Structural Basis of Ultralow Capacitances at Metal-Nonaqueous Solution Interfaces.

Metal-nonaqueous solution interfaces, a key to many electrochemical technologies, including lithium metal batteries, are much less understood than their aqueous counterparts. Herein, on several metal-nonaqueous solution interfaces, we observe capacitances that are 2 orders of magnitude lower than the usual double-layer capacitance. Combining electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and physical modeling, we ascribe the ultralow capacitance to an interfacial layer of 10-100 nm above the metal surface.

Localized Nanopore Fabrication in Silicon Nitride Membranes by Femtosecond Laser Exposure and Subsequent Controlled Breakdown.

Controlled breakdown has emerged as an effective method for fabricating solid-state nanopores in thin suspended dielectric membranes for various biomolecular sensing applications. On an unpatterned membrane, the site of nanopore formation by controlled breakdown is random. Nanopore formation on a specific site on the membrane has previously been realized using local thinning of the membrane by lithographic processes or laser-assisted photothermal etching under immersion in an aqueous salt solution.

Structure Protects Function: A Multilevel Engineered Surface Modification Renders the Surface of Titanium Dental Implants Resistant to Bacterial Colonization.

The global dental implant market is projected to reach $9.5 billion by 2032, growing at a 6.5% compound annual growth rate due to the rising prevalence of dental diseases.

Occurrence and clinical correlates of SARS-CoV-2 viremia in two German patient cohorts.

Viremia defined as detectable SARS-CoV-2 RNA in the blood is a potential marker of disease severity and prognosis in COVID-19 patients. Here, we determined the frequency of viremia in serum of two independent COVID-19 patient cohorts within the German National Pandemic Cohort Network (German: tionales andemie horten etzwerk, NAPKON) with diagnostic RT-PCR against SARS-CoV-2. A cross-sectional cohort with 1,122 COVID-19 patients (German: , SUEP) and 299 patients recruited in a high-resolution platform with patients at high risk to develop severe courses (German: , HAP) were tested for viremia.

Early-life adversity as a predictor of fibromyalgia syndrome: the central role of perceived stress over endocrine stress indicators.

This study investigates the associations between early childhood adversities, stress perception, and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS). Although the interconnection between dysregulated stress systems and FMS is well documented, the interconnection between early adversities and FMS remains less understood. This study explores the relationship of early-life stress and FMS by examining its mediation through perceived stress, and acute and chronic endocrine stress indicators.

SwarmMAP: Swarm Learning for Decentralized Cell Type Annotation in Single Cell Sequencing Data.

Rapid technological advancements have made it possible to generate single-cell data at a large scale. Several laboratories around the world can now generate single-cell transcriptomic data from different tissues. Unsupervised clustering, followed by annotation of the cell type of the identified clusters, is a crucial step in single-cell analyses.

FOXP2-immunoreactive corticothalamic neurons in neocortical layers 6a and 6b are tightly regulated by neuromodulatory systems.

The / gene, linked to fine motor control in vertebrates, is a potential candidate gene thought to play a prominent role in human language production. It is expressed specifically in a subset of corticothalamic (CT) pyramidal cells (PCs) in layer 6 (L6) of the neocortex. These L6 FOXP2+ PCs project exclusively to the thalamus, with L6a PCs targeting first-order or both first- and higher-order thalamic nuclei, whereas L6b PCs connect only to higher-order nuclei.

Proton pump inhibitors and all-cause mortality risk among cancer patients.

Background: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are widely used, including among cancer patients, to manage gastroesophageal reflux and other gastric acid-related disorders. Recent evidence suggests associations between long-term PPI use and higher risks for various adverse health outcomes, including greater mortality.

Aim: To investigate the association between PPI use and all-cause mortality among cancer patients by a comprehensive analysis after adjustment for various confounders and a robust methodological approach to minimize bias.

Musicians and researchers: two creative professions striving to improve heart health through music.

Musicians and researchers are creative professions that share many similarities. They both aim to bring joy and progress to humanity. In recent decades, it has been shown that music has the ability to alleviate pain, improve heart function, reduce anxiety, and stimulate the release of endogenous opioids in the brain.

Effectiveness of Adjuvant Chemo- and Radiotherapy in Thymic Carcinoma Stage II: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Background: Thymic carcinoma is a rare tumor arising from the epithelial thymic tissue, yet among mediastinal tumors, it is the most common malignant entity. Thymic carcinoma often causes no symptoms and is incidentally discovered. Adjuvant radiotherapy is recommended, particularly in cases of incomplete resection and for stages III and IV, based on current guidelines and existing literature.

Global impact of 10- and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccines on pneumococcal meningitis in all ages: the PSERENADE project.

Background: Pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCVs) introduced in childhood national immunization programs lowered vaccine-type invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD), but replacement with non-vaccine-types persisted throughout the PCV10/13 follow-up period. We assessed PCV10/13 impact on pneumococcal meningitis incidence globally.

Methods: The number of cases with serotyped pneumococci detected in cerebrospinal fluid and population denominators were obtained from surveillance sites globally.

Development of an Analytical Model for Predicting the Shear Viscosity of Polypropylene Compounds.

The need for an efficient adaptation of existing polypropylene (PP) formulations or the creation of new formulations has become increasingly important in various industries. Variations in viscosity resulting from changes in raw materials, fillers, and additives can have a significant impact on the processing and quality of PP products. This study presents the development of an analytical model designed to predict the shear viscosity of complex PP blends.

Determination of Vibration Properties and Reliable Frequency Estimation for Synchronous Vibrations Through Improved Blade Tip Timing Techniques Without a Once-per-Revolution Sensor.

Synchronous vibrations, which are caused by periodic excitations, can have a severe impact on the service life of impellers. Blade Tip Timing (BTT) is a promising technique for monitoring synchronous vibrations due to its non-intrusive nature and ability to monitor all blades at once. BTT generally employs a Once-per-Revolution (OPR) sensor that is mounted on the shaft for blade identification and deflection calculation.

The Multifactorial Burden of Endometriosis: Predictors of Quality of Life.

: Endometriosis is a chronic gynecological disorder characterized by ectopic endometrial-like tissue. The symptoms of this disease negatively affect the patient's quality of life, both physically and mentally. This study aims to identify key factors impacting health-related quality of life in endometriosis patients.

Spectroscopic and Morphological Examination of CoRMoO (R = Ho, Yb, Gd) Obtained by Glycine Nitrate Procedure.

The glycine nitrate procedure (GNP) is a method that proved to be the easiest and most effective method for controlling the composition and morphology during the synthesis of CoRMoO (R = Ho, Yb, Gd). This method of the combustion process achieves control of stoichiometry, homogeneity, and purity. Metal nitrates and glycine were mixed in the appropriate stoichiometric ratios to produce CoRMoO (R = Ho, Yb, Gd).

Microstructure, Hardness, and Wear Behavior of Layers Obtained by Electric Arc Hardfacing Processes.

Hardfacing is a welding-related technique aimed at depositing a harder and tougher layer onto a softer, less wear-resistant substrate or base metal. This process enhances the abrasion resistance of the component, increasing its durability under working conditions. A key feature of hardfacing is dilution, which refers to the mixing of the hardfacing layer and the base metal.

Metabolic Activity in Human Intermuscular Adipose Tissue Directs the Response of Resident PPARγ Macrophages to Fatty Acids.

: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a fatty acid-binding transcription activator of the adipokine chemerin. The key role of PPARγ in adipogenesis was established by reports on adipose tissue-resident macrophages that express PPARγ. The present study examined PPARγ macrophages in human skeletal muscle tissues, their response to fatty acid (FA) species, and their correlations with age, obesity, adipokine expression, and an abundance of other macrophage phenotypes.

Comparison of statistical evaluation approaches for log-removal validation according to European water reuse regulations.

In 2020, the European Union published ordinance EU 2020/741, establishing minimum requirements for water reuse in agriculture. The ordinance differentiates between several water quality classes. For the highest water quality class (Class A), the ordinance mandates analytical validation of the treatment performance of new water reuse treatment plants (WRTP) related to the removal of microbial indicators for viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens.

Synergizing bioprinting and 3D cell culture to enhance tissue formation in printed synthetic constructs.

Bioprinting is currently the most promising method to biofabricate complex tissues in vitro with the potential to transform the future of organ transplantation and drug discovery. Efforts to create such tissues are, however, almost exclusively based on animal-derived materials, like gelatin methacryloyl, which have demonstrated efficacy in bioprinting of complex tissues. While these materials are already used in clinical applications, uncertainty about their safety still remains due to their animal origin.

Innovative Method for Reliable Measurement of PEM Water Electrolyzer Component Resistances.

Understanding the sheet resistance of porous electrodes is essential for improving the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) water electrolyzers and related technologies. Despite its importance, existing methods often fail to provide reliable and comprehensive data, especially for porous materials with complex morphologies and non-uniform thicknesses. This study introduces a robust and straightforward method for determining the sheet resistance of porous electrodes using a novel probe concept based on industrial printed circuit board (PCB) technology.

Effects of osteosynthesis of the bony thorax in the context of polytrauma compared to conservative treatment: a systematic review.

Purpose: Osteosynthesis seems to have effects regarding clinical outcomes in trauma patients. However, current knowledge on chest wall osteosynthesis in polytrauma patients is insufficient, leaving its potential unanswered. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review is to assess the safety and effects of chest wall osteosynthesis compared to conservative treatment on clinical outcomes in adult polytrauma patients.

Grain-Boundary Corrosion in UO from a Defect Chemical Perspective: A Case Study of the Σ5(310)[001] Grain Boundary.

We combine atomistic and continuum simulation methods to study the defect chemistry of a model grain boundary in UO. Using atomistic methods, we calculate the formation energies of oxygen interstitials, uranium vacancies, and hole polarons (U ions) across the Σ5(310)[001] symmetric tilt grain boundary. This information is then used as input in a continuum model of point-defect concentrations at the grain boundary and in its vicinity, taking into account electrostatic (space-charge) effects.

Ductilization of 2.6-GPa alloys via short-range ordered interfaces and supranano precipitates.

Higher strength and higher ductility are desirable for structural materials. However, ultrastrong alloys inevitably show decreased strain-hardening capacity, limiting their uniform elongation. We present a supranano (<10 nanometers) and short-range ordering design for grain interiors and grain boundary regions, respectively, in fine-grained alloys based on vanadium, cobalt, and nickel, with additions of tungsten, copper, aluminum, and boron.

Repeatome landscapes and cytogenetics of hortensias provide a framework to trace Hydrangea evolution and domestication.

Background And Aims: Ornamental hortensias are bred from a reservoir of over 200 species in the genus Hydrangea s.l. (Hydrangeaceae), and are valued in gardens, households and landscapes across the globe.

Spatially resolved transcriptomics of benign and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors.

Background: Peripheral nerve sheath tumors (PNSTs) encompass entities with different cellular differentiation and degrees of malignancy. Spatial heterogeneity complicates diagnosis and grading of PNSTs in some cases. In malignant PNST (MPNST) for example, single cell sequencing data has shown dissimilar differentiation states of tumor cells.