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Cold spray (CS) has emerged as an appealing additive manufacturing (AM) technique for producing or repairing individual components or entire structures. Compared to fusion-based AM technologies, cold spray additive manufacturing (CSAM) offers distinct advantages in the fabrication of components, while avoiding some melting/solidification-related issues such as phase transformation and oxidation. It involves intricate processes that pose significant challenges for numerical modeling, particularly when simulating the entire process at a large scale. The smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) method is highly suitable for handling large material deformations due to its Lagrangian and meshless nature. In this work, we develop an enhanced SPH method to conduct large-scale simulations of CSAM with different powder sizes, morphologies, and distributions. A modified material model has been incorporated to accurately capture the strain-rate hardening effects during the plastic stage. The computational scale is greatly improved by using a Message Passing Interface (MPI) based framework, enabling the simulation of approximately ten million SPH particles. To the authors' knowledge, this study marks the first attempt to numerically reproduce the entire process of CSAM with real powder sizes and distributions. Experimental data measured for a wide range of powder velocities are used to validate the simulation results and assess the prediction accuracy. Subsequently, we comparatively study the bonding mechanisms of powders with the same or different sizes, while also identifying a four-stage coating process. The effects of powder morphology on the bonding process are thoroughly investigated. A large-scale CSAM process is finally reproduced to demonstrate the capability of the present meshless scheme, and mechanisms of pore formation are analyzed, providing valuable insights for practical engineering applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the continuous downsizing of solder joints, the influence of the grain characteristics of the under bump metallization (UBMs) on the interfacial reaction is exposed. In this paper, the effect of grain characteristics of Cu UBM on the growth of interfacial intermetallic compounds and the formation of Kirkendall voids in Cu/Sn/Cu micro solder joints during isothermal aging at 150 °C was investigated. Electroplated polycrystalline Cu (EP-Cu), (111) single crystal Cu ((111) Cu), and (111) nano-twinned Cu ((111) nt-Cu) were selected as UBMs. After reflow soldering, the Cu6Sn5 grains formed on (111) nt-Cu were near to the orientation (2 1 - 1 - 3) , while those were randomly formed on both EP-Cu and (111) Cu. During isothermal aging, the Cu6Sn5 grains exhibited the highest growth rate on (111) nt-Cu UBM, and the slowest growth rate on (111) Cu UBM, due to the differing number of diffusion routes among the three Cu UBMs with distinct grain characteristics. Furthermore, no Kirkendall voids were detected on the (111) Cu UBM, however, a significant number of Kirkendall voids were identified on the (111) nt-Cu UBM, which can be attributed to the diffusion path and impurities present in the three Cu UBMs. The results will offer theoretical and practical recommendations for the selection of Cu UBMs for micro solder joints in 3D packaging interconnection technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a significant contributor to the deaths of females, and premature menopause adds to the risk of CVD in females. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the age of menopause and CVD incidence in American females using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). We analyzed data from 6347 females to investigate the association between menopausal age and the risk of CVD using multivariate logistic regression analysis. The study found that a later menopausal age reduces the risk of developing CVD (odds ratio [OR] = 0.74, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63 − 0.88, p < 0.001). Moreover, females with early-onset CVD had an increased risk of premature menopause before the age of 40 years (OR = 2.44, 95% CI = 1.60 − 3.72, p < 0.001). Menopausal age is associated with the risk of developing CVD in American females. Specifically, if menopause occurs earlier, there is an increased risk of CVD. Additionally, early-onset CVD significantly raises the risk of premature menopause, which in turn has important implications for female reproductive health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Practical engineering problems often involve stochastic uncertainty, which can cause substantial variations in the response of engineering products or even lead to failure. The coupling and propagation of uncertainty play a crucial role in this process. Hence, it is imperative to quantify, propagate and control stochastic uncertainty. Different from most traditional uncertainty propagation methods, the proposed method employs Gaussian splitting method to divide the input random variables into Gaussian mixture models. These GMMs have a limited number of components with very small variances. As a result, the input Gaussian components can be conveniently propagated to the response and remain Gaussian distributions after nonlinear uncertainty propagation, which is able to provide an effective method for high-precision nonlinear uncertainty propagation. Firstly, the probability density function of input random variable is reconstructed by Gaussian mixture models. Secondly, the K-value criterion is proposed for selecting split direction, taking into account both the nonlinearity and variance. The components of input random variables are then divided into a Gaussian mixture model with small variance along the direction determined by the K-value. Thirdly, the individual components of the Gaussian mixture model are propagated one by one to obtain the probability density function of the response. Finally, the convergence criterion based on Shannon entropy is developed to ensure the accuracy of uncertainty propagation. The efficacy of the method is verified using three numerical examples and two engineering examples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Economic development has led to a continuous increase in people's demand for transportation, which has led to an imbalance between the supply and demand of road facilities. Traffic congestion, traffic safety and other issues have caused the road traffic environment to become increasingly poor, thereby hindering the development of cities. Therefore, in response to the inability of traditional traffic flow prediction techniques to handle constantly changing traffic flow data, a machine learning traffic flowing predicting model on the foundation of least squares support vector machine is proposed. A hybrid optimizing algorithm based on particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm is proposed to optimize the parameters of least squares support vector machines in response to the sensitivity of model parameters. Three factors of genetic algorithm are introduced into particle swarm optimization to optimize this model. These experiments confirm that the fitting accuracy between model's predicted values and the actual values is over 90%, and the residual fluctuation is relatively small. Its RMSE is approximately 33.52% to 75.76% lower than the other three algorithms, its MAE is approximately 27% to 67% lower than other algorithms, and its EC is approximately 1% to 5% higher than other algorithms. The proposed hybrid optimization algorithm can find a set of optimal parameters, making the least squares support vector machine have good stability and prediction accuracy in predicting traffic flow problems. This model can be used to predict traffic flow, congestion conditions and other traffic indicators, providing a reliable theoretical basis for urban traffic management. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To determine the effect of second-generation motion correction (MC2) on image quality and measurement reproducibility of cardiac CT images in patients with a myocardial bridge and mural coronary artery (MB-MCA) compared to standard (STD) images without motion correction and with first-generation motion correction (MC1). A total of 66 patients with MB-MCA in the left anterior descending branch who underwent 256-detector CT with single-heartbeat acquisition were included. Images were reconstructed at 45% and 75% R-R intervals using STD, MC1, and MC2 algorithms. Image quality for MB-MCA was assessed by two observers on a four-point scale (1 = poor and 4 = excellent) and compared among STD, MC1, and MC2. Depth and length of MB, lumen area, and minimal diameter of MCA were measured and compared. At 45% R-R interval, image quality scores were 1.59 ± 0.78, 2.21 ± 0.97, and 3.21 ± 0.62 for MCA, and 2.48 ± 0.79, 2.76 ± 0.75, and 3.58 ± 0.58 for MB with STD, MC1 and MC2, respectively. At 75% R-R interval, these values were 2.26 ± 0.60, 3.03 ± 0.89, and 3.59 ± 0.55 for MCA and 3.00 ± 0.93, 3.17 ± 0.83, and 3.80 ± 0.44 for MB. Although MC1 was superior to STD in displaying MCA, there was no statistical difference between the two algorithms for MB (p >0.05). Compared with STD and MC1, MC2 statistically improved image quality and interpretability for both MCA and MB and had narrower limits in interobserver agreement for measurements at both 45% and 75% R-R intervals. MC2 improves CT image quality and measurement reproducibility in patients with MB-MCA compared to STD and MC1. • MC2 can further improve the image quality of MCA than MC1. • MC2 can not only correct for the motion of MCA, but also MB. • MC2 can further improve measurement reproducibility for MB-MCA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pool boiling has been considered as an effective method for heat transfer, which is extensively used in semiconductor microprocessors and aerospace. The prevention of critical heat flux (CHF) and improvement of heat transfer coefficient (HTC) are the keys to strengthen the pool boiling heat transfer. It has been reported that porous pillars can delay CHF by reducing vapor–liquid counter flow and nano-porous structure can significantly improve the liquid replenishment capacity and HTC. Herein, we modulate micro-nano porous structures by etching nanostructures on the surface of microporous pillars in order to utilize the advantages of above two structures. The boiling phenomenon inside the micro-nano composite pores is clearly demonstrated based on our visualization experiment. It is observed that the main vapor motion is regular periodic growth and recession. Through the quantitative analysis of the vapor–liquid interface area and vapor movement frequency, we find that they are both positively correlated with the heat transfer performance of porous structures. Hence, it is proved that the vapor–liquid phase distribution is the decisive factor affecting the heat transfer performance of micro-nano porous structures. Following the principle of maintaining larger vapor–liquid interface area and accelerating vapor movement frequency, the micro-nano porous structures with better performance can be obtained. Our approach establishes the relationship between the internal boiling phenomenon and the performance of micro-nano porous structures. In addition, it also provides a feasible direction for improving the performance of engineered boiling micro-nano structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed physiological and molecular characteristics associated with the resistance to aging or anti-senescence in Camellia oleifera Abel. Trees over 100 years old (ancient trees) were compared with those about 30 years old (mature trees). Total chlorophylls, chlorophyll a/b ratio, and hydrogen peroxide concentrations in ancient tree leaves were significantly higher than in their counterparts. Significantly higher activities of superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase were detected in ancient tree leaves. Nine Chl a/b-binding protein genes, 15 antioxidant enzyme genes, 21 hormone-related genes, and 301 stress-related genes were upregulated, and 42 protein-degradation genes were downregulated in ancient tree leaves. By increasing chlorophyll content and antioxidant enzyme activities and regulating the ageing-related genes expression, ancient C. oleifera leaves maintained remarkable vitality. Although further research is needed, our study may shed some light on how ancient C. oleifera trees can resist ageing and sustain their healthy growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The corotation electric field driving the plasmasphere to corotate with the Earth body is important in establishing the topology of the inner magnetosphere and is usually calculated by assuming a 24 h corotation period. However, studies have found that a plasmasphere corotation lag exists, suggesting an overestimation of the electric field driving the plasmasphere to rotate with the planet in previous calculations. In this study, we use electric field measurements from the Van Allen Probes mission from 2012 to 2018 to obtain the distribution of the large-scale electric field in the inner magnetosphere. A new method is developed to extract plasmaspheric rotation information from electric field measurements. Our results show that the electric field driving the plasmaspheric rotation varies with magnetic activity, decreasing with increasing Kp index. It is thus suggested that the corotation lag of the plasmasphere is more significant during magnetically active periods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The conjunctive use of surface water and groundwater is practiced worldwide as a measure to address water supply uncertainty. This paper focuses on a scenario in which an aquifer is open to multiple users and examines the impact of such an open-access environment on the stabilization function of conjunctive management. We construct a non-cooperative stochastic dynamic game model where multiple users utilize groundwater intake from a common aquifer as a complement to fluctuating surface water. We also propose a simpler baseline applicable to dynamic environments to compute the benefits of the stabilization function when users are unable to adjust groundwater intake to surface water uncertainties. We then apply the model to the real-world case of the water supply environment of the Cao’e River in China. Simulation results show that open access leads to diminishing stabilization values as higher pumping costs due to declining stocks lead to a weakening of users’ incentive to utilize groundwater flexibly. Furthermore, the stabilization function itself is destabilized as the number of users increases. This is because greater groundwater intake and a decline in stocks amplify variations in pumping costs caused by different patterns of surface-water fluctuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Description of FRA amplitude and phase angle curves using the mathematical equations derived by processing the measured FRA data. • Interpretation of peaks and troughs in FRA curves using the parameters of the derived transfer function equations. • Explanation of ripples in FRA curves using the derived transfer function equations based on measured FRA data. • Characterization of low-frequency FRA curves using the derived transfer function equations based on measured FRA data. Mechanical malfunctions pose a significant threat to the reliability of power transformers. Frequency Response Analysis (FRA) of transformer windings (TWs) serves as a predictive technology, allowing the assessment of mechanical conditions based on collected FRA data. Changes in the winding structure manifest in FRA characteristics, making it possible to detect incipient faults. This paper presents the derivation of transfer functions (TF) equations through processing FRA data, aiming to investigate and interpret the characteristics of TWs. The derived TFs are utilized to mathematically describe FRA curves, enabling the characterization of winding structures by observing the FRA curves generated from these TF equations. Not only do the derived TFs yield very similar FRA curves, but the TF estimation also provides valuable insights for assessing TW malfunctions. The similarity analysis, using calculated RMSE and MAE values of 0.4807 and 0.2020, respectively, demonstrates a strong correlation between the derived TF curves and the measured FRA curves. This affirms the validity of TF estimation and underscores its significant impact on the advancement of FRA technology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of a progressive freeze concentration process depends on solute redistribution at the ice-liquid interface during the process, which, in turn, is characterized by the parameter 'intrinsic partition coefficient'. A coupled heat and mass transfer model is proposed in this work to correlate this parameter to various characteristic velocities that are often encountered in a freeze concentration process. The robustness of the proposed model in predicting the final ice yield and the separation efficiency was validated through experimental trials conducted in a cylindrical stirred tank. Experiments investigated a model liquid solution (sucrose-water) with initial solute concentration ranging from 4% to 30%, stirring speeds varying between 100 and 500 rpm, and different cooling temperature profiles. Within the investigated characteristic velocity range (0.017–0.2), the correlation between characteristic velocity and intrinsic partition coefficient could be well approximated using a Sigmoidal function. A variation of 85% was achieved in the values of the intrinsic partition coefficient, confirming the limitations of a constant intrinsic partition coefficient, a common practice in the existing models. In addition, the proposed approach demonstrated an improvement in the prediction accuracy of the overall separation efficiency of the progressive freeze concentration process by about 40%. • Intrinsic partition coefficient varies sigmoidally with characteristic velocity. • Maximum characteristic velocity to attain pure ice is identified. • Proposed approach reduces relative error by about 40% compared to existing model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microchannels have become important processing devices in particle technology. Particles typically processed in them are often highly non-spherical. Still the majority of studies investigating their behavior focus on spherical particles. The few studies investigating non-spherical particles tend to focus on straight channels. Therefore, studies on the behavior of non-spherical particles in other frequently used channel geometries such as the serpentine microchannel are needed. To fill this gap, we numerically study the behavior of oblate and spherocylindric particles of different aspect ratios in a square wave serpentine microchannel at various Reynolds numbers. Investigated are forming equilibrium streaks as well as particle rotation, both over one whole periodic element of the channel structure. The results show that non-spherical particles behave similar to spherical particles of the same volume but tend to defocus earlier with rising Reynolds numbers. Particles show recurring rotational behavior above certain Reynolds numbers, which are however lost with defocusing. [Display omitted] • Investigation of oblates and rods in a square wave serpentine microchannel. • Analysis of focusing positions and orientations over channel geometry. • Analysis of different particle volumes and aspect ratios. • Given identical particle density, particle volume is dominant for focusing behavior. • Particles can show distinct rotational behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Erratum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the association between computed tomography (CT)-based imaging variables at the time of admission and haemorrhagic transformation (HT) after intravenous thrombolysis (IVT). One hundred and eight patients who were treated with IVT for acute ischaemic stroke (AIS) during January 2021 to July 2023 were analysed retrospectively. The infarct location was classified as cortical or subcortical in accordance with the Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score (ASPECTS) system. Logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed to determine the relationship between ischaemic variables and HT. Of the total, 18 (16.7%) patients had HT and seven (6.5%) had symptomatic intracerebral haemorrhage (sICH). Multivariate analysis revealed that cortical ASPECTS was independently associated with HT (odds ratio [OR], 0.197; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.076–0.511; p= 0.001) and cortical ASPECTS was independently associated with sICH (OR, 0.066; 95% CI, 0.009–0.510; p= 0.009). To predict HT and sICH, cortical ASPECTS (HT area under the curve [AUC] = 0.881, sICH AUC = 0.971) provided a higher AUC compared with ASPECTS (HT AUC = 0.850, sICH AUC = 0.918). Cortical ASPECTS seen on CT at the time of admission is associated with HT and sICH after IVT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a design for a quantum photodetector operating in the terahertz range, at 3.45 THz (15 meV, 87 μm). Our device relies on biased GaAs/AlGaAs heterostructure, designed to exploit LO phonon scattering as an extraction mechanism. In our design, the external potential due to the applied bias forms an extraction miniband and allows accommodating an LO phonon transition (36 meV) and use it as an extraction mechanism, even though its energy exceeds the detector's absorbing transition at 15 meV. Spectral-resolved measurements performed on arrays of patch antenna microcavities reveal a peak photocurrent at the designed photon energy with a responsivity of 80 mA/W at 20 K. The maximum operating temperature of the photodetector is found to be 40 K. Detector characterizations were performed both with a black-body source as well as with a terahertz quantum cascade laser emitting at 3.5 THz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most intense explosions in the Universe. GRBs with extended emission (GRBs EE) constitute a small subclass of GRBs. GRBs EE are divided into EE-I GRBs and EE-II GRBs, according to the Amati empirical relationship rather than duration. We test here if these two types of GRB have different origins based on their luminosity function (and formation rate). Therefore, we use Lynden-Bell's c − method to investigate the luminosity function and formation rate of GRBs with EE without any assumption. We calculate the formation rate of two types of GRBs. For EE-I GRBs, the fitting function can be written as ρ(z) ∝ (1 + z)−0.34 ± 0.04 for z < 2.39 and ρ(z) ∝ (1 + z)−2.34 ± 0.24 for z > 2.39. The formation rate of EE-II can describe as ρ(z) ∝ (1 + z)−1.05 ± 1.10 for z < 0.43 and ρ(z) ∝ (1 + z)−8.44 ± 1.10 for z > 0.43. The local formation rate is |$\rho (0) = 0.03\, {\rm Gpc}^{-3} \, {\rm yr}^{-1}$| for some EE-I GRBs and |$\rho (0) = 0.32 \, {\rm Gpc}^{-3} \, {\rm yr}^{-1}$| for EE-II GRBs. Based on these results, we provide new evidence that the origins of EE-I GRBs are different from EE-II GRBs from the perspective of event rate. The EE-I GRB could be produced from the death of the massive star, but EE-II GRB may come from other processes that are unrelated to the star formation rate. Our findings indicate that the GRBs with EE could have multiple production channels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the last years metal halide perovskites have demonstrated remarkable potential for integration in light emitting devices. Heterostructures allow for tunable bandgap depending on the local anion composition, crucial for optoelectronic devices, but local structural effects of anion exchange in single crystals is not fully understood. Here, we investigate how the anion exchange of CsPbBr3 nanowires fully and locally exposed to HCl vapor affects the local crystal structure, using nanofocused x-rays. We study the nanoscale composition and crystal structure as function of HCl exposure time and demonstrate the correlation of anion exchange with changes in the lattice parameter. The local composition was measured by x-ray fluorescence and x-ray diffraction, with general agreement of both methods but with much less variation using latter. The heterostructured nanowires exhibit unintentional gradients in composition, both axially and radially. Ferroelastic domains are observed for all HCl exposure times, and the magnitude of the lattice tilt at the domain walls scales with the Cl concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Influence of the barrier layer on the electrical properties of V/Al-based Ohmic contact is investigated by comparing the surface morphology and alloying results of V/Al/Ni/Au (with barrier Ni) and V/Al/Cr/Au (with barrier Cr) contacts on n-AlGaN (Al molar fraction>60%) after 850 °C annealing. Due to the clustering of Ni during annealing, a thin Al layer (AlOx) and a number of Al-Au alloy clusters are formed at the contact interface of n-AlGaN, which increases the contact resistance of the V/Al/Ni/Au Ohmic contacts. In contrast, the annealed V/Al/Cr/Au electrodes cover the surface uniformly, which not only contributes to the increased contact area, but also suppresses the formation of high resistance products. Thanks to the Cr barrier layer, the specific contact resistivity of V/Al-based Ohmic contact is reduced by 26%. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

1. Non-coding RNAs, such as miRNAs, play a crucial role in chicken feather growth rate. However, circular RNA (circRNA) expression profiles in fast- and slow-feathering chickens that follow and do not follow Mendelian inheritance are unclear.2. The circRNA expression profiles was analysed by RNA sequencing of hair follicles of slow-feathering chickens that follow genetic rules and fast-feathering chickens that did not follow genetic rules. Differentially expressed circRNA-miRNA-mRNA competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was then constructed and the key factors and regulation mechanisms controlling feather growth rate were identified.3. The results revealed that 67 circRNAs were significantly differentially expressed in hens, including 22 up-regulated and 45 down-regulated circRNAs in non-Mendelian inheritance-mediated fast-feathering hens compared with Mendelian inheritance-mediated slow-feathering hens. In addition, 16 significantly differentially expressed circRNAs were identified in cockerels, including nine up-regulated and seven down-regulated circRNAs in non-Mendelian inheritance-mediated fast- compared with Mendelian inheritance-mediated slow-feathering cocks. Moreover, circRNA-mediated ceRNA regulation of hair follicle formation was particularly abundant in the Jak-STAT, Wnt and Toll-like receptor signalling pathways. Furthermore, circABI3BP was seen to be a crucial circRNA in regulating feather growth rate, by binding with gga-miR-1649-5p to regulate SSTR2 expression.4. In conclusion, this study analysed circRNA expression profiles in fast- and slow-feathering chickens that follow and do not follow Mendelian inheritance, which laid the foundation for understanding the role of circRNA in chicken feather growth rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines marine boundary layer cloud regime transition during a cold air outbreak (CAO) over the Norwegian Sea, simulated by a global storm‐resolving model (GSRM) known as the Simple Cloud‐Resolving Energy Exascale Earth System Model Atmosphere Model (SCREAM). By selecting observational references based on a combination of large‐scale conditions rather than strict time‐matched comparisons, this study finds that SCREAM qualitatively captures the CAO cloud transition, including boundary layer growth, cloud mesoscale structure, and phase partitioning. SCREAM also accurately locates the greatest ice and liquid in the mesoscale updrafts, however, underestimates supercooled liquid water in cumulus clouds. The model evaluation approach adopted by this study takes advantages of the existing computational‐expensive global simulations of GSRM and the available observations to understand model performance and can be applied to assessments of other cloud regimes in different regions. Such practice provides valuable guidance on the future effort to correct and improve biased model behaviors. Plain Language Summary: Cold air outbreaks occur when cold, dry air moves over warmer ocean regions, forming extensive boundary layer clouds. However, current climate models struggle to accurately represent these clouds due to their complex nature. This study examines the performance of the global storm‐resolving model, the Simple Cloud‐Resolving Energy Exascale Earth System Model Atmosphere Model (SCREAM), in simulating marine boundary layer clouds during cold air outbreaks over the Norwegian Sea. This study compares the SCREAM simulated clouds during a cold air outbreak event to observations under similar large‐scale conditions from satellites and ground‐based measurements collected during a field campaign of the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement program. The results indicate that SCREAM successfully simulates three distinct cloud patterns during cold air outbreaks with credible mesoscale structures. Yet, it tends to underestimate supercooled liquid water and consequently, the cloud liquid water fraction, especially in cumulus clouds. The study suggests that using high‐resolution observations under similar large‐scale conditions can effectively evaluate global storm‐resolving models. This approach helps identify areas for improvement without requiring expensive global storm‐resolving model simulation designed for specific cases. Key Points: The Simple Cloud‐Resolving Energy Exascale Earth System Model Atmosphere Model (SCREAMv0), at a resolution of 3 km, simulated three distinctive cloud regimes in cold air outbreaks with credible mesoscale structuresSCREAMv0 qualitatively captures the transition of the cloud phase partitioning based on high‐resolution observationsObservations selected based on similar large‐scale conditions can be important references for global storm‐resolving model evaluation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plastic processing operations of ferromagnetic materials may cause significant mechanical stress, which has a strong impact on its final magnetic behavior. In this paper, the magneto-mechanical correlations between the stress-strain behavior and magnetic Barkhausen noise emission in three typical steels subjected to uniaxial tension were studied comparatively, the tensile damage and fracture morphology of each sample was identified by magnetic measurements and scanning electron microscopy. The results show that the characteristics values of Barkhausen noise envelope can be approximated by a parabolic function of the carbon content experimentally and theoretically. In the elastic region, the Barkhausen noise response exhibits progressive growth with increasing strain, and reaches saturation at a critical point for the stress-induced magnetic anisotropy. However, once plastic deformation occurs, the Barkhausen noise signal intensity appears a downward trend until specimen failure, because the increasing dislocation tangles further hinder the domain wall motion. According to the mapping of Barkhausen noise eigenvalues, the location of tensile cracking is determined with a very satisfactory agreement. This indicates that the magnetic Barkhausen noise technique can be used for the nondestructive quantitative evaluation of elastoplastic deformation and failure location of ferromagnetic products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of oral and transdermal estradiol in alleviating menopausal symptoms. A total of 257 recently menopausal women were randomized into two groups. The t-E2 group received transdermal estradiol (2.5 g per day) (n = 128) and the o-E2V group received oral estradiol valerate (2 mg per day) (n = 129) for 24 weeks; both groups received micronized progesterone (200 mg per day). The primary outcome measure is the change in the modified Kupperman Menopausal Index (KMI) after 24 weeks of treatment. Menopausal symptoms were recorded at screening and at 4, 12 and 24 weeks using both the KMI and the Menopause Rating Scale (MRS). Significant amelioration was observed by KMI and MRS scores for both groups after treatment (p < 0.001). The mean KMI scores showed no difference between the two groups. The mean MRS scores were similar between the two groups at baseline and after 4 weeks of treatment. The results showed statistical differences after 12 weeks and 24 weeks of treatment (p = 0.005 and p = 0.011). Both the after-treatment scores minus the baseline scores of KMI and MRS and the incidence of adverse effects showed no difference between the two groups. This study shows that both transdermal and oral estradiol are effective in relieving menopausal symptoms, with little difference in treatment efficacy and safety. ChiCTR2300073146 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clinically relevant biomarkers for anti-programmed death (PD)-1 therapy in recurrent/metastatic (R/M) head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are limited to PD ligand-1 combined proportion score (PD-L1 CPS) on tumor biopsies. Cytokines are soluble proteins that act as a bridge between innate immunity, inflammation, and cancer. Given the interest in circulating biomarkers, this study sought to evaluate pre- and post-treatment serum cytokine expression signatures in R/M HNSCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy. In this ongoing, prospective multi-center study, 33 paired pre- and post-treatment (cycle 2 day 1) blood samples were analyzed for 92 cytokine biomarkers (Olink Target 96 Immuno-Oncology) in patients with R/M HNSCC on anti-PD-1-based therapy. Associations between pre-treatment, post-treatment, and change of pre- to post-treatment cytokine levels, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed using Kaplan-Meier curves, multivariable Cox proportional hazards (adjusted for age, sex, smoking, PD-L1 CPS, ECOG performance status, and platelet count), and unsupervised clustering analyses. There was a statistically significant association between pre-treatment cytokine expression signature, and both immune composition (e.g., relative fractions of circulating immune cell subtypes) and platelet count. Comparing pre- and post-treatment samples, expression levels of most cytokines exhibited a statistically significant increase (p <0.05). In pre-treatment samples, several cytokines exhibited nominally statistically significant associations (p < 0.05) with both OS and PFS in multivariable model. Similar results were seen in analyses of serum cytokines with PFS in post-treatment samples. Machine learning analysis using Elastic Net models identified a panel of cytokines (CD40.L, EGF, ANGPT1, MCP.4, CXCL1, IL10) that predicted survival with high prognostic performance (Cross Validated C-index of 0.75) in pre-treatment samples. Notably, a different panel of cytokines (ANGPT1, IL10, FGF2, TNFSF14, Gal.1, HGF, PTN, VEGFA, CCL20) predicted survival with even higher prognostic performance (Cross Validated C-index of 0.90) in post-treatment samples. Unsupervised clustering analysis based on the change in pre- versus post-treatment cytokine expression identified two subgroups which differed in their survival trajectories (log-rank p =0.09 and 0.01 for OS and PFS, respectively), where the subgroup with smaller changes in serum cytokine levels was associated with higher survival. Our results highlight the potential prognostic and predictive value of serum cytokine expression signatures in R/M HNSCC treated with anti-PD-1 therapy and underscore the importance of longitudinal on-treatment assessments in peripheral blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Astrophysical jets play crucial roles in star formation and transporting angular momentum away from accretion discs, however, their collimation mechanism is still a subject of much debate due to the limitations of astronomical observational techniques and facilities. Here, a quasi-static toroidal magnetic field is generated through the interaction between lasers and a four-post nickel target, and our all-optical laboratory experiments reveal that a wide-angle plasma plume can be collimated in the presence of toroidal magnetic fields. Besides the confinement effects, the experiments show the jet can also be accelerated by the enhanced thermal pressure due to the toroidal magnetic fields compressing the flow. These findings are verified by radiation magneto-hydrodynamic simulations. The experimental results suggest certain astrophysical narrow plasma flows may be produced by the confinement of wide-angle winds through toroidal fields. Astrophysical jets are pivotal in the process of star formation, yet the mechanism responsible for their collimation remains a topic of intense debate, largely due to the constraints imposed by astronomical observational techniques and facilities. In this study, the authors demonstrate that a wide-angle plasma plume can undergo collimation and acceleration when subjected to toroidal magnetic fields, as evidenced by all-optical laboratory experiments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ALMA interferometer has played a key role in revealing a new component of the Sun-like star forming process: the molecular streamers, i.e. structures up to thousands of au long funnelling material non-axisymmetrically to discs. In the context of the FAUST ALMA LP, the archetypical VLA1623-2417 protostellar cluster has been imaged at 1.3 mm in the SO(56–45), SO(66–55), and SiO(5–4) line emission at the spatial resolution of 50 au. We detect extended SO emission, peaking towards the A and B protostars. Emission blue-shifted down to 6.6 km s−1 reveals for the first time a long (∼ 2000 au) accelerating streamer plausibly feeding the VLA1623 B protostar. Using SO, we derive for the first time an estimate of the excitation temperature of an accreting streamer: 33 ± 9 K. The SO column density is ∼ 1014 cm−2, and the SO/H2 abundance ratio is ∼ 10−8. The total mass of the streamer is 3 × 10−3 M ⊙, while its accretion rate is 3–5 × 10−7 M ⊙ yr−1. This is close to the mass accretion rate of VLA1623 B, in the 0.6–3 × 10−7 M ⊙ yr−1 range, showing the importance of the streamer in contributing to the mass of protostellar discs. The highest blue- and red-shifted SO velocities behave as the SiO(5–4) emission, the latter species detected for the first time in VLA1623-2417: the emission is compact (100–200 au), and associated only with the B protostar. The SO excitation temperature is ∼ 100 K, supporting the occurrence of shocks associated with the jet, traced by SiO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attosecond-pump/attosecond-probe experiments have long been sought as the most straightforward method for observing electron dynamics in real time. Although there has been much success with overlapped near-infrared femtosecond and extreme ultraviolet attosecond pulses combined with theory, true attosecond-pump/attosecond-probe experiments have been limited. We used a synchronized attosecond x-ray pulse pair from an x-ray free-electron laser to study the electronic response to valence ionization in liquid water through all x-ray attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy (AX-ATAS). Our analysis showed that the AX-ATAS response is confined to the subfemtosecond timescale, eliminating any hydrogen atom motion and demonstrating experimentally that the 1b1 splitting in the x-ray emission spectrum is related to dynamics and is not evidence of two structural motifs in ambient liquid water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aircraft skin, skeleton, and wing components contain a large number of riveted holes. There are few hole-making studies of double lug anchor nut connection 2024 aluminum alloy (Al2024) plates. To improve the quality of riveting holes on the anchor nut, two different hole-making schemes for two different sizes of holes on connection plate of the double lug anchor nut were proposed, and orthogonal experiments were conducted. The holes distributed on both sides were drilled, and the range analysis results and the optimal parameters were obtained: the spindle speed is 3000 r/min, and the feed rate is 0.04 mm/r. The coaxle hole with middle hole of nut was machined by the helical milling plan, the analysis results and the optimal parameters were obtained: the spindle speed is 3000 r/min, the feed rate is 0.08 mm/r, and the number of blade teeth is 4. Based on the obtained optimal parameters, the process sequence of first drilling and then helical milling (D + H) and first helical milling and then drilling (H + D) was proposed. In drilling, there is a significant fluctuation of force in the y-axis direction when using the process sequence of D + H. At the beginning of the helical milling experiment, the rising speed of the axial force of D + H is smoother than H + D. The deformation along the x-axis direction and the along the y-axis direction of the process sequence of D + H is 63.9 μm and 49.6 μm, which are 75.5% and 76.5% of H + D. Finally, experimental studies were carried out in the workshop. In drilling, the burr height is 77.1 μm, and hole diameter is 2.617 mm. In helical milling, the burr height is 20.7 μm, and the hole diameter is 5.023 mm. The deformation of the Al2024 is 64.3 μm. The optimal machining parameters and the process sequence of D + H can meet the technical requirements of connecting plate of the double lug anchor nut. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel organic-inorganic hybrid multifunctional crystalline material, 2-nitrobenzyl triphenylphosphonium tetrabromocobaltate(II) [2-NO2BzTPP]2[CoBr4](1), has been synthesized using [2-NO2BzTPP]Br and CoBr2 in methanol solution acidified with hydrobromic acid and characterized using single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic techniques. The single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis showed that the hybrid [2-NO2BzTPP]2[CoBr4](1) belongs to the triclinic space group with a = 11.1815(17) Å, b = 12.954(2) Å, c = 19.426(3) Å, α = 99.312(5)°, β = 100.654(5)°, γ = 113.746(5)°, V = 2442.3(7) Å3, Z = 2, which consists of two [2-NO2BzTPP]+ cations and a [CoBr4]2– anion. The Co(II) ion in the [CoBr4]2– anion is coordinated to four Br– ions and has a tetrahedral geometry. The C–H⋯O hydrogen bonds, O⋯π and O⋯Br interactions in the crystal can favor crystal stacking and stabilization. The bulk phase purity, homogeneity, and morphology of the desired compound are checked using powder XRD, and SEM-EDX analysis. The hybrid crystal showed an emission peak near 468 nm at room temperature under the excitation of UV light at 241 nm. The low energy gap (2.85 eV) indicated that the crystal was a semiconductor suitable for optical applications. Furthermore, the compound exhibited good bactericidal activity against E. coli and S. aureus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The accuracy and reliability of digital image correlation (DIC) technologies are not only dependent on correlation algorithms but also strongly affected by the quality of the speckle patterns, especially under extremely low temperatures and large deformation conditions. Objective : To overcome the challenge that the speckle patterns become more brittle and harder in the extremely low temperature experiments near liquid helium, and speckles cracking and shedding during the large deformation processes. Methods: Novel speckle patterns and fabrication technologies have been developed specifically tailored to extremely low temperatures and large deformation conditions. Results: A novel spinning-coated speckle fabrication method based on PDMS silicone and TiO2 spherical particles was proposed, which can enable extremely low temperatures of DIC measurements above 20% strain. Using the 316LN stainless steel as a sample, the performances of several common speckles have been compared, and the strain localization and propagation had also been clarified. Conclusions: The novel DIC full-field measurement method was validated with 316LN stainless steel, which confirmed that the speckles have excellent stability in the process of large deformation at extremely low temperatures. In addition, the formation and propagation processes of the slip bands for 316LN stainless steel have been revealed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0022476624030272 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0022476624030235 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papilloma virus (HPV)-associated oropharynx squamous cell carcinoma (OPC) is associated with excellent outcomes and has led to de-escalation efforts to reduce treatment toxicity. In the post-operative setting, adjuvant therapy is recommended based on traditional pathologic factors and additional biomarkers are needed to select optimal candidates for therapy de-escalation. Cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA) is an emerging method of cancer surveillance and detecting minimal residual disease. HPV ctDNA can be detected prior to clinically apparent recurrence. In our pilot study we hypothesize that undetectable post-operative HPV ctDNA can be used to select patients for active surveillance, in which adjuvant radiation is omitted or delayed until patients develop detectable HPV ctDNA (cohort A). We also hypothesize that undetectable HPV ctDNA can be used to select for post-operative chemoradiation de-escalation to 30 Gy with concurrent chemotherapy (cohort B) in patients with positive margins or extracapsular extension (NCT05307939). Subjects are eligible for trial enrollment if they have: detectable pre-operative HPV-16 ctDNA (min 50 copies/mL), undergone surgical resection of all gross disease, and undetectable post-operative HPV ctDNA. All patients must also have a minimum of one of the following pathologic criteria: AJCC 7 pT1N1/pT2N1/pT3 disease, N2 disease, unknown primary (pT0N1-2b) status post neck dissection, lympho-vascular invasion (LVI), peri-neural invasion (PNI), or close margin (<3 mm), microscopic positive margin, or extracapsular extension (ECE). Patients who meet the aforementioned criteria who do not have positive margins or ECE are eligible for active surveillance (Cohort A) without immediate adjuvant therapy. Patients with microscopic positive margins or extracapsular extension are eligible for immediate de-escalated adjuvant chemoradiation (Cohort B). During active surveillance, Cohort A patients are observed and are treated with delayed adjuvant radiation if they develop detectable HPV ctDNA without radiographic evidence of disease. Patients with microscopic positive margins or extracapsular extension are treated with de-escalated post-operative chemoradiation: 30 Gy in15 fractions with concurrent chemotherapy (bolus cisplatin or carboplatin/5-fluorouracil). The primary objective is to evaluate the one year pathologically confirmed PFS (n=30). For each cohort, if at least eighty-five percent of evaluable patients are disease progression-free and alive at the end of one year of follow-up, the cohort will be declared promising and worthy of further investigation. Secondary objectives include evaluating one and two year locoregional PFS, one and two year overall survival, HPV ctDNA PFS patient report quality of life, and patient reported financial toxicity. TBD TBD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cross sections of the 54Fe(n,p)54Mn, 54Fe(n, α)51Cr, 56Fe(n,p)56Mn and 204Pb (n,2n)203Pb reactions induced by D–T neutrons were obtained with activation method and γ -ray spectrometry technique. Experimental values measured in this work are consistent with most of the previous literature data. These reactions cross sections were theoretically calculated by using the TALYS-1.96 and EMPIRE-3.2.3 codes from threshold up to 20 MeV, and significant discrepancies were found between calculated results and experiment data. In addition, experimental values are compared with evaluated nuclear data of the CENDL-3.2, ENDF/B-VIII.0, JENDL-5, BROND-3.1 and JEFF-3.3 libraries, and significant difference was found for the 54Fe(n, α)51Cr reaction in ENDF/B-VIII.0 library but not for other reactions. • Activation cross sections of neutron induced reactions on iron and lead were measured. • Activation formula with changed neutron flux rate was applied. • Reliability of the evaluated nuclear data libraries were verified. • Excitation functions were calculated by using the TALYS-1.96 and EMPIRE-3.2.3 codes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aluminum alloys produced by friction stir based AM were commonly characterized by fine-grains and coarsened precipitates. Abnormal grain growth (AGG) occurred often when the deposited fine-grained aluminum alloys were subjected to a T6 heat treatment, limiting the application of the friction stir based AM technologies and the produced components. In this study, friction surfacing deposition additive manufacturing (FSDAM) were developed to fabricate components of commercial 7075 high-strength aluminum alloys. The effect of post-processing heat treatment on the microstructure and mechanical properties of the fine-grained 7075 aluminum alloys produced by FSDAM were investigated systematically. The new post-processing heat treatment that was able to generate nano-sized precipitates without AGG was developed for the deposited 7075 aluminum alloys. The ultimate tensile strength, yield strength and ductility of the deposited 7075 aluminum alloys were comparable to those of the extruded 7075 aluminum alloys, offering a new solution for additive manufacturing high strength aluminum alloy components cost effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human papilloma virus cell-free tumor DNA (HPV ctDNA) may be able to detect minimal residual disease prior to clinically apparent recurrence. We hypothesized that undetectable post-operative HPV ctDNA can be used to select patients for active surveillance and conducted a pilot study (NCT05307939) omitting or delaying adjuvant radiation until patients develop detectable HPV ctDNA (cohort A). HPV ctDNA was assessed using a liquid biopsy assay which quantifies circulating tumor tissue modified viral (TTMV)-HPV DNA. Eligible subjects had a preoperative TTMV-HPV DNA Score of ≥50 fragments/mL, underwent surgical resection of all gross disease confirmed by post-operative MRI, had a minimum of one pathologic risk factor for adjuvant therapy, and negative post-operative HPV ctDNA at two draws 2-6 weeks after surgery. During active surveillance, patients were monitored with TTMV-HPV DNA testing, imaging, and exam every 3 months (mo). Patients were only treated with delayed adjuvant radiation on study if they develop detectable TTMV-HPV DNA without evidence of gross disease. Our primary endpoint declares this approach worthy of further study if ≥ 85% of evaluable patients (n=15 in each cohort) are gross disease progression-free at one year. From 3/23/22-8/25/23, 53 patients were screened and 12 patients enrolled on Cohort A before early enrollment closure. Patients were excluded due to TTMV-HPV DNA Score <50 frag/mL (n=21) and positive margin or extracapsular extension (n=11) inclusive of n=2 patients with a positive post-operative TTMV-HPV DNA score. Among patients enrolled in Cohort A, the median pre-treatment TTMV-HPV DNA Score was 448 (Range: 59-2135 frag/mL). Median follow-up was 12.5 mo (Range: 3.7-21 mo). TTMV-HPV DNA was detected during surveillance in 1 of 12 initially enrolled patients 6 mo after surgery without evidence of gross disease, and the patient was treated with 60 Gy of adjuvant radiotherapy on study. 3 additional patients developed radiographic detected disease progression at the 6-mo surveillance time point, and recurrence occurred either synchronously (n=2) with or before TTMV-HPV DNA was detected (n=1). As 3 of 12 patients developed gross recurrent disease, Cohort A closed due to failure to meet our primary endpoint. Cohort B (de-escalated post-operative therapy) remains open and will be reported separately. Our pilot study approach of using HPV ctDNA based selection of patients for post-operative active surveillance resulted in a high rate of gross disease recurrence and failed to meet our primary endpoint. Radiographic recurrence was not preceded by detectable TTMV-HPV DNA during 3 mo interval surveillance, and additional clinical factors are needed to select patients for active surveillance and initiation of delayed adjuvant therapy prior to recurrence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The standard of care for locally advanced head and neck cancer (HNC) includes radiation with concurrent chemotherapy due to superior disease control. Older adults with HNC experience higher rates of morbidity, treatment breaks, hospitalizations, and death. New strategies are needed to better support older adults with HNC through radiation and chemotherapy to minimize treatment morbidity. Geriatric assessment (GA) can be used to identify patient-specific deficits and facilitate interventions to improve patient outcomes. In this randomized pilot clinical trial (NCT05239000), we hypothesize that use of geriatric assessment with or without comanagement can reduce the risk of hospitalization for older adults with HNC. Patients aged 65 and older with newly diagnosed or post-operative mucosal HNC with squamous cell histology are eligible for enrollment. All patients are planned for 6-7 weeks of radiation with concurrent chemotherapy. Enrolled patients complete an electronic GA before treatment, shortly following treatment, and 3-4 months after treatment. Patients are randomized between two groups: Arm 1 involves a geriatric consultation for management of geriatric-specific deficits; Arm 2 involves management of geriatric deficits by the radiation oncology team without geriatric consultation. All patients are seen twice weekly in radiation oncology clinic to enhance supportive care. Forty patients will be randomized equally between the two arms. The primary endpoint is the proportion of patients with unplanned hospitalization during the course of radiation therapy. The historic rate of hospitalization at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center is 44.6% for this cohort, and the study will be considered promising if there are 7 or fewer hospitalizations in either group. A secondary objective is to measure changes in GA before and after radiation and chemotherapy. The long term goal of this research is to identify new strategies that improve the care and outcomes of older adults with HNC receiving radiation and chemotherapy. TBD TBD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) associated oropharyngeal cancer has risen rapidly over the past two decades with excellent prognosis and high rates of locoregional control. Post-treatment PET/CT for oropharyngeal cancer has a very high negative predictive value. Despite the improved outcomes for HPV-associated oropharyngeal cancer and the predictive value of post-treatment PET/CT, national guidelines for post-treatment surveillance of oropharyngeal cancer do not distinguish according to HPV status. The benefits and costs of various post-treatment surveillance regimens for patients with no evidence of disease on post-treatment PET/CT are unknown. Telemedicine with remote patient monitoring is a novel strategy to surveil patients while reducing the burden of traditional follow up regimens. This randomized clinical trial will test the hypothesis that tele-surveillance is non-inferior to standard surveillance for detection of progression-free survival (PFS) events (NCT05048459). Eligible patients have a diagnosis of HPV associated squamous cell carcinoma of the oropharynx with no evidence of disease on PET/CT imaging within 9 months of completing radiation therapy. No evidence of disease is a multi-disciplinary consensus determination by the patient's radiation, medical, and surgical oncologist. Patients are randomized 1:1 between standard surveillance according to institutional and national guidelines vs tele-surveillance with remote patient monitoring. Patients in the tele-surveillance arm have an annual tele-visit and remote patient monitoring every 6 months. All patients will complete the EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-HN43, and COST: A FACIT questionnaires annually as well as blood collection every 6 months for circulating tumor HPV DNA. The primary endpoint is 2-year PFS with a noninferiority margin of 12% for tele-surveillance. Sixty patients will be randomized between arms. Secondary endpoints include patient reported global and head and neck specific quality of life, locoregional control, distant metastases, overall survival, patient reported financial toxicity, cost of surveillance approach, physician and patient satisfaction, and detection of recurrence with circulating tumor HPV DNA. TBD TBD [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/ [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Giant and non-hysteretic magnetostriction is critical for magneto-mechanical applications, such as transducers, sensors, and actuators. In this work, the introduction of domain engineering into the single crystals near the ferromagnetic morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) is achieved through phase-field simulation, with the aim of exerting control over domain configuration and magnetostriction. It is found that intermediate external magnetic fields applied along non-easy magnetic axes during the nucleation stage can significantly affect the subsequent domain growth and evolution kinetics. The simulations reveal a domain wall broadening mechanism to explain the significantly improved non-hysteretic magnetoelastic responses observed in engineered tetragonal crystals. Our simulation results additionally demonstrate a discernible correlation between the domain wall densities and external fields in the engineered tetragonal domain. This research provides a potential pathway for the advancement of giant and non-hysteretic magnetostrictive material designs. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]