Noncollinearity-modulated electronic properties of the monolayer CrI3_3

Introducing noncollinear magnetization into a monolayer CrI$_3$ is proposed to be an effective approach to modulate the local electronic properties of the two-dimensional (2D) magnetic material. Using first-principles calculation, we illustrate that both the conduction and valence bands in the monolayer CrI$_3$ are lowered down by spin spiral states. The distinct electronic structure of the monolayer noncollinear CrI$_3$ can be applied in nanoscale functional devices. As a proof of concept, we show that a magnetic domain wall can form a one-dimensional conducting channel in the 2D semiconductor via proper gating. Other possible applications such as electron-hole separation and identical quantum dots are also discussed

Arresting-Cable System for Robust Terminal Landing of Reusable Rockets

Recent successful recovery techniques for rockets require that rockets maintain a vertical configuration with zero vertical and lateral velocities; otherwise, landings may fail. To relax this requirement, a new active-arresting system (inspired by the arresting gears used on aircraft carriers) is proposed herein to achieve a robust landing, even if the rocket deviates from the target position or has notable residual velocities and inclinations. The system consists of four deployable onboard hooks above the rocket’s center of mass, an on-ground apparatus containing four arresting cables forming a square capture frame, and four buffer devices to actively catch and passively decelerate the landing rocket. To catch the rocket, the capture frame was controlled by servo motors via a simple proportional–derivative controller. After catching, the buffer devices generate decelerating forces to stop its motion. A flexible multibody model of the proposed system was built to evaluate its robust performance under various combinations of multiple uncertainties, such as noise measurement, time delay in the motor, initial conditions, and wind excitation. Using a quasi-Monte Carlo method, hundreds of deviated landing cases were generated and simulated. The results confirmed the robustness of the proposed system for achieving successful terminal landings

Characterization of the haemagglutinin properties of the H5N1 avian influenza virus that caused human infections in Cambodia

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 is a subtype of the influenza A virus primarily found in birds. The subtype emerged in China in 1996 and has spread globally, causing significant morbidity and mortality in birds and humans. In Cambodia, a lethal case was reported in February 2023 involving an 11-year-old girl, marking the first human HPAI H5N1 infection in the country since 2014. This research examined the zoonotic potential of the human H5N1 isolate, A/Cambodia/NPH230032/2023 (KHM/23), by assessing its receptor binding, fusion pH, HA thermal stability, and antigenicity. Results showed that KHM/23 exhibits similar receptor binding and antigenicity as the early clade 2.3.2.1c HPAI H5N1 strain, and it does not bind to human-like receptors. Despite showing limited zoonotic risk, the increased thermal stability and reduced pH of fusion in KHM/23 indicate a potential threat to poultry, emphasizing the need for vigilant monitoring

Short sleep time may be the main reason for irregular breakfast to cause overweight—a cross-sectional study

IntroductionIn recent years, the relationship between circadian rhythm and overweight and obesity has attracted the attention of many scholars.MethodsTo evaluate association between the duration of sleep and the regularity of breakfast and overweight. A total of 1,178 students from Qingdao University were selected by stratified cluster sampling. There were 601 males (24.69 ± 0.80 years old) and 569 females (24.54 ± 0.70 years old). We used body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) to define overweight levels. Chi-square test, Pearson correlation test, and logistic regression were applied to test association among overweight, sleep duration, sleep onset time, and breakfast regularity. Pittsburgh sleep quality index was used to assess the overall sleep quality of the study subjects. Mediation effect and Sobel test were used to analyze the effect of sleep duration on breakfast regularity and overweight.ResultsOnly 34.1% of the population ate breakfast every day, and eating breakfast 1–3 times per week was associated with a higher risk of overweight (BMI: OR = 2.183, 95%CI: 1.369,3,481; WC: OR = 2.101, 95%CI: 1.232,3,583; WHR: OR = 2.108, 95%CI: 1.331,3,337). The effects of all types of Usual Breakfast Consumption Frequency on overweight were fully mediated by sleep duration (p < 0.05). In particular, the subjects exercised outdoors more than five times per week slept longer (p < 0.05).ConclusionShort sleep duration may be the main reason for irregular breakfast leading to overweight. Adequate outdoor exercise is essential for weight maintenance