Indirect Detection Research Articles

High responsivity mid-infrared indirect detection based on nonlinear crystal BaGa4Se7

Currently, non-oxide BaGa4Se7 crystal has been demonstrated as a superior nonlinear medium for both coherent mid-infrared (MIR) generation and up-conversion detection. By bridging the desired MIR region to the well-developed near-infrared devices, the latter addresses the drawbacks of traditional direct detection. Based on our recent report, a comprehensive study is conducted on the nonlinear optical up-conversion process to achieve high responsivity. An analytical model is developed and verified through experiment. Their measurement and calculation cover the relationship between the up-converted signal and the two input lights, the acceptable angle of detection crystal, and the responsivities at a wavelength ranging from 3 to 8 µm. The dependence of responsivity on experimental factors is indicated by the model. The present study provides a theoretical reference for the calibration and optimal design of this detection system, which can also be applied to other general MIR up-conversion configurations.

Changes in Immature Reticulocytes Aid the Indirect Detection of Microdose Recombinant Erythropoietin Use in Men and Women.

We investigated whether immature reticulocyte fraction (IRF) and the immature reticulocytes to red blood cells ratio (IR/RBC) are sensitive and specific biomarkers for microdose recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) and whether the inclusion of reticulocyte percentage (RET%) and the algorithm "abnormal blood profile score (ABPS)" increased the athlete biological passport (ABP) sensitivity compared with hemoglobin concentration ([Hb]) and the OFF-hr score ([Hb]-60 × √RET%). Forty-eight (♀ = 24, ♂ = 24) participants completed a 2-wk baseline period followed by a 4-wk intervention period with three weekly intravenous injections of 9 IU·kg -1 ·bw -1 epoetin β (♀ = 12, ♂ = 12) or saline (0.9% NaCl, ♀ = 12, ♂ = 12) and a 10-d follow-up. Blood samples were collected weekly during baseline and intervention as well as 3, 5, and 10 d after treatment. The rHuEPO treatment increased [Hb] (time-treatment, P < 0.001), RET% (time-treatment, P < 0.001), IRF (time-treatment, P < 0.001) and IR/RBC (time-treatment, P < 0.001). IRF and IR/RBC were up to ~58% ( P < 0.001) and ~141% ( P < 0.001) higher compared with placebo, and calculated thresholds provided a peak sensitivity across timepoints of 58% and 54% with ~98% specificity, respectively. To achieve >99% specificity for IRF and IR/RBC, sensitivity was reduced to 46% and 50%, respectively. Across all timepoints, the addition of RET% and ABPS to the ABP increased sensitivity from 29% to 46%. Identification of true-positive outliers obtained via the ABP and IRF and IR/RBC increased sensitivity across all timepoints to 79%. In summary, IRF, IR/RBC, RET% and ABPS are sensitive and specific biomarkers for microdose rHuEPO in both men and women and complement the ABP.

Population Dynamics and Estimation of Damage of the Spittlebug Aeneolamia varia on Sugarcane in Colombia by Using remote Sensing and Machine Learning Tools

The spittlebug (Aeneolamia varia) is one of the most important sugarcane pests in Colombia, where a recent increase in population and distribution specially in southwestern Colombia have led to the need for new technologies for integrated pest management. The objectives of this study were to determine the spatial distribution of this pest in commercial sugarcane fields and to validate machine learning (ML) tools for indirect injury detection and impact on yield (damage) using satellite images. This study was carried out in fields grown with the CC 01-1940 variety in El Cerrito, Valle del Cauca, Colombia, where systematic sampling of the populations (number of adults and nymphs per stem) was carried out. The spatial aggregation and distribution were determined using Moran’s index and point patterns, sequence observations, and analysis with distance indicators (Sadie). The indirect injury detection and quantification of the impact on production were carried out with a ML approach using satellite image products with 10 m spatial and five days temporal resolutions, obtained from a Sentinel-2 sensor using Google Earth Engine. The results indicated that spittlebug populations had an aggregate spatial behavior and high spatial dependence. In addition, the ML algorithms predicted spittlebug injury, and the effect on production was estimated at 26.4 tons of cane per hectare, which represented a 17% reduction in the expected yield. The use of spatial analysis and remote sensing tools are an alternative for indirect detection of injury and for understanding population dynamics of the pest in sugarcane, so they can become instrumental for decision-making on an integrated pest management program.

A new viable mass region of dark matter and dirac neutrino mass generation in a scotogenic extension of SM

In this paper, we propose a scotogenic extension of the Standard Model (SM) which can provide a scalar dark matter (DM) candidate in the new, theoretically previously unaddressed, intermediate region ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV) and also generate light Dirac neutrino masses. In this framework, the SM is extended by three gauge singlet fermions, two singlet scalar fields and one additional scalar doublet along with a continuous global symmetry [Formula: see text] and discrete symmetries [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. These additional symmetries prevent the singlet fermions from obtaining Majorana mass terms along with providing the stability to the DM candidate. It is known that in the case of the scalar singlet DM model, the only region which is not yet excluded is a narrow region close to the Higgs resonance [Formula: see text] — others ruled out from different experimental and theoretical bounds. In the case of the inert doublet model, the mass region ([Formula: see text]–80[Formula: see text]GeV) and the high-mass region (heavier than 550[Formula: see text]GeV) are allowed. This motivates us to explore a parameter range in the intermediate-mass region [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV, which we do in a scotogenic extension of SM with a scalar doublet and scalar singlets. The DM in our model is a mixture of singlet and doublet scalars, in the freeze-out scenario. We constrain the allowed parameter space of the model using the Planck bound on present DM relic abundance, neutrino mass and the latest bound on spin-independent DM-nucleon scattering cross-section from the XENON1T experiment. Further, we constrain the DM parameters from the indirect detection bounds arising from the global analysis of the Fermi-LAT observations of dwarf spheroidal satellite (dSphs) galaxies, Higgs invisible decay and Electroweak Precision Test (EWPT) as well. We find that our model findings may provide a viable DM candidate satisfying all the constraints on DM parameters in the new, previously unexplored mass range ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]GeV). This new window for the DM candidate could be searched in future experiments along with an explanation of the Dirac mass of neutrinos since so far there is no strong evidence in support of the Majorana nature of neutrino mass.

Activated Coagulation FXII: A Unique Target for In Vivo Molecular Imaging

Current clinical imaging of thromboembolic diseases often relies on indirect detection of thrombi, which may delay diagnosis and ultimately the institution of beneficial, potentially lifesaving treatment. Therefore, the development of targeting tools that facilitate the rapid, specific, and direct imaging of thrombi using molecular imaging is highly sought after. One potential molecular target is FXIIa (factor XIIa), which initiates the intrinsic coagulation pathway but also activates the kallikrein-kinin system, thereby initiating coagulation and inflammatory/immune responses. As FXII (factor XII) is dispensable for normal hemostasis, its activated form (FXIIa) represents an ideal molecular target for diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, the latter combining diagnosis/identification of thrombi and effective antithrombotic therapy. We conjugated an FXIIa-specific antibody, 3F7, to a near-infrared (NIR) fluorophore and demonstrated binding to FeCl3-induced carotid thrombosis with 3-dimensional fluorescence emission computed tomography/computed tomography and 2-dimensional fluorescence imaging. We further demonstrated ex vivo imaging of thromboplastin-induced pulmonary embolism and detection of FXIIa in human thrombi produced in vitro. We demonstrated imaging of carotid thrombosis by fluorescence emission computed tomography/computed tomography and measured a significant fold increase in signal between healthy and control vessels from mice injected with 3F7-NIR compared with mice injected with nontargeted probe (P=0.002) ex vivo. In a model of pulmonary embolism, we measured increased NIR signal in lungs from mice injected with 3F7-NIR compared with mice injected with nontargeted probe (P=0.0008) and healthy lungs from mice injected with 3F7-NIR (P=0.021). Overall, we demonstrate that FXIIa targeting is highly suitable for the specific detection of venous and arterial thrombi. This approach will allow direct, specific, and early imaging of thrombosis in preclinical imaging modalities and may facilitate monitoring of antithrombotic treatment in vivo.

Strain Visualization in Flexible Sensors with Functional Materials: A Review

AbstractHere, in comparison to indirect and nonvisualizable detections that usually convert strains from electrical signals, the strain sensors that show visible signals with operation simplicity and intuitive perception for practical applications in flexible, printed, and hybrid microelectronics are summarized. The sensors are categorized into four mechanisms of optical phenomena (diffraction, reflection, interference, and photonic crystal), fluorescent mapping (mechanochromism and mechanoluminescence), Moiré effect, and thermal imaging. In addition to their operating principles, three characteristics of sensitivity, dynamic window, and spatial resolution are examined. Furthermore, three types of strains (uniaxial, biaxial, and multiaxial) with subcategories in strain mode (tensile and compressive) and uniformity (isotropic and anisotropic) that are supported by corresponding sensors are also summarized here. With three potential applications and markets of healthcare and biomedical engineering, human motion detection (sports science), and roll‐to‐roll manufacturing listed at the end, a steppingstone is offered here for those who works or intends to work in this field by revisiting the outcomes from key literature published in recent years.

Acceleration of indirect detection 195Pt solid-state NMR experiments by sideband selective excitation or alternative indirect sampling schemes

The measurement of the of chemical shift (CS) tensors via solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectroscopy has proven to be a powerful probe of structure for organic molecules, biomolecules, and inorganic materials. However, when measuring the NMR spectra of heavy spin-1/2 isotopes the chemical shift anisotropy (CSA) is commonly on the order of thousands of parts per million, which makes acquisition of NMR spectra difficult due to the low NMR sensitivity imposed by the breadth of the signals and challenges in uniformly exciting the NMR spectrum. We have recently shown that complete 195Pt NMR spectra could be rapidly measured by using 195Pt saturation or excitation selective long pulses (SLP) with multiple rotor-cycle durations and RF fields less than 50 kHz into 1H{195Pt} or 1H-31P{195Pt} PE S-RESPDOR, TONE D-HMQC-4, J-resolved, and J-HMQC pulse sequences. The SLP only provide signal or dephasing when they are applied on resonance with a spinning sideband. The magic angle spinning 195Pt NMR spectrum is reconstructed in the sideband selective NMR experiments by acquiring 1D NMR spectra at variable 195Pt pulse offsets. In this work, we present a detailed investigation of the specific pulse conditions required for the ideal performance of sideband selective experiments. Sideband selective experiments are shown to be able to accurately reproduce MAS NMR spectra with minimal distortions of relative sideband intensities. It is also demonstrated that a 195Pt NMR spectrum indirectly detected with HMQC can be rapidly obtained by acquiring a single rotor cycle of indirect dimension evolution points. We dub this method One Rotor Cycle of Acquisition (ORCA) HMQC. Sideband selective experiments and ORCA HMQC experiments are shown to provide a one order of magnitude improvement in experiment times as compared to conventional wideline HMQC experiments.

MALDI-TOF MS Indirect Beta-Lactamase Detection in Ampicillin-Resistant Haemophilus influenzae.

Rapid identification of beta-lactamase-producing strains of Haemophilus influenzae plays key role in diagnostics in clinical microbiology. Therefore, the aim of this study was the rapid determination of beta-lactamase's presence in H. influenzae isolates via indirect detection of degradation ampicillin products using MALDI-TOF MS. H. influenzae isolates were subjected to antibiotic resistance testing using disk diffusion and MIC methodologies. Beta-lactamase activity was tested using MALDI-TOF MS, and results were compared to spectral analysis of alkaline hydrolysis. Resistant and susceptible strains of H. influenzae were distinguished, and strains with a high MIC level were identified as beta-lactamase-producing. Results indicate that MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry is also suitable for the rapid identification of beta-lactamase-producing H. influenzae. This observation and confirmation can accelerate identification of beta-lactamase strains of H. influenzae in clinical microbiology, which can have an impact on health in general.

Impact of ATLAS constraints on effective dark matter-standard model interactions with spin-one mediators

We complement a previous work [Fabiola Fortuna et al., Effective field theory analysis of dark matter-standard model interactions with spin one mediators, J. High Energy Phys. 02 (2021) 223.] using an effective field theory framework of dark matter and standard model interactions, with spin-one mediators, exploring a wider dark matter mass range, up to 6.4 TeV. We again use bounds from different experiments: relic density, direct detection experiments, and indirect detection limits from the search of gamma-ray emissions and positron fluxes. Additionally, in this paper we add collider constraints by the ATLAS Collaboration in the monojet analysis. Moreover, here we tested our previous results in the light of the aforementioned ATLAS data, which turns out to be the most restrictive for light dark matter masses (as expected), ${m}_{\mathrm{DM}}&lt;{M}_{Z}/2$. We obtain a larger range of solutions for the operators of dimension 5, OP1 and OP4, where masses above 43 GeV and 30 GeV [except for the $Z$-resonance region, $\ensuremath{\sim}({M}_{Z}\ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{}{\mathrm{\ensuremath{\Gamma}}}_{Z})/2$], respectively, are allowed. In contrast, the operator of dimension 6, OP3, has viable solutions for masses $\ensuremath{\gtrsim}190\text{ }\text{ }\mathrm{GeV}$. For the combination of OP1 and OP3 we obtain solutions (for masses larger than 140 GeV or 325 GeV) that depend on the relative sign between the operators.

Annihilation of singlet fermionic dark matter into two photons via pseudo-scalar mediator

We consider the indirect detection of dark matter within an extension of the standard model (SM) including a singlet fermion as cold dark matter (CDM) and a singlet pseudo-scalar as a mediator between dark matter and the SM particles. The annihilation cross-section of the CDM into two monochromatic photons is calculated and compared with the latest H.E.S.S. data. Although for dark matter masses below 1 TeV the predicted observable cross-sections are far from the sensitivity of the recent gamma-ray experiments, it can be comparable to the strongest H.E.S.S. upper bounds for some models with more massive CDM.

A dual-purpose polymerase engineered for direct sequencing of pseudouridine and queuosine.

More than 170 posttranscriptional RNA modifications are so far known on both coding and noncoding RNA species. Within this group, pseudouridine (Ψ) and queuosine (Q) represent conserved RNA modifications with fundamental functional roles in regulating translation. Current detection methods of these modifications, which both are reverse transcription (RT)-silent, are mostly based on the chemical treatment of RNA prior to analysis. To overcome the drawbacks associated with indirect detection strategies, we have engineered an RT-active DNA polymerase variant called RT-KTq I614Y that produces error RT signatures specific for Ψ or Q without prior chemical treatment of the RNA samples. Combining this polymerase with next-generation sequencing techniques allows the direct identification of Ψ and Q sites of untreated RNA samples using a single enzymatic tool.

Global fits of simplified models for dark matter with GAMBIT

Simplified models provide a useful way to study the impacts of a small number of new particles on experimental observables and the interplay of those observables, without the need to construct an underlying theory. In this study, we perform global fits of simplified dark matter models with GAMBIT using an up-to-date set of likelihoods for indirect detection, direct detection and collider searches. We investigate models in which a scalar or fermionic dark matter candidate couples to quarks via an s-channel vector mediator. Large parts of parameter space survive for each model. In the case of Dirac or Majorana fermion dark matter, excesses in LHC monojet searches and relic density limits tend to prefer the resonance region, where the dark matter has approximately half the mass of the mediator. A combination of vector and axial-vector couplings to the Dirac candidate also leads to competing constraints from direct detection and unitarity violation.

Combined constraints on dark photons and discovery prospects at the LHC and the Forward Physics Facility

Hidden sectors are ubiquitous in supergravity theories, in strings and in branes. Well motivated models such as the Stueckelberg hidden sector model could provide a candidate for dark matter. In such models, the hidden sector communicates with the visible sector via the exchange of a dark photon (dark Z′) while dark matter is constituted of Dirac fermions in the hidden sector. Using data from collider searches and precision measurements of SM processes as well as the most recent limits from dark matter direct and indirect detection experiments, we perform a comprehensive scan over a wide range of the Z′ mass and set exclusion bounds on the parameter space from sub-GeV to several TeV. We then discuss the discovery potential of an mathcal{O} (TeV) scale Z′ at HL-LHC and the ability of future forward detectors to probe very weakly interacting sub-GeV Z′ bosons. Our analysis shows that the parameter space in which a Z′ can decay to hidden sector dark matter is severely constrained whereas limits become much weaker for a Z′ with no dark decays. The analysis also favors a self-thermalized dark sector which is necessary to satisfy the dark matter relic density.

Indirect dark-matter detection with MadDM v3.2 – Lines and Loops

Automated tools for the computation of particle physics’ processes have become the backbone of phenomenological studies beyond the standard model. Here, we present MadDM v3.2. This release enables the fully automated computation of loop-induced dark-matter annihilation processes, relevant for indirect detection observables. Special emphasis lies on the annihilation into gamma X, where X=gamma , Z, h or any new particle even under the dark symmetry. These processes lead to the sharp spectral feature of monochromatic gamma lines – a smoking-gun signature of dark matter in our Galaxy. MadDM provides the predictions for the respective fluxes near-Earth and derives constraints from the gamma-ray line searches by Fermi-LAT and HESS. As an application, we discuss the implications for the viable parameter space of a top-philic t-channel mediator model and the inert doublet model.

Comparison of Detection Schemes for Different Types of Dark Matter Candidate

Dark matter is one of the most concerning topics in frontier physics today, through continuously exploring scientific research personnel, people gradually have a certain knowledge of the dark matter, about a potential way of detecting dark matter particles. However, the researchers found that still lack of unified cognition, therefore the research topic of this article is to compare different state-of-art ways and scenarios to explore the dark matter particles. To be specific, direct detection, the way in indirect detection and the way collision detection. By comparing the merits and demerits of historical dark matter detection methods, this study tries to summarize more effective ways of observing dark matter. According to the analysis, the most successful scenarios that has been carried out right now is the direct detection. These findings provide useful information for directing future research that could improve the current conventional particle model or, as proposed by Einstein a century ago, open up new physics horizons. These results shed light on guiding further exploration of searching dark matter.

Microfluidic-based technologies for diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of COVID-19: recent advances and future directions.

The COVID-19 pandemic has posed significant challenges to existing healthcare systems around the world. The urgent need for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 has boomed the demand for new technologies that can improve current healthcare approaches, moving towards more advanced, digitalized, personalized, and patient-oriented systems. Microfluidic-based technologies involve the miniaturization of large-scale devices and laboratory-based procedures, enabling complex chemical and biological operations that are conventionally performed at the macro-scale to be carried out on the microscale or less. The advantages microfluidic systems offer such as rapid, low-cost, accurate, and on-site solutions make these tools extremely useful and effective in the fight against COVID-19. In particular, microfluidic-assisted systems are of great interest in different COVID-19-related domains, varying from direct and indirect detection of COVID-19 infections to drug and vaccine discovery and their targeted delivery. Here, we review recent advances in the use of microfluidic platforms to diagnose, treat or prevent COVID-19. We start by summarizing recent microfluidic-based diagnostic solutions applicable to COVID-19. We then highlight the key roles microfluidics play in developing COVID-19 vaccines and testing how vaccine candidates perform, with a focus on RNA-delivery technologies and nano-carriers. Next, microfluidic-based efforts devoted to assessing the efficacy of potential COVID-19 drugs, either repurposed or new, and their targeted delivery to infected sites are summarized. We conclude by providing future perspectives and research directions that are critical to effectively prevent or respond to future pandemics.

Interfacial deposition of Ag nanozyme on metal-polyphenol nanosphere for SERS detection of cellular glutathione

The low polarization and low Raman cross section characteristics of glutathione (GSH) make it challenging to directly detect GSH molecules through surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) technology. Development of nanostructures for indirect detection of GSH applied to the SERS platform is of great interest. Herein, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs)/copper-polyphenol colloidal spheres (denoted as CuTA@Ag) with adjustable Ag NPs coverage are prepared by deposition of Ag NPs on the metal-polyphenol colloidal spheres via an interfacial polyphenol reduction method. The size and density of the Ag NPs deposited on the out layer can be readily adjusted by tailoring the concentrations of silver precursor. It leads to activity difference for the nanozyme and SERS characteristics. The SERS properties of the obtained CuTA@Ag are studied using oxTMB, catalytic products of nanozyme, as the probing molecules. They provide satisfactory SERS performance with a low detection limit of 10−7 M (S/N = 3) and linear determination in the 1–100 μM range for GSH. Moreover, it is further able to detect the glutathione content in cancer cells with well accurate and reproducible capability, catching the signs of rising cancer marker levels. This work proposes structurally tunable nanomaterials platform for a catalytic-based SERS assay, which is expected to utilize the high sensitivity of SERS tool for GSH detection in the cellular environment.

A chemiluminescence biosensor based on the peroxidase-like property of molybdenum disulfide/zirconium metal-organic framework nanocomposite for diazinon monitoring

BackgroundOrganophosphorus pesticides are widely used in agriculture owing to their high effectiveness as insecticides. Among these, diazinon is a common environmental contaminant that acts as an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme inhibitor. As the current methods are too expensive and time-consuming for routine analysis of diazinon, its trace monitoring by rapid and sensitive methods is critical to protect the environment and human health. ResultsA biosensor was introduced for the indirect detection of diazinon using a molybdenum disulfide/zirconium metal-organic framework (MoS2@MIP-202(Zr)) nanocomposite. The probe is based on the peroxidase mimic of the prepared nanocomposite on NaHCO3–H2O2 chemiluminescence system as well as the inhibitory effect of diazinon on the enzymatic activity of AChE. The chemiluminescence signal is gradually decreased with an increase in diazinon concentration, and there is a linear relationship between the analytical signal and diazinon concentration. Under the optimum conditions, the calibration plot is linear in the concentration range of 0.5–300.0 nmol L−1. The limit of detection and quantification limit of the method are 0.12 and 0.40 nmol L−1, respectively. The inter-day and intra-day relative standard deviations (% RSD n = 5, diazinon concentration; 100 nmol L−1) are 3.66 and 1.35%, respectively. The method was used for diazinon detection in real water samples, and the high relative recovery values for the spiked samples along with satisfactory results of a certified reference material analysis confirmed that the method is accurate and free from the matrix effect. Significance and noveltyA nano-probe based on the peroxidase-like property of MoS2@MIP-202(Zr) nanocomposite was developed for the first time for indirect detection of residue levels of diazinon in water samples. The high stability of the nanocomposite makes it a good alternative for natural peroxidase enzymes such as horseradish peroxidase with low stability.

Complementary collider and astrophysical probes of multi-component Dark Matter

We study a new physics scenario with two inert and one active scalar doublets, hence a 3-Higgs Doublet Model (3HDM). We impose a {Z}_2times {Z}_2^{prime } symmetry onto such a 3HDM with one inert doublet odd under the Z2 transformation and the other odd under the {Z}_2^{prime } one. Such a construction leads to a two-component Dark Matter (DM) model. It has been shown that, when there is a sufficient mass difference between the two DM candidates, it is possible to probe the light DM candidate in the nuclear recoil energy in direct detection experiments and the heavy DM component in the photon flux in indirect detection experiments. With the DM masses at the electroweak scale, we show that, independently of astrophysical probes, this model feature can be tested at the Large Hadron Collider via scalar cascade decays in final states. We study several observable distributions whose shapes hint at the presence of the two different DM candidates.

Z boson mixing and the mass of the W boson

We explore the possibility of explaining the $W$ boson mass with an extra gauge boson mixing with the $Z$ boson at tree level. Extra boson mixing with the $Z$ boson will change the expression of the $Z$ boson mass, thus altering the $W$ boson mass. We explore two models in this work. We find that in the Derivative Portal Dark Matter model, there are parameters space which can give the observed $W$ boson mass, as well as the observed Dark Matter relic density. These parameters space can also fulfill the constraints from the electroweak oblique parameters and Dark Matter indirect detection. In the U(1) extension model, the kinetic mixing between extra boson and $B$ boson can also give the observed $W$ boson mass. However, to fulfill electroweak oblique parameters fit the kinetic mixing in the U(1) model can only contribute about $27~\mathrm{MeV}$ extra mass to the Standard Model $W$ boson mass. Both models indicate the extra vector boson with the best fit mass around $120~\mathrm{GeV}$.