Non-Thermal Biological Effect of Graphene Far-Infrared Ray on Saccharomyces cerevisiae Cells

Graphene materials can emit far-infrared ray, but the biological effects of graphene far-infrared ray have not been studied. Furthermore, the non-thermal biological effect of far-infrared ray on organism has not been systematically studied independently of the thermal effect. The purpose of this study was to investigate the non-thermal biological effect of graphene far-infrared ray (gFIR) on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells. In this work, stringent control of the cultivation conditions was carried out to ensure the stability and constancy of the culture and its temperature. Flow cytometry was used to detect the non-thermal effect of gFIR irradiation on cell membrane permeability, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) content. Compared with the control group, cell membrane permeability of the gFIR exposure cells decreased by 4.7%, MMP increased by 16% and intracellular ROS reduced by 10.7%. The results revealed the valuable features of the non-thermal biological effect of gFIR on Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells, and the further analysis demonstrated that graphene far-infrared materials should have great application value in disease prevention and health promotion.

Effects of Far-Infrared Irradiative Heating Pasteurization on Fungi

The effect of far-infrared (FIR) irradiation pasteurization on fungi was quantitatively evaluated and compared with the effect of thermal conductive heating. After the bulk temperature of the sterile saline irradiated by FIR reached a steady given temperature, yeast cells (Candida albicans NBRC 1950 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae NBRC 1067) or fungal spores (Aspergillus niger NBRC 4781) were inoculated and FIR heating was conducted. A mullite cylinder FIR heater, with a main wavelength of 4 - 7 μm, was used for FIR heating. Death of fungi by FIR heating and by thermal conductive heating both followed first-order reaction kinetics, and the apparent death rate constants under different temperature conditions were obtained. For the same bulk temperatures, pasteurization by FIR heating was more effective than thermal conductive heating. The activation energy for the death of fungi by FIR irradiation was slightly lower than thermal conductive heating, indicating differences in the mechanism of action.

Topological structure effect on far-infrared spectra in a GaAs/InAs nanoring

On the basis of the growth mechanism of a GaAs/InAs nanoring, we propose a fine model which reflects the confinement details of real nanoring. Through calculations of the two-electron energy and far-infrared （FIR） spectra, we find that the ring topological structure and electron-electron interaction have great influence on the FIR spectra. The two unknown transition peaks in the experiment are determined theoretically. The theoretical results are in good agreement with the experiments.

Adjustable polarization-independent wide-incident-angle broadband far-infrared absorber

To promote the application of far-infrared technology,functional far-infrared devices with high performance are needed.Here,we propose a design scheme to develop a wide-incident-angle far-infrared absorber,which consists of a periodically semicircle-patterned graphene sheet,a lossless inter-dielectric spacer and a gold reflecting film.Under normal incidence for both TE-and TM-polarization modes,the bandwidth of 90%absorption of the proposed far-infrared absorber is ranging from 6.76 THz to 11.05 THz.The absorption remains more than 90%over a 4.29-THz broadband range when the incident angle is up to 50◦for both TE-and TM-polarization modes.The peak absorbance of the absorber can be flexibly tuned from 10%to 100%by changing the chemical potential from 0 eV to 0.6 eV.The tunable broadband far-infrared absorber has promising applications in sensing,detection,and stealth objects.

Evaluation of electron-electron interactions in coupled quantum dots by using far-infrared spectra

We have studied the far-infrared spectra of two-electron vertically coupled quantum dots in an axial magnetic field by exact diagonalization. The calculated results show an obvious difference in role between the interactions for spin S = 1 and for spin S = O. The results support the possibility to evaluate the interactions by far-infrared spectroscopy in vertically coupled quantum dots.

Signature of symmetry of laterally coupled quantum dots in far-infrared spectrum

We study the effect of structure asymmetry on the energy spectrum and the far-infrared spectrum （FIR） of a lateral coupled quantum dot. The calculated spectrum shows that the parity break of coupled quantum dot results in more coherent superpositions in the low-lying states and exhibits unique anti-crossing in the two-electron FIR spectrum modulated by a magnetic field. We also find that the Coulomb correlation effect can make the FIR spectrum of coupled quantum dot without strict parity deviate greatly from Kohn theorem, which is just contrary to the symmetric case. Our results therefore suggest that FIR spectrum may be used to determine the symmetry of coupled quantum dot and to evaluate the degree of Coulomb interaction.

〔C II〕Continuum Intensity Ratio in the Far-Infrared Toward the Central Kiloparsec of the Nearby Spiral Galaxy M31

We observed the nearby galaxy M31 in the 〔C II〕158 μm emission line. An extended component was detected over the central 1 5 kpc region with a line-to-continuum ratio of 〔C II〕/〔40-120μm〕6×10 -3 . This ratio is 3 times larger than that of the Galactic counterpart and is comparable to that in the general Galactic Plane. We expect that the difference between the two central regions are due to different gas densities; the self-shielding of CO molecules decreases the C + abundance at the higher density in the Galactic case.

OBSERVATION ON THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ACUPOINT APPLICATION OF FAR-INFRARED ASTHMA-RELIEVING PLASTER FOR ASTHMA

Objective To observe the clinical effect of acupoint application of Yuanhongwai Xiaochuankang Plaster （Far-infrared Asthma-relieving Plaster, FIRARP） for prevention and treatment of asthma. Methods Three hundred and sixty-six cases of bronchial asthma were randomly divided into treatment group （n = 185） and control group （n = 181 ）. Patients of treatment group were treated with FIRARP and those of control group treated with external application of traditional ＂Sonfu （Dog-days） moxibustion＂ （herbal-paste-cake separated moxibustion） and acupoints used were Dazhui（大椎 GV14）, Feishu（肺俞BL13）, Tiantu （天突 CV22）, etc. which were given to the patients. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV1） and peak expiratory flow （PEF） of the pulmonary function were determined and the changes of main symptoms and signs were observed before and after the treatment. Results The pulmonary functions were effectively improved, the symptoms were controlled, and the asthma attack was reduced in the two groups with no significant difference between the two groups （P 〉0.05）. Conclusion There is no significant difference between Yuanhongwai Xiaochuonkong Plaster and traditional ＂Sanfu moxibustion＂ on bronchial asthma. It may substitute for traditional ＂Sonfu moxibustion＂.

Fast X-ray imaging beamline at SSRF

The fast X-ray imaging beamline(BL16U2)at Shanghai Synchrotron Radiation Facility(SSRF)is a new beamline that provides X-ray micro-imaging capabilities across a wide range of time scales,spanning from 100 ps toμs and ms.This beamline has been specifically designed to facilitate the investigation of a wide range of rapid phenomena,such as the deformation and failure of materials subjected to intense dynamic loads.In addition,it enables the study of high-pressure and high-speed fuel spray processes in automotive engines.The light source of this beamline is a cryogenic permanent magnet undulator(CPMU)that is cooled by liquid nitrogen.This CPMU can generate X-ray photons within an energy range of 8.7-30 keV.The beamline offers two modes of operation:monochromatic beam mode with a liquid nitrogen-cooled double-crystal monochromator(DCM)and pink beam mode with the first crystal of the DCM out of the beam path.Four X-ray imaging methods were implemented in BL16U2:single-pulse ultrafast X-ray imaging,microsecond-resolved X-ray dynamic imaging,millisecond-resolved X-ray dynamic micro-CT,and high-resolution quantitative micro-CT.Furthermore,BL16U2 is equipped with various in situ impact loading systems,such as a split Hopkinson bar system,light gas gun,and fuel spray chamber.Following the completion of the final commissioning in 2021 and subsequent trial operations in 2022,the beamline has been officially available to users from 2023.

Travel time tomography by ray tracing using the fast sweeping method

This paper presents a gradient-descent travel time tomography method for solving the acoustictype velocity model inversion problem.Similarly to the adjoint-state method,the proposed method is based on the Eikonal equation,enabling simultaneous calculation of contributions from all common-source receivers to the gradient.This overcomes the ineffi ciency inherent in conventional travel time tomography methods,which rely on a two-point ray tracing process.By directly calculating Fréchet derivatives,our method avoids the complex derivation processes associated with the adjoint-state method.The key to calculating the Fréchet derivatives is to calculate a so-called ray-path term.Consequently,compared to the adjoint-state method,the proposed method can explicitly obtain the ray paths,resulting in a more concise and intuitive derivation process.Furthermore,our method retains the benefi ts of the adjoint-state method,such as speed,low memory usage,and robustness.This paper focuses on elucidating the principles and algorithms for calculating the raypath term based on the fast sweeping method.The algorithms could be further speeded up by using parallel computational techniques.Synthetic tests demonstrate that our proposed travel time tomographic method accurately calculates ray paths,regardless of the complexity of the model and recording geometry.

Effect of Low Energy Far-Infrared Irradiation on Facial Skin for Healthy People

Objective: Utilizing VISIA skin tester to quantitatively evaluate the effect of low energy far-infrared irradiation on healthy people’s facial skin. Methods: 60 volunteers were selected in hospital from September 2019 to June 2020, and the total score of face, skin spots, texture, wrinkles and pores were observed before and after low energy far-infrared irradiation treatment with VISIA skin tester. Results: After 2 weeks of low energy far-infrared irradiation treatment, the total skin score of volunteers increased significantly (P < 0.01). In the itemized statistics, the moisture value, stain value and wrinkle value increased significantly (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Low energy far-infrared irradiation can significantly improve the facial skin quality of healthy people.

Cosmic Ray-driven Bioenergetics for Life in Molecular Clouds

According to models such as panspermia or the Nebula-Relay hypothesis,the ancestors of life on Earth once lived in molecular clouds.Then what are the energy source and bioenergetics for such lifeforms?A new bioenergetic mechanism powered by cosmic ray ionization of hydrogen molecules is proposed and its relation with the origin of chemiosmosis is also discussed in this paper.Based on this mechanism,the Last Universal Common Ancestor may be a type of lifeform that utilizes hydrogen molecules as donors of electron transport chains.

Genetic Enhancement of Indigenous Cowpea with Gamma-Ray Induced Trait Variation

Production of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.), a staple legume crop in Sub-Saharan Africa, faces challenges due to biotic and abiotic constraints. Induced mutagenesis was deployed to create genetic variation in two cowpea varieties (KVX396-4-5-2D and Moussa local). The radio-sensitivity tests led to determe the lethal dose 50 (LD50) corresponding to 230 Gy and 220 Gy for KVX396-4-5-2D and Moussa local varieties, respectively. Dried seeds (M0) of each variety were gamma-ray irradiated with LD50 − 50, LD50 and LD50 + 50. M1 seeds were advanced to generate M2, M3 and M4 mutants using the single-seed-descent method. M4 mutant lines were evaluated in rain-fed conditions using a randomized complete block design to assess phenotypic differences. Data on seven qualitative and eleven quantitative traits were collected. The results indicated that the mutation induced variability in three qualitative traits: in KVX 396-4-5-2D mutant lines, with flower and seed color frequencies at 2.61% and 0.56% respectively, and pod dehiscence at a frequency of 0.24%. While in Moussa local mutants, a pod color changed at a frequency of 17%. ANOVA results revealed significant differences between mutants of both varieties for all quantitative traits, including photosynthetic parameters. Positive correlations were observed between leaf diameter and 100-seed weight, and between branch number and 100-seed weight. Hierarchical clustering revealed three clusters among KVX 396-4-5-2D mutants and six clusters among Moussa local mutants. Early maturity and high foliage were induced traits in Cluster 3 of KVX 396-4-5-2D mutants while high hundred-seed weight was induced in Cluster 6 of Moussa local mutants.

Study on the Performance of the GRANDProto300 Particle Detector Array by Simulation

The Giant Radio Array for Neutrino Detection(GRAND)is a proposed large-scale observatory designed to detect cosmic rays,gamma-rays,and neutrinos with energies exceeding 100 Pe V.The GRANDProto300 experiment is proposed as the early stage of the GRAND project,consisting of a hybrid array of radio antennas and scintillator detectors.The latter,as a mature and traditional detector,is used to cross-check the nature of the candidate events selected from radio observations.In this study,we developed a simulation software called G4GRANDProto300,based on the Geant4 software package,to optimize the spacing of the scintillator detector array and to investigate its effective area.The analysis was conducted at various zenith angles under different detector spacings,including 300,500,600,700,and 900 m.Our results indicate that,for large zenith angles used to search for cosmic-ray in the GRAND project,the optimized effective area is with a detector spacing of 500 m.The G4GRANDProto300 software that we developed could be used to further optimize the layout of the particle detector array in future work.

In-beam gamma rays of CSNS Back-n characterized by black resonance filter

The back-streaming white-neutron beamline(Back-n)of the China Spallation Neutron Source is an essential neutronresearch platform built for the study of nuclear data,neutron physics,and neutron applications.Many types of cross-sectional neutron-reaction measurements have been performed at Back-n since early 2018.These measurements have shown that a significant number of gamma rays can be transmitted to the experimental stations of Back-n along with the neutron beam.These gamma rays,commonly referred to as in-beam gamma rays,can induce a non-negligible experimental background in neutron-reaction measurements.Studying the characteristics of in-beam gamma rays is important for understanding the experimental background.However,measuring in-beam gamma rays is challenging because most gamma-ray detectors are sensitive to neutrons;thus,discriminating between neutron-induced signals and those from in-beam gamma rays is difficult.In this study,we propose the use of the black resonance filter method and a CeBr_(3) scintillation detector to measure the characteristics of the in-beam gamma rays of Back-n.Four types of black resonance filters,^(181)Ta,^(59)Co,^(nat)Ag,and^(nat)Cd,were used in this measurement.The time-of-flight(TOF)technique was used to select the detector signals remaining in the absorption region of the TOF spectra,which were mainly induced by in-beam gamma rays.The energy distribution and flux of the in-beam gamma rays of Back-n were determined by analyzing the deposited energy spectra of the CeBr_(3) scintillation detector and using Monte Carlo simulations.Based on the results of this study,the background contributions from in-beam gamma rays in neutron-reaction measurements at Back-n can be reasonably evaluated,which is beneficial for enhancing both the experimental methodology and data analysis.

The 111-Years-Old Cosmic Ray Puzzle Has Been Solved?

We show that recently multi-messenger astronomy has provided compelling evidence that the bulk of high energy cosmic rays (CRs) are produced by highly relativistic narrow jets of plasmoids launched in core collapse of stripped-envelope massive stars to neutron stars and stellar mass black holes. Such events produce also a visible GRB if the jet happens to point in our direction. This has been long advocated by the cannon ball (CB) model of high energy CRs and GRBs, but the evidence has been provided only recently by what were widely believed to be unrelated discoveries. They include the very recent discovery of a knee around TeV in the energy spectrum of high energy CR electrons, the peak photon energy in the “brightest of all time” GRB221009A, and the failure of IceCube to detect high energy neutrinos from GRBs, including GRB221009A. They were all predicted by the cannonball (CB) model of high energy CRs and GRBs long before they were discovered in observations, despite a negligible probability to occur by chance.

Comparison of efficacy of lung ultrasound and chest X-ray in diagnosing pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients: A single centre, prospective, observational study

Background and Aims While chest X-ray (CXR) has been a conventional tool in intensive care units (ICUs) to identify lung pathologies, computed tomography (CT) scan remains the gold standard. Use of lung ultrasound (LUS) in resource-rich ICUs is still under investigation. The present study compares the utility of LUS to that of CXR in identifying pulmonary edema and pleural effusion in ICU patients. In addition, consolidation and pneumothorax were analyzed as secondary outcome measures. Material and Methods This is a prospective, single centric, observational study. Patients admitted in ICU were examined for lung pathologies, using LUS by a trained intensivist;and CXR done within 4 hours of each other. The final diagnosis was ascertained by an independent senior radiologist, based on the complete medical chart including clinical findings and the results of thoracic CT, if available. The results were compared and analyzed. Results Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 95%, 94.4%, 94.67% for pleural effusion;and 98.33%, 97.78%, 98.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 48.33%, 76.67%, 65.33% for pleural effusion;and 36.67%, 82.22% and 64.00% for pulmonary edema respectively. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of LUS was 91.30%, 96.85%, 96.00% for consolidation;and 100.00%, 79.02%, 80.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Corresponding values with CXR were 60.87%, 81.10%, 78.00% for consolidation;and 71.3%, 97.20%, 96.00% for pneumothorax respectively. Conclusion LUS has better diagnostic accuracy in diagnosis of pleural effusion and pulmonary edema when compared with CXR and is thus recommended as an effective alternative for diagnosis of these conditions in acute care settings. Our study recommends that a thoracic CT scan can be avoided in most of such cases.

Revisit of GeV Gamma-Ray Emission from Orion B with the Fermi Large Area Telescope

We revisit the γ-ray emission above 300 Me V towards the massive star-forming region of Orion B by adopting14 yr observations with the Fermi Large Area Telescope and utilizing the updated software tools.The extended γ-ray emission region around Orion B is resolved into two components(region Ⅰ and region Ⅱ).The γ-ray spectrum of region I agrees with the predicted γ-ray spectrum assuming the cosmic ray(CR)density is the same as that of Alpha Magnetic Spectrometer(AMS-02)measured locally.Theγ-ray emissivity of region II appears to be deficit at low energy band(E<3 GeV).Through modeling we find that CR densities exhibit a significant deficit below 20 Ge V,which may be caused by a slow diffusion inside the dense region.This is probably caused by an increased magnetic field whose strength increases with the gas density.

The Implementation of Ray Tracing Algorithm with OpenMP Parallelization

Ray tracing is a computer graphics method that renders images realistically. As the name suggests, this technique primarily traces the path of light rays interacting with objects in a scene [1], permitting the calculation of lighting and reflecting impact [2]. As ray tracing is a time-consuming process, the need for parallelization to solve this problem arises. One downside of this solution is the existence of race conditions. In this work, we explore and experiment with a different, well-known solution for this race condition. Starting with the introduction and the background section, a brief overview of the topic is followed by a detailed part of how the race conditions may occur in the case of the ray tracing algorithm. Continuing with the methods and results section, we have used OpenMP to parallelize the Ray tracing algorithm with the different compiler directives critical, atomic, and first-private. Hence, it concluded that both critical and atomic are not efficient solutions to produce a good-quality picture, but first-private succeeded in producing a high-quality picture.

Transport in Astrophysics: VI. Ultra-High Energy Cosmic Rays

Two new solutions of the homogeneous diffusion equation in 1D are derived in the presence of losses and a trigonometric profile for a profile of density. A simulation for the ankle in the energy distribution of cosmic rays (CRs) is provided in the framework of the fine tuning of the involved parameters. A theoretical image for the overall diffusion of CRs in galactic coordinates is provided.