Browse Articles

GmERF13 mediates salt inhibition of nodulation through interacting with GmLBD16a in soybean

Multihyperuniformity in high-entropy MXenes

MXenes are a large family of two-dimensional transition metal carbides and nitrides that possess excellent electrical conductivity, high volumetric capacitance, great mechanical properties, and hydrophilicity. In this work, we generalize the concept of multihyperuniformity, an exotic state that can exist in a disordered multi-component system, to MXenes. Disordered hyperuniform systems possess an isotropic local structure that lacks traditional translational and orientational order, yet they completely suppress infinite-wavelength density fluctuations as in perfect crystals and, in this sense, possess a hidden long-range order. In particular, we evaluate the static structure factor of the individual components present in the high-entropy (HE) MXene experimental sample TiVCMoCr based on high-resolution scanning electron microscope imaging data, which suggests that this HE MXene system is at least effectively multihyperuniform (MH). We then devise a packing algorithm to generate MH models of HE MXene systems. The MH HE MXenes are predicted to be energetically more stable compared to the prevailing (quasi)random models of the HE MXenes due to the hidden long-range order. Moreover, the MH structure exhibits a distinctly smaller lattice distortion, which has a vital effect on the electronic properties of HE MXenes, such as the density of states and charge distribution. This systematic study of HE MXenes strengthens our fundamental understanding of these systems and suggests possible exotic physical properties, as endowed by the multihyperuniformity.

Construction and validation of a nomogram predictive model for assessing the risk of surgical site infections following posterior lumbar fusion surgery

Rapid and quantitative functional interrogation of human enhancer variant activity in live mice

Abstract Functional analysis of non-coding variants associated with congenital disorders remains challenging due to the lack of efficient in vivo models. Here we introduce dual-enSERT, a robust Cas9-based two-color fluorescent reporter system which enables rapid, quantitative comparison of enhancer allele activities in live mice in less than two weeks. We use this technology to examine and measure the gain- and loss-of-function effects of enhancer variants previously linked to limb polydactyly, autism spectrum disorder, and craniofacial malformation. By combining dual-enSERT with single-cell transcriptomics, we characterise gene expression in cells where the enhancer is normally and ectopically active, revealing candidate pathways that may lead to enhancer misregulation. Finally, we demonstrate the widespread utility of dual-enSERT by testing the effects of fifteen previously uncharacterised rare and common non-coding variants linked to neurodevelopmental disorders. In doing so we identify variants that reproducibly alter the in vivo activity of OTX2 and MIR9-2 brain enhancers, implicating them in autism. Dual-enSERT thus allows researchers to go from identifying candidate enhancer variants to analysis of comparative enhancer activity in live embryos in under two weeks.

Overlap-scanning self-referencing diffractive imaging with enlarged field of view under incoherent illumination

Coherent diffractive imaging (CDI), especially the ptychography, has been widely used in quantitative phase imaging. However, in traditional diffractive imaging schemes, a highly coherent light source is required for a better-posed inverse problem. Considering that the high coherence cannot be guaranteed in all cases and to avoid the multi-mode of low-coherence light sources complicating the iterative modeling of diffractive imaging, we proposed an overlap-scanning self-referencing diffractive imaging. As a non-iterative partially coherent diffractive imaging method, self-referencing diffractive imaging was combined with the procedure of overlap-scanning ptychography. It does not require prior knowledge of light source coherence, and only a coherent inverse problem was needed to be solved in the final stitching. It has been demonstrated to be able to recover the complex amplitude of objects illuminated by various low-coherence light sources. This study presents significant potential for applications in phase imaging with a wide-field of view under incoherent illuminations.

Knockout or inhibition of DHPS suppresses ovarian tumor growth and metastasis by attenuating the TGFβ pathway

Tracing ancient solar cycles with tree rings and radiocarbon in the first millennium BCE

AbstractThe Sun drives Earth’s energy systems, influencing weather, ocean currents, and agricultural productivity. Understanding solar variability is critical, but direct observations are limited to 400 years of sunspot records. To extend this timeline, cosmic ray-produced radionuclides like 14C in tree-rings provide invaluable insights. However, few records have the resolution or temporal span required to thoroughly investigate important short-term solar phenomena, such as the 11-year solar cycle, or 14C production spikes most likely linked to solar energetic particle (SEP) events. Here we present a continuous, annually resolved atmospheric 14C record from tree-rings spanning the first millennium BCE, confirming no new SEP’s and clearly defining the 11-year solar cycle, with a mean period of 10.5 years, and amplitude of approximately 0.4‰ in 14C concentration. This dataset offers unprecedented detail on solar behavior over long timescales, providing insights for climatic research and solar hazard mitigation, while also offering enhanced radiocarbon calibration and dating accuracy.

Dynamic domain motion enhancing electro-optic performance in ferroelectric films

With the rapid advancement of information technology, there is a pressing need to develop ultracompact and energy-efficient thin-film-based electro-optic (EO) devices. A high EO coefficient in ferroelectric materials is crucial. However, substrate clamping can positively or negatively influence various physical properties, including the EO response of these films, thus complicating the development of next-generation thin-film-based devices. This study demonstrates that reversible dynamic domain motion, achieved through substrate clamping, significantly enhances the EO coefficient in epitaxial ferroelectric rhombohedral Pb(Zr, Ti)O3 thin films, where the (111) and (111¯) domains coexist with distinct optical axes. In principle, this approach can be applied to different film-substrate systems, thereby contributing to the advancement of sophisticated EO devices based on ferroelectrics.

Nanotechnology and LSTM machine learning algorithms in advanced fuel spray dynamics in CI engines with different bowl geometries

Factors governing $${\rm H}_{3}^{+}$$ formation from methyl halogens and pseudohalogens

4780 nm ultra-broadband entangled biphotons from a chirped PPLN

Ultra-broadband frequency entangled biphotons have exceptionally short temporal duration and can achieve narrow Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference patterns, making them vital for quantum metrology applications. However, the bandwidth of previously demonstrated biphotons used for HOM interference has been limited to less than 400 nm, which is not wide enough to achieve ultra-high precision in quantum metrology. In order to push the precision to its limit, we have theoretically designed a 20-mm-long chirped periodically poled lithium niobate (CPPLN) crystal with type-II phase matching. Pumped by a 405 nm laser, the down-converted signal and idler photons can cover the wavelength range from 420 to 5200 nm, approaching the transparent upper bound of the LN crystal. In the simulated Hong–Ou–Mandel (HOM) interference, the full-width at half-maximum of the interference pattern is 965 attoseconds, with a visibility of 99.44%. Following a similar approach, we also designed a type-0 CPPLN crystal to achieve higher brightness. These ultra-broadband biphoton sources can generate ultra-narrow quantum interference patterns, which have the potential for attosecond-level high-precision quantum metrology.

Seepage mode in lamina-developed shale oil reservoirs under strong heterogeneous and strong fluid–solid coupling in Jiyang depression of China

Author Correction: Thermophilic Hadarchaeota grow on long-chain alkanes in syntrophy with methanogens

A circuit simulation model for resistive random-access memory devices based on CsBi3I10 perovskite thin films

This article proposes a circuit simulation model that can simulate the electrical behaviors of resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices based on CsBi3I10 perovskite active layer. The CsBi3I10 perovskite thin films were fabricated using a sol-gel method and the structural properties were obtained with x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscope analysis. The resistive switching memory behaviors of the RRAM devices were studied, showing that the resistance states can be well maintained for a duration of 104 s as well as in 2500 repeated Set/Reset operations during electrical measurements. To simulate the resistive switching behavior, a circuit simulation model was developed. The simulation results yielded good fitting to the experimental results, suggesting promising applications of the proposed model in this work for various kinds of RRAM devices.

Associations of time spent on different types of digital media with self-rated general and mental health in Swedish adolescents

AbstractAlthough previous studies have suggested an association between digital media use and health, detailed knowledge about how different types of digital media impact adolescent health is limited. This cross-sectional population-based study explored the relationship between time spent on various digital media and adolescents’ self-rated general and mental health. The study included 3566 Swedish high school students aged 16–17 years. Associations between time spent on digital media (social media, gaming, watching movies/series/video clips etc. and digital schoolwork) and self-rated health outcomes (general health, self-esteem, symptoms of worry/anxiety and low mood/depression, trust in other people, head/neck/shoulder pain and sleep quality) was assessed. Statistical analyses employed logistic regression models adjusted for covariates (sociodemographic variables and health behaviours). In the adjusted models, spending very high amounts of time (≥ 6 h/day) on any digital media, except schoolwork, was associated with poor self-esteem, symptoms of low mood/depression and poor sleep (ORs 1.35–2.93, p < 0.05). Spending six hours or more on digital media was also associated with worry/anxiety (for social media and gaming), head/neck/shoulder pain (for social media, watching movies/series/video clips and schoolwork), poor general health (for gaming and watching movies/series/video clips) and low trust (for gaming) (ORs 1.39–3.18, p < 0.05). High amounts of time (4–5 h/day) of watching movies/series/video clips was associated with daily symptoms of low mood/depression, neck/shoulder pain, and low trust in other people (ORs 1.46, 1.41, and 1.32, p < 0.05). This study indicates a dose-response relationship between digital media use and adverse health outcomes in adolescents, where adverse associations start to appear after 4–5 h, particularly for watching movies/series/video clips. However, further longitudinal studies, randomized controlled trials and public health interventions focused on healthy and balanced use of digital media are warranted.

Hierarchical representations of relative numerical magnitudes in the human frontoparietal cortex

Mechanism of voltage frequency influence on vibration and discharge characteristics of water droplet attached to electrode

The vibration and discharge phenomena of droplets in electric fields are the focus of various applications, while the relationship between them has not been fully investigated. In this study, a synchronous platform integrating high-speed camera observation and corona current measurement was utilized to explore the influence of voltage frequency on the vibration and corona discharge characteristics of the water droplet attached to the electrode. Results show that the voltage frequency has a significant influence on the vibration and discharge characteristics of the water droplet, and a strong correlation has been observed between these two characteristics. When approaching the dynamic natural vibration range, the droplet will cause a greater water loss due to intensive vibration, resulting in a smaller stable volume and, consequently, a smaller length vibration amplitude and discharge intensity. The forced vibration model has been enhanced to explain these phenomena. The findings further advanced the theory of electro-driven control of the water droplet in vibration and corona discharge.

Study on performance of perforated dew point indirect evaporative coolers

Elastic, strong and tough ionically conductive elastomers

Method to avoid crosstalk for induced flow acceleration in multi-stage dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators

Dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators are flow control devices that can actively induce a flow using electrohydrodynamic force. This Letter proposes a configuration of multi-stage dielectric barrier discharge plasma actuators to accelerate the induced flow velocity. In the proposed configuration, the encapsulated and exposed electrodes between adjacent units of the multi-stage plasma actuator are interconnected and share the same potential, thereby avoiding crosstalk phenomena. The thrusts, cross-sectional flow velocity distributions, discharge images, and electric field distributions are examined for the conventional and proposed multi-stage plasma actuators. The results show that the proposed configuration can increase the thrust and induced flow velocity efficiently compared to the conventional one. The discharge images also show that no crosstalk occurs in the proposed configuration. This is mainly due to the low electric field strength in areas where crosstalk would occur.