bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of Vertebroplasty and Kyphoplasty for Pain Reduction in Patients with Sarcopenia and Osteoporosis
Authors: Schilling John H. , Gimarc David , Pflederer Nicholas M. , Pattee Jack , Durst Michael , Jesse MK , Korf James , Crawford Amanda , Ho Corey K.
Published: January 2024

Purpose Vertebral compression fractures (VCFs) are common and associated with high morbidity including severe, debilitating pain. Percutaneous vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty is a demonstrated effective treatment for VCF. Sarcopenia has been implicated as a risk factor for VCF and refracture following cement augmentation, and as a risk factor for procedural complications in some populations; however, the effect of sarcopenia on VCF patients undergoing these procedures is unknown. This study aims to improve outcomes and patient selection by investigating the effects of highly common VCF comorbidities.

Methods A retrospective study was performed of all patients who underwent vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty for treatment of VCF at a single center from 2007 to 2020. Sarcopenia was quantified by normalized total psoas area (TPA) as measured on computed tomography. The effect of sarcopenia, bone density t-score, and clinical and demographic covariates on periprocedural pain scores was evaluated with linear mixed-effects models.

Results Out of 458 procedures performed, 146 and 130 were included in the sarcopenia and osteoporosis analyses, respectively. Sarcopenia and osteoporosis were highly comorbid in VCF patients undergoing vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty. Linear mixed-effects modeling showed no significant association between change in pain score and TPA score (p = 0.827) or bone density t-score (p = 0.818).

Conclusion Postprocedural pain reduction after vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty is not associated with the presence or severity of sarcopenia or osteoporosis/osteopenia. Appropriate patient selection remains critical to optimize the risk–benefit ratio of vertebroplasty/kyphoplasty, and sarcopenia and osteoporosis should not be considered contraindications to these procedures.
Facial phantom model: a low-cost and safe tool for teaching botulinum toxin application in neurology residencies
Authors: Alencar e Silva Rodrigo , Fraiman Pedro , Godeiro Júnior Clécio de Oliveira
Published: January 2024

Background The application of botulinum toxin (BoNT) in the treatment of blepharospasm and hemifacial spasm (HS) is a well-established practice. However, neurology residency programs often rely on real patients for training, which has limitations in terms of patient availability and skill acquisition.

Objective Assess the efficacy of a new facial phantom model for acquiring motor skills in BoNT application.

Methods An anthropomorphic facial phantom model was developed in collaboration with a medical training simulator start-up. A group of seven neurologists and one ophthalmologist with expertise in BoNT application evaluated the model using an adapted learning object review instrument (LORI). The instrument assessed aspects such as: content quality, alignment of learning objectives, feedback and adaptation, motivation, presentation design, and accessibility.

Results The facial phantom model received high scores in the LORI evaluation, with the highest ratings given to alignment with learning objectives and motivation. The model also scored well in terms of accessibility, content quality, and presentation design. However, feedback and adaptation received a lower score due to the static nature of the model.

Conclusion The facial phantom model shows promise as a valuable tool for teaching and developing competence in BoNT application for HS and blepharospasm. The model reduces the reliance on real patients for training, providing a broader and safer learning experience for neurology residents. It also provides a realistic learning experience and offers portability, cost-effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing for use in various medical training scenarios. It is an effective and accessible tool for teaching BoNT application.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of phantom limb pain: a systematic review
Authors: Knorst Gabriel Rocha Santos , Souza Phamella Rocha de , Araújo Armani Gontijo Plácido Di , Knorst Samantha Avanço Ferraz , Diniz Denise Sisterolli , Filho Hélio Fernandes da Silva
Published: January 2024

Background Phantom limb pain (PLP) occurs after amputations and can persist in a chronic and debilitating way. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is a non-invasive neuromodulation method capable of influencing brain function and modulating cortical excitability. Its effectiveness in treating chronic pain is promising.

Objective To evaluate the evidence on the efficacy and safety of using rTMS in the treatment of PLP, observing the stimulation parameters used, side effects, and benefits of the therapy.

Methods This is a systematic review of scientific articles published in national and international literature using electronic platforms.

Results Two hundred and fifty two articles were identified. Two hundred and forty six publications were removed because they were duplicated or met the exclusion criteria. After selection, six studies were reviewed, those being two randomized clinical trials and four case reports. All evaluated studies indicated some degree of benefit of rTMS to relieve painful symptoms, even temporarily. Pain perception was lower at the end of treatment when compared to the period prior to the sessions and remained during patient follow-up. There was no standardization of the stimulation parameters used. There were no reports of serious adverse events. The effects of long-term therapy have not been evaluated.

Conclusion There are some benefits, even if temporary, in the use of rTMS to relieve painful symptoms in PLP. High-frequency stimulation at M1 demonstrated a significant analgesic effect. Given the potential that has been demonstrated, but limited by the paucity of high-quality studies, further controlled studies are needed to establish and standardize the clinical use of the method.
Effective treatment of optic neuropathies by intraocular delivery of MSC-sEVs through augmenting the G-CSF-macrophage pathway
Authors: Yi Wei , Xue Ying , Qing Wenjie , Cao Yingxue , Zhou Lingli , Xu Mingming , Sun Zehui , Li Yuying , Mai Xiaomei , Shi Le , He Chang , Zhang Feng , Duh Elia J. , Cao Yihai , Liu Xialin
Published: January 2024

Optic neuropathies, characterized by injury of retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons of the optic nerve, cause incurable blindness worldwide. Mesenchymal stem cell–derived small extracellular vesicles (MSC-sEVs) represent a promising “cell-free” therapy for regenerative medicine; however, the therapeutic effect on neural restoration fluctuates, and the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. Here, we illustrated that intraocular administration of MSC-sEVs promoted both RGC survival and axon regeneration in an optic nerve crush mouse model. Mechanistically, MSC-sEVs primarily targeted retinal mural cells to release high levels of colony-stimulating factor 3 (G-CSF) that recruited a neural restorative population of Ly6C
low
monocytes/monocyte-derived macrophages (Mo/MΦ). Intravitreal administration of G-CSF, a clinically proven agent for treating neutropenia, or donor Ly6C
low
Mo/MΦ markedly improved neurological outcomes in vivo. Together, our data define a unique mechanism of MSC-sEV-induced G-CSF-to-Ly6C
low
Mo/MΦ signaling in repairing optic nerve injury and highlight local delivery of MSC-sEVs, G-CSF, and Ly6C
low
Mo/MΦ as therapeutic paradigms for the treatment of optic neuropathies.
Reexpansion of charged nanoparticle assemblies in concentrated electrolytes
Authors: Reinertsen Roger J. E. , Kewalramani Sumit , Jiménez-Ángeles Felipe , Weigand Steven J. , Bedzyk Michael J. , Olvera de la Cruz Monica
Published: January 2024

Electrostatic forces in solutions are highly relevant to a variety of fields, ranging from electrochemical energy storage to biology. However, their manifestation in concentrated electrolytes is not fully understood, as exemplified by counterintuitive observations of colloidal stability and long-ranged repulsions in molten salts. Highly charged biomolecules, such as DNA, respond sensitively to ions in dilute solutions. Here, we use non-base-pairing DNA-coated nanoparticles (DNA-NP) to analyze electrostatic interactions in concentrated salt solutions. Despite their negative charge, these conjugates form colloidal crystals in solutions of sufficient divalent cation concentration. We utilize small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to study such DNA-NP assemblies across the full accessible concentration ranges of aqueous CaCl
2
, MgCl
2
, and SrCl
2
solutions. SAXS shows that the crystallinity and phases of the assembled structures vary with cation type. For all tested salts, the aggregates contract with added ions at low salinities and then begin expanding above a cation-dependent threshold salt concentration. Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS) reveals enhanced positional correlations between ions in the solution at high salt concentrations. Complementary molecular dynamics simulations show that these ion–ion interactions reduce the favorability of dense ion configurations within the DNA brushes below that of the bulk solution. Measurements in solutions with lowered permittivity demonstrate a simultaneous increase in ion coupling and decrease in the concentration at which aggregate expansion begins, thus confirming the connection between these phenomena. Our work demonstrates that interactions between charged objects continue to evolve considerably into the high-concentration regime, where classical theories project electrostatics to be of negligible consequence.
Bisexuality in experimental sociophonetics
Authors: Willis Chloe
Published: January 2024

The belief that there is a relationship between sexuality and speech has inspired a vast body of linguistic
research on lesbian- and gay-sounding voices (Campbell-Kibler 2007, Gaudio 1994, Levon 2006, Moonwomon-Baird 1997, Munson, McDonald, DeBoe & White
2006a, Munson, Jefferson & McDonald 2006b, Pierrehumbert, Bent, Munson, Bradlow & Bailey 2004, Smyth, Jacobs
& Rogers 2003, Zimman 2013). Bisexuality is conspicuously absent in this
literature. This article analyzes bisexual English speakers’ productions of the voiceless alveolar fricative /s/ relative to
lesbian, gay, and straight speakers using linear mixed-effects regression modeling. A qualitative analysis of post-test
participant information surveys contextualizes the statistical findings. The quantitative and qualitative results suggest that
bisexual women and men do not pattern consistently with each other or lesbian, gay, or straight speakers. The analysis highlights
the extent to which ideologies of sexuality, gender, and normativity inform experimental sociophonetic research practice.
Cross-cultural code-switching for sexuality professionals
Authors: Levand Mark A. , Moreno Lorena Olvera , Sitron Justin
Published: January 2024

Sexuality professionals (sexologists) often communicate from a broad perspective of sexuality based on unique
training. Cross-cultural code-switching is useful for sexologists to communicate with those who have different sexological
worldviews. We discuss the concept of cross-cultural code-switching and its usefulness for sexuality professionals. We consider
the theories behind the usefulness of this tactic in one’s work as a sexologist and offer practical considerations for effective
code-switching across cultures. We observe the power dynamics in code-switching and offer this theoretical work as a way to raise
one’s awareness to these realities of communication in the roles sexuality professionals hold in the world.
“Like little Helsinki girls in the backseat of a tram”
Authors: Lindeman Meri
Published: January 2024

This article explores the conceptions and attitudes that non-linguists have towards Finnish spoken by gay men.
Combining folk linguistics and feminist theories, the study utilises interview and survey data for content analysis. The study
finds that the main characteristics of speech viewed as “gay” – e.g. high pitch, atypical intonation patterns, nasality,
non-canonical /s/ quality, use of affective adjectives – align with the speech stereotypes associated with girls
and young women. The article suggests that, even though the attitudes explicitly communicated by the participants are mostly
neutral, the language features associated with gay men show a strong relation to extra-linguistic gay stereotypes.
Sequentiality
Authors: Campbell Akua
Published: January 2024

This paper examines a hitherto unreported use of the Gã Perfect gram termed the ‘sequential perfect’. The sequential perfect represents a late stage of grammaticalization as it no longer conveys any aspectual information on its own, instead deriving its semantics from verbal categories in the prior discourse. It is primarily modal, being used for irrealis, habitual and iterative situations. It occurs in the non-initial clause of multiclausal constructions and signals that the event it marks is temporally posterior to another event. It also imparts the epistemic modal meanings of inevitability and certainty. I propose that these newer functions are developed from the core semantic components of change-of-state and completion. This involves grammaticalization via domain extension, where change-of-state within an event is extended to change between events. The investigation introduces a new pathway for grammaticalization of the perfect, which has implications for studies of the perfect and grammaticalization generally.
Thermodynamics and optical properties of phantom AdS black holes in massive gravity
Authors: Jafarzade Kh , Eslam Panah B , Rodrigues M E
Published: January 2024

Motivated by high interest in Lorentz invariant massive gravity models known as dRGT massive gravity, we present an exact phantom black hole solution in this theory of gravity and discuss the thermodynamic structure of the black hole in the canonical ensemble. Calculating the conserved and thermodynamic quantities, we check the validity of the first law of thermodynamics and the Smarr relation in the extended phase space. In addition, we investigate both the local and global stability of these black holes and show how massive parameters affect the regions of stability. We extend our study to investigate the optical features of the black holes such as the shadow geometrical shape, energy emission rate, and deflection angle. Also, we discuss how these optical quantities are affected by massive coefficients. Finally, we consider a massive scalar perturbation minimally coupled to the background geometry of the black hole and examine the quasinormal modes by employing the WKB approximation.
Two-point resistances in symmetric bracelet resistor networks: accurate estimates and exact expressions
Authors: Perrier Frédéric , Girault Frédéric
Published: January 2024

Resistor networks, used to model new types of natural or artificial matter, also provide generic examples for practising the methods of physics for obtaining estimates, revealing the main properties of a system and deriving exact expressions. Symmetric bracelet resistor networks are constructed by connecting n identical resistors in a circle, and then connecting two such circles by another set of n identical resistors. First, using van Steenwijk’s method, we establish that the equivalent resistance or two-point resistance (TPR) between any two nodes is derived when the layer-to-layer resistance R
0n
is known. We then determine R
0n
by an elementary recurrence relation which converges rapidly to its large n limit. Using this reference value of R
0n
, accurate estimates of other TPRs follow for all values of n, characterised by a leading 1/n variation. In addition, exact explicit expressions of the TPRs can be calculated for any value of n. These networks, prototypes of three-dimensional networks considered in research, can be used to illustrate the diversity of the physical approach, the power of elementary methods, and to learn to be comfortable with approximations. Easy to make and use for experimental tests, they can support hands-on activities and conceptual changes.
Production of twisted particles in magnetic fields
Authors: Zou Liping , Zhang Pengming , Silenko Alexander J
Published: January 2024

The use of a (quasi)uniform magnetic field opens new possibilities for the production of twisted particles having orbital angular momenta. We ascertain these possibilities. Quantum states suitable for the creation of charged particles in a uniform magnetic field are determined. The particle penetration from a solenoid to vacuum or another solenoid is analyzed in detail. It is shown that a previously proposed approach can be utilized for the successful production of twisted positrons and positroniums. We also find a new effect of increasing the uncertainty of the phase of the particle rotation with the distance passed by the particle in the solenoid. This effect, based on the fundamentals of quantum mechanics, leads to exciting new possibilities for the production of twisted particles in real solenoids without additional particle sources therein.
Magnetic toroidicity
Authors: Xu Xianghan , Huang Fei-Ting , Cheong Sang-Wook
Published: January 2024

Directional non-reciprocity refers to the phenomenon where the motion in one direction differs from the motion in the opposite direction. This behavior is observed across various systems, such as one-way traffic and materials displaying electronic/optical directional dichroism, characterized by the symmetry of velocity vectors. Magnetic toroidal moments (MTMs), which typically arise from rotational spin arrangements, also possess the symmetry of velocity vectors, making them inherently directionally non-reciprocal. In this paper, we examine magnetic point groups (MPGs) that exhibit MTMs, subsequently leading to off-diagonal linear magnetoelectricity. Our focus is on the induction of MTMs through electric fields, magnetic fields, or shear stress, while enumerating the relevant MPGs. The findings of our study will serve as valuable guidance for future investigations on directional non-reciprocity, MTMs, and off-diagonal linear magnetoelectric effects.
Soft measurement model for wet gas flow rate based on ultrasonic and differential pressure sensing
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Shao Simin , Liu Anna , Wang Maosen , Li Tao
Published: January 2024

Non-separation measurement of gas–liquid two-phase flow is of great significance to industrial production and theoretical research on two-phase flow. In this paper, a soft measurement method of wet gas flow rate based on ultrasonic and differential pressure (DP) sensors is proposed. A total of 129 sets of experimental data are obtained in DN50 horizontal pipe, the superficial velocity of gas and liquid ranging from 5 m s−1 to 33 m s−1 and 0.015 m s−1 to 0.6 m s−1, respectively. Ten feature parameters of ultrasonic signals such as the time difference between two echoes and kurtosis factor are proposed from time and frequency domain. As well as the power spectral density, mean value and standard deviation value are analyzed based on DP signals. Furthermore, the Spearman correlation coefficient is introduced to evaluate these feature parameters quantitatively. And nine parameters which are highly correlated to gas–liquid flow rate are selected as the inputs of the soft measurement model. Finally, Decision Tree, least square support vector machines and artificial neural network (ANN) models are established through training with the experimental data. Comparison results show that ANN has the lowest prediction errors on the test set, with the mean absolute percentage errors of 1.49% and 3.2% for gas and liquid, respectively.
Polarization-doped n-p-i-p-n GaN-based parallel phototransistor with thick GaN absorption layer for achieving high responsivity
Authors: Zhu Zhengji , Chu Chunshuang , Tian Kangkai , Xuan Zhan , Xie Zhiwei , Jiang Ke , Zhang Yonghui , Sun Xiaojuan , Zhang Zi-Hui , Li Dabing
Published: January 2024

In this report, we propose a polarization-doped n-p-i-p-n GaN-based parallel phototransistor with thick GaN absorption layer. We employ an Al-composition-graded AlxGa1–xN layer for achieving p-type doping feature. We have studied the light propagation in the unintentionally doped GaN (i-GaN) absorption layer with different thicknesses, and the optimized thickness is 2 μm. As a result, the photo current of 10−2 A cm−2 and the responsivity of 2.12 A W−1 can be obtained at the applied bias of 5 V. In our fabricated device, during the current transport process, the photo-generated carriers are not along the device surface. Therefore, the photoconductive effect will be absent, and hence our device achieves a response speed with a rise time of 43.3 ms and a fall time of 86.4 ms.
Evolution of phase slips with wire width and observation of critical-voltage feature without high-impedance environment in NbN nanowires
Authors: Wang Xiaoni , Xu Zulei , Liu Xiaoyu , Xu Fei , Liu Yixin , Gao Wanpeng , Wu Yu , Yang Ming , Peng Wei , Wang Zhen , Mu Gang , Lin Zhi-Rong , Xie Xiaoming
Published: January 2024

Quantum phase slip (QPS) is an important effect that occurs in one-dimensional (1D) or quasi-1D superconducting (SC) materials. Due to the extremely high requirements on the uniformity and quality of SC nanowires, it is currently very challenging to obtain repeatable and controllable QPS devices. Here, we report a systematic study of the QPS effect in NbN SC nanowires. High-quality NbN nanowires with different widths are fabricated by combining the processes of photo-lithography, electron beam lithography, and inductively coupled plasma etching. It is found that the electrical transport of the nanowires showed a systematic variation with the wire width, and a clear evolution from single to multiple QPS events with the decrease in wire width is uncovered at low temperatures. Based on these experimental results, the phase diagram reflecting the evolution of the physical states of the nanowires with wire width and temperature is obtained. In addition, we observed the features of the critical voltage, which is a characteristic of the occurrence of coherent QPS (cQPS), in samples with a width of 36 nm in the multiple QPS region. It is worth noting that this cQPS behavior was detected in a non-high-impedance environment.
New strategy to improve the accuracy of quantitative analysis of energy dispersive spectroscopy
Authors: Moon Won-Jin , Yu Seul Gi , Kim Yang Soo , Park Byung-Kyu , Jung Wan-Gil , Song Ho-Jun
Published: January 2024

Elemental quantification of several single crystalline TEM samples of intermediate thickness range that cannot be quantified by the thin-film approximation method and the ZAF correction were investigated using wedge-shaped samples of known thickness fabricated by the FIB technique. ‘Thickness factor (T

F
)’ and ‘Thickness correction coefficient (T

C
)’ were proposed as error correction items of ‘thin-film approximation method’ to minimize the quantitative error that occurs when quantifying samples of intermediate thickness with TEM-EDS. As the result of T

F
correction, the quantification error in an Al2O3 TEM sample by TEM-EDS was reduced from about 52.15% to less than 3.28 (± 2.57) % by the correction of only one time. The self-absorption corrected line profiles and self-absorption corrected elemental mapping images in TEM samples of intermediate thickness range were also obtained by T

F
correction. As an example of application by T

F
correction, we proposed a novel method measuring thin-film thickness in normal TEM without the EELS system. The T

F
correction technique is a unique method to overcome the limitation of EDS quantification in the intermediate thickness range. This technique can effectively quantify characteristic x-ray lines less than 1,000 eV in the sample having intermediate thickness ranges using the conventional TEM-EDS system. It is expected to contribute significantly to understanding various characteristics or material nature related to material composition and sample thickness in nanomaterials because it provides more precise quantitative analysis information than current commercial EDS systems.
Degradation of dyes using reactive species of atmospheric pressure dielectric barrier discharge formed by a pencil plasma jet
Authors: Rathore Vikas , Pandey Akanksha , Patel Shruti , Dave Heman , Nema Sudhir Kumar
Published: January 2024

The dye degradation efficacy of the cold plasma pencil jet is presented in the present investigation. Dye degradation studies were performed using air plasma, six different types of selected dyes (erythrosine, metanil yellow, sudan I, crystal violet, rhodamine B, and Indigo). The degradation of dyes is analyzed using UV visible spectroscopy, total organic carbon, and chemical oxygen demand. The results showed complete degradation of all types of dyes in UV visible analysis with minimum time for indigo (3 min) and maximum time for erythrosine (45 min). Moreover, erythrosine (k = 1.08 mg l−1 min−1), sudan I (k = 3.46 mg l−1 min−1), rhodamine B (k = 3.955 mg l−1 min−1), and Indigo (k = 18.915 mg l−1 min−1) follows approximate zeroth-order degradation kinetic, and metanil yellow (k = 0.094 min−1) and crystal violet (k = 0.25 min−1), closer to first-order degradation kinetics. Additionally, a substantial enhancement in mineralization and reduction in chemical oxygen demand of all the dyes occurs after plasma treatment. In this study, air plasma is produced in the cylindrical coaxial dielectric barrier discharge configuration. Electrical characterization of plasma is performed and the plasma species are identified using optical emission spectroscopy. The toxicity of plasma degraded dyes solutions toward freshwater algae species (Chlorella Sorokiniana and Chlorella Pyrenoidosa) are significantly low compared to virgin dyes solutions. The study reveals that pencil plasma jet substantially degrades dyes as well as converts the dyes solutions non-toxic.
Constraining below-threshold radio source counts with machine learning
Authors: Todarello Elisa , Scaffidi Andre , Regis Marco , Taoso Marco
Published: January 2024

We propose a machine-learning-based technique to determine the number density of radio
sources as a function of their flux density, for use in next-generation radio surveys. The method
uses a convolutional neural network trained on simulations of the radio sky to predict the number
of sources in several flux bins. To train the network, we adopt a supervised approach wherein we
simulate training data stemming from a large domain of possible number count models going down to
fluxes a factor of 100 below the threshold for source detection. We test the model reconstruction
capabilities as well as benchmark the expected uncertainties in the model predictions, observing
good performance for fluxes down to a factor of ten below the threshold. This work demonstrates
that the capabilities of simple deep learning models for radio astronomy can be useful tools for
future surveys.
Probing reheating with graviton bremsstrahlung
Authors: Bernal Nicolás , Cléry Simon , Mambrini Yann , Xu Yong
Published: January 2024

We investigate the stochastic gravitational wave (GW) spectrum resulting from graviton
bremsstrahlung during inflationary reheating. We focus on an inflaton ϕ oscillating around a
generic monomial potential V(ϕ) ∝ ϕn
, considering two different reheating
scenarios: i) inflaton decay and ii) inflaton annihilation. We show that in the case of a
quadratic potential, the scattering of the inflatons can give rise to larger GW amplitude than the
decay channel. On the other hand, the GW spectrum exhibits distinct features and redshifts in
each scenario, which makes it possible to distinguish them in the event of a
discovery. Specifically, in the case of annihilation, the GW frequency can be shifted to values
higher than those of decay, whereas the GW amplitude generated by annihilation turns out to be
smaller than that in the decay case for n ≥ 4, due to the different scaling of radiation
during reheating. We also show that the differences in the GW spectrum become more prominent with
increasing n. Finally, we highlight the potential of future high-frequency GW detectors to
distinguish between the different reheating scenarios.
Quantum dense coding with gravitational cat states
Authors: Haddadi Saeed , Ghominejad Mehrdad , Czerwinski Artur
Published: January 2024

A protocol of quantum dense coding with gravitational cat states is proposed. We explore the effects of temperature and system parameters on dense coding capacity and provide an efficient strategy to preserve the quantum advantage of dense coding for these states. Our results may open new opportunities for secure communication and insights into the fundamental nature of gravity in the context of quantum information processing.
Actively tuning anisotropic light–matter interaction in biaxial hyperbolic material α-MoO3 using phase change material VO2 and graphene
Authors: Zhou 周 Kun 昆 , Hu 胡 Yang 杨 , Wu 吴 Biyuan 必园 , Zhong 仲 Xiaoxing 晓星 , Wu 吴 Xiaohu 小虎
Published: January 2024

Anisotropic hyperbolic phonon polaritons (PhPs) in natural biaxial hyperbolic material α-MoO3 has opened up new avenues for mid-infrared nanophotonics, while active tunability of α-MoO3 PhPs is still an urgent problem necessarily to be solved. In this study, we present a theoretical demonstration of actively tuning α-MoO3 PhPs using phase change material VO2 and graphene. It is observed that α-MoO3 PhPs are greatly dependent on the propagation plane angle of PhPs. The insulator-to-metal phase transition of VO2 has a significant effect on the hybridization PhPs of the α-MoO3/VO2 structure and allows to obtain actively tunable α-MoO3 PhPs, which is especially obvious when the propagation plane angle of PhPs is 90°. Moreover, when graphene surface plasmon sources are placed at the top or bottom of α-MoO3 in α-MoO3/VO2 structure, tunable coupled hyperbolic plasmon–phonon polaritons inside its Reststrahlen bands (RBs) and surface plasmon–phonon polaritons outside its RBs can be achieved. In addition, the above-mentioned α-MoO3-based structures also lead to actively tunable anisotropic spontaneous emission (SE) enhancement. This study may be beneficial for realization of active tunability of both PhPs and SE of α-MoO3, and facilitate a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of anisotropic light–matter interaction in α-MoO3 using functional materials.
Effects of counter-current driven by electron cyclotron waves on neoclassical tearing mode suppression
Authors: Gao 高 Qin 钦 , Zheng 郑 Ping-Wei 平卫
Published: January 2024

Through theoretical analysis, we construct a physical model that includes the influence of counter-external driven current opposite to the plasma current direction in the neoclassical tearing mode (NTM). The equation is used with this model to obtain the modified Rutherford equation with co-current and counter-current contributions. Consistent with the reported experimental results, numerical simulations have shown that the localized counter external current can only partially suppress NTM when it is far from the resonant magnetic surface. Under some circumstances, the Ohkawa mechanism dominated current drive (OKCD) by electron cyclotron waves can concurrently create both co-current and counter-current. In this instance, the minimal electron cyclotron wave power that suppresses a particular NTM was calculated by the Rutherford equation. The result is marginally less than when taking co-current alone into consideration. As a result, to suppress NTM using OKCD, one only needs to align the co-current with a greater OKCD peak well with the resonant magnetic surface. The effect of its lower counter-current does not need to be considered because the location of the counter-current deviates greatly from the resonant magnetic surface.
Stable photocurrent–voltage characteristics of perovskite single crystal detectors obtained by pulsed bias
Authors: Liu 刘 Xin 新 , Chen 陈 Zhi-Long 之龙 , Wang 王 Hu 虎 , Zhang 张 Wen-Qing 雯清 , Dong 董 Hao 昊 , Wang 王 Peng-Xiang 鹏祥 , Shao 邵 Yu-Chuan 宇川
Published: January 2024

Photocurrent–voltage characterization is a crucial method for assessing key parameters in x-ray or γ-ray semiconductor detectors, especially the carrier mobility lifetime product. However, the high biases during photocurrent measurements tend to cause severe ion migration, which can lead to the instability and inaccuracy of the test results. Given the mixed electronic–ionic characteristics, it is imperative to devise novel methods capable of precisely measuring photocurrent–voltage characteristics under high bias conditions, free from interference caused by ion migration. In this paper, pulsed bias is employed to explore the photocurrent–voltage characteristics of MAPbBr3 single crystals. The method yields stable photocurrent–voltage characteristics at a pulsed bias of up to 30 V, proving to be effective in mitigating ion migration. Through fitting the modified Hecht equation, we determined the mobility lifetime products of 1.0 × 10−2 cm2⋅V−1 for hole and 2.78 × 10−3 cm2⋅V−1 for electron. This approach offers a promising solution for accurately measuring the transport properties of carriers in perovskite.
Image segmentation of exfoliated two-dimensional materials by generative adversarial network-based data augmentation
Authors: Cheng 程 Xiaoyu 晓昱 , Xie 解 Chenxue 晨雪 , Liu 刘 Yulun 宇伦 , Bai 白 Ruixue 瑞雪 , Xiao 肖 Nanhai 南海 , Ren 任 Yanbo 琰博 , Zhang 张 Xilin 喜林 , Ma 马 Hui 惠 , Jiang 蒋 Chongyun 崇云
Published: January 2024

Mechanically cleaved two-dimensional materials are random in size and thickness. Recognizing atomically thin flakes by human experts is inefficient and unsuitable for scalable production. Deep learning algorithms have been adopted as an alternative, nevertheless a major challenge is a lack of sufficient actual training images. Here we report the generation of synthetic two-dimensional materials images using StyleGAN3 to complement the dataset. DeepLabv3Plus network is trained with the synthetic images which reduces overfitting and improves recognition accuracy to over 90%. A semi-supervisory technique for labeling images is introduced to reduce manual efforts. The sharper edges recognized by this method facilitate material stacking with precise edge alignment, which benefits exploring novel properties of layered-material devices that crucially depend on the interlayer twist-angle. This feasible and efficient method allows for the rapid and high-quality manufacturing of atomically thin materials and devices.
Impact of breech geometry and propellant flow on the release of large pellets for the ITER disruption mitigation system
Authors: Gebhart T.E. , Baylor L.R. , Dibon M. , Ericson M.N. , Felske E.J. , Frank S.S. , Gardner W.L. , Ghiozzi A.G. , Jachmich S. , Kruezi U. , Lehnen M. , Velez D.A.
Published: January 2024

Studies have been performed on the release mechanism for large pellets using high pressure gas in a shattered pellet injector. Typically, pellets are dislodged from the cryogenic surface and accelerated down a barrel using high pressure gas delivered by a fast-acting propellant valve. The pellets impact an angled surface which shatters the pellet into many small fragments before entering the plasma. This technique was initially demonstrated on DIII-D (Commaux et al 2016 Nucl. Fusion 56 046007) and is now deployed on JET, KSTAR, ASDEX-Upgrade, and other tokamaks around the world in support of ITER’s disruption mitigation system design and physics basis. The large hydrogen, 28.5 mm diameter, 2 length-to-diameter ratio, pellets foreseen for ITER SPI operation have low material strength and low heat of sublimation, which cause the pellets to be fragile and highly reactive to the impact of warm propellant gas. Due to the size of the pellets, significantly more propellant gas is required to dislodge and accelerate them. This creates a potentially significant propellant gas removal issue as 2–6 bar-L of gas is expected to be required for release and speed control. The research presented in this paper is an in-depth exploration of the parameters that are keys to reliable pellet release and speed control. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling of propellant flows through various breech designs was conducted to determine the force generated on the back surface of a pellet. These simulations assumed the use of the ORNL designed flyer plate valve. CFD modeling combined with experimental measurements provide adequate insight to determine a path to an optimal valve and breech design for ITER SPI pellet release and speed control while minimizing propellant gas usage.
Relationship between magnetic field and tokamak size—a system engineering perspective and implications to fusion development
Authors: Federici G. , Siccinio M. , Bachmann C. , Giannini L. , Luongo C. , Lungaroni M.
Published: January 2024

High temperature superconductors (HTSs) offer the promise of operating at higher magnetic field and temperature. Recently, the use of high field magnets (by adopting HTS) has been promoted by several groups around the world, including new start-up entries, both to substantially reduce the size of a fusion power reactor system and as a breakthrough innovation that could dramatically accelerate fusion power deployment. This paper describes the results of an assessment to understand the impact of using high field magnets in the design of DEMO in Europe, considering a comprehensive list of physics and engineering limitations together with the interdependencies with other important parameters. Based on the results, it is concluded that increasing the magnetic field does not lead to a reduction in device size with relevant nuclear performance requirements, because (i) large structures are needed to withstand the enormous electromagnetic forces, (ii) thick blanket and n-shield structures are needed to protect the coils from radiation damage effects, and (iii) new divertor solutions with performances well beyond today’s concepts are needed. Stronger structural materials allow for more compact tokamaks, but do not change the conclusion that scalability is not favourable when increasing the magnetic field, beyond a certain point, the machine size cannot be further reduced. More advanced structural support concepts for high-field coils have been explored and concluded that these solutions are either unfeasible or provide only marginal size reduction, by far not sufficient to account for the potential of operating at very high field provided by HTS. Additionally, the cost of high field coils is significant at today’s price levels and shows to scale roughly with the square of the field. Nevertheless, it is believed that even when not operated at high field and starting within conventional insulated coils, HTS can still offer certain benefits. These include the simplification of the magnet cooling scheme thanks to increased temperature margin (indirect conduction cooling). This in turn can greatly simplify coil construction and minimize high-voltage risks at the terminals.
Multi-stable hidden attractor chaotic system and its analog coexistence circuit realization
Authors: Su Qinfei , Dong Chengwei
Published: January 2024

This paper proposes a multi-stable chaotic system with relatively complex hidden attractors. The dynamic performance of chaotic systems is under investigation via numerical simulations such as Lyapunov exponents, division diagrams, and phase diagrams, and it has been further found that the chaotic system with hidden attractors can switch between the two cases of having no equilibrium or having two stable equilibria. Due to the system’s symmetry, multiple co-existing attractors can be obtained by choosing appropriate parameters and initial values. It is demonstrated that the system exhibits a multi-stability phenomenon, which means that different initial conditions generate two or more different dynamics. In addition, the variational method is used to explore short-period orbits of a topological length up to 3, which provides a deeper understanding of the essential components of a chaotic system. Finally, circuit implementation verifies its correctness and feasibility.
Improving rodents and humans cardiac cell maturity in vitro through polycaprolactone and polyurethane nanofibers
Authors: Iwoń Zuzanna , Krogulec Ewelina , Kierlańczyk Aleksandra , Baranowska Patrycja , Łopianiak Iwona , Wojasiński Michal , Jastrzębska Elżbieta
Published: January 2024

Currently, numerous studies are conducted using nanofibers as a scaffold for culture cardiac cells; however, there still needs to be more research evaluating the impact of the physicochemical properties of polymer nanofibers on the structure and function of cardiac cells. We have studied how poly(ϵ-caprolactone) and polyurethane nanofibrous mats with different physicochemical properties influence the viability, morphology, orientation, and maturation of cardiac cells. For this purpose, the cells taken from different species were used. They were rat ventricular cardiomyoblasts (H9c2), mouse atrial cardiomyocytes (CMs) (HL-1), and human ventricular CMs. Based on the results, it can be concluded that cardiac cells cultured on nanofibers exhibit greater maturity in terms of orientation, morphology, and gene expression levels compared to cells cultured on polystyrene plates. Additionally, the physicochemical properties of nanofibers affecting the functionality of cardiac cells from different species and different parts of the heart were evaluated. These studies can support research on understanding and explaining mechanisms leading to cellular maturity present in the heart and the selection of nanofibers that will effectively help the maturation of CMs.
Simulated responses and feedbacks of permafrost carbon under future emissions pathways and idealized solar geoengineering scenarios
Authors: Chen Yangxin , Moore John C , Ji Duoying
Published: January 2024

The carbon-rich northern high-latitude permafrost is a potential climate tipping point. Once triggered, its thawing and release of carbon dioxide and methane might unleash irreversible changes in the Earth’s climate system. We investigate the response of permafrost under three Shared Socioeconomic Pathways (SSPs) with no mitigation (SSP5-8.5), moderate mitigation (SSP2-4.5) and delayed mitigation (SSP5-3.4-OS), and three solar geoengineering scenarios applied to each experiment to prevent global warming from exceeding 2 °C above pre-industrial. The long-term negative emissions in SSP5-3.4-OS preserves much more frozen soil than SSP5-8.5, but shows nearly as much permafrost carbon loss this century as SSP2-4.5 due to its mid-century temperature overshoot. Solar geoengineering to meet the 2 °C target above pre-industrial effectively suppresses permafrost thawing and reduces subsequent carbon release from the soil. However, the carbon emission from permafrost still continues after the temperature is stabilized, due to the decomposition of thawed permafrost carbon. More solar insolation reduction is required to compensate the positive permafrost carbon feedback, which exerts greater impacts on the efficiency of solar geoengineering under a scenario with strong climate policy and lower carbon emissions.
Insights into the composition and properties of fly ash emissions from a municipal solid waste power plant
Authors: Ngo Tra Mai , Hoang Van Hung , Van Huu Tap , Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang , Thi Hong Khuat , Lien Nghiem Thi Ha , Trong Nghia Nguyen , Thi Thanh Hang Phan , Toan Vu Duc , Tham Trinh Thi , Hoa Nguyen Thi
Published: January 2024

This study examines the fly ash from Soc Son municipal waste power plant (SMPP) and suggests ways to repurpose it to reduce its environmental impact. Fly ash from the Soc Son waste power plant has a gray color, spherical particles with a 5–103 μm diameter, and a high carbon and heavy metal content. Bermorite crystals can absorb and release heavy metals, making monitoring secondary pollutants during incineration crucial. The EDX analysis of fly ash from the Soc Son waste power plant revealed that it was predominantly contaminated with metal elements, with the highest percentage of calcium. The EDX was able to detect heavy metals in incinerator fly ash. The concentration of Zn in the fly ash exceeded QCVN 07:2009/BTNMT standards, indicating the high amounts of some elements that may be hazardous to the environment and human health. Using the SEM/EDX and XRF, the fly ash from the Soc Son landfill power plant was analyzed and discovered that it exceeds permissible limits for dangerous heavy elements. The most common inorganic elements are Ca, followed by Zn, Pb, Cd, and Ag. Fly ash is classed as hazardous waste due to its high concentration of heavy metals, which results from the combustion of municipal solid waste that has not been separated. Vietnam fights municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash production. Some nations stabilize fly ash to remove harmful components and use it in buildings. Stabilized fly ash makes unfired construction bricks and cement manufacturing components and combining fly ash with inorganic trash protects the environment.
L-shaped association between dietary zinc intake and cognitive decline in Chinese older people
Authors: Meng Qiguo , Liu Mengyi , Zu Cheng , Su Xinyue , Wei Yuanxiu , Gan Xiaoqin , Zhang Yuanyuan , He Panpan , Zhou Chun , Ye Ziliang , Liu Chengzhang , Qin Xianhui
Published: January 2024

Background and Objective

The prospective association between dietary zinc (Zn) intake and cognitive decline remains uncertain. We aimed to assess the relationship of dietary Zn intake with the risk of cognitive decline in the Chinese older people, and examine the possible effect modifiers on this association.

Methods

A total of 3,106 older Chinese adults aged 55 years or older from China Health and Nutrition Survey were included. Dietary nutrients intake information was collected by combined 24-h dietary recalls with weighing food inventory. The cognitive decline was defined as the 5-year decline rate in global and composite cognitive scores, based on a subset of items from the Telephone Interview for Cognitive Status–modified.

Results

The median follow-up duration was 5.9 years. There was an L-shaped association between dietary Zn intake and the 5-year decline rates in global and composite cognitive scores, with an inflection point at 8.8 mg/day of dietary Zn. For the composite cognitive scores, compared with the first quantile (<7.9 mg/day) of dietary Zn intake, quantiles 2–6 (≥7.9 mg/day) had a significantly slower cognitive decline rate (β: −0.24; 95% confidence interval: −0.40 to −0.07). Similar results were found for the global cognitive scores. Moreover, the inverse association between dietary Zn intake and cognitive decline in composite cognitive scores was significantly stronger in those with lower levels of physical activity (P-interactions = 0.041).

Conclusion

Dietary Zn intake was negatively associated with cognitive decline in the older people. Maintaining appropriate dietary Zn levels may prevent cognitive decline.
RDCWorld: performing the Black nerd in new media
Authors: Stephens David
Published: January 2024

With their fingers on the pulse of popular culture, RDCWorld, a digital content creation group primarily composed of young Black men, enjoys a following largely gained from their anime-inspired videos that unite a community of like-minded Black nerds in the US and speaks to the power digital media has to construct spaces based on identities that have historically been marginalized, within both Black and White-dominated spaces. Using a content analysis of their videos and textual analysis of fan comments and social media engagement, I argue that RDCWorld’s performance as Black nerds subverts traditional notions of identity, play, and space by resisting notions of the stereotypical cool Black aesthetic, integrating transnational media with Blackness to create new modes of self-representation, challenging hegemonic constructions of public play, and by normalizing spaces of free Black expression through their anime and gaming convention, DreamCon.