Browse Articles

Stable asymmetric magnetization reversal in epitaxial Co(001)/CoO(001) bilayer

The exchange bias (EB) in ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic (FM/AFM) bilayer systems causes a shift in the magnetic hysteresis curve after field cooling through the Néel temperature of the AFM. In some cases, this shift is accompanied by an asymmetry between the ascending and descending branches. In the past, this asymmetric magnetization reversal has been studied in different bilayer systems, including polycrystalline Co/CoO thin films. Here, we investigate the asymmetric magnetization reversal in an epitaxial fcc-Co(001)/CoO(001) thin film grown on MgO(001) by molecular beam epitaxy at varying temperatures up to room temperature after field cooling along the easy and the hard axes. Room temperature measurements of the longitudinal and transverse magneto-optic Kerr effect show different magnetization reversal processes via stable intermediate states for different angles between the external magnetic field and the magnetic easy axes. Once the sample is cooled below the blocking temperature, a pronounced asymmetric magnetization reversal can be observed. We show that in contrast to polycrystalline bilayers, the loop asymmetry stays constant after multiple training cycles and that the magnitude of the asymmetry is directly correlated with the magnitude of the EB.

Separating intrinsic and domain-mediated anomalous Hall conductivity in Co3Sn2S2 via contact engineering

Separating the momentum-space intrinsic Berry-curvature contribution to the anomalous Hall conductivity (AHC) from domain-mediated and extrinsic contributions in bulk ferromagnetic Weyl semimetals remains a central challenge. We address this via contact engineering in a ∼670 μm thick Co3Sn2S2 single crystal, where deep Ohmic contacts promote depth-distributed current flow without perturbing the bulk. Above ∼0.3 T, a single- or few-domain state exposes the intrinsic Berry-curvature response, with Callen–Callen scaling Ku/Ku(0)=[M/M(0)]n=2.258 holding below 120 K. Above 120 K, domain multiplication weakens the exchange splitting and magnetocrystalline anisotropy Ku, driving a sharp σxy crossover near 125 K. In low-field zero-field-cooled multidomain states, real-space Berry curvature and moderate extrinsic contributions sustain the Hall response up to ∼140 K. These results establish contact engineering as a noninvasive route for cleanly separating intrinsic from domain-mediated AHC in thick Weyl semimetal crystals.

<i>In situ</i> electric field-assisted curing enables low dielectric constant and loss through polarization suppression

Low-dielectric materials are crucial for reducing RC delay in high-density integrated circuits. Here, we report an electric field-assisted in situ curing strategy for dicyclopentadiene-based epoxy films to achieve reduced dielectric constant (εr) and loss tangent (tan δ). The applied electric field modulates local chain conformations and promotes crystalline microdomain formation, effectively suppressing dipolar polarization. Under an electric field of 6 kV mm−1, εr and tan δ are reduced by up to 8.5% and 78.9% at 102 Hz, and by 7.8% and 7.1% at 5 GHz, respectively. This work provides a unique route for tuning dielectric properties via electric field-induced structural control, offering potential for advanced electronic packaging applications.

Outside Back Cover: Upcycling Water Pollutants Into Long‐Chain Polymers via Synergistic Interfacial Dechlorination and Organic Radical Stabilization (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 32/2026)

Homoepitaxial GaN-on-GaN trench MOSFETs with 438 MW/cm2 figure of merit and improved gate reliability

In this paper, we report enhanced high-voltage blocking capability and improved gate dielectric reliability in vertical GaN-on-GaN trench metal–oxide–semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs) through fabrication process optimization. A thick bottom dielectric (TBD) is introduced at the trench bottom to suppress the peak electric fields in both the gate dielectric and the GaN layer, resulting in a substantial improvement in breakdown voltage (VBR). The fabricated fully vertical device exhibits a low specific on-resistance (RON,sp) of 1.46 mΩ cm2, a maximum drain current density (ID,max) of 2.5 kA/cm2, an on/off current ratio (ION/IOFF) of 1010, and a VBR of 800 V, thereby achieving a competitive Baliga's figure of merit of 438 MW/cm2. In addition, due to the increased gate-drain distance, the output capacitance (COSS) of the device is reduced by more than 14%, which is beneficial for reducing the switching loss. Reliability measurements, including positive bias threshold voltage instability and step-stress gate breakdown tests, indicate that the TBD improves the voltage tolerance of the gate dielectric without introducing additional instability at the channel interface. Interface trap density (Dit) at the trench sidewall is characterized by the conductance method, which is found to be 1 × 1012 cm−2 eV−1. Furthermore, trap-assisted tunneling analysis of the gate leakage extracts a trap level of ∼1.3 eV within the Al2O3 gate dielectric, which accounts for the wear-out behavior under step-stress breakdown. This work demonstrates the effectiveness of the TBD technique for the development of high-performance and reliable GaN trench MOSFETs.

Zulema Fernández

Inside Back Cover: Structure‐Informed Design of Distinct Parallel G‐Quadruplex Stabilizers for <i>KRAS</i> ‐Driven Cancer Therapy (Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 32/2026)

A protein–small molecule conjugate as a bispecific inhibitor of proteases implicated in cancer metastasis

Peripheral DNA methylation of candidate Alzheimer’s disease risk genes and its associations with cognition, brain volume and amyloid-β burden

The FMO score stratifies hepatocellular carcinoma risk in individuals with obesity: a nationwide cohort study

Abstract The fibrotic/at-risk MASH in obesity (FMO) score, comprising four routine biochemical parameters, noninvasively identifies individuals with obesity at risk for metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH). Although it predicts composite liver-related outcomes, whether it stratifies hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk remains unknown. Using the Japan Medical Data Center claims database (2007–2024), we evaluated 1,336,229 individuals with obesity, stratified into rule-out (FMO ≤ 0.05), indeterminate-risk (0.05 &lt; FMO &lt; 0.22), and rule-in (FMO ≥ 0.22) zones. During a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 693 HCC events occurred, with incidence rates of 0.091, 0.168, and 0.260 per 1,000 person-years across zones. Compared with rule-out, the rule-in zone was significantly associated with HCC in univariate (hazard ratio, 2.850; 95% CI, 2.328–3.489) and multivariate analyses (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.783; 95% CI, 1.409–2.257). The indeterminate-risk zone also showed elevated risk (aHR, 1.446; 95% CI, 1.206–1.732; all p  &lt; 0.001). Associations were consistent across all predefined subgroups. Among over 1.3 million individuals with obesity, the FMO score showed substantial utility for HCC risk stratification. Derived from routine metabolic parameters, it might help identify individuals at elevated HCC risk warranting enhanced surveillance. Word count: 187 words.

Global, multilingual, physician-invited, patient-completed digital registry enabling pre-consultation engagement and supporting more efficient care pathways in venous disease

Honokiol induces an autophagy and apoptosis imbalance by modulating the p62 and Nrf2 signaling loop in canine osteosarcoma

Deep learning and edge computing framework for proactive pothole detection with Internet of Things

SYCP3 enhances prostate cancer metastasis and modulates the DNA damage response pathway

Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent male cancer with high survival rates, except in advanced or metastatic stages, for which effective treatments are lacking. Metastatic PCa involves complex mechanisms including loss of tumor suppressor genes and DNA repair molecules, which impacts therapy responses. Analyses of tumor samples demonstrated that SYCP3 expression is frequently upregulated in PCa tumors from patients in advanced stages. Due to the implication of SYCP3 on DNA repair processes, we have analyzed the role of SYCP3 on the cellular response to radiotherapy (RT) and found that its depletion induced RT resistance, suggesting a role for SYCP3 in DNA damage response and genomic instability. Additionally, based on a previous CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide screening identifying SYCP3 as a potential regulator of metastatic invasion in DU145 PCa cells, we performed biological validation analyses, which showed that SYCP3 depletion significantly reduced the invasive and migratory abilities of DU145 cells and increased their adhesion capacity. All these data support a role for SYCP3 in PCa metastasis and provides opportunities for personalized medicine.

Sandaracopimaric acid against the MAO-B/LRRK2 axis in Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Parkinson’s disease lacks disease-modifying therapies; MAO-B inhibition remains a symptomatic standard, whereas LRRK2 kinase is a genetically validated Parkinson’s disease target. Here, the resin-acid diterpene sandaracopimaric acid (SCP) was evaluated as a CNS-oriented, hypothesis-generating scaffold rather than as a validated inhibitor. SwissADME predicted high gastrointestinal absorption, blood-brain barrier permeation and non-substrate behavior toward P-gp, with low aqueous solubility as the main developability limitation; ProTox-III suggested low acute oral toxicity (LD 50 approximately 20,000 mg·kg⁻¹; class 6). Redocking-validated docking to MAO-B (2V5Z; RMSD = 1.068 Å), LRRK2 (8FO7; RMSD = 1.693 Å), along with a complementary MAO-A selectivity counter-screen (2Z5X; RMSD = 0.270 Å) supported an MAO-B-favouring profile for SCP (-7.9 kcal·mol⁻¹) compared with LRRK2 (-6.9 kcal·mol⁻¹) and MAO-A (-6.2 kcal·mol⁻¹). In 100-ns GROMACS simulations, SCP remained more compactly retained in MAO-B than in LRRK2. MM/GBSA and PCA further supported a more favorable, single-basin MAO-B recognition pattern, whereas LRRK2 displayed a more solvent-exposed and flexible regime. Overall, SCP stands out computationally as an MAO-B-preferring natural scaffold ripe for experimental follow-up, where MAO-A/B enzymatic selectivity testing and LRRK2 kinase assays will serve to validate its true therapeutic viability.

Multivariate analysis of morpho-chemical characteristics in loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl.) genotypes

Effects of blood flow restriction–augmented baduanjin training on quadriceps strength and postural stability in sedentary young men: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract This randomized controlled trial examined whether augmenting traditional Baduanjin (BDJ) exercise with blood flow restriction (BFR) enhances quadriceps muscle function and postural stability in sedentary young men. A total of 38 participants were randomly assigned to either BDJ or BFR-BDJ training for 8 weeks. Quadriceps peak torque, total work, and single-leg stance stability under eyes-open and eyes-closed conditions were assessed using isokinetic dynamometry and force-platform measures. Compared with BDJ alone, BFR-BDJ produced significantly greater improvements in quadriceps strength and reductions in sway velocity during eyes-open stance. No between-group differences were observed under eyes-closed conditions, suggesting visual dependence in balance enhancement. No adverse events occurred. These findings indicate that integrating BFR with BDJ provides a low-intensity yet effective training strategy to improve lower-limb neuromuscular performance and functional stability in individuals unable or unwilling to engage in high-load exercise.

Data-driven fault diagnosis of wind turbine generator bearings via heterogeneous vibration and acoustic sensing

Lightweight LLM summarization with LSTM for early ICU deterioration prediction

Methodologic Standards for Follow-Up Extension in Cardiovascular Trials: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association

Extension follow-up trials are essential for understanding the long-term safety and efficacy of cardiovascular interventions. Whereas primary randomized trials primarily capture short-term outcomes, extended observation may reveal delayed benefits or harms that are highly relevant to clinical decision-making. However, methodologic standards for extension trials remain poorly defined, leading to inconsistent design, analysis, and reporting. This scientific statement outlines best practices for cardiovascular trial extensions, addressing outcome selection, duration and completeness of follow-up, and analytic strategies suited to evolving treatment effects. Practical considerations, including strategies for participant retention, reconsent, data continuity, and resource allocation, are also discussed.