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Mental health challenges and perceptions of stigma among youth living with HIV in Tanzania

PLoS ONE Laura S. Mkumba, Fortunata Nasuwa, Blandina T. Mmbaga et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318035

Youth living with HIV (YLWH) face psychosocial challenges and HIV-related stigma, which impact adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART). This study was designed to understand better the change in mental health symptoms and experiences with stigma among YLWH in Tanzania who completed the original pilot Sauti ya Vijana (SYV), a mental health and life skills group intervention. YLWH who completed SYV and demonstrated a change of ≥2 points in either direction on their Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-9 (depression screener) from baseline to 18 months were purposively sampled. HIV Stigma was measured using 10-questions from the Berger HIV Stigma Scale, and findings ranged from 4–16 for internal stigma and 6–24 for external stigma. In-depth interviews (IDI) were conducted in Kiswahili and included topics such as history of mental health challenges, perceptions of stigma, and experiences with the SYV intervention. Interviews were transcribed, translated to English, and analyzed for emergent themes. Ten youth, 18–25 years of age, were interviewed; 70% were male. Mean (SD) PHQ-9 scores were 7.3 (SD = 3.5) at baseline and 5.6 (SD = 5.0) at 18 months. All participants reported experiencing intermittent episodes of mental health challenges due to difficult interpersonal relationships and fear of stigma. Youth relied on peer support and skills from the SYV intervention to cope with mental health challenges and stigma. Participants reported fear of being stigmatized by others, which led to behaviors such as skipping medication or avoiding situations for worry about unintentional disclosure. All participants endorsed experiencing external stigma on the HIV stigma scale; however, only 3 of 10 participants reported experiencing enacted stigma when directly asked to describe an experience during in-depth interviews. Participants described how SYV helped them have “more confidence”, accept themselves, and incorporate positive coping skills such as relaxation (deep breathing) when they felt stressed. The findings suggest SYV helped YLWH accept themselves, develop positive coping methods, and identify and form peer social support; but stigma remains common. Descriptions of stigma were not recognized as such; experiences of enacted stigma were acknowledged by some participants. More research is needed to understand and measure mental distress and wellness as well as stigma in this population so that interventions may more accurately detect change in key outcomes.

Memristive behavior in SnO2 wires guided by surface oxygen vacancy motion and H2O molecules: A study

Journal of Applied Physics Lucas A. Moisés, Adenilson J. Chiquito Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0237343

We present a study of an anomalous electrical behavior observed in SnO2 memristor devices based on nanowire networks previously studied by our group. This behavior shows strongly depend on the surface–environment interaction of the nanowires. To enhance/evidence it, we built a device based on a single microwire with higher interaction to ambient air. This device proved to be a memristor in cyclic voltammetry. Based on the literature and voltammetry data, we propose a model to describe that behavior based on the formation/rupture of surface conductive paths formed by water molecules adsorbed in oxygen vacancies and the changes caused by these dynamics in the device's equivalent circuit. We also enhance the behavior in nanowire networks, producing devices with a higher exposure level of the nanowires to the environment. Additionally, these network devices showed potential for application in resistive memories, with an ON/OFF ratio of 22.2 and retention of 1400 s.

The functional role of oscillatory dynamics in neocortical circuits: A computational perspective

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Felix Effenberger, Pedro Carvalho, Igor Dubinin et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2412830122

The dynamics of neuronal systems are characterized by hallmark features such as oscillations and synchrony. However, it has remained unclear whether these characteristics are epiphenomena or are exploited for computation. Due to the challenge of selectively interfering with oscillatory network dynamics in neuronal systems, we simulated recurrent networks of damped harmonic oscillators in which oscillatory activity is enforced in each node, a choice well supported by experimental findings. When trained on standard pattern recognition tasks, these harmonic oscillator recurrent networks (HORNs) outperformed nonoscillatory architectures with respect to learning speed, noise tolerance, and parameter efficiency. HORNs also reproduced a many characteristic features of neuronal systems, such as the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus. In trained HORNs, stimulus-induced interference patterns holistically represent the result of comparing sensory evidence with priors stored in recurrent connection weights, and learning-induced weight changes are compatible with Hebbian principles. Implementing additional features characteristic of natural networks, such as heterogeneous oscillation frequencies, inhomogeneous conduction delays, and network modularity, further enhanced HORN performance without requiring additional parameters. Taken together, our model allows us to give plausible a posteriori explanations for features of natural networks whose computational role has remained elusive. We conclude that neuronal systems are likely to exploit the unique dynamics of recurrent oscillator networks whose computational superiority critically depends on the oscillatory patterning of their nodal dynamics. Implementing the proposed computational principles in analog hardware is expected to enable the design of highly energy-efficient and self-adapting devices that could ideally complement existing digital technologies.

Improving paraffin precipitate inhibition using glycine and Palm-based Methyl Ester Sulfonate (MES) eco-friendly inhibitors

PLoS ONE Nazliah Binti Surpina, Mysara Eissa Mohyaldinn, Abdullah Abduljabbar et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0313394

Oil fields located in cold environments and deep-sea locations often face challenges with paraffin wax buildup in pipelines during long-distance crude oil transportation. Various strategies have been employed to address this issue, with chemical methods being the most effective and economical. However, traditional chemical inhibitors present problems due to their high toxicity and low biodegradability, leading to increased operational costs and environmental concerns. This study focuses on developing an eco-friendly paraffin inhibitor system using three different concentrations of Glycine and Palm-based Methyl Ester Sulfonate (MES). Experiments were conducted on crude oil samples from the Dulang Oilfield. The experimental measurements include wax appearance temperature (WAT), pour point temperature (PPT), and rheological tests in the absence and presence of the proposed inhibitors. The results revealed that both Glycine and MES can effectively reduce WAT, viscosity, and yield point. Specifically, 10% Glycine was the best inhibitor, reducing WAT by 23.3%. However, MES (1%, 5%, and 10%) demonstrated greater overall effectiveness, with an average WAT reduction of 13.76% compared to Glycine’s 10.85%. MES also shows a better performance in reducing viscosity and yield stress. While PPT results were insignificant, MES is recommended as a flow improver rather than a pour point depressant. The successful development of these newly formulated chemical inhibitors promises an environmentally sustainable and economically efficient approach to maximizing oil production from mature fields while mitigating paraffin precipitation.

Inverse magnetocaloric effect and magneto electric coupling near room temperature in nanoparticles of Y2FeCrO6 double perovskite

Journal of Applied Physics K Pushpanjali Patra, S. Ravi Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0248746

We have opted auto combustion method to prepare single phase nanoparticles of Y2FeCrO6 double perovskite. From the structural studies, we found that at room temperature the sample forms an orthorhombic structure with the Pnma space group. The nanoparticle formation of the sample is confirmed by the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy/Transmission Electron Microscopy measurements with an average particle size of 67 nm. Magnetization vs temperature measurements at different applied fields in this sample indicate that the Néel temperature is above 300 K. This material also shows negative magnetization up to a maximum applied field of 3 kOe with a maximum compensation temperature of 192 K. A brief study on the magnetocaloric effect and dielectric properties has been reported. Magnetic entropy change is observed in the wide temperature range including close to room temperature and its magnitude is quite small, i.e., with a maximum value of 0.08 J/kg K. In addition, the presence of inverse as well as normal magnetocaloric effect near compensation temperature has been observed. A magneto-electric coupling around 327 K has been observed and is confirmed by the brief study on dielectric and impedance spectroscopy.

The LIM-domain-only protein LMO2 and its binding partner LDB1 are differentially required for class switch recombination

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Beibei Yang, Yao Guo, Lilong Liu et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2412376122

The LIM-domain-only protein LMO2 interacts with LDB1 in context-dependent multiprotein complexes and plays key roles in erythropoiesis and T cell leukemogenesis, but whether they have any roles in B cells is unclear. Through a CRISPR/Cas9-based loss-of-function screening, we identified LMO2 and LDB1 as factors for class switch recombination (CSR) in murine B cells. LMO2 contributes to CSR at least in part by promoting end joining of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) and inhibiting end resection. Although LDB1 stabilizes LMO2 proteins, it is not required for end joining but functions as a positive regulator of AID transcription independent of LMO2, and this function of LDB1 requires its dimerization domain. Moreover, LDB1 directly binds to and promotes the looping of the AID promoter to upstream enhancers through dimerization. Our study revealed the mechanistically separated roles of LMO2 and LDB1 in different steps of CSR for antibody diversification.

Association of preoperative body mass index with postoperative complications and survival for patients with gastric cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis

PLoS ONE Zhenzhen Li, Lili Cui, Jing Sun et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0317985

Objective The relationship among body mass index (BMI), postoperative complications, and clinical outcomes in patients undergoing gastrectomy for gastric cancer remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate this association using a meta-analysis. Method We conducted a systematic search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases up to February 25, 2024. Patients were classified into underweight (<18.5 kg/m2), normal weight (18.5–25.0 kg/m2), and overweight (≥25.0 kg/m2) groups based on BMI categories. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effects model. Additionally, exploratory sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed. Results Twenty-two studies involving 41,144 patients with gastric cancer were included for quantitative analysis. Preoperative underweight (odds ratio [OR]: 1.26; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03–1.55; P = 0.024) and overweight (OR: 1.19; 95%CI: 1.09–1.30; P <0.001) were associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Furthermore, preoperative underweight was associated with poorer overall survival (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.40; 95%CI: 1.28–1.53; P <0.001), whereas preoperative overweight was associated with better over-survival (HR: 0.82; 95%CI: 0.73–0.91; P <0.001). Furthermore, preoperative underweight was not associated with disease-free survival (HR: 1.48; 95%CI: 0.97–2.26; P = 0.069), whereas preoperative overweight was associated with longer disease-free survival (HR: 0.80; 95%CI: 0.70–0.91; P = 0.001). In terms of specific postoperative complications, preoperative underweight was associated with an increased risk of septic shock (OR: 3.40; 95%CI: 1.26–9.17; P = 0.015) and a reduced risk of fever (OR: 0.39; 95%CI: 0.18–0.83; P = 0.014). Preoperative overweight was associated with an increased risk of wound infections (OR: 1.78; 95%CI: 1.08–2.93; P = 0.023), intestinal fistula (OR: 5.23; 95%CI: 1.93–14.21; P = 0.001), arrhythmia (OR: 6.38; 95%CI: 1.70–24.01; P = 0.006), and pancreatic fistula (OR: 3.37; 95%CI: 1.14–9.96; P = 0.028). Conclusion This study revealed that both preoperative underweight and overweight status were associated with an increased risk of postoperative complications. Moreover, the postoperative survival outcomes were significantly better in overweight compared to that of underweight patients. Trial registration Registration: INPLASY202480004.

A three-stage plasma model based on one-way coupling of plasma dynamics, ionic motion, and fluid flow: Application to DBD plasma actuators

Journal of Applied Physics G. P. Vafakos, P. K. Papadopoulos, P. Svarnas Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0242676

The scope of this paper is to present a comprehensive approach for simulating low-temperature atmospheric dielectric barrier discharge plasmas. The proposed methodology categorizes the primary physical phenomena: (i) discharge dynamics, (ii) ionic motion, and (iii) fluid flow, according to their respective time scales and simulates each independently. This allows for the use of distinct solution procedures tailored to each of the three stages of the problem. Such separation offers significant flexibility in choosing appropriate models and numerical schemes for each stage, enabling the simulation of complex geometries and large-scale applications without the excessive computational costs associated with a monolithic approach. As a case study, we apply the proposed algorithm to the surface dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuator for flow control, which is powered by alternating high voltages. The algorithm successfully described the actuator’s behavior while maintaining low computational cost. Additionally, a parametric study is conducted to examine the effect of key input parameters on the generated electrohydrodynamic force and the resulting velocity. Finally, an overall assessment of the three-stage model is provided, highlighting its efficiency and accuracy.

Coding relationship links RNA G-quadruplexes and protein RGG motifs in RNA-binding protein autoregulation

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Marlene Adlhart, Daniel Hoffmann, Anton A. Polyansky et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2413721122

RNA G-quadruplexes (rG4s), the four-stranded structures formed by guanine-rich RNA sequences, are recognized by regions in RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that are enriched in arginine-glycine repeats (RGG motifs). Importantly, arginine and glycine are encoded by guanine-rich codons, suggesting that some RGG motifs may both be encoded by and interact with rG4s in autogenous messenger RNAs (mRNAs). By analyzing transcriptome-wide rG4 datasets, we show that hundreds of RGG motifs in humans are at least partly encoded by rG4s, with an increased incidence for longer RGG motifs (~10 or more residues). Using randomized genetic codes, we demonstrate that the rG4/RGG coding relationship derives from the universal genetic code’s structure. Moreover, we show that proteins, which contain RGG motifs encoded by experimentally detected rG4s, are significantly enriched in RNA binding relative to all RGG-containing proteins. Finally, using enhanced crosslinking and immunoprecipitation (eCLIP) data, we identify several prominent RBPs, including FUS, FMRP, and G3BP1, which interact with autogenous mRNAs in regions where RGG motifs are encoded by rG4s. Our results define a physically realistic mechanism behind autogenous mRNA/protein interactions that is hardwired in the genetic code structure and may contribute to the establishment of autoregulatory feedback loops in the cell.

GorillaFACS: The Facial Action Coding System for the Gorilla spp.

PLoS ONE Catia Correia-Caeiro, Raquel Costa, Misato Hayashi et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0308790

The Facial Action Coding System (FACS) is an objective observation tool for measuring human facial behaviour. It avoids subjective attributions of meaning by objectively measuring independent movements linked to facial muscles, called Action Units (AUs). FACS has been adapted to 11 other taxa, including most apes, macaques and domestic animals, but not yet gorillas. To carry out cross species studies of facial expressions within and beyond apes, gorillas need to be included in such studies. Hence, we developed the GorillaFACS for the Gorilla spp. We followed similar methodology as previous FACS: First, we examined the facial muscular plan of the gorilla. Second, we analysed gorilla videos in a wide variety of contexts to identify their spontaneous facial movements. Third, we classified the individual facial movements according to appearance changes produced by the corresponding underlying musculature. A diverse repertoire of 42 facial movements was identified in the gorilla, including 28 AUs and 14 Action Descriptors, with several new movements not identified in the HumanFACS. Although some of the movements in gorillas differ from humans, the total number of AUs is comparable to the HumanFACS (32 AUs). Importantly, the gorilla’s range of facial movements was larger than expected, suggesting a more relevant role in social interactions than what was previously assumed. GorillaFACS is a scientific tool to measure facial movements, and thus, will allow us to better understand the gorilla’s expressions and communication. Furthermore, GorillaFACS has the potential be used as an important tool to evaluate this species welfare, particularly in settings of close proximity to humans.

Correlation between ferroelectricity and torsional motion of acetyl groups in tris(4-acetylphenyl)amine observed by muon spin relaxation

Journal of Applied Physics J. G. Nakamura, M. Hiraishi, H. Okabe et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0247652

It is demonstrated by muon spin relaxation and resonance experiments that the switchable spontaneous polarization of the organic ferroelectric compound tris(4-acetylphenyl)amine is governed by the local molecular dynamics of the acetyl group. The implanted muon forms paramagnetic states, which exhibit longitudinal spin relaxation due to the fluctuation of hyperfine fields exerted from unpaired electrons. The first-principle density functional theory calculations indicate that these states are muonated radicals localized at the phenyl group and on the carbon/oxygen of the acetyl group, thereby suggesting that the spin relaxation is dominated by the random torsional motion of an acetyl group around the C–C bond to the phenyl group. The stepwise change in the relative yield of radicals at T0≈350 K and the gradual increase in the spin relaxation rate with temperature (T) indicate that the torsional motion is significantly enhanced by thermal excitation above T0. This occurs concomitantly with the strong enhancement in the atomic displacement parameter of oxygen in the acetyl group (which is non-linear in T), indicating that it is the local molecular motion of the acetyl groups that drives the structural transition.

Expert navigators deploy rational complexity–based decision precaching for large-scale real-world planning

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Pablo Fernandez Velasco, Eva-Maria Griesbauer, Iva K. Brunec et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2407814122

Efficient planning is a distinctive hallmark of intelligence in humans, who routinely make rapid inferences over complex world contexts. However, studies investigating how humans accomplish this tend to focus on naive participants engaged in simplistic tasks with small state spaces, which do not reflect the intricacy, ecological validity, and human specialization in real-world planning. In this study, we examine the street-by-street route planning of London taxi drivers navigating across more than 26,000 streets in London (United Kingdom). We explore how planning unfolded dynamically over different phases of journey construction and identify theoretic principles by which these expert human planners rationally precache decisions at prioritized environment states in an early phase of the planning process. In particular, we find that measures of path complexity predict human mental sampling prioritization dynamics independent of alternative measures derived from the real spatial context being navigated. Our data provide real-world evidence for complexity-driven remote state access within internal models and precaching during human expert route planning in very large structured spaces.

Electroconvulsive shock and transcranial magnetic stimulation do not alter the survival or spine density of adult-born striatal neurons

PLoS ONE Tara Gaertner, Tian Rui Zhang, Baran Askari et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0316717

Adult neurogenesis has most often been studied in the hippocampus and subventricular zone-olfactory bulb, where newborn neurons contribute to a variety of behaviors. A handful of studies have also investigated adult neurogenesis in other brain regions, but relatively little is known about the properties of neurons added to non-canonical areas. One such region is the striatum. Adult-born striatal neurons have been described in both rodents and humans, but the regulation of these neurons is poorly understood. Since striatal dysfunction occurs in Parkinson’s disease, which is amenable to neurostimulation therapies, we investigated whether electroconvulsive shock (ECS) or transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) modulate neuroplasticity of adult-born striatal neurons. Adult-born cells were labelled in transgenic mice and 8 days later mice were given 10 stimulations over the course of 3 weeks. Adult-born striatal neurons were consistently observed in all groups. Their dendritic morphology and expression of DARPP32 and NeuN indicated a medium spiny neuron phenotype. However, neither ECS nor rTMS altered the number of new neurons, and both treatments also had no effect on the density of dendritic spines compared to unstimulated controls. These results suggest that neither ECS nor rTMS alter early neuronal survival or morphological plasticity at postsynaptic sites in the striatum.

Influence of substrate orientation and pre-annealing treatment on the metal–insulator transition in V2O3 films: Insights from Al2O3<i>r</i>, <i>a</i>, <i>c</i>, and <i>m</i>-plane substrates

Journal of Applied Physics Muhammad Taha Sultan, Kristina Ignatova, Snorri T. Ingvarsson et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0245429

We investigate the structural and metal–insulator transition (MIT) behavior of epitaxial V2O3 films fabricated by reactive direct current magnetron sputtering on r, a, c, and m-plane Al2O3 substrates, in both as-received and annealed states. Characterization of MIT of the V2O3 films grown on annealed substrates demonstrated significant changes in observed MIT properties, i.e., r-plane films showed ≈2 order increase in transition magnitude, m-plane ≈6 orders, and c-plane films exhibited a reduction of ≈3 orders, compared to un-annealed substrates, whereas for V2O3 on annealed a-plane, it revealed a shift in the transition to higher values, with reduction in hysteresis width. Structural characterization conducted via x-ray diffraction and atomic force microscopy revealed a reduction in out-of-plane compressive strain for annealed substrates, along with decreased lateral grain size. Additionally, the correlation between the V2O3 MIT and its underlying structural phase transition was verified by temperature-dependent x-ray diffraction analysis. These findings highlight the role of substrate orientation and pre-annealing in tuning the MIT behavior of V2O3 films grown on the Al2O3 substrate.

Governing in the face of a global crisis: When do voters punish and reward incumbent governments?

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Raymond M. Duch, Peter Loewen, Thomas S. Robinson et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2405021122

The recent COVID-19 pandemic offers a rare opportunity to understand how citizens attribute responsibility for governments’ responses to unanticipated negative—and in this case, systemic—exogenous shocks. Classical accounts of responsibility are complicated when crises are pervasive, involve multiple valence dimensions, and where individuals can make relative assessments of performance. We fielded a conjoint experiment in 16 countries with 22,147 respondents. In this experiment, subjects made re-election decisions regarding 178,184 randomly assigned incumbent profiles. We find that incumbents’ performance along both health and economic dimensions drives these hypothetical reelection decisions. Using machine learning techniques, we find only muted heterogeneity in the magnitude and distribution of these treatment effects. This result suggests that these widely reported performance signals have consistent political effects across countries. In a complementary analysis, we also find that subjects’ intentions to vote for incumbent governments are positively correlated with subjective and relative evaluations of the government’s pandemic performance, along both health and economic dimensions. These results provide consistent evidence that evaluations of pandemic performance matter politically.

The liminal space between hope and grief: The phenomenon of uncertainty as experienced by people living with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis

PLoS ONE Eva C. van Reenen, Inge A. M. van Nistelrooij, Leo H. Visser et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0315501

Background People with the chronic disease Multiple Sclerosis are subjected to different degrees of profound uncertainty. Uncertainty has been linked to adverse psychological effects such as feelings of heightened vulnerability, avoidance of decision-making, fear, worry, anxiety disorders, and even depression. Research into Multiple Sclerosis has a predominant focus on the scientific, practical, and psychosocial issues of uncertainty. In comparison, existential uncertainty has been under-researched, even though it might pose a greater burden to those experiencing it. Objective To understand the lived experience of uncertainty for people living with relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis. Methods This study followed a phenomenological research design, employing elements of both the Reflective Lifeworld Approach and Phenomenology of Practice. Seventeen people with a recent (&lt;1 year) diagnosis of relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis were included. In-depth interviews were conducted immediately after inclusion. Results The lived experience of uncertainty can be described as a stumbling motion across the liminal space between hope and grief while dealing with oscillating feelings of unrest concerning the body, self, and others. The following four constituents further illuminate the meaning of the phenomenon: Having to constantly (re)define unfamiliar and intangible bodily changes on one’s own; Unsteady navigating amidst a destabilization of the imagined life; Relating to others as a source of, mirror or buffer for uncertainty; Going through overwhelming fears and worries while clinging to one’s own logic. Conclusion Adding to existing qualitative and phenomenological research into MS and theories on uncertainty, this study portrays uncertainty as a multifaceted experience. The findings imply the need for a continuous attunement of healthcare practitioners to the expectations, fears, avoidance techniques, and other uniquely personal circumstances of people with Multiple Sclerosis.

Fine texture Lambertian electromagnetic metasurface generates background blending stealth effect in radar vision

Journal of Applied Physics Honglin Yuan, Yingjian Sun, Yixing Huang et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0246822

The emergence of diffuse scattering metasurfaces offers the electromagnetic scattering stealth mechanism. However, the background blending stealth effect in radar vision induced by diffuse scattering metasurface has not been specially investigated. Here, a background blending Lambertian diffusive reflective metasurface for imaging radar stealth is designed by electromagnetic dispersion engineering. Compared to a conventional metasurface, the Lambertian metasurface achieves more uniform beam dispersion over a broad frequency range without significant main lobe formation at any frequency point, which provides ways for background fusion stealth. For conceptual validation, a metallic flat plate, coded metasurface, and Lambertian metasurface are fabricated and their radar images are obtained by two-dimensional imaging scanning measurement. As anticipated, the Lambertian metasurface notably alters the imaging edge characteristics in the radar images, effectively concealing the contours of the covered area. This work provides a wideband design method of the coded metasurface, which provides a new idea for designing stealth material and structures from the perspective of radar imaging and is immensely helpful for practical application in jamming recognition stealth of coding metasurfaces.

Enhancing drug solubility through competitive adsorption on silica nanosurfaces with ultrahigh silanol densities

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences Zhuo Xu, Changliang Zhu, Hongchuan Shen et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2423426122

We develop a technology based on competitive adsorption between drug molecules and water, specifically designed to address the critical issue of poor drug solubility. By specially engineering silica nanosurfaces with ultrahigh densities of silanol, we significantly enhance their affinity for both drug molecules and water, with a notably greater increase in water affinity. Such surfaces can effectively adsorb a variety of drug molecules under dry conditions. Upon exposure to water, these surfaces preferentially bind to water molecules, initiating a competitive adsorption process with the drug molecules. This competitive process turns water molecules from obstacles into catalysts for drug dissolution by actively displacing drug molecules from the surface, causing their rapid desorption and potentially enhancing their solubility by two to three orders of magnitude. The method is general, applicable to a wide array of drugs, stable for long-time storage, cost-effective, and scalable for mass production. Consequently, it has the potential to emerge as a next-generation platform for drug formulation and delivery.

Evidence that flocking behavior is rewarded by singing, flock mates, and mu opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens

PLoS ONE Alyse N. Maksimoski, Taviah A. Levenson, Changjiu Zhao et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0318340

It has been proposed that social groups are maintained both by reward resulting from positive social interactions and by the reduction of a negative state that would otherwise be caused by social separation. European starlings, Sturnus vulgaris, develop strong conditioned place preferences for places associated with the production of song in flocks outside the breeding season (gregarious song) and singers are motivated to rejoin the flock following removal. This indicates that the act of singing in flocks is associated with a positive affective state and raises the possibility that reward induced by song in flocks may play a role in flock maintenance. The goal of this study was to begin to test this hypothesis. We found that birds that sang full songs developed stronger conditioned place preferences than non-singing birds for places associated with flock mates, indicating that singers find the presence of flock mates to be rewarding. Regardless of song rate, the presence of flock mates also induced analgesia (a reflection of the reduction of a negative state). This form of analgesia has been shown to be an indirect measure of opioid release, suggesting that the presence of flock mates may induce opioid-mediated reward. Consistent with this possibility, the numbers of mu opioid receptor immunolabeled cells in the nucleus accumbens correlated positively with measurements of gregarious song and other social behaviors. Results suggest that both gregarious song and social contact promote flock cohesion and that opioids released onto mu opioid receptors in the nucleus accumbens may play an important role.

Outer space cultivated regular eutectic cells with anomalous internal microstructures for rapidly solidifying Zr50V50 hypereutectic alloy

Journal of Applied Physics Haipeng Wang, Chenhui Zheng, Liang Hu et al. Jan 28, 2025 DOI: 10.1063/5.0245520

The special type of regular eutectic cells with anomalous internal microstructures may improve advanced alloy performances but is difficult to cultivate on the ground because of the coupled effect between cell growth dynamics and strong natural convection. Here, outer space experiments aboard the China Space Station were designed to explore and cultivate this kind of special eutectic cells in the Zr50V50 hypereutectic alloy. It was found that the space environment under 10−5 g0 microgravity brought in much more and smaller eutectic cells on the alloy surface, in particular, the alloy droplet solidified at 160 K undercooling displayed priority growth of eutectic cells with anomalous internal microstructures. This was controlled by the more nuclei within the floating droplet resulting from much lower flow velocity, much weaker convection, and less uniform temperature distribution, as revealed by the thermophysical properties measured via space-based electrostatic technique. Furthermore, a critical anomalous eutectic transition undercooling range of 102–110 K was ascertained by the space interface migration dynamics. Our findings contribute to the method and principle of how to apply the outer space environment to cultivate extraordinary microstructures within eutectic alloys.