Unveiling Origins of Mixed Quantum-Well Width Distributions in 2D Ruddlesden-Popper Perovskites via Machine Learning-Enabled Multiscale Simulations.

2D lead-halide perovskites have garnered considerable attention owing to their superior environmental stability and tunable optoelectronic properties, which can be precisely controlled through varying quantum well (QW) width (denoted by the integer n). However, the commonly observed phenomenon of mixed QW width distributions poses a major obstacle to achieving optimal device performance, necessitating an in-depth understanding of how QW width distributions depend on chemical composition and thermodynamic stability. In this work, a robust machine learning (ML)-based energy model is developed, rigorously benchmarked against first-principles calculations, enabling extensive molecular-level simulations of 2D perovskites with butylammonium (BA) and phenethylammonium (PEA) spacer cations.

Surface Friction Gradient-Mediated Directional Liquid Transport under Vibrational Activation.

This study introduces a method for directional liquid transport by leveraging surface friction gradients coupled with vibrational activation. We engineered friction gradients on polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrates through controlled silicone oil infiltration, achieving significant variations in contact angle hysteresis. Surface characterization confirmed that higher silicone oil concentrations reduced hysteresis, enabling enhanced droplet mobility.

Synergistic Integration of Superhydrophobic and Lubricant-Infused Surface for Enhanced Liquid Repellency.

We present a novel dual-functional surface design that strategically integrates superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused surface technologies to achieve switchable liquid repellency with significantly enhanced durability and self-healing capabilities. By precisely controlling the amount of silicone oil infused─quantified as surface loading─into laser-induced graphene structures on polyimide substrates, we demonstrate a controlled transition between superhydrophobic and lubricant-infused states. This hybrid approach effectively addresses the critical challenges of both technologies: the mechanical vulnerability of superhydrophobic surfaces and lubricant depletion issues in lubricant-infused surfaces.

Discovering dispersion: How robust is automated model discovery for human myocardial tissue?

Computational modeling has become an integral tool for understanding the interaction between structural organization and functional behavior in a wide range of biological tissues, including the human myocardium. Traditional constitutive models, and recent models generated by automated model discovery, are often based on the simplifying assumption of perfectly aligned fiber families. However, experimental evidence suggests that many fiber-reinforced tissues exhibit local dispersion, which can significantly influence their mechanical behavior.

Measurement of electron temperature anisotropy in ohmically heated plasmas in TST-2 using a double-pass Thomson scattering system.

Double-pass Thomson scattering (TS) is a technique used to measure electron temperature anisotropy, and a double-pass TS diagnostic system with good safety (avoidance of damage to the YAG laser device by the backward beam) and performance (collection optics with sufficient efficiency) was fabricated in TST-2. Obvious electron temperature anisotropies were found in the TST-2 ohmic plasmas. Moreover, a simple theoretical model was proposed to estimate the electron temperature anisotropy from the inductive electric field, the electron temperature and density, and the effective ionic charge.

Configurational-force-driven adaptive refinement and coarsening in topology optimization.

The iterative nature of topology optimization, especially in combination with nonlinear state problems, often requires the solution of thousands of linear equation systems. Furthermore, due to the pixelated design representation, the use of a fine mesh is essential to obtain geometrically well-defined structures and to accurately compute response quantities such as the von Mises stress. Therefore, the computational cost of solving a fine-mesh topology optimization problem quickly adds up.

Magnetic field-directed self-assembly of CNT-FeO hybrids for tunable soft piezoresistive sensors.

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), typically magnetically inert, can be effectively aligned in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) using moderate magnetic fields when hybridized with FeO nanoparticles. We demonstrate that these CNT-FeO hybrids rapidly self-organize into aligned, bundled structures under an applied magnetic field (∼120 mT), driven by local magnetic gradients originating from FeO nanoparticles interacting with trace magnetic impurities within the CNTs. This field-induced anisotropy yields composites with significantly enhanced electrical conductivity, lower percolation thresholds, and superior piezoresistive sensitivity compared to non-aligned samples.

Unraveling the Far-Field Coupling of Multilayered Chiral Metamaterials for CMOS-Enabled Midinfrared Imaging.

Three-dimensional (3D) chiral metamaterials are structures with broken out-of-plane symmetry. With intrinsic chirality, they present larger circular dichroism (CD) signals than the 2D chiral metamaterials. Among all types of 3D metamaterials, multilayer-stacked metamaterials stand out, as they have the potential for large-scale fabrication.

Molecular insights into the mechanism between the structural and mechanical properties of glycol chitosan methacrylate hydrogels.

Glycol chitosan (GC), a derivative of chitosan with ethylene glycol branches, is favored in pharmaceuticals due to its nontoxicity and versatility. When modified with methacrylate, GC forms a photocrosslinking hydrogel, glycol chitosan methacrylate (GCMA), which is highly biocompatible and hydrophilic, making it suitable for drug delivery and tissue engineering applications. However, studies on its fundamental properties are limited.

Effects of erector spinae plane block on intraoperative blood pressure variability, blood loss, and postoperative pain in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion.

Erector spinae plane block (ESPB) improves recovery and reduces opioid use, while intraoperative blood pressure variability (IBPV) negatively impacts postoperative outcomes. This study evaluates ESPB's efficacy in reducing IBPV and improving perioperative outcomes in transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (TLIF). We retrospectively analyzed TLIF patients with and without ESPB from January 2021 to June 2023.

A comprehensive framework for computational modeling of growth and remodeling in tissue-engineered soft collagenous materials.

Developing clinically viable tissue-engineered structural cardiovascular implants-such as vascular grafts and heart valves-remains a formidable challenge. Achieving reliable and durable outcomes requires a deeper understanding of the fundamental mechanisms driving tissue evolution during in vitro maturation. Although considerable progress has been made in modeling soft tissue growth and remodeling, studies focused on the early stages of tissue engineering remain limited.

Tensile strength testing in feline skin with different sizes of nylon suture material: a biomechanical in vitro study.

ObjectivesThis in vitro study aimed to evaluate the failure loads and failure types of sutured feline skin samples using different sizes of nylon (polyamide 6/6.6) suture material.MethodsA total of 88 skin samples from the lateral thorax and abdomen of 11 cadaveric cats were harvested using an hourglass-shaped template.

Model Extracellular Matrix Maturation Under Variable Stress Conditions.

The study aims to enhance the design process of tissue-engineered implants by evaluating the effects of scaffold reinforcement and cultivation conditions on extracellular matrix (ECM) development. The research investigates the hypothesis that mechanical stress drives ECM production and alignment. Furthermore, we have explored the potential of an growth model to complement findings for accelerated development processes.

Self-assembled human arteriole-on-a-chip for arterial functionality testing and disease modeling.

In recent years, various vascularized organ-on-a-chip models have been designed for drug development and screening, and many of them have also advanced to serve as disease models for studying infectious diseases and gene disorders. Currently, most vascular models are capillary-like structures with only a layer of endothelium. Some of them may have pericytes to support the vessel structure.

Mechanical characterization of a brain phantom material by combining experiments in the time and frequency domain.

Modeling the mechanical behavior of brain tissue complements experimental findings about brain diseases and supports the development of predictive tools for diagnosis. The foundation for a reliable continuum-based model is an accurate and comprehensive experimental characterization of the material. Such a characterization is yet limited by inconsistent or contradicting mechanical responses when using different testing techniques.

Plane stress finite element modelling of arbitrary compressible hyperelastic materials.

Modelling the large deformation of hyperelastic solids under plane stress conditions for arbitrary compressible and nearly incompressible material models is challenging. This is in contrast to the case of full incompressibility where the out-of-plane deformation can be entirely characterised by the in-plane components. A rigorous general procedure for the incorporation of the plane stress condition for the compressible case (including the nearly incompressible case) is provided here, accompanied by a robust and open source finite element code.

Predictive value of subacromial motion metrics for the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided dual-target injection: a longitudinal follow-up cohort trial.

Objective: Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) frequently causes shoulder pain. This study aimed to (1) assess the predictive utility of quantitative dynamic subacromial ultrasound for ultrasound-guided dual-target injections and (2) compare the long-term efficacy of dual-target injections with standard subdeltoid-subacromial injections in SIS patients.

Methods: Patients with SIS received 40 mg of triamcinolone acetonide via ultrasound-guided dual-target injections (subdeltoid-subacromial bursa and long head of the biceps brachii tendon).

One-step gold nanoparticle signal amplification in a 3D paper-based device for rapid detection of anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies.

The diagnosis of adult-onset immunodeficiency (AOID) associated with neutralizing anti-interferon-γ autoantibodies (anti-IFN-γ Abs) remains highly challenging due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and routine laboratory detection methods. To address this issue, we developed a three-dimensional paper-based analytical device featuring one-step signal amplification (3D-osPAD) for the rapid and highly sensitive detection of anti-IFN-γ Abs. This device incorporates an in situ gold signal amplification strategy within the paper matrix, wherein Au ions from HAuCl4 are reduced to Au by 2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid (MES buffer) and deposited onto gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to enhance the colorimetric signal.

Proprioceptive Control of Muscle Activation in Aging: Implications for Balance and Fall Risk.

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess whether older adults exhibit greater discrepancies between intended and actual motor unit recruitment, which could affect the quality of muscle activation and potentially increase the risk of falls. (2) Methods: Forty-eight physically active older women were assessed (65 ± 6 years, 164 ± 6 cm, and 76 ± 7 kg). The bioelectrical activity (EMG) of the vastus lateralis oblique (VLO) and vastus medialis oblique (VMO) muscles were assessed during isometric testing with the knee joint bent to 75 degrees.

A Mobile Sperm Analyzer with User-Friendly Microfluidic Chips for Rapid On-Farm Semen Evaluation.

This study presents a mobile-based sperm analysis system featuring a user-friendly, droplet-loaded microfluidic chip that enables non-specialist users to perform the rapid and accurate quantitative evaluation of boar semen directly on the farm. The iSperm system integrates a tablet, optical module, heater, and real-time image analysis app to deliver automated measurements of sperm concentration, motility, and progressive motility in under one minute. Precision and user variability tests demonstrated high concordance with CASA and the hemocytometer, with minimal differences between trained and untrained users.

Salt-bridge mediated cooperativity and mechanical stabilization of tandem spectrin repeats.

Spectrin superfamily proteins play essential roles in cells by interlinking various cytoskeletal components and bridging the cytoskeleton to both the cell membrane and the nucleus. Characterized by the spectrin repeat (SR) domain, this superfamily features a unique bundle of three antiparallel α-helices. These SRs often appear as tandem repeats linked by short segments, serving as tension-bearing structural units that support the cytoskeleton and act as signaling hubs for numerous proteins.

Bulk Amorphous Carbon with Lightweight, High Strength, and Electrical Conductivity: Onion-Like Carbon Structures Embedded in Disordered Graphene Networks.

Amorphous carbon exhibits superior performance over its crystalline counterparts due to its unique structural configuration characterized by short-to-medium-range ordered and long-range disordered structure, which fundamentally expands its potential applications in advanced technological fields. The exploration and preparation of novel bulk amorphous carbon materials through innovative synthesis approaches remain crucial in materials research. Here, we successfully synthesized bulk amorphous carbons composed of onion-like carbon structures embedded in disordered graphene networks prepared via spark plasma sintering of carbon black at a pressure of 50 MPa and temperatures ranging from 1700 to 2200 °C.

Epidemiology of injuries in the iQFOiL olympic windsurfing class: risk factors and injury trends in elite sailors at the 2021 iQFOiL European championships.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiology of injuries in the iQFOiL Olympic windsurfing class, focusing on risk factors such as gender, training volume, injury prevention measures, and equipment during the 2021 iQFOiL European Championships.

Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted on 165 competitors (59 women, 106 men) at the 2021 iQFOiL European Championships. Participants were interviewed using a researcher-assisted electronic injury questionnaire developed by the Polish Yachting Association and the Medical Commission of World Sailing.