bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Treatment of a Critically Ill COVID-19 Patient with the Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity Filter
Authors: Pape Anke , Kielstein Jan T. , Krüger Tillman , Fühner Thomas , Brunkhorst Reinhard
Published: April 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has a serious impact on health and economics worldwide. Even though the majority of patients present with moderate and mild symptoms, yet a considerable portion of patients need to be treated in the intensive care unit. Aside from dexamethasone, there is no established pharmacological therapy. Moreover, some of the currently tested drugs are contraindicated for special patient populations like remdesivir for patients with severely impaired renal function. On this background, several extracorporeal treatments are currently explored concerning their potential to improve the clinical course and outcome of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Here, we report the use of the Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity filter, which is licensed in the European Union for the removal of pathogens. Authorization for emergency use in patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit with confirmed or imminent respiratory failure was granted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on April 17, 2020.

A 53-year-old Caucasian male with a severe COVID-19 infection was treated with a Seraph Microbind Affinity filter hemoperfusion after clinical deterioration and commencement of mechanical ventilation. The 70-minute treatment at a blood flow of 200 mL/minute was well tolerated, and the patient was hemodynamically stable. The hemoperfusion reduced D-dimers dramatically.

This case report suggests that the use of Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity filter hemoperfusion might have positive effects on the clinical course of critically ill patients with COVID-19. However, future prospective collection of data ideally in randomized trials will have to confirm whether the use of Seraph 100 Microbind Affinity filter hemoperfusion is an option of the treatment for COVID-19.
Aristaless-Related Homeobox (ARX): Epilepsy Phenotypes beyond Lissencephaly and Brain Malformations
Authors: Scalia Bruna , Venti Valeria , Ciccia Lina M. , Criscione Roberta , Lo Bianco Manuela , Sciuto Laura , Falsaperla Raffaele , Zanghì Antonio , Praticò Andrea D.
Published: April 2021

The Aristaless-related homeobox (ARX) transcription factor is involved in the development of GABAergic and cholinergic neurons in the forebrain. ARX mutations have been associated with a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans and are responsible for both malformation (in particular lissencephaly) and nonmalformation complex phenotypes. The epilepsy phenotypes related to ARX mutations are West syndrome and X-linked infantile spasms, X-linked myoclonic epilepsy with spasticity and intellectual development and Ohtahara and early infantile epileptic encephalopathy syndrome, which are related in most of the cases to intellectual disability and are often drug resistant. In this article, we shortly reviewed current knowledge of the function of ARX with a particular attention on its consequences in the development of epilepsy during early childhood.
Comparison of High CPAP versus NIPPV in Preterm Neonates: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Ahmad Hussain Alsaid , Deekonda Veena , Patel Waseemoddin , Thabane Lehana , Shah Prakesh S. , Mukerji Amit
Published: April 2021

Objective The aim of this study was to compare outcomes following receipt of high continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) versus nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) in extremely preterm neonates.

Study Design We retrospectively compared outcomes of preterm neonates (22–28 weeks' gestation) following their first episode of either high CPAP (≥ 9 cm H2O) or NIPPV. Primary outcome was failure of high CPAP or NIPPV within 7 days, as determined by either need for intubation or use of an alternate noninvasive mode.

Results During the 3-year study period, 53 infants received high CPAP, while 119 patients received NIPPV. There were no differences in the primary outcome (adjusted odds ratio 1.21; 95% confidence interval 0.49–3.01). The use of alternate mode of noninvasive support was higher with the use of high CPAP but no other outcome differences were noted.

Conclusion Based on this cohort, there was no difference in incidence of failure between high CPAP and NIPPV, although infants receiving high CPAP were more likely to require an alternate mode of noninvasive support.

Key Points
WDR45 Gene and Its Role in Pediatric Epilepsies
Authors: Filosco Federica , Billone Sebastiano , Collotta Ausilia , Timpanaro Tiziana , Tosto Monica , Falsaperla Raffaele , Marino Silvia , Zanghì Antonio , Praticò Andrea D.
Published: April 2021

WD repeat domain 45 (WDR45) gene has been increasingly found in patients with developmental delay (DD) and epilepsy. Previously, WDR45 de novo mutations were reported in sporadic adult and pediatric patients presenting iron accumulation, while heterozygous mutations were associated with β-propeller protein-associated neurodegeneration (BPAN), a subtype of neurodegeneration with brain iron accumulation disorders, characterized by extrapyramidal movement disorders and abnormal accumulation of iron in the basal ganglia. Overall, people harboring WDR45 mutations have moderate to severe DD and different types of seizures. The phenotype of adult patients is characterized by extrapyramidal movement, dystonia, parkinsonism, language impairment, and involvement of the substantia nigra and in the globus pallidus at brain magnetic resonance imaging. Importantly, there are no findings of brain iron accumulation in brain in BPAN patients in the first decade of life, thus suggesting a progressive course of the disease. Comparatively, the main phenotype of pediatric patients is epilepsy with early onset, most of which present infantile spasms and arrest or regression of psychomotor development. The phenotype of patients with WDR45 mutations is variable, being different if caused by somatic mosaicism or germline mutations, and presenting with a different spectrum of manifestations in males and females. The treatment of affected individuals is symptomatic. Regarding the seizures, specific, gene-based approaches with specific antiepileptic drugs are not currently available. The early diagnosis of BPAN could be useful in some aspects, such as providing families a supportive treatment to their affected children.
Comparison of the Full Outline of Unresponsiveness Score with the Glasgow Coma Scale as a Coma Assessment Scale in Pediatric Intensive Care
Authors: Misirlioglu Merve , Yildizdas Dincer , Ekinci Faruk , Ozgur Horoz Ozden , Mert Gulen Gul
Published: April 2021

Rapid assessment of cerebral dysfunction is crucial for the management of patients in intensive care units. The Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) evaluates eye, verbal, and motor responses, but is insufficient to effectively evaluate patients on mechanical ventilation, or who are unable to speak. The Full Outline of Unresponsiveness (FOUR) score includes additional information such as brainstem reflexes and respiratory status to provide a more complete clinical assessment. In this study, we aimed to compare the FOUR score with GCS in the assessment of patients with coma. This prospective study included patients between 1 month and under 18 years of age, who were hospitalized in the pediatric intensive care unit due to risk of coma or ongoing impairment of consciousness between May 2018 and June 2019. Information regarding FOUR scores, GCS values, patient demographics, duration of hospitalization, requirement for mechanical ventilation, and patient comorbidities were recorded and analyzed. Among the 80 patients included in the study, a statistically significant correlation was found between (low) GCS and FOUR scores during admission, and mortality and requirement for mechanical ventilation. Monitoring the level of consciousness is important in pediatric intensive care units and may be predictive of the course and disease outcome. Similar to the GCS, the FOUR score is a good indicator for predicting mortality and requirement for mechanical ventilation.
Clustering sparse sensor placement identification and deep learning based forecasting for wind turbine wakes
Authors: Ali Naseem , Calaf Marc , Cal Raúl Bayoán
Published: April 2021

A data-driven approach is an alternative to extract general models for wind energy applications. A spatial sensitivity analysis is achieved using a probabilistic model to quantitatively identify the variability in performance due to individual parameters and visualize spatial distributions. Proper orthogonal decomposition results are combined with linear discriminant analysis under the clustering framework to present low-dimensional classifiers. Using the decomposition enables the system to be far away from ill-conditioned states. The optimal sensor locations are explicitly distributed in the transition region, where the velocity and Reynolds stresses relax toward a wake recovered state. With the optimal sensors, the cluster assignment and flow dynamics are obtained. There is an advantage in including more features in the reconstruction process to capture the slow and fast dynamics. Assessing the differences in the wake response and establishing the importance of spatial sensitivities are provided here for seeking accurate models. The bidirectional neural network is used to predict the fluctuating velocity of the considered sensors. The result of long–short term memory shows correlations of 92% between the real and predicted fluctuating velocities.
Extended lattice Boltzmann model for gas dynamics
Authors: Saadat M. H. , Hosseini S. A. , Dorschner B. , Karlin I. V.
Published: April 2021

We propose a two-population lattice Boltzmann model on standard lattices for the simulation of compressible flows. The model is fully on-lattice and uses the single relaxation time Bhatnagar–Gross–Krook kinetic equations along with appropriate correction terms to recover the Navier–Stokes–Fourier equations. The accuracy and performance of the model are analyzed through simulations of compressible benchmark cases including Sod shock tube, sound generation in shock–vortex interaction, and compressible decaying turbulence in a box with eddy shocklets. It is demonstrated that the present model provides an accurate representation of compressible flows, even in the presence of turbulence and shock waves.
Parental bias in expression and interaction of genes in the equine placenta
Authors: Dini Pouya , Kalbfleisch Theodore , Uribe-Salazar José M. , Carossino Mariano , Ali Hossam El-Sheikh , Loux Shavahn C. , Esteller-Vico Alejandro , Norris Jamie K. , Anand Lakshay , Scoggin Kirsten E. , Rodriguez Lopez Carlos M. , Breen James , Bailey Ernest , Daels Peter , Ball Barry A.
Published: April 2021

Significance

The placenta is the fetomaternal interface, which is essential for fetal growth and survival, playing a central role in the health of both the fetus and its mother. The dynamic gene expression during pregnancy dramatically contributes to the correct functionality of this temporary tissue. The epitheliochorial placenta of the horse is a valuable resource to understand parent-of-origin expression due to minimal bias associated with remnants of maternal tissue compared to other eutherian mammals. Here, we identified genes whose transcription is biased to either the paternal or maternal chromosome in the equine placenta. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of regulatory processes in placental function, evolution, and disease, using horses as a model for eutherian mammals’ placenta.
Multi-Locus Identification of Psilocybe Cubensis by High-Resolution Melting (HRM)
Authors: Zhang Xiaochun , Yu Huan , Wang Ziwei , Yang Qi , Xia Ruocheng , Qu Yiling , Tao Ruiyang , Shi Yan , Xiang Ping , Zhang Suhua , Li Chengtao
Published: April 2021

Hallucinogenic mushroom is a kind of toxic strain containing psychoactive tryptamine substances such as psilocybin, psilocin and ibotenic acid, etc. The mushrooms containing hallucinogenic components are various, widely distributed and lack of standard to define, which made a great challenge to identification. Traditional identification methods, such as morphology and toxicology analysis, showed shortcomings in old or processed samples, while the DNA-based identification of hallucinogenic mushrooms would allow to identify these samples due to the stability of DNA. In this paper, four primer sets are designed to target Psilocybe cubensis DNA for increasing resolution of present identification method, and the target markers include largest subunit of RNA polymerase II (marked as PC-R1), psilocybin-related phosphotransferase gene (marked as PC-PT), glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (marked as PC-3) and translation EF1α (marked as PC-EF). Real-time PCR with high-resolution melting (HRM) assay were used for the differentiation of the fragments amplified by these primer sets, which were tested for specificity, reproducibility, sensitivity, mixture analysis and multiplex PCR. It was shown that the melting temperatures of PC-R1, PC-PT, PC-3 and PC-EF of P. cubensis were (87.93 ± 0.12) °C, (82.21 ± 0.14) °C, (79.72 ± 0.12) °C and (80.11 ± 0.19) °C in our kinds of independent experiments. Significant HRM characteristic can be shown with a low concentration of 62.5 pg/µL DNA sample, and P. cubensis could be detected in mixtures with Homo sapiens or Cannabis sativa. In summary, the method of HRM analysis can quickly and specifically distinguish P. cubensis from other species, which could be utilized for forensic science, medical diagnosis and drug trafficking cases.
Dissecting neurotransmission with artificial synapses
Authors: Short Ben
Published: April 2021

JGP study demonstrates how recordings from neuron–HEK cell cocultures provide a clearer picture of the factors involved in synaptic transmission.
Human Capital in Court: The Role of Attorney Experience in US Supreme Court Litigation
Authors: Nelson Michael J. , Epstein Lee
Published: April 2021

Human capital theory suggests that work experience acquired through on-the-job-training primes people to be more successful. Empirical validations of this hypothesis are numerous, but limited evidence of the relevance of human capital for courtroom advocacy exists. We examine whether the outcomes obtained by experienced attorneys are significantly better than the outcomes they would have obtained as novices. Adopting a strategy for credible causal inference that could be applied to almost any peak court, the analysis shows that attorneys with experience, relative to first timers, are significantly and consistently more likely to win their cases and capture the votes of judges.
State Court Influence on US Supreme Court Opinions
Authors: Bowie Jennifer , Savchak Elisha Carol
Published: April 2021

Despite our understanding that the US Supreme Court influences lower courts in a top-down fashion, we examine whether state courts influence Supreme Court work, namely, its majority opinions. This study of lower court influence on Supreme Court opinion writing investigates whether and when justices borrow language from state court opinions. While our fundamental interest is in whether the writings of state court judges are influential in Supreme Court opinions, we further investigate whether justices’ biases against elected judiciaries and favor for appointed systems play a role here. Our original data set includes Supreme Court cases reviewing state court decisions from 1995 to 2015. Results show that the potential for lower court influence differs for appointed versus elected state court judges, lending valuable insight into the discussion of judicial power and institutional design. Meanwhile, state courts play an important role in the development of law at the Supreme Court.
Enhanced room temperature energy storage density of Bi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 substituted Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–BaTiO3 ceramics
Authors: Karakaya Merve , Adem Umut
Published: April 2021

For high power electronics applications, relaxor ferroelectrics are promising materials due to their superior energy storage properties. In this study, we investigate the energy storage properties of novel lead free relaxor ferroelectric ceramics (1−x)(0.92Bi0.5Na0.5TiO3–0.08BaTiO3)–xBi(Li1/3Ti2/3)O3 (abbreviated as BNT–8BT–xBLT). BNT–8BT composition which is close to morphotropic phase boundary was chosen as the base due to its large maximum polarization (P
m) and higher ratio of weakly polar tetragonal phase which is expected to facilitate ergodic relaxor behavior and improve energy storage density. The substitution of BLT to the BNT–8BT strongly disrupts the correlations between the polar nanoregions and the transition from nonergodic to ergodic relaxor state occurs already at x = 0.02 BLT at room temperature. Largest energy density (W
rec) at 61 kV cm−1 was obtained for x = 0.02 sample (0.656 J cm−3), followed by x = 0.03 (W
rec = 0.614 J cm−3) and x = 0.05 (W
rec= 0.559 J cm−3). The x = 0.02 sample keeps its energy storage density at high temperatures (i.e. W
rec= 0.88 J cm−3,
η = 97%, E
m= 65 kV cm−1 at 125 °C), while larger electric field (up to 89 kV cm−1) could be applied to the x = 0.05 sample with the smallest grain size and energy density of 1.03 J cm−3 was reached at room temperature. Energy storage density values of BLT substituted materials normalized per unit applied electric field are promising among BNT-based materials.
In situ synchrotron XRD measurements during solidification of a melt in the CaO–SiO2 system using an aerodynamic levitation system
Authors: Schraut Katharina , Kargl Florian , Adam Christian , Ivashko Oleh
Published: April 2021

Phase formation and evolution was investigated in the CaO–SiO2 system in the range of 70–80 mol% CaO. The samples were container-less processed in an aerodynamic levitation system and crystallization was followed in situ by synchrotron x-ray diffraction at the beamline P21.1 at the German electron synchrotron (DESY). Modification changes of di- and tricalcium silicate were observed and occurred at lower temperatures than under equilibrium conditions. Despite deep sample undercooling, no metastable phase formation was observed within the measurement timescale of 1 s. For the given cooling rates ranging from 300 K s−1 to about 1 K s−1, no decomposition of tricalcium silicate was observed. No differences in phase evolution were observed between reducing and oxidizing conditions imposed by the levitation gas (Ar and Ar + O2). We demonstrate that this setup has great potential to follow crystallization in refractory oxide liquids in situ. For sub-second primary phase formation faster detection and for polymorph detection adjustments in resolution have to be implemented.
Assessing radiation risk perception by means of a European stakeholder survey
Authors: Della Monaca Sara , Dini Valentina , Grande Sveva , Palma Alessandra , Tkaczyk Alan H , Koch Rein , Murakas Rein , Perko Tanja , Duranova Tatiana , Salomaa Sisko , Roivainen Päivi , Willrodt Christine , Grigioni Mauro , Bouffler Simon
Published: April 2021

It is increasingly recognised that stakeholder views can be essential for ascertaining the credibility of those entrusted with protection of the public and workers against radiation risks, the robustness of the approaches to protection and the relevance of research underpinning radiation protection (RP). The CONCERT European Joint Programme of RP research included consideration of stakeholder views. These were evaluated by means of a publicly available survey, translated into 15 languages, to encourage responses from a wide range of European countries. The survey ran in 2017 and received some 1961 responses from many countries, although response rates varied widely between countries. The survey respondents were largely highly educated, with many having a professional connection to RP or the use of radiation in medicine or industry. Survey results indicated a high level of scientific/technical knowledge relevant to RP and indicated a general trust of most actors involved in the RP field, perhaps unsurprisingly given the nature of the sampled population. Most expressed a reasonable level of satisfaction with the information available to them on radiation risk, but there is clearly room for improvement. Additionally, the survey identified potential training needs amongst the groups who responded. It is concluded that, while the survey results are limited by the non-representativeness of the respondents by comparison with the population of the European Union as a whole, it has been successful in gaining insights into areas where communication could be improved, where professional training gaps are present and where research could help to build wider trust in RP.
Surface plasmon coupling effects on the förster resonance energy transfer from quantum dot into rhodamine 6G
Authors: Chen Chien-Yu , Ni Chia-Chun , Wu Ruei-Nan , Kuo Sheng-Yang , Li Chia-Hao , Kiang Yean-Woei , Yang C C
Published: April 2021

Rhodamine 6G (R6G) molecules linked CdZnSeS/ZnS green-emitting quantum dots (QDs) are self-assembled onto Ag nanoparticles (NPs) for studying the surface plasmon (SP) coupling effect on the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) process from QD into R6G. SP coupling can enhance the emission efficiency of QD such that FRET has to compete with QD emission for transferring energy into R6G. It is found that FRET efficiency is reduced under the SP coupling condition. Although R6G emission efficiency can also be enhanced through SP coupling when it is directly linked onto Ag NP, the enhancement decreases when R6G is linked onto QD and then the QD-R6G complex is self-assembled onto Ag NP. In particular, R6G emission efficiency can be reduced through SP coupling when the number of R6G molecules linked onto a QD is high. A rate-equation model is built for resembling the measured photoluminescence decay profiles and providing us with more detailed explanations for the observed FRET and SP coupling behaviors.
MoS2/WSe2 nanohybrids for flexible paper-based photodetectors
Authors: Pataniya Pratik M , Patel Vikas , Sumesh C K
Published: April 2021

Flexible photodetectors functionalized by transition metal dichalcogenides have attracted great attention due to their excellent photo-harvesting efficiency. However, the field of optoelectronics still requires advancement in the production of large-area, broad band and flexible photodetectors. Here we report a flexible, stable, broad band and fast photodetector based on a MoS2/WSe2 heterostructure on ordinary photocopy paper with pencil-drawn graphite electrodes. Ultrathin MoS2/WSe2 nanohybrids have been synthesized by an ultrahigh yield liquid-phase exfoliation technique. The thin sheets of WSe2, and MoS2 contain two to four layers with a highly c-oriented crystalline structure. Subsequently, the photodetector was exploited under ultra-broad spectral range from 400 to 780 nm. The photodetector exhibits excellent figure of merit such as on/off ratio of the order of 103, photoresponsivity of 124 mA W−1 and external quantum efficiency of 23.1%. Encouragingly, rise/decay time of about 0.1/0.3 s was realized, which is better than in previous reports on paper-based devices.
Cerebrovascular tone and resistance measures differ between healthy control and patients with acute intracerebral haemorrhage: exploratory analyses from the BREATHE-ICH study
Authors: Ince Jonathan , Mankoo Alex S , Kadicheeni Meeriam , Swienton David , Panerai Ronney B , Robinson Thompson G , Minhas Jatinder S
Published: April 2021

Objective. Cerebral autoregulation impairment in acute neurovascular disease is well described. The recent BREATHE-ICH study demonstrated improvements in dynamic cerebral autoregulation, by hypocapnia generated by hyperventilation, in the acute period following intracranial haemorrhage (ICH). This exploratory analysis of the BREATHE-ICH dataset aims to examine the differences in hypocapnic responses between healthy controls and patients with ICH, and determine whether haemodynamic indices differ between baseline and hypocapnic states. Approach. Acute ICH patients were recruited within 48 h of onset and healthy volunteers were recruited from a university setting. Transcranial Doppler measurements of the middle cerebral artery were obtained at baseline and then a hyperventilation intervention was used to induce hypocapnia. Patients with ICH were then followed up at 10–14 D post-event for repeated measurements. Main results. Data from 43 healthy controls and 12 patients with acute ICH met the criteria for statistical analysis. In both normocapnic and hypocapnic conditions, significantly higher critical closing pressure and resistance area product were observed in patients with ICH. Furthermore, critical closing pressure changes were observed to be sustained at 10–14 D follow up. During both the normocapnic and hypocapnic states, reduced autoregulation index was observed bilaterally in patients with ICH, compared to healthy controls. Significance. Whilst this exploratory analysis was limited by a small, non-age matched sample, significant differences between ICH patients and healthy controls were observed in factors associated with cerebrovascular tone and resistance. These differences suggest underlying cerebral autoregulation changes in ICH, which may play a pivotal role in the morbidity and mortality associated with ICH.
Influence of coverage of fin-shaped rods on flow-induced vibration and power extraction of cylinder-based wind energy harvester
Authors: Zou Qunfeng , Ding Lin , Song Tian , Yang Lin , Zhang Li
Published: April 2021

Wind-induced vibration (WIV) and power extraction performances of a circular cylinder with symmetrically installed fin-shaped rods (FSR) were experimentally and numerically investigated under different coverages. The FSR coverage which is expressed as an angle (α) is measured from the upstream edge to the downstream edge of the rod. The effect of FSR installation angle (θ) which is the angle from the stagnation point of cylinder to the upstream edge of the rod was also considered in this work. The FSR cylinder is exposed in uniform wind and allowed to vibrate in cross-flow direction. The output electric power is realized by piezoelectric patch. It is found that, for most cases, the output power of FSR cylinder increases monotonously with the rise of α for a given wind velocity (U). In addition, the tendency of output voltage varies with the wind velocity is highly similar to that of output power. The maximum values of output voltage and power are 19.70 V and 1.90 mW can be obtained when α= 20° (θ= 60°). The WIV responses of FSR cylinder show that the amplitudes of FSR cylinder increase with the rise of α for low installation angle (θ= 0°, 30°) and the maximum amplitudes exceed 2D (D: diameter of circular cylinder) can be observed for α= 40°/50° (θ= 30°) and α= 20° (θ= 60°). The reduced frequency of cylinder for θ= 0° and 30° does not sensitive to the coverage (α). It is worth noting that multiple frequencies can be captured for high coverage. Due to the boundary layer separating point moves in downstream direction with the increase of U and α, the vortex pattern switches from 2S to 2P.
The simulation of plasma in magnetic conical-cusp mirrors using COMSOL multiphysics
Authors: Ghanbari M R
Published: April 2021

In nuclear fusion plasma, open magnetic systems have advantages, including high beta, no neoclassical radial transport, ease preservation, and upgrades. Magnetic Conical-Cusp Mirror is one of these systems that has attracted the attention of researchers. In the Conical-Cusp Mirror device, plasma is confined by various magnetic coils with different current directions. In this work, a Conical-Cusp Mirror plasma system and a simple magnetic mirror plasma were simulated by COMSOL Multiphysics. Moreover, magnetic field gradient and plasma beta were compared in these two systems. The results showed that the Conical-Cusp Mirror plasma is more stable and has higher beta.
Investigation of Debye temperature and thermal disorder in Fe-Cr intermetallic alloys
Authors: Thi Hong Nguyen , Khac Hieu Ho
Published: April 2021

In this work, we have developed the anharmonic Debye model to study the Debye temperature and thermal disorder in Fe-Cr intermetallic alloys. The analytical expressions of the anharmonic effective potential, the effective force constant, the Debye temperature and corresponding frequency, and the atomic mean-square displacement characterizing the Debye-Waller factor have been derived. We have implemented the numerical calculations for Fe-Cr intermetallic systems with various Cr concentration up to temperature 700 K. Our results show that the Debye temperature of Fe-Cr systems increases gradually with the increasing Cr composition. Reversely, the mean-square displacement curve drops gradually with Cr concentration. These effects can be explained by the weaker coupling force between Fe atoms as compared to the Cr atoms. Furthermore, we also show the important contributions of thermal disorder to mean-square displacement at high temperature due to thermal lattice vibrations.
Spontaneous symmetry breaking in the phase space
Authors: Contoyiannis Y , Stavrinides S G , Kampitakis M , Hanias M P , Potirakis S M , Papadopoulos P
Published: April 2021

In this brief, the spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) of the

φ

4

theory in phase space, is studied. This phase space results from the appropriate system of Poincaré maps, produced in both the Minkowski and the Euclidean time. The importance of discretization in the creation of phase space, is highlighted. A series of interesting, novel, unknown behaviors are reported for the first time; among them the most characteristic is the change in stability. In specific, the stable fixed points of the

φ

4

potential appear as unstable ones, in phase space. Additionally, in the Euclidean-time phase space a unique instability in the position of the critical point, can be created. This instability is further proposed to host tachyonic field in Euclidean space.
Optical trapping SiO2 nanoparticles based on liquid-core metal-cladding waveguide
Authors: Jin Yonglong , Yin Yaoyao , Wei Danzhu , Xu Tian , Wang Chaonan , Xu Meifeng , Peng Cong
Published: April 2021

Because of the demand for low-cost optical trapping small particles without directly touching in subwavelength volume, a liquid-core metal-cladding waveguide (LCMW) structure was put forward, and it retained all the merits of MCW, such as free space coupling, a large detection area, and polarization independence. LCMW was used for optical trapping of SiO2 colloid particles. The reflectivity of the guiding layer was monitored to investigate the factors influencing the self-assembly speed of the SiO2 particles (time for the reflectivity to reach a stable state). The results demonstrate that a smaller ultimate reflectivity of light, longer light-off time, or a higher sample refractive index increases the required optical trapping time for the SiO2 colloid particles to reach a stable state.
Electronic and optical properties of ASc2S4 (A = Ca, Sr) compounds
Authors: Gencer Aysenur
Published: April 2021

This study investigates the ASc2S4 (A = Ca, Sr) compounds having an AB2O4-type structure of orthorhombic crystal nature. The calculated formation enthalpies reveal the thermodynamic stability of these compounds. In addition, the mechanical and dynamical stabilities are found as well. The detailed electronic properties are studied using Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof functional within the Generalized Gradient Approximation (GGA-PBE) and DFT + U methods. The ASc2S4 compounds are found to be semiconductor due the electronic band structures. The band gaps are determined as 1.11 eV and 1.25 eV using the GGA-PBE method, and 1.54 eV and 1.64 eV using the DFT + U method for CaSc2S4 and SrSc2S4, respectively. The orbital contributions to the partial density of states are investigated in detail. Furthermore, the optical properties of these compounds are obtained using the Bethe-Salpeter Equation (BSE) to consider the electron-hole interactions. The optical properties of the ASc2S4 compounds such as refractive indexes, extinction coefficients, absorption coefficients and loss functions are determined. This study fills the gap in the literature concerning the compounds that have S atoms instead of O atoms in AB2O4, while also revealing the electronic and optical properties of ASc2S4 (A = Ca, Sr) compounds in detail.
Diverse novel computational wave solutions of the time fractional Kolmogorov—Petrovskii - Piskunov and the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron equations
Authors: M A Khater Mostafa , El-Sayed Ahmed A , Alfalqi S H , Alzaidi J F
Published: April 2021

The numerical wave solutions of two fractional biomathematical and statistical physics models (the Kolmogorov—Petrovskii - Piskunov (KPP) equation and the (2 + 1)-dimensional Zoomeron (Z) equation) are investigated in this manuscript. Many novel analytical solutions in different mathematical formulations such as trigonometric, hyperbolic, exponential, and so on can be constructed using the generalized Riccati—expansion analytical scheme and the Caputo—Fabrizio fractional derivative. The fractional nonlinear evolution equation is converted into an ordinary differential equation with an integer order using this fractional operator. The obtained solution is used to describe the transmission of a preferred allele and the nonlinear interaction of moving waves, and the relative wave mode’s amplitude dynamic. To illustrate the fractional examined models, several drawings are explained in two dimensions and density plots.
The art of simulating the early universe.
Part I. Integration techniques and canonical cases
Authors: Figueroa Daniel G. , Florio Adrien , Torrenti Francisco , Valkenburg Wessel
Published: April 2021

We present a comprehensive discussion on lattice techniques for the simulation of scalar and gauge field dynamics in an expanding universe. After reviewing the continuum formulation of scalar and gauge field interactions in Minkowski and FLRW backgrounds, we introduce the basic tools for the discretization of field theories, including lattice gauge invariant techniques. Following, we discuss and classify numerical algorithms, ranging from methods of 𝒪(δ t2) accuracy like staggered leapfrog and Verlet integration, to Runge-Kutta methods up to 𝒪(δ t4) accuracy, and the Yoshida and Gauss-Legendre higher-order integrators, accurate up to 𝒪(δ t10). We adapt these methods for their use in classical lattice simulations of the non-linear dynamics of scalar and gauge fields in an expanding grid in 3+1 dimensions, including the case of
`self-consistent' expansion sourced by the volume average of the fields' energy and pressure densities. We present lattice formulations of canonical cases of: i) Interacting scalar fields, ii) Abelian (1) gauge theories, and iii) Non-Abelian (2) gauge theories. In all three cases we provide symplectic integrators, with accuracy ranging from 𝒪(δ t2) up to 𝒪(δ t10). For each algorithm we provide the form of relevant observables, such as energy density components, field spectra and the Hubble constraint. We note that all our algorithms for gauge theories always respect the Gauss constraint to machine precision, including when `self-consistent' expansion is considered. As a numerical example we analyze the post-inflationary dynamics of an oscillating inflaton charged under (2)×(1). We note that the present manuscript is meant to be part of the theoretical basis for the code 𝒞osmoℒattice, a multi-purpose MPI-based package for simulating the non-linear evolution of field theories in an expanding universe, publicly available at http://www.cosmolattice.net.
Supersymmetric ν-inflaton Dark Matter
Authors: Bastero-Gil Mar , Torres Manso António
Published: April 2021

We present the supersymmetric extension of the unified model for inflation and Dark Matter studied in ref. [1]. The scenario is based on the incomplete decay of the inflaton field into right-handed (s)neutrino pairs. By imposing a discrete interchange symmetry on the inflaton and the right-handed (s)neutrinos, one can ensure the stability of the inflaton field at the global minimum today, while still allowing it to partially decay and reheat the Universe after inflation. Compatibility of inflationary predictions, BBN bounds and obtaining the right DM abundance for the inflaton Dark Matter candidate typically requires large values of its coupling to the neutrino sector, and we use supersymmetry to protect the inflaton from potentially dangerous large radiative corrections which may spoil the required flatness of its potential. In addition, the inflaton will decay now predominantly into sneutrinos during reheating, which in turn give rise both to the thermal bath made of Standard Model particles, and inflaton particles. We have performed a thorough analysis of the reheating process following the evolution of all the partners involved, identifying the different regimes in the parameter space for the final Dark Matter candidate. This as usual can be a WIMP-like inflaton particle or an oscillating condensate, but we find a novel regime for a FIMP-like candidate.
Effect of Nd:YAG laser irradiation on microtensile bond strength of universal adhesives to dentin
Authors: Jafarnia Shiva , Zeinaddini Meymand Javad , Zandkarimi Fateme , Saberi Sogol , Valanezhad Alireza , Shahabi Sima
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of neodymium:yttrium–aluminum–garnet (Nd:YAG) laser irradiation before adhesive application on microtensile bond strength of resin composite to dentin surface. Materials and methods: in this experiment, 40 human extracted third molar teeth were chosen and the occlusal surface was cut to achieve a flat dentin surface. Groups were divided based on the adhesives (G-Premio Bond or Clearfil S3 Bond) and the presence or absence of Nd:YAG laser application. All the samples were restored with resin composite and subjected to a universal testing machine for a microtensile bond strength test. Fracture mode for each failure was analyzed under the stereomicroscope. According to the results, there was a significant difference between the two adhesives with Nd:YAG laser irradiation. The application of laser enhanced the microtensile bond strength in both adhesives. In all groups, regardless of laser application, adhesive failure was dominant between fracture patterns. It was concluded that Nd:YAG laser irradiation on dentin surface prior to adhesive application has a positive effect and significantly increases the microtensile bond strength of restoration to the tooth.
Multiple solutions and hysteresis in the flows driven by surface with antisymmetric velocity profile*
Authors: Shi Xiao-Feng , Ma Dong-Jun , Ma Zong-Qiang , Sun De-Jun , Wang Pei
Published: April 2021

Multiple steady solutions and hysteresis phenomenon in the square cavity flows driven by the surface with antisymmetric velocity profile are investigated by numerical simulation and bifurcation analysis. A high order spectral element method with the matrix-free pseudo-arclength technique is used for the steady-state solution and numerical continuation. The complex flow patterns beyond the symmetry-breaking at Re ≃ 320 are presented by a bifurcation diagram for Re < 2500. The results of stable symmetric and asymmetric solutions are consistent with those reported in literature, and a new unstable asymmetric branch is obtained besides the stable branches. A novel hysteresis phenomenon is observed in the range of 2208 < Re < 2262, where two pairs of stable and two pairs of unstable asymmetric steady solutions beyond the stable symmetric state coexist. The vortices near the sidewall appear when the Reynolds number increases, which correspond to the bifurcation of topology structure, but not the bifurcation of Navier–Stokes equations. The hysteresis is proposed to be the result of the combined mechanisms of the competition and coalescence of secondary vortices.
Influence of helium on the evolution of irradiation-induced defects in tungsten: An object kinetic Monte Carlo simulation*
Authors: Hou Peng-Wei , Li Yu-Hao , Li Zhong-Zhu , Wang Li-Fang , Gao Xingyu , Zhou Hong-Bo , Song Haifeng , Lu Guang-Hong
Published: April 2021

Understanding the evolution of irradiation-induced defects is of critical importance for the performance estimation of nuclear materials under irradiation. Hereby, we systematically investigate the influence of He on the evolution of Frenkel pairs and collision cascades in tungsten (W) via using the object kinetic Monte Carlo (OKMC) method. Our findings suggest that the presence of He has significant effect on the evolution of irradiation-induced defects. On the one hand, the presence of He can facilitate the recombination of vacancies and self-interstitial atoms (SIAs) in W. This can be attributed to the formation of immobile He-SIA complexes, which increases the annihilation probability of vacancies and SIAs. On the other hand, due to the high stability and low mobility of He-vacancy complexes, the growth of large vacancy clusters in W is kinetically suppressed by He addition. Specially, in comparison with the injection of collision cascades and He in sequential way at 1223 K, the average sizes of surviving vacancy clusters in W via simultaneous way are smaller, which is in good agreement with previous experimental observations. These results advocate that the impurity with low concentration has significant effect on the evolution of irradiation-induced defects in materials, and contributes to our understanding of W performance under irradiation.
A metrological approach to quantities that are counted and the unit one
Authors: Brown Richard J C
Published: April 2021

There has long been debate over how to treat dimensionless quantities, or quantities with the unit one, within the International System of Units (SI). These arguments have been brought into sharper focus because of the increasing application of metrological principles in areas such as chemistry, biology and nanoscience where counting measurements are common. This has caused debates about how the SI should address counting quantities and the unit one (symbol 1). This article reviews the types of quantities with the unit one, how these quantities may be expressed together with their uncertainty and how this relates to counting. The qualities of counting quantities are explored in more detail and the range of possibilities for dealing with the unit one for counting are discussed. It is proposed that the SI should allow only the unit one for counting, but that downstream of the SI there may well be benefits from standardising the use of more descriptive, technical area specific ‘units’ for expressing the results of counting. As with all measurement it is essential that a full description, in words, of the counting quantity being expressed accompanies the measurement result.
Empirical decomposition and error propagation of medium-term instabilities in half-life determinations
Authors: Pommé S , Pelczar K
Published: April 2021

A least-squares fit of exponential functions to a measured radioactive decay rate curve provides an estimate of the half-life and its statistical uncertainty in the assumption that all deviations from the theoretical curve are purely of a random nature. The result may be biased and the error underestimated as soon as the experiment suffers instabilities that exceed the duration of individual measurements. Contrary to long-term systematic errors, medium-frequency cyclic perturbations may be observable as autocorrelated structures in the residuals. In this work, an empirical decomposition algorithm is used to separate medium-frequency effects from the random statistical component in the fit residuals, such that custom error propagation factors can be calculated. A theoretical study of error propagation is made for sine and square wave perturbations. The empirical decomposition method is demonstrated on a synthetic spectrum, a time series of solar neutrino detection rates, and two experimental decay curves of 134Cs measured in an ionisation chamber.
Auditory stimulus-response modeling with a match-mismatch task
Authors: de Cheveigné Alain , Slaney Malcolm , Fuglsang Søren A , Hjortkjaer Jens
Published: April 2021

Objective. An auditory stimulus can be related to the brain response that it evokes by a stimulus-response model fit to the data. This offers insight into perceptual processes within the brain and is also of potential use for devices such as brain computer interfaces (BCIs). The quality of the model can be quantified by measuring the fit with a regression problem, or by applying it to a classification task and measuring its performance. Approach. Here we focus on a match-mismatch (MM) task that entails deciding whether a segment of brain signal matches, via a model, the auditory stimulus that evoked it. Main results. Using these metrics, we describe a range of models of increasing complexity that we compare to methods in the literature, showing state-of-the-art performance. We document in detail one particular implementation, calibrated on a publicly-available database, that can serve as a robust reference to evaluate future developments. Significance. The MM task allows stimulus-response models to be evaluated in the limit of very high model accuracy, making it an attractive alternative to the more commonly used task of auditory attention detection. The MM task does not require class labels, so it is immune to mislabeling, and it is applicable to data recorded in listening scenarios with only one sound source, thus it is cheap to obtain large quantities of training and testing data. Performance metrics from this task, associated with regression accuracy, provide complementary insights into the relation between stimulus and response, as well as information about discriminatory power directly applicable to BCI applications.
Long term evolution of fast ripples during epileptogenesis
Authors: Harrach Mariam Al , Benquet Pascal , Wendling Fabrice
Published: April 2021

Objective. Fast ripples (FRs) have received considerable attention in the last decade since they represent an electrophysiological biomarker of the epileptogenic zone (EZ). However, the real dynamics underlying the occurrence, amplitude, and time-frequency content of FRs generation during epileptogenesis are still not well understood. This work aims at characterizing and explaining the evolution of these features. Approach. Intracortical electroencephalographic signals recorded in a kainate mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy were processed in order to compute specific FR features. Then realistic physiologically based computational modeling was employed to explore the different elements that can explain the mechanisms of epileptogenesis and simulate the recorded FR in the early and late latent period. Main results. Results indicated that continuous changes of FR features are mainly portrayed by the epileptic (pathological) tissue size and synaptic properties. Furthermore, the microelectrodes characteristics were found to dramatically affect the observability and spectral/temporal content of FRs. Consequently, FRs evolution seems to mirror the continuous pathophysiological mechanism changes that occur during epileptogenesis as long as the microelectrode properties are taken into account. Significance. Our study suggests that FRs can account for the pathophysiological changes which might explain the EZ generation and evolution and can contribute in the treatment plan of pharmaco-resistant epilepsies.