bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel gene similar to nitrite reductase (NO forming) plays potentially important role in the latency of tuberculosis
Authors: Agrawal Sonia , Gample Suwarna , Yeware Amar , Sarkar Dhiman
Published: October 2021

The development of the latent phenotype of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) in the human lungs is the major hurdle to eradicate Tuberculosis. We recently reported that exposure to nitrite (10 mM) for six days under in vitro aerobic conditions completely transforms the bacilli into a viable but non-cultivable phenotype. Herein, we show that nitrite (beyond 5 mM) treated Mtb produces nitric oxide (NO) within the cell in a dose-dependent manner. Our search for the conserved sequence of NO synthesizing enzyme in the bacterial system identified MRA2164 and MRA0854 genes, of which the former was found to be significantly up regulated after nitrite exposure. In addition, the purified recombinant MRA2164 protein shows significant nitrite dependent NO synthesizing activity. The knockdown of the MRA2164 gene at mRNA level expression resulted in a significantly reduced NO level compared to the wild type bacilli with a simultaneous return of its replicative capability. Therefore, this study first time reports that nitrite induces dormancy in Mtb cells through induced expression of the MRA2164 gene and productions of NO as a mechanism for maintaining non-replicative stage in Mtb. This observation could help to control the Tuberculosis disease, especially the latent phenotype of the bacilli.
Critical current fluctuations in graphene Josephson junctions
Authors: Haque Mohammad T. , Will Marco , Tomi Matti , Pandey Preeti , Kumar Manohar , Schmidt Felix , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Danneau Romain , Steele Gary , Hakonen Pertti
Published: October 2021

We have studied 1/f noise in critical current $$I_c$$

I
c

in h-BN encapsulated monolayer graphene contacted by NbTiN electrodes. The sample is close to diffusive limit and the switching supercurrent with hysteresis at Dirac point amounts to $$\simeq 5$$

≃
5

nA. The low frequency noise in the superconducting state is measured by tracking the variation in magnitude and phase of a reflection carrier signal $$v_{rf}$$

v

rf

at 600–650 MHz. We find 1/f critical current fluctuations on the order of $$\delta I_c/I_c \simeq 10^{-3}$$

δ

I
c

/

I
c

≃

10

-
3

per unit band at 1 Hz. The noise power spectrum of critical current fluctuations $$S_{I_c}$$

S

I
c

measured near the Dirac point at large, sub-critical rf-carrier amplitudes obeys the law $$S_{I_c}/{I{_c}}^2 = a/f^{\beta }$$

S

I
c

/

I

c

2

=
a
/

f
β

where $$a\simeq 4\times 10^{-6}$$

a
≃
4
×

10

-
6

and $$\beta \simeq 1$$

β
≃
1

at $$f > 0.1$$

f
>
0.1

 Hz. Our results point towards significant fluctuations in $$I_c$$

I
c

originating from variation of the proximity induced gap in the graphene junction.
Pressure induced structural phase crossover of a GaSe epilayer grown under screw dislocation driven mode and its phase recovery
Authors: Diep Nhu Quynh , Wu Ssu Kuan , Liu Cheng Wei , Huynh Sa Hoang , Chou Wu Ching , Lin Chih Ming , Zhang Dong Zhou , Ho Ching Hwa
Published: October 2021

Hydrostatically pressurized studies using diamond anvil cells on the structural phase transition of the free-standing screw-dislocation-driven (SDD) GaSe thin film synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy have been demonstrated via in-situ angle-dispersive synchrotron X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. The early pressure-driven hexagonal-to-rock salt transition at approximately ~ 20 GPa as well as the outstandingly structural-phase memory after depressurization in the SDD-GaSe film was recognized, attributed to the screw dislocation-assisted mechanism. Note that, the reversible pressure-induced structural transition was not evidenced from the GaSe bulk, which has a layer-by-layer stacking structure. In addition, a remarkable 1.7 times higher in bulk modulus of the SDD-GaSe film in comparison to bulk counterpart was observed, which was mainly contributed by its four times higher in the incompressibility along c-axis. This is well-correlated to the slower shifting slopes of out-of-plane phonon-vibration modes in the SDD-GaSe film, especially at low-pressure range (< 5 GPa). As a final point, we recommend that the intense density of screw dislocation cores in the SDD-GaSe lattice structure plays a crucial role in these novel phenomena.
Association between capillary congestion and macular edema recurrence in chronic branch retinal vein occlusion through quantitative analysis of OCT angiography
Authors: Kang Min Seung , Kim Sang Yoon , Park Sung Who , Byon Ik Soo , Kwon Han Jo
Published: October 2021

This study aims to quantitatively investigate the optical coherence tomographic angiography (OCTA) findings of capillary congestion and its association with macular edema (ME) recurrence in chronic branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 115 consecutive patients with major ischemic BRVO who reached stable macula (without ME for two consecutive visits) at baseline (the first visit within the stable period). All patients were classified into a recurrence or non-recurrence groups depending on ME recurrence. Capillary congestion of deep capillary plexuses (DCP-C) and other abnormal capillary lesions were segmented, and their areas, vascular densities, and mean retinal thicknesses (MRT) were calculated. The main outcomes were differences between the two groups and risk factors for recurrence among baseline and OCTA parameters. A total of 76 eyes were included, of which 22 (28.9%) recurred. DCP-C existed in all eyes at baseline. MRT of DCP-C (p = 0.006) was greater in the recurrence group. Greater MRT of DCP-C (OR: 1.044; p = 0.002) and more frequent intravitreal injections (OR: 1.803; p < 0.001) were associated with a higher risk of relapsing ME. DCP-C may contribute to the anatomical stability of chronic BRVO and simultaneously be the source of ME.
Quantification of retinal blood leakage in fundus fluorescein angiography in a retinal angiogenesis model
Authors: Comin Cesar H. , Tsirukis Demetrios I. , Sun Ye , Xu Xiaoyin
Published: October 2021

Blood leakage from the vessels in the eye is the hallmark of many vascular eye diseases. One of the preclinical mouse models of retinal blood leakage, the very-low-density-lipoprotein receptor deficient mouse (Vldlr−/−), is used for drug screening and mechanistic studies. Vessel leakage is usually examined using Fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA). However, interpreting FFA images of the Vldlr−/− model is challenging as no automated and objective techniques exist for this model. A pipeline has been developed for quantifying leakage intensity and area including three tasks: (i) blood leakage identification, (ii) blood vessel segmentation, and (iii) image registration. Morphological operations followed by log-Gabor quadrature filters were used to identify leakage regions. In addition, a novel optic disk detection algorithm based on graph analysis was developed for registering the images at different timepoints. Blood leakage intensity and area measured by the methodology were compared to ground truth quantifications produced by two annotators. The relative difference between the quantifications from the method and those obtained from ground truth images was around 10% ± 6% for leakage intensity and 17% ± 8% for leakage region. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the method results and the ground truth was around 0.98 for leakage intensity and 0.94 for leakage region. Therefore, we presented a computational method for quantifying retinal vascular leakage and vessels using FFA in a preclinical angiogenesis model, the Vldlr−/− model.
Nonconventional luminophores: characteristics, advancements and perspectives
Authors: Tang Saixing , Yang Tianjia , Zhao Zihao , Zhu Tianwen , Zhang Qiang , Hou Wubeiwen , Yuan Wang Zhang
Published: October 2021

Mechanisms, recent advancements and perspectives concerning nonconventional luminophores free of classic conjugates but with intrinsic photoluminescence are discussed.
Cantharidin-loaded biomimetic MOF nanoparticle cascade to enhance the Fenton reaction based on amplified photothermal therapy
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Liu Ye , Zhou Hao , Leng Junke , Dai Xiaofeng , Wang Dong , Ma Kun , Cui Changhao , Fu Jijun , Guo Zhaoming
Published: October 2021

A cantharidin-loaded biomimetic MOF nanoparticle cascade to enhance the Fenton reaction based on amplified photothermal therapy.
“Pit-dot” ultrathin nanosheets of hydrated copper pyrophosphate as efficient pre-catalysts for robust water oxidation
Authors: Xie Junfeng , Yang Xueying , Wang Yameng , Kang Luyao , Li Jiechen , Wei Zimeng , Hao Pin , Lei Fengcai , Wang Qian , Tang Bo
Published: October 2021

“Pit-dot” Cu2P2O7·3H2O ultrathin nanosheets with boosted pre-oxidation behavior were fabricated as efficient pre-catalysts for highly efficient and durable oxygen evolution reactions.
Green solvent assisted preparation of one-dimensional CsPbBr3 nanocrystals with a controllable morphology for cyan-emitting applications
Authors: Lai Wenwei , Wu Chuanli , Li Wenhui , Han Xiuxun
Published: October 2021

Upon tuning the polarity of antisolvent medium, the length of CsPbBr3 NCs realizing the conversion from nanorods to NWs. Furthermore, the width of the NWs can be adjusted feasibly via the overgrowth of CsPbBr3 NWs.
Attosecond charge migration following oxygen K-shell ionization in DNA bases and base pairs
Authors: Khalili Fatemeh , Vafaee Mohsen , Shokri Babak
Published: October 2021

Charge migration in DNA bases and their respective base pairs reveals how base pairing affects the initiated dynamics. We characterized two different oscillatory patterns for core ionization at different oxygens of thymine in base pair structure.
cis-[(η5-C5H5)Fe(η1-CO)(μ-CO)]2, the poor relative between cis and trans tautomers. A theoretical study of the gas-phase Fe L3-edge and C and O K-edge XAS of trans-/cis-[(η5-C5H5)Fe(η1-CO)(μ-CO)]2
Authors: Carlotto Silvia , Casella Girolamo , Sambi Mauro , Casarin Maurizio
Published: October 2021

The relative stability of trans-[(η5-C5H5)Fe(η1-CO)(μ-CO)]2 (trans-I) and cis-I tautomers in a vacuum and in solvents with different dielectric constants (ε) has been investigated by exploiting density functional theory (DFT).
Biotransformations and cytotoxicity of graphene and inorganic two-dimensional nanomaterials using simulated digestions coupled with a triculture in vitro model of the human gastrointestinal epithelium
Authors: Bazina Lila , Bitounis Dimitrios , Cao Xiaoqiong , DeLoid Glen M. , Parviz Dorsa , Strano Michael S. , Lin Hao-Yu Greg , Bell David C. , Thrall Brian D. , Demokritou Philip
Published: October 2021

Background: engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) have already made their way into myriad applications and products across multiple industries.
An interactive Python-based data processing platform for single particle and single cell ICP-MS
Authors: Lockwood Thomas E. , Gonzalez de Vega Raquel , Clases David
Published: October 2021

A data processing platform was developed for the analysis of single particle and single cell ICP-MS data sets. All functions are embedded in a GUI and enable signal recognition, accumulation and calibration via dedicated pathways and filters.
Complete benzothiazole elimination by the solar photo-Fenton process in aqueous and β-cyclodextrin solutions
Authors: Reynoso Agustina , Zizzias Javier , Sacchetto Julieta , Gambetta Carolina , Natera José , Massad Walter A.
Published: October 2021

Benzothiazole (BTH), a ubiquitous contaminant, was degraded by the solar photo-Fenton process using a solar reactor with a cylindrical-parabolic solar collector and by a classical photo-Fenton system with UV irradiation lamps.
A water-soluble fluorescent sensor for the quick discrimination of H2O and D2O by notable signal outputs and the real-time monitoring of food spoilage in a non-contact mode
Authors: Zhang Shengjun , Li Zhao , Zhang Bo , Dong Fenghao , Han Bingyang , Lv Jiawei , Sun Yuqing , Lu Huiming , Yang Yuan , Ma Hengchang
Published: October 2021

Due to the very similar chemical and physical properties, D2O and H2O cannot be discriminated easily by convenient and cost-effective ways.
Diversified photo-energy conversion based on single-molecule FRET to realize enhanced phototheranostics
Authors: Wang Junjun , Zhang Yize , Yu Zhi-Peng , Huang Houshi , Chen Lei , Zhu Xiaojiao , Zhang Jie , Wang Lianke , Yu Jianhua , Zhou Hongping
Published: October 2021

The theranostic agent (HCY–TPA) based on single-molecule FRET with two constructing units was designed, which could greatly enhance photo-energy conversion, achieving synergistic optimization in diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Trace carbonyl analysis in water samples by integrating magnetic molecular imprinting and capillary electrophoresis
Authors: He Jiahua , Liu Jiawei , Liu Yangyang , Liyin Zhengxi , Wu Xiaoyi , Song Gang , Hou Yeyang , Wang Ruixi , Zhao Wenfeng , Sun Hui
Published: October 2021

By integrating MMIPs-SPE method and CE, the enrichment of carbonyls-DNPH derivatives with simultaneous removal of the surplus derivative agent 2,4-DNPH can be achieved.
Rheological behavior, crystallization properties, and foaming performance of chain-extended poly (lactic acid) by functionalized epoxy
Authors: Li Ming , Li Shengnan , Liu Bujin , Jiang Tuanhui , Zhang Di , Cao Lushuai , He Li , Gong Wei
Published: October 2021

The branched/micro-crosslinked structure formed by chain extension reaction between EGMA and PLA improved the rheological behavior and crystallization properties of PLA, which ameliorated the foaming performance of various PLA samples.
Reduction of formaldehyde emission from urea-formaldehyde resin with a small quantity of graphene oxide
Authors: Saito Kazuki , Hirabayashi Yasushi , Yamanaka Shinya
Published: October 2021

This is the first experiment to demonstrate that GO effectively prevents formaldehyde emission from UF resin.
Elucidating the structure-dependent selectivity of CuZn towards methane and ethanol in CO2 electroreduction using tailored Cu/ZnO precatalysts
Authors: Varandili Seyedeh Behnaz , Stoian Dragos , Vavra Jan , Rossi Kevin , Pankhurst James R. , Guntern Yannick T. , López Núria , Buonsanti Raffaella
Published: October 2021

A higher degree of surface alloying and Zn concentration boosts the selectivity towards ethanol of CuZn catalysts in CO2 electroreduction.
Modulating the thermal conductivity of crystalline nylon by tuning hydrogen bonds through structure poling
Authors: Deng Shichen , Ma Dengke , Zhang Guangzu , Yang Nuo
Published: October 2021

By structure poling, the thermal conductivity of odd-numbered nylons can be increased (tripled in nylon 5 along the polarization direction), because of the increase of hydrogen bonds.
Regulating the crystalline phase of intermediate films enables FA1−xMAxPbI3 perovskite solar cells with efficiency over 22%
Authors: Qiu Fa-Zheng , Li Ming-Hua , Wang Shuo , Sun Jia-Yi , Jiang Yan , Qi Jun-Jie , Hu Jin-Song
Published: October 2021

FA1−xMAxPbI3 perovskite films prepared from δ phase intermediate films exhibited preferable orientation, high crystallinity, low trap density and strong light absorption. The corresponding planar PSCs achieved a champion efficiency of 22.09%.
Stable covalent cross-linked polyfluoro sulfonated polyimide membranes with high proton conductance and vanadium resistance for application in vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Li Jinchao , Xu Wenjie , Huang Wenheng , Long Jun , Liu Jun , Luo Huan , Zhang Yaping , Chu Liangyin
Published: October 2021

Novel covalent cross-linked polyfluoro sulfonated polyimide membranes are developed by designing and synthesizing polyfluoro non-sulfonated diamine and adopting hydrophilic polyacrylic acid as the cross-linking agent for application in VRFBs.
Highly self-healable and recyclable graphene nanocomposites composed of a Diels–Alder crosslinking/P3HT nanofibrils dual-network for electromagnetic interference shielding
Authors: Lee Yi-Huan , Cheng Chao-Lin , Chiang Chin-Hsien , Tong Zheng-Hao , Wang Lyu-Ying , Lee Chia-Wei
Published: October 2021

Developing a new type of graphene nanocomposite with a dual-network formed from DA chemistry and self-assembly of P3HT. This system exhibits efficient EMI shielding performance, superior self-healing ability, and high recyclability.
Uphill and downhill charge generation from charge transfer to charge separated states in organic solar cells
Authors: Alam Shahidul , Nádaždy Vojtech , Váry Tomáš , Friebe Christian , Meitzner Rico , Ahner Johannes , Anand Aman , Karuthedath Safakath , De Castro Catherine S. P. , Göhler Clemens , Dietz Stefanie , Cann Jonathan , Kästner Christian , Konkin Alexander , Beenken Wichard , Anton Arthur Markus , Ulbricht Christoph , Sperlich Andreas , Hager Martin D. , Ritter Uwe , Kremer Friedrich , Brüggemann Oliver , Schubert Ulrich S. , Egbe Daniel A. M. , Welch Gregory C. , Dyakonov Vladimir , Deibel Carsten , Laquai Frédéric , Hoppe Harald
Published: October 2021

Energy level alignments at the organic donor–acceptor interface cannot be predicted from cyclic voltammetry. Onsets for joint density of states and charge generation, reveal cases of energy uphill and – newly observed – downhill charge generation.
Scintillation performance of two-dimensional perovskite (BA)2PbBr4 microcrystals
Authors: Li Yang , Chen Liang , Liu Bo , Jin Peng , Gao Runlong , Zhou Leidang , Wan Pengying , Xu Qiang , Ouyang Xiaoping
Published: October 2021

(BA)2PbBr4 microcrystals are demonstrated to be a versatile scintillator for radiation detection. The light yield of (BA)2PbBr4 microcrystals can reach up to 7000 photons per MeV with a fast decay time of 2.52 ns under 137Cs γ-ray excitation.
Dynamics of GRK2 in the kidney: a putative mechanism for sepsis-associated kidney injury
Authors: Rosales Thiele Osvaldt , Horewicz Verônica Vargas , Ferreira Marcella Amorim , Nardi Geisson Marcos , Assreuy Jamil
Published: October 2021

Renal vascular reactivity to vasoconstrictors is preserved in sepsis in opposition to what happens in the systemic circulation. We studied whether this distinct behavior was related to α1 adrenergic receptor density, G protein-coupled receptor kinase 2 (GRK2) and the putative role of nitric oxide (NO). Sepsis was induced in female mice by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Wildtype mice were treated with prazosin 12 h after CLP or nitric oxide synthase 2 (NOS-2) inhibitor, 30 min before and 6 and 12 h after CLP. In vivo experiments and biochemistry assays were performed 24 h after CLP. Sepsis decreased the systemic mean arterial pressure (MAP) and the vascular reactivity to phenylephrine. Sepsis also reduced basal renal blood flow which was normalized by treatment with prazosin. Sepsis led to a substantial decrease in GRK2 level associated with an increase in α1 adrenergic receptor density in the kidney. The disappearance of renal GRK2 was prevented in NOS-2-KO mice or mice treated with 1400 W. Treatment of non-septic mice with an NO donor reduced GRK2 content in the kidney. Therefore, our results show that an NO-dependent reduction in GRK2 level in the kidney leads to the maintenance of a normal α1 adrenergic receptor density. The preservation of the density and/or functionality of this receptor in the kidney together with a higher vasoconstrictor tonus in sepsis lead to vasoconstriction. Thus, the increased concentration of vasoconstrictor mediators together with the preservation (and even increase) of the response to them may help to explain sepsis-induced acute kidney injury.
Chronic activation of AMP-activated protein kinase leads to early-onset polycystic kidney phenotype
Authors: Wilson Laura , Pollard Alice E. , Penfold Lucy , Muckett Phillip J. , Whilding Chad , Bohlooly-Y. Mohammad , Wilson Patricia , Carling David
Published: October 2021

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in the cellular response to low energy stress and has emerged as an attractive therapeutic target for tackling metabolic diseases. Whilst significant progress has been made regarding the physiological role of AMPK, its function in the kidney remains only partially understood. We use a mouse model expressing a constitutively active mutant of AMPK to investigate the effect of AMPK activation on kidney function in vivo. Kidney morphology and changes in gene and protein expression were monitored and serum and urine markers were measured to assess kidney function in vivo. Global AMPK activation resulted in an early-onset polycystic kidney phenotype, featuring collecting duct cysts and compromised renal function in adult mice. Mechanistically, the cystic kidneys had increased cAMP levels and ERK activation, increased hexokinase I (Hk I) expression, glycogen accumulation and altered expression of proteins associated with autophagy. Kidney tubule-specific activation of AMPK also resulted in a polycystic phenotype, demonstrating that renal tubular AMPK activation caused the cystogenesis. Importantly, human autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) kidney sections revealed similar protein localisation patterns to that observed in the murine cystic kidneys. Our findings show that early-onset chronic AMPK activation leads to a polycystic kidney phenotype, suggesting dysregulated AMPK signalling is a contributing factor in cystogenesis.
Infinite horizon backward stochastic Volterra integral equations and discounted control problems
Authors: Hamaguchi Yushi
Published: October 2021

Infinite horizon backward stochastic Volterra integral equations (BSVIEs for short) are investigated. We prove the existence and uniqueness of the adapted M-solution in a weightedL2-space. Furthermore, we extend some important known results for finite horizon BSVIEs to the infinite horizon setting. We provide a variation of constant formula for a class of infinite horizon linear BSVIEs and prove a duality principle between a linear (forward) stochastic Volterra integral equation (SVIE for short) and an infinite horizon linear BSVIE in a weightedL2-space. As an application, we investigate infinite horizon stochastic control problems for SVIEs with discounted cost functional. We establish both necessary and sufficient conditions for optimality by means of Pontryagin’s maximum principle, where the adjoint equation is described as an infinite horizon BSVIE. These results are applied to discounted control problems for fractional stochastic differential equations and stochastic integro-differential equations.
La Classe II asymétrique : traitement par utilisation de gouttière de repositionnement mandibulaire et par chirurgie orthognathique
Authors: Ouhioun Jean-Luc , Paulus Christian
Published: October 2021

S’il est relativement aisé de constater l’existence d’une Classe II asymétrique, d’autant plus que celles-ci présenteront bien souvent le même schéma dentaire, il n’en est pas de même lorsqu’il s’agira d’en établir un diagnostic précis et qu’il faudra en rechercher l’étiologie.

En effet cette pathologie peut revêtir de nombreux aspects, tant au niveau dentaire, squelettique, fonctionnel qu’articulaire, qui pourront de plus se compliquer par un trouble temporo-mandibulaire associé.

C’est le cas d’Emilie, 12 ans et 8 mois lors de la première consultation.
Differentialdiagnose Ulcus cruris, Ursachen und Therapie
Authors: Klingelhöller Carmen , Schneider Stefan W.
Published: October 2021

Die ätiologisch korrekte Diagnose eines Ulcus cruris zu stellen ist nicht immer einfach und sollte insbesondere bei chronischen progredienten Wunden differenzialdiagnostisch gut überlegt sein. Neben den häufigsten Ursachen des Ulcus cruris, den Gefäßerkrankungen, sind auch z.B. autoimmunologische, infektiöse, metabolische, exogene und neoplastische Ursachen in die differenzialdiagnostischen Überlegungen mit einzubeziehen. Für eine erfolgreiche Behandlung der Patienten mit chronischen Wunden mit gleichzeitiger, deutlich reduzierter Lebensqualität ist eine kausale Therapie zwingend notwendig.
Variational principle for stochastic mechanics based on information measures
Authors: Yang Jianhao M.
Published: October 2021

Stochastic mechanics is regarded as a physical theory to explain quantum mechanics with classical terms such that some of the quantum mechanics paradoxes can be avoided. Here, we propose a new variational principle to uncover more insights on stochastic mechanics. According to this principle, information measures, such as relative entropy and Fisher information, are imposed as constraints on top of the least action principle. This principle not only recovers Nelson’s theory and, consequently, the Schrödinger equation but also clears an unresolved issue in stochastic mechanics on why multiple Lagrangians can be used in the variational method and yield the same theory. The concept of forward and backward paths provides an intuitive physical picture for stochastic mechanics. Each path configuration is considered as a degree of freedom and has its own law of dynamics. Thus, the variation principle proposed here can be a new tool to derive more advanced stochastic theory by including additional degrees of freedom in the theory. The structure of Lagrangian developed here shows that some terms in the Lagrangian are originated from information constraints. This suggests that a Lagrangian may need to include both physical and informational terms in order to have a complete description of the dynamics of a physical system.
Terahertz digital holography: Two- and four-step phase shifting technique in two plane image recording
Authors: Siemion Agnieszka , Minkevičius Linas , Jokubauskis Domas , Ivaškevičiūtė-Povilauskienė Rusnė , Valušis Gintaras
Published: October 2021

A two- and four-step phase shifting (PS) technique in terahertz (THz) digital holography is proposed. Relying on the Mach–Zehnder interferometer-based setup, it was demonstrated that the two-step and four-step PS in Fresnel holograms can assist in a five times greater background subtraction. It allows us to improve the quality of the obtained holographic images, in particular when objects introduce phase changes. It was shown that the recording of holograms of an object consisting of two separated planes can enable qualitative reconstruction of 3D images. Here, the planes were separated by 30 mm, thus defining the longitudinal (depth) resolution in this experiment. It is shown that the PS can serve in distinguishing transparent objects and, by a proper selection of phase variation within the 0–2π range, enable us to increase the quality of the reconstructed hologram. Finally, the advantages of the suggested holographic technique are illustrated by comparing the results with the data of weak absorbing objects obtained via point-to-point, plane-to-plane (4f setup), and dark-field THz imaging approaches. Experiments were performed at frequencies of 0.3 and 0.6 THz recording THz images using resonance antenna-coupled titanium microbolometers.
Flash method and Bayesian inference for measurement of thermophysical fields
Authors: Groz M. M. , Sommier A. , Abisset-Chavanne E. , Batsale J. C. , Pradere C.
Published: October 2021

In this paper, a method based on Bayesian inference is proposed to conjointly estimate the following two fields of thermophysical parameters. The first is a thermal characteristic time directly linked to the thermal diffusivity and the thickness, whereas the second is the Biot number, which is directly linked to the heat loss and thermal conductivity. This method is robust to noise and leads to very good estimations of the parameters with an algorithm that is very fast and less time consuming than a classical minimization method. At the end of the study, a setup and a methodology are also presented to estimate the average value of the thermal conductivity of an unknown material.
Multi-particle collision dynamics with a non-ideal equation of state. II. Collective dynamics of elongated squirmer rods
Authors: Zantop Arne W. , Stark Holger
Published: October 2021

Simulations of flow fields around microscopic objects typically require methods that both solve the Navier–Stokes equations and also include thermal fluctuations. One such method popular in the field of soft-matter physics is the particle-based simulation method of multi-particle collision dynamics (MPCD). However, in contrast to the typically incompressible real fluid, the fluid of the traditional MPCD methods obeys the ideal-gas equation of state. This can be problematic because most fluid properties strongly depend on the fluid density. In a recent article, we proposed an extended MPCD algorithm and derived its non-ideal equation of state and an expression for the viscosity. In the present work, we demonstrate its accuracy and efficiency for the simulations of the flow fields of single squirmers and of the collective dynamics of squirmer rods. We use two exemplary squirmer-rod systems for which we compare the outcome of the extended MPCD method to the well-established MPCD version with an Andersen thermostat. First, we explicitly demonstrate the reduced compressibility of the MPCD fluid in a cluster of squirmer rods. Second, for shorter rods, we show the interesting result that in simulations with the extended MPCD method, dynamic swarms are more pronounced and have a higher polar order. Finally, we present a thorough study of the state diagram of squirmer rods moving in the center plane of a Hele-Shaw geometry. From a small to large aspect ratio and density, we observe a disordered state, dynamic swarms, a single swarm, and a jammed cluster, which we characterize accordingly.
Feature extraction of fields of fluid dynamics data using sparse convolutional autoencoder
Authors: Obayashi Wataru , Aono Hikaru , Tatsukawa Tomoaki , Fujii Kozo
Published: October 2021

A neural network technique that extracts underlying flow features from the original flow field data is newly proposed. The technique here is based on the convolutional and sparse autoencoder learning algorithms and is called sparse convolutional autoencoder. Unlike the typical convolutional neural network (CNN) that changes the size of the data itself in the intermediate layers, flow field data size is not changed in the learning process of this method and only the numbers of channels are changed in each layer. Different but the same size of the data as the input are obtained by convolution with multiple spatially overlapping flow field data under the assumption of sparsity. When data restoration is realized in this autoencoder system, the channel numbers of data in the intermediate layers turn out to contain different flow characteristics of the original flow field. The proposed method is applied to the low Reynolds number flows over a circular cylinder. The high-fidelity unsteady flow data obtained by solving two-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations with a high-resolution numerical scheme are used as a test case. In the proposed method, sparsity introduced in the middle-hidden layer is essential for the successful separation of the original data. The results presented in the example seem to correspond to positive and negative magnitudes of the original data, but future studies will reveal other features of the method. The present method shows flow features different from those of proper orthogonal decomposition in each mode, which is probably due to nonlinear decomposition in the CNN process.
1.2 kV reverse blocking Schottky-drain Si–GaN monolithic integrated cascode FET
Authors: Zhang Jiaqi , Zhang Weihang , Wan Jing , Yang Guofang , Wu Yichang , Cheng Ya’nan , Zhang Yachao , Chen Dazheng , Zhao Shenglei , Zhang Jincheng , Zhang Chunfu , Hao Yue
Published: October 2021

In this work, a novel reverse blocking Schottky-drain Si–GaN monolithic integrated cascode FET was realized for the first time by using transfer printing and self-aligned etching technology. The threshold voltage is up to 4.5 V, which meets the needs of the power electronic system. The on-resistance is 57.1 Ω mm, and the on-voltage is 1.1 V. The forward/reverse breakdown voltage (at 10 µA/mm) reaches 1325/−1240 V for LGD = 18 µm. The mechanism of reverse blocking is proposed and analyzed from the point of view of circuits. In addition, the correctness of the mechanism is verified by simulation and experiment.
Making ab initio QED functional(s): Nonperturbative and photon-free effective frameworks for strong light–matter coupling
Authors: Schäfer Christian , Buchholz Florian , Penz Markus , Ruggenthaler Michael , Rubio Angel
Published: October 2021

Significance

Strong interaction between light and matter recently attracted enormous interest after seminal work highlighted how materials and chemical reactions can be effectively controlled with cavities, suggesting new quantum technological applications and alternative paths to catalysis. Combining the quantized nature of light and matter is, however, a nontrivial task due to the overwhelming complexity of the combined system. We first motivate a nonperturbative photon-free reformulation of quantum electrodynamics (QED) that recovers, even in its simplest form, the correct physical limits of the original QED problem, providing us with an efficient framework for further developments. By combination with density-functional theory, we obtain the first nonperturbative local density–type functional that describes the quantized interaction between light and matter while remaining computationally feasible.
Investigating translation trainees’ self-perceived competence
Authors: Latorraca Rossella , Aiello Jacqueline
Published: October 2021

Pushed by the increasing internationalization of education and recent economic dynamics, training programs are
shifting their focus to acquiring competences and know-how through real-life materials to enhance learners’ employability and
access to the work market. Moreover, recent research has called for the implementation of editing/revision content in translation
programs, overcoming the assumed distance between translation and editing/revision professions. In light of social
constructivism and process-oriented pedagogical trends in translation training, an intensive twenty-hour seminar was designed and
piloted in a Master’s degree program in Specialized Translation with the intent of increasing students’ awareness of the
translation process, including translation revision and their sense of perceived competence. Rasch analysis of pre- and post-test
questionnaires detected positive changes in students’ self-perceived proficiency in translation, translation revision, and
editing, with critical implications for the usefulness of process-oriented, realistic approaches integrating both translation and
editing/revision content in translation training programs.
Priming Maltese plurals
Authors: Nieder Jessica , van de Vijver Ruben , Mitterer Holger
Published: October 2021

We investigate the storage and processing of sound and broken plural forms in the Maltese lexicon by means of a cross-modal priming study. The results show no significant differences in reaction time between sound and broken plurals, but indicate a different priming effect for sound than for broken plurals. We argue that the different priming effect is a result of the phonological overlap between sound singulars and their corresponding plurals forms, while broken singulars and their plurals do not share the same phonological structure. Our results support a single-mechanism model of morphological processing in which both frequency of pattern and morphophonological similarity interact.
The Acquisition of Complex Morphology
Authors: Forshaw William
Published: October 2021

Many theories of language acquisition struggle to account for the morphological complexity and diversity of the world’s languages. This book examines the acquisition of complex morphology of Murrinhpatha, a polysynthetic language of Northern Australia. It considers semi-naturalistic data from five children (1;9-6;1) collected over a two-year period. Analysis of the Murrinhpatha data is focused on the acquisition of polysynthetic verb constructions, large irregular inflectional paradigms, and bipartite stem verbs, which all pose interesting challenges to the learner, as well as to theories of language acquisition. The book argues that morphological complexity, which broadly includes factors such as transparency, predictability/regularity, richness, type/token frequency and productivity, must become central to our understanding of morphological acquisition. It seeks to understand how acquisition is impacted by differences in morphological systems and by the ways in which children and their interlocutors use these systems.
The need to update NCRP 151 data for 10 MV linear accelerator bunker shielding based on new measurements and Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Rijken J , Towns S , Healy B
Published: October 2021

Linear accelerator bunker shielding protocols such as NCRP 151 have previously been tested against a large sample of measured data from real bunkers and machines but differences in per-energy concrete penetration (TVLs) for 10 MV has not yet been resolved. These differences are likely due to historical beam data and can potentially result in over-exposure of radiation workers and the public. This study examines a cohort of clinical linac bunker survey measurements and compares them to popular shielding protocols. Differences were investigated using contemporary beam data for both Monte Carlo simulation and in analytical equations. For primary barriers, NCRP 151 underestimates the dose rate through concrete by on average a factor of 2 with secondary barriers and maze entrance doses having much better agreement. Use of contemporary beam data in Monte Carlo simulation and an analytical equation yielded TVL values much closer to the measured values compared to NCRP 151. The TVL data in NCRP 151 is outdated and needs to be updated based upon the energy spectra of modern linear accelerators. Until then, physicists should use the TVL values shown in this study instead.
Gate‐all‐around nanowire vertical tunneling FETs by ferroelectric internal voltage amplification
Authors: Thoti Narasimhulu , Li Yiming
Published: October 2021

This work illustrates the most effective way of utilizing the ferroelectricity for tunneling field-effect transistors (TFETs). The ferroelectric (Hf0.5Zr0.5O2) in shunt with gate-dielectric is utilized as an optimized metal–ferroelectric–semiconductor (OMFS) option to improve the internal voltage (V

int
) for ample utilization of polarization and electric fields of Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 across the tunneling region. The modeling of V

int
signifies 0.15–1.2 nm reduction in tunneling length (λ) than the nominal metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor (MFIS) option. Furthermore, the TFET geometry with the scaled-epitaxy region as vertical TFET (VTFET), strained Si0.6Ge0.4 as source, and gate-all-around nanowire options are used as an added advantage for further enhancement of TFET’s performance. As a result, the proposed design (OMFS-VTFET) achieves superior DC and RF performances than the MFIS option of TFET. The figure of merits in terms of DC characteristics in the proposed and optimized structure are of improved on-current (=0.23 mA μm−1), high on-to-off current ratio (=1011), steep subthreshold swing (=33.36 mV dec−1), and superior unity gain cut-off frequency (≥300 GHz). The design is revealed as energy-efficient with significant reduction of energy-efficiency in both logic and memory applications.
Unsupervised domain adaptation model for lesion detection in retinal OCT images
Authors: Wang Jing , He Yi , Fang Wangyi , Chen Yiwei , Li Wanyue , Shi Guohua
Published: October 2021

Background and objective. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is one of the most used retinal imaging modalities in the clinic as it can provide high-resolution anatomical images. The huge number of OCT images has significantly advanced the development of deep learning methods for automatic lesion detection to ease the doctor’s workload. However, it has been frequently revealed that the deep neural network model has difficulty handling the domain discrepancies, which widely exist in medical images captured from different devices. Many works have been proposed to solve the domain shift issue in deep learning tasks such as disease classification and lesion segmentation, but few works focused on lesion detection, especially for OCT images. Methods. In this work, we proposed a faster-RCNN based, unsupervised domain adaptation model to address the lesion detection task in cross-device retinal OCT images. The domain shift is minimized by reducing the image-level shift and instance-level shift at the same time. We combined a domain classifier with a Wasserstein distance critic to align the shifts at each level. Results. The model was tested on two sets of OCT image data captured from different devices, obtained an average accuracy improvement of more than 8% over the method without domain adaptation, and outperformed other comparable domain adaptation methods. Conclusion. The results demonstrate the proposed model is more effective in reducing the domain shift than advanced methods.
Enhancement of nuclear reactions via the kinetic Weibel instability in plasmas
Authors: Liu Z Y , Li K , Yao Y L , Lei Z , Zhou C T , Zhu S P , He X T , Qiao B
Published: October 2021

Nuclear reactions in the plasma environment can be substantially different from those in conventional laboratory non-plasma cases, which have attracted considerable attention in the fields of fusion and astrophysics. To self-consistently model the nuclear reaction process during plasma dynamic evolution, an extended nuclear reaction calculation module is developed and included in two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulations. Through the self-consistent simulations, we systematically show that, apart from the plasma screening, the kinetic Weibel instability (WI) occurring in plasmas also results in significant enhancement of nuclear reactions, where the self-generated magnetic fields play a key role. Specifically, the self-generated magnetic fields in WI deflect ion motions, decreasing the relative velocity, and convert plasma kinetic energy to thermal energy, increasing the ion temperature. The simulation results show that, for the

t
(
d
,
n
)
α

reaction with a sharp resonance peak in the cross section, the reaction product yield is enhanced four times due to the WI. For nuclear reactions that have more prominent resonance peaks in the cross section, like

12

C

(
p
,
γ
)

13

N

, it is expected that such enhancements can reach up to one or several orders of magnitude.
Controlled electron injection into beam driven plasma wakefield accelerators employing a co-propagating laser pulse
Authors: Barzegar S , Sedaghat M , Niknam A R
Published: October 2021

A novel technique for generating high current electron bunches in electron beam driven plasma wakefield accelerators (PWFAs) is suggested based on co-propagation of an electron beam and a laser pulse. It is observed that propagation of a laser pulse in front of an electron beam driver leads to bubble expansion and consequently electron injection into a PWFA. The acceleration structure is extensively studied in this scheme and the bubble evolution process is discussed. The difference in propagation velocity of the laser pulse and the beam driver in the plasma and variation of electron beam driver density in presence of the laser pulse cause the bubble radius grows. Using a laser pulse in a PWFA leads to the generation of an ultra short (10 fs) electron bunch with charge three times larger than the electron beam driver total charge. It is shown by altering the initial electron beam driver density and the laser pulse intensity, the external control of the amount of loaded charge is possible. The number of self-injected electrons is enhanced by increasing the laser pulse intensity and the density of the electron beam driver. The results represent that the accelerator operates in a highly loaded regime. Therefore, by raising the density of the electron beam driver and the laser pulse intensity, the final energy spread of the generated electron bunch increases. An interpretive approach to find the appropriate parameters for the laser pulse and the electron beam is proposed in this scheme.
Influence of paper surface characteristics on fully inkjet printed PEDOT:PSS-based electrochemical transistors
Authors: Morais Rogério , Vieira Douglas Henrique , Gaspar Cristina , Pereira Luis , Martins Rodrigo , Alves E Neri
Published: October 2021

Paper electronics has emerged as an ecofriendly, light, low-cost, and recyclable material for the fabrication of flexible and printed transistors. In this study, we present fully printed organic electrochemical transistors using an active layer of PEDOT:PSS, carbon electrodes, cellulose-based electrolyte, and three different papers as substrates: bond, vegetal, and Lumi Silk, relating the electrical properties to the different morphologies of the paper surfaces. Each paper presents different regularity, diffusion capabilities, and roughness, with significant influence on the transistor performance. The more organized and smooth the surface, the better the electrical characteristics, the best of these being the Lumi Silk, with higher I
on/I
off ratio of 46, on-current of 8.3 × 10−5 A, V
on of 1.3 V, and power gain of 43.5 dB associated with ultra-low hysteresis of 0.1 V, high transconductance of −57.3 μS, and suitablity for flexible electronics and sensors applications.
Mem-fractive properties of mushrooms
Authors: Beasley Alexander E , Abdelouahab Mohammed-Salah , Lozi René , Tsompanas Michail-Antisthenis , Powell Anna L , Adamatzky Andrew
Published: October 2021

Memristors close the loop for I–V characteristics of the traditional, passive, semi-conductor devices. A memristor is a physical realisation of the material implication and thus is a universal logical element. Memristors are getting particular interest in the field of bioelectronics. Electrical properties of living substrates are not binary and there is nearly a continuous transitions from being non-memristive to mem-fractive (exhibiting a combination of passive memory) to ideally memristive. In laboratory experiments we show that living oyster mushrooms Pleurotus ostreatus exhibit mem-fractive properties. We offer a piece-wise polynomial approximation of the I–V behaviour of the oyster mushrooms. We also report spiking activity, oscillations in conduced current of the oyster mushrooms.
From a biological template model to gait assistance with an exosuit
Authors: Firouzi Vahid , Davoodi Ayoob , Bahrami Fariba , Sharbafi Maziar A
Published: October 2021

The invention of soft wearable assistive devices, known as exosuits, introduced a new aspect in assisting unimpaired subjects. In this study, we designed and developed an exosuit with compliant biarticular thigh actuators called BATEX. Unlike the conventional method of using rigid actuators in exosuits, the BATEX is made of serial elastic actuators (SEA) resembling artificial muscles. This bioinspired design is complemented by the novel control concept of using the ground reaction force to adjust the artificial muscles’ stiffness in the stance phase. By locking the motors in the swing phase, the SEAs will be simplified to passive biarticular springs, which is sufficient for leg swinging. The key concept in our design and control approach is to synthesize human locomotion to develop an assistive device instead of copying human motor control outputs. Analyzing human walking assistance using experiment-based OpenSim simulations demonstrates the advantages of the proposed design and control of BATEX, such as 9.4% reduction in metabolic cost during normal walking condition. This metabolic reduction increases to 10.4% when the subjects carry a 38 kg load. The adaptability of our proposed model-based control to such an unknown condition outperforms the assistance level of the model-free optimal controller. Moreover, increasing the assistive system’s efficiency by adjusting the actuator compliance with the force feedback supports our previous findings on the LOPES II exoskeleton.