Computational Study of the Magnetic Structure of Na2_2IrO3_3

The magnetic structure of honeycomb iridate Na$_2$IrO$_3$ is of paramount importance to its exotic properties. The magnetic order is established experimentally to be zigzag antiferromagnetic. However, the previous assignment of ordered moment to the $\bm{a}$-axis is tentative. We examine the magnetic structure of Na$_{2}$IrO$_{3}$ using first-principles methods. Our calculations reveal that total energy is minimized when the zigzag antiferromagnetic order is magnetized along $\bm{g}\approx\bm{a}+\bm{c}$. Such a magnetic configuration is explained by adding anisotropic interactions to the nearest-neighbor Kitaev-Heisenberg model. Spin-wave spectrum is also calculated, where the calculated spin gap of $10.4$ meV can in principle be measured by future inelastic neutron scattering experiments. Finally we emphasize that our proposal is consistent with all known experimental evidence, including the most relevant resonant x-ray magnetic scattering measurements [X. Liu \emph{et al.} {Phys. Rev. B} \textbf{83}, 220403(R) (2011)].Comment: 18 pages, 7 figure

Experimental Observation of Classical Sub-Wavelength Interference with Thermal-Like Light

We show the experimental observation of the classical sub-wavelength double-slit interference with a pseudo-thermal light source. The experimental results are in agreement with the recent theoretical prediction shown in quant-ph/0404078 (to be appeared in Phys. Rev. A).Comment: 4 pages, 6 figure

Spatial Interference: From Coherent To Incoherent

It is well known that direct observation of interference and diffraction pattern in the intensity distribution requires a spatially coherent source. Optical waves emitted from portions beyond the coherence area possess statistically independent phases, and will degrade the interference pattern. In this paper we show an optical interference experiment, which seems contrary to our common knowledge, that the formation of the interference pattern is related to a spatially incoherent light source. Our experimental scheme is very similar to Gabor's original proposal of holography[1], just with an incoherent source replacing the coherent one. In the statistical ensemble of the incoherent source, each sample field produces a sample interference pattern between object wave and reference wave. These patterns completely differ from each other due to the fluctuation of the source field distribution. Surprisingly, the sum of a great number of sample patterns exhibits explicitly an interference pattern, which contains all the information of the object and is equivalent to a hologram in the coherent light case. In this sense our approach would be valuable in holography and other interference techniques for the case where coherent source is unavailable, such as x-ray and electron sources.Comment: 8 pages, 5 figure

Transition routes of electrokinetic flow in a divergent microchannel with bending walls

Electrokinetic flow can be generated as a highly coupled phenomenon among velocity field, electric conductivity field and electric field. It can exhibit different responses to AC electric fields in different frequency regimes, according to different instability/receptivity mechanisms. In this investigation, by both flow visualization and single-point laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method, the response of AC electrokinetic flow and the transition routes towards chaos and turbulence have been experimentally investigated. It is found, when the AC frequency $f_f<30$ Hz, the interface responds at both the neutral frequency of the basic flow and the AC frequency. However, when $f_f>=30$ Hz, the interface responds only at the neutral frequency of the basic flow. Both periodic doubling and subcritical bifurcations have been observed in the transition of AC electrokinetic flow. We hope the current investigation can promote our current understanding on the ultrafast transition process of electrokinetic flow from laminar state to turbulence

Onset of nonlinear electroosmotic flow under AC electric field

Nonlinearity of electroosmotic flows (EOFs) is ubiquitous and plays a crucial role in the mass and energy transfer in ion transport, specimen mixing, electrochemistry reaction, and electric energy storage and utilizing. When and how the transition from a linear regime to a nonlinear one is essential for understanding, prohibiting or utilizing nonlinear EOF. However, suffers the lacking of reliable experimental instruments with high spatial and temporal resolutions, the investigation of the onset of nonlinear EOF still stays in theory. Herein, we experimentally studied the velocity fluctuations of EOFs driven by AC electric field via ultra-sensitive fluorescent blinking tricks. The linear and nonlinear AC EOFs are successfully identified from both the time trace and energy spectra of velocity fluctuations. The critical electric field ($E_{A,C}$) separating the two statuses is determined and is discovered by defining a generalized scaling law with respect to the convection velocity ($U$) and AC frequency ($f_f$) as $E_{A,C}$~${f_f}^{0.48-0.027U}$. The universal control parameters are determined with surprising accuracy for governing the status of AC EOFs. We hope the current investigation could be essential in the development of both theory and applications of nonlinear EOF

The TP53-Related Signature Predicts Immune Cell Infiltration, Therapeutic Response, and Prognosis in Patients With Esophageal Carcinoma

TP53 mutation (TP53MUT) is one of the most common gene mutations and frequently occurs in many cancers, especially esophageal carcinoma (ESCA), and it correlates with clinical prognostic outcomes. Nevertheless, the mechanisms by which TP53MUT regulates the correlation between ESCA and prognosis have not been sufficiently studied. Here, in the current research, we constructed a TP53MUT-related signature to predict the prognosis of patients with esophageal cancer and successfully verified this model in patients in the TP53 mutant group, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma group, and adenocarcinoma group. The risk scores proved to be better independent prognostic factors than clinical features, and prognostic features were combined with other clinical features to establish a convincing nomogram to predict overall survival from 1 to 3 years. In addition, we further predicted the tumor immune cell infiltration, chemical drugs, and immunotherapy responses between the high-risk group and low risk group. Finally, the gene expression of the seven-gene signature (AP002478.1, BHLHA15, FFAR2, IGFBP1, KCTD8, PHYHD1, and SLC26A9) can provide personalized prognosis prediction and insights into new treatments

Low-dose computed tomography for lung cancer screening in Anhui, China: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundLung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, with risk factors such as age and smoking. Low-dose computed tomography screening can reduce lung cancer mortality. However, its effectiveness in Asian populations remains unclear. Most Asian women with lung cancer are non-smokers who have not been screened. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the performance of low-dose computed tomography screening in a Chinese population, including high-risk smokers and non-smokers exposed to passive smoking. The baseline data are reported in this study.MethodsBetween May and December 2019, eligible participants were randomized in a ratio of 1:1:1 to a screening (two arms) or control cohort. Non-calcified nodules/masses with a diameter &gt;4 mm on low-dose computed tomography were considered positive findings.ResultsIn total, 600 patients (mean age, 59.1 ± 6.9 years) underwent low-dose computed tomography. Women accounted for 31.5% (189/600) of patients; 89.9% (170/189) were non-smokers/passive smokers. At baseline, the incidence of lung cancer was 1.8% (11/600). The incidence of lung cancer was significantly lower in smokers than in female non-smokers/passive smokers (1.0% [4/415] vs. 4.1% [7/170], respectively; P=0.017). Stage 0–I lung cancer accounted for 90.9% (10/11) of cases.ConclusionsWe demonstrate the importance of including active smokers and female non-smokers/passive smokers in lung cancer screening programs. Further studies are needed to explore the risk factors, and long-term cost–benefit of screening Asian non-smoking women.Clinical trial registrationhttp://chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=39003, identifier ChiCTR1900023197

Resveratrol Regulates Mitochondrial Biogenesis and Fission/Fusion to Attenuate Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity

It has been confirmed that mitochondrial impairment may underlie both sporadic and familial Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mitochondrial fission/fusion and biogenesis are key processes in regulating mitochondrial homeostasis. Therefore, we explored whether the protective effect of resveratrol in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity was associated with mitochondrial fission/fusion and biogenesis. The results showed that resveratrol could not only promote mitochondrial mass and DNA copy number but also improve mitochondrial homeostasis and neuron function in rats and PC12 cells damaged by rotenone. We also observed effects with alterations in proteins known to regulate mitochondrial fission/fusion and biogenesis in rotenone-induced neurotoxicity. Therefore, our findings suggest that resveratrol may prevent rotenone-induced neurotoxicity through regulating mitochondrial fission/fusion and biogenesis

Current problems in China’s manufacturing and countermeasures for industry 4.0

Abstract Industry 4.0 was proposed by Germany, which will bring a revolution in manufacturing. How does China’s manufacturing sector deal with this revolution? The key is to identify problems and provide solutions. Based on the analysis of statistical data and the qualitative analysis, the paper carries out an in-depth analysis of current situation of China’s manufacturing. Then, main problems in China’s manufacturing industry were analyzed. Finally, the paper puts forward concrete countermeasures for China’s manufacturing sector. The countermeasures were as follows: pushing technological innovation by strengthening cooperation of official-industry-university-research-customer, developing manufacturing technology criteria in line with international practice, setting up the intelligent key projects and launching pilot project, and constructing network infrastructure. China’s manufacturing industry is still not very advanced, so it is necessary to seize the opportunity of industry 4.0. The countermeasures proposed in this paper can be used as suggestions for China’s manufacturing sector in the Industry 4.0 era