bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural effects of zinc on phosphatidylserine-containing lipid membranes: kinetic analysis of membrane reorganization
Authors: Cheng Danling , Li Hewen , Hu Shipeng , Zhao Tao
Published: March 2022

Zinc induces reorganization of phosphatidylserine-containing lipid membranes.
(FexNi1−x)4N nanoparticles: magnetism and electrocatalytic properties for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Qie Yaqin , Kong Fanqi , Yang Zhilin , Yang Hua
Published: March 2022

(FexNi1−x)4N nanoparticles (NPs) encased within amorphous carbon were prepared by a facile route and the positive effect of nickel doping content on the magnetic and OER catalytic performance of γ′-Fe4N was investigated.
Base-controlled dearomative [3 + 2] cycloadditions between 3-nitro-indoles and fumaric acid amide esters
Authors: Tian Heng-Zhi , Wu Sheng-Feng , Zhuang Guo-Wei , Lin Guo-Qiang , Sun Xing-Wen
Published: March 2022

Three kinds of diverse functionalized pyrrolo[2,3-b]indole derivatives are constructed respectively through a base-controlled dearomative [3 + 2] cycloaddition reaction between 3-nitroindoles and fumaric acid amide esters.
Using Deep Siamese networks for trajectory analysis to extract motion patterns in videos
Authors: Boyle Jonathan , Nawaz Tahir , Ferryman James
Published: March 2022

This paper investigates the use of Siamese networks for trajectory similarity analysis in surveillance tasks. Specifically, the proposed approach uses an auto‐encoder as a part of training a discriminative twin (Siamese) network to perform trajectory similarity analysis, thus presenting an end‐to‐end framework to perform an online motion pattern extraction in the scene with an ability to incorporate new incoming trajectory(ies) incrementally. The effectiveness of the proposed method is evaluated on four challenging public real‐world datasets containing both vehicle and person targets, and compared with five existing methods. The proposed method consistently shows better or comparable performance than the existing methods on all datasets.
Comparison and analysis of different rotor structures of double‐stator permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Wu Jiacheng , Hu Yan , Zhang Bingyi , Feng Guihong , Liu Zeyu
Published: March 2022

Compared with the single‐stator permanent magnet synchronous motor(SS‐PMSM), the double‐stator permanent magnet synchronous motor(DS‐PMSM) can make full use of the space in the motor cavity to make it have higher torque density, so it is more suitable for direct‐drive occasions with low‐speed and high‐torque. This paper aims to design and compare the parameters and performances of DS‐PMSMs with four different rotor structures: 1)Series magnetic circuit of radial magnetised single‐layer permanent magnet(type Ⅰ), 2)Series magnetic circuit of radial magnetised double‐layer permanent magnet(type Ⅱ), 3)Parallel magnetic circuit of radial magnetised double‐layer permanent magnet(type Ⅲ), 4)Parallel magnetic circuit of tangential magnetised permanent magnet(type Ⅳ). Firstly, the equivalent magnetic circuit method is used to analyse the magnetic circuits of the four DS‐PMSMs. Next, the finite element analysis tool is used to compare the performances of the four DS‐PMSMs with the same volume. Their air‐gap flux density, no‐load back‐EMF, cogging torque, torque characteristics, moment of inertia, rotor loss and efficiency are quantitatively analysed and compared. Finally, this paper provides guidance and suggestions for the selection of the rotor structure of DS‐PMSM.
Experimental protocol designed to employ Nd:YAG laser surgery for anterior chamber glaucoma detection via UBM
Authors: Ali Saba Ghazanfar , Ali Riaz , Sheng Bin , Chen Yan , Li Huating , Yang Po , Li Ping , Jung Younhyun , Zhu Fang , Lu Ping , Kim Jinman
Published: March 2022

Angle closure glaucoma leads to fluid deposition in eye, and intraocular pressure occurs that damage the optic nerve, causes blindness and vision loss. Anterior chamber (AC) evaluation is imperative for determining the risk of angle‐closure. Previously, techniques were dependent on either Pentacam–Scheimpflug that interprets poor visual information, anterior segment optical coherence tomography is injurious to intercede opaque optical structures. Therefore, in this paper, an experimental protocol is designed for detailed disease analysis based on IBM SPSS statistics via ultrasound biomicroscopy which is superior in evaluating deep structures; first, the affected parameter for AC is analysed, and afterwards the direction that needs laser surgery is explored. Experiments are conducted on large‐scale clinical studies from an affiliated hospital in Shanghai, China. The dataset comprised 600 AC images in five directions of 60 subjects. The mean with standard deviation for anterior open distance is 0.158790.096779 mm, 0.158630.081435 mm, and anterior chamber angle is 18.74908.0315, 18.74108.3889 for left and right eye respectively. It is found that anterior chamber angle in the downside of the AC is wider than the upside. However, this decision is partly based on the narrowest part of the angle to widen the depth of the direction and eliminate pupil block.
Molecular characterization of a novel GSTO2 ofFasciola hepaticaand its roles in modulating murine macrophages
Authors: Wang Xifeng , Zhao Chunguang , Zhang Guowu , Zhang Kai , Li Zhiyuan , Shang Yunxia , Ning Chengcheng , Ji Chunhui , Xia Xianzhu , Cai Xuepeng , Qiao Jun , Meng Qingling
Published: March 2022

Fascioliasis is an important zoonotic helminthic disease caused byFasciola hepaticaand poses a serious threat to global public health. To evade the immune response of its host (humans or animals),F. hepaticasecretes various antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione transferase (GST) to facilitate its invasion, migration and parasitismin vivo. To investigate the biological functions of a novel omega-class GST (GSTO), the molecular features of GSTO2 ofF. hepaticawere analyzed by online software, and the biochemical propertiesin vitroof recombinant GSTO2 (rGSTO2) were dissected. Then, the regulatory roles of rGSTO2 protein in murine macrophagesin vitrowere further explored. The results revealed that theGSTO2gene encodes 254 amino acids, which harbor the characteristic N-terminal domain (βαβαββα) and C-terminal domain (α-helical) of the cytoplasmic GST superfamily. GSTO2 was mainly expressed inF. hepaticavitelline follicles, intestinal tract, excretory pores and vitelline cells, with thioltransferase and dehydroascorbate reductase activities. Moreover, rGSTO2 protein could be taken up by murine macrophages and significantly inhibit the viability of macrophages. In addition, rGSTO2 protein could significantly promote apoptosis and modulate the expression of cytokines in macrophages. These findings suggested thatF. hepaticaGSTO2 plays an important role in modulating the physiological functions of macrophages, whereby this protein might be involved in immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory roles during infection. This study provided new insights into the immune-evasion mechanism ofF. hepaticaand may contribute to the development of a potential anti-inflammatory agent.
Reflections on containment
Authors: Miralles Buil Celia , Abreu Laurinda , Arrizabalaga Jon
Published: March 2022

This paper is a transcription of the texts read by three commentators appointed by the scientific committee to open the first debate session convened in June 2020 as a continuation of the virtual QSN conference held a month before. It should be noted that, for practical reasons as well as time constraints (there were researchers from countries with different time zones), the comments did not address presentations in the order in which they appeared in the conference program.
The Suez Canal under Quarantine: Sanitary History of the Mediterranean Gateway (19th–21st centuries)
Authors: Tsiamis Costas , Hatzara Chrisoula , Vrioni Georgia
Published: March 2022

The Suez Canal is ranked among the most significant engineering feats in human history. Besides its geopolitical and economic impact, however, the Canal became a subject of sanitary concern right from the beginning of its operation in 1869, which coincided with the fourth pandemic of cholera. Sanitary efforts during the 19th century focused on humans and merchandise distributed through the Canal in the frame of the theories of contagion and contamination. Contact with Asia via maritime trade routes entailed increased possibilities of dangerous pathogens and infectious diseases invading the Mediterranean and – by extension – Europe, as evidenced by the cholera and plague epidemics in Egypt. The sanitary significance of the Suez Canal was further demonstrated in the early 20th century when the cholera biotype El Tor was discovered in the Sinai Peninsula. After the Second World War the health systems evolved by incorporating all guidelines of the World Health Organization, whereas special provisions were established for pilgrims traveling to Mecca. The Suez Canal continues to serve as one of the most important global commercial hubs of the 21st century. Accordingly, health security remains a global priority, while strict adherence to international health regulations and epidemiological monitoring represent key elements in safeguarding health in the Mediterranean region.
Radioactivity on tour: analyzing the public uses of Eve Curie’s picture at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology (1940)
Authors: Medori Beatriz
Published: March 2022

On January 1940, Eve Curie was pictured at the Portuguese Institute of Oncology (IPO). The shot would be reproduced in IPO’s Bulletin, a monthly journal of anti-cancer propaganda directed to the general public. Addressing Eve’s photograph as a picture, endowed with epistemic value, I seek to understand how it became an important tool for Portuguese anti-cancer campaigns. A second picture is considered – that of Marie Curie receiving her ‘gram’ of radium at the White House (1921) – to show the role that both mother and daughter played in the construction of radioactivity’s ambiguous public image. This paper tries to analyze how the public reproduction of the younger Curie’s photograph at IPO’s Radium Pavilion, the first European facility that followed the safety guidelines of the International Congress of Radiology of 1928, attempted to dismiss public fears over radioactive contamination. Portuguese anti-cancer campaigns needed to gain public support, not only regarding cancer, but also radioactivity, for the latter needed to be trusted if it was to be applied in time to its potential beneficiaries.
MPs, insects and trees: The Pine Wood Nematode in the Portuguese Parliament
Authors: García-Pereda Ignacio
Published: March 2022

The Pine Wood Nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is the causal agent of the pine wilt disease, and a quarantine organism within the European Union. This pathogen was first detected in Portugal in 1999, associated to dead coastal pines (Pinus pinaster), its vector among trees being the native insect Monochamus galloprovincialis. Over the years, the management and control of both the nematode and the vector has been implemented by the Portuguese National Programme to Control the Pine Wood Nematode (PROLUNP), one of whose main current strategies is focused on the prevention of dispersal of wilt disease to new locations. This paper aims to explore how the pathogen and the forestry management strategy were perceived by the members of the parliament (MPs) of the Portuguese Republic, based on documents from 1999 until the present day.
Economic containment: customs laboratories and merchandise inspections in late-19th century Spain
Authors: Suay-Matallana Ignacio
Published: March 2022

This paper shows how chemistry and customs inspections were employed as a tool of containment in late-19th century Spain. In fact, the control of merchandise, as that of people, has been employed in many countries not just to regulate trade and health, but also to protect a large range of interests, including political and economic ones. A wide variety of experts were involved in customs inspections: from physicians working in sanitary controls, and pharmacists in charge of public health and fraud inspections, to chemists and other officers controlling merchandise. First, the paper considers some links between sanitary and economic crises, and analyses the various roles played by customs. It also deals with the creation of customs laboratories to protect both the revenue and certain national interests. Second, it considers a particular case involving the inspection of drugs and medicines circulating from Portugal to Spain in the late-19th century. A complex network of experts and institutions were involved in the control of these products, each of them with its own interests. In this sense, customs inspections stablished a sort of “economic containment” in which science and chemical analysis were employed to avoid the circulation of foreign goods.
Antibiotic Use in Paediatric Patients Hospitalized with Acute Severe
Asthma
Authors: Trischler Jordis , von Blumroeder Malin , Donath Helena , Kluge Sven , Hutter Martin , Dreßler Melanie , Zielen Stefan
Published: March 2022

Background Antibiotic use during asthma exacerbations in paediatric
patients is not routinely recommended but common practise in out-patient and
in-patient settings. Objective of this study was to analyse frequency of
antibiotic use during acute severe asthma exacerbations, antibiotic classes
utilized and clinical decision-making.

Methods All in-patient admissions over 10 years in a single German
Children’s University hospital due to acute severe asthma were included
in this retrospective analysis. Age, length of stay, oxygen supplementation,
treatment, laboratory parameters and chest x-rays of all patients ranging from 1
to 17 years were analysed.

Results 580 hospital admissions were included in this study. Overall
antibiotic use was high but decreased with age (1–5 years 69,6%,
6–11 years 57,6% and 12–17 years 39,7%,
p<0.001). Analysis of antibiotic treatment without clear indication
showed a consistently lower treatment rate of 28.3%, with macrolides
being the most common antibiotic class. Younger age significantly decreased,
whereas, increase of CrP value, use of oxygen supplementation and concomitant
fever all significantly increased the odds ratio (OR 0.967; 4.366, 2.472 and
2.011 respectively) of receiving antibiotic treatment without clear
indication.

Conclusion Antibiotic treatment without clear indication during acute
severe asthma is common in this German single-centre cohort. Clinical parameters
of more severe disease affect clinician’s decision to administer
antibiotics despite evidence of bacterial infection or improved outcome.
A field-particle correlation analysis of magnetic pumping
Authors: Montag P. , Howes Gregory G.
Published: March 2022

Spacecraft measurements of the solar wind have observed suprathermal tails in the energy distribution of particles. While the mechanism for this energization is still unsettled, recent work has suggested that magnetic pumping may be able to account for this energization. The newly devised field-particle correlation technique employs single-point measurements of the particle velocity distributions and electromagnetic fields to generate a characteristic velocity-space signature that can be used to identify the mechanism of particle energization. Here, we apply this technique to an analytical model of magnetic pumping to predict the velocity-space signature of magnetic pumping, as a function of the plasma collisionality and the amplitude of the magnetic field magnitude fluctuations, that can be used to seek evidence of magnetic pumping in kinetic numerical simulations or spacecraft measurements of heliospheric plasmas.
Random attractors for a stochastic age-structured population model
Authors: Hu Wenjie , Zhu Quanxin
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we are concerned about the existence of a random attractor for a stochastic nonlocal delayed reaction–diffusion equation (SNDRDE) under a Dirichlet boundary condition. This equation models the spatial–temporal evolution of the mature individuals for a two-stage species whose juvenile and adults both diffuse under random perturbations. By adopting the random dynamical system theory together with the stochastic inequality technique, we first give a uniform estimate of the solution and then prove the asymptotic compactness of the random dynamic system generated by the SNDRDE and, subsequently, obtain the existence of a random attractor.
Numerical simulations of gas puff imaging using a multi-component model of the neutral–plasma interaction in the tokamak boundary
Authors: Coroado A. , Ricci P.
Published: March 2022

A three-dimensional simulation of gas puff imaging (GPI) diagnostics is carried out by using a self-consistent multi-component model of the neutral–plasma interaction. The simulation, based on the drift-reduced Braginskii model for the plasma and a kinetic model for the neutrals, is performed in a toroidally limited plasma with gas puff sources located at the low field side equatorial midplane. In addition to electrons, the simulation evolves the turbulent dynamics of D+ and D2+ ions as well as D and D2 neutral species. The Dα emission arising from the excitation of D atoms and the contributions from dissociation of D2 molecules and D2+ ions are considered. The simulation points out the importance of considering Dα emission due to molecular dissociation in the far scrape-off layer (SOL), since it is the dominant source of Dα emission at distances from the gas puff considerably smaller than the mean free path of D2 molecules. The correlation functions between the Dα emission rate and the plasma and neutral quantities, namely, the electron density, ne, electron temperature, Te, and density of neutral atoms, nD, are evaluated considering each contribution to Dα emission and analyzing the correlation functions between these quantities. The correlation functions strongly depend on the location considered within the edge and SOL with an important impact on the interpretation of GPI measurements. The statistical moments and the turbulence properties computed for different components of the Dα emission as well as for the relevant plasma and neutral quantities are also investigated. While neglecting neutral density fluctuations is a reasonable approximation that is widely used in the analysis of GPI measurements, this work reveals a 20%–30% influence of neutral fluctuations on most of the quantities measured through the GPI diagnostics with a possibly larger impact for some quantities in specific regions. These results, therefore, suggest the importance of considering neutral fluctuations for the accurate quantitative interpretations of GPI measurements.
An introduction to classical monodromy: Applications to molecules in external fields
Authors: Omiste Juan J. , González-Férez Rosario , Ortega Rafael
Published: March 2022

An integrable Hamiltonian system presents monodromy if the action-angle variables cannot be defined globally. As a prototype of classical monodromy with azimuthal symmetry, we consider a linear molecule interacting with external fields and explore the topology structure of its phase space. Based on the behavior of closed orbits around singular points or regions of the energy–momentum plane, a semi-theoretical method is derived to detect classical monodromy. The validity of the monodromy test is numerically illustrated for several systems with azimuthal symmetry.
Passive underwater acoustic barcodes using Rayleigh wave resonance
Authors: Zhou Yanling , Fan Jun , Huang Jinfeng , Wang Bin
Published: March 2022

Passive underwater acoustic markers are promising in terms of applications in underwater target recognition, positioning, and navigation. In this paper, a passive underwater acoustic marker composed of acrylic sphere combinations is designed for acoustic coding based on the subsonic Rayleigh wave resonance phenomenon, where strong backscattering resonance peaks appear when an acrylic sphere is excited by a broadband pulse. Due to the fact that the resonance frequencies are dependent on the Rayleigh wave velocity and the radius of the sphere, the backscattering response of markers can be regulated by changing the radius of a sphere or combining spheres with different radii. Each marker has a unique acoustic signature for a selected frequency band, akin to acoustic barcodes. The feasibility of this acoustic coding method has been evaluated by comparing the numerical results and experimental results. Compared with active acoustic markers, passive acoustic markers naturally operate in a wider frequency band, have a longer lifetime, and lower cost.
Copper mediated
Authors: Razali Mohd. R. , Urbatsch Aron , Moubaraki Boujemaa , Murray Keith S. , Deacon Glen B. , Batten Stuart R.
Published: March 2022

The transition metal-promoted in situ nucleophilic addition of triethanolamine (teaH3) and N-methyldiethanolamine (mdeaH2) to the dicyanonitrosomethanide (dcnm) anion results in the formation of [Cu(hbnm)]·MeOH (1) and [Cu(mbnm)]·2MeCN (2), (hbnm = hydroxyethylaminobis(ethoxy(imino)methyl(cyano)nitrosomethanide) and mbnm = methylaminobis(ethoxy(imino)methyl(cyano)nitrosomethanide). Complexes 1 and 2 are coordination polymers, each containing the addition products of two alcohol arms of teaH3 and mdeaH2 to dcnm anions.
Identification of quantitative trait loci underlying lodging of soybean across multiple environments
Authors: Sun Maolin , Zhao Kezhen , Wang Jie , Mu Wenqing , Zhan Yuhang , Li Wenbin , Teng Weili , Zhao Xue , Han Yingpeng
Published: March 2022

Lodging is an important agronomic trait related to crop yield and is easily susceptible to environmental influences. In this study, a recombinant inbred line population from soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) Hefeng 25 × Dongnong L28 including 109 lines was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to soybean lodging. Seven QTLs were identified in the three environments (Harbin in 2017, 2018 and 2019), and these could explain 2.21–20.17% of the phenotypic variation. Among these QTLs, qLDG-I-1 (Chr20_24146101–Chr20_24297321) was stable for multiple environments. A residue heterozygous line, which was heterozygous at the qLDG-I-1 locus, was used to verify qLDG-I-1, and the results showed that this QTL could significantly improve lodging resistance of soybean. Meanwhile, 13 pairs of epistatic QTLs were detected, which could explain 3.26–18.24% of the phenotypic variation. QTL × environment interaction mapping was also used, and it detected 31 QTLs, which could explain 1.61–7.94% of the phenotypic variation. In total, 122 pairs of epistatic QTLs were detected, and they could explain 5.39–27.81% of the phenotypic variation. Additionally, candidate genes related to soybean lodging in the qLDG-I-1 interval were predicted, and Glyma.20g068000 was mined as a candidate gene based on quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The QTLs and candidate genes identified in this study are of great significance to position cloning, and could accelerate the progress of breeding resistance to lodging in soybean.
Alternating lysis and lysogeny is a winning strategy in bacteriophages due to Parrondo's paradox
Authors: Cheong Kang Hao , Wen Tao , Benler Sean , Koh Jin Ming , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: March 2022

Significance

Bacteriophages, the most widespread reproducing biological entity on Earth, employ two strategies of virus–host interaction: lysis of the host cell and lysogeny whereby the virus genome integrates into the host genome and propagates vertically with it. We present a population model that reveals an effect known as Parrondo’s paradox in game theory: Alternating between lysis and lysogeny is a winning strategy for a bacteriophage, even when each strategy individually is at a disadvantage compared with a competing bacteriophage. Thus, evolution of bacteriophages appears to optimize the ratio between the lysis and lysogeny propensities rather than the phage burst size in any individual phase. This phenomenon is likely to be relevant for understanding evolution of other host–parasites systems.
Targeting ON-bipolar cells by AAV gene therapy stably reverses
LRIT3
-congenital stationary night blindness
Authors: Miyadera Keiko , Santana Evelyn , Roszak Karolina , Iffrig Sommer , Visel Meike , Iwabe Simone , Boyd Ryan F. , Bartoe Joshua T. , Sato Yu , Gray Alexa , Ripolles-Garcia Ana , Dufour Valérie L. , Byrne Leah C. , Flannery John G. , Beltran William A. , Aguirre Gustavo D.
Published: March 2022

Significance

Canine models of inherited retinal diseases have helped advance adeno-associated virus (AAV)–based gene therapies targeting specific cells in the outer retina for treating blinding diseases in patients. However, therapeutic targeting of diseases such as congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) that exhibit defects in ON-bipolar cells (ON-BCs) of the midretina remains underdeveloped. Using a leucine-rich repeat, immunoglobulin-like and transmembrane domain 3 (
LRIT3
) mutant canine model of CSNB exhibiting ON-BC dysfunction, we tested the ability of cell-specific AAV capsids and promotors to specifically target ON-BCs for gene delivery. Subretinal injection of one vector demonstrated safety and efficacy with robust and stable rescue of electroretinography signals and night vision up to 1 y, paving the way for clinical trials in patients.
RibU is an essential determinant of
Listeria
pathogenesis that mediates acquisition of FMN and FAD during intracellular growth
Authors: Rivera-Lugo Rafael , Light Samuel H. , Garelis Nicholas E. , Portnoy Daniel A.
Published: March 2022

Significance

Riboflavin (vitamin B
2
) is converted into flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), which are essential cofactors for many redox reactions across all domains of life.
Listeria monocytogenes
is a facultative intracellular pathogen that cannot synthesize riboflavin and must therefore obtain flavins from the host. In this study, we show that a previously identified riboflavin transporter (RibU) is essential for virulence and intracellular growth, but rather than transporting riboflavin, RibU transports FMN and FAD directly from the host cell cytosol. Mutants unable to convert riboflavin to FMN and FAD retained their capacity to grow intracellularly and were virulent, but they were unable to grow extracellularly and were thus converted from facultative to obligate intracellular pathogens.
Tone and vocabulary learning for classroom-based L2 Mandarin learners
Authors: Dong Zhiyin Renee
Published: March 2022

The primary function of Mandarin tone is to encode and differentiate otherwise similar-sounding words. In that regard, proficient tone use is essential for both intelligible L2 pronunciation and successful vocabulary learning. Recent research investigating L2 tone use in online Mandarin word recognition revealed persistent difficulties among proficient learners. This paper reviews these findings in light of several tone teaching issues and challenges and proposes a few potential improvements to the current tone word pedagogy. It is suggested that tone instruction can be more effective if it is form-focused, systematically given in conjunction with vocabulary teaching, and backward-designed based on articulated tone word learning objectives and matching assessments. While highlighting the potentials of computer-mediated tone instruction and self-directed learning, the paper also identified a few directions for future research.
A perturbative analysis of interacting scalar field cosmologies
Authors: Leon Genly , González Esteban , Millano Alfredo D , Franz Silva Felipe Orlando
Published: March 2022

Scalar field cosmologies with a generalized harmonic potential are investigated in flat and negatively curved Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker and Bianchi I metrics. An interaction between the scalar field and matter is considered. Asymptotic methods and averaging theory are used to obtain relevant information about the solution space. In this approach, the Hubble parameter plays the role of a time-dependent perturbation parameter which controls the magnitude of the error between full-system and time-averaged solutions as it decreases. Our approach is used to show that full and time-averaged systems have the same asymptotic behavior. Numerical simulations are presented as evidence of such behavior. Relevant results show that the asymptotic behavior of the solutions is independent of the coupling function.
Insights on entanglement entropy in 1 + 1 dimensional causal sets
Authors: Keseman Théo , Muneesamy Hans J , Yazdi Yasaman K
Published: March 2022

Entanglement entropy in causal sets offers a fundamentally covariant characterisation of quantum field degrees of freedom. A known result in this context is that the degrees of freedom consist of a number of contributions that have continuum-like analogues, in addition to a number of contributions that do not. The latter exhibit features below the discreteness scale and are excluded from the entanglement entropy using a ‘truncation scheme’. This truncation is necessary to recover the standard spatial area law of entanglement entropy. In this paper we build on previous work on the entanglement entropy of a massless scalar field on a causal set approximated by a 1 + 1D causal diamond in Minkowski spacetime. We present new insights into the truncated contributions, including evidence that they behave as fluctuations and encode features specific to a particular causal set sprinkling. We extend previous results in the massless theory to include Rényi entropies and include new results for the massive theory. We also discuss the implications of our work for the treatment of entanglement entropy in causal sets in more general settings.
Modifying magnetic properties of MnBi with carbon: an experimental and theoretical study
Authors: Kharel Parashu , Lama Bhubnesh , Flesche Matthew , Mehlberg Zachary , Lamsal Buddhi , Valloppilly Shah , Zhou Yue , Sellmyer David J , Paudel Tula R
Published: March 2022

MnBi and MnBi-based materials have been investigated as prospective rare-earth-free permanent magnets with moderate energy product. One of the main issues with MnBi synthesis is the presence of residual Bi in the sample which reduces the net magnetization. We have found that MnBi synthesized in the presence of carbon substantially reduces the amount of residual Bi, improving its saturation magnetization. We have synthesized Mn55Bi45 and Mn55Bi45C
x
samples using arc melting and high-vacuum annealing. The room temperature x-ray diffraction patterns indicate that both Mn55Bi45 and Mn55Bi45C
x
crystallize in the hexagonal NiAs-type structure. The Rietveld analysis of the x-ray patterns shows that the amount of residual Bi reduces from 16 wt.% for Mn55Bi45 to 5 wt.% for Mn55Bi45Cx. The high-field (3 T) magnetizations measured at room temperature are 61 emu g−1 and 66 emu g−1 for Mn55Bi45 and Mn55Bi45C
x
, respectively. To understand the role of C in enhancing the magnetization of MnBi, we carried out the first-principles calculations of both stoichiometric and nonstoichiometric MnBi alloys, which suggests that the increase of magnetization in Mn55Bi45C
x
may be due to the coating of MnBi grains with C.
Multifunctional behaviour in B-site disordered double perovskite EuPrCoMnO6
Authors: Alam Mohd , Ghosh Labanya , Majumder Supriyo , Singh Prajyoti , Kumar Satya Vijay , Dixit Srishti , Kumar Dheeraj , Anand Khyati , Kumari Seema , Ghosh A K , Choudhary R J , Chatterjee Sandip
Published: March 2022

We report magnetic, transport, dielectric, and complex impedance of polycrystalline double perovskite EuPrCoMnO6 which crystallizes in disordered orthorhombic phase with space group Pnma. The DC magnetization shows two successive ferromagnetic transitions around 146 K and 138 K. The temperature and magnetic field variation of DC-susceptibility suggest the existence of Griffith phase and spontaneous exchange bias. AC susceptibility measurement shows a glassy dynamic behaviour near ferromagnetic transition. Further, a re-entrant glassy dynamic state is seen at a low temperature around 40 K. Temperature-dependent resistivity shows semiconducting/insulating nature, which gets increased under the application of magnetic field, showing positive magnetoresistance. The dielectric study shows usual frequency-dependent step-like behaviour with a colossal dielectric constant near room temperature. The complex impedance study shows both grain and grain boundary contribute to the electrical properties. The observed properties suggest the material can be used for spintronic devices and high dielectric applications.
Revisiting the scotogenic model with scalar dark matter
Authors: Ávila Ivania M , Cottin Giovanna , Díaz Marco A
Published: March 2022

The scotogenic model is a well motivated scenario that provides both an explanation for neutrino masses and for dark matter (DM). We focus on a real scalar DM candidate in this model, produced through standard thermal freeze-out. We analyze the parameter space of the model compatible with the observed DM relic abundance, direct and indirect detection searches, limits from lepton flavour violating decays and constraints from the neutrino sector. As the mass differences of the DM with the neutral and charged states are found to be small, the new scalars and fermions of the theory will have macroscopic lifetimes, and could thus be potentially detected with long-lived particle signatures at colliders. We find regions in the parameter space to be—partially or fully—consistent with the DM relic abundance, and the prediction of a long-lived charged scalar or lightest neutral fermion in the scotogenic scenario, for DM masses below 500 GeV. We discuss on the collider phenomenology in some detail.
A new image reconstruction strategy for TMR-EMT: combining regularization theory with guided image filtering method
Authors: Wang Chao , Guo Qi , Li Zhengnan , Ye Jiamin
Published: March 2022

Electromagnetic tomography based on tunneling magnetoresistance (TMR-EMT) can be used to obtain the solid phase (magnetic catalyst) distribution in a gas–liquid–solid three-phase fluidized bed based on changes in permeability. However, the TMR-EMT system has a higher sensitivity near the TMR sensor and lower sensitivity in other positions, which makes the ill-conditioned property of image reconstruction more serious compared with the traditional coil measurement EMT system. As a result, the reconstructed image quality of the solid phase distribution is low. Aiming to address this problem, a new image reconstruction strategy, based on guided image filtering (GIF) and regularization theory, is proposed for TMR-EMT to improve the reconstruction quality of the solid phase distribution in a gas–liquid–solid three-phase fluidized bed. First, the L2 regularization method and L1 regularization method are used to reconstruct the image of the permeability distribution in the region of interest (ROI). On this basis, the reconstructed images of the L2 regularization and L1 regularization are used as the input image and guided image of GIF respectively for filtering the output. Finally, the image of solid phase distribution in the ROI is obtained according to the reconstructed image of the permeability. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed strategy can take into account the sparsity of L1 regularization and the smoothness of L2 regularization simultaneously, and obtain a higher image reconstruction quality.
A comparison of two data analysis approaches for quantitative magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Metzner Selma , Wübbeler Gerd , Kolbitsch Christoph , Elster Clemens
Published: March 2022

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a medical imaging technique which is widely used in clinical routine. Standard imaging methods lead to so-called contrast-weighted images. The contrast arises from several tissue-related parameters such as the relaxation times T
1 and T
2. The aim in quantitative MRI (qMRI) is an estimation of these quantitative parameters. Magnetic resonance fingerprinting (MRF) is a promising technique in qMRI that allows for the simultaneous determination of multiple tissue-related parameters within a short acquisition time. The conventional MRF method utilizes an approximate inverse Fourier transformation for the highly undersampled data in the Fourier domain, leading to aliasing errors in the reconstructed magnetization courses. Computationally expensive statistical MRF modeling approaches overcome this issue by modeling the data directly in the Fourier domain. However, this leads to a non-convex and large-scale optimization task that is challenging to solve and requires expensive calculations. We compare two recent approaches, namely the conventional MRF method and a statistical MRF modeling approach based on Bayesian statistics in terms of their accuracy, reliability and computational costs. The comparison is carried out for simulated data with known ground truth for different signal-to-noise ratios, in the presence of errors in the physical model, and for several Fourier domain sampling schemes. It is demonstrated that a residual analysis can help to decide if the conventional MRF method is sufficient or if the complex Bayesian Fourier domain modeling approach can lead to a significant improvement.
Maximal overlap discrete wavelet packet transforms and variants of neutrosophic cubic cross-entropy-based identification of rotor defects
Authors: Gandhi Chander Parkash , Kumar Anil , Vashist Govind , Tang Hesheng , Rai Akhand , Xiang Jiawei
Published: March 2022

The present study proposes a novel procedure for automated testimony of rotor defects through maximal overlap discrete wavelet packet transform (MODWPT) and the proposed neutrosophic cubic cross-entropy, fuzzy cross-entropy and single-valued neutrosophic cross-entropy (NCE) measures consecutively. Discrete wavelet transform is an efficient data decomposition technique, but the technical barrier with this technique is that it can decompose only low-frequency (approximate) signals and also it does not possess the shift invariance property. MODWPT possesses the shift invariance property and is highly capable of decomposing both approximate and detailed signals in time–frequency analysis. After the decomposition of raw signals through MODWPT, the lower and upper bounds of normalized energy readings of various rotor defect conditions (familiar and unfamiliar) are extracted and converted into the forms of fuzzy sets, single-valued neutrosophic sets and neutrosophic cubic sets respectively. The minimum neutrosophic cubic cross-entropy measure as well as fuzzy and single-valued NCE measure values between each rotor defect condition (familiar and unfamiliar) are computed and then utilized to identify various rotor defect conditions, such as parallel and angular misalignment of 7 Mils, rub, unbalance and defect-free respectively. The proposed variants of cross-entropy measure are intelligent in identifying the rotor defect conditions in comparison with the existing cosine similarity measure which exhibits unjustified and meaningless results during mathematical treatments.
Effect of hydrostatic pressure on the kinetics of alpha–omega phase transformation in zirconium
Authors: Brown Jacob , Yeddu Hemantha Kumar
Published: March 2022

A three dimensional (3D) elastoplastic phase-field model, including strain hardening, is employed to study the effect of hydrostatic pressure in the range of 4–9 GPa on the kinetics of alpha–omega phase transformation in zirconium (Zr). The input data corresponding to pure Zr are acquired from experimental studies as well as by using the CALPHAD method. A decreasing incubation time, for the formation of omega variants, with increasing pressure is observed. Avrami (JMAK) equation is used to study the transformation kinetics by analysing the phase fraction plots predicted by the phase-field simulations. The estimated activation energy is in the range of 54–59 kJ mol−1 and decreases at an average rate of 992 J mol−1 per 1 GPa increase in pressure. The analysis of Avrami exponents, based on Cahn’s approach, show that the transformation region can be divided into two distinct regions with a change in slope, which is attributed to the site saturation. It is concluded that in the first region where the exponents are above 3, the transformation proceeds by nucleation and growth. In the second region where the exponents are sub-unity, the transformation proceeds by growth of the existing variants.
Fermi energy-level shift of p-type AgBiSe2 single crystal featuring semiconductor-to-metal transition at cryogenics
Authors: William Carry M , Mrinaleni S , Amaladass Edward Prabu , Senthil Pandian Muthu , Vinoth Rathan S , Ramasamy P , Mani Awadhesh , Bhaumik Indranil
Published: March 2022

A ternary chalcogenide AgBiSe2 (ABS) crystal was grown using the Bridgman–Stockbarger technique followed by XRD and Raman shift analysis to verify the structural properties of the ABS crystal. The temperature (300–4.2 K)-dependent resistivity (ρ) shows semiconductor behavior down to 109 K and transforms to metallic behavior down to 19 K. Due to the localization behavior, the resistance shows an upturn up on further decrease in temperature. Charge defects caused by atomic vacancies as well as anti-site defects are thermodynamically induced, and have the potential to shift the Fermi energy level. The two transitions at 109 and 19 K in ρ(T) demonstrate consequent changes as a semiconductor-to-metal transition. The magnetoresistance MR graph exhibits resistive behavior with respect to the magnetic field applied and displays a ‘U’ shape at 300 K, which changes to a ‘V’ shape at 4.2 K. The Hall effect measurements reveal that the majority carrier is a hole. The carrier density as well as mobility changes with respect to temperature are analyzed within the preview of the Ioffe–Regel criterion. ABS is a promising p-type candidate with efficient characteristics that needs further elaboration for thermoelectric, photonic and photovoltaic applications.
An innovative geotechnical and structural monitoring system based on the use of NSHT
Authors: Di Gennaro L , Damiano E , De Cristofaro M , Netti N , Olivares L , Zona R , Iavazzo L , Coscetta A , Mirabile M , Giarrusso G A , D’Ettore A , Minutolo V
Published: March 2022

The development of innovative early warning systems (EWS), structural health monitoring (SHM) and structural health monitoring and reinforcement (SHMR) systems is essential to prevent the occurrence of potentially dangerous events on engineering works, buildings and in the natural environment. Their effectiveness can be improved by using new generation sensors able to realize widespread, low-cost monitoring at increasing spatial and temporal resolution. The main aim of the research is, therefore, to develop a versatile strain transducer capable of monitoring elements of different nature such as slopes, buildings and linear infrastructures performing distributed real-time measurements. The paper introduces a new smart hybrid transducer (NSHT), a strain transducer belonging to the distributed optical fiber sensors family, appositely designed to overcome the drawbacks of traditional solutions. An experimental laboratory setup was arranged to test its reliability and a comparison between measurements retrieved by the NSHT and traditional devices were done. The results showed that the NSHT is able to perform strain monitoring with spatial resolution as high as 5 cm and accuracy comparable to that of the traditional devices. Finally, an integrated structural and geotechnical monitoring system architecture based on its use is proposed for the Petacciato site, where a deep-seated landslide affects the historical town and some infrastructures. To realize a single communication line in such a complex monitoring system, where multiple elements have to be monitored, a specific tool was also designed and tested, that allows the exact spatial identification of the various elements under observation. Although on-site validation is needed, these early results are encouraging and demonstrate that the NSHT is a low-cost transducer with great potential and that, looking forward, it can be used to increase the effectiveness of the existing EW, SHM and SHMR Systems. The development of systems involving NSHT also follows the new approach to innovation policy contributing to different points of the 2030 Agenda
Reducing current crowding in meander superconducting strip single-photon detectors by thickening bends
Authors: Xiong Jia-Min , Zhang Wei-Jun , Xu Guang-Zhao , You Li-Xing , Zhang Xing-Yu , Zhang Lu , Zhang Cheng-Jun , Fan Dong-Hui , Wang Yu-Ze , Li Hao , Wang Zhen
Published: March 2022

To facilitate high optical coupling efficiency and absorptance, the active area of a superconducting nano/microstrip single-photon detector (SNSPD/SMSPD) is often designed as a meander configuration with a high filling factor (e.g. ⩾0.5). However, the switching current (I
sw) of SNSPD/SMSPD, at which the detector switches into the normal state, is significantly suppressed by a geometry-induced ‘current crowding effect’, where there are sharp bends in the strip. Here, we propose and experimentally verify an alternative method to reduce current crowding both in SNSPD and SMSPD by directly increasing the thickness of the bends through the deposition and lift-off of a secondary superconducting film. We measure and compare the performance of SNSPDs and SMSPDs with different filling factors and bend configurations, with or without thickened bends. Improvements for detectors were observed in detection efficiency, intrinsic dark count rate, and time jitter, owing to the enhanced I
sw. Our method provides a promising way of optimizing SNSPD/SMSPD detection performance.
Relative Astrometry in an Annular Field
Authors: Gai M. , Vecchiato A. , Riva A. , Butkevich A. G. , Busonero D. , Qi Z. , Lattanzi M. G.
Published: March 2022

Background. Relative astrometry at or below the microarcsec level with a 1 m class space telescope has been repeatedly proposed as a tool for exo-planet detection and characterization, as well as for several topics at the forefront of Astrophysics and Fundamental Physics. Aim. This paper investigates the potential benefits of an instrument concept based on an annular field of view, as compared to a traditional focal plane imaging a contiguous area close to the telescope optical axis. Method. Basic aspects of relative astrometry are reviewed as a function of the distribution on the sky of reference stars brighter than G = 12 mag (from Gaia EDR3). Statistics of field stars for targets down to G = 8 mag is evaluated by analysis and simulation. Results. Observation efficiency benefits from prior knowledge on individual targets, since source model is improved with few measurements. Dedicated observations (10–20 hr) can constrain the orbital inclination of exoplanets to a few degrees. Observing strategy can be tailored to include a sample of stars, materialising the reference frame, sufficiently large to average down the residual catalog errors to the desired microarcsec level. For most targets, the annular field provides typically more reference stars, by a factor four to seven in our case, than the conventional field. The brightest reference stars for each target are up to 2 mag brighter. Conclusions. The proposed annular field telescope concept improves on observation flexibility and/or astrometric performance with respect to conventional designs. It appears therefore as an appealing contribution to optimization of future relative astrometry missions.
The Book as Archive
Authors: Hidalgo Alex
Published: March 2022

The article centers on a handwritten account of the stillbirth of conjoined twins in eighteenth-century Mexico stitched into a book about natural history. Finding things in books as part of an accidental process of discovery in the present does not equal random acts by users in the past. Inserting documents and prints of various kinds into books represented for historical actors a distinct kind of archival practice that combined careful observation, deliberation, and a certain measure of dexterity to manipulate the physicality of a book. Examples of records and objects found in other titles from the same time period and region help to contextualize the way people used books and how they stored memories, as well as what we as researchers can learn when critically analyzing the materiality of print.