Possible Molecular States of Ds∗Dˉs∗D^{*}_s\bar{D}^{*}_s System and Y(4140)

The interpretation of Y(4140) as a $D^{*}_s\bar{D}^{*}_s$ molecule is studied dynamically in the one boson exchange approach, where $\sigma$, $\eta$ and $\phi$ exchange are included. Ten allowed $D^{*}_s\bar{D}^{*}_s$ states with low spin parity are considered, we find that the $J^{PC}=0^{++}$, $1^{+-}$, $0^{-+}$, $2^{++}$ and $1^{--}$ $D^{*}_s\bar{D}^{*}_s$ configurations are most tightly bound. We suggest the most favorable quantum numbers are $J^{PC}=0^{++}$ for Y(4140) as a $D^{*}_s\bar{D}^{*}_s$ molecule, however, $J^{PC}=0^{-+}$ and $2^{++}$ can not be excluded. We propose to search for the $1^{+-}$ and $1^{--}$ partners in the $J/\psi\eta$ and $J/\psi\eta'$ final states, which is an important test of the molecular hypothesis of Y(4140) and the reasonability of our model. The $0^{++}$ $B^{*}_s\bar{B}^{*}_s$ molecule is deeply bound, experimental search in the $\Upsilon(1S)\phi$ channel at Tevatron and LHC is suggested.Comment: 13 pages,2 figure

Towards a novel carbon device for the treatment of sepsis

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection in which the balance of pro- andanti-inflammatory mediators, which normally isolate and eliminate infection, is disrupted[1]. Gram negative sepsis is initiated by bacterial endotoxin release which activatesmacrophages and circulating monocytes to release TNF and IL-1β followed by IL-6 andother inflammatory cytokines [2]. As the disease progresses, an unregulatedinflammatory response results in, tissue injury, haematological dysfunction and organdysfunction. Severe sepsis, involving organ hypoperfusion may be further complicatedby hypotension that is unresponsive to adequate fluid replacement, resulting in septicshock and finally death [3].Despite improvements in anti-microbial and supportive therapies, sepsis remains asignificant cause of morbidity and mortality in ICUs worldwide [4]. The complexity ofprocesses mediating the progression of sepsis suggests that an extracorporeal devicecombining blood filtration with adsorption of a wide range of toxins, and inflammatorymediators offers the most comprehensive treatment strategy. However, no such deviceexists at present. A novel, uncoated, polymer pyrolysed synthetic carbon device isproposed which combines the superior adsorption properties of uncoated activatedcarbons with the capacity to manipulate porous structure for controlled adsorption oftarget plasma proteins and polypeptides [5]. Preliminary haemocompatibility andadsorptive capacity was assessed using a carbon matrix prototype

Preliminary Studies and Test Results of a Superconducting Hysteresis Motor with Multiphase Windings and Variable Number of Magnetic Poles

Part 15: Energy TransformationInternational audienceIn this paper a procedure for determining the number of different synchronous speeds that can be obtained from the stator of a drum motor as a function of the number of slots is presented. This preliminary study is foreseen for a hysteresis high-temperature superconducting motor, but the approach is directly applied in conventional motors. The targeted device has multiphase windings, in order to achieve full flexibility in torque-speed space through electronic variation of magnetic poles. Simulations are performed in order to achieve a qualitative understanding of the behaviour of the motor, namely in what concerns to torque and settling times from initial to synchronous speed. A prototype with eighteen slots in the stator and a bulk YBCO rotor is described and built, and experimental values of torque are obtained

Assessing Psychological Inflexibility Pertaining to Self in Patients With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Using an Indirect Measure of (Nonassociative) Propositions

Relational frame theory (RFT) is a modern behavioral account of human language and cognition, which focuses on relations or propositions, rather than associations, as core explanatory constructs. In an attempt to measure such propositions, RFT researchers have developed the implicit relational assessment procedure (IRAP). It has been argued that the size of an IRAP effect may provide a metric for psychological inflexibility. The current study aimed to determine whether psychological inflexibility, as measured by the self-focused Natural Language-IRAP (NL-IRAP), would be higher in a clinical sample of individuals with a diagnosis of PTSD (N=29) when compared to a non-clinical sample. Subsequently, the study investigated whether the self-focused NL-IRAP could be used to predict the presence of a clinical diagnosis, using a ROC analysis. As predicted, higher levels of psychological inflexibility were observed for the clinical group. The self-focused NL-IRAP also correctly classified the presence of PTSD (AUC = 76%) with a sensitivity level of 79.3% and a specificity level of 59.2%.Overall, the use of the IRAP as a non-associative clinical measure appears promising

Two charged strangeonium-like structures observable in the Y(2175)→ϕ(1020)π+π−Y(2175) \to \phi(1020)\pi^{+} \pi^{-} process

Via the Initial Single Pion Emission (ISPE) mechanism, we study the $\phi(1020)\pi^{+}$ invariant mass spectrum distribution of $Y(2175) \to \phi(1020)\pi^{+} \pi^{-}$. Our calculation indicates there exist a sharp peak structure ($Z_{s1}^+$) close to the $K\bar{K}^\ast$ threshold and a broad structure ($Z_{s2}^+$) near the $K^\ast\bar{K}^\ast$ threshold. In addition, we also investigate the $\phi(1680) \to \phi(1020)\pi^{+} \pi^{-}$ process due to the ISPE mechanism, where a sharp peak around the $K\bar{K}^\ast$ threshold appears in the $\phi(1020)\pi^{+}$ invariant mass spectrum distribution. We suggest to carry out the search for these charged strangeonium-like structures in future experiment, especially Belle II, Super-B and BESIII.Comment: 7 pages, 5 figures. Accepted by Eur. Phys. J.

COVID-19 and liver disease: mechanistic and clinical perspectives

Our understanding of the hepatic consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and its resultant coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has evolved rapidly since the onset of the pandemic. In this Review, we discuss the hepatotropism of SARS-CoV-2, including the differential expression of viral receptors on liver cell types, and we describe the liver histology features present in patients with COVID-19. We also provide an overview of the pattern and relevance of abnormal liver biochemistry during COVID-19 and present the possible underlying direct and indirect mechanisms for liver injury. Furthermore, large international cohorts have been able to characterize the disease course of COVID-19 in patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease. Patients with cirrhosis have particularly high rates of hepatic decompensation and death following SARS-CoV-2 infection and we outline hypotheses to explain these findings, including the possible role of cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction. This finding contrasts with outcome data in pharmacologically immunosuppressed patients after liver transplantation who seem to have comparatively better outcomes from COVID-19 than those with advanced liver disease. Finally, we discuss the approach to SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in patients with cirrhosis and after liver transplantation and predict how changes in social behaviours and clinical care pathways during the pandemic might lead to increased liver disease incidence and severity. © 2021, Springer Nature Limited

Determining risk factors for mortality in liver transplant patients with COVID-19

We read with great interest the Correspondence from Bhoori and colleagues1 describing the effect of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on their centre's adult liver transplant population.1 Within their cohort of over 150 transplant recipients, the authors identified six patients with COVID-19, including three resulting deaths. Each of those who died was transplanted over 10 years previously and were older than 65 years, male, overweight, and had hypertension and diabetes. The authors speculated as to whether these characteristics might be major risk factors for mortality

Terahertz emission by diffusion of carriers and metal-mask dipole inhibition of radiation

Terahertz (THz) radiation can be generated by ultrafast photo-excitation of carriers in a semiconductor partly masked by a gold surface. A simulation of the effect taking into account the diffusion of carriers and the electric field shows that the total net current is approximately zero and cannot account for the THz radiation. Finite element modelling and analytic calculations indicate that the THz emission arises because the metal inhibits the radiation from part of the dipole population, thus creating an asymmetry and therefore a net current. Experimental investigations confirm the simulations and show that metal-mask dipole inhibition can be used to create THz emitters.Comment: 9 pages, 5 figures; Fixed figure

Microprocessor Implementation of a Parallel Processor ; CU-CS-091-76

A wide variety of uses have been proposed for the spectrum of currently available microprocessor systems. Included in this set of applications is the use of microprocessors for implementing large systems; here, the possibility of employing bit slice microprocessors for various parts of a multiple control unit SIMD processor is discussed. A brief summary of bit slice microprocessor architecture is given, followed by an outline of individual applications to various components such as control units and arithmetic/logic units of the SIMD processor