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Polarity effects on the growth of Si-doped AlGaN epilayers on AlN

We investigate the polarity dependent properties of Si-doped n-type AlGaN epilayers grown via metal organic chemical vapor deposition on Al- and N-polar AlN bulk substrates. While X-ray diffraction confirmed comparable crystalline quality for both polarities, photoluminescence spectroscopy revealed distinct optical signatures, suggesting varying levels of defect complexes involving aluminum vacancies and oxygen impurities. Electrical characterization via Hall-effect measurements showed a sharp contrast in transport properties. The N-polar epilayer exhibited a slight reduction in free electron concentration, but a significant decrease in electron mobility by over an order of magnitude compared to the Al-polar epilayer. Microstructural analysis through scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive spectroscopy identified polarity-specific features at the AlGaN/AlN interface including increased lattice distortion and the presence of localized oxygen impurities in the N-polar samples, despite uniform Al and Ga distribution. These findings highlight substrate polarity as a key factor influencing the overall material quality and the performance of AlGaN-based devices, offering useful insights for optimizing n-type conductivity in polarity-engineered applications such as AlN and AlGaN-based vertical p-n diodes, vertical photoconductive semiconductor switch devices, and high electron mobility transistors.

Targeting ACKR3/CXCR7 Enhances Platelet Anticoagulant Acylcarnitines and Modulates Procoagulant Function

Targeting ACKR3/CXCR7 regulates enzymatic generation of pro-thrombotic, while favoring anti-thrombotic lipids that inhibit platelets through AC-cAMP-PKA pathway in coordination with prostacyclin-IP receptor. This investigation validated the impact of CXCR7 in modulating non-enzymatic lipid (per)oxidation, platelet response to lipoproteins-(LDL, oxLDL), mitochondrial metabolism and procoagulatory functions. Pharmacological CXCR7-agonist-(VUF11207) preserved mitochondrial membrane integrity-(Δψm), counteracted activation-induced mitochondrial superoxide generation-(MitoSOXRed), and nonenzymatic lipid (per)oxidation. Additionally, CXCR7-agonist regulated lipoprotein-induced platelet adhesion on thrombogenic matrices, degranulation, αIIbβIII-integrin activation, aggregation and thrombotic response, by reducing lipoprotein uptake through scavenger receptors-(CD36, ApoER2). CXCR7-ligation triggered activation of metabolic energy sensor Adenosine MonoPhosphate-dependent Kinase-(AMPKSer-172), prompted AMPK-mediated inhibitory phosphorylation of Acetyl-CoA-Carboxylase-(ACC)Ser-79, to foster lipolysis over lipogenesis. Consequently AMPKSer-172-ACCSer-79 pathway increased anticoagulatory FXa-inhibitory long-chain acylcarnitine-(LC-CARs)-(16:0, 18:1, 18:2) generation in platelets from healthy subjects and CAD patients. Increased intraplatelet LC-CARs was not due to dysregulated mitochondrial respiration; since CXCR7-agonist improved maximal respiration, spare respiratory capacity, and ATP-linked respiration in thrombin-activated platelets, suggesting sustained mitochondrial metabolism. Exerting a two-pronged effect on procoagulant function, CXCR7-agonist downregulated phosphatidylserine exposure on activated platelets, reducing FX/FXa binding, while platelet-derived anticoagulatory-LC-CARs regulated thrombin generation. CXCR7-agonist administration reduced thrombus formation, platelet degranulation, αIIbβIII-integrin activation, procoagulant activity, circulatory platelet-leukocyte aggregates in murine venous thrombosis model; besides, decreased plasma procoagulant lipids-(platelet COX-1, 12-LOX, and leukocyte 5/15-LOX-derived) and thrombo-inflammatory mediators-(IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1), and increased plasma LC-CAR levels. Therefore, pharmacological targeting of CXCR7 could regulate (non)enzymatic lipid processing, and promote anticoagulatory LC-CAR generation to check platelet-directed thrombotic propensity, and hypercoagulation, moreover, replenish reduced levels of circulatory anticoagulant-LC-CARs in STEMI and venous thromboembolism-(VTE) patients.

Machine learning versus deep learning for screening ischemic stroke among asymptomatic population

Development and validation of the TexCoMP model: A nonlinear framework for optimising slip-resistant walkway coatings in diverse environments

Background Slip-related accidents remain a significant safety concern in public walkways, healthcare facilities, and industrial environments, particularly under contaminated surface conditions. Although numerous studies have investigated slip resistance using friction measurements and statistical classification approaches, existing predictive models often rely on simplified linear relationships or data-driven algorithms that provide limited physical interpretability of tribological interactions. Objectives This study aims to experimentally evaluate the slip-resistance performance of coated ceramic walkway surfaces under varying environmental conditions and to develop an interpretable, nonlinear, predictive framework, termed TexCoMP (Texture-Coating-Material-Performance), that integrates coating properties, surface texture characteristics, and environmental contamination effects. Specific objectives are to: (1) compare four coatings across four ceramic tiles and three shoe types; (2) assess arid, damp, and foamy environmental impacts; and (3) identify optimal combinations for walkway safety per ANSI A137.1:2022 and ISO 5436:2021 standards. Methods Four coating materials (CM 1-CM 4) were applied to four ceramic tile surfaces (CT 1-CT 4) and evaluated using tribological testing under arid, damp, and foamy contamination conditions with three footwear materials. Surface texture parameters were characterised using roughness measurements, and dynamic friction coefficients (DFCs) were determined through controlled dynamic friction tests. A nonlinear predictive model incorporating coating material performance (CMP), surface texture modification (STM), and environmental factors (E) was developed and validated using statistical analysis and cross-validation across 144 experimental combinations (432 individual measurements). Results TexCoMP achieved a mean absolute error (MAE) of 0.03, a root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.04, a Pearson correlation ( R ) of 0.92, and an R 2 of 0.93, outperforming linear models by 22% in terms of RMSE under foamy conditions. The epoxy-CT4 pairing yielded a DFC of 0.62 ± 0.03 in damp conditions, 24% above the OSHA safety threshold of 0.5, indicating substantially reduced slip potential. Four-way ANOVA revealed highly significant interactions ( p  < 0.001) with environmental condition as the dominant factor (partial η² = 0.47). Conclusions The proposed TexCoMP framework provides an interpretable tribological model for predicting slip resistance in coated walkway systems by integrating coating material properties, surface texture modification, and environmental contamination effects. The results demonstrate that coatings incorporating texture-enhancing particles can significantly improve friction performance under damp conditions. TexCoMP therefore offers a practical analytical tool for guiding coating selection and surface engineering strategies to reduce slip-related risks in built environments.

The novel Zn-based ultraviolet birefringent crystals combined both large birefringence and wide bandgap

The exploration of ultraviolet (UV) birefringent crystals is hindered by the contradiction between a sufficient birefringence and wide bandgap. The first Zn-based selenite halides UV birefringent crystals KZn(HSeO3)2X (X = Cl, Br) were structurally designed and synthesized. They were identified as promising short-wave UV birefringent materials with well-balanced performance, including prominent birefringence, a short UV cutoff edge, a wide transparency range, and ease of crystal growth.

FAP-1 loss impairs megakaryocyte demarcation membrane system and platelet function with myelofibrosis-like features

Fas-associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1), a nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase, has been implicated in multiple signaling pathways, but its in vivo role remains unclear. Here, we show that FAP-1-deficient (FAP-1ΔP/ΔP) mice develop early megakaryocyte hyperplasia with defective platelet function and occasional hemorrhagic manifestations, accompanied by myelofibrosis-like features in aged animals. Bone marrow analysis revealed impaired demarcation membrane system (DMS) development with pre-DMS arrest in megakaryocytes, leading to defective proplatelet formation and impaired platelet function, with prolonged bleeding partly associated with reduced clot retraction. Mechanistically, FAP-1 deficiency induces sustained Src activation and cofilin inactivation, impairing perinuclear actin remodeling required for DMS expansion and resulting in pre-DMS arrest. With aging, approximately half of mice develop a symptomatic phenotype characterized by extramedullary hematopoiesis, hepatosplenomegaly, anemia, and thrombocytopenia; among these, most remain in a prefibrotic state, while a subset progresses to fibrosis-like changes. Bone marrow transplantation demonstrates that megakaryocyte abnormalities and fibrosis-associated changes are hematopoietic cell-intrinsic and partially transferable. Pharmacologic inhibition of Src with dasatinib attenuates these defects in FAP-1-deficient mice, supporting pathway specificity. In patients with primary myelofibrosis, reduced FAP-1 expression is associated with pre-DMS megakaryocyte accumulation, abnormal DMS and actin organization, and Src activation, supporting clinical relevance. Collectively, we identify a FAP-1-dependent mechanism governing Src-cofilin-mediated actin remodeling required for megakaryocyte maturation and platelet function, and suggest this pathway as a potential therapeutic target for platelet dysfunction, hemorrhagic complications, and fibrosis-associated disease.

Combined minibeam and conventional radiotherapy reduces severe skin toxicity and improves tumor control

Expression of concern: Phyto-ecological studies and distribution pattern of plant species and communities of Dhirkot, Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

Voltage and efficiency characteristics of shifted-junction GaAs/GaInP thin-film solar cells and light emitters

Junction shifting (i.e., pushing the p-n junction within a wider-bandgap confinement layer) is an effective strategy to suppress nonradiative recombination in GaAs/GaInP light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Advancing from our earlier wafer-based structures, we report fully processed thin-film GaAs/GaInP LEDs fabricated at the 2-in. wafer scale, incorporating both junction shifting and rear-side reflector texturing. Devices were characterized in photovoltaic (PV) and LED modes across different bias currents using reciprocity-based analysis. In PV measurements, rear-textured devices with a 300 nm GaAs active region exhibit an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1074.4 mV and an external radiative efficiency (ηext) of 8.8%, estimated from reciprocity relations at Voc. This represents a clear improvement over 4.95% in nontextured structures. Direct LED measurements of ηext confirm these trends: texturing doubles the peak wall-plug efficiency, reaching 24%, among the highest reported for GaAs thin-film LEDs without external optics. Analysis of dark current–voltage characteristics and ηext indicates internal radiative efficiencies consistent with state-of-the-art GaAs devices. These results confirm the high performance of the tested thin-film structures and demonstrate how PV-mode metrics, particularly Voc and ηext(Voc), can diagnose radiative losses and guide photon management strategies in thin-film emitters.

A Phase 2 trial of daratumumab monotherapy in newly diagnosed patients with cardiac stage IIIb AL amyloidosis

Treatment options for patients with immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis and advanced cardiac involvement remain limited. The prospective, phase 2 EMN22 trial included previously untreated patients with AL amyloidosis, measurable hematologic disease, and Mayo2004/European cardiac stage IIIB to receive daratumumab monotherapy at the standard dose and schedule for up to two years (28-day cycles); patients with inadequate response after three cycles could additionally receive bortezomib weekly and dexamethasone. The primary endpoint was 6-month overall survival (OS) rate. Of 40 enrolled patients, ten (25.0%) received additional treatment with bortezomib and dexamethasone. The 6-month OS rate was 65.0% (95% CI, 48.2-77.6) and median OS was 10.4 months. The best hematologic response rate (partial response or better) up to six months was 75.0% (very good partial response or better: 47.5%; complete response: 12.5%), the median time to the first and best hematologic response being one week and 2.3 months, respectively. The cardiac response rate at six months was 30.0%. Common serious adverse events were cardiac failure (25.0%), sudden cardiac death (10.0%), and acute kidney injury (7.5%). The patients' quality of life remained stable throughout the trial treatment and observation. In patients with high-risk, advanced (stage IIIB) AL amyloidosis, daratumumab monotherapy was feasible and well-tolerated, achieving rapid hematologic responses and associated with prolonged survival relative to historical cohorts. Cardiac response rates at 6 months were significant, considering the advanced cardiac disease. These findings support daratumumab as the backbone of anti-clonal therapy in advanced cardiac AL amyloidosis. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT04131309.

Classification and cross-site prediction of PM2.5 chemical composition patterns using a machine learning framework

Choices and options in the care procurement process of bundled payment contracts: A literature-based overview from a payer’s perspective

Context While the potential of bundled payment models to facilitate value-based care is hard to overestimate, the complexity of designing an effective and feasible care procurement contract forms a formidable barrier to their use. The objective of this study is to identify, structure, and interpret the key design choices and options during the care procurement process of bundled payment contracts using a payer’s perspective. Methods Two reviewers independently conducted an iterative qualitative content analysis of a selectively sampled set of articles from a prior scoping review. First, they extracted and clustered all text excerpts about design choices or options relevant to a bundled payment procurement process. Where available, they assessed the potential impact of choosing that option. Second, the choices and options were analytically organized into six phases of a care procurement process. Third, the resulting framework was evaluated in an external expert panel session. Findings 33 design choices with 110 unique options were identified and structured within a framework. An example of a design choice is to ‘determine the method to select care and cost to include in the bundle,’ in which case 4 options were identified: 1. based on historic claims data, 2. based on best-practices and/or local care pathways, 3. based on evidence-based clinical guidelines, and 4. based on the provider type or specialism that is willing to collaborate. Conclusions This study helps understand how design choices for payers to purchase value-based care with bundled payment contracts are context-dependent (e.g., in a single-payer system options are different than in a multi-payer system), interchangeable (i.e., different choices can achieve similar effects) and/or interrelated (i.e., choosing one option can have a positive or negative impact on the options in other procurement phases). The framework assists payers (and providers) in developing an effective and feasible bundled payment contract.

Ultrafast multi-wavelength photosensitive memristive synapses based on (111)-oriented FAPbI3 for fusion neuromorphic visual perception

Neuromorphic visual perception requires photosensitive memristive synapses that combine ultrafast response, wavelength selectivity, and long-term operational stability. Here, we report photosensitive memristive synapses based on preferentially (111)-oriented FAPbI3 films, which exhibit robust structural stability, suppressed defect density, and extended carrier lifetime. Photosensitive memristive devices fabricated with these films demonstrate reliable resistive switching under electrical modulation and an ultrafast optical response down to ∼20 ns while emulating essential synaptic functions, including excitatory postsynaptic current, paired-pulse facilitation, and reversible long-term potentiation and depression. Benefiting from intrinsic wavelength-dependent synaptic responses, the devices enable wavelength-encoded optical OR logic operations and encrypted dual-channel optical communication, realizing direct neuromorphic processing of spectrally multiplexed optical signals. At the system level, multi-band fusion perception based on intrinsic multi-wavelength synaptic integration outperforms wavelength-selective perception in both classification accuracy and convergence speed. These results establish (111)-oriented FAPbI3 photosensitive memristive synapses as a robust and scalable hardware platform for ultrafast, stable, and spectrally integrated neuromorphic visual perception.

Chemical composition of essential oil from Lavandula dentata L. to control citrus aphids selectively

Organized community sport participation for children and youth with physical disability: A scoping review protocol

Children and youth living with physical disability have less opportunities to participate in organized meaningful physical activities in their communities than their typically developing peers. Equitable access to community sport programs that aim to support the health, social participation, and well-being of these children and youth is required. Frameworks for program implementation and evaluation offer practical tools for supporting quality participation. Limited research exists demonstrating the practical application of these conceptual model frameworks. The objective of this scoping review is to identify evidence of evaluation of organized community sport participation opportunities for children and youth with physical disabilities through the lens of the RE-AIM and Quality Parasport Participation Frameworks. This review will consider studies that explore organized community-based sport participation for children and youth up to 25 years with physical disability without limitation to specific geographic area. Children and youth with only a cognitive or intellectual disability, or the absence of a physical disability, will be excluded. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), SportDiscus (EBSCO), CINAHL (EBSCO), PEDro, Global Index Medicus and Google Scholar. Sources of grey literature will also be searched. Anticipated limitations are the exclusion of clinical intervention trials and the exclusion of unorganized sport. The latter may limit cultural relevance and global scope, as informal sports could dominate in this context and be underrepresented in the literature. Languages will also be restricted to English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. No publication date restrictions will be placed on the search. Two independent reviewers will perform title and abstract screening, and retrieval and assessment of full-text citations. Any disagreements that arise between the reviewers at each stage of the selection process will be resolved through discussion or with a third reviewer. A narrative synthesis of the results will be presented in conjunction with a tabular and/or graphic format.

Network modeling of yield-stress fluid flow in randomly disordered porous media

Yield-stress fluid flow through porous media is governed by a strong coupling between rheology and pore-scale geometry, leading to nonlinear, non-Darcy transport and pronounced channelization near yielding. We develop a pore-network model for Herschel–Bulkley flow in two-dimensional disordered porous media, including optional wall slip. The network is closed by a physics-based pressure–flow relation for a converging–diverging throat, so that yielding and post-yield transport emerge directly from the pore-scale fluid mechanics without fitted resistance parameters. Benchmarking against direct numerical simulations shows that the model captures both the bulk pressure drop and the evolution of the flow topology from spatially distributed transport to strongly channelized flow. The framework also captures the leading effect of wall slip, which lowers the pressure gradient required for transport and reactivates pathways that remain blocked in the no-slip case. Using the model across different porous geometries, we show that near-yield pressure losses are governed by constriction statistics rather than by an obstacle-scale length. In particular, rescaling with the domain-averaged minimum throat width collapses the plastic-dominated response across porosities, identifying the dissipation-relevant geometric scale for viscoplastic transport in this regime.

Biochar and zeolite as carriers of PGPB strains: impact on the physiology, productivity and quality characteristics of industrial tomato

The ARGO dataset: Annotated and delineated intracardiac electrograms of post-ischemic ventricular tachycardia

The identification of abnormal ventricular potentials (AVPs) in intracardiac electrograms of post-ischemic ventricular tachycardia patients is challenging, and the development of automated tools is hampered by the lack of annotated benchmarking datasets. This work presents the ARGO dataset, the first open-access collection of manually annotated left-ventricle post-ischemic ventricular tachycardia electrograms. The dataset includes 1962 signals from nine patients, including unipolar and bipolar electrograms, 12-lead surface ECGs, and the local activation time and voltage maps, with annotations of the bipolar EGMs in terms of their nature (i.e., Physiological, AVP, or Unknown) and the delineation of the onset/end of the AVPs. The annotation is the result of three independent annotations by as many expert electrophysiologists, including a final consensus, for enhanced reliability and accuracy of the dataset. Leveraging good inter-rater and intra-rater reliability, the proposed validation analysis also provides quantitative estimates of the tolerance associated with AVP delineation error. Even considering the limitations of the proposed dataset affecting generalizability, ARGO provides a unique resource to support the development and validation of computational tools for AVP identification and characterization.

Galectin-3 Regulates Smooth Muscle Contraction and Blood Pressure by Modulating Ca _V 1.2 Channel Function

BACKGROUND: Fine-tuning of Ca V 1.2 calcium channel activity by binding proteins represents a novel mechanism for regulating smooth muscle contraction and blood pressure (BP). This study aimed to elucidate the role of Gal-3 (galectin-3), a newly identified Ca V 1.2-binding protein, in the pathogenesis of hypertension. METHODS: In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo experiments involving molecular and biochemical assays, in silico prediction, patch-clamp electrophysiologic recordings, immunohistochemistry, pressure myography, and tail-cuff BP measurements were used to evaluate the molecular mechanisms by which Gal-3 binds to and elevates membrane insertion of Ca V 1.2 channels. The experiments were performed in transfected HEK 293 cells, isolated smooth muscle cells, and arteries from smooth muscle–specific Gal-3 knockout mice and their wild-type littermates; spontaneously hypertensive rats; or human patients. In vivo experiments involving delivery of the blocking iGal3BP (inhibitory galectin-3–binding peptide) into spontaneously hypertensive rats were performed to investigate its effect on BP. RESULTS: We identified Gal-3 as a novel binding partner and unexpected positive modulator of the Ca V 1.2 channel through binding to the intracellular II-III loop. Gal-3 increased total and surface expression, current density, and open probability of Ca V 1.2 channels. Both Ca V 1.2 and Gal-3 were upregulated in hypertensive rat aortas and human pulmonary arteries. Conditional deletion of Gal-3 in smooth muscle significantly lowered Ca V 1.2 protein and BP in mice. With specific binding sites identified within both Gal-3 and the Ca V 1.2 II-III loop, the peptide iGal3BP, designed to block Ca V 1.2–Gal-3 interaction, significantly reduced BP in spontaneously hypertensive rats by decreasing Ca V 1.2 protein expression. Repeated iGal3BP administration resulted in cumulative peptide accumulation in mesenteric arteries and produced a sustained reduction in BP, which demonstrated greater long-lasting antihypertensive efficacy compared with amlodipine and losartan. Administration of iGal3BP in combination with a negative modulatory Gal-1 mimetic peptide that mimics Gal-1–Ca V 1.2 interaction returned systolic BP to normotensive levels within 4 hours and lowered BP in hypertensive rats in a sustained manner for 35 days. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide strong evidence that Gal-based Ca V 1.2 channel modulators are novel therapeutic pathways for normalizing BP.

Multi-modal three-dimensional observation of unknown morphology of Ni4Ti3 and NiTi2 precipitates in NiTi shape memory alloy

Characterizing the 3D morphology of nano- and micro-scale precipitates in metallic materials remains challenging. By combining 3D focused ion beam imaging with nondestructive synchrotron x-ray ptychographic tomography, this study pioneers a multi-modal imaging approach that unveils the 3D morphology of NiTi2 precipitates and a previously unknown cross-linked network of Ni4Ti3 precipitates in the nickel–titanium alloys, achieving a spatial resolution of 52 nm. Key discoveries challenge long-standing assumptions: Ni4Ti3 precipitates can form a network rather than isolated ellipsoids through three distinct cross-linking modes. Their shapes are not perfectly lenticular due to overlapping stress fields and loss of coherency. The 3D morphology of NiTi2 precipitates shows that they are primarily spherical and governed by interfacial energy minimization. The competitive growth mechanisms are captured via phase field simulation. These insights deepen the understanding of precipitate growth in NiTi alloys and establish a new paradigm for 3D microstructural imaging.