bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One- and two-dimensional electrical contacts and transport properties in monolayer black phosphorene–Ni interface
Authors: Zhong Kehua , Xu Guigui , Yang Yanmin , Zhang Jian-Min , Huang Zhigao
Published: January 2021

Contacts between black phosphorene (BP) and metal electrodes are critical components of BP-based devices and can dramatically affect device performance. In this paper, we adopted first-principles calculations to explore binding energies, electronic structures, spatial potential distribution of monolayer BP–Ni interfaces in surface contact and edge contact types, and used density functional theoretical coupled with nonequilibrium Green’s function method to investigate the electrical transport properties for transport systems of monolayer BP with Ni electrodes. Our calculated results indicate that contact type between monolayer BP and metal Ni electrodes may much affect the transport properties of monolayer BP–Ni devices. Interfacial interaction between Ni and monolayer BP in edge contact type is stronger than that in surface contact type. The potential distributions indicate that edge contact type is more beneficial for reducing contact resistance of monolayer BP–Ni contacts and conducive to improve the performance of BP–Ni electrode device.
A novel 3D laser scanning defect detection and measurement approach for automated fibre placement
Authors: Tang Yipeng , Wang Qing , Wang Han , Li Jiangxiong , Ke Yinglin
Published: January 2021

Automated fibre placement (AFP) machine in-process layup inspection is essential for composite structure fabrication efficiency and quantity improvement. The laser profilometer scanning technique is one of the automated in-process inspection techniques. Laser profilometers can capture a large number of intensive high-resolution point clouds during the layup. To date, few studies have been published about processing point clouds at high speed for in-process layup defect detection and layup feature measurement. In this study, an algorithm called the cross-sectional line-processing algorithm was proposed, and a testbed was constructed to validate the algorithm. The algorithm processes each laser line captured by the laser profilometer and clusters the processed results together. Finally, the defect features and layup features can be segmented and recognized from the collected point cloud. Layup defect types can be recognized, and the dimensions of the layup features can be measured. The experimental results show that this approach can process at most 200 laser lines (about 160 000 points) per second, and the overall defect type recognition accuracy rate reaches about 78%, which meets basic AFP in-process inspection requirements.
Performance evaluation of terrestrial laser scanners—a review
Authors: Muralikrishnan Bala
Published: January 2021

Terrestrial laser scanners (TLSs) are increasingly used in several applications such as reverse engineering, digital reconstruction of historical monuments, geodesy and surveying, deformation monitoring of structures, forensic crime scene preservation, manufacturing and assembly of engineering components, and architectural, engineering, and construction applications. The tolerances required in these tasks range from few tens of millimeters (for example, in historical monument digitization) to few tens of micrometers (for example, in high precision manufacturing and assembly). With numerous TLS instrument manufacturers, each offering multiple models of TLSs with idiosyncratic specifications, it is a considerable challenge for users to compare instruments or evaluate their performance to determine if they meet specifications. As a result, considerable efforts have been made by research groups across the world to model TLS error sources and to develop specialized performance evaluation test procedures. In this paper, we review these efforts including recent work to develop documentary standards for TLS performance evaluation and discuss the role of these test procedures in establishing metrological traceability of TLS measurements.
Multi-GNSS inter-system model for complex environments based on optimal state estimation
Authors: Shang Rui , Gao Chengfa , Gao Wang , Zhang Ruicheng , Peng Zihan , Liu Qi
Published: January 2021

When calibrating inter-system biases (ISB), especially the fractional part of inter-system phase biases (F-ISPB), a multi-GNSS inter-system model can effectively improve positioning performance under a complex environment. Usually, the F-ISPB is estimated after fixing the intra-system ambiguities. However, this approach seems inapplicable when it is difficult to obtain intra-system ambiguities under a complex environment. A multi-dimensional particle filter (PF)-based F-ISPB estimate method has been proposed to overcome the problem. Nevertheless, the multi-dimensional PF involves a great quantity of computations. In this contribution, four state optimal estimate-based F-ISPB handling schemes are proposed: step-by-step PF, step-by-step particle swarm optimization (PSO), multi-dimensional PF, and multi-dimensional PSO-based F-ISPB estimate methods. Two baselines were selected to investigate the F-ISPB estimate performance in both open and complex environments. The results show that due to the potential of the wrong F-ISPB to bring about the maximum ratio for a long time during the initial stage, the step-by-step PF method can achieve better performance than step-by-step PSO. Besides, the two-dimensional results show that all of the F-ISPB still cannot be extracted under complex environments by multi-dimensional PSO. Furthermore, compared with step-by-step PF, the multi-dimensional PF method costs too much to obtain the right value. For example, in the two-dimensional case, the step-by-step PF searches 200 times for each epoch, while the two-dimensional PF requires 40 000 times for each epoch, so it is difficult for receivers to provide hardware support for this method. In addition, the step-by-step PF can obtain the right F-ISPB with about 100 epochs no matter what scenario. Thus, under challenging observation scenarios, a step-by-step PF method is recommended to extract the F-ISPB.
Synthesis of sea urchin-shaped Au nanocrystals by double-strand diblock oligonucleotides for surface-enhanced Raman scattering and catalytic application
Authors: Gao Jiamin , Huang Lu , Zhang Zhuomin , Li Gongke
Published: January 2021

It is of great significance to construct specially designed gold nanocrystals (AuNCs) with precisely controllable size and morphology to achieve an excellent physicochemical performance. In this work, sea urchin-shaped AuNCs with tunable plasmonic property were successfully synthesized by the hybridized double-strand poly adenine (dsPolyA) DNA-directed self-assembly technique. Hybridized dsPolyA as the directing template had suitable rigidity and upright conformation, which benefited the controllable formation of these anisotropic multi-branched AuNCs with the assistance of surfactant. The effects of essential conditions influencing the synthesis and precise morphology control were investigated in detail. COMSOL simulation was used to evaluate their electromagnetic field distribution according to their morphologies, and the result suggested that sea urchin-shaped AuNCs had abundant ‘hot spots’ for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection due to their regular nanoprotuberance structure. Finally, sea urchin-shaped AuNCs with excellent SERS and catalytic performance were applied for the quantitative analysis of food colorant and catalytic degradation of potential pollutants. The SERS enhancement factor of sea urchin-shaped AuNCs was up to 5.27 × 106, and the catalytic degradation rate for 4-NP by these AuNCs was up to −0.13min−1.
Selective multi-wavelength infrared emission by stacked gap-plasmon thermal emitters
Authors: Hsiao Hui-Hsin , Xu Bo-Ting
Published: January 2021

Selective multi-wavelength infrared light sources are important elements to achieve precise molecular detection by the usage of their intrinsic vibrational spectra. In this work, we proposed a double-stacked cross-shaped metal-dielectric-metal (MDM) resonator to achieve penta-wavelength mid-infrared thermal emission. Through the optimization of un-symmetric cross-shaped tri-layers incorporated with two sandwiched dielectric materials, four distinct emission bands associated with the magnetic resonances in stacked MDM resonators were realized, which shows nondispersive and polarization-dependent property due to the localized plasmon oscillations of the magnetic resonances. In addition, the phonon emission in the silicon dioxide layer also contributes one radiation peak atλ = 10μm. Via a simple polarization rotator, the emission wavelengths can be tuned from 4.5 and 7.5μm to 5.5 and 8.5μm. This paves the way for simultaneous detection of multi-band molecular absorption fingerprint, and the polarization-tunable emission wavelengths also facilitate the possibility to achieve multi-compound sensing via one compact system.
About the possible source of seed electrons initiating the very first breakdown in a DBD operating with the air at atmospheric pressure
Authors: Akishev Yuri , Karalnik Vladimir , Medvedev Mikhail , Petryakov Alexander , Shao Tao , Zhang Cheng , Huang Bangdou
Published: January 2021

The conditions of the very first breakdown happening in a periodical dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) are not the same as those in the discharge established regime. The main intriguing problem in the very first breakdown is the source of the initial seed electrons. In this work, the role of atmospheric small negative ions in the appearance of seed electrons is investigated. The very first breakdown was studied by using a pin-to-plane barrier corona and plane-to-plane DBD operated with ambient air. These discharges were driven by fast- and slow-growing applied voltage. The experimental data related to the very first breakdown are presented. A short summary sounds as follows. In the case of a barrier corona initiated by a fast-growing voltage, seed electrons can appear due to their detachment from background negative ions in the bulk. Under a slow-increasing voltage, background ions have the time to be fully adsorbed on the cathode and the anode long before breakdown occurs. In such a case, seed electrons can appear from negative ions desorbed from the cathode. This desorption is induced by a strong electric field in the gap. The latter mechanism can work in a plane-to-plane DBD driven by both fast- and slow-growing applied voltage. Based on numerical calculations, a qualitative explanation of the obtained results is given. The influence of UV irradiation on the very first breakdown was also studied.
Electrically isolated propagating streamer heads formed by strong electron attachment
Authors: Francisco Hani , Bagheri Behnaz , Ebert Ute
Published: January 2021

Streamer discharges occur in the early stages of electric breakdown of gases in lightning, as well as in plasma and high voltage technology. They are growing filaments characterized by a curved charge layer at their tip that enhances the electric field ahead of them. In this study, we analyze the effect of strong electron attachment on the propagation of positive streamers. Strong attachment occurs in insulating gases like sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) or in air at increased density. We use the classical fluid approximation with photo-ionization for streamers in ambient air, and we artificially increase the electron attachment rate where the field is below the breakdown value. This modification approximates air pressures above 1 bar at room temperature. We find that the streamer head can keep propagating even though the ionized channel loses its conductivity closely behind the head; hence, even if it is electrically isolated. We describe how, depending on the attachment rate, the streamer propagation in a constant electric field can be accelerating, uniformly translating, or stagnating.
Current–voltage characteristics and deep-level study of GaN nanorod Schottky-diode-based photodetector
Authors: Reddeppa Maddaka , Park Byung-Guon , Pasupuleti Kedhareswara Sairam , Nam Dong-Jin , Kim Song-Gang , Oh Jae-Eung , Kim Moon-Deock
Published: January 2021

Understanding the metal/semiconductor interface is very significant for real-time optoelectronic device applications. In particular, the presence of interface states and other defects is detrimental to photodetector applications. In this study, the electrical transport properties of a pristine gallium nitride (GaN) nanorod (NR)-based Schottky diode are demonstrated at different temperatures by current–voltage characteristics in the range of 200–360 K. An enhancement in the Schottky barrier height (0.65 eV for hydrogen-passivated GaN NRs compared to 0.56 eV for pristine ones) is noticed. The effect of deep traps residing within the forbidden gap of GaN NRs is investigated using deep-level transient spectroscopy. Two deep defects are found at E
C − 0.19 eV and E
C − 0.31 eV in pristine GaN NRs; the E
C − 0.31 eV defect peak is attributed to V
Ga or nitrogen interstitials. After hydrogenation the peak at E
C − 0.31 eV is suppressed and that at E
C − 0.19 eV remains unchanged. The hydrogenated GaN NRs show a high photoresponse, which is nearly 2.83 times higher than that of pristine GaN NRs. The hydrogenated GaN NRs exhibit a photoresponsivity of 4.7

×

10−3 A W−1 and detectivity of 1.24

×

1010 Jones under UV illumination of λ = 382 nm. The enhanced performance is attributed to the deep defect passivation by hydrogenation along with the surface-state-free interface between the GaN NRs and metal contacts. The experimental results demonstrate the significance of hydrogen treatment use in the fabrication of GaN-based optoelectronic devices.
The effect of stress-induced martensite aging in tension and compression on B2–B19′ martensitic transformation in Ni50.3Ti32.2Hf17.5 high-temperature shape memory alloy
Authors: Tagiltsev A I , Panchenko E Yu , Timofeeva E E , Chumlyakov Yu I , Fatkullin I D , Marchenko E S , Karaman I
Published: January 2021

The present study investigates the high-temperature shape memory effect (SME) in heterophase Ni50.3Ti32.2Hf17.5 polycrystals with nanosized H-phase particles after stress-induced martensite (SIM) aging in tension and compression. SIM aging created the conditions for fully reversible two-way SME with a strain of up to 50% of the one-way shape memory strain. SIM aging altered the viscoelastic properties of material, in particular, the elastic moduli of austenite and martensite increased, as did internal friction. Increased interface mobility is suggested as the reason for internal friction growth.
An optimized data fusion strategy for structural damage assessment using electromechanical impedance
Authors: Singh Shishir K , Sikdar Shirsendu , Malinowski Pawel H
Published: January 2021

This paper proposes a new sensor network optimized data fusion approach for structural health monitoring of metallic structures using electromechanical impedance (EMI) signals. The integrated approach used to fuse common healthy state baseline model based damage detection, quantification and classification in EMI technique. Towards this, the principal component analysis (PCA) is carried out and corresponding the root mean square deviation (RMSD) index is calculated to study the information of piezoelectric transducer’s impedance (|Z|), admittance (|Y|), resistance (R), and conductance (G) in the frequency domain. A new optimized data fusion approach is proposed which was realized at the sensor level using the PCA as well as at the variable level using self-organizing maps (SOMs). The SOM comparative studies are performed using the Q-statistics (Q index) and the Hotelling’s T2 statistic (T index). The proposed methodology is tested and validated for an aluminum plate with multiple drilled holes with variable size and locations. In the process, a centralized data-fused baseline eigenvector is prepared from a healthy structure and the damage responses are projected on this baseline model. The statistical, data-driven damage matrices are calculated and compared with the RMSD index and used in a fusion based data classification using SOM. The proposed method shows robust damage sensitivity for hole locations and hole enlargement irrespective of the wide frequency range selection, and the selected frequency range contains the resonant frequency range.
Improved electroadhesive force by using fumed alumina/PDMS composites
Authors: Lim Hanwhuy , Hwang Geonwoo , Kyung Ki-Uk , Kim Baek-Jin
Published: January 2021

This work interrogates polymer-nanoparticle (NP) composites in electroadhesive (EA) devices to establish relationships among EA force generation and various parameters such as applied voltage, distance, gap between electrodes, dielectric constant, and the surface roughness. High permittivity is especially key for enhancing EA force thus it was modified by inorganic NP-elastomer composite. Fumed SiO2 or Al2O3 NPs were selected as the dielectric material for their homogeneity and permittivity. The NPs were mixed at 1–10 wt% in a polymer resin by using a planetary mixer and subsequently three-roll mill. The distributions of NPs in the composite were established by scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and viscosity measurements. Composites with 10 wt% of Al2O3 showed improvements in mechanical strengths from 1.5 to 2.7 MPa and dielectric constants from 3.4 to 3.6 versus pristine poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS). Flexible EA devices were fabricated by stacking interdigitated electrode patterns and composite films onto a PET substrate, subsequently. An EA device that integrated an Al2O3/PDMS composite with a 10 wt% Al2O3 content achieved force generation as high as 612 mN cm−2, which is two times higher than the pristine PDMS-coated gripper.
Scalable superconductive magnetic bearing based on non-closed CC tapes windings
Authors: Osipov M , Anishenko I , Starikovskii A , Abin D , Pokrovskii S , Podlivaev A , Rudnev I
Published: January 2021

A new type of scalable high-temperature superconducting magnetic bearing is proposed. The bearing is based on the multilayer open windings made of coated conductor-tapes (CC-tapes). To demonstrate the possibility of manufacturing such a bearing construction we have built a working prototype and studied its characteristics. The manufactured model of bearing includes a stator, consisting of three multilayer rings (CC-tapes pancake coils) of 12 mm CC-tape and a composite rotor consisting of three rings of permanent magnets, each composed of 16 NdFeB 10 × 10 mm permanent magnets. We showed a contactless levitation of rotor relative to stator, as well as rotation of rotor and we measured load curves, namely the dependence of the rotor displacement on restoring force for axial and radial loads. Numerical simulation of bearing load characteristics has been carried out by the finite element method in the Comsol Multiphysics software. The calculation results are in a good agreement with the experimental data.
Superconducting MoN thin films prepared by DC reactive magnetron sputtering for nanowire single-photon detectors
Authors: Hallett Lily , Charaev Ilya , Agarwal Akshay , Dane Andrew , Colangelo Marco , Zhu Di , Berggren Karl K
Published: January 2021

We present a comprehensive study of molybdenum nitride (MoN) thin film deposition using direct current reactive magnetron sputtering. We have investigated the effect of various deposition conditions on the superconducting and electrical properties of the films. Furthermore, we have shown that meander-shaped single-photon detectors made from 5 nm MoN films have saturated quantum detection efficiency at the telecom wavelength of 1550 nm. Our results indicate that MoN may be a material of interest for practical applications of low-temperature superconductors, including single-photon detectors and transition-edge sensors.
The High Luminosity LHC interaction region magnets towards series production
Authors: Todesco E , Bajas H , Bajko M , Ballarino A , Bermudez S Izquierdo , Bordini B , Bottura L , De Rijk G , Devred A , Duarte Ramos D , Duda M , Ferracin P , Fessia P , Fleiter J , Fiscarelli L , Foussat A , Kirby G , Mangiarotti F , Mentink M , Milanese A , Musso A , Parma V , Perez J C , Prin H , Rossi L , Russenschuck S , Willering G , Enomoto S , Nakamoto T , Kimura N , Ogitsu T , Sugano M , Suzuki K , Wei S , Gong L , Wang J , Peng Q , Xu Q , Bersani A , Caiffi B , Fabbricatore P , Farinon S , Pampaloni A , Mariotto S , Prioli M , Sorbi M , Statera M , Garcia Matos J , Toral F , Ambrosio G , Apollinari G , Baldini M , Carcagno R , Feher S , Stoynev S , Chlachidze G , Marinozzi V , Lombardo V , Nobrega F , Strauss T , Yu M , Anerella M , Amm K , Joshi P , Muratore J , Schmalzle J , Wanderer P , Chen D , Gourlay S , Pong I , Prestemon S , Sabbi G L , Cooley L , Felice H
Published: January 2021

The High Luminosity Large Hadron Collider (HL-LHC) is the new flagship project of CERN. First endorsed in 2013 and approved in 2016, HL-LHC is an upgrade of the accelerator aiming to increase by a factor of ten the statistics of the LHC collisions at the horizon of 2035–2040. HL-LHC relies on cutting edge technologies: among them, large aperture superconducting magnets will replace the present hardware to allow a smaller beam size in two interaction points (IPs). The project involves the construction of about 150 magnets of six different types: the quadrupole triplet, two main dipoles and three orbit correctors. The triplet, manufactured at CERN and in the USA, will consist of 30 magnets based on Nb3Sn technology, with an operational peak field of 11.4 T. These will be the first quadrupole Nb3Sn magnets installed in a particle accelerator. The other five types of magnets, all relying on Nb–Ti technology, present non-trivial challenges in the design and construction; they will be manufactured as part of in-kind contribution under the responsibility of institutes in Japan, China, Spain, and Italy. The project is now in the phase of transition between qualification through short models and prototypes and the beginning of the series construction. In this paper we review the magnet requirements, the reasons for selecting the design, the technological challenges with respect to previous projects, and we summarize the steps that have been taken to validate the baseline.
Elucidating the origin of planar defects that enhance critical current density in CaKFe4As4 single crystals
Authors: Ichinose Ataru , Pyon Sunseng , Tamegai Tsuyoshi , Ishida Shigeyuki
Published: January 2021

CaKFe4As4 is a new member of the 1144-type iron-based superconductors (IBSs) which is expected to show remarkable superconducting properties because its crystal structure is similar to that of 122-type IBSs. Recently, substantial anisotropy between the in-plane and out-of-plane critical current densities (J
C), with peculiar temperature dependence of in-plane J
C at high fields, has been reported in CaKFe4As4 single crystals. The anisotropy of J
C was attributed to the presence of planar defects, which were shown to be confined to the ab plane. However, the origin of these defects remains unclear. To elucidate the origin of these planar defects, we herein present our results on atomic-scale microstructure analysis of high-quality CaKFe4As4 single crystals. Using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), along with electron energy loss spectroscopy, we have demonstrated that these planar defects consist of one- or two-layer KFe2As2 step network, which is spread over the periodically ordered KFe2As2 and CaFe2As2 monolayers. Further, we report that the dark contrast regions observed via conventional STEM are local strain distributions, which originate from the substitution of Ca by K in a unit cell.
Bayesian gradient sensing in the presence of rotational diffusion
Authors: Novak Maja , Friedrich Benjamin M
Published: January 2021

Biological cells estimate concentration gradients of signaling molecules with a precision that is limited not only by sensing noise, but additionally by the cell’s own stochastic motion. We ask for the theoretical limits of gradient estimation in the presence of both motility and sensing noise. We introduce a minimal model of a stationary chemotactic agent in the plane subject to rotational diffusion with rotational diffusion coefficient D. The agent uses Bayesian estimation to optimally infer the gradient direction relative to itself from noisy concentration measurements. Meanwhile, this direction changes on a time-scale 1/D. We show that the optimal effective measurement time, which characterizes the time interval over which past gradient measurements should be averaged to reduce sensing noise, does not scale with the rotational diffusion time 1/D, but with the square root (rD)−1/2, where r is a rate of information gain defined as a signal-to-noise ratio normalized per unit time. This result for gradient sensing parallels a recent result by Mora et al (2019 Phys. Rev. Lett.) for sensing absolute concentration in time-varying environments.
Unique superdiffusion induced by directionality in multiplex networks
Authors: Wang Xiangrong , Tejedor Alejandro , Wang Yi , Moreno Yamir
Published: January 2021

The multilayer network framework has served to describe and uncover a number of novel and unforeseen physical behaviors and regimes in interacting complex systems. However, the majority of existing studies are built on undirected multilayer networks while most complex systems in nature exhibit directed interactions. Here, we propose a framework to analyze diffusive dynamics on multilayer networks consisting of at least one directed layer. We rigorously demonstrate that directionality in multilayer networks can fundamentally change the behavior of diffusive dynamics: from monotonic (in undirected systems) to non-monotonic diffusion with respect to the interlayer coupling strength. Moreover, for certain multilayer network configurations, the directionality can induce a unique superdiffusion regime for intermediate values of the interlayer coupling, wherein the diffusion is even faster than that corresponding to the theoretical limit for undirected systems, i.e. the diffusion in the integrated network obtained from the aggregation of each layer. We theoretically and numerically show that the existence of superdiffusion is fully determined by the directionality of each layer and the topological overlap between layers. We further provide a formulation of multilayer networks displaying superdiffusion. Our results highlight the significance of incorporating the interacting directionality in multilevel networked systems and provide a framework to analyze dynamical processes on interconnected complex systems with directionality.
Self-organised stripe domains and elliptical skyrmion bubbles in ultra-thin epitaxial Au0.67Pt0.33/Co/W(110) films
Authors: Camosi Lorenzo , Garcia Jose Peña , Fruchart Olivier , Pizzini Stefania , Locatelli Andrea , Menteş Tevfik Onur , Genuzio Francesca , Shaw Justin M , Nembach Hans T , Vogel Jan
Published: January 2021

We studied the symmetry of magnetic properties and the resulting magnetic textures in ultra-thin epitaxial Au0.67Pt0.33/Co/W(110), a model system exhibiting perpendicular magnetic anisotropy and interface Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction (DMI). As a peculiar feature, the C2v crystal symmetry induced by the Co/W interface results in an additional uniaxial in-plane magnetic anisotropy in the cobalt layer. Photo-emission electron microscopy with magnetic sensitivity reveals the formation of self-organised magnetic stripe domains oriented parallel to the hard in-plane magnetisation axis. We attribute this behavior to the lower domain wall energy when oriented along this axis, where both the DMI and the in-plane magnetic anisotropy favor a Néel domain wall configuration. The anisotropic domain wall energy also leads to the formation of elliptical skyrmion bubbles under a weak out-of-plane magnetic field.
Entanglement transfer, accumulation and retrieval via quantum-walk-based qubit–qudit dynamics
Authors: Giordani Taira , Innocenti Luca , Suprano Alessia , Polino Emanuele , Paternostro Mauro , Spagnolo Nicolò , Sciarrino Fabio , Ferraro Alessandro
Published: January 2021

The generation and control of quantum correlations in high-dimensional systems is a major challenge in the present landscape of quantum technologies. Achieving such non-classical high-dimensional resources will potentially unlock enhanced capabilities for quantum cryptography, communication and computation. We propose a protocol that is able to attain entangled states of d-dimensional systems through a quantum-walk (QW)-based transfer & accumulate mechanism involving coin and walker degrees of freedom. The choice of investigating QW is motivated by their generality and versatility, complemented by their successful implementation in several physical systems. Hence, given the cross-cutting role of QW across quantum information, our protocol potentially represents a versatile general tool to control high-dimensional entanglement generation in various experimental platforms. In particular, we illustrate a possible photonic implementation where the information is encoded in the orbital angular momentum and polarization degrees of freedom of single photons.
Parallel convection and E
×
B drifts in the TCV snowflake divertor and their effects on target heat-fluxes
Authors: Tsui C.K. , Boedo J.A. , Galassi D. , Loizu J. , Maurizio R. , Reimerdes H. , Duval B.P. , Février O. , Spolaore M. , Wensing M. , the TCV Team  , the Eurofusion MST1 Team
Published: January 2021

Parallel convection and E × B drifts act together to redistribute heat between the strike-points in the low field side snowflake minus (LFS SF−). The cumulative heat convection from both mechanisms is enhanced near the secondary X-point and is shown to dominate over heat conduction, partly explaining why the LFS SF− distributes power more evenly than the single null (SN) or other snowflake (SF) configurations. Pressure profiles at the entrance of the divertor are strongly affected by the position of the secondary X-point and magnetic field direction indicating the importance of E × B drifts. Pressure drops of up to 50% appear between the outer-midplane (OMP) and the divertor entrance enhancing the role of parallel heat convection. The electron temperature and density profiles and the radial turbulent fluxes measured at the OMP are largely unaffected by the changes in divertor geometry, even on flux surfaces where the connection length is infinite.
Suppression of first-wall interaction in negative triangularity plasmas on TCV
Authors: Han W. , Offeddu N. , Golfinopoulos T. , Theiler C. , Tsui C.K. , Boedo J.A. , Marmar E.S. , the TCV Team
Published: January 2021

Magnetically confined fusion plasmas with negative triangularity (δ) exhibit greater L-mode confinement than with positive δ. Recent experiments in the TCV and DIII-D tokamaks have correlated the confinement improvement to a reduction of fluctuations within the plasma core. We report on fluctuation measurements in the scrape-off layer (SOL) for −0.61 < δ < +0.64 in limited and diverted ohmic L-mode plasmas; these reveal a strong reduction in SOL fluctuation amplitudes at δ ≲ −0.25, and, surprisingly, an almost full suppression of plasma interaction with the main-chamber first-wall, which could have important implications for the prospects of using negative δ plasmas as a reactor solution. An exploration of several physical mechanisms suggests that a reduced connection length—intrinsic to negative δ plasmas—plays a critical role in the origin of this phenomenon.
Coherent perfect absorption in resonant materials
Authors: Shabahang Soroush , Jahromi Ali K , Pye Lorelle N , Perlstein Joshua D , Villinger Massimo L , Abouraddy Ayman F
Published: January 2021

Coherent perfect absorption (CPA) is an interferometric effect that guarantees full absorption in a lossy layer independently of its intrinsic losses. To date, it has been observed only at a single wavelength or over narrow bandwidths, whereupon wavelength-dependent absorption can be ignored. Here we produce CPA over a bandwidth of ∼60 nm in a 2 µm thick polymer film with a low-doping concentration of an organic laser dye. A planar cavity is designed with a spectral ‘dip’ to accommodate the dye resonant linewidth, and CPA is thus achieved even at its absorption edges. This approach allows realizing strong absorption in laser dyes—and resonant materials in general—independently of the intrinsic absorption levels, with a flat spectral profile and without suffering absorption quenching due to high doping levels.
Homological projective duality for quadrics
Authors: Kuznetsov Alexander , Perry Alexander
Published: January 2021

We show that over an algebraically closed field of characteristic not equal to 2, homological projective duality for smooth quadric hypersurfaces and for double covers of projective spaces branched over smooth quadric hypersurfaces is a combination of two operations: one interchanges a quadric hypersurface with its classical projective dual and the other interchanges a quadric hypersurface with the double cover branched along it.
Verification of the ACL Top 50 Family (350, 550, and 750) for Harmonization of Routine Coagulation Assays in a Large Network of 60 Laboratories
Authors: Favaloro Emmanuel J , Mohammed Soma , Vong Ronny , McVicker Wendy , Chapman Kent , Swanepoel Priscilla , Kershaw Geoff , Cai Nancy , Just Sarah , Connelly Lynne , Prasad Ritam , Brighton Timothy , Pasalic Leonardo
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To verify a single platform of hemostasis instrumentation, the ACL TOP 50 Family, comprising 350, 550, and 750 instruments, across a large network of 60 laboratories.

Methods

Comparative evaluations of instrument classes (350 vs 550 and 750) were performed using a large battery of test samples for routine coagulation tests, comprising prothrombin time/international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), thrombin time, fibrinogen and D-dimer, and using HemosIL reagents. Comparisons were also made against existing equipment (Diagnostica Stago Satellite, Compact, and STA-R Evolution) and existing reagents to satisfy national accreditation standards. Verification of manufacturer normal reference ranges (NRRs) and generation of an APTT heparin therapeutic range were undertaken.

Results

The three instrument types were verified as a single instrument class, which will permit standardization of methods and NRRs across all instruments (n = 75) to be deployed in 60 laboratories. In particular, ACL TOP 350 test result data were similar to ACL TOP 550 and 750 and showed no to limited bias. All manufacturer NRRs were verified with occasional minor variance.

Conclusions

This ACL TOP 50 Family (350, 550, and 750) verification will enable harmonization of routine coagulation across all laboratories in the largest public pathology network in Australia.
Sexual Identity Differences in Access to and Satisfaction With Health Care: Findings From Nationally Representative Data
Authors: Fish Jessica N , Turpin Rodman E , Williams Natasha D , Boekeloo Bradley O
Published: January 2021

Identification of barriers to adequate health care for sexual minority populations remains elusive given that they are complex and variable across sexual orientation subgroups (e.g., gay, lesbian, bisexual). To address these complexities, we used data from a US nationally representative sample of health-care consumers to assess sexual identity differences in health-care access and satisfaction. We conducted a secondary data analysis of 12 waves (2012–2018) of the biannual Consumer Survey of Health Care Access (n = 30,548) to assess sexual identity differences in 6 health-care access and 3 health-care satisfaction indicators. Despite parity in health insurance coverage, sexual minorities—with some variation across sexual minority subgroups and sex—reported more chronic health conditions alongside restricted health-care access and unmet health-care needs. Gay/lesbian women had the lowest prevalence of health-care utilization and higher prevalence rates of delaying needed health care and medical tests relative to heterosexual women. Gay/lesbian women and bisexual men were less likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be able to pay for needed health-care services. Sexual minorities also reported less satisfactory experiences with medical providers. Examining barriers to health care among sexual minorities is critical to eliminating health disparities that disproportionately burden this population.
DNAModAnnot: a R toolbox for DNA modification filtering and annotation
Authors: Hardy Alexis , Matelot Mélody , Touzeau Amandine , Klopp Christophe , Lopez-Roques Céline , Duharcourt Sandra , Defrance Matthieu
Published: January 2021

Motivation

Long-read sequencing technologies can be employed to detect and map DNA modifications at the nucleotide resolution on a genome-wide scale. However, published software packages neglect the integration of genomic annotation and comprehensive filtering when analyzing patterns of modified bases detected using Pacific Biosciences (PacBio) or Oxford Nanopore Technologies (ONT) data. Here, we present DNA Modification Annotation (DNAModAnnot), a R package designed for the global analysis of DNA modification patterns using adapted filtering and visualization tools.

Results

We tested our package using PacBio sequencing data to analyze patterns of the 6-methyladenine (6mA) in the ciliate Paramecium tetraurelia, in which high 6mA amounts were previously reported. We found P. tetraurelia 6mA genome-wide distribution to be similar to other ciliates. We also performed 5-methylcytosine (5mC) analysis in human lymphoblastoid cells using ONT data and confirmed previously known patterns of 5mC. DNAModAnnot provides a toolbox for the genome-wide analysis of different DNA modifications using PacBio and ONT long-read sequencing data.

Availability and implementation

DNAModAnnot is distributed as a R package available via GitHub (https://github.com/AlexisHardy/DNAModAnnot).

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Highly selective diversion with proactive leakage management after low anterior resection for rectal cancer
Authors: Talboom K , Vogel I , Blok R D , Roodbeen S X , Ponsioen C Y , Bemelman W A , Hompes R , Tanis P J
Published: January 2021

In this single center case series with nine percent primary diversion, 86 of 94 patients alive and with complete follow-up at one year had a functioning anastomosis. Seventy-five of the initial 99 patients never had a stoma.

Meaning: Highly selective fecal diversion in combination with proactive leakage management, low anastomoses can be preserved safely, and the majority of patients will be spared all disadvantages of a diverting stoma.
EYA2 upregulates miR-93 to promote tumorigenesis of breast cancer by targeting and inhibiting the STING signaling pathway
Authors: Ren Lishen , Guo Dongrui , Wan Xiaohui , Qu Rongfeng
Published: January 2021

Herein, we used DIANA TOOLS, gene expression profiling interactive analysis and other bioinformatics databases to predict regulatory pathways in breast cancer. Accordingly, we clarified the regulatory mechanism of eyes absent family of protein (EYA2) on miR-93 expression to aggravate breast cancer, which was involved with the STING signaling pathway. Cholecystokinin octapeptide assay, scratch test, Transwell assay and flow cytometry were applied to detect cell viability, migration, invasion and apoptosis. The experimental data found that EYA2 was highly expressed in breast cancer tissues and cells and associated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of miR-93 in breast cancer was positively correlated with EYA2. EYA2 promoted miR-93 expression, advanced breast cancer cell proliferation and inhibited their apoptosis. Results of luciferase assay showed that miR-93 was enriched in the STING 3’UTR (untranslated region). Furthermore, knockdown of EYA2 inhibited the expression of miR-93, promoted the expression of STING and inhibited the tumor growth. In response to EYA2 knockdown, the expression of IFN-β and interferon-stimulated gene was increased, and PD-L1 was decreased. In addition, the phosphorylation level of TANK-binding kinase 1 and interferon regulatory factor 3 was enhanced, the percentage of myeloid-derived suppressor cells in blood was reduced, and secretion of IFN-β and IL-12 was enhanced. In conclusion, EYA2 upregulates miR-93 expression and promotes malignancy of breast cancer by targeting and inhibiting the STING signaling pathway.
The Transcription Factor Shox2 Shapes Neuron Firing Properties and Suppresses Seizures by Regulation of Key Ion Channels in Thalamocortical Neurons
Authors: Yu Diankun , Febbo Isabella G , Maroteaux Matthieu J , Wang Hanyun , Song Yingnan , Han Xiao , Sun Cheng , Meyer Emily E , Rowe Stuart , Chen Yiping , Canavier Carmen C , Schrader Laura A
Published: January 2021

Thalamocortical neurons (TCNs) play a critical role in the maintenance of thalamocortical oscillations, dysregulation of which can result in certain types of seizures. Precise control over firing rates of TCNs is foundational to these oscillations, yet the transcriptional mechanisms that constrain these firing rates remain elusive. We hypothesized that Shox2 is a transcriptional regulator of ion channels important for TCN function and that loss of Shox2 alters firing frequency and activity, ultimately perturbing thalamocortical oscillations into an epilepsy-prone state. In this study, we used RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR of control and Shox2 knockout mice to determine Shox2-affected genes and revealed a network of ion channel genes important for neuronal firing properties. Protein regulation was confirmed by Western blotting, and electrophysiological recordings showed that Shox2 KO impacted the firing properties of a subpopulation of TCNs. Computational modeling showed that disruption of these conductances in a manner similar to Shox2’s effects modulated frequency of oscillations and could convert sleep spindles to near spike and wave activity, which are a hallmark for absence epilepsy. Finally, Shox2 KO mice were more susceptible to pilocarpine-induced seizures. Overall, these results reveal Shox2 as a transcription factor important for TCN function in adult mouse thalamus.
Taxonomic and functional adaption of the gastrointestinal microbiome of goats kept at high altitude (4800 m) under intensive or extensive rearing conditions
Authors: Zhang Ke , He Chong , Xu Yangbin , Zhang Chenguang , Li Chao , Jing Xu , Wang Meili , Yang Yuxin , Suo Langda , Kalds Peter , Song Jiuzhou , Wang Xiaolong , Brugger Daniel , Wu Yujiang , Chen Yulin
Published: January 2021

The gut microbiota composition is influenced by the diet as well as the environment in both wild and domestic animals. We studied the effects of two feeding systems on the rumen and hindgut microbiome of semi-feral Tibetan goats kept at high altitude (∼4800 m) using 16S rRNA gene and metagenomic sequencing. Intensive drylot feeding resulted in significantly higher zootechnical performance, narrower ruminal acetate: propionate ratios and a drop in the average rumen pH at slaughter to ∼5.04. Hindgut microbial adaption appeared to be more diverse in the drylot group suggesting a higher influx of undegraded complex non-starch polysaccharides from the rumen. Despite their higher fiber levels in the diet, grazing goats exhibited lower counts of Methanobrevibacter and genes associated with the hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis pathway, presumably reflecting the scarce dietary conditions (low energy density) when rearing goats on pasture from extreme alpine environments. These conditions appeared to promote a relevant abundance of bacitracin genes. In parallel, we recognized a significant increase in the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes in the digestive tracts of drylot animals. In summary, this study provides a deeper insight into the metataxonomic and functional adaption of the gastrointestinal microbiome of goats subject to intensive drylot and extensive pasture rearing conditions at high altitude.
THE COHESIVE POPULATION GENETICS OF MOLECULAR DRIVE
Authors: Ohta Tomoko , Dover Gabriel A
Published: January 2021

The long-term population genetics of multigene families is influenced by several biased and unbiased mechanisms of nonreciprocal exchanges (gene conversion, unequal exchanges, transposition) between member genes, often distributed on several chromosomes. These mechanisms cause fluctuations in the copy number of variant genes in an individual and lead to a gradual replacement of an original family of n genes (A) in N number of individuals by a variant gene (a). The process for spreading a variant gene through a family and through a population is called molecular drive. Consideration of the known slow rates of nonreciprocal exchanges predicts that the population variance in the copy number of gene a per individual is small at any given generation during molecular drive. Genotypes at a given generation are expected only to range over a small section of all possible genotypes from one extreme (n number of A) to the other (n number of a). A theory is developed for estimating the size of the population variance by using the concept of identity coefficients. In particular, the variance in the course of spreading of a single mutant gene of a multigene family was investigated in detail, and the theory of identity coefficients at the state of steady decay of genetic variability proved to be useful. Monte Carlo simulations and numerical analysis based on realistic rates of exchange in families of known size reveal the correctness of the theoretical prediction and also assess the effect of bias in turnover. The population dynamics of molecular drive in gradually increasing the mean copy number of a variant gene without the generation of a large variance (population cohesion) is of significance regarding potential interactions between natural selection and molecular drive.
The relationship between development assistance for health and public health financing in 134 countries between 2000 and 2015
Authors: Patenaude Bryan N
Published: January 2021

This paper utilizes causal time-series and panel techniques to examine the relationship between development assistance for health (DAH) and domestic health spending, both public and private, in 134 countries between 2000 and 2015. Data on 237 656 donor transactions from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation’s DAH and Health Expenditure datasets are merged with economic, demographic and health data from the World Bank Databank and World Health Organization’s Global Health Observatory. Arellano–Bond system GMM estimation is used to assess the effect of changes in DAH on domestic health spending and health outcomes. Analyses are conducted for the entire health sector and separately for HIV, TB and malaria financing. Results show that DAH had no significant impact on overall domestic public health investment. For HIV-specific investments, a $1 increase in on-budget DAH was associated with a $0.12 increase in government spending for HIV. For the private sector, $1 in DAH is associated with a $0.60 and $0.03 increase in prepaid private spending overall and for malaria, with no significant impact on HIV spending. Results demonstrate that a 1% increase in public financing reduced under-5 mortality by 0.025%, while a 1% increase in DAH had no significant effect on reducing under-5 mortality. The relationships between DAH and public health financing suggest that malaria and HIV-specific crowding-in effects are offset by crowding-out effects in other unobserved health sectors. The results also suggest policies that crowd-in public financing will likely have larger impacts on health outcomes than DAH investments that do not crowd-in public spending.