bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MnO2-mineralized milk exosomes as a novel nanoplatform for glutathione detection
Authors: Wang Xudong , Wu Xue , Shen Jiuheng , Zhao Xian , Gao Peifen , Zhou Wantong , An Wenlin
Published: November 2024

This study introduces a novel nanoplatform by surface manganese dioxide (MnO2) mineralization of milk exosomes and labelling with curcumin, enhancing their utility in the detection of GSH.
Advancing cancer therapy with a heptamethine carbocyanine dye-conjugated radionuclide drug
Authors: Huang Mingxing , Wang Weichen , Wang Yingwei , Wang Rang , Pan Lili , Li Xin , Li Bo , Zhang Jingsong , Wang Ruoxiang , Zhang Yi , Tian Rong
Published: November 2024

Malignant tumors pose substantial treatment challenges due to their heterogeneity, metastatic potential, and therapeutic resistance, underscoring the urgent need for more effective treatment options.
Functionalities of pH-responsive DNA nanostructures in tumor-targeted strategies
Authors: Wen Liyue , Wang Min
Published: November 2024

Design and application of various pH-responsive DNA nanostructures for tumor-targeted strategies toward extracellular and intracellular environments are comprehensively reviewed. Their potential and challenges are also critically discussed.
A surface modified laser-induced graphene based flexible biosensor for multiplexed sweat analysis
Authors: Choudhury Sudipta , Zafar Saad , Deepak Deepak , Panghal Abhishek , Lochab Bimlesh , Roy Susanta Sinha
Published: November 2024

NiO–Ti3C2Tx MXene-modified flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrode for the separate and concurrent analysis of ascorbic acid (AA), dopamine (DA), and uric acid (UA) in human sweat.
Fast synthesis of nickel phosphide nanosheets for ultra-stable hydrogen evolution in seawater splitting
Authors: Chen Weiwu , Lin Feng , Wang Chong , Wang Zhiming M. , Qin Zhaojun
Published: November 2024

The short synthesis time, great catalytic activity, and ultra-long-term stability make Co–Ni5P4-5m a suitable candidate in actual applications of seawater splitting for hydrogen.
An E/Z isomer strategy of photosensitizers with tunable generation processes of reactive oxygen species
Authors: Liu Xiaochun , Li Hairong , Tang Hui , Ma Ning , Wu Shiyu , Dai Wenbo , Zhang Yahui , Yu Xiaoqi
Published: November 2024

An E/Z isomer strategy was designed to precisely regulate the type of ROS and enable tumor imaging and PDT.
Application of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives in the cathode materials of aqueous zinc-ion batteries
Authors: Guo Pingchun , Ouyang Shisong , Jiang Hedong , Li Jiake , Zhu Hua , Wang Yanxiang
Published: November 2024

Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are regarded as potential candidate materials for the cathodes of aqueous zinc-ion batteries. This review presents the applications of MOFs and their derivatives in the cathodes of aqueous zinc-ion batteries.
Unraveling low-temperature structural and dielectric characteristics in lead-free bismuth halide perovskites
Authors: Tailor Naveen Kumar , Rohj Rohit Kumar , Dey Krishanu , Stranks Samuel D. , Sarma D. D. , Satapathi Soumitra
Published: November 2024

Bismuth halide perovskite crystals have garnered a lot of interest lately because of their superior optoelectronic qualities, affordability, and ease of processing.
Atomic layer deposition of oxide semiconductor thin films for transistor applications: a review
Authors: Hwang Inhong , Choe Minki , Jeon Dahui , Baek In-Hwan
Published: November 2024

Silicon transistor miniaturization has hit a limit, constraining further semiconductor advancements. ALD-derived oxide semiconductors enable 3D vertical integration, providing a route to higher integration density without continued scaling down.
Physicochemical analysis and toxicity of the Rainha River waters: conceptual design of a treatment plant
Authors: de Barros Gabriel G. , De Falco Anna , Fragoso Carlos Leonny R. , Silva Luis Fhernando Mendonça da , Gioda Adriana , de Carvalho Roberto Bentes
Published: November 2024

A treatment plant was specifically designed to improve the water quality of Rainha River.
ATP-competitive inhibitors of PI3K enzymes demonstrate an isoform selective dual action by controlling membrane binding
Authors: Gong Grace Q. , Masson Glenn R. , Lee Woo-Jeong , Dickson James M. J. , Kendall Jackie D. , Rathinaswamy Manoj K. , Buchanan Christina M. , Middleditch Martin , Owen Brady M. , Spicer Julie A. , Rewcastle Gordon W. , Denny William A. , Burke John E. , Shepherd Peter R. , Williams Roger L. , Flanagan Jack U.
Published: November 2024

PI3Kα, consisting of the p110α isoform of the catalytic subunit of PI 3-kinase (encoded by PIK3CA) and the p85α regulatory subunit (encoded by PI3KR1) is activated by growth factor receptors. The identification of common oncogenic mutations in PIK3CA has driven the development of many inhibitors that bind to the ATP-binding site in the p110α subunit. Upon activation, PI3Kα undergoes conformational changes that promote its membrane interaction and catalytic activity, yet the effects of ATP-site directed inhibitors on the PI3Kα membrane interaction are unknown. Using FRET and biolayer interferometry assays, we show that a class of ATP-site directed inhibitors represented by GSK2126458 block the growth factor activated PI3KαWT membrane interaction, an activity dependent on the ligand forming specific ATP-site interactions. The membrane interaction for hot spot oncogenic mutations that bypass normal p85α regulatory mechanisms was insensitive to GSK2126458, while GSK2126458 could regulate mutations found outside of these hot spot regions. Our data show that the effect of GSK126458 on the membrane interaction requires the enzyme to revert from its growth factor activated state to a basal state. We find that an ATP substrate analogue can increase the wild type PI3Kα membrane interaction, uncovering a substrate based regulatory event that can be mimicked by different inhibitor chemotypes. Our findings, together with the discovery of small molecule allosteric activators of PI3Kα illustrate that PI3Kα membrane interactions can be modulated by factors related to ligand binding both within the ATP site and at allosteric sites.
A New (Related‐Key) Neural Distinguisher Using Two Differences for Differential Cryptanalysis
Authors: Wang Gao , Wang Gaoli , Sun Siwei
Published: November 2024

At CRYPTO 2019, Gohr showed the significant advantages of neural distinguishers over traditional distinguishers in differential cryptanalysis. At fast software encryption (FSE) 2024, Bellini et al. provided a generic tool to automatically train the (related‐key) differential neural distinguishers for different block ciphers. In this paper, based on the intrinsic principle of differential cryptanalysis and neural distinguisher, we propose a superior (related‐key) differential neural distinguisher that uses the ciphertext pairs generated by two different differences. In addition, we give a framework to automatically train our (related‐key) differential neural distinguisher with four steps: difference selection, sample generation, training pipeline, and evaluation scheme. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach, we apply it to the block ciphers: Simon, Speck, Simeck, and Hight. Compared to the existing results, our method can provide improved accuracy and even increase the number of rounds that can be analyzed. The source codes are available in https://github.com/differentialdistinguisher/AutoND_New.
State geometric adjustability for interval max‐plus linear systems
Authors: Yin Yingxuan , Chen Haiyong , Tao Yuegang
Published: October 2024

This article investigates the state geometric adjustability for interval max‐plus linear systems, which means that the state vector sequence is transformed into a geometric vector sequence by using the state feedback control. It is pointed out that the geometric state vector sequence and its common ratio are closely related to the eigenvectors and eigenvalues of the special interval state matrix, respectively. Such an interval state matrix is determined by the eigen‐robust interval matrix, which has a universal eigenvector relative to a universal eigenvalue. The state geometric adjustability is characterized by the solvability of interval max‐plus linear equations, and a necessary and sufficient condition for the adjustability is given. A polynomial algorithm is provided to find the state feedback matrix. Several numerical examples and simulations are presented to demonstrate the results. At the same time, the proposed method is applied for the regulation of battery energy storage systems to optimize the start time of executing tasks for all processing units in each activity.
Cooperative control of mixed vehicle platoon based on pinning consensus of heterogeneous multi‐agent system
Authors: Du Wenju , Ma Changxi , Zhang Jiangang
Published: October 2024

This paper proposes a longitudinal controller for the mixed vehicle platoon in the presence of driver response time‐delay and communication time‐delay based on the pinning consensus of heterogeneous multi‐agent system. Firstly, an adaptive pinning consensus control protocol and derive sufficient conditions for the heterogeneous non‐linear multi‐agent system are designed to achieve pinning consistency. Then, the heterogeneous characteristics of the vehicle are described based on the car‐following model, then the mixed vehicle platoon system model is constructed and a mixed vehicle platoon controller based on heterogeneous multi‐agent pinning consensus is proposed. Besides, the driver response time‐delay and communication time‐delay are introduced into the model, and a controller based on time‐delay heterogeneous multi‐agent pinning consensus is designed. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed controller is verified by numerical simulations, and the effect of number of connected autonomous vehicle, different types of vehicle order, driver response time‐delay, communication time‐delay and the parameter of the controller on stability of mixed vehicle platoon is also quantitatively demonstrated.
Analysis of the possible detection of the pulsar wind nebulae of PSR J1208-6238, J1341-6220, J1838-0537, and J1844-0346
Authors: Zhang Wei , Torres Diego F. , García C. R. , Li J. , Mestre Enrique
Published: October 2024

Context. Pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe) are a source of very high energy radiation that can reach up to tera-electron volts and even peta-electron volts. Our work uses the pulsar tree, a graph theory tool recently presented to analyze the pulsar population and select candidates of interest.

Aims. We aim to discover detectable PWNe. We also aim to test to what extent the pulsar tree is able to group detectable PWNe despite only considering the intrinsic properties of pulsars.

Methods. We selected four pulsars as tera-electron volt PWNe candidates based on their positions in the pulsar tree. Using observed and assumed ranges of values for relevant parameters, we anticipated the possible spectral energy distributions of the PWNe of four pulsars (PSR J1208-6238, J1341-6220, J1838-0537, and J1844-0346) via a detailed time-dependent leptonic model that was already found to be appropriate for describing almost all other detected nebulae.

Results. We estimated the likelihood of detection for the four candidates we studied by comparing the TeV fluxes predicted by the possible models with the sensitivities of different observatories. In doing so, we provide context for analyzing the advantages and caveats of using the pulsar tree position as a marker for properties that go beyond the intrinsic features of pulsars that are considered in producing the pulsar tree.
Temporal and chromatic variation of polarized scattered light in the outer disk of PDS 70
Authors: Ma J. , Ginski C. , Tazaki R. , Dominik C. , Schmid H. M. , Ménard F.
Published: October 2024

Context. PDS 70 stands out as the only system hosting a protoplanetary disk and two confirmed planets undergoing formation. It is a unique target for characterizing the dust in this type of disk.

Aims. We aim to accurately measure the reflected polarized intensity and quantify the variability and asymmetry for PDS 70 across multiple epochs and wavelengths in the optical and near-infrared. We present new high-contrast polarimetric differential imaging observations of PDS 70, with the N_R filter on SPHERE/ZIMPOL.

Methods. We combined the new observation with archival data of the VLT/SPHERE instrument, spanning five wavelengths (N_R, VBB, J, H, and Ks) over seven epochs and eight years. For each observational epoch, we corrected the smearing effect due to finite instrument resolution, measured the azimuthal brightness profiles, and derived the intrinsic disk-integrated polarized reflectivity and the intrinsic brightness contrasts.

Results. With our homogeneous analysis of all available optical and near-infrared data sets of the disk around PDS 70, we find significant temporal variability of the integrated polarized reflectivity as well as the azimuthal brightness profile. This indicates variable shadowing on the outer disk by inner disk structures beyond the resolution limit of current imaging instruments. Despite these variabilities, we observe a systematic wavelength-dependent contrast between the near side and the far side of the inclined disk. These results underline the importance of considering both the shadowing effect from the inner disk and the surface geometry of the observed reflecting disk in the analysis and interpretation of observational data.
Revisiting the multi-planetary system of the nearby star HD 20794
Authors: Nari N. , Dumusque X. , Hara N. C. , Suárez Mascareño A. , Cretignier M. , González Hernández J. I. , Stefanov A. K. , Passegger V. M. , Rebolo R. , Pepe F. , Santos N. C. , Cristiani S. , Faria J. P. , Figueira P. , Sozzetti A. , Zapatero Osorio M. R. , Adibekyan V. , Alibert Y. , Allende Prieto C. , Bouchy F. , Benatti S. , Castro-González A. , D’Odorico V. , Damasso M. , Delisle J. B. , Di Marcantonio P. , Ehrenreich D. , Génova-Santos R. , Hobson M. J. , Lavie B. , Lillo-Box J. , Lo Curto G. , Lovis C. , A. P. Martins C. J. , Mehner A. , Micela G. , Molaro P. , Mordasini C. , Nunes N. , Palle E. , Quanz S.P. , Ségransan D. , Silva A. M. , Sousa S. G. , Udry S. , Unger N. , Venturini J.
Published: November 2024

Context. Close-by Earth analogs and super-Earths are of primary importance because they will be preferential targets for the next generation of direct imaging instruments. Bright and close-by G-to-M type stars are preferential targets in radial velocity surveys to find Earth analogs. Their brightness allows us to achieve the best precision on RV measurements and search for signals with amplitudes of less than 1 m s−1.

Aims. We present an analysis of the RV data of the star HD 20794, a target whose planetary system has been extensively debated in the literature. The broad time span of the observations makes it possible to find planets with signal semi-amplitudes below 1 m s−1 in the habitable zone.

Methods. We analyzed RV datasets spanning more than 20 years. We monitored the system with ESPRESSO. We joined ESPRESSO data with the HARPS data, including archival data and new measurements from a recent program. We applied the post-processing pipeline YARARA to HARPS data to correct systematics, improve the quality of RV measurements, and mitigate the impact of stellar activity.

Results. We confirm the presence of three planets, with periods of 18.3142 ± 0.0022 d, 89.68 ± 0.10 d, and 647.6−2.7+2.5 d, along with masses of 2.15 ± 0.17 M⊕, 2.98 ± 0.29 M⊕, and 5.82 ± 0.57 M⊕ respectively. For the outer planet, we find an eccentricity of 0.45−0.11+0.10, whereas the inner planets are compatible with circular orbits. The latter is likely to be a rocky planet in the habitable zone of HD 20794. From the analysis of activity indicators, we find evidence of a magnetic cycle with a period of ~3000 d, along with evidence pointing to a rotation period of ~39 d.

Conclusions. We have determined the presence of a system of three planets orbiting the solar-type star HD 20794. This star is bright (V=4.34 mag) and close (d = 6.04 pc), and HD 20794 d resides in the stellar habitable zone, making this system a high-priority target for future atmospheric characterization with direct imaging facilities.
RETRACTED: Speckle-based adaptation concept of a compensation system for free-space optical communications
Authors: Al-Juboori Haider
Published: October 2024

This article has been retracted because it substantially reflects a significant part of the content and some figures of the following original PhD thesis, without reference to it: “Advanced adaptive compensation system for free-space optical communications” by Carlos E. Carrizo, DOI: 10.5821/dissertation-2117-168867

The author admits that he inadvertently omitted to properly cite this reference, neither asked authorization for use. He sincerely apologizes for the oversight.

Retraction approved by the Editor and the Publisher on February 6, 2025.
Overview of PHITS Ver.3.34 with particular focus on track-structure calculation
Authors: Ogawa Tatsuhiko , Hirata Yuho , Matsuya Yusuke , Kai Takeshi , Sato Tatsuhiko , Iwamoto Yosuke , Hashimoto Shintaro , Furuta Takuya , Abe Shin-ichiro , Matsuda Norihiro , Sekikawa Takuya , Yao Lan , Tsai Pi-En , Ratliff Hunter N. , Iwase Hiroshi , Sakaki Yasuhito , Sugihara Kenta , Shigyo Nobuhiro , Sihver Lembit , Niita Koji
Published: November 2024

This paper presents the latest updates on PHITS, a versatile radiation transport code, focusing specifically on track-structure models. Track structure calculations are methods used to simulate the movement of charged particles while explicitly considering each atomic reaction. Initially developed for radiation biology, these calculation methods aimed to analyze the radiation-induced damage to DNA and chromosomes. Several track-structure calculation models, including PHITS-ETS, PHITS-ETS for Si, PHITS-KURBUC, ETSART, and ITSART, have been developed and implemented for PHITS. These models allow users to study the behavior of various particles at the nano-scale across a wide range of materials. Furthermore, potential applications of track-structure calculations have also been proposed so far. This collection of track-structure calculation models, which encompasses diverse conditions, opens up new avenues for research in the field of radiation effects.
Influence mechanism of rare earth (RE) on inclusion modification in non-oriented silicon steel
Authors: Wang Haijun , Shao Kaixuan , Niu Yuhao , Qiao Jialong , Pan Hongbo , Qiu Shengtao
Published: November 2024

Effects of rare earth (La+Ce) on inclusions in hot-rolled band of 3.0∼3.3%Si-0.8∼1.0%Al non-oriented silicon steel was studied using industrial trials, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and thermodynamic analysis. Furthermore, combining Heterogeneous Nucleation Theory with Edge-to-Edge Matching (E2EM) model, the formation mechanism of complex inclusions was also investigated. Rare earth (La+Ce) would promote the spheroidization and coarsening of inclusions, and then transform into regular and near circle morphology composite inclusions of rare earth. The low content of rare earth (21 ppm) mainly deoxidized and modified Al2O3 inclusions, and formed (La,Ce)AlO3 inclusions. Increasing of rare earth (29–45 ppm) would promote the formation of (La,Ce)AlO3-(La,Ce)2O2S and (La,Ce)2O2S inclusions, reduce the sulfide precipitation, and promote a gradual transformation of the core of composite inclusions from (La,Ce)AlO3 to (La,Ce)AlO3-(La,Ce)2O2S and (La,Ce)2O2S, which agreed well with the thermodynamic analysis. However, rare earth (29–45 ppm) had a weak metamorphic effect on Al2O3 inclusions generated by temperature drop and secondary oxidation. LaAlO3, CeAlO3, La2O2S and Ce2O2S could be the heterogeneous nucleation core of AlN, Al2O3, MgO-Al2O3, typical composite inclusions with (La,Ce)AlO3 and (La,Ce)2O2S as the core would ultimately form.
Distal Aortic Events following Emergent Aortic Repair for Acute DeBakey Type I Aortic Dissection: An Inverse Probability of Treatment Weighting Analysis
Authors: Miyahara Shunsuke , Uchino Gaku , Nomura Yoshikatsu , Tanaka Hiroshi , Murakami Hirohisa
Published: November 2024

Objective The goal of this study is to examine early and midterm results after surgical treatment of acute DeBakey type I aortic dissection (AIAD) and the effect of the range of aortic arch replacement on overall survival and prevention of distal aortic events.

Methods Between March 2002 and July 2020, a total of 374 AIAD aortic repairs were reviewed. A total of 154 (41.2%) patients had total arch replacement (TAR), whereas 220 (58.8%) had hemi- or partial arch replacement (PAR).

Results Operative mortality did not show a significant difference (7.7% in PAR, 13.0% in TAR, p = 0.096). Survival at 5 years showed no difference (77.8% in TAR, 72.6% in PAR, p = 0.14). Freedom from reoperations and reinterventions, as well as composite aortic events in the distal aorta, were comparable across groups (p = 0.21, 0.84, and 0.91, respectively). The inverse probability of treatment weighting-adjusted model displayed higher 5-year freedom from reoperations and aortic events in the TAR group (p = 0.029 and 0.054, respectively).

Conclusion The extent of arch replacement is determined based on the patient background, making it difficult to compare the superiority of both surgical methods. However, TAR for appropriately selected patients may provide the benefit of avoiding aortic events in the long term.
Influence of anharmonic and frustration effects on the Josephson flux qubit spectrum
Authors: Askerzade I. N.
Published: November 2024

This paper is devoted to investigation of the Josephson flux qubits spectrum taking into account anharmonic current-phase relation of the junction. Changing of the energy spectrum in flux qubits based on single-band/multiband Josephson junctions is also analyzed. It was shown that the presence of anharmonicity and frustration effects in junction leads to changing effective plasma frequency for the different inductance of superconducting ring and, as a result, to the energy spectrum of the qubit.
On the theory of two-dimensional nematic superconductivity: Rectangular lattice
Authors: Loktev V. M. , Turkowski V.
Published: November 2024

In this work, we derive equations for the superconducting nematic order parameter, critical temperature, and chemical potential for two-dimensional rectangular lattice by taking into account nearest- and next-nearest-neighbor hopping of carriers (electrons or holes). By solving the obtained equations, we have found that the symmetry of the order parameter and other superconducting properties strongly depend on the sign and the magnitude of the next-nearest neighbor hopping and on doping. We have analyzed the possible crossover of the system from the Bose–Einstein condensation to the Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer superconductivity regimes with increasing the electron density. As we show, the crossover, which can be tuned by both doping and nearest neighbor hopping, only occurs in the s-channel at physically meaningful values of these parameters. A possible connection of the obtained results to the properties of doped high-temperature cuprate superconductors is discussed.
Effect of impurity and radiation defects on the scattering of normal and fluctuation carriers in YBa2Cu3O7–δ and Y1–zPrzBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystals
Authors: Azarenkov N. A. , Khadzhai G. Ya. , Gevorkyan E. S. , Goulatis I. , Chroneos A. , Feher A. , Komisarov A. O. , Vragov O. Yu. , Kovrigin V. A. , Vovk R. V.
Published: November 2024

The effect of medium fluences (from 1019 е/cm2 to 1020 е/cm2) of fast electron irradiation or the change in the praseodymium concentration in the range 0.0 ≤ z ≤ 0.5 on the excess conductivity of optimally oxygen-doped YBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystals has been investigated. Irradiation leads to the appearance of a significant number of defects that cause a decrease in anisotropy, an appreciable increase in phonon scattering, reduction of Tc, and broadening of the superconducting transition. Under the conditions specified, the temperature dependence of electrical resistivity is approximated with high accuracy by the charge carriers’ scattering on defects and phonons, and fluctuating conductivity in the Lawrence–Doniach model. It was determined that at fluences 0 ≤ Ф ≤ 6.5⋅1019 е/cm2, the value of the transverse coherence length ξс(0) increases with an increase of Ф by about three times or more than four times as the content of praseodymium in the sample increases to z ≈ 0.42. In both cases, the 2D–3D crossover point shifts upward in temperature. In contrast to the case of irradiation with low fluences (Ф ≤ 1019 е/cm2) or doping with praseodymium up to concentrations z ≤ 0.39, irradiation with medium fluences and doping with praseodymium at higher concentrations leads to a nonmonotonic dependence of the transverse coherence length ξс(0) on the irradiation fluence, with characteristic maxima at Ф ∼ (7–8)⋅1019 е/cm2 or z ≈ 0.42, which may be due to the general suppression of the superconducting characteristics.
Mechanisms of plastic deformation of cryorolled hafnium in the temperature range 1.7–430 K
Authors: Moskalenko V. A. , Smolianets R. V. , Pohribna Yu. M. , Kovtun K. V. , Stetsenko S. P.
Published: November 2024

The stress-strain curves of coarse-grained and nanocrystalline hafnium were found under quasi-static uniaxial compression in the temperature range 1.7–430 K. The temperature dependences of the yield strength, rate sensitivity of the deforming stress, and activation volume of the plastic deformation process were determined. The nanoscale grain size was obtained by rolling at liquid nitrogen temperature. When discussing the physical nature of the features observed below 25 K, such as the transition from smooth at room and moderately low temperatures to jump-like plastic flow, as well as the athermicity of the temperature dependences of the yield stress and its rate sensitivity, theoretical hypotheses related to the manifestation of the inertial properties of dislocations were used. Experimental results for the temperature range above 25 K were discussed using the method of thermal activation analysis within the framework of the model of dislocations overcoming local barriers, and dislocation mechanisms that control the rate of plastic deformation were established.
Progress in laser ultrasonics evaluation of micro- and nanoscale interfacial mechanics
Authors: Abi Ghanem Maroun , Dehoux Thomas
Published: November 2024

Understanding contact mechanics and adhesion processes in thin films and micro-structured materials is fundamental in phonon and heat transport phenomena and is ubiquitous for the miniaturization of mechanical and thermal devices as well as the design/functionalization of structured surfaces and membranes. Acoustic-based methods are of great interest in this context since they provide a nondestructive mean to probe interface quality and adhesion, at various scales. In particular, Laser Ultrasonics (LU) techniques allow the generation of broadband acoustic pulses with a frequency content extending up to a few THz due to the thermoelastic expansion induced by the absorption of short laser pulses. In this review, we will explore the specificities of the LU generation/detection schemes and the unusual wide frequency range that make these opto-acoustic techniques a unique tool to study adhesion processes from micro- to nanoscales, and in a variety of systems, ranging from continuous films and coatings to nano-objects. Because the size of the contact area with respect to the acoustic wavelength dictates the acoustic dispersion, we will describe separately continuous structures, in which the contact is large, before discussing micro- and nanostructured media, where the contact is localized.
Collective dynamics of swarmalators driven by a mobile pacemaker
Authors: Xu Xiaoxin , Lu Yichen , Wang Simin , Xu Jie , Zheng Zhigang
Published: November 2024

Swarmalators, namely, oscillators with intrinsic frequencies that are able to self-propel to move in space, may undergo collective spatial swarming and meanwhile phase synchronous dynamics. In this paper, a swarmalator model driven by an external mobile pacemaker is proposed to explore the swarming dynamics in the presence of the competition between the external organization of the moving pacemaker and the intrinsic self-organization among oscillators. It is unveiled that the swarmalator system may exhibit a wealth of novel spatiotemporal patterns including the spindle state, the ripple state, and the trapping state. Transitions among these patterns and the mechanisms are studied with the help of different order parameters. The phase diagrams present systematic scenarios of various possible collective swarming dynamics and the transitions among them. The present study indicates that one may manipulate the formation and switching of the organized collective states by adjusting the external driving force, which is expected to shed light on applications of swarming performance control in natural and artificial groups of active agents.
Antibacterial activity of Ag+/MAF-7 nanocomposites against Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Liu Xiao-Bin , Dai Xiao-Hua , Li Li , Shen Jing , Li Wei , Li Chang-Yi
Published: November 2024

Enterococcus faecalis (E. faecalis) is one of the dominant bacteria in infected root canals, and it is tolerant to commonly used root canal disinfectants. Ag+ has a certain antibacterial effect on E. faecalis, but the instability and potential toxicity of Ag+ limit its application. Metal azolate framework-7 (MAF-7) is a typical metal–organic framework that has been used for drug delivery due to its high encapsulation efficiency, tunable release profile, and low cytotoxicity. In this study, we used a simple method for the synthesis of Ag+/MAF-7 nanocomposites. After characterization via several techniques, the antibacterial activity of this nanocomposite against E. faecalis was investigated. Ag+ was found to be uniformly bound to MAF-7, and the resulting Ag+/MAF-7 nanocomposite showed significant antibacterial activity against E. faecalis. This study demonstrates the potential application of nanocomposite antibacterial materials in treating infected root canals.
Long time behavior for the two-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic flows in a general domain
Authors: Liu Zhaoxia , Han Pigong
Published: November 2024

By utilizing spectral analysis methods and properties of fractional order operators, some new estimates have been established for the nonlinear terms appearing from the two-dimensional non-stationary magnetohydrodynamic flows in a general domain. Based on these, a series of energy decay properties are given. Furthermore, the large time decay behavior of the solution and that of its gradient have also been addressed in the L∞ and L2 spaces, respectively.
Selecting alternative metals for advanced interconnects
Authors: Soulié Jean-Philippe , Sankaran Kiroubanand , Van Troeye Benoit , Leśniewska Alicja , Varela Pedreira Olalla , Oprins Herman , Delie Gilles , Fleischmann Claudia , Boakes Lizzie , Rolin Cédric , Ragnarsson Lars-Åke , Croes Kristof , Park Seongho , Swerts Johan , Pourtois Geoffrey , Tőkei Zsolt , Adelmann Christoph
Published: November 2024

Interconnect resistance and reliability have emerged as critical factors limiting the performance of advanced CMOS circuits. With the slowdown of transistor scaling, interconnect scaling has become the primary driver of continued circuit miniaturization. The associated scaling challenges for interconnects are expected to further intensify in future CMOS technology nodes. As interconnect dimensions approach the 10 nm scale, the limitations of conventional Cu dual-damascene metallization are becoming increasingly difficult to overcome, spurring over a decade of focused research into alternative metallization schemes. The selection of alternative metals is a highly complex process, requiring consideration of multiple criteria, including resistivity at reduced dimensions, reliability, thermal performance, process technology readiness, and sustainability. This Tutorial introduces the fundamental criteria for benchmarking and selecting alternative metals and reviews the current state of the art in this field. It covers materials nearing adoption in high-volume manufacturing, materials currently under active research, and potential future directions for fundamental study. While early alternatives to Cu metallization have recently been introduced in commercial CMOS devices, the search for the optimal interconnect metal remains ongoing.
SiRO, a scintillator-based hodoscope for muography applications
Authors: Niculescu-Oglinzanu M. , Stanca D. , Bălăceanu A. , Dobre M. , Gherghel-Lascu A. , Saftoiu A. , Smău R. , Vancea C.
Published: November 2024

We report on the construction of the SiRO—SiPM ReadOut muon detector, a detection system based on plastic scintillator bars designed for muography applications. Using six 1 m2 layers of active medium, grouped two by two into three rectangular matrices of pixels, each separated by a variable distance, the spatial coordinates of the muon’s impact point on every matrice are obtained and used for trajectory reconstruction. Validation studies have been performed using Monte Carlo simulations and later confirmed by preliminary measurements in our laboratory and in underground, in the Slănic Prahova salt mine, in Romania.
Efficient quantum mechanical minimum free energy path calculation by combining path integral hybrid Monte Carlo and climbing image nudged elastic band methods, and its application to the addition reaction of hydrogen isocyanide to formaldehyde
Authors: Io Aiko , Suzuki Kimichi , Takagi Makito , Tachikawa Masanori
Published: November 2024

We propose an efficient algorithm for a minimum free energy path calculation based on the path integral hybrid Monte Carlo (PIHMC) method by combining the climbing image-nudged elastic band (CI-NEB) and the thermodynamic integration (TI) methods. Here, the CI-NEB and the TI methods are used to find a transition state along the reaction path and evaluate the free energy path, respectively. Our algorithm is applied to the Walden inversion reaction of the hydronium ions (H3O+). The numerical results show that the computational effort by our algorithm is significantly reduced compared to that of the previously proposed algorithm combining PIHMC without losing accuracy. We also demonstrate the importance of temperature and isotope effects on the addition reaction of hydrogen isocyanide to formaldehyde. In this reaction, the nuclear quantum effect causes the structural change at the TS and decreases the energy barrier.
Metamaterial unipolar quantum optoelectronics for mid-infrared free-space optics
Authors: Bonazzi T. , Dely H. , Didier P. , Gacemi D. , Fix B. , Beck M. , Faist J. , Harouri A. , Sagnes I. , Grillot F. , Vasanelli A. , Sirtori C.
Published: November 2024

Free-space optical communications in the mid-infrared transparency windows (4–5 and 8–14 μm wavelength regions) is emerging as a viable solution for high bitrate data transmission. Unipolar quantum optoelectronics is the technology of choice for data communication in this wavelength region, thanks to the high frequency response of detectors and modulators. In this work, it is demonstrated that the performances of these devices can be substantially enhanced by embedding them into metamaterials. It is also shown that metamaterials have to be engineered differently in detectors than in modulators, as the role of light–matter interaction must be tuned adequately in the two devices. Metamaterial-enhanced performances allow the realization of data transmission with a record rate of 68 Gbit/s, while ensuring robustness and consistency, as it should be for real-world applications. These findings underscore the promising role of metamaterial-enhanced unipolar devices in advancing free-space optical communication systems.
Mechanical properties of (Ni, Fe)Cr2O4 polycrystal spinels studied by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Van Brutzel L. , Chartier A.
Published: November 2024

The elastic moduli and mechanical properties at the onset of crack in nanocrystalline and nanoporous (Ni, Fe)Cr2O4 compounds with a spinel structure are investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. The polycrystalline structures generated contain nanograins from 2.5 to 30 nm in diameter. These structures are representative of the internal corrosion layer in nickel-based alloys. These simulations enabled us to establish the evolution of elastic moduli as a function of the composition, porosity, and grain size of the polycrystals. From this evolution, the initial database for the elastic properties of corrosion layers based on von Bertalanffy growth functions was determined. The onset of crack in polycrystals is also investigated via uniaxial tensile and shear deformation. Under shear deformation, flow stress as a function of grain size follows normal and inverse Hall–Petch regimes. The regime change occurs for grain sizes around 10 nm. For grain sizes under this threshold, shear banding involving collective translation and rotation of nanograins dominates the plastic deformation. For grain sizes greater than 10 nm, phase transition inside grains from a spinel to a post-spinel-like structure is observed as well. In that case, phase transition dominates the plastic deformation. Under uniaxial tensile deformation, intergranular decohesion occurs. The general law as a function of grain size for toughness, which is the material’s capacity to absorb elastic and plastic energy prior to failure, is also established.
Aerodynamic performance analysis of two new types of helical blades for vertical axis wind turbines
Authors: Wang Qi , Chen Kun , Zhao Zhikai , Su Tao , Hu Hongyi
Published: November 2024

For aerodynamic performance improvement, a helical blade vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT) with a symmetric structure is proposed. Using NACA0018 as the base airfoil, three-dimensional numerical simulations of the symmetric helical blade VAWT and a helical blade VAWT are performed using the shear–stress transport k–ω model. The aims is to comprehensively explore the correlation and influence between their wind energy utilization coefficients, single-bladed transient moment coefficients, and flow field characteristics under different wind field conditions. Furthermore, the blade cross sections at positions of 0.3H, 0.5H, and 0.7H are symmetrized and subsequently numerically simulated in terms of both global and local symmetries. The symmetrical blades provide smooth and significant average moment coefficients under low tip speed ratios (TSRs) and similar average moment coefficients under high TSRs. The global symmetry helical blade VAWT (GS-helical blade VAWT) exhibited the best performance. Compared to the helical blade VAWT, the average value of the total moment coefficient afforded by the proposed GS-helical blade VAWT is 19.13% higher at TSR = 1 and similar at TSR > 1.9. In conclusion, the proposed symmetric helical blade VAWT exhibits improved aerodynamic performance and can be practically employed.
Active fractal networks with stochastic force monopoles and force dipoles: Application to subdiffusion of chromosomal loci
Authors: Singh Sadhana , Granek Rony
Published: November 2024

Motivated by the well-known fractal packing of chromatin, we study the Rouse-type dynamics of elastic fractal networks with embedded, stochastically driven, active force monopoles and force dipoles that are temporally correlated. We compute, analytically—using a general theoretical framework—and via Langevin dynamics simulations, the mean square displacement (MSD) of a network bead. Following a short-time superdiffusive behavior, force monopoles yield anomalous subdiffusion with an exponent identical to that of the thermal system. In contrast, force dipoles do not induce subdiffusion, and the early superdiffusive MSD crosses over to a relatively small, system-size-independent saturation value. In addition, we find that force dipoles may lead to “crawling” rotational motion of the whole network, reminiscent of that found for triangular micro-swimmers and consistent with general theories of the rotation of deformable bodies. Moreover, force dipoles lead to network collapse beyond a critical force strength, which persists with increasing system size, signifying a true first-order dynamical phase transition. We apply our results to the motion of chromosomal loci in bacteria and yeast cells’ chromatin, where anomalous sub-diffusion, MSD∼tν with ν≃0.4, was found in both normal and cells depleted of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), albeit with different apparent diffusion coefficients. We show that the combination of thermal, monopolar, and dipolar forces in chromatin is typically dominated by the active monopolar and thermal forces, explaining the observed normal cells vs the ATP-depleted cells behavior.
Understanding melting behavior of aluminum clusters using machine learned deep neural network potential energy surfaces
Authors: Kumar Amit , Nagare Balasaheb J. , Sharma Raman , Kanhere Dilip G.
Published: November 2024

Deep neural network-based deep potentials (DP), developed by Tuo et al., have been used to compute the thermodynamic properties of free aluminum clusters with accuracy close to that of density functional theory. Although Jarrold and collaborators have reported extensive experimental measurements on the melting temperatures and heat capacities of free aluminum clusters, no reports exist for finite-temperature ab initio simulations on larger clusters (N > 55 atoms). We report the heat capacities and melting temperatures for 32 clusters in the size range of 48–342 atoms, computed using the multiple histogram technique. Extensive molecular dynamics (MD) simulations at twenty four temperatures have been performed for all the clusters. Our results are in very good agreement with the experimental melting temperatures for 19 clusters. Except for a few sizes, the interesting features in the heat capacities have been reproduced. To gain insight into the striking features reported in the experiments, we used structural and dynamical descriptors such as temperature-dependent mean squared displacements and the Lindemann index. Bimodal features observed in Al116 and the weak shoulder seen in Al52 are attributed to solid–solid structural transitions. In confirmation of the earlier reports, we observe that the behavior of the heat capacities is significantly influenced by the nature of the ground state geometries. Our findings show that the sharp drop in the melting temperature of the 56-atom cluster is a consequence of the change in the geometry of Al55. Mulliken population analysis of Al55 reveals that the charge-induced local electric field is responsible for the strong bonding between core and surface atoms, leading to the higher melting temperature. Our calculations do not support the lower melting temperature observed in experimental studies of Al69. Our results indicate that Al48 is in a liquid state above 600 K and does not support the high melting temperature reported in the experiment. It turns out that the accuracy of the DP model by Tuo et al. is not reliable for MD simulations beyond 750 K. We also report low-lying equilibrium geometries and thermodynamics of 11 larger clusters (N = 147–342) that have not been previously reported, and the melting temperatures of these clusters are in good agreement with the experimental ones.
Firing dynamics and coupling synchronization of memristive EMR-based Chaivlo neuron utilizing equivalent energy approach
Authors: Liu Bin , Li Muning , Li Zhijun , Tong Yaonan , Li Zhaoyu , Li Chunlai
Published: November 2024

Firing dynamics and its energy property of neuron are crucial for exploring the mechanism of intricate information processing within the nervous system. However, the energy analysis of discrete neuron is significantly lacking in comparison to the vast literature and mature theory available on continuous neuron, thereby necessitating a focused effort in this underexplored realm. In this paper, we introduce a Chaivlo neuron map by employing a flux-controlled memristor to simulate electromagnetic radiation (EMR), and a detailed analysis of its firing dynamics is conducted based on an equivalent Hamiltonian energy approach. Our observations reveal that a range of energy-based firing behaviors, such as spike firing, coexistence firing, mixed-mode firing, and chaotic bursting firing, can be induced by EMR and injected current. To delve deeper into the synchronous firing dynamics, we establish a Chaivlo network by electrically coupling two memristive EMR-based Chaivlo neurons. Subsequently, we experimentally evaluate the synchronization behavior of this network by quantifying both the synchronization factor and the average difference of equivalent Hamiltonian energy. Our findings conclusively demonstrate that both EMR and coupling strength positively contribute to the network's synchronization ability.
Influence of magnetic interaction on four-peak GMI profile in FINEMET/Fe35Ni65 composite ribbons
Authors: Liu J. , Li M. Q. , Sun X. T. , Li X. , Xie W. H. , Zhao Z. J.
Published: November 2024

The study of magnetic interactions is crucial in understanding magnetic materials, where both exchange coupling and dipole interactions significantly affect the magnetic properties of composite materials. Separating and utilizing these two types of interactions have consistently been a research focus. In this study, FINEMET/Fe35Ni65 composite ribbons with varying coating thicknesses were fabricated using magnetron sputtering. Notably, obvious four-peak giant magnetoimpedance profiles can be observed as the Fe35Ni65 film thickness varied from 10 to 50 nm. Additionally, the manifestation of the four-peak profile was attributed to the variation in the magnetic properties in the FINEMET ribbon induced by exchange coupling and dipole interaction. This analysis is crucial for advancing our understanding of the underlying physical mechanisms of magnetic interactions in composite ribbons.
A hybrid unsupervised learning approach for noise removal in particle image velocimetry
Authors: Yu Shaorong , Zhao Baozhu , Song Jialei , Zhong Yong
Published: November 2024

Particle image velocimetry technology calculates velocity fields by capturing two consecutive frames of particle images, and it is widely used in the research of fluid mechanics, meteorology, aerospace, and other fields. Challenges arise from uncontrolled refraction and reflection of lasers in water, as well as reflections from moving objects in water, introducing noise in particle images. Changes in noise shape and its inconsistent motion direction with particles can affect the accuracy of velocity field results. A particular challenge addressed in this study is the removal of noise from particle images. Existing learning-based methods employ supervised models, often relying on synthetic datasets due to the difficulty in obtaining pairs of particle images (noisy images and corresponding noise-free images) for training, leading to a gap between training setups and real-world scenarios. In this paper, a hybrid model named dynamic partition histogram matching with PatchCore (DPHMP) is proposed. This model comprises two primary steps. Initially, it detects noise in particle images utilizing PatchCore, which establishes a memory bank for identifying noisy regions. Subsequently, noise removal is achieved through dynamic partition histogram matching. To validate the effectiveness DPHMP, a semi-synthetic dataset and a real dataset are generated containing real particle images with real noise. On the semi-synthetic dataset, the DPHMP method achieves a peak signal-to-noise ratio of 34.393 and a structural similarity index measure of 0.9722 between the denoised and real noise-free particle images, outperforming all existing methods. Moreover, on real datasets, the approach also surpasses other techniques.