bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Purification, biochemical characterization, and biotechnological applications of a multifunctional enzyme from the Thermoascus aurantiacus PI3S3 strain
Authors: Battisti Juliane Almeida , Rocha Giovane Bruno , Rasbold Letícia Mara , Delai Vitória Maciel , Costa Monica Sarolli Silva de Mendonça , Kadowaki Marina Kimiko , da Conceição Silva José Luis , Simão Rita de Cássia Garcia , Bifano Thaís Duarte , Maller Alexandre
Published: February 2024

The filamentous Thermoascus aurantiacus fungus characterized by its thermophilic nature, is recognized as an exceptional producer of various enzymes with biotechnological applications. This study aimed to explore biotechnological applications using polygalacturonase (PG) derived from the Thermoascus aurantiacus PI3S3 strain. PG production was achieved through submerged fermentation and subsequent purification via ion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration methods. The crude extract exhibited a diverse spectrum of enzymatic activities including amylase, cellulase, invertase, pectinase, and xylanase. Notably, it demonstrated the ability to hydrolyze sugarcane bagasse biomass, corn residue, and animal feed. The purified PG had a molecular mass of 36 kDa, with optimal activity observed at pH 4.5 and 70 °C. The activation energy (Ea) was calculated as 0.513 kJ mol−1, highlighting activation in the presence of Ca2+. Additionally, it displayed apparent Km, Vmax, and Kcat values of at 0.19 mg mL−1, 273.10 U mL−1, and 168.52 s−1, respectively, for hydrolyzing polygalacturonic acid. This multifunctional PG exhibited activities such as denim biopolishing, apple juice clarification, and demonstrated both endo- and exo-polygalacturonase activities. Furthermore, it displayed versatility by hydrolyzing polygalacturonic acid, carboxymethylcellulose, and xylan. The T. aurantiacus PI3S3 multifunctional polygalacturonase showed heightened activity under acidic pH, elevated temperatures, and in the presence of calcium. Its multifunctional nature distinguished it from other PGs, significantly expanding its potential for diverse biotechnological applications.
The pristine precursor of Andean-type magmatism preserved in magma mingling zones
Authors: Gómez-Frutos Daniel , Castro Antonio , de la Rosa Jesús
Published: February 2024

Intermediate magma compositions have been postulated to be parental to Andean-type magmatism in the recent years. Geochemical and experimental methods have allowed the modelling of a hypothetical parental composition that accounts for the major element trends displayed by Andean-type batholiths. However, natural plutonic examples matching the modelled composition remain lacking, likely due to the predominance of fractionated liquids and cumulates in the batholiths after protracted and large-scale differentiation. Contrary to this, magma mingling zones, a common feature in Andean-type batholiths, are characterised by quenching phenomena, minimising differentiation. In this paper, we present data from intermediate magmatism in the world-class Gerena magma mingling zone in the Seville Sierra Norte batholith (southern Iberia), compositionally equivalent to Andean-type magmatic series. Geochemical data from quenched dark globules of variable scale and the corresponding host granodiorites are contrasted with the bimodal trends displayed by the host batholith. Results suggest that the smaller-scale dark globules have not undergone any significant fractionation. Furthermore, after conducting geochemical modelling we conclude the dark globules represent a composition that could be parental to Andean-type magmas. We propose that magma mingling zones are an optimal place to probe for parental magmas of Andean-type magmatism, particularly those represented in pristine melanocratic, intermediate globules.
Comparison of pre-labelled primers and nucleotides as DNA labelling method for lateral flow detection of Legionella pneumophila amplicons
Authors: Warmt Christian , Nagaba Jette , Henkel Jörg
Published: February 2024

Labelling of nucleic acid amplicons during polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or isothermal techniques is possible by using both labelled primers and labelled nucleotides. While the former is the widely used method, the latter can offer significant advantages in terms of signal enhancement and improving the detection limit of an assay. Advantages and disadvantages of both methods depend on different factors, including amplification method, detection method and amplicon length. In this study, both methods for labelling PCR products for lateral flow assay (LFA) analysis (LFA-PCR) were analysed and compared. It was shown that labelling by means of nucleotides results in an increase in label incorporation rates. Nonetheless, this advantage is negated by the need for post-processing and competitive interactions. In the end, it was possible to achieve a detection limit of 3 cell equivalents for the detection of the Legionella-DNA used here via primer labelling. Labelling via nucleotides required genomic DNA of at least 3000 cell equivalents as starting material as well as an increased personnel and experimental effort.
The impact of GLP-1 receptor agonist liraglutide on blood pressure profile, hydration, natriuresis in diabetic patients with severely impaired kidney function
Authors: Wajdlich Małgorzata , Nowicki Michał
Published: February 2024

Chronic treatment with GLP-1R agonists may moderately lower blood pressure due to increased natriuresis and RAAS inhibition. Short-term effect of these drugs on blood pressure may be opposite and its mechanism remains unclear. We investigated the effect of a single dose of liraglutide on diurnal blood pressure profile, natriuresis, hydration and serum concentration of renin, aldosterone and atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) in diabetic kidney disease (DKD). 17 patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 and 17 with > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 received in a random order a single subcutaneous dose 1.2 mg liraglutide and placebo with subsequent 24 h blood pressure and natriuresis monitoring. Before and after each medication thoracic fluid index and plasma renin, aldosterone and ANP were also assessed. The blood pressure load in the daytime and nighttime were significantly increased after liraglutide compared to placebo in patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2. In patients with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 the changes of arterial pressure were comparable, while the morning surge was significantly reduced after liraglutide compared to placebo. After liraglutide 24 h urine sodium excretion increased in both groups vs. placebo (p < 0.001), the effect was greatest in subjects with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. Plasma ANP increased after liraglutide in both groups, most in patients with eGFR < 30 ml/min/1.73 m2 group. Plasma aldosterone (p = 0.013) and thoracic fluid index (p = 0.01) decreased after liraglutide compared to placebo (p = 0.013 and p + 0.01, respectively. Plasma renin concentration remained unchanged. In severe chronic kidney disease liraglutide induces a transient increase of blood pressure due to reduced natriuresis. The natriuretic effect of liraglutide in DKD may be related to increased ANP and decreased aldosterone secretion.
Hydraulic flow unit and rock types of the Asmari Formation, an application of flow zone index and fuzzy C-means clustering methods
Authors: Eftekhari Seyedeh Hajar , Memariani Mahmoud , Maleki Zahra , Aleali Mohsen , Kianoush Pooria
Published: February 2024

Rock types are the reservoir's most essential properties for special facies modeling in a defined range of porosity and permeability. This study used clustering techniques to identify rock types in 280 core samples from one of the wells drilled in the Asmari reservoir in the Mansouri field, SW Iran. Four hydraulic flow units (HFUs) were determined for studied data utilizing histogram analysis, normal probability analysis, and the sum of squared errors (SSE) statistical methods. Then, two flow zone index (FZI) and fuzzy c-means (FCM) clustering methods were used to determine the rock types in the given well according to the results obtained from the HFU continuity index acts in-depth. The FCM method, with a continuity number of 3.12, compared to the FZI, with a continuity number of 2.77, shows more continuity in depth. The relationship between permeability and porosity improved considerably by utilizing HFU techniques. This improvement is achieved using the FZI method study. Generally, all samples increased from 0.55 to 0.81 in the first HFU and finally to 0.94 in the fourth HFU. Similar flow properties in an HFU characterized the samples. In comparison, the correlation coefficients obtained in the FCM method are less than those in the general case of all HFUs. This study aims to determine the flowing fluid in the porous medium of the Asmari reservoir employing the c-mean fuzzy logic. Also, by determining the facies of the rock units, especially the siliceous-clastic facies and log data in the Asmari Formation, the third and fourth flow units have the highest reservoir quality and permeability. Results can be compared to determining HFU in nearby wellbores without cores.
An algorithm for power transmission line fault detection based on improved YOLOv4 model
Authors: Yan Su , Gao Lisha , Wang Wendi , Cao Gang , Han Shuo , Wang Shufan
Published: February 2024

In response to the escalating demand for real-time and accurate fault detection in power transmission lines, this paper undertook an optimization of the existing YOLOv4 network. This involved the substitution of the main feature extraction network within the original YOLOv4 model with a lighter EfficientNet network. Additionally, the inclusion of Grouped Convolution modules in the feature pyramid structure replaced conventional convolution operations. The resulting model not only reduced model parameters but also effectively ensured detection accuracy. Moreover, in enhancing the model's reliability, data augmentation techniques were employed to bolster the robustness of the power transmission line fault detection algorithm. This optimization further utilized the DIoU loss function to stabilize target box regression. Comparative experiments demonstrated the improved YOLOv4 model's superior performance in terms of loss function optimization while significantly enhancing detection speed under equivalent configurations. The parameter capacity was reduced by 81%, totaling merely 43.65 million, while the frame rate surged by 85% to achieve 24 frames per second. These experimental findings validate the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Generation and reactivity of the fragment ion [B12I8S(CN)]− in the gas phase and on surfaces
Authors: Kawa Sebastian , Kaur Jaskiran , Knorke Harald , Warneke Ziyan , Wadsack Myriam , Rohdenburg Markus , Nierstenhöfer Marc , Jenne Carsten , Kenttämaa Hilkka , Warneke Jonas
Published: February 2024

CID fragmentation of the synthesized [B12I11(SCN)]2− ions yields [B12I8S(CN)]− ions. The reactivity of these ions was studied in the gas phase and in ion soft-landing experiments, where selectivity toward certain functional groups was discovered.
A one-step process for multi-gradient wettability modification on a polymer surface
Authors: Li Xinxin , Mao Xinyu , Li Xudong , Liu Chong , Li Jingmin
Published: February 2024

A solid design model of the CGPM and an integrated microfluidic device for D-dimer detection and its functional components.
Tailoring iridium–palladium nanoparticles with Ir-rich skin: a highly durable anode electrocatalyst for acidic water electrolysis via a facile microwave-assisted chemical reduction method
Authors: Karade Swapnil Sanjay , Sharma Raghunandan , Morgen Per , Makovec Darko , Gyergyek Sašo , Andersen Shuang Ma
Published: February 2024

Iridium palladium alloy nanoparticle catalyst with iridium rich skin demonstrates high and robust oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity plus ability for hydrogen adsorption and desorption under acidic environment.
Selective metal recovery by mucin: turning gold from wastewater into a peroxymonosulfate-activated catalyst
Authors: Gavriely Shira , Richter Shachar , Zucker Ines
Published: February 2024

This study explores mucin's ability to selectively recover gold (Au) from metal wastewater. The Au, in the form of a nanoparticle, was utilized in peroxymonosulfate activation for the degradation of bisphenol A.
Continuous flow reactions in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients and fine chemicals
Authors: Martins Guilherme M. , Braga Felipe C. , de Castro Pedro P. , Brocksom Timothy J. , de Oliveira Kleber T.
Published: February 2024

This feature article presents an overview of continuous flow chemistry, including photoflow and electroflow technologies in the preparation of active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and fine chemical intermediates.
Microcage flame retardants with complete recyclability and durability via reversible interfacial locking engineering
Authors: Zeng Furong , He Lei , Ma Jianwen , Fang Danxuan , Zeng Zhiwei , Bai Tongyu , Ding Rong , Liu Bowen , Zhao Haibo , Wang Yuzhong
Published: February 2024

A new facile and scalable interfacial locking engineering strategy is exploited to endow reversible microcages with infinite chemical recyclability to starting monomers, exceptional durability, high flame-retardant efficiency, and extensive applicability across diverse polymers.
A novel functionalized ferrocene derivative as a hole transport material for efficient perovskite solar cells: insight into the ultrafast interfacial carrier dynamics and charge transport
Authors: Jiang Xin , Yu Haiyang , Zhao Litao , Xing Xiao , Chen Wangwei , Wang Helin , Li Hengzheng , Zhu Guang , Xu Jianhua
Published: February 2024

Recently, lead halide perovskites have been developing rapidly in the field of photo-electric functional devices.
Correction: Investigating the effect of acidic and basic precipitation on the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria
Authors: R. Sreekanth , Naveen Kumar S. , MB Madhusudana Reddy , Pattar Jayadev , Reddy Vaddi Damodara
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘Investigating the effect of acidic and basic precipitation on the antibacterial activity of ZnO nanoparticles against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria’ by Sreekanth R. et al., J. Mater. Chem. B, 2024, 12, 2180–2196, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TB02119J.
Halogen substitution of perinone-based cathode interfacial materials for high-efficiency inverted perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Shengxiong , Xu Tianyu , Wu Peiyu , Pan Jun , Zhang Wenjun , Song Weijie
Published: February 2024

A fluorine-substituted perinone derivative exhibits better cathode interfacial modification than the chlorine-substituted one in inverted perovskite solar cells.
Correction: Effect of the cyano group on colour-tunability of aryl-substituted buta-1,3-diene based solid-state emissive copolymers
Authors: Pal Prasanta , Datta Ayan , Mukherjee Susmita , Perumal Ajay , Malik Sudip
Published: February 2024

Correction for ‘Effect of the cyano group on colour-tunability of aryl-substituted buta-1,3-diene based solid-state emissive copolymers’ by Prasanta Pal et al., J. Mater. Chem. C, 2023, 11, 16594–16604, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TC02999A.
Rhodium-Catalyzed Decarbonylative Intramolecular Arylation of 2-(1H-Indole-1-carbonyl)benzoic Acids
Authors: Suzuki Hirotsugu , Matsuda Takanori , Takemura Yosuke
Published: February 2024

We developed a redox-neutral synthesis of isoindoloindolone via intramolecular arylation of 2-(1H-indole-1-carbonyl)benzoic acids. This protocol facilitates the formation of various substituted isoindoloindolones in yields ranging from 17% to 80%. Our mechanistic investigations indicate the pivotal role of NaI: the iodide anion promotes the formation of the desired isoindoloindolone, and the sodium cation suppresses the formation of acylated byproducts, thereby enabling the selective formation of isoindoloindolones in acceptable yields.
Macroprolactinoma in a 14-Year-Old Girl in the Northeast of Iran: A Case Report
Authors: Shakeri Habibe Sadat , Mollazadeh Samaneh , Monemi Alireza
Published: February 2024

ABstract

Prolactinoma is frequently found not only in females but also in males with abnormal reproductive and/or sexual function. Patients typically complain about amenorrhea and infertility because of anovulation. Approximately 15% to 20% of cases of secondary amenorrhea are caused by prolactinemia. Galactorrhea may occur simultaneously, before or after menstrual disorders, and sometimes it may not be clinically obvious, or only detected by breast examination. We reported a case of a 14-year-old girl who presented primary amenorrhea accompanied by frequent headaches and blurred vision. Hormonal tests showed severe hyperprolactinemia (prolactin [PRL] concentration: 1,570 ng/ml). Further tests confirmed a mass in the pituitary with an extension to the left parasellar and suprasellar regions. Some parts of the sella turcica tumor were removed by transcranial surgery. During the follow-up, the clinicopathological examinations revealed the patient had hyperprolactinemia. Clinicians should be aware of the diagnostic and therapeutic problems regarding the management of hyperprolactinemia.
Breakthrough study promises major advancements for bone cancer drug treatments
Authors: Ikenson Ben
Published: February 2024

Nanotheranostic system is proven to target and kill osteosarcoma cells
Filtration evolution of hypergraphs: A novel approach to studying multidimensional datasets
Authors: Bilbao Dalma , Aimar Hugo , Mateos Diego M.
Published: February 2024

The rapid growth of large datasets has led to a demand for novel approaches to extract valuable insights from intricate information. Graph theory provides a natural framework to model these relationships, but standard graphs may not capture the complex interdependence between components. Hypergraphs are a powerful extension of graphs that can represent higher-order relationships in the data. In this paper, we propose a novel approach to studying the structure of a dataset using hypergraph theory and a filtration method. Our method involves building a set of hypergraphs based on a variable distance parameter, enabling us to infer qualitative and quantitative information about the data structure. We apply our method to various sets of points, dynamical systems, signal models, and real electrophysiological data. Our results show that the proposed method can effectively differentiate between varying datasets, demonstrating its potential utility in a range of scientific applications.
A validation study of a bounce-averaged kinetic electron model in a KSTAR L-mode plasma
Authors: Yi Sumin , Sung C. , Yoon E. S. , Kwon Jae-Min , Hahm T. S. , Kim D. , Kang J. , Seo Janghoon , Cho Y. W. , Qi Lei
Published: February 2024

We extend the bounce-averaged kinetic (BK) electron model to be applicable in general tokamak magnetic geometries and implement it on the global δf particle-in-cell gyrokinetic code gKPSP. We perform a benchmark study of the updated BK model against the gyrokinetic electron model in flux-tube codes, CGYRO and GENE. From the comparisons among the simulations based on the local parameters of a KSTAR L-mode plasma, we confirm a reasonable agreement among the linear results from the different codes. In the nonlinear gKPSP simulation with a narrow plasma gradient region whose width comparable to the mode correlation length, ion and electron heat fluxes are compatible with those calculated by CGYRO. However, with an unstable region sufficiently wider than the mode correlation length, gKPSP predicts 2–3 times larger turbulent heat fluxes. Taking into account the differences between the flux-tube and global simulations, the overall agreement is encouraging for further validation and development of the BK electron model. In global simulations using a wide range of the experimental plasma profiles, we find an intricate coupling of turbulence spreading and a zonal flow in determining the radial profiles of turbulent heat fluxes, which has not been reported to date.
Characteristics of velocity, bubble's radius, and pressure in liquid and gas bubble mixture
Authors: Abdel-Gawad H. I.
Published: February 2024

The study focuses on the formation of gas bubbles, a crucial phenomenon that significantly impacts the hydrodynamics in liquid–gas reactors. This phenomenon has been observed in industrial engineering, leading to the development of model equations that describe the velocity of a liquid–gas mixture, pressure, and deviation in the gas bubble's initial radius. Kudryashov–Sinelshchikov (KS) established coupled equations (CEs) to describe the dynamics of the liquid–gas mixture. Here, the study aims to investigate the behavior of velocity, deviation in the bubble radius, and pressures by deriving exact solutions of the KSCEs and representing them graphically. The findings show that the velocity can take negative or positive values, representing interfacial velocity or superficial velocity for both liquid and gas, respectively. The pressure may also be negative or positive, corresponding to the shrinking or stretchering of the liquid surface, respectively. The dynamics of the velocity and the deviation in the bubble radius exhibit similar qualitative behavior, while the pressure shows a variant behavior. The dominant parameters are found to be the gas bubble's initial radius and the polytropic exponent. The stability of the steady-state solution is also analyzed. This study contributes to the existing literature by examining the CEs, which have not been studied until now.
Effects of inflow Mach numbers on shock train dynamics and turbulence features in a backpressured supersonic channel flow
Authors: Yuan Tao-Fei , Zhang Peng-Jun-Yi , Liao Zi-Mo , Wan Zhen-Hua , Liu Nan-Sheng , Lu Xi-Yun
Published: February 2024

Investigations on shock train dynamics and relevant turbulence features in a backpressured supersonic channel flow are carried out using direct numerical simulation for three inflow Mach numbers of Ma0= 1.61, 2.0, and 2.45. As Ma0 increases, the shock train undergoes a structural change characterized by the leading shock which changes from the symmetric “λ” (Ma0=1.61) to the symmetric “X” (Ma0=2.00) and then to the asymmetric “X” pattern (Ma0=2.45). The symmetry breaking of shock structures induces asymmetric separation, which significantly alters the distribution characteristics of wall variables such as wall pressure and friction. To examine the unsteady behaviors of the shock train, a mode decomposition technique, namely, reduced-order variational mode decomposition [Liao et al., J. Fluid Mech. 966, A7 (2023)], is adopted taking its merit of adaptively extracting time-frequency features of dynamic systems. The modal analysis reveals that the shock train system exhibits significant centralization of low-frequency energy. Specifically, two basic types of low-frequency oscillation modes dominate the unsteady motion of the shock train: one depicts overall translating oscillation while another represents accordion-like oscillation. The analysis of turbulent kinetic energy shows that turbulence amplification is mainly dominated by the interaction of the decelerating mean flow with streamwise velocity fluctuations in the vicinity of the leading shock for all three cases, which is unaffected by the symmetry breaking of shock structures.
Fractal mechanical model of variable mass seepage in karst collapse column of mine
Authors: Liu Yang , Ji Ming , Wang Yue , Liu Guannan , Gu Pengxiang , Wang Qiuyu
Published: February 2024

Currently, the study of karst collapse column water inrush mechanism often ignores the effect of pore structure, and the traditional fractal seepage model ignores the effect of nonlinear seepage velocity field on model permeability. In order to solve this problem, the fractal seepage theory is combined with variable mass seepage theory, and the influence of seepage velocity field on model permeability is considered. The fractal seepage model of the third flow field of the settling column is established and improved, and the influence of different pore structure parameters and nonlinear seepage parameters on the macroscopic seepage of the settling column is analyzed.
Unveiling the influence of ambient lighting on stimulating ultraviolet luminescence of deep-trap phosphors
Authors: Shi Tingxing , Liu Feng , Liu Yichun , Wang Xiao-jun
Published: February 2024

Glow-in-the-daylight is a fascinating luminescence phenomenon displayed by certain storage phosphors that emit ultraviolet light upon being stimulated by ambient lighting. In this study, we investigate the influence of indoor lighting on the glow-in-the-daylight emission of a co-doped garnet phosphor, Y3Al5O12:Pr3+,Eu3+, known for its deep trap that effectively retains energy. Our experimental results demonstrate an interesting observation that, following x-ray radiation at room temperature, this phosphor exhibits negligible persistent luminescence in darkness but emits intense ultraviolet light peaking at 318 nm under indoor lighting conditions. This emphasizes the crucial role played by ambient lighting in releasing stored energy. Our findings not only shed light on the influence of indoor illumination dose and spectral distribution on the persistently stimulated luminescence but also expand our exploration to various ultraviolet phosphors with deep traps, with the aim of uncovering novel materials applicable in glow-in-the-daylight scenarios.
Co-simulation of drag reduction of placoid scale oscillation driven by micro Stewart mechanism
Authors: Li Shuai , Liu Shaogang , Cui Jin , Zhou Linhui , Lv Tangqi , Zhao Dan , Dong Liqiang , Jiao Hongyue
Published: February 2024

To reduce the drag of underwater vehicles during navigation, this paper proposes a skin imbricated with bionic placoid scale based on micro-Stewart mechanism. The skin is composed of bionic shark placoid scales and Stewart structure with multi-dimensional motion characteristics, which can well simulate the multi-dimensional oscillation motion of shark scales during swimming. A co-simulation platform of computational fluid dynamics and multi-body dynamics is established to investigate the impact of oscillating parameters (heave and pitch) on the drag reduction performance of the skin. The novel skin shows a remarkable drag reduction performance, with a relative drag reduction rate over 20% (up to 33%) in the range of Re = 105 ∼ 106. It is found that the oscillation motion generated by the placoid scales can cause the fluid inside the skin to spray upward, which can increase the thickness of the fluid boundary layer, revealing the drag reduction mechanism of the skin to some extent. Moreover, the pitching motion of the placoid scale is more effective in drag reduction than the heaving motion in the condition of Re = 105. It is expected that applying this skin to underwater vehicles can achieve satisfactory drag reduction effects.
Review of atomization characteristics of liquid jets in crossflow
Authors: Zhang Yi , Tian Ye , Le Jialing
Published: February 2024

The atomization process of liquid fuels is vital in scramjet engines. The level of atomization directly impacts the subsequent evaporation, mixing, and combustion processes. Therefore, understanding the atomization mechanism of liquid jets in crossflow is necessary to promote the mixing process of scramjet engines and improve the combustion efficiency. This article overviews the atomization process of liquid jets in transverse airflow based on the breakup mechanism, atomization characteristics, and factors affecting atomization. The deformation and fragmentation of droplets are influenced primarily by the Weber number and have little correlation with the Reynolds number. There are similarities in the properties between the primary fragmentation of liquid jets and the breakup of liquid droplets in crossflow. The primary breakup of liquid jets in crossflow is characterized primarily by continuous jet column breakup. The Rayleigh–Taylor instability causes columnar breakup, while the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability causes surface breakup in the jet. The size distribution of droplets follows C-, I-, or S-shaped distributions, while the velocity distribution of droplets follows an inverse C-shape. Finally, the shortcomings of current research are pointed out, namely, the lack of research on the jet breakup mechanism in crossflow under actual scramjet engine configurations and inflow conditions. In the future, it can be combined with artificial intelligence to reveal the jet breakup mechanism under actual working conditions and establish a wide range of theoretical prediction models.
Temporal compressive holographic microscopy based on alternating deep denoisers and total variation prior
Authors: Ma Zhao , Long Jiale , Ding Yi , Li Yingrong , Yuan Xiaoqun
Published: February 2024

We present temporal compressive holographic microscopy to achieve high-speed phase imaging with a low-speed camera. In this method, alternating deep denoising network and total variation denoiser are combined into a plug-and-play framework to reconstruct ten high-speed holographic frames from a single-shot measurement. Therefore, we can observe a 500 frame per second (fps) holographic scene when the camera works at 50 fps. This technique provides an effective tool to detect dynamic phase change scenes.
Rotating detonation combustor performance informed through a novel megahertz-rate stagnation pressure measurement
Authors: Dille Kevin J. , Frederick Mark D. , Slabaugh Carson D. , Heister Stephen D.
Published: February 2024

An experimental stagnation pressure measurement technique is presented for a rotating detonation combustor (RDC). Schlieren imaging enables rotating detonation wave passage to be correlated with oscillations observed in the under-expanded exhaust plume. By measuring the spatiotemporal variation in exhaust plume divergence angle, stagnation pressure measurements of the RDC were acquired at a rate of 1 MHz. Combustor mass flux was varied between 202 and 783 kg/m2s, producing equivalent available pressures (EAPs) in the range of 3.42–13.5 bar. Time-averaged stagnation pressure measurements gathered using this technique were in agreement with the measured EAP within ±1.5%. Time-resolved stagnation pressure measurements allow for the pressure ratio produced across detonation wave cycles to be determined. For the conditions tested, detonation pressure ratios and wave speeds decreased while increasing the mean operating pressure of the combustor. Numerical modeling of the conditions tested indicates that the decrease in pressure ratio and wave speed is a result of elevated levels of combustion prior to the detonation wave arrival (i.e., “preburning”). Simultaneous OH* chemiluminescence measurements within the combustion chamber show an increase in preburned heat release relative to detonative heat release for increasing operating pressures of the RDC, in agreement with the results of the numerical model. Modeled chemical kinetic timescales decrease by approximately the same magnitude by which the preburning mass fraction increased in the range of operating pressures tested, suggesting that the faster reaction rates associated with higher pressure combustion may be the reason for increased preburning within the combustor.
Investigation on the influence of seal clearance leakage on the rotating stall characteristics for a centrifugal pump
Authors: Tang Yuan , Wang Fujun , Wang Chaoyue , Ye Changliang , Qu Qiulin , Xu Jianhua
Published: February 2024

The occurrence and development of centrifugal pump rotating stall is closely related to disturbance in the incoming flow. The seal clearance leakage is an inherent disturbance in the impeller incoming flow of centrifugal pumps. In order to investigate the seal clearance leakage influence on the rotating stall characteristics, the flow field numerical simulation of a centrifugal pump under rotating stall flow conditions with and without seal clearance are carried out. It is found that under the 0.4Q0 rotating stall condition with seal clearance leakage, the “λ” special shaped high-velocity region distribution along the blade leading edges are strengthened, which lead to larger scale of stall vortices. And the periodicity of the separation vortex evolution is more obvious under the condition with leakage. For a specific stall vortex development process, at the initial format stage, there is a notable disturbance characteristic of medium frequencies band that of 2–3 times the rotation frequency in the pressure fluctuation near the blade leading edges, which is significantly different from that under the condition without leakage. The vorticity analysis shows that this disturbance is closely related to the leakage induced vortices. Affected by the seal clearance leakage disturbance, the stall rotating propagation frequency is reduced from 0.143 times the impeller rotational frequency to 0.103 times. Meanwhile, the fluctuation intensity in the impeller channels is greatly enhanced. Therefore, by judging the special fluctuation frequencies, regularity, and intensity trend in the monitoring signal, it can not only be used to guide the safe operation of centrifugal pumps under off-design conditions but also serve as the basis for judging the wear of the seal, which has important practical significance.
Evaluating the Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator (APSIM) wheat module for California
Authors: George Nicholas Alexander , de Jesus Pedro Cuamba Helio , Lundy Mark E. , Bennett Sarita Jane
Published: February 2024

Context Computer-based crop simulation models are important tools for agricultural research and management. APSIM (Agricultural Production Systems sIMulator) is commonly used around the world but has not been widely validated in North America. Aims The objective of this work was to evaluate the reliability of APSIM for simulating wheat production in California, with the aim of providing guidance for future field research aimed at model calibration and validation. Methods Environmental and management data from state-wide wheat variety trials of common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) were used to parameterise the APSIM-Wheat module (ver. 7.10 r4220). Simulated yield and protein data were compared with observed field trial results to test the reliability of APSIM simulations. Key results The most reliable simulation of grain yield had a root-mean-square error of 1040 kg/ha and normalised root-mean-square error of 16% relative to actual field data. Preliminary calibration of the model for Californian wheat varieties did not improve simulation accuracy or precision. Conclusions The accuracy or precision of the simulations was comparable to that of other tests of the APSIM-Wheat module in environments where it has not been previously calibrated but was considered too low to be reliable. The lack of reliability was due to the poor representation of local Californian wheat genotypes by existing APSIM cultivars, as well as possible lack of precision and accuracy of field data. Implications APSIM could be a valuable tool for wheat research and management in California; however, further research is needed to generate suitable field data for model calibration and validation.
Controlled synthesis of NO in an atmospheric pressure plasma by suppressing NO destruction channels by plasma catalysis
Authors: Yu S , Vervloedt S C L , Keudell A von
Published: February 2024

NO synthesis using plasma catalysis is analyzed in a parallel-plate atmospheric pressure RF plasma from N2/O2 admixed to helium exposed to Fe and Pt catalysts on a SiO2 support. The NO
x
species are measured by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy in a multi-pass cell. The trends in species densities can be well explained by air chemistry reactions, where NO’s progressive oxidation occurs with increasing oxygen admixture and ozone generation. The sequence can be controlled by the state of the surface that preferentially quenches O3 and allows for an optimum NO production. The maximum production of NO is found at 70% N2/(N2+O2) mixture ratio at 120 ∘C using sandblasted glass, with a conversion rate of 0.085%.
Magneto-acousto-electrical tomography using nonlinearly frequency-modulated ultrasound
Authors: Cheng Zhizhuo , Sun Zhishen , Wang Jianfei , Jia Kebin
Published: February 2024

Objective. In this study, nonlinearly frequency-modulated (NLFM) ultrasound was applied to magneto-acousto-electrical tomography (MAET) to increase the dynamic range of detection. Approach. Generation of NLFM signals using window function method—based on the principle of stationary phase—and piecewise linear frequency modulation method—based on the genetic algorithm—was discussed. The MAET experiment systems using spike, linearly frequency-modulated (LFM), or NLFM pulse stimulation were constructed, and three groups of MAET experiments on saline agar phantom samples were carried out to verify the performance—respectively the sensitivity, the dynamic range, and the longitudinal resolution of detection—of MAET using NLFM ultrasound in comparison to that using LFM ultrasound. Based on the above experiments, a pork sample was imaged by ultrasound imaging method, spike MAET method, LFM MAET method, and NLFM MAET method, to compare the imaging accuracy. Main results. The experiment results showed that, through sacrificing very little main-lobe width of pulse compression or equivalently the longitudinal resolution, the MAET using NLFM ultrasound achieved higher signal-to-interference ratio (and therefore higher detection sensitivity), lower side-lobe levels of pulse compression (and therefore larger dynamic range of detection), and large anti-interference capability, compared to the MAET using LFM ultrasound. Significance. The applicability of the MAET using NLFM ultrasound was proved in circumferences where sensitivity and dynamic range of detection were mostly important and slightly lower longitudinal resolution of detection was acceptable. The study furthered the scheme of using coded ultrasound excitation toward the clinical application of MAET.
Automated target placement for VMAT lattice radiation therapy: enhancing efficiency and consistency
Authors: Deufel Christopher , Dodoo Christopher , Kavanaugh James , Finley Randi , Lang Karen , Sorenson Kasie , Spreiter Sheri , Brooks Jamison , Moseley Douglas , Ahmed Safia K , Haddock Michael G , Ma Daniel , Park Sean S , Petersen Ivy A , Owen Dawn W , Grams Michael P
Published: February 2024

Objective. An algorithm was developed for automated positioning of lattice points within volumetric modulated arc lattice radiation therapy (VMAT LRT) planning. These points are strategically placed within the gross tumor volume (GTV) to receive high doses, adhering to specific separation rules from adjacent organs at risk (OARs). The study goals included enhancing planning safety, consistency, and efficiency while emulating human performance. Approach. A Monte Carlo-based algorithm was designed to optimize the number and arrangement of lattice points within the GTV while considering placement constraints and objectives. These constraints encompassed minimum spacing between points, distance from OARs, and longitudinal separation along the z-axis. Additionally, the algorithm included an objective to permit, at the user’s discretion, solutions with more centrally placed lattice points within the GTV. To validate its effectiveness, the automated approach was compared with manually planned treatments for 24 previous patients. Prior to clinical implementation, a failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was conducted to identify potential shortcomings. Main results. The automated program successfully met all placement constraints with an average execution time (over 24 plans) of 0.29 ±0.07 min per lattice point. The average lattice point density (# points per 100 c.c. of GTV) was similar for automated (0.725) compared to manual placement (0.704). The dosimetric differences between the automated and manual plans were minimal, with statistically significant differences in certain metrics like minimum dose (1.9% versus 1.4%), D5% (52.8% versus 49.4%), D95% (7.1% versus 6.2%), and Body-GTV V30% (20.7 c.c. versus 19.7 c.c.). Significance. This study underscores the feasibility of employing a straightforward Monte Carlo-based algorithm to automate the creation of spherical target structures for VMAT LRT planning. The automated method yields similar dose metrics, enhances inter-planner consistency for larger targets, and requires fewer resources and less time compared to manual placement. This approach holds promise for standardizing treatment planning in prospective patient trials and facilitating its adoption across centers seeking to implement VMAT LRT techniques.
Assessing the value and sensitivity of ecosystem services based on land use in the middle and lower reaches of the Shiyang River
Authors: Tao Hu , Hu Guanglu , Fan Yalun , Bai Yuanru , Liu Peng , Zhou Chengqian
Published: February 2024

In response to increasing ecological and environmental challenges in arid areas, it is of great significance to investigate the ecosystem service value (ESV), accompanying the changes in ecological sensitivity for the protection of ecologically vulnerable areas. Our analysis seeks to elucidate the ESV and ecological sensitivity changes in the middle and lower reaches of the Shiyang River to determine the trends and influencing factors of ESV under changing land use patterns. The key findings include: (1) From 1995 to 2020, the ESV in the study area witnessed fluctuations, culminating in an overall decline of 1.249 × 108 yuan. (2) In 2020, sensitivity coefficients (CSs) for ESV were as follows: 0.4335 for grassland, 0.2586 for farmland, and 0.1170 for unused land within the study area. Furthermore, coefficients of improved cross-sensitivity (CICSs) for the reciprocal transformation of farmland, grassland, and unused land were 1.10, 1.18, and 1.54, respectively, indicating the pivotal role of the three land types in driving ESV fluctuations.
Topological stability of spin textures in Si/Co-doped helimagnet FeGe
Authors: Guang Yao , Fujishiro Yukako , Tanaka Aito , Peng Licong , Kaneko Yoshio , Kanazawa Naoya , Tokura Yoshinori , Yu Xiuzhen
Published: February 2024

Element substitutions with magnetic or non-magnetic atoms are known to significantly impact the magnetic structure and related transport properties of magnets. To clarify the change of magnetic structure of B20-type magnets with element doping, we conduct real-space observations of spin textures and their temperature (T)-magnetic field (H) phase diagrams of a helimagnet FeGe with partially substituting Fe and Ge with Co and Si, respectively. The helical period (λ) changes dramatically by the element doping: λ increases by 147% to 103 nm in 30% Co-doped FeGe, whereas it decreases by around 70% to 49 nm in 30% Si-doped FeGe, compared to the λ =70 nm in FeGe. Upon applying the magnetic field normally to (001), (110), and (111) thin plates of both FeSi0.3Ge0.7 and Fe0.7Co0.3Ge, the hexagonal skyrmion crystal (SkX) state emerges. The magnetic phase diagrams observed through the real-space imaging reveal that (1) the SkX can extend to a larger T-H window by reducing the sample thickness or by cooling the sample under specific magnetic fields from temperatures above the transition temperature (TC
); (2) the stability of the SkX phase differs between Si-doped and Co-doped FeGe: the SkX phase is most unstable in the (111) FeSi0.3Ge0.7, while it remains robust in the (111) Fe0.7Co0.3Ge. These differences indicate distinct anisotropic behavior in FeGe with magnetic (Co) and non-magnetic-element (Si) dopants.
Corrigendum to “Small prime 𝑘𝑡ℎ power residues”
Authors: Benli̇ Kübra
Published: February 2024

The author corrects an inaccuracy in the proof and the statement of the main result for “Small prime

k
k

th power residues”, Proc. Amer. Math. Soc. 148 (2020), 3801–3809.
The Sobol’ sequence is not quasi-uniform in dimension 2
Authors: Goda Takashi
Published: February 2024

Are common quasi-Monte Carlo sequences quasi-uniform? While this question remains widely open, in this short note, we prove that the two-dimensional Sobol’ sequence is not quasi-uniform. This result partially answers an unsolved problem of Sobol’ and Shukhman [Math. Comput. Simulation 75 (2007), pp. 80–86] in a negative manner.
Bessel periods and anticyclotomic 𝑝-adic spinor 𝐿-functions
Authors: Hsieh Ming-Lun , Yamana Shunsuke
Published: February 2024

We construct the anticyclotomic

p
p

-adic

L
L

-function that interpolates a square root of central values of twisted spinor

L
L

-functions of a quadratic base change of a Siegel cusp form of genus

2
2

with respect to a paramodular group of square-free level.
A life and death of attention
Authors: Rozelle-Stone A. Rebecca
Published: February 2024

This chapter provides a brief biography of Simone Weil, highlighting major events and milestones in her life, including her familial background, the influence of her brother and burgeoning mathematician André on her intellectual development, her health issues and concerns with physical and moral purity, her education and philosophical influences, her teaching and activist work, and the manner of her death. A famous exchange with Simone de Beauvoir is detailed, as well as the impact of her famous teacher Alain. As the title of this chapter suggests, her life (including her death) was one of intense attention, especially to classes of people who had been marginalized, neglected, or exploited. This account of her life showcases an uncompromising thinker who viewed her own existence and self as a stain on the beauty of the world, such that she saw her vocation as necessarily focused on continual self-denial and self-displacement, no matter what degree of suffering this entailed, in order to make space for truth.
Religion
Authors: Rozelle-Stone A. Rebecca
Published: February 2024

This chapter demonstrates that Weil was undoubtedly a religious and arguably a Christian thinker, even if she was wary of institutionalized religion. However, religiosity is capable of transcending institution, so resistance to the organizations and collectivisms of religion did not prevent Weil from affirming the beauty, truth, and goodness that arise from various religions, especially Christianity. Desiring the transcendent and absolute good is the foundation for Weil’s notion of religiosity. She thought that religion is, at its core, a promise of God that anyone who sincerely contemplates and desires the supernatural can be wholly transformed. Therefore, this chapter examines Weil’s unique Christian understanding and mystical experiences; her approach to the problem of evil and related concepts like decreation; the inspirations provided by other religious traditions, like Taoism, Hinduism, and Buddhism, as well as her notorious antipathy towards Judaism; and, finally, her endorsement of a certain form of atheism as a means of religious purification.
Ethics
Authors: Rozelle-Stone A. Rebecca
Published: February 2024

Deriving from her religious-metaphysical views, Weil’s ethics centres on the practice of attending to particular others and to the world at large. Her particular approach to moral questions reflects a new kind of ethical theory, one that appears to bring together divergent elements of Kantian deontology (duty-based ethics) and later contemporary care ethics, but which cannot be entirely framed by either of these. This chapter serves to highlight her ethical philosophy and expands on themes such as: her concept of the void and its relation to the self; her notion of evil and its relation to illusion; her understanding of goodness and its connection to attentiveness; and her description of a kind of moral education which gives people a pragmatic avenue for engaging in the cultivation of attention. For her, there is essentially one moral choice presented to humans at any given time: persons can consent to the forces of the natural world and be governed by mechanical necessity and the moral gravity it entails, or they can sincerely desire the absent Good. Only the latter can be characterized as attention, the basis of ethics in her view.