bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement in Hemorrhoidal Disease Surgery Outcomes Using a New Anatomical/Clinical–Therapeutic Classification (A/CTC)
Authors: Naldini Gabriele , Caminati Filippo , Sturiale Alessandro , Fabiani Bernardina , Cafaro Danilo , Menconi Claudia , Mascagni Domenico , Celedon Porzio Felipe
Published: September 2020

Introduction The introduction and diffusion of new techniques for hemorrhoidal surgery have made it clear how much Goligher classification is inadequate in the modern times, lacking in any correlation between anatomical and clinical features to a surgical procedure. The aim of the study was to evaluate if the application of a new classification of hemorrhoidal diseases might lead to an improvement in the postoperative surgical outcomes.

Methods From January 2014 to December 2015, all patients undergoing surgery for hemorrhoidal disease were enrolled. The procedures performed were based upon a new anatomical/clinical–therapeutic classification (A/CTC) considering these items: anatomical presentation, symptom types and frequency, associated diseases, and available surgical treatments and their related contraindications. The new classification identified four groups: A (outpatient), B, C, and D (surgical approaches). The overall outcomes were assessed and then stratified by surgical groups. These data were then analyzed in comparison with the published data about all the surgical procedures performed.

Results A total of 381 patients underwent surgery and they were stratified as follows: Group B (39), C (202), and D (140). Group B underwent Doppler-guided dearterialization with mucopexies or tissue selective therapy, Group C stapled procedures, and Group D hemorrhoidectomy. The mean follow-up was 30 months. The overall outcomes were: success rate 92.4%, recurrences 7.6%, postoperative complications 4.8%, long-term complications 5.4%, and reoperation rate 2.7%. The success rates stratified by groups were: B, 85%); C, 91.4%; and D, 95.7%.

Conclusion The A/CTC proved to be useful in stratifying the patients and choosing the proper treatment for each case. This classification seems to improve the outcome of different surgical procedures if compared with those already published.
Acute Sensory and Autonomic Neuronopathy: A Devastating Disorder Affecting Sensory and Autonomic Ganglia
Authors: Gutierrez Joel , Palma Jose-Alberto , Kaufmann Horacio
Published: September 2020

Acute-onset and severe sensory and autonomic deficits with no motor dysfunction, typically preceded by a febrile illness, with poor recovery, and often fatal outcome are the hallmark features of acute sensory and autonomic neuronopathy (ASANN). Pathologically and electrophysiologically, ASANN is characterized by an extensive ganglionopathy affecting sensory and autonomic ganglia with preservation of motor neurons. Consequently, patients, usually children or young adult, develop acute-onset profound widespread loss of all sensory modalities resulting in automutilations, as well as autonomic failure causing neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, neurogenic underactive bladder, and gastroparesis and constipation. The diagnosis is clinical with support of nerve conduction studies and autonomic testing, as well as spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging showing characteristic posterior cord hyperintensities. Although the presumed etiology is immune-mediated, further studies are required to clarify the physiopathology of the disease. We here performed a systematic review of the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of ASANN, with three representative cases that recently presented at our clinic. All three patients had the typical clinical manifestations of ASANN but in different combinations, illustrating the variable phenotype of the disorder. Immunosuppression is seldom effective. Management options are limited to supportive and symptomatic care with the goal of minimizing complications and preventing death.
Autonomic Dysfunction in the Synucleinopathies
Authors: Coon Elizabeth A.
Published: September 2020

Autonomic dysfunction is a characteristic feature in the synucleinopathies. Differences in cellular deposition and neuronal populations affected by α-synuclein aggregation influence the manifestations and severity of autonomic failure in the different synucleinopathy disorders. The Lewy body disorders (Parkinson's disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, and pure autonomic failure) have predominantly peripheral involvement, whereas multiple system atrophy chiefly manifests as central autonomic failure. Clinical and laboratory features may be useful in distinguishing the different synucleinopathies based on the pattern and severity of autonomic failure. Treatment recommendations are aimed at the underlying pathophysiology and utilize non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic approaches. This review will focus on pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, and management recommendations for autonomic failure including neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, thermoregulatory dysfunction, genitourinary dysfunction, and gastrointestinal dysfunction in the synucleinopathies.
Sudomotor Dysfunction
Authors: Cheshire William P.
Published: September 2020

Disorders of sudomotor function are common and diverse in their presentations. Hyperhidrosis or hypohidrosis in generalized or regional neuroanatomical patterns can provide clues to neurologic localization and inform neurologic diagnosis. Conditions that impair sudomotor function include small fiber peripheral neuropathy, sudomotor neuropathy, myelopathy, α-synucleinopathies, autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy, antibody-mediated hyperexcitability syndromes, and a host of medications. Particularly relevant to neurologic practice is the detection of postganglionic sudomotor deficits as a diagnostic marker of small fiber neuropathies. Extensive anhidrosis is important to recognize, as it not only correlates with symptoms of heat intolerance but may also place the patient at risk for heat stroke when under conditions of heat stress. Methods for assessing sudomotor dysfunction include the thermoregulatory sweat test, the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test, silicone impressions, and the sympathetic skin response.
Endoscopic Transnasal Resection of Midline Skull Base Meningiomas: Tumor Consistency and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Al Abdulsalam Hissah K. , Aldahish Aljohara K. , Albakr Abdulrahman , Hussain Sajjad , Alroqi Ahmad , Alromaih Saud , Alsaleh Saad , Ajlan Abdulrazag M.
Published: September 2020

Background The endoscopic transnasal approach (ETA) has proven to be of great value in the resection of midline skull base meningiomas when compared with traditional approaches. Our objective was to assess tumor consistency in relation to surgical outcomes for midline meningiomas (MMs) resected using ETA.

Methods Radiological preoperative features, including the tumor to cerebellar peduncle T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ratio (TCTI), were evaluated. The intraoperative consistency assessment was performed by the surgeon, which determined if the tumor was soft (resectable by suction) or firm (required a cavitation ultrasonic aspirator). Surgical resection and postoperative complications were evaluated in relation to tumor consistency.

Results Twenty patients were evaluated; 6 were classified as firm and 14 were classified as soft. The mean TCTI ratio was 1.7 and the median was 1.7 (range: 1.3–2.4). Three firm tumors had a ratio of <1.6. All soft tumors had a ratio of ≥1.6 with three outliers. Additionally, 66.7% of patients with firm tumors had complications compared with 35.7% of patients with soft tumors. Only 33.3% of firm tumors underwent gross total resection (GTR) in comparison to 79.0% of tumors with a soft consistency.

Conclusion In our analysis, we found that tumor consistency was significantly related to short-term surgical outcomes in MMs resected using the ETA. The TCTI ratio was found to be the most reliable predictor with a sensitivity of 76.9% and a specificity of 40.0%. Our findings suggest that traditional cranial approaches should be considered as the first surgical option for managing firm MMs.
Neuroendoscopy-Assisted Evacuation of Chronic Subdural Hematoma with Mixed CT Density Through A Novel Small Bone Flap
Authors: Huang Chuan Jun , Liu Xing , Zhou Xiao Ting , Qian Wei , Li Chen Hong , Wang Jin Hui , Zhang Wei , Zou Yu
Published: September 2020

Objective Chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition with an increasing incidence and favorable prognosis. Surgery is the standard treatment for CSDH, and bur hole evacuation is the most widely employed technique. However, if mixed computed tomography (CT) density is found, burr hole hematoma evacuation is prone to recurrence. Endoscopic examination of the hematoma cavity provides a novel strategy. Here, we present a modification of burr hole evacuation by using neuroendoscopy through a novel small trapezoid bone flap and assess the advantages and risks of the procedure.

Methods Twenty-five patients diagnosed with CSDH of mixed CT density were included in this study. Radiographic, epidemiologic, and clinical data were collected and analyzed. In all procedures the burr hole was replaced by a small trapezoidal cross-sectional bone flap, ∼2 cm in diameter. Neuroendoscopy was employed after the subdural cavity was cleaned and drained. The CSDH cavity was inspected thoroughly. If a blood clot, septa, stretching of cortical vessels, or intraluminal trabecular structures with active bleeding were found, the surgeon aspirated the region with a syringe pipe and/or used bipolar electrocoagulation.

Results All 25 patients who received 26 neuroendoscopy-assisted operations achieved favorable clinical outcomes. The recurrence rate was 4%. The average operation time was slightly increased compared with the traditional burr hole evacuation due to the use of the neuroendoscope and eventual subsequent treatment.

Conclusion Neuroendoscopy provides excellent illumination and vision when a small bone flap is employed. The main advantages of this technique include the precise treatment of structures which are related with progression and recurrence of CSDH, and the minimally invasive nature of the procedure.
Infective Endocarditis: A Case Series
Authors: Singh Sarvesh Pal , Singh Dharmraj
Published: September 2020

Infective endocarditis (IE) is an infection of the endocardial surface of the heart. The incidence of IE worldwide is approximately 3 to 10 per 100,000 people annually. Twenty percent of patients die during the hospital stay, and the mortality may reach 25 to 30% six months postinfection. We hereby present our experience of six patients, of whom five survived. The cause of one death was late presentation and lack of coverage for Burkholderia in the prescribed empirical antibiotic therapy. One of our patients, with culture-negative endocarditis, responded to doxycycline and did not require any surgery. Five out of six patients who underwent surgery had vegetations more than 10 mm in size, and one patient had an aortic valve abscess (caused by Staphylococcus haemolyticus). Both prosthetic endocarditis and native valve endocarditis can be treated successfully with antimicrobial agents and surgery (when indicated). A high index of suspicion is required to diagnose IE caused by fungus and atypical bacteria.
Eigenvalue statistics for Schrödinger operators with random point interactions on Rd, d = 1, 2, 3
Authors: Hislop Peter D. , Kirsch Werner , Krishna M.
Published: September 2020

We prove that the local eigenvalue statistics at energy E in the localization regime for Schrödinger operators with random point interactions on Rd, for d = 1, 2, 3, is a Poisson point process with the intensity measure given by the density of states at E times the Lebesgue measure. This is one of the first examples of Poisson eigenvalue statistics for the localization regime of multi-dimensional random Schrödinger operators in the continuum. The special structure of resolvent of Schrödinger operators with point interactions facilitates the proof of the Minami estimate for these models.
Neural network representation of the probability density function of diffusion processes
Authors: Uy Wayne Isaac T. , Grigoriu Mircea D.
Published: September 2020

Physics-informed neural networks are developed to characterize the state of dynamical systems in a random environment. The neural network approximates the probability density function (pdf) or the characteristic function (chf) of the state of these systems, which satisfy the Fokker–Planck equation or an integro-differential equation under Gaussian and/or Poisson white noises. We examine analytically and numerically the advantages and disadvantages of solving each type of differential equation to characterize the state. It is also demonstrated how prior information of the dynamical system can be exploited to design and simplify the neural network architecture. Numerical examples show that (1) the neural network solution can approximate the target solution even for partial integro-differential equations and a system of partial differential equations describing the time evolution of the pdf/chf, (2) solving either the Fokker–Planck equation or the chf differential equation using neural networks yields similar pdfs of the state, and (3) the solution to these differential equations can be used to study the behavior of the state for different types of random forcings.
Gain dynamics in a CO2 active medium optically pumped at 4.3 μm
Authors: Tovey D. , Pigeon J. J. , Tochitsky S. Ya. , Louwrens G. , Ben-Zvi I. , Joshi C. , Martyshkin D. , Fedorov V. , Karki K. , Mirov S.
Published: September 2020

A pulsed ∼2 mJ Fe:ZnSe laser tunable around ∼4.3 μm is used to optically pump mixtures of CO2 and He to create gain at 10 μm. A conventional low-pressure CO2 laser operating on both regular (001-100) and sequence (002-101) bands is used to study the gain dynamics of the optically pumped CO2 amplifier. Time-resolved measurements of the CO2 asymmetric stretching mode vibrational temperature, T3, as well as the translational temperature, T, are made. The measured T3 value of ∼2500 K is much higher than that typically measured in discharge pumped CO2 lasers. High gain coefficients ∼30%/cm in the optically pumped active medium are attributed to the efficient storage of energy in the asymmetric stretching mode and the selective population of the upper laser level. The measured optical-to-optical energy conversion efficiency of ∼30% for 10 μm lasing at sub-atmospheric pressures is close to the theoretical quantum limit of 40% and, thus, supports our claim of gain dynamics optimization. It is concluded that a joule-class 4.3 μm pump laser will be required for the amplification of sub-picosecond 10 μm pulses in a multi-atmosphere optically pumped CO2 active medium.
Real-time laser Doppler anemometry for optical air data applications in low aerosol environments
Authors: Kliebisch O. , Mahnke P.
Published: September 2020

Laser Doppler anemometry (LDA), sometimes also referred to as cw Doppler lidar, is a promising optical technique for the measurement of primary flight data such as true air speed, angle of attack, and angle of sideslip. Multiple flight campaigns have shown the potential of this technique for future air data systems. However, LDA remains challenging in low aerosol environments at cruise altitude, and the high raw-data bandwidth of LDA sensors impedes real-time operation. In this work, we present a real-time preprocessing scheme, which is optimized to handle the signal structure of single-particle scattering events. We discuss how this scheme is implemented on system-on-chip field-programmable-gate-array hardware and how it is used with a four channel laser Doppler anemometer.
Using noise to stochastically enhance the resolution of charge coupled device based thermoreflectance imaging
Authors: Koskelo EliseAnne , Radunskaya Ami , Hudgings Janice
Published: September 2020

Charge coupled device (CCD) based, frequency-domain thermoreflectance imaging can be used to characterize the thermophysical properties of solid-state materials, as well as electronic and optoelectronic devices. A four-bucket algorithm is used to obtain the amplitude and phase of the thermoreflectance signal, i.e. the relative change in reflectance of a sample in response to an induced thermal modulation. Prior experiments have shown that thermoreflectance signals smaller than the bit depth of the camera can be accurately measured; this enhanced resolution is posited to be due to stochastic resonance, in which measurement noise dithers the signal over multiple bit levels. Here, we develop an experimentally validated analytical and computational model of the quantization error imposed on the thermoreflectance measurement by the analog-to-digital conversion at the CCD camera and of stochastic resonance in this imaging system, examining how measurement noise, combined with averaging required by the imaging algorithm, can be used to maximize the thermal resolution. We demonstrate analytically and experimentally that noise is required to obtain accurate thermoreflectance measurements; in the absence of noise, the analog-to-digital conversion can lead to large errors in the measured thermoreflectance signal for experimentally reasonable signal levels. Using the model, we derive a close upper bound for the optimal noise amplitude of the thermoreflectance measurement system. Furthermore, we show that, by tuning the experimental parameters, stochastic resonance enhancement can be achieved for any noise level, enabling an order of magnitude or greater improvement in the thermal resolution of this key technique for thermophysical characterization of materials and devices.
Macroscopic polarization in the nominally ergodic relaxor state of lead magnesium niobate
Authors: Riemer Lukas M. , Chu Kanghyun , Li Yang , Uršič Hana , Bell Andrew J. , Dkhil Brahim , Damjanovic Dragan
Published: September 2020

Macroscopic polarity and its dynamic response to external electric fields and temperature in the nominally ergodic relaxor phase of pristine lead magnesium niobate crystals and ceramics, Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3 (PMN), were investigated. Dynamic pyroelectric measurements provide evidence for persistent macroscopic polarity of the samples. Annealing experiments below and above Burns temperature of polarized samples relate this polarity to the presence of polar nano-entities and their dynamics. The dc electric field strength required for macroscopic polarization reversal is similar to the amplitude of the ac field where dynamic nonlinear dielectric permittivity reaches its maximum. Consequently, the aforementioned maximum is related to the reorientation of polar nano-entities. The results question the existence of an ergodic state in PMN below Burns temperature.
Enumeration of nonequivalent substitutional structures using advanced data structure of binary decision diagram
Authors: Shinohara Kohei , Seko Atsuto , Horiyama Takashi , Ishihata Masakazu , Honda Junya , Tanaka Isao
Published: September 2020

A derivative structure is a nonequivalent substitutional atomic configuration derived from a given primitive cell. The enumeration of derivative structures plays an essential role in searching for the ground states in multicomponent systems. However, it is computationally difficult to enumerate derivative structures if the number of derivative structures of a target system becomes huge. In this study, we introduce a novel compact data structure of the zero-suppressed binary decision diagram (ZDD) for enumerating derivative structures much more efficiently. We show its simple applications to the enumeration of structures derived from the face-centered cubic and hexagonal close-packed lattices in binary, ternary, and quaternary systems. The present ZDD-based procedure should contribute to computational approaches based on derivative structures in physics and materials science.
Critical triple point as the origin of giant piezoelectricity in PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-PbTiO3 system
Authors: Rajput Shailendra , Ke Xiaoqin , Hu Xinghao , Fang Minxia , Hu Dingyue , Ye Fan , Hao Yanshuang , Ren Xiaobing
Published: September 2020

The morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) of PbMg1/3Nb2/3O3-xPbTiO3 (PMN-xPT) and its derivatives has been reported to exhibit a giant piezoelectric coefficient (d33). Hence, it is essential to understand the origin of excellent piezoelectric properties. In the present work, we observed that the cubic–tetragonal–rhombohedral triple point in the phase diagram of the PMN-xPT system is itself a critical point. The criticality of the triple point is evidenced by the nearly zero transition thermal hysteresis, the maximized dielectric permittivity, and the largest degree of elastic softening. The Landau modeling calculations reveal that such a critical triple point exhibits infinitely high piezoelectricity, which explains the origin of the giant piezoelectricity of the PMN-xPT system. This work illustrates that the near-criticality of the MPB composition is inherited from the criticality of the triple point. This study would stimulate work on searching materials with high piezoelectricity by designing a critical triple point.
Richardson–Gaudin mean-field for strong correlation in quantum chemistry
Authors: Johnson Paul A. , Fecteau Charles-Émile , Berthiaume Frédéric , Cloutier Samuel , Carrier Laurie , Gratton Marianne , Bultinck Patrick , De Baerdemacker Stijn , Van Neck Dimitri , Limacher Peter , Ayers Paul W.
Published: September 2020

Ground state eigenvectors of the reduced Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer Hamiltonian are employed as a wavefunction Ansatz to model strong electron correlation in quantum chemistry. This wavefunction is a product of weakly interacting pairs of electrons. While other geminal wavefunctions may only be employed in a projected Schrödinger equation, the present approach may be solved variationally with polynomial cost. The resulting wavefunctions are used to compute expectation values of Coulomb Hamiltonians, and we present results for atoms and dissociation curves that are in agreement with doubly occupied configuration interaction data. The present approach will serve as the starting point for a many-body theory of pairs, much as Hartree–Fock is the starting point for weakly correlated electrons.
Computation and analysis of bound vibrational spectra of the neon tetramer using row orthonormal hyperspherical coordinates
Authors: Lepetit Bruno
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the first implementation of the row-orthonormal hyperspherical coordinate formalism for the computation of the vibrational spectrum of a tetratomic system. The wavefunction of Ne4 is expanded on a large basis set of hyperspherical harmonics generated numerically. This method not only provides spectra with reasonable accuracy, but also gives physical insight into the vibrational dynamics of the system. The characteristics of the spectra are related to the symmetry and localization of the wavefunction in configuration space.
Advanced PFAS precursor digestion methods for biosolids
Authors: Hutchinson Samuel , Rieck Tarsha , Wu XiangLan
Published: September 2020

Environmental contextThe majority of biosolids produced in Australia from wastewater treatment processes are applied to agricultural land for beneficial use. We have demonstrated, through improvements to the analytical method, that levels of PFAS in biosolids are significantly higher than historically understood. The land application of biosolids could result in sensitive environments being exposed to PFAS at levels higher than previously anticipated.
AbstractThe current industry standard for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis is for the measurement of only 28 PFAS, even though there are greater than 4700 PFAS known to be in existence. The total oxidisable precursor (TOP) assay, originally published by Houtz and Sedlak, is widely used as an estimate of the total perfluoro alkyl acids (PFAA) content of a sample, particularly in wastewater and biosolid matrices. The total PFAA content is an important measure of potential environmental contamination, which assists in the inference of potential harm that may occur from both well characterised PFAS, such as perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), as well as lesser known precursor compounds and their breakdown products. With the majority of Australian biosolids beneficially applied to land, it is important to understand the future PFAS capacity before they are land applied to maintain the preservation of our agricultural and environmental assets. Our investigation of the TOP method and its application to biosolids involves a comparison of the Houtz and Sedlak method with a modified version coupled with a hydrogen peroxide pretreatment. The underperformance of the previously published method is demonstrated by its inability to sufficiently digest PFAS within biosolids. Therefore, the Houtz and Sedlak method significantly underestimated the levels of PFAS compared with the modified method, which showed a 10-fold increase in the measured PFAS after digestion. Further improvement of this modified method may provide a greater degree of accuracy for the TOP assay. The significant underestimation of the total PFAS load and, therefore, potential environmental harm has significant implications for public and agricultural health and compliance with regulatory limits.
Prevalence of invasive cancer in a large general practice patient population in New Zealand
Authors: Kim Dong Hyun , Chepulis Lynne , Keenan Rawiri , Lao Chunhuan , Hodgson Fraser , Bullen Chris , Lawrenson Ross
Published: September 2020

ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTIONThe prevalence of cancer in the community is likely to be increasing due to an ageing population, implementation of cancer screening programmes and advances in cancer treatment.
AIMTo determine the prevalence of primary invasive cancers in a large general practice patient population in New Zealand and to characterise the health-care status of these cancer patients.
METHODSData were sourced from the patient management system of a large general practice (n=11,374 patients) in a medium-sized Waikato town and from the New Zealand Cancer Registry dataset to identify patients diagnosed with cancer between January 2009 and December 2018.
RESULTSThere were 206 cancer diagnoses in 201 patients; 35 cancers were diagnosed in 1887 Māori patients (1.9%) and 171 in 9487 non-Māori patients (1.8%). The age-standardised prevalence was 3092/100,000 in Māori patients and 1971/100,000 in non-Māori patients. The most prevalent cancers were breast, male genital organ, digestive organ and skin cancers. In May 2019, 81 of 201 (40.8%) patients with cancer were receiving only usual care from their general practitioner, whereas 66 (32.8%) were having their cancer managed in secondary care. Comorbidities were common, including hypertension (38.8%), gastrointestinal disorders (29.9%) and mood disorders (24.4%).
DISCUSSIONResults suggest that there may be disparities in cancer prevalence between Māori and non-Māori patients, although this needs to be confirmed in other general practices. Furthermore, primary care appears to be responsible for most of the care in this patient cohort and workloads should be planned accordingly, particularly with the high incidence of comorbidities.
Six things you need to know about low back pain
Authors: Baxter G. David , Chapple Cathy , Ellis Richard , Hill Julia , Liu Lizhou , Mani Ramakrishnan , Reid Duncan , Stokes Tim , Tumilty Steve
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) is the leading contributor to years lived with disability, and imposes an enormous burden on individuals and on health-care systems. General practitioners and physiotherapists are generally the front-line health professionals dealing with patients with LBP, and have a key role in minimising its effect. Here we review six key issues associated with LBP including its effects, diagnosis and management in primary care, and highlight the importance of the biopsychosocial model and matched care for patients with LBP.
Spatially dependent H-bond dynamics at interfaces of water/biomimetic self-assembled lattice materials
Authors: Wang Haoyuan , Wagner Jackson C. , Chen Wenfan , Wang Chenglai , Xiong Wei
Published: September 2020

Significance

It is challenging to develop biomimetic lattice self-assemblies because such materials need to resemble the flexibility and crystallinity of their biological analog. We show that these materials exhibit unique micro- and mesoscopic-ordered ultrafast hydrogen-bond dynamics, which could be a key feature in the lattice self-assembly: the ultrafast dynamics ensure flexibility, whereas the domain-level ordering reflects crystallinity. This scientific insight cannot be revealed without the ultrafast transient vibrational sum-frequency generation microscope, which integrates ultrafast interfacial spectroscopy with interfacial molecular vibrational imaging––a state-of-the-art development.
LncRNA
Malat1
inhibition of TDP43 cleavage suppresses IRF3-initiated antiviral innate immunity
Authors: Liu Wei , Wang Ziqiao , Liu Lun , Yang Zongheng , Liu Shuo , Ma Zhongfei , Liu Yin , Ma Yuanwu , Zhang Lianfeng , Zhang Xuan , Jiang Minghong , Cao Xuetao
Published: September 2020

Significance

LncRNAs have been identified as regulating antiviral innate responses via different targets through various ways. Whether there is an abundant and highly conserved lncRNA in the nucleus which may regulate antiviral innate signaling through a new mechanism remains to be investigated. Here, we identify that viral infection-reduced expression of
Malat1
feedback promotes IRF3-initiated type I IFN production in the innate response against viral infection.
Malat1
binds to TDP43 and prevents its cleavage mediated by activated caspase-3. The cleaved TDP35 inhibits IRF3 degradation through promoting the degradation of pre-mRNA of Rbck1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase targeting IRF3. Aberrant
MALAT1
reduction and IRF3 activation are found in SLE patients, providing one mechanistic explanation for why SLE patients always have type I interferonopathies.
Metainduction over Unboundedly Many Prediction Methods: A Reply to Arnold and Sterkenburg
Authors: Schurz Gerhard
Published: September 2020

The universal optimality theorem for metainduction works for epistemic agents faced with a choice among finitely many prediction methods. Eckhart Arnold and Tom Sterkenburg objected that it breaks down for infinite or unboundedly growing sets of methods. In this article the metainductive approach is defended against this challenge by extending the optimality theorem (i) to unboundedly growing sets of methods whose number grows less than exponentially in time, (ii) to sequences of methods with an application to Goodman's problem, and (iii) to infinite sets of methods whose number of predictive equivalence classes grows less than linearly in time.
Gravitational collapse in cubic Horndeski theories
Authors: Figueras Pau , França Tiago
Published: September 2020

We study spherically symmetric gravitational collapse in cubic Horndeski theories of gravity. By varying the coupling constants and the initial amplitude of the scalar field, we determine the region in the space of couplings and amplitudes for which it is possible to construct global solutions to the Horndeski theories. Furthermore, we identify the regime of validity of effective field theory as the sub-region for which a certain weak field condition remains small at all times. We evolve the initial data using the CCZ4 formulation of the Einstein equations and horizon penetrating coordinates without assuming spherical symmetry.
Strategy on choice of layback spins in figure skating
Authors: Hoo Qianying , Liu Xiaopeng , Cao Xuewei
Published: September 2020

Spin is an important component of figure skating, one of the most elegant events in the Winter Olympic Games. It is always presented as an example of the conservation of angular momentum in mechanics textbooks. However, the physics behind it in the actual operation is not that simple. Herein, we analyzed videos of an elite figure skater with open source video analysis. The moments of inertia of her body in six different layback positions were obtained. The average ice resistance during her spin was found to be about 26N and was put into consideration in the following calculation. Twenty-two different layback spins that score the same basic value were discussed. The initial angular momentum a skater needs when executing a spin is considered to be the largest contributor to its difficulty; the suggested easiest spin among the 22 was thus found by comparing their initial angular momentum. This paper presents a strategy that may help figure skaters achieve a high-scored layback spin efficiently, and the process itself will be an inspiring example of applying theory to practice for physics students.
Evaluation of a novel parabolic plasma electrode advantage in a triode extraction system of a helicon ion source: simulation and experiment
Authors: Khoshhal Mohammadreza , Habibi Morteza , Boswell Rod
Published: September 2020

An industrial type of Amirkabir helicon ion source (AHIS-II) equipped with a novel triode extraction system has been designed and developed at the Helicon Plasma Laboratory of Amirkabir University of Technology for material-processing applications. An experimental study was conducted to investigate the effects of two new types of plasma electrodes on ion beam characteristics. In particular, the Khoshhal electrode as a new improved plasma electrode and the optimized Pierce plasma electrode were both compared in inductively coupled plasma in the m = +1, −1 helicon plasma modes of operation. In this work, the AHIS-II device, with its ability to work continuously, was able to extract a ∼1 mA argon ion beam using a triode extraction system equipped with a Khoshhal plasma electrode at a 20 kV extraction voltage in the m = +1 helicon mode of operation. As part of this work, the R parameter, the ratio of the voltage
applied to the plasma and acceleration electrodes in triode extraction systems was introduced, and its effects on ion beam characteristics including beam emittance, diameter, and current were studied. In this study, beam optical characteristics including beam emittance, diameter, current, and profile were calculated and measured by the IBSimu ion optical code. The analysis of the argon ion beam highlights that the ion beam characteristics can be affected not only by the plasma electrode geometry design, R parameter, and extraction voltage associated with the extraction process, but also by the plasma source’s operational parameters, such as the RF power delivered to the half-helix antenna and the gas flow rate.
Microscopic Coulomb interaction in transition-metal dichalcogenides
Authors: Neuhaus J , Liebscher S C , Meckbach L , Stroucken T , Koch S W
Published: September 2020

The quasi-two dimensional Coulomb interaction potential in transition metal dichalcogenides is determined using the Kohn–Sham wave functions obtained from ab initio calculations. An effective form factor is derived that accounts for the finite extension of the wave functions in the direction perpendicular to the material layer. The resulting Coulomb matrix elements are used in microscopic calculations based on the Dirac Bloch equations yielding an efficient method to calculate the band gap and the opto-electronic material properties in different environments and under various excitation conditions.
Autonomous topological time crystals and knotty molecular motors
Authors: Dai Jin , Peng Xubiao , Niemi Antti J
Published: September 2020

We show that topology is a very effective tool, to construct classical Hamiltonian time crystals. For this we numerically analyze a general class of time crystalline Hamiltonians that are designed to model the dynamics of molecular closed strings. We demonstrate how the time crystalline qualities of a closed string are greatly enhanced when the string becomes knotted. The Hamiltonians that we investigate include a generalized Kratky–Porod wormlike chain model in combination with long range Coulomb and Lennard–Jones interactions. Such energy functions are commonplace in coarse grained molecular modeling. Thus we expect that physical realizations of Hamiltonian time crystals can be constructed in terms of knotted ring molecules.
Multiple dynamic regimes in a coarsening foam
Authors: Giavazzi Fabio , Trappe Veronique , Cerbino Roberto
Published: September 2020

Intermittent dynamics driven by internal stress imbalances in disordered systems is a fascinating yet poorly understood phenomenon. Here, we study it for a coarsening foam. By exploiting differential dynamic microscopy and particle tracking we determine the dynamical characteristics of the foam at different ages in reciprocal and direct space, respectively. At all wavevectors q investigated, the intermediate scattering function exhibits a compressed exponential decay. However, the access to unprecedentedly small values of q highlights the existence of two distinct regimes for the q-dependence of the foam relaxation rate Γ(q). At high q, Γ(q) ∼ q consistent with directionally-persistent and intermittent bubble displacements. At low q, we find the surprising scaling Γ(q) ∼ q

δ
, with δ = 1.6 ± 0.2. The analysis of the bubble displacement distribution in real space reveals the existence of a displacement cut-off of the order of the bubble diameter. Introducing such cut-off length in an existing model, describing stress-driven dynamics in disordered systems, fully accounts for the observed behavior in direct and reciprocal space.
Electric field-induced chiral d
+
id superconductivity in AA-stacked bilayer graphene: a quantum Monte Carlo study
Authors: Fang Shi-Chao , Zheng Xiao-Jun , Lin Hai-Qing , Huang Zhong-Bing
Published: September 2020

Using the constrained-path quantum Monte Carlo method, we systematically study the half-filled Hubbard model on AA-stacked honeycomb lattice. Our simulations demonstrate that a dominant chiral d + id wave superconductivity can be induced by a perpendicular electric field. At a fixed electric field, the effective pairing interaction of chiral d + id superconductivity exhibits an increasing behavior with increasing the on-site Coulomb interaction. We attribute the electric field-induced d + id superconductivity to an increased density of states near the Fermi energy and robust antiferromagnetic spin correlation upon turning on electric field. Our results strongly suggest that the AA-stacked graphene system is a good candidate for chiral d + id superconductor.
Anisotropic thermal conductivity of the nanoparticles embedded GaSb thin film semiconductor
Authors: Koh Yee Rui , Lu Hong , Gossard Arthur C , Shakouri Ali
Published: September 2020

The prior theoretical model shows that GaSb is one of the few non-alloy semiconductors showing phonons ballistic effect in the thermal conductivity. However, no previous literature had been reported on the experimental measurements on the quasi-ballistic thermal transport of the GaSb thin film. In this paper, we employed the time-domain thermoreflectance (TDTR) to study the thermal transport of nanoparticles embedded GaSb thin film. Our measurements results provide first experimental evidence to verify the quasi-ballistic effect in the thermal transport of the GaSb thin film. The apparent cross-plane thermal conductivity of pure GaSb sample drops ∼15% when the pump laser modulation frequency is increased from 0.8 MHz to 10 MHz at room temperature. To further understand the thermal transport mechanism, Tempered Lévy analysis is employed to study the quasi-ballistic effect of the GaSb thin film. The model shows that GaSb thin film thermal transport has a superdiffusion exponent,

α

= 1.51 ± 0.23 and Lévy-Fourier transition length, r
LF = 0.19 ± 0.13 µm. Both obtained values via Tempered Lévy indicates the quasi-ballistic transport phenomena in GaSb thin film. However, this frequency dependence of the cross-plane thermal conductivity will disappear in the presence of the 3%–20% ErSb nanoparticles. Another thermal transport mechanism, i.e. anisotropic thermal transport, can be observed in GaSb thin film. The ratio of in- to cross-plane thermal conductivity varies from ∼0.2 to ∼0.7 in the 0%–20% ErSb nanoparticles volume concentrations. Detailed temperature dependence of the in-plane thermal conductivity of ErSb:GaSb samples with 0%–20% are also included in the paper for the understanding of the scattering mechanism in the thin film thermal transport. With enhanced understanding of the quasi-ballistic and anisotropic thin film thermal transport, our results might improve the thermal management efficiency of the GaSb devices.
Investigation of underwater quantum channels in a 30 meter flume tank using structured photons
Authors: Hufnagel Felix , Sit Alicia , Bouchard Frédéric , Zhang Yingwen , England Duncan , Heshami Khabat , Sussman Benjamin J , Karimi Ebrahim
Published: September 2020

Underwater quantum communication has recently been explored using polarization and orbital angular momentum (OAM). Here, we show that spatially structured modes, e.g., a coherent superposition of beams carrying both polarization and OAM, can also be used for underwater quantum cryptography. We also use the polarization degree of freedom to investigate the impact of the channel length on key rates for quantum communication applications. The underwater channel proves to be a difficult environment for establishing quantum communication as underwater optical turbulence results in significant beam wandering and distortions. However, the errors associated to the turbulence do not result in error rates above the threshold for establishing a positive key in a quantum communication link with both the polarization and spatially structured photons. The impact of the underwater channel on the spatially structured modes is also investigated at different distances using polarization tomography.
Sub-wavelength spin excitations in ultracold gases created by stimulated Raman transitions
Authors: Ilin Yigal , Tsesses Shai , Bartal Guy , Sagi Yoav
Published: September 2020

Raman transitions are used in quantum simulations with ultracold atoms for cooling, spectroscopy and creation of artificial gauge fields. Spatial shaping of the Raman fields allows local control of the effective Rabi frequency, which can be mapped to the atomic spin. Evanescent Raman fields are of special interest as they can provide a new degree of control emanating from their rapidly decaying profile and for their ability to generate features below the diffraction limit. This opens the door to the formation of sub-wavelength spin textures. In this work, we present a theoretical and numerical study of Raman Rabi frequency in the presence of evanescent driving fields. We show how spin textures can be created by spatially varying driving fields and demonstrate a skyrmionium lattice—a periodic array of topological spin excitations, each of which is composed of two skyrmions with opposite topological charges. Our results pave the way to quantum simulation of spin excitation dynamics in magnetic materials, especially of itinerant spin models.
Geometrical confinement effects on fundamental thermal properties of rutile and anatase TiO2 cylindrical and tubular nanostructures
Authors: Feddi K , Kria M , El-Yadri M , Mbognou F C Fobasso , Long G , Tiutiunnyk A , Pérez L M , Laroze D , Feddi E
Published: September 2020

In this work, we investigated the influence of the geometrical confinement effects on the fundamental thermal properties of rutile and anatase TiO2 for both cylindrical nanostructures (CNSs) and nanotubular structures (NTSs), respectively. Calculations of energy levels are developed in the framework of effective mass approximation by generalizing the resolution of Schrödinger equation in a truncated cylinder. The energy spectrum is then used in the determination of thermodynamic properties by using the Boltzmann-Gibbs distribution. Numerical computations done for both rutile and anatase TiO2 nanomaterials reveal a strong localization of the electron orbitals along to the lateral surface for all the studied are CNS and NTS. The average energy, heat capacity, entropy, and Helmholtz free energy calculated for different thicknesses for NTS and different cross-sections of CNS. Our numerical investigation shows that all thermodynamic properties depend on the temperature, the cross-section for the CNS, and the shell thickness for the NTS. We demonstrated that for low thickness, the heat capacity shows a Schottky-like anomaly at low temperatures. We also show that the Rutile structure is more stable than anatase. We hope that the thermodynamic properties concluded from this study can be considered as useful information for understanding the thermodynamic properties of TiO2 nanofibers.
Finite Element analysis on the performance of strengthening Concrete Structures confined using Natural and Artificial fibers
Authors: Navaneeth Krishnan K , Hari Rahesh , Mini Dr K M
Published: September 2020

In India, there is a drastic increase in the rehabilitation and retrofitting of existing structures compared to demolition. In the current paper, the performance of basalt fiber as a strengthening material in concrete structures for retrofitting application is explored using finite element method rather than the costly experimental method. The model is developed using Jhonson cook’s model and is compared with the experimental results for its validation. JC model incorporated with master-slave interaction between concrete-binder and fabric -binder have been modelled as shell elements which replicate the actual scenario of tension or compression only. Analytical models have been emerged as a powerful solution for experimenting stress-strain analysis in composites.
Influence of geometric and operating parameters on the flow behavior of the helical capillary tube
Authors: Jadhav P L , Agrawal N A
Published: September 2020

This paper reveals numerical study on an adiabatic helical capillary tube employing homogenous and unchoked flow conditions for a CO2 refrigerant. The numerical model is based on the basic principles of conservation of mass, momentum, and energy. A result of the present model is validated with previously published test results. Thermodynamic and transport properties of CO2 refrigerant are obtained from property code CO2PROP which is developed by employing an iterative procedure of derivatives of Helmholtz free energy function. The influence of various geometric parameters like tube diameter, roughness, and coil diameter on the mass flow rate of the capillary tube has been evaluated. The mass flow of the helical capillary tube largely depends on the internal diameter. While the very minor change in mass is observed with change surface roughness. Influence of various operating factors like gas cooler pressure, temperature and evaporator temperature evaluated. A significant change in mass is observed with the change in gas cooler temperature, comparatively less effect is observed with evaporator temperature. For optimum performance of the transcritical CO2 cycle, selection of proper gas cooler temperature, gas cooler pressure is a key factor. This study may be useful for the design of helical capillary tube for CO2.
Fabrication and Characterization of 20 MHz Quarter Wave Helical Resonator
Authors: Nandi Joydip , Das Parnika , Sikdar A K , Reza Ashif , Misra Anuraag
Published: September 2020

To increase the signal to noise ratio, helical resonator is generally employed in between trap signal pick up electrode and Low noise amplifier having high input impedance. Based on available literature and simulation study, a 20MHz Helical resonator was designed and fabricated. The measured resonant frequencyand quality factor of the fabricated resonator is 19.67 MHz and 1030 respectively. Simulation results are found in good agreement with the fabricated resonator parameter. Effect of material’s conductivity on the quality factor of the resonator is also studied.