Indirect Detection Research Articles

An Airborne Visible Light Lidar’s Methodology for Clear Air Turbulence Detection Based on Weak Optical Signal

A clear air turbulence (CAT) detection method using a 532 nm visible light airborne laser radar (LiDAR) system is proposed to address the urgent challenge in the aviation safety field. This method is based on the indirect detection technique of atmospheric molecular density for CAT and utilizes the strong aerosol scattering absorption characteristics of the iodine molecular 1109 absorption line to eliminate the interference of aerosol scattering and extinction on the weak molecular backscattering signal caused by CAT. This enables CAT detection under conditions where traditional ultraviolet LiDAR systems fail to function properly due to aerosol presence. The influence of axial wind speed and atmospheric temperature variations on the molecular backscattering spectrum in the aircraft flight path is studied, and a formula for vertical wind speed inversion in the CAT field is derived. The 532 nm airborne LiDAR CAT detection theoretical model and system architecture are presented. Through simulation analysis, the CAT detection range of the visible light LiDAR system is evaluated under different aircraft cruising altitudes and turbulence intensities. The results indicate that, with the proposed LiDAR system, the aerosol scattering influence can be effectively suppressed, and CAT can be detected up to 7 km for light-to-moderate turbulence and 10 km for moderate turbulence ahead of the aircraft when traditional ultraviolet LiDAR systems fail as the backscattering coefficient ratio between aerosol and molecule reaches the 10−1 condition. Based on this finding, a suggestion is made to construct a dual-wavelength (ultraviolet-visible) LiDAR system for CAT detection, aiming to solve the full coverage problem of CAT detection under various aerosol conditions. This study has a reference value for promoting the early resolution of CAT detection in the aviation field.

Recent developments in MHz radioscopy: Towards the ultimate temporal resolution using storage ring-based light sources

Hard X-ray imaging with ultra-high speed acquisition rates using synchrotron-based sources or free-electron lasers has recently gained significant attention: commercially available CMOS-based cameras as basis for indirect detection allow for the use of radioscopy with MHz acquisition rates in a routine manner. Hence, an increasing number of experiments are reported in the literature studying with ultra-high speed radioscopy phenomena ranging from materials research (additive manufacturing), astrophysics (meteorite formation) to dynamic compression (propagation of shock and compression waves). By using the high flux beamline BL40XU of the SPring-8 synchrotron light source this MHz radioscopy approach has been developed further: the outstanding high photon flux density at narrow bandwidth of beamline BL40XU allowed for reaching unprecedented temporal resolution at high X-ray imaging sensitivity. Furthermore, a proto-type of a new ultra-high speed framing camera was integrated, demonstrating that frame rates close to the native radio frequency of the storage ring should become feasible in the future, i.e. an approach towards GHz radioscopy.

Molecular imprinting-based indirect fluorescence detection strategy implemented on paper chip for non-fluorescent microcystin

Fluorescence analysis is a fast and sensitive method, and has great potential application in trace detection of environmental toxins. However, many important environmental toxins are non-fluorescent substances, and it is still a challenge to construct a fluorescence detection method for non-fluorescent substances. Here, by means of charge transfer effect and smart molecular imprinting technology, we report a sensitive indirect fluorescent sensing mechanism (IFSM) and microcystin (MC-RR) is selected as a model target. A molecular imprinted thin film is immobilized on the surface of zinc ferrite nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4 NPs) by using arginine, a dummy fragment of MC-RR. By implementation of IFSM on the paper-based microfluidic chip, a versatile platform for the quantitative assay of MC-RR is developed at trace level (the limit of detection of 0.43 μg/L and time of 20 min) in real water samples without any pretreatment. Importantly, the proposed IFSM can be easily modified and extended for the wide variety of species which lack direct interaction with the fluorescent substrate. This work offers the potential possibility to meet the requirements for the on-site analysis and may explore potential applications of molecularly imprinted fluorescent sensors.

Original-structure-based hapten design strategy and development of a derivatization-free gold-based paper lateral-flow immunoassays for detecting furaltadone metabolite in shrimp

Veterinary drug residues in food-producing animals pose a threat to human health and public safety, and accurate measurement of these drug residues is necessary. However, detecting nitrofuran metabolite residues is challenging because of their low molecular weight and the long derivatisation time required for their indirect detection. Current antibodies produced against these metabolites have limited accuracy and sensitivity owing to the traditional and ineffective hapten design based on the reaction of 3-amino-5-morpholinomethyl-2-oxazolidone (AMOZ) with nitrobenzaldehyde. In this study, a new antigen strategy was adopted using an original-structure-based hapten design combined with a new carrier protein with immunosynergistic effects to produce a monoclonal antibody that could recognise the metabolite of furaltadone (AMOZ) directly without derivatisation with excellent analytical performance. Finally, a gold-based paper lateral flow immunoassay for AMOZ without derivatisation was established with a visual limit of detection of 5 ng/mL, IC50 of 0.97 ng/mL and linear range (IC20∼IC80) of 0.45–2.07 ng/mL. The method was sensitive and accurate, and detection was completed within 10 min. This new antigen design strategy provides a theoretical basis and reference for antibody production of other ultrasmall molecules.

Capillary electrophoresis in parenteral nutrition control – validation of two analytical methods: Amino acids/glucose/glucose-1-phosphate and K/Na/Ca/Mg

ObjectivesProduction of parenteral nutrition bags (PNBs) involves many nutrients: complete control of the production process decreases the risk of error. This study aimed to develop and validate two analytical methods...

Rapid and sensitive on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA from environmental surfaces using portable laboratory devices.

Monitoring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA on inanimate surfaces plays a crucial role in environmental surveillance, enabling the indirect detection of infected individuals and facilitating rapid infection control responses. However, developing a practical on-site, end-to-end method for detection remains a challenge. In this study, we established protocols for on-site detection of SARS-CoV-2 RNA on surfaces using two portable laboratory devices: The PicoGene PCR1100 and Bento Lab. Test particles comprised of inactivated viral particles containing partial sequences of SARS-CoV-2, type 1 poliovirus, coxsackie virus A16, and norovirus genogroups I and II were applied to reference materials as simulated contaminants. The direct detection method with the PicoGene PCR1100 achieved a recovery efficiency of 35.1% for the dried reference material. Furthermore, the Bento Lab, equipped with a microcentrifuge for on-site RNA purification, successfully detected a low concentration of inactivated SARS-CoV-2 reference standard. The recovery efficiency of the on-site RNA purification method on plastic, stainless steel, glass, and polyvinyl chloride surfaces ranged from 15.5% to 21.2%. Through the combination of these portable devices, SARS-CoV-2 RNA was detected within 1 h of swab sampling. This study contributes to the on-site risk assessment of infectious diseases by enabling the rapid detection of viral genomes. IMPORTANCE This study presents the development of a highly sensitive on-site method for detecting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA on various surfaces, including doorknobs and tables. Identifying SARS-CoV-2 RNA on these surfaces can be crucial in guiding decision-making for implementing non-pharmaceutical interventions, such as zoning strategies, improving ventilation, maintaining physical distancing, and promoting increased hand hygiene practices. Moreover, the on-site detection system can facilitate the swift initiation of mitigation responses in non-laboratory settings, including long-term care facilities and schools. The protocols established in this study offer a comprehensive approach for achieving both sensitivity and rapidity in on-site SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection. Furthermore, since the RT-qPCR assay serves as the gold standard for detecting viral RNAs, the developed protocol holds potential for application to other viruses, including enteroviruses and noroviruses.

Satellite Monitoring of Salinization of Irrigated Soils in South Kazakhstan

The results of approbation of new approaches to monitoring and forecasting of soil salinity of irrigated soils, based on indirect detection of soil salinity using multi-year archives of satellite data, are presented. Research was carried out on example of irrigated lands of Maktaaral district of Turkestan region of the Republic of Kazakhstan. As an indicator of soil salinity level frequency and terms of soil leaching from salts are used, which are identified on the basis of multi-year archives of satellite data Sentinel-1,2 and Landsat-8 (from 2016 to 2022). Information about the frequency of soil leaching from salts and the year of the last leaching allowed ranking the fields by the degree of soil salinity. Comparison of the obtained information with the fine-scale soil map and with statistical data based on field surveys of the fields showed a good level of similarity of the soil salinity level of the test region. A similar approach can be used for other regions with irrigated soils subjected to secondary salinization. It does not require additional adaptation and is based on simple algorithms of recognition from satellite data of water surface.

Freeze-in dark matter within the seesaw mechanism

We show that the minimal Type-I Seesaw mechanism can successfully account for the observed dark matter abundance in the form of a keV sterile neutrino. This population can be produced by the decay of the heavier neutral leptons, with masses above the electroweak mass scale, while they are in thermal equilibrium in the early Universe (freeze-in). Moreover, the implementation of the relevant phenomenological constraints (relic abundance, indirect detection and structure formation) on this model automatically selects a region of the parameter space featuring an approximate lepton number symmetry.

Stereochemical assignment of clerodane-type diterpenes from the fruits of Casearia grewiifolia and their ability to inhibit PCSK9 expression

More than 20 natural products have been reported to modulate PCSK9-mediated cholesterol regulation, and small-molecule-derived proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors continue to be developed and identified. Here, twelve undescribed clerodane-type diterpenes (1–9 and 12–14) and two known compounds were isolated from the chloroform-soluble extract of the dried fruits of Casearia grewiifolia Vent. using a PCSK9 mRNA expression monitoring assay. Among the undescribed compounds, the stereochemistry of two diastereomeric grewiifolins A and B (1 and 2) were extensively elucidated using 2D Nuclear Overhauser Effect Spectroscopy (NOESY) experiments, excitation-sculptured indirect detection experiments (EXSIDE), interproton distance analyses, and computational calculations that included quantum chemical shift calculations combined with DP4+ analysis. All isolates were assessed for their inhibitory activity against PCSK9 and IDOL mRNA expression. Among the compounds tested, compound 3 inhibited PCSK9 and IDOL mRNA expression.

DM-SM interactions mediated by spin-one particles: EFT study

Standard model-dark matter particles, mediated by spin one fields, are analyzed within the effective field theory framework. We [1, 2] consider dark particles masses from few MeV to 6.4 TeV. We restrict the EFT using bounds from relic density, Z invisible decay width, direct and indirect detection limits and collider constraints. Solutions below mZ are found for two operators. Others, around the electroweak scale or slightly above, are also compatible with all present limits.

Easy-to-prepare graphene-based inkjet-printed electrodes for diclofenac electrochemical sensing

Inkjet-printed electrodes (IPEs) from flexible Kapton® as substrate and easy to prepare graphene oxide (GO)-based inks (K/GO) were prepared using a standard desktop printer. Subsequently, they were submitted to a post-processing thermal treatment (K/GO_TR400) and assessed as disposable working electrodes (WEs) for diclofenac (DCF) indirect electrochemical detection at pH 7.0 (close to physiological pH value). DCF monitoring is attracting much interest, due to its classification as contaminant of emerging concern in water sources. The performance of the printed active sensor material was compared to that of thermally reduced (at 400 °C) graphene oxide (TRGO-400, in a powder form), which has been successfully used as glassy carbon electrode (GCE) modifier for the detection of DCF. This electrode worked linearly within the concentration range between 5 and 25 μM with an LOD value of 2.25 μM. Moreover, the morphology and chemical composition of the obtained IPEs were characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and compared with GCE/TRGO-400. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) measurements using a miniaturized 3-electrode cell of the post-processed IPEs showed a promising electrochemical performance for DCF sensing. Thus, this study demonstrated the effective partial recovery of the valuable properties of graphene on the IPEs after the thermal treatment and the successful production of flexible and disposable electrodes for target analyte detection. Therefore, this is a promising alternative to conventional modified GCEs, as it offers a facile approach for the fabrication of cutting edge graphene-based electrodes and widens the available portfolio of electrochemical sensors towards detection of water contaminants of emerging concern.

An electrochemical AChE-based biosensor for organophosphate pesticides using a modified CuNWs/rGO nanocomposite on a screen-printed carbon electrode

An enzymatic electrochemical biosensor was built for the indirect detection of organophosphates (OPs), based on acetylcholinesterase inhibition. The biosensor was fabricated for enhanced performance on a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), modified with copper nanowires (CuNWs) composited with reduced graphene oxide (rGO). The oxidation current was measured using the cyclic voltammogram (CV) method, as generated by the enzymatic interaction between acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and its substrate, acetylthiocholine (ATCh). The biosensing response is the reduction in signal caused by the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase in the presence of an organophosphate inhibitor. Benchmarking shows that the CuNWs/rGO nanocomposite enhanced the signal current considerably and decreased the oxidation potential for electrochemical detection of the OP chlorpyrifos, exhibiting a wide linear detection rangefrom 10 µg/L–200 µg/L, with a limit of detection of 3.1 µg/L and limit of quantification of 12.5 µg/L. This sensor is useful for the analysis of chlorpyrifosin drinking water and orange juice, with high recovery rates and no interference effects.

A gold nanoparticle colorimetric probe-based biosensor for rapid detection of VIM-2 and IMP-1 metallo-beta lactamase genes

Despite actions to reduce the prevalence of antibiotic resistance, antibiotic resistance remains a major threat in the treatment and control of infections. Therefore, the development of rapid diagnostic methods plays a significant role in the detection of antibiotic resistance genes and the management of hospital infections. This study aimed to design and develop a gold nanoparticle colorimetric probe-based biosensor was developed for faster and more accurate detection of VIM-2 and IMP-1 Metallo-Beta-Lactamases (MBLs) genes in different clinical samples. After identifying 248 clinical isolates of bacteria with standard biochemical methods and evaluation of antibiotic resistance and identifying MBL-producing strains, PCR method was carried out for detecting VIM-2 and IMP-1 genes as a gold standard. Synthesis of AuNPs were done by citrate reduction method and AuNP -IMP-1 biosensor was used for detecting IMP-1 gene, after functionalization of thiol modified oligonucleotides. AuNP biosensor and IMP-1 PCR were compared in terms of detection indices. Method PCR was defined as the gold standard. Bacteria examined, 87 isolates were resistant to carbapenems. Out of the 87 carbapenem-resistant isolates, 85 (34.2%) were phenotypically positive for MBLs. Also, 7 isolates had IMP-1 gene, but none of them carried VIM-2 gene. The AuNP biosensor had 100% sensitivity, specificity, PPV and NPV, respectively. The final detection limit of IMP-1 genomic DNA (LOD) by PCR and AuNP-IMP-1 biosensor technique was 0.1 fg/μl (2.5 fg/25 reactions) and 0.001 fg/μl (0.025 fg/25 reaction), respectively. According to the promising results of Diagnostic indices, AuNP biosensor is a more efficient and accurate method for direct and indirect detection of antibiotic resistance genes in clinical samples.

Indirect detection of Dark Matter annihilating into Dark Glueballs

We examine indirect detection of dark matter that annihilates into dark glueballs, which in turn decay into the Standard Model via a range of portals. This arises if the dark matter candidate couples to a confining gauge force without light flavours, representative of many possible complex dark sectors. Such Hidden Valley scenarios are being increasingly considered due to non-detection of minimal models as well as theoretical motivations such as the Twin Higgs solution to the little hierarchy problem. Study of dark glueballs in indirect detection has previously been hampered by the difficulty of modeling their production in dark showers. We use the recent GlueShower code to produce the first constraints on dark matter annihilating via dark glueballs into the Standard Model across photon, antiproton, and positron channels. We also fit the Galactic Centre Excess and use this observation, combined with other astrophysical constraints, to show how multi-channel observations can constrain UV and IR details of the theory, namely the exact decay portal and hadronization behaviour respectively. This provides unique complementary discovery and diagnostic potential to Hidden Valley searches at colliders. It is interesting to note that thermal WIMPs annihilating to O\\documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \\usepackage{amsmath} \\usepackage{wasysym} \\usepackage{amsfonts} \\usepackage{amssymb} \\usepackage{amsbsy} \\usepackage{mathrsfs} \\usepackage{upgreek} \\setlength{\\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \\begin{document}$$ \\mathcal{O} $$\\end{document}(10 GeV) dark glueballs and then the SM via the Twin-Higgs-like decay portal can account for the GCE while respecting other constraints.

Development of a new method for the determination of 4-hydroxyproline as a measurement of collagen content in meat products and dietary supplements by cyclodextrin-assisted electrokinetic chromatography

The rise in consumption of ultra-processed meat and dietary collagen supplements challenges food quality control. 4-hydroxyproline stands out as collagen signature amino acid, and its determination is a well-known way to estimate collagen content, although for this measurement, the majority of the methods require a mandatory derivatization step. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an innovative method using cyclodextrin-assisted electrokinetic chromatography with indirect UV detection to determine 4-hydroxyproline for collagen monitoring in dietary supplements and meat products. Separations were performed in fused silica capillaries, at 12.5 °C, detection at 220 nm, 30 kV voltage, and hydrodynamic injection. Background electrolyte consisted of histidine 25 mmol L-1, butylamine 180 mmol L-1, and β-cyclodextrin 10 mmol L-1 at pH 11.4. Samples were hydrolyzed with sulfuric acid, and their removal was accomplished by simultaneous neutralization/precipitation reactions using strontium carbonate. Validation assured method detectability, accuracy (recoveries 88% - 102%), and precision (CV < 7%). Dietary supplements and meat products were successfully evaluated, indicating that this method is a feasible quality control alternative.

Simulation of the Unruh signals of decoherence with quantum circuits

Detecting the Unruh effect is currently an important experimental goal, but it is difficult to realize under laboratory conditions because of the extreme acceleration required for observable signals. Therefore, various schemes for indirect detection have been proposed. Recently, Nesterov and his collaborators discovered that the exponential phase decay in the decoherence of a uniformly accelerated particle detector can significantly improve the conditions for measuring the Unruh effect, and the acceleration required for observable signals can be considerably reduced to ∼1013m/s2. We notice that this exponential phase decay is consistent with its counterpart of the dephasing channel in quantum information theory. In this paper, we use the IBM quantum cloud platform to construct a quantum circuit that can realize the dephasing channel, successfully simulate the Unruh signal, and test the correctness of the method.

Boosting indirect detection of a secluded dark matter sector

Boosting indirect detection of a secluded dark matter sector

Facile Synthesis of Iron and Nitrogen Co-Doped Carbon Dot Nanozyme as Highly Efficient Peroxidase Mimics for Visualized Detection of Metabolites.

Visual detection based on nanozymes has great potential for the rapid detection of metabolites in clinical analysis or home-based health management. In this work, iron and nitrogen co-doped carbon dots (Fe,N-CDs) were conveniently synthesized as a nanozyme for the visual detection of glucose (Glu) or cholesterol (Chol). Using inexpensive and readily available precursors, Fe,N-CDs with peroxidase-like activity were conveniently prepared through a simple hydrothermal method. Co-doping of Fe and N atoms enhanced the catalytic activity of the nanozyme. The nanozyme had a low Michaelis constant (Km) of 0.23 mM when hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used as the substrate. Free radical trapping experiments revealed that the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the nanozyme-catalyzed process were superoxide anion radicals (•O2-), which can oxidize colorless 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) to generate blue oxidation product (ox-TMB) with characteristics absorbance at 652 nm. Based on this mechanism, a colorimetric sensor was constructed to detect H2O2 ranging from 0.1 μM to 200 μM with a detection limit (DL) of 75 nM. In the presence of glucose oxidase (Gox) or Chol oxidase (Chox), Glu or Chol was oxidized, respectively, and generated H2O2. Based on this, indirect detection of Glu and Chol was realized with linear detection ranges of 5-160 μM and 2-200 μM and DLs of 2.8 μM and 0.8 μM, respectively. A paper-based visual detection platform was fabricated using Fe,N-CDs as nanozyme ink to prepare testing paper by inkjet printing. Using a smartphone to record the RGB values of the testing paper after the reaction, visual detection of Glu and Chol can be achieved with linear detection ranges of 5-160 μM (DL of 3.3 μM) and 2-200 μM (DL of 1.0 μM), respectively.

Vector-Borne Pathogens in Stray Cats in Eastern Germany (Thuringia).

Bacterial, protozoal, and viral vector-borne pathogens (VBPs) can cause infections in cats. There is little information on feline VBP prevalence in Germany. Stray cats are frequently exposed to vectors but receive no veterinary care. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of selected VBPs in stray cats. EDTA blood and serum samples were taken from apparently healthy stray cats during a spay/neuter campaign in the federal state of Thuringia. Overall, 11/50 (22%) and 32/50 (64%) cats tested positive for at least one VBP by direct and indirect detection methods, respectively. PCR testing of EDTA blood detected hemotropic Mycoplasma spp. in 12% of cats, Hepatozoon spp. in 10%, and Anaplasma phagocytophilum in 4%. PCR testing for Rickettsia spp. and piroplasms was negative. IFAT on serum samples showed 46% of cats had detectable antibodies for Bartonella spp., 30% for Rickettsia spp., and 16% for A. phagocytophilum. The cats were additionally tested for feline coronavirus, FIV, and FeLV to identify potential risk factors for pathogen contact and/or infections. No correlation between FIV and FeLV status and VBP positivity was detected. Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Rickettsia spp., and Bartonella spp. have zoonotic potential, and surveillance is recommended in the context of the One Health approach.

WIMPs in dilatonic Einstein Gauss-Bonnet cosmology

We use the Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) thermal decoupling scenario to probe Cosmologies in dilatonic Einstein Gauss-Bonnet (dEGB) gravity, where the Gauss-Bonnet term is non-minimally coupled to a scalar field with vanishing potential.We put constraints on the model parameters when the ensuing modified cosmological scenario drives the WIMP annihilation cross section beyond the present bounds from DM indirect detection searches. In our analysis we assumed WIMPs that annihilate to Standard Model particles through an s-wave process. For the class of solutions that comply with WIMP indirect detection bounds, we find that dEGB typically plays a mitigating role on the scalar field dynamics at high temperature, slowing down the speed of its evolution and reducing the enhancement of the Hubble constant compared to its standard value. For such solutions, we observe that the corresponding boundary conditions at high temperature correspond asymptotically to a vanishing deceleration parameter q, so that the effect of dEGB is to add an accelerating term that exactly cancels the deceleration predicted by General Relativity.The bounds from WIMP indirect detection are nicely complementary to late-time constraints from compact binary mergers. This suggests that it could be interesting to use other Early Cosmology processes to probe the dEGB scenario.