bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimal control of wind farm power output with delay compensated nested-loop extreme seeking control
Authors: Wu Zhongyou , Li Yaoyu
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we propose to enhance the nested-loop extremum seeking control (NLESC)-based wind farm control strategy with the predictor-based delay compensation in order to improve its convergence characteristics under fluctuating wind. Earlier work has shown the effectiveness of NLESC for region-2 wind farm operation, i.e., maximizing the total power output of cascaded wind turbine array, while its convergence speed is highly limited by the delay of power output for downstream turbines due to wake propagation along the wind direction. By utilizing the delay compensated ESC proposed by Oliveira and Krstic, the delay compensated NLESC (DCNLESC) wind farm control is proposed, allowing the dither frequencies to be of similar magnitude as that in the single-turbine ESC. This can significantly improve the convergence speed of optimum tracking for real-time wind farm control. The wake propagation delay is estimated from turbine power outputs using cross correlation and proper filtering. Using the SimWindFarm platform, the proposed DCNLESC strategy is simulated with both a single-column three-turbine array and a 2 × 3 turbine array, under different wind speeds. The results show that the convergence speed toward the calibrated optimum is significantly improved over the NLESC operation. The convergence time for the upstream turbines' torque gain is reduced by 55%–14% in terms of integral time-weighted absolute error, while the impact on turbine fatigue loads is as low as no more than 3.5% increase on turbine tower and shaft.
Exceptionally high hole mobilities in monolayer group-IV monochalcogenides GeTe and SnTe
Authors: Xiao Wei-Hua , Zeng Bowen , Ding Zhong-Ke , Pan Hui , Liu Wen-Wen , Li Qiu-Qiu , Yang Kaike , Luo Nannan , Zeng Jiang , Chen Ke-Qiu , Tang Li-Ming
Published: July 2023

Two-dimensional semiconductors are considered as promising channel materials for next-generation nanoelectronics devices, while their practical applications are typically limited by their low mobilities. In this work, using first-principles calculations combined with the Boltzmann transport formalism involving electron–phonon coupling, we study the transport properties of monolayer group-IV monochalcogenides (MX, M = Ge, Sn; X = S, Se, and Te). We find that the GeTe and SnTe possess exceptionally high hole mobilities, which even reach 835 and 1383 cm2/V s, respectively, at room temperature. More interestingly, the hole mobilities increase with the increase in the atomic number of “X” in MXs when “M” remains the same. Such a trend is mainly due to the increased group velocity and decreased density of states, and the latter plays a significant role in determining the carrier scattering space and relaxation time. Meanwhile, different from the acoustic deformation potential theory, we find that the high-energy optical phonons contribute a lot to the scattering. Our work shows that the monolayer GeTe and SnTe are promising p-type semiconductors in nanoelectronics and reveals the intrinsic connection between phonons, charge density of states, and mobility, which would shed light on exploring the two-dimensional materials with high mobility.
Ultralow lattice thermal conductivities and excellent thermoelectric properties of hypervalent triiodides XI3 (X = Rb, Cs) discovered by machine learning method
Authors: Zeng Shuming , Fang Lei , Gu Zonglin , Wang Xinming , Zhao Yinchang , Li Geng , Tu Yusong , Ni Jun
Published: July 2023

Thermal conductivity and power factor are key factors in evaluating heat transfer performance and designing thermoelectric conversion devices. To search for materials with ultralow thermal conductivity and a high power factor, we proposed a set of universal statistical interaction descriptors (SIDs) and developed accurate machine learning models for the prediction of thermoelectric properties. For lattice thermal conductivity prediction, the SID-based model achieved the state-of-the-art results with an average absolute error of 1.76 W m−1 K−1. The well-performing models predicted that hypervalent triiodides XI3 (X = Rb, Cs) have ultralow thermal conductivities and high power factors. Combining first-principles calculations, the self-consistent phonon theory, and the Boltzmann transport equation, we obtained the anharmonic lattice thermal conductivities of 0.10 and 0.13 W m−1 K−1 for CsI3 and RbI3 in the c-axis direction at 300 K, respectively. Further studies show that the ultralow thermal conductivity of XI3 arises from the competition of vibrations between alkali metal atoms and halogen atoms. In addition, at 700 K, the thermoelectric figure of merit ZT values of CsI3 and RbI3 are 4.10 and 1.52, respectively, at the optimal hole doping level, which indicates hypervalent triiodides are potential high performance thermoelectric materials.
Averaging over atom snapshots in linear-response TDDFT of disordered systems: A case study of warm dense hydrogen
Authors: Moldabekov Zhandos A. , Vorberger Jan , Lokamani Mani , Dornheim Tobias
Published: July 2023

Linear-response time-dependent density functional theory (LR-TDDFT) simulations of disordered extended systems require averaging over different snapshots of ion configurations to minimize finite size effects due to the snapshot-dependence of the electronic density response function and related properties. We present a consistent scheme for the computation of the macroscopic Kohn–Sham (KS) density response function connecting an average over snapshot values of charge density perturbations to the averaged values of KS potential variations. This allows us to formulate the LR-TDDFT within the adiabatic (static) approximation for the exchange–correlation (XC) kernel for disordered systems, where the static XC kernel is computed using the direct perturbation method [Moldabekov et al., J. Chem. Theory Comput. 19, 1286 (2023)]. The presented approach allows one to compute the macroscopic dynamic density response function as well as the dielectric function with a static XC kernel generated for any available XC functional. The application of the developed workflow is demonstrated for the example of warm dense hydrogen. The presented approach is applicable for various types of extended disordered systems, such as warm dense matter, liquid metals, and dense plasmas.
Dynamic nuclear polarization by two-pulse phase modulation
Authors: Redrouthu Venkata SubbaRao , Vinod-Kumar Sanjay , Mathies Guinevere
Published: July 2023

The coherent transfer of electron spin polarization to nuclei by means of a microwave pulse sequence is a promising new approach to enhancing the sensitivity of solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The development of pulse sequences for dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) of bulk nuclei is far from complete, as is the understanding of what makes a good DNP sequence. In this context, we introduce a new sequence, termed Two-Pulse Phase Modulation (TPPM) DNP. We provide a general theoretical description for electron–proton polarization transfer by periodic DNP pulse sequences and find it in excellent agreement with numerical simulations. In experiments at 1.2 T, TPPM DNP generates a higher gain in sensitivity than existing sequences XiX (X-inverse-X) and TOP (Time-Optimized Pulsed) DNP but does so at relatively high nutation frequencies. In contrast, we find that the XiX sequence performs very well at nutation frequencies as low as 7 MHz. A combination of theoretical analysis and experimental investigation makes clear that fast electron–proton polarization transfer, due to a well-preserved dipolar coupling in the effective Hamiltonian, correlates with a short build-up time of the dynamic nuclear polarization of the bulk. Experiments further show that the performances of XiX and TOP DNP are affected differently by the concentration of the polarizing agent. These results constitute important reference points for the development of new and better DNP sequences.
Shear-flow-induced negative tension of phospholipid bilayer: Molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Shigematsu Taiki , Koshiyama Kenichiro
Published: July 2023

Shear flow has been theoretically predicted to suppress the undulation of surfactant bilayers and generate negative tension, which is considered to be a driving force of the transition from the lamellar phase to the multilamellar vesicle phase in surfactant/water suspensions, the so-called onion transition. We performed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations of a single phospholipid bilayer under shear flow to clarify the relationship between the shear rate, bilayer undulation, and negative tension, providing molecular-level insight into the undulation suppression. An increasing shear rate suppressed bilayer undulation and increased negative tension; these results are consistent with theoretical predictions. The non-bonded forces between the hydrophobic tails facilitated negative tension, whereas the bonded forces within the tails suppressed it. The force components of the negative tension were anisotropic in the bilayer plane and prominently changed in the flow direction, although the resultant tension was isotropic. Our findings regarding a single bilayer will underlie further simulation studies of multilamellar bilayers, including inter-bilayer interactions and topological changes of bilayers under shear flow, which are essential for the onion transition and are unresolved in the theoretical and experimental studies.
Quantum machine learning assisted lung cancer telemedicine
Authors: Kumela Alemayehu Getahun , Gemta Abebe Belay , Hordofa Alemu Kebede , Dagnaw Habtamu , Sheferedin Umer , Tadesse Mulugeta
Published: July 2023

The rapidly increasing human population, the high cost of medical equipment, and the spread of multifactor diseases have transformed the entire healthcare industry into an electronic consulting, telediagnosis, delivery, and treatment model to avoid the physical personalization of patients. Despite this, we face many challenges, including low sensitivity of medical instruments, signal losses, and security of medical records. This study aims to develop a lung cancer telemedicine platform that utilizes classical and quantum computing models to classify lung cancer subtypes and stages and develop effective telemedicine techniques. By using optoplasmonic biosensors, the biosignals (that show lung cancer) were extracted and correlated with cloud datasets (containing patient information) to determine the dose of laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT). Then, applying quantum teleportation, the biosignals and doses of LITT were teleported between two healthcare stations. From the numerical result, we observed the maximum sensitivity (10 421 nm/RIU) of the proposed biosensor, a minimum degree of the loss function and maximum correlation of data from the quantum machine learning model, and high teleportation fidelity (96% transmission fidelity for biosignals and 98% teleportation fidelity for doses LITT). This shows the proposed telemedicine schemes anticipated solutions for the long-distance faithful lung cancer telemedicine.
A homotopy analysis method for forced transverse vibrations of simply supported double-beam systems with a nonlinear inner layer
Authors: Kakanda Kabutakapua , Zhu Hongbo , Herman Musumari , Kalambay Panick , Han Zhaolong , Bao Yan , Zhang Mengmeng , Zhou Dai
Published: July 2023

The present study introduces a novel algorithm based on the homotopy analysis method (HAM) to efficiently solve the equation of motion of simply supported transversely and axially loaded double-beam systems. The original HAM was developed for single partial differential equations (PDEs); the current formulation applies to systems of PDEs. The system of PDEs is derived by modeling two prismatic beams interconnected by a nonlinear inner layer as Euler–Bernoulli beams. We employ the Bubnov–Galerkin technique to turn the PDEs’ system into a system of ordinary differential equations that is further solved with the HAM. The flexibility and straightforwardness of the HAM in computing time-dependent components of the system’s transverse deflection and natural frequencies, in conjunction with the observed fast convergence, offer a robust semi-analytical method for analyzing such systems. Finally, the transverse deflection is built through the modal superposition principle. Thanks to a judicious and high-flexibility selection of initial guesses and convergence control parameters, numerical examples confirm that at most six iterations are needed to achieve convergence, and the results are consistent with the selected benchmark cases.
Coexistence of magnetic and phononic second-order topological phases in two-dimensional NiZrCl6
Authors: Li Jianghua , Kuang Minquan , Bai Jingbo , Ding Guangqian , Yuan Hongkuan , Xie Chengwu , Wang Wenhong , Wang Xiaotian
Published: July 2023

Second-order topological phases (SOTPs) in two-dimensional (2D) magnetic and phononic systems are rarely reported. In this Letter, using first-principles calculations, we propose that the NiZrCl6 monolayer with space group P312 (No. 149) is a 2D ferromagnetic material with rich SOTPs: (i) magnetic SOTPs can be found in the band structures of both spin channels in NiZrCl6. NiZrCl6 hosts topologically protected corner states that have a quantized fractional charge (e/3) and are spin-polarized and pinned at the corners of the sample in real space. The SOTP nature in the NiZrCl6 monolayer is resistant to the spin–orbit coupling effect. (ii) Phononic SOTPs can be found in the phonon curves of NiZrCl6. The corner vibrational modes appear inside the frequency gap around 7.98 THz of the NiZrCl6 monolayer, and the secondary topological index can verify the nontrivial phase. The proposed 2D NiZrCl6 material can be a starting point for exploring higher-order topological phases in 2D magnetic and phononic systems.
Neutral sphingomyelinase 2 is required for HIV-1 maturation
Authors: Waheed Abdul A. , Zhu Yanan , Agostino Eva , Naing Lwar , Hikichi Yuta , Soheilian Ferri , Yoo Seung-Wan , Song Yun , Zhang Peijun , Slusher Barbara S. , Haughey Norman J. , Freed Eric O.
Published: July 2023

HIV-1 assembly occurs at the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane (PM) in highly ordered membrane microdomains. The size and stability of membrane microdomains is regulated by activity of the sphingomyelin hydrolase neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (nSMase2) that is localized primarily to the inner leaflet of the PM. In this study, we demonstrate that pharmacological inhibition or depletion of nSMase2 in HIV-1-producer cells results in a block in the processing of the major viral structural polyprotein Gag and the production of morphologically aberrant, immature HIV-1 particles with severely impaired infectivity. We find that disruption of nSMase2 also severely inhibits the maturation and infectivity of other primate lentiviruses HIV-2 and simian immunodeficiency virus, has a modest or no effect on nonprimate lentiviruses equine infectious anemia virus and feline immunodeficiency virus, and has no effect on the gammaretrovirus murine leukemia virus. These studies demonstrate a key role for nSMase2 in HIV-1 particle morphogenesis and maturation.
Defending the last bastion
Authors: Hongtao Wang
Published: July 2023

Growing interest has been noted in applying AI-powered machine translation (MT) to literary translation, hailed as the last bastion of human translation. Despite achieving considerable progress in this field, research has either ignored or underestimated the particularity, complexity, and cultural significance of literary translation, which can be examined from a sociological approach. Drawing on the sociological theories of Bourdieu, Latour, Callon, and Baudrillard, the present paper analyses the innate nature of literary translation and highlights three fundamental issues that need to be addressed in applying MT to literary texts. First, the poetics of literary translation is built on human translators’ long-acquired habitus, thus, in the case of MT, an algorithm comparable to the creative human habitus must be derived if MT aspires to take on the role of the human translator. Second, literary translation constitutes a dynamic network connected by various human and non-human actors, thus the aspects not included in the interlingual transference of MT should be compensated through more effective interactions between the machine and other actors. Third, the cultural-ethical issues related to MT should be thoroughly examined because the present MT of literary texts is a machine simulation of the psychological human translation, which undermines both the meaning generation of literary translation and the knowledge accumulation of cultural production. Therefore, literary translation must be handled by qualified human translators until we can undoubtedly ensure that MT can be effectively and safely applied to literary texts.
The detriment that error production creates is affected by non-L1 speakers’ linguistic group membership
Authors: Kirjavainen Minna , Howie Grant , Rudge Luke A. , Nicholson Lucy
Published: July 2023

We present three studies that investigate the effect of group-level language ability expectations on language
ability judgements. Study 1 identifies expected English-language ability levels that native English speakers’ have for a number of
non-native English-speaker groups. Based on the results, two text-based written-guise studies were conducted investigating the
level of detriment that grammatical and lexical/typographical errors created on English-language ability ratings for different
author guises (Swedish, Chinese, English) in formal (Study 2) and informal contexts (Study 3). In both contexts, grammatical
errors produced by the guise representing the lower-ability non-L1 group were overlooked, while the same errors produced by the
other guises significantly lowered the ability ratings. Our results coincide with the idea of the ‘sympathetic native speaker’ and
expand it, suggesting that expected language level based on linguistic group membership inversely affects the level of
sympathy/tolerance demonstrated. We link this to possible pedagogical implications.
Pragmatic functions of humor in Berlin’s directive Covid-19 Signs
Authors: Vallentin Rita Tamara
Published: July 2023

This paper deals with the pragmatic functions of verbal and visual humor in Covid-19 related directive signs. Within the framework of material and social semiotics, I analyze humorous directive signs from the Berlin district Friedrichshain communicating hygiene rules and proper social behavior during the re- opening phase of local businesses after the first lockdown in 2020. The interplay of multilingual, graphic and intertextual features in the signs reveals two pragmatic functions: On the one hand, they express hygienic measures; on the other hand, the signs do relational work and foster community-building aimed at both general and very specific audiences. This is done by drawing humorously on community-specific intertextuality requiring cultural literacies based on community-specific knowledge. The signs are, thus, not limited to mere instructions for action addressed to a general audience, but are designed for specific groups of addressees thereby showing the socially and spatially fragmented diversity of Berlin’s public sphere.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of suction-cast aluminium–cerium alloys
Authors: Gope Rahul , Mondol Sukla , Ganguly Sourav , Mandal Animesh
Published: July 2023

In the present investigation, the microstructure and tensile properties of Al–12Ce, Al–12Ce–4Si, and Al–12Ce–4Si–0.4Mg alloys (wt-%), fabricated by suction-casting (SC) and gravity-casting (GC) were compared. The SC alloys exhibited finer grains and a higher number of precipitates than the GC alloys. Addition of Si and Mg in Al–12Ce alloy improved the hardness substantially. Incorporation of 4Si and 0.4Mg enhanced the yield and tensile stress but reduced ductility in the SC alloys. The SC Al-12Ce-4Si-0.4Mg alloy illustrated the best hardness and tensile strength. The fracture behaviour of the SC Al–12Ce alloy changed from quasi-cleavage to complete cleavage fracture following the addition of 4Si and 0.4Mg.
Structural stability and physical properties of MAX phases M2SX (M=Sc, Y, X=B, C, N) via first-principles calculations
Authors: Tan Weining , Zheng Shaolong , Zhou Yulu , Wei Xiaoping , Zhang Ligang , Tao Xiaoma , Ouyang Yifang
Published: July 2023

The structural, mechanical, lattice-dynamic, anisotropic, electronic and thermal properties of M2SX (M=Sc, Y; X=B, C, N) are investigated based on density functional theory. The calculated results indicate that all the phases satisfy the thermodynamic, mechanical and dynamic stability criteria. The mechanical properties are in good agreement with the reported values, and the results show that Sc2SN exhibits the highest bulk modulus B (145.7 GPa), shear modulus (103.0 GPa) and Young’s modulus E (250.0 GPa) with brittle behavior. The elastic anisotropy of M2SX indicates that Sc2SC is the most isotropic among the 6 phases. The electronic structure reveals that Sc2SC and Y2SC are indirect-bandgap semiconductors with 0.927 eV and 1.260 eV bandgap, and the other phases exhibit metallic characteristics. The Debye temperature, lattice thermal conductivity, minimum thermal conductivity, heat capacity and entropy have also been calculated for M2SX phases. The tendency for lattice thermal conductivity in high temperature: K

lat
(M2SN) > K

lat
(M2SC) > K

lat
(M2SB). All the present calculated data will provide useful guidance for development and research on the novel S-based MAX phases in the future.
Effect of physical parameters of laser radiation on the process of weld formation in transparent dielectrics
Authors: Murzakov M A , Evtikhiev N N , Grezev N V , Kataev D M , Shevelkina E D , Yu Kuznetsova D , Patrina Zh G
Published: July 2023

The article determines the influence of pulse duration, energy density and focusing parameters on the process of formation of a weld of transparent dielectrics. A comparative analysis of laser welding of borosilicate and quartz glass with different pulse durations and energies of picosecond and femtosecond fiber lasers was carried out. Basic regularities of weld shape change depending on pulse duration and energy are obtained. The combination of physical parameters of laser radiation and focusing allows welding along gaps up to 6 μm.
An Overview of FAST Real-time Fast Radio Burst Searching System
Authors: Zhang X. X. , Duan R. , Gajjar V. , Zhang H. Y. , Wang P. , Niu C. H. , Werthimer D. , Cobb J. , Li S. Y. , Pei X. , Zhu Y. , Li D.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we report a real-time Fast Radio Burst (FRB) searching system that has been successfully implemented with the 19 beam receiver of the Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). The relatively small field of view of FAST makes the search for new FRBs challenging, but its high sensitivity significantly improves the accuracy of FRB localization and enables the detection of high-precision neutral hydrogen absorption lines generated by FRBs. Our goal is to develop an FRB searching system capable of real-time detection of FRBs that allows high-time resolution spectro-temporal studies among the repeated bursts, as well as detailed investigations of these bursts and exploration of FRB progenitor models. The data from each beam of the 19-beam receiver are fed into a high-performance computing node server, which performs real-time searches for pulses with a wide dispersion measure (DM) range of 20–10,000 pc cm−3 with step efficiency of 25% in real time. Then, the head node server aggregates all the candidate signals from each beam within a given time, determining their authenticity based on various criteria, including arrival time, pulse width, signal-to-noise ratio and coincidence patterns among the 19 beams. Within the 1.05–1.45 GHz operating bandwidth of the FAST 19 beam receiver, the system achieves a frequency resolution of 122.07 kHz and a time resolution of 270.336 μs. Subsequently, our team detected a series of bursts with a DM of 566 on 2019 August 30 confirming them as FRB 121102. The FRB searching system enables the 19-beam receiver of FAST to detect repeated/one-off pulses/bursts in real time.
Breaking of Large-Scale Filament due to Magnetic Reconnection and Consequent Partial Eruption
Authors: Kang Kaifeng , Guo Yang , Li Yan , Wang Jingxing , Lin Jun
Published: July 2023

Following our previous work, we studied the partial eruption of a large-scale horse-shoe-like filament that had been observed in a decaying active region on the solar disk for more than 4.5 days. The filament became active after it was broken into two pieces, P1 and P2 seen in Hα, by magnetic reconnection between the magnetic field around it and that of a newly emerging active region nearby. P1 eventually erupted 13 hr after the breaking and escaped from the Sun, developing to a fast coronal mass ejection, and P2 stayed. But the mass in P1 falling down to P2 in the eruption suggests that the global magnetic fields over P1 and P2 were still connected to each other prior to the eruption. The reconnection process breaking the filament occurred outside the filament, and P1 and P2 were located almost at the same altitude, so the fashion of the filament partial eruption studied here differs from that of the “double-decker model” and that of reconnection inside the filament. Analyzing the decay indices of the background fields above P1 and P2, n
1 and n
2, showed that the altitude where n
1 exceeds the critical value of n

c
= 1.5 for the loss of equilibrium or the torus instability is lower than that where n
2 > n

c
, and that n
1 > n
2 always holds at all altitudes. Combining this fact with that the eruption occurred 13 hr after filament was broken by reconnection, we conclude that the eruption of P1 was triggered by the loss of equilibrium or the torus instability in the configuration, and magnetic reconnection breaking the filament helped weaken the confinement of the background field on P1, allowing P1 to erupt. Detailed features of the eruption and the corresponding physical scenario were also discussed.
Multi-scale multi-physics model of brain interstitial water flux by transcranial Direct Current Stimulation
Authors: Khadka Niranjan , Poon Cynthia , Cancel Limary M , Tarbell John M , Bikson Marom
Published: July 2023

Objective. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) generates sustained electric fields in the brain, that may be amplified when crossing capillary walls (across blood-brain barrier, BBB). Electric fields across the BBB may generate fluid flow by electroosmosis. We consider that tDCS may thus enhance interstitial fluid flow. Approach. We developed a modeling pipeline novel in both (1) spanning the mm (head), μm (capillary network), and then nm (down to BBB tight junction (TJ)) scales; and (2) coupling electric current flow to fluid current flow across these scales. Electroosmotic coupling was parametrized based on prior measures of fluid flow across isolated BBB layers. Electric field amplification across the BBB in a realistic capillary network was converted to volumetric fluid exchange. Main results. The ultrastructure of the BBB results in peak electric fields (per mA of applied current) of 32–63

V

m

−
1

across capillary wall and >1150

V

m

−
1

in TJs (contrasted with 0.3

V

m

−
1

in parenchyma). Based on an electroosmotic coupling of 1.0 × 10−9 – 5.6 × 10−10

m

3

s

−
1

m

2

per

V

m

−
1

, peak water fluxes across the BBB are 2.44 × 10−10 – 6.94 × 10−10

m

3

s

−
1

m

2

, with a peak 1.5 × 10−4 – 5.6 × 10−4

m

3

mi

n

−
1

m

3

interstitial water exchange (per mA). Significance. Using this pipeline, the fluid exchange rate per each brain voxel can be predicted for any tDCS dose (electrode montage, current) or anatomy. Under experimentally constrained tissue properties, we predicted tDCS produces a fluid exchange rate comparable to endogenous flow, so doubling fluid exchange with further local flow rate hot spots (‘jets’). The validation and implication of such tDCS brain ‘flushing’ is important to establish.
Development and test of the Micromegas detector prototype and its readout electronics for the AMBER experiment at CERN
Authors: Alice C. , Alexeev M.G. , Amoroso A. , Chiosso M. , Chubinidze Z. , Denisov O. , Giordano D. , Gongadze A. , Kovyazina N.A. , Panzieri D.
Published: July 2023

Several spectrometer upgrades are planned for future phases of the AMBER (NA66) experiment
at CERN. Among these upgrades, the replacement of some aging Multi-Wire Proportional Chambers has
motivated a R&D program to develop a Micro-Pattern Gaseous Detector and its front-end
electronics. The results of testing the first small Micromegas prototype with the TIGER-based
front-end are presented.
A low characteristic impedance quasi-rectangular pulser based on solid-state inductive adder for High rEpetition rate Muon Source at CSNS
Authors: Lin Munan , Zhu Jianbin , Zhang Wenqing , Bao Yu , Li Haibo , Qi Xin
Published: July 2023

A solid-state inductive adder-based quasi-rectangular pulser
featuring a low characteristic impedance has been developed in the
laboratory to demonstrate the technical viability of using such a
pulser for the HEMS muon source. The pulser consists of five layers
connected in series, with each layer comprising 24 parallel
branches. The paper mainly presents the design of the low
characteristic impedance quasi-rectangular pulser from three
aspects: primary driver circuit, coaxial central structure and
transformer magnetic core. The experimental results show that
through the careful design of the above three items, a
quasi-rectangular pulse with fast rise and fall time can be
achieved. The typical parameters of pulse voltage, pulse current,
pulse flattop, repetitive rate, rise time and fall time at a
charging voltage of 700 V are 3.5 kV, 560 A, 315 ns, 1 kHz,
47 ns, and 66 ns, respectively, on a 6.25 Ω matching
resistor. In addition, the output characteristics of the pulser are
investigated by varying critical parameters such as the charging
voltages, the load resistances, and the number of parallel
branches. The findings and results outlined in this paper offer
valuable insights for the initial phase of developing an inductive
adder pulser. They can aid in assessing the feasibility of the
project, selecting critical parameters for essential components, and
enhancing the output pulse's performance. A full-scale pulser with a
peak pulse current of 3 kA and rise and fall time of ≤ 75 ns
for HEMS muon source will be developed in the near future.
Non-interference delivery of Ce6 and DOX in NIR light-responsive liposomes for synergetic cervical cancer therapy
Authors: Zhang Jia , Yang Yibo , Gao Yanting , Bai Zhimin , Zhang Xin , Li Kun , Liu Zhiwei , Shi Ming , Zhao Yunwei , Wang Jidong , Li Jian
Published: July 2023

Multi-model combination treatment of malignant tumors can make up for the shortcomings of single treatment through multi-target and multi-path to achieve more ideal tumor treatment effect. However, the mutual interference of different drugs in the delivery process in vivo and the difficulty of effective drug accumulation in tumor cells are the bottlenecks of combined therapy. To this project, light-responsive liposomes loading doxorubicin (DOX) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) (DOX-Ce6-Lip) without mutual interference were engineered by thin film hydration method. This kind of nano-drug delivery system increased the drugs concentration accumulated in tumor sites through enhanced permeability and retention effect, and reduced the toxic and side effects of drugs on normal tissues in vivo. In addition, after entering the tumor cells, Ce6 produced a large number of reactive oxygen species under 660 nm NIR laser irradiation, which further oxidized the unsaturated fatty acid chain in the liposomes and caused the collapse of the liposomes, thus realizing the stimulus-responsive release of Ce6 and DOX. The concentrations of DOX and Ce6 in the tumor cells rapidly reached the peak and achieved a more effective combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Consequently, DOX-Ce6-Lip followed by 660 nm NIR irradiation achieved an efficient tumor growth inhibition of 71.90 ± 3.14%, indicating the versatile potential of chemotherapy and PDT. In conclusion, this study provides a delivery scheme for drugs with different solubilities and an effectively combined anti-tumor therapy method.
Large-deviation properties of SIR model incorporating protective measures
Authors: Marks Timo , Feld Yannick , Hartmann Alexander K
Published: July 2023

We simulate spreads of diseases for the susceptible–infected–recovered (SIR) model on contact networks with a particular focus on incorporated protective measures such as face masks. We consider the small-world network model. By using a large-deviation approach, in particular the

1

/

t

Wang–Landau algorithm, we obtained the full probability density function (pdf) of the cumulative number C of infected people over the full range of its support. In this way we are able to reach probabilities as small as 10−50. We obtain distinct characteristics in the pdf such as non-analyticities induced by the onset of the protective measures. Still, the results indicate that the mathematical large-deviation principle also holds for this extended SIR model, meaning that the size-dependence enters in P(C) in a simple fashion and the distribution is determined by the so-called rate function. We observe different phases in the pdf, which we investigate by analyzing the corresponding infection courses, i.e. time series, and and their correlations to the observed values of C.
Adaptive divergence and genetic vulnerability of relict species under climate change: a case study of Pterocarya macroptera
Authors: Wang Tian-Rui , Meng Hong-Hu , Wang Nian , Zheng Si-Si , Jiang Yun , Lin Duo-Qing , Song Yi-Gang , Kozlowski Gregor
Published: July 2023

Background and Aims

Understanding adaptive genetic variation and whether it can keep pace with predicted future climate change is critical in assessing the genetic vulnerability of species and developing conservation management strategies. The lack of information on adaptive genetic variation in relict species carrying abundant genetic resources hinders the assessment of genetic vulnerability. Using a landscape genomics approach, this study aimed to determine how adaptive genetic variation shapes population divergence and to predict the adaptive potential of Pterocarya macroptera (a vulnerable relict species in China) under future climate scenarios.

Methods

We applied restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-seq) to obtain 8244 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from 160 individuals across 28 populations. We examined the pattern of genetic diversity and divergence, and then identified outliers by genetic differentiation (FST) and genotype–environment association (GEA) methods. We further dissected the effect of geographical/environmental gradients on genetic variation. Finally, we predicted genetic vulnerability and adaptive risk under future climate scenarios.

Key Results

We identified three genetic lineages within P. macroptera: the Qinling-Daba-Tianmu Mountains (QDT), Western Sichuan (WS) and Northwest Yunnan (NWY) lineages, which showed significant signals of isolation by distance (IBD) and isolation by environment (IBE). IBD and IBE explained 3.7–5.7 and 8.6–12.8 % of the genetic structure, respectively. The identified GEA SNP-related genes were involved in chemical defence and gene regulation and may exhibit higher genetic variation to adapt to the environment. Gradient forest analysis revealed that the genetic variation was mainly shaped by temperature-related variables, indicating its adaptation to local thermal environments. A limited adaptive potential was suggested by the high levels of genetic vulnerability in marginal populations.

Conclusions

Environmental gradient mainly shaped the population differentiation of P. macroptera. Marginal populations may be at high risk of extinction, and thus proactive management measures, such as assisted gene flow, are required to ensure the survival of these populations.
Identity in a Self-styled ‘Paedophile-hunting’ Group: A Linguistic Analysis of Stance in Facebook Group Chats
Authors: Chiang Emily , De Rond Mark , Lok Jaco
Published: July 2023

This article contributes a linguistically informed perspective to a growing body of work describing the nature and practices of self-styled ‘paedophile-hunting’ groups. Their reliance on publicly exposing suspected child predators in live-streamed confrontations poses significant moral and practical challenges for UK law enforcement, even if their evidence has proved significant in the conviction of sex offenders. In this article, we extend extant insight through the linguistic analysis of 18 months of private online group chat data from one of the UK’s most prolific hunting teams. Specifically, we explore the group’s collective linguistic identity performance through a corpus-assisted analysis of stance. Our analysis foregrounds the significance of social bonding and community identity and nuances current understanding of hunters’ negative view of the police. It also suggests that the entertainment value of the detective work involved in hunting may be more significant than the emphasis on hunters’ self-proclaimed moral superiority in extant work suggests.
Target capture sequencing for phylogenomic and population studies in the Southeast Asian genusPalaquium(Sapotaceae)
Authors: Phang Aireen , Pezzini Flávia Fonseca , Burslem David F R P , Khew Gillian S , Middleton David J , Ruhsam Markus , Wilkie Peter
Published: July 2023

The first phylogenomic study using a custom target capture bait panel within the Isonandreae tribe in Sapotaceae is presented. The combination of taxon-specific and universal loci from the Angiosperms353 probe set achieved high species resolution within the genus Palaquium and provides the first phylogenomic insights into Malesian representatives of Sapotaceae, where relationships between taxa often remain poorly understood. The results highlight that generic and some species circumscriptions require further investigation and possible revision: Aulandra longifolia is found to be nested in Palaquium, and P. rostratum within P. microphyllum. Population structure analysis produced limited resolution between and within species, but the bait set was able to recover parameters that are potentially useful in population genomic studies.
Intrarenal Venous Doppler as a novel marker for optimal decongestion, patient management, and prognosis in Acute Decompensated Heart Failure
Authors: Turrini Fabrizio , Galassi Matteo , Sacchi Andrea , Ricco’ Beatrice , Chester Johanna , Famiglietti Elena , Messora Roberto , Bertolotti Marco , Pinelli Giovanni
Published: July 2023

Aims

An increase in right atrial pressure is a common feature of acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF). Such increased pressure leads to persistent kidney congestion. A marker to guide optimal diuretic therapy is missing. We aim to correlate intrarenal Doppler (IRD) ultrasound in ADHF patients with clinical outcomes to assess whether renal haemodynamic parameter changes are useful for monitoring kidney congestion.

Methods and results

Between December 2018 and January 2020, ADHF patients requiring intravenous diuretic therapy for at least 48 h were considered for study selection. An IRD blinded examination was performed on Days 1, 3, and 5, and clinical and laboratory parameters were recorded. Venous Doppler profiles (VDP) were classified as continuous (C), pulsatile (P), biphasic (B), or monophasic (M) according to the congestion degree; B and M profiles were considered deranged. A VDP improvement (VDPimp) was defined as a change of ≥1 pattern degree or maintenance of C or P patterns. An arterial resistive index (RI) > 0.8 was considered elevated. Outcomes of death and rehospitalization were gathered at 60 days. Data were assessed by regression and Kaplan–Meier analyses. All 177 ADHF patients admitted were screened, and 72 were enrolled [27 females—median age 81 (76–87) years—median ejection fraction 40% (30–52)]. The VDP derangement decreased from 79.2% on Day 1 to 51.4% on Day 5 (P < 0.05). The RI elevation decreased from 60.6% on Day 1 to 43.1% on Day 5 (P < 0.05). At Day 5, VDPimp was registered in over half of the patients (59.7%). At Day 5, signs of congestion (dyspnoea/oedema/rales), fluid accumulation (pleural/peritoneal fluid), haematocrit, and brain natriuretic peptide improved (P > 0.05). After 60 days, 12 (16.7%) patients were readmitted and 9 (12.5%) died. The VDPimp was identified as the unique independent factor associated with readmission [Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.22, 95% (confidence interval) CI 0.05–0.94, P = 0.04] and death (HR 0.07, 95% CI 0.01–0.68, P = 0.02), with significantly better outcomes identified in VDPimp patients (log-rank test, P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Decongestion may be associated with improvements in many clinical and instrumental parameters, but only VDPimp was associated with better clinical outcomes. The VDPimp should be incorporated in ad hoc ADHF clinical trials to better define its role in everyday practice.
Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of oestradiol on the systemic inflammatory response and on lung injury caused by the occlusion of the proximal descending aorta in male rats
Authors: de Sousa Marcelo Nunes , da Anunciação Lucas Ferreira , de Freitas Pedro Luiz Zonta , Ricardo-da-Silva Fernanda Yamamoto , Moreira Luiz Felipe Pinho , Correia Cristiano Jesus , Breithaupt-Faloppa Ana Cristina
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

Ischaemia and reperfusion-induced microvascular dysfunction is a serious problem encountered during a variety surgical procedures, leading to systemic inflammation and affecting remote organs, specially the lungs. 17β-Oestradiol reduces pulmonary repercussions from various acute lung injury forms. Here, we focused on the 17β-oestradiol therapeutic effects after aortic ischaemia and reperfusion (I/R) by evaluating lung inflammation.

METHODS

Twenty-four Wistar rats were submitted to I/R by insufflation of a 2-F catheter in thoracic aorta for 20 min. Reperfusion took 4 h and 17β-oestradiol (280 µg/kg, i.v.) was administered after 1 h of reperfusion. Sham-operated rats were controls. Bronchoalveolar lavage was performed and lung samples were prepared for histopathological analysis and tissue culture (explant). Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-10 and tumour necrosis factor-α were quantified.

RESULTS

After I/R, higher number of leukocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage were reduced by 17β-oestradiol. The treatment also decreased leukocytes in lung tissue. I/R increased lung myeloperoxidase expression, with reduction by 17β-oestradiol. Serum cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1 and IL-1β increased after I/R and 17β-oestradiol decreased cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant 1. I/R increased IL-1β and IL-10 in lung explants, reduced by 17β-oestradiol.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results showed that 17β-oestradiol treatment performed in the period of reperfusion, modulated the systemic response and the lung repercussions of I/R by thoracic aortic occlusion. Thus, we can suggest that 17β-oestradiol might be a supplementary approach leading the lung deterioration after aortic clamping in surgical procedures.
Impact of Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 (VARC-3) minor access site vascular complications in patients undergoing percutaneous transfemoral transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Piperata Antonio , Van den Eynde Jef , Pernot Mathieu , Avesani Martina , Seguy Benjamin , Bonnet Guillaume , Ben Ali Walid , Leroux Lionel , Labrousse Louis , Modine Thomas
Published: July 2023

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of Valve Academic Research Consortium 3 minor access site vascular complications (VCs) in patients who underwent percutaneous transfemoral (TF) transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI).

METHODS

This single-centre retrospective study included consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous TF-TAVI from 2009 to 2021. A propensity score-matched analysis was performed to compare early and long-term clinical results between patients with VC and without VC (nVC).

RESULTS

A total of 2161 patients were included, of whom 284 (13.1%) experienced access site VC. Propensity score analysis allowed to match 270 patients from the VC group with 727 patients from the nVC group. In the matched cohorts, the VC group showed longer operative times (63.5 vs 50.0 min, P < 0.001), higher operative and in-hospital mortality (2.6% vs 0.7%, P = 0.022; and 6.3% vs 3.2%, P = 0.040, respectively), longer hospital length of stay (8 vs 7 days, P = 0.001) and higher rates of blood transfusion (20.4% vs 4.3%, P < 0.001) and infectious complications (8.9% vs 3.8%, P = 0.003). Overall survival during follow-up was significantly lower in the VC group (hazard ratio 1.37, 95% CI 1.03–1.82, P = 0.031) with 5-year survival rates being 58.0% (95% CI 49.5–68.0%) and 70.7% (95% CI 66.2–75.5%) for the VC and nVC groups, respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This retrospective study observed that minor access site VCs during percutaneous TF-TAVI can be serious events affecting early and long-term outcomes.
Adolescent body mass index and cognitive performance: a nationwide study of 2.48 million Israeli adolescents
Authors: Simchoni Maya , Derazne Estela , Pinhas-Hamiel Orit , Cukierman-Yaffe Tali , Bendor Cole D , Bardugo Aya , Chodick Gabriel , Tzur Dorit , Endevelt Ronit , Gerstein Herzel C , Afek Arnon , Twig Gilad
Published: July 2023

Importance

The increased incidence of adolescent obesity over recent decades may be associated with lower cognitive performance than the expected potential.

Objective

We aimed to assess the association between adolescent body mass index (BMI) and cognitive function.

Design

A nationwide, cross-sectional, population-based study.

Setting

Pre-recruitment evaluation for military service during 1967-2018.

Participants

All Israeli-born adolescents, 1 459 522 males and 1 027 953 females aged 16 to ≤20 years.

Exposures

Weight and height were measured to calculate BMI.

Main outcome

Cognitive performance was assessed by using a validated intelligence-quotient-equivalent test and was standardized to the year- and sex-Z-score. For 445 385 persons, parental cognitive scores could be identified. Multinomial logistic regression models were applied.

Results

Among male adolescents with severe obesity, 29.4% achieved a cognitive score below the 25th percentile, compared with 17.7% among their normal-weight (50th-84th percentile) counterparts. A J-shaped relation was observed between BMI and the odds ratio (OR) for a low cognitive score among male adolescents: underweight, 1.45 (1.43-1.48); overweight, 1.13 (1.12-1.15); mild obesity, 1.36 (1.33-1.39); and severe obesity, 1.58 (1.52-1.64). Similar findings were observed in females. For both sexes, point estimates were overall consistent in models adjusted for sociodemographic confounders, coexisting morbidities, and parental cognitive scores. Examinees with abnormal BMI had higher ORs for a lower-than-expected cognitive score, based on their parents’ data as adolescents, in a manner that depends on obesity severity.

Conclusion and relevance

Abnormal BMI, and especially obesity, is associated with increased odds for a lower cognitive performance, and the inability to fully achieve cognitive potential, regardless of sociodemographic background.