Browse Articles

Versatile far- and near-field polarization generation using self-complementary metasurface

On-demand polarization generation enables a real-time reconfiguration of light that is crucial for many photonic applications, including high-capacity communications, multiplexing, imaging, and biosensing. Here, we demonstrate the excitation of electromagnetic waves with preselected polarization states in both the far- and near-fields using a self-complementary metasurface. Namely, we show theoretically and experimentally the excitation of different linear, circular, and elliptical polarization states by the probe-like and loop-like ports (i) in the far-field at the distance of a few wavelengths from a metasurface and (ii) in the near-field within the plasmon canalization of surface waves. These results pave the way for a generation of planar antennas and photonic devices that utilize advanced polarization control without redesigning or detuning.

Experimental evaluation of eco-friendly exfoliation strategies for Tour-method graphene oxide

Prenatal cannabis smoke exposure alters placental development in a murine model of pregnancy

Cannabis use during pregnancy continues to increase with smoking remaining the most common mode of consumption. While clinical studies highlight an association between prenatal cannabis use and adverse pregnancy outcomes, less is known about placental outcomes, even though many of the reported pregnancy outcomes are thought to be mediated via placental dysfunction. Here, we established a mouse model of gestational cannabis smoke exposure to investigate the impacts on fetal outcomes and placental structure and function. Pregnant CD1 mice were exposed daily to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)-dominant cannabis smoke (12–14% THC, 0–2% CBD) or filtered air from embryonic day (E)6.5 to E18.5 or parturition. Cannabinoid analyses in cannabis smoke-exposed, paired maternal and fetal livers revealed total THC and 11-Nor-9-carboxy-THC (THCA) concentrations of 135.95 ± 13.60 ng/g and 30.84 ± 4.68 ng/g, respectively. Moreover, Cyp1a1 , a smoke-inducible enzyme, was induced by 4-fold in cannabis smoke-exposed placentae. No changes in offspring body weights were observed; however, there was a marked decrease in the brain-to-body weight ratio of exposed postnatal day 1 (PND1) offspring. Placentae from exposed dams were significantly reduced in size, with altered zonation marked by a significantly decreased junctional zone and increased labyrinth zone. Key trophoblast differentiation markers ( Tfap2c , Tpbpa , Pcdh12 ) and placental endocrine regulators ( Pl2 , Igf1r ) were significantly downregulated following cannabis smoke exposure in placentas. Furthermore, transcript levels of placental nutrient and vascularization markers, Glut1 , Vegfa and Pparg were significantly decreased in cannabis smoke-exposed placentas. By employing a physiologically relevant platform of prenatal cannabis exposure in vivo we demonstrate the adverse effects of prenatal cannabis smoke exposure on placental structure and function as well as on fetal brain growth.

Interlayer coupling and twist-induced modulation of heat transport in multilayer <i>β</i> -bismuthene

Two-dimensional (2D) β-bismuthene has emerged as a promising thermoelectric material owing to its distinctive electronic and thermal properties. Engineering phonon transport through structural parameters such as layer numbers and twist angle provide a powerful strategy for tailoring the thermal behavior of 2D layered materials. In this work, we systematically investigate its thermal transport behavior using molecular dynamics simulations, focusing on the effects of layer number and twist angle. The lattice thermal conductivity increases with layer number from monolayer to five layers but gradually saturates, exhibiting an anomalous layer-dependent trend. In twisted bilayer β-bismuthene, a pronounced 79.2% reduction in in-plane thermal conductivity is observed at a twist angle of θ = 30° compared to θ = 0°, accompanied by a 62.4% decrease in interfacial thermal conductance. Detailed analyses of phonon transmission, density of states, participation ratio, and interfacial potential energy reveal that these reductions arise from suppressed low-frequency phonon transport and weakened interlayer coupling. This work demonstrates that twist angle engineering provides an effective strategy for tuning both in-plane and interfacial thermal transport, offering valuable guidance for designing 2D materials with tailored thermoelectric performance.

Secure authentication using a multidimensional retinal biometric encryption method

Effects of a level-based immersive virtual reality physical therapy program on static and dynamic balance in Parkinson’s disease: Protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by postural instability, which significantly contributes to an increased risk of falls (occurring in 45–68% of persons with PD annually), leading to greater functional dependence, social isolation, and a significant decrease in quality of life. The aim of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate the effects of an immersive virtual reality (IVR) intervention on static and dynamic balance, gait speed, functional mobility, lower limb strength, and quality of life in people with PD. Furthermore, the study will assess treatment adherence, participant satisfaction, as well as the potential occurrence of adverse effects associated with the application of IVR. Methods A 10-month, single-blind, two-arm randomized controlled trial will be conducted with participants aged 55–90 years diagnosed with PD and classified between stages 2.5 and 4 on the modified Hoehn and Yahr scale. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: an experimental group and a control group. The intervention will consist of an 8-session program. The first part of each session, common to both groups, will include a standardized strength training program. In the second part, the experimental group will receive a physical therapy balance program using IVR, while the control group will follow a usual physical therapy balance exercise program. Discussion This study will examine whether IVR can improve static and dynamic balance rehabilitation in Parkinson’s disease beyond usual physical therapy, addressing real-world motor and dual-task challenges. By providing enriched sensory input and adaptive tasks, the IVR seeks to optimize motor learning and functional mobility. Demonstrating safety and clinically meaningful improvements would support IVR as a scalable and engaging tool to reduce risk of falls and enhance quality of life in PD. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT07274514

Dual-frequency and dual-polarization multiplexed terahertz biochemical sensor based on chiral metasurface

Metasurfaces offer a novel platform for terahertz spectroscopic detection of chiral biochemical substances. However, multichannel and high-sensitivity metasensors still require further development. This paper presents a dual-frequency, dual-polarization multiplexed terahertz metasensor based on metallic chiral resonators. It utilizes orthogonally linearly polarized terahertz waves at two distinct frequencies as independent sensing channels. Using L-proline as an example, we designed and fabricated a sensor prototype and evaluated its sensing performance for different linear polarizations near 0.6 and 0.9 THz. Frequency shift sensitivities of 3.75 GHz/(μg/cm2) and 4.27 GHz/(μg/cm2) were achieved in the two working modes, respectively. Additionally, we demonstrated the polarization ellipse of the transmitted wave as an intuitive sensing indicator. Both the ellipticity and azimuth angle showed significant changes with increasing analyte concentration. The consistent trends observed in both simulations and experiments fully validate the feasibility of the proposed approach. The findings of this study provide new insights for the development of novel multichannel, high-sensitivity metasensors.

Knowledge, attitude, and practice regarding radiation dermatitis among radiotherapy patients across Shanxi: a cross-sectional study

Are teachers missing the beat on students’ motor competence?

Purpose Compare physical education (PE) teachers’ perceptions of their students’ motor competence (MC) with students’ objectively assessed actual motor competence. Methods 20 PE teachers and 340 students participated. Teachers were asked to estimate the student MC. Normative videos of the performance on each test (Standing Long Jump, Shuttle Run, Shifting Platforms, Jumping Sideways, Ball Throwing, and Kicking Velocity) were presented to assess teachers’ perceptions of MC. Paired t-tests with Cohen’s d quantified differences between children’s actual motor competence and teachers’ perceptions, alongside error tendency analyses (accurate, over-, or underestimation) using a 5% threshold. Associations and agreement between perceived and actual MC were examined using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots. Findings Teachers overestimated MC in most tests, particularly stability-related tasks such as the Shifting Platforms test (p &lt; 0.001). However, underestimations were evident in the Standing Long Jump test (p &lt; 0.001), where students performed above national values. Also, there was a tendency to underestimate the lateral jumps, but it was not significant. Conclusion Our findings underscore the need for targeted teacher training programs and curriculum adjustments to improve assessment accuracy, ensuring that PE instruction effectively promotes skill development.

Memristors from vertically aligned transition metal dichalcogenide films: Computational screening study

Vertically aligned MoS2 films have been used for the fabrication of electrochemical metallization (ECM) memristor devices. While many other transition metal dichalcogenides can be synthesized in the vertical growth mode, their suitability for ECM memristors has not been studied. In this study, we investigate whether other vertically growable layered materials (MoSe2, MoTe2, WS2, and WSe2) can be used for the same purposes. We simulate metal ion incorporation to transition metal dichalcogenide films and their migration therein using first-principles and kinetic Monte Carlo calculations. Our results confirm that all studied materials are great ionic conductors, each with distinct characteristics. Among them, WS2 with Cu electrodes emerges as the most promising configuration for memristor applications.

A dual-branch graph neural network architecture for drug-target binding affinity prediction

Correction: Low level of plasma DNase is associated with worse clinical outcome in testicular germ cell tumor patients and exogeneous DNase I improves cisplatin treatment efficacy

Redox‐Mediated Electrochemical Regeneration of Spent LiFePO ₄ Battery Cathodes

ABSTRACT Direct recycling of lithium‐ion battery cathodes offers considerable appeal over metallurgical approaches. Here, we demonstrate a mediated electrochemical method for direct regeneration of degraded LiFePO 4 (LFP). The approach uses a redox mediator, iron propylenediamine tetraacetate, that undergoes electrochemical reduction and is circulated through an external reservoir, where it supplies the electrons needed to regenerate LFP in the presence of Li + ions derived from LiOH oxidation. Rapid outer‐sphere electron transfer is observed from the mediator to the degraded LFP material. This feature, together with good aqueous solubility of the mediator (0.3 M), supports current densities up to 100 mA/cm 2 , and this electrochemical recycling process is demonstrated on 100 g scale. 57 Fe Mössbauer spectroscopy is used to monitor the correction of structural defects in the degraded LFP, providing the basis for regeneration of LFP that matches the electrochemical performance of pristine LFP.

Research on lattice cooperative relaxation modulated by orbital hybridization regulation in NBT–SBT-based ceramics

NBT–SBT ceramics are widely utilized in integrated circuits due to their excellent relaxor properties. In this work, a modified NBT–SBT-based ceramic with excellent dielectric properties was prepared via orbital hybridization engineering that can achieve lattice-dominated synergistic relaxation. Driven by the high-entropy effect induced by multiple ions, the crystal adopts a single Pm-3m cubic structure, which promotes the redistribution of orbital hybridization. A high εr is attained via strong orbital coupling between Sr-d, Ti-d, Ta-d, and O-2p orbitals, while a low tan δ is realized through weakly coupled ionic bonding among Na, Mg, and O. Furthermore, donor doping with high-valent Ta5+ and acceptor doping with low-valent Mg2+ reduce the concentration of oxygen vacancies and optimize the chemical environment of Bi3+, which in turn shifts the Tm and TB to higher temperatures and ultimately yields a relaxation mechanism dominated by lattice-mediated cooperative interactions.

Polygenic scores for executive functioning as predictors of performance improvements after repeated testing in major psychiatric disorders

Abstract Executive Functions (EF) control goal-oriented behaviors and are disrupted in patients with psychiatric disorders (PPD). Repeated EF testing in clinical practice and research aims to evaluate disease progression and treatment efficacy. Performance improvements (or “practice effects”) are expected, while deficiencies had been proposed as markers of conversion to dementia. Given the high conversion risk in PPD, understanding the determinants of practice effects is of high relevance. However, the role of genetic predisposition remains unknown. We aim to test the influence of polygenic scores on practice effects across PPD. Data were drawn from the longitudinal deep-phenotyping PsyCourse Study ( N  = 1,558). Latent factor analysis revealed a common Executive Function factor (cEF), which explained shared variability of 5 different EF tests. We tested the association of polygenic scores for the cEF (PGS-cEF) – based on the largest GWAS on cEF to date ( N  = 427,037) - with cEF scores improvements in PsyCourse. The PGS for general psychopathology “p-Factor” (PGS-PF) were used as a psychiatric liability comparison. Volunteer adults (&gt; 18 y.o.), with and without diagnoses within the Affective-Psychotic spectrum were recruited across Germany and Austria, followed-up four times at six months intervals. The mean PGS-cEF was lower in patients with psychotic vs. affective disorders (diff: -0.01, 95% CI -0.02 to -0.002) and controls (diff: -0.02, 95% CI -0.03 - -0.006); while the mean PGS-PF was higher in psychotic vs. affective disorders (diff: 0.02, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.04) and controls (diff: 0.03, 95% CI 0.02–0.05). Overall, the PGS-cEF x Visit interaction was associated with the phenotypic latent cEF scores (eta 2  = 0.03; p  = 1.32e-15), but not with the scores of individual EF tests. There was no PGS-PF x Visit interaction associated with any cognitive score. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first analysis of genetic factors related to EF improvements in PPD. The PGS-cEF, but not the PGS-PF predicted practice effects in cEF scores over 18 months. This prediction was only observable using the latent‑cEF level, and not with the individual scores. Genetic testing and deep phenotyping might hint further information about EF vulnerability in PPD.

Risk identification strategies for health pandemics and epidemics on college campuses: A comprehensive analysis of heat maps and behavioral observations

Objective The purpose of the current studies was to use direct observation and surveys to assess behavioral risk on a college campus during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods Study 1 used direct observation to monitor safe and at-risk mask-wearing behavior across multiple campus locations and whether mask-wearing differed when individuals were alone or in groups. Study 2 surveyed college students through a click-based campus map survey to identify high- and low-mask-wearing locations on campus and create data heat maps indicating at-risk behaviors. Direct observation analyses were then used to verify the identified locations. Results Study 1 revealed that mask-wearing was likely during a mask-wearing policy implemented across the college campus. However, mask-wearing was less likely when people were in groups than alone. Study 2 showed that survey responses and the heat map analysis identified spatially distinct locations of perceived high and low mask-wearing. These data were validated through direct observation, verifying high and low mask-wearing at the identified locations. Conclusions Survey heat maps paired with direct observation can help identify specific locations where safe and at-risk behaviors are most likely to occur. By identifying special patterns of risk, this comprehensive approach offers actionable information to guide interventions, policy enforcement, and resource allocation during health epidemics.

High-dynamic-range vector magnetometry in solid-state systems

Nitrogen vacancy (NV) center magnetometers offer theoretical advantages such as high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and vector capability; however, achieving all these performance metrics simultaneously in a single device remains a significant challenge. Our study presents an NV-based vector magnetometry system optimized for high-sensitivity, wide-range magnetic field measurements to overcome this issue. Our approach utilizes a frequency-locking technique combined with frequency hopping, enabling robust tracking of resonance frequencies over a wide magnetic field range via a high-speed direct digital synthesizer. We achieve real-time vector field reconstruction with high temporal resolution by continuously monitoring the resonance frequency. The proposed system demonstrates significant improvements in dynamic range, sensitivity, and tracking speed, positioning it as an essential tool for a variety of quantum sensing applications.

Electric power data element trading price prediction model based on improved grid VMD Resnet-BiLSTM algorithm

Multi-omics analysis identifies CCNB1 as a cell cycle factor driving glioblastoma progression and its inhibition by resveratrol

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a fast-growing primary brain tumor with high mortality and recurrence rates. Dysregulation of the cell cycle is a hallmark of GBM, and cyclin B1 (CCNB1) is a key regulator of the cell cycle. However, the role of CCNB1 in GBM remains unclear. In this study, we found that CCNB1 mRNA and protein expression levels were significantly higher in GBM tissues than normal tissues. High CCNB1 mRNA expression was associated with poorer prognosis in GBM patients. Single-cell and spatial transcriptomics data revealed that CCNB1 + cells represent a proliferative subcluster in GBM, annotated as proliferative cells, and characterized by the upregulation of cell cycle-related pathways. CCNB1 inhibition decreased the proliferation of GBM cells and impaired cell cycle progression from S phase to G2/M. Additionally, resveratrol could inhibit the expression of CCNB1 and its interacting gene polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1). Importantly, through in vitro and in vivo experiments, we found that resveratrol suppressed GBM cell growth with low toxicity. CCNB1 silencing combined with resveratrol treatment further inhibited the proliferation of GBM cells. Collectively, these data suggest that CCNB1 is highly expressed in GBM and may promote GBM progression. Inhibition of CCNB1 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for GBM.

Anomeric Amides: Valuable Reagents in Synthetic Organic Chemistry

ABSTRACT The quest for synthetic tools to achieve molecular complexity is of paramount importance. In recent years, strategies have been developed for the late‐stage functionalization of molecules. Anomeric amides have emerged as valuable reagents in this active research area due to their broad range of synthetic applications, and they continue to draw growing interest from the scientific community. This minireview aims to discuss and highlight recent progress in using anomeric amides across a variety of synthetic transformations.