bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of forming forces at SPIF using Taguchi method
Authors: Popp Mihai-Octavian , Racz Sever-Gabriel , Oleksik Mihaela , Gîrjob Claudia , Biriş Cristina
Published: October 2022

Incremental sheet metal forming process has seen one of the highest increases in diversity in the last years. Single point incremental forming (SPIF) has become more attractive due to multiple benefits it possesses over other conventional cold forming processes such as deep-drawing. However, the process has yet to arise in the large-scale industrial implementation because of its drawbacks such as high production time and low accuracy, which lead to prototype production.

A very important aspect for this manufacturing process is the analysis of the form-ing forces in terms of process energy especially when using industrial robots.

The aim of this paper is to investigate the influence of material and vertical step over the forming forces. Thus, aluminum and steel sheets with a thickness of 0,8mm were incrementally deformed as a truncated cone with an angle of 60°, at a depth of 30mm. Experiments were performed using a KUKA KR 210-2 robot which allows to measure the forces using a piezoresistive sensor.

After performing the analysis of the forming forces using the Taguchi method, it can be observed that the material has the highest influence.
Modern Techniques for Remanufacturing Hydraulic Equipment in the Context of Circular Economy and Energy Efficiency
Authors: Dumitrescu Cătălin , Gavrus Adinel , Rădoi Radu , Şefu Ştefan , Chiriţă Alexandru-Polifron , Popescu Ana-Maria , Preda Dragoş
Published: October 2022

The article presents several current methods of remanufacturing hydraulic components, a trend that is encouraged, on the one hand, by concerns about reducing material consumption in the context of the circular economy - some of these materials being expensive or in short supply. On the other hand, remanufacturing by modern methods can lead to a decrease in energy consumption in the devices concerned, due to obtaining shapes that are difficult to achieve by classical procedures. Among the remanufacturing processes considered there are additive manufacturing, metal coating, reverse engineering, etc.

An important step in the remanufacturing process is testing of components, which certifies the achievement of performances at least equivalent to those of the original products. To this end, the article presents a test bench solution with the help of which tests can be carried out on hydraulic devices such as hydraulic pumps and (linear or rotary) motors, hydraulic directional control valves or other types of valves.
Quality characteristics analysis for the assembly of the elements from the construction of a mechanism for adjusting the seats in the automotive industry
Authors: Morosanu G.A. , Teodor V.G. , Paunoiu V. , Craciun R.S. , Baroiu N.
Published: October 2022

Statistical control of a technological process is a method that is based on a series of tools that allow documentation, understanding, monitoring and supervising of the entire process, in order to ensure quality finished products. When the technological process is complex, statistical methods contribute to an early identification of systematic deviations, so that the quality characteristics are within the allowable tolerance limits. Thus, statistical control is a preventive method of quality management. The analysis of the capability of a production process is mainly used to determine the capability of the process to ensure compliant products, by analyzing certain monitored data that are representative of that process. The paper presents a study on the statistical control of some pieces from the construction of electric motors used to adjust the seats of vehicles. For each piece, 8 measurements were made, the volume of each measurement having 50 elements and the results were interpreted through a software application developed for this purpose and made in the Java language. The software analyzes a database consisting of the values of the dimensions of the measured pieces and identifies whether these values have a statistically normal distribution and falls within the permissible tolerance limits.
How to apply the ERP model for Smart Mining?
Authors: Majstorovic Vidosav , Simeunovic Vladimir , Mitrovic Radivoje , Stosic Dragan , Dimitrijevic Sonja , Miskovic Zarko
Published: October 2022

For a long time, and especially today, the energy crisis has been a limiting factor for the growth and development of the world economy. On the other hand, improving the reliability and readiness of energy production systems is becoming a first class priority for research and development institutions around the world. Therefore, the process of production, transport, distribution and usage of energy is increasingly becoming a very important part of smart systems, whose basic framework is Industry 4.0. Thus, starting from the analogies between industrial manufacturing and mining (i.e. “ore production”), the concept of smart mining is developed. This model has three dimensions: (i) application of advanced digital technologies (Cloud Computing and Internet of Things) with automated Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS), Adaptive Manufacturing Processes (depending on working conditions) and Control of Manufacturing Processes (with optimal resource usage); (ii) Smart Maintenance of CPS (for machinery and equipment); and (iii) Smart Supply Chains (procurement of materials and spare parts / delivery of final products). Deeper analyses have shown that most of the Industry 4.0 elements could be applied with some modifications in mining (there are 45 in total, and analyses have shown that 32 of them can be successfully applied in smart mining) – which was the starting point for the ERP model presented in this paper. The developed ERP model has three main parts: a virtual part based on the Cloud Computing model (SaaS model) and usage of Internet of Things to connect different business processes (procurement, sales, management, finance, warehousing, downtime monitoring etc.), the manufacturing part (coal production in open-pit mine) and the technology process part (monitoring and maintenance of auxiliary machinery). This paper presents the developed and partially implemented ERP model for Industry 4.0 in smart mining at one surface coal mine in the Republic of Serbia.
Functional correlation surface texture / grip of a deposit : case of NiP
Authors: Levrel Enora , Binti Mohd Safie Siti Nursyafinaz , Malécot Pierrick , Lambert Virgile , Fontaine Michael , Hallez Loic , Lallemand Séverine
Published: October 2022

This work studies a functional correlation between different texture parameters and the adherence of NiP coating on a metal substrate. Multiple surfaces with different milling feed rate and coated with NiP went through a pull-off adhesion test. This study determined through texture analysis functional correlation between characterization of surface topographies and the strength measured during the test. In order to study if a multi-scale approach improve the correlation, a “conventional” method based on ISO 25178 procedure and a multi-scale method based on wavelet filtering are compared.
Biodegradable polymer properties through ceramic coatings
Authors: Marguta Alina , Mazurchevici Simona-Nicoleta , Carausu Constantin , Nedelcu Dumitru
Published: October 2022

Coating of bio-based polymers with ceramic layer has attracted interest recently, the research topic raising difficulties regarding the technology of obtaining layers that involve very high working temperatures. The study aims to analyses the mechanical, tribological and structural characteristics of the Arboblend V2 Nature biodegradable polymer after the deposition of ceramic microlayers. The micro powders used were Amdry 6420 (Cr2O3), Metco 143 (ZrO2 18TiO2 10Y2O3) and Metco 136F (Cr2O3-xSiO2-yTiO2). The coated samples were obtained by injection molding and the deposition was achieved by using Atmospheric Plasma Spray (APS) method. The results of the related analyses showed that, in general, the deposits of ceramic micro particles increased the material surface characteristics (hardness, scratch resistance, apparent friction coefficient), due to the uniformity of the ceramic coating on the polymeric substrate. Based on these, it was possible to recommend the use of coated bio-based polymer - Arboblend V2 Nature in harsh operating conditions, such as the automotive industry.
Acute care diagnostics in children for general radiologists – not alone in the hospital at night
Authors: Beer Meinrad , Mentzel Hans-Joachim , Steinborn Marc , Schaal Matthias Cornelius
Published: October 2022

Background Radiologic care for children and adolescents during night and weekend shifts is challenging. This is especially true when a dedicated pediatric radiology front or background service is not available.

Methods The purpose of this review is to present the approach, the most relevant diagnoses, and their differential diagnoses based on four common example cases – abdominal pain, respiratory/chest pain, headache, and refusal to walk. Essentials such as clinical classification (e. g., disease dynamics) and practical instructions (e. g., necessity of acute cross-sectional imaging) are presented.

Results and Conclusion For the abdomen, appendicitis ranks first among acute diseases. Other important diseases are intussusception and volvulus. Far more frequently, however, gastroenteritis is the cause of abdominal pain. Usually no imaging is required in this case. In unclear clinical situations, ultrasound may be indicated. In suspected pulmonary infections, chest imaging is limited to inconclusive cases and suspicion of complications such as pleural empyema. Major emergencies include (spontaneous) pneumothorax and aspiration. Headache is a common symptom. Immediate imaging is only necessary in cases of suspected acute inflammatory (meningitis/encephalitis) or vascular disease (e. g., hemorrhage due to vascular malformations). MRI is the primary imaging modality in these cases. Restricted walking/refusal to walk is a classic nonspecific sign, particularly of acute musculoskeletal disease, especially in younger children. Clinical examination is essential to narrow down the field of investigation. Besides the frequent and symptomatic coxitis fugax, the rare but serious (septic) arthritis/osteomyelitis must not be overlooked.

Key Points: 

Citation Format
Chiral-at-Ru Catalyst with Cyclometalated Imidazo[1,5-a]pyridin­ylidene for Enantioselective Intramolecular Cyclopropanations
Authors: Meggers Eric , Han Feng , Xie Yuanhao , Xie Xiulan , Ivlev Sergei I.
Published: October 2022

A chiral ruthenium catalyst is introduced which contains a cyclometalated N-(3-nitrophenyl)-imidazo[1,5-a]pyridinylidene ligand in addition to a bidentate 4-mesityl-2-(pyridin-2-yl)thiazole and two acetonitriles to complement the octahedral coordination sphere of the monocationic complex. Tetrafluoroborate serves as the counterion. Since all coordinated ligands are achiral, the overall chirality is formally due to a stereogenic metal center generating either a left-handed (Λ) or right-handed (Δ) helical topology of this chiral-at-metal complex. Nonracemic Λ and Δ complexes were synthesized using (R)- and (S)-N-benzoyl-tert-butanesulfinamide as chiral auxiliary ligands, respectively. The position of the nitro group in the metalated phenyl moiety is of crucial importance for the generation of enantiomerically pure complexes. The catalytic activity of the cycloruthenated chiral-at-metal catalyst was demonstrated for the enantioselective intramolecular cyclopropanation of trans-cinnamyl diazoacetate and an alkenyl diazoketone to generate bicyclic cyclopropanes in high yields (96–97%) and with satisfactory enantioselectivity (93% ee).
Zn/ZnBr2 Catalysed Reaction of Aldehydes with Allylbromide: Synthesis of 2,6-Disubstituted 4-Bromotetrahydropyrans
Authors: Narsaiah A. Venkat , Biradar D. O. , Mane Y. D. , Sarnikar Y. P. , Kulkarni S. G. , Reddy B. V. Subba
Published: October 2022

An efficient approach for the one-pot synthesis of 4-bromotetrahydropyrans in a highly diastereoselective manner via the alkynylation followed by Prins cyclisation is described. The method employs aldehydes and allyl bromide as reactants, with a Zn/ZnBr2 catalytic system in CH2Cl2. A variety of 2,6-disubstituted 4-bromotetrahydropyran derivatives were obtained in good yields.
Analysis of von Willebrand Disease in the “Heart of Europe”
Authors: Vangenechten Inge , Smejkal Petr , Zavrelova Jiri , Zapletal Ondrej , Wild Alexander , Michiels Jan Jacques , Berneman Zwi , Blatny Jan , Batorova Angelika , Prigancova Tatiana , Penka Miroslav , Gadisseur Alain
Published: October 2022

Background von Willebrand disease (VWD) is a genetic bleeding disorder caused by defects of von Willebrand factor (VWF), quantitative (type 1 and 3) or qualitative (type 2). The laboratory phenotyping is heterogenic making diagnosis difficult.

Objectives Complete laboratory analysis of VWD as an expansion of the previously reported cross-sectional family-based VWD study in the Czech Republic (BRNO-VWD) and Slovakia (BRA-VWD) under the name “Heart of Europe,” in order to improve the understanding of laboratory phenotype/genotype correlation.

Patients and Methods In total, 227 suspected VWD patients were identified from historical records. Complete laboratory analysis was established using all available assays, including VWF multimers and genetic analysis.

Results A total of 191 patients (from 119 families) were confirmed as having VWD. The majority was characterized as a type 1 VWD, followed by type 2. Multimeric patterns concordant with laboratory phenotypes were found in approximately 83% of all cases. A phenotype/genotype correlation was present in 84% (77% type 1, 99% type 2, and 61% type 3) of all patients. Another 45 candidate mutations (23 novel variations), not found in the initial study, could be identified (missense 75% and truncating 24%). An exon 1–3 gene deletion was identified in 14 patients where no mutation was found by direct DNA sequencing, increasing the linkage up to 92%, overall.

Conclusion This study provides a cross-sectional overview of the VWD population in a part of Central Europe. It is an addition to the previously published BRNO-VWD study, and provides important data to the International Society of Thrombosis and Haemostasis/European Association for Haemophilia and Allied Disorders VWD mutation database with identification of novel causal mutations.
When Love Takes Over: Boosting Love Towards Airbnb Brand
Authors: Foroudi Pantea , Palazzo Maria , Sabina Karanikosova
Published: October 2022

The COVID-19 epidemic affected all industries, but the hospitality sector was hardest hit as governments used social distancing to prevent outbreaks. Based on the insights of relationship theory, before social distancing became an essential behaviour spread globally, this study attempts to understand what factors influence love for Airbnb brand, how they are linked together, and how love for Airbnb brand could be beneficial to local business/market. This research focussed on 9 in-depth interviews with Airbnb hosts and 3 focus groups with 13 experts from short-term rentals companies in Prague (22 participants). The outcome of this study provides insights on love towards Airbnb brand, and based on this, it set a start point for deeper, beneficial connectivity between Airbnb users and local community. This research contributes to the expansion of literature about love towards Airbnb brand, its dimensions, and its main outcome. This study suggests that brand identity, communication and branding activities, service attractiveness, guest experience, perceived cultural value, satisfaction and reputation are dimensions of love towards Airbnb brand and have as main outcome love towards local community.
Principle and application of bubble-based oscillation for fast mixing on microfluidic chip
Authors: Chen Yu , Chen Xiang , Lai Wentian , Zhu Qihao
Published: October 2022

Mixing in microfluidic devices presents a challenge because of the laminar flow in microchannels. Here, we present an oscillatory-flow-based microfluidic mixer (OFBMM) in which fluids are subjected to a back-and-forth motion by utilizing a periodically changed pressure and an on-chip gas bubble. We developed a low-cost Arduino-based pneumatic system to apply pressure and an OpenCV-based image-processing algorithm to quantitatively analyze the mixing effect. We found that the oscillatory motion of fluids is similar to the charging and discharging process of an RC circuit used in electronics. We investigated the mixing effect by varying the oscillation frequencies, initial bubble volumes, and applied pressures. The results indicated that the increase in both the applied pressure and the initial volume of the gas bubble could promote fluid mixing. A large-scale serial dilution microfluidic chip based on OFBMM was also developed to demonstrate its biochemical potential. We believe that OFBMM will provide a new choice for mixing two or more solutions in a valves-integrated microfluidic system.
Fused x-ray and fast neutron CT reconstruction for imaging large and dense objects
Authors: Champley Kyle M. , Hardy Anthony J. , Cherepy Nerine , Townsend Andrew , Hall James , Harke Kathryn J. , Carter Clint , Bendahan Joseph , Tringe Joseph W.
Published: October 2022

Megavolt x-ray computed tomography (CT) is a powerful tool for three-dimensional characterization. However, its utility is limited for large objects composed of high-atomic number (Z) materials, where x rays fail to penetrate. Information from fast neutron CT (FNCT) can complement x-ray CT reconstructions since fast neutrons can more readily penetrate high-Z objects. Here, we demonstrate a method for combining FNCT and x-ray CT data to create a single reconstruction, more accurate than could be achieved with either x rays or fast neutrons alone. The algorithm was tested on an exemplar comprising multiple concentric, nested cylinders of different materials. Simulated and empirical x-ray CT data were acquired for the exemplar using a 9 MV bremsstrahlung spectrum. Additional simulated and empirical FNCT data were acquired using an accelerator based fast neutron source. The FNCT data were used to synthesize x-ray CT data and augment the x-ray CT data missing due to lack of penetration. This approach mitigates artifacts that would otherwise negatively affect the accuracy and resolution of a single-modality reconstructed volume.
Ballistic graphene arrays for ultra-high pressure sensing
Authors: Sinha Abhinaba , Priyadarshi Pankaj , Muralidharan Bhaskaran
Published: October 2022

Atomically thin two-dimensional materials, such as graphene, exhibit extreme high-pressure sensitivity compared to the commercially used pressure sensors due to their high surface-to-volume ratio and excellent mechanical properties. The smaller piezoresistance of graphene across different transport regimes limits its pressure sensitivity compared to other two-dimensional materials. Using membrane theory and the thin-film adhesivity model, we show miniaturization as a means to enhance the overall performance of graphene pressure sensors. Our findings reveal that ballistic graphene can be configured to measure ultra-high pressure (≈109 Pa) with many-fold high-pressure sensitivity than other contemporary two-dimensional materials. Based on these findings, we propose an array of ballistic graphene sensors with extreme high-pressure sensitivity and ultra-high-pressure range that will find applications in next-generation nano-electro-mechanical system pressure sensors. The performance parameters of the array sensors can be further enhanced by reducing the size of graphene membranes and increasing the number of sensors in the array. The methodology developed in this paper can be used to explore similar applications using other two-dimensional materials.
Thermo-hydraulic characteristics of magnetic nanofluid in opposing and assisting minichannel under the influence of external magnetic field
Authors: Bhattacharyya Suvanjan , Sharma Arpan K. , Vishwakarma Devendra K. , Paul Akshoy Ranjan
Published: October 2022

The present numerical study investigates the effect of external magnetic field on a magnetic nanofluid flow in an inclined channel. A uniform magnetic field is used to generate vortex in the channel for heat transfer enhancement. Fe3O4–water nanofluid of 2 vol. % is flowing in an inclined two-dimensional channel with a heated bottom wall. Numerical simulations are carried out for different inclination angles varying from −90° < θ < 90° at low Reynolds numbers, in the presence of external magnetic field of intensities varying from 0–2000 G. The heat sink has dimensions of 40 × 4 mm2, with a magnet pair placed at 15 mm from the origin. Different thermo-hydraulic properties, like Nusselt number, friction factor, pressure drop and thermal enhancement factor (TEF), are calculated for all the cases. There is an average increase in the Nusselt number by 4.95% and 19.27% when a magnetic field of 1500 and 2000 G is applied, respectively. This heat transfer enhancement comes with a penalty of 32.95% and 89.23% increase in the friction factor for the respective magnetic fields. Magnetic field decreases the pressure drop by reducing the contact area for positive inclinations, while increases pressure drop by increasing turbulence for negative inclinations. TEF for the flow increases by 9.53% and 12.50% when the magnetic field of 1500 and 2000 G is applied, respectively. The TEF value is observed to be greater than one for very large ranges of inclinations when magnetic fields are applied, as compared to the flow without magnetic field.
Anomalous low-energy carrier dynamics of stripe-type charge ordered Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3 thin film revealed by magneto-terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Dagar Rahul , Gupta Komal , Kinha Monu , Sahoo Jayaprakash , Rana D. S.
Published: October 2022

The perovskite manganites host a range of charge- and orbital-ordered phases wherein the intrinsic and extrinsic controls of magnetic field, doping, epitaxial strain, chemical pressure, etc., induce subtleties of phase transition. The Pr0.5Sr0.5MnO3 (PSMO) is one such system that possesses a unique stripe-type charge-order manifesting in anisotropic transport. It exhibits a Drude-type and charge-density-wave (CDW) type of low-energy phases; the magnetic field is contemplated as a key control for both these phases; however, it has not yet been explored. Here, we have investigated the magnetic-field dependence of Drude-type terahertz (THz) carriers dynamics and the CDW type of low-energy excitations along two non-identical orthogonal in-plane axes of the (110) epitaxial thin film in the energy range of 1–7 meV using magneto-THz time-domain spectroscopy in Faraday geometry. While THz Drude conductivity expectedly increases with the increasing magnetic field, the CDW type of resonance absorption peak anomalously strengthens with the field. The origin of this unusual field-induced stabilization of the CDW-type mode is expected to lie in the d(x2–y2) orbital ordering in the A-type antiferromagnetic ordered state and anisotropic charge ordering. This study brings out a unique facet of the effect of magnetic field on orbital ordering of anisotropic stripe-type charge-ordered PSMO, which has potential THz modulation and switching applications.
Nonlinear chirped interferometry for frequency-shift measurement and χ(3) spectroscopy
Authors: Neradovskaia E. , Maingot B. , Chériaux G. , Claudet C. , Forget N. , Jullien A.
Published: October 2022

Four-wave mixing processes are ubiquitous in ultrafast optics and the determination of the coefficients of the χ(3) tensor is thus essential. We introduce a novel time-resolved ultrafast spectroscopic method to characterize the third-order nonlinearity on the femtosecond time-scale. This approach, coined as “nonlinear chirped interferometry,” makes use of the variation of the optical group delay of a transmitted probe under the effect of an intense pump pulse in the nonlinear medium of interest. The observable is the spectral interference between the probe and a reference pulse sampled upstream and the metric is the transient swing of the probe group delay. We show that the detected signal is enhanced when the pulses are weakly chirped, and that, although interferometric, the method is intrinsically less sensitive to environmental phase fluctuations and drifts. By chirping adequately the reference pulse, the transient frequency shift of the probe pulses is also detected in the time domain and the detected nonlinear signal is enhanced. Nonlinear phase shifts as low as 10 mrad, corresponding to a frequency shift of 30 GHz, i.e., 0.01% of the carrier frequency, are detected without heterodyne detection or active phase-stabilization. The diagonal and/or non-diagonal terms of reference glasses (SiO2) and crystals (Al2O3, BaF2, CaF2) are characterized. The method is finally applied to measure the soft vibration mode of KTiOAsO4 (KTA).
Berry curvature induced antisymmetric in-plane magneto-transport in magnetic Weyl EuB6
Authors: Zeng Qingqi , Yi Changjiang , Shen Jianlei , Wang Binbin , Wei Hongxiang , Shi Youguo , Liu Enke
Published: October 2022

In-plane transport properties, including anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and planar Hall effect (PHE), are of great interest in electrical transport and spintronic applications. Unconventional transport behavior emerging from the topological physics has been intensively studied and very much desired. In this study, a large AMR of −18% at a very low magnetic field of 0.2 T is observed in a soft magnetic Weyl semimetal EuB6 based on the characteristics of both high magnetization and large magnetoresistance. Furthermore, the intrinsic antisymmetric AMR and PHE are unambiguously observed and interpreted as the modification in conductivity owing to the Berry curvature in a tilted Weyl system instead of the out-of-plane magnetic field component. Our study provides a strategy for low-magnetic-field applications of large AMR and enriches the transport physics of spintronic devices.
Men of refugee and migrant backgrounds in Australia: a scoping review of sexual and reproductive health research
Authors: Mengesha Zelalem , Hawkey Alexandra J. , Baroudi Mazen , Ussher Jane M. , Perz Janette
Published: October 2022

Australia’s National Men’s Health Strategy 2020–2030 identifies refugee and migrant men from culturally and lingustically diverse backgrounds as priority groups for sexual and reproductive health (SRH) interventions. The paucity of SRH research focusing on refugee and migrant men is a significant gap to advance men’s health and policy. Hence, this review aimed to synthesise the available evidence on refugee and migrant men’s SRH needs, understandings and experiences of accessing services after resettlement in Australia. A systematic search of peer reviewed literature in PubMed, Scopus, and PsyInfo was made. A World Health Organization framework for operationalising sexual health and its relationship with reproductive health was used to map the identified studies. The socio-ecological framework was applied to thematically synthesise data extracted from individual studies and identify factors that influence the SRH of refugee and migrant men. We included 38 papers in the review. The majority of sexual health studies (16) were about sexually transmitted infections (STIs), mainly HIV (12), followed by sexual health education and information (5) and sexual functioning (3). Reproductive health studies focused on contraceptive counselling and provision (3), antenatal, intrapartum and postnatal care (1) and safe abortion care (1). Several factors influenced refugee and migrant men’s SRH, including a lack of access to SRH information, language barriers and stigma. We found that SRH literature on refugee and migrant men focuses on STIs, meaning other areas of SRH are poorly understood. We identified key gaps in research on experiences of, and access to, comprehensive SRH care.
DNA polymerase epsilon binds histone H3.1-H4 and recruits MORC1 to mediate meiotic heterochromatin condensation
Authors: Wang Cong , Huang Jiyue , Li Yingping , Zhang Jun , He Chengpeng , Li Tianyang , Jiang Danhua , Dong Aiwu , Ma Hong , Copenhaver Gregory P. , Wang Yingxiang
Published: October 2022

Heterochromatin is essential for genomic integrity and stability in eukaryotes. The mechanisms that regulate meiotic heterochromatin formation remain largely undefined. Here, we show that the catalytic subunit (POL2A) ofArabidopsisDNA polymerase epsilon (POL ε) is required for proper formation of meiotic heterochromatin. The POL2A N terminus interacts with the GHKL adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) MORC1 (Microrchidia 1), and POL2A is required for MORC1’s localization on meiotic heterochromatin. Mutations affecting the POL2A N terminus cause aberrant morphology of meiotic heterochromatin, which is also observed inmorc1. Moreover, the POL2A C-terminal zinc finger domain (ZF1) specifically binds to histone H3.1-H4 dimer or tetramer and is important for meiotic heterochromatin condensation. Interestingly, we also found similar H3.1-binding specificity for the mouse counterpart. Together, our results show that two distinct domains of POL2A, ZF1 and N terminus bind H3.1-H4 and recruit MORC1, respectively, to induce a continuous process of meiotic heterochromatin organization. These activities expand the functional repertoire of POL ε beyond its classic role in DNA replication and appear to be conserved in animals and plants.
Plant autophagosomes mature into amphisomes prior to their delivery to the central vacuole
Authors: Zhao Jierui , Bui Mai Thu , Ma Juncai , Künzl Fabian , Picchianti Lorenzo , De La Concepcion Juan Carlos , Chen Yixuan , Petsangouraki Sofia , Mohseni Azadeh , García-Leon Marta , Gomez Marta Salas , Giannini Caterina , Gwennogan Dubois , Kobylinska Roksolana , Clavel Marion , Schellmann Swen , Jaillais Yvon , Friml Jiri , Kang Byung-Ho , Dagdas Yasin
Published: October 2022

Autophagosomes are double-membraned vesicles that traffic harmful or unwanted cellular macromolecules to the vacuole for recycling. Although autophagosome biogenesis has been extensively studied, autophagosome maturation, i.e., delivery and fusion with the vacuole, remains largely unknown in plants. Here, we have identified an autophagy adaptor, CFS1, that directly interacts with the autophagosome marker ATG8 and localizes on both membranes of the autophagosome. Autophagosomes form normally in Arabidopsis thaliana cfs1 mutants, but their delivery to the vacuole is disrupted. CFS1’s function is evolutionarily conserved in plants, as it also localizes to the autophagosomes and plays a role in autophagic flux in the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha. CFS1 regulates autophagic flux by bridging autophagosomes with the multivesicular body-localized ESCRT-I component VPS23A, leading to the formation of amphisomes. Similar to CFS1-ATG8 interaction, disrupting the CFS1-VPS23A interaction blocks autophagic flux and renders plants sensitive to nitrogen starvation. Altogether, our results reveal a conserved vacuolar sorting hub that regulates autophagic flux in plants.
Heisenberg-invariant self-dual Einstein manifolds
Authors: Cortés V , Murcia Á
Published: October 2022

We classify all self-dual Einstein four-manifolds invariant under a principal action of the three-dimensional Heisenberg group with non-degenerate orbits. This is of interest in the study of quantum-corrected gravitational physics, since they naturally arise as scalar manifolds of particular Lorentzian and Euclidean supergravities with one-loop corrections. The metrics are explicit and we find, in particular, that the Einstein constant can take any value. Then we examine when the corresponding (Riemannian or neutral-signature) metrics are (geodesically) complete. Finally, we exhibit the solutions of non-zero Ricci-curvature as different branches of one-loop deformed universal hypermultiplets in Riemannian and neutral signature.
A Fokker–Planck-based Monte Carlo method for electronic transport and avalanche simulation in single-photon avalanche diodes
Authors: Helleboid Rémi , Rideau Denis , Nicholson Isobel , Grebot Jeremy , Mamdy Bastien , Mugny Gabriel , Basset Marie , Agnew Megan , Golanski Dominique , Pellegrini Sara , Saint-Martin Jérôme , Pala Marco , Dollfus Philippe
Published: October 2022

We present an efficient simulation method for electronic transport and avalanche in single-photon avalanche diodes (SPAD). Carrier transport is simulated in the real space using a particle Monte Carlo approach based on the Fokker–Planck point of view on an advection-diffusion equation, that enables us to reproduce mobility models, including electric fields and doping dependencies. The avalanche process is computed thanks to impact ionization rates implemented using a modified Random Path Length algorithm. Both transport and impact ionization mechanisms are computed concurrently from a statistical point of view, which allows us to achieve a full multi-particle simulation. This method provides accurate simulation of transport and avalanche process suitable for realistic three-dimensional SPADs, including all relevant stochastic aspects of these devices, together with a huge reduction of the computational time required, compared to standard Monte Carlo methods for charge carrier transport. The efficiency of our method empowers the possibility to precisely evaluate SPADs figures of merit and to explore new features that were untrackable by conventional methods. An extensive series of comparisons with experimental data on state-of-the art SPADs shows a very good accuracy of the proposed approach.
Superconductivity in CeBeH8 and CeBH8 at moderate pressures
Authors: Hou Yu , Li Bin , Bai Yan , Hao Xiaofeng , Yang Yeqian , Chi Fengfeng , Liu Shengli , Cheng Jie , Shi Zhixiang
Published: October 2022

High-pressure structural searches of superhydrides CeBeH8 and CeBH8 were performed under ambient pressure up to 300 GPa. We identify

F
m

3
‾

m

-CeBeH8 with a superconducting transition temperature T

c
of 56 K at 10 GPa. Two more phases with spacegroup

R

3
‾

m

and

C
2

/

m

, were investigated within the increasing pressures. CeBH8 shows a similar phase transition process as CeBeH8 but with higher transition pressures and higher T

c
.

F
m

3
‾

m

-CeBH8 is predicted to be superconducting above 120 GPa with a maximum T

c
of 118 K at 150 GPa.

R

3
‾

m

-CeBH8 and

C
2

/

m

-CeBH8 are dynamically stable above 120 GPa and 100 GPa, respectively. The maximum T

c
is 123 K at 195 GPa for

R

3
‾

m

-CeBH8, and 115 K at 350 GPa for

C
2

/

m

-CeBH8. Our work enriches the family of ternary hydrides and may provide a useful guideline for further search for superconducting hydrides at low and moderate pressures.
Precession-induced nonclassicality of the free induction decay of NV centers by a dynamical polarized nuclear spin bath
Authors: Lin Mu-Che , Lo Ping-Yuan , Nori Franco , Chen Hong-Bin
Published: October 2022

The ongoing exploration of the ambiguous boundary between the quantum and the classical worlds has spurred substantial developments in quantum science and technology. Recently, the nonclassicality of dynamical processes has been proposed from a quantum-information-theoretic perspective, in terms of witnessing nonclassical correlations with Hamiltonian ensemble simulations. To acquire insights into the quantum-dynamical mechanism of the process nonclassicality, here we propose to investigate the nonclassicality of the electron spin free-induction-decay process associated with an NV− center. By controlling the nuclear spin precession dynamics via an external magnetic field and nuclear spin polarization, it is possible to manipulate the dynamical behavior of the electron spin, showing a transition between classicality and nonclassicality. We propose an explanation of the classicality–nonclassicality transition in terms of the nuclear spin precession axis orientation and dynamics. We have also performed a series of numerical simulations supporting our findings. Consequently, we can attribute the nonclassical trait of the electron spin dynamics to the behavior of nuclear spin precession dynamics.
Pressure-induced structural phase transitions of zirconium: an ab initio study based on statistical ensemble theory
Authors: Ning Bo-Yuan
Published: October 2022

Recently, we put forward a direct integral approach to solve the partition function with ultrahigh efficiency and precision, which enables the rigorous ensemble theory to investigate phase behaviors of realistic condensed matters and has been successfully applied to the phase transition of vanadium metal (Ning et al 2022 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter
34 425404). In this work, the approach is applied to the structural phase transitions of zirconium metal under compressions up to 160 GPa and ultrahigh calculation precision is achieved. For the obtained equation of state with pressure over 40 GPa, the deviations from latest experiments are within

0.7
%

and the computed transition pressure of

α
→
ω

is 6.93 GPa, which is about five times larger than previous theoretical predictions and in excellent agreement with the measured range of 5–15 GPa. Our results support the argument that there is no existence of the isostructural phase transition of Zr metal that was asserted by recent experimental observations.
Origin of variable propensity for anomalous slip in body-centered cubic metals
Authors: Gröger Roman
Published: October 2022

Many transition metals crystalizing in the body-centered cubic (bcc) structure exhibit anomalous slip on low-stressed

{
110
}

planes at low homologous temperatures, which cannot be reconciled with the Schmid law. Specifically, for uniaxial loading in the center of the

[
001
]
−
[
011
]
−
[

1
ˉ

11
]

stereographic triangle, this is manifested by

1

/

2
[
111
]

and

1

/

2
[
1

1
ˉ

1
ˉ

]

screw dislocations moving on low-stressed

(
0

1
ˉ

1
)

planes. While the anomalous slip is often attributed to non-planar cores of

1

/

2
⟨
111
⟩

screw dislocations or to the tendency for their networks to glide easily, it remains unclear why it dominates the plastic deformation in some bcc metals, whereas it is weak or even absent in others. Using molecular statics simulations at 0 K, we demonstrate that the anomalous slip in bcc metals is intimately linked with the stability of

⟨
100
⟩

screw junctions between two intersecting

1

/

2
⟨
111
⟩

screw dislocations under stress (for example,

1

/

2
[
111
]

and

1

/

2
[
1

1
ˉ

1
ˉ

]

screws giving rise to the [100] junction). Our atomic-level studies show that in nearly all bcc metals of the 5th and 6th groups these junctions cannot be broken by the applied stress and the three dislocations can only move on the common

{
110
}

plane (in the above example on the

(
0

1
ˉ

1
)

plane). On the other hand, these junctions are found to be unstable in alkali metals, tantalum, and iron, where the application of stress results in unzipping of the two dislocations and their further glide on the planes predicted for isolated dislocations. These results also suggest that the experimentally observed increased propensity for the anomalous slip in further stages of plastic deformation may be explained by reduced curvatures of

1

/

2
⟨
111
⟩

screw dislocations in dense networks.
Freestanding high-aspect-ratio gold masks for low-energy, phase-based x-ray microscopy
Authors: Makarova Olga V , Divan Ralu , Moldovan Nicolaie , Czaplewski David A , Esposito Michela , Endrizzi Marco , Tang Cha-Mei , Ferrara Joseph D , Olivo Alessandro
Published: October 2022

High-resolution, x-ray phase contrast microscopy, a key technique with promising potential in biomedical imaging and diagnostics, is based on narrow-slit high-aspect-ratio gold gratings. We present the development, fabrication details, and experimental testing of the freestanding 10 μm thick gold membrane masks with an array of 0.9–1.5 μm void slit apertures for a novel low-energy x-ray microscope. The overall mask size is 4 mm × 4 mm, with a grating pitch of 7.5 μm, 6.0–6.6 μm wide gold bars are supported by 3 μm wide crosslinks at 400 μm intervals. The fabrication process is based on gold electroplating into a silicon mold coated with various thin films to form a voltage barrier, plating base, and sacrificial layer, followed by the mold removal to obtain the freestanding gold membrane with void slit apertures. We discuss key aspects for the materials and processes, including gold structures homogeneity, residual stresses, and prevention of collapsing of the grid elements. We further demonstrate the possibility to obtain high-resolution, high contrast 2D images of biological samples using an incoherent, rotating anode x-ray tube.
Rh metallene with functionalized polypyrrole surface for hydrogen evolution over a wide pH range
Authors: Wang Wenxin , Deng Kai , Mao Qiqi , Yu Hongjie , Wang Ziqiang , Xu You , Li Xiaonian , Wang Liang , Wang Hongjing
Published: October 2022

Interface engineering of two-dimensional (2D) materials by conductive polymer modification is one of the valid methods to promote hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) performance. Herein, we report a simple and universal strategy for the synthesis of polypyrrole (PPy) modified Rh metallene (Rh@PPy metallene) towards an efficient pH-universal HER. Due to the unique ultrathin 2D metallene structure and the optimized electronic structure between the metallene-PPy surfaces, the as-prepared Rh@PPy metallene not only exhibits excellent HER activity with low overpotentials of 16, 39 and 42 mV in 0.5 M H2SO4, 1 M KOH, and 1 M phosphate buffer solution at current density of 10 mA cm−2, but also displays outstanding stability and durability. This work provides a well-founded pathway to constructe metallene-organic interfaces for various electrocatalytic applications.
An empirical study of modified beat SQI based majority voting fusion method for heart-rate estimation in noisy multimodal cardiovascular signals
Authors: Rankawat Shalini A
Published: October 2022

Objectives. Most existing heartbeat-detection algorithms rely heavily on cardiovascular signals, namely electrocardiogram (ECG) and arterial blood pressure (ABP), which are often corrupted by noise, leading to unreliable heart-rate estimates. Simultaneously recorded non-cardiovascular (NC) signals help with reliable heart-rate estimates when both cardiovascular signals are corrupted by noise. This study aims to: (i) propose a modified beat signal quality index-based majority voting fusion (MMVF) method to deal with extremely noisy cardiovascular signals; (ii) generate synthetic noise datasets from standard PhysioNet datasets by adding different types of ECG noises, i.e. baseline wander (bw), electrode motion (em), muscle artifact (ma), and realistic artificial ABP noises in clean or low-noise ECG and ABP signals, respectively; and (iii) analyze the effectiveness of the MMVF method for heart-rate estimation with different combinations of beat detectors. Approach. The modified beat signal quality index in the proposed method can identify the quality of the signal even when it contains long durations of noise. The MMVF method assigns uniform weights to the beats detected from all multimodal physiological signals, thus enabling effective participation of beats from NC signals when both cardiovascular signals are corrupted. Results. Fusion of the NC signals with noisy cardiovascular signals using the MMVF method improves heart-rate estimation accuracy over that of single ECG beat detectors like gqrs, epltd, and slope sum function and Teager–Kaiser energy (SSF-TKE) up to 98.81%, 97.95%, and 87.98%, respectively. This method has yielded robust heart-rate estimation within clinically acceptable error limits in concurrently highly noisy cardiovascular signals (ECG: up to a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of −70 dB and ABP: up to 100% noise duration in noisy segments) by their fusion with NC signals. Significance. This study serves as empirical evidence for the robustness of the MMVF method in scenarios where there are extremely noisy cardiovascular signals and NC signals with ECG R-peak artifacts.
Design and performance evaluation of electromechanical impedance instrumented quantitative corrosion measuring probe based on conical rods
Authors: Wang Jianjun , Wen Lijie , Liu Zhishun , Luo Mingzhang , Jia Sihui , Li Weijie , Lan Chengming
Published: October 2022

Previous study has proved that using electromechanical impedance instrumented bar-type corrosion measuring probe can realize the quantitative assessment of the corrosion amount. To gain more insights into the working mechanism and design better probes, this work examined a new type of corrosion measuring probe based on the conical rod, and evaluated their performance. Theoretical model of this type of new probes was established based on one dimensional piezo-elasticity theory, and the electrical impedance was derived to obtain first resonant and anti-resonant frequencies in longitudinal vibration mode. Two experiments were performed to validate the feasibility of the probe for corrosion measurement, including the artificial uniform corrosion experiment and the accelerated corrosion test. Comparisons between the theoretical predictions and the experimental results from the artificial uniform corrosion experiment were made, and good agreement was found. Effects of piezoelectric patch thickness and cone angle on first resonant and anti-resonant frequencies were also analyzed. In addition, a wireless impedance measurement system was preliminarily realized, which is very promising in developing the low cost and high accuracy online real-time monitoring technology for the pipeline corrosion monitoring.
Numerical analysis of the contact resistance in a no-insulation layer-wound coil with a simplified electromagnetic–mechanical model
Authors: Li Dongke , Tang Yunkai , Liu Donghui , Yong Huadong
Published: October 2022

An increase in the contact resistance of a no-insulation (NI) high-temperature superconducting coil was observed in high-field tests, which may be related to the mechanical deformation and the separation between adjacent turns in the coil. The large electromagnetic force generated in the high magnetic field can causeseparation between adjacent turns of the NI coil, which can affect the contact resistance of the magnet. An electromagnetic–mechanical model is built to study the effect of separation on the contact resistance and field delay time of an NI layer-wound coil. The numerical results show that the large electromagnetic force generated in the high field leads to the local separation between adjacent turns and the increase in contact resistance of the NI layer-wound coil. Moreover, a higher external field or target current can result in a larger area of separation, a higher contact resistance and a shorter characteristic field delay time. An overband can restrain the mechanical deformation and separation between turns of the NI coil in the high field, which suppresses the increase of turn-to-turn contact resistance.
The effects of pressure on the lattice of the rare-earth-based perovskite-type oxides SmAlO3 and NdAlO3
Authors: Li Hui , Ma Shuailing , Ye Jili , Li Nana , Wang Xin
Published: October 2022

This paper studies the behavior of SmAlO3 and NdAlO3 when they are subject to high pressures. This work is undertaken using angle-dispersive synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectroscopy at pressures up to 24.2 and 39.0 GPa, respectively. It is found that SmAlO3 undergoes an orthorhombic (Pnma) to rhombohedral (R-3c) structure transition at around 10 GPa; this transition is induced by the rotation of the AlO6 octahedra toward that of the ideal perovskite structure when the material is subject to high pressures. The tilting of the AlO6 octahedra also decreases at high pressures in NdAlO3. It is found that NdAlO3 maintains its original rhombohedral structure for pressures of up to 39.0 GPa. The structural changes observed in these compounds help establish the electrical and magnetic properties of RAlO3 (R = Sm or Nd) at high pressures.