Browse Articles

Retraction Note: Multimodal deep learning for cephalometric landmark detection and treatment prediction

Gate-tunable polarization-sensitive photodetection based on in-plane anisotropic GeS single-crystal films

Group IV–VI monochalcogenides have attracted considerable interest for polarization-sensitive photodetection due to their pronounced chemical stability and photoelectric anisotropy. However, scaling high-quality single-crystalline films over large areas remains challenging, limiting the active device area and ultimately the performance metrics of linear-polarization photodetectors. Furthermore, the origin and gate-tunability of valley-selective photoresponses in these materials are not fully understood. Herein, sub-centimeter-scale single-crystal GeS films with high lattice uniformity are successfully synthesized. Photodetectors based on these films exhibit strong wavelength-dependent linear dichroism, reaching a maximum polarization ratio of 2.7 at 670 nm. Significantly, a photoinduced bilateral Schottky-barrier lowering effect is identified, which provides an internal photo-gain, leading to the higher responsivity of 17.37 mA/W and detectivity of 2.77 × 1010 Jones at 405 nm. A gate voltage-modulated rotation of the polarization-sensitive photocurrent axis is observed, revealing a complex interplay between intrinsic anisotropy and external-field effects. Theoretical analysis indicates that the intrinsic dichroism originates from two distinct in-plane polarized valleys, while the gate-induced angular rotation is primarily driven by an anisotropic Pauli-blocking mechanism. These findings not only demonstrate a viable route for wafer-scale preparation of single-crystal GeS films but also provide fundamental insights into the electric modulation of linear dichroism, advancing the development of high-performance polarized photonic devices.

Deciduous pulp stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles stimulate the proliferation of cartilage progenitor cells via extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 activation

Abstract The developmental dysfunction of cartilage progenitor cells (CPCs) causes dwarfism. Radical therapies for dwarfism remain underdeveloped. Recently, the therapeutic benefits of extracellular vesicles (EVs) released from human exfoliated deciduous tooth-derived stem cells (SHED) have been investigated for their potential to restore disease-target cells. However, the effects of EVs on human CPCs for the treatment of dwarfism remain unclear. We investigated the impact of EVs on cell proliferation, telomerase activity, telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT ) expression, cell cycle, and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) levels in human CPCs and in our established osteogenesis imperfecta (OI)-specific SHED (OI-SHED). EVs enhanced the proliferation and G1/S phase transition of CPCs, which was associated with increased TERT expression and telomerase activity. However, RNase-preconditioned EVs did not attenuate the efficacy of EVs in CPCs. ERK1/2 inhibitor tests demonstrated that CPCs exhibited suppressed proliferation, telomerase activity, and G1/S phase progression. EV-transferring CD29 induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation in CPCs, subsequently activating telomerase activity to induce proliferation. Interestingly, EV stimulation restored the reduction in cell proliferation, cell cycle progression, phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels, and TERT expression in OI-SHED. In conclusion, the present findings provide new insights into ERK1/2-mediated proliferation of human CPCs using EVs.

Mid-infrared interband cascade superluminescent diode with tunable spectral-width and monolithically integrated detector

This study reports a mid-infrared interband cascade superluminescent diode (ICSLD). By controlling the proportion of amplified spontaneous emission in the spectrum, we have achieved spectral width tuning from 1358 to 44 nm. Benefiting from the optical field confinement effect of the waveguide structure, the radiant exitance of the device reaches 77 W/cm2 at 78 K and 5.04 W/cm2 at 300 K, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of the surface-emitting LEDs based on the same material. A five-stage cascaded InAs/GaAsSb interband cascade structure is employed as the active region. The maximum output power-to-length ratio of the ICSLDs at 78 K is close to the state-of-the-art, while the injection current and device length are only 20% of those of quantum cascade superluminescent diodes. The interband cascade structure exhibits a longer nonradiative lifetime than the quantum cascade structure, which is the key to realizing low power consumption. A theoretical model for superluminescent diodes is developed, which reveals that variations in device size and operating conditions typically cause the output power and spectral width to vary inversely. Furthermore, the device functions as an edge-illuminated mesa photodiode at zero bias. It shows a responsivity of 2.6 A/W at 78 K, which is an order of magnitude higher than that of the top-illuminated mesa photodiode fabricated from the same epitaxial wafer. We demonstrate the generation and detection of optical signals on the same epitaxial wafer using ICSLDs.

Impact of sex differences on revascularization and long-term clinical outcomes in patients with non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction: a multicentre study from China

Observation of topological Hall effect in synthetic antiferromagnetic skyrmion system

Synthetic antiferromagnetic (SAF) skyrmions have emerged as promising candidates for next-generation high-speed and highly integrated spintronic devices owing to their exceptional properties, such as high driving velocity, nanoscale dimensions, and the absence of the skyrmion Hall effect. In this work, we report the experimental observation of the topological Hall effect in both compensated and non-compensated SAF skyrmion systems based on the [Pt/Co/Ru]2 trilayer. The antiferromagnetic skyrmions are further demonstrated to be robust in these SAFs under zero field. Our first-principles calculations, atomistic spin model simulations, and transmission electron microscopy measurements show that the observed topological Hall Effect is related to the skyrmion structures in the Ru and Pt layers, which are induced by the magnetic proximity effect and atomic diffusion. This work examines the role of the magnetic proximity effect in the topological Hall effect of SAF skyrmions in these systems.

Caregivers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices towards skin complications related to insulin pump use in children with type 1 diabetes (T1D) mellitus

Three-coordinated Cu(I) complexes for electrochromic devices with high coloration efficiency

The development of efficient electrochromic materials is critical for advancing energy-efficient smart windows and next-generation display systems. In this study, three-coordinated heteroleptic Cu(I) complexes [Cu(Sphos)(cmdf)]PF6 (1) and [Cu(Xphos)(cmdf)]PF6 (2), incorporating bulky phosphine ligands, have been synthesized to design energy-efficient electrochromic smart devices. Complex 1 exhibits the structural robustness along with reversible and stable redox performance, making it suitable for device integration. Both rigid and flexible devices constructed using 1 demonstrate excellent electrochromic performance. Complex 1 delivers reproducible and high-contrast switching, demonstrating a color contrast as high as 42% and a coloration efficiency of 690 cm2/C. These results highlight the potential of Cu(I) complexes as viable alternatives to traditional electrochromic materials.

Model test study on centroid frequency evolution of reservoir landslide under water level fluctuations

Ultralow threshold polariton laser and vortex formation in an organic microcavity at room temperature

Exciton polaritons represent hybrid bosonic quasiparticles that emerge from the strong coupling between excitons and photons. Their distinctive properties provide a robust platform for investigating light–matter interactions. These properties facilitate spontaneous coherence and pronounced nonlinear optical phenomena, making them highly suitable for exploring thresholdless lasing, ultrafast optical switching, and quantum fluid dynamics. Organic semiconductors are especially advantageous for polaritonic applications, owing to their high exciton binding energies and superior processability. In this study, we report a microcavity incorporating DPAVBi plate-like single crystals in a distinct polymorphic phase, achieving a lasing threshold approximately 60 times lower than that of previously reported DPAVBi micro-belts. Furthermore, we demonstrate the emergence of exciton–polariton vortex modes within this organic microcavity at room temperature. Our findings establish a viable pathway for investigating low-power organic photonic lasers and demonstrate their potential utility in quantum information processing and next-generation organic optoelectronic devices.

Estimating opium use prevalence at the national and provincial levels in Iran: a modelling study

Thermally stable multistate characteristics in multidomain-driven magnetic tunnel junctions

The intermediate resistance states observed between the P and AP states of magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) have traditionally been considered detrimental to device reliability. This work evaluates a multidomain manipulation approach that transforms these intermediate states into controllable multistate storage resources, thereby enabling the feasibility of multi-bit data storage within a single MTJ. Through systematic investigation of the resistance–voltage characteristics of perpendicular-anisotropy MTJs with varying diameters, we found that the number of resistance states can be effectively controlled by manipulating the MTJ diameter under field-free switching conditions. In a 590 nm-diameter device, we observed up to six stable and clearly distinguishable resistance states. Based on a model of the multidomain structure in the free layer, we provide a comprehensive analysis of the sequential domain switching process and, for the first time, demonstrate the exceptional thermal stability and a 1 h retention time of these multistates over a wide temperature range (5.4–360 K). All intermediate states exhibit significant margins in both resistance values and switching voltage windows, ensuring robust error tolerance for read/write operations across wide temperature ranges. This work offers crucial experimental validation for the development of high-density multistate magnetic random access memory.

Post-market surveillance of antiretroviral drug quality in Tanzania in the context of rising HIV drug resistance

Liquid metal display and quasi-E-paper

Gallium-based liquid metal offers exciting possibilities for soft optical interfaces, yet current approaches often rely on the introduction of heterogeneous materials. Here, we report an electrochemically reconfigurable display strategy leveraging the localized anodic oxidation reaction of liquid metals in acidic solution. By applying an anodic potential, the liquid metal surface undergoes a rapid and reversible transition from reflective silver to high-contrast matte black, attributed to the formation of a porous and light-trapping oxide film. Crucially, this oxide layer spontaneously dissolves in the electrolyte upon voltage removal, enabling intrinsic self-erasing functionality. We demonstrate that the kinetics of pattern formation and dissolution can be tailored by modulating the polarization voltage and electrolyte concentration. Based on this mechanism, we realize two proof-of-concept applications: a programmable, pixel-addressable “Liquid Metal Display” and an interactive, pen-writable “Liquid Metal Quasi-E-paper.” This strategy provides a pathway for developing dynamic and reconfigurable visual interfaces on soft and deformable substrates.

U-Trans: a foundation model for seismic waveform representation and enhanced downstream earthquake tasks

Prevalence and associated risk factors of tinnitus among Palestinian adolescents aged 15–18: A cross-sectional study

Background Tinnitus is a prevalent condition worldwide, particularly among adolescents, that has a substantial impact on quality of life, yet it remains an understudied issue. Objectives This study aims to determine the prevalence of tinnitus and its associated risk factors among Palestinian adolescents aged 15–18. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025. A convenience sample of participants was recruited. The study utilized the European School for the Interdisciplinary Tinnitus Research Screening Questionnaire. Results A total of 1,131 participants were enrolled in the study, with 64.5% being females. The prevalence of tinnitus among the study sample was 532, representing 47% of the population. Females had a higher prevalence of tinnitus, with 370 affected (50.7%) compared to males (40.4%). Significant associations were found between tinnitus and several factors: age, positive family history of tinnitus (threefold increased risk), sensitivity to external sounds (2.7 times higher likelihood), slight hearing difficulty in noisy environments (1.7 times higher risk), pain symptoms (double the risk), and difficulty falling asleep (1.8 times higher risk). Notably, the majority of affected participants (71.5%) had never sought professional care for their tinnitus. Conclusion Although Tinnitus is common among Palestinian adolescents aged 15–18 years, the majority of affected participants did not seek professional care for tinnitus. These findings highlight the importance of conducting further research to shed insight into this prevalent and neglected health priority.

Breaking the thermal–dielectric trade-off in high-temperature polymers via transfer learning

High-temperature capacitive energy storage demands dielectric polymers that integrate high thermal conductivity with excellent electrical insulation to mitigate thermal runaway induced by Joule heating. However, conventional strategies for improving thermal conductivity through increased aromatic conjugation frequently exacerbate conductive losses under elevated temperatures and high electric fields. To resolve this fundamental trade-off between thermal conductivity and electrical insulation, we introduce a conjugation-decoupling strategy. This approach incorporates aliphatic segments to disrupt the π–π conjugation networks, implemented through a machine learning-assisted co-design workflow. A transfer learning model is built to establish the structure–property relationship between glass transition temperature and thermal conductivity, and subsequently guides the synthesis of three semi-aromatic polyimides that concurrently achieve a high glass transition temperature, a wide bandgap, and high thermal conductivity. The resulting semi-alicyclic polyimide film demonstrated outstanding discharge energy density (5.26 J cm−3) and η = 90% performance at 200 °C, significantly outperforming commercial Kapton polyimide film. We report a strategy for high-temperature dielectric development using an interpretable machine learning model, demonstrating a concurrent enhancement of electrical insulation and thermal conductivity, properties typically constrained by a conventional trade-off.

Effect of short-duration microwave treatments on flower development and secondary metabolite production in Agastache rugosa

Abstract This study investigated the effects of short-duration microwave (MW) exposure on growth, photosynthesis, antioxidant activity, and secondary metabolite accumulation in Agastache rugosa cultivated in a deep flow technique hydroponic system. Plants at 14 and 18 days after transplanting were exposed to MW radiation at 200 W for 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 s, with untreated plants serving as the control. While most vegetative growth parameters were unaffected, MW exposure for 15–25 s significantly increased flower branch number by 9–15% and flower biomass by 9–24% compared with the control. These treatments also enhanced net photosynthetic rate (by up to 53%), chlorophyll a content (by 12%), and total phenolics (by 43–85%) compared with the control. Antioxidant enzyme activities were markedly elevated, with SOD, POD, and CAT increasing by up to 66%, 49%, and 103%, respectively. MW exposure also promoted phytochemical accumulation: total flavonoids increased by 7–11%, and key bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid (up to 7.3-fold), tilianin (up to 53%), and rosmarinic acid (up to 42%) were significantly enhanced. These results indicate that short MW exposures of 15–25 s act as an effective elicitation strategy to improve flower development and phytopharmaceutical quality of A. rugosa under controlled cultivation conditions.

New conditions for stability of multiple delayed Cohen-Grossberg Neural Networks of neutral-type

In this research article, we essentially aim to examine the stability properties of a certain type of Cohen-Grossberg neural network. The analysed neural network involves multiple delay parameters. These delay parameters complicate the dynamical behaviour of the system, thereby increasing the risk of oscillations and chaotic behaviour, which adversely affect system stability. However, under specific system parameter constraints, the stability of the system can be ensured. In our study, we developed new adequate stability conditions that guarantee global asymptotic stability for neutral-type Cohen-Grossberg artificial neural networks with multiple delays. These conditions, which can serve as an alternative to the results in the literature, are derived by utilizing suitable Lyapunov functionals and the Lyapunov theorem. The proposed stability conditions are formulated as algebraic equations. Within this context, our proposed stability conditions can be easily examined by using some mathematical methods and software tools. By carrying out a detailed analysis of an instructive numerical example, the results obtained in this article are also shown to establish alternative stability criteria to the corresponding stability conditions given in the past literature.

Phononic colloidal glasses

Colloidal glasses composed of self-assembled nanoparticles can control light transport through photonic bandgaps and non-iridescent structural color, yet their phononic properties remain largely unexplored. Here, we demonstrate that colloidal glasses made of poly(methylmethacrylate) nanoparticles feature phononic bandgaps in the hypersonic (GHz) frequency range. Using momentum-resolved Brillouin light spectroscopy, the phonon dispersion relation reveals stopbands in hybrid colloidal glasses of various architectures, including gradient-ordered, gradient-mixed, binary-mixed, single-size assemblies, and bilayer structures. The observed hybridization bandgaps (HG) near 4 GHz are opened by the interactions of propagating acoustic wave packets with localized particle vibration resonances. We show that the HG bandwidth can be tuned by modifying the short-range order of the glass, while the bilayer configuration enables frequency-selective routing of acoustic waves. The results establish colloidal phononic glasses as a versatile platform for designing vibrational isolators and acoustic components of arbitrary geometry.