bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What are the health and socioeconomic impacts of allergic respiratory disease in Tasmania?
Authors: Borchers-Arriagada Nicolas , Jones Penelope J. , Palmer Andrew J. , Bereznicki Bonnie , Cooling Nick , Davies Janet M. , Johnston Fay H.
Published: March 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to quantify the direct and indirect costs of asthma and allergic rhinitis (AR) for 2018 in Tasmania. Methods We used publicly available data, and Tasmanian-specific values where available, to estimate direct and indirect costs of both diseases. Direct costs included outcomes such as emergency department (ED) presentations, hospitalisations, general practice visits and medication use. Indirect costs included premature mortality and lost productivity. Results Direct health impacts for both conditions combined included 1454 ED presentations, 682 hospitalisations, 72 446 general practice visits and 7122 specialist visits. Indirect health impacts included 13 deaths and between 483 000 and 2.8 million days of lost productivity. Total costs ranged between A$126.5 million and A$436.7 million for asthma and between A$65.3 million and A$259.7 million for AR. Per-person annual costs ranged between A$1918 and A$6617 for asthma and between A$597 and A$2374 for AR. Conclusions The main financial burden due to asthma and AR was related to productivity losses from presenteeism and absenteeism. The magnitude of the economic impacts of AR and asthma warrants further analysis to produce a national-level assessment. Such analyses could identify cost-effective interventions that produce highest benefits for the management of these conditions in our community. What is known about the topic? Allergic respiratory diseases, and particularly asthma and AR, pose a significant health burden, with effects including asthma-related hospital admissions, significant pharmaceutical expenditure and lost workforce and school education productivity. Australia, and particularly Tasmania, has a high prevalence of these conditions, but no recent studies have appraised or estimated their health impacts and costs. What does this paper add? This paper proposes a unique and transparent costing model that allows the costs of these conditions to be estimated while accounting for restrictions in data availability. The model is used to provide the first comprehensive costings of asthma and AR in Tasmania, Australia. We identified that the estimated health costs are dominated by productivity losses from presenteeism and absenteeism, and that total per person costs are higher for a person with asthma compared to one with AR. What are the implications for practitioners? This analysis has the potential to guide cost-effective interventions by identifying where the highest benefits may be obtained when managing these conditions in our community.
VeCHAT: a proof-of-concept study on screening and managing veterans’ mental health and wellbeing
Authors: Goodyear-Smith Felicity , Darragh Margot , Warren Jim
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION New Zealand veterans may have complex mental and physical complaints related to multiple exposures to war environments. They are entitled to, but often do not, access a range of physical, mental health and social services funded through Veterans’ Affairs New Zealand. eCHAT (electronic Case-finding and Help Assessment Tool) is a self-completed electronic holistic screen for substance misuse, problem gambling, anger control, physical inactivity, depression, anxiety, exposure to abuse; and assesses whether help is wanted for identified issues. AIM A proof-of-concept study was conducted to develop a modified version of eCHAT (VeCHAT) with remote functionality for clinical assessment of mental health and lifestyle issues of contemporary veterans, and assesses acceptability by veterans and Veterans’ Affairs staff, and feasibility of implementation. METHODS We used a co-design approach to develop VeCHAT. Veterans’ Affairs and service organisations invited veterans to remotely complete VeCHAT and a subsequent short online acceptability survey. Veterans’ Affairs medical and case manager staff underwent semi-structured interviews on feasibility and acceptability of VeCHAT use. RESULTS Thirty-four veterans completed VeCHAT. The tool proved acceptable to veterans and Veterans’ Affairs staff. Key emergent themes related to tool functionality, design, ways and barriers to use, and suggested improvements. Veterans’ Affairs staff considered VeCHAT use to be feasible with much potential. DISCUSSION Capacity of Veterans’ Affairs to respond if their engagement with veterans increases and employment of VeCHAT is scaled up, is unknown. Work is needed to assess how introducing VeCHAT as a standard procedure might influence Veterans’ Affairs case management processes.
A single-cell resolution developmental atlas of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell expansion in zebrafish
Authors: Xia Jun , Kang Zhixin , Xue Yuanyuan , Ding Yanyan , Gao Suwei , Zhang Yifan , Lv Peng , Wang Xinyu , Ma Dongyuan , Wang Lu , Han Jing-Dong J. , Liu Feng
Published: March 2021

Significance

The caudal hematopoietic tissue (CHT) is characterized as a hematopoietic organ for fetal hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) expansion in zebrafish. In this study, we used scRNA-seq combined with functional assays to decode the developing CHT. First, we resolved fetal HSPC heterogeneity, manifested as lineage priming and metabolic gene signatures. We further analyzed the cellular interactions among nonhematopoietic niche components and HSPCs and identified an endothelial cell-specific factor, Gpr182, followed by experimental validation of its role in promoting HSPC expansion. Finally, we uncovered the conservation and divergence of developmental hematopoiesis between human fetal liver and zebrafish CHT. Our study provides a valuable resource for fetal HSPC development and clues to establish a supportive niche for HSPC expansion in vitro.
Selective autophagy of AKAP11 activates cAMP/PKA to fuel mitochondrial metabolism and tumor cell growth
Authors: Deng Zhiqiang , Li Xianting , Blanca Ramirez Marian , Purtell Kerry , Choi Insup , Lu Jia-Hong , Yu Qin , Yue Zhenyu
Published: March 2021

Significance

Autophagy is known to promote cell survival through providing various sources of fuels as a result of digestion. Here, we uncover a function of autophagy in cell metabolic regulation by directly activating cAMP/PKA signaling that fuels mitochondrial metabolism and confers cell resistance to energy crisis. We find that autophagy selectively degrades PKA inhibitory subunit RIα through new autophagy receptor AKAP11 in response to energy crisis, thus causing PKA activation, which is a central hub for a variety of cellular signaling. Our study suggests that tumor cells may exploit such a metabolic reprogramming mechanism for the oncogenic growth. We propose that AKAP11-mediated cAMP/PKA activation via selective autophagy should be explored in the future as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Task-specific information outperforms surveillance-style big data in predictive analytics
Authors: Bjerre-Nielsen Andreas , Kassarnig Valentin , Lassen David Dreyer , Lehmann Sune
Published: March 2021

Increasingly, human behavior can be monitored through the collection of data from digital devices revealing information on behaviors and locations. In the context of higher education, a growing number of schools and universities collect data on their students with the purpose of assessing or predicting behaviors and academic performance, and the COVID-19–induced move to online education dramatically increases what can be accumulated in this way, raising concerns about students’ privacy. We focus on academic performance and ask whether predictive performance for a given dataset can be achieved with less privacy-invasive, but more task-specific, data. We draw on a unique dataset on a large student population containing both highly detailed measures of behavior and personality and high-quality third-party reported individual-level administrative data. We find that models estimated using the big behavioral data are indeed able to accurately predict academic performance out of sample. However, models using only low-dimensional and arguably less privacy-invasive administrative data perform considerably better and, importantly, do not improve when we add the high-resolution, privacy-invasive behavioral data. We argue that combining big behavioral data with “ground truth” administrative registry data can ideally allow the identification of privacy-preserving task-specific features that can be employed instead of current indiscriminate troves of behavioral data, with better privacy and better prediction resulting.
The structure of a minimum amyloid fibril core formed by necroptosis-mediating RHIM of human RIPK3
Authors: Wu Xialian , Ma Yeyang , Zhao Kun , Zhang Jing , Sun Yunpeng , Li Yichen , Dong Xingqi , Hu Hong , Liu Jing , Wang Jian , Zhang Xia , Li Bing , Wang Huayi , Li Dan , Sun Bo , Lu Junxia , Liu Cong
Published: March 2021

Significance

Receptor-interacting protein kinases 3 (RIPK3), a hub player in necrotic cell death, forms amyloid-like polymers in response to upstream mediators. This work, by using cryo-EM and solid-state NMR, reports the structure of human RIPK3 amyloid fibril core. The fibril core is mainly composed of the consensus RHIM domain and exhibits distinctive properties: an exceptionally small fibril core and existence in both handedness. These traits may provide a favorable geometry for the arrangement of kinase domain on the fibril surface to boost RIPK3 phosphorylation and the following activation of downstream MLKL. This work sheds light on how functional fibrils utilize the amyloid state to spatially regulate their functional domains, which is usually not a concern of pathological fibrils.
Subthalamic low-frequency oscillations predict vulnerability to cocaine addiction
Authors: Degoulet Mickael , Tiran-Cappello Alix , Combrisson Etienne , Baunez Christelle , Pelloux Yann
Published: March 2021

Significance

Understanding why some individuals become addicts while others can maintain recreational use, and how to treat these individuals, remains a challenge. Using a state-of-the-art rat model of compulsive cocaine seeking (resistance to a punishment associated with cocaine seeking), we show here that: first, subthalamic nucleus (STN) oscillatory activity during prior extended access to cocaine serves as a biomarker to predict vulnerable individuals that will compulsively seek the drug, a hallmark of addiction, and second, that in compulsive “addicted” rats, low (30 Hz) but not high (130 Hz), deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the STN efficiently reduces pathological cocaine seeking. Given that DBS approaches are currently used for neurologic and psychiatric disorders in human patients, our results provide highly translational observations.
What are the appropriate mapping units for ecosystem service assessments? A systematic review
Authors: Shen Jiake , Chen Chundi , Wang Yuncai
Published: March 2021

Context
: Without clear understanding of the units used for ecosystem service (ES) mapping, ES assessment accuracy and the practical application of ES knowledge will be hampered.
Method
: We systematically reviewed 106 studies over the past 11 years to explore the type, characteristic pattern and deficiencies of mapping units.
Result
: We proposed that ES mapping units can be categorized into minimal unit for assessing ESs using corresponding indicators and methods, and aggregated unit for analysis and application based on research objectives, and classified the mapping units into five common types. Of the 12 characterizing variables of ES mapping studies, some have been shown to introduce a difference in the selection of mapping units and to exhibit characteristic patterns. We also found that the accuracy of ES assessments based on minimal units was lacking, and aggregated units were insufficient to establish a link between ES knowledge and practice.
Conclusion
: Herein, we propose possible solutions such as the use of fine spatial resolution grids and the introduction of additional data beyond land cover as supplements to improve the assessment accuracy. To enhance the availability of the results for practice, aggregated units connected with urban planning units should be established at a spatial level suitable for urban management.
Autoantibody-mediated impairment of DNASE1L3 activity in sporadic systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Hartl Johannes , Serpas Lee , Wang Yueyang , Rashidfarrokhi Ali , Perez Oriana A. , Sally Benjamin , Sisirak Vanja , Soni Chetna , Khodadadi-Jamayran Alireza , Tsirigos Aristotelis , Caiello Ivan , Bracaglia Claudia , Volpi Stefano , Ghiggeri Gian Marco , Chida Asiya Seema , Sanz Ignacio , Kim Mimi Y. , Belmont H. Michael , Silverman Gregg J. , Clancy Robert M. , Izmirly Peter M. , Buyon Jill P. , Reizis Boris
Published: March 2021

Antibodies to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) are prevalent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly in patients with lupus nephritis, yet the nature and regulation of antigenic cell-free DNA (cfDNA) are poorly understood. Null mutations in the secreted DNase DNASE1L3 cause human monogenic SLE with anti-dsDNA autoreactivity. We report that >50% of sporadic SLE patients with nephritis manifested reduced DNASE1L3 activity in circulation, which was associated with neutralizing autoantibodies to DNASE1L3. These patients had normal total plasma cfDNA levels but showed accumulation of cfDNA in circulating microparticles. Microparticle-associated cfDNA contained a higher fraction of longer polynucleosomal cfDNA fragments, which bound autoantibodies with higher affinity than mononucleosomal fragments. Autoantibodies to DNASE1L3-sensitive antigens on microparticles were prevalent in SLE nephritis patients and correlated with the accumulation of cfDNA in microparticles and with disease severity. DNASE1L3-sensitive antigens included DNA-associated proteins such as HMGB1. Our results reveal autoantibody-mediated impairment of DNASE1L3 activity as a common nongenetic mechanism facilitating anti-dsDNA autoreactivity in patients with severe sporadic SLE.
On the Rényi entropy of Lifshitz and hyperscaling violating black holes
Authors: Kökényesi Zoltán , Sinkovics Annamária
Published: March 2021

We study Rényi entropies for geometries with Lifshitz scaling and hyperscaling violation. We calculate them for specific values of the Lifshitz parameter, and analyze the dual spectrum of the ground state. In the large d − θ limit they show that the ground state is unique in specific parameter ranges. We also calculate the Rényi entropies perturbatively around n = 1, and derive constraints using the Rényi entropy inequalities, which correspond to the thermodynamic stability of the black holes.
First-order Lagrangian and Hamiltonian of Lovelock gravity
Authors: Guilleminot Pablo , Julié Félix-Louis , Merino Nelson , Olea Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Based on the insight gained by many authors over the years on the structure of the Einstein–Hilbert, Gauss–Bonnet and Lovelock gravity Lagrangians, we show how to derive-in an elementary fashion-their first-order, generalized ‘Arnowitt–Deser–Misner’ Lagrangian and associated Hamiltonian. To do so, we start from the Lovelock Lagrangian supplemented with the Myers boundary term, which guarantees a Dirichlet variational principle with a surface term of the form π

ij

δh

ij
, where π

ij
is the canonical momentum conjugate to the boundary metric h

ij
. Then, the first-order Lagrangian density is obtained either by integration of π

ij
over the metric derivative ∂
w

h

ij
normal to the boundary, or by rewriting the Myers term as a bulk term.
Phaseless inverse scattering with background information
Authors: Novikov R G , Sivkin V N
Published: March 2021

We consider phaseless inverse scattering for the multidimensional Schrödinger equation with unknown potential v using the method of known background scatterers. In particular, in dimension d ⩾ 2, we show that |f
1|2 at high energies uniquely determines v via explicit formulas, where f
1 is the scattering amplitude for v + w
1, w
1 is an a priori known nonzero background scatterer, under the condition that supp v and supp w
1 are sufficiently disjoint. If this condition is relaxed, then we give similar formulas for finding v from |f|2, |f
1|2, where f is the scattering amplitude for v. In particular, we continue studies of Novikov (2016 J. Geom. Anal.
26 346–59) and Leshem et al (2016 Nat. Commun.
7 1–6).
Simulation of pre-breakdown discharges in high-pressure air: II. Effect of surface protrusions
Authors: Ferreira N G C , Naidis G V , Benilov M S
Published: March 2021

Analysis of deviations from the similarity law, observed at high and very high pressures in experiments on discharge ignition and breakdown in corona-like configurations, can serve as a useful, albeit inevitably indirect, source of information about microprotrusions on the surface of the electrodes. In this work, such analysis was performed by means of 2D numerical modelling. Conical or cylindrical protrusions on the surface of the inner electrode were studied and the kinetic scheme includes the electrons, one species of positive ions, and negative ions

O

2

−

,

O

−

, and

O

3

−

. It is shown that the deviations from the similarity law, observed in the experiment, may indeed be attributed to enhanced ionization of air molecules in regions of amplified electric field near the microprotrusions. A qualitative agreement with the experiment in all the cases is achieved for protrusion heights of the order of 50 µm. Such values may appear rather high, however there is no other explanation in sight at present. The enhancement of the field electron emission from the surface of the negative electrode due to the amplification of the electric field on the microprotrusion was estimated and found insignificant in the range of values of the protrusion aspect ratio where the enhanced ionization in the gas phase is already appreciable.
Inverse design of structured materials for broadband sound absorption
Authors: Wang Yang , Zhao Honggang , Yang Haibin , Zhong Jie , Yu Dianlong , Wen Jihong
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses the design of structured materials for broadband waterborne sound absorption. The structured materials are composed of a rubber matrix embedded periodically with cavities. To find the optimal distribution of cavities, an inverse design method based on topology optimization is proposed. Structured materials with novel hybrid cavities are thus designed. Efficient absorption over a wide frequency range between 600 Hz and 8000 Hz is achieved. The underlying mechanism behind the broadband absorption performance is revealed. Both the bending motion of the structured material and the translational motion of its steel backing affect the absorption in the low-frequency regime. Coherent coupling of local resonant modes together with the multiple scattering effects among cavities contribute to sound absorption in the mid-to-high frequency range. Moreover, a comparison with a conventionally structured material demonstrates the advantages of our design. Finally, an inverse design process with a different rubber matrix is performed. The results show that these cavities still exhibit similar topological features when the shear wave velocity of the rubber matrix is varied.
Electronic, optical, and thermoelectric properties of Janus In-based monochalcogenides
Authors: Vu Tuan V , Vi Vo T T , Phuc Huynh V , Nguyen Chuong V , Poklonski N A , Duque C A , Rai D P , Hoi Bui D , Hieu Nguyen N
Published: March 2021

Inspired by the successfully experimental synthesis of Janus structures recently, we systematically study the electronic, optical, and electronic transport properties of Janus monolayers In2
XY (X/Y = S, Se, Te with X ≠ Y) in the presence of a biaxial strain and electric field using density functional theory. Monolayers In2
XY are dynamically and thermally stable at room temperature. At equilibrium, both In2STe and In2SeTe are direct semiconductors while In2SSe exhibits an indirect semiconducting behavior. The strain significantly alters the electronic structure of In2
XY and their photocatalytic activity. Besides, the indirect–direct gap transitions can be found due to applied strain. The effect of the electric field on optical properties of In2
XY is negligible. Meanwhile, the optical absorbance intensity of the Janus In2
XY monolayers is remarkably increased by compressive strain. Also, In2
XY monolayers exhibit very low lattice thermal conductivities resulting in a high figure of merit ZT, which makes them potential candidates for room-temperature thermoelectric materials.
Magnetic interactions in graphene decorated with iron oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Kilanski L , Jedrzejewski R , Sibera D , Kuryliszyn-Kudelska I , Gorantla S , Idczak R , Tran V H , Jedrzejewska A
Published: March 2021

We present the studies of structural and magnetic properties of graphene composites prepared with several quantities of α-Fe2O3 dopant of 5%, 25% and 50% made with either ethanol or acetone. Our studies showed the presence of a weak magnetic order up to room temperature and saturation magnetization close to 0.2 emu g−1 in pure commercial graphene. With regard to magnetic properties of our graphene + iron oxide samples, the solvent used during the preparation of the composite had a significant influence on them. For graphene + Fe2O3 samples made with acetone the magnetic properties of pure graphene played a major role in the overall magnetic susceptibility and magnetization. On the other hand, for graphene + iron oxide samples made with ethanol we observed the presence of superparamagnetic blocking at T < 110 K which was due to the additional appearance of γ-Fe3O4 nanoparticles. Changes in the synthesis solvent played a major role in the magnetic properties of our graphene + Fe2O3 nanocomposite samples resulting in much higher saturation magnetization for the samples made with ethanol. Both the shape and the parameters characterizing magnetization hysteresis loops depend strongly on the amount of iron oxide and changes in the preparation method.
Post-administration dosimetry in yttrium-90 radioembolization through micro-CT imaging of radiopaque microspheres in a porcine renal model
Authors: Henry E Courtney , Strugari Matthew , Mawko George , Brewer Kimberly D , Abraham Robert , Kappadath S Cheenu , Syme Alasdair
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to perform post-administration dosimetry in yttrium-90 radioembolization through micro-CT imaging of radiopaque microsphere distributions in a porcine renal model and explore the impact of spatial resolution of an imaging system on the extraction of specific dose metrics. Following the administration of radiopaque microspheres to the kidney of a hybrid farm pig, the kidney was explanted and imaged with micro-CT. To produce an activity distribution, 400 MBq of yttrium-90 activity was distributed throughout segmented voxels of the embolized vasculature based on an established linear relationship between microsphere concentration and CT voxel value. This distribution was down-sampled to coarser isotropic grids ranging in voxel size from 2.5 to 15 mm to emulate nominal resolutions comparable to those found in yttrium-90 PET and Bremsstrahlung SPECT imaging. Dose distributions were calculated through the convolution of activity distributions with dose-voxel kernels generated using the GATE Monte Carlo toolkit. Contours were computed to represent normal tissue and target volumes. Dose-volume histograms, dose metrics, and dose profiles were compared to a ground truth dose distribution computed with GATE. The mean dose to the target for all studied voxel sizes was found to be within 5.7% of the ground truth mean dose.

D

70

was shown to be strongly correlated with image voxel size of the dose distribution (r
2 = 0.90).

D

70

is cited in the literature as an important dose metric and its dependence on voxel size suggests higher resolution dose distributions may provide new perspectives on dose-response relationships in yttrium-90 radioembolization. This study demonstrates that dose distributions with large voxels incorrectly homogenize the dose by attributing escalated doses to normal tissues and reduced doses in high-dose target regions. High-resolution micro-CT imaging of radiopaque microsphere distributions can provide increased confidence in characterizing the absorbed dose heterogeneity in yttrium-90 radioembolization.
A latch-up-free LVTSCR with improved overshoot characteristic for ESD protection in 40 nm CMOS process
Authors: Chen Rui-Bo , Liu Hong-Xia , Guo Dan , Huang Wei , Huang Xiao-Zong , Liu Zhiwei
Published: March 2021

In this paper, a novel robust low-voltage-triggered silicon-controlled rectifier (LVTSCR) with high holding voltage, low trigger voltage, and low overshoot voltage has been proposed for 5 V integrated circuit electrostatic discharge (ESD) protection. The new LVTSCR integrates an extra low-resistance current path by embedding an NMOS transistor into the traditional LVTSCR. This extra current path will divert part of the ESD current, thus resulting in a lower overshoot voltage as well as better quasi-static I–V characteristics in the new structure. As such, the holding voltage of the new LVTSCR has been increased by ∼23%, the quasi-static triggering characteristic has been decreased by ∼8%, and the overshoot voltage has been improved by ∼38%.
A review of vascular networks for self-healing applications
Authors: Shields Yasmina , De Belie Nele , Jefferson Anthony , Van Tittelboom Kim
Published: March 2021

Increasing awareness for sustainability has led to the development of smart self-healing materials, which can extend the service life and improve safety without human intervention. Vascular networks are observed in biological systems, such as leaf venation and blood vascular systems, and provide inspiration for self-healing mechanisms in engineered systems. Embedding a vascular network in a host material has the advantage of addressing varying magnitudes of damage and allowing for an indefinite replenishment of the healing agent, which are current limitations of intrinsic and capsule-based self-healing systems. These networks are demonstrated in polymer and composite materials, with fabrication methods including removal of sacrificial elements, electrospinning, and an array of additive manufacturing (AM) techniques. Advances in AM allow more complex network configurations to be realized that optimize fluid distribution and healing potential. This review intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current progress and limitations of the design approaches, fabrication methods, healing mechanisms, and relevant applications of embedded vascular networks. Additionally, significant research gaps and future research directions for vascular self-healing materials are described.
A thermoresponsive liquid with unique two-way volume memory function
Authors: Li Mingzhe , Zhan Chi , Lu Weiyi
Published: March 2021

Shape memory materials (SMMs) recover their original shape as an external stimulus is applied. To meet the growing needs for complicated applications, it is imperative to design advanced SMMs with more functions and better performance. This paper reports a new design of liquid-based SMMs, i.e. liquid nanofoam (LN) system, by controlling the extent of liquid outflow from hydrophobic nanopores. The liquid outflow behavior is dominated by the thermoresponsive sensitive bubble nucleation process in the confined nanoenvironment. As temperature increases, the extent of liquid outflow is promoted, and the system volume is recovered. Thus, the LN system exhibits an instant volume memory behavior. As temperature decreases, the volume memory behavior is reversed. A constitutive model for the shape memory LN material has also been developed and validated. The thermoresponsive nanoconfined liquid outflow opens up new avenues for the design of advanced SMM.
Early-age strength monitoring of the recycled aggregate concrete using the EMI method
Authors: Li Ying , Ma Yongli , Hu Xiaobin
Published: March 2021

At present, the recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) technology has served as an environment-friendly means to dispose the waste concrete. This paper mainly investigates the feasibility of the early-age strength monitoring of the RAC using the electro-mechanical impedance (EMI) method. Both the compressive test and EMI test utilizing the embedded piezoelectric smart aggregate (SA) transducers were conducted on the specimens with different recycled coarse aggregate (RCA) replacement ratios and loading ages. The compressive test results show the early-age strength of the RAC develops more slowly on the whole as the RCA replacement ratio increases. In addition, the EMI test results as well as the theoretical analysis show that the conductance resonant frequency (CRF) of the SA generally rises as the age goes on. By regression analysis, the linear relationship between the early-age strength of the RAC and the CRF increment was established. It validates the applicability of using the EMI method to monitor the early-age strength of the RAC in engineering practice.
Enhancing spin–orbit coupling in high-mobility graphene by introducing chiral space curvature
Authors: Gu Jianfei , Hu Jingsan , Zhang Weiyi
Published: March 2021

Graphene is an excellent two-dimensional materials with high-mobility and relativistic electronic linear dispersion. Its rich physical properties such as half-integer quantum Hall effect and device application potential have been continuously attracting great attention. However, light carbon atoms also imply negligible intrinsic spin–orbit coupling (SOC) strength which hinders its spintronic application. To enhance the SOC effect, we introduce a special deformation vector with chiral curvature, borrowed from the Einstein theory of general relativity, to mimic space warping and twisting. The derived Rashba type pseudospin–spin coupling locks the spin orientation of an electron with respect to its pseudospin. Combined with the original Dirac type Hamiltonian specifying the pseudospin orientation of an electron with respect to its wavevector, it lifts the spin degeneracy and paves the way for graphene-based spintronic devices. An estimate suggests that a Rashba type pseudospin–spin coupling of the order of 5 meV can be achieved in tens nanometer samples.
Feature selection procedures for combined density functional theory—artificial neural network schemes
Authors: Nemnes George Alexandru , Filipoiu Nicolae , Sipica Valentin
Published: March 2021

We propose a workflow which includes the essential step of feature selection in order to optimize combined density functional theory—machine learning schemes (DFT-ML). Here, the energy gaps of hybrid graphene—boron nitride nanoflakes with randomly distributed domains are predicted using artificial neural networks (ANNs). The training data is obtained by associating structural information to the target quantity of interest, i.e. the energy gap, obtained by DFT calculations. The selection of proper feature vectors is important for an accurate and efficient ANN model. However, finding an optimal set of features is generally not trivial. We compare different approaches for selecting the feature vectors, ranging from random selection of the features to guided approaches like removing the features with lowest variance and by using the mutual information regression selection technique. We show that the feature selection procedures provides a significant reduction of the input space dimensionality. In addition, a selection method based on the ranking of the cutting radius is proposed and evaluated. This may not only be important for establishing optimal ANN models, but may offer insights into the minimum information required to map certain targeted properties.
Colorless movement of focal spot with arbitrary velocity based on mirrors with special shape
Authors: Fan Quanping , Wen Shenglin , Wang Shaoyi , Yang Zuhua , Chen Yong , Liu Dongxiao , Wei Lai
Published: March 2021

Focal spot with moving speed is a new concept proposed in recent years, which has many applications in physics of intense field. The current method is to control the moving speed of focal spot by chirped pulse technique and chromatic aberration focusing, which suffers from the change of frequency components with the movement of focal spot. In this paper, we propose a method to realize the colorless movement of focal spot at arbitrary speed by using two kinds of mirrors. One is an aspherical mirror with long focal depth and the other is a stepped mirror. For a specific moving speed, we derive the relationship between the surface of aspherical mirror and the wavefront of laser by the geometrical optics. The stepped mirror is used to form stepped wavefront to separate the relationship between the shape of wavefront and the direction of laser. Time-dependent simulations are carried out to verify the real focusing property after considering diffraction effects, and focal spots with moving speed of 0.5c, 2c and −c are obtained.
Spectrum of Cuscuton bounce
Authors: Kim J. Leo , Geshnizjani Ghazal
Published: March 2021

It has been recently shown that a cosmological bounce model based on Cuscuton gravity does not have any ghosts or curvature instabilities. We explore whether Cuscuton bounce can provide an alternative to inflation for generating near scale-invariant scalar perturbations. While a single field Cuscuton bounce generically produces a strongly blue power spectrum (for a variety of initial/boundary conditions), we demonstrate that scale-invariant entropy modes can be generated in a spectator field that starts in adiabatic vacuum, and is kinetically coupled to the primary field. Furthermore, our solution has no singularity, nor requires an ad hoc matching condition. We also study the generation of tensor modes (or gravitational waves) in Cuscuton bounce and show that while they are stable, similar to other bounce models, the produced spectrum is strongly blue and unobservable.
Towards cosmological constraints from the compressed modal bispectrum: a robust comparison of real-space bispectrum estimators
Authors: Byun Joyce , Oddo Andrea , Porciani Cristiano , Sefusatti Emiliano
Published: March 2021

Higher-order clustering statistics, like the galaxy bispectrum, can add complementary cosmological information to what is accessible with two-point statistics, like the power spectrum.
While the standard way of measuring the bispectrum involves estimating a bispectrum value in a large number of Fourier triangle bins, the compressed modal bispectrum approximates the bispectrum as a linear combination of basis functions and estimates the expansion coefficients on the chosen basis.
In this work, we compare the two estimators by using parallel pipelines to analyze the real-space halo bispectrum measured in a suite of N-body simulations corresponding to a total volume of ∼ 1,000 h
-3 Gpc3, with covariance matrices estimated from 10,000 mock halo catalogs.
We find that the modal bispectrum yields constraints that are consistent and competitive with the standard bispectrum analysis: for the halo bias and shot noise parameters within the tree-level halo bispectrum model up to k
max ≈ 0.06 (0.10) h Mpc-1, only 6 (10) modal expansion coefficients are necessary to obtain constraints equivalent to the standard bispectrum estimator using ∼ 20 to 1,600 triangle bins, depending on the bin width.
For this work, we have implemented a modal estimator pipeline using Markov Chain Monte Carlo simulations for the first time, and we discuss in detail how the parameter posteriors and modal expansion are robust to, or sensitive to, several user settings within the modal bispectrum pipeline.
The combination of the highly efficient compression that is achieved and the large number of mock catalogs available allows us to quantify how our modal bispectrum constraints depend on the number of mocks that are used to estimate covariance matrices and the functional form of the likelihood.
Spatial vortex four-wave mixing in a five-level atomic system
Authors: Gan Shoufei
Published: March 2021

We propose a scheme for modulating the spatial vortex four-wave mixing (FWM) in a five-level atomic system. During nonlinear FWM process, we find the FWM field can be easily manipulated by adjusting the corresponding parameters. Practically, the vortex phase can be spatially modulated. Thus, our results may be helpful to study nonlinear quantum phenomena based on orbital angular momentum light.
Optomechanical-organized multipulse dynamics in ultrafast fiber laser*
Authors: Huang Lin , Zhang Yu-Sheng , Cui Yu-Dong
Published: March 2021

A novel organized multipulse pattern and its birth dynamics under strong optomechanical effect in microfiber-assisted ultrafast fiber laser are investigated in this work. The background pulses are observed to obviously exhibit selectively amplifying self-organized process of evolving into quasi-stable equidistant clusters. The radio frequency spectrum of the multipulse pattern displays a harmonic mode-locking-like behavior with a repetition rate of 2.0138 GHz, corresponding to the frequency of torsional-radial (TR2m) acoustic mode in microfiber. The results show the evidence of optomechanical effect in dominating the birth dynamics and pattern of multipulse.
Electron density distribution of LiMn2O4 cathode investigated by synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction*
Authors: Shang Tongtong , Xiao Dongdong , Zhang Qinghua , Wang Xuefeng , Su Dong , Gu Lin
Published: March 2021

Electron density plays an important role in determining the properties of functional materials. Revealing the electron density distribution experimentally in real space can help to tune the properties of materials. Spinel LiMn2O4 is one of the most promising cathode candidates because of its high voltage, low cost, and non-toxicity, but suffers severe capacity fading during electrochemical cycling due to the Mn dissolution. Real-space measurement of electron distribution of LiMn2O4 experimentally can provide direct evaluation on the strength of Mn–O bond and give an explanation of the structure stability. Here, through high energy synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction (SPXRD), accurate electron density distribution in spinel LiMn2O4 has been investigated based on the multipole model. The electron accumulation between Mn and O atoms in deformation density map indicates the shared interaction of Mn–O bond. The quantitative topological analysis at bond critical points shows that the Mn–O bond is relatively weak covalent interaction due to the oxygen loss. These findings suggest that oxygen stoichiometry is the key factor for preventing the Mn dissolution and capacity fading.
Structural modulation and physical properties of cobalt-doped layered La2
M
5As3O2 (M = Cu, Ni) compounds*
Authors: Yang Lei , Song Yan-Peng , Wang Jun-Jie , Chen Xu , Du Hui-Jing , Guo Jian-Gang
Published: March 2021

We investigate the structural variation and physical properties of layered La2
M
5As3O2 (M = Cu, Ni) compound upon Co doping. It is found that the substitution of Co ion just induces the monotonous change of lattice constants without observing the anomalous kink in superconducting La2(Cu1–x
Ni
x
)5As3O2 solid-solutions. Meanwhile, this doping barely changes As–As bond length in [M
5As3]2– subunit (±2%), being significantly smaller than 7% shrinkage of that in La2(Cu1–x
Ni
x
)5As3O2. Therefore, the doping dependence of crystal structure exhibits similar trend with Ba1–x
K
x
Fe2As2 without the interference of As1–As2 bonding, implying that the Co substitution for Cu/Ni is hole-doped. In terms of physical property, La2(Cu1–x
Co
x
)5As3O2 turns into itinerant ferromagnetic metal, while La2(Ni1–x
Co
x
)5As3O2 shows paramagnetism and suppressed structural phase transition upon Co-doping. The distinct structural variation and absence of superconductivity provide important clues to understand the effect of As–As bond in [M
5As3]2– subunit.
Reference-frame-independent quantum key distribution of wavelength division multiplexing with multiple quantum channels*
Authors: Sun Zhongqi , Han Yanxin , Dou Tianqi , Wang Jipeng , Li Zhenhua , Zhou Fen , Huang Yuqing , Ma Haiqiang
Published: March 2021

Reference-frame-independent quantum key distribution (RFI-QKD) can allow a quantum key distribution system to obtain the ideal key rate and transmission distance without reference system calibration, which has attracted much attention. Here, we propose an RFI-QKD protocol based on wavelength division multiplexing (WDM) considering finite-key analysis and crosstalk. The finite-key bound for RFI-QKD with decoy states is derived under the crosstalk of WDM. The resulting secret key rate of RFI-QKD, which is more rigorous, is obtained. Simulation results reveal that the secret key rate of RFI-QKD based on WDM is affected by the multiplexing channel number, as well as crosstalk between adjacent channels.
Orientation dependence in high harmonics of ZnO with polarization corrections to counteract the birefringent effect*
Authors: Zhang Yin-Fu , Huang Teng-Fei , Li Jia-Peng , Yang Ke , Li Liang , Zhu Xiao-Song , Lan Peng-Fei , Lu Pei-Xiang
Published: March 2021

We investigate the influence of the birefringence on the high-order harmonics in an a-cut ZnO crystal with mid-infrared laser pulses. The high harmonics exhibit strong dependence on the alignment of the crystal with respect to the laser polarization. We introduce the Jones calculus to counteract the birefringent effect and obtain the harmonics with polarization corrections in ZnO. We show that the birefringent effect plays an important role in the orientation dependence of HHG.
Gender differences in digital literacy among prospective physics teachers
Authors: Rizal R , Rusdiana D , Setiawan W , Siahaan P , Ridwan I M
Published: March 2021

The rapid development of digital technology has stimulated teachers with the number of competencies called digital literacy. The purpose of this study was to describe gender differences in digital literacy among prospective physics teachers. This research was conducted using a descriptive method involving 71 prospective physics teachers at a university in Tasikmalaya. They consisted of 31 males and 40 females with age 19-21 years old. Data was collected using valid digital literacy tests and interview. The collected data was processed by determining the average score of male and female students then analyzed through interview. The results showed that the mean of male’s digital literacy was higher than female. The males had a mean 57 (moderate category) and the females had a mean 53 (low category). There was a difference in digital literacy between males and females prospective physics teachers. These distinctions were influenced by their tendency in using digital technology. Some recommendations were delivered to prospective physics teachers, especially for females. They should effectively increase their digital technology use and appropriate training in the use of digital technology is needed to achieve a higher level of digital literacy.
Formative assessment of fruitful criteria in physics learning based on pedagogy subject matter approach
Authors: Suhendi H Y , Aulia M R , Kuntadi D , Mulhayatiah D , Nasrudin D , Malik A , Ardiansyah R
Published: March 2021

Student knowledge criteria is one aspect that shows the success of a learning process. According to pedagogy subject matter, learning is successful if the students’ knowledge has reached the fruitful criteria. This research aims to determine the formative assessment of fruitful criteria in work and energy learning based on directing motives and syntactic aspects. The research method used is qualitative with a case study approach. Data were analyzed using discourse analysis. Sample of this research are teacher and students at one school in the Bandung district was conducted on the teaching motives of educators, aspects of teaching materials and formative assessment used in learning activities with data collection techniques in the form of direct and indirect observation using a video recorder with an observation sheet and indicator motives, aspects and criteria sheet. The analysis is done by making a transcript of learning activities, making basic texts with refinement, preparing micro and macro propositions so that the learning macro structure is obtained. Furthermore, the analysis is carried out with reference to the indicators of each motif, aspect, and criteria. The results showed there were six formative assessment questions of fruitful criteria based on directing motives and syntactic aspects or appears at 37.5% of the total fruitful criteria formative assessment. The researcher suggests doing research on other criteria so that it can be known in full the types of questions for formative assessment based on the pedagogy subject matter approach.
The development of virtual conceptual change laboratory (VCCLab) for conception reconstruction through lab virtual activity
Authors: Putri K L , Suhandi A , Samsudin A , Surtiana Y
Published: March 2021

The research aimed to get a valid and tested VCCLab model product complete with syntax and supportive materials. This research is encouraged by the need for a VCCLab model for remedial teaching oriented towards remediation of students’ misconceptions through the mode of virtual laboratory activity. The research method used is research & development which consists of four stages, namely: Need Analysis, Product Development, Field Testing, and Product Revision. From the development research process, the VCCLab model product is produced with syntax consisting of five stages of lab activity. The results of expert judgement on the VCCLab model product indicate that the VCCLab model and supporting materials have a construct and content validity. The results of limited field testing indicate that the use of the VCCLab model in remedial teaching activities with the mode of virtual lab activity has high effectiveness in remediating students’ misconceptions regarding the concept of parallel electric circuit. Another field testing result is that there is no gender bias in the use of the VCCLab model in the students’ conception reconstruction process related to the physics concept being reviewed.
Inventory of scientific literacy ability of junior high school students based on the evaluation of PISA framework competency criteria
Authors: Amini S , Sinaga P
Published: March 2021

This study aims to interpret the inventory of students’ scientific literacy ability. It used systematic review method of Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Descriptive technique based on the percentage of students’ scientific literacy abilities was used to analyse the data. Based on the results of PISA in 2012 and 2015 students’ scientific literacy abilities were in very low level, that is, 41.53%. Specifically, based on the results of the competency aspects of 2012 PISA, the students’ abilities to identify scientific problems and to use scientific evidence were in moderate category, while the students’ abilities to explain the phenomena scientifically were in low category. On the other hand, based on the results of the competency aspects of 2015 and 2018 PISA, the students’ abilities to explain phenomena scientific, to evaluate and design scientifically, and to interpret data and scientific evidence obtained a percentage value of 34.24%, 34.70%, and 40.15% respectively, and all of them were in very low category. The implication of this study is that the students’ overall scientific literacy abilities are still very low. Accordingly, there must be effective measures to improve students’ scientific literacy through a set of learning innovations and strategies.