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High‐Performance Heterocyclic Aramid Fibers Reinforced by Graphene Oxide for Advanced Impact‐Resistant Applications

ABSTRACT High‐performance fiber materials, poly(p‐phenylene‐benzimidazole‐terephthalamide) (PBIA) fibers, exhibit exceptional mechanical properties, and they are finding critical use in aerospace, ballistic protection, and other civilian areas. However, the insufficient orientation and weak lateral interactions of PBIA polymer chains limit their impact‐resistant applications. In this work, we report a strategy that significantly enhances the dynamic mechanical properties of heterocyclic aramid fibers via in situ polymerization of graphene oxide (GO) and wet spinning, achieving an ultrahigh dynamic strength of 10.63 GPa, which exceeds that of PBIA fibers by 47.23%. To simultaneously enhance the strength and toughness of PBIA, an ether‐group component was polymerized with GO, the dynamic toughness can reach 277.25 MJ m− 3 , which is 85.3% higher than that of PBIA fibers. The dynamic performance is attributed to improvements in contact area and interfacial energy. In laser‐induced microparticle impact tests, the composite fiber exhibits a markedly higher specific energy dissipation power than other high‐performance fibers. Importantly, large‐scale and flexible fabrics were woven and exhibit superior impact resistance, highlighting the practical potential of these fibers, which showed a 40.46% higher load than PBIA fabrics in drop‐hammer impact tests. This study presents a straightforward yet effective approach to enhancing the dynamic strength and toughness of PBIA fibers.

Behavioural and emotional assessment of Malaysian adolescent boys with congenital colour vision deficiency and its association with socioeconomic factors

Congenital colour vision deficiency (CCVD) is associated with challenges in daily functioning and social interactions, yet its behavioural and emotional implications during adolescence remain underexplored. This study aimed to compare behavioural and emotional problems between adolescent boys with CCVD and those with normal colour vision (NCV) and to examine the influence of socioeconomic factors. A school-based cross-sectional comparative study was conducted where 44 boys with CCVD and 44 age- and class-matched NCV controls (aged 13–16 years) were identified through school-based vision screening. Colour vision status was confirmed using the Ishihara and Farnsworth D15 tests. Their parents completed the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL/4–18) to assess Internalising Problems, Externalising Problems , and Total Problems , as well as narrow-band syndromes. Data were analysed using Mann–Whitney U tests and chi-square analyses. Adolescents with CCVD scored significantly higher on most CBCL/4–18 narrow-band scales ( Anxious/Depressed, Withdrawn, Thought Problems, Attention Problems, Delinquent Behaviour, Aggressive Behaviour ), broad-band scales (Internalising Problems and Externalising Problems ), and Total Problems (all q < 0.05). Attention Problems showed the strongest association with CCVD status. Categorical analysis revealed that CCVD status was significantly associated with classification in the Borderline Clinical/Clinical range for Externalising Problems, Attention Problems, Anxious/Depressed, Aggressive Behaviour , and Total Problems . Among boys with CCVD, those whose parents had tertiary education demonstrated higher proportions of behavioural difficulties in the Externalising Problems and Total Problems domains; however, these findings should be interpreted with caution due to the small subgroup size. Lower household income was significantly associated with Withdrawn, Anxious/Depressed, Thought Problems, and Aggressive Behaviour scores (all q < 0.05). In conclusion, the results indicate that psychosocial and environmental factors may influence behavioural outcomes in children with CCVD, highlighting the importance of early identification and supportive interventions.

Synergistic Spin‐Polarization Effect and Magnetic Exchange Interaction of Core/Shell Structure for Bifunctional Oxygen Electrocatalysis

ABSTRACT Rechargeable zinc‐air batteries (RZABs) are hindered by sluggish oxygen reduction and evolution (ORR/OER) kinetics. While core/shell nanostructures can enhance bifunctional electrocatalysis via synergy, achieving precise interfacial electronic modulation and scalable synthesis for ampere‐hour‐level RZABs remain challenging. Herein, we report a scalable synthesis of nitrogen‐doped carbon‐supported CoCuNi/ZnMn 2 O 4 core/shell nanoparticles (CoCuNi/ZnMn 2 O 4 ‐NC) as an efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst. Leveraging electronegativity differences among transition‐metals, controlled morphology during gram‐scale production is achieved. The core/shell interaction elevates the spin state of surface Mn cations, enabling an antiferromagnetic‐to‐ferromagnetic transition. The dynamic equilibrium of *OH adsorption/desorption is facilitated, and the rate‐determining energy barrier is reduced by 0.17 and 0.15 eV compared to individual ZnMn 2 O 4 and CoCuNi, respectively. The catalyst exhibits outstanding bifunctional performance (ORR half‐wave potential = 0.941 V; OER overpotential = 430 mV at 10 mA cm −2 ) and robust stability. Liquid RZABs using CoCuNi/ZnMn 2 O 4 ‐NC achieve a peak power density of 244.4 mW cm −2 , a specific capacity of 802.5 mAh g − 1 , and stable cycling over 450 h. Practical viability is further confirmed by an 8.4 Ah quasi‐solid‐state pouch cell with an output power of 369 mW and a lifespan of 200 h. This work sheds light on designing and scaling core/shell electrocatalysts toward high‐energy, practical metal‐air batteries.

Integrated machine learning for cause-of-death classification and postmortem interval prediction: Liver and kidney metabolomics from seawater-immersed rat cadavers

Purpose To assess whether liver and kidney metabolomics combined with machine learning can distinguish seawater drowning from postmortem submersion after CO 2 euthanasia and estimate postmortem interval (PMI) under controlled conditions. Methods Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to a seawater-drowning group or a postmortem-submersion group after CO 2 euthanasia (30 per group). Liver and kidney tissues were collected at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48, and 72 h after death and analyzed by untargeted LC–MS/MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) and cross-validated orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) were used to characterize global metabolic variation. Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Gradient Boosting Decision Tree (GBDT) were evaluated using repeated 10-fold cross-validation (five repeats; 50 folds in total). PMI-specific XGBoost models used 20 metabolites selected within each training fold by absolute Spearman correlation and were assessed by repeated 10-fold and leave-one-time-point-out cross-validation. SHAP analysis summarized feature contributions. Results PCA showed that dominant metabolic variation was mainly associated with PMI, with substantial overlap between the two groups in the PC1–PC2 space. Cross-validated OPLS-DA identified group-associated structure in liver and kidney, with Q 2 (cum) values of 0.847 and 0.723, respectively. Mean classification AUCs ranged from 0.973 to 0.996 in liver and from 0.931 to 1.000 in kidney. Under repeated 10-fold cross-validation, the liver and kidney PMI models achieved MAEs of 4.78 and 4.05 h and R 2 values of 0.823 and 0.892, respectively. Under leave-one-time-point-out cross-validation, MAEs increased to 13.52 and 13.64 h, while R 2 values were 0.587 and 0.592. SHAP analysis showed partly different metabolite contribution patterns between the two organs. Conclusion In this controlled rat model, liver and kidney metabolomic profiles combined with machine learning supported discrimination between seawater drowning and postmortem submersion after CO 2 euthanasia and captured PMI-related metabolic changes. The classification models, PMI-specific XGBoost regression models, and SHAP analyses characterized organ-specific metabolite patterns associated with discrimination between the two modeled conditions and PMI prediction.

Single-cell transcriptomic analysis reveals the immunosuppressive status of NK cell subpopulations in TNBC

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), lacking expression of the estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), has clinical features that include high invasiveness, limited response to current immunotherapies, heightened risk of recurrence, and poorer overall prognosis. Central to these adverse clinical outcomes is the tumor microenvironment (TME), where the presence of immature natural killer (NK) cells with lower cytotoxic capacity has been associated with disease progression. Through a comprehensive analysis of publicly available single-cell transcriptomic data from breast cancer, we identified three NK cell subtypes within TNBC and non-TNBC tissues, named NK_XCL1, NK_FCGR3A, and NK_ISG15. Compared to non-TNBC, the presence and cytotoxic activity of NK_FCGR3A cells in TNBC were markedly diminished, primarily due to a substantial increase in the expression of inhibitory receptors like NKG2A (KLRC1). NK_ISG15 cells in TNBC show higher expression of type I interferon signaling genes. Through cell-type cross-talk analysis, we found that the feature of NK_FCGR3A cells in TNBC was mediated by myeloid cells with the HLA-E-KLRC1/HLA-E-CD94:NKG2A signal pathway. Notably, through integrating with public cancer transcriptomic data, we found higher expression of ISG15 is associated with poor prognosis, while higher expression of NK_FCGR3A signature genes is correlated with favorable prognosis. Collectively, these findings and the markers identified offer valuable insights into the mechanisms of immune evasion in TNBC, underscoring potential targets for developing therapeutic strategies that may improve patient outcomes.

Tailoring Superwettability Through Bioinspired Reentrant Microstructures

ABSTRACT Superwettability describes an extreme wetting regime in which a solid surface exhibits exceptional affinity for or strong repellency against fluids, including superhydro/superoleo/superaero‐phobicity, superhydro/superoleo/superaero‐philicity, and directional liquid transport. Recent advances in biomimetics and theoretical modeling reveal that precise and intelligent wettability regulation is governed not only by surface chemistry but, more fundamentally, by microstructural geometry. Over the past two decades, bioinspired reentrant microstructures have exhibited exceptional capability in enhancing liquid repellency and enabling high‐performance directional transport through modulation of interfacial wetting physics. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary on structure‐driven superwettability, focusing on symmetric and asymmetric reentrant microstructures. We first elucidate the fundamental physical mechanisms underlying wettability regulation, followed by a critical assessment of state‐of‐the‐art fabrication strategies, including silicon micromachining, replica molding, and advanced 3D printing. We then highlight representative applications in microreactions, oil–water separation, liquid harvesting, evaporation and desalination, and fluidic‐electronic systems, and discuss emerging strategies for smart liquid manipulation enabled by stimuli‐responsive reentrant microstructures. Finally, we outline key challenges and forward‐looking perspectives, emphasizing artificial intelligence‐assisted design, novel functional materials, scalable manufacturing, and next‐generation applications of superwettable surfaces.

Assessment of trends and determinants of under-five mortality among children born to older women: Evidence from Ethiopian demographic and health surveys

Introduction Under-five mortality has long been used as an indicator of the level of socio-economic development of a country. Global attention has been given to the issue through the Sustainable Development Goals, yet the burden continues to be disproportionately concentrated in Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. Ethiopia is one of six nations that together account for half of global under-five mortality, with particular burden observed among children born to older mothers. Hence, this study aimed to determine the magnitude of under-five mortality among children born from elder mothers, assess its trend over time, and identify associated factors. Methods Data were drawn from the nationally representative Ethiopia Demographic and Health Surveys (EDHS) conducted in 2000, 2005, 2011, and 2016. The analytic sample comprised 6,199 children born to women aged 35–49 years in the five years preceding each survey. Information on mother and child characteristics, socio-economic factors, and environmental variables was collected through face-to-face household interviews. Descriptive statistics characterized the study participants. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with under-five mortality. Result Under five mortality declined from 128 per 1000 live births during the year 2000–56 per 1000 live births in 2016. This study identified several factors contributing for under-five mortality among children of women aged 35–49 years. Protective factors included female child sex (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.53–0.79), maternal age at first birth of 31–40 years (AOR = 0.34, 95% CI: 0.11–0.98), family size of 6–10 members (AOR = 0.18, 95% CI: 0.14–0.24), birth interval greater than 3 years (AOR = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.26–0.47), and 1–3 antenatal care visits (AOR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.50–0.84). In contrast, the following factors increased the odds: twin birth (AOR = 6.15, 95% CI: 3.94–9.60), four births in the last five years (AOR = 2.64, 95% CI: 1.15–6.06), nine or more children ever born (AOR = 3.79, 95% CI: 2.10–6.84), and maternal age at birth of the index child of 45–49 years (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI: 1.55–2.93). Conclusion The decline in under-five mortality over the last 16 years in Ethiopia represents promising progress toward the targets set out in the Sustainable Development Goals and national health policy. However, targeted programs and interventions focusing on provision of the recommended antenatal care, adequate birth spacing, limiting the number of births within short intervals, discouraging pregnancies after age 40, and supporting smaller family sizes are essential to further reduce under-five mortality. The study findings highlight the importance of risk-pregnancy screening, well-spaced pregnancies, family health promotion, and strengthened childhood illness prevention and treatment services.

Terahertz Full‐Set Multi‐Bit Logic Operations with High‐Dimensional Multiplexed Surface Plasmonic Vortices

ABSTRACT On‐chip photonic logic operations are emerging as a leading candidate for post‐Moore's computing and the terahertz (THz) band is crucial for next‐generation integrated applications. However, THz on‐chip Boolean logic gates still lack a universal paradigm for multifunctionality and reconfigurability, which is largely limited by the inadequate multiplexing and dynamic modulation capabilities. Here, we demonstrate a reconfigurable liquid crystal‐integrated plasmonic metasurface for THz full‐set logic operations. A three‐level coherent synthesis strategy is first established to customize spatiotemporal‐frequency‐spin multiplexed surface plasmonic vortices. Furthermore, a spatio‐temporal encoding mechanism is incorporated to support flexible surface field manipulations and reconstruct multi‐input‐output mappings for complex logic operations. With dual‐pixel and quad‐level encodings, this device delivers active control of vortex mode superposition and suppression, yielding up to 64 distinct nearfield states with a maximum contrast ratio of 20 dB. Surpassing conventional on‐chip logic devices, this platform executes multi‐bit logic operations up to 7‐bit inputs and 2 128 full‐set schemes, which enable parallel encryption and logic computing across multiple on‐chip nodes. This work paves the way for THz ultra‐compact on‐chip photonic links, advancing high‐density data communication and massive data processing applications.

Analysis of mechanical properties and micro-mechanisms of concrete based on the method of using steel slag as aggregate replacement: Macro-mechanical tests and microscopic tests of four typical control groups

There is still controversy over whether the mechanical properties of steel slag concrete are superior to those of ordinary crushed-stone concrete and which method of substituting steel slag for aggregates yields better mechanical performance. Four groups of specimens were designed in this study, namely ordinary crushed-stone concrete, coarse steel-slag natural-sand concrete, crushed-stone fine steel-slag concrete, and all-steel slag concrete. The compressive strength, flexural strength, splitting tensile strength and failure morphology of the four groups of specimens were tested. Meanwhile, microhardness, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy tests were conducted to analyze the differences in their mechanical properties from a microscopic perspective. The corresponding test results indicated that: (a) Under the test conditions of this study, the order of compressive strength, flexural strength, and splitting tensile strength of concrete is ordinary crushed-stone concrete < coarse steel-slag natural-sand concrete <crushed-stone fine steel-slag concrete < all-steel slag concrete. (b) Steel slag fine aggregates are superior to steel slag coarse aggregates in enhancing the mechanical properties of concrete. Crushing steel slag coarse aggregate into steel slag fine aggregate to replace ordinary fine aggregates is more effective in enhancing mechanical strength than directly using coarse steel slag to replace coarse aggregates. When steel slag simultaneously substitutes for both coarse and fine aggregates, the concrete strength is the highest. Despite limitations of this study, the above conclusions, if further validated by future studies, will provide valuable references for further research on steel slag concrete.

Three tips to avoid AI image mistakes in science

Dynamic Strain Regulation Via Photoresponsive Fullerenes Enables High‐Performance and UV‐Robust Perovskite Solar Cells

ABSTRACT The long‐term stability of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is critically undermined by degradation at the buried interface, where residual tensile strain and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation act synergistically. Here, we introduce a fullerene‐based photoresponsive molecule, C 60 ‐azo, to construct an adaptive SnO 2 /perovskite interface. Unlike static interlayers, C 60 ‐azo functions as a dynamic molecular switch. Under UV illumination, its trans‐to‐cis isomerization actively generates a beneficial compressive stress to counteract residual tensile strain. Simultaneously, the light‐enriched cis‐isomer enhances dynamic defect passivation. This mechanochemical dual mechanism effectively mitigates UV‐driven lattice distortion and chemical degradation. Consequently, the modified n–i–p PSCs achieve a power conversion efficiency of 26.60% and exhibit enhanced durability. Unencapsulated devices retain 92.7% of their initial performance after 488 h of continuous UV exposure. Encapsulated cells also maintain 94.7% efficiency after 1000 h of maximum power point tracking under continuous 1‐sun‐equivalent LED illumination. This work establishes dynamic photoresponsive interface engineering as a pioneering strategy for durable perovskite optoelectronics.

The impact of political ideologies on cultural erosion: Indigenous education policy in Brazil (2009–2022)

Indigenous schools in Brazil aim to provide equitable education to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities. As of 2022, there were 3,411 such schools operating nationwide, serving the entire Indigenous population. However, an analysis of educational data reveals significant non-compliance with legislation designed to integrate Indigenous culture into the curriculum. Our research demonstrates that the school system frequently falls short of its legal obligation to promote and safeguard Indigenous cultural values. The systematic suppression of culturally specific materials and native languages is particularly alarming and appears to be associated with the influence of far-right political administrations. This study analyzes school census data from 2009 to 2022, employing chi-square tests, Cramer’s V tests, descriptive statistics and for robustness hierarchical mixed models to examine the relationship between political ideology and educational practices.

Bio‐Inspired High‐Low Toughness Multilayer Mechanoluminescent Composite With Superior Mechanical Properties

ABSTRACT Polydimethylsiloxane confers stretchability, enhanced brightness, mechanical responsivity and self‐charging capability to mechanoluminescence materials, yet its intrinsic low toughness and crack resistance pose a major obstacle to the practical application of ML devices. Herein, high‐toughness silicone‐rubber layers were introduced to slice the ZnS:Cu@Al 2 O 3 /PDMS matrix into a multilayer architecture that mimics the hinged microstructure of clam. The modified composite exhibits a dramatic enhancement in stretchability, with fracture strain increasing from approximately 100% to 500%. This improvement is accompanied by more than a four‐fold boost in ultimate ML intensity, along with sustained durability demonstrated over 30 000 cycles at the tensile limit. The reduced layer thickness and suppressed crack propagation by the high‐toughness silicone‐rubber interlayer raise toughness from 0.95 to 4.93 MJ/m 3 . This work provides an effective strategy for enhancing the performance of PDMS‐based flexible ML composites, advancing their practicality and offering new insights for applications in stress visualization, intelligent information display, and mechanics sensing.

Optimal exercise modalities and dosages for improving depression in middle-aged and older adults with Parkinson's disease: A Bayesian Dose–response network meta-analysis

Objective To characterise the dose response relationship between exercise and depressive symptoms in middle aged and older adults with Parkinson disease using a continuous modelling framework and to compare structural differences across exercise modalities. Methods PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and APA PsycINFO were searched to 19 February 2026. Exercise dose was standardised as MET-minutes per week. A Bayesian network meta-regression model was used to estimate continuous dose–response relationships. Evidence certainty was assessed using GRADE. Results Twenty-five RCTs were included. Overall exercise dose showed a significant non-linear association with reduced depressive symptoms in middle-aged and older adults with Parkinson disease. Beneficial effects were sustained between 110 and 890 MET-minutes per week, peaking at 560 MET-minutes per week (effect size 0.48, 95% credible interval 0.22–0.80), with an optimal range of 440–670 MET-minutes per week. Effects were not stable at 1000 MET-minutes per week. Modality analyses indicated that exercise combined with cognitive training and mind–body exercise demonstrated consistent benefits within moderate to moderately high dose ranges, both peaking at 560 MET-minutes per week. Aerobic cycling, functional training, and multicomponent training showed no stable significant dose range, whereas walking reached significance only at ≥670 MET-minutes per week with wide credible intervals. Conclusion Exercise in middle-aged and older adults with Parkinson disease and comorbid depression exhibits a structured non-linear dose–response pattern with a defined optimal range, and modality-specific differences indicate that therapeutic effects depend on both quantitative dose and qualitative task characteristics, providing a quantitative basis for precision exercise prescription.

Magnetic Composite Formed by Exsolution for Enhanced Exchange Coupling and Breaking the Permeability‐Frequency Limitation

ABSTRACT The development of ferrite‐based absorbers for high‐frequency integrated electronics and fifth‐generation (5G) communication systems has long been constrained by the Snoek limit, which causes a pronounced deterioration of complex permeability in the gigahertz (GHz) range. Here, we overcome this bottleneck by constructing well‐dispersed and rigidly anchored CoFe phases within a W‐type hexaferrite matrix through an in situ thermal‐exsolution strategy, yielding coherent alloy/oxide heterostructures. The nanoscale interfaces establish strong exchange coupling and tailored local anisotropy, which stabilize the real permeability and extend natural resonance for magnetic loss across 2∼8 GHz, effectively surpassing the Snoek limit. The resulting composite achieves an absorption bandwidth of 7.7 GHz at 1.4 mm, enabled by balanced impedance matching and enhanced attenuation capability, and offers a practical route for mitigating 5G electromagnetic interference. This study provides a link between macroscopic permeability parameters and nanoscale magnetic configurations, guiding the design of high‑performance magnetic‐response materials.

Experimental and numerical studies on heat exchange between slag/metal particles and air inside countercurrent cyclone heat exchanger for recovering waste heat from molten slags in dry and centrifugal granulation process

In dry and centrifugal granulation of molten slags with heat recovery, the heat exchange efficiency between high-temperature particles and the cold air directly determines the efficiency of waste heat recovery. However, the heat transfer characteristics between pure slag particles granulated from blast furnace slag and air and between a mixture of slag and metal particles granulated from steelmaking slag and air in complex flow fields still remain unclear. Therefore, this study employs a combined approach of experiment and numerical simulation to comparatively investigate the heat transfer behavior of pure slag particles and mixtures of slag and metal particles in a countercurrent cyclone heat exchanger. The investigation results indicate that the heat exchanger exhibits optimal heat transfer performance under specific operating conditions, with the maximum heat exchange efficiencies being 80.0% for pure slag particles and 77.0% for a mixture of slag/metal particles produced from steelmaking slag. Both experimental and numerical simulation results indicate that metallic iron particles produced from granulation of steelmaking slag lowers the heat exchange efficiency; when the metallic iron content in the slag increases from 2.5% to 10% by weight, the heat exchange efficiency drops from 77.0% to 73.0%. The numerical simulation results further reveal that the spatial distribution of particles within the heat exchanger is a key factor determining the overall heat exchange efficiency. The results provide a theoretical basis for design and operation optimization of industrial countercurrent cyclone heat exchangers for waste heat recovery from molten slags in dry and centrifugal granulation process.

Tuning the Conversion Mechanisms of Metal–Sulfur Batteries: From Nanostructures to Single Atoms

ABSTRACT Rechargeable metal–sulfur (M–S) batteries (Li, Na, K, Al, Zn, Mg, Ca, Cu, Fe‑based) are promising alternatives to conventional lithium‑ion batteries, featuring high energy density and cost‑effectiveness. However, their advancement is severely hindered by the sluggish sulfur conversion kinetics and the notorious polysulfide shuttle effect of the sulfur cathode. Thus, rational design of catalytic cathode materials is pivotal to realizing the practical application of M–S batteries. This review first evaluates the practical viability of various M–S batteries, further delineates the chemical behavior and transformation processes of sulfide intermediates, and summarizes the theoretical methodologies for probing sulfur cathode conversion chemistry. Notably, three classic heterogeneous catalysis mechanisms, namely Langmuir–Hinshelwood, Eley–Rideal, and Mars–van Krevelen, are innovatively utilized to interpret the cathode catalytic behavior in M–S batteries for the first time. Following this, it elaborates on the rational design principles targeting the supports and active sites of catalytic cathode materials, ranging from nanostructured engineering to single‐atom catalysis, aiming to further reinforce sulfur immobilization and accelerate redox reaction kinetics across various M–S systems. Furthermore, it highlights advances in characterization strategies for guiding rational material design and elucidating precise electrocatalytic mechanisms, and ultimately prospects the pivotal future research directions toward practical liquid and solid‐state M–S battery systems.

A novel approach for automated counting of tumor cell colonies

Background and Objective The heterogeneous response of cancer cells to radiation necessitates comprehensive investigations into cell survival, which are often conducted using clonogenic assays. These assays involve laborious and subjective manual enumeration of cell colonies. This paper presents an innovative digital image processing technique for automated cell colony counting. Methods This research focused on HT-29 cells (colon cancer). The methodology uses Hough techniques to achieve precise detection, mathematical morphology, and establishment of the optimal minimum colony size using ROC curve. This approach seamlessly integrated into ImageJ software as a ColCounter plugin. Results Images with resolution of 1200*1200 pixels achieved sensitivity and specificity of 92.88% and 92.62%, respectively. To determine the software´s effectiveness of image analysis of different resolutions compared with manual counting, an evaluation of the automated method’s reliability was conducted. The findings revealed an overall intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of 0.89 (95% CI: 0.81–0.93). The limits of agreement were determined using the Bland-Altman method. Conclusions The proposed methodology demonstrated interchangeability with the conventional manual enumeration technique. The results confirm the software’s elevated performance, even in altered contexts. ColCounter offers manual editing function, enhancing its utility as a streamlined, rapid, and precise tool for quantifying tumor cell colonies in clonogenic assays.

Planetary-mass exosatellite detected around the substellar companion of a star

A Ferromagnetic Polar Metal With Efficient Electrical Switch of Magnetism

ABSTRACT Materials that host intrinsic coexisting ferromagnetism, polar distortion, and metallicity, a ferromagnetic polar metal (FPM), can combine the advantages of both multiferroics and polar metals, and thus are expected to provide unforeseen opportunities for spintronics with ultra‐low‐power consumption. However, generalizable routes for creating FPMs with strong coupling between itinerant ferromagnetism and polar distortions are still limited. Meanwhile, efficient electrical control of magnetism in such systems remains unexplored. Herein, we introduce a design strategy based on interfacial oxygen‐octahedral‐rotation mismatch to create an intrinsic FPM state in superlattices composed of two nonpolar perovskites, SrRuO 3 and CaTiO 3 . Unlike previous layered oxide systems, which often result in in‐plane polarization, our superlattice FPM exhibits pronounced out‐of‐plane polar displacements directly within the perpendicular ferromagnetic RuO 6 metal network, enabling a strong entanglement between magnetic order and polarity. Consequently, the Rashba spin‐orbit torque in the superlattice FPM gives rise to extraordinary current‐driven magnetization self‐switching at a current density as low as 2.5 × 10 5  A cm −2 , about two orders of magnitude lower than that of conventional heavy‐metal/ferromagnet heterostructures. Our work not only identifies a robust strategy for accessing FPM states but also provides a promising platform for exploring ultra‐low‐power spintronic devices.