary PMT to create a coincidence signal (5 μs period; 0.5 GHz sampling rate). An oscilloscope then analyzed the output signal as a function of time (ns) at different temperatures ranging. The cryostat was cooled to 15 mK after 2 days of cooling and slowly warmed to room temperature over 1.5 days. ","- Summed signal (arb. units) from both PMTs as a function of time (ns) - Temperature (K) of GAGG:Ce crystals for GRAPE and POLAR-2 configurations.","To study the effect of temperature on GAGG:Ce, researchers illuminated two different GAGG crystals with a 22Na source. The light yield was measured by counting the number of photoelectrons produced from the scintillation pulses, which was obtained by dividing the height of each pulse by the mean pulse height and rounding up to the nearest integer. The mean pulse height was in turn estimated by fitting the pulse height spectrum sampled at room temperature at different light intensities. The temperatures studies ranged from 15 mK to room temperature. Using the described experimental setup with the POLAR-2 crystal, at what predicted percentage does the light yield end up plateauing as the temperature approaches the bottom limit, relative to the room temperature yield?",Light Yield = [75-85] pp. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported → fallback ±5 pp applied.,"- GAGG:Ce has the significant advantage that it is non-hygroscopic and that it shows little performance degradation after irradiation when compared to scintillators with similar light yields. - Previous studies have shown that the scintillation decay time increases by 20% when cooling GAGG:Ce from room temperature to 250 K, while the light yield increases only by several percent.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""GAGG:Ce has the significant advantage that it is non-hygroscopic and that it shows little performance degradation after irradiation when compared to scintillators with similar light yields.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Evaluation of GAGG:Ce scintillators for future space applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/13/02/P02023""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 21, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but included as reference 21 in the main paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Previous studies have shown that the scintillation decay time increases by 20% when cooling GAGG:Ce from room temperature to 250 K, while the light yield increases only by several percent.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Evaluation of GAGG:Ce scintillators for future space applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-0221/13/02/P02023""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 21, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but included as reference 21 in the main paper. This is the same reference as the previous RBK item.""}]" Physics,Physics/Materials and Magnetism,Numerical Values,Reconfigurable All-Nitride Magneto-Ionics,https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsnano.5c04013,"May 7, 2025","Researchers deposited MnNₓ(15 nm)/Ta(10 nm) bilayers onto thermally oxidized Si/SiO₂ substrates by DC reactive sputtering, forming a 5 nm Mn₃N₂ seed layer and a 10 nm Mn layer grown at nitrogen partial pressure Pₙ = 6%. The top electrical contact was made to the Ta layer, and the bottom to the p-type Si substrate. A +30 V bias was applied for 1 h at room temperature to induce nitrogen migration from MnNₓ into Ta (voltage-conditioned, VC state). Magnetic hysteresis loops of the same sample were measured at 5 K using SQUID magnetometry after +2 T field-cooling from 300 and 380 K to obtain the saturation magnetization (Mₛ), before (as-grown, AG) and after voltage conditioning (VC).","• Saturation magnetization (Mₛ) measured at 5 K using SQUID magnetometry for the as-grown (AG) state and a voltage-conditioned (VC) state gated with +30 V for 1 h at room temperature. • Magnetic hysteresis loops measured after +2 T field-cooling from 300 K and 380 K.","MnNₓ(15 nm)/Ta(10 nm) bilayers were fabricated on Si/SiO₂ substrates by DC reactive sputtering, consisting of a 5 nm Mn₃N₂ seed layer and a 10 nm Mn top layer deposited under a nitrogen partial pressure of 6% (as-grown, AG). A +30 V bias was then applied for 1 h at room temperature to drive nitrogen migration from the MnNₓ layer into the Ta overlayer (voltage-conditioned, VC). Magnetic hysteresis loops were measured on the same sample at 5 K using SQUID magnetometry after +2 T field-cooling from 300 and 380 K. Under these conditions, what is the percentage increase in the saturation magnetization (Mₛ) in the VC state relative to the AG state?","ΔMₛ = 23 % ± 5 pp (18–28 %) increase. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> a ±5 pp fallback was applied.","• Magneto-ionics (voltage-driven nitrogen motion): Application of an electric field drives nitrogen ions between MnNₓ and the adjacent Ta layer, reversibly altering the magnetic properties such as Mₛ and Hₑb. • Voltage conditioning: Applying a bias to drive ion migration across layers, altering chemical composition and magnetic phase. • Field-cooling reference state: Cooling the stack in a strong magnetic field establishes the reference alignment used to read Hₑb from hysteresis-loop offsets.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Magneto-ionics (voltage-driven nitrogen motion): Application of an electric field drives nitrogen ions between MnNₓ and the adjacent Ta layer, reversibly altering the magnetic properties such as Mₛ and Hₑb.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Magneto-ionic control of interfacial magnetism""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nmat4134""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 17, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced in the paper as ref [10]""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Voltage conditioning: Applying a bias to drive ion migration across layers, altering chemical composition and magnetic phase.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent progress in voltage control of magnetism: Materials, mechanisms, and performance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0079642517300166""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced in the paper as ref [4]""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Field-cooling reference state: Cooling the stack in a strong magnetic field establishes the reference alignment used to read Hₑb from hysteresis-loop offsets""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Exchange Bias Theory: a Review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/cond-mat/0107097""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 5, 2001""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Optics and Photonics,MCQ,The radial memory effect in multimode optical fibres,https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.11389,"August 15, 2025","Researchers illuminated the input facet of a step-index multimode fibre (core radius = 100 µm, numerical aperture NA ≈ 0.22, length = 20 cm) with a focused HeNe laser beam (λ = 633 nm) at programmable radial positions r_0. The fibre was subjected to mechanical perturbations (e.g., manual shaking) to vary its configuration. Both input and output facets were imaged simultaneously, and output speckle patterns were recorded and averaged over multiple fibre configurations or input angles at fixed $r_0$.","• Radial projection profiles to identify annular patterns and verify correlation with input spots. • Averaged intensity profiles after repeated fibre shaking and input positions","In the experiment, a focused input spot is placed at radial position$r_0$ on the core of a step-index multimode fibre (20 cm long, NA ≈ 0.22, core radius = 100 µm), and the output is imaged after averaging over many fibre perturbations (e.g., manual shaking). Based on the experimental results, which of the following statements are supported by the data? Mark all that apply. A) A ring of excess intensity appears at radius r_0 in the output, even after fibre perturbations. B) The radial memory effect enables reconstruction of discrete input positions from single-shot output intensity profiles. C) Diagonal stripes aligned with the input azimuthal angle θ_0 are clearly visible in the averaged output. D) The width of the output ring is independent of r_0 and is approximately diffraction-limited by the fibre’s NA.","A) A ring of excess intensity appears at radius r_0 in the output, even after fibre perturbations. B) The radial memory effect enables reconstruction of discrete input positions from single-shot output intensity profiles. D) The width of the output ring is independent of r_0 and is approximately diffraction-limited by the fibre’s NA.","• Multimode fibre will accumulate different phases when propagating through the fibre, and interfere to form a speckle pattern. • The radial memory effect is a reliable correlation that is robust against perturbations and does not depend on the fine details of the fibre. • In multimode optical fibres, a ""memory effect"" refers to a predictable relationship between changes in the input light field and changes in the output speckle pattern, despite the apparent randomness of speckle. • Small perturbations (e.g., bending) of a multimode fibre typically scramble the output speckle pattern by coupling between modes, making input–output correlations fragile. • A focused spot at radial position r_0 on the input facet preferentially excites fibre modes that have significant field intensity at that radius, leading to residual correlations in the output. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Multimode fibre will accumulate different phases when propagating through\nthe fibre, and interfere to form a speckle pattern.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Controlling light propagation in multimode fibers for imaging, spectroscopy and beyond""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2305.09623""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 16, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The radial memory effect is a reliable correlation that is robust against per- turbations and does not depend on the fine details of the fibre.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Angular multiplexing for multichannel communication in a single fiber""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ieeexplore.ieee.org/document/1070676/similar#similar""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 11, 1981""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but referenced in the paper as ref [17]""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""In multimode optical fibres, a \""memory effect\"" refers to a predictable relationship between changes in the input light field and changes in the output speckle pattern, despite the apparent randomness of speckle. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Polarization memory effect in a multimode fiber\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.05665""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 6, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Small perturbations (e.g., bending) of a multimode fibre typically scramble the output speckle pattern by coupling between modes, making input–output correlations fragile""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Speckle-correlation imaging through a kaleidoscopic multimode fiber\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2212.14765""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 30, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A focused spot at radial position r_0 on the input facet preferentially excites fibre modes that have significant field intensity at that radius, leading to residual correlations in the output. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The radial memory effect in multimode optical fibres""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.11389""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 15, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics/Plasma Physics,MCQ,Demonstration of full-scale spatio-temporal diagnostics of solid-density plasmas driven by an ultra-short relativistic laser pulse using an X-ray free-electron laser,https://arxiv.org/abs/2505.06425,"May 9, 2025","Researchers performed a pump-probe experiment at the High Energy Density (HED) station of the European X-ray Free-Electron Laser facility (XFEL-HED) to investigate solid-density plasma dynamics. Copper (Cu) wires with a diameter of 10 μm were irradiated at normal incidence by the ReLaX optical laser system (3 J, 30 fs, Ti:sapphire-based) focused to a FWHM spot size of approximately 4 μm, achieving a peak intensity of 5 × 10²⁰ W/cm². The laser was polarized in the horizontal direction. The plasma was probed by a femtosecond X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) beam generated via self-amplified spontaneous emission (SASE) with energy of ~1.5 mJ, FWHM pulse duration of ~25 fs, and photon energy centered at 8.2 keV with a FWHM bandwidth of ~20 eV. The XFEL beam irradiated the wire at normal incidence, intersecting the optical laser at a 45° angle. Small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) patterns were measured to probe preplasma expansion during the rising edge of the laser pulse from 40 ps to 1.5 ps before the main pulse arrival, corresponding to laser intensities ranging from ~10¹³ W/cm² to 10¹⁶ W/cm². Two Highly Annealed Pyrolytic Graphite (HAPG) mirrors located symmetrically below and above the XFEL beam propagation path were used to reflect the SAXS signal to Jungfrau X-ray detectors positioned 1.31 m downstream from the target.","- SAXS intensity patterns normalized by incident XFEL energy (measured in keV/mJ) for shot-to-shot comparison - Cold reference shots taken before each hot shot to establish baseline wire edge sharpness and XFEL-target overlap - Hot shot measurements taken at multiple time delays: -40 ps; -30 ps; -20 ps; -10 ps; -5 ps; -3 ps; and -1.5 ps relative to the main laser pulse arrival","Researchers at the European X-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) facility irradiated 10 $\mu$m diameter Cu wires with a 3 J, 30 fs ultra-high intensity laser ranging from ~10¹³ W/cm² to 10¹⁶ W/cm². Preplasma formation prior to the main pulse was probed via small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) using 8.2 keV X-rays from the XFEL. SAXS intensity patterns were normalized by the incident XFEL energy. Which of the following outcomes are likely? Mark all correct options. A. The preplasma forms and expands at least 0.3 ns before the main pulse B. For the hot shot SAXS patterns, the intensity decreases with time delay from 40 to 1 ps before the main pulse C. A constant SAXS intensity until after 150 ps, followed by a sudden drop D. Cold wire electron scattering indicates uniform copper wire edge sharpness","B. For the hot shot SAXS patterns, the intensity decreases with time delay from 40 to 1 ps before the main pulse D. Cold wire electron scattering indicates uniform copper wire edge sharpness","- The absolute laser absorption efficiency correlates with the scaling law of the generated hot electron temperature. - Preplasma formation significantly influences laser absorption a few tens of picoseconds before the peak of the laser pulse is reached. - Ultra-short brilliant X-ray free electron lasers such as that of the European XFEL-HED can be used to probe the ultrafast dynamics of solid-density plasmas via small-angle X-ray scattering. - The SAXS intensity via XFEL is proportional to the spatial Fourier transformation of the electron density projected in the Xray beam direction.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The absolute laser absorption efficiency correlates with the scaling of the generated hot electron temperature""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Absolute laser energy absorption measurement of relativistic 0.7 ps laser pulses in nanowire arrays""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pop/article/28/2/023302/124671""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 5, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, this is reference 7 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Preplasma formation significantly influences laser absorption a few tens of picoseconds before the peak of the laser pulse is reached.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Studying the Dynamics of Relativistic Laser-Plasma Interaction on Thin Foils by Means of Fourier-Transform Spectral Interferometry""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prl/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevLett.118.255003""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 23, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, this is reference 2 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ultra-short brilliant X-ray free electron lasers such as that of the European XFEL-HED can be used to probe the ultrafast dynamics of solid-density plasmas via small-angle X-ray scattering.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The High Energy Density Scientific Instrument at the European XFEL""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.iucr.org/s/issues/2021/05/00/ay5578/index.html""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 23, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, this is reference 19 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The SAXS intensity via XFEL is proportional to the spatial Fourier transformation of the electron density projected in the Xray beam direction.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Using X-ray free-electron lasers for probing of complex interaction dynamics of ultra-intense lasers with solid matter""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/pop/article-abstract/21/3/033110/1032807""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 31, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, this is reference 46 in the paper""}]" Physics,Biophysics,Numerical Values,Study on the Physical Properties and Application of a Novel Pharmaceutical Excipient Made from Starch and Cellulose Co-Processing,https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8247/18/9/1389,"Sep 17, 2025","The researchers studied the effect of coprocessing pregelatinized starch (PS) with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at different mass ratios on the micromeritic properties (powder density and flowability). The prepared samples were designated as PS, PS-MCC-91, PS-MCC-82, PS-MCC-73, and PS-MCC-55, corresponding to corn starch and MCC mass ratios of 10:0, 9:1, 8:2, 7:3, and 5:5, respectively. First step was gelatinization of the corn starch and MCC (1KG) mixture at various ratios by dispersing the contents in 4.8KG purified water under stirring followed by processing twice in colloid mill. Subsequently, 3.2 kg of anhydrous ethanol was added, and the mixture was placed in a glass reaction vessel. The reaction was conducted at 80 °C for 90 min with continuous stirring at 100 rpm, followed by centrifugation at 1000 rpm to remove the liquid phase. The gelatinization was confirmed through structural analysis using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Polarized Light Microscopy (PLM). The gelatinized gel was further transformed into suspension by utilizing the insolubility of PG in ethanol and isolated by centrifugation process. The resulting material was then dispersed in 75% (v/v) ethanol at room temperature with continuous stirring at 100 rpm for 30 min, followed by another centrifugation step at 1000 rpm to remove the liquid. The solid was then dried in a 105 °C forced-air drying oven until the loss on drying was between 3.0% and 8.0%, milled, and passed through an 80-mesh sieve to obtain the pregelatinized starch-microcrystalline cellulose co-processed material (PS-MCC). The flow properties of the powders were determined through calculation of Carr's index (%) using the bulk density and tapped density measurements of the powder samples. ","- Measuring the Bulk density (BD) ( in g/cm^3) of the powder sample and measuring the volume (V1). - Measuring the Tapped Density (TD) (in g/cm^3) of the powder sample, and the volume was measured as (V2). - Carr's Index (in %) calculation from BD and TD.","The researchers studied the effect of coprocessing pregelatinized starch (PS) with microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) at different mass ratios on the micromeritic properties (powder density and flowability). The prepared samples were designated as PS-MCC-73, corresponding to a corn starch and MCC mass ratio of 7:3, as measured using a 100 mL graduated cylinder. The resulting material was then dispersed in ethanol at room temperature. Predict the Carr Index (in %) of PS-MCC-73.",The Carr Index of PS-MCC-73 is 27.4 - 28.72 % (The given SD is 0.66% which is the fallback),"- Pregelatinized starch (PS) is a modified starch, at the gelatinization temperature, starch granules swell, amylose leaches out, amylopectin double helix unwinds, and the crystalline structure disappears. - The compressibility enhancement observed in co-processed systems cannot be replicated through mere physical blending of commercial pregelatinized starch and microcrystalline cellulose. - During the co-processing of PS and MCC, no new covalent bonds were formed between the starch and MCC, indicating that only physical changes occurred, and no chemical reactions took place.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Pregelatinized starch (PS) is a modified starch, at the gelatinization temperature, starch granules swell, amylose leaches out, amylopectin double helix unwinds, and the crystalline structure disappears.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Observations on the impact of amylopectin and amylose structure on the swelling of starch granules""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0268005X19323938?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 8 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A Spray-Dried, Co-Processed Rice Starch as a Multifunctional Excipient for Direct Compression""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/6/518""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/12/6/518""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 6, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 24 in the paper""}]" Physics,Condensed Matter Physics,Free-Format Question,Flexible InGaAs/InAlAs avalanche photodiodes for short-wave infrared detection,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-64401-2,"Oct 23, 2025","The researchers have deposited the flexible thin-film InGaAs/InAlAs APDs on a mica substrate using a simple integration approach. Initially, all the III–V layers were grown on an InP substrate using a molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) system. Both the surface of the III–V wafer and the mica substrate underwent cleaning with acetone/isopropyl alcohol (IPA)/deionized (DI) water. Before bonding, the backside contact metal was sputtered on the InGaAs wafer using tungsten (W). Subsequently, the SU-8 layer was spin-coated on the mica substrate before bonding, followed by pre-baking at 110 °C for 60 s. The bonding process involved a flip-chip approach for the III–V layers, applying a force of 40 N/cm² at a temperature of 150 °C for 40 minutes. Once bonded onto the mica substrate, ultraviolet (UV) exposure was carried out from the back side of the wafer stack. The InP handle substrate was then removed using concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl), with the wet etching stopping at the InGaAs etch-stop layer. Then the InGaAs etch-stop layer was partially etched. Subsequently, a few rounds of mesa etching were performed using a H3PO4/H2O2/H2O solution. Then, the device was passivated using a thin film of SU-8, followed by the application of top metallization. Probing pads were formed through metal sputtering and W etching, followed by thinning of the mica substrate. A tunable laser (Agilent 81949A) at 1520–1630 nm wavelengths, focused on 1550 nm used for I-V sweeps. A variable optical attenuator was used for incident power tuning, and the optical readout is realized by the optical power meter (Thorlabs PM100D) for the optical energy measurements and the optical spectrum analyzer (Tokogawa AQ6370B) for all the optical spectra. The device's photosensitive diameter is 60 μm, while the laser spot area is 10 μm in diameter. During the measurement, the flexible chip was stuck onto an annular holder with a certain radius. The electrical signal was applied and collected using a Keithley 1500 Analyzer.","- Breakdown voltage in volts for flat conditions. - Breakdown voltage in volts for bending radii ranging from 1 to 5 cm.","A flexible thin-film InGaAs/InAlAs APD deposited on a mica substrate. The backside contact metal was sputtered on the InGaAs wafer using tungsten. Subsequently, the SU-8 layer was spin-coated on the mica substrate before bonding, followed by pre-baking at 110 °C for 60 s. The bonding process involved a flip-chip approach for the III–V layers, applying a force of 40 N/cm² at a temperature of 150 °C for 40 minutes. The InP handle substrate was then removed using concentrated hydrochloric acid (HCl), with the wet etching stopping at the InGaAs etch-stop layer. Then the InGaAs etch-stop layer was partially etched. Subsequently, a few rounds of mesa etching were performed. A tunable laser operating at 1520–1630 nm wavelengths, with a focus at 1550 nm, was used for I-V sweeps. A variable optical attenuator was used for incident power tuning, and the optical readout was realized by an optical power meter for optical energy measurements and an optical spectrum analyzer for all optical spectra. What trend is observed for the breakdown voltage of the flexible InGaAs/InAlAs APD in terms of the bending radius as this radius is increased from 1 to 5 cm?","The breakdown voltages of the flexible InGaAs/InAlAs APD at flat condition and bend condition of radii of 1 cm, 3 cm, and 5 cm are almost the same in all cases, so the breakdown voltages are remain mostly unchanged.","- The mica substrate offers several advantages, including an atomically smooth surface, high transparency at SWIR, high thermal stability, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility. The mica substrate can be easily thinned down to the desired thickness. - The bonding layer, SU-8, was chosen due to its high transmission at the SWIR range, good flexibility, and a Young’s modulus similar to that of the mica substrate. - A double-mesa structure with a beveled edge termination method was introduced to guarantee the low leakage current and avoid the premature breakdown. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The mica substrate offers several advantages, including an atomically smooth surface, high transparency at SWIR, high thermal stability, chemical inertness, and biocompatibility. The mica substrate can be easily thinned down to the desired thickness.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Atomically thin mica flakes and their application as ultrathin insulating substrates for graphene""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/1109.2101""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 38 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The bonding layer, SU-8, was chosen due to its high transmission at the SWIR range, good flexibility, and a Young’s modulus similar to that of the mica substrate. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Characterization of the mechanical behavior of SU-8 at microscale by viscoelastic analysis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/0960-1317/26/10/105001""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 35 in the paper.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A double-mesa structure with a beveled edge termination method was introduced to guarantee the low leakage current and avoid the premature breakdown. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""High-performance InGaAs/InAlAs single-photon avalanche diode with a triple-mesa structure for near-infrared photon detection""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://opg.optica.org/ol/abstract.cfm?uri=ol-46-11-2670""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 30 in the paper.""}]" Physics,Physics/Superconductivity,MCQ,Giant thermal modulation via a semiconductor-superconductor photonic field-effect heat transistor,https://arxiv.org/pdf/2510.17683,"October 20, 2025 ","A hybrid semiconductor–superconductor device was designed to study the electrical control of radiative heat flow between two isolated electronic reservoirs. The system includes a hot reservoir (Thot) and a cold reservoir (Tcold) made of InAs, separated by about 1 mm to eliminate phonon conduction. The reservoirs are connected only through capacitors and a Josephson field-effect transistor (JoFET), which modulates the exchange of thermal photons according to the applied gate voltage (Vg), controlled using the voltage source (Yokogawa GS200). Each reservoir contains a Josephson thermometer (JJ) that measures its local electronic temperature. The JoFET, fabricated with an Al/InAs/Al structure, changes its impedance from inductive to resistive depending on Vg, thereby affecting radiative coupling. The experiment was performed in a ³He–⁴He dilution refrigerator (Triton 200, Oxford Instruments) at a stabilized bath temperature Tbath = 30 mK. A heating current Iheat was applied to the hot reservoir, producing a controlled injected power Q̇inj = Rhot Iheat² ≈ 2.6 pW.","- Hot reservoir temperature (Thot) was recorded by a Josephson thermometer ( for measuring local electronic temperature) located on the hot reservoir, at a stabilized bath temperature Tbath = 30 mK, with a controlled injected power Q̇inj = Rhot Iheat² ≈ 2.6 pW, and in the resistive state (Vg < –4 V). - Cold reservoir temperature (Tcold) was recorded by a Josephson thermometer ( for measuring local electronic temperature) located on the cold reservoir, at a stabilized bath temperature Tbath = 30 mK, with a controlled injected power Q̇inj = Rhot Iheat² ≈ 2.6 pW, and in the resistive state (Vg < –4 V). ","An experiment investigated the electrical control of radiative heat transfer between two isolated electronic systems using a Josephson field-effect transistor (JoFET) acting as a photonic heat valve. The setup consisted of two InAs resistive reservoirs—one hot (Thot) and one cold (Tcold)—separated by about 1 mm to suppress any phonon-mediated conduction. The reservoirs were connected only through coupling capacitors (C₁, C₂) and the JoFET, ensuring purely radiative coupling. The gate voltage (Vg) applied to the JoFET, using a voltage source (Yokogawa GS200), tuned its impedance, thereby modulating the strength of photonic heat exchange. The device operated in a ³He–⁴He dilution refrigerator (Triton 200, Oxford Instruments) at a stabilized bath temperature (Tbath = 30 mK). A heating current (Iheat) applied to the hot reservoir generated an injected power Q̇inj = Rhot Iheat² ≈ 2.6 pW. The cold reservoir temperature (Tcold) was then measured using Josephson thermometers for the resistive state (Vg = –4 V) and Thot (varying in the range, 270–470 mK). These measurements allowed the determination of the maximum modulation of the cold temperature (δTcold) for each condition. Which of the following statements correctly describes how the amplitude of thermal modulation δTcold is expected to depend on the hot reservoir temperature Thot? A. δTcold increases with Thot, because the total heat current grows, providing a larger absolute flux for the JoFET to modulate. B. δTcold decreases as Thot increases, because higher-frequency thermal radiation is more strongly affected by capacitive shunting of the JoFET gate. C. δTcold is constant, as the gate voltage modulates a fixed impedance ratio, making the modulation depth independent of the input spectrum. D. δTcold peaks at a specific Thot, where the blackbody peak frequency aligns with the JoFET's gate-tunable resonance for maximum interference. ","B. δTcold decreases as Thot increases, because higher-frequency thermal radiation is more strongly affected by capacitive shunting of the JoFET gate.","- Johnson-Nyquist noise, which occurs when two resistive reservoirs at different temperatures are interconnected through an electrical circuit. - Josephson field-effect transistor (JoFET) is a hybrid superconducting–semiconducting device that electrostatically tunes thermal transport. - Inductive and resistive regimes are the two operational states of the JoFET determined by the gate voltage: the inductive regime allows strong photonic coupling, while the resistive regime suppresses it.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Johnson-Nyquist noise, which occurs when two resistive reservoirs at different temperatures are interconnected through an electrical circuit.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thermal Agitation of Electric Charge in Conductors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.32.110""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 1, 1928""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Josephson field-effect transistor (JoFET) is a hybrid superconducting–semiconducting device that electrostatically tunes thermal transport.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Extremely weak sub-kelvin electron-phonon coupling in InAs On Insulator""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2406.15040""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 21, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Inductive and resistive regimes are the two operational states of the JoFET determined by the gate voltage: the inductive regime allows strong photonic coupling, while the resistive regime suppresses it.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Josephson Field Effect Transistors with InAs on Insulator and High Permittivity Gate Dielectrics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://arxiv.org/abs/2412.16221""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 18, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,"Spintronics, Experimental Condensed Matter Physics.",Numerical Values,High-speed antiferromagnetic domain walls driven by coherent spin waves,https://www.nature.com/articles/s42003-025-08989-7,"Nov 7, 2025","An antiferromagnetic Sr2Cu3O4Cl2 sample was grown by an optimized method of slow cooling from the melt. Quantities of SrO, SrCl2, and CuO powders were mixed in a 1:1:3 stoichiometric ratio and placed in a large high-form alumina crucible. The mix was gradually heated in air at 1030 °C, dwelled for 5 hours, then cooled to 900 °C at a rate of 2 °C per hour. Placing the crucible in a slight temperature gradient (off-center of the hot chamber of the box furnace) resulted in a cm-sized plate-like single crystal. The samples showed excellent stability in air. X-ray diffraction, Laue X-ray diffraction, and low-temperature magnetization measurements were used to verify the high sample quality. The samples were affixed to an oxygen-free high-thermal-conductivity copper mount using a small amount of silver epoxy and then cleaved before measurement to leave clean surfaces parallel to the Cu3O4 (001) planes. SHG rotational anisotropy measurements were carried out using a fast-rotating scattering plane-based technique. The laser pulses are delivered by a Ti:sapphire amplifier (800 nm fundamental wavelength, 100 fs pulse duration, 100 kHz repetition rate). The beam diameter was 40 μm with a fluence of 3 mJ/cm2. To quantify the light-driven DW motion, the temporal evolution of the wall center position and velocity for different pump helicities was analyzed at the location of maximum DW displacement for 1200 ps.","- Position of the DW center measured for linear, LCP, and RCP pump polarizations at 1200 ps. - Velocity of the DW center measured for linear, LCP, and RCP pump polarizations at 1200 ps.","An antiferromagnetic Sr2Cu3O4Cl2 sample was grown by an optimized method of slow cooling from the melt. The samples were affixed to an oxygen-free, high-thermal-conductivity copper mount using a small amount of silver epoxy and then cleaved before measurement. To quantify the light-driven domain wall (DW) motion, the temporal evolution of the wall center position and velocity was analyzed at the location of maximum DW displacement for 1200 ps, for different pump helicities. Time-resolved SHG imaging was performed by splitting off 800 nm light from the same laser source to produce the pump beam. Predict the maximum velocity of DW center (in km/sec)?",The maximum velocity of the DW center is 45 - 55 km/sec (with given fallback of ±5 km/sec),"- Ultrafast laser pulses are a versatile way to generate nonthermal magnons in antiferromagnets, so it is possible to induce intense coherent AFM spin waves with ultrafast laser light through inverse magnetooptical processes. - Ultrafast stroboscopic pump-probe experiments require the sample to return to its initial state after excitation, complicating the visualization of irreversible DW dynamics. - The SHG rotational anisotropy can detect ferromagnetic moment (m) and Néel vector (n), enabling direct visualization of AFM domains and DWs. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ultrafast laser pulses are a versatile way to generate nonthermal magnons in antiferromagnets, so it is possible to induce intense coherent AFM spin waves with ultrafast laser light through inverse magnetooptical processes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ultrafast non-thermal control of magnetization by instantaneous photomagnetic pulses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nature03564""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 25, 2005""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 36 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ultrafast stroboscopic pump-probe experiments require the sample to return to its initial state after excitation, complicating the visualization of irreversible DW dynamics. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ultrafast high-harmonic nanoscopy of magnetization dynamics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-26594-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 3, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Open-access, this is cited as reference 45 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The SHG rotational anisotropy can detect ferromagnetic moment (m) and Néel vector (n), enabling direct visualization of AFM domains and DWs. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Direct visualization and control of antiferromagnetic domains and spin reorientation in a parent cuprate""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prb/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevB.106.L140403""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 12, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 50 in the paper""}]" Physics,Physics/Nuclear Experiment,Numerical Values,Recent Highlights from the STAR Experiment,https://arxiv.org/abs/2508.08444,"August 11, 2025","Researchers investigated the Beam Energy Scan-II (BES-II) program at the STAR experiment, which was used to measure net-proton cumulant ratios in Gold-on-Gold (Au+Au) collisions at various center-of-mass energies (from 7.7 to 27 GeV) in the Fixed-Target mode. BES-II employed a new centrality definition, RefMult3X, corresponding to pseudorapidity acceptances fulfilling |𝜂| < 1.6. The Time-Projection Chamber (TPC) for low transverse momentum (0.4 < pT < 0.8 GeV/c) and the Time-Of-Flight (TOF) detector for greater transverse momentum (0.8 < pT < 2.0 GeV/c) were used to identify protons and anti-protons. Only particles falling within the speed window of |y| < 0.5 were included in the analysis. The most central collisions (0-5% centrality class) were the focus of the measurements, which were methodically adjusted for experimental variables such detector efficiency, event pile-up, and centrality bin width. ","- Net-proton cumulants (C1, C2, C3, C4) as a function of collision centrality and collision energy. - The relative dynamical correlation of transverse momentum as a function of collision energy.","In the STAR experiment's Beam Energy Scan-II (BES-II), what was the measured value of the net-proton cumulant ratio C4/C2 at the collision energy of 19.6 GeV for the 0-5% centrality class?","[0.25-0.40] Note: The range is informed graphically in Figure 3. The range was estimated by the pixel coordinates of the error bars and axis ticks.","- The upgrades done to STAR for BES-II enabled a new centrality definition, RefMult3X, which achieves better centrality resolution due to larger multiplicity within the acceptance. - Experimentally measured proton multiplicity distributions are described by the central moments, which depend on the cumulants. In particular, the second cumulant C2 is the variance $\sigma^2$, and the ratio between the fourth and second cumulant, C4/C2, is $\kappa \sigma^2$, where $\kappa$ is the kurtosis. - When there are no intrinsic correlations among the measured particles, all ratios of the cumulants are unity, so Poisson statistics is a trivial baseline for experimentally measured cumulant ratios.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""When there are no intrinsic correlations among the measured particles, all ratios of the cumulants are unity, so Poisson statistics is a trivial baseline for experimentally measured cumulant ratios.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hadronic fluctuations at the QCD phase transition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.physletb.2005.11.083""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 9, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, cited as reference 9.""}]" Physics,Physics/Nuclear physics,Numerical Values,Neutron capture measurement of the ${}^{165}\mathrm{Ho}$ at the CSNS Back−n facility in the resonance energy region,https://arxiv.org/pdf/2510.22965,"October 27, 2025","Researchers conducted a neutron capture experiment in a time-of-flight facility with neutron energies between 0.3 eV and 200 MeV. Measurements were carried out at a station located 76 m apart of the spallation target, where the flux is $6.9\times 10^5$ cm${}^{-2}$s${}^{-1}$ with selectable beam spots between 20 mm and 60 mm. The neutron spectrum was monitored using a ${}^6$Li-Si detector and a ${}^{235}$U fission chamber, while a silicon flux monitor with a thin ${}^{6}$LiF converter and eight off-axis detectors provided continuous beam normalization. Gamma rays were detected with a spherical array of 40 BaF${}_2$ crystals (20 cm inner diameter, 15 cm thickness) calibrated with ${}^{60}$Co and ${}^{137}$Cs sources. On the other hand, the target was a 30 mm-diameter, 0.2 mm-thick metallic Ho disk (99.5% of ${}^{165}$Ho, with $6.4\times 10^{-4}$ atoms/barn, and a mass of 1243.32 mg). The ${}^{165}$Ho sample was measured for 11 hours to obtain sufficient capture events statistics. Additionally, a sample of carbon (1597.5 mg, 1 mm-thick) and the empty sample holder were measured for 3 hours and 12 hours, respectively.","- Total deposited energy for ${}^{165}$Ho (counts vs event energy). - Total deposited energy for carbon (counts vs event energy). - Total deposited energy for empty sample holder (counts vs event energy).","In a neutron capture study of ${}^{165}$Ho, 18 resolved s-wave resonances below 100 eV were measured whit a level spacing of 4.53(3) eV to determine the individual radiative widths. What is mean radiative width (in meV) for s-wave resonances of ${}^{165}$Ho obtained from these measurements?",The mean radiative width is [86.12‒90.08] meV (The given fallback is ±1.98meV). ,"- Holmium shares several favorable features with gold: it exhibits a well-resolved and representative prompt-γ spectrum following neutron capture. - Odd-odd nuclei such as 166Ho remain a stringent test bed for microscopic approaches, shell model calculations, collective models, and the interacting boson framework still face difficulties in reproducing their level schemes and decay patterns. - The average level spacing, defined as the mean energy difference between consecutive resonance levels, is a fundamental quantity that reflects the density of nuclear states at the neutron separation energy.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Holmium shares several favorable features with gold: it exhibits a well-resolved and representative prompt-γ spectrum following neutron capture.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Determination of Spins of Neutron Resonances and the Hyperfine Coupling Constant in Ho165""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/pr/abstract/10.1103/PhysRev.137.B1484""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Mar 22, 1965""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 7 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Odd-odd nuclei such as 166Ho remain a stringent test bed for microscopic approaches, shell model calculations, collective models, and the interacting boson framework still face difficulties in reproducing their level schemes and decay patterns.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Self-consistent mean-field models for nuclear structure""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/rmp/abstract/10.1103/RevModPhys.75.121""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jan 23, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 10 in the paper""}]" Biology,Microbial ecology,MCQ,Litter nutrient release and allelopathy jointly contribute to the diversity–invasibility relationship,https://besjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1365-2435.70190,"October 8, 2025","The experiment was conducted in Kunyu Mountain National Nature Reserve, Shandong Peninsula (China), with an annual precipitation of 900–1000 mm and an average annual temperature of 11.8°C. Fifteen common native species were selected for this experiment: Q. glandulifera, Q. variabilis, Q. acutissima, Alnus hirsuta, Kalopanax septemlobus, Sorbus alnifolia, Ailanthus altissima, Pinus densiflora, Rhus chinensis, Grewia biloba var. parviflora, Lespedeza bicolor, Indigofera kirilowii, Prunus japonica, Celastrus orbiculatus, Smilax china. Representative litter material was collected for each species from three plots (50x50 m) spaced 500 m apart. Healthy individuals of a similar size were selected, with a minimum 10m between individuals. Leaves were collected from branches and cut into 1 cm fragments, and air-dried at room temperature. Litter was mixed into 61 litter combinations, each containing 6 g of litter with equal species contributions: 15 species combinations each containing 1, 3, 6, or 9 species, plus a single 15-species combination. Forest soil was then collected, sieved to remove roots and debris with a 1 cm sieve, and placed in 16x18 cm 1.5 L pots. Litter samples were placed on top of the soil surface of 305 pots (61 combinations, 5 replications per combination). After 10 weeks, the remaining litter was removed, and the amounts of C and N lost during decomposition were calculated as the average mass loss of each combination and corresponding changes in concentration relative to initial litter quality. Initial litter quality was measured using three subsamples of litter of each species. Samples were ground into fine powder and analysed with an elemental analyser.","- Carbon release (%) in plant litter from initial and final concentrations after 10 weeks of soil exposure, at increasing levels of litter species richness (1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 species). - Nitrogen release (%) in plant litter from initial and final concentrations after 10 weeks of soil exposure, at increasing levels of litter species richness (1, 3, 6, 9, and 15 species).","Researchers evaluated the effects of plant litter diversity on the release of carbon and nitrogen from native plant litter in the Kunyu Mountain National Nature Reserve, China. The amounts of carbon and nitrogen remaining in each litter mixture were measured before and after 10 weeks of exposure to forest soil. The samples varied in species richness, containing 1, 3, 6, 9, or 15 species. Given the carbon and nitrogen release measurements in relation to litter richness, which outcome is more likely? A. Carbon and nitrogen release within the litter decreased with decreasing litter richness B. Carbon and nitrogen release within the litter decreased with increasing litter richness C. Carbon and nitrogen release within the litter did not change with increasing litter richness D. Nitrogen release increases, but carbon decreases within the litter as litter richness increases.",B. Carbon and nitrogen release within the litter decreased with increasing litter richness,"- Plant litter: a key factor shaping soil nutrient availability, chemical profiles and microbial communities. - Litter diversity: litter mixing can alter chemical composition and reshape soil microbial communities. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Litter diversity: litter mixing can alter chemical composition and reshape soil microbial communities. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diversity meets decomposition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/trends/ecology-evolution/abstract/S0169-5347(10)00039-X?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS016953471000039X%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 02, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Plant litter: a key factor shaping soil nutrient availability, chemical profiles and microbial communities.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Role of Plant Litter in Driving Plant-Soil Feedbacks""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/environmental-science/articles/10.3389/fenvs.2019.00168/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 22, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Environmental Microbiology,MCQ,"Artificial Endosymbiosis of Pedobacter sp. DDGJ Boosts the Growth Potential, Stress Resistance and Productivity of Morchella Mushrooms",https://enviromicro-journals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/1751-7915.70197,"July 12, 2025","This experiment examined how artificially induced endosymbiosis with a bacterium of the genus Pedobacter affected the dry weights of mycelial cultures of three Morchella species under different culture conditions, including stressful conditions. Three previously domesticated, positively identified strains of Morchella, M. sextelata 13, M. eximia SM and M. importuna Y2, were obtained as culture slants. For activation, 4 mm diameter agar disks were transferred from the slants onto 90 mm diameter petri dishes containing 15ml each of complete yeast extract medium (CYM) (glucose 20 g/L, yeast extracts 2.0 g/L, peptone 2.0 g/L, K2HPO4 1.0 g/L, MgSO4 0.50 g/L, KH2PO4 0.46 g/L and agar 20 g/L) and incubated in the dark for three days at 24°C. Using a conventional dilution method, bacteria were obtained from samples of soil taken from underneath morel fruiting bodies growing in field conditions and identified only to genus level, based on 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis. The isolate of Pedobacter sp. was designated as DDGJ. To establish endosymbiosis with the Morchella strains, the left sides of new CYM plates were then streaked with bacterial culture; 4 mm agar disks cut from the periphery of the above-described three-day-old plates of Morchella strains 13, SM, and Y2, were then inoculated at 2 cm distance from the bacterial streaks. The co-cultures were incubated inversely for 14 days at 14°C, at which point mycelia growing on the dish inner walls on the side of the bacterial inoculum were transferred to CYM slants. Several further rounds of isolation from slant walls to new slants were used to obtain pure mycelial cultures, until no sign of bacterial growth was visible. These putatively endosymbiotic strains of 13, SM and Y2 were designated P-13, P-SM and P-Y2, respectively. To compare the performance of strains in varying temperatures, 4mm agar disks of the endosymbiotic and parental morel strains were transferred to sterile cellophane membranes in the centre of new CYM plates and incubated at 16°C, 20°C or 24°C for one week. To compare the performance of strains in varying conditions of pH and allelotoxin concentrations, cultures on new CYM plates adjusted to pH 6, 7, and 8, and on CYM plates with 0, 0.02, 0.2 and 1.0 mM 4-coumaric acid, were also initiated in the same way, then incubated in the dark at 24°C for one week. Each strain + treatment combination was replicated three times. Fresh mycelia were then harvested from the cellophane membranes and dried to a constant weight at 50°C. The resultant dry biomass was weighed. ","- Biomass (g) of endosymbiotic strains (P-13, P-SM and P-Y2) and Morchella strains (13, SM, and Y2) incubated at 16°C, 20°C or 24°C for one week. - Biomass (g) of endosymbiotic strains (P-13, P-SM and P-Y2) and Morchella strains (13, SM, and Y2) grown on CYM plates with pH 6, 7, and 8 for one week and grown at 24°C. - Biomass (g) of endosymbiotic strains (P-13, P-SM and P-Y2) and Morchella strains (13, SM, and Y2) grown on CYM plates treated with allelotoxin concentrations (0, 0.02, 0.2 and 1.0 mM 4-coumaric acid) for one week and grown at 24°C.","This experiment examined how artificially induced endosymbiosis with a bacterium of the genus Pedobacter affected the dry weights of mycelial cultures of three Morchella species under different culture conditions, including stressful conditions. Three previously domesticated, positively identified strains of Morchella, M. sextelata 13, M. eximia SM and M. importuna Y2, were obtained as culture slants. For activation, 4 mm diameter agar disks were transferred from the slants onto 90 mm diameter petri dishes containing 15ml each of complete yeast extract medium (CYM) (glucose 20 g/L, yeast extracts 2.0 g/L, peptone 2.0 g/L, K2HPO4 1.0 g/L, MgSO4 0.50 g/L, KH2PO4 0.46 g/L and agar 20 g/L) and incubated in the dark for three days at 24°C. Using a conventional dilution method, bacteria were obtained from samples of soil taken from underneath morel fruiting bodies growing in field conditions and identified only to genus level, based on 16S rDNA phylogenetic analysis. The isolate of Pedobacter sp. was designated as DDGJ. To establish endosymbiosis with the Morchella strains, the left sides of new CYM plates were then streaked with bacterial culture; 4 mm agar disks cut from the periphery of the above-described three-day-old plates of Morchella strains 13, SM, and Y2, were then inoculated at 2 cm distance from the bacterial streaks. The co-cultures were incubated inversely for 14 days at 14°C, at which point mycelia growing on the dish inner walls on the side of the bacterial inoculum were transferred to CYM slants. Several further rounds of isolation from slant walls to new slants were used to obtain pure mycelial cultures, until no sign of bacterial growth was visible. These putatively endosymbiotic strains of 13, SM and Y2 were designated P-13, P-SM and P-Y2, respectively. To compare the performance of strains in varying temperatures, 4mm agar disks of the endosymbiotic and parental morel strains were transferred to sterile cellophane membranes in the centre of new CYM plates and incubated at 16°C, 20°C or 24°C for one week. To compare the performance of strains in varying conditions of pH and allelotoxin concentrations, cultures on new CYM plates adjusted to pH 6, 7, and 8, and on CYM plates with 0, 0.02, 0.2 and 1.0 mM 4-coumaric acid, were also initiated in the same way, then incubated in the dark at 24°C for one week. Each strain + treatment combination was replicated three times. Fresh mycelia were then harvested from the cellophane membranes and dried to a constant weight at 50°C. The resultant dry biomass was weighed. Which of the following outcomes are expected? Mark all the correct options. A) The biomasses of the endosymbiotic strains in all of the three concentrations (0, 0.02, 0.2, 1.0 mM) of 4-coumaric acid were all significantly higher than their parental strains. B) The biomasses of the endosymbiotic strains were all significantly higher than their parental strains at the 20°C and 24°C incubation temperatures, but not at 16°C, possibly because the growth of the productivity-boosting Pedobacter endosymbiont was inhibited at this temperature. C) The biomasses of the endosymbiotic strains in all of the three different pH treatments was significantly higher than their parental strains, showing that the productivity-boosting effects of endosymbiosis are relatively independent of soil pH conditions. D) The biomasses of the endosymbiotic strains was highly significantly greater than their parental strains in the 0.02 mM 4-coumaric acid treatment, and not significantly greater than their parental strains in the 1.0 mM treatment.","A) The biomasses of the endosymbiotic strains in all of the three concentrations (0, 0.02, 0.2, 1.0 mM) of 4-coumaric acid were all significantly higher than their parental strains. C) The biomasses of the endosymbiotic strains in all of the three different pH treatments was significantly higher than their parental strains, showing that the productivity-boosting effects of endosymbiosis are relatively independent of soil pH conditions.","- True morels in the genus Morchella (Pezizales, Ascomycota) are choice edible species of great commercial value; however, their cultivation in field conditions faces challenges like varying temperatures, soil pH, alterations in soil microbial communities, aggravation of soil-borne disease, allelopathy and autotoxicity. - Morchella spp. are associated with a diverse soil bacterial microbiome, including Pedobacter sp with which they have complex ecological interactions, including potentially beneficial ones that promote growth and ascocarp development. - Some microbiome bacteria can inhabit fungi intracellularly, forming endosymbioses that modulate fungal vigor, metabolite production and stress resistance. - Endosymbioses are beneficial associations between organisms of unequal size in which the smaller endosymbiont is located within the larger host.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- True morels in the genus Morchella (Pezizales, Ascomycota) are choice edible species of great commercial value; however, their cultivation in field conditions faces challenges like varying temperatures, soil pH, alterations in soil microbial communities, aggravation of soil-borne disease, allelopathy and autotoxicity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Artificial cultivation of true morels: current state, issues and perspectives""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/07388551.2017.1333082""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 6, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Morchella spp. are associated with a diverse soil bacterial microbiome, including Pedobacter sp with which they have complex ecological interactions, including potentially beneficial ones that promote growth and ascocarp development.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Microbial communities associated with the black morel Morchella sextelata cultivated in greenhouses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://peerj.com/articles/7744/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 26, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Some microbiome bacteria can even inhabit fungi intracellularly, forming endosymbioses that modulate fungal vigor, metabolite production and stress resistance.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diverse Bacteria Inhabit Living Hyphae of Phylogenetically Diverse Fungal Endophytes""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.asm.org/doi/full/10.1128/aem.02928-09""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 15, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Endosymbioses are beneficial associations between organisms of unequal size in which the smaller endosymbiont is located within the larger host.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Are endosymbioses mutualistic?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/0169534789900906""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November, 1989""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Molecular Biology,MCQ,Disrupting Notch signalling by a small molecule inhibiting dihydroorotate dehydrogenase activity,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.29.679158v1.full,"September 30, 2025","In the dose-response analyses, the researchers quantified the potency of candidate Notch inhibitors identified from the primary and counter screens by determining their half-maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀). The experiment used a stably transfected 293T Notch reporter cell line expressing firefly luciferase under the control of CSL-binding sites and a Renilla luciferase reporter for normalization. Compounds were prepared as 11-point serial dilutions ranging from 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M to 3.91 × 10⁻⁸ M, and in later analyses as 14-point dilution series between approximately 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M and 2.51 × 10⁻¹¹ M, distributed using Agilent Bravo and Labcyte Echo 650 liquid-handling systems. Reporter cells (4,000 cells per well) were seeded in 384-well white plates in 20 µL medium containing either test compounds or controls, and incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C with 5% CO₂. Each plate included DMSO vehicle controls (baseline activity) and positive inhibition controls—either 10 µM DAPT or LY-411575 (γ-secretase inhibitors)—to define assay limits. After incubation, 20 μl firefly luciferase substrate was added to each well using an automated dispenser system (Multidrop, ThermoFisher), followed by incubation with thorough agitation for 10 min in the dark. Next, firefly luciferase signals were read on a Wallac Victor3 1420 plate reader (Perkin Elmer; signal integration time = 0.5 sec). Dispenser casetters were changed after reading the firefly signals, and 20 μl of renilla firefly substrate was added to plates, incubated for 10 mins in the dark, after which the resulting renilla luciferase signals were read. Thus, the Dual-GLO Luciferase Assay (Promega) was used to measure luminescence, with firefly and Renilla signals detected sequentially on a Wallac Victor³ or SpectraMax i3 plate reader (signal integration times = 0.5 s for Notch assays, 0.1 s for APP assays). Data were normalised as firefly/Renilla ratios relative to the DMSO control value of the plate. Additionally, dose-response curves, IC₅₀ and Hill slope values were computed. ","- Firefly luciferase signals from 293T Notch reporter cell line expressing firefly luciferase after 24 hours treatment with DMSO (vehicle control), either 10 µM DAPT or LY-411575 (positive control), 11-point serial dilutions ranging from 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M to 3.91 × 10⁻⁸ M, and 14-point dilution series between approximately 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M and 2.51 × 10⁻¹¹ M. - Renila luciferase signals from 293T Notch reporter cell line expressing firefly luciferase after 24 hours treatment with DMSO (vehicle control), either 10 µM DAPT or LY-411575 (positive control), 11-point serial dilutions ranging from 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M to 3.91 × 10⁻⁸ M, and 14-point dilution series between approximately 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M and 2.51 × 10⁻¹¹ M. - Dose-response curve showing firefly/Renilla ratios relative to the DMSO control of 293T Notch reporter cell line expressing firefly luciferase after 24 hours treatment with DMSO (vehicle control), either 10 µM DAPT or LY-411575 (positive control), 11-point serial dilutions ranging from 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M to 3.91 × 10⁻⁸ M, and 14-point dilution series between approximately 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M and 2.51 × 10⁻¹¹ M.","Researchers stably transfected 293T Notch reporter cell line expressing firefly luciferase under the control of CSL-binding sites and a Renilla luciferase reporter. Then, test chemical compounds were prepared as 11-point serial dilutions ranging from 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M to 3.91 × 10⁻⁸ M, and in later analyses as 14-point dilution series between approximately 4.00 × 10⁻⁵ M and 2.51 × 10⁻¹¹ M. These dilutions of test compounds were then distributed using Agilent Bravo and Labcyte Echo 650 liquid-handling systems. Reporter cells (4,000 cells per well) were then seeded in 384-well white plates in 20 µL medium containing either test compounds or controls, and incubated for 24 hours at 37 °C with 5% CO₂. Each plate included DMSO vehicle controls (baseline activity) and positive inhibition controls—either 10 µM DAPT or LY-411575 (γ-secretase inhibitors)—to define assay limits. After incubation, 20 μl firefly luciferase substrate was added to each well using an automated dispenser system (Multidrop, ThermoFisher), followed by incubation with thorough agitation for 10 min in the dark. Next, firefly luciferase signals were read on a Wallac Victor3 1420 plate reader (Perkin Elmer; signal integration time = 0.5 sec). Dispenser casetters were changed after reading the firefly signals, and 20 μl of renilla firefly substrate was added to plates, incubated for 10 mins in the dark, after which the resulting renilla luciferase signals were read. Thus, the Dual-GLO Luciferase Assay (Promega) was used to measure luminescence, with firefly and Renilla signals detected sequentially on a Wallac Victor³ or SpectraMax i3 plate reader (signal integration times = 0.5 s for Notch assays, 0.1 s for APP assays). Data were normalised as firefly/Renilla ratios relative to the DMSO control value of the plate. Additionally, dose-response curves, IC₅₀ and Hill slope values were computed. In the dose-response analysis experiment, researchers treated the 293T Notch reporter cell line with dilutions of the test compounds to assess Notch pathway inhibition. Based on the experimental design and measurements taken, which core factor would be used to select test chemical compounds for further testing of Notch Inhibition? A. Structure of the compound and compounds with IC₅₀ values ranging between 0.73 and 4μM. B. Compounds with a decrease in the normalised firefly/Renilla luciferase ratio in a dose-dependent manner compared to DMSO controls and compounds with an increase in Renilla luciferase signal C. Compounds with decreased firefly luciferase signal below 70% and compounds with decreased renilla luciferase signal below 70% D. Compound with the smallest size and compounds with a high bioavailability.",A. Structure of the compound and compounds with IC₅₀ values ranging between 0.73 and 4μM.,"- The Notch signalling pathway is a cell-cell communication system required for differentiation and homeostasis of most tissues and organs. Notch receptors and ligands are highly evolutionarily conserved, and Notch signalling operates in most, if not all, multicellular organisms. - Small-molecule inhibitors have been developed, including RIN1, CB-103, NADI-351 and Z271-0326 which disrupt the Notch transcriptional complex.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The Notch signalling pathway is a cell-cell communication system required for differentiation and homeostasis of most tissues and organs. Notch receptors and ligands are highly evolutionarily conserved, and Notch signalling operates in most, if not all, multicellular organisms.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Notch signalling in context""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nrm.2016.94""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 10, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Small-molecule inhibitors have been developed, including RIN1, CB-103, NADI-351 and Z271-0326 which disrupt the Notch transcriptional complex.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Disruption of NOTCH signaling by a small molecule inhibitor of the transcription factor RBPJ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-019-46948-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 25, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer immunotherapy,MCQ,Multi-parametric profiling of IL-7-augmented GD2.CART products in a phase 1 clinical trial,https://www.cell.com/iscience/fulltext/S2589-0042(25)01941-8,"November 21, 2025","Among ten clinical CAR T cell products (from ten different patients with refractory diffuse midline glioma or other GD2-positive high-grade brain tumors), three contained anti-GD2 chimeric antigen receptor alone (group 1), and 7 contained anti-GD2 CAR co-expressed with a constitutively active IL-7 cytokine receptor C7R (group 2). The functional phenotype and cytotoxicity of these 10 different products were assessed by flow cytometry and a microscopy-based killing assay, respectively. For the phenotype assessment, CAR T cells were stimulated by a GD2-positive cell line (12h co-icubation at a 1:1 cell ratio), and then surface and intracellular markers, including CD154, CD26, CD103, BCL2, TIGIT, and GzmB, were measured. For cytotoxicity measurement, CAR T cells (effector cells) were co-cultured with GFP-positive GD2-positive cell line (target cells) at different effector-to-target ratios. The results of both experiments were integrated to compare multiple parameters defining the functionality of these two different types of products. The studied variables for group 1 and 2 were the percentage of cells expressing surface markers CD154, CD103, and CD26, assessed by flow cytometry; intracellular expression (% of positive cells) of granzyme B (GzmB) and Bcl-2, assessed by flow cytometry; and decrease in GFP+ target cell area (proportional to target cell death and therefore to CAR T cell cytotoxicity) assessed by live imaging microscopy.","1. Percent of cells expressing surface markers CD154, CD103, CD26, assessed for both treatment goups by flow cytometry. 2. Intracellular expression (% of positive cells) of granzyme B (GzmB) and Bcl-2, as assessed for both treatment groups by flow cytometry. 3. Decrease in GFP+ target cell area (proportional to target cell death and therefore to CAR T cell cytotoxicity) as assessed for both treatment groups by live imaging microscopy.","GD2-specific CAR T cells (group 1) and GD2-specific CAR T cells co-expressing constitutively active IL7Ra (group 2) were compared in terms of infiltration, activation, cytotoxicity, and killing potential based on the flow cytometry and killing assay results. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) Group 1 demonstrated a superior killing compared to group 2, while other determinants were comparable between the two groups. B) Group 1 exhibited superior killing, cytotoxicity, infiltration, and activation potential, and higher TIGIT expression as compared to group 2. C) Cytotoxicity, activation, and killing potential were elevated in group 2, while TIGIT expression was higher in group 1. D) All listed parameters were higher in group 2 as compared to group 1.",D) All listed parameters were higher in group 2 as compared to group 1.,"- GD2-directed CARTs show promise for treating diffuse midline glioma and other GD2-expressing brain tumors, though their efficacy is challenged by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and poor T cell persistence. - A constitutively active IL-7 receptor (C7R) was implemented that enhances CART survival, metabolic fitness, and antitumor activity by activating IL-7-independent STAT5 signaling and overcomes cytokine deprivation at tumor sites without affecting bystander immune cells. - Preclinical studies demonstrated enhanced CART proliferation, persistence, and tumor-killing capacity by the C7R, even in cytokine-depleted environments. - Higher GrzB and CD26 expression suggests higher T cell cytotoxicity. - Higher BCL-2, CD26, and CD154 expression indicates higher potential for T cell activation. - Elevated TIGIT is associated with higher resilience, while CD26 and CD103 suggest a role in T cell infiltration into tissues. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""GD2-directed CARTs show promise for treating diffuse midline glioma and other GD2-expressing brain tumors, though their efficacy is challenged by the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment and poor T cell persistence.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""CAR T Cells for Solid Tumors: New Strategies for Finding, Infiltrating, and Surviving in the Tumor Microenvironment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2019.00128/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 04, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""A constitutively active IL-7 receptor (C7R) was implemented that enhances CART survival, metabolic fitness, and antitumor activity by activating IL-7-independent STAT5 signaling and overcomes cytokine deprivation at tumor sites without affecting bystander immune cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Constitutive Signaling from an Engineered IL7 Receptor Promotes Durable Tumor Elimination by Tumor-Redirected T Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://aacrjournals.org/cancerdiscovery/article/7/11/1238/6513/Constitutive-Signaling-from-an-Engineered-IL7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 01, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Preclinical studies demonstrated enhanced CART proliferation, persistence, and tumor-killing capacity by the C7R, even in cytokine-depleted environments. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Phase I Trial of GD2.CART Cells Augmented With Constitutive Interleukin-7 Receptor for Treatment of High-Grade Pediatric CNS Tumors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.23.02019""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 21, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology,MCQ,Albumin-STING Nanoagonist Reprograms HSPCs to Antitumor Neutrophils Enhancing MHC I–Mediated CD8⁺ T Cell Immunity,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.02.673154v2,"Oct 24, 2025","Researchers compared different inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-6) on the expansion of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs). For this purpose, bone marrow cells from C57BL/6J mice were isolated. Bone marrow single-cell suspensions were enriched for lineage-negative (Lin⁻) cells using a biotin-conjugated lineage panel (BioLegend) and magnetic separation, then stained with fluorophore-conjugated antibodies. LSK (Lin-Sca-1+c-Kit+) HSPCs were sorted using a flow cytometry sorter and cultured in StemSpan with 50 ng/mL SCF (BioLegend) at 2×10⁴ cells/well in 96 well U-bottom plates. Cells were treated with 10 ng/mL cytokines for 3 days. After treatment, the cells were analyzed with flow cytometry to compare the HSPC expansion by each inflammatory cytokine. The measurements taken were the expression of Sca-1 and c-Kit in Lin- population and the percentage of LSK cells in Lin- population, in each condition. ","- The expression of Sca-1 and c-Kit in Lin- population in each condition, using flow cytometry. - Percentage of LSK cells in Lin- population in each condition, using flow cytometry. ","Expansion of bone marrow HSPCs by 10ng/mL inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, or IL-6 were compared. LSK cells from bone marrow were treated with each cytokine for 3 days, respectively. After that, cells from each culture condition were collected and analyzed with a flow cytometry analyzer to measure the percentage of LSK cells in Lin- cell population. Which inflammatory cytokine do you predict to induce highest percentage of LSK cells in Lin- cells? A) IFN-γ B) IL-6 C) IFN-β D) TNF-α",B) IL-6,"- The STING pathway activation triggers phosphorylation of TBK1–IRF3 and NF-κB to induce interferons and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and IL-6, thereby promoting immunity. - STING expression is higher in HSPCs than in their differentiated immune progeny.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The STING pathway activation triggers phosphorylation of TBK1–IRF3 and NF-κB to induce interferons and proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-a and IL-6, thereby promoting immunity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""STING regulates intracellular DNA-mediated, type I interferon-dependent innate immunity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4664154/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 23, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""STING expression is higher in HSPCs than in their differentiated immune progeny.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""STING activation in TET2-mutated hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells contributes to the increased self-renewal and neoplastic transformation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10681905/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Oct 10, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Animal behavior,MCQ,Specific Wavelengths of Light Modulate Honey Bee Locomotor Activity,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.22.683871v1,"October 23, 2025","Researchers investigated how exposure to specific wavelengths, as well as their combinations, affects the locomotor activity (LMA) of honey bee (Apis mellifera). Returning forager bees were obtained from two colonies located on the Middle East Technical University campus. They utilized light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with peak wavelengths of 528 nm (green), 447 nm (blue), 372 nm (UV), and 849 nm (infrared - IR) (verified using a spectrometer). The LEDs were connected to DC power supplies, whose current and voltage were regulated to deliver a consistent irradiance of 12 µW/cm². Bees were placed in glass tubes (16mm diameter x 100 mm length) with a 2 mm-diameter hole in the middle to allow ventilation. The mouth of each tube was covered with a lid containing fondant sugar and cheesecloth, allowing the bees to feed while preventing them from sticking to the sugar. The tubes were placed horizontally, side by side, inside the climate chamber, set to 32 °C and 60 % relative humidity. A webcam was placed inside the chamber, parallel to the tubes, and at a distance that covered all tubes. Eight separate experiments were conducted with only green, blue, UV, and combinations of green-blue, green-UV, blue-UV, green-blue-UV, and only IR (dark for bees) LEDs on. The bees were replaced at the beginning of each experiment, and 32 were used in each. The experiments started at 7:00 pm and lasted 24 hours. Activity counts were extracted using video recordings, which were processed with the Api-TRACE Video Processing Module (similar to methods of counting the passage of bees across the midpoint of the tubes) by tracking the position of the bee continuously (shift from one region to another). Researchers used the Kruskal-Wallis test followed by a post-hoc Dunn test to assess differences in total 24-hour LMA across light exposure groups. ","- Honey bees' locomotor activity level (based on activity counts measured via Api-TRACE Video Processing module), for each LED wavelength treatments: only green, blue, UV, and combinations of green-blue, green-UV, blue-UV, green-blue-UV, and only IR/dark control for 24 hours. ","Researchers investigated how exposure to specific wavelengths, as well as their combinations, affects the locomotor activity of honey bee (Apis mellifera). Returning forager bees were obtained from two colonies located on the Middle East Technical University campus. They utilized light-emitting diodes (LEDs) (consistent irradiance of 12 µW/cm²) with peak wavelengths of 528 nm (green), 447 nm (blue), 372 nm (ultraviolet; UV), and 849 nm (infrared; IR). Bees were placed in glass tubes (16mm diameter x 100 mm length) with a 2 mm-diameter hole in the middle to allow ventilation. The mouth of each tube was covered with a lid containing fondant sugar and cheesecloth. The tubes were placed horizontally, side by side, inside the climate chamber, set to 32 °C and 60 % relative humidity. A webcam was placed inside the chamber, parallel to the tubes, and at a distance that covered all tubes. Eight separate experiments (32 bees per experiment) were conducted with green only, blue only, UV only, and combinations of green-blue, green-UV, blue-UV, green-blue-UV, and only IR (dark control) LEDs on. The experiments started at 7:00 pm and lasted 24 hours. Activity counts were extracted using video recordings, which were processed with the Api-TRACE Video Processing Module by tracking the position of the bee continuously (shift from one region to another). Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A. Infrared exposure led to the lowest activity levels. B. Blue-UV exposure led to the lowest activity levels observed. C. UV-only exposure led to the lowest activity levels observed. D. Green light exposure led to the lowest activity levels observed.",B. Blue-UV exposure led to the lowest activity levels observed.,"- Color vision enables bees to recognize flowers, navigate, and forage for food - Bees possess three types of photoreceptors in their retina, with absorption peaks at 344 nm (UV or short type), 436 nm (blue or medium type), and 544 nm (green or long type) - The anterior optic tube receives chromatic input from the lobula and processes UV, blue, and green light separately in distinct subunits. Green light dominantly activates both the dorsal and ventral lobes, blue light activates the dorsal lobe, and UV light activates the ventral lobe. - The anterior optic tube sends projections to higher-level brain centers such as the lateral protocerebrum (LP) and the central complex (CC). The LP integrates visual information, with anterior LP neurons being primarily color-sensitive, while the CC regulates movement and orientation based on processed chromatic input. - Light is a strong environmental component that affects bees' locomotor activity","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Color vision enables bees to recognize flowers, navigate, and forage for food""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mechanisms, functions and ecology of colour vision in the honeybee""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00359-014-0915-1""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 15, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Bees possess three types of photoreceptors in their retina, with absorption peaks at 344 nm (UV or short type), 436 nm (blue or medium type), and 544 nm (green or long type)""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Colour receptors in the bee eye — Morphology and spectral sensitivity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/BF00625437""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January, 1976""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The anterior optic tube receives chromatic input from the lobula and processes UV, blue, and green light separately in distinct subunits. Green light dominantly activates both the dorsal and ventral lobes, blue light activates the dorsal lobe, and UV light activates the ventral lobe.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chromatic processing in the anterior optic tubercle of the honey bee brain""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jneurosci.org/content/33/1/4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 2, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The anterior optic tube sends projections to higher-level brain centers such as the lateral protocerebrum (LP) and the central complex (CC). The LP integrates visual information, with anterior LP neurons being primarily color-sensitive, while the CC regulates movement and orientation based on processed chromatic input.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Chromatic processing in the anterior optic tubercle of the honey bee brain""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.jneurosci.org/content/33/1/4""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 2, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Light is a strong environmental component that affects bees' locomotor activity""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Light and temperature entrainment of a locomotor rhythm in honeybees""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://resjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1365-3032.1993.tb00599.x""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September, 1993""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,Free-Format Question,Artesunate induces ferroptosis in osteosarcoma through NCOA4‑mediated ferritinophagy,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40168090/,"April 01, 2025","Researchers tested the effect of Artesunate(ART) on Osteosarcoma (OS) cell proliferation. To do this, Osteoblast hFOB1.19 (American Type Culture Collection ATCC), MG63 and 143B cell lines were used. The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) (Vivacell Bioscience, Shanghai, China). Complete culture medium comprised 1% penicillin (Vivacell, Shanghai, China) and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Thermo Fisher, Shanghai, China) was added to the cell culture, and cells were maintained at 5% CO2 and 37°C. The cells (MG63, 143B, and hFOB 1.19) were next treated without or with ART (concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μM) for 24, 48, or 72 h. Next, the drug-containing medium was removed, and a CCK-8 solution was diluted, and the cells were incubated in the solution for 2h, after which absorbance was measured at 450 nm by an enzyme-labelled apparatus.","- Absorbance at 450nm of MG63, 143B, and hFOB 1.19 cells treated without or with ART (concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μM) for 24, 48, or 72 h. - Cell viability rate (%) of MG63, 143B, and hFOB 1.19 cells treated without or with ART (concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μM) for 24, 48, or 72 h.","Researchers tested the effect of Artesunate(ART) on Osteosarcoma (OS) cell proliferation. To do this, Osteoblast hFOB1.19 (American Type Culture Collection ATCC), MG63 and 143B cell lines were used. The cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) (Vivacell Bioscience, Shanghai, China). Complete culture medium comprised 1% penicillin (Vivacell, Shanghai, China) and 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) (Thermo Fisher, Shanghai, China) was added to the cell culture, and cells were maintained at 5% CO2 and 37°C. The cells (MG63, 143B, and hFOB 1.19) were next treated without or with ART (concentrations of 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80 and 100 μM) for 24, 48, or 72 h. Next, the drug-containing medium was removed, and a CCK-8 solution was diluted, and the cells were incubated in the solution for 2h, after which absorbance was measured at 450 nm by an enzyme-labelled apparatus. If the cell viability rate was measured for the cell lines after ART treatment, which cell line (if none of the cell lines had any viable cells after treatment, kindly say so) will have viable cells after 72 h of treatment with 100 μM ART?","hFOB 1.19 cells had viable cells after 72 hours of treatment with 100μM ART ","- Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary bone malignancy of mesenchymal origin in children and adolescents, with 3.4 cases per million people worldwide. - Artesunate (ART) is a new treatment for severe malaria. - ART could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumour cells by regulating gene expression and signalling pathways, thus playing a therapeutic role in the occurrence and development of various malignant tumours.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary bone malignancy of mesenchymal origin in children and adolescents, with 3.4 cases per million people worldwide.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""METTL14-mediated epitranscriptome modification of MN1 mRNA promote tumorigenicity and all-trans-retinoic acid resistance in osteosarcoma""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.thelancet.com/journals/ebiom/article/PIIS2352-3964(22)00323-1/fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 7, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Artesunate (ART) is a new treatment for severe malaria.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Malaria Surveillance — United States, 2017""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/70/ss/ss7002a1.htm""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 19, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""ART could inhibit the proliferation, migration, and invasion of tumour cells by regulating gene expression and signalling pathways, thus playing a therapeutic role in the occurrence and development of various malignant tumours.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Artesunate Exhibits Synergy With Cisplatin and Cytotoxicity for Upper Tract and Bladder Urothelial Carcinoma Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36854526/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Immunology,Free-Format Question,SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccines sensitize tumours to immune checkpoint blockade,https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41125896/,"October 22, 2025","Tumour-bearing mice (male and female; background of C57BL/6 and Rigi-knockout mice (C57BL/6NJ-Rigiem1(IMPC)J/Mmjax)) were implanted subcutaneously (s.c.) with 50,000 B16F0 or 10^6 B16F10-OVA melanoma cells in the right flank. From this, 8 treatment groups were made, namely: Untreated group (mice received no treatments), PD-L1 group (mice received 400 μg of Anti-PD-L1 (Bio X Cell, BE0101) checkpoint inhibitor per mouse as initial does followed by 200 μg per mouse twice a week till endpoint), RNA-LNP group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP (RNA of SARS-CoV-2 spike coding sequence with K986P and V987P mutations encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles)), anti-IFNAR group (mice received 500 μg of anti-mouse IFNα receptor (aIFNAR1, Bio X Cell, BE0241) antibodies per mouse as initial does followed by 250 μg per mouse twice a week till endpoint), anti-IL-1R group (mice received 500 μg of anti-mouse IL-1R (Bio X Cell, BE0256) antibodies per mouse as initial does followed by 250 μg per mouse twice a week till endpoint), RNA-LNP + PD-L1 group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP plus same treatment regime of PD-L1 group), RNA-LNP + PD-L1 + anti-IFNAR group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP plus same treatment regime of PD-L1 and anti-IFNAR group), RNA-LNP + PD-L1 + anti-IL-1R group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP plus same treatment regime of PD-L1 and anti-IL-1R group). For all groups, LMW poly(I:C) (InvivoGen, tlrl-picw) was administered intramuscularly with 25 μg per mouse for two doses. Tumour size (in mm^3) was measured at a frequency of three times a week, starting on day 8 until more than 20% of mice reached the end point.","- Triweekly tumour size (mm^3) of mice in the untreated group, PD-L1 group, RNA-LNP group, anti-IFNAR group, anti-IL-1R group, RNA-LNP + PD-L1 group, RNA-LNP + PD-L1 + anti-IFNAR group and RNA-LNP + PD-L1 + anti-IL-1R group, starting from day 8 until more than 20% of mice reached the end point.","Tumour-bearing mice (male and female; background of C57BL/6 and Rigi-knockout mice (C57BL/6NJ-Rigiem1(IMPC)J/Mmjax)) were implanted subcutaneously (s.c.) with 50,000 B16F0 or 10^6 B16F10-OVA melanoma cells in the right flank. From this, 8 treatment groups were made, namely: Untreated group (mice received no treatments), PD-L1 group (mice received 400 μg of Anti-PD-L1 (Bio X Cell, BE0101) checkpoint inhibitor per mouse as initial does followed by 200 μg per mouse twice a week till endpoint), RNA-LNP group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP (RNA of SARS-CoV-2 spike coding sequence with K986P and V987P mutations encapsulated in lipid nanoparticles)), anti-IFNAR group (mice received 500 μg of anti-mouse IFNα receptor (aIFNAR1, Bio X Cell, BE0241) antibodies per mouse as initial does followed by 250 μg per mouse twice a week till endpoint), anti-IL-1R group (mice received 500 μg of anti-mouse IL-1R (Bio X Cell, BE0256) antibodies per mouse as initial does followed by 250 μg per mouse twice a week till endpoint), RNA-LNP + PD-L1 group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP plus same treatment regime of PD-L1 group), RNA-LNP + PD-L1 + anti-IFNAR group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP plus same treatment regime of PD-L1 and anti-IFNAR group), RNA-LNP + PD-L1 + anti-IL-1R group (vaccinated intramuscularly with 25 μg per dose of RNA-LNP plus same treatment regime of PD-L1 and anti-IL-1R group). For all groups, LMW poly(I:C) (InvivoGen, tlrl-picw) was administered intramuscularly with 25 μg per mouse for two doses. If tumour size is measured at a frequency of three times a week, starting on day 8, until more than 20% of mice reach the end point in all treatment groups, which two groups would have the most significant reduction in tumour size?",The two combination therapy group of RNA-LNP + PD-L1 and RNA-LNP + PD-L1 + anti-IL-1R strongly inhibited tumour growth and showed the lowest tumour size.,"- Systemic administration of highly immunogenic mRNA nanoparticles induces a viraemia-like cytokine/chemokine response that resets the systemic and intratumoural immune milieu, sensitizing resistant tumours to ICIs. - COVID-19 mRNA vaccines also induce robust stimulation of cytokine secretion and tumours are sometimes resolved after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine administration.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Systemic administration of highly immunogenic mRNA nanoparticles induces a viraemia-like cytokine/chemokine response that resets the systemic and intratumoural immune milieu, sensitizing resistant tumours to ICIs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Personalized tumor rna loaded lipid-nanoparticles prime the systemic and intratumoral milieu for response to cancer immunotherapy.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6597257/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 27, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- COVID-19 mRNA vaccines also induce robust stimulation of cytokine secretion and tumours are sometimes resolved after COVID-19 mRNA vaccine administration.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Spontaneous tumor regression following COVID-19 vaccination.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://jitc.bmj.com/content/10/3/e004371""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 3, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Neurobiology / Immunology,Free-Format Question,Dual role of Lyz2-positive myeloid cells in traumatic brain injury: acute anti-inflammatory effects vs. chronic neurological deterioration,https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/cellular-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fncel.2025.1642410/full,"October 6, 2025","The authors investigated the impact of myeloid depletion on neuronal survival in Lyz2-IRES-DTREGFP mice after controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury (TBI group), compared with mice at the same conditions but with Diphtheria toxin (DT) administration (DT+TBI group). Prior to the experiment, the DT-TBI group was administered 0.15 mg/mL of DT (25 ng/g) in saline solution for three consecutive days before the CCI. All groups were anesthetized with a cocktail of ketamine (80 mg/kg)/xylazine (10 mg/kg), and a controlled cortical impact injury (CCI) was performed, where a circular craniotomy was performed on the skull located in the hippocampal region, they were positioned on a PSI-IH impactor, and an impact force of 100 kDynes was delivered to include a brain contusion (confirmed by red impact site on the cerebral surface and slight hemorrhaging). 28 days post-CCI, mice were perfusion-fixed, and brain tissue sections of 10 μm thickness were prepared for Nissl staining to quantify the number of surviving neurons (counted in matched fields; three consecutive sections per animal). ",- Quantification of surviving neurons in Lyz2-IRES-DTREGFP mice with or without diphtheria toxin after controlled cortical impact injury (28 days after) as viewed by Nissl staining.,"The authors investigated the impact of myeloid depletion on neuronal survival in Lyz2-IRES-DTREGFP mice after controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury (traumatic brain injury; TBI group), compared with mice at the same conditions but with Diphtheria toxin (DT) administration (DT+TBI group). Prior to the experiment, the DT-TBI group was administered 0.15 mg/ml of DT (25 ng/g) in saline solution for three consecutive days prior to the CCI. All groups were anesthetized with a cocktail of ketamine (80 mg/kg)/xylazine (10 mg/kg), and a controlled cortical impact injury (CCI) was performed, where a circular craniotomy was performed on the skull located in the hippocampal region, they were positioned on a PSI-IH impactor, and an impact force of 100 kDynes was delivered to include a brain contusion (confirmed by red impact site on the cerebral surface and slight hemorrhaging). 28 days post-CCI, mice were perfusion-fixed, and brain tissue sections of 10 μm thickness were prepared for Nissl staining to quantify the number of surviving neurons. Predict the relative difference (more, fewer, or similar) in surviving neuron counts in the DT + TBI compared to TBI mouse groups following controlled cortical impact injury.",The DT + TBI group showed fewer surviving neurons than the TBI group.,"- Myeloid cells constitute the primary cellular component of the innate immune system and play a critical role in the response to central nervous system (CNS) injury. - Lyz2-IRES-DTREGFP mice were generated by enabling specific expression of DTR (diphtheria toxin receptor) in myeloid cells, therefore, intraperitoneal injection of diphtheria toxin (DT) induces cell-specific ablation, as DT binds to the DTR and exerts cytotoxic effects, leading to targeted cell death. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Myeloid cells constitute the primary cellular component of the innate immune system and play a critical role in the response to central nervous system (CNS) injury. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Nature of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells in the Tumor Microenvironment""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4775398/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 1, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Lyz2-IRES-DTREGFP mice were generated by enabling specific expression of DTR (diphtheria toxin receptor) in myeloid cells, therefore, intraperitoneal injection of diphtheria toxin (DT) induces cell-specific ablation, as DT binds to the DTR and exerts cytotoxic effects, leading to targeted cell death.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A Transgenic Mouse Model of Inducible Macrophage Depletion""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://ajp.amjpathol.org/article/S0002-9440(10)60530-5/fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Animal Behavior,Free-Format Question,Access to running wheels decreases social motivation in adult C57BL/6J female mice,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.09.25.678626v1,"September 25, 2025","Researchers investigated whether home cage access to running wheels impacts social behaviors of adult, group-housed female C57BL/6J mice during same-sex interactions. At weaning (postnatal day 21), female siblings were assigned to either hut condition (n=19; paper hut, standard enrichment, no running wheel) or wheel condition (n=16; combined shelter/running wheel, standard enrichment, no paper hut). Mice were maintained on 12h:12h reversed light/dark cycle with ad libitum food and water. After 5 weeks (at 8 weeks of age), each subject female was given a 10-minute social interaction test with a novel, group-housed adult female. The subject's home cage was placed in a sound-attenuating chamber with infrared lighting and webcam recording, and the shelter (wheel or hut) was removed. Siblings were temporarily moved to another cage during testing. Trained observers blinded to experimental group assignments used BORIS v.8.13 software to score total time (s) that the subject female spent engaged in social investigation of the novel female from webcam videos. Social investigation was defined as sniffing or following the novel female, including times of mutual social investigation (mutual sniffing and/or circling). ","- Total social investigation time (s) scored from webcam videos using BORIS v.8.13 software by trained observers; measured for wheel condition vs. hut condition (n=19 hut, n=16 wheel)","Researchers investigated whether home cage access to running wheels affects social behavior in adult female mice during same-sex interactions. Group-housed female siblings (C57BL/6J) were assigned at weaning to either wheel condition (with running wheel) or hut condition (with paper hut), maintained for 5 weeks, then given a 10-minute social interaction test with a novel female at 8 weeks of age. Trained observers scored total time that subject females spent engaged in social investigation of the novel female. How did social investigation time compare between the wheel and hut conditions?",Female subjects in the wheel condition spent significantly less time engaged in social investigation compared to female subjects in the hut condition.,"- The most common form of exercise provided to laboratory rodents is voluntary wheel running, in which rodents are given free access to a running wheel in their home environment. - Wheel running has been shown to attenuate the effects of chronic social defeat stress on sociability and aggression in male mice. - Wheel running attenuates the effects on sociability of inescapable tail shock in female rats. - Wheel running reduces the effects of chronic social isolation on sociability and aggression in mice. - Wheel running reduces the severity of anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in rodents subjected to a combination of social isolation and chronic mild stress.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The most common form of exercise provided to laboratory rodents is voluntary wheel running, in which rodents are given free access to a running wheel in their home environment""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Voluntary wheel running: patterns and physiological effects in mice""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.scielo.br/j/bjmbr/a/kCDDvjgLp5p8gRN3PhJ3jKz/?lang=en""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Wheel running has been shown to attenuate the effects of chronic social defeat stress on sociability and aggression in mice.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Voluntary wheel running promotes resilience to chronic social defeat stress in mice: a role for nucleus accumbens ΔFosB""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-018-0103-z""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 24, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Wheel running attenuates the effects on sociability of inescapable tail shock in female rats.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Female rats are more responsive than are males to the protective effects of voluntary physical activity against the behavioral consequences of inescapable stress""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10253890.2023.2245492""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 23, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Wheel running reduces the effects of chronic social isolation on sociability and aggression in mice.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Voluntary wheel running ameliorates abnormalities in social behavior induced by social isolation: Involvement of neural and neurochemical responses""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0304394023001994""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 07, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Wheel running reduces the severity of anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors in rodents subjected to a combination of social isolation and chronic mild stress.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Voluntary physical exercise protects against behavioral and endocrine reactivity to social and environmental stressors in the prairie vole""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17470919.2017.1365761""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 18, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Neurobiology and Nanobiotechnology,Numerical Values,Development and Evaluation of Indian Mustard Honey-Loaded Fast Dissolving PVA/AG Nanofibers for Enhanced Neuroprotection,https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.5c05524,"October 1, 2025","Researchers evaluated the neuroprotective effects of MH (mustard honey) loaded poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/acacia gum (AG) nanofibers in HT-22 neuronal cells using an H2O2-induced oxidative stress survivability assay. PVA was dissolved in water to 8% (w/v) solid concentration and stirred for 2-3 hours. Afterwards, a 2% (w/v) AG solution was mixed with a clear PVA solution and stirred for an additional 3 hours. Additionally, solutions of PVA/AG containing MH at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20% (w/v) were prepared overnight by stirring at room temperature to semiturbid conditions. Pristine PVA/AG solutions were prepared as a blank sample, without honey. PVA and AG were fixed at 8 and 2% concentrations, respectively, for all systems. After solution prep, they were electrospun using ESPIN-NANO electrospinning equipment. Samples were loaded into a 10 mL syringe and horizontally loaded into the pump. Voltage was set to 18 kV. The electrospinning solution was pumped through the needle using a syringe pump at a stable flow rate (0.7 mL/h) for pristine/blank PVA/AG solution, 1.2 mL/h for PVA/AG/MH (5, 10%), and 1.3 mL/h for PVA/AG/MH (15 and 20%). For the deposition of nanofibers, a metal plate covered with an aluminum foil sheet was placed 15 cm away from the needle (conditions were at ~25% humidity and ~20°C). For the survivability assay, HT-22 cells were initially cultured in DMEM-HG (Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle’s Medium-High Glucose) with 10% fetal bovine serum, in a CO2 incubator with 5% CO2, at 37 °C. The extracts were prepared as follows: 5 mg of each nanofiber formulation: blank PVA/AG (without MH) or MH-loaded (5, 10, 15 and 20% w/v). They were suspended in 5 mL of culture medium and incubated (24 h at 37 °C). Cells were seeded in 96-well plates at a density of 5 × 10^3/well. At 70-80% confluency, the cells were treated with 100 μL of individual nanofiber extract and then incubated for 24 hours, followed by exposure to 500 H2O2 for 24h. Afterward, 10 μL of MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) reagent was added, and the mixture was incubated (4 h, in the dark, 37 °C). The resultant purple-colored formazan particles were dissolved in cell-grade DMSO. The optical density (OD570) was measured using a microplate spectrophotometer, and cell survivability (%) was calculated as (absorbance of treated H₂O₂-exposed cells/absorbance of untreated control) × 100.","- Cell survivability (% normalized to untreated control) across nanofiber formulations (blank PVA/AG, MH-loaded 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20% w/v) in HT-22 neuronal cells after H2O2 exposure, measured at 570 nm using a microplate spectrophotometer. ","Researchers evaluated the neuroprotective effect of mustard honey (MH)-loaded poly(vinyl alcohol)/acacia gum (PVA/AG) nanofibers in HT-22 neuronal cells using an H2O2-induced oxidative stress survivability assay. The nanofibers were prepared by electrospinning PVA (8% w/v) and AG (2% w/v) solutions containing 5, 10, 15, or 20% (w/v) MH at 18 kV (0.7–1.3 mL/h flow rate, 15 cm tip-to-collector, ~25% humidity, and 20 °C). For testing, 5 mg of each nanofiber was incubated (5 mL DMEM-HG, 10% FBS, 24 h, 37 °C) to obtain extracts. HT-22 cells (5 × 10³/well, 96-well plate) were treated with 100 µL extract for 24 h, followed by 500 μM H2O2 for 24 h. Cell viability was then measured by MTT assay (10 µL MTT, 4 h, 37 °C, dark). Formazan crystals were dissolved in DMSO, and OD570 was recorded using a microplate spectrophotometer to calculate cell survival as % = (absorbance of treated H2O2-exposed cells/ absorbance of untreated control) x 100. Predict the cell survival (%) of the 10% PVA/AG/MH group under H2O2 exposure.",% Surviability= [60% - 80%] derived from 70% at 10% PVA/AG/MH + H2O2 condition. Note: SE reported +/- 10% applied.,"- Mustard honey's (MH) high flavonoid and polyphenol content contributes to its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. - Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) forms a fiber mesh providing an ideal neutral matrix and stability to the encapsulated compounds, ensuring their fast release without affecting its chemical properties. - Acacia gum (AG), a natural polysaccharide collected from the acacia tree, was also used as a neutral stabilizing agent to the bioactive compounds, protecting and supporting their fast and controlled release. The water-soluble property of AG polysaccharide improves mucoadhesion, leading to better buccal absorption of drugs. Additionally, AG has intrinsic antioxidant activity that can synergistically enhance the antioxidant efficacy of an encapsulated drug. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mustard honey's (MH) high flavonoid and polyphenol content contributes to its neuroprotective and antioxidant properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Inhibitory effect of selected Indian honey on colon cancer cell growth by inducing apoptosis and targeting the β-catenin/Wnt pathway""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2022/fo/d1fo03727g""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 14, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) forms a fiber mesh providing an ideal neutral matrix and stability to the encapsulated compounds, ensuring their fast release without affecting its chemical properties.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Encapsulation of vanillin/cyclodextrin inclusion complex in electrospun polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanowebs: Prolonged shelf-life and high temperature stability of vanillin""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0308814612000738?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 1, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Acacia gum (AG), a natural polysaccharide collected from the acacia tree, was also used as a neutral stabilizing agent to the bioactive compounds, protecting and supporting their fast and controlled release. The water-soluble property of AG polysaccharide improves mucoadhesion, leading to better buccal absorption of drugs. Additionally, AG has intrinsic antioxidant activity that can synergistically enhance the antioxidant efficacy of an encapsulated drug. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Gum Arabic: A Commodity with Versatile Formulations and Applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/15/4/290""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Februrary 7, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,Numerical Values,Cancer-specific sialylation of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor impairs therapeutic antibody binding and efficacy,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.682592v1,"October 19, 2025","Researchers investigated how inhibiting sialylation affects the survival of ovarian cancer cells during ganitumab treatment in a clonogenic cell survival assay. Ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 was cultured in a humidified CO2 (5%) incubator at 37 °C in medium 199 and MCDB105 in a 1:1 ratio, supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% penicillin and streptomycin (100 units/mL). For the clonogenic cell survival assay, they were pre-treated with 1 µg/ml ganitumab, 200 µM sialyltransferase inhibitor (STI; 3Fax-Peracetyl Neu5Ac), or 200 µM fucosyltransferase inhibitor (FTI; 2F-Peracetyl-Fucose) for 48 hours. Three hundred cells were then seeded in 6-well plates and cultured for 10 days under the following conditions: ganitumab alone, ganitumab + STI, or ganitumab + FTI. Colonies were fixed in methanol and stained with 1% crystal violet for visualization and counting. Colonies were normalized to the control.","- Colony formation (number of colonies, expressed as % of control) in SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cell cultures in treatment groups: control, ganitumab only, ganitumab + STI (sialyltransferase inhibitor; 3Fax-Peracetyl Neu5Ac), ganitumab + FTI (fucosyltransferase inhibitor; 2F-Peracetyl-Fucose).","Researchers investigated how inhibiting sialylation affects the survival of ovarian cancer cells during ganitumab treatment in a clonogenic cell survival assay. Ovarian cancer cell line SKOV-3 was cultured in a humidified CO2 (5%) incubator at 37 °C in medium 199 and MCDB105 in a 1:1 ratio, supplemented with 5% fetal bovine serum (FBS), 1% penicillin and streptomycin (100 units/mL). For the clonogenic cell survival assay, they were pre-treated with 1 µg/ml ganitumab, 200 µM sialyltransferase inhibitor (STI; 3Fax-Peracetyl Neu5Ac), or 200 µM fucosyltransferase inhibitor (FTI; 2F-Peracetyl-Fucose) for 48 hours. Three hundred cells were then seeded in 6-well plates and cultured for 10 days under the following conditions: ganitumab alone, ganitumab + STI, or ganitumab + FTI. Colonies were fixed in methanol and stained with 1% crystal violet for visualization and counting. Colonies were normalized to the control. Predict the number of expected colonies as % of control for the ganitumab + STI condition.","#colGan+STI= [41.5 - 51.5] % derived from 46.5% at ganitumab + STI condition. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported > fallback ± 5 % applied. ","- The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a key receptor tyrosine kinase involved in essential processes such as growth, survival, and metastasis in cancer that is targeted by an anti-IGF1R mAb (monoclonal antibody), ganitumab. - Sialylation, the addition of sialic acid to terminal glycan chains, is a critical glycosylation modification on cell surface proteins that is upregulated in cancers. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) is a key receptor tyrosine kinase involved in essential processes such as growth, survival, and metastasis in cancer that is targeted by an anti-IGF1R mAb (monoclonal antibody), ganitumab.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Drugging IGF-1R in cancer: New insights and emerging opportunities""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352304222000538""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Sialylation, the addition of sialic acid to terminal glycan chains, is a critical glycosylation modification on cell surface proteins that is upregulated in cancers.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Biological roles of glycans ""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/glycob/article/27/1/3/2527575""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 1, 2017""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Ecology,Free-Format Question,Testing the reproducibility of ecological studies on insect behavior in a multi-laboratory setting identifies opportunities for improving experimental rigour,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12013911/,"April 22, 2025","Researchers investigated ecological experiment reproducibility using a multi-laboratory approach. Three insect species: the turnip sawfly (A. rosae), the meadow grasshopper (P. parallelus), and the red flour beetle (T. castaneum) were used. P. parallelus were collected from the wild, T. castaneum was laboratory-grown, and A.rosae was a mix of wild and laboratory-grown insects (originated from the Bielefeld laboratory stock population, initially established from adults collected in the vicinity of Bielefeld, Germany and supplemented with wild-caught A. rosae adults). The effect of starvation on larval behaviour in A. rosae was investigated by measuring post-contact immobility (PCI) and activity following a simulated attack. Larvae were either starved or fed (non-starved). Stock population sawflies were housed in mesh cages (60 × 60 × 60 cm) within a laboratory environment at a 16:8-h light-to-dark cycle, approximately 60% relative humidity, and room temperature (15–25°C). Multiple male and female adults were introduced into a cage with mustard (Sinapis alba, Brassicaceae) plants for oviposition, giving rise to male and female offspring. After one week, the fed larvae of the newly hatched larvae were reared on non-flowering plants of cabbage (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis, Brassicaceae). Third- and fourth-instar larvae were collected from the cage, put individually in Petri dishes (5.5 cm diameter) lined with slightly moistened filter paper and provided with cabbage leaf discs, and were sent via mail to all three laboratories (70 larvae to each laboratory). Upon arrival, the larvae were transferred to fresh Petri dishes and were given ad libitum access to cabbage leaf discs obtained locally. Some larvae moulted during the experimental assay and were excluded from the experiment. The experiment was performed within 4 days after the arrival of the larvae. To measure PCI assay and activity, larvae were moved to clean Petri dishes with moist filter paper (1 larva per dish) and randomly allocated to a control or starvation treatment (N = 30 per treatment). In the starvation treatment, larvae had no access to cabbage leaves, while in the control treatment, larvae were provided cabbage leaves ad libitum and the position of the petri dish of the two treatments was alternated to avoid any spatial effects. After 3 h of treatment, the PCI duration of all larvae was measured. A clean Petri dish (5.5 cm in diameter) was placed over graph paper. To induce PCI, a larva was gently grasped at its midsection with soft-tip spring-steel forceps and dropped from a height of 5 cm onto the dish. PCI was recorded if the larva curled into a C-shape and remained motionless for at least one second. If PCI was not observed, the drop was repeated up to two additional times. The duration of PCI was determined from the onset of PCI until the larva straightened and moved at least 1 cm. Each larva was observed for up to 10 minutes. Following the PCI assay, all larvae were returned to their respective Petri dishes. One hour later (after 4 hours of starvation), larval activity was assessed. Individual larvae were transferred to clean, empty Petri dishes (5.5 cm diameter), and activity was recorded for 10 minutes using a video camera, with up to six dishes monitored simultaneously. Tracking software (software choice varied by laboratory) was used to extract the distance moved for each larva from the recorded videos.","- Post contact immobility or PCI duration (seconds) of fed and starved A. rosae larvae after exhibition of PCI. - PCI activity levels (distance in cm) of fed and starved A. rosae larvae one hour after measuring PCI (= after 4 h of starvation treatment). - Pearson's correlation between PCI duration and PCI activity levels of fed and starved A. rosae larvae.","Researchers investigated ecological experiment reproducibility using a multi-laboratory approach. Three insect species: the turnip sawfly (A. rosae), the meadow grasshopper (P. parallelus), and the red flour beetle (T. castaneum) were used. P. parallelus were collected from the wild, T. castaneum was laboratory-grown, and A.rosae was a mix of wild and laboratory-grown insects (originated from the Bielefeld laboratory stock population, initially established from adults collected in the vicinity of Bielefeld, Germany and supplemented with wild-caught A. rosae adults). The effect of starvation on larval behaviour in A. rosae was investigated by measuring post-contact immobility (PCI) and activity following a simulated attack. Larvae were either starved or fed (non-starved). Stock population sawflies were housed in mesh cages (60 × 60 × 60 cm) within a laboratory environment at a 16:8-h light-to-dark cycle, approximately 60% relative humidity, and room temperature (15–25°C). Multiple male and female adults were introduced into a cage with mustard (Sinapis alba, Brassicaceae) plants for oviposition, giving rise to male and female offspring. After one week, the fed larvae of the newly hatched larvae were reared on non-flowering plants of cabbage (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis, Brassicaceae). Third- and fourth-instar larvae were collected from the cage, put individually in Petri dishes (5.5 cm diameter) lined with slightly moistened filter paper and provided with cabbage leaf discs, and were sent via mail to all three laboratories (70 larvae to each laboratory). Upon arrival, the larvae were transferred to fresh Petri dishes and were given ad libitum access to cabbage leaf discs obtained locally. Some larvae moulted during the experimental assay and were excluded from the experiment. The experiment was performed within 4 days after the arrival of the larvae. To measure PCI assay and activity, larvae were moved to clean Petri dishes with moist filter paper (1 larva per dish) and randomly allocated to a control or starvation treatment (N = 30 per treatment). In the starvation treatment, larvae had no access to cabbage leaves, while in the control treatment, larvae were provided cabbage leaves ad libitum and the position of the petri dish of the two treatments was alternated to avoid any spatial effects. After 3 h of treatment, the PCI duration of all larvae was measured. A clean Petri dish (5.5 cm in diameter) was placed over graph paper. To induce PCI, a larva was gently grasped at its midsection with soft-tip spring-steel forceps and dropped from a height of 5 cm onto the dish. PCI was recorded if the larva curled into a C-shape and remained motionless for at least one second. If PCI was not observed, the drop was repeated up to two additional times. The duration of PCI was determined from the onset of PCI until the larva straightened and moved at least 1 cm. Each larva was observed for up to 10 minutes. Following the PCI assay, all larvae were returned to their respective Petri dishes. One hour later (after 4 hours of starvation), larval activity was assessed. Individual larvae were transferred to clean, empty Petri dishes (5.5 cm diameter), and activity was recorded for 10 minutes using a video camera, with up to six dishes monitored simultaneously. Tracking software (software choice varied by laboratory) was used to extract the distance moved for each larva from the recorded videos. If we compare results (three replicates) of each laboratory with regard to the effect of starvation on PCI duration, how many replicate(s) if any, would be reproducible amongst labs?","When comparing the results for each of the laboratories, we found that the overall effect of starvation on PCI duration was reproduced in only two out of the three replicates","- Reproducibility, i.e., the ability of a result to be replicated by an independent experiment in the same or different laboratory; also referred to as replicability, is a cornerstone of any scientific method. - The larvae of A. rosae species feed on various Brassicaceae plants and can be an agricultural pest. In the larval stage, individuals can swiftly defoliate their host plants, consequently facing periods of starvation - PCI is a behavioural response to physical interaction with a predator. During PCI, individuals remain motionless for a certain duration, a phenomenon that is also referred to as post-predation immobility, tonic immobility, thanatosis, or “death-feigning” behaviour.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Reproducibility, i.e., the ability of a result to be replicated by an independent experiment in the same or different laboratory; also referred to as replicability, is a cornerstone of any scientific method.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Systematic heterogenization revisited: Increasing variation in animal experiments to improve reproducibility?""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S016502702300211X?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 1, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The larvae of A. rosae species feed on various Brassicaceae plants and can be an agricultural pest. In the larval stage, individuals can swiftly defoliate their host plants, consequently facing periods of starvation""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""An introduction to the natural history of British sawflies (Hymenoptera:Symphyta).""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://scispace.com/papers/an-introduction-to-the-natural-history-of-british-sawflies-2kyfv8g5zl""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 1, 1950""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- PCI is a behavioural response to physical interaction with a predator. During PCI, individuals remain motionless for a certain duration, a phenomenon that is also referred to as post-predation immobility, tonic immobility, thanatosis, or “death-feigning” behaviour.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""State dependency of behavioural traits is a function of the life stage in a holometabolous insect""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S000334722300163X?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Organic Chemistry / Photochemistry,MCQ,"Synthesis and characterization of blue light emitting star shaped π-conjugated oligomers based on dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f622833e6156d3bef6aae8,"October 24, 2025","Researchers synthesized a novel compound and characterized its absorbance and photoluminescence under different conditions. To synthesize the novel compound, 0.042 g Pd(PPh3)2Cl2 (0.06 mmol, 0.015 eq), 6.63 g K2CO3, 2.001g 3,7-dibromo-1-iodobenzo[b,d]thiophene-S,S-dioxide (4.00 mmol, 1 eq), and 9.53 g (9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2yl)boronic acid (21.9 mmol, 5.5 eq) were added to a round bottom flask. After addition of 16 mL degassed water and 40 mL 1,4-dioxane, the charged flask was refluxed for 24 hours at 110 ºC under stirring in the dark. Subsequently, 0.014 g Pd(PPh3)2Cl2 (0.02 mmol, 0.02 eq) was added to the reaction at 95 ºC, and the reaction was further stirred for 8 hours at 110 ºC (32 hours total). Evaporation of the resulting mixture was performed until ~20 mL of 1,4-dioxane and water remained. Quenching proceeded with 100 mL water, extraction was performed into 3 x 100 mL DCM, and evaporation to dryness and freeze drying followed. Flash column chromatography was performed using Biotage disposable PTFE columns, filled with silica gel LC60 (40–60 μM) (Telydyne Isco automatic flash chromatograph, Combiflash Rf 200 ) to obtain pure novel compound (95%). The absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the novel compound were recorded in solution in different HPLC grade solvents (CHCl3, DCM, benzonitrile, hexane, EtOH and THF in 10 mm path length quartz cells) and in solid state using the (Shimadzu UV-3600 UV–vis-NIR spectrophotometer and Horiba Yvon Fluromax-4) at room temperature. Solid state measurements were performed for spin-coated films deposited on 12.5 mm circular quartz substrates, prepared by spin coating from oligomer solutions (1–3 mg per 1 mL of DCM) at 3000-4000 rpm. The solutions were deoxygenated by bubbling with argon for about 10 minutes before the measurements.","- Absorption spectra (250 - 500 nm) of the novel compound in different solvents (CHCl3, DCM, benzonitrile, hexane, EtOH and THF) and in thin film (Shimadzu UV-3600 UV–vis-NIR spectrophotometer). - Photoluminescence spectra (350 - 700 nm) of the novel compound in different solvents (CHCl3, DCM, benzonitrile, hexane, EtOH and THF) (Horiba Yvon Fluromax-4).","Researchers synthesized a novel compound by adding 0.042 g Pd(PPh3)2Cl2 (0.06 mmol, 0.015 eq), 6.63 g K2CO3, 2.001g 3,7-dibromo-1-iodobenzo[b,d]thiophene-S,S-dioxide (4.00 mmol, 1 eq), 9.53 g (9,9-dioctyl-9H-fluorene-2yl)boronic acid (21.9 mmol, 5.5 eq), 16 mL degassed water and 40 mL 1,4-dioxane to a round bottom flask and refluxing for 24 hours at 110 ºC under stirring in the dark. 0.014 g Pd(PPh3)2Cl2 (0.02 mmol, 0.02 eq) was added at 95 ºC and the reaction continued for 8 hours at 110 ºC (32 hours total). The resulting mixture was evaporated until ~20 mL of 1,4-dioxane and water remained, quenched with 100 mL of water, extracted with 3 x 100 mL DCM, dry-evaporated and freeze dried. The novel compound was purified by flash column chromatography (silica gel LC60 (40–60 μM)) to obtain pure novel compound (95%). The absorption and photoluminescence spectra of the novel compound were recorded in solution in different solvents (CHCl3, DCM, benzonitrile, hexane, EtOH and THF in 10 mm path length quartz cells) and in spin-coated films (1–3 mg per 1 mL of DCM) deposited on 12.5 mm circular quartz substrates. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? (Mark all correct options). A. The absorption spectra of the novel compound in hexane showed a slight blue shift while benzonitrile showed no shift. B. The absorption spectra of the novel compound in CHCl3, THF, DCM and EtOH were overlapped with no significant observable shifts. C. The absorption spectra of the novel compound showed four peaks in thin film, with the highest intensity peak observed in thin film being red-shifted, when compared to the absorption in benzonitrile. D. The photoluminiscence spectra showed an overlap between CHCl3, DCM and benzonitrile while hexane showed a clear blue (hypsochromic) shift and EtOH and THF showed slight red (bathochromic) shifts. ","B. The absorption spectra of the novel compound in CHCl3, THF, DCM and EtOH were overlapped with no significant observable shifts. C. The absorption spectra of the novel compound showed four peaks in thin film, with the highest intensity peak observed in thin film being red-shifted, when compared to the absorption in benzonitrile. D. The photoluminiscence spectra showed an overlap between CHCl3, DCM and benzonitrile while hexane showed a clear blue (hypsochromic) shift and EtOH and THF showed slight red (bathochromic) shifts.","- Dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxides are stable molecules with modifiable properties, which have been used in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their enhanced quantum efficiencies and photoluminescence (PL) in both solid and solution states. - The dibenzothoiphene-S,S-dioxide molecule contains an electrophilic SO2 group that decreases the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of the molecule and aids in electron transfer between the donor and acceptor moieties. - More polar solvents facilitate dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide and fluorene to show a bathochromic (red) shift while a hypsochromic (blue) shift is shown in less polar solvents. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxides are stable molecules with modifiable properties, which have been used in organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to their enhanced quantum efficiencies and photoluminescence (PL) in both solid and solution states.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":"" Stabilization of Semiconducting Polymers with Silsesquioxane""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://advanced.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/adfm.200390000""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 30, 2003""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The dibenzothoiphene-S,S-dioxide molecule contains an electrophilic SO2 group that decreases the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) energy of the molecule and aids in electron transfer between the donor and acceptor moieties.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intramolecular Charge Transfer Assisted by Conformational Changes in the Excited State of Fluorene-dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide Co-oligomers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jp0643653""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 2, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- More polar solvents facilitate dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide and fluorene to show a bathochromic (red) shift while a hypsochromic (blue) shift is shown in less polar solvents.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Intramolecular Charge Transfer Assisted by Conformational Changes in the Excited State of Fluorene-dibenzothiophene-S,S-dioxide Co-oligomers""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/jp0643653""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 2, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""}]" Chemistry,Biochemistry,MCQ,Cobalt(III) Schiff Base Complexes as Irreversible Inhibitors of the Metallo-β-Lactamase NDM-1,https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68534e29c1cb1ecda0c0449d,"June 21, 2025","Researchers tested a library of cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes (Co(III)-sb) for irreversible inhibition of the metallo-β-lactamase known as NDM-1. The complexes were synthesized via equimolar chelation of CoCl₂·6H₂O with equatorial ligands (acacen, tfacen, phacen derivatives) under inert atmosphere, followed by addition of excess axial ligands (ammonia, 2-methylimidazole, benzylamine) and oxidation to Co(III) using molecular O₂. Inhibition potency was determined using the nitrocefin assay, a colorimetric method that quantifies β-lactamase activity via continuous absorbance monitoring at 490 nm. NDM-1 samples were incubated with varying concentrations of Co(III)-sb complexes, and time-dependent IC₅₀ values were determined by monitoring nitrocefin turnover at 5-minute intervals over 3 hours at room temperature. ","- IC₅₀ values for NDM-1 inhibition by different Co(III)-sb complexes - Inactivation rate constants (kᵢₙₐcₜ) - Inactivation constants (Kᵢ) for irreversible inhibition - Inactivation efficiency (kᵢₙₐcₜ/Kᵢ) ","Researchers evaluated a library of cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes, featuring different equatorial ligands such as acacen, tfacen, and phacen derivatives, and axial ligands including ammonia, 2-methylimidazole, and benzylamine, for irreversible inhibition of metallo-β-lactamase (NDM-1). The complexes were tested using time-dependent IC₅₀ determinations. Which of the following best explains the observed variation in potency and time-dependent inhibition efficiency among the different cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes (Co(III)-sb), with particular focus on the role of axial ligands and their interaction with the NDM-1 active site? a) Complexes with benzylamine as the axial ligand show higher potency due to its stronger donor properties, leading to faster ligand exchange and more effective Zn(II) displacement. b) Complexes with ammonia as the axial ligand exhibit the strongest inhibition because its weak donor property facilitates slower exchange, allowing for prolonged interaction with NDM-1. c) Complexes with 2-methylimidazole exhibit the highest potency although its weaker donor strength may result in a lower exchange rate that most efficiently displaces Zn(II) from the active site. d) Complexes with 2-methylimidazole show reduced potency compared to benzylamine complexes because 2-methylimidazole has a stronger donor property, leading to excessive exchange and weakening of the cobalt-enzymatic interaction.",c) Complexes with 2-methylimidazole exhibit the highest potency although its weaker donor strength may result in a lower exchange rate that most efficiently displaces Zn(II) from the active site.,"- Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs): Zinc-dependent bacterial enzymes that hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics and contribute to antibiotic resistance - Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes: Octahedral coordination compounds with tetradentate equatorial ligands and monodentate axial ligands that can undergo ligand exchange - Nitrocefin assay: Colorimetric method that monitors β-lactamase activity through hydrolysis-induced color change - Inactivation efficiency (kᵢₙₐcₜ/Kᵢ): The primary kinetic parameter for evaluating irreversible inhibitors, with higher values indicating greater potency","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs): Zinc-dependent bacterial enzymes that hydrolyze β-lactam antibiotics and contribute to antibiotic resistance""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Molecular mechanisms of antibiotic resistance""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nrmicro3380""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled but directly referenced by the article. ""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Cobalt(III) Schiff base complexes: Octahedral coordination compounds with tetradentate equatorial ligands and monodentate axial ligands that can undergo ligand exchange""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tuning Cobalt(III) Schiff Base Complexes as Activated Protein Inhibitors""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.inorgchem.5b01415""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 2, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled but directly referenced by the article. ""}]" Chemistry,"Wood chemistry, nano-synthesis",MCQ,Additive Manufacturing of Lignocellulosic Aerogels from Minimally Processed Waste Streams,https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/smll.202412509,"August 8, 2025","Researchers prepared three lignocellulose paste samples (LCPs)- LCP-C (crude), LCP-B (blonde), LCP-W (white) representing varying degrees of bleaching were prepared from Birch chip slurry made using the Sunburst process and imaged them with AFM. Lignocellulose particles (LCP-W, LCP-C, LCP-B) at pH > 9.5 were diluted with Milli-Q water to solid contents at 0.01 wt% and centrifuged at 1000rpm for 15 minutes. The supernatants were cast on cleaned silicon wafers precoated with cationic adhesive layer before dying into films. Dried lignocellulosic paste films were imaged in air in tapping mode on Cypher VRS (Oxford Instruments) with silicon cantilever with the following parameters: AC200 TS, f = 100.4 - 169.43 kHz, F = 2.88 -12.79 N/m.","-AFM height and phase images of each lignocellulosic paste in tapping mode. -AFM nanoparticle length measurement extracted from each lignocellulosic paste sample. -Gravimetric nano-yield measurement extracted from each centrifuged lignocellulosic paste sample. ","Researchers prepared three lignocellulose paste samples (LCPs)- LCP-C (crude), LCP-B (blonde), LCP-W (white) using the Sunburst process. Films were cast onto silicon wafers for imaging with AFM. Based on AFM/nano-yield measurements, which of the samples contain less than 8wt% of ~100nm particles? A) LCP-W only B) LCP-B only C) LCP-B and LCP-W D) LCP-C and LCP-B ",C) LCP-B and LCP-W,"-The Sunburst process is a pretreatment method for breaking down lignocellulosic biomass using heat, pressure, and acidity to deconstruct it into a slurry of its components: lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose. -Increased bleaching of of the LCP after Sunburst process results in enrichment of cellulose by loss of lignin and hemicellulose. -Nanoparticles formed during bleaching of LCPs are usually composed of lignin. ","[{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Methods of making specialized cellulose and other products from biomass""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://patents.google.com/patent/US20210285155A1/en""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 16, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-The Sunburst process is a pretreatment method for breaking down lignocellulosic biomass using heat, pressure, and acidity to deconstruct it into a slurry of its components, lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose.""}]" Chemistry,"Inorganic synthesis, Catalysis",Free-Format Question,Synthesis of Sulfated Sn–Zr Mesoporous Catalysts for the Selective Dehydration of Hexose-Type Monosaccharides,https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/open.202400480,"July 13, 2025","Researchers explored catalytic activity of sulfated and Zr/Sn impregnated mesoporous materials for the conversion of fructose to HMF. SBA-15 mesoporous silica support was synthesized by the sol-gel method. P123 structure-directing agent was dissolved in H2O/HCl solution at 50C before adding the TEOS (Tetraethyl orthosilicate) under vigorous stirring over 5 minutes. The molar ratios of precursors was 1 TEOS: 158 H2O: 6 HCl: 0.016 P123. The mixture was then allowed to stand for 20 hours and subjected to a hydrothermal treatment at 80C for 48 hours. After cooling, the solids were filtered, washed and dried overnight. The template was removed by a two-step calcination, at 500C for 5 hours under both nitrogen and oxygen atmospheres at 20sccm flow rate. The material was then functionalized via wet impregnation. Zr was incorporated with zirconium oxychloride solution to form Zr–SBA-15 with Si/Zr molar ratios of 10, 20, and 30. The sample was dried overnight at 60C before calcination in oxygen at 500C for 5 hours. The materials were further modified by sulfation, which required stirring the material in a 10 vol% sulfuric acid solution for 12 hours, followed by drying at 100C for 3 hours, and then calcination in air at 500C for 5 hours. By alternating these steps, including the coimpregnation of Sn as Sn(CH3)2Cl2 at 2, 5, and 8 wt% (following the same thermal processing as Zr-SBA-15) the following samples were produced: Sn–Zr–SBA-15, SO4/Zr–SBA-15, Sn–SO4/Zr–SBA-15, and SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15. Based on the order of the functionalization steps, either Zr or both Sn and Zr were sulfated. Researchers evaluated the catalytic performance of various synthesized SBA-15 catalysts for the selective dehydration of fructose to HMF (5-hydroxymethylfurfural). The catalyst tests were conducted in a stirred glass tube reactor, using 1.5 mL of a 30 wt% aqueous fructose solution and 3.5 mL of an organic phase (MIBK/2-butanol) as an extracting agent, along with 50 mg of catalyst. To identify optimal conditions for maximizing HMF yield, key parameters were varied, including temperatures (120 to 150C), reaction times (20 to 150 min), and catalyst loadings (25 to 75 mg). Additionally, the influence of varying Zr/Sn ratios (0.98, 1.98, 3.96, and 9.89) in the SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 material on fructose conversion and HMF selectivity was investigated. Cyclic performance was investigated over 4 catalytic cycles (with filtration/washing/drying) where the catalyst was regenerated by calcination (500C for 5 hours) before cycle 4. Reaction products were primarily analyzed and quantified using HPLC (High Pressure Liquid Chromatography) with both refractive index (RI) and UV–visible detectors, employing an Aminex HPX-87H column and a 5 mM H2SO4 mobile phase, while selected organic phase products were analyzed by GC (Gas Chromatography) coupled with an FID (Flame Ionization Detector). Elemental analysis (EA) and inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) were used to determine Sn, Zr, S, C, N, and H content.","-Fructose conversion (%) and HMF yield (%) for SBA-15, Zr-SBA-15, Sn–Zr–SBA-15, SO4/Zr–SBA-15, Sn–SO4/Zr–SBA-15, and SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 at 150C for 120 minutes as measured by HPLC -Fructose conversion (%) and HMF selectivity (%) of SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 at varying Zr/Sn ratios (0.98, 1.98, 3.96, and 9.89) at 150C for 120 minutes by HPLC -Fructose conversion (%) and HMF selectivity (%) of SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 at 150C for 120 minutes over 4 catalytic cycles, with regeneration at 500C for 5 hours before cycle 4 as measured by HPLC -EA and ICPOES for determination of Sn, Zr, S, C, N, and H content before cycling and after regeneration","Researchers explored catalytic activity of sulfated and Zr/Sn impregnated SBA-15 for the conversion of fructose to HMF. Catalyst supports were made by the sol gel method, followed by wet impregnation and calcination with Zr and Sn, and sulfation in sulfuric acid (and calcination) to produce SBA-15, Zr-SBA-15, Sn–Zr–SBA-15, SO4/Zr–SBA-15, Sn–SO4/Zr–SBA-15, and SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 depending on the order of impregnation and sulfation steps. Fructose conversion (%) and HMF yield (%) for SBA-15, Zr-SBA-15, Sn–Zr–SBA-15, SO4/Zr–SBA-15, Sn–SO4/Zr–SBA-15, and SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 at 150C for 120 minutes were measured by HPLC. Fructose conversion (%) and HMF selectivity (%) of SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 at varying Zr/Sn ratios (0.98, 1.98, 3.96, and 9.89) at temperatures between 100C and 400C were also measured. Cyclic catalytic stability of of SO4/Sn–Zr–SBA-15 was explored at 150C for 120 minutes over 4 catalytic cycles, with regeneration at 500C for 5 hours before cycle 4. EA and ICPOES for determination of Sn, Zr, S, C, N, and H content before cycling and after regeneration. How are the fructose conversion (%) and HMF selectivity (%) expected to change with Zr/Sn ratio as seen by ICPOES?","Fructose conversion (%) increases monotonically with Zr/Sn ratio, while HMF selectivity increases between 0.98 and 3.96, but then decreases with greater Zr content. ","-SBA-15 mesoporous catalysts provide high applicability in catalysis due to its thick pore walls, which enhance thermomechanical stability. -Homogenously dispersed acid sites on a mesoporous template can assist in sugar conversion by reducing the carbonaceous species production. -Sulfated SnO2 and ZrO2 are known to produce strong acidic surface sites on siliceous materials","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""SBA-15 mesoporous catalysts provide high applicability in catalysis due to its thick pore walls, which enhance thermomechanical stability.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sn-modified SBA-15 with tailored acid properties for efficient 5-hydroxymethylfurfural production from glucose.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biombioe.2024.107202""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Sulfated SnO2 and ZrO2 are known to produce strong acidic surface sites on siliceous materials""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Esterification of Succinic Acid Using Sulfated Zirconia Supported on SBA-15""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/ceat.202000333""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 12, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Materials Chemistry / Catalysis,MCQ,"Homogeneous Boroaluminate Xerogels: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalysis",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/685115a23ba0887c33fb6937,"May 12, 2025","Researchers synthesized and evaluated boroaluminate xerogels as catalysts for the ethanol dehydration reaction. For this purpose, two types of xerogels were manufactured following different procedures. For the first xerogel type, in a dry box, 2 g of AlCl3 (15 mmol) were dissolved in warm toluene (30.0 cm^3) within a Schlenk flask. Once equilibrated to room temperature, 1.67 cm^3 trimethyl borate (15.0 mmol) were added dropwise into the solution, which was subsequently heated to 115 °C and refluxed for 2 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction was subsequently kept at 105 °C for 72 h. After volatiles evaporation, the gel was subject to high vacuum for 48 h at 60 ºC. Once equilibrated to room temperature, the xerogel was transferred into a calcination vessel within the glovebox, and calcined in an ambient air atmosphere at 600 °C (3 °C min–1; 180 min isotherm). The reaction was product was named AlOB-1. For the second xerogel type, in a dry box, 2 g of AlCl3 (15 mmol) were dissolved in warm toluene (30.0 cm^3) within a Schlenk flask. Pluronic F127 (20 wt%) and, subsequently, 1.25 cm^3 trimethyl borate (11.3 mmol), were added to the solution. The reaction vessel was subsequently heated to 115 ºC and refluxed for 2 h under an inert atmosphere. The reaction was subsequently kept at 105 °C for 72 h. After volatiles evaporation, the gel was subject to high vacuum for 48 h at 60 ºC. Once equilibrated to room temperature, the xerogel was transferred into a calcination vessel within the glovebox, and calcined in an ambient air atmosphere at 600 °C (3 °C min–1; 180 min isotherm). The reaction was product was named AlOB-2. For testing samples in the catalytic reaction of ethanol dehydration, the calcined samples (200 mg) with grain sizes 0.2 - 0.4 mm selected by sieving, were mixed and adjusted to an equal total volume with glass beads (0.5–1 mm). Ethanol (with 5 mol% of pentane as an internal standard) was fed at a rate of 4.771 mmol / h of ethanol (WHSV = 1.1 g (EtOH) / g (cat) / h) in nitrogen carrier gas (50 ml/min). A fix-bed catalytic reactor was employed for the catalytic tests, which was connected to an HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph (6 injections at 205, 240, and 275 °C) equipped with a flame ionization detector (FID) and a Thermo Scientific TG-BOND U column (30 m long, internal diameter of 0.32 mm, film thickness of 10 μm). The tests were carried out at atmospheric pressure. Specific surface area and porosity were measured for samples before/after the ethanol catalysis reaction by nitrogen adsorption, using an Autosorb iQ3 (Quantachrome Instrument) porosimeter. Adsorption and desorption isotherms were measured at -195.7 ºC. The specific surface area (m^2/g) was determined by Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis using isotherms measured in the 0.05–0.30 relative pressure range. Average pore sizes (nm) were determined using the Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method.","- Specific surface area (m^2/g) of AlOB-1 and AlOB-2 catalysts before and after catalytic reaction of ethanol dehydration (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis) - Average pore size (nm) of AlOB-1 and AlOB-2 catalysts before and after catalytic reaction of ethanol dehydration (Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method)","Two different porous metal oxide catalysts were obtained from a non-hydrolytic sol-gel process. AlOB-1 was obtained using AlCl3 (2.00 g, 15.0 mmol) and 1.67 cm^3 trimethyl borate (15.0 mmol) as precursors, and warm toluene (30.0 cm^3 ) as solvent, with calcination at 600 ºC for 180 minutes. AlOB-2 was obtained using AlCl3 (2.00 g, 15.0 mmol) and trimethyl borate (1.25 cm^3 , 11.3 mmol) as precursors, warm toluene (30.0 cm^3 ) as solvent, and F127 (20 wt%) as template, with calcination at 600 ºC for 180 minutes. For testing the calcined samples (0.2 - 0.4 mm grain sizes) in the catalytic reaction of ethanol dehydration, a fix-bed catalytic reactor was employed, connected to an HP 6890 Gas Chromatograph (6 injections at 205, 240, and 275 °C). Samples (200 mg) were mixed and adjusted to an equal total volume with glass beads (0.5–1 mm) and ethanol (with 5 mol% of pentane as an internal standard) was fed at a rate of 4.771 mmol / h of ethanol (WHSV = 1.1 g (EtOH) / g (cat) / h) in nitrogen carrier gas (50 ml/min); taking place the reactions at atmospheric pressure. The specific surface area (m^2/g) and average pore size (nm) of the catalysts were measured by nitrogen adsorption, before and after the ethanol catalysis reaction, following Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis (0.05–0.30 relative pressure range isotherms) and the Barret-Joyner-Halenda (BJH) method. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) After catalysis, the surface area of AlOB-1 increased while the pore size of AlOB-2 remained constant. B) Before catalysis, the surface area of AlOB-1 was higher than the surface area of AlOB-2, while the pore size was similar. C) After catalysis, the surface area of AlOB-1 did not increase while the pore size of AlOB-2 increased. D) Before catalysis, the surface area of AlOB-2 was higher than the surface area of AlOB-1, while the pore size was higher in AlOB-1.","C) After catalysis, the surface area of AlOB-1 did not increase while the pore size of AlOB-2 increased.","- Porous metal oxides are a class of materials which versatile composition, structure, and physicochemical properties enable their application as catalysts. - Boria-alumina mixed oxides are amorphous mesoporous materials with specific surface areas 200–300 m^2/g. - The non-hydrolytic sol-gel method is a technique employed to prepare materials of similar nature than boroaluminate xerogels.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Porous metal oxides are a class of materials which versatile composition, structure, and physicochemical properties enable their application as catalysts.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Recent developments of metal oxide based heterostructures for photocatalytic applications towards environmental remediation""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S002245961830327X?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 9, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited for the given RBK item in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Boria-alumina mixed oxides are amorphous mesoporous materials with specific surface areas 200–300 m^2/g.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Characterization of microporous amorphous alumina–boria""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/1992/ft/ft9928802065""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1992""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited for the given RBK item in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The non-hydrolytic sol-gel method is a technique employed to prepare materials of similar nature than boroaluminate xerogels.\n""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Synthesis of aluminophosphate xerogels by non-hydrolytic sol–gel condensation of EtAlCl2 with trialkylphosphates""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10971-019-04953-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 15, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited for the given RBK item in the paper""}]" Chemistry,Combustion Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Experimental and Numerical Investigations of Soot Formation in the Laminar to Turbulent Transition of an Acetylene Diffusion Flame,https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsomega.5c05165,"October 8, 2025","Acetylene was emitted from a stainless-steel tube, and its flow was controlled by a mass flow controller in order to produce an acetylene diffusion flame. The tubes used for combustion had internal diameters (Din) of 0.5, 0.6, and 0.7 mm respectively, with wall thicknesses of 0.15 mm and lengths of 200 mm maintained to allow full internal development. The vertical height between the tube and the adjustable base (h) was measured with a ruler and adjusted manually. Temperature (T) was measured through a two-color pyrometer (ONYX-S2C) with a range from 700 to 3000 °C at a measurement point 5 cm above the tube and sampling rate of 1000 Hz. Oven-dried glass fiber filters collected the soot, collection time being 1 min for most cases, with increase up to 5 min alongside an increase in turbulence to ensure at least 15 mg of soot was captured. An electronic balance with an accuracy of 0.1 mg was employed for weighing, and each measurement was repeated three times and averaged. A 150 mm diameter filter paper was used only once. An initial flow rate of 290 L/min was achieved via centrifugal ventilator. Flame images were recorded as well.","• Soot formation rate (ṁsoot) i.e., mass collected on oven-dried glass-fiber filters and reported as mass/collection time (each reading repeated thrice and averaged). • Inlet Reynolds number (Re) was computed from acetylene flow density, average velocity, dynamic viscosity, and tube internal diameter (Din) • Flame shape, height, width, and fluctuations recorded by imaging. ","An acetylene diffusion flame is emitted from a stainless-steel nozzle (internal diameter, Din = 0.6 mm) by researchers to investigate the effects of Reynolds number (Re) on soot formation and flame behavior. The inlet Re is increased (2412, 2733, 2974, 3216, 3859) so the flow transitions from laminar to transitional to turbulent, and the soot formation rate (ṁsoot) is measured for every case. Based on these conditions, how is the soot formation rate (ṁsoot) expected to vary and how is the flame behavior changes across the three states (laminar, transitional, turbulent).","In the laminar state, the flame remained slender and stable, and ṁsoot increased linearly with Re at a growth rate positively correlated with Din. Upon entering the transitional state, the flame exhibited intermittent fluctuations, and ṁsoot reached its peak. With the further increase in Re, the flame exhibited significant width expansion and slight height reduction. Due to the increases in k (turbulent kinetic energy), and Dt (turbulent diffusion coefficients), ṁsoot decreased exponentially by over 95%. ","• Increasing the volume flow rate of the accompanying air increase the volume fraction of soot, and increasing the fuel volume flow rate would first increase and then decrease the volume fraction of soot. • Flames interact with turbulence when they transition from laminar to turbulent states. • The flame transition from laminar to turbulent is mainly caused by an incipient turbulent flow near the flame base for a lifted flame. In fact, the precise prediction of the transition region is still difficult. • A lifted flame can appear with an increase in the flow rate. It is stabilized based on the competition between flame propagation speed and local flow velocity near the flame edge.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Increasing the volume flow rate of the accompanying air increase the volume fraction of soot, and increasing the fuel volume flow rate would first increase and then decrease the volume fraction of soot.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Numerical Simulation of Soot Formation in Ethylene Laminar Diffusion Flame""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2571-6255/6/8/316""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 14, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Flames interact with turbulence when they transition from laminar to turbulent states.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A semi-empirical laminar-to-turbulent flame transition model coupled with G equation for early flame kernel development and combustion in spark-ignition engines""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1177/1468087419864748""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 19, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The flame transition from laminar to turbulent is mainly caused by an incipient turbulent flow near the flame base of a lifted flame making the precise prediction of the transition region difficult.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""On the transition modes and mechanisms for laminar to turbulent lifted jet diffusion flames at normal- and micro-gravity""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2023.113269""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Lifted flames can appear as flow rate increases, being stabilized based on the interplay of flame propagation speed and local flow velocity near the edge of the flame.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Blowout of non-premixed turbulent jet flames with coflow under microgravity condition""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1016/j.combustflame.2019.08.041""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Chemistry,Natural Products / Analytical Chemistry,Free-Format Question,Studies on the Use of Loan Extraction to Produce Natural Shower Gels (Cosmetic) Based on Grape Pomace Extracts—The Effect of the Type of Surfactant Borrowed,https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/30/18/3709,"September 12, 2025","Researchers investigated the effects of different extraction solutions in the extraction process of natural compounds from grape pomace. The pomace from a mixture of Solaris, Muscat and Riesling white grapes was obtained from the Cwielong-Olszewski vineyard (established in 2013 in Balcarzowice, Opole Province, Poland). All grapes were harvested at full ripeness (early September 2024). All grape varieties exhibited a spheroidal shape with a diameter of ~16 mm, with loose clusters, and average cluster weight 150 - 200 g. The grape pomace was de-stemmed, pressed in a fruit and wine press, and delivered to the laboratory three days after harvesting and pressing; being then frozen at −18 ºC until analysis. Before extraction, the pomace was thaw for 2 h at 22 ºC. Aqueous solutions (2% w/w) of decyl glucoside (DG), cocamidopropyl betaine (CB), sodium coco-sulfate (SCS), and disodium cocoyl glutamate (DSCG) were used as the different extraction media tested. A mixture of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, dehydroacetic acid, and tocopherol (0.5% w/w) was used as preservative for all solutions. The grape pomace (400 g) was ground with a laboratory knife mill (Cutter Mixer R5 Plus, Robot Coupe, Vincennes, France), mixed with 100 g of the extraction solutions, and stirred at 380 rpm for 20 min at room temperature. The resulting extract was filtered under vacuum using a bottle-top sterile filter units (0.45 μm pore size; polyethersulfone membrane) and the filtrate was used for further studies. The filtrates generated with the different extraction solutions were designated according to the composition of the extraction solution (i.e. DG: GPE_DG; CB: GPE_CB; SCS: GPE_SCS; DSCG: GPE_DSCG). The total phenolic content (TPC) of the different extracts was measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) method, with slight modifications. Extracts were diluted 1:10 with distilled water. The diluted extracts (50 µL) were mixed with 200 µL of Folin–Ciocalteu reagent and 600 µL of a 20% sodium carbonate solution, and brought to 4 mL with distilled water. Reactions were incubated for 120 min at room temperature in the dark, and the absorbance was measured at 765 nm in a spectrophotometer. TPC was quantified in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent per liter of extract (GAE/L) with triplicate measurements.","- Total phenolic content (milligrams of gallic acid equivalent per liter of extract [GAE/L]) in GPE_DG, GPE_CB, GPE_SCS, and GPE_DSCG extracts (Folin–Ciocalteu method).","Researchers investigated the effects of different extraction solutions in the extraction process of natural compounds from grape pomace. Pomace from a mixture of Solaris, Muscat and Riesling white grapes (Cwielong-Olszewski vineyard, Balcarzowice, Opole Province, Poland) harvested at full ripeness (early September 2024) was extracted with aqueous solutions (2% w/w) of decyl glucoside (DG), cocamidopropyl betaine (CB), sodium coco-sulfate (SCS), and disodium cocoyl glutamate (DSCG). All solutions contained a mixture of benzyl alcohol, benzoic acid, dehydroacetic Acid, and tocopherol (0.5% w/w) as preservative. The grape pomace (400 g) was ground, mixed with 100 g of the extraction solutions, stirred at 380 rpm for 20 min, and vacuum-filtered (0.45 μm pore size; polyethersulfone membrane). The filtrates were designated according to the composition of the employed extraction solutions (i.e. DG: GPE_DG; CB: GPE_CB; SCS: GPE_SCS; DSCG: GPE_DSCG). The total phenolic content (TPC) of the different extracts was measured using the Folin–Ciocalteu (FC) method, and quantified in milligrams of gallic acid equivalent per liter of extract (GAE/L). What is the expected outcome, in terms of TPC, for the GPE_DSCG group, compared with the GPE_SCS group?",The total phenolic content (TPC) values demonstrated that the GPE_DSCG group yielded a higher phenolic content than the the GPE_SCS group.,"- Grape pomace is a by-product obtained from the wine industry, with a high content of bioactive molecules, especially phenolic compounds. - Sodium Coco-Sulfate represents anionic surfactants derived from coconuts with a negatively charged head group. - Disodium Cocoyl Glutamate is a biodegradable anionic surfactant produced from L-glutamic acid (an amino acid) and vegetable fatty acids from coconut oil. - Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a quaternary ammonium salt of natural origin that is widely used in cosmetic and skincare products as surfactant and for viscosity control. - Decyl Glucoside represents non-ionic surfactants from alkyl polyglucosides, which have a glucose head group derived from corn, and a fatty alcohol tail group that is derived mainly from palm kernel oil.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Grape pomace is a by-product obtained from the wine industry, with a high content of bioactive molecules, especially phenolic compounds.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Grapevine Wastes: A Rich Source of Antioxidants and Other Biologically Active Compounds""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3921/11/2/393""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 15, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cocamidopropyl Betaine is a quaternary ammonium salt of natural origin that is widely used in cosmetic and skincare products as surfactant and for viscosity control.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Safety assessment of cocamidopropyl betaine, a cosmetic ingredient""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43188-024-00243-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 21, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled version is the one cited by the paper""}]" Chemistry,Physical chemistry,Numerical Values,Experimental observation of quantum mechanical fluorine tunnelling,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-59008-6,"April 29, 2025","Potassium fluoride (KF) targets were produced from dry KF powder using a hydraulic lab press. Filling of the pressing die and removal of the KF targets were carried out under an argon atmosphere inside a glove box in order to prevent contact of the highly hygroscopic material with atmospheric water. Matrix-isolation experiments were carried out in a custom-built vacuum chamber equipped with a cold-head, a helium compressor unit, and a gilded copper plate (matrix support) mounted on the cold-head. The device was held at a temperature of 5 K during experiments. Over the course of an experiment the vacuum chamber was kept at pressures between 3 ⋅ 10−7 and 1 ⋅ 10−6 mbar using an oil diffusion pump. For laser-ablation, pulses of a Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm) were aligned through a hole in the matrix support and focused on the potassium fluoride target. The KF targets were mounted on a target holder and rotated using a magnetically coupled electric motor. A gas inlet next to the target holder connected to a gas line via a needle valve allowed for the controlled co-deposition of gas mixtures with laser-ablated material. In a typical experiment potassium fluoride was evaporated using laser pulses at a rate of 1 Hz and co-deposited with Ne/F2 (99:1) gas mixtures at 5 K. The deposits were accumulated over the course of 3–4 hours at flow rates between 1–1.4 mbar L min−1. After deposition, the matrix support was rotated by 90∘ to measure IR spectra in reflection mode. IR spectra with a resolution of ≤0.1 cm−1 were recorded using a Bruker Vertex 80v vacuum FTIR spectrometer. A transfer optic was used to guide the IR measurement beam to the sample and to align the beam reflected by the matrix support to the detector of the instrument. Annealing of the deposits was facilitated by a heater cartridge built into the cold head. LEDs of 273 and 730 nm wavelengths were used for irradiation of the deposits.","- FTIR spectra of the Ne matrix containing fluorine-rich anions were recorded at 5 K in the 500–580 and 830–870 cm⁻¹ regions with a resolution ≤0.1 cm⁻¹, immediately after 3–4 h co-deposition and after subsequent UV (273 nm) and red (730 nm) irradiation. From these spectra, the wavenumber (cm⁻¹) of the band assigned to [F₅]⁻ was measured.","Researchers laser-ablated potassium fluoride (KF) with a Nd:YAG laser (1064 nm, 1 Hz) and co-deposited the ablated material with a Ne/F₂ (99:1) gas mixture onto a gold-plated copper support held at 5 K under vacuum conditions of 3×10⁻⁷–1×10⁻⁶ mbar. The co-deposition proceeded for 3–4 hours, generating multiple fluorine-rich anions, including [F₅]⁻, in the neon matrix. Infrared spectra were recorded at a resolution of ≤0.1 cm⁻¹ after deposition, followed by UV irradiation at 273 nm and red-light irradiation at 730 nm. What is the predicted FTIR band of [F₅]⁻ under these conditions?","FTIR band of [F₅]⁻= 851 cm-1 -> [765,9-936,1] cm−1. ","-[F5]−: The pentafluoride anion is a very weakly bound complex, rendering its experimental characterization challenging. - The first fragmental evidence of the formation of an [F5]− ion was reported in 2000 by Artau et al., who observed a weak signal of m/z=95 in mass spectra while investigating the bond dissociation energies of [F3]− (m/z=57) in the gas phase. - it was hypothesized that only the V-shaped structure of [F5]− might be stabilized by neighbouring cationic species in the neon matrix21 – an hypothesis that could not been proven up to date.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The first fragmental evidence of the formation of an [F5]− ion was reported in 2000 by Artau et al., who observed a weak signal of m/z=95 in mass spectra while investigating the bond dissociation energies of [F3]− (m/z=57) in the gas phase.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Bond Dissociation Energy in Trifluoride Ion""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/ja001613e""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 18, 2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- it was hypothesized that only the V-shaped structure of [F5]− might be stabilized by neighbouring cationic species in the neon matrix21 – an hypothesis that could not been proven up to date.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Fluorine-Rich Fluorides: New Insights into the Chemistry of Polyfluoride Anions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/anie.201502624""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Jun 03, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Reproductive Biology,MCQ,CCDC89 is required for optimal sperm motility and male fertility in mammals,https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12548035/,"Jul 1, 2025","To test the requirement of CCDC89 for male fertility, two murine mutants were developed on a C57BL/6J background using CRISPR/Cas9: a knockout (KO) model (lacking the gene's single exon) and an E297D point mutant (PM) model. Heterozygous founder mice were identified by Sanger sequencing and inter-crossed to generate homozygous KO, PM, and wild-type (WT) males. Animals were aged to two distinct time points: 3 months (10–14 weeks) or 6 months (22–24 weeks). Following euthanasia, testes were dissected, fixed in Bouin’s solution for 5 hours, and processed for histological assessment. Testis sections were stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) reagents to visualize acrosomal staging, and round spermatid numbers were counted in circular-profile stage VIII seminiferous tubules using the PAS-stained testis sections (n=10 tubules/animal, n≥5/genotype).","- Round spermatid counts in Stage VIII tubules across mouse models (Knockout (KO), point mutant (PM), and wild-type (WT) at 3 and 6 months.","To test the requirement of CCDC89 for male fertility, two murine mutants were developed on a C57BL/6J background using CRISPR/Cas9: a knockout (KO) model (lacking the gene's single exon) and an E297D point mutant (PM) model. Heterozygous founder mice were identified by Sanger sequencing and inter-crossed to generate homozygous KO, PM, and wild-type (WT) males. Animals were aged to two distinct time points: 3 months (10–14 weeks) or 6 months (22–24 weeks). Following euthanasia, testes were dissected, fixed in Bouin’s solution for 5 hours, and processed for histological assessment. Testis sections were stained with Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) reagents to visualize acrosomal staging, and round spermatid numbers were counted in circular-profile stage VIII seminiferous tubules using the PAS-stained testis sections (n=10 tubules/animal, n≥5/genotype). Which of the following outcomes best describes the findings of this quantification? A. Round spermatid counts per tubule were significantly lower in both KO and PM males when compared to WT at both 3 and 6 months. B. Round spermatid counts per tubule were significantly lower in KO males when compared to either WT or PM males at both 3 and 6 months. C. Round spermatid counts per tubule were significantly lower in PM males when compared to either WT or KO males at both 3 and 6 months. D. Round spermatid counts per tubule were comparable among WT, KO, and PM males at both 3 and 6 months.",C. Round spermatid counts per tubule were significantly lower in PM males when compared to either WT or KO males at both 3 and 6 months.,"- Numerous CCDC family members are enriched within the testis and play essential roles in sperm formation and function. - CCDC89 was identified as a candidate human male fertility gene through the detection of a genetic variant in two infertile men with azoospermia.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Numerous CCDC family members are enriched within the testis and play essential roles in sperm formation and function.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Coiled-Coil Domain-Containing (CCDC) Proteins: Functional Roles in General and Male Reproductive Physiology""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s43032-021-00595-2""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 03, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""CCDC89 was identified as a candidate human male fertility gene through the detection of a genetic variant in two infertile men with azoospermia.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Diverse monogenic subforms of human spermatogenic failure""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9792524/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 26, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology,Free-Format Question,A20 restriction of nitric oxide production restores macrophage bioenergetic balance,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.26.684676v1,"October 27, 2025","Our current research focuses on understanding the role of the protein A20, also known as TNF-α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), before and during infection. A20Flox/Flox mice were interbred with ROSA/ER-Cre mice, and from the resulting A20Flox/Flox ROSA/ER-Cre+, A20Flox/+ ROSA/ER-Cre-, and A20Flox/Flox ROSA/ER-Cre- mice, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were generated. Next, A20 was deleted from A20Flox/Flox ROSA/ER-Cre+, adding 60nM 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) 2 days before harvesting BMDMs. The resulting BMDM cells obtained after A20 deletion are called A20tiKO BMDMs. BMDMs obtained from Cre-negative BMDMs (A20Flox/+ ROSA/ER-Cre-) are called A20WT. To stimulate BMDMs, the following ligands and concentrations were used: a) lipopolysaccharide 100 ng/ml; b) poly(I:C) HMW 20 ug/ml; c) Pam3CSK4 1 ug/ml; d) CpG-A 2 uM; e) CpG-B 250 nM; f) Gardiquimod 1ug/ml; g) PolyU (complexed with lipofectamine) 0.5 ug/ml; h) flagellin (from S. typhimurium) 2 ug/ml (Invivogen). Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) were measured 24 hrs after stimulations. Culture supernatants from stimulated macrophages were briefly centrifuged to remove any cell debris and lactate secretion were measured using a colourimetric Lactate Assay kit (BioVision). ","- Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with lipopolysaccharide 100 ng/ml. - Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with poly(I:C) HMW 20 ug/ml. - Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with Pam3CSK4 1 ug/ml. - Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with CpG-A 2 uM. - Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with CpG-B 250 nM. - Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with Gardiquimod 1ug/ml. - Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with PolyU (complexed with lipofectamine) 0.5 ug/ml. - Lactate levels in BDMDs (A20WTs and A20tiKO) following 24 hours treatment with flagellin (from S. typhimurium) 2 ug/ml.","We are interested in understanding the role of the protein A20, also known as TNF-α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), during infection. To do this, A20Flox/Flox mice were interbred with ROSA/ER-Cre mice, and from the resulting A20Flox/Flox ROSA/ER-Cre+, A20Flox/+ ROSA/ER-Cre-, and A20Flox/Flox ROSA/ER-Cre- mice, bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) were generated. Next, A20 was deleted from A20Flox/Flox ROSA/ER-Cre+ by adding 60nM 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) 2 days before harvesting BMDMs. The resulting BMDM cells obtained after A20 deletion were called A20tiKO BMDMs. BMDMs obtained from Cre-negative BMDMs (A20Flox/+ ROSA/ER-Cre-) as controls were called A20WT. If we stimulated A20WT and A20tiKO BMDMs with the following ligands: lipopolysaccharide 100 ng/ml, poly(I:C) HMW 20 ug/ml, Pam3CSK4 1 ug/ml, CpG-A 2 uM, CpG-B 250 nM, Gardiquimod 1ug/ml, PolyU (complexed with lipofectamine) 0.5 ug/ml and flagellin (from S. typhimurium) 2 ug/ml and measured the lactate levels in culture supernatant after removing cell debris, which four ligands will produce the largest lactate levels from A20WT and A20tiKO BMDMs cells?","The four ligands will be lipopolysaccharide 100 ng/ml, Pam3CSK4 1 ug/ml, Gardiquimod 1ug/ml and CpG-B 250 nM.","- Activation of immune cells is associated with a rapid burst in glycolytic activity along with mitochondrial remodelling. - LPS stimulation of these cells (macrophages) triggers a glycolytic surge that provides energy for cytokine transcription, translation, and secretion. - The ubiquitin editing protein A20, also known as TNF-α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), is a susceptibility gene for multiple diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, and asthma.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Activation of immune cells is associated with a rapid burst in glycolytic activity along with mitochondrial remodelling.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Mitochondrial Dynamics Controls T Cell Fate through Metabolic Programming""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27293185/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 30, 2016""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The ubiquitin editing protein A20, also known as TNF-α-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), is a susceptibility gene for multiple diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, scleroderma, and asthma ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A20: linking a complex regulator of ubiquitylation to immunity and human diseas""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3582397/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 12, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Lipid Biochemistry,Free-Format Question,Loss of PREPL alters lipid homeostasis due to mitochondrial defects,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.28.685080v1,"October 28, 2025","We are interested in the effect of the PREPL on lipid metabolism. To study this, we performed Lipid droplet staining and high-content microscopy on PREPL-/- HEK293T cells and wild-type HEK293T cells (wtHEK293T) as a control. To do this, PREPL-/- and control HEK293T cells with cell density 15,000 cells/well were plated on poly-D-lysine (Merck Millipore) coated 96-well Cell Carrier Ultra microplate (PerkinElmer). The cells were washed thrice with DPBS (pH 7.4; Thermo Fisher Scientific) and fixed using 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) for 30 minutes. Lipid droplet staining was performed by first diluting LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain to 1X in DPBS, followed by staining the cells with the resulting staining solution for 30 minutes in a light-protected environment. This was followed by DAPI (nuclear) staining for 10-20 minutes. Fluorescence was measured using a high-content screening microscope, Operettan (CLS+Twister; PerkinElmer), and lipid droplet size and number were quantified using Harmony 4.9 software (PerkinElmer).","- Cell number of PREPL-/- HEK293T cells after DAPI staining (10 - 20 minutes) and lipid droplet staining (30 minutes in the dark) using diluted 1X LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain for 30 minutes in the dark. - Cell number of wtHEK293T cells after DAPI staining (10 - 20 minutes) and lipid droplet staining (30 minutes in the dark) using diluted 1X LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain for 30 minutes in the dark. - Lipid Spots number of PREPL-/- HEK293T cells after DAPI staining (10 - 20 minutes) and lipid droplet staining (30 minutes in the dark) using diluted 1X LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain for 30 minutes in the dark. - Lipid Spots number of wtHEK293T cells after DAPI staining (10 - 20 minutes) and lipid droplet staining (30 minutes in the dark) using diluted 1X LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain for 30 minutes in the dark. - Quantification of lipid spot numbers/cell in PREPL-/- HEK293T cells after DAPI staining (10 - 20 minutes) and lipid droplet staining (30 minutes in the dark) using diluted 1X LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain for 30 minutes in the dark. - Quantification of lipid spot numbers/cell in wtHEK293Tcells after DAPI staining (10 - 20 minutes) and lipid droplet staining (30 minutes in the dark) using diluted 1X LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain for 30 minutes in the dark.","We are interested in understanding the effect of the PREPL on lipid metabolism. We performed Lipid droplet staining and high-content microscopy on PREPL-/- HEK293T cells and wild-type HEK293T cells (wtHEK293T) as a control. PREPL-/- and control HEK293T cells with cell density 15,000 cells/well were plated on poly-D-lysine-coated 96-well Cell Carrier Ultra microplate. The cells were washed thrice with DPBS (pH 7.4) and fixed using 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA) for 30 minutes. We then perform Lipid droplet staining by first diluting LipidSpot 488 (Biotium) stain to 1X in DPBS, followed by staining the cells with the resulting staining solution for 30 minutes in a light-protected environment. This was followed by DAPI (nuclear) staining for 10-20 minutes. If we performed 4 independent experiments and calculated the cell and lipid spot numbers in both PREPL-/- HEK293T cells and wtHEK293T cells, and quantified the ratio of lipid spot numbers/cell, what would be the expected individual ratio calculated in each wtHEK293T and PREPL-/- HEK293T cells in two decimal places?",LipidSpots/Cell = [13.74 - 15.96] for PREPL-/- HEK293T cells derived from 14.85. Note: CI reported ±1.11. LipidSpots/Cell = [8.26 - 9.42] for wtHEK293T cells derived from 8.84. Note: CI reported ±0.58,"- PREPL belongs to the serine hydrolase superfamily and has been implicated in the regulation of the secretory pathway and mitochondrial respiration. - PREPL has its highest expression in the brain, followed by intermediate levels in neuroendocrine cells, the kidney and muscle.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- PREPL belongs to the serine hydrolase superfamily and has been implicated in the regulation of the\nsecretory pathway and mitochondrial respiration.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Prolyl endopeptidase-like is a (thio)esterase involved in mitochondrial respiratory chain function""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8634043/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 14, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Physical Chemistry,Numerical Values,"An Advanced Probe of Local Electric Field to Understand Electrode/Electrolyte Interface during Oxygen Evolution ",https://chemrxiv.org/engage/chemrxiv/article-details/68f8b4ac5dd091524fc96dc7,"October 24, 2025","Researchers investigated the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics of an iridium oxide (IrOx) catalyst using a rotating disk electrode (RDE) system. The working electrode consisted of IrOx coated on a titanium (Ti) disk, used as the working electrode in a three-electrode electrochemical cell with a platinum counter electrode and a Hg/Hg₂Cl₂ reference electrode, whose potential was converted to the reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) scale. Experiments were performed in 0.1 M phosphate-based electrolytes at three pH conditions: acidic (0.1 M H₃PO₄, pH 1.5), neutral (0.1 M K-phosphate, pH 7), and alkaline (0.1 M K-phosphate, pH 13), all at 298 K. Linear sweep voltammetry was carried out under electrode rotation at several disk-rotation speeds in each electrolyte, with a scan rate of 1 mV s⁻¹. Kinetic current densities were obtained from the rotating disk voltammograms by Koutecký–Levich analysis, and overpotentials and kinetic current densities were used to construct Tafel plots (overpotential vs. logarithm of kinetic current density) for each pH condition.","- Applied potential (V vs RHE), recorded during linear sweep voltammetry at 298 K for the IrOx/Ti rotating disk electrode in 0.1 M H₃PO₄ (pH 1.5), 0.1 M K-phosphate (pH 7), or 0.1 M K-phosphate (pH 13), with a scan rate of −1 mV s⁻¹ and disk-rotation speeds between 1600 and 4900 rpm. - Kinetic current density (mA cm⁻²), obtained at each applied potential from RDE voltammograms recorded under the same conditions (298 K, −1 mV s⁻¹, 1600–4900 rpm) by Koutecký–Levich analysis of the rotation-dependent current and normalized by the geometric area of the Ti disk electrode. - Tafel slope (mV dec⁻¹), determined for each electrolyte and pH by linear fitting of the overpotential versus log₁₀(kinetic current density) in the kinetically controlled potential region of the OER at 298 K. - pH of the electrolyte, set by the composition of the 0.1 M H₃PO₄ (pH 1.5), 0.1 M K-phosphate (pH 7), or 0.1 M K-phosphate (pH 13) solutions used in the RDE measurements at 298 K.","Researchers evaluated the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) kinetics of an IrOx/Ti rotating disk electrode (RDE) in phosphate-based electrolytes at three different pH levels: 1.5 (0.1 M H₃PO₄), 7 (0.1 M K-phosphate), and 13 (0.1 M K-phosphate), all measured at 298K. Tafel analysis was used to determine the slope of the potential–current relationship, allowing for a comparison of catalytic efficiency across the different pH conditions. What would be the measured Tafel slope (in mV dec⁻¹) for the OER at pH 13? ",42 V dec⁻¹ -> [38 - 46 mV dec⁻¹] Fallback used: +/- 10%,"- Water electrolysis that converts ubiquitous H2O into an energy carrier of H2 will play an indispensable role in achieving a sustainable society.1 While H2 is produced at the cathode, the coupled anodic half-reaction of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) requires large overpotential and causes significant efficiency loss. - Iridium oxide (IrOx) has been reported to exhibit the highest activity toward the OER across a wide pH range. - in non-extreme pH conditions where buffering species is essential to achieve high OER efficiency, OER kinetics over IrOx varied with the buffer identity and composition in electrolyte, thus the optimal electrolyte condition depends on the target current density. - The chemical composition and charge accumulation at the electrode/electrolyte interface are the subject of consideration, which have been detailed in many theoretical studies.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Water electrolysis that converts ubiquitous H2O into an energy carrier of H2 will play an indispensable role in achieving a sustainable society.1 While H2 is produced at the cathode, the coupled anodic half-reaction of oxygen evolution reaction (OER) requires large overpotential and causes significant efficiency loss.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""A review on fundamentals for designing oxygen evolution electrocatalysts""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2021/xx/c9cs00607a/unauth""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 5, 202""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Iridium oxide (IrOx) has been reported to exhibit the highest activity toward the OER across a wide pH range.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Thrifting iridium for hydrogen""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.science.org/doi/abs/10.1126/science.adv4929""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 13, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- in non-extreme pH conditions where buffering species is essential to achieve high OER efficiency, OER kinetics over IrOx varied with the buffer identity and composition in electrolyte, thus the optimal electrolyte condition depends on the target current density.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Delivering the Full Potential of Oxygen Evolving Electrocatalyst by Conditioning Electrolytes at Near-Neutral pH""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://chemistry-europe.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/cssc.202002813""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 22, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Plankton Ecology,MCQ,Responses of the Natural Phytoplankton Assemblage to Patagonian Dust Input and Anthropogenic Changes in the Southern Ocean,https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2024EF005762,"June 4, 2025","Scientists conducted a 5-day shipboard incubation experiment to test how Patagonia dust input under predicted future (year 2100) temperature and pH conditions influences the net growth rate of natural phytoplankton communities from the Southern Ocean. The pythoplankton samples were collected onboard the French R.V. Marion Dufresne II in the Indian sector of the SO during the summer 2022 (February) from the Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) (at 47°40S, 58°00'E; sampled on 02/16/2022). Seawater was collected (depth of 15 m) using an ultra-cleaned PTFE diaphragm VA-P08 pump (flow rate of 15 L min−1). The seawater was filtered through a 200 μm mesh (nylon). 100 L of seawater was distributed into cleaned 10 L polycarbonate (PC) bottles. Acidification was simulated by taking 500 mL of each 10 L bottle, where it was bubbled with pure CO2 for 2 minutes, returned to the bottle, then the full 10 L was bubbled with 800 ppm CO2 until pH stabilized at ~7.80. Bottles were placed in a deck incubator with seawater maintained +3 °C above ambient by a thermostat and temperature controller; temperature was checked twice daily. Patagonian soil dust was dried, ground and weighed to 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L, then suspended in a small volume of filtered seawater, gently vortexed, and then added to 10L bottles (shaken to disperse). Control bottles under future T and pH conditions, without dust were also included. Once dust was added and pH/temp adjustments made, 2 L aliquots were transferred for incubation on deck for 5 days (natural sunlight filtered). Picophytoplankton abundances were measured by flow cytometry at the start of incubation and day 5. Net growth rate was calculated as μ/d=ΔLn(N)/t.","- Net growth rates (µ d⁻¹, calculated as µ = Δln(N)/t) of picophytoplankton in the Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) taken from the Southern Ocean under predicted future conditions (+3 °C, pH≈7.8) with and without Patagonia dust (1 mg/L and 2 mg/L). ","Scientists conducted a 5-day shipboard incubation experiment to test how Patagonia dust input under predicted future (year 2100) temperature and pH conditions influences the net growth rate of natural phytoplankton communities from the Southern Ocean. The pythoplankton samples were collected onboard the French R.V. Marion Dufresne II in the Indian sector of the SO during the summer 2022 (February) from the Polar Frontal Zone (PFZ) (at 47°40S, 58°00'E; sampled on 02/16/2022). Seawater was collected (depth of 15 m) using an ultra-cleaned PTFE diaphragm VA-P08 pump (flow rate of 15 L min−1). The seawater was filtered through a 200 μm mesh (nylon). 100 L of seawater was distributed into cleaned 10 L polycarbonate (PC) bottles. Acidification was simulated by taking 500 mL of each 10 L bottle, where it was bubbled with pure CO2 for 2 minutes, returned to the bottle, then the full 10 L was bubbled with 800 ppm CO2 until pH stabilized at ~7.80. Bottles were placed in a deck incubator with seawater maintained +3 °C above ambient by a thermostat and temperature controller; temperature was checked twice daily. Patagonian soil dust was dried, ground and weighed to 1 mg/L and 2 mg/L, then suspended in a small volume of filtered seawater, gently vortexed, and then added to 10L bottles (shaken to disperse). Control bottles under future T and pH conditions, without dust were also included. Once dust was added and pH/temp adjustments made, 2 L aliquots were transferred for incubation on deck for 5 days (natural sunlight filtered). Picophytoplankton abundances were measured by flow cytometry at the start of incubation and day 5. Net growth rate per day was calculated as μ=ΔLn(N)/t. Which of the following outcomes is most likely to be observed? A) Dust addition under future temperatures and pH caused a strong increase in picophytoplankton growth compared to dust-free controls B) Warming and acidification alone led to the highest picophytoplankton growth, with no stimulation from dust C) Picophytoplankton growth decreased under future temperature and pH treatments with no change wth the addition of dust D) Dust addition reduced picophytoplankton growth compared with dust-free controls under the same future conditions","B) Warming and acidification alone led to the highest picophytoplankton growth, with no stimulation from dust","- Patagonian dust a source of iron-rich dust that can provide essential nutrients for the Southern Ocean region. - Future ocean conditions are projected to include warmer temperatures (+3 °C) and lower pH (~7.8) by 2100. - The PFZ is characterized by significant seasonal variations, with a predominance of smaller species such as cyanobacteria and coccolithophorids.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Patagonian dust is a source of iron-rich dust that can provide essential nutrients for the Southern Ocean region.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Observed 20th century desert dust variability: impact on climate and biogeochemistry""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://acp.copernicus.org/articles/10/10875/2010/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 19, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Future ocean conditions are projected to include warmer temperatures (+3 °C) and lower pH (~7.8) by 2100.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Climate change and Southern Ocean ecosystems I: How changes in physical habitats directly affect marine biota.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/gcb.12623""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 7, 2014""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The PFZ is characterized by significant seasonal variations, with a predominance of smaller species such as cyanobacteria and coccolithophorids""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Iron and silicic acid concentrations regulate Si uptake north and south of the Polar Frontal Zone in the Pacific Sector of the Southern Ocean""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967064500000709""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""2000""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,MCQ,EGFR-targeted and MMP-activated membranolytic peptides derived from Polybia paulista MP1 kill cancer cells specifically in vitro and reduce tumour growth in vivo,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.07.680850v1,"October 7, 2025","Researchers determined the IC50 doses of the membrane-disrupting peptide Mastoparan-1 (MP1) and MP1 fusion variants against cancer cell lines. The details of each peptide variant are described as follows. 1) Peptide name: MP1, Description: the original MP1 peptide, Sequence: IDWKKLLDAAKQIL 2) Peptide name: N-EGFR-MP1, Description: MP1 that was N-terminally linked with the sequence that binds to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) using GG linker, Sequence: YHWYGYTPENVIGGIDWKKLLDAAKQIL 3) Peptide name: N-EGFR-MMP-MP1, Description: MP1 that was N-terminally linked with the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) cleavage recognition sequence, and the EGFR binding sequence, Sequence: YHWYGYTPENVIGPLGIAGQIDWKKLLDAAKQIL 4) Peptide name: C-EGFR-MP1, Description: MP1 that was C-terminally linked with the EGFR binding sequence, using GG linker, Sequence: IDWKKLLDAAKQILGGYHWYGYTPENVI 5) Peptide name: C-EGFR-MMP-MP1, Description: MP1 that was C-terminally linked with the MMP-2 cleavage site and the EGFR binding sequence, Sequence: IDWKKLLDAAKQILGPLGIAGQYHWYGYTPENVI A panel of human breast epithelial cell lines was evaluated, including two lines from a non-transformed origin (MCF-10A; HB2) and four cancer lines (BT-474; AU-565; MDA-MB-231; MDA-MB-468). MP1 and its fusion variants were synthesized by Bio-Synthesis Inc. (Lewisville, TX, USA). Cell lines were seeded in 96-well plates with Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% fetal calf serum (FCS) and 100 units/ml of penicillin/streptomycin at 10,000 cells per well and incubated in a humidified incubator with 5% CO2 at 37°C for 18 h. Then, the growth medium was removed, and cells were treated with various concentrations (0 – 250 µM) of each variant of MP1 for 24 h. After that, the growth medium containing MP-1 was removed, cells were then incubated with 0.5 mg/ml MTT reagent dissolved in PBS for 3 h. The PBS containing the reagent was then removed, the Formazan crystals (produced by the mitochondrial enzymes of viable cells) were dissolved in 500 µl isopropanol, and the absorbance was measured at 570 nm using a microplate spectrophotometer to obtain the percentage of cell survival and IC50 (µM) values. ","- Absorbance at 570 nm of the dissolved Formazan crystals obtained from each cell line (MCF-10A, HB2, BT-474, AU-565, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231) after treating with different concentrations (0 – 250 µM) of each MP1 fusion variant (MP1, N-EGFR-MP1, N-EGFR-MMP-MP1, C-EGFR-MP1, and C-EGFR-MMP-MP1). - The percentage of cell survival (%) from each cell line (MCF-10A, HB2, BT-474, AU-565, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231) after treating with different concentrations (0 – 250 µM) of each MP1 fusion variant (MP1, N-EGFR-MP1, N-EGFR-MMP-MP1, C-EGFR-MP1, and C-EGFR-MMP-MP1). - The IC50 value (µM) from each cell line (MCF-10A, HB2, BT-474, AU-565, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231) after treating with different concentrations (0 – 250 µM) of each MP1 fusion variant (MP1, N-EGFR-MP1, N-EGFR-MMP-MP1, C-EGFR-MP1, and C-EGFR-MMP-MP1). ","The membrane-disrupting peptide Mastoparan-1 (MP1) derived from the wasp Polybia paulista was previously reported to exhibit some degree of cancer-specific lytic activity. The researcher attempted to enhance the toxicity and cancer specificity of MP1 by adding 2 different functionalities to either the N-terminus or the C-terminus of MP1. The functionalities fused with MP1 are either the sequence that binds to the extracellular domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) linked by a GG linker, or the matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) cleavage recognition sequence linked to the EGFR binding sequence. Therefore, there were 5 MP1 peptide variants in this experiment, detailed as follows. 1) Original MP1 peptide (MP1, IDWKKLLDAAKQIL) 2) MP1 that was N-terminally linked with EGFR binding sequence by GG linker (N-EGFR-MP1, YHWYGYTPENVIGGIDWKKLLDAAKQIL) 3) MP1 that was N-terminally linked with the MMP-2 cleavage site, and EGFR binding sequence (N-EGFR-MMP-MP1, YHWYGYTPENVIGPLGIAGQIDWKKLLDAAKQIL) 4) MP1 that was C-terminally linked with EGFR binding sequence by GG linker (C-EGFR-MP1, IDWKKLLDAAKQILGGYHWYGYTPENVI) 5) MP1 that was C-terminally linked with the MMP-2 cleavage site, and EGFR binding sequence (C-EGFR-MMP-MP1, IDWKKLLDAAKQILGPLGIAGQYHWYGYTPENVI) The human breast epithelial cell lines used to examine the toxicity of these MP1 peptide variants are MCF-10A, HB2, BT-474, AU-565, MDA-MB-468, and MDA-MB-231. The cell lines were treated with different doses of each MP1 variant (0 – 250 µM). After treatment, the MTT assay was performed, and the resulting absorbance measurements were used to calculate the percentage of cell survival relative to the untreated control. The dose-response curves were plotted to determine the IC50 value (µM) of each MP1 variant against each cell line. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) Neither fusion peptide showed strikingly different efficacy in BT-474 cells compared to MP1. B) Neither fusion peptide showed strikingly different efficacy in MCF-10A cells compared to MP1. C) Neither fusion peptide showed strikingly different efficacy in MDA-MB-231 cells compared to MP1. D) Neither fusion peptide showed strikingly different efficacy in HB2 cells compared to MP1. ",B) Neither fusion peptide showed strikingly different efficacy in MCF-10A cells compared to MP1.,"- Mastoparan-1 (MP1, [IDWKKLLDAAKQIL]) is a membranolytic peptide derived from the wasp Polybia paulista. MP1 was previously reported to have some degree of cancer-specific lytic activity. - The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in a range of common cancers, including breast, colorectal, and lung, and is well established as both a target for therapeutic inhibition and a surface biomarker to direct binding of the therapeutics to cancer cells. - The matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) is frequently overexpressed in cancers, including in breast and colorectal. MMP-cleavage sites have been used to confer cancer-specific activation properties on various potential therapeutics. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Mastoparan-1 (MP1, [IDWKKLLDAAKQIL]) is a membranolytic peptide derived from the wasp Polybia paulista. MP1 was previously reported to have some degree of cancer-specific lytic activity.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Antitumor effects, cell selectivity and structure–activity relationship of a novel antimicrobial peptide polybia-MPI""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0196978108000454""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2008""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is over-expressed in a range of common cancers, including breast, colorectal, and lung, and is well established as both a target for therapeutic inhibition and a surface biomarker to direct binding of the therapeutics to cancer cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Targeting EGFR of triple-negative breast cancer enhances the therapeutic efficacy of paclitaxel- and cetuximab-conjugated nanodiamond nanocomposite""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1742706119300455""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 1, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- The matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) is frequently overexpressed in cancers, including in breast and colorectal. MMP-cleavage sites have been used to confer cancer-specific activation properties on various potential therapeutics.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Matrix Metalloproteinase-Responsive Drug Delivery Systems""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.3c00266""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 2, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Cancer Biology,MCQ,Tumor-associated Macrophages protect Glioblastoma cells from ferroptosis by inducing the release of Ferritin-bound iron via exosomes,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.21.683804v1,"October 22, 2025","The researchers investigated how the macrophage iron metabolism is altered in the presence of glioblastoma (GBM) cells. They grew murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) with GL261 cells, a GBM cell line derived from C57BL6 mice, in a transwell coculture system. BMDMs were generated by collecting the bone marrow from the femurs and tibias from either male or female C57BL/6 mice, flushed with DMEM with GlutaMAX (ThermoFisher Scientific). The bone marrow was washed and run through a 70 μm cell strainer and cultured in non-tissue culture-treated Petri dishes in DMEM with GlutaMAX with the addition of 20% v/v conditioned media from L929 cells and 30% v/v FBS to serve as a source of M-CSF for differentiation of bone marrow progenitor cells into macrophages. Additional media was added to the Petri dish on day 3 and day 6. On day 7, the differentiation was confirmed by looking at the cell morphology, adherence to the Petri dish, and expression of macrophage-specific markers (F4/80 and CD11b). In co-culture experiments, GL261 cells were cultured in a 12-well plate containing DMEM with GlutaMAX (ThermoFisher Scientific) with 10% fetal bovine serum (GeminiBio) and 1% Penicillin-Streptomycin (ThermoFisher Scientific). The BMDMs were cultured on transwell inserts of pore size 0.4 μm to facilitate the free exchange of secreted proteins and exosomes. Cells were maintained in a humidified tissue culture incubator with 5% CO2 at 37 °C for 24 hours. After coculture, BMDMs were subjected to immunoblot analysis to determine the expression of H-ferritin (FTH1), L-ferritin (FTL), transferrin receptor (TFRC), and beta-actin, in comparison with BMDMs cultured alone. Briefly, cells were lysed using RIPA buffer (Sigma) and protease inhibitor cocktail (PIC, Sigma). Subsequently, total protein was quantified by BCA Protein Assay (Pierce), and equal amounts of protein were loaded onto a 4 to 20% Criterion TGX Precast Protein Gel (Bio-Rad). Proteins were transferred onto a PVDF membrane and probed for FTH1, FTL, and TFRC. A corresponding secondary antibody conjugated to HRP was used (1:5000, GE 175 Amersham), and the bands were visualized using ECL reagents (PerkinElmer) on an Amersham 176 Imager 600 (GE Amersham). ","- Relative expression levels of H-ferritin (FTH1), L-ferritin (FTL), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) between BMDMs cocultured with GL261 cells and those cultured alone, and between BMDMs derived from male and female mice.","The researchers investigated how the macrophage iron metabolism is altered in the presence of glioblastoma (GBM) cells. They grew murine bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs), obtained from either male or female mice, with GL261 cells (a GBM cell line derived from C57BL6 mice) in a transwell coculture system. After coculture for 24 hours, relative expression levels of H-ferritin (FTH1), L-ferritin (FTL), and transferrin receptor (TFRC) in BMDMs, cocultured with GL261 cells or cultured alone, were determined by immunoblot analysis using beta-actin as a loading control. Which of the following outcomes is most likely? A) BMDMs cocultured with GL261 cells showed higher FTH1, FTL, and TFRC expressions than BMDMs cultured alone. Male BMDMs showed higher FTH1, FTL, and TFRC expressions than female BMDMs, in both culture alone and co-culture with GL261 cells. B) BMDMs cocultured with GL261 cells showed higher FTH1, FTL, and TFRC expressions than BMDMs cultured alone. Female BMDMs showed higher FTH1, FTL, and TFRC expressions than male BMDMs, in both culture alone and co-culture with GL261 cells. C) BMDM cocultured with GL261 cells showed higher FTH1 and FTL expressions than BMDMs cultured alone. Female BMDMs showed significantly higher TFRC expressions than male BMDMs in culture alone. But, in coculture with GL261 cells, male BMDMs showed higher TFRC expression. D) BMDMs cocultured with GL261 cells showed higher FTH1 and FTL expressions than BMDMs cultured alone. Male BMDMs showed significantly higher TFRC expressions than female BMDMs in culture alone. But, in coculture with GL261 cells, female BMDMs showed higher TFRC expression.","D) BMDMs cocultured with GL261 cells showed higher FTH1 and FTL expressions than BMDMs cultured alone. Male BMDMs showed significantly higher TFRC expressions than female BMDMs in culture alone. But, in coculture with GL261 cells, female BMDMs showed higher TFRC expression.","- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) comprise up to 50 percent of the total tumor volume and are one of the most abundant cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of glioblastoma (GBM). - TAMs play a significant role in maintaining iron homeostasis in the TME and can play a pivotal role in controlling ferroptotic stress in neoplastic cells. - Cancer cells upregulate the expression of transferrin receptor (TFRC), a protein involved in iron uptake, and ferritin, a protein involved in cellular iron storage. In GBM, both transferrin receptor and ferritin are necessary for tumorigenesis. - Due to the high iron levels in cancer cells, they are susceptible to ferroptosis, an iron-mediated form of cell death. - Protein-bound ferric iron (Fe3+, stored within ferritin) is not directly involved in ferroptosis. As a result, ferritin can act as a ferroptosis suppressor by quenching available Fe2+ in the labile iron pool. - GBM is a sexually dimorphic disease, with sexually dimorphic features in incidence, phenotype, response to therapy, and overall outcome. GBM is more frequent and aggressive in male patients. - Sex difference in iron metabolism is thought to be a major contributor to the sexually dimorphic nature of GBM. - Immunoblot or Western analysis is a method to detect protein expression.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) comprise up to 50 percent of the total tumor volume and are one of the most abundant cell populations in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of glioblastoma (GBM). ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Tumor microenvironment in glioblastoma: Current and emerging concepts""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/noa/article/5/1/vdad009/7053170?login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 23, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- TAMs play a significant role in maintaining iron homeostasis in the TME and can play a pivotal role in controlling ferroptotic stress in neoplastic cells.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The Iron Curtain: Macrophages at the Interface of Systemic and Microenvironmental Iron Metabolism and Immune Response in Cancer""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2021.614294/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 27, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Cancer cells upregulate the expression of transferrin receptor (TFRC), a protein involved in iron uptake, and ferritin, a protein involved in cellular iron storage. In GBM, both transferrin receptor and ferritin are necessary for tumorigenesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Preferential Iron Trafficking Characterizes Glioblastoma Stem-like Cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/cancer-cell/fulltext/S1535-6108(15)00333-5?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1535610815003335%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 12, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Due to the high iron levels in cancer cells, they are susceptible to ferroptosis, an iron-mediated form of cell death.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Ferroptosis: mechanisms, biology and role in disease""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41580-020-00324-8""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 25, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Protein-bound ferric iron (Fe3+, stored within ferritin) is not directly involved in ferroptosis. As a result, ferritin can act as a ferroptosis suppressor by quenching available Fe2+ in the labile iron pool.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Hepcidin Alleviates LPS-Induced ARDS by Regulating the Ferritin-Mediated Suppression of Ferroptosis""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.lww.com/shockjournal/fulltext/2022/06000/hepcidin_alleviates_lps_induced_ards_by_regulating.13.aspx""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- GBM is a sexually dimorphic disease, with sexually dimorphic features in incidence, phenotype, response to therapy, and overall outcome. GBM is more frequent and aggressive in male patients. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sex-Specific Differences in Glioblastoma""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2073-4409/10/7/1783""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 14, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Sex difference in iron metabolism is thought to be a major contributor to the sexually dimorphic nature of GBM.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sexually dimorphic impact of the iron-regulating gene, HFE, on survival in glioblastoma""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/noa/article/2/1/vdaa001/5696853?login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""February 17, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics,Free-Format Question,Single photon γ-ray imaging with high energy and spatial resolution perovskite semiconductor for nuclear medicine,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63400-7,"August 30, 2025","Researchers present a pioneering approach relating to single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) that involves developing high resolution perovskite CsPbBr3 semiconductor detectors with different pixel and pitch sizes (Device E: 1.0 x 1.0 mm2 and 1.2mm; Device I: 1.5 x 1.5 mm2 and 1.6 mm), detector dimensions (Device E: 7.0 × 7.0 × 3.6 mm3; Device I: 8.0 × 8.0 × 5.6 mm3), and a pixelated configuration (4 x 4 pixels) capable of imaging single gamma-ray photons to aid in nuclear medicine applications. The gamma-ray camera consists of a tungsten collimator (4.5 mm thick, 3.5 mm deep holes, 0.5 mm wide, 6.0 mm long), a perovskite CsPbBr3 pixelated detector (CsPbBr3 crystal ingot diameter: 30mm, fabricated with Au and EGaIn contact combinations) and a 17-channel signal readout system (model 572A, dual 16 K input multichannel analyzer; gain of 0.8 x 100; shaping time 10 μs) for characterization analysis. The functional mechanism involves the gamma-ray photons emitted from the decay of 99mTc (gamma-ray decay with single energy of 141 keV; half-life period of 6.02 h) in a Na99Tc04 solution (sealed quartz capillary tubes with 0.5mm inner diameter, 1.0 mm external diameter) being captured and converted into electrical signals by the pixelated detectors after being passed through the collimator. The success is then characterized by the energy resolution (ER), the sensitivity, and the spatial resolution of gamma-ray images. A positive bias voltage of up to 700 V is applied to the bottom EGaIn electrode, while all the Au contacts are grounded.","- Energy resolution (ER) of 99mTc through the pixelated CsPbBr3 detector for Devices E and I. - Energy spectrum of pixelated CsPbBr3 detector under 99mTc gamma-ray source (keV/Counts) for each device (E, I).","High resolution perovskite CsPbBr3 semiconductor detectors combined with collimators and gamma-ray sources are implemented to detect gamma-ray single-photons to aid in applications surrounding nuclear medicine. Performing patterned gamma-ray single-photon imaging using collimated aqueous solution Na99mTcO4 sources, the energy resolving capability for 99mTc gamma-rays at 141 keV of 16 pixels was tested for two different pixel and pitch configurations-Devices E and I. What is the predicted difference, if any, in the resulting energy resolutions (ERs) between Device E, Device I?","Device E performs better than Device I by exhibiting a lower, sharp distribution of ERs in the range of 2-3% while Device I displays a higher overall ER of 3.5%. ","- Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an imaging technique that determines three-dimensional concentrations of radiopharmaceuticals int the body by measuring emitted gamma rays. - Perovskite semiconductors are semiconductors that combine exceptional optoelectronic properties with versatile chemistry and simple synthesis. - Energy Resolution is a metric that dominates the radionuclide identification and scatter rejection in γ-ray imaging.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) is an imaging technique that determines three-dimensional concentrations of radiopharmaceuticals int the body by measuring emitted gamma rays.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Radioactive Transition Metals for Imaging and Therapy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.chemrev.8b00281""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""October 9, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (Referenced by original paper)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Perovskite semiconductors are semiconductors that combine exceptional optoelectronic properties with versatile chemistry and simple synthesis.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Detecting ionizing radiation using halide perovskite semiconductors processed through solution and alternative methods""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41566-021-00909-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 23, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled (Referenced by original paper)""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Energy Resolution is a metric that dominates the radionuclide identification and scatter rejection in γ-ray imaging.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Energy resolution and linearity of XENON1T in the MeV energy range""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1140/epjc/s10052-020-8284-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 27, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics/sensors,Numerical Values,Flexible Stretchable Strain Sensor Based on LIG/PDMS for Real-Time Health Monitoring of Test Pilots,https://www.mdpi.com/1424-8220/25/9/2884,"May 2, 2025","Researchers tested the performance of a Laser-induced Graphene (LIG) strain sensor transferred onto a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The sensor was prepared as follows: Initially, a 125 µm-thick PolyImide (PI) film was adhered to a metal substrate. Subsequently, the PI film was subjected to a line sweeping using a CO2 infrared laser scribing. The laser parameters were set as follows: Power of 2.3 W, scanning speed of 100 mm/s, and line width of 200 µm. This procedure generated striped patterns, ultimately forming 10 mm x 10 mm graphene blocks. The resulting graphene exhibited a porous structure and was primarily single-layered. The PI film with Graphene was then cut to match a Teflon mold with dimensions of 50 mm x 30 mm x 500 µm and positioned inside it, ensuring that the graphene stripes were aligned parallel to the 50 mm sides of the mold. SYLGARD 184 silicone elastomer was mixed with its crosslinker at a ratio of 10:1 and homogenized using a blender for 5 min to prepare a PDMS solution. The solution was subsequently degassed in a vacuum dryer for 2 h to eliminate bubbles introduced during stirring. The PDMS solution was then carefully poured into the mold, ensuring uniformity of the mold to maintain consistent sensor thickness. The mold was cured in a vacuum drying oven at 80 °C for 2 h. On the following day, after complete curing, the upper layer of PDMS was carefully peeled off. Conductive silver paste was applied to both sides of the graphene, and electrical wires were connected. The sensor was then again placed inside the Teflon mold, in order to mold the other side of the sensor using the exact same procedure used for the first side of the sensor, and thereby completing the full encapsulation of the sensor. ","- Mechanical strain: Relative change in sensor length - Electrical resistance: Measured in ohms","The sensor was characterized in a tensile tester for mechanical strains up to 40%. The sensitivity of the sensor in form the gauge factor (GF) was calculated as a function of the strain. The GF is calculated as the relative change in electrical resistance divided by the strain. What was the GF for the sensor in the range of 1% to 21% strain?","GF = [18.6 - 22.8] Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> a ±10% fallback was applied using the value reported in the paper, 20.7","- Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) is a method of creating graphene layers on top of common substrates like PI, PET or PDMS. Under laser Irradiation, chemical bonds are cleaved, releasing nitrogen and oxygen elements in gaseous forms, while the remaining carbon atoms rearrange to form LIG.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) is a method of creating graphene layers on top of common substrates like PI, PET or PDMS. Under laser Irradiation, chemical bonds are cleaved, releasing nitrogen and oxygen elements in gaseous forms, while the remaining carbon atoms rearrange to form LIG.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Three-Dimensional (3D) Laser-Induced Graphene: Structure, Properties, and Application to Chemical Sensing""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8289247/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 21, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA, cited as reference 31.""}]" Physics,Atomic Physics,Numerical Values,Observation of spin singlet butterfly Rydberg molecules in an ultracold atomic Rb gas,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.21620,"Oct 24, 2025","Researchers prepared $^{87}$Rb atoms in a crossed dipole trap operating at λ = 1064 nm with a temperature of 40 µK, a diameter of 40 µm, and a peak density of $4 \times 10^{13} \, \text{cm}^{−3}$. Initially, the atoms were kept the F=1 ground state, and photoassociation in the molecular state was attempted by a three-photon excitation scheme ($^5$s$_{1/2}$ →$^5$p$_{3/2}$ →$^5$d$_{5/2}$ →$^{18}$f$_{7/2}$) at 780 nm, 776 nm and 1308 nm, where the first two lasers were blue detuned to the intermediate states. After excitation, a CO$_2$ laser was implemented to ionize Rydberg atoms, and a reaction microscope was used to detect the ions. The experimental sequence consisted of 1100 excitation and ionization pulses with a duration of 3 µs. During excitation, the dipole trap was turned off to avoid ionization from the $^5$d$_{5/2}$ state. The electric field was switched off during photoassociation with a residual field of ~1 mV/cm. Later, the pulse duration was reduced to 1 µs, and the time of ionization was varied.","- Lifetime of the vibrational ground and first excited states of the butterfly molecules of $^{87}$Rb at a pulse duration of 1 µs during 1100 excitation and ionization pulses, by counting only the Rb$^{+}$ ions with zero momentum. - Lifetime of the atomic resonance state (n=18) of $^{87}$Rb at a pulse duration of 1 µs during 1100 excitation and ionization pulses, by counting only the Rb$^{+}$ ions with zero momentum.","Researchers attempted a three-photon excitation scheme to photoassociate the n=18 singlet butterfly molecule of the Rubidium-87 element via the small f-state admixture in its electronic state. $^{87}$Rb is a butterfly long-range Rydberg molecule in the spin-singlet ($^1$P$_1$) configuration. With the intention of observing long-lived vibrational states within a well lying about 5GHz below the $^{18}$f$_{7/2}$ atomic resonance, they prepared $^{87}$Rb atoms in a crossed dipole trap operating at λ = 1064 nm with a temperature of 40 µK, a diameter of 40 µm, and a peak density of $4 \times 10^{13} \, \text{cm}^{−3}$. Atoms were kept initially in the F=1 ground state and photoassociation was attempted by means of.a three-photon excitation scheme ($^5$s$_{1/2}$ →$^5$p$_{3/2}$ →$^5$d$_{5/2}$ →$^{18}$f$_{7/2}$) at 780 nm, 776 nm and 1308 nm, where the first two lasers were blue detuned to the intermediate states. After excitation, a CO$_2$ laser was implemented to ionize Rydberg atoms, and a reaction microscope was used to detect the ions. The experimental sequence consisted of 1100 excitation and ionization pulses with a duration of 3 µs. The lifetime of the atomic resonance state (n=18) and the vibrational ground and first excited states of the butterfly molecules of $^{87}$Rb at a pulse duration of 1 µs during 1100 excitation and ionization pulses were measured by counting only the Rb$^{+}$ ions with zero momentum. What is the absolute value in µs of difference in lifetime between the vibrational ground state and the atomic resonance state of $^{87}$Rb?","|Δτ| = [1.43-2.89] µs, derived from the lifetimes of the vibrational ground state $\tau_{v=0}$ = (6.31±0.67) µs and the atomic resonance state of $^{87}$Rb $\tau_{18f_{7/2}}$ = (4.15±0.06) µs. Note: CI/SE/SD reported for individual lifetimes in Fig. 4. -> Absolute error in lifetime measurement was calculated as (0.67+0.06) µs = 0.73 µs.","- Ultralong-range Rydberg molecules (ULRMs) with high-ℓ character have highly asymmetric electronic states. - The $^1$P$_1$ scattering produces the oscillating “stairwell” potential highlighted in black as well as the non-oscillating potential slicing through the stairwell.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Ultralong-range Rydberg molecules (ULRMs) with high-ℓ character have highly asymmetric electronic states.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Exploring the vibrational series of pure trilobite Rydberg molecules""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-023-43818-7""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 7, 2023""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The $^1$P$_1$ scattering produces the oscillating “stairwell” potential highlighted in black as well as the non-oscillating potential slicing through the stairwell.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Approximate symmetries of long-range Rydberg molecules including spin effects""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/prresearch/abstract/10.1103/PhysRevResearch.6.013173""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Feb 16, 2024""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics / Fluid dynamics,MCQ,Erosion induced by a disk translating toward or away from a granular bed,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.26980,"October 30, 2025","Researchers were measuring the onset of erosion when a rigid circular disk is subjected to a single vertical stroke through quiescent water above a granular bed. The experiments were performed in a square glass tank (side 40 cm and height 60 cm) with the water level set to 40 cm. A transparent acrylic lid was placed a few millimeters beneath the free surface to suppress surface waves. At the bottom, a 1 cm thick, horizontally leveled bed of glass beads (mean diameter: 250 +/- 50 micrometers, density 2500 kg/m^3) was prepared. Before each erosion experiment, the surface was smoothed with a straight edge. A circular rigid PVC disk with thickness 2 mm was attached to a vertical shaft (1 cm diameter). The diameters D of the PVC disks used were in the range 5 cm ⩽ D ⩽ 15 cm. The vertical shaft was driven by an AC servomotor. An eccentric cam converts the continuous rotation of the motor into a sinusoidal translation of the vertical shaft. The stroke length L has been varied in the range 2 cm ⩽ L ⩽ 5.2 cm. The minimum distance b between the disk and the granular bed was varied in the range 0.2 cm ⩽ b ⩽ 2 cm.","- The minimum distance b between the disk and the granular bed. - The radius a_1 of the starting vortex at the moment when the disk completes its stroke. - The local velocity induced by the impact of the starting vortex ring. ","Researchers were measuring the onset of erosion when a rigid circular disk is subjected to a single vertical stroke through quiescent water above a granular bed. The critical Shields number Sh^c_CV was defined using the local velocity u_CV induced by the impact of the starting vortex ring as a function of b/a_1, where b is the minimum distance between the disk and the granular bed and a_1 is the radius of the starting vortex at the moment when the disk completes its stroke. What stroke length produced the largest increase of Sh^c_CV relative to b/a_1 for a disk of diameter D=10 cm and b ranging from 0.2 to 2.0 cm? A. 2.0 cm. B. 3.6 cm. C. 4.4 cm. D. 5.2 cm.",A. 2.0 cm.,"- The critical Shields number, Sh_c, describes the ratio of the drag force of the fluid to the apparent weight of the particles. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The critical Shields number, Sh_c, describes the ratio of the drag force of the fluid to the apparent weight of the particles. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Application of similarity principles and turbulence research to bed-load movement.""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://scispace.com/pdf/application-of-similarity-principles-and-turbulence-research-jatjbrj9wh.pdf""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""1936""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA. Cited in paper.""}]" Physics,Plasma Physics,Free-Format Question,Experimental validation of electron correlation models in warm dense matter,https://arxiv.org/abs/2509.10107,"September 12, 2025","Shock-compressed aluminium foils (50 micron thickness) were generated at the European XFEL using 8 ns, 26J, 515 nm Dipole 100-X laser pulses. The samples (rho= 4 g cm^(-3), T approximately 0.6 eV) were probed by 8.307 keV self-seeded XFEL pulses to record inelastic X-ray Thomson-scattering (XRTS) spectra at momentum transfers k= 0.99 - 2.57 A^(-1). Each spectrum averaged approximately 40 shots per geometry.","- XRTS spectra showing plasmon peak energy and width as a function of k (units inverse Angstrom). - Qualitative change of plasmon feature shape (broadening, asymmetry).","X-Ray Thomson scattering measurements are conducted for 50-μm thick, shock-compressed aluminium foils at a temperature of ~0.6 eV. When the momentum transfer increases from k = 0.99 A^(-1) to 2.57 A^(-1) in shock-compressed aluminium, how does the plasmon feature change in the XRTS spectra?","The plasmon peak shifts to higher energy loss and broadens, becoming weaker and more asymmetric.","- Plasmons are collective electron oscillations observed as an inelastic scattering-peak. -Inelastic X-ray Thomson-scattering is a experimental technique involving probing a sample with a high-energy X-rays and recording the photons that shifted in energy after scattering off weakly-bound electrons.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-Inelastic X-ray Thomson-scattering is a experimental technique involving probing a sample with a high-energy X-rays and recording the photons that shifted in energy after scattering off weakly-bound electrons.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""X-ray Thomson scattering in high energy density plasmas""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://journals.aps.org/rmp/abstract/10.1103/RevModPhys.81.1625""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 1, 2009""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled source is the canonical reference for this RBK item; couldn't find OA version""}]" Physics,"Quantum Technology, Superconducting Qubits",Numerical Values,Spin environment of a superconducting qubit in high magnetic fields,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-65528-y,"Oct 29, 2025","The gradiometric granular aluminum (grAl) is fabricated on a double-sided polished c-plane sapphire substrate using lift-off electron-beam lithography. A single resist layer of PMMA A4, coated with an 8 nm aluminum anti-static layer, is patterned with a 100 keV electron-beam writer. After patterning, the anti-static layer is removed using MF319 developer, which contains tetramethylammonium hydroxide, followed by development of the PMMA resist in a 6 °C isopropyl alcohol (IPA)/H2O solution (1:3 volume ratio). Before metal deposition, the substrate undergoes a 15s Ar/O2 plasma cleaning process using a Kaufman ion source. A 20 nm grAl layer is then deposited in a single evaporation step at room temperature, using an oxygen atmosphere at a chamber pressure of approximately 1 × 10^-4 mbar and a deposition rate of approximately 1 nm/s. A titanium gettering step is performed beforehand to enhance the vacuum quality to ~1 × 10−8 mbar before evaporation. During the lift-off process, the sample is sequentially submerged in an acetone bath, a 30-minute N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone bath with ultrasonic cleaning, and then in an ethanol bath. After that, the researcher galvanically coupled a 1mm long stripline readout resonator to the qubit circuit, which consisted of a superinductor, a geometric finger capacitance, and a graphene nanojunction. Implemented by a ~(20 nm)3 grAl volume, the nanojunction offers a sinusoidal current-phase relation similar to a conventional Al/AlOx/Al Josephson Junction, while exposing a minute cross-section to Fraunhofer interference. Then, implement a gradiometric design with two flux loops, and subsequently perform two-tone (TT) spectroscopy at half flux bias in zero field at 150 mK.",- Qubit Frequency (fq) of gradiometric granular aluminum (grAl) nanojunction fluxonium qubit at half flux bias in zero field at 150 mK.,"A gradiometric granular aluminum (grAl) nanojunction fluxonium qubit is made out of gradiometric granular aluminum (grAl), which is fabricated on a double-sided polished c-plane sapphire substrate. Then, a single resist layer of PMMA A4 was coated with an 8 nm aluminum anti-static layer. After patterning, the anti-static layer is removed, followed by development of the PMMA resist in a 6 °C isopropyl alcohol (IPA)/H2O solution (1:3 volume ratio). A 20 nm grAl layer is then deposited in a single evaporation step at room temperature, using an oxygen atmosphere at a chamber pressure of approximately 1 × 10^-4 mbar and a deposition rate of approximately 1 nm/s. During the lift-off process, the sample is sequentially submerged in an acetone bath, a 30-minute N-ethyl-2-pyrrolidone bath with ultrasonic cleaning, and then in an ethanol bath. After that, the galvanically coupled a 1mm long stripline readout resonator to the qubit circuit, which consisted of a superinductor, a geometric finger capacitance, and a graphene nanojunction. Implemented by a ~(20 nm)3 grAl volume, the nanojunction offers a sinusoidal current-phase relation similar to a conventional Al/AlOx/Al Josephson Junction, while exposing a minute cross-section. Josephson energy (EJ​/h) of gradiometric granular aluminum (grAl) nanojunction fluxonium qubit is 32.2 GHz, and other parameters such as Critical current of the nanojunction (Ic) is 64.9 nA, Charging energy (Ec / h) is 14.1 GHz, Capacitance: $ C = 1.37 $ fF, inductive energy E_L / h = 0.454 GHz, and Superinductor inductance is Lq = 360 nH. Now it is maintained at a temperature of 150 mK and has performed two-tone (TT) spectroscopy at half flux bias in zero field. What is the estimated qubit frequency (fq) in GHz?","Qubit Frequency (fq) of gradiometric granular aluminum (grAl) nanojunction fluxonium qubit at half flux bias in zero field is 2.13 - 2.60 GHz. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> ±10% fallback applied to 2.365 GHz.","- The reduction of the superconducting gap can be mitigated by using field-resilient, low-loss superconductors like granular aluminum (grAl). - The grAl nanojunction fluxonium qubit, known as gralmonium, combines the grAl field resilience with the unique benefits of the grAl nanojunction, offering low microwave losses and a compact nanoscopic footprint. - The critical current fluctuations are inconsistent with transverse coupling to a fixed frequency TLS, but originate from fluctuations of the nanojunction energy. This issue is also relevant for standard Al/AlOx/Al tunnel JJs.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The reduction of the superconducting gap can be mitigated by using field-resilient, low-loss superconductors like granular aluminum (grAl).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Superconducting granular aluminum resonators resilient to magnetic fields up to 1 Tesla""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/apl/article-abstract/117/12/120502/1061305/Superconducting-granular-aluminum-resonators?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 25, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 39 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The grAl nanojunction fluxonium qubit, known as gralmonium, combines the grAl field resilience with the unique benefits of the grAl nanojunction, offering low microwave losses and a compact nanoscopic footprint that eliminates Fraunhofer interference.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Granular aluminium nanojunction fluxonium qubit""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41563-022-01417-9""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Dec 8, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 46 in the paper""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The critical current fluctuations are inconsistent with transverse coupling to a fixed frequency TLS, but originate from fluctuations of the nanojunction energy, potentially arising from structural defects, charge noise, or paramagnetic impurities. This issue is also relevant for standard Al/AlOx/Al tunnel JJs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Low frequency resistance and critical current fluctuations in Al-based Josephson junctions""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.aip.org/aip/apl/article-abstract/102/14/142602/125186/Low-frequency-resistance-and-critical-current?redirectedFrom=fulltext""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 9, 2013""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but this is cited as reference 30 in the paper""}]" Biology,"Regenerative Medicine, Microgravity Research",Free-Format Question,Microgravity-driven Rab27B activation amplifies mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle production and functions,https://stemcellres.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13287-025-04711-w,"October 29, 2025","Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) were isolated from fresh umbilical cords. These were cut into pieces, treated with collagenase type I (Sigma, GER), and incubated in Minimum Essential Medium α (α-MEM; Gibco, USA) supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS; Procell, CHN). Cells were passaged at 90% confluence, and all experiments were performed using cells between passages 3 and 6. To imitate microgravity (μg) conditions, UCMSCs were cultured in a three-dimensional Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS; RCCS-4SQ, Synthecon, US) at 27 rpm. UCMSCs of the same cell line were seeded in both conventional flasks and RCCS culture vessels at 10^6 cells/ml in exosome-free medium. Supernatants containing bench-control and microgravity-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) (g-EVs and μg-EVs) were harvested every 48 hours. These were centrifuged at 300 × g for 10 min at 4 °C to remove residual cells, further centrifuged at 3,000 × g for 10 min at 4 °C to isolate dead cells, and centrifuged once more at 10, 000 × g for 30 min at 4 °C to remove cell debris. Finally, the remaining supernatants were ultracentrifuged at 120 000 × g for 70 min at 4 °C (Beckman Coulter, USA) to obtain EVs. These were preserved in PBS and stored at -80 °C. EV diameter and concentration were measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) using a NanoSight NS300 instrument (Malvern, UK) equipped with a red laser and an sCMOS camera. 30-second triplicate measurements were performed with NTA software version 3.4 Build 3.4.4, using a camera gain of 55. ","- Yield (x10¹¹ particles/ml) of microgravity-derived extracellular vesicles (g-EVs; μg-EVs) - Extracellular vesicles diameter (nm) of microgravity-derived extracellular vesicles (g-EVs; μg-EVs) - Extracellular vesicles concentration (particles/ml) of microgravity-derived extracellular vesicles (g-EVs; μg-EVs)","Human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) were used to evaluate the therapeutic potential of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). UCMSCs were isolated from fresh umbilical cords, treated with collagenase type I, incubated in Minimum Essential Medium α supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum, and passaged at 90% confluence. A total of 10⁶ cells/mL from passages 3 and 6 were cultured in a three-dimensional Rotary Cell Culture System (RCCS) at 27 rpm under both conventional and simulated microgravity conditions, using exosome-free medium. Supernatants containing bench-control and microgravity-derived extracellular vesicles (g-EVs and μg-EVs, respectively) were collected every 48 hours and centrifuged for 10 min at 4 °C to remove residual cells (300 × g), isolate dead cells (3,000 × g), and eliminate cell debris (10,000 × g, 30 min). Supernatants were ultracentrifugated (120,000 x g, 70 min. at 4° C) to obtain EVs. EV diameter and concentration were measured by nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) using a NanoSight NS300 instrument. Triplicate 30-second measurements were performed with NTA software. How would you expect the levels of the particle diameter (nm) in the μg-EV group to differ from that of the g-EV group?",The particle diameter (nm) in the μg-EV group would be higher than that in the g-EV group.,"- Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine due to their immunomodulatory properties and tissue repair capabilities - The therapeutic effects of MSCs are primarily mediated through paracrine secretion of bioactive molecules rather than direct cell differentiation - Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs (MSC-EVs) have emerged as key mediators of these paracrine functions, mimicking the therapeutic potential of parental cells - Despite their potential, the clinical translation of MSC-EVs faces a major challenge due to the low production yields of conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely used in regenerative medicine due to their immunomodulatory properties and tissue repair capabilities""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Clinical application of mesenchymal stem cell in regenerative medicine: a narrative review""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13287-022-03054-0""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""July 28, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The therapeutic effects of MSCs are primarily mediated through paracrine secretion of bioactive molecules rather than direct cell differentiation""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Therapeutic Properties of Mesenchymal Stromal/Stem Cells: The Need of Cell Priming for Cell-Free Therapies in Regenerative Medicine""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/22/2/763""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 14, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from MSCs (MSC-EVs) have emerged as key mediators of these paracrine functions, mimicking the therapeutic potential of parental cells""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Immune Cell-Derived Extracellular Vesicles – Functions and Therapeutic Applications""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/trends/molecular-medicine/abstract/S1471-4914(19)30035-8?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS1471491419300358%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Despite their potential, the clinical translation of MSC-EVs faces a major challenge due to the low production yields of conventional two-dimensional (2D) monolayer cultures""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Emerging innovations on exosome-based onco-therapeutics""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/immunology/articles/10.3389/fimmu.2022.865245/full""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 31, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Chemistry,Materials Chemistry/ Analytical Chemistry,Numerical Values,Synthesis and characterization of gold-coated nanodiamonds through green chemistry as potential radiosensitizers for proton therapy,https://arxiv.org/pdf/2504.11061,"April 15, 2025","Commercially available nanodiamonds (ND), with a size of 50 nm (MSY 0-0.1), were subjected to thermal treatments. They were annealed at 800°C for 2 h in a N2 atmosphere, resulting in the sample labeled Ann 50 nm ND. Subsequently, a portion of the annealed nanodiamonds underwent oxidation at 500°C for 12 hours in air, forming sample Ox 50 nm ND. The obtained ND were gold-coated using root extracts from Nymphaea alba. 2g of powder root extract was dispersed in 120 mL of Milli-Q water, filtered twice, and used immediately to prevent any changes in its composition. The 27 mg NDs were dispersed in 25 mL of above prepared root extract solutions and subjected to ultrasonic irradiation for 10 min at room temperature, using an ultrasonic batch operating at 38 kHz and 100 W. This was followed by magnetic stirring for an additional 40 min. After stirring, a 25 mM HAuCl4 water solution (2mL) was introduced, causing the reaction mixture to immediately change color from bright yellow to brown. Then, a 0.1 M NaOH solution was added dropwise until the pH reached 8. At this point, a second volume of 25 mM HAuCl4 water solution (8mL) was gradually added while stirring at room temperature, leading to a color change from brown to gray-blue (Ox ND Au 50). The samples were incubated overnight at room temperature with continuous magnetic stirring, washed twice with Mili-Q water at 6000 RPM for 20 min, and then freeze-dried for 48 h. PXRD analysis was performed on the Ox ND Au 50 sample in the 2θ range from 10° to 100°.","* PXRD analysis, performed on the Ox ND Au 50 sample with a Bruker D2 Phaser diffractometer, equipped with a Cu Kα X-ray tube, in the 2θ range from 10° to 100°. * Crystallite sizes of nanodiamonds, estimated using Scherrer’s equation based on the highest-intensity peaks of PXRD analysis.",Ox ND Au 50 sample was synthesized using commercially available ND. They were first annealed at 800°C and then underwent oxidation at 500°C for 12 hours in air. Their crystallite size was calculated using the Scherrer equation from PXRD analysis. What will be the crystallite size (nm) for Ox ND Au 50?,6.99 - 8.53 nm,"* Nymphaea alba root extracts act as a green reducing agent for the in situ reduction of HAuCl₄ and stabilization of the nanoparticles. * Nanodiamonds (ND) are particularly attractive for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, ease of functionalization, and ability to penetrate biological barriers. * The PXRD patterns of the nanodiamonds (NDs) exhibit characteristic diffraction peaks, which can be indexed to the diamond crystal planes (111), (220), and (311). ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Nymphaea alba root extracts act as a green reducing agent for the in situ reduction of HAuCl₄ and stabilization of the nanoparticles.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sono-biosynthesis and characterization of aunps from danube delta nymphaea alba root extracts and their biological properties""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.mdpi.com/2079-4991/11/6/1562""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""June 14, 2021""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Nanodiamonds (ND) are particularly attractive for biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility, ease of functionalization, and ability to penetrate biological barriers. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""The properties and applications of nanodiamonds""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/nnano.2011.209""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""December 18, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The PXRD patterns of the nanodiamonds (NDs) exhibit characteristic diffraction peaks, which can be indexed to the diamond crystal planes (111), (220), and (311). ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Characterization of diamond-like carbon films by SEM, XRD and Raman spectroscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0169433210005374?via%3Dihub""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""August 15, 2010""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,Nanoparticle vaccines/Animal models ,Numerical Values,In vivo reprogramming of cytotoxic effector CD8+ T cells via fractalkine-conjugated mRNA-LNP,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.29.685358v1,"October 30, 2025","C57BL/6 mice were infected intraperitoneally with 2x10⁵ plaque-forming units of a lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV)-Armstrong to generate an acute infection model. Researchers generated mouse fractalkine-conjugated mRNA encoding LNP with a 1:0.75 μg mRNA/μg fractalkine ratio. Seven days after LCMV infection, mice were intravenously given 200uL PBS, 10ug of fractalkine-conjugated tdTomato mRNA-LNP in 200uL of PBS, or no treatment. The next day, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were isolated from mice by collecting blood in a 4% sodium citrate solution and isolating using standard Histopaque-1083-based gradient centrifugation. Cells were washed with RPMI containing 1% fetal bovine serum before staining. Mice PBMCs were tested for tdTomato expression in peripheral blood GP33+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells and then mice received either another dose of 200uL PBS for the PBS group or 10ug of fractalkine-conjugated GFP mRNA-LNP in 200uL of PBS for the previous LNP and no treatment groups. 24 hours after the second infusion, PBMCs were isolated again and expression of tdTomato and GFP in GP33+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells were assessed using flow cytometry and expressed as a percentage of total GP33+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells. Flow cytometry was acquired on a Symphony A5 using Zombie Yellow Live Dead Stain, GP33 tetramer-PE, and BV605 Anti-Mouse CX3CR1 clone SA011F11. Data was analyzed using FlowJo software. ","- Expression of tdTomato in CX3CR1+ Teff cells as a percentage of total GP33+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells after different treatments (PBS, fractalkine-conjugated tdTomato mRNA-LNP, and no treatment) - Expression of GFP in tdTomato+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells as a percentage of total tdTomato+ GP33+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells after different treatments (PBS, fractalkine-conjugated tdTomato mRNA-LNP, and no treatment)","Two doses of 10ug mouse fractalkine-conjugated mRNA encoding LNP in 200uL of PBS are intravenously administered to previously intraperitoneally LCMV infected (2x10⁵ plaque forming units) C57BL/6 mice. The first LNP dose is administered 7 days after LCMV infection, and the second LNP dose the following day. PBMCs are isolated using 4% sodium citrate solution and isolated using standard Histopaque-1083-based gradient centrifugation and washed with RPMI + 1% FBS before staining. If flow cytometry is acquired on a Symphony A5 using Zombie Yellow Live Dead Stain, GP33 tetramer-PE, and BV605 Anti-Mouse CX3CR1 clone SA011F11 and data is analyzed using FlowJo software, what percentage of the tdTomato+ GP33+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells in the PBMCs will express GFP? ",%tdTomatoGFP = [73 - 83] % derived from approximately 78% of tdTomato+ GP33+ CX3CR1+ Teff cells expressing GFP. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±5 pp applied,"-CX3CR1/fractalkine receptor is specific to the surface of Teff cells and is not present on other types of T cells. -The cognate ligand for CX3CR1 is CX3CL1, which is also known as fractalkine. ","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-CX3CR1/fractalkine receptor is specific to the surface of Teff cells and is not present on other types of T cells. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Functional classification of memory CD8 + T cells by CX3CR1 expression""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms9306""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""September 25, 2015""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""-The cognate ligand for CX3CR1 is CX3CL1, which is also known as fractalkine. ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Identification and molecular characterization of fractalkine receptor CX3CR1, which mediates both leukocyte migration and adhesion""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9390561/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""November 14, 1997""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Physics,Physics / Materials Science,MCQ,Advancing antiferromagnetic nitrides via metal alloy nitridation,https://www.nature.com/articles/s43246-025-00892-2,"July 30, 2025","Researchers synthesized Mn₁₋ₓGaₓN thin films in two steps. First, Mn₃Ga alloy films were deposited on (001)-oriented MgO substrates using pulsed laser deposition (PLD) from a stoichiometric Mn₃Ga target at 500 °C under a base pressure of 1 × 10⁻⁸ Torr. The films were then cooled and annealed via rapid thermal annealing (RTA) at 700 °C for 1 h under a pure ammonia atmosphere to form Mn₁₋ₓGaₓN thin films. X-ray linear dichroism (XLD) measurements were performed at the Mn L-edges using linearly polarized X-rays incident at 0° and 60° relative to the sample surface. The X-ray absoprtion spectra were recorded under out-of-plane magnetic fields of 0 T and 0.4 T at room temperature to probe field-induced changes in orbital occupancy. The XLD signal was computed as the difference between the intensities I₀° and I₆₀°.","- X-ray absorption spectra (XAS) collected at Mn L-edges under linearly polarized light at two incidence angles, 0° and 60°, under out-of-plane magnetic fields of 0 T and 0.4 T.","Mn₁₋ₓGaₓN thin films were prepared on (001)-oriented MgO substrates and annealed under ammonia to form Mn nitrides. X-ray linear dichroism (XLD) spectra were measured at Mn L-edges by recording X-ray absorption at 0° and 60° incidence angles, under applied magnetic fields of 0 T and 0.4 T, and calculating the intensity differences (I₀° - I₆₀°). Based on these conditions, which of the following best describes the change in the XLD signal upon applying a 0.4 T out-of-plane magnetic field for photon energies spanning 630 to 660 eV? A. The peaks in the XLD spectrum increase and become narrower. B. The integrated area of XLD spectra becomes smaller, with an overall positive value. C. The XLD disappears entirely. D. The XLD spectrum becomes predominantly negative.",D. The XLD spectrum becomes predominantly negative.,"- The structural and magnetic properties of manganese-based nitride films are highly sensitive to nitrogen stoichiometry and can lead to the formation of secondary phases. - Rapid thermal processing annealing is a critical step for facilitating nitrogen incorporation into the metallic lattice and promoting the formation of high-quality single-crystal films.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""The structural and magnetic properties of manganese-based nitride films are highly sensitive to nitrogen stoichiometry and can lead to the formation of secondary phases.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Observation of large exchange bias and topological Hall effect in manganese nitride films""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://doi.org/10.1063/1.5025147""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 27, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited a reference [14]. Its pre-published version can be found as OA in https://arxiv.org/abs/1708.02540.""}]" Physics,Condensed Matter / Superconductivity,Numerical Values,Low-Gap Hf–HfOx–Hf Josephson Junctions for meV-Scale Particle Detection,https://arxiv.org/abs/2510.25203v1,"Oct 29, 2025","Researchers fabricated and characterized Josephson junctions made of hafnium (Hf), a low-Tc superconductor. The JJs employed a Manhattan-style geometry with varying junction overlap areas, with leads of approximately 200 nm. For junction fabrication, the silicon wafer was first spun with MMA e-beam resist at a speed of 4000 RPM for 45 s and hard baked for 3 min at 180°C. Subsequently, PMMA e-beam resist was spun at 2000 RPM for 45 s and hard baked for 3 min at 180 °C. The resist was then patterned using electron-beam lithography (Raith EBPG). Development was carried out in a MIBK/IPA (1:3) solution at room temperature for 60 s, followed by immersion in IPA for 30 s and N2 blow drying. Following lithography, the wafer was mounted into the e-beam evaporation system (Angstrom Engineering), which is integrated within a cluster tool system. For junction deposition, 30 nm of Hf was evaporated at a 45° angle, followed by an oxidation step. The second Hf lead was subsequently deposited at a 45° angle with a thickness of 70 nm. The pressure in the evaporation chamber during deposition was ~1×10⁻⁷ torr. Liftoff was performed using N-Methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP) for 3 hours at 80 °C on a hot plate, followed by cleaning in IPA and N2 blow drying. The junction pads were wire-bonded to the PCB setup to establish electrical contacts. The device was mounted in a Bluefors LD-400 dilution refrigerator with a base temperature of 13 mK. The bias current was supplied by a Keysight B2962B source operated with its low-noise filter. To suppress high-frequency noise on the bias line, a bias resistor of Rb = 2000 Ω and a shunt capacitor of Cr = 10 µF was installed to implement a low-pass filter. A shunt resistor, Rsh = 20 mΩ, was placed in parallel with the junction to establish a voltage bias across the device. The researchers used NbTi twisted wires for the connection between Rsh and the junction to minimize parasitic series resistance. The junction was connected in series with a voltage source, swept over -65 µV to +65 µV. The junction current was read out with a single-channel DC SQUID system from Quantum Design. The SQUID input coil had an inductance of Lin = 2 µH, and the input-referred current noise was approximately 1 pA/√Hz. Output of the SQUID amplifier was recorded with NI-9239 data acquisition card.",- Current (nA) across the Hf junction at 13 mK under applied voltages ranging from -65 to +65 µV.,"Researchers fabricated and characterized Josephson junctions made of hafnium (Hf–HfOx–Hf). The device was mounted in a dilution refrigerator at cryogenic temperatures. The junction was connected in series with a voltage divider circuit to control the voltage sweep, and the resulting current was measured using a DC SQUID amplifier. Based on the measured I-V curve of the junction at 13 mK, what is the predicted critical current, Ic, in nA?","[5.6-6.8] nA Note: No CI/SE/SD provided -> a fallback of ±10% was applied to the 6.2 nA value provided by the authors.","- In several qubit-derived detector architectures, absorbed energy generates non-equilibrium quasiparticles that tunnel across the JJ, producing measurable changes in the qubit’s parity or resonance frequency. - Using superconductors with lower critical temperature, Tc, and smaller superconducting gap enhances detector responsivity by increasing the quasiparticle population and lifetime per absorbed energy. - When the JJ uses a superconductor with a Tc lower than that of Al (Al Tc = 1.2 K), it naturally forms a quasiparticle trap, concentrating excited quasiparticles within the small junction volume. - Hafnium is a promising candidate for a low-Tc superconductor, with a bulk Tc is near 128 mKw and a London penetration depth of ~20 nm. - Although Hf has been investigated as a material for superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs), these studies have not yet led to the successful realization of functional Hf-based JJs.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Using superconductors with lower critical temperature, Tc, and smaller superconducting gap enhances detector responsivity by increasing the quasiparticle population and lifetime per absorbed energy.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Relaxation and frequency shifts induced by quasiparticles in superconducting qubits""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.aps.org/doi/10.1103/PhysRevB.84.064517""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 23, 2011""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, cited as reference 15 in the main manuscript. However, an pre-print OA version is available at https://arxiv.org/abs/1106.0829.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Hafnium is a promising candidate for a low-Tc superconductor, with a bulk Tc is near 128 mKw and a London penetration depth of ~20 nm.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Use of hafnium-based superconducting tunnel junctions as high-resolution spectrometers for x-ray astronomy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.spiedigitallibrary.org/conference-proceedings-of-spie/3445/1/Use-of-hafnium-based-superconducting-tunnel-junctions-as-high-resolution/10.1117/12.330280.short""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 10, 1998""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited as reference 20.""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Although Hf has been investigated as a material for superconducting tunnel junctions (STJs), these studies have not yet led to the successful realization of functional Hf-based JJs.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Development of Superconducting Tunnel Junction Photon Detector using Hafnium\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-981-13-1316-5_47""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 8, 2018""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled, but cited as reference 22.""}]" Biology,"RNA Interference, Cell Signaling, Microgravity Research",Free-Format Question,Targeting miR-337 mitigates disuse-induced bone loss,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41421-025-00822-z,"August 26, 2025","Researchers exposed two-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats to hindlimb unloading (HU). To do this, they applied a strip of medical adhesion tape along the proximal one-third of tails and attached these to metal bars at cage tips. They adjusted the suspension height to prevent the hindlimbs from touching any supporting surface while the forelimbs were allowed to contact the grid floor for free movement. After 7 days researchers isolated mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from HU and weight-bearing (WB) controls rats femurs and tibiae by flushing bone marrow (BM) cells with growth medium (α-MEM supplemented with 10% FBS). Growth medium was removed after 3 days and replaced until cells reached confluence. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed to measure the expression of miR-337 in HU rats suspended for 7 days as well in WB controls. BM cells from WB- and HU- rats were stained with anti-LepR antibodies (30 min., 4° C), washed, and stained with PE-conjugated anti-rabbit secondary antibodies (15 min.). After washing, cells were incubated with anti-PE beads (15 min., 4° C) and subjected to magnetic cell sorting to collect Leptin receptor positive (LepR+) cells which were resuspended in TRIzol reagent, followed by RNA extraction. First-strand cDNA was synthesized from incubating 1 μg of total RNA (1 h, 42 °C) with Superscript III reverse transcriptase and specific miRNA RT primers. Quantitative RT-PCR was performed with a LightCycler480 system using SYBR Premix Ex TaqTM. The researchers normalized all amplifications to U6, and analyzed the data using the comparison Ct (2–ΔΔCt) method. They reported the results as the fold change in miR-337 expression in HU-rats versus WB controls.",- Relative miR-337 expression levels (Fold change) in LepR+ cells from hindlimb unloading (HU) and weight-bearing (WB) control rats by quantitative RT-PCR.,"Researchers exposed two-month-old male Sprague-Dawley rats to hindlimb unloading (HU) for 7 days. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were isolated from the femurs and tibiae of HU and weight-bearing (WB) control rats by flushing bone marrow (BM) cells in growth medium and culturing them until confluence. Leptin receptor-positive (LepR⁺) cells were collected from BM cells of WB and HU rats. BM cells were stained with anti-LepR antibodies and a PE-conjugated anti-rabbit secondary antibody, with washes between steps. Cells were then incubated with anti-PE beads and subjected to magnetic cell sorting to isolate LepR⁺ cells. RNA was extracted, and cDNA was synthesized to measure the expression of miR-337 in HU rats suspended for 7 days as well as in WB controls using RT-PCR. Which of the rat models evaluated do you expect to have the highest miR-337 expression in BM LepR⁺ cells?",Hindlimb unloading (HU) rats,"- MicroRNA-337-3p (miR-337) is a mechanical stress-sensitive regulator that mediates osteogenic differentiation through the direct targeting of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1). - Leptin receptor (LepR) positive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to be capable of mechanical sensing. - MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that in the skeletal muscle systems regulate bone homeostasis by fine-tuning osteogenic differentiation, osteoclast activity, and MSC fate determination.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""MicroRNA-337-3p (miR-337) is a mechanical stress-sensitive regulator that mediates osteogenic differentiation through the direct targeting of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1).""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Overexpression of mechanical sensitive miR-337-3p alleviates ectopic ossification in rat tendinopathy model via targeting IRS1 and Nox4 of tendon-derived stem cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://academic.oup.com/jmcb/article/12/4/305/5486582?login=false""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""May 8, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" Leptin receptor (LepR) positive mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have shown to be capable of mechanical sensing.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Matrix Elasticity Directs Stem Cell Lineage Specification""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0092-8674(06)00961-5""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Aug 25, 2006""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""MicroRNAs are small noncoding RNAs that in the skeletal muscle systems regulate bone homeostasis by fine-tuning osteogenic differentiation, osteoclast activity, and MSC fate determination.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""MicroRNAs and long noncoding RNAs: new regulators in cell fate determination of mesenchymal stem cells""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlehtml/2019/ra/c9ra06563f""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Nov 14, 2019""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,"Cellular Neuroscience ",Numerical Values,All-optical voltage interrogation for probing synaptic plasticity in vivo,https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-025-63867-4,"Oct 3, 2025","The authors evaluated the peak response amplitude of a new genetically encoded voltage indicator (GEVI), JEDI-2Psub, with a tryptophan insertion between the GFP subunit and the voltage-sensing domain of JEDI-2P. The GEVI was cloned into a pcDNA3.1/Puro-CAG vector and transfected into HEK293A cells plated on a 30-70 kD poly-D-lysine-coated cover glass at 37C with 5% CO2 in growth medium, which contained high-glucose Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium supplemented with 2 mM glutamine, 100 unit/ mL Penicillin, 100 mg/mL Streptomycin, and 10% fetal bovine serum. After transfection and plating, cells were cultured with the same growth media adjusted to 5% fetal bovine serum. Glass micropipettes were prepared with a tip resistance of 2–6 MΩ with an internal solution of 115 mM K-gluconate, 10 mM HEPES, 10 mM EGTA, 10 mM glucose, 8 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl2 ∙ 6H2O, 1 mM CaCl2 ∙ 2H2O, and adjusted to pH 7.4 with KOH. Cells were continuously perfused with an external solution (110 mM NaCl, 26 mM sucrose, 23 mM glucose, 20 mM HEPES, 5 mM KCl, 2.5 mM CaCl2 ∙ 2H2O, 1.3 mM MgSO4, titrated to pH 7.4 with NaOH) at a rate of ~4 mL/min with a peristaltic pump. Two-photon microscopy videos were taken at a resolution of 512 × 32 pixels with a frame rate of 440 Hz with 940nm illumination at ~61mW. Electrophysiological recordings were done at room temperature were done at room temperature with the glass micropipettes in voltage clamp, and cells were held at −70 mV with the following stimulation protocol consisting of 5 × 2 ms FWHM AP waveforms at 2 Hz, 5 × 4 ms FWHM AP waveforms at 2 Hz, and 10 × 2-ms FWHM AP waveforms at 100 Hz. The authors utilized a modified burst of APs recorded from the adult mouse somatosensory cortex L5 pyramidal neurons to mimic APs on top of subthreshold depolarizations. The spike burst had a subthreshold depolarization of 24 mV (from −70 mV baseline voltage) and APs of 60–90 mV amplitude (from −56 mV subthreshold voltage). The APs in the spike burst were 3–4 ms FWHM. ",- Peak response amplitude to spike waveforms (ΔF/F0) in JEDI-2Psub cells.,"A new genetically encoded voltage indicator (GEVI), JEDI-2Psub, was developed with a tryptophan insertion between the GFP subunit and the voltage-sensing domain of JEDI-2P. We perform a two-photon microscopy recording of plated HEK293A cells transfected with JEDI-2Psub under voltage clamp with a glass micropipette with a tip resistance of 2–6 MΩ with an internal solution of 115 mM K-gluconate, 10 mM HEPES, 10 mM EGTA, 10 mM glucose, 8 mM KCl, 5 mM MgCl2 ∙ 6H2O, 1 mM CaCl2 ∙ 2H2O, and adjusted to pH 7.4 with KOH. The peak response amplitude to spike waveform was detected as ΔF/ F0. What is the expected response amplitude measured in ΔF/ F0? ",ΔF/F0 = [-40.9 - -27.3]% derived from the spike voltage response −34.1%. Reported ± 6.8% mean ± 95% CI.,"- Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) are suitable for two-photon microscopy and offers the prospect of measuring voltage signals directly in networks of genetically identified neurons in vivo. - Two-photon microscopy in vivo records somatic calcium signals as a proxy for action potentials, and dendritic calcium signals as a proxy for synaptic activation.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Genetically encoded voltage indicators (GEVIs) are suitable for two-photon microscopy and offers the prospect of measuring voltage signals directly in networks of genetically identified neurons in vivo.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Sustained deep-tissue voltage recording using a fast indicator evolved for two-photon microscopy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0092867422009163""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""Sep 1, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Two-photon microscopy in vivo records somatic calcium signals as a proxy for action potentials, and dendritic calcium signals as a proxy for synaptic activation.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Imaging Calcium in Neurons""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.cell.com/neuron/fulltext/S0896-6273(12)00172-9?_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0896627312001729%3Fshowall%3Dtrue""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 08, 2012""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""}]" Biology,Immunology/Lipid nanoparticle vaccines,Numerical Values,Anionic lipids modulate mRNA-lipid nanoparticle immunogenicity and confer protection in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis,https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.10.17.683125v1 ,"October 17, 2025","mRNA at a concentration of 1mg/mL was supplied by GenScript, linearized, purified, and subjected to in-vitro transcription using MEGAscript T7 transcription kit using co-transcriptional capping with CleanCap. Uridine was fully substituted with N1-methylpseudouridine before mRNAs were purified by cellulose chromatography to remove double-stranded contaminants. Lipids were diluted in ethanol and combined with mRNA diluted in citrate buffer, pH 3-4 in a 1:2 volumetric ratio for hand mixing or in a 1:3 volumetric ratio for microfluidic mixing. Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were formulated by rapid hand mixing or microfluidic mixing using the Nanoassemblr Ignite system. LNPs were dialyzed against PBS to remove residual ethanol. A combinatorial library of 40 chemically distinct LNPs was made by varying three key parameters: (i) one of four ionizable lipids, (ii) one of three anionic phospholipids, and (iii) four molar ratios of lipid components. The ionizable lipids were SM-102, 306Oi19, ALC-0315, or MC3. The anionic phospholipids were 18:1DOPS, 18:1BMP(S,R), or 18:1DOPG. The molar ratios (molar %) for ionizable lipd:DSPC:anionic phospholipid:cholesterol:DMG-PEG2000 were 50:10:0:38:2 (ratio A), 50:0:20:28:2 (ratio B), 50:10:20:18:2 (ratio C), or 50:10:30:8:2 (ratio D). 10ug of mRNA encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP) LNPs were intravenously infused in C57BL/6 mice. After 18 hours, mouse spleens were harvested, pushed through a 70um cell strainer using the back of a syringe, lysed for 5 minutes with ACK Lysing Buffer, washed with FACS buffer (PBS containing 0.5% BSA and 2 mM EDTA), and counted. Flow cytometry was performed with 5e6 cells per sample and analyzed on an LSRFortessa cytometer. Antibodies and stains used include 1:2000 LIVE/DEAD Fixable Near-IR stain,1:500 anti-mouse TruStain FcX, and the surface stains CD3 PerCP-Cy5.5, CD4 BUV395, CD8 BUV805, CD11b APC-Fire750, CD11c BV421, CD19 BV605, CD69 APC, F4/80 PE/CY7 (1:50 dilution), Ly6C PE, Ly6G AF700, I-A/I-E BV650, NK1.1 BV711 at 1:100 dilution (unless otherwise stated). All staining was performed for 30 minutes at 4-37°C, protected from light. ","-%GFP+ cells among T-cells, B-cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, macrophages, and dendritic cells in the C57BL/6 mouse spleens 18 hours after IV administration of 40 chemically distinct GFP mRNA LNP formulas","10ug of green fluorescent protein (GFP) mRNA encoding lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) formulated with SM-102 + DOPS in a molar ratio of 50:10:20:18:2 ionizable lipid:DSPC:anionic lipd:chloestrol:DMG-PEG2000 is infused into a C57BL/6 mouse, and the spleen was harvested 18 hours later. Cells are isolated from the spleen by squishing the cells through a 70um cell strainer using the back of a syringe, lysing for 5 minutes with ACK Lysing Buffer, washing with FACS buffer (PBS containing 0.5% BSA and 2 mM EDTA), and 5e6 cells are taken for flow cytometry staining. Cells are stained with 1:2000 LIVE/DEAD Fixable Near-IR stain,1:500 anti-mouse TruStain FcX, and the surface stains CD3 PerCP-Cy5.5, CD4 BUV395, CD8 BUV805, CD11b APC-Fire750, CD11c BV421, CD19 BV605, CD69 APC, F4/80 PE/CY7 (1:50 dilution), Ly6C PE, Ly6G AF700, I-A/I-E BV650, NK1.1 BV711 at 1:100 dilution (unless otherwise indicated) for 30 minutes at 4-37°C. Flow cytometry is performed on an LSRFortessa cytometer. What %GFP+ dendritic cells (DCs) do you expect in the spleen by flow cytometry under these conditions? Define DCs as CD19-/CD3-/NK1.1-/Ly6G-/MHII+/CD11c+. ",%GFP+ Spleenic DCs = [11.5 - 21.5] % derived from approximately 16.5% of splenic DCs with SM-102 + DOPS in a molar ratio of 50:10:20:18:2 expressing GFP. Note: No CI/SE/SD reported -> fallback ±5 pp applied,"- Selective organ targeting (SORT), leverages the incorporation of anionic lipids to redirect mRNA–LNPs from the liver to lymphoid tissues - Selective organ targeting (SORT) enhances mRNA delivery broadly to immune cells—including macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes—within the spleen and lymph nodes.","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Selective organ targeting (SORT), leverages the incorporation of anionic lipids to redirect mRNA–LNPs from the liver to lymphoid tissues""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Selective organ targeting (SORT) nanoparticles for tissue-specific mRNA delivery and CRISPR–Cas gene editing\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-020-0669-6""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 6, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""- Selective organ targeting (SORT) enhances mRNA delivery broadly to immune cells—including macrophages, dendritic cells, and lymphocytes—within the spleen and lymph nodes.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Selective organ targeting (SORT) nanoparticles for tissue-specific mRNA delivery and CRISPR–Cas gene editing\n""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://www.nature.com/articles/s41565-020-0669-6""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""April 6, 2020""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]" Biology,"Skeletal Muscle Physiology, Space Medicine",Free-Format Question,Long non-coding RNAs Kcnq1ot1 and Lncpint are involved in skeletal muscle atrophy induced by the space exposome,https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1113/JP288987,"June 29, 2025","Researchers used a 3D human-derived cellular model (spheroids) of skeletal muscle atrophy to provide in vivo evidence for the involvement of specific lncRNAs in muscle adaptations to the space exposome. For spheroid development, tissue obtained from vastus lateralis muscle biopsies from healthy donors was minced, digested and filtered, and cells were sorted using CD56 antibody (130-090-955, Miltenyi Biotec, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany). Per spheroid, 50,000 cells were centrifuged in falcon tubes. The resulting spheroids were kept for 5 days in growing media and then 10 days in differentiation media. Skeletal muscle atrophy was induced in mature spheroids by a 5-day treatment with 100 ng/ml of human recombinant myostatin (788-G8, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA). In spheroid controls, a 5-day treatment with a vehicle (Dulbecco’s Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS) was performed instead. After treatment, the myostatin-treated and vehicle-control groups were transferred to 300 μl of QIAzol Lysis Reagent (Qiagen, Hilden, Germany), homogenized using a pestle, and lysates were subjected to centrifugation at 4°C and 12,000 g for 15 min. To extract RNA, lysate supernatants were mixed with one volume of ice-cold 100% ethanol, vortexed and passed through Direct-zol RNA MiniPrep Kit columns (Zymo Research). The total RNA was converted to cDNA by reverse transcription using the iScript Advanced cDNA Synthesis Kit (Bio-Rad). For qPCR analysis, the targeted gene sequences were amplified on a CFX96 Optical Cycler using iTaq Universal SYBR Green Supermix (Bio-Rad) and specific primers for LINC-PINT and KCNQ1OT1. Data analysis was performed using the CFX96 Manager Software (Bio-Rad).","- LINC-PINT expression in human-derived muscle spheroids treated with myostatin versus vehicle control (qPCR) - KCNQ1OT1 expression in human-derived muscle spheroids treated with myostatin versus vehicle control (qPCR)","Researchers investigated the expression of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) KCNQ1OT1 and LINC-PINT in a spheroid model of human skeletal muscle atrophy. For spheroid development, vastus lateralis muscle biopsies were obtained from healthy donors. After the spheroids reached maturity following 5 days of growth and 10 days of differentiation, skeletal muscle atrophy was induced by a 5-day treatment with 100 ng/ml of human recombinant myostatin (788-G8, R&D Systems, Minneapolis, MN, USA). In spheroid controls, a 5-day treatment with a vehicle (Dulbecco’s Phosphate Buffered Saline, DPBS) was performed instead. Following treatment, RNA was extracted from all spheroids, and qPCR was performed. Predict how the levels of KCNQ1OT1 and LINC-PINT would differ in myostatin-treated spheroids versus vehicle controls.","KCNQ1OT1 exhibited significantly higher expression in myostatin-treated spheroids compared to vehicle-treated controls, but LINC-PINT expression did not differ between control and myostatin-treated groups.","- Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important actors in skeletal muscle transcriptional control - KCNQ1OT1 (KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1) is a macro lncRNA involved in epigenetic gene silencing, whose overexpression impedes MyoD1 function and disrupts the myogenic program. - LINC-PINT is a p53-induced lncRNA associated with various biological processes, including cell cycle arrest, migration inhibition, apoptosis, senescence and DNA damage responses","[{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as important actors in skeletal muscle transcriptional control ""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""Functions and Therapeutic Potentials of Long Noncoding RNA in Skeletal Muscle Atrophy and Dystrophy""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/jcsm.13747""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""March 4, 2025""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":""KCNQ1OT1 (KCNQ1 overlapping transcript 1) is a macro lncRNA involved in epigenetic gene silencing, whose overexpression impedes MyoD1 function and disrupts the myogenic program.""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""p21CIP1 and p57KIP2 control muscle differentiation at the myogenin step""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC316389/""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 15, 1999""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""OA""},{""label"":""RBK Item"",""value"":"" LINC-PINT is a p53-induced lncRNA associated with various biological processes, including cell cycle arrest, migration inhibition, apoptosis, senescence and DNA damage responses""},{""label"":""Title"",""value"":""PINTology: A short history of the lncRNA LINC-PINT in different diseases""},{""label"":""URL"",""value"":""https://wires.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/wrna.1705""},{""label"":""Date"",""value"":""January 12, 2022""},{""label"":""Justification (\""Paywalled\"", \""OA\"", \""Other (justify)\"")"",""value"":""Paywalled""}]"