Browse Articles

Formation mechanisms and suppression method of needle-like defects in HgCdTe epitaxial films

Hg1−xCdxTe (MCT) is a critical material for infrared detectors. The foundation of developing ultra-high-performance detectors lies in the suppression of defects in MCT films. In this study, MCT thin films were grown on CdZnTe substrates using molecular beam epitaxy. The formation mechanism and mitigation strategies of needle-like defects—macroscopic surface defects—were systematically investigated. By controlling the growth temperature, it was found that the occurrence of these needle-like defects is associated with a temperature rise on the surface during the later stages of growth. This phenomenon is attributed to stress propagation induced by the formation of internal voids within the material. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy combined with geometric phase analysis was employed to elucidate the atomic structure and strain distribution of the needle-like defects. Through the optimization of the growth process, the formation of such defects on the MCT surface was effectively suppressed. As a result, the full width at half maximum of the x-ray double-crystal rocking curve was reduced to only 41.8 arc sec, indicating a significant improvement in crystalline quality. This work provides essential theoretical insights and practical guidance for defect control and further process optimization in high-performance MCT infrared detectors.

Superprotonic Conduction Over Wide Humidity Range Driven by Enhanced Proton Dissociation

Abstract Proton‐conducting materials play a key role in various fields, and their proton conduction is profoundly restricted by the proton dissociation process. This process has two components: dissociation from acidic groups (e.g., −SO 3 H) and dissociation from intermediate species (e.g., H 3 O + , C─F···H + ). Extensive research has concentrated on the former, utilizing acidic groups with minimal proton dissociation energy or low pKa values, while the latter's substantial effects have been largely overlooked. In reality, proton‐accepting atoms within intermediates, such as oxygen and nitrogen, typically produce a higher electron cloud density compared to those in acidic groups. This results in a pronounced electrostatic binding effect on mobile protons, as well as high dissociation energies. Thus, diminishing the dissociation energy associated with intermediates is paramount in the development of high‐performance proton conductors. Herein, we construct one covalent organic framework‐based proton conductor, achieving superprotonic conduction over a wide humidity range by decreasing the dissociation energy of protons from intermediates. The success of this approach can be attributed to two key factors: the crowded guest molecules within the framework that mitigate proton hydration, and the concurrent establishment of C─H···H + interactions. These combined effects significantly reduce the electrostatic attraction exerted on mobile protons, thereby enhancing proton conduction.

Study of 3D MPFEM simulation for high-velocity compaction of 2024 al alloy powders

Is the human face a biomarker of health? – A scoping review

There is a widespread assumption that facial features could act as a biomarker of human developmental stability and thus provide an important cue to an individual’s physical and mental health status. However, research to date shows mixed support for this assumption. This is the first review that explores the association between various aspects of health and facial features, namely symmetry, averageness, and sexual dimorphism in adults. We searched electronic databases including Web of Science, MEDLINE PubMed, Scopus, and Embase. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) guidelines for reporting of our results. Of the 702 screened articles, 21 were eligible for inclusion. Studies presented various relationships between facial features and cardiovascular health; immunocompetence; oxidative stress level; cortisol level; reproductive health; cognitive health, and general physical health. This review results in an inconclusive answer to the question of whether facial features can serve as honest indicators of health. The results warrant caution when utilizing facial features as a biomarker of health status and biological condition of an individual. Protocol: Open Science Framework, https://osf.io/dv9pu/.

Perspective: Topological photonics in nanoscaled systems with far-field radiation and polarization singularities

Topology is a powerful framework for controlling and manipulating light, minimizing detrimental perturbations on the photonic properties. Combining nanophotonics with topological concepts presents opportunities for both fundamental physics and technological applications. Although most topological photonic realizations have been inspired by condensed-matter analogue models, new topological ideas have just begun to be realized at the nanoscale. Nanophotonics is characterized by subtle phenomena that are not usually considered in other topological models' realizations, such as nonlocality, strong field confinement, and light radiating to the far-field continuum. In this perspective, we will discuss how standard topological band theory for photonic crystals needs to be extended by a more comprehensive approach that properly treats such nanophotonic intrinsic effects and, in particular, the interplay of polarization and far-field radiation. We highlight the emerging role that polarization singularities might play in defining the topological invariants in the far field, which are not fully captured by bulk observables alone. We conclude by outlining a set of open questions and promising directions for exploring novel concepts in topological nanophotonics and shaping next-generation photonic devices.

Deconstructive Radical–Radical Coupling for Programmable Remote Acylation

Abstract Dicarbonyl compounds are structural motifs that have been extensively utilized in synthetic chemistry, and their downstream transformations have proven valuable in synthesizing numerous heterocycles. Conventional methods for accessing such compounds include the Stetter reaction, the Michael reaction, and Friedel–Crafts acylation. However, a flexible and enabling platform for obtaining all types of 1,n‐dicarbonyls remains undeveloped. Reported herein is a unified approach to access a variety of 1,n‐dicarbonyls through a radical‐promoted deconstructive process utilizing dual photocatalysis/carbene catalysis. The utility of this strategy is demonstrated with a broad scope with robust functional group tolerance along with application in the preparation of γ‐amino esters, three‐component manifolds, and the first enantioselective deconstructive synthesis of 1,5‐dicarbonyls using a chiral NHC catalyst.

Identifying potential drug targets for postoperative abdominal wall hernia using Mendelian randomization: a multi-omics study

Protocol for a scoping review of time to treatment in adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma

Background Delays in cancer treatment can result in tumor growth, increased clonal heterogeneity, upstaging, increased symptoms, organ damage, increased psychological distress, and worse clinical outcomes. Evidence supported guidelines for treatment timeliness exist in many cancers, but not for multiple myeloma (MM) though there is reason to believe delays in treatment would be detrimental. Aims This scoping review aims to explore what is known about the impacts of the time from diagnosis to treatment among patients with MM. Methods Our review will be guided by the Joanna Briggs Institute scoping review methodology. Our search strategy was developed to identify sources published in or after the year 2000 related to time to treatment for adults with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma in PubMed, CINAHL, Scopus and Embase. Sources will be screened by two independent reviewers after exclusion/inclusion criteria are pilot tested and refined. A data extraction form was developed and will be refined by the study team for use during the scoping review. Discussion This review will summarize the landscape of research related to time to treatment among newly diagnosed adults with multiple myeloma. Raising awareness of the available evidence on this topic, within the MM clinical and research community, will guide future research to address identified knowledge gaps. Registration This protocol was registered with Open Science Framework (OSF) on the 25th of March, 2025 and can be found at osf.io/sydqw.

Guanidinium-mediated crystallization modulation for high-performance indoor flexible perovskite solar cells

Lightweight flexible perovskite solar cells (F-PSCs) have emerged as a commercially promising candidate for indoor energy harvesting applications. However, solution-processed fabrication induces deep-level trap states within perovskite films, posing constraints on both power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operational durability of devices. Herein, we developed a ligand-mediated crystallization modulation strategy that simultaneously optimizes the growth quality of perovskite on flexible substrates and deciphers the structure-performance correlations. Guanidinium incorporation promotes a more than threefold increase in grain sizes of perovskite films by refining the crystallization rate. These enlarged crystals function as the oriental scaffolding to improve the interface adhesion, residual strain, and trap density within the modified films, thus ensuring efficient charge transfer and extraction. The resultant devices achieved a champion efficiency of 42.8% under 1000 lux white LED illumination, recording as among the highest efficiencies for indoor F-PSCs. Furthermore, the device stability under potential operational conditions, including ambient exposure, continuous illumination, and mechanical bending, was collectively improved. This work elucidates the crystallization mechanism governing structural resilience and carrier kinetics in F-PSCs, providing a practical methodology for high-efficiency and stable indoor photovoltaics.

An in-depth investigation into 234U and 238U isotopes systematics in U(IV) and U(VI) phases of betafite for enhanced understanding of actinide retention

Neighborhood context, genetic influences, and life satisfaction: Evidence from the German twin family panel

Both genetic influences and neighborhood environments play a role in shaping life satisfaction. However, research examining gene-environment interactions (GxE) in this context remains limited. This study investigates how neighborhood deprivation moderates the effects of genetic influences on life satisfaction. Using data from 760 dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs in the German Twin Family Panel (TwinLife), we apply twin fixed-effect models to estimate GxE effects. Results indicate that a Polygenic index (PGI) for subjective well-being is positively associated with life satisfaction. Notably, this association is strongest among individuals living in moderately deprived neighborhoods, and weaker in both highly deprived and less deprived areas. Thus, there are signs of compensation in less deprived areas and, particularly, diathesis-stress/triggering in highly deprived areas.

Direct linking of interfacial and interlayer chiral exchange coupling observed through interface tuning

In recent years, spintronics research has expanded from collinear to noncollinear magnetism, driving increased interest in the interlayer Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (IL-DMI) for its role in mediating long-range chiral coupling between magnetic layers. While IL-DMI enables vertical transmission of chirality in multilayers, its microscopic origin remains less understood, particularly in relation to the well-studied interfacial DMI. Establishing whether these two forms of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction share a common underlying mechanism is essential for the unified control of chiral spin textures in engineered heterostructures. Here, we demonstrate unambiguous polarity reversal of IL-DMI by tuning the ferromagnetic composition of the perpendicularly magnetized layer in a type-T structure composed of Co and Ni interfaced with Pt. The polarity shift correlates with transitioning from a Co to a Ni-dominated interface. Control experiments confirm that the IL-DMI direction is exclusively determined by the identity of the ferromagnetic layer in direct contact with the Pt spacer and remains unaffected by the overall ferromagnetic material thickness. Robust field-free switching, with polarity directly following this interface-defined IL-DMI direction, further reinforces the interfacial origin of the chiral coupling. These findings establish interfacial composition as a key handle for engineering chiral coupling in spintronic multilayers.

Anterior and transmesocolic approaches for duodenal laparoscopic and endoscopic cooperative surgery

Retraction: Assessing the asymmetric impact of physical infrastructure and trade openness on ecological footprint: An empirical evidence from Pakistan

Band alignment of MoS2/SiC heterojunctions with ultrahigh rectifying ratio and photovoltaic effect

Wide-bandgap semiconductor SiC's superior properties can be tailored by atomically thin MoS2 through its optoelectronic characteristics, driving innovation in next-gen optoelectronic and power devices. However, the MoS2/SiC interaction mechanism remains unclear, particularly concerning their structures, properties, and application potential. Here, we prepared large-area MoS2 films on 4H-SiC, and the structure and monolayer uniformity were determined by surface morphology phase characterization. Band structure analysis and theoretical calculations reveal that the MoS2/SiC heterojunction adopts a type-II band alignment, with a valence band offset (ΔEV) of up to 1.89 eV, resulting in a rectification ratio of up to 5.83 × 107. Notably, this heterostructure shows a pronounced photovoltaic response in both UV and visible ranges that differs from other studies, with fill factors values of ∼0.28 (340 nm) and ∼0.33 (532 nm). These results demonstrate the potential for scalable fabrication of high-performance mixed-dimensional heterojunctions, highlighting their promise for optoelectronic and power device applications.

Dual synergistic modification of Pebax 2533 membranes with sorbitol and silver nanoparticles for enhanced CO2 separation efficiency

PiCCL: A lightweight multiview contrastive learning framework for image classification

We introduce PiCCL (Primary Component Contrastive Learning), a self-supervised contrastive learning framework that utilizes a multiplex Siamese network structure consisting of many identical branches rather than 2 to maximize learning efficiency. PiCCL is simple and light weight, it does not use asymmetric networks, intricate pretext tasks, hard to compute loss functions or multimodal data, which are common for multiview contrastive learning frameworks and could hinder performance, simplicity, generalizability and explainability. PiCCL obtains multiple positive samples by applying the same image augmentation paradigm to the same image numerous times, the network loss is calculated using a custom designed Loss function named PiCLoss (Primary Component Loss) to take advantage of PiCCL’s unique structure while keeping it computationally lightweight. To demonstrate its strength, we benchmarked PiCCL against various state-of-the-art self-supervised algorithms on multiple datasets including CIFAR-10, CIFAR-100, and STL-10. PiCCL achieved top performance in most of our tests, with top-1 accuracy of 94%, 72%, and 97% for the 3 datasets respectively. But where PiCCL excels is in the small batch learning scenarios. When testing on STL-10 using a batch size of 8, PiCCL still achieved 93% accuracy, outperforming the competition by about 3 percentage points.

Synergistic optimization of material innovation and interface engineering for COD mitigation in high-power GaN-based blue laser diodes

Catastrophic optical damage (COD), driven by thermal runaway from localized facet absorption, remains the primary failure mode in high-power GaN-based blue lasers. Herein, we propose a synergistic optimization strategy integrating wide-bandgap lattice-matched dielectric film design with electron cyclotron resonance plasma deposition to simultaneously enhance interfacial stability and suppress non-radiative recombination. By depositing Al2O3, AlN, and AlON films on GaN cleaved facets, systematic characterization reveals that AlON exhibits superior performance: its COD threshold reaches 54 MW/cm2, 205% higher than that of Al2O3. This breakthrough stems from AlON's defect density suppression and balanced thermal management, coupled with its single-crystalline epitaxial growth at the GaN interface. The study establishes a paradigm for interface engineering in wide-bandgap semiconductors, paving the way for ultra-reliable high-power optoelectronic devices.

Glycosylation‐Dependent Stability of Human Pentraxin‐2 Revealed by Surface‐Induced Dissociation and Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry

Abstract Pentraxin‐2 (PTX‐2), also known as Serum Amyloid P component, functions as an immunoregulatory glycoprotein and plays a crucial role in fibrotic diseases such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Desialylation of PTX‐2 has recently been associated with reduced bioactivity and diminished inhibition of fibrocyte differentiation in IPF patients. Each monomer in the naturally assembled pentameric complex is N‐glycosylated, predominantly featuring terminal sialic acids on biantennary glycans. However, the influence of these glycoforms on PTX‐2′s mechanism of action (MoA) and conformational properties has not been comprehensively investigated. In this study, we demonstrate the combined application of surface‐induced dissociation (SID) and ion‐mobility mass spectrometry (IM‐MS) to assess the impact of specific glyco‐engineered PTX‐2 variants on the stability of its pentameric and decameric complexes. We further explore the effect of individual monomer glycosylation on complex stability. Our results reveal that high levels of terminal sialylation significantly enhance complex stability, whereas desialylation and mannosylation reduce the stability of both pentameric and decameric PTX‐2 forms. Regarding the stability of single PTX‐2 monomers ejected from the pentamer, in contrast, we found that desialylated and highly mannosylated glycans contribute to the individual monomer stability.

Enhanced complex network influential node detection through the integration of entropy and degree metrics with node distance

Abstract Complex networks play a vital role in various real-world systems, including marketing, information dissemination, transportation, biological systems, and epidemic modeling. Identifying influential nodes within these networks is essential for optimizing spreading processes, controlling rumors, and preventing disease outbreaks. However, existing state-of-the-art methods for identifying influential nodes face notable limitations. For instance, Degree Centrality (DC) measures fail to account for global information, the K-shell method does not assign a unique ranking to nodes, and global measures are often computationally intensive. To overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a novel approach called Entropy Degree Distance Combination (EDDC), which integrates both local and global measures, such as degree, entropy, and distance. This approach incorporates local structure information by using entropy as a local metric and enhances the understanding of the overall graph structure by including path information as part of the global measure. This innovative method makes a substantial contribution to various applications, including virus spread modeling, viral marketing etc. The proposed approach is evaluated on six different benchmark datasets using well-known evaluation metrics and proved its efficiency.