bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Brønsted acid catalyzed [4 + 2] cycloaddition for the synthesis of bisbenzannulated spiroketals with antifungal activities
Authors: Hu Teng , Zhao Yuxuan , Luo Xiaoyan , Li Zhong , Yang Wu-Lin
Published: May 2024

A CF3CO2H-catalyzed cycloaddition of o-hydroxy benzyl alcohols with isochroman ketals was reported, affording bisbenzannulated spiroketals and ether products concurrently and efficiently.
Visible light-induced reductive aza-6π electrocyclization access to phenanthridines
Authors: Wang Er-Bin , Fan Qingtian , Lu Xuelian , Sun Bing , Zhang Fang-Lin
Published: May 2024

A simple, efficient, green method for constructing substituted phenanthridine with nitroaromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic aldehydes and alkyl aldehydes under visible light.
Enhanced spin-polarization and detection limit in a spin-based optoelectrochemical DNA hybridization sensor induced by circularly polarized light
Authors: Tiwari Mayank , Mishra Debabrata
Published: May 2024

Enhanced spin polarization and L.O.D. in a spin-based electrochemical DNA biosensor using circularly polarized light.
Enhanced electrochemical discharge of Li-ion batteries for safe recycling
Authors: Garg Neha , Pekkinen Simo , Martínez González Eduardo , Serna-Guerrero Rodrigo , Peljo Pekka , Santasalo-Aarnio Annukka
Published: May 2024

The safe recycling of spent LIBs is challenging, as they often contain residual energy. Left untreated, this can trigger a thermal runaway and result in disaster during the recycling process. Electrochemical discharge method is an easy and inexpensive method to eliminate this hazard.
Reply to the ‘Comment on “Effects of topological constraints on linked ring polymers in solvents of varying quality”’ by M. Tsige and H. Guo, Soft Matter, 2024, 20, DOI: 10.1039/D3SM01614E
Authors: Dehaghani Zahra Ahmadian , Chubak Iurii , Likos Christos N. , Ejtehadi Mohammad Reza
Published: May 2024

We reply to the Comment by Drs Tsige and Guo on the ordering of the θ-temperatures of linear chains, ring polymers and poly[n]catenanes.
Pore-size tuning of hard carbon to optimize its wettability for efficient Na+ storage
Authors: Guo Lin , Huang Minyi , Liu Weicheng , Zhu Hanqi , Cheng Yong , Wang Ming-Sheng
Published: May 2024

The Na+ reaction kinetics of hard carbon can be enhanced by improving its wettability through pore-size tuning. The optimized carbonaceous anodes with an average pore size of 6.1 nm exhibited the most enhanced Na+ storage capability.
Achieving high overall energy storage performance of KNN-based transparent ceramics by ingenious multiscale designing
Authors: Sun Zixiong , Zhao Shibo , Wang Ting , Jing Hongmei , Guo Qing , Gao Ruyue , Diwu Liming , Du Kang , Hu Yongming , Pu Yongping
Published: May 2024

(1 − x)KNN–xBCZT-based transparent ceramics with a Wrec of 7.83 J cm−3 and an η of 81.02% were obtained. High polarization boundaries and conductive mechanism transition were revealed to be the main reasons for such good performances.
Development of iodine based sustained release antimicrobial coatings for polyurethane voice prostheses
Authors: Singh Manjeet , Anees Mohd , Afreen Aiman , Kalyanasundaram Dinesh , Bhatnagar Naresh , Singh Harpal
Published: May 2024

Prevention of biofilm formation via iodine release with sustained and prolonged action using a tercopolymer.
Deep trap engineering in Gd3GaO6:Bi3+ persistent phosphors through co-doping lanthanide ions
Authors: Du Chengxue , Gao Dangli , Hou Xiaochun , Zhang Xiangyu , Pang Qing , Yun Sining
Published: May 2024

These Gd3GaO6:Bi3+,Ln3+ phosphors exhibit excellent quadruple-mode luminescence, including photoluminescence, persistent luminescence, thermoluminescence and photo-stimulated luminescence, showing potential application in optical information storage.
Emotion Recognition Based on Handwriting Using Generative Adversarial Networks and Deep Learning
Authors: Qi Hengnian , Zeng Gang , Jia Keke , Zhang Chu , Wu Xiaoping , Li Mengxia , Lang Qing , Wang Lingxuan
Published: May 2024

The quality of people’s lives is closely related to their emotional state. Positive emotions can boost confidence and help overcome difficulties, while negative emotions can harm both physical and mental health. Research has shown that people’s handwriting is associated with their emotions. In this study, audio‐visual media were used to induce emotions, and a dot‐matrix digital pen was used to collect neutral text data written by participants in three emotional states: calm, happy, and sad. To address the challenge of limited samples, a novel conditional table generative adversarial network called conditional tabular‐generative adversarial network (CTAB‐GAN) was used to increase the number of task samples, and the recognition accuracy of task samples improved by 4.18%. The TabNet (a neural network designed for tabular data) with SimAM (a simple, parameter‐free attention module) was employed and compared with the original TabNet and traditional machine learning models; the incorporation of the SimAm attention mechanism led to a 1.35% improvement in classification accuracy. Experimental results revealed significant differences between negative (sad) and nonnegative (calm and happy) emotions, with a recognition accuracy of 80.67%. Overall, this study demonstrated the feasibility of emotion recognition based on handwriting with the assistance of CTAB‐GAN and SimAm‐TabNet. It provides guidance for further research on emotion recognition or other handwriting‐based applications.
A FPGA Accelerator of Distributed A3C Algorithm with Optimal Resource Deployment
Authors: Ge Fen , Zhang Guohui , Li Ziyu , Zhou Fang
Published: May 2024

The asynchronous advantage actor‐critic (A3C) algorithm is widely regarded as one of the most effective and powerful algorithms among various deep reinforcement learning algorithms. However, the distributed and asynchronous nature of the A3C algorithm brings increased algorithm complexity and computational requirements, which not only leads to an increased training cost but also amplifies the difficulty of deploying the algorithm on resource‐limited field programmable gate array (FPGA) platforms. In addition, the resource wastage problem caused by the distributed training characteristics of A3C algorithms and the resource allocation problem affected by the imbalance between the computational amount of inference and training need to be carefully considered when designing accelerators. In this paper, we introduce a deployment strategy designed for distributed algorithms aimed at enhancing the resource utilization of hardware devices. Subsequently, a FPGA architecture is constructed specifically for accelerating the inference and training processes of the A3C algorithm. The experimental results show that our proposed deployment strategy reduces resource consumption by 62.5% and decreases the number of agents waiting for training by 32.2%, and the proposed A3C accelerator achieves 1.83× and 2.39× improvements in speedup compared to CPU (Intel i9‐13900K) and GPU (NVIDIA RTX 4090) with less power consumption respectively. Furthermore, our design shows superior resource efficiency compared to existing works.
Global climate modeling of the Jupiter troposphere and effect of dry and moist convection on jets
Authors: Boissinot Alexandre , Spiga Aymeric , Guerlet Sandrine , Cabanes Simon , Bardet Deborah
Published: May 2024

Aims. The atmosphere of Jupiter is characterized by banded jets, including an equatorial super-rotating jet, by an intense moist con-vective activity, and by perturbations exerted by vortices, waves, and turbulence. Even after space exploration missions to Jupiter and detailed numerical modeling of Jupiter, questions remain about the mechanisms underlying the banded jets and the role played by dry and moist convection in maintaining these jets.

Methods. We report three-dimensional simulations of the Jupiter weather layer using a global climate model (GCM) called Jupiter-DYNAMICO, which couples hydrodynamical integrations on an icosahedral grid with detailed radiative transfer computations. We added a thermal plume model for Jupiter that emulates the effect of mixing of heat, momentum, and tracers by dry and moist convec-tive plumes that are left unresolved in the GCM mesh spacing with a physics-based approach.

Results. Our Jupiter-DYNAMICO global climate simulations show that the large-scale Jovian flow, in particular the jet structure, could be highly sensitive to the water abundance in the troposphere and that an abundance threshold exists at which equatorial super-rotation develops. In contrast to our dry (or weakly moist) simulations, simulations that include the observed amount of tropospheric water exhibit a clear-cut super-rotating eastward jet at the equator and a dozen eastward mid-latitude jets that do not migrate poleward. The magnitudes agree with the observations. The convective activity simulated by our thermal plume model is weaker in the equatorial regions than in mid to high latitudes, as indicated by lightning observations. Regardless of whether they are dry or moist, our simulations exhibit the observed inverse energy cascade from small (eddies) to large scales (jets) in a zonostrophic regime.
Quasi-periodic oscillation analysis for a sample of blazars at the optical band
Authors: Chen Zhao-Hao , Jiang Yunguo
Published: May 2024

Context. Quasi-periodic behavior in the light curves of blazars can help us understand the physics. The identification of the supermassive black hole binary (SMBHB) is an active topic, and the periodicity analysis of light curves is a powerful method for searching for these sources.

Aims. In this work, we aim to identify quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) in the optical band light curves in our sample and discuss the possible physical origins behind these targets.

Methods. In this study, we collected 155 optical band light curves from three different monitoring programs. We searched for QPOs in our sample using the generalised Lomb-Scargle (GLS) and weighted wavelet Z-transform (WWZ) methods. We simulated 104 artificial light curves and evaluated the significance of the results using the Monte Carlo method.

Results. Our work reveals that 18 targets show QPOs with timescales ranging from 200 days to 1400 days. These QPOs could be explained by three scenarios, including the SMBHB, instability of thick disks and jet precession. Since the frequencies corresponding to QPOs are in the nHz regime, our work provides candidates of SMBHBs for further verification.
Dynamics and emission properties of flux ropes from two-temperature GRMHD simulations with multiple magnetic loops
Authors: Jiang Hong-Xuan , Mizuno Yosuke , Dihingia Indu K. , Nathanail Antonios , Younsi Ziri , Fromm Christian M.
Published: May 2024

Context. Flux ropes erupting in the vicinity of a black hole are thought to be a potential model for the flares observed in Sagittarius A*.

Aims. In this study, we examine the radiative properties of flux ropes that emerged in the vicinity of a black hole.

Methods. We performed three-dimensional two-temperature general relativistic magnetohydrodynamic (GRMHD) simulations of magnetized accretion flows with alternating multiple magnetic loops and general relativistic radiation transfer (GRRT) calculations. In the GRMHD simulations, we implemented two different sizes of initial magnetic loops.

Results. In the small loop case, magnetic dissipation leads to a weaker excitement of magneto-rotational instability inside the torus, which generates a lower accretion rate compared to the large loop case. However, the small loop case generates more flux ropes due to frequent reconnection by magnetic loops with different polarities. By calculating the thermal synchrotron emission, we found that the variability of light curves and the emitting region are tightly related. At 230 GHz and higher, the emission from the flux ropes is relatively stronger compared to the background, which is responsible for the filamentary structure in the images. At lower frequencies (e.g., 43 GHz), emission comes from more extended regions, which have a less filamentary structure in the image.

Conclusions. Our study shows that self-consistent electron temperature models are essential for the calculation of thermal synchrotron radiation and the morphology of the GRRT images. Flux ropes contribute considerable emission at frequencies ≳230 GHz.
The satellite galaxy plane of NGC 4490 in light of ΛCDM
Authors: Pawlowski Marcel S. , Müller Oliver , Taibi Salvatore , Júlio Mariana P. , Kanehisa Kosuke Jamie , Heesters Nick
Published: May 2024

Context. The system of galaxies around NGC 4490 was recently highlighted to display a flattened, kinematically correlated structure reminiscent of planes of satellite galaxies around other hosts.

Aims. Since known satellite planes are in tension with expectations from cosmological simulations in the Λ cold dark matter (ΛCDM) model, we aim to quantitatively assess for the first time the tension posed by the NGC 4490 system.

Methods. We measured the on-sky flattening as the major-to-minor axis ratio b/a of the satellite distribution and their line-of-sight kinematic correlation. Analogs to the system were selected in the TNG50 simulation and their flattening and correlation were similarly measured.

Results. We confirm the strong kinematic coherence of all 12 observed satellite objects with available line-of-sight velocities (of 14 in total): the northern ones approach and the southern ones recede relative to the host. The spatial distribution of all 14 objects is substantially flattened with b/a = 0.38 (0.26 considering only the 12 objects with available velocities). Such extreme arrangements are rare in the ΛCDM simulation, at a level of 0.21 to 0.35%. This fraction of analogs would drop further if at least one of the two satellite objects without velocities is confirmed to follow the kinematic trend, and would become zero if both are rejected as non-members. We also identify a likely galaxy pair in the observed system, and find a similar pair in the best-matching simulated analog.

Conclusions. Our measurements establish NGC 4490 as another strong example of a satellite plane in the Local Volume. This emphasizes that planes of satellites are a more general issue faced by ΛCDM also beyond the Local Group. The tension with typical systems drawn from simulations suggests that the observed one requires a specific formation scenario, potentially connected to the larger-scale galaxy alignment in its vicinity. The presence of galaxy pairs in the observed and a simulated system hints at the importance such groupings may have to understand satellite planes.
Numerical simulation of enhanced throughput of surfactant in Lamadian oilfield
Authors: Han Ruiqi
Published: May 2024

Based on the actual data of Lamadian oilfield in terms of geological structure, reservoir fluid physical properties and production dynamics, a numerical simulation geological model of CMG STARS chemical flooding module is established, which is consistent with the static and dynamic characteristics of the oil reservoir. In order to study the effect of enhanced throughput of surfactants, based on the mechanism of enhanced throughput of surfactants, the numerical model was established by defining parameters such as oil-water interfacial tension at different concentrations, residual oil saturation, oil-water relative permeability curve, capillary pressure, isotonic point change and surfactant diffusion coefficient in the formation, etc. The numerical simulation of surfactant enhanced throughput was carried out to optimize the surfactant enhanced throughput parameters in Lamadian oilfield, and the sensitivity sequence of each injection and production parameter to the surfactant enhanced throughput and oil was determined. The final recommended injection and production parameters are surfactant injection amount (10000m3), injection concentration (0.5%) and brazing time (2d). It is predicted that the cumulative oil increase can reach 1310m3, the initial daily fluid production is controlled at 80m3/d, the daily oil production can be increased by 10m3/d, and the water cut can be reduced by 10%.
Present situation of comprehensive utilization of coal-based solid waste
Authors: Li Haichao
Published: May 2024

At present, the annual discharge of coal-based solid waste in China has exceeded 800 million tons, but the mainstream treatment methods are still simple treatment methods such as goaf backfilling and openpit stacking. The massive stacking of coal-based solid waste is not only a serious waste of resources itself, but also brings a series of problems such as environmental pollution. Under the “Carbon Peak” and “Carbon Neutrality” strategy in China, in order to achieve green and rapid development of the coal industry, it is necessary to solve the problem of coal-based solid waste treatment and achieve green and comprehensive utilization of coal-based solid waste. Taking coal gangue, gasification slag and fly ash as representative coal-based solid waste, the present situation of coal-based solid waste production in China and the basic properties of coal-based solid waste are introduced. The utilization status and application characteristics of coal-based solid waste in cement concrete, roadbed materials, soil improvement and so on are focused on, and the resource utilization potential of coal-based solid waste is analyzed and summarized. Then the application prospect of coal-based solid waste in high-value utilization in the future is analyzed and prospected.
Research on Intelligent Management of New Integrated Distribution Network: An Example of New Energy Engineering Management System
Authors: Liang Zhaokai , Lao Yaodong , Luo Yihao
Published: May 2024

The rapid development of new energy makes the distribution network project face higher management requirements, the traditional distribution network project mainly focuses on transmission and transformer unidirectional circulation, to today's optical storage and charging, source network and load storage, micro-grid, virtual power plant and other "multi-terminal active module" together to form a multidirectional concurrency of the new distribution network. If the distribution stage is not well coordinated, the existing distribution network may be impacted. In order to improve the management pain points, this paper first discusses the status quo and pain points of traditional distribution network project management, and then takes a self-developed new energy project management system as a typical case, which is expected to explore a management system paradigm applicable to the new integrated distribution network project, and how to integrate the old and new energy sources from the perspective of project management, which will indirectly have a positive effect on the growth of the investment benefits.
Simulation of natural ventilation for semi-enclosed buildings
Authors: Zhu Youwen , Sun Xiaolin , Wang Jinfeng , Hu Haojie , Liang Zihao
Published: May 2024

Energy-saving buildings have become a topical issue and widely used the energy-saving ventilation design, which aims to maximize the use of natural ventilation while reducing demand on mechanical ventilation. In this research, natural ventilation performance of two different semi-enclosed building layouts, "O" type and "L-L" type, are studied by numerical simulation. According to the simulation results, in the "O" type, the maximum indoor air velocity occurs in building A (orientation facing the inflow direction). The minimum indoor air velocity occurs in building C (orientation facing building A). In the "L-L" type, the maximum indoor air velocity occurs in building A (orientation facing the inflow direction). The minimum indoor air velocity occurs in buildings B and D (orientation parallel to the inflow direction). And air flow field simulation results show that, the "L-L" type exhibits better than the "O" type in natural ventilation. Furthermore, simulation results show that the natural ventilation performance in the room is influenced not only by the building orientation, but also by the window size.
Assessment of environmental radioactivity concentration and effective dose rates from radon gas exposure from water samples in Gezira State, Sudan
Authors: Elzain A.E.A. , Shady R. , Yagob A.A.
Published: May 2024

A study was conducted in Gezira State, Sudan, to estimate the concentration of radon and the annual effective dose rate in water samples based on inhalation, ingestion, and age group. The study collected 26 samples from different locations. The results showed that the mean concentration of radon was 7.68 ± 1.07 Bq.l−1, and the mean effective dose rate of radon released from water to indoor air was 19.17 ± 2.68 μSv.y−1. The average effective dose rates calculated from ingestion, inhalation, and the total annual effective dose rate were 18.81 ± 2.63, 19.34 ± 2.71, and 38.15 ± 5.34 μSv.y−1, respectively. The annual effective dose rates for infants, children, and adults were calculated to have mean values of 80.60 ± 11.27, 53.73 ± 7.51, and 38.38 ± 5.37 μSv.y−1, respectively. The study found that 23.1% of the samples exceeded the maximum contamination level, while 76.9% were below the reference levels set by the USEPA, WHO, and EU. Despite the increase in radiation dose with age and consumption rates, the radiation dose from water was lower than the recommended limits set by UNSCEAR and WHO. Additionally, the bronchial epithelium received twice the radiation dose compared to the stomach walls.
A new model for plasmapause locations derived from IMAGE RPI and Van Allen Probes data
Authors: Banyś Daniela , Feltens Joachim , Jakowski Norbert , Berdermann Jens , Hoque Mainul M. , Zandbergen René , Enderle Werner
Published: May 2024

The outer boundary of the plasmasphere, the plasmapause, is characterized by a sharp electron density gradient that changes under varying space weather conditions. We developed a new model, called the Neustrelitz/ESOC PlasmaPause Model (NEPPM), for providing plasmapause location in terms of L-shell utilizing electron density measurements from the Van Allen Probes from 2012 to 2018 and the IMAGE satellite data from 2001 to 2005. Both datasets were preprocessed, and algorithms were developed for the automatic detection of plasmapause location Lpp where L denotes the McIlwain parameter. The suggested model provides a simple ellipse-based approach determined by the semi-major axis, the eccentricity, and the orientation angle of the semi-major axis. The modelled Lpp varies as a function of the Dst index and magnetic local time MLT. The NEPPM results are compared with the Global Core Plasma Model (GCPM). The plasmapause bulge in the evening hours follows the level of geomagnetic activity. The NEPPM will complete the NPSM (Neustrelitz PlasmaSphere Model), which was derived from dual-frequency GPS measurements onboard the CHAMP satellite mission.
Das Brechzentrum
Authors: Corts Magga
Published: May 2024

In dieser DHZ-Ausgabe beschäftigt sich die Rubrik „Funktionelle Anatomie“ mit dem Brechzentrum.
Toxische Beziehung: Macht, Kontrolle, Manipulation
Authors: Rackelmann Marc
Published: May 2024

Der unbestimmte Publikumsbegriff „toxische Beziehung“ bezieht sich auf sehr unterschiedliche Formen dysfunktionaler Partnerschaft, meist geprägt von Mechanismen wie Liebesüberflutung, Stimmungswechsel, Isolation, Kontrolle, Macht, Ungleichheit, Konflikten, Schuldzuweisungen, Unehrlichkeit, Affären, Manipulation und Aggression bis hin zu Gewalt. Die Psychologen Paulhus und Williams entwickelten 2002 das Konzept der Dunklen Triade als Charaktertrias des „toxischen“ Typus, die lautet: Narzissmus, Psychopathie, Machiavellismus, eventuell ergänzt durch Sadismus. Das Erkennen einer toxischen Beziehung eröffnet die Möglichkeit eines Kurswechsels oder Neuanfangs hin zu einer gesunden Partnerschaft, geprägt von Wohlwollen, Vertrauen, Ehrlichkeit, Autonomie, Interessenbalance, Affektkontrolle, Fehler- und Konfliktkultur.
Tatort Therapie
Authors: Textor Reinhard
Published: May 2024

Auf dem Boden von Professionalität, Abstinenzgebot und Strafrecht haben Therapeuten eine klare emotionale und körperliche Distanz zu ihren Klienten zu wahren, um das sensible Vertrauensverhältnis vor Missbrauch zu schützen. Klienten idealisieren im vertraulichen Raum oftmals den Therapeuten und projizieren Gefühle von Bindung, Sehnsucht und Anziehung auf ihn – dies darf er jedoch niemals persönlich auf sich beziehen, emotional erwidern oder gar für seine Interessen nutzen. Warnzeichen für mögliche Therapeutenübergriffe sind unter anderem (auch scheinbar zufälliger) Körperkontakt, privater Austausch, Flirten, Austausch von Geschenken oder ein alarmiertes Gefühl des Klienten – hier oder bei weitergehenden Vorfällen sollte er andere Personen und bei Bedarf Beratungsstellen ins Vertrauen ziehen, die Therapie nötigenfalls abbrechen und sich zu weiteren Schritten beraten lassen.
This Is What Metabolic Dysfunction–Associated Steatotic Liver Disease Looks Like: Potential of a Multiparametric MRI Protocol
Authors: Fischer Anja M. , Lechea Nazim , Coxson Harvey O.
Published: May 2024

Metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a prevalent condition with a broad spectrum defined by liver biopsy. This gold standard method evaluates three features: steatosis, activity (ballooning and lobular inflammation), and fibrosis, attributing them to certain grades or stages using a semiquantitative scoring system. However, liver biopsy is subject to numerous restrictions, creating an unmet need for a reliable and reproducible method for MASLD assessment, grading, and staging. Noninvasive imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), offer the potential to assess quantitative liver parameters. This review aims to provide an overview of the available MRI techniques for the three criteria evaluated individually by liver histology. Here, we discuss the possibility of combining multiple MRI parameters to replace liver biopsy with a holistic, multiparametric MRI protocol. In conclusion, the development and implementation of such an approach could significantly improve the diagnosis and management of MASLD, reducing the need for invasive procedures and paving the way for more personalized treatment strategies.
Integrated Synthesis of Calcitriol and 26,27-Hexadeutero Calcitriol
Authors: Tang Fei , Cui Feng , Yu Gang , Qi Lichun , Zhang Qingwen
Published: May 2024

Calcitriol (1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3, 1), a classical vitamin D drug, is indicated primarily in the treatment of patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis and renal osteodystrophy. In this study, a practical synthesis of calcitriol (1), from readily available commercial vitamin D2 (5) via hub intermediate 18, has been accomplished in 9% overall yield. This semi-synthetic process embedded four prominent elements of vitamin D chemistry: (1) cheletropic sulfur dioxide (SO2) adduction for the isomerization of the characteristic triene from (5Z,7E) to (5E,7E), or for the protection of the triene for selective ozonolysis of the side chain, and cheletropic extrusion of SO2 from the adduct in ethanolic sodium bicarbonate to retrieve the triene; (2) direct, regio- and stereoselective 1α-hydroxylation of 3β-TBS-protected (5E)-calciferol intermediate 19 using selenium dioxide in the presence of N-methylmorpholine N-oxide as a re-oxidant in a hot mixture of methylene chloride and methanol; (3) nickel(0)-mediated conjugate addition of the 22-iodide 23 to electron-deficient ethyl acrylate followed by Grignard reaction with methylmagnesium bromide to construct the calcitriol side chain; and (4) triplet-sensitized photoisomerization of 26 to access the bioactive (5Z,7E)-triene in calcitriol (1). The high-performance liquid chromatography purities of batches of the synthesized calcitriol (1) were consistently more than 99.9%, with related substances listed in the USP 2023 and EP 11.0 well controlled. This robust process proved amenable to pilot scale-up and industrial production. 26,27-Hexadeutero calcitriol (4), a deuterium-labeled calcitriol derivative, is useful as the internal standard in the bioanalysis for the quantification of calcitriol in serum. 4 was efficiently synthesized in an integrated manner from hub intermediate 18 in 48% yield.
A patient-specific echogenic soft robotic left ventricle embedded into a closed-loop cardiovascular simulator for advanced device testing
Authors: Rocchi Maria , Papangelopoulou Konstantina , Ingram Marcus , Bekhuis Youri , Claessen Guido , Claus Piet , D'hooge Jan , Donker Dirk W. , Meyns Bart , Fresiello Libera
Published: May 2024

Cardiovascular medical devices undergo a large number of pre- and post-market tests before their approval for clinical practice use. Sophisticated cardiovascular simulators can significantly expedite the evaluation process by providing a safe and controlled environment and representing clinically relevant case scenarios. The complex nature of the cardiovascular system affected by severe pathologies and the inherently intricate patient–device interaction creates a need for high-fidelity test benches able to reproduce intra- and inter-patient variability of disease states. Therefore, we propose an innovative cardiovascular simulator that combines in silico and in vitro modeling techniques with a soft robotic left ventricle. The simulator leverages patient-specific and echogenic soft robotic phantoms used to recreate the intracardiac pressure and volume waveforms, combined with an in silico lumped parameter model of the remaining cardiovascular system. Three different patient-specific profiles were recreated, to assess the capability of the simulator to represent a variety of working conditions and mechanical properties of the left ventricle. The simulator is shown to provide a realistic physiological and anatomical representation thanks to the use of soft robotics combined with in silico modeling. This tool proves valuable for optimizing and validating medical devices and delineating specific indications and boundary conditions.
Effective polysulfide control in lithium–sulfur batteries utilizing BiFeO3 nanoparticles
Authors: Bhattarai Mohan K. , Tripathi Balram , Shweta Shweta , Kumar Satyam , Zuluaga-Gómez Claudia C. , Katiyar Rajesh K. , Weiner Brad R. , Katiyar Ram S. , Morell Gerardo
Published: May 2024

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LiSBs) offer high energy density, cost-effectiveness, and eco-friendliness, making them promising for future energy storage. This study explores using BiFeO3 (BFO) nanoparticles (NPs) to tackle challenges such as lithium polysulfides (LiPs) and shuttle issues in LiSBs. It employs a solid-state melt diffusion technique, encapsulates sulfur in single-walled carbon nanotubes (SCNTs), and utilizes BFO for effective polysulfide control. Herein, composite cathodes of sulfur (S)/SCNTs (abbr. SCNT) were fabricated, and cells were designed using a BFO-coated separator (SCNT-BFS). In addition, a cathode modification was performed with composite S/SCNTs/BFO (SCNT-BF), and a comparative analysis was conducted to assess the effectiveness of the BFO in the separator and the cathode. Cyclic voltammetry measurements revealed that the increased current peak intensity at lower reduction potential in SCNT-BF and SCNT-BFS indicated control of higher-order LiPs (Li2Sx, where 4 ≤ x ≤ 8), resulting in the generation of more stable lower-order products (Li2S2/Li2S). The charge/discharge analysis revealed controlled LiPs, resulting in high-capacity retention in SCNT-BF (∼75%) and SCNT-BFS (∼88%) over 200 cycles, which yielded capacities of 526 and 700 mAh/g at C/8 (1C = 1675 mA/g). These promising results suggest that incorporating BFO into the cathode and separator can advance the commercialization of durable LiSBs.
Hepatic spheroid-on-a-chip: Fabrication and characterization of a spheroid-based in vitro model of the human liver for drug screening applications
Authors: AlShmmari Sultan K. , Fardous Roa S. , Shinwari Zakia , Cialla-May Dana , Popp Jürgen , Ramadan Qasem , Zourob Mohammed
Published: May 2024

The integration of microfabrication and microfluidics techniques into cell culture technology has significantly transformed cell culture conditions, scaffold architecture, and tissue biofabrication. These tools offer precise control over cell positioning and enable high-resolution analysis and testing. Culturing cells in 3D systems, such as spheroids and organoids, enables recapitulating the interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix, thereby allowing the creation of human-based biomimetic tissue models that are well-suited for pre-clinical drug screening. Here, we demonstrate an innovative microfluidic device for the formation, culture, and testing of hepatocyte spheroids, which comprises a large array of patterned microwells for hosting hepatic spheroid culture in a reproducible and organized format in a dynamic fluidic environment. The device allows maintaining and characterizing different spheroid sizes as well as exposing to various drugs in parallel enabling high-throughput experimentation. These liver spheroids exhibit physiologically relevant hepatic functionality, as evidenced by their ability to produce albumin and urea at levels comparable to in vivo conditions and the capability to distinguish the toxic effects of selected drugs. This highlights the effectiveness of the microenvironment provided by the chip in maintaining the functionality of hepatocyte spheroids. These data support the notion that the liver-spheroid chip provides a favorable microenvironment for the maintenance of hepatocyte spheroid functionality.
Fractional Fokas-Lenells equation: analyzing travelling waves via advanced analytical method
Authors: Alqudah Mohammad , Alderremy A A , Mossa Al-Sawalha M , Khan Imran , Aly Shaban
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we consider the fractional Fokas-Lenells equation, which allows us to analyze how a nonlinear optic pulse spreads in time as single-mode fiber produces higher-order nonlinear effects. We have computed perfectly accurate travelling wave solutions for the Fokas-Lenells equation using the Riccati-Bernoulli sub-Ode approach. For the corresponding equation, we have established three distinct classes of perfectly accurate travelling wave solutions with different free parameters; hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational. A sophisticated Backlund transformation is implemented to the equation to change it to ordinary differential equation domain, leading to many extra exact solutions.
Enhanced mechanical properties and corrosion resistance of electro-deposited NiCoP composite coatings with ZrB2 particle addition
Authors: Zhong Ning , Maniriho Jean Baptiste , Wu Qianlin , Wang Xiaodong , Gu Yijia , Li Wenge , Zhao Yuantao
Published: May 2024

This work was initiated with the purpose of expanding the utilization of nickel-based composite coatings, especially in wear and corrosion-related industrial applications. NiCoP coatings have long attracted scientific and engineering interest due to their enhanced mechanical properties reinforced by incorporation with a reinforcement phase. In the present study, NiCoP composite coatings reinforced with ZrB2 ceramic particles were synthesized by direct current deposition using a modified Watt’s type bath. The microstructures of composite coatings were studied by x-ray diffraction analysis, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy, respectively. The hardness and tribological properties of the composite coatings were evaluated and compared. The corrosion behaviors of the deposits were investigated using electrochemical spectroscopy and potentiodynamic polarization techniques in simulated seawater. The effect of ZrB2 content on the microstructures and mechanical properties of the composite coatings was explored and discussed. The present study indicates that there is a progressive enhancement in the hardness, corrosion resistance, and wear resistance of the composite coatings with the increase in ZrB2 loading. The NiCoP-12 g/l-ZrB2 coating possesses the highest microhardness and superior wear performance, while the NiCoP-6 g/l-ZrB2 coating exhibits the best anti-corrosion properties. The present study shows a cost-effective and feasible solution for the preparation of NiCoP protective coatings with enhanced properties, which holds great potential for industrial applications requiring wear and anti-corrosion protection.
Simplified quantum teleportation for a distinctive six-qubit target state via a six-qubit entangled state
Authors: Yuan Hao , Xue Xin-Xia , Pan Guo-Zhu , Fang Jie
Published: May 2024

Based on a six-qubit entangled state, a quantum information processing scheme for teleporting a distinctive six-qubit state is presented. In the scheme, only Bell-state measurements and two-qubit controlled-NOT gate operations as well as some single-qubit transformed operations are needed. Compared with a rival scheme put forwarded by Tan et al [Int. J. Theor. Phys. 55, 155 (2016)], the present scheme is more simpler and easier to execute because it does not require to make the six-qubit entangled state measurement. Besides, it is deterministic and feasible in terms of the current experimental technologies.
An ultra-sensitive photonic crystal fiber magnetic field sensor based on Vernier effect using two parallel Sagnac loops
Authors: Ma Mingjian , Liu Yundong , Chen Qiang , Chen Hailiang
Published: May 2024

Magnetic field detection is of significant importance in various fields, including military, industrial, and power transmission systems. In this paper, we propose a novel ultra-sensitive photonic crystal fiber (PCF) magnetic field sensor based on the Vernier effect, employing two parallel Sagnac loops. Since magnetic field detection relies on the magneto-optical effect of magnetic fluids, all air holes in the PCF are assumed to filled with magnetic fluids. By inserting two slightly different lengths of PCFs into two parallel Sagnac loops, the Vernier effect can be excited to improve the sensitivity of magnetic field detection. The sensing characteristics of the PCF magnetic field sensor are theoretically studied using the finite element method (FEM). Moreover, the influences of the wavelength and magnetic field intensity on the sensing performance are also analyzed. The results show that the sensitivity and resolution of the PCF magnetic field sensor can reach 11.9 nm Oe−1 and 8.4 × 10−3 Oe, respectively, within the magnetic field intensity range of 80–150 Oe. To our best knowledge, the proposed magnetic field sensor exhibits the highest sensitivity among existing magnetic field sensors based on optical fiber interferometers. The proposed magnetic field sensor possesses ultra-high sensitivity and resolution, which exhibits good application prospects in the field of magnetic field detection.
Generation and annihilation of three dimensional magnetic nulls in extrapolated solar coronal magnetic field: data-based Implicit Large Eddy simulation
Authors: Maurya Yogesh Kumar , Bhattacharyya Ramit , Pontin David I
Published: May 2024

Three-dimensional (3D) magnetic nulls are the points where magnetic field vanishes and are preferential sites for magnetic reconnection: a fundamental process which converts magnetic energy into kinetic energy, heat, and energy of non-thermal particles along with a rearrangement of magnetic field lines. Reconnection is ubiquitous in nature and plays a major role in various magnetically confined laboratory and space/astrophysical plasmas. In the solar corona, the reconnection manifests as coronal transients including solar flares, coronal mass ejections and coronal jets—often associated with 3D nulls. The nulls are generally found to be collocated with complex active regions on the solar photosphere and merits further attention, particularly in terms of their generation. A recent idealized magnetohydrodynamics simulation initiated with an analytically constructed preexisting proper radial null has identified magnetic reconnection to be responsible for spontaneous generation of these 3D nulls. It is then imperative to further explore the plausibility of spontaneous generation of nulls in naturally occurring plasmas, identify the mechanism and verify the outcome vis-à-vis observations. An apt test bed for such an initiative is the solar atmosphere, as abundant space and ground-based observations are available. In the above backdrop, the paper attempts to investigate 3D null generation by carrying out a data-based simulation of a C6.6 class flare associated with the photospheric active region NOAA 11 977. The simulation confirms spontaneous pairwise generation of 3D nulls with magnetic reconnections as the underlying cause. Importantly, magnetic field lines associated with the spontaneously generated nulls are found to trace observed chromospheric bright points—highlighting their observational relevance. Overall, such spontaneous generation and annihilation of nulls through magnetic reconnections opens up a new avenue for solar coronal and chromospheric heating.
Dual-doppler signal mixing laser doppler velocimeter
Authors: Xi Chongbin , Zhou Jian , Nie Xiaoming , Jin Shilong
Published: May 2024

In order to reduce the requirement of system bandwidth of Laser Doppler Velocimeter (LDV), a Dual-Doppler signal mixing LDV is proposed in this paper. By transmitting two beams to the moving surface, two Doppler signals are acquired and subsequently mixed to obtain a difference frequency signal. The measured speed can be calculated based on the frequency of this difference frequency signal. This novel structure significantly reduces the bandwidth requirements on the system, which can be further diminished by minimizing the angle between the two beams of the emitted light. Moreover, it exhibits enhanced robustness against variations in launch angle and enables defocusing measurements.
Compositional dependence of magnetostrictive effect in Ta/CoFe(B)/MgO stacks with perpendicular magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Ahn Sung–Min
Published: May 2024

Magnetostrictive effect in Ta/Co
x
Fe100−x
(B)[CoFe(B)]/MgO for alloy compositions spanning Fe-rich (x = 20) to Co-rich (x = 80) stacks has been studied to investigate the relation between magnetostrictive effect and the onset of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy at Ta/CoFe(B)/MgO interfaces. Interestingly, for each Co composition, a t-dependent crossover between in-plane (ip) and out-of-plane (op) magnetic anisotropy is found at a different CoFe(B) thickness (t
cro)–denoted as crossover thickness, which means compositional variations of magnetic properties at the interfaces. By considering the Ta/CoFe(B) and CoFe(B)/MgO interfaces as atomistic volumes with ip and op orbital magnetizations, respectively, the relative ratio of ip to op orbital magnetization in the atomistic volumes is found to be closely related to the dependence of magnetostriction constant (λ
s) on the Co composition. The findings suggest that the composition dependence of ip and op orbital magnetization at the Ta/CoFe(B)/MgO interfaces plays an important role in controlling its interfacial anisotropy and magnetostrictive effect of the stacks with the interfaces.
Authenticated quantum key agreement based on cluster states against collective noise
Authors: Zhang Li , Han Zhaowei , Ma Qiuyu , Li Lele
Published: May 2024

Quantum key agreement (QKA) is an important branch of quantum cryptography. Particles are easily affected by noise in quantum channel transmission, which provides a cover for eavesdropper Eve to attack maliciously and eventually leads to the protocol failure. In this paper, based on the properties of four-particle cluster states and their entanglement swapping, two authenticated two-party QKA protocols that can resist collective noise (collective-dephasing noise and collective-rotation noise) by using CZ, CNOT, and Pauli operations are designed, respectively. Besides, both parties can authenticate each other’s identities, which makes our protocol more secure. In addition, security analysis shows that these two protocols can resist various attacks from inside and outside, such as participant attacks and entangle-measure attacks.
Flat optics of nonuniform phase gradient metasurfaces
Authors: Pang Kunwei , Song Gang , Zhang Wei
Published: May 2024

Flat optics of uniform phase gradient metasurfaces based on the generalized Snell’s law has been extensively studied. The optics of nonuniform phase gradient metasurfaces (NPGMs) is less clear. Here based on Huygens’ principle and finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation, we explore the optical properties of NPGMs made of nanorods (meta-atoms), which can be tuned by modulation of propagation phase and geometric phase. It is found that the nonuniformity of phase gradient may lead to multichannel anomalous reflection/refraction. The multiple beam splitters with arbitrary intensity ratio can be achieved by using the amplitude/phase modulation. Based on our design principle, we can obtain different anomalous reflection patterns (with channels ±1, ±2, both ±1 and ±2, or no reflection at anomalous angle) by different arrangement of just two types of meta-atoms. In addition, we are able to achieve chiral anomalous reflections for designed NPGMs made of nanorods and L-shaped nanoparticles. Our formulism provides general design guidance for NPGMs and can be used to realize the beam splitting function with adjustable angle and intensity ratio.
Uniform rate inflation on the brane
Authors: Lin Chia-Min , Tamura Rei , Nagao Keiko I.
Published: May 2024

We propose a model of uniform rate inflation on the brane. The potential is given by a hyperbolic cosine function plus a negative cosmological constant. The equation of motion is solved analytically without using slow-roll approximation. The result is that the inflaton field is rolling at a constant speed. The prediction for cosmological perturbations depends on the field value at the end of inflation. The experimental constraints could be satisfied in the parameter space.
Curvature perturbations from preheating with scale dependence
Authors: Ghoderao Pulkit S. , Rajantie Arttu
Published: May 2024

We extend the formalism to calculate non-Gaussianity of primordial curvature perturbations produced by preheating in the presence of a light scalar field. The calculation is carried out in the separate universe approximation using the non-perturbative delta N formalism and lattice field theory simulations. Initial conditions for simulations are drawn from a statistical ensemble determined by modes that left the horizon during inflation, with the time-dependence of Hubble rate during inflation taken into account. Our results show that cosmic variance, i.e., the contribution from modes with wavelength longer than the size of the observable universe today, plays a key role in determining the dominant contribution. We illustrate our formalism by applying it to an observationally-viable preheating model motivated by non-minimal coupling to gravity, and study its full parameter dependence.
Starobinsky inflation and beyond in Einstein-Cartan gravity
Authors: He Minxi , Hong Muzi , Mukaida Kyohei
Published: May 2024

We show that various types of scalaron-induced inflation, including the Starobinsky inflation, can be realized in the Einstein-Cartan gravity with the Nieh-Yan term and/or the Holst term. Einstein-Cartanf(R) theory is known not to induce an additional scalar degree of freedom, the scalaron, contrary to the case in the metric formalism. However, there exist geometric quantities other than the Ricci scalar in the Einstein-Cartan gravity, such as the Nieh-Yan and the Holst terms. Once we introduce them in addition to the Ricci scalar and allow general combinations up to their quadratic order, the scalaron can become dynamical to realize inflation. With the rank of the associate matrix of the quadratic part to be one, the models are equivalent to theα-attractor inflation and its deformation, including the Starobinsky inflation and quadratic chaotic inflation, etc. For more general cases with the rank greater than one, the models fall into thek-essence, realizing the rank one case in a particular limit.