bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corneal Neurotization: Essentials for The Facial Paralysis Surgeon
Authors: Crabtree Jordan R. , Mulenga Chilando , Tran Khoa , Hussain Arif , Boente Charline S. , Ali Asim , Feinberg Konstantin , Borschel Gregory H.
Published: February 2024

Deficits in corneal innervation lead to neurotrophic keratopathy (NK). NK is frequently associated with facial palsy, and corneal damage can be accelerated by facial palsy deficits. Corneal nerves are important regulators of limbal stem cells, which play a critical role in epithelial maintenance and healing. Nonsurgical treatments of NK have undergone recent innovation, and growth factors implicated in corneal epithelial renewal are a promising therapeutic avenue. However, surgical intervention with corneal neurotization (CN) remains the only definitive treatment of NK. CN involves the transfer of unaffected sensory donor nerve branches to the affected cornea, and a variety of donor nerves and approaches have been described. CN can be performed in a direct or indirect manner; employ the supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, or great auricular nerves; and utilize autograft, allograft, or nerve transfer alone. Unfortunately, comparative studies of these factors are limited due to the procedure's novelty and varied recovery timelines after CN. Regardless of the chosen approach, CN has been shown to be a safe and effective procedure to restore corneal sensation and improve visual acuity in patients with NK.
Sleep Disorders and Subjective Well-Being in Portuguese Adults: Evidence from a Representative Study
Authors: Oliveira Sara , Agostinis Sobrinho Cesar , Martins Silvana , Augusto Cláudia , Araújo Odete , Vieira Teresa , Macedo Ana Paula , Silva Maria José , Rosário Rafaela
Published: February 2024

Objective The quality and quantity of sleep affect people's well-being, as chronic sleep disorders are associated with social, physical, and psychological problems, as well as low self-reported life satisfaction. The present cross-sectional study examined the associations of sleep disorders with self-reported life satisfaction in Portuguese adults.

Materials and Methods Data from a representative sample of the Portuguese population (14,341 participants, aged ≥ 18 years) extracted from the Sixth Portuguese National Health Survey was analyzed. Data on subjective well-being and sleep disorders was collected through a questionnaire, and multivariable regression models were performed to examine the associations between these variables, adjusted for potential confounders such as age, gender, level of schooling, degree of urbanization, and family income.

Results Sleep disorders were negatively associated with self-reported life satisfaction. Having at least one sleep disturbance in the last two weeks was significantly associated with a 3-point decrease in life satisfaction: β = −3.0 (95% confidence interval = −3.2–−2.7).

Discussion Among Portuguese adults, sleep disorders were associated with a decline in life satisfaction. The present study provides new evidence from a representative sample to support the promotion of good sleep hygiene intervention programs.
Quiet Time Means No Screen Time: A Project Aiming to Increase Restful Sleep within the Pediatric Acute Care Unit
Authors: Vildor Kegt S. , Derouin Anne , Waldrop Julee , Jensen Steven
Published: February 2024

The use of blue-light-emitting smart devices prior to bedtime has been identified as one of the reasons of increased pediatric sleep disturbances and poor sleep quantity. Interrupted sleep is a risk factor for healing and well-being in the pediatric acute ward. The aim of this project was to promote high-quality sleep within our pediatric ward by implementing a standardized protocol that eliminated exposure to electronic blue light prior to bedtime, per recommendations from the American Academy of Pediatrics. Our objective was to promote enhanced quantity of sleep and healing by restricting and removing all smart devices during nighttime hours in the pediatric acute ward. We utilized the Bedtime issues, Excessive daytime sleepiness, night Awakenings, Regularity and duration of Sleep, and Snoring validated screening tool, Children Sleep Habit Questionnaire, and included a survey question regarding smart device use to evaluate patients' sleep routine. After the implementation of “no screen time” innovation, patients' and parents' quantity of sleep and total restful hours was reassessed and pre/post results analyzed. The pilot project evaluated 57 patients aged 18 months to 19 years with varying admitting diagnoses. The quiet time innovation results demonstrated improved length and reported uninterrupted sleep among patients. Eliminating electronic screens during evening (sleeping) hours in the acute care setting was associated with improved sleep among pediatric patients, enhancing potential for recovery, promoting well-being, and modeling effects of limiting screen time for participants.
Alcohol and Caffeine Co-Administration Increased Acetylcholinesterase Activity and Inflammatory Cytokines in Sleep-Deprived Rats: Implications for Cognitive Decline and Depressive-Like Manifestations
Authors: Daubry Tarela Melish Elias , Nwogueze Bartholomew Chukwuebuka , Toloyai Pere-Ebi Yabrade , Moke Emuesiri Goodies
Published: February 2024

Sleep deprivation is a major health problem in modern society; it has been worsened by alcohol and caffeine intake to stay awake and improve bodily activities, an experience common among night-shift workers. For the present study, 50 adult male Wistar rats weighing between 150 g and 200 g were randomly selected and divided into 5 groups of 10 rats each (n = 10). Group 1 was the control group; group 2 was the group of sleep-deprived (SD) rats; group 3 was composed SD rats submitted to the administration of 20% alcohol; group 4 comprised SD rats submitted to the administration of 200 mg/kg of caffeine; and Group 5 was composed of SD rats who underwent the co-administration of 20% alcohol and 200 mg/kg of caffeine. At the end of 28 days, the animals were euthanized, and blood samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Memory, anxiety, social behavior and locomotive activity were assessed using the Y-maze, the elevated plus maze, the hole-board and three-chambered social approach tests, and the open field test. The plasma levels of the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme and inflammatory cytokines (interleukin 6 [IL-6], interleukin 10 [IL-10], and tumor necrosis factor beta, [TNF-β]) were also measured. Data was expressed as mean ± standard error of the mean [SEM] values, and the data were analyzed through analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by the Tukey post hoc test, with significance set at p < 0.05. The results revealed that sleep deprivation, and the co-administration of alcohol and caffeine impair memory in rats. Sleep deprivation also caused a significant increase in anxiety and anxiety-related behavior, with decreased social interaction, in rats. Locomotive activity was improved in SD rats, especially in those to which alcohol was administered. Sleep deprivation significantly reduced acetylcholinesterase activity among SD rats and those to which alcohol was administered when compared with the controls. The plasma levels of IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-β were significantly increased in SD rats when compared with the controls. The administration of alcohol and caffeine separately, as well as their co-administration, significantly increased cytokine levels in rats.
Reconstruction of Hypospadias Comparision of Different Techniques (A Study of 45 Cases)
Authors: Kumawat M. L. , Yadav R. G. , Sadasukhi T. C. , Chandalea B. S.
Published: February 2024

Forty five cases of hypospadias were studied. Of these 80 percent had penile hypospadias, 13 percent penoscrotal and 7 percent perineal hypospadias. Chordae was corrected before 2 years of age in 13.3 percent due to late presentation. The incidence of residual chordae was higher in patients treated by Cecil Culps technique. Plastic repair was completed in preschool age in 31 percent and an cqual number of padents were treated between 5–10 years age. None of the patients reported for second stage reconstruction within 6 months of first operation. Incidence of fistulae formation was 6.6 percent with Byar's Browne and 13.3 percent with Cecil Culp technique.
A Comparative Study of the Various Methods of Preservation of Human Skin Graft
Authors: Sinka Prof. R. C. , Sinha Dr. Bipin B.
Published: February 2024

(1) A total number of forty five cases were observed divided in three equal series for a comparative study of merits and demerits of storage.

(2) The skin grafts were stored in the freezing chamber of domestic refrigerator in (Series A) in glycerol at 76°C in (Series B) and at the donor dermis in (Series C).

(3) The preservad skin was applied over recipient bed after 4 or 8 days of storage.

(4) Before application a piece of skin was sent for histopathological investigation.

(5) The take of the stored graft was found maximum in cases of grafts stored on donor dermis and minimum in cases of skin stored in glycerol at 76°C.
Congenital Midline Sinuses of the Dorsum of the Nose
Authors: Soni N. K. , Chatterji P.
Published: February 2024

Three cases of congenital midline sinuses of the dorsum of the nose are presented. These were excised surgically without recurrence, Salient features of the lesion alongwith embryogencsis are discussed in the light of available literature.
Controlling morphology and improving reproducibility of magnetized liner inertial fusion experiments
Authors: Ampleford D. J. , Yager-Elorriaga D. A. , Jennings C. A. , Harding E. C. , Gomez M. R. , Harvey-Thompson A. J. , Awe T. J. , Chandler G. A. , Dunham G. S. , Geissel M. , Hahn K. D. , Hansen S. B. , Knapp P. F. , Lamppa D. C. , Lewis W. E. , Lucero L. , Mangan M. , Paguio R. , Perea L. , Robertson G. A. , Ruiz C. L. , Ruiz D. E. , Schmit P. F. , Slutz S. A. , Smith G. E. , Smith I. C. , Speas C. S. , Webb T. J. , Weis M. R. , Whittemore K. , Yu E. P. , McBride R. D. , Peterson K. J. , Jones B. M. , Rochau G. A. , Sinars D. B.
Published: February 2024

X-ray imaging indicates magnetized liner inertial fusion (MagLIF) stagnation columns have a complicated quasi-helical structure with significant variations in x-ray brightness along the column. In this work, we describe MagLIF experiments aimed at controlling these stagnation structures by varying the initial liner geometry and composition. First, by varying the initial aspect ratio of the liner, we demonstrate a change in the stagnation structures that is consistent with helical magneto Rayleigh–Taylor (MRT) instabilities feedthrough from the outer-to-inner surfaces of the liner. Second, to minimize the seed for such instabilities, we incorporate a dielectric coating on the outer surface of the beryllium liner, which has previously been shown to reduce the growth of the electrothermal instability, a likely seed for MRT growth. Using this coating, we achieve a stagnation column with significantly reduced helical structure and axial variation in x-ray brightness. We discuss how this coating changes the evolution of structures through stagnation along with the spatial uniformity of neutron production. Finally, we show that these more uniform stagnations also result in improved reproducibility in stagnation temperatures and primary DD neutron yield.
Antibacterial properties of magnesium oxide nanoparticles and their composites
Authors: Wang Jimei , Wang Xiaoyan
Published: February 2024

Many different disciplines are very much interested in the antibacterial qualities of magnesium oxide nanoparticles (nano-MgO) and their composites. The mechanics behind these qualities and their uses will be covered in detail in this exposition. Although nano-particulate magnesium oxide (nano-MgO) has received much interest as an antibacterial agent, its exact antibacterial mechanisms are still not fully understood, requiring more in-depth research in the areas of stability, processability, and safety. There is a discernible trend in the field of antibacterial materials that combines conventional materials with natural elements. As a newly developed ceramic antibacterial agent with distinct antibacterial properties and a wide range of uses, nano-MgO has become a major area of research interest. As a result, this paper summarizes the many approaches to synthesizing nano-MgO powder, analyzes its antibacterial properties, and offers a current assessment of new developments in the field and composite manufacturing methods. Moreover, it carefully points out common problems and suggests directions for future study. It is essential to the search for cutting-edge antibacterial materials because of its many qualities and wide range of potential uses. NanoMgO will play an essential role in determining the direction of antibacterial agents in the future, given the mounting concern over antibiotic resistance and the demand for environmentally friendly substitutes. This study explores the subtleties of nano-MgO and antibacterial activity in the realm of antibacterial materials. While navigating the complexities of a changing world, understanding and harnessing the potential of nano-MgO is vital for promoting healthier and more sustainable living environments.
Photoredox matching of earth-abundant photosensitizers with hydrogen evolving catalysts by first-principles predictions
Authors: Losada Iria Bolaño , Persson Petter
Published: February 2024

Photoredox properties of several earth-abundant light-harvesting transition metal complexes in combination with cobalt-based proton reduction catalysts have been investigated computationally to assess the fundamental viability of different photocatalytic systems of current experimental interest. Density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) calculations using several GGA (BP86, BLYP), hybrid-GGA (B3LYP, B3LYP*), hybrid meta-GGA (M06, TPSSh), and range-separated hybrid (ωB97X, CAM-B3LYP) functionals were used to calculate relevant ground and excited state reduction potentials for photosensitizers, catalysts, and sacrificial electron donors. Linear energy correction factors for the DFT/TD-DFT results that provide the best agreement with available experimental reference results were determined in order to provide more accurate predictions. Among the selection of functionals, the B3LYP* and TPSSh sets of correction parameters were determined to give the best redox potentials and excited states energies, ΔEexc, with errors of ∼0.2 eV. Linear corrections for both reduction and oxidation processes significantly improve the predictions for all the redox pairs. In particular, for TPSSh and B3LYP*, the calculated errors decrease by more than 0.5 V against experimental values for catalyst reduction potentials, photosensitizer oxidation potentials, and electron donor oxidation potentials. Energy-corrected TPSSh results were finally used to predict the energetics of complete photocatalytic cycles for the light-driven activation of selected proton reduction cobalt catalysts. These predictions demonstrate the broader usefulness of the adopted approach to systematically predict full photocycle behavior for first-row transition metal photosensitizer–catalyst combinations more broadly.
Separate absorption, charge, and multiplication staircase avalanche photodiodes
Authors: Dadey Adam A. , Jones Andrew H. , March Stephen D. , Bank Seth R. , Campbell Joe C.
Published: February 2024

The wavelength 1550 nm is widely used in fiber-optic communications and imaging systems. Avalanche photodiodes (APDs) offer high sensitivity for detecting this wavelength. However, the noise caused by the stochastic nature of the impact ionization gain mechanism can temper the benefit of amplifying the signal. Here, we report a separate absorption, charge, and multiplication APD that uses a two-step staircase multiplication region exhibiting a near-unity excess noise factor. At a gain of four, the excess noise factor is approximately three times lower than conventionally used InGaAs/InP separate absorption, charge, and multiplication APDs. This improved excess noise coupled with 1550-nm operation offers the potential for enhanced performance in several key application areas.
Improving the longitudinal spot width of an optimizingly designed point-like scatterer-arrayed transcranial ultrasonic lens
Authors: Ueta Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2024

As a non-invasive therapy to promote the effect of the thrombolytic agent in the acute phase of cerebral infarction, transcranial irradiation by ultrasonic waves at the site of the occlusion has been validated and is expected to achieve clinical application. Such irradiation may, however, cause damage to the brain by interference of reflected waves within the skull. In order to avoid such a phenomenon, we proposed a transcranial acoustic lens formed by optimizing the arrangement of point-like scatterers. The optimum arrangement of scatterers was determined so that the sound field vanishes within the skull except at the focus(es) and becomes higher at the focus(es) than in the surrounding regions. The ultrasonic waves are strongly scattered by air bubbles in the water-like medium, so we attempted to install a crossbar switch in the medium covering the head and constructed an acoustic lens by producing an instantaneously adaptive air bubble array. This lens can focus an incident plane wave to the diffraction limit in the direction perpendicular to the incident direction, while the peak width in the propagation direction is more than five times higher. In this work, in order to practically improve it, we propose to arrange a point-like scatterer so as to partially cover the head and further increase the number of layers. The shape of the skull is modeled based on CT data, and more realistic parameters are employed than in a previous paper [T. Ueta, J. Appl. Phys. 132, 144504 (2022)].
Structural and optical characterization of dilute Bi-doped GaN nanostructures grown by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Navid Ishtiaque Ahmed , Liu Yujie , Pan Yuyang , Sun Kai , Kioupakis Emmanouil , Mi Zetian
Published: February 2024

We have carried out detailed studies on the epitaxy and characterization of dilute Bi-doped GaN nanostructures. A comprehensive investigation of Bi-doped GaN nanowires and quasi-film epitaxial growth conditions has been performed. Scanning electron microscopy studies show that lowering the GaBiN growth temperature causes gradual changes in top c-plane nanowire morphology due to the incremental incorporation of foreign Bi atoms. This trend is further substantiated by the secondary ion mass spectroscopy analysis of a multi-layer Bi-doped GaN quasi-film. However, it is also found that the amount of Bi incorporation into the GaN lattice is relatively independent of the N2 flow rate variation under the growth conditions investigated. Furthermore, room-temperature micro-Raman spectra show that there are additional peaks near 530, 650, and 729 cm−1 wave numbers in the Bi-doped GaN samples, which can primarily be attributed to Bi local vibrational modes, indicative of a small amount of Bi incorporation in the GaN lattice. Moreover, phonon calculations with density functional theory indicate that Bi replacing the N sites is the likely origin of the experimentally measured Raman modes. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy measurements have also been obtained to deduce the electronic interaction between the Bi dopant atom and the GaN nanostructure. Such one-dimensional nanowires permit the synthesis of dislocation-free highly mismatched alloys due to strain relaxation, allowing efficient light absorption and charge carrier extraction that is relevant for solar energy harvesting and artificial photosynthesis.
Optical and microstructural characterization of Er3+ doped epitaxial cerium oxide on silicon
Authors: Grant Gregory D. , Zhang Jiefei , Masiulionis Ignas , Chattaraj Swarnabha , Sautter Kathryn E. , Sullivan Sean E. , Chebrolu Rishi , Liu Yuzi , Martins Jessica B. , Niklas Jens , Dibos Alan M. , Kewalramani Sumit , Freeland John W. , Wen Jianguo , Poluektov Oleg G. , Heremans F. Joseph , Awschalom David D. , Guha Supratik
Published: February 2024

Rare-earth ion dopants in solid-state hosts are ideal candidates for quantum communication technologies, such as quantum memories, due to the intrinsic spin–photon interface of the rare-earth ion combined with the integration methods available in the solid state. Erbium-doped cerium oxide (Er:CeO2) is a particularly promising host material platform for such a quantum memory, as it combines the telecom-wavelength (∼1.5μm) 4f–4f transition of erbium, a predicted long electron spin coherence time when embedded in CeO2, and a small lattice mismatch with silicon. In this work, we report on the epitaxial growth of Er:CeO2 thin films on silicon using molecular beam epitaxy, with controlled erbium concentration between 2 and 130 parts per million (ppm). We carry out a detailed microstructural study to verify the CeO2 host structure and characterize the spin and optical properties of the embedded Er3+ ions as a function of doping density. In as-grown Er:CeO2 in the 2–3 ppm regime, we identify an EPR linewidth of 245(1) MHz, an optical inhomogeneous linewidth of 9.5(2) GHz, an optical excited state lifetime of 3.5(1) ms, and a spectral diffusion-limited homogeneous linewidth as narrow as 4.8(3) MHz. We test the annealing of Er:CeO2 films up to 900 °C, which yields narrowing of the inhomogeneous linewidth by 20% and extension of the excited state lifetime by 40%.
Diffusive dynamics of a model protein chain in solution
Authors: Colberg Margarita , Schofield Jeremy
Published: February 2024

A Markov state model is a powerful tool that can be used to track the evolution of populations of configurations in an atomistic representation of a protein. For a coarse-grained linear chain model with discontinuous interactions, the transition rates among states that appear in the Markov model when the monomer dynamics is diffusive can be determined by computing the relative entropy of states and their mean first passage times, quantities that are unchanged by the specification of the energies of the relevant states. In this paper, we verify the folding dynamics described by a diffusive linear chain model of the crambin protein in three distinct solvent systems, each differing in complexity: a hard-sphere solvent, a solvent undergoing multi-particle collision dynamics, and an implicit solvent model. The predicted transition rates among configurations agree quantitatively with those observed in explicit molecular dynamics simulations for all three solvent models. These results suggest that the local monomer–monomer interactions provide sufficient friction for the monomer dynamics to be diffusive on timescales relevant to changes in conformation. Factors such as structural ordering and dynamic hydrodynamic effects appear to have minimal influence on transition rates within the studied solvent densities.
Advancing intrinsic carrier mobility estimation in transition metal trichalcogenide monolayers using DFT-BTE
Authors: Arora Anu , De Sarkar Abir
Published: February 2024

The Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) based intrinsic carrier mobility estimation significantly improves accuracy, which is crucial for assessing the performances of the materials within the devices. Herein, we explore the highly anisotropic, semiconducting 2D transition metal trichalcogenide monolayers (TMTC) MX3 (M = Ti, Zr, Hf and X = S, Se) for their transport properties. Remarkably, the electron carrier mobility obtained by combining BTE with density functional theory (DFT) in TiS3 monolayer has reached ∼1400 cm2/V.s. This finding stands in stark contrast to the electron mobility of ∼104 cm2/V·s obtained using a formalism built on the effective mass approximation. The marked disparity in mobility estimation underscores the crucial role played by the BTE in elevating precision. Alongside, a pronounced anisotropy in carrier mobility has been observed in these monolayers, particularly concerning lattice directions and electron-to-hole carrier mobility. Overall, this study seeks to fill out the voids and focuses on accurate estimation of high carrier mobility in TMTC monolayers using DFT-BTE.
Metasurface-empowered high-efficiency and broadband terahertz vortex beam plates
Authors: Niu Li , Chen Xieyu , Lang Yuanhao , Xu Quan , Zhang Xueqian , Ma Jiajun , Ouyang Chunmei , Tian Zhen , Han Jiaguang , Zhang Weili
Published: February 2024

Metasurfaces have been continuously garnering attention in both scientific and industrial fields owing to their unprecedented wavefront manipulation capabilities using arranged subwavelength artificial structures. Terahertz vortex beams have become a focus of research in recent years due to their prominent role in many cutting-edge applications. However, traditional terahertz vortex beam plates are often faced with challenges including large size, low efficiency, and limited working bandwidth. Here, we propose and experimentally demonstrate highly efficient and broadband vortex beam plates based on metasurface in the terahertz region. The experimental results well verify that the designed metasurfaces can efficiently generate terahertz vortex beams with different orbital angular momentum topological charges in the range of 0.5–1 THz. Notably, the maximum efficiency can reach about 65% at 0.5 THz. The proposed devices may play a vital role in developing vortex beams-related terahertz applications.
Nonlinear causal network learning via Granger causality based on extreme support vector regression
Authors: Yang Guanxue , Hu Weiwei , He Lidong , Dou Liya
Published: February 2024

For complex networked systems, based on the consideration of nonlinearity and causality, a novel general method of nonlinear causal network learning, termed extreme support vector regression Granger causality (ESVRGC), is proposed. The nonuniform time-delayed influence of the driving nodes on the target node is particularly considered. Then, the restricted model and the unrestricted model of Granger causality are, respectively, formulated based on extreme support vector regression, which uses the selected time-delayed components of system variables as the inputs of kernel functions. The nonlinear conditional Granger causality index is finally calculated to confirm the strength of a causal interaction. Generally, based on the simulation of a nonlinear vector autoregressive model and nonlinear discrete time-delayed dynamic systems, ESVRGC demonstrates better performance than other popular methods. Also, the validity and robustness of ESVRGC are also verified by the different cases of network types, sample sizes, noise intensities, and coupling strengths. Finally, the superiority of ESVRGC is successful verified by the experimental study on real benchmark datasets.
New correlation of the subcooled flow boiling heat transfer coefficient for hybrid micro/nanostructured surfaces with high heat flux incidence
Authors: Zhou Zhanru , Huang Shenghong , Huang Huanchun , Jiang Menglai , Fang Xiande
Published: February 2024

Surfaces manipulated with micro/nanostructures have great potential for imparting high heat removal capacity to heat transfer equipment under high heat flux incidence. However, few correlations of heat transfer coefficients have been developed based on high-heat flux experiments of subcooled flow boiling with nano- and microstructured surfaces, which may limit the further application of this technique in industrial engineering. Aiming at recently developed hybrid micro/nanostructured surfaces for subcooled flow boiling performance enhancement, a series of experiments with different surface structure scale specifications, flow conditions, and heat flux incidence ranges were conducted. In total, 530 experimental data points were obtained with heat fluxes ranging from 3.4 to 13.1 MW/m2, pressures from 0.5 to 1.5 MPa, liquid velocities from 1 to 5 m/s, inlet temperatures from 303.15 to 323.15 K, and structured surfaces with wire apertures of 250, 125, and 58 μm. The 28 existing correlations based on smooth surfaces and structured surfaces failed to predict these experimental data. A new enhancement factor-type correlation model, which included four dimensionless numbers that specialized in the effects of the span dimension and depth dimension of the target hybrid micro/nanostructured surfaces, was developed and shown to have good prediction accuracy and a considerable degree of application adaptability, with a mean absolute deviation of 5.7%.
Enhanced magnetic field concentration using windmill-like ferromagnets
Authors: Bort-Soldevila Natanael , Cunill-Subiranas Jaume , Barrera Aleix , Del-Valle Nuria , Silhanek Alejandro V. , Uhlíř Vojtěch , Bending Simon , Palau Anna , Navau Carles
Published: February 2024

Magnetic sensors are used in many technologies and industries, such as medicine, telecommunications, robotics, the Internet of Things, etc. The sensitivity of these magnetic sensors is a key aspect, as it determines their precision. In this article, we investigate how a thin windmill-like ferromagnetic system can hugely concentrate a magnetic field at its core. A magnetic sensor combined with such a device enhances its sensitivity by a large factor. We describe the different effects that provide this enhancement: the thickness of the device and its unique windmill-like geometry. An expression for the magnetic field in its core is introduced and verified using finite-element calculations. The results show that a high magnetic field concentration is achieved for a low thickness-diameter ratio of the device. Proof-of-concept experiments further demonstrate the significant concentration of the magnetic field when the thickness-diameter ratio is low, reaching levels up to 150 times stronger than the applied field.
Calculation of coupling coefficients for diamond micro-ring resonators
Authors: Yang Quankui , Giese Christian , Hugger Stefan
Published: February 2024

We deduce equations to calculate coupling coefficients of diamond micro-ring resonators. The equations can be used universally at any wavelength but not limited to the transmission peaks/valleys, and can be adapted with triangular cross-sections and tapered waveguides. Consequently, we build three models in accordance to different diamond processing technologies. These models deal with ring resonators with either rectangular cross sections, or triangular cross sections, or with tapered bus for triangular cross sections. The calculated coupling coefficients can be well fitted by exponential decay functions of gap d. Due to geometrical limitations, triangular-cross-sectional diamond resonators are shown to have much smaller (factor 20) coupling coefficients than those of rectangular-cross-sectional resonators. A tapered bus is shown to be beneficial to increase the coupling coefficient. Besides the calculation of coupling coefficients, the method presented in the paper can also be used to calculate the bending loss of micro-ring resonators, as a complement to the existing methods.
RF dispersion relations in FRC geometries and HHFW regime
Authors: Ceccherini F. , Galeotti L. , Barnes D. C. , Dettrick S. A.
Published: February 2024

Field reversed configurations (FRC) are characterized by a magnetic field topology, which exhibits the inversion of the external magnetic field through plasma sustained current and the subsequent presence of a null field surface. A monotonical radial decrease in the longitudinal magnetic field leads to the potential presence of harmonics of the ion cyclotron frequency of any order in the region included between the outer wall and the null field surface. What is the effective hot-plasma dispersion relation obtained through the convolution of a large ensemble of high harmonics fast waves (HHFW) confined in a finite radial region represents an open question that we attempt to address here. In particular, we discuss a combination of analytical modeling and numerical treatment, which allows us to retrieve the resulting high harmonic fast wave complex wavevector for any radial location of any FRC radial profile. Moreover, we show how the obtained hot-plasma HHFW wavevector relates to the cold-plasma solution, and how it depends on the plasma parameters.
Phase stability of a eutectic high entropy alloy under extremes of pressures and temperatures
Authors: Pope Andrew D. , Iwan Seth , Clay Matthew P. , Ren Jie , Yang Wuxian , Chen Wen , Vohra Yogesh K.
Published: February 2024

Additively manufactured high-entropy alloys are of interest because of their unique combination of high yield strength and large ductility achieved with far-from-equilibrium crystalline phases and micro/nanostructure morphology. We report on the phase transformation and thermal equation of state of the eutectic high-entropy alloy (EHEA) Al18Co20Cr10Fe10Ni40W2, produced by laser powder-bed fusion (L-PBF). The EHEA was studied in a large-volume Paris–Edinburgh cell using energy-dispersive x-ray diffraction to a pressure of 5.5 GPa and a temperature of 1723 K. Static compression studies in diamond anvil cells using angle-dispersive x-ray diffraction extended the high-pressure structural data to 317 GPa at ambient temperature. The initial dual-phase nanolamellar face-centered cubic (FCC) and body-centered cubic (BCC) structure of Al18Co20Cr10Fe10Ni40W2 transforms into a single FCC phase under high pressure, with the BCC-to-FCC phase transformation completing at 9 ± 2 GPa. The FCC phase remained stable up to the highest pressure of 317 GPa. The measured thermal equation of state for the FCC phase of Al18Co20Cr10Fe10Ni40W2 is presented up to 5.5 GPa and 1473 K. We observed melting of the EHEA at 1698 ± 25 K at a pressure of 5.5 GPa, and the recrystallized sample shows an increased fraction of the CsCl-type (B2) phase at ambient conditions following release from the high-pressure high-temperature state. The BCC-to-FCC phase transition completion pressure is correlated with the nanolamellae thickness of the BCC layer in this diffusion-less transformation at ambient temperature.
Revealing the role of high-valence elementary substitution in the hydrogen-induced Mottronic transitions of vanadium dioxide
Authors: Zhou Xuanchi , Shang Yanlong , Gu Zhijie , Jiang Guangzhong , Ozawa Takahiro , Mao Wei , Fukutani Katsuyuki , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Jiang Yong , Chen Nuofu , Chen Jikun
Published: February 2024

Electron-doping Mottronics within correlated vanadium dioxide (e.g., VO2) opens up a paradigm to abruptly regulate the Mottronic phase transitions via adjusting the d-orbital occupancy and configuration. Nevertheless, the potential impact of high-valence elementary substitution in the hydrogen-associated Mottronic transitions of VO2 is yet unclear. Herein, we demonstrate the role of high-valence elementary substitution (e.g., W6+) in regulating the hydrogen-triggered Mottronic transitions of VO2, assisted by quantitative hydrogen analysis using the nuclear reaction analysis. Substituting vanadium with a high-valence transitional metal (e.g., W6+) within doped-VO2 largely reduces the hydrogen incorporation (e.g., ∼1.61 × 1021 cm−3 in H0.06V0.95W0.05O2) compared to the intrinsic VO2 (e.g., ∼1.08 × 1022 cm−3 in H0.35VO2) under the low temperature hydrogenation process. Therefore, in contrast to hydrogen-induced electron localization of intrinsic VO2 upon low-temperature hydrogenation, only the hydrogen-triggered metallic state is observed within the hydrogen-associated phase diagram of WxV1-xO2, as further probed by the near-edge x-ray absorption fine structure analysis and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The present work reveals the overlooked role associated with the donor substitutions that largely influences the competitive equilibrium between the two rival hydrogen-induced Mottronic transitions within VO2 toward either the metallic or the highly insulating phase.
Effects of viscosity on hydrodynamics and mass transfer under a wire mesh-coupled solid particles method
Authors: Di Chuanjun , Zhang Pan , Guo Xiaohan , Xu Xuehui , Zhang Jiaxin , Chen Guanghui , Gao Fei , Li Jianlong
Published: February 2024

Many practical industrial processes require gas–liquid mass transfer in highly viscous liquids, and liquid viscosity affects bubble characteristics and gas–liquid mass transfer. The current study investigated the effects of liquid viscosity on bubble dynamics and gas–liquid mass transfer via shadow imaging and dynamic oxygen dissolution methods, and the influence of fluid viscosity on the hydrodynamic effect when using a wire mesh-coupled solid particles method. The coupling strategy was associated with a bubble size regulation effect, with greater viscosity increasing the gas–liquid interface area by 27%–55% compared with unreinforced gas–liquid flow, which was superior to embedded wire mesh and added solid particles methods. Increased viscosity weakened the mass transfer enhancement effect of the coupling method, but the coupling method still effectively enhanced the gas–liquid mass transfer process, increasing the volumetric mass transfer coefficient (KLa) by 80%–130% compared to non-enhanced gas–liquid flow. Novel empirical KLa correlation equations were developed to predict the effects of the coupling method on gas–liquid mass transfer processes, and those equations exhibited good reliability and predictive capacity.
A fast closed-form approximate iterative fitting algorithm based on laser absorption spectrum
Authors: Chen Yudi , Tang Qixing , Zhang Yujun , Li Qi , Wang Yuwei , Liu Lu , Liao Juan , Gao Yanwei
Published: February 2024

This paper presents a novel approach—an efficient closed-form approximation iterative fitting algorithm based on laser absorption spectra. Through this closed-form approximation iterative fitting, key parameters such as peak value, spectral line width, and normalized signal area serve as indicators for iteration completion, improving the speed without compromising accuracy. Furthermore, it employs the spectral signal of n cycles as a window for further processing, minimizing external interference. The results show that the proposed method averages 9.75 iterations, while the Levenberg–Marquardt fitting method averages 60.17 iterations. The average iteration time for the proposed method is 588.83 ms, a substantial 81.7% reduction compared to the 3210.5 ms required by the Levenberg–Marquardt fitting. These results decisively demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed method in reducing iteration time and enhancing measurement precision.
Non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor based on ZnO nanoparticles/porous graphene for the detection of hypoxanthine in pork meat
Authors: Le N. T. H. , Viet N. X. , Anh N. V. , Bach T. N. , Thu P. T. , Ngoc N. T. , Manh D. H. , Ky V. H. , Lam V. D. , Kodelov V. , Von Gratowski S. , Binh N. H. , Anh T. X.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we developed a pioneering non-enzymatic electrochemical sensor utilizing a flexible porous graphene electrode modified with ZnO nanoparticles (ZnO/fPGE sensor) to assess hypoxanthine (HXA) content in pork at post-mortem time. The ZnO/fPGE sensor was synthesized via hydrothermal method and direct laser writing with a CO2 laser on a polyimide film at ambient conditions. Its characterization was analyzed by Raman, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, field-emission scanning microscopy, energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetric techniques. Linear response, the limit of detection, and sensitivity to the HXA were enhanced with the values of the range from 1.5 to 150, 0.14 µM, and 6.6 µA μM−1 cm−2, respectively. Effective resistance to common physiological interferences (such as uric acid, ascorbic acid, dopamine, glucose, and xanthine) was indicated, and additionally, the determination of HXA concentration in real samples with good selectivity is attributed to the synergistic effects between ZnO nanoparticles and fPGE. Therefore, the ZnO/fPGE has provided a favorable electrical environment for developing high-performance electrochemical biosensors to determine hypoxanthine in pork meat.
17.2% Efficient CdSexTe1−x solar cell with (InxGa1−x)2O3 emitter on lightweight and flexible glass
Authors: Jamarkattel Manoj K. , Abbas Ali , Mathew Xavier , Neupane Sabin , Bastola Ebin , Li Deng-Bing , Seibert Samuel , Patel Aesha P. , Song Zhaoning , Liu Xiaolei , Walls John Michael , Garner Sean M. , Phillips Adam B. , Ellingson Randy J. , Yan Yanfa , Heben Michael J.
Published: February 2024

High-efficiency, lightweight, and flexible solar cells are sought for a variety of applications particularly when high power density and flexible form factors are desired. Development of solar cells on flexible substrates may also offer production advantages in roll-to-roll or sheet-to-sheet processes. Here, we report device efficiencies of 17.2% and 14.6%, under AM1.5G and AM0 irradiances, respectively, for a flexible, lightweight, CdTe-based solar cell. To advance the efficiency relative to the highest previously reported AM1.5G value of 16.4%, we used an indium gallium oxide (IGO) emitter layer on a cadmium stannate (CTO) transparent conductor, which was deposited on 100-μm thick Corning® Willow® Glass. A sputtered CdSe layer was employed to incorporate Se into a CdTe absorber that was deposited by close-space sublimation, and CuSCN was used as a hole transport layer between the CdTe and the back metal electrode. The IGO and CTO layers remained intact during the high temperature film processing as seen in cross-sectional imaging and elemental mapping. This device configuration offers great promise for building-integrated photovoltaics, space applications, and higher rate manufacturing.
Turbulent boundary layers in thermal convection at moderately high Rayleigh numbers
Authors: He Jian-Chao , Bao Yun , Chen Xi
Published: February 2024

In this work, we perform direct numerical simulations of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a two-dimensional confined square cell for Rayleigh numbers (Ra) from 109 to 1013 and a Prandtl number (Pr) of 0.7. In contrast to a previous study in a periodic box conducted by Zhu et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 144502 (2018)], our simulations apply two adiabatic sidewalls. In particular, boundary layer structures near the heating plates are examined using both mean velocity and temperature profiles in the impacting, shearing, and ejecting regions of the plumes. After an appropriate normalization using the wall units, the friction Reynolds numbers of our simulations exceed the critical value of 200 and follow Reτ∼Ra0.323, and we also observe the logarithmic mean velocity profiles (with the slope κv≈0.35) in the shearing regions and logarithmic mean temperature profiles (with the slope κθ≈2) in the ejecting regions. These logarithmic behaviors indicate that both the thermal and momentum boundary layers may have entered the fully developed turbulent state. However, for the Nusselt number (Nu), our data still follow the trend of classical 1/3 scaling, differing from the ultimate state reported before but agreeing with the three-dimensional results obtained by Iyer et al. [PNAS 117, 14 (2020)] for confined cells.
Exploring the critical behavior of the anomalous spin-glass transition in Ga1−xMnxS
Authors: Pekarek T. M. , Blackburn J. H. , Miotkowski I. , Ramdas A. K.
Published: February 2024

Single-crystalline Ga1−xMnxS is a quasi-two-dimensional system that exhibits an anomalous spin-glass transition temperature compared with the other well-known spin-glass systems. In contrast to the other known spin-glasses that all have three-dimensional structures, our host chalcogenide GaS system is quasi-two-dimensional. Recent interest in utilizing spin-glass materials for applications in short-term, low-energy memory and processing power make this new 2-D system important for further exploration. We report on the critical behavior of the anomalous spin-glass transition in a single-crystalline Ga0.91Mn0.09S system. Using the scaling equation of state describing the spin-glass transition in Ga1−xMnxS, we obtained the relation χnl = C1H2/δ and extract the value δ = 5.5 ± 0.5 for this critical exponent as well as a value of ϕ = 4.8 for another critical exponent. We find this value of delta for the critical temperature Tc = 11.2 K, combined with the other critical exponents γ = 4.0 and β = 0.8 form a self-consistent description of the spin-glass transition in this unusual 2-D spin-glass system. Interestingly, these results represent convincing evidence that, despite Ga1−xMnxS having a quasi-two-dimensional structure, Ga1−xMnxS undergoes a true spin-glass transition and is related to the class of semiconducting spin-glass materials with short-range interactions. The spin-glass transition in Ga1−xMnxS is characterized by critical exponents similar to the three-dimensional spin-glass systems.
Australian Jewel Beetles
Authors: Williams Geoff , Mitchell Kevin , Sundholm Allen
Published: February 2024

Australian Jewel Beetles: An Introduction to the Buprestidae is a comprehensive overview of Australia’s buprestid fauna. It presents taxonomic, ecological and biogeographic information for all Australian genera, and their association with the world’s Buprestidae more widely. It explores plant-evolution dependencies, as well as threats and conservation for this diverse fauna.

The authors bring together their extensive experience and understanding of the wealth of Australia’s largely endemic species, supported by spectacular images.

Australian Jewel Beetles will be valued by professional biologists and ecologists, as well as entomologists and naturalists in Australia and abroad.
Consumer perspectives of allied health involvement in a public hospital setting: cross-sectional survey and electronic health record review
Authors: Jolliffe Laura , Williams Cylie M. , Bozyk Natalie , Collyer Taya A. , Caspers Kirsten , Snowdon David A.
Published: February 2024

Objective Consumer-centred care is fundamental to high-quality health care, with allied health professionals playing a pivotal role in hospital settings. Allied health typically operates within standard weekday working-hours. Consumer preferences for receiving allied health services are largely unexplored but could inform whether weekend and/or out-of-hours services are required. This study aims to understand consumer preferences for hospital-based inpatient and outpatient allied health services. Methods Using a cross-sectional survey and convenience sampling approach, consumers of a public health service in Melbourne, Australia were surveyed about preferences for allied health service delivery. Electronic health record reviews compared the accuracy of self-reported service delivery times. Descriptive statistics, concordance and predictive values were calculated. Responses to free-text survey items were analysed using content analysis. Results Of 120 participants (79% response rate), most (69%) received allied health services, however, almost half of inpatient responders (44%) were unsure of the specific allied health professional involved. Audit results found moderate–high concordance overall (range, 77–96%) between self-reported and audit-identified allied health services by profession. Most inpatient responders had no strong day of week preference, equally selecting weekdays and weekend days, with most preferring services between 8 am and 4 pm. Outpatient responders (81%) preferred a weekday appointment between 8 am and 12 pm or before 8 am (29%) to complete scheduled activities early in the day. Conclusion While provision of allied health services during standard working-hours was preferred by most consumers, some inpatient and outpatient consumers are receptive to receiving weekend and out-of-hours services, respectively. Decisions about offering these services should consider operational capacity and research evidence.