Browse Articles

Correction: Clusterin knockdown has effects on intracellular and secreted von Willebrand factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

Development and validation of a machine learning-based nomogram for predicting prognosis in lung cancer patients with malignant pleural effusion

Phase-field modeling of aging-induced microstructure evolution in pentaerythritol tetranitrate thin films and ramifications for shock initiation

Aging of energetic materials may change performance and affect their safety and reliability, but the relationship between microstructure changes induced by aging and consequent performance changes has not been fully established. This work presents results of phase-field method simulations used to model microstructure evolution of vapor-deposited pentaerythritol tetranitrate (PETN) thin films. Simulated aging is shown to induce grain coarsening and substantial changes of the configuration of porosity in the film: Specifically, we show that porosity tends to concentrate in large pores to a greater degree in aged films, a state that is arrived at by closure or consolidation of small pores. To evaluate the performance of the as-deposited and aged films, we perform two-dimensional hydrocode flyer-film impact simulations that incorporate the phase-field output microstructures directly, permitting us to connect features therein to changes in reactivity, a key metric of energy output for shock initiation. The results demonstrate that declining sensitivity obtained for the simulated aged films can be correlated with the loss of fine-structured pores relatively early in the aging process, while long-term microstructure evolution that gradually alters the shape of large, branching pores is less impactful. Finally, we discuss commonalities and discrepancies between our simulation results and high-throughput initiation experiments on shock initiation of aged PETN thin films.

Long-lived light-induced electron spin polarization in porphyrin triplet states and the dynamic Jahn–Teller effect

The time dependence of the light-induced spin polarization of a series of porphyrins is reported. The porphyrins contain central elements from three distinct groups in the Periodic Table with different oxidation states, types, and numbers of axial ligands, as well as different peripheral substituents on the porphyrin ring. Shortly after photoexcitation, in all cases, the primary multiplet polarization of the porphyrin triplet state evolves into long-lived net polarization whose lifetime is determined by the lifetime of the triplet state. The zero-field splitting parameters and sign of the multiplet polarization vary significantly among the porphyrins, but the transient EPR spectra taken at later times are remarkably similar. The development of long-lived net polarization is proposed to involve the dynamic Jahn–Teller effect, in which hopping between the two lowest triplet states occurs.

Correction: Factors associated with change in adherence to COVID-19 personal protection measures in the Metropolitan Region, Chile

Dysregulation of STS in keratinocytes promotes calcium signaling and differentiation

Information thermodynamics of ternary fractal material texture: Application to BaTiO3/β-Si3N4/polyvinylidene fluoride composites

The thermodynamic information characteristics of fractal material structures, fabricated via a self-organization process, were analyzed using a ternary BaTiO3 (BT)/β-Si3N4 (SN)/polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) composite, notable for its combined thermal conductivity and dielectric properties. BT/SN/PVDF composites were prepared using (a) lamination, where prefabricated BT/PVDF and SN/PVDF melt sheets were alternately folded, and (b) simple mixing and kneading. To investigate the relationship between the materialographic characteristics and the material properties (dielectric properties and thermal conductivity) of self-assembled/self-organized fractal structures formed through the mixed diffusion of filler particles, the distribution of filler particle populations was analyzed via multifractal analysis. The resulting composite film texture was found to be process-independent, demonstrating a distinct microstructure where SN and BT formed separate aggregates. Notably, the mutual information, I, calculated using the information dimension D±1, revealed a strong correlation between the two filler particle groups. This indicates that like particles were attracted, while unlike particles were repelled, suggesting that the two fillers exist separately. These results suggest SN aggregates form a thermal conductive network, and BT aggregates contribute to high dielectric properties, each enhancing specific material properties. This study proposes a pathway to construct materials with independently controlled properties, offering a new design approach for multifunctional materials.

Interfacial and density fluctuations in a lattice model of motility-induced phase separation

We analyze motility-induced phase separation and bubbly phase separation in a two-dimensional lattice model of self-propelled particles. We compare systems where the dense (liquid) phase has slab and droplet geometries. We find that interfacial fluctuations of the slab are well-described by capillary wave theory, despite the existence of bubbles in the dense phase. We attribute this to a separation of time scales between bubble expulsion and interfacial relaxation. We also characterize the dependence of liquid and vapor densities on the curvature of the liquid droplet, as well as the density fluctuations inside the phases. The vapor phase behaves similarly to an equilibrium system, displaying a Laplace pressure effect that shifts its density, and Gaussian density fluctuations. The liquid phase has large non-Gaussian fluctuations, but this is not accompanied by a large density shift, contrary to the equilibrium case. Nevertheless, the shift of the vapor density can be used to infer an effective surface tension that appears to also quantify capillary wave fluctuations.

The efficacy and safety of intra-articular platelet-rich plasma versus sodium hyaluronate for the treatment of osteoarthritis: Meta-analysis

Background Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a common degenerative joint disease that primarily affects the elderly individuals. Traditional treatments include medications and physical therapy, but recent attention has turned to platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and hyaluronic acid (HA) injection therapies. Objective This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of PRP combined with HA versus PRP alone in the treatment of KOA. Methods We conducted a comprehensive literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases, which included covering publications from their inception to July 2024. Studies comparing PRP+HA with PRP alone were selected. Data on visual analog scale (VAS) scores, WOMAC total scores, Lequesne scores, and adverse events were extracted. Statistical analysis was performed via Review Manager 5.3.5. Result This meta-analysis included 16 studies involving a total of 1,384 patients. The VAS score comparison indicated that, in the long term, PRP combined with HA was more effective in reducing knee pain than PRP alone was (SMD: -0.30, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.06, P =  0.01). The combined PRP and HA treatment achieved better results in terms of the WOMAC total score (MD =  -6.58, 95% CI: -10.65 to -2.52, P <  0.001). At the 6-month follow-up, the Lequesne index score comparison revealed that PRP combined with HA significantly improved knee pain scores compared with PRP alone (MD =  -1.38, 95% CI: -1.91 to -0.86, P <  0.001). In terms of adverse events, PRP+HA was associated with a lower risk of adverse events than PRP alone was (OR =  0.54, 95% CI: 0.33 to 0.85, P =  0.009). Conclusion PRP combined with HA offers significant long-term benefits in pain relief and functional improvement over PRP alone for knee osteoarthritis, with better safety. The sequence of injection may influence treatment outcomes. Systematic review registration PROSPERO CRD42024598691

Changes in e-scooter related maxillofacial injuries following legislative measures in Helsinki, Finland

Abstract The increasing use of e-scooters globally has resulted in a rise in traffic-related injuries, particularly maxillofacial trauma. This study assesses the potential impact of legislative measures, specifically speed limits and night-time usage restrictions, on reducing maxillofacial injuries from e-scooter accidents. A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from patients treated for e-scooter-related injuries at Helsinki University Hospital between January 2021 and December 2023. The study included 1275 patients, aged ≥ 16 years, treated in three trauma hospitals. Patients not riding e-scooters at the time of injury were excluded. Injury patterns and the influence of legislative measures were analyzed. Among the 1275 patients, 169 (13.3%) sustained maxillofacial injuries. Legislative restrictions were associated with a significant reduction in maxillofacial injuries, with up to an 88% decrease in some months. Predictors of maxillofacial injuries included older age (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.04–1.08), alcohol intoxication (OR 3.2, 95% CI 1.5–5.8), and concurrent head and neck injuries (OR 12.1, 95% CI 5.8–25.2). Legislative restrictions on e-scooter use, including speed limits and nighttime riding bans, were associated with a significant reduction in maxillofacial injuries. These findings highlight the importance of targeted policies to mitigate injury risks associated with e-scooter use.

A testable weighting factor for accurate analysis of the organic electrochemical transistors' transient response behavior

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) have shown significant potential in applications ranging from bio-sensing to neuromorphic devices and cell impedance monitors. Transient response plays a pivotal role in varied applications. However, it is still challenging to accurately analyze the complex equilibrium process of transient response. The factor of f is a constant of proportionality about the amplitude ratio of the source current to the gate current. It plays an important role in the analysis of the transient response. Herein, we establish a test method for measuring the source and gate current. Our model fits almost perfectly with the drain current following a gate voltage step when the f is directly obtained from the source current amplitudes divided by gate current amplitudes at the current high-frequency spectra of an OECT. We further deduced empirical expressions for f as a function of the voltage settings, the channel's geometric parameters, and the concentration of the solution. This work is significant for understanding the potential mechanisms of OECT's transient response behavior.

Multidimensional high-throughput screening for mixed perovskite materials with machine learning

Mixed halide inorganic perovskites exhibit exceptional stability and photovoltaic performance and are considered to be promising photovoltaic materials. However, the chemical diversity of these materials presents a vast screening space, making it challenging to efficiently identify high-performance materials solely through theoretical calculations or experiments. To address this challenge, in this work, we introduce a multidimensional high-throughput screening strategy that combines machine learning with first-principles calculations, specifically designed to identify MHIPs with optimal bandgap and light absorption properties. The bandgap and light absorption models have achieved determination coefficients (r2) of 0.9896 and 0.9833, with root mean square errors of 0.1890 eV and 0.2190 105 eV · cm−1, respectively, demonstrating the high precision and reliability of the models. In the present work, the generation of 306 521 candidate materials through mixed B-site elements is reported, leading to the successful identification of 295 materials with ideal characteristics for MHIPs via screening. Subsequently, an in-depth density functional theory validation is conducted on 20 of these materials. The research results demonstrate that Cs2AgBi0.5Sb0.25Ir0.25I6 and CsSn0.75Ge0.25I3 exhibit outstanding performance, making them the most promising candidate materials for practical applications. These results fully confirm the scientific validity and effectiveness of our screening strategy, laying a solid foundation for the exploration and optimization of high-performance perovskite solar cell materials.

Immunogenicity and safety of measles-mumps-rubella vaccine delivered by the aerosol, intradermal and intramuscular routes in previously vaccinated young adults: a randomized controlled trial protocol

Background There are increasing reports of outbreaks of measles in countries that achieved measles elimination using two doses of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, particularly in health care settings. While responses to a third dose of MMR in two-dose recipients have been examined, these studies have all administered MMR by the standard (intramuscular or subcutaneous) route, and data on the duration of antibody are limited. We have developed a protocol for an open-label parallel-arm randomized-controlled trial to compare measles antibody responses and safety after intradermal and aerosol administration of MMR with intramuscular, the usual mode of administration in Aotearoa (New Zealand). Methods Eligible participants are aged ≥ 18 years who have previously received two doses of the MMR vaccine and based on levels of IgG antibody to measles or mumps below the threshold for seropositivity in commercially available screening tests are required to receive the MMR vaccine prior to entering health professional training programs at Aotearoa universities. The participants will be randomized to three routes of administration (1:1:1) to receive the MMR vaccine by the intradermal (via microneedle), intrapulmonary (via vibrating mesh nebulizer), or intramuscular routes. The primary objective is to determine the proportion of participants who attain levels of measles IgG antibody above the seroprotective threshold using a multiplex bead-based immunoassay, with those in the lowest quartile validated by plaque neutralization assay, at days 6–8, 13–15, 28–42, and at 12–18 months post-vaccination. Secondary objectives include a fold increase in the geometric mean concentration of IgG antibody from baseline, and systemic and local reactions following delivery of MMR by each method. The trial is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Default.aspx; trial registration no. ACTRN12623000130662).

National serosurvey and risk mapping reveal widespread distribution of Coxiella burnetii in Kenya

Molecular dynamics study on phonon coherent transport in III–V semiconductor superlattices

Understanding heat transport in superlattices is essential for optimizing thermal management in semiconductor chips and related devices. Coherent phonon transport, a wave-based thermal transport mechanism, can reduce phonon scattering at superlattice interfaces, thereby enhancing thermal conductivity. Here, we investigate phonon coherent transport in (AlAs)n/(InAs)n superlattices using first-principles calculations and molecular dynamics simulations based on machine learning potential functions. Our findings reveal that phonon coherent transport in the (AlAs)n/(InAs)n superlattice can be sustained over long distances of approximately 18.9 nm, even at room temperature. The phonon band folding effect, induced by the superlattice structure, simultaneously reduces the phonon group velocities and lifetimes, which plays an important role in phonon coherent transport. This work deepens the understanding of heat transport in III–V semiconductor superlattices and other similar materials.

A “hump” in the third-order dielectric response of a highly polar liquid: Now you see it, now you don’t

We have measured the linear and nonlinear dielectric responses of S-methoxypropylene carbonate, a highly polar glass-former, for which it has been reported that the “hump,” which is typical of third harmonic susceptibilities, disappears across a 5 K temperature change. To understand this unusual feature, we have measured the responses to high amplitude ac and dc electric fields at the fundamental frequency. The static limits of these results are entered into a model aimed at reproducing nonlinear dielectric susceptibility spectra using the concept of a fictive electric field. This model reproduces the “hump” in the third-harmonic response and its seeming disappearance. It is revealed that the “hump” is predominantly the result of reduced time constants, a consequence of the energy the sample absorbs from the electric field. At elevated temperatures, the “hump” only appears to vanish because its reduced amplitude submerges below the extraordinarily high level of polarization saturation of this liquid.

Correction: BAHD1 haploinsufficiency results in anxiety-like phenotypes in male mice

Mechanisms of rifaximin inhibition of hepatic fibrosis in mice with metabolic dysfunction associated steatohepatitis through the TLR4/NFκB pathway

Magnetic compressibility of layered ferromagnet under pressure

This study systematically investigates the magnetic properties of the layered ferromagnet MnPt5As under pressure through a combination of experimental measurements and theoretical simulations. MnPt5As exhibits a ferromagnetic transition at approximately 301 K. Neutron diffraction measurements under applied pressures up to ∼4.9 GPa were performed over a temperature range from 320 to 100 K to probe its magnetic behavior. The results confirm that the Mn atoms maintain a ferromagnetic order under applied pressures, consistent with the ambient-pressure findings. However, magnetic anisotropy is notably suppressed. To further elucidate the compressibility of magnetic anisotropy in MnPt5As, x-ray diffraction under pressure was conducted. The results reveal that the c-axis undergoes a greater and more rapid compression compared to the ab-plane, which may contribute to the observed suppression of Mn ferromagnetic ordering along the c-axis. Additionally, theoretical calculations indicate that magnetic ordering exhibits a similar pressure-induced trend under applied pressure, supporting the experimental observations. These findings offer insights into the pressure-dependent magnetic properties and anisotropy of MnPt5As, with potential implications for strain engineering in Mn-based magnetic devices.

Unusual zero field cooled exchange bias and related mechanism in YBaCuFeO5–Ni0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 composites

We report an unusual room temperature giant zero-field-cooled exchange bias (∼1 kOe) in an antiferromagnetic (100 − x)YBaCuFeO5–ferrimagnetic (x) Ni0.3Zn0.7Fe2O4 composite. The solid state route is adopted to prepare these dilute weight% (x = 1, 3, and 5) ferrite based composites. The incorporation of ferrite phase improves the interfacial tensile strain and grain boundary volume fraction in the said composite. The incommensurate to commensurate magnetic transition (TN2) of YBaCuFeO5 is shifted to a high temperature by 10 K with the lowest concentration and indistinguishable in higher concentrations due to the magnetic dominance of ferrites. The irreversibility of magnetization due to the field history mostly stems from the uncompensated spins and a competitive interaction among the magnetic phases at the interface. The magnetic isotherms show unusual negative exchange bias phenomena in the said system, and a large room temperature spontaneous exchange bias (∼1 kOe) is achieved with a dilute incorporation x = 5. The exchange bias field and coercive fields (HC) are, however, contrary to each other with temperature (and concentration) explained with a schematic model on the basis of dominating irreversible spins at high temperatures. In a field of ±50 kOe, the exchange bias field is dropped, while HC is increased, which might be due to the dominance of Zeeman energy over the uniaxial anisotropy. The non-collinear magnetic phase transition of YBaCuFeO5 at T ≤ 175 K plays a pivotal role in reducing the exchange bias compared to its collinear phase (300 K). Moreover, the extent of this bias field (∼1 kOe) can be considered a useful component in efficient device fabrication.