bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrospun Carbon Nanofibers for Clean Energy Applications: A Comprehensive Review
Authors: Jeon Dogyeong , Sagong Mingyu , Kim Min Soo , Nam Jong Seok , Park Heejun , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: February 2025

The development of clean energy technologies is increasingly dependent on advanced materials capable of enhancing energy storage and conversion efficiencies. Carbon nanofibers (CNFs), known for their unique fibrous morphology, high aspect ratio, high electrical conductivity and specific surface area, particularly with post‐treatment, as well as their chemical robustness, have emerged as exceptional candidates for a variety of clean energy applications. This review comprehensively provides the synthesis, structural modification, and surface activity tuning of electrospun CNFs, with a focus on their utilization in energy storage devices such as lithium‐metal batteries, lithium‐sulfur batteries, lithium‐air batteries, and supercapacitors as well as in energy conversion systems, including water splitting, fuel cells, electrochemical CO2 reduction technologies, and solar thermal‐driven water evaporation. The discussion delves into the fabrication methodologies for electrospun CNFs, highlighting the critical role of structural modifications and surface activity tuning in enhancing material performance. Recent progress in the application of CNFs‐based nanomaterials for clean energy solutions is presented, demonstrating their potential to significantly advance the efficiency and sustainability of energy‐related technologies. Furthermore, this review identifies existing challenges and outlines future research directions, aiming to provide readers with a comprehensive understanding of state‐of‐the‐art CNFs fabrication techniques and their applications in the fields of energy and environmental science. This work serves as a valuable resource for researchers in materials science, nanotechnology, and environmental science, guiding the further development and deployment of CNFs for sustainable energy solutions.

image
Dual‐Responsive Multi‐Functional Silica Nanoparticles With Repaired Mitochondrial Functions for Efficient Alleviation of Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Gao Guibin , Li Juanjuan , Ma Yanming , Xie Min , Luo Jianxian , Wang Ke , Peng Cheng , Yang Hua , Chen Tianjun , Zhang Guowei , Ouyang Jiang , Lin Hongsheng , Ji Zhisheng
Published: February 2025

Preserved/rescued mitochondrial functions have a significant effect on maintaining neurogenesis, axonal carriage, and synaptic plasticity following spinal cord injury (SCI). We fabricated an ingenious redox‐responsive strategy for commanded liberation of NADH (reduced form of nicotinamide‐adenine dinucleotide) by bioactive diselenide‐containing biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Se@NADH). The nanocarrier‐embedded NADH can be liberated in a controlled pattern through the cleavage of diselenide bonds in the presence of reactive oxygen species (ROS) or glutathione (GSH). The NAD+ was regenerated by the reactions between released NADH and harmful ROS to antagonize mitochondrial dysfunction and increase ATP synthesis, promoting axon regeneration across SCI areas. This nanosystem increased the stability of NADH during prolonged blood circulation time, reduced the clearance rate, exhibited significant anti‐inflammatory as well as neuroprotective effects and enhanced the regeneration of electrophysiological conduction capacity across SCI areas. Importantly, Se@NADH suppressed glial scar formation and promoted neuronal generation as well as stretching of long axons throughout the glial scar, thereby improving actual restoration of locomotor functions in mice with SCI and exerting ascendant therapeutic effects. Targeting of mitochondrial dysfunction is a potential approach for SCI treatment and may be applied to other central nervous system diseases.
Mechanical Properties of the Cortex in Older Adults and Relationships With Personality Traits
Authors: Twohy Kyra E. , Kramer Mary K. , Diano Alexa M. , Bailey Olivia M. , Delgorio Peyton L. , McIlvain Grace , McGarry Matthew D. J. , Martens Christopher R. , Schwarb Hillary , Hiscox Lucy V. , Johnson Curtis L.
Published: February 2025

Aging and neurodegeneration impact structural brain integrity and can result in changes to behavior and cognition. Personality, a relatively stable trait in adults as compared to behavior, in part relies on normative individual differences in cellular organization of the cerebral cortex, but links between brain structure and personality expression have been mixed. One key finding is that personality has been shown to be a risk factor in the development of Alzheimer's disease, highlighting a structure–trait relationship. Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) has been used to noninvasively study age‐related changes in tissue mechanical properties because of its high sensitivity to both the microstructural health and the structure–function relationship of the tissue. Recent advancements in MRE methodology have allowed for reliable property recovery of cortical subregions, which had previously presented challenges due to the complex geometry and overall thin structure. This study aimed to quantify age‐related changes in cortical mechanical properties and the relationship of these properties to measures of personality in an older adult population (N = 57; age 60–85 years) for the first time. Mechanical properties including shear stiffness and damping ratio were calculated for 30 bilateral regions of the cortex across all four lobes, and the NEO Personality Inventory (NEO‐PI) was used to measure neuroticism and conscientiousness in all participants. Shear stiffness and damping ratio were found to vary widely across regions of the cortex, upward of 1 kPa in stiffness and by 0.3 in damping ratio. Shear stiffness changed regionally with age, with some regions experiencing accelerated degradation compared to neighboring regions. Greater neuroticism (i.e., the tendency to experience negative emotions and vulnerability to stress) was associated with high damping ratio, indicative of poorer tissue integrity, in the rostral middle frontal cortex and the precentral gyrus. This study provides evidence of structure–trait correlates between physical mechanical properties and measures of personality in older adults and adds to the supporting literature that neurotic traits may impact brain health in cognitively normal aging.
Increasing Trends of Shallow Groundwater Warming in Vienna's Urban Aquifers
Authors: Kaminsky Eva , Laaha Gregor , Steiner Cornelia , Buga‐Nyéki Eszter , Englisch Constanze , Griebler Christian , Stumpp Christine
Published: February 2025

Shallow groundwater in many cities around the world is subject to elevated temperatures that pose a risk to the groundwater quality and ecosystems. The objective of this study is to assess the suitability of different trend estimation methods for groundwater temperature and to specifically investigate the spatio‐temporal long‐term changes of water temperature in the urban groundwater of Vienna. Twenty‐year data records (2001–2020) from different sources were used to assess changes in air, soil, river and groundwater temperature regarding their annual mean and extreme percentile values. The effects of data quality, different trend methods, and various time periods of analysis were investigated. Block bootstrapping in combination with the Mann–Kendall trend test was found to be a suitable method for determining the significance of mean trends if the time‐series are short (10 years), as the underlying assumptions are lowest among all approaches. Between 2001 and 2020, the average annual temperature in Vienna increased by 0.9 K/decade for shallow groundwater and by 0.8 K/decade for air. However, the increase is not linear and has intensified in the later decade with an increase of 1.4 K/decade. The trends in extreme temperatures, represented by the lower (cold) / upper (warm) 10th percentile of air, soil and groundwater temperatures in the quantile regression, show the strongest increase in the lower 10th percentile of all air and soil temperatures. For groundwater, these extreme value trends are site‐specific and influenced by urban infrastructure and the interaction of groundwater with river water. These results underline the importance of spatially and temporally high‐resolution data and highlight the need for site‐specific aquifer characterisation for the sustainable use of shallow geothermal energy for heating and cooling. The trend of GWT rise in the urban aquifer needs to be considered in water management to avoid possible negative consequences for water quality and ecology.
Pediatric endoscopic ultrasound‐guided liver biopsy: 3‐year experience
Authors: Schwartz Talia S. , Mouzaki Marialena , Berklite Lara , Lopez‐Nunez Oscar F. , Miethke Alexander , Xanthakos Stavra A. , Vitale David S.
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Liver biopsy is the gold standard for diagnosing and staging liver diseases. Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided liver biopsy (EUS‐LB) has been reported in adults with equivalent or better safety profiles than percutaneous liver biopsies. The aim of this study was to retrospectively assess the safety and efficacy of EUS‐LB in pediatric patients.

Methods

This was a retrospective chart review of consecutive pediatric patients undergoing EUS‐LB at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center from March 2020 to April 2023. Patients ≤21 years old were included. EUS‐LB was performed via fine‐needle biopsy technique with transduodenal and/or transgastric approach. Histology was independently reviewed by one of two expert pathologists, including length (cm) and complete portal tract (CPT) number per the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) adequacy criteria. Demographics, clinical data, technical information, diagnostic success, and adverse events were recorded.

Results

Eighty‐three patients were included in the analysis, with various indications that required liver biopsy. All biopsies achieved diagnostic and technical success, with 77 (93%) meeting both AASLD criteria for adequacy. Most patients (57, 69%) underwent biopsy of both hepatic lobes, with an overall median of two needle passes. Total specimen length was a median of 7.9 cm (interquartile range [IQR] 5.2–10.3), and the median maximum intact specimen was 4.2 cm (IQR 3.1–5.4). The median CPT number was 24 (IQR 17–32) per patient. Four mild adverse events (5%) occurred; none involved bleeding.

Conclusions

EUS‐LB was well tolerated and yielded samples that were technically and diagnostically successful in a pediatric population, with comparable safety to percutaneous liver biopsy.
Quantum Holographic Microscopy
Authors: Kong Ling‐Jun , Zhang Jingfeng , Zhang Zhuo , Zhang Xiangdong
Published: February 2025

Quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) techniques are widely investigated for imaging transparent specimens, such as cells and tissues. The sensitivity and resolution of conventionally used QPM are fundamentally limited by environmental noise. Recently, quantum phase microscopy has been proposed. The research on it has made some progress and has shown many advantages over the classical one, such as greater robustness and higher contrast. However, the phase resolution of existing quantum phase microscopies remains very low, often confined to the qualitative measurement level. Here, to resolve these practical limitations, we introduced polarization entanglement‐enabled quantum holographic technology into the microscopy system and constructed a new type of quantum phase microscopy, namely quantum holographic microscopy. By improving the existing quantum holographic scheme, our microscope system can be used to measure both various non‐biological phase samples and label‐free biological samples. The experimental results show that the phase resolution is improved by an order of magnitude compared with that of existing quantum phase microscopes. Moreover, the system has good robustness and can still obtain clear images in the presence of strong classical noise. The newly constructed quantum microscopic system is expected to have broad applications in industrial production, medicine, biological research, and other fields.
High Quantum Yields Enhancement Induced by Processable AIEgens Doped Photonic Crystal Powders for Bright Luminescence and Structural Colors
Authors: Qiao Chuyu , Liu Tianyi , Wu Suli
Published: February 2025

The composite solid‐state structure of photonic crystals (PCs) and aggregation‐induced‐emission agents (AIEgens) exhibits potential for various applications, owing to its remarkable anti‐aggregation quenching effect and exceptional fluorescence tuning ability. Herein, TVP molecules integrate into PCs by one‐step co‐assembly of TVP molecules and PMMA colloidal spheres. By carefully optimizing the assembly conditions, a kind of AIEgens doped structures fabricate, which exhibit vibrant structural color, bright fluorescence, and especially impressive luminescence quantum yield up to 0.838. Importantly, after being grounded into micron‐scale PC powders, the AIEgens doped PCs retain their good optical properties and exhibit exceptional light and thermal stability. Compared with the polymer film or deposited films on substrates of the previously reported composite PCs and AIEgens, the powder state endows them with good processibility, enabling them to be seamlessly integrate with various polymers to meet the diverse requirements of different processing techniques. The good processability facilitates the production of 2D or 3D models that possess both vivid structural color and bright luminescence. Moreover, the co‐assembly strategy of fabricating AIEgens doped PCs powders can be employed for the colloidal spheres with varying diameters or diverse AIEgens, thereby enabling the generation of adjustable luminescence and structural color, thus substantially broadening the potential application scenarios.
Tungsten inert gas welding of zircaloy sheet: Mechanical properties and microstructural characterization
Authors: Munusamy V. , Raju G. , Veeman D. , Subramaniyan M. K.
Published: February 2025

A zirconium‐based alloy called zircaloy‐2 is well known for its exceptional resistance to corrosion and low cross‐sectional absorption of neutrons, which makes it a vital component for fuel cladding application in the nuclear industry. Tungsten inert gas welding is an effective method for joining zircaloy due to its precise heat control and inert gas shielding, ensuring high‐quality welds with minimal contamination. This technique is particularly advantageous for applications demanding excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical properties. Fabrication of zircaloy‐2 sheets through tungsten inert gas welding, guided by optimal process parameters derived from extensive trial‐and‐error testing, has yielded welds with impeccable quality suitable for deployment in nuclear, aerospace, and marine sectors. Analysis of welded microstructure of material revealed the presence of columnar and equiaxed dendrites near the weld metal, primarily composed of α‐zirconium and β‐zirconium phases, as evidenced by optical microscopy and x‐ray diffraction. These microstructural variations, induced by constitutional supercooling and thermal histories, have significantly enhanced the mechanical properties of welded pipe. There is an increase of 4.3 % in strength as tensile strength of 477 MPa, while base metal exhibited strength of 457 MPa. Notably, the welded sheet exhibited superior mechanical strength compared to the base metal, with ductility demonstrated through a 180° bend test showing no signs of cracking proving its ductility. Microhardness assessments highlighted a decline in hardness within the base metal region (178 HV 0.5 to 186 HV 0.5), contrasting with peak values observed in the weld metal (215 HV 0.5 to 223 HV 0.5). This comprehensive investigation sheds light on the successful fabrication of zircaloy‐2 via tungsten inert gas welding, emphasizing its potential for diverse industrial application.
A Petrov‐Galerkin Dual‐Porosity Framework for Thermal Analysis of Fractured Porous Media
Authors: Taghvaei Mahtab , Khoei Amir R.
Published: February 2025

Thermal analysis of fractured porous media is of interest in environmental and reservoir engineering. The dual‐porosity method is a common and cost‐efficient approach for modeling fractured domain. In the case of thermal analysis, this method encounters two challenges; the high dependence on the matrix to fracture transfer parameter, “shape factor,” and numerical oscillations produced in the conventional Galerkin finite element formulation for convection dominant problems. To overcome these issues a Petrov‐Galerkin dual porosity (PGDP) algorithm is presented for the analysis of 2D transient heat flow in fractured porous media. In the computational algorithm, an appropriate unit cell is selected from the primary domain and the corresponding thermal shape factor is evaluated with a time‐varying function. Unlike conventional constant shape factor models, this shape factor accounts for not only the geometry of the blocks, but also the thermal properties of the domain and existing boundary conditions. Several case studies are simulated to investigate the validity and sensitivity of the time‐dependent thermal shape factor to different parameters for square and non‐square blocks. Moreover, the Petrov‐Galerkin formulation is applied to effectively achieve the accurate spatial results for highly convective heat flows. Numerical simulations are performed to study the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed PGDP algorithm for different range of convection and conduction regimes. This study illustrates that the PGDP algorithm efficiently enhances the accuracy of the simulation in modeling of fractured domains, particularly in transient stages. Moreover, the capability of the proposed computational algorithm is demonstrated in modeling square and non‐square matrix formations.
A Qualitative Survey of Mothers' Experiences of Breastfeeding Support at a Family Centre
Authors: Castro Breisy , Johnsson Anette , Karlsson Margareta
Published: February 2025

Aim

The aim was to describe mothers' experiences of breastfeeding support at a family centre.

Design

The study employed a qualitative approach using a descriptive design.

Methods

Mothers enrolled at a family centre in western Sweden who used breastfeeding support based on the World Health Organization's 10 steps, were voluntarily selected to participate. Data were collected by an open‐ended questionnaire from May to September 2023 and analysed using inductive qualitative content analysis.

Results

The results indicated that mothers received support in the form of communication, actions and emotional care at the family centre. Accessible and continuous breastfeeding support was provided, rooted in their experiences during pregnancy and after giving birth. This was achieved through meaningful communication and by gaining knowledge via education with someone attentive to their breastfeeding story. Concrete support was offered, including practical advice and guidance to address breastfeeding challenges. Additionally, the mothers felt respected in their breastfeeding decisions and experienced empathetic, supportive care.

Conclusions

Breastfeeding support and guidance are crucial to assisting mothers and respecting their individual needs. Effective support encompasses communication, actions and emotional care, strengthened by collaboration among actors to ensure accessibility and personalised care. The cooperative approach to breastfeeding at the family centre provides health‐promoting and preventive primary care from a family‐oriented perspective.

Public Contributions

A total of 31 mothers' participated by answering the open‐ended questionnaire. Their responses contributed significantly to the content of this study.
Health‐State Utility Values in Patients Affected by Flaccid and Non‐Flaccid Facial Paralysis
Authors: Valencia‐Sanchez Bastien A. , Bartho Murray J. , Krippaehne Elise , Mace Jess C. , Loyo Myriam
Published: February 2025

Objective

The primary goal of this study was to measure health‐state utility values (HUVs) in patients with facial paralysis before and after treatment. A secondary objective was to compare these values with those of other chronic diseases and currently available treatments.

Study Design

A retrospective chart review.

Setting

A tertiary medical center.

Methods

Adults with flaccid and non‐flaccid facial paralysis were included. Baseline demographics, medical comorbidities, facial paralysis history, treatment details, and disease‐specific quality‐of‐life scores were collected. Utility values were derived using the Short‐Form 6D health index at baseline and after treatment.

Results

The mean baseline Short‐Form 6D utility value for patients with facial paralysis (n = 134) was 0.73 (± 0.14) (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.71‐0.75). Baseline utility values significantly correlated with disease‐specific quality of life as measured by the Facial Clinimetric Evaluation Scale (r = 0.400; P < .001), but not with Sunnybrook Facial Grading Scale or Synkinesis Assessment Questionnaire scores. Post‐treatment utility values showed a mean improvement of 0.03 (95% CI: −0.01 to 0.08; P = .14) in the overall cohort. The flaccid group showed a greater average improvement compared to the non‐flaccid group (0.05 [± 0.17] vs 0.02 [± 0.17]; P = .62).

Conclusion

Patients with flaccid and non‐flaccid facial paralysis reported HUVs that were significantly lower than the US population norm. Treatment improved utility values in both groups. These findings provide initial data for future cost‐effectiveness analyses of surgical and non‐surgical treatment options for facial paralysis.
Prediction mechanical properties of carbon fiber‐reinforced composites: A multiscale simulation framework based on bicomponent resin curing characteristics and interfacial properties
Authors: Ai Fanrong , Xie Yangdong , Liu Donglei , Gu Shuojun , Chen Jiangwen , Evsyukov Sergei Alexandrovich , Luo Xin
Published: February 2025

This study develops a multiscale simulation framework that integrates molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the finite element method (FEM) to predict the mechanical properties of bicomponent (DGEBA/BDDE) resin/carbon fiber composites. The curing characteristics of the bicomponent resin were determined through MD modeling and simulations, and the influence of BDDE content on the interfacial energy of the resin/carbon fiber system was investigated. The interfacial vacuum layer between the resin and carbon fiber was modeled as a transversely isotropic elastomer, and its elastic constants were computed. These values were incorporated into the representative volume element (RVE) model to analyze the effects of varying interfacial thicknesses and fiber volume fractions on the macroscopic mechanical properties of the composites. Results indicate that increasing BDDE content decreases the mechanical performance of the resin system, with the 15wt% BDDE system achieving optimal interfacial energy. The computed elastic constants revealed significant modulus variations, ranging from the lowest out‐of‐plane shear modulus of 190 MPa (G13) to the highest in‐plane Young's modulus of 191 GPa (E2), spanning three orders of magnitude. The predicted Young's modulus from the multiscale framework showed an acceptable deviation from experimental data, confirming the framework's accuracy. This study presents an effective multiscale simulation framework for bicomponent resin, offering insights into interfacial property simulation and macroscopic elastic parameter prediction.

Highlights

The crosslinking model of bicomponent resin was constructed by MD.

Consider the interface vacuum layer as a transversely isotropic elastomer.

RVE finite element simulation parameters obtained from microscopic simulations.

The system containing 15wt% BDDE showed the highest interfacial energy.

The multiscale simulation framework can predict the elastic properties of CFRP.
Cold Water Immersion, Heart Rate Variability and Post‐Exercise Recovery: A Systematic Review
Authors: Galvez‐Rodriguez Cristian , Valenzuela‐Reyes Pedro , Fuentealba‐Sepúlveda Soledad , Farias‐Valenzuela Claudio , Salinas Alexis Espinoza
Published: February 2025

Introduction

Physiological and psychological recovery, i.e., the balance between fatigue/stress and recovery and evaluated through heart rate variability (HRV), is essential for the good performance of athletes in all their activities. Cold water immersion (CWI) has been shown to reduce the negative effects of fatigue/stress by inducing physiological and biochemical changes that promote faster recovery. This study aims to analyze the scientific literature on the effects of CWI on post‐exercise recovery, as measured by HRV in athletes.

Methods

A systematic review of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and MEDLINE were included it. The risk of bias of each study selected was assessed using Cochrane's guidelines for RCT.

Results

Twelve articles were included. All studies reported parasympathetic reactivation with CWI after physical exertion. Six studies demonstrated statistically significant results (p < 0.05) compared to a passive recovery, while eight studies reported moderate to large effect sizes.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that CWI after exercise may have a positive acute effect on parasympathetic reactivation, as measured by HRV.
Anomalous Spectroscopical Effects in an Antiferromagnetic Semiconductor: The Case of Magneto‐Optical Kerr Effect
Authors: Hubert Michal , Maleček Tomáš , Ahn Kyo‐Hoon , Míšek Martin , Železný Jakub , Máca František , Springholz Gunther , Veis Martin , Výborný Karel
Published: February 2025

Following the recent observation of anomalous Hall effect in antiferromagnetic hexagonal MnTe thin films, related phenomena at finite frequencies have come into focus. Magnetic circular dichroism (MCD) is the key material property here. In the X‐ray range, the X‐ray MCD has already been demonstrated and used to visualize domains via photoemission electron microscopy. Herein, MCD in optical range is reported on and its microscopic mechanism is discussed.
Pubescenoside D Ameliorates Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury via Preventing the Dissociation of HK2 and Promoting Mitophagy by Targeting GSK‐3β
Authors: Xiao Juanlan , Wu Peng , Wang Lili , Luo Jianmin , Wang Ying , Cheng Yuanyuan , Zhang Rong , Liu Zhongqiu
Published: February 2025

Myocardial ischemia–reperfusion injury (MI/RI) is a critical challenge for acute myocardial infarction therapy, as there is currently no ideal drug available. Glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK‐3β) serves as an promising therapeutic target for treating MI/RI. Our previous studies have demonstrated that Ilex pubescens ameliorates MI/RI. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and potential mechanism of the screened GSK‐3β inhibitor from Ilex pubescens against MI/RI. Three‐dimensional‐quantitative structure–activity relationship (3D‐QSAR) modeling, molecular docking, the oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R) and left anterior descending (LAD) artery ligation‐induced MI/RI mice model, and western blotting analysis were used to screen and investigate the myocardial protective efficacy and mechanism. Here, we screened Pubescenoside D (PBD) as a GSK‐3β inhibitor with an IC50 value of 0.3769 μM from Ilex pubescens, using 3D‐QSAR modeling, molecular docking, and kinase assay verification. Ile217, Leu88, Phe93, and Phe67 are the key binding sites for PBD and GSK‐3β. PBD protects cardiomyocytes against MI/RI in vitro and in vivo. Further mechanism studies show that PBD inhibits mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening by preventing GSK‐3β‐mediated the dissociation of hexokinase2 (HK2) from the outer membrane of the mitochondria and enhances mitophagy by suppressing GSK‐3β activity, subsequently reducing cardiomyocyte apoptosis. Our findings shed light on the efficacy of PBD as a promising therapeutic agent in the treatment of MI/RI targeting GSK‐3β.
Tracking Developmental Changes in the Use of Syllables as Segmental and Prelexical Reading Units: A Longitudinal Approach in French Children
Authors: Maïonchi‐Pino Norbert , Runge Élise , Chabanal Damien
Published: February 2025

Cross‐sectional studies have already addressed the question of the syllable's role in the first steps of reading acquisition—though with mixed results. To determine whether and when (1) syllables become units that drive the segmentation of and access to words and how (2) sublexical orthographic and phonological syllable frequency mediate the syllable effects, we conducted a short‐term longitudinal study in French‐speaking typically developing children who are learning to read (N = 50). We assumed that children early refer to orthographic regularities and sublexical orthographic and phonological frequency and structural properties of syllables to segment and access words. A lexical decision task in a visual masked priming paradigm was used to assess the automatic activation of syllables in good and poor readers at five different timepoints from Grade 1 to Grade 3. Our results confirmed a gradual use and reading level‐dependent availability of phonological syllables. Good readers with good qualitative and quantitative phonological representations early automated and generalized the access and use of phonological syllables compared with poor readers who struggled with distributional and structural properties to access and use phonological syllables. Although high‐frequency orthographic syllables consistently facilitated access to words in both good and poor readers, this was the phonological syllable frequency that modulated the expression, the direction, and the amplitude of the syllable effects, particularly in good readers. For the first time, our data provided a longitudinal overview of syllable effects at the first steps of learning to read in French‐speaking children. These have implications for understanding reading acquisition and, by extension, set syllable‐based reading interventions for children with reading difficulties.
Method for Determining Chymotrypsin Inhibitor Activity: Investigations Into Sample Blank Measurements, Factors Involved, and Further Improvement
Authors: Liu Keshun , Woolman Mike
Published: February 2025

An optimized method for determining chymotrypsin inhibitor activity (CIA) for legume and cereal products was recently developed. As a follow‐up, the present study focused on sample blank (SB) measurement and further method improvement for the previously developed CIA assay. It started with an observation that the reagent addition sequence (RAS) had profound effects on SB with soybean samples but not with purified inhibitors. Several hypotheses were proposed, including that the effect of RAS on SB results from differential interactions between other components (including other proteins) in sample extracts with those in the substrate working solution in the presence and absence of acetic acid. Several factors were investigated for their effects and interactions with RAS on SB measurements. These included the duration between adding the second and third reagents, the absorbance at each step of the measurement, the effects of presence and absence of calcium (Ca2+), Ca2+ concentration, method of sample extraction and post‐extraction storage, post‐reaction centrifugation, wavelength for absorbance measurement, sample type, and volumes of diluted sample extracts. The experiments validated the hypotheses and showed that among the different RAS, the sequence of adding Inhibitor, Acid, Substrate and Enzyme (the IASE sequence) was least affected by most factors and overnight refrigeration of sample extracts had little effect. It was concluded that the RAS effect on SB was unavoidable. Recommendations include using an assay buffer containing 20 mM Ca2+, using the IASE sequence with 0.8 mL sample volume for SB measurements, and centrifuging all reaction mixtures before absorbance measurements.
A Calibrated Sensitivity Analysis for Weighted Causal Decompositions
Authors: Shen Andy A. , Visoki Elina , Barzilay Ran , Pimentel Samuel D.
Published: February 2025

Disparities in health or well‐being experienced by minority groups can be difficult to study using the traditional exposure‐outcome paradigm in causal inference, since potential outcomes in variables such as race or sexual minority status are challenging to interpret. Causal decomposition analysis addresses this gap by positing causal effects on disparities under interventions to other intervenable exposures that may play a mediating role in the disparity. While invoking weaker assumptions than causal mediation approaches, decomposition analyses are often conducted in observational settings and require uncheckable assumptions that eliminate unmeasured confounders. Leveraging the marginal sensitivity model, we develop a sensitivity analysis for weighted causal decomposition estimators and use the percentile bootstrap to construct valid confidence intervals for causal effects on disparities. We also propose a two‐parameter reformulation that enhances interpretability and facilitates an intuitive understanding of the plausibility of unmeasured confounders and their effects. We illustrate our framework on a study examining the effect of parental support on disparities in suicidal ideation among sexual minority youth. We find that the effect is small and sensitive to unmeasured confounding, suggesting that further screening studies are needed to identify mitigating interventions in this vulnerable population.
3D Printing of Solid Electrolyte and the Application in All‐Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Tu Zhantong , Chen Kaiqi , Liu Sijie , Wu Xin
Published: February 2025

The inherent risks of fluid leakage, combustion, and explosive reactions constitute major impediments to the widespread commercial deployment of lithium battery technologies. To solve these problems, solid‐state electrolytes presenting the advantages of non‐leakage, good thermal stability, non‐volatilization, low spontaneous combustion or explosion risk have been proposed. However, one of the key issues for solid electrolytes is the ultra‐low ionic conductivity. To improve the ionic conductivity, new materials are being developed with complex procedures or more exotic, high‐cost materials. Actually, the performance of solid electrolytes can be strategically enhanced through rational structural design and customized fabrication strategies. Recently, the combination of 3D printing techniques with solid‐state batteries has been regarded as an efficient solution for the future energy crisis, and therefore, much research effort has been spent on it. This article reviewed the research advances around the integration of 3D printing with solid electrolytes. The advantages of various solid electrolytes and major 3D printing techniques are summarized at first. Subsequently, this review examines the integration of 3D printing technologies in the fabrication of diverse solid electrolytes, analyzing their implementation through case studies of solid‐state battery applications. Finally, the challenges and prospective for future 3D printing of solid electrolytes are outlined.
Identification of Full‐Field Wind Loads on Buildings Using Displacement Measurements and Smoothing Kalman Filter Under Unknown Input Without Direct Feedthrough
Authors: Yin Chang , Yang Xiongjun , Liu Lijun , Yang Sen , Lei Ying
Published: February 2025

Current wind load identification methods are mainly based on structural acceleration responses, which require the installation of many accelerometers on structures, to identify fluctuating wind loads that are assumed as independent white noise processes. With the development of machine vision, structural displacement responses under wind loads can be noncontact observed. In this paper, an identification method is proposed for full‐field wind loads including both the fluctuating and mean wind components on buildings using only structural displacement observations. Wind loads are treated as unknown forces on buildings without the assumptions of independent white noise processes of fluctuating wind loads in current identification methods. To reduce the number of independent unknown wind loads to be identified, the spatial correlations of wind loads are first analyzed. Then, as displacement observation equation does not contain the unknown forces, the smoothing Kalman filter under unknown input without direct feedback (Smoothing KF‐UI‐WDF) algorithm is used for wind load identification. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, both stationary and nonstationary wind loads on a 20‐floor shearing building are identified, and the identification results are validated in both time and frequency domains.
Krylov complexity in 2d CFTs with SL(2, ℝ) deformed Hamiltonians
Authors: Malvimat Vinay , Porey Somnath , Roy Baishali
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this study, we analyze Krylov Complexity in two-dimensional conformal field theories subjected to deformed SL(2, ℝ) Hamiltonians. In the Vacuum state, we find that the K-Complexity exhibits a universal phase structure. The phase structure involves the K-Complexity exhibiting an oscillatory behaviour in the non-heating phase, which contrasts with the exponential growth observed in the heating phase, while it displays polynomial growth at the phase boundary. Furthermore, we extend our analysis to compute the K-Complexity of a light operator in excited states, considering both large-c CFT and free field theory. In the free field theory, we find a state-independent phase structure of K-Complexity. However, in the large-c CFT, the behaviour varies, with the K-Complexity once again displaying exponential growth in the heating phase and polynomial growth at the phase boundary. Notably, the precise exponent governing this growth depends on the heaviness of the state under examination. In the non-heating phase, we observe a transition in K-Complexity behaviour from oscillatory to exponential growth, akin to findings in [1], as it represents a special case within the non-heating phase.
Charcot Marie Tooth disease pathology is associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and lower glutathione production
Authors: Komilova Nafisa R. , Angelova Plamena R. , Cali Elisa , Scardamaglia Annarita , Mirkhodjaev Ulugbek Z. , Houlden Henry , Esteras Noemi , Abramov Andrey Y.
Published: February 2025

Charcot Marie Tooth (CMT) or hereditary motor and sensory neuropathy is a heterogeneous neurological disorder leading to nerve damage and muscle weakness. Although multiple mutations associated with CMT were identified, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of this pathology are still unclear, although most of the subtype of this disease involve mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the mechanism of pathology. Using patients’ fibroblasts of autosomal recessive, predominantly demyelinating form of CMT—CMT4B3 subtype, we studied the effect of these mutations on mitochondrial metabolism and redox balance. We have found that CMT4B3-associated mutations decrease mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial NADH redox index suggesting an increase rate of mitochondrial respiration in these cells. However, mitochondrial dysfunction had no profound effect on the overall levels of ATP and on the energy capacity of these cells. Although the rate of reactive oxygen species production in mitochondria and cytosol in fibroblasts with CMT4B3 pathology was not significantly higher than in control, the level of GSH was significantly lower. Lower level of glutathione was most likely induced by the lower level of NADPH production, which was used for a GSH cycling, however, expression levels and activity of the major NADPH producing enzyme Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PDH) was not altered. Low level of GSH renders the fibroblast with CMT4B3 pathology more sensitive to oxidative stress and further treatment of cells with hydroperoxide increases CMT patients’ fibroblast death rates compared to control. Thus, CMT4B3 pathology makes cells vulnerable to oxidative stress due to the lack of major endogenous antioxidant GSH.
Weight 2 cohomology of graph complexes of cyclic operads and the handlebody group
Authors: Borinsky Michael , Brück Benjamin , Willwacher Thomas
Published: February 2025

We compute the weight 2 cohomology of the Feynman transforms of the cyclic (co)operads

$$\textsf{BV}$$

BV

and

$$\textsf{HyCom}$$

HyCom

, and the top

$$-2$$

-
2

weight cohomology of the Feynman transforms of

$$D\textsf{BV}$$

D
BV

and

$$\textsf{Grav}$$

Grav

. Using a result of Giansiracusa, we compute, in particular, the top

$$-2$$

-
2

weight cohomology of the handlebody group. We compare the result to the top

$$-2$$

-
2

weight cohomology of the moduli space of curves

$$\mathcal {M}_{g,n}$$

M

g
,
n

, recently computed by Payne and the last-named author. We also provide another proof of a recent result of Hainaut–Petersen identifying the top weight cohomology of the handlebody group with the Kontsevich graph cohomology.
Charakterisierung der Patienten mit Synkope in der Notaufnahme – Nebendiagnosen und Laborparameter bei stationärer und ambulanter Versorgung
Authors: Becker von Rose Aaron , Patenge Adrian , Haller Bernhard , Mehraein Niel , Schmid Lisa , Pförringer Dominik , Dommasch Michael
Published: February 2025

Insgesamt 1391 Patienten stellten sich in den Jahren 2019–2022 in der Notaufnahme des Klinikums rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München mit der Hauptdiagnose Synkope vor. In dieser Studie wurden diejenigen Patienten analysiert, die sich in einer interdisziplinären Notaufnahme vorgestellt haben. Patienten, die über den Schockraum oder über die Chest Pain Unit aufgenommen wurden, sind in diesem Kollektiv nicht enthalten. Ziel dieser monozentrischen retrospektiven Studie ist die Charakterisierung im Hinblick auf Nebendiagnosen und Laborparametern. Besonderer Fokus lag hierbei auf der Differenzierung zwischen stationären (n = 190; 13,7 %) und ambulanten (n = 1201; 86,3 %) Patienten. Die häufigsten Nebendiagnosen waren Kopfverletzung (n = 188; 13,5 %), Infektion (n = 126; 9,1 %), sonstige Verletzung des Körpers (n = 124; 8,9 %), neurologische Erkrankung (n = 85; 6,1 %), rhythmogene Herzinsuffizienz (n = 76; 5,5 %), kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren (n = 75; 5,4 %), metabolische/nephrologische Erkrankung (n = 69; 5,0 %) und strukturelle Herzerkrankungen (n = 68; 4,9 %). Operative Interventionen erfolgten mittels Herzkatheter (n = 16; 1,2 %), perkutaner Koronarintervention (n = 15; 1,1 %) und Schrittmacher/Defibrillator/Ereignisrekorder (n = 12; 0,9 %). Patienten, die stationär versorgt wurden, wiesen im Vergleich zu ambulanten Patienten im Durchschnitt deutlich mehr Nebendiagnosen (3,5 vs. 0,3) und höhere Inzidenzen pathologischer Laborparameter auf. Häufigere Nebendiagnosen bei stationären Patienten waren kardiovaskuläre Risikofaktoren (37,9 % vs. 0,2 %), rhythmogene Herzinsuffizienz (35,3 % vs. 0,7 %), Infektion (57,9 % vs. 1,3 %) und Lungenerkrankung (6,3 % vs. 0,2 %). Bei stationären Patienten zeigten sich häufig abnormale Blutwerte wie erhöhte Laborparameter für „high sensitive“ (hs) Troponin T (58,8 % vs. 25,7 %), Kreatinin (36,2 % vs. 14,8 %) und Leukozyten (43,4 % vs. 36,3 %) sowie erniedrigte Werte für Hämoglobin (33,3 % vs. 16,0 %), Kalium (5,3 % vs. 1,2 %) und Natrium (2,1 % vs. 0,6 %).
The optimal timing for definitive operative stabilization of pelvic fractures in polytrauma patients: effects on clinical outcomes – a systematic review
Authors: Dormann Julia , Horst Klemens , Dahms Karolina , Steinfeld Eva , Ansems Kelly , Janka Heidrun , Metzendorf Maria-Inti , Breuer Thomas , Benstoem Carina , Hildebrand Frank , Bolierakis Eftychios
Published: February 2025

Purpose

The optimal timing for definitive surgical treatment of pelvic fractures in polytrauma patients remains a topic of ongoing discussion due to the complexity of these injuries. This analysis therefore aims to systematically compare early versus late definitive operative stabilization of pelvic fractures on outcome in polytrauma patients.

Methods

PubMed, CENTRAL and Web of Science were systematically searched to identify relevant completed and ongoing studies from the inception of each database to March 13, 2023. Systematic reviews, randomized control trials (RCTs) and observational studies comparing early (< 24 h) versus late (> 24 h) definitive operative stabilization in adult polytrauma patients admitted to the ICU were included.

Results

Since no systematic reviews and RCTs were available on this subject, one observational study was identified, including a total of 418 polytrauma patients (nearly = 165, nlate = 253), median age: 40.3 years (early 40.1 years, late 40.4 years). Early definitive stabilization was associated with a decreased risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) compared to late stabilization of unstable pelvis and acetabulum fractures (RR 0.38, 95% CI 0.18–0.81; RD 78 fewer per 1000, 95% CI 104 fewer to 24 fewer; 1 study, 418 participants; very low certainty of evidence). Furthermore, early definitive stabilization may decrease the risk of pneumonia compared to late stabilization of unstable pelvis and acetabulum fractures (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.28–0.88; RD 85 fewer per 1000, 95% CI 122 fewer to 20 fewer); 1 study, 418 participants; very low certainty of evidence).

Conclusion

There is limited evidence regarding early definitive fracture repair (≤ 24 h) compared to late repair of pelvic fractures in polytrauma patients. One observational study showed a reduced incidence of septic respiratory complications, ARDS, and multi-organ failure (MOF) in polytrauma patients who received early definitive fracture repair.
Outcome of Laparoscopic Versus Vaginal High Uterosacral Ligament Vault Suspension at the Time of Hysterectomy
Authors: Vereeck Sascha , Alexander James , Carey Michael , Rosamilia Anna
Published: February 2025

Introduction and Hypothesis

High uterosacral ligament suspension (HUSLS) can be used to treat apical pelvic organ prolapse (POP). This can be performed both vaginally and laparoscopically. Data comparing the two suspension procedures remain limited. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness and safety of vaginal HUSLS and laparoscopic HUSLS at the time of hysterectomy.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of women who underwent hysterectomy between 2019 and 2021 at a tertiary urogynaecology unit. Either vaginal or laparoscopic hysterectomy was performed, followed by vaginal or laparoscopic HUSLS respectively. Women were followed up at 6 weeks, and at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. The primary outcome was symptomatic recurrence of vaginal bulge symptoms. Secondary outcomes were anatomical recurrence, re-treatment and safety.

Results

A total of 111 women met the inclusion criteria. Twelve were excluded, leaving 99 for analysis. HUSLS was performed vaginally in 47 and laparoscopically in 52 women. There was no significant difference in demographics between the groups. At 12 months, 92% in the vaginal group and 48% of the laparoscopic group reported no symptoms of prolapse, 67% vs 36% had no anatomical recurrence and 0% vs 34% had re-treatment respectively. Logistic regression (adjusting for age, BMI, menopausal status, preoperative stage apical prolapse, procedure type) demonstrated that the laparoscopic route was the only variable associated with recurrent prolapse at or beyond the hymen and symptomatic prolapse at 12 months.

Conclusions

Symptomatic and anatomical recurrent POP was associated with this technique of laparoscopic HUSLS. Further research should consider prospective evaluation of these or modified techniques.