bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dimensionality-driven power-law gap in the bilayer TaTe2 grown by molecular-beam epitaxy
Authors: Saika Bruno Kenichi , Yoshida Satoshi , Pardo-Almanza Markel , Mitsuishi Natsuki , Sakano Masato , Fujisawa Yuita , Wang Yue , Iwasa Yoshihiro , Matsuoka Hideki , Takahashi Hidefumi , Ishiwata Shintaro , Okada Yoshinori , Nakano Masaki , Ishizaka Kyoko
Published: July 2024

Reducing dimensionality can induce profound modifications to the physical properties of a system. In two-dimensional TaS2 and TaSe2, the charge-density wave phase accompanies a Mott transition, thus realizing the strongly correlated insulating state. However, this scenario deviates from TaTe2 due to p–d hybridization, resulting in a substantial contribution of Te 5p at the Fermi level. Here, we show that, differently from the Mott insulating phase of its sister compounds, bilayer TaTe2 hosts a power-law (V-shaped) gap at the Fermi level reminiscent of a Coulomb gap. It suggests the possible role of unscreened long-range Coulomb interactions emerging in lowered dimensions, potentially coupled with a disordered short-range charge-density wave. Our findings reveal the importance of long-range interactions sensitive to interlayer screening, providing another venue for the interplay of complex quantum phenomena in two-dimensional materials.
Wake transitions of flow past two tandem semi-circular cylinders near a moving wall
Authors: Nguyen Dinh Thang , Phan Thi Dieu Thuy , Nguyen Van Luc , Tran Tien-Anh , Nguyen Dang Thai Son , Le Anh Tuan , Duong Long H. , Duong Viet Dung
Published: July 2024

Wake transitions of flow past two tandem semi-circular cylinders near a moving wall were numerically investigated using the lattice Boltzmann method at the Reynolds number of 150 with various gap ratios (G/D, where G and D are the spacing between the cylinder and wall and the cylinder diameter, respectively) and spacing ratios (L/D, where L is the distance between the cylinder centers). The analysis aims to clarify the effects of L/D and G/D on wake structures, hydrodynamic forces, Strouhal number, and spectral energy of the flow exerted on both cylinders. This study reveals five distinct flow regimes in the L/D-G/D space, such as overshoot, continuous reattachment, pair-wise, quasi-coshedding, and coshedding. These regimes are identified using plots of vorticity contour, time history of drag and lift coefficients (CD and CL), power spectral density, and proper orthogonal decomposition of the vorticity fluctuation into deterministic spatial structures. Furthermore, the flow regime maps and diagrams of time-averaged pressure coefficients on the surface of the cylinders are given to analyze the influence of the moving wall. A significant change in CD and CL is observed for both cylinders, depending on the L/D and G/D ratios. The time-averaged drag coefficient of the downstream cylinder is remarkably lower than that of the upstream cylinder. A significant increase in the time-averaged lift coefficient of the upstream cylinder is observed when the G/D is small due to near-moving wall effects. The root-mean-squared value of the lift and drag coefficients of the downstream cylinder is lower than that of the upstream cylinder as a result of the proximity effect. Meanwhile, the Strouhal number for both cylinders remains mostly the same.
Theoretical description of photoinduced electron transfer in donor–acceptor supramolecular complexes based on carbon buckybowls
Authors: Rubert-Albiol Raquel , Cerdá Jesús , Calbo Joaquín , Cupellini Lorenzo , Ortí Enrique , Aragó Juan
Published: July 2024

Herein, we explore, from a theoretical perspective, the nonradiative photoinduced processes (charge separation and energy transfer) within a family of donor–acceptor supramolecular complexes based on the electron-donor truxene-tetrathiafulvalene (truxTTF) derivative and a series of curved fullerene fragments (buckybowls) of different shapes and sizes (C30H12, C32H12, and C38H14) as electron acceptors that successfully combine with truxTTF via non-covalent interactions. The resulting supramolecular complexes (truxTTF·C30H12, truxTTF·C32H12, and truxTTF·C38H14) undergo charge-separation processes upon photoexcitation through charge-transfer states involving the donor and acceptor units. Despite the not so different size of the buckybowls, they present noticeable differences in the charge-separation efficiency owing to a complex decay post-photoexcitation mechanism involving several low-lying excited states of different natures (local and charge-transfer excitations), all closely spaced in energy. In this intricate scenario, we have adopted a theoretical approach combining electronic structure calculations at (time-dependent) density functional theory, a multistate multifragment diabatization method, the Marcus–Levitch–Jortner semiclassical rate expression, and a kinetic model to estimate the charge separation rate constants of the supramolecular heterodimers. Our outcomes highlight that the efficiency of the photoinduced charge-separation process increases with the extension of the buckybowl backbone. The supramolecular heterodimer with the largest buckybowl (truxTTF·C38H14) displays multiple and efficient electron-transfer pathways, providing a global photoinduced charge separation in the ultrafast time scale in line with the experimental findings. The study reported indicates that modifications in the shape and size of buckybowl systems can give rise to attractive novel acceptors for potential photovoltaic applications.
One-volt oxide based complementary circuit
Authors: Wang Junjie , Lin Xiaoyu , Li Yuxiang , Xin Qian , Song Aimin , Kim Jaekyun , Jin Jidong , Zhang Jiawei
Published: July 2024

In low-power electronics, there is a substantial demand for high-performance p-type oxide thin-film transistors (TFTs) that are capable of efficient operation at low voltages. In this study, we employ anodization to form an aluminum oxide gate dielectric layer, enabling the fabrication of p-type tin oxide (SnO) TFTs that effectively operate at a low voltage of 1 V. Under optimal device fabrication conditions, the SnO TFT demonstrates an on/off current ratio exceeding 103 and a saturation mobility of 1.94 cm2 V−1 s−1 at 1 V operation. The optimal SnO TFT fabrication conditions are subsequently used to fabricate a complementary inverter, comprising a SnO TFT and an n-type indium gallium zinc oxide TFT, achieving a gain of up to 38 at a 1 V supply voltage. Notably, the inverter’s switching point voltage is finely tuned to the ideal value, precisely half of the supply voltage. This oxide-based complementary inverter showcases promising potential in low-power electronics.
Rapid computation of the plasma dispersion function: Rational and multi-pole approximation, and improved accuracy
Authors: Xie Huasheng
Published: July 2024

The plasma dispersion function Z(s) is a fundamental complex special integral function widely used in the field of plasma physics. The simplest and most rapid, yet accurate, approach to calculating it is through rational or equivalent multi-pole expansions. In this work, we summarize the numerical coefficients that are practically useful to the community. In addition to the Padé approximation to obtain coefficients, which are accurate for both small and large arguments, we also employ optimization methods to enhance the accuracy of the approximation for the intermediate range. The best coefficients provided here for calculating Z(s) can deliver 12 significant decimal digits. This work serves as a foundational database for the community for further applications.
Computational determination of the S1(Ã1A″) absorption spectra of HONO and DONO using full-dimensional neural network potential energy surfaces
Authors: Xiong Feng , Hou Siting , Li Jiayuan , Wang Zhimo , Xie Changjian
Published: July 2024

The Ã1A″ ← X̃1A′ absorption spectra of HONO and DONO were simulated by a full six-dimensional quantum mechanical method based on the newly constructed potential energy surfaces for the ground and excited electronic states, which were represented by the neural network method utilizing over 36 000 ab initio energy points calculated at the multireference configuration interaction level with Davidson correction. The absorption spectrum of HONO/DONO comprises a superposition of the spectra from two isomers, namely, trans- and cis-HONO/DONO, due to their coexistence in the ground X̃1A′ state. Our calculated spectra of both HONO and DONO were found to be in fairly good agreement with the experiment, including the energy positions and widths of the peaks. The dominant progression was assigned to the N=O stretch mode (20n) associated with trans-HONO/DONO, which can be attributed to the promotion of an electron to the π* orbital of N=O. Specifically, the resonances with higher vibrational quanta were found to be in the domain of the Feshbach-type resonances. The assignments of the spectra and mode specificity therein are discussed.
Machine learning without a processor: Emergent learning in a nonlinear analog network
Authors: Dillavou Sam , Beyer Benjamin D. , Stern Menachem , Liu Andrea J. , Miskin Marc Z. , Durian Douglas J.
Published: July 2024

Standard deep learning algorithms require differentiating large nonlinear networks, a process that is slow and power-hungry. Electronic
contrastive local learning networks
(CLLNs) offer potentially fast, efficient, and fault-tolerant hardware for analog machine learning, but existing implementations are linear, severely limiting their capabilities. These systems differ significantly from artificial neural networks as well as the brain, so the feasibility and utility of incorporating nonlinear elements have not been explored. Here, we introduce a nonlinear CLLN—an analog electronic network made of self-adjusting nonlinear resistive elements based on transistors. We demonstrate that the system learns tasks unachievable in linear systems, including XOR (exclusive or) and nonlinear regression, without a computer. We find our decentralized system reduces modes of training error in order (mean, slope, curvature), similar to
spectral bias
in artificial neural networks. The circuitry is robust to damage, retrainable in seconds, and performs learned tasks in microseconds while dissipating only picojoules of energy across each transistor. This suggests enormous potential for fast, low-power computing in edge systems like sensors, robotic controllers, and medical devices, as well as manufacturability at scale for performing and studying emergent learning.
Constrained communication in EFL and ESL
Authors: Gilquin Gaëtanelle , Meriläinen Lea
Published: July 2024

This study relies on the constrained communication framework to compare the use of embedded inversion in English
as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL). It is based on several (sub)corpora of EFL and ESL, but also
reference corpora of native English, which differ along the constraint dimensions of language activation (monolingual/bilingual),
proficiency (native users/proficient L2 users/learners), and modality (speech/writing). In addition to these constraint
dimensions, we also investigate the possible effect of linguistic factors that have been claimed to play a role in the use of
embedded inversion. A multifactorial analysis comparing embedded inversion with standard-like indirect questions, supplemented by
a close examination of the patterns of use of embedded inversion, reveals both shared and distinctive features across EFL and ESL.
It also highlights the importance of linguistic factors and variety/L1, and their interaction with communicative constraints.
名物化與「的」字結構
Authors: Lin Jo-wang
Published: July 2024

抽象的

本文討論朱德熙先生的名詞性標記「的3」，並對他提出的轉指和自指概念作更為深入的形式語意分析。文章首先釐清結構轉指與語境刪略分屬兩類不同語法現象。前者是在「X的」結構裡，對X裡的缺位成分抽象化為個體特徵後，再以iota算子把個體特徵轉化成為個體的語法過程，轉指過程不涉任何中心語名詞或空號代詞，是「X的」結構本身把陳述轉為稱代的語法操作。語境刪略則是「X的N」結構中，中心語名詞N因為語境可復原而將N刪略的現象，此時X可能有缺位成分或是沒有缺位成分。無缺位成分的是自指結構的「X的」，其偽轉指現象牽涉的是中心語名詞的語境刪略。此外，本文提出自指的「X的」與事件屬性名詞N組合時，是透過施用操作來做語意運算，將N的個體論元角色加進X所指稱的事件，同時「X的」透過修飾N的事件論元限制了N的個體指稱範圍，因而是修飾語而不是補語。「X的」和內容名詞的組合則是透過函項運用，把「X的」所表達的命題指定為內容名詞的內容，「X的」的功能是內容名詞的補語。不管是哪種分析下的自指「X的」，「X的」都不表個體特徵，所以無法轉指個體。最後本文也探討施用操作後所產生的新增施用論元在轉指用法上的限制。
江西吉水方言強調即時性的「來」及相關問題
Authors: Li Guilan
Published: July 2024

抽象的

文章基於吉水方言「來」的功能和句法分佈，結合周邊方言中兩種功能類型的「來」，討論吉水等方言中與即行體相關的強調標記的特點、性質和來源及其類型學意義等問題。強調即時性的「來」在吉水方言中強制與句末即行體助詞共現，可置於謂語VP或句末助詞「來哩」前，但在周邊方言中有諸多句法功能變異。文章在描寫和比較方言現象的基礎上，主張語用標記「來」源於表示意願的連謂結構「來VP」的語法化和重新分析，強調即時性的「來」與完成體助詞同現甚至自主表達即行體範疇，是功能擴展的結果，與普通話中的「了」和世界語言中相同來源的即行體有區別，具有一定的語言類型學意義。
從連類複數到真性複數
Authors: Huang Ruiling , Sheng Yimin
Published: July 2024

抽象的

Daniel & Moravcsik
(2005)認為連類複數標記與真性複數標記同形的原因在於：連類複數標記由真性複數標記發展而來。本文通過對揭陽閩語的分析，證明存在另一種方向的演變路徑：連類複數標記也可發展為真性複數標記。揭陽閩語中來源於第三人稱代詞複數形式「伊儂」（他們）的複數標記具有雙重標記身份，既可用作連類複數標記後附於指人專有名詞，也可用作真性複數標記後附於指人普通名詞。「伊儂」由連類複數標記演變為真性複數標記的關鍵在於：「親屬類普通名詞+複數標記」結構中的親屬稱謂具有雙重屬性，使得連類複數出現了可分析為真性複數的橋樑語境，「伊儂」的真性複數標記身份由此獲得。本文對於兩類複數之間的關係以及複數標記的歷史演變問題，均具有較為重要的類型學意義。
[Japanese] toilets are not garbage cans
Authors: Spencer Keolakawai K.G.
Published: July 2024

Traditional linguistic landscape research focuses on the diversity, vitality, and structure of languages in public
spaces. However, this study takes a critical lens and examines how certain multilingual signage reflects the normalised, harmful
ideologies which target minorities in Japan. The study reveals examples of punitive multilingualism, highlighting the information
disparities between languages in public signage found in Aichi, Hokkaido, and on the Internet. The paper discusses instances of
discriminatory public signage, including online advertisements, based on the premise that foreigners are unruly, and official
government signage that appears to target foreigners. The study also delves into problematic instructions posted in public
restrooms, showing how the presentation of language(s) can reinforce stereotypes and implicit bias. Through a critical analysis of
multilingual signage, this study reveals the challenges and consequences of punitive multilingualism in the context of Japanese
sociolinguistics.
Dissociative recombination of NS+ in collision with slow electrons
Authors: Hassaine R , Gauchet F , Iacob F , Mezei J Zs , Roueff E , Tennyson J , Schneider I F
Published: July 2024

Cross sections and rate coefficients for the dissociative recombination (DR) of the NS+ ion induced by collisions with low-energy electrons are reported for temperatures between 10 and 1000 K, relevant to a large range of interstellar cloud temperatures. Uncertainties are discussed for these rates. Comparisons are made with DR rates for the isovalent NO+ molecular ion which are found to be much faster. The present findings lead to a moderate dissociative reaction rate coefficient, smaller by a factor of 2 than the current estimates reported in the different kinetic databases for a temperature of 10 K. We consider that our rate coefficients obtained through multichannel quantum defect theory for NS+ are likely to be better than those displayed in the different kinetic databases.
Both the ionic and covalent bonds stabilize the W@Si12 cluster
Authors: Yin Yue-Hong , Dai Xu-Cun , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2024

Si is an important semiconductor material in the development of modern industry. With the miniaturization trend of semiconductor devices, the size of Si has reached the cluster size. The search for stable Si clusters is an important issue. In this work, the electronic structures and stability mechanism of the W@Si12 cluster are calculated by the first-principle calculations. Different from a C2v hexacapped trigonal prism structure of Si12, the W@Si12 cluster presents an embedded hexagonal prism structure with D6h symmetry. The addition of W atom leads to a higher stability. The molecular orbitals show obvious superatomic characteristics for the W@Si12 cluster, and their energy levels are more degenerate than that of the Si12 cluster. The population analysis indicates that a total charge of 2.21e is transferred from Si atoms to the center W atom, which suggests an ionic bond for W-Si. The electron localization function further proves a covalent bond for Si–Si. The enhanced stability of the W@Si12 cluster is attributed to the combination of the ionic and covalent bonds.
Theory of spin and orbital Edelstein effects
Authors: Johansson Annika
Published: July 2024

In systems with broken spatial inversion symmetry, such as surfaces, interfaces, or bulk systems lacking an inversion center, the application of a charge current can generate finite spin and orbital densities associated with a nonequilibrium magnetization, which is known as spin and orbital Edelstein effect (SEE and OEE), respectively. Early reports on this current-induced magnetization focus on two-dimensional Rashba systems, in which an in-plane nonequilibrium spin density is generated perpendicular to the applied charge current. However, until today, a large variety of materials have been theoretically predicted and experimentally demonstrated to exhibit a sizeable Edelstein effect, which comprises contributions from the spin as well as the orbital degrees of freedom, and whose associated magnetization may be out of plane, nonorthogonal, and even parallel to the applied charge current, depending on the system’s particular symmetries. In this review, we give an overview on the most commonly used theoretical approaches for the discussion and prediction of the SEE and OEE. Further, we introduce a selection of the most intensely discussed materials exhibiting a finite Edelstein effect, and give a brief summary of common experimental techniques.
High-

T

c

superconductivity in doped molecular superconductors of

K
4

B

8
−
x

M
x

H

32

(M = C, N) under high pressure
Authors: Sun Weiguo , Li Simin , Li Xiaofeng , Ouyang Tong , Liu Kainan , Mu Dexin , Lu Cheng , Peng Feng
Published: July 2024

Stabilized and metallic light elements hydrides have provided a potential route to achieve the goal of room-temperature superconductors at moderate or ambient pressures. Here, we have performed systematic DFT theoretical calculations to examine the effects of different light elements C and N atoms doped in cubic K4B8H32 hydrides on the superconductivity at low pressures. As a result of various atoms substituting, we have found that metallic K4B

_{8-x}

M
x
H32 (M = C, N) hydrides are dynamically stable at 50 GPa, band structures and density of states (DOS) indicate that sizeable

T

c

correlates with a high B–H DOS at the Fermi level. With the increasing of B atoms in K4B

_{8-x}

M
x
H32 hydrides, the DOS values at Fermi level have been improved due to the delocalized electrons in B–H bonds, which result in strong electron–phonon coupling (EPC) interaction and increase the

T

c

from 19.04 to 77.07 K for KC2H8 and KB2H8 at 50 GPa. The NH4 unit in stable K4B7NH32 hydrides has weakened the EPC and led to low

T

c

value of 21.47 K. Our results suggest the light elements hydrides KB2H8 and K4B7CH32 could estimate high

T

c

values at 50 GPa, and the boron hydrides would be potential candidates to design or modulate hydrides superconductors with high

T

c

at moderate or ambient pressures.
ODCS-YOLO detection algorithm for rail surface defects based on omni-dimensional dynamic convolution and context augmentation module
Authors: Gao Wenqi , Gu Wenjuan , Yin Yanchao , Li Tiangui , Dong Penglin
Published: July 2024

To solve the problems of easy miss and false detection on rail surface defects caused by small size, dense target, and high similarity between features and background, this paper proposed an improved detection algorithm in complex background. First, the conventional convolution of YOLOv5 backbone network is replaced with omni-dimensional dynamic convolution (ODConv), which improves the feature extraction capability of the network without increasing the computational cost; second, to improve the model’s performance in detecting tiny objects, a two-layer context augmentation module (CAM) is introduced into the path aggregation network (PAN) structure; finally, the traditional non-maximum suppression (NMS) algorithm is replaced by the Soft-NMS algorithm in the network post-processing to reduce the false-alarm and miss-rate. The experimental results on the Railway Track Fault Detection public dataset show that the OD-YOLO (OD stands for ODConv) and C-PAN (CAM module is introduced into PAN) structures could achieve better performance in the same type of improved algorithms; compared with the baseline algorithm YOLOv5, the ODCS-YOLO (OD stands for ODConv, C stands for CAM and S stands for Soft-NMS) algorithm improves the precision by 12.4%, the recall by 3.6%, the map50 by 8.6% and the GFLOPs is reduced by 0.6. Compared with seven classical object detection algorithms, the ODCS-YOLO algorithm achieves the highest detection accuracy, which makes it able to meet the real-time detection requirements of rail surface defects in real working conditions. The ODCS-YOLO model provides certain technical support for the defects detection and a new method for the detection of dense small objects.
Handheld structured light system for panoramic 3D measurement in mesoscale
Authors: Su Wenqing , Tan Ji , He Zhaoshui , Lin Zhijie , Liu Chang
Published: July 2024

The measurement of complete 3D topography in mesoscale plays a vital role in high-precision reverse engineering, oral medical modeling, circuit detection, etc. Traditional structured light systems are limited to measuring 3D shapes from a single perspective. Achieving high-quality mesoscopic panoramic 3D measurement remains challenging, especially in complex measured scenarios such as dynamic measurement, scattering mediums, and high reflectance. To overcome these problems, we develop a handheld mesoscopic panoramic 3D measurement system for such complex scenes together with the fast point-cloud-registration and accurate 3D-reconstruction, where a motion discrimination mechanism is designed to ensure that the captured fringe is in a quasi-stationary case by avoiding the motion errors caused during fringe scanning; a deep neural network is utilized to suppress the fringe degradation caused by scattering mediums, resulting in a significant improvement in the quality of the 3D point cloud; a strategy based on phase averaging is additionally proposed to simultaneously correct the saturation-induced errors and gamma nonlinear errors. Finally, the proposed system incorporates a multi-threaded data processing framework to verify the proposed method, and the corresponding experiments verify its feasibility.
OMS-SLAM: dynamic scene visual SLAM based on object detection with multiple geometric feature constraints and statistical threshold segmentation
Authors: Tang Jialiang , Feng Zhengyong , Liao Peng , Chen Liheng , Xiao Xiaomei
Published: July 2024

Simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) technology is crucial to robot navigation. Despite the good performance of traditional SLAM algorithms in static environments, dynamic objects typically exist in realistic operating environments. These objects can lead to misassociated features, which in turn considerably impact the system’s localization accuracy and robustness. To better address this challenge, we have proposed the OMS-SLAM. In OMS-SLAM, we adopted the YOLOv8 target detection network to extract object information from environment and designed a dynamic probability propagation model that is coupled with target detection and multiple geometric constrains to determine the dynamic objects in the environment. For the identified dynamic objects, we have designed a foreground image segmentation algorithm based on depth image histogram statistics to extract the object contours and eliminate the feature points within these contours. We then use the grid-based motion statistics matching pair as the filtering strategy to enhance the quality of the feature points and use the enhanced feature points for tracking. This combined method can accurately identify dynamic objects and extract related feature points, significantly reducing its interference and consequently enhancing the system’s robustness and localization accuracy. We also built static dense point cloud maps to support advanced tasks of robots. Finally, through testing on the high-speed dataset of TUM RGB-D, it was found that the root mean square error of the absolute trajectory error in this study decreased by an average of 97.10%, compared to ORB-SLAM2. Moreover, tests in real-world scenarios also confirmed the effectiveness of the OMS-SLAM algorithm in dynamic environments.
Indoor unknown radio transmitter localization using improved RSSD and grey correlation degree
Authors: Zhang Liyang , Xu Chenyu , Gao Rui , Liang Yin , Zhang Lidong , Guo Lixia
Published: July 2024

Accurate location of unknown radio transmitter (URT) is the key to secure wireless communication. Since the fingerprint positioning methods based on received signal strength difference (RSSD) can adapt to the diversity of transmitting power and frequency, RSSD has become a popular scheme for locating the URT. However, the RSSD is obtained by subtracting the RSS from two different access points (APs), so the interference of noise on the RSS is inherited and amplified by the RSSD. Besides, the need for more APs to ensure positioning accuracy leads to an increase in hardware costs. In this paper, a RSSD-based fuzzy weight grey correlation degree positioning algorithm, called FUZZY-GREY, is proposed to reduce the interference of noise, save AP hardware cost and improve the positioning accuracy. Firstly, online RSSD vector is improved by using fuzzy weight to reduce the noise interference. Secondly, the RSSD-based grey correlation coefficient is designed to calculate the correlation degree of the corresponding RSSD and ensure data integrity. Finally, a RSSD-based grey correlation degree scheme combining with fuzzy weight is proposed to select optimal reference points (RPs). Simulation and experimental results show that the proposed algorithm has better positioning performance than weighted k-nearest neighbor, maximum correlation coefficient estimation, Naive Bayes and support vector machine in the case of different selected

K

numbers, grid distances, noise levels and AP numbers.
Mapping and spectroscopy of telecom quantum emitters with confocal laser scanning microscopy
Authors: Descamps Thomas , Bampis Alexandros , Huet Maximilien , Hammar Mattias , Zwiller Val
Published: July 2024

Efficiently coupling single-photon emitters in the telecommunication C-band that are not deterministically positioned to photonic structures requires both spatial and spectral mapping. This study introduces the photoluminescence mapping of telecom C-band self-assembled quantum dots (QDs) by confocal laser scanning microscopy, a technique previously unexplored in this wavelength range which fulfills these two requirements. We consider the effects of distortions inherent to any imaging system but largely disregarded in prior works to derive accurate coordinates from photoluminescence maps. We obtain a position uncertainty below 11 nm for 10% of the QDs when assuming no distortions, highlighting the potential of the scanning approach. After distortion correction, we found that the previously determined positions are on average shifted by 428 nm from the corrected positions, demonstrating the necessity of this correction for accurate positioning. Then, through error propagation, the position uncertainty for 10% of the QDs increases to 110 nm.
3D imaging photocatalytically degraded micro- and nanoplastics
Authors: Cholewinski Aleksander , Wortman Joseph , Hayashida Misa , Anderson William A , Zhao Boxin
Published: July 2024

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics have been an emerging global concern, with hazardous effects on plant, animal, and human health. Their small size makes it easier for them to spread to various ecosystems and enter the food chain; they are already widely found in aqueous environments and within aquatic life, and have even been found within humans. Much research has gone into understanding micro-/nanoplastic sources and environmental fate, but less work has been done to understand their degradation. Photocatalytic degradation is a promising green technique that uses visible or ultraviolet light in combination with photocatalyst to degrade plastic particles. While complete degradation, reducing plastics to small molecules, is often the goal, partial degradation is more common. We examined microscale polyethylene (PE) (125–150 µm in diameter) and nanoscale polystyrene (PS) (∼300 nm in diameter) spheres both before and after degradation using multiple imaging techniques, especially electron tomography in addition to conventional electron microscopy. Electron tomography is able to image the 3D exterior and interior of the nanoplastics, enabling us to observe within aggregates and inside degraded spheres, where we found potentially open interior structures after degradation. These structures may result from differences in degradation and aggregation behavior between the different plastic types, with our work finding that PE MPs typically cracked into sharp fragments, while PS nanoplastics often fragmented into smoother, more curved shapes. These and other differences, along with interior and 3D surface images, provide new details on how the structure and aggregation of PE MPs and PS nanoplastics changes when degraded, which could influence how the resulting worn particles are collected or treated further.
Precision spectroscopy of non-thermal molecular plasmas using mid-infrared optical frequency comb Fourier transform spectroscopy
Authors: Sadiek Ibrahim , Puth Alexander , Kowzan Grzegorz , Nishiyama Akiko , Klose Sarah-Johanna , Röpcke Jürgen , Lang Norbert , Masłowski Piotr , van Helden Jean-Pierre H
Published: July 2024

Non-thermal molecular plasmas play a crucial role in numerous industrial processes and hold significant potential for driving essential chemical transformations. Accurate information about the molecular composition of the plasmas and the distribution of populations among quantum states is essential for understanding and optimizing plasma processes. Here, we apply a mid-infrared frequency comb-based Fourier transform spectrometer to measure high-resolution spectra of plasmas containing hydrogen, nitrogen, and a carbon source in the 2800–3400 cm–1 range. The spectrally broadband and high-resolution capabilities of this technique enable quantum-state-resolved spectroscopy of multiple plasma-generated species simultaneously, including CH4, C2H2, C2H6, NH3, and HCN, providing detailed information beyond the limitations of current methods. Using a line-by-line fitting approach, we analyzed 548 resolved transitions across five vibrational bands of plasma-generated HCN. The results indicate a significant non-thermal distribution of the populations among the quantum states, with distinct temperatures observed for lower and higher rotational quantum numbers, with a temperature difference of about 62 K. Broadband state-resolved-spectroscopy via comb-based methods provides unprecedented fundamental insights into the non-thermal nature of molecular plasmas—a detailed picture that has never been accomplished before for such complex non-thermal environment.
The detachment-induced mode in electronegative capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasmas
Authors: Tian Chong-Biao , Wang Li , Vass Máté , Wang Xiao-Kun , Dong Wan , Song Yuan-Hong , Wang You-Nian , Schulze Julian
Published: July 2024

Insights into the spatio-temporally resolved electron power absorption dynamics in capacitively coupled radio-frequency plasmas are essential for understanding the fundamentals of their operation and as a basis for knowledge-based plasma process development. Similar to the γ-mode, an ionization maximum is observed at the sheath edge around the time of maximum sheath voltage in electronegative oxygen discharges at a pressure of 300 Pa. Based on Particle-in-Cell/Monte Carlo Collisions (PIC/MCC) simulations, we demonstrate that this maximum is not only caused by secondary electrons emitted at the electrode and collisionally multiplied inside the sheath. In fact, it also occurs in the complete absence of secondary electrons in the simulation, and is caused by the generation of

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ions by electron attachment close to the electrode during the local sheath collapse. These negative ions are accelerated towards the plasma bulk by the sheath electric field during sheath expansion. By electron detachment from these negative ions, electrons are generated inside the sheath and are accelerated towards the plasma bulk by the instantaneous sheath electric field—similarly to secondary electrons. Ionization is also observed in the plasma bulk and caused by electrons generated by detachment and accelerated by the high drift-and ambipolar electric fields. This detachment-induced electron power absorption is found to have significant effects on the discharge in the presence and absence of secondary electron emission. Its fundamentals are understood based on an analysis of the spatio-temporal electron and

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power absorption dynamics as well as the trajectory of selected

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ions close to the electrode.
Optimal depth and a novel approach to variational unitary quantum process tomography
Authors: Galetsky Vladlen , Julià Farré Pol , Ghosh Soham , Deppe Christian , Ferrara Roberto
Published: July 2024

In this work, we present two new methods for variational quantum circuit (VQC) process tomography (PT) ontonqubits systems: unitary PT based on VQCs (PT_VQC) and unitary evolution-based variational quantum singular value decomposition (U-VQSVD). Compared to the state of the art, PT_VQC halves in each run the required amount of qubits for unitary PT and decreases the required state initializations from 4nto just 2n, all while ensuring high-fidelity reconstruction of the targeted unitary channelU. It is worth noting that, for a fixed reconstruction accuracy, PT_VQC achieves faster convergence per iteration step compared to quantum deep neural network and tensor network schemes. The novel U-VQSVD algorithm utilizes variational singular value decomposition to extract eigenvectors (up to a global phase) and their associated eigenvalues from an unknown unitary representing a universal channel. We assess the performance of U-VQSVD by executing an attack on a non-unitary channel quantum physical unclonable function. By using U-VQSVD we outperform an uninformed impersonation attack (using randomly generated input states) by a factor of 2 to 5, depending on the qubit dimension. For the two presented methods, we propose a new approach to calculate the complexity of the displayed VQC, based on what we denote as optimal depth.
An efficient quantum algorithm for independent component analysis
Authors: Xu Xiao-Fan , Zhuang Xi-Ning , Xue Cheng , Chen Zhao-Yun , Wu Yu-Chun , Guo Guo-Ping
Published: July 2024

Independent component analysis (ICA) is a fundamental data processing technique to decompose the captured signals into as independent as possible components. Computing the contrast function, which serves as a measure of the independence of signals, is vital and costs major computing resources in ICA. This paper presents a quantum algorithm that focuses on computing a specified contrast function on a quantum computer. Using the quantum acceleration in matrix operations, we efficiently deal with Gram matrices and estimate the contrast function with the complexity of

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. This estimation subprogram, combined with the classical optimization framework, builds up our ICA algorithm, which exponentially reduces the complexity dependence on the data scale compared with algorithms using only classical computers. The outperformance is further supported by numerical experiments, while our algorithm is then applied for the separation of a transcriptomic dataset and for financial time series forecasting, to predict the Nikkei 225 opening index to show its potential application prospect.
An exact stationary axisymmetric vacuum solution within a metric-affine bumblebee gravity
Authors: Araújo Filho A.A. , Nascimento J.R. , Petrov A.Yu. , Porfírio P.J.
Published: July 2024

Within the framework of the spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking (LSB), we consider a metric-affine generalization of the gravitational sector of the Standard Model Extension (SME), including the Lorentz-violating (LV) coefficients u and sμν
. In this model, we derive the modified Einstein field equations in order to obtain a new axisymmetric vacuum spinning solution for a particular bumblebee's profile. Such a solution has the remarkable property of incorporating the effects of LSB through the LV dimensionless parameter X = ξb
2, with ξ is the nonminimal coupling constant, and b
2 = bμbμ
, with bμ
is the vacuum expectation value of the bumblebee field; as the LSB is turned off, X = 0, we recover the well-established result, the Kerr solution, as expected. Afterwards, we calculate the geodesics, the radial acceleration and thermodynamic quantities for this new metric. We also estimate an upper bound for X by using astrophysical data of the advance of Mercury's perihelion.
Interference of harmonics emitted by different tunneling momentum channels in laser fields
Authors: Zhang 张 Ling-Yu 玲玉 , Xie 谢 Zhuo-Xuan 卓璇 , Wang 王 Can 灿 , Ge 葛 Xin-Lei 鑫磊 , Guo 郭 Jing 静
Published: July 2024

By numerically solving the semiconductor Bloch equation (SBEs), we theoretically study the high-harmonic generation of ZnO crystals driven by one-color and two-color intense laser pulses. The results show the enhancement of harmonics and the cut-off remains the same in the two-color field, which can be explained by the recollision trajectories and electron excitation from multi-channels. Based on the quantum path analysis, we investigate contribution of different ranges of the crystal momentum k of ZnO to the harmonic yield, and find that in two-color laser fields, the intensity of the harmonic yield of different ranges from the crystal momentum makes a big difference and the harmonic intensity is depressed from all k channels, which is related to the interferences between harmonics from symmetric k channels.
AI-assisted detector design for the EIC (AID(2)E)
Authors: Diefenthaler M. , Fanelli C. , Gerlach L.O. , Guan W. , Horn T. , Jentsch A. , Lin M. , Nagai K. , Nayak H. , Pecar C. , Suresh K. , Vossen A. , Wang T. , Wenaus T. ,   the AID(2)E collaboration
Published: July 2024

Artificial Intelligence is poised to transform the design of complex, large-scale detectors like ePIC at the future Electron Ion Collider. Featuring a central detector with additional detecting systems in the far forward and far backward regions, the ePIC experiment incorporates numerous design parameters and objectives, including performance, physics reach, and cost, constrained by mechanical and geometric limits.
This project aims to develop a scalable, distributed AI-assisted detector design for the EIC (AID(2)E), employing state-of-the-art multiobjective optimization to tackle complex designs. Supported by the ePIC software stack and using Geant4 simulations, our approach benefits from transparent parameterization and advanced AI features.
The workflow leverages the PanDA and iDDS systems, used in major experiments such as ATLAS at CERN LHC, the Rubin Observatory, and sPHENIX at RHIC, to manage the compute intensive demands of ePIC detector simulations. Tailored enhancements to the PanDA system focus on usability, scalability, automation, and monitoring.
Ultimately, this project aims to establish a robust design capability, apply a distributed AI-assisted workflow to the ePIC detector, and extend its applications to the design of the second detector (Detector-2) in the EIC, as well as to calibration and alignment tasks. Additionally, we are developing advanced data science tools to efficiently navigate the complex, multidimensional trade-offs identified through this optimization process.
Prospects of mono cellulosic and cellulosic-glass hybrid fillers reinforced polypropylene composites
Authors: Webo Wilson , Khoathane Moshibudi Caroline , Mhike Washington
Published: July 2024

The objective of the study was to investigate the flexural mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of polypropylene composites reinforced with cellulose and glass particles. Polypropylene lacks sufficient strength and stiffness for many applications. By reinforcing it with cellulose and glass particles, the study was aimed at enhancing these mechanical properties, addressing the need for stronger and more durable materials. These composites are likely to find applications in the automotive industry where light weight, strong and heat resistant materials are needed for bumpers, dashboards, and interior trims. Additionally, these composites can be used for consumer goods where strong and lightweight materials are needed for various consumer products such as furniture, sporting goods, and appliances. Finite Element Analysis (FEA) was used to explore the properties of the cellulosic composites and the experimental method was used to validate the results of FEA. The injection moulding process was used to fabricate the specimens for this study. The specimens were then characterized for their thermal behavior, morphology, and flexural properties. The thermal properties that were performed were thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Moreover, the morphology of the fabricated samples was examined using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The composites were fabricated at filler volume fractions ranging from 0% to 50%. The flexural strength of both the wood powder/PP composites and the hybrid composites were found to be maximum for a filler volume fraction of 40% exhibiting 796.44 MPa and 1692.951 MPa, respectively. The research also noted from TGA that the melting temperature of all the fabricated samples were in the range of 150 °C to 160 °C. The glass transition temperature of neat polypropylene was around −20 °C.
Enhanced antimicrobial potency and stability of juglone/β-cyclodextrin inclusion complexes: a comparative study of formulation methods
Authors: Pelit Arayıcı Pelin , Acar Tayfun , Özbek Tülin , Acar Serap
Published: July 2024

Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), a natural antifungal and antibacterial agent derived from walnut trees, possesses significant therapeutic potential limited by its low water solubility and instability in varying pH and temperature conditions This study aims to address these limitations by enhancing juglone’s solubility, stability, and antimicrobial efficacy through the formation of inclusion complexes with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD). Employing methods such as co-precipitation, freeze-drying, and solvent evaporation, we synthesized these complexes and confirmed their formation using UV–vis, and FT-IR spectroscopy. The obtained optimum complex was characterized using SEM to reveal its structural properties, while NMR analysis showed significant chemical shift changes, indicative of complex formation between juglone and β-CD; additionally, XRD analysis confirmed the amorphous nature of the J-β-CD3-4 inclusion complex, providing direct evidence for its formation. Our findings reveal a notable enhancement in the pH and thermal stability of juglone within the β-CD inclusion complex, in comparison to its free form. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of the juglone-β-CD complex surpassed that of juglone alone. The increased water solubility of juglone in the inclusion complex contributed to its enhanced antimicrobial activity. The inhibition zone diameters of J-β-CD3-4 inclusion complex against E. coli, S. aureus, and C. albicans were 7, 22, and 8.5 mm, respectively, relatively higher than juglone. Remarkably, in the broth microdluation method, the MIC and MBC values of the inclusion complex were determined to be much lower than those of free juglone, a significant fourfold decrease for S. aureus, and C. albicans and twofold for E. coli. These results underscore the potential of juglone-β-CD complexation in extending the applicability of juglone, especially in sectors such as food preservation, agriculture, and pharmaceuticals, where enhanced stability and efficacy of natural antimicrobial agents are crucial.
Enhanced degradation of tetracycline by gas-liquid discharge plasma coupled with g-C3N4/TiO2
Authors: WANG 王 Zhenhai 振海 , ZHOU 周 Zikai 子凯 , WANG 王 Sen 森 , FANG 方 Zhi 志
Published: July 2024

Plasma-catalysis is considered as one of the most promising technologies for antibiotic degradation in water. In the plasma-catalytic system, one of the factors affecting the degradation effect is the performance of the photocatalyst, which is usually restricted by the rapid recombination of electrons and holes as well as narrow light absorption range. In this research, a photocatalyst g-C3N4/TiO2 was prepared and coupled with gas-liquid discharge (GLD) to degrade tetracycline (TC). The performance was examined, and the degradation pathways and mechanisms were studied. Results show that a 90% degradation rate is achieved in the GLD with g-C3N4/TiO2 over a 10 min treatment. Increasing the pulse voltage is conducive to increasing the degradation rate, whereas the addition of excessive g-C3N4/TiO2 tends to precipitate agglomerates, resulting in a poor degradation efficiency. The redox properties of the g-C3N4/TiO2 surface promote the generation of oxidizing active species (H2O2, O3) in solution. Radical quenching experiments showed that ·OH, hole (h
+), play important roles in the TC degradation by the discharge with g-C3N4/TiO2. Two potential degradation pathways were proposed based on the intermediates. The toxicity of tetracycline was reduced by treatment in the system. Furthermore, the g-C3N4/TiO2 composites exhibited excellent recoverability and stability.
Vegetation reduces cooling demand in low-income neighborhoods on hot days in Chicago
Authors: Hardaway Kanaan C , Choi Minsoo , Nateghi Roshanak , McMillan Sara K , Ma Zhao , Hardiman Brady S
Published: July 2024

Cooling energy demand is sensitive to urban form and socioeconomic characteristics of cities. Climate change will impact how these characteristics influence cooling demand. We use random forest machine learning methods to analyze the sensitivity of cooling demand in Chicago, IL, to weather, vegetation, building type, socioeconomic, and control variables by dividing census tracts of the city into four groups: below-Q1 income–hot days; above-Q1 income–hot days; below-Q1 income–regular days; and above-Q1 income–regular days. Below-Q1 census tracts experienced an increase in cooling demand on hot days while above-Q1 census tracts did not see an increase in demand. Weather (i.e. heat index and wind speed) and control variables (i.e. month of year, holidays and weekends) unsurprisingly had the most influence on cooling demand. Among the variables of interest, vegetation was associated with reduced cooling demand for below-Q1 income on hot days and increased cooling demand for below-Q1 income on regular days. In above-Q1 income census tracts building type was the most closely associated non-weather or control variable with cooling demand. The sensitivity of cooling demand for below-Q1 income census tracts to vegetation on hot days suggests vegetation could become more important for keeping cities cool for low-income populations as global temperatures increase. This result further highlights the importance of considering environmental justice in urban design.