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Optics Express May 2023The paper presents a novel fiber-optic vector magnetic field sensor using a Fabry-Perot interferometer, which consists of an optical fiber end face and a graphene/Au...
The paper presents a novel fiber-optic vector magnetic field sensor using a Fabry-Perot interferometer, which consists of an optical fiber end face and a graphene/Au membrane suspended on the ceramic ferrule end face. A pair of gold electrodes are fabricated on the ceramic ferrule by femtosecond laser to transmit electrical current to the membrane. Ampere force is generated when an electrical current flows through the membrane in a perpendicular magnetic field. The change in Ampere force causes a shift in the resonance wavelength in the spectrum. In the magnetic field intensity range of 0 ∼ 180 mT and 0 ∼ -180 mT, the as-fabricated sensor exhibits magnetic field sensitivity of 5.71 pm/mT and 8.07 pm/mT. The proposed sensor has great potential application in weak magnetic field measurements due to its compact structure, cost-effectiveness, ease to manufacture, and good sensing performance.
PubMed: 37381576
DOI: 10.1364/OE.491629 -
Scientific Reports Jan 2021We present a new method for thin-film synthesis of the superconducting A15 phase of vanadium silicide with critical temperature higher than 13 K. Interdiffusion between...
We present a new method for thin-film synthesis of the superconducting A15 phase of vanadium silicide with critical temperature higher than 13 K. Interdiffusion between a metallic vanadium film and the underlying silicon device layer in a silicon-on-insulator substrate, at temperatures between 650 and 750 °C, favors formation of the vanadium-rich A15 phase by limiting the supply of available silicon for the reaction. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction verify the stoichiometry and structure of the synthesized thin films. We measure superconducting critical currents of more than 10 amperes per square centimeter at low temperature in micron-scale bars fabricated from the material, and an upper critical magnetic field of 20 T, from which we deduce a superconducting coherence length of 4 nm, consistent with previously reported bulk values. The relatively high critical temperature of A15 vanadium silicide is an appealing property for use in silicon-compatible quantum devices and circuits.
PubMed: 33504921
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82046-1 -
Microbiome Mar 2023Arctic snowpack microbial communities are continually subject to dynamic chemical and microbial input from the atmosphere. As such, the factors that contribute to...
BACKGROUND
Arctic snowpack microbial communities are continually subject to dynamic chemical and microbial input from the atmosphere. As such, the factors that contribute to structuring their microbial communities are complex and have yet to be completely resolved. These snowpack communities can be used to evaluate whether they fit niche-based or neutral assembly theories.
METHODS
We sampled snow from 22 glacier sites on 7 glaciers across Svalbard in April during the maximum snow accumulation period and prior to the melt period to evaluate the factors that drive snowpack metataxonomy. These snowpacks were seasonal, accumulating in early winter on bare ice and firn and completely melting out in autumn. Using a Bayesian fitting strategy to evaluate Hubbell's Unified Neutral Theory of Biodiversity at multiple sites, we tested for neutrality and defined immigration rates at different taxonomic levels. Bacterial abundance and diversity were measured and the amount of potential ice-nucleating bacteria was calculated. The chemical composition (anions, cations, organic acids) and particulate impurity load (elemental and organic carbon) of the winter and spring snowpack were also characterized. We used these data in addition to geographical information to assess possible niche-based effects on snow microbial communities using multivariate and variable partitioning analysis.
RESULTS
While certain taxonomic signals were found to fit the neutral assembly model, clear evidence of niche-based selection was observed at most sites. Inorganic chemistry was not linked directly to diversity, but helped to identify predominant colonization sources and predict microbial abundance, which was tightly linked to sea spray. Organic acids were the most significant predictors of microbial diversity. At low organic acid concentrations, the snow microbial structure represented the seeding community closely, and evolved away from it at higher organic acid concentrations, with concomitant increases in bacterial numbers.
CONCLUSIONS
These results indicate that environmental selection plays a significant role in structuring snow microbial communities and that future studies should focus on activity and growth. Video Abstract.
Topics: Bayes Theorem; Ice Cover; Seasons; Bacteria; Biodiversity
PubMed: 36864462
DOI: 10.1186/s40168-023-01473-6 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Dec 2021Since Mihata's 2012 proposal to arthroscopically reconstruct the superior capsule of patients with massive irreparable cuff tears, many studies have reported the... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Since Mihata's 2012 proposal to arthroscopically reconstruct the superior capsule of patients with massive irreparable cuff tears, many studies have reported the clinical results of this technique using different types of grafts (fascia lata autograft, dermal allograft, porcine dermal xenograft or long head of biceps autograft).
PURPOSE
The objective of this meta-analysis was to report the clinical and radiological results of these superior capsule reconstructions.
METHODS
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) recommendations were used to conduct this systematic review. A bibliographic search was performed of the electronic databases MEDLINE, Scopus, Embase and the Cochrane Library. The quality of the studies was assessed according to the MINORS criterion (Methodological Index for Nonrandomized Studies). The inclusion criteria were studies in English evaluating superior capsular reconstruction.
RESULTS
No level I or II studies met the inclusion criteria. Eighteen studies were selected from the 97 identified, including 637 shoulders (64% male) with a mean age of 62 years [95% CI: 60.3-63.5]. At the mean follow-up of 24.3 months (12-60), the range of motion was significantly increased from 82.6° [60.0-105.2] to 141.9° [109.9-173.8] in abduction, from 113.1° [98.3-127.9] to 153.3° [147.4-159.2] in elevation, from 35.5° [30.9-40.2] 43.4° [35.4-51.3] in external rotation and from 7.2 [5.4-9] to 9.9 [8.9-10.9] in internal rotation. Functional scores were significantly improved from 5.4 [4.8-5.9] to 1.3 [0.9-1.7] points for VAS, from 42.5 [15.7-69.3] to 59.3 [30.1-88.6] points for Constant, from 39.0% [38.1-39.8] to 79.8% [76.4-83.3] for the SSV, and from 48.2 [45.2-51.1] to 81.2 [77.2-85.1] points for the ASES. The healing rate was 76.1% [64.4-84.9]. The complication rate was 5.6% [1.8-16.3] and the reverse shoulder arthroplasty revision rate was 7.1% [3.8-12.8].
CONCLUSION
Superior capsule reconstructions allow satisfactory clinical and radiological results to be obtained at 2 years of follow-up. Due to the small number of high quality comparative studies available, its true place in the therapeutic arsenal cannot be fully confirmed. However, it seems that the best indication for this technique is isolated irreparable rupture of the supraspinatus, in cases of medical treatment failure.
LEVEL OF EVIDENCE
III; meta-analysis of heterogeneous studies.
Topics: Arthroscopy; Fascia Lata; Female; Humans; Male; Range of Motion, Articular; Rotator Cuff; Rotator Cuff Injuries; Shoulder Joint; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 34560311
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2021.103072 -
Nature Communications Dec 2022The development of electrocatalysts capable of efficient reduction of nitrate (NO) to ammonia (NH) is drawing increasing interest for the sake of low carbon emission and...
The development of electrocatalysts capable of efficient reduction of nitrate (NO) to ammonia (NH) is drawing increasing interest for the sake of low carbon emission and environmental protection. Herein, we present a CuCo bimetallic catalyst able to imitate the bifunctional nature of copper-type nitrite reductase, which could easily remove NO via the collaboration of two active centers. Indeed, Co acts as an electron/proton donating center, while Cu facilitates NO adsorption/association. The bio-inspired CuCo nanosheet electrocatalyst delivers a 100 ± 1% Faradaic efficiency at an ampere-level current density of 1035 mA cm at -0.2 V vs. Reversible Hydrogen Electrode. The NH production rate reaches a high activity of 4.8 mmol cm h (960 mmol g h). A mechanistic study, using electrochemical in situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and shell-isolated nanoparticle enhanced Raman spectroscopy, reveals a strong synergy between Cu and Co, with Co sites promoting the hydrogenation of NO to NH via adsorbed *H species. The well-modulated coverage of adsorbed *H and *NO led simultaneously to high NH selectivity and yield.
Topics: Ammonia; Hydrogenation; Adsorption; Carbon; Nitrite Reductases
PubMed: 36550156
DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35533-6 -
Biology Jul 2021Many separate fields and practices nowadays consider microbes as part of their legitimate focus. Therefore, microbiome studies may act as unexpected unifying forces... (Review)
Review
Many separate fields and practices nowadays consider microbes as part of their legitimate focus. Therefore, microbiome studies may act as unexpected unifying forces across very different disciplines. Here, we summarize how microbiomes appear as novel major biological players, offer new artistic frontiers, new uses from medicine to laws, and inspire novel ontologies. We identify several convergent emerging themes across ecosystem studies, microbial and evolutionary ecology, arts, medicine, forensic analyses, law and philosophy of science, as well as some outstanding issues raised by microbiome studies across these disciplines and practices. An 'epistemic revolution induced by microbiome studies' seems to be ongoing, characterized by four features: (i) an ecologization of pre-existing concepts within disciplines, (ii) a growing interest in systemic analyses of the investigated or represented phenomena and a greater focus on interactions as their root causes, (iii) the intent to use openly multi-scalar interaction networks as an explanatory framework to investigate phenomena to acknowledge the causal effects of microbiomes, (iv) a reconceptualization of the usual definitions of which individuals are worth considering as an explanans or as an explanandum by a given field, which result in a fifth strong trend, namely (v) a de-anthropocentrification of our perception of the world.
PubMed: 34356506
DOI: 10.3390/biology10070651 -
Orthopaedics & Traumatology, Surgery &... Dec 2018Ultrasound (US) imaging is an efficient, easy to use and inexpensive tool allowing for facilitated diagnosis and management of the painful shoulder. It remains primarily... (Review)
Review
Ultrasound (US) imaging is an efficient, easy to use and inexpensive tool allowing for facilitated diagnosis and management of the painful shoulder. It remains primarily used by radiologists and rheumatologists, despite having shown excellent diagnostic accuracy when used by different medical specialities in their office-based consultation. It also has advantages over other imaging modalities in the evaluation of the postoperative shoulder for rotator cuff integrity and correct anchor and suture placement, as well as rotator cuff analysis following arthroplasty. Integration of US imaging into the orthopaedic surgeon's toolbox can be aided by a basic understanding of US principles, accompanied by a guide outlining basic techniques for evaluation of the healthy, pathological and postoperative shoulder as well as US-guided treatment possibilities.
Topics: Humans; Orthopedics; Postoperative Period; Rotator Cuff; Shoulder Injuries; Shoulder Joint; Shoulder Pain; Ultrasonography
PubMed: 30107274
DOI: 10.1016/j.otsr.2018.07.011 -
Scientific Reports Jul 2022A difficult problem concerns the determination of magnetic field components within an experimentally inaccessible region when direct field measurements are not feasible....
A difficult problem concerns the determination of magnetic field components within an experimentally inaccessible region when direct field measurements are not feasible. In this paper, we propose a new method of accessing magnetic field components using non-disruptive magnetic field measurements on a surface enclosing the experimental region. Magnetic field components in the experimental region are predicted by solving a set of partial differential equations (Ampere's law and Gauss' law for magnetism) numerically with the aid of physics-informed neural networks (PINNs). Prediction errors due to noisy magnetic field measurements and small number of magnetic field measurements are regularized by the physics information term in the loss function. We benchmark our model by comparing it with an older method. The new method we present will be of broad interest to experiments requiring precise determination of magnetic field components, such as searches for the neutron electric dipole moment.
PubMed: 35896568
DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15777-4 -
Frontiers in Physiology 2022Electrodiagnosis is routinely integrated into clinical neurophysiology practice for peripheral nerve disease diagnoses, such as neuropathy, demyelinating disorders,...
Electrodiagnosis is routinely integrated into clinical neurophysiology practice for peripheral nerve disease diagnoses, such as neuropathy, demyelinating disorders, nerve entrapment/impingement, plexopathy, or radiculopathy. Measured with conventional surface electrodes, the propagation of peripheral nerve action potentials along a nerve is the result of ionic current flow which, according to Ampere's Law, generates a small magnetic field that is also detected as an "action current" by magnetometers, such as superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) Magnetoencephalography (MEG) systems. Optically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are an emerging class of quantum magnetic sensors with a demonstrated sensitivity at the 1 fT/√Hz level, capable of cortical action current detection. But OPMs were ostensibly constrained to low bandwidth therefore precluding their use in peripheral nerve electrodiagnosis. With careful OPM bandwidth characterization, we hypothesized OPMs may also detect compound action current signatures consistent with both Sensory Nerve Action Potential (SNAP) and the Hoffmann Reflex (H-Reflex). In as much, our work confirms OPMs enabled with expanded bandwidth can detect the magnetic signature of both the SNAP and H-Reflex. Taken together, OPMs now show potential as an emerging electrodiagnostic tool.
PubMed: 35370794
DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.798376 -
Frontiers in Microbiology 2020We investigated the interactions of air and snow over one entire winter accumulation period as well as the importance of chemical markers in a pristine free-tropospheric...
We investigated the interactions of air and snow over one entire winter accumulation period as well as the importance of chemical markers in a pristine free-tropospheric environment to explain variation in a microbiological dataset. To overcome the limitations of short term bioaerosol sampling, we sampled the atmosphere continuously onto quartzfiber air filters using a DIGITEL high volume PM10 sampler. The bacterial and fungal communities, sequenced using Illumina MiSeq, as well as the chemical components of the atmosphere were compared to those of a late season snow profile. Results reveal strong dynamics in the composition of bacterial and fungal communities in air and snow. In fall the two compartments were similar, suggesting a strong interaction between them. The overlap diminished as the season progressed due to an evolution within the snowpack throughout winter and spring. Certain bacterial and fungal genera were only detected in air samples, which implies that a distinct air microbiome might exist. These organisms are likely not incorporated in clouds and thus not precipitated or scavenged in snow. Although snow appears to be seeded by the atmosphere, both air and snow showed differing bacterial and fungal communities and chemical composition. Season and alpha diversity were major drivers for microbial variability in snow and air, and only a few chemical markers were identified as important in explaining microbial diversity. Air microbial community variation was more related to chemical markers than snow microbial composition. For air microbial communities Cl, TC/OC, SO , Mg, and Fe/Al, all compounds related to dust or anthropogenic activities, were identified as related to bacterial variability while dust related Ca was significant in snow. The only common driver for snow and air was SO , a tracer for anthropogenic sources. The occurrence of chemical compounds was coupled with boundary layer injections in the free troposphere (FT). Boundary layer injections also caused the observed variations in community composition and chemistry between the two compartments. Long-term monitoring is required for a more valid insight in post-depositional selection in snow.
PubMed: 32508790
DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2020.00980