bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alternating Italian thetic and sentence-focus constructions
Authors: Belligh Thomas , De Cuypere Ludovic , Crocco Claudia
Published: January 2022

In this article we study the alternation between the two most prominent Italian thetic and sentence-focus constructions, viz. the Syntactic Inversion Construction (henceforth: SIC), e.g.Arriva il treno(‘The train is arriving’), and the Presentational Cleft (henceforth: PC), e.g.C’è il treno che arriva(‘The train is arriving’). Based on the existing literature on the two constructions and drawing inspiration from a number of cognitive-functional hypotheses pertaining to constraints on the amount of referentially new constituents that can be conveyed in a single clause, we put forward the hypothesis that Italian language users are more likely to prefer the PC over the SIC if the utterance involves a high number of referentially new constituents. To assess this hypothesis, we constructed a pilot experiment consisting of a 100-split forced choice task that was administered by means of an online questionnaire to 66 native speaker participants. The results of the experiment indicate that the preference for the PC indeed increases if the number of referentially new constituents is higher. This is however not the only factor involved in the alternation and the preference of the language users seems not only to be determined by the number of referentially new constituents, but also by their syntactic status.
Quantum harmonic oscillators with nonlinear effective masses in the weak density approximation
Authors: Chang Jen-Hsu , Lin Chun-Yan , Lee Ray-Kuang
Published: January 2022

We study the eigen-energy and eigen-function of a quantum particle acquiring the probability density-dependent effective mass (DDEM) in harmonic oscillators. Instead of discrete eigen-energies, continuous energy spectra are revealed due to the introduction of a nonlinear effective mass. Analytically, we map this problem into an infinite discrete dynamical system and obtain the stationary solutions in the weak density approximation, along with the proof on the monotonicity in the perturbed eigen-energies. Numerical results not only give agreement to the asymptotic solutions stemmed from the expansion of Hermite-Gaussian functions, but also unveil a family of peakon-like solutions without linear counterparts. As nonlinear Schrödinger wave equation has served as an important model equation in various sub-fields in physics, our proposed generalized quantum harmonic oscillator opens an unexplored area for quantum particles with nonlinear effective masses.
Investigation of boron distribution and material migration on the W7-X divertor by picosecond LIBS
Authors: Zhao D , Brezinsek S , Yi R , Oelmann J , Cai L , Wu F , Sergienko G , Rasinski M , Mayer M , Dhard C P , Naujoks D
Published: January 2022

One set of horizontal target elements of the Test Divertor Units (TDU), retrieved from the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) vessel after the end of second divertor Operation Phase (OP1.2B) in Hydrogen (H), were investigated by picosecond Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (ps-LIBS). The Boron (B) distribution, H pattern and the material erosion/deposition pattern on these target elements were analyzed with high depth resolution and mapped in the poloidal direction of W7-X. From the spectroscopic analysis, B, H, Carbon (C) and Molybdenum (Mo) were clearly identified. A non-uniformly distributed B pattern on these divertor target elements was determined by the combination of B layer deposition during the three boronizations and W7-X plasma operation with multiple erosion and deposition steps of B. Like the TDU, the analyzed target elements are made of fine grain graphite, but have two marker layers which allow us to determine the material migration via the ps-LIBS technique. Two net erosion zones including one main erosion zone with a peak erosion depth of 6.5 μm and one weak erosion with a peak erosion of 1.3 μm were determined. Between two net erosion zones, a net deposition zone with width of 135 mm and a thickness up to 3.5 μm at the peak deposition location was determined by the ps-LIBS technique. The B distributions are correlated with the erosion/deposition pattern and the operational time in standard magnetic configuration of W7-X in the phases after the boronizations. The thickness of the containing B layer on these target elements also correlates with the erosion/deposition depth, in which the thickness of the containing B layer varies spatially in poloidal direction between 0.1 μm and 6 μm. Complementary, Focused Ion Beam combined with Scanning Electron Microscopy (FIB-SEM) was employed also to verify and investigate the deposition layer thicknesses at typical net erosion and net deposition zones as well as to identify the three boronizations in depth.
A simple mass oscillator metasurface design with linear phase shift
Authors: Wang Wei , Xuan Chengming , Xu Weikai , Yang Zhe , Li Jie
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a simple mass oscillator metasurface is designed, which can regulate the phase shift of flexural wave covering 0–2π by adjusting the number of mass oscillators on the connecting bar. Based on the forced vibration theory, there is a simple approximately linear relationship between the number and phase shift of mass oscillators, which can more intuitively and accurately predict the phase of different number of mass oscillators, and then realize the metasurface design of mass oscillators with different requirements. Therefore, arbitrary regulation of flexural waves, such as abnormal refraction, beam focusing, and self-acceleration, can be realized by reasonably arranging the number of mass oscillators. The results show that the proposed metasurface can be greatly simplified both in the establishment of phase shift relation and in the fabrication of structure configuration, and will have broad application potential in the engineering field.
x-ray Photoelectric and magnetic properties of chemically synthesized Cd–Ni Ferrite nanomagnetic particles
Authors: Ibiyemi A A , Yusuf G T , Olubosede O , Olusola Akinrinola , Akande H A
Published: January 2022

Cadmium nickel (Cd–Ni) ferrite samples have been successfully synthesized via chemical co-precipitation technique. The structural analysis revealed the formation of FCC framework and Fe-phase in a trivalent state. The crystallite size is decreased with increasing Cd2+ion composition whereas the lattice constant is increased. SEM was used to obtain the surface morphology and average grain size of the microstructure. The FTIR shows the formation of metal oxide, hydroxyl and carboxylic groups. EDX revealed the formation of Ni2+, Cd2+, Fe3+, and O2−ions in proper stoichiometric composition. Large optical losses were revealed by Cd2+poor-NiFe2O4samples whereas Cd2+rich-CdxNi1−xFe2O4samples revealed low optical losses and showed enhanced photoconductivity and photoelectric effect. Result from optical analysis showed that Cd2+rich-CdxNi1−xFe2O4nanoparticles can be used as infrared (IR) detector, ultraviolet (UV) filter and in optoelectronics device applications. VSM measurement showed an increase in saturation magnetization and decrease in coercivity as Cd2+ion content is increased. The remanance magnetization and magnetic anisotropy were also examined. Photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy examined the nature of the light emission of the samples at the excitation wavelength 380 nm and emission of series of colours such as red, green, yellow, orange and violet light at different wavelengths were found.
Design of three-dimensional imaging lidar optical system for large field of view scanning
Authors: Li Qing-Yan , Zhang Yu , Yan Shi-Yu , Zhang Bin , Wang Chun-Hui
Published: January 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) lidar has been widely used in various fields. The MEMS scanning system is one of its most important components, while the limitation of scanning angle is the main obstacle to improve the demerit for its application in various fields. In this paper, a folded large field of view scanning optical system is proposed. The structure and parameters of the system are determined by theoretical derivation of ray tracing. The optical design software Zemax is used to design the system. After optimization, the final structure performs well in collimation and beam expansion. The results show that the scan angle can be expanded from ±5° to ±26.5°, and finally the parallel light scanning is realized. The spot diagram at a distance of 100 mm from the exit surface shows that the maximum radius of the spot is 0.506 mm with a uniformly distributed spot. The maximum radius of the spot at 100 m is 19 cm, and the diffusion angle is less than 2 mrad. The energy concentration in the spot range is greater than 90% with a high system energy concentration, and the parallelism is good. This design overcomes the shortcoming of the small mechanical scanning angle of the MEMS lidar, and has good performance in collimation and beam expansion. It provides a design method for large-scale application of MEMS lidar.
High sensitivity dual core photonic crystal fiber sensor for simultaneous detection of two samples
Authors: Bing Pibin , Wu Guifang , Liu Qing , Li Zhongyang , Tan Lian , Zhang Hongtao , Yao Jianquan
Published: January 2022

The optical control ability of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) is a distinctive property suitable for improving sensing and plasma performance. This article proposes a dual-core D-channel PCF sensor that can detect two samples simultaneously, which effectively solves the problems of coating difficulty and low wavelength sensitivity. The PCF has four layers of air holes, which dramatically reduces the optical fiber loss and is more conducive to the application of sensors in actual production. In addition, by introducing dual cores on the upper and lower sides of the central air hole, reducing the spacing between the core and the gold nanolayer, a stronger evanescent field can be generated in the cladding air hole. The optical fiber sensor can detect the refractive index of two samples simultaneously with a maximum sensitivity of 21300 nm/RIU. To the best of our knowledge, the sensitivity achieved in this work is the highest sensitivity with the dual sample synchronous detection sensors. The detection range of the refraction index is 1.35–1.41, and the resolution of the sensor is 4.695 × 10−6. Overall, the sensor will be suitable for medical detection, organic chemical sensing, analyte detection, and other fields.
Theoretical and experimental study of phase optimization of tapping mode atomic force microscope
Authors: Wei Zheng , Peng An-Jie , Bin Feng-Jiao , Chen Ya-Xin , Guan Rui
Published: January 2022

Phase image in tapping-mode atomic force microscope (TM-AFM) results from various dissipations in a microcantilever system. The phases mainly reflect the tip-sample contact dissipations which allow the nanoscale characteristics to be distinguished from each other. In this work, two factors affecting the phase and phase contrast are analyzed. It is concluded from the theoretical and experimental results that the phases and phase contrasts in the TM-AFM are related to the excitation frequency and energy dissipation of the system. For a two-component blend, it is theoretically and experimentally proven that there exists an optimal excitation frequency for maximizing the phase contrast. Therefore, selecting the optimal excitation frequency can potentially improve the phase contrast results. In addition, only the key dissipation between the tip and sample is found to accurately reflect the sample properties. Meanwhile, the background dissipation can potentially reduce the contrasts of the phase images and even mask or distort the effective information in the phase images. In order to address the aforementioned issues, a self-excited method is adopted in this study in order to eliminate the effects of the background dissipation on the phases. Subsequently, the real phase information of the samples is successfully obtained. It is shown in this study that the eliminating of the background dissipation can effectively improve the phase contrast results and the real phase information of the samples is accurately reflected. These results are of great significance in optimizing the phases of two-component samples and multi-component samples in atomic force microscope.
Numerical modeling of pedestal stability and broadband turbulence of wide-pedestal QH-mode plasmas on DIII-D
Authors: Li Zeyu , Chen Xi , Muscatello C. M. , Burrell K.H. , Xu Xueqiao , Zhu Ben , Hong Rongjie , Osborne T.H. , Grierson B. A. , Rhodes T.L. , Xia T.Y. , McKee G.R. , Yan Z. , Yu Guanying , DIII-D Team
Published: January 2022

The wide-pedestal quiescent high confinement mode discovered on DIII-D in recent years is a stationary and quiescent H-mode (QH-mode) with the pedestal width exceeding EPED prediction by at least 25%. Its characteristics, such as low rotation, high energy confinement and edge localized mode-free operation, make it an attractive operation mode for future reactors. Linear and nonlinear simulations using BOUT++ reduced two fluid MHD models and awere carried out to investigate the bursty broadband turbulence often observed in the edge of wide-pedestal QH-mode plasmas. Two kinds of MHD-scale instabilities in different spatial locations within the pedestal were found in the simulations: one mild peeling–ballooning (PB) mode (γ
PB < 0.04ω
A) located near the minimum in E
r well propagating in ion diamagnetic drift direction; and one drift-Alfvén wave locates at smaller radius compared to E
r well propagating in the electron diamagnetic drift direction and unstable only when the parallel electron dynamics is included in the simulation. The coupling between drift wave and shear Alfvén wave provides a possible cause of the experimentally observed local profile flattening in the upper-pedestal. The rotation direction, mode location, as well as the wavenumber of these two modes from BOUT++ simulations agree reasonably well with the experimental measurements, while the lack of quantitative agreement is likely due to the lack of trapped electron physics in current fluid model. This work presents improved physics understanding of the pedestal stability and turbulence dynamics for wide-pedestal QH-mode.
Dispersion chain of Vlasov equations
Authors: Perepelkin E E , Sadovnikov B I , Inozemtseva N G , Aleksandrov I I
Published: January 2022

On the basis of the Vlasov chain of equations, a new infinite dispersion chain of equations is obtained for the distribution functions of mixed higher order kinematical values. In contrast to the Vlasov chain, the dispersion chain contains distribution functions with an arbitrary set of kinematical values and has a tensor form of writing. For the dispersion chain, new equations for mixed Boltzmann functions and the corresponding chain of conservation laws for fluid dynamics are obtained. The probability is proved to be a constant value for a particle to belong the region where the quasi-probability density is negative (Wigner function).
A Geant4 tool for edge-illumination X-ray phase-contrast imaging
Authors: Brombal L. , Rigon L. , Arfelli F. , Menk R.H. , Brun F.
Published: January 2022

The PEPI project is developing a new experimental facility integrating a chromatic photon-counting detector within an edge-illumination (EI) phase-contrast setup. In this context, a novel Geant4-based simulation tool has been introduced with the aim of defining the optimal design of the experimental setup. The code includes a custom X-ray refraction process and allows simulating the whole EI system, comprising a polychromatic and extended source, absorbing masks, substrates, their movement during acquisition, and X-ray detection. In this paper, a realistic spectral detector model is introduced and its energy response validated against experimental data acquired with synchrotron radiation at energies between 26 and 50 keV. Moreover, refraction and transmission images of a plastic phantom are reconstructed from simulation data and successfully compared with theoretical predictions. Finally, an optimization study aiming at finding the effect of the X-ray focal spot size (i.e. spatial coherence) on image quality is presented; the results suggest that, in the considered configuration, the system can tolerate source sizes up to 30 μm, while, for a fixed exposure time, the best signal-to-noise ratio in refraction images is found for source sizes in the order of 10 to 15 μm.
The LHCb vertex locator upgrade — the detector calibration overview
Authors: Kopciewicz P. , Maccolini S. , Szumlak T.
Published: January 2022

The Vertex Locator (VELO) is a silicon tracking detector in the spectrometer of the Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb) experiment. LHCb explores and investigates CP violation phenomena in b- and c- hadron decays and is one of the experiments operating on the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) at CERN. After run 1 and run 2 of LHC data taking (2011–2018), the LHCb detectors are being modernized within the LHCb upgrade I program. The upgrade aims to adjust the spectrometer to readout at full LHC 40 MHz frequency, which requires radical changes to the technologies currently used in LHCb. The hardware trigger is removed, and some of the detectors replaced. The VELO changes its tracking technology and silicon strips are replaced by 55 μm pitch silicon pixels. The readout chip for the VELO upgrade is the VeloPix ASIC. The number of readout channels increases to over 40 million, and the hottest ASIC is expected to produce the output data rate of 15 Gbit/s. New conditions challenge the software and the hardware side of the readout system and put special attention on the detector monitoring. This paper presents the upgraded VELO design and outlines the software aspects of the detector calibration in the upgrade I. An overview of the challenges foreseen for the upgrade II is given.
A 4π time-of-flight detector for the ND280/T2K upgrade
Authors: Korzenev A. , Barao F. , Bordoni S. , Breton D. , Cadoux F. , Favre Y. , Khabibullin M. , Khotyantsev A. , Kudenko Y. , Lux T. , Maalmi J. , Mermod P. , Mineev O. , Sanchez F.
Published: January 2022

ND280 is a near detector of the T2K experiment which is
located in the J-PARC accelerator complex in Japan. After a decade
of fruitful data-taking, ND280 is scheduled for upgrade. The
time-of-flight (ToF) detector, which is described in this article,
is one of three new detectors that will be installed in the basket
of ND280. The ToF detector has a modular structure. Each module
represents an array of 20 plastic scintillator bars which are
stacked in a plane of 2.4 × 2.2 m2 area. Six modules of
similar construction will be assembled in a cube, thus providing an
almost 4π enclosure for an active neutrino target and two TPCs.
The light emitted by scintillator is absorbed by arrays of
large-area silicon photo-multipliers (SiPMs) which are attached to
both ends of every bar. The readout of SiPMs, shaping and analog
sum of individual SiPM signals within the array are performed by a
discrete circuit amplifier. An average time resolution of about
0.14 ns is achieved for a single bar when measured with cosmic
muons. The detector will be installed in the basket of ND280, where
it will be used to veto particle originating outside the neutrino
target, improve the particle identification and provide a cosmic
trigger for calibration of detectors which are enclosed inside it.
Limited-angle TOF-PET for intraoperative surgical applications: proof of concept and first experimental data
Authors: Sajedi S. , Bläckberg L. , Majewski S. , Sabet H.
Published: January 2022

The intraoperative gamma probe (IPG) based on single
gamma-ray detection remains the current gold standard modality for
sentinel lymph node identification and tumor removal in cancer
patients. However, IPGs do not meet the <5% false
negative rate (FNR) requirement, a key metric suggested by the
American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO). We aim to reduce FNR
by using time of flight (TOF) PET detector technology in limited
angle geometry system by using only two detector panels in
coincidence. For proof of concept, we used two Hamamatsu TOF PET
detector modules (C13500-4075YC-12) featuring 12× 12 arrays
of 4.14× 4.14× 20 mm3 LFS crystal pixels with
4.2 mm pitch and coupled one-one to silicon photomultiplier (SiPM)
pixels. The measured detector coincidence timing resolution (CTR)
was 271 ps FWHM for the whole detector. We 3D printed lesion
phantom containing spheres 2–10 mm in diameter, representing lymph
nodes, and placed it inside a 10-liter warm background water
phantom. Experimental results showed that with subminute data
acquisition, 6 mm diameter spheres could be identified in the image
when a lesion phantom with a 10:1 activity ratio to background was
used. The simulation results were in good agreement with the
experimental data by resolving 6 mm diameter spherical lesions with
a 60 second acquisition time in a 25 cm deep background water
phantom with a 10:1 activity ratio. As expected, the image quality
improved as the CTR improved in the simulation and with decreasing
background water phantom depth or increasing lesion-to-background
activity ratio in the experiment. With the results presented here,
we concluded that using a limited angle TOF PET detector system is a
major step forward for intraoperative applications in that lesion
detectability is beyond what conventional gamma- and NIR-based
probes could achieve.
SRM with 8/6 magnetic system topology for electric drive of mine battery electric locomotives: design and modelling
Authors: Antipov V N , Grozov A D , Ivanova A V
Published: January 2022

The paper deals with the development and simulation results of the switched reluctance motor for electric drive of mine battery electric locomotives instead of the DRT-14 DC motor. The switched reluctance motor parameters are obtained based on numerical calculation of the magnetic field by QuickField program and are embedded in MATLAB/Simulink model of a switched reluctance motor created for 8/6 magnetic system configuration. SRM-14-615 has the mechanical characteristics as DC motor DRT-14 and meets the required operating modes as part of the AM8D mine battery electric locomotive. Also two types of models using methods and techniques of the artificial intelligence theory are presented: a model with a fuzzy control system in the Fuzzy Logic Toolbox package and a model with a neural network control system in the Neural Network Toolbox package.
Method for assessing the state and residual life of the insulation based on analysis of the time of discharge of the capacity of electric cables
Authors: Kazymov Ivan Maksimovich , Kompaneets Boris Sergeevich
Published: January 2022

As of today, the problem of the lack of non-destructive methods for assessing the state and determining the residual life of the insulation of electrical cables is relevant for cable lines in operation, and especially for lines that have exhausted their service life. The research presented in the framework of this article is aimed at creating a non-destructive technique for assessing the state and residual life of electrical cables insulation. The study was carried out using computer simulation methods and using the basic theoretical laws of physics and electrical engineering. A method for assessing the condition and residual life of electrical cable insulation has been developed, which is based on the analysis of the discharge time of the cable capacity. The applicability of the method is determined, instructions are given on its applicability and the analysis of the output data. The obtained results can be used by power grid companies and industrial enterprises to analyze the state of the insulation of electrical cables.
Energy-efficient omd processes with complex local loading for the production of machine parts with a given level of properties
Authors: Golenkov V A , Dorohov D O , Radchenko S Y
Published: January 2022

The article discusses some new energy-efficient metal forming processes (PMD) with complex local loading of the deformation zone for the production of machine parts with a given level of properties. The place of such processes in the aggregate of all OMD technologies is shown, and their classification is given. The initial data of numerical mathematical modeling of the specified class of processes for a particular case are given, the features of the stress-strain state of the metal in the deformation zone are revealed. In the study, from a theoretical point of view, one of the important practical aspects of these technologies is considered: the effect of the value of axial compression on the shape and size of the deformation zone arising from the action of local loading of the workpiece.
Automated fire risk evaluation of electrical installations in the man-machine system
Authors: Gabova M A , Nikolsky O K , Shlionskaya Yu D
Published: January 2022

The article considers approaches to the formation of a system of criteria for assessing the electrical installations fire condition of the agricultural and industrial complex. Based on the analysis of the literature, the conclusion is made about the appropriateness of the use of expert assessments. To implement the decision, a group of experts was assembled, on the basis of whose knowledge a list of 42 parametersζ characterizing the fire condition of the electrical installation was determined. To identify the relationships and form a method for calculating the estimated value of fire risk, experts assessed the fire condition of 70 electrical installations of the agricultural and industrial complex of the region. A knowledge base was formed from the resulting values. As a method of data analysis, it was decided to use neural networks, but the available sample is not sufficient for high-quality training of a neural network. Therefore, the correlation method and the principal component method were considered, and based on the calculations, it was decided to use a training sample consisting of 6 principal components for training a neural network. A neural network was trained on these data and the values of the average error were obtained sufficiently low, which may indicate sufficient accuracy of the generated model. The article also presents a conceptual scheme of a software package for automating calculations in accordance with the developed model.
The development of an energy efficient electric drive for agricultural machines
Authors: Khalina T M , Eremochkin S Yu , Dorokhov D V
Published: January 2022

Agriculture is a socially significant sector of the economy. The growth of agricultural production contributes to the stable development of society. It is necessary to use new mechanisms driven by induction motors to increase agricultural productivity. Three-phase induction motors are mainly used in the electric drive of agricultural machines. At the same time, it is advisable to use a single-phase network to supply power to remote farms. In this regard, the development of a single-phase electric drive using three-phase motors becomes relevant. In this work, a study of an original semiconductor device for starting a three-phase induction motor from a single-phase network is made. The simulation model of the device created in the Matlab Simulink environment made it possible to study the electromechanical characteristics of the induction motor when operating from a single-phase network. A comparison of the characteristics of the motor during operation from a three-phase and a single-phase network is carried out. The most significant results of the work are the data obtained that the developed device can be used to start and operate a squirrel cage induction motor from a single-phase network. At the same time, the engine energy parameters change slightly.
Study Of The Thermal Processes Dynamics In The Feedstuff Disinfection By Electric Contact Heating
Authors: Khalina T M , Khalin M V , Dorozhkin M V
Published: January 2022

The article is dedicated to the study of the heat transfer processes that occur in the feedstuff disinfection chamber that relies upon electric contact heating. The mechanism of the temperature gradient appearance, which is the main cause of the heat losses has been investigated. The basic equations of heat conduction are considered. A method is proposed for determining the key parameters of the heat transfer process. A functional diagram of the experimental setup with a description of the operation of individual units is presented. The dependence for the transient operating mode of the unit on the growth of heat losses has been established. Thermal images of different shapes of the unit dielectric chambers have been provided as well as temperature field distribution through the chamber wall.
Electroresistive method for monitoring the technical condition, quality, reliability and safety the supports of rolling of electrical machines
Authors: Podmasreryev K V , Markov V V , Mishin V V , Selikhov A V , Uglova N V
Published: January 2022

The necessity of monitoring the technical condition of the rolling supports of electric machines has been substantiated. It is proposed to use the electrical resistance of the bearing as an indicator of the technical condition the rolling support. The results of mathematical modeling of electrical resistance in the form of a function of resistance from factors of the internal environment of the bearing and modes of its assembly and operation in a rolling bearing are presented. An electroresistive method for monitoring the technical state the rolling support is proposed, which differs from the known methods by original algorithms for collecting information about the state of bearing parts, experimental studies have been carried out to confirm the efficiency of this method.
Ultranarrow dual-band metamaterial perfect absorber and its sensing application
Authors: Zhao Wenhan , Wang Junqiao , Li Ran , Zhang Bin
Published: January 2022

In this paper, a dual-band metamaterial absorber (MMA) with wide-angle and high absorptivity is proposed. The MMA consists of two silver layers separated by a dielectric layer. Its top resonant element is constituted by two concentric ring resonators connected with four strips. Based on electromagnetic field simulation, the proposed MMA has two narrow absorption peaks with an absorption rate of 99.9% at 711 nm and 99.8% at 830 nm, and the corresponding line width of the two absorption peaks are only 9.7 and 9.8 nm. The dual-band MMA shows high absorptivity under wide incident angles. The simulated field pattern shows that dual-band perfect absorption is the combined result of the interaction of two concentric ring resonators and unit cell coupling. In addition, the hexapole plasmon mode can be observed at the outer ring at one absorption peak. The narrow plasmon resonance has a potential application in optical sensing, and can be used to measure the concentration of aqueous glucose with two frequency channels. The proposed MMA with high absorptivity is simple to manufacture, and has other potential applications, such as narrow-band filters, energy storage device, and so on.
Platinum-binding peptides: understanding of selective binding and multifunctionality
Authors: Pramounmat Nuttanit , Yan Katherine , Wolf Jadon , Renner Julie
Published: January 2022

Platinum-binding peptides have been used for fabrication of complex platinum nanomaterials such as catalysts, metallopharmaceuticals, and electrodes. In this review, we present understanding of the mechanisms behind platinum-binding (Pt-binding) peptides and the applications of the peptides as multifunctional biomaterials. We discuss how the surface recognition, the roles of individual amino acids, and arrangement of amino acid sequences interplay. Our summary on the current state of understanding of Pt-binding peptides highlights opportunities for interdisciplinary research which will expand the applicability of these multifunctional Pt-binding peptides.
The Aesthetic Theory of Frances Power Cobbe
Authors: Stone Alison
Published: January 2022

This article contributes to recognizing and recovering women’s voices in the history of aesthetics by examining the aesthetic theory put forward in the 1860s by the Anglo-Irish philosopher and feminist Frances Power Cobbe. Cobbe addressed aesthetics and gender, maintaining that there are female geniuses. She addressed art and morality, arguing that art should always aim to express moral truth, and that artworks that express morally good thoughts poorly are artistically better than works that express morally bad thoughts well. She then modified her stance to argue that beauty contains but does not reduce to goodness. Cobbe also developed a comprehensive account of the arts, their relative merits, and the criteria for evaluating them. Her account had problems; nonetheless, it was ambitious, original, and interesting, and Cobbe deserves to be recognized as a woman who made significant interventions in the history of aesthetics.
The dream of recapture
Authors: Nicolai Carlo
Published: January 2022

As a response to the semantic and logical paradoxes, theorists often reject some principles of classical logic. However, classical logic is entangled with mathematics, and giving up mathematics is too high a price to pay, even for nonclassical theorists. The so-called recapture theorems come to the rescue. When reasoning with concepts such as truth/class membership/property instantiation, (These are examples of concepts that are taken to satisfy naive rules such as the naive truth schema and naive comprehension, and that therefore are compatible with a solution to paradox cast in the logics considered below. Other notions of similar kind can be added to the list.) if one is interested in consequences of the theory that only contain mathematical vocabulary, nothing is lost by reasoning in the nonclassical framework. This article shows that this claim is highly misleading, if not simply false. Under natural assumptions, some well-established approaches to recapture are incorrect.
‘Block, Unfollow, Delete’: The Impacts of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement on Interracial Relationships in Australia
Authors: Gatwiri Kathomi , Townsend-Cross Marcelle
Published: January 2022

Interracial relationships are situated historically within a complex racial discourse. At the height of the #BlackLivesMatter Movement in 2020, interracial relationships were tested, broken and repaired, whilst others were unable to withstand the racial destabilisation summoned by the Movement. In this article, we theorise how Blac/k bodies are organised and structured within systems of racial hierachialisation and the impact of this within relational contexts. Probing concepts of silence, fragility and allyship, which underpin the white racial frame, we provide critical argumentations of how processes of racialisation impact personal relationships where variables of blackness and whiteness are produced as sites of racial contestation. We argue that the political significance of race enters interracial relationships and theoretically transforms them into racial battlegrounds.
MAnGLed astrocytes in traumatic brain injury: astrocytic 2-AG metabolism as a new therapeutic target
Authors: Loane David J.
Published: January 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Enhancing endocannabinoid signalling in astrocytes promotes recovery from traumatic brain injury’ by Hu et al. (doi: 10.1093/brain/awab310).
Distinct gene expression in demyelinated white and grey matter areas of patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: van Wageningen Thecla A. , Gerrits Emma , Brouwer Nieske , Brevé John J. P. , Geurts Jeroen J. G. , Eggen Bart J. L. , Boddeke H. W. G. M. (Erik) , van Dam Anne-Marie
Published: January 2022

Demyelination of the central nervous system is a prominent pathological hallmark of multiple sclerosis and affects both white and grey matter. However, demyelinated white and grey matter exhibit clear pathological differences, most notably the presence or absence of inflammation and activated glial cells in white and grey matter, respectively. In order to gain more insight into the differential pathology of demyelinated white and grey matter areas, we micro-dissected neighbouring white and grey matter demyelinated areas as well as normal-appearing matter from leucocortical lesions of human post-mortem material and used these samples for RNA sequencing. Our data show that even neighbouring demyelinated white and grey matter of the same leucocortical have a distinct gene expression profile and cellular composition. We propose that, based on their distinct expression profile, pathological processes in neighbouring white and grey matter are likely different which could have implications for the efficacy of treating grey matter lesions with current anti-inflammatory-based multiple sclerosis drugs.
Input–output efficiency model of urban green-energy development from the perspective of a low-carbon economy
Authors: Wu Hongliang , Wang Ling , Peng Daoxin , Liu Benjie
Published: January 2022

With the acceleration of urbanization, cities are the main targets for carbon neutrality and urban energy is the terminal of energy consumption and the integration point of various energy systems. Therefore, there is a need to promote the development of urban green energy and achieve low input and high output to achieve a low-carbon economy in cities. Previous studies have not considered the input–output efficiency of urban green-energy development. This study fills this gap. Based on the economic–energy–environmental framework, an input–output efficiency-evaluation index system for urban green-energy development was constructed. Based on improved data-envelopment analysis, a comparative evaluation of the input–output efficiency of green-energy development was carried out in 30 provinces in China in 2019. Considering the differences in regions, the development of urban green energy in different provinces was classified. From the perspective of a low-carbon economy, economic growth factors and environmental constraint factors were set. Together with the generalized Divisia index approach, the input–output efficiency optimization directions of urban green-energy development were obtained. The results showed that the input–output efficiencies of urban green-energy development in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia and other provinces and cities were relatively high. Provinces with faster economic development and higher environmental carrying capacity have advantages after optimization and will become pilot areas for the development of urban green energy. This research provides a reference for the development of urban green energy in various provinces from the input and output perspective.
Rhythmic activation of excitatory neurons in the mouse frontal cortex improves the prefrontal cortex–mediated cognitive function
Authors: Hazra Debabrata , Yoshinaga Satoshi , Yoshida Keitaro , Takata Norio , Tanaka Kenji F , Kubo Ken-ichiro , Nakajima Kazunori
Published: January 2022

The prefrontal cortex (PFC) plays essential roles in cognitive processes. Previous studies have suggested the layer and the cell type–specific activation for cognitive enhancement. However, the mechanism by which a temporal pattern of activation affects cognitive function remains to be elucidated. Here, we investigated whether the specific activation of excitatory neurons in the superficial layers mainly in the PFC according to a rhythmic or nonrhythmic pattern could modulate the cognitive functions of normal mice. We used a C128S mutant of channelrhodopsin 2, a step function opsin, and administered two light illumination patterns: (i) alternating pulses of blue and yellow light for rhythmic activation or (ii) pulsed blue light only for nonrhythmic activation. Behavioral analyses were performed to compare the behavioral consequences of these two neural activation patterns. The alternating blue and yellow light pulses, but not the pulsed blue light only, significantly improved spatial working memory and social recognition without affecting motor activity or the anxiety level. These results suggest that the rhythmic, but not the nonrhythmic, activation could enhance cognitive functions. This study indicates that not only the population of neurons that are activated but also the pattern of activation plays a crucial role in the cognitive enhancement.
Coronary intervention for severe stenosis in the ostial right coronary artery with cardiac angiosarcoma: a case report
Authors: Hirai Tadayuki , Miwa Kenji , Furusho Hiroshi , Yasuda Toshihiko
Published: January 2022

Background

Although rare, angiosarcoma is the most common type of cardiac primary malignancy. This disease can cause life-threatening complications and the prognosis remains poor. There is no standard approach to care, and clinical judgement is exercised on a case-by-case basis. Tumour progression causes serious complications, such as heart failure and vascular disruption.

Case summary

A 64-year-old Japanese woman presenting with a right atrial tumour was referred to our department. Tumour biopsy revealed that the patient suffered from angiosarcoma. We performed a lumpectomy to excise the tumour, but due to tissue adhesions in and around the right atrium, the malignancy could not be completely removed. After 3 years of chemotherapy, the patient was admitted to our hospital with increased chest pain. Emergency coronary angiogram revealed severe stenosis of the ostial right coronary artery. Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) and computed tomography suggested coronary compression due to cardiac angiosarcoma. In this study, we report a unique case of advanced cardiac angiosarcoma, presenting as unstable angina, which was successfully treated with percutaneous coronary intervention using stent implantation.

Discussion

Due to the rarity of cardiac primary angiosarcoma, many symptoms are misdiagnosed until mechanical complications arise, such as coronary compression. The clinical course and various imaging modalities are useful for differentiating angiosarcomas from coronary stenosis.
Intravascular leiomyomatosis with cardiac extension: a case report
Authors: Shaked Einat , Sharoni Ram , West Debra Gershov , Lev Eli I
Published: January 2022

Background

Intravascular leiomyomatosis (IVL) with intracardiac extension is a rare benign tumour seen exclusively in women, characterized by proliferation of uterine smooth muscle cells through the venous circulation into the inferior vena cava (IVC) and the right heart chambers.

Case summary

A 47 years old women with history of previous hysterectomy due to myomatosis, presented with nausea, anorexia, and bilateral lower limb swelling over the preceding 2 months. An outpatient abdominal ultrasound discovered a mass in the IVC. Echocardiogram and computed tomography demonstrated a large intravascular mass extending from the pelvis to the right heart chambers. The tumour was completely removed in a concomitant open-heart surgery and laparotomy. Post-operative course was uncomplicated. A month later, the patient was feeling well and in good clinical condition. The histological analysis consisted with IVL.

Discussion

Intracardiac leiomyomatosis is a rare clinical condition which requires high index of suspicion. Multimodality imaging is usually required to establish the preoperative diagnosis, although the final diagnosis is achieved with tissue investigation. Complete surgical resection of the tumour is curative and associated with good long-term prognosis.
Giant coronary fistula aneurysm presenting as a progressing left-sided asymptomatic mediastinal mass with systolic dominant Doppler flow: a case report
Authors: Maruyama Hidekazu , Habe Kumiko , Kato Jo , Nishikii Makiko
Published: January 2022

Background

Cases of giant coronary artery aneurysms (GCAAs) associated with coronary fistula are rarely reported, and they present with various symptoms, including coronary steal syndrome. We report an uncommon case of an asymptomatic giant coronary fistula aneurysm presenting as a progressing left-sided mediastinal mass that has been tracked for years.

Case summary

A 67-year-old healthy asymptomatic woman was referred to our hospital because of an abnormal shadow on her chest radiography revealing a left-sided mediastinal mass that had progressed in size over the past 4 years. Computed tomography revealed mass progression from 4 to 5 cm in diameter within 2 years. Coronary computed tomography and coronary angiography identified a GCAAs in a coronary fistula originating in the left anterior descending artery and draining into the main pulmonary artery. Transthoracic Doppler echocardiography revealed a unique systolic dominant flow. She underwent coronary artery aneurysmectomy and fistula ligation. The patient has been in good health without any events for 10 months since her discharge.

Discussion

A GCAAs in a coronary fistula can present as an asymptomatic left-sided mediastinal mass that has progressed in size for years in older adults. Echocardiography can provide clues of the steal phenomenon in coronary artery fistula. A close investigation of mediastinal abnormalities can facilitate the detection of coronary aneurysms.
Evaluation of a rapid deployment prosthesis strategy for the treatment of aortic valve endocarditis
Authors: Belyaev Sergey , Herrmann Florian Ernst Martin , Dashkevich Alexey , Wenke Klaus , Vlachea Polyxeni , von der Linden Julia , Banafsche Ramin , Hagl Christian , Juchem Gerd
Published: January 2022

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the surgical outcome of patients suffering from native aortic valve (NVE) or prosthetic aortic valve endocarditis (PVE) treated with the EDWARDS INTUITY Elite rapid-deployment valve prosthesis.

METHODS

Between February 2019 and June 2020, 25 patients suffering from NVE (n = 9; 36%) and PVE (n = 16; 64%) of the aortic valve received an INTUITY valve at our institution. Preoperative, operative and follow-up data were collected.

RESULTS

In our cohort, the mean EuroSCORE II was 13.4%. Eleven patients (44%) received concomitant aortic root patch plasty. Four patients (16%) received coronary artery bypass graft surgery, 3 patients (12%) received mitral valve repair and 2 patients (8%) underwent replacement of the ascending aorta. The cardiopulmonary bypass and aortic cross-clamp times were 124 ± 56 and 75 ± 39 min, respectively. The mean intensive care unit stay was 5 days. The mean size of the implanted prostheses was 25 ± 2 mm and the mean prosthesis transvalvular gradient 3 months after surgery was 9 ± 4 mmHg. During follow-up, no case of recurrent endocarditis occurred, 1 patient died of multisystem organ failure which had already been present preoperatively.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgery for NVE and PVE of the aortic valve may be safely performed using the EDWARDS INTUITY Elite valve system. This procedure could be well implemented in cases with extensive infection, fragile root tissue and root abscesses requiring root reconstruction. In our institution, the rapid-deployment aortic valve replacement strategy has become an important tool in the armamentarium of the surgical endocarditis treatment.