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Magnetization plateaus in quantum magnets—where bosonic quasiparticles crystallize into emergent spin superlattices—are spectacular yet simple examples of collective quantum phenomena escaping classical description. While magnetization plateaus have been observed in a number of spin-1/2 antiferromagnets, the description of their magnetic excitations remains an open theoretical and experimental challenge. Here, we investigate the dynamical properties of the triangular-lattice spin-1/2 antiferromagnet Ba 3 CoSb 2 O 9 in its one-third magnetization plateau phase using a combination of nonlinear spin-wave theory and neutron scattering measurements. The agreement between our theoretical treatment and the experimental data demonstrates that magnons behave semiclassically in the plateau in spite of the purely quantum origin of the underlying magnetic structure. This allows for a quantitative determination of Ba 3 CoSb 2 O 9 exchange parameters. We discuss the implication of our results to the deviations from semiclassical behavior observed in zero-field spin dynamics of the same material and conclude they must have an intrinsic origin. Frustrated magnetic materials attract significant interest because their properties can become dominated by quantum fluctuations. Here the authors show that excitations in the plateau phase of a quantum magnet can be understood semiclassically even though the ground state involves strong quantum effects.

BackgroundVaccination has been recommended in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, but some patients are not vaccinated due to concerns about adverse reactions.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study is to investigate the adverse reactions in rheumatic diseases and to guide the decision-making of patients and physicians.MethodsA questionnaire was sent to patients with rheumatic diseases, and patients who could be counted as of September 2021, when they consented to this study, were surveyed.ResultsThe subjects were 123 (male:female=10:113), 84 with rheumatoid arthritis and 39 with other immune diseases. The therapeutic agents used were PSL 31(25.2%), MTX 65(52.8%), NSAID/COX inhibitors 28(22.8%), bDMARDs 42(34.1%). adverse reactions after the first and second vaccination were fever 17(13.8%)/50(40.7%), joint symptoms 7(5.7%)/22(17.9%), local injection reactions (pain/irritation) 22(17.9%), local injection reactions (pain/erythema) 93(75.6)/98(79.7), systemic skin symptoms 0(0%)/2(1.6%), other symptoms (malaise, myalgia, etc.) 59(48.0%)/85(69.1%), and treatment intensification 5(4.1%)/12(9.7%). These responses differed in occurrence only for fever with and without PSL medication (22.5%: 47.3% (p=0.02)).The odds ratio for disease worsening after the first dose of vaccine and again after the second dose was 33.5 (p<0.01).ConclusionNo specific adverse reactions other than the commonly known ones were observed, but some patients experienced worsening of symptoms after vaccination, requiring intensified treatment. Based on the results of this study, we believe that adverse reactions to vaccination are acceptable. We plan to accumulate more cases and analyze them in the future.The exacerbation of disease after the first vaccination would predict the exacerbation after the second vaccination.REFERENCES:NIL.Acknowledgements:NIL.Disclosure of InterestsNone Declared.

Thermoelastic martensitic transformation plays an important role in shape memory effects and superelasticity. The thermoelastic martensite reduces the elastic strain energy during transformation via a combination of multiple variants (i.e., self-accommodation). We investigated the microstructural characteristics and self-accommodation of the martensite in equiatomic ZrPd and near-equiatomic NiZr alloys by X-ray diffraction analysis, scanning electron microscopy–electron backscatter diffraction analysis, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation. The space group of the equiatomic ZrPd and near-equiatomic NiZr alloys at room temperature was determined to be Cm . In the equiatomic ZrPd alloy, two habit plane variants (HPVs) were bounded by a {021} Cm compound twin. The minimum self-accommodation unit necessary to relax the strain energy due to the B2-to- Cmcm martensitic transformation is a pair of HPVs with plate- and polygonal-like morphologies. In addition, the strain energy resulting from the martensitic transformation from the Cmcm to the Cm phase is released by the formation of a {001} Cm compound twin as a lattice invariant shear (LIS). The near-equiatomic NiZr alloy had coarse variants with a grain size of several hundred micrometers and thin variants with a width of a few tens of nanometers; the interface of these variants was a {021} Cm deformation twin. TEM in situ heating observations revealed that the near-equiatomic NiZr alloy transformed from the Cm to the Cmcm structure around 573 K and that the {001} Cm compound twins induced as an LIS disappeared. Clarifying the thermoelastic martensitic transformation in such Zr-based alloys is useful for the development of high-temperature shape memory alloys. Graphical abstract a Inverse pole figure map of the Cm martensite. b Lattice correspondence variants map. c and d Pole figures taken by {021} Cm , and {111} Cm planes, respectively.

Mutual control of the electricity and magnetism in terms of magnetic ( H ) and electric ( E ) fields, the magnetoelectric (ME) effect, offers versatile low power consumption alternatives to current data storage, logic gate, and spintronic devices. Despite its importance, E -field control over magnetization ( M ) with significant magnitude was observed only at low temperatures. Here we have successfully stabilized a simultaneously ferrimagnetic and ferroelectric phase in a Y-type hexaferrite single crystal up to 450 K, and demonstrated the reversal of large non-volatile M by E field close to room temperature. Manipulation of the magnetic domains by E field is directly visualized at room temperature by using magnetic force microscopy. The present achievement provides an important step towards the application of ME multiferroics. Mutual control of the electric polarization and magnetization promises for low power consumption spintronic devices but remains challenging. Here the authors show reversal of non-volatile magnetization by electric field as well as the polarization switching by magnetic field in a single-component material, close to room temperature.

Shape-memory effect and superelasticity are strongly affected by the microstructure of thermoelastic martensite. The transformation strain originating from the change of shape is accommodated through combination of crystallographically equivalent multiple habit plane variants (HPVs) (i.e., self-accommodation). We investigated the microstructure and crystallography of martensite variants in Ti 50− x Ni 50 Hf x alloys by electron backscatter diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy observation. The crystal structures of martensite in Ti 50− x Ni 50 Hf x alloys substituted with Hf at concentrations less than 25 at% and greater than 35 at% are the B19' and B33 structures, respectively. In the Ti 25 Ni 50 Hf 25 alloy, the lattice invariant shear (LIS) is the {001} B19' compound twin; a pair of HPVs with plate- and polygonal-like morphologies were bounded by the {011} B19' Type I twin formed around each of the    B2 axes of the B2 parent phase. In the Ti 15 Ni 50 Hf 35 alloy, no twin exists in the martensite variants with plate- and polygonal-like morphologies, providing that the LIS is (010) B33 basal stacking faults. A pair of HPVs were bounded by the {021} B33 compound twin formed around each of the    B2 axes of the B2 parent phase. The boundaries connected with the HPVs with different habit planes were the {121} B33 planes of the B33 structure, which correspond to the {110} B2 planes of the B2 phase. The minimum self-accommodation unit necessary to relax the strain energy due to martensitic transformation (MT) in both alloys is a pair of HPVs. As the MT proceeds, each HPV pair should contact and impinge on the {110} B2 plane, resulting in a mosaic-like microstructure. Graphical abstract Figure a, b Inverse pole figure maps and c, d Bright-field images and e, f Schematic illustration of lattice invariant shear and minimum selfaccommodation unit: a, c, e, Ti 25 Ni 50 Hf 25 alloy. b, d, f Ti 15 Ni 50 Hf 35 alloy

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic multisystem disorder characterized by fibrosis and autoimmunity. Interleukin (IL)-31 has been implicated in fibrosis and T helper (Th) 2 immune responses, both of which are characteristics of SSc. The exact role of IL-31 in SSc pathogenesis is unclear. Here we show the overexpression of IL-31 and IL-31 receptor A (IL-31RA) in dermal fibroblasts (DFs) from SSc patients. We elucidate the dual role of IL-31 in SSc, where IL-31 directly promotes collagen production in DFs and indirectly enhances Th2 immune responses by increasing pro-Th2 cytokine expression in DFs. Furthermore, blockade of IL-31 with anti-IL-31RA antibody significantly ameliorates fibrosis and Th2 polarization in a mouse model of SSc. Therefore, in addition to defining IL-31 as a mediator of fibrosis and Th2 immune responses in SSc, our study provides a rationale for targeting the IL-31/IL-31RA axis in the treatment of SSc. Systemic sclerosis (SSc) disease involves multisystem fibrosis and autoimmunity with limited treatment options. Here the authors demonstrate that IL-31 and IL-31RA are overexpressed in dermal fibroblasts from SSc patients and show that fibrosis and cytokine release can be reduced upon blocking of IL-31/IL-31RA.

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease marked by fibrosis and extensive autoantibody production. Although B-cell depletion with rituximab (RTX) has shown clinical benefit, predictive biomarkers of response remain elusive. Here, we apply proteome-wide autoantibody screening using wet protein arrays covering 13,455 human antigens in serum samples from participants of the randomized trial of RTX. We identify a significant elevation in the total autoantibody levels in SSc compared to healthy controls, with greater reductions post-treatment observed in RTX high responders than in low responders. A stepwise selection highlights 88 clinically relevant autoantibodies, including those targeting G protein-coupled receptors. Among them, anti-C-C motif chemokine receptor 8 (CCR8) autoantibodies are functionally validated by cell-based assays using CCR8-overexpressing HEK293 cells. Furthermore, in a bleomycin-induced mouse model, anti-CCR8 antibody administration exacerbates dermal fibrosis and modifies immune cell infiltration. Although external validation with multiple comparison adjustment is further required, these findings reveal an autoantibody signature associated with therapeutic response and pathogenic potential in SSc, providing a foundation for precision immunotherapy and mechanistic insights into disease progression. B-cell depletion benefits systemic sclerosis, but predictive biomarkers remain limited. The authors here map autoantibody profiles using proteome-wide screening, identify C-C motif chemokine receptor 8-targeting autoantibodies with functional impact, suggesting novel pathophysiology and precision therapy targets.

Thermoelastic martensitic transformation (MT) plays a vital role in shape memory effects and superelasticity of various alloys. To understand the self-accommodation mechanism of the MT of Zr–Co–Pd alloys, which demonstrate typical MT from B2 to B33 structure, the configuration of the alloy’s martensite variants and their crystallographic relationship were investigated by electron backscatter diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy. Results suggest that two habit plane variants (HPVs) bounded by {021} B33 compound twinning are formed around each  < 100>  B2 axes of the B2 parent phase. It is determined that the minimum self-accommodation unit, to relax the strain energy accompanying MT, is a pair of trapezoid- or triangle-shaped HPVs. No lattice invariant shear exists in the martensite variants with a trapezoid- or triangle-shape. In the latter stage of MT, each HPV pair may contact and impinge on {110} B2 plane of B2 parent phase, which is shear and shuffling plane on MT. The combination of the four variants forms the roof-type morphology.

Comprehensive autoantibody evaluation is essential for the management of autoimmune disorders. However, conventional methods suffer from poor sensitivity, low throughput, or limited availability. Here, using a proteome-wide human cDNA library, we developed a novel multiplex protein assay (autoantibody array assay; A-Cube) covering 65 antigens of 43 autoantibodies that are associated with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and polymyositis/dermatomyositis (PM/DM). The performance of A-Cube was validated against immunoprecipitation and established enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Further, through an evaluation of serum samples from 357 SSc and 172 PM/DM patients, A-Cube meticulously illustrated a diverse autoantibody landscape in these diseases. The wide coverage and high sensitivity of A-Cube also allowed the overlap and correlation analysis between multiple autoantibodies. Lastly, reviewing the cases with distinct autoantibody profiles by A-Cube underscored the importance of thorough autoantibody detection. Together, these data highlighted the utility of A-Cube as well as the clinical relevance of autoantibody profiles in SSc and PM/DM.

Background Previous studies have shown the relationship between higher skin thickness score and the existence of organ involvements in systemic sclerosis (SSc). Here, we firstly investigated the correlation between skin thickness score and quantitative measurements of each organ involvement in Japanese patients with SSc. Methods All Japanese SSc patients hospitalized to our clinic for initial evaluation of SSc were selected. Skin thickness was evaluated by modified Rodnan total skin thickness score (mRSS). Relationship between mRSS and prevalence or incidence of organ involvements was examined by logistic analyses. Correlation between mRSS and quantitative measurements of organ involvements was examined by correlation analyses and regression analyses. Results We recruited 198 patients into our study. The mean disease duration was 7.3 years with the mean follow-up duration of 3.2 years. Multivariate logistic regression analyses revealed that higher mRSS is related to higher prevalence of interstitial lung disease ( P  < 0.05), restrictive impairment ( P  < 0.01), and diffusion impairment ( P  < 0.05) of the lung. Correlation analyses revealed mRSS negatively correlates with forced vital capacity ( P  < 0.001) and diffusing capacity ( P  < 0.001) of the lung. Correlation between longitudinal change of mRSS and that of forced vital capacity ( P  < 0.05) or diffusing capacity ( P  < 0.001) of the lung was also demonstrated. Conclusions Skin thickness score significantly correlates with quantitative measurements of lung involvement in Japanese patients with SSc.