bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coherently Driven Quantum Harmonic Oscillator Battery
Authors: Gangwar Kuldeep , Pathak Anirban
Published: June 2024

Recently, quantum harmonic oscillator (QHO) battery models have been studied with importance because these experimentally realizable batteries have high ergotropy and capacity to store more than one quanta of energy. However, the following fundamental questions are not yet answered: Do these models have any benefit? Are these models stable against the environment? These questions are answered both numerically and analytically by considering a model that allows a laser to shine on a QHO charger, which interacts with a QHO battery. The laser frequency is tuned with the local frequencies of the charger and battery (off‐resonance) or the frequency of the global charger‐battery system (on‐resonance). It is shown that for a fixed laser field amplitude, in the off‐resonance (on‐resonance) charging process, the maximum energy stored in a battery depends on the detuning and coupling strength (charger dissipation constant). The charging process of the open QHO, which is a simplified model, is also discussed. Further, the charging process of QHO in the simplified model is observed to be faster than the same for the catalytic and non‐catalytic batteries. The self‐discharging process is found to be almost doubly faster than the charging process, implying that the QHO batteries are unstable against the environment.
Force/position tracking control of fracture reduction robot based on nonlinear disturbance observer and neural network
Authors: Lei Jintao , Wang Zhuangzhuang
Published: June 2024

Background

For the fracture reduction robot, the position tracking accuracy and compliance are affected by dynamic loads from muscle stretching, uncertainties in robot dynamics models, and various internal and external disturbances.

Methods

A control method that integrates a Radial Basis Function Neural Network (RBFNN) with Nonlinear Disturbance Observer is proposed to enhance position tracking accuracy. Additionally, an admittance control is employed for force tracking to enhance the robot's compliance, thereby improving the safety.

Results

Experiments are conducted on a long bone fracture model with simulated muscle forces and the results demonstrate that the position tracking error is less than ±0.2 mm, the angular displacement error is less than ±0.3°, and the maximum force tracking error is 26.28 N. This result can meet surgery requirements.

Conclusions

The control method shows promising outcomes in enhancing the safety and accuracy of long bone fracture reduction with robotic assistance.
Augmented‐reality‐based surgical navigation for endoscope retrograde cholangiopancreatography: A phantom study
Authors: Lin Zhipeng , Yang Zhuoyue , Li Ranyang , Sun Shangyu , Yan Bin , Yang Yongming , Liu Hao , Pan Junjun
Published: June 2024

Background

Endoscope retrograde cholangiopancreatography is a standard surgical treatment for gallbladder and pancreatic diseases. However, surgeons is at high risk and require sufficient surgical experience and skills.

Methods

(1) The simultaneous localisation and mapping technique to reconstruct the surgical environment. (2) The preoperative 3D model is transformed into the intraoperative video environment to implement the multi‐modal fusion. (3) A framework for virtual‐to‐real projection based on hand‐eye alignment. For the purpose of projecting the 3D model onto the imaging plane of the camera, it uses position data from electromagnetic sensors.

Results

Our AR‐assisted navigation system can accurately guide physicians, which means a distance of registration error to be restricted to under 5 mm and a projection error of 5.76 ± 2.13, and the intubation procedure is done at 30 frames per second.

Conclusions

Coupled with clinical validation and user studies, both the quantitative and qualitative results indicate that our navigation system has the potential to be highly useful in clinical practice.
Gaussian process selections in semiparametric multi‐kernel machine regression for multi‐pathway analysis
Authors: Lin Jiali , Kim Inyoung
Published: June 2024

Analyzing
correlated high‐dimensional data is a challenging problem in genomics, proteomics, and other related areas. For example, it is important to identify significant genetic pathway effects associated with biomarkers in which a gene pathway is a set of genes that functionally works together to regulate a certain biological process. A pathway‐based analysis can detect a subtle change in expression level that cannot be found using a gene‐based analysis. Here, we refer to pathway as a set and gene as an element in a set. However, it is challenging to select automatically which pathways are highly associated to the outcome when there are multiple pathways. In this paper, we propose a semiparametric multikernel regression model to study the effects of fixed covariates (e.g., clinical variables) and sets of elements (e.g., pathways of genes) to address a problem of detecting signal sets associated to biomarkers. We model the unknown high‐dimension functions of multi‐sets via multiple Gaussian kernel machines to consider the possibility that elements within the same set interact with each other. Hence, our variable set selection can be considered a Gaussian process set selection. We develop our Gaussian process set selection under the Bayesian variance component‐selection framework. We incorporate prior knowledge for structural sets by imposing an Ising prior on the model. Our approach can be easily applied in high‐dimensional spaces where the sample size is smaller than the number of variables. An efficient variational Bayes algorithm is developed. We demonstrate the advantages of our approach through simulation studies and through a type II diabetes genetic‐pathway analysis.
Two‐stage randomized clinical trials with a right‐censored endpoint: Comparison of frequentist and Bayesian adaptive designs
Authors: Boumendil Luana , Chevret Sylvie , Lévy Vincent , Biard Lucie
Published: June 2024

Adaptive randomized clinical trials are of major interest when dealing with a time‐to‐event outcome in a prolonged observation window. No consensus exists either to define stopping boundaries or to combine values or test statistics in the terminal analysis in the case of a frequentist design and sample size adaptation. In a one‐sided setting, we compared three frequentist approaches using stopping boundaries relying on ‐spending functions and a Bayesian monitoring setting with boundaries based on the posterior distribution of the log‐hazard ratio. All designs comprised a single interim analysis with an efficacy stopping rule and the possibility of sample size adaptation at this interim step. Three frequentist approaches were defined based on the terminal analysis: combination of stagewise statistics (Wassmer) or of values (Desseaux), or on patientwise splitting (Jörgens), and we compared the results with those of the Bayesian monitoring approach (Freedman). These different approaches were evaluated in a simulation study and then illustrated on a real dataset from a randomized clinical trial conducted in elderly patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. All approaches controlled for the type I error rate, except for the Bayesian monitoring approach, and yielded satisfactory power. It appears that the frequentist approaches are the best in underpowered trials. The power of all the approaches was affected by the violation of the proportional hazards (PH) assumption. For adaptive designs with a survival endpoint and a one‐sided alternative hypothesis, the Wassmer and Jörgens approaches after sample size adaptation should be preferred, unless violation of PH is suspected.
Green Synthesis of Carbon Aerogel from Rose Apple (Syzygium jambos) for Ciprofloxacin, Diesel Oil, Organic Solvents Adsorption, and Electrochemical Properties
Authors: Phong Mai Thanh , Dat Tran Do , An Hoang , Nam Nguyen Thanh Hoai , Cong Che Quang , Tu Phan Minh , Minh Dang Thanh Cong , Hieu Nguyen Huu
Published: June 2024

The ascribed work suggests a fabrication pathway of carbon aerogel material from the rose apple (Syzygium jambos) fruit (RACA), in which a hydrothermal step, followed by a calcination process under various temperatures from 600 to 900 °C was carried out. RACA were characterized via multiple methods to briefly determine the optimal calcination temperature for the application, revealing that the temperature of 700 °C provided an intermediate deconstruction effect to form the amorphous structure and amplified the surface area. Whence, the materials were assessed for the adsorption capacities towards diesel oil which provided a capacity of approximately 35 g/g, although the adsorption capacity decreased slightly after 5 cycles of recovery and reuse. Furthermore, RACA‐700 exhibits high adsorption capacity of organic solvents (toluene, cyclohexane, butanol, hexane, and chloroform) and the ciprofloxacin antibiotic. Besides, the utilization of the fabricated carbon aerogel in the supercapacitor was also investigated. The obtained results elucidate the highest specific capacitance of 61.20 F/g, corresponding with the lowest resistance of 195.6 Ω, which indicates the ability to maintain capacitance after 5000 cycles and still retain 60 % efficiency, thereby signifying the potential application of carbon aerogel in sustainable material construction.
Catalytic Activity and Mechanical Stability of ZIFs‐Derived CoCeOx/Cordierite Monolithic Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Fan , Zhang Heng , Wu Dongfang
Published: June 2024

Bimetallic oxide catalysts derived from zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs) have good catalytic oxidation activity, but their application is limited because the powder is not conducive to industrial production. In this study, CoCeOx/cordierite monolithic catalysts derived from ZIFs were prepared by a simple impregnation method. Firstly, a phase transition of Co‐ZIF was induced in ethanol solution by adding excessive Ce(NO3)3. Subsequently, tannic acid (TA) was used to chelate excess metal on the surface to expose more active sites. Meanwhile, TA staying on the surface of the precursor could also prevent the accumulation of Ce at high temperatures. After the activity test, CoCeOx/cordierite showed excellent activity for the catalytic oxidation of o‐xylene with a T90 of 295 °C. The mechanical stability of the catalyst was also tested by ultrasonic vibration method. In addition, we investigated the influence of factors such as impregnation cycles and TA treatment time on the physical and chemical properties. This paper provides a new idea for preparing monolithic catalysts derived from ZIFs.
Daidzein‐Based Amphiphilic Small Molecular Antimicrobial Peptidomimetics as Novel Antimicrobial Agents with Anti‐Biofilm Activity
Authors: Hong Zijian , Yu Tsz Tin , Yasir Muhammad , Sara Manjulatha , Black David StC , Willcox Mark DP , Kuppusamy Rajesh , Kumar Naresh
Published: June 2024

A new series of daidzein‐based short peptidomimetic compounds were developed. In this study, we incorporated an alkyl chain with different chain lengths as hydrophobic groups, various amino acids and their respective guanidinium salts as hydrophilic groups. The most potent compound 9 a showed excellent antibacterial activity with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 8 μM against S. aureus and 32 μM against Escherichia coli. Furthermore, 9 a inhibited more than 65 % S. aureus biofilm formation at sub‐MIC, it also disrupted 69 % pre‐established S. aureus at 64 μM. The cytoplasmic membrane permeability study of 9 a revealed that the depolarization of membrane could be the possible mechanism of action. However, 9 a exhibited moderate toxicity against human erythrocytes.
Catalytic Esterification of Pentaerythritol over a Mesoporous Composite SnCl2@HZSM‐5 Catalyst
Authors: Mi Miao , Xiong Jie , Zhang Suhong , Zhang Yidong , Chen Xin , Shao Rong , Xu Wei , Ding Jianfei
Published: June 2024

The mesoporous HZSM‐5 and SnCl2@HZSM‐5 mesoporous composite were prepared by two‐step crystallization and wet impregnation method, respectively. The catalytic esterification performances of SnCl2, HZSM‐5 and SnCl2@HZSM‐5 were compared. SnCl2@HZSM‐5 had the most amount of total and weak acidity, and the weakest acid strength. More total acid content was beneficial to increase pentaerythritol conversion, and the weak acid could improve the selectivity of PETS, and weak acid strength was beneficial to inhibit the formation of carbon deposits. Brönsted and Lewis acid sites were present simultaneously on the SnCl2@HZSM‐5 catalyst. Moreover, some extra Brönsted acid sites were created on the SnCl2@HZSM‐5 catalyst, because the interaction of SnCl2 with HZSM‐5 may result in the exchange of Sn2+ with protons. Both acid sites could catalyze the esterification reaction, and the Brönsted acid site was more beneficial to increasing PETS selectivity. Therefore, SnCl2@HZSM‐5 showed the highest pentaerythritol conversion, PETS selectivity and catalytic stability. The generation of coke and the leaching of Sn were the main cause of catalyst deactivation. Under the optimized process conditions: 105 °C, 4.7 molar ratio of stearic acid and pentaerythritol, 1.2 wt % catalyst amount and 2.5 wt % SnCl2 loading, after 3 h reaction time, the pentaerythritol conversion, PETS selectivity and yield was 99.3 %, 97.2 % and 96.5 %, respectively.
Improving the Device Stability by Controlling the Morphology of Quantum Dot Emissive Layer Via a Coating Process in Blue QLEDs
Authors: Diker Halide , Ozguler Sahika , Sevim Unluturk Secil , Ozcelik Serdar , Varlikli Canan
Published: June 2024

Blue light‐emitting CdSe@ZnS/ZnS quantum dot (QD) nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized and their photophysical properties in both solution and film phases were investigated. The morphological properties of films prepared by different coating methods i. e. single layer coating from low to high concentrations of QD solutions and layer‐by‐layer (multilayer) coating within constant low QD solution concentration, were also examined in detail. Varying the concentration (1–10 mg/mL) and the number of layers (from 1–16) did not essentially affect the photophysical properties of QD films, although it resulted in a direct increment in QD film thickness. The concentration and layer‐dependent films were used as an emissive layer (EML) in QD light‐emitting diodes (QLEDs). Although the “6 mg/ml−1 Layer” QD EML‐based device exhibited relatively high device efficiency compared to the “1 mg/ml−10 Layers” based one at working voltage region, it had ~2‐fold higher efficiency roll‐off at high voltage region. The performance differences for both devices with the same QD EML thickness were attributed to the morphological variations for the QD layer in terms of surface roughness, void density, aggregates/clusters, and trap sites that were directly related to the charge injection balance and Auger recombination.
Do tenure‐based voting rights help mitigate the family firm control‐growth dilemma?
Authors: Imperatore Claudia , Pope Peter F.
Published: June 2024

Research Summary

Investment growth in family firms is constrained by family preferences to retain corporate control, which limits outside equity issuance and increases the expropriation risk perceived by external minority shareholders. Tenure‐based voting rights (TVRs) weaken the link between voting rights and cash flow rights, facilitating new equity capital issuance without loss of control. We find that publicly listed family firms in Italy adopt TVRs to facilitate the continuation of investment growth while retaining family control. We also find that in family firms with fragile control, investment increases after TVR adoption. Our results indicate that control‐enhancing mechanisms such as TVRs can help resolve the control–growth dilemma in family firms.

Managerial Summary

Family firms tend to invest less than other firms because funding new investment can lead to loss of family control. Tenure‐based voting rights (TVRs) reinforce the control of qualifying family shareholders, giving them extra shareholder voting power. Deviation from the one‐share‐one‐vote principle is generally regarded as detrimental to outside shareholders' interests. However, we find that TVR‐adopting Italian family firms invest more, pay higher dividends, are more profitable and have more outside shareholders on the board of directors. In other words, violation of the one‐share‐one‐vote rule using TVRs can benefit both family owners and outside shareholders. Policymakers could consider whether TVRs can help in promoting economic growth, especially in countries where family firms are important.
Surface Area‐Enhanced Cerium and Sulfur‐Modified Hierarchical Bismuth Oxide Nanosheets for Electrochemical Carbon Dioxide Reduction to Formate
Authors: Palanimuthu Naveenkumar , Subramaniam Mohan Raj , P. Muthu Austeria , Sharma Preetam Kumar , Ramalingam Vinoth , Peramaiah Karthik , Ramakrishnan Shanmugam , Gu Geun Ho , Yu Eileen Hao , Yoo Dong Jin
Published: June 2024

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction reaction (ECO2RR) is a promising approach to synthesize fuels and value‐added chemical feedstocks while reducing atmospheric CO2 levels. Here, high surface area cerium and sulfur‐doped hierarchical bismuth oxide nanosheets (Ce@S‐Bi2O3) are develpoed by a solvothermal method. The resulting Ce@S‐Bi2O3 electrocatalyst shows a maximum formate Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 92.5% and a current density of 42.09 mA cm−2 at −1.16 V versus RHE using a traditional H‐cell system. Furthermore, using a three‐chamber gas diffusion electrode (GDE) reactor, a maximum formate FE of 85% is achieved in a wide range of applied potentials (−0.86 to −1.36 V vs RHE) using Ce@S‐Bi2O3. The density functional theory (DFT) results show that doping of Ce and S in Bi2O3 enhances formate production by weakening the OH* and H* species. Moreover, DFT calculations reveal that *OCHO is a dominant pathway on Ce@S‐Bi2O3 that leads to efficient formate production. This study opens up new avenues for designing metal and element‐doped electrocatalysts to improve the catalytic activity and selectivity for ECO2RR.
Recent Research Progress of Porous Graphene and Applications in Molecular Sieve, Sensor, and Supercapacitor
Authors: Liu Mengya , Wang Liping , Yu Gui
Published: June 2024

Porous graphene, including 2D and 3D porous graphene, is widely researched recently. One of the most attractive features is the proper utilization of graphene defects, which combine the advantages of both graphene and porous materials, greatly enriching the applications of porous graphene in biology, chemistry, electronics, and other fields. In this review, the defects of graphene are first discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of porous graphene. Then, the latest advancements in the preparation of 2D and 3D porous graphene are presented. The pros and cons of these preparation methods are discussed in detail, providing a direction for the fabrication of porous graphene. Moreover, various superior properties of porous graphene are described, laying the foundation for their promising applications. Owing to its abundant morphology, wide distribution of pore size, and remarkable properties benefited from porous structure, porous graphene can not only promote molecular diffusion and electron transfer but also expose more active sites. Consequently, a serious of applications containing gas sieving, liquid separation, sensors, and supercapacitors, are presented. Finally, the challenges confronted during preparation and characterization of porous graphene are discussed, offering guidance for the future development of porous graphene in fabrication, characterization, properties, and applications.
Electrolyte Superwetting and Electrode Friendly of Porous Membrane for Better Cycling Stability of Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Feng Yunchong , Zhu Xuebing , Bian Tengfei , Liu Zewen , Zhao Long , Wang Jinhao , He Jinling , Zhao Yong
Published: June 2024

Porous polymer membranes as separator plays important roles in separating cathode and anode, storing electrolytes, and transporting ions in energy storage devices. Here, an effective strategy is reported to prepare an electrolyte superwetting membrane, which shows good Li+ transport rate and uniformity, as well as electrode‐friendly properties to afford the reduction and oxidation of electrodes. It thereby improves the cycle stability and safety of Li metal batteries. With the arrayed capillaries technique, a thin layer of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) composite is uniformly coated on the surface and pores of polypropylene (PP) membrane with a total thickness of 30 µm. After treating it with n‐butyllithium and LiNO3 in turn, a chemically inert membrane with efficient and uniform ion transport is prepared, and the cycle stability of Li||Li symmetric cells is up to 1500 h, 4 times higher than that of PP membrane. Moreover, the Li||LiFePO4 with as‐prepared membranes achieve a higher capacity retention rate of 92% after 190 cycles at a current density of 3.6 mA cm−2 and a capacity of 3.6 mAh cm−2, and the Li||NCM721 batteries achieve a capacity retention rate of 71% after 600 cycles at a current density of 1.8 mA cm−2.
Electrochemical Deposition for Cultivating Nano‐ and Microstructured Electroactive Materials for Supercapacitors: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives
Authors: Kumar S. Ashok , Sahoo Surjit , Laxminarayana Gurunatha Kargal , Rout Chandra Sekhar
Published: June 2024

The globe is currently dealing with serious issues related to the world economy and population expansion, which has led to a significant increase in the need for energy. One of the most promising energy devices for the next generation of energy technology is the supercapacitor (SC). Among the numerous nanostructured materials examined for SC electrodes, inorganic nanosheets are considered to be the most favorable electrode materials because of their excellent electrochemical performance due to their large surface area, very low layer thickness, and tunable diverse composition. Various inorganic nanosheets (NS) such as metal oxides, metal chalcogenides, metal hydroxides, and MXenes show substantial electrochemical activity. Herein, a comprehensive survey of inorganic NS arrays synthesized through the electrodeposition method is reported with the discussion on detailed growth mechanism and their application in the fabrication of SC electrodes/devices for powering flexible and wearable electronics appliances. To begin with, the first section will feature the various types of electrodeposition working mechanism, SC types and their working mechanisms, importance of nanosheet structure for SCs. This review gives a profound interpretation of supercapacitor electrode materials and their performances in different domains. Finally, a perspective on NS array through electrodeposition method applications in diverse fields is extensively examined.
NIR‐II Surface‐Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanoprobes in Biomedicine: Current Impact and Future Directions
Authors: Deng Binge , Zhang Yuqing , Qiu Guangyu , Li Jin , Lin Linley Li , Ye Jian
Published: June 2024

The field of second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoprobes has made commendable progress in biomedicine. This article reviews recent advances and future development of NIR‐II SERS nanoprobes. It introduces the fundamental principles of SERS nanoprobes and highlights key advances in the NIR‐II window, including reduced tissue attenuation, deep penetration, maximized allowable exposure, and improved photostability. The discussion of future directions includes the refinement of nanoprobe substrates, emphasizing the tailoring of optical properties of metallic SERS‐active nanoprobes, and exploring non‐metallic alternatives. The intricacies of designing Raman reporters for the NIR‐II resonance and the potential of these reporters to advance the field are also discussed. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into nanoprobe design represents a cutting‐edge approach to overcome current challenges. This article also examines the emergence of deep Raman techniques for through‐tissue SERS detection, toward NIR‐II SERS tomography. It acknowledges instrumental advancements like improved charge‐coupled device sensitivity and accelerated imaging speeds. The article concludes by addressing the critical aspects of biosafety, ease of functionalization, compatibility, and the path to clinical translation. With a comprehensive overview of current achievements and future prospects, this review aims to illuminate the path for NIR‐II SERS nanoprobes to innovate diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in biomedicine.
Codelivery of Dual Gases with Metal‐Organic Supramolecular Cage‐Based Microenvironment‐Responsive Nanomedicine for Atherosclerosis Therapy
Authors: Li Dongye , Chen Jingjing , Lu Yulin , Yan Xinyu , Yang Xieqing , Zhang Fang , Tang Yingmei , Cao Minghui , Wang Jingfeng , Pan Mei , Su Chengyong , Shen Jun
Published: June 2024

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a common cause of coronary heart disease and stroke. The delivery of exogenous H2S and in situ production of O2 within atherosclerotic plaques can help suppress inflammatory cell infiltration and alleviate disease progression. However, the uncontrolled release of gas donors hinders achieving effective drug concentrations and causes toxic effects. Herein, diallyl trisulfide (DATS)‐loaded metal‐organic cage (MOC)‐68‐doped MnO2 nanoparticles are developed as a microenvironment‐responsive nanodrug with the capacity for the in situ co‐delivery of H2S and O2 to inflammatory cells within plaques. This nanomedicine exhibited excellent monodispersity and stability and protected DATS from degradation in the circulation. In vitro studies showed that the nanomedicine reduced macrophage polarization toward an inflammatory phenotype and inhibited the formation of foam cells, while suppressing the expression of NOD‐like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) and interleukin‐1β. In a mouse model of ApoE−/− genotype, the nanomedicine reduces the plaque burden, inflammatory infiltration, and hypoxic conditions within the plaques. Furthermore, the treatment process and therapeutic effects can be monitored by magnetic resonance image (MRI), in real time upon Mn2+ release from the acidic‐ and H2O2‐ microenvironment‐responsive MnO2 nanoparticles. The DATS‐loaded MOC‐68‐doped MnO2‐based nanodrug holds great promise as a novel theranostic platform for AS.
U and Co Dual Single‐Atom Doped MXene for Accelerating Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Activity
Authors: Wu Yanze , Bo Tao , Tu Haowei , Wang Lin , Shi Weiqun
Published: June 2024

A large amount of radioactive waste is accumulated in the process of nuclear fuel preparation, causing serious pollution to the environment and abundant depleted uranium resources to be abandoned. One of the key issues affecting the development of nuclear energy is how to make full use of depleted uranium resources efficiently. Here, U element with unique coordination mode of 5f electron is spacer bonded to transition metal with 3d orbit through the adsorption and anchoring effect of MXene, thus U and Co dual doped MXene catalyst is constructed along with the comprehensive utilization of depleted uranium resources. The as‐prepared U‐Co/MXene catalyst demonstrates excellent overpotential of only 184 mV at −10 mA cm−2 and excellent stability up to 150 h, significantly surpassing the bare MXene substrate. Theoretical calculations indicate that the U and Co dual doping optimizes the electronic structure of MXene catalyst by forming the U‐O‐Co network, thereby improving the thermodynamics of H* adsorption during the catalytic transition state. This research opens up a new path for the recovery of depleted uranium resources and the development of functional actinide catalysts.
Single‐Molecule Assessment of DNA Hybridization Kinetics on Dye‐Loaded DNA Nanostructures
Authors: Li Cong , Xie Yao , Cheng Xinyi , Xu Lifeng , Yao Guangbao , Li Qian , Shen Jianlei , Fan Chunhai , Li Mingqiang
Published: June 2024

DNA nanostructures offer a versatile platform for precise dye assembly, making them promising templates for creating photonic complexes with applications in photonics and bioimaging. However, despite these advancements, the effect of dye loading on the hybridization kinetics of single‐stranded DNA protruding from DNA nanostructures remains unexplored. In this study, the DNA points accumulation for imaging in the nanoscale topography (DNA‐PAINT) technique is employed to investigate the accessibility of functional binding sites on DNA‐templated excitonic wires. The results indicate that positively charged dyes on DNA frameworks can accelerate the hybridization kinetics of protruded ssDNA through long‐range electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, the impacts of various charged dyes and binding sites are explored on diverse DNA frameworks with varying cross‐sizes. The research underscores the crucial role of electrostatic interactions in DNA hybridization kinetics within DNA‐dye complexes, offering valuable insights for the functionalization and assembly of biomimetic photonic systems.
Robust and Flexible Rubber Composite with High Photothermal Properties Achieved by In Situ ZDMA Assisted Dispersion of Eumelanin and its Hydrophobic Photothermal Application
Authors: Li Luji , Lin Zihao , He Zehua , Su Zexian , Fu Lihua , Xu Chuanhui
Published: June 2024

Eumelanin, a natural, biocompatible, and biodegradable photothermal agent derived from biomass, has attracted increasingly considerable attention due to its outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency. Unfortunately, its tendency to aggregate in flexible non‐polar polymers, owing to its abundant polar groups on the surface, severely restricted the application of eumelanin in photothermal composite field. Herein, a feasible strategy is proposed to disperse eumelanin in non‐polar rubber matrix via in situ generation of Zinc dimethacrylate (ZDMA). The graft‐polymerization of ZDMA promotes the interfacial compatibility between styrene butadiene rubber (SBR) and eumelanin, achieving a uniform dispersion of eumelanin in SBR. The rubber composite exhibits a considerable tensile strength of 11.4 MPa, acceptable elongation at break of 146%, and outstanding photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 75.2% with only 1 wt% of eumelanin. Furthermore, based on the easy‐processing of SBR matrix, the composite is treated with a sandpaper template technique and sprayed with trimethoxy(1H,1H,2H,2H‐perfluorodecyl)silane (PFDTMS) to endow the material with near superhydrophobicity (water contact angle of 147.9°) capacity. Hydrophobicity provides excellent icing resistance, with droplet surfaces extending more than twice as long to freeze. Moreover, this hydrophobic photothermal material exhibits remarkable anti‐frosting, de‐frosting, and de‐icing capabilities.
A Full‐Scale Analysis of Absorption Edges in Dye‐Doped Nonlinear Optical Polymers
Authors: Chen Weilong , Zhang Di , Zou Jie , Luo Jingdong
Published: June 2024

A full‐scale analysis of the absorption edges by modified Tauc‐Lorentz models is essential in determining the optical bandgap and Urbach energy of semiconductors, transparent conductors, ionic compounds, and dielectric materials. This technique has not yet been applied to analyzing organic nonlinear optical (NLO) materials. This problem is tackled by preparing high‐quality films of guest–host NLO polymers with a wide thickness range from sub‐micron to 200 microns, allowing accurate measurement of full‐spectral absorption coefficients of NLO materials over four orders of magnitude by the UV‐VIS‐NIR spectroscopy. The Tauc model and a new Monolog–Lorentz model are used to study the optical absorption edge of guest‐host NLO polymers containing various push‐pull chromophores and the dependence of optical bandgap and Urbach edge on the structure and composition of materials is analyzed. The results reveal the critical transition of the Urbach exponential tail to a low energy tail that overlaps with vibrational overtones of materials at the telecom wavelengths. Determining the fundamental absorption region of organic NLO films in this study provides quantitative insight into the research to harness the resonance‐enhanced nonlinear coefficients of materials by operating at the wavelengths near the band edge with the control of optical loss.
Breaking the Intrinsic Strength‐Ductility Tradeoff in Graphene‐Metal Composites
Authors: Choi Wonjune , Das Uschuas Dipta , Kim Chunghwan , Kashani Hamzeh , Kang Wonmo
Published: June 2024

Small carbon materials, such as graphene, offer excellent mechanical strength. Micro/nano carbon materials are often dispersed into a metal matrix to form bulk composites with mechanical enhancement. Despite technical progress, such composites intrinsically suffer from a trade‐off condition between strength and ductility because the load transfer path forms between mechanically strong yet chemically inert micro/nano carbon materials or between the carbon‐metal interfaces. In other words, conventional carbon and metal composites become stronger with increasing carbon contents, but the weak interfaces also increase, leading to premature failure. In this regard, crucial advances are presented toward breaking the strength‐ductility trade‐off condition by utilizing Axially bi‐Continuous Graphene‐Nickel (ACGN) wires. This innovative ACGN achieves excellent combined strength and ductility–the highest among the current Ni‐, Al‐, and Cu‐based carbon‐enhanced metal matrix composites. For example, the ultimate strength and failure strain of 25‐µm‐diameter ACGN wires are improved by 71.76% and 58.24%, compared to their counterparts. The experimental and theoretical analyses indicate that the graphene‐nickel interplay via their axially bi‐continuous structure is the main underlying mechanism for the superb mechanical behavior. In specific, the continuous graphene, in addition to effective load‐sharing, passivates the free surface of fine wire, forming dislocation pileups along the graphene‐nickel interface and, therefore, hindering localized necking.
A survey analysis of quantum computing adoption and the paradigm of privacy engineering
Authors: Mousa Nour , Shirazi Farid
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the adoption of quantum computing (QC) technology using the diffusion of innovation (DOI) theory and provides an extensive literature review. We deployed structural equation modeling to analyze data from a survey conducted among 96 top managers in various industries from Canada, the US, and Europe, including IT‐based small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) dealing with QC software development. Our survey analysis indicates that the complexity of QC systems and software is the main barrier to the future adoption of quantum computing. This research offers insights into how future quantum computers can impact the security and privacy of information, emphasizing the importance of privacy protection. In this context, the study contributes to the notion of privacy engineering in the complex context of QC. The study established important outlines and tools for shaping future QCs. Our study, backed by empirical evidence, underscores the significant impact of new technology on citizens', organizations', firms', and government‐private data. The results provide a clear message to policymakers, industry leaders, and developers: privacy engineering should be an integral part of technical development, and it's crucial to act before costs escalate. In this context, our study stands out as one of the few that use NLP and structural equation modeling to address privacy challenges in QC research through experimental research, offering practical solutions to real‐world problems.
Embracing learning analytics in health professions education
Authors: Hibbard Susan T. , McClure Jeanne , Kellogg Shaun
Published: June 2024

This chapter introduces the learning analytics as a catalyst to transform data utilization and bolster support for the scholarship of teaching and learning.
Implementation of a perioperative registry in Ethiopia to enhance surgical quality improvement
Authors: Jaraczewski Taylor J. , Abebe Belay M. , Diehl Thomas , Esayas Tinbite , Melaku Winta , Nigussie Yonas , Ahmed Kaleem S. , Vo Tien , Lee McKenzie , Woisha Biruk , Woldegiorgis Ermias Tadesse , Chen Taylor H. , Tegene Bereket A. , Belachew Anteneh Gadisa , Dodgion Christopher , Iverson Katherine R. , Tefera Girma , Zafar Syed Nabeel
Published: June 2024

Background

Despite a glaring need and proven efficacy, prospective surgical registries are lacking in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The objective of this study was to design and implement a comprehensive prospective perioperative registry in a low‐income country.

Methods

This study was conducted at Hawassa University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Hawassa, Ethiopia. Design of the registry occurred from June 2021 to May 2022 and pilot implementation from May 2022 to May 2023. All patients undergoing elective or emergent general surgery were included. Following one year, operability and fidelity of the registry were analyzed by assessing capture rate, incidence of missing data, and accuracy.

Results

A total of 67 variables were included in the registry including demographics, preoperative, operative, post‐operative, and 30‐day data. Of 440 eligible patients, 226 (51.4%) were successfully captured. Overall incidence of missing data and accuracy was 5.4% and 90.2% respectively. Post pilot modifications enhanced capture rate to 70.5% and further optimized data collection processes.

Conclusion

The establishment of a low‐cost electronic prospective perioperative registry in a low‐income country represents a significant step forward in enhancing surgical care in under‐resourced settings. The initial success of this registry highlights the feasibility of such endeavors when strong partnerships and local context are at the center of implementation. Continuous efforts to refine this registry are ongoing, which will ultimately lead to enhanced surgical quality, research output, and expansion to other sites.
Nonoperative management of acute complicated diverticulitis with pericolic and/or distant extraluminal air: A systematic review
Authors: Morini Andrea , Zizzo Maurizio , Tumiati David , Mereu Federica , Bernini Diego , Fabozzi Massimiliano
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Colonic Diverticular Disease (CDD) is a multifactorial inflammatory disease. Acute diverticulitis (AD), with extraluminal free air (both pericolic and distant), represents about 15% of radiological scenarios and remains a therapeutic challenge for surgeons. Currently, the WSES guidelines suggest trying a conservative strategy both in the presence of pericolic and distant free extraluminal air, even if both have respectively weak recommendation based on low/very low‐quality evidence.

Methods

We performed a systematic review following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyzes guidelines. PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases were used to identify articles of interest.

Results

A total of 2380 patients with AD and extraluminal free air (both pericolic and distant) who underwent nonoperative management (NOM) were analyzed. Of the 2380 patients, 2095(88%) were successfully treated with NOM, while 285 (12%) patients failed. A total of 1574 (93.1%) patients with pericolic extraluminal free air had a successful NOM with 6.9% (117) failure rates, while 135 (71.1%) patients with distant extraluminal free air had a successful NOM with 28.9% (55) failure rates. Regarding distant recurrence, we recorded a rate of 18.3% (261/1430), while a rate of 11.3% (167/1472) was recorded for patients undergoing elective surgery.

Conclusion

NOM for patients with AD and extraluminal free air (both pericolic and distant) seems to be feasible and safe despite a higher failure rate in the distant subgroup, which remains the most challenging clinical scenario to deal with through conservative treatment.
Electro‐osmotically engendered biofluid investigation through complex curvy passage
Authors: Ijaz Shagufta , Bibi Sobia , Shahzadi Iqra
Published: June 2024

This study investigates the physical characteristics of a two‐dimensional Jeffery fluid by incorporating the electroosmosis effect and employing slip boundary conditions along wavy walls. The equations that drive the flow analysis have been converted into nondimensional form and solved by assuming a high wavelength and a low Reynolds number approximation. The outputs for hemodynamic velocity, stress on the walls, and temperature for the flow are obtained exactly. Graphic representations of the effects of relevant physical parameters on the computational results are discussed in detail. Additionally, it is found that the viscous dissipation effects are the primary cause of heat production, rather than molecular conduction.
Unmixing the Wilson line defect CFT. Part II. Analytic bootstrap
Authors: Ferrero Pietro , Meneghelli Carlo
Published: June 2024

Abstract

In this second installment of a series of two papers on the $$ \frac{1}{2} $$

1
2

-BPS Wilson line defect CFT in $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 super Yang-Mills, we focus on dynamical aspects of the theory, in particular studying four-point functions with analytic bootstrap methods. Relying on the results of [1] for the kinematics and strong coupling spectrum, we consider various four-point functions in the planar limit, in an expansion for large ’t Hooft coupling. Our ultimate goal is to provide a detailed derivation of the four-point function of the displacement supermultiplet at three loops, first presented in [2]. Along the way, we present a large amount of new results including four-point functions with zero, one or two long external supermultiplets. The last two represent a novelty in the analytic bootstrap literature and are instrumental in addressing the problem of operators degeneracy. Such phenomenon leads to the necessity of resolving a mixing problem that is more complicated than those usually encountered in the study of holographic correlators, thus leading us to the development of a new approach that we believe will have a wider range of applicability. Related to this issue, we analyze in some detail the structure of the dilatation operator in this model. Some of the ingredients that we use apply more generally to holographic theories, although a thorough investigation of these aspects is missing, to the best of our knowledge, in most interesting cases.
Geometry of the minimum distance
Authors: Pawlina John , Tohǎneanu Ştefan O.
Published: June 2024

Let$${{\mathbb {K}}}$$Kbe any field, let$$X\subset {\mathbb P}^{k-1}$$X⊂Pk-1be a set of$$n$$ndistinct$${{\mathbb {K}}}$$K-rational points, and let$$a\ge 1$$a≥1be an integer. In this paper we find lower bounds for the minimum distance$$d(X)_a$$d(X)aof the evaluation code of order$$a$$aassociated to$$X$$X. The first results use$$\alpha (X)$$α(X), the initial degree of the defining ideal of$$X$$X, and the bounds are true for any set$$X$$X. In another result we use$$s(X)$$s(X), the minimum socle degree, to find a lower bound for the case when$$X$$Xis in general linear position. In both situations we improve and generalize known results.
Jugular bulb anatomical variations and pneumatization patterns: a comprehensive CBCT analysis
Authors: Tudose Răzvan Costin , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Triantafyllou George , Piagkou Maria , Moraru Liliana , Dumitru Cătălin Constantin
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to assess the anatomical possibilities of the jugular bulb (JB).

Methods

Fifty archived CBCT scans were analyzed.

Results

The average distance between the internal acoustic canal (IAC) and the JB was 7.97 mm on both sides (Right: SD = 2.56 mm, range 3.16–13.3 mm; Left: SD = 2.5 mm, range 2.9–13.6 mm). JB walls’ pneumatization was classified into eight patterns. Deep petrosal cells (DPCs) prevailed in the lateral wall of the JB. The absence of pneumatization (NP) was commonly found on the left side. The presence of infralabyrinthine and hypotympanic cells varied. Less common types included accessory occipital cells (AOCs), posteromedial tracts (PMTs), and basi-occipital cells (BOCs), which determined a consistent variation of the lateral wall pneumatization patterns. Pneumatization of the medial wall was not observed in 50 right sides and 49 left sides. The inferior wall analysis revealed symmetry in AOC distribution and a predominant occurrence of NP. Cases with hypotympanum (HT) in the lateral wall showed a statistically significant IAC-JB distance increase by an average of 4.67 mm compared to NPs. Specific pneumatizations, particularly HT on the lateral side, have a significant effect on the IAC-JB distance, showing a clear pattern of increasing distance from DPC to NP and then to HT. A significant distance increase in HT pneumatization was noted. There were also recorded instances of JB hypoplasia and hyperplasia, JB diverticula, dehiscent JBs, and high JBs.

Conclusion

This study establishes a novel classification of JB pneumatizations to aid in the understanding of the temporal bone anatomy.
Rohgutcharakterisierung und aufbereitungstechnische Untersuchungen an Roherzen aus der Grube Clara der Firma Sachtleben Bergbau GmbH & Co. KG
Authors: Prem Dominic , Petersen Thies-Olaf , Rieger Ana , Mauerlechner Robert , Flachberger Helmut
Published: June 2024

Mit Fortschreiten des Abbaus in tiefere Bereiche der Grube Clara der Firma Sachtleben Bergbau GmbH & Co. KG am Standort Wolfach ist nach derzeitigem Wissenstand mit einem vermehrten Auftreten von kupfer- und silberhaltigen Vererzungen zu rechnen. Bisher wurden diese vor allem im südlichen Teil der Lagerstätte angetroffen und gesondert hereingewonnen sowie aufbereitet. Durch das vermehrte Auftreten dieser Vererzungen ist der bisherige Anlagenbetrieb zur Sulfid-Flotation unter Nutzung der bestehenden Aufbereitungsanlage kritisch zu hinterfragen, was im Zuge eines mehrjährigen Forschungsprojektes gemeinsam mit dem Lehrstuhl für Aufbereitung und Veredlung der Montanuniversität Leoben geschah.

Als Grundlage für die Forschungsaktivitäten dienten Roherze aus unterschiedlichen Lagerstättenbereichen, die im Zuge einer als umfangreich zu bezeichnenden Probenahmekampagne hereingewonnen wurden. Diese wurden nach der Leobener Schule der Aufbereitungstechnischen Merkmalsklassenanalyse hinsichtlich ihrer Mineralogie, Verwachsung und Aufbereitbarkeit untersucht. Darauf aufbauend wurden umfangreiche Zerkleinerungs- und Flotationsversuche durchgeführt. Die forschungsrelevanten Teile der diesbezüglichen Aktivitäten erfolgten im Rahmen der Dissertation des erstgenannten Autors.

Dieser Beitrag gibt Einblicke in die komplexen gleichwie intensiven Verwachsungsverhältnisse der aufgefundenen Kupfer- und Silberträger und zeigt, dass trotz der unterschiedlichen Zerkleinerungswiderstände der Wertminerale, Flotationskonzentrate mit mehr als 90 % Inhaltsausbringen und hoher Selektivität erzeugt werden können.