bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Migration Behavior and Breakthrough Time of Zinc Ions in Soil-Bentonite Liner
Authors: Lin Zhu , Ibrahim Nurazim
Published: February 2024

Soil-bentonite is used as a liner material at the bottom of landfill sites, but temperature and ion concentration can affect the liner's impermeability causing a leakage of leachate into the soil. Therefore, this study aim to investigate the influence of initial ion concentration and temperature on adsorption capacity and removal rate of the Soil-bentonite liner using unit cell experiment. Meanwhile, the relationship between ion concentration, liner thickness, temperature, and breakthrough time was determine using Finite element analysis. The results show that the adsorption rate gradually decreases from 98.45% to 72.21% with an increase of initial concentration of Zinc from 3mmol/L to 100 mmol/L. It was also found that the temperature have a significant impact on the adsorption performance of soil-bentonite mixtures where the higher the temperature, the faster the removal rate. On the other hand, a combination of high pollutant concentrations and temperatures, along with thinner liner thickness, lead to quicker breakthrough of pollutants through the barrier, resulting in a shorter service life. The finding of this study is critical in the design and service life evaluation of the landfill liner system.
A study on the effect of vertical greening on the thermal environment of street canyons based on ENVI-met simulation
Authors: Cui Dongjin , Chen Yutong , Zhang Yu , Li Xiangyi
Published: February 2024

Vertical greening is one of the effective measures to improve the microclimate and air quality of high-density urban street canyons, and its impact on the thermal environment is closely related to the street canyon morphology. In this paper, based on the characteristics of high-density urban street canyons in the context of Shenzhen City, 12 sets of cases (two orientations, two aspect ratios, and three height-to-width ratios) were simulated and designed using ENVI-met software to study the effects of vertical greening on the thermal environment of buildings under different street canyon morphologies, and to summarize the impact of vertical greening on the microclimate of different street canyons. The results of the study show that the orientation of the street canyon is the most influential factor in the thermal efficiency of vertical greening under the street canyon geometry with the same amount of greening and that the vertical greening effect of east-west oriented street canyons is generally better than that of north-south oriented street canyons in terms of cooling, humidification, and improvement of thermal comfort at the walking level.
Urban Sewage Pollution Dynamics: Reviewing Deposition, Attenuation Patterns, and Environmental Implications
Authors: Zheng Huaqing , Ge Tonggang , Gao Chenchen
Published: February 2024

Domestic sewage is prone to deposit in the sewer system due to its complex composition and lengthy collection and transportation route. The migration and transformation of pollutants between deposits and sewage during the deposition process play a vital role in the sound and stable operation of the sewer system, the enhancement of the centralized collection rate of domestic sewage, and the safeguarding of urban water environments. Built on research findings worldwide, this paper summarizes the generation pattern and composition characteristics of the deposition and attenuation of pollutants in domestic sewage within the sewer system. The leading factors influencing sewage pollutant deposition are explored, and the harm engendered by the migration and transformation of pollutants between deposits and sewage is analyzed. Finally, we express hopes for addressing the issue of sewage pollutant deposition and attenuation, aiming to enhance the quality and efficiency of sewage treatment and foster the green and healthy development of sewer systems.
Research on frost heave of channels in cold areas based on electroosmotic drainage
Authors: Zhang Yonglei , Ji Richen
Published: February 2024

In order to study the influence of electroosmosis treatment channel foundation soil on frost heave failure of concrete lining channel in cold areas under different voltages, the surface temperature of concrete lining was calculated according to the principles of atmospheric physics and thermal radiation. The finite element software was used to simulate the use of 20V, 40V and 60V voltage electroosmosis to treat the channel foundation soil, reduce the moisture content of the canal foundation soil, and numerically simulate the frost heave of the lining channel. The results show that after 20V, 40V and 60V voltage electroosmosis treatment, the moisture content of the base soil tends to be stable after 59h, 71h and 90h, respectively, and the moisture content can be reduced by 46.9%, 51.7% and 58.4% respectively compared with the non-electroosmosis treatment. The normal frost heave can be reduced by 37.4%, 42.3% and 49.0% respectively at 20V, 40V and 60V voltages. The normal frost heave force can be reduced by 14.3%, 22.4% and 30.6% respectively at 20V, 40V and 60V voltages. The tangential freezing force can be reduced by 14.3%, 25.1% and 33.9% respectively at 20V, 40V and 60V voltages. The results of this study can provide a reference for channel reduction of frost heave.
Research on low-temperature early-strength performance of different early-strengthening agents
Authors: Wu Jinsong
Published: February 2024

Under the condition of low temperature 5 ℃, five kinds of early strength agents were combined with polycarboxylic acid admixture to explore the effect of the mixed early strength polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer on the low temperature early strength. The results show that the composite early strength polycarboxylic acid superplasticizer has a good low temperature early strength enhancement performance. Among them, NaNO2 compound modification, compared with other early strength agents after the compound effect, has a better low temperature early strength enhancement performance advantage.
Performance analysis and ANFIS computing of a Markovian queuing model with intermittently accessible server under a hybrid vacation policy
Authors: Divya K. , Indhira K.
Published: February 2024

In this study, we investigate a heterogeneous queueing model with intermittent server availability, server catastrophes, and a hybrid vacation policy. Our focus is on a specific scenario: server 1 is always available, while server 2 may experience breakdowns or vacations, making it intermittently accessible. Using the matrix-geometric approach (MGA), we derive matrix-based expressions for the stationary probability distribution of the number of customers in the system and various system performance measures. Additionally, we evaluate the cost function per unit of time to determine optimal values for the system’s decision variables. Furthermore, we employ an adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) based on soft computing technology to compare and analyze the numerical results obtained. Through this comprehensive analysis, our study contributes to the understanding and optimization of this complex queueing system, attracting the attention of researchers in the field and offering practical insights for real-world applications.
Erstdiagose einer Ostitis cystica fibrosa bei tumoröser Raumforderung der Brustwirbelsäule
Authors: Riehle Marion , Schmidt René
Published: February 2024

Der primäre Hyperparathyreoidismus (PHPT) tritt überwiegend bei Frauen um das 50. Lebensjahr mit einer Prävalenz von 25–30/100.000 auf. Aufgrund einer erhöhten Osteoklastenaktivität treten bei langfristig unbehandeltem PHPT katabole Knochenumbauprozesse auf, die im Vollbild zu einer Ostitis cystica fibrosa (von-Recklinghausen-Krankheit des Knochens) führen können. Diese Erkrankung ist sehr selten und betrifft lediglich 3% der Patienten.

Wir beschreiben den Fall einer 61-jährigen Patientin, die mit einer Paraparese infolge spinaler Kompression bei tumoröser Raumforderung auf Höhe des 9. Brustwirbelkörpers (BWK) vorgestellt wurde. Nach notfallmäßiger dorsaler Stabilisierung und Dekompression kam es zu einer raschen restitutio ad integrum. Histologische, immunhistochemische und laborchemische Ergebnisse ergaben die Diagnose einer Ostitis cystica fibrosa bei PHPT.

Da der PHPT als Differenzialdiagnose zu Osteoporose und zystischen Knochentumoren kurativ therapiert werden kann, ist das rechtzeitige Erkennen zur Vermeidung von sekundären Organschädigungen und pathologischen Frakturen essenziell.
Frakturen des Sakrums
Authors: Tesch Alexander , Beck Markus , Wenzel Lisa , Friederichs Jan , Stuby Fabian , Trulson Alexander
Published: February 2024

Für Frakturen entlang der Wirbelsäule besteht ein Konsens über den Diagnosealgorithmus und die Behandlung. Das Kreuzbein stellt eine knöcherne Verbindung zwischen der Wirbelsäule und dem Becken her und überträgt und gleicht Kräfte von den unteren Extremitäten auf den Rumpf und umgekehrt aus. Diese anatomische Position macht es anfällig für Frakturen als Teil des Beckenrings und Frakturen aufgrund axialer Kräfte durch die Wirbelsäule. Für eine gute klinische Praxis ist es wichtig, den Traumamechanismus und das Alter des Patienten zu berücksichtigen. Für das geriatrische Patientenkollektiv haben sich die Klassifikationen Fragilitätsfraktur des Beckens (FFP) und Osteoporosefraktur des Beckens (OF) etabliert und stellen eine einfache Entscheidungshilfe im Praxisalltag dar. Jüngere Patienten erleiden häufiger Hochenergietraumata und Verletzungen, die sich nicht auf den knöchernen Anteil des Beckenringes beschränken. Bei diesen oft komplexeren Verletzungen kann die AO-Klassifikation bei der Therapientscheidungsfindung hilfreich sein. Die Notwendigkeit von Interventionen zur Stabilisierung des Patienten im Rahmen eines „damage control“-Ansatzes bestimmen die therapeutische Strategie bei der Behandlung dieser Patienten. Die folgenden Erläuterungen zur Klassifizierung und der daraus resultierenden Therapie können dabei helfen, Sakrumfrakturen als eigenständige Entität sowohl im Sinne der verlängerten Wirbelsäule als auch des Beckenrings zu differenzieren.
Heilpflanzensäfte bei Erkrankungen des Magen-Darm-Traktes
Authors: Emmrich Peter
Published: February 2024

Heilpflanzensäfte sind flüssige Extrakte, die aus verschiedenen Pflanzen gewonnen werden und für ihre
heilenden Eigenschaften bekannt sind. Sie werden oft als natürliche Alternative zu herkömmlichen
Medikamenten eingesetzt und können bei einer Vielzahl von Beschwerden und Krankheiten helfen. Die Säfte
enthalten eine Menge von Wirkstoffen, die positiv auf den Körper wirken können, und werden daher seit
Jahrhunderten in der Naturheilkunde verwendet. Der Beitrag geht auf die Vorteile und
Anwendungsmöglichkeiten von Heilpflanzensäften u. a. aus Löwenzahn, Weißkohl, Kartoffeln oder Aloe vera
bei Magen-Darm-Beschwerden ein.
Sodbrennen – Reizdarm – Durchfall: gute Therapieerfolge mit Luvos
Heilerde
Authors: Madisch Ahmed , Storr Martin
Published: February 2024

Die einzigartige mineralische Zusammensetzung und die immer mehr verfeinerte Aufbereitung von Luvos
Heilerde begründen deren Erfolge in unterschiedlichsten therapeutischen Anwendungen. Mehr und mehr wird
traditionelles Wissen über die Indikationen von Heilerden durch wissenschaftliche Studien untermauert. In
der Gastroenterologie wird inzwischen Luvos Heilerde immer häufiger eingesetzt, um bei Patienten mit der
Symptom-Trias „Sodbrennen – Reizdarm – Durchfall“ eine wirksame und sehr gut verträgliche Therapie
anzubieten.
Efficient Synthesis of (2Z,5Z)-3-Benzyl/alkyl-5-(2-oxo-5-aryl-3 (2H)-furanylidene)-2-(phenylimino)-1,3-thiazolidin-4-ones via a One-Pot Three-Component Reaction
Authors: Alizadeh Abdolali , Moterassed Reihaneh
Published: February 2024

A simple and efficient strategy for the chemoselective synthesis of (2Z,5Z)-3-benzyl/alkyl-5-(2-oxo-5-arylfuran-3(2H)-ylidene)-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-4-one derivatives is developed via a sequential three-component reaction of readily available phenacyl bromides, pyridine and methyl 2-(3-benzyl/alkyl-4-oxo-2-(phenylimino)thiazolidin-5-ylidene)acetates in acetonitrile at room temperature. The advantages of this one-pot sequential Michael addition/1,2-H shift/elimination of pyridine/intramolecular cyclization are highlighted by its low energy requirements (short reaction times at room temperature), excellent yields, the absence of a metal catalyst, and mild conditions. The product structures are characterized by spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray analysis.
Predictive Value of Corrected 18F-FDG PET/CT Baseline Parameters for Primary DLBCL Prognosis: A Single-center Study
Authors: Li Min , Liu Jianpeng , Liu Fangfei , Lv Rongbin , Bai Haowei , Liu Shuyong
Published: February 2024

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of corrected baseline metabolic parameters in fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography imaging (18F-FDG PET/CT) for 3-year progression-free survival (PFS) in patients with primary diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Patients and Methods Retrospective clinical and pathological data were collected for 199 patients of DLBCL diagnosed between January 2018 and January 2021. All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans without any form of treatment. The corrected maximum standardized uptake value (corSUVmax), corrected mean standardized uptake value (corSUVmean), corrected whole-body tumor metabolic volume sum (corMTVsum), and corrected total lesion glycolysis of whole body (corTLGtotal) were corrected using the SUVmean in a 1-cm diameter mediastinal blood pool (MBP) from the descending thoracic aorta of patients. Kaplan–Meier survival curves and Cox regression were used to examine the predictive significance of corrected baseline metabolic parameters on 3-year PFS of patients. The incremental values of corrected baseline metabolic parameters were evaluated by using Harrell's C-indices, receiver operating characteristic, and Decision Curve Analysis.

Results The multivariate analysis revealed that only the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN)-International Prognostic Index (IPI) and corMTVsum had an effect on 3-year PFS of patients (p < 0.05, respectively). The Kaplan–Meier survival analysis demonstrated significant differences in PFS between the risk groups classified by corSUVsum, corMTVsum, and corTLGtotal (log-rank test, p < 0.05). The predictive model composed of corMTVsum and corTLGtotal surpasses the predictive performance of the model incorporating MTVsum and TLGtotal. The optimal performance was observed when corMTVsum was combined with NCCN-IPI, resulting in a Harrell's C index of 0.785 and area under the curve values of 0.863, 0.891, and 0.947 for the 1-, 2-, and 3-year PFS rates, respectively.

Conclusion The corMTVsum offers significant prognostic value for patients with DLBCL. Furthermore, the combination of corMTVsum with the NCCN-IPI can provide an accurate prediction of the prognosis.
Standardizing Normal Reference Value for Thyroid Uptake of Technetium-99m Pertechnetate in Nepalese Population
Authors: Paudel Jiwan , Bhattarai Babita
Published: February 2024

Objective Changes in normal reference values of thyroid uptake for iodine have been reported due to geographical and chronological fluctuations in dietary iodine intake in different populations. Nepal is a country with mixed ethnicity, with access to dietary iodine in the form of successful universal salt iodination program by the government of Nepal since 1973. The aim of this study was to establish the normal reference values for thyroid uptake of technetium-99m (Tc-99m) pertechnetate in the Nepalese population in iodine sufficiency era.

Methods We prospectively evaluated 52 clinically and biochemically euthyroid participants (46 females and 6 males) with age range from 20 to 71 years who underwent a thyroid Tc-99m pertechnetate scan and uptake between December 2019 to November 2023 in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Chitwan Medical College fulfilling inclusion/exclusion criteria. Biochemical thyroid function tests were reviewed and Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid uptake values were determined for each patient. Blood was withdrawn for thyroid hormone assessment. Euthyroid participants were then administered 3.5 to 4.5 mCi of Tc-99m pertechnetate intravenously and their percentage thyroid uptake was calculated after 20 minutes.

Results The mean and median uptake of Tc-99m pertechnetate in euthyroid patients were 1.26 and 0.85%, respectively, and the interquartile range was 0.7 to 1.7%. The normal reference uptake value for Tc-99m pertechnetate in the studied population ranged between 0.3 and 3.6%. The fifth and 95th percentiles for pertechnetate uptake were 0.5 and 2.9%, respectively.

Conclusion The normal reference range for Tc-99m pertechnetate thyroid uptake in Nepalese population was 0.5 to 2.9% that is lower than the currently accepted international standard of 0.75 to 4.5%. Uptake also increased with increasing age. This study highlights the importance of periodically redefining the geographic location specific normal thyroid uptake reference values.
Implementing bidirectional logic with backhopping in magnetic tunnel junctions
Authors: Bin Hamid Shafin , Dutta Ramit , Hassan Orchi , Baten Md Zunaid
Published: February 2024

A bidirectional logic gate has been designed based on the backhopping phenomenon observed in magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJ) at high bias. The magnetization dynamics of each magnetic layer of the MTJ—having materials and geometry of a standard spin-transfer torque magnetic random access memory device—is calculated using the coupled Landau–Lifshitz–Gilbert equation-based theoretical framework. A circuit design interconnecting the MTJs has been proposed to simulate a two-input NAND gate. The results in both forward and reverse directions agree well with those found from the Boltzmann distribution, thereby demonstrating the equiprobability of all valid states.
Realization of higher-order topology in bilayer asymmetric Su–Schrieffer–Heeger topological electric circuits
Authors: Guo Shengqun , Huang Jinke , Huang Ruimin , Zhuang Fengjiang , Su Shaojian , Lin Zhili , Qiu Weibin , Su Jianchao , Wang Xin
Published: February 2024

In this Letter, we report on the realization of higher-order topology in electric circuit systems by generalizing the two-dimensional asymmetric Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model to a bilayer model, which consists of two monolayer models that are directly coupled. Such a system inherits the topological properties of its monolayer counterparts and exhibits the existence of split edge states and corner states in a finite size. As well, the number of topological states is doubled due to the mirror-stacking operation. This work substantiates the existence of rich topological states in bilayer asymmetric SSH electric circuits and may inspire further research into higher-order topological insulators in artificial topological systems.
Topological metasurface of tunable, chiral VO2-based system with exceptional points in the dual band
Authors: Gao Fan , Zhou Jian , Liu Hao , Deng Juan , Yan Bo
Published: February 2024

With the in-depth study of open optical systems, the topological phases of non-Hermitian metasurfaces have attracted increasing attention due to their topological protection properties. Here, in this paper, a tunable non-Hermitian metasurface with bidirectional anisotropism is proposed. By incorporating the phase change material vanadium dioxide (VO2) into the metasurface, two topological exceptional points (EPs) appear in the system by adjusting the conductivity of VO2 and chiral responses appear at both EPs. This research shows that the conductivity significantly affects the reflection of the metasurface, and the zero-reflection points correspond to the EPs of the non-Hermitian system. Further results prove that circling around EPs leads to a 2π phase change, which is topologically protected and independent of the encirclement path. Therefore, this study employs an active control approach to realize two topological EPs. Through comprehensive investigations into the topological properties and chiral performance at EPs, we elucidate the mechanism for the chirality generation in non-Hermitian metasurfaces, which offers feasible solutions for the development of chiral topological devices and light transmission and modulation in future applications.
Detonation parameters of the mixture of gelled nitromethane/microballoons at high porosity
Authors: Mochalova Valentina , Utkin Alexander , Shakula Mikhail , Lavrov Vladimir , Koldunov Sergey , Zhidkov Mikhail
Published: February 2024

The detonation properties of mixtures of gelled nitromethane (NM) with hollow glass microballoons (GMBs), the concentration of which varied from 16 to 30 wt. %, have been studied using an optical technique with high temporal and spatial resolution. It is shown that the addition of GMBs up to 30 wt. % does not qualitatively change the reaction zone structure of NM, which is in accordance with the classical detonation theory. However, the detonation parameters of the mixture decrease significantly with increasing GMB concentration—the pressure at the Chapman–Jouguet point drops by more than an order of magnitude at a porosity of 75%. The non-monotonic nature of the change in critical detonation diameter with decreasing mixture density is noted. The dependence of the critical diameter on the porosity of U-shape with the formation of two local minima at 8 and 18 wt. % GMB in the mixture and a local maximum at 13 wt. % GMB is obtained. At a concentration above 20 wt. % GMB, the critical detonation diameter increases dramatically, and at 30 wt. % GMB, the critical diameter becomes comparable to that of gelled NM.
Research on target damage evaluation and optimization algorithm based on random incomplete information
Authors: Zhang Xuewei , Li Hanshan , Hu Jie
Published: February 2024

Timely and accurate assessment of battlefield strikes can improve the utilization of firepower resources and achieve optimal combat effectiveness. However, due to the complexity and uncertainty of the environment in actual war, it is difficult to obtain accurate target damage information, which can be expressed as uncertain, incomplete, or fuzzy decision information in mathematics. In this paper, the stochastic multi-criteria acceptability analysis method is used to evaluate the damage level of the target under an uncertain environment. We establish a set of characteristic indicators for the target damage effect and use the tracking results of maneuvering targets to determine the degree of target damage. Aiming at the uncertainty of the target data, the upper and lower limit dataset of uncertainty is established, and the membership function of the damage characteristic index is given. Combined with the probability density function, the comprehensive membership function of the damage effect is given, the acceptability index of each damage grade is compared, and the damage effect evaluation with uncertain weight information is given. Based on target vulnerability characteristics and combined with multiple damage elements, a target damage assessment model with multiple damage parameters is established, and the damage results are fitted. We study the relationship between target damage efficiency and various damage parameters. For the optimization strike problem of maximum damage to targets with multiple random incomplete information, a maximum damage optimization model is established using the objective function of maximizing damage probability and the missile firepower coverage area as constraint conditions. Experimental results show that the algorithm used in this paper can effectively solve the damage assessment problem under the condition of random incomplete information.
Polarization transmission matrix enabled high-accuracy, large-bandwidth speckle-based reconstructive spectrometer
Authors: Liang Junrui , Ye Jun , Ke Yanzhao , Zhang Yang , Ma Xiaoya , He Junhong , Li Jun , Xu Jiangming , Leng Jinyong , Zhou Pu
Published: February 2024

One issue with speckle-based reconstructive spectrometer (RS) is the reduced accuracy of computing output when measuring broadband signals. In this manuscript, we improve the reconstruction accuracy of RS by leveraging the polarization transmission matrix (PTM). Unlike previous works that solely utilize speckle intensity at the end of the multimode fiber facet, we incorporate complete polarization information for higher-quality spectral recovery. By optimizing independent spatial channels, output–input ratio, and speckle contrast, the PTM enables to achieve a spectral resolution of 2 pm over 2000 spectral channels. Experimental results demonstrate that our scheme reduces the broadband spectral reconstruction error by 95% and 66%, compared to scalar transmission matrix and vector transmission matrix.
Optimizing transcranial magnetic stimulator coils for minimal influence of individual variability in head geometry
Authors: Liu Shuang , Yoshioka Hikaru , Kuwahata Akihiro , Sekino Masaki
Published: February 2024

In prior studies focused on transcranial magnetic stimulator (TMS) coils, optimization of coil windings typically occurred on generic curved surfaces, such as planes or cylindrical shapes. However, these surfaces do not consider the challenge of coil misalignment, which arises due to variations in individual head geometries. This misalignment can significantly diminish the coil's effectiveness. To address this issue, we propose a novel coil design approach that identifies the 'best-fit' curved surface, minimizing the likelihood of mismatch with diverse skull geometries. We further enhance the coil winding pattern using the stream function applied to this custom curved surface. Numerical simulations using a hemisphere brain model demonstrate that the coil designed on this 'best-fit' curved surface exhibits a remarkable 22% increase in efficiency and a 41% expansion in stimulation area compared to the conventional butterfly coil. These findings underscore the advantages of our method in crafting high-efficiency and wide-ranging therapeutic TMS coil.
Melatonin modulates the tolerance of plants to water stress: morphological response of the molecular mechanism
Authors: He Minmin , Geng Gui , Mei Shuyang , Wang Gang , Yu Lihua , Xu Yao , Wang Yuguang
Published: February 2024

Water stress (drought and waterlogging) leads to an imbalance in plant water distribution, disrupts cell homeostasis, and severely inhibits plant growth. Melatonin is a growth hormone that plants synthesise and has been shown to resist adversity in many plants. This review discusses the biosynthesis and metabolism of melatonin, as well as the changes in plant morphology and physiological mechanisms caused by the molecular defence process. Melatonin induces the expression of related genes in the process of plant photosynthesis under stress and protects the structural integrity of chloroplasts. Exogenous melatonin can maintain the dynamic balance of root ion exchange under waterlogging stress. Melatonin can repair mitochondria and alleviate damage caused by reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species; and has a wide range of uses in the regulation of stress-specific genes and the activation of antioxidant enzyme genes. Melatonin improves the stability of membrane lipids in plant cells and maintains osmotic balance by regulating water channels. There is crosstalk between melatonin and other hormones, which jointly improve the ability of the root system to absorb water and breathe and promote plant growth. Briefly, as a multifunctional molecule, melatonin improves the tolerance of plants under water stress and promotes plant growth and development.
Indications of flat bands driving the
δ
to
α
volume collapse of plutonium
Authors: Harrison Neil , Chappell Greta L. , Tobash Paul H.
Published: February 2024

On cooling from the melt, plutonium (Pu) undergoes a series of structural transformations accompanied by a ≈ 28% reduction in volume from its
δ
phase to its
α
phase at low temperatures. While Pu’s partially filled 5
f
-electron shells are known to be involved, their precise role in the transformations has remained unclear. By using calorimetry measurements on
α
-Pu and gallium-stabilized
δ
-Pu combined with resonant ultrasound and X-ray scattering data to account for the anomalously large softening of the lattice with temperature, we show here that the difference in electronic entropy between the
α
and
δ
phases dominates over the difference in phonon entropy. Rather than finding an electronic specific heat characteristic of broad
f
-electron bands in
α
-Pu, as might be expected to occur within a Kondo collapsed phase in analogy with cerium, we find it to be indicative of flatter subbands. An important role played by Pu’s 5
f
electrons in the formation of its larger unit cell
α
phase comprising inequivalent lattice sites and varying bond lengths is therefore suggested.
Targeted hypermutation of putative antigen sensors in multicellular bacteria
Authors: Doré Hugo , Eisenberg Amy R. , Junkins Emily N. , Leventhal Gabriel E. , Ganesh Anakha , Cordero Otto X. , Paul Blair G. , Valentine David L. , O’Malley Michelle A. , Wilbanks Elizabeth G.
Published: February 2024

Diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs) are used by bacteria, archaea, and viruses as a targeted mutagenesis tool. Through error-prone reverse transcription, DGRs introduce random mutations at specific genomic loci, enabling rapid evolution of these targeted genes. However, the function and benefits of DGR-diversified proteins in cellular hosts remain elusive. We find that 82% of DGRs from one of the major monophyletic lineages of DGR reverse transcriptases are encoded by multicellular bacteria, which often have two or more DGR loci in their genomes. Using the multicellular purple sulfur bacterium
Thiohalocapsa
sp. PB-PSB1 as an example, we characterized nine distinct DGR loci capable of generating 10
282
different combinations of target proteins. With environmental metagenomes from individual
Thiohalocapsa
aggregates, we show that most of PB-PSB1’s DGR target genes are diversified across its biogeographic range, with spatial heterogeneity in the diversity of each locus. In
Thiohalocapsa
PB-PSB1 and other bacteria hosting this lineage of cellular DGRs, the diversified target genes are associated with NACHT-domain anti-phage defenses and putative ternary conflict systems previously shown to be enriched in multicellular bacteria. We propose that these DGR-diversified targets act as antigen sensors that confer a form of adaptive immunity to their multicellular consortia, though this remains to be experimentally tested. These findings could have implications for understanding the evolution of multicellularity, as the NACHT-domain anti-phage systems and ternary systems share both domain homology and conceptual similarities with the innate immune and programmed cell death pathways of plants and metazoans.
Politics, religion, and drama
Authors: Gillings Mathew
Published: February 2024

This chapter explores the metapragmatics of hypocrisy by taking a corpus-based approach to analysis.
Specifically, the paper focuses on examining which social actors are labelled as hypocrites, what situations
accusations of hypocrisy tend to occur in, and how language is used to construct people’s understanding of what
hypocrisy is. To achieve this, instances of the lemma hypocrisy are examined within the Times Online
2000s corpus. Collocation analysis is used to explore the discourses in which the lemma is found, and as
a result six broad categories are identified: social actors; religion and morality; society, social issues and
justice; class system; drama; and metaphors. Exploration of these collocates and their respective concordance lines
helps to further the understanding of this complex phenomenon, and it goes some way towards bridging the gap between
traditional deception theory stemming from social psychology, and more recent empirical work within pragmatics.
Ostensible offers, politeness and sincere hypocrisy
Authors: Haugh Michael
Published: February 2024

We know that sometimes when people make an offer they do not really expect us to take it up. It is generally
assumed that these kinds of ostensible offers are a means of showing respect or consideration towards the feelings of
others, without creating the trouble or imposition that actually acting upon that offer might entail for all the
parties concerned. Yet despite the complex questions ostensible offers and other kinds of ostensible actions raise for
theories of politeness, (in)sincerity and hypocrisy have received only passing attention in (im)politeness research.
In this chapter, I reflect on the relationship between (in)sincerity, hypocrisy and politeness in the context of
ostensible offers. I consider how participants recognise ostensible offers, what kinds of off-record purposes are
accomplished when offers are treated as ostensible (rather than genuine), and why they are interpretable as polite
rather than hypocritical. Drawing on an analysis of instances of ostensible and genuine offers identified in initial
interactions in English between previously unacquainted interactants, I suggest that what lies at the heart of
politeness in the case of ostensible offers is sincere hypocrisy. That is, while the speaker making the offer may not
expect the recipient to (genuinely) accept that offer, they do nevertheless expect the recipient will recognise the
purpose of making that offer is not to be disingenuous, but rather to show consideration for the feelings of the
recipient. I conclude by suggesting that sincere hypocrisy is not limited to ostensible offers, but is arguably a
pervasive characteristic of much of what passes as politeness more generally.
The – mostly – brighter side of hypocrisy and the concept of face
Authors: O’Driscoll Jim
Published: February 2024

This chapter considers the relation between hypocrisy and the concept of face. It is argued that face is an
ideal lens through which to view both the inevitability of hypocrisy and also its various hues. This inevitability is
the result of the unavoidability of face in interaction. Face is more than an affective attribute to which homage must
be paid. It is the essential means without which most communication would grind to a halt, and in that facework
involves interactants giving off impressions of themselves and forming impressions of others present which may not be
correct, there is a sense in which face makes hypocrites of us all. Examples of this accidental and essentially
beneficial hypocrisy are analysed in support of this argument. The chapter then proceeds to an example of the more
obviously beneficial facet of hypocrisy, when it is used to save and/or enhance people’s faces. A subsequent brief
consideration of hypocrisy in speech acts again finds that it has positive social value.
The Present Perfect and the Preterite in Late Modern and Contemporary English
Authors: Yao Xinyue
Published: February 2024

This book examines developments in the use of the present perfect and the preterite in Late Modern and contemporary English, with a focus on American and British English. Drawing on neo-Gricean pragmatics, it proposes a novel and principled analysis of the verb forms’ context-independent meanings and context-dependent inferences. State-of-the-art corpus linguistic methods are used to track their functional changes over two and a half centuries. The book presents new evidence of grammatical change and offers a compelling, contact-based account of regional variation. It brings together the insights of various fields, including formal semantics, historical linguistics, linguistic typology, and variationist sociolinguistics.
What affective rupture does. Disrupting affective citizenship in migrant solidarity
Authors: Lampredi Giacomo
Published: February 2024

The aim of this paper is to show how emotions and citizenship are inextricably intertwined in the analysis of migrant solidarity. It does so by highlighting the ‘disrupting’ dimensions of emotions as processes that redefine the very criteria by which one is included or excluded, close or distant, intimate or foreign, in every situation. The essay draws on ethnographic research with Italian citizens doing solidarity work for and with migrants in Florence and Turin. Solidarity practices and the emotions that constitute them are important for the production of lived citizenship, which happens on a daily basis. By discussing results that emerged through qualitative methods, the essay has the aim to investigate the role of affective ruptures in migrant solidarity networks, and how they may be emotional and reflexive turning points that transform the ethical-political attitudes.
Mode stability for gravitational instantons of type D
Authors: Nilsson Gustav
Published: February 2024

We study Ricci-flat perturbations of gravitational instantons of Petrov type D. Analogously to the Lorentzian case, the Weyl curvature scalars of extreme spin weight satisfy a Riemannian version of the separable Teukolsky equation. As a step toward infinitesimal rigidity of the type D Kerr and Taub-bolt families of instantons, we prove mode stability, i.e. that the Teukolsky equation admits no solutions compatible with regularity and asymptotic (local) flatness.
True muonium resonant production at e
+
e
− colliders with standard crossing angle
Authors: Gargiulo Ruben , Palmisano Stefano , Di Meco Elisa , Diociaiuti Eleonora , Sarra Ivano , Paesani Daniele
Published: February 2024

True muonium (TM) (μ
+
μ
−) is the heaviest and smallest bound state not containing hadrons, after TM (τ
+
τ
−) and mu-tauonium (μ
±
τ
∓). One of the proposed methods to observe the spin 1 fundamental state of TM, which has the smallest lifetime among TM spin 1 states, was to build an e
+
e
− collider with a large crossing angle (θ ∼ 30°) in order to provide TM with a large boost and detect its decay vertex in e
+
e
−. The following paper will instead show that TM excited states can be observed in relatively large quantities (

O

(10)/month) at a e
+
e
− collider with standard crossing angle, after setting their center-of-mass energy to the TM mass (∼2m

μ
= 211.4 MeV).
Ultra-thin double-layered hexagonal CuI: strain tunable properties and robust semiconducting behavior
Authors: Demirok A C , Sahin H , Yagmurcukardes M
Published: February 2024

In this study, the freestanding form of ultra-thin CuI crystals, which have recently been synthesized experimentally, and their strain-dependent properties are investigated by means of density functional theory calculations. Structural optimizations show that CuI crystallizes in a double-layered hexagonal crystal (DLHC) structure. While phonon calculations predict that DLHC CuI crystals are dynamically stable, subsequent vibrational spectrum analyzes reveal that this structure has four unique Raman-active modes, allowing it to be easily distinguished from similar ultra-thin two-dimensional materials. Electronically, DLHC CuI is found to be a semiconductor with a direct band gap of 3.24 eV which is larger than that of its wurtzite and zincblende phases. Furthermore, it is found that in both armchair (AC) and zigzag (ZZ) orientations the elastic instabilities occur over the high strain strengths indicating the soft nature of CuI layer. In addition, the stress–strain curve along the AC direction reveal that DLHC CuI undergoes a structural phase transition between the 4% and 5% tensile uniaxial strains as indicated by a sudden drop of the stress in the lattice. Moreover, the phonon band dispersions show that the phononic instability occurs at much smaller strain along the ZZ direction than that of along the AC direction. Furthermore, the external strain direction can be deduced from the predicted Raman spectra through the splitting rates of the doubly degenerate in-plane vibrations. The mobility of the hole carriers display highly anisotropic characteristic as the applied strain reaches 5% along the AC direction. Due to its anomalous strain-dependent electronic features and elastically soft nature, DLHC of CuI is a potential candidate for future electro-mechanical applications.
Emergence of the isotropic Kitaev honeycomb lattice
α−
RuCl3 and its magnetic properties
Authors: Park Sang-Youn , Do Seung-Hwan , Choi Kwang-Yong , Jang D , Jang Tae-Hwan , Scheffer J , Wu Chun-Ming , Gardner J S , Park J M S , Park Jae-Hoon , Ji Sungdae
Published: February 2024

We present a comprehensive investigation of the crystal and magnetic structures of the van der Waals antiferromagnet

α
−

RuCl3 using single crystal x-ray and neutron diffraction. The crystal structure at room temperature is a monoclinic (

C
2

/

m

). However, with decreasing temperature, a remarkable first-order structural phase transition is observed, leading to the emergence of a rhombohedral (

R

3
ˉ

) structure characterized by three-fold rotational symmetry forming an isotropic honeycomb lattice. On further cooling, a zigzag-type antiferromagnetic order develops below

T

N

=
6
∼
6.6

K. The critical exponent of the magnetic order parameter was determined to be

β
=
0.11
(
1
)

, which is close to the two-dimensional Ising model. Additionally, the angular dependence of the magnetic critical field of the zigzag antiferromagnetic order for the polarized ferromagnetic phase reveals a six-fold rotational symmetry within the

a
b
−

plane. These findingsreflect the symmetry associated with the Ising-like bond-dependent Kitaev spin interactions and underscore the universality of the Kitaev interaction-dominated antiferromagnetic system.
Construction and remote demonstration of an inexpensive but efficient experimental setup for studying self-inductance and mutual-inductance between two coils
Authors: Roy Arijit , Ghosal Munmun , Mallick Abhishek , Roy Durjoy , Biswas Bidisha
Published: February 2024

Measurement of self-inductance and mutual-inductance has been demonstrated as a laboratory experiment with great simplicity. The novelty of this demonstration lies in its straightforward circuitry and methodology, enabling the experiment accessible to students with minimal prerequisite knowledge. A coil-pair setup was constructed using discarded common household articles, costing very low but provides high quality throughput in teaching-learning experience. The demonstration can be easily conducted online using a laptop without the need of extra power supply. The experiment suits for high school and pre-university students, as evident by twenty first-semester undergraduate physics and electronics students who found it both satisfying and enjoyable with a relatively flat learning curve.
Moire fringe measurement method for Young modulus
Authors: Niu Jia-hui , Jiang Wei , Ma Jia-xin , Peng Liu-zhen , Luo Duan-bin , Xu Fei
Published: February 2024

In this paper, a device is introduced to enlarge micro deformation of steel wire by using Moire fringe formed by double grating, and then measure the Young modulus. Since the angle of the double grating in the device is difficult to control accurately, and it is difficult to accurately achieve the desired magnification, we chose to calculate the magnification by measuring the width of the Moire fringe, and then conducted subsequent measurement. The experimental device proposed in this article has a simple structure and low cost, and can be used as a combination of optical and mechanics experiment content for undergraduate students.
Transient striations in an inductively coupled plasma during E-to-H transitions
Authors: Gu Meng-Zhi , Lei Zhi-Cheng , Zhang Xuan , Pu Yi-Kang
Published: February 2024

Azimuthal transient striations are reported for inductively coupled Ar plasma during E-to-H transition at 200 mTorr. In this transient process, the number of striations increases with time, and striations ultimately disappear when the H mode is reached. An integrated model is developed to investigate the mechanism of this phenomenon. This integrated model incorporates a one-dimensional time-dependent fluid model with a perturbation analysis, as well as a circuit model for power coupling with the external radio-frequency driving source. Based on this integrated model, the development of striations is proposed to be a consequence of ionization instability due to the variation in the electron energy distribution function. The model results for the temporal evolution of the number of striations are in good agreement with the observed data.
Classical-quantum dual encoding for laser communications in space
Authors: Winnel Matthew S , Wang Ziqing , Malaney Robert , Aguinaldo Ryan , Green Jonathan , Ralph Timothy C
Published: February 2024

In typical laser communications classical information is encoded by modulating the amplitude of the laser beam and measured via direct detection. We add a layer of security using quantum physics to this standard scheme, applicable to free-space channels. We consider a simultaneous classical-quantum communication scheme where the classical information is encoded in the usual way and the quantum information is encoded as fluctuations of a sub-Poissonian noise-floor. For secret key generation, we consider a continuous-variable quantum key distribution protocol (CVQKD) using a Gaussian ensemble of squeezed states and direct detection. Under the assumption of passive attacks secure key generation and classical communication can proceed simultaneously. Compared with standard CVQKD, which is secure against unrestricted attacks, our added layer of quantum security is simple to implement, robust and does not affect classical data rates. We perform detailed simulations of the performance of the protocol for a free-space atmospheric channel. We analyse security of the CVQKD protocol in the composable finite-size regime.
Enhancement in thermoelectric performance of hydrothermally synthesized Ca and Sb co-doped Bi2Te3 nanostructures
Authors: Rani Kavita , Gupta Vivek , Dalal Ranjeet , Pandey Abhishek
Published: February 2024

−Ca & Sb co-doped Bi2Te3 compounds have been prepared by hydrothermal method at 210 °C for 24 h and investigated their thermoelectric properties. Phase purity and crystallinity were analyzed by XRD. All the prepared samples have rhombohedral crystal structure with space group R-3m. The hexagonal nanoplate-like morphology was examined by FESEM. Elemental analysis was done with EDX. Band gap energy of prepared samples has values in the range of ∼0.40–0.65 eV, obtained by Tauc plot. The Raman shift was obtained at a lower frequency with doping. Carrier concentration increased with doping from 3.18 × 1020 cm−1 to 9.34 × 1020 cm−1. The high value of power factor (PF) of ∼10.8 × 10–4 Wm−1K−2 was obtained due to high carrier concentration. An ultralow lattice thermal conductivity of ∼0.28 and ∼0.63 W mK−1 at 420 K, was obtained for Ca0.06Bi1.88Sb0.06Te3 and pure Bi2Te3, respectively. A maximum ZT of ∼0.78 at 386 K was obtained for Ca0.03Bi1.94Sb0.03Te3. The value of ZT thus obtained is about ∼ 51% higher than the ZT of pure Bi2Te3 (∼0.39 at 386 K).
A 5-D memristive hyperchaotic system with extreme multistability and its application in image encryption
Authors: Dong Qianqian , Bai Yulong , Zhu Kailing
Published: February 2024

By coupling memristors to nonlinear circuits, more complex dynamical behaviors can be induced. However, to date, there has been insufficient attention given to high-dimensional chaotic systems based on memristors. In this paper, a magnetic-controlled memristor is combined with a three-dimensional chaotic system, resulting in a five-dimensional memristive chaotic system. Through dynamic analysis and numerical simulations, the chaotic nature of the system is elucidated based on fundamental system behaviors, including Lyapunov dimension, dissipativity, stability of equilibrium points, 0–1 test, and Poincaré mapping. During the complex dynamical analysis of this system, unique dynamical behaviors are discovered, including intermittent chaos, transient chaos, extreme multistability, and offset-boosting. Moreover, the consistency between numerical calculations and the physical implementation of the actual system is verified through equivalent circuit design. Finally, this system is applied to image encryption, leading to the design of an efficient and secure hyper-chaotic image encryption algorithm, whose effectiveness is confirmed through several security tests.