bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Outcomes of Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia - Blast Phase: A Single-center Experience from South India
Authors: Nakka Thejeswar , Bhattacherjee Arnab , Krishnamoorthi Narendran , Tumathy Divya Bala , Dahagama Sindhu , Dubashi Biswajit , Ganesan Prasanth , Kayal Smita
Published: November 2022

The blast phase (BP) is challenging to treat and leads to inferior survival in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (AlloSCT) is the only curative option for CML-BP. We are sharing our experience of AlloSCT in seven patients with CML-BP who underwent transplants during the period from January 2017 to December 2019. Three patients each had myeloid-BP, lymphoid-BP, and one patient had mixed phenotypic BP. Donors were matched siblings in four, mismatched siblings in one, and haploidentical in two. All patients received peripheral blood stem cell grafts. The median CD34+ dose was 7.6 (range: 6.6–8.9) × 106 cells/kg. Neutrophil engraftment was observed at a median of 15 (10–20) days and platelet engraftment at 19 days (10–22). At a median follow-up of 24 months, the 2-year leukemia-free survival (LFS) and overall survival (OS) were 43% and 57%, respectively. Transplant-related, non-relapse mortality was observed in three patients. AlloSCT results in promising survival for carefully selected patients of CML-BP, especially with a matched sibling donor.
Arsenicum album Induces Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis, and Inhibits Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Hormone-Dependent MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Basu Nilanjana , Garg Manoj , Tandon Chanderdeep , Das Bhudev Chandra , Tandon Simran
Published: November 2022

Background Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has been in therapeutic use since the 18th century for various types of cancers including skin and breast; however, it gained popularity following FDA approval for its use against acute promyelocytic leukemia. This present work was designed to evaluate the anti-cancer potential of a homeopathic potency of arsenic trioxide (Arsenicum album 6C) in hormone-dependent breast cancer.

Methods Breast cancer cells (MCF7) were treated with Arsenicum album (Ars 6C) to evaluate its anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential. We examined the effect of Ars 6C on the cell cycle, wound healing, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and modulation of expression of key genes which are aberrant in cancer.

Results Treating breast cancer cells with Ars 6C halted the cell cycle at the sub-G0 and G2/M phases, which could be attributed to DNA damage induced by the generation of ROS. Apoptotic induction was associated with upregulation of Bax expression, with concurrent downregulation of the Bcl-2 gene. Ars 6C was also seen to reverse epithelial to mesenchymal transition and reduce the migration of breast cancer cells.

Conclusion The findings suggest that Ars has significant anti-proliferative and apoptotic potential against breast cancer cells. Further studies are required to elucidate the mechanism by which Ars exerts its effect in the in vivo setting.
The Role of Bosutinib in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia: An Indian Perspective
Authors: Agarwal Mohan Bajranglal , John Manthanathu Joseph , Jain Punit , Vaid Ashok Kumar , Bapna Ajay , Basade Maheboob , Dattatreya Palanki Satya , Chakrapani Anupam , Ramanan Vijay , Varadarajan R. , Subramanian Murali , Shah Chirag Aniruddha , Warrier Narayanakutty , Sanyal Subhaprakash , Ashwin Tyavanagi Shankarmurthy , Ramanjinappa Nagendra
Published: November 2022

Management of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has been transformed by the use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). Presently in India, five TKIs are approved for the management of CML with distinct safety profiles. The selection of TKIs for chronic phase (CP)-CML patients is based on treatment goals, underlying comorbidities, and specific TKI toxicity profiles. Bosutinib is one of five TKIs indicated for the first-line treatment of CP-CML and patients with intolerance or resistance to prior TKI therapy. It possesses a distinct safety profile among other TKIs, with less cardiovascular adverse events (AEs), albeit the liver-related and gastrointestinal AEs have higher occurrence. The safety and efficacy of bosutinib have been examined in clinical trials; however, there is a paucity of data from Asia. A virtual expert panel meeting was convened to gather expert opinion from India on the selection of bosutinib as a treatment choice for patients with CP-CML. This is a white paper document drafted with the help of an expert panel of 14 oncologists and hematooncologists from India on bosutinib use in CP-CML. The experts concurred that bosutinib has proven efficacy for CP-CML in global randomized clinical trials and is well suited for CP-CML patients with existing cardiovascular comorbidities. However, it was not recommended for patients with gastrointestinal, pancreatic, or renal abnormalities. This review aims to put forth expert opinion and guidance document on key considerations for CP-CML clinical decision-making in India.
Role of Antifungal Prophylaxis in Invasive Fungal Infection in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia—A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Selvam Nisanth , Lashkari Harsha Prasada
Published: November 2022

Introduction Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common childhood cancer. Its outcome in India is not as good as that in the western world. One of the important reasons for lesser survival rates is opportunistic infections, including invasive fungal infections (IFIs). Antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) in ALL children is routinely not followed. However, owing to its incidence in high-risk ALL, this study is focused on the use of AFP in those children.

Objectives This retrospective study investigated the role of AFP in newly diagnosed children with high-risk ALL on intensive blocks of therapy on regimens B and C of the United Kingdom Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia 2003 protocol.

Materials and Methods The study was conducted in a tertiary care center from 1st December 2013 to 31st December 2019 and included children with ALL from 1 to 18 years of age. Routine AFP with voriconazole was commenced for high-risk ALL children from 1st July 2017 onward in our center. We analyzed data of all IFIs in children before and after AFP with National Cancer Institute high-risk status who had been started on regimen B induction and regimen B or C consolidation and intensification phases.

Results A total of 55 children with high-risk ALL were included in the study. The median age was 4 years, with the majority being between the age of 1 and 10 years (38 out of 55; 65%) and predominantly male (36 out of 55; 69%). Total incidence of IFI in our cohort was 51% (28 out of 55). A significant number of children (16 out of 22 [70%]) who were not on prophylaxis developed IFI versus children (12 out of 33 [28%]) on prophylaxis (p = 0.008). The most common organisms isolated were Candida parapsilosis and Candida tropicalis. Children not receiving AFP were found to be 4.7 times (95% confidence interval: 1.44–15.13) more likely to get IFI than the ones receiving AFP. The presence of concurrent bacterial infection increases the risk of IFI (p = 0.04).

Conclusion The incidence of IFI was high in high-risk ALL children who were not on AFP. The introduction of routine AFP reduced the incidence of IFI.
Pyrocardan Implant Arthroplasty for Carpometacarpal Osteoarthritis of the Thumb: A Comparative Study with a Historical Control Group
Authors: Jørgensen Rasmus Wejnold , Anderson Kiran Annette , Odgaard Anders , Jensen Claus Hjorth
Published: November 2022

Background New and improved surgical techniques are warranted to treat osteoarthritis of the thumb carpometacarpal joint (CMC-1). The Pyrocardan implant yields striking results but only few series exist, making the evidence scarce.

Purpose The aim of this study was to conduct a prospective series using the Pyrocardan implant.

Methods We compared the outcomes to a matched historical control group of patients operated on with ligament reconstruction and tendon interposition. The hypothesis was that the Pyrocardan implant would yield better patient-reported outcomes as well as the procedure would be safe and effective in relieving symptoms of CMC-1 osteoarthritis. In total, 30 patients were included in the prospective series. These 30 patients were compared, in a 1:3 design, to a matched historical group.

Results Results were promising with visual analogue scale scores of 0.7 (rest) and 2.1 (function), key-pinch score of 5.1 kg, and shortened Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of 14.3 after 1 year when using the Pyrocardan implant. The revision rate was 10%. We found no evidence of subsidence of the thumb. We found no differences in patient-reported outcomes between the two groups.

Conclusions In conclusion, the Pyrocardan implant is a viable option in the treatment of CMC-1 osteoarthritis but with a significant revision rate. When comparing the Pyrocardan implant to a historical control group, we failed to find any differences in patient-reported outcomes.

Level of Evidence IV – case series.
Hydrogen donor formation in a solution-processed ZnO film by UV light irradiation
Authors: Nitta Ryosuke , Kubota Yuta , Endo Ayaka , Lin Hwai-En , Kishi Tetsuo , Kitani Suguru , Kawaji Hitoshi , Matsushita Nobuhiro
Published: November 2022

A transparent ZnO film was deposited by the spin-spray method at a low temperature of 90 °C. Ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation to the film for 60 min decreased the film resistivity drastically by three orders of magnitude from 55.3 to 4.43 × 10−2 Ω cm. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) depth profile and 1H solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy analysis revealed that the as-deposited ZnO film before UV treatment contained a large amount of water in the ZnO crystal lattice, and hydrogen donors, including interstitial hydrogen in bond-centered sites (Hi), substitutional hydrogen on the oxygen lattice site (HO), and three O–H bonds in a zinc vacancy (VZn−H3), were generated in the ZnO film after UV treatment. From these results, the mechanism of the hydrogen donor formation was proposed in which UV irradiation to photocatalytic ZnO decomposed the water in the ZnO crystal lattice to form H+ and OH− ions, which associated with the oxygen and zinc vacancies, resulting in the formation of Hi, HO, and VZn−H3.
Magnetized plasma pressure filaments: Analysis of chaotic and intermittent transport events driven by drift-Alfvén modes
Authors: Karbashewski S. , Sydora R. D. , Van Compernolle B. , Simala-Grant T. , Poulos M. J.
Published: November 2022

The origin of intermittent fluctuations in an experiment involving several interacting electron plasma pressure filaments in close proximity, embedded in a large linear magnetized plasma device, is investigated. The probability density functions of the fluctuations on the inner and outer gradient of the filament bundle are non-Gaussian and the time series contain uncorrelated Lorentzian pulses that give the frequency power spectral densities an exponential shape. A cross-conditionally averaged spatial reconstruction of a temporal event reveals that the intermittent character is caused by radially and azimuthally propagating turbulent structures with transverse spatial scales on the order of the electron skin depth. These eruption events originate from interacting pressure gradient-driven drift-Alfvén instabilities on the outer gradient and edge of the filament bundle. The temporal Lorentzian shape of the intermittent structures and exponential spectra are suggestive of deterministic chaos in the underlying dynamics; this conclusion is supported by the complexity–entropy analysis (CH-plane) that shows the experimental time series are located in the chaotic regime.
A numerical study of the droplet impact dynamics on a two-dimensional random rough surface
Authors: Guo Fuzheng , Zhang Shuzheng , Hu Wenlong , Zhou Yunong , Du Chaofan , Wang Fangxin , Yang Bin
Published: November 2022

Considerable efforts had been devoted to investigating numerically the droplet impact dynamics on a superhydrophobic surface, whereas most of these numerical simulations were restricted to the two-dimensional (2D) axisymmetric coordinate system with the one-dimensional (1D) substrate surface. In this work, a three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, which intergrew a 2D random rough surface, was proposed to investigate the droplet impact dynamics, and the multi-phase flow issue was solved by the Navier–Stokes equations. It is remarkable that the 3D CFD model revealed several significant dynamic details that were not easily captured in a 2D axisymmetric coordinate system or practical experiments. For instance, the 3D CFD model provided a unique perspective to understand the varying dynamic behaviors of impinged droplet in terms of the velocity streamline and dynamic viscosity analyses. Herein, the dynamic viscosity diagram revealed that the sprawl droplet on the 2D random rough surface was classified as the Cassie state, while as the Wenzel state for the smooth surface, which also explained the better bouncing behaviors of the droplet from the random rough surface. Accordingly, we suggested a visual way to evaluate the solid–liquid contact area surrounded by the triple-phase contact line. The effects of finger protrusion and central cavity growth from the sprawl droplet on the vortex generation were further analyzed on the ground of the velocity amplitude distribution and streamline data. The present work can provide early guidance to inquire into the impact dynamics of droplets on the random rough surface.
Shear induced tuning and memory effects in colloidal gels of rods and spheres
Authors: Das Mohan , Petekidis George
Published: November 2022

Shear history plays an important role in determining the linear and nonlinear rheological response of colloidal gels and can be used for tuning their structure and flow properties. Increasing the colloidal particle aspect ratio lowers the critical volume fraction for gelation due to an increase in the particle excluded volume. Using a combination of rheology and confocal microscopy, we investigate the effect of steady and oscillatory preshear history on the structure and rheology of colloidal gels formed by silica spheres and rods of length L and diameter D (L/D = 10) dispersed in 11 M CsCl solution. We use a non-dimensional Mason number, Mn (=Fvisc./Fattr.), to compare the effect of steady and oscillatory preshear on gel viscoelasticity. We show that after preshearing at intermediate Mn, attractive sphere gel exhibits strengthening, whereas attractive rod gel exhibits weakening. Rheo-imaging of gels of attractive rods shows that at intermediate Mn, oscillatory preshear induces large compact rod clusters in the gel microstructure, compared to steady preshear. Our study highlights the impact of particle shape on gel structuring under flow and viscoelasticity after shear cessation.
Deciphering the effects of electrolyte concentration on the performance of lithium batteries by correlative surface characterization
Authors: Li Shiwen , Zhang Guohui , Meng Caixia , Wang Chao , Li Xianjin , Liu Hanbing , Ning Yanxiao , Fu Qiang
Published: November 2022

The formation of solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and lithium ion intercalation are two crucial processes in lithium ion batteries. Given the complexity and challenges involved in investigating real batteries, a combination of model batteries comprising well-defined ultrathin graphite electrodes with surface-sensitive techniques can provide valuable information on these processes. Here, a comparative study of the performance of batteries using regular- and high-concentration electrolytes (RCE and HCE) is presented, aided by a myriad of correlative surface science techniques. It is found that the SEI formed in HCE possesses a thinner organic layer and more inorganic substances. Such an effective SEI protects the graphite electrode and facilitates the processes of Li+ intercalation/deintercalation, thereby improving the reversibility and cycling stability of the battery, superior to those with RCE. Moreover, the battery performance can be readily tuned by switching the electrolytes. The good cycling stability of the battery can still be maintained in RCE after the preformation of a robust SEI on the ultrathin graphite electrode in HCE. This work highlights the importance of electrolyte-modulated SEI formation to battery performance and provides powerful platforms to comprehensively study the SEI formation and ion intercalation processes.
Within-individual changes reveal increasing social selectivity with age in rhesus macaques
Authors: Siracusa Erin R. , Negron-Del Valle Josué E. , Phillips Daniel , Platt Michael L. , Higham James P. , Snyder-Mackler Noah , Brent Lauren J. N.
Published: November 2022

Accumulating evidence in humans and other mammals suggests older individuals tend to have smaller social networks. Uncovering the cause of these declines can inform how changes in social relationships with age affect health and fitness in later life. While age-based declines in social networks have been thought to be detrimental, physical and physiological limitations associated with age may lead older individuals to adjust their social behavior and be more selective in partner choice. Greater selectivity with age has been shown in humans, but the extent to which this phenomenon occurs across the animal kingdom remains an open question. Using longitudinal data from a population of rhesus macaques on Cayo Santiago, we provide compelling evidence in a nonhuman animal for within-individual increases in social selectivity with age. Our analyses revealed that adult female macaques actively reduced the size of their networks as they aged and focused on partners previously linked to fitness benefits, including kin and partners to whom they were strongly and consistently connected earlier in life. Females spent similar amounts of time socializing as they aged, suggesting that network shrinkage does not result from lack of motivation or ability to engage, nor was this narrowing driven by the deaths of social partners. Furthermore, females remained attractive companions and were not isolated by withdrawal of social partners. Taken together, our results provide rare empirical evidence for social selectivity in nonhumans, suggesting that patterns of increasing selectivity with age may be deeply rooted in primate evolution.
A morphosyntactic and morphosemantic analysis of the Malay fear lexeme
Authors: Chung Siaw-Fong
Published: November 2022

For Malay, when no contextual clues are given, a lexical form can be confusing because sometimes it can have more than one meaning. We postulated that most confusing meanings can be disambiguated through observing their morphosyntactic and morphosemantic structures. We used corpus data and analyzed the possible features of takut ‘fear’ that can help decide which form of takut in Malay to choose. If a default lexical verb meaning is intended (i.e., the original meaning), the feature [Experiencer-(Stimulus)] is needed and the takut
(v) form is used. If a causative meaning is intended, the men-(t)akut-kan form is used. If a passive meaning is intended, there are some possibilities, as the choice could depend on the syntax of the passive form, such as whether the [Experiencer] is a first- or second-person pronoun (e.g., benda itu saya takut-i ‘the thing feared by me’) or other pronouns (e.g., benda itu paling di-takut-i oleh-nya ‘that thing feared most by him/her’) or whether an adversative meaning is intended ([ke- -an] form). We propose that both the morphosyntactic and morphosemantic structures of takut need to be considered to better understand the use of the different meanings of Malay derived and inflected forms.
Locusts and grasshoppers: nutritional value, harvesting and rearing for animal feed, and other applications
Authors: Makkar Harinder , Heuzé Valérie , Tran Gilles
Published: November 2022

Locusts may cause massive destruction of crops and pastures and adversely affect livelihoods and food security of farmers and pastoralists. Like other insects, locusts and grasshoppers are rich in protein (50–65% in dry matter) and their essential amino acid composition is good. In the diets of poultry, pigs and fish, replacement of up to 25% of the conventional protein-rich feed resources such as soymeal and fishmeal is possible with these insects. The main constraint in their use as animal feed is the presence of insecticides, sprayed for controlling outbreaks. Insecticide-free locusts and grasshoppers must only be used as a feed. Locusts and grasshoppers rearing techniques have not been upscaled and hence their mass rearing for use as animal feed is not possible currently; however, several harvesting approaches are available, which have been discussed. These approaches could be adapted for mass harvesting of locusts and grasshoppers for use as animal feed. The opportunity of using these field-harvested insects has been ignored so far by various agencies. An integrated approach that strategically uses insecticides and employs mass harvesting techniques must be considered to control these pests and to use them as animal feed and human food. The insecticide-sprayed locusts and grasshoppers could be composted for use as a fertilizer. Other industrial uses of locusts and grasshoppers are also presented. The information contained in this paper would enhance knowledge of government and non-government agencies on the use of locusts and grasshoppers (not sprayed with pesticide) as animal feed and safe human food.
Assessing the sustainability of silvopasture systems
Authors: Shi Xinyuan , Conway-Anderson Ashley
Published: November 2022

As the negative effects of conventional agricultural practices on ecosystems intensify, discourse is turning to more sustainable production systems. Silvopasture, an agroecological practice involving the integration of trees, forage, and livestock, has been proposed as one option to enhance agroecological and community resiliency in the face of climate change. Considerable research has been published on silvopasture systems but attempts to summarize the ecological, productive, and social trade-offs of these systems in review format are few or limited to one dimension of sustainability. In order to fill this gap, a systematic review was carried out, and 267 peer-reviewed publications on silvopasture and other integrated pastoral systems were compiled. Although definitions of sustainability vary, the findings from those publications are summarized according to the three broadest categories: environmental impacts, economics and performance, and social implications for the longevity of these systems. We hope that the information presented in this article will deepen the discourse around silvopasture sustainability, highlight gaps in our understanding, and call attention to endangered traditional silvopasture systems across the globe.
Theoretical study of Cr2X3S3 (X = Br, I) monolayers for thermoelectric and spin caloritronics properties
Authors: Rana Ajay Partap Singh , Bera Chandan
Published: November 2022

High curie temperature 2D materials are important for the progress of the field of spin caloritronics. The spin Seebeck effect and conventional thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) can give a great insight into how these 2D magnetic materials will perform in spin caloritronics applications. Here in this paper, we have systematically studied 2D Janus monolayers based on CrX3 monolayers. We obtain a ZT of 0.31 and 0.21 for the Cr2Br3S3 and Cr2I3S3 Janus monolayers. The spin Seebeck coefficient obtained at room temperature is also very high (∼1570 μVK−1 in the hole-doped region and ∼1590 μ VK−1 in the electron-doped region). The thermal conductivity of these monolayers (∼22 Wm−1 K−1 for Cr2Br3S3 and ∼16 Wm−1 K−1 for Cr2I3S3) are also very similar to other 2D semiconductor transition metals chalcogenides. These findings suggest a high potential for these monolayers in the spin caloritronics field.
Effect of off-axis bending on microstructural and transport properties of coated conductor tape
Authors: Ries R , Gömöry F , Mošať M , Kujovič T , Hintze C , Gil P
Published: November 2022

In this work, the changes in the microstructural and DC transport properties of coated conductor tape, deformed in helical form during the manufacturing of a round cable, were studied. The superconducting layer experienced both outward (‘OUT’) and inward (‘IN’) bending with respect to the round core (rod) at various lay angles and former diameters. The microstructure of a rare-earth barium copper oxide (REBCO) surface was observed using a scanning electron microscope. Direct transport measurements in liquid nitrogen were used to investigate the influence of the bending parameters on the DC transport properties. In the OUT configuration, cracks on the REBCO surface were formed at a diameter of 9 mm or less at a lay angle of 45°. The critical current of the tape started to degrade at a diameter of 10 mm or less. The investigation showed that cracks are formed in the direction following the rod axis. In the IN configuration, the measurements were performed at lay angles of 25°, 30°, 38°, 45°, 52° and 60°. The highest critical current retention and the lowest degree of damage on the REBCO layer were observed at a lay angle of 30°; in particular, the critical current visibly degraded at diameters as small as 3 mm, and defects were visibly observed at diameters of 2 mm. At lay angles higherthan 30°, the critical current degraded sooner (at higher diameters), and an increased density of defects in the form of ‘protrusion lines’ was observed. We found that the protrusion lines followed the preferential cleavage direction at approximately 80° to the tape length, independently of the lay angle used. By using a lay angle lower than 30°, the critical current degraded sooner; no protrusion lines were observed, but cracks were formed at the tape edges. For both bending configurations, the lower former diameters led to a higher density of defects on the REBCO surfaces accompanied by the degradation of superconducting properties.
Investigating emission characteristics and plasma properties in a long-pulse magnetically insulated coaxial diode with different cathode materials
Authors: Zhu Danni , Cui Yancheng , Meng Jin , Yuan Yuzhang , Wang Haitao , Han Jiangfeng
Published: November 2022

Magnetically insulated coaxial diodes are widely used in O-type high power microwave device for intensive annular electron beam generation. This study reports on a series of electrical and optical measurements on a long-pulse magnetically insulated coaxial diodes in which the emission characteristics and the plasma properties were observed. The impact of cathode material, blade angle, diode voltage and guiding magnetic field on the emission characteristics and the plasma properties of six types of annular cathodes were studied. Two configurations of these cathodes have been used, one with a sharp edge for aluminum, bronze, graphite, stainless-steel, silicon-aluminum alloy and another metal–dielectric. The impressing diode performance was achieved with the metal-dielectric cathode characterized on the excellent emission characteristics and plasma properties. Moreover, high voltage and small blade angle are beneficial to the emission capability and emission uniformity. For the cathode with smaller blade angle, its axial plasma expansion velocity is smaller during the pulse plateau. The strong magnetic field or the large diode voltage is confirmed to reduce the axial and radial expansion velocities.
Investigation of structural, morphological, electric modulus, AC conductivity characteristics, and validation of software-based simulated impedance/material parameters of bicomponent Co-Al doped Ba-Sr ferrites
Authors: Aherrao Disha Sunil , Singh Charanjeet , Mathe V L , Maji Pradip K , Srivastava A K
Published: November 2022

In this report, Co2+ and Al3+ doped M-type Ba-Sr hexagonal ferrite has been synthesized using sol-gel method. The crystal structure and grain morphology have been examined by x-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). The optical band gap of the prepared compositions was determined by ultra violet visible spectroscopy (UV–vis). The dielectric, impedance, electric modulus, and conductivity characteristics have been investigated by an impedance analyzer at room temperature. The structural parameters confirmed the formation of an M-type hexagonal crystal structure along with traces of spinel and magnetite phase. The doping Co2+/Al3+ manifests the contraction of the unit cell accompanied by a reduction in lattice constants at a large doping level. The grain morphology revealed a change in grain shape with doping and the formation of needle-shaped as well as hexagonal-shaped grains. The study of the dielectric spectrum exhibited a doping-dependent decrease in dielectric constant and an increase in loss tangent. The electric modulus spectra confirmed the non-Debye type behavior of the material and conductivity relaxation was exhibited in conjunction with different relaxation times. Both relaxation time and ac conductivity decreased with an increase in doping content. The simulated complex impedance curves using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) software are in agreement with the measured impedance values of prepared compositions. The observed trend in calculated grain and grain boundary parameters is in agreement with the grain/grain boundary distribution depicted in micrographs.
The chemical states and electronic states of layered carbide superconductor ThMo2Si2C
Authors: Tian Qingyin , Wang Cao , Wang Xin , Du Xiangmin , Duan Qingchen , Tan Shugang , Liu Shaohua , Xu Chenhang , Hu Jiayuan , Lu Qi , Liu Shasha , Jing Qiang , Li Ping , Qian Dong
Published: November 2022

Understanding the chemical states and electronic states of superconducting materials can help researchers to grasp their superconducting mechanisms. Then, through doping, high pressure or other methods, the T
c
(Critical Temperature) can be boosted. Recently, a new layered carbide superconductor ThMo2Si2C was discovered. Its chemical states and electronic states are unknown. Here, the chemical states of ThMo2Si2C are investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy assisted with argon ion sputtering and Raman spectroscopy. The physical significance behind them is elucidated. Its electronic states are investigated by first-principles calculations. It is found that the major contribution to the total DOS (Density of States) is from Mo 4d state, which plays the dominant role in the superconductivity of ThMo2Si2C. The hybridization between Th 6d and Mo 4d is very weak. Thus, a separation of the structure into independent Mo-C-Si and Th subunits (layers) is justified from the point of view of electronic structure. A flat band along the A-M high-symmetry direction is observed near the Fermi level. The influence of the interlayer distance between Mo-C-Si units (layers) on the DOS and band structure is investigated by first-principles calculations too.
Tuning the structure and transport properties of complex plasmas using electric field
Authors: Shakoori Muhammad Asif , He Maogang , Shahzad Aamir , Khan Misbah
Published: November 2022

In this work, we explored the effects of uniaxial (M

z
) and biaxial (M

xy
) ac electric fields on the structure and transport properties of complex (dusty) plasmas (CDPs) using molecular dynamics simulations. Structures are analyzed using two diagnostic methods, one is lattice correlation function ψ(τ) and the second is radial distribution function g(r) under the influence of M

z
and M

xy
, respectively. The Green–Kubo (G-K) method has been used to compute the shear viscosity (η

xy
) in the M

xy
ac electric field. The diffusive behavior of dust particles is investigated using G-K and Einstein methods in M

z
. In the limits of the varying electric field, these properties of CDPs are accounted for an appropriate range of plasma Coulomb coupling (Γ) and constant Debye screening strength (κ = 0.50) parameters with different system sizes. The simulation outcomes of ψ(τ) and g(r) indicate that the phase transition phenomena occur in CDPs with the variations of M

z
, M

xy
and Γ. The η

xy
and diffusion coefficients significantly increase with increasing parallel electric fields. The subdiffusion motion for short-time behavior and superdiffusion motion for long-time behavior is observed in the presence of moderate to strong electric field strengths. It is revealed that the phase transition and changes in the transports properties of CDPs significantly depend on the strength of the external electric field and plasma parameter (Γ). Novel regimes are observed where CDPs quickly respond to the external electric field. Simulation results are outstanding in the combined effects of Yukawa and anisotropic wake potential on CDPs structural and transport properties. Simulation results demonstrate that the CDPs have electrorheological characteristics. Due to these unique properties, electrorheological CDPs may be used as a platform to study the electrorheological aspects of soft matter. There is a possibility that CDPs will be used as electrorheological material in the near future.
APERO: A PipelinE to Reduce Observations—Demonstration with SPIRou
Authors: Cook Neil James , Artigau Étienne , Doyon René , Hobson Melissa , Martioli Eder , Bouchy François , Moutou Claire , Carmona Andres , Usher Chris , Fouqué Pascal , Arnold Luc , Delfosse Xavier , Boisse Isabelle , Cadieux Charles , Vandal Thomas , Donati Jean-François , Deslières Ariane
Published: November 2022

With the maturation of near-infrared high-resolution spectroscopy, especially when used for precision radial velocity, data reduction has faced unprecedented challenges in terms of how one goes from raw data to calibrated, extracted, and corrected data with required precisions of thousandths of a pixel. Here we present A PipelinE to Reduce Observations (apero), specifically focused on Spectro Polarimètre Infra ROUge (SPIRou), the near-infrared spectropolarimeter on the Canada–France–Hawaii Telescope (SPectropolarimètre InfraROUge, CFHT). In this paper, we give an overview of apero and detail the reduction procedure for SPIRou. apero delivers telluric-corrected 2D and 1D spectra as well as polarimetry products. apero enables precise stable radial velocity measurements on the sky (via the LBL algorithm), which is good to at least ∼2 m s−1 over the current 5 yr lifetime of SPIRou.
Fabrication and Performance of Lobster Eye X-Ray Micro Pore Optics with the Ultra-high Aspect Ratio
Authors: Li Longhui , Zhang Yingjun , Ouyang Mingzhao , Wang Jian , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Chen , Ling Zhixing , Fang Jinyong , Fu Yuegang
Published: November 2022

Since the idea of bionic Lobster eye micropore optics was put forward, the possibility of focusing hard X-rays by this new lightweight X-ray optics has been proposed. Limited by the technological conditions of the aspect ratio (≥500), low surface roughness (≤1 nm) and the difficulty of applying metal coatings inside such narrow square channels, the high quality of these new optics have not been realized. This work demonstrates the test results for an Ultra-high aspect ratio (500:1) of iridium-coated with microchannel plate technology and atomic layer deposition technology. The sidewalls of the square channel are smoothed with a special acid-base treatment and the Root-Mean-Square of the inner wall was 0.52 ± 0.1 nm in 3 μm × 3 μm scale roughness, such that they work well as X-ray mirrors. The thickness of the metal iridium film layer was 19 nm. At the working voltage of 2 kV, the current was 0.1 mA and the angular resolution of the slumped chip in horizontal and vertical directions was 3.′9 and 4.′2, respectively. The simulation results were in good agreement with the X-ray test results.
Unsupervised Galaxy Morphological Visual Representation with Deep Contrastive Learning
Authors: Wei Shoulin , Li Yadi , Lu Wei , Li Nan , Liang Bo , Dai Wei , Zhang Zhijian
Published: November 2022

Galaxy morphology reflects structural properties that contribute to the understanding of the formation and evolution of galaxies. Deep convolutional networks have proven to be very successful in learning hidden features that allow for unprecedented performance in the morphological classification of galaxies. Such networks mostly follow the supervised learning paradigm, which requires sufficient labeled data for training. However, the labeling of a million galaxies is an expensive and complicated process, particularly for forthcoming survey projects. In this paper, we present an approach, based on contrastive learning, with aim of learning galaxy morphological visual representation using only unlabeled data. Considering the properties of low semantic information and contour dominated of galaxy images, the feature extraction layer of the proposed method incorporates vision transformers and a convolutional network to provide rich semantic representation via the fusion of multi-hierarchy features. We train and test our method on three classifications of data sets from Galaxy Zoo 2 and SDSS-DR17, and four classifications from Galaxy Zoo DECaLS. The testing accuracy achieves 94.7%, 96.5% and 89.9%, respectively. The experiment of cross validation demonstrates our model possesses transfer and generalization ability when applied to new data sets. The code that reveals our proposed method and pretrained models are publicly available and can be easily adapted to new surveys.
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https://github.com/kustcn/galaxy_contrastive
Reverse auction protocol based on quantum teleportation
Authors: Li Li-Bo , Chen Fa-Xi , Zhao Kan
Published: November 2022

Reverse auction is a revolutionary procurement technology, widely used in enterprises and governments, which can increase purchasing transparency and reduce purchasing costs. In this paper, we combine reverse auction with quantum theory and propose a novel protocol that guarantees security by adopting quantum teleportation, quantum key distribution and so on. This protocol also has the properties of anonymity of supplier, verifiability, disavowal impossibility and traceability, properties that ensure the fairness of transactions. The analysis results show that the protocol is simple, high performing and reliable. We hope that it will be applied in real life.
Attosecond spectroscopy for filming the ultrafast movies of atoms, molecules and solids
Authors: He Lixin , Zhu Xiaosong , Cao Wei , Lan Pengfei , Lu Peixiang
Published: November 2022

Three decades ago, a highly nonlinear nonpertubative phenomenon, now well-known as the high harmonic generation (HHG), was discovered when intense laser irradiates gaseous atoms. As the HHG produces broadband coherent radiation, it becomes the most promising source to obtain attosecond pulses. The door to the attosecond science was opened ever since. In this review, we will revisit the incredible adventure to the attoworld. Firstly, the progress of attosecond pulse generation is outlined. Then, we introduce the efforts on imaging the structures or filming the ultrafast dynamics of nuclei and electrons with unprecedented attosecond temporal and Angstrom spatial resolutions, utilizing the obtained attosecond pulses as well as the high harmonic spectrum itself.
The Innovative FEL design by the CompactLight Collaboration
Authors: Gazis N , Bignami A , Trachanas E , Alexopoulos T , Telali I , Apostolopoulos T , Pramatari K , Karagiannaki A , Kotsopoulos D , Gazis E , Bandekas D V
Published: November 2022

The innovative FEL design by the CompactLight Collaboration is briefly presented. The major contribution of our team, mainly from Greece cooperating with the team of ESS-ERIC, is emphasised to the material selection of the proper photocathode illuminated with the relevant laser, the magnet and solenoid design of the injector for optimum beam conditions, the 3D CAD model design of the baseline FEL facility including the machine, the tunnel, the beam dump and the experimental hall. Additionally, the exploitation assets of the project with the transfer technology are presented.
Sterile neutrino from D-brane models
Authors: Kokorelis Christos
Published: November 2022

We discuss the appearance of sterile neutrino in D-brane models. In the simplest case, the sterile neutrino (SN) appears from a 5-stack intersecting D6-brane model with a gauged baryon number. SM is mixed with a single generation of left handed active neutrinos and a right handed neutrino.
Integration and commissioning of the ATLAS Tile Demonstrator Module for Run 3
Authors: Tlou H.
Published: November 2022

The electronics of the Tile Calorimeter at the ATLAS experiment will be replaced for the HL-LHC. The TileCal Phase-II upgrade project has undertaken an extensive R&D program. A Demonstrator module containing the upgraded on-detector readout electronics was built in 2014, evaluated in seven test beam campaigns, and inserted into one of the Tile Calorimeter modules at the ATLAS experiment in 2019. The module also provides backward compatibility of the Demonstrator module with the present ATLAS systems. We present the current status and test results from the Demonstrator module currently running at ATLAS.
First demonstration of on-chip interpolation using a single photon counting microstrip detector
Authors: Bergamaschi A. , Andrä M. , Barten R. , Baruffaldi F. , Brückner M. , Carulla M. , Chiriotti S. , Dinapoli R. , Fröjdh E. , Greiffenberg D. , Hasanaj S. , Heymes J. , Hinger V. , Kozlowski P. , Cuenca C.L. , Mezza D. , Mozzanica A. , Moustakas K. , Ruder C. , Schmitt B. , Thattil D. , Zhang J.
Published: November 2022

Despite being used in many X-ray applications, hybrid single photon counting detectors are limited in spatial resolution due to the diffusion of the charge produced by single photons between neighboring electronic channels, also called charge sharing. In this work, we demonstrate that on-chip interpolation can be used to improve the effective spatial resolution in a single photon counting detector without increasing the number and density of interconnects between the sensor and the readout electronics. We describe a digital communication scheme between neighboring channels exploiting charge sharing to obtain a spatial resolution better than the channel pitch, which has been implemented for the first time in the MYTHEN III microstrip detector. The interpolation is achieved directly on-chip at the time the photons are absorbed, limiting the data throughput and the computational effort and allowing a higher photon flux compared to interpolation using analog detectors. Here we show the first results obtained with this interpolation mechanism, characterizing the spatial resolution in terms of modulation transfer function. The spatial resolution of the 50 μm pitch MYTHEN III microstrip detector can be improved from the 20 lp/mm given by the physical strip pitch to an average resolution of approximately 30 lp/mm using the interpolation method.
Regional differences in the response of California’s rangeland production to climate and future projection
Authors: Liu Han , Jin Yufang , Roche Leslie M , O’Geen Anthony T , Dahlgren Randy A
Published: November 2022

Rangelands support many important ecosystem services and are highly sensitive to climate change. Understanding temporal dynamics in rangeland gross primary production (GPP) and how it may change under projected future climate, including more frequent and severe droughts, is critical for ranching communities to cope with future changes. Herein, we examined how climate regulates the interannual variability of GPP in California’s diverse annual rangeland, based on the contemporary records of satellite derived GPP at 500 m resolution since 2001. We built Gradient Boosted Regression Tree models for 23 ecoregion subsections, relating annual GPP with 30 climatic variables, to disentangle the partial dependence of GPP on each climate variable. The machine learning results showed that GPP was most sensitive to growing season (GS) precipitation, with a reduction in GPP up to 200 g cm−2 yr−1 when GS precipitation decreased from 400 to 100 mm yr−1 in one of the driest subsections. We also found that years with more evenly distributed GS precipitation had higher GPP. Warmer winter minimum air temperature enhanced GPP in approximately two-thirds of the subsections. In contrast, average GS air temperatures showed a negative relationship with annual GPP. When the pre-trained models were forced by downscaled future climate projections, changes in the predicted rangeland productivity by mid- and end of century were more remarkable at the ecoregion subsection scale than at the state level. Our machine learning-based analysis highlights key regional differences in GPP vulnerability to climate and provides insights on the intertwining and potentially counteracting effects of seasonal temperature and precipitation regimes. This work demonstrates the potential of using remote sensing to enhance field-based rangeland monitoring and, combined with machine learning, to inform adaptive management and conservation within the context of weather extremes and climate change.
Empirical evidence for multidecadal scale global atmospheric electric circuit modulation by the El Niño-Southern Oscillation
Authors: Harrison R Giles , Nicoll Keri A , Joshi Manoj , Hawkins Ed
Published: November 2022

The El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) modifies precipitation patterns across the planet. Charge separation in disturbed weather and thunderstorms drives the global atmospheric electric circuit (GEC), hence ENSO-induced precipitation changes are anticipated to affect the global circuit. By analysing historical atmospheric electricity data using a new data processing procedure based on the Carnegie curve, signals correlated with ENSO sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies are revealed. These demonstrate a persistent ENSO-GEC relationship for the majority of the twentieth century, in potential gradient data from Lerwick, Shetland and Watheroo, W. Australia. The recovered data is weighted towards the first half of the UTC day, giving a GEC sensitivity up to ∼5% °C−1 of SST anomaly in the Niño 3.4 and 4 regions of the Pacific Ocean. Transferring ENSO variability by electrical means represents an unexplored teleconnection, for example, through proposed GEC effects on stratiform cloud microphysics. The strong ENSO-GEC relationship also provides a quality test for historical atmospheric electricity data, and encourages their use in reducing SST reconstruction uncertainties.