Local Plasma Research Articles

Immunological memory diversity in the human upper airway.

The upper airway is an important site of infection, butimmune memory in the human upper airway is poorly understood, with implications for COVID-19 and many other human diseases1-4. Here we demonstrate that nasal and nasopharyngeal swabs can be used to obtain insights into these challenging problems, and define distinct immune cell populations, including antigen-specific memory Bcells and T cells, in two adjacent anatomical sites in the upper airway. Upper airway immune cell populations seemed stable over time in healthy adults undergoing monthly swabs for more than 1 year, and prominent tissue resident memory T (TRM)cell and B (BRM) cellpopulations were defined. Unexpectedly, germinal centre cells were identified consistently in many nasopharyngeal swabs. In subjects with SARS-CoV-2 breakthrough infections, local virus-specific BRMcells, plasma cells and germinal centre B cells were identified, with evidence of local priming and an enrichment of IgA+ memory B cells in upper airway compartments compared with blood. Local plasma cell populations were identified with transcriptional profiles of longevity. Local virus-specific memory CD4+ TRM cellsand CD8+ TRM cellswere identified, with diverse additional virus-specific T cells. Age-dependent upper airway immunological shifts were observed. These findings provide new understanding of immune memory at a principal mucosal barrier tissue in humans.

Tuning the Immune Cell Response through Surface Nanotopography Engineering

Dendritic cells (DCs) are central regulators of the immune response by detecting inflammatory signals, aberrant cells, or pathogens. DC‐mediated immune surveillance requires morphology changes to adapt to the physical and biochemical cues of the external environment. These changes are assisted by a dynamic actin cytoskeleton–membrane interface connected to surface receptors that will trigger signaling cascades. In recent years, the development of synthetic immune environments has allowed to investigate the impact of the external environment in the immune cell response. In this direction, the bioengineering of functional topographical features should make it possible to establish how membrane morphology modulates specific cellular functions in DCs. Herein, the engineering of one‐dimensional nanostructured SiO2 surfaces by soft‐nanoimprint lithography to manipulate the membrane morphology of ex vivo human DCs is reported. Super‐resolution microscopy and live‐cell imaging studies show that vertical pillar topographies promote the patterning and stabilization of adhesive actin‐enriched structures in DCs. Furthermore, vertical topographies stimulate the spatial organization of innate immune receptors and regulate the Syk‐ and ERK‐mediated signaling pathways across the cell membrane. In conclusion, engineered SiO2 surface topographies can modulate the cellular response of ex vivo human immune cells by imposing local plasma membrane nano‐deformations.

Recovery of hydrogen plasma at the sub-nanosecond timescale in a plasma-wakefield accelerator

Plasma wakefield acceleration revolutionized the field of particle accelerators by generating gigavolt-per-centimeter fields. To compete with conventional radio-frequency (RF) accelerators, plasma technology must demonstrate operation at high repetition rates, with a recent research showing feasibility at megahertz levels using an Argon source that recovered after about 60 ns. Here we report about a proof-of-principle experiment that demonstrates the recovery of a Hydrogen plasma at the sub-nanosecond timescale. The result is obtained with a pump-and-probe setup and has been characterized for a wide range of plasma densities. We observed that large plasma densities reestablish their initial state soon after the injection of the pump beam ( < 0.7 ns). Conversely, at lower densities we observe the formation of a local dense plasma channel affecting the probe beam dynamics even at long delay times ( > 13 ns). The results are supported with numerical simulations and represent a step forward for the next-generation of compact high-repetition rate accelerators.

Electron Beams at Europa

AbstractJupiter's moon Europa contains a subsurface ocean whose presence is inferred from magnetic field measurements, the interpretation of which depends on knowledge of Europa's local plasma environment. A recent Juno spacecraft flyby returned new observations of plasma electrons with unprecedented resolution. Specifically, powerful magnetic field‐aligned electron beams were discovered near Europa. These beams, with energies from ∼30 to ∼300 eV, locally enhance electron‐impact‐excited emissions and ionization in Europa's atmosphere by more than a factor three over the local space environment, and are associated with large jumps of the magnetic fields. The beams therefore play an essential role in shaping Europa's plasma and magnetic field environment and thus need to be accounted for electromagnetic sounding of Europa's ocean and plume detection by future missions such as JUICE and Europa Clipper.

PLATELET RİCH PLASMA RESULTS IN THE TREATMENT OF FEMUR HEAD AVASCULAR NECROSIS

Purpose: It has been observed that the number of patients with hip avascular necrosis who applied to our clinic after Covid-19 and steroid treatment in Covid-19 treatment has increased. It is emphasized in the literature that core decompression therapy is effective in early stage femoral head avascular necrosis. Core It has been emphasized in many publications that the results of intraoperative platelet- rich plasma (PRP) application after decompression are effective. However, intraoperative The method of application of platelet- rich plasma (PRP) and its effectiveness in the post-Covid-19 period are not emphasized enough in the literature. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of local platelet-rich plasma (PRP) administered using the new technique after core decompression to patients diagnosed with avascular necrosis. Materials and methods: Local platelet- rich plasma (PRP) was applied to 15 hips diagnosed with femoral head avascular necrosis after core decompression with a new technique. Early results of the patients were evaluated with Ficat and Harris hip scores. Results: An improvement was detected in the early clinical and Magnetic resonance (MR) findings of a total of 15 hip avascular necrosis patients . Local treatment in patients with avascular necrosis with a medical history of Covid-19 The feasibility of PRP was demonstrated. Conclusion: This study shows the importance of the intraoperative application method of platelet- rich plasma (PRP) and that platelet- rich plasma (PRP) can also be applied to Covid-19 patients. But we believe long-term results are needed.

Validating and speeding up x-ray tomographic inversions in tokamak plasmas

X-ray tomography is a precious tool in tokamaks that provides rich information about the core plasma, such as local impurity concentration, electron temperature and density as well as magnetic equilibrium (ME) and magnetohydrodynamic activity. Nevertheless, inferring the local plasma emissivity from a sparse set of line-integrated measurements is an ill-posed problem that requires dedicated regularization and validation methods. Besides, speeding up the inversion algorithm in order to be compatible with real-time control systems is a challenging task with traditional approaches. In this contribution, in a first part we introduce tools aiming at validating and speeding up the x-ray tomographic inversions based on Tikhonov regularization, including ME constraint and parameter optimization, taking the WEST geometry as an example. In a second part, an alternative approach compatible with real-time, based on a set of neural networks is proposed and compared with the Tikhonov approach for an experimental case.

Interacting dust grains in complex plasmas: Ion wake formation and the electric potential

Dust grains have been used as minimally invasive probes to determine plasma parameters including the plasma density, temperature, and electric field in a plasma discharge. However, the dust grains in a plasma generate local potential disturbances due to the collection of charge and the subsequent electrostatic interactions between the dust and charged plasma particles. Dust grains in close proximity to one another exhibit interesting non-reciprocal interactions and self-organize into structures such as one-dimensional filamentary chains, two-dimensional “zigzags,” and three-dimensional helices, among others. The formation of these structures suggests that although the dust grains may be less invasive than traditional plasma probes, the disturbance to the local plasma environment introduced by dust grains is non-trivial. Commonly used analytic forms of the electric potential describing complex plasmas have failed to resolve the near-dust region, and as a result are insufficient to provide insight about the formation of complex dust structures. Here, we use an N-body simulation to compute the electric potential from ion densities near various dust grain configurations. We provide an alternative description to the standard analytic model for the electric potential of dust and ion wakes based on a Gaussian shaped cloud of ions. The electric potential obtained from simulations is used to identify minimum energy configurations for two and three dust grains. It is further demonstrated that the minimum potential region identified for N dust grains and their associated ion wakes does not predict the minimum-energy configuration of N + 1 dust grains.

Safety and efficacy of intrawound vancomycin powder in the prevention of lumbar surgical site infection: A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study.

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of intra-wound vancomycin powder in reducing surgical site infections (SSIs) after spine surgery. A prospective, double-blind, randomized controlled study. Patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery from May 2021 to September 2022. Patients who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF) surgery between May 2021 and September 2022 were included. Participants were randomized to the vancomycin treatment or control groups using block randomization (block size 4). Except for baseline and surgical data, the plasma levels of white blood cells, C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and serum vancomycin concentration in the groups were analyzed on postoperative days (PODs) 1, 3, and 5. Vancomycin concentration was measured daily until the drainage tubes were removed. The primary outcomes were the 90-day vancomycin-related adverse reactions and SSI rates. Secondary outcomes were perioperative hematological parameters and vancomycin serum (drain) concentrations. A total of 156 participants (78 each in each group) were analyzed by an independent researcher. The follow-up rate was 91%. All participants were followed up for at least 90 days. The 90-day SSI rate in the vancomycin group was 1.3% (1/78), comprising one case of superficial infection. The SSI rate in the control group was 10.3% (8/78), comprising seven cases of superficial infection and one case of deep infection. Compared with that in the control group, the SSI rate in the vancomycin group was decreased by 87.5%, with a statistically significant difference (RR=0.125, 95% CI=0.016-0.976). Additionally, the vancomycin group demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in serum ESR on POD 3 (P=0.039) and CRP on POD 5 (P=0.024) compared to the control group. The local plasma concentration of vancomycin remained elevated for at least 4 days postoperatively, while the serum concentration of vancomycin remined low. Vancomycin-associated adverse reactions were not observed. Intra-wound application of vancomycin powder is a safe and effective procedure for reducing the risk of SSI during PLIF surgery.

Optical Anapole Modes of the Hybrid Ring-Disk Nanoantenna for Electric Field Enhancement

A promising design combining low loss, high refractive index dielectric materials with metal nanoparticles, and local plasma resonance is described for ring-disk nanoantenna. A hybrid Au ring Si disk structure with chain gaps is constructed and the distributions of the electric field and near-field enhancement of the electric fields are analyzed by numerical simulation utilizing the multipole decomposition method. The electric field strength can be enhanced efficiently using metals to improve the anapole mode response of dielectric materials with large refractive indexes. Additional enhancement of the electric field is achieved by opening the chain gap to create high-intensity hot spots inside the disk. The chain comprises 14 normal octahedrons and a few tips are created by intersecting octahedrons. The electric field is greatly enhanced at the tips where there are high-intensity hot spots. The effectiveness of this structure as a refractive index sensor is assessed. The scattering cross-section (SCS) and wavelength shifts result in a maximum sensitivity of 210[Formula: see text]nm/RIU. The results validate the design concept and the hybrid structure boasting large electric field enhancement and excellent optical sensing properties have large potential in nonlinear photonics.

L- and M-subshell ionization cross-sections of heavy atoms by electron and proton impact

Inner-shell ionization has many applications related to material analysis. However, full theoretical calculations in heavy multielectronic atoms are scarce. In this contribution, we assess proton and electron impact Li and Mi-subshell ionization cross-sections of heavy targets (72≤Z≤83) using two theoretical models. These calculations are based on the Distorted Plane Wave Born Approximation for electron impact and the shellwise local plasma approximation for the proton impact, combined with relativistic calculations of these deep subshells wave functions and binding energies. We analyze the L-shell ionization of W, Au, and Bi and the M-shell of Hf, Ta, W, Re, Os, Pt, Au, Pb, and Bi. Present values are compared with available experimental data from the literature, with disparate agreement. The convergence of proton and electron impact cross-sections at high-impact velocities is also discussed.

Self-powered epitaxial graphene/SiC-C heterojunction UV photodetector

In this paper, local oxygen plasma treatment of SiC carbon surface epitaxial graphene (EG/SiC-C) samples was carried out by using an oxygen plasma processor. Some vacancy defects were introduced into the graphene, and the electronic structure of the graphene was regulated. After oxygen plasma treatment, the work function of EG/SiC-C increased, and the doping type gradually changed to P-type. Finally, a self-powered epitaxial graphene (EG)/SiC heterojunction UV photodetector with spot position response characteristics was prepared by reasonable device structure design.

Well-controlled mucosal exudation of plasma proteins in airways with intact and regenerating epithelium.

Superficial, systemic microcirculations, distinct from the pulmonary circulation, supply the mucosae of human nasal and conducting airways. Non-injurious, inflammatory challenges of the airway mucosa cause extravasation without overt mucosal oedema. Instead, likely reflecting minimal increases in basolateral hydrostatic pressure, circulating proteins/peptides of all sizes are transmitted paracellularly across the juxtaposed epithelial barrier. Thus, small volumes of extravasated, unfiltered bulk plasma appear on the mucosal surface at nasal and bronchial sites of challenge. Importantly, the plasma-exuding mucosa maintains barrier integrity against penetrability of inhaled molecules. Thus, one-way epithelial penetrability, strict localization, and well-controlled magnitude and duration are basic characteristics of the plasma exudation response in human intact airways. Invivo experiments in human-like airways demonstrate that local plasma exudation is also induced by non-sanguineous removal of epithelium over an intact basement membrane. This humoral response results in a protective, repair-promoting barrier kept together by a fibrin-fibronectin net. Plasma exudation stops once the provisional barrier is substituted by a new cellular cover consisting of speedily migrating repair cells, which may emanate from all types of epithelial cells bordering the denuded patch. Exuded plasma on the surface of human airways reflects physiological microvascular-epithelial cooperation in first line mucosal defense at sites of intact and regenerating epithelium.

On the Formation Mechanism of Martian Dayside Ionospheric Plasma Depletion Events

AbstractPlasma Depletion Events (PDEs) are characterized by abrupt, localized reductions in ionospheric plasma density at least by an order of magnitude decrease. These events are observed over a limited range of altitudes, typically spanning a few tens of kilometers. We use Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution spacecraft data to investigate the properties and possible formation mechanism of daytime PDEs, typically observed at altitudes above 250 km. We show, using two example events and statistical analysis, that the depletion events are associated with electrostatic fluctuations and increased electron temperatures. The events are further accompanied by enhanced fluxes of suprathermal electrons and light energetic ions. These are indicative of local plasma heating, possibly mediated by the electrostatic fluctuations. The heated plasma may eventually escape from the depletion region through the ambipolar diffusion.

Radial Variations in Solar Type III Radio Bursts

Type III radio bursts are generated by electron beams accelerated at reconnection sites in the corona. This study, utilizing data from the Parker Solar Probe’s first 17 encounters, closely examines these bursts down to 13 solar radii. A focal point of our analysis is the near-radial alignment (within 5°) of the Parker Solar Probe, STEREO-A, and Wind spacecraft relative to the Sun. This alignment, facilitating simultaneous observations of 52 and 27 bursts by STEREO-A and Wind respectively, allows for a detailed differentiation of radial and longitudinal burst variations. Our observations reveal no significant radial variations in electron beam speeds, radio fluxes, or exponential decay times for events below 50 solar radii. In contrast, closer to the Sun we noted a decrease in beam speeds and radio fluxes. This suggests potential effects of radio beaming or alterations in radio source sizes in this region. Importantly, our results underscore the necessity of considering spacecraft distance in multispacecraft observations for accurate radio burst analysis. A critical threshold of 50 solar radii emerges, beyond which beaming effects and changes in beam speeds and radio fluxes become significant. Furthermore, the consistent decay times across varying radial distances point toward a stable trend extending from 13 solar radii into the inner heliosphere. Our statistical results provide valuable insights into the propagation mechanisms of type III radio bursts, particularly highlighting the role of scattering near the radio source when the frequency aligns with the local electron plasma frequency.

Effect of single and double pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy towards steel alloy in different gaseous media

In recent years, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) technique showed its promising for material analysis, quality control, forensic science, and environmental safety monitoring. Besides, due to its rapid measurement capability and minimal sample-preparation requirements, it is a widely recognized elemental analysis approach used in a variety of study domains. The current work compares spatially resolved single (SP) and double pulse (DP), especially orthogonal DP, setups for LIBS to examine and enhance the limit of detection (LOD) in duplex stainless steels alloy. Using the Boltzmann plot method and the Stark broadening mechanism, the electron temperature and density of local arc plasma are highlighted due to single pulse and orthogonal pre-pulse double pulse configurations. With delay time, the circumstances of arc plasma's local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) of emission spectral lines are investigated. The experimental results show that there are significant increases in the spectral intensities of the Fe lines in double pulse LIBS under Ar-gas compared to those under He-gas. Internal standardization was used to create calibration curves for the spectral lines of Cr, Cu, and Mn in the alloy sample for the both studied media. It demonstrated that argon outperforms helium in determining the elemental composition of steel alloys. Furthermore, LOD for SP-LIBS and DP-LIBS in both media were calculated, which showed a higher detection LOD for DP-LIBS in the presence of Ar-gas compared to that in He-gas.

Abstract 143: Multi-omics Integration From A Large Human Biobank Identifies Key Molecular Mechanisms And Signatures Of Atherosclerotic Plaque Instability

Understanding the pathophysiology of unstable atherosclerosis, the underlying cause of myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, is imperative to catalyze novel translational strategies. Our objective was to identify key mechanisms and signatures of atherosclerotic instability, by leveraging the power of multi-omics integration from a large biobank. Biobank of Karolinska Endarterectomies (BiKE), with biomaterial and data from patients with symptomatic (S) and asymptomatic (AS) carotid atherosclerosis, was the main resource in this study. Matched plaques, PBMCs, plasma sampled locally around the plaque and from the periphery in n&gt;600 individuals, were profiled by orthogonal genomic, transcriptomic, proteomic and metabolomic technologies. Single-omics analyses were performed for differential expression, pathway and network studies in S vs. AS comparisons. Multi-omics integration was performed using a benchmarked method DIABLO, across local and peripheral disease sites and their intersection. Top targets were investigated further using scRNAseq, patient clinical and outcome data, as well as QTL analyses coupling target genetics with transcript, protein, and metabolite levels. Plaque and PBMC transcriptomics showed that inflammatory signalling, hypoxia, angiogenesis, ECM reorganisation, bone remodelling, cholesterol homeostasis, glycolysis were enriched pathways. In proteomics, chemokine signalling upregulation was found in both peripheral and local plasma, while IL17 pathway was enriched in local plasma from S patients. In plasma metabolomics, Bilirubin degradation products were downregulated, while Sphingomyelins were upregulated. Multi-omics integrations revealed coagulation, necroptosis, immune activation and cholesterol metabolism as key pathways determining instability. Extended analyses of the top analytes FABP4, ICOSLG, ANGPTL3, Bilirubin and Sphingomyelins, generated an insight into their association with survival, clinical and genetic risk in patients. Using an innovative framework, this study brings novel information about atherosclerosis vulnerability, opening avenues for drug target and biomarker discoveries, but also improving personalised treatment options and risk stratifications.

Examination of Magnetic Field Signatures and Local Plasma Distribution Variations in Jupiter's Magnetosphere

AbstractSpinning disk of plasma results in deformation of Jupiter's magnetic field from a dipole to a magnetodisc configuration with significant radial and azimuthal components. Polar orbit of the Juno spacecraft enables a comprehensive in situ observation of Jupiter's plasmadisc at different latitudes. Observations from magnetometer and plasma distribution instruments on Juno mission were used to examine interaction of magnetic field and heavy ions in Jupiter's nightside magnetosphere. Power spectrum analysis was used to evaluate magnetic fluctuations inside and outside of the plasmadisc. Extensive radial maps of magnetic activity in Jupiter's nightside magnetosphere are presented. Comprehensive examination of magnetic fluctuations enable to identify local plasma density variations that correlate with plasma distribution count rate fluctuations. Observations of magnetic signatures together with examination of plasma distribution are used to detect features that point to plasma transport inside and outside of Jupiter's plasmadisc. This work shows that plasma in Jupiter's magnetosphere is contained near centrifugal equator and is not a subject to curvature drift that could generate ring currents. Signatures described as current sheet crossings were investigated. On close inspection these signatures show attributes that belong to stand alone formations rather than a single current sheet structure. This work shows that current flow is not an adequate mechanism to explain deformation of Jupiter's magnetic field.

The Efficacy of Local Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Prepared by Single and Double Spin Methods in the Treatment of Chronic Ulcer.

Chronic nonhealing ulcers present significant challenges in diabetic, dermatological, and surgical patients. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), enriched with bioactive factors, offers promise for wound healing enhancement. This study evaluates PRP's efficacy, prepared via single and double spin methods in nonhealing chronic ulcers. Twenty-two patients aged 18-65 years participated and100 mL of blood was drawn into citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (CPDA) bags with all aseptic precautions. PRP was prepared by single and double spin methods. Patient serum and 10% calcium gluconate were added to fibrin gel. PRP was injected around the ulcer and then dressed. Dressings were changed on the fifth, 15th, and 20th days with PRP. Evaluation occurred on day 30 using surface area and volume assessments by both methods. The single spin PRP group and double spin PRP group had 11 patientseach with hemoglobin range of 10.79±1.88 to 12.63±2.22 g/dL. Initial lesions (16.27 cm²) significantly reduced to 14.76 cm² after double spin PRP sessions (p=0.005) andInitial lesions (9.87 cm²) significantly reduced to 7.65 cm² after single spin PRP sessions (p=0.005). Platelet count differences between whole blood and PRP were significant (p<0.05). The single spin PRP method exhibited considerable improvements in healing parameters, showcasing its potential for chronic ulcer management.

Factors Influencing the Fluctuation Amplitude of the H− Ion Beam Extracted from an RF Wave Excited Ion Source Plasma

The beam oscillation of J-PARC ion source is being studied as AC electric field at 2 MHz ion source driving frequency can directly change the extraction characteristics of both H− ions and electrons. The internal RF antenna inducing the electric field generated two peaks of plasma production during one RF cycle as confirmed by 4 MHz modulation of Balmer-alpha (Hα) emission intensity. The coupling between the plasma production at 4 MHz and the oscillation of the local plasma potential in the vicinity of the extraction hole at 2 MHz can cause 6 MHz oscillation, which was observed in the measurement of extraction current from the ion source. Phase-delay of Hα intensities from the source plasma and those of the extraction electron current were compared with the RF input signal to the amplifier.

High performance CH3NH3PbI3 perovskite photodetector functionalized by T-Ag plasmonic nanostructure

Photodetectors with ultrathin thickness and high efficiency are increasingly needed in the developing of wearable devices. However, the very limited active layer thickness has seriously restricted the photoelectric conversion efficiency. Here, the optical nanostructure fabricated with the assistance of self-assembly polystyrene mask layer has been integrated to increase the light absorption capacity by simultaneously utilizing the local surface plasma resonance, gap plasma, and the microcavity resonance effect. With the incorporation of triangular silver (T-Ag) nanostructure, the photogenerated current and response speed have significantly enhanced 481.25% and 26.30%, respectively. This strategy provides a viable way to design high-efficiency ultra-thin photodetectors.