bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cortical Reorganization Following Psychoeducational Counselling and Residual Inhibition Therapy (RIT) in Individuals with Tinnitus
Authors: Vasudevan Harini , Palaniswamy Hari Prakash , Balakrishnan Ramaswamy , Rajashekhar Bellur
Published: June 2022

Introduction Psychoeducational counselling and residual inhibition therapy (RIT) are traditional approaches used in many clinics to manage tinnitus. However, neurophysiological studies to evaluate posttreatment perceptual and functional cortical changes in humans are scarce.

Objectives The present study aims to explore whether cortical auditory-evoked potentials (CAEPs; N1 and P3) reflect the effect of modified RIT and psychoeducational counselling, and whether there is a correlation between the behavioral and electrophysiological measures.

Methods Ten participants with continuous and bothersome tinnitus underwent a session of psychoeducational counselling and modified RIT. Perceptual measures and CAEPs were recorded pre- and posttreatment. Further, the posttreatment measures were compared with age and gender-matched historical control groups.

Results Subjectively, 80% of the participants reported a reduction in the loudness of their tinnitus. Objectively, there was a significant reduction in the posttreatment amplitude of N1 and P3, with no alterations in latency. There was no correlation between the perceived difference in tinnitus loudness and the difference in P3 amplitude (at Pz).

Conclusion The perceptual and functional (as evidenced by sensory, N1, and cognitive, P3 reduction) changes after a single session of RIT and psychoeducational counselling are suggestive of plastic changes at the cortical level. The current study serves as preliminary evidence that event-related potentials (ERPs) can be used to quantify the physiological changes that occur after the intervention for tinnitus.
Assessment Protocol for Candidates for Bone-Anchored Hearing Devices
Authors: Ueda Cynthia Harumi Yokoyama , Soares Renata Marcial , Jardim Isabela , Bento Ricardo Ferreira
Published: June 2022

Introduction The technology regarding bone-anchored hearing devices has been advancing. Nevertheless, complications are still often reported, which can impair treatment adherence and lead to discontinuation of use. There is a lack of studies conducted in tropical countries, where complications can be even greater, as well as standardized protocols for selection, indication and evaluation.

Objective To characterize implanted patients from a Brazilian public institution and describe the medical and audiological assessment protocols to which they were submitted during the selection process and in the follow-up after surgery.

Method An observational, cross-sectional study evaluating the medical records of patients with hearing loss and ear malformations and describing the care protocol through which they were treated.

Results The medical records of 15 patients were reviewed: 6 received transcutaneous implants, and 9, percutaneous implants; 9 patients reported some type of skin lesion, 2 reported pain on the follow-up visit, and 3 had osseointegration failure. The time between surgery and activation ranged from 2 to 9 months. The median scores on the sentences, Sentences in Noise and Monosyllable tests were 100%, 60% and 80%, respectively.

Conclusion It was possible to characterize the patients who received implants at the institution. The patients performed well in silence and had greater difficulty in noise. Even patients who had complications did not complain about the audibility and sound quality. It is essential to develop a model and to standardize the assessment and follow-up methods aimed at the benefit of users of bone-anchored hearing devices, as well as to enable the technico-scientific development in this field.
A Very Rare Cause of Thrombotic Peripheral Occlusion
Authors: Kretzschmar Daniel , Thieme Marcus , Aschenbach Rene , Schulze P. Christian , Möbius-Winkler Sven
Published: June 2022

A 45-year-old healthy woman presented with claudication of the right leg. The resting ankle-brachial index (ABI) was reduced to 0.6, and a duplex scan revealed an occlusion of the right popliteal artery. Angiography presented a patent superficial femoral artery that ends above the knee joint. Laterally, there was delayed retrograde contrast filling of the popliteal artery. After exploring the internal iliac artery, we crossed a thrombotic occlusion of a persisting sciatic artery (PSA). Local thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (1 mg/h) was initiated. The Angiography 18 hours later showed a reduction of thrombotic material and relevant stenosis in the proximal part of the vessel. Residual thrombus and the stenosis were covered by two stentgrafts (Gore Viabahn Endoprosthesis) that were stabilized by an interwoven stent (Supera). Final angiography displayed a patent sciatic artery and a three-vessel run off. Postinterventional ABI was normalized to 1.0. The magnetic resonance imaging 6 days after the intervention demonstrated a patent PSA again and a normal blood flow on the left leg. A PSA should be included in the differential diagnosis of lower limb ischemia or suspected aneurysm formation. We demonstrated the feasibility of an interventional approach with an excellent outcome in this case.
The Induction of Hypothyroidism during Gestation Decreases Outer Hair Cell Motility in Rat Offspring
Authors: Oliveira Priscila Feliciano de , Trindade Beatriz Barros Santos , Reis Paloma Fonseca Martins , Santos Tâmara Figueiredo do Carmo , Alves Julio Cesar Santana , Santana Demetrius Silva de , Badauê-Passos Jr Daniel
Published: June 2022

Introduction Perinatal hypothyroidism has a negative repercussion on the development and maturation of auditory system function. However, its long-term effect on auditory function remains unsettled.

Objective To evaluate the effect of prenatal hypothyroidism on the auditory function of adult offspring in rats.

Methods Pregnant Wistar rats were given the antithyroid drug methimazole (0.02% -1-methylimidazole-2-thiol– MMI) in drinking water, ad libitum, from gestational day (GD) 9 to postnatal day 15 (PND15). Anesthetized offspring from MMI-treated dams (OMTD) and control rats were evaluated by tympanometry, distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE), and auditory brainstem response (ABR) at PNDs 30, 60, 90, and 120.

Results Our data demonstrated no middle ear dysfunction, with the OMTD compliance lower than that of the control group. The DPOAE revealed the absence of outer hair cells function, and the ABR showed normal integrity of neural auditory pathways up to brainstem level in the central nervous system. Furthermore, in the OMTD group, hearing loss was characterized by a higher electrophysiological threshold.

Conclusion Our data suggest that perinatal hypothyroidism leads to irreversible damage to cochlear function in offspring.
Transorbital Intracranial Penetrating Injury from a Homemade Gun: A Case Report
Authors: Trakulpanitkit Avika , Sungkaro Kanisorn
Published: June 2022

A transorbital intracranial penetrating injury (TOPI) is an unusual traumatic brain injury that requires multidisciplinary management. TOPI may cause traumatic cerebrovascular injury (TCVI) and fatal brain damage with a high mortality rate. Herein, the authors described an 8-year-old male patient who was injured from a handmade gun; a projectile (marble) had penetrated the left frontal base via the left orbit. TOPI caused left anterior cerebral artery compression. A transorbital approach with an intraoperative transcranial approach on standby was performed to remove the foreign body. Postoperative intensive broad-spectrum antibiotics were administrated, and the patient made an uneventful recovery. In summary, TOPI is an uncommon TBI that risks TCVI. Intracranial vascular investigation should be performed before surgical management, and postoperative complications, such as meningitis, brain abscess, and delayed pseudoaneurysm, should be monitored.
Primary Breast Tuberculosis Mastitis Manifested as Nonhealing Abscess
Authors: Hoang Huu , El-Helou Etienne , Pop Catalin-Florin , Shall Ammar , Zaiter Manar , Naccour Jessica , Nguyen Tran T. H. , Ho Xuan D. , Nguyen Van C.
Published: June 2022

Primary breast tuberculosis (TB) is a rare extrapulmonary TB mainly affecting young women of childbearing age from endemic countries. Its incidence is increasing in immunocompromised and HIV-infected people and with the emergence of drug-resistant strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). There are no specific clinical signs suggestive of this disease, it often presents as a hard mass or breast abscess. There is an overlap of features with other inflammatory, infectious, benign lesions, fat necrosis and malignant neoplasms of the breast. The detection of MTB remains the gold standard for diagnosis. Several other diagnostic modalities are used, with varying lack of sensitivity and specificity, and with a range of false negatives. A quarter of cases were treated solely on the basis of clinical, imaging or histological suspicion, without confirmation of the diagnosis. Therefore, we report the case of a young Vietnamese woman, presented for a nonhealing breast abscess, and diagnosed with breast TB based on the patient's ethnicity, histological findings, lack of clinical response to conventional antibiotic therapy, and a good clinical response to anti-TB treatment.
A Preliminary Survey of the Postacute Symptoms of COVID-19 among Hospital-Discharged Patients and a Proposed Quantitative Framework for Assessment
Authors: Dutta Abhijit , Mitra Subhasis , Mitra Dalia
Published: June 2022

Background Following a massive outbreak of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a significant number of survivors are still suffering from residual symptoms and complications. We designed a preliminary study to evaluate such symptom spectra in COVID-19 patients who had been discharged from the hospital.

Methods A telephone interview was conducted with 100-randomly chosen hospital-discharged COVID-19 survivors from the electronic patient record. The interview structure and method were developed by a panel of experts. A specially trained group conducted the interviews and data collection. The statistical analysis was performed in accordance with the data type (continuous and categorical). Group comparisons were also done between intensive care unit (ICU) versus general ward admission, and patients discharged between 3 and 12 weeks versus more than 12 weeks. Additionally, world clouds were used for better visualization of various prevalent symptoms.

Results Eighty-two participants were finally included for interview after preliminary screening. Fifty-three patients (64.6%) were male participants; 74.4% had at least one symptom. In general, fatigue, cough, insomnia, and shortness of breath were the most common persistent symptoms. Symptoms were more prevalent among the patients discharged from ICU compared with those discharged from the general ward. Cough, loss of appetite, depression, and incoherence were more common in patients after 12 weeks of hospital discharge.

Conclusion There is a wide range of persistent symptoms in the COVID-19 survivors who have been discharged from the hospital. Some symptoms arise or persisted even after 12 weeks. Based on the study results, available literature, and expert consensus, an assessment form has been developed that could be used for further research and clinical assessment of similar problems. Large-scale epidemiological study (longitudinal and cross-sectional) is needed to understand the nature and prevalence of the postacute phase of COVID-19 at the country level. The results of this study could inform the stakeholders and policymakers for taking necessary steps toward a further decision.
Charge transport in doped conjugated polymers for organic thermoelectrics
Authors: Scheunemann Dorothea , Järsvall Emmy , Liu Jian , Beretta Davide , Fabiano Simone , Caironi Mario , Kemerink Martijn , Müller Christian
Published: June 2022

Research on conjugated polymers for thermoelectric applications has made tremendous progress in recent years, which is accompanied by surging interest in molecular doping as a means to achieve the high electrical conductivities that are required. A detailed understanding of the complex relationship between the doping process, the structural as well as energetic properties of the polymer films, and the resulting thermoelectric behavior is slowly emerging. This review summarizes recent developments and strategies that permit enhancing the electrical conductivity of p- and n-type conjugated polymers via molecular doping. The impact of the chemical design of both the polymer and the dopant, the processing conditions, and the resulting nanostructure on the doping efficiency and stability of the doped state are discussed. Attention is paid to the interdependence of the electrical and thermal transport characteristics of semiconductor host-dopant systems and the Seebeck coefficient. Strategies that permit to improve the thermoelectric performance, such as an uniaxial alignment of the polymer backbone in both bulk and thin film geometries, manipulation of the dielectric constant of the polymer, and the variation of the dopant size, are explored. A combination of theory and experiment is predicted to yield new chemical design principles and processing schemes that will ultimately give rise to the next generation of organic thermoelectric materials.
Inhibited exciton spontaneous emission in InGaAs/GaAs quantum well by the phase-related scattering field of gold nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Jian , Huang Junhui , Li Yuanhe , Ding Kun , Jiang Desheng , Dou Xiuming , Sun Baoquan
Published: June 2022

We have obtained long lifetime exciton emission in an InGaAs/GaAs quantum well (QW) when the QW film is transferred onto a silicon substrate covered by Au nanoparticles. It is found that the exciton lifetime increases from 0.301 ± 0.003 ns for the as-grown QW sample to 88 ± 6 ns for a QW film with Au nanoparticles, i.e., the spontaneous decay rate is inhibited with a factor of 1/300. The experimental condition of observing long lifetime excitons is very sensitive to the separation distance z between the QW and Au nanoparticles because phase-related scattering field mainly occurs at kz ∼1, where k is the wave vector. A classical dipole oscillator dynamic equation driven by the scattering field of Au nanoparticles can be employed to elucidate the experimental results.
Temperature anisotropy governed electrical conductivity tensor in a steady state dipole plasma: Spatially resolved experiments and modeling
Authors: Nanda Ayesha , Bhattacharjee Sudeep
Published: June 2022

A generalization of electrical conductivity in a plasma confined in a dipole magnetic field, in the presence of temperature anisotropy is presented. The anisotropy governed by the magnetic field distribution is found to be significant in the strong field region, and has a considerable effect on Pedersen and longitudinal conductivity of electrons over Hall conductivity, whereas the effect of temperature anisotropy on Hall conductivity can be observed in the case of ions. The work reveals new features in the conductivity tensor arising due to the temperature anisotropy and bidirectional nature of the dipole field, by incorporating all possible particle drifts, which would be helpful to enhance the understanding of electrical conduction in both laboratory and space dipole plasmas.
Design and implementation of an acoustic-vibration capacitive MEMS microphone
Authors: Duanmu Zheng , Kong Chunxiu , Guo Yangkuan , Zhang Xiaoqing , Liu Hongzhi , Zhao Chenglong , Gong Xiaofeng , Cai Chunhua , Ho Chenta , Wan Caixin
Published: June 2022

A novel acoustic-vibration capacitive microelectromechanical system microphone is designed, fabricated, and implemented in this paper. The new microphone consists of a rigid diaphragm and mass blocks sensitive to low-frequency vibratory and sound signals. This sensor takes advantage of the semiconductor technology to design the capacitance sensor structure by surface micromachining technology, and the inertial mass blocks are shaped using the bulk silicon micromachining technology. The structure of the anti-stiction-dimple array is designed and deployed at the bottom of the diaphragm and the backplate to avoid the risk of sensor failure by vibration stiction. The bottom and top of the backplate are designed with an anti-humidity hydrophobic insulation protective layer, which avoids adsorption of moisture and attachment of foreign particles. The thickness of the mass blocks can be controlled by the combination of the dry and the wet micromachining method, which is sensitive to different frequency responses. This study can design and produce wafer level silicon with high consistency. The inertial mass proposed in this research can be achieved through a 6 in. wafer process with >80% consistency when the thickness of the mass is around 300 μm. The sensing frequency can be reduced to below the 4 kHz frequency bandwidth with enhanced sensitivity in the ±0.5 dB range. Typical characteristic results show that the open-circuit sensitivity of the microphone is 12.63 mV/Pa (37.97 dBV/Pa) at 1 kHz (with 94 dB as the reference sound level). The total harmonic distortion and acoustic overload point are 0.21% and 121.2 dB sound pressure level, respectively. The electronic stethoscope is a typical application of this research, which can collect the characteristics and frequency spectrum of low-frequency cardiac vibration signals.
High-performance SH-SAW resonator using optimized 30° YX-LiNbO3/SiO2/Si
Authors: Wu Shuxian , Wu Zonglin , Qian Hangyu , Bao Feihong , Tang Gongbin , Xu Feng , Zou Jie
Published: June 2022

With the rapid development of 5G technology, acoustic wave filters with large bandwidths are urgently required to deal with the explosive increase in data traffic. Recently, there is extensive attention paid to shear-horizontal (SH) surface acoustic wave (SAW) resonators based on lithium niobate (LiNbO3) substrates, thanks to its large effective coupling coefficient (k2eff). However, because of the bulk acoustic wave (BAW) energy radiation into the LiNbO3 substrate, it is very challenging to obtain a high quality factor (Q) for SH-SAW resonators. In this study, a 30° YX-LiNbO3/SiO2/Si SAW resonator with the SH mode is proposed to achieve a large coupling and a high Q simultaneously. By bonding a LiNbO3 thin film onto a thermally oxidized Si(100) substrate, the velocity mismatch between the piezoelectric layer and the SiO2/Si substrate could significantly reduce the BAW energy leakage. Finite element method simulation is employed to optimize the cut angle of the LiNbO3 film and the thickness of each layer. The fabricated SH-SAW resonators with a resonant frequency of 924 MHz yield a k2eff of 24.8% and a maximum of Bode-Q (Bode-Qmax) of 1107. In comparison with the previously reported same-type SAW resonators, a higher Bode-Qmax is demonstrated in this work when their k2eff is larger than 20%, providing a potential solution to enable wideband tunable filters in the 5G communication system.
Effects of current rate on electrically exploding aluminum wires in argon gas
Authors: Liu Haoyu , Guo Xiaofan , Pang Xianhai , Zhao Junping , Zhang Qiaogen
Published: June 2022

The electrically exploding wires (EEWs) method is a low-cost, high-efficiency method for nanoparticle preparation. The current parameter is a determining factor of EEWs’ characteristics and nanoparticles’ size distribution. This paper systematically investigates the effects of the current rate on the resistive stage and diffusion process of EEWs in argon gas. The electrical measurement indicated that EEWs tend to transform from current-pause mode to direct-breakdown mode as the current rate increases. Deposited energy increases with the current rate approximately linearly due to improved power and overheating limits. Spatial inhomogeneities include residual cores, irregular discharge channels, local hot spots, and stratification structures. The residual core is formed because of the rivalry between the vaporized part and the condensed wire core. Increasing the current rate suppresses the above-mentioned inhomogeneities and accelerates diffusion.
Single-dose ethanol intoxication causes acute and lasting neuronal changes in the brain
Authors: Knabbe Johannes , Protzmann Jil , Schneider Niklas , Berger Michael , Dannehl Dominik , Wei Shoupeng , Strahle Christopher , Tegtmeier Michèle , Jaiswal Astha , Zheng Hongwei , Krüger Marcus , Rohr Karl , Spanagel Rainer , Bilbao Ainhoa , Engelhardt Maren , Scholz Henrike , Cambridge Sidney B.
Published: June 2022

Alcohol intoxication at early ages is a risk factor for the development of addictive behavior. To uncover neuronal molecular correlates of acute ethanol intoxication, we used stable-isotope–labeled mice combined with quantitative mass spectrometry to screen more than 2,000 hippocampal proteins, of which 72 changed synaptic abundance up to twofold after ethanol exposure. Among those were mitochondrial proteins and proteins important for neuronal morphology, including MAP6 and ankyrin-G. Based on these candidate proteins, we found acute and lasting molecular, cellular, and behavioral changes following a single intoxication in alcohol-naïve mice. Immunofluorescence analysis revealed a shortening of axon initial segments. Longitudinal two-photon in vivo imaging showed increased synaptic dynamics and mitochondrial trafficking in axons. Knockdown of mitochondrial trafficking in dopaminergic neurons abolished conditioned alcohol preference inDrosophilaflies. This study introduces mitochondrial trafficking as a process implicated in reward learning and highlights the potential of high-resolution proteomics to identify cellular mechanisms relevant for addictive behavior.
A guide to membrane atg8ylation and autophagy with reflections on immunity
Authors: Deretic Vojo , Lazarou Michael
Published: June 2022

The process of membrane atg8ylation, defined herein as the conjugation of the ATG8 family of ubiquitin-like proteins to membrane lipids, is beginning to be appreciated in its broader manifestations, mechanisms, and functions. Classically, membrane atg8ylation with LC3B, one of six mammalian ATG8 family proteins, has been viewed as the hallmark of canonical autophagy, entailing the formation of characteristic double membranes in the cytoplasm. However, ATG8s are now well described as being conjugated to single membranes and, most recently, proteins. Here we propose that the atg8ylation is coopted by multiple downstream processes, one of which is canonical autophagy. We elaborate on these biological outputs, which impact metabolism, quality control, and immunity, emphasizing the context of inflammation and immunological effects. In conclusion, we propose that atg8ylation is a modification akin to ubiquitylation, and that it is utilized by different systems participating in membrane stress responses and membrane remodeling activities encompassing autophagy and beyond.
Cm28, a scorpion toxin having a unique primary structure, inhibits KV1.2 and KV1.3 with high affinity
Authors: Naseem Muhammad Umair , Carcamo-Noriega Edson , Beltrán-Vidal José , Borrego Jesus , Szanto Tibor G. , Zamudio Fernando Z. , Delgado-Prudencio Gustavo , Possani Lourival D. , Panyi Gyorgy
Published: June 2022

The Cm28 in the venom of Centruroides margaritatus is a short peptide consisting of 27 amino acid residues with a mol wt of 2,820 D. Cm28 has <40% similarity with other known α-KTx from scorpions and lacks the typical functional dyad (lysine–tyrosine) required to block KV channels. However, its unique sequence contains the three disulfide-bond traits of the α-KTx scorpion toxin family. We propose that Cm28 is the first example of a new subfamily of α-KTxs, registered with the systematic number α-KTx32.1. Cm28 inhibited voltage-gated K+ channels KV1.2 and KV1.3 with Kd values of 0.96 and 1.3 nM, respectively. There was no significant shift in the conductance–voltage (G-V) relationship for any of the channels in the presence of toxin. Toxin binding kinetics showed that the association and dissociation rates are consistent with a bimolecular interaction between the peptide and the channel. Based on these, we conclude that Cm28 is not a gating modifier but rather a pore blocker. In a selectivity assay, Cm28 at 150 nM concentration (>100× Kd value for KV1.3) did not inhibit KV1.5, KV11.1, KCa1.1, and KCa3.1 K+ channels; NaV1.5 and NaV1.4 Na+ channels; or the hHV1 H+ channel but blocked ∼27% of the KV1.1 current. In a biological functional assay, Cm28 strongly inhibited the expression of the activation markers interleukin-2 receptor and CD40 ligand in anti-CD3–activated human CD4+ effector memory T lymphocytes. Cm28, due to its unique structure, may serve as a template for the generation of novel peptides targeting KV1.3 in autoimmune diseases.
Single parameter scaling in the non-Hermitian Anderson model
Authors: Khan Niaz Ali , Muhammad Saz , Sajid Muhammad , Saud Shah
Published: June 2022

We numerically study the single parameter scaling (SPS) hypothesis in a non-interacting one-dimensional non-Hermitian Anderson model. We examine the role of non-Hermiticity in disorder potential on the SPS hypothesis at the band center. We report numerical calculations of the mean and variance of the distribution of the negative logarithmic conductance based on the linearized Landauer formalism in the perturbative regime at zero temperature. Our numerical finding indicates the violation of the SPS hypothesis for the non-Hermitian Anderson model. In particular, it turns out that the numerical SPS value of the Hermitian Anderson model is twice the magnitude of the SPS value of the non-Hermitian Anderson model for overall energies. Moreover, we obtain a relation between the localization length of the Hermitian and non-Hermitian Anderson models.
A novel approach in pharmaceutical analysis by laser induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with chemometric methods and artificial neural network
Authors: Farhadian A H , Mousavifard S S , Mollaei M
Published: June 2022

As a reliable method, Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) is widely applied to elemental analysis in different fields. In this research, LIBS was used to analyze pharmaceutical tablets. For this purpose, spectra from eight samples of three pharmaceutical classes were acquired; and after peaks recognition, they were investigated by principal component analysis (PCA) and artificial neural network (ANN). According to the results, due to the similarity of the main elements of different samples, it is difficult to distinguish them by spectra; therefore, PCA was used to make a better comparison between the samples. Apart from that, unknown samples were identified and predicted through the ANN.
A self-powered ultraviolet photodetector based on a Ga2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction with low noise and stable photoresponse
Authors: Yang Li-Li , Peng Yu-Si , Liu Zeng , Zhang Mao-Lin , Guo Yu-Feng , Yang Yong , Tang Wei-Hua
Published: June 2022

A self-powered solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) photodetector (PD) was successfully constructed on a Ga2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction, which was fabricated by spin-coating the hydrothermally grown Bi2WO6 onto MOCVD-grown Ga2O3 film. The results show that a typical type-I heterojunction is formed at the interface of the Ga2O3 film and clustered Bi2WO6, which demonstrates a distinct photovoltaic effect with an open-circuit voltage of 0.18 V under the irradiation of 254 nm UV light. Moreover, the Ga2O3/Bi2WO6 PD displays excellent photodetection performance with an ultra-low dark current of ∼ 6 fA, and a high light-to-dark current ratio (PDCR) of 3.5 × 104 in self-powered mode (0 V), as well as a best responsivity result of 2.21 mA/W in power supply mode (5 V). Furthermore, the PD possesses a stable and fast response speed under different light intensities and voltages. At zero voltage, the PD exhibits a fast rise time of 132 ms and 162 ms, as well as a quick decay time of 69 ms and 522 ms, respectively. In general, the newly attempted Ga2O3/Bi2WO6 heterojunction may become a potential candidate for the realization of self-powered and high-performance UV photodetectors.
Finite-time complex projective synchronization of fractional-order complex-valued uncertain multi-link network and its image encryption application
Authors: Hu Yong-Bing , Yang Xiao-Min , Ding Da-Wei , Yang Zong-Li
Published: June 2022

Multi-link networks are universal in the real world such as relationship networks, transportation networks, and communication networks. It is significant to investigate the synchronization of the network with multi-link. In this paper, considering the complex network with uncertain parameters, new adaptive controller and update laws are proposed to ensure that complex-valued multilink network realizes finite-time complex projective synchronization (FTCPS). In addition, based on fractional-order Lyapunov functional method and finite-time stability theory, the criteria of FTCPS are derived and synchronization time is given which is associated with fractional order and control parameters. Meanwhile, numerical example is given to verify the validity of proposed finite-time complex projection strategy and analyze the relationship between synchronization time and fractional order and control parameters. Finally, the network is applied to image encryption, and the security analysis is carried out to verify the correctness of this method.
Formation of nanobubbles generated by hydrate decomposition: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Wang Zilin , Yang Liang , Liu Changsheng , Lin Shiwei
Published: June 2022

Natural gas hydrate is estimated to have huge reserves. Its exploitation can solve the global oil and gas shortage problem. Hydrates decompose into water and methane, and methane molecules are supersaturated to form nanobubbles. Methane nanobubbles can affect the decomposition efficiency of hydrates. They can provide abundant methane sources for the re-nucleation of hydrates. Molecular dynamics is employed in this study to investigate the decomposition process of type I methane hydrate and the formation of methane nanobubbles generated during decomposition under different methane mole fraction, pressures, and temperatures. The results indicate that external pressure inhibits the diffusion of methane molecules, thereby preventing the formation of nanobubbles. A higher mole fraction of methane molecules in the system requires a higher external pressure to generate stable nanobubbles after the decomposition of the hydrate structure. At 330 K, it is easy to form a nanobubble structure. Results of this study can help provide ideas for the study of efficient extraction and secondary nucleation of hydrates.
Quasinormal oscillations and late-time tail of massless scalar perturbations of a magnetized black hole in Rastall gravity*
Authors: Shao Cai-Ying , Tan Yu-Jie , Shao Cheng-Gang , Lin Kai , Qian Wei-Liang
Published: June 2022

In this study, we investigate the quasinormal mode and late-time tail of charged massless scalar perturbations of a black hole in generalized Rastall gravity. The black hole metric in question is spherically symmetric, accompanied by a power-Maxwell field surrounded by a quintessence fluid. We show that the massless scalar field, when dressed up with the magnetic field, acquires an effective mass, which significantly affects the properties of the resultant quasinormal oscillations and late-time tails. Specifically, the quasinormal frequencies become distorted and might even be unstable for particular spacetime configurations. Additionally, the exponent of the usual power-law tail is modified according to the modification in the structure of the branch cut of the retarded Green's function. In particular, as the effective mass is generated dynamically owing to the presence of the magnetic field, we may consider a process through which the field is gradually removed from the spacetime configuration. In this context, while the quasinormal oscillations converge to the case of massless perturbations, we argue that the properties of resultant late-time tails do not fall back to their massless counterpart. The relevant characteristics are investigated using numerical and analytic approaches.
Effects of Binaries on Open Cluster Age Determination in Bayesian Inference
Authors: Li Zhong-Mu , Zhang Su , Chen Jing , Zhao Wen-Chang , You Wu
Published: June 2022

We investigate the effects of binaries on the cluster age determination for 561 open clusters in the Galactic disk via the Bayesian statistical framework. Stellar properties of these star clusters, including age, metallicity, distance modulus, color excess, binary fraction, and rotating star fraction, are derived from color–magnitude-diagrams (CMDs) via isochrone fitting to high-precision Gaia EDR3 data. Across the simple stellar population of binary and single-star, age differences can be found with the same star cluster. A Bayesian applied regression modeling software, Stan, is employed to explore how much binaries affect the age determination of open clusters. Our results present less statistically significant difference between the binary-star simple populations (bsSSPs) and the single-star simple populations (ssSSPs) for cluster age determination. For all clusters in our sample, the ages estimated using the bsSSPs models are younger than those estimated using the ssSSPs, with a mean value of ∼70 Myr. However, it is found that for 52.5% clusters in our sample, ages are relatively sensitive to the presence of binaries, at least ∼25% younger. This suggests that in studies of open cluster age determinations, the effects of binary interactions on the whole sample are not prominent, but its effects on some clusters should still be included as an essential ingredient.
Design and testing results of a long flexible printed circuit for the ATLAS high granularity timing detector
Authors: Robles Manzano M. , Bernhard P. , Brogna A. , Greiner F. , Kurt A. , Masetti L. , Pham B. , Plattner P. , Schoenfelder S. , Theobald P. , Weitzel Q.
Published: June 2022

The high granularity timing detector for the ATLAS upgrade is under construction to meet the challenges of the HL-LHC. The silicon detectors along with the electronics are installed in two double-sided disks per end-cap and consist of basic units (called modules) connected to the peripheral electronics by flexible printed circuit cables. The complexity of the system impacts on the requirements of having high number of interconnections for the power delivery network, the data-links for the high-speed readout as well as the inputs for the system control. This and other constraints on the topology, the reduced space between disks and mechanical robustness led to the development of a flexible printed circuit cable. We present the design and test of a two-layer flexible cable of a maximum connection distance for the module.
Hermes — a robust, low latency, optical link protocol for synchronous data transfer at commercial asynchronous line rates
Authors: Adamidis K. , Bestintzanos I. , Foudas C. , Howard A. , Iles G.M. , Mallios S. , Williams T.
Published: June 2022

The CMS Level-1 Trigger at HL-LHC and associated upstream systems employ more than 10000 25 Gb/s optical links, transferring almost a Pb/s of data synchronously between the different back-end processing nodes. Stable operation of these links is essential to avoid the injection of erroneous signals into the trigger path, potentially leading to a flood of false triggers or data loss. The Hermes protocol, implemented on Xilinx UltraScale+ FPGAs, provides this stability while operating at asynchronous, industry standard line rates. The protocol design as well as results on the performance from extensive testing are presented here.
Feasibility study of heavy ion beam probe in CFQS quasi-axisymmetric stellarator
Authors: Shimizu A. , Isobe M. , Okamura S. , Kinoshita S. , Ogawa K. , Takahashi H. , Oishi T. , Yoshimura Y. , Murase T. , Nakagawa S. , Tanoue H. , Takubo H. , Osakabe M. , Hayashi H. , Kobayashi S. , Liu H.F. , Xu Y.
Published: June 2022

The world’s first quasi-axisymmetric stellarator, CFQS, is now under construction. The CFQS will be dedicated to studies on the interaction between flow and turbulence, and confinement improvement by suppression of turbulence in connection with proof-of-principle experiment of quasi-axisymmetry. In order to conduct this experimental research, a heavy ion beam probe (HIBP) system is planned to be installed and utilized to measure the radial electric field and its fluctuation in a CFQS plasma. In this paper, an orbit calculation for a probe beam is performed to verify feasibility of the HIBP in the CFQS. The required beam energy, possible ion species, and the observable region in a CFQS plasma are investigated. The beam attenuation by a CFQS plasma is also estimated for different beam ion species. If we use 133Cs+ as a primary probe beam, the required beam energy is expected to be 30∼50 keV, which is relatively easy to handle. In this case the beam attenuation, evaluated by the ratio between the injected and detected beam currents, is 10−3∼10−2 in a CFQS plasma with a line-averaged electron density of <1.0 × 1019 m−3. For a higher density plasma, usage of 85Rb+ is better in terms of low-beam-attenuation, and a high signal-to-noise ratio. The HIBP in the CFQS will provide a great opportunity to study physics experimentally, related to the radial electric field, poloidal flow, and turbulence suppression.
Data-driven detector signal characterization with constrained bottleneck autoencoders
Authors: Jesús-Valls C. , Lux T. , Sánchez F.
Published: June 2022

A common technique in high energy physics is to characterize
the response of a detector by means of models tuned to data which
build parametric maps from the physical parameters of the system to
the expected signal of the detector. When the underlying model is
unknown it is difficult to apply this method, and often, simplifying
assumptions are made introducing modeling errors. In this article,
using a waveform toy model we present how deep learning in the form
of constrained bottleneck autoencoders can be used to learn the
underlying unknown detector response model directly from data. The
results show that excellent performance results can be achieved even
when the signals are significantly affected by random noise. The
trained algorithm can be used simultaneously to perform estimations
on the physical parameters of the model, simulate the detector
response with high fidelity and to denoise detector signals.
SurferBot: a wave-propelled aquatic vibrobot
Authors: Rhee Eugene , Hunt Robert , Thomson Stuart J , Harris Daniel M
Published: June 2022

Nature has evolved a vast array of strategies for propulsion at the air-fluid interface. Inspired by a survival mechanism initiated by the honeybee (Apis mellifera) trapped on the surface of water, we here present the SurferBot: a centimeter-scale vibrating robotic device that self-propels on a fluid surface using analogous hydrodynamic mechanisms as the stricken honeybee. This low-cost and easily assembled device is capable of rectilinear motion thanks to forces arising from a wave-generated, unbalanced momentum flux, achieving speeds on the order of centimeters per second. Owing to the dimensions of the SurferBot and amplitude of the capillary wave field, we find that the magnitude of the propulsive force is similar to that of the honeybee. In addition to a detailed description of the fluid mechanics underpinning the SurferBot propulsion, other modes of SurferBot locomotion are discussed. More broadly, we propose that the SurferBot can be used to explore fundamental aspects of active and driven particles at fluid interfaces, as well as in robotics and fluid mechanics pedagogy.
A tunable gelatin-hyaluronan dialdehyde/methacryloyl gelatin interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel for additive tissue manufacturing
Authors: Anand Resmi , Salar Amoli Mehdi , Huysecom An-Sofie , Amorim Paulo Alexandre , Agten Hannah , Geris Liesbet , Bloemen Veerle
Published: June 2022

Methacryloyl gelatin (GelMA) is a versatile material for bioprinting because of its tunable physical properties and inherent bioactivity. Bioprinting of GelMA is often met with challenges such as lower viscosity of GelMA inks due to higher methacryloyl substitution and longer physical gelation time at room temperature. In this study, a tunable interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel was prepared from gelatin-hyaluronan dialdehyde (Gel-HDA) Schiff’s polymer, and 100% methacrylamide substituted GelMA for biofabrication through extrusion based bioprinting. Temperature sweep rheology measurements show a higher sol-gel transition temperature for IPN (30 °C) compared to gold standard GelMA (27 °C). Furthermore, to determine the tunability of the IPN hydrogel, several IPN samples were prepared by combining different ratios of Gel-HDA and GelMA achieving a compressive modulus ranging from 20.6 ± 2.48 KPa to 116.7 ± 14.80 KPa. Our results showed that the mechanical properties and printability at room temperature could be tuned by adjusting the ratios of GelMA and Gel-HDA. To evaluate cell response to the material, MC3T3-E1 mouse pre-osteoblast cells were embedded in hydrogels and 3D-printed, demonstrating excellent cell viability and proliferation after 10 d of 3D in vitro culture, making the IPN an interesting bioink for the fabrication of 3D constructs for tissue engineering applications.
Reduction and reconstruction of multisymplectic Lie systems
Authors: de Lucas Javier , Gràcia Xavier , Rivas Xavier , Román-Roy Narciso , Vilariño Silvia
Published: June 2022

A Lie system is a non-autonomous system of first-order ordinary differential equations describing the integral curves of a non-autonomous vector field taking values in a finite-dimensional real Lie algebra of vector fields, a so-called Vessiot–Guldberg Lie algebra. In this work, multisymplectic forms are applied to the study of the reduction of Lie systems through their Lie symmetries. By using a momentum map, we perform a reduction and reconstruction procedure of multisymplectic Lie systems, which allows us to solve the original problem by analysing several simpler multisymplectic Lie systems. Conversely, we study how reduced multisymplectic Lie systems allow us to retrieve the form of the multisymplectic Lie system that gave rise to them. Our results are illustrated with examples from physics, mathematics, and control theory.
Co-axial printing of convoluted proximal tubule for kidney disease modeling
Authors: van Genderen A M , Valverde M G , Capendale P E , Kersten M V , Garví E Sendino , Schuurmans C C L , Ruelas M , Soeiro J T , Tang G , Janssen M J , Jansen J , Mihăilă S M , Vermonden T , Zhang Y S , Masereeuw R
Published: June 2022

Despite the increasing incidence of kidney-related diseases, we are still far from understanding the underlying mechanisms of these diseases and their progression. This lack of understanding is partly because of a poor replication of the diseases in vitro, limited to planar culture. Advancing towards three-dimensional models, hereby we propose coaxial printing to obtain microfibers containing a helical hollow microchannel. These recapitulate the architecture of the proximal tubule (PT), an important nephron segment often affected in kidney disorders. A stable gelatin/alginate-based ink was formulated to allow printability while maintaining structural properties. Fine-tuning of the composition, printing temperature and extrusion rate allowed for optimal ink viscosity that led to coiling of the microfiber’s inner channel. The printed microfibers exhibited prolonged structural stability (42 days) and cytocompatibility in culture. Healthy conditionally immortalized PT epithelial cells and a knockout cell model for cystinosis (CTNS
-/-) were seeded to mimic two genotypes of PT. Upon culturing for 14 days, engineered PT showed homogenous cytoskeleton organization as indicated by staining for filamentous actin, barrier-formation and polarization with apical marker α-tubulin and basolateral marker Na+/K+-ATPase. Cell viability was slightly decreased upon prolonged culturing for 14 days, which was more pronounced in CTNS
-/- microfibers. Finally, CTNS
-/- cells showed reduced apical transport activity in the microfibers compared to healthy PT epithelial cells when looking at breast cancer resistance protein and multidrug resistance-associated protein 4. Engineered PT incorporated in a custom-designed microfluidic chip allowed to assess leak-tightness of the epithelium, which appeared less tight in CTNS
-/- PT compared to healthy PT, in agreement with its in vivo phenotype. While we are still on the verge of patient-oriented medicine, this system holds great promise for further research in establishing advanced in vitro disease models.
Growth of highly crystalline ultrathin two-dimensional selenene
Authors: Sarma Prasad V , Nadarajan Renjith , Kumar Ritesh , Patinharayil Riya Mol , Biju Navya , Narayanan Sreevidya , Gao Guanhui , Tiwary Chandra Sekhar , Thalakulam Madhu , Kini Rajeev N , Singh Abhishek K , Ajayan Pulickel M , Shaijumon Manikoth M
Published: June 2022

Elemental two-dimensional (2D) crystals have recently emerged as promising materials for advanced electronics and optoelectronics applications. However, it remains challenging to achieve controllable growth of high-quality, ultra-thin flakes of elemental 2D materials. Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, a seed-assisted chemical vapor transport growth of ultra-thin triangular flakes of highly crystalline trigonal selenium (t-Se) oriented in (0001) direction, with lateral size >30 µm. The polarization angle-resolved Raman spectra of bilayer selenene show in-plane isotropic properties, owing to the highly symmetric lattice resulting from its unique growth orientation. Density functional theory calculations support the experimental findings in establishing the structure and stability of the as-grown selenene. We studied the optical response of a photodetector fabricated using a bilayer selenene. Our growth strategy can be extended to other elemental 2D materials to realize their full potential in applications ranging from optoelectronics and electronics to energy conversion.
Exchange-split multiple Rydberg series of excitons in anisotropic quasi two-dimensional ReS2
Authors: Kapuściński P , Dzian J , Slobodeniuk A O , Rodríguez-Fernández C , Jadczak J , Bryja L , Faugeras C , Basko D M , Potemski M
Published: June 2022

We perform a polarization-resolved magnetoluminescence study of excitons in ReS2. We observe that two linearly polarized Rydberg series of excitons are accompanied by two other Rydberg series of dark excitons, brightened by an in-plane magnetic field. All series extrapolate to the same single-electron bandgap, indicating that the observed excitons originate either from the same valley or from two valleys related by the inversion symmetry, and are split by exchange interaction. To interpret our observations of the magnetic brightening, we have to assume the dominant spin–orbit coupling to be Ising-like, which hints at an approximate symmetry of the electronic states in ReS2 which is higher than the crystal symmetry C

i
.