bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the multi‐parameters identification of concrete dams: A novel stochastic inverse approach
Authors: Lin Chaoning , Du Xiaohu , Chen Siyu , Li Tongchun , Zhou Xinbo , van Gelder P. H. A. J. M.
Published: August 2024

This paper introduces a novel stochastic inverse method that utilizes perturbation theory and advanced intelligence techniques to solve the multi‐parameter identification problem of concrete dams using displacement field monitoring data. The proposed method considers the uncertainties associated with the dam displacement monitoring data, which are comprised of two distinct sources: the first is related to stochastic mechanical properties of the dam, and the second is due to observation errors. The displacements at different measuring points generated by dam mechanical properties exhibit spatial correlation, while the observation errors at different points can be considered statistically random. In this context, the inversion formulas are derived for unknown stochastic parameters of the dam by combining perturbation equations and Taylor expansion methods. An improved meta‐heuristic optimization method is employed to identify the mean of stochastic parameters, while mathematical and statistical methods are used to determine the variance of stochastic parameters. The feasibility of the proposed method is verified through numerical examples of a typical dam section under different conditions. Additionally, the paper discusses and demonstrates the applicability of this method in a practical dam project. Results indicate that this method can effectively capture the uncertainty of dam's mechanical properties and separates them from observation errors.
One‐dimensional consolidation analysis of layered soil with exponential flow under continuous drainage boundary
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Jia , Zong Mengfan , Wu Wenbing , Cai Siyu , Zong Zhongling , Mei Guoxiong , Wang Chenming
Published: August 2024

To comprehensively consider the influence of boundary conditions, non‐Darcy flow, load forms, and soil stratification on soil consolidation, a one‐dimensional soil consolidation equation is established. By subdividing the soil layer and employing time discretization, the nonlinear consolidation equation is linearized, resulting in an analytical solution for layered soil foundation at any given time. Subsequently, an iterative approach for time solution is employed to obtain a semi‐analytical solution. The correctness of the solution is verified by comparison with solutions based on Darcy's flow and the semi‐analytical method under traditional drainage boundary conditions. Subsequently, the influence of interface parameters, loading conditions, flow index, and other factors on consolidation characteristics is analyzed. The results indicate that higher interface parameter values for continuous drainage boundaries correspond to faster average consolidation rates for stratified soil foundations, while these parameters have little effect on the time required for complete consolidation of the soil layers. Improved boundary drainage performance amplifies the influence of exponential flow on pore water pressure and average consolidation degree. Conversely, poor boundary drainage performance diminishes the impact of exponential flow on soil consolidation, rendering it negligible. Moreover, faster loading rates accentuate the influence of the flow index on the average consolidation degree defined by pore pressure.
Diffusion model based on generalized map for accelerated MRI
Authors: Xiao Zengwei , Lu Yujuan , He Binzhong , Tan Pinhuang , Wang Shanshan , Xu Xiaoling , Liu Qiegen
Published: August 2024

In recent years, diffusion models have made significant progress in accelerating magnetic resonance imaging. Nevertheless, it still has inherent limitations, such as prolonged iteration times and sluggish convergence rates. In this work, we present a novel generalized map generation model based on mean‐reverting SDE, called GM‐SDE, to alleviate these shortcomings. Notably, the core idea of GM‐SDE is optimizing the initial values of the iterative algorithm. Specifically, the training process of GM‐SDE diffuses the original k‐space data to an intermediary degraded state with fixed Gaussian noise, while the reconstruction process generates the data by reversing this process. Based on the generalized map, three variants of GM‐SDE are proposed to learn k‐space data with different structural characteristics to improve the effectiveness of model training. GM‐SDE also exhibits flexibility, as it can be integrated with traditional constraints, thereby further enhancing its overall performance. Experimental results showed that the proposed method can reduce reconstruction time and deliver excellent image reconstruction capabilities compared to the complete diffusion‐based method.
The Influence of Vasopressors on Free Flap Outcomes in Head and Neck Cancer Patients
Authors: Le John Philip , Truong Nguyen , Newland Mary , Lorenz F. Jeffrey , Goyal Neerav
Published: August 2024

Objective

To compare free flap outcomes between those who received and did not receive vasopressors (VPs) at the time of free flap reconstruction.

Study Design

This retrospective cohort study includes patients from January 2013 to January 2023.

Setting

This multicenter cohort study utilized data from the TriNetX Research Network which includes 80 health care organizations.

Methods

Head and neck cancer patients older than 18 years who underwent free flap reconstruction were separated into those who received or did not receive VPs on the day of surgery. The primary outcomes were flap failure defined by need for secondary free flap procedures, blood vessel repair, and other flap revision procedures.

Results

After propensity score matching, 7446 patients were analyzed. The VP group included 3723 patients (mean age [SD], 62.9 [11.4] years; 2511 males [67.4%]). The non‐VP group included 3723 patients (mean age [SD], 63.0 [11.2] years; 2479 males [66.6%]). Free flap outcomes were not statistically different between groups (secondary free flap: 166 [4.5%] VP vs 155 [4.2%] non‐VP, P = .04; vessel repair: 314 [8.4%] vs 319 [8.6%], P = .06; other flap revision procedures: 416 [11.2%] vs 449 [12.1%], P = .02). Bony flaps were found to have decreased rates of vessel repair in the VP group (47 [6.1%] vs 69 [9.0%], P = .003]. For secondary outcomes, pneumonia (173 [4.6%] vs 231 [6.2%], P = .0002), urinary tract infection (34 [1.0%] vs 59 [1.6%], P = .0007), and deep vein thrombosis (93 [2.5%] vs 122 [3.3%], P = .004) were significantly different.

Conclusion

VP use is not significantly associated with free flap complications. These results imply that VP use on the same day as surgery may be safe if clinically necessary.
Addressing the Neck: An NCDB Study of Clinically Node‐Negative Supraglottic Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Barry Elsie , Schmidt Kelly L. , Topf Michael C. , Tassone Patrick
Published: August 2024

Objective

Identify the proportion of patients undergoing elective neck dissection (END) in surgically managed supraglottic squamous cell carcinoma (SCCa), assess associations between patient, tumor, and treatment factors with END, and assess associations between neck management and overall survival (OS).

Study Design

Retrospective study.

Setting

National Cancer Database (NCDB) 2019 Participant User File.

Methods

Patients with previously untreated, clinically node‐negative (cN0) supraglottic SCCa treated with partial laryngectomy were queried from NCDB. Patients without known neck management and who underwent total laryngectomy were excluded. Patient and tumor factors associated with END were evaluated by logistic regression analysis. Univariable Cox proportional hazard analysis was used to examine associations between patient factors and OS, and factors with P < .05 were included on multivariable analysis.

Results

A total of 1352 patients met eligibility criteria. Eight hundred eleven (60%) patients had END performed with occult nodal metastasis identified in 177 (22%) patients. END was more likely to be performed at academic centers than nonacademic centers (odds ratio: [1.66], 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.32‐2.09, P < .001). On multivariable analysis, patients who underwent adjuvant radiation had worse OS (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.45, 95% CI: 1.13‐3.29, P = .017). END was associated with improved OS overall on univariable analysis (HR: 0.83, 95% CI: 0.69‐0.98, P = .026), but not on multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

In this NCDB study, 22% of cN0 supraglottic SCCa patients had occult nodal metastatic disease. Despite this, 40% of patients do not receive END at the time of primary resection. Patients who receive END for supraglottic SCCa are more likely to avoid adjuvant radiation without impacting OS.
One facile route to prepare high‐performance radiation resistant EPDM rubber composites through graphite modification technology
Authors: Jiang Shengnan , Zhang Runqi , Ding Shuqiang , Yang Shangyi , Wang Hongzhen
Published: August 2024

Modification and improvement of aging resistance in nuclear power environment for the ethylene‐propylene‐diene (EPDM) rubber has been attracting the attention of scientists. In this article, graphite modified EPDM composites (ultrafine graphite [UG]/EPDM) were prepared, and effect of graphite with sizes of 13, 2.6, and 1.3 μm on the processability, vulcanization parameters, mechanical properties, stability of radiation aging of EPDM composites were investigated, respectively. The results showed that EPDM rubber was an irradiated crosslinked polymer. The Mooney viscosity and crosslinking density of EPDM gradually increased with increasing graphite content under the effect of physical and chemical cross‐linking of graphite. The lamellar structure of graphite particles in the rubber matrix is beneficial to improvement of the mechanical properties and aging resistance of the EPDM composites and play a reinforcing role, and the sp2 hybrid structure of graphite can trap and quench free radicals, delayed the irradiation aging of EPDM. UG/EPDM composites irradiation stability was improved with increasing graphite dispersion in EPDM matrix. Under the cumulative irradiation dose of 1000 kGy, the tensile strength of blank sample and UG‐2.6 μm−10 decreased by 51.1% and 17.7%, respectively, and the hardness increased by 8.7% and 4.9%, respectively. The energy storage modulus and the corresponding glass transition temperature (Tg) of UG/EPDM composites enhanced with graphite, while the thermal stability of the composites was improved.
Azacitidine treatment for myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome: A nationwide retrospective study in Japan
Authors: Kato Shota , Nakashima Kentaro , Yamato Genki , Saito Shoji , Taneyama Yuichi , Yamamoto Nobuyuki , Miyamura Takako , Kato Keisuke , Sato Yuya , Yamada Ai , Kamiya Takahiro , Nishikawa Takuro , Uemura Suguru , Tomizawa Daisuke , Moritake Hiroshi , Terui Kiminori , Taga Takashi , Hasegawa Daisuke
Published: August 2024

Hypomethylating agent treatment for myeloid leukemia associated with Down syndrome (ML‐DS) has been scarcely reported. Herein, we collected information on azacitidine treatment for ML‐DS in Japan. Forty‐eight cycles of azacitidine treatment were performed for 12 patients, including 11 relapsed or refractory (R/R) patients. In 40 cycles, azacitidine was used as monotherapy. No azacitidine‐related death was observed. One cycle concurrently administered with methotrexate‐based intrathecal therapy was discontinued due to toxicities. Only 4 of the 19 cycles given in non‐remission achieved complete or partial remission. In conclusion, although most toxicities were acceptable, azacitidine monotherapy might be insufficient for R/R ML‐DS cases.
Chromium adsorption efficiency by functional polymeric nanocomposite membrane: A case study for environmental sustainability
Authors: Prabhakar Shanu , Singh Jitendra Pratap , Kumar Kamal , Prasad Shiv Govind , Roy Debmalya
Published: August 2024

We have designed and developed nonwoven fabric supported electrospun polymeric nanofibrous‐based membrane for robust filtration system for ecological sustainability of clean water. The fabricated nanocomposites filters were tested for the removal of chromium (VI) toxic heavy metal ions from contaminated feedstock water. The interpenetrating network like morphological structure obtained from pure and composite nanofibers‐based membranes have been thoroughly investigated to understand the structure–properties of highly entangled system. It has been found that incorporating functional moieties onto nanocomposite membranes significantly impacts the absorption efficiency of toxic metals. The pore sizes of the hierarchical geometries have been varied to insight into its impact on flow rate and efficiency of filtration. The strategy of interfacing the multifunctional composite polyethylene terephthalate nanofiber membrane supported on nonwoven fabric to generate heterostructures has found to provide mechanically stable platform for efficient metal ion removal. It has been found by BET surface area analysis that the nanofibers reinforced with functional nanomaterials has controlled pore geometry compared to pristine PET electrospun nanofibers which lead to higher absorption of metal ions. We have highlighted the importance of mechanically stable electrospun polymeric nanofibers membrane‐based mitigation strategies to meet the huge demand of potable water for long‐term environmental sustainability.

Highlights

Mechanically toughened freestanding nanofibers mat supported on nonwoven fabric.

Functionally upgrade nanofibers by incorporation of carbon based nanofillers.

Controlled porosity by morphological optimization for removal of contaminates.
Resistance to protoporphyrinogen oxidase inhibitors in giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida)
Authors: Faleco Felipe A. , Machado Filipi M. , Bobadilla Lucas K. , Tranel Patrick J. , Stoltenberg David , Werle Rodrigo
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) is one of the most troublesome weed species in corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] cropping systems. Following numerous reports in 2018 of suspected herbicide resistance in several Ambrosia trifida populations from Wisconsin, our objective was to characterize the response of these accessions to acetolactate synthase (ALS), enolpyruvyl shikimate phosphate synthase (EPSPS), and protoporphyrinogen oxidase (PPO) inhibitors applied POST.

RESULTS

Four accessions (AT1, AT4, AT6, and AT10) exhibited ≥ 50% plant survival after exposure to the cloransulam 3× rate. Two accessions (AT8 and AT10) and one accession (AT2) exhibited ≥ 50% plant survival after exposure to glyphosate and fomesafen 1× rates, respectively. The AT10 accession exhibited multiple resistance to cloransulam and glyphosate. The AT12 accession was 28.8‐fold resistant to fomesafen and 3.7‐fold resistant to lactofen. A codon change in PPX2 conferring a R98L substitution was identified as the most likely mechanism conferring PPO‐inhibitor resistance.

CONCLUSION

To our knowledge, this is the first confirmed case of PPO‐inhibitor resistance in Ambrosia trifida globally and we identified the genetic mutation likely conferring resistance. Proactive and diversified integrated weed management strategies are of paramount importance for sustainable long‐term Ambrosia trifida management. © 2024 The Author(s). Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Milliseconds Thermal Processing of Boron Hyperdoped Germanium
Authors: Cheng Yu , Long FangChao , Steuer Oliver , Lambeva Nikol , Bärwolf Florian , Zscharschuch Jens , Erbe Artur , Helm Manfred , Zhou Shengqiang , Prucnal Slawomir
Published: August 2024

P‐type hyperdoped germanium (Ge) has attracted significant attention for the development of superconducting semiconductors. However, the limited solid solubility of acceptors, especially boron (B), in Ge makes hyperdoping challenging. Herein, a systematic study on the electrical properties of boron‐implanted germanium is presented with an atomic concentration beyond 10 at%. The B‐implanted Ge was annealed by millisecond flash lamp annealing (ms‐FLA) with different parameters. The results indicate that millisecond solid phase epitaxy ensures the electrical activation of B much above the solubility limit with hole concentration as high as 2 × 1021 cm−3 and low‐temperature sheet resistance of 13 Ω sq−1 which is promising for superconductivity. It is also shown that millisecond annealing effectively suppresses the B diffusion and provides much higher activation efficiency of acceptors compared to conventional annealing methods.
Trifolirhizin reduces osteoclast formation and prevents inflammatory osteolysis by inhibiting RANKL‐induced activation of NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways and ROS
Authors: Huang Jian , Song Dezhi , Xu Minglian , Gan Kai , Wang Chaofeng , Chen Liuyuan , Huang Qian , Chen Junchun , Su Yuangang , Xu Jiake , Zhao Jinmin , Liu Qian
Published: August 2024

Inflammatory osteolysis is often caused by the excessive activation of osteoclasts stimulated by bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide. The natural flavonoid trifolirhizin (TRI) has anti‐inflammatory properties; however, its function in inflammatory bone lysis remains unclear. This study aimed to elucidate the potential regulatory mechanisms of TRI in osteoclasts.Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining, acid secretion assays, podosomal actin belt fluorescence staining, and bone resorption assays were used to investigate the effects of TRI on osteoclast differentiation and bone resorption. A reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement kit was used to detect the effect of TRI on ROS levels in osteoclasts. The effects of TRI on genes and signaling pathways related to osteoclast differentiation were determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and western blotting. A mouse model of lipopolysaccharide‐mediated inflammatory osteolysis was established, and the effects of TRI treatment on bone mass were observed using micro‐CT and histological examination. Mechanistically, TRI reduced ROS production by inhibiting receptor activator of nuclear factor‐κB ligand (RANKL)‐induced activation of the nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB) and mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways, and by upregulating the expression levels of the anti‐ROS enzymes heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) and catalase (CAT), which contributed to the degradation of ROS, ultimately leading to a decrease in osteoclastogenesis. TRI inhibited osteoclast formation and ameliorated lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐mediated inflammatory osteolysis. Thus, TRI may be a candidate agent for anti‐inflammatory osteolysis.
Enhancing qualification via the use of diagnostics and prognostics techniques
Authors: Ram Abhishek , Das Diganta
Published: August 2024

Qualification is a process that demonstrates whether a product meets or exceeds specified requirements. Testing and data analysis performed within a qualification procedure should verify that products satisfy those requirements, including reliability requirements. Most of the electronics industry qualifies products using procedures dictated within qualification standards. A review of common qualification standards reveals that those standards do not consider customer requirements or the product physics‐of‐failure in that intended application. As a result, qualification, as represented in the reviewed qualification standards, would not meet our definition of qualification for reliability assessment. This paper introduces the application of diagnostics and prognostics techniques to analyze real‐time data trends while conducting qualification tests. Diagnostics techniques identify anomalous behavior exhibited by the product, and prognostics techniques forecast how the product will behave during the remainder of the qualification test and how the product would have behaved if the test continued. As a result, combining diagnostics and prognostics techniques can enable the prediction of the remaining time‐to‐failure for the product undergoing qualification. Several ancillary benefits related to an improved testing strategy, parts selection and management, and support of a prognostics and health management system in operation also arise from applying prognostics and diagnostics techniques to qualification.
Estimation of real‐time reachable set on nonlinear time‐delay switched singular systems with state jump
Authors: Feng Zhiguang , Zhang Xinyue , Liu Jason J. R. , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: August 2024

This article addresses the real‐time reachable set problem on nonlinear time‐delay switched singular systems with state jump, which is subject to initial state and peak‐bound disturbance. Initially, based on the system state decomposition method, a state jump lemma is proposed, which combines the nonlinear function and the system state at the switching instant. Then, a real‐time bounded lemma is developed, premised on using the idea of average dwell‐time and analyzing subinterval function changes. Afterwards, the sufficient conditions for estimating the real‐time and nonreal‐time reachable set are established, which ensures that the reachable state of system can be restricted within a real‐time or nonreal‐time closed set. Finally, simulation results of the typical Direct Current boost chopper are performed to exhibit the effectiveness of the devised estimation scheme for the real‐time reachable set of system.
A Diagnostic Challenge of Tongue Botryomycosis Miming Mycetoma—A Case Report
Authors: Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Ahmed Ayman
Published: August 2024

Botryomycosis of the tongue is a rare chronic bacterial infection that presents as nodular masses, mimicking other infectious or neoplastic conditions such as mycetoma. A case of an 80-year-old male was presented with painless swelling on the right lateral side of his tongue to the outpatient clinic. Biopsy and microbiological investigations revealed an unexpected Staphylococcus aureus-related botryomycosis. This case highlights the diagnostic challenge for unusual clinical presentations of bacterial infections. Healthcare providers in countries endemic with diseases that manifest similarly should investigate thoroughly to ensure a positive clinical outcome through early diagnosis and effective case management.
In Situ Defect Engineering of Fe‐MIL for Self‐Enhanced Peroxidase‐Like Activity
Authors: Cai Yujia , Wu Yu , Tang Yinjun , Xu Weiqing , Chen Yifei , Su Rina , Fan Yuexi , Jiang Wenxuan , Wen Yating , Gu Wenling , Sun Hongcheng , Zhu Chengzhou
Published: August 2024

Defect engineering is an effective strategy to enhance the enzyme‐like activity of nanozymes. However, previous efforts have primarily focused on introducing defects via de novo synthesis and post‐synthetic treatment, overlooking the dynamic evolution of defects during the catalytic process involving highly reactive oxygen species. Herein, a defect‐engineered metal–organic framework (MOF) nanozyme with mixed linkers is reported. Over twofold peroxidase (POD)‐like activity enhancement compared with unmodified nanozyme highlights the critical role of in situ defect formation in enhancing the catalytic performance of nanozyme. Experimental results reveal that highly active hydroxyl radical (•OH) generated in the catalytic process etches the 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalic acid ligands, contributing to electronic structure modulation of metal sites and enlarged pore sizes in the framework. The self‐enhanced POD‐like activity induced by in situ defect engineering promotes the generation of •OH, holding promise in colorimetric sensing for detecting dichlorvos. Utilizing smartphone photography for RGB value extraction, the resultant sensing platform achieves the detection for dichlorvos ranging from 5 to 300 ng mL−1 with a low detection limit of 2.06 ng mL−1. This pioneering work in creating in situ defects in MOFs to improve catalytic activity offers a novel perspective on traditional defect engineering.
Tumor‐Specific Nano‐Herb Delivery System with High L‐Arginine Loading for Synergistic Chemo and Gas Therapy against Cervical Cancer
Authors: Chen Lihua , Ming Hui , Li Bowen , Yang Chen , Liu Shanshan , Gao Yajie , Zhang Tingting , Huang Canhua , Lang Tingyuan , Yang Zhuo
Published: August 2024

Cancer metastasis poses significant challenges in current clinical therapy. Osthole (OST) has demonstrated efficacy in treating cervical cancer and inhibiting metastasis. Despite these positive results, its limited solubility, poor oral absorption, low bioavailability, and photosensitivity hinder its clinical application. To address this limitation, a glutathione (GSH)‐responded nano‐herb delivery system (HA/MOS@OST&L‐Arg nanoparticles, HMOA NPs) is devised for the targeted delivery of OST with cascade‐activatable nitric oxide (NO) release. The HMOA NPs system is engineered utilizing enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects and active targeting mediated by hyaluronic acid (HA) binding to glycoprotein CD44. The cargoes, including OST and L‐Arginine (L‐Arg), are released rapidly due to the degradation of GSH‐responsive mesoporous organic silica (MOS). Then abundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced from OST in the presence of high concentrations of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), resulting in the generation of NO and subsequently highly toxic peroxynitrite (ONOO−) by catalyzing guanidine groups of L‐Arg. These ROS, NO, and ONOO− molecules have a direct impact on mitochondrial function by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibiting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production, thereby promoting increased apoptosis and inhibiting metastasis. Overall, the results indicated that HMOA NPs has great potential as a promising alternative for the clinical treatment of cervical cancer.
Drop‐by‐Drop Addition of Reagents to a Double Emulsion
Authors: Cowell Thomas W. , Jing Wenyang , Noh Heewon , Han Hee‐Sun
Published: August 2024

Developments in droplet microfluidics have facilitated an era of high‐throughput, sensitive single‐cell, or single‐molecule measurements capable of tackling the heterogeneity present in biological systems. Relying on single emulsion (SE) compartments, droplet assays achieve absolute quantification of nucleic acids, massively parallel single‐cell profiling, and more. Double emulsions (DEs) have seen recent interest for their potential to build upon SE techniques. DEs are compatible with flow cytometry enabling high‐throughput multi‐parameter drop screening and eliminate content mixing due to coalescence during lengthy workflows. Despite these strengths, DEs lack important technical functions that exist in SEs such as methods for adding reagents to droplets on demand. Consequently, DEs cannot be used for multistep workflows which has limited their adoption in assay development. Here, strategies to enable reagent addition and other active manipulations on DEs are reported by converting DE inputs to SEs on chip. After conversion, drops are manipulated using existing SE techniques, including reagent addition, before reforming a DE at the outlet. Device designs and operation conditions achieving drop‐by‐drop reagent addition to DEs are identified and used as part of a multi‐step aptamer screening assay performed entirely in DE drops. This work enables the further development of multistep DE droplet assays.
High‐Capacity and Ultra‐Long‐Life Mg‐Metal Batteries Enabled by Intercalation‐Conversion Hybrid Cathode Materials
Authors: Huang Tianlong , Xue Xiaolan , Zhang Yang , Cui Maosheng , Zhang Yuanxiang , Chen Lingxiu , Xiao Bin , Qi Jiqiu , Sui Yanwei
Published: August 2024

The advancement of rechargeable Mg‐metal batteries (RMBs) is severely impeded by the lack of suitable cathode materials. Despite the good cyclic stability of intercalation‐type compounds, their specific capacity is relatively low. Conversely, the conversion‐type cathodes can deliver a higher capacity but often suffer from poor cycling reversibility and stability. Herein, a WSe2/Se intercalation‐conversion hybrid material with elemental Se uniformly distributed into WSe2 nanosheets is fabricated via a simple solvothermal method for high‐performance RMBs. The uniformly introduced Se confined in WSe2 nanosheets can not only efficiently improve the conductivity of the hybrid cathodes, facilitating the fast electron transport and ion diffusion, but also provide additional specific capacity. Besides, the WSe2 can effectively inhibit the detrimental Se dissolution and polyselenide shuttle, thereby activating the activity of Se and improving its utilization. Consequently, the synergy of intercalation and conversion mechanisms endows WSe2/Se hybrids with superior reversible capacity of 252 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1 and ultra‐long cyclability of up to 5000 cycles at 2.0 A g−1 with capacity retention of 78.1%. This work demonstrates the feasibility of the strategy by integrating intercalation and conversion mechanisms for developing high‐performance cathode materials for RMBs.
Organizing Graphical User Interface tests from behavior‐driven development as videos to obtain stakeholders' feedback
Authors: Shi Jianwei , Mönnich Jonas , Klünder Jil , Schneider Kurt
Published: August 2024

Demonstrating software early and responding to feedback is crucial in agile development. However, it is difficult for stakeholders who are not on‐site customers but end users, marketing people, or designers, and so forth to give feedback in an agile development environment. Successful graphical user interface (GUI) test executions can be documented and then demonstrated for feedback. In our new concept, GUI tests from behavior‐driven development (BDD) are recorded, augmented, and demonstrated as videos. A GUI test is divided into several GUI unit tests, which are specified in Gherkin, a semi‐structured natural language. For each GUI unit test, a video is generated during test execution. Test steps specified in Gherkin are traced and highlighted in the video. Stakeholders review these generated videos and provide feedback, for example, on misunderstandings of requirements or on inconsistencies. To evaluate the impact of videos in identifying inconsistencies, we asked 22 participants to identify inconsistencies between (1) given requirements in regular sentences and (2) demonstrated behaviors from videos with Gherkin specifications or from Gherkin specifications alone. Our results show that participants tend to identify more inconsistencies from demonstrated behaviors, which are not in accordance with given requirements. They tend to recognize inconsistencies more easily through videos than through Gherkin specifications alone. The types of inconsistency are threefold: The mentioned feature can be incorrectly implemented, not implemented, or an unspecified new feature. We use a fictitious example showing how this feedback helps a product owner and her team manage requirements. We conclude that GUI test videos can help stakeholders give feedback more effectively. By obtaining early feedback, inconsistencies can be resolved, thus contributing to higher stakeholder satisfaction.
Influence of Part Size on Microstructure during Austempering of Medium Carbon Low‐Alloy Steels
Authors: Tiwari Priya , Varshney Abhinav
Published: August 2024

In this work, the influence of part dimensions on the microstructure of low‐alloy steel during its austempering has been studied. 0.41C‐0.24Si‐0.63Mn‐0.93Cr steel of different diameters ranging from 5 to 16 mm has been austempered at 350 °C for 10 min. Despite similar austempering conditions, an increase in the size and fraction of acicular/polygonal ferrite has been noted with an increase in the diameter of the samples. From the experimental observations and analytical calculations based on multi‐dimensional transient heat transfer analysis, the cooling rate during austempering has been observed to increase with a decrease in the sample diameter. Variation in ferrite grain size and fraction is due to different cooling rates encountered by different sized specimens during austempering. Close agreement between the experimental and theoretically estimated ferrite grain size due to variation in cooling rate during austempering has been noted.
Mechanical Properties and Martensitic Transformation Behavior of 316LN Stainless Steel Under Cryogenic Deformation
Authors: Li Bixi , Zhang Hengcheng , Wu Shanshan , Xie Liancheng , Shen Fuzhi , Xin Jijun , Huang Chuanjun , Wang Wei , Li Laifeng
Published: August 2024

Digital image correlation (DIC) technology can capture strain anomalies and predict crack initiation providing early warning of material failure. Herein, DIC technique is used to calculate the full‐field strain by analyzing the grayscale patterns of speckle images during the tensile process. This allowed for an analysis of the microstructure evolution of the 316LN austenitic stainless steel (SS) at cryogenic temperatures. Deformation behavior of the 316LN SS at cryogenic temperatures is further analyzed using electron backscatter diffraction technology and transmission electron microscopy. Based on the strain field obtained by the DIC technique, a comprehensive analysis of the martensite volume fraction at different strains can be conducted. The results show that the strain localization under cryogenic deformation is related to martensitic transformation, while the random distribution of slip bands aligns with local strain peak values. Notably, fracture under cryogenic deformation occurs in regions where the strain field reaches its peak, rather than at locations with the maximum strain value.
Discovery of Molecular Intermediates and Nonclassical Nanoparticle Formation Mechanisms by Liquid Phase Electron Microscopy and Reaction Throughput Analysis
Authors: Sun Jiayue , Fritsch Birk , Körner Andreas , Taherkhani Mehran , Park Chiwoo , Wang Mei , Hutzler Andreas , Woehl Taylor J.
Published: August 2024

Formation kinetics of metal nanoparticles are generally described via mass transport and thermodynamics‐based models, such as diffusion‐limited growth and classical nucleation theory (CNT). However, metal monomers are commonly assumed as precursors, leaving the identity of molecular intermediates and their contribution to nanoparticle formation unclear. Herein, liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) and reaction kinetic modeling are utilized to establish the nucleation and growth mechanisms and discover molecular intermediates during silver nanoparticle formation. Quantitative LPTEM measurements show that their nucleation rate decreases while growth rate is nearly invariant with electron dose rate. Reaction kinetic simulations show that Ag4 and Ag− follow a statistically similar dose rate dependence as the experimentally determined growth rate. We show that experimental growth rates are consistent with diffusion‐limited growth via the attachment of these species to nanoparticles. The dose rate dependence of nucleation rate is inconsistent with CNT. A reaction‐limited nucleation mechanism is proposed and it is demonstrated that experimental nucleation kinetics are consistent with Ag42+ aggregation rates at millisecond time scales. Reaction throughput analysis of the kinetic simulations uncovered formation and decay pathways mediating intermediate concentrations. We demonstrate the power of quantitative LPTEM combined with kinetic modeling for establishing nanoparticle formation mechanisms and principal intermediates.
A spectral approach for the dynamic Bradley–Terry model
Authors: Tian Xinyu , Shi Jian , Shen Xiaotong , Song Kai
Published: August 2024

The dynamic ranking, due to its increasing importance in many applications, is becoming crucial, especially with the collection of voluminous time‐dependent data. One such application is sports statistics, where dynamic ranking aids in forecasting the performance of competitive teams, drawing on historical and current data. Despite its usefulness, predicting and inferring rankings pose challenges in environments necessitating time‐dependent modelling. This paper introduces a spectral ranker called Kernel Rank Centrality, designed to rank items based on pairwise comparisons over time. The ranker operates via kernel smoothing in the Bradley–Terry model, utilising a Markov chain model. Unlike the maximum likelihood approach, the spectral ranker is nonparametric, demands fewer model assumptions and computations and allows for real‐time ranking. We establish the asymptotic distribution of the ranker by applying an innovative group inverse technique, resulting in a uniform and precise entrywise expansion. This result allows us to devise a new inferential method for predictive inference, previously unavailable in existing approaches. Our numerical examples showcase the ranker's utility in predictive accuracy and constructing an uncertainty measure for prediction, leveraging data from the National Basketball Association (NBA). The results underscore our method's potential compared with the gold standard in sports, the Arpad Elo rating system.
Multi‐trait multi‐environment genomic prediction of preliminary yield trial in pulse crop
Authors: Saludares Rica Amor , Atanda Sikiru Adeniyi , Piche Lisa , Worral Hannah , Dariva Francoise , McPhee Kevin , Bandillo Nonoy
Published: August 2024

Phenotypic selection of complex traits such as seed yield and protein in the preliminary yield trial (PYT) is often constrained by limited seed availability, resulting in trials with few environments and minimal to no replications. Multi‐trait multi‐environment enabled genomic prediction (MTME‐GP) offers a valuable alternative to predict missing phenotypes of selection candidates for multiple traits and diverse environments. In this study, we assessed the efficiency of MTME‐GP for improving seed protein and seed yield in field pea, the top two breeding targets but highly antagonistic traits in pulse crop. We utilized a set of 300 selection candidates in the PYT that virtually represented all possible families of the North Dakota State University field pea breeding program. Selection candidates were evaluated in three diverse, contrasting environments, as indicated by a range of heritability. Using whole‐ and split‐environment cross validation schemes, MTME‐GP had higher predictive ability than a standard additive G‐BLUP model. Integrating a range of overlapping genotypes in between environments showed improvement on the predictive ability of the MTME‐GP model but tends to plateau at 50%–80% training set size. Regardless of the cross‐validation scheme, accuracy was among the lowest in stressed environments, presumably due to low heritability for seed protein and yield. This study provided insights into the potential of MTME‐GP in a public pulse crop breeding program. The MTME‐GP framework can be further improved with more testing environments and integration of additional orthogonal information in the early stages of the breeding pipeline.
Soft Sensor Model of Phase Transformation During Flow Forming of Metastable Austenitic Steel AISI 304L
Authors: Vasquez Julian Rozo , Kersting Lukas , Arian Bahman , Homberg Werner , Trächtler Ansgar , Walther Frank
Published: August 2024

This paper deals with the modeling of a soft sensor for detecting α’-martensite evolution from the micromagnetic signals that are measured during the reverse flow forming of metastable AISI 304L austenitic steel. This model can be prospectively used inside a closed-loop property-controlled flow forming process. To achieve this, optimization by means of a non-linear regression of experimental data was carried out. To collect the experimental data, specimens were produced by flow forming seamless tubes at room temperature. Using a combination of production parameters (like the infeed depth and feed rate), specimens with different α’-martensite contents and wall-thickness reductions were produced. An equation to compute α’-martensite from both specific production-process parameters and micromagnetic Barkhausen noise (MBN) measurements was obtained using numerical methods. In this process, the behavior of the quantity of interest (namely, the α’-martensite content) was mathematically evaluated with respect to non-destructive MBN data and the feed rate that was used to produce the components. A combination of exponential and potential functions was defined as the ansatz functions of the model. The obtained model was validated online and offline during the real flow forming of workpieces, obtaining average deviations of up to 7% α’-martensite with respect to the model. The implementation of the soft sensor model for property-controlled production represents an important milestone for producing high-added-value components on the basis of a well-understood process-microstructure-property relationship.
Prediction of Fracture Behavior in a Quenching and Partitioning Steel Under Different Stress States
Authors: Shen Fuhui , Sparrer Yannik , Li Guijia , Münstermann Sebastian
Published: August 2024

Increasing research efforts have been devoted to the development of quenching and partitioning (Q&P) steel, which is considered to be a very promising representative of the third generation of advanced high-strength steel (AHSS). The excellent tensile properties achieved by the novel Q&P treatment make it a potential material to manufacture structural components in automotive industries. In addition to tensile strength and ductility, the formability and fracture properties of Q&P steels shall be thoroughly investigated under different stress states. Therefore, the deformation and fracture properties of a laboratory Q&P steel have been investigated by conducting a comprehensive experimental program and the corresponding finite element simulations. Tensile tests have been performed using flat specimens with different notch configurations to achieve a very wide range of loading conditions. In addition, the deformation and fracture behavior during different experiments have been simulated using finite element methods and damage mechanics approaches. After collecting the critical stress and strain variables from simulation results, a stress state-dependent fracture criterion has been calibrated and validated to characterize the fracture resistance of the Q&P steel in this study.
Comparison of Laser Coordinate Measurements and Hierarchical Multiscale Finite Element Models for the Cup Drawing of Three Commercial Aluminum Alloys
Authors: Pichardo Diego Ricardo , Ramírez Miguel Ángel , Kestens Leo A. I. , Van Bael Albert , Schouwenaars Rafael
Published: August 2024

Cup drawing is a benchmark experiment frequently used to validate anisotropic constitutive models and multiscale crystal plasticity codes for yield locus prediction. Earing of the cup rim and thickness variation along the cup wall are sensitive to plastic anisotropy. This test was implemented on an industrial forming press and applied to 85 mm diameter disks of commercial AA1100, AA3103, and AA5005 alloy sheet. Cup geometry was determined using a laser probe coordinate measurement machine (CMM). Finite element models (FEM) were developed with ABAQUS Explicit software and a user-defined subroutine for the anisotropic yield locus based on the hierarchical multiscale model (HMS). As the coordinate cloud produced by the CMM is unrelated to the nodes of the deformed FEM-mesh, both were fitted to a polynomial-Fourier series expansion. After cleaning and correction of the CMM data, point-by-point comparison can be performed between model and experiment. For AA1100, the position of the ears was correctly identified but their magnitude was underestimated. Excellent coincidence was found for AA5005, with strong ears at 0 and 90°. The small ears at -30° and 30° and secondary ears at 90° were correctly predicted for AA3013.
Gotoh’s 1977 Yield Stress Function with Kinematic Hardening for Modeling Strength Differential Yielding of Orthotropic Sheet Metals
Authors: Sheng Jie , Yang Seung-Yong , Tong Wei
Published: August 2024

When a sheet metal is subjected to both tensile and compressive stresses in a forming process, there is a need to formulate a yield stress function that can accurately account for its strength differential effect in anisotropic yielding. The earliest classical approach is to combine Hill’s 1948 quadratic yield stress function with Prager’s kinematic hardening concept. Consistent with the requirement that a polynomial stress function admits only even-order shear stress components for an orthotropic sheet metal, the resulting quadratic yield stress function in plane stress has up to five material parameters for on-axis yielding but only one material parameter for off-axis yielding. The latter feature limits its modeling capabilities in general sheet metal forming simulations. In this paper, we present a user-friendly approach of formulating a non-quadratic yield stress function with tension-compression asymmetry by combining Gotoh’s 1977 quartic yield stress function with kinematic hardening. The new fourth-order yield stress function in plane stress has up to a total of eleven material constants: seven for on-axis yielding and four for off-axis yielding. The nonlinear parameter identification by least-square minimization with positivity and convexity constraints on the yield stress function is detailed for various sheet metals exhibiting strength differential effects. The results show that the new Gotoh-Prager yield stress function has adequate capabilities for modeling both on-axis and off-axis asymmetric yielding of many orthotropic sheet metals investigated over the years.
Analysis of Forming Limits During Cold Forging of Aluminum Hybrid Billets
Authors: Grötzinger Karl C. , Kulagin Roman , Gerasimov Dmitry , Liewald Mathias
Published: August 2024

Metal forming processes for manufacture of hybrid components with complex geometry is one of the most promising trends in materials science. At the same time, such processes pose serious challenges regarding the interface properties between the different materials. Thus far, models are existing to describe cold welding of hybrid components and their plasticity during following deformation processes. However, these models have been developed and validated mainly for processes, where stress and strain states are recognized as simple (e.g., drawing, roll bonding). In this contribution, a flange upsetting process using hybrid billets made of AA-6060 and AA-7075 is subjected, where the deformation conditions significantly differ (non-monotonous and complex strain history). The main aim of this paper is to investigate such process with special emphasis on acting stress conditions in the interface with respect to delamination effects occurring during cold forging experiments. Also, the influence of an initial bond between the aluminum components, created by compound hot extrusion, is investigated both experimentally and numerically. In this context, three geometrical models of the hybrid billet (variation of diameter and wall thickness of the reinforcing component) were used. Analyses show that even if bonding in extrusion process is not ideal and depends on various influencing parameters, it makes subsequent cold forging process more stable and reliable regarding material flow compared to billets without initial bond.
Introduction: A Millennial View of Spain’s Development
Authors: Prados de la Escosura Leandro
Published: August 2024

This Introduction provides an overview of the evolution of Spain over almost a millennium, distinguishing two major epochs, with 1850 as the turning point. The first, which corresponds to the pre-industrial era, evinces long fluctuations in average income and its distribution and no long-term net gains, while the second reveals a sustained increase in GDP per capita accompanied by a profound structural transformation and substantial changes in income distribution.