bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular profiling of breast cancer methylation pattern in triple negative versus non- triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Mohanad Marwa , Hamza Hager M. , Bahnassy Abeer A. , Shaarawy Sabry , Ahmed Ola , EL-Mezayen Hatem A. , Ayad Eman G. , Tahoun Neveen , Abdellateif Mona S.
Published: February 2025

Epigenetic alterations, especially promotor methylation, have a significant impact on gene expression, molecular subtyping, prognosis, and outcome of breast cancer (BC). The methylation profile was assessed for 22 genes of the BC tissue using the EpiTect Methyl II PCR System in 40 triple-negative BC (TNBC) patients compared to 50 non-TNBC group. The data were corelated with the disease-free (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of the patients. Genes that were differentially hypermethylated in TNBC patients compared to those with non-TNBC included CCND2, CDKN2A, ESR1, CDH1, BRCA1, GSTP, RASSF1, SLIT2, MGMT, PTEN, TP73, and PRDM2. These panel achieved 95% sensitivity, 98% specificity, 97.44% positive predictive value (PPV), 94.23% negative predictive value (NPV), and AUC of 0.993. Hypermethylation of BRCA1, CDH1, CDKN2A, ESR1, GSTP, HIC1, MGMT, PRDM2, PTEN, PYCARDM, RASSF1M, THBS1, and TP73 associated significantly with worse OS and DFS in TNBC cohort. Meanwhile, CCNA1 and CDH1 hypermethylation demonstrated significant associations with poor DFS but did not show significant relationships with OS in TNBC patients. PTGS2 and TNFRSF10C methylation were associated with better DFS and OS rates in TNBC patients. On multivariate Cox regression, CCND2 and PTEN hypermethylation were independent predictors of DFS in the overall BC patients. The hypermethylation of BRCA1 and GSTP were independent predictors of DFS, while PTEN hypermethylation was an independent predictor of OS in the TNBC cohort. The identification of hypermethylated genes, such as BRCA1, CCND2, CDH1, ESR1, GSTP, RASSF1, SLIT2, MGMT, and PTEN may serve as potential biomarkers or therapeutic targets for TNBC.
Whole genome sequencing of promising Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. bulgaricus strains isolated from Egyptian dairy products for probiotic characteristics
Authors: El-Hosseny Mostafa F. , Hassan Mervat G. , Abdel-Monem M. O. , Seadawy Mohammed G. , Elhosseny Mostafa Fetoh
Published: February 2025

Probiotics are living microorganisms that, when given in an adequate dose, have a healthy impact on human well-being. With global interest in self-care, dietary supplements especially probiotics is expanding rapidly due to their supported health effects. In this study, a total of twenty-two samples were collected from dairy products in Egypt’s markets, firstly isolated then identified and screened for probiotic properties under stressful conditions as NaCl, acid and bile salt conditions. After evaluation of the antimicrobial effect against widespread gram negative and gram positive human infecting bacteria, besides the antiviral assessment against (SARS-CoV-2) virus which has disturbed the world, the antibiotic susceptibility test was done. Only three promising isolates were subjected for whole genome sequence with high-output next generation technology and the obtained data was subjected to a full bioinformatics analysis. The results obtained stated the advance of our isolates to tolerate the stress factors that can struggle in the human gut as well as the antimicrobial effects. All these bright characteristics were confirmed and illustrated in detail through different and reliable genome analysis tools. Our isolates were founded to have stable genome through containing mobile genetic elements like phages and CRISPR clusters that confirm the safety and quality for human health.
Conceptual design of airborne contra rotating VAWTs for rooftop wind energy
Authors: Radhakrishnan Jayakrishnan , Sridhar Surya , Zuber Mohammed , Ng Eddie Y. K. , Shenoy B. Satish
Published: February 2025

Co-rotating, counter, and contra-rotating Vertical Axis Wind Turbines (VAWTs) offer higher power yields than singular turbines due to synergetic interactions, making them ideal for rooftop applications. This study focuses on enhancing the efficiency of a Contra-Rotating VAWT (CR-VAWT) using a ducted airborne configuration. A wind gathering device (WGD), optimized via the Taguchi method, is integrated around the CR-VAWT, which is elevated using an oblate spheroid aerostat designed through a force-weight approach. CFD analyses reveal that incorporating the WGD boosts power output by 32% and increases instantaneous torque by 40% during dynamic stall. The WGD enhances flow redirection towards the rotor plane, achieving a 58% power gain at a 10°skew angle. By suppressing blade-tip vortex shedding, the WGD not only improves efficiency but may also reduce noise. This portable system is suitable for rooftops with limited space, requiring fewer turbines to meet energy demands while reducing noise and improving aesthetics. It also allows for integration with other renewable technologies like photovoltaics, promoting sustainability and lowering carbon footprints. A comprehensive implementation framework is presented to support future research on airborne VAWTs.
3D-printed gelled electrolytes for electroanalytical applications
Authors: Krempiński Andrzej , Rudnicki Konrad , Korzonek Weronika , Poltorak Lukasz
Published: February 2025

In this work, several gelators were employed to formulate a conducive gel phase (ionic conductivity) compatible with direct ink writing/bioprinting/robocasting (different names in the literature describe the same printing technology). The main goal of this work was to evaluate gelled phases being a mixture of background electrolyte (NaCl), redox probe (Fe(CN)6
3−/4−), and gel precursor (guar gum, gelatine, agarose, and agar-agar). The studied concentration of gelators ranged from 0.1 to 4% depending on the employed system. Each gelator required a customized formulation protocol. We have found that guar gum exhibits the best printing properties (lack of aggregates blocking the printing nozzle) while giving the least reproducible electrochemical results (when a glassy carbon electrode was employed as the working electrode). The study of two other gelators (agarose and gelatin) indicated significant changes in the electrochemical properties of the investigated surface as their concentration and number of voltammetric scans were varied. The best electrochemical performance was obtained for agar-agar however, this was also a gelator causing the most problems during 3D printing. Finally, we have employed six screen-printed electrodes displaying approximate properties, that were further covered with a 3D-printed conductive gelled cube (direct printing over the electrode surface). We have found that such a system allowed for a surprisingly good electroanalytical response when the model redox probe (Fe(CN)6
3−/4−) was considered. This work is a prelude to 3D-printed gel-based detection devices we are currently developing in our team.
Cytosolic CRISPR RNAs for efficient application of RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas systems
Authors: Cheng Ezra C K , Lam Joe K C , Kwon S Chul
Published: February 2025

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein (CRISPR/Cas) technologies have evolved rapidly over the past decade with the continuous discovery of new Cas systems. In particular, RNA-targeting CRISPR-Cas13 proteins are promising single-effector systems to regulate target mRNAs without altering genomic DNA, yet the current Cas13 systems are restrained by suboptimal efficiencies. Here, we show that U1 promoter-driven CRISPR RNAs (crRNAs) increase the efficiency of various applications, including RNA knockdown and editing, without modifying the Cas13 protein effector. We confirm that U1-driven crRNAs are exported into the cytoplasm, while conventional U6 promoter-driven crRNAs are mostly confined to the nucleus. Furthermore, we reveal that the end positions of crRNAs expressed by the U1 promoter are consistent regardless of guide sequences and lengths. We also demonstrate that U1-driven crRNAs, but not U6-driven crRNAs, can efficiently repress the translation of target genes in combination with catalytically inactive Cas13 proteins. Finally, we show that U1-driven crRNAs can counteract the inhibitory effect of miRNAs. Our simple and effective engineering enables unprecedented cytosolic RNA-targeting applications.
Regulating the spin state of single Fe atom in BiOBr to enhance photocatalytic nitrogen reduction: insights from theoretical studies
Authors: Wang Zhanjin , Han Xiao , He Jinlu
Published: February 2025

Herein, we investigated the effects of the Fe spin state on nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) in BiOBr, using density functional theory. Our simulations reveal that P doping can reduce the...
Investigation of a deep learning-based waste recovery framework for sustainability and a clean environment using IoT
Authors: Arun M.
Published: February 2025

The growing concern over environmental sustainability has prompted the development of various technologies for waste material recovery and management.
Recent progress on transition metal dichalcogenide-based composites for cancer therapy
Authors: Chen Bo , Dai Yue , Yang Suxiang , Chen Chunhong , Wang Lianhui
Published: February 2025

Cancer is an escalating global health issue, driving an urgent need for innovative and effective treatment strategies. In recent years, two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have gained significant attention as...
Solvent extraction of boron from mildly alkaline salt lake brine in Tibet, China
Authors: Huang Yujie , Lu Hailong , Xie Shaolei , Zhao Chenyu , Dong Jiguang , Xu Lejie , Qin Yaru , Shi Chenglong , Peng Xiaowu
Published: February 2025

Efficient boron recovery from Tibet's mildly alkaline salt lake brine via optimized TMPD solvent extraction system.
Efficient homogeneous electrochemical water oxidation catalysed by macrocyclic nickel complex with redox non-innocent pyridine coordination structure
Authors: Lin Junqi , Hu Jinlin , Qi Zhichao , Zhang Lianghui , Wang Zezhen , Liang Xiangming , Ruan Zhijun
Published: February 2025

Efficient electrocatalysts are anticipated to mitigate the high overpotential and slow kinetics of water splitting, which is a feasible way to produce hydrogen as an environmentally friendly renewable fuel. However,...
Electrospun anisotropic fiber reinforced composites for artificial heart valves
Authors: Yang Xiuling , Chen Yifeng , Wu Qijun , Yang Haoqi , Duan Gaigai , Fu Qiliang , He Haonan , Zhang Peng , Ji Jian , Jiang Shaohua
Published: February 2025

Anisotropic composite valves that approximate natural heart valves are essential for the successful construction of tissue-engineered heart valves.
A microfluidic DNA sensor array for real-time screening early-stage lung cancer by simultaneous detection of multiple miRNAs
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yao Wen , Mao Xuanjiao , Hu Xinyu , Lv Li , Qi Haochen
Published: February 2025

We present a DNA sensor array for simultaneous detection of four targeted miRNAs in serum for early-stage lung cancer screening. Owing to effective microfluidic enrichment coupled with ultrasensitive solid-liquid capacitive...
Harnessing Luminescence from Heavy Atom-Free Organic Charge Transfer Cocrystal
Authors: Sujilkumar Suvarna , Hariharan Mahesh
Published: February 2025

Harvesting luminescence from charge transfer cocrystals is an efficient strategy for developing future solid-state light-emitting materials by circumventing the multistep organic synthesis. Herein, we report comprehensive single-crystal, computational, and spectroscopic...
Phosphinylation/Cyclization of Propynolaldehydes to Isobenzo- furanylic Phosphine Oxides Displaying AIE Properties
Authors: Chang Xin , Han Xiao-Wen , Zhu Hai-Tao , Zhou Ni-Ni , Yang Nan , Shen Cheng-Ping , Qi Chunxuan , Zhou An-Xi , Feng Hai-Tao , Tang Ben Zhong
Published: February 2025

Investigating organic reactions to synthesize novel molecules that exhibit aggregation-induced emission (AIE) characteristics is becoming a research hotspot. Herein, we develop a one-pot phosphinylation/cyclization reaction between propynolaldehydes and diarylphosphine oxides...
Multiligand Coordination Self-Assembly Bimetallic Complex Derived Fexc Decorate Fe and N Co-doped Carbon Nanotube for Highly Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Li Qiulin , Deng Zhiqin , Ma Yan-Dong , Tan Yangyang , He Ruilin , Chen Qianwei , Bao Shu-Juan , Liu Heng
Published: February 2025

Iron carbides assisted Fe-N-C electrocatalysts have attracted significant attention as promising candidates to enhance intrinsic activity in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), offering a viable alternative for Pt-based catalysts. However,...
Retraction: Greening the waves: experimental and chemometric approaches in spectroscopic methods for organic pollutant determination in natural waters
Authors: Borah Ashwini , Hasnu Chetana , Borah Gongutri
Published: February 2025

Retraction of ‘Greening the waves: experimental and chemometric approaches in spectroscopic methods for organic pollutant determination in natural waters’ by Ashwini Borah et al., Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2024, 3, 1072–1086, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4VA00028E.
Evaluating the pathogenic and immunological effects of ds-GFP as a control in in vivo RNA interference studies of Schistosoma japonicum
Authors: Xiu Lei , Wang Xiaoling , Cheng Shaoyun , Liu Wanling , Wang Lu , Li Jiaqi , Zhang Jinrui , Xuan Yaping , Hu Wei
Published: February 2025

Schistosomiasis affects over 250 million people in 78 countries. Despite praziquantel as the primary treatment, concerns about resistance in schistosomes underscore the need for alternative therapies. The success of RNA interference (RNAi) in schistosomes shows promise for identifying potential drug targets to facilitate drug discovery. Meanwhile, double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) is commonly used in functional gene analysis via RNAi, with double-stranded green fluorescent protein (ds-GFP) widely employed as a control in schistosome-related studies. However, the potential for off-target effects of dsRNAs in various biological systems raises concerns about the reliability of conventional controls in schistosome RNAi experiments. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the safety and suitability of ds-GFP as an RNAi negative control in Schistosoma japonicum. Our data indicate that ds-GFP is innocuous and exerts no discernible impact on the host’s physiology and immune responses. Comprehensive evaluations conducted in mice showed no significant alterations in body and organ weights. While a splenic immune response was observed, histopathological examinations of multiple organs confirmed the absence of significant lesions following ds-GFP treatment. Additionally, S. japonicum morphology, reproductive capacity, and host responses to parasite eggs showed no significant variations. Taken together, these findings bolster the endorsement of ds-GFP as an appropriate negative control in S. japonicum RNAi experiments, offering reliable outcomes crucial for advancing research on schistosomiasis and related parasitic diseases.
Legal Risk Analysis and Governance Measures for Generative Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Li Yunshu , Ling Bin
Published: February 2025

With the rapid development of generative artificial intelligence, related applications have brought about changes in content generation paradigms and productivity. However, due to inherent algorithm defects and the lack of relevant regulatory constraints, various risks and hidden dangers have attracted widespread attention and attention, especially the legal risks caused by improper use, which pose serious challenges to social security and even national security and stability. It is urgent to carry out risk governance from regulatory systems and technological research and development in order to better utilize generative artificial intelligence to improve production and life..
The Impact of Pet Companionship on Adolescents’ Emotional States, Emotional Recognition, and Interpersonal Relationships
Authors: He Yijie
Published: February 2025

This study investigates the effects of pet companionship on adolescents’ emotional states, emotional recognition abilities, and interpersonal relationships. Conducted with 11 Chinese university students from Northwest Normal University who have prior experience with pet ownership, the research utilizes semi-structured interviews to gather qualitative data. The findings reveal that interacting with pets consistently fosters positive emotions such as happiness, relaxation, and reduced stress, while also occasionally eliciting negative emotions related to pet behavior and care responsibilities. Additionally, pet companionship enhances adolescents’ abilities to recognize and regulate their own emotions, as well as to perceive and understand others’ emotions more effectively. The presence of pets also facilitates the development of interpersonal relationships by providing common interests that strengthen friendships and improve family cohesion. The study highlights the significant role of pets in supporting adolescents’ emotional well-being and social skills. However, it acknowledges limitations including a homogeneous sample and reliance on self-reported data, suggesting the need for further research to explore these dynamics across diverse populations and contexts.
The spirit of the times: historical conditions and market-seeking FDI strategies by U.S. alcohol firms
Authors: Chen Xuchang , Maksimov Vladislav , Mathias Blake Dustin , Wang Stephanie Lu
Published: February 2025

Market-seeking foreign direct investment (FDI) remains central for firms to expand their global presence and seize opportunities abroad. However, existing research often focuses on immediate or near-term drivers related to firms’ market-seeking FDI strategies, and thus neglects the valuable insights a historical perspective can provide. To address this gap, we draw insights from imprinting theory and propose a framework theorizing the dual-layered imprinting of historical conditions stemming from both extreme historical experiences and founding conditions. Using the U.S. alcohol industry as a research context, we employ a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative techniques. Our findings reveal that firms’ experiences during extreme anti-alcohol conditions, such as Prohibition, positively correlate with regulation-driven market-seeking FDI, while firms founded in more pro-alcohol periods prioritize speed-driven market-seeking FDI. Moreover, we identify how unrelated diversification, a strategy consistent with the anti-alcohol imprint but inconsistent with the pro-alcohol imprint, affects the relationship between historical imprints and FDI strategies through imprint amplification or decay. Our qualitative analyses elucidate the role of founders’ and leaders’ strategic decision-making in reinforcing the mechanisms through which historical conditions shape FDI strategy. This longitudinal framework provides insights into imprint formation, transmission, and manifestation, accounting for contextual variations and implications for FDI strategy.
Efficient sampling of free energy landscapes with functions in Sobolev spaces
Authors: Zubieta Rico Pablo F. , Pérez-Lemus Gustavo R. , de Pablo Juan J.
Published: February 2025

Molecular simulations of biological and physical phenomena generally involve sampling complicated, rough energy landscapes characterized by multiple local minima. In this work, we introduce a new family of methods for advanced sampling that draw inspiration from functional representations used in machine learning and approximation theory. As shown here, such representations are particularly well suited for learning free energies using artificial neural networks. As a system evolves through phase space, the proposed methods gradually build a model for the free energy as a function of one or more collective variables, from both the frequency of visits to distinct states and generalized force estimates corresponding to such states. Implementation of the methods is relatively simple and, more importantly, for the representative examples considered in this work, they provide computational efficiency gains of up to several orders of magnitude over other widely used simulation techniques.
Black hole solutions of three dimensional E6-gravity
Authors: Sammani Rajae , Saidi El Hassan , Laamara Rachid Ahl
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to construct exceptional Bañados–Teitelboim–Zanelli (BTZ) black holes carrying E6 charges as solutions to the 3D higher spin Anti-de Sitter gravity with E6 boundary conditions. Guided by Tits-Satake graphs of real forms of the e6 Lie algebra, we build three remarkable E6-higher spin black hole models: the linear-exceptional and the ortho-exceptional BTZ solutions result from splitting the extremal nodes in the E66 Tits-Satake diagram while the pure exceptional-exceptional model follows from the folding down to F44. And with the help of Hasse diagram visualizations, we study the ensuing higher spin spectrums to develop the corresponding metrics using two types of gauge transformations. For completeness, we examine the thermodynamics of the standard BTZ coupled to E6 higher spin gravity fields by computing the partition function exploiting a one to one correspondence between the factors of the vacuum characters and the roots of the E6 root system.
Rational electrocatalyst design for selective nitrate reduction to ammonia
Authors: Niu Zhaodong , Wang Guoxiong
Published: February 2025

The electrocatalytic nitrate (NO3−) reduction reaction (NO3RR) is an attractive strategy for sustainable ammonia (NH3) synthesis, contributing to the artificial nitrogen cycle and renewable energy storage. However, selective conversion of NO3− to NH3 remains challenging due to the complex multi-electron transfer processes, which result in numerous by-products, low NH3 yield rate, and Faradaic efficiency. Additionally, the electrochemical sensitivity of the catalyst structure complicates identifying the active sites. Herein, we introduce the mechanisms and in situ characterization technologies of NO3RR to NH3 production. Then, a summary of the theoretical research advances NO3RR to guide the design of the catalyst, including density functional theory calculations, activity descriptors, and machine learning. Furthermore, we discuss strategies to optimize the performance of NO3RR, focusing on nitrogenous-intermediate adsorption, proton adsorption, and tandem catalysis. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of highly efficient NO3RR are summarized.
Equilibrium theory of bidensity particle-laden suspensions in thin-film flow down a spiral separator
Authors: Ding Lingyun , Burnett Sarah C. , Bertozzi Andrea L.
Published: February 2025

Spiral gravity separators are designed to separate multi-species slurry components based on differences in density and size. Previous studies [S. Lee et al., Phys. Fluids 26, 043302 (2014); D. Arnold et al., Phys. Fluids 31, 073305 (2019)] have investigated steady-state solutions for mixtures of liquids and single particle species in thin-film flows. However, these models are constrained to single-species systems and cannot describe the dynamics of multi-species separation. In contrast, our analysis extends to mixtures containing two particle species of differing densities, revealing that they undergo radial separation—an essential mechanism for practical applications in separating particles of varying densities. This work models gravity-driven bidensity slurries in a spiral trough by incorporating particle interactions, using empirically derived formulas for particle fluxes from previous bidensity studies on inclined planes [J. T. Wong and A. L. Bertozzi, Phys. D 330, 47–57 (2016)]. Specifically, we study a thin-film bidensity slurry flowing down a rectangular channel helically wound around a vertical axis. Through a thin-film approximation, we derive equilibrium profiles for the concentration of each particle species and the fluid depth. Additionally, we analyze the influence of key design parameters, such as spiral radius and channel width, on particle concentration profiles. Our findings provide valuable insights into optimizing spiral separator designs for enhanced applicability and adaptability.
Toward flexible intensity control of resonantly scattered
γ
-rays using multi-frequency vibrating resonant absorber
Authors: Stejskal Aleš , Vrba Vlastimil , Procházka Vít
Published: February 2025

We report a method for coherent control of γ-photons, enabling the shaping of γ-ray intensity in nearly arbitrary waveforms. Different intensity waveforms are created by adjusting the motion profile of a resonant absorber (an ensemble of Mössbauer nuclei) and tuning the energy of the incident radiation. A crucial aspect of this method is the use of a low fundamental frequency of vibrations, which broadens the possibilities for γ-ray control. The results of numerical simulations are experimentally validated by generating single and double γ-pulses and inducing short-term absorption. For this, a resonant absorber containing 57Fe nuclei was vibrated with different motion profiles composed of 12 harmonics with a fundamental frequency of 1 MHz. The proposed technique represents an advancement in the manipulation of γ-rays, and potentially x rays, paving the way for the performance of unique types of γ-ray or x-ray quantum experiments and the development of tools such as adjustable table-top γ-pulse sources or γ-ray or x-ray delays and gates. Moreover, inverse application of the method enables investigation of motion at the picometer scale.
The XPS of pyridine: A combined theoretical and experimental analysis
Authors: Bagus Paul S. , Nelin Connie J. , Sassi Michel , Baranowski Daniel , Sharp Marcus A. , Autrey Tom , Dohnálek Zdenek , Novotny Zbynek
Published: February 2025

A detailed analysis of the N(1s) and C(1s) X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is made, where the measured XPS is compared with theoretical Sudden Approximation (SA) intensities and theoretical XPS Binding Energies (BEs). There is remarkably good agreement between the theoretical predictions and the measured XPS; in particular, the different full width at half maximum values for the C(1s) and N(1s) BEs are explained in terms of unresolved C(1s) BEs for the different C atoms in pyridine. This work demonstrates that the combination of theory and XPS measurements can extract analysis of the XPS relevant to the molecular electronic structure. The theory used is based on fully relativistic self-consistent field solutions of the Dirac–Coulomb Hamiltonian, and the SA is used to determine relative XPS intensities.
Electric field-induced depolarization of direct current and alternating current poled PMN-PT single crystals
Authors: Sun Jeong-Woo , Xu Zhengze , Lee Sang-Goo , Jo Wook , Jiang Xiaoning , Ryu Jong Eun
Published: February 2025

Understanding the depolarization of ferroelectric materials caused by external stimuli is critical for maintaining the aligned polarization states. Although thermal depolarization in poled materials is well established, the mechanisms of electric field-induced depolarization remain largely unexplored. In this study, we investigate the electrical depoling behavior of [001]-oriented rhombohedral Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-PbTiO3 (PMN-PT) single crystals poled using direct current poling (DCP) and alternating current poling (ACP). We reveal that the ACP sample exhibits a lower reverse coercive field than the DCP specimen. We compare the effects of bipolar and unipolar electric fields applied in the reverse poling direction, analyzing the changes in permittivity and piezoelectric resonance. Piezoresponse force microscopy is employed to characterize domain configurations in poled and electrically depoled samples. Our findings suggest that property degradation may arise from the nucleation and growth of domains oriented opposite to the initial arrangement.
Mechanical behavior and acoustic emission characteristic response of Macaowan coal samples under different loading rates
Authors: Xiong Ziyang , Zhang Dongming , Lu Jun , Wang Chongyang , Chen Yu , Zhang Yu
Published: February 2025

In coal mining, changes in extraction rate significantly affect the stress field of coal seams. To study the impact of loading rate on the energy and fracture evolution of coal, uniaxial compression tests were conducted on coal samples at different loading rates, with acoustic emission (AE) monitoring. The energy and fracture evolution characteristics were analyzed, along with the spatiotemporal evolution of AE during loading. Results show that the peak stress and strain of the samples gradually increase, but the growth rate decreases. The elastic modulus initially decreases and then increases. Elastic energy continuously increases during loading, while dissipated energy remains stable during the elastic stage and rapidly increases in the plastic stage. The ringdown count significantly increases during the nonlinear crack propagation phase and peaks at sample failure. The b-value, reflecting the distribution of AE event magnitudes, shows a fluctuating downward trend during loading, with values around 2 at the peak point, indicating imminent failure. The upper and lower limits of the b-value are negatively correlated with the loading rate. At low loading rates, shear failure is predominant, while at high loading rates, tensile failure occurs. Microcrack damage is primarily shear-dominated, with the proportion of tensile failure increasing with the loading rate. The locations of concentrated microcrack expansion are related to the distribution of natural fractures in the coal samples. These findings provide a theoretical reference for early warning of coal rock instability and failure.
One-step fabrication of sharp platinum/iridium tips via amplitude-modulated alternating-current electropolishing
Authors: Nishiwaki Yuto , Utsunomiya Toru , Kurokawa Shu , Ichii Takashi
Published: February 2025

The platinum/iridium (Pt/Ir) alloy tip for scanning probe microscopy was fabricated by amplitude-modulated alternating-current electropolishing. The clean tips with a radius of curvature less than 100 nm were reproducibly obtained by applying the sinusoidal voltage in the frequency (f0) of 900 Hz≤f0≤1500 Hz with amplitude modulation by the sinusoidal wave in the modulation frequency (fs) of fs=0.1f0 in CaCl2/H2O/acetone solution. The analyses by scanning electron microscopy with an energy-dispersive x-ray analyzer and atom probe tomography showed that a uniform Pt/Ir alloy was exposed on the tip surface as a clean surface without O or Cl contamination. The scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) imaging using the fabricated tip showed that it is more suitable for investigating rough surfaces than conventional as-cut tips and applicable for atomic-resolution imaging. Furthermore, we applied the fabricated tip to qPlus atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis in liquid and showed that it has atomic resolution in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Therefore, it is concluded that the amplitude-modulated AC etching method reproducibly provides sharp STM/AFM tips capable of both atomic resolution and large-area analyses without complex etching setups.
Enhancing CZTSSe solar cell efficiency to 11.07% with NaClO-induced Mo texturing for improved light management and carrier collection
Authors: Bai Yunjie , He Yu , Zhang Yuhao , Liu Chu , Qiao Jingqi , Luan Hongmei , Yang Yanchun , Yao Bin , Song Yanping , Liu Ruijian , Zhu Chengjun
Published: February 2025

This study systematically investigates the optimization mechanism of NaClO solution treatment on Mo substrates for enhancing the optoelectronic performance of CZTSSe thin film solar cells. Experimental results demonstrate that a 10 s NaClO soaking forms a “spike-like” texture on the Mo surface, increasing the average surface roughness difference from 34.52 to 77.75 nm. This significantly enhances light scattering, particularly for photons reaching the back Mo electrode, thereby extending the optical path and promoting photon reabsorption. Additionally, the roughened Mo surface improves the wettability of the precursor solution (contact angle decreases from 19.3° to 12.7°), facilitating the formation of larger CZTSSe grains. Electrical characterization reveals that the NaClO-treated Mo substrate significantly reduces the density of negative charge traps at CZTSSe grain boundaries (contact potential difference increases from −1.1 V to −263 mV), suppressing hole recombination and optimizing carrier collection efficiency. The spike-like structure of the Mo surface also shortens the transport path of hole carriers generated by short-wavelength light, further enhancing collection efficiency. Ultimately, the PCE of CZTSSe devices based on the Mo-10 substrate increases from 9.34% to 11.07%, attributed to the reduction in Rs and J0. This study highlights the critical role of a back electrode interface microstructure design in synergistically optimizing light absorption and carrier transport.
Resonant inter-mode second harmonic generation by backward spin waves in YIG nano-waveguides
Authors: Nikolaev K. O. , Lake S. R. , Das Mohapatra B. , Schmidt G. , Demokritov S. O. , Demidov V. E.
Published: February 2025

We experimentally study the nonlinear generation of the second harmonic by backward volume spin waves propagating in microscopic magnonic waveguides fabricated from a low-loss magnetic insulator with a thickness of several tens of nanometers. We show that highly efficient resonant second harmonic generation is possible in the inter-mode regime at microwave powers of the order of 10−4 W. In contrast to previously observed second harmonic generation processes, the generation by backward waves is characterized by the nonlinearly generated waves propagating opposite to the initial waves and can be realized at zero bias magnetic field.
Unconventional in-plane field-like spin–orbit torques induced by rare-earth Dy interface in Py/Dy/Pt tri-layers
Authors: Guo Qingjie , Chen Qian , Jiang Wei , Tian Mingming , Cao Lulu , Chen Jiarui , Zhang Wen , Du Jun , Huang Zhaocong , Zhai Ya
Published: February 2025

Spin transport across an interface in energy-efficient spintronic devices, especially for spin–orbit torque applications, has sparked interest in the spintronics community. Here, we employ a rare-earth metal spacer Dy to modify the interface of a Py-based heterostructure, with the aim of modulating the spin dynamics of the system and thereby controlling the spin–orbit torques. As the thickness of Dy increases, it is found that the saturation magnetization of Py/Dy decreases and eventually reaches a plateau, suggesting the induced magnetic moment of Dy that aligns opposite to the Fe and Ni moments. Such a self-assembled antiferromagnetic interface can be destroyed by the insertion of a Cu layer between Py and Dy. Utilizing this interface effect, an additional spin dissipation is observed by enhancement of spin dynamic damping, which has achieved a high spin mixing conductance at the interface of Py/Dy according to spin pumping theory. Utilizing the Py/Dy interface, an unconventional in-plane field-like torque spin–orbit torque (SOT) in a Py/Dy/Pt structure is achieved, while the field-like SOT efficiency experiences a notable enhancement in the Py/Dy/Pt system. By optimizing the interface between the Dy layer and Pt, it is possible to further enhance the performance and efficiency of the devices, thereby promoting the development of spintronic devices. This discovery has significant implications for the future design of low-power spintronic devices.
Enhanced thermoelectric performance in AgSbTe2 with extremely low thermal conductivity via grain boundary defects
Authors: Zhang Kaiqi , Wang Jing , Liu Shuang , Ji Xiao , Gao Chenhao , Zhang Bin , Wang Guiwen , Wang Guoyu , Wang Yuqing , Zhou Yun , Wang Honghui , Lu Xu , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: February 2025

A delicate balance between high electrical conductivity and ultra-low glass-like thermal conductivity is critical for enhancing thermoelectric performance. Here, by introducing grain boundary trapping states into the AgSbTe2 matrix, the thermally activated release of carriers at elevated temperatures enhances electrical conductivity, while the increased barrier potential induces an energy filtering effect that sustains a high Seebeck coefficient. This synergistic optimization of electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient significantly enhances the power factor. Additionally, numerous point defects and a higher density of grain boundaries further enhance phonon scattering, resulting in a 33% reduction in glass-like thermal conductivity compared to the pristine sample. With enhanced power factor and reduced lattice thermal conductivity, Fe-doped AgSbTe2 achieves a remarkable peak zT of 1.8 at 623 K and an impressive zTavg of 1.4 over the temperature range of 323–623 K, showcasing its leading performance in the field. By selecting proper contact layer materials with matched thermal expansion coefficients, low interfacial resistivity was achieved, enabling a single-leg thermoelectric device with ∼10% efficiency under a 323 K temperature difference.
Brownian-motion approach to statistical mechanics: Langevin equations, fluctuations, and timescales
Authors: Dattagupta Sushanta , Ghosh Aritra
Published: February 2025

We briefly review the problem of Brownian motion and describe some intriguing facets. The problem is first treated in its original form as enunciated by Einstein, Langevin, and others. Then, utilizing the problem of Brownian motion as a paradigm and upon using the Langevin equation(s), we present a brief exposition of the modern areas of stochastic thermodynamics and fluctuation theorems in a manner accessible to a non-expert. This is followed by an analysis of non-Markovian Brownian dynamics via generalized Langevin equation(s) in which we particularly shed light onto its derivation, the emergence of the fluctuation–dissipation relation, and the recently discovered effective-mass framework.
Improved spectral filtering of broadband diffractive neural network by loss function engineering
Authors: Li Bolin , Luan Guangrui , Zhu Yinfei , Fei Jinlei , Gu Min , Lin Jian
Published: February 2025

We engineer the loss function by removing the conventional physics-based energy constraint during the training of broadband diffractive neural networks (DNNs) to enhance their spectral filtering capabilities of supercontinuum light. Simulations show that compared to DNNs trained with conventional loss function, the suppression of out-of-band spectral intensities can be improved by three orders of magnitude, resulting in an extinction coefficient of 10−6. Additionally, the spectral resolution can be enhanced by over 50% with a 6.6% improvement of energy efficiency. These findings are corroborated by experiments conducted with a two-layer DNN. The proposed method holds promise for enhancing the performance of broadband DNNs across various applications, including spectral reconstruction, spectrum classification, and color image processing, among others.
ℤ2 Topological Phase Transition in Twisted Plumbene
Authors: Gholamhosseinian Ayda , Modarresi Mohsen , Rezaee Roknabadi Mahmood , Mogulkoc Aybey
Published: February 2025

Since the discovery of superconductivity in twisted bilayer graphene, which initiated the field of twistronics, Moiré patterns caused by different twisting angles between stacked layers of van der Waals 2D materials show unique properties in these structures. In the present study, we examine the band structures at various rotation angles within the Density Functional Theory (DFT) framework to analyze the dependence of electronic and topological properties on the twisting angle in twisted bilayer plumbene structures. The results indicate the potential for a phase transition in the plumbene bilayer, where it can transition from a trivial insulator to a conductor. Furthermore, plumbene may exhibit characteristics of a topological insulator under specific angles. This research contains both topological insulator and conductor structures. Our study suggests an intriguing possibility for changes in electronic and topological properties in this two-dimensional material, which can have potential applications in spintronic devices.
Effects of different accident scenarios and sites on the reduction factor used for expressing sheltering effectiveness
Authors: HIROUCHI Jun , WATANABE Masatoshi , HAYASHI Naho , NAGAKUBO Azusa , TAKAHARA Shogo
Published: February 2025

Public living in areas contaminated by nuclear accidents is exposed to radiation in the early phase and over the long term. Even under similar accident scenarios, radiation doses and sheltering effectiveness, which is one of the protective measures, depend on meteorological conditions and the surrounding environment. Radiation doses and sheltering effectiveness in the early phase of nuclear accidents are crucial information for the public as well as national and local governments planning a nuclear emergency preparedness. In this study, we assessed radiation doses and sheltering effectiveness at sites with nuclear facilities in Japan using the Off-Site Consequence Analysis code for Atmospheric Release accidents, which is one of the level-3 probabilistic risk assessment codes, for five accident scenarios: three scenarios from past severe accident studies, a scenario defined by the Nuclear Regulation Authority in Japan, and a scenario corresponding to the Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Station accident. The sheltering effectiveness differed by up to approximately 50% among the accident scenarios at the same sites and by approximately 20%–50% among sites under the same accident scenario. Differences in the radionuclide composition among the accident scenarios and the differences in wind speeds among the sites primarily caused these differences in sheltering effectiveness.
Harmonization of practice of release of patients after radiopharmaceutical therapy
Authors: Chipiga Larisa , Likhacheva Anastasia , Vodovatov Alexander , Zvonova Irina , Stanzhevsky Andrey , Vazhenina Daria , Maystrenko Dmitry
Published: February 2025

Implementation of the novel therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals requires developing, updating, and harmonizing requirements for radiation safety in radiopharmaceutical therapy. Public exposure from patients with administered radiopharmaceutical and biological radioactive waste management can be identified as the main problems in radiopharmaceutical therapy. The aim of the study was to compare different approaches to development of patient release criteria after radiopharmaceutical therapy with different radiopharmaceuticals considering radiation exposure of members of the public in transport, biological elimination of radionuclides from a patient body and generation of biological waste. The study was performed for the following radiopharmaceuticals: 177Lu-PSMA-617, 177Lu-DOTATATE, Na131I, 131I-mIBG, 153Sm-oxabifor. Two base approaches to patient release criteria were considered. The first approach based on the radioactive decay of radionuclide and divided into groups: considering one radiopharmaceutical administration and considering several radiopharmaceutical administrations per course. The second approach based on the radioactive decay of radionuclide and biological elimination of radiopharmaceutical from the patient body (effective half-life) and divided into groups: based on 1 mSv and 5 mSv dose constrains per course. Effective dose rates from patient and sewage tank to passengers or staff in public transport were estimated for various scenarios of patient traveling after radiopharmaceutical therapy. The results demonstrated that the radiation safety of members of the public in transport should be considered while establishing the release criteria of patients after radiopharmaceutical therapy. Based on results, it is recommended to follow the approach based on the radioactive decay of radionuclide and dose constrain to members of the public in contact with patient of 1 mSv per one radiopharmaceutical administration and keep patient in the nuclear medicine department after radiopharmaceutical administration for at least 4-6 hours. Patient release criteria defined according to that approach comply with patient release criteria operated in different countries and allow maintaining radiation safety of the public.
Comparative analysis of particle irradiation and second phases additions on the critical current densities of YBa2Cu3O7 single crystals, thin films, and coated conductors: implications for fusion reactors magnets
Authors: Civale Leonardo
Published: February 2025

The study of irradiation effects in cuprate high temperature superconductors (HTS) has been a topic of interest since their discovery. Enormous progress in the understanding of vortex physics and pinning mechanisms was made in the early 1990’s through the irradiation of HTS single crystals with a variety of particles over broad ranges of energies. For YBa2Cu3O7 (YBCO), the overall conclusion was that irradiation could increase the critical current density (Jc) by orders of magnitude. The interpretation of the results was simplified by the fact that the pristine crystals were very clean, with few pinning centers and quite low Jc, thus essentially all pinning in the irradiated crystals could be attributed to the controllably added disorder. The case of the YBCO epitaxial thin films and coated conductors (CC) is more complex, because the pre-irradiation samples already have high Jc due to the presence of large densities of strong pinning centers, which are fabrication-method and processing dependent. The most popular and efficient method to further increase Jc in CC has been the incorporation of artificial pinning centers (APC) by chemical incorporation of second phases. Efforts by many groups worldwide demonstrated that a diversity of APC can be effective, and it is now clear that mixed pinning landscapes, nanoengineered by the combination of defects of various shapes and sizes, produce the best results. In some cases, particle irradiation is still effective at enhancing Jc in CCs, by more modest factors than in the single crystals. Interaction with pre-existing defects cannot be ignored, resulting in both cooperating and competing effects. In this work, I review the vortex pinning generated in YBCO by defects of various geometries (point defects, randomly distributed nanoparticles, aligned or splayed columnar) created either by particle irradiation, incorporation of second phases, or combinations of both routes, and discuss some implications of those results for the design of fusion reactors CC magnets.