bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermodynamically consistent flocking: from discontinuous to continuous transitions
Authors: Agranov Tal , Jack Robert L , Cates Michael E , Fodor Étienne
Published: May 2024

We introduce a family of lattice-gas models of flocking, whose thermodynamically consistent dynamics admits a proper equilibrium limit at vanishing self-propulsion. These models are amenable to an exact coarse-graining which allows us to study their hydrodynamic behavior analytically. We show that the equilibrium limit here belongs to the universality class of Model C, and that it generically exhibits tricritical behavior. Self-propulsion has a non-perturbative effect on the phase diagram, yielding novel phase behaviors depending on the type of aligning interactions. For aligning interaction that increase monotonically with the density, the tricritical point diverges to infinite density reproducing the standard scenario of a discontinuous flocking transition accompanied by traveling bands. In contrast, for models where the aligning interaction is non-monotonic in density, the system can exhibit either (the nonequilibrium counterpart of) an azeotropic point, associated with a continuous flocking transition, or a state with counterpropagating bands.
A europium-based MOF fluorescent probe for efficiently detecting Co2+ and

CrO

4

2
−
Authors: Luo Jiangnan , Lin Yaqing , Yang Juhao , Xu Cunjin
Published: May 2024

Cobalt is an essential trace element in the human body that is vital for metabolism in living organisms. Insufficient or excessive intake of cobalt can lead to adverse effects. We prepared a europium-based metal–organic framework (Eu-MOF), NH4[Eu(sal)4(phen)2] (abbreviated as Eu-sal, sal = salicylic acid group, phen = 1,10-phenanthroline). Fluorescence investigations revealed that Eu-sal can efficiently and selectively identify Co2+ through a fluorescence quenching effect, with a quenching efficiency K
SV and limit of detection (LOD) of 2.7 × 104 M−1 and 0.37 μM, respectively. In addition, Eu-sal also shows highly selective for

CrO

4

2
−

(K
SV: 3.6 × 104 M−1; LOD: 0.27 μM). The quenching of Eu-sal fluorescence emission by Co2+ and

CrO

4

2
−

ions may be caused by spectral overlap, energy transfer, and competition. Furthermore, Eu-sal has good thermal and chemical stability. These results indicate that Eu-sal is a promising fluorescence probe for highly selective detection of Co2+ and

CrO

4

2
−

ions.
Floating gate potential of gate-all-around floating gate memory cell: parameter extraction and compact model
Authors: Hamzah Afiq , Alias N Ezaila , Johari Zaharah , Tan Michael Loong Peng , Zakaria Jamaluddin
Published: May 2024

The compact modeling of flash memories is crucial for integrated circuit designers to carry out efficient and precise circuit-level evaluations, particularly in the case of 3D NAND flash where the 3D geometry leads to significant parasitic coupling impacts on performance. In this work, we proposed a charge-based modeling approach for gate-all-around floating gate memory cells. The compact model is based on the derived unified charge control model where the mobile charge is explicitly solved. By solving the charge balance model and taking into account voltage-dependent parasitic capacitances for accurate coupling effects, the floating gate potential is accurately computed. The simulation results are validated with numerical TCAD simulation and showed good agreement with TCAD simulation. By solving the charge balance model and considering voltage-dependent parasitic capacitances for more accurate coupling effects, the floating gate potential is accurately calculated. Additionally, the results indicate that subthreshold degradation is caused by interface trap charge in the experimental device, and the proposed model successfully replicates experimental data.
Rectangular extended neck Helmholtz resonant acoustic structure for low frequency broadband sound absorption
Authors: Yan Shanlin , Wu Fei , Zhang Xiao , Zhang Dewen , Wu Zhongyun
Published: May 2024

The Helmholtz resonant structure with rectangular extended neck is designed to solve low-frequency broadband sound absorption problem in this work. Theoretical and finite element absorption models are established and be used for low-frequency acoustic design. What makes it interesting is that all parameters of the rectangular extended neck Helmholtz resonator structure can be adjusted to shift the working frequency. Based on the regularity of the structural parameters, four coupling structures with different neck depths, neck opening areas, cavity cross-sectional areas, and cavity depths are designed respectively, each of which exhibited multiple sound absorption coefficient peaks to enhance the low-frequency absorption capacity of the structure. To further analyze the effectiveness of coupling structure, the broadband acoustic absorption mechanism of the coupled structure is analyzed based on particle vibration velocity distribution. It is found that cells with different acoustic impedance contributed differently to the sound absorption, and cells with longer necks provided better noise reduction for low-frequency. The experiment is verified in the impedance tube, result shows that the coupling structure with 9 cells and a cavity depth of only 4 cm achieved an average sound absorption coefficient of above 0.8 at 210–340 Hz, which verified the accuracy of the theoretical model. Overall, the Helmholtz resonant cavity acoustic structure with rectangular extension neck designed in this work has a simple structure with low-frequency broadband acoustic absorption performance. This provides a new approach for designing low-frequency broadband acoustic structure.
Dy3+ doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphor for white light generation: structural and luminescent studies
Authors: Deepti  , Maurya Sandip , Kumari Sheetal , Rohilla Pooja , Prasad Aman , Rao A S
Published: May 2024

Using the traditional solid-state reaction approach, Dy3+ ions doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphors have been synthesized to investigate their luminescent properties to produce high-quality white light for solid-state lighting applications, particularly in white LEDs. x-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns were used to examine the structure and phase of the phosphors. Using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), the morphology of the as-synthesized phosphor has been investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) has been used to investigate several vibrational bands seen in the phosphor. Using diffuse reflectance spectra (DRS), the as-synthesized phosphors’ optical band gap values have been estimated. When Dy3+ ions are excited at 350 nm, the photoluminescence (PL) spectra characteristics observed for the activated KCa(PO3)3 phosphor show strong white area emission due to both 575 nm, which is related to the 4F9/2 → 6H13/2 and 482 nm that is ascribed to 4F9/2
→
6H15/2 transition of Dy3+ ions. Additionally, the concentration quenching of Dy3+ ions doped at 4 mol% is seen in the PL spectra. Based on the observed PL spectra, the computed CIE chromaticity coordinates for the optimised KCa(PO3)3 phosphors are located in the deep white area. The lifespan of the as-titled phosphors decreases as the amount of Dy3+ ions increases in the host lattice. Additionally, the PL decay profiles shows a dual exponential behaviour when excited at 350 nm, with an emission wavelength at 575 nm. The lifetime values were used to calculate the quantum efficiency of the as prepared phosphors. On the basis of the results of the aforementioned studies, we wish to project Dy3+ ion doped KCa(PO3)3 phosphors as white light generating materials in w-LEDs and for other photonic applications.
Bio-ultrasonic synthesis of tin oxide quantum dots: effect of bio-carbon and their UV photocatalytic activity
Authors: Boudjadar Smail , Boumaza Leila , Belamri Zehira
Published: May 2024

An ecofriendly synthesis is realized to elaborate tin oxide quantum dots (SnO2-QDs) using the plant aqueous extract ofAloe Barbadensis Miller(AloeVera) and SnCl4.5H2O at room temperature as a biological solvent and a precursor respectively. The effect of Aloe Vera extract concentration on the properties of SnO2-QDs has been studied. Morphological and structural properties of the as synthesized nanoparticles have been characterized using field effect-scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD). The chemical composition of the nanoparticles was studied by Raman, energy dispersive x-ray (EDX) and Fourier transformation infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The optical properties were investigated by UV–Vis spectrophotometer. The x-ray diffraction analysis showed that all samples have a tetragonal rutile structure, with an estimated crystal size closed to the exciton Bohr radius, indicating a strong confinement of the carriers in the material. The crystallite size of SnO2-QDs nanoparticles decreases as Aloe Vera plant extract concentration increases. The formation of SnO2-QDs and the presence of graphitic carbon in samples were confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, EDX analysis and Fourier transformation infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy. The blue shift in absorption is the most likely due to the quantum confinement effect. An Ostwald-repining growth model based on the concept of surface energy has been proposed to explain the kinetic growth of SnO2QDs. The photocatalytic activities of the as-prepared powders were confirmed by the fast and efficient degradation of methylene blue (MB).
Information transfer pathways: signal propagation in complex global topologies
Authors: Hu Qitong , Zhang Xiao-Dong
Published: May 2024

In the real world, many dynamic behaviors can be explained by the propagation of perturbations, such as the transfer of chemical signals and the spread of infectious diseases. Previous researchers have achieved excellent results in approximating the global propagation time, revealing the mechanism of signal propagation through multiple paths. However, the known frameworks rely on the extension of physical concepts rather than mathematically rigorous derivations. As a result, they may not perfectly predict time or explain the underlying physical significance in certain specific cases. In this paper, we propose a novel method for decomposing network topology, focusing on two modules: the tree-like module and the path-module. Subsequently, we introduce a new framework for signal propagation analysis, which can be applied to estimate the propagation time for two fundamental global topology modules and provide a rigorous proof for the propagation time in global topology. Compared to previous work, our results are not only more concise, clearly defined, efficient, but also are more powerful in predicting propagation time which outperforms some known results in some cases, for example, biochemical dynamics.Additionally, the proposed framework is based on information transfer pathways, which can be also applied to other physical fields, such as network stability, network controlling and network resilience.
Design of 2.5-D miniaturized frequency selective surface with enhanced oblique stability
Authors: Ul Abidin Zain , Cao Qunsheng , Shah Gulab , Ahmed Afzal
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a miniaturized 2.5-D frequency selective surface (FSS) that exhibits a band stop response at frequency of 1.5 GHz. In the unit cell, the meander patterns on both side of the substrate are connected in series by four vias. Moreover, the meandered pattern in each quadrant is also connected with one of the meander patterns of the adjacent unit cell. In this manner, a 2.5-D closed loop is created with large perimeter. The enlarged perimeter amplifies the effective inductance and leads to a decrease in both the resonant frequency and the dimensions of unit cell. Subsequently, the proposed FSS demonstrates excellent miniaturization with an overall size of 0.038 λ
0 × 0.038 λ
0. Moreover, the frequency response is highly stable up to 86° for both TE and TM polarization. The resonance mechanism of the designed FSS is explicated through distribution of surface current and electric field. The testing board of the proposed FSS has been fabricated for the verification of the design. The measured frequency response of the prototype are congruent with the simulation results. The distinguished features of the constructed structure are enhanced angular stability, miniaturized unit cell, low profile, simple geometry and easy fabrication.
The organic HTL in highly efficient germanium-alloyed CsSnI3 perovskite solar cell: a modelling and computational analysis
Authors: Ranjan Rahutosh , Verma Sona , Tripathi Naveen Mani
Published: May 2024

It is usually anticipated that perovskites will be an appealing material for extremely effective solar cells. However, its practical applications are constrained by its hazardous properties and stability. Thus, CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3, a more environmentally benign substitute for toxic lead-based perovskites, provides superior stability in solar cells. This work reports on the numerical modeling and computational analysis of a heterostructure CsSn0.5Ge0.5I3, with TiO2 and D-PBTTT-14 serving as the electron and hole transport layers, respectively. The introduction of D-PBTTT-14 as a hole transport layer was motivated by its superior stability over existing organic HTLs. Furthermore, the higher electron–hole pair generation rate and very favorable absorption coefficients of each layers manifested improved efficiency. Various parameters were examined to enhance the newly designed solar cell performance such as: thickness, defect density, doping density, coefficient of radiative recombination, defect at interface, shunt and series resistance, front and back contacts, and operating temperature. Perovskite solar cells with their current architecture have the potential to achieve a current density (Jsc) of 28.31 mA cm−2, an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.24 V, a fill factor (FF) of 85.90%, and efficiency of 30.27%.
Further study on the Rulkov neuron: geometric control, circuit realization and chaos-based encryption
Authors: Xia Ming , Li Chunbiao , Li Yongxin , Li Peiran , khan Awais
Published: May 2024

Rulkov neuron with various firing modes is exhaustively explored by numerical simulation aiming to disclose its unique properties of evolution. Transient chaos and the coexistence of periodic state and chaos are found. Furthermore, it is found that the chaotic attractors in the neuron can also be arranged flexibly in phase space by a single offset booster, while the amplitude of firings is rescaled by an independent amplitude controller. Circuit implementation based on MCU is carried out demonstrating the predicted dynamics. Confidentiality and security of data play an important role in safeguarding national production and livelihood. In this paper, the chaotic firing is introduced into the Tiny Encryption Algorithm (TEA) for image encryption based on MCU combined with metrics analysis. It is proven that the Chaos-based Tiny Encryption Algorithm (ChaosTEA) exhibits higher efficiency and security compared to the traditional TEA algorithm.
Fast rotation of nuclei with extreme isospin in the vicinity of neutron and proton drip lines
Authors: Afanasjev A V , Teeti S , Taninah A
Published: May 2024

The analysis of the present understanding of collective rotation in very neutron-rich nuclei is presented. It is shown that collective rotation can lead to the increase of stability of rotational states with increasing spin. The detailed investigation of rotational excitations in very proton-rich nuclei confirms this conclusion and indicates that experimental studies of such features are more feasible in the nuclei near proton drip line. They also show that rotational bands which are proton quasi-bound at zero or low spins can be transformed into proton bound ones at high spin by collective rotation of nuclear systems. This is due to strong Coriolis interaction which acts on high-j or strongly mixed M orbitals and drives the highest in energy occupied single-particle states into negative energy domain. These physical mechanisms lead to a substantial extension of the nuclear landscape beyond the spin zero proton drip line. In addition, a new phenomenon of the formation of giant proton halos in rotating nuclei emerges: it is triggered by the occupation of strongly mixed M intruder orbitals.
Simulating the epoch of helium reionization in photon-conserving semi-numerical code SCRIPT
Authors: Kapahtia Akanksha , Roy Choudhury T.
Published: May 2024

The reionization of the second electron of helium (HeII) leaves important imprints on the thermal and ionization state of the intergalactic medium (IGM). Observational evidence suggests that HeII reionization ended at z ≃ 3 due to ionizing photons emitted predominantly by quasars. We present efficient semi-numerical simulations of helium reionization in a 230 h-1 Mpc box, that takes into account the spatial patchiness of reionization coupled with photoheating of the IGM. Dark matter haloes are assigned quasars using empirical measurements of the quasar luminosity function, assuming a universal quasar lifetime consistent with duty cycle values inferred from measurements of the quasar clustering. The ionizing photon field from quasars is then included in the semi-numerical Code for ReionIzation with PhoTon conservation (SCRIPT), which was originally developed for modeling hydrogen reionization. In this work, we make appropriate modifications to SCRIPT for modeling inhomogenous HeII reionization and the corresponding thermal history of the IGM is modelled via a subgrid prescription. Our model has three main free parameters i.e. the global clumping factor 𝒞HeIII, the temperature increase due to photoheating T
re
He and the quasar spectral energy distribution (SED) index, α
UV. Our fiducial model with 𝒞HeIII = 15.6 and T
re
He ∼ 6000 K gives reasonable values for the empirical measurements of the temperature density equation of state at these redshifts, assuming that quasars brighter than M1450 < -21 and having α
UV = 1.7 contribute to HeII reionization. The efficiency of our code shows promising prospects for performing parameter estimation in future, for models of HeII reionization using observations of the Lyα forest.
Constraining multi-field inflation using the SPHEREx all-sky survey power spectra
Authors: Shiveshwarkar Charuhas , Brinckmann Thejs , Loverde Marilena
Published: May 2024

We investigate how well the SPHEREx all-sky survey can constrain local primordial non-Gaussianity beyond the parameter f
NL using galaxy power spectra. We forecast joint constraints on the parameters f
NL, g
NL and τ
NL obtained assuming a simple two-field curvaton model of inflation. The parameters f
NL and g
NL characterise the squeezed limits of the primordial bispectrum and trispectrum respectively, and lead to a characteristic scale-dependence of the galaxy bias that increases out to arbitrarily large scales. Values of the parameter τ
NL > (6/5f
NL)2 cause the galaxy power spectrum to have a stochastic component which also increases out to arbitrarily large scales. Our MCMC forecasts indicate that SPHEREx can provide joint constraints on any two of the three parameters f
NL, g
NL and τ
NL. Due to strong degeneracies among these parameters, measurements of the galaxy power spectra alone may not be sufficient to jointly constrain all three. Constraints on f
NL, g
NL and τ
NL obtained from galaxy power spectrum observations depend on the modelling of underlying nuisance parameters. We study the robustness of our forecast constraints to modelling choices and note that even with relatively conservative modelling assumptions, SPHEREx galaxy power spectra can provide strong evidence of local non-Gaussianity, even if the particular values of f
NL and g
NL cannot be measured precisely.
Half-integer Shapiro steps in MgB2 focused He ion beam Josephson junctions
Authors: Yin 殷 Dali 大利 , Cai 蔡 Xinwei 欣炜 , Xu 徐 Tiequan 铁权 , Sun 孙 Ruining 瑞宁 , Han 韩 Ying 颖 , Zhang 张 Yan 焱 , Wang 王 Yue 越 , Gan 甘 Zizhao 子钊
Published: May 2024

Half-integer microwave induced steps (Shapiro steps) have been observed in many different Josephson junction systems, which have attracted a lot of attention because they signify the deviation of current phase relation (CPR) and uncover many unconventional physical properties. In this article, we first report the discovery of half-integer Shapiro steps in MgB2 focused He ion beam (He-FIB) Josephson junctions. The half-integer steps’ dependence on microwave frequency, temperature, microwave power, and magnetic field is also analyzed. We find that the existence of half-integer steps can be controlled by the magnetic field periodically, which is similar to that of high temperature superconductor (HTS) grain boundary junctions, and the similarity of the microstructures between gain boundary junctions and He-FIB junctions is discussed. As a consequence, we mainly attribute the physical origin of half-integer steps in MgB2 He-FIB junctions to the model that a He-FIB junction is analogous to a parallel junctions’ array. Our results show that He-FIB technology is a promising platform for researching CPR in junctions made of different superconductors.
Observation of parabolic electron bands on superconductor LaRu2As2
Authors: Zhou 周 Xingtai 兴泰 , Li 李 Geng 更 , Pan 潘 Lulu 禄禄 , Chen 陈 Zichao 子超 , Li 李 Meng 萌 , Shi 时 Yanhao 延昊 , Yang 杨 Haitao 海涛 , Gao 高 Hong-Jun 鸿钧
Published: May 2024

Ru-based superconductor LaRu2As2 has been discovered exhibiting the highest critical temperature of ∼ 7.8 K among iron-free transition metal pnictides with the ThCr2Si2-type crystal structure. However, microscopic research on this novel superconducting material is still lacking. Here, we utilize scanning tunneling microscopy/spectroscopy to uncover the superconductivity and surface structure of LaRu2As2. Two distinct terminating surfaces are identified on the cleaved crystals, namely, the As surface and the La surface. Atomic missing line defects are observed on the La surface. Both surfaces exhibit a superconducting gap of ∼ 1.0 meV. By employing quasiparticle interference techniques, we observe standing wave patterns near the line defects on the La atomic plane. These patterns are attributed to quasiparticle scattering from two electron type parabolic bands.
Coevolution of superconductivity and Hall coefficient with anisotropic lattice shrinkage in compressed KCa2Fe4As4F2
Authors: Han 韩 Jinyu 金宇 , Hong 洪 Wenshan 文山 , Cai 蔡 Shu 树 , Zhao 赵 Jinyu 金瑜 , Guo 郭 Jing 静 , Zhou 周 Yazhou 亚洲 , Wang 王 Pengyu 鹏玉 , Cao 曹 Lixin 立新 , Luo 罗 Huiqian 会仟 , Li 李 Shiliang 世亮 , Wu 吴 Qi 奇 , Sun 孙 Liling 力玲
Published: May 2024

The stability of superconductivity in superconductors is widely recognized to be determined by various factors, including charge, spin, orbit, lattice, and other related degrees of freedom. Here, we report our findings on the pressure-induced coevolution of superconductivity and Hall coefficient in KCa2Fe4As4F2, an iron-based superconductor possessing a hybrid crystal structure combining KFe2As2 and CaFeAsF. Our investigation, involving high-pressure resistance, Hall effect and x-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements, allows us to observe the connection of the superconductivity and Hall coefficient with the anisotropic lattice shrinkage. We find that its ambient-pressure tetragonal (T) phase presents a collapse starting at around 18 GPa, where the sign of the Hall coefficient (R
H) changes from positive to negative. Upon further compression, both superconducting transition temperature (T
c) and R
H exhibit a monotonous decrease. At around 41 GPa, the superconductivity is completely suppressed (T
c = 0), where the parameter a begins to decline again and the Hall coefficient remains nearly unchanged. Our experiment results clearly demonstrate that the pressure-induced anisotropic lattice collapse plays a crucial role in tuning the interplay among multiple degrees of freedom in the superconducting system and, correspondingly, the stability of the superconductivity.
Heavy neutral leptons in gauged U(1)
L

µ
−L

τ

at muon collider*
Authors: He 何 Ru-Yi 如意 , Huang 黄 Jia-Qi 佳琪 , Xu 许 Jin-Yuan 金源 , Yang 杨 Fa-Xin 法新 , Han 韩 Zhi-Long 志龙 , Shao 邵 Feng-Lan 凤兰
Published: May 2024

Heavy neutral leptons N are the most appealing candidates to generate tiny neutrino masses. We studied the signature of heavy neutral leptons in gauged

at a muon collider. Charged under the

symmetry, the heavy neutral leptons can be pair produced via the new gauge boson

at the muon collider as

and

. We then performed a detailed analysis on the lepton number violation signature

and

at the 3 TeV muon collider, where the hadronic decays of W boson are treated as fat-jets J. These lepton number violation signatures have quite clean backgrounds at the muon collider. Our simulation shows that a wide range of viable parameter space is within the reach of the 3 TeV muon collider. For instance, with new gauge coupling

and an integrated luminosity of 1000 fb

, the

signal could probe

TeV. Meanwhile, if the gauge boson mass satisfies

, the

signature would be more promising than the

signature.
Mitigation strategies for the instabilities induced by the fundamental mode of the HL-LHC Crab Cavities
Authors: Giacomel L. , Baudrenghien P. , Calaga R. , Buffat X. , Mounet N.
Published: May 2024

The transverse impedance is one of the potentially limiting
effects for the performance of the High-Luminosity Large Hadron
Collider (HL-LHC). In the current LHC, the impedance is dominated
by the resistive-wall contribution of the collimators at typical
bunch-spectrum frequencies, and is of broad-band
nature. Nevertheless, the fundamental mode of the crab cavities,
that are a vital part of the HL-LHC baseline, adds a strong and
narrow-band contribution. The resulting coupled-bunch instability,
which contains a strong head-tail component, requires dedicated
mitigation measures, since the efficiency of the transverse damper
is limited against such instabilities, and Landau damping from
octupoles would not be sufficient. The efficiency and implications
of various mitigation strategies, based on RF feedbacks and optics
changes, are discussed, along with first measurements using crab
cavity prototypes at the Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS).
Enhancing wear resistance of AZ61 alloy through friction stir processing: experimental study and prediction model
Authors: Anne Gajanan , S Ramesh , Sharma Priyaranjan , B H Maruthi Prashanth , S Aditya Kudva , Kumar Prakash , Sahu Sandeep , Bhat Nagaraj
Published: May 2024

In this study, friction stir processing (FSP) is proposed for the treatment of AZ61 alloy, and an artificial neural network is built to predict and compare the experimental wear results. The effects of different processing parameters, including spindle speed (800–1200 rpm), traveling speed (5–15 mm min−1), and depth of press (0.8–1.2 mm) on the microstructural evolution, mechanical properties, and wear behavior are investigated. Microstructural analysis reveals a grain size of 14 ± 2 μm for the FSP1 sample, with observed shifting of x-ray diffraction (XRD) peaks, indicative of texture development. Increasing spindle and traveling speeds increase the surface roughness, as observed by average roughness (Ra) values of 68.4 nm for a rotational speed of 800 rpm, traveling speed of 5 mm min−1, and shoulder depth of 0.8 mm (FSP1) and 116.3 nm for rotational speed of 1200 rpm, traveling speed of 15 mm min−1, and shoulder depth of 1 mm (FSP9). Microhardness values increase to 113.36 Hv for FSP1 and 79. 51 Hv for FSP9 compared to 65.92 Hv for the base material (BM) sample. The decrement in hardness from FSP1 to FSP9 can be attributed to increased heat input, resulting in coarse microstructure. Wear results show that FSP1 exhibits the lowest weight loss (0.003 g) and coefficient of friction (COF) (0.28) compared to other FSP conditions and BM samples (weight loss of 0.022 g and COF of 0.68). This work demonstrates the efficacy of friction stir processing in enhancing the wear resistance of magnesium alloys.
Correlative spatter and vapour depression dynamics during laser powder bed fusion of an Al-Fe-Zr alloy
Authors: Guo Da , Lambert-Garcia Rubén , Hocine Samy , Fan Xianqiang , Greenhalgh Henry , Shahani Ravi , Majkut Marta , Rack Alexander , Lee Peter D , Alex Leung Chu Lun
Published: May 2024

Spatter during laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) can induce surface defects, impacting the fatigue performance of the fabricated components. Here, we reveal and explain the links between vapour depression shape and spatter dynamics during LPBF of an Al-Fe-Zr aluminium alloy using high-speed synchrotron x-ray imaging. We quantify the number, trajectory angle, velocity, and kinetic energy of the spatter as a function of vapour depression zone/keyhole morphology under industry-relevant processing conditions. The depression zone/keyhole morphology was found to influence the spatter ejection angle in keyhole versus conduction melting modes: (i) the vapour-pressure driven plume in conduction mode with a quasi-semi-circular depression zone leads to backward spatter whereas; and (ii) the keyhole rear wall redirects the gas/vapour flow to cause vertical spatter ejection and rear rim droplet spatter. Increasing the opening of the keyhole or vapour depression zone can reduce entrainment of solid spatter. We discover a spatter-induced cavity mechanism in which small spatter particles are accelerated towards the powder bed after laser-spatter interaction, inducing powder denudation and cavities on the printed surface. By quantifying these laser-spatter interactions, we suggest a printing strategy for minimising defects and improving the surface quality of LPBF parts.
Kinetics of the one-dimensional voter model with long-range interactions
Authors: Corberi Federico , Castellano Claudio
Published: May 2024

The voter model is an extremely simple yet nontrivial prototypical model of ordering dynamics, which has been studied in great detail. Recently, a great deal of activity has focused on long-range statistical physics models, where interactions take place among faraway sites, with a probability slowly decaying with distance. In this paper, we study analytically the one-dimensional long-range voter model, where an agent takes the opinion of another at distance r with probability

∝

r

−
α

. The model displays rich and diverse features as α is changed. For α > 3 the behavior is similar to the one of the nearest-neighbor version, with the formation of ordered domains whose typical size grows as

R
(
t
)
∝

t

1

/

2

until consensus (a fully ordered configuration) is reached. The correlation function

C
(
r
,
t
)

between two agents at distance r obeys dynamical scaling with sizeable corrections at large distances

r
>

r
∗

(
t
)

, slowly fading away in time. For

2
<
α
⩽
3

violations of scaling appear, due to the simultaneous presence of two lengh-scales, the size of domains growing as

t

(
α
−
2
)

/

(
α
−
1
)

, and the distance

L
(
t
)
∝

t

1

/

(
α
−
1
)

over which correlations extend. For

α
⩽
2

the system reaches a partially ordered stationary state, characterised by an algebraic correlator, whose lifetime diverges in the thermodynamic limit of infinitely many agents, so that consensus is not reached. For a finite system escape towards the fully ordered configuration is finally promoted by development of large distance correlations. In a system of N sites, global consensus is achieved after a time

T
∝

N
2

for α > 3,

T
∝

N

α
−
1

for

2
<
α
⩽
3

, and

T
∝
N

for

α
⩽
2

.
Concurrent analysis of electronic and ionic nanopore signals: blockade mean and height
Authors: Carral Ángel Díaz , Roitegui Martin , Koc Ayberk , Ostertag Magnus , Fyta Maria
Published: May 2024

Electronic and ionic current signals detected concurrently by 2D molybdenum disulfide nanopores are analysed in view of detecting (bio)molecules electrophoretically driven through these nanopores. The passage of the molecules, giving rise to translocation events in the nanopores, can be assigned to specific drops in the current signals, the blockades. Such blockades are observed in both the electronic and the ionic signals. In this work, we analyze both signals separately and together by choosing specific features and applying both unsupervised and supervised learning. Two blockade features, the height and the mean, are found to strongly influence the clustering and the classification of the nanopore data, respectively. At the same time, the concurrent learning of both the electronic and ionic signatures enhance the predictability of the learning models, i.e. the nanopore read-out efficiency. The interpretation of these findings provides an intuitive understanding in optimizing the read-out schemes for enhancing the accuracy of nanopore sequencers in view of an error-free biomolecular sensing.
The Early Years
Authors: Gehring David Scott
Published: May 2024

This chapter works back from an episode in 1569 to retrace how and why Beale’s education in London and Coventry combined with his adolescent years in the Holy Roman Empire. It explains his childhood and exile, early family connections, education in Strasbourg and Zurich, and travels in Germany. His matriculation at the University of Wittenberg is noted, but a case is made for a stronger influence at the University of Heidelberg, where Beale’s understanding of civil law most likely started. Generally, the importance of Beale’s time abroad is emphasized, as is the fact that he did not rush back to England after the death of Queen Mary. Rather, he continued as an Englishman abroad but learning from those across an international spectrum. This experience was vital, as were important men like John Hales and François Bauduin, to Beale’s character, education, and later career.
A Busy Man
Authors: Gehring David Scott
Published: May 2024

This chapter considers the years 1578 to 1585, when Beale’s professional responsibilities expanded considerably in the wake of his diplomatic service. Additionally, his family continued to grow. Still a Member of Parliament, with a much greater workload, including periods during which he acted as principal secretary, Beale’s health began to suffer, and fatigue started to set in. His collection of papers and his personal library of printed books continued to expand. Recognized as a specialist on German, French, Dutch, and Scottish affairs, Beale also became interested in the situation in Ireland, producing a treatise for Christopher Hatton. Additional domestic concerns included Mary Queen of Scots, whom Beale visited on many occasions at Sheffield, and the state of religion in England, including Puritanism, which led him into conflict with the bishop of London, John Aylmer and the archbishop of Canterbury, John Whitgift.
Legal Complicity
Authors: Craske Helen
Published: May 2024

This chapter examines how the legal framing of literature’s social and moral value intersected with subversive publishing and interpretative practices in fin-de-siècle France. Citing key passages from the 1810 Penal Code and the 1881 Press Freedom Law, it highlights two elements of legal complicity applicable to literary production: incitement and collaboration, which reflected socio-political concerns about ‘bad influence’ and the cultural stigma against mass media. Fin-de-siècle definitions of these concepts evolved notably through two contentious press crimes: outraging public decency and political sedition. By examining two case studies of trials against editors of erotically titillating and anarchist newspapers, respectively, it is clear that fin-de-siècle writer-journalists found strategic (if not infallible) ways of avoiding shared responsibility for publishing illicit textual content. While such examples typically come from avant-garde literature, the incitement and collaboration models of complicity had relevance across the literary field, due to widespread collusive tendencies in fin-de-siècle cultural production.
Saucy Magazines
Authors: Craske Helen
Published: May 2024

This chapter examines the construction of erotic complicity in a saucy magazine called Don Juan (1895–1900). It shows how the review’s editorial interjections, writing competitions, and surveys framed the reading experience as seductive and collaborative, while blurring the boundary between acceptable and illicit forms of sexual expression. By analysing a range of illustrations and front-page columns, it considers how the review combined voyeuristic titillation with subversive sexual politics, simultaneously objectifying women and promoting neo-Malthusian, individualist, and radical feminist viewpoints. Like the sex shop ‘Maison A. Claverie’, Don Juan facilitated sexual freedom by producing erotic ephemera. Examining the obscenity trials against both businesses reveals fin-de-siècle concerns about female sexual pleasure and ‘inappropriate’ reading material. Such material included the review’s small ad column, which offered readers vicarious thrills and businesses the opportunity to place indirect advertising (‘réclame’) for sex-related products. Close analysis of the page layout and irony in veiled advertising suggests that the cross-pollination between advertising and art in Don Juan was self-reflexive and creative.
The unnecessary use of short tandem repeat testing on bone marrow samples in patients after 1 year following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant
Authors: Morris Anna B , Sullivan H Clifford , Wooten Melanie S , Waller Edmund K , Jaye David L
Published: May 2024

Objectives

To determine whether the information provided by short tandem repeat (STR) testing and bone marrow (BM) biopsy specimens following hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) provides redundant information, leading to test overutilization, without additional clinical benefit.

Methods

Cases with synchronous STR and flow cytometric immunophenotyping (FCI) testing, as part of the BM evaluation, were assessed for STR/FCI concordance.

Results

Of 1199 cases (410 patients), we found the overall concordance between STR and FCI was 93%, with most cases (1063) classified as STR–/FCI–. Of all discordant cases, 75 (6%) were STR+/FCI–, with only 5 (6.7%) cases best explained as identification of disease relapse. Eight cases were STR–/FCI+, representing relapsed/residual disease. Analysis of cases 1 year or more from transplant (54% of all cases) indicated only 9 (1.5%) were STR+/FCI–, and none uniquely identified relapse.

Conclusions

These data suggest that STR analysis performed 1 year or more post-HSCT does not identify unknown cases of relapse. Furthermore, while STR testing is critical for identifying graft failure/rejection within the first year posttransplant, FCI appears superior to STR at detecting late relapses with low-level disease. Therefore, STR testing from patients 1 year or more post-HSCT may be unnecessary, as BM biopsy evaluation is sufficient to identify disease relapse.
Clonal integration benefits Calystegia soldanella in heterogeneous habitats
Authors: Li Mingyan , Jiang Siyu , Wang Tong , Wang Hui , Xing Lijun , Li Haimei , Sun Yingkun , Guo Xiao
Published: May 2024

Abstract. Land-use change and tourism development have seriously threatened the ecosystems of coastal protection forests and beaches. Light and nutrients are spatially heterogeneously distributed between the two ecosystems. Clonal plants, such as Calystegia soldanella, which play a crucial role in maintaining the ecological stability of coastal habitats, are likely to encounter diverse environments. In this study, we investigated clonal integration and the division of labour in C. soldanella under heterogeneous (high nutrient and low light [HNLL]; low nutrient and high light [LNHL]) and homogeneous habitats. We cultivated pairs of connected and severed ramets of C. soldanella in these environments. Our results showed the total biomass (TB) of connected ramets was higher than that of severed ramets in heterogeneous environments, suggesting clonal integration enhances growth in heterogeneous habitats. The root shoot ratio was significantly lower in HNLL than in LNHL conditions for connected ramets, demonstrating a division of labour in growth under heterogeneous conditions. However, parameters of clonal propagation of C. soldanella did not significantly differ between connected and severed ramets in heterogeneous environments, indicating no division of labour in clonal propagation. In homogeneous environments, the growth of C. soldanella did not benefit from clonal integration. Connected ramets in heterogeneous habitats exhibited higher TB than in homogeneous habitats. The TB of one ramet in HNLL was consistently higher than that in LNHL, irrespective of ramet’s states, which suggests that high soil nutrients may enhance the growth. We conclude that C. soldanella has the capability of clonal integration to achieve high biomass in heterogeneous but not in homogeneous conditions, and the establishment of coastal protection forests (high nutrient and low light) may foster the growth of C. soldanella.
Salicylic acid modulates secondary metabolism and enhanced colchicine accumulation in long yellow daylily (Hemerocallis citrina)
Authors: Miao Yeminzi , Li Hanmei , Pan Junjie , Zhou Binxiong , He Tianjun , Wu Yanxun , Zhou Dayun , He Weimin , Chen Limin
Published: May 2024

Abstract. Salicylic acid (SA) is an essential phytoregulator that is widely used to promote the synthesis of high-value nutraceuticals in plants. However, its application in daylily, an ornamental plant highly valued in traditional Chinese medicine, has not been reported. Herein, we investigated the exogenous SA-induced physiological, transcriptional and biochemical changes in long yellow daylily (LYD). We found that 2 mg/L foliar SA treatment significantly improved LYD plant growth and yield. Transcriptome sequencing and differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis revealed that the phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis, sulfur metabolism, plant hormone signal transduction and tyrosine metabolism were significantly induced in SA-treated leaves. Many transcription factors and antioxidant system-related DEGs were induced under the SA treatment. Biochemical analyses showed that the leaf contents of soluble sugar, soluble protein (Cpr), ascorbic acid (AsA) and colchicine were significantly increased by 15.15% (from 30.16 ± 1.301 to 34.73 ± 0.861 mg/g), 19.54% (from 60.3 ± 2.227 to 72.08 ± 1.617 mg/g), 30.45% (from 190.1 ± 4.56 to 247.98 ± 11.652 μg/g) and 73.05% (from 3.08 ± 0.157 to 5.33 ± 0.462 μg/g), respectively, under the SA treatment. Furthermore, we identified 15 potential candidate genes for enhancing the growth, production and phytochemical content of LYD. Our results provide support for the bioaccumulation of colchicine in yellow daylily and valuable resources for biotechnological-assisted production of this important nutraceutical in Hemerocallis spp.
Granulomatosis With Polyangiitis (Wegener’s Granulomatosis) Nasal Reconstruction: Improved Outcomes With No Delay
Authors: Atamian Elisa , Othman Sammy , Choe Joshua , Miller Meghan , Bradley James P
Published: May 2024

Background

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener’s granulomatosis) causes progressive nasal collapse, nasal obstruction, and central face deformity. It is not known whether cartilaginous nasal reconstruction should be performed immediately or delayed until after disease “burnout.”

Objectives

The aims of this research regarding nasal collapse due to Wegener’s granulomatosis were to (1) assess the functional and aesthetic outcomes following immediate vs delayed nasal reconstruction; and (2) measure the impact of psychosocial well-being (anxiety, depression, social isolation) in immediate vs delayed nasal reconstruction.

Methods

Wegener’s patients with either immediate or delayed nasal surgery (n = 61) were compared. Functional and aesthetic severity were compared with the validated Standard Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcome Survey (SCHNOS) score (t test). In addition, Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) perioperative and 1-year follow-up surveys were analyzed.

Results

At initial consultation, SCHNOS score severity types were similar for both groups (immediate vs delayed): mild 15% vs 15%; moderate 59% vs 60%, and severe 26% vs 25%. Over a 30 ± 4 month period, delayed surgery patients’ conditions deteriorated, with a shift from mild to more severe SCHNOS scores, from 25% severe at initial consultation to 85% before surgery. PROMIS scores at presentation were high compared to the general public; by the time of delayed surgery, patients had significantly worsened: anxiety from 28 to 73; depression from 18 to 62; and social isolation from 20 to 80. Although both immediate and delayed groups improved after surgery in functional and psychosocial scores, the immediate surgery group’s improvement was superior.

Conclusions

Data showed superior functional and aesthetic scores and superior psychosocial indicators with immediate cartilaginous nasal reconstruction, compared with waiting until disease burnout to undergo surgery.

Level of Evidence: 4
Scope and adaptive value of modulating aggression over breeding stages in a competitive female bird
Authors: George Elizabeth M , Weber Abigail M , Rosvall Kimberly A
Published: May 2024

In seasonally breeding animals, the costs and benefits of territorial aggression should vary over time; however, little work thus far has directly examined the scope and adaptive value of individual-level plasticity in aggression across breeding stages. We explore these issues using the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), a single-brooded bird species in which females compete for limited nesting sites. We measured aggressiveness in nearly 100 females within 3 different stages: (1) shortly after territory-establishment, (2) during incubation, and (3) while caring for young chicks. Based on the timing, direction, and magnitude of behavioral changes between stages, we used k-means clustering to categorize each female’s behavior into a “plasticity type.” We then tested whether plasticity type and stage-specific aggression varied with key performance metrics. About 40% of females decreased aggressiveness across consecutive breeding stages to some degree, consistent with population-level patterns. 33% of females exhibited comparatively little plasticity, with moderate to low levels of aggression in all stages. Finally, 27% of females displayed steep decreases and then increases in aggression between stages; females exhibiting this pattern had significantly lower body mass while parenting, they tended to hatch fewer eggs, and they had the lowest observed overwinter survival rates. Other patterns of among-stage changes in aggressiveness were not associated with performance. These results reveal substantial among-individual variation in behavioral plasticity, which may reflect diverse solutions to trade-offs between current reproduction and future survival.