bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measurement of a ball valve as a control valve
Authors: Himr Daniel , Dokoupil Pavel
Published: July 2024

There are more possibilities how to control flow rate in a pipeline system. When the flow is provided by pump, it is very economic to use frequency converter to change the pump speed which leads to flow rate change. Another possibility is to change number of running pumps, when pump station contains more than one unit. Control valve is used in systems without pump regulation especially, when the initial costs has to be low. The paper is focused on measurement of control ability of a ball valve. Generally, ball valves are not suitable to fulfil flow control function, but in an emergency case, when the control valve is damaged and the system has to be operated, there is no other possibility, but to use the ball valve.
Experimental evaluation of resistance of eroded bed in sediment laden open channel flow: Combined load transport case
Authors: Matoušek Václav
Published: July 2024

A relation between the discharge and the flow depth in an open channel is quite sensitive to resistance (expressed by the friction coefficient) of the channel bottom. This relation is straightforward if the bottom is a fixed boundary, and the discharge is a result of one-phase (water) flow. The relation is considerably more complex if the channel bottom is an eroded mobile bed and the flow is solid-liquid flow. Sediment-transport experiments with various model lightweight sediments in a tilting flume of the Water Engineering Laboratory at Czech Technical University in Prague produced information suitable for an evaluation of the eroded bed resistance at conditions of intense bed load and intense combined load in the upper plane bed regime. An evaluation of the bed load condition has been published recently. This paper discusses a description and quantification of the bed resistance in the case of transported combined load, i.e., at the condition where a certain portion of the sediment is transported as bed load and the rest is transported as suspended load. The results show that the presence of transported sediment tends to increase the bed resistance and hence increases a flow depth for a certain discharge of water in an open channel with an eroded bed.
Study of dynamic vortex structures of an incompressible liquid
Authors: Pochylý František , Štefan David , Fialová Simona
Published: July 2024

The study of non-stationary vortex structures arising at the inlet of centrifugal pumps and at the outlet of turbines of the Kaplan and Francis type is the subject of the presented paper. Specific attention will be paid to spatial vortices, characterized by curvature and twist. Spiral vortices will also be monitored as sources of spatial vortex motion. Their core will be expressed by a mathematical model in curvilinear coordinates. Helicity, which indicates the degree of vorticity, will also be determined by computational simulation of turbulent motion. The swirling motion will be induced by a specially designed diffuser-shaped vortex generator, simulating the inlet to the turbine draft tube. A significant result of the study of vortex structures will be the dependence of the twist of the streamline in relation to the Hessian matrix, expressed as a function of the pressure function. This dependence will be significant for the optimization of the hydraulic machines.
Laboratory simulation of the floating ice influence on the dynamic of the ocean-atmosphere boundary layer
Authors: Sergeev Daniil , Kandaurov Alexander
Published: July 2024

Presented work concerned on the investigation of the ice cover influence on the wind – wave interaction in the marine atmospheric boundary layer. Unique laboratory experiments on the modeling of influence of pancake type of forming floe ice were carried out on the ring wind-wave facility AEOLOTRON university of Heidelberg. The round rubber pucks were used as artificial ice floes. Experiments were carried out for wide range of wind – wave states and artificial ice concentration. Simultaneous measurements of surface elevation, air flow parameters, and artificial floe ice coverage was carried out. For the case of the ice presence, the evolution of the surface demonstrated threshold behavior. The obtained threshold of the excitation of long waves (the length is much greater than the average size of the ice elements and the distance between them), depended on the wind rate and ice concentration.
Occurrence and genotyping of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in flying squirrels (Trogopterus xanthipes) from China
Authors: Liu Xuehan , Zhang Chi , Li Tiantian , Xia Xiaojing , Xu Yanzhao , Hu Jianhe , Zhang Longxian , Wang Lei , Qi Meng
Published: July 2024

Enterocytozoon bieneusi is an obligate intracellular microsporidian parasite with a worldwide distribution. As a zoonotic pathogen, E. bieneusi can infect a wide range of wildlife hosts through the fecal-oral route. Although the feces of flying squirrels (Trogopterus xanthipes) are considered a traditional Chinese medicine (as “faeces trogopterori”), no literature is available on E. bieneusi infection in flying squirrels to date. In this study, a total of 340 fresh flying squirrel fecal specimens from two captive populations were collected in Pingdingshan city, China, to detect the prevalence of E. bieneusi and assess their zoonotic potential. By nested PCR amplification of the ITS gene, six specimens tested positive, with positive samples from each farm, with an overall low infection rate of 1.8%. The ITS sequences revealed three genotypes, including known genotype D and two novel genotypes, HNFS01 and HNFS02. Genotype HNFS01 was the most prevalent (4/6, 66.7%). Phylogenetic analysis showed that all genotypes clustered into zoonotic Group 1, with the novel genotypes clustering into different subgroups. To our knowledge, this is the first report of E. bieneusi infection in flying squirrels, suggesting that flying squirrels could act as a potential reservoir and zoonotic threat for E. bieneusi transmission to humans in China.
The Impact of Upper Abdominal Surgery Regarding the Outcome of Patients with Advanced Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Pietschmann Maximilian , Jaeger Anna , Reuter Susanne , Schmalfeldt Barbara
Published: July 2024

Residual tumor after cytoreductive surgery is the most important prognostic parameter for the outcome of patients with advanced ovarian cancer (5-year survival rate FIGO III 39%, FIGO IV 20%). As more than half of the patients suffer from upper abdominal tumor burden, surgery in this area is inevitable in order to achieve adequate cytoreduction. Our analysis focuses on the impact of upper abdominal interventions (UAI) regarding residual tumor and prognosis (OS, PFS).

A total of n = 261 patients with advanced primary ovarian cancer stage FIGO III and IV and radical cytoreductive surgery at the Gynecologic Cancer Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between 2014 and 2019 were analyzed in a retrospective study design and divided into two groups: one with UAI (n = 160) and one without UAI (n = 101).

Patients with UAI showed significantly more often a residual tumor of less than 1 cm (R1) than patients without UAI and had a significantly longer OS (59 vs. 45 months [p = 0.041]). Deperitonealization of the diaphragm was the most common (144/160) and prognostically most relevant procedure for UAI. Especially the subgroup with FIGO IIIC stage seemed to benefit most from UAI. However, in multivariate analysis residual tumor burden was the strongest prognostic parameter for survival, followed by FIGO stage and UAI. Mortality was low within in the UAI group (0.6%).

UAI is an essential part of cytoreductive surgery in advanced ovarian cancer patients with tumor spread into the upper abdomen as it significantly prolongs survival. The procedure appears to be safe with low mortality. Achieving R1 rather than R2 due to radical surgery combined with UAI should be preferred compared to the early termination of the operation, as this has a significant impact on the prognosis of the patients.
Palladium-Catalyzed Asymmetric Allylic Alkylation of Azlactones: An Efficient Access to Unsaturated Trifluoromethylated α-Amino Acid Derivatives Possessing α-Quaternary Stereogenic Centers
Authors: Zhou Yuhan , Zhang Shuaibo , Sun Luyang , Li Dong , Zhao Jinfeng , Qu Jingping
Published: July 2024

A new strategy for the asymmetric allylic alkylation of azlactones with α-(trifluoromethyl)allyl acetates catalyzed by Pd(OAc)2/(R)-BINAP is designed and developed, providing access to unsaturated α-quaternary α-amino acid derivatives bearing a trifluoromethyl group and contiguous quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers. The products are obtained in good yields with exclusive regioselectivity and excellent stereoselective control under relatively mild reaction conditions. A scale-up experiment shows no loss of reactivity or stereoselectivity. The synthetic utility of the current strategy is demonstrated through transformations of a representative product to afford several potentially bioactive species.
Reviewing the Diagnostic Performance of 99mTc-TRODAT-1 Imaging in Distinguishing Idiopathic Parkinson's Disease from Parkinson-Plus Syndromes
Authors: Singhal Tejasvini , Narayan Manishi L. , Manchanda Rajat , Singh Parneet , Dhar Minakshi , Tiwari Ashutosh , Kumar Niraj
Published: July 2024

Aim Diagnosing movement disorders can be challenging owing to their similar clinical presentations with other neurodegenerative and basal ganglia disorders, like idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD), essential tremors (ET), vascular parkinsonism, multiple system atrophy (MSA), and progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP). Technetium-99m labeled tropane derivative (99mTc-TRODAT-1) imaging can help in diagnosing Parkinson's disease at an early stage to help early initiation of the treatment. The current study aimed to evaluate the role of 99mTc-TRODAT-1 imaging in differentiating IPD and Parkinson-plus syndromes (PPS).

Material and Methods We have analyzed 38 patients, referred to our department for 99mTc-TRODAT imaging. These patients were thoroughly evaluated in the movement disorder clinic at our institute and had a possible/ probable diagnosis of IPD, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage I/II (n = 28) or PPS (PSP [n = 06] and MSA [n = 04]). Striatal uptake ratio (SUR) was calculated in all the patients and data was statistically analyzed.

Results The mean age of IPD, PSP, and MSA groups was 56.5 ± 12.15, 65.2 ± 11.1, and 51.2 ± 3.9 years, respectively. On qualitative evaluation, all patients had reduced striatal uptake on 99mTc-TRODAT imaging, with 31/38 patients showed a greater reduction in putaminal uptake compared with the caudate nucleus. On semiquantitative evaluation, mean total SUR was 0.58 ± 0.27, 0.53 ± 0.31, and 0.91 ± 0.20 in IPD, PSP, and MSA groups, respectively. The total SUR was lowest in the PSP group followed by IPD, but MSA had relatively higher SUR, although the difference was not statistically significant. Among the IPD patient group, 25/28 patients (89.3%) experienced a greater reduction in SUR values in the striatum contralateral to the side, where motor symptoms first manifested at disease onset.

Conclusion 99mTc-TRODAT is a potential imaging biomarker for the evaluation of presynaptic dopaminergic dysfunction in patients with movement disorders. In our study cohort, mean SUR values were lowest for the PSP group followed by IPD and MSA group, which was in concordance with previous studies. However, the difference between SUR values in these two groups was not statistically significant. The present study emphasizes that the capacity of 99mTc-TRODAT-1 imaging alone for diagnosing IPD from PPS is constrained, although it offers a precise approach for distinguishing patients with IPD from those with essential tremors, drug-induced, or psychogenic parkinsonism. Consequently, more specific imaging biomarkers are needed to effectively differentiate between patients with IPD and those with PPS.
Microdeletion 3q13.33-3q21.2: A Rare Cause of Neurodevelopmental Disorder
Authors: Huang Yi Juan , Jia Rong Pu , Chen Yuan Qiu , Zhou Liang Ji , Gou Chen Yu , Fan Mei Qiong , Li Si , Chen Maofa , Lin Hua Ming , Gao Yu
Published: July 2024

Chromosomal sub-microscopic imbalances, such as microdeletions and microduplications, are associated with multiple genetic disorders. Here, we illustrate microdeletion 3q13.33q21.2 might be responsible for neurodevelopmental disorder in two patients.

There are two patients with neurodevelopmental disorder in a family of seven. We used chromosomal microarray analysis to identify the microdeletion 3q13.33q21.2. Next-generation sequencing was utilized to exclude the presence of allelic mutations within the microdeletion region 3q13.33q21.2, which may have a potential role in the development of disease in patients affected with secondary genetic alterations.

Patient 4 was diagnosed with dilated left third ventricle, neurodevelopmental disorder, and mild abnormalities in electroencephalogram through a series of clinical examinations. Patient 6 was diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, short stature, intellectual disability, and concurrent epilepsy. By investigating the 3q13.33q21.2 band of the University of California, Santa Cruz database, we screened out the genes related to developmental delay and intellectual disability, including ADCY5 SEMA5B andKPNA1, which were highly suspected to be related to intelligence. This region also involves CASR, a gene that has been reported to be associated with epilepsy.

The ADCY5 and SEMA5B genes may be key genes to cause neurodevelopmental disorder. Abnormal expression of the CASR gene may lead to the occurrence of epilepsy.
Dysregulated Apoptosis and Autophagy in Childhood Epilepsy: Correlation to Clinical and Pharmacological Patterns
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed El-Abd , Hassan Mohammed H. , Abdelfatah Asmaa A. , Bakri Ali Helmi
Published: July 2024

Objectives We aimed to assess the serum levels of caspase-3 as a marker of apoptosis and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 (MAP1-LC3) as an autophagy marker in epileptic children with various clinical and pharmacological types.

Methods This case–control study was carried out on 90 participants (50 pediatric patients with epilepsy and 40 healthy matched children), the patients were categorized into three groups: Group (A): 25 pharmacosensitive epilepsy, Group (B): 25 pharmacoresistant epilepsy, and Group (C): 40 (age, sex, and body mass index) matched healthy children selected as controls. Serum caspase-3 and MAP1-LC3 were measured in all study groups, using commercially available ELISA kits.

Results Serum caspase-3 was significantly higher among epileptic children, especially in the pharmacoresistant group, cases managed with multiple antiepileptic drugs, and cases with abnormal EEG findings. Conversely, circulating MAP1-LC3 levels showed a significant reduction in epilepsy cases, particularly in pharmacoresistant cases, in cases treated with multiple antiepileptic drugs, and in cases with abnormal EEG data. A significant negative correlation between serum caspase-3 and MAP1-LC3 was found among epileptic children (r =  −0.369, p = 0.0083). Serum caspase-3 was a more valid biomarker in helping diagnose childhood epilepsy, while serum MAP1-LC3 was more valid in predicting pharmacoresistant type.

Conclusion The study reveals that serum caspase-3 levels were significantly elevated, particularly in pharmacoresistant cases and those managed with multiple drugs. Conversely, MAP1-LC3 levels were significantly reduced in epilepsy cases, suggesting potential involvement of altered apoptosis and autophagy in childhood epilepsy.
Internal Hernia Post-Single Anastomosis Gastric Bypass: Case Series with Review of Literature
Authors: Abualsel Abdulmenem , Nadeem Raja , AL-Ahmed Fatema Abdulkarim , Almahmeed Ebrahim Adel , Varkey Roshan George , Almobarak Sameer , Wani Ajaz A.
Published: July 2024

Obesity is an emerging worldwide health care issue. It has a direct and indirect bearing on health-related outcomes. Rates of overweight and obesity have grown manifold in the past few decades globally. Once considered a problem of the affluent societies only, obesity is now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries also. Single anastomosis gastric bypass (SAGB) is one of the combined bariatric procedures adopted for weight loss in patients failing maximal medical therapy. Internal hernia (IH) after SAGB is a less recognized clinical entity. We hereby report our experience with four such cases under light of current available literature. Bariatric procedures are associated with some short- and long-term limitations. IHs are among one of the dreaded complications associated with some bariatric procedures with rates reaching up to 16% after classic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The incidence of IH post-SAGB is comparatively rare and is very less frequently reported. Symptoms of IH post-SAGB are quite nonspecific and depend on the time and extent of herniation. The symptoms can vary from benign intermittent colicky pain to severe intra-abdominal pain presenting as a surgical emergency. Routine physical examination and biochemical investigations are nonspecific and unreliable in evaluating those patients. Computed tomography (CT) with intravenous and oral contrast is the most common imaging modality used for preoperative evaluation of those symptoms. The CT findings can be unremarkable in patients having intermittent symptoms/herniation. Diagnostic laparoscopy is the cornerstone for diagnosis and management of patients having high suspicion of IH.
Demonstration of Resolution of Community-Acquired Pneumonia Over a Short Course of Antibiotics on [18F]FDG-PET/CT Undertaken for Suspected Perimyocarditis Evaluation
Authors: Baberwal Parth , Sonavane Sunita N. , Basu Sandip
Published: July 2024

A 28-year-old male presenting with left-sided pleuritic chest pain, cough, palpitation, and fever with mild ST depression in II, III, and aVF, raised troponin I, troponin T, creatine phosphokinase-MB, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate was referred for F-18 2-fluoro 2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography with noncontrast computed tomography ([18F]FDG-PET/CT) to rule out perimyocarditis. The first scan revealed incidental finding of [18F]FDG avid left lobar pneumonia and inadequate myocardial suppression, thus perimyocarditis could not be ruled out. The clinician was informed and after counseling, patient consented for a repeat study post-high fat-low carbohydrate diet. A regional [18F]FDG-PET/CT on the 5th day revealed adequate myocardial suppression, ruling out perimyocarditis. However, the metabolic and anatomical resolution of previously noted left lobar pneumonia was also observed in such a span of time with the administered antibiotics.
Taxonomic revision of two species in the genus Ptychorhynchus Simpson, 1900 (Bivalvia: Unionidae: Gonideinae), with description of a new species
Authors: Wu Ruiwen , Liu Lili , Zhang Liping , Bogan Arthur E. , Niu Gengyun , Jin Dandong , Wu Xiaoping , Liu Xiongjun
Published: July 2024

Accurate identification and precise classification of freshwater mussel species that are among the most threatened freshwater taxa in the world, play a crucial role in informing conservation and management efforts for these organisms. However, due to the variability in shell morphology, relying solely on shell characteristics for species taxonomy poses significant challenges, thereby impeding effective conservation planning and management. The freshwater mussel genus Ptychorhynchus Simpson, 1900 is one such group in need of study. We integrate molecular phylogeny, shell morphology and soft-body anatomy to examine the classification of Ptychorhynchus denserugata (Haas, 1910) and Ptychorhynchus resupinatus (von Martens, 1902). The COI barcoding data support the clustering of P. denserugata and Nodularia douglasiae within a single clade, and P. denserugata shares the diagnostic feature of the genus Nodularia, i.e. knobs or bumps on the inner mantle surface in the excurrent aperture. Therefore, by integrating molecular data and anatomical characteristics, we confirm that the nominal species P. denserugata syn. nov. is a new synonym for N. douglasiae. The multi-locus (COI + ND1 + 16S rRNA + 18S rRNA + 28S rRNA) phylogeny and mitochondrial phylogenomics support the transfer of P. resupinatus from Ptychorhynchus to the newly elevated genus Cosmopseudodon stat. rev., as Cosmopseudodon resupinatus stat. rev. that is still considered the designated type species. We also describe a new species based on integrative taxonomy, i.e. Cosmopseudodon wenshanensis sp. nov. The comprehensive understanding of the taxonomy and diversity of the revised Cosmopseudodon species, and shell heteromorphism of N. douglasiae (=P. denserugata syn. nov.), will serve as a crucial foundation for further scientific assessment and conservation strategies pertaining to these taxa. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E48968B1-DF0F-42AD-8F31-B8C95F23CE57
Ageing with chronic conditions and older persons’ experience of social connections: a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Thompson Cristina , Halcomb Elizabeth , Masso Malcolm , Montgomery Amy
Published: July 2024

Background Chronic conditions may limit older peoples’ social engagement and wellbeing. Reduced social connections can result in loneliness and social isolation. This study aimed to explore the experience of social connection in older people living with chronic conditions, and the factors influencing their social participation. Methods A purposive sample of 19 community-dwelling older Australians (mean age 75.5 years) with one or more chronic conditions participated in a qualitative descriptive study. Semi-structured interviews explored participants’ perceptions of their social connections and the potential impact of their chronic conditions. Views about the role of general practice in supporting older persons’ wellbeing were discussed. Data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis. Results Five themes were identified: (1) the experience of loneliness, (2) managing diminishing social contacts, (3) living with chronic conditions, (4) barriers to social connection, and (5) facilitators of social connection. Participants felt that ageing with chronic conditions contributed to loss of function and independence, which limited social connections, and increased loneliness and social isolation. Barriers to social connections included issues with mobility, transport and forming new networks. Families were a primary support, with continued community engagement and general practice support crucial to staying well and socially connected. Conclusions Understanding older peoples’ experiences, and the barriers and facilitators of social connections can guide clinicians’ interventions. General practice is a promising intervention point because of its high use by those with chronic conditions to stay well. General practice nurses are well-placed to collaboratively address the barriers older people face in maintaining social connections.
Deep soil organic carbon: A review
Authors: Dubeux, José C.B. , Lira Junior Mário de A. , Simili Flávia F. , Bretas Igor L. , Trumpp Kevin R. , Bizzuti Beatriz E. , Garcia Liza , Oduor Kenneth T. , Queiroz Luana M.D. , Acuña Javier P. , Mendes Cristian T.E.
Published: July 2024

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration promotes several ecological, economic, and social co-benefits. However, most SOC studies rely on topsoil evaluations (0–30 cm), disregarding a significant fraction of the SOC that is stored in deep layers. Understanding the relationship between deep soil carbon and climate change is imperative in guiding sustainable land management practices, informing climate change mitigation strategies, and preserving the crucial role of deep soil carbon in regulating atmospheric CO
2
levels. We conducted a comprehensive literature review to discuss the origins of deep soil carbon, the globally standardized methodology recommended for measuring SOC stocks, the mechanisms controlling SOC sequestration (physical, chemical, and biochemical) in deep layers, the significance of microbial community in deep soil layers, advancements in radiocarbon studies, the impact of management practices on deep SOC, and the influence of climate change on deep SOC stocks. Overall, more empirical data and long-term studies are needed to address the knowledge gaps in terms of deep SOC and advance our understanding of the role of deep soil carbon in shaping global carbon cycles and climate resilience. The main challenges for accurate SOC estimations and global carbon budgets are the high spatial variability, the relative lack of deep soil measurements, and the need for reliable reference data for modeling improvements. A practical and accurate soil bulk density (BD) estimation in deep layers (i.e., 30–100 cm) is crucial to improve the accuracy of global C stock estimations and should be addressed in further studies. Modeling approaches based on sensors and machine learning techniques are promising tools to overcome this challenge. However, there is still a large variability in methods to measure and report soil BD and SOC stocks worldwide, preventing further advances.
Constraints on extra dimensions theories from gravitational quantum barrier experiments
Authors: Rocha J M , Dahia F
Published: July 2024

We discuss the quantum-bouncer experiment involving ultracold neutrons in a braneworld scenario. Extra-dimensional theories typically predict the strengthening of gravitational interactions over short distances. In this paper, we specifically study the anomalous gravitational interaction between the bouncing neutron and the reflecting mirror, resulting from hidden dimensions, and investigate the effects of this new interaction on the outcome of the quantum-bouncer experiment in the context of a thick brane model. This analysis allows us to identify which physical quantity of the extra-dimensional theory this neutron experiment is capable of constraining. Based on the experimental data, we found a new and independent empirical bound on the free parameters of the model: the higher-dimensional gravitational constant and a parameter related to a transverse width of the confined matter inside the thickbrane. This new bound is valid in scenarios with an arbitrary number of extra dimensions greater than two. In this manner, by considering the thickness of the brane, we have been able to extend previous studies on this topic, which were limited to models with few codimensions, due to non-computability problems of power-law corrections of the gravitational potential.
Depth-resolved imaging through dynamic scattering media via speckle cross-correlation under near-infrared illumination
Authors: Wang Ping , Zhou Meiling , Zhang Yang , Li Runze , Peng Tong , Zhou Yuan , Min Junwei , Yao Cuiping , Yao Baoli
Published: July 2024

Speckle cross-correlation imaging (SCCI) method has the depth-resolved capability, benefiting from the introduction of a reference point. However, the quality of the reconstructed image is degraded due to the background noise, which becomes more prominent when imaging through dynamic scattering media. Here, we propose a composite-differential filter-assisted (CDF-SCCI) method, allowing for effectively reducing the background noise of the reconstructed image. The signal-to-background ratios of the reconstructed images by employing the CDF-SCCI method can be enhanced by a maximum of 4.15 dB (corresponding to 2.6 times) compared to the SCCI method. Furthermore, we apply the near-infrared (NIR) illumination to the imaging system of dynamic scattering media and prove that the NIR illumination not only enhances the penetration depth of imaging, but also improves the quality of reconstructed images compared to the visible illumination. The depth-resolved imaging through various dynamic biological scattering media, including the milk and anticoagulated pig blood, further demonstrates the potential application of the proposed CDF-SCCI method in biomedical imaging.
Modulating vacancies of graphene supported FeNi2S4 electrocatalysts by radio-frequency plasma for overall water splitting
Authors: He Wenkai , Wu Shilin , Zhang Zhaotian , Yang Qing
Published: July 2024

Electrolysis of water for producing hydrogen is an effective and sustainable technique to meet the continuously increasing energy demand. Nevertheless, its advancement is impeded by the inadequate catalytic efficacy for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). Vacancy defect engineering is a rational approach to simultaneously enhance the catalytic performance for both the half-reactions. However, controlling the vacancy defects is quite challenging. Here, we have employed a radio-frequency Ar plasma-assisted treatment strategy to prepare highly efficient graphene-supported FeNi2S4 bifunctional catalysts with abundant vacancies. The plasma treatment induces the formation of vacancy structures in the catalyst, modifying the free energy of reaction intermediates, surface morphology, and electronic structure as well as reducing the reaction barriers, thereby enhancing the catalytic performance. The optimized graphene-supported FeNi2S4 catalyst possesses abundant sulfur vacancies, demonstrating excellent electrocatalytic performance. At 50 mA cm−2, the overpotentials for OER and HER are 240 and 256 mV, respectively, indicating exceptional stability. Overall, this work offers valuable insights into the development of cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts for water electrolysis.
Selective anticancer effects of plasma-activated saline in 3D tumor model co-culturing of normal cells and cancer cells
Authors: Xu Yujing , Wu Tong , Jing Xixi , Xu Shengduo , Zhang Jishen , Zhang Hao , Liu Dingxin , Guo Li , Xu Han , Wang Xiaohua , Rong Mingzhe
Published: July 2024

Compared with conventional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture model, the 3D tumor model constructed in vitro is better representative of the tumor microenvironment in vivo. Here, we proposed the utilization of 3D tumor model of co-cultured cancer cells and normal cells to evaluate the selective anticancer effects of cold atmospheric plasma-activated saline (PAS), and expected to provide more precise information about PAS-tumor interactions. By cell sorting, we clarified that A375 melanoma cells and HaCaT normal skin cells purified from the 3D multicellular tumor model differ in sensitivity and responsiveness to PAS compared to the 2D culture model. And during the optimization of PAS treatment parameters, we further found that A375 cells were almost completely killed while HaCaT cells were still present in large numbers after 5 d of certain PAS treatment. Our experiment innovatively carries out the selective study of plasma technology in 3D co-culture system and provides a theoretical basis for further clinical and practical applications of PAS.
A hierarchal model for bacterial cell inactivation in solution by direct and indirect treatment using cold atmospheric plasmas
Authors: Polito Jordyn , Kushner Mark J
Published: July 2024

Cold atmospheric plasma devices have shown promise for a variety of plasma medical applications, including wound healing and bacterial inactivation often performed in liquids. In the latter application, plasma-produced reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) interact with and damage bacterial cells, though the exact mechanism by which cell damage occurs is unclear. Computational models can help elucidate relationships between plasma-produced RONS and cell killing by enabling direct comparison between dissimilar plasma devices and by examining the effects of changing operating parameters in these devices. In biological applications, computational models of plasma-liquid interactions would be most effective in design and optimization of plasma devices if there is a corresponding prediction of the biological outcome. In this work, we propose a hierarchal model for planktonic bacterial cell inactivation by plasma produced RONS in liquid. A previously developed reaction mechanism for plasma induced modification of cysteine was extended to provide a basis for cell killing by plasma-produced RONS. Results from the model are compared to literature values to provide proof of concept. Differences in time to bacterial inactivation as a function of plasma operating parameters including gas composition and plasma source configuration are discussed. Results indicate that optimizing gas-phase reactive nitrogen species production may be key in the design of plasma devices for disinfection.
Deconvolution-based correction of pre-strike arc voltage measurement in medium voltage switches
Authors: Dorraki Naghme , Niayesh Kaveh
Published: July 2024

Switching arc characterization, e.g. measuring the arc voltage and current, is crucial for assessing the performance of power switchgears under different working conditions. This is especially challenging for short circuit current making as one of the most severe operations for medium voltage load break switches. By closing the switch, a short circuit current flows through the arc which is ignited by the electrical breakdown in the gap between contacts before the contacts touch. This results in an abrupt change from the rated voltage of the power network, i.e. tens of thousands of volts, to the switching arc voltage, i.e. a few tens of volts and ultimately zero when the contacts touch. The inherent response of the measurement system to this very large step preceding the arc formation overlaps with the switching arc voltage and results in unrealistic arc voltages which makes correction of the distorted voltage waveform necessary. In this paper, a post processing method based on deconvolution correction technique, i.e. deconvolution of the measured voltage in time and frequency domains, is examined using experimentally determined impulse responses of the measurement system. To demonstrate its effectiveness, this method is applied to three different measurement system configurations with various step responses. The results show practically identical deconvoluted (corrected) voltage waveforms in all three measurement systems, although the directly measured waveforms have significant differences. The corrected arc voltage waveforms are in agreement with the indirect measurements proposed in previous studies.
Benchmarking machine learning strategies for phase-field problems
Authors: Dingreville Rémi , Roberston Andreas E , Attari Vahid , Greenwood Michael , Ofori-Opoku Nana , Ramesh Mythreyi , Voorhees Peter W , Zhang Qian
Published: July 2024

We present a comprehensive benchmarking framework for evaluating machine-learning approaches applied to phase-field problems. This framework focuses on four key analysis areas crucial for assessing the performance of such approaches in a systematic and structured way. Firstly, interpolation tasks are examined to identify trends in prediction accuracy and accumulation of error over simulation time. Secondly, extrapolation tasks are also evaluated according to the same metrics. Thirdly, the relationship between model performance and data requirements is investigated to understand the impact on predictions and robustness of these approaches. Finally, systematic errors are analyzed to identify specific events or inadvertent rare events triggering high errors. Quantitative metrics evaluating the local and global description of the microstructure evolution, along with other scalar metrics representative of phase-field problems, are used across these four analysis areas. This benchmarking framework provides a path to evaluate the effectiveness and limitations of machine-learning strategies applied to phase-field problems, ultimately facilitating their practical application.
InGaAs quantum dot chains grown by twofold selective area molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Barbot Clément , Rondeau-Body Claire , Coinon Christophe , Deblock Yves , Tilmant Pascal , Vaurette François , Yarekha Dmitri , Berthe Maxime , Thomas Louis , Diesinger Heinrich , Capiod Pierre , Desplanque Ludovic , Grandidier Bruno
Published: July 2024

Increasing quantum confinement in semiconductor quantum dot (QD) systems is essential to perform robust simulations of many-body physics. By combining molecular beam epitaxy and lithographic techniques, we developed an approach consisting of a twofold selective area growth to build QD chains. Starting from 15 nm-thick and 65 nm-wide in-plane In0.53Ga0.47As nanowires on InP substrates, linear arrays of In0.53Ga0.47As QDs were grown on top, with tunable lengths and separations. Kelvin probe force microscopy performed at room temperature revealed a change of quantum confinement in chains with decreasing QD sizes, which was further emphasized by the spectral shift of quantum levels resolved in the conduction band with low temperature scanning tunneling spectroscopy. This approach, which allows the controlled formation of 25 nm-thick QDs with a minimum length and separation of 30 nm and 22 nm respectively, is suitable for the construction of scalable fermionic quantum lattices.
Innovative reinforcement method for metal foam cell wall using CNTs
Authors: Cilsal Onur Ozan , Lekesiz Huseyin , Cakir M Cemal
Published: July 2024

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and their composites are gaining popularity due to their exceptional strength qualities. It is well known that adding CNTs to metal foam composites boosts compressive strength. On the other hand CNT addition is still a costly process due to high cost of the CNTs. This study presents a novel and cost-effective solution by selectively adding CNTs to the structurally weakest regions of aluminum foam materials produced via powder metallurgy, employing a newly developed focused multi-step additive method. The cell borders of aluminum foam are strengthened with multiple spherical layers of CNTs, using a transfer method by initially coating the space holders used at the foaming process. The strength increase effect of this CNT addition method was compared with the widely known aluminum foam production parameters via a 4-parameter design of experiment (DOE) study. Compressive strength values of the samples were evaluated using a constant speed compression test acc. to ISO13314. The compacting pressure, CNT concentration, sintering temperature, and sintering period were chosen as DOE parameters, and 78% of the interactions effecting on final compressive strength could be explained with the model. As a result, it was established that, compared to the other parameters, sintering duration had the highest influence on compressive strength. But besides It has also been shown that adding 0.53% CNT by weight only to the cell border regions increases overall strength by 9%. This weight-strength increase ratio is compared with similar studies in the literature and found to be providing a production cost advantage due to the lower amount of CNT addition requirement for the comparable weight relative strength increase. Focused strength increase method has potential to enable controlled failure of foam materials by selectively strengthening strength critical areas of a component.
Anderson localization for the unitary almost Mathieu operator
Authors: Yang Fan
Published: July 2024

We prove Anderson localization for all Diophantine frequencies and all non-resonant phases for a model that arises from a 2D quantum walk model subject to an external magnetic field, also known as the unitary almost Mathieu operator. Our work provides the first localization results for all Diophantine frequencies in quasi-periodic quantum walk and CMV matrix setting. We also obtain sharp asymptotics of the localized eigenfunctions.
Demonstration of a lateral p-NiO/n-GaN JFET fabricated by selective-area regrowth
Authors: Qiao Guang , Yu Jing , Hao Lin , Miao Ailin , Xu Liang , Zhu Hong , Xie Zili
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we demonstrated experimentally a lateral GaN-based junction field effect transistor (JFET). A selective area regrowth of p-NiO on the as-grown n-GaN channel layer was developed by magnetron sputtering at room temperature to form the p–n junction. A self-aligned gate process and a post metal annealing process were employed to improve the device performances. The measured results show that the annealed JFET exhibits an ON/OFF ratio exceeding 106 and a higher breakdown voltage up to 814 V without any terminal structure. The breakdown voltage is determined by the reverse breakdown of parasitic PN junction between gate and drain. Further, the threshold voltage of the p-NiO/n-GaN JFET exhibits excellent temperature stability in the range of 300–500 K.
High performance one-step grown half-moon shaped YBCO bulk superconductors
Authors: Wang Xuechun , Liu Xiongfang , Wei Dabin , Shi Ya , Cai Chuanbing , Zhang Yibing , Zhang Kai , Zhou Difan
Published: July 2024

High-temperature superconducting (HTS) undulator exploiting the high trapped field of HTS bulk superconductors enables the design of extremely short-period insertion devices for synchrotron light sources and free electron lasers. In such a promising application the trapped field performance and the uniformity of the HTS bulk superconductors are essential. In this study, the half-moon shaped YBa2Cu3O7−δ
(YBCO) single-grain superconductors have been directly grown by the top-seeded melted-growth method. Half-moon shaped samples directly grown from preforms with four different type of seed crystal arrangements were compared with that cut from larger cylindrical bulk superconductors in regarding to the trapped magnetic fields and correspondingly the distribution. We found that the arrangement of seed crystals greatly affects the melt-growth process and hence the homogeneity of the samples. The one-step grown half-moon shaped samples show higher trapped field (B
trap), 0.542 T for a 24 mm and 0.785 T for a 32 mm diameter sample, and better uniformity of trapped field distribution compared to that obtained from machining with B
trap of 0.427 T and 0.528 T. It was found that the growth sectors would be restricted when the seed crystal was placed at the edge of a preform, and the angle of the seed crystal, parallel or 45° to the long edge would influence the melt growth as well.
Mode-pairing quantum key distribution based on wavelength division multiplexing in multi-user networks
Authors: Cui Wei , Yang Chen , Huang Guoqi , Jiao Rongzhen
Published: July 2024

Mode-pairing quantum key distribution (MP-QKD), a protocol that combines high performance and flexibility, not only eliminates the need for global phase locking but also beats the rate-transmittance bound. Such remarkable characteristics are poised to further advance the practical application of quantum communication networks. In this paper, MP-QKD is extended to the scenario of multi-user communication networks. MP-QKD enables concurrent operation across multiple channels by integrating wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) technology, facilitating secure communication among multiple users. The performance of MP-QKD in multi-channel concurrent operation is analyzed through simulating various experimental conditions. The asymmetric MP-QKD case is also considered and pulse intensity optimization improves performance for asymmetric network channels. These results delineate the performance of MP-QKD with WDM technology, highlighting its significant potential for application in quantum communication networks.
Substrate analysis on the wideband, high gain flower-shaped MIMO antenna
Authors: B Tharini , A Kannammal
Published: July 2024

This article presents a single-element,flower-shaped two and four-element MIMO(Multiple Input Multiple Output)antenna with enhanced bandwidth and gain. The array consists of identical elements on three commonly used textile substrates- cotton, jeans, and felt material. For each of the three substrates, the impedance bandwidth, reflection coefficient, and gain are used to assess the effectiveness of the recommended antenna.For the felt-based four-element MIMO antenna the outcomes of measurement and modelling are confirmed. Results reveal that the prototype provides a fractional bandwidth of 133.2%, spans the UWB range (3.1 to 10.6 GHz) and X-band (8 GHz to 12.23 GHz), and has a maximum gain of 16.96 dB.To investigate the MIMO performance, MIMO metrics were computed which include Envelope Correlation Coefficient (ECC), Diversity Gain (DG), Mean Effective Gain (MEG), Channel Capacity Loss (CCL), and Total Active Reflection Coefficient (TARC).
A Suite of Classical Cepheids Tied to the Binary Cluster Berkeley 58 and NGC 7790
Authors: Majaess Daniel , Turner David G.
Published: July 2024

The classical Cepheids CE Cas A, CE Cas B, CF Cas, and CG Cas are likely members of the binary open cluster comprising NGC 7790 and Berkeley 58. The clusters are of comparable age and in close proximity, as deduced from differentially dereddened UuB

P

BVGR

P
photometry, and Cepheid period-age relations. Gaia DR3 astrometric and spectroscopic solutions for the clusters are likewise consistent. Conversely, the seemingly adjacent open cluster NGC 7788 is substantially younger and nearer.
Characterization and classification of kinesthetic motor imagery levels
Authors: Martinez-Peon D , Garcia-Hernandez N V , Benavides-Bravo F G , Parra-Vega V
Published: July 2024

Objective. Kinesthetic Motor Imagery (KMI) represents a robust brain paradigm intended for electroencephalography (EEG)-based commands in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). However, ensuring high accuracy in multi-command execution remains challenging, with data from C3 and C4 electrodes reaching up to 92% accuracy. This paper aims to characterize and classify EEG-based KMI of multilevel muscle contraction without relying on primary motor cortex signals. Approach. A new method based on Hurst exponents is introduced to characterize EEG signals of multilevel KMI of muscle contraction from electrodes placed on the premotor, dorsolateral prefrontal, and inferior parietal cortices. EEG signals were recorded during a hand-grip task at four levels of muscle contraction (0%, 10%, 40%, and 70% of the maximal isometric voluntary contraction). The task was executed under two conditions: first, physically, to train subjects in achieving muscle contraction at each level, followed by mental imagery under the KMI paradigm for each contraction level. EMG signals were recorded in both conditions to correlate muscle contraction execution, whether correct or null accurately. Independent component analysis (ICA) maps EEG signals from the sensor to the source space for preprocessing. For characterization, three algorithms based on Hurst exponents were used: the original (HO), using partitions (HRS), and applying semivariogram (HV). Finally, seven classifiers were used: Bayes network (BN), naive Bayes (NB), support vector machine (SVM), random forest (RF), random tree (RT), multilayer perceptron (MP), and k-nearest neighbors (kNN). Main results. A combination of the three Hurst characterization algorithms produced the highest average accuracy of 96.42% from kNN, followed by MP (92.85%), SVM (92.85%), NB (91.07%), RF (91.07%), BN (91.07%), and RT (80.35%). of 96.42% for kNN. Significance. Results show the feasibility of KMI multilevel muscle contraction detection and, thus, the viability of non-binary EEG-based BCI applications without using signals from the motor cortex.