bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation Of Power Electronics Of Electrical Systems In Ev’S Using Scilab
Authors: Kumar Sunil Prashanth , Jisha P.K. , Sashikumar Gaurav , Sabreesh S , Rai Shwetha , Tatvik Mahesha S.N.
Published: April 2022

The need for electric vehicles is expanding vastly and so are the methods by which electric vehicle technology could help to reduce the carbon production and make the environment more pollution free. This research emphasizes on power electronic systems such as Buck and Boost converters used in electric vehicles through Scilab simulations. It draws attention to the mathematics associated with the elementary phases for the power electronic circuits. This paper describes the working, mathematics and simulation of buck and boost converters used in an electric vehicle. We analyze the different circuitry systems, build the block diagrams in Xcos, Scilab and illustrate the outputs in terms of graphical representations.
Graphene Nanoribbons Reinforced Polymer Nanocomposites and its Applications: A Review
Authors: Prasad Mulaga Durga , Sharma Ambuj , Tambe Pankaj
Published: April 2022

Graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) synthesis methods are discussed along with its characterization. GNRs are modified with a functional group to tailor the properties of GNRs. The reinforcement of GNRs in polymer matrix nanocomposites has influenced the mechanical, electrical, rheological, and thermal properties. The GNRs are superior to multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) as a filler material in polymer nanocomposites established through experimental observations. Further, the modification of GNRs covalently and non-covalently improves the dispersion of GNRs in the polymer matrix and improves the properties of nanocomposites significantly. The GNRs filled polymer nanocomposites show the applications like corrosion protection of metal, Joule heating to evaporate moisture, EMI shielding for protecting devices, a sensor for gas sensing, and oil separation by processing hydrophobic polymer nanocomposites foam.
Atomic layer deposition of AlN on different SiC surfaces
Authors: Beshkova M , Deminskyi P , Hsu C-W , Shtepliuk I , Avramova I , Yakimova R , Pedersen H
Published: April 2022

Thin AlN films were grown using a Picosun R-200 atomic layer deposition (ALD) reactor on SiC surfaces with different crystallographic orientation: on-axis 4H-SiC (0001) and 8° off-axis 4H-SiC. TMA (trimethylaluminium) and NH3 were used as precursors while hydrogen and nitrogen plasma were applied for in-situ substrate cleaning. The substrate temperatures were 400 °C and 450 °C, with 20 ALD cycles. The surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), which revealed nanometer-sized islands in all films. The AlN films deposited on on-axis 4H-SiC at 450 °C substrate temperature exhibited a relatively small roughness of about 0.255 nm. The chemical composition and bonding states were investigated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. For all layers, high-resolution XPS showed Al 2p and N 1s spectra that are characteristic of AlN. These results are a good prerequisite of establishing the growth conditions of AlN films for surface acoustic wave (SAW) devices.
Quartz crystal microbalance sensor for NO2 detection based on electrospun amorphous titanium oxide fibers
Authors: Starbova K , Georgieva V , Starbov N , Stefanov P , Georgieva B , Lazarov J
Published: April 2022

The sensitivity to various concentrations of NO2 is studied of a 16-MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCMs) coated by immobilized electrospun amorphous titanium oxide fibers. The morphology, phase and chemical composition of the sensing material are determined by scanning and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (SEM, HRTEM), transmission high-energy electron diffraction (THEED) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Resonance frequency shifts are established of the QCM-TiO2 system within a broad interval of NO2 concentrations. Experimental evidence is found for a reversible gas sorption at the lowest tested gas concentration of 50 ppm. Additional sensor response is established to gradually increasing NO2 concentrations up to 5000 ppm. It is demonstrated that electrospun amorphous titanium oxide fibers are promising sensing materials for NO2 detection.
Effect of cation substitutions in Y-type Ba0.5Sr1.5Me2Fe12O22 hexaferrites on the magnetic phase transitions
Authors: Georgieva B , Kolev S , Ghelev Ch , Krezhov K , Kovacheva D , Vertruyen B , Closset R , Tran L-M , Babij M , Zaleski A , Koutzarova T
Published: April 2022

We investigated the magnetic properties and magnetic phase transition in Y-type Ba0.5Sr1.5NiMgFe12O22 hexaferrite powder prepared by citrate sol-gel spontaneous combustion. The saturation magnetisation value of 32 emu/g at 4.2 K was lowered to 24 emu/g at 300 K. The magnetisations curves did not saturate even at a magnetic field of 50 kOe for both temperatures - 4.2 K and 300 K. A step-like behaviour appeared in the initial magnetisation curve at 4.2 K. A magnetic phase transformation from a spiral magnetic ordering to a conical spin one was observed at 40 K.
Optimization of titanium and titanium alloy surface properties by ultra-short laser processing for improved antibacterial characteristics
Authors: Aceti D M , Daskalova A , Angelova L , Filipov E , Sotelo L , Andreeva A , Trifonov A , Buchvarov I
Published: April 2022

The aim of the current study is to improve in a one step process the properties of Ti and Ti alloy surfaces by enhancing their bioactivity in order to provide better conditions for microbial rejection. We propose to alter the biomaterial characteristics by a method alternative to the chemical ones, namely, non-contact processing of the surface by ultra-short laser pulses. The laser-induced modification results in a surface with different topographic features and an increased presence of oxides. We performed hierarchical laser patterning of the surface inducing the formation of areas covered by nanostructures, or laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), alternating with areas covered by micropillars in their turn surmounted by LIPSS. The increased roughness achieved due to the presence of micropillars, together with a marked presence of oxides, has been proven by several studies to enhance the biocompatibility of the material by improving the surface wettability and, furthermore, promoting the cells adhesion and osseointegration, while reducing the adhesion of pathogens.

The laser processed surface, consisting of a pattern of parallel lines, showed improved and anisotropic wettability. The water contact angle value decreased by ∼10° in a direction orthogonal to the lines of the pattern, and by ∼40° in a parallel direction.
Modification and activation of the surface of medical-grade PDMS after irradiation by ultrashort laser pulses
Authors: Iordanova E , Yankov G , Stankova N , Nedyalkov N
Published: April 2022

The present research aims to investigate the modification and activation effects on medical-grade polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer irradiated by ultrashort laser pulses. The motivation of the current study is based on the wide use of the PDMS material in medicine and, more specifically, in implantable neural interface applications. Systematic measurements are carried out to characterize the effect of the laser beam parameters on the optical absorption and the surface morphology with respect to the laser-treated zones. The PDMS polymer is modified by surface tracks after the femtosecond laser processing. The optical properties of the PDMS are investigated to prove the effective laser activation of the surface, which ensures further successful metallization of the modified tracks. It is seen that defective transformations occur in the entire laser-treated area when the number of pulses is increased. The preliminary observation indicates promising results regarding the implementation of such a laser-based method for micro-or nano-processing of optically transparent biopolymers for interface devices in bioengineering technologies, such as neural implants and interface applications.
Design considerations of the European DEMO’s IR-interferometer/polarimeter based on TRAVIS simulations
Authors: Brunner K.J. , Marushchenko N. , Turkin Y. , Biel W. , Knauer J. , Hirsch M. , Wolf R.C.
Published: April 2022

Interferometry is the primary density control diagnostic for large-scale fusion devices, including ITER and DEMO. In this paper we present a ray tracing simulation based on TRAVIS accounting for relativistic effects. The study shows that measurements will over-estimate the plasma density by as much as 20°. In addition, we present a measurement geometry, which will enable vertical position control during the plasma’s ramp-up phase when gap-reflectometers and neutron cameras are still blind.
QEMU-based hardware/software co-development for DAQ systems
Authors: Zabołotny W.M.
Published: April 2022

Modern DAQ systems typically use the FPGA-based PCIe cards to concentrate and deliver the data to a computer used as an entry node of the data processing network. This paper presents a QEMU-based methodology for the co-development of the FPGA-based hardware part, the Linux kernel driver, and the data receiving application. This approach enables quick verification of the FPGA firmware architecture, organization of control registers, the functionality of the driver, and the user-space application. The developed design may be tested in different emulated architectures with a changeable CPU, IOMMU, size of memory, and the number of DAQ cards.
Real-time detection of 1-butanol VOCin an indigenously developed Gas chamber
Authors: Bhat Pratima , Naveen Kumar S.K
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we discuss the sensing studies of 1-butanol volatile organic compound (VOC) in an indigenously developed gas chamber. Designing of the portable gas chamber is discussed with the integration of thin-film ZnO sensor on an Inter-digitated electrodefabricated on a flexible Teflon substrate. Exposure of 1-butanol VOC inside the chamber causes a change in the resistance of the ZnO thin film. This change in the resistance is converted to voltage with a Wheatstone bridge network and an instrumentation amplifier circuit designed using precision components.The sensitivity of the sensor for 50 ppm and 100 ppm of 1-butanol is tested at room temperature (27°C) and the results are compared with our early studies using Keithley instruments.
Titanium Nitride based multi-functional thin films
Authors: Krishna M.Ghanashyam , Padmanabhan K.A.
Published: April 2022

The aim of the present work is to demonstrate that the applications of TiN thin films can be expanded well beyond the traditional domains. For example, although TiN is known to exist in several sub-stoichiometric forms their properties have not been exploited fully. Using a patented sputtering process technology, we show that the Ti2N phase is semiconducting, possesses a band gap of the order of 3.5eV and a hardness in the region of 5-7 GPa. Thisimplies that Ti2N thin films can be candidates for light emitting diode applications. In some cases, reflectivity <2% in the visible region was also achieved which is useful for optical shielding applications. The nitrogen stoichiometry and thickness of TiN thin films can be tuned to achieve colours from blue to brown to golden yellow for decorative coating applications. TiN thin films can be a cost-effective replacement for Au since they also display a surface plasmon resonance at the same wavelength. The conductivity of TiN is sufficiently high to replace gold as an electrode material in electronic devices such as diodes. The properties of TiN-Si3N4 and TiN-Polyaniline composite thin films are also reported. The current work, thus, demonstrates the multi-functionality of TiN as an optical, opto-electronic and electronic material.
Phase transition and ferroelectric properties study of lead-free 0.95BaTiO3-0.05CaSnO3 ceramics synthesized by high energy ball milling assisted solid state reaction route
Authors: Kar B , Swain S , Kumar P , Panigrahi S
Published: April 2022

Lead-free 0.95BaTiO3-0.05CaSnO3 ceramics were synthesized by high energy ball milling (HEBM) assisted solid state reaction route. Calcination temperature and time for phase formation was optimized and found to be relatively less than other BaTiO3-doped system. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman study were performed for phase examination of the synthesized material. Rietveld analysis confirmed double-phase co-existence of this 95/05 system at room temperature. Sintering temperature and time for better densification were optimized to be 1250°C for 3hr. From dielectric study it was found that ferroelectric-paraelectric phase transition temperature(Tc, observed≈ 55°C) was reduced considerably in compared to the pure BaTiO3 system (Tc≈ 125°C). No relaxorbehaviour was found from dielectric study. Polarization vs. electric field hysteresis loop study showed the development of saturated hysteresis loops but the remnant polarization was found decreased compared to pure BaTiO3 system.
Thermochemical Characterization of Cycas Circinalis Seed Shell to Evaluate their Potential as Biofuel Source
Authors: G S Vanisree , K Aparna
Published: April 2022

Increased environmental pollution anxieties and quest for high energy demand from renewable energy sources forced to use lignocellulosic biomass to produce Bio-fuels. Cycas circinalis seed shell is a plant-derived bio-waste readily available in the southern coastal part of India. This research aims to explore the thermochemical characteristic of Cycas circinalis seed shells. Substantial volume reduction of feedstock and low processing time makes the thermal conversion route more attractive than any other method of waste to energy conversion. Biomass degradation behavior is studied by Thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (TGA and DTG); this depicts biomass degradation in three primary stages, each corresponding to the decomposition of hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin components. Functional groups were determined by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The obtained calorific value of biomass was found to be 16.17 MJ/Kg. Proximity analysis results showed the percentage of moisture content, volatile matter, ash content, and fixed carbon as7.95%,77.35%,2.05%,12.65%respectively. The ultimate analysis determines the composition of significant elements present in Cycas ciricinails. Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen are found to be 45.54%, 6.5 %, and 47.16 %, respectively. Sulfur and nitrogen component values were observed to be lower, which is also a promising result in view of environmental concerns.
Investigations on dislocation density and strain of polyaniline withWO3nanocomposites
Authors: Vijaykumar B T , Bharati B , Priyanka K , Ramabai  , Manjunatha B , Sannakki Basavaraja
Published: April 2022

Polyaniline is equipped by in-situ chemical oxidative polymerization method using ammonium persulphate as an oxidizing agent. The prepared Polyaniline is doped with the nano particles of WO3 at dissimilar weight percentage. The nano-compsites are characterized using XRD and SEM. The crystallite sizes are obtainvia Debye-Scherer relation from the XRD spectra for nano-composites of different weight percentages. The crystallite sizes of nano-particles decreased with increase in weight percentage of WO3 with the PANI. The dislocation density due to the defects in the crystals of nano-composites is obtained. The dislocation density increased as wt % of WO3 in PANI increased. Further, the strain produce at the grain boundary is obtained by FWHM of the XRD spectra. The strain of nano-composites at the grain boundary increased as dislocation density increased. Strain at the grain boundary is also increased as weight percent of WO3 increased in the nano-composites of PANI. Further, the surface morphology of the nano-composites of PANI/WO3 at different weight percentages were observed using SEM. The particles are appeared granular in shape and size. The agglomeration in the sizes of the nano-composites was observed as weight percent of WO3 with PANI increased.
Continuum removal and self-absorption correction incalibration-free laser-induced breakdownspectroscopy for efficient elemental analysis
Authors: John Lekha Mary , B. N. BalakrishnaPrabhu , Anoop K. K.
Published: April 2022

Even though laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has emerged as a powerful analytical technique, the broad continuum emission and self-absorption effects in laser-produced plasmas (LPP) limit the accuracy of the LIBS technique in multi-elemental compositional analysis. In this work, we developed an algorithm to detect and remove the broad continuum emission, which usually originates from free-free and free-bound transitions. To eliminate the continuum, the segment-wise background correction method (using identified continuum parts of varied range) was used. The spectral interference of lines is more likely to be found in LIBS spectra, especially with low-resolution spectrometers. A Lorentzian curve fitting method was used to resolve closely spaced emission lines. The ‘internal reference self-absorption correction (IRSAC)’ method was introduced to correct the reabsorption effects in LPPs. When these methods are applied to LIBS data of bronze alloy, more accurate quantitative findings are obtained, with a major component accuracy error of less than 10% when compared to its reference abundance.
One-Pot Synthesis of Biocompatible Glycine Protected Chromium Doped ZnS Nanoparticles and their Optical Properties
Authors: Bhat Vighneshwar S , Tilakraj T S , Patil Mallikarjun K , Pujari Vikram , Inamdar Sanjeev R
Published: April 2022

Here in, we report the synthesis and characterization of Chromium doped Zinc Sulfide nanoparticles (ZnS NPs). Initially, ZnS NPs are synthesized by bio-compatible glycine cap using simple one-pot co-precipitate method, and further it is doped by Chromium. The structure and morphology of these ZnS NPs was confirmed by X-Ray Diffractometry (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscope with Elementary Dispersive Spectrum (SEM with EDS) techniques. The optical characterization techniques reveal that the Chromium doping affected the absorption and photoluminescence properties of the NPs. Photoluminescence of these NPs shifts from 384 nm to 428 nm upon Chromium doping. By using Tauc plot we obtained the energy band gap of 4.7 eV and it reduces to 3.9 eV for Chromium dope. The resultant ZnS NPs have size of 2.17nm and 1.86nm (with Chromium doping), also it gives Cubic Zinc blend phase as proved by XRD. The instrumentation techniques SEM with EDS, XRD, FTIR confirms that high purity Chromium doped ZnS NPs can be obtained by the proposed simple, low cost and highly effective method.
Study of optical properties of photo annealed solution based As2S3 chalcogenide glass thin films
Authors: Prince  , Zulfequar M
Published: April 2022

Chalcogenide glasses have wide range of applications in Mid- IR region due to its attractive optical properties. In this paper, we study the influence of UV light on the optical properties of solution based A2S3 chalcogenide thin films by examining transmission spectraand further we compare optical properties of photo annealed solution based thin films with the optical properties of thermally deposited As2S3 thin film annealed at 150°C for one hour. Illumination removes the excess amount of solvent which results in high refractive index, lower absorption coefficient and optical band gap ranging from 2.32 eV to 2.27eV.
Numerical Simulation of Silicon Crystal Growth: A 2-DOpen FOAM implementation
Authors: Nagarajan S G , Panjwani Balram , Johannes Øvrelid Eivind , Gururajan M P , Viswanathan N N
Published: April 2022

The main objective of this work is to develop a numerical solver to simulate the silicon solidification process using an open source software named open FOAM.We describe ways in which the existing solvers in open FOAM such as buoyant Boussineq PimpleFoam and buoyant PimpleFoam can be extended/modified to study solidification problems. Specifically, in this paper, we describe the development of the solidification solvers based on (a) the buoyant Boussineq PimpleFoam along with solidification Melting Source and, (b) bouyantPimpleFoam along with temperature dependent thermo-physical properties using the latest openFOAM2012 version. It is known that the solidification solver using bouyantBoussineqPimpleFoamalong with solidification Melting Source works well in cases where the solidification process can be modelled using a source term; we are also able to reproduce this textbook case satisfactorily. On the other hand, when we use the bouyantPimple Foam solver with temperature dependent properties for silicon solidification process, we are not able to satisfactorily match our results with those in the literature for the flow patterns. We present these preliminary results and indicate the possible reasons for the mismatch between our results from open FOAM and the results from a global model. The work on the benchmarking of the flow patterns and the incorporation of one more scalar equation to obtain the oxygen distribution in the solidification domain are in progress.
Shape Control of Au Nanoparticles Using Flacourtia Inermis Extract
Authors: Pattabi Rani M , M Krishnaprabha , Pattabi Manjunatha
Published: April 2022

Spherical Au nanoparticles and triangular nanostructures were synthesized with ease using the extract of the fruit of Flacourtia inermis. This sour fruit, colloquially called “lololikka” is found extensively in some regions of South India and it is reported to possess good antimicrobial activity. We have succeeded in controlling both the size as well as the shape of the particles by merely changing the reaction temperature or the extract concentration thereby rendering the synthesis protocol extremely useful for designing them for medical or catalytic applications. The effect of the nanoparticle shape in its catalytic activity has been studied by following the reduction reaction of 4- nitrophenol.
Diamond-Like Carbon Thin Films from Low-Pressure and High-Density CH4 Plasma
Authors: Saha Sucharita , Das Debajyoti
Published: April 2022

DLC thin films were grown using a low-pressure high-density CH4/Ar plasma on glass substrates in a planar RF (13.56 MHz) inductively coupled plasma (ICP) CVD system. Using a plasma triggered by RF power to a mixture of 20 sccm CH4 and 50 sccm Ar gas maintained at a low pressure of ∼30 mTorr, a series of samples were prepared by varying the substrate temperature and then changing the RF power. The optimised DLC films, obtained at 500 °C and 900 W demonstrated a high optical transmission of ∼97 % corresponding to awideoptical band gap of ∼3.58 eV; and a minimum of ID/IG ∼0.61 along witha maximum ofIDia/ID ∼1.32 in Raman analysis established the maximum sp3/sp2 content in the carbon network.
Growth of manganite nanoparticles with narrow size distribution using reverse micelle method
Authors: Pratheek  , Bhat S V , Hegde B G
Published: April 2022

Charge ordering is one of the interesting phenomena exhibited by doped rare earth manganites. Along with the application of a high magnetic field and variation of composition and temperature, the intrinsic method of size reduction to nanoscale is a much investigated method of ‘melting’ the charge order. However, the question of complete melting of charge order versus the melting of only the long range charge order is not yet fully settled. Investigating small enough and monodisperse nanoparticles should help clarify the point. We have prepared nanoparticles of La0.375Ca0,625MnO3, Nd0.375Ca0, 625MnO3, and La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 following the two-microemulsion reverse micelle method and characterized them using powder x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy techniques. We find that nanoparticles of narrow size distribution are obtained and conclude that with further tuning of the preparation parameters it is possible to achieve monodisperse nanoparticles of the manganites.
Sol-Gel Synthesis of Multifunctional Bismuth Ferrite Nanostructures: Effect of Heating Conditions on their Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Eledath Manjusha , Vishwanathan Shalini , Chandran Maneesh
Published: April 2022

Bismuth ferrite (BiFeO3) is a multifunctional perovskite material well-known for its lead-free chemistry, multiferroic properties at room temperature, photovoltaic properties, and photocatalytic activity. BiFeO3 nanostructures were synthesized using sol-gel method by varying annealing temperature and annealing rate. The formation of phase-pure BiFeO3 was confirmed using X-ray diffraction and Raman spectroscopy.Using scanning electron microscopy, the size of BiFeO3nanostructures was evaluated to be around 100-500 nm depending on the annealing parameters. The bandgap of the synthesized nanostructures was estimated to be 2.18-2.26 eV, with UV diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The photocatalytic activity was assessed by the degradation of malachite green dye under visible light irradiation and their correlation with heating parameters is discussed in detail.
Investigation on the impacts of thickness on thermal stress on Thermoelectric materials MoSi2 and Mo5SiB2
Authors: Singh Sarabjeet , Chandra Sharma Yogesh
Published: April 2022

Thermoelectric cooler employs Peltier effect for dissipating heat in an electronic casing structure. It shows exceptional rewards over conservative cooling skill via quiet process, extended life span, and effortless integration. Nevertheless, Joule heating results in the accumulation of internal heat thereby exposes thermoelectric cooler towards the risk of thermo-mechanical breakdown all through continuous operations in pragmatic thermal surroundings. A relative analysis of the effect of thickness size on thermal stress on MoSi2 and Mo5SiB2 by the COMSOL-Multiphysics platform is offered. Mo5SiB2 in comparison to MoSi2 has lower anisotropic single crystal elastic moduli, along with lower shear modulus. Mo5SiB2 has a slightly higher bulk, shear and Young’s than MoSi2. RT Vickers hardness of Mo5SiB2 is much larger than those of MoSi2. Fracture toughness is comparable to those of MoSi2. In this paper, a 3D module of thermoelectric materials MoSi2 and Mo5SiB2 is designed on the way to examine the effect of thermal stress with increasing thickness of the material taking into consideration the temperature reliant TE material traits. One side of the module is kept at 300K with fixed constraints while the other side is kept at 1200K. It has been observed that the thermal stress induced in MoSi2 and Mo5SiB2 decrease exponentially with increase in thickness of the material. Beyond thickness of 500 nm, the incremental difference in thermal stress is not large although a slight rise in stress level is observed at thickness 700 nm. It was found that the induced thermal stress for a particular thickness in Mo5SiB2 is lower than MoSi2. For MoSi2, the voltage swings across the length is from -2.42mV to 1.09 mV whereas for Mo5SiB2, the voltage swings across the length is from -1.87 mV to 1.64 mV. It was found that excessive elevated levels of thermal strain may source the dislocations as well as cracks in the layers of the material.
Preparation of CdS and its Photocalytic behaviour for Dye Degradation
Authors: Patil Bharati N , Acharya Smita A
Published: April 2022

A short time ago, transition metal sulphides like CdS has been arduously studied because it has unique catalytic functions. This disclosed that CdS nanocrystals are good photocatalysts because it can quickly generate electron-hole pairs by photo-excitation. In the present work, CdS is prepared by hydrothermal process. Prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffractions (XRD), SEM, Optical study, and for evaluation of photophysical properties, UV/VIS spectra were recorded. By UV irradiation and photocatalytic decay of dyes, the photoactivity of synthesised CdS was accessed. The CdS shows higher catalytic activity.
Synthesis and Stabilization of Palladium Nanoparticles in Various Ionic Liquids
Authors: Singh Chanchal
Published: April 2022

Synthesis of Palladium nanoparticles (PdNPs) was carried out in various Ionic Liquids under variable temperature and with different palladium precursors. Further study showed that nitrogen containing functional group are better for generation of PdNPs. The size of nanoparticles was determined by TEM which showed the high variation in shape and size, and presence of a built-in stabilizing agent enhanced dispersibility of PdNP in different organic solvents. PdNPs formed was found to be catalytic active under standard carbon-carbon bond coupling reaction.PdNPs was synthesized by the thermal reduction in nitrile functionalized ionic liquid which act as in-situ catalyst C-C coupling reaction.
Electron Transport in N-functionalised Armchair Graphene Nanoribbons: Computational Insight
Authors: Agrawal Sonal , Srivastava Anurag , Kaushal Gaurav
Published: April 2022

Density functional theory (DFT) theoryhas been used to explore the electronic and transport properties of (3, 0) pristine armchair graphene nanoribbons (AGNR) and its Nitrogen (N) doped counterparts. The analysis has been performed for four different Nitrogen doping concentrations i.e., 6.25%, 12.5%, 18.75% and 25% by replacing the carbon atoms of the pristine AGNR. The computed formation energy (Eform) confirms that the stability of N-doped AGNR is comparable to pristine AGNR. Band structure and density of states profile shows that pristine AGNRs havea band gap of 1.06 eV and introduction of N doping changes its behavior to n-type semiconductor. Interestingly, in N doped AGNR, its metallic character remains intact with increasing concentration of N and shows superior current-voltage characteristics compared to linear atomic chains of metals, with 25% doping concentration. This interesting behavior of N doped AGNR can be exploited for its application as electrodes or interconnects in electronic devices.
Chalcogenide Photonic Crystal: Channel Drop Filter
Authors: Singh Rajpal , Bhargava Anami
Published: April 2022

In the present paper, we have studied a two-dimensional photonic crystal structure of square lattice as channel drop filter application. Photonic crystal structure of square lattice was constructed with circular rods are embedded in air medium. The channel drop filter was designed with a point defect cavity nearby a waveguide, which constructed by removing a single row of rods near cavity. The cavity was designed by removing a number of rods, which characterized with dimension of the cavity. The transmission spectra were analyzed for the channel drop filter with the dimension of the cavity.
Approach toward Alpha Alumina Synthesis
Authors: Upasani Manisha , Bagde Ashutosh
Published: April 2022

The recent developments and trends towards the synthesis of alumina nanoparticles are discussed. Different modifications made to synthesis approaches for preparation of alumina nanoparticles are critically analyzed. Special attention is emphasized towards combustion synthesis of alpha alumina.
Investigate the Optical, Structural and electrochemical properties of PVC/PMMA/NiO blend films
Authors: Basappa M , Ganesha H , Veeresh S , Nagaraju Y S , Vandana M , Vijeth H , Devendrappa H
Published: April 2022

PVC/PMMA and PVC/PMMA/NiO blend films were prepared by solution casting technique. The FT-IR spectra confirms the change in the band structure and presence of hydrogen chlorine and Ni-O bond in the PVC/PMMA and NiO loaded blend film and XRD pattern reveals the formation of NiO phase in the PVC/PMMA polymer with exhibits the amorphous nature, it may increase the conductivity and stability of the material.The surface morphology shows the NiO homogeneously dispersed on the surface of PVC/PMMA matrix, and CV curve demonstrate that the rectangular shape at different scan rate from 10 mV/s to 50 mV/s. The PVC/PMMA/NiO 3% loaded polymer blend films shows the synergistic properties towards the electrochemical performance.
Reply to ‘Commentary on Mapping the electric field vector of guided ionization waves at atmospheric pressure, (2020) Plasma Res. Express

2 025014)’
Authors: Iseni S
Published: April 2022

This is a Reply to the Comment of Dozias S., Pouvesle J.-M. and Robert E. on the paper ‘Mapping the electric field vector of guided ionization waves at atmospheric pressure’. The criticism in the Comment, namely that the measurements and the subsequent interpretations are wrong, seems to be invalid. Additional information will be detailed to discuss the point of view of the authors. However, the criticism raises an interesting comparison of two data sets presented in a normalized color scale. The resulting figure clearly supports the argument that the plasma-induced electric field measurements are consistent and validates the experimental investigation.
McKeown esophagectomy: robot-assisted versus conventional minimally invasive technique—systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Jianghui , Xu Jinye , Chen Liangliang , Hu Junxi , Shu Yusheng
Published: April 2022

Background and purpose: This meta-analysis assesses the surgical outcomes between robot-assisted minimally-invasive McKeown esophagectomy and conventional one. Method: This meta-analysis searched the Web of Science, PUBMED, and EMBASE from the database’s inception to January 2022. Altogether, 1073 records were identified in the literature search. Studies that evaluated the outcomes between robot-assisted minimally-invasive McKeown esophagectomy and conventional one among postoperative patients with oesophageal neoplasms were included. The assessed outcomes involved complications and clinical outcomes. In addition, heterogeneity was analyzed, and evidence quality was evaluated. Result: Evidence indicated that RAMIE (minimally-invasive esophagectomy assisted with robot) decreased incidences of lung complications and hospital stay as well as increased harvested lymph nodes. Conclusions: There was currently little evidence from randomized studies depicting that robot surgery manifested a clear overall advantage, but there was growing evidence regarding the clinical benefits of robot-assisted minimally invasive McKeown esophagectomy over conventional one.
Avian-associated Aspergillus fumigatus displays broad phylogenetic distribution, no evidence for host specificity, and multiple genotypes within epizootic events
Authors: Lofgren Lotus A , Lorch Jeffrey M , Cramer Robert A , Blehert David S , Berlowski-Zier Brenda M , Winzeler Megan E , Gutierrez-Perez Cecilia , Kordana Nicole E , Stajich Jason E
Published: April 2022

Birds are highly susceptible to aspergillosis, which can manifest as a primary infection in both domestic and wild birds. Aspergillosis in wild birds causes mortalities ranging in scale from single animals to large-scale epizootic events. However, pathogenicity factors associated with aspergillosis in wild birds have not been examined. Specifically, it is unknown whether wild bird-infecting strains are host-adapted (i.e. phylogenetically related). Similarly, it is unknown whether epizootics are driven by contact with clonal strains that possess unique pathogenic or virulence properties, or by distinct and equally pathogenic strains. Here, we use a diverse collection of Aspergillus fumigatus isolates taken from aspergillosis-associated avian carcasses, representing 24 bird species from a wide geographic range, and representing individual bird mortalities as well as epizootic events. These isolates were sequenced and analyzed along with 130 phylogenetically diverse human clinical isolates to investigate the genetic diversity and phylogenetic placement of avian-associated A. fumigatus, the geographic and host distribution of avian isolates, evidence for clonal outbreaks among wild birds, and the frequency of azole resistance in avian isolates. We found that avian isolates were phylogenetically diverse, with no clear distinction from human clinical isolates, and no sign of host or geographic specificity. Avian isolates from the same epizootic events were diverse and phylogenetically distant, suggesting that avian aspergillosis is not contagious among wild birds and that outbreaks are likely driven by environmental spore loads or host comorbidities. Finally, all avian isolates were susceptible to Voriconazole and none contained the canonical azole resistance gene variants.
DDRGK1 is required for the proper development and maintenance of the growth plate cartilage
Authors: Weisz-Hubshman Monika , Egunsula Adetutu T , Dawson Brian , Castellon Alexis , Jiang Ming-Ming , Chen-Evenson Yuqing , Zhiyin Yu , Lee Brendan , Bae Yangjin
Published: April 2022

Loss-of-function mutations in DDRGK1 have been shown to cause Shohat type spondyloepimetaphyseal dysplasia (SEMD). In zebrafish, loss of function of ddrgk1 leads to defects in early cartilage development. Ddrgk1−/− mice show delayed mesenchymal condensation in the limb buds and early embryonic lethality. Mechanistically, Ddrgk1 interacts with Sox9 and reduces ubiquitin-mediated proteasomal degradation of Sox9 protein. To investigate the cartilage-specific role of DDRGK1, conditional knockout mice were generated by intercrossing Prx1-Cre transgenic mice with Ddrgkfl/fl mice to delete its expression in limb mesenchymal cells. Mutant mice showed progressive severe shortening of the limbs and joint abnormalities. The growth plate showed disorganization with shortened proliferative zone and enlarged hypertrophic zone. In correlation with these findings, Sox9 and Col2a1 protein levels were decreased, while Col10a1 expression was expanded. These data demonstrate the importance of Ddrgk1 during growth plate development. In contrast, deletion of Ddrgk1 with the osteoblast-specific Osteocalcin-Cre and Leptin receptor-Cre lines did not show bone phenotypes, suggesting that the effect on limb development is cartilage-specific. To evaluate the role of DDRGK1 in cartilage postnatal homeostasis, inducible Agc1-CreERT2; Ddrgklfl/fl mice were generated. Mice in which Ddrgk1 was deleted at 3 months of age showed disorganized growth plate, with significant reduction in proteoglycan deposition. These data demonstrate a postnatal requirement for Ddrgk1 in maintaining normal growth plate morphology. Together, these findings highlight the physiological role of Ddrgk1 in the development and maintenance of the growth plate cartilage. Furthermore, these genetic mouse models recapitulate the clinical phenotype of short stature and joint abnormalities observed in patients with Shohat type SEMD.
Marronage or Underground? The Black Geographies of Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s The Water Dancer
Authors: Waller Nicole
Published: April 2022

I combine a reading of contemporary scholarship on US maroon histories and the Underground Railroad—and the concomitant notions of marronage and the underground—with a reading of two recent works of African American literature: Colson Whitehead’s The Underground Railroad (2016) and Ta-Nehisi Coates’s The Water Dancer (2019). Foregrounding the idea of Black geographies as a form of placemaking and “thinking otherwise” about land and water, I suggest that despite the differing, and at times contrasting, trajectories of maroon histories and the histories of Black flight to the North, African American maroon experiences and the Underground Railroad are conceptually connected in contemporary African American literature. I read the two novels as recent literary expressions of this conceptual link, which is played out via representations of relating to the land. By reimagining and intertwining marronage and the underground, both novels articulate a critique of settler-colonial and plantation modes of spatial practice, modes they identify as formative for US-American nationhood. They also, tentatively but forcefully, gesture toward alternative ways of being “above” and “below” the land while affirming African American connectedness to place.
Distribution and the evolutionary history of G-protein components in plant and algal lineages
Authors: Mohanasundaram Boominathan , Dodds Audrey , Kukshal Vandna , Jez Joseph M , Pandey Sona
Published: April 2022

Heterotrimeric G-protein complexes comprising Gα-, Gβ-, and Gγ-subunits and the regulator of G-protein signaling (RGS) are conserved across most eukaryotic lineages. Signaling pathways mediated by these proteins influence overall growth, development, and physiology. In plants, this protein complex has been characterized primarily from angiosperms with the exception of spreading-leaved earth moss (Physcomitrium patens) and Chara braunii (charophytic algae). Even within angiosperms, specific G-protein components are missing in certain species, whereas unique plant-specific variants—the extra-large Gα (XLGα) and the cysteine-rich Gγ proteins—also exist. The distribution and evolutionary history of G-proteins and their function in nonangiosperm lineages remain mostly unknown. We explored this using the wealth of available sequence data spanning algae to angiosperms representing extant species that diverged approximately 1,500 million years ago, using BLAST, synteny analysis, and custom-built Hidden Markov Model profile searches. We show that a minimal set of components forming the XLGαβγ trimer exists in the entire land plant lineage, but their presence is sporadic in algae. Additionally, individual components have distinct evolutionary histories. The XLGα exhibits many lineage-specific gene duplications, whereas Gα and RGS show several instances of gene loss. Similarly, Gβ remained constant in both number and structure, but Gγ diverged before the emergence of land plants and underwent changes in protein domains, which led to three distinct subtypes. These results highlight the evolutionary oddities and summarize the phyletic patterns of this conserved signaling pathway in plants. They also provide a framework to formulate pertinent questions on plant G-protein signaling within an evolutionary context.
The Ahr2-Dependent wfikkn1 Gene Influences Zebrafish Transcriptome, Proteome, and Behavior
Authors: Shankar Prarthana , Garcia Gloria R , La Du Jane K , Sullivan Christopher M , Dunham Cheryl L , Goodale Britton C , Waters Katrina M , Stanisheuski Stanislau , Maier Claudia S , Thunga Preethi , Reif David M , Tanguay Robyn L
Published: April 2022

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is required for vertebrate development and is also activated by exogenous chemicals, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). AHR activation is well-understood, but roles of downstream molecular signaling events are largely unknown. From previous transcriptomics in 48 h postfertilization (hpf) zebrafish exposed to several PAHs and TCDD, we found wfikkn1 was highly coexpressed with cyp1a (marker for AHR activation). Thus, we hypothesized wfikkn1’s role in AHR signaling, and showed that wfikkn1 expression was Ahr2 (zebrafish ortholog of human AHR)-dependent in developing zebrafish exposed to TCDD. To functionally characterize wfikkn1, we made a CRISPR-Cas9 mutant line with a 16-bp deletion in wfikkn1’s exon, and exposed wildtype and mutants to dimethyl sulfoxide or TCDD. 48-hpf mRNA sequencing revealed over 700 genes that were differentially expressed (p < .05, log2FC > 1) between each pair of treatment combinations, suggesting an important role for wfikkn1 in altering both the 48-hpf transcriptome and TCDD-induced expression changes. Mass spectrometry-based proteomics of 48-hpf wildtype and mutants revealed 325 significant differentially expressed proteins. Functional enrichment demonstrated wfikkn1 was involved in skeletal muscle development and played a role in neurological pathways after TCDD exposure. Mutant zebrafish appeared morphologically normal but had significant behavior deficiencies at all life stages, and absence of Wfikkn1 did not significantly alter TCDD-induced behavior effects at all life stages. In conclusion, wfikkn1 did not appear to be significantly involved in TCDD’s overt toxicity but is likely a necessary functional member of the AHR signaling cascade.
Clinicopathological features and programmed death-ligand 1 immunohistochemical expression in a multicenter cohort of uterine and ovarian melanomas: a retrospective study in Japan (KCOG-G1701s)
Authors: Yano Mitsutake , Nasu Kaei , Yasuda Masanori , Katoh Tomomi , Kagabu Masahiro , Kobara Hisanori , Matsuura Motoki , Tokuyama Osamu , Yamawaki Takaharu , Wakahashi Senn , Noguchi Tomoko , Mizuno Kaoruko , Shitsukawa Keiji , Onohara Yoshimasa , Nakabori Takashi , Miyasaka Aki , Nakao Takehiro , Matsunaga Tatsuya , Kunimi Yusuke , Sakurai Manabu , Uchiyama Aya , Itoh Ryoji , Ohike Nobuyuki , Hirakawa Takashi , Watanabe Tadashi , Nishino Koji , Motohashi Takashi , Ito Kimihiko
Published: April 2022

The objective of this study was to propose prognostic factors and optimal treatment strategies by analyzing the clinicopathological features and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression. We analyzed 31 patients diagnosed with uterine or ovarian melanoma between 1997 and 2017 in the Kansai Clinical Oncology Group/Intergroup. Twenty-four and seven patients with cervical and ovarian melanomas were included, respectively. Immune checkpoint inhibitors were used in seven patients, and the objective response rate was 40%. Notably, two patients with objective responses had a high PD-L1 expression. Ten and four patients with cervical and ovarian melanomas, respectively, had high PD-L1 immunohistochemical expressions. Multivariate analysis revealed that tumor stage was an independent prognostic factor for progression-free survival in patients with cervical melanomas. In patients with ovarian melanomas, the 1-year cumulative progression-free and overall survival rates were 0 and 29%, respectively. Kaplan–Meier analyses revealed that age <60 years was associated with poorer progression-free and overall survivals in patients with ovarian melanomas. In patients with cervical melanomas, the 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative overall survival rates were 53, 32, and 16%, respectively. Histological atypia was associated with a poorer progression-free survival, but there was no difference in survival between patients who underwent radical hysterectomy and those who did not. The present study is a large cohort study of uterine and ovarian melanomas, which are aggressive tumors with a significantly poor prognosis, even after standard surgery and adjuvant therapy. The use of immune checkpoint inhibitors is a promising and effective treatment option.
Efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitors in melanoma: a meta-analysis of seven randomized controlled trials
Authors: Fu Xue-Lei , Feng Li-Ping , Yu Hai-Rong , Du Lin , Song Yi-Ping , Chen Hong-Lin
Published: April 2022

Little is known about the efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitor therapy in patients with melanoma. The objective of this study was to assess the possible benefits and harms of angiogenesis inhibitor therapy in patients with melanoma. Electronic databases of PubMed and Web of Science were searched from inception to January 2020. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the efficacy and safety of angiogenesis inhibitor therapy in patients with melanoma were included. Primary outcomes were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), reported as hazard ratios (HRs). Secondary outcomes were disease control, objective response, and adverse events, reported as odds ratios (ORs), and trial sequential analysis (TSA) was also performed. We identified seven trials with 3185 patients. There was no significant difference in OS [HR, 0.99; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.90–1.09] or PFS (HR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.83–1.00) between the treatment groups. No significant effect of angiogenesis inhibitor therapy was identified on disease control (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.97–1.55) or objective response (OR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.99–1.62). TSA showed that the sample size for analysis of disease control was sufficient. Additionally, angiogenesis inhibitor therapy increased risks of hypertension, neurological symptoms, and diarrhea. Angiogenesis inhibitor therapy makes no significant improvement in OS or PFS in patients with melanoma and even causes an increased risk of important adverse events. Therefore, angiogenesis inhibitor therapy is not recommended for the treatment of melanoma.