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The safety window of blood magnesium in pulmonary complications of non-pulmonary sepsis: A U-shaped risk and prognostic analysis based on MIMIC-IV

Pulmonary complications in non-pulmonary sepsis (PC-NPS) are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the intensive care unit. Early prevention and monitoring are paramount since the prevention strategies remain limited yet. Magnesium, an essential electrolyte involved in inflammation and vascular regulation, may influence the development of such complications. This retrospective cohort study used data from the MIMIC-IV database to explore the relationship between baseline serum magnesium levels and PC-NPS among 4,836 patients with non-pulmonary sepsis. Survival analysis demonstrated that patients who developed PC-NPS had significantly higher 90-day mortality compared with those without lung injury. When stratified by baseline serum magnesium quartiles, patients in the highest quartile (>2.1 mg/dL) showed the poorest survival. Multivariable logistic regression confirmed that elevated magnesium was independently associated with increased risk of PC-NPS, and restricted cubic spline modeling revealed a U-shaped, nonlinear association between baseline magnesium concentration and PC-NPS risk. Inflection points at 1.26 and 1.91 mg/dL identified a range of relatively lower risk. These findings suggest that baseline serum magnesium levels exhibit a U-shaped relationship with the risk of PC-NPS. Evaluating these levels may aid in clinical prognostication and the exploration of underlying mechanisms.

Cryogenic angle-resolved Brillouin–Mandelstam spectroscopy of surface and bulk acoustic phonons in diamond

We used angle-resolved Brillouin–Mandelstam light-scattering spectroscopy to monitor surface and bulk acoustic phonons in diamond along the ⟨100⟩ and ⟨110⟩ crystallographic directions across a temperature range from 10 to 300 K. The frequencies and phase velocities were measured for three types of surface acoustic phonons: Rayleigh waves, shear horizontal waves, and high-frequency pseudo-longitudinal waves. All surface acoustic phonons exhibit weak temperature dependence, with the largest observed coefficient of variation of 2.44% across the examined temperature range. The frequencies of all three types of surface acoustic phonons agree with the theoretical values within the experimental uncertainty. Cryogenic surface-acoustic-phonon data are important for diamond-based quantum sensors, surface acoustic wave devices, and other electronic technologies. Knowledge of surface acoustic phonons can also be used for developing accurate models for thermal transport between interfaces.

The effects of morning priming exercise on afternoon physical and cognitive performance in female field hockey players

Objective Hockey players concurrently experience physical and cognitive fatigue during competition, yet these are critical for successful performance. Prior research has shown cognitive and physical impairments after hockey matches. Morning resistance training may enhance afternoon neuromuscular and cognitive performance via diurnal changes in hormonal status. This study aimed to examine the effects of morning resistance exercise on afternoon physical and cognitive performance in field hockey players . Methods On two separate occasions (randomised crossover design), 19 university female hockey players (19 ± 1 years) completed morning assessments of physical performance (countermovement jump, 40 m linear sprint) and cognitive function (rapid visual information processing, spatial working memory, paired associates of learning). Control (passive rest) or intervention (barbell back squat, 3 x 3 repetitions at 85% of one repetition maximum and barbell squat jump, 5 x 3 repetitions at 40% one repetition maximum) were implemented 5.5 h before afternoon assessments. Results Afternoon peak power output and jump height improved following intervention and control ( P  < 0.05). Peak power output and jump height improvements were greater following intervention (7.46% and 13.52% respectively) relative to control (3.16% and 4.85% respectively). Cognitive and sprinting performance, and readiness to perform were unaffected by the intervention but did improve from morning to afternoon. Conclusion Morning lower-body heavy and ballistic resistance exercise enhanced afternoon physical performance markers but did not affect cognitive performance in female hockey players.

Beyond one-thousandth energy resolution with an AlMn TES detector

The superconducting Transition-Edge Sensor (TES) is a critical technology for next-generation x-ray spectrometers, known for its exceptional energy resolution. In the last decade, TESs based on AlMn alloy films have been extensively used in several cosmic microwave background experiments. The advantages of simple fabrication process and easily tunable critical temperature make them an alternative to bilayer TESs. However, they have rarely been applied to x-ray detection until now. We developed an annular AlMn TES for x-ray detection and tested it in a dilution refrigerator with a superconducting quantum interference device amplifier, achieving a full width at half maximum of 12.1 ± 0.3 eV at 17.48 keV. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of an AlMn TES achieving an energy resolution below 0.1%, highlighting its potential for high-resolution x-ray detection.

Parental acceptability of newborn screening expansion in the genomic era: A nationwide French survey informed by the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (SeDeN-p3)

Background Newborn screening (NBS) has progressively expanded through technological innovations, from tandem mass spectrometry enabling expanded NBS (eNBS) to the prospect of genomic NBS (gNBS). While these developments promise earlier diagnosis and richer information, they also raise concerns regarding actionability, uncertainty, equity and psychosocial impact. As technological feasibility alone does not ensure public confidence, parental perspectives are central to evaluating future expansions. This study assessed parental views on NBS expansion in France, examining its determinants and whether genomics raises specific concerns. Methods A nationwide cross-sectional survey (September 2022–February 2023) included 1,640 parents recruited postpartum in maternity wards and through an online quota panel. Acceptability of eNBS and gNBS was assessed alongside intermediate components from the Theoretical Framework of Acceptability (affective attitude, perceived effectiveness, ethicality), a technical trade-off scenario, and individual characteristics. Analyses combined descriptive statistics, multivariable regression, and thematic analysis of free-text comments. Results Support was very high for eNBS (93%) and remained high for gNBS (89%), with genetics mainly shifting responses from complete to partial acceptability. Affective attitude and perceived effectiveness were the strongest predictors of both outcomes, while ethical concerns distinguished assured from conditional support. Most parents prioritised minimising uncertain results, whereas a smaller subgroup accepted greater ambiguity. Foreign-born and single parents reported lower levels of complete acceptability, while health-sector workers and parents with rare-disease experience were more supportive. No independent association with the age of the youngest child was observed. Conclusion Parental acceptability of eNBS and gNBS is high but nuanced, shaped primarily by anticipated health benefits, emotional orientation and tolerance for uncertainty, with trust and social distance modulating support. As genomic expansion progresses, implementation will require proportionate, culturally adapted information and clear governance, and should be informed by real-world evidence from pilots such as PERIGENOMED.

Tunable ionic conductivity in halide electrolytes through cation ion exchange and channel engineering

Halide solid electrolytes hold great promise for all-solid-state batteries, yet their ionic conductivity requires further optimization. This study demonstrates a powerful strategy for tuning ionic transport in Li2ZrCl6 through cation ion exchange and precise channel engineering. Using first-principles calculations, we show that replacing Li+ with Na+ in the Li2 − 2xNa2xZrCl6 system induces controlled lattice expansion, which directly engineers the size and geometry of ion migration channels. This enables remarkable tunability: Li+ conductivity is enhanced by two orders of magnitude, reaching 2.1 mS/cm for x = 0.75, while the migration barrier plummets from 0.298 to 0.044 eV. Crucially, the conductivity is anisotropic and dependent on the exchange pattern; a-axis-aligned Na+ creates channels (∼1.87 Å) optimal for Li+ mobility, whereas c-axis alignment yields channels (∼1.81 Å) that favor Na+ diffusion. This work establishes cation ion exchange as a fundamental lever for channel engineering, providing a direct pathway to design high-performance, tunable solid electrolytes.

Advancements in fire-related toxic gas detection and prophylactic strategies: A focus on cyanide concentration analysis and antidote efficacy in controlled smoke inhalation models

Fire smoke inhalation represents a major cause of acute mortality in fire incidents, with hydrogen cyanide being a critical contributor to rapid systemic toxicity. This study aimed to establish a controlled smoke inhalation model to characterize cyanide-dominant exposure and to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of a nebulized antidote combination under acute conditions. A reproducible smoke chamber system was developed to generate cyanide-rich toxic atmospheres. C57BL/6 mice were exposed to controlled cyanide concentrations, followed by prophylactic administration of a nebulized formulation containing hydroxocobalamin and deferoxamine. Survival outcomes were assessed to evaluate the protective effects of the intervention. Controlled cyanide exposure resulted in rapid and dose-dependent lethality. Prophylactic inhalation of the nebulized antidote significantly improved short-term survival compared with untreated controls ( p  < 0.05), consistent with effective mitigation of cyanide toxicity. In conclusion, this study establishes a reproducible cyanide-focused smoke inhalation model and provides experimental evidence supporting the potential of aerosolized hydroxocobalamin-based prophylaxis as an immediate protective strategy during fire smoke exposure. These findings support the feasibility of rapid, non-invasive intervention aimed at preserving a critical time window for escape and subsequent medical treatment in fire-related emergencies.

Revisiting phonon thermal transport in perovskite CsPbBr3 crystals: Critical role of temperature-dependent quartic anharmonicity

Understanding the origin of ultralow lattice thermal conductivity (κL) in crystals is crucial for the development of advanced thermoelectric and thermal management materials. This study systematically investigates thermal transport mechanisms in perovskite CsPbBr3 crystals using a novel framework that integrates quartic anharmonicity-driven phonon spectral renormalization at finite temperatures with machine learning potential-driven molecular dynamics. In contrast to results from ground-state anharmonic lattice dynamics, our findings reveal that the ultralow κL in CsPbBr3 predominantly arises from particle-like phonon propagation rather than wave-like phonon coherence, due to anharmonic renormalization shifting most phonon modes from the Wigner limit into the propagation regime. Furthermore, the temperature-dependent quartic anharmonicity effectively promotes particle-like while limiting wave-like phonon transport channels, accurately reproducing the experimental ultralow κL of CsPbBr3 in magnitude and temperature dependence. This study not only resolves the discrepancy between measured and predicted κL in CsPbBr3 crystals but also reveals the dominant role of particle-like phonon propagation in flat ultralow κL, providing a revised physical picture for understanding anharmonic thermal transport and critical insights for regulating κL of materials through lattice anharmonicity.

Burnout among Syrian medical residents: A cross-sectional study using the burnout assessment tool (BAT)

Introduction Burnout syndrome, described by Herbert Freudenberger in 1974, is a psychological condition caused by chronic workplace stress, particularly in healthcare. It is characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a reduced sense of achievement. Burnout has become prevalent among healthcare workers, especially physicians and residents, with rates often exceeding 50%. In Syria, ongoing conflict has further stressed the healthcare system, exacerbating burnout among medical residents. This study aims to assess the prevalence and contributing factors of burnout among Syrian medical residents using the Burnout Assessment Tool (BAT), a more precise evaluation tool than traditional measures. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from April 18 to May 1, 2025, among resident physicians in hospitals across six Syrian governorates. Licensed physicians with at least one year of clinical experience were eligible. Data were collected via an online questionnaire (KoboToolbox) assessing demographics, work conditions, burnout symptoms (BAT-23), job satisfaction, coping strategies, and workplace challenges. The minimum required sample size was 373. SPSS v25 was used for analysis. Non-parametric tests were applied due to non-normal data distribution. Results A total of 550 medical residents participated, with the majority being female and in their early residency years. Participants primarily worked in governmental hospitals. Using the BAT23, 50% of participants were in the high-risk (Red) zone, with exhaustion being the most prevalent (76.7%). Cognitive impairment and emotional impairment were also common. Specialties like internal medicine and surgery showed higher burnout rates, with factors like workload, training, and work environment strongly linked to burnout. No significant differences were found based on Sex, age, or marital status. Discussion The BAT provided a comprehensive assessment of burnout, highlighting exhaustion as the main driver, while mental health was less impacted. Mid-level residents (years 2–4) faced the highest burnout rates due to increased responsibilities without senior mentorship. High-stress specialties like internal medicine, surgery, pulmonology, and anesthesia were more vulnerable to burnout. The study underscores the need for systemic reforms, including improved workload distribution, better training, and mental health support. Conclusion The study reveals high levels of burnout among Syrian medical residents, particularly in exhaustion and cognitive impairment. The highest rates were seen in mid-level residents and high-stress specialties. Structural reforms, such as better work conditions, training, and mental health support, are essential for mitigating burnout and ensuring the sustainability of Syria’s healthcare system.

Axial localization enabled by quantum correlations

Accurate axial localization is essential for identifying the object position along the optical axis, which directly impacts the resolution and fidelity of image reconstruction. However, conventional localization techniques rely on first-order intensity measurements and numerical propagation based on image sharpness metrics, making them susceptible to noise and diffraction-induced artifacts. Here, we propose a quantum correlation based axial localization method enabled by entangled photon pairs, where the axial position is encoded in the correlation peak width. In contrast to classical intensity-based approaches, the proposed method exploits second-order correlations and operates independently of the imaging modality and specimen. We analyze the evolution of the correlation peak width with defocus and show that it provides a direct and reliable indicator of the axial position. The proposed approach demonstrates enhanced noise robustness and avoids computationally intensive optimization procedures. This physics-driven framework enables robust axial localization in lensless, noninvasive, and photon-limited imaging scenarios and holds potential for advancing high-fidelity quantum imaging systems.

Modeling the drivers of trip satisfaction among Texas coastal anglers using creel survey data

Angler satisfaction can be a complicated concept to explore, because angler perceptions are driven by a wide range of factors that interact in complex ways. Additionally, methods that quantify angler satisfaction often use after-the-fact mail surveys that can be impacted by latent effects such as long recall bias, which can systematically influence angler reporting. Here, we applied boosted regression tree modeling to assess angler satisfaction from creel intercept data collected at boat ramps on the Texas coast from 1991–2023. Anglers returning from fishing were asked to rate their trip on a scale of 0–10, and trip grades were parsed based on anglers targeting three popular sportfish (Spotted Seatrout, Red Drum, and Red Snapper). Angler satisfaction was modeled using observed catch data, weather on the day of trips, and other trip characteristics. Catch characteristics (total catch, angler catch-per-effort, catch length) were the most important predictors of angler satisfaction. There was also temporal and spatial variation in angler satisfaction, with trip grades increasing through time and from north to south. The relative importance of variables driving trip grade were different among angler groups, with weather-related factors (temperature, wind) being slightly more important for offshore Red Snapper anglers. A case study of Red Snapper anglers suggested that increasingly conservative federal and state regulatory measures through the time series appeared to have limited direct effects on angler satisfaction after accounting for temporal trends. Trip-level catch was the main predictor of reported angler trip grades, but spatial and temporal variation in trip grades suggest that angler satisfaction may be local and episodic. Variation in trip grades and the drivers of angler satisfaction among anglers targeting different species underscore the importance of a fisheries-level study design when assessing angler perceptions. These findings shed light on the influences of angler perceptions in Texas coastal fisheries and provide important insights for implementing future regulatory strategies.

Room-temperature, continuous wave lasing in planar microcavities with quantum dots

High-quality planar cavities with low-absorption mirrors based on Al0.2Ga0.8As/Al0.9Ga0.1As layers demonstrate continuous wave lasing at a wavelength of 956 nm. At 300 K, the threshold power density and the quality-factor at the threshold are (4.2 ± 0.3) kW/cm2 and (6800 ± 220). Increasing the pump level above two thresholds results in an enlargement in the quality-factor to at least 19 000. Efficient lateral heat dissipation in planar semiconductor microcavities is confirmed by the low mode-energy shift of approximately 400 μeV at two lasing thresholds.

Lightweight metal surface defect detection algorithm based on pruning and knowledge distillation

Abstract Metal surface defect detection models have large parameters and high computational complexity, making them difficult to deploy on industrial edge devices. To address these issues, this paper proposes a lightweight algorithm with collaborative pruning and distillation. This algorithm, based on YOLOv8, uses L1 regularization structured pruning to compress the SAF-YOLOv8 model for efficiency. The resulting pruned and unpruned models serve as the student and teacher in subsequent knowledge distillation. The BFCD-KD knowledge distillation method fuses middle-layer features with the regression and classification branches of the detection head and the original model loss. This integrated approach transfers teacher knowledge in feature representation, localization, and classification to improve optimization. Experimental results show that this algorithm reduces the model’s FLOPs by 51.0% and parameters by 41.5%, while achieving a mAP@0.50 of 70.6% on the GC10-DET dataset, balancing accuracy and efficiency. In addition, a real-time interactive metal surface defect detection system is developed for industrial sites using the lightweight SAF-YOLOv8 model. The system integrates industrial cameras, a controllable light source, and a graphical interactive interface built on the PyQt5 framework. It supports real-time visualization and interactive defect detection operations.

Association between deployment and Gulf War Illness and adverse COVID outcomes in a nationwide cohort of 1990–1991 Gulf Era war veterans in the VA’s Million Veteran Program

Background U.S. military veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf to serve in the 1990–1991 Gulf War (GWVs) have expressed concerns about potential increased risk of experiencing adverse COVID-related health outcomes given broad near-unique exposure to multiple diverse toxic agents during deployment and ongoing ~30% prevalence of Gulf War Illness (GWI+), a chronic, medically unexplained multi-symptom disorder associated with inflammation and immune dysregulation. Methods We conducted a retrospective study in the largest nationwide research cohort of 1990−1991Gulf War era veterans (GWEVs) enrolled in the VA’s nationwide Million Veteran Program (MVP) to interrogate: 1) if deployed GWVs had increased risk for testing positive for novel SARS-CoV-2 infection (COVID+), COVID-related hospitalization, ICU admission, or death in 2020 (pre-vaccine period); and 2) if deployed GWVs with GWI + had particularly increased susceptibility. COVID outcomes ascertained using VA’s COVID Data Resource; GWI + determined using CDC severe criteria in surveyed GWV subcohort. Findings Our overall GWEV cohort (N = 136,868) had mean age 60.7 years, with 84% male, 27% African-American, and 22% deployed; n = 26,141 COVID-tested in 2020. COVID test-positivity (COVID + ) was slightly higher in deployed GWVs (18.8% vs. 17.2% in non-deployed GWEVs, p = 0.005). In multivariable logistic models, there were neither strong nor significant associations between deployment and testing COVID + , COVID-related hospitalization or ICU admission (adjusted [adj] ORs ranged from 0.90–1.06, all p-values >0.05), nor significant differences in COVID-related mortality. Preliminary analysis in our pre-pandemic surveyed deployed GWV subcohort (N = 1,643 COVID-tested, 39% GWI + , 18.4% testing-COVID + , 10.6% COVID + hospitalized) suggested GWI + potentially associated with significantly increased COVID-hospitalization risk (adjOR=2.21, 95%CI: 1.02–4.81, p = 0.04); though no significant excess was observed for COVID-related ICU admission or mortality. Conclusions Our findings demonstrated that overall deployment to serve in the 1990–1991 Gulf War was not associated with increased COVID-related health risks among Gulf War era veterans using VA healthcare system in early pre-vaccine pandemic era. Preliminary findings suggesting association between Gulf War Illness and potential increased COVID-related hospitalization risk among deployed Gulf War veterans in the early pandemic era warrants replication and ongoing evaluation to assess if it persists in the era of COVID vaccination, oral anti-COVID medications and new viral variants.

History-dependent filament configuration in multiterminal electrothermal memristors

Electrothermal memristors operate by a resistive switching mechanism based on Joule heating. During the switching process, metallic filaments form between the electrical contacts in a highly reversible and reproducible manner. Our experiments on planar VO2-based devices show that multiple filaments can form when several electronic terminals are involved. The configuration, position, and size of the filaments depend sensitively on the applied inputs and on their history. Because of this history dependence and the interchangeability of the terminals, these devices are promising building blocks for programmable networks with built-in local memory.

A novel belief-degree-based uncertain Tchebycheff norm DEA model for the case study of risks prioritizing in e-business projects

Retraction: Health risk assessment of exposure to chlorpyrifos in pregnant women using deterministic and probabilistic approaches

Multimodal liquid transport enabled by <i>Crassula muscosa</i> shoot inspired ratchet-shaped leaves channel

Despite advances in bioinspired liquid transport systems, most reported surfaces relying on static wettability gradients or asymmetric structures are limited to single-mode transport, while multimodal transport within a single channel remains largely unexplored. Inspired by Crassula muscosa shoots, we propose a multimodal liquid transport channel (MLTC) that integrates asymmetric curvature and tilt features to enable on-demand switching among four liquid transport modes: (I) unidirectional transport in channel, (II) bidirectional transport in channel, (III) unidirectional transport with a protruding liquid film on channel, and (IV) transport failure. The surface-tension responsiveness mechanism is elucidated, where the synergy between curvature-induced Laplace pressure asymmetry and tilt-driven meniscus dynamics governs transport behavior, allowing liquids with surface tensions ranging from 22.8 to 72.8 mN/m to autonomously select transport modes. Leveraging the tunable flow direction and liquid height differences among modes, a real-time surface-tension sensor is demonstrated, capable of distinguishing liquids within three ranges: 22.8–31.5, 35–42.5, and ∼55 mN/m. Furthermore, assembled MLTCs further function as droplet separators, achieving &amp;gt;95% efficiency for both oil–water and oil–oil separations. This work introduces a multimodal liquid manipulation strategy, offering new opportunities for adaptive microfluidics, smart diagnostics, and precise liquid separation.

Ultra-wideband reflective polarization rotator achieving 104% measured bandwidth with high-efficiency multi-state polarization control

Association between neighborhood disadvantage and chronic hepatitis B in the central Puget Sound region of Washington, 2018 to 2023

Background Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) disproportionately affects immigrant and socioeconomically marginalized populations in the United States. Neighborhood-level metrics such as the Area Deprivation Index (ADI) may provide insight into structural and geographic indicators of CHB risk. Methods and findings We used electronic health record data from the University of Washington Medicine system to assess the association between neighborhood-level social deprivation and a positive CHB status among adults aged ≥18 with at least one clinical encounter between 2018 and 2023. We conducted a case-control study where CHB cases were identified via positive hepatitis B surface antigen or detectable HBV DNA. Comparators were selected from patients who had a complete blood count (CBC) or chemistry panel testing as a general marker of healthcare engagement to ensure comparable opportunity for diagnosis. The comparators were then frequency matched to cases by care setting and calendar year quarter of medical encounter. Geocoded patient billing addresses were linked to census block groups to confer ADI scores, which were analyzed in 2-, 5-, and 10-level categories. Finer ADI stratification better captured gradients in neighborhood disadvantage and revealed the clearest trends; results from the 10-level ADI categories are noted here. Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and insurance status were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) for CHB cases across ADI categories. The final study cohort included 5,729 CHB cases and 6,143 comparators. CHB was more common among individuals identifying as Asian, Black, or Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, and those with public or no insurance. Adjusted models showed higher odds of a CHB positive test among residents of more disadvantaged neighborhoods, with the highest ADI category associated with twice the odds of CHB compared to the least disadvantaged category (adjusted OR = 2.07, 95% CI: 1.51–2.82), with an overall upward trend across ADI levels. Conclusions Neighborhood-level disadvantage was associated with higher odds of a CHB positive test when using granular stratification of ADI and after adjusting for individual-level factors. These findings support the integration of place-based metrics to inform targeted public health initiatives, including community-responsive education, and geographically focused hepatitis B screening and linkage-to-care efforts in socially disadvantaged neighborhoods.