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The development of a three-electrode trigatron gap with the trigger electrode inside the main electrode is discussed in this paper. Two models of the operation mechanism are proposed to explain the breakdown in the trigatron gap. In addition, a mathematical model was proposed to calculate the breakdown time based on the theoretical analysis. The influence of different parameters on the breakdown time is discussed. Some characteristics in dry air have been experimentally determined such as the influence of the air pressure and the influence of the undervoltage ratio on the spark gap operation. The experimental results show that the operating voltage range between 0.5 and 0.7 might be reasonable. Then, the experimental results and analysis demonstrate that there are three regions divided by two inflection points, and the corresponding values of the undervoltage ratio are threshold values presenting different breakdown processes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The fundamental principle of order in the library catalogue is the authorship principle, which serves as the organizing node of an alphabetico-classed system, in which "texts" of "works" are organized irst alphabetically by uniform title of the progenitor work and then are subarranged using titles for variant instantiations, under the heading for an "author." We analyze case studies of entries from (1) the irst documented imperial library catalogue, the Seven Epitomes (Qilue […]), in China; (2) Abelard's Works, which featured prominently in the 1848 testimony of Antonio Panizzi; and (3)The French Chef and the large family of instantiated works associated with it. Our analysis shows that the catalogue typically contains many large superwork sets. A more pragmatic approach to the design of catalogues is to array descriptions of resources in relation to the superwork sets to which they might belong. In all cases, a multi-dimensional faceted arrangement incorporating ideational nodes from the universe of recorded knowledge holds promise for greatly enhanced retrieval capability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Contrast baths have been adopted widely in clinics. However, the time ratio of heat to cold modalities has not been well established. Objective. The purpose of this study was to explore the effect of time ratio on brachial artery mean blood velocity (aMBV) and determine the optimal duration in the second heating phase. Design. This was a within-participant, repeated-measures, experimental study. Methods. Thirty-four young volunteers who were healthy were recruited. Each participant performed 2 kinds of contrast baths within 2 separate sessions. In the first trial with a fixed time ratio, participants immersed their left hands in a 40°C hot bath for 3 minutes and then in an 18°C cold bath for 1 minute. This procedure was repeated 3 times. In the second trial, after the initial 3-minute hot bath and 1-minute cold bath, a 10-minute 40°C hot bath immersion was adopted as the second cycle. A color Doppler ultrasound scanner was used to measure aMBV, which was used to calculate the percentage of change related to the baseline (aMBV%) and the fluctuation in the heating phases (ΔMBV%). Results. In the first trial, compared with the first heating phase, the aMBV% was significantly lower by 57% and by 46% in the second and third heating phases, respectively. In the second trial, the ΔMBV% beyond the 7th minute did not reach a significantly lower level. Limitations. The results cannot be generalized to elderly individuals or patients with medical conditions. Conclusion. A longer duration in the second heating phase during contrast baths was required to produce a sufficient fluctuation in blood flow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Blastocystis sp. is a common intestinal parasite found in faecal sample surveys. Several studies have implicated human-to-human, zoonotic and waterborne transmissions by Blastocystis sp. However, there has been no study providing evidence interlinking these three transmissions in a community. We have previously shown a high prevalence of Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 amongst village dwellers in Bahunipati, Nepal, and the present study extends the observation to assess if the same subtype of Blastocystis sp. occurs in animals they rear and rivers they frequent. Methods: Faecal samples were collected from 65 animals. Four river water samples were collected from two rivers. Faecal samples were examined using in vitro cultivation. Blastocystis sp. from animal faecal and river samples were genotyped using seven subtype-specific sequence tagged site (STS) primer-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: Blastocystis sp. infected 15.4% animals with subtype 4 being the predominant genotype (40.0%). Both rivers were contaminated with Blastocystis sp. subtype 1 and subtype 4, which were also detected in humans living in the same village in our previous study. Blastocystis sp. subtype 4 that was detected in buffalo and pigs was also found in the respective family members that reared these animals. Conclusions: This unusually high prevalence of Blastocystis subtype 4 found in village dwellers was also found to be pervasive in the animals they reared and the rivers they frequented implying a strong possibility of waterborne zoonosis for Blastocystis sp [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The limited lifetime in a high current is the main drawback of spark-gap switches. Electrode replacement is an easily suggested method to extend the lifetime. In order to perform electrode replacement, thermal damage caused by heating effect should be prevented at the static electrical contact interfaces between the electrodes and the holders. Based on the Holm model, the Hertz formula, and the heat conduction theory, a mathematical model of the contact temperature rise is proposed in this paper. This mathematical model can prove quantitatively that the pulse-current integral (action integral), material physical properties, and mechanical characteristics of spark-gap switches are key parameters affecting the temperature rise. The action integral is determined by the electrical parameters. Material physical properties include the thermal conductivity, the specific heat, the density, the electrical resistivity, the elasticity modulus, and the Poisson ratio. Mechanical characteristics of spark-gap switches include the contact radius/area, the contact force, and the contact surface roughness. The implementation of electrode replacement depends on the reasonable configuration of these key parameters. The experiments in a 1.2-MJ power supply module give that the phenomenona correspond with our analysis. Based on the analysis in this paper, an electrode holder structure is proposed as a practical solution for extending the useful lifetime of spark-gap switches with graphite electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Organic compounds such as chlorobenzene cannot be effectively decomposed with currently available biological and chemical treatment methods. Preliminary studies show that nano-scale zero-valent iron particles irradiated by microwave is effective in decomposing chemically refractive organic compounds such as chlorobenzene. In this study, microwave is applied to enhance chlorobenzene removal using micron-scale iron particles and nano-scale zero-valent iron particles suspended in the chlorobenzene solution as the dielectric media. The results show that better chlorobenzene removal can be achieved when the chlorobenzene solution is irradiated with 250 W microwave for 150 s than without microwave irradiation. The microwave radiation increases iron reaction rate and surface activity, thus enhancing the chlorobenzene removal. The microwave-induced iron particles cause the chlorobenzene activation energy to drop 34.0% for micron-scale iron and 16.1% for nano-scale zero-valent iron. They can remove 13.6 times more chlorobenzene for micro iron, and 3.6 times more chlorobenzene for nano iron. We have demonstrated that the microwave-induced nano-scale iron particles are effective in treating toxic organic substances as demonstrated in this laboratory study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gold nanoslit arrays have multiple resonances due to localized plasmons, Bloch wave surface plasmon polaritons, and Wood's anomaly. Different structures result in different resonances and affect the detection sensitivity of the nanoslits. We systematically compared different structure parameters such as period, slit widths, and gold film thickness by using a spectral integration method. The experimental results show the detection sensitivity had an optimal value for a 500-nm period and 130-nm-thick nanoslits. Moreover, the sensitivity increases with the decrease of the slit widths. It was improved about three times when the size was reduced from 230 to 56 nm. The optimized structure can achieve a detection limit of 5 × 10 refractive index unit when the stability is 0.2%. Combining multispectral images and the spectral integration method, we demonstrate real-time and multiple detections of antigen-antibody interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A strategy based on postcolumn electrophoretic mobility control (EMC) was developed to alleviate the adverse effect of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) on the liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis of peptides. The device created to achieve this goal consisted of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)-based junction reservoir, a short connecting capillary, and an electrospray ionization (ESI) sprayer connected to the outlet of the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) column. By apply different voltages to the junction reservoir and the ESI emitter, an electric field was created across the connecting capillary. Due to the electric field, positively charged peptides migrated toward the ESI sprayer, whereas TFA anions remained in the junction reservoir and were removed from the ionization process. Because TFA did not enter the ESI source, ion suppression from TFA was alleviated. Operation of the postcolumn device was optimized using a peptide standard mixture. Under optimized conditions, signals for the peptides were enhanced 9-35-fold without a compromise in separation efficiency. The optimized conditions were also applied to the LC-MS analysis of a tryptic digest of bovine serum albumin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore nursing staff's attitudes and use of music for older people with dementia in long-term care facilities. Music has shown positive outcomes in managing behavioural symptoms of older people with dementia. Older people living in long-term care facilities often do not have access to trained music therapists. Nursing staff provide the majority of direct care for institutionalised older people with dementia, therefore, will be the most appropriate personnel to learn and implement music therapy for those with dementia. To date, no studies have explored nursing staff's attitudes and use of music for those with dementia. A cross-sectional research design was used. A convenience sample of 285 nursing staff caring for those with dementia in long-term care facilities in Taiwan were recruited. Participants received a self-administered questionnaire consisted of items exploring nursing staff's attitude and use of music for those with dementia. A total of 214 participants completed the questionnaires, giving a response rate of 75·1%. Most nursing staff held positive attitudes towards use of music for older people with dementia (mean = 84·89, range 23-115), but only 30·6% ( n = 66) had used music for those with dementia in practice. The majority perceived that they had limited knowledge and skills about use of music (72·9%). Over half of the participants reported that they lacked resources and time to implement music therapy in practice. Nursing staff need more formal training to use music for those with dementia. Nursing staff can be the suitable personnel to learn easily and implement music therapy as a part of routine activity programmes for those with dementia. Appropriately trained nursing staff in long-term care facilities who use music therapy may help improve the mental health of older people with dementia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zooplankton, sampled at five stations from the upper Sangga estuary (7 km upstream) in Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (MMFR), Malaysia, to 16 km offshore, comprised more than 47% copepod. Copepod abundance was highest at nearshore waters (20,311 ind m), but decreased toward both upstream (15,572 ind m) and offshore waters (12,330 ind m). Copepod abundance was also higher during the wetter NE monsoon period as compared to the drier SW monsoon period, but vice versa for copepod species diversity. Redundancy analysis (RDA) shows that copepod community structure in the upper estuary, nearshore and offshore waters differed, being influenced by spatial and seasonal variations in environmental conditions. The copepods could generally be grouped into estuarine species (dominantly Acartia spinicauda Mori, Acartia sp1, Oithona aruensis Früchtl, and Oithona dissimilis Lindberg), stenohaline species ( Acartia erythraea Giesbrecht, Acrocalanus gibber Giesbrecht, Paracalanus aculateus Giesbrecht, and Corycaeus andrewsi Farran) and euryhaline species ( Parvocalanus crassirostris Dahl, Oithona simplex Farran, and Bestiolina similis (Sewell)). Shifts in copepod community structure due to monsoonal effects on water parameters occurred at the lower estuary. Copepod peak abundance in mangrove waters could be associated with the peak chlorophyll a concentration prior to it. Evidence of copepod consumption by many species of young fish and shrimp larvae in the MMFR estuary implies the considerable impact of phytoplankton and microphytobenthos on mangrove trophodynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-power closing switches with graphite electrodes have been used in power-supply system for a large laser pump. The useful lifetime of this kind of switch is an interesting and important issue. Previous researchers have observed that the graphite erosion loss is proportional to the amount of transfer charge in a high-power pulsed discharge. Therefore, the erosion rate of graphite may be used for predicting and estimating the electrodes' useful lifetime. According to the mathematical model proposed in this paper, the lifetime of a closing switch with graphite electrodes is dependent upon several key parameters, including the dimensions of electrode, density, the erosion rate of graphite electrodes, undervoltage ratio, working temperature, and the amount of energy transfer. A mathematical formula describing the relationship between lifetime and those parameters has been deduced. Based on a newly developed spark-gap switch which can support over 100-C single transfer charge, this proposed lifetime model has been verified. This paper may quantitatively perform the function of guidance in engineering applications of graphite electrode switches in large pulsed-power facilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, starting from the project requirements, a 1.2-MJ pulsed power supply (PPS) module for a high-power laser system has been developed. The main circuit of this module consists of a high energy density capacitor bank, a spark gap switch, a magnetic switch, a trigger generator, and a load subsystem. Due to the superiority in the stability and service life, the two-electrode construction for the spark gap switch, high peak currents, and rise time of the currents is selected. Since a two-electrode spark gap switch has no separate trigger electrode and must be directly overvolted by the trigger generator, a small Marx generator has been designed and constructed for the advantage of the proven compactness and electrical performance. The effect of the magnetic switch represents a couple of functions. One is to block the triggering pulse produced by the Marx generator. Another is to permit the discharging current coming from the main capacitor bank. Finally, the measured discharge current waveform of the 1.2-MJ capacitive PPS module is demonstrated to be over a 300-kA peak current and a 500- \mu\s pulsewidth. Moreover, the life test has proved that the switch–trigger system can support more than 1500 discharging processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwaves were applied to reduce the activation energy of chlorobenzene in aqueous solution and enhance its removal using nanoscale zero-valent iron (Fe0) or zero-valent copper (Cu0) particles as dielectric media. When Fe0 and Cu0 particles absorb microwave energy, the electrical potential difference causes the metal electrons to rotate faster, thus producing more heat. The microwave-irradiated metal particles reduced the chlorobenzene activation energy by 6.1 kj/mol (13.3 kJ/mol versus 19.4 kJ/mol) for Fe0 and 5.4 kJ/mol (15.8 kJ/mol versus 21.4 kj/ mol) for Cu0 and enhanced the chlorobenzene removal 4.1 times (82.8% versus 20.4%) for Fe0 and 3.7 times (72.1% versus 19.5%) for Cu0. The Fe0 has a higher standard reduction potential than Cu0; it is capable of removing more chlorobenzene than Cu0 (82.8% versus 72.1%). Using the microwave-induced nano-scale iron or copper particle is effective in treating toxic organic substances, as demonstrated in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic-driven microelectromechanical systems devices, in most cases, consist of couplings of such energy domains as electromechanics, optical electricity, thermoelectricity, and electromagnetism. Their nonlinear working state makes their analysis complex and complicated. This article introduces the physical model of pull-in voltage, dynamic characteristic analysis, air damping effect, reliability, numerical modeling method, and application of electrostatic-driven MEMS devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, the microwave (MW) energy is used to generate heat directly inside the nanoscale copper particles that are suspended in aqueous chlorobenzene (CB) solution. The heat will reduce CB activation energy so that the CB can be more efficiently decomposed by the heat generated. Because the copper particle surface has pointed protuberances, more MW energy can be absorbed to result in higher solution temperature and lower CB activation energy. Laboratory results indicate that without MW irradiation, the CB solution temperature varies from 25 to 60°C with 19.5 to 41.3% removal of CB that has 21.4 kJ/mol activation energy. In the presence of 250-W MW, the CB activation energy is reduced to 15.8 kJ/mol, and the CB removal efficiency is raised by 1.8 times. Using MW energy to generate heat directly in nanoscale copper particles suspended in aqueous CB solution for reducing the activation energy of CB and enhancing its removal is a novel and efficient method for treating toxic organic substances. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Raman mapping measurements were performed on the cross section of the ternary-phase biodegradable double-walled microsphere (DWMS) of poly(D,L-lactide-co-gly-colide) (50:50) (PLGA), poly(L-lactide) (PLLA), and polyfc-caprolactone) (PCL), which was fabricated by a one-step solvent evaporation method. The collected Raman spectra were subjected to a band-target entropy minimization (BTEM) algorithm in order to reconstruct the pure component spectra of the species observed in this sample. Seven pure component spectral estimates were recovered, and their spatial distributions within DWMS were determined. The first three spectral estimates were identified as PLLA, PLGA 50:50, and PCL, which were the main components in DWMS. The last four spectral estimates were identified as semicrystalline polyglycolic acid (PGA), dichloromethane (DCM), copper-phthalocyanine blue, and calcite, which were the minor components in DWMS. PGA was the decomposition product of PLGA. DCM was the solvent used in DWMS fabrication. Copper-phthalocyanine blue and calcite were the unexpected contaminants. The current result showed that combined Raman microscopy and BTEM analysis can provide a sensitive characterization tool to DWMS, as it can give more specific information on the chemical species present as well as the spatial distributions. This novel analytical method for microsphere characterization can serve as a complementary tool to other more established analytical techniques, such as scanningelectron microscopy and optical microscopy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Interdependence is a phenomenon prevalent in collectivist societies. Despite being a well-known concept, it is only recently that the interaction between interdependence and independence was studied as orthogonally varying constructs (Liu & Goto, 2007). A primary finding is that individuals high on both interdependence and independence have better mental health and higher family cohesion. This article attempts to understand these findings in light of Pope John Paul II's understanding of persons as gifts. From Trinitarian theology to its philosophical underpinnings, it will be shown that it is precisely in this gift character that interdependence finds its roots and fundamental meaning. Furthermore, this gift structure also accounts more fully and coherently for the independence-interdependence interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microwave (MW) energy was used to enhance the photocatalytic degradation of trichloroethylene (TCE) using titanium dioxide (TiO2) as the catalyst. The reaction rate constant was determined using the Langmuir-Hinshelwood equation kinetic model. Additionally, the influence of the microwave energy level and application method, and TiO 2 dosage on TCE removal were studied. Higher microwave energy level and higher photocatalyst concentration lead to better TCE removal. However, when the TiO2 dosage exceeds 4 mg/mL, the TCE removal efficiency is not obviously enhanced, demonstrating that the TCE removal is caused more by photocatalyses than microwave heat. Hence, major photo-oxidative reactions induced by microwave radiation to reduce TCE at the TiO2 particle surface are mostly nonthermal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A low-cost video decoder for NTSC signals is described in this paper. The proposed NTSC video decoder design employs a 2D2L comb filter, and a DDFS (Direct Digital Frequency Synthesizer) -based DCO (digital control oscillator) based on a trigonometric quadruple angle formula in a digital PLL to track and lock the demodulation clocks. The complexity of the digital video decoder is consequently drastically reduced. The overall cost of the proposed design is 7.22 mm² (26 K gates). The maximum power dissipation is 109.2mW at the highest clock rate which is 21.48 MHz. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presents a study on one-dimensional deformed model in terms of the continuum field theories. Discussion of the dynamics of the charge and spin sectors of the model; Phase diagram of the deformed model; Properties of the ground state in the spin-gap phase.

Addresses a linear-matrix inequality based strictly-positive-real (SPR) characterization and its application to absolute stability problem for discrete-time descriptor systems. Use of the Cayley transformation to establish formulas bridging the admissible descriptor form realizations for SPR and strictly-bounded-real transfer matrices; Application of the obtained result to the absolute stability problem.

This paper describes the feasibility of selecting fractal feature vector based on M-band wavelet transform to classify ultrasonic liver images-normal liver, cirrhosis, and hepatoma. The proposed feature extraction algorithm is based on the spatial-frequency decomposition and fractal geometry. Various classification algorithms based on respective texture measurements and filter banks are presented and tested. Classifications for the three sets of ultrasonic liver images reveal that the fractal feature vector based on M-band wavelet transform is trustworthy. A hierarchical classifier, which is based on the proposed feature extraction algorithm is at least 96.7% accurate in the distinction between normal and abnormal liver images and is at least 93.6% accurate in the distinction between cirrhosis and hepatoma liver images. Additionally, the criterion for feature selection is specified and employed for performance comparisons herein. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article presents the findings of a study conducted in Singapore that examined the use of oral antivirals (OAVs) among older adults with COVID-19 in primary care during the Omicron waves. The study revealed that a small percentage of older adults received OAVs, with nirmatrelvir-ritonavir being the most commonly prescribed medication. The study also identified factors such as primary care characteristics and socioeconomic status (SES) indicators that influenced the likelihood of receiving OAVs. The authors emphasize the importance of addressing disparities in OAV access among older adults and socioeconomically disadvantaged groups. They recommend targeted efforts to improve access for individuals with lower SES. [Extracted from the article]

Examines the development of a women's studies research library in the Rutger's University Libraries System in Latin America between 1970 and the mid-1990. Revelation of the bibliographic and political dimensions of the controversy; Birth of an idea for a women's studies library; Beginning of the first women's studies course entitled 'The Educated Woman in Literature' in 1969; Implementation of the research center from 1990-1995.

Studies alcohol, tobacco, illicit drug and medication use among applicants for vocational rehabilitation in the United States. Analysis of persons with primary disabilities; Relationship of disability-related factors to substance use; Implications; Issues for vocational rehabilitation counselors; Necessity of screening for substance abuse problems for applicants.

Presents rate equations for statistically averaged quantities of intense non-neutral beam propagation through a periodic solenoidal. Derivation of the global rate equation for general phase function; Discussion on the global energy balance and rate equations; Details on the coupled rate equations for the unnormalized beam emittance.

Investigates the detailed stability and transport properties of an intense ion beam propagating through an alternating-gradient focusing lattice with initial Kapchinskij-Vladimirskij (KV) distribution, using perturbative particle simulation techniques. Propagation of KV beam distribution over large distances.

Methyl-silica superhydrophobic coatings have the capability of providing anti-pollution flashover protection for outdoor electrical insulators. However, in practical applications, the deposition and dissolution of atmospheric pollutants on the coating generates acidic or alkaline ions and leads to chemical degradation of the coating's surface property, which in turn causes a decrease in the anti-pollution flashover performance of the coating. Currently, there is a lack of research on the hydrophobic degradation characteristics of superhydrophobic methyl-silica coatings induced by chemical corrosion. Meanwhile, it is not clear how chemical corrosion affects the anti-pollution flashover performance of methyl-silica superhydrophobic coatings. To address the above issues, the static water contact angle and sliding angle on the corroded methyl-silica superhydrophobic coatings were tested to reflect the surface hydrophobicity degradation, and the results were theoretically interpreted; the surface leakage current amplitudes of the coatings aged to different degrees were measured under dirty and wet conditions to characterize the anti-pollution flashover performance of the corroded coatings. The surface leakage current amplitudes of the aged methyl-silica superhydrophobic coating under different corrosion environment temperatures, different applied electric field strengths, and different wetting times of surface pollutants are measured to characterize the anti-pollution flashover performance of the corrosion-aged coating, and the influences of the above factors on the anti-pollution flashover performance of the methyl-silica superhydrophobic coating are analyzed. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the optimal sensing condition for periodic gold nanoslits. The intensity sensitivities for various periods, from 400 to 900 nm, were measured. The experimental results show that 500-nm-period array has a maximum bulk sensitivity, three times larger than the sensitivities of 400 and 700 nm periods. The optimal period is attributed to the coincidence of the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) wavelength and lowest imaginary dielectric constant of gold film. The structure reaches a figure of merit of 23.9 and achieves a detection limit of 2.6 × 10-5 refractive index units at 0.2% stability, better than the grating-based SPR sensors using intensity interrogation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The droplet rolling angle is one of the important indicators to measure the coating's hydrophobic performance, but the specific factors affecting the droplet rolling angle on the micro-nanostructured superhydrophobic coating surface are not yet known. Based on the rolling mechanism of droplets on rough surfaces, and from the perspective of coating microscopic energy conservation, this paper points out that the micron-scale morphology and the nanoscale morphology can comprehensively affect the droplet rolling angle. From the above perspective, a mathematical model of the droplet rolling angle on the micro-nanostructure superhydrophobic coating surface was established. The model shows that the droplet rolling angle is positively correlated with the ratio of nano-sized pillar width to spacing, the ratio of micron-sized papilla radius to spacing, and the liquid–gas interfacial tension, and is negatively correlated to the droplet intrinsic contact angle, droplet volume and droplet density. The droplet rolling angle calculated by the presented model is in good agreement with the experimentally tested results. This model can provide good accuracy in predicting the droplet rolling angle on the micro-nanostructured superhydrophobic coating surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large phase differences between transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) waves were investigated in plasmonic nanoslit arrays. The phase of the TE wave shifts ahead because of its low propagation constant. On the other hand, the phase of the TM wave is retarded due to the propagation of surface plasmons. The opposite phase shift forms a giant birefringence. Its magnitude was dependent on the width of nanoslits. The birefringence magnitude was ∼1 for 300-nm-wide nanoslits and up to ∼2.7 for 100 nm ones. The spectroscopic measurements indicate that waveplates made of gold nanoslits have large bandwidths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inspired by a well-known fact that the magnetic coercivity of a thin film has a strong dependence on its thickness, we have fabricated a 5×60 μm and 30 nm thick cobalt (Co) strip with thickness modulation along its long axis. The modulation period of 700 nm with a depth of 8 nm was prepared by a focused ion beam. From magnetic force microscope images, we observed an induced magnetic anisotropy along the short axis of the strip. By comparing out-of-plane magnetoresistance measurements in two magnetic remnant states, we extracted a positive domain wall resistance of 0.03 Ω, corresponding to 0.14% magnetoresistance (MR) in a Co thin film. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effect of isotretinoin on the chemotaxis of human monocytes was studied in an in vitro system using a Nucleopore chamber. The chemoattractant used was zymosan-activated serum. Inhibition of monocyte chemotaxis was achieved with isotretinoin in concentrations of 1 × 10-3 M and 5 × 10-4 M. It is felt that the improvement seen in patients with inflammatory skin diseases such as cystic acne and acne conglobata who are treated with isotretinoin may in part be a result of this anti-inflammatory action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the epidemiology of upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) and the disease profile of patients attending the emergency department (ED). Hence, we sought to explore the changes in ED physicians' attitudes and behaviours in four EDs in Singapore. Methods: We employed a sequential mixed-methods approach (quantitative survey followed by in-depth interviews). Principal component analysis was performed to derive latent factors, followed by multivariable logistic regression to explore the independent factors associated with high antibiotic prescribing. Interviews were analysed using the deductive-inductive-deductive framework. We derive five meta-inferences by integrating the quantitative and qualitative findings with an explanatory bidirectional framework. Results: We obtained 560 (65.9%) valid responses from the survey and interviewed 50 physicians from various work experiences. ED physicians were twice as likely to report high antibiotic prescribing rates pre-COVID-19 pandemic than during the pandemic (AOR = 2.12, 95% CI 1.32 to 3.41, p = 0.002). Five meta-inferences were made by integrating the data: (1) Less pressure to prescribe antibiotics due to reduced patient demand and more patient education opportunities; (2) A higher proportion of ED physicians self-reported lower antibiotic prescribing rates during the COVID-19 pandemic but their perception of the overall outlook on antibiotic prescribing rates varied; (3) Physicians who were high antibiotic prescribers during the COVID-19 pandemic made less effort for prudent antibiotic prescribing as they were less concerned about antimicrobial resistance; (4) the COVID-19 pandemic did not change the factors that lowered the threshold for antibiotic prescribing; (5) the COVID-19 pandemic did not change the perception that the public's knowledge of antibiotics is poor. Conclusions: Self-reported antibiotic prescribing rates decreased in the ED during the COVID-19 pandemic due to less pressure to prescribe antibiotics. The lessons and experiences learnt from the COVID-19 pandemic can be incorporated into public and medical education in the war against antimicrobial resistance going forward. Antibiotic use should also be monitored post-pandemic to assess if the changes are sustained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During the formation of a high current impulse discharge arc, objects near the discharge arc will be strongly impacted. In this paper, a high power, high current gas switch is used as the site of the impulse discharge arc. The explosion wave theory and the arc channel energy balance equation are introduced to analyze the development of the shock wave overpressure driven by the high current impulse discharge arc, and the demarcation point of the arc channel is given, from which the energy of the arc channel is no longer converted into shock waves. Through the analysis and calculation, it is found that the magnitude of the shock wave overpressure caused by impulse discharge arc expansion is closely related to the arc current rising rate. The arc shock wave overpressure will undergo a slow decay process and then decay rapidly. The study of this paper will perform the function of deepening the understanding of the physical nature of the impulse arc discharge, which can be used to explain the damage effect of the high current impulse discharge arc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the effects of long-ranged Coulomb interactions in a tilted Dirac semimetal in two dimensions by using the perturbative renormalization-group (RG) method. Depending on the magnitude of the tilting parameter, the undoped system can have either Fermi points (type I) or Fermi lines (type II). Previous studies usually performed the renormalization-group transformations by integrating out the modes with large momenta. This is problematic when the Fermi surface is open, like type-II Dirac fermions. In this work we study the effects of Coulomb interactions, following the spirit of Shankar [Rev. Mod. Phys. 66, 129 (1994)], by introducing a cutoff in the energy scale around the Fermi surface and integrating out the high-energy modes. For type-I Dirac fermions, our result is consistent with that of the previous work. On the other hand, we find that for type-II Dirac fermions, the magnitude of the tilting parameter increases monotonically with lowering energies. This implies the stability of type-II Dirac fermions in the presence of Coulomb interactions, in contrast with previous results. Furthermore, for type-II Dirac fermions, the velocities in different directions acquire different renormalization even if they have the same bare values. By taking into account the renormalization of the tilting parameter and the velocities due to the Coulomb interactions, we show that while the presence of a charged impurity leads only to charge redistribution around the impurity for type-I Dirac fermions, for type-II Dirac fermions, the impurity charge is completely screened, albeit with a very long screening length. The latter indicates that the temperature dependence of physical observables are essentially determined by the RG equations we derived. We illustrate this by calculating the temperature dependence of the compressibility and specific heat of the interacting tilted Dirac fermions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spindle-shaped diffuse plasma cage is represented by photoreportage in the room-temperature atmospheric-pressure air. It is found that a closed plasma cage covered with diffuse plasma can be obtained only in an appropriate ring-ring electrode distance. By adjusting the ring-ring distance, we can destroy the closure property characterized by the appearance of corona or arc discharge on the surface of the cage. In addition, much larger plasma cage can be acquired using larger rings or adding more rings. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The impact of the wire length on the large-scale diffuse discharge is investigated. The images and electrical measurements show that for a nanosecond pulse with a long tail, the decrease of the wire length can result in the transition from a diffuse mode to a spark discharge. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

This paper illustrates an observation of large-scale cold plasma generated by repetitive nanosecond pulses and barrier-free wire electrodes in atmospheric air. The length of plasma tape achieved 110.0 cm and can be further lengthened. The applied repetitive nanosecond pulses are with \(\sim 30\) -ns rise time, negative \(\sim 70\) -kV peak, and \(\sim 750\) -ns width at the 500-Hz repetition frequency. The discharge images indicate that the large-scale homogeneous nonthermal plasma in open air can be stably formed with appropriate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The chitosan/polyvinyl Alcohol/zeolite electrospun composite nanofibrous membrane was fabricated for adsorption of methyl orange. The EDX, TGA and tensile test were carried out for the characterization of the membrane. The Young’s Modulus of the nanofibrous membranes increased by more than 100% with the addition of zeolite to chitosan/PVA. The batch adsorption tests were conducted by varying the initial concentration of methyl orange, contact time and pH of the dye solution. UV–vis results showed that most of the dye was adsorbed within 6 min. An adsorption kinetic study was carried out using the pseudo-second-order kinetic model, Lagergren-first-order model and intra particle diffusion model. The adsorption kinetics obeyed the Pseudo second order model. The adsorption mechanism was analyzed using the Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm model. The experimental data fits well with the Freundlich model. The adsorption capacity of the membrane was 153 mg/g. Adsorption capacity was decreased with increasing pH value. The resulting nanofiber became less active over methyl orange after several runs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A spectral integration combined with a threshold method for the analysis of spectral scanning surface plasmon resonance (SPR) images can significantly increase signal recognition at low concentration of antibody solution. The 12-well SPR sensing plates consisted of gold-capped nanowire arrays with 500-nm period, 80-nm linewidth and 50-nm gold thickness which were used for generating multiple SPR images. A threshold method is introduced to eliminate background noises in spectral scanning images. Combining spectral integration and the threshold method, the detection limit of antibody concentration was 1.23 ng/mL. Using multiple-well SPR sensing plates and the proposed analytical method, multiple kinetic responses with spectral and spatial information on different sensing areas can be sensitively measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the nature of the magnetic phase transition induced by the short-ranged electron-electron interactions in a Weyl semimetal by using the perturbative renormalization-group method. We find that the critical point associated with the quantum phase transition is characterized by a Gaussian fixed point perturbed by a dangerously irrelevant operator. Although the low-energy and long-distance physics is governed by a free theory, the velocities of the fermionic quasiparticles and the magnetic fluctuations suffer from nontrivial renormalization effects. In particular, their ratio approaches one at low energies, which indicates an emergent Lorentz symmetry at the quantum critical point. We further investigate the stability of the fixed point in the presence of weak disorder preserving the chiral symmetry. We show that while the fixed point is generally stable against weak disorder, a moderately strong random chemical potential and/or random vector potential may induce a quantum phase transition towards a disorder-dominated phase. We propose a global phase diagram of the Weyl semimetal in the presence of both electron-electron interactions and disorder based on our results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present radio-frequency (RF) heating-assisted nanoimprint lithography (NIL) for the rapid fabrication of nanostructured biochips. The chips were spin-coated using a RF-sensitive polymer film, namely polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified (PETG). The RF heating process takes advantage of rapid temperature increases and cooling for NIL. Using a patterned nickel film as the mold, various nanostructures, such as nanowire, nanorod, and nanogrid arrays, were successfully fabricated within several seconds. For surface plasmon biosensing chips, the silver-coated nanowire arrays achieved a linewidth of 6.01 nm and wavelength sensitivity of 550 nm per refractive index unit. The functionality of the sensor was verified by observing the label-free antigen-antibody interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We study the behavior of a topological Josephson junction in which two topological superconductors are coupled through a quantum dot. We focus on the case with the bulk superconducting gap being the largest energy scale. Two parameter regimes are investigated: a weak tunneling between the dot and the superconductors, with the dot near its charge degeneracy point, and a strong-tunneling regime in which the transmission between the dot and the superconductors is nearly perfect. We show that in the former situation, the Andreev spectrum for each sector with fixed fermion parity consists of only two levels, which gives rise to the nontrivial current-phase relation. Moreover, we study the Rabi oscillation between the two levels and indicate that the corresponding frequency is a 4π-periodic function of the phase difference between the two superconductors, which is immune to the quasiparticle poisoning. In the latter case, we find that the Coulomb charging energy enhances the effect of backscattering at the interfaces between the dot and the superconductors. Both the temperature and the gate-voltage dependence of the critical Josephson current are examined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping Mn2+ ions into lead halide perovskite (LHP) nanocrystals (NCs) has attracted great attention in the optoelectronic fields due to the stability enhancement and unique dual-color emission characteristics arising from the energy transfer from the LHP host to the dopants (i.e., Mn2+ ions). Herein, we report a facile and scalable synthetic protocol for Mn2+-doped CsPbCl3 and CsPbBrxCl3−x nanoplates via a one-pot room-temperature (RT) procedure in the presence of hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS). It is noteworthy that both HMDS and Mn2+ ions play a critical role in triggering the crystallization of the Mn-doped LHP NCs under ambient conditions by functioning as a passivation agent with Lewis base groups that coordinate with Pb2+ ions. The optical properties including the emission wavelength and the relative PL intensity of the band-to-band emission and the Mn2+ emission are tuned by changing the amount of HMDS and the precursor ratios Mn : Pb and Br : Cl. It is interesting that the representative Mn-doped CsPbCl3 NCs displayed enhanced thermal stability, which was confirmed by the observation that the emission intensity of the sample annealed below 95 °C for 2 h increases compared with that of the fresh sample. Ion exchanges between not only Cl−, Br− and I− but also Mn2+ and Pb2+ are also investigated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the effects of temperature on weight-specific respiration rates (Rsp) of the euryhaline calanoid copepod Pseudodiaptomus annandalei collected from the Matang Mangrove Forest Reserve (Malaysia). We employed a simple experimental approach consisting of a short temperature exposure time from 24 to 36°C. The relationship between temperature and Rsp of acclimated copepods under conditions of excess food fitted an exponential function and indicated a complete lack of acclimation at the higher temperature range. Both fine-scale temperature measurements and piecewise linear regression enabled the detection of a breakpoint produced by a significant increase in respiratory rates. It is argued that thermally stressed copepods can be detected by both a higher Q10 above 32°C and monitoring this breakpoint in the metabolic response (Rsp). Similarly, the lower Q10 (⩽2) indicates some degree of independence of their metabolic rates between 26 and 32°C, which likely corresponds to their optimal thermal window. Results are discussed in relation to body mass, feeding status and gender. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]