bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Controlled Growth of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Films by Iron‐assisted Floating Solid Catalyst Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Li Xiaodan , Tong Tianze , Zhang Liya , Yu Yue , Zou Mingzhi , Yi Ding , Qian Liu , Gao Xin , Zhang Jin
Published: October 2024

Single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) films, with exciting electronic properties are increasingly important for next‐generation technologies. Here, an Iron‐assisted floating solid catalyst chemical vapor deposition (IA‐FSCCVD) method is developed for the controlled growth of high‐quality and high‐purity SWNT films. Titanium carbide nanoparticles with a high melting point are used as the solid catalysts, which provide a stable template for SWNT growth through the perpendicular growth mode. Trace amounts of iron are introduced to increase the efficiency of SWNT growth. Gas chromatography measurements and density functional theory show that the gas‐phase iron acts as a pre‐cracking assistance for the carbon source, promoting the growth of SWNTs. Carbon nanotube films with a high quality (average IG/ID = 166) are successfully prepared, a small diameter deviation (mean diameter of 1.6 nm), and a high content of SWNTs (97%) using the IA‐FSCCVD platform. This work provides a powerful way to prepare the carbon nanotube aggregates with a controlled structure.
Dimesitylborane as Electron Accepting Unit in High Performance Yellow Single‐Layer Phosphorescent Organic Light Emitting Diode
Authors: Brouillac Clément , Lucas Fabien , Ari Denis , Lebreton Christophe , Jeannin Olivier , Rault Berthelot Joëlle , Quinton Cassandre , Jacques Emmanuel , Poriel Cyril
Published: October 2024

A new host material for Single‐Layer Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes (SL‐PhOLED) is reported, namely SPA‐2‐FDMB, using the dimesitylborane (DMB) fragment as an acceptor unit. The molecular design is constructed on the general donor‐spiro‐acceptor architecture, which consists of connecting, via a spiro bridge, a donor and an acceptor units in order to avoid strong interaction between them. The DMB fragment is known for many electronic applications (notably Aggregation‐Induced Emission) but has not been used yet for SL‐PhOLED applications. This appears particularly interesting, as the development of this simplified technology has shown that only a few electron‐accepting fragments such as diphenylphosphine oxide can provide high‐performance devices. Herein, the yellow‐emitting SL‐PhOLED using SPA‐2‐FDMB as host presents an External Quantum Efficiency of 8.1% (Current Efficiency of 24.9 cd.A−1) with a low threshold voltage of 2.6 V. As SPA‐2‐FDMB presents a sharp HOMO/LUMO difference, the good matching of HOMO and LUMO energy levels with the Fermi level of the electrodes is responsible for these performances. The low LUMO level of −2.61 eV also appears particularly important. These performances are, to date, the highest reported for a yellow/orange‐emitting SL‐PhOLED and show the potential of DMB unit in the single‐layer technology.
Ultra‐Low Power Consumption Artificial Photoelectric Synapses Based on Lewis Acid Doped WSe2 for Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Ma Mingjun , Huang Chaoning , Yang Mingyu , He Dong , Pei Yongfeng , Kang Yufan , Li Wenqing , Lei Cheng , Xiao Xiangheng
Published: October 2024

Capitalizing on the extensive spectral capacity and minimal crosstalk properties inherent in optical signals, photoelectric synapses are poised to assume a pivotal stance in the realm of neuromorphic computation. Herein, a photoelectric synapse based on Lewis acid‐doped semiconducting tungsten diselenide (WSe2) is introduced, exhibiting tunable short‐term and long‐term plasticity. The device consumes a mere 0.1 fJ per synaptic operation, which is lower than the energy required by a single synaptic event observed in the human brain. Furthermore, these devices demonstrate high‐pass filtering capabilities, highlighting their potential in image‐sharpening applications. In particular, by synergistically modulating the photoconductivity and electrical gate bias, versatile logic capabilities are demonstrated within a single device, enabling it to flexibly perform both Boolean AND and OR gate operations. This work demonstrates a viable approach for Lewis acid‐treated TMDs to realize multifunctional photoelectric synapses for neuromorphic computing.
Over 10% Efficiency Pure Sulfide Kesterite Solar Cells on Transparent Electrode with Cd–Ag Co‐Alloying
Authors: Xu Aoqi , Li Xinyu , Liu Hongkun , Xiang Chunxu , Ma Chengfeng , Li Yize , Pan Xiangyu , Yan Weibo , Wang Shaoying , Huang Wei , Xin Hao
Published: October 2024

The environmentally friendly elements composed of high bandgap pure sulfide Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) semiconductor has broad prospects for building integrated photovoltaic, double‐sided, and semi‐transparent solar cells when fabricated on transparent substrates. The key issues limiting the performance of CZTS solar cells are poor absorber quality and unfavorable band energy alignment causing serious charge carrier recombination. Here, thefabrication of CZTS solar cells are reported on fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) substrates from dimethyl sulfoxide solution and the effects of the Cd and Ag alloying on device performance. Characterizations show that Cd alloying greatly decreases defect concentration and converts Cliff‐type band alignment to favorable Spike‐type, leading to greatly improved current density. Further, Ag alloying eliminates near‐horizontal grain boundaries and passivates defects in both bulk and heterojunction interface, resulting in a champion device with a power conversion efficiency of 10.3%, the highest efficiency pure sulfide CZTS solar cell on FTO substrate. The results demonstrate the great application potential of pure sulfide kesterite solar cells.
Efficient Nanofibrous Electromagnetic Wave Absorber Inspired by Spider Silk Hunting
Authors: Sun Ruiling , Ming Xiaoran , Yan Guilong , Wang Li , Cheng Jinbo , Zhang Xuezhong , Li Dong , Li Han , Li Zhenyu , Chen Jingyu , Wu Yuanpeng
Published: October 2024

With the rapid advancements in wireless communication and radar detection technologies, there has been a significant uptick in the utilization frequency of electromagnetic waves across both civilian and military sectors, consequently generating substantial electromagnetic radiation and interference. These electromagnetic pollutants present a considerable threat to public health and information security. Consequently, materials capable of absorbing and mitigating electromagnetic pollution have garnered significant attention. The nanomaterials with multiple components and various heterogeneous interfaces have been considered as preferred efficient electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorbers. In this work, carbon nanofibers doped with magnetic metal oxide particles (Co/Ni‐CNFs) are prepared by electrospinning and heat treatment. In these samples, the minimum reflection loss can reach −40.13 dB at 4.6 mm, and the widest effective absorption bandwidth is 4.4 GHz. The excellent microwave absorption is attributed to the appropriate impedance matching. The electromagnetic parameters of Co/Ni‐CNFs are balanced by adjusting the concentration of magnetic metal‐organic framework material (MOFs) in the precursor solution. It is believed that this work can provide a reference for developing lightweight, flexible, and robust electromagnetic wave‐absorbing materials.
Highly Reversible Conversion‐Type CoSn2 Cathode for Fluoride‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sasano Shun , Ishikawa Ryo , Kawahara Kazuaki , Shibata Naoya , Ikuhara Yuichi
Published: October 2024

An all‐solid‐state fluoride‐ion battery (FIB) is one of the promising candidates for the next‐generation battery owing to its high energy density and high safety. For the practical application of FIBs, it is an urgent task to operate FIBs at lower temperatures. However, there are still two major difficulties in conventional conversion‐type pure metal cathodes: low F− ion conductivities and poor cycle stabilities. Here, the conversion‐type Sn‐based intermetallic alloy is proposed as a new cathode that can overcome the above issues. The present CoSn2 cathode retains the discharge capacity of 229 mAh g−1 after 250 cycles, even at 60 °C. CoSn2 is decomposed into CoF2 and SnF2 nanocrystals in the charging process, and the nanoscale network structure of SnF2 provides the fast F− ion conduction path throughout the cathode, facilitating the battery operation at lower temperatures. Moreover, the formed CoF2 and SnF2 phases are merged into the original CoSn2 phase in the discharging process, leading to a highly reversible redox reaction and the high cycle stability of CoSn2. These findings should pave the way to enhance the performance of all‐solid‐state FIBs at lower temperatures.
A Photo‐Assisted Zinc–Air Battery with MoS2/Oxygen Vacancies Rich TiO2 Heterojunction Photocathode
Authors: Wu Yongjian , Ding Yi , Chen Mengyu , Zhang Hui , Yu Jing , Jiang Tongtong , Wu Mingzai
Published: October 2024

Converting solar energy into electrochemical energy is a sustainable strategy, but the design of photo‐assisted zinc–air battery (ZAB) with efficient utilization of sunlight faces huge challenges. Herein, a photo‐assisted ZAB of a three‐electrode system using MoS2/oxygen vacancies‐rich TiO2 heterojunction as charge cathode and Fe, N‐doped carbon matrix (FeNC) as discharge cathode is constructed, where MoS2 is chosen as solar light‐responsive catalytic material and TiO2 acts as electron transport layer and hole blocking layer, arising from a train of thought for efficient charging under sunlight irradiation and light‐independent discharging. The introduction of oxygen vacancies in TiO2 facilitates the temporary trapping of carriers and triggers rapid carrier transfer at the interface of the heterojunction, which hinders the recombination of photogenerated holes, thereby facilitating their further participation in the oxygen evolution reaction. Moreover, FeNC exhibits superior oxygen reduction reaction performance due to strong d‐π interactions. As a result, the well‐built ZABs deliver a low charge voltage (0.71 V) under illumination at 0.1 mA cm−2, and a high power density (167.6 mW cm−2) in dark. This work paves a special way for the development of ZABs by directly harvesting solar energy in charging and efficiently discharging regardless of lighting conditions.
Electrospun Co‐MoC Nanoparticles Embedded in Carbon Nanofibers for Highly Efficient pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution Reaction and Alkaline Overall Water Splitting
Authors: Zhang Shan , Le Fuhe , Jia Wei , Yang Xue , Hu Pengfei , Wu Xueyan , Shu Wanting , Xie Yanmei , Xiao Wuyang , Jia Dianzeng
Published: October 2024

The construction of highly efficient and self‐supported electrocatalysts with abundant active sites for pH‐universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and alkaline water splitting is significantly challenging. Herein, Co and MoC nanoparticles embedded in nitrogen‐doped carbon nanofibers (Co‐MoC/NCNFs) which display a bamboo‐like morphology are prepared by electrospinning followed by the carbonization method. The electrospun MoC possesses an ultrasmall size (≈5 nm) which can provide more active sites during electrocatalysis, while the introduction of Co greatly optimizes the electronic structure of MoC. Both endow the Co‐MoC/NCNFs with superior HER performances over a wide pH range, with low overpotentials of 86, 116, and 145 mV to achieve a current density of 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline, acidic, and neutral media, respectively. Additionally, the catalyst exhibits remarkable alkaline oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity with an overpotential of 254 mV to reach 10 mA cm−2. Density functional theory calculations confirm that electron transfer from Co to MoC regulates the adsorption free energy for hydrogen, thereby promoting HER. Moreover, an electrolyzer assembled with Co‐MoC/NCNFs requires only a cell voltage of 1.59 V at 10 mA cm−2 in 1 m KOH. This work opens new pathways for the design of high‐efficiency electrocatalysts for energy conversion applications.
Application of optimized polynomial controllers based on Bayesian optimization and weight matrix adjustment
Authors: Amirmojahedi Maryam , Shojaee Saeed , Hamzehei‐Javaran Saleh
Published: October 2024

This paper uses a polynomial controller with non‐linear performance that is a summation of polynomials in non‐linear states. The optimal performance of this controller depends to a large extent on the weighting matrices elements whose determination is not easy via analytical methods for high dimension control systems. This paper focuses on optimizing a polynomial controller applied to a 20‐story non‐linear benchmark building using the Bayesian optimization (BO). BO is a powerful strategy for optimizing functions that are expensive to evaluate. In setting up the optimization problem, design variables are the parameters of weighting matrices. The objective function is a ratio of the controlled and uncontrolled response for the maximum absolute acceleration of the building, and the maximum inter‐story drift is taken as the constraint. The efficiency of the proposed control scheme is tested on a 20‐story non‐linear benchmark building equipped with magnetorheological dampers. The considered evaluation criteria are compared with other control methods. The results show that the considered algorithm is desirable in reducing the maximum seismic response under different earthquakes.
Numerical investigation of heat and mass transfer of SWCNT/MWCNT‐water suspension over a porous stretching sheet using Sisko fluid model
Authors: Kumar C Manoj , Benazir A. Jasmine , Ramesh C. S
Published: October 2024

This study presents a comprehensive numerical computation of heat‐mass transfer characteristics of single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)‐water suspension flow over a porous stretching sheet with an inclined magnetic field. The governing equations for fluid flow characteristics are formulated using the Sisko fluid model to capture the Newtonian and non‐Newtonian behavior of the nanotube‐water mixture. The nonlinear coupled partial differential equations are converted into nonlinear dimensionless coupled ordinary differential equations using suitable similarity transformations. These equations are solved using MATLAB by implementing the four‐stage Lobatto IIIa formula. The comprehensive set of computations is performed to explore the influence of pertinent parameters, including Sisko fluid parameters, concentration of nanotubes, stretching sheet velocity, and porous medium characteristics on the flow, heat, and mass transfer profiles. From the graphs and statistical analysis, it is clear that the volume fraction of SWCNT and MWCNTs are strongly correlated. The investigation reveals that increasing the inclination angle affects the fluid velocity. The variation in all flow features is negligible for volume fractions of CNTs between 0% and 10% but a significant effect is observed only beyond 10%. Higher volume fractions of CNTs result in enhanced local heat transfer coefficient. This can be attributed due to the outstanding heat transfer capabilities of CNTs owing to their high thermal conductivity. However, Shear thickening fluids exhibit high heat transfer phenomena when compared to shear‐thinning and Newtonian fluids. This research provides valuable insights into the optimization of CNT‐based nanofluids for efficient heat and mass transfer applications in electronics cooling, heat exchangers, and solar energy systems, offering opportunities to enhance energy efficiency and device performance.
Heat transportation phenomena subject to Ellis fluid over a spinning body: A dynamics of trihybrid nanoparticles
Authors: Habib Danial , Salamat Nadeem , Ali Bagh , Ma Binjian , Hussein Ahmed Kadhim , Shah Nehad Ali
Published: October 2024

The boosting of base fluid thermal transport is a remarkable significance in the current research era, and numerous types of techniques are being utilized to achieve this goal. The mixture of nanoparticles inside the host fluid is responsible to improve base fluid thermal performance. The modified Buongiorno's nanofluid model is explored in the current study along with the significant trihybrid nanoparticle effect. The fundamental equations of the chosen flow model are transformed using a similarity transformation, and the succeeding equations are then resolved numerically using the discretization of Keller‐Box in MATLAB. The primary velocity profile is directly raised with large values of the Hartman number, unsteady, and Ellis's fluid parameters, while an inverse curves trend is reported in secondary velocity. The primary speed of fluid is significantly greater compared to di and mono‐hybrid cases, and this study reveals that optimal thermal transport is achieved against tri‐hybrid cases. The tri‐hybrid model has 9% improvement in Nusselt number when compared to single and two‐type nanoparticle fluid models.
Gamma-Ray NDA Applications & Techniques
Authors: Santi P. A. , Hunneke R. , Jennings B. , Karpius P. J. , Lousteau A. L. , Mercer D. J. , Reilly T. D. , Russo P. A. , Smith S. , Venkataraman R. , Vo D. T. , Younkin J.
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes various gamma-ray measurement techniques that are used to perform nondestructive assay of nuclear material for nuclear safeguards and nuclear security purposes. Specifically, this chapter focuses on techniques that can be broken up into three general categories: attribute measurements which can confirm the presence or absence of specific attributes of nuclear materials, general nuclide identification measurements which determine which radionuclides are present within a given item, and quantitative measurements which are applications and techniques for performing isotopic composition measurements or for determining of the amount of nuclear material mass that is present within a waste drum or within the holdup that is present within a nuclear facility.
X-Ray Fluorescence
Authors: Carpenter M. H. , Karpius P. J. , Miller M. C. , Pattinson S. J.
Published: October 2024

X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) analysis is a complementary technique to densitometry. Densitometry measures photons that are transmitted through the sample without interaction, whereas XRF measures the radiation produced by photons that interact within the sample. This chapter discusses the theory of XRF, the type of excitation sources, and attenuation correction methods. The chapter closes with a presentation of XRF applications and instrumentation.
Neutron Interactions with Matter
Authors: Swinhoe M. T. , Hutchinson J. D. , Rinard P. M.
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the interactions that neutrons have with matter. There is a description of microscopic interactions, such as fission, scattering and absorption, using the concept of cross-section. The idea of individual neutron interactions is extended to the macroscopic behavior of neutrons, giving rise to the calculation of reaction rates and mean free paths. The important quantities of moderation and neutron multiplication are introduced. There is a brief discussion of neutron shielding and transport calculational techniques.
Principles of Singles Neutron Counting
Authors: Hutchinson J. D. , Amundson K. , Kistle H. , Moussa J. , Shin T. , Stewart J. E. , Weinmann-Smith R. K.
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the principles of method used in total neutron counting (as distinct from correlated neutron counting described in Chaps. 17 and 18). In this method only the number of neutrons detected is used to make measurements of uranium and plutonium. The chapter describes the typical chain of electronics from the detector to the recording device. There is a discussion of important practical issues in neutron counting such as neutron detector design and efficiency, and background and room return effects. The chapter gives the neutron emission values from spontaneous fission and (α,n) reactions for plutonium oxide and plutonium fluoride of different isotopic compositions as well as the neutron emission from uranium metal, uranium oxide, uranyl fluoride and uranium hexafluoride for depleted, natural and low enriched uranium. The effect of impurities on neutron production is discussed. The neutron transport in the item is discussed with respect to leakage multiplication and spectrum.
The Origin of Gamma Rays
Authors: Stinnett J. , Karpius P. J. , Mercer D. J. , Reilly T. D. , Vo D. T.
Published: October 2024

This chapter presents the production mechanism for gamma rays and X rays that are important in nondestructive assay measurements of nuclear materials. Characteristics of nuclear decay processes that produce gamma rays are presented. Typical gamma ray spectra from nuclear materials are shown along with gamma ray product reactions.
Spent Fuel Measurements
Authors: Kaplan-Trahan A. C. , Belian A. P. , Croce M. , Henzlova D. C. , Jansson P. , Long G. , McMath G. E. , Phillips J. R. , Rapisarda E. , Root M. A. , Trellue H. R.
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the methods used to measure spent nuclear fuel. The first section describes the properties of typical reactor fuel: geometry, burnup, initial enrichment, and cooling time. Neutron multiplication in the assembly is discussed. The measurement methods are divided into gamma-based methods, neutron-based methods, and other methods. A particularly important gamma-based method is passive gamma emission tomography. The neutron-based methods range from the relatively simple passive neutron fork, passive neutron albedo reactivity and differential dieaway to the complex active methods. The other methods are Cerenkov viewing devices, curium/plutonium ratio and calorimetry.
Nuclear Data for Nondestructive Assay
Authors: Santi P. A. , Reilly T. D.
Published: October 2024

This chapter provides the specific nuclear data that are used in the nondestructive assay techniques that have been discussed within this book.
Gamma-Ray Interactions with Matter
Authors: Karpius P. J. , Reilly T. D.
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes the interactions that gamma-rays have with matter. The key interaction mechanisms described include the photoelectric effect, Compton scattering, and pair production. The attenuation of gamma rays through matter is presented along with the concept of attenuation coefficients. The concepts of filtering and shielding is discussed for optimizing a gamma ray spectrum.
Gamma-Ray Detectors
Authors: Lombardi M. , Carpenter M. H. , Mercer D. J. , Russo P. A. , Vo D. T.
Published: October 2024

This chapter describes gamma-ray detectors, including gas-filled, scintillation, solid-state, and microcalorimeter, that can be used for measuring gamma rays from nuclear materials. A comparison of detector types is presented. The characteristics of detected spectra is presented starting with the generic detector response and spectral features. Detector resolution and efficiency is defined.
Attenuation Correction Procedures
Authors: Mercer D. J. , Karpius P. J. , Parker J. L. , Santi P. A. , Schmidt K.
Published: October 2024

Nuclear materials subject to nondestructive assay (NDA) are often macroscopic objects composed of highly attenuating material. In some situations, the objects under assay are also obscured by containers or shielding. Gamma rays emitted within the item matrix are subject to collisions in the material matrix or other intervening materials before reaching the detector. The loss of photons that occurs in the material of the item is referred to as self-attenuation, and loss due to collisions in other intervening materials is external attenuation. These effects are key limiting factors for using gamma rays for the measurement of special nuclear material mass in extended sources. A description of and process for performing correction for external attenuation and self-attenuation is presented in this chapter.
General Topics in Passive Gamma-Ray Assay
Authors: Karpius P. J. , Parker J. L.
Published: October 2024

This chapter discusses general topics that apply to the gamma-ray assay techniques. These topics are fundamental for obtaining results, such as nuclide identification, isotopic composition, or mass, for any assay technique. Topics discussed in this chapter include, energy calibration and determination of peak position, energy resolution measurements, determination of full-energy-peak area, rate-related losses and corrections, effects of the inverse-square law, detector efficiency measurements, relative efficiency, nuclide-ratio measurements, and nuclide-activity measurements.
The Measurement of Uranium Enrichment
Authors: Vo D. T.
Published: October 2024

Uranium enrichment can vary dramatically depending on the application. In the nuclear fuel cycle uranium is typically low enriched but for military applications it is often high enriched while depleted uranium is commonly used for commercial applications. Measurement of the uranium enrichment can assist in verifying that the uranium is being used in the application as declared. This chapter covers the definition of uranium enrichment, various techniques for assaying the enrichment, and correction factors for wall attenuation. The enrichment measurement principles presented include the infinite-thickness for bulk uranium, the peak ratio using HPGe, visual estimation from a spectrum, and gas-phase enrichment for UF6 techniques.
Plutonium Isotopic Composition by Gamma-Ray Spectroscopy
Authors: Vo D. T. , Koehler K. , Sampson T. E.
Published: October 2024

Plutoium isotopic composition can vary dramatically depending on the application. In the nuclear fuel cycle plutonium is typically found with high burnup while low burnup is necessary for military applications. Measurement of the plutonium isotopic composition can assist in verifying that the plutonium is being used in the application as declared and is necessary in combination with a neutron-based measurement to determine the total plutonium mass. This chapter introduces the characteristics of plutonium spectra that influence isotopic measurements, describes useful spectral regions, and presents the principles of spectral analysis important to isotopic measurements. It includes descriptions of typical data collection hardware, details of data analysis methods, and descriptions of several implemented systems with examples of their accuracy and precision.
Introduction
Authors: Woudenberg Fred , van Kamp Irene
Published: October 2024

A sound approach to noise and health is interdisciplinary. Next to the negative health effects of unwanted sound that historically get most attention, it should include the beneficial effects of sound and insights from the physical, medical, psychological, economic, spatial planning, governance and art disciplines. This chapter puts the issue of noise and health in a broader societal context and gives an outline of the present book.
Future Developments in Noise from Transport
Authors: Torija Martinez Antonio J
Published: October 2024

The world is currently undergoing a significant transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy sources. The transportation sector is gradually moving away from fossil fuels and electric vehicles, both on the ground and in the air (e.g., drones), are more and more common. The introduction of these electric vehicles will bring new sources of transportation noise, which might lead to the largest shift in soundscapes in living memory.  This soundscape shift could be detrimental to the public health and well-being if appropriate actions are not taken. This chapter presents the state-of-the-art of the fast-developing field of transportation noise, and discusses current practice gaps and recommendations.
Inflationary non-Gaussianities in alpha vacua and consistency with conformal symmetries
Authors: Ansari Arhum , Banerjee Pinak , Dhivakar Prateksh , Jain Sachin , Kundu Nilay
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We study the conformal invariance of inflationary non-Gaussianities associated with scalar fluctuations in a non-Bunch-Davies initial state, known as the α-vacuum, in single-field slow-roll inflation. The α-vacuum is a one-parameter family of states, including the Bunch-Davies one, that preserves the conformal symmetry of inflationary dynamics in a nearly de-Sitter space-time. Working within the leading slow-roll approximation, we compute the four-point scalar correlator (the trispectrum) in α-vacuum using the in-in formalism. We check that the conformal Ward identities are met between the three and four-point scalar α-vacua correlators. Surprisingly, this contrasts the previously reported negative result of the Ward identities being violated between the two and the three-point correlators. We have also extended the wave-functional method, previously used for correlators with Bunch-Davies initial condition, to compute the three and four-point scalar correlators in α-vacua. The results obtained from the wave-function method match the corresponding in-in results, adding further justification to our check of Ward identities with α-vacua correlators.
One-loop double copy relation from twisted (co)homology
Authors: Mazloumi Pouria , Stieberger Stephan
Published: October 2024

Abstract

We propose a geometric relation between closed and open string amplitudes at one-loop. After imposing a homological splitting on the world-sheet torus, twisted intersection theory is used to establish a one-loop double copy relation. The latter expresses a closed string amplitude by a pair of open string amplitudes and twisted intersection numbers. These inner products on the vector space of twisted differential forms are related to the twisted homology and cohomology groups associated with the Riemann-Wirtinger integral.
German radiation oncology’s next generation: a web-based survey of young biologists, medical physicists, and physicians—from problems to solutions
Authors: Weissmann Thomas , Deloch Lisa , Grohmann Maximilian , Trommer Maike , Fabian Alexander , Ehret Felix , Stefanowicz Sarah , Rühle Alexander , Lettmaier Sebastian , Putz Florian , Shariff Maya , Wegen Simone , Matschke Johann , Sperk Elena , Schröder Annemarie
Published: October 2024

Background

Radiation science is of utmost significance not only due to its growing importance for clinical use, but also in everyday life such as in radiation protection questions. The expected increase in cancer incidence due to an aging population combined with technical advancements further implicates this importance and results in a higher need for sufficient highly educated and motivated personnel. Thus, factors preventing young scientists and medical personnel from entering or remaining in the field need to be identified.

Methods

A web-based questionnaire with one general and three occupation-specific questionnaires for physicians, biologists, and medical physicists working in radiation oncology and research was developed and circulated for 6 weeks.

Results

While the overall satisfaction of the 218 participants was quite high, there are some points that still need to be addressed in order to ensure a continuing supply of qualified personnel. Among these were economic pressure, work–life balance, work contracts, protected research time, and a demand for an improved curriculum.

Conclusion

Mentoring programs, improved education, and strengthening the value of societies in radiation sciences as well as translational approaches and more flexible working arrangements might ensure a high-quality workforce and thus patient care in the future.
Global Spherically Symmetric Solutions of the Multidimensional Full Compressible Navier–Stokes Equations with Large Data
Authors: Chen Gui-Qiang G. , Huang Yucong , Zhu Shengguo
Published: October 2024

We establish the global-in-time existence of solutions of the Cauchy problem for the full Navier–Stokes equations for compressible heat-conducting flow in multidimensions with initial data that are large, discontinuous, spherically symmetric, and away from the vacuum. The solutions obtained here are of global finite total relative-energy including the origin, while cavitation may occur as balls centred at the origin of symmetry for which the interfaces between the fluid and the vacuum must be upper semi-continuous in space-time in the Eulerian coordinates. On any region strictly away from the possible vacuum, the velocity and specific internal energy are Hölder continuous, and the density has a uniform upper bound. To achieve this, our main strategy is to regard the Cauchy problem as the limit of a series of carefully designed initial-boundary value problems that are formulated in finite annular regions. For such approximation problems, we can derive uniform a priori estimates that are independent of both the inner and outer radii of the annuli considered in the spherically symmetric Lagrangian coordinates. The entropy inequality is recovered after taking the limit of the outer radius to infinity by using Mazur’s lemma and the convexity of the entropy function, which is required for the limit of the inner radius tending to zero. Then the global weak solutions of the original problem are attained via careful compactness arguments applied to the approximate solutions in the Eulerian coordinates.
Screening for Life-Threatening Arrhythmia in Asymptomatic Patients After Paediatric Cardiac Surgery: A Single-Centre Retrospective Analysis of 790 Pre-hospital-discharge 24-h Holter Electocardiogram Recordings
Authors: Blana Evangelia , Gass Matthias , Berger Florian , Dave Hitendu , Balmer Christian
Published: October 2024

Severe arrhythmias may occur early after open heart surgery. Because younger patients do not usually show any specific symptoms, presently Holter monitoring is routinely performed for 24 h predischarge at our centre to prevent adverse outcomes. It is unknown whether this test is truly justified in this patient population. Retrospective single-centre analysis of all consecutive patients younger than 19 years old after open heart surgery 2013–2019 who underwent routine Holter monitoring before hospital discharge. Patients with permanent pacemakers and patients who died during this hospital stay were excluded. The cohort was divided into two groups depending on whether severe arrhythmia occurred or not. The study includes 790 Holter recordings from 666 patients with a median age of 0.5 years (IQR 0.23–3.08), performed at a median time of 8 days (IQR 6–15) postoperatively. Postoperative arrhythmia was detected in 554 of 790 24-h Holter recordings (70%); in 47 of 790 (6%), this arrhythmia was classified as severe. The most common severe arrhythmias were premature ventricular contractions (n = 26/47) and long pauses (n = 14/47). A longer aortic cross-clamp time (mean 94.5 (SD ± 53.0) versus 68.1 (SD ± 51.9) min, p = 0.001) was associated with the occurrence of severe postoperative arrhythmia. Severe arrhythmias are rare in predischarge assessments after open heart surgery in children. In current postoperative monitoring at our centre, the diagnostic yield of ECG Holter monitoring for 24 h is too low to justify routine screening in all paediatric patients after open heart surgery.
Evaluation of a targeted anti-αvβ3 integrin near-infrared fluorescent dye for fluorescence-guided resection of naturally occurring soft tissue sarcomas in dogs
Authors: Beer Patricia , Grest Paula , Krudewig Christiane , Staudinger Chris , Ohlerth Stefanie , Rohrer Bley Carla , Jarosch Armin , Ech-Cherif Houria , Markkanen Enni , Park Brian , Nolff Mirja Christine
Published: October 2024

Purpose

Complete resection is a key prognostic factor for survival in patients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS), in humas and companion animals alike. Fluorescence-guided surgery could improve resection accuracy. As dogs are frequently affected by STS, they serve as a model to test an anti-αvβ3 integrin targeting near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye (AngiostampTM800) for fluorescence-guided surgery in STS to evaluate its safety and feasibility in dogs, and if it translates into a clinically relevant benefit compared to the standard of care with regards to completeness of surgery and local recurrence. Furthermore, we aimed to correlate target expression and NIRF-signal intensity.

Methods

Twenty dogs with STS were randomly allocated to either receive Angiostamp™ (NIRF group) or physiologic saline (control group) preoperatively. The researchers were blinded for treatment, and resections were adapted based on the NIRF-signal, if needed. Margin status was histologically determined at the 1 and 3 cm margin. The tumor-to-background ratio was measured in native tissue biopsies and formalin-fixed tissue. The fluorescent area was compared to the corresponding tumor areas as confirmed by histology using the Dice coefficient. Target expression was quantified by immunohistochemistry and correlated to NIRF-signal ratios.

Results

A fluorescent signal was detected in all 10 tumors of the NIRF group, with a tumor-to-background ratio of 7.4 ± 5.8 in native biopsies and 13.5 ± 10.9 in formalin-fixed tissue. In the NIRF group, resection margins were adapted in 5/10 cases, leading to complete resection and preventing R1 in four of these cases. In the NIRF and control group 9/10 and 8/10 resections were R0, with one local recurrence in each group and one sarcoma-related death in the NIRF group. The NIRF-signal correlated with the histologically confirmed tumor area (Dice coefficient 0.75 ± 0.17). Target expression was higher in tumor compared to peritumoral tissue (p < 0.0003) and showed a moderate correlation with the NIRF-signal (r = 0.6516, p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Fluorescence-guided surgery using Angiostamp™ can pinpoint residual disease in the tumor bed and contributes to an improved resection accuracy in canine STS.
Deciphering Regulatory Role of Melatonin in Foliar Nastic Movements of Portulaca oleracea: Visual Insights from Histology and Anatomy
Authors: Bargunam Soundaryaa , Roy Riyan , Amisha S. H. , Shetty Devika , Babu Vidhu Sankar
Published: October 2024

Plant nastic movements exhibit unique behavioural patterns that synchronize with external cues. Given that the foliar nastic motions of Portulaca species are solely circadian, it is intriguing to investigate whether and how melatonin governs these movements. Analysis of histological traits concurrent with anatomical traits such as stomatal behaviour provides visual data on the plant species' gnosophysiology, offering clues and validation of the influence of multiple external stimuli on hydraulic forces that in turn alter turgor pressure. The current study aims to elucidate how exogenous melatonin modulates foliar nastic movements in Portulaca oleracea. Our findings indicate that melatonin functions as an intracellular hydraulic flux controller, influencing idioblast and crystal densities, as well as stomatal behaviour. Timepoint studies at specific Zeitgebers reveal that abiotic variables such as light and temperature can influence the endogenous melatonin concentration of P. oleracea. Therefore, this hormone potentially serves as an additional internal regulator of turgor pressure, influenced by both light and temperature. Thus, melatonin plays a crucial role in shaping the characteristic foliar nastic movements observed in P. oleracea, inherently tied to the circadian rhythm. Further investigation into idioblast and crystal torques, along with their angular momentum, is warranted to calculate the hydraulic forces at work in the leaf lamina. Thus the study underscores the multifaceted role of melatonin in navigating nastic movement processes through turgor pressure alterations brought about by intracellular depositions. The study in future could unravel melatonin's pleiotropic actions and the underlying mechanisms of foliar idiosyncratic nastic motions in other plant species as well. Moreover, both histology and anatomy play vital roles in the present study as it has provided visual evidence of the underlying mechanisms of foliar nastic movements in P. oleracea.

Graphical Abstract
TRPC3-mediated NFATc1 calcium signaling promotes triple negative breast cancer migration through regulating glypican-6 and focal adhesion
Authors: Wang Yan , Zhuang Xiaosheng , Qi Yanxiang , Yiu Lung , Li Zhenping , Chan Yuk Wah , Liu Xianji , Tsang Suk Ying
Published: October 2024

Canonical transient receptor potential isoform 3 (TRPC3), a calcium-permeable non-selective cation channel, has been reported to be upregulated in breast cancers and a modulator of cell migration. Calcium-sensitive transcription factor NFATc1, which is important for cell migration, was shown to be frequently activated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) biopsy tissues. However, whether TRPC3-mediated calcium influx would activate NFATc1 and affect the migration of TNBC cells, and, if yes, the underlying mechanisms involved, remain to be investigated. By immunostaining followed by confocal microscopy, TNBC lines MDA-MB-231 and BT-549 were both found to express TRPC3 on their plasma membrane while ER+ line MCF-7 and HER2+ line SK-BR3 do not. Blockade of TRPC3 by pharmacological inhibitor Pyr3 or stable knockdown of TRPC3 by lentiviral vector both inhibited cell migration as measured by wound healing assay. Importantly, blocking TRPC3 by Pyr3 or knockdown of TRPC3 both caused the translocation of NFATc1 from the nucleus to the cytosol as revealed by confocal microscopy. Interestingly, NFATc1 was found to bind to the promoter of glypican 6 (GPC6) as determined by chromatin immunoprecipitation assay. Consistently, knockdown of TRPC3 decreased the expression of GPC6 as revealed by western blotting. Moreover, long-term knockdown of GPC6 by lentiviral vector also consistently decreased the migration of TNBC cells. Intriguingly, GPC6 proteins physically interact with vinculin in MDA-MB-231 as determined by co-immunoprecipitation. Blockade of TRPC3, knockdown of TRPC3 or knockdown of GPC6 all induced larger, stabilized actin-bound peripheral focal adhesion (FA) formations in TNBC cells as determined by co-staining of actin and vinculin followed by confocal microscopy. These large, stabilized actin-bound peripheral FAs indicated a defective FA turnover, and were reported to be responsible for impairing directed cell migration. Our results suggest that, in TNBC cells, calcium influx through TRPC3 channel positively regulates NFATc1 nuclear translocation and GPC6 expression, which maintains the dynamics of FA turnover and optimal cell migration. Our study reveals a novel TRPC3-NFATc1-GPC6-vinculin signaling cascade in maintaining the migration of TNBC cells.
Fluid and burns in children: What we know and what we do not know—a retrospective analysis of the German Burn Registry from 2015 to 2022
Authors: Vasileiadis Vasileios , Najem Safiullah , Reinshagen Konrad ,   the German Burn Registry, Aigner Annette , Koenigs Ingo
Published: October 2024

Fluid resuscitation is of great importance in the management of major burns. Various formulae have been described for calculating fluid management, especially in severely burned patients. Although the Parkland formula is widely used, its efficacy and clinical value are discussed controversially. We investigated the impact of deviation from calculated fluid volume by Parkland formula and the maintenance i.v. fluid (Parkland*) on the outcome of burned pediatric patients. Patients aged < 16 years with thermal injuries included in the German Burn Registry between January 2016 and December 2022 with a total body surface area ≥ 15% were analyzed. Using mixed-effect negative binomial regression, the association between a deviation from Parkland* in the administered fluid volume and the primary outcome length of hospital stay was estimated—additionally adjusted for known risk factors. As a secondary outcome, we use in-hospital mortality, evaluated descriptively. In 86.5% of patients, the administered fluid volume was lower than Parkland*, with pronounced deviation in the seven patients who died in the hospital. Descriptively and based on mixed-effect negative binomial regression models, we found that a positive deviation from Parkland* increases the number of hospital days, whereas a negative deviation may decrease them.

Conclusion: Very little is known about the role of administered resuscitation volumes for the outcome of pediatric severely burned patients. This study observed a tendency to a restricted resuscitation and its potential benefits in terms of length of hospital stay.

What is Known:• Fluid resuscitation is an important aspect of therapy in the acute phase of children with extensive burns.• The Parkland formula is routinely used formula for determining fluid requirements.

What is New:• 86.5 % received less volume than determined by Parkland and a tendency to restricted resuscitation and its potential benefits in terms of length of stay was observed.• There is still considerable lack of clarity, and a strictly individualized protocol with the support of formulas is of crucial importance.
Increased inter-atrial and intra-atrial conduction times in pediatric patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: El Amrousy Doaa , EL Ashry Heba , Maher Sara , Elsayed Yousef , Elkashlan Karim , Abdelhai Dina , Mawlana Wegdan , Hasan Samir
Published: October 2024

The global incidence of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, and it is linked to various potentially dangerous complications such as cardiovascular complications, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF). Atrial electromechanical conduction delay (EMD) has been reported as an early predictor for AF development. This study aimed to explore the link between NAFLD and the increased risk of AF development. This cross-sectional study was performed on 100 newly diagnosed NAFLD children (aged 14–18 years) as the patient group and 100 healthy individuals as a control group. Transthoracic echocardiography and simultaneous electrocardiography (ECG) recording were employed to estimate atrial electromechanical properties. EMD values were calculated for the inter-atrial, left intra-atrial, and right intra-atrial. Our results showed that pediatric patients with NAFLD exhibited significantly prolonged EMD values in the left and right intra-atrial as well as in inter-atrial regions compared to the control group (P = 0.03, P < 0.001, P < 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion: Children with NAFLD show atrial electromechanical alterations that may presage AF in adulthood.

What is known:• The global incidence of pediatric non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is rising, and it is linked to various potentially dangerous complications such as cardiovascular complications, particularly atrial fibrillation (AF).• Atrial electromechanical conduction delay (EMD) has been reported as an early predictor for AF development.What is new:• Children with NAFLD show atrial electromechanical alterations that may presage the appearance of AF in adulthood.
• These children require multidisciplinary medical care to control liver disease and cardiovascular complications.
From ABC to KPZ
Authors: Cannizzaro G. , Gonçalves P. , Misturini R. , Occelli A.
Published: October 2024

We study the equilibrium fluctuations of an interacting particle system evolving on the discrete ring with

$$N\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

N
∈
N

points, denoted by

$${\mathbb {T}}_N$$

T
N

, and with three species of particles that we name A, B and C, but such that at each site there is only one particle. We prove that proper choices of density fluctuation fields (that match those from nonlinear fluctuating hydrodynamics theory) associated to the (two) conserved quantities converge, in the limit

$$N\rightarrow \infty $$

N
→
∞

, to a system of stochastic partial differential equations, that can either be the Ornstein–Uhlenbeck equation or the Stochastic Burgers equation. To understand the cross interaction between the two conserved quantities, we derive a general version of the Riemann–Lebesgue lemma which is of independent interest.