bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bail-Out TEVAR through a Branch of Four-Arm Dacron Graft for Misdeployment of a Frozen Elephant Trunk Prosthesis
Authors: Kikuchi Yuta , Tsutsui Masahiro , Ushioda Ryohei , Shirasaka Tomonori , Kamiya Hiroyuki
Published: May 2022

The frozen elephant trunk (FET) is an effective method for making the distal anastomosis more proximal and facilitating aortic remodeling in acute aortic dissection. However, misdeployment of FET to the false lumen has been reported in several cases. Such cases are usually treated with bail-out thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) through the femoral artery or additional FET under direct vision to redirect the blood flow to the true lumen. We encountered a case of misdeployment of FET into the false lumen during open aortic surgery for the treatment of Stanford type A acute aortic dissection. After reconstruction of the aorta and all arch vessels, we performed antegrade bail-out TEVAR through a side branch of the four-arm Dacron graft as main access using a pull-through technique through the right femoral artery, which was perfused from the true lumen. This technique, which uses a Dacron graft branch for stent graft access, enabled us to confirm the true lumen because the distal anastomotic site was definitely the true lumen, and we were also able to avoid access difficulties at the iliac artery.
A Multicountry Analysis of Prevalence and Mortality among Neonates and Children with Bladder Exstrophy
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Tandaki Lucita , Sundar Manasvi , Lux Anke , Bakker Marian K , Bergman Jorieke EH , Bermejo-Sánchez Eva , Canfield Mark A , Feldkamp Marcia L , Groisman Boris , Hurtado-Villa Paula , Källén Karin , Landau Danielle , Lelong Nathalie , Lopez-Camelo Jorge , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo , Morgan Margery , Mutchinick Osvaldo M , Nance Amy E , Nembhard Wendy N , Pierini Anna , Šípek Antonin , Stallings Erin B , Szabova Elena , Wertelecki Wladimir , Zarante Ignacio , Rissmann Anke
Published: May 2022

Objective Bladder exstrophy (BE) is a rare but severe birth defect affecting the lower abdominal wall and genitourinary system. The objective of the study is to examine the total prevalence, trends in prevalence, and age-specific mortality among individuals with BE.

Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study. Data were analyzed from 20 birth defects surveillance programs, members of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research in 16 countries. Live births, stillbirths, and elective terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomaly (ETOPFA) diagnosed with BE from 1974 to 2014. Pooled and program-specific prevalence of BE per 100,000 total births was calculated. The 95% confidence intervals (CI) for prevalence were estimated using Poisson approximation of binomial distribution. Time trends in prevalence of BE from 2000 to 2014 were examined using Poisson regression. Proportion of deaths among BE cases was calculated on the day of birth, day 2 to 6, day 7 to 27, day 28 to 364, 1 to 4 years, and ≥5 years. Mortality analysis was stratified by isolated, multiple, and syndromic case status.

Results The pooled total prevalence of BE was 2.58 per 100,000 total births (95% CI = 2.40, 2.78) for study years 1974 to 2014. Prevalence varied over time with a decreasing trend from 2000 to 2014. The first-week mortality proportion was 3.5, 17.3, and 14.6% among isolated, multiple, and syndromic BE cases, respectively. The majority of first-week mortality occurred on the first day of life among isolated, multiple, and syndromic BE cases. The proportion of first-week deaths was higher among cases reported from programs in Latin America where ETOPFA services were not available.

Conclusion Prevalence of BE varied by program and showed a decreasing trend from 2000 to –2014. Mortality is a concern among multiple and syndromic cases, and a high proportion of deaths among cases occurred during the first week of life.

Key Points
Therapeutic Role of Astaxanthin and Resveratrol in an Experimental Rat Model of Supraceliac Aortic Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Dilli Dilek , Taşoğlu İrfan , Sarı Eyüp , Akduman Hasan , Yumuşak Nihat , Tümer Naim Boran , Salar Salih
Published: May 2022

Objective The aim of the study is to investigate the therapeutic effects of astaxanthin (AST) and resveratrol (RVT) on multiorgan damage in an animal model of the supraceliac aortic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R).

Methods In this study, 28 rats (n = 7/group), 200 to 250 g in weight, were randomized to four groups (1: Sham, 2: Control + I/R, 3: AST + I/R, and 4: RVT + I/R). Following the abdominal incision, aortic dissection was performed in the sham group without injury. Other groups underwent I/R injury via supraceliac aortic clamping (20 minutes) and reperfusion. The rats were administered olive oil (3 mL/kg) orally for 2 weeks before and 1 week after the laparotomy. Additionally, oral AST (10 mg/kg) or RVT (50 mg/kg) was given to the study groups. All rats were sacrificed on the 3rd week of the experiment after blood samples were taken for analysis. Multiple rat tissues were removed.

Results We found that RVT increased total antioxidant status (TAS) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, and decreased total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, while AST increased the levels of TAS, decreased TNF-α, MDA, TOS, and OSI (p <0.05). Pathological investigations of the rat tissues revealed that both AST and RVT ameliorated tissue damage and apoptosis.

Conclusion Our study suggests that AST and RVT might show therapeutic effects against oxidative tissue damage and apoptosis in an animal model of aortic I/R. Further studies are required.

Key Points
Preservation of Peri-Implant Papilla: A Narrative Review
Authors: Venkatesh Nandita , Shetty Manoj , John Nivya
Published: May 2022

Beside osseointegration and restoration of function, the patient's subjective satisfaction with the esthetic result is a touchstone of the success of implant therapy. The long-term maintenance and reconstruction of papilla-like soft tissue between two adjacent implants in the esthetic zone which is esthetically satisfactory is generally regarded as a challenge. The road to success is much more complicated with implants, because of biologic and anatomical limitations of peri-implant tissues. Numerous techniques have been proposed to manage the hard and soft tissues in an attempt to achieve ideal esthetic results which includes surgical and nonsurgical techniques. The goal of reconstructive procedures is to provide peri-implant bone that supports and maintains gingival contours. An interdisciplinary approach has an obvious advantage of long-term preservation of a healthy peri-implant tissue which is of key importance in ensuring acceptable function and subjective satisfaction of esthetics of dental implants. A detailed literature search was performed in English language from 1986 to 2012, which included review articles, original research, as well as case reports. The search was performed in National Library of Medicine's PubMed database, Google Search, and Science Direct. A manual search of hard copies of available journal was also performed using interdental papilla, peri-implant papilla, esthetics, and dental implant as key words, in an attempt to gain insight into the limitations of papilla preservation, the factors which may potentially affect the maintenance and reconstruction of inter-implant papilla, and the contemporary methods to augment it.
The Impact of Community Empowerment Programs on Oral Health Education for Knowledge Improvement in the Elderly
Authors: Ayuningtyas Nurina Febriyanti , Parmadiati Adiastuti Endah , Mahdani Fatma Yasmin , Marsetyo Riyan Iman , Femilian Afryla , Siregar Maslah
Published: May 2022

Objective This study aims to assess whether community empowerment as a health promotion program can improve the knowledge of the elderly and develop self-awareness about their oral health. The elderly population has increased in number and needs special attention, especially regarding the improvement of hygiene and health. Community empowerment is a type of health promotion program that can take the form of counseling and providing knowledge about oral health to the elderly.

Materials and Methods Participants are elderly aged 60 years or older. Counseling was done by oral medicine specialists and residents to provide knowledge about oral health problems. Assessment of knowledge improvement was done using pretest and posttest in a written questionnaire.

Statistical Analysis The Shapiro–Wilk test followed by the Wilcoxon test was used to compare the difference before and after counseling.

Results From a total of 38 elderly included in this study, 29 (76.32%) showed an improved score in posttest compared with pretest. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores of study participants (p < 0.005).

Conclusion Counseling in empowerment programs can help the elderly improve their knowledge about oral health, so that improvements can be expected to be followed by the development of self-awareness in the future.
Amount of Proteinuria and Duration of Expectant Management in Severe Preeclampsia
Authors: Cozzi Gabriella D. , Battarbee Ashley N. , Sanjanwala Aalok R. , Casey Brian M. , Subramaniam Akila
Published: May 2022

Objective The aim of the study is to evaluate the association between the amount of proteinuria at the time of diagnosis of preeclampsia with severe features (severe preeclampsia [SPE]) and duration of expectant management (EM) and other perinatal outcomes.

Study Design This is a retrospective cohort study of patients with SPE delivering live, non-anomalous singletons at 230/7 to 342/7 weeks' estimated gestational age (EGA) at a single tertiary center 2016 to 2018. Patients with proteinuria assessment (24-hour total urine protein or urine protein-to-creatinine ratio extrapolation) within 3 days of SPE diagnosis were included. Patients delivered for an indication other than SPE were excluded. Patients were categorized by amount of proteinuria (mg): none (≤300), mild (301–1,000), moderate (1,001–3,000), and massive (≥3,001). The primary outcome was the proportion of potential EM time achieved (%EM), i.e., days of EM divided by days from SPE diagnosis to 34 weeks. Secondary outcomes included delivery EGA, days of EM, and perinatal outcomes. Bivariable and multivariable analyses compared outcomes across groups.

Results Of 295 patients included, 21% had no proteinuria, 33% mild, 19% moderate, and 27% massive. Groups differed by EGA at diagnosis, age, parity, chronic hypertension, and renal disease. %EM was not significantly different between groups (adjusted β coefficient 4.1 [95% CI −5.3, 13.5] for mild proteinuria vs. none, −4.1 [95% CI −14.9, 6.6] for moderate proteinuria vs. none, and −5.6 [95% CI −16.0, 4.7] for massive proteinuria vs. none). Increasing proteinuria was associated with earlier delivery EGA but only days of EM in the mild versus no proteinuria groups. There was no significant association between proteinuria and maternal composite morbidity, but patients with mild and massive proteinuria had higher odds of neonatal composite morbidities compared with no proteinuria.

Conclusion Among patients with SPE, proteinuria level was not consistently associated with duration of EM. However, patients with the greatest amounts of proteinuria may have worse neonatal and selected maternal outcomes.

Key Points
Gender Determination by Measuring Maxillary Sinus Volume Using Computed Tomography
Authors: Tiwari Sashisaroj Tarkeshwar , U. Shrikrishna , MM Jaseemudheen
Published: May 2022

Rationale and Objectives Skeleton analysis based on age and gender is of great importance since it is an initial step in personal identification and can be used to rebuild biological profiles and narrow down diagnosis toward correct possibilities of any unknown skeletons. Different dimensions of the maxillary sinus (MS) can be used to differentiate between gender. This study aims to evaluate and compare the dimensions and volume of MS among age and genders.

Materials and Methods Ninety patients (male 49, female 41) were studied. Different dimensions of MS, like anteroposterior (AP), superioinferior (SI), mediolateral (ML) diameter, volume of MS, and the distance between two MS were measured on computed tomography (CT) paranasal sinus images using an inbuilt electronic caliper on Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine viewer software.

Statistical Analysis Independent t-test and analysis of variance were used for data analysis in genders and age groups. Paired t-test was used for comparison of right and left MS.

Results The dimensions and volume of MS were higher in males than females. Dimensions such as AP, SI diameter (p < 0.005), and volume of MS (p < 0.001) were significantly different in genders. The ML diameter and the distance between two MS were statistically insignificant in genders. No significant difference between MS dimensions and volume was noted in different age groups, but age group 3 (41–55 years) showed higher mean values for all the measurements. A consistency was noted in the measurements in both two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images.

Conclusion MS dimensions are greater in males compared with females. The different dimensions and volumes of the MS using 2D or 3D CT scan images can be used along with other methods for gender determination in forensic anthropology.
Can Minimally Invasive Multivessel Coronary Revascularization Be a Routine Approach?
Authors: Kyaruzi Mugisha , Gülmez Harun , Demirsoy Ergun
Published: May 2022

Background Advancement in the field of cardiovascular surgery has emerged with various minimally invasive approaches for the treatment of multivessel coronary disease to improve outcomes and minimize the burden associated with conventional cardiac surgery. This study describes our routine technical approach and clinical experience of minimally invasive coronary artery bypass via left anterior minithoracotomy for the treatment of patients with multivessel coronary lesions.

Methods Our experience includes 100 consecutive patients who were operated between July 2020 and April 2021. The left internal thoracic artery was harvested in all patients. Radial arterial grafts and saphenous vein grafts were harvested endoscopically. Patients were operated either under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) with blood cardioplegia through left anterior minithoracotomy of 5 to 7 cm or off-pump via left anterolateral minithoracotomy.

Results We had single mortality (1%), no early postoperative myocardial infarction was observed. None of our patients was converted to sternotomy (0%). The mean number of bypass was 3.1 ± 0.8, the mean cross-clamping time was 78.1 ± 20.6 minutes, the mean CPB time was 153.2 ± 37.5 minutes, the average intubation time was 6.33 ± 11.29 hours, the mean intensive care unit stay was 1.62 ± 1.78 days, the mean hospital stay was 4.98 ± 3.01 days, the average total operation time was 4.20 ± 0.92 hours, and the average pleural drain was 393.8 ± 169.7 mL.

Conclusion Minimally invasive coronary artery bypass grafting via left anterior minithoracotomy can be routinely performed with safety and it is feasible, reproducible with a short learning curve. Further multicenter studies are needed for the standardization of our technique.
Responses in growth, yield and cob protein content of baby corn (
Authors: Thi Loan K. , Yunusa Isa A. M. , Rab M. A. , Zerihun Ayalsew , Nguyen Hoa M.
Published: May 2022

Cropping of acid sulfate soils requires effective treatment of their inherently low pH. We evaluated the efficacy of applications of two levels of lime (0 or 2 Mg/ha), two levels of organic fertiliser (0 or 5 Mg/ha), and three levels of biochar (0, 10 or 30 Mg/ha) in a factorial design for ameliorating acidity in an acid sulfate soil, and measured the subsequent growth and yield of baby corn (Zea mays L.). Lime increased soil pH(H2O) from 3.75 to 4.12, salinity from 1.72 to 1.95 dS/m, and cob yield by 30%. None of the amendments significantly altered total organic carbon or total nitrogen concentrations in the soil. Biochar additions increased cob yields by an average of 28% on both unlimed and limed soil. Addition of organic fertiliser increased cob yield by 45% on unlimed soil but had no significant effect on yields on limed soil. The yields obtained with liming were similar to the highest yields achieved with biochar or organic fertiliser applied either separately or in combinations. Overall, cob yields were increased by 19% with addition of organic fertiliser. The yield increseas from additions of biochar or organic fertiliser were associated with improvements in nutrient supply. However, the increases in cob yield were associated with reduced cob protein, probably resulting from poor availability of nitrogen late in the season. We conclude that biochar and organic fertiliser applied in relatively large quantities can be viable treatments for cropping acid sulfate soils.
J. A. Leach’s
Authors: McGregor Russell
Published: May 2022

An Australian Bird Book by J. A. Leach, published in 1911, was the first field guide to Australia’s avifauna. Unlike today’s field guides, it was not tightly focussed on identification, instead devoting more than half its words to an expansive dissertation on the natural history of birds. This article scrutinises and contextualises Leach’s Bird Book to illuminate some of the interconnections between science, birdwatching, recreation and conservation in early twentieth-century Australia. It shows how Leach’s heavy weighting on natural history was integral to his promotion of birdwatching as an edifying recreation that would lead people not merely to be able to name the birds they saw but also, more importantly, to understand, cherish and protect them.
Electroluminescence explored internal behavior of carriers in InGaAsP single-junction solar cell
Authors: Li Xue-Fei , Yang Wen-Xian , Long Jun-Hua , Tan Ming , Jin Shan , Wu Dong-Ying , Wu Yuan-Yuan , Lu Shu-Long
Published: May 2022

The internal behaviors of carriers in InGaAsP single-junction solar cell are investigated by using electroluminescence (EL) measurements. Two emission peaks can be observed in current-dependent electroluminescence spectra at low temperatures, and carrier localization exists for both peaks under low excitation. The trends of power index α extracted from excitation-dependent EL spectra at different temperatures imply that there exists a competition between Shockley–Read–Hall recombination and Auger recombination. Auger recombination becomes dominant at high temperatures, which is probably responsible for the lower current density of InGaAsP solar cell. Besides, the anomalous “S-shape” tendency with the temperature of band-edge peak position can be attributed to potential fluctuation and carrier redistribution, demonstrating delocalization, transfer, and redistribution of carriers in the continuum band-edge. Furthermore, the strong reduction of activation energy at high excitations indicates that electrons and holes escaped independently, and the faster-escaping carriers are holes.
Effects of B segregation on Mo-rich phase precipitation in S31254 super-austenitic stainless steels: Experimental and first-principles study
Authors: Xu Pan-Pan , Ma Jin-Yao , Jiang Zhou-Hua , Zhang Yi , Liang Chao-Xiong , Dong Nan , Han Pei-De
Published: May 2022

Precipitation in super-austenitic stainless steels will significantly affect their corrosion resistance and hot workability. The effects of Cr and Mo on precipitation behaviors were mainly achieved by affecting the driving force for precipitation, especially Mo has a more substantial promotion effect on the formation of the σ phase than Cr. In the present study, B addition to the S31254 super-austenitic stainless steels shows an excellent ability to inhibit precipitation. The effect of B on the precipitation behaviors was investigated by microstructure characterization and theoretical calculations. The experimental observation shows that the small addition of B inhibits the formation of the σ phase along grain boundaries and changes from continuous to intermittent distribution. Moreover, the inhibitory effect increased obviously with the increase of B content. The influence of B addition was theoretically analyzed from the atomic level, and the calculation results demonstrate that B can inhibit the formation of σ phase precipitates by suppressing Mo migration to grain boundaries. It is found that B and Mo are inclined to segregate at Σ5 and Σ9 grain boundaries, with B showing the most severe grain boundary segregation tendency. While B distribution at the grain boundary before precipitation begins, the segregation of Mo and Cr will be restrained. Additionally, B’s occupation will induce a high potential barrier, making it difficult for Mo to diffuse towards grain boundaries.
Enhancement of electron–positron pairs in combined potential wells with linear chirp frequency
Authors: Wang Li , Li Lie-Juan , Mohamedsedik Melike , An Rong , Li Jing-Jing , Xie Bo-Song , Zhang Feng-Shou
Published: May 2022

Effect of linear chirp frequency on the process of electron–positron pairs production from vacuum is investigated by the computational quantum field theory. With appropriate chirp parameters, the number of electrons created under combined potential wells can be increased by two or three times. In the low frequency region, frequency modulation excites interference effect and multiphoton processes, which promotes the generation of electron–positron pairs. In the high frequency region, high frequency suppression inhibits the generation of electron–positron pairs. In addition, for a single potential well, the number of created electron–positron pairs can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude in the low frequency region.
Effect of bio-tissue deformation behavior due to intratumoral injection on magnetic hyperthermia
Authors: Tang Yundong , Zou Jian , Flesch Rodolfo C.C. , Jin Tao
Published: May 2022

Thermal damage of malignant tissue is generally determined not only by the characteristics of bio-tissues and nanoparticles but also the nanofluid concentration distributions due to different injection methods during magnetic hyperthermia. The latter has more advantages in improving the therapeutic effect with respect to the former since it is a determining factor for the uniformity of nanofluid concentration distribution inside the tumor region. This study investigates the effect of bio-tissue deformation due to intratumoral injection on the thermal damage behavior and treatment temperature distribution during magnetic hyperthermia, in which both the bio-tissue deformation due to nanofluid injection and the mass diffusion after injection behavior are taken into consideration. The nanofluid flow behavior is illustrated by two different theoretical models in this study, which are Navier–Stokes equation inside syringe needle and modified Darcy’s law inside bio-tissue. The diffusion behavior after nanofluid injection is expressed by a modified convection–diffusion equation. A proposed three-dimensional liver model based on the angiographic data is set to be the research object in this study, in which all bio-tissues are assumed to be deformable porous media. Simulation results demonstrate that the injection point for syringe needle can generally achieve the maximum value in the tissue pressure, deformation degree, and interstitial flow velocity during the injection process, all of which then drop sharply with the distance away from the injection center. In addition to the bio-tissue deformation due to injection behavior, the treatment temperature is also highly relevant to determine both the diffusion duration and blood perfusion rate due to the thermal damage during the therapy.
A simulation study of polarization characteristics of ultrathin CsPbBr3 nanowires with different cross-section shapes and sizes
Authors: Yang Kang , Hu Huiqing , Wang Jiaojiao , Deng Lingling , Lu Yunqing , Wang Jin
Published: May 2022

The polarization characteristics of ultrathin CsPbBr3 nanowires are investigated. Especially, for the height of cross-section of nanowires between 2 nm and 25 nm, the normalized intensity and polarization ratio ρ of CsPbBr3 nanowires with triangular, square and hexagonal cross-section shapes are compared. The results show that, along with the increase of the height of cross-section, the polarization ratios of these three nanowires decrease until T = 15 nm, and increase afterwards. Also, along with the increase of the cross-section area up to 100 nm2, the polarization ratios of these three nanowires increase too. In general, for the same height or area, the polarization ratio ρ of these nanowires follows ρ
hexagon > ρ
square > ρ
triangle. Therefore, the nanowire with the hexagonal cross-section should be chosen, where for a cross-section height of 2 nm and a length-height ratio of 20:1, the maximal polarization ratio is 0.951 at the longitudinal center of the NW. Further, for the hexagonal NW with a cross-section height of 10 nm, the hexagonal NW with a length-height ratio of 45:1 exhibits the maximal polarization ratio at the longitudinal center of the NW. These simulation results predict the feasible size and shape of CsPbBr3 nanowire devices with high polarization ratios.
Strain engineering and hydrogen effect for two-dimensional ferroelectricity in monolayer group-IV monochalcogenides MX (M = Sn, Ge; X = Se, Te, S)
Authors: Kenmogne Ndjoko Maurice Franck , Guo Bi-Dan , Peng Yin-Hui , Zhao Yu-Jun
Published: May 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) ferroelectric compounds are a special class of materials that meet the need for devices miniaturization, which can lead to a wide range of applications. Here, we investigate ferroelectric properties of monolayer group-IV monochalcogenides MX (M = Sn, Ge; X = Se, Te, S) via strain engineering, and their effects with contaminated hydrogen are also discussed. GeSe, GeTe, and GeS do not go through transition up to the compressive strain of –5%, and consequently have good ferroelectric parameters for device applications that can be further improved by applying strain. According to the calculated ferroelectric properties and the band gaps of these materials, we find that their band gap can be adjusted by strain for excellent photovoltaic applications. In addition, we have determined the most stable hydrogen occupancy location in the monolayer SnS and SnTe. It reveals that H prefers to absorb on SnS and SnTe monolayers as molecules rather than atomic H. As a result, hydrogen molecules have little effect on the polarization and electronic structure of monolayer SnTe and SnS.
Wavelength switchable mode-locked fiber laser with a few-mode fiber filter
Authors: Bai Shaokang , Xiang Yujin , Zhang Zuxing
Published: May 2022

We have proposed and constructed a few-mode fiber (FMF)-based comb filter realized by dislocation splicing a few-mode long-period fiber grating (FM-LPFG) with a single-mode fiber (SMF). From an all-fiber laser with a FMF-based comb filter, the generation of switchable single-, dual-, triple-, and quadruple-wavelength continuous light has been achieved. Moreover, wavelength switchable mode-locked pulses have been obtained with the increased pump power. In the experiment, the output wavelength of the mode-locked fiber laser was changed from 1567.72 nm to 1571.04 nm, while the signal-to-noise (SNR) ratio was maintained above 61 dB. The switchable multiwavelength continuous wave (CW) and mode-locked all-fiber lasers have potentially important applications for fiber sensing, wavelength-division multiplexing (WDM) and signal processing.
Performance analysis of quantum key distribution using polarized coherent-states in free-space channel
Authors: Zheng Zengte , Chen Ziyang , Huang Luyu , Wang Xiangyu , Yu Song
Published: May 2022

In free space channel, continuous-variable quantum key distribution (CV-QKD) using polarized coherent-states can not only make the signal state more stable and less susceptible to interference based on the polarization non-sensitive of the free-space channel, but also reduce the noise introduced by phase interference. However, arbitrary continuous modulation can not be carried out in the past polarization coding, resulting in that the signal state can not obtain arbitrary continuous value in Poincare space, and the security analysis of CV-QKD using polarized coherent-states in free space is not complete. Here we propose a new modulation method to extend the modulation range of signal states with an optical-fiber-based polarization controller. In particular, in terms of the main influence factors in the free-space channel, we utilize the beam extinction and elliptical model when considering the transmittance and adopt the formulation of secret key rate. In addition, the performance of the proposed scheme under foggy weather is also taken into consideration to reveal the influence of severe weather. Numerical simulation shows that the proposed scheme is seriously affected by attenuation under foggy weather. The protocol fails when visibility is less than 1 km. At the same time, the wavelength can affect the performance of the proposed scheme. Specifically, under foggy weather, the longer the wavelength, the smaller the attenuation coefficient, and the better the transmission performance. Our proposed scheme can expand the modulation range of signal state, and supplement the security research of the scheme in the free-space channel, thus can provide theoretical support for subsequent experiments.
Effect of autaptic delay signal on spike-timing precision of single neuron
Authors: Ma Xuan , Zhao Yaya , Wang Yafeng , Chen Yueling , Wang Hengtong
Published: May 2022

Experimental and theoretical studies have reported that the precise firing of neurons is crucial for sensory representation. Autapse serves as a special synapse connecting neuron and itself, which has also been found to improve the accuracy of neuronal response. In current work, the effect of autaptic delay signal on the spike-timing precision is investigated on a single autaptic Hodgkin–Huxley neuron in the present of noise. The simulation results show that both excitatory and inhibitory autaptic signals can effectively adjust the precise spike time of neurons with noise by choosing the appropriate coupling strength g and time delay of autaptic signal τ. The g–τ parameter space is divided into two regions: one is the region where the spike-timing precision is effectively regulated; the other is the region where the neuronal firing is almost not regulated. For the excitatory and inhibitory autapse, the range of parameters causing the accuracy of neuronal firing is different. Moreover, it is also found that the mechanisms of the spike-timing precision regulation are different for the two kinds of autaptic signals.
Heterogeneous hydration patterns of G-quadruplex DNA
Authors: Ji Cong-Min , Tu Yusong , Wu Yuan-Yan
Published: May 2022

G-quadruplexes (GQs) are guanine-rich, non-canonical nucleic acid structures that play fundamental roles in biological processes. Their structure and function are strongly influenced by their hydration shells. Although extensively studied through various experimental and computational methods, hydration patterns near DNA remain under debate due to the chemically and topologically heterogeneous nature of the exposed surface. In this work, we employed all-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to study the hydration patterns of GQ DNA. The Drude oscillator model was used in MD simulation as a computationally efficient method for modeling electronic polarization in DNA ion solutions. Hydration structure was analyzed in terms of radial distribution functions and high-density three-dimensional hydration sites. Analysis of hydration dynamics focused on self-diffusion rates and orientation time correlation at different structural regions of GQ DNA. The results show highly heterogeneous hydration patterns in both structure and dynamics; for example, there are several insular high-density sites in the inner channel, and ‘spine of water’ in the groove. For water inside the loop, anomalous diffusion is present over a long time scale, but for water around the phosphate group and groove, diffusion becomes normal after ∼ 30 ps. These essentially correspond to deeply buried structural water and strong interaction with DNA, respectively.
Wideband frequency-dependent dielectric properties of rat tissues exposed to low-intensity focused ultrasound in the microwave frequency range
Authors: Wang Xue , Jiang Shi-Xie , Huang Lin , Chi Zi-Hui , Wu Dan , Jiang Hua-Bei
Published: May 2022

Tissue dielectric properties can vary upon the incident of an acoustic wave. The goal of this study is to quantify this change due to the acoustoelectric effect (AE), and to obtain the frequency-dependent dielectric properties of tissues exposed to low-intensity focused ultrasound (LIFU). The dielectric properties of the blood, brain, chest muscle, heart, kidney, leg muscle, liver, lung, pancreas, and spleen of rats were measured by an open-ended coaxial probe method. The acoustic intensity of LIFU focus was 2.97 MPa (67.6 W/cm2), 3.95 MPa (120 W/cm2), and 5.17 MPa (204 W/cm2), respectively, and the measurement frequency band was 0.1–7.08 GHz. The measurement results show that with the LIFU modulation, the conductivity and dielectric constant decreased in the high-frequency band, and on the contrary, they increased in the low-frequency band, and the larger the acoustic intensity was, the more obvious the phenomenon was. This work contributes to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which ultrasound acts on the dielectric properties of biological tissues. It is expected that the findings from this study will provide a basis that the response of tissue to LIFU modulation can be monitored by noninvasive techniques such as microwave-induced thermoacoustic imaging (MTI) and microwave imaging, present a new idea for improving the endogenous contrast between different biological tissues in MTI and acoustoelectric imaging, and possibly lead to the development of a new imaging method based on the relaxation time of tissue after LIFU modulation.
Transformation relation between coherence and entanglement for two-qubit states
Authors: Zhou Qing-Yun , Fan Xiao-Gang , Zhao Fa , Wang Dong , Ye Liu
Published: May 2022

Entanglement and coherence are two important resources in quantum information theory. A question naturally arises: Is there some connection between them? We prove that the entanglement of formation and the first-order coherence of two-qubit states satisfy an inequality relation. Two-qubit pure state reaches the upper bound of this inequality. A large number of randomly generated states are used to intuitively verify the complementarity between the entanglement of formation and the first-order coherence. We give the maximum accessible coherence of two-qubit states. Our research results will provide a reliable theoretical basis for conversion of the two quantum resources.
Quantum oscillations in a hexagonal boron nitride-supported single crystalline InSb nanosheet
Authors: Zhang Li , Pan Dong , Chen Yuanjie , Zhao Jianhua , Xu Hongqi
Published: May 2022

A gated Hall-bar device is made from an epitaxially grown, free-standing InSb nanosheet on a hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) dielectric/graphite gate structure and the electron transport properties in the InSb nanosheet are studied by gate-transfer characteristic and magnetotransport measurements at low temperatures. The measurements show that the carriers in the InSb nanosheet are of electrons and the carrier density in the nanosheet can be highly efficiently tuned by the graphite gate. The mobility of the electrons in the InSb nanosheet is extracted from low-field magneotransport measurements and a value of the mobility exceeding ∼ 1.8 × 104 cm2⋅V−1⋅s−1 is found. High-field magentotransport measurements show well-defined Shubnikov–de Haas (SdH) oscillations in the longitudinal resistance of the InSb nanosheet. Temperature-dependent measurements of the SdH oscillations are carried out and key transport parameters, including the electron effective mass m* ∼ 0.028m
0 and the quantum lifetime τ ∼ 0.046 ps, in the InSb nanosheet are extracted. It is for the first time that such experimental measurements have been reported for a free-standing InSb nanosheet and the results obtained indicate that InSb nanosheet/hBN/graphite gate structures can be used to develop advanced quantum devices for novel physics studies and for quantum technology applications.
A new global potential energy surface of the ground state of

SiH2+

(X2A1) system and dynamics calculations of the Si++ H2 (v
0 = 2, j
0 = 0) → SiH++ H reaction
Authors: Zhang Yong , Guo Xiugang , Yang Haigang
Published: May 2022

A global potential energy surface (PES) of the ground state of

SiH

2
+

system is built by using neural network method based on 18223 ab initio points. The topographic properties of PES are presented and compared with previous theoretical and experimental studies. The results indicate that the spectroscopic parameters obtained from the new PES are in good agreement with the experimental data. In order to further verify the validity of the new PES, a test dynamics calculation of the Si+ + H2 (v
0 = 2, j
0 = 0) → H + SiH+ reaction has been carried out by using the time-dependent wave packet method. The integral cross sections and rate constants are computed for the title reaction. The reasonable dynamical behavior indicates that the newly constructed PES is suitable for relevant dynamics investigations.
Origin of the low formation energy of oxygen vacancies in CeO2
Authors: Xu Han , Shang Tongtong , Wang Xuefeng , Gao Ang , Gu Lin
Published: May 2022

Oxygen vacancies play a crucial role in determining the catalytic properties of Ce-based catalysts, especially in oxidation reactions. The design of catalytic activity requires keen insight into oxygen vacancy formation mechanisms. In this work, we investigate the origin of oxygen vacancies in CeO2 from the perspective of electron density via high-energy synchrotron powder x-ray diffraction. Multipole refinement results indicate that there is no obvious hybridization between bonded Ce and O atoms in CeO2. Subsequent quantitative topological analysis of the experimental total electron density reveals the closed-shell interaction behavior of the Ce–O bond. The results of first-principles calculation indicate that the oxygen vacancy formation energy of CeO2 is the lowest among three commonly used redox catalysts. These findings indicate the relatively weak bond strength of the Ce–O bond, which induces a low oxygen vacancy formation energy for CeO2 and thus promotes CeO2 as a superior catalyst for oxidation reactions. This work provides a new direction for design of functional metal oxides with high oxygen vacancy concentrations.
Liquid-phase synthesis of Li2S and Li3PS4 with lithium-based organic solutions
Authors: Xu Jieru , Wang Qiuchen , Yan Wenlin , Chen Liquan , Li Hong , Wu Fan
Published: May 2022

Sulfide solid electrolytes are widely regarded as one of the most promising technical routes to realize all-solid-state batteries (ASSBs) due to their high ionic conductivity and favorable deformability. However, the relatively high price of the crucial starting material, Li2S, results in high costs of sulfide solid electrolytes, limiting their practical application in ASSBs. To solve this problem, we develop a new synthesis route of Li2S via liquid-phase synthesis method, employing lithium and biphenyl in 1, 2-dimethoxyethane (DME) ether solvent to form a lithium solution as the lithium precursor. Because of the comparatively strong reducibility of the lithium solution, its reaction with sulfur proceeds effectively even at room temperature. This new synthesis route of Li2S starts with cheap precursors of lithium, sulfur, biphenyl and DME solvent, and the only remaining byproduct (DME solution of biphenyl) after the collection of Li2S product can be recycled and reused. Besides, the reaction can proceed effectively at room temperature with mild condition, reducing energy cost to a great extent. The as-synthesized Li2S owns uniform and extremely small particle size, proved to be feasible in synthesizing sulfide solid electrolytes (such as the solid-state synthesis of Li6PS5Cl). Spontaneously, this lithium solution can be directly employed in the synthesis of Li3PS4 solid electrolytes via liquid-phase synthesis method, in which the centrifugation and heat treatment processes of Li2S are not necessary, providing simplified production process. The as-synthesized Li3PS4 exhibits typical Li+ conductivity of 1.85×10−4 S⋅cm−1 at 30 °C.
The connection between COVID-19 vaccine abundance, vaccination coverage, and public trust in government across the globe
Authors: Monfared Ida G.
Published: May 2022

This study investigates that how the number of COVID-19 vaccines secured correlates with the vaccination coverage (full and booster) depending on whether there is trust in national government or not across 47 countries. The data are based on global figures as of Nov. 2021 and Feb. 2022 while measures for confidence in government is according to Gallup World Poll, Oct. 2021. The model includes an interaction term of the two key variables, also controls for a range of socio-economic factors and country specific variables. The results indicate a non-linear and mixed relationship between the number secured, the public trust, and the vaccination rate. In Feb. 2022, with confidence in government, securing number of vaccines to cover 200% of the population (or more) increased the full vaccination rate by 12.26% (95% CI: 11.70 - 12.81); where number secured was 300% (or more), the coverage increased by 7.46% (95% CI: 6.95 - 7.97). Under similar scenarios, rate of booster shots increased by 13.16% (95% CI: 12.62 - 13.70; p < 0.01) and 14.36% (95% CI: 13.86 - 14.85; p < 0.01), respectively. Where the number secured fell below 200%, confidence in government had a revers relationship with the rate of full vaccination (-2.65; 95% CI: -3.32 - -1.99), yet positive with the rate of booster shots (1.65; 95% CI: 1.18 - 2.12). These results indicate that better success can be achieved by a combination of factors including securing sufficient number of vaccines and also ensuring the public trust. Vaccine abundance, however, cannot be translated into greater success in vaccination coverage. This study highlights the importance of efficiency in acquiring vaccine resources and need for improvement in public belief in immunization programmes rather than stock piling.
Photosystem genes in chloroplast and their interacting partners: A case for molecular adaptation to carnivory inNepenthaceae
Authors: Krishnan Neeraja M , Panda Binay
Published: May 2022

Molecular adaptations are prevalent in carnivorous plants in response to habitat and environmental stress. We used the chloroplast genome and characterized the specific adaptations in the photosystem genes and their interacting partners inNepenthes khasiana, a carnivorous pitcher plant. When compared with the carnivorous and non-carnivorous groups across Caryophyllales, Lamiales, Poales, Ericales, and Oxalidales, we foundNepenthes-specific changes in psaA, psaB, psaC and psaH. Of these, only a single amino acid change each, G147 in the protein psaA and R40 in the protein ndhD, impacted the three-dimensional structural conformation of the corresponding proteins. Modeling the interaction between the psaA and the ndhD proteins identified group-specific changes between the models betweenNepentheceaeversus others. The least distance between the structure-impacting residues of psaA and ndhD was 25.9 Å forNepenthesand 19.4 Å for non-Nepenthesmodels. Given that the chloroplast ndh and photosystem I subunits form a large super-complex with the light-harvesting carrier proteins from the nucleus to mediate cyclic electron transport, our observations may indicate specific adaptations in the cyclic electron transport arm of the photosynthetic machinery in theNepenthesspecies.
Long-range alpha-synchronisation as control signal for BCI: A feasibility study
Authors: Esparza-Iaizzo Martín , Vigué-Guix Irene , Ruzzoli Manuela , Torralba Mireia , Soto-Faraco Salvador
Published: May 2022

Shifts in spatial attention are associated with variations in alpha-band (α, 8–14 Hz) activity, specifically in inter-hemispheric imbalance. The underlying mechanism is attributed to local α-synchronisation, which regulates local inhibition of neural excitability, and fronto-parietal synchronisation reflecting long-range communication. The direction-specific nature of this neural correlate brings forward its potential as a control signal in brain-computer interfaces (BCI). In the present study, we explored whether long-range α-synchronisation presents lateralised patterns dependent on voluntary attention orienting and whether these neural patterns can be picked up at a single-trial level to provide a control signal for active BCI. We collected electroencephalography (EEG) data from a cohort of healthy adults (n = 10) while performing a covert visuospatial attention (CVSA) task. The data shows a lateralised pattern of α-band phase coupling between frontal and parieto-occipital regions after target presentation, replicating previous findings. This pattern, however, was not evident during the cue-to-target orienting interval, the ideal time window for BCI. Furthermore, decoding the direction of attention trial-by-trial from cue-locked synchronisation with support vector machines (SVM) was at chance-level. The present findings suggest EEG may not be capable of detecting long-range α-synchronisation in attentional orienting on a single-trial basis and, thus, highlight the limitations of this metric as a reliable signal for BCI control.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Cognitive neuroscience advances should ideally have a real-world impact, with an obvious avenue for transference being BCI applications. The hope is to faithfully translate user-generated brain endogenous states into control signals to actuate devices. A paramount challenge for transfer is to move from group-level, multi-trial average approaches to single-trial level. Here, we evaluated the feasibility of single-trial estimation of phase synchrony across distant brain regions. Although many studies link attention to long-range synchrony modulation, this metric has never been used to control BCI. We present a first attempt of a synchrony-based BCI that, albeit unsuccessful, should help break new ground to map endogenous attention shifts to real-time control of brain-computer actuated systems.
SBML to bond graphs: from conversion to composition
Authors: Shahidi Niloofar , Pan Michael , Tran Kenneth , Crampin Edmund J , Nickerson David P
Published: May 2022

The Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) is a popular software-independent XML-based format for describing models of biological phenomena. The BioModels Database is the largest online repository of SBML models. Several tools and platforms are available to support the reuse and composition of SBML models. However, these tools do not explicitly assess whether models are physically plausibile or thermodynamically consistent. This often leads to ill-posed models that are physically impossible, impeding the development of realistic complex models in biology. Here, we present a framework that can automatically convert SBML models into bond graphs, which imposes energy conservation laws on these models. The new bond graph models are easily mergeable, resulting in physically plausible coupled models. We illustrate this by automatically converting and coupling a model of pyruvate distribution to a model of the pentose phosphate pathway.

Graphical Abstract

Highlights

A framework to convert suitable SBML models of biochemical networks into bond graphs is developed.

The framework is applied here to two interconnecting models of metabolism pathways.

We automatically integrate the generated bond graph modules.

We qualitatively illustrate the functionality of the composed model.