bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medetomidine/midazolam/fentanyl narcosis alters cardiac autonomic tone leading to conduction disorders and arrhythmias in mice
Authors: Tomsits Philipp , Volz Lina , Xia Ruibing , Chivukula Aparna , Schüttler Dominik , Clauß Sebastian
Published: March 2023

Arrhythmias are critical contributors to cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. Therapies are mainly symptomatic and often insufficient, emphasizing the need for basic research to unveil the mechanisms underlying arrhythmias and to enable better and ideally causal therapies. In translational approaches, mice are commonly used to study arrhythmia mechanisms in vivo. Experimental electrophysiology studies in mice are performed under anesthesia with medetomidine/midazolam/fentanyl (MMF) and isoflurane/fentanyl (IF) as commonly used regimens. Despite evidence of adverse effects of individual components on cardiac function, few data are available regarding the specific effects of these regimens on cardiac electrophysiology in mice. Here we present a study investigating the effects of MMF and IF narcosis on cardiac electrophysiology in vivo in C57BL/6N wild-type mice. Telemetry transmitters were implanted in a group of mice, which served as controls for baseline parameters without narcosis. In two other groups of mice, electrocardiogram and invasive electrophysiology studies were performed under narcosis (with either MMF or IF). Basic electrocardiogram parameters, heart rate variability parameters, sinus node and atrioventricular node function, and susceptibility to arrhythmias were assessed. Experimental data suggest a remarkable influence of MMF on cardiac electrophysiology compared with IF and awake animals. While IF only moderately reduced heart rate, MMF led to significant bradycardia, spontaneous arrhythmias, heart rate variability alterations as well as sinus and AV node dysfunction, and increased inducibility of ventricular arrhythmias. On the basis of these observed effects, we suggest avoiding MMF in mice, specifically when studying cardiac electrophysiology, but also whenever a regular heartbeat is required for reliable results, such as in heart failure or imaging research.
Platelet glycoprotein V spatio-temporally controls fibrin formation
Authors: Beck Sarah , Öftering Patricia , Li Renhao , Hemmen Katherina , Nagy Magdolna , Wang Yingchun , Zarpellon Alessandro , Schuhmann Michael K. , Stoll Guido , Ruggeri Zaverio M. , Heinze Katrin G. , Heemskerk Johan W. M. , Ruf Wolfram , Stegner David , Nieswandt Bernhard
Published: March 2023

The activation of platelets and coagulation at vascular injury sites is crucial for hemostasis but can promote thrombosis and inflammation in vascular pathologies. Here, we delineate an unexpected spatio-temporal control mechanism of thrombin activity that is platelet orchestrated and locally limits excessive fibrin formation after initial hemostatic platelet deposition. During platelet activation, the abundant platelet glycoprotein (GP)V is cleaved by thrombin. We demonstrate, with genetic and pharmacological approaches, that thrombin-mediated shedding of GPV does not primarily regulate platelet activation in thrombus formation but rather has a distinct function after platelet deposition and specifically limits thrombin-dependent generation of fibrin, a crucial mediator of vascular thrombo-inflammation. Genetic or pharmacologic defects in hemostatic platelet function are unexpectedly attenuated by specific blockade of GPV shedding, indicating that the spatio-temporal control of thrombin-dependent fibrin generation also represents a potential therapeutic target to improve hemostasis.
Deep learning metal complex properties with natural quantum graphs
Authors: Kneiding Hannes , Lukin Ruslan , Lang Lucas , Reine Simen , Pedersen Thomas Bondo , De Bin Riccardo , Balcells David
Published: March 2023

Deep graph learning based on electronic structure can contribute to the accelerated discovery of transition metal complexes.
Competition of polar and antipolar states hidden behind a variety of polarization switching modes in hydrogen-bonded molecular chains
Authors: Horiuchi Sachio , Minemawari Hiromi , Ishibashi Shoji
Published: March 2023

The competition between polar and antipolar states causes the ferroelectric/antiferroelectric hybrid-like dielectric behaviors, whereas all the antipolar degenerate ground states cause distinct situations, which have been overlooked to date.
Green synthesis and characterization of Ag nanoparticles in a phytic acid/ascorbic acid/sodium hydroxide system and their application in the electrochemical detection of H2O2
Authors: Niu Baolong , Wang Hong , Zhang Yanwei , Nie Bin , Wang Huifang , Lian Xiaojie , Li Wenfeng
Published: March 2023

Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), as one of the most ubiquitous compounds, is widely used in many fields and performs important functions in physiological processes.
Nanoscale friction of biomimetic hair surfaces
Authors: Weiand Erik , Ewen James P. , Roiter Yuri , Koenig Peter H. , Page Steven H. , Rodriguez-Ropero Francisco , Angioletti-Uberti Stefano , Dini Daniele
Published: March 2023

Nanoscale friction of biomimetic hair surfaces is investigated using chemical colloidal probe atomic force microscopy (CCP-AFM) and coarse-grained non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations (CG-NEMD).
Ligand dynamics on the surface of CdSe nanocrystals
Authors: Cosseddu Salvatore , Pascazio Roberta , Giansante Carlo , Manna Liberato , Infante Ivan
Published: March 2023

Classical molecular dynamics simulations can help understand the locations, binding modes and mobilities of carboxylate ligands on CdSe nanocrystals, aiding in the optimization of their overall performance and efficiency.
The impact of oxygen on Ga doped ZnO film
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , Zhao Wenxiong , Wu Qiuchen , Lin Xinlu , Zhu Ziyao , Li Ruchun , Liu Yuhang , Huang Kai , Liu Xiangxin
Published: March 2023

The UPS results indicated that although the electron affinity of ZnO could be effectively tuned by doping Ga, it remained quite stable for GZO under oxygen rich condition.
Metal halide perovskites: promising materials toward next-generation circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Liang Bing , Zhang Li , Jiang Yuanzhi , Chen Siqi , Yuan Mingjian
Published: March 2023

Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) have emerged as highly appealing materials for circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) related applications, owing to their spin-related photoelectric properties and flexible structural adjustment.
Bioorthogonal 4H-pyrazole “click” reagents
Authors: Abularrage Nile S. , Levandowski Brian J. , Giancola JoLynn B. , Graham Brian J. , Raines Ronald T.
Published: March 2023

4H-Pyrazoles are emerging as useful click reagents.
Morpholine-modified permethyl β-cyclodextrin supramolecular nanoparticles for precise dual-targeted imaging
Authors: Niu Jie , Liu Yao-Hua , Xu Wenshi , Xu Wen-Wen , Song Ya-Hui , Yu Jie , Zhang Ying-Ming , Liu Yu
Published: March 2023

A supramolecular assembly was constructed by morpholine-modified permethyl β-cyclodextrin, sulfonated porphyrin, and folic acid-modified chitosan via multivalent interactions, exhibiting promoted photodynamic effect and dual-targeted precise imaging.
Ce3+ ion regulated CoNi-hydroxides for ultrahigh charge rate supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Fei , Zhao Mengying , Chen Kunfeng , Hu Mei , Xue Dongfeng
Published: March 2023

α-form Ce3+:CoNi-LDH//AC supercapacitors exhibited an energy density of 30 W h kg−1 at a power density of 10 kW kg−1 thanks the unique crystal and electronic structures of Ce3+:CoNi-LDH.
The coupling of blue emitting carbon dots with Eu3+/Tb3+ co-doped luminescent glasses for utilization in white light emitting diodes
Authors: Korkmaz Ulaş , Özlem Beyza , Erol Erdinç , Alas Melis Özge , Genç Altürk Rükan , Çelikbilek Ersundu Miray , Ersundu Ali Erçin
Published: March 2023

BCD-coated Eu3+/Tb3+ co-doped luminescent glasses exhibiting white light emission.
Stability and properties of new-generation metal and metal-oxide clusters down to subnanometer scale
Authors: de Lara-Castells María Pilar , Puzzarini Cristina , Bonačić-Koutecký Vlasta , López-Quintela M. Arturo , Vajda Stefan
Published: March 2023

This themed collection includes a collection of articles on stability and properties of new-generation metal and metal-oxide clusters down to subnanometer scale.
Carbon coated heterojunction CoSe2/Sb2Se3 nanospheres for high-efficiency sodium storage
Authors: Li Gongqiang , Song Meng , Zhang Xiao , Sun Yanfang , Guo Jinxue
Published: March 2023

Carbon coated CoSe2/Sb2Se3 heterojunction can effectively activate surface pseudocapacitive contribution and improve electrochemical dynamics, thus achieving high-performance anodes for sodium ion batteries.
Ligand exchange at tetra-coordinated beryllium centres
Authors: Buchner Magnus R. , Ćoćić Dušan , Ivlev Sergei I. , Spang Nils , Müller Matthias , Puchta Ralph
Published: March 2023

Dissociation and ligand exchange processes at mono- and dinuclear beryllium phosphine were studied. This revealed significantly different processes, which are strongly dependent on solvent and ligand and are accountable for their varied reactivity.
Amine protection by in situ formation of choline chloride-based deep eutectic solvents
Authors: Nardi Monica , De Luca Giuseppina , Novelli Paolo , Oliverio Manuela , Romano Salvatore , Procopio Antonio
Published: March 2023

Protection of amine groups by amide formation is still among the preferred strategies for multifunctional molecular synthesis despite its waste production, especially the enormous quantities of organic solvents used.
RuS2@CN-x with exposed (200) facet as a high-performance photocatalyst for selective C–C bond cleavage of biomass coupling with H–O bond cleavage of water to co-produce chemicals and H2
Authors: Li Xinze , Ma Jiliang , Fu Hongquan , Liu Zhendong , Zhang Junqiang , Cui Rui , Guo Yanzhu , Yao Shuangquan , Sun Runcang
Published: March 2023

RuS2@CN-x with exposed (200) facet as a high-performance photocatalyst for selective C–C bond cleavage of biomass coupling with H–O bond cleavage of water to co-produce chemicals and H2.
Ultralight, super-compression, and hydrophobic nanofibrous aerogels from cellulose acetate/polyethylene oxide nanofibers for efficient and recyclable oil absorption
Authors: Wu Lingyun , Gao Liang , Li JiaMing , Wu Tianyu , Chen Dongli , Manxi Zhou , Sui Gang
Published: March 2023

An ultralight hybrid nanofibrous aerogel exhibiting high resilience and excellent oil-aborption performance.
Halloysite nanotube-supported bismuth catalysts for acetylene hydrochlorination
Authors: Meng Fanxiang , Wang Lu , Yan Haijun , Zhang Meng , Wang Jide , Zhao Ling , Yang Chao , Wu Ronglan
Published: March 2023

A novel supported bismuth (Bi)-based catalyst was prepared using halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) as a carrier and effectively used for acetylene hydrochlorination.
Controlling the durability and optical properties of triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion nanocapsules
Authors: Schloemer Tracy H. , Sanders Samuel N. , Narayanan Pournima , Zhou Qi , Hu Manchen , Congreve Daniel N.
Published: March 2023

In this nanoparticle synthesis, the feed quantities of TEOS and PEG-silane greatly impact the formation of the external silica shell used to encapsulate upconversion materials, as well as the accessible upconverted photoluminescence.
KPFM visualisation of the Schottky barrier at the interface between gold nanoparticles and silicon
Authors: Lechaptois Luis , Prado Yoann , Pluchery Olivier
Published: March 2023

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) deposited on a doped silicon substrate induce a local band bending and a local accumulation of positive charges in a semiconductor.
Investigation into the crystal structure–dielectric property correlation in barium titanate nanocrystals of different sizes
Authors: Li Qiong , Ju Tianxiong , Li Ruipeng , Wang Shuang , Yang Yongfang , Ishida Hatsuo , Harn Yeu-Wei , Chen Jihua , Hirt Benjamin , Sehirlioglu Alp , Lin Zhiqun , Zhu Lei
Published: March 2023

High-κ ferroelectric nanoparticles, e.g., BaTiO3, are important for the development of high capacitance density multilayer ceramic capacitors. Here, thermal annealing is used to dramatically (∼3×) increase the permittivity of BaTiO3 nanoparticles.
Correction: Mechanisms of Mg carbonates precipitation and implications for CO2 capture and utilization/storage
Authors: Santos Hellen S. , Nguyen Hoang , Venâncio Fabricio , Ramteke Durgaprasad , Zevenhoven Ron , Kinnunen Paivo
Published: March 2023

Correction for ‘Mechanisms of Mg carbonates precipitation and implications for CO2 capture and utilization/storage’ by Hellen S. Santos et al., Inorg. Chem. Front., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2qi02482a.
Zirconium ferrite incorporated zeolitic imidazolate framework-8: a suitable photocatalyst for degradation of dopamine and sulfamethoxazole in aqueous solution
Authors: Adewuyi Adewale , Ogunkunle Olaoluwa A. , Oderinde Rotimi A.
Published: March 2023

The complete removal of pharmaceutical wastes from polluted water systems is a global challenge.
On the direct correlation between the copper current collector surface area and ‘dead Li’ formation in zero-excess Li metal batteries
Authors: Adhitama Egy , Refino Andam Deatama , Brake Tobias , Pleie Jan , Schmidt Christina , Demelash Feleke , Neuhaus Kerstin , Bornemann Steffen , Wiemers-Meyer Simon , Peiner Erwin , Winter Martin , Wasisto Hutomo Suryo , Placke Tobias
Published: March 2023

The direct correlation between the surface area of the current collector (CC) and the ‘dead Li’ is evaluated in this study.
Bimetallic selenide Cu4Mo6Se8 nanosheet arrays grown on a carbon skeleton via MOF-derived with enhanced electrochemical kinetics for high-performance sodium-ion batteries
Authors: Wang Shuai , Zou Rujia , Liu Qian , Chen Huifang
Published: March 2023

The Cu4Mo6Se8/C composites with a 3D network array structure derived from Cu–Mo MOF exhibit enhanced electrochemical kinetics as advanced anodes for high-rate Na+ storage.
Sequence liquid manipulation on a multifunctional snowflake-patterned interface with dual unidirectional wettability
Authors: Wu Weiming , Bai Haoyu , Yang Yi , Li Guoqiang , Chen Zuqiao , Tang Chengning , Yin Huan , Lai Lin , Liu Jiasong , Xuan Sensen , Song Yuegan , Liu Senyun , Yin Kai , Cao Moyuan
Published: March 2023

Inspired by the fractal structure of snowflake and the Janus interface of lotus leaf, here we present a sequence liquid transporting interface with a dual unidirectional pathway for manipulating micro-droplets in fog collection and microreactions.
Targeting TLR4/3 using chlorogenic acid ameliorates LPS+POLY I:C-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome via alleviating oxidative stress-mediated NLRP3/NF-κB axis
Authors: Jain Siddhi , Saha Pritam , Syamprasad Nayadi Parambil , Panda Samir Rajan , Rajdev Bishal , Jannu Arun Kumar , Sharma Pawan , Naidu Vegi Ganga Modi
Published: March 2023

Acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a life-threatening condition caused due to significant pulmonary and systemic inflammation. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been shown to possess potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunoprotective properties. However, the protective effect of CGA on viral and bacterial-induced ALI/ARDS is not yet explored. Hence, the current study is aimed to evaluate the preclinical efficacy of CGA in lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (POLY I:C)-induced ALI/ARDS models in vitro and in vivo. Human airway epithelial (BEAS-2B) cells exposed to LPS+POLY I:C significantly elevated oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling. Co-treatment with CGA (10 and 50 µM) prevented inflammation and oxidative stress mediated by TLR4/TLR3 and NLRP3 inflammasome axis. BALB/c mice, when chronically challenged with LPS+POLY I:C showed a significant influx of immune cells, up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, namely: IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, and treatment with intranasal CGA (1 and 5 mg/kg) normalized the elevated levels of immune cell infiltration as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines. D-Dimer, the serum marker for intravascular coagulation, was significantly increased in LPS+ POLY I:C challenged animals which was reduced with CGA treatment. Further, CGA treatment also has a beneficial effect on the lung and heart, as shown by improving lung physiological and cardiac functional parameters accompanied by the elevated antioxidant response and simultaneous reduction in tissue damage caused by LPS+POLY I:C co-infection. In summary, these comprehensive, in vitro and in vivo studies suggest that CGA may be a viable therapeutic option for bacterial and viral-induced ALI-ARDS-like pathology.
The SERVQUAL instrument to measure service quality in higher education – A case study
Authors: Rolo Ana , Alves Rui , Saraiva Margarida , Leandro Gracieth
Published: March 2023

Students and employers, are the “clients” of Higher Education Institutions (HEI), so it is important to obtain their feedback on the quality of HEI and the courses they attend. This article aims to listen to students’ opinion as “clients” of higher education, based on their expectations and perceptions, to measure the quality of the service of HEI. The results from empirical research were presented on the measurement of expectations and perceptions to assess the quality of services provided by a HEI perceived by students, based on observations obtained through survey. Quantitative methodology and data analysis techniques were applied. The SERVQUAL questionnaire was filled by 271 students who attended the 1st, 2nd and 3rd year of the five undergraduate courses taught by the institution, in the academic year 2021/2022. The values obtained for the expectations were very high which translated into negative deviations (Gaps). Thus, we can conclude that ESCE students are very demanding, have high expectations or are very demanding when they classify perceptions by assigning them low values.
Synthesis of Functionalized Spirooxindole Polycycles: Use of Cyclic 1,3-Diones as Reactants or as Condition-Tuning Molecules
Authors: Tanaka Fujie , Sohail Muhammad
Published: March 2023

This account describes the strategies for the synthesis of functionalized spirooxindole polycycles, including enantiomerically enriched forms, that we have developed and reported. The syntheses of these complex molecules were accomplished in a few steps starting from relatively simple oxindole derivatives and other reactants. Organocatalytic reactions involved in kinetic resolution or in dynamic kinetic transformation led to the formation of products with high diastereo- and/or enantioselectivities. Cyclic 1,3-diones, such as 1,3-cyclohexanedione, were used as reactants to provide two reaction sites for the construction of polycyclic ring systems. To tune the reaction conditions, 2-methyl-1,3-cyclohexanedione was employed. The developed methods enabled the synthesis of complex functionalized spirooxindole polycycles bearing up to seven stereogenic centers, and will be useful for the synthesis of potentially bioactive molecules.

1 Introduction

2 Formal (4+1) Cycloaddition and Enantioselective Michael/Henry Cascade Reactions

3 Dynamic Stereoselective Aldol/Oxacyclization Cascade Reactions

4 Dynamic Kinetic Asymmetric Transformation: Diastereo- and Enantioconvergent Michael/Henry Reactions

5 Dimerization Reactions

6 Conclusion
Feasibility and Morbidity for the Use of MR-Guided Laser-Induced Thermotherapy for the Treatment of Skull Base Tumors: A Report of Three Cases
Authors: Lawrence Jesse D. , Marsh Robert
Published: March 2023

Background Laser-induced thermotherapy (LITT) is a minimally invasive technique that has been demonstrated as an effective treatment of many pathologies; however, it has never been investigated for the use in skull base tumors.

Case Series Three patients underwent LITT for treatment of skull base meningiomas. All three patients were determined to be poor candidates for open resection. Each patient was treated with a single laser fiber. Postoperative imaging confirmed ablation zones along the tract of the catheter in all three patients. Ablation zones were estimated to be 9 to 20% of the intended to treat tumor volume. Two of three treated patients suffered cranial nerve injury following the procedure with one patient diagnosed with neurotrophic keratitis and one patient with symptoms consistent with anesthesia dolorosa.

Conclusion LITT is a technically feasible, minimally invasive treatment modality for skull base lesions. Significant risk to cranial nerves and small ablation zones afforded by a single cannula placement proposes serious obstacles. Further investigation is warranted prior to using this technique outside of a palliative indication.
Vascular regulation of disseminated tumor cells during metastatic spread
Authors: Sturgess Victoria , Azubuike Udochi F. , Tanner Kandice
Published: March 2023

Cancer cells can travel to other organs via interconnected vascular systems to form new lesions in a process known as metastatic spread. Unfortunately, metastasis remains the leading cause of patient lethality. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that physical cues are just as important as chemical and genetic perturbations in driving changes in gene expression, cell motility, and survival. In this concise review, we focus on the physical cues that cancer cells experience as they migrate through the lymphatic and blood vascular networks. We also present an overview of steps that may facilitate organ specific metastasis.
A 220 GHz–1.1 THz continuous frequency and polarization tunable quasi-optical electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopic system
Authors: Khatri Gyan , Fritjofson Gregory , Hanson-Flores Jacob , Kwon Jaesuk , Del Barco Enrique
Published: March 2023

Here, we describe a custom-designed quasi-optical system continuously operating in the frequency range 220 GHz to 1.1 THz with a temperature range of 5–300 K and magnetic fields up to 9 T capable of polarization rotation in both transmitter and receiver arms at any given frequency within the range through a unique double Martin–Puplett interferometry approach. The system employs focusing lenses to amplify the microwave power at the sample position and recollimate the beam to the transmission branch. The cryostat and split coil magnets are furnished with five optical access ports from all three major directions to the sample sitting on a two-axes rotatable sample holder capable of performing arbitrary rotations with respect to the field direction, enabling broad accessibility to experimental geometries. Initial results from test measurements on antiferromagnetic MnF2 single crystals are included to verify the operation of the system.
A novel in situ sample environment setup for combined small angle x-ray scattering (SAXS), wide-angle x-ray scattering (WAXS), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) simultaneous measurement
Authors: Liu Yang , Tian Feng , Zhou Ping , Zhu Huachun , Zhong Jiajia , Chen Min , Li Xiuhong , Huang Yuying , Ma Jingyuan , Bian Fenggang
Published: March 2023

Developing the synchrotron radiation experiment method based on combined technology offers more information on the formation mechanism of new materials and their physical and chemical properties. In this study, a new small-angle x-ray scattering/ wide-angle x-ray scattering/ Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (SAXS/WAXS/FTIR) combined setup was established. Using this combined SAXS/WAXS/FTIR setup, x-ray and FTIR signals can be obtained simultaneously from the same sample. The in situ sample cell was designed to couple two FTIR optical paths for the attenuated total reflection and transmission modes, which greatly saved the time of adjusting and aligning the external infrared light path when switching between the two modes with good accuracy. A transistor–transistor logic circuit was used to trigger the synchronous acquisition from the IR and x-ray detectors. A special sample stage is designed, allowing access by the IR and x-ray with temperature and pressure control. The newly developed, combined setup can be used to observe the evolution of the microstructure during the synthesis of composite materials in real-time at both the atomic and molecular levels. The crystallization of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) at different temperatures was observed. The time-dependent experimental data demonstrated the success of the in situ SAXS, WAXS, and FTIR study of the structural evolution, which is feasible to track the dynamic processes.
Infrared thermotransmittance-based temperature field measurements in semitransparent media
Authors: Bourgès C. , Chevalier S. , Maire J. , Sommier A. , Pradère C. , Dilhaire S.
Published: March 2023

Contactless temperature field measurements in or at the surfaces of semitransparent media are a scientific challenge as classical thermography techniques based on proper material emission cannot be used. In this work, an alternative method using infrared thermotransmittance for contactless temperature imaging is proposed. To overcome the weakness of the measured signal, a lock-in acquisition chain is developed and an imaging demodulation technique is used to retrieve the phase and amplitude of the thermotransmitted signal. These measurements, combined with an analytical model, enable the estimation of the thermal diffusivity and conductivity of an infrared semitransparent insulator (wafer of Borofloat 33 glass) and the monochromatic thermotransmittance coefficient at 3.3 µm. The obtained temperature fields are in good agreement with the model, and a detection limit of ±2 °C is estimated with this method. The results of this work open new opportunities in the development of advanced thermal metrology for semitransparent media.
Electrochemical thinning of Co kagome-lattice layers in ferromagnetic Co3Sn2S2 thin films by bias-induced Co dissolution
Authors: Fujiwara Kohei , Ikeda Junya , Ito Shun , Tsukazaki Atsushi
Published: March 2023

Solid–liquid interfaces made of functional inorganic materials and liquid electrolytes exhibit various interesting responses by applying an electric bias across the interface. Using an electric-double-layer device fabricated on a thin-film channel of magnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2 with an ionic liquid gate electrolyte, we show that the conducting channel thickness can be effectively decreased by applying a negative gate voltage. The application of a gate voltage of −6 V at 250 K gives rise to an irreversible increase in the channel resistance. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the thickness of the crystallized Co3Sn2S2 region is decreased by applying the negative bias, leaving a Co-poor disordered region on top of the Co3Sn2S2 layer. These results suggest that the preferential dissolution of Co is driven under the application of the negative bias, which leads to the disconnection of Co kagome-lattice layer that is mainly responsible for electrical conduction in Co3Sn2S2. Distinct from conventional bottom-up film growth approaches, this top-down thickness control enables us to examine the thickness dependence of the anomalous transport properties of Co3Sn2S2 in a single sample. The present finding will be useful for experimentally verifying the theoretically discussed ultrathin-film properties of the magnetic Weyl semimetal Co3Sn2S2.
Toward the realization of a primary low-pressure standard using a superconducting microwave resonator
Authors: Gambette P. , Gavioso R. M. , Madonna Ripa D. , Plimmer M. D. , Sparasci F. , Pitre L.
Published: March 2023

We describe a primary gas pressure standard based on the measurement of the refractive index of helium gas using a microwave resonant cavity in the range between 500 Pa and 20 kPa. To operate in this range, the sensitivity of the microwave refractive gas manometer (MRGM) to low-pressure variations is substantially enhanced by a niobium coating of the resonator surface, which becomes superconducting at temperatures below 9 K, allowing one to achieve a frequency resolution of about 0.3 Hz at 5.2 GHz, corresponding to a pressure resolution below 3 mPa at 20 Pa. The determination of helium pressure requires precise thermometry but is favored by the remarkable accuracy achieved by ab initio calculations of the thermodynamic and electromagnetic properties of the gas. The overall standard uncertainty of the MRGM is estimated to be of the order of 0.04%, corresponding to 0.2 Pa at 500 and 8.1 Pa at 20 kPa, with major contributions from thermometry and the repeatability of microwave frequency measurements. A direct comparison of the pressures realized by the MRGM with the reference provided by a traceable quartz transducer shows relative pressure differences between 0.025% at 20 kPa and −1.4% at 500 Pa.
Testing Koopmans spectral functionals on the analytically solvable Hooke’s atom
Authors: Schubert Yannick , Marzari Nicola , Linscott Edward
Published: March 2023

Koopmans spectral functionals are a class of orbital-density-dependent functionals designed to accurately predict spectroscopic properties. They do so markedly better than their Kohn–Sham density-functional theory counterparts, as demonstrated in earlier works on benchmarks of molecules and bulk systems. This work is a complementary study where—instead of comparing against real, many-electron systems—we test Koopmans spectral functionals on Hooke’s atom, a toy two-electron system that has analytical solutions for particular strengths of its harmonic confining potential. As these calculations clearly illustrate, Koopmans spectral functionals do an excellent job of describing Hooke’s atom across a range of confining potential strengths. This work also provides broader insights into the features and capabilities of Koopmans spectral functionals more generally.
Stability of breakdown phenomenon in N2, SF6, and their mixture under impulse voltages
Authors: Geng Jiuyuan , Yang Jianhua , Shu Ting , Cheng Xinbing , Chen Rong
Published: March 2023

In the self-breakdown experiment, it is demonstrated that the breakdown stability of 15% SF6/N2 was higher than that of pure SF6 and N2 in the non-uniform field under negative impulse voltages. In this paper, the stable breakdown phenomenon of the gas mixture is studied at the nanosecond scale. The corona process and streamer process of these three gases are investigated by using a high-speed framing camera. The stabilized corona and the abnormal streamer phenomena observed in the gas mixture discharge have a relation to the stable breakdown phenomenon. The stabilized corona is supposed to be the main reason that obstructs the development of negative steamer and stabilizes the supply of photons to the anode. Furthermore, the captured images of the streamer process in the gas mixture show that there is a negative ion sheath between the electrodes. The sheath keeps the corona stabilized near the cathode tip. In addition, photons emitted by the stabilized corona can ionize neutral particles near the anode. The generated photoelectrons and positive ions accumulate near the anode surface. The positive streamer occurs once the accumulation number reaches a certain value. In addition, the photon emission intensity and stability also have an influence on the stability of the positive streamer.
Fast calculation of temperature distribution in oil-immersed transformer windings based on U-net neural network
Authors: Liu Yunpeng , Gao Yiqian , Liu Gang , Hu Wanjun , Wang Wenhao , Wang Bowen
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a fast computational method based on the training of the U-net neural network is proposed to solve the fluid-thermal coupling problem of transformers. First, the input variables are selected according to the fluid-thermal coupling principle, and the finite volume method is applied to obtain the output results under different operating conditions and make them into training sets and test sets. Second, the training sets are normalized and input into the U-net neural network. At the same time, three hyperparameters that have more influence on the network training are discussed in detail, and the optimal combination of hyperparameters is determined. Finally, the prediction set is fed into the trained model for prediction computation, and the results are subjected to the inverse normalization operation, whose predictive results are consistent with those calculated by the finite volume method. In addition, the computational time is shortened from 300 to 0.07 s, and the prediction variance does not exceed 0.055 K2. The results show that the proposed method can be used to obtain the temperature of immersed transformer windings quickly, which provides an effective tool for real-time temperature simulation of the digital twin of power transformers.
Experiments to understand microlayer and dry patch dynamics under subcooled nucleate flow boiling in a vertically oriented rectangular channel
Authors: Moiz Mohd , Vadlamudi Sai Raja Gopal , Srivastava Atul
Published: March 2023

Nucleate flow boiling offers high heat transfer rates and is considered an effective mode of heat transfer in many systems involving high heat loads. The phenomenon is characterized by the inception of vapor bubble(s) and its growth, followed by its departure in a periodic manner. The evolution of the nucleating bubble's footprint—microlayer and dry patch dynamics—is important in understanding the heat transfer capability and limiting heat flux values. However, efforts toward developing a fundamental understanding of this phenomenon during the nucleate flow boiling regime under subcooled bulk conditions are scarce in the open literature. Toward bridging this gap, we report flow boiling experiments on a hydrophilic surface for investigating the plausible influence of subcooling and minimize the influence of the hydrodynamic movement of contact lines on the dry patch dynamics. Experiments have been conducted in a vertically oriented rectangular channel with water as the working fluid for a Reynolds number of Re = 2400. Real-time microlayer dynamics have been mapped using thin-film interferometry, while the bubble evolution has been captured using one of the gradients-based imaging approaches employed from the side view. Experiments revealed a noticeable influence of subcooling on dry patch and microlayer dynamics. The size of the dry patch and the radial spread of the microlayer showed a decreasing trend with increasing subcooling level. Experimental conclusions are also supported with theoretical considerations.
High-power density, single plasmon, terahertz quantum cascade lasers via transverse mode control
Authors: Song C. , Salih M. , Li L. H. , Mangeney J. , Tignon J. , Davies A. G. , Linfield E. H. , Dhillon S.
Published: March 2023

Terahertz (THz) quantum cascade lasers (QCLs) have been shown to emit peak powers greater than 1 W from a single facet in a single plasmon geometry. However, this is typically achieved by increasing the laser ridge width, resulting in higher-order transverse modes, limiting the achievable power density. Here, we control and fully suppress these modes through thin metallic side-absorbers, showing laser action solely on the fundamental transverse mode operation without sacrificing high THz peak powers. This leads to enhanced power densities and electric fields of up to 1.8 kW/cm2 and 1.17 kV/cm, respectively, opening up the possibility of applying THz QCLs as pump sources for investigations of nonlinear THz physical phenomena.
High-performance MTJ-based sensors for monitoring of atmospheric pollution
Authors: Amara Selma , Aljedaibi Abdulrahman , Alrashoudi Ali , Ben Mbarek Sofiane , Khan Danial , Massoud Yehia
Published: March 2023

Solid and liquid particles in the atmosphere, referred to as airborne particulate matter (PM), have been rising significantly over the past two decades. Exposure to PM carries significant health risks such as lungs damage, heart disease, cancer, and death. PM2.5 is a subgroup of PM particles that are smaller than 2.5 µm and is a major concern as it is more harmful to health and more difficult to detect. One problematic component of PM2.5 is magnetite nanoparticles (<200 nm), which are readily absorbed into the bloodstream through the respiratory system. Eventually, magnetite nanoparticles deposit inside the brain causing neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or cancerous tumors by inducing oxidative stress. Additionally, Magnetite nanoparticles are often surrounded by heavy metal nanoparticles such as Cadmium and lead which are a great concern to the environment and health. Traditional PM detection methods such as laser scattering are bulky, expensive, and incapable of detecting particles smaller than 200 nm such as magnetite nanoparticles. Therefore, developing a low-cost highly sensitive sensor for monitoring magnetite nanoparticles is vital. Tunneling Magneto-Resistance (TMR) sensors are an attractive option due to their low-cost and high sensitivity toward magnetic nanoparticle detection. Moreover, developing a cheap, portable, and precise remote monitoring technique will allow for the creation of high spatial resolution highly sensitive monitoring networks for magnetic PM2.5. This work focuses on developing, modeling, and simulation of low-cost highly sensitive TMR sensor based on Magnetic Tunnel Junction (MTJ) that can detect and count magnetite nanoparticles.
Factors affecting recent population decline and range contraction of the greater long-tailed hamster in China
Authors: Zhang Da , Wan Xinru , Bai Defeng , Wang Zhenyu , Guo Yongwang , Zhang Zhibin
Published: March 2023

Context Over the past few decades, many mammalian species have experienced range shifts, due to either local extinction or expansion, under accelerating global climate change. However, the distinct effects and ecological mechanisms behind the anthropogenic and climate pressures on range shifts have not been fully studied. Aims Our aim was to examine the impacts of climate warming and human disturbance on the local disappearance probability and northwards range contraction at the southern distribution boundary of the greater long-tailed hamster (Tscherskia triton), a rodent pest, in northern China. The assessment was based on historical records from 1963 to 2018. Methods Logistic generalised additive models were used to quantify the association between local disappearance probability and environmental variables in the greater long-tailed hamsters. The air temperature threshold for local disappearance of the greater long-tailed hamsters (defined as the disappearance threshold) was estimated using the year following the last observation year. We also predicted changes in the distribution of the greater long-tailed hamsters under future warming scenarios. Key results The greater long-tailed hamster population has experienced notable population decline and range contraction along its southern boundary during the past 48 years. The probability of local disappearance is closely associated with climate warming (indexed by the annual air temperature), drought (indexed by annual precipitation), and human disturbance (indexed by the population density). The threshold of the yearly maximum temperature for local disappearance was 15.8 ± 3.87°C, and the average maximum temperature of the warmest months (from June to August) was 28.21 ± 2.71°C. Our projection model indicates that ongoing climate warming will cause more range contraction of the plain areas at the southern boundary of the greater long-tailed hamster distribution. Conclusions Over recent decades, rapid climate change and human disturbance have been associated with population decline and northwards range contraction of the southern boundary for the greater long-tailed hamster population in China. Implications Our study has significant implications for managing the damage done to farmland crops by this species, as well as the future conservation of this species in natural ecosystems.
Tuning Fe
3
O
4
for sustainable cathodic heterogeneous electro-Fenton catalysis by acetylated chitosan
Authors: Liu Xiao-Cheng , Zhang Kun-Xiao , Song Jun-Sheng , Zhou Guan-Nan , Li Wen-Qiang , Ding Rong-Rong , Wang Jing , Zheng Xusheng , Wang Gongming , Mu Yang
Published: March 2023

Peroxidase-like catalysts are safe and low-cost candidates to tackle the dilemma in constructing sustainable cathodic heterogeneous electro-Fenton (CHEF) catalysts for water purification, but the elusive structure–property relationship of enzyme-like catalysts constitutes a pressing challenge for the advancement of CHEF processes in practically relevant water and wastewater treatment. Herein, we probe the origins of catalytic efficiency in the CHEF process by artificially tailoring the peroxidase-like activity of Fe
3
O
4
through a series of acetylated chitosan-based hydrogels, which serve as ecofriendly alternatives to traditional carbon shells. The optimized acetylated chitosan wrapping Fe
3
O
4
hydrogel on the cathode shows an impressive activity and stability in CHEF process, overcoming the complicated and environmentally unfavored procedures in the electro-Fenton-related processes. Structural characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the amide group in chitosan can modulate the intrinsic redox capacity of surficial Fe sites on Fe
3
O
4
toward CHEF catalysis via the neutral hydrogen bond. This work provides a sustainable path and molecule-level insight for the rational design of high-efficiency CHEF catalysts and beyond.
Observation of large spin conversion anisotropy in bismuth
Authors: Fukumoto Naoki , Ohshima Ryo , Aoki Motomi , Fuseya Yuki , Matsushima Masayuki , Shigematsu Ei , Shinjo Teruya , Ando Yuichiro , Sakamoto Shoya , Shiga Masanobu , Miwa Shinji , Shiraishi Masashi
Published: March 2023

While the effective
g
-factor can be anisotropic due to the spin-orbit interaction (SOI), its existence in solids cannot be simply asserted from a band structure, which hinders progress on studies from such viewpoints. The effective
g
-factor in bismuth (Bi) is largely anisotropic; especially for holes at
T
-point, the effective
g
-factor perpendicular to the trigonal axis is negligibly small (<0.112), whereas the effective
g
-factor along the trigonal axis is very large (62.7). We clarified in this work that the large anisotropy of effective
g
-factor gives rise to the large spin conversion anisotropy in Bi from experimental and theoretical approaches. Spin-torque ferromagnetic resonance was applied to estimate the spin conversion efficiency in rhombohedral (110) Bi to be 17 to 27%, which is unlike the negligibly small efficiency in Bi(111). Harmonic Hall measurements support the large spin conversion efficiency in Bi(110). A large spin conversion anisotropy as the clear manifestation of the anisotropy of the effective
g
-factor is observed. Beyond the emblematic case of Bi, our study unveiled the significance of the effective
g
-factor anisotropy in condensed-matter physics and can pave a pathway toward establishing novel spin physics under
g
-factor control.
Guam ALS-PDC is a distinct double-prion disorder featuring both tau and Aβ prions
Authors: Condello Carlo , Ayers Jacob I. , Dalgard Clifton L. , Garcia Garcia M. Madhy , Rivera Brianna M. , Seeley William W. , Perl Daniel P. , Prusiner Stanley B.
Published: March 2023

The amyotrophic lateral sclerosis–parkinsonism dementia complex (ALS-PDC) of Guam is an endemic neurodegenerative disease that features widespread tau tangles, occasional α-synuclein Lewy bodies, and sparse β-amyloid (Aβ) plaques distributed in the central nervous system. Extensive studies of genetic or environmental factors have failed to identify a cause of ALS-PDC. Building on prior work describing the detection of tau and Aβ prions in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Down syndrome brains, we investigated ALS-PDC brain samples for the presence of prions. We obtained postmortem frozen brain tissue from 26 donors from Guam with ALS-PDC or no neurological impairment and 71 non-Guamanian donors with AD or no neurological impairment. We employed cellular bioassays to detect the prion conformers of tau, α-synuclein, and Aβ proteins in brain extracts. In ALS-PDC brain samples, we detected high titers of tau and Aβ prions, but we did not detect α-synuclein prions in either cohort. The specific activity of tau and Aβ prions was increased in Guam ALS-PDC compared with sporadic AD. Applying partial least squares regression to all biochemical and prion infectivity measurements, we demonstrated that the ALS-PDC cohort has a unique molecular signature distinguishable from AD. Our findings argue that Guam ALS-PDC is a distinct double-prion disorder featuring both tau and Aβ prions.
An inquiry into the semantic transparency and productivity of German particle verbs and derivational affixation
Authors: Stupak Inna V. , Baayen R. Harald
Published: March 2023

This study addresses the relation between morphological productivity and semantic transparency. Using distributional semantics, we compare German word formation using particles with derivational word formation. We observed that derivational suffixes, but not particles, tend to make strong independent semantic contributions to their carrier words. In two-dimensional t-SNE maps, complex words show clustering by affix, but not by particle. Furthermore, the semantic vectors of suffixed words are predictable from their base words with higher accuracy than is possible for particle verbs. For particle verbs, but not affixed verbs, semantic similarity within the set of complex words correlated negatively with the number of types. Furthermore, only for particle verbs, a greater number of observed types predicted a reduced probability of observing unseen types. We propose that particle verbs primarily serve the onomasiological function of labeling, resulting in relatively idiosyncratic semantic vectors. By contrast, words sharing derivational affixes form distinct clusters in semantic space while maintaining strong and consistent semantic relations with their base words. This enables these words to serve not only as labels, but also allows them to be used with an anaphoric function in discourse.
Utilising a novel multi-electrode approach for improving micro-resistance spot welding productivity for electric-mobility battery interconnects
Authors: Kumar Nikhil , Minda Ramakrishnan Sugumaran , Panchapakesan Kailasanathan , Subramaniam Devarajan , Dowson Martin , Das Abhishek
Published: March 2023

The micro-resistance spot welding is widely used for low-to-medium-volume applications due to its low cost, especially for cylindrical Lithium-ion cell-based modules. Using typical micro-resistance spot welding electrodes in a series configuration, two nuggets/welds are created in a single welding operation. As it is a contact joining process, productivity is limited. This paper developed a novel approach to enhance the productivity of micro-resistance spot welding, where four nuggets were produced instead of two nuggets in a single operation. The critical-to-quality criteria, including joint strength, microstructure, electrical resistance and temperature rise at joints, were demonstrated by comparing the existing and proposed approaches. A reduction in cycle time by up to 57% can be achieved by adopting the proposed approach while maintaining the weld quality.
Electron-Exciton Coupling in 1T-TiSe2 Bilayer
Authors: Zhu Li , Zhao Wei-Min , Jia Zhen-Yu , Li Huiping , Xie Xuedong , Li Qi-Yuan , Wang Qi-Wei , Dou Li-Guo , Hu Ju-Gang , Zhang Yi , Zhu Wenguang , Yu Shun-Li , Li Jian-Xin , Li Shao-Chun
Published: March 2023

Excitons in solid state are bosons generated by electron-hole pairs as the Coulomb screening is sufficiently reduced. The exciton condensation can result in exotic physics such as super-fluidity and insulating state. In charge density wave (CDW) state, 1T-TiSe2 is one of the candidates that may host the exciton condensation. However, to envision its excitonic effect is still challenging, particularly at the two-dimensional limit, which is applicable to future devices. Here, we realize the epitaxial 1T-TiSe2 bilayer, the two-dimensional limit for its 2 × 2 × 2 CDW order, to explore the exciton-associated effect. By means of high-resolution scanning tunneling spectroscopy and quasiparticle interference, we discover an unexpected state residing below the conduction band and right within the CDW gap region. As corroborated by our theoretical analysis, this mysterious phenomenon is in good agreement with the electron-exciton coupling. Our study provides a material platform to explore exciton-based electronics and opto-electronics.