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Unconventional bipartite entanglement in the quantum dimer magnet Yb2Be2SiO7
Abstract The quantum dimer magnet, with antiferromagnetic intradimer and interdimer Heisenberg exchange between spin-1/2 moments, is known to host an $$(\left|\uparrow \downarrow \right\rangle -\left|\downarrow \uparrow \right\rangle )/\sqrt{2}$$ ( ↑ ↓ − ↓ ↑ ) / 2 singlet ground state when the intradimer exchange is dominant. Rare-earth-based quantum dimer systems with strong spin-orbit coupling offer the opportunity for tuning their magnetic properties by using magnetic anisotropy as a control knob. Here, we present bulk characterization and neutron scattering measurements of the quantum dimer magnet Yb 2 Be 2 SiO 7 . We find that the Yb 3+ ions can be described by an effective spin-1/2 model at low temperatures and the system does not show signs of magnetic order down to 50 mK. The magnetization, heat capacity, and neutron spectroscopy data can be well-described by an isolated dimer model with highly anisotropic exchange that stabilizes a singlet ground state with a wavefunction $$(\left|\uparrow \uparrow \right\rangle -\left|\downarrow \downarrow \right\rangle )/\sqrt{2}$$ ( ↑ ↑ − ↓ ↓ ) / 2 or $$(\left|\uparrow \uparrow \right\rangle+\left|\downarrow \downarrow \right\rangle )/\sqrt{2}$$ ( ↑ ↑ + ↓ ↓ ) / 2 . Our results show that strong spin-orbit coupling can induce unusual entangled states of matter in quantum dimer magnets.
Collection record of <i>Haemaphysalis cornigera</i> in Ibaraki Prefecture, with notes on changes in the distribution within Japan
Prevalence and dietary factors associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in a sample of obese middle-aged Egyptian women
Abstract This study investigated the prevalence of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) among a sample of middle-aged obese Egyptian women and explored the associations between nutritional status, dietary habits and NAFLD development, with the aim of increasing nutritional awareness and reducing NAFLD risk. A total of 84 obese women were evaluated using dietary assessments, anthropometric measurements, abdominal ultrasonography, fasting blood glucose, lipid profile and liver function tests. NAFLD was detected in 59% of participants and was associated with obesity, suboptimal dietary habits and low physical activity. Participants with moderate NAFLD had the highest caloric intake, primarily from saturated fats, and exhibited deficiencies in several essential vitamins. NAFLD severity was positively correlated with body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference, alanine aminotransferase levels and dietary fat intake, and negatively correlated with most fat-soluble and water-soluble vitamins. In conclusion, these findings suggest that NAFLD is relatively common among obese Egyptian women and is associated with obesity and lifestyle-related factors. Dietary patterns characterized by high energy intake, refined sugars, and unhealthy fats were more frequently observed among participants with greater disease severity. As diet and lifestyle are potentially modifiable risk factors, nutritional education and the promotion of healthier dietary and lifestyle practices may be beneficial in addressing NAFLD risk and progression.
Elucidating the NH <sub>2</sub> OH–Mediated Pathway for Photoelectrocatalytic C–N Coupling toward Solar-Driven Hexamethylenetetramine Synthesis
Cortex-wide characterization of decision-making neural dynamics during spatial navigation
Detection of Avian DNA in Flies: Role of Flies in the Transmission of High Pathogenicity Avian Influenza
Multifunctional PVC-based metal oxide/graphene composites for high-performance DSSC counter electrodes
Abstract The development of cost-effective and multifunctional counter electrodes (CEs) remains a critical challenge in advancing dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). In this work, we introduce polyvinyl chloride (PVC)-based nanocomposites incorporating ZnO nanoparticles (NPs) and graphene (G) as high-performance CE materials. A dual strategy combining density functional theory (DFT) simulations and experimental validation was employed to establish a rational design framework. Computational screening of diverse metal oxides (MgO, SiO 2 , TiO 2 , NiO, CuO, ZnO, and ZrO 2 ) identified ZnO as the most promising candidate due to its favorable dipole moment, band-gap modulation, and charge-transfer characteristics. Subsequent graphene incorporation was predicted to synergistically enhance conductivity and catalytic activity, which was experimentally confirmed. Structural and morphological analyses revealed progressive pore evolution and increased surface roughness with ZnO and graphene loading, directly correlating with improved electrochemical performance. Specifically, PVC/ZnO/G composites exhibited the highest conductivity (66 S/m), enlarged average pore size (2.97 μm), and superior surface roughness (Ra = 8.5 μm), facilitating efficient electrolyte diffusion and rapid charge transport. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy confirmed accelerated charge transfer with a markedly reduced charge-transfer resistance. J–V characterization further validated superior photovoltaic performance: PVC/ZnO/G achieved a short-circuit current density (J sc ) of 17.894 mA/cm 2 , and a fill factor (FF) of 61.2%, yielding a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 7.547%, compared to 4.697% for pristine PVC. These enhancements are attributed to the synergistic interplay between ZnO and graphene, which collectively promote efficient electrolyte diffusion, light harvesting, and interfacial charge transport. This study demonstrates, for the first time, the integration of computational screening with experimental validation to develop PVC/ZnO/G as a scalable and cost-effective CE. Beyond offering a viable alternative to Pt-based electrodes, this work establishes a design blueprint for tailoring polymer–metal oxide–graphene hybrids to enable next-generation high-performance and sustainable DSSCs.
Shape-Selective Conversion of High-Density Polyethylene into Benzene with Zeolite-Encapsulated Subnanometer Pt Catalysts
Chemical bonding manipulation unlocks high performance ionic-bonded thermoelectrics
Long-term changes in the adult density of <i>Aedes albopictus</i> (Diptera: Culicidae) in urban Tokyo: results of mosquito surveillance using a pair of dry-ice traps from 2003 to 2022
Four decades of hydroclimate-driven change and ecological condition in a Baltic raised bog assessed with Landsat and RSEI
Abstract Peatlands are key carbon stores but are highly vulnerable to hydroclimatic change and drainage legacies. We combined TerraClimate water-balance variables with Landsat Collection 2 surface reflectance imagery to quantify four decades (1984–2024) of land-cover change and ecological condition in the Bagna Izbickie Baltic raised bog (northern Poland). Land cover was mapped in Google Earth Engine using a Random Forest classifier into forest, bog and grassland classes, and ecological condition was assessed with the Remote Sensing Ecological Index integrating greenness, wetness, heat and dryness components. Hydroclimate showed progressive summer warming and an increasing atmospheric water demand, while precipitation remained strongly variable. The landscape reconfigured markedly: forest expanded from 52.4% (461.8 ha) in 1984 to 83.8% (738.4 ha) in 2024, whereas bog declined from 37.2% (327.9 ha) to 10.2% (89.8 ha). Despite this contraction, the reserve-level ecological index increased significantly over time, reflecting widespread greening and reduced surface exposure. However, bog condition was strongly climate-sensitive, with moisture signals remaining unstable and responses to warm/dry summers contrasting with those of forest and grassland. The results highlight that apparent greening can mask hydrological vulnerability and underscore the need for continued rewetting and control of woody encroachment.
Highly Efficient Chlorine Fixation Based on Organic Selenium for 3.7-V Aqueous Batteries
Solubility based mechanistic profiling of combinatorial drug therapy
A comparative evaluation of gradient-based optimization algorithms for short-term load forecasting using deep residual networks
Interfacial Metal Nanocluster Conduits Direct Charge Transfer for Record Unassisted Solar Water Splitting
Extracellular matrix rigidity controls breast cancer metastasis via TYK2-mediated mechanotransduction
Abstract Mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM) regulate various cellular processes. In breast cancer, increased tumor stiffness is associated with elevated metastasis risks and poor survival. Here we report a unique role of the JAK family kinase TYK2 in suppressing breast cancer metastasis under low ECM stiffness. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of TYK2 in mammary acini and patient-derived organoids leads to invasion at low stiffness by promoting Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition, which is independent of cytokine-induced JAK/STAT signaling. TYK2 blockade promotes metastasis in breast tumor cell- and patient-derived xenografts. TYK2 localizes at the plasma membrane via IFNAR1 association under low ECM stiffness, whereas high rigidity causes TYK2 cytoplasmic mislocalization and inactivation. Consistently, normal breast epithelium displays membrane-localized TYK2, whereas invasive breast tumors exhibit cytoplasmic TYK2. These findings uncover a TYK2-dependent mechanism by which ECM rigidity suppresses breast cancer metastasis and underscore the need for breast cancer screening in patients receiving TYK2 inhibitors.
Exploring central star variability of planetary nebulae using gaia photometry
Abstract This study presents an analysis of the variability of 81 central stars of planetary nebulae (CSPNe) are identified as variable in Gaia Data Release 3 (DR3). By combining Gaia time-series photometry with data from the Optical Gravitational Lensing Experiment ( OGLE ), the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite ( TESS ), and the Kepler , we characterise their variability and identifed 17 new periodic systems. Among these, 13 are short-period variable: light-curve modelling reveals one eclipsing binary, two systems with combined eclipsing and ellipsoidal modulation, one with irradiation effect, two with irradiation/ellipsoidal effects and seven with uncommon variability. A further five systems exhibit long-period variability. Notably, the central star (CS) of PN Al 2-R displays dual periodicity–a short period of 0.99 days and a long period of 501.4 days–and is consequently included in both the short- and long-period categories. The host nebulae of the new short-period binaries are predominantly bipolar or elliptical, strengthening the link between binarity and asymmetric planetary nebula shaping. Furthermore, we provide the first systematic confirmation of binarity in 15 previously known variable CSPNe using Gaia data, with one further confirmation from TESS . For our variability-selected sample, we derive a short-period binary fraction of approximately 48%, exceeding values reported for non-selected samples and highlighting the impact of selection effects. Furthermore, the bipolar/elliptical fraction for wide-binary central stars (57–70%) remains lower than that for close binaries, reinforcing the stronger shaping influence of close binary interactions.