bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
M3S-Net: multi-modality multi-branch multi-self-attention network with structure-promoting loss for low-dose PET/CT enhancement
Authors: Wang Dong , Jiang Chong , He Jian , Teng Yue , Qin Hourong , Liu Jijun , Yang Xiaoping
Published: December 2023

Objective. PET (Positron Emission Tomography) inherently involves radiotracer injections and long scanning time, which raises concerns about the risk of radiation exposure and patient comfort. Reductions in radiotracer dosage and acquisition time can lower the potential risk and improve patient comfort, respectively, but both will also reduce photon counts and hence degrade the image quality. Therefore, it is of interest to improve the quality of low-dose PET images. Approach. A supervised multi-modality deep learning model, named M3S-Net, was proposed to generate standard-dose PET images (60 s per bed position) from low-dose ones (10 s per bed position) and the corresponding CT images. Specifically, we designed a multi-branch convolutional neural network with multi-self-attention mechanisms, which first extracted features from PET and CT images in two separate branches and then fused the features to generate the final generated PET images. Moreover, a novel multi-modality structure-promoting term was proposed in the loss function to learn the anatomical information contained in CT images. Main results. We conducted extensive numerical experiments on real clinical data collected from local hospitals. Compared with state-of-the-art methods, the proposed M3S-Net not only achieved higher objective metrics and better generated tumors, but also performed better in preserving edges and suppressing noise and artifacts. Significance. The experimental results of quantitative metrics and qualitative displays demonstrate that the proposed M3S-Net can generate high-quality PET images from low-dose ones, which are competable to standard-dose PET images. This is valuable in reducing PET acquisition time and has potential applications in dynamic PET imaging.
Effective DBS treatment improves neural information transmission of patients with disorders of consciousness: an fNIRS study
Authors: Shu Zhilin , Wu Jingchao , Lu Jiewei , Li Haitao , Liu Jinrui , Lin Jianeng , Liang Siquan , Wu Jialing , Han Jianda , Yu Ningbo
Published: December 2023

Objective. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is a potential treatment that promotes the recovery of patients with disorders of consciousness (DOC). This study quantified the changes in consciousness and the neuromodulation effect of DBS on patients with DOC. Approach. Eleven patients were recruited for this study which consists of three conditions: ‘Pre’ (two days before DBS surgery), ‘Post-On’ (one month after surgery with stimulation), and ‘Post-Off’ (one month after surgery without stimulation). Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) was recorded from the frontal lobe, parietal lobe, and occipital lobe of patients during the experiment of auditory stimuli paradigm, in parallel with the coma recovery scale-revised (CRS-R) assessment. The brain hemodynamic states were defined and state transition acceleration was taken to quantify the information transmission strength of the brain network. Linear regression analysis was conducted between the changes in regional and global indicators and the changes in the CRS-R index. Main results. Significant correlation was observed between the changes in the global transition acceleration indicator and the changes in the CRS-R index (slope = 55.910, p < 0.001, R
2 = 0.732). For the regional indicators, similar correlations were found between the changes in the frontal lobe and parietal lobe indicators and the changes in the CRS-R index (slope = 46.612, p < 0.01, R
2 = 0.694; slope = 47.491, p < 0.01, R
2 = 0.676). Significance. Our study suggests that fNIRS-based brain hemodynamics transition analysis can signify the neuromodulation effect of DBS treatment on patients with DOC, and the transition acceleration indicator is a promising brain functional marker for DOC.
Identification of MHD modes on EAST using a deep learning framework
Authors: Kong Lingyi , Guo Bihao , Shen Biao , Shi Tonghui , Chen Dalong , Huang Yao , Zhang Qirui , Xiao Bingjia
Published: December 2023

The improvement of plasma parameters is severely limited by magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) instabilities. The identification of MHD modes is crucial for the study and control of MHD instabilities. In this study, an MHD mode identifier is developed based on a temporal convolutional network and long short-term memory (LSTM) network. The identifier is trained and tested on a small dataset containing 33 shots. Firstly, the temporal convolutional network encodes 27 diagnostic signals and then decodes them using LSTM network with different parameters to obtain the MHD modes and their frequency and intensity. The identifier exhibits an accuracy of approximately 98.38% on the test set and can accurately calculate the frequency and intensity of the MHD modes. To further examine the performance of the identifier, seven shots outside the dataset are used for shot-by-shot testing. The identifier can accurately identify the time period of tearing modes, and the identification accuracies of 2/1 and 3/2 tearing modes are 92.7% and 100%, respectively. The identification accuracy of the fishbone mode is slightly worse, only 82.1%. This is because the fishbone mode occurs intermittently. The frequent switching between the fishbone mode and no MHD behavior affects the identification of the fishbone mode. Overall, through the training of the small datasets, the identifier exhibits a good identification performance for the MHD modes. The proposed data-driven identifier can serve as a reference for establishing a large MHD mode database of EAST as well as a real-time MHD identification and control algorithm.
Quantum phase transitions in two-dimensional superconductors: a review on recent experimental progress
Authors: Wang Ziqiao , Liu Yi , Ji Chengcheng , Wang Jian
Published: December 2023

Superconductor–insulator/metal transition (SMT) as a paradigm of quantum phase transition has been a research highlight over the last three decades. Benefit from recent developments in the fabrication and measurements of two-dimensional (2D) superconducting films and nanodevices, unprecedented quantum phenomena have been revealed in the quantum phase transitions of 2D superconductors. In this review, we introduce the recent progress on quantum phase transitions in 2D superconductors, focusing on the quantum Griffiths singularity (QGS) and anomalous metal state. Characterized by a divergent critical exponent when approaching zero temperature, QGS of SMT is discovered in ultrathin crystalline Ga films and subsequently detected in various 2D superconductors. The universality of QGS indicates the profound influence of quenched disorder on quantum phase transitions. Besides, in a 2D superconducting system, whether a metallic ground state can exist is a long-sought mystery. Early experimental studies indicate an intermediate metallic state in the quantum phase transition of 2D superconductors. Recently, in high-temperature superconducting films with patterned nanopores, a robust anomalous metal state (i.e. quantum metal or Bose metal) has been detected, featured as the saturated resistance in the low temperature regime. Moreover, the charge-2e quantum oscillations are observed in nanopatterned films, indicating the bosonic nature of the anomalous metal state and ending the debate on whether bosons can exist as a metal. The evidences of the anomalous metal states have also been reported in crystalline epitaxial thin films and exfoliated nanoflakes, as well as granular composite films. High quality filters are used in these works to exclude the influence of external high frequency noises in ultralow temperature measurements. The observations of QGS and metallic ground states in 2D superconductors not only reveal the prominent role of quantum fluctuations and dissipations but also provide new perspective to explore quantum phase transitions in superconducting systems.
Silicon ultrafast recovery diode with leakage current reduced via the combined lifetime process of gold diffusion and electron-beam irradiation
Authors: Onishi Hideto , Shirai Hajime
Published: December 2023

We investigated the reduction in the reverse-biased leakage current of Si ultrafast recovery diodes via a combined lifetime process involving Au diffusion and bulk electron-beam irradiation (EI). The leakage current of the combined-processed diode was significantly reduced to less than one-third of that of the diode processed solely with Au diffusion, maintaining a similar switching time of 32 ns. This reduction was not achievable with the sole use of EI. Deep-level transient spectroscopy revealed that the reduction in the leakage current was due to the coexistence of the deep trap level of Au (E
c-0.51 eV) and the shallow trap level of the defects (E
c-0.39 eV) generated via EI as lifetime killers. By combining the deep and shallow trap levels, the lifetime of the carriers generated in the depletion layer of the reverse-biased p-n junction becomes long and consequently, the leakage current is reduced. By maintaining the trap density ratio of defects to diffused Au above 0.28, the leakage current was reduced to less than one-third of that in the solely Au-diffused diode, while maintaining a similar switching time.
Epitaxial growth of high-quality Ge layers on Si with Ge2H6 under UHV-CVD conditions
Authors: Xie Changjiang , Li Yue , Xu Chi , Wang Yixin , Cong Hui , Xue Chunlai
Published: December 2023

Epitaxial growth of Ge films on Si(100) substrates has been studied under ultra-high vacuum chemical vapor deposition (CVD) conditions by using digermane (Ge2H6) as the precursor. It was found out that high quality layers with thicknesses beyond 500 nm could be produced at complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor compatible conditions, demonstrating low defect density, sharp and narrow x-ray diffraction peaks, as well as room temperature photoluminescence around 1550 nm. The surface roughness values are comparable to prior reduced pressure CVD results at similar growth temperatures. By employing higher growth temperatures, growth rates are significantly enhanced, resulting in much thicker layers beyond 2000 nm. Smoother sample surface could also be obtained, yielding a state-of-the-art surface root-mean-square roughness value of 0.34 nm for the as-grown sample. At the same time, after being annealed at 750 °C for 20 min, the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of x-ray diffraction 004 rocking curve spectrum of the Ge layer is as low as 88 arcseconds, which stands the best among all Ge/Si samples. The current work has provided important reference for Ge/Si growth with Ge2H6 in low pressure regime and solidified material grounding for Ge-based optoelectronics and Si photonics.
Vascular adaptation model from force balance: Physarum polycephalum as a case study
Authors: Marbach Sophie , Ziethen Noah , Alim Karen
Published: December 2023

Understanding vascular adaptation, namely what drives veins to shrink or grow, is key for the self-organization of flow networks and their optimization. From the top–down principle of minimizing flow dissipation at a fixed metabolic cost within flow networks, flow shear rate resulting from the flows pervading veins is hypothesized to drive vein adaptation. Yet, there is no proposed mechanism of how flow forces impact vein dynamics. From the physical principle of force balance, shear rate acts parallel to vein walls, and hence, naively shear rate could only stretch veins and not dilate or shrink them. We, here, resolve this paradox by theoretically investigating force balance on a vein wall in the context of the vascular network of the model organism Physarum polycephalum. We propose, based on previous mechanical studies of cross-linked gels, that shear induces a nonlinear, orthogonal response of the actomyosin gel making up vein walls, that can indeed drive vein dilatation. Furthermore, our force balance approach allows us to identify that shear feedback occurs with a typical timescale and with a typical target shear rate that are not universal properties of the material but instead depend smoothly on the vein’s location within the network. In particular, the target shear rate is related to the vein’s hydrostatic pressure, which highlights the role of pressure in vascular adaptation in this context. Finally, since our derivation is based on force balance and fluid mechanics, we believe our approach can be extended, giving attention to specific differences, to describe vascular adaptation in other organisms.
Superconducting pump manipulated by non-topologically quasi and topological interface states
Authors: Ding Zixuan , Wang Sake , Li Mengyao , Tao Yongchun , Wang Jun
Published: December 2023

We propose an adiabatic superconducting charge pump based on massive Dirac electrons. A superconductor is sandwiched in between two pumping sources, which are formed by introducing the time-dependent and out-of-phase staggered potentials in graphene as pumping parameters. The pump is shown to be characterized by not only the topological interface state (TIS) but also the non-topologically quasi interface state (QIS). Hereafter, our attention is focused on the pumping currents

I

L

NR

and

I

L

AR

from the normal and Andreev reflections, respectively, which predominate by making the electron energy reside in the effective energy gap. It is found that modulating the energy E, superconductor length L
0, and pumping source length

L

P

results in the considerable variation of competitive behaviors between

I

L

NR

and

I

L

AR

. In particular, the reversal effect of current direction can be realized by tuning

L

P

. More interestingly, the current-phase relationship exhibits the platform behaviors, which can be manipulated by

L

P

and the pumping strength. All the above pumping properties are attributed to the adiabatic evolution of TIS and non-topologically QIS, particularly the conversion between each other is the crucial origin. We also obtain the quantized pumping current by adjusting

L

P

and L
0, and present the corresponding qualitative explanation through the pumping contour circled by the two parameters. In addition, we discuss the features of pumping current based on the armchair graphene as well.
Continuous-time quantum harmonic oscillator state engineering
Authors: García Herrera E , Torres-Leal F , Rodríguez-Lara B M
Published: December 2023

The center of mass motion of trapped ions and neutral atoms is suitable for approximation by a time-dependent driven quantum harmonic oscillator whose frequency and driving strength may be controlled with high precision. We show the time evolution for these systems with continuous differentiable time-dependent parameters in terms of the three basic operations provided by its underlying symmetry, rotation, displacement, and squeezing, using a Lie algebraic approach. Our factorization of the dynamics allows for the intuitive construction of protocols for state engineering, for example, creating and removing displacement and squeezing, as well as their combinations, optimizing squeezing, or more complex protocols that work for slow and fast rates of change in the oscillator parameters.
Color image ROI encryption algorithm based on a novel 4D hyperchaotic system
Authors: Wang Lujie , Chen Zhong , Sun Xiyu , He Chenchen
Published: December 2023

The significance of safeguarding the security of image information has escalated significantly, owing to the exponential proliferation of digital images containing sensitive information being disseminated on the Internet. In this paper, we first propose a novel 4D hyperchaotic system and design a new image encryption algorithm in conjunction with the hyperchaotic system. The algorithm uses a split random swap permutation method to permute the image and combines the S-box to diffuse the image. To improve the diffusivity of this encryption algorithm, a cross-random diffusion method is designed to diffuse the image again. Then, we propose a region of interest (ROI) encryption scheme for images. This scheme can automatically identify irregular privacy targets in images and encrypt them. To ensure the security of the region of interest location information during transmission, the scheme compresses the location information of the privacy target using a run-length encoding technique and then embeds the compressed data into the ciphertext image using reversible steganography based on histogram shift. The experimental results and security analysis unequivocally demonstrate that the image encryption algorithm proposed in this paper exhibits robust resistance against a wide array of attacks, thereby ensuring a high level of security. Additionally, the devised image ROI encryption scheme effectively safeguards diverse privacy targets.
Matter bounce scenario in matter geometry coupled theory
Authors: Suzuki T , Almutairi Bander , Aman H
Published: December 2023

This paper studies the cosmographic and matter bounce scenario in modified theory. The corresponding field equations are evaluated after considering special corrections of a Hubble parameter. The linear corrections to the Gauss-Bonnet gravity are being taken to analyze the behavior of Hubble and deceleration parameters. We derive dynamical parameters in a very general way to analyze different energy conditions that would lead to understanding the behavior of the equation of state parameters in cosmography. Finally, the removal of the initial singularity is observed to understand the late-time cosmic acceleration.
General relativity and background Lorentz transformations solve Supplee's submarine paradox
Authors: Karkout Osama
Published: December 2023

A submarine moving at relativistic horizontal velocity sinks in Earth's rest frame due to length contraction while appearing to float in its own frame. Using spacetime geometry and the Lorentz transformations, we show that the resolution lies in how metric components transform between reference frames in relative motion. This solution frees us from assumptions made in previous studies on how a Newtonian gravitational force should transform. The method of background Lorentz transformations is technically simpler than previous treatments in the framework of general relativity. Moreover, we find a novel and intuitive understanding of the paradox, and correct an erroneous expression for the gravitational force obtained by Supplee and used again in the literature.
Theory of
k⃗⋅p⃗
electronic structure and effective masses of ultra-wide bandgap wurtzite aluminum nitride
Authors: Tripathi Gouri S
Published: December 2023

I develop a

k

⃗

·

p

⃗

theory of electronic structure for wurtzite(W)-Aluminium Nitride, based on the three uppermost valence bands and the lowest conduction band at the Γ-point. As distinguished from the Chuang-Chang approach [9], where the

k

⃗

·

p

⃗

Hamiltonian is diagonalised considering all the bands, through an

8
×
8

matrix, I follow a different procedure. In my approach, initially I follow a two-band approximation for the

k

⃗

·

p

⃗

matrix, where the

k

⃗

·

p

⃗

Hamiltonian is diagonalised by treating the conduction band and each of the valence bands separately. Thus, I diagonalise three different

4
×
4

matrices, for obtaining the dispersions of the valence bands. The conduction band energy is obtained from the first diagonalization, involving band edge states. Effect of other two valence bands on a given valence band is considered through second order perturbation theory. Details of this procedure are outlined in Appendix A. It gives analytic expressions for the dispersion of the bands. I compare the results obtained for W-AlN with recent calculations and note satisfactory agreements. I also calculate the effective masses of holes in the valence bands both at the Γ-point and also as functions of the wavevector. My results agree fairly well with a recent calculation [3]. The hole effective masses for all the bands show large anisotropy. The effective mass of the electron in the conduction band does not show appreciable anisotropy.
Is the present acceleration of the Universe caused by merging with other universes?
Authors: Ambjørn J. , Watabiki Y.
Published: December 2023

We show that by allowing our Universe to merge with other universes
one is lead to modified Friedmann equations
that explain the present accelerated expansion of our Universe without the need of a cosmological constant.
Predicting interloper fraction with graph neural networks
Authors: Massara Elena , Villaescusa-Navarro Francisco , Percival Will J.
Published: December 2023

Upcoming emission-line spectroscopic surveys, such as Euclid and the Roman Space Telescope, will be affected by systematic effects due to the presence of interlopers: galaxies whose redshift and distance from us are miscalculated due to line confusion in their emission spectra. Particularly pernicious are interlopers involving the confusion between two lines with close emitted wavelengths, like Hβ emitters confused as [O iii], since those are strongly spatially correlated with the target galaxies. They introduce a particular pattern in the 3D distribution of the observed galaxy catalog that can shift the position of the BAO peak in the galaxy correlation function and bias any cosmological analysis performed with that sample. Here we present a novel method to predict the fraction of interlopers in a galaxy catalog, using Graph Neural Networks (GNNs) to learn the posterior distribution of the interloper fraction while marginalizing over cosmology and galaxy bias. The method is developed using simulations with halos acting as a proxy for galaxies. The GNN can infer the mean and standard deviation of the posterior distribution of interloper fraction using small-scale information that is usually not considered in cosmological analyses. The injection of large-scale information into the graph as a global attribute improves the performance of the GNN when marginalizing over cosmology.
Reheating constraints and consistency relations of the Starobinsky model and some of its generalizations
Authors: Garcia Marcos A.G. , Germán Gabriel , Gonzalez Quaglia R. , Moran Colorado A.M.
Published: December 2023

Building on the success of the Starobinsky model in describing the inflationary period of the universe, we investigate two simple generalizations of this model and their constraints imposed by the reheating epoch. The first generalization takes the form R
2p
, while the second is the α-Starobinsky model. We first focus on the case where p = 1 or equivalently, α = 1, which corresponds to the original Starobinsky model.
We derive exact consistency relations between observables and cosmological quantities, without neglecting any terms, and impose the reheating condition 0 < ω
re
 < 0.25, where ω
re
is the equation of state parameter at the end of reheating. This allows us to obtain new bounds for ns
and r that satisfy this condition and apply them to other observables and cosmological quantities. We repeat this process for the cases where p ≠ 1 and α ≠ 1 and find that these generalizations only result in minor modifications of the Starobinsky model, including the potential and the bounds on observables and cosmological quantities.
Gravitational interaction of ultralight dark matter with interferometers
Authors: Kim Hyungjin
Published: December 2023

Ultralight dark matter exhibits an order-one density fluctuation over the spatial scale of its wavelength. These fluctuations gravitationally interact with gravitational wave interferometers, leading to distinctive signals in detectors. We investigate the ultralight dark matter-induced effects in the gravitational wave interferometers. We perform a systematic computation of the power spectrum of ultralight dark matter in interferometers. We show that the ultralight dark matter-induced effect is most relevant for the interferometers with long baseline and that it is only a sub-leading effect compared to the estimated noise level in the case of Laser Interferometer Space Antenna or future interferometers with an arm-length comparable to a few astronomical units. Gravitational wave interferometers can then place upper limits on the ultralight dark matter density in the solar system. We find that, under certain assumptions, future interferometers with AU-scale arm-length might probe the dark matter density a few hundred times the local dark matter density, which is measured over a much larger spatial scale.
Non-standard cosmic expansion histories: neutrino decoupling and primordial nucleosynthesis signatures
Authors: Aristizabal Sierra D. , Gariazzo S. , Villanueva A.
Published: December 2023

Cosmological scenarios with a non-standard equation of state can
involve ultrastiff fluids, understood as primordial fluids for which p/ρ > 1. Their energy densities can dominate the Universe
energy budget at early times, in the otherwise radiation dominated
epoch. During that period the Universe undergoes a faster expansion,
that has implications for any decoupling process that takes place in
that era. Quintessence models or Ekpyrotic cosmologies are good
examples of such scenarios. Assuming the ultrastiff state to be
thermally decoupled at very early times, if ever coupled, its
observational imprints are left solely in the Universe expansion
rate and in the radiation energy density. We consider a complete set
of ultrastiff fluids and study their signatures in the neutrino
decoupling and BBN eras. Measurements of N
eff alone place
mild constraints on these scenarios, with forthcoming measurements
from the Simons Observatory in the Chilean Atacama desert being able
to test regions where still sizable effects are observable. However,
when BBN data is taken into account, those regions are proven to be
barely reconcilable with primordial helium-4 and deuterium
abundances measurements. Our findings show that measurements of the
primordial helium-4 abundance imply the tightest constraints, with
measurements of primordial deuterium being — to a certain
extent — competitive as well. We point out that a ∼ 60%
improvement on the statistical uncertainty of the primordial
helium-4 abundance measurement, will test these scenarios in the
region where they can produce sizable effects. Beyond that precision
the regions that are accessible degenerate with standard
expectations. In that case, although potentially present, neither
neutrino decoupling nor BBN observables will be sensitive probes.
Modified gravity and massive neutrinos: constraints from the full shape analysis of BOSS galaxies and forecasts for Stage IV surveys
Authors: Moretti Chiara , Tsedrik Maria , Carrilho Pedro , Pourtsidou Alkistis
Published: December 2023

We constrain the growth index γ by performing a
full-shape analysis of the power spectrum multipoles measured from
the BOSS DR12 data. We adopt a theoretical model based on the
Effective Field theory of the Large Scale Structure (EFTofLSS) and
focus on two different cosmologies: γCDM and γνCDM, where we
also vary the total neutrino mass. We explore different choices for
the priors on the primordial amplitude As
and spectral index ns
, finding that informative priors are necessary to alleviate
degeneracies between the parameters and avoid strong projection
effects in the posterior distributions. Our tightest constraints
are obtained with 3σ Planck priors on As
and ns
: we
obtain γ = 0.647 ± 0.085 for γCDM and γ = 0.612+0.075
-0.090, Mν
< 0.30 for γνCDM at 68% c.l.,
in both cases ∼ 1σ consistent with the ΛCDM
prediction γ ≃ 0.55. Additionally, we produce forecasts
for a Stage-IV spectroscopic galaxy survey, focusing on a DESI-like
sample. We fit synthetic data-vectors for three different galaxy
samples generated at three different redshift bins, both
individually and jointly. Focusing on the constraining power of the
Large Scale Structure alone, we find that forthcoming data can give
an improvement of up to ∼ 85% in the measurement of γ with respect to the BOSS dataset when no CMB priors are imposed. On
the other hand, we find the neutrino mass constraints to be only
marginally better than the current ones, with future data able to
put an upper limit of Mν
 < 0.27 eV. This result can be
improved with the inclusion of Planck priors on the primordial
parameters, which yield Mν
 < 0.18 eV.
Fast reconstruction of programmable interferometers with intensity-only measurements
Authors: Bantysh B I , Chernyavskiy A Yu , Fldzhyan S A , Bogdanov Yu I
Published: December 2023

Programmable linear optical interferometers are promising for classical and quantum applications. Their integrated design makes it possible to create more scalable and stable devices. To use them in practice, one has to reconstruct the whole device model taking the manufacturing errors into account. The inability to address individual interferometer elements complicates the reconstruction problem. A naive approach is to train the model via some complex optimization procedure. A faster optimization-free algorithm has been recently proposed (Bantysh et al 2023 Opt. Express
31 16729–42). However, it requires the full transfer matrix tomography while a more practical setup measures only the fields intensities at the interferometer output. In this paper, we propose the modification of the fast algorithm, which uses additional set of interferometer configurations in order to reconstruct the model in the case of intensity-only measurements. We show that it performs slightly worse than the original fast algorithm but it is more practical and still does not require intensive numerical optimization.
Exciton–polaritons in a 2D hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite microcavity with the presence of optical Stark effect
Authors: Coker Kenneth , Zheng 郑 Chuyuan 楚媛 , Arhin Joseph Roger , Agyekum Kwame Opuni-Boachie Obour , Zhang 张 Weili 伟利
Published: December 2023

This study investigates the properties of exciton–polaritons in a two-dimensional (2D) hybrid organic–inorganic perovskite microcavity in the presence of optical Stark effect. Through both steady and dynamic state analyses, strong coupling between excitons of perovskite and cavity photons is revealed, indicating the formation of polaritons in the perovskite microcavity. Besides, it is found that an external optical Stark pulse can induce energy shifts of excitons proportional to the pulse intensity, which modifies the dispersion characteristics of the polaritons.
Measurement of yields and angular distributions of γ-quanta from the interaction of 14.1 MeV neutrons with oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur*
Authors: Grozdanov D. N. , Fedorov N. A. , Dabylova S. B. , Kopatch Yu. N. , Ruskov I. N. , Skoy V. R. , Tretyakova T. Yu. , Hramco C. , Kharlamov P. I. , Pampushik G. V. , Filonchik P. G. , Andreev A. V.
Published: December 2023

A study of the inelastic scattering of neutrons with an energy of

MeV on the nuclei of oxygen, phosphorus, and sulfur was performed at the TANGRA facility at JINR (Dubna). The experiment aimed to refine existing data and obtain new data on the yields and angular distributions of γ-quanta emitted by the studied nuclei due to neutron-induced nuclear reactions using the tagged neutron method. Two types of detector systems were used to register γ-quanta. The γ-ray yields were measured using a high-purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The angular distributions of γ-rays were obtained using a system of 18 scintillation detectors based on bismuth germanite Bi

Ge

O

(BGO) located around the sample. The performed experiments measured the yields of two transitions for the reaction of tagged neutrons with

O, nine transitions for the reaction with

P, and nine transitions for the reaction with

S for the first time. The angular anisotropy of the γ-radiation accompanying the inelastic scattering of neutrons with an energy of

MeV on

P nuclei was also measured for the first time.
The treatment of wastewater from pangasius catfish ponds using peat-derived adsorbent materials
Authors: Thang Ho Sy , Thao Nguyen Minh , Nguyen Vo Thang , Man Nguyen Quang , Khieu Dinh Quang
Published: December 2023

Peat (Mekong River Delta, Vietnam) was naturally dried, and then mixed with coal slag in the ratio of 70:30 by weight to use as adsorbent to treat wastewater from Pangasius catfish ponds in batches. The adsorbent was used in a specific designed system to treat Pangasius pond wastewater in a continuous flow model at a speed of 0.3 m3.h−1. The treatment system has operated for 9 consecutive hours in each experiment batch. The results show that the system can treat a large amount of wastewater (64.8 m3) with the efficiency (%) of BOD5 of 95.78%, COD of 95.3%, total phosphorous of 73% and total nitrogen of 89.79%. After treatment, the quality of wastewater has met the standards to be discharged into the environment.
Untangling free carrier and exciton dynamics in layered hybrid perovskites using ultrafast optical and terahertz spectroscopy
Authors: Balogun Folusho Helen , Gallop Nathaniel P , Sirbu Dumitru , Hutchinson Jake D , Hill Nathan , Woolley Jack M , Walker David , York Stephen , Docampo Pablo , Milot Rebecca L
Published: December 2023

Layered hybrid perovskites (LPKs) are promising as alternatives or additives to 3D metal halide perovskites for optoelectronic applications including photovoltaic cells, LEDs and lasers due to their increased stability. However, high exciton binding energies in these materials mean that excitons are the majority species under the operating conditions of many devices. Although the efficiency of devices that incorporate LPKs has been increasing, much is still unknown about the interplay of excitons and free charge-carriers in these materials, which is vital information for understanding how optoelectronic properties dictate device efficiency. In this work, we employ optical pump/THz probe spectroscopy (OPTP) and visible transient absorption spectroscopy (TAS) to analyse the optoelectronic properties and charge-carrier dynamics of phenylethylammonium lead iodide (PEA)2PbI4. By combining these techniques, we are able to disentangle the contributions from excitons and free charge-carriers. We observe fast cooling of free charge-carriers and exciton formation on a timescale of ∼400 fs followed by slower bimolecular recombination of residual free charge-carriers with a rate constant k
2 ∼ 109 cm3s−1. Excitons recombine via two monomolecular processes with lifetimes t
1 ∼ 11 ps and t2 ∼ 83 ps. Furthermore, we detect signatures of exciton–phonon coupling in the transient absorption kinetic traces. These findings provide new insight into the interplay between free charge-carriers and excitons as well as a possible mechanism to further understand the charge-carrier dynamics in LPKs.
Electrochemical sensor based on PVP coated cobalt ferrite/graphite/PANI nanocomposite for the detection of hydrazine
Authors: Desai Nakul , Sudhakar Y N , Patil Rutuja Rajendra , Chandran Achania , M Nidhin , Agnihotri Ananya S
Published: December 2023

In this study, we developed a multi-layered electrode as an efficient nanocomposite electrochemical sensor for detecting carcinogenic hydrazine in water. Nano-cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4) was prepared using poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP), mixed with an optimum quantity of graphite and pasted on a stainless-steel current collector. The nanocomposite was further hybridised by electrodepositing with polyaniline (PANI). The obtained composite was characterized using XRD, FTIR, SEM, and electrochemical techniques. XRD analysis shows the successful formation of composite from individual precursors. According to SEM, wrinkled and layered morphology for graphite and aggregate clusters for cobalt with spike or tubular structure for polyaniline were observed. When subjected to amperometry current, the prepared electrode showed different peaks for different concentrations of hydrazine, such as 1 μM to 100 μM. Cyclic voltammetry studies showed an increase in oxidation and reduction peaks. These studies will lead to a new platform for their potential applications in detecting toxic materials in real samples such as water, plastic bottle, water etc.,
ACE2-Fc and DPP4-Fc decoy receptors against SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV variants: a quick therapeutic option for current and future coronaviruses outbreaks
Authors: Alfaleh Mohamed A , Alsulaiman Reem M , Almahboub Sarah A , Nezamuldeen Leena , Zawawi Ayat , Aljehani Najwa D , Yasir Muhammad , Abdulal Rwaa H , Alkhaldi Rami , Helal Assala , Alamri Sawsan S , Malki Jana , Alhabbab Rowa Y , Abujamel Turki S , Alhakamy Nabil A , Alnami Aisha , Algaissi Abdullah , Hassanain Mazen , Hashem Anwar M
Published: December 2023

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) and the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) are highly pathogenic human coronaviruses (CoVs). Anti-CoVs mAbs and vaccines may be effective, but the emergence of neutralization escape variants is inevitable. Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 and dipeptidyl peptidase 4 enzyme are the getaway receptors for SARS-CoV-2 and MERS-CoV, respectively. Thus, we reformatted these receptors as Fc-fusion decoy receptors. Then, we tested them in parallel with anti-SARS-CoV (ab1-IgG) and anti-MERS-CoV (M336-IgG) mAbs against several variants using pseudovirus neutralization assay. The generated Fc-based decoy receptors exhibited a strong inhibitory effect against all pseudotyped CoVs. Results showed that although mAbs can be effective antiviral drugs, they might rapidly lose their efficacy against highly mutated viruses. We suggest that receptor traps can be engineered as Fc-fusion proteins for highly mutating viruses with known entry receptors, for a faster and effective therapeutic response even against virus harboring antibodies escape mutations.
Understanding change in benthic marine systems
Authors: Johnson Craig R , Dudgeon Steve
Published: December 2023

Background

The unprecedented influence of human activities on natural ecosystems in the 21st century has resulted in increasingly frequent large-scale changes in ecological communities. This has heightened interest in understanding such changes and effective means to manage them. Accurate interpretation of state changes is challenging because of difficulties translating theory to empirical study, and most theory emphasizes systems near equilibrium, which may not be relevant in rapidly changing environments.

Scope

We review concepts of long-transient stages and phase shifts between stable community states, both smooth, continuous and discontinuous shifts, and the relationships among them. Three principal challenges emerge when applying these concepts. The first is how to interpret observed change in communities – distinguishing multiple stable states from long transients, or reversible shifts in the phase portrait of single attractor systems. The second is how to quantify the magnitudes of three sources of variability that cause switches between community states: (1) ‘noise’ in species’ abundances, (2) ‘wiggle’ in system parameters and (3) trends in parameters that affect the topography of the basin of attraction. The third challenge is how variability of the system shapes evidence used to interpret community changes. We outline a novel approach using critical length scales to potentially address these challenges. These concepts are highlighted by a review of recent examples involving macroalgae as key players in marine benthic ecosystems.

Conclusions

Real-world examples show three or more stable configurations of ecological communities may exist for a given set of parameters, and transient stages may persist for long periods necessitating their respective consideration. The characteristic length scale (CLS) is a useful metric that uniquely identifies a community ‘basin of attraction’, enabling phase shifts to be distinguished from long transients. Variabilities of CLSs and time series data may likewise provide proactive management measures to mitigate phase shifts and loss of ecosystem services. Continued challenges remain in distinguishing continuous from discontinuous phase shifts because their respective dynamics lack unique signatures.
Plant–microbe interactions through a lens: tales from the mycorrhizosphere
Authors: Williams Alex , Sinanaj Besiana , Hoysted Grace A
Published: December 2023

Background

The soil microbiome plays a pivotal role in maintaining ecological balance, supporting food production, preserving water quality and safeguarding human health. Understanding the intricate dynamics within the soil microbiome necessitates unravelling complex bacterial–fungal interactions (BFIs). BFIs occur in diverse habitats, such as the phyllosphere, rhizosphere and bulk soil, where they exert substantial influence on plant–microbe associations, nutrient cycling and overall ecosystem functions. In various symbiotic associations, fungi form mycorrhizal connections with plant roots, enhancing nutrient uptake through the root and mycorrhizal pathways. Concurrently, specific soil bacteria, including mycorrhiza helper bacteria, play a pivotal role in nutrient acquisition and promoting plant growth. Chemical communication and biofilm formation further shape plant–microbial interactions, affecting plant growth, disease resistance and nutrient acquisition processes.

Scope

Promoting synergistic interactions between mycorrhizal fungi and soil microbes holds immense potential for advancing ecological knowledge and conservation. However, despite the significant progress, gaps remain in our understanding of the evolutionary significance, perception, functional traits and ecological relevance of BFIs. Here we review recent findings obtained with respect to complex microbial communities – particularly in the mycorrhizosphere – and include the latest advances in the field, outlining their profound impacts on our understanding of ecosystem dynamics and plant physiology and function.

Conclusions

Deepening our understanding of plant BFIs can help assess their capabilities with regard to ecological and agricultural safe-guarding, in particular buffering soil stresses, and ensuring sustainable land management practices. Preserving and enhancing soil biodiversity emerge as critical imperatives in sustaining life on Earth amidst pressures of anthropogenic climate change. A holistic approach integrates scientific knowledge on bacteria and fungi, which includes their potential to foster resilient soil ecosystems for present and future generations.
Practice Patterns and Perspectives of the Off-Label Use of GLP-1 Agonists for Cosmetic Weight Loss
Authors: Han Sabrina H , Ockerman Kyle , Furnas Heather , Mars Patricia , Klenke Audrey , Ching Jessica , Momeni Arash , Sorice-Virk Sarah
Published: December 2023

Background

The off-label use of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) agonists for cosmetic weight loss has captured the interest of the public. However, there is a paucity of published data on their utilization, implications, and management, particularly in the plastic surgery community.

Objectives

This study aims to explore the current practice patterns of aesthetic plastic surgeons regarding the off-label implementation of GLP-1 agonists.

Methods

A 35-question survey was sent to the 2600 members of The Aesthetic Society in July 2023. The survey collected physician demographics, practice settings, patient population demographics, and the use and management of GLP-1 agonists in their practice. No identifying variables were collected; all responses were anonymous.

Results

A total of 368 respondents were included. A quarter of respondents (25.3%) prescribed or utilized GLP-1 agonists in their practice. Nearly a third (29.9%) reported personal use of the medication, of which 71 (70.3%) indicated it was for cosmetic weight loss. Many aspects of the current treatment, counseling, and follow-up practices were similar among prescribing plastic surgeons. However, there were discrepancies in screening, nutrition counseling, and perioperative management. The majority believed that GLP-1 agonists were effective for weight loss (68.9%), profitable for business (57.8%), and would recommend its implementation to other plastic surgeons (68.5%).

Conclusions

As leaders in the aesthetic field, it behooves plastic surgeons to take charge of shaping public opinion surrounding the growing off-label use of GLP-1 agonists for cosmetic weight loss. Plastic surgeons' leadership is imperative in establishing safe and ethical guidelines and protocols for proper screening, management, and patient care.

Level of Evidence: 4
Levator Extension Method for Correcting Double Eyelids in Elderly Asian Patients: A Reliable and Flexible Blepharoplasty Technique
Authors: Han Dong Wan , Choi Jaeik , Lee Seokui , Song Seung Han
Published: December 2023

Background

Conventional tarsal fixation techniques for creating a static double-eyelid fold frequently result in a nonmobile overdepression of the fold, which is particularly pronounced in elderly patients.

Objectives

We propose a novel surgical approach aimed at achieving better results with fewer complications. This approach involves imitating the natural double-fold physiology by employing a turn-over flap of the orbital outer septum and carefully managing the pretarsal soft tissue to create a double fold.

Methods

A total of 503 patients underwent double-eyelid surgery, involving a turn-over flap of the outer orbital septum and pretarsal soft-tissue management. The orbital septum was exposed and transversely opened superior to the incision margin and the pretarsal soft issue was removed as necessary. Turn-over flaps were trimmed and attached to the dermis and orbicularis oculi muscle of the lower flap. Patient follow-up occurred for 2 to 7 years (mean, 3.8 years).

Results

This surgical method achieves a double fold with shallow or moderate depth, creating a natural-appearing fold line. Of the 503 patients, 94% of respondents provided a satisfaction score of 4 and 5 points; 20 people provided a score of 3 points; 10 were dissatisfied. A review of the patient chart showed that there were no specific complications in >94% (473) of patients.

Conclusions

We proposed a double-eyelid surgery technique using the outer septum to control the depth and pretarsal soft-tissue management to minimize resistance in the creation of the double eyelid. Our method showed a high patient satisfaction rate and fewer complications in elderly Asians.
PDBImages: a command-line tool for automated macromolecular structure visualization
Authors: Midlik Adam , Nair Sreenath , Anyango Stephen , Deshpande Mandar , Sehnal David , Varadi Mihaly , Velankar Sameer
Published: December 2023

PDBImages is an innovative, open-source Node.js package that harnesses the power of the popular macromolecule structure visualization software Mol*. Designed for use by the scientific community, PDBImages provides a means to generate high-quality images for PDB and AlphaFold DB models. Its unique ability to render and save images directly to files in a browserless mode sets it apart, offering users a streamlined, automated process for macromolecular structure visualization. Here, we detail the implementation of PDBImages, enumerating its diverse image types, and elaborating on its user-friendly setup. This powerful tool opens a new gateway for researchers to visualize, analyse, and share their work, fostering a deeper understanding of bioinformatics.

Availability and implementation

PDBImages is available as an npm package from https://www.npmjs.com/package/pdb-images. The source code is available from https://github.com/PDBeurope/pdb-images.