bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermal emission from bow shocks
Authors: Green Samuel , Mackey Jonathan , Kavanagh Patrick , Haworth Thomas J. , Moutzouri Maria , Gvaramadze Vasilii V.
Published: June 2022

The nearby, massive, runaway star ζ Ophiuchi has a large bow shock detected in optical and infrared light and, uniquely among runaway O stars, diffuse X-ray emission detected from the shocked stellar wind. Here we make the first detailed computational investigation of the bow shock of ζ Ophiuchi, to test whether a simple model of the bow shock can explain the observed nebula, and to compare the detected X-ray emission with simulated emission maps. We reanalysed archival Chandra observations of the thermal diffuse X-ray emission from the shocked wind region of the bow shock, finding total unabsorbed X-ray flux in the 0.3–2keV band corresponding to a diffuse X-ray luminosity of LX = 2.33−1.54+1.12 × 1029 erg s−1, consistent with previous work. The diffuse X-ray emission arises from the region between the star and the bow shock. Three-dimensional magnetohydrodyanmic simulations were used to model the interaction of the star’s wind with a uniform interstellar medium (ISM) using a range of stellar and ISM parameters motivated by observational constraints. Synthetic infrared, Hα, soft X-ray, emission measure, and radio 6 GHz emission maps were generated from three simulations, for comparison with the relevant observations. Simulations where the space velocity of ζ Ophiuchi has a significant radial velocity produce infrared emission maps with the opening angle of the bow shock in better agreement with observations than for the case where motion is fully in the plane of the sky. All three simulations presented here have X-ray emission fainter than observed, in contrast to results for NGC 7635. The simulation with the highest pressure has the closest match to X-ray observations, with a flux level within a factor of two of the observational lower limit, and emission weighted temperature of log10(TA/K) = 6.4, although the morphology of the diffuse emission appears somewhat different. The observed X-ray emission is from a filled bubble that is brightest near the star, whereas simulations predict brightening towards the contact discontinuity as density increases. This first numerical study of the bow shock and wind bubble around ζ Ophiuchi uses a relatively simple model of a uniform ISM and ideal-magnetohydrodynamics, and can be used as a basis for comparing results from models incorporating more physical processes, or higher resolution simulations that may show more turbulent mixing.
Chemical Evolution of R-process Elements in Stars (CERES)
Authors: Lombardo Linda , Bonifacio Piercarlo , François Patrick , Hansen Camilla J. , Caffau Elisabetta , Hanke Michael , Skúladóttir Ása , Arcones Almudena , Eichler Marius , Reichert Moritz , Psaltis Athanasios , Koch Hansen Andreas J. , Sbordone Luca
Published: June 2022

Aims. The Chemical Evolution of R-process Elements in Stars (CERES) project aims to provide a homogeneous analysis of a sample of metal-poor stars ([Fe/H] < –1.5). We present the stellar parameters and the chemical abundances of elements up to Zr for a sample of 52 giant stars.

Methods. We relied on a sample of high signal-to-noise UVES spectra. We determined stellar parameters from Gaia photometry and parallaxes. Chemical abundances were derived using spectrum synthesis and model atmospheres.

Results. We determined chemical abundances of 26 species of 18 elements: Na, Mg, Al, Si, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Y, and Zr. For several stars, we were able to measure both neutral and ionised species, including Si, Sc, Mn, and Zr. We have roughly doubled the number of measurements of Cu for stars at [Fe/H] ≤ −2.5. The homogeneity of the sample made it possible to highlight the presence of two Zn-rich stars ([Zn/Fe] ∼ +0.7), one r-rich and the other r-poor. We report the existence of two branches in the [Zn/Fe] versus [Ni/Fe] plane and suggest that the high [Zn/Fe] branch is the result of hypernova nucleosynthesis. We discovered two stars with peculiar light neutron-capture abundance patterns: CES1237+1922 (also known as BS 16085-0050), which is ∼1 dex underabundant in Sr, Y, and Zr with respect to the other stars in the sample, and CES2250-4057 (also known as HE 2247-4113), which shows a ∼1 dex overabundance of Sr with respect to Y and Zr.

Conclusions. The high quality of our dataset allowed us to measure hardly detectable ions. This can provide guidance in the development of line formation computations that take deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium and hydrodynamical effects into account.
Mixed leaf meal supplemented with exogenous enzyme and limiting amino acids can completely replace DORB (de-oiled rice bran) in the diet of Labeo rohita
Authors: Mondal Anakhy , Sardar Parimal , Jayant Manish , N Shamna , Radhakrishnan Gopika , Jana Prasanta , Sahu Narottam Prasad
Published: June 2022

Various single leaf meal can substitute costly de-oiled rice bran (DORB) in farm made feed for carps. However, the use of mixed leaf meal (LM) in fish feed is not reported yet. Therefore, Vigna mungo, Ipomoea aquatica and Hygrophila spinosa leaf meals were blended in an equal proportion to prepare LM. DORB was the major energy source in control diet (C) and LM substituted 50% and 100% of DORB in LM20 and LM40 experimental diets, respectively. In addition, control diet (C), LM20 and LM40 diets were supplemented with limiting amino acids and exogenous carbohydrases and denoted as CE, LM20E and LM40E, respectively. Labeo rohita fingerlings were fed till satiation for 60 days. Fish fed with LM20E diet exhibited maximum growth rates and feed conversion (p <0.05) however these were similar in C and LM40 (p > 0.05). Amylase and aminotransferase activities were positively related with growth indices (p < 0.05). Difference in hematological indices was negligible (except total leukocyte count), and lactate dehydrogenase activities in DORB and LM-based fed groups (p > 0.05) while lower superoxide dismutase activities was observed in LM fed groups (p < 0.05). The present study concluded that LM up to 400 g kg–1 could be incorporated as complete DORB replacer in L. rohita diet, however, 200 g kg–1 LM supplemented with 0.98 g L-lysine kg–1 and 1 g exogenous enzyme kg–1 registered the best growth, nutrient utilization, feed conversion ratio, physio-metabolic responses and hematological status.
The applications of cerium oxide nanoform and its ecotoxicity in the aquatic environment: an updated insight
Authors: Naiel Mohammed A. E. , Abdel-Latif Hany M.R. , Abd El-Hack Mohamed E. , Khafaga Asmaa F. , Elnesr Shaaban S. , Dawood Mahmoud A.O. , Alkazmi Luay , Elhady Hany Abdelfatah , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Alagawany Mahmoud , Conte-Junior Carlos Adam
Published: June 2022

The widespread usage of nanotechnology in many essential products has raised concerns about the possible release of nanoparticles (NPs) into aquatic habitats. Cerium dioxide (CeO2) has gained the most interest in the worldwide nanotechnology industry of all types of Ce minerals owing to its beneficial uses in a wide range of industry practices such as catalysts, sunscreens, fuel additives, fuel cells, and biomedicine. Besides, it was realized that CeO2 nanoparticles (n-CeO2) have multi-enzyme synthesized properties that create various biological impacts, such as effectively antioxidant towards almost all irritant intracellular reactive oxygen species. Lately, it was discovered that a large amount of n-CeO2 from untreated industrial waste could be released into the aquatic environment and affect all living organisms. In addition, the physical/chemical characteristics, fate, and bioavailability of nanomaterials in the aquatic environment were discovered to be related to the synthesis technique. Thus, there are intended needs in identifying the optimal technique of synthesized CeO2 nanoparticles in order to assess their beneficial use or their potential ecotoxicological impacts on aquatic organisms and humans. Therefore, this review sheds light on the possible threats of n-CeO2 to aquatic creatures as well as its synthesized techniques. Also, it discusses the possible mechanism of n-CeO2 toxicity as well as their potential benefits in the aquaculture industry.
Schröpfen – Therapieoption bei unterschiedlichen Schmerzsymptomatiken
Authors: Brands-Gündling Nadine
Published: June 2022

Funktionelle Störungen können durch die äußerliche Aktivierung der Reflexzonen beeinflusst werden, da diese wiederum auf die inneren Organe wirken. Als ausleitendes Therapieverfahren ist das Schröpfen daher bei vielen verschiedenen Krankheitsbildern einzusetzen. Zur Anwendung kommen das traditionelle blutige Schröpfen, das trockene Schröpfen sowie die Schröpfmassage. Durch die Freisetzung von Endorphinen und den verstärkten Abbau von Prostaglandinen kommt es in der Schröpfzone zu einer Schmerzlinderung. Da die Schröpfkopfbehandlung mehrfach untersucht und als effektiv bewertet wurde und darüber hinaus als nebenwirkungsarmes Verfahren gilt, erfährt sie in den letzten Jahren eine Wiedergeburt in der manualtherapeutischen Praxis.
Fallbericht: Scheinbarer Therapieerfolg bei Covid-19
Authors: Colling Christoph
Published: June 2022

Während der Covid-19-Pandemie war eine Zunahme von Angst und Depressionen zu beobachten. Die Patienten suchen nach medizinischer Unterstützung, auch bei psychischen und psychosomatischen Symptomen. Am Beispiel eines Falles passagerer Spontanbesserung einer Covid-19-assoziierten Hyposmie nach körpertherapeutischer Komplexbehandlung in der psychosomatischen Rehabilitation diskutiert der Beitrag den scheinbaren oder tatsächlichen Therapieerfolg einer multimodalen Behandlung.
Vorstellung der Präsidentin Dr. Ilaria de Barbieri, interessante Artikel im „Journal of Renal Care“ und Treffen der Konferenz-Teilnehmer*innen aus Deutschland
Authors: Nipshagen Sabine
Published: June 2022

Unsere Präsidentin hat sich in einem Interview im Newsletter vorgestellt. Zudem gibt es interessante Artikel im „Journal of Renal Care“. Außerdem gibt es ein Meeting der Teilnehmer*innen aus Deutschland (Mitglieder und Nichtmitglieder) bei der EDTNA/ERCA-Konferenz.
Mönchspfeffer
Authors: Niedenthal Tobias , Puchtler Elke
Published: June 2022

Mönchspfeffer (Vitex agnus-castus) ist Arzneipflanze des Jahres 2022 in Deutschland – Anwendung in der Frauenheilkunde bei Symptomen des prämenstruellen Syndroms (PMS), Regeltempoanomalien und Mastodynie
Dynamically Self-Assembled Supramolecular Probes in Liposomes
Authors: Hennig Andreas
Published: June 2022

Liposomes are artificial vesicles, in which an aqueous inner compartment is separated from its environment by a phospholipid membrane. They have been extensively studied as cell membrane models and offer the possibility to confine molecules and chemical reactions to a small sub-micrometer-sized volume. This short review provides an overview of liposome-encapsulated, dynamically self-assembled, supramolecular structures, in which the assembly and disassembly of the supramolecular structures can be followed by optical spectroscopic methods. This includes self-quenched fluorescent dyes and dye/quencher pairs, helical stacks of guanosine nucleotides, dynamic covalent boronate esters, and supramolecular host–guest complexes. The resulting liposomes are typically used to study membrane transport processes, but the results summarized herein also serve as a potential blueprint for studying dynamic self-assembly in confined spaces by optical spectroscopic methods.

Table of content:

1 Introduction

2 Probes Based on Fluorescence Quenching

3 Chirogenic G-Quartet Probes

4 Chromogenic Probes Using Dynamic Covalent Bonds

5 Self-Assembled Host–Dye Reporter Pairs

6 Conclusions and Outlook
Synthesis of the Key Skeleton of Phosphoeleganin
Authors: Goswami Rajib Kumar , Mandal Gour Hari , Saha Dhiman , Auddy Sourya Shankar
Published: June 2022

The asymmetric synthesis of the key skeleton of phosphoeleganin has been achieved for the first time by using a convergent approach. The salient features of this synthesis include amidation to install a glycine amide at the C-1 position, Wittig olefination to access the C5–C6 bond, Julia–Kocienski olefinations to prepare the C9–C10 and C13–C14 bonds, and a Takai olefination and a Sonogashira coupling to construct the C17–C18 and C18–C19 bonds, respectively. The route disclosed is highly modular, which will permit the synthesis of various analogues, useful for structure–activity relationship studies on phosphoeleganins.
Ionizing Radiation Exposure in Children with Vesicoureteral Reflux: Should We Be Alarmed?
Authors: Fernandez Nicolas , Villarraga Luis-Gabriel , Chavarriaga Julian , Prada Juan , Restrepo Valeria , Perez Jaime
Published: June 2022

Objectives Ionizing radiation imaging is commonly used for diagnosis and follow up in children with vesicoureteral reflux (VUR). We aim to measure the effective dose (mSv) in patients with VUR.

Methods We reviewed our electronic database of patients under 8-years-old with VUR. Primary endpoint was to calculate the effective radiation dose (ED). Absolute frequencies and percentages were reported for global qualitative variables. This study conducted a logistic regression model to calculate the odds ratio for radiation exposure. Analysis was performed using STATA version 14.0 (StataCorp LLC, College Station, TX, EEUU).

Results A total of 140 patients were found, 97 were assessed for eligibility. We included 59 patients in the final analysis. Mean age was 20 ± 17.9 months, 66% were females. Most cases of VUR were bilateral (44%) and high grade (93.4%). The lowest number of studies per patient was two, with a minimum radiation of 5.7 mSv. The highest radiation was estimated at 20.7 mSv corresponding to a total of five studies. Logistic regression showed that highest grades of VUR and age of first UTI episode were associated with higher ED (OR, 1.7; 95% CI, 0.87-3.31), (OR 1.02; 95% CI 0.97-1.07) respectively. A mean ED for children with VUR was estimated of 5.5 ± 3 mSv/year.

Conclusion In our study, the children with VUR were exposed to 5.5 mSv/year without counting the natural background radiation, which is alarming, and we believe should raise awareness worldwide in how we are unnecessarily diagnosing indolent VUR cases and following patients.
A Rabbit Model for Peripheral Nerve Reconstruction Studies Avoiding Automutilation Behavior
Authors: Sorkin Jonathan A. , Rechany Ziv , Almog Mara , Dietzmeyer Nina , Shapira Yuval , Haastert-Talini Kirsten , Rochkind Shimon
Published: June 2022

Background The rabbit sciatic nerve injury model may represent a valuable alternative for critical gap distance seen in humans but often leads to automutilation. In this study, we modified the complete sciatic nerve injury model for avoiding autophagy.

Materials and Methods In 20 adult female New Zealand White rabbits, instead of transecting the complete sciatic nerve, we unilaterally transected the tibial portion and preserved the peroneal portion. Thereby loss of sensation in the dorsal aspect of the paw was avoided. The tibial portion was repaired in a reversed autograft approach in a length of 2.6 cm. In an alternative repair approach, a gap of 2.6 cm in length was repaired with a chitosan-based nerve guide.

Results During the 6-month follow-up period, there were no incidents of autotomy. Nerve regeneration of the tibial portion of the sciatic nerve was evaluated histologically and morphometrically. A clear difference between the distal segments of the healthy contralateral and the repaired tibial portion of the sciatic nerve was detectable, validating the model.

Conclusion By transecting the isolated tibial portion of the rabbit sciatic nerve and leaving the peroneal portion intact, it was possible to eliminate automutilation behavior.
Patient-centered care and interprofessional collaboration in medical resident education: Where we stand and where we need to go
Authors: Gantayet-Mathur Arpita , Chan Karenn , Kalluri Meena
Published: June 2022

Patient centered care (PCC) and interprofessional collaboration (IPC) remain important goals for all healthcare systems. While these tenets are a cornerstone of training for nursing and allied health professionals (AHPs), their role in internal medicine resident (IMR) training is unstructured and limited. We performed a narrative review to answer two questions, firstly ‘what is known about the attitudes and behaviors of internal medicine (IM) physicians and trainees with respect to PCC and IPC and how does this compare to AHPs?’ and secondly, ‘what evidence based interventions have been trialed to promote PCC and IPC in medical training?’ We searched databases including Cochrane, Medline, Embase, CINAHL and MedPortal. We reviewed 102 publications and found that medical residents tend to value PCC less than non-physician trainees. Hierarchical professional attitudes and a poor understanding of AHP roles are barriers to IPC, whereas diminished time for direct patient care, neglect of the patient’s context and social determinants of health, and lack of self-reflection are barriers to PCC. Published educational interventions for IMRs and AHPs have included classroom sessions, structured ward- and clinic-based interprofessional (IP) work, post-discharge care, home visits, and reflective practice. Interventions were evaluated using questionnaires/surveys, focus groups, tests, primary outcome assessments and ethnographic analysis. The most promising interventions are those that allow learners time for multidisciplinary observation, holistic patient assessments, engagement in care transitions and reflective practice. Based on the review findings we have made recommendations for integration of IPC and PCC training into IMR curricula. Future educational interventions should allow IMR observerships in a multidisciplinary team, introduce residents to the patient’s environment through home visits, incorporate patient/family perspectives in care, and include narrative reflections as part of professional development. Based on our findings and recommendations, these experiences can provide IMRs with much-needed exposure to collaborative, patient-centric care early in postgraduate training.
Entropy optimized flow of hydromagnetic Reiner–Philippoff fluid over a stretching surface
Authors: Khan Sohail A. , Hayat T. , Alsaedi A. , Ahmad B.
Published: June 2022

Here, we investigate magnetohydrodynamic flow of an incompressible Reiner–Philippoff fluid over a stretched surface. The stretching property of the sheet induced flow. Joule heating and dissipation effects are considered in energy communication. The energy equation is developed through the first law of thermodynamics. Irreversibility analysis is constructed. Furthermore, the first-order chemical reaction is also accounted. Adequate transformation is used to get the ordinary differential system tackled through a local non-similar technique via the built-in Matlab function bvp4c. Prominent characteristics of flow parameters on the entropy rate, temperature, velocity, and concentration are studied. Thermal and solutal transport rates are studied. Reverse impacts for velocity and temperature are noted for the Reiner–Philippoff liquid parameter. Reduction in velocity is seen for the Bingham number. A larger Prandtl number reduces temperature distribution. Concentration is decreased for both the Lewis number and chemical reaction parameter. A reverse trend is observed for the entropy rate against Brinkman and Bingham numbers. A larger magnetic variable enhances entropy generation.
Dielectric breakdown in HfO2 dielectrics: Using multiscale modeling to identify the critical physical processes involved in oxide degradation
Authors: Strand Jack , La Torraca Paolo , Padovani Andrea , Larcher Luca , Shluger Alexander L.
Published: June 2022

We use a multi-scale modeling to study the time-dependent dielectric breakdown of an amorphous (a-) HfO2 insulator in a metal–oxide–metal capacitor. We focus on the role played by electron injection in the creation of oxygen vacancies, which eventually form the percolation path responsible for dielectric breakdown. In this scenario, the electron transport through the dielectric occurs by multi-phonon trap assisted tunnelling (MPTAT) between O vacancies. Energy parameters characterizing the creation of oxygen vacancies and the MPTAT process are calculated using density functional theory employing a hybrid density functional. The results demonstrate that the formation of neutral O vacancies facilitated by electron injection into the oxide represents a crucial step in the degradation process dominating the kinetics at common breakdown fields. We further show the importance of the so-called “energetic correlation” effect, where pre-existing O vacancies locally increase the generation rate of additional vacancies accelerating the oxide degradation process. This model gives realistic breakdown times and Weibull slopes and provides a detailed insight into the mechanism of dielectric breakdown and atomistic and electronic structures of percolation paths in a-HfO2. It offers a new understanding of degradation mechanisms in oxides used in the current MOSFET technology and can be useful for developing future resistive switching and neuromorphic nanodevices.
Temporal behavior of hard x-ray and neutron production in plasma focus discharges
Authors: Kubes P. , Paduch M. , Tomaszewski K. , Sadowski M. J. , Cikhardt J. , Klir D. , Kravarik J. , Malir J. , Munzar V. , Novotný J. , Rezac K. , Szymaszek A.
Published: June 2022

This paper concerns the correlation of hard x-ray and neutron signals, which were recorded with scintillation detectors oriented in the axial and radial directions, in a comparison with interferometric and extreme-ultraviolet radiation frames, as recorded within the plasma focus (PF)-1000 facility operated with a deuterium filling. The considered signals showed two different phases. In the initial phase, the fusion neutrons are mainly produced by deuterons moving dominantly downstream during the disruption of a pinch constriction (lasting tens nanoseconds). In the later phase (usually after about 100 ns), the fusion neutron emission reaches its maximum in the radial directions. This emission (lasting 100–200 ns) is caused by the fast deuterons moving in both the downstream and radial directions. It correlates usually with a decay of dense plasma structures in remnants of the expanding pinch column. This can be explained by a decay of internal magnetic fields. The neutron signal is usually composed of several sub-pulses of different energies. It was deduced that the primary deuterons producing the observed fusion neutrons undergo a regular and repeated temporal, directional, and energy evolution.
Quantitative analysis of boron–hydrogen pair dynamics by infrared absorption measurements at room temperature
Authors: Simon J. , Herguth A. , Hahn G.
Published: June 2022

The ability of hydrogen quantification in crystalline silicon in concentrations as low as 1014cm−3 becomes fairly important in regard to hydrogen-related degradation phenomena in silicon devices generally and solar cells particularly. The method presented here allows for direct boron–hydrogen pair quantification and, therefore, allows inference on total hydrogen content. Hydrogen-rich amorphous silicon nitride was deposited on stripes of boron-doped float-zone silicon (1 Ωcm), which were exposed to a rapid high temperature step to introduce relatively high amounts of hydrogen into the wafer. Infrared absorption spectra, which have been corrected for multiple reflection and free-carrier absorption, show absorption related to the boron–hydrogen stretching mode at ν~=1868cm−1 with varying strengths during formation and subsequent dissociation of boron–hydrogen pairs triggered by annealing in the dark at 220°C. Since the measurements were performed at room temperature, this method allows investigations with little effort and standard laboratory equipment. Furthermore, the change in free-carrier absorption (described by Drude’s theory) is used to derive the change in hole concentration concurring with the formation and dissociation of boron–hydrogen pairs. The latter is found to fairly match not only the changing strength in absorption of the stretching mode, but also the change in hole concentration obtained by highly sensitive resistivity measurements. The comparison of stretching mode absorption strength and change in resistivity allows for a calibration of specific absorption, yielding a calibration factor ABH. This calibration was performed with the absorption α [ABHα=(4.2±0.3)×1015cm−1] as well as with the quotient of absorption and wavenumber α/ν~ [ABHα/ν~=(7.8±0.6)×1018cm−2].
Acoustic manipulation dynamics of levitated particle with screw-shaped reflecting surface
Authors: Qin X. P. , Geng D. L. , Xie W. J. , Wei B.
Published: June 2022

Existing single-axis acoustic levitation devices with an axisymmetric reflector can manipulate particles in a variety of ways. However, the mechanism by which particles are suspended in a single-axis acoustic levitator with a non-axisymmetric reflector remains poorly understood. This work addresses this issue by proposing a novel single-axis ultrasonic levitator design that includes a flat plane emitter and a screw-plane reflector. The node positions of the standing wave formed in this levitator were predicted by calculating the Gor’kov potential according to a numerical model. The analysis results demonstrate that the nodes were distributed off-axis and their positions varied in a spiral manner when changing the distance between the emitter and reflector. Corresponding experiments based on the proposed design were also conducted, and the results indicated that the distance changes between the emitter and reflector could induce some spiral trajectories of a polyethylene-foam particle placed in the ultrasonic field. Moreover, the trajectory of the suspended particle was found to distribute along a conical surface centered on the central axis of this device. This work provides a new approach for ultrasonic particle manipulation by changing the geometry of the reflector.
Relativistic hydrodynamic model with the average reverse gamma factor evolution for the degenerate plasmas: High-density ion-acoustic solitons
Authors: Andreev Pavel A.
Published: June 2022

High-density low-temperature plasmas with degenerate species are considered in the limit of high Fermi velocities close to the speed of light. The small amplitude ion-acoustic solitons are studied in this regime. The analysis presented here is based on a relativistic hydrodynamic model with the average reverse gamma factor evolution consisting of the equations for the evolution of the functions such as the concentration, the velocity field, the average reverse relativistic gamma factor, and the flux of the reverse relativistic gamma factor, which are considered as main hydrodynamic variables. Justification of the suggested model via comparison of the hydrodynamic results with the result of application of the relativistic Vlasov kinetic equation is made in the linear approximation.
Colloidal MoS2 quantum dots for high-performance low power resistive memory devices with excellent temperature stability
Authors: Bera Jayanta , Betal Atanu , Sharma Ashish , Rath Arup Kumar , Sahu Satyajit
Published: June 2022

Conventional memory technologies are facing enormous problems with downscaling, and are hence unable to fulfill the requirement of big data storage generated by a huge explosion of digital information. A resistive random access memory device (RRAM) is one of the most emerging technologies for next-generation computing data storage owing to its high-density stacking, ultrafast switching speed, high non-volatility, multilevel data storage, low power consumption, and simple device structure. In this work, colloidal MoS2 quantum dots (QDs) embedded in an insulating matrix of poly-(4vinylpyridine) (PVP) were used as an active layer to fabricate a RRAM device. The MoS2 QDs-PVP based RRAM device reveals an excellent nonvolatile resistive switching (RS) behavior with a maximum current on-off ratio (ION/IOFF) of 105. High endurance, long retention time, and successive “write-read-erase-read” cycles indicate high-performance RRAM characteristics. The ultimate power consumption by this RRAM device is considerably low for energy saving. In addition, the MoS2 QDs-PVP based device shows RS behavior even at 130 °C. High ION/IOFF, low operating power, high endurance, long retention time, and excellent stability with temperatures reveal that the MoS2 QDs-PVP based device can be a promising candidate for high-performance low power RRAM devices that can be operated at relatively higher temperatures.
Maternal
Authors: Ding Biao , Gao Di , Wang Xuegu , Liu Lei , Sun Junpei , Liang Meng , Wu Fengrui , Liu Yong , Zhang Yunhai , Li Xiang , Li Wenyong
Published: June 2022

Context Maternal-effect genes (MEGs) play a critical role in modulating both cellular and molecular biology events in preimplantation embryonic development. Damage-specific DNA binding protein 1 (DDB1) is a gene that participates in meiotic resumption, ovulation, and embryonic stem cell maintenance. Its function in preimplantation development is not well-studied. Aims We aimed to explore the expression pattern, genomic heritage, and potential molecular mechanisms of DDB1 in preimplantation embryos in porcine. Methods In this study, RNA interference, microinjection, RT-qPCR, immunofluorescence staining and single-cell RNA sequencing were used to explore the molecular function of DDB1 in porcine preimplantation embryos. Key results DDB1 was found to be expressed in germinal vesicle (GV) and Meiosis II (MII) oocytes and in preimplantation embryos. We confirmed it is a MEG. DDB1-deficient blastocysts had a significantly reduced number of trophectoderm cells, an increased apoptotic cell number and increased apoptosis index. According to a next-generation sequencing (NGS) analysis, 236 genes (131 upregulated and 105 downregulated) significantly changed in the DDB1-deficient morula. The myeloid leukaemia factor 1 (MLF1) and yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) expressions were significantly upregulated and downregulated respectively, in the DDB1-deficient morula. In combination with the decreased expression of TEAD4, CDX2, GATA3, OCT4, and NANOG and the increased expression of SOX2 in the blastocyst, DDB1 may play a role in determining lineage differentiation and pluripotency maintenance. Conclusions DDB1 is a MEG and it plays a crucial role in porcine preimplantation embryonic development. Implications This study provides a theoretical basis for further understanding the molecular mechanisms of preimplantation embryo development.
Tunable green syngas generation from CO
2
and H
2
O with sunlight as the only energy input
Authors: Rashid Roksana Tonny , Chen Yiqing , Liu Xuedong , Chowdhury Faqrul Alam , Liu Mingxin , Song Jun , Mi Zetian , Zhou Baowen
Published: June 2022

The carbon-neutral synthesis of syngas from CO
2
and H
2
O powered by solar energy holds grand promise for solving critical issues such as global warming and the energy crisis. Here we report photochemical reduction of CO
2
with H
2
O into syngas using core/shell Au@Cr
2
O
3
dual cocatalyst–decorated multistacked InGaN/GaN nanowires (NWs) with sunlight as the only energy input. First-principle density functional theory calculations revealed that Au and Cr
2
O
3
are synergetic in deforming the linear CO
2
molecule to a bent state with an O-C-O angle of 116.5°, thus significantly reducing the energy barrier of CO
2
RR compared with that over a single component of Au or Cr
2
O
3
. Hydrogen evolution reaction was promoted by the same cocatalyst simultaneously. By combining the cooperative catalytic properties of Au@Cr
2
O
3
with the distinguished optoelectronic virtues of the multistacked InGaN NW semiconductor, the developed photocatalyst demonstrated high syngas activity of 1.08 mol/g
cat
/h with widely tunable H
2
/CO ratios between 1.6 and 9.2 under concentrated solar light illumination. Nearly stoichiometric oxygen was evolved from water splitting at a rate of 0.57 mol/g
cat
/h, and isotopic testing confirmed that syngas originated from CO
2
RR. The solar-to-syngas energy efficiency approached 0.89% during overall CO
2
reduction coupled with water splitting. The work paves a way for carbon-neutral synthesis of syngas with the sole inputs of CO
2
, H
2
O, and solar light.
SRS-FISH: A high-throughput platform linking microbiome metabolism to identity at the single-cell level
Authors: Ge Xiaowei , Pereira Fátima C. , Mitteregger Matthias , Berry David , Zhang Meng , Hausmann Bela , Zhang Jing , Schintlmeister Arno , Wagner Michael , Cheng Ji-Xin
Published: June 2022

One of the biggest challenges in microbiome research in environmental and medical samples is to better understand functional properties of microbial community members at a single-cell level. Single-cell isotope probing has become a key tool for this purpose, but the current detection methods for determination of isotope incorporation into single cells do not allow high-throughput analyses. Here, we report on the development of an imaging-based approach termed stimulated Raman scattering–two-photon fluorescence in situ hybridization (SRS-FISH) for high-throughput metabolism and identity analyses of microbial communities with single-cell resolution. SRS-FISH offers an imaging speed of 10 to 100 ms per cell, which is two to three orders of magnitude faster than achievable by state-of-the-art methods. Using this technique, we delineated metabolic responses of 30,000 individual cells to various mucosal sugars in the human gut microbiome via incorporation of deuterium from heavy water as an activity marker. Application of SRS-FISH to investigate the utilization of host-derived nutrients by two major human gut microbiome taxa revealed that response to mucosal sugars tends to be dominated by Bacteroidales, with an unexpected finding that Clostridia can outperform Bacteroidales at foraging fucose. With high sensitivity and speed, SRS-FISH will enable researchers to probe the fine-scale temporal, spatial, and individual activity patterns of microbial cells in complex communities with unprecedented detail.
Archaeal bundling pili of
Pyrobaculum calidifontis
reveal similarities between archaeal and bacterial biofilms
Authors: Wang Fengbin , Cvirkaite-Krupovic Virginija , Krupovic Mart , Egelman Edward H.
Published: June 2022

While biofilms formed by bacteria have received great attention due to their importance in pathogenesis, much less research has been focused on the biofilms formed by archaea. It has been known that extracellular filaments in archaea, such as type IV pili, hami, and cannulae, play a part in the formation of archaeal biofilms. We have used cryo-electron microscopy to determine the atomic structure of a previously uncharacterized class of archaeal surface filaments from hyperthermophilic
Pyrobaculum calidifontis.
These filaments, which we call archaeal bundling pili (ABP), assemble into highly ordered bipolar bundles. The bipolar nature of these bundles most likely arises from the association of filaments from at least two different cells. The component protein, AbpA, shows homology, both at the sequence and structural level, to the bacterial protein TasA, a major component of the extracellular matrix in bacterial biofilms, contributing to biofilm stability. We show that AbpA forms very stable filaments in a manner similar to the donor-strand exchange of bacterial TasA fibers and chaperone-usher pathway pili where a β-strand from one subunit is incorporated into a β-sheet of the next subunit. Our results reveal likely mechanistic similarities and evolutionary connection between bacterial and archaeal biofilms, and suggest that there could be many other archaeal surface filaments that are as yet uncharacterized.
On the effectiveness of interventions in hearing-impaired elders
Authors: Giallini Ilaria , Inguscio Bianca Maria Serena , Nicastri Maria , Russo Francesca Yoshie , Dincer D’Alessandro Hilal , Cartocci Giulia , Mancini Patrizia
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Hearing loss has been the most common sensory impairment and one of the most challenging disabilities in the elderly population, with a multitude of consequences for the quality of life and psychosocial well-being. The present work was a narrative review on the effectiveness of communicative/psychosocial interventions that were designed for the elderly with hearing impairment.

Methods

A search of the academic database identified relevant articles based upon seven search facets (“quality of life,” “psychological,” “psychosocial wellbeing,” “hearing impaired,” “deaf,” “elderly”) up to November 2019. Inclusion criteria concerned the combined following terms: “quality of life,” “psychological” and “psychosocial wellbeing,” with the terms “hearing impaired” “deaf,” “elderly” and “interventions” and their possible variations.

Results

Only 9 out of 950 identified studies explicitly focused on psychosocial wellness and/or quality of life. Outcomes were sometimes contradictory in terms of the efficacy in quality of life and psychological wellbeing improvements.

Conclusion

Findings were promising in terms of quality of life improvement but did not allow for definitive conclusions, since study populations were heterogeneous and primary outcome measures did not always focus on deafness. Future research is needed to define effective protocols and evaluation measures that will be able to enlighten benefits in terms of psychosocial wellness and quality of life in the hearing impaired elderly population.
Variational Corner Transfer Matrix Renormalization Group Method for Classical Statistical Models
Authors: Liu X. F. , Fu Y. F. , Yu W. Q. , Yu J. F. , Xie Z. Y.
Published: June 2022

In the context of tensor network states, we for the first time reformulate the corner transfer matrix renormalization group (CTMRG) method into a variational bilevel optimization algorithm. The solution of the optimization problem corresponds to the fixed-point environment pursued in the conventional CTMRG method, from which the partition function of a classical statistical model, represented by an infinite tensor network, can be efficiently evaluated. The validity of this variational idea is demonstrated by the high-precision calculation of the residual entropy of the dimer model, and is further verified by investigating several typical phase transitions in classical spin models, where the obtained critical points and critical exponents all agree with the best known results in literature. Its extension to three-dimensional tensor networks or quantum lattice models is straightforward, as also discussed briefly.
Indium-Gallium-Zinc-Oxide-Based Photoelectric Neuromorphic Transistors for Spiking Morse Coding
Authors: Lin Xinhuang , Long Haotian , Ke Shuo , Wang Yuyuan , Zhu Ying , Chen Chunsheng , Wan Changjin , Wan Qing
Published: June 2022

The human brain that relies on neural networks communicated by spikes is featured with ultralow energy consumption, which is more robust and adaptive than any digital system. Inspired by the spiking framework of the brain, spike-based neuromorphic systems have recently inspired intensive attention. Therefore, neuromorphic devices with spike-based synaptic functions are considered as the first step toward this aim. Photoelectric neuromorphic devices are promising candidates for spike-based synaptic devices with low latency, broad bandwidth, and superior parallelism. Here, the indium-gallium-zinc-oxide-based photoelectric neuromorphic transistors are fabricated for Morse coding based on spike processing, 405-nm light spikes are used as synaptic inputs, and some essential synaptic plasticity, including excitatory postsynaptic current, short-term plasticity, and high-pass filtering, can be mimicked. More interestingly, Morse codes encoded by light spikes are decoded using our devices and translated into amplitudes. Furthermore, such devices are compatible with standard integrated processes suitable for large-scale integrated neuromorphic systems.
Detection of gravitational waves using parametric resonance in Bose–Einstein condensates
Authors: Robbins Matthew P G , Afshordi Niayesh , Jamison Alan O , Mann Robert B
Published: June 2022

An interesting proposal for detecting gravitational waves involves quantum metrology of Bose–Einstein condensates (BECs). We consider a forced modulation of the speed of sound of a BEC, whose modulation frequency matches that of an incoming continuous gravitational wave. The speed of sound modulation induces parametric resonance in the BEC, which in turn enhances sensitivity of the BEC to gravitational waves. We find that such a BEC detector could potentially be used to detect gravitational waves across several orders of magnitude in frequency, with the sensitivity depending on the speed of sound, size of the condensate, and frequency of the phonons. We discuss the sensitivity of a possible BEC experiment and comment on the current technological limitations. We also comment on the noise sources as well as what is necessary for such a detector to become feasible.
Absence of the Higuchi bound in a family of alternative linear massive spin-2 models
Authors: Fortes Hemily G M , Alves Márcio E S
Published: June 2022

There is a well known result from the Fierz–Pauli (FP) theory in de Sitter background, it is the existence of a lower bound for the mass m of the spin 2 particle, the Higuchi bound. It establishes that m
2 ⩾ 2H
2, where H is the Hubble parameter, in order to the theory presents no ghost-like instabilities. In this sense, m should be unacceptable high in order to fulfill this condition at the time of the inflationary epoch of the Universe, posing a difficulty to conciliate the FP theory with cosmology. In this article we show that the Higuchi bound can be circumvented in an alternative description of massive spin-2 particles known as

L

(

a

1

)

models. In maximally symmetric spaces the theory has two free parameters which can be consistently chosen in order to make the model absent of a lower bound for m. Then, m can be arbitrarily smaller than the energy scale of inflation avoiding instabilities at that time.
Singly heavy baryons in nuclear matter from an SU(3) chiral soliton model
Authors: Won Ho-Yeon , Yakhshiev Ulugbek , Kim Hyun-Chul
Published: June 2022

We investigate how the masses of singly heavy baryons undergo changes in nuclear matter, based on a medium-modified SU(3) chiral soliton model. Having explained the bulk properties of nuclear matter, we discuss the masses of singly heavy baryons in nuclear matter. We generalize the vector-meson Lagrangian including the heavy-meson soliton interaction. The mass spectrum of singly heavy baryons are obtained with the effects of explicit SU(3) symmetry breaking considered as a perturbation. The results show that the mass of the singly heavy baryon in a nuclear medium is rather sensitive to the medium modifications of the heavy meson mass.
Occupational doses in interventional angiography after radiological protection training and use of a real-time direct display dosimeter
Authors: Lundvall Lise-Lott , Sandborg Michael
Published: June 2022

Vascular x-ray guided interventions are complex and may result in high occupational doses to ionising radiation if staff do not take appropriate actions to minimise their exposure. In this prospective intervention study, ten staff members wore an extra personal dosimeter on the upper body above their regular protective clothing during four consecutive periods. Between each period either additional practical radiological protection training was given or a real-time direct display dosimeter were provided to the staff. Each staff’s personal dose equivalent, Hp(10) normalised to the total air kerma-area product for the procedures where each staff were involved, KAPt, was used as the dependent variable. A focus-group interview with the staff were performed about the usefulness of the training and real-time dose rate display system. Our aim was to investigate if the interventions (practical training or real-time dose rate display) did affect the staff doses in the short and long term (five months later). Significant (p < 0.05) reductions of staff doses Hp(10)/KAPt were found after practical radiological protection training, but not after using real-time dose rate displays. Significant reductions were maintained after five months without additional interventions. The results from the focus-group interview indicated that making radiation ‘visible’, during practical training and usage of real-time direct display dosimeter, made it easier to understand how to act to lower occupational doses.
A dynamic interference suppression method with the optimal payoff of proximity radar based on a game model
Authors: Dai Jian , Hao Xinhong , Li Ze , Wang Zhe , Yan Xiaopeng
Published: June 2022

The proximity pulse Doppler radar (PPDR) possesses high-range resolution and has been widely used in short-range detection. Unfortunately, the detection performance is seriously deteriorated by interference. Therefore, a dynamic interference suppression method (DISM) based on a game model is proposed. In the DISM, three interference suppression strategies are proposed for different interference strategies. The first strategy is the deceptive interference suppression strategy via the identity recognition of the PPDR. The second is a barrage interference suppression strategy, which is realized via the recognition of the time-frequency joint features of the target and interference. The last strategy is to combine the previous two strategies. For optimal interference suppression performance, the DISM will dynamically choose an interference suppression strategy according to their payoffs, which effectively enables the PPDR to maintain the dominant position in the game with the interference source. The efficiency of the DISM at different interference and signal-to-interference-plus-noise ratios is proved by comparison with other methods.
Extended tuning of distributed-feedback lasers in a bias-tee circuit via waveform optimization for MHz-rate absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Nair Anil P , Minesi Nicolas Q , Jelloian Christopher , Kuenning Nicholas M , Spearrin R Mitchell
Published: June 2022

Variations in injection-current waveform are examined using diplexed radio-frequency modulation with continuous-wave distributed-feedback (CW-DFB) lasers, with the aim to maximize the spectral tuning range and signal-to-noise ratio for MHz-rate laser absorption spectroscopy (LAS). Utilizing a bias-tee circuit, laser chirp rates are shown to increase by modulating the AC input voltage using square waves instead of sine waves and by scanning the laser below the lasing threshold during the modulation period. The effect of waveform duty cycle and leading-edge ramp rate are further examined. A spectral scan depth on the order of 1 cm−1 at a scan frequency of 1 MHz is achieved with a representative CW-DFB quantum cascade laser near 5 μm. Distortion of high-frequency optical signals due to detector bandwidth is also examined, and limitations are noted for applications with narrow spectral features and low-bandwidth detectors. Based on common detection system limitations, an optimization approach is established for a given detection bandwidth and target spectra. A representative optimization is presented for measurements of sub-atmospheric carbon monoxide spectra with a 200-MHz detection system. The methods are then demonstrated to resolve transient gas properties (pressure and temperature) via LAS at MHz rates in a detonation tube and shock tube facility. An appendix detailing a first-order model of high-speed distributed feedback laser tuning dynamics is also included to support the experimental observations of this work.