Ultrasonic humidifier aerosols: Observed high heavy metal enrichment and a new emission control method.

Ultrasonic humidifiers are commonly used in households to maintain indoor humidity and generate a large number of droplets or spray aerosols. However, there have been various health concerns associated with humidifier use, largely due to aerosols generated during operation. Here, we investigated the size distribution, chemical composition, and charged fraction of aerosol particles emitted from commercial ultrasonic humidifiers. Heavy metals in water used for humidifiers were found to be highly enriched in the ultrasonic humidifier aerosols (UHA), with the enrichment factors ranging from 102 to 107. This enrichment may pose health concerns for the building occupants, as UHA concentrations of up to 106 particles/cm3 or 3 mg/m3 were observed. Furthermore, approximately 90% of UHA were observed to be electrically charged, for the first time according to our knowledge. Based on this discovery, we proposed and tested a new method to remove UHA by using a simple electrical field. The designed electrical field in this work can efficiently remove 81.4% of UHA. Therefore, applying this electrical field could be an effective method to significantly reduce the health risks by UHA.

Field and Laboratory Evidence That Chlorpyrifos Exposure Reduced the Population Density of a Freshwater Snail by Increasing Juvenile Mortality.

Pesticides have been frequently detected in global freshwater ecosystems, but attempts to document changes in population dynamics of organisms upon exposure to pesticides, establish a causal relationship between exposure and population effects, and identify the key toxic events within individuals under natural field conditions remain rare. Here, we used a field survey, a reciprocal cross-transplant experiment, and a laboratory toxicity experiment to build a compelling case that exposure to the insecticide chlorpyrifos was responsible for differences in snail (Bellamya aeruginosa) densities in eastern (ELL) and western basins of Liangzi Lake in China. Our field survey and reciprocal cross-transplant experiment revealed significant differences in snail densities, juvenile percentage, survival, and relative telomere length (RTL) in the two basins. The insecticide chlorpyrifos detected in snail tissues was negatively correlated with snail densities, the percentage of juvenile snails, and RTL and had an extremely high risk quotient in ELL. In the laboratory experiment, tissue concentrations of chlorpyrifos detected in ELL were associated with reduced RTL and increased juvenile mortality in B. aeruginosa. These results support the hypothesis that chlorpyrifos exposure in ELL reduced the density of snails by reducing juvenile survival and, consequently, recruitment to the adult population.

Growth of Ba_2CoWO_6 Single Crystals and their Magnetic, Thermodynamic and Electronic Properties.

This study explores the bulk crystal growth, structural characterization, and physical property measurements of the cubic double perovskite Ba2CoWO6 (BCWO). In BCWO, Co²âº ions form a face-centered cubic (FCC) lattice with non-distorted cobalt octahedra. The compound exhibits long-range antiferromagnetic order below T_N = 14 K. A slight anisotropy in the magnetization data is observed, along with a spin-flop transition at 10 kOe , a saturation field of 310 kOe at 1.6 K, and an ordered moment of 2.17 µB. Heat capacity measurements indicate an effective j = 1/2 ground state configuration, resulting from the combined effects of the crystal electric field and spin-orbit interaction. Optical property analysis reveals two gaps in the UV-Visible region, suggesting potential applications in photocatalysis and photovoltaics. The magnetic and optical properties highlight the significant role of orbital contributions within BCWO, indicating various other potential applications.

Experimental and numerical study on explosion resistance of polyurea-coated shelter in petrochemical industry.

To reduce the number of casualties in explosion accidents, blast-resistant shelters can be used to protect personnel in high-risk areas of petrochemical processing plants. In this work, the deformation behaviours of uncoated and polyurea-coated blast-resistant plates were studied through gas explosion tests. An ANSYS/LS-DYNA model of a polyurea-coated shelter was established, and the dynamic responses of the shelter under various explosion loads were analysed. A series of fuel-air explosion tests were carried out to investigate the explosion resistance of the full-scale shelter. The results showed that compared with the uncoated blast-resistant plate, the deformation of the polyurea-coated blast-resistant plate was significantly reduced. The overall deformation of the shelter was the central depression of the wall and the inward bending of the frame. The damage effect of a typical high-overpressure, low-duration load was greater than that of typical low-overpressure, long-duration load. The shelter remained intact under three repeated explosive loads, with cracks appearing on the inner wall but no collapse or debris splashing. The shock wave attenuation rate of the shelter reached over 90%, which could significantly reduce the number of indoor casualties.

Visual field loss and falls requiring hospitalisation: results from the eFOVID study.

BACKGROUND: Visual fields are important for postural stability and ability to manoeuvre around objects. OBJECTIVE: Examine the association between visual field loss and falls requiring hospitalisation in adults aged 50 +. METHODS: Older adults aged 50+ with and without visual field loss were identified using a fields database obtained from a cross-section of ophthalmologists' practices in Western Australia (WA). Data were linked to the Hospital Morbidity Data Collection and WA Hospital Mortality System to identify participants who experienced falls-related hospitalisations between 1990 and 2019. A generalised linear negative binomial regression model examined the association between falls requiring hospitalisation for those with and without field loss, based on the better eye mean deviation (mild: -2 to -6 dB, moderate: -6.01 dB to -12 dB, severe < -12.01 dB) in the most contemporaneous visual field test (3 years prior or if not available, 2 years after the fall), after adjusting for potential confounders. RESULTS: A total of 31 021 unique individuals of whom 6054 (19.5%) experienced 11 818 falls requiring hospitalisation during a median observation time of 14.1 years. Only mean deviation index of <-12.01 dB (severe) was significantly associated with an increased rate of falls requiring hospitalisations by 14% (adjusted IRR 1.14, 95% CI 1.0-1.25) compared with no field loss, after adjusting for potential confounders. Other factors included age, with those aged 80+ having an increased rate (IRR 29.16, 95% CI 21.39-39.84), other comorbid conditions (IRR 1.49, 95% CI 1.38-1.60) and diabetes (IRR 1.25, 95% CI 1.14-1.37). Previous cataract surgery was associated with a decreased rate of falls that required hospitalisations by 13% (IRR 0.87, 95% CI 0.81-0.95) compared with those who did not have cataract surgery. CONCLUSION: The findings highlight the importance of continuous clinical monitoring of visual field loss and injury prevention strategies for older adults with visual field loss.

Promoting inclusivity in ecology, evolution, and behavioral biology education through course-based undergraduate research experiences.

Access to independent research experiences is a persistent barrier that stifles the recruitment and retention of students from diverse backgrounds in ecology, evolution, and behavioral biology. The benefits of field experiences are not equitably available to historically excluded and minoritized students. In this article, we summarize evidence that indicates course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs) provide a solution to ensure equitable access to independent research experiences in the life sciences. We draw from our own experiences of teaching CUREs in ecology, evolution, and behavioral biology and provide the complete curriculum for our effective and largely materials-free CURE in behavioral ecology (CURE-BxEco). We advocate for greater access to and synthesize the benefits of CUREs to promote inclusivity in education. The proliferation of such innovative pedagogical practices benefits science because these classroom methods are critical in recruiting and retaining historically excluded and minoritized students, who offer diverse perspectives in research.

Field-free Spin-Orbit Torque Perpendicular Magnetization Switching Induced by Metallic Multilayers.

The realization of the all-electrical manipulation of perpendicular magnetization switching is essential for next-generation information storage technologies and spintronic devices. Current-induced spin-orbit torque (SOT) has attracted tremendous research interest. However, this approach usually relies on external magnetic field to achieve deterministic switching, which greatly limits SOT devices moving toward practical applications. Here, we report the measurement of SOT from the [Pt/Au] multilayer with composition gradient along the thickness direction. The multilayer exhibits a much larger SOT efficiency than pure Pt, and current-induced field-free magnetization switching has been realized in Co/[Pt/Au] heterostructures. Anomalous Hall resistance loop shift measurements indicate that the [Pt/Au] multilayer can produce spin current with z-direction polarization. Moreover, the results of the control experiments show that the Pt/Au interface is the primary cause of the z-direction polarized spin current for triggering field-free switching, whereas the compositional gradient effect is peripheral. We speculate that the field-free switching originates from the synergetic interface effect and Dzyaloshinskii-Moriya interaction. Our work not only paves the way for SOT devices toward practical application but also provides novel insights into the mechanisms governing current-induced deterministic perpendicular magnetization switching.

Optimization of AgIO3/Bi4Ti3O12 composite photocatalyst to achieve enhanced photocatalytic performance by adjusting internal electric field via oxygen defect engineering.

The construction of heterojunction is an effective and conventional method to improve the photocatalytic activity of photocatalysts. On this basis, how to further regulate the separation and migration of photogenerated carrier is worthy of further investigation. As a mature and efficient modification method, oxygen defect engineering was used to regulate the S-scheme heterojunction composed of AgIO3 and Bi4Ti3O12 to further enhance the photocatalytic activity of the constructed heterojunction in this study. In addition to improving the visible light absorption of the photocatalyst and providing active sites, the introduction of oxygen vacancies can also strengthen the internal electric field between the two semiconductors by expanding the Fermi level gap, which can be verified by Mott-Schottky experiment and DFT calculations, resulting in more efficient photogenerated carrier separation efficiency. As a result, compared with AgIO3/Bi4Ti3O12, the AgIO3/Bi4Ti3O12 heterojunction modulated by oxygen defect engineering exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity, which proves the feasibility of the regulation of the interfacial electric field. This work provides a new idea for the modulation strategy of the interface electric field.

How Patient-Generated Data Enhance Patient-Provider Communication in Chronic Care: Field Study in Design Science Research.

BACKGROUND: Modern approaches such as patient-centered care ask health care providers (eg, nurses, physicians, and dietitians) to activate and include patients to participate in their health care. Mobile health (mHealth) is integral in this endeavor to be more patient centric. However, structural and regulatory barriers have hindered its adoption. Existing mHealth apps often fail to activate and engage patients sufficiently. Moreover, such systems seldom integrate well with health care providers' workflow. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated how patient-provider communication behaviors change when introducing patient-generated data into patient-provider communication. METHODS: We adopted the design science approach to design PatientHub, an integrated digital health system that engages patients and providers in patient-centered care for weight management. PatientHub was developed in 4 iterations and was evaluated in a 3-week field study with 27 patients and 6 physicians. We analyzed 54 video recordings of PatientHub-supported consultations and interviews with patients and physicians. RESULTS: PatientHub introduces patient-generated data into patient-provider communication. We observed 3 emerging behaviors when introducing patient-generated data into consultations. We named these behaviors emotion labeling, expectation decelerating, and decision ping-pong. Our findings show how these behaviors enhance patient-provider communication and facilitate patient-centered care. Introducing patient-generated data leads to behaviors that make consultations more personal, actionable, trustworthy, and equal. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that patient-generated data facilitate patient-centered care by activating and engaging patients and providers. We propose 3 design principles for patient-centered communication. Patient-centered communication informs the design of future mHealth systems and offers insights into the inner workings of mHealth-supported patient-provider communication in chronic care.

Induced electric field as alternative pasteurization to improve microbiological safety and quality of bayberry juice.

Recently, unconventional techniques like induced electric field (IEF) for continuous pasteurization of liquid food have received great attention. In this study, the effect of IEF on temperature rise, microbiological and quality characteristics of bayberry juice was investigated. Voltage, current, and flow rate affected the terminal temperature. Both IEF (600 V, 4 L/h; 700 V, 6 L/h) and thermal pasteurization (95 °C, 2 min) completely inactivated total plate count, coliforms, yeast and mold in bayberry juice. The pH, total soluble solid and titratable acidity did not vary significantly post-IEF, but conductivity changed slightly. IEF-treated samples exhibited the lowest ΔE values without exceeding 3. Thermal pasteurization (95 °C, 2 min) scored the lowest in color, flavor, odor, and acceptance. GC-MS results demonstrated a significant increase in the content of total volatile compounds following IEF treatments, with the maximum increment reaching 10.65 %. Generally, IEF is a potential technology for processing liquid beverages.

Mosquito species identification accuracy of early deployed algorithms in IDX, a vector identification tool.

Mosquito-borne diseases continue to pose a great threat to global public health systems due to increased insecticide resistance and climate change. Accurate vector identification is crucial for effective control, yet it presents significant challenges. IDX - an automated computer vision-based device capable of capturing mosquito images and outputting mosquito species ID has been deployed globally resulting in algorithms currently capable of identifying 53 mosquito species. In this study, we evaluate deployed performance of the IDX mosquito species identification algorithms using data from partners in the Southeastern United States (SE US) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) in 2023 and 2024 . This preliminary assessment indicates continued improvement of the IDX mosquito species identification algorithms over the study period for individual species as well as average regional accuracy with macro average recall improving from 55.3% [Confidence Interval (CI) 48.9, 61.7] to 80.2% [CI 77.3, 84.9] for SE US, and 84.1% [CI 75.1, 93.1] to 93.6% [CI 91.6, 95.6] for PNG using a CI of 90%. This study underscores the importance of algorithm refinement and dataset expansion covering more species and regions to enhance identification systems thereby reducing the workload for human experts, addressing taxonomic expertise gaps, and improving vector control efforts.

Bioelectrical impedance vector analysis and track and field jump performance across different specialties: Sex differences and electrode configuration.

The assessment of athletic performance using non-invasive methods has been a significant focus in research aimed at measuring physiological parameters. This study explores the application of bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) among track and field athletes, with a focus on sex differences, electrode configuration, and the correlation between BIVA parameters and jump performances. This cross-sectional study involved 61 Italian track and field athletes: 31 females and 30 males (age: 21.4 ± 3.8; 21.1 ± 2.6 years; stature: 166.1 ± 6.1; 180.1 ± 5.0 cm; body mass: 57.4 ± 9.7; 72.5 ± 10.5 kg, respectively). Anthropometric measurements, bioelectrical impedance analysis, and athletic jump performance were conducted. The RXc graph, two-sample Hotelling's T2 test for BIVA, and one-way ANOVA for specialty comparisons were employed. Pearson and Spearman's tests evaluated the correlations between BIVA parameters and jump performance. Differences in bioimpedance values were observed between athlete groups. Lateral asymmetries were more pronounced in females. Correlations between BIVA and jump performance also varied by sex and electrode configuration, ranging from r = -0.072, p = 0.699-r = 0.555, p = 0.001 in females, and from r = 0.204, p = 0.281-r = 0.691, p = 0.001 in males. This study highlights the utility of BIVA in providing rapid and non-invasive assessments of body composition and its relationship with jump performance, considering variations in athlete sex and electrode configuration.

Impact of different parametric Patlak imaging approaches and comparison with a 2-tissue compartment pharmacokinetic model with a long axial field-of-view (LAFOV) PET/CT in oncological patients.

AIM: The recently introduced Long-Axial-Field-of-View (LAFOV) PET-CT scanners allow for the first-time whole-body dynamic- and parametric imaging. Primary aim of this study was the comparison of direct and indirect Patlak imaging as well as the comparison of different time frames for Patlak calculation with the LAFOV PET-CT in oncological patients. Secondary aims of the study were lesion detectability and comparison of Patlak analysis with a two-tissue-compartment model (2TCM). METHODOLOGY: 50 oncological patients with 346 tumor lesions were enrolled in the study. All patients underwent [18F]FDG PET/CT (skull to upper thigh). Here, the Image-Derived-Input-Function) (IDIF) from the descending aorta was used as the exclusive input function. Four sets of images have been reviewed visually and evaluated quantitatively using the target-to-background (TBR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR): short-time (30 min)-direct (STD) Patlak Ki, short-time (30 min)-indirect (STI) Patlak Ki, long-time (59.25 min)-indirect (LTI) Patlak Ki, and 50-60 min SUV (sumSUV). VOI-based 2TCM was used for the evaluation of tumor lesions and normal tissues and compared with the results of Patlak model. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed between the four approaches regarding the number of tumor lesions. However, we found three discordant results: a true positive liver lesion in all Patlak Ki images, a false positive liver lesion delineated only in LTI Ki which was a hemangioma according to MRI and a true negative example in a patient with an atelectasis next to a lung tumor. STD, STI and LTI Ki images had superior TBR in comparison with sumSUV images (2.9-, 3.3- and 4.3-fold higher respectively). TBR of LTI Ki were significantly higher than STD Ki. VOI-based k3 showed a 21-fold higher TBR than sumSUV. Parameters of different models vary in their differential capability between tumor lesions and normal tissue like Patlak Ki which was better in normal lung and 2TCM k3 which was better in normal liver. 2TCM Ki revealed the highest correlation (r = 0.95) with the LTI Patlak Ki in tumor lesions group and demonstrated the highest correlation with the STD Patlak Ki in all tissues group and normal tissues group (r = 0.93 and r = 0.74 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Dynamic [18F]-FDG with the new LAFOV PET/CT scanner produces Patlak Ki images with better lesion contrast than SUV images, but does not increase the lesion detection rate. The time window used for Patlak imaging plays a more important role than the direct or indirect method. A combination of different models, like Patlak and 2TCM may be helpful in parametric imaging to obtain the best TBR in the whole body in future.

Effects of tillage management on soil organic carbon mineralization under double cropping rice system of southern China.

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a vital role in maintaining or enhancing soil fertility and quality of paddy field, but there is still limited information about how SOC mineralization responds to different tillage managements under the double-cropping rice (Oryza sativa L.) system in southern of China. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the changes in SOC content, soil enzyme activities (invertase, cellulose and urease), SOC mineralization at 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers and its relationship with 7-years tillage management under the double-cropping rice system of southern China. The experiment included four tillage managements: rotary tillage with all residues removed as a control (RTO), conventional tillage with residue incorporation (CT), rotary tillage with residue incorporation (RT), and no-tillage with residue retention (NT). The results indicated that SOC and soil labile organic carbon contents at 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers in paddy field with CT and RT treatments were significantly higher than the RTO treatment. Compared to the RTO treatment, SOC mineralization and accumulation at 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm layers in paddy field with CT, RT and NT treatments were increased. SOC accumulation and potential mineralization at 0-10 cm layer with NT treatment were significantly higher than the CT, RT and RTO treatments. Soil mineralization constant at 10-20 cm layer with CT treatment was significantly higher than those of RT, NT and RTO treatments. This result indicated SOC mineralization rate and accumulation at 10-20 cm layer of CT, RT, NT and RTO treatments were lower than those of treatments at 0-10 cm layer. Compared to RTO treatment, soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities with CT and RT treatments were significantly increased. Compared to RTO treatment, soil invertase, cellulose and urease activities at 0-20 cm layer of CT treatment increased by 22.6%, 46.2% and 89.0%, respectively. There was significantly positive correlation between SOC accumulation and SOC content, soil invertase, cellulose, urease activities, but SOC accumulation was significantly negative correlated with soil pH, bulk density. Therefore, CT and RT treatments were beneficial managements to improve SOC content and SOC mineralization in the double-cropping rice field of southern China.

Achieving a comparable transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect by spin-orbit field driven magnetoplasmonic.

In this study, we propose and simulate a magnetoplasmonics heterostructure that utilizes spin-orbit fields to generate an internal magnetic field and create a significant magneto-optical effect. Our approach offers a new way to overcome the challenges of using permanent magnets or magnetic coils in conventional magnetoplasmonics, such as high-power consumption and non-scalability. We demonstrate that it is possible to create an appropriate amount of magnetic field using spin-orbit fields induced by the spin-Hall effect, such that the consumption power becomes reasonable and the dimensions could be miniaturized. This approach will be an important development in the field of magneto-optics, as it can lead to enhanced transverse magneto-optical Kerr effect in the present of surface plasmon polaritons. The proposed nanostructure consists of a ferromagnetic film adjacent to a heavy metal layer, both sandwiched between two noble metal films, and deposited on a dielectric prism. The strength of the Kerr signal strongly depends on the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer, with the maximum effect observed at a thickness of 5nm. This concept has potential for various nanophotonic and spintronic applications, particularly for developing high-speed active plasmonic devices for ultrafast light modulation.

Strengthened ozone adsorption through positive electric field-induced charge migration on various TiO2 crystal surfaces: A mechanistic and theoretical study.

This study investigates the enhancement of ozone adsorption on diverse TiO2 crystal interfaces through an innovative electrochemical modulation approach. The research focuses on the effects of applied electric field strength and reaction sites on ozone interfacial adsorption energies for Ti/Anatase TiO2 (0 0 1) and Ti/Rutile TiO2 (1 1 0) interfaces. The findings reveal that positive electric fields significantly enhance ozone adsorption on both interfaces, with adsorption energies increasing by up to 18% for Ti/Anatase TiO2 (0 0 1) and 15% for Ti/Rutile TiO2 (1 1 0). Notably, double water molecule sites (≡(H2O)2) play a crucial role in this enhancement process. The study demonstrates that the applied electric field alters the charge distribution at the TiO2 catalytic interface, thereby increasing interfacial charge density and promoting charge migration to ozone. Furthermore, this process leads to enhanced overlap and hybridization between ≡(H2O)2 sites and the s and p orbitals of ozone molecules, resulting in the formation of chemical bonds with lower Fermi levels. These comprehensive results demonstrate the broad applicability of the electrochemical interfacial ozone adsorption enhancement method across different crystal types and surfaces. Consequently, this study provides essential data to support the advancement of greener and more energy-efficient heterogeneous catalytic ozonation processes, potentially contributing to significant improvements in ozone-based water treatment technologies.

A multi-technique analytical approach to support (eco)toxicological investigation of zinc oxide nanoparticles.

Understanding the mechanism of toxicity of nanoparticles and their behavior in biological environments is crucial for designing materials with reduced side effects and improved performance. Among the factors influencing nanoparticle behavior in biological environments, the release and bioavailability of potentially toxic metal ions can alter equilibria and cause adverse effects. In this study, we applied two on-line Field-Flow Fractionation (FFF) strategies and compared the results with off-line benchmarking centrifugal ultrafiltration to assess a key descriptor, namely the solubility of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. We found that, at the highest nanoparticle concentrations, the nanoparticle-ion ratio quickly reaches equilibrium, and the stability is not significantly affected by the separation technique. However, at lower concentrations, dynamic, non-equilibrium behavior occurs, and the results depend on the method used to separate the solid from the ionic fraction, where FFF yielded a more representative dissolution pattern. To support the (eco)toxicological profiling of the investigated nanoparticles, we generated experimental data on colloidal stability over typical (eco)toxicological assay durations. The Zeta Potential vs pH curves revealed two distinct scenarios typical of surfaces that have undergone significant modification, most likely due to pH-dependent dissolution and re-precipitation of surface groups. Finally, to enhance hazard assessment screening, we investigated ion-dependent toxicity and the effects of exposure to fresh water. Using an in vitro human skin model, we evaluated the cytotoxicity of fresh and aged ZnO nanoparticles (exposed for 72 h in M7), revealing time-dependent, dose-dependent, and nanoparticle-dependent cytotoxicity, with lower toxicity observed in the case of aged samples.

Dipole field as charge-transfer bridge between Cu atomic clusters/PtCu alloy nanocubes and nitrogen-rich C3N5 for superior photocatalytic hydrogen evolution.

Utilizing spontaneous polarization field to harness charge transfer kinetics is a promising strategy to boost photocatalytic performance. Herein, a novel Cu atom clusters/PtCu alloy nanocubes coloaded on nitrogen-rich triazole-based C3N5 (PtCu-C3N5) with dipole field was constructed through facile photo-deposition and impregnation method. The dipole field-drive spontaneous polarization in C3N5 acts as a charge-transfer bridge to promote directional electron migration from C3N5 to Cu atom clusters/PtCu alloy. Through the synergistic effects between Cu atom clusters, PtCu alloy and dipole field in C3N5, the optimized Pt2Cu3-C3N5 achieved a record-high performance with H2 formation rate of 4090.4 µmol g-1 h-1 under visible light, about 154.4-fold increase compared with pristine C3N5 (26.5 µmol g-1 h-1). Moreover, the apparent quantum efficiency was up to 25.33 % at 320 nm, which is greatly superior than most previous related-works. The directional charge transfer mechanism was analyzed in detail through various characterizations and DFT calculations. This work offers a novel pathway to construct high-efficiency multi-metal photocatalysts for solar energy conversion.

Supersymmetry dictated topology in periodic gauge fields and realization in strained and twisted 2D materials.

Supersymmetry (SUSY) of Hamiltonian dictates double degeneracy between a pair of superpartners (SPs) transformed by supercharge, except at zero energy where modes remain unpaired in many cases. Here we explore a SUSY of complete isospectrum between SPs -- with paired zero modes -- realized by 2D electrons in zero-flux periodic gauge fields, which can describe twisted or periodically strained 2D materials. We find their low-energy sector containing zero (or threshold) modes must be topologically non-trivial, by proving that Chern numbers of the two SPs have a finite difference dictated by the number of zero modes and energy dispersion in their vicinity. In 30○twisted bilayer (double bilayer) transition metal dichalcogenides subject to periodic strain, we find one SP is topologically trivial in its lowest miniband, while the twin SP of identical dispersion has a Chern number of 1 (2), in stark contrast to time-reversal partners that have to be simultaneously trivial or nontrivial. For systems whose physical Hamiltonian corresponds to the square root of a SUSY Hamiltonian, such as twisted or strained bilayer graphene, we reveal that topological properties of the two SUSY SPs are transferred respectively to the conduction and valence bands, including the contrasted topology in the low-energy sector and identical topology in the high-energy sector. This offers a unified perspective for understanding topological properties in many flat-band systems described by such square-root models. Both types of SUSY systems provide unique opportunities for exploring correlated and topological phases of matter.

Safety, efficacy, and quality of life outcomes of pulsed field ablation in Japanese patients with atrial fibrillation: results from the PULSED AF trial.

BACKGROUND: Pulsed field ablation (PFA), a novel treatment for atrial fibrillation (AF), has yet to be evaluated in a Japanese cohort. METHODS: In this sub-analysis of the PULSED AF trial, 12-month outcomes of paroxysmal AF (PAF) and persistent AF (PsAF) patients treated with PFA in four Japan centers were assessed. After a 90-day blanking period, primary efficacy was determined via freedom from a composite endpoint of acute procedural failure, arrhythmia recurrence, or antiarrhythmic drug escalation over 1 year. Patient improvement was evaluated via two quality of life (QoL) surveys (AFEQT and EQ-5D) at baseline and 12 months. RESULTS: The analysis included 32 patients, 16 PAF and 16 PsAF, with PAF patients averaging 61.1 ± 10.6 years and PsAF patients averaging 62.8 ± 11.5 years of age. Females made up 31% of PAF and 25% of PsAF cohorts. Acute pulmonary vein isolation was achieved in 100% of both cohorts. The primary efficacy success rate at 12 months was 75.0% for PAF and 56.3% for PsAF patients. No primary safety events occurred. The mean AFEQT score significantly increased for both PAF (25.9 points, p < 0.0001) and PsAF (13.2 points, p = 0.0002) patients, while the EQ-5D-5L score improved significantly for PAF (0.12 points, p = 0.048) patients but not for PsAF (0.04 points, p = 0.08) patients. CONCLUSIONS: Similar to outcomes in the global cohort, ablation with the PulseSelect™ PFA catheter was efficient, effective, and safe in a Japanese population, resulting in improved QoL for PAF and PsAF patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04198701.