Browse Articles

Ultralow‐Dispersion Silicon THz Photonic Crystal Interconnects for Multichannel Datalinks

ABSTRACT All‐Silicon (Si) Terahertz (THz) interconnects are a key platform for next‐generation on‐chip communication, leveraging broadband photonics to connect reconfigurable electronics. Yet their potential remains largely unrealized, due to low reported data rates and a lack of systematic insight into the role of dispersion in on‐chip THz data links. We address these challenges by demonstrating aggregate data rates exceeding 400 Gbps through an on‐chip all‐Si broadband low‐dispersion THz photonic crystal waveguide‐interconnect. Seven data channels deliver 452 Gbps of complex‐modulated data, aided by the waveguide's low dispersion with group velocity dispersion (GVD) reaching as low as 2.9 ps 2 mm −1 . Our THz waveguide interconnect delivers a record 9.81 Tbps aggregate figure of merit (FoM), outperforming prior THz waveguide data transfer reports. Our demonstration of high data rates, elucidating the role of GVD for on‐chip THz data interconnects, and superior FoMs pave the way for all‐Si THz photonic crystal waveguides as centimeter‐scale on‐chip interconnects for augmenting data center infrastructure.

Rumble Recognition: a gastrointestinal sound discrimination task to measure gastrointestinal interoception

Abstract Gastrointestinal interoception is the sensing, interpretation and integration of signals originating from the gut. In contrast to chemosensory aspects of gut-brain signalling, perceptual aspects of gastrointestinal viscerosensation and visceromotor control have received relatively little attention despite links to physical and mental health and wellbeing. To facilitate research into these aspects of interoception, we developed a novel gastrointestinal sound discrimination task, Rumble Recognition , to measure gastrointestinal interoceptive accuracy, self-beliefs, and metacognitive insight in three ecologically valid conditions; following a 3-hour fast, after drinking sparkling water, and after consuming a high-protein meal replacement shake. The discrimination task used a two-interval forced choice design to assess gastrointestinal interoceptive performance accuracy alongside self-reported confidence from which a measure of metacognitive insight was computed. This novel task was tested for proof-of-principle in a healthy sample ( n  = 45; 68% women), and we demonstrated its feasibility, tolerability, and ability to yield parameters relevant naturalistic experiences including reported experience of hunger. The task is fully automated, requires minimal, affordable equipment, and is freely available via open source code. We anticipate this task can facilitate research in this important, expanding and clinically relevant domain.

Cell‐Membrane‐Inspired Conjugated Microporous Thermoset Interface for High‐Rate and Durable Silicon Anodes

ABSTRACT Silicon (Si) is a promising anode material for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity, abundance, and favorable operating potential. However, its widespread application is limited by severe volume expansion, sluggish lithium‐ion transport, and unstable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Inspired by the multifunctional architecture of biological cell membranes, we report a facile and scalable strategy to construct a bio‐inspired protective interface via in situ formation of a conjugated microporous thermoset (CMT) coating on Si particles. This process involves simple hand‐mixing of a molecular precursor with Si, followed by a one‐step thermosetting treatment featuring sequential sublimation, melting, debromination, and polymerization, without the need for post‐processing. The resulting CMT interface offers micropores (∼0.5 nm) for selective Li + transport while excluding electrolyte and anions, a covalently crosslinked yet resilient network to accommodate mechanical strain, and tailored interfacial chemistry that induces a LiBr‐rich SEI to enhance Li + transport kinetics. As a result, the engineered Si@CMT anode achieves a high capacity of 3130.9 mAh g −1 at 0.1 C, maintains 1811.8 mAh g −1 at 3 C, and delivers 1838.8 mAh g −1 after 250 cycles at 0.2 C. This practical and generalizable interfacial design offers a promising route toward scalable stabilization of high‐capacity anodes.

Comparative outcomes of fentanyl and morphine in critically ill patients with malignancy: a retrospective cohort study utilizing MIMIC-IV

Abstract Fentanyl and morphine are commonly prescribed opioids for cancer-related pain; however, the comparative associations between these agents and clinical outcomes in critically ill patients with malignancies remain unclear. This study aims to examine the associations of fentanyl versus morphine with delirium, length of stay (LOS) in the intensive care unit (ICU), and short-term mortality in this population. Clinical data from critically ill adults with malignancies admitted to the ICU for the first time were derived from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV v3.1. The primary outcome was delirium. Secondary outcomes comprised 14- and 30-day all-cause mortality and the LOS in the ICU. Logistic regression models were adopted to evaluate the association of fentanyl versus morphine with delirium; linear regression models were applied to examine the association with the LOS in the ICU; Cox proportional hazards models were adopted to analyze associations with 14- and 30-day all-cause mortality. Subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and sepsis were performed to explore the stability of the findings. Propensity score matching was conducted for sensitivity analysis. Data from 2074 critically ill patients with malignancy (1051 fentanyl users and 1023 morphine users) were analyzed. Compared with those receiving fentanyl, patients receiving morphine demonstrated a significantly diminished risk of delirium (odds ratio = 0.273, 95% confidence interval [CI]: [0.200, 0.371], p  < 0.001). Morphine was linked to a shorter LOS in the ICU relative to fentanyl (β = − 0.870, 95% CI: − 1.496 to − 0.243, p  = 0.007). Nonetheless, compared to fentanyl users, those receiving morphine were linked to a 114.60% elevated risk of 14-day all-cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.146, 95% CI: [1.503, 3.066], p  < 0.001) and a 70.60% heightened risk of 30-day all-cause mortality (HR = 1.706, 95% CI [1.254, 2.320], p  < 0.001). In conclusion, morphine is associated with a diminished risk of delirium and a shorter LOS in the ICU among critically ill patients with malignancy, yet concurrently linked to elevated short-term mortality. These findings indicate potentially divergent outcome associations within this population and may offer a point of reference for individualized analgesic management in critically ill patients with malignancy.

Directing Assembly of Mesoscale Multi‐Shell Morphologies of DNA Origami Crystals

ABSTRACT Nature builds hierarchically ordered materials, such as seashells, wood, and bones, through spatially and temporally regulated growth. Mimicking such a level of control in synthetic systems remains challenging, particularly in achieving multiscale organizations with prescribed nanoscale arrangements and desired material morphologies. In this study, we introduce a DNA‐based self‐assembly strategy for constructing diverse multi‐shell mesoscale morphologies from nanoscale lattices, enabling prescribed structural, and compositional 3D material patterns. Using DNA origami frames as modular monomers, we direct anisotropic epitaxial growth through addressable DNA frame binding motifs and encapsulate nanoparticles (NPs) in desired 3D patterns. Sequential monomer addition under thermodynamically favorable conditions enables shell growth through heterogeneous nucleation while minimizing unwanted homogeneous nucleation. We demonstrate that DNA‐encoded addressability enables epitaxial shell growth along specific lattice directions, yielding crystals with multilayered mesoscale organization, including tube‐like ( sushi roll ) and plate‐like ( macaron ) morphologies. Shell‐specific NP configurations and compositions are achieved through addressable and differentiated placement of NPs within each shell, as validated by small‐angle x‐ray scattering and cross‐sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy. We further demonstrate addressable NP release and reveal that shells modulate release kinetics. Together, these findings establish a platform for fabricating DNA origami crystals with programmable mesoscale morphologies, nanoscale structure, composition, and transport properties.

Experimental and numerical study of the effect of appurtenances on the wind-induced vibrations of a cable-stayed bridge

An Eco‐Efficient and Sustainable Strategy for Fabricating High‐Strength Agricultural Fibers

ABSTRACT High‐value utilization of renewable biomass resources is of great significance for achieving ecological and societal sustainability. It remains highly desirable to convert agricultural residues into high‐performance regenerated cellulose fibers in a green and scalable manner. However, the fabrication of superior agricultural regenerated fibers is demanding due to the inherent anti‐depolymerization structure and low degree of polymerization of agricultural cellulose. Here, we demonstrated a recyclable and eco‐efficient process enabling the selective extraction of cellulose from agricultural residues using a novel acid deep eutectic solvent system, and proposed a stretch‐induced alignment and spatial confinement strategy to realize scalable fabrication of high‐strength and high‐toughness regenerated fibers. The deep eutectic solvent presented efficient delignification and tailoring capacity for agricultural residue, yielding cellulose with a high purity of 91.2% and a crystallinity of 72.6%. The resultant fibers addressed the intrinsic limitations of agricultural cellulose through the formation of aligned nanofibril structures and densified hydrogen‐bonding networks, exhibiting a tensile strength of 852 MPa and a toughness of 110 MJ m −3 . This work establishes a foundational pathway for producing high‐performance bio‐based fibers derived from agricultural residues, advancing sustainable materials innovation and circular bioeconomy development.

DEC1 deficiency ameliorates myocardial ischemic injury via the p53-dependent apoptosis pathway

Abstract Myocardial infarction (MI) causes myocardial hypoxia and subsequent cardiomyocyte death, leading to inflammatory responses that adversely affect prognosis. Clinical outcomes of MI also exhibit diurnal variation, suggesting involvement of circadian clock genes. Differentiated embryo chondrocytes 1 (DEC1) is a clock gene whose expression is induced by hypoxia and has been implicated in the regulation of apoptosis; however, its role in MI remains unclear. To investigate the function of DEC1 in MI, we established a coronary artery ligation model using wild-type and DEC1-deficient (DEC1 ⁻/⁻ ) mice. To assess the contribution of apoptosis, pifithrin-α, a p53-dependent apoptosis inhibitor, was administered following MI induction. DEC1 ⁻/⁻ mice showed increased p53 expression and enhanced apoptosis in the infarcted myocardium. Despite increased apoptotic cell death, inflammatory cell infiltration was significantly reduced, and overall survival after MI was improved compared with wild-type mice. Administration of pifithrin-α to DEC1 ⁻/⁻ mice attenuated apoptosis and abolished the survival benefit. Additionally, expression of survivin, an inhibitor of apoptosis protein, was downregulated in DEC1 ⁻/⁻ hearts after MI. These findings indicate that DEC1 deficiency modulates MI outcomes by enhancing p53-dependent apoptosis while suppressing post-infarction inflammatory responses. DEC1 may therefore represent a novel regulatory factor linking hypoxia, circadian signaling, and myocardial injury.

Medium‐Entropy Amorphous Alloyed Single‐Atom Pd Catalysts for Direct Ethylene Glycol Fuel Cells

ABSTRACT Precise regulation of the d‐band center of palladium (Pd) for targeted electrocatalysis held tremendous scientific and technological potential, yet achieving this via rational structural design remained challenging. Herein, we present medium‐entropy amorphous alloyed single‐atom (MEAASA) Pd nanosheets (NSs), wherein the d‐band center of Pd was delicately modulated to an optimal value via the synergistic effect of medium‐entropy alloying, single‐atom coordination, and oxyphilic Cr/Mo/W modification. The as‐synthesized PdCrMoW MEAASA NSs exhibited exceptional mass activities of 2.15 and 15.19 A mg − 1 for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and ethylene glycol oxidation reaction (EGOR), respectively, which were 15.4 and 4.4 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C. Experimental results suggested that the optimized d‐band center not only balanced the adsorption and activation of key intermediates but also suppressed CO formation via a non‐CO dominated pathway, enabling a 4 e − ORR process and a nearly complete 10 e − EGOR process with 91.5% C1 selectivity. In practical direct ethylene glycol fuel cells (DEGFCs), the PdCrMoW MEAASA NSs delivered a peak power density of 117 mW·cm − 2 , markedly outperforming the state‐of‐the‐art commercial Pt/C catalyst.

Age-related differences in extubation time following propofol-based target-controlled infusion in pediatric medium-duration surgery: A prospective cohort study

Chemically Programmed Prodrug Nanoparticles for Precise Oral Dopamine Delivery to Deep Brain Regions in Parkinson's Disease

ABSTRACT Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the inflamed substantia nigra, resulting in striatal dopamine (DA) depletion and severe motor dysfunction. Here, we report a chemically programmed, inflammation‐responsive prodrug nanoparticle (NP) system—β‐glucans–DA(OAc) 2 NPs—that enables precise oral gut‐to‐brain delivery of DA into deep brain regions. In this design, the acetylated DA prodrug DA(OAc) 2 is conjugated to β‐glucans via a reactive oxygen species (ROS)–cleavable thioketal linker, thereby preventing DA autooxidation, enhancing stability during transit, and ensuring selective activation at neuroinflammatory sites. Following oral administration in PD mice, the NPs are recognized by Dectin‐1, internalized by intestinal macrophages, and trafficked through the lymphatic and systemic circulation to cross the blood–brain barrier, ultimately homing specifically to the inflamed substantia nigra in the deep brain. Within this pathological niche, dual responsiveness to elevated ROS and enzymatic activity triggers controlled prodrug cleavage, sustained DA regeneration, and restoration of striatal DA via the nigrostriatal pathway, ultimately rescuing motor function. This inflammation‐guided, modular prodrug platform provides a noninvasive and precise strategy for dopaminergic therapy, underscoring its potential as a transformative approach for PD management.

Nationality patterns of the fastest marathon runners across age groups in the Berlin marathon

Abstract While the dominance of elite East African marathoners is well-established, little is known about the nationality distribution of the fastest age group marathoners. This study examined how the nationality distribution of the fastest marathon runners varies across age groups and sexes in the ‘Berlin Marathon’. We analysed race data from 825,886 finishers (627,962 men and 197,807 women) of the ‘Berlin Marathon’ from 1999 to 2024. Finishers were grouped by five-year age brackets, sex and nationality. We examined performance across five analytical layers: (1) all runners, (2) top 100, (3) top 30, (4) top 10 and (5) the single fastest runner per country and age group. Linear regression models were applied to both the entire dataset and the subset of the top 100 finishers per age group to assess the predictive value of age and nationality on finish time. Most finishers were from Germany, with the USA becoming the second-most represented country after 2017. In younger age groups (20–39 years), the fastest average times for both sexes were achieved by runners from Kenya and Ethiopia. In middle-aged (40–49 years) and older groups (50 + years), top performances shifted toward runners from Germany, the United States, Japan, and Switzerland. In regression models, age group and nationality explained only 4.1% of the variance in male finish times and 2.9% in females across the full dataset. However, for the top 100 runners, explanatory power rose significantly to 52.8% for men and 48.6% for women. The nationality distribution of the fastest age group marathoners shifts with age in the ‘Berlin Marathon’: East African nations dominate at younger ages, while Western Europe and East Asian countries lead among older runners. These results emphasize the global expansion of competitive master running and the role of cultural and demographic factors in shaping endurance performance across the lifespan.

Asymmetric Zn─N ₃ O ₁ Single‐Atom Sites Promote Hydroxyl Radical Generation for Natural‐Light‐Driven Inactivation of Drug‐Resistant Bacteria

ABSTRACT Waterborne drug‐resistant bacteria pose a serious global health threat, underscoring the urgent need for highly efficient disinfection strategies. The photocatalytic generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH) represents a green and powerful route for bacterial inactivation, yet its efficiency is often limited by the sluggish kinetics of the stepwise single‐electron oxygen reduction pathway. Herein, we report an atomic‐level design strategy by anchoring asymmetric Zn─N 3 O 1 sites onto ultrathin graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (Zn 1 /OCN) to accelerate •OH production. The introduced Zn─N 3 O 1 sites create localized intermediate states that enable rapid trapping of photogenerated electrons at Zn single‐atom sites and prolong their lifetime, thereby driving a stepwise single‐electron oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) for efficient •OH generation. Simultaneously, adjacent C═O moieties act as hole‐trapping centers to drive water oxidation reaction (WOR), establishing a local reservoir of H 2 O 2 and protons that couples with the ORR process, thus forming a cooperative redox pathway for enhanced •OH production. Additionally, these asymmetric sites effectively lower the formation energies of *OOH and *OH intermediates, thereby accelerating both ORR and WOR processes and facilitating •OH generation. Consequently, Zn 1 /OCN achieves outstanding bactericidal performance, inactivating 99.9% of drug‐resistant bacteria, within 30 min under natural light, markedly outperforming representative photocatalytic antibacterial materials reported to date.

Reconfigurable optical arithmetic logic unit and its applications

Abstract The growing constraints of Moore’s Law have fundamentally impeded further advancement in the energy efficiency of conventional electronic integrated circuits. In response, integrated photonics has emerged as a promising solution due to its exceptional bandwidth and ultralow latency. Optical digital computing based on integrated photonics offers inherent advantages in operation speed and energy efficiency compared to electronic digital schemes. However, implementing multi-functional arithmetic logic primitives on photonic chips still face a considerable challenge, and the reported works are mainly limited to basic logic gates or isolated computing modules rather than reconfigurable computational systems. Here, we report a reconfigurable optical computing architecture utilizing silicon-based microring modulators, which can implement reconfigurable basic logic operations and various arithmetic logic units, including 2-bit adder, subtractor and digital comparator. The experimental results demonstrate high computational density of 528 Gb/s/mm 2 and energy efficiency of 12.36 fJ/bit at the operation speed of 20 Gb/s. The proposed device’s practical viability is further demonstrated through multiple application scenarios including data encryption and image processing.

Transcriptomic and macrophage polarization signatures define anergic diffuse and mucosal forms of severe American cutaneous leishmaniasis

Fluorinated Deep Eutectic Gel Electrolytes with Simultaneously Enhanced Mechanical Strength and Ionic Conductivity for Solid‐State Lithium Metal Batteries

ABSTRACT Gel polymer electrolytes for lithium‐metal batteries face an inherent trade‐off between mechanical strength and ionic conductivity. Herein, we present a molecular‐level strategy that harnesses competitive hydrogen‐bonding interactions to spontaneously generate a nanoscale phase‐separated architecture in the deep eutectic gel (DEG) electrolyte. Through one‐step in‐situ copolymerization of acrylamide and N,N ‐dimethylacrylamide within a trifluoromethyl‐functionalized deep eutectic solvent comprising N ‐methyl‐2,2,2‐trifluoroacetamide (TNMA) and lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI), an interpenetrating network is formed, in which rigid polyacrylamide‐rich domains reinforce the matrix while polydimethylacrylamide‐rich channels facilitate ion transport. Driven by the competition between polymer–polymer and polymer–solvent hydrogen bonds, the resulting DEG electrolyte achieves an exceptional ionic conductivity of 2.99 mS cm −1 at 30°C, an excellent Li + transference number of 0.78, and a remarkable tensile strength of 11.4 MPa with 473% elongation. Meanwhile, TNMA, together with TFSI − , regulates the Li + solvation structure and interfacial chemistry, promoting the formation of a LiF‐rich interphase through fluorinated‐solvent‐ and anion‐involved interfacial reactions. The resulting Li||Li symmetric cells operate for over 3500 hours (0.1 mA cm −2 ), and Li|DEG|NCM811 cells retain 77.5% capacity after 400 cycles at 2 C. This work establishes competitive molecular interactions as a design principle for next‐generation gel polymer electrolytes.

Stable high-valent iridium single atoms for high-temperature CO2 electrolysis

Aerobic fitness and body composition independently relate to inhibitory control in preadolescent children

Abstract Aerobic fitness and body composition are modifiable factors that independently relate to inhibitory control, with higher aerobic fitness associated with enhanced performance and higher body fat associated with poorer inhibitory control in children. This study examined these factors as independent predictors of behavioral and neuroelectric outcomes during a Go/NoGo task. One hundred and two preadolescent children (mean age: 10.07 ± 0.67 years) completed VO 2 peak assessments and DXA scans before performing a Go/NoGo task while ERPs were recorded. Linear regressions and mixed-effects models examined main and interaction effects of fat-free aerobic fitness (FFVO 2 peak) and body fat percent on behavior, N2 and P3 amplitude and latency across seven midline electrode sites. Higher aerobic fitness was associated with greater NoGo accuracy, while body composition was unrelated to behavioral performance. Aerobic fitness showed topographic interactions with N2 and P3 amplitude during the Go task and with N2 amplitude during the NoGo task, reflecting greater neural resource allocation at fronto-central and centro-parietal sites. Body composition showed a topographic interaction with NoGo P3 latency, with higher body fat associated with shorter latencies. These findings demonstrate dissociable topographic effects of aerobic fitness and body composition on inhibitory control, suggesting distinct pathways of neurocognitive influence in preadolescent children.

Supramolecular STING‐Hydrogel Spatiotemporally Boosts Tumor‐Derived Extracellular Vesicle‐Based Personalized Vaccine for Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy

ABSTRACT Personalized vaccines represent a promising approach for cancer treatment by eliciting tumor‐specific immune responses. However, their development faces persistent challenges, including the laborious and costly process of neoantigen identification, which substantially delays vaccine production. Moreover, conventional platforms suffer from rapid systemic clearance and inefficient delivery to antigen‐presenting cells (APCs), leading to only transient and weak immune activation. Here, we report a STING‐agonist‐integrated hydrogel system designed for localized delivery of tumor‐derived extracellular vesicles (TEVs) to achieve robust and durable antitumor immunity. Upon subcutaneous administration, the in situ formed hydrogel vaccine acts as a depot for antigen‐rich TEVs and STING agonists. We demonstrate that this vaccine promotes dendritic cells (DCs) recruitment and establishes an immune‐permissive niche through spatiotemporal control over antigen‐adjuvant distribution and prolonged APC‐antigen engagement. Within this niche, DCs efficiently internalize and process TEVs under STING‐mediated activation. These matured DCs subsequently migrate to draining lymph nodes, where they initiate potent and sustained tumor‐specific T‐cell responses. Our results show that rapidly producible personalized vaccines derived from melanoma TEVs effectively inhibit tumor growth. In a postoperative breast cancer model, patient‐tailored TEV vaccines also markedly prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. This readily customizable platform represents a robust and translatable strategy for personalized cancer immunotherapy.

Delayed astrocyte development impairs Sema6a-Plxna2/4-mediated astrocyte-neuron crosstalk and causes depressive-like behavior

Abstract Neural functions and circuit formation rely on intricate crosstalk among various cell types during critical periods. Disruptions or delays in this crosstalk between neurons and astrocytes lead to abnormal neural functions and neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the lack of robust mouse models to study the crosstalk between astrocytes and neurons thus renders unclear the implications of impeding such interactions. In this study, we demonstrate that Egfr knockout during the critical period of neuronal maturation results in a transient absence of astrocytes, with recovery observed in adult mice. This model thus provides a unique opportunity to investigate the effects of impaired astrocyte-neuron communication during development. Mechanically, we show that loss of Egfr disrupts the Egfr-pERK-Epb41l2 signaling axis, which in turn prevents glial progenitor cells from migrating outward. More importantly, Egfr deficiency during the critical period compromises astrocyte-neuron communication via the Sema6a-Plxna2/4 ligand-receptor pair. This impaired intercellular crosstalk reduces neuronal dendritic complexity and excitability, ultimately culminating in depressive-like behaviors in adult mice.