bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating $$\pi ^{-}$$ production in central $$^{7}\text {Be}+^{9}\text {Be}$$ and $$^{40}\text {Ar}+ ^{45}\text {Sc}$$ collisions at CERN SPS energies with PYTHIA8/Angantyr
Authors: Abdel-Waged Khaled
Published: January 2022

We study pion production in proton–proton (pp) and in central $$^{7}$$

7

Be + $$^{9}$$

9

Be and $$^{40}\text {Ar}+ ^{45}\text {Sc}$$

40

Ar

+
45

Sc

collisions at CERN super proton synchrotron (SPS) energies within the Angantyr model, whose pp dynamics are modeled by PYTHIA 8.303 event generator. We have tuned the parameters of the default multi-partonic interaction (MPI) mechanism in PYTHIA 8.303 to describe simultaneously the measured rapidity and transverse momentum distributions of pions in inelastic pp-collisions in the beam momentum range from 20 to 158 GeV/c. We explore the influence of the standard Lund fragmentation and thermal string models, on the $$\pi ^{-}$$

π
-

observables, mainly from light(er) ion beams at CERN SPS energies. The role of primary hadron rescattering (HadSc) is also discussed. We find that the PYTHIA 8.303/Angantyr model employing both pp-tuned and thermal-string model with HadSc is able to reproduce the observed $$\pi ^{-}$$

π
-

yields in the light(er) ion beams at the whole CERN SPS energies.
Radiative $$\Xi _{b}^{-}\rightarrow \Xi ^{-}\gamma $$ decay
Authors: Olamaei A. R. , Azizi K.
Published: January 2022

Recently, the LHCb Collaboration performed first search for the rare radiative $$\Xi _{b}^{-}\rightarrow \Xi ^{-}\gamma $$

Ξ

b

-

→

Ξ
-

γ

decay and put an upper limit, $$\mathcal{B}(\Xi _{b}^{-}\rightarrow \Xi ^{-}\gamma ) < 1.3 \times 10^{-4}$$

B

(

Ξ

b

-

→

Ξ
-

γ
)

<
1.3
×

10

-
4

, on its branching ratio. The measurement agrees well with existing theory prediction using SU(3) flavor symmetry method, but shows a slight tension with the previous prediction from light-cone sum rules. Inspired by this, we investigate this decay as well as other radiative decays of $$\Xi _b^{0(-)}(\Xi ^{'-}_{b})$$

Ξ
b

0
(
-
)

(

Ξ
b

′

-

)

to $$\Xi ^{0(-)}$$

Ξ

0
(
-
)

and $$\Sigma ^{0(-)}$$

Σ

0
(
-
)

baryons using the form factors calculated from light-cone QCD sum rules in full theory. we obtain $$ \mathcal{B}(\Xi _{b}^{-}\rightarrow \Xi ^{-}\gamma )=1.08^{+0.63}_{-0.49} \times 10^{-5} $$

B

(

Ξ

b

-

→

Ξ
-

γ
)

=
1
.

08

-
0.49

+
0.63

×

10

-
5

, which lies below the upper limit set by LHCb and is consistent with flavor-symmetry driven prediction. Our predictions on other channels may be checked in experiment and by other phenomenological approaches.
Collective durotaxis of cohesive cell clusters on a stiffness gradient
Authors: Pi-Jaumà Irina , Alert Ricard , Casademunt Jaume
Published: January 2022

Many types of motile cells perform durotaxis, namely directed migration following gradients of substrate stiffness. Recent experiments have revealed that cell monolayers can migrate toward stiffer regions even when individual cells do not—a phenomenon known as collective durotaxis. Here, we address the spontaneous motion of finite cohesive cell monolayers on a stiffness gradient. We theoretically analyze a continuum active polar fluid model that has been tested in recent wetting assays of epithelial tissues and includes two types of active forces (cell–substrate traction and cell–cell contractility). The competition between the two active forces determines whether a cell monolayer spreads or contracts. Here, we show that this model generically predicts collective durotaxis, and that it features a variety of dynamical regimes as a result of the interplay between the spreading state and the global propagation, including sequential contraction and spreading of the monolayer as it moves toward higher stiffness. We solve the model exactly in some relevant cases, which provides both physical insights into the mechanisms of tissue durotaxis and spreading as well as a variety of predictions that could guide the design of future experiments.

Graphic Abstract
Configurational entropy of a finite number of dumbbells close to a wall
Authors: Hütter Markus
Published: January 2022

The effect of confinement on the conformation of N dumbbells in D dimensions close to a non-interacting and rigid flat wall is examined. Using statistical mechanics and numerical calculations, the partition coefficient and the confinement-induced change in the configurational entropy are calculated as a function of the conformation tensor $${\varvec{c}}$$

c

and of the distance of the dumbbells from the wall. Analytical predictions and numerical results for $$D=1$$

D
=
1

concerning the behavior close to the limiting cases (onset of and saturation of confinement) agree favorably; in one case where an analytical prediction has not been achieved, a thorough numerical study establishes the limiting behavior nevertheless. Beyond these limiting cases, the overall behavior of the partition coefficient and the configurational entropy has been examined as well in detail, for various choices of the parameters. Furthermore, it is shown that the effect of confinement for $$D>1$$

D
>
1

is captured entirely by the partition coefficient determined for $$D=1$$

D
=
1

. In general, the average extension of the dumbbells in the direction perpendicular to the wall is decreased the closer the dumbbells are to the wall. Also, the decay of the partition coefficient with increasing extension of the dumbbells becomes steeper, i.e., more localized, the higher the number of dumbbells N. Finally, it is discussed under what conditions these results can be used also for the case of slab- (i.e., slit-) confinement.

Graphical abstract
Spectral and scattering theory for topological crystals perturbed by infinitely many new edges
Authors: Richard S. , Tsuzu N.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we investigate the spectral and scattering theory for operators acting on topological crystals and on their perturbations. Special attention is paid to perturbations obtained by the addition of an infinite number of edges, and/or by the removal of a finite number of them, but perturbations of the underlying measures and perturbations by the addition of a multiplication operator are also considered. The description of the nature of the spectrum of the resulting operators and the existence and completeness of the wave operators are standard outcomes for these investigations.
Analysis on the Method of Enhanced Transient State of DLDO
Authors: Ren Mingyuan , Gao Tianhang , Dong Changchun , Han Tian , Zhang Zhu , Jiang Xiaolin
Published: January 2022

As an important unit of power management system, traditional analog low-dropout regulator (ALDO) is widely used in System-on-Chip (SoC) design to provide stable and pure power for each sub-circuit block. However, in ultra-low-power design applications, low quiescent current greatly affects the loop gain of ALDO. Digital low-dropout regulator (DLDO) has good low-voltage working ability, process scalability and diversified control schemes, which is more suitable for low-power SoC design. However, a large number of digital circuits with fast switching devices will produce large load current changes, so DLDO needs fast transient response speed to adjust load changes. In recent years, DLDO can be divided into synchronous DLDO and asynchronous DLDO according to different control methods. Among them, the design structure of synchronous DLDO is relatively simple. It depends on an independent global clock, and there is a tradeoff between speed, accuracy and power consumption. When the clock frequency increases, the system needs fast transient response, but the power consumption will increase proportionally, and the current efficiency and loop stability will decrease. Using large output capacitor to deal with load transient is not conducive to improve chip integration. Although asynchronous DLDO can improve the response speed based on the advantages of asynchronous control scheme, the stability of DLDO will face greater risks. Therefore, this paper will introduce several transient response enhancement technologies that do not sacrifice system power consumption, accuracy or stability. It includes adaptive frequency technology and fast response algorithm to improve the transient response speed of synchronous DLDO, event-driven solution and coarse and fine adjustment technology to improve the transient response speed of asynchronous DLDO. On this basis, a typical DLDO structure with excellent performance in the recent 10 years is given.
Stability and Bifurcation Analysis of Fractional-Order Delayed Prey–Predator System and the Effect of Diffusion
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Kumari Nitu
Published: January 2022

Most biological systems have long-range temporal memory. Such systems can be modeled using fractional-order differential equations. The combination of fractional-order derivative and time delay provides the system more consistency with the reality of the interactions and higher degree of freedom. A fractional-order delayed prey–predator system with the fear effect has been proposed in this work. The time delay is considered in the cost of fear; therefore, there are no dynamical changes observed in the system due to time delay in the absence of fear. The existence and uniqueness of the solutions of the proposed system are studied along with non-negativity and boundedness. The existence of biologically relevant equilibria is discussed, and the conditions for local asymptotic stability are derived. Hopf bifurcation occurs in the system with respect to delay parameter. Further, a spatially extended system is proposed and analyzed. Hopf bifurcation also occurs in the extended system due to the delay parameter. Numerical examples are provided in support of analytical findings. Fractional-order derivative improves the stability and damps the oscillatory behaviors of the solutions of the system. Bistability behavior of the system admits stable dynamics by decreasing the fractional-order. Also, chaotic behavior is destroyed by decreasing fractional-order.
Three Crossing Limit Cycles in a 3D-Filippov System Having aT-Singularity
Authors: Cristiano Rony , de Freitas Bruno R. , Medrado João C.
Published: January 2022

Our starting point is a discontinuous piecewise linear dynamical system in [Formula: see text] with two zones that present a single invisible two-fold straight line and invariant cylinders. We broke the dynamics of this vector field to obtain a new four-parameter piecewise linear vector field with a [Formula: see text]-singularity. For this vector field, we prove that the upper bound of simple crossing limit cycles (simple CLCs) is three, and provide conditions for the existence of 1, 2, or 3 simple CLCs. We also show the occurrence of three distinct bifurcations involving such simple CLCs that are derived from a bifurcation set with two parameters: (i) a Teixeira Singularity bifurcation (TS-bifurcation); (ii) a Fold bifurcation; and (iii) a Cusp bifurcation.
Complex Dynamics of Pricing Game Model in a Dual-Channel Closed-Loop Supply Chain with Delay Decision
Authors: Zhang Yuhao , Zhang Tao
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we study a dual-channel closed-loop supply chain (CLSC) consisting of one manufacturer, one retailer and one third-party firm or platform (3P). The manufacturer wholesales new products through the traditional retail channel and distributes remanufactured products via 3P. We focus on establishing the dynamic Stackelberg game models for nondelayed and delayed cases, respectively. The existence and local stability of Nash equilibrium are examined as well as the complex dynamical behaviors of each model under various scenarios are investigated by numerical simulations, such as stability region, bifurcations, chaos, strange attractors, and so on. Moreover, the impacts of some key parameters on the performance of chain members are analyzed. In addition, the variable feedback control method is utilized to eliminate the system chaos. The results reveal that the high value of the consumer discount perception for remanufactured products and excessively fast price adjustment speed have a destabilization effect on the Nash equilibrium point. In addition, adopting delay decisions by manufacturer does not always make the system more stable because it can exert either positive or negative effect on the system’s stability, while an intermediate delay weight is conducive to the system have a higher chance to stay stable. Furthermore, the manufacturer’s profits will be declined significantly while the profits of retailer and 3P will be elevated to some extent when the system falls into periodic and chaotic motions, so chaos is not always necessarily detrimental to all the decision makers in the dual-channel CLSC.
Evolution of Gaussian Rényi-2 quantum correlations in a squeezed thermal environment
Authors: Calamanciuc Madalin , Isar Aurelian
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we investigate, in the framework of the theory of open quantum systems, based on completely positive dynamical semigroups, the Markovian dynamics of Gaussian Rényi-2 correlations — quantum entanglement, quantum discord, mutual information and classical correlations in a system composed of two bosonic modes, interacting with a squeezed thermal bath. We show that the time evolution of the Rényi-2 correlations strongly depends on the parameters of the initial Gaussian squeezed thermal state of the considered system and on the parameters characterizing the squeezed thermal bath. It is shown that while Gaussian Rényi-2 entanglement is suppressed in a finite time, due to the interaction with the squeezed thermal bath, the correlations beyond entanglement — Gaussian Rényi-2 discord, classical correlations and mutual information undergo a freezing-like behavior, namely they decay only asymptotically, in the limit of large times. We also illustrate a fundamental hierarchy for bipartite Gaussian correlations.
A new calculation method for hydrogeological parameters from unsteady-flow pumping tests with a circular constant water-head boundary of finite scale
Authors: Zhao Yanrong , Zhang Zimin , Rong Rong , Dong Xiaosong , Wang Jinguo
Published: January 2022

Laboratory model experiments can be used to verify the applicability and accuracy of a new hydrogeological test method. The unsteady-flow pumping test is the most commonly used comparison method. The axisymmetrical circular aquifer model is frequently used in laboratory model experiments. However, the scale of the laboratory experiment model is always finite, which increases the influence on the test calculation results when using conventional Theis theory. Here, based on analytical analysis and laboratory experiments, a new calculation method is proposed for the circular constant water-head boundary of finite scale. The proposed method can eliminate the effect of the finite-scale circular constant water-head boundary on the unsteady pumping test results and can also be applied to large-scale circular constant water-head boundaries. Geotextiles are permeable fabrics; therefore, the hydraulic conductivity of a geotextile can be used to simulate the hydraulic conductivity of a fractured aquifer. A geotextile test, steady pumping test and slug test were conducted to verify the accuracy of the proposed calculation method, with all the results indicating that the proposed method can provide more accurate hydrogeological parameters from an unsteady pumping test with a circular constant water-head boundary of finite scale than conventional Theis theory for unsteady pumping tests.
New Middle and Late Ordovician cornute stylophorans (Echinodermata) from Morocco and other peri-Gondwanan areas
Authors: Lefebvre Bertrand , Nohejlová Martina , Martin Emmanuel L. O. , Kašička Libor , Zicha Ondřej , Gutiérrez-Marco Juan Carlos
Published: January 2022

Cornute stylophorans are a minor, although typical, component of Middle–Late Ordovician echinoderm assemblages adapted to soft siliciclastic substrates in high-latitude peri-Gondwanan regions. All previously reported occurrences of Darriwilian–Katian cornutes from the Czech Republic, France, Morocco and Spain are revised and their plate homologies reassessed. The genera
Beryllia
and
Juliaecarpus
are reinterpreted as junior synonyms of
Domfrontia
, and
Thoralicystis
is synonymized with
Bohemiaecystis
. Several Mediterranean scotiaecystids previously assigned to
Bohemiaecystis
and/or
Scotiaecystis
are placed within
Thoralicarpus
gen. nov., and cornute taxa originally left in open nomenclature by Chauvel are formally described as
Bohemiaecystis chouberti
sp. nov. (AVI) and
Destombesicarpus izegguirenensis
gen. et sp. nov. (AVIII). Other new Mediterranean taxa include
Arauricystis clariondi
sp. nov.,
Destombesicarpus budili
gen. et sp. nov.,
Milonicystis reboulorum
sp. nov.,
Thoralicarpus bounemrouensis
gen. et sp. nov., and
T
.
prokopi
gen. et sp. nov. The six cornute genera identified in Darriwilian–Katian Moroccan echinoderm Lagerstätten are also present in coeval assemblages of at least one other Mediterranean region, thus supporting the existence of strong faunal affinities between the Anti-Atlas, the Armorican Massif, the Barrandian area and the Iberian Peninsula.
Polynomial-time Algorithm for Maximum Weight Independent Set on
P
6
-free Graphs
Authors: Grzesik Andrzej , Klimošová Tereza , Pilipczuk Marcin , Pilipczuk Michał
Published: January 2022

In the classic
Maximum Weight Independent Set
problem, we are given a graph
G
with a nonnegative weight function on its vertices, and the goal is to find an independent set in
G
of maximum possible weight. While the problem is NP-hard in general, we give a polynomial-time algorithm working on any
P
6
-free graph, that is, a graph that has no path on 6 vertices as an induced subgraph. This improves the polynomial-time algorithm on
P
5
-free graphs of Lokshtanov et al. [
15
] and the quasipolynomial-time algorithm on
P
6
-free graphs of Lokshtanov et al. [
14
]. The main technical contribution leading to our main result is enumeration of a polynomial-size family ℱ of vertex subsets with the following property: For every maximal independent set
I
in the graph, ℱ contains all maximal cliques of some minimal chordal completion of
G
that does not add any edge incident to a vertex of
I
.
I/O-Efficient Algorithms for Topological Sort and Related Problems
Authors: Cao Nairen , Fineman Jeremy T. , Russell Katina , Yang Eugene
Published: January 2022

This article presents I/O-efficient algorithms for topologically sorting a directed acyclic graph and for the more general problem identifying and topologically sorting the strongly connected components of a directed graph
G
= (
V, E
). Both algorithms are randomized and have I/O-costs
O
(
sort
(
E
) · poly(log V)), with high probability, where
sort
(
E
) = O(
E
/
B
log

M
/
B

(
E/B
)) is the I/O cost of sorting an |
E
|-element array on a machine with size-
B
blocks and size-
M
cache/internal memory. These are the first algorithms for these problems that do not incur at least one I/O per vertex, and as such these are the first I/O-efficient algorithms for sparse graphs. By applying the technique of time-forward processing, these algorithms also imply I/O-efficient algorithms for most problems on directed acyclic graphs, such as shortest paths, as well as the single-source reachability problem on arbitrary directed graphs.
SETH-based Lower Bounds for Subset Sum and Bicriteria Path
Authors: Abboud Amir , Bringmann Karl , Hermelin Danny , Shabtay Dvir
Published: January 2022

Subset Sumand
k
-SAT are two of the most extensively studied problems in computer science, and conjectures about their hardness are among the cornerstones of fine-grained complexity. An important open problem in this area is to base the hardness of one of these problems on the other.

Our main result is a tight reduction from
k
-SAT to Subset Sum on dense instances, proving that Bellman’s 1962 pseudo-polynomial
O
*
(
T
)-time algorithm for Subset Sum on
n
numbers and target 
T
cannot be improved to time
T
1-ε
· 2
o(n)
for any ε > 0, unless the Strong Exponential Time Hypothesis (SETH) fails.

As a corollary, we prove a “Direct-OR” theorem for Subset Sum under SETH, offering a new tool for proving conditional lower bounds: It is now possible to assume that deciding whether one out of
N
given instances of Subset Sum is a YES instance requires time (
N T
)
1-o(1)
. As an application of this corollary, we prove a tight SETH-based lower bound for the classical Bicriteria
s,t
-Path problem, which is extensively studied in Operations Research. We separate its complexity from that of Subset Sum: On graphs with
m
edges and edge lengths bounded by
L
, we show that the
O
(
Lm
) pseudo-polynomial time algorithm by Joksch from 1966 cannot be improved to Õ(
L
+
m
), in contrast to a recent improvement for Subset Sum (Bringmann, SODA 2017).
Optimal Las Vegas Approximate Near Neighbors in

ℓ
p
Authors: Wei Alexander
Published: January 2022

We show that approximate near neighbor search in high dimensions can be solved in a Las Vegas fashion (i.e., without false negatives) for ℓ

p

(1≤
p
≤ 2) while matching the performance of optimal locality-sensitive hashing. Specifically, we construct a data-independent Las Vegas data structure with query time
O
(
dn
ρ
) and space usage
O
(
dn
1+ρ
) for (
r, c r
)-approximate near neighbors in R

d

under the ℓ

p

norm, where ρ = 1/

c
p

+
o
(1). Furthermore, we give a Las Vegas locality-sensitive filter construction for the unit sphere that can be used with the data-dependent data structure of Andoni et al. (SODA 2017) to achieve optimal space-time tradeoffs in the data-dependent setting. For the symmetric case, this gives us a data-dependent Las Vegas data structure with query time
O
(
dn
ρ
) and space usage
O
(
dn
1+ρ
) for (
r, c r
)-approximate near neighbors in R

d

under the ℓ

p

norm, where ρ = 1/(2

c
p

- 1) +
o
(1).

Our data-independent construction improves on the recent Las Vegas data structure of Ahle (FOCS 2017) for ℓ

p

when 1 <
p
≤ 2. Our data-dependent construction performs even better for ℓ

p

for all pε [1, 2] and is the first Las Vegas approximate near neighbors data structure to make use of data-dependent approaches. We also answer open questions of Indyk (SODA 2000), Pagh (SODA 2016), and Ahle by showing that for approximate near neighbors, Las Vegas data structures can match state-of-the-art Monte Carlo data structures in performance for both the data-independent and data-dependent settings and across space-time tradeoffs.
Preserving integrity in online social networks
Authors: Halevy Alon , Canton-Ferrer Cristian , Ma Hao , Ozertem Umut , Pantel Patrick , Saeidi Marzieh , Silvestri Fabrizio , Stoyanov Ves
Published: January 2022

The recent progress and ongoing problems of keeping online platforms and their users safe from malicious activities.
Static analysis at GitHub
Authors: Clem Timothy , Thomson Patrick
Published: January 2022

An experience report.
Optimizing Small-Sample Disk Fault Detection Based on LSTM-GAN Model
Authors: Wang Yufei , Dong Xiaoshe , Wang Longxiang , Chen Weiduo , Zhang Xingjun
Published: January 2022

In recent years, researches on disk fault detection based on SMART data combined with different machine learning algorithms have been proven to be effective. However, these methods require a large amount of data. In the early stages of the establishment of a data center or the deployment of new storage devices, the amount of reliability data for disks is relatively limited, and the amount of failed disk data is even less, resulting in the unsatisfactory detection performances of machine learning algorithms.

To solve the above problems, we propose a novel small sample disk fault detection (SSDFD)

1

optimizing method based on Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs). Combined with the characteristics of hard disk reliability data, the generator of the original GAN is improved based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM), making it suitable for the generation of failed disk data. To alleviate the problem of data imbalance and expand the failed disk dataset with reduced amounts of original data, the proposed model is trained through adversarial training, which focuses on the generation of failed disk data. Experimental results on real HDD datasets show that SSDFD can generate enough virtual failed disk data to enable the machine learning algorithm to detect disk faults with increased accuracy under the condition of a few original failed disk data. Furthermore, the model trained with 300 original failed disk data has a significant effect on improving the accuracy of HDD fault detection. The optimal amount of generated virtual data are, 20–30 times that of the original data.
A Flexible Framework for Diverse Multi-Robot Task Allocation Scenarios Including Multi-Tasking
Authors: Arif Muhammad Usman , Haider Sajjad
Published: January 2022

In a multi-robot operation, multi-tasking resources are expected to simultaneously perform multiple tasks, thus, reducing the overall time/energy requirement of the operation. This paper presents a task allocation framework named Rostam that efficiently utilizes multi-tasking capable robots. Rostam uses a task clustering mechanism to form robot specific task maps. The customized maps identify tasks that can be multi-tasked by individual robots and mark them for simultaneous execution. The framework then uses an Evolutionary Algorithm along with the customized maps to make quality task allocations. The most prominent contribution of this work is Rostam's flexible design which enables it to handle a range of task allocation scenarios seamlessly. Rostam's performance is evaluated against an auction-based scheme; the results demonstrate its effective use of multi-tasking robots. The paper also demonstrates Rostam's flexibility towards a number of MRTA scenarios through a case study.
Artificial intelligence, machine learning, and the fight against world hunger
Authors: Kugler Logan
Published: January 2022

Advancements in AI, machine learning, and next-gen technologies are transforming the fight against world hunger.
Worst-case topological entropy and minimal data rate for state estimation of switched linear systems
Authors: Berger Guillaume O. , Jungers Raphael M.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we study the problem of estimating the state of a switched linear system (SLS), when the observation of the system is subject to communication constraints. We introduce the concept of worst-case topological entropy of such systems, and we show that this quantity is equal to the minimal data rate (number of bits per second) required for the state estimation of the system under arbitrary switching. Furthermore, we provide a closed-form expression for the worst-case topological entropy of switched linear systems, showing that its evaluation reduces to the computation of the joint spectral radius (JSR) of some lifted switched linear system obtained from the original one by using tools from multilinear algebra, and thus can benefit from well-established algorithms for the stability analysis of switched linear systems. Finally, drawing on this expression, we describe a practical coder-decoder that estimates the state of the system and operates at a data rate arbitrarily close to the worst-case topological entropy.
Graphene Oxide Reinforced Magnetic FeCoNiCuZn High Entropy Alloy through Electrodeposition
Authors: Pavithra Chokkakula L. P. , Janardhana Reddy Kunda Siri Kiran , Reddy Kolan Madhav , Murapaka Chandrasekhar , Klement Uta , Dey Suhash Ranjan
Published: January 2022

The production of high entropy alloy-based nanocomposites is an exciting yet challenging area in terms of its scalability and industrial applications. Here we developed graphene oxide (GO) reinforced FeCoNiCuZn high entropy alloy (HEA) nanocomposites through an electrochemical approach using aqueous medium in a single step. Transmission electron microscopy observations confirmed uniformly distributed nanocrystalline dual FCC phase quinary alloy nanoparticles throughout the GO layers. On the other hand, the presence of GO affects the electrochemical reduction of multiple elements during alloy formation in the deposition process, which often leads to dual phases with slight deviations in alloy composition, unlike the pure metal-GO composites. Additionally, incorporation of GO has not shown any effect on the ferromagnetic nature of FeCoNiCuZn HEA with saturation magnetization (M

s
) ∼ 43.5 emu g−1. The obtained saturation magnetization is relatively higher compared to the existing reported magnetic nanoparticles with GO. Hence, this technique shows its potential applicability and provides an old technique yet a new approach for synthesizing GO-HEA nanocomposites for various magnetic applications.
Review—Nanopipette Applications as Sensors, Electrodes, and Probes: A Study on Recent Developments
Authors: Kececi Kaan , Dinler Ali , Kaya Dila
Published: January 2022

Pipettes with nano-sized openings, also known as nanopipettes, are frequently used in biotechnology as sensors, intracellular injectors, or probes for microscopy. Their small tips in nano-scale conical geometry and easy fabrication make nanopipettes a preferred and alternative tool for sensor applications. In this review, we start with a brief introduction on fabrication and characterization of nanopipettes as well as sensing paradigms. Then we provide up-to-date publications mostly focusing on recent developments and examples of sensor applications of nanopipettes. An additional part is dedicated to probe and electrode applications of nanopipettes because of their increasing use in various areas. The majority of applications included in this review covers single molecule detection, nanoparticle detection, and selective sensing experiments.
To Pave the Way for Large-Scale Electrode Processing of Moisture-Sensitive Ni-Rich Cathodes
Authors: Bi Yujing , Li Qiuyan , Yi Ran , Xiao Jie
Published: January 2022

High-capacity Ni-rich cathode such as LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) has a great potential to enable high energy lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) for long-range electrical vehicles. However, the utilization of NMC 811 in large-scale application is still challenging. While many published papers on NMC811 focus on materials modification, the moisture sensitivity of NMC811 and its implications in storage and large-scale electrode coating are not well explored, not to mention how to overcome those challenges for industry application. This work discusses the key parameters impacting the rheological properties of NMC811 slurries and their correlations to the properties of dried electrodes. Effective solutions are proposed to address the gelation issue of NMC811 slurry during large-scale coating to hopefully inspire more effective and practical approaches to tackle the grand challenges in electrochemical energy storage.
Cleaning Industrial Waste Water with Simultaneous Power Generation Utilizing an Abiotic Fuel Cell
Authors: Rubio-Garcia Javier , Malko Daniel , Kucernak Anthony R. J. , Kaiser Martin , Parra-Puerto Andres
Published: January 2022

Wastewater streams contain organic molecules that need to be removal before disposal which requires an energy input on average of 6 kWh ton-1. (1) The fermentation of biomass to produce biogas employs living organisms and permits the valorization of the waste with generation of electricity. However, this technology present limitations in terms of capital cost (ranging USD0.06 and USD0.30 as a function of the size of the digester) and large volume footprint. (2) Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) offer the ability significantly reducing the Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) contamination is waste water effluents while produce moderate amounts of power. (3)

In this contribution, we present the first abiotic waste water fuel cell, a system that directly converts organic materials found in waste sources from different industries into electrical energy. The implementation of inorganic catalysts permits a so-called zero gap design which contributes to minimize the distance between the anode and cathode which is normally large for MFCs to minimize oxygen crossover. This configuration was combined with a commercial PtRu oxidation catalysts produced an unprecedented high power density when using real waste water streams (2.6 mW cm-2). Moreover, when operated in a continuous loop COD removals as high as 50% has been achieved. This abiotic system significantly reduces processing time associated to incubation periods which are necessary for bio-processes such as biogas generation. (4)

References:

(1) United States Environmental Protection Agency, Local Government Climate and Energy Strategy Series (2008).

(2) Weiland et al., Applied Microbiology and Biotechnology 85, 849-860 (2010).

(3) Liu et al., Environmental Science & Technology 38, 4040-4046 (2004).

(4) Mao et al., Renewable & Sustainable Energy Reviews 45, 540-555 (2015).
Common Coupled Fixed Point Theorems on

C

⋆

-Algebra-Valued Partial Metric Spaces
Authors: Mani Gunaseelan , Gnanaprakasam Arul Joseph , Khumalo Precious B. , Gaba Yaé U.
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we prove common coupled fixed point theorems on complete

C

⋆

-algebra-valued partial metric spaces. An example and application to support our result are presented.
Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Rolling Contact Fatigue Characteristics
Authors: Zeng Chengkai , Xu Gaopeng , Li Hai , Zhu Gang , Yang Yan
Published: January 2022

Focusing on the 3D topographic characteristics of rolling contact fatigue, a reconstruction method of the fatigue surface of roller based on point cloud data was proposed in this research. A 3D laser scanner was used to capture the data of point cloud on the surface of the fatigue roller. The gradient segmentation method was used to achieve segmentation of the fatigue contact surface, and the Kd-Tree algorithm in Statistical Outlier Removal filter was adopted to remove different types of noise. The greedy triangulation and hole repair and reconstruction of the curled point cloud were conducted. The experimental results showed that the segmentation accuracy of the fatigue contact surface was above 97.7%, the curling error rate of point cloud was 0.09%, and the maximum deviation of the reconstructed fatigue roller surface was 0.0199 mm. These methods can be applied to analyze the working conditions of roller specimen and contact fatigue.
Piano Music Teaching under the Background of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Huang Nansong , Ding Xiangxiang
Published: January 2022

The work is aimed at solving the problems of easy trapping into local extremes and slow convergence speed of the traditional music teaching evaluation system on Backpropagation Neural Network (BPNN). The traditional note recognition methods are susceptible to high noise complexity. Firstly, the Levenberg Marquardt (LM) algorithm is used to optimize the BPNN; secondly, an improved endpoint detection algorithm is proposed by short-term energy difference, which can accurately identify the time value of each note in the piano playing audio. By the traditional frequency domain analysis method, a radical frequency extraction algorithm is proposed by the improved standard harmonic method, which can accurately identify the note’s pitch. Finally, a piano performance evaluation model by BPNN is implemented, and the model is implemented by the Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) system. This evaluation model can be used to correct the errors of students’ performances in the piano music teaching process and to perform overall evaluation, rhythm evaluation, and expressive evaluation. Teachers and students play minuet to collect experimental samples to train BPNN and test the performance of the evaluation model. The practical result shows that (1) after 3000 times of training, the neural network error is less than 0.01, and the network converges; (2) the evaluation results of the piano performance evaluation model designed are basically in line with the actual level of the performer and have specific feasibility; and (3) the optimized BPNN is used to correct errors during performances with an accuracy rate of 94.3%, which is 5.25% higher than the traditional method. The error correction accuracy rate for pitch is 92.9%, which is 5.21% higher than the traditional method. The optimized BPNN has significantly improved the error correction accuracy of the notes and pitches played by the player. The model can effectively help piano beginners correct errors and improve the accuracy and efficiency of the practice. The purpose of this study is to alleviate the scarcity of piano teachers, reduce the work intensity of piano teachers, realize automatic error correction and objective evaluation of playing, and provide necessary technical support for improving the efficiency of piano music teaching.
Circumferential Decompression Technique of Posterior Endoscopic Cervical Foraminotomy
Authors: Hou Guo-Li , Chen Chien-Min , Chen Kuo-Tai , Xu San-En , Tao Lin , Kong Ling-Tong , Lai Guo-Zhong , Shi Lei , Chu Lei , Chen Ying-Dong
Published: January 2022

Objective. Cervical osseous foraminal stenosis (COFS) results from the uncinate process and facet hyperostosis. Currently, the optimal surgical technique for the treatment of COFS remains controversial. Materials and Methods. Patients with COFS presenting radiculopathy underwent posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy by the circumferential decompression technique. The neck disability index (NDI), the visual analogue scale (VAS), and the modified MacNab criteria were used to evaluate the outcomes. In addition, the range of motion (ROM) and the slippage distance between the operated vertebrae in flexion‐extension position were measured to evaluate the stability of the cervical spine. Results. There were 24 consecutive patients in the study. The mean follow‐up period was 16.2 months (range: 12‐26 months). The NDI and VAS scores for arm/neck pain improved significantly from preoperatively to the last follow‐up. The satisfaction rate by modified MacNab criteria was 91.7% on the third postoperative day and 100% on the day of final follow‐up. There were no significant differences in intervertebral ROM or slippage distance between the last follow‐up and preoperatively (P = 0.968, P = 0.394). Arm pain occurred in one patient, and sustained fingers numbness in two patients, but these symptoms resolved at the last follow‐up. Conclusions. Posterior endoscopic cervical foraminotomy by the circumferential decompression technique is a safe and effective treatment for COFS. Moreover, it preserves the stability and physiological mobility of the cervical spine.
Procedure-Related Access Site Pain Multimodal Management following Percutaneous Cardiac Intervention: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Brogiene Liuda , Urbonaite Aiste , Baksyte Giedre , Macas Andrius
Published: January 2022

Context. Approximately 1 in 20 patients undergoing the percutaneous cardiac intervention (PCI) experience severe procedure-related access-site (A-S) pain. The multimodal pain management model (MPM) can reduce the intensity and prevalence of pain and this approach was not investigated in the postprocedural pain management area. To address this, a randomized controlled trial was conducted in Hospital of Lithuanian University of Health Sciences Kauno klinikos in 2018. Methods. 137 patients who underwent PCI procedure via radial artery were randomly assigned (1 : 1) to the control (CG, n = 68) and intervention (IG, n = 65) groups. IG received MPM (paracetamol, ibuprofen, and the arm physiotherapy), CG received pain medication “as needed.” Outcomes were assessed immediately after, 2, 12, 24, and 48 h, 1 week, and 1 and 3 months after PCI. The primary outcome was A-S pain prevalence and pain intensity numeric rating scale (NRS) 0–10. Results. Results showed that A-S pain prevalence during the 3-month follow-up period was decreasing. Statistically significant difference between the groups (CG versus IG) was after 24 h (41.2% versus 18.5,

p
=
0.005

), 48 h (30.9% versus 1.5%,

p
≤
0.001

), 1 week (25% versus 10.8%,

p
=
0.042

), 1 month (23.5% versus 7.7%,

p
=
0.017

) after the procedure. The mean of the highest pain intensity was after 2 h (IG-2.17 ± 2.07; CG-3.53 ± 2.69) and the lowest 3 months (IG-0.02 ± 0.12; CG-0.09 ± 0.45) after the procedure. A-S pain intensity mean scores were statistically significantly higher in CG during the follow-up period (Wilks’ λ = 0.84 F (7,125) = 3.37,

p
=
0.002

). Conclusion. In conclusion, MPM approach can reduce A-S pain prevalence and pain intensity after PCI. More randomized control studies are needed.
Identification of 20(S)-Ginsenoside Rh2 as a Potential EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor
Authors: Liang Yuan , Zhao Jingqi , Zou Haoyang , Zhang Jie , Zhang Tiehua
Published: January 2022

As the main active ingredients of Panax ginseng, ginsenosides possess numerous bioactivities. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was widely used as a valid target in anticancer therapy. Herein, the EGFR targeting activities of 20(S)-ginsenoside Rh2 (20(S)-Rh2) and the relationship of their structure-activity were investigated. Homogeneous time-resolved fluorescence assay showed that 20(S)-Rh2 significantly inhibited the activity against EGFR kinase. 20(S)-Rh2 was confirmed to effectively inhibited cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner by MTT assay. Furthermore, quantitative real-time PCR and western blotting analysis revealed that 20(S)-Rh2 inhibited A549 cells growth via the EGFR-MAPK pathway. Meanwhile, 20(S)-Rh2 could promote cell apoptosis, block cell cycle, and reduce cell migration of A549 cells, respectively. In silico, the result suggested that both hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen-bonding interactions could contribute to stabilize their binding. Molecular dynamics simulation showed that the side chain sugar moiety of 20(S)-Rh2 was too flexible to be fixed at the active site of EGFR. Collectively, these findings suggested that 20(S)-Rh2 might serve as a potential EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor.
Therapeutic Potential of Synthetic Human β-Defensin 1 Short Motif Pep-B on Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Human Dental Pulp Stem Cells
Authors: Shi Jue , Hu Zihe , Zhou Yanyan , Zuo Minghao , Wu Haiyan , Jin Wenjing , Xie Zhijian
Published: January 2022

Dental pulp inflammation is a widespread public problem usually caused by caries or trauma. Alleviating inflammation is critical to inflamed pulp repair. Human β-defensin 1 short motif Pep-B is a cationic peptide that has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and immunoregulation properties, but its repair effect on human dental pulp stem cells (hDPSCs) under inflammation remains unclear. In this study, we aimed to investigate anti-inflammatory function of Pep-B and explore its therapeutic potential in lipopolysaccharide-(LPS-) induced hDPSCs. CCK-8 assay and transwell assay evaluated effects of Pep-B on hDPSC proliferation and chemotaxis. Inflammatory response in hDPSCs was induced by LPS; after Pep-B application, lactate dehydrogenase release, intracellular ROS, inflammatory factor genes expression and possible signaling pathway were measured. Then, osteo-/odontoblast differentiation effect of Pep-B on LPS-induced hDPSCs was detected. The results showed that Pep-B promoted hDPSC proliferation and reduced LPS-induced proinflammatory marker expression, and western blot result indicated that Pep-B inhibited inflammatory activation mediated by NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Pep-B also enhanced the expression of the osteo-/odontogenic genes and proteins, alkaline phosphatase activity, and nodule mineralization in LPS-stimulated hDPSCs. These findings indicate that Pep-B has anti-inflammatory activity and promote osteo-/odontoblastic differentiation in LPS-induced inflammatory environment and may have a potential role of hDPSCs for repair and regeneration.
Research on Deformation Law of Deep Foundation Pit of Station in Core Region of Saturated Soft Loess Based on Monitoring
Authors: Wang Xueyan , Song Qiyu , Gong Hang
Published: January 2022

Saturated soft loess has a large pore structure, high compressibility, low strength, fluid plastic state, and poor engineering properties. It is still one of the key problems that engineering needs to solve. In order to study the influence of deep foundation pit excavation in the saturated soft loess area on the deformation of foundation pits, the deformation laws of ground settlement, enclosure structure, and supporting axial force were clarified based on the field tests on the deformation characteristics of deep foundation pits in areas with the high‐water level in saturated soft loess, combined with geological conditions and on‐site construction procedures. The results indicate the following: water supply and construction process were found to be the main factor in changing the surface settlement curve of deep foundation pits in saturated soft loess; increasing the construction speed of the pit bottom floor, inverted braces, floor frame beams, and sidewall frame beams to close the structure, which is conducive to restraining the deformation of the continuous underground wall and foundation pits in similar areas. In the initial stage of support layout, the axial force of steel support tends to increase too fast or even exceed the standard control value. Therefore, a reasonable preadding axial force is an effective means to control the deformation of the continuous underground wall and the axial force of the steel support. The current research results may provide a reference for constructing deep foundation pits in similar areas.
Real-Time Monitoring of High Voltage Switch Based on CAD
Authors: Di Long , Xiao Yong , Hu Feng , Liang Yujian , Tan Jianmin , You Yimin
Published: January 2022

In the process of online real-time monitoring of intelligent digital filter high-voltage switchgear, the mechanical state diagnosis of high-voltage circuit breaker is based on fully understanding the mechanical characteristics of each component of circuit breaker. In this paper, K-means clustering algorithm is applied to the mechanical state detection of digital filter high-voltage switchgear. The mechanical state of the digital filter high-voltage switchgear is monitored in real time by using 126 kV GIS. Through fault simulation experiment and mechanical stability experiment, the corresponding changes of characteristics of each mechanical component of circuit breaker in signal waveform and corresponding data changes are found. The experimental results show that this method has good running speed and stability and is more suitable for the real-time monitoring of intelligent digital filter high-voltage switchgear.
CIC-Mediated Modulation of MAPK Signaling Opposes Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Response in Kinase-Addicted Sarcoma
Authors: Odintsov Igor , Ortiz Michael V. , Khodos Inna , Mattar Marissa S. , Lui Allan J.W. , Kohsaka Shinji , de Stanchina Elisa , Bender Julia L. Glade , Ladanyi Marc , Somwar Romel
Published: January 2022

Kinase fusions have been identified in a growing subset of sarcomas, but a lack of preclinical models has impeded their functional analysis as therapeutic targets in the sarcoma setting. In this study, we generated models of sarcomas bearing kinase fusions and assessed their response to molecularly targeted therapy. Immortalized, untransformed human mesenchymal stem cells (HMSC), a putative cell of origin of sarcomas, were modified using CRISPR-Cas9 to harbor a RET chromosomal translocation (HMSC-RET). In parallel, patient-derived models of RET- and NTRK-rearranged sarcomas were generated. Expression of a RET fusion activated common proliferation and survival pathways and transformed HMSC cells. The HMSC-RET models displayed similar behavior and response to therapy as the patient-derived counterparts in vitro and in vivo. Capicua (CIC)-mediated suppression of negative MAPK pathway regulators was identified as a potential mechanism by which these sarcomas compensate for RET or NTRK inhibition. This CIC-mediated feedback reactivation was blocked by coinhibition of the MAPK pathway and RET or NTRK in the respective models. Importantly, the combination of RET and ERK inhibitors was more effective than single agents at blocking tumor growth in vivo. This work offers new tools and insights to improve targeted therapy approaches in kinase-addicted sarcomas and supports upfront combination therapy to prolong responses.

Significance:

Novel models of kinase-rearranged sarcomas show that MAPK pathway feedback activation dampens responses to tyrosine kinase inhibitors, revealing the potential of combinatorial therapies to combat these tumors.