Browse Articles

Integrated thermal and phytoremediation of agricultural soils impacted by PFAS

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent synthetic compounds that have contaminated millions of hectares of agricultural land through decades of biosolids application. Conventional remediation approaches, such as thermal destruction or excavation, are prohibitively expensive, carbon intensive, and leave affected farmland unfit for agriculture. Here, we present a potential scalable remediation strategy that combines phytoremediation, biochar production, and enhanced weathering to simultaneously remove PFAS from soil, immobilize residual contamination, and achieve durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Using stochastic modeling constrained by experimental data, we show that soil pH management through alkaline rock amendment can accelerate PFOS removal, shortening remediation timelines by more than a decade under typical contamination levels. Pyrolysis of harvested biomass effectively destroys PFAS and produces biochar, which, when reapplied to soil, substantially reduces leaching to groundwater and the surrounding environment. National-scale simulations across the estimated one million hectares of PFAS-impacted cropland indicate a combined CDR potential of approximately 11 Mt CO 2 y –1 , equivalent to 4 to 6% of the US 2050 carbon removal target. We estimate a median remediation cost of $1,460 USD ha –1 y –1 —more than an order of magnitude lower than current technologies, with costs substantially reduced through carbon removal revenues valued near the social cost of carbon. This integrated thermal and phytoremediation framework provides a viable pathway to restore contaminated farmland, mitigate PFAS exposure risks, and contribute meaningfully to national climate mitigation goals.

GridCL for fine-grained load profiling in smart grids under limited labels

Fine-grained load profiling is important for demand response and energy management in smart grids, yet supervised approaches remain constrained by the scarcity of high-quality labeled datasets. To address this limitation, we propose GridCL, a self-supervised contrastive learning framework for low-label load profiling in smart grids. GridCL forms paired daily-load views using conservative input perturbations—small temporal rolling, multiplicative perturbation, and energy renormalization—and combines them with a temporal convolutional encoder to learn discriminative representations from unlabeled data. Experiments on three anonymized city datasets and one pooled benchmark show that GridCL achieves strong clustering quality on the pooled AllCities benchmark, reaching 0.648 ± 0.115 ARI, 0.719 ± 0.064 NMI, and 0.620 ± 0.046 silhouette, while also attaining a best city-level ARI of 0.804 ± 0.084 . Under sparse-label evaluation, GridCL reaches 0.845 ± 0.042 accuracy on the pooled benchmark with only 10% labeled users, and remains stable at 20% and 30% labeled users with accuracies of 0.851 ± 0.033 and 0.849 ± 0.034 , respectively. These results indicate that GridCL provides an effective low-label solution for fine-grained load profiling in practical smart-grid settings.

Multiple action potentials and complex calcium dynamics following electroporation of S-HEK cells depend on gap junction coupling

Abstract In recent years, irreversible electroporation has been increasingly used to treat cardiac arrhythmias, an approach termed pulsed field ablation. The mechanisms of how electroporation affects the generation and propagation of action potentials (AP) in the myocardium (and other excitable tissues) remain to be elucidated. In our previous in vitro studies using genetically engineered S-HEK cells as a simple model of excitable cells we identified two unexpected phenomena that remain unexplained: (1) multiple APs triggered by a single electric pulse, and (2) a pulse-induced complex (bi- or multiphasic) calcium response not observed in their non-excitable counterparts NS-HEK cells. In this study, we employed fluorescence microscopy for optical monitoring of APs and intracellular calcium, pharmacological interventions targeting specific ion channels, and molecular biology techniques to characterize the expression of selected ion channels in S-HEK and NS-HEK cells. Our findings show that (1) multiple APs result primarily from sustained AP propagation along the cell monolayer through gap junctions, and (2) the complex calcium response in S-HEK cells reflects synchronized calcium influx during these propagating APs, with extracellular calcium being primary source rather than internal store release.

Effect of surface perturbations on capacitors

Capacitors are fundamental components in electronic and pulsed-power systems. For parallel-plate capacitors, the well-known textbook formula for capacitance is typically used directly in various applications by assuming flat and smooth electrodes for the capacitors. However, real capacitors often exhibit surface perturbations that can significantly affect their performance. In this work, we analytically investigate the effect of a trapezoidal surface perturbation on the electrode surface using Schwarz–Christoffel conformal mapping. This method allows us to compute the modified electric field, the surface charge, and the resulting capacitance. The effect of perturbation properties on the capacitance and their scaling dependences are analyzed systematically. In particular, the subtle effects of the trapezoid angle on capacitance are examined. The theoretical results are validated against finite-element method simulations. The general results show that perturbations that reduce the effective vacuum (or dielectric) region (i.e., minimize the effective gap distance) between the anode and cathode lead to the largest enhancement in capacitance, with important implications for high-energy-density capacitive systems.

Conservation of a lateralized visuomotor axis in hawkmoth proboscis probing

Lateralization of behavior, including motor control and sensory processing, is widespread across bilaterians. In visually guided tasks it often manifests as an axis aligning eye, appendage, and a target within a shared reference frame, such as eye-hand coordination in humans or eye-beak coordination in birds. While studied intensively in a few vertebrate systems, whether similar control principles apply to invertebrates, and more generally, how sensory and motor lateralization are linked mechanistically, remains unclear. Using the proboscis inspection behavior of hummingbird hawkmoth Macroglossum stellatarum as a model for visual appendage guidance, our study provides evidence for lateralized visuo-motor control in an invertebrate. Combining high-speed videography and markerless pose estimation, we establish the underlying control axis between the hawkmoths’ unpaired appendage and its eye. We demonstrate that individuals displayed stable, idiosyncratic proboscis lateralization, which was tightly linked to their instantaneous viewing angle of visual targets, thus forming a persistent eye–proboscis–target axis. This axis also had functional consequences for feature-targeting. Assessing the sensory–motor plasticity using monocular occlusion, we found that moths preserved their lateralized visuo-motor geometry by adjusting body posture during flower inspection. Our findings suggest convergent control principles with vertebrate models of lateralized visual appendage guidance, while highlighting stark differences in sensory–motor plasticity, thus adding to our general understanding of how lateralization shapes control strategies across nervous systems.

De Ritis (AST/ALT) ratio as a predictor of early adverse outcomes following transcatheter aortic valve replacement

Background Simple biochemical markers that capture systemic stress could refine short-term risk stratification after TAVR. We evaluated whether an elevated AST/ALT ratio predicts early adverse outcomes following transfemoral TAVR. Methods We retrospectively analyzed 733 consecutive patients undergoing transfemoral TAVR. The exposure was the preprocedural AST/ALT ratio categorized as low (<1.4; n = 478) or high (≥1.4; n = 255). Baseline characteristics were compared using t/Wilcoxon tests and χ²/Fisher’s exact tests. Thirty-day endpoints included all-cause mortality, acute kidney injury (AKI), stroke, and new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF). Kaplan–Meier failure curves were compared by the log-rank test. Cox models estimated hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% CIs; candidate covariates were prespecified and further refined with LASSO (10-fold cross-validation). Model assumptions were checked with Schoenfeld residuals. Results High AST/ALT was associated with greater 30-day risk of AKI (adjusted HR 3.18, 95% CI 1.80–5.63), stroke (adjusted HR 2.73, 95% CI 1.31–5.69), and NOAF (adjusted HR 2.35, 95% CI 1.57–3.51). For mortality, the crude association was not statistically significant (HR 2.07, 95% CI 0.91–4.68; p = 0.082) and remained non-significant after adjustment (HR 1.74, 95% CI 0.75–4.04; p = 0.197). Additional adjusted associations included higher AKI risk with high-intensity statins (HR 3.51, 95% CI 1.75–7.06) and baseline complete right bundle-branch block (HR 3.77, 95% CI 1.49–9.57). Conclusions An elevated preprocedural AST/ALT ratio independently identifies TAVR recipients at increased 30-day risk of AKI, stroke, and NOAF, but not mortality. Incorporating this inexpensive marker into routine assessment may help tailor periprocedural strategies and early surveillance after TAVR.

Type I interferon responses in CD14+ monocytes amplify CD4+ T-cell activation in PWH

MHD modeling of magneto-deflagration and magneto-detonation modes of air plasma jets in coaxial plasma accelerators in VLEO

Gas-fed coaxial plasma accelerators exhibit distinct magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) discharge modes, yet the gas-field coupling governing their formation and evolution under very low Earth orbit (VLEO) relevant conditions using air as the propellant is not fully characterized. These discharge modes dictate plume morphology and dynamics, influencing downstream flow characteristics. Understanding the structure of MHD flows has applications in increasing specific impulse and propellant utilization in electromagnetic thrusters, as well as in understanding the origin of astrophysical flows. This study employs 2D resistive MHD modeling to investigate how gas-loading conditions influence the establishment and subsequent evolution of MHD regimes, and how these evolving modes affect plasma dynamics and structure in coaxial plasma thrusters under VLEO-relevant conditions. The numerical framework adopts a validated plasma–vacuum interface tracking algorithm, ensuring a physically consistent representation of magnetized air plasma jet expansion into a vacuum, which is essential for capturing the magneto-deflagration MHD mode. Simulation results are compared with experimental observations of broadband plasma structure, exhaust velocity, and impulse bit, demonstrating agreement. In magneto-deflagration mode, efficient conversion of input energy into directed kinetic energy yields high exit velocities (∼65 km/s) and impulse bits; in magneto-detonation regime, shock-related thermal dissipation reduces exit velocities (∼30 km/s) and impulse bits. A sensitivity analysis identified inlet temperature as the dominant factor affecting impulse bit. Overall, simulation findings showed the dependence of MHD regimes on initial gas-loading profiles, identified transition behavior associated with their onset and evolution, and predicted the resulting transformations in plume structure and dynamics.

HSP90α lactylation orchestrates PGC1α and LRPGC1 nuclear translocation driving mitochondrial biogenesis

Mitochondrial biogenesis is a fundamental process that ensures energy supply and supports steroidogenesis in ovarian cells. Lactate has recently been identified as a signaling metabolite that promotes mitochondrial biogenesis; however, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here, we identify Heat Shock Protein 90 Alpha Family Class A Member 1 (HSP90α) lactylation as a key mediator that links glycolytic metabolism to mitochondrial function. Specifically, lactylation of HSP90α at K58 recruits ULK1, thereby enhancing phosphorylation at S39; lactylation at K616 prevents CDK5-mediated phosphorylation at S596. This dual regulation facilitates the nuclear translocation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α) and its isoform LRPGC1, which activate NRF1/2-dependent transcription of mitochondrial biogenesis genes, such as Tfb1m , Tfb2m , and Tfam . Functionally, mitochondrial mass expansion both enhances cellular energy metabolism and promotes cholesterol import into mitochondria, thereby driving estrogen biosynthesis. Together, these findings reveal a lactate–HSP90α–PGC1α/LRPGC1 axis that metabolically couples glycolysis to mitochondrial biogenesis and reproductive hormone production, providing insights into the epigenetic regulation of follicular development.

From participation to systematization: A scoping review of theoretical frameworks guiding process evaluations in community mental health interventions

Background Process evaluations are essential for understanding how community mental health interventions are implemented and why they succeed or fail. While numerous theoretical frameworks exist to guide such evaluations, the landscape of framework use in mental health contexts remains uncharted, limiting methodological guidance for researchers and practitioners. Methods Scoping review following Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews guidelines. Systematic searches of three databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EBSCOhost) identified 1,143 records, from which process evaluations of community mental health interventions published between 2006 and 2025 were selected. Data extraction captured framework characteristics, study context, and methodological features. Frameworks were inductively categorized into a hierarchical typology based on theoretical orientation and stated function. Results Eighty-three studies met inclusion criteria, employing 54 distinct primary frameworks organized into 14 categories. Implementation science frameworks dominated (39.8%), followed by process evaluation-specific frameworks (8.4%), behavior change theories (8.4%), and participatory approaches (6.0%). A marked temporal shift was observed: participatory and community-based frameworks characterized early publications (23.8% in 2006–2015) but were absent as primary frameworks after 2015, while implementation science frameworks rose from 14.3% to over 50% of studies. Geographic concentration in North America (54.2%) and high-income countries (83.1%) was pronounced. Conclusions The field has undergone a paradigm shift from community-engaged to systematized evaluation approaches. While framework consolidation offers methodological consistency, the decline of participatory approaches raises questions about the role of community voice in evaluation design. We propose a typology to guide framework selection and identify priorities for methodological development in community mental health process evaluation.

Contrast-based histogram analysis enables adaptive action potential detection

First-principles calculations of the elastic anisotropy and thermodynamic properties of m-ZrO2 at high pressures and temperatures

While the fundamental properties of monoclinic zirconia (m-ZrO2) are cataloged in high-throughput databases like the Materials Project, such data primarily rely on semilocal functionals that systematically underpredict the bandgap by ∼40% and fail to account for the intrinsic anharmonicity essential for high-temperature stability. This study employs the high-accuracy HSE06 hybrid functional to yield a bandgap of 5.75 eV, which is in excellent agreement with experimental vacuum ultraviolet measurements (5.83 eV). Furthermore, we provide a systematic mapping of thermodynamic properties across a wide range (0–1200 K, 0–16 GPa) with the Debye–Grüneisen model and quasi-harmonic approximation. Crucially, by utilizing DynaPhoPy and first-principles molecular dynamics at 300 and 1200 K, we explicitly demonstrate that high-temperature anharmonic effects stabilize the monoclinic lattice via frequency renormalization, providing a rigorous theoretical foundation for the monoclinic phase’s thermodynamic stability as it approaches the phase transition threshold (∼1443 K). This investigation contributes to a deeper understanding of the intrinsic properties of m-ZrO2 and provides valuable guidance for its expanded applications.

Radial gradient of superionic hydrogen in the Earth’s inner core

Hydrogen is considered a key light element in Earth’s core, yet the thermodynamics of its superionic phase and its distribution in the inner core remain unclear. Here, we compute ab initio Gibbs free energies for liquid and superionic hcp and bcc Fe–H phases and construct the superionic–liquid phase diagram over pressure–temperature conditions relevant to the Earth’s inner core. We find that phase diagrams at different inner-core pressures collapse when temperatures are scaled by the melting temperature of pure iron, indicating that solid–liquid partitioning is controlled primarily by a reduced temperature relative to iron melting and is weakly sensitive to pressure. This scaling relation further reconciles previously reported discrepancies in partition coefficients among theoretical studies and yields good agreement with available experimental data at low pressures. By applying thermochemical constraints, our free-energy results reveal a radial hydrogen gradient within the inner core. These results demonstrate that compositional gradients of superionic hydrogen in the inner core emerge naturally from equilibrium thermodynamics and suggest a general mechanism governing the depth-dependent distribution of light elements within Earth’s inner core.

Development and validation of a photogrammetry-based preoperative method (BREAST-E) for quantitative breast morphometric analysis and volume estimation of breast in reconstructive surgery

Background The demand for reproducible, reliable, and cost-effective tools regarding preoperative breast surgery planning is significant in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) due to limited advanced imaging access, insufficient standardisation, and high cost. This study developed the BREAST-E technique for accurate and standardised breast volume analysis. Methodology A photogrammetry method assessed four ptosis levels: (i) no-ptosis, (ii) mild, [Watterson PA, et al. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 1995;95:1185–94] moderate, and (iv) severe. Key parameters included marker counts (20, 40, and 60), photo angles (10°, 20°, and 30°), and offset adjustments (−0.01, 0, and +0.01). Two-dimensional (2D) images were converted into 3D models via Photomodeler for volume estimation. Clinical validation involved 12 patients (13 breasts) undergoing mastectomy, comparing estimated breast volumes to mastectomy specimens. The primary endpoint was accuracy of volume estimation compared with mastectomy specimen volume, while secondary endpoints included reliability, agreement, and workflow feasibility. Results The BREAST-E technique yielded promising accuracy [Pearson correlation coefficient ( R ) = 0.899 and mean absolute error (MAE) = 98.12 mL] and encouraging reliability (ICC = 0.995–0.996) across ptosis levels. Bland-Altman analysis indicated negligible bias, while Cronbach’s alpha (reaching 0.994) demonstrated robust internal consistency. Clinical validation also implied strong performance ( R  = 0.789, MAE = 104.69 mL, and mean error = −27.00 mL). Consequently, no-ptosis presented the highest reliability (ICC = 0.81 and Cronbach’s alpha = 0.92) with minimal bias, whereas moderate and severe ptosis levels demonstrated greater variability. Conclusion This study successfully indicated that a reproducible, accessible, and cost-effective method for analysing breast volume was accomplished through the proposed BREAST-E technique for LMICs.

A global, proxy-based assessment of building climatization vulnerability

Abstract Building compactness and construction epoch are relevant proxies of energy efficiency in buildings. By integrating building stock and Earth observation data, we characterize buildings globally and identify vulnerable areas dominated by old building age and unsuitable compactness in relation to climate conditions. Such areas are home to a population of 48 million persons that could increase by 10% to 30% by 2100 under likely socioeconomic pathways, shifting from cold regions of Eurasia to the heat-prone Sahel zone, Gulf countries and Pakistan. Results reveal stark disparities in building energy efficiency across income levels, urbanization patterns, and climate zones. Almost half of buildings globally (i.e., 43%) were built before 1980, when few to no energy efficiency measures existed, and these buildings are concentrated mainly in temperate and cold-climate urban areas in high-income countries. Low-income countries experienced more recent, lightweight and less compact urban expansion, which exposes them to the forecasted climate warming: this could increase their energy demand, hinder climate adaptation and imposes further challenges to ensure affordable thermal comfort for all.

Orientation-dependent phase transformation pathways and energy partition in shock-compressed FeCoCrCu high-entropy alloy

High-entropy alloys exhibit excellent mechanical properties under extreme dynamic loading, yet their orientation-dependent shock deformation and energy-partition mechanisms remain unclear. Here, large-scale molecular-dynamics simulations are performed to investigate single-crystalline FeCoCrCu high-entropy alloy shocked along the [100], [110], [111], and [012] orientations at particle velocities up to 1.2 km/s. The results reveal pronounced anisotropy in Hugoniot states, wave structures, stress relaxation, and microstructural evolution. Shockley-partial-mediated FCC → HCP transformation is the primary deformation pathway in all orientations, while an additional FCC → BCC transformation is activated mainly in the [100] and [012] orientations under high-intensity loading. In situ lattice analysis and simulated XRD profiles support a Bain-type FCC → body-centered tetragonal-like → BCC pathway. The [100] orientation forms metastable, patch-like BCC-like intermediates, whereas the low-symmetry [012] orientation promotes a more continuous BCC transformed region through compression–shear coupling, leading to efficient shear-stress relaxation. Phase-resolved potential-energy statistics show that BCC atoms possess higher mean potential energy than FCC/HCP atoms, suggesting transient structural-energy storage and delayed local thermalization. These findings clarify how crystallographic orientation governs the competition between dislocation-mediated plasticity and phase-transformation-assisted deformation in shock-compressed FeCoCrCu high-entropy alloy.

FGFR2 is an oncogenic driver critical for successful human gammaherpesvirus latent infection and oncogenesis

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) and Kaposi’s sarcoma–associated herpesvirus (KSHV) drive multiple aggressive lymphomas, yet effective targeted therapies for these virus-associated malignancies remain limited. Using an unbiased kinome-wide screen combined with analysis of virus-positive patient tumors, we identified fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR2) as a selectively activated host kinase in EBV- and KSHV-associated lymphomas. Importantly, FGFR2 is required for efficient establishment of EBV latent infection, and its knockdown markedly impairs the formation of viral latency programs. Viral latency proteins EBV nuclear antigen 2 (EBNA2) and latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) recruit STAT3 and RBP-Jκ to the FGFR2 promoter to drive its transcription, enabling efficient establishment of EBV latency and activation of downstream STAT3/AKT signaling. This feed-forward signaling circuit suppresses apoptosis, promotes S-phase progression, and sustains proliferation of infected lymphoma cells. Targeting FGFR2 genetically or pharmacologically using clinically relevant inhibitors markedly suppresses tumor growth in vitro and in vivo. This study identifies FGFR2 as a critical oncogenic driver in EBV and KSHV infections, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic target to inhibit tumor growth and treat associated viral malignancies.

Myasthenia gravis: Diagnostic journey and therapeutic outcomes in patients followed at a Brazilian public tertiary center — A retrospective cohort study

Background Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a heterogeneous autoimmune disorder of the neuromuscular junction. Diagnosis and management remain challenging in real-world settings, particularly in public health systems. Data from resource-constrained countries are limited. This study aimed to characterize the epidemiological, clinical, and therapeutic profile of MG patients followed in a Brazilian public tertiary center, emphasizing diagnostic delay and treatment outcomes. Methods We conducted a retrospective single-center cohort study of 150 adult MG patients evaluated from 2024 to 2025. Clinical, immunological, therapeutic, and diagnostic-journey data were extracted from institutional electronic and paper medical records, and structured patient questionnaires, when available. Patients were classified as drug-responsive, corticosteroid-dependent, or drug-refractory using predefined operational criteria informed by international consensus guidance. Between-group comparisons used parametric or nonparametric tests, and categorical variables were analyzed with chi-square, Fisher’s exact, or Monte Carlo permutation chi-square tests, as appropriate. Results The cohort had female predominance (65.3%), with a median age at onset 35.5 years (IQR 25–48). Among those tested, most were AChR antibody–positive (67.6%) and presented generalized MG (93.3%). Median diagnostic delay was 11 months, and 47.3% had delays ≥1 year. Refractory MG occurred in 14% and corticosteroid dependence in 10.6%. Documented myasthenic crisis and impending crisis occurred in 25.2% (35/139) and 27.3% (38/139), respectively; documented myasthenic crisis was more frequent in refractory than in drug-responsive patients (45.0% vs 21.0%). Treatment-related adverse events were documented in 47.5% (67/141); among affected patients, the most common were hyperglycemia (37.3%), osteoporosis/osteopenia (17.9%), and weight gain (16.4%). Conclusions MG patients followed at this Brazilian public tertiary center showed clinical profiles broadly comparable to those reported in international cohorts, but diagnostic delays were frequent. The frequencies of refractory disease and corticosteroid dependence highlight the need for earlier recognition, specialized management, optimized steroid-sparing strategies, and improved access to comprehensive MG care.

Natural products with dual anti-SARS-CoV-2 activity and selective cytotoxicity against leukemia cells from Rhaponticum carthamoides

Abstract Rhaponticum carthamoides ( Leuzea carthamoides ) is a Siberian medicinal plant known for a variety of beneficial effects and traditionally used in Russia and Eastern Europe. However, its potential as a source of antiviral agents and compounds with selective cytotoxicity against cancer cells remains underexplored. In this study, nine flavonoids, including ( 2R )-eriodictyol 5-O-β-glucopyranoside, ( 2S )-eriodictyol 5-O-β-glucopyranoside, eriodictyol 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, eriodictyol, quercetagetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, 6-hydroxykaempferol 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, 6-methoxyquercetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, spinacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside and 6-methoxykaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside were isolated and characterized from the plant’s leaves. Their individual structures were determined by 2D NMR spectroscopy techniques and mass spectrometry. The compounds were tested for cytotoxic activity against an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell line (MOLM-13), and two non-malignant cell lines representing kidney epithelium (NRK) and cardiomyocyte (H9c2). Three compounds, quercetagetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, 6-methoxyquercetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside, and spinacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside showed selective cytotoxicity towards MOLM-13 cells at 28–50 µM concentrations with little or no effect on the non-malignant cells. Notably, spinacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside was effective against MOLM-13 cells without affecting the viability of the non-malignant NRK and H9c2 cells, and it showed synergistic activity with the bench-mark AML drug daunorubicin. In SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus neutralization assays, spinacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside and 6-methoxykaempferol 3-O-β-glucopyranoside demonstrated significant antiviral activity against variant Omicron (XBB 1.5) and some antiviral activity against Delta (B.1.617.2.) in A549 ACE2/TMPRSS2 cells. These findings identify spinacetin 7-O-β-glucopyranoside as a promising dual-acting compound with both anti-leukemic and antiviral properties, emphasizing the relevance of natural products in modern drug discovery.

Si(111) quantum well for Si spin qubits with electrons confined in the L valley of the conduction band

In Si(111) quantum wells, a strong biaxial tensile strain applied within the (111) plane is considered to shift the lowest energy point of the conduction band from the Δ valley to the L valley. Electrons confined in this L valley experience a splitting of their quadruply degenerate energy levels into an undegenerate single-level ground state (L1) and a triply degenerate excited state (L3). The energy of the single-level ground state is sufficiently low relative to the energies of the L3 valley and the Δ valley, making it optimal as a two-level system for a qubit. Using deformation potential theory and incorporating quantum effects from electron confinement in the SiGe/Si(111)/SiGe structure, we determine the value of the biaxial tensile strain causing the shift of the conduction band energy minimum from the Δ valley to the L valley, along with the corresponding Ge concentration. We also calculate the critical thickness for the plastic relaxation of the Si quantum well under this large biaxial tensile strain and examine the feasibility of realizing it as a SiGe/Si(111)/SiGe heterostructure.