Normal modes and mode transformation of pure electron vortex beams

Electron vortex beams constitute the first class of matter vortex beams which are currently routinely produced in the laboratory. Here, we briefly review the progress of this nascent field and put forward a natural quantum basis set which we show is suitable for the description of electron vortex beams. The normal modes are truncated Bessel beams (TBBs) defined in the aperture plane or the Fourier transform of the transverse structure of the TBBs (FT-TBBs) in the focal plane of a lens with the said aperture. As these modes are eigenfunctions of the axial orbital angular momentum operator, they can provide a complete description of the two-dimensional transverse distribution of the wave function of any electron vortex beam in such a system, in analogy with the prominent role Laguerre- Gaussian (LG) beams played in the description of optical vortex beams. The characteristics of the normal modes of TBBs and FT-TBBs are described, including the quantized orbital angular momentum (in terms of the winding number l) and the radial index p> 0. We present the experimental realization of such beams using computer-generated holograms. The mode analysis can be carried out using astigmatic transformation optics, demonstrating close analogy with the astigmatic mode transformation between LG and Hermite-Gaussian beams

Even-odd effect in higher-order holographic production of electron vortex beams with nontrivial radial structures

Structured electron beams carrying orbital angular momentum are currently of considerable interest, both from a fundamental point of view and for application in electron microscopy and spectroscopy. Until recently, most studies have focused on the azimuthal structure of electron vortex beams with well-defined orbital angular momentum. To unambiguously define real electron-beam states and realize them in the laboratory, the radial structure must also be specified. Here we use a specific set of orthonormal modes of electron (vortex) beams to describe both the radial and azimuthal structures of arbitrary electron wavefronts. The specific beam states are based on truncated Bessel beams localized within the lens aperture plane of an electron microscope. We show that their Fourier transform set of beams can be realized at the focal planes of the probe-forming lens using a binary computer-generated electron hologram. Using astigmatic transformation optics, we demonstrate that the azimuthal indices of the diffracted beams scale with the order of the diffraction through phase amplification. However, their radial indices remain the same as those of the encoding beams for all the odd diffraction orders or are reduced to the zeroth order for the even-order diffracted beams. This simple even-odd rule can also be explained in terms of the phase amplification of the radial profiles. We envisage that the orthonormal cylindrical basis set of states could lead to new possibilities in phase contrast electron microscopy and spectroscopy using structured electron beams

Critically Appraised Paper for “Cognitive training for improving executive function in chemotherapy-treated breast cancer survivors”

The present literature regarding patients with breast cancer after chemotherapy treatment indicates increased occurrence of cognitive deficits, particularly in executive function. To explore these deficits, the researchers used an online, computer-based intervention program aimed to improve impaired cognition. The population of this study was a group of female breast cancer survivors who had previously received chemotherapy treatment with or without hormonal therapy. The participants were randomly assigned to the intervention group or the control group. The implemented intervention was a home-based cognitive training computer program accessible through an online subscription to the Lumos Lab, Inc. The intervention group completed the cognitive training computer program, whereas the control group received no treatment. Both the intervention and the control group received pre- and posttests assessing cognition, primarily in the area of executive function. The components of the computer program were selected to promote improvement in executive function. The program’s exercises provided games that focused on memory, spatial sequencing, route planning, and problem solving. Weekly treatments included five exercises per session, for a total of 48 sessions over a duration of 12 weeks. The difficulty level of the sessions was regulated by the computer program and adapted according to each participant’s progress. The study found that participants who received the intervention showed significant improvements in executive function, cognitive flexibility, and letter fluency (language), ranging from moderate to large effect sizes. The results of the study indicate immediate improvement in executive function after the cognitive training computer program. However, the limitations of this study include the small sample size and the lack of practical assessments of executive function. Additionally, long-term effects of the treatment could not be determined because of the lack of follow-up assessments. Therefore, an online computer-based cognitive training program may not be beneficial as a sole intervention for breast cancer survivors with impaired cognition. Nevertheless, such training could be used as an adjunctive home program in congruence with occupational therapy

KAJI AWAL TURBIN AIR DARRIEUS 3 BLADE HYDROFOIL NACA 0018 PADA VARIASI BILANGAN REYNOLD

Kebutuhan akan energi dari tahun ke tahun semakin meningkat sementara cadangan energi yang berasal dari fossil seperti minyak bumi dan batu bara semakin menipis. Hal ini akan menyebabkan terjadinya krisis energi karena sumber energi tersebut adalah sumber energi yang tak terbarukan. Untuk mengatasi permasalahan energi ini perlu dicari sumber-sumber energi baru yang terbarukan, sehingga tidak akan terjadi krisis energi di masa yang akan datang. Indonesia memiliki lautan yang sangat luas, sehingga potensi arus lautnya dapat dimanfaatkan sebagai energi alternatif. Penelitian ini adalah melakukan pengujian terhadap turbin Darrieus. Turbin ini memiliki diameter 20 cm dan tinggi 20 cm, blade yang digunakan adalah hydrofoil NACA 0018 dengan panjang chord 6,5 cm. Pengujian dilakukan pada sebuah saluran uji yang memiliki penampang persegi panjang 30 x 32 cm dengan variasi bilangan Reynold 6370, 11980 dan 17615 untuk mencari daya dan efisiensi yang dihasilkan turbin tersebut. Dari hasil pengujian, daya yang dihasilkan turbin Darrieus tersebut pada bilangan Reynold 6370, 11980 dan 17615 berturut-turut adalah 0,00339 Watt, 0,009 Watt dan 0,018 Watt sedangkan efisiensinya 21,95 %, 7,37 % dan 4,52 %. Kata kunci: Turbin Darrieus, NACA 0018, bilangan Reynold dan efisiens

(2,3)-Cordial Oriented Hypercubes

L. B. Beasley recently defined a digraph labeling called (2,3)-cordial. Digraphs for which a (2,3)-cordial labeling can be applied are called (2,3)-cordial digraphs. Herein, we consider the existence and identification of (2,3)-cordial oriented hypercubes. We demonstrate that for every nonzero dimension, there exists a (2,3)-cordial oriented hypercube. Additionally, we demonstrate that not all oriented hypercubes of nonzero dimension are (2,3)-cordial. Finally, we present preliminary results regarding the identification of (2,3)-cordial oriented hypercubes, particularly for dimension 3.Comment: 14 pages, 6 figure

Robust and adjustable C-shaped electron vortex beams

Wavefront engineering is an important quantum technology, often applied to the production of states carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM). Here, we demonstrate the design and production of robust C-shaped beam states carrying OAM, in which the usual doughnut shaped transverse intensity structure of the vortex beam contains an adjustable gap. We find that the presence of the vortex lines in the core of the beam is crucial for maintaining the stability of the C-shape structure during beam propagation. The topological charge of the vortex core controls mainly the size of the C-shape, while its opening angle is related to the presence of vortex-anti-vortex loops. We demonstrate the generation and characterisation of C-shaped electron vortex beams, although the result is equally applicable to other quantum waves. C-shaped electron vortex beams have potential applications in nanoscale fabrication of planar split ring structures and three dimensional chiral structures as well as depth sensing and magnetic field determination through rotation of the gap in the C-shape

Growth and characterisation of MnSb(0 0 0 1)/InGaAs(1 1 1)A epitaxial films

MnSb layers have been grown on InxGa1-xAs(1 1 1) A virtual substrates using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE). The effects of both substrate temperature (Tsub) and Sb/Mn beam flux ratio (JSb/Mn) were investigated. The surface morphology, layer and interface structural quality, and magnetic properties have been studied for a 3 × 3 grid of Tsub and JSb/Mn values. Compared to known optimal MBE conditions for MnSb/GaAs(1 1 1) [Tsub = 415°C,JSb/Mn = 6.5], a lower substrate temperature is required for sharp interface formation when growing MnSb on In0.48Ga0.52As(1 1 1) A [Tsub = 350°C,JSb/Mn = 6.5]. At high flux ratio (JSb/Mn = 9.5) elemental Sb is readily incorporated into MnSb films. At higher substrate temperatures and lower flux ratios, (In,Ga) Sb inclusions in the MnSb are formed, as well as MnAs inclusions within the substrate. The Sb and (In,Ga) Sb inclusions are epitaxial, while MnAs inclusions are endotaxial, i.e. all have a crytallographic relationship to the substrate and epilayer. MBE optimisation towards different device structures is discussed along with results from a two-stage growth scheme

Using qualitative methods to explore lay explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care practices of podoconiosis patients in north-west Ethiopia

Background: Podoconiosis (endemic non-filarial elephantiasis) is a chronic, non-infectious disease resulting from exposure of bare feet to red-clay soil in tropical highlands. This study examined lay beliefs about three under-researched aspects of podoconiosis patients’ care: explanatory models, health-seeking behaviours and self-care. Methods: In-depth interviews and focus group discussions were undertaken with 34 participants (19 male, 15 female) between April-May 2015 at podoconiosis treatment centres across East and West Gojjam regions in north-west Ethiopia. Results: Explanatory models for podoconiosis included contamination from blood, magic, soil or affected individuals. Belief in heredity or divine punishment often delayed clinic attendance. All participants had tried holy water treatment and some, holy soil. Herbal treatments were considered ineffectual, costly and appeared to promote fluid escape. Motivators for clinic attendance were failure of traditional treatments and severe or disabling symptoms. Patients did not report self-treatment with antibiotics. Self-care was hindered by water being unavailable or expensive and patient fatigue. Conclusion: A pluralistic approach to podoconiosis self-treatment was discovered. Holy water is widely valued, though some patients prefer holy soil. Priests and traditional healers could help promote self-care and “signpost” patients to clinics. Change in behaviour and improving water access is key to self-care

RNAi dynamics in juvenile Fasciola spp. liver flukes reveals the persistence of gene silencing in vitro

Fasciola spp. liver fluke cause pernicious disease in humans and animals. Whilst current control is unsustainable due to anthelmintic resistance, gene silencing (RNA interference, RNAi) has the potential to contribute to functional validation of new therapeutic targets. The susceptibility of juvenile Fasciola hepatica to double stranded (ds)RNA-induced RNAi has been reported. To exploit this we probe RNAi dynamics, penetrance and persistence with the aim of building a robust platform for reverse genetics in liver fluke. We describe development of standardised RNAi protocols for a commercially-available liver fluke strain (the US Pacific North West Wild Strain), validated via robust transcriptional silencing of seven virulence genes, with in-depth experimental optimisation of three: cathepsin L (FheCatL) and B (FheCatB) cysteine proteases, and a σ-class glutathione transferase (FheσGST).Robust transcriptional silencing of targets in both F. hepatica and Fasciola gigantica juveniles is achievable following exposure to long (200-320 nt) dsRNAs or 27 nt short interfering (si)RNAs. Although juveniles are highly RNAi-susceptible, they display slower transcript and protein knockdown dynamics than those reported previously. Knockdown was detectable following as little as 4h exposure to trigger (target-dependent) and in all cases silencing persisted for ≥25 days following long dsRNA exposure. Combinatorial silencing of three targets by mixing multiple long dsRNAs was similarly efficient. Despite profound transcriptional suppression, we found a significant time-lag before the occurrence of protein suppression; FheσGST and FheCatL protein suppression were only detectable after 9 and 21 days, respectively.In spite of marked variation in knockdown dynamics, we find that a transient exposure to long dsRNA or siRNA triggers robust RNAi penetrance and persistence in liver fluke NEJs supporting the development of multiple-throughput phenotypic screens for control target validation. RNAi persistence in fluke encourages in vivo studies on gene function using worms exposed to RNAi-triggers prior to infection