bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Locally strained hexagonal boron nitride nanosheets quantified by nanoscale infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Torres-Davila Fernand E. , Barrett Chance , Molinari Michael , Sajid Muhammad , Seitsonen Ari P. , Kara Abdelkader , Tetard Laurene
Published: June 2023

A nanomanipulation scheme using light–matter interaction to control the strain at the nanoscale in h-BN. The shift of the infrared mode is used as a quantifier of the strain using DFT calculations and nanoscale infrared spectroscopy.
Solvent-promoted photochemical carbonylation of benzylic C–H bonds under iron catalysis
Authors: Qi Rui , Bai Tianwen , Tang Shuwang , Hou Ming , Zhang Zhide , Xie Wenlin , Deng Yangling , Zhou Hongwei , Qiu Guanyinsheng
Published: June 2023

This paper describes the iron-catalyzed photochemical carbonylation of benzylic C–H bonds resulting in the synthesis of various aryl ketones. Using 5 W blue LED irradiation, the reactions proceed smoothly in the presence of 2 mol% of FeBr3 in MeOH at 35 °C.
Synthesis, reactions and application of chalcones: a systematic review
Authors: Shalaby Mona A. , Rizk Sameh A. , Fahim Asmaa M.
Published: June 2023

Chalcones, Reactions, Synthesis, Biological activity, Industrial application.
Appropriate introduction of nitrile groups to balance NIR-II fluorescence imaging with photothermal therapy/photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Li Yaojun , Ye Jingtao , Li Yang , Jiang Minling , Shi Tingyu , Qiu Huayu , Yin Shouchun
Published: June 2023

Schematic illustration of nitrile-induced molecules enabling balance between NIR-II FLI and PTT/PAI.
Synthesis of differentiated sulfur-containing polymers by regiodivergent polymerization of Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates and thiols
Authors: Cai Zidong , Jiang Suqiu , Zhang Jiahua , He Jincan , Bai Yan , Huang Hanchu
Published: June 2023

Regiodivergent polymerization of Morita–Baylis–Hillman acetates and thiols afforded two differentiated sulfur-containing polymers, and the γ-polymers could be transformed into the corresponding α-polymers under radical conditions.
Organophotoelectrochemical silylation cyclization for the synthesis of silylated 3-CF3-2-oxindoles
Authors: Wan Qinhui , Huang Chen-Yin , Hou Zhong-Wei , Jiang Huajiang , Wang Lei
Published: June 2023

An organophotoelectrochemical approach for silylation cyclization of CF3-substitutedN-arylacrylamides with organosilanes under transition-metal-free and oxidant-free conditions has been developed.
Effect of Er/Y addition on the growth and superconductivity of Bi2212 films
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Qi Yang
Published: June 2023

In order to increase the critical current density of Bi2212 superconducting films to broaden their application areas.
Inkjet-printed flexible graphene paper electrode for the electrochemical determination of mercury
Authors: Kant Tushar , Shrivas Kamlesh , Tikeshwari  , Ganesan Vellaichamy
Published: June 2023

Diagrammatic representation of (a) inkjet printing of Gr-EC on paper, (b) Inkjet-printed Gr-EC paper electrode, (c) electrochemical cell with three electrodes for Hg(ii) detection, and (d) LSV peaks for different concentrations of Hg(ii).
A near-infrared light-activatable Ru(ii)-coumarin photosensitizer active under hypoxic conditions
Authors: Ortega-Forte Enrique , Rovira Anna , López-Corrales Marta , Hernández-García Alba , Ballester Francisco José , Izquierdo-García Eduardo , Jordà-Redondo Mireia , Bosch Manel , Nonell Santi , Santana María Dolores , Ruiz José , Marchán Vicente , Gasser Gilles
Published: June 2023

The preparation of a novel hypoxia-active Ru(ii)-coumarin photosensitizer with advantageous luminescent and biocompatible properties for near-infrared anticancer photodynamic therapy is described.
Correction: Concentration and temperature dependent interactions and state diagram of dispersions of copolymer microgels
Authors: Ruiz-Franco José , Rivas-Barbosa Rodrigo , Lara-Peña Mayra A. , Villanueva-Valencia José R. , Licea-Claverie Angel , Zaccarelli Emanuela , Laurati Marco
Published: June 2023

Correction for ‘Concentration and temperature dependent interactions and state diagram of dispersions of copolymer microgels’ by José Ruiz-Franco et al., Soft Matter, 2023, 19, 3614–3628, https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SM00120B.
Enhancing intermolecular packing and light harvesting through asymmetric non-fullerene acceptors for achieving 18.7% efficiency ternary organic solar cells
Authors: Zhang Zhiliang , Wu Jingnan , Lin Ji , Zhang Rui , Lv Junfang , Yu Linfeng , Guo Xia , Zhang Maojie
Published: June 2023

An asymmetric non–fullerene acceptor (AFIC) was deliberately developed as the third component for ternary organic solar cells. The ternary device with 10 wt% of AFIC achieved an outstanding efficiency of 18.7%.
A polymer acceptor with grafted small molecule acceptor units for high-efficiency organic solar cells
Authors: Huang Yuzhong , Si Xiaodong , Wang Ruohan , Ma Kangqiao , Shi Wendi , Jiang Changzun , Lu Yan , Li Chenxi , Wan Xiangjian , Chen Yongsheng
Published: June 2023

A strategy for designing polymer acceptors has been proposed, in which the polymerization reaction is conductedviathe coupling between central building blocks of SMAs and linkers.
Physical cool-core condensation radius in massive galaxy clusters
Authors: Wang Lei , Tozzi Paolo , Yu Heng , Gaspari Massimo , Ettori Stefano
Published: June 2023

Aims. We investigate the properties of cool cores in an optimally selected sample of 37 massive and X-ray-bright galaxy clusters, with regular morphologies, observed with Chandra. We started by measuring the density, temperature, and abundance radial profiles of their intracluster medium (ICM). From these independent quantities, we computed the cooling (tcool), free-fall (tff), and turbulence (teddy) timescales as a function of radius.

Methods. By requiring the profile-crossing condition, tcool/teddy = 1, we measured the cool-core condensation radius, Rccc, within which the balancing feeding and feedback processes generate the turbulent condensation rain and related chaotic cold accretion (CCA). We also constrained the complementary (quenched) cooling flow radius, Rqcf, obtained via the condition tcool = 25 × tff, that encompasses the region of thermally unstable cooling.

Results. We find that in our our massive cluster sample and in the limited redshift range considered (1.3 × 1014 < M500 < 16.6 × 1014 M⊙, 0.03 < z < 0.29), the distribution of Rccc peaks at ∼0.01 r500 and the entire range remains below ∼0.07 r500, with a very weak increase with redshift and no dependence on the cluster mass. We find that Rqcf is typically three times larger than Rccc, with a wider distribution, and growing more slowly along Rccc, according to an average relation Rqcf∝ Rccc0.46, with a large intrinsic scatter.

Conclusions. We suggest that this sublinear relation can be understood as an effect of the micro rain of pockets of cooled gas flickering in the turbulent ICM, whose dynamical and thermodynamical properties are referred to as “macro weather”. Substituting the classical ad hoc cool-core radius R7.7 Gyr, we propose that Rqcf is an indicator of the size of global cool cores tied to the long-term macro weather, with the inner Rccc closely tracing the effective condensation rain and chaotic cold accretion (CCA) zone that feeds the central supermassive black hole (SMBH).
FAUST
Authors: Cacciapuoti L. , Macias E. , Maury A. J. , Chandler C. J. , Sakai N. , Tychoniec Ł. , Viti S. , Natta A. , De Simone M. , Miotello A. , Codella C. , Ceccarelli C. , Podio L. , Fedele D. , Johnstone D. , Shirley Y. , Liu B. J. , Bianchi E. , Zhang Z. E. , Pineda J. , Loinard L. , Ménard F. , Lebreuilly U. , Klessen R. S. , Hennebelle P. , Molinari S. , Testi L. , Yamamoto S.
Published: June 2023

Context. Early dust grain growth in protostellar envelopes infalling on young disks has been suggested in recent studies, supporting the hypothesis that dust particles start to agglomerate already during the class 0/I phase of young stellar objects. If this early evolution were confirmed, it would impact the usually assumed initial conditions of planet formation, where only particles with sizes ≲0.25 µm are usually considered for protostellar envelopes.

Aims. We aim to determine the maximum grain size of the dust population in the envelope of the class 0/I protostar L1527 IRS, located in the Taurus star-forming region (140 pc).

Methods. We use Atacama Large millimeter/submillimeter Array and Atacama Compact Array archival data and present new observations, in an effort to both enhance the signal-to-noise ratio of the faint extended continuum emission and properly account for the compact emission from the inner disk. Using observations performed in four wavelength bands and extending the spatial range of previous studies, we aim to place tight constraints on the spectral (α) and dust emissivity (β) indices in the envelope of L1527 IRS.

Results. We find a rather flat α ~ 3.0 profile in the range 50–2000 au. Accounting for the envelope temperature profile, we derived values for the dust emissivity index, 0.9 < β < 1.6, and reveal a tentative, positive outward gradient. This could be interpreted as a distribution of mainly interstellar medium like grains at 2000 au, gradually progressing to (sub)millimeter-sized dust grains in the inner envelope, where at R = 300 au, β = 1.1 ± 0.1.

Our study supports a variation of the dust properties in the envelope of L1527 IRS. We discuss how this can be the result of in situ grain growth, dust differential collapse from the parent core, or upward transport of disk large grains.
F4-neuroprostanes and F2-dihomo-isoprostanes: biomarkers and bioactive oxylipins
Authors: Durand Thierry , Bultel-Poncé Valérie , Guy Alexandre , Gros Valérie , Reversat Guillaume , Vigor Claire , Galano Jean-Marie , Oger Camille
Published: June 2023

Under condition of oxidative stress, free radical-catalyzed peroxidation of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and adrenic acid (AdA) generates in vivo neuroprostanes (NeuroPs) and dihomo-isoprostanes (dihomo-IsoPs), among a large number of key products participating in many pathophysiological processes. These non-enzymatic oxygenated metabolites display a wide range of biological actions (especially DHA-metabolites), and some of them are now considered as the most reliable indicators of oxidative stress in neurogenerative, neurodevelopmental or cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we will present an overview regarding neuroprostanes and dihomo-isoprostanes and discuss about their biological interests.
Poster des KfH Kuratorium für Dialyse und Nierentransplantation e. V.
Authors: Brandt Claudia
Published: June 2023

Wer sich regelmäßig bewegt, beugt Risikofaktoren wie Bluthochdruck und Übergewicht vor und kann eine Nierenerkrankung positiv beeinflussen. Gerade ältere Patientinnen und Patienten profitieren davon. Das KfH-Poster zeigt 20 speziellen Übungen für ein gezieltes Training zu Hause.
Qualitätssicherung der Nierenersatztherapie
Authors: Reichardt Michael
Published: June 2023

Nachdem im Fachverband nephrologischer Berufsgruppen e. V. (fnb) der Entschluss gefasst war, die Pflegeleistung im Rahmen der Dialysebehandlung zu quanti- und qualifizieren, hat sich eine Arbeitsgruppe bestehend aus Thomas Fernsebner, Matthias Eikelmann und Michael Reichardt gebildet. Extern wurde für juristische und gesellschaftspolitische Fragen Hans Birkner gewonnen. Diese Gruppe hat Veröffentlichungen des fnb und des deutschen Zweigs der EDTNA/ERCA gesichtet und unter Einbeziehung des Vorstandes des fnb einen Entwurf erarbeitet. Dieser ist nun am 12.05.2023 – dem Tag der Pflege – veröffentlicht worden.
Lipidsenkende Therapie bei chronischer Nierenerkrankung im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Klingel Reinhard
Published: June 2023

Die chronische Nierenerkrankung (CKD: „chronic kidney disease“) wird entsprechend der Leitlinien des Netzwerks Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) unabhängig von der Ätiologie definiert als mindestens 3-monatige Einschränkung der Nierenfunktion mit meist irreversibler, struktureller Schädigung der Nieren, die bis zur terminalen Niereninsuffizienz fortschreiten kann. Kardiovaskuläre Erkrankungen stellen die Haupttodesursache bei Patienten mit CKD dar. Mit abnehmender glomerulärer Filtrationsrate (GFR) steigt die Bedeutung nicht atherosklerotischer Risikofaktoren. Diese komplexe Risikokonstellation führt zu den 2 allgemeinen Therapiezielen: die Verhinderung oder Verlangsamung der Progredienz der CKD unter Einschluss der möglichst effektiven Behandlung der Grunderkrankung und der kardiovaskulären Prävention. Hinsichtlich der Atherosklerose ist die lipidsenkende Therapie (LLT: „lipid-lowering therapy“) ein wesentliches Element mit den Empfehlungen des KDIGO-Netzwerks und den Leitlinien der European Society of Cardiology (ESC) als Grundlagen.
Alltag im Fokus – Mobile Rehabilitation als systemischer Ansatz
Authors: Aschoff Frank
Published: June 2023

Physiotherapeut*innen wollen den ganzen Menschen in seinen verschiedenen Bezügen sehen und unterstützen – doch die Realität sieht leider oft anders aus. Frank Aschoff hat mit Menschen gesprochen, die mit der mobilen Rehabilitation – kurz MoRe – befasst sind. Denn in diesem Konzept gibt es tatsächlich Raum für den sozialen Aspekt, der im physiotherapeutischen Alltag doch noch oft zu kurz kommt.
Dislozierte Meniskusläsionen
Authors: Wunn Rainer , Kramer Josef
Published: June 2023

Die MRT ist als nicht invasive Methode mit hohem Weichteilkontrast zum Goldstandard in der Diagnostik von Meniskusläsionen geworden. Verlagerte Meniskusanteile sind oft eine Blickdiagnose.
Manchmal sind jedoch nur kleine Anteile betroffen, die der Wahrnehmung entgehen können. Dieser Beitrag erklärt die Grundlagen von Meniskusrissen, wie Meniskusdislokationen entstehen und die
Zeichen, an denen Verlagerungen zu erkennen sind.
Veranstaltungsübersicht
Authors: Bundschu Marion
Published: June 2023

Informationen zu den Veranstaltungen finden Sie auf www.wbs-ulm.de.
The Measure of a Scar: Patient Perceptions and Scar Optimization after Skin Cancer Reconstruction
Authors: Drake Virginia E. , Moyer Jeffrey S.
Published: June 2023

In facial reconstruction after skin cancer resection, management and optimization of postoperative scar is a complex paradigm. Every scar is unique and presents a different challenge—whether due to anatomic, aesthetic, or patient-specific factors. This necessitates a comprehensive evaluation and an understanding of the tools at hand to improve its appearance. How a scar looks is meaningful to patients, and the facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon is tasked with its optimization. Clear documentation of a scar is critical to assess and determine optimal care. Scar scales such as the Vancouver Scar Scale, the Manchester Scar Scale, the Patient and Observer Assessment Scale, the Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating “SCAR” Scale, and FACE-Q, among others, are reviewed here in the context of evaluating postoperative or traumatic scar. Measurement tools objectively describe a scar and may also incorporate the patient's assessment of their own scar. In addition to physical exam, these scales quantify scars that are symptomatic or visually unpleasant and would be best served by adjuvant treatment. The current literature regarding the role of postoperative laser treatment is also reviewed. While lasers are an excellent tool to assist in blending of scar and decreasing pigmentation, studies have failed to evaluate laser in a consistent, standardized way that allows for quantifiable and predictable improvement. Regardless, patients may derive benefit from laser treatment given the finding of subjective improvement in their own perception of scar, even when there is not a significant change to the clinician's eye. This article also discusses recent eye fixation studies which demonstrate the importance of careful repair of large and central defects of the face, and that patients value the quality of the reconstruction.
Revealing interactions between reactive plasma and cancer cell membranes
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: June 2023

Molecular dynamics simulations describe the behavior of reactive plasma species with membrane transport protein aquaporin.
Theoretical analysis of substituent- and cage-dependent electronic properties of POSS
Authors: Leong Fang Yu , Low Liang Ee , Chew Irene Mei Leng
Published: June 2023

Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes (POSS) molecules have emerged as promising alternatives to traditional silica nanoparticles and organosilicon molecules due to their ability to attach a variety of substituents to their central siloxane cages. The electronic features of POSS are dependent on the structures of substituents and cages, making them attractive for applications, such as drug nanocarriers, chemosensors, Janus particles, and inorganic–organic nanocomposites. However, the lack of detailed geometric data poses a difficulty in extending POSS studies using the force field method or beyond the quantum mechanical level. To lay a foundation for future experimental and computational studies, we present new theoretical insights into the influence of substituent and cage on the cage geometries (Si–O bond length, pore width, cage volume, etc.) of 16 substituted POSS molecules with various substituents and cages (T7, T8, T10, T12). Our results show that the mean Si–O bond length of the POSS cage can be in the range of 1.619–1.670 Å depending on the substituent and cage. Moreover, we show that the expansion or shrinkage of POSS depends on the types of substituents, rather than the inductive effect of substituents. Our results demonstrate that the conformational stability, dipole moment, and polarizability of POSS depend on the substituents’ size, substituents’ shape, type of functional moieties of substituents, and cage size. In addition, the HOMO-LUMO bandgap of POSS can be tuned by changing the hydrocarbon chain length, number of aromatic rings, and types of functional groups on the substituents. Finally, we report several sets of geometric data that are transferable to the existing parametrization methods of force field models.
Investigating microplastic contamination and biomagnification in a remote area of South Australia
Authors: Ogunola Solomon O. , Reis-Santos Patrick , Wootton Nina , Gillanders Bronwyn M.
Published: June 2023

Context Microplastics are widespread in aquatic ecosystems and are commonly recorded in water, sediment and a broad spectrum of marine biota. Yet, the extent to which organisms ingest microplastics directly or indirectly by trophic transfer is largely unknown. Aims This study characterises microplastic abundance across intertidal water, sediment, and marine biota species of different trophic levels, and investigates whether biomagnification occurs. Methods Water, sediment, molluscs, crustaceans and fish were sampled from a single area in southern Australia. Key results Microplastics were recorded in 35% of water, 45% of sediment and 39% of biota samples. Plastic load was 0.36 ± 0.08 microplastics g−1 DW for sediment, 0.50 ± 0.17 microplastics L−1 for water, and 0.70 ± 0.25 microplastics individual−1 for biota. Biomagnification was not found, although similarities in plastic characteristics across biota may imply trophic transfer. Most of the microplastics were fibres (97.5%) of blue, black and transparent colour. Spectral analysis (μ-FTIR) indicated that polyester (50%) and polyethylene (42.3%) dominated the polymer compositions. Conclusions There were no significant differences in microplastic contamination among biota species, with no biomagnification identified. Implications We provide information on biomagnification of microplastics alongside a still uncommon characterisation of contamination in water, sediment and biota.
Novel lead-free 2–1–2 composite: predicted high piezoelectric sensitivity and significant hydrostatic response
Authors: Topolov Vitaly Yu
Published: June 2023

A parallel-connected composite with 2–1–2 connectivity and two lead-free single-crystal (SC) components is proposed. Its high piezoelectric sensitivity is highlighted and its large hydrostatic parameters are described. The first type of composite layer represents a ferroelectric domain-engineered [001]-poled [Li, (K, Na)](Nb, Ta)O3 SC. In the second type of composite layer, piezoelectric Li2B4O7 SC rods in the form of an elliptic cylinder are regularly aligned in a large polymer matrix. The effective electromechanical properties of the composite were found in three stages, using the effective field and matrix methods that are applicable to piezoelectric media. A new orientation effect was studied, linked with rotations of SC rod bases in the polymer medium that forms the second type of layer. Since these rotations are in a Li2B4O7 SC with a unique elastic and piezoelectric anisotropy, the second type of layer exhibits a noticeable influence on the piezoelectric performance and hydrostatic response of the composite. A variation of the aspect ratio of the Li2B4O7 rod base becomes another important factor that can improve the hydrostatic parameters of the composite. Some effective parameters of related 2–1–2 composites were compared for different polymer components. Three diagrams were first constructed for the high-performance 2–1–2 [Li, (K, Na)](Nb, Ta)O3/Li2B4O7/polyethylene composite to show the ranges of rotation angles and volume fractions that correspond to the longitudinal piezoelectric voltage coefficient

g

33

∗

> 500 mV m N−1, hydrostatic piezoelectric coefficient

g
h
∗

> 200 mVm N−1 and hydrostatic figure of merit

d
h
∗

g
h
∗

>10−11 Pa−1. These effective parameters are important in piezoelectric sensors and hydroacoustic and other applications of novel lead-free composites.
Microstructure modeling and experimental verification of isotropic magnetorheological elastomers based on edge-centered cubic structure
Authors: Chen Bing , Zhao Zhijun , Peng Jiaqi , Qi Junde , Niu Zhiyang , Li Xuelian
Published: June 2023

Aiming at the problem that the existing mechanism cannot accurately predict the shear properties of magnetorheological elastomers (MREs), in this research, a physical microscopic constitutive model of isotropic MREs based on an edge-centered cubic (ECC) lattice structure was constructed to accurately reflect the shear properties of isotropic MREs under quasi-static and dynamic shear modes and different magnetic fields. In order to reduce the error of the potential energy model in the modeling process, the accuracy of the MRE total potential energy theoretical model based on the ECC lattice structure was improved by transforming

γ
=
θ

to

γ
=
tan
θ

under finite strain, and the maximum improvement rate of the model accuracy was 6%. Then, in order to construct a microstructure-based dynamic model, the Langevin equation was constructed based on the ECC lattice, and an exact solvable model of the topological regular network was constructed by the Rouse chain. The relationship between the relaxation time, eigenvalue and magnetic flux density was revealed, and then the updated shear modulus was solved. Then, the modulus values of the prepared isotropic MRE samples at different frequencies and magnetic flux densities were compared with the theoretical model values, and the model failure phenomenon under dynamic high magnetic field, in which the theoretical results are inconsistent with the experimental results, was modified by the method of piecewise function and optimization parameters. The final results show that the correlation coefficient

R
2

between the experimental results and the theoretical results can reach 99%.
A dual paths magnetorheological damper with small field-off force and large dynamic range
Authors: Xing Xudong , Chen Zhaobo , Feng Zhongqiang , Yu Dong
Published: June 2023

Magnetorheological (MR) dampers are widely used for vibration isolation and the dynamic range is a key index to evaluate its performance. According to the vibration isolation theory, it is essential for the damper to maximize the damping force in resonance region and minimize the damping force in high-frequency excitation. However, for single-path MR dampers, achieving the goals of low field-off force and large dynamic range has conflicting requirements on the structural parameters. In this research, a dual paths MR damper has been proposed to overcome this problem. The proposed MR damper has two coaxial paths and the magnetic field strength in each path can be controlled separately. According to the flow state of the MR fluid, the working modes of the proposed MR damper are divided into three kinds and the corresponding mathematical models are driven. Based on the mathematical models, the effect of structural parameters on the dynamic range, maximum and minimum damping force is investigated. It is concluded that increasing the piston rod radius and piston length is an effective method to expand the dynamic range while maintain a small field-off damping force. The experimental results show that the proposed MR damper working mode can be controlled by the applied currents, the minimum force is obtained in the dual paths flow state while the maximum force is obtained in the inner path flow state. In particular, the dynamic range of the proposed MR damper is significantly improved to 93.3 and the filed-off damping force remains small compared to the previously reported MR damper.
Pseudo random number generator based on vertical-cavity surface-emitting lasers under current modulation embedded in microcontroller
Authors: Balaraman Sundarambal , Kuate Paul Didier Kamdem , Alhadji Abba Oumate , Rajagopal Karthikeyan
Published: June 2023

This paper explores the dynamics, microcontroller validation of a vertical-cavity surface-emitting laser (VCSEL) under current modulation (CM) and employs it to model a process of pseudo-random number generator (PRNG). Solitary VCSEL has three equilibrium points whose stabilities depend on the direct current density. VCSEL under CM (VCSELCM) experiences antimonotonicity, chaotic bubble attractor as well as chaotic attractor. A microcontroller implementation of VCSELCM is used to establish the dynamical behaviors spotted in VCSELCM during the numerical simulations. Lastly, the chaotic characteristics depicted by the VCSELCM are used to design a process of PRNG. The generated random bits are validated successfully by a standard statistical tool set by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST-800–22).
Realizing efficient THz circular dichroism using ultra-thin chiral metasurface
Authors: Qureshi Ubaid Ur Rahman , Khan M Ismail , Hu Bin
Published: June 2023

Circular dichroism is characterized by distinct optical responses for left-handed and right-handed circularly polarized waves widely used for biological monitoring, analytical chemistry, and plasmonic sensing. This work proposes a chiral metasurface composed of a Mushroom-shaped (MS) pattern to achieve circular dichroism in reflection mode at THz frequencies. The maximum achieved absorption efficiency is 98.49% for the left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) incident wave. In comparison, the right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) incident wave is 7.39% at the resonant frequency of 12.4 THz. This high absorption results in remarkable circular dichroism (CD) of 91. 10%. Moreover, a stable response has been observed with the variation of incident angles from 0° to 30°. Meanwhile, power loss distribution, current distribution, and retrieved effective physical parameters have been used in analyzing the absorption mechanism. The high polarization selective absorption efficiency, angular stability, and compact size qualify the proposed design for a diverse range of THz applications.
Noise and fluctuations in nanoscale gas flow
Authors: Dastoor Jehan , Willerton Dawson M , Reisner Walter , Gervais Guillaume
Published: June 2023

We theoretically calculate the fundamental noise that is present in gaseous (dilute fluid) flow in channels in the classical and degenerate quantum regime, where the Fermi–Dirac and Bose–Einstein distribution must be considered. Results for both regimes are analogous to their electrical counterparts. The quantum noise is calculated for a two terminal system and is a complicated function of the thermal and shot noise with the thermal noise dominating when 2k

B

T
ρ ≫ mΔP and vice versa. The cumulant generating function for mass flow, which generates all the higher order statistics related to our mass flow distribution, is also derived and is used to find an expression for the third cumulant of flow across a fluidic channel.
Performance and systematic uncertainties of CTA-North in conditions of reduced atmospheric transmission
Authors: Pecimotika Mario , Dominis Prester Dijana , Hrupec Dario , Mićanović Saša , Pavletić Lovro , Sitarek Julian
Published: June 2023

The Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) is the next-generation stereoscopic system of Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs). In IACTs, the atmosphere is used as a calorimeter to measure the energy of extensive air showers induced by cosmic gamma rays, which brings along a series of constraints on the precision to which energy can be reconstructed. The presence of clouds during observations can severely affect Cherenkov light yield, contributing to the systematic uncertainty in energy scale calibration. To minimize these systematic uncertainties, a calibration of telescopes is of great importance. For this purpose, the influence of cloud transmission and altitude on CTA-N performance degradation was investigated using detailed Monte Carlo simulations for the case where no action is taken to correct for the effects of clouds. Variations of instrument response functions in the presence of clouds are presented. In the presence of clouds with low transmission (≤ 80%) the energy resolution is aggravated by 30% at energies below 1 TeV, and by 10% at higher energies. For higher transmissions, the energy resolution is worse by less than 10% in the whole energy range. The angular resolution varies up to 10% depending both on the transmission and altitude of the cloud. The sensitivity of the array is most severely reduced at lower energies, even by 60% at 40 GeV, depending on the clouds' properties. A simple semi-analytical model of sensitivity degradation has been introduced to summarize the influence of clouds on sensitivity and provide useful scaling relations.
Observational insights into the accelerating universe through reconstruction of the deceleration parameter
Authors: Naik Devaraja Mallesha , Kavya N. S. , Venkatesha V.
Published: June 2023

Recent developments in the exploration of the universe suggest that it is in an accelerated phase of expansion. Accordingly, our study aims to probe the current scenario of the universe with the aid of the reconstruction technique. The primary factor that describes cosmic evolution is the deceleration parameter. Here, we provide a physically plausible, newly defined model-independent parametric form of the deceleration parameter. Further, we constrain the free parameters through statistical MCMC analysis for different datasets, including the most recent Pantheon+. With the statistically obtained results, we analyze the dynamics of the model through the phase transition, EoS parameter, and energy conditions. Also, we make use of the tool Om diagnostic to test our model.
Bump deposition techniques for hybrid X-ray detectors
Authors: Schneider Andreas , Ghorbanian Navid , Osborn Jack , Cross Simon P. , Lipp John D. , French Marcus J.
Published: June 2023

Flip-chip bonding is a common method for joining application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) to pixel sensors in order to build hybrid radiation detectors for X-rays and gamma-rays. STFC-RAL is using two methods for the interconnects between ASIC and sensor pixels. These are either indium bumps which are deposited on ASIC and sensor prior to bonding or alternatively electrically conductive adhesive dots are printed on the sensor pixel array and flip-chip bonded to gold studs attached to each pixel of the ASIC. Conventionally the indium deposition is carried out on wafer-scale using a photolithographic lift-off process. Sensor and ASIC with indium bumps are singulated from wafers afterwards. Some sensor material (e.g. CdZnTe) which is required for high-energy and high-flux X-ray detectors at X-ray Free Electron Lasers (XFEL) or in other scientific experiments is only available as individual die instead of wafers. The stencil printing of conductive epoxy dots onto those sensor dies together with gold ball studding of ASICs is a suitable method for those dies. However, due to the size of printed epoxy dots this method has a limited pixel pitch and is currently only used for sensors with 250 μm-pitch or for larger pitch. A novel method for indium deposition was developed for such dies. A shadow mask with small apertures is optically aligned to the pixel array and mechanically clamped to the sensor die. After indium evaporation onto this assembly and after removal of the mask, indium bumps as small as 50 μm with a height of ∼ 5 μm are deposit onto the pixel array of the sensor. The same is done for a matching ASIC. A comparison of these two methods indicates that indium bumps created by the shadow mask technique are approx. half the size of the epoxy dots and comparable with gold studs. Using this method, at present a pitch of 100 μm for those indium bumps can be achieved and development for further improvement towards smaller pitch is carried out currently. This novel indium deposition method is compared with the conventional wafer-scale indium lift-off method and the epoxy/gold stud flip-chip bonding in terms of interconnect quality, bond yield, and suitability for hybrid radiation detectors.
Stellar representation of extremal Wigner-negative spin states
Authors: Davis Jack , Hennigar Robie A , Mann Robert B , Ghose Shohini
Published: June 2023

The Majorana stellar representation is used to characterize spin states that have a maximally negative Wigner quasiprobability distribution on a spherical phase space. These maximally Wigner-negative spin states generally exhibit a partial but not high degree of symmetry within their star configurations. In particular, for spin j > 2, maximal constellations do not correspond to a Platonic solid when available and do not follow an obvious geometric pattern as dimension increases. In addition, they are generally different from spin states that maximize other measures of nonclassicality such as anticoherence or geometric entanglement. Random states display on average a relatively high amount of negativity, but the extremal states and those with similar negativity are statistically rare in Hilbert space. We also prove that all spin coherent states of arbitrary dimension have non-zero Wigner negativity. This offers evidence that all pure spin states also have non-zero Wigner negativity. The results can be applied to qubit ensembles exhibiting permutation invariance.
Radiographic testing of 3D-printed thermoplastics using Am-241 as a gamma-ray source
Authors: Alaqab Ali , Siddig Mohammed , Banoqitah Essam , Saleh Muneer Aziz , Damoom Mohammed M , Alhawsawi Abdulsalam M , Al-Hada Naif Mohammed , Alharbi W R , Saeed Abdu
Published: June 2023

The industrial production of 3D printing is known as additive manufacturing (AM), in which a computer controls the process of producing 3D objects. Although x-ray computed radiography (XCT) is extensively used in the quality control and testing of additive manufacturing products, the gamma-ray radiography capabilities for these applications still need to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of gamma-ray radiography using americium-241 (Am-241) as the gamma source. Here, we inspected fused deposition three-dimensional (3D) modeling products produced from polylactic acid (PLA) as thermoplastic samples. Radiographic testing of 3D-printed thermoplastic samples was performed using Monte Carlo simulations and validated by experimental studies. We used Am-241 (gamma-ray source) to conduct simulations and experiments investigations; two simulations were used: one by using 59.6 keV energy of gamma-ray and the other using all gamma-ray energies, including 16.96 keV, 26.3446 keV% 2.31 up to 662.40 keV. Also, we performed the x-ray radiography test to be used as a standard. The results showed that the defect detectability in the 3D-printed PLA samples using Am-241 as a gamma-ray source is comparable to that of x-ray results. This study concluded that the Am-241 could be used as the gamma-ray source to perform the radiography test for the products produced by 3D-printed thermoplastics.
Using copies can improve precision in continuous-time quantum computing
Authors: Bennett Jemma , Callison Adam , O’Leary Tom , West Mia , Chancellor Nicholas , Kendon Viv
Published: June 2023

In the quantum optimisation setting, we build on a scheme introduced by Young et al (2013 Phys. Rev. A 88 062314), where physical qubits in multiple copies of a problem encoded into an Ising spin Hamiltonian are linked together to increase the logical system’s robustness to error. We introduce several innovations that improve the error suppression of this scheme under a special model of control noise, designed to understand how limited precision could be overcome. First, we note that only one copy needs to be correct by the end of the computation, since solution quality can be checked efficiently. Second, we find that ferromagnetic links do not generally help in this ‘one correct copy’ setting, but anti-ferromagnetic links do help on average, by suppressing the chance of the same error being present on all of the copies. Third, we find that minimum-strength anti-ferromagnetic links perform best, by counteracting the spin-flips induced by the errors. We have numerically tested our innovations on small instances of spin glasses from Callison et al (2019 New J. Phys.
21 123022), and we find improved error tolerance for three or more copies in configurations that include frustration. Interpreted as an effective precision increase, we obtain several extra bits of precision on average for three copies connected in a triangle. This provides proof-of-concept of a method for scaling quantum annealing beyond the precision limits of hardware, a step towards fault tolerance in this setting.
Geologic, seasonal, and atmospheric predictors of indoor home radon values
Authors: Hahn Ellen J , Haneberg William C , Stanifer Stacy R , Rademacher Kathy , Backus Jason , Rayens Mary Kay
Published: June 2023

Exposure to tobacco smoke and radon cause lung cancer. Radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in bedrock produces radon. Seasonality, bedrock type, age of home, and topography have been associated with indoor radon, but the research is mixed. The study objective was to examine the relationships of geologic (soil radon and bedrock) and seasonal (warm and cold times of the year) factors with indoor home radon values in citizen scientists’ homes over time, controlling for atmospheric conditions, topography, age of home, and home exposure to tobacco smoke. We collected and analyzed indoor radon values, soil radon gas concentrations, and dwelling- and county-level geologic and atmospheric conditions on 66 properties in four rural counties during two seasons: (1) summer 2021 (n = 53); and (2) winter/spring 2022 (n = 52). Citizen scientists measured indoor radon using Airthings radon sensors, and outdoor temperature and rainfall. Geologists obtained soil radon measurements using RAD7 instruments at two locations (near the dwelling and farther away) at each dwelling, testing for associations of indoor radon values with soil values, bedrock type, topography, and atmospheric conditions. Bedrock type, near soil radon levels, home age, and barometric pressure were associated with indoor radon. Dwellings built on carbonate bedrock had indoor radon values that were 2.8 pCi/L (103.6 Bq m−3) higher, on average, compared to homes built on siliclastic rock. Homes with higher near soil radon and those built <40 ago were more likely to have indoor radon ⩾4.0 pCi/L (148 Bq m−3). With higher atmospheric barometric pressure during testing, observed indoor radon values were lower. Seasonality and topography were not associated with indoor radon level. Understanding relationships among bedrock type, soil radon, and indoor radon exposure allows the development of practical predictive models that may support pre-construction forecasting of indoor radon potential based on geologic factors.
On prime ideals with generalized derivations in rings with involution
Authors: Salahuddin Khan Mohammad , Abbasi Adnan , Ali Shakir , Ayedh Mohammed
Published: June 2023

The main objective of this paper is to study about the action of generalized derivations on prime ideals of an arbitrary ring with involution. In particular, apart from proving some other results, we establish that if

(
F
,
d
)

(F,d)

is a generalized derivation of

R
R

satisfying the condition

[
F
(
x
)
,

x
∗

]
∈
P

[F(x),x^*]\in P

for all

x
∈
R

x\in R

, then one of the following holds:

c
h
a
r
(
R

/

P
)
=
2

char(R/P)=2

,

R

/

P

R/P

is a commutative integral domain,

F
(
R
)
⊆
P

F(R)\subseteq P

.
Dimension estimate for the two-sided points of planar Sobolev extension domains
Authors: Takanen Jyrki
Published: June 2023

In this paper we give an estimate for the Hausdorff dimension of the set of two-sided points of the boundary of bounded simply connected Sobolev

W

1
,
p

W^{1,p}

-extension domain for

1
>
p
>
2

1>p>2

. Sharpness of the estimate is shown by examples. We also prove the equivalence of different definitions of two-sided points.
Psychological interventions for loneliness and social isolation among older adults during medical pandemics: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Li Muzi , Rao Wenwang , Su Yingying , Sul Youngjoo , Caron Gabriel , D’Arcy Carl , Fleury Marie-Josee , Meng Xiangfei
Published: June 2023

Objectives

There is little research conducted to systematically synthesize the evidence on psychological interventions for social isolation and loneliness among older adults during medical pandemics. This systematic review aims to address this information gap and provides guidance for planning and implementing interventions to prevent and reduce loneliness and social isolation for older adults, especially during medical pandemics.

Methods

Four electronic databases (EMBASE, PsychoInfo, Medline and Web of Science) and grey literature from 1 January 2000 to 13 September 2022 were searched for eligible studies on loneliness and social isolation. Data extraction and methodological quality assessment on key study characteristics were conducted independently by two researchers. Both qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were used.

Results

The initial search yielded 3,116 titles. Of the 215 full texts reviewed, 12 intervention articles targeting loneliness during the COVID-19 pandemic met the inclusion criteria. No studies were found concerning intervention with respect to social isolation. Overall, interventions targeting social skills and the elimination of negativities effectively alleviated the feelings of loneliness in the older population. However, they had only short-term effects.

Conclusion

This review systematically summarised the key characteristics and the effectiveness of existing interventions addressing loneliness in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic. Future interventions should focus on social skills and eliminating negativities and be tailored to the needs and characteristics of older people. Repeated larger-scale randomized controlled trials and long-term effectiveness evaluations on this topic are warranted.
Development and validation of an international preoperative risk assessment model for postoperative delirium
Authors: Dodsworth Benjamin T , Reeve Kelly , Falco Lisa , Hueting Tom , Sadeghirad Behnam , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Goettel Nicolai , Schmutz Gelsomino Nayeli
Published: June 2023

Background

Postoperative delirium (POD) is a frequent complication in older adults, characterised by disturbances in attention, awareness and cognition, and associated with prolonged hospitalisation, poor functional recovery, cognitive decline, long-term dementia and increased mortality. Early identification of patients at risk of POD can considerably aid prevention.

Methods

We have developed a preoperative POD risk prediction algorithm using data from eight studies identified during a systematic review and providing individual-level data. Ten-fold cross-validation was used for predictor selection and internal validation of the final penalised logistic regression model. The external validation used data from university hospitals in Switzerland and Germany.

Results

Development included 2,250 surgical (excluding cardiac and intracranial) patients 60 years of age or older, 444 of whom developed POD. The final model included age, body mass index, American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) score, history of delirium, cognitive impairment, medications, optional C-reactive protein (CRP), surgical risk and whether the operation is a laparotomy/thoracotomy. At internal validation, the algorithm had an AUC of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.77–0.82) with CRP and 0.79 (95% CI: 0.77–0.82) without CRP. The external validation consisted of 359 patients, 87 of whom developed POD. The external validation yielded an AUC of 0.74 (95% CI: 0.68–0.80).

Conclusions

The algorithm is named PIPRA (Pre-Interventional Preventive Risk Assessment), has European conformity (ce) certification, is available at http://pipra.ch/ and is accepted for clinical use. It can be used to optimise patient care and prioritise interventions for vulnerable patients and presents an effective way to implement POD prevention strategies in clinical practice.
Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor Involving Serous Fluid: Cytologic Features and Diagnostic Pitfalls: A Series of 8 Cases
Authors: Fakhri Nibras L , Gan Qiong
Published: June 2023

Objectives

When desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is present in serous fluid, the cytomorphology can be diverse and can mimic metastatic carcinomas and thus present a diagnostic challenge. The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical features of this rare tumor in serous effusion specimens.

Methods

Demographic, clinical, radiologic, and pathologic information from patients who had a DSRCT diagnosis on body fluid specimens was collected and cytologic slides were reviewed.

Results

Nine specimens were identified (5 pleural fluid and 4 ascitic fluid specimens) from 8 patients (5 male and 3 female). The mean patient age at diagnosis was 26 years. The most common symptoms were abdominal distension and pain, with 5 patients having abdominal masses. Other findings included peritoneal carcinomatosis, liver masses, ascites, and pleural nodules. The predominant cytomorphology was loose cellular clusters, followed by tight clusters of small cells with scant occasional vacuolated cytoplasm and a sphere-like pattern.

Conclusions

Serous fluid may be the first available specimen to diagnose DSRCT. In young patients with no history of malignancy and radiologic finding of peritoneal implants, DSRCT should be considered a possibility in the differential diagnosis, and sensitive markers should be used for accurate diagnosis.