bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostatic Artery Embolization: A Systematic Review Article
Authors: Atkuri Pooja , Singhal Soumil , Uthappa Mangerira Chinnappa
Published: October 2024

Since the first case report in 2000, there has been a rapid expansion of prostatic artery embolization (PAE) as a therapy for symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia. The published literature and clinical experience show that this procedure is safe and effective. This article discusses the brief history, current issues in technique, and the state of the literature regarding outcomes of PAE. Current and future research topics are also discussed.
The Neck-Crossing Technique Using the Low-Profile Distal Access Catheter in Flow Diverter Placement for Dissecting Posterior Cerebral Artery Aneurysm: A Case Report
Authors: Hasebe Akiko , Nakahara Ichiro , Suyama Kenichiro , Matsumoto Shoji , Morioka Jun , Hashimoto Tetsuya , Tanabe Jun , Watanabe Sadayoshi , Suzuki Takeya , Koge Junpei
Published: October 2024

We report a case in which a novel distal access catheter proved successful in the placement of a flow diverter for a challenging distal cerebral artery lesion. We discuss the advantages and pitfalls of this technique and considerations for its use. A 74-year-old female presented with intermittent headaches, and was diagnosed with a dissecting aneurysm at the proximal right posterior cerebral artery with a sharp bleb, measuring 9.8 mm in diameter. Given the complex vascular anatomy, stent-assisted coil embolization was initially considered but deemed high risk for dual catheter for jailing technique with 6-Fr size guiding catheter due to the tortuosity and stenosis of the parent vessel. Therefore, we opted for flow diverter treatment, which presented its challenges during delivery. By employing a low-profile distal access catheter, Phenom Plus (outer diameter: 4.2-Fr. inner diameter: 1.13 mm; Medtronic, Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States), with a minimal ledge between it and the delivery catheter, Phenom 27 (outer diameter: 2.8-Fr, 0.91 mm; Medtronic), we successfully crossed the neck of the aneurysm with Phenom Plus and placed the flow diverter. While acknowledging potential risks, this case demonstrates the value of the neck-crossing technique using a low-profile distal access catheter as an alternative option for treating challenging peripheral artery aneurysms with flow diverters. This technique offers promise in specific situations where conventional methods pose challenges.
Lateral Calcaneal Artery Perforator/Propeller Flap in the Reconstruction of Posterior Heel Soft Tissue Defects
Authors: Balakrishnan T.M , J. Liza , Karthikeyan Abinaya , Madhurbootheswaran Srividhya , Sugumar M. , Sridharan M.
Published: October 2024

Introduction Posterior heel soft tissue defects with/without tendoachilles injury are difficult to reconstruct because of bony prominence, limited expendable local soft tissues, and significant donor site morbidity. In this study, we evaluate the lateral calcaneal artery (LCA) perforator/propeller flap for posterior heel soft tissue defect reconstruction.

Materials and Methods A preliminary cadaveric study was done on 22 specimens to study the course of the LCA and its perforators. The knowledge gleaned from the cadaveric study was applied in our clinical study. The clinical study was conducted from January 2018 to May 2023 in 13 patients (10 males and 3 females) with posterior heel defects. The primary movement of the perforator flaps were either V-Y advancement (n = 10) or propeller (n = 3).

Results All the flaps settled well except for superficial epidermolysis in one patient (7.69%) which healed conservatively. The average follow-up period was 14.53 months. Postoperatively, all patients had normal gait and normal range of movements. The LCA with the maximum number of perforators in the retrofibular/retromalleolar segment and the islanded flaps based on these perforators provided the excellent coverage for tendoachilles insertion defects and posterior heel defects facilitating excellent shoeability in all cases.

Conclusion The study concludes that the LCA perforator/propeller flap may be a reliable cover for the posterior heel defects with good color, texture, thickness, and contour match rendering a shoeable stable foot.
Postmastectomy Late Breast Reconstruction with Transverse Rectus Abdominis Flap after Primary Closure with Latissimus Dorsi
Authors: Micali Edmilson , Mattar André , Burattini Ana Claudia Benjamim , Gebrim Luiz Henrique , Vieira René Aloisio da Costa
Published: October 2024

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) is common in countries where organized screening is not effective. Although neoadjuvant therapy increases resectability, many patients undergo mastectomy and, in some cases, flaps are necessary for primary closure of the chest wall. Despite a worse prognosis, some of these women will achieve long-term survival and may require breast reconstruction. The literature on the subject is scarce. We present the cases of two patients with LABC undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy, mastectomy with extensive soft-tissue resections in the anterior chest wall, and closure with extended V-Y latissimus dorsi (LD) myocutaneous flaps. After 2 years of follow-up, they were without recurrence. They were submitted to a delayed breast reconstruction using a bipedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap. To our knowledge, this is the first publication reporting secondary reconstruction with TRAM flap after primary closure of the chest wall with LD for LABC.
Cleft Palate-Lateral Synechiae Syndrome: A Case Report
Authors: Thomas Chona , K.P Divya , Raphel Princy , Jose Nikitha
Published: October 2024

Lateral synechiae (LS) are fibrous bands extending from the cleft edges to the lateral edges of the tongue. The etiology of LS is still not clear, and although they are rare, they usually coexist with cleft lip palate and other congenital anomalies. In this study, we report a case of cleft palate-lateral synechiae syndrome. In this case, the lateral synechia bands were cauterized and the patient was able to open the jaw fully. Although LS is rare, medical practitioners should have awareness regarding it so that appropriate treatment protocol can be formulated for the patients.
Pattern of Injuries in Children with Epilepsy: A Hospital-Based Case-Control Study
Authors: Mehta Raj , Saini Arushi Gahlot , Singhi Pratibha , Malhi Prahbhjot
Published: October 2024

Objective The aim of this study is to examine the profile and pattern of injuries in children with epilepsy (CWE) as compared with healthy controls.

Materials and Methods This prospective, cross-sectional study conducted over 1 year in a tertiary care pediatric center included consecutive CWE aged 4 to 16 years who had active seizures during the preceding 1 year. A similar number of age- and sex-matched healthy controls were enrolled. Children with acute symptomatic seizures or degenerative neurologic disorders were excluded. Standardized scales were used to assess intelligent quotient, psychopathology, seizure severity, and restriction of daily activities.

Results Two hundred and eight CWE (mean age: 107 ± 37months; range: 3.5–16 years) and an equal number of healthy controls (mean age: 108 ± 43 months; range: 3.5–16 years; p = 0.07) were evaluated. The majority of CWE had generalized epilepsy (n = 117, 59.6%) followed by focal epilepsy (n = 84, 40.3%). The mean duration of epilepsy was 47.4 ± 36.3 months. The prevalence of injury was significantly greater in CWE (n = 118/208, 56.7%) compared with controls (n = 56/208, 26.9%; p < 0.001). CWE suffered significantly greater number of 293 injuries in the past 1 year in contrast to 83 injuries in controls (p < 0.001). In CWE, the majority of injuries were unrelated to seizures (n = 85/118, 72%, 211 injuries), while only one-third (n = 33/118, 27.9%, 82 injuries) suffered seizure-related injuries. The incidence of injures unrelated to seizures and that of seizure-related injuries were similar (2.48 seizure-related injuries per person per year). Among CWE, a comparison of the injury versus noninjury group showed a significantly longer duration of epilepsy (53 ± 34 vs. 40 ± 38 months, p < 0.007), higher prevalence of underlying structural etiology in generalized epilepsy (34.7 vs. 13.3%, p < 0.001), higher mean seizure severity and restriction of daily activity scores, and higher prevalence of hyperactivity (36.4 vs. 18.9%, p = 0.006) and intellectual disability (35.6 vs. 10%, p < 0.001) in the injury group. Injuries on the head, face, and upper limb were significantly more in CWE as compared with controls, and tongue injuries were found only in CWE (p =< 0.05), and were seen significantly more as seizure-related injury (n = 7 vs. 1, p < 0.001) compared with non-seizure-related injuries. The majority of injuries in children with CWE and controls were mild in nature (n = 112, 53.8% vs. n = 54, 26%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions The prevalence of injuries among CWE aged between 4 and 16 years is high and is significantly greater than in healthy controls, although the majority of injuries are mild in severity in both and are non-seizure-related injuries. Longer duration of epilepsy, higher seizure severity, and restriction of daily activities, and higher prevalence of underlying structural etiology, hyperactivity, and intellectual disability are associated with injuries in CWE.
Diffusion Tensor Imaging of the Auditory Pathway in Prelingual Deaf Children in Comparison to Normal Hearing Children in the 1 to 7 Years of Age Group
Authors: Joy John K. , Kumar Subhash , Bhavana Kranti , Kumar Pradeep , Srinivaasan Arun , Mahto Mala
Published: October 2024

Objective This article aims to determine the microstructural alterations in the auditory pathway in prelingual deaf children using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-derived parameters—fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and secondarily to evaluate these changes in rubella and cytomegalovirus (CMV) positive cases.

Method A consecutive series of consenting deaf and normal children between 1 and 7 years of age, forming the case and control groups, respectively, underwent DTI, audiological tests, and testing for rubella, CMV, and toxoplasma infections. FA and ADC were measured at four locations bilaterally: lateral lemniscus (LL), inferior colliculus, medial geniculate body, and auditory cortex (AC).

Result The mean ADC values were higher and the mean FA values were lower in cases (19 males, 21 females, mean age 2.65 years) than the controls (21 males, 19 females, mean age 4.63 years) at all eight sites. Sixteen (40%), 17 (42.5%), and 7 (17.5%) cases had severe, severe to profound, and profound hearing loss, respectively, the FA and ADC values being significantly different for LL. For rubella and CMV immunoglobulin G, 20/40and 17/40 cases were positive, respectively, 11 for both, and none for toxoplasma. Significant decrease in FA was seen at LL and AC in rubella/CMV positive cases.

Conclusion Microstructural changes are seen throughout the auditory pathway in prelingual deaf children, especially with rubella and/or CMV positive status. Further studies may pave the path to segregate out patient groups potentially more responsive to cochlear implant.
Pediatric Obesity's Effect on Open and Laparoscopic Appendectomy Outcomes
Authors: Bhatnagar Anshul , Nigam Nishtha , Anne Rohan , Santosh Sadashiv
Published: October 2024

Background Pediatric obesity is a common comorbid condition that may complicate pediatric surgeries, such as appendectomy. Prior research on the consequences of obesity on pediatric appendectomy outcomes have been limited by small-sample sizes and pooled analyses that do not distinguish the effects of surgical approach. Associations between surgical approach, pediatric obesity, and postoperative appendectomy outcomes thus remain unclear.

Objective To analyze postoperative appendectomy outcomes by accounting for pediatric obesity, appendectomy approach, and their interaction. This is a retrospective cohort population analysis. Nationwide data of pediatric inpatients from the United States were obtained. All pediatric patients who had an appendectomy were selected from the 2019 Kids' Inpatient Database.

Materials and Methods Outcomes variables were the length of stay and postoperative complication rate. The primary exposure variables were pediatric obesity, surgical approach (laparoscopic [LA] vs. open appendectomy [OA]), and an interaction term between the two. Control variables were patient demographics, clinical complexity, and geographic location. Multiple regression was used to determine relationships between the outcome, exposure, and control variables.

Results A total of 49,037 pediatric patients had an appendectomy, with the number of OA and LA being 4,517 and 44,420, respectively. LA patients had 5.8% (p < 0.001) shorter length of stay than OA patients. For obese patients, length of stay was 31.8% (p < 0.001) longer than for nonobese patients, but LA (compared with OA) reduced it by 19% (p < 0.007). Obesity had no effect on the number of postoperative complications.

Conclusion Obese patients had significantly longer length of stay than nonobese counterparts following OA (31.8%), but this difference was minimized for LA patients (15.81%). There was no association between complication rate, obesity, and surgical approach. Our findings will enable more accurate estimations of pediatric patients' postoperative courses and efficient allocation of limited hospital resources. Further research may wish to study the effects of other common pediatric comorbidities on other procedures.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) in Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chaturvedi Jitender , Mago Vishal , Gupta Mohit , Singh Rahul , Goyal Nishant , Arora Rajneesh , Ruchika F.N.U. , Mudgal Shiv Kumar , Gupta Priyanka , Agrawal Sanjay , Shukla Dhaval
Published: October 2024

Introduction Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a novel technique recently under investigation with intention to improve outcomes in traumatic brain injury (TBI). It increases the partial pressure of oxygen in the blood and tissues by inhaling pure oxygen in an environment pressurized to at least 1.4 times normal atmospheric pressure (ATM) at sea level. The rationale behind the use of HBOT in TBI is its potential to mitigate the secondary brain injury cascade initiated by the primary mechanical trauma. Tissue damage and neuroinflammation secondary to intricate and complex cellular biochemical processes are expected to be counteracted by increased oxygen availability during HBOT, which reduces oxidative stress and improves neuroplasticity.

Materials and Methods All patients, except whose legal guardians denied informed consent, with moderate TBI presenting to the neurotrauma center, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India, were included within the study period of June 2022 to July 2023. Patient allocation was randomized into two arms: namely, treatment and control arm. Simple randomization was done using randomization mobile app, RRApp. Each patient received standard of care per the Brain Trauma Foundation guidelines. Patients randomized under the treatment arm additionally received adjuvant HBOT sessions. One session daily for 10 consecutive days. Session duration was for 60 minutes each at 1.4 ATM. The primary objective of the study was to compare the Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) at discharge and 3-month post-TBI Glasgow Outcome Scale-Extended (GOS-E) among patients in the treatment arm (those who received adjuvant HBOT) with those in the control arm (those who received only standard of care).

Results The mean GCS (±standard deviation [SD]) at discharge in the treatment arm was 14.37 (±00.51) with a median of 14 and a range of 14 to 15. Comparatively, the mean GCS (±SD) at discharge in the control arm was 13.40 (±00.84) with a median of 13 and a range of 12 to 15. The difference between the two arms was statistically significant (p < 0.001). GOS-E at 3 months postinjury for the treatment arm was 7.62 ± 00.51 (mean ± SD) with a median of 8 (range: 7–8). For the control arm, GOS-E at 3 months postinjury was 6.40 ± 1.50 (mean ± SD) with a median of 7 (range: 4–8). The difference between the two arms was statistically significant (p < 0.001).

Conclusion The current study concludes that early adjuvant HBOT using 1.4 ATM with one session of one-hour daily for 10 days among adults sustaining moderate TBI significantly improves GCS at 10 days. Early adjuvant HBOT is also associated with significantly improved GOS-E at 3 months postinjury compared to standard of care alone.
The influence of subjective age and temporal focus on continuing work of the retireess: a psychological perspective
Authors: Telitsyna A. , Zabelina E. , Chestyunina Yu. , Trushina I. , Kurnosova S.
Published: October 2024

The demographic trend of population aging is a global phenomenon impacting the world community at large and individual national economies. Despite growing interest in the determinants of continued work among retirees, the internal (psychological) factors influencing an individual’s decision to retire after reaching retirement age have been inadequately studied. This study addresses this gap by examining psychological variables such as subjective age and temporal focus among working retirees. The results of comparing groups of working and non-working retirees revealed several key findings: 1) retirees who continue to work have a lower past focus compared to non-working retirees; 2) the subjective age of working retirees is lower (younger) than that of non-working retirees; 3) an association between a younger subjective age and current focus was found in non-working retirees, whereas in working retirees, no links were found between temporal focus and subjective age; and 4) the desire to stay young (younger social age) predicts the continuation of work in retirement. This study contributes to the development of ideas about the role of psychological time in motivating elderly people to continue their professional activities in retirement. The results strengthen the evidence that a younger subjective age, especially social age, is one of the reasons for continuing a professional career in old age. Additionally, the study enriches scientific understanding with new data on the role of temporal focus in the context of aging.
Analysing inter-state communication dynamics and roles in the networks of the International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation
Authors: Rodríguez-Casañ Rubén , Carbó-Catalan Elisabet , Solé-Ribalta Albert , Roig-Sanz Diana , Borge-Holthoefer Javier , Cardillo Alessio
Published: October 2024

The International Institute of Intellectual Cooperation (IIIC) was an international organisation established post-World War I, aimed to foster intellectual relations for global peace. As this institution becomes centenary, the digitisation of archival records has democratised access, sparking renewed scholar interest and eventually enabling new research avenues. Here, we examine two letter collections from IIIC’s digitised funds, focusing on administrative and artistic/literary matters. By analysing recognisable sender-receiver pairs and their geographical origins, we construct networks revealing intricate international relationships. Notably, the community structures and roles differ between administrative and literary exchanges, suggesting distinct communication dynamics. Administrative matters depict a more egalitarian distribution. In contrast, relevant literary correspondents include Western European countries exclusively, reflecting the prominence of certain geocultural areas as well as potential geopolitical influence attempts, challenging the established historical narratives on centres and peripheries, inviting a revaluation of the IIIC’s geographical organisation and intellectual cooperation during the interwar period.
Self-powered MXene/GaN van der Waals Schottky ultraviolet photodetectors with exceptional responsivity and stability
Authors: Ding Yu , Xu Xiangming , Zhuang Zhe , Sang Yimeng , Cui Mei , Li Wenxin , Yan Yu , Tao Tao , Xu Weizong , Ren Fangfang , Ye Jiandong , Chen Dunjun , Lu Hai , Zhang Rong , Alshareef Husam N. , Liu Bin
Published: October 2024

High-responsivity and energy-saving ultraviolet photodetectors become crucial components for modern optoelectronic information sensing and communication systems. This study presents an advanced self-powered MXene/GaN Schottky ultraviolet photodetector that features a high-quality van der Waals interface to enhance photoresponsivity. The photodetector exhibits a high responsivity of 681.6 mA W−1 and a significant detectivity of 7.65 × 1013 Jones at zero bias. In a self-powered mode, the detector can operate robustly even under dim illumination (0.15 μW cm−2) due to the excellent Schottky contact and low amount of defect states at the MXene/GaN interface, which presents a strong intrinsic electric field. The photodetector has a high ultraviolet/visible rejection ratio (R360 nm/R400 nm) of 3.9 × 103 and a signal to noise ratio (SNR) of 2.4 × 105, which enable discrimination against visible light interference in real-world scenarios. We also demonstrated that the photodetectors worked well as ultraviolet signal receivers in an optical information communication system to accurately recognize pulsed signals transmitted from an ultraviolet light-emitting diode. These findings imply the great potential of van der Waals Schottky junctions between 2D MXenes and III-nitrides for high-performance photodetection and sensing in many integrated optoelectronic platforms.
A static quantum embedding scheme based on coupled cluster theory
Authors: Shee Avijit , Faulstich Fabian M. , Whaley K. Birgitta , Lin Lin , Head-Gordon Martin
Published: October 2024

We develop a static quantum embedding scheme that utilizes different levels of approximations to coupled cluster (CC) theory for an active fragment region and its environment. To reduce the computational cost, we solve the local fragment problem using a high-level CC method and address the environment problem with a lower-level Møller–Plesset (MP) perturbative method. This embedding approach inherits many conceptual developments from the hybrid second-order Møller–Plesset (MP2) and CC works by Nooijen [J. Chem. Phys. 111, 10815 (1999)] and Bochevarov and Sherrill [J. Chem. Phys. 122, 234110 (2005)]. We go beyond those works here by primarily targeting a specific localized fragment of a molecule and also introducing an alternative mechanism to relax the environment within this framework. We will call this approach MP-CC. We demonstrate the effectiveness of MP-CC on several potential energy curves and a set of thermochemical reaction energies, using CC with singles and doubles as the fragment solver, and MP2-like treatments of the environment. The results are substantially improved by the inclusion of orbital relaxation in the environment. Using localized bonds as the active fragment, we also report results for N=N bond breaking in azomethane and for the central C–C bond torsion in butadiene. We find that when the fragment Hilbert space size remains fixed (e.g., when determined by an intrinsic atomic orbital approach), the method achieves comparable accuracy with both a small and a large basis set. Additionally, our results indicate that increasing the fragment Hilbert space size systematically enhances the accuracy of observables, approaching the precision of the full CC solver.
Equilibrium seeking of higher-order networks under facet cover constraints
Authors: Niu Shaoyuan , Li Xiang
Published: October 2024

Agent intelligence involves specific requirements for social attributes. Intelligent agents make their decisions based on the groups they are part of, tend to satisfy co-members, and enlarge their own benefits. A fundamental question is whether this form of subgroup decision-making accommodate each individual’s preferences. In this paper, we examine the evolution of an anticoordination game on a higher-order network in the form of a simplicial complex in relation to the facet cover problem, which ensures that each subgroup yields a positive benefit. We introduce and apply the facet update rule to regulate nodes’ group-based interactions. We identify the payoff parameter condition that a strict Nash equilibrium (SNE) satisfies a facet cover. The proposed facet update rule enables the activated facet to reach a facet equilibrium, and all nodes would converge to an SNE with no more than 2m strategy switches, where m is the number of nodes in the simplicial complex. Additionally, we analyze the convergence of the asynchronous update rule, which can be seen as a special case of the facet update rule. Our simulations and extensive examples reveal that the SNE achieved by the facet update rule, on average, covers fewer nodes compared to the asynchronous update rule.
Target control point position calibration based on coordinate measuring machine and global bundling optimization algorithm
Authors: Zhao Min , Ma Xing , Hu Gang Yi
Published: October 2024

The target-based coordinate measurement system is primarily composed of a target, a camera, and a computer, relying on image processing to achieve coordinate measurement. It finds extensive applications in spatial positioning and precision measurement, such as industrial manufacturing, robot navigation, and shipbuilding. The accuracy of the target-based coordinate measurement system is highly dependent on the calibration precision of control point positions. A new method based on the calibration of control point positions using a traditional coordinate measuring machine is proposed in this paper. This method does not require the individual calculation of spatial positions for each control point; instead, it utilizes a global bundle algorithm to obtain the positions of all the control points within the field of view, thereby simplifying the calibration process. The simulation results indicate that the key factor influencing the accuracy of visual calibration is the motion range of the measured target within the field of view, and it is positively correlated with calibration accuracy. For a large-sized target, a method of stitching control points within a near-sighted distance is proposed, which achieves higher accuracy compared to full-field calibration without requiring all the control points to be present within the field of view. Experiments demonstrate that using the proposed calibration method, the standard deviations of measurement accuracy of the target-based coordinate measurement system in the x, y, and z directions are 0.01, 0.01, and 0.08 mm, respectively.
Theoretical study of new microwave resonators utilizing dispersive materials
Authors: Yang Xiantao , Leon Bennett Elliot , Calisir Ilkan , Xiao Jianliang , Huang Yi
Published: October 2024

This paper studies innovative microwave resonators, utilizing special dispersive materials whose relative permittivity is inversely proportional to the frequency square. The “dispersive material” refers not only to natural or synthesized materials but also to equivalent materials achieved through advanced dispersion management techniques. The new resonator theory and analysis of the electromagnetic properties and eigenmode frequency of these new resonators are presented comprehensively and validated through a combination of analytical and numerical simulations using commercially available electromagnetic simulation software (CST Studio Suite). Detailed deduction and demonstration of wideband resonance characteristic, unloaded quality factor (Q), and new formulas are given. Several new types of resonators are introduced including rectangular waveguide cavity resonators and dielectric resonators. This inverse-square property of the special dispersive material provides the new resonators with wideband resonance characteristics. Besides, other dispersive materials whose relative permittivity is inversely proportional to the frequency by the power of n are also demonstrated to be useful for bandwidth enhancement. Moreover, the theory behind these dispersive materials and their equivalent approaches for achieving similar material characteristics through various techniques of dispersion management are also discussed in detail. Compared with the traditional resonator, the new resonator breaks the bandwidth limitation and offers the potential to a variety of new microwave devices and antennas such as bandwidth enhancement, stable radiation patterns, and other merits. This could make it useful for a variety of applications including 6G communication, broadband radar systems, and ultrahigh-speed data transfer.
Heterogeneous oxide/sulfide materials as superior bifunctional electrocatalysts for carbon-neutral green hydrogen production: A short review
Authors: Inamdar Akbar I. , Salunke Amol S. , Shrestha Nabeen K. , Im Hyunsik
Published: October 2024

Maintaining an acceptable quality of life worldwide increasingly depends on the availability of clean and cost-effective energy, with power consumption expected to double by 2050. Therefore, the need for sustainable and affordable green energy has spurred innovative electrocatalysis research with the goal to develop materials and processes that are capable of producing environmentally friendly, carbon-neutral, clean, and green hydrogen fuel as an alternative to fossil fuel. In particular, heterostructured catalysts consisting of transition metal oxides and sulfides have emerged as a capable component of green energy technology. The dual functionality of these catalysts allows for water splitting, while the selectivity of the catalytic materials creates synergetic effects based on their electronic structure, surface composition, and electrochemical surface area. In this review, we examine the latest research and developments, synthesis methods, design strategies, reaction mechanisms, and performance outcomes for oxide/sulfide heterostructures. The review begins by introducing the current demand for hydrogen energy and electrocatalytic water-splitting and then describes the fundamental design principles for oxide/sulfide heterostructures and their hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. A large part of the review is then dedicated to a comprehensive discussion of the various transition metal oxide/sulfide heterostructures designed for the OER, the HER, and two-electrode electrolyzer applications. In addition, the use of in situ and operando techniques, which provide crucial information for the design of effective electrocatalysts, is described. We also discuss the present status of electrocatalysis technology, including the challenges it faces and its future prospects as a means to achieve carbon-neutral hydrogen production. Overall, this review delivers a summary of the latest developments in electrocatalysis based on oxide/sulfide heterostructures for use in green hydrogen production.
Gyrokinetic simulation of the toroidal rotation driven by the ambipolar radial electric field induced by stochastic magnetic perturbations in a tokamak plasma
Authors: You Jinxiang , Wang Shaojie
Published: October 2024

Gyrokinetic simulation of the toroidal rotation of plasma with a stochastic magnetic field perturbation is carried out. The simulation results suggest that the stochastic magnetic perturbation drives the plasma to toroidally rotate through the ambipolar radial electric field Er established on the timescale of electron transit time. It is found that this spontaneous flow driven on the timescale less than an ion–ion collision time is the parallel return flow of the Er×B drift. The ion–ion collisional effect further changes the parallel return flow to the toroidal rigid-body flow after a few ion–ion collision times. This simulation result is consistent with the toroidal rigid-body rotation observed in tokamak experiments with a stochastic layer induced by the externally applied resonant magnetic perturbation.
Implosion of heavy metal liners driven by megaampere current pulses
Authors: Oreshkin V. I. , Baksht R. B. , Chaikovsky S. A. , Cherdizov R. K. , Kokshenev V. A. , Kurmaev N. E. , Mesyats G. A. , Oreshkin E. V. , Ratakhin N. A. , Rousskikh A. G. , Zherlitsyn A. A. , Zhigalin A. S.
Published: October 2024

This paper describes a theoretical and experimental study of the implosion of heavy copper liners shaped as hollow cylindrical tubes having an outer diameter of 3 and 4 mm and a wall thickness of 500 μm; the tube linear mass was 0.35 and 0.5 g/cm, respectively. The experiment was carried out on the GIT-12 pulsed-power generator (5 MA, 2 μs). Under these experimental conditions, a skin effect occurred in an imploding tube. The implosion process was numerically simulated based on a radiative magnetohydrodynamic model. Both the experiment and the simulation have shown a fluctuating voltage across the tube. According to the simulation, the first fluctuation peak, followed by a sharp decrease in voltage, is associated with the “collapse” of the tube on the axis and the formation of a strong shock wave. The times at which first voltage peaks were detected in the experiment and the first peak occurrence times obtained in the simulation coincided to within 5–10%, and the experimentally obtained and the calculated voltage amplitudes differed by about 20–30%. Thus, the results of the experiment suggest that using oscilloscopic measurements of the voltage across a heavy metal tube, it is possible to detect the shock wave generated in the conductive material of the tube and to determine the collapse time.
In situ 3D polymerization (IS-3DP): Implementing an aqueous two-phase system for the formation of 3D objects inside a microfluidic channel
Authors: Ramirez-Alvarado Guillermo , Garibaldi Gabriel , Toujani Chiraz , Sun Gongchen
Published: October 2024

Rapid prototyping and fabrication of microstructure have been revolutionized by 3D printing, especially stereolithography (SLA) based techniques due to the superior spatial resolution they offer. However, SLA-type 3D printing faces intrinsic challenges in multi-material integration and adaptive Z-layer slicing due to the use of a vat and a mechanically controlled Z-layer generation. In this paper, we present the conceptualization of a novel paradigm which uses dynamic and multi-phase laminar flow in a microfluidic channel to achieve fabrication of 3D objects. Our strategy, termed “in situ 3D polymerization,” combines in situ polymerization and co-flow aqueous two-phase systems and achieves slicing, polymerization, and layer-by-layer printing of 3D structures in a microchannel. The printing layer could be predicted and controlled solely by programming the fluid input. Our strategy provides generalizability to fit with different light sources, pattern generators, and photopolymers. The integration of the microfluidic channel could enable high-degree multi-material integration without complicated modification of the 3D printer.
Effect of charge inversion on the electrokinetic transport of nanoconfined multivalent ionic solutions
Authors: Rojano Andrés , Becerra Diego , Walther Jens H. , Prakash Shaurya , Zambrano Harvey A.
Published: October 2024

Understanding the effects of phenomena occurring at electrically charged interfaces, such as charge inversion (CI), is crucial for enabling electroosmosis as an efficient transport mechanism in nanodevices. Here, we employ molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to systematically analyze the effect of CI on the electrokinetic transport of multivalent ionic solutions confined in amorphous silica nanochannels. We employ mixtures of monovalent and multivalent counterions while fixing the total ionic concentration to establish correlations between observed phenomena and the amount of multivalent ionic species in the electrolyte solution. The results show that the development of CI is related to a decrease in the mobility of the fluid layers adjacent to the charged surface. In addition, we observe that interfacial overcharging disrupts the water molecular orientation in the fluid layers adjacent to the channel walls. From the non-equilibrium MD simulations of electro-osmotic flow, we disclose the influence of phenomena related to the presence of CI. In particular, flow reversal occurs in scenarios involving CI due to increased local viscosity and a higher concentration of coions within the hydrodynamically mobile and electrokinetically active region of the charged interface. We also find that the magnitude of the wall zeta (ζ) potential displays a monotonic increase with the development of CI in the system. Moreover, we explain why positioning the wall ζ potential at an imaginary (slip) plane, which separates the hydrodynamically mobile and immobile fluid, is misleading.
Effect of random noise behavior on the properties of forcing nonlinear Maccari’s model structures
Authors: Alhazmi Hadil , Bajri Sanaa A. , El-Shewy E. K. , Abdelrahman Mahmoud A. E.
Published: October 2024

This article analyzes and examines the nonlinear Maccari’s equations with a noise term using the powerful sub-equation mathematical approach. Several significant solitary and rational solutions have been provided. These solutions are crucial in a number of fields, such as superfluid, optical fiber communication, and space-confined plasma waves. The effects of model parameters on the obtained solutions’ features have been discussed. The randomness parameter affects the envelope, solitonic structures, and energy properties. It was reported that by increasing the random parameter, Brownian isolated driving shock waves with random amplitude were produced. Finally, the method described here may be applied to many nonlinear systems and new energy trends in natural science.
Impact of metal diffusion, lattice distortions, native defects, and ambient on dielectric breakdown in Ni–Ga2O3 Schottky diodes
Authors: Ramdin Daram N. , Huang Hsien-Lien , Chae Christopher , Dhara Sushovan , Rajan Siddharth , Hwang Jinwoo , Brillson Leonard J.
Published: October 2024

Ga2O3 unipolar devices are of high interest due to their ∼8 MV/cm predicted breakdown fields, which have not yet been achieved due to premature device failure. Pre- and post-failure defect analysis of Ni–Ga2O3 Schottky diodes in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) and air were performed using depth-resolved cathodoluminescence, high angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and energy dispersive x-ray analysis to understand the physical mechanisms that precede premature breakdown. The breakdown voltage in UHV was dramatically reduced by nearly 40% compared with the breakdown in air. This reduction in the breakdown voltage correlated with post-breakdown differences in Ni distribution, indicating that the coordination and bonding of Ni contribute strongly to electrical behavior in Ni–Ga2O3 Schottky diodes. Breakdown studies in UHV revealed that Ni diffuses away more from the metal–semiconductor interface than with air breakdown, where Ni localizes more near the interface, indicative of the preferential formation of a Ni oxide under O-poor conditions. These measurements also identified the formation of divacancy-interstitial complexes and their characteristic luminescence signature ∼150 nm from the interface, the densities of which correlated with breakdown fields. These findings show that electric-field-induced degradation occurs via the rearrangement of native point defects, which act as an additional precursor to device failure. Macroscopically, they show the impact of both vacuum conditions and metal reactivity on Ga2O3 device fabrication.
0.7 MW Yb:YAG pumped degenerate optical parametric oscillator at 2.06 μm
Authors: Li Anni , Bahri Mehran , Gray Robert M. , Choi Seowon , Hoseinkhani Sajjad , Srivastava Anchit , Marandi Alireza , Fattahi Hanieh
Published: October 2024

Frequency comb spectroscopy and field-resolved broadband absorption spectroscopy are promising techniques for rapid, precise, and sensitive detection of short-lived atmospheric pollutants on-site. Enhancing detection sensitivity in absorption spectroscopy hinges on bright sources that cover molecular resonances and fast signal modulation techniques to implement lock-in detection schemes efficiently. Yb:YAG thin-disk lasers, combined with optical parametric oscillators (OPOs), present a compelling solution to fulfill these requirements. In this work, we report on a bright OPO pumped using a Yb:YAG thin-disk Kerr-lens mode-locked oscillator delivering 2.8 W, 114 fs pulses at 2.06 μm with an averaged energy of 90 nJ. The OPO cavity operates at 30.9 MHz repetition rate—twice the repetition rate of the pump laser—allowing for a broadband, efficient, and dispersion-free modulation of the OPO output pulses at a 15.45 MHz rate. With 13% optical-to-optical conversion efficiency and a high-frequency intra-cavity modulation, this scalable scheme holds promise to advance the detection sensitivity and frontiers of field-resolved spectroscopy.
Switching of three-dimensional optical cages using spatial coherence engineering
Authors: Xu Ying , Wu Jidong , Zhao Xinshun , Zhang Yongtao , Zhu Xinlei , Cai Yangjian , Yu Jiayi
Published: October 2024

Precisely capturing and manipulating microparticles is the key to exploring microscopic mysteries. Optical tweezers play a crucial role in facilitating these tasks. However, existing optical tweezers are limited by their dependence on specific beam modes, which restrict their ability to flexibly switch and manipulate optical traps, thereby limiting their application in complex scientific challenges. Here, we propose a new method to achieve type switching and manipulation of optical traps using a single structured beam via optical coherence engineering. A conjugate-model random structured beam with a switch is designed. By altering the state of the switch, we can change the type of optical cage, enabling the capture of different particle types. Furthermore, the range, strength, and position of the optical trap can be controlled by adjusting the initial beam parameters. We hope that optical coherence engineering will extend the capabilities of existing structured optical tweezers, paving the way for advances in future optical tweezers applications.
Mechanical unfolding of RNA molecules using a knowledge-based model
Authors: Villada-Balbuena Mario , Carbajal-Tinoco Mauricio D.
Published: October 2024

We revisit a coarse-grained model to study the dynamics of ribonucleic acid (RNA). In our model, each nucleotide is replaced by an interaction center located at the center of mass. The interaction between nucleotides is carried out by a series of effective pair potentials obtained from the statistical analysis of 501 RNA molecules of high molecular weight from the Protein Data Bank. In addition to the Watson–Crick interactions, we also include non-canonical interactions, which provide stability to the three-dimensional (3D) structure of the molecule. The resulting knowledge-based interactions for the nucleotides (KIN) model allow us to perform efficient Brownian dynamics simulations under different conditions. First, we simulate the stretch of a set of hairpins at a loading rate similar to the values employed in unfolding experiments near equilibrium using optical tweezers. Additionally, we explore unfolding a set of pseudoknots under conditions farther from equilibrium, namely, at loading rates higher than the experimental equilibrium values. The results of our simulations are compared with those obtained from experimental measurements and theoretical models intended to estimate transition states and activation energies. Our KIN model is able to reproduce the intermediate states observed during mechanical unfolding experiments. Moreover, the results of the KIN model are in good agreement with the measured data.
Influence of elastic modulus on enhanced oil recovery ability of branched-preformed particle gel in porous media
Authors: He Hong , Chen Ruping , Chen Xiang , Wu Tianjiang , Tian Yuhang , Ning Wenhui
Published: October 2024

A heterogeneous phase combined flooding system composed of polymers, surfactants, and branched-preformed particle gel (B-PPG) has been successfully applied to enhance oil recovery in mature reservoirs. However, the influence of elastic modulus on the enhanced oil recovery of B-PPG is unclear. Thus, based on the sand-pack flooding experiments and visual flooding experiments, the enhanced oil recovery ability of B-PPG with different elastic modulus and similar particle size was investigated under different injection modes. Results show that under the single-slug injection mode, the higher the elastic modulus, the higher the incremental oil recovery, and the better the ability to enhance oil recovery. With the increase in the elastic modulus from 0.7 Pa to 42.2 Pa, the incremental oil recovery increased from 12.7% to 32.6%. Under the multi-slug alternating injection mode, the incremental oil recovery of injecting low elastic modulus B-PPG slug followed by high elastic modulus B-PPG slug was 2.8% higher than that of injecting high elastic modulus B-PPG slug followed by low elastic modulus B-PPG slug. The incremental oil recovery of B-PPG under the multi-slug alternating injection mode was higher than that under the single-slug injection mode. At the microscopic level, the type of remaining oil was mainly clustered after water flooding. With the increase in the elastic modulus, the ratio of the clustered remaining oil decreased and the ratio of the multi-porous, columnar, and droplet remaining oil increased. Compared with the single-slug injection mode, it was easier to recover the clustered remaining oil by B-PPG flooding under the multi-slug alternating injection mode.
Pore-scale simulation of two-phase flow in biporous media
Authors: Nimvari Majid Eshagh , Persoons Tim , Gibbons Michael
Published: October 2024

Enhancing both permeability and capillary pumping in porous structures has emerged as a key focus for researchers, leading to the development of biporous media. While experimental studies on these structures have been conducted recently, there is a lack of numerical simulations due to difficulties in describing the geometry. To address this gap, the present study explores pore-scale numerical simulation of two-phase capillary flow in biporous media. A new simplified biporous structure is proposed, featuring a staggered arrangement of clusters, with each cluster composed of closely packed solid particles. For comparison, a monoporous media case is contrasted and represented using a conventional staggered arrangement of solid particles. Both passive and active capillary flow modes are considered in the present study. The numerical results align well with previous experimental findings on biporous media, indicating that the proposed biporous geometry effectively models two-phase flow in complex structures at a reasonable computational cost. The results show that capillary effects in biporous media are up to two times more effective than in monoporous structures. Simultaneously, permeability is enhanced by a factor of four in biporous media under similar circumstances, with most of the mass flow rate (more than 95%) passing through the larger pores between clusters. This combined impact of increased capillary action and higher permeability leads to enhanced wicking performance in biporous structures. The outcomes can help to understand two-phase flow physics in the biporous structure and develop reliable models for the simulation of biporous media on a macroscopic scale. Numerical modeling and comprehension of capillary structures play a crucial role in designing optimized geometries to enhance their performance.