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Thermoelectric Detection of Crossed Andreev Reflections in Quantum Hall/Superconductor Hybrid Structures
Abstract Hybrid structures that couple the chiral edge states of a quantum Hall insulator to an s -wave superconductor have emerged as a promising platform for non-Abelian quasiparticles and Cooper pair splitters. These devices can feature crossed Andreev reflections (CAR) that convert electrons from chiral edge modes that are upstream from the superconductor into holes that are injected into the downstream modes. Here, we interface the quantum Hall edge modes of cadmium arsenide (Cd 3 As 2 ) films with a thin superconducting NbN strip. We observe oscillations in magnetic fields in the downstream resistance and thermoelectric response. While electron-like carriers dominate the sign of the ohmic response, likely due to the large elastic co-tunneling contribution, the downstream thermoelectric response alternates in sign. The results point to thermoelectric measurements as a promising probe to elucidate the competing nature of Andreev and tunneling processes at quantum Hall/superconductor interfaces.
Bacillus subtilis pb2441 partially attenuates hepatic steatosis with transcriptomic changes broadly similar to dapagliflozin in a Western diet mouse model
Oxygen-oxygen bond cleavage enables efficient photocatalytic H2O2 production via an *O2 dissociation pathway
Abstract Photocatalytic reduction of O 2 to H 2 O 2 is generally regarded to proceed through the *O 2 hydrogenation pathway (*O 2 → *OOH), which inevitably encounters a high energy barrier proton extraction process via cleavage of the H-O bond in H 2 O. Designing a K and Cs co-modified polymeric carbon nitride (CN-KCs) to create dual-end adsorption sites as frustrated Lewis pairs for O 2 , on which the O-O breaking energy is significantly reduced and a *O 2 dissociation pathway towards photocatalytic H 2 O 2 synthesis is realized (*O 2 → 2*O, then *O + *H 2 O → H 2 O 2 ). The CN-KCs presents a competitive photocatalytic H 2 O 2 yield of 1806.6 μmolh −1 , a high quantum efficiency of 72.3% at 420 nm, and a solar-to-H 2 O 2 conversion efficiency of 6.1% with presence of biomass derivative. Here, we show that regulating dual-end adsorption sites opens a door to new *O 2 dissociation avenue for efficient conversion of O 2 to H 2 O 2 .
Fedorov algorithm–optimized chemometric spectrophotometry for cefepime–tazobactam microanalysis in plasma and pharmaceuticals with integrated MA and NQS sustainability assessment
Abstract A green, sustainability-oriented chemometric-assisted UV spectrophotometric platform was developed for the simultaneous determination of Cefepime (CFPM) and Tazobactam (TAZO) in pharmaceutical formulations and human plasma. Water served as the sole diluent, eliminating hazardous organic solvents and substantially reducing the environmental impact of the analytical procedure. Calibration and validation sets were efficiently constructed using the Fedorov exchange algorithm within Brereton’s multilevel design framework, yielding 25 calibration and 13 validation mixtures and reducing experimental workload by approximately 70% compared with conventional designs. Three complementary chemometric models were evaluated: Principal Component Regression (PCR), Firefly Algorithm–assisted Partial Least Squares (FA-PLS), and Multivariate Curve Resolution–Alternating Least Squares (MCR-ALS). Among them, MCR-ALS demonstrated superior predictive performance, with correlation coefficients exceeding 0.9998 for both analytes, minimal systematic bias confirmed by Elliptical Joint Confidence Region analysis, and high robustness across pharmaceutical and plasma matrices. Limits of detection were 0.0487 and 0.0396 µg mL –1 , while limits of quantification were 0.1476 and 0.1200 µg mL –1 for CFPM and TAZO, respectively. The method was validated in accordance with ICH guidelines and successfully applied to CEFE-MAX™ powder for injection and fortified human plasma. Matrix effect evaluation showed negligible signal suppression (− 2.35% to − 1.27%), indicating strong matrix tolerance and calibration transferability. Comparative benchmarking against reported HPLC–UV, LC–MS/MS, capillary zone electrophoresis, and UV spectrophotometric methods demonstrated that the proposed approach achieves an optimal balance of sensitivity, simplicity, and environmental sustainability. Sustainability assessment using the Multi-Color Assessment (MA), carbon footprint analysis, and the Need–Quality–Sustainability (NQS) index yielded a Whiteness Score of 83.6%, an NQS score of 90, and a low carbon footprint of 0.032 kg CO₂-eq per analysis. Overall, the developed platform provides a rapid, cost-effective, and environmentally responsible alternative for routine quality control and preliminary therapeutic monitoring of the CFPM–TAZO combination.
Caregiver perceptions of online peer mentoring for youth with learning differences
The effect of binaural beats on phonological awareness and cortical connectivity in dyslexic children
Abstract Developmental dyslexia involves deficits in phonological awareness and cortical connectivity, yet the effects of binaural beats on these domains remain underexplored. This study examined the effects of theta (5 Hz) and beta (15 Hz) binaural beats on phonological processing and EEG coherence in 45 dyslexic children aged 6.5–8.3 years. Participants were assigned to the theta, beta, or control condition and received 12 binaural beat sessions over a period of four weeks. Resting-state EEGs were recorded at baseline, after the binaural beats sessions, and at a 6-week follow-up. Results showed that theta binaural beats significantly enhanced intrahemispheric coherence in frontal and temporal regions, correlating with improved phonological awareness. Beta beats enhanced interhemispheric coherence, particularly between temporal lobes, potentially supporting phonological decoding. The control group showed no significant changes. Correlation analysis revealed that coherence in specific brain regions (e.g., T3–T4, r = 0.788, p = 0.0013) was significantly associated with performance on phoneme judgment tasks. These findings suggest that frequency-specific binaural beats can enhance neural connectivity and phonological processing. This non-invasive approach shows potential for further exploration of cognitive effects in dyslexic children, though limitations such as small sample size and restricted frequency range necessitate additional research.
Correction: Comparing ecological relevance of climate velocity indices
Robust integrated multi-modal network design for green petroleum distribution under uncertainty
Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation of rock burst risk based on combined subjective and objective weighting
A two-term hybrid method with restart strategy for signal processing and image recovery
Short-term effects of diaphragmatic myofascial release on pain, mobility, and disability in chronic nonspecific low back pain: a randomized sham-controlled trial
Abstract Chronic nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is a common condition often associated with impaired diaphragmatic and trunk function. The therapeutic effect of diaphragmatic myofascial release (DMR) in this population requires clarification. The aim of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of DMR on pain, mobility, balance, and disability in CNSLBP. In a randomized sham-controlled trial, twenty-four adults with CNSLBP were randomly assigned to receive three sessions of either DMR or a sham intervention. Both groups also received standardized transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). The primary outcome was pain intensity measured on a Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included lumbopelvic mobility (fingertip-to-floor test), static and dynamic balance (single-leg stance and functional reach tests), disability (Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, RMDQ), and chest expansion, were measured at baseline, after the third intervention session, and at one-week follow-up. A significant group × time interaction was detected for VAS ( p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.33); the intervention group showed a significantly larger pain reduction than the sham group. Fingertip-to-floor also showed a significant group × time interaction ( p = 0.04, η²ₚ = 0.13). Post-hoc tests showed a non-significant trend towards improvement in the intervention group from baseline to post-intervention (MD = 2.54 cm, p = 0.07) and from baseline to follow-up (MD = 1.93 cm, p = 0.08), whereas no such trend was observed in the control group ( p > 0.05). Single-leg stance tests improved over time in both groups ( p < 0.01) but there was no significant group × time interaction. No significant group or interaction effects were observed for functional reach or chest expansion. The RMDQ score decreased significantly in both groups, and the between-group comparison for disability change scores was statistically significant ( p = 0.036), favoring the intervention group. DMR combined with TENS resulted in greater short‑term pain reduction and disability improvement, both exceeding minimal clinically important differences, compared with sham, and a non‑significant trend toward improved lumbar mobility. Static balance improved over time in both groups, with no between‑group differences. These results support DMR as a promising adjunct for managing pain, disability, and potentially balance in CNSLBP, but larger trials are needed to confirm its specific effects. Trial registration: IRCT20221216056836N1 (IRCT), registered on 28 February 2023.
Differential trait responses of Phragmites australis to urbanisation
GIPSy2: high-performance and scalable genomic island prediction software
Abstract Dealing with genomic mobility is a complex task for current predictors. With an increasing number of sequencing genomes, there is a constant demand for software that can handle multiple inputs. Considering this, we present the Genomic Island Prediction Software 2 (GIPSy2), a new version of well-established software for predicting bacterial genomic islands and mobilome. Statistical methods were used to provide the values associated with each prediction, such as Fisher’s exact test, Support vector machine, and Logistic regression. The new version also improves scalability, allowing the simultaneous analysis of multiple genomes, and provides structured outputs to facilitate interpretation and reproducibility. Comparative analyses show that GIPSy2 achieves performance comparable to the original version under default settings, while offering increased flexibility through user-defined parameterization. These improvements make GIPSy2 a versatile tool for genomic island prediction across diverse bacterial datasets. GIPSy2 is currently available on Zenodo repository at https://zenodo.org/doi/10.5281/zenodo.10222587 .
Effect of ESR1 and ESR2 polymorphisms on ovarian response in assisted reproductive technology cycles: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract Genetic factors contribute to poor ovarian response (POR) in assisted reproductive technology cycles, with estrogen receptor gene polymorphisms ( ESR1 and ESR2 ) being explored as a causative factor in many studies. However, there is no systematic review and meta-analysis conducted on these studies to assess the association of these receptor polymorphisms on POR. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the association between ESR1 and ESR2 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and ovarian response in women undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation (COS). The study was registered with PROSPERO and conducted according to PRISMA guidelines. 11 eligible studies were included. Among the various SNPs, meta-analysis focused on ESR1 rs2234693 and rs9340799, and ESR2 rs4986938. ESR1 rs2234693 C‑allele carriers showed significantly increased odds of POR in both heterozygote (pooled log odds ratio (LOR) = 0.99, standard error (SE) = 0.213; odds ratio (OR) = 2.69, p < 0.001)) and dominant models (LOR = 1.69, SE = 0.449, OR = 5.41, p < 0.001), with consistent findings in European populations. Associations for ESR1 rs9340799 and ESR2 rs4986938 with POR showed substantial heterogeneity. Overall, ESR1 rs2234693 may be associated with POR, in women undergoing COS. Further large-scale studies with appropriate study designs are warranted to clarify the potential role of ESR polymorphisms in COS outcomes.