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Overexpression of JMJD6 drives immune evasion via the BRD4–IRF1–PD-L1 axis and promotes malignancy in gastric cancer
Double‐Donor and Anion‐π Polymer Electrolytes for Fast Li <sup>+</sup> Conduction in Lithium Metal Batteries
Abstract Cellulose‐based quasi‐solid polymer electrolytes (QPE) offer advantages such as cost‐effectiveness, renewability, and environmental friendliness, making them ideal candidates for lithium metal batteries. However, the strong intermolecular hydrogen bonds within the cellulose framework hinder lithium ion (Li + ) transport and reduce ion mobility, limiting their practical applications. In this study, we developed a cellulose trimellitate ester (PCLA) with a double‐donor and anion‐π structure: 1) the carbonyl group (C═O) as a Li + donor, 2) the carboxyl group (COOH) serves as a hydrogen bond donor to anchor the bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (TFSI − ) anion, and 3) the electron‐deficient benzene ring (Ph) interacts with the TFSI − anion through the anion‐π mechanism. The resulting PCLA QPE achieved high ionic conductivity (1 × 10 −3 S cm −1 at 25 °C) and excellent tensile strength (57.04 MPa). Full‐cell batteries with LFP and NCM811 cathodes exhibited exceptional cycling stability with remaining 85% and 90% of their initial capacity after 1000 and 200 cycles, respectively. This double‐donor and anion‐π molecular design paves the way for cellulose‐based solid electrolytes with commercial potential, advancing next‐generation safe energy storage technologies.
Phase 1, randomized, crossover study comparing intravenous GTX-104 to oral nimodipine in healthy human subjects
Enterally-administered nimodipine is the only approved drug formulation available in the United States for treatment of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage. Intravenous nimodipine is available in other countries but it contains a high concentration of ethanol that is irritating to the vasculature, can alter the effects of other medications, impair neurological assessments and is potentially harmful to the liver. We developed a sterile aqueous solution of nimodipine solubilized in polysorbate 80 micelles (GTX-104) that circumvents these problems. GTX-104 has been administered to 168 healthy human volunteers in 2 studies. We report the second study here, a phase 1, single center, randomized, 2-period cross over study that assessed the pharmacokinetics of GTX-104 and oral nimodipine capsules, which is the reference standard, in 58 healthy human volunteers. GTX-104 was administered for 72 hours as a continuous infusion of 0.15 mg/hour with a 30 minute bolus infusion of 4 mg every 4 hours. Nimodipine capsules were administered orally at a dose of 60 mg every 4 hours for 72 hours. The maximum plasma concentrations (geometric least square means) after the first dose of each formulation were similar (GTX-104: 63 ng/mL, n = 57 versus nimodipine capsules: 69 ng/mL, n = 56, ratio and 90% confidence interval [CI] of geometric LS means : 92% [90% CI: 82–104%]). The areas under the concentration-time curves on the 3rd day at steady state also were the same (GTX-104: 492 ng*h/mL, n = 56 versus nimodipine capsules: 462 ng*h/mL, n = 55, ratio and 90% CI of geometric LS means : 106% [90% CI: 99–114%]). The secondary pharmacokinetic parameters (daily maximum concentration at steady-state and time to maximum concentration) were also similar for the 2 formulations. The variability in PK parameters was less for GTX-104 compared to nimodipine capsules. The average oral bioavailability for nimodipine capsules was 7%. These results enabled a Phase 3 safety study of GTX-104 in humans with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Self-configuring high-speed multi-plane light conversion
Abstract Multi-plane light converters (MPLCs) – also known as diffractive neural networks – convert an orthogonal set of optical fields into any other orthogonal set via a unitary transformation. MPLC design typically involves optimising a digital model. However, inherently high levels of complexity mean that even a minor mismatch between this model and the physically realised MPLC leads to a severe reduction in performance. Here we create a self-configuring MPLC, converging in minutes while automatically absorbing unknown misalignments and aberrations into the design. To achieve this we introduce ‘multi-plane wavefront shaping’ – allowing multiple spatial light modes to be reshaped simultaneously. Convergence is accelerated via a high-speed MPLC platform incorporating a kHz-rate phase-only light modulator. Using this approach we demonstrate arbitrary optical transformations and universal mode sorters. Our work paves the way towards ultra-high-fidelity MPLCs with potential applications to optical communications, photonic computing and imaging.
Optical properties of magneto-plasmonic nanoparticles chain of Fe3O4@SiO2@Ag and their sensing applications
Can participatory budgeting mitigate government debt risk?—An empirical analysis using cross-national panel data
Objectives Participatory budgeting, serving as a complementary mechanism to traditional democratic practices, grants citizens direct involvement in the budgetary decision-making process, thereby embodying features of direct democracy. It has consequently gained recognition and promotion in numerous countries. However, scholarly opinion remains divided regarding the efficacy of participatory budgeting in mitigating government debt risks. This study seeks to address this ongoing academic debate by employing a cross-national panel data. Methods Utilizing a dataset of 664 samples from 83 countries between 2008 and 2023, sourced from the International Budget Partnership (IBP), this study combines survey data on public participatory budgeting opportunities with government debt statistics from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Fixed-effects and mediating effect models are employed to empirically examine the relationship between public budget participation and government debt risk. Results Our analysis indicates that, on average, government debt risk is markedly lower in cases of participatory budgeting, a finding that is significant at the 1% level. This finding remains robust after replacing the explained variable to address robustness concerns and employing instrumental variables to mitigate endogeneity issues. Mediation analysis further indicates that the quality of explicit debt disclosure serves a significant mediating role, whereas contingent liabilities do not exhibit a mediating effect. Additionally, the mitigating effect of participatory budgeting on government debt risk is more pronounced in countries adopting accrual-based government accounting compared to those using cash-based accounting.
Depth-dependent anisotropy in the Earth’s inner core linked to chemical stratification
Abstract Seismic anisotropy in the Earth’s inner core (IC), including the heterogeneous, depth-dependent anisotropy structure, is a well-documented yet poorly understood feature plausibly related to the alignment of iron alloy crystals. Here, we report the effect of silicon and carbon on the plastic deformation of hexagonal close-packed (hcp) iron using radial X-ray diffraction at pressures up to 128 GPa and temperatures up to 1100 K. Our results reveal a low compressional wave anisotropy (~2 %) in the Fe-Si-C alloy, consistent with the seismic anisotropy observed in the outer regions of the IC. These findings, together with the higher anisotropy exhibited by pure hcp-Fe, suggest that the depth-dependent elastic anisotropy of the IC may originate from chemical stratification, i.e., radial gradients in silicon and carbon concentrations, during crystallization.
Altered static and dynamic intrinsic brain activity patterns in type 2 diabetic patients
Hybrid backdoor attacks for deep code models
Deep code models face security vulnerabilities through backdoor attacks. Previous approaches have primarily relied on single-trigger mechanisms, resulting in limited stealth and vulnerability to defense strategies. This paper proposes a novel hybrid backdoor attack method that combines function signature features and dead code insertion as triggers. Our approach leverages the complementary nature of these triggers, creating a synergistic effect that enhances attack effectiveness while maintaining stealth. Experimentally, with minimal poisoning rates, our hybrid method achieves high attack success rates(ASR), significantly outperforming single-trigger methods. The hybrid approach effectively evades spectral feature-based defenses while maintaining minimal impact on normal functionality. Our findings highlight the urgent need for specialized defense mechanisms against sophisticated hybrid backdoor attacks in deep code models.
Cavity-mediated charge and pair-density waves in a unitary Fermi gas
Leveraging complex network features improves vaccine stance classification
Deciphering Ball Milling Mechanochemistry via Molecular Simulations of Collision‐Driven and Liquid‐Assisted Reactivity
Abstract Mechanochemistry by ball milling proceeds through a series of discrete, high‐energy collisions between milling balls and the sample, yet the molecular‐level processes that govern the resulting chemical and physical transformations remain poorly understood. In this study, we develop a molecular dynamics simulation protocol to investigate a model mechanochemical reaction between potassium chloride (KCl) and 18‐crown‐6 ether, both under dry conditions and in the presence of water as a liquid additive. Our simulations reveal that the reaction is initiated by collision‐induced fragmentation of the KCl crystal into individual ions. This process occurs when the absorbed energy per ion pair during a collision exceeds the crystal's cohesion energy. We further show that the addition of a small amount of water facilitates the formation of complexes between potassium ions and 18‐crown‐6 molecules. However, excessive water content stabilizes the reactants instead, thereby suppressing complex formation. These findings highlight a non‐linear relationship between liquid additive concentration and the reaction outcome. Our approach offers a molecular‐level perspective on mechanochemical reactivity, providing valuable insights that could guide the rational optimization of milling conditions—particularly the targeted selection and dosing of liquid additives—to improve reaction efficiency.
Measuring spatial accessibility for wheelchair users: A case study in a Chinese campus
Barrier-free campus environment is essential for students and staffs with mobility impairment. However, few studies have empirically examined the spatial accessibility for wheelchair users within the campus. This study aims to investigate the travel characteristics of wheelchair users, so as to better guide the planning and design of barrier-free campus facilities. Thirty students with wheelchair experience were recruited, and their travel characteristics navigating various types of facilities were analyzed. To analyze the effect of explanatory variables on their travel speeds, a decision tree regression method was applied. Based on the empirical results, the existing pedestrian accessibility model was further extended to represent the accessibility of wheelchair users with different travel destinations. Results revealed that the type of barrier-free facility and travel mode (with or without assistance) had the most significant impact on the travel speed for wheelchair users. The average travel speed of assisted wheelchair users was 1.03 m/s, while the speed was 0.67 m/s for wheelchair users without assistance. For unassisted wheelchair users, it was challenging for them to pass through the curb ramps with slopes steeper than 1:5. The visualization results of wheelchair accessibility revealed spatial inequality within the study area, which can be further improved by upgrading existing barrier-free facilities and optimizing the allocation of different destinations.
High-throughput discovery of ultrahigh-temperature multi-principal element alloys by combinatorial additive manufacturing
Targeted anticancer effects of Juglone-ZnO nanoparticles via cell cycle arrest and caspase-mediated apoptosis in colon cancer cells
Pd(II)/PIDA‐Enabled Migratory Triple Functionalization of Terminal Alkenes via a 1,2‐C/Pd(IV) Dyotropic Rearrangement
Abstract We report a Pd(II)‐catalyzed migratory triple functionalization of terminal alkenes. The reaction of homoallylic amides with phenyliodine(III) diacetate (PIDA) under Pd(II) catalysis delivers 6‐acetoxylated 5,6‐dihydro‐4 H ‐1,3‐oxazines through the formation of one C─C and two C─O bonds. Mechanistic studies suggest a sequence involving oxypalladation, oxidation of Pd(II) to Pd(IV), a 1,2‐alkyl(aryl)/Pd(IV) dyotropic rearrangement (DR), and subsequent acetoxylation. While Pd(II)/Pd(IV) catalysis with PIDA as the oxidant has enabled numerous powerful transformations, the DR reported here is unprecedented.
Audition and balance: The impact of echolocation on postural control
The links between the perception of acoustic signals and postural control remain largely unexplored, and the control models proposed to date have yet to assign these sensory inputs a role alongside visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular information. Research on this topic has produced varied conclusions, likely due to significant methodological differences. Our study makes novel contributions by aiming to determine the impact of the auditory system—specifically through the perception of echoes—on postural control during quiet standing and to identify the potential link between auditory perception and postural stability. To create controlled acoustic conditions, we developed an automated device representing a reflective object, positioned statically in two locations and dynamically moved in two directions relative to the participants. Eleven naive, blindfolded adult participants (mean age: 23 years ±2.2; mean height: 174 cm ±7.4) with normal hearing underwent kinematic (optoelectronic cameras) and kinetic (force plate) analyses in a semi-anechoic room. After each trial, participants reported their perception of the object’s presence, position, movement direction, and distance. Results demonstrated improved object perception and greater stability in dynamic conditions, particularly when the target moved towards the participants, compared to static conditions. However, no significant correlation between perception and postural stability was observed. Our findings suggest that acoustic information, especially through echo perception, could plays a role in postural control processes alongside visual, proprioceptive, and vestibular input. However, more controlled studies are necessary to examine the relationship between perception and postural stability.
Dissipative quadratic soliton in the cascaded nonlinearity limit
Abstract Dissipative quadratic solitons (DQSs), enabled by nonlinearity engineering through cascaded quadratic processes, have remained a central theoretical prediction in nonlinear optics since their proposal in 1997. Despite their predicted ultralow operational thresholds, remarkable tunability, and potential for spectral extension into unconventional wavelengths, their experimental realization has remained elusive. Here, we demonstrate bright, dual-color DQS generation in the normal dispersion regime, in strong agreement with the proposed theoretical framework. Furthermore, by simply adjusting the nonlinear crystal temperature - without any structural modification - we reverse the sign of the effective nonlinearity and switch from bright DQS to platicon generation in situ. This work not only advances the fundamental understanding of dissipative solitons but also establishes a practical pathway for ultralow-threshold frequency comb generation at unconventional wavelengths, with broad implications for applications such as atomic clocks, optical coherence tomography, and astrocombs.
People with cystic fibrosis with high sputum neutrophil elastase on elexacaftor-tezacaftor-ivacaftor exhibit worse pulmonary function and pro-inflammatory airway milieu
Smartphone-supported Positive Adjustment Coping Intervention (PACI) for couples undergoing fertility treatment: A randomised controlled trial
Background Couples undergoing fertility treatment experience emotional stress. Meta-analyses show heterogeneous results regarding the effectiveness of psychosocial interventions on anxiety and depression. Objective The aim of this study was to reduce psychosocial stress (anxiety, depression) in infertile patients. In addition, pregnancy rates and perceived distraction as well as perceived subjective relief were determined. Methods In a two-arm RCT we used “Positive Adjustment Coping Intervention (PACI)”. Participants received the first of 13 daily text messages on their smartphones on the day on which the cryopreserved embryos were thawed or one day after oocyte aspiration. Patients in the PACI condition obtained daily positive adjustment statements and were asked to relate these to their personal situation at least twice a day. Patients in the comparison condition were given daily think tasks providing cognitive distraction. Anxiety and depression scores were assessed with ScreenIVF and perceived distraction as well as relief with an evaluation form. Results PACI did not reduce participant´s depressive scores measured with standardized questionnaire ( P < .007, N = 227), did not significantly change participant´s anxiety (N = 227), nor did it increase pregnancy rates (N = 191). PACI had a significant effect on subjective perceived distraction ( P = .005, N = 197) and on perceived relief ( P = .026, N = 197). Conclusion This is the first RCT to use modern media to test a simple positive adjustment cognition intervention in women and men who underwent fertility treatment. The low-dose psychosocial intervention apparently was not sufficient to reduce emotional distress during the waiting period between embryo transfer and pregnancy test. Preferably, psychosocial support for infertile individuals could be provided face-to-face to reduce the target variables depression and anxiety. However, PACI has a positive influence on perceived distraction and perceived relief. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03118219 (July 9, 2019)