bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telehealth Education via WeChat Improves the Quality of Life of Parents of Children with Type-1 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Huang Mei-Xia , Wang Mei-Chun , Wu Bi-Yu
Published: March 2022

Objective The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of telehealth education and care guidance via WeChat (Tencent Ltd., Shenzhen, China; a popular smartphone-based social media application) on improving the quality of life of parents of children with type-1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted in our hospital from March 2019 to September 2020 to compare the quality of life of parents of children with type-1 diabetes mellitus in the intervention group and the control group.

Results Six months after discharge, the Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores of parents in the intervention group were significantly lower than those in the control group (p < 0.05). Compared with the SAS and SDS scores at discharge time, those scores of parents at 6 months after discharge time in intervention group were significantly lower (p < 0.05), while those scores of parents at 6 months after discharge time in control was similar (p > 0.05). Six months after discharge, the scores of the physiological field, psychological field, social relationship field, and environmental field in the intervention group were significantly higher than those of the control group according to the result of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Brief Scale (WHOQOL-BREF; p < 0.05).

Conclusion Using WeChat to provide telehealth education and home care guidance to the parents of children with type-1 diabetes mellitus can effectively relieve the anxiety and depression of the parents and improve their quality of life.
Chronic Subdural Hematoma Caused by Calvarial and Dural Metastasis from Uterine Leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Soo Wai Tseung , Teo Eu Gene , Mohamad Noraini , Wong Albert Sii Hieng
Published: March 2022

Uterine Leiomyosarcoma (uLMS) is an aggressive tumor with poor clinical outcome. Skull and dural metastasis from uterine uLMS is exceptionally rare. We report a 60-year-old woman who had a 6 months' history of per vaginal bleed and abdominal pain who presented to us in a confused state and raised intracranial pressure symptoms with swelling over her right frontal-temporal region. She underwent excision of the right frontal-temporal tumor and evacuation of a right subdural hematoma (SDH), which greatly improved her condition. Postoperatively, she underwent adjuvant radiotherapy and chemotherapy. This case highlights the importance of clinical suspicion to diagnose patients with this rare metastasis to this region and the appropriate subsequent treatment. We herein report a rare case of metastatic uLMS with skull and dural metastasis that presented with SDH.
Increased Accuracy in Templating for Total Knee Arthroplasty Using 3D Models Generated from Radiographs
Authors: Klag Elizabeth A. , Lizzio Vincent A. , Charters Michael A. , Ayoola Ayooluwa S. , Wesemann Luke , Banka Trevor R. , North W. Trevor
Published: March 2022

Templating prior to total hip arthroplasty is a widely adopted practice that aims to improve operative efficiency and reduce clinical outliers. Predicting implant size before total knee arthroplasty (TKA), although less common, could increase operating room efficiency by reducing necessary equipment needed for the procedure. This study compared templating accuracy in TKA using two-dimensional (2D) digital radiographs to a novel imaging technology that generates a three-dimensional (3D) model from these 2D radiographs. Two hundred and two robotic-assisted primary TKA surgical cases using Persona Knee System (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) were retrospectively analyzed. For all cases, 3D templating was completed preoperatively using a novel radiographic image acquisition protocol. Using the same radiographs, the knee was templated using a 2D digital templating program. All surgeons were blinded to the final implant sizes, and all templating was done independently. The accuracy of predictions within ± 1 from the final implant size was determined for the femoral and tibial components. The accuracy (within 1 size) of tibial size predictions was comparable between attending surgeons and residents (87 vs. 82%, p = 0.08), but attending surgeons more accurately predicted the femoral size (77 vs. 60%, p < 0.05). The 2D to 3D imaging technology more accurately predicted both tibial and femoral sizes compared with the attending surgeons (99.5 vs. 87%, p < 0.05; 84% vs. 77%, p < 0.05). However, the imaging technology, attending surgeons, and residents were all more likely to overestimate femur size (p < 0.05). Moreover, the 3D imaging technology predicted the exact tibial component size in 93.1% of cases, which was significantly greater compared with residents (40%, p < 0.01) and attending surgeons (53%, p < 0.01). The 2D to 3D imaging technology more accurately predicted tibial and femoral component sizes compared with 2D digital templating done by surgeons. All templating predictions were more accurate for the tibial implant size than for the femoral size. The increased accuracy of implant size predictions from this 3D templating technology has the potential to improve intraoperative efficiency and minimize costs and surgical time.
Wireless Telephones and Hearing Aids: An Overview
Authors: Ross Mark
Published: March 2022

Wireless telephones are becoming increasingly common and will be more so in the future. Unfortunately, many are unusable with hearing aids and may actively interfere with the normal use of hearing aids because of the electromagnetic interference (EMI) generated by wireless telephones. The EMI generated by digital wireless telephones is much greater than that of analog wireless telephones. More research and design work needs to be done before wireless telephones can be considered accessible to people who use hearing aids.

Abbreviations: CDMA = code division multiple access, EMI = electromagnetic interference, FCC = Federal Communications Commission, GSM = Global System for Mobile Communications, PCS = personal communication service, SHHH = Self Help for Hard of Hearing People, TDMA = time division multiple access
Possible Neuronal Refractory or Recovery Artifacts Associated with Recording the Mismatch Negativity Response
Authors: Walker Letitia J. , Carpenter Michael , Downs C. Renee , Cranford Jerry L. , Stuart Andrew , Pravica David
Published: March 2022

The mismatch negativity (MMN) is an event-related potential that involves a negative voltage shift of baseline electroencephalographic (EEG) activity in the approximate latency window of the N, and P2 cortical potentials in response to new or novel sounds. The MMN is present at birth and has been hypothesized to serve as an automatic preconscious detector of changes in the auditory environment. Research paradigms used to extract the MMN response from EEG activity have a potential problem related to neuronal refractoriness or recovery. Both N1 and P2 are known to increase in amplitude with longer interstimulus intervals (ISIs). The MMN extraction procedures involve mathematical subtraction of waveforms elicited by standard sounds (with short ISIs) from those recorded to rare deviant sounds (with longer ISIs). Any ISI-dependent amplitude changes in N, and/or P2 could therefore alter the morphology of the resulting difference wave and lead to misinterpretation of the nature of the underlying MMN generators. We tested 12 young females and found that the MMN can be influenced by ISI-dependent refractory effects that may modify the waveform morphology. This has important clinical implications since the MMN is being investigated as an assessment tool.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, CNS = central nervous system, EEG = electroencephalographic, ERP = event-related potential, ISI = interstimulus interval, LAEP = late auditory evoked potential, MMN = mismatch negativity
Discretionary Grants and Distributive Politics: Evidence from Spain
Authors: Jarocinska Elena
Published: March 2022

We study empirically whether the allocation of discretionary grants across Spanish regions is related to the number of swing voters and loyal voters of the ruling party. We estimate the number of swing and loyal voters from survey data. When estimating the number of swing voters, we account in a novel way for the two-dimensional ideological space and multiparty competition. We find that regions with more loyal voters of the ruling party received more grants per capita. Partisan alignment of regional governments also matters over a part of the studied period since the regions where the socialist party of the central government was a member of the regional government received more grants.
Vacuum ultraviolet free-electron laser photoionization mass spectrometry of alpha-pinene ozonolysis
Authors: Zang Xiangyu , Zhang Zhaoyan , Wang Chong , Wang Tiantong , Zheng Huijun , Xie Hua , Yang Jiayue , Dai Dongxu , Wu Guorong , Zhang Weiqing , Li Gang , Yang Xueming , Jiang Ling
Published: March 2022

α-pinene is the most abundant monoterpene that represents an important family of volatile organic compounds. Molecular identification of key transient compounds during the α-pinene ozonolysis has been proven to be a challenging experimental target because of a large number of intermediates and products involved. Here we exploit the recently developed hybrid instruments that integrate aerosol mass spectrometry with a vacuum ultraviolet free-electron laser to study the α-pinene ozonolysis. The experiments of α-pinene ozonolysis are performed in an indoor smog chamber, with reactor having a volume of 2 m3 which is made of fluorinated ethylene propylene film. Distinct mass spectral peaks provide direct experimental signatures of previously unseen compounds produced from the reaction of α-pinene with O3. With the aid of quantum chemical calculations, plausible mechanisms for the formation of these new compounds are proposed. These findings provide crucial information on fundamental understanding of the initial steps of α-pinene oxidation and the subsequent processes of new particle formation.
Electronic couplings for singlet oxygen photosensitization and its molecular orbital overlap description
Authors: Chen Jiaying , Ma Tongmei , Bai Shuming , Shi Qiang
Published: March 2022

The reaction of triplet fusion, also named triplet-triplet annihilation, has attracted a lot of research interests because of its wide applications in photocatalytic, solar cells, and bioimaging. As for the singlet oxygen photosensitization, the reactive singlet oxygen species are generated through the energy transfers from photosensitizer (PS) to ground triplet oxygen molecule. In this work, we computed the electronic coupling for singlet oxygen photosensitization using the nonadiabatic coupling from the quantum chemical calculation. Then we utilized the molecular orbital (MO) overlaps to approximate it, where the MOs were computed from isolated single molecules. As demonstrated with quantitative results, this approach well describes the distribution of the coupling strength as the function of the intermolecular distance between the sensitizer and O2, providing us a simple but effective way to predict the coupling of triplet fusion reactions.
Magnetic field design in a cylindrical high-permeability shield: The combination of simple building blocks and a genetic algorithm
Authors: Packer M. , Hobson P. J. , Davis A. , Holmes N. , Leggett J. , Glover P. , Hardwicke N. L. , Brookes M. J. , Bowtell R. , Fromhold T. M.
Published: March 2022

Magnetically sensitive experiments and newly developed quantum technologies with integrated high-permeability magnetic shields require increasing control of their magnetic field environment and reductions in size, weight, power, and cost. However, magnetic fields generated by active components are distorted by high-permeability magnetic shielding, particularly when they are close to the shield’s surface. Here, we present an efficient design methodology for creating desired static magnetic field profiles by using discrete coils electromagnetically coupled to a cylindrical passive magnetic shield. We utilize a modified Green’s function solution that accounts for the interior boundary conditions on a closed finite-length high-permeability cylindrical magnetic shield and determine simplified expressions when a cylindrical coil approaches the interior surface of the shield. We use an analytic formulation of simple discrete building blocks to provide a complete discrete coil basis to generate any physically attainable magnetic field inside the shield. We then use a genetic algorithm to find optimized discrete coil structures composed of this basis. We use our methodology to generate an improved linear axial gradient field, dBz/dz, and a transverse bias field, Bx. These optimized structures generate the desired fields with less than 1% error in volumes seven and three times greater in spatial extent than equivalent unoptimized standard configurations. This coil design method can be used to optimize active–passive magnetic field shaping systems that are compact and simple to manufacture, enabling accurate control of magnetic field changes in spatially confined experiments at low cost.
Simulation and design of dual-band quantum dot infrared photodetector based on metal grating structure
Authors: Chen Yang , Yang Chunhua , Liu Hongmei , Wei Guodong , Wen Jie
Published: March 2022

Quantum dot infrared photodetectors (QDIP) have a weak ability to capture light, which limits the further improvement of absorptivity to a certain extent. Since the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) can effectively couple the optical radiation energy and result in a significant field enhancement effect in the near-field range, it is introduced to improve the absorptivity of the QDIP. Concretely, the strip metal grating structure is coupled to the active region of the traditional QDIP, and a metal reflective layer is added at the bottom of the QDIP to improve the absorptivity by using the metal–semiconductor–metal structure. The simulation results show that the addition of the optimized strip metal grating structure can make the photon absorptivity of QDIP reach more than 90% in both frequency bands of 37.5 and 48.5 THz, and the coupling characteristics of LSPR are studied by the analysis of the electric field distribution of QDIP, which can provide the theoretical guidance for the combination of metal grating and traditional QDIP.
Experimental research on the effect of air bubble properties on aluminum cavitation erosion
Authors: Wang Qing-feng , Wei Wang-ru
Published: March 2022

Cavitation has been proven to cause damage to hydraulic structures. In recent times, aeration has been receiving increasing attention as a suitable method for preventing or reducing the erosion effects of cavitation. In this study, an orifice with a micrometer-sized diameter was designed for introducing air bubbles in water to examine the reduction in erosion caused by cavitation in ultrasonic environments. The experimental results showed that cavitation erosion is significantly reduced by low air concentration, which also reduces structural damage due to cavitation. At a certain air concentration level, the erosion reduction effects of the material do not change when the conditions of the air are altered, and the wall surfaces are protected by aeration and corrosion reduction; the air bubble frequency also influences cavitation erosion, with a high air bubble frequency resulting in a more conducive environment for minimizing cavitation damage. The influence of cavitation damage under the same aeration concentration and different air bubble sizes was also analyzed. The analysis results indicated that the combination of air concentration that satisfies the corrosion reduction requirements and smaller bubble size is highly advantageous for achieving the aeration and corrosion reduction effect at a smaller aeration concentration. Therefore, the aeration and corrosion reduction effect can be effectively achieved through the size of the bubble, and, in water conservancy projects, it can be beneficial for designing and analyzing methods to reduce corrosion and aeration.
The interaction of vortical flows with red cells in venous valve mimics
Authors: Sanchez Zyrina Alura C. , Vijayananda Vignesha , Virassammy Devin M. , Rosenfeld Liat , Ramasubramanian Anand K.
Published: March 2022

The motion of cells orthogonal to the direction of main flow is of importance in natural and engineered systems. The lateral movement of red blood cells (RBCs) distal to sudden expansion is considered to influence the formation and progression of thrombosis in venous valves, aortic aneurysms, and blood-circulating devices and is also a determining parameter for cell separation applications in flow-focusing microfluidic devices. Although it is known that the unique geometry of venous valves alters the blood flow patterns and cell distribution in venous valve sinuses, the interactions between fluid flow and RBCs have not been elucidated. Here, using a dilute cell suspension in an in vitro microfluidic model of a venous valve, we quantified the spatial distribution of RBCs by microscopy and image analysis, and using micro-particle image velocimetry and 3D computational fluid dynamics simulations, we analyzed the complex flow patterns. The results show that the local hematocrit in the valve pockets is spatially heterogeneous and is significantly different from the feed hematocrit. Above a threshold shear rate, the inertial separation of streamlines and lift forces contribute to an uneven distribution of RBCs in the vortices, the entrapment of RBCs in the vortices, and non-monotonic wall shear stresses in the valve pockets. Our experimental and computational characterization provides insights into the complex interactions between fluid flow, RBC distribution, and wall shear rates in venous valve mimics, which is of relevance to understanding the pathophysiology of thrombosis and improving cell separation efficiency.
Effects of blister formation on the degradation of organic light emitting devices
Authors: Cromwell J. , Adeniji S. A. , Oyewole D. O. , Koech R. , Ichwani R. , Agyei-Tuffour B. , Oyewole O. K. , Soboyejo W. O.
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the results of a combined experimental and computational study of the mechanisms of blister formation, and their effects on the degradation of organic light emitting devices (OLEDs). Blister formation is attributed to the effects of thermally induced mismatch stresses associated with applied bias. These result in interfacial cracking phenomena that are affected by the solvents that are used in OLED fabrication. The OLEDs are first fabricated using an electron transport layer of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)-poly(styrenesulfonate) deposited on an active layer made from solutions of poly[2-methoxy-5-(2-ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene] dissolved in different solvents (toluene, chloroform, and chlorobenzene). The formation of blisters and degradation is then studied under applied bias for devices fabricated using different solvents (toluene, chloroform, and chlorobenzene) and emissive layer thicknesses. The underlying layer mechanical properties are then incorporated into interfacial fracture mechanic models that explain the formation of blisters that degrade the performance of OLED structures.
Nozzle atomizing performance evaluation in complex environment using residual atrous spatial pyramid network
Authors: Yang Ya , Li Chuanchang , Hou Xiaonan , Wang Chunlei , Zhang Weiwei
Published: March 2022

Conventional spray particle detection methods have disadvantages such as spray field interference, large subjective standard error, and an inability to specifically analyze the spray particle movement. Manual methods used the uniformity of the liquid deposit in the spray chamber to detect spray particles, which only considered the particle density information. Especially, manual detection results by different observers are significantly different, resulting in the low measurement accuracy of the spray particle size. In order to overcome these challenges, this paper proposes a non-contact spray particle segmentation based on the Residual Atrous Spatial Pyramid Network (RASPN). In the RASPN, the spray angle of the fragranced nozzle and the distribution of spray particles of different sizes are evaluated through the statistical method. The experimental results show that the proposed RASPN outperforms the compared methods in terms of detection accuracy. The injection angle is about 31° under an injection pressure of 0.4 MPa, with the highest proportion of 40–80 pixel spray particles.
Optimizing magnetic heating of isolated magnetic nanowires (MNWs) by simulation
Authors: Chen Yicong , Harpel Allison , Hills Stadler Bethanie J.
Published: March 2022

Magnetic properties such as coercivity, remanence and saturation magnetization will determine the area enclosed by the hysteresis loop of a magnetic material, which also represents magnetic heating. Nanowarming of cryopreserved organs is a new application for magnetic heating using nanoparticles. In this paper, isolated Ni MNW of different sizes and shapes are studied via micromagnetic simulation to explore the optimization of heating using individual MNW. Ellipsoidal MNWs with small (30nm) diameters turn out to be most promising in heating ability due to their large hysteresis area and their potential to distribute uniformly in an organ that is being heated. In addition to optimized heating, a special switching pattern of magnetic moment was also observed for cylindrical large (200nm) MNW. This special switching pattern can trigger applications such as quantum computing.
Evaluating the relationships between wildfires and drought using machine learning
Authors: Chen Angela
Published: March 2022

In recent years, many destructive wildfires have plagued California. Extreme fire conditions, such as drought, have been taking place simultaneously with many of these wildfires. In this study, the relationship was quantified between the self-calibrated Palmer Drought Severity Index (sc-PDSI) and wildfire burn area (BA) in California during the time of 1984–2018, and results indicate that the drought is a significant driver of wildfire BA in California. The methods of wavelet transform coherence, cross wavelet transform, and continuous wavelet transform were used in conjunction with machine learning algorithms to analyse and establish the relationship between sc-PDSI and wildfire BA. This study concludes that there was a statistically significant relationship between wildfire BA and sc-PDSI in 6–8-, 5–6-, and 2–3-year bands during the study period, during which sc-PDSI was one of the main drivers for wildfire BA. In addition, machine learning was utilised in conjunction with the Quantile Regression Model (QRM) in order to quantify the relationship between sc-PDSI and wildfire BA in California. The findings provide a promising direction to improved prediction of wildfire BA which is significant in the aid of damage control of wildfires in California, potentially leading to less burned area, less economic damage, and fewer casualties.
The animal welfare impacts of a gas explosive device used for the management of wild rabbits in Australia
Authors: Sharp T. M. , McLeod S. R.
Published: March 2022

Context Destruction of rabbit warrens to prevent re-invasion is an important component of integrated rabbit management. Ripping, and less commonly blasting with explosives, are used to destroy warren systems and to kill any rabbits remaining in warrens, usually after the population has already been reduced. However, the use of these methods can sometimes be constrained by vegetation, topography, presence of culturally significant sites or important habitats, or they may be inefficient or expensive due to the low density of warrens. Gas explosive devices provide an alternative method in these situations; however, little is known about their animal welfare impacts. The R3 Unit is a gas explosive device used in Australia. It pumps a calibrated mixture of propane and oxygen into a warren and then ignites the mixture, causing a blast wave to travel through the warren. Aims To determine the animal welfare impacts of the R3 Unit gas explosive device and to assess its effectiveness at achieving a rapid death in wild rabbits. Methods Trials of the R3 Unit were initially conducted in artificial warrens to determine the relationship between blast pressure, warren size and structure. We then assessed the extent of injury and probability of death of rabbits in both artificial and natural warrens. Key results As blast pressure increases within a warren, probability of death also increases. Blast pressures exceeding 56 psi will render rabbits unconscious, but a blast pressure of at least 67 psi is required to kill rabbits quickly and humanely. Sublethal blasts at lower pressures result in significant injuries that lead to severe suffering. Conclusions The R3 Unit can humanely kill rabbits when the blast pressure is sufficient to cause immediate unconsciousness and death (without regaining consciousness). To achieve adequate blast pressure, warrens must be small, with a diameter no more than 4 m, and all entrances must be sealed. Implications The R3 Unit can provide an effective alternative to warren ripping and blasting in certain situations. However, to ensure the device is used correctly to minimise animal welfare impacts, operators must be trained in its use and follow best practice procedures.
Deforestation reduces fruit and vegetable consumption in rural Tanzania
Authors: Hall Charlotte M. , Rasmussen Laura Vang , Powell Bronwen , Dyngeland Cecilie , Jung Suhyun , Olesen Rasmus Skov
Published: March 2022

Significance

Two billion people across the planet suffer from nutrient deficiencies. Dietary diversification is key to solving this problem, yet many food and nutrition security policies, especially in low- and middle-income countries, still focus on increasing agricultural production and access to sufficient calories as the main solution. But calories are not all equal. Here, we show how deforestation in Tanzania caused a reduction in fruit and vegetable consumption (of 14 g per person per day) and thus vitamin A adequacy of diets. Using a combination of regression and weighting analyses to generate quasi-experimental quantitative estimates of the impacts of deforestation on people’s food intake, our study establishes a causal link between deforestation and people’s dietary quality.
Representativeness is crucial for inferring demographic processes from online genealogies: Evidence from lifespan dynamics
Authors: Stelter Robert , Alburez-Gutierrez Diego
Published: March 2022

Crowdsourced online genealogies have an unprecedented potential to shed light on long-run population dynamics, if analyzed properly. We investigate whether the historical mortality dynamics of males in familinx, a popular genealogical dataset, are representative of the general population, or whether they are closer to those of an elite subpopulation in two territories. The first territory is the German Empire, with a low level of genealogical coverage relative to the total population size, while the second territory is The Netherlands, with a higher level of genealogical coverage relative to the population. We find that, for the period around the turn of the 20th century (for which benchmark national life tables are available), mortality is consistently lower and more homogeneous in familinx than in the general population. For that time period, the mortality levels in familinx resemble those of elites in the German Empire, while they are closer to those in national life tables in The Netherlands. For the period before the 19th century, the mortality levels in familinx mirror those of the elites in both territories. We identify the low coverage of the total population and the oversampling of elites in online genealogies as potential explanations for these findings. Emerging digital data may revolutionize our knowledge of historical demographic dynamics, but only if we understand their potential uses and limitations.
Validity of detrended fluctuation analysis of heart rate variability to determine intensity thresholds in elite cyclists
Authors: Mateo‐March Manuel , Moya‐Ramón Manuel , Javaloyes Alejandro , Sánchez‐Muñoz Cristóbal , Clemente‐Suárez Vicente J.
Published: March 2022

Background:The evaluation of performance in endurance athletes and the subsequent individualisation of training is based on the determination of individual physiological thresholds during incremental tests. Gas exchange or blood lactate analysis are usually implemented for this purpose, but these methodologies are expensive and invasive. The short‐term scaling exponent alpha 1 of detrended Fluctuation Analysis (DFA‐α1) of the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) has been proposed as a non‐invasive methodology to detect intensity thresholds.Purpose:The aim of this study is to analyse the validity of DFA‐α1 HRV analysis to determine the individual training thresholds in elite cyclists and to compare them against the lactate thresholds.Methodology:38 male elite cyclists performed a graded exercise test to determine their individual thresholds. HRV and blood lactate were monitored during the test. The first (LT1 and DFA‐α1‐0.75, for lactate and HRV, respectively) and second (LT2 and DFA‐α1‐0.5, for lactate and HRV, respectively) training intensity thresholds were calculated. Then, these points were matched to their respective power output (PO) and heart rate (HR).Results:There were no significant differences (p> 0.05) between the DFA‐α1‐0.75 and LT1 with significant positive correlations in PO (r = 0.85) and HR (r = 0.66). The DFA‐α1‐0.5 was different against LT2 in PO (p= 0.04) and HR (p= 0.02), but it showed significant positive correlation in PO (r = 0.93) and HR (r = 0.71).Conclusions:The DFA1‐a‐0.75 can be used to estimate LT1 non‐invasively in elite cyclists. Further research should explore the validity of DFA‐α1‐0.5.

Highlights

The power and heart rate values derived from the DFA‐α1‐0.75 threshold showed high levels of validity and agreement when they were compared against the first lactate threshold.

The second lactate threshold and the DFA‐α1‐0.5 were different (p< 0.05) but showed high levels of correlation.

The detrended fluctuation analysis is a valid method to estimate the first lactate threshold and more studies are needed to verify its validity with the second lactate threshold.
A metamaterial absorber with centre-spin design and characteristic modes analysis
Authors: Liu Shanshan , Ding Fan , Wu Jiong , Zhang Qi , Yang Helin
Published: March 2022

A novel wide band multilayer metamaterial absorber with unit cell of centre-spin structure is proposed, which has a high absorption rate of up to 90% in the 2.2 to 5.2 GHz frequency range. We use equivalent impedance matching theory and characteristic mode theory(CMA) to analyze the characteristics and mechanism of the absorber, and verify the correctness of the absorber design through experiments.With the advantages of thin thickness, simple structure, insensitivity to polarization, and good absorption in a wide-angle range, the absorber has a certain application value in antenna, military radar target stealth, electromagnetic compatibility, and other fields.
Structural evolution and molecular dissociation of H2S under high pressures
Authors: Shen Wen-Ji , Liang Tian-Xiao , Liu Zhao , Wang Xin , Duan De-Fang , Yu Hong-Yu , Cui Tian
Published: March 2022

Solid H2S as the precursor for H3S with incredible superconducting properties under high pressure, has recently attracted extensive attention. Here in this work, we propose two new phases of H2S with P42/n and I41/a lattice symmetries in a pressure range of 0 GPa–30 GPa through first-principles structural searches, which complement the phase transition sequence. Further an ab initio molecular dynamics simulation confirms that the molecular phase P2/c of H2S is gradually dissociated with the pressure increasing and reconstructs into a new P21/m structure at 160 GPa, exhibiting the superconductivity with T
c of 82.5 K. Our results may provide a guidance for the theoretical study of low-temperature superconducting phase of H2S.
Surface defects, stress evolution, and laser damage enhancement mechanism of fused silica under oxygen-enriched condition
Authors: Luo Wei-Yuan , Sun Wen-Feng , Li Bo , Xiang Xia , Jiang Xiao-Long , Liao Wei , Wang Hai-Jun , Yuan Xiao-Dong , Jiang Xiao-Dong , Zu Xiao-Tao
Published: March 2022

Oxygen ions (O+) were implanted into fused silica at a fixed fluence of 1 × 1017 ions/cm2 with different ion energies ranging from 10 keV to 60 keV. The surface roughness, optical properties, mechanical properties and laser damage performance of fused silica were investigated to understand the effect of oxygen ion implantation on laser damage resistance of fused silica. The ion implantation accompanied with sputtering effect can passivate the sub-/surface defects to reduce the surface roughness and improve the surface quality slightly. The implanted oxygen ions can combine with the structural defects (ODCs and E′ centers) to reduce the defect densities and compensate the loss of oxygen in fused silica surface under laser irradiation. Furthermore, oxygen ion implantation can reduce the Si–O–Si bond angle and densify the surface structure, thus introducing compressive stress in the surface to strengthen the surface of fused silica. Therefore, the laser induced damage threshold of fused silica increases and the damage growth coefficient decreases when ion energy up to 30 keV. However, at higher ion energy, the sputtering effect is weakened and implantation becomes dominant, which leads to the surface roughness increase slightly. In addition, excessive energy aggravates the breaking of Si–O bonds. At the same time, the density of structural defects increases and the compressive stress decreases. These will degrade the laser laser-damage resistance of fused silica. The results indicate that oxygen ion implantation with appropriate ion energy is helpful to improve the damage resistance capability of fused silica components.
Efficient quantum private comparison protocol based on one direction discrete quantum walks on the circle
Authors: Wang Jv-Jie , Dou Zhao , Chen Xiu-Bo , Lai Yu-Ping , Li Jian
Published: March 2022

We propose an efficient quantum private comparison protocol firstly based on one direction quantum walks. With the help of one direction quantum walk, we develop a novel method that allows the semi-honest third party to set a flag to judge the comparing result, which improves the qubit efficiency and the maximum quantity of the participants’ secret messages. Besides, our protocol can judge the size of the secret messages, not only equality. Furthermore, the quantum walks particle is disentangled in the initial state. It only requires a quantum walks operator to move, making our proposed protocol easy to implement and reducing the quantum resources. Through security analysis, we prove that our protocol can withstand well-known attacks and brute-force attacks. Analyses also reveal that our protocol is correct and practical.
Sub-stochiometric MoO
x
by radio-frequency magnetron sputtering as hole-selective passivating contacts for silicon heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Yang Xiufang , Zhao Shengsheng , Huang Qian , Yu Cao , Zhou Jiakai , Liu Xiaoning , Su Xianglin , Zhao Ying , Hou Guofu
Published: March 2022

The silicon heterojunction (SHJ) solar cell has long been considered as one of the most promising candidates for the next-generation PV market. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) show good carrier selectivity when combined with c-Si solar cells. This has led to the rapid demonstration of the remarkable potential of TMOs (especially MoO
x
) with high work function to replace the p-type a-Si:H emitting layer. MoO
x
can induce a strong inversion layer on the interface of n-type c-Si, which is beneficial to the extraction and conduction of holes. In this paper, the radio-frequency (RF) magnetron sputtering is used to deposit MoO
x
films. The optical, electrical and structural properties of MoO
x
films are measured and analyzed, with focus on the inherent compositions and work function. Then the MoO
x
films are applied into SHJ solar cells. When the MoO
x
works as a buffer layer between ITO/p-a-Si:H interface in the reference SHJ solar cell, a conversion efficiency of 19.1% can be obtained. When the MoO
x
is used as a hole transport layer (HTL), the device indicates a desirable conversion efficiency of 17.5%. To the best of our knowledge, this current efficiency is the highest one for the MoO
x
film as HTL by RF sputtering.
Comparison in dynamic primary calibration of digital-output accelerometer between CEM and PTB
Authors: Seeger B , Jugo E , Bosnjakovic A , Ruiz S , Bruns Th
Published: March 2022

In the framework of the EU-funded project Met4FoF Metrology for the Factory of the Future a method was developed to perform primary magnitude and phase calibration of accelerometers. The validation of the developed associated hard- and software, which is designed to complement conventional primary calibration systems, is demonstrated based on a comparison measurement between the project partners CEM and PTB. The results show that the statistical distribution of results is only a minor contribution to uncertainty. An evaluation of the comparison based on the conventional procedure and established CMCs proofed a good consistency between the two laboratories, although the utilized sensor was (only) industrial grade quality.
Virtual reality validation of naturalistic modulation strategies to counteract fading in retinal stimulation
Authors: Thorn Jacob Thomas , Chenais Naïg Aurelia Ludmilla , Hinrichs Sandrine , Chatelain Marion , Ghezzi Diego
Published: March 2022

Objective. Temporal resolution is a key challenge in artificial vision. Several prosthetic approaches are limited by the perceptual fading of evoked phosphenes upon repeated stimulation from the same electrode. Therefore, implanted patients are forced to perform active scanning, via head movements, to refresh the visual field viewed by the camera. However, active scanning is a draining task, and it is crucial to find compensatory strategies to reduce it. Approach. To address this question, we implemented perceptual fading in simulated prosthetic vision using virtual reality. Then, we quantified the effect of fading on two indicators: the time to complete a reading task and the head rotation during the task. We also tested if stimulation strategies previously proposed to increase the persistence of responses in retinal ganglion cells to electrical stimulation could improve these indicators. Main results. This study shows that stimulation strategies based on interrupted pulse trains and randomisation of the pulse duration allows significant reduction of both the time to complete the task and the head rotation during the task. Significance. The stimulation strategy used in retinal implants is crucial to counteract perceptual fading and to reduce active head scanning during prosthetic vision. In turn, less active scanning might improve the patient’s comfort in artificial vision.
The solution space structure of planted constraint satisfaction problems with growing domains
Authors: Xu Wei , Zhang Zhe
Published: March 2022

Planting a solution into the random revised B (RB) model, which is a prototype of the random constraint satisfaction problem (CSP) with growing domains, can generate very hard satisfiable CSP benchmarks. We study the solution space structure of the planted RB model. In the thermodynamic limit, by the first moment method we find that this model goes through four phase transitions as the constraint density increases. In the replica symmetric phase, what we call the independent phase transition occurs, after which the planted cluster (cluster containing the planted solution) is separated from the giant cluster. From then on, the solution space except the planted cluster goes through the same clustering phase transition and the same satisfiability phase transition as on the random RB model. The planted cluster goes through the isolated phase transition, after which the planted cluster contains only one solution. When the instances have about 102 variables, experiments show that the last three phase transitions have already appeared as in the thermodynamic limit. This phase diagram provides strong evidence that this model can generate very hard satisfiable CSP benchmarks. Finally, we find when the constraint density goes to infinity, there is a single smooth valley in the energy landscape.
Test system for the service hybrid of the 2S module for the CMS Phase-2 Outer Tracker upgrade
Authors: Dziwok C. , Feld L. , Karpinski W. , Klein K. , Lipinski M. , Louis D. , Oezen I. , Pauls A. , Pooth O. , Repic M. , Wlochal M.
Published: March 2022

Alongside the High Luminosity LHC upgrade, the silicon tracker of the CMS detector will be replaced within the scope of the so-called Phase-2 upgrade. The new tracker will consist of an inner part (Inner Tracker with pixelated modules) and at larger radii the Outer Tracker with two different module types (PS and 2S modules). One hybrid type used on these modules is the 2S service hybrid. It provides the optical link connection of a 2S module via the Low Power Giga Bit Transceiver (lpGBT) and a Versatile Transceiver Plus module (VTRx+). It is also responsible for the module power distribution. The different responsibilities of the hybrid require a complete testing, which is performed by a dedicated custom made test card. After a hybrid has been installed on the test card, all signal connections can be tested and verified. The test system is designed to handle a high throughput during mass production. The requirements and the design for the 2S service hybrid test card are presented together with testing results of the first final 2S service hybrid prototypes.
Morphological peculiarities of a harbour seal (Phoca vitulina) whisker revealed by normal skeletonisation
Authors: Starostin Eugene L , Dougill Gary , Grant Robyn A , Goss Victor G A
Published: March 2022

Of all mammalian vibrissae, those of certain species of pinnipeds are exceptional. Researchers believe that their curious undulating form evolved for hydrodynamic detection. Our understanding of how these whiskers work depends on a geometrical model that captures the crucial pertinent features of the natural vibrissae including its tapering and curvature. It should also account for the form of the whisker when it flexes under external loading. We introduce and study a normal skeleton of a two-dimensional projection of a harbour seal whisker. The normal skeleton is a complete shape descriptor that involves reduction to the centreline equipped with a thickness function of the orthogonal cross-section. The contours of the whisker shape are extracted from a 2D greyscale scan. Our analysis reveals correspondence between the undulations of the width and oscillations of the centreline curvature as functions of arc length. We discuss two possible explanations for that remarkable feature: one based on consideration of growth and the other of plastic deformation. For the latter we employ a mechanical model to demonstrate appearance of curvature oscillations caused by extensive deflection of the undulating whisker due to external loading.
A review: potential application and outlook of photothermal therapy in oral cancer treatment
Authors: Cao Liren , Wu Yongzhi , Shan Yue , Tan Bowen , Liao Jinfeng
Published: March 2022

As one of the most common malignant tumors, oral cancer threatens people’s health worldwide. However, traditional therapies, including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy cannot meet the requirement of cancer cure. Photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted widespread attentions for its advantages of the noninvasive process, few side effects, and promising tumor ablation. Up to now, three types of photothermal agents (PTAs) have been widely employed in oral cancer therapies, which involve metallic materials, carbon-based materials, and organic materials. Previous research mainly introduced hybrid materials due to benefits from the synergistic effect of multiple functions. In this review, we present the advancement of each type PTAs for oral cancer treatment in recent years. In each part, we introduce the properties and synthesis of each PTA, summarize the current studies, and analyze their potential applications. Furthermore, we discuss the status quo and the deficiencies hindering the clinical application of PTT, based on which gives the perspective of its future developing directions.
Earlier crop flowering caused by global warming alleviated by irrigation
Authors: Muleke Albert , Harrison Matthew Tom , de Voil Peter , Hunt Ian , Liu Ke , Yanotti Maria , Eisner Rowan
Published: March 2022

Enabling crop flowering within an optimal calendar window minimises long-term risk of abiotic stress exposure, improving prospects for attaining potential yield. Here, we define the optimal flowering period (OFP) as the calendar time in which long-term risk of frost, water and heat stress are collectively minimised. Using the internationally-renowned farming systems model Agricultural Systems Production Systems sIMulator, we characterised combined effects of climate change and extreme climatic events on the OFPs of barley, durum wheat, canola, chickpeas, fababean and maize from 1910 to 2021. We generate response surfaces for irrigated and dryland conditions using a range of representative sowing times for early and late maturity genotypes. Global warming truncated crop lifecycles, shifting forward flowering of winter crops by 2–43 d in dryland environments, and by −6–19 d in environments with irrigation. Alleviation of water stress by irrigation delayed OFPs by 3–25 d or 11–30 d for early and late maturity winter crops, respectively, raising average yields of irrigated crops by 44%. Even so, irrigation was unable to completely negate the long-term yield penalty caused by the climate crisis; peak yields respectively declined by 24% and 13% for rainfed and irrigated crops over the 111 years simulation duration. We conclude with two important insights: (a) use of irrigation broadens OFPs, providing greater sowing time flexibility and likelihood of realising potential yields compared with dryland conditions and (b), the most preferable maturity durations for irrigated winter and summer crops to maximise potential yields are early-sown long-season (late) and later-sown short-season (early) maturity types, respectively.
Symplectic aspects of the tt*-Toda equations
Authors: Odoi Ryosuke
Published: March 2022

We evaluate explicitly, in terms of the asymptotic data, the ratio of the constant pre-factors in the large and small x asymptotics of the tau functions for global solutions of the tt*-Toda equations. This constant problem for the sinh–Gordon equation, which is the case n = 1 of the tt*-Toda equations, was solved by Tracy (1991 Commun. Math. Phys.
142 297–311). We also introduce natural symplectic structures on the space of asymptotic data and on the space of monodromy data for a wider class of solutions, and show that these symplectic structures are preserved by the Riemann-Hilbert correspondence.