ABSTRACT Phosphorescent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) hold great promise for display and lighting applications owing to their high efficiency and excellent color purity. However, their application in high‐luminance fields such as transparent displays and virtual reality is limited by severe efficiency roll‐off, primarily attributed to triplet‐triplet annihilation (TTA) and triplet‐polaron quenching (TPQ). In this study, we demonstrate that integrating a thin silver anode in close proximity to the phosphorescent emitter achieves a Purcell factor of 3.7, approximately three times that of conventional indium tin oxide–based devices. This configuration accelerates the exciton decay rate and reduces exciton density, thereby significantly suppressing both TTA and TPQ. As a result, the efficiency roll‐off is reduced from 57% to 11%. Notably, despite 64% of the energy coupling into surface plasmon polariton modes, the optimized device exhibits a 17% improvement in current efficiency at 20,000 cd/m 2 compared to conventional phosphorescent OLEDs with analogous structures, without requiring additional light extraction techniques. Moreover, the operational lifetime (LT90) is extended by five times. These findings highlight the potential of a simple plasmonic nanofilm approach for advancing high‐luminance phosphorescent OLEDs.

Understanding the relationship between neural activity and neurochemical signaling is essential for investigating brain function and neurological disorders. Recent advances in multimodal neural probes enable the simultaneous monitoring of electrical and chemical brain signals; however, most platforms exhibit spatial and temporal mismatches between recording and sensing sites due to fabrication constraints. We present a single-sided multimodal neural probe that integrates chemical-sensing and neural-recording electrodes in close proximity. Using a sequential laser-induced graphene process on a flexible polyimide substrate, we fabricate distinct functional electrodes without photolithography or multilayer alignment. Glucose oxidase and black platinum functionalizations provide specific chemical and electrical sensing capabilities. The probe achieves reliable in vitro glucose detection, showing stable, concentration-dependent responses within physiologically relevant ranges and high selectivity. The black platinum-coated recording electrode exhibits low impedance and strong signal fidelity, making it suitable for extracellular spike recording. In vivo experiments validate the probe by enabling real-time tracking of glucose dynamics and simultaneous neural spike acquisition in the mouse hippocampus' CA3 region. This fabrication strategy improves spatial resolution in multimodal neural interfacing─enabling precise temporal correlation between electrical and chemical signals by minimizing diffusion delays─providing a valuable tool for investigating dynamic neurochemical and electrophysiological processes in the brain.

Sound propagation at near-grazing incidence in close proximity to air–porous absorber boundaries remains an open experimental challenge. Previous investigations have reported apparent variations in sound speed near such interfaces, often based on analyses of the total sound field. In this study, sound propagation is examined using spatially resolved microphone array measurements combined with sound field separation. Two complementary analysis approaches are employed: a time-domain method based on crosscorrelation-derived time-difference-of-arrival (TDOA) estimates, and a frequency-domain method relying on phase differences between selected microphone pairs to infer local propagation directions. Measurements are conducted above horizontally oriented porous absorbers of varying type and length, with corresponding free-field reference measurements. The effects of incidence angle, measurement height, and frequency are investigated. While analyses of the total sound field reproduce apparent propagation speed variations reported in earlier studies, results obtained from the isolated direct sound field indicate that the propagation speed of the directly arriving wavefront remains constant, with no evidence of physical wave bending toward the boundary. In addition, measured reflection coefficients are compared with semi-empirical predictions to further validate the experimental approach.

ABSTRACT In this essay, we discuss two productions of Romeo and Juliet that took place in close chronological and geographical proximity, at the Finnish National Theatre in 1946, and at the new city theatre of Norrköping-Linköping in Sweden in 1947. This juxtaposition allows us to examine how Shakespeare was used in the processes of reparation just after World War II. Although the two neighbouring countries had been affected in quite different ways by the war, we suggest that both productions of this play about young lovers signal new beginnings and a spirit of optimism and rebuilding in two emerging welfare states. By analysing reviews and other news reports on these much-publicized productions, we examine the underresearched area of immediate post-war Shakespeare, and how a play like Romeo and Juliet could be used not only to process the recent past but to point towards the future, towards renewal and consolidation.

Abstract Conventional phase-field models often drive solid-solid interfaces to coalesce when in close proximity. This feature limits their use for processes like diffusion bonding, where the interfaces might need to remain distinct under certain thermodynamic conditions. We develop a kinetic phase-field model to address this problem, using an evolution equation based on a geometric conservation law for interfaces, rather than the gradient descent evolution that is typical in phase-field modeling. This formulation enables us to specify complex kinetic laws, and we use this to incorporate a physically motivated geometric criterion to control interface merging. This criterion, based on nonlocal higher-derivative curvature invariants of the phase field, can be temperature-dependent, allows for a range of behaviors from complete coalescence to the preservation of distinct boundaries. Simulations show controlled bonding kinetics, demonstrating capabilities that are not available with existing methods for modeling interfaces that must remain distinct under given thermodynamic conditions.

Geniotrigona thoracica is one of the commonest stingless bee species for pollination services and commercial meliponiculture in Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia. Its complete mitochondrial genome exhibits genome duplication, heteroplasmy and gene rearrangement. It comprises a 16,045-bp "canonical" mitogenome; and a 32,092-bp genome comprising two segments, the 16,045-bp "canonical" genome and its "duplicated-rearranged" genome. The "canonical" genome contains 39 genes-13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes, and 24 tRNA genes (trnK and trnM are duplicated). All the 13 PCGs as well as the two rRNA genes and 19 tRNA genes are located on the majority (J) strand. The "duplicated-rearranged" genome comprises a short segment of tRNA genes in close proximity to the control region (trnM-trnK-trnI-trnA-trnK-trnM-control region) and a long inverted segment of 33 genes (13 PCGs, 2 rRNAs and 18 tRNAs of the nad2 to trnS2 segment of the "canonical" genome). Based on 15 mt-genes and 13 PCGs, G. thoracica forms a subclade with the lineage consisting of Heterotrigona and Lepidotrigona. This phylogenetic relationship concurs with earlier findings based on over 2500 ultra-conserved element (UCE) loci as well as mitochondrial and nuclear genes, indicating mitogenome is suitable for taxon differentiation and phylogenetic study. In addition, the geographic isolates of G. thoracica from Malaysia and Thailand are genetically variable.

ConspectusEarly research in nanoscience and nanotechnology focused on gaining synthetic control over the size, shape, and composition of nanostructures, as well as exploring their fundamental properties. Over the past few decades, these capabilities have become increasingly sophisticated. Today, we have well-established synthetic toolkits and methodologies that enable the design of nanostructures with tailored properties and functions, guided by sets of design rules, for use in many areas spanning biology and medicine to energy, the environment, and catalysis.To illustrate this paradigm, where synthesis and fundamental discovery drive engineering and technological innovation, we examine spherical nucleic acids (SNAs) as a case study. SNAs are nanoconstructs consisting of a nanoparticle core densely functionalized with a radially oriented oligonucleotide shell. Over the past 30 years, the evolution of SNAs has spanned their invention, the development of increasingly advanced syntheses enabling the creation of dozens of SNA classes (and related DNA-functionalized anisotropic materials, often termed programmable atom equivalents [PAEs]), the discovery of novel phenomena that have reshaped core chemical principles, and their translation into nanomedicines, biological labels, and synthons in materials science.SNAs were first developed in 1996 as gold nanoparticle-DNA conjugates. Since then, extensive study has revealed common structural features that are tied to their unique properties, defining SNAs as a distinct materials class. Most SNAs feature a core (typically a nanoparticle, though recent advances involve molecular scaffolds) that concentrate nucleic acid strands into close proximity. This architecture confers several distinctive properties: enhanced binding affinity to complementary DNA (both free and surface-bound), resistance to enzymatic degradation, reduced immune activation (unless specifically designed for immunostimulation), and efficient cellular uptake without requiring transfection agents.These synthetic and fundamental advances offer significant advantages in biomedical probe and therapeutic design. Due to their modularity, stability, biocompatibility, and ability to access intracellular compartments, SNAs have been applied as intracellular and extracellular probes, tools for gene regulation, vaccines, and gene editing platforms (especially when coupled with CRISPR/Cas9 technology). In parallel, SNAs serve as foundational elements in a new class of programmable matter: DNA-mediated colloidal crystals. Here, sequence-specific DNA interactions are used to organize SNAs into three-dimensional, periodic structures. This line of inquiry has enabled the design and synthesis of thousands of crystal variations, with different lattice symmetries, parameters, and nanoparticle compositions, unlocking the potential for novel optical and mechanical metamaterials and catalysts with exceptional properties, such as negative refractive indices, shape memory, and second harmonic generation. In sum, SNAs exemplify how synthetic mastery and fundamental discovery can catalyze innovation across disciplines, providing a framework that chemists can use in developing transformative new materials.

The marine purple nonsulfur phototrophic bacterium Rhodovulum (Rdv.) sulfidophilum (Alphaproteobacteria) has been a model organism for bacterial photosynthesis research because of its unusual ability to grow phototrophically (anoxic/light) using high concentrations of inorganic or organic sulfur compounds as electron donors or by respiration under fully oxic conditions. Here we present a 1.81 Å-resolution cryo-EM structure of the light-harvesting 1-reaction center (LH1-RC) photocomplex from the Rdv. sulfidophilum type strain W4 with a focus on RC structure and function. The Rdv. sulfidophilum RC is characterized by its cytochrome (Cyt) subunit that contains three heme groups and is anchored by its intact N-terminal domain in the membrane. In contrast to a methionine as the 6th axial ligand to the heme-2 in other bacterial RC-bound triheme and tetraheme Cyt subunits, the outmost heme-2 in the Rdv. sulfidophilum Cyt subunit is ligated by a cysteine residue, resulting in a significant downshift of reduction potential of 470 mV compared to that of a methionine-ligated heme-2. A nonheme Fe ligated by a histidine of the Cyt subunit and five water molecules was identified in close proximity to heme-2, implying a potential role in electron transport from soluble electron donors to heme-2. The Rdv. sulfidophilum LH1 complex forms an open ring structure consisting of 16 αβ-subunits with a gap formed where the N-terminal transmembrane domain of the RC Cyt subunit and a newly identified protein with three helical domains (designated as protein-3h) are located. Protein-3h corresponds to the truncated N-terminal fragment of a gene product encoded by the pseudo-gene urf1 in the NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) nuo operon in the genome of Rdv. sulfidophilum W4. Genes urf1 are also found in other purple nonsulfur bacteria and in aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria, and their putative products all share a common structural motif of N-terminal transmembrane U-shaped tandem helices. Based on structural and spectroscopic data, possible electron transfer pathways between the Rdv. sulfidophilum RC Cyt subunit and soluble electron donors and potential roles of protein-3h in the structural integrity of LH1-RC are discussed.

Percutaneous left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) is frequently performed with an interventional echocardiographer (IE) in close proximity to the patient and radiation source, increasing the risk for occupational radiation exposure. Yet optimal radiation shielding methods for IEs remain unknown. To assess whether using a suspended lead suit reduces IE radiation dose compared with traditional lead apron shielding during LAAO procedures. In this blinded cross-sectional study, IE radiation exposure data were prospectively collected during all LAAO procedures conducted for adults at a single quaternary care center from February 21 to August 22, 2023. Head-level dosimeters were worn by IEs who were using suspended lead suits during sequential LAAO procedures conducted at the center. Use of a suspended lead suit or traditional lead apron radiation protection device. The primary outcome was measured personal dose equivalents at head level to IEs per case using real-time radiation dosimeters. Dosimeter-derived physician radiation doses and procedural radiation (dose area product) were compared with a control group of 30 sequential historical LAAO cases performed with IEs wearing traditional lead aprons from July 1, 2016, to January 31, 2018. Overall, 125 patients (mean [SD] age, 78 [8] years; 77 [61.6%] male) were included. Among 95 cases in which IEs used suspended lead suits, the median (IQR) radiation dose was 0.0 (0.0-0.3) μSv, which was significantly lower than 30 cases in which IEs wore traditional lead aprons (median [IQR], 10.6 [5.8-24.1] μSv; P < .001). Radiation doses were undetectable in 60% of IEs (57of 95) using suspended lead suits compared with 0% of IEs (0 of 30) using traditional lead aprons (P < .001). Radiation doses of at least 20 μSv were observed in 0 of 95 cases (0%) with suspended lead suits vs 9 of 30 cases (30%) with traditional lead aprons (P < .001). Similar associations were noted in exploratory analyses adjusting IE radiation doses for procedural dose area product (mean [IQR], 0.0 [0.0-0.0] μSv/Gy × cm2) for suspended lead suits vs traditional lead aprons (mean [IQR], 0.6 [0.3-1.0] μSv/Gy × cm2; P < .001). In this cross-sectional study, the use of suspended lead suits was associated with large reductions in head-level radiation doses to IEs compared with the use of traditional lead aprons during LAAO cases. These findings have important ramifications for the risk of occupational radiation exposure to IEs and potential shielding mechanisms during structural heart interventions.

In traditional work group settings, individual employees are known to adapt their behavior to that of peers. It is less clear how individuals adapt their behavior in work settings where tasks are independent and the role of social interaction is minimized. This study examines day-to-day performance adaptation among incumbents and newcomers in an automated Fortune 500 e-commerce warehouse where employees work in shifts yet are paid based solely on individual performance. We contribute to performance adaptation literature by exploring whether employees adjust their daily performance based on real-time information from salient others in close physical proximity. Additionally, we extend newcomer socialization research by examining differences in how incumbents and newcomers utilize performance cues from others. We find that incumbent daily performance is more strongly related to that of salient others than is newcomer daily performance. Our findings offer practical insights into an understudied but rapidly growing segment of the workforce. The findings also highlight that social influence continues to play a key role in job performance even in jobs specifically designed to minimize the role of social factors. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Revisiting the role of small ponds in regulating river water quality in agricultural landscapes: A focus on pond use types and sediment nutrients.

Comparative investigation of Cx3cr1-Expressing Cardiac Macrophages in Atrioventricular Nodes of Wild-Type and Catecholaminergic Polymorphic Ventricular Tachycardia Mouse Model.

Wash-free electrochemical biosensor for CpG methylation using a quasi-direct electron transfer type enzyme as the labeling enzyme.

To compare injectate spread between superficial parasternal intercostal plane (SPIP) and deep parasternal intercostal plane (DPIP) blocks, and to evaluate anatomical factors relevant to procedural safety. We hypothesized that DPIP blocks provide greater cranio-caudal distribution than SPIP blocks. An anatomical cadaveric study. Secondary-level academic anatomy facility in northern Italy, within a body donation program. Five fresh-frozen human cadavers (10 hemithoraces). Ultrasound-guided SPIP and DPIP blocks were performed bilaterally at the third intercostal level using a 22-gauge, 50 mm needle. Each injection delivered 20 mL of diluted black tissue-marking dye (1:5 ratio with saline). Gross dissection assessed the cranio-caudal spread of dye by the number of intercostal spaces. Histology measured the distance between the internal thoracic artery and the fourth rib. DPIP blocks spread across more intercostal spaces than SPIP blocks (median 4, IQR 4-5 vs median 2, IQR 2-2; p < 0.001). Histological analysis showed the internal thoracic artery was a median 1.9 mm (IQR 1.7-2.2) from the fourth rib, separated only by soft tissue. DPIP blocks produce a wider craniocaudal spread than SPIP blocks, which may enhance clinical efficacy. However, their close proximity to the internal thoracic artery and pleura underscores safety considerations.

Synergistic mechanism of hydrophobic and hydrophilic antioxidants in the interface of tree peony seed oil bilayer emulsion.

This paper proposes a novel radar-based framework for non-contact biometric identification through heart signal extraction, targeting secure and privacy-conscious identification scenarios. Traditional biometric methods, such as fingerprint and facial recognition, face challenges including privacy concerns, vulnerability to spoofing, and the requirement for close proximity or direct line-of-sight. Our framework addresses these issues by reconstructing electrocardiogram (ECG) signals from radar-extracted cardiac motion data and implementing an open-set person identification system. Specifically, the framework integrates ECGReconNet, a specialized deep learning model for reconstructing ECG signals from human chest wall displacement, the InceptionTime model enhanced with fixed-Class Anchor Clustering (fixed-CAC) loss for robust feature anchoring, and a hypersphere-based delineation method to differentiate known from unknown individuals. Experimental results on a public dataset demonstrate state-of-the-art performance, achieving 99.61% accuracy in closed-set identification (27 subjects) and 93.97% accuracy under challenging open-set conditions (14 known and 13 unknown subjects). However, the proposed approach exhibits limitations, including sensitivity to abrupt body movements and environmental noise, potential performance degradation under severe cardiac irregularities, and reduced efficacy with increased numbers of unknown identities.

ABSTRACT Incident data that occur in close spatial and temporal proximity often share latent or unobserved influences. Understanding the spatiotemporal associations among different categories of such incidents is therefore crucial for urban studies and public health research. Spatial statistical methods have been widely employed to investigate association patterns; however, several methodological challenges persist – particularly regarding sample size determination, class imbalance, and bandwidth selection. This study proposes a methodological framework for analyzing multi-temporal scale association patterns in incident data using the Geographically and Temporally Weighted Co-Location Quotient (GTWCLQ) method. First, we design and validate a systematic parameter optimization approach to address limitations in sample size, class distribution, and spatial-temporal bandwidth settings. Second, we develop a structured framework to explore the spatiotemporal associations across multiple temporal scales in the incident data. We demonstrate the utility of this framework through an empirical case study examining the spatiotemporal association patterns of childhood respiratory diseases in Nanning City, China, using incident data from December 2016 at both monthly and daily resolutions. The results reveal that our validated multi-scale spatiotemporal association analysis framework effectively captures the dynamic associations in disease incident data across different temporal scales, visualizes the spatiotemporal heterogeneity, and further examines the scaling effect of multiple temporal data on the co-location patterns. The findings contribute to methodological rigor in co-location association analysis of spatiotemporal incident data and have practical implications for disease surveillance, environmental health monitoring, and spatial decision-making.

Human Elephant Conflict (HEC) can be considered as a major social and economic challenge in Sri Lanka, which causes significant damages to both the human lives and elephants. The study investigates the major environmental factors that has been identified to be affecting the HEC in Anuradhapura district in terms of their spatial patterns with the aid of Remote Sensing (RS) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) techniques. It was identified that the variations in Land use/Land cover (LULC) classes over time, Population, expansion of agricultural lands, transportation network, temperature deviations, and the proximity to existing water bodies as key influencing factors for the HEC and were analysed accordingly with the use of geospatial programming. Datasets derived from satellite sensors and spatial modelling of those data were used for the identification of the high risk zones and the contribution of the assess factor to the HEC incidents. Results of the analysis revealed that the HEC incidents already occurred in this area is strongly associated with the expansion of agricultural areas that are near to the forest reserves, close proximity areas to water bodies, and fragmented habitats. Land Surface Temperature increment and development of infrastructure aids further to intensify the migration of elephants into human habitats. The research emphasizes the role of spatial technology in terms of detailed spatial mitigation planning for decision making process and how the RS and GIS based spatial modelling can support these long term conservation strategies.

Aims: To highlight the role of characteristic multifocal inner retinitis identified by multimodal imaging as a crucial diagnostic marker for Mediterranean Spotted Fever (MSF), particularly when early serology is negative. Case Study: A 45-year-old male presented with a one-week history of febrile rash and acute bilateral vision loss. Clinical examination revealed a maculopapular rash but no inoculation eschar. Ophthalmic evaluation, including SS-OCT and FA, demonstrated bilateral multifocal inner retinitis, vasculitis, and macular edema. Despite initial negative Rickettsia conorii serology, treatment with doxycycline and corticosteroids was initiated based on the typical ocular pattern. Discussion: Multimodal imaging localized the retinitis exclusively to the inner retinal layers in close proximity to the retinal vessels, mirroring the known angiotropism of Rickettsia conorii. This precise anatomical finding provided a critical diagnostic marker during the acute phase of infection, bridging the window prior to seroconversion. Conclusion: Multifocal inner retinitis is a distinctive hallmark of the acute phase of Mediterranean Spotted Fever. Systematic fundoscopic examination, supported by multimodal imaging, should be part of the routine evaluation for patients presenting with febrile rash in endemic areas.

Patient-Derived Lymphoma Spheroids Reveal Predictive Markers of Glofitamab Resistance in Relapsed/Refractory B-NHL.