bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Transanal endoscopic cooperative surgery as a less invasive resection technique for anorectal tumors extending beyond the dentate line: Case series
Authors: Shigeta Kohei , Takada Kazunori , Hotta Kinichi , Imai Kenichiro , Ito Sayo , Sato Junya , Yamamoto Yoichi , Yoshida Masao , Maeda Yuki , Kawata Noboru , Ishiwatari Hirotoshi , Matsubayashi Hiroyuki , Shiomi Akio , Kagawa Hiroyasu , Shoichi Manabe , Yamaoka Yusuke , Kasai Shunsuke , Tanaka Yusuke , Hirashima Yasuyuki , Mochizuki Ayako , Yoshikawa Shusuke , Tsutsumida Arata , Omata Wataru , Oishi Takuma , Ono Hiroyuki
Published: December 2024

Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) and surgical local excision pose particular challenges for anorectal tumors extending beyond the dentate line, making technique selection difficult. We hypothesized that combining ESD and local excision (transanal endoscopy cooperative surgery; TaECS) can effectively resect such tumors. TaECS was performed for three patients with anorectal tumors extending beyond the dentate line between January and December 2022. TaECS was indicated for local resection of tumors extending beyond the dentate line with a low risk of lymph node metastases. TaECS was performed in an operating room after ensuring adequate bowel preparation. The oral side of the tumor was dissected endoscopically with resection margins precisely evaluated using magnifying endoscopy. The anal side was surgically dissected above the internal anal sphincter. The defect was repaired wtih bilateral V-Y advancement flap reconstruction. All three tumors were successfully resected in en bloc fashion without intraprocedural adverse events. No postoperative stricture and bleeding occurred. A postoperative abscess around the anastomosis was observed in one case. The anal sphincter was preserved in all cases. No recurrences were recorded at the 17- to 27-month follow-up. TaECS may be a viable treatment for minimally invasive local resection of anorectal tumors extending beyond the dentate line.
Optimizing duodenal tissue acquisition for mechanistic studies of duodenal ablation in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Busch Celine B.E. , van den Hoek Kim , Neefjes-Borst E. Andra , Nieuwdorp Max , van Baar Annieke C.G. , Bergman Jacques J.H.G.M.
Published: December 2024

Histological analysis of regular duodenal biopsies to study morphologic changes after duodenal ablation for type 2 diabetes (T2D) and metabolic syndrome is hampered by variability in tissue orientation. We designed an optimized tissue acquisition protocol using duodenal cold snare resections to create tissue microarrays (TMAs) and to allow for single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq).

The open-label DIRECT study included patients undergoing an upper gastrointestinal interventional endoscopy for non-duodenal indications. All underwent one ot two single-piece duodenal cold snare resections. Endpoints were safety, adequate histological orientation of specimen and TMA, and tissue dissociation quality for scRNA-seq. The optimized tissue acquisition protocol was validated in a duodenal ablation study, EMINENT-2.

In DIRECT, nine patients were included in whom a total of 16 cold snare resections were obtained. No severe adverse events (SAEs) occurred. Eighty percent of specimens and corresponding TMAs showed optimal tissue orientation. Further improvement was achieved by reducing tissue damage during endoscopic retrieval and improving histologic evaluation by eliminating ink use and pinning the tissue on cork. High-quality tissue dissociation scores for scRNA-seq were achieved in 13 of 18 samples (72%). In EMINENT-2, 38 cold snares were obtained without SAEs, histopathologic analysis showed good orientation in all samples, and dissociation scores for scRNA-seq were qualified in 35/38 (92%) samples.

Duodenal cold snare resection is safe and can provide high-quality tissue for optimally oriented TMAs and high-quality tissue dissociation scores for scRNA-seq (Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT06333093, NCT05984238). This approach will allow mechanistic studies about the effects of duodenal ablation on metabolic syndrome and T2D.
Movement parties in Europe: a comparative assessment
Authors: Borbáth Endre , Paxton Fred
Published: December 2024

Research on political parties and social movements has long developed independently, separated by the disciplinary boundaries of political science and sociology. We see the recent successes of ‘movement parties’ as a push to bridge the two disciplinary traditions in order to describe this new hybrid party type accurately. To this end, we ask to what extent and under what conditions do we observe movement parties in European party systems, and how can we define the various subtypes? In the introduction to the special issue, we make three contributions. First, we identify existing definitions and empirical examples in the study of movement parties based on a systematic review of the emerging literature. Second, we operationalize Herbert Kitschelt's influential definition of lower levels of programmatic and organizational investment coupled with a higher degree of protest mobilization. Third, we introduce the individual contributions to the special issue and situate them within the relevant theoretical debates. Utilizing a new set of quantitative indicators, we empirically assess how parties identified as movement parties in the existing literature score on programmatic, organizational, and protest dimensions. The analysis underscores the heterogeneity of movement parties, with only a few cases aligning with Kitschelt's comprehensive definition.
Engineering a two-dimensional kagome topological insulator from porous graphene
Authors: Kumar Shashikant , Kumar Gulshan , Kumar Ajay , Parida Prakash
Published: December 2024

Our study sets forth a carbon-based two-dimensional (2D) kagome topological insulator without containing any metal atoms that aligns the Fermi level with the Dirac point without the need for doping, overcoming a significant bottleneck issue observed in 2D metal-organic framework-based kagome structures. Our 2D kagome structure, formed by creating patterned nano pores in the graphene sheet, nomenclatured as porous graphene-based kagome lattice (PGKL), is inspired by the recent bottom-up synthesis of similar structures. Because of the absence of mirror symmetry in our porous graphene, by considering only the first nearest neighbor intrinsic spin–orbit coupling (ISOC) within the tight-binding model, unlike the mostly used next nearest neighbor ISOC in the Kane–Mele model for graphene, PGKL exhibits distinctive band structures with Dirac bands amidst flatbands, allowing for the realization of topological states near the Fermi level. Delving into Berry curvature and Chern numbers provides a comprehensive understanding of the topological insulating properties of PGKL, offering valuable insights into 2D topological insulators. Analysis of the 1D ribbon structure underscores the emergence of topological edge states.
Bio-inspired piezoelectric stick–slip actuation: Synergistic bridge-type and leveraged amplification mechanism via rowing-motion mimicry
Authors: Yang Shitong , Dong Hao , Zhang Zhenguo , Zhang Daohong , Zhang Lin , Lu Xiaohui
Published: December 2024

This paper presents the development of a new bionic piezoelectric stick–slip actuator (PSSA). This actuator is designed to simulate the human rowing motion. By synergizing a lever amplification structure with a bridge amplification mechanism, the design not only mimics the rowing motion, where the lever amplification structure acts like an oar and the bridge amplification mechanism resembles the force exerted by a person operating the oar, but also suppresses the problem of backward displacement in traditional PSSAs. Finite element analysis and experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of the design, with a peak velocity of 17.48 mm/s and a maximum load capacity of 55 g. Comparative experiments have shown that the rowing-motion piezoelectric actuation mode outperforms the traditional PSSA mode, with a 16.8% increase in peak velocity and a 120% increase in load capacity. The innovative design has significant implications for the development of high-performance actuators.
Loss of bimolecular reactions in reaction–diffusion master equations is consistent with diffusion limited reaction kinetics in the mean field limit
Authors: Subic Tina , Sbalzarini Ivo F.
Published: December 2024

We show that the resolution-dependent loss of bimolecular reactions in spatiotemporal Reaction–Diffusion Master Equations (RDMEs) is in agreement with the mean-field Collins–Kimball (C–K) theory of diffusion-limited reaction kinetics. The RDME is a spatial generalization of the chemical master equation, which enables studying stochastic reaction dynamics in spatially heterogeneous systems. It uses a regular Cartesian grid to partition space into locally well-mixed reaction compartments and treats diffusion as a jump reaction between neighboring grid cells. As the chance for reactants to be in the same grid cell decreases for smaller cell widths, the RDME loses bimolecular reactions in finer grids. We show that for a single homo-bimolecular reaction, the mesh spacing can be interpreted as the reaction radius of a well-mixed C–K rate. Then, the bimolecular reaction loss is consistent with diffusion-limited kinetics in the mean-field steady state. In this interpretation, the constant in a bimolecular reaction propensity is no longer the macroscopic reaction rate but the rate of the ballistic C–K step. For the same grid resolution, different diffusion models in RDME, such as those based on finite differences and Gaussian jumps, represent different reaction radii.
Advancing solar thermal energy systems: Comparative study of low-cost receivers in parabolic trough collectors
Authors: Hroub Qussay , Drira Youssef , Jribi Skander , Bentaher Hatem
Published: December 2024

The growing demand for efficient and cost-effective solar thermal energy solutions underscores the importance of innovative receiver designs in parabolic trough collector (PTC) systems. Despite the reliability of conventional designs, there is a need for low-cost alternatives that are accessible for widespread use, particularly in developing regions. However, a notable absence of comparative studies using the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) norm, the ISO 9806:2017 standard, which is the most current framework for thermal performance testing, thus highlighting a critical area for exploration. This study aims to develop and evaluate two low-cost receiver designs for a PTC system equipped with a stainless-steel reflector: one featuring a U-pipe within an evacuated glass tube, and the other using inlet and outlet pipes. Experimental testing was conducted according to the ISO 9806:2017 standard to assess their impact on the thermal efficiency of the collecting system. Additionally, we validated our results against previous research findings, which employed the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) norm, the ASHRAE 93 standard, which is the older and more rigorous. The thermal efficiencies were determined to be 43.79% for the U-pipe receiver and 49.77% for the inlet/outlet pipes receiver. The latter design shows a reduced overall heat loss coefficient, caused by the increased heat transfer surface area and the direct contact between the water and the absorber. These findings highlight the potential of the inlet/outlet pipes receiver as a cost-effective and efficient solution, particularly in developing regions.
Imaging of dark line defect growth in high-power diode laser cavities using broadband near infrared light emission from the laser cavity
Authors: Wang Luyang , McVay Elaine , Baxamusa Salmaan H. , Deri Robert J. , Fenwick William E. , Kotovsky Jack , Crowley Mark , Song Jiyon , Thaler Gerald , Dusty Adam , Schuck Christopher , Pipe Kevin P.
Published: December 2024

An in situ and nondestructive technique is developed to image the formation and evolution of dark line defects in the cavity of a high-power diode laser. The technique uses broadband near infrared emission that originates in the laser's core layers and enables defects to be imaged with high spatial resolution through the substrate. In particular, it enables defect imaging through the substrate of shorter wavelength lasers, even when the substrate is opaque near the lasing wavelength. The evolution of dark line defects during aging is studied in several devices, with correlations established between the observed characteristics of defect growth and changes in device parameters such as optical power, operating wavelength, threshold current, and slope efficiency. Gradual degradation is found to be associated with dark line defects that slowly propagate from dark spots that are present in the device interior in its fresh (unaged) condition, rather than propagating from spots that are formed during aging, suggesting a strategy to screen fresh devices for expected reliability. This defect growth phenomenon is found to be particularly evident in the dark spots near the output facet.
GaN remote epitaxy on a pristine graphene buffer layer via controlled graphitization of SiC
Authors: Lee Seokje , Kim Jekyung , Park Bo-In , Kim Han Ik , Lim Changhyun , Lee Eunsu , Yang Jeong Yong , Choi Joonghoon , Hong Young Joon , Chang Celesta S. , Kum Hyun S. , Kim Jeehwan , Lee Kyusang , Kim Hyunseok , Yi Gyu-Chul
Published: December 2024

Freestanding semiconductor membranes hold significant potential for heterogeneous integration technology and flexible electronics. Remote epitaxy, which leverages electrostatic interactions between epilayers and substrates through two-dimensional (2D) materials such as graphene, offers a promising solution for fabricating freestanding single-crystal membranes. Although the thinness, uniformity, and cleanness of 2D materials need to be meticulously controlled to enable the remote epitaxy of high-quality thin films, attaining such ideal growth templates has been challenging thus far. In this study, we demonstrate a controlled graphitization method to form a pristine graphene buffer layer (GBL) directly on SiC substrates and utilize this GBL template for GaN remote epitaxy. The quasi-two-dimensional GBL layer obtained by the method is completely free of damage or contamination, facilitating strong epitaxial interaction between the GaN epilayer and the SiC substrate. Furthermore, we reveal that a two-step growth of GaN on this GBL template enables the formation of single-crystal GaN epilayers and their exfoliation. Thus, this study represents an important step toward developing high-quality, freestanding semiconductor membranes.
DFT-based calculation of vibrational sum frequency generation spectral features of crystalline β-sheets in silk: Polarization and azimuth angle dependences
Authors: Ryu Jihyeong , Chen Sibing , Choi Juseok , Chen Xing , Kim Seong H.
Published: December 2024

Sum frequency generation (SFG) necessitates both noncentrosymmetry and coherence over multiple length scales. These requirements make vibrational SFG spectroscopy capable of probing structural information of noncentrosymmetric organic crystals interspersed in polymeric matrices and their three-dimensional spatial distributions within the matrices without spectral interferences from the amorphous components. However, this analysis is not as straightforward as simple vibrational spectroscopy or scattering experiments; it requires knowing the molecular hyperpolarizability of SFG-active vibrational modes and their interplay within the coherence length. This study demonstrates how density function theory (DFT) calculations can be used to construct the molecular hyperpolarizability of a model system and combine it with the SFG theory to predict the polarization and azimuth angle dependences of SFG intensities. A model system with short peptide chains mimicking β-sheet domains in Bombyx mori silk was chosen. SFG signals of the amide-I, II, III, and A bands and one of the CH deformation modes were simulated and compared with the experimental results and the predictions from the group theory. The SFG features of amide-I and A bands of antiparallel β-sheet could be explained with DFT-based theoretical calculations. Although vibrational coupling with neighboring groups breaks the symmetry of the D2 point group, the group theory approach and DFT calculations gave similar results for the amide-I mode. The DFT calculation results for amide-II did not match with experimental data, which suggested vibrational coupling within a larger crystalline domain may dominate the SFG spectral features of these modes. This methodology can be applied to the structural analysis of other biopolymers.
Construction of drag coefficient models of flake particles with different sectional shapes
Authors: Li Jihui , Qiao Gaoming , Tao Wentao , Li Jilin , Zhang Canyu , Huang Gen , Ma Liqiang , Zhu Yiding
Published: December 2024

The driving force for the settling motion of particles is the difference between the trailing force of the fluid and the effective force of gravity. The drag coefficient is an important parameter for predicting the drag force on an object in a fluid. Although the drag coefficients of spherical and regular non-spherical particles have been studied more, there are fewer studies on flake particles with different cross-sectional shapes. In this study, we analyzed the effects of thickness-to-diameter ratio and circularity on settling velocity by using a self-designed monitoring system, constructed a new model Z=0.7815λ2+0.0176c2+0.1 for describing the shape of flake particles, and obtained a new drag coefficient model Cd=0.0451Z−2.6438Re(−0.9236Z0.1102+1)+A containing Z and the Reynolds number Re, with an average relative error of 8.97%. Based on this model, the settling end velocity of flake particles with different cross-sectional shapes was predicted using MATLAB, with an average relative error of 5.52%, which is a good prediction. This study provides a theoretical basis for the settling behavior of flake particles.
Filtration performance and hydraulic characteristic analysis on the bottom nozzle in a fuel assembly of a nuclear energy system
Authors: Zhang Fengtao , Duan Xin , Zhang Jing , Ren Quanyao , Wu Yingwei , Li Quan , Qiu Suizheng
Published: December 2024

In the nuclear reactor system, the bottom nozzle of fuel assemblies is designed to filter debris and homogenize the flow field to avoid fuel failure due to debris wear. This study aims to determine the flow characteristics around the bottom nozzle and verify the filtering ability. Thus, relevant research is necessary to decide how debris type and bottom nozzle construction affect the flow and filtration behavior of the bottom nozzle. This study built a filtration analysis technique by establishing a visualization test facility and developing a numerical method by coupling computational fluid dynamics and the discrete element method. Three different bottom nozzles' filtration and flow characteristics were analyzed for various debris sizes and shapes. The results show that the increased geometric complexity of the bottom nozzle and debris improves filtration efficiency. According to the analysis, strip debris tends to travel parallel to the flow direction in the flow field, which weakens the filtration capability. For each bottom nozzle, debris blockage and stuckness in a small range have no significant impact on the pressure drop due to the flow distribution function of the bottom nozzle. The analysis technique and results of this study can provide a reference for the design of the filter.
Vibrational strong coupling of organic molecules embedded within graphene plasmon nanocavities facilitated by perfect absorbers
Authors: Wu Zhiyong , Liu Baiquan , Liao Shaolin , Xu Zhengji
Published: December 2024

The strong coupling between infrared photonic resonances and vibrational transitions of organic molecules is called vibrational strong coupling (VSC), which presents attractive prospects for modifying molecular chemical characteristics and behaviors. Currently, VSC studies suffer from limited bandwidth or enormous mode volumes. In addition, in certain instances, the absorption spectrum of VSC is weaker, thus impeding the effective monitoring of the VSC effect. Here, we theoretically study the VSC effect by embedding 5-nm-thick organic molecules into a graphene plasmon nanocavity (GPNC). Pronounced anti-crossing characteristics with Rabi splitting exceeding 80 cm−1 are disclosed from the spectra of the coupled molecular system, benefiting from the ultra-small mode volume provided by the GPNC. Further assembling the GPNC into a perfect absorber configuration can significantly enhance the spectral peaks of the VSC effect, thus maximizing the reachability of the VSC phenomenon. Furthermore, the tunability of graphene enables monitoring of spectral changes by electrically adjusting graphene’s Fermi level in a structure with fixed geometric parameters. In addition, we establish an analytical framework in alignment with computational simulations to elucidate the triggering criteria for the VSC mode, thereby giving a clear picture for understanding the physical processes that form the VSC mode. Given that graphene supports plasmon modes across an extensive range extending from infrared to terahertz, the suggested GPNC presents a suitable framework for investigating the VSC effect of diverse organic materials.
A metastable temperature-strain phase diagram of HfxZr1−xO2 thin films based on synchrotron-based in situ 2D GIXRD investigation
Authors: Cui Tianning , Xue Zhipeng , Chen Danyang , Fan Yuyan , Liu Jingquan , Si Mengwei , Li Xiuyan
Published: December 2024

The in-plane strain in the ferroelectric HfxZr1−xO2 (HZO) thin films has been considered to be the global factor behind many process parameters affecting the concentration of metastable polar-orthorhombic phase (O-phase Pca21) formed in the transformation pathway from tetragonal to monoclinic phase. However, the strain is generally effective in crystal phase nucleation and transition with the thermal budget and itself also changes with the thermal budget. The issue of how the O-phase is formed and changed in real time with effect of both thermal budget and in-plane strain has not been clarified, which is critical for engineering the O-phase concentration. Focusing on this issue, this work demonstrates the co-effect of strain and temperature on phase formation and transition in HZO by employing the synchrotron-based in situ two-dimensional (2D) grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD) investigation. HZO thin films with different process parameters exhibit four types of phase transition processes during heating and cooling. Meanwhile, the in-plane strain magnitude and each phase concentration in the films during annealing are extracted. Based on both, the study established a universal temperature-strain phase diagram of HZO films and proposed a kinetic model for optimizing the ferroelectric O-phase formation. The study provides deep insights into O-phase engineering and ferroelectricity optimization in HZO thin films.
Data-driven pressure estimation and optimal sensor selection for noisy turbine flow with blocked clustering strategy
Authors: Li Xuhui , Hu Chenxing , Liu Hao , Shi Xin , Peng Jingyu
Published: December 2024

The design and control of turbomachinery require a wealth of spatiotemporal data. Thus, the low-cost and robust estimation of global aerodynamics from extremely limited data and noisy measurements is an important problem. This paper describes a data-driven approach to estimate the full-field pressure distribution of a turbine cascade flow in combination with sparse-distributed sensor measurements. For the offline library building and online reconstructing, the reduced-order model based on standard proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) and least squares approximation, and sparse representation based on overcomplete dictionary and L1 norm minimization are leveraged. To enhance the reconstruction accuracy and robustness with noisy measurements and varied sensor selections, a novel blocked K-means clustering strategy is developed to reconstruct the global flow field through the superposition of multiple local clusters. The statistical results indicate that sparse representation outperforms gappy POD in high-noise measurement environments due to its superior noise robustness and effective feature selection. By applying the proposed blocked clustering strategy, the accuracy and robustness of sparse estimation are significantly improved. The mean square error of gappy POD can be reduced by 9.86% for pressure reconstruction at 90% span of the turbine blade. Sparse representation produces excellent robustness enhancement when the noise intensity exceeds 0.3. Overall, the local reconstruction framework developed in this paper exhibits outstanding advantages in reconstruction accuracy and robustness.
Two-color Kerr rotation spectroscopy of a suspended transition-metal dichalcogenide monolayer
Authors: Mariani G. , Kunihashi Y. , Smet L. , Wakamura T. , Sasaki S. , Ishihara J. , Kohda M. , Nitta J. , Sanada H.
Published: December 2024

We demonstrate the advantage of using two-color Kerr rotation spectroscopy to study the long-lived valley polarization in a suspended WSe2 monolayer. Low-temperature optical measurements under electrostatic gating reveal the high degree of freedom in tailoring the properties of the suspended monolayer by controlling optical interference at the monolayer, strain, and the carrier density of the material. We examine the lifetime of spin-valley polarized carriers by using the reflected light in a two-color pump-probe experiment. The observed dependence of the Kerr rotation lifetimes on the gate voltage and probe laser energy allows us to examine their origins associated with different forms of excitons. Our results show possibilities for analyzing long-lived valley polarization dynamics in gate-tunable suspended monolayers by using Kerr rotation, where we can exclude the influence of substrate perturbations on the carrier dynamics.
CO2 chemistry of Cu(100) regulated by Ni deposition and pressure
Authors: Zhao Rui , Li Ling , Liu Yu , Meng Weiwen , Wang Xuan , Qiu Hengshan
Published: December 2024

Modification of copper-based catalysts by incorporating a second metal is prevailing in developing high-performance catalysts for CO2 hydrogenation. In particular, the insight into how the reaction is influenced is key to understanding the nature of the strategy. Herein, we show that both intermediates and reaction pathways of CO2 over Cu(100) are conspicuously regulated by Ni deposition and CO2 pressure. CO2 exposure to Cu(100) at room temperature mainly yields surface oxygen and gas phase CO, whereas the deposited Ni functions in two ways: either to stabilize the surface carbonate species or to dissociate CO, leading to surface carbon and oxygen deposition. Interestingly, the pathways depend strongly on the pressure of CO2, which essentially induces surface roughening and alters the competition of CO/CO2 to react with Ni. Density functional theory simulations reveal that both factors have a notable influence on the adsorption/desorption kinetics and the stability of intermediates, hence leading to varied pathways.
Canonical coupled cluster binding benchmark for nanoscale noncovalent complexes at the hundred-atom scale
Authors: Lao Ka Un
Published: December 2024

In this study, we introduce two datasets for nanoscale noncovalent binding, featuring complexes at the hundred-atom scale, benchmarked using coupled cluster with single, double, and perturbative triple [CCSD(T)] excitations extrapolated to the complete basis set (CBS) limit. The first dataset, L14, comprises 14 complexes with canonical CCSD(T)/CBS benchmarks, extending the applicability of CCSD(T)/CBS binding benchmarks to systems as large as 113 atoms. The second dataset, vL11, consists of 11 even larger complexes, evaluated using the local CCSD(T)/CBS method with stringent thresholds, covering systems up to 174 atoms. We compare binding energies obtained from local CCSD(T) and fixed-node diffusion Monte Carlo (FN-DMC), which have previously shown discrepancies exceeding the chemical accuracy threshold of 1 kcal/mol in large complexes, with the new canonical CCSD(T)/CBS results. While local CCSD(T)/CBS agrees with canonical CCSD(T)/CBS within binding uncertainties, FN-DMC consistently underestimates binding energies in π–π complexes by over 1 kcal/mol. Potential sources of error in canonical CCSD(T)/CBS are discussed, and we argue that the observed discrepancies are unlikely to originate from CCSD(T) itself. Instead, the fixed-node approximation in FN-DMC warrants further investigation to elucidate these binding discrepancies. Using these datasets as reference, we evaluate the performance of various electronic structure methods, semi-empirical approaches, and machine learning potentials for nanoscale complexes. Based on computational accuracy and stability across system sizes, we recommend MP2+aiD(CCD), PBE0+D4, and ωB97X-3c as reliable methods for investigating noncovalent interactions in nanoscale complexes, maintaining their promising performance observed in smaller systems.
Study on the explosion load characteristics of aluminized explosives near the wall in deep water
Authors: Yang Tonghui , Sun Yuanxiang , Yu Zehai , Wang Cheng , Liu Zhanli
Published: December 2024

In this study, experiments on underwater explosions near a wall at water depths of 200–500 m were conducted in a pressure tank using 5 g aluminized explosives with varying aluminum powder content (0%–15%). The shock wave load, bubble contraction and collapse load, jet load, and impulse on the wall were measured. A numerical model simulating underwater explosions at depths ranging from 200 to 2000 m was developed, and the experimental data were used to validate the model's accuracy and the reliability of the simulation results. The effects of water depth and aluminum powder content on explosion load characteristics near the wall and on jet evolution were analyzed. The results showed that for the shock wave load, as water depth increased, the energy released by the afterburning reaction of the aluminum powder also increased. However, the dissipation of the shock wave energy exceeded the increase in peak overpressure, resulting in a net decrease in the shock wave load. The increase in aluminum powder content extended the positive pressure duration of the shock wave, thereby increasing the impulse of the shock wave. For the jet load, when the jet was in the same phase of bubble pulsation, an increase in water depth primarily increased the peak overpressure of the jet load, while an increase in aluminum powder content mainly extended the jet duration, thereby increasing both the impulse and the damage ability of the jet load.
Adjustment of fracture network geometry during temporary plugging and diverting fracturing in deep coalbed methane reservoirs: An experimental study
Authors: Zou Yushi , Zhao Ziwen , Zhang Shicheng , Ma Xinfang
Published: December 2024

Deep coalbed methane reservoirs generally exhibit characteristics such as extremely low permeability, significant heterogeneity, high in situ stress, and dense geological discontinuities. Notably, these geological discontinuities cleats, bedding planes, and natural fractures, as mechanically weak planes, significantly contribute to the creation of extremely complex and tortuous hydraulic fracture (HF) networks near the wellbore, but impede the propagation of HFs to the far-field region. This will lead to insufficient stimulated reservoir volume, thereby limiting the CBM production. Under this background, a series of physical simulation experiments of temporary plugging and diverting fracturing (TPDF) were carried out on large-size coal blocks under true triaxial stress conditions. Combining high-energy industrial computed tomography scanning technology, first, the morphology of fracture propagation of the sample before TPDF is divided into two fracture propagation modes. Then, TPDF experiments were conducted to analyze the behavior of fracture propagation under different modes. Finally, a mode of TPDF tailored for adjusting the HF network geometry in deep CBM reservoirs was explored innovatively. The effects of concentration and particle size of the temporary plugging agent (TPA) on pressure increment, plugging location and fracture diversion behavior during TPDF were examined in particular. Experimental results indicate that optimizing the concentration and particle-size of TPA based on the resulting fracture geometry is crucial for adjusting the fracture network geometry (simplifying the growth behavior of HF near the wellbore while increasing fracture complexity in the far-field region) during conventional fracturing (before using the TPA). When a complex fracture network is created under the condition of formation with high-dense natural fractures (NFs) near the wellbore region, using small-particle-size TPA (e.g., 70/140 mesh) is optimal for adjusting the fracture geometry, as it can effectively plug the NFs and allow them to continue extending toward the far-field region. Meanwhile, a higher concentration of TPA is beneficial for plugging the interval of HF closer to the wellbore, and then causing the creation of complex fracture networks. When a long single HF is generated under the condition of a formation with low-dense NFs, using the medium-particle-size TPA (e.g., 40/70 mesh) is optimal for enhancing the fracture complexity near the wellbore region. Using TPA of excessively large particle sizes (e.g., 20/40 mesh) tends to plug the HFs at their entrances, causing HFs to be reinitiated from the unstimulated segment of the wellbore. This study can provide crucial theoretical guidance for optimizing the scheme design of TPDF in deep CBM reservoirs.
Exploring the promoting effect of lanthanum passivation on the photovoltaic performance of CZTSSe solar cells
Authors: Zhao Yun , Yang Fengxia , Luo Zhengjun , Wu Yongkang , Dong Xiaofei , Chen Jiangtao , Zhang Xuqiang , Li Yan
Published: December 2024

The significant open-circuit voltage (VOC) deficit poses a major obstacle to enhancing the efficiency of Cu2ZnSn(S,Se)4 (CZTSSe) solar cells. Interface passivation emerges as a potent strategy to regulate carrier transport and boost performance. Here, we innovatively introduced rare-earth lanthanum (La) to passivate the absorber interface by directly treating the absorption layer surface with an aqueous La3+ ion solution. This approach effectively minimizes interface defect concentrations and mitigates Fermi-level pinning effects. Notably, the VOC markedly increases from 406 to 456 mV after La treatment. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency soars from 6.78% (VOC = 406 mV, JSC = 29.95 mA/cm2, FF = 55.28%) for the reference cell to 7.89% (VOC = 451 mV, JSC = 30.12 mA/cm2, FF = 59.56%) for the optimized La-processed cell. This groundbreaking work opens up a novel avenue for advancing CZTSSe solar cell performance, offering promising implications for the future of CZTSSe thin-film photovoltaic technology.
Optimizing renewable energy systems: A comprehensive review of entropy generation minimization
Authors: Nabwey Hossam A. , Ashraf Muhammad , Nadeem Hajra , Rashad A. M. , Chamkha Ali J.
Published: December 2024

This comprehensive literature review examines the key concepts of entropy generation minimization and its significant impact on the advancement of renewable energy systems. The study begins by introducing the fundamental principles of entropy generation and their relevance to thermodynamic processes. It emphasizes the critical role of reducing entropy production in enhancing the overall efficiency of energy conversion technologies. This review evaluates various approaches to identifying and mitigating irreversibility in renewable energy applications, including analytical methods, numerical simulations, and optimization strategies. It also explores how the principles of entropy generation minimization can be integrated into system design and operation to improve the performance of a wide range of renewable energy technologies, such as biomass conversion, wind turbines, solar photovoltaic systems, and geothermal energy. Furthermore, this review provides a thorough examination of the literature, spanning from classical theories to the latest innovations in thermodynamics and heat transfer. The novelty of this review lies in addressing the gap between entropy generation minimization and its application to renewable energy systems, thereby paving the way for future research and technological advancements in the field.
Distribution and mixing mechanism of a liquid jet injected in the tandem backward-facing step cavity in supersonic flow
Authors: Jiang Chuanjin , Wang Zongyang , Bao Heng , Zhong Zhan , Nie Wansheng , Tong Yiheng
Published: December 2024

Mixing process and flow field structures of liquid jet in high speed crossflow (Mach = 2) in the tandem backward-facing step cavity combustion chamber were investigated numerically. The Eulerian–Lagrangian method coupled with Kelvin–Helmholtz/Rayleigh–Taylor instability breakup model was employed in the simulation. Effects of the position of the backward-facing step and the length of the backward-facing step on droplet mixing in the cavity were studied. The simulation results showed good agreement with experimental data. It was revealed that in high speed crossflow, the jet atomization region can be roughly divided into three regions: the mainstream region, the cavity recirculation region, and the backward-facing step recirculation region. According to the flow mode in the cavity, the cavity recirculation region can be divided into four modes: open cavity (mode I), closed cavity (mode II), open cavity with reattachment shock wave uplift (mode III), and closed cavity with reattachment shock wave uplift (mode IV). The number of droplets entering the cavity is lower in modes I and III compared to modes II and IV, where a greater number of droplets enter the cavity.
The influence mechanism of blade crack on the acoustic characteristics of compressor
Authors: Gao Wu , Ren Ping , Luan Yigang , Wang Donghua , Shuai Zhijun , Li Wanyou
Published: December 2024

A fault diagnosis method for blade cracks based on noise is proposed, and the mechanism of blade cracks on the rotor-stator interaction is studied. First, compressor noise is tested. The results show that blade cracks lead to significant changes in the blade passing frequency (1BPF). Thus, 1BPF is extracted for compressor blade crack identification. To investigate the influence mechanism of crack on 1BPF, the compressor characteristics are analyzed using the finite element method and dynamic mode decomposition. It is determined that the 1BPF of the compressor mainly originates from the trailing-edge potential flow field of the front-stage blade interfering with the rear-stage blade and is generated at the leading edge of the rear-stage stator blade. Because cracks affect 1BPF, and 1BPF is related to the trailing-edge potential flow field of the front-stage blade, the interaction mechanism between cracks and the trailing-edge potential flow field is studied. The flow field of an isolated blade is analyzed using finite element analysis, revealing that crack generation leads to enhanced fluctuations in the potential flow field of the blade, which in turn promote the rotor-stator interaction between the front and rear blades. This is finally reflected in changes in the 1BPF amplitude. Wind tunnel tests verify this theory. This paper analyzes the acoustic characteristics and influence mechanism of blade cracks on the compressor, providing a theoretical foundation for related research.
Three-dimensional distortion of free-stream turbulence with the leading-edge stagnation point of an elongated bluff body
Authors: Li Shaopeng , Li Jingyang , Yang Qingshan , Li Tian , Wang Peiyuan , Huang Hui
Published: December 2024

The paper focuses on studying the unsteadiness, three-dimensionality, and distortion of free-stream turbulence approaching the stagnation point of an elongated bluff body. This aerodynamic problem is complicated because of the combination of blocking, distortion, and three-dimensional (3D) effects. Using the spectral tensor concept, a closed-form solution of the three-dimensional transfer function (3D AAF) of the fluctuating pressure at the stagnation point is proposed. The 3D AAF provides us with an appropriate way to quantitatively study these effects on the unsteady behavior of fluctuating pressures. Our experimental results indicate that the fluctuating pressure at low wavenumbers can be predicted by Bernoulli's equation. The 3D effect becomes more prominent for smaller-scale turbulence, resulting in a more correlated fluctuating pressure in a spanwise direction and a faster decay of pressure spectra at high wavenumbers. By contrast, the distortion plays a more important role in determining this rapid “roll-off” of the stagnation fluctuating pressure spectra. This tendency becomes more prominent with the increase in Lu/D, where Lu is the longitudinal turbulence scale, and D is the leading-edge body dimension. The possible physical interpretation for the unsteady behavior of fluctuating pressures at the stagnation point is discussed.
A comparative analysis of wildfire initial attack containment objectives and modelling strategies in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Korkola Kennedy , Wheatley Melanie , Beverly Jennifer , James Patrick M. A. , Wotton Mike
Published: December 2024

Background Fire management agencies use the proportion of fires classified as initial attack (IA) success as a suppression performance metric, making IA success a common indicator of suppression effectiveness in research. The criteria and definition for IA success vary based on operational objectives, making comparisons across studies difficult. Aims To examine the sensitivity of different time and size-based IA success definitions on model predictive accuracy and compare different modelling approaches. Methods Using 30 years of historical fire report data from Ontario, Canada (n = 26,171), we developed logistic regression models, bagged classification trees and random forest models to predict IA success for eight different definitions. Model predictive accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were assessed on an independent validation dataset. Key results The eight definitions classified between 79 and 98% of fires as IA successes. There was no clear pattern between model strength across prediction metrics and IA success definition. Logistic regression generally outperformed machine learning methods in classifying IA escapes. Conclusions and implications The definition of IA success does not greatly impact model performance across the modelling techniques used. Models of IA success and suppression-system performance metrics should be set with specific research or operational objectives in mind.
The role of orthography and phonology during L1 vs. L2 typed production
Authors: Muylle Merel , Jarema Gonia
Published: December 2024

Dual-route models of typing assume two pathways to retrieve a word’s spelling: a direct route connecting word to
letter representations, and an indirect route via sound representations. The individual contribution of each route may depend on
the modality of language acquisition: the first language (L1) is acquired sequentially in spoken and written modality
respectively, whereas the second language (L2) is often acquired simultaneously in both modalities. We investigated whether
sequential bilinguals rely more on the direct route during L2 vs. L1 typing. French-English bilinguals performed a typed
picture-word interference task in their L1 and L2. We compared facilitation in naming for distractors that were phonologically (P)
related, phonologically + orthographically (PO) related, or unrelated to the target. We predicted more facilitation by PO vs. P
distractors in the L2 than in the L1. Participants showed significant facilitation by PO distractors, but not by P distractors,
suggesting that orthographic overlap (together with phonology) helped retrieving the target spelling, whereas phonological overlap
alone did not. The magnitude of this effect was similar across L1 and L2, contrary to our predictions. However, the absence of
mere phonological facilitation suggests that phonology only contributes to typing when supported by orthography.
Spanish for Emergency Room Nursing
Authors: Helms Lindsay L.
Published: December 2024

This study conducts a task-based needs analysis (NA) to (1)
determine the Spanish language needs of primarily English-speaking emergency
room nurses in the Southeastern US and (2) inform the design of a potential
Spanish for ER Nursing course. This mixed-methods study included three phases of
both data collection and analysis, adapted from Serafini and Torres (2015) and Malicka et al. (2019). In Phase 1, a variety of
open-ended measures were used to determine tasks common in ER settings as
reported by each type of participant. In Phase 2, participants rated the
frequency and importance of these tasks. In Phase 3, the participants reviewed
the list of tasks in follow-up interviews. Results are presented as a series of
tasks performed in the ER context, ranked according to frequency and importance.
The study improves upon previous task-based needs analyses by implementing
recent methodological considerations by Serafini (2022) and Gilabert and
Malicka (2022).
Task repetition and L2 grit
Authors: Róg Tomasz , Krawiec Marek
Published: December 2024

Task repetition (TR) has been shown to improve fluency, but empirical evidence of its impact on complexity and accuracy (CAF) remains mixed. Various individual difference factors appear to be intricately linked to the benefits of TR. One such individual difference is L2 grit, representing perseverance and passion for language learning goals, which has been positively correlated with L2 proficiency. The present study aimed to clarify the effects of TR on all CAF measures and elucidate whether learners with high and low levels of L2 grit benefit differently from TR. Forty-two Polish EFL secondary school learners participated, with their oral task performances analyzed before and after immediate exact TR. The findings show that both high- and low-grit learners benefit from TR, with significant improvements in fluency, complexity, and accuracy. Furthermore, high L2 grit learners consistently outperform low L2 grit learners. Notably, high L2 grit levels amplify the benefits of TR, particularly in accuracy and fluency measures. However, the interaction effect between TR and L2 grit appears to positively influence only the measures of lexical diversity and correct verb forms.
SARS-CoV-2 specific adaptations in N protein inhibit NF-κB activation and alter pathogenesis
Authors: Guo Xiao , Yang Shimin , Cai Zeng , Zhu Shunhua , Wang Hongyun , Liu Qianyun , Zhang Zhen , Feng Jiangpeng , Chen Xianying , Li Yingjian , Deng Jikai , Liu Jiejie , Li Jiali , Tan Xue , Fu Zhiying , Xu Ke , Zhou Li , Chen Yu
Published: December 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) exhibit differences in their inflammatory responses and pulmonary damage, yet the specific mechanisms remain unclear. Here, we discovered that the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein inhibits the activation of the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and downstream signal transduction by impeding the assembly of the transforming growth factor β-activated kinase1 (TAK1)–TAK1 binding protein 2/3 (TAB2/3) complex. In contrast, the SARS-CoV N protein does not impact the NF-κB pathway. By comparing the amino acid sequences of the SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV N proteins, we identified Glu-290 and Gln-349 as critical residues in the C-terminal domain (CTD) of the SARS-CoV-2 N protein, essential for its antagonistic function. These findings were further validated in a SARS-CoV-2 trans-complementation system using cellular and animal models. Our results reveal the distinctions in inflammatory responses triggered by SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV, highlighting the significance of specific amino acid alterations in influencing viral pathogenicity.