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Abstract Strongly correlated electron materials are often characterized by competition and interplay of multiple quantum states. For example, in high-temperature cuprate superconductors unconventional superconductivity, spin- and charge-density wave orders coexist. A key question is whether competing states coexist on the atomic scale or if they segregate into distinct regions. Using X-ray diffraction, we investigate the competition between charge order and superconductivity in the archetypal cuprate La2−x BaxCuO4, around x = 1/8-doping, where uniaxial stress restores optimal 3D superconductivity at σ 3D ≈ 0.06 GPa. We find that the charge order peaks and the correlation length along the stripe are strongly reduced up to σ 3D. Upon the increase of stress beyond this point, no further changes were observed. Simultaneously, the charge order onset temperature only shows a modest decrease. Our findings suggest that optimal 3D superconductivity is not linked to the absence of charge stripes but instead requires their arrangement into smaller regions. Our results provide insight into the length scales over which the interplay between superconductivity and charge order takes place.

Abstract Objectives The objective of this study is to identify the effect of cribriform pattern 4 carcinoma/intraductal carcinoma of the prostate (CC/IDCP) on persistent prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels after robot‐assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) in patients with localized prostate cancer (PCa). Patients and Methods This retrospective study included 730 consecutive patients with localized PCa who underwent RARP at Mie University (n = 392) and Aichi Medical University (n = 338) between 2015 and 2021. Patients with clinically metastatic PCa (cN1 and cM1) and those who received neoadjuvant and/or adjuvant therapy before biochemical recurrence were excluded. We evaluated the effects of CC/IDCP on persistent PSA levels after RARP. Persistent PSA was defined as PSA level ≥0.2 ng/mL at 1 month postoperatively and consecutively thereafter. Using factors from logistic regression analysis, models were developed to predict persistent PSA levels. Results Approximately 6.3% (n = 46) of the patients had persistent PSA levels. Patients with biopsy CC/IDCP (bCC/IDCP) and pathological CC/IDCP (pCC/IDCP) based on RARP specimens were 11.6% (85/730) and 36.5% (267/730), respectively. Multivariate analysis of the prediction of persistent PSA levels using preoperative factors revealed that PSA density, percentage of positive cancer cores, biopsy grade group and bCC/IDCP were independent prognostic factors. Furthermore, multivariate analysis of the prediction of persistent PSA levels using postoperative factors, excluding pN1, revealed that pathological grade group, pCC/IDCP, seminal vesicle invasion and lymphovascular invasion were independent prognostic factors. In the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for predicting persistent PSA after RARP, areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model with preoperative factors, postoperative factors, including pN1, and postoperative factors, excluding pN1, were 0.827, 0.833 and 0.834, respectively. Conclusions bCC/IDCP predicted persistent PSA after RARP in the overall population, while pCC/IDCP predicted persistent PSA only when the pN1 population was excluded. This may be useful for predicting susceptible patients with worse outcomes.

Introduction Hibernomas are benign tumors of brown adipose tissue. Hibernoma in the renal sinus is extremely rare. Herein, we present the third known case of renal hibernoma. Case presentation A 71‐year‐old man reported to our department with a left kidney tumor with an average growth rate of 5 mm/year and a progressive contrast effect on computed tomography. It was diagnosed as a hibernoma following a laparoscopic radical nephrectomy. Conclusion We encountered a rare case of a hibernoma in the renal sinus. Development of new and accurate diagnostic methods for hibernoma, without resorting to nephrectomy, is essential.

Abstract Quantum fluctuations in low-dimensional systems and near quantum phase transitions have significant influences on material properties. Yet, it is difficult to experimentally gauge the strength and importance of quantum fluctuations. Here we provide a resonant inelastic x-ray scattering study of magnon excitations in Mott insulating cuprates. From the thin film of SrCuO2, single- and bi-magnon dispersions are derived. Using an effective Heisenberg Hamiltonian generated from the Hubbard model, we show that the single-magnon dispersion is only described satisfactorily when including significant quantum corrections stemming from magnon-magnon interactions. Comparative results on La2CuO4 indicate that quantum fluctuations are much stronger in SrCuO2 suggesting closer proximity to a magnetic quantum critical point. Monte Carlo calculations reveal that other magnetic orders may compete with the antiferromagnetic Néel order as the ground state. Our results indicate that SrCuO2—due to strong quantum fluctuations—is a unique starting point for the exploration of novel magnetic ground states.

Abstract The photorefractive properties of triphenylamine polymer-based composites with various composition ratios were investigated via optical diffraction, response time, asymmetric energy transfer, and transient photocurrent. The composite consisted of a photoconductive polymer of poly((4-diphenylamino)benzyl acrylate), a photoconductive plasticizer of (4-diphenylamino)phenyl)methanol, a sensitizer of [6,6]-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester, and a nonlinear optical dye of (4-(azepan-1-yl)-benzylidene)malononitrile. The photorefractive properties and related quantities were dependent on the composition, which was related to the glass transition temperature of the photorefractive polymers. The quantum efficiency (QE) of photocarrier generation was evaluated from the initial slope of the transient photocurrent. Transient photocurrents were measured and showed two unique peaks: one in the range of 10−4 to 10−3 s and the other in the range of 10−1 to 1 s. The transient photocurrents was well simulated (or reproduced) by the expanded two-trapping site model with two kinds of photocarrier generation and recombination processes and two different trapping sites. The obtained photorefractive quantity of trap density was significantly related to the photoconductive parameters of QE.

Abstract Background Community and individual participation are crucial for the success of schistosomiasis control. The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the importance of enhanced sanitation, health education, and Mass Drug Administration (MDA) in the fight against schistosomiasis. These approaches rely on the knowledge and practices of the community to be successful; however, where the community knowledge is low and inappropriate, it hinders intervention efforts. Hence, it is essential to identify barriers and misconceptions related to awareness of schistosomiasis, sources of infection, mode of transmission, symptoms, and control measures. Methods This was a mixed-method cross-sectional study involving 1200 pre-school children randomly selected and examined for Schistosoma mansoni infection using the Kato-Katz technique. All parents/guardians of selected children were enrolled for a pre-tested questionnaire survey, while 42 were engaged in focus group discussions (FGDs). The level of knowledge and awareness among parents/guardians about schistosomiasis was evaluated in relation to the infection status of their pre-school children. Results Among pre-school children, the prevalence of intestinal schistosomiasis was 45.1% (95% CI 41.7–48.5). A majority of parents/guardians (85.5%) had heard about schistosomiasis, and this awareness was associated with the participant’s level of education (OR = 0.16, 95% CI 0.08, 0.34). In addition, a positive association was observed between higher educational attainment and knowledge of the causative agent (OR = 0.69, 95% CI 0.49, 0.96). Low education level was significantly associated with limited knowledge of transmission through lake water contact (OR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.52, 0.97) and infection from the lake (OR = 0.33, 95% CI 0.19, 0.57). Notably, parents/guardians who have heard of schistosomiasis could not recognize symptoms of S. mansoni infection, such as abdominal pain (91.8%, 815/888) and blood in the stool (85.1%, 756/888). Surprisingly, 49.8% (442/888) incorrectly identified hematuria (blood in urine), a key sign of S. haematobium, but not S. mansoni, in an endemic area for S. mansoni infection. The majority (82.6%, 734/888) of parents/guardians were unaware that dams are potential infection sites, despite 53.9% (479/888) of their pre-school-aged children testing positive for schistosome infection. Conclusions Despite the high level of awareness of intestinal schistosomiasis in the study area, we identified a low level of knowledge regarding its causes, modes of transmission, signs and symptoms and potential sites of transmission within the community. This study emphasizes the need for targeted educational interventions to address the misconceptions and knowledge gaps surrounding intestinal schistosomiasis through tailored community-based programs.

Abstract Chondroitin, a class of glycosaminoglycan polysaccharides, is found as proteoglycans in the extracellular matrix, plays a crucial role in tissue morphogenesis during development and axonal regeneration. Ingestion of chondroitin prolongs the lifespan of C. elegans. However, the roles of endogenous chondroitin in regulating lifespan and healthspan mostly remain to be investigated. Here, we demonstrate that a gain-of-function mutation in MIG-22, the chondroitin polymerizing factor (ChPF), results in elevated chondroitin levels and a significant extension of both the lifespan and healthspan in C. elegans. Importantly, the remarkable longevity observed in mig-22(gf) mutants is dependent on SQV-5/chondroitin synthase (ChSy), highlighting the pivotal role of chondroitin in controlling both lifespan and healthspan. Additionally, the mig-22(gf) mutation effectively suppresses the reduced healthspan associated with the loss of MIG-17/ADAMTS metalloprotease, a crucial for factor in basement membrane (BM) remodeling. Our findings suggest that chondroitin functions in the control of healthspan downstream of MIG-17, while regulating lifespan through a pathway independent of MIG-17.

The visualization of the spatial distributions of gases from various sources is essential to understanding the composition, localization, and behavior of these gases. In this study, an inkjet-printed localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) subpixel gas sensor array was developed to visualize the spatial distributions of gases and to differentiate between acetic acid, geraniol, pentadecane, and cis-jasmone. The sensor array, which integrates gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), and fluorescent pigments, was positioned 3 cm above the gas source. Hyperspectral imaging was used to capture the LSPR spectra across the sensor array, and these spectra were then used to construct gas information matrices. Principal component analysis (PCA) enabled effective classification of the gases and localization of their sources based on observed spectral differences. Heat maps that visualized the gas concentrations were generated using the mean squared error (MSE) between the sensor responses and reference spectra. The array identified and visualized the four gas sources successfully, thus demonstrating its potential for gas localization and detection applications. The study highlights a straightforward, cost-effective approach to gas sensing and visualization, and in future work, we intend to refine the sensor fabrication process and enhance the detection of complex gas mixtures.

Increased levels of lactate, an end-product of glycolysis, have been proposed as a potential surrogate marker for metabolic changes during neuronal excitation. These changes in lactate levels can result in decreased brain pH, which has been implicated in patients with various neuropsychiatric disorders. We previously demonstrated that such alterations are commonly observed in five mouse models of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and autism, suggesting a shared endophenotype among these disorders rather than mere artifacts due to medications or agonal state. However, there is still limited research on this phenomenon in animal models, leaving its generality across other disease animal models uncertain. Moreover, the association between changes in brain lactate levels and specific behavioral abnormalities remains unclear. To address these gaps, the International Brain pH Project Consortium investigated brain pH and lactate levels in 109 strains/conditions of 2294 animals with genetic and other experimental manipulations relevant to neuropsychiatric disorders. Systematic analysis revealed that decreased brain pH and increased lactate levels were common features observed in multiple models of depression, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and some additional schizophrenia models. While certain autism models also exhibited decreased pH and increased lactate levels, others showed the opposite pattern, potentially reflecting subpopulations within the autism spectrum. Furthermore, utilizing large-scale behavioral test battery, a multivariate cross-validated prediction analysis demonstrated that poor working memory performance was predominantly associated with increased brain lactate levels. Importantly, this association was confirmed in an independent cohort of animal models. Collectively, these findings suggest that altered brain pH and lactate levels, which could be attributed to dysregulated excitation/inhibition balance, may serve as transdiagnostic endophenotypes of debilitating neuropsychiatric disorders characterized by cognitive impairment, irrespective of their beneficial or detrimental nature.

Abstract Hybrid organic–inorganic perovskites (HOIPs) are promising candidates for next‐generation photovoltaic materials. However, there is a debate regarding the impact of interactions between the organic center and the surrounding inorganic cage on the solar cell's high diffusion lengths. It remains unclear whether the diffusion mechanism is consistent across various halide perovskite families and how light illumination affects carrier lifetimes. The focus is on ion kinetics of (CH3NH3)PbX3 (X = Br, Cl) perovskite halide single crystals. Muon spectroscopy (μ+SR)is employed to investigate the fluctuations and diffusion of ions via the relaxation of muon spins in local nuclear field environments. Within a temperature range of 30–340 K, ion kinetics are studied with and without white‐light illumination. The results show a temperature shift of the tetragonal‐orthorhombic phase transition on the illuminated samples, as an effect of increased organic molecule fluctuations. This relation is supported by density functional theory (DFT) calculations along the reduction of the nuclear field distribution width between the phase transitions. The analysis shows that, depending on the halide ion, the motional narrowing from H and N nuclear moments represents the molecular fluctuations. The results demonstrate the importance of the halide ion and the effect of illumination on the compound's structural stability and electronic properties.

Abstract Doped Mott insulators are the starting point for interesting physics such as high temperature superconductivity and quantum spin liquids. For multi-band Mott insulators, orbital selective ground states have been envisioned. However, orbital selective metals and Mott insulators have been difficult to realize experimentally. Here we demonstrate by photoemission spectroscopy how Ca2RuO4, upon alkali-metal surface doping, develops a single-band metal skin. Our dynamical mean field theory calculations reveal that homogeneous electron doping of Ca2RuO4 results in a multi-band metal. All together, our results provide evidence for an orbital-selective Mott insulator breakdown, which is unachievable via simple electron doping. Supported by a cluster model and cluster perturbation theory calculations, we demonstrate a type of skin metal-insulator transition induced by surface dopants that orbital-selectively hybridize with the bulk Mott state and in turn produce coherent in-gap states.

Abstract LiCrSe2 constitutes a recent valuable addition to the ensemble of two-dimensional triangular lattice antiferromagnets. In this work, we present a comprehensive study of the low temperature nuclear and magnetic structure established in this material. Being subject to a strong magnetoelastic coupling, LiCrSe2 was found to undergo a first order structural transition from a trigonal crystal system ( $$P\bar{3}m1$$ P 3 ¯ m 1 ) to a monoclinic one (C2/m) at T s = 30 K. Such restructuring of the lattice is accompanied by a magnetic transition at T N = 30 K. Refinement of the magnetic structure with neutron diffraction data and complementary muon spin rotation analysis reveal the presence of a complex incommensurate magnetic structure with a up-up-down-down arrangement of the chromium moments with ferromagnetic double chains coupled antiferromagnetically. The spin axial vector is also modulated both in direction and modulus, resulting in a spin density wave-like order with periodic suppression of the chromium moment along the chains. This behavior is believed to appear as a result of strong competition between direct exchange antiferromagnetic and superexchange ferromagnetic couplings established between both nearest neighbor and next nearest neighbor Cr3+ ions. We finally conjecture that the resulting magnetic order is stabilized via subtle vacancy/charge order within the lithium layers, potentially causing a mix of two co-existing magnetic phases within the sample.

Abstract The quasi-2D platinum-based rare earth intermetallic LaPt2Si2 has attracted attention as it exhibits strong interplay between charge density wave order and superconductivity. However, most of the results reported on this material come from theoretical calculations, preliminary bulk investigations and powder samples, which makes it difficult to uniquely determine the temperature evolution of its crystal structure and, consequently, of its charge density wave transition. Therefore, the published literature around LaPt2Si2 is often controversial. Here, by means of high-resolution synchrotron X-ray diffraction data, we clarify some of the poorly or partially understood aspects of the physics of LaPt2Si2. In particular, we resolve the complex evolution of its crystal structure and superstructures, identifying the temperature dependence of multiple density wave transitions in good quality LaPt2Si2 single crystals. According to our findings, on cooling from room temperature LaPt2Si2 undergoes a series of subtle structural transitions which can be summarised as follows: second order commensurate tetragonal (P4/n m m)-to-incommensurate structure followed by a first order incommensurate-to-commensurate orthorhombic (P m m n) transition and then a first order commensurate orthorhombic (P m m n)-to-commensurate tetragonal (P4/n m m). The structural transitions are accompanied by both incommensurate and commensurate superstructural distortions of the lattice. The observed behavior is compatible with discommensuration of the CDW in this material.

Background: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are global contaminants. Seafood consumption is a possible PFAS exposure route to humans while the isomer specific analysis has not been conducted. Methods: Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluoroheptane sulfonate (PFHpS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) were investigated in residents of Kyoto, Japan (n = 51). The relationship between plasma PFAS and seafood consumption biomarker, the ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid to arachidonic acid (EPA/AA) was examined by multiple regression analysis. Results: Linear PFOS concentrations showed a significant positive correlation with the EPA/AA ratio in plasma samples (β = 6.80, p = 0.0014). Linear PFHpS was marginally associated with EPA/AA ratio (β = 0.178, p = 0.0874). Branched PFOS isomers and PFHxS had no associations with EPA/AA ratios. Conclusion: Seafood intake may be a significant exposure pathway for PFAS, such as PFOS but the isomers differ.

This study explored the factors associated with healthcare avoidance behavior for menstrual disorders and menopausal symptoms among women in Japan. Using data from a nationally representative cross-sectional online survey conducted in September 2022, responses from 4,950 women aged 25–59 were analyzed. This study applied binomial logistic regression models specifically to participants who reported having ever felt the need to seek healthcare assistance due to health issues related to menstruation and menopause. We computed adjusted odds ratios for key sociodemographic traits, work environment factors, health literacy, menstrual and menopausal symptoms, and attitudes and understanding regarding women’s health, associated with healthcare avoidance behavior in the past 12 months. As a sensitivity analysis, a regression was performed limited to those who are working. The results showed that 50.6% of respondents recognized the need for healthcare support for menstrual or menopausal health issues, but 22.8% exhibited healthcare avoidance in the past year. Younger and high-income individuals showed higher avoidance rates. Those with diagnosed gynecological conditions and those perceiving menstrual pain as something to endure also displayed increased avoidance tendencies. Women experiencing significant health effects beyond work and those lacking understanding of the purpose of health check-ups were more prone to healthcare avoidance. Our results underscore the importance of implementing strategically tailored health education initiatives, and re-examining societal attitudes concerning women's health, in order to cultivate enhanced healthcare-seeking behaviors among women.

Background Official Development Assistance (ODA) significantly aids sustainable development in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). However, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted aid allocation, posing challenges for attaining the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Objective This study explores and underscores the profound implications of shifts in ODA allocation by Development Assistance Committee (DAC) member countries, resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, offering a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of international aid. Methods Drawing from the gross ODA disbursement data for LMICs by DAC member countries from 2011 to 2021, a linear regression analysis assessed the changes in ODA amount, ODA-to-gross national income (GNI) ratio, sectoral aid allocation, and the balance between bilateral and multilateral aid, primarily focusing on the differences pre- and post-COVID-19. For non-specialised multilateral agencies’ core funding, the OECD’s methodology for calculating imputed multilateral ODA was employed to estimate ODA flows. Results The study found an increasing trend in the total ODA provided by DAC member countries from 2011 to 2021. However, the average ODA/GNI ratio showed a slight but significant decrease before the pandemic, followed by an increase after the COVID-19 pandemic. The health sector received the highest percentage of aid after the pandemic, with a marked increase in both bilateral and multilateral aid. However, other sectors such as humanitarian aid, water and sanitation, and energy experienced a significant decrease in sectoral aid share. Conclusions Emerging from this analysis is a strong recommendation for DAC members to re-evaluate aid objectives and escalate their financial commitments to reinforce SDGs and sustainable development efforts. While the rise in health aid is essential, other sectors also require equal focus to offset the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. Understanding the intricacies of aid allocation can improve aid efficacy, culminating in greater, transformative results for recipient countries.

This paper reports the first experimental observation of phonons and their softening on single crystalline LaPt2Si2 via inelastic neutron scattering. From the temperature dependence of the phonon frequency in close proximity to the charge density wave (CDW) q-vector, we obtain a CDW transition temperature of TCDW = 230 K and a critical exponent β = 0.28 ± 0.03. This value is suggestive of a non-conventional critical behavior for the CDW phase transition in LaPt2Si2, compatible with a scenario of CDW discommensuration (DC). The DC would be caused by the existence of two CDWs in this material, propagating separately in the non equivalent (Si1–Pt2–Si1) and (Pt1–Si2–Pt1) layers, respectively, with transition temperatures TCDW−1 = 230 K and TCDW−2 = 110 K. A strong q-dependence of the electron-phonon coupling has been identified as the driving mechanism for the CDW transition at TCDW−1 = 230 K while a CDW with 3-dimensional character, and Fermi surface quasi-nesting as a driving mechanism, is suggested for the transition at TCDW−2 = 110 K. Our results clarify some aspects of the CDW transition in LaPt2Si2 which have been so far misinterpreted by both theoretical predictions and experimental observations and give direct insight into its actual temperature dependence.