bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Citronella essential oil-based nanoemulsion as a post-emergence natural herbicide
Authors: Somala Naphat , Laosinwattana Chamroon , Chotsaeng Nawasit , Teerarak Montinee
Published: November 2023

A natural herbicide nanoemulsion was fabricated from citronella (Cymbopogon nardus L.) essential oil (CEO) and a nonionic surfactant Tween 60 mixed with Span 60 at hydrophilic-lipophilic balance 14 using a microfluidization method. The main constituents of CEO were citronellol (35.244%), geraniol (21.906%), and citronellal (13.632%). CEO nanoemulsion droplet size and polydispersity index (PI) were evaluated by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The smallest droplet size (33.2 nm, PI 0.135) was obtained from a microfluidizer at 20,000 psi, 7 cycles. Nanoemulsion droplet in transmission electron microscopy correlated with DLS confirmed CEO to successfully produce nanoemulsion. The herbicidal activity of the nanoemulsion as a foliar spray was evaluated against Echinochloa cruss-galli and Amaranthus tricolor as representative narrow- and broadleaf weed plants, both of which presented visual toxicity symptoms. The modes of action of the nanoemulsion were then determined in terms of membrane integrity (relative electrolyte leakage; REL), malondialdehyde (MDA), and photosynthetic pigment contents. The results showed increase in REL and MDA which indicated the destruction of the treated plants; additionally, chlorophylls and carotenoid contents were decreased. Consequently, CEO nanoemulsion may have the possibility to act as a natural herbicide resource, and natural herbicides from citronella nanoemulsions could be good alternatives for use in sustainable agriculture.
Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of heavy metals in marine micro-predators
Authors: Danovaro Roberto , Cocozza di Montanara Adele , Corinaldesi Cinzia , Dell’Anno Antonio , Illuminati Silvia , Willis Trevor J. , Gambi Cristina
Published: November 2023

Nematodes represent >3/5 of the abundance of the world’s metazoans and usually account for nearly 90% of the total benthic fauna, playing a key ecological role in the benthic ecosystem functioning on a global scale. These small metazoans include a relevant number of microscopic predators and, in turn, are the most abundant preys of macro-megafauna and fish juveniles thus playing a key role in marine food webs. Here, using two independent approaches, we test the bioaccumulation in marine nematodes of several heavy metals present in contaminated sediments. We report here that nematodes, despite their short life cycle and small size, bioaccumulate significantly heavy metals. Bioaccumulation increases from deposit feeders and microalgal grazers to predators of microbes and other tiny metazoans. These results suggest that nematodes also contribute to their biomagnification along the food webs and can contribute to increase the transfer of contaminants from the sediments to larger organisms.
Osmolyte induced protein stabilization: modulation of associated water dynamics might be a key factor
Authors: Negi Kuldeep Singh , Das Nilimesh , Khan Tanmoy , Sen Pratik
Published: November 2023

Modulation of protein associated water might decide protein–osmolyte interaction, where the rigidity and flexibility of associated water induce stabilization and destabilization, respectively.
Density functional theory study of crown ether–magnesium complexes: from a solvated ion to an ion trap
Authors: Ćeranić Katarina , Milovanović Branislav , Petković Milena
Published: November 2023

A theoretical protocol is proposed for designing an optimal trap for a desired metal cation.
Nitrogen-vacancy-modulated efficient ammonia desorption over 3d TM-anchored BC3N2 monolayer
Authors: Lin Long , Xie Kun , He Chaozheng
Published: November 2023

Modulating nitrogen fixation efficiency with nitrogen-vacancy offers a new strategy for designing and developing electrocatalysts for NRR reactions.
Ferrocenyl-based di- and trinuclear lanthanide complexes: solid state structures, (spectro)electrochemical and DFT studies
Authors: Khalladi Ahmed , Kovalski Eduard , Abdulmalic Mohammad A. , Rüffer Tobias , Yuan Qing , Naïli H. , Korb Marcus , Lang Heinrich
Published: November 2023

Reaction of ferrocenyl carboxylic acid with lanthanide salts gave di- and trimeric complexes bearing 6 and 9 organometallics. Square wave voltammetry and DFT studies showed that electrostatic repulsion determines the distribution of redox events.
A Raman spectroscopic and ab initio investigation of aqueous boron speciation under alkaline hydrothermal conditions: evidence for the structure and thermodynamic stability of the diborate ion
Authors: Sasidharanpillai Swaroop , Cox Jenny S. , Pye Cory C. , Tremaine Peter R.
Published: November 2023

The first spectroscopic evidence of aqueous diborate species has been obtained from quantitative Raman spectra for borate-rich solutions at temperatures up to 300 °C. They are the major equilibrium species only in alkaline solutions above 150 °C.
Optimizing low-voltage boosting for an air-cathode microbial fuel cell with an anion exchange membrane in a 246 L wastewater treatment reactor
Authors: Shimidzu Ayano , Tanaka Fumichika , Matsumura Takahiro , Sakoda Mitsuhiro , Iida Kazuki , Yoshida Naoko
Published: November 2023

This study explores the enhancement and secondary utilization of electricity generated by microbial fuel cells (MFCs) in wastewater treatment.
Unified and green oxidation of amides and aldehydes for the Hofmann and Curtius rearrangements
Authors: Song Liyan , Meng Yufei , Zhao Tongchao , Liu Lifang , Pan Xiaohong , Huang Binbin , Yao Hongliang , Lin Ran , Tong Rongbiao
Published: November 2023

The oxone–halide green oxidation system is extended to the oxidation of primary amides and aromatic aldehydes (with sodium azide) to generate N-haloamide and acyl azides, respectively, for subsequent Hofmann and Curtius rearrangements.
Correction: A hierarchical integrated 3D carbon electrode derived from gingko leaves via hydrothermal carbonization of H3PO4 for high-performance supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Han , Zhang Fumin , Lin Xinyu , Wu Jinggao , Huang Jing
Published: November 2023

Correction for ‘A hierarchical integrated 3D carbon electrode derived from gingko leaves via hydrothermal carbonization of H3PO4 for high-performance supercapacitors’ by Han Liu et al., Nanoscale Adv., 2023, 5, 786–795, DOI: https://doi.org/10.1039/D2NA00758D.
Research progress of perovskite long afterglow materials
Authors: Zhong Xiaojie , Huang Sai , Li Jinkai , Liu Zongming
Published: November 2023

The mechanism and properties of perovskite long afterglow materials and their applications in biological imaging, information storage, anti-counterfeiting, and other fields.
Synthesis, structure and evaluation of spectral, luminescent and optoelectronic properties of Zn(ii) hexafluoroacetylacetonate complexes of triphenodioxazines
Authors: Ivakhnenko Eugeny P. , Makarova Nadezhda I. , Kislitsin Sergey E. , Knyazev Pavel A. , Starikov Andrey G. , Demidov Oleg P. , Borodkin Gennady S. , Minkin Vladimir I.
Published: November 2023

The synthesis of 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 complexes of Zn(ii) hexafluoroacetylacetonate with sterically crowded triphenodioxazines (TPDO) is described, and the compounds are characterized using single-crystal X-ray crystallography, NMR, and IR spectroscopy.
Casein/starch composites: novel binders for green carbonaceous electrodes applied in the capacitive deionization of water
Authors: Arjmandi Sama , Kheiri Afsaneh , Kazemzadeh Mehdi , Falamaki Cavus
Published: November 2023

Schematic illustration of the effect of casein/starch composite binder surface chemistry and its role as an ion-exchange membrane on the salt removal process under the application of an electric field.
Chiral cobalt(ii) complex-promoted asymmetric para-Claisen rearrangement of allyl α-naphthol ethers
Authors: Zeng Hongkun , Wang Lifeng , Su Zhishan , Ying Meijia , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming
Published: November 2023

A highly enantioselective para-Claisen rearrangement of allyl α-naphthol ethers is realized by a chiral cobalt(ii)/N,N′-dioxide complex catalyst.
(C5H6.16N2Cl0.84)(IO2Cl2): a birefringent crystal featuring unprecedented (IO2Cl2)− anions and π-conjugated organic cations
Authors: Chen Qian-Qian , Hu Chun-Li , Zhang Ming-Zhi , Mao Jiang-Gao
Published: November 2023

(C5H6.16N2Cl0.84)(IO2Cl2) composed of unprecedented (IO2Cl2)− anions and π-conjugated (C5H6.16N2Cl0.84)+ cations exhibits enormous birefringence of 0.67 at 546 nm.
Band gap engineering by cationic substitution in Sn(Zr1−xTix)Se3 alloy for bottom sub-cell application in solar cells
Authors: Kondrotas Rokas , Pakštas Vidas , Franckevičius Marius , Suchodolskis Artūras , Tumėnas Saulius , Jašinskas Vidmantas , Juškėnas Remigijus , Krotkus Arūnas , Muska Katri , Kauk-Kuusik Marit
Published: November 2023

The bandgap of SnZrSe3 was successfully engineered by cationic substitution to create novel materials photoactive in the short wavelength infrared region.
Digital twin‐based online resilience scheduling for microgrids: An approach combining imitative learning and deep reinforcement learning
Authors: Sun Haonan , Liu Nian , Tan Lu , Du Peng , Zhang Bocheng
Published: November 2023

Strong uncertainty of renewables puts high demands on the fast response of flexibility resources and resilience‐oriented optimal scheduling for microgrids (MGs). Digital twins (DT) technology based on data‐driven methods is a potential solution to this problem. A DT‐based online resilience scheduling framework for MGs is designed in this study. Based on the proposed framework, a hybrid sequential‐parallel combination method of imitation learning (IL) and deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed to develop the optimal scheduling strategy for MGs. First, a mixed integer second‐order cone programming (MISOCP) model is adopted to behave as an expert to generate decision demonstrations corresponding to operation scenarios of MGs. Then, IL and deep deterministic policy gradient (DDPG) are combined by (1) sequential pretrain and finetune and (2) parallel experience storing and sampling two steps to learn the optimal policy for MGs. Expert demonstrations from the MISOCP model are utilized to pretrain a deep neural network model by IL and initialize the policy network of DDPG to avoid it learning from scratch. Moreover, an expert replay buffer is introduced specifically to avoid forgetting the well‐behaved expert experience and to further accelerate the training process. A 6‐bus MG test system case study demonstrates the effectiveness and scalability of the proposed approach.
A Mathematical Model of Marine Mucilage, the Case of the Liga on the Basque Coast
Authors: Pierre Charles , Vallet Guy
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we are interested in modeling the production of mucus by diatoms under the constraint of a nutrient limitation and carbon overabundance. The initial questioning comes from the observation of the so-called “liga” on the Aquitaine coast. The biological origin of the phenomenon is presented and discussed based on the existing literature. An original mathematical model incorporating mucus secretion is proposed and its theoretical properties are analized: well-posedness and differentiability with respect to the model parameters. Finally, numerical experiments are provided, investigating the possibility of parameter identification for the model using chemostat-type experiments.
Hybrid-DRGs
Authors: Roßius Sabrina
Published: November 2023

Nach Plänen des BMG wird zum 1. Januar 2024 eine spezielle sektorengleiche Vergütung über sogenannte Hybrid-DRG eingeführt. Ein Kommentar zum Potenzial.
Device-assisted enteroscopy in the surveillance of intestinal hamartomas in Peutz-Jeghers syndrome
Authors: Mohamed Elfeky Omar Wahid , Panjwani Suraj , Cave David , Wild Daniel , Raines Daniel
Published: November 2023

Background and study aims Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an
autosomal-dominant genetic disorder characterized by the formation of hamartomatous polyps in
the gastrointestinal tract. These polyps result in significant morbidity due to adverse events
(AEs) including intestinal obstruction, bleeding, and malignancy. The aim of this study was to
describe the role of device-assisted enteroscopy (DAE) in monitoring and prophylactic
polypectomy within the small bowel.

Patients and methods Electronic medical records were surveyed to
identify all DAE procedures performed in patients with PJS at three US referral centers
between January 1, 2007 and January 1, 2020. Individual charts were reviewed to collect and
analyze specific data points. Primary end points included AEs associated with DAE-related
polypectomy and the rate of laparotomy in PJS patients prior to, and following, index DAE.
Secondary data points included patient characteristics, procedural details, and
size/location/distribution of small bowel hamartomas.

Results Twenty-three patients met our inclusion criteria. Of
these, 18 (75%) had previously undergone small bowel surgery prior to index DAE. Between 2007
and 2020, 46 DAEs were performed in these patients with an average of one exam every 2.5
years. A total of 131 polypectomies were performed with an AE rate of 1.5%. None of our cohort
required emergent surgery related to AEs of small bowel hamartomas over 336 years of
aggregated follow-up.

Conclusions Endoscopic management of small bowel polyps in
patients with PJS using DAE is an effective strategy for prophylactic removal of hamartomas.
DAE surveillance and endoscopic polypectomy is safe and may decrease the need for repeated
laparotomy in patients with PJS.
Regioselective Double C–H Functionalization of Arenes via Aryl Thianthrenium Salt Analogues
Authors: Hamad Aboubakr , Mrozowicz Michał , Ritter Tobias , Xie Yuanhao
Published: November 2023

Directed C–H functionalization reactions are powerful tools for the rapid and selective syntheses of complex molecules. However, many existing C–H functionalization reactions require the presence of a preinstalled directing group that has to be either a part of the molecule or introduced onto an existing functional group. Here, we report analogues of thianthrene that can also function as directing groups for intermediate directed C–H functionalization and thereby permit regioselective 2,4- and 3,4-aromatic C–H difunctionalization of simple arenes in yields of 22–33% over three steps.
Measurement of Intact Serum Parathormone and Corrected Serum Calcium after Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Kumari Sweety , Khanna Rahul , Agrawal Neeraj K. , Khanna Ritika , Meena Ram Niwas
Published: November 2023

Postoperative hypocalcemia is an important complication of thyroid surgery. The present study was undertaken to measure the serum levels of intact parathormone (iPTH) and corrected serum calcium (CSC) in the immediate postoperative period and then sequentially till 1 month after thyroid surgery. A total of 36 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy and 44 undergoing hemithyroidectomy had measurement of the level of iPTH and CSC at 1 hour, 1 day, 1 week, and 1 month after surgery. A mean drop of 9.3% in CSC, 40% in iPTH, and 10% in ionic calcium levels was noted 1 hour after total thyroidectomy. All the patients recovered to near preoperative levels at the 1-month follow-up. Among hemithyroidectomy patients, significant postsurgery drop in levels was not observed. The importance of the study is early recognition of a hypoparathyroid state at 1 hour after surgery and institution of calcium replacement, thereby sparing the patient from unpleasant symptoms of hypocalcemia. Furthermore, patients with a drop in the iPTH levels below the defined hypoparathyroidism levels should have careful evaluation of their thyroidectomy specimen for identification and possible autotransplantation of the parathyroid gland intraoperatively or in the immediate postoperative time frame.
Comparison of Arterial and Venous Interposition Grafting for Arterial Defects in a Rat Model
Authors: Sivakumar Brahman , Thatcher Keely , Hughes Ian , Watson Anna , Schick Bernard , Graham David J.
Published: November 2023

Background Interposition microvascular grafting may be required to bridge arterial defects during digital replantation or revascularization and has traditionally been performed utilizing a venous autograft. Arterial interposition grafting has been shown to be superior in maintaining patency in large vessel surgery; there are case reports of its use in microsurgery.

Methods Six fellowship-trained hand and microsurgeons performed arterial and venous interposition grafts on the femoral arteries of 40 Wistar rats. After sectioning one femoral artery a segment of the contralateral femoral artery or vein was obtained. The time was recorded per graft and patency tested 10 minutes following grafting by an independent assessor. Each surgeon also completed a questionnaire detailing regular microsurgical volume, technical ease, and conceptual preference for either graft.

Results Time for arterial interposition (median time 51.7 minutes) was longer than venous grafting (median time 45.9 minutes, p = 0.075). Arterial grafts were more likely to be patent or questionably patent (odds ratio [OR] = 6.77, p = 0.031). All surgeons found arterial interposition grafting technically easier and preferred it conceptually. Improvements were noted in patency rates (OR = 11.29, p = 0.018) and avoidance of anastomotic leak (OR = 0.19, p = 0.029) when surgeons performed moderate levels or greater of microsurgery within their regular practice.

Conclusion Greater immediate patency was noted with arterial interposition grafting in a rodent model when compared to venous grafting, although procedural time was greater. All surgeons found arterial grafting technically easier. Arterial microvascular grafting may be useful in the setting of digital replantation or revascularization with an arterial defect.
Stochastic nucleosome disassembly mediated by remodelers and histone fragmentation
Authors: Li Xiangting , Chou Tom
Published: November 2023

We construct and analyze monomeric and multimeric models of the stochastic disassembly of a single nucleosome. Our monomeric model predicts the time needed for a number of histone–DNA contacts to spontaneously break, leading to dissociation of a non-fragmented histone from DNA. The dissociation process can be facilitated by DNA binding proteins or processing molecular motors that compete with histones for histone–DNA contact sites. Eigenvalue analysis of the corresponding master equation allows us to evaluate histone detachment times under both spontaneous detachment and protein-facilitated processes. We find that competitive DNA binding of remodeling proteins can significantly reduce the typical detachment time but only if these remodelers have DNA-binding affinities comparable to those of histone–DNA contact sites. In the presence of processive motors, the histone detachment rate is shown to be proportional to the product of the histone single-bond dissociation constant and the speed of motor protein procession. Our simple intact-histone model is then extended to allow for multimeric nucleosome kinetics that reveal additional pathways of disassembly. In addition to a dependence of complete disassembly times on subunit–DNA contact energies, we show how histone subunit concentrations in bulk solutions can mediate the disassembly process by rescuing partially disassembled nucleosomes. Moreover, our kinetic model predicts that remodeler binding can also bias certain pathways of nucleosome disassembly, with higher remodeler binding rates favoring intact-histone detachment.
The closed-loop control method based on dual-port adaptive internal model control for fine image stabilization of space telescopes
Authors: Gao Yuanpeng , Zhang Quan , Wei Chuanxin , Zhu Yuji , Li Qingling , Yin Dayi
Published: November 2023

In view of the complex working environment of space astronomical telescopes, the influence of various disturbance sources on the imaging quality cannot be ignored. This paper focuses on compensating for the space telescope line-of-sight (LOS) deviation and suppressing the low-frequency disturbance problem in astronomical observation. A closed-loop control method based on dual-port adaptive internal model control (AIMC) for the fine image stabilization system (FISS) was proposed. To be specific, the fine guidance sensor (FGS) as the high-precision detection unit of the FISS calculates the telescope LOS deviation and sends it to the controller unit in real time. The controller unit drives the large-aperture fast steering mirror (FSM), which performs high-precision two-dimensional rotation to compensate for the telescope LOS deviation, according to the dual-port AIMC control algorithm. Moreover, the dual-port AIMC control method adds an AIMC loop on the basis of the feedback loop and adjusts the filter parameters adaptively according to the target angular velocity of the FSM, achieving higher disturbance suppression capability. The experimental results verify that the control method proposed can effectively compensate for the LOS deviation and suppress the composite frequency disturbance. In the 0–8 Hz frequency band, the power spectral density integral values of the star centroid deviation in the X and Y directions of the FGS are, respectively, suppressed by 97.38% and 98.38%.
The emergence of non-cryogenic quantum magnetic sensors: Synergistic advancement in magnetography together with SQUID
Authors: Ohkubo Masataka
Published: November 2023

Emerging non-superconductor quantum magnetic sensors, such as optically pumped magnetometer, fluxgate, magnetic tunnel junction, and diamond nitrogen-vacancy center, are approaching the performance of superconductor quantum interference devices (SQUIDs). These sensors are enabling magnetography for human bodies and brain–computer interface. Will they completely replace the SQUID magnetography in the near future?
New insights into reservoir on chip: Numerical investigation and experimental validation
Authors: Chourasia Ankit , Majumder Ayan , Mitra Sushanta K. , Bhattacharya Anandaroop
Published: November 2023

The present study reports a numerical investigation of oil extraction from a pore-scale perspective using water as the injection fluid. The pore network is constructed from the statistical realization of the pore space of the reservoir rock. Conceptually, the pore network model used in the study miniaturizes the porous reservoir containing oil/gas onto a microfluidic platform, capturing the actual pore-level length scale and it complex features. The validity of the numerical model is established through an experimental investigation of single-phase flow. The experimentally calculated absolute permeability based on the Darcy law shows an excellent agreement with the numerically attained value. The two-phase numerical model uses the phase field technique to track the development of the interface between the two immiscible phases, i.e., oil and water. The numerical model shows a piston-like displacement and captures interesting pore-level phenomena like snap-off and trapping. Implementing the complete network for simulation reveals the unstable nature of the flooding, which is persistent with invasion percolation. The complete network simulation reveals the discontinuous flood front with a segregated flow configuration. Two-phase experiments conducted on a polydimethylsiloxane test chip with an equivalent pore level network also showed similar flow features, thereby establishing the credibility of our two-phase simulations. The recovery factor obtained from the simulation was found to be 0.78, which is in close agreement with experimental data reported in the literature. The modified Darcy law applied to the numerical model generates relative permeability plots similar to the experimental core flooding plots reported in the literature. The numerical model presented here provides valuable insight into the oil recovery process and its implications at field scale. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first instance involving numerical analysis of the full-scale system of Reservoir on a Chip system detailing the pore-level flow dynamics.
Athermal quasistatic cavitation in amorphous solids: Effect of random pinning
Authors: Dattani Umang A. , Karmakar Smarajit , Chaudhuri Pinaki
Published: November 2023

Amorphous solids are known to fail catastrophically via fracture, and cavitation at nano-metric scales is known to play a significant role in such a failure process. Micro-alloying via inclusions is often used as a means to increase the fracture toughness of amorphous solids. Modeling such inclusions as randomly pinned particles that only move affinely and do not participate in plastic relaxations, we study how the pinning influences the process of cavitation-driven fracture in an amorphous solid. Using extensive numerical simulations and probing in the athermal quasistatic limit, we show that just by pinning a very small fraction of particles, the tensile strength is increased, and also the cavitation is delayed. Furthermore, the cavitation that is expected to be spatially heterogeneous becomes spatially homogeneous by forming a large number of small cavities instead of a dominant cavity. The observed behavior is rationalized in terms of screening of plastic activity via the pinning centers, characterized by a screening length extracted from the plastic-eigenmodes.
Detection of backside coupled propagating surface plasmon resonance on the sidewall of a wafer
Authors: Oshita M. , Suzuki S. , Masamoto K. , Kan T.
Published: November 2023

We proposed a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor structure that utilized a glass wafer with a diffraction grating and an n-type silicon piece bonded near the SPR coupling site. This configuration enabled surface plasmon excitation from the back of the substrate without the unwanted interaction between the excitation light and the sample, and electrical detection of the SPR response by a 0.7-eV Schottky barrier at the Au/n-Si interface formed on the sidewall of the silicon piece was achieved. Experimental evaluation of the surface plasmon coupling performance was conducted, showing clear peaks in the photocurrent for various wavelengths in the NIR-II window, ranging from 1100 to 1300 nm. The device’s ability to detect propagating surface plasmons as a photocurrent was confirmed; the results indicated a consistent trend with theoretical and numerical calculations. Since the device was composed of a glass substrate, the use of wavelengths shorter than the near-infrared wavelength was possible, including visible wavelengths where the optical absorption by water is negligible. Thus, our proposed sensor provides a compact and efficient solution for SPR sensing in aqueous solutions.
Magnetically induced gluing bifurcations of three-tori in spherical Couette flows
Authors: Garcia F.
Published: November 2023

The global dynamics of three-tori associated with homoclinic/heteroclinic global (infinite period) bifurcations are investigated for the magnetized spherical Couette problem, a paradigmatic model in geo- and astrophysical magnetohydrodynamics (MHD). A novel homoclinic bifurcation, involving collision between three-tori, is described. In addition, a heteroclinic bifurcation connecting two unstable two-tori with a stable three-torus is also analyzed. The role of the flow's spatial symmetries in this bifurcation scenario is also investigated. This bifurcation scenario gives rise to MHD flows that combine small with extremely large time scales.
Controllable flatbands via non-Hermiticity
Authors: Lin Shirong , Liang Yao , Zhang Jingcheng , Chen Mu Ku , Tsai Din Ping
Published: November 2023

We propose a flexible way to design and control flatbands in photonic systems with balanced gain and loss. We investigate a lattice model constructed from two parity-time (PT)-symmetric dimer systems, which give rise to two flatbands. By tuning the non-Hermiticity in this composite lattice, the flatbands can be manipulated into the regime of the dispersive bands and remain completely flat, which is protected by the PT symmetry. When reaching the exceptional point (EP), where two flatbands merge into one flatband, and surpassing the EP, one of the flatbands transforms into a partial flatband, while the imaginary parts of the band structure also appear in the form of multiple flatbands. We also discover that dimensionality plays an important role in controlling flatbands in a non-Hermitian manner. Our results could be potentially important for manipulating the dynamics and localization of light in non-Hermitian open systems.
The interaction of a droplet with an immiscible deep liquid pool for density ratio greater than unity
Authors: Shivankar Shrirang , Castillo Eduardo , Miglani Ankur , Kumar Ranganathan
Published: November 2023

Droplet interaction with liquid pools has been widely studied. The focus of these studies has primarily been on like-fluids, the droplet being miscible with the pool. Such miscible droplet–pool interactions have been extensively studied for their regimes of Rayleigh jet formation, crater formation, splashing, and coalescence. However, the case of immiscible droplet fluid has received considerably less attention from researchers. The immiscible case is relatively complex to understand owing to the involvement of three interfacial tensions. In the current study, we investigate the regimes of droplet–pool interaction for the case of immiscible droplet fluid having higher density and surface tension than pool fluid. Droplet properties are characterized through Weber number while Ohnesorge number is used to characterize pool fluid. Weber number is controlled through velocity of droplet and viscosity of pool is used to predict Ohnesorge number. Validating the numerical methods with experimental data, extensive numerical simulations are performed to gain insight into droplet–pool interaction. Current investigation reveals that for the case of immiscible fluids, regime formation is observed due to Rayleigh–Plateau instability as well as droplet fluid interacting with the pool fluid. This enables the pool fluid jet separation at high Ohnesorge numbers too, in contrast to miscible fluids case. The regimes of droplet–pool interaction for current case are described in detail and classified over wide range of Weber and Ohnesorge numbers.
Near-field pressure and wake velocity coherence of a circular cylinder
Authors: Maryami Reza , Ali Syamir Alihan Showkat
Published: November 2023

Aerodynamic noise and unsteady loads resulting from the vortex shedding of a circular cylinder pose significant challenges in engineering applications. Understanding these challenges is closely related to pressure fluctuations on the cylinder surface. This experimental study conducted simultaneous measurements of surface pressure and velocity fluctuations within the subcritical Reynolds number range (14.7×103≤Re≤30×103) to investigate the influence of vortex shedding on near-field pressure. The experiments utilized a highly instrumented cylinder with mini-pressure transducers. The results revealed that surface pressure fluctuations exhibit maximum energy content near the cylinder's shoulders at the fundamental vortex shedding frequency (f0), aligning with pronounced lift fluctuations. The analysis of pressure–velocity coherence indicated that the most energetic flow structures resulting from vortex shedding significantly contribute to generating surface pressure fluctuations at the f0-peak frequency, extending over a considerable distance from the near- to far-wake regions. Additionally, the pressure fluctuations responsible for drag fluctuations are predominantly imposed at the base of the cylinder, primarily at the second harmonic (2f0), arising from flow structures shed at the end of the vortex formation region. Wavelet analysis provided insights into the temporal characteristics of surface pressure fluctuations, revealing amplitude modulation over time with multiple repetitive patches around the f0-peak frequency and close to the cylinder's shoulders, where the highest energy level predominates due to vortex shedding.
Magnetic-field-regulated electrocatalytic performance in cubic perovskite oxide
Authors: Huang Yuhu , Xu Han-Shu
Published: November 2023

Regulation of electrocatalysis by an external magnetic field has been recently reported, but the physical understanding of what triggers this effect remains elusive. Most cases occur in transition-metal oxychalcogenides with ferromagnetism/ferrimagnetism, but the research on perovskite oxide catalysts is still lacking. In this work, we synthesized a series of Eu element-substituted Ba0.5Sr0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3 cubic perovskites, and importantly, the regulation of the electrochemical performance by the magnetic field was achieved in Eu0.3(Ba0.5Sr0.5)0.7Co0.8Fe0.2O3 at 273 K, regardless of the direction of the applied magnetic field. Our results promote the use of the magnetic field as an interesting playground to ameliorate electrocatalysis of perovskite oxides close to the paramagnetic state.
Efficient time-dependent vibrational coupled cluster computations with time-dependent basis sets at the two-mode coupling level: Full and hybrid TDMVCC[2]
Authors: Jensen Andreas Buchgraitz , Højlund Mads Greisen , Zoccante Alberto , Madsen Niels Kristian , Christiansen Ove
Published: November 2023

The computation of the nuclear quantum dynamics of molecules is challenging, requiring both accuracy and efficiency to be applicable to systems of interest. Recently, theories have been developed for employing time-dependent basis functions (denoted modals) with vibrational coupled cluster theory (TDMVCC). The TDMVCC method was introduced along with a pilot implementation, which illustrated good accuracy in benchmark computations. In this paper, we report an efficient implementation of TDMVCC, covering the case where the wave function and Hamiltonian contain up to two-mode couplings. After a careful regrouping of terms, the wave function can be propagated with a cubic computational scaling with respect to the number of degrees of freedom. We discuss the use of a restricted set of active one-mode basis functions for each mode, as well as two interesting limits: (i) the use of a full active basis where the variational modal determination amounts essentially to the variational determination of a time-dependent reference state for the cluster expansion; and (ii) the use of a single function as an active basis for some degrees of freedom. The latter case defines a hybrid TDMVCC/TDH (time-dependent Hartree) approach that can obtain even lower computational scaling. The resulting computational scaling for hybrid and full TDMVCC[2] is illustrated for polyaromatic hydrocarbons with up to 264 modes. Finally, computations on the internal vibrational redistribution of benzoic acid (39 modes) are used to show the faster convergence of TDMVCC/TDH hybrid computations towards TDMVCC compared to simple neglect of some degrees of freedom.
Mechanochemically robust hydrophobic fabric using an aqueous emulsion of amine-terminated polydimethylsiloxane
Authors: Seo Hee Sung , Lim Taekyung , Yang Jonguk , Yang Keun-Hyeok , Ju Sanghyun , Jeong Sang-Mi
Published: November 2023

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a highly reliable thermosetting polymer with exceptional chemical and mechanical resistance, as well as remarkable water repellency and adhesive performance. Its unique features make it the preferred choice for fluorine-free hydrophobic coatings. However, the use of PDMS requires organic solvents that are toxic and environmentally hazardous. In this study, an emulsion composed of amine-terminated polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS-NH2) in an environmentally friendly solvent, water, was prepared. Subsequently, glutaraldehyde (GA) was added and crosslinked to generate a hydrophobic PDMS–GA emulsion. The PDMS–GA emulsion is a low-viscosity solution that can infiltrate different types of fabrics (cotton, nylon, and polyester) or paper with numerous intertwined fibers. After dipping the fabrics and paper into the prepared PDMS–GA emulsion, they were washed in an aqueous solution containing dispersed kaolin particles and dried to yield a rough structure. As a result, a hydrophobic surface with a water contact angle of 151.2° was achieved. Furthermore, after exposure to strongly acidic or alkaline solutions (pH 1–13) and washing six times with water, the hydrophobic fabric remained chemically stable. Additionally, it withstood ten tape peeling tests, proving its mechanical durability. Crucially, the hydrophobic treatment method does not involve fluorine and uses eco-friendly water as the solvent. Therefore, this is a convenient way to apply waterproof coatings to functional textiles that require water resistance and are expected to have great industrial applications.
Numerical and experimental study on enhanced oil–water separation performance using hydrocyclone coupled with particles
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhao Lixin , Zhou Longda , Liu Lin , Jiang Minghu
Published: November 2023

Oil is one of the world's most crucial energy sources. In recent years, the separation of hydrocyclones coupled with multiphase or multifield has emerged as a leading trend in oilfield-produced fluid pre-separation technology. The study of complex dynamics among particles is crucial in multiphase-coupled separation systems. In this paper, we explore a novel separation approach: hydrocyclone separation coupled with particles to enhance oil–water separation, based on the composite force field. The computational fluid dynamics-discrete element method is utilized to analyze the dynamic behavior of particles and oil droplets within the coupling field, as well as the interactions among particles, oil droplets, and the flow field. Furthermore, the effects of operating parameters on the hydrocyclone coupled with particles (HCCP) and the conventional hydrocyclone (CHC) are compared through separation performance experiments. Results show that within a swirling flow field, the introduction of particles significantly exerts a pronounced influence on both the flow characteristics of the continuous-phase and the motion behavior of oil droplets. The coupling effect between particle movement and hydrocyclone separation is most pronounced when the density ratio of particles to oil ranges from 0.94 to 1. The separation performance experiments show that compared to CHC, HCCP can improve by 2.12–8.22 percentage points, and HCCP not only enhances separation efficiency but also exhibits wider applicability than CHC at lower inlet flow rates and split ratios. The numerical simulation results closely matched the experimental findings. This study may provide a reference for developing and applying hydrocyclones coupled with multiphase.
A memory-based approach to model glorious uncertainties of love
Authors: Chotalia Aarsh , Dixit Shiva , Parmananda P.
Published: November 2023

We propose a minimal yet intriguing model for a relationship between two individuals. The feeling of an individual is modeled by a complex variable and, hence, has two degrees of freedom [Jafari et al., Nonlinear Dyn. 83, 615–622 (2016)]. The effect of memory of the other individual’s behavior in the past has now been incorporated via a conjugate coupling between each other’s feelings. A region of parameter space exhibits multi-stable solutions wherein trajectories with different initial conditions end up in different aperiodic trajectories. This aligns with the natural observation that most relationships are aperiodic and unique not only to themselves but, more importantly, to the initial conditions too. Thus, the inclusion of memory makes the task of predicting the trajectory of a relationship hopelessly impossible.
The economic burden of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome in Australia
Authors: Zhao Ting , Cox Ingrid A. , Ahmad Hasnat , Campbell Julie A. , Hensher Martin , Palmer Andrew J , Kelly Ryan M. , Rogerson Melissa J. , Wills Karen , de Graaff Barbara
Published: November 2023

Objective This study aimed to estimate costs of myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) to patients, government and Australian society. Methods Australian ME/CFS patients and their carers were recruited using convenience sampling. Patients completed an online retrospective cost diary, providing ME/CFS-related direct medical, non-medical and indirect costs. Informal care costs were collected directly from carers. Data from the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and Medicare Benefits Schedule were linked to participant survey data. Annual per patient and total societal costs were estimated, broken down by category and presented in 2021 AUD. Factors associated with higher costs were investigated using generalised linear models. Results One hundred and seventy five patients (mean age 49 years s.d. 14, 79.4% female) completed the cost diary. Estimated total annual societal costs of ME/CFS in Australia ranged between $1.38 and $10.09 billion, with average annual total costs of $63 400/patient. Three-quarters of these costs were due to indirect costs ($46 731). Disability severity was the key factor associated with higher costs, particularly for indirect costs (being 2.27-fold higher for severe disability than no/mild disability). Conclusions ME/CFS poses a significant economic burden in Australia, owing mainly to high indirect and informal care costs.
An integrated approach for assessing the survival of discarded sandbar sharks, Carcharhinus plumbeus, captured in scientific longlines
Authors: Grosse Taylor , Awruch Cynthia , Harvey Euan , Saunders Benjamin , Dowling Chris , Waltrick Daniela , Braccini Matias
Published: November 2023

Context The sandbar shark (Carcharhinus plumbeus) has a global distribution and is caught by commercial fishers and recreational anglers. Aims To assess the stress physiology, release condition, and post-release survival of sandbar sharks caught in longline surveys conducted in Western Australia. Methods Post-release survival of sandbar sharks caught in longlining surveys was assessed using an integrated approach that combined the use of hook-timers, qualitative release conditions, satellite-tagging, and blood physiology. Key results Of 57 individuals examined, there was 100% post-capture survival after a maximum of 4 h on the hook. Most of these animals (88%) displayed a strong release condition, exhibiting minimal behavioural impairment. All 13 satellite-tagged individuals survived 30 days post-capture. Sharks dived up to 307 m deep and showed cyclical depth movement patterns, with some individuals moving through the water column both day and night, whereas others moved almost exclusively at night. The concentration of blood metabolites did not significantly change with time-on-hook. Conclusion Post-capture and post-release survival of 100% after up to 4 h on hooks suggested that the use of longlines for surveying sandbar shark abundance had no deleterious effects on captured sharks. Implication This will support future stock assessments of sharks by quantifying the survival rates in the methods used for long-term monitoring of sandbar shark populations.
The impact of COVID-19 on a college freshman sample reveals genetic and nongenetic forms of susceptibility and resilience to stress
Authors: Turner Cortney A. , Khalil Huzefa , Murphy-Weinberg Virginia , Hagenauer Megan H. , Gates Linda , Tang Yu , Weinberg Lauren , Grysko Robert , Floran-Garduno Leonor , Dokas Thomas , Samaniego Catherine , Zhao Zhuo , Fang Yu , Sen Srijan , Lopez Juan F. , Watson Stanley J. , Akil Huda
Published: November 2023

Using a longitudinal approach, we sought to define the interplay between genetic and nongenetic factors in shaping vulnerability or resilience to COVID-19 pandemic stress, as indexed by the emergence of symptoms of depression and/or anxiety. University of Michigan freshmen were characterized at baseline using multiple psychological instruments. Subjects were genotyped, and a polygenic risk score for depression (MDD-PRS) was calculated. Daily physical activity and sleep were captured. Subjects were sampled at multiple time points throughout the freshman year on clinical rating scales, including GAD-7 and PHQ-9 for anxiety and depression, respectively. Two cohorts (2019 to 2021) were compared to a pre-COVID-19 cohort to assess the impact of the pandemic. Across cohorts, 26 to 40% of freshmen developed symptoms of anxiety or depression (N = 331). Depression symptoms significantly increased in the pandemic years and became more chronic, especially in females. Physical activity was reduced, and sleep was increased by the pandemic, and this correlated with the emergence of mood symptoms. While low MDD-PRS predicted lower risk for depression during a typical freshman year, this genetic advantage vanished during the pandemic. Indeed, females with lower genetic risk accounted for the majority of the pandemic-induced rise in depression. We developed a model that explained approximately half of the variance in follow-up depression scores based on psychological trait and state characteristics at baseline and contributed to resilience in genetically vulnerable subjects. We discuss the concept of multiple types of resilience, and the interplay between genetic, sex, and psychological factors in shaping the affective response to different types of stressors.
Vaccination, immunity, and the changing impact of COVID-19 on infant health
Authors: Torche Florencia , Nobles Jenna
Published: November 2023

In utero exposure to COVID-19 infection may lead to large intergenerational health effects. The impact of infection exposure has likely evolved since the onset of the pandemic as new variants emerge, immunity from prior infection increases, vaccines become available, and vaccine hesitancy persists, such that
when
infection is experienced is as important as
whether
it is experienced. We examine the changing impact of COVID-19 infection on preterm birth and the moderating role of vaccination. We offer the first plausibly causal estimate of the impact of maternal COVID-19 infection by using population data with no selectivity, universal information on maternal COVID-19 infection, and linked sibling data. We then assess change in this impact from 2020 to 2023 and evaluate the protective role of COVID-19 vaccination on infant health. We find a substantial adverse effect of prenatal COVID-19 infection on the probability of preterm birth. The impact was large during the first 2 y of the pandemic but had fully disappeared by 2022. The harmful impact of COVID-19 infection disappeared almost a year earlier in zip codes with high vaccination rates, suggesting that vaccines might have prevented thousands of preterm births. The findings highlight the need to monitor the changing consequences of emerging infectious diseases over time and the importance of mitigation strategies to reduce the burden of infection on vulnerable populations.
Reflections on the study of language
Authors: Bentley Delia , Toratani Kiyoko
Published: November 2023

This article reports an interview with Robert D. Van Valin, Jr., which was held on March 2, 2023, with follow-up e-mail exchanges. Robert Van Valin is the primary developer of Role and Reference Grammar (RRG), a syntactic theory whose principles and commitments intersect with those of Cognitive Linguistics (CL). The article discusses RRG vis-à-vis CL and other approaches to the study of language. It aims to raise awareness about the shared principles of RRG and CL, to enhance cross-fertilization between the two approaches and ultimately inspire new research directions in linguistic theory. The paper is organized into three main parts: (i) background information on the birth and development of RRG, (ii) general principles and commitments of RRG and CL, and (iii) specific issues in the study of language.