bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adequacy of oral intakes after cardiac surgery within an ERAS pathway: A prospective observational study
Authors: Beaulieu Bianca , Lamarche Yoan , Rousseau‐Saine Nicolas , Ferland Guylaine
Published: December 2024

Background

The 2019 Enhanced Recovery After Cardiac Surgery (ERACS) guidelines presented perioperative recommendations to optimize treatment for patients undergoing cardiac surgery (CS). However, the guidelines have not established postoperative nutrition recommendations. Limited studies have analyzed oral intakes after CS, but to our knowledge, none have done so in an ERACS pathway. The main objective of this study was to evaluate the adequacy of postoperative oral intakes, including adherence to oral nutrition supplements (ONSs).

Methods

This was an observational prospective study. Postoperative oral intakes were analyzed from postoperative day (POD) 1 to 4, using direct observation of meal plates provided by the hospital. ONSs consumption was evaluated from POD2 to POD4. Adherence to other ERACS recommendations, including nutrition optimization before surgery, was recorded.

Results

Forty‐three patients were included in this study. Nutrition optimization before CS was offered to three (7%) patients. Forty‐one (95%) patients resumed oral intakes on POD1. Mean oral calorie and protein intakes from POD2 to POD4 were 1088 ± 437 kcal and 0.8 ± 0.3 g/kg, respectively; however, 17 (41%) patients had calorie and protein intakes ≥70% of their estimated requirements. On POD2, ONSs consumption contributed 35% ± 19% and 38% ± 20% of calorie and protein intake, respectively. There was a significant decrease in ONSs consumption starting on POD3.

Conclusion

Within an ERACS pathway and with the contribution of ONSs, 41% of patients achieved sufficient oral intakes within the first 4 days after CS. The optimization of ONSs adherence on postoperative oral intakes should be further studied.
Role of home‐blended tube feedings in pediatric patients with gastrostomy tubes: A retrospective study
Authors: Germán‐Díaz Marta , Peña Eva , Núñez‐Ramos Raquel , Guijarro María Jesús , Arroba Cristina Marín‐Arriscado
Published: December 2024

Background

Both blended tube feed (BTF) and commercial tube feed (CTF) can be administered through a gastrostomy tube (GT). There is very little evidence about using home BTF (HBTF). Nevertheless, families increasingly request this type of nutrition because they attribute some benefits to it. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using HBTF via GT as an alternative to CTF.

Methods

Single‐center, retrospective, and observational study of patients under 18 years old who underwent GT between 2014 and 2020. We reviewed demographics, anthropometrics, clinical characteristics, and types of diet and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms over 12 months after the placement of the GT.

Results

Forty patients (40% boys) were included. The median age at GT placement was 15 months (interquartile range 5–57.5). The most common underlying diagnosis was a neurological disorder (45%). In 75% of patients, Nissen fundoplication was performed. At the 12‐month follow‐up, 18 patients (45%) were receiving 100% HBTF, 14 (35%) were receiving a mixed diet (HBTF + CTF), four (10%) were receiving 100% CTF, and four (10%) were no longer using the GT. Those with a 100% HBTF diet showed a statistically significant higher weight at the 12‐month follow‐up than those who had received any percentage of CTF. No other statistically significant differences in anthropometric indices or GI symptoms were found between the two groups. Only three cases of mechanical complications were reported.

Conclusion

In our experience, using HBTF via the GT provides an alternative to CTF in pediatric patients who require enteral nutrition.
Patient‐Reported Outcome Measures for Mohs Reconstruction: A Systematic Review
Authors: Garg Neha , Mandloi Shreya , Queenan Natalia , Trivedi Jay , McCann Adam , Xu Vivian , Amin Dev , Krein Howard , Heffelfinger Ryan
Published: December 2024

Objective

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) and subsequent reconstructive procedures for the treatment of facial nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) significantly impact quality of life (QoL). A validated patient‐reported outcome measure (PROM) for patients who undergo Mohs reconstruction is not yet established. This study aims to systematically assess the quality of existing PROMs to determine their effectiveness in capturing the challenges faced after Mohs reconstruction for facial NMSC.

Data Sources

A systematic review following established Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐analyses guidelines was performed. Medline, PubMed, Scopus, and Cochrane databases were searched using keywords relevant to MMS, NMSC, facial reconstruction, QoL, and PROMs.

Review Methods

Inclusion and exclusion criteria were used to compile eligible PROMs. Methodological quality and psychometric properties of PROMs were evaluated using COnsensus‐based Standards for the Selection of Health Measurement Instruments (COSMIN) criteria.

Results

Of 2997 articles, 78 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 45 studies utilized a PROM as an outcome measure, and 33 reported PROM development or validation. COSMIN assessment demonstrated that the FACE‐Q Skin Cancer Module and Facial Skin Cancer Index have the strongest validation. The Mohs Reconstruction Questionnaire‐12 (MRQ‐12) was the only PROM specific to this population of interest; however, it has not undergone psychometric property assessment.

Conclusion

Various PROMs have been utilized to assess QoL for patients undergoing facial reconstructive surgery after MMS. A clinically validated PROM specific to this patient population is required to gain deeper insight into these emotional impacts. Further validation and psychometric testing of the MRQ‐12 may be beneficial.
The Intraoperative Use of a Drain Line for Gas‐Insufflation One‐Step Single‐Port Transaxillary (GOSTA) Robotic Thyroidectomy
Authors: Ku Dohoe , Chang Young Woo , Yu Da Young , Ko Seung Yeon , Lee Hye Yoon , Son Gil Soo
Published: December 2024

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the intraoperative use of a drain line for smoke suction during robotic thyroidectomy using a gas insufflation one‐step single‐port transaxillary (GOSTA) approach and its impact on surgical outcomes.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

University tertiary care facility.

Methods

A comprehensive retrospective analysis was conducted in patients divided into 2 groups: the Drain group, where a drain line was directly inserted into the surgical space during surgery (n = 53), and the Control group (n = 83). The 2 groups were compared in terms of perioperative surgical outcomes, including operative time, number of endoscope cleaning, and the number of patients with endoscopes that did not require cleaning.

Results

The operative time was significantly shorter in the Drain group than in the Control group (P = .003). The number of endoscope cleaning procedures was considerably lower in the Drain group (P < .001), indicating a decreased need for endoscope cleaning during surgery. Moreover, a higher number of patients with endoscopes that did not require cleaning were observed in the Drain group (P = .001), suggesting a potential benefit in maintaining endoscope clarity.

Conclusion

These results suggest that using smoke suction with a drain line directly inserted into the surgical space in robotic thyroidectomy using the GOSTA approach may offer advantages such as reduced operative time and improved endoscope clarity.
Return‐to‐School Experiences of Adolescents After Allogeneic Hematopoietic Cell Transplant: A Qualitative Interview Study of Transplant Recipients
Authors: Do Olivia A. , Ohlsen Timothy J. D. , Shipman Kelly J. , Ballard Sheri A. , Jenssen Kari M. , Baker K. Scott , Rosenberg Abby R. , Barton Krysta S. , Bhatt Neel S.
Published: December 2024

Background

Returning to school after allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) can improve quality of life and promote positive adjustment. However, this process may be challenging, and there is a limited understanding of school‐aged children and adolescents’ perspectives on this process.

Methods

We conducted semi‐structured interviews over video with pediatric recipients of HCT (10–18 years of age at HCT; 1–7 years post HCT) who were treated at our institution and had returned to in‐person school post HCT. We performed a thematic network analysis focused on exploring salient challenges regarding the return‐to‐school process post HCT and potential areas for improvement.

Results

We interviewed 16 participants (mean age 13.8 years at HCT). Four themes emerged: (i) challenges of returning to school, (ii) keys for a successful return‐to‐school experience, (iii) overall perceptions of the process, and (iv) recommendations for improvement. HCT recipients described several social/emotional, physical, and academic challenges while returning to school and cited strong sources of support as critical to a successful transition. Recommendations for a better transition process included the following: (a) fostering peer support, (b) establishing social connections, (c) providing mental health support, (d) identifying a go‐to point of contact for issues, and (e) maintaining academic support.

Conclusions

Our findings highlight perspectives from school‐aged recipients of HCT regarding gaps in support and areas for improvement to facilitate successful return to school after HCT. Additional assistance throughout the process may optimize academic and social reintegration and support recovery after HCT.
Impact of the proportion between virgin and recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) on induced microstructure and mechanical stiffness
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Tung , Luo Yun‐Mei , Chevalier Luc , Jacquet Benoit
Published: December 2024

The extensive use of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) in the food packaging industry, particularly for bottle production, has led to significant visible pollution, negatively impacting the perception of plastic packaging. To address this issue, our study focuses on the potential of recycled PET (rPET) in the blow molding industry. The recycling process affects the mechanical stiffness of PET compared to its virgin form. Digital image correlation (DIC) and biaxial tensile tests are used to identify the mechanical stiffness of bottles produced with different rPET ratios. Additionally, thanks to differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and small‐angle x‐ray scattering (SAXS) measurements, the microstructural changes are investigated. Relations between mechanical properties and the induced microstructures of rPET are examined. The impact of the mass fraction of rPET on the rigidity of the bottles is discussed. The results highlight the potential for integrating rPET into industrial applications.

Highlights

The paper studies the relationship between recycling rate of PET and induced properties

DSC and SAXS measures are used to model final PET microstructure

Two‐step homogenization method ensures accurate modulus prediction

Biaxial tensile tests conducted on bottles to evaluate elasticity

Recycled PET MOPET improves rigidity compared to virgin PET
Combined Physiological and Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Key Regulatory Networks and Potential Hub Genes Controlling Chilling Tolerance During Soybean Germination
Authors: Xie Jianguo , Zheng Yuhong , Li Guang , Zhang Wei , Meng Fanfan , Fan Xuhong , Sun Xingmiao , Zhang Yunfeng , Wang Mingliang , Chen Qingshan , Wang Shuming , Jiang Hongwei
Published: December 2024

Chilling is an important limiting factor for seed germination of soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.). To reveal the regulatory mechanism of chilling tolerance during the soybean germination stage, based on previous studies, the chilling tolerance line R48 and chilling sensitive line R89 in chromosome segment substitution lines were selected for physiological index determination and transcriptome sequencing. It was found that reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging system related enzymes, ROS, and osmotic regulators were significantly different between the two lines. Gene Ontology enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment were performed on the differentially expressed genes obtained by transcriptome sequencing. It was found that terms or pathways related to flavonoids, unsaturated fatty acids, and abscisic acid were highly enriched. In addition, weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) method was used to analyze the physiological index data and transcriptome sequencing data. Four main coexpression modules significantly related to physiological indicators were obtained, and the hub genes in each module were screened according to eigengene‐based connectivity value. Haplotype analysis of important candidate genes using soybean germplasm resources showed that there were significant differences in germination indexes between different major haplotypes of Glyma.17G163200. Based on the results of enrichment analysis and WGCNA, the regulation model of low temperature tolerance during soybean germination was preliminarily drawn. This study will provide theoretical guidance for analyzing the molecular regulation mechanism of cold tolerance in soybean germination stage.
Plasma‐Treated Liquids for Medicine: A Narrative Review on State and Perspectives
Authors: von Woedtke Thomas , Bekeschus Sander , Weltmann Klaus‐Dieter , Wende Kristian
Published: December 2024

Plasma‐treated liquids and their medical application have gained momentum in the fields of plasma science in recent years. Most research has been done in the field of cancer treatment. Another new and promising special field of CAP−liquid interaction is hydrogels, which can serve as localized reservoirs for the delivery of long‐lived reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and other active ingredients such as chemotherapeutic drugs. Identifying liquids and hydrogel compositions optimal for plasma treatment, for their reservoir function, and from a regulatory point of view for use in medicine, together with the chemical identification of biologically active molecules and interdependencies to plasma operation parameters, are the fundamental challenges in the field.
“We Could Hold Our Own Here at Home”: Longitudinal Experience of COVID‐19 Lockdowns in Parents With Children Affected With Interstitial Lung Disease
Authors: Gilbert Carlee , Bush Andrew , Bennett Kate M. , Brown Christopher
Published: December 2024

The global health emergency of COVID‐19 in early 2020 placed much of the population under quarantine. Interstitial Lung Disease in childhood (chILD) was recommended to be a pediatric clinically extremely vulnerable (CEV) group in April 2020 for shielding due to the unknown health consequences of COVID‐19 in children with chronic respiratory conditions. This qualitative longitudinal research study explores how chILD parents in the UK experienced COVID‐19 lockdown from over two interview time points. Participants (n = 8) were recruited from chILD patient organizations and online communities. Interview one focused on the period between January 2020 to July 2020, gaining personal insight into respondent's experience of lockdowns, which included questions on support systems and media coverage of COVID‐19. The second interview enquired how respondents managed further UK lockdowns between September 2020 and May 2021. The main themes were uncertainty and adaptation. Respondents described how they navigated the UK lockdowns and undertook various risk management strategies for pandemic isolation. Once these were established, routine and positive family bonding was reported, along with a reluctant acceptance of the COVID‐19 virus and continued shielding. As new COVID‐19 information emerged, risk management strategies changed or remained for some respondents, bringing a feeling of living with COVID‐19 as a “new normal”. (Understanding the unique insights people with rare diseases such as chILD face during a global pandemic adds to policy and healthcare literature. Recommendations include further study of caregiver traits and resilience, essential facets of positive pandemic adaptation.
Distribution of Polyphosphate Kinase 2 Genes in Bacteria Underscores a Dynamic Evolutionary History
Authors: Matsumoto Ryusei , Matsuura Tomoaki , Longo Liam M.
Published: December 2024

Polyphosphate kinase 2 (PPK2) enzymes catalyze phosphoryl transfer from polyphosphate to nucleotides and are divided into three classes, each presumed to have different catalytic preferences. With relevance to biotechnology, medicine, and primitive biology, there is significant interest in understanding the evolutionary history of PPK2 enzymes and predicting their functional properties. We reasoned that the distribution and pairing preferences of PPK2 gene classes across the prokaryote tree of life may shed light on these questions. PPK2 was found to be a dynamic gene family, often present in only a subset of species within a clade, even when considering a single genus. Although all possible PPK2 pairs were observed, a ~2‐fold enrichment for Class I enzymes in species with multiple PPK2 genes strongly shapes pairing preferences. PPK2 class preference in the absence of PPK1, which synthesizes rather than utilizes polyphosphate, indicates the potential for functional adaptation and/or promiscuity with respect to reaction directionality for all classes, a feature that has previously been associated only with Class I. Patterns of adjacent PPK2 genes revealed signatures of gene duplication, as adjacent genes overwhelmingly belonged to the same class, as well as the potential for an added layer of PPK2 dynamics: hetero‐oligomerization of single‐domain Class II enzymes to recapitulate the structure of two‐domain Class II enzymes. Finally, an updated PPK2 tree constructed from domains instead of genes calls into question established narratives of PPK2 evolution, putting new limits on the extent to which nucleobase promiscuity can be invoked in the early evolution of this family.
Enhanced association of whitefly–begomovirus competence with plant‐mediated mutualism
Authors: He Wen‐Ze , Liu Shu‐Sheng , Pan Li‐Long
Published: December 2024

BACKGROUND

Vector‐borne viruses often manipulate plant defenses against insect vectors, thereby impacting vector population dynamics and in turn virus spread. However, the factors regulating the outcome of insect vector–virus–plant tripartite interactions, such as the feature of virus–vector combinations, are understudied.

RESULTS

Using eight whitefly (Bemisia tabaci)–begomovirus combinations exhibiting different degrees of competence, namely virus transmission efficiency, we examined the association between whitefly–begomovirus competence and plant‐mediated mutualism. We found that three begomoviruses, tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), cotton leaf curl Multan virus (CLCuMuV) and Sri Lankan cassava mosaic virus (SLCMV), can effectively infect but cause distinct symptoms in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants. Although the efficient vectors Middle East‐Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1) and Mediterranean (MED) whiteflies performed significantly better on TYLCV‐infected plants than on control plants, the less‐efficient vector Asia II 1 performed similarly on TYLCV‐infected and uninfected plants. CLCuMuV infection of plants significantly enhanced the performance of the efficient vector Asia II 1, whereas the performance of the inefficient vector MEAM1 was unaffected by the virus infection status of the plants. SLCMV infection of plants significantly increased the survival and fecundity of the efficient vector Asia II 1, but did not affect the performance of the poorer vectors MEAM1 and MED.

CONCLUSION

Combined analysis of our data and case studies from the literature indicates that plant‐mediated mutualism between whiteflies and the begomoviruses they transmit is more likely to occur in competent combinations. Our findings shed novel light on the ecological principles governing the variations in insect vector–virus–plant tripartite interactions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Inclusion of Leguminous Green Manures Enhances Crop Biomass, Nutrient Uptake, Soil Phosphorus Dynamics and Bioavailability
Authors: Nguyen P. V. , Condron L. M. , Simpson Z. P. , McDowell R. W.
Published: December 2024

Introduction

In agroecosystems, phosphorus (P) applications over a long time have accumulated in soil as legacy P. This environmental challenge can be an agronomic opportunity as soil legacy P could be recovered in cropping systems using practices such as green manuring. We hypothesised that, at moderate soil available P levels, plant‐soil interactions under green manures can mobilise soil legacy P and promote cereal crop P uptake and growth.

Methods

Alongside a fallow treatment, three green manure treatments that included two legume treatments (narrow‐leaf lupin [Lupinus angustifolius], pea [Pisum sativum L.]) and one cereal treatment (wheat [Triticum aestivum] and barley [Hordeum vulgare]) were rotated with the main crops of wheat and barley in two phases on a pumice soil (27 mg kg−1 Olsen P) in a microcosm experiment. Plant roots and shoots and end‐of‐experiment soil samples were collected for analysis.

Results

Over two crop rotations, inclusion of narrow‐leaf lupin and pea green manures significantly increased main crop biomass (27%–35%) and P uptake (15%–29%) relative to control, while the cereal green manure decreased the following crop's yield (−13%) and P uptake (−19%). Relative to fallow, microbial biomass P and soil organic P pools increased under all green manures yet total inorganic P decreased under leguminous green manures. This depletion (35 mg P kg−1) under narrow‐leaf lupin was equivalent to ~47 kg P ha−1. Phosphatase enzyme activities relevant to P cycling increased particularly under leguminous green manure treatments.

Conclusions

Leguminous green manures such as narrow‐leaf lupin could mobilise soil P to crops in field conditions, suggesting that drawdown of soil legacy P while sustaining crop yield can be tenable.
Synergistic Enhancement of Energy Storage Performance in NaNbO3‐Based Lead‐Free Relaxor Ferroelectrics via Weakly Coupled Relaxation Behavior
Authors: Nong Peng , Huang Jiangping , Pan Yue , Dong Qinpeng , Li Xu , Chen Xiuli , Zhou Huanfu
Published: December 2024

Advancements in pulsed electronic power systems depend significantly on high‐performance dielectric energy storage ceramics. Lead‐free NaNbO3‐based energy‐storage ceramics are important materials for next‐generation pulsed power capacitors owing to their large polarization and bandgaps. However, the high energy loss caused by the antiferroelectric‐ferroelectric phase transition leads to low recoverable energy storage density and efficiency, which hinders its practical application. Herein, a weakly coupled relaxor ferroelectric is designed via chemical modification, which realises a high recoverable density of 12.7 J cm−3 and a decent η of 85.7%. Compositionally induced domain‐size refinement effectively delays low‐field polarization saturation and elevates η. Experimental characterization and theoretical‐model analysis confirm that the superior comprehensive energy‐storage performance is attributed to the component‐driven formation of polar nano‐micro‐regions with weak interactions, which suppresses the polarization hysteresis and improves the polarization difference. This study demonstrates that component‐driven construction of weakly coupled relaxor ferroelectric materials is an effective strategy for achieving ultrahigh energy‐storage characteristics.
Vacuum‐Nitrogen Assisted (VANS) Topotactical Deintercalation for Extremely Fast Production of Functionalized Silicene Nanosheets
Authors: Kozma Erika , Martella Christian , Andicsová Anita Eckstein , Gharedaghi Sepideh , Lamperti Alessio , Massetti Chiara , Opálek Andrej , Grazianetti Carlo , Galeotti Francesco , Molle Alessandro
Published: December 2024

Silicene, the analog of graphene composed of silicon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice, has garnered significant attention due to its unique properties, positioning it as a promising candidate for various applications in electronic devices, photovoltaics, photocatalysis, and biomedicals. While the chemical synthesis of silicene nanosheets has traditionally involved time‐spending and expensive‐ methods, this study introduces a rapid vacuum/nitrogen cycle assisted (VANS) protocol that dramatically speeds up the production of silicene. The strategic implementation of vacuum/nitrogen cycles provides the efficient removal of the generated hydrogen, boosting the overall reaction kinetics while maintaining inert reaction conditions to prevent oxidation. In contrast to previous methodologies, usually qualified by prolonged reaction durations of up to 5 days and low reaction temperatures (−30 °C), this integrated approach substantially shortens the synthesis time from hours to minutes. Indeed, the VANS method drastically reduces the reaction time, operates at room temperature, and exhibits the successful fabrication of silicene flakes with structural properties comparable to those achieved through prolonged reaction times and low temperatures.
An Interior/Exterior Collaboration‐Enhanced Intestinal Anastomosis (IECIA) for Multi‐Tiered Leakage Complication Management
Authors: Chen Xiuli , Gong Yusheng , Li Min , Zeng Qi , Xu Rengui , Li Xiaolong , Lu Xiang , Gong Shang , Xu Jiarong , Li Guanyue , Yang Jingwen , Jiao Wenhao , Liu Jiajing , Liu Yuan , Liang Xinting , He Linxi , Xiao Fei , Chen Wei
Published: December 2024

Anastomotic leakage (AL) is a pervasive and risky postoperative complication that presently features inaccessible prevention, delayed diagnosis, and intractable remediation, resulting in distressing morbidity and mortality. Herein an interior/exterior collaboration‐enhanced neoteric intestinal anastomosis (IECIA) is developed, which consists of an interior hydrogel‐based protective barrier adhering to mucosa, and exterior synergistic leakage‐prevention safeguard sutured to serosa, for multi‐tiered leakage complication management. Noticeably, the hydrogel barrier protects anastomosis stoma against injurious stimulation from digestive liquid, consequently reducing leakage risk effectively and comfortably in place of painful gastric tube insertion. The exterior safeguard encompassing fluorescein‐loaded hydrogel and electrospun film functions as a secondary defense, exhibiting critical leakage‐prevention capability to refrain from lethal intra‐abdominal infection. Meanwhile, fluorescein is released to the enteric cavity for following detection within the excrement in case anastomotic leakage occurs, achieving presymptomatic alarming in providing valuable prompts for timely clinical intervention. Importantly, IECIA has been investigated in realistic in vivo end‐to‐end intestinal anastomosis scenarios as well as simulated leakage models, which present satisfactory postoperative recovery of gastrointestinal functions and systematic indexes. Moreover, the IECIA system is endowed with guaranteed biocompatibility, effective durability, comprehensibility for surgical operation, comfort, and compliance for patients, which demonstrates precious value for clinical translation.
Tip‐Induced 3D Printing on the Nanoscale with Field Emission Scanning Probes
Authors: Holz Mathias , Hofmann Martin , Allen Frances I. , Weigel Christoph , Strehle Steffen
Published: December 2024

3D printing down to the nanoscale remains a significant challenge. In this paper, the study explores the use of scanning probes that emit low‐energy electrons (<100 eV) coupled with the localized injection and electron‐induced decomposition of precursor molecules, for the precise localized deposition of 3D nanostructures. The experiments are performed inside the chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM), enabling the use of the in‐built gas injector system (GIS) with gaseous naphthalene precursor for carbon deposition, as well as immediate inspection of the deposits by SEM. Substrate materials are planar fused silica with thin conductive coatings and non‐planar copper wedges. After investigation of the deposition process parameters, various 2D and 3D carbon deposits are grown. Vertical nanowires several microns in length with a diameter <100 nm are achieved and 3D deposits with a high degree of nanoscale branching are also obtained, presumably due to a charging effect. High aspect ratio carbon nanostructures such as those demonstrated here can be employed as miniaturized electrodes or field emitters. The tip‐based approach presented thus paves the way toward 3D nanoscale printing of various materials and functional nanostructures.
Room Temperature Synthesis of Gradient‐Distributed Ni/Fe Sites in Layered Double Hydroxides for Enhanced Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Zhang Jinghan , Chen Qiming , Zhao Pengwei , Cai An , Fan Xiaobin , Peng Wenchao , Li Yang
Published: December 2024

NiFe‐based materials, especially NiFe layered double hydroxides (LDHs), are recognized as the most promising non‐precious metal electrocatalysts for alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, the precisely designed distribution of active sites for enhancing activities is still significantly restricted due to the lack of reasonable modulation strategies. Herein, sulfur doped Ni/Fe gradient‐distributed LDH (GD‐NiFe LDH/S) is fabricated by facile air‐induced strategy at room temperature. This strategy accelerates the growth process with abundant CO2 and O2 in air, which promotes the inward migration of Fe species, resulting in gradient distribution with Ni/Fe‐rich edge/planar. This allows significant enhancement of Ni/Fe synergistic effect, which plays a vital role in OER. Moreover, the sharp pine‐like morphology of GD‐NiFe LDH/S endows superhydrophilicity/aerophobicity characteristics, facilitating electrolyte penetrating and oxygen releasing. The optimized GD‐NiFe LDH/S delivers superior OER performance with low overpotentials of 234 and 270 mV at 10 and 100 mA cm−2. The assembled anion exchange membrane water electrolyzer only requires 1.90 V at 1.0 A cm−2 and 2.10 V at 1.5 A cm−2 with robust stability for at least 130 h. This work introduces a facile air‐induced strategy under room temperature to controllably design active site distributions of LDH for enhanced OER performance.
Reversible Asymmetric Deformation Modulating Dexter Energy Transfer in Manganese Halide Perovskite with Temperature‐pressure Equivalence Effect
Authors: Cai Yangyang , Yan Siyu , Du Xinran , Lin Tingting , Lin Yuejian , Qiu Longzhen , Wang Weizhi
Published: December 2024

Deformation of metal halide perovskite can induce many interesting properties. This study focuses on a manganese‐based organic‐inorganic perovskite with a unique structure in which tetrahedral and octahedral coordination coexist in single crystal unit cell. This perovskite emits at 519 and 615 nm at room temperature. In contrast to conventional perovskites, this perovskite regulates the Dexter energy transfer between the two coordination modes through asymmetric deformation without phase transition, producing a reversible and tunable photoluminescence. Notably, under atmospheric pressure, as temperature increases from liquid nitrogen temperature to 135 °C, the luminescence color shifts progressively from red with a CIE coordinate of (0.59, 0.27) to yellow green with a CIE coordinate of (0.33, 0.56), with excellent reversibility. Additionally, at room temperature, the luminescence color shifts progressively from orange with a CIE coordinate of (0.54, 0.42) to red with a CIE coordinate of (0.61, 0.27) as pressure increases from 1 atm to 7.5 GPa. This novel tetrahedral and octahedral coexisting perovskite has a temperature‐pressure equivalence effect in modulating luminescent color changes. It tunes emission by forming asymmetric deformations through the contraction (or expansion) of tetrahedra and expansion (or contraction) of octahedra upon stimulation, providing a new pathway to tune the emission of perovskites.
Superhydrophilicity and Electronic Modulation on Self‐Supported Lignin‐Derived Carbon Coupled with NiO@MoNi4 for Enhancing Urea Electrolysis
Authors: Wang Yunpeng , Qian Guangfu , Yu Hui , Xie Zehan , Li Liancen , Lu Minsheng , Chen Changzhou , Min Douyong , Chen Jinli , Tsiakaras Panagiotis
Published: December 2024

Developing highly efficient biomass‐derived carbon‐based electrocatalysts remains challenging for urea electrolysis because most of these electrocatalysts show powder morphology, which can lead to Ostwald ripening during the reaction process, and its reaction mechanism should be further verified. Herein, self‐supported lignin‐derived carbon coupling NiO@MoNi4 heterojunction (NiO@MoNi4/C) possesses superhydrophilic properties and electronic modulation, boosting the performance of urea electrolysis. Electrochemical results show that an indirect oxidation step for urea oxidation reaction (UOR) and Volmer‐Heyrovsky mechanism for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) occurs on the surface of NiO@MoNi4/C. It displays low potentials for UOR (E10/500/1000 = 1.28/1.41/1.47 V) and for HER (E−10/−500/−1000 = −38/−264/−355 mV) in 1.0 M KOH + 0.5 M urea electrolyte solution. The good activity is ascribed to the self‐supported lignin‐derived carbon and heterojunction, which increases the number of active sites, optimizes electronic structure, and improves electron transfer. Benefiting from the self‐supported lignin‐derived carbon, NiO@MoNi4/C demonstrates corrosion resistance and superhydrophilicity, which avoids Ostwald ripening and accelerates gas‐liquid transfer, thus, maintaining for 100 h at ±1000/±1500 mA cm−2 during the UOR and HER test. This work provides a good catalyst for urea electrolysis and presents a promising way for preparing lignin‐derived carbon‐based catalysts while expanding the application of lignin‐based biomass carbon materials.
Electrochemically Controlled Deposition of Low‐Crystalline Covalent Organic Frameworks on Nanocarbon Electrode Toward Metal‐Free Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalyst
Authors: Sato Kosuke , Inagi Shinsuke
Published: December 2024

Morphology‐controlled synthesis of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offers significant potential for electrochemical applications. However, controlling the deposition of nanometer‐scale COFs on carbon supports remains challenging due to the need for a slow COF generation rate and the dispersion of carbon supports in liquid‐phase synthesis. In this study, nanometer‐scale COF/carbon composites are fabricated using electrochemically generated acid (EGA) to assist in the formation of imine‐type COFs, which are then deposited onto pre‐cast nanocarbon supports on an electrode. A monomer combination of tri(4‐aminophenyl)‐1,3,5‐triazine and 2,5‐dimethoxybenzene‐1,4‐dicarboxaldehyde is utilized due to their suitable oxidation potentials, with 1,2‐diphenylhydrazine serving as the EGA source. Through proton generation driven by electrolysis conditions, controlled COF formation is achieved at the single nanometer scale, ranging from 6 to 30 nm, on various nanocarbon supports. The COF/carbon electrode is evaluated as an oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalyst, demonstrating superior performance compared to other COF‐based electrode materials containing the 1,3,5‐triazine moiety. The findings experimentally validate the efficacy of the EGA‐assisted COF deposition method for nanostructure construction and its ability to enhance the properties of COF‐based electrodes through morphology tuning.
On different modes of Rayleigh wave fields in a micropolar nonlocal viscoelastic medium
Authors: Bhat Manasa , Manna Santanu
Published: December 2024

This paper explores the propagation of Rayleigh wave fields in a viscoelastic medium under the framework of small‐scale theories such as nonlocal elasticity and micropolar elasticity. Leading‐order nonlocal corrected dispersion relations are derived by applying appropriate refined nonlocal traction‐free boundary conditions. One of the dispersion relations is entirely due to the micropolarity and, therefore, vanishes in its absence. The other dispersion relation corresponding to its elastic counterpart gives rise to quasi‐elastic and viscoelastic modes. Nonlocal elastic effects in viscoelastic solids also generate distinct nonlocal quasi‐elastic modes that vanish without them. Two special viscoelastic solids, namely (a) an incompressible solid and (b) a Poisson solid, are numerically examined. An example with small viscous terms is considered, and conditions for the existence of various modes are derived. It further confirms the dependence of nonlocal and material parameters on the propagation of Rayleigh wave fields in different modes. Moreover, the equation for the path traversed by the Rayleigh wave field particles at the surface is evaluated, and the nature of the path (prograde or retrograde) is investigated for every possible mode of Rayleigh wave fields. Moreover, graphs are plotted using MATLAB software, specifically to comprehend the conditions imposed on the material and nonlocal parameters, as well as to observe the phase velocity behavior for all possible multiple modes.
ENPP1/CD203a-targeting heavy-chain antibody reveals cell-specific expression on human immune cells
Authors: Lorenz Hannah , Menzel Stephan , Roshchyna Nataliia , Albrecht Birte , Gebhardt Anna Josephine , Schneider Enja , Haag Friedrich , Rissiek Björn , Oheim Ralf , Koch-Nolte Friedrich , Winzer Riekje , Tolosa Eva
Published: December 2024

ENPP1/CD203a is a membrane-bound ectonucleotidase capable of hydrolyzing ATP, cGAMP and other substrates. Its enzymatic activity plays an important role in the balance of extracellular adenine nucleotides and the modulation of purinergic signaling, in soft tissue calcification, and in the regulation of the cGAS/STING pathway. However, a detailed analysis of ENPP1 surface expression on human immune cells has not been performed. Here, we selected VHH domains from human ENPP1-immunized alpacas to generate heavy-chain antibodies targeting ENPP1, and analyzed cell surface expression on all circulating immune cell subsets using flow cytometry. We find high expression of ENPP1 in CD141high conventional dendritic cells (cDC1), while ENPP1 was not detectable on other dendritic cells and monocytes. In the lymphocytic compartment, only CD56bright natural killer cells and mucosal-associated invariant T cells (MAIT) express ENPP1. In contrast, all other T cell subpopulations, CD56dim natural killer cells and B lymphocytes do not or only minimally express ENPP1. In summary, we describe highly cell type-specific expression of ENPP1 in the immune system using a newly generated heavy-chain antibody. This reagent will help to decipher the function of ENPP1 in the regulation of the immune response, allow a quick identification of ENPP1-deficiency and of ENPP1-positive tumors, and constitutes the basis for targeted anti-tumor intervention.
A high-speed camera-based measurement system for monitoring and controlling the induced jet break-up fabrication of advanced ceramic breeder pebbles
Authors: Zhang Miao , Leys Oliver , Vogelbacher Markus , Knitter Regina , Matthes Jörg
Published: December 2024

The production of lithium-rich ceramic pebbles is crucial for future fusion reactors, as they are one of the most important components of the tritium-breeding blankets. In order to produce high-quality pebbles, a melt-based fabrication process KALOS (KArlsruhe Lithium OrthoSilicate) has been developed at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), which produces pebbles utilising the break-up of a molten laminar jet. Since the production of the pebbles is very precise (with diameters of hundreds of micrometres) and significantly influenced by process parameters, a system that monitors and regulates the fabrication in real-time is essential. This paper elaborates on a high-speed camera-based measurement system for automatically monitoring and controlling the production process. Experimental proof demonstrates that the presented measurement system can provide the real-time sizes, locations and distance distribution of the molten ceramic droplets accurately. In addition, the system is also designed to enable the control of the pebble production by adjusting a production parameter, i.e. the driving frequency, based on the real-time output of the proposed measurement system.
On the Converse of Pansu’s Theorem
Authors: De Philippis Guido , Marchese Andrea , Merlo Andrea , Pinamonti Andrea , Rindler Filip
Published: December 2024

We provide a suitable generalisation of Pansu’s differentiability theorem to general Radon measures on Carnot groups and we show that if Lipschitz maps between Carnot groups are Pansu-differentiable almost everywhere for some Radon measures

$$\mu $$

μ

, then

$$\mu $$

μ

must be absolutely continuous with respect to the Haar measure of the group.
Application of AprX from Pseudomonas paralactis for the improvement of the emulsifying properties of milk, plant and insect protein and estimation of their hydrolysate’s bitter potential
Authors: Volk Veronika , Ewert Jacob , Longhi Miriam , Stressler Timo , Fischer Lutz
Published: December 2024

Protein properties can be modified by selective enzymatic hydrolysis. In this study, the alkaline metalloendopeptidase AprX (Serralysin; EC 3.4.24.40) from Pseudomonas paralactis was used for the tailored hydrolysis of different food proteins resulting in the production of protein hydrolysates with improved emulsifying properties. Sodium caseinate, wheat gluten and buffalo worm protein were used for AprX hydrolysis at 40 °C and pH 8 to cover a spectrum of different protein sources. A maximum degree of hydrolysis (DH) of 13.1 ± 0.2%, 14.2 ± 0.1% and 20.7 ± 0.1% was reached for sodium caseinate, wheat gluten and the worm protein, respectively. The corresponding hydrolysate properties were analyzed regarding their particle size, peptide composition, solubility, viscosity, surface hydrophobicity and interfacial tension. The emulsifying properties were investigated by the oil-droplet size, ζ-potential and stability of emulsions prepared from the hydrolysates. Using partially hydrolyzed sodium caseinate (DH = 10.6%) as an emulsifier lead to an eightfold increase of the emulsion stability (t1/2 = 180 ± 0 min) compared to unhydrolyzed sodium caseinate. The emulsion stability using wheat gluten hydrolysates (DH = 11.9%) was increased 30-fold (t1/2 = 45 ± 5 min). Simultaneously, the solubility of gluten was increased by 60%. Buffalo worm hydrolysates (DH = 14.6%) had a twofold (t1/2 = 85 ± 5 min) increased emulsion stability. In conclusion, AprX can be used to improve the solubility and emulsifying properties of food proteins at a relatively high DH.
Symplectic Cuts and Open/Closed Strings I
Authors: Cassia Luca , Longhi Pietro , Zabzine Maxim
Published: December 2024

This paper introduces a concrete relation between genus zero closed Gromov–Witten invariants of Calabi–Yau threefolds and genus zero open Gromov–Witten invariants of a Lagrangian A-brane in the same threefold. Symplectic cutting is a natural operation that decomposes a symplectic manifold

$$(X,\omega )$$

(
X
,
ω
)

with a Hamiltonian U(1) action into two pieces glued along an invariant divisor. In this paper we study a quantum uplift of the cut construction defined in terms of equivariant gauged linear sigma models. The nexus between closed and open Gromov–Witten invariants is a quantum Lebesgue measure associated to a choice of cut, that we introduce and study. Integration of this measure recovers the equivariant quantum volume of the whole CY3, thereby encoding closed Gromov–Witten invariants. Conversely, the monodromies of the quantum measure around cycles in Kähler moduli space encode open Gromov–Witten invariants of a Lagrangian A-brane associated to the cut. Both in the closed and the open string sector we find a remarkable interplay between worldsheet instantons and semiclassical volumes regularized by equivariance. This leads to equivariant generating functions of GW invariants that extend smoothly across the entire moduli space, and which provide a unifying description of standard GW potentials. The latter are recovered in the non-equivariant limit in each of the different phases of the geometry.
Remarks on Mod-2 Elliptic Genus
Authors: Tachikawa Yuji , Yamashita Mayuko , Yonekura Kazuya
Published: December 2024

For physicists: For supersymmetric quantum mechanics, there are cases when a mod-2 Witten index can be defined, even when a more ordinary

$$\mathbb {Z}$$

Z

-valued Witten index vanishes. Similarly, for 2d supersymmetric quantum field theories, there are cases when a mod-2 elliptic genus can be defined, even when a more ordinary elliptic genus vanishes. We study such mod-2 elliptic genera in the context of

$$\mathcal {N}{=}(0,1)$$

N
=
(
0
,
1
)

supersymmetry, and show that they are characterized by mod-2 reductions of integral modular forms, under some assumptions. For mathematicians: We study the image of the standard homomorphism

$$\begin{aligned} \pi _n\textrm{TMF}\rightarrow \pi _n\textrm{KO}((q))\simeq \mathbb {Z}/2((q)) \end{aligned}$$

π
n

TMF
→

π
n

KO

(

(
q
)

)

≃
Z
/
2

(

(
q
)

)

for

$$n=8k+1$$

n
=
8
k
+
1

or

$$8k+2$$

8
k
+
2

, by relating them to the mod-2 reductions of integral modular forms.
Model-based conceptualization of thyroid hormone equilibrium via set point and stability behavior
Authors: Modiz Corinna , Körner Andreas
Published: December 2024

The HPT complex, consisting of the hypothalamus, pituitary and thyroid, functions as a regulated system controlled by the respective hormones. This system maintains an intrinsic equilibrium, called the set point, which is unique to each individual. In order to optimize the treatment of thyroid patients and understand the dynamics of the system, a validated theoretical representation of this set point is required. Therefore, the research field of mathematical modeling of the HPT complex is significant as it provides insights into the interactions between hormones and the determination of this endogenous equilibrium. In literature, two mathematical approaches are presented for the theoretical determination of the set point in addition to a time-dependent model. The two approaches are based on the maximum curvature of the pituitary response function and the optimal gain factor in the representation of the HPT complex as a closed feedback system. This paper demonstrates that all hormone curves described by the model converge to the derived set point with increasing time. This result establishes a clear correlation between the physiological equilibrium described by the set point and the mathematical equilibrium with respect to autonomous systems of differential equations. It thus substantiates the validity of the theoretical set point approaches.