Browse Articles
Discover research articles across all indexed journals
Face validity of a dyslexia screening instrument for secondary students
Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty marked by persistent challenges in reading accuracy, fluency, and word recognition despite adequate intelligence and instruction. In secondary schools, many cases remain unidentified due to the absence of screening instruments designed for older students. Early identification is essential for timely intervention, which requires valid and reliable tools. This study evaluated the face validity of a newly developed dyslexia screening instrument for secondary students through expert and test-taker assessments. The 28-item instrument, which focused on cognitive manifestations of dyslexia, was reviewed by ten experts and ten students. Items were rated on a 4-point Likert scale assessing clarity and comprehensibility, with analyses conducted using the Item-Level Face Validity Index (I-FVI), Scale-Level Face Validity Index by Average Agreement (S-FVI/AVE), and Scale-Level Face Validity Index by Universal Agreement (S-FVI/UA). Expert evaluation demonstrated that 85.7% of items achieved full agreement (I-FVI = 1.00), while scale-level indices exceeded recommended benchmarks (S-FVI/AVE = 0.96; S-FVI/UA = 0.86). Student evaluation also yielded high scale-level agreement (S-FVI/AVE = 0.92; S-FVI/UA = 0.82). A small number of items required linguistic refinement. Consequently, the findings indicate high agreement on the instrument’s clarity, comprehensibility, and acceptability, supporting face validity as a preliminary validation step for subsequent psychometric validation.
Nitrate‐Stabilized Cu <sup>δ+</sup> Sites Promote Selective CO <sub>2</sub> Electroreduction to Ethanol for Tandem Acetamide Electrosynthesis
ABSTRACT Electrosynthesis of acetamide, a multicarbon nitrogenous compound containing C─C─N bonds, from abundant CO 2 and nitrate is important for low‐carbon industry. However, the simultaneous electroreduction construction of C─C and C─N bonds is challenging. Herein, we propose a strategy to construct C─C and C─N bonds in tandem at the cathode and anode, respectively. At the cathode, a nitrate‐induced dynamic Cu δ+ site is designed to promote C─C coupling activity from CO 2 reduction to ethanol, which is accompanied by the generation of ammonia from nitrate reduction, with a total Faradaic efficiency of 88.6%. The generated ethanol and ammonia serve as feedstocks for the tandem construction of C─N bonds at the anodic region via a possible nucleophilic attack pathway. We achieve the synthesis of acetamide with a Faradaic efficiency of 71.4% and a yield rate of 0.13 mmol h −1 cm −2 . The carbon footprint analysis of this tandem strategy revealed net‐zero emissions at a carbon intensity of 0.23 kg CO2e kWh −1 , indicating its sustainable nature from the viewpoint of carbon neutrality.
Suspension balance model: A finite-element implementation for contraction–expansion flows
Shear-induced migration of particles relative to the bulk motion in suspensions is predicted to be strongly amplified by geometric singularities, making suspension balance model (SBM) computations near sharp corners sensitive to how the corner is represented. We introduce a curvature-based regularization in which sharp corners are replaced by a controllable radius r. Using a finite-element SBM formulation for planar (i.e., two-dimensional) contraction and expansion flows, we show that the corner localizes rapid rotation of principal strain directions and particle-stress gradients, causing wall depletion and a corner concentration envelope, and coupling these microstructural features to the separatrix that bounds recirculation. The method used yields a well-defined sharp-corner limit; recirculation measures vary with r over a finite range and then collapse onto an r-independent plateau below a crossover radius. This regularized framework allows quantitative comparison across geometries and inlet conditions and facilitates interpretation of particle migration and recirculation in complex geometries.
Adjuvants MPLA and SMNP induce antiviral immunity and indirectly revert HIV-1 latency
Monophosphoryl lipid A (MPLA) and the saponin-MPLA nanoparticle adjuvant (SMNP) are known immunostimulants used as adjuvants in vaccines to boost immunity. These adjuvants are under investigation for use in prophylactic and therapeutic HIV-1 vaccines. However, their effects in ART-treated people with HIV-1 (PWH) remain unclear, as chronic immune activation may reduce responses and potentially reactivate latent virus reservoirs. Here we observed that both adjuvants, MPLA and SMNP, triggered TLR4‑dependent cytokine production in monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs), but SMNP elicited a stronger response than MPLA based on costimulatory receptor expression and cytokine production. Cytokines produced by adjuvant stimulated dendritic cells were able to induce HIV-1 transcription in a J-Lat cell model. Notably, SMNP, but not MPLA, also induced a cytokine response in PBMC from PWH, albeit lower as compared to in healthy donor PBMC. Importantly, SMNP substantially reduced the size of the inducible HIV‑1 reservoir in PWH ex vivo . The effect on the viral reservoir was likely caused by the cytokine production induced by SMNP, as supernatants from SMNP stimulated DCs showed a similar viral reservoir reduction. Our findings demonstrate that TLR4-targeted adjuvants, especially SMNP, can effectively induce immune activation, supporting their potential use in therapeutic vaccination.
Perilipin‐2‐Anchored Lipid Droplet‐Targeting Phototheranostics
ABSTRACT Conventional photothermal agents are readily taken up by normal cells, which may cause off‐target damage. Lipid droplet (LD) targeting can enable photothermal agents to accumulate in tumor cells enriched in LDs, a central hub for lipid storage. We herein report an LD‐targeted theranostic agent , C‐BDP‐OMe, through a dual‐anchoring strategy that combines the principle of “like dissolves like” with specific docking to the PLIN2 protein. Structurally, C‐BDP‐OMe features an extended conjugated system and an asymmetric coumarin‐fused BODIPY scaffold, enabling NIR‐region optical properties, a large Stokes shift, and high photostability. The probe exhibits polarity‐sensitive behavior, with turn‐on fluorescence and a high signal‐to‐noise ratio under no‐wash conditions. Furthermore, C‐BDP‐OMe demonstrates robust photothermal performance, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 62.6%, enabling localized photothermal ablation and resulting in effective tumor suppression while avoiding systemic side effects. The therapeutic mechanism was systematically investigated and shown to involve the concurrent activation of two distinct cell death pathways—apoptosis and ferroptosis. This work highlights the therapeutic value of subcellular organelle‐level precision interventions and underscores the importance of exploiting subtle microenvironmental features in the design of next‐generation anticancer theranostic agents.
Quantum key distribution over a metropolitan network using an integrated photonics-based prototype
Transitioning quantum key distribution (QKD) toward industrial-scale deployment requires the development of practical, stable, resilient, and cost-effective hardware that can be manufactured at large scales. In this work, we present a high-speed (1.25 GHz), field-deployable QKD prototype based on integrated photonics, consolidated into standard 19-in. rack-compatible units. This prototype leverages integrated photonics to address the requirements for autonomous long-term stability in metropolitan settings. By optimizing the laser and detection parameters and implementing a tailored temporal filtering scheme, our system supports key exchange over 100 km of optical fiber without the requirement for chromatic dispersion compensation. We demonstrate continuous key exchange over a deployed metropolitan optical fiber link, where the prototype maintained stable, uninterrupted operation across a measurement spanning more than 12 day–night cycles without manual intervention. Furthermore, the system's performance limits were characterized by extending the channel with fiber spools and extra attenuation on the receiver side, demonstrating continuous key exchange up to 105 km without chromatic dispersion compensation.
A space syntax approach to sustainable design for public spaces in historic cities
Historic cities, as carriers of urban culture and history, have spatial organizations and usage patterns that directly impact district vitality and sustainability.Addressing the common problems in historic cities of disconnection between public space functions and resident needs, along with insufficient spatial flexibility, this study takes Meizhou Ancient City in Guangdong, China, as an empirical case. It introduces space syntax theory to explore sustainable design pathways. This theory can effectively reveal the strengths and weaknesses of spatial structures. Combined with field research, it constructs data models to quantitatively analyze indicators such as integration, spatial symbiosis, and intelligibility, diagnosing core problems: single-function spaces, weak road network connectivity, and chaotic spatial cognition. Based on this, it proposes a strategy of “Inventory Integration–Functional Reconstruction Interface Optimization”. The results show that after the intervention, the spatial symbiosis and ecological resilience of the ancient city were simultaneously enhanced, contributing to the sustainable development of historic cities. The research validates the scientific supporting role of space syntax theory in the design of public spaces for historic cities. The proposed strategy can effectively buffer disturbances from evolving social demands during the development of historic cities, promoting their sustainable and positive development, and providing a reference paradigm for the renewal of similar commercial-residential mixed historic cities.
Geometric Nonuniformity Localizes Valence Orbitals in Gold Clusters: Case Study on [Au <sub>23</sub> (SC <sub>6</sub> H <sub>11</sub> ) <sub>16</sub> ] <sup>–</sup>
ABSTRACT To elucidate the effect of geometric nonuniformity on electronic structures of monolayer‐protected gold clusters, the valence orbitals of [Au 23 (SC 6 H 11 ) 16 ] – ( Au 23 − ), which features a nonuniform Au 13 core, were investigated by using anion photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory calculations. The energy levels of the valence orbitals of Au 23 − were more appropriately described by a model comprising 1S orbitals localized on Au 3 or Au 4 units within the Au 13 core, rather than by the deformed jellium model. Meanwhile, the calculated valence orbitals of a hypothetical [Au 23 (SC 6 H 11 ) 16 ] – cluster with a uniform Au 13 core were better described by the jellium model, suggesting that the geometric nonuniformity of the Au 13 core is the direct cause of electronic localization in Au 23 − . The localized nature of the molecular orbitals involved in photoabsorption accounts for the significantly larger molar absorption coefficient of Au 23 − compared to those of typical Au 13 superatoms with uniform structures.
Epitaxial growth of superconducting TiN films by atomic layer deposition
Epitaxial titanium nitride (TiN) thin films are attractive for electronic and superconducting devices, as their structural perfection critically influences electrical transport and interfacial properties. Although epitaxial TiN is commonly grown by physical vapor deposition (PVD) at elevated temperatures, low-temperature atomic layer deposition (ALD) is more compatible with back-end-of-line (BEOL) integration and conformal coating of high-aspect-ratio structures. Here, we demonstrate wafer-scale epitaxial TiN growth on 2-in. α-Al2O3(0001) substrates by plasma-enhanced ALD at 270 °C. The 25 nm-thick film exhibits a single (111) out-of-plane orientation and a TiN(111) rocking-curve full width at half maximum of 0.037° (133.2 arc sec), indicating high epitaxial quality. Electrical transport measurements show a superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of 2.53 K. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy suggests that oxygen incorporation during ALD produces TiOxNy-related bonding, which likely contributes to the higher resistivity and reduced Tc compared with sputtered TiN. These results establish a low-temperature, BEOL-compatible route for scalable epitaxial TiN films for superconducting and electronic applications.
Data-driven analysis of heterogeneous gait subgroups and ground reaction forces based on integrated center of pressure–center of mass dynamics in poststroke hemiparesis
Introduction Hemiparetic gait is characterized by abnormal ground reaction forces (GRFs) with impaired control of the center of mass (CoM) relative to the center of pressure (CoP). Although both anteroposterior and mediolateral gait control have been examined separately, how their integrated stance-phase–derived CoP–CoM interactions and local CoP-based features relate to GRF characteristics remains unclear. Objective This exploratory study aimed to explore the relationships between CoP–CoM and CoP-based dynamics and GRFs and descriptively identify candidate gait subgroups of individuals with poststroke hemiparesis using a data-driven clustering approach. Methods Seventy-eight community-dwelling individuals with poststroke hemiparesis participated in a three-dimensional gait analysis. Stance-phase–derived CoP–CoM parameters of the transverse plane and local CoP-based loading metrics were extracted during the paretic stance phase. Relationships between these gait metrics and GRFs, particularly early braking force, propulsion, and late braking force, were examined using nonparametric correlation analyses. K-means clustering was performed to explore candidate gait subgroups, and inter-cluster differences were exploratorily examined. Results Across all participants, several CoP–CoM interaction metrics showed significant correlations with GRFs. In particular, insufficient forward progression of the CoM relative to the CoP during late stance showed a strong correlation with late braking force (r s = 0.79). Clustering suggested the presence of four candidate gait subgroups characterized by differing combinations of anteroposterior and mediolateral CoP–CoM dynamics and local CoP loading features. However, the results of clusters with small sample sizes warrant cautious interpretation. Conclusions Integrated stance-phase–derived CoP–CoM dynamics and CoP-based parameters may highlight heterogeneity in hemiparetic gait and may have meaningful associations with GRF characteristics. The candidate gait subgroups should be interpreted as hypothesis-generating and may offer a descriptive framework for understanding diverse gait disorders.
Electronic State Coupling for Cu <sup>+</sup> Stabilization to Boost Highly Efficient Transformation of CO <sub>2</sub> to C2 Products
ABSTRACT Cu‐based nanomaterials are attracting great attention for the electroreduction of CO 2 to valuable C2 products. However, the optimization of physicochemical properties of Cu‐based active species, especially the electronic valence and orbital states, remains one of the greatest challenges in achieving desirable C2 products synthesis performance under harsh reductive electrolysis conditions. To tackle this obstacle, we propose a pulse‐enabled Cu valence‐state regulation strategy by integrating carbon quantum dots (CQDs). Under pulsed electrolysis, Cu 2‐x Se/CQDs delivers a Faradaic efficiency (FE) of up to 85.3% for C2 products and maintains FE C2 >70% over an ultra‐wide potential window of 1.6 V. Multiple in situ spectroscopic characterizations and theoretical simulations clarify that the strong electronic state coupling between Cu 2‐x Se and CQDs, together with pulsed electrolysis, maintains monovalent Cu species (Cu + ), guaranteeing the outstanding C2 products synthesis efficiency. This work presents an innovative and universal protocol to guide the rational design of catalysts requiring precise oxidation‐state control.
Record low sheet resistance in homoepitaxial N-polar AlN/GaN heterostructures using digital-alloy barrier by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
In this work, we demonstrate N-polar AlN/GaN heterostructures grown on free-standing GaN substrates by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, featuring an ultra-low sheet resistance at room temperature. An AlN/GaN digital-alloy barrier with high heterointerface quality is used to improve electron mobility by suppressing interface roughness and alloy disorder scatterings. Meanwhile, a Si-doped GaN layer is incorporated under the barrier to compensate hole traps and enhance the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) density. The homoepitaxial N-polar GaN heterostructure exhibits an atomically smooth surface with a root mean square roughness of 0.21 nm over a 5 × 5 μm2 scan area and an abrupt heterointerface in digital-alloy barrier, resolved by atomic force microscopy and scanning transmission electron microscopy, respectively. High electron mobility of 1729 cm2/(V s) and 2DEG carrier density of 1.95 × 1013 cm−2 are obtained with 10 periods of 0.5 nm AlN/1.5 nm GaN digital-alloy barrier, yielding a record low sheet resistance of 184 Ω/□ among all the reported homoepitaxial N-polar GaN heterostructures to date. This work establishes a promising platform for high-performance N-polar GaN-based electronic devices with low access region resistance.
Views on mental health recovery in primary and community mental healthcare services in Thailand: A qualitative study
Introduction Strong community-based services and healthcare providers with a clear understanding and positive attitudes towards recovery, are central to delivering good quality mental health care in collaboration with service users. Although recovery has been explored in several Asian contexts, its interpretation remains diverse, and consensus on the definition and meaning of personal recovery in Thailand is limited. Further research is needed to explore how mental health service users, carers, and healthcare professionals understand and experience recovery and recovery support, in order to advance recovery-oriented practice within the local sociocultural context. Aim To explore thoughts, perceptions, and experiences of mental health service users, carers, and healthcare professionals on mental health recovery and recovery support in Thailand. Methods A qualitative descriptive study using reflexive thematic analysis, which forms the experience gathering phase of an Experience Based Co-Design (EBCD) study. Thirty semi-structured interviews and two feedback workshops with three service users and eight healthcare professionals were conducted. Results Four themes were identified: (i) conceptions of mental health recovery, (ii) attitudes towards recovery, (iii) characteristics of a successful recovery journey, and (iv) factors impeding recovery. Participants viewed recovery as beginning with clinical and functional improvement, progressing to personal recovery characterised by hope, meaning, and social connectedness. Family support, community acceptance, and supportive healthcare relationships were central to recovery, while barriers operated at individual, family, service, and community levels. Conclusion This study integrates the perspectives of mental health service users, carers, and healthcare professionals to generate new insights into personal recovery within Thai community mental health care. From these findings, we propose a culturally situated Recovery Support Model that foregrounds the interconnected roles of personal agency, family involvement, professional engagement, and community support as drivers of recovery-oriented practice within the Thai mental health system.
InGaN-based heterostructures for solar water splitting with various mechanisms of photogenerated carrier separation
In this study, we present a photocatalytic application based on three distinct types of three-dimensional (3D) nitride heterostructures: self-assembled core–shell InGaN/GaN microrods, 3D semipolar InxGa1−xN/InyGa1−yN multiple quantum wells, and nanopyramids featuring an InzGa1−zN/InwGa1−wN multilayer periodic structure. These InGaN-based architectures utilize different mechanisms of photogenerated carrier separation, arising from their specific geometric and band profile designs. The structural and optical properties of the fabricated InGaN-based heterostructures were systematically characterized using scanning electron microscopy, photoluminescence, and cathodoluminescence, followed by a comparative evaluation of their photocatalytic hydrogen (H2) evolution performance in a batch photoreactor. H2 was detected as the sole product of the photocatalytic decomposition of a methanol–water solution. The stability of the photocatalyst was verified through repeated use of the same batch, yielding consistent results. Our results demonstrate that the photocatalytic activity of InGaN-based heterostructures strongly dependents on material quality, particularly the suppression of the non-radiative recombination of photogenerated carriers. We propose different carrier separation mechanisms in each structure type and compare their photocatalytic efficiencies. The best results were achieved with the InzGa1−zN/InwGa1−wN multilayer periodic structure. This highlights the benefits of integrating polarization-field engineering with nanostructured architectures for photocatalytic H2 production. This study shows that optimizing carrier separation through band engineering and nanostructure design can significantly improve the performance of InGaN-based photocatalysts.
Postural control and knee joint importance during quiet standing in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction
There is obscurity about the role of the knee joint during quiet standing (QS) postural control. Examining the knee joint’s contribution during QS in individuals with damaged knee proprioception can help resolve the ambiguity. We investigated whether anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) changes the relative contribution of lower-limb joint motions and postural control during QS. This study included 12 individuals with ACLR and 12 able-bodied individuals. A motion capture system and two force plates were used. The acceleration of the joints, the acceleration of the body center of mass (COM), and the COP parameters were calculated during QS under eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC) conditions. In the control group under the EO condition, ankle, knee, and hip accelerations, and under the EC condition, ankle and hip accelerations were primary predictors of COM acceleration. In the ACLR group, under the EO condition, the knee and hip accelerations, and in the EC condition, the ankle, knee, and hip accelerations were prominent predictors. The ACLR group exhibited higher COP parameters than the control group in the closed-eyes condition. The knee plays a vital role in QS postural control. Improving knee proprioception modalities and lower-limb joint coordination is important in ACLR rehabilitation.
Long‐Acting Dynamic Therapy Using X‐Ray Activated Organic Nanoparticles for Afterglow Imaging Guided Deep Tumor Treatment
ABSTRACT Traditional dynamic therapies, including photodynamic, sonodynamic and chemodynamic therapies, are limited by shallow penetration and lack of sustained effects. X‐ray induced dynamic therapy overcomes penetration barriers, yet current inorganic materials raise biosafety concerns, while organic counterparts often show low reactive oxygen species (ROS) yield. To address these limitations, we propose X‐ray induced long‐acting dynamic therapy, a minimally invasive strategy for deep‐tissue tumor treatment. We propose X‐ray induced persistent ROS generation and luminescence mechanisms in fused‐triple‐anthracene nanoparticles (FTA NPs), which generate electrons and FTA •+ under X‐ray irradiation to producing singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) and hydroxyl radicals (OH), while endoperoxides (EPOs) sustain ROS and afterglow luminescence for over 15 min, with relatively stronger afterglow than conventional organic afterglow materials, such as MEHPPV NPs. In addition, FTA NPs achieve 6 cm tissue penetration under X‐ray, overcoming light limitations and boosting therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, we introduce fractionated irradiation, splitting high doses into multiple low‐dose sessions, which enhances ROS generation, reduces radiation risk and more effectively treats subcutaneous and orthotopic pancreatic tumors than continuous irradiation. Strong afterglow luminescence allows real‐time imaging and treatment monitoring, while metal‐free FTA NPs ensure high biocompatibility and safety. Thus, long‐acting dynamic therapy offers a safe and efficient strategy for deep‐seated tumors.
Lithographically defined Si3N4 torsional pendulum
Torsion pendulums provide an opportunity to trap large masses in a potential weak enough to explore two-body gravitation. Cooled to, and then released from, a ground state, weak quantum effects, including those from gravity, might reveal themselves in the evolving decoherence of a torsion pendulum, if its baseline dissipation were sufficiently dilute for quantum coherent oscillation. Monolithic ribbon-like or multi-filar suspension geometries provide a key to such dilution in torsion, but are challenging to make. As a solution, we introduce a lithographically defined Si3N4 ribbon suspension in a wafer-scale approach to pendulum fabrication that is conducive to such 2D geometries, making extreme aspect ratios and even multi-filar designs a possibility. A monofilar, monolithic, centimeter scale torsion pendulum is fabricated and released in a first proof of concept. Mounted in a vacuum, it is optically excited and cooled using measurement-based feedback. Though only 37 mg, the device displays a fundamental frequency of 162 mHz and an undiluted Q of 12 000, demonstrating a foundational step toward ultracoherent, ultralow frequency torsion pendulums.
The spatiotemporal evolution of toponymic cultural landscapes in Hebei Province, China, and its influencing factors
Current research on toponymic cultural landscapes lacks systematic attention to geographical transition zones and often neglects the interpretation of long-term evolutionary processes and driving mechanisms. This study examines 1,854 township-level place names in Hebei Province, China, by integrating methods such as kernel density estimation, geographic detectors, and spatial autocorrelation analysis. Focusing on the transition zone along the Taihang Mountains–Great Wall corridor, patterns of spatiotemporal differentiation and the dual mechanisms shaping changes in place names are investigated. The findings reveal significant spatiotemporal variation in Hebei’s place names. Natural environment names have contracted toward northeastern mountainous and coastal regions, while cultural names have shifted northward. The transition zone exhibited a “military-to-civilian” transformation characteristic during the Ming and Qing dynasties. Slope gradient and vegetation coverage are identified as primary natural drivers, whereas ethnic integration and migration during the Ming Dynasty constitute the key social factors. This study enriches interdisciplinary research on human–land relationships and toponymic landscapes in transition zones, proposes region-specific conservation strategies, and provides a scientific basis for the protection of toponymic cultural heritage in similar transition zones across Hebei and North China.
Water‐Mediated Phosphoryl Wires Stabilize Pathological Tau Fibrils
ABSTRACT Hyperphosphorylation of tau is a hallmark of tauopathies, with specific phosphorylation sites elevated in pathological fibrils. However, the molecular role of this post‐translational modification (PTM) in driving tau aggregation remains unclear. In‐register fibril assembly places phosphoryl groups on adjacent monomers at ∼4.8 Å spacing, requiring an energetically favorable arrangement. Conventional intuition holds that closely packed phosphoryl groups should be electrostatically unfavorable. We test the opposing hypothesis: that phosphoryl groups within the fibril core associate into an extended “wire” that stabilizes the amyloid fibril. We examined two phosphorylation sites linked to neurodegeneration, serine 305 (S305 p ) and tyrosine 310 (Y310 p ), using seeding‐competent fibrils of the tau peptide jR2R3‐P301L. Multiple‐quantum spin counting (MQ‐SC) by 3 1 P solid‐state NMR with dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) revealed at least six phosphorus spins linearly arranged within a protofibril, consistent with a MQ coherence order of four. Molecular dynamics simulations identified water‐mediated phosphoryl wire geometries, and 2D 1 H– 3 1 P heteronuclear correlation NMR confirmed water‐bridged phosphoryl‐phosphoryl contacts. Denaturation experiments showed that S305 phosphorylation increased fibril stability relative to the unmodified peptide. These findings show that phosphorylation within the tau fibril core promotes fibril registry and stability through water‐mediated, hydrogen‐bonded phosphoryl wires, which may be a structural signature for next‐generation pathological tau binders.
Growth and optical properties of polar-, nonpolar, and semi-polar wurtzite ScGaN films
Wurtzite ScGaN offers a promising platform for anisotropic optoelectronic and piezoelectric functionalities, provided that its crystallographic orientation can be precisely controlled. Here, we demonstrate systematic orientation engineering of ScGaN thin films grown by reactive magnetron sputter epitaxy on c-, r-, and m-plane Al2O3 substrates, enabled by the strategic use of an ultra-thin GaN buffer layer. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning transmission electron microscopy confirm the growth of polar, non-polar, and semi-polar ScGaN films on sapphire. A comparison of growth conditions reveals that the GaN buffer layer is essential for stabilizing these orientations and ensuring high epitaxial quality. Consequently, the c-plane ScGaN (0002), a-plane ScGaN (112¯0), and semi-polar-plane ScGaN (112¯2) were indexed through combined XRD and selected area electron diffraction. Spectroscopic ellipsometry combined with Mueller-matrix analysis reveals pronounced orientation-dependent optical anisotropy across all films. Cody-plot analysis further reveals that ScGaN has a wider bandgap (3.504 eV) than GaN (3.385 eV). This confirms polarization-resolved absorption onsets reflecting the wurtzite valence band anisotropy. The extracted optical-axis tilt angles quantitatively confirm polar, non-polar, and semi-polar configurations of ScGaN on sapphire substrates. Together, these results highlight buffer-assisted orientation control as an effective strategy to tailor the anisotropic properties of ScGaN.