bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solution‐Processed MoS2‐Expanded Graphite as a Fast‐Charging Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lobo Kenneth , Moolayadukkam Sreejesh , Vishwanathan Savithri , Ramakrishna Matte H. S. S.
Published: January 2025

The widespread demand for battery‐powered technologies has propelled the search for efficient and commercially viable electrode materials with fast‐charging abilities. Reported herein is an MoS2‐expanded graphite (EG) composite as a stable and high‐rate lithium‐ion battery (LIB) anode, delivering specific capacities of 796 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 and 320 mAh g−1 at 20 A g−1 over 400 cycles. Cyclability at extreme rates up to 50 A g−1 (~103 mAh g−1) illustrates its scope for fast charging applications. As a result of the processing technique, the exfoliated nanosheets have good interfacial contact which aids in charge transfer and maintaining structural integrity during continuous battery operation. Further, analytical electrochemical methods suggest a predominance of pseudocapacitive charge storage mechanism, explaining the anode performance at high rates.
Recent Advances in Organic Photocatalyst‐Promoted Carbohydrate Synthesis and Modification under Light Irradiation
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhou Fan , Xu Yuping , Zhang Lei
Published: January 2025

Photoredox catalysis has been developed as a sustainable and eco‐friendly catalytic strategy, which might provide innovative solutions to solve the current synthetic challenges and barriers in carbohydrate chemistry. During the last few decades, the study of organic photocatalyst‐promoted carbohydrate synthesis and modification has received significant attention, which provides an excellent and inexpensive metal‐free alternative to photoredox catalysis as well as introduces a new fastest‐growing era to access complex carbohydrates simply. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of organic photocatalyst‐promoted carbohydrate synthesis and modification under light irradiation, which is expected to provide new directions for further investigation.
Albizia Procera‐Derived Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon: A Versatile Material for Energy Conversion, Storage, and Environmental Applications
Authors: Shah Syed Shaheen , Shaikh M. Nasiruzzaman , Rahman Tanzilur , Shams Iftekhar , Alfasane Almujaddade , Rahman Syed Masiur , Raihan Asif , Nayem S. M. Abu , Aziz Abdul
Published: January 2025

This review explores the diverse applications of nitrogen‐doped carbon derived from Albizia procera, known as white siris. Native to the Indian subcontinent and tropical Asia, this species thrives in varied conditions, contributing to sustainable development. The nitrogen‐rich leaves of Albizia procera are an excellent source for synthesizing nitrogen‐doped carbon, which possesses remarkable properties for advanced technologies. This material demonstrates significant potential in energy conversion and storage systems, such as supercapacitors and batteries, due to its high surface area, electrical conductivity, and chemical stability. Nitrogen doping introduces active sites that enhance charge storage, making it ideal for renewable energy applications. Additionally, this material shows promise in environmental processes like water splitting and carbon dioxide capture, where its porous structure and chemical functionality enable efficient adsorption and remediation. The review discusses synthesis methodologies, including pyrolysis and activation, to optimize its properties for energy and environmental uses. Nitrogen‐doped carbon derived from Albizia procera may expand into catalytic applications, enhancing its role in sustainable technologies. This review underscores the importance of utilizing natural resources like Albizia procera to develop materials that drive both environmental sustainability and technological innovation.
A Helically‐Twisted Stereodynamic Probe for Chiroptical Sensing of Chiral Amines through Point‐to‐Helical Chirality Transmission
Authors: Sharma Akash Kumar , Cheran Arunima , Kumar Jatish , Srivastava Aasheesh
Published: January 2025

Chiral amines and amino alcohols form an important category of molecules employed in the designing of new drugs and catalyst. Herein, we present a helically‐twisted stereodynamic dialdehyde probe 1 for the determining of absolute configuration, and enantiomeric excess of chiral amine and amino alcohols. Probe 1 is based on the pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxamide (PDC) core and undergoes rapid interconversion between the P‐ and M‐ conformers. However, upon imine formation with chiral amines, probe 1 gets locked it in a single conformer majorly. This induces a strong CD signal in addition to changes in the UV‐vis and fluorescence signals. The CD spectral change allowed for quantitative enantiomeric excess determination of chiral amines. Circular polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra having the glum of 1×10−3 was obtained upon imine formation between probe 1 and diamine 2. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction studies (SCXRD) confirmed the twisted conformation in 1@(R)‐4 and 1@(S)‐4, stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding between bound imine nitrogen and proximate amide group.
Ethylene Carbonate Free Sulfone‐Based Electrolyte for Enabling Superior Performance of High Ni‐containing Li‐Transition Metal Oxide Cathodes at High Voltage and High Temperature
Authors: Das Arpita , Riyaz Mohammed , Kobi Sushobhan , Saha Dipannita , Mukhopadhyay Amartya
Published: January 2025

The present study introduces an ethylene carbonate (EC) free electrolyte, composed of 1 M LiPF6 in ethyl methyl sulfone (EMS) and dimethyl carbonate (DMC) (3 : 7 by volume), for Li‐ion batteries, which is better suited for usage with higher upper cut‐off potentials, with high Ni‐containing ‘layered’ Li‐ transition metal oxide cathodes (like Li−NMC811), and at elevated temperature. The as‐designed and developed sulfone‐based electrolyte exhibits superior anodic stability and lower electrolyte resistance, while suppressing the decomposition of LiPF6 and facilitating the formation of a S‐containing, more passivating, thinner and uniform CEI layer on Li−NMC811, despite the usage of a high upper cut‐off potential of 4.5 V (vs. Li/Li+). Compared with conventional EC‐based electrolyte, the sulfone‐based electrolyte results in notably suppressed rise in impedance and improved cyclic‐stability, with capacity retentions of ~87 % (vs. ~78 % for EC‐based electrolyte) after 50 cycles @ C/10 at room temperature (going up to 4.5 V). Even at 45 °C, the sulfone‐based electrolyte results in significantly higher initial Coulombic efficiency (viz., >80 % vs. ~40 %), higher reversible capacity (~230 mAh/g vs. ~178 mAh/g) and superior cyclic stability (~74 % vs. ~46 % retention after 50 cycles @ C/10); thus, revealing its superiority for usage at elevated temperature.
Flaring of Protruding Coronary Stents Before Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement to Minimize Interaction—A Feasibility Study
Authors: Fang Jonathan X. , Engel Gonzalez Pedro , Villablanca Pedro A. , Frisoli Tiberio M. , Kamel‐Abusalha Louie B. , Lee James C. , Giustino Gennaro , Wang Dee Dee , O'Neill William W. , O'Neill Brian P.
Published: January 2025

Background

Protruding coronary artery stents can adversely affect transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) procedure. Current evidence on the topic is limited.

Aims

We aim to study the clinical feasibility and safety of flaring of protruding coronary artery stents before TAVR to reduce interaction with transcatheter heart valves.

Methods

Twenty consecutive patients with 22 protruding coronary stents were optimized with a dual‐diameter balloon before TAVR. Procedural success, stent and valve geometry on angiogram, periprocedural and subsequent clinical outcomes as well as valve hemodynamics on echocardiography were evaluated.

Results

Procedural success was achieved in 100% of coronary procedure and TAVR without any major complication directly related to the flaring of stents. There was no coronary artery obstruction after TAVR or visible stent or valve deformity. All valves had normal hemodynamics immediately post‐deployment with none having clinically significant aortic insufficiency. One patient had inpatient mortality unrelated to coronary stent optimization. One valve had hemodynamic valve degeneration on follow‐up which was unrelated to coronary stent flaring and the patient was asymptomatic.

Conclusion

Flaring of protruding coronary stents before TAVR is technically feasible and safe and can potentially minimize stent‐valve interaction for during of after TAVR.
Recent Applications of Pillararene‐Inspired Water‐Soluble Hosts
Authors: Zhu Yujie , Gao Ya , Rebek Julius , Yu Yang
Published: January 2025

Pillararenes and their derivatives have emerged in supramolecular chemistry as unique macrocycles for applications in host–guest chemistry, materials science and biomimetics. Many variations have been conceived and synthesized in recent years and in this review, we relate progress in water‐soluble versions: leaning towerarenes, extended‐pillararenes, biphenarenes, helicarenes and octopusarenes. These are applied in targeted drug delivery, selective uptake and release of aromatic guests, fabrication of gold/silver and mesoporous silica nanoparticles, cell imaging, pollutant separation, biomedicine (e. g. biofilm disruptors, taste masking containers, neuromuscular blockers, antidotes for macromolecular biotoxin) and enantioselective recognition. It is intended that this review will be helpful for research in synthetic macrocyclic chemistry and supramolecular functional systems, leading to practical applications in various research areas.
Cost‐of‐illness analysis of chronic urticaria clinical management in five countries of Latin America
Authors: Sánchez Jorge , Álvarez Leidy , Larco José Ignacio , Ensina Luis , Guidos‐Fogelbach Guillermo , Reyes‐López Cesar A. , Ramon German D. , Robles‐Velasco Karla , Cherrez‐Ojeda Ivan
Published: January 2025

Introduction

Chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) is a disease with a high impact on the quality of life of patients. There are some evaluations of the economic cost of the disease in developed countries, but there is little information about the economic cost of the disease in developing countries. Our aim was to assess the economic diagnostic and therapeutic expenses of CSU in five Latin American (LA) countries.

Methods

A noninterventional multicenter cross‐sectional study was conducted in five LA countries: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico, and Peru. To determine the frequency of medical interventions as well as clinical and sociodemographic characteristics of CSU patients, questionnaires were administered to patients, primary care physicians, allergists, and dermatologists. In each country, diagnostics and therapeutic expenses were calculated by reviewing medical records, health insurance, and interviews. The main outcome was the yearly economic burden from the healthcare insurance perspective in each country.

Results

According to the projected costs, Brazil had the highest urticaria cost per patient/year (7009.4 USD), followed by Mexico (3695.1 USD), Ecuador (3132.8 USD), Peru (2693.9 USD), and Colombia (2392.8 USD); the cost and the frequency of use of omalizumab and antihistamines explain the total cost differences between countries. Interventions such as medical visits and exams had similar costs between countries and represented less than 10% of total urticaria cost analysis in the five countries.

Conclusion

The cost of the CSU in LA varies widely based on the health insurance coverage, the cost of the therapies, and the frequency of therapies used. Strengthening national health systems, as well as following the recommendations of international guidelines, seems to reduce the cost of CSU and improve the quality of patients.
Routing in Wireless Sensor Networks Using Clustering Through Combining Whale Optimization Algorithm and Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Guoliang , Meng Xianmeng
Published: January 2025

The development of numerous wireless sensor network (WSN) applications has sparked considerable interest in the use of these networks across various fields. These networks, which do not require infrastructure and are self‐organizing, can be rapidly deployed in most locations to collect information about environmental phenomena and transmit it to relevant hubs for appropriate action in emergency situations. Sensor nodes (SNs) in WSNs function as both sensors and relay nodes in relation to one another. As energy in these networks is limited, the nodes are supplied with only a specific amount of power. Because these networks are often located in difficult and remote areas, node batteries cannot be recharged or replaced. As a result, energy conservation is one of the most pressing concerns in these networks. Consequently, this study proposes a novel optimization technique for clustering WSNs, combining the whale optimization method and the genetic algorithm. In this work, information is transferred between cluster heads (CHs) and the sink using a combination of whale optimization and evolutionary algorithms, focusing on reducing intracluster distances and energy consumption in cluster members (CMs), while achieving near‐optimal routing. The implementation results demonstrate that the proposed technique outperforms previous methods in terms of energy consumption, efficiency, delivery rate, and packet transmission latency, considering the evolutionary capabilities of both the whale optimization algorithm and the genetic algorithm.
Effect of Cytoskeletal Linker Protein GAS2L1 on Oligodendrocyte and Myelin Development
Authors: Zou Yanping , Jin Yili , Yang Yuqian , Zhang Liuning , Feng Yuanyu , Long Yu , Xu ZhengTao , He Yuehua , Zheng Wei , Wang Shuming , He Yongxiang , Li Jiong , Li Huiliang , Luo Zhigang , Hu Chun , Xiao Lin
Published: January 2025

Oligodendrocytes (OLs), the myelin‐forming cells of the central nervous system (CNS), develop from OL precursor cells (OPCs) through a complex process involving significant morphological changes that are critically dependent on the dynamic interactions between cytoskeletal networks. Growth arrest‐specific 2‐like protein 1 (GAS2L1) is a cytoskeletal linker protein that mediates the cross‐talk between actin filaments and microtubules. However, its role in OL and myelin development remains unknown. Here, we report that GAS2L1 is expressed in both OPCs and mature OLs, and that overexpression or knockdown of Gas2l1 in cultured OPCs in vitro impaired or enhanced their differentiation, respectively, while both inhibited their proliferation. We generated a Gas2l1

fl/fl
mouse line and found that mice with conditional knockout of Gas2l1 in OL lineage cells (Olig1‐Cre;Gas2l1

fl/fl
, cKO) showed an increased number of mature OLs and enhanced myelination, as well as a reduction in the branching complexity of OPCs. In addition, an alternative mouse line with postnatally induced Gas2l1 ablation specifically in OPCs (Pdfgra‐CreER

T2
;Gas2l1

fl/fl
, iKO) recapitulated the acceleration of OL and myelin development as well as the inhibition of OPC process branching. Furthermore, EdU tracking in Gas2l1 iKO mice in vivo and in their OPC cultures in vitro showed both a reduction in OPC proliferation and an increase in OL maturation. Finally, cultured OPCs from iKO mice showed an increase in filopodia extension. Taken together, our results demonstrate an effect of GAS2L1 on the regulation of OL/myelin development and may provide a novel potential therapeutic target for various diseases involving OL/myelin pathology.
Examining the Impact of Local Constraint Violations on Energy Computations in DFT
Authors: Khanna Vaibhav , Kanungo Bikash , Gavini Vikram , Tewari Ambuj , Zimmerman Paul M.
Published: January 2025

This work examines the impact of locally imposed constraints in Density Functional Theory (DFT). Using a metric referred to as the extent of violation index (EVI), we quantify how well exchange‐correlation functionals adhere to local constraints. Applying EVIs to a diverse set of molecules for GGA functionals reveals constraint violations, particularly for semi‐empirical functionals. We leverage EVIs to explore potential connections between these violations and errors in chemical properties. While no correlation is observed for atomization energies, a significant statistical correlation emerges between EVIs and total energies. Similarly, the analysis of reaction energies suggests weak positive correlations for specific constraints. However, definitive conclusions about error cancellation mechanisms cannot be made at this time. These observations revealed by EVIs may be useful for consideration when designing future generations of semilocal functionals.
Observation of Lossless Topological Bound States from Non‐Hermitian Subspaces
Authors: Li Ze‐Zheng , Ke Shao‐Lin , Ouyang Yang , Yu Feng , Jiang Chuang , Tian Zhen‐Nan , Chen Qi‐Dai
Published: January 2025

Topological phases of matter, with their quantized invariants, offer the potential for disorder‐resistant transport via topological bound states. Contrary to the belief that dissipation disrupts Hermiticity and Zak phase quantization, theoretical and experimental evidence of their persistence in a non‐Hermitian photonic waveguide array is presented. A three‐layer Su‐Schrieffer‐Heeger (SSH) chain is demonstrated, which can be split into a Hermitian SSH subspace and a non‐Hermitian ladder subspace through hidden symmetry. This division allows the SSH subspace to retain its topological properties, resulting in a quantized Zak phase and lossless topological bound states. Additionally, the non‐Hermitian subspace supports coherent transport dynamics, with the phase and intensity of bound states fixed at two extreme SSH layers, confirming the presence of the Hermitian subspace. These findings enhance the understanding of the interplay between non‐Hermiticity and topology and pave the way for coherent topological light transport.
Analytik neu gedacht
Authors: Letzel Thomas , Bieber Stefan
Published: January 2025

Derzeitige Entwicklungen der analytischen Chemie spiegeln das GDCh‐Motto „Rethinking Chemistry“. So eröffnet es neue Sichtweisen, organische Proben mit ungerichteter Massenspektrometrie zu analysieren. Das erfordert aber auch, Arbeitsstrategien zu überdenken und die chemische Ausbildung anzupassen.
Liebe Mitglieder der GDCh …
Authors: Dehnen Stefanie , Kinzel Tom
Published: January 2025

Brief der Präsidentin und des Geschäftsführers
Mehr Unternehmen nutzen KI
Authors: Käfer Katharina
Published: January 2025

Fast doppelt so hoch wie vor drei Jahren ist der Anteil an Unternehmen in Deutschland, die künstliche Intelligenz nutzen; vorrangig für Text und Sprache.
Green and mild approach for carbon fibers recycling from honeycomb sandwich thermoset composite wastes
Authors: Zhao Qi , Chen Junzhen , Yang Guoyu , Wang Shaozhe , Li Yujun , Jiang Jianjun
Published: January 2025

Cross‐linked bismaleimide (BMI) resin is a high‐performance thermoset resin that cannot be remelted and reshaped. Therefore, carbon‐fiber‐reinforced BMI resin (CF/BMI) composites are difficult to recycle. In this study, a green chemical method was employed to recycle aerospace honeycomb sandwich CF/BMI composite structure wastes under mild conditions. The material was first cut into a specific shape, followed by treatment in dichloromethane to separate out the CF/BMI composite laminate, and finally, the laminate was degraded in diethylenetriamine. The BMI polymer was removed from the carbon fiber surface. The degradation degree of the BMI was nearly 100 wt%, and clean carbon fibers with good mechanical properties were recovered. A possible degradation mechanism for the CF/BMI composites was proposed. Moreover, the degradation liquid products were used directly as curing agents for epoxy resin to fabricate new resin materials. Thus, the recyclability of complex structure composite wastes was maximized to achieve minimum waste generation.

Highlights

A mild method was developed for recycling sandwich‐structured composites.

The composite was completely degraded (~100 wt%), recycling high‐value CF.

A degradation mechanism of the thermoset composite was proposed.

Degradation liquid was reused directly with EP to fabricate new materials.

A green recycling process for the composites was established.
Whole Exome Sequencing in a Population of Fetuses With Structural Anomalies
Authors: Burrill Natalie , Schindewolf Erica , Pilchman Lisa , Wright Renee , Crane Haley , Gebb Juliana , Khalek Nahla , Soni Shelly , Paidas Teefey Christina , Oliver Edward R. , Linn Rebecca , Moldenhauer Julie S.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To investigate the exome sequencing (ES) detection rate among fetuses with congenital anomalies and describe the rates in the setting of multiple versus isolated anomalies, perinatal autopsy, and family history of a previously affected child.

Methods

A single‐center retrospective chart review was conducted on 397 anomalous fetuses that underwent ES from May 2012 through December 2023. Medical record review included demographics, imaging, and genetic testing.

Results

The overall ES diagnostic rate was 34.3%. The rate of diagnosis was 31.6% in fetuses with a single anomaly and 42.6% in fetuses with 4 or more major organ systems involved. Of the fetuses with a single anomaly, lymphatic, craniofacial, skeletal, and neurological anomalies had the highest diagnostic rate on ES. 38.6% of deceased fetuses who underwent autopsy had a genetic diagnosis. Additionally, families who had a previously affected child had a 45.5% diagnostic rate.

Conclusions

ES is an important tool that should be offered in pregnancies affected with congenital abnormalities or at the time of fetal demise or termination. The diagnostic rate of ES in the prenatal setting is also highly dependent on comprehensive phenotyping. With diagnostic ES results, reproductive technology and testing options are available in subsequent pregnancies.
Helmholtz liest Goethe: Erkenntnisse der Kunst
Authors: Specht Benjamin
Published: January 2025

An Goethes Dichtung zeigt sich laut Helmholtz: Wissenschaft und Kunst basieren auf ähnlichen geistigen Prozessen und bilden zwei komplementäre Möglichkeiten, neues Wissen zu entdecken.
Differences in Pulmonary Artery Flow Hemodynamics Between PAH and PH‐HFpEF: Insights From 4D‐Flow CMR
Authors: Kim Bong‐Joon , Lee Jeesoo , Berhane Haben , Freed Benjamin H. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Thomas James D.
Published: January 2025

Pulmonary artery (PA) flow analysis is crucial for understanding the progression of pulmonary hypertension (PH). We hypothesized that PA flow characteristics vary according to PH etiology. In this study, we used 4D flow cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) to compare PA flow velocity and wall shear stress (WSS) between patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and those with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension (PH‐HFpEF). We enrolled 13 PAH and 15 PH‐HFpEF patients. All participants underwent echocardiography, 4D flow CMR, and right heart catheterization. We compared right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) flow and main pulmonary artery (MPA) hemodynamics, including peak velocity and mean and maximum WSS, between groups. PH‐HFpEF patients were older and more likely to have hypertension. PAH patients had higher mean PA pressure (47.8 ± 8.8 vs. 32.9 ± 6.9 mmHg, p < 0.001) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) (8.6 ± 4.6 vs. 2.6 ± 2.2 wood unit, p < 0.001). RVOT systolic notching was more common in PAH patients (8 of 13 vs. 0 of 15), and they had shorter RVOT acceleration time (85.5 ± 20.9 vs. 135.0 ± 21.7 ms, p < 0.001). PAH patients had lower MPA Vmax (0.8 ± 0.2 vs. 1.1 ± 0.4 m/s, p = 0.032), mean WSS (0.29 ± 0.09 vs. 0.36 ± 0.06 Pa, p = 0.035), and maximal WSS (0.99 ± 0.18 vs. 1.21 ± 0.19 Pa, p = 0.011). Anterior MPA analysis confirmed lower WSS in PAH patients. PVR was negatively correlated with MPA mean WSS (r = −0.630, p = 0.002). PAH patients had lower MPA Vmax and lower mean MPA WSS in 4D flow CMR compared to PH‐HFpEF patients. These distinct PA flow characteristics suggest that the flow hemodynamics of the PA remodeling process differ depending on the underlying etiology of PH.
Improved weather predictions through data assimilation for GFDL SHiELD
Authors: Tong Mingjing , Zhou Linjiong , Gao Kun , Harris Lucas , Kaltenbaugh Alex , Chen Xi , Xiang Baoqiang
Published: January 2025

The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory (GFDL)'s System for High‐resolution prediction on Earth‐to‐Local Domains (SHiELD) model typically uses the National Centers for Environmental Prediction (NCEP) Global Forecast System (GFS) analysis to initialize its medium‐range forecasts. A data assimilation (DA) system has been implemented for the global SHiELD to demonstrate the prediction skills of the model initialized from its own analysis. The DA system leverages the advanced DA techniques used in GFS and assimilates all the observations assimilated in GFS. Compared to the forecasts initialized from GFS analysis, SHiELD forecast skills are significantly improved by using its own analysis. Remarkable improvement is found in the southern hemisphere with positive impact lasting up to 10 days. The DA system is useful in identifying and understanding model errors. The most noticeable model error detected by the DA system originates from the turbulent kinetic energy (TKE)‐based moist eddy‐diffusivity mass‐flux vertical turbulent mixing (TKE‐EDMF) scheme. The model error leads to insufficient ensemble spread. Including two versions of the TKE‐EDMF scheme in the ensemble helps increase ensemble spread, further improves forecast skills and alleviate the systematic errors in marine stratocumulus regions. Applying interchannel correlated observation errors for Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI) and Cross‐track Infrared Sounder (CrIS) also reduces the systematic errors and improves the forecast skill up to day 5. Further investigation of the forecast errors reveals that the ensemble spread is largely affected by the parameterization of eddy diffusivity through its impact on the gradient of the model state. The systematic forecast errors in marine stratocumulus regions are associated with the vertical location of the stratocumulus cloud, which is sensitive to model vertical resolution within the cloud layer. Enhancing eddy diffusion within the cloud or near cloud top elevates cloud top but reduces cloud amount.
“Cation‐Recognition” Effect of 2D Nanochannels in Graphene Oxide Membranes Intercalated with Ionic Liquid for High Desalination Performance
Authors: Yang Rujie , Liang Zhuolin , Wu Baolong , Di Yingjie , Lin Yuqing , Wu Shujin , Liu Quan , Liang Shanshan
Published: January 2025

Water and ion transport in nanochannels is crucial for membrane‐based technology in biological systems. 2D materials, especially graphene oxide (GO), the most frequently used as the starting material, are ideal building blocks for developing synthetic membranes. However, the selective exclusion of small ions while maintaining in a pressured filtration process remains a challenge for GO membranes. Herein, a novel “cation‐recognition” effect is introduced within the nanochannels of reduced GO (rGO) membranes modified by ionic liquids (IL) to enhance the desalination performance. The resulting IL‐intercalated rGO (IL‐rGO) membranes exhibit remarkable stability even under prolonged exposure to acidic and basic conditions, without damage or delamination and maintain approximately ultrahigh water permeance (≈32.0 L m−2 h−1 bar−1) and high Na2SO4 rejection. The density functional theory calculations revealed that IL‐rGO nanochannels exhibited different exclusion effects on cations (Na+ and /or K+) and the attraction effect on water molecules, which led to the “cation‐recognition” effect. Overall, this work provides a theoretical framework in sub‐nanochannels for developing advanced 2D nanochannels to address the critical challenge of freshwater scarcity.
Electrochemical Migration of Zincophilic Metals for Stress Mitigation and Uniform Zinc Deposition in Aqueous Zinc‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Zhenyu , Bao Lixia , Qu Shuangquan , Dong Weikang , Wu Jiayang , Cao Xinting , Wu Ziqi , Yang Wen , Liu Tiansheng , Hua Ze , Li Rujiang , Shao Ruiwen
Published: January 2025

The propensity of zinc (Zn) to form irregular electrodeposits at liquid‐solid interfaces emerges as a fundamental barrier to high‐energy, rechargeable batteries that use zinc anodes. So far, tremendous efforts are devoted to tailoring interfaces, while atomic‐scale reaction mechanisms and the related nanoscale strain at the electrochemical interface receive less attention. Here, the underlying atomic‐scale reaction mechanisms and the associated nanoscale strain at the electrochemical alloy interface are investigate, using gold‐zinc alloy protective layer as a model system. Leveraging multiscale spatial resolution imaging techniques, it is observed that gold element migration occurs universally at liquid‐solid interfaces and plays a pivotal role during the galvanic process. Gold (Au) migrates from the gold‐zinc alloy layer to the surface, where it accumulates at the interface. The remaining gold‐zinc alloy layer forms a porous microstructure while maintaining its interlayer position, leading to strain relaxation during zinc plating. This zincophilic interlayer effectively promotes uniform zinc nucleation while simultaneously enhancing the wettability of the electrodes in the aqueous electrolyte. Consequently, this modification strategy improves the cycling stability of zinc batteries. These findings significantly advance the fundamental understanding of the micro‐reaction mechanisms at the zinc anode interface.
Resolution of selective fetal growth restriction after laser surgery for twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome can be predicted by predisease growth discordance
Authors: Uribe K. A. , Birk A. , Shantz C. , Miller J. L. , Kush M. L. , Olson S. , Voegtline K. E. , Baschat A. A. , Rosner M.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To determine if the resolution of fetal growth discordance after laser surgery in pregnancies with twin‐to‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) and coexisting selective fetal growth restriction (sFGR) can be predicted by estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance recorded prior to the development of TTTS (pre‐TTTS).

Methods

This was a single‐center, retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on monochorionic twins with concurrent TTTS and sFGR that underwent laser surgery and had available growth ultrasound records from a pre‐TTTS ultrasound evaluation. Maternal demographics, pregnancy characteristics and birth outcomes were compared between three outcome groups: double twin survival with resolved sFGR determined by birth weight discordance (BWD) < 20%; double twin survival with ongoing sFGR determined by BWD ≥ 20%; and single or double fetal demise after laser surgery. One‐way analysis of variance or the Kruskal–Wallis test was used for continuous variables. The chi‐square test or Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed based on univariate associations.

Results

Ninety‐seven patients with TTTS and concurrent sFGR underwent same‐ or next‐day laser surgery after a TTTS staging ultrasound at a median gestational age of 19.4 (interquartile range (IQR), 18.0–22.3) weeks, with a median EFW discordance of 28.8% (IQR, 22.9–34.0%). At delivery, 34 (35.1%) patients had resolved sFGR with a median BWD of 7.7% (IQR, 3.5–13.0%), 34 (35.1%) had ongoing sFGR with a median BWD of 30.6% (IQR, 24.4–43.9%) and 29 (29.9%) had a single or double fetal demise. Although some characteristics available at the time of TTTS diagnosis, such as the donor umbilical artery end‐diastolic velocity (P = 0.0087) and donor umbilical artery pulsatility index (P = 0.0061), also correlated with growth outcome, multivariate logistic regression analysis identified EFW discordance at the pre‐TTTS ultrasound as the primary determinant of the odds of resolved growth discordance at birth (P = 0.0063).

Conclusions

In patients undergoing laser surgery for TTTS with coexisting sFGR, a history of concordant growth at the pre‐TTTS scan prior to the development of TTTS was associated with the resolution of fetal growth discordance at birth. These findings suggest that TTTS pathophysiology can contribute to growth discordance noted at the time of TTTS diagnosis. © 2025 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Algebraic classification of Hietarinta’s solutions of Yang-Baxter equations: invertible 4 × 4 operators
Authors: Maity Somnath , Singh Vivek Kumar , Padmanabhan Pramod , Korepin Vladimir
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In order to examine the simulation of integrable quantum systems using quantum computers, it is crucial to first classify Yang-Baxter operators. Hietarinta was among the first to classify constant Yang-Baxter solutions for a two-dimensional local Hilbert space (qubit representation). Including the one produced by the permutation operator, he was able to construct eleven families of invertible solutions. These techniques are effective for 4 by 4 solutions, but they become difficult to use for representations with more dimensions. To get over this limitation, we use algebraic ansätze to generate the constant Yang-Baxter solutions in a representation independent way. We employ four distinct algebraic structures that, depending on the qubit representation, replicate 10 of the 11 Hietarinta families. Among the techniques are partition algebras, Clifford algebras, Temperley-Lieb algebras, and a collection of commuting operators. Using these techniques, we do not obtain the (2, 2) Hietarinta class.
Vacuum energy density from the form factor bootstrap
Authors: LeClair André
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The form-factor bootstrap is incomplete until one normalizes the zero-particle form factor. For the stress energy tensor we describe how to obtain the vacuum energy density ρvac, defined as 〈0|Tμν|0〉 = ρvac gμν, from the form-factor bootstrap. Even for integrable QFT’s in D=2 spacetime dimensions, this prescription is new, although it reproduces previously known results obtained in a different and more difficult thermodynamic Bethe ansatz computation. We propose a version of this prescription in D=4 dimensions. For these even dimensions, the vacuum energy density has the universal form $$ {\rho}_{\textrm{vac}}\propto {m}^D/\mathfrak{g} $$

ρ
vac

∝

m
D

/
g
where $$ \mathfrak{g} $$
g
is a dimensionless interaction coupling constant which can be determined from the high energy behavior of the S-matrix. In the limit $$ \mathfrak{g}\to 0 $$
g
→
0
, ρvac diverges due to well understood UV divergences in free quantum field theories. If we assume the observed Cosmological Constant originates from the vacuum energy density ρvac computed as proposed here, then this suggests there must exist a particle which does not obtain its mass from spontaneous symmetry breaking in the electro-weak sector, which we designate as the “zeron”. A strong candidate for the zeron is a massive Majorana neutrino.
Species scale, worldsheet CFTs and emergent geometry
Authors: Aoufia Christian , Basile Ivano , Leone Giorgio
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We study infinite-distance limits in the moduli space of perturbative string vacua. The remarkable interplay of string dualities seems to determine a highly non-trivial dichotomy, summarized by the emergent string conjecture, by which in some duality frame either internal dimensions decompactify or a unique critical string becomes tensionless. We investigate whether this pattern persists in potentially non-geometric settings, showing that (a proxy for) the cutoff of the gravitational effective field theory in perturbative type II vacua extracted from a graviton scattering amplitude vanishes if and only if a light tower of states appears. Moreover, under some technical assumptions on the spectrum of conformal weights, the cutoff scales with the spectral gap of the internal conformal field theory in the same manner as in decompactification or emergent string limits, regardless of supersymmetry or whether the internal sector is geometric. As a byproduct, we elucidate the role of the species scale in (de)compactifications and show compatibility between effective field theory and worldsheet approaches in geometric settings with curvature.
How can the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfcFTA) help develop regional value chains across Africa? An exploration
Authors: de Melo Jaime , Solleder Jean-Marc
Published: January 2025

All African countries participate in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to boost intra-African trade to accelerate structural transformation. At the same time, increasing geopolitical tensions around the world are pressuring countries to ‘reshore’ by retreating from engagement in Global Value Chains (GVCs) towards Regional Value Chains (RVCs). High values for RVC indices would indicate that African exports have a high import content of intermediates originating in Africa and that exports destined to other African countries undergo further processing, an indication of structural transformation. The paper uses the EORA Multi-regional Input–Output (MRIO) data over 1995–2022 to present new, more comprehensive measures of participation in supply chains at several levels: across countries, regions, and sectors. Comparisons are with countries (e.g. China or India) and aggregates of countries (e.g. Europe, Americas, Asia) engaged in deep market integration. Measures for 50 African countries are compared with those for other regions. On average, African exports have a low content of imported intermediates and undergo further transformation in importing countries before reaching final consumers. Compared with other regions, African countries mostly engage in supply chain trade with countries outside Africa, displaying low values of RVC indices. In sum, compared to other regions, African Regional Economic Communities (RECs) and other regional trade agreements across the continent have failed to launch intra-African trade. The paper then explores the determinants of participation in supply chains. At the world level, from 1995 to 2022, geography factors and policy-related instruments like openness (captured by tariffs) and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) stimulate GVC trade. For Africa, low tariffs and FDI are positively associated with regional supply chain activity, an indication that AfCFTA implementation should stimulate intra-African trade.
Use of defatted cottonseed-derived biochar for biodiesel production: a closed-loop approach
Authors: Park Gyeongnam , Park Jonghyun , Kim Jee Young , Lee Doyeon , Kwon Eilhann E.
Published: January 2025

This study aimed to enhance the economic viability and sustainability of the cotton industry by converting cottonseed into energy. Cottonseed was subjected to lipid extraction for biodiesel production, and a pyrolysis test was conducted under N2 and CO2 conditions to valorise defatted cottonseed. Under CO2 conditions, the increase in CO concentration was due to homogeneous reaction of CO2 with volatile matters. Biochar, a pyrolytic product of defatted cottonseed, was used as a catalyst for thermally induced transesterification, and showed high performance in biodiesel conversion efficiency due to its abundant alkaline earth metals and meso-/macro-pores. For example, transesterification using silica at 250 ˚C yielded only 1.6 wt.% biodiesel, whereas using biochar at the same temperature resulted in a significantly higher biodiesel yield of 83.5 wt.%. This study experimentally proved that 7,900 tons (304 million MJ) of biodiesel could be produced annually, surpassing the diesel fuel requirement (145 million MJ) for cotton cultivation. These results indicate the potential to fully replace fossil fuels in the cotton industry.

Graphical Abstract
Therapeutic gene correction of HBB frameshift CD41-42 (-TCTT) deletion in human hematopoietic stem cells
Authors: Liu Qianyi , Li Xinyu , Xu Hui , Luo Ying , Cheng Lin , Liang Junbin , He Yuelin , Liu Haiying , Fang Jianpei , Huang Junjiu
Published: January 2025

Β-thalassemia is one of the global health burdens. The CD41-42 (-TCTT) mutation at HBB is the most prevalent pathogenic mutation of β-thalassemia in both China and Southeast Asia. Previous studies focused on repairing the HBB CD41-42 (-TCTT) mutation in β-thalassemia patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells, which were subsequently differentiated into hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) for transplantation. In this study, we directly applied the CRISPR/Cas9-based gene editing therapy to correct the HBB CD41-42 (-TCTT) mutation in patient-derived HSPCs. The effective editing induced by Cas9:sgRNA ribonucleoprotein and single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODNs) was confirmed in HUDEP-2 cell lines harboring the HBB CD41-42 (-TCTT) mutation. Further correction of heterozygote and homozygote HBB CD41-42 (-TCTT) mutations in patient-derived HSPCs resulted in a 13.4–40.8% increase in the proportion of HBB-expressing (HBB +) cells following erythroid differentiation in vitro. At 16 weeks post-xenotransplantation of the edited HSPCs into coisogenic immunodeficient mice, the reparation efficiency in engrafted bone marrow was 17.21% ± 3.66%. Multiparameter flow cytometric analysis of the engrafted bone marrow showed an increase in the percentage of HBB + cells without impairing the ability of engraftment, self-renewal, and multilineage hematopoietic repopulation of HSPCs. For the safety evaluation, 103 potential off-target sites were predicted by SITE-seq and CRISPOR, with one site displaying significant off-target editing. Since this off-target site is located in the intergenic region, it is presumed to pose minimal risk. Taken together, our study provides critical preclinical data supporting the safety and efficacy of the gene therapy approach for HBB CD41-42 (-TCTT) mutation.
Thermodynamic Assessment of the Causes of the Death of the People Under the Debris in an Earthquake
Authors: Aslan Gülnihal , Olgun Hande , Yavuz Yavuz , Yılmaz Bayram , Özilgen Mustafa
Published: January 2025

Mortality rate of the crush victims in the Marmara earthquake of August 1999 was compared with the conclusions arrived after making thermodynamic assessment of the data acquired in the previous earthquakes. Entropic age concept was found very helpful while assessing the data. Mortality rate in the age group of 0-9 years old crush victims was 0 because the basal metabolic rate (BMR) of these children was low. The earthquake happened at 3:03 a.m. in the morning and it was probably at the coldest time of the day; therefore, the victims were losing sufficient heat to avoid hyperpraxia, where body temperature reaches to 40°C or above. As the population and the age of the victims increase more people died and the survival rate decreased. The highest mortality rate was in the 60+ age group. According to the entropic age concept, these group of victims had already accumulated a lot of entropy (e.g., heath problems) in their bodies in previous stages of their lives; therefore, they were more prone to death.
The Level of Trauma and Hopelessness of Survivor Nursing Students of the February 6, 2023, Kahramanmaraş Earthquakes: The Case of Türkiye
Authors: Aytaç Sema , Ovayolu Özlem , Serçe Sibel
Published: January 2025

Objectives

To assess the post-earthquake trauma and hopelessness levels of nursing students due to the earthquakes that occurred on February 6, 2023.

Methods

This study was conducted between April and May 2023 in the Nursing Department in a province located in Southeastern Türkiye using the face-to-face interview technique. The study was completed with 276 students in line with the power analysis. The data were collected using a questionnaire, the Scale that Determines the Level of Post-Earthquake Trauma (SDLPET), and the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS).

Results

The mean SDLPET and BHS scores of the students were 55.45±13.58 and 9.38±4.53, respectively. Some 12.3% of the nursing students lost their friends due to the earthquake, 80.4% did not receive any earthquake training, 46% needed psychological support, 48.6% needed financial support, 49.6% needed social support, 37% had sleep problems, 72.8% experienced hopelessness, and the quality of life of 67.8% of the students was negatively affected due to the hopelessness they experienced.

Conclusions

It was found that the level of post-earthquake trauma and hopelessness of the students was moderate, and a positive and significant correlation was found between trauma and hopelessness scores.
Energy mapping of existing building stock in Cambridge using energy performance certificates and thermal infrared imagery
Authors: He Yinglong , Pan Jiayu , Debnath Ramit , Bardhan Ronita , Cullen Luke , Jenkins Marco Gomez , Mackie Erik , Hawker George , Parry Ian
Published: January 2025

Both energy performance certificates (EPCs) and thermal infrared (TIR) images play key roles in mapping the energy performance of the urban building stock. In this paper, we developed parametric building archetypes using an EPC database and conducted temperature clustering on TIR images acquired from drones and satellite datasets. We evaluated 1,725 EPCs of existing building stock in Cambridge, UK, to generate energy consumption profiles. Drone-based TIR images of individual buildings in two Cambridge University colleges were processed using a machine learning pipeline for thermal anomaly detection and investigated the influence of two specific factors that affect the reliability of TIR for energy management applications: ground sample distance (GSD) and angle of view (AOV). The EPC results suggest that the construction year of the buildings influences their energy consumption. For example, modern buildings were over 30% more energy-efficient than older ones. In parallel, older buildings were found to show almost double the energy savings potential through retrofitting compared to newly constructed buildings. TIR imaging results showed that thermal anomalies can only be properly identified in images with a GSD of 1 m/pixel or less. A GSD of 1-6 m/pixel can detect hot areas of building surfaces. We found that a GSD > 6 m/pixel cannot characterize individual buildings but does help identify urban heat island effects. Additional sensitivity analysis showed that building thermal anomaly detection is more sensitive to AOV than to GSD. Our study informs newer approaches to building energy diagnostics using thermography and supports decision-making for large-scale retrofitting.
Mapping housing stock characteristics from drone images for climate resilience in the Caribbean
Authors: Tingzon Isabelle , Cowan Nuala Margaret , Chrzanowski Pierre
Published: January 2025

Comprehensive housing stock information is crucial for informing the development of climate resilience strategies aiming to reduce the adverse impacts of extreme climate hazards in high-risk regions like the Caribbean. In this study, we propose an end-to-end workflow for rapidly generating critical baseline exposure data using very high-resolution drone imagery and deep learning techniques. Specifically, our work leverages the segment anything model (SAM) and convolutional neural networks (CNNs) to automate the generation of building footprints and roof classification maps. We evaluate the cross-country generalizability of the CNN models to determine how well models trained in one geographical context can be adapted to another. Finally, we discuss our initiatives for training and upskilling government staff, community mappers, and disaster responders in the use of geospatial technologies. Our work emphasizes the importance of local capacity building in the adoption of AI and Earth Observation for climate resilience in the Caribbean.