253 research outputs found
Spontaneous electric-polarization topology in confined ferroelectric nematics
Topological spin and polar textures have fascinated people in different areas
of physics and technologies. However, the observations are limited in magnetic
and solid-state ferroelectric systems. Ferroelectric nematic is the first
liquid-state ferroelectric that would carry many possibilities of spatially
distributed polarization fields. Contrary to traditional magnetic or
crystalline systems, anisotropic liquid crystal interactions can compete with
the polarization counterparts, thereby setting a challenge in understating
their interplays and the resultant topologies. Here, we discover chiral
polarization meron-like structures during the emergence and growth of quasi-2D
ferroelectric nematic domains, which are visualized by fluorescence confocal
polarizing microscopy and second harmonic generation microscopies. Such
micrometre-scale polarization textures are the modified electric variants of
the magnetic merons. Unlike the conventional liquid crystal textures driven
solely by the elasticity, the polarization field puts additional topological
constraints, e.g., head-to-tail asymmetry, to the systems and results in a
variety of previously unidentified polar topological patterns. The chirality
can emerge spontaneously in polar textures and can be additionally biased by
introducing chiral dopants. An extended mean-field modelling for the
ferroelectric nematics reveals that the polarization strength of systems plays
a dedicated role in determining polarization topology, providing a guide for
exploring diverse polar textures in strongly-polarized liquid crystals
Biološka karakterizacija izolata golubljeg paramiksovirusa 1 i analiza njegove patogenosti u SPF pilića
Pigeon paramyxovirus type 1 (PPMV-1) is considered as an antigenic variant of Newcastle Disease leading to high mortality and significant economic losses to the poultry industry. However, the pathogenicity of PPMV-1 to chickens is still unclear. Herein, we reported the biological characterization of the isolated PPMV-1 from the diseased pigeons suspected to Newcastle Disease and studied its pathogenicity in SPF chickens. The phylogenetic tree and evolution distances revealed that the new isolate belonged to a VI.2.1.1.2.2 sub-genotype of NDV. Despite the cleavage motif of the F protein containing the 112RRQKR↓F117 sequence associated with virulent NDV strains, and the value of MDT and ICPI of the isolate showing mesogenic characteristics, the challenge trial showed that the isolate had weak pathogenicity to chickens while causing lesions in multiple tissues and organs in pigeons.Golublji paramiksovirus tipa 1 (PPMV-1) smatra se antigenskom varijantom njukaslske bolesti koja uzrokuje visoku smrtnost i znatne ekonomske gubitke u peradarskoj industriji. Patogenost virusa PPMV-1 u pilića međutim još uvijek nije jasna. U ovom je radu provedena biološka karakterizacija PPMV-1 izoliranog iz golubova za koje se sumnja da su oboljeli od njukaslske bolesti te je istražena njihova patogenost u SPF pilića. Filogenetsko stablo i evolucijske udaljenosti otkrili su da novi izolat pripada podgenotipu VI.2.1.1.2.2 virusa njukaslske bolesti (NDV). Unatoč motivu u mjestu cijepanja F-proteina koji sadržava sekvenciju 112RRQKR↓F117 povezanu s virulentnim sojevima NDV-a, vrijednosti MDT-a i ICPI-ja izolata pokazale su mezogene značajke. Ovo probno istraživanje je pokazalo da su izolati PPMV-1 slabo patogeni u pilića, dok u golubova uzrokuju lezije na više organa i tkiva
Dynamic mmWave Channel Emulation in a Cost-Effective MPAC with Dominant-Cluster Concept
Millimeter-Wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) has been considered as a key enabler for the fifth-generation (5G) communications. It is essential to design and test mmWave 5G devices under various realisticscenarios since the radio propagation channels pose intrinsic limitations on the performance. This requires emulating realistic dynamic mmWave channels in a reproducible manner in laboratories, which is the goal of this paper. In this contribution, we first illustrate the dominant-cluster(s) concept, where thenon-dominant clusters in the mmWave channels are pruned, for mmWave 5G devices applying massive MIMO beamforming. This demonstrates the importance and necessity to accurately emulate the mmWave channels at a cluster level rather than the composite-channel level. Thus, an over-the-air (OTA) emulationstrategy for dynamic mmWave channels is proposed based on the concept of dominant-cluster(s) in a sectored multiprobe anechoic chamber (SMPAC). The key design parameters including the probe number and the angular spacing of probes are investigated through comprehensive simulations. A cost-effective switch circuit is also designed for this purpose and validated in the simulation. Furthermore, a dynamic mmWave channel measured in an indoor scenario at 28-30 GHz is presented, where the proposed emulation strategy is also validated by reproducing the measured reality
Dynamic mmWave Channel Emulation in a Cost-Effective MPAC with Dominant-Cluster Concept
Millimeter-Wave (mmWave) massive multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) has
been considered as a key enabler for the fifth-generation (5G) communications.
It is essential to design and test mmWave 5G devices under various realistic
scenarios, since the radio propagation channels pose intrinsic limitations on
the performance. This requires emulating realistic dynamic mmWave channels in a
reproducible manner in laboratories, which is the goal of this paper. In this
contribution, we firstly illustrate the dominant-cluster(s) concept, where the
non-dominant clusters in the mmWave channels are pruned, for mmWave 5G devices
applying massive MIMO beamforming. This demonstrates the importance and
necessity to accurately emulate the mmWave channels at a cluster level rather
than the composite-channel level. Thus, an over-the-air (OTA) emulation
strategy for dynamic mmWave channels is proposed based on the concept of
dominant-cluster(s) in a sectored multiprobe anechoic chamber (SMPAC). The key
design parameters including the probe number and the angular spacing of probes
are investigated through comprehensive simulations. A cost-effective
switchcircuit is also designed for this purpose and validated in the
simulation. Furthermore, a dynamic mmWave channel measured in an indoor
scenario at 28-30 GHz is presented, where the proposed emulation strategy is
also validated by reproducing the measured reality.Comment: Accepted by IEEE Transactions on Antennas and Propagatio
Nanoscale Bandgap Tuning across an Inhomogeneous Ferroelectric Interface
We report nanoscale bandgap engineering via a local strain across the
inhomogeneous ferroelectric interface, which is controlled by the
visible-light-excited probe voltage. Switchable photovolatic effects and the
spectral response of the photocurrent were explore to illustrate the reversible
bandgap variation (~0.3eV). This local-strain-engineered bandgap has been
further revealed by in situ probe-voltage-assisted valence electron energy-loss
spectroscopy (EELS). Phase-field simulations and first-principle calculations
were also employed for illustration of the large local strain and the bandgap
variation in ferroelectric perovskite oxides. This reversible bandgap tuning in
complex oxides demonstrates a framework for the understanding of the
opticallyrelated behaviors (photovoltaic, photoemission, and photocatalyst
effects) affected by order parameters such as charge, orbital, and lattice
parameters
Remote measurement and shape reconstruction of surface-breaking fatigue cracks by laser-line thermography
In this paper, a method for remote measurement and shape reconstruction of fatigue cracks by using laser-line thermography (LLT) technique is developed. A new feature parameter derived from the LLT signals is proposed to evaluate the length and estimate the general inner profile of a surface-breaking fatigue crack. An inversion analysis scheme based on conjugate gradient optimization algorithm is then applied to reconstruct the detailed inner profile and dimension of the crack. The reconstruction results with both numerically simulated LLT signals and experimental signals proved the feasibility of proposed inversion scheme and remote LLT method. Based on methods of this paper, not only the size of cracks can be quantitatively evaluated, but the inner profile is also reconstructed for cracks in different shapes from the LLT signal
Rapid detection of newly isolated Tembusu-related Flavivirus by reverse-transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification assay
<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>From April 2010 to January 2011, a severe new viral disease had devastated most duck-farming regions in China. This disease affected not only laying ducks but also meat ducks, causing huge economic losses for the poultry industry. The objective of this study is to develop a one-step reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for the detection of the new virus related to Tembusu-related Flavivirus.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The RT-LAMP assay is very simple and rapid, and the amplification can be completed within 50 min under isothermal conditions at 63°C by a set of 6 primers targeting the E gene based on the sequences analysis of the newly isolated viruses and other closely related Flavivirus.The monitoring of gene amplification can also be visualized by using SYBR green I fluorescent dye. In addition, the RT-LAMP assay for newly isolated Tembusu-related Flavivirus showed higher sensitivity with an RNA detection-limit of 2 copies/μL compared with 190 copies/μL of the conventional RT-PCR method. The specificity was identified without cross reaction to other common avian pathogens. By screening a panel of clinical samples this method was more feasible in clinical settings and there was higher positive coincidence rate than conventional RT-PCR and virus isolation.</p> <p>Conclusion</p> <p>The RT-LAMP assay for newly isolated Tembusu-related Flavivirus is a valuable tool for the rapid and real-time detection not only in well-equipped laboratories but also in general conditions.</p
Tunable terahertz photodetector using ferroelectric-integrated graphene plasmonics for portable spectrometer
Terahertz (THz) detector has great potential for use in imaging,
spectroscopy, and communications due to its fascinating interactions between
radiation and matter. However, current THz detection devices have limitations
in sensitivity, operating frequency range, and bulky footprint. While recent
ferroelectric-integrated graphene plasmonic devices show promise in overcoming
these limitations, they are not yet extended to the THz range. Here, we propose
a wavelength-sensitive terahertz detector that uses a single layer graphene
integrated onto the ferroelectric thin film with patterned polarization
domains. This device works at room temperature, with high responsivity and
detectivity by coupling graphene plasmons with THz frequencies through spatial
modulation of carrier behaviors using ferroelectric polarization, without
requiring additional local electrodes. By reconfiguring an interweaving squared
ferroelectric domain array with alternating upward and downward polarizations
to highly confine graphene surface plasmon polaritons, our device achieves an
ultrahigh responsivity of 1717 A W-1 and a normalized detectivity of 1.07*10^13
Jones at a resonance frequency of 6.30 THz and a 0.3 V bias voltage. We also
show that the device makes possible for spectrum reconstruction application of
portable spectrometer combining the mathematical algorithms.Comment: 17 pages, 5 figure
Posttransplant Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis Driven by Myeloid Cytokines and Vicious Cycles of T-Cell and Macrophage Activation in Humanized Mice
Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) has recently been increasingly reported as an important complication after stem cell transplantation, in line with the increase in the number of HLA-mismatched transplantation. Although previous clinical studies have shown an elevation of inflammatory cytokines in patients with HLH after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, as well as those after viral infection or autoimmune disease, the disease pathogenesis remains poorly understood. Here we explored this issue in humanized mice with functional human lymphohematopoietic systems, which were constructed by transplantation of human CD34+ cells alone, or along with human fetal thymus into NOD/SCID/γc−/− (NSG) or NSG mice carrying human SCF/GM-CSF/IL-3 transgenes (SGM3). In comparison with humanized NSG (huNSG) mice, huSGM3 mice had higher human myeloid reconstitution and aggressive expansion of human CD4+ memory T cells, particularly in the absence of human thymus. Although all huNSG mice appeared healthy throughout the observation period of over 20 weeks, huSGM3 mice developed fatal disease characterized by severe human T cell and macrophage infiltrations to systemic organs. HuSGM3 mice also showed severe anemia and thrombocytopenia with hypoplastic bone marrow, but increased reticulocyte counts in blood. In addition, huSGM3 mice showed a significant elevation in human inflammatory cytokines including IL-6, IL-18, IFN-α, and TNF-γ, faithfully reproducing HLH in clinical situations. Our study suggests that posttransplant HLH is triggered by alloresponses (or xenoresponses in our model), driven by myeloid cytokines, and exacerbated by vicious cycles of T-cell and macrophage activation
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