bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Speaking up on attending ward rounds: a qualitative study of internal medicine residents
Authors: Choi Justin J. , Mhaimeed Nada , Leung Peggy Bk. , Contractor Jigar H. , Majid Adrian , Gudi Kirana , Martinez William , Robbins Laura , Shapiro Martin F.
Published: February 2024

Attending rounds are a core educational component of learning in teaching hospitals. Speaking up in this context has not been explored among medical residents. We aimed to understand residents’ perspectives on speaking up about their own clinical reasoning during attending rounds. This was a qualitative study performed at a single teaching hospital. We selected a random sample of 45 internal medicine residents among 141 in the training program, among whom 21 accepted the invitation to participate. Semi-structured interviews were conducted over Zoom. We performed thematic analysis within a social constructionist epistemology to develop codes, categories, and themes. Analysis continued until thematic saturation was achieved. We interviewed 21 residents, including 9 interns, 7 junior residents, and 5 senior residents. Residents described factors related to team culture, team dynamics, knowledge and experience, domain of patient care, and structure of rounds that influence speaking up during rounds. We identified four themes that were critical for speaking up: (1) promoting a culture of learning; (2) creating psychological safety; (3) developing self-efficacy; and (4) fostering resident autonomy. Feedback from the attending, particularly nonverbal cues perceived as negative, played a prominent role in preventing residents from speaking up. We identified factors for speaking up among residents during attending rounds. Feedback conveyed during attending rounds influenced the culture of learning, psychological safety, and residents’ self-efficacy, which impacted residents’ motivation to speak up. Ward attendings should be mindful of verbal and nonverbal forms of feedback on rounds.
Low-temperature magnetic field behavior of elastic modules in UTe2
Authors: Zvyagin A. A. , Zvyagina G. A.
Published: February 2024

The theory for the low-temperature behavior of sound velocities (and related elastic modules) in the external magnetic field in UTe2 is proposed. The theory is based on the dual model. The model takes into account 5f2 electrons of U ions: both itinerant electrons (part of which form pairs, responsible for the superconductivity) and localized ones. The theory explains the metamagnetic-like jumps in the magnetic field observed at low temperature in UTe2.
Double quantum dot spin resonances with a time-dependent spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Giavaras G.
Published: February 2024

Two-spin resonances in double quantum dots with a constant spin-orbit coupling (SOC) can be induced by an ac field which periodically modulates the energy detuning. But a large ac field amplitude may unintentionally trigger an ac modulation in the SOC, which in turn can alter the frequency of the resonances and the form of the current peaks. Here, we demonstrate that depending on the applied magnetic field and the double quantum dot parameters a weak time dependence in the SOC can have a completely different effect on the resonant peaks; in particular, it can enhance the peaks, but it can also completely suppress them.
The energy spectrum and magnetization profile of the decorated spin ladder systems
Authors: Cheranovskii V. O. , Ezerskaya E. V. , Kononenko S. Ye.
Published: February 2024

The peculiarities of the energy spectrum of the decorated mixed spin two-leg ladder system having three spin unit cells have been studied by the perturbation theory in the limit of dominant spin coupling in ladder rungs. It is shown, that despite the singlet ground state, this spin ladder may have an intermediate plateau in a low-temperature magnetization profile. The existence of a similar plateau was shown also in the case of some intermediate values of coupling parameters by means of exact diagonalization study of small ladder clusters and by the density-matrix renormalization group calculations. We also found that the Ising type of interactions in ladder rungs may lead to the disappearance of the above intermediate magnetization plateau for the corresponding isotropic spin ladder.
Exploring the unique swimming dynamics of seahorses
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: February 2024

Seahorses are the only fish that swim upright, and understanding their hydrodynamic characteristics could help humans operate more naturally underwater.
Novel study of inertial forces on MHD peristaltically driven micropolar fluid through porous-saturated asymmetric channel: Finite Galerkin approach
Authors: Ahmed Bilal , Ali Liaqat , Anwar Fizza
Published: February 2024

This focused study investigates the peristaltic motion of a micropolar fluid within an uneven channel filled with a porous medium, incorporating an orthogonal magnetic field to the flow. This research diverges from the traditional assumptions of lubrication theory. The governing equations, encompassing the physical characteristics of micropolar fluid peristalsis, are transformed into nonlinear coupled partial differential equations. These equations are solved using the finite element method, considering inertial effects, such as non-zero wave and Reynolds numbers. This study delves into the influence of various crucial parameters on axial velocity, pressure gradient, microrotation, and stream function, presenting graphical representations. Notably, the incremental phase shift causes an intermingling of upper and lower streamlines within both halves of the channel. As the Reynolds number increases, there is an observed reduction in bolus size, particularly at maximum phase shifts, with a tendency to move toward the central region. An increase in Hartmann number leads the bolus formation to vanish in both channels, reduces microrotation, and leads to increased pressure. Vorticity lines intensify and incline toward the peristaltic walls. An increase in the permeability parameter amplifies velocity, microrotation, volume, and bolus formation regardless of phase differences while countering pressure elevation per wavelength. Reduced concavity is observed as vorticity lines disperse across the entire area.
Classical and local similarity in problems of turbulent convection: Extension of Prandtl semi-empirical theory for horizontal layers of water and air mediums
Authors: Vulfson A. N. , Nikolaev P. V.
Published: February 2024

A variant of the local similarity theory is considered, assuming a priori specification of two basic dimensional parameters: the second moment of vertical velocity and the “spectral” Prandtl mixing length. Such selection of basic parameters lets us interpret the algebraic formulas of Prandtl's semiempirical turbulence theory for the coefficients of turbulent heat transfer and kinetic energy dissipation as relationships of the local similarity theory. A priori approximations of the basic parameters are based on known relationships and consider the upper boundary of the convective layer as a solid wall. Within the framework of local similarity theory, approximations for the turbulent moments of buoyancy and vertical velocity of arbitrary order are also proposed. The correspondence of these approximations to experimental data has been established in both air and water mediums, as well as in the results of numerical modeling. Such correspondence allows us to conclude that a wide class of vertical profiles of turbulent moments in a windless convective layer depends only on two basic parameters: the second moment of vertical velocity and the “spectral” Prandtl mixing length. The obtained result indicates the universal nature of the theory of local similarity and is a significant addition to the semiempirical Prandtl theory.
Correlation consistent basis sets designed for density functional theory: Third-row atoms (Ga–Br)
Authors: Determan John J. , Wilson Angela K.
Published: February 2024

The correlation consistent basis sets (cc-pVnZ with n = D, T, Q, 5) for the Ga–Br elements have been redesigned, tuning the sets for use for density functional approximations. Steps to redesign these basis sets for an improved correlation energy recovery and efficiency include truncation of higher angular momentum functions, recontraction of basis set coefficients, and reoptimization of basis set exponents. These redesigned basis sets are compared with conventional cc-pVnZ basis sets and other basis sets, which are, in principle, designed to achieve systematic improvement with respect to increasing basis set size. The convergence of atomic energies, bond lengths, bond dissociation energies, and enthalpies of formation to the Kohn–Sham limit is improved relative to other basis sets where convergence to the Kohn–Sham limit is typically not observed.
The Simons Observatory: Cryogenic half wave plate rotation mechanism for the small aperture telescopes
Authors: Yamada K. , Bixler B. , Sakurai Y. , Ashton P. C. , Sugiyama J. , Arnold K. , Begin J. , Corbett L. , Day-Weiss S. , Galitzki N. , Hill C. A. , Johnson B. R. , Jost B. , Kusaka A. , Koopman B. J. , Lashner J. , Lee A. T. , Mangu A. , Nishino H. , Page L. A. , Randall M. J. , Sasaki D. , Song X. , Spisak J. , Tsan T. , Wang Y. , Williams P. A.
Published: February 2024

We present the requirements, design, and evaluation of the cryogenic continuously rotating half-wave plate (CHWP) for the Simons Observatory (SO). SO is a cosmic microwave background polarization experiment at Parque Astronómico de Atacama in northern Chile that covers a wide range of angular scales using both small (⌀0.42 m) and large (⌀6 m) aperture telescopes. In particular, the small aperture telescopes (SATs) focus on large angular scales for primordial B-mode polarization. To this end, the SATs employ a CHWP to modulate the polarization of the incident light at 8 Hz, suppressing atmospheric 1/f noise and mitigating systematic uncertainties that would otherwise arise due to the differential response of detectors sensitive to orthogonal polarizations. The CHWP consists of a 505 mm diameter achromatic sapphire HWP and a cryogenic rotation mechanism, both of which are cooled down to ∼50 K to reduce detector thermal loading. Under normal operation, the HWP is suspended by a superconducting magnetic bearing and rotates with a constant 2 Hz frequency, controlled by an electromagnetic synchronous motor. We find that the number of superconductors and the number of magnets that make up the superconducting magnetic bearing are important design parameters, especially for the rotation mechanism’s vibration performance. The rotation angle is detected through an angular encoder with a noise level of 0.07 μrad s. During a cooldown process, the rotor is held in place by a grip-and-release mechanism that serves as both an alignment device and a thermal path. In this paper, we provide an overview of the SO SAT CHWP: its requirements, hardware design, and laboratory performance.
Connection between partial pressure, volatility, and the Soret effect elucidated using simulations of nonideal supercritical fluid mixtures
Authors: Fields Brandon , Schelling Patrick K.
Published: February 2024

Building on recent simulation work, it is demonstrated using molecular dynamics simulations of two-component fluid mixtures that the chemical contribution to the Soret effect in two-component nonideal fluid mixtures arises due to differences in how the partial pressures of the components respond to temperature and density gradients. Further insight is obtained by reviewing the connection between activity and deviations from Raoult’s law in the measurement of the vapor pressure of a liquid mixture. A new parameter γsS, defined in a manner similar to the activity coefficient, is used to characterize differences deviations from “ideal” behavior. It is then shown that the difference γ2S−γ1S is predictive of the sign of the Soret coefficient and is correlated to its magnitude. We hence connect the Soret effect to the relative volatility of the components of a fluid mixture, with the more volatile component enriched in the low-density, high-temperature region, and the less volatile component enriched in the high-density, low-temperature region. Because γsS is closely connected to the activity coefficient, this suggests the possibility that measurement of partial vapor pressures might be used to indirectly determine the Soret coefficient. It is proposed that the insight obtained here is quite general and should be applicable to a wide range of materials systems. An attempt is made to understand how these results might apply to other materials systems including interstitials in solids and multicomponent solids with interdiffusion occurring via a vacancy mechanism.
Cloud and droplet dynamics during a human coughing event under fully mixed and unmixed room conditions
Authors: Hajaali Arthur , Stoesser Thorsten , Fitzgerald Shaun
Published: February 2024

The study of cloud and droplet dynamics during potential transmission events, such as coughing, is essential for understanding the spread and deposition of aerosols and droplets carrying airborne diseases. This paper reports the refinement of a complex model that couples momentum, temperature, and humidity for accurately simulating the dynamics of aerosol clouds and the dispersion of larger droplets under various conditions within an environmental chamber. The model is then employed to quantify aerosol/droplet exposure of a person standing 1 m away from a host. In addition, a statistical framework sheds light on the impact of backward coupling (droplet to cloud), which is negligible compared to forward coupling (cloud to droplet). The near-field study also provides detailed information on droplet behavior, laying the foundation for large-scale far-field studies.
Investigation of the nonlinear optical frequency conversion in ultrathin franckeite heterostructures
Authors: Cadore Alisson R. , Ore Alexandre S. M. V. , Steinberg David , Zapata Juan D. , de Souza Eunézio A. T. , Bahamon Dario A. , de Matos Christiano J. S.
Published: February 2024

Layered franckeite is a natural superlattice composed of two alternating layers of different compositions, SnS2- and PbS-like. This creates incommensurability between the two species along the planes of the layers, resulting in spontaneous symmetry-break periodic ripples in the a-axis orientation. Nevertheless, natural franckeite heterostructure has shown potential for optoelectronic applications mostly because it is a semiconductor with 0.7 eV bandgap, air-stable, and can be easily exfoliated down to ultrathin thicknesses. Here, we demonstrate that few-layer franckeite shows a highly anisotropic nonlinear optical response due to its lattice structure, which allows for the identification of the ripple axis. Moreover, we find that the highly anisotropic third-harmonic emission strongly varies with material thickness. These features are further corroborated by a theoretical nonlinear susceptibility model and the nonlinear transfer matrix method. Overall, our findings help to understand this material and propose a characterization method that could be used in other layered materials and heterostructures to assign their characteristic axes.
Exploring association of aerosols based on meteorological factors over mega city Lahore (Pakistan) and central place of Indo-Gangetic basin
Authors: Amin Hafiza Farwa , Azad Mueen-ud-Din , Sial Maqbool Hussain , Raza Syed Muhammad Muslim , Elshenawy Assem , Yusuf Muhammad , Al Mutairi Aned , SidAhmed Mustafa Manahil
Published: February 2024

Urban air pollution poses a significant challenge, negatively affecting visibility, agriculture, health, and transportation. This research focused on exploring the variability of aerosols using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) approach. To achieve this, monthly aerosol data were obtained from the Aura satellite’s Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) at a distance of 500 nautical miles. In addition, meteorological factors such as Cloud Fraction (CF), Relative Humidity (RH), Tropopause Height (TH), Total Column Water Vapor (TCWV), Water Vapor Mass Mixing Ratio (WVMMR), Surface Skin Temperature (SST), Surface Air Temperature (SAT), and Geopotential Height (GH) were gathered from the atmospheric infrared sounder (AIRS) onboard the AQUA satellite. The MERRA-2 model provided the Total Surface Precipitation (TSP) and Surface Wind Speed (SWS). To assess the short- and long-term relationship between aerosols and meteorological parameters, the ARDL bounds testing technique was applied. The study found evidence of a long-term relationship and co-integration between the variables of interest and aerosols when aerosols were the dependent variable. Particularly, GH, SST, and SWS exhibited both long-term and short-term impacts on aerosol variability. SWS, in particular, was found to have a significant influence on aerosol variability. Conversely, CF, TSP, and WVMMR were found to have no significant impact on aerosol variability. To ensure the stability of the model, the CUSUM test was employed, confirming its stability. Furthermore, the prediction model demonstrated a good fit, bolstering the reliability of our findings.
Finite-temperature vibronic spectra from the split-operator coherence thermofield dynamics
Authors: Zhang Zhan Tong , Vaníček Jiří J. L.
Published: February 2024

We present a numerically exact approach for evaluating vibrationally resolved electronic spectra at finite temperatures using the coherence thermofield dynamics. In this method, which avoids implementing an algorithm for solving the von Neumann equation for coherence, the thermal vibrational ensemble is first mapped to a pure-state wavepacket in an augmented space, and this wavepacket is then propagated by solving the standard, zero-temperature Schrödinger equation with the split-operator Fourier method. We show that the finite-temperature spectra obtained with the coherence thermofield dynamics in a Morse potential agree exactly with those computed by Boltzmann-averaging the spectra of individual vibrational levels. Because the split-operator thermofield dynamics on a full tensor-product grid is restricted to low-dimensional systems, we briefly discuss how the accessible dimensionality can be increased by various techniques developed for the zero-temperature split-operator Fourier method.
Ultrasonic braided ring beams generated by phase modulation metasurfaces
Authors: Wang Jia-Yue , Li Xin-Rui , Zhu Xing-Feng , Yao Jie , Wei Qi , Wu Da-Jian
Published: February 2024

Coaxial coupling between two quasi-perfect ultrasonic vortices (QPUVs) with distinct ring radii and topological charges (TCs) has been suggested and implemented to create ultrasonic braided ring beams (UBRBs). It is possible to switch between a double-ring pattern, a braided ring pattern, and a petal-like pattern in the linked ultrasonic field distribution by varying the coupling strength of two QPUVs. We focus on the braided ring pattern and investigate the influence of TCs on the acoustic intensity and phase distributions. It is found that the UBRB contains multiple individual phase singularities, and the number of singularities is determined by the TCs of the two QPUVs. Furthermore, a phase modulation metasurface (PMM) composed of photosensitive resin cubes is well designed to produce the UBRB in water. The effectiveness of the single-layer PMM in producing the UBRB is confirmed by both simulations and experimental results. The proposed UBRBs based on metasurfaces could potentially have uses in multi-particle manipulation and acoustic communication.
Photonic band properties of the moiré Kagome lattice
Authors: Fu Yikai , Zhang Yu , Dai Haitao , Gao Meini , Hao Xichen , Arain Samia , Ahmad Aneela , Wang Yuhan , Li Jia , Mohamed Zolkefl A. Y. , Chen Zhenda , Cao Yaxian , Wang Ruotong , Yao Buyi , Lu Qieni , Liu Changlong , Liu Ying , Feng Shouzhong
Published: February 2024

Inspired by the emerging field of twistronics, moiré photonic structures have attracted great interest. In this paper, we introduce the concept of the moiré Kagome lattice (MKL), which arises from the overlapping of a Kagome lattice at a commensurable angle of 38.211°. MKL exhibits a significantly broader main photonic bandgap (PBG) when compared to the traditional Kagome lattice. Through numerical simulations, we delved into the adjustable properties of the PBG of MKL by varying lattice parameters, including filling factors and materials. Meanwhile, we also observed the presence of photonic flatbands within the MKL structure. Specifically, the emergence of a super flat isolated flatband aids in achieving single-mode omnidirectional lasers and enhancing the omnidirectional electromagnetic interaction of materials, thereby expanding the applications of moiré photonic crystals.
Smart nanocomposites: Harnessing magnetically recoverable MWCNT-CF for efficient organic dyes reduction in water quality monitoring applications
Authors: Thombare Balu R. , Daware Krishna D. , Khupse Nagesh , Dusane Pravin R. , Lole Gaurav S. , Khedkar Chaitali V. , Badgujar Prashant S. , Bankar Prashant K. , Patil Shankar I.
Published: February 2024

The accelerating use of organic dyes in various industries has led to a surge in water pollution, especially from non-biodegradable dye effluents discharged into water resources. This study addresses the critical issue of catalyzing the reduction of two prevalent dyes, methylene blue (MB) and rhodamine-B (RhB), using a multiwalled carbon nanotube-cobalt ferrite (MWCNT-CF) nanocomposite. The synthesized nanocomposite demonstrates exceptional catalytic activity, stability, and recyclability. Conventional methods for treating dye-containing wastewater often prove expensive. This study explores the efficacy of catalytic reduction, a relatively fast process facilitated by semiconductor nanoparticles. Structural analyses using X-ray diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) confirm the formation of the nanocomposite, revealing unsaturated surface bonds and chains conducive to adsorption. The nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable reduction in both dyes, with easy recyclability for multiple cycles. Magnetization studies confirm the ferrimagnetic nature of the nanocomposite, facilitating its efficient separation from the reaction mixture using a magnet. The study delves into the kinetics of the catalytic reduction following pseudo-first-order kinetics. The surface modifications of the nanocomposite, as revealed by TEM, contribute to enhanced adsorption and catalytic efficiency. Notably, the MWCNT-CF nanocomposite demonstrates negligible loss of catalytic activity during recycling, highlighting its potential for cost-effective and sustainable applications in dye reduction across various industries.
Effect of processing parameters on the defects, microstructure, and property evaluation of Ti-6Al-4V titanium alloy processed by laser powder bed fusion
Authors: Qian Chenghui , Zhang Kai , Zhu Jing , Liu Ying , Liu Yuehua , Liu Jie , Liu Jianwen , Yang Yi , Wang Hao
Published: February 2024

In this study, we designed the processing windows for laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) of Ti-6Al-4V (Ti-64) alloy by using central composite design and made a detailed investigation into the influence of processing parameters on the defects. The purpose is to investigate the effect of defects on mechanical properties. It was found that insufficient energy density could lead to the formation of lack of fusion (LOF) defects and produce non-melted powders on the surface, while excessive energy density could lead to cracks that were detrimental to mechanical performance. In addition, the microstructural evaluation found that relatively low energy density could lead to shorter columnar prior-β grains, while prior-β grains in the sample processed by the high energy density extended almost the entire height of the cross-section, which could lead to the strong mechanical property anisotropy. The prior β grains are formed by heterogeneous nucleation on the partially melted material powder. As the energy input increases, all the powder powders in the molten pool can be melted so that these particles do not act as nucleation sites and the prior β grain can grow through more layers without forming new grains being able to nucleate. The prior β-grain in as-built Ti-64 samples consisted of acicular α’ martensite with myriads of lattice distortions, as a precursor to a phase transition, which lead to strong tensile strength and poor ductility. Annealing heat treatment promoted the improvement of the ductile performance of LPBF Ti-64. Overall, this study provides comprehensive views on the effects of processing parameters (laser power, scanning speed, and hatch distance) on the internal (pores and LOF) and external (unmelted powder, sintering neck, and crack), defects, microstructure, and tensile property evaluation of LPBF Ti-64, which offer insights for the development of additive manufactured titanium alloys with excellent mechanical property.
Derivation of the Schrödinger equation from QED
Authors: Efthimiades Spyros
Published: February 2024

The Schrödinger equation relates the emergent quantities of wavefunction and electric potential and is postulated as a principle of quantum physics or obtained heuristically. However, physical consistency requires that the Schrödinger equation is a low-energy dynamical condition we can derive from the foundations of quantum electrodynamics. Due to the small value of the electromagnetic coupling constant, we show that the electric potential accurately represents the contributions of intermediate low-energy photon exchanges. Then, from the total nonrelativistic energy relation, we see that the dominant term of the electron wavefunction is a superposition of plane waves that satisfies the Schrödinger equation. Our derivation shows that the Schrödinger equation is not an energy conservation relation because its middle term does not represent the electron kinetic energy as assumed. We analyze the physical content of the Schrödinger equation and verify our assessments by calculating and evaluating the physical quantities in the ground state of the hydrogen atom. Furthermore, we explain why nonrelativistic quantum dynamics differs from classical dynamics. Undergraduate students can follow the derivation because it involves fundamental physical concepts and mathematical expressions, and we explain every step.
Generalized variational framework with minimax optimization for parametric blind deconvolution
Authors: Cao Qichao , Han Deren , Wang Xiangfeng , Zhang Wenxing
Published: February 2024

Blind deconvolution (BD), which aims to separate unknown convolved signals, is a fundamental problem in signal processing. Due to the ill-posedness and underdetermination of the convolution system, it is a challenging nonlinear inverse problem. This paper is devoted to the algorithmic studies of parametric BD, which is typically applied to recover images from ad hoc optical modalities. We propose a generalized variational framework for parametric BD with various priors and potential functions. By using the conjugate theory in convex analysis, the framework can be cast into a nonlinear saddle point problem. We employ the recent advances in minimax optimization to solve the parametric BD by the nonlinear primal-dual hybrid gradient method, with all subproblems admitting closed-form solutions. Numerical simulations on synthetic and real datasets demonstrate the compelling performance of the minimax optimization approach for solving parametric BD.
High-resolution characterization technology for micro-/nano-plastics
Authors: Cao Ke , Sun Yuwei , Zhang Jingru , Su Hailei , Wang Fanfan , Ji Ningning , Ye Mai , Lu Huanliang , Zhao Wensi , Liu Xuesong , Wei Yuan
Published: February 2024

Microplastics (MPs) are plastic residues with a size <5 mm, which are often further broken into micro/nano size particles in the environment. Owing to their minute scale, widespread distribution, and substantial toxicity potential, MPs has emerged as a critical environmental concern. Therefore, accurate characterization of these particles becomes a formidable yet imperative challenge in environmental science. In this review, a comprehensive overview on current MP characterization techniques, including microscopy/electron microscopy, spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry, have been summarized and discussed. We assess their applicability, strengths, limitations, as well as recent advancements. We also highlight the features offered by different techniques and the particles size range for which each technique is suitable. Furthermore, the combination of different characterization techniques and some novel techniques that can be used in MP characterization are also mentioned. This work offers a reference for MP characterization, which will facilitate the detection of MP in the environment.
Generalized bulk-boundary correspondence in periodically driven non-Hermitian systems
Authors: Ji Xiang , Yang Xiaosen
Published: February 2024

We present a pedagogical review of the periodically driven non-Hermitian systems, particularly on the rich interplay between the non-Hermitian skin effect and the topology. We start by reviewing the non-Bloch band theory of the static non-Hermitian systems and discuss the establishment of its generalized bulk-boundary correspondence (BBC). Ultimately, we focus on the non-Bloch band theory of two typical periodically driven non-Hermitian systems: harmonically driven non-Hermitian system and periodically quenched non-Hermitian system. The non-Bloch topological invariants were defined on the generalized Brillouin zone and the real space wave functions to characterize the Floquet non-Hermtian topological phases. Then, the generalized BBC was established for the two typical periodically driven non-Hermitian systems. Additionally, we review novel phenomena in the higher-dimensional periodically driven non-Hermitian systems, including Floquet non-Hermitian higher-order topological phases and Floquet hybrid skin-topological modes. The experimental realizations and recent advances have also been surveyed. Finally, we end with a summarization and hope this pedagogical review can motivate further research on Floquet non-Hermtian topological physics.
Effects of surface elasticity and surface viscoelasticity on liquid inclusions in solid materials
Authors: Mao Dong , Zhao Jiaxi , He Jin
Published: February 2024

The effects of surface elasticity and surface viscoelasticity as well as surface tension on the deformation of solids with liquid inclusions are investigated using a finite element (FE) method. Both surface tension and surface elasticity stiffen the solids with liquid inclusions. The surface tension in elastic capillary number is replaced with surface Young’s modulus to define the second elastic capillary number. The aspect ratio of the included liquids is used to indicate the stiffening effect for both numbers. A smaller aspect ratio corresponds to a larger stiffening effect. In a typical FE analysis, when either number is 1 and the applied strain is 4%, the aspect ratio decreases by 7.4% due to surface tension and 2.6% due to surface elasticity. Compared to surface tension, surface elasticity has a similar but smaller influence on the deformation of solids with liquid inclusions. Extensive FE calculations are performed to establish the fitting formula for the aspect ratio as a function of elastic capillary number, the second elastic capillary number, and the applied strain. Surface viscoelasticity is modelled in the FE method by converting surface viscoelastic properties into the viscoelastic properties of the equivalent shell. The time-dependent aspect ratio due to surface viscoelasticity is presented and FE results show the same trend as those calculated from the approximated theory. The internal pressure of the included liquid is obtained from FE analysis and is compared with the theoretical estimation employing the Young–Laplace equation.
Amorphous/crystalline RhFeP metallene for hydrazine-assisted water splitting
Authors: Wang Ziqiang , Li Xinmiao , Zhang Hugang , Yang Guanghui , Deng Kai , Yu Hongjie , Xu You , Wang Hongjing , Wang Liang
Published: February 2024

Replacing the slow oxygen evolution reaction with favorable hydrazine oxidation reaction (HzOR) is a green and efficient way to produce hydrogen. In this work, we synthesize amorphous/crystalline RhFeP metallene via phase engineering and heteroatom doping. RhFeP metallene has good catalytic activity and stability for HER and HzOR, and only an ultralow voltage of 18 mV is required to achieve 10 mA cm−2 in a two-electrode hydrazine-assisted water splitting system. The superior result is mainly ascribed to the co-doping of Fe and P and the formation of amorphous/crystalline RhFeP metallene with abundant phase boundaries, thereby adjusting electronic structure and increasing active sites.
Stability analysis of WEST L-mode discharges with improved confinement from boron powder injection
Authors: Bodner G , Bourdelle C , Manas P , Gallo A , Afonin K , Diallo A , Lunsford R , Moreau Ph , Nagy A , Clairet F , Gil C , Tsitrone E , Vermare L ,   the WEST Team
Published: February 2024

WEST L-mode plasmas with dominant electron heating and no core torque source have observed improvements in confinement during boron (B) powder injection. These results are reminiscent of previous powder injection experiments on other devices and gaseous impurity seeding experiments on WEST. During powder injection, the stored energy increased up to 25% due to enhanced ion and electron heat and particle confinement. The improvements in confinement were not indicative of an L-H transition. To identify the dominant mechanisms and the causality chain behind these improvements in confinement, we employ interpretative modeling using METIS, predictive integrated modeling using a high-fidelity plasma simulator (HFPS), and stand-alone gyrokinetic simulations using quasi-linear gyrokinetic code. Interpretative modeling with METIS allowed for the estimation of missing data while maintaining good overall consistency with experiment. These results provided the initial conditions for fully predictive flux driven simulations using the HFPS. From these simulations, quasi-linear gyrokinetic analysis was performed at

ρ
=
0.5

and

ρ
=
0.65

. Collisionality was found to be a strong candidate for the turbulence suppression mechanism at

ρ
=
0.5

, while a combination of collisionality and the

T
e

/

T

i

ratio was found to be the likely mechanism at

ρ
=
0.65

. The results additionally suggested that increased

Z

eff

(through main ion dilution) could play a role in the improved confinement, but this could not be confirmed due to a lack of experimental measurements. The modeling framework established here can now be used to evaluate and exploit a variety of future powder injection experiments.
Theoretical analysis of perturbative high harmonic wave mixing from plasma surfaces
Authors: Xia Fan , Tang Haocheng , Tang Weiqi , Wen Zihang , Li Zhengyan
Published: February 2024

High harmonic generation modulated by a weakly perturbing laser field enables new wave mixing frequency components, thus allowing in-situ spatiotemporal measurements and wavefront control of attosecond optical pulses. However, perturbative high harmonic wave mixing from plasma surfaces has not been investigated extensively. In this study, we theoretically analyze the plasma high harmonic generation process in the relativistic regime modulated by a perturbing laser field with an arbitrary frequency. New wave mixing frequency components satisfying the conservation laws of photon energy and momentum are observed. The wave mixing component intensities adhere to a power law for the perturbating laser photon number as the perturbing laser intensity increases, thereby revealing perturbative behaviors in the nonperturbative, extremely nonlinear optical process of high harmonic generation. Detailed studies reveal the polarization selection rule and physical mechanism of high harmonic wave mixing. The modulation of the relativistic factor or mass enhancement of electrons on the plasma surface by the perturbing laser field is believed to result in high harmonic wave mixing in the relativistic regime.
Design and performance analysis of a flexible-hinged piezoelectric driving dispenser
Authors: Wu Min , Zhao Run-Mao , Chen Jian-Neng , Zheng Jun-Jie , Shao Bo-Kai
Published: February 2024

Piezo-driven dispensers are precision dispensing devices for trace amounts of fluid and are widely used in the microelectronics packaging field. However, the preloading mechanism of piezo-driven dispensers easily loosens in high-frequency operation, and the design accuracy of the transmission ratio of the flexible displacement transmission mechanism (DTM) requires improvement. To address the aforementioned problems, we designed a self-locking preloading mechanism with an adjustable preloading amount for piezo-driven flexible transmission dispensers and investigated the method of designing the transmission ratio considering the non-expected directional deformation (parasitic deformation). First, the principle of the preloading mechanism was analyzed, and a method for adjusting the droplet diameter based on the preloading amount was proposed. Second, an asymmetric flexible-hinge compliance matrix calculation method was proposed, a transmission ratio model of the DTM was established, and the influence law of the structural parameters on the transmission ratio was comparatively analyzed using ANSYS software. Based on the output displacement requirement, transmission ratios were designed and structural parameters were determined. Finally, based on the piezoelectric coupling simulation, a piezo-driven dispenser was manufactured, and a test platform was built to conduct the relevant tests. The simulation and test results demonstrated that the maximum relative errors of the transmission-ratio calculated by the proposed transmission-ratio model were 1.54% and 3.6%, respectively, compared to the simulation and test results, confirming that the model was correct. Single-factor tests confirmed that a preloading mechanism can fix and preload the piezostack and that the droplet diameters can be adjusted with the preloading amounts. The operating frequency was up to 800 Hz with a diameter of 0.30 mm and a consistency of 4.32%, which meet the requirements of dispensing efficiency in the microelectronics packaging field. This study has practical significance for enhancing the transmission ratio design accuracy and dispensing performance of dispensers.
Structured Prompt Interrogation and Recursive Extraction of Semantics (SPIRES): a method for populating knowledge bases using zero-shot learning
Authors: Caufield J Harry , Hegde Harshad , Emonet Vincent , Harris Nomi L , Joachimiak Marcin P , Matentzoglu Nicolas , Kim HyeongSik , Moxon Sierra , Reese Justin T , Haendel Melissa A , Robinson Peter N , Mungall Christopher J
Published: February 2024

Motivation

Creating knowledge bases and ontologies is a time consuming task that relies on manual curation. AI/NLP approaches can assist expert curators in populating these knowledge bases, but current approaches rely on extensive training data, and are not able to populate arbitrarily complex nested knowledge schemas.

Results

Here we present Structured Prompt Interrogation and Recursive Extraction of Semantics (SPIRES), a Knowledge Extraction approach that relies on the ability of Large Language Models (LLMs) to perform zero-shot learning and general-purpose query answering from flexible prompts and return information conforming to a specified schema. Given a detailed, user-defined knowledge schema and an input text, SPIRES recursively performs prompt interrogation against an LLM to obtain a set of responses matching the provided schema. SPIRES uses existing ontologies and vocabularies to provide identifiers for matched elements. We present examples of applying SPIRES in different domains, including extraction of food recipes, multi-species cellular signaling pathways, disease treatments, multi-step drug mechanisms, and chemical to disease relationships. Current SPIRES accuracy is comparable to the mid-range of existing Relation Extraction methods, but greatly surpasses an LLM’s native capability of grounding entities with unique identifiers. SPIRES has the advantage of easy customization, flexibility, and, crucially, the ability to perform new tasks in the absence of any new training data. This method supports a general strategy of leveraging the language interpreting capabilities of LLMs to assemble knowledge bases, assisting manual knowledge curation and acquisition while supporting validation with publicly-available databases and ontologies external to the LLM.

Availability and implementation

SPIRES is available as part of the open source OntoGPT package: https://github.com/monarch-initiative/ontogpt.
Intrauterine exposure to SARS-CoV-2 infection and early newborn brain development
Authors: Andescavage Nickie , Lu Yuan-Chiao , Wu Yao , Kapse Kushal , Keller Jennifer , Von Kohorn Isabelle , Afifi Ashraf , Vezina Gilbert , Henderson Deidtra , Wessel David L , du Plessis Adre J , Limperopoulos Catherine
Published: February 2024

Epidemiologic studies suggest that prenatal exposures to certain viruses may influence early neurodevelopment, predisposing offspring to neuropsychiatric conditions later in life. The long-term effects of maternal COVID-19 infection in pregnancy on early brain development, however, remain largely unknown. We prospectively enrolled infants in an observational cohort study for a single-site study in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area from June 2020 to November 2021 and compared these infants to pre-pandemic controls (studied March 2014–February 2020). The primary outcomes are measures of cortical morphometry (tissue-specific volumes), along with global and regional measures of local gyrification index, and sulcal depth. We studied 210 infants (55 infants of COVID-19 unexposed mothers, 47 infants of COVID-19-positive mothers, and 108 pre-pandemic healthy controls). We found increased cortical gray matter volume (182.45 ± 4.81 vs. 167.29 ± 2.92) and accelerated sulcal depth of the frontal lobe (5.01 ± 0.19 vs. 4.40 ± 0.13) in infants of COVID-19-positive mothers compared to controls. We found additional differences in infants of COVID-19 unexposed mothers, suggesting both maternal viral exposures, as well as non-viral stressors associated with the pandemic, may influence early development and warrant ongoing follow-up.
Weak identification with many instruments
Authors: Mikusheva Anna , Sun Liyang
Published: February 2024

Linear instrumental variable regressions are widely used to estimate causal effects. Many instruments arise from the use of ‘technical’ instruments and more recently from the empirical strategy of ‘judge design’. This paper surveys and summarises ideas from recent literature on estimation and statistical inferences with many instruments for a single endogenous regressor. We discuss how to assess the strength of the instruments and how to conduct weak identification robust inference under heteroskedasticity. We establish new results for a jack-knifed version of the Lagrange Multiplier test statistic. Furthermore, we extend the weak identification robust tests to settings with both many exogenous regressors and many instruments. We propose a test that properly partials out many exogenous regressors while preserving the re-centring property of the jack-knife. The proposed tests have correct size and good power properties.
White Matter Plasticity Underpins Cognitive Gains After Multidomain Adaptive Computerized Cognitive Training
Authors: Dai Xiangwei , Liu Sihan , Li Yumeng , Long Shijie , Li Xin , Chen Chuansheng , Yang Caishui , Zhang Junying , Han Zhuo Rachel , Li He , Wang Jun , Zhang Zhanjun
Published: February 2024

Background

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of computerized cognitive training (CCT) on white matter (WM) neuroplasticity and neuropsychological performance.

Methods

A total of 128 community older adults (64.36 ± 6.14 years) were recruited and randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Participants in the intervention group received a home-based, multidomain, and adaptive CCT for 30 minutes, 2 days per week for 1 year. Neuropsychological assessments, diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and T1-weighted structural MRI were performed at the pre- and post-intervention visits.

Results

Eighty-one of 128 participants (41 in the intervention group and 40 in the control group) completed the 1-year intervention, and 61 of them (27 in the intervention group and 34 in the control group) underwent MRI scans twice. After excluding attrition bias, a significant time-by-group interaction on the Stroop Color-Word Test (SCWT; F = 51.85, p < .001) was found, showing improvement in the intervention group and a decline in the control group. At the brain level, the intervention group exhibited increased axial diffusivity in the left posterior thalamic radiation, and this increase was significantly correlated with reduced SCWT reaction time (r = ‒0.42, p = .029). No significant time-by-group interactions were found for gray matter volume.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that conducting multidomain adaptive CCT is an effective and feasible method to counteract cognitive decline in older adults, with WM neuroplasticity underpinning cognitive improvements. This study contributes to the understanding of the neural basis for the beneficial effect of CCT for older adults.
Does Consumer Credit Precede or Follow Health Among Older Adults? An Investigation in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) Trial
Authors: Dean Lorraine T , Chung Shang-En , Gross Alden L , Clay Olivio J , Willis Sherry L , McDonough Ian M , Thomas Kelsey R , Marsiske Michael , Aysola Jaya , Thorpe Roland J , Felix Cynthia , Berkowitz Melissa , Coe Norma B
Published: February 2024

Background and Objectives

Consumer credit has shown increasing relevance to the health of older adults; however, studies have not been able to assess the extent to which creditworthiness influences future health or health influences future creditworthiness. We assessed the relationships between 4-year pre and postmorbid consumer credit history and self-rated physical and mental health outcomes among older adults.

Research Design and Methods

Generalized estimating equations models assessed pre and postmorbid credit history (credit scores, derogatory accounts, and unpaid accounts in collections) and the onset of poor self-rated health (SF-36 score <50) among 1,740 participants aged 65+ in the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly study from 2001 to 2017, linked to TransUnion consumer credit data.

Results

In any given year, up to 1/4 of participants had a major derogatory, unpaid, or collections account, and up to 13% of the sample had poor health. Each 50-point increase in credit score trended toward a 5% lower odds of poor health in the next 1 year, a 6% lower odds in the next 2 years, and a statistically significant finding of 13% lower odds by 3 years. A drop in credit score was associated with a 10% greater odds of poor health in the next year, and having a major derogatory account was associated with an 86% greater odds of poor health in the next 3 years. After poor health onset, credit scores continued to see significant losses up to the 3 years, with larger decrements over time.

Discussion and Implications

Having a major derogatory account or a sudden loss in credit may be a time to monitor older adults for changes in health. After a downturn in health, supporting older adults to manage their debt may help stabilize their credit.