bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A new global model with two electron groups for weakly ionized argon discharges at low pressure
Authors: Lei Zhi-Cheng , Pu Yi-Kang
Published: February 2023

A new global model is developed for weakly ionized argon discharges at low pressure with a non-Maxwellian electron energy distribution. This model adopts the ‘two-electron group approximation’, as done in reference (Vriens L 1973 J. Appl. Phys.
44 3980; Ligthart F A S and Keijser R A J 1980 J. Appl. Phys.
51 5295; Kudryavtsev A A and Tsendin L D 2002 Tech. Phys. Lett.
28 841), but the effective temperatures for both groups of electrons, the energy boundary between them in energy space and the total volume-averaged electron density are all obtained in a self-consistent manner. By treating low- and high-energy electrons as two different species and involving particle and energy balance equations for both of them, the model-predicted electron distributions agree well with the measured ones under a wide range of discharge conditions. A detailed comparison between the results from the model presented in this work and those from the previous models is also made, along with the discussion of the reasons that cause the differences.
Jet fragmentation properties with CMS open-data
Authors: Arias Saksevul , Cuautle Eleazar , León Vargas Hermes
Published: February 2023

The CMS collaboration has made some of their data public, making it possible for external users to perform physics analysis using real data. In this work, we report the measurement of jet properties such as fragmentation function, and the average multiplicity distribution of leptons and charged hadrons within the jets, all of them produced in pp collisions at

s

= 7 TeV. We show that by implementing high energy cuts, the uncorrected experimental data approaches the behavior of corrected data, facilitating the use of open-data for simple analysis. The analysis is restricted in pseudorapidity and energy of the jets to: ∣η
Jet∣ < 2.1 and E
Jet > 120 GeV respectively. For the study we used the anti − K
T
algorithm applied to four samples of 2011 CMS open-data, to explore the possible differences obtained by using different trigger conditions, and the results are compared with predictions from the Pythia 8 event generator.
Characterization of the hydrogen plasma in the RF negative ion source by optical emission spectroscopy
Authors: Li Zengshan , Yang Jinghan , Li Dong , Chen Peng , Zuo Chen , Chen Dezhi
Published: February 2023

Optical emission spectroscopy (OES) is an important noninvasive diagnostic tool for providing insight into the plasmas of the negative ion sources. The plasma spectroscopic characterization of the RF driven negative ion source at Huazhong University of Science and Technology (HUST) is studied with the delivered power from 6 kW to 16 kW. The gas temperature, electron temperature, electron density and the density ratio of atomic hydrogen to molecular hydrogen are extracted from OES. The gas temperature is estimated from the Fulcher band of H2. A global thermal model is developed to investigate the gas heating mechanisms in hydrogen plasmas. The gas temperature calculated by the model using the electron density and electron temperature from OES as input parameters is in good agreement with that from the experiment. The thermal model shows that the dissociation of molecular hydrogen by electron impact is the dominant source of gas heating and that approximately 11% ∼12% of the delivered power is dissipated in gas heating at 0.3 Pa filling pressure. Moreover, the electron temperature, electron density and the ratio of atomic to molecular density are obtained from the absolute intensity of Balmer lines and Fulcher band by using collisional radiative (CR) models of H and H2. The kinetics of the excited states of H are also discussed.
Conservation laws and new exact solutions to the maccari’s modulation equations
Authors: Ghosh Arindam , Maitra Sarit
Published: February 2023

In this work the (2+1) dimensional integrable Maccari system is studied. An effective algorithmic method—the multiplier approach for finding the conservation laws of system of partial differential equations is discussed and used to find the conservation laws for this system. Infinite number of conserved vectors are found which strongly support the integrability aspects of the Maccari system. Also new exact solution for this system is derived by using the extended homogeneous balance method. The obtained solutions are plotted and they show bright and dark soliton nature.
Quantum counterfactuality with identical particles
Authors: Rao Vinod N , Banerjee Anindita , Srikanth R
Published: February 2023

Quantum self-interference enables the counterfactual transmission of information, whereby the transmitted bits involve no particles traveling through the channel. In this work, we show how counterfactuality can be realized even when the self-interference is replaced by interference between identical particles. Interestingly, the facet of indistinguishability called forth here is associated with first-order coherence, and is different from the usual notion of indistinguishability associated with the (anti-)commutation relations of mode operators. From an experimental perspective, the simplest implementation of the proposed idea can be realized by slight modifications to existing protocols for differential-phase-shift quantum key distribution or interaction-free measurement.
Soliton propagation for a coupled Schrödinger equation describing Rossby waves
Authors: Xu Li-Yang , Yin Xiao-Jun , Cao Na , Bai Shu-Ting
Published: February 2023

We study a coupled Schrödinger equation which is started from the Boussinesq equation of atmospheric gravity waves by using multiscale analysis and reduced perturbation method in this paper. For the coupled Schrödinger equation, we obtain the Manakov model of all-focusing, all-defocusing and mixed types by setting parameters value and apply the Hirota bilinear approach to provide the two-soliton and three-soliton solutions. Especially, we find the all-defocusing type Manakov model admits bright-bright soliton solutions, what’s more, we find the all-defocusing type Manakov model admits bright-bright-bright soliton solutions. Following that, we go over how the free parameters affect the Manakov model’s all-focusing type’s two-soliton and three-soliton solutions’ collision locations, propagation directions, and wave amplitudes. These findings are useful for setting a simulation scene in Rossby waves research. The answers we have found are helpful to study the equation’s physical properties in Rossby waves.
Impeded thermal transport in aperiodic BN/C nanotube superlattices due to phonon Anderson localization
Authors: Sun Luyi , Zhai Fangyuan , Cao Zengqiang , Huang Xiaoyu , Guo Chunsheng , Wang Hongyan , Ni Yuxiang
Published: February 2023

Anderson localization of phonons is a kind of phonon wave effect, which has been proved to occur in many structures with disorders. In this work, we introduced aperiodicity to boron nitride/carbon nanotube superlattices (BN/C NT SLs), and used molecular dynamics to calculate the thermal conductivity and the phonon transmission spectrum of the models. The existence of phonon Anderson localization was proved in this quasi one-dimensional structure by analyzing the phonon transmission spectra. Moreover, we introduced interfacial mixing to the aperiodic BN/C NT SLs and found that the coexistence of the two disorder entities (aperiodicity and interfacial mixing) can further decrease the thermal conductivity. In addition, we also showed that anharmonicity can destroy phonon localization at high temperatures. This work provides a reference for designing thermoelectric materials with low thermal conductivity by taking advantage of phonon localization.
Fixed-time group consensus of second-order multi-agent systems based on event-triggered control
Authors: Wu Xiaoshuai , Sun Fenglan , Zhu Wei , Kurths Jürgen
Published: February 2023

The problem of fixed-time group consensus for second-order multi-agent systems with disturbances is investigated. For cooperative-competitive network, two different control protocols, fixed-time group consensus and fixed-time event-triggered group consensus, are designed. It is demonstrated that there is no Zeno behavior under the designed event-triggered control. Meanwhile, it is proved that for an arbitrary initial state of the system, group consensus within the settling time could be obtained under the proposed control protocols by using matrix analysis and graph theory. Finally, a series of numerical examples are propounded to illustrate the performance of the proposed control protocol.
First-order quantum phase transition and entanglement in the Jaynes–Cummings model with a squeezed light
Authors: Tang Chun-Qi , Shen Li-Tuo
Published: February 2023

We study the quantum phase transition and entanglement in the Jaynes–Cummings model with squeezed light, utilize a special transformation method to obtain the analytical ground state of the model within the near-resonance regime, and numerically verify the validity of the analytical ground state. It is found that the ground state exhibits a first-order quantum phase transition at the critical point linearly induced by squeezed light, and the ground state entanglement reaches its maximum when the qubit-field coupling strength is large enough at the critical point.
Rapid stabilization of stochastic quantum systems in a unified framework
Authors: Wen Jie , Wang Fangmin , Shi Yuanhao , Jia Jianfang , Zeng Jianchao
Published: February 2023

Rapid stabilization of general stochastic quantum systems is investigated based on the rapid stability of stochastic differential equations. We introduce a Lyapunov–LaSalle-like theorem for a class of nonlinear stochastic systems first, based on which a unified framework of rapidly stabilizing stochastic quantum systems is proposed. According to the proposed unified framework, we design the switching state feedback controls to achieve the rapid stabilization of single-qubit systems, two-qubit systems, and N-qubit systems. From the unified framework, the state space is divided into two state subspaces, and the target state is located in one state subspace, while the other system equilibria are located in the other state subspace. Under the designed state feedback controls, the system state can only transit through the boundary between the two state subspaces no more than two times, and the target state is globally asymptotically stable in probability. In particular, the system state can converge exponentially in (all or part of) the state subspace where the target state is located. Moreover, the effectiveness and rapidity of the designed state feedback controls are shown in numerical simulations by stabilizing GHZ states for a three-qubit system.
Study on conversion of microstates in breast cell ensemble at the gene level based on the eigen-microstate method
Authors: Zhang Su-Hua , Niu Xue-Zhi , Wang Xu-Zhao , Qu Chang , An Hai-Long , Zhao Tong-Jun , Zhan Yong
Published: February 2023

Breast cancer is a malignant disease that seriously threatens women’s health. Studying the mechanism of cancer occurrence and development is an urgent problem to be solved. In this paper, the eigen-microstate method was used to study conversion of normal breast cells into breast cancer cells and the reason. The main conclusions are as follows: the microstates of normal breast cell and breast cancer cell are different. There is a state conversion when a normal breast cell transforms into a breast cancer cell. The main reason for this state conversion is the combined effect of tumor suppressor genes and oncogenes. By analyzing the function of key genes, it was found that these genes do play an important role in the development of breast cancer. The findings contribute to understanding the mechanism by which breast cancer occurs and progresses, and key genes can serve as potential biomarkers or target genes for breast cancer treatment.
Robust multi-task distributed estimation based on generalized maximum correntropy criterion
Authors: Hu Qian , Chen Feng , Ye Ming
Published: February 2023

False data injection (FDI) attacks are common in the distributed estimation of multi-task network environments, so an attack detection strategy is designed by combining the generalized maximum correntropy criterion. Based on this, we propose a diffusion least-mean-square algorithm based on the generalized maximum correntropy criterion (GMCC-DLMS) for multi-task networks. The algorithm achieves gratifying estimation results. Even more, compared to the related work, it has better robustness when the number of attacked nodes increases. Moreover, the assumption about the number of attacked nodes is relaxed, which is applicable to multi-task environments. In addition, the performance of the proposed GMCC-DLMS algorithm is analyzed in the mean and mean-square senses. Finally, simulation experiments confirm the performance and effectiveness against FDI attacks of the algorithm.
Zinc ash deposition pattern and structural optimization in the continuous hot-dip galvanizing vertical furnace
Authors: Dong Zihao , Dou Ruifeng , Li Yuefa , Qian Fengguang , Wang Linjian , Zheng Haiwei , Liu Xunliang , Wen Zhi
Published: February 2023

In a continuous hot-dip galvanizing vertical furnace for strip steel, zinc vapor oxidizes in the snout of the furnace to form zinc ash. The zinc ash adheres and agglomerates on the inner walls of the snout. If the zinc ash falls off and adheres to the surface of the strip, zinc ash defects will be formed, thereby affecting the surface quality of the galvanized layer. Given that the snout connects the annealing furnace and the zinc pot, the zinc ash will be transported into the annealing furnace and form nodulation on the roller, affecting the normal operation of the equipment. To study the deposition pattern of zinc ash inside the snout, a model of particle movement and deposition is established in this work to predict the movement and deposition characteristics of zinc ash particles, and it is verified by literature. On this basis, the zinc ash deposition patterns of three improvement cases of snout structure are compared. Results show that all three improvement schemes can effectively reduce the deposition rate of the zinc ash particles in the annealing furnace. In the case of slotted-baffle-added-only, although adding slotted baffles reduces the deposition of zinc ash in the furnace, it also increases the deposition rate in the snout and entry sections. In the case of exhaust-duct-added-only, the addition of the exhaust duct not only reduces the overall deposition rate in the furnace, but also effectively reduces the deposition rate in the snout and the entry section. By contrast, the scheme with slotted baffles and exhaust ducts is the most effective in inhibiting the diffusion of zinc ash.
Study on Coordinated Control of New Energy Over-Frequency Ride-Through and Over-Frequency Generator-Tripping Scheme
Authors: Bing Zeng , Yanxia Qu , Chunyu Zhang
Published: February 2023

After the fault isolation of the outgoing power grid with a high proportion of new energy, the high-frequency shutdown of the third line of defense is an important control measure to restrain the rise of the frequency of the sending-end power grid. With the increase in the proportion of intermittent power sources such as wind power and photo-voltaic power, the frequency characteristics of the power grid have become more complex. Considering the response characteristics and emergency control capabilities of wind power and photo-voltaic power, this paper proposes a high-frequency ride-through control strategy based on new energy stations. Through coordinated control with high-frequency shutdown measures, the new energy stations can rapidly reduce their power to replace some costly conventional unit operations to achieve more economical frequency safety control, after the high-frequency machine switching round action is executed to avoid over-switching triggering low cycle load shedding when the frequency is reduced to the threshold value, it will trigger the rapid recovery of new energy power generation to meet the requirements of refined frequency stability control of modern power grids. Based on the actual planning of the high-voltage transmission end grid scale, a simulation system was built, and a new energy high-frequency ride-through model was built, which verified the feasibility of the proposed coordinated control scheme for high-frequency switching off with a high-frequency ride-through, and verified the adaptability of the proposed scheme under different operation modes.
Resonance Analysis of Single Screw Expander Based on Compressed Air Energy Storage System
Authors: Song Xiaofeng , Wu Yuting , Zhi Ruiping , Shen Lili , Wang Wei , Lei Biao
Published: February 2023

As an important technology to achieve energy restructuring, electricity storage plays an important role in the mission of carbon neutrality in today’s society. Compressed air energy storage is one of the most promising technologies for medium- and small-scale power storage. Single screw expander as an important energy conversion equipment in the compressed air energy storage, the stability of its performance is the key to ensure the normal operation of the energy storage system. In this study, based on the resonance problem of single screw expander in variable speed operation and the modal parameters of internal key components structure, the research is carried out. The results show that: The single screw expander can cause a large resonance damage when the rotational speed is working under 1950 – 2380 rpm. The natural modal frequencies of gate rotor, screw rotor and main shaft are not the cause of resonance. Through the work of this study, the influence of internal key components structure on resonance is eliminated, and the next research direction is defined.
Research on Dynamic Liquid Level Detection Technology in Workover Operation
Authors: Wang Yaohui
Published: February 2023

In this paper, an automatic liquid level monitoring device is designed, its working principle and technological process are described, and a workover dynamic liquid level testing scheme is established. In view of the factors affecting the sound velocity in the annular space of the oil jacket, the calculation formula and mathematical model of the sound velocity and the depth pressure temperature density are established. The sound velocity changes caused by the changes in temperature, pressure and the composition of the well gas are accurately corrected. It is confirmed that the modified model provides a method that can not only ensure accuracy but also greatly reduce the calculation amount, greatly simplifying the real-time calculation amount of the system. The obtained liquid level depth is approximate, but it is sufficiently accurate to meet the requirements of the technical indicators of the project.
Performance Analysis of Multistage Thermoelectric Cooler with Water-Cooled
Authors: Sun Yuetong , Meng Fankai , San Bing , Xu Chenxin
Published: February 2023

A finite time thermodynamic model of the multistage thermoelectric cooler with constant temperature heat source and water-cooled is established, and the calculation method of input power and coefficient of performance (COP) are given. The influence of key parameters on device performance under different working conditions is given. The effects of the working current and cross-sectional area of the thermoelectric unit on refrigerating capacity, COP, thermodynamic perfection, module utilization coefficient, and coordination performance coefficient are analyzed. The results show that there are optimal working currents and optimal cross-sectional area, which can make the performance of the device reach the best. The evaluation index also provides a reference for realizing different goals and optimization.
ALICE Zero Degree Calorimeters. The new readout system in LHC Run 3
Authors: Zugravel S.C. , Cortese P. , Cotto G. , De Marco N. , De Remigis P. , Lombardo L. , Mazza G. , Puggioni C. , Puleo E. , Quaglia L. , Sitta M.
Published: February 2023

The Zero Degree Calorimeters (ZDC) were designed to provide the measurement of the event geometry and luminosity in heavy-ion operation. The readout system was redesigned in order to operate in continuous mode without dead time at 2.5 MHz event rate. The new acquisition chain is based on a commercial 12 bit digitizer with a sampling rate of about 1 GSps, assembled on an FPGA Mezzanine Card. The signals produced by the 26 ZDC channels are digitized, and samples are processed through an FPGA to extract information such as timing, baseline average estimation and luminosity.
Chest shape measurement by multi-sensors for pulmonary electrical impedance tomography
Authors: Liu J.Z. , Zhang L.Y. , Xiong H.
Published: February 2023

Electrical impedance tomography (EIT) has been gradually used in lung health detection. When the lungs are measured using EIT, the image quality is compromised by contour changes outside the thorax. In this paper, the shape measurement belts made by bend and inertial sensors are used to determine the specific information of the chest boundary of subjects. Three measurement belts are used to measure the chest cavity model. The measured model data are used to perform the simulation experiment of pulmonary EIT. The results indicate that the model measurement accuracy and the image accuracy are higher by the multi-sensor measurement belt. The multi-sensor measurement belt provides conditions for the wearable of pulmonary EIT equipment.
Why was the heat wave in the Yangtze River valley abnormally intensified in late summer 2022?
Authors: Zhang Daquan , Chen Lijuan , Yuan Yuan , Zuo Jinqing , Ke Zongjian
Published: February 2023

A record-breaking heat wave hit the Yangtze River valley during the boreal summer of 2022, and caused severe social and economic losses. One prominent feature of this long-lived heat event was its persistence and abnormal intensification in August. This study investigated the physical mechanisms be responsible for the intensification of this heat event in late summer under the background of a La Niña event. The prolonged heat event was directly related to the intensification and westward extension of the western North Pacific subtropical high (WNPSH), which can be attributed to the synergistic effects of an anomalous western North Pacific (WNP) anticyclone and the eastward extension of the South Asian high (SAH) in the upper troposphere. The anomalous anticyclone in the WNP, which was induced by negative sea surface temperature anomalies in the central tropical Pacific, strengthened in August. The positive sea surface temperature anomaly in the western Pacific warm pool and enhanced in-situ convection led to anomalous high pressure over the Yangtze River valley via the local meridional circulation. Atmospheric convergence and descending motion over the Yangtze River valley was amplified in August as a result of the zonal shift in the SAH from the Iranian Plateau to the Tibetan Plateau. The Silk Road pattern (SRP) index of August 2022 was the lowest since the 1990s. The abnormal negative phase of the SRP contributed to both the zonal shift in the SAH and the westward extension of the WNPSH, which led to the abnormal intensification of the heat event over the Yangtze River valley in August 2022.
The thermal response of permafrost to coastal floodplain flooding
Authors: Zhang Yu , Jafarov Elchin , Piliouras Anastasia , Jones Benjamin , Rowland Joel C , Moulton J David
Published: February 2023

Flooding of low-lying Arctic regions has the potential to warm and thaw permafrost by changing the surface reflectance of solar insolation, increasing subsurface soil moisture, and increasing soil thermal conductivity. However, the impact of flooding on permafrost in the continuous permafrost environment remains poorly understood. To address this knowledge gap, we used a combination of available flooding data on the Ikpikpuk delta and a numerical model to simulate the hydro-thermal processes under coastal floodplain flooding. We first constructed the three most common flood events based on water level data on the Ikpikpuk: snowmelt floods in the late spring and early summer, middle and late summer floods, and floods throughout the whole spring and summer. Then the impact of these flooding events on the permafrost was simulated for one-dimensional permafrost columns using the Advanced Terrestrial Simulator (ATSv1.0), a fully coupled permafrost-hydrology and thermal dynamic model. Our results show that coastal floods have an important impact on coastal permafrost dynamics with a cooling effect on the surficial soil and a warming effect on the deeper soil. Cumulative flooding events over several years can cause continuous warming of the deep subsurface but cool down the surficial layer. Flood timing is a primary control of the vertical extent of the permafrost thaw and the active layer deepening.
Screening effect of plasma flow on the resonant magnetic perturbation penetration in tokamaks based on two-fluid model
Authors: TANG Weikang , LUAN Qibin , SUN Hongen , WEI Lai , LU Shuangshuang , JIANG Shuai , XU Jian , WANG Zhengxiong
Published: February 2023

Numerical simulation on the resonant magnetic perturbation penetration is carried out by the newly-updated initial value code MDC (MHD@Dalian Code). Based on a set of two-fluid four-field equations, the bootstrap current, parallel, and perpendicular transport effects are included appropriately. Taking into account the bootstrap current, a mode penetration-like phenomenon is found, which is essentially different from the classical tearing mode model. To reveal the influence of the plasma flow on the mode penetration process, E × B drift flow and diamagnetic drift flow are separately applied to compare their effects. Numerical results show that a sufficiently large diamagnetic drift flow can drive a strong stabilizing effect on the neoclassical tearing mode. Furthermore, an oscillation phenomenon of island width is discovered. By analyzing it in depth, it is found that this oscillation phenomenon is due to the negative feedback regulation of pressure on the magnetic island. This physical mechanism is verified again by key parameter scanning.
Covalency modulation enables stable Na-rich layered oxide cathodes for Na-ion batteries
Authors: Zhou Xi , Ding Manling , Cheng Chen , Xia Xiao , Hu Haolv , Shen Yihao , Fedotov Stanislav , Zhang Liang
Published: February 2023

As the analogs of Li-rich materials, Na-rich transition metal layered oxides are promising cathode materials for Na-ion batteries owing to their high theoretical capacity and energy density through cumulative cationic and anionic redox. However, most of the reported Na-rich cathode materials are mainly Ru- and Ir-based layered oxides, which limits the practical application. Herein, we report a Na-rich and Ru-doped O3-type Na1.1Ni0.35Mn0.55O2 cathode to mitigate this issue. By partially substituting Mn4+ with high-electronegativity Ru4+, the structural stability and electrochemical performance of the cathode are both greatly improved. It is validated that the high covalency of Ru–O bonds could harden the structural integrity with rigid oxygen framework upon cycling, leading to enhanced O3-P3 phase transition reversibility. Ru doping also induces an enlarged interlayer spacing to boost the Na+ diffusion kinetics for improved rate capability. In addition, benefiting from the large energetic overlap between Ru 4d and O 2p states, the reinforced Ru–O covalency enables highly reversible Ru4+/Ru5+ redox accompanied with more stable oxygen redox, leading to improved specific capacity and stability over cycling. Our present study provides a promising strategy for designing high-performance Na-rich layered oxide cathode materials through covalency modulation toward practical applications.
Remote surface charge detection device for water with excess charge
Authors: Hemalatha  , Bingi Jayachandra
Published: February 2023

A non-destructive surface charge detection is crucial for charged water research and exploitation of charged water in different applications. The widely used existing methods such as Kelvin force spectroscopy, Mass spectroscopy, impedance spectroscopy, Electrophoretic light scattering etc which are costly and not portable. This work presents the design and development of a compact, portable, low cost and incoherent IR based in the non-destructive modality. It is based on the Thomson scattering of electromagnetic wave on charged ions. Here, an IR photosensor is deployed to detect the change in the IR beam scattering from the charged surface. A distinct signature in reflected IR radiation from the charged water is recorded using the proposed setup. The different types of charged water are produced from the electrohydrodynamic bridge with relatively high H+ and OH- ions. The detection and discrimination of neutral, positive and negatively charged water are demonstrated by the device successfully.
Vapor buoyancy increases clear-sky thermal emission
Authors: Yang Da , Seidel Seth D
Published: February 2023

The molar mass of H2O (18 g mol−1) is smaller than that of dry air (29 g mol−1), which makes humid air lighter than dry air with the same temperature and pressure. This vapor buoyancy (VB) effect has been traditionally considered small in large-scale climate dynamics and even neglected in some leading climate models. Here, using theory and aquaplanet simulations with prescribed surface temperatures, we show that VB increases tropospheric air temperature, and that the warmer atmosphere emits more clear-sky thermal radiation by about 2–4 W m−2 in the dry subtropical areas, a significant radiative effect. We then analyze Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 simulations with prescribed sea surface temperatures and realistic topography. The results show that VB can increase clear-sky thermal radiation by up to 5 W m−2 over the ocean and about 15 W m−2 over the subtropical arid land regions. The radiative effect over arid land is amplified by a substantial increase of surface temperature due to VB. Our results highlight the role of VB in regulating Earth’s energy balance both at the top of the atmosphere and at the land surface. This study points to new ways to improve climate models and their simulated energy balance.
Recent advances on two-dimensional metal halide perovskite x-ray detectors
Authors: Han Mingyue , Xiao Yingrui , Zhou Chao , Yang Yuxuan , Wu Xiaoxue , Hu Qi , Jin Xi , Zhang Wei , Hu Jin-Song , Jiang Yan
Published: February 2023

In recent years, two-dimensional metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have attracted increased attention for radiation detection and imaging. Their detection efficiencies are almost comparable to three-dimensional (3D) perovskites. Meanwhile, they demonstrate superior stability to 3D perovskites. The pursuit of high-quality, phase-pure and lead-free two-dimensional MHP materials and large-area fabrication capability for x-ray detectors are among the research hotspots. In this review, we first give a brief introduction of the crystallographic structure, optoelectronic characteristics and preparation methods of high-quality two-dimensional perovskites. In addition, we overview the general working principles of direct and indirect x-ray detection processes and the corresponding performance metrics from the perspective of detection and imaging. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive discussion on the recent advances in 2D perovskite x-ray detectors and imaging devices. Finally, we pinpoint several major obstacles of 2D x-ray detectors that should be overcome in the near future.
Baseline Computerized Neurocognitive Testing and Oculomotor Measures are not Altered by Hormonal Contraceptive Use
Authors: Moran Ryan N , Guin J Russell , Gardner James , Simer Josh
Published: February 2023

Objective

Neurocognitive testing and oculomotor assessment have been an integral component to provide objective measures for sport-related concussion (SRC) detection and management. Hormonal contraceptive (HC) use is common among collegiate female athletes and may modify baseline SRC performance. The purpose was to examine the effects of HC use on baseline computerized neurocognitive testing (CNT) and oculomotor testing in college-aged individuals.

Method

A total of 63 participants (22 HC using females, 22 non-HC using females, 19 males) completed a baseline SRC battery consisting of CNT, near point of convergence (NPC), and the King-Devick (KD) test. CNT measures were composite scores of verbal and visual memory, visual motor processing speed and reaction time, impulse control, and cognitive efficiency index (CEI). NPC was measured as the average convergence distance across three trials. KD time was recorded as total time for each of the two trials and best trial marked as baseline.

Results

There were no group differences between HC, non-HC, and male control groups on all baseline CNT composite scores (p = .13–.98), impulse control (p = .47), and CEI (p = .49). NPC distance was similar between groups (p = .41), as well as KD time by trial (Trial 1 p = .65; 2 p = .48) and best time (p = .49).

Conclusions

HC use does not appear to influence baseline SRC measures of neurocognition and oculomotor assessment. Clinicians should continue to consider the effects of modifying factors at baseline and post-concussion. Additional research is needed to better understand sex hormone levels and SRC performance measures.
The scalable precision medicine open knowledge engine (SPOKE): a massive knowledge graph of biomedical information
Authors: Morris John H , Soman Karthik , Akbas Rabia E , Zhou Xiaoyuan , Smith Brett , Meng Elaine C , Huang Conrad C , Cerono Gabriel , Schenk Gundolf , Rizk-Jackson Angela , Harroud Adil , Sanders Lauren , Costes Sylvain V , Bharat Krish , Chakraborty Arjun , Pico Alexander R , Mardirossian Taline , Keiser Michael , Tang Alice , Hardi Josef , Shi Yongmei , Musen Mark , Israni Sharat , Huang Sui , Rose Peter W , Nelson Charlotte A , Baranzini Sergio E
Published: February 2023

Motivation

Knowledge graphs (KGs) are being adopted in industry, commerce and academia. Biomedical KG presents a challenge due to the complexity, size and heterogeneity of the underlying information.

Results

In this work, we present the Scalable Precision Medicine Open Knowledge Engine (SPOKE), a biomedical KG connecting millions of concepts via semantically meaningful relationships. SPOKE contains 27 million nodes of 21 different types and 53 million edges of 55 types downloaded from 41 databases. The graph is built on the framework of 11 ontologies that maintain its structure, enable mappings and facilitate navigation. SPOKE is built weekly by python scripts which download each resource, check for integrity and completeness, and then create a ‘parent table’ of nodes and edges. Graph queries are translated by a REST API and users can submit searches directly via an API or a graphical user interface. Conclusions/Significance: SPOKE enables the integration of seemingly disparate information to support precision medicine efforts.

Availability and implementation

The SPOKE neighborhood explorer is available at https://spoke.rbvi.ucsf.edu.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Progress and challenges in the use of blood biomarkers in relapsing polychondritis
Authors: Liu Yongmei , Li Xiaomeng , Cheng Linlin , Zhan Haoting , Huang Yuan , Li Haolong , Li Yongzhe
Published: February 2023

Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare inflammatory disease with significant individual heterogeneity that involves systemic organs. The diagnosis of RP mainly depends on the clinical manifestations; currently, there are no molecular biomarkers routinely evaluated in clinical practice. Biomarkers have diagnostic or monitoring values and can predict response to treatment or the disease course. Over the years, many biomarkers have been proposed to facilitate diagnosis and prognosis. Unfortunately, ideal biomarkers to diagnose RP have not yet been discovered. Most of the molecular biomarkers in RP are immunological biomarkers, with autoantibodies and proteins related to cartilage damage in the blood being the most common. Alterations in some genes (HLA typing and UBA1 somatic mutation) were detected in patients with RP, which could serve as a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of RP. Moreover, proinflammatory cytokines and lymphocyte levels, and certain laboratory tests, have certain values of RP diagnosis and disease activity assessment but lack specificity and sensitivity. This review describes the different types of biomarkers and their clinical correlation with respect to the diagnosis of RP and disease activity. Research on biomarkers and disease pathology is ongoing to identify the ideal biomarkers that are sensitive and specific for RP.
Tumor gene signatures that correlate with release of extracellular vesicles shape the immune landscape in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Kallinger Isabella , Rubenich Dominique S , Głuszko Alicja , Kulkarni Aditi , Spanier Gerrit , Spoerl Steffen , Taxis Juergen , Poeck Hendrik , Szczepański Mirosław J , Ettl Tobias , Reichert Torsten E , Meier Johannes K , Braganhol Elizandra , Ferris Robert L , Whiteside Theresa L , Ludwig Nils
Published: February 2023

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) evade immune responses through multiple resistance mechanisms. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by the tumor and interacting with immune cells induce immune dysfunction and contribute to tumor progression. This study evaluates the clinical relevance and impact on anti-tumor immune responses of gene signatures expressed in HNSCC and associated with EV production/release. Expression levels of two recently described gene sets were determined in The Cancer Genome Atlas Head and Neck Cancer cohort (n = 522) and validated in the GSE65858 dataset (n = 250) as well as a recently published single-cell RNA sequencing dataset (n = 18). Clustering into HPV(+) and HPV(−) patients was performed in all cohorts for further analysis. Potential associations between gene expression levels, immune cell infiltration, and patient overall survival were analyzed using GEPIA2, TISIDB, TIMER, and the UCSC Xena browser. Compared to normal control tissues, vesiculation-related genes were upregulated in HNSCC cells. Elevated gene expression levels positively correlated (P < 0.01) with increased abundance of CD4(+) T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells infiltrating tumor tissues but were negatively associated (P < 0.01) with the presence of B cells and CD8(+) T cells in the tumor. Expression levels of immunosuppressive factors NT5E and TGFB1 correlated with the vesiculation-related genes and might explain the alterations of the anti-tumor immune response. Enhanced expression levels of vesiculation-related genes in tumor tissues associates with the immunosuppressive tumor milieu and the reduced infiltration of B cells and CD8(+) T cells into the tumor.
Compromised browning in white adipose tissue of ageing people
Authors: Gu Ping , Ding Kai , Lu Lei , Zhang Yu , Wang Wei , Guo Qingyu , Liao Yannian , Yang Bingjie , Wang Tiantian , Zhou Changsheng , Lu Bin , Kong Alice P S , Cheng Alfred S , Hui Hannah Xiaoyan , Shao Jiaqing
Published: February 2023

Background

Adipose tissue plays a pivotal role in the pathology of metabolic disorders. In the past decade, brown and brown-like adipose tissues were detected in adult humans and show therapeutic potential in ageing-related metabolic diseases.

Objective

This study investigated expressions of major brown adipose markers in white adipose tissue (WAT) of different ages. Their associations with metabolic parameters and key adipokines were interrogated.

Design

Cross-sectional study, 2019-2021.

Methods

We recruited 21 young, 67 middle-aged, and 34 older patients. Omental adipose tissues were collected, and expressions of key brown markers and adipokines and the adipocyte size were evaluated. The fat depot distribution was evaluated by computed tomography.

Results

UCP1 and PRDM16 mRNA expressions declined with ageing in WAT and were more associated with age, than with the body mass index (BMI). The increased visceral adipose tissue (VAT) amount, as well as the VAT to subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) ratio, was decreased in the highest tertile of UCP1 expression, while individuals in different PRDM16 mRNA tertiles exhibited similar fat distribution. UCP1 mRNA was positively correlated with ADIPOQ and the strength of the correlation declined with ageing. In contrast, the association between UCP1 and LEP was insignificant in young and middle-aged groups but became significantly correlated in the older-people group. We also found a positive correlation between UCP1 and PRDM16.

Conclusions

PRDM16 and UCP1, despite their key functions in adipose browning, exhibit differential clinical correlations with metabolic features in human WAT in an age-dependent manner. These two genes may participate in the pathogenesis of ageing-related metabolic diseases, but with distinct mechanisms.
Is there a risk of a winner’s curse in farmland auctions?
Authors: Seifert Stefan , Hüttel Silke
Published: February 2023

We test the assumption that bidders in farmland auctions have private valuations, a necessary condition for auction efficiency. We apply the test of Haile et al. (2003) to farmland auctions in Eastern Germany covering the price boom 2007–2020. To disentangle valuations from observed and unobserved heterogeneity, we develop a new approach relying on professional appraisals of the land. Based on our rich identification strategy, validation and robustness checks, we reject pure private valuations. We conclude that the presence of a common value in bidders’ valuations is very likely resulting in potentially inefficient land privatisation auctions and a winner’s curse.
The Ancestral Mitotic State: Closed Orthomitosis With Intranuclear Spindles in the Syncytial Last Eukaryotic Common Ancestor
Authors: Bremer Nico , Tria Fernando D K , Skejo Josip , Martin William F
Published: February 2023

All eukaryotes have linear chromosomes that are distributed to daughter nuclei during mitotic division, but the ancestral state of nuclear division in the last eukaryotic common ancestor (LECA) is so far unresolved. To address this issue, we have employed ancestral state reconstructions for mitotic states that can be found across the eukaryotic tree concerning the intactness of the nuclear envelope during mitosis (open or closed), the position of spindles (intranuclear or extranuclear), and the symmetry of spindles being either axial (orthomitosis) or bilateral (pleuromitosis). The data indicate that the LECA possessed closed orthomitosis with intranuclear spindles. Our reconstruction is compatible with recent findings indicating a syncytial state of the LECA, because it decouples three main processes: chromosome division, chromosome partitioning, and cell division (cytokinesis). The possession of closed mitosis using intranuclear spindles adds to the number of cellular traits that can now be attributed to LECA, providing insights into the lifestyle of this otherwise elusive biological entity at the origin of eukaryotic cells. Closed mitosis in a syncytial eukaryotic common ancestor would buffer mutations arising at the origin of mitotic division by allowing nuclei with viable chromosome sets to complement defective nuclei via mRNA in the cytosol.
Histological Remission Placebo Rates in Ulcerative Colitis Trials: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Youssef Michael , Dong Kelly , Lee So Jeong , Narula Neeraj
Published: February 2023

Background

High histologic remission rates have been reported with placebos in randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating ulcerative colitis (UC) therapies and have varied based on trial designs. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to quantify placebo histological remission rates and identify factors influencing those rates.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane library were searched from inception of the databases until December 2021. We included placebo-controlled RCTs of adult patients with UC treated with aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, immunosuppressives, biologics, and small molecules. We pooled estimates using a random-effects model and performed subgroup analysis and meta-regression to evaluate the effect of different covariates on placebo rates.

Results

Thirty-three studies (30 induction and 3 maintenance) were included. The overall placebo histological remission rate was 15.7% (95% confidence interval, 12.9%-19%) across all 33 studies. High heterogeneity was observed among studies with I2 = 62.10%. The pooled estimate of histological remission was 15.8% in induction studies and 14.5% in maintenance studies. Subgroup analysis revealed statistically significant differences in placebo rates when accounting for background medications, the intervention drug class, and disease severity (P = .041, .025, and .025, respectively). There was no statistical difference between induction vs maintenance studies or between different histological scales (P = .771, and .075, respectively).

Conclusions

Placebo histological remission rates range from 13% to 19% in UC RCTs, but studies are highly heterogeneous. Factors found to influence placebo rates include presence of background medications, the drug used, and the disease severity. These observations inform future trial designs to minimize placebo rates and reduce heterogeneity.
Premature mortality 16 years after emergency department presentation among homeless and at risk of homelessness adults: a retrospective longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Zordan Rachel , Mackelprang Jessica L , Hutton Jennie , Moore Gaye , Sundararajan Vijaya
Published: February 2023

Background

People experiencing homelessness have an increased risk of mortality. The association between being at risk of homelessness and premature mortality is unclear. We aimed to determine all-cause and cause-specific mortality in patients who were homeless, at risk of homelessness (marginally housed), or housed.

Methods

This retrospective longitudinal cohort study compared mortality patterns in adult patients identified in 2003/04 by linking data from an Australian metropolitan emergency department to national mortality data. We used Cox proportional hazards models to estimate associations between housing status and mortality. To address competing risks, cause-specific hazards were modelled and transformed into stacked cumulative incidence functions.

Findings

Data from 6290 patients (homeless deceased = 382/1050, marginally housed deceased = 259/518, housed deceased = 1204/4722) found increased risk of mortality in homeless [hazard ratio (HR) = 4.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.0–3.3) and marginally housed (HR = 2.6, 95% CI = 3.4–4.8) patients. Homeless patients had an excess risk from external causes (HR = 6.1, 95% CI = 4.47–8.35), cardiovascular disease (HR = 4.9, 95% CI = 2.78–8.70) and cancer (HR = 1.5, 95% CI = 1.15–2.09). Marginally housed patients had increased risk from external causes (HR = 3.6, 95% CI = 2.36–5.40) and respiratory diseases (HR = 4.7, 95% CI = 1.82–12.05). Taking account of competing risk, marked inequality was observed, with homeless, marginally housed and housed patients having probabilities of death by 55 years of 0.2, 0.1 and 0.02, respectively.

Conclusions

Mortality rates were elevated in patients who were homeless or at risk of homelessness. Increasing numbers of people are at risk of homelessness, and the effect of this on mortality is relatively unrecognized. Marginal housing may assuage some risk of premature mortality associated with homelessness; however, it is not equivalent to stable housing.