bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GPU-accelerated Monte Carlo simulation of MV-CBCT
Authors: Shi Mengying , Myronakis Marios , Jacobson Matthew , Ferguson Dianne , Williams Christopher , Lehmann Mathias , Baturin Paul , Huber Pascal , Fueglistaller Rony , Lozano Ingrid Valencia , Harris Thomas , Morf Daniel , Berbeco Ross I 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) is one of the most accurate computation methods for dose calculation and image formation in radiation therapy. However, the high computational complexity and long execution time of MCS limits its broad use. In this paper, we present a novel strategy to accelerate MCS using a graphic processing unit (GPU), and we demonstrate the application in mega-voltage (MV) cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) simulation. A new framework that generates a series of MV projections from a single simulation run is designed specifically for MV-CBCT acquisition. A Geant4-based GPU code for photon simulation is incorporated into the framework for the simulation of photon transport through a phantom volume. The FastEPID method, which accelerates the simulation of MV images, is modified and integrated into the framework. The proposed GPU-based simulation strategy was tested for its accuracy and efficiency in a Catphan 604 phantom and an anthropomorphic pelvis phantom with beam energies at 2.5 MV, 6 MV, and 6 MV FFF. In all cases, the proposed GPU-based simulation demonstrated great simulation accuracy and excellent agreement with measurement and CPU-based simulation in terms of reconstructed image qualities. The MV-CBCT simulation was accelerated by factors of roughly 900–2300 using an NVIDIA Tesla V100 GPU card against a 2.5 GHz AMD Opteron™ Processor 6380.
Kinetic modelling of parallel ion transport in the scrape-off layer and divertor of inter-edge localised mode JET high radiative H-mode plasma
Authors: Chankin A V , Corrigan G , Jaervinen A E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
KInetic code for Plasma Periphery (KIPP) was used to assess the importance of kinetic effects of parallel ion transport in the scrape-off layer (SOL) and divertor of JET high radiative H-mode inter-edge localised mode plasma conditions with strong nitrogen (N2) injection, leading to partial detachment at divertor targets. Plasma parameter profiles along the magnetic field from one of the EDGE2D-EIRENE simulation cases were used as an input for KIPP runs. The profiles were maintained by particle and power sources. This work is a continuation of the previous study carried out for electrons (Chankin et al 2018 Plasma Phys. Control. Fusion
60 115011).
In this modelling KIPP calculated ion distribution functions and ion parallel power fluxes. In the main SOL kinetic effects lead to a reduction of heat (conductive power) fluxes compared to Braginskii fluxes by factors 3−4 (‘heat flux limiting’). In the divertor, on the contrary, a strong ‘heat flux enhancement’, by up to two orders of magnitude above Braginskii’s, was found. Similar to cases for electrons, high ion heat flux enhancement factors, in particular near targets, are attributed to a non-local transport of super-thermal ions originating from positions along field lines with the highest ion temperature, resulting in the appearance of bump-on-tail features on ion heat flux density profiles. Despite ion heat flux enhancement factors at the target being much higher than for electrons, total power fluxes, ion plus electron, were dominated by ion and electron convection and electron conduction, with ion conductive fluxes playing a secondary role. This must be attributed to lower ion (than electron) velocities (factor ∼

m
e

/

m
i

reduction), which are not compensated by kinetic effects of lower ion upstream collisionality.
Effect of varying N2 pressure on DC arc plasma properties and microstructure of TiAlN coatings
Authors: Syed B , Hsu T-W , Chaar A B B , Polcik P , Kolozsvari S , Håkansson G , Rosen J , Johnson L J S , Zhirkov I , Andersson J M , Jöesaar M J , Odén M 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Detailed knowledge of correlations between direct current (DC) cathodic arc deposition process parameters, plasma properties, and the microstructure of deposited coatings are essential for a comprehensive understanding of the DC cathodic arc deposition process. In this study we have probed the plasma, generated by DC arc on a Ti-50 at.% Al cathode in a N2 ambience, at the growth front of the TiAlN coating. Several consequences of an increasing N2 pressure are observed, including a decreased electron temperature, an increased electron density, and a loss of energetic ions. As a result, the preferred growth texture switches from 220 to 111. It is also observed that neutrals in the plasma can significantly contribute to the growth of TiAlN coatings.
Theoretical and experimental investigations of barrier height inhomogeneities in poly-Si/4H-SiC heterojunction diodes
Authors: Triendl F , Pfusterschmied G , Pobegen G , Konrath J P , Schmid U 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
p-Si/4H-SiC heterojunction diodes are realized by sputter-deposition of the Si top contact and subsequent post-deposition annealing at either 900 °C or 1000 °C. The high Schottky barrier height (SBH) of this junction architecture of around 1.65 V is ideal to analyze SBH inhomogeneities present in most Schottky- and heterojunctions. Current-voltage-temperature (IVT) and capacitance-voltage-temperature (CVT) measurements are conducted in a wide temperature range from 60 K up to 460 K while applying standard techniques for SBH extraction. Strong deviations from ideal IV characteristics are present especially at lowest temperatures when assuming a homogenous SBH. Additionally, the extracted SBHs at low temperatures differ a lot between the two methods, indicating the presence of low barrier conduction paths. The presence of at least two distinct SBH inhomogeneities is found, which are labeled as ‘intrinsic’ and ‘extrinsic’. Next, the Tung model was applied to fit the measured IVT data using a discretized Gaussian distribution of patch parameters to account for spreading resistance effects. By using multiple Gaussian distributions, excellent fitting results were achieved, giving the density values of the different patches and a background barrier height from the IVT data, which are in excellent agreement with the CVT data over a wide temperature range of 400 K.
Quench detection using Hall sensors in high-temperature superconducting CORC®-based cable-in-conduit-conductors for fusion applications
Authors: Weiss J D , Teyber R , Marchevsky M , van der Laan D C 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Advanced magnet systems for fusion applications would greatly benefit from the use of high-temperature superconductors (HTS). These materials allow fusion magnets to operate at higher magnetic fields, allowing for more compact fusion machines, and allow for operation at elevated temperatures, enabling demountable coils that provide access for maintenance of the fusion reactor. Quench detection remains a major challenge in the protection of HTS magnets that are vulnerable to localized conductor burnout due to their low quench propagation velocities. One of the methods explored is the use of Hall sensors that are incorporated in or near the magnet terminations that can detect local field variations that occur as a result of current redistribution within the conductor to bypass a hotspot within the magnet winding. This method is potentially well suited for Cable in Conduit Conductors, such as those made from Conductor on Round Core (CORC) cables, in which sub-cables containing HTS tapes are connected to the terminations at a low resistance. To demonstrate the technique, a CORC® triplet consisting of three sub-cables, rated for 4 kA operation at 77 K, was manufactured and Hall sensors were used to measure local field variations next to the terminations due to current redistribution between the cables. The Hall response was compared to voltages that developed over the cables and terminations as a local hotspot was applied to different cables in the triplet. It was found that the Hall sensors were faster and more sensitive than voltage contact measurements and were able to reliably detect current redistribution of only a few amperes caused by a hotspot, well before the triplet exceeded its critical current. The method also allowed the detection of heater-induced hotspots during high ramp rates of 2 kA s−1 relevant for fusion applications. Hall sensors have a distinct benefit of being less sensitive to inductive pickup of AC interference compared to voltage contact measurements that make quench detection through voltage measurements in magnets especially challenging. The method can also be used for diagnostic measurements of current redistribution caused by other sources such as inhomogeneous current injection from faulty joints, or localized conductor damage. The Hall sensors are likely capable of detecting the onset of a quench that may occur a far distance away from the sensor location, presenting a breakthrough in HTS quench detection that potentially removes one of the remaining barriers to reliable operation of large HTS magnet systems.
Magnetic flux quantum in 2D correlated states of multiparticle charged system
Authors: Jacak Janusz E 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We demonstrate that in a correlated 2D systems of electrons in the presence of perpendicular magnetic field the magnetic flux quantum may not achieve its value determined for a single or a noncorrelated electron. Correlations induced by the repulsion of electrons at strong magnetic field presence impose topological-type limits on planar cyclotron orbits which cause specific homotopy of trajectories resulting in constraints of the magnetic field flux quantum value. These restrictions occur at discrete series of magnetic field values corresponding to hierarchy of 2D correlated Hall states observed experimentally in GaAs thin films and in graphene. The similar homotopy property is observed in 2D Chern topological insulators when the magnetic field is substituted by the Berry field.
Electronic and optical properties of metal-doped TiO2 nanotubes: spintronic and photocatalytic applications
Authors: Fadlallah Mohamed M , Eckern Ulrich 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Due to their characteristic geometry, TiO2 nanotubes (TNTs), suitably doped by metal-substitution to enhance their photocatalytic properties, have a high potential for applications such as clean fuel production. In this context, we present a detailed investigation of the magnetic, electronic, and optical properties of transition-metal doped TNTs, based on hybrid density functional theory. In particular, we focus on the 3d, the 4d, as well as selected 5d transition-metal doped TNTs. Thereby, we are able to explain the enhanced optical activity and photocatalytic sensitivity observed in various experiments. We find, for example, that Cr- and W-doped TNTs can be employed for applications like water splitting and carbon dioxide reduction, and for spintronic devices. The best candidate for water splitting is Fe-doped TNT, in agreement with experimental observations. In addition, our findings provide valuable hints for future experimental studies of the ferromagnetic/spintronic behavior of metal-doped titania nanotubes.
Quadrupole topological phase and robust corner resonance in Kekulé hexagonal electric circuit
Authors: Yao Junjie , Hao Xiamin , Luo Fangxue , Jia Yizhen , Zhou Miao 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) quadrupole topological insulators, featured by topologically protected 0D corner modes, have recently attracted tremendous interest in condensed matter and materials physics. Herein, we construct a specific electric circuit made of capacitors and inductors forming a 2D Kekulé hexagonal lattice for quadrupole topological phase and corner modes. Trivial–nontrivial topological phase transition can be controlled by varying capacitance in the circuit, so that distinct topological edge states appear in 1D ribbons and corner states emerge in 0D flakes. We explore the field strength distribution and two-point impedance with respect to excitation frequency, and reveal that the topological corner resonance is robust against size of the LC network and randomness of the capacitors/inductors, a great benefit for experimental detection. Our results enrich the family of designer topoelectrical circuit as a flexible and tunable platform to achieve exotic quantum phases, which may have potential for future telecommunications, signal processing and quantum computing.
Decay properties of the Zc(3900) through the Fierz rearrangement *
Authors: Chen Hua-Xing 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We systematically construct all the tetraquark currents/operators of JPC
= 1+- with the quark configurations

,

, and

(

), and derive their relations through the Fierz rearrangement of the Dirac and color indices. Using the transformations of

and

, we study decay properties of the

as a compact tetraquark state; while using the transformation of

, we study its decay properties as a hadronic molecular state.
Revisiting nonfactorizable contributions to factorization-forbidden decays of B mesons to charmonium *
Authors: Li Ya-Qian , Jia Meng-Kun , Zhou Rui 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Motivated by the large rates of

decays observed by the

and Belle collaborations, we investigate the nonfactorizable contributions to these factorization-forbidden decays, which can occur through a gluon exchange between the

system and the spectator quark. Our numerical results demonstrate that the spectator contributions are capable of producing a large branching ratio consistent with the experiments. As a by-product, we also study the Cabibbo-suppressed decays, such as

and the U-spin-related

decay, which have so far received less theoretical and experimental attention. The calculated branching ratios reach the order of

, which is within the scope of the Belle-II and LHCb experiments. Further, the

-asymmetry parameters are also calculated for these decays. The obtained results are compared with the available experimental data and numbers from other predictions. We also investigate the sources of theoretical uncertainties in our calculation.
Pion parton distribution function in light-front holographic QCD *
Authors: Chang Lei , Raya Khépani , Wang Xiaobin 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
The valence-quark distribution function of the pion has been of interest for decades; particularly, the profile it should adopt when

(the large-x behavior) has been the subject of a long-standing debate. In the light-front holographic QCD (LFHQCD) approach, this behavior is controlled by the so-called reparametrization function,

, which is not fully determined from first principles. We show that, owing to the flexibility of

, the large-x profile

can be contained within the LFHQCD formalism. This is in contrast to a previous LFHQCD study (Guy F. de Teramond et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., 120(18), 2018) in which

was found instead. Given our observations, augmented by perturbative QCD and recent lattice QCD results, we state that the large-x exponent of “2” cannot be excluded.
Near-threshold K*(892)+ meson production in the interaction of π− mesons with nuclei
Authors: Paryev E. Ya. 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We study the inclusive production of strange vector

mesons in

reactions at near-threshold laboratory incident pion momenta of 1.4–2.0 GeV/c via a nuclear spectral function approach. The approach accounts for incoherent primary

meson–proton

production processes as well as the influence of the scalar

–nucleus potential (or the

in-medium mass shift) on these processes. We calculate the absolute differential and total cross sections for the production of

mesons from carbon and tungsten nuclei at laboratory angles of 0

–45

and at the aforementioned momenta in five scenarios for the aforenoted shift. We show that the

momentum distributions and their excitation functions (absolute and relative) possess a high sensitivity to changes in the in-medium

mass shift in the low-momentum region of 0.1–0.6 GeV/c. Therefore, the measurement of such observables in a dedicated experiment at the GSI pion beam facility in the near-threshold momentum domain will allow us to get valuable information on the

in-medium properties.
Facilitating stochastic resonance as a pre-emphasis method for neural spike detection
Authors: Güngör Cihan Berk , Töreyin Hakan 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective. We aim to increase the number of neural spikes that can be detected in a single channel extracellular neural recording. Approach. We propose a pre-emphasis method facilitating stochastic resonance (SR), where we introduce the band-pass-filtered noisy extracellular recording to an overdamped Brownian particle in a monostable well. The x-position of the Brownian particle is the output of the proposed pre-emphasis method. Threshold is applied on the output for spike detection. To characterize the dynamics and the solution of the system, we use a synthetic dataset generated by adding Gaussian white noise at different intensities to an intracellular recording. Then, we evaluate and compare the spike detection performance of the proposed method on a public synthetic extracellular dataset. Main results. The proposed SR-based spike detection improves the signal-to-noise ratio of the intracellular-based synthetic dataset as much as 7.35 dB and outperforms the state-of-the-art pre-emphasis methods in false positive and false negative rates in 15 of the 16 synthetic extracellular datasets, with 100% sensitivity and positive predictivity values in seven of the recordings. Significance. The method has the potential of significantly increasing the number of neurons that can be monitored from a single-channel extracellular recording.
Direct activation of zebrafish neurons by ultrasonic stimulation revealed by whole CNS calcium imaging
Authors: Meneghetti N , Dedola F , Gavryusev V , Sancataldo G , Turrini L , de Vito G , Tiso N , Vanzi F , Carpaneto J , Cutrone A , Pavone F Saverio , Micera S , Mazzoni A 
Published: August 2020

Abstract

Objective. Ultrasounds (US) use in neural engineering is so far mainly limited to ablation through high intensity focused ultrasound, but interesting preliminary results show that low intensity low frequency ultrasound could be used instead to modulate neural activity. However, the extent of this modulatory ability of US is still unclear, as in in vivo studies it is hard to disentangle the contribution to neural responses of direct activation of the neuron by US stimulation and indirect activation due either to sensory response to mechanical stimulation associated to US, or to propagation of activity from neighboring areas. Here, we aim to show how to separate the three effects and assess the presence of direct response to US stimulation in zebrafish. Approach. We observed in zebrafish larvae brain-wide US-induced activity patterns through calcium imaging microscopy. Sensory response to mechanical stimulation was assessed with a US shield. Activity propagation was assessed with inter-area latency evaluation. Main results. We prove that in selected brain regions the zebrafish’s neural response is mainly due to direct activation, later spreading to the other regions. Shielding the neurons from direct US stimulation resulted in a significantly attenuated response, showing that sensory stimulation does not play a prominent role. Significance. US non-invasive neuromodulatory approach might lead to novel ways to test and control neural activity, and hence to novel neuromodulatory therapies. Future studies will focus on the biophysical structure of directly responsive neurons to capture the mechanisms of US induced activity.
The health impacts of waste-to-energy emissions: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Cole-Hunter Tom , Johnston Fay H , Marks Guy B , Morawska Lidia , Morgan Geoffrey G , Overs Marge , Porta-Cubas Ana , Cowie Christine T 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Waste-to-energy (WtE) processes, or the combustion of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) for energy generation, has the potential to reduce landfill volume while providing a renewable energy source. We aimed to systematically review and summarise current evidence on the potential health effects (benefits and risks) of exposure to WtE/RDF-related combustion emissions.
We searched PubMed and Google Scholar using terms related to health and WtE/RDF combustion emissions, following PRISMA guidelines. Two authors independently screened titles, abstracts and then full-texts of original, peer-reviewed research articles published until 20th March 2020, plus their relevant references. Overall quality of included epidemiological studies were rated using an amended Navigation framework.
We found 19 articles from 269 search results that met our inclusion criteria, including two epidemiological studies, five environmental monitoring studies, seven health impact or risk assessments (HIA/HRA), and five life-cycle assessments. We found a dearth of health studies related to the impacts of exposure to WtE emissions. The limited evidence suggests that well-designed and operated WtE facilities using sorted feedstock (RDF) are critical to reduce potential adverse health (cancer and non-cancer) impacts, due to lower hazardous combustion-related emissions, compared to landfill or unsorted incineration. Poorly fed WtE facilities may emit concentrated toxins with serious potential health risks, such as dioxins/furans and heavy metals; these toxins may remain problematic in bottom ash as a combustion by-product. Most modelling studies estimate that electricity (per unit) generated from WtE generally emits less health-relevant air pollutants (also less greenhouse gases) than from combustion of fossil fuels (e.g. coal). Some modelled estimates vary due to model sensitivity for type of waste processed, model inputs used, and facility operational conditions.
We conclude that rigorous assessment (e.g. HRA including sensitivity analyses) of WtE facility/technological characteristics and refuse type used is necessary when planning/proposing facilities to protect human health as the technology is adopted worldwide.
High performance exhaled breath biomarkers for diagnosis of lung cancer and potential biomarkers for classification of lung cancer
Authors: Long Yijing , Wang Chunyan , Wang Tianzhi , Li Wenwen , Dai Wei , Xie Shaohua , Tian Yonghui , Liu Mingxin , Liu Yifeng , Peng Xiaoqin , Liu Yuanling , Zhang Yinchenxi , Wang Ruxin , Li Qiang , Duan Yixiang 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Exhaled breath analysis has emerged as a promising non-invasive method for diagnosing lung cancer (LC), whereas reliable biomarkers are lacking. Herein, a standardized and systematic study was presented for LC diagnosis, classification and metabolism exploration. To improve the reliability of biomarkers, a validation group was included, and quality control for breath sampling and analysis, comprehensive pollutants analysis, and strict biomarker screening were performed. The performance of exhaled breath biomarkers was shown to be excellent in diagnosing LC even in early stages (stage I and II) with surpassing 0.930 area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), 90% of sensitivity and 88% of specificity both in the discovery and validation analyses. Meanwhile, in these two groups, diagnosing subtypes of LC attained AUCs over 0.930 and reached 1.00 in the two subtypes of adenocarcinomas. It is demonstrated that the metabolism changes in LC are possibly related to lipid oxidation, gut microbial, cytochrome P450 and glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione pathways change in LC progression. Overall, the reliable biomarkers contribute to the clinical application of breath analysis in screening LC patients as well as those in early stages.