Localization of overdamped bosonic modes and transport in strange metals.

The strange metal phase of correlated electrons materials was described in a recent theory by a model of a Fermi surface coupled a two-dimensional quantum critical bosonic field with a spatially random Yukawa coupling. With the assumption of self-averaging randomness, similar to that in the Sachdev-Ye-Kitaev model, numerous observed properties of a strange metal were obtained for a wide range of intermediate temperatures, including the linear in temperature resistivity. The Harris criterion implies that spatial fluctuations in the local position of the critical point must dominate at lower temperatures. For an [Formula: see text]-component boson with [Formula: see text], we use multiple graphics processing units (GPUs) to compute the real frequency spectrum of the boson propagator in a self-consistent mean-field treatment of the boson self-interactions, but an exact treatment of multiple realizations of the spatial randomness from the random boson mass. We find that Landau damping from the fermions leads to the emergence of the physics of the random transverse-field Ising model at low temperatures, as has been proposed by Hoyos, Kotabage, and Vojta. This regime is controlled by localized overdamped eigenmodes of the bosonic scalar field, also has a resistivity which is nearly linear-in-temperature, and extends into a "quantum critical phase" away from the quantum critical point, as observed in several cuprates. For the [Formula: see text] Ising scalar, the mean-field treatment is not applicable, and so we use Hybrid Monte Carlo simulations running on multiple GPUs; we find a rounded transition and localization physics, with strange metal behavior in an extended region around the transition.

Quantum acoustics unravels Planckian resistivity.

Strange metals exhibit universal linear-in-temperature resistivity described by a Planckian scattering rate, the origin of which remains elusive. By employing an approach inspired by quantum optics, we arrive at the coherent state representation of lattice vibrations: quantum acoustics. Utilizing this nonperturbative framework, we demonstrate that lattice vibrations could serve as active drivers in the Planckian resistivity phenomenon, challenging prevailing theories. By treating charge carriers as quantum wave packets negotiating the dynamic acoustic field, we find that a competition ensues between localization and delocalization giving rise to the previously conjectured universal quantum bound of diffusion, [Formula: see text], independent of temperature or any other material parameters. This leads to the enigmatic T-linear resistivity over hundreds of degrees, except at very low temperatures. Quantum diffusion also explains why strange metals have much higher electrical resistivity than typical metals. Our work elucidates the critical role of phonons in Planckian resistivity from a unique perspective and reconsiders their significance in the transport properties of strange metals.

Drastic magnetic-field-induced chiral current order and emergent current-bond-field interplay in kagome metals.

In kagome metals, the chiral current order parameter [Formula: see text] with time-reversal-symmetry-breaking is the source of various exotic electronic states, while the method of controlling the current order and its interplay with the star-of-David bond order [Formula: see text] are still unsolved. Here, we reveal that tiny uniform orbital magnetization [Formula: see text] is induced by the chiral current order, and its magnitude is prominently enlarged under the presence of the bond order. Importantly, we derive the magnetic-field ([Formula: see text])-induced Ginzburg-Landau (GL) free energy expression [Formula: see text], which enables us to elucidate the field-induced current-bond phase transitions in kagome metals. The emergent current-bond-[Formula: see text] trilinear coupling term in the free energy, [Formula: see text], naturally explains the characteristic magnetic-field sensitive electronic states in kagome metals, such as the field-induced current order and the strong interplay between the bond and current orders. The GL coefficients of [Formula: see text] derived from the realistic multiorbital model are appropriate to explain various experiments. Furthermore, we discuss the field-induced loop current orders in the square lattice models that have been studied in cuprate superconductors.

Ferredoxin reduction by hydrogen with iron functions as an evolutionary precursor of flavin-based electron bifurcation.

Autotrophic theories for the origin of metabolism posit that the first cells satisfied their carbon needs from CO2 and were chemolithoautotrophs that obtained their energy and electrons from H2. The acetyl-CoA pathway of CO2 fixation is central to that view because of its antiquity: Among known CO2 fixing pathways it is the only one that is i) exergonic, ii) occurs in both bacteria and archaea, and iii) can be functionally replaced in full by single transition metal catalysts in vitro. In order to operate in cells at a pH close to 7, however, the acetyl-CoA pathway requires complex multi-enzyme systems capable of flavin-based electron bifurcation that reduce low potential ferredoxin-the physiological donor of electrons in the acetyl-CoA pathway-with electrons from H2. How can the acetyl-CoA pathway be primordial if it requires flavin-based electron bifurcation? Here, we show that native iron (Fe0), but not Ni0, Co0, Mo0, NiFe, Ni2Fe, Ni3Fe, or Fe3O4, promotes the H2-dependent reduction of aqueous Clostridium pasteurianum ferredoxin at pH 8.5 or higher within a few hours at 40 °C, providing the physiological function of flavin-based electron bifurcation, but without the help of enzymes or organic redox cofactors. H2-dependent ferredoxin reduction by iron ties primordial ferredoxin reduction and early metabolic evolution to a chemical process in the Earth's crust promoted by solid-state iron, a metal that is still deposited in serpentinizing hydrothermal vents today.

Heavy Metal Exposure and Cardiovascular Disease.

Heavy metals are harmful environmental pollutants that have attracted widespread attention due to their health hazards to human cardiovascular disease. Heavy metals, including lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and chromium, are found in various sources such as air, water, soil, food, and industrial products. Recent research strongly suggests a connection between cardiovascular disease and exposure to toxic heavy metals. Epidemiological, basic, and clinical studies have revealed that heavy metals can promote the production of reactive oxygen species, which can then exacerbate reactive oxygen species generation and induce inflammation, resulting in endothelial dysfunction, lipid metabolism distribution, disruption of ion homeostasis, and epigenetic changes. Over time, heavy metal exposure eventually results in an increased risk of hypertension, arrhythmia, and atherosclerosis. Strengthening public health prevention and the application of chelation or antioxidants, such as vitamins and beta-carotene, along with minerals, such as selenium and zinc, can diminish the burden of cardiovascular disease attributable to metal exposure.

Personal Strategies to Reduce the Cardiovascular Impacts of Environmental Exposures.

Ubiquitous environmental exposures increase cardiovascular disease risk via diverse mechanisms. This review examines personal strategies to minimize this risk. With regard to fine particulate air pollution exposure, evidence exists to recommend the use of portable air cleaners and avoidance of outdoor activity during periods of poor air quality. Other evidence may support physical activity, dietary modification, omega-3 fatty acid supplementation, and indoor and in-vehicle air conditioning as viable strategies to minimize adverse health effects. There is currently insufficient data to recommend specific personal approaches to reduce the adverse cardiovascular effects of noise pollution. Public health advisories for periods of extreme heat or cold should be observed, with limited evidence supporting a warm ambient home temperature and physical activity as strategies to limit the cardiovascular harms of temperature extremes. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance exposure can be reduced by avoiding contact with perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substance-containing materials; blood or plasma donation and cholestyramine may reduce total body stores of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances. However, the cardiovascular impact of these interventions has not been examined. Limited utilization of pesticides and safe handling during use should be encouraged. Finally, vasculotoxic metal exposure can be decreased by using portable air cleaners, home water filtration, and awareness of potential contaminants in ground spices. Chelation therapy reduces physiological stores of vasculotoxic metals and may be effective for the secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease.

Mining in space could spur sustainable growth.

Growth models with resources and environmental externalities typically assume that planet Earth is a closed economy. However, private firms like Blue Origin and SpaceX have reduced the cost of rocket launches by a factor of 20 over the last decade. What if these costs continue to decline, making mining from asteroids or the moon feasible? What would be the implications for economic growth and the environment? This paper provides stylized facts about cost trends, geology, and the environmental impact of mining on Earth and potentially in Space. We extend a neoclassical growth model to investigate the transition from mining on Earth to Space. We find that such a transition could potentially allow for continued growth of metal use, while limiting environmental and social costs on Earth. Acknowledging the high uncertainty around the topic, our paper provides a starting point for research on how Space mining could contribute to sustainable growth on Earth.

Chemical interactions that govern the structures of metals.

Most metals adopt simple structures such as body-centered cubic (BCC), face-centered cubic (FCC), and hexagonal close-packed (HCP) structures in specific groupings across the periodic table, and many undergo transitions to surprisingly complex structures on compression, not expected from conventional free-electron-based theories of metals. First-principles calculations have been able to reproduce many observed structures and transitions, but a unified, predictive theory that underlies this behavior is not yet in hand. Discovered by analyzing the electronic properties of metals in various lattices over a broad range of sizes and geometries, a remarkably simple theory shows that the stability of metal structures is governed by electrons occupying local interstitial orbitals and their strong chemical interactions. The theory provides a basis for understanding and predicting structures in solid compounds and alloys over a broad range of conditions.

Aerosol-into-liquid capture and detection of atmospheric soluble metals across the gas-liquid interface using Janus-membrane electrodes.

The soluble fraction of atmospheric transition metals is particularly associated with health effects such as reactive oxygen species compared to total metals. However, direct measurements of the soluble fraction are restricted to sampling and detection units in sequence burdened with a compromise between time resolution and system bulkiness. Here, we propose the concept of aerosol-into-liquid capture and detection, which allowed one-step particle capture and detection via the Janus-membrane electrode at the gas-liquid interface, enabling active enrichment and enhanced mass transport of metal ions. The integrated aerodynamic/electrochemical system was capable of capturing airborne particles with a cutoff size down to 50 nm and detecting Pb(II) with a limit of detection of 95.7 ng. The proposed concept can pave the way for cost-effective and miniaturized systems, for the capture and detection of airborne soluble metals in air quality monitoring, especially for abrupt air pollution events with high airborne metal concentrations (e.g., wildfires and fireworks).

Environmental Exposures and Pediatric Cardiology: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.

Environmental toxicants and pollutants are causes of adverse health consequences, including well-established associations between environmental exposures and cardiovascular diseases. Environmental degradation is widely prevalent and has a long latency period between exposure and health outcome, potentially placing a large number of individuals at risk of these health consequences. Emerging evidence suggests that environmental exposures in early life may be key risk factors for cardiovascular conditions across the life span. Children are a particularly sensitive population for the detrimental effects of environmental toxicants and pollutants given the long-term cumulative effects of early-life exposures on health outcomes, including congenital heart disease, acquired cardiac diseases, and accumulation of cardiovascular disease risk factors. This scientific statement highlights representative examples for each of these cardiovascular disease subtypes and their determinants, focusing specifically on the associations between climate change and congenital heart disease, airborne particulate matter and Kawasaki disease, blood lead levels and blood pressure, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals with cardiometabolic risk factors. Because children are particularly dependent on their caregivers to address their health concerns, this scientific statement highlights the need for clinicians, research scientists, and policymakers to focus more on the linkages of environmental exposures with cardiovascular conditions in children and adolescents.

Fluidic phase-change materials with continuous latent heat from theoretically tunable ternary metals for efficient thermal management.

Phase-change materials (PCMs), as important energy storage materials (ESMs), have been widely used in heat dissipation for electronics. However, PCMs are encountering huge challenges since the extremely limited space in microelectronics largely suppresses the applied volume of PCMs, which demands excellent PCMs that can fully utilize the valuable latent heat. This work successfully found a universal strategy toward powerful ESMs from fluidic ternary metals (TMs, GaInSn as a representative TM in this work). TMs exhibit high thermal conductivity (20.3 W m-1 K-1) and significantly effective latent heat (115 J/cm3) and, more important, show continuous phase transition and full utilization of the valuable latent heat. Interestingly, theoretical prediction through ternary phase diagram is carried out to easily tune the melting range, latent heat, and fluidity (viscosity) of TMs to adapt with different service conditions. As a result, thermally conductive silicone grease can be conveniently fabricated via simple shear mixing of TM and polymers. Such thermally conductive TM grease inherits the merits of TM, exhibiting continuous thermal control over daily electronics according to thermal shock performance.

Anomalous metals: From "failed superconductor" to "failed insulator".

Resistivity saturation is found on both superconducting and insulating sides of an "avoided" magnetic-field-tuned superconductor-to-insulator transition (H-SIT) in a two-dimensional In/InOx composite, where the anomalous metallic behavior cuts off conductivity or resistivity divergence in the zero-temperature limit. The granular morphology of the material implies a system of Josephson junctions (JJs) with a broad distribution of Josephson coupling EJ and charging energy EC, with an H-SIT determined by the competition between EJ and EC. By virtue of self-duality across the true H-SIT, we invoke macroscopic quantum tunneling effects to explain the temperature-independent resistance where the "failed superconductor" side is a consequence of phase fluctuations and the "failed insulator" side results from charge fluctuations. While true self-duality is lost in the avoided transition, its vestiges are argued to persist, owing to the incipient duality of the percolative nature of the dissipative path in the underlying random JJ system.

Atomic Reconstruction of Au Thin Films through Interfacial Strains.

Interfaces play a critical thermodynamic role in the existence of multilayer systems. Due to their utility in bridging energetic and compositional differences between distinct species, the formation of interfaces inherently creates internal strain in the bulk due to the reorganization needed to accommodate such a change. We report the effect of scaling interfacial stress by deposition of different adlayers on a host thin metal film. Intrinsic property differences between host and deposited metal atoms result in varying degree of composition and energy gradient within the interface. Interfacial stress can increase defects in the host leading to (i) energy dissipation and reorganization to minimize surface energy, and (ii) increased material strength. We infer that dissipation of interfacial stress induces defect migration, hence bulk and surface atomic reconstruction as captured by the surface roughness and grain size reduction coupled with a concomitant increase in material strength.

Enhanced Light-Matter Interaction in Metallic Nanoparticles: A Generic Strategy of Smart Void Filling.

The intrinsic properties of materials play a substantial role in light-matter interactions, impacting both bulk metals and nanostructures. While plasmonic nanostructures exhibit strong interactions with photons via plasmon resonances, achieving efficient light absorption/scattering in other transition metals remains a challenge, impeding various applications related to optoelectronics, chemistry, and energy harvesting. Here, we propose a universal strategy to enhance light-matter interaction, through introducing voids onto the surface of metallic nanoparticles. This strategy spans nine metals including those traditionally considered optically inactive. The absorption cross section of void-filled nanoparticles surpasses the value of plasmonic (Ag/Au) counterparts with tunable resonance peaks across a broad spectral range. Notably, this enhancement is achieved under arbitrary polarizations and varied particle sizes and in the presence of geometric disorder, highlighting the universal adaptability. Our strategy holds promise for inspiring emerging devices in photocatalysis, bioimaging, optical sensing, and beyond, particularly when metals other than gold or silver are preferred.

Critical period of exposure to mercury and the diagnostic of autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by repetitive behaviors and deficits in social interaction. Its etiology is not completely clear, but both genetic and environmental factors contribute to and influence its development and course. The increased number of autism cases in recent years has been strongly associated with increased exposure to heavy metals. Mercury (Hg) has gained prominence in the scientific literature as a result of its presence as an urban pollutant and well-described neurotoxicity. This review assessed the relationship between Hg exposure in the pre- and post-natal period and ASD. The systematic review identified observational clinical studies and pre-clinical trials in journals indexed in the PubMed, Embase, ProQuest, and LILACS databases. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between exposure to Hg and ASD and to define the critical period of exposure. A total of 57 articles were selected for this review, with 35 articles (61.40%) identifying a positive association between ASD and Hg, while 22 articles (38.60%) did not find the same outcome. The biological samples most used to analyze Hg body burdens were hair (36.84%) and blood (36.84%). Most case-control studies found an increase in Hg levels in individuals with ASD who were exposed to a polluted environment in the post-natal period. Taken together, the studies suggest that these patients have a deficient detoxification system, and this could worsen the symptoms of the disorder. However, new studies addressing the influence of Hg on the post-natal nervous system and its relationship with ASD should be carried out.

Metal dyshomeostasis in the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease or multiple sclerosis.

Abnormal metal distribution in vulnerable brain regions is involved in the pathogenesis of most neurodegenerative diseases, suggesting common molecular mechanisms of metal dyshomeostasis. This study aimed to compare the intra- and extra-neuronal metal content and the expression of proteins related to metal homeostasis in the substantia nigra (SN) from patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), multiple sclerosis (MS), and control subjects. Metal quantification was performed via ion-beam micro-analysis in neuromelanin-positive neurons and the surrounding tissue. For proteomic analysis, SN tissue lysates were analyzed on a nanoflow chromatography system hyphenated to a hybrid triple-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. We found increased amounts of iron in neuromelanin-positive neurons and surrounding tissue in patients with PD and MS compared to controls (4- to 5-fold higher) that, however, also showed large inter-individual variations. Copper content was systematically lower (-2.4-fold) in neuromelanin-positive neurons of PD patients compared with controls, whereas it remained unchanged in MS. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses revealed clusters related to Fe and Cu homeostasis among PD-deregulated proteins. An enrichment for the term "metal homeostasis" was observed for MS-deregulated proteins. Important deregulated hub proteins included hemopexin and transferrin in PD, and calreticulin and ferredoxin reductase in MS. Our findings show that PD and MS share commonalities in terms of iron accumulation in the SN. Concomitant proteomics experiments revealed PPI networks related to metal homeostasis, substantiating the results of metal quantification.

Time-specific impact of trace metals on breast density of adolescent girls in Santiago, Chile.

Whether trace metals modify breast density, the strongest predictor for breast cancer, during critical developmental stages such as puberty remains understudied. Our study prospectively evaluated the association between trace metals at Tanner breast stage B1 (n = 291) and at stages both B1 and B4 (n = 253) and breast density at 2 years post-menarche among Chilean girls from the Growth and Obesity Cohort Study. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry assessed the volume of dense breast tissue (absolute fibroglandular volume [FGV]) and percent breast density (%FGV). Urine trace metals included arsenic, barium, cadmium, cobalt, cesium, copper, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, lead, antimony, selenium, tin, thallium, vanadium, and zinc. At B1, a doubling of thallium concentration resulted in 13.69 cm3 increase in absolute FGV (ß: 13.69, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.81, 24.52), while a doubling of lead concentration resulted in a 7.76 cm3 decrease in absolute FGV (ß: -7.76, 95%CI: -14.71, -0.73). At B4, a doubling of barium concentration was associated with a 10.06 cm3 increase (ß: 10.06, 95% CI: 1.44, 18.60), copper concentration with a 12.29 cm3 increase (ß: 12.29, 95% CI: 2.78, 21.56), lead concentration with a 9.86 cm3 increase (ß: 9.86, 95% CI: 0.73, 18.98), antimony concentration with a 12.97 cm3 increase (ß: 12.97, 95% CI: 1.98, 23.79) and vanadium concentration with a 13.14 cm3 increase in absolute FGV (ß: 13.14, 95% CI: 2.73, 23.58). Trace metals may affect pubertal breast density at varying developmental stages with implications for increased susceptibility for breast cancer.

Serum and tissue metallome of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients have late presentation at the time of diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Metal dyshomeostasis is known to play a role in cancer progression. However, the blood and tissue metallome of PDAC patients has not been assessed. This study aimed to determine the levels of essential and toxic metals in the serum and pancreatic tissue from PDAC patients. Serum samples were obtained from PDAC patients before surgical resection. Tissue (tumor and adjacent normal pancreas) were obtained from the surgically resected specimen. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) analysis was performed to quantify the levels of 10 essential and 3 toxic metals in these samples. Statistical analysis was performed to identify dysregulated metals in PDAC and their role as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. Significantly decreased serum levels of magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, arsenic, and mercury and increased levels of molybdenum were shown to be associated with PDAC. There were significantly decreased levels of zinc, manganese and molybdenum, and increased levels of calcium and selenium in the pancreatic tumor tissue compared with the adjacent normal pancreas. Notably, lower serum levels of calcium, iron, and selenium, and higher levels of manganese, were significantly associated with a poor prognosis (i.e., overall survival) in PDAC patients. In conclusion, this is the first study to comprehensively assess the serum and tissue metallome of PDAC patients. It identified the association of metals with PDAC diagnosis and prognosis.

Integrating Data Across Multiple Sites in the Northeastern United States to Examine Associations Between a Prenatal Metal Mixture and Child Cognition.

We applied a novel hierarchical Bayesian weighted quantile sum (HBWQS) regression to combine data across 3 study sites to examine associations between prenatal exposure to metals and cognitive functioning in childhood. Data from 326 mother-child dyads enrolled in an ongoing cohort study, the Programming of Intergenerational Stress Mechanisms (PRISM) Study, based in New York, New York (recruitment in 2013-2020) and Boston, Massachusetts (recruitment 2011-2013), and the First Thousand Days of Life (FTDL) cohort study (recruitment 2012-2019), based in northern Virginia, were used. Arsenic, cadmium, manganese, lead, and antimony were measured in urine collected during pregnancy. Cognitive functioning was assessed in children aged 3-11 years using the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery. The HBWQS regression showed a negative association between the urinary metal mixture and the Cognition Early Childhood Composite Score in the PRISM New York City (ß = -3.67, 95% credible interval (CrI): -7.61, -0.01) and FTDL (ß = -3.76, 95% CrI: -7.66, -0.24) samples, with a similar trend in the PRISM Boston sample (ß = -3.24, 95% CrI: -6.77, 0.144). We did not detect these associations in traditionally pooled models. HBWQS regression allowed us to account for site heterogeneity and detect associations between prenatal metal-mixture exposure and cognitive outcomes in childhood. Given the ubiquity of metals exposure, interventions aimed at reducing prenatal exposure may improve cognitive outcomes in children. This article is part of a Special Collection on Environmental Epidemiology.

Exposure to metal mixtures and telomere length in Bangladeshi children.

Telomere length is associated with chronic diseases and in younger populations, may represent a biomarker of disease susceptibility. As growing evidence suggests that environmental factors, including metals, may impact telomere length, we investigated the association between 17 metals measured in toenail samples and leukocyte relative telomere length (RTL), among 472 five- to seven-year-old children enrolled in the Bangladesh Environmental Research in Children's Health (BiRCH) cohort. In single exposure linear regression models, a doubling of arsenic (As) and mercury (Hg) (µg/g) were associated with a -0.21 (95%CI: -0.032, -0.010; p=0.0005) and -0.017 (95%CI: -0.029, -0.004; p=0.006) difference in RTL, respectively. In Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) mixture models, the overall metal mixture was inversely associated with RTL (P-for-trend <0.001). Negative associations with RTL were observed with both log2-As and log2-Hg, while an inverted U-shaped association was observed for log2-zinc (Zn) with RTL. We found little evidence of interaction among metals. Sex-stratification identified stronger associations of the overall mixture and log2-As with RTL among females, compared to males. Our study suggests that As and Hg may independently influence RTL in mid-childhood. Further studies are needed to investigate potential long-term impacts of metal-associated telomere shortening in childhood on health outcomes in adult life.