bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Stable Li metal anode in a lithiophilic shuttle
Authors: Luo Kailin , Leng Ziyu , Li Zhendong , Chen Jiahe , Sun Nannan , Xu Jinting , Cao Xiaoling , Peng Zhe
Published: February 2022

A lithiophilic shuttle is obtained by the superposition of very thin layered copper oxide flakes, providing conjoined channels for fast and lateral Li+ transfer and stable Li plating/stripping at practical current densities and capacities.
CuCl2·2H2O/TBHP mediated synthesis of β-enaminones via coupling reaction of vinyl azides with aldehydes
Authors: Zhang Yaohong , Luo Mengqiang , Zhang Yichan , Cheng Kai , Li Yong , Qi Chenze , Shen Runpu , Wang Hai
Published: February 2022

A facile and efficient oxidative functionalization of vinyl azides with aldehydes furnishing a diverse array of β-acylated enaminones was developed.
Amyloid-β peptide 37, 38 and 40 individually and cooperatively inhibit amyloid-β 42 aggregation
Authors: Braun Gabriel A. , Dear Alexander J. , Sanagavarapu Kalyani , Zetterberg Henrik , Linse Sara
Published: February 2022

The pathology of Alzheimer's disease is connected to the aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) peptide, whichin vivoexists as a number of length-variants. This study identifies the Aβ37/38/40 ratio that is maximally inhibitory to Aβ42aggregation.
Dynamic effect of polymers at the surfactant–water interface: an ultrafast study
Authors: Garrett Paul , Baiz Carlos R.
Published: February 2022

Interfaces play a role in controlling the rates and outcomes of chemical processes.
Using small angle scattering to understand low molecular weight gels
Authors: McDowall Daniel , Adams Dave J. , Seddon Annela M.
Published: February 2022

We provide a tutorial review for beginners on the application of small angle X-ray and neutron scattering to supramolecular gels.
Thermoelectric property enhancement by merging bands in NbFeSb-based half-Heusler mixtures
Authors: Ti Zhuoyang , Guo Shuping , Zhang Xuemei , Li Jingyu , Zhang Yongsheng
Published: February 2022

The PF and zT enhancement of 18-e HH benefit from the band degeneracy increase via band merging.
Doping and interface engineering in a sandwich Ti3C2Tx/MoS2−xPx heterostructure for efficient hydrogen evolution
Authors: Zeng Xiaojun , Duan Derong , Zhang Xiaofeng , Li Xiaohong , Li Kai , Yu Ronghai , Moskovits Martin
Published: February 2022

A sandwich Ti3C2Tx/MoS2−xPx heterostructure with outstanding HER activity and excellent long-term durability was constructed by a hydrothermal and phosphorization approach. The sandwich heterostructure and P doping promote excellent HER performance.
Relieving immunosuppression by Endo@PLT targeting anti-angiogenesis to improve the efficacy of immunotherapies
Authors: Chen Chao , Tang Yijie , Huang Hao , Jia Li , Feng Lingzi , Zhao Jianya , Zhang Hao , He Jian , Ding Lingchi , Xia Donglin
Published: February 2022

Endo@PLT mitigates the tumor immune microenvironment in non-small-cell lung cancers for a better therapeutic outcome.
Reaction of a bis(pentafulvene)titanium complex with an N-heterocyclic olefin: C–H-activation leads to resonance between a titanium vinyl and titanium alkylidene complex
Authors: Fischer Malte , Roy Matthew M. D. , Hüller Sascha , Schmidtmann Marc , Beckhaus Rüdiger
Published: February 2022

Elucidating the bonding situation in a titanium complex with an anionic N-heterocyclic olefin ligand.
Fish oil ameliorates neuropsychiatric behaviors and gut dysbiosis by elevating selected microbiota–derived metabolites and tissue tight junctions in rats under chronic sleep deprivation
Authors: Lai Wen-De , Tung Te-Hsuan , Teng Chu-Yun , Chang Chia-Hsuan , Chen Yang-Ching , Huang Hui-Yu , Lee Hsin-Chien , Huang Shih-Yi
Published: February 2022

Fish oil-based diet reduced anxiety and depression behavior in rats under chronic SD. Possibly due to increase in probiotics production, butyric acid content and GPR43, improvement in the intestinal barriers and decrease in blood circulation proinflammatory status.
Asymmetric total synthesis of four bioactive lignans using donor–acceptor cyclopropanes and bioassay of (−)- and (+)-niranthin against hepatitis B and influenza viruses
Authors: Ota Ryotaro , Karasawa Daichi , Oshima Mizuki , Watashi Koichi , Shimasaki Noriko , Nishii Yoshinori
Published: February 2022

The total synthesis of four lignans including (−)- and (+)-niranthin has been achieved utilizing cyclopropanes. Based on bioassays of the (+)- and (−)-niranthins using HBV and IFV, we speculated the bioactive site of niranthin against HBV and IFV.
Self-assembled monolayer protection of chiral-imprinted mesoporous platinum electrodes for highly enantioselective synthesis
Authors: Butcha Sopon , Lapeyre Véronique , Wattanakit Chularat , Kuhn Alexander
Published: February 2022

Highly enantioselective electrosynthesis with up to 90% ee and short reaction times can be achieved with alkanethiol protected chiral imprinted mesoporous Pt surfaces.
Mn-derived Cs4PbX6 nanocrystals with stable and tunable wide luminescence for white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Shi Wenbin , Zhang Xiao , Matras-Postolek Katarzyna , Yang Ping
Published: February 2022

The band gap of Cs4PbX6 NCs was adjusted by Mn doping (Mn:Cs4PbX6), resulting in adjusted photoluminescence (PL) peaks and high PL efficiency. White light-emitting diodes were fabricated using the NCs with a Internationale de I’Eclairagechromaticity coordinates of (0.3229,0.3037).
Throughput maximisation for multi‐channel energy harvesting cognitive radio networks with hybrid overlay/underlay transmission
Authors: Zheng Kechen , Sun Wendi , Liu Xiaoying , Zhao Dongdong , Xu Yang , Liu Jia
Published: February 2022

This paper focuses on the issue of joint time and power allocation in multi‐channel energy harvesting CR networks (EH‐CRNs), where the multi‐antenna secondary transmitter (ST) opportunistically accesses the licensed subchannels by a hybrid overlay/underlay transmission approach. To improve spectrum efficiency and energy efficiency of the EH‐CRNs, the ST scavenges energy from the radio‐frequency signal radiated by the primary transmitter, and exploits the harvested energy for data transmission through subchannels of different states in overlay/underlay mode simultaneously. Moreover, under the interference power constraint, energy constraint, and maximum power constraint, the secondary throughput is improved by optimising the allocation of subchannels, the time scheduling between energy harvesting and data transmission, and the power allocation of the ST among different subchannels. A subchannel allocation scheme with low time complexity is proposed, and the secondary throughput optimisation problem is formulated with respect to the time scheduling and power allocation of the ST. Then it is proved the problem is convex, and the problem is solved by a proposed joint time and power allocation algorithm. Numerical results show that the proposed scheme has an advantage of secondary throughput over the other schemes. Finally, the impacts of key relevant factors on the secondary throughput are explored.
Predictions for LISA and PTA based on SHARK galaxy simulations
Authors: Curyło M. , Bulik T.
Published: February 2022

We present our analysis of a set of populations of massive black hole (MBH) binaries generated in the recent semi-analytic model of galaxy evolution (SHARK). We focus on studying gravitational wave (GW) emission produced during MBH mergers in terms of their detectability with current and future detectors, namely, Pulsar Timing Arrays (PTAs) and Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). The key advantage of SHARK is that it provides a way to explore a number of distinct models of MBH and galaxy evolution processes within a consistent framework and it was also successfully tested against current constraints from electromagnetic observations. In our work, we studied 12 models that vary in terms of their MBH seed formation scenarios and we tested two different MBH growth and feedback models. Based on our estimates, we find that LISA will be able to detect several to several tens of merger events per year for the most and least massive seed scenarios, respectively. We also show that the strength of this relation depends on the MBH growth model, where in the most extreme case, we find twice as many detected events for the same initial seed masses. Finally, we estimated the amplitude of the GW background at nHz frequencies to be on the order of 1.4 × 10−16 − 1.1 × 10−15. This value depends solely on the time delay between the merger of galaxies and their MBHs.
Stable nickel production in type Ia supernovae: A smoking gun for the progenitor mass?
Authors: Blondin S. , Bravo E. , Timmes F. X. , Dessart L. , Hillier D. J.
Published: February 2022

Context. At present, there are strong indications that white dwarf (WD) stars with masses well below the Chandrasekhar limit (MCh ≈ 1.4 M⊙) contribute a significant fraction of SN Ia progenitors. The relative fraction of stable iron-group elements synthesized in the explosion has been suggested as a possible discriminant between MCh and sub-MCh events. In particular, it is thought that the higher-density ejecta of MCh WDs, which favours the synthesis of stable isotopes of nickel, results in prominent [Ni II] lines in late-time spectra (≳150 d past explosion).

Aims. We study the explosive nucleosynthesis of stable nickel in SNe Ia resulting from MCh and sub-MCh progenitors. We explore the potential for lines of [Ni II] in the optical an near-infrared (at 7378 Å and 1.94 μm) in late-time spectra to serve as a diagnostic of the exploding WD mass.

Methods. We reviewed stable Ni yields across a large variety of published SN Ia models. Using 1D MCh delayed-detonation and sub-MCh detonation models, we studied the synthesis of stable Ni isotopes (in particular, 58Ni) and investigated the formation of [Ni II] lines using non-local thermodynamic equilibrium radiative-transfer simulations with the CMFGEN code.

Results. We confirm that stable Ni production is generally more efficient in MCh explosions at solar metallicity (typically 0.02–0.08 M⊙ for the 58Ni isotope), but we note that the 58Ni yield in sub-MCh events systematically exceeds 0.01 M⊙ for WDs that are more massive than one solar mass. We find that the radiative proton-capture reaction 57Co(p, γ)58Ni is the dominant production mode for 58Ni in both MCh and sub-MCh models, while the α-capture reaction on 54Fe has a negligible impact on the final 58Ni yield. More importantly, we demonstrate that the lack of [Ni II] lines in late-time spectra of sub-MCh events is not always due to an under-abundance of stable Ni; rather, it results from the higher ionization of Ni in the inner ejecta. Conversely, the strong [Ni II] lines predicted in our 1D MCh models are completely suppressed when 56Ni is sufficiently mixed with the innermost layers, which are rich in stable iron-group elements.

Conclusions. [Ni II] lines in late-time SN Ia spectra have a complex dependency on the abundance of stable Ni, which limits their use in distinguishing among MCh and sub-MCh progenitors. However, we argue that a low-luminosity SN Ia displaying strong [Ni II] lines would most likely result from a Chandrasekhar-mass progenitor.
The Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) on the James Webb Space Telescope
Authors: Birkmann S. M. , Ferruit P. , Giardino G. , Nielsen L. D. , García Muñoz A. , Kendrew S. , Rauscher B. J. , Beck T. L. , Keyes C. , Valenti J. A. , Jakobsen P. , Dorner B. , Alves de Oliveira C. , Arribas S. , Böker T. , Bunker A. J. , Charlot S. , de Marchi G. , Kumari N. , López-Caniego M. , Lützgendorf N. , Maiolino R. , Manjavacas E. , Marston A. , Moseley S. H. , Prizkal N. , Proffitt C. , Rawle T. , Rix H.-W. , te Plate M. , Sabbi E. , Sirianni M. , Willott C. J. , Zeidler P.
Published: February 2022

The Near-Inrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) on theJames WebbSpace Telescope (JWST) is a very versatile instrument, offering mul-tiobject and integral field spectroscopy with varying spectral resolution (~30 to ~3000) over a wide wavelength range from 0.6 to 5.3 micron, enabling scientists to study many science themes ranging from the first galaxies to bodies in our own Solar System. In addition to its integral field unit and support for multiobject spectroscopy, NIRSpec features several fixed slits and a wide aperture specifically designed to enable high precision time-series and transit as well as eclipse observations of exoplanets. In this paper we present its capabilities regarding time-series observations, in general, and transit and eclipse spectroscopy of exoplanets in particular. Due to JWST’s large collecting area and NIRSpec’s excellent throughput, spectral coverage, and detector performance, this mode will allow scientists to characterize the atmosphere of exoplanets with unprecedented sensitivity.
Limit theorems for chains with unbounded variable length memory which satisfy Cramer condition
Authors: Logachov A. , Mogulskii A. , Yambartsev A.
Published: February 2022

We consider a class of variable length Markov chains with a binary alphabet in which context tree is defined by adding finite trees with uniformly bounded height to the vertices of an infinite comb tree. Such type of Markov chain models the spike neuron patterns and also extends the class of persistent random walks. The main interest is the limiting properties of the empirical distribution of symbols from the alphabet. We obtain the strong law of large numbers, central limit theorem, and exact asymptotics for large and moderate deviations. The presence of an intrinsic renewal structure is the subject of discussion in the literature. Proofs are based on the construction of a renewals of the chain and the applying corresponding properties of the compound (or generalized) renewal processes.
Price decisions with asymmetric reference effect and information sharing in dual-channel supply chains
Authors: Zhao Nenggui , Wang Qiang , Wu Jie
Published: February 2022

This paper considers a retailer-manufacturer dual-channel supply chain (DCSC) consisting of a retail channel and a direct sale channel. Previous literature has shown that either asymmetric reference effect (ARE) or information sharing (IS) significantly impacts customers’ demand, then the channel members’ pricing decisions. As yet, no literature has examined the joint effect of both on the channel members’ pricing decisions, especially in a DCSC. To fill up the deficiency, we first explore and compare the pricing decisions in a centralized and a decentralized DCSC with ARE, respectively, with and without IS, using the Stackelberg game and two-stage optimization technique. Then we evaluate the values of ARE and IS by introducing model misspecification and numerical experiments. We find that substantial revenue will be lost if the retailer ignores ARE when information is shared than not shared, especially when the channel members are pessimistic about the market. A higher reference price or a weaker ARE induces the channel members to increase prices, and make IS more valuable to them. Besides, whether the information is shared or not, channel members generally underestimate revenues under a relatively high reference price, while overestimating the revenues under a relatively small reference price. Furthermore, the manufacturer conditionally accepts the IS while the retailer always accepts it.
Survival in Cases of Intestinal Tumors
Authors: Santos Maurício Daniel dos , Baldim Marissa Andrade , Neves Francine , Naves Rafaela Rezende do Amaral , Reis Karina Macedo , Ramos Thais Silva , Silvério Alessandra Cristina Pupin , Silva Roberta Bessa Veloso
Published: February 2022

Objective To assess the survival rate of patients with colorectal cancer at Hospital Universitário Alzira Vellano, in the municipality of Alfenas, state of Minas Gerais (MG), Brazil, from 2007 to 2016.

Methodology A search was conducted in the laboratory files and medical records of patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer and cared for during the aforementioned period.

Results In total, 128 cases were found: 52.3% were men, and 47.7% were women, with ages ranging from 25 to 91 years. The most common types of cancer in both genders were of the colon, rectum and sigmoid. The most common stages were T3N1Mx, followed by T3N0Mx and T3N2Mx. Patients with T1 or T2 cancers had a 100% survival rate, whereas the rate for those with grade 4 (T4) was of 0%. An association (p < 0.05) of the location of the tumor with the survival rate was confirmed.

Conclusion There was a high mortality rate among patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer at Hospital Universitário Alzira Vellano from 2007 to 2016.
Mesenteric Lengthening in Pouch Surgery: Review of Surgical Techniques
Authors: Saad Melissa Kyriakos , Fiani Elias , Saikaly Elias
Published: February 2022

Described for the first time in the medical literature in 1978 by Parks and Nicholls, total proctocolectomy with ileal-pouch anal anastomosis (IPAA) is nowadays the procedure of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis in whom the medical therapy has, a selected group of patients with Crohńs disease, and for patients with familial adenomatous polyposis. Despite the advances in medical treatment regarding inflammatory bowel disease, up to 30% of patients still require surgery, and restorative proctocolectomy and IPAA are the mainstay of the surgical treatment. It is considered a demanding and technically-challenging procedure, with the main challenge being the performance of a tension-free IPAA; the main reason for failure of the tension-free anastomosis is a shortened mesentery. With particular attention to detail, sufficient length can be achieved to enable a safe anastomosis in most patients. Herein, we describe the available techniques to lengthen the mesentery of the ileal pouch to perform an easy-to-reach tension-free anastomosis.
Validation of Algorithms for Donning and Doffing Personal Protective Equipment during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Miranda Flávio Dutra , Almeida Marcus Vinicius Teixeira de , Salomé Geraldo Magela
Published: February 2022

Introduction The prolonged or incorrect use of facial masks, respirators and glasses or visors results in friction, pressure and shear forces that constantly act on the facial skin, leading to lesions and dermatitis.

Objective To develop and validate algorithms to guide health professionals in the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and indicate preventive measures against skin injuries caused by inappropriate use during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods For the develoment of the algorithms, an integrative literature review was performed using the following databases: PubMed, SciELO, and LILACS. The algorithms were evaluated by 59 health professionals (nurses, doctors, and physiotherapists), using the Delphi technique. A content validity index (CVI) was used for the statistical analysis.

Results The experts classified the items of the algorithms from fully inadequate to fully adequate in the first round of consultations, and from partially adequate to fully adequate in the second round. The overall CVI values were of 0.83 and 1.0 in the first and second rounds respectively.

Conclusion The algorithms validated by the expert panel can be used by health professionals when donning and doffing PPE, and to prevent the facial-skin lesions caused by their use.
Noninvasive refilling of liquid marbles with water for microfluidic applications
Authors: Sreejith Kamalalayam Rajan , Singha Pradip , Nguyen Nhat-Khuong , Ooi Chin Hong , Dao Dzung Viet , Nguyen Nam-Trung
Published: February 2022

Liquid marbles, liquid droplets coated with hydrophobic powder, have been emerging as a useful microfluidic platform. The ease of their synthesis and manipulation allows liquid marbles to serve as a robust microreactor. However, liquid marbles suffer the unavoidable problem of evaporation. Exposed to an environment with relatively low humidity, the liquid marble buckles and collapses due to evaporation. A suitably noninvasive technique to refill the liquid marble with water may open better opportunities for liquid marbles in microfluidics. To date, there has been no report on noninvasive methods for refilling the deflated liquid marble after the evaporation and subsequent buckling. This paper reports the noninvasive automatic refilling of liquid marbles using the concept of vapor transfer through porous media and subsequent condensation.
Theoretical investigation of nitrogen-vacancy defects in silicon
Authors: Potsidi M. S. , Kuganathan N. , Christopoulos S.-R. G. , Sarlis N. V. , Chroneos A. , Londos C. A.
Published: February 2022

Nitrogen-vacancy defects are important for the material properties of silicon and for the performance of silicon-based devices. Here, we employ spin polarized density functional theory to calculate the minimum energy structures of the vacancy-nitrogen substitutional, vacancy-dinitrogen substitutionals, and divacancy-dinitrogen substitutionals. The present simulation technique enabled us to gain insight into the defect structures and charge distribution around the doped N atom and the nearest neighboring Si atoms. Using the dipole–dipole interaction method, we predict the local vibration mode frequencies of the defects and discuss the results with the available experimental data.
Hydrodynamics of horizontal heated buoyant jet in linearly stratified fluids
Authors: He Zhiguo , Zhang Han , Chen Yanan , Okon Samuel Ukpong , Lou Yingzhong
Published: February 2022

Horizontal buoyant jets in stratified fluids are investigated by employing a computational fluid dynamic model validated by experimental data. The characteristics of time mean flow, turbulence, and entrainment are quantified. We observed that turbulence parameters such as the turbulent kinetic energy, the turbulence dissipation rate, and turbulent viscosity attained their maximum values in the horizontal region. Here, the entrainment coefficient also reaches the maximum due to the instantaneous instability of the flow. The ascent region consists of the acceleration and deceleration stages due to the stratified ambience reversing the sign of buoyancy flux. In the acceleration ascent region, the entrainment coefficient stabilizes around 0.05. In the deceleration stage, the transition of the flow regime from plume- to jet-like regulates the entrainment. At the end of the ascent region, the jet reaches the maximum rise height (Hmax), which can be well predicted by a semiempirical function at a given Richardson number, buoyancy frequency, and Reynolds number. An enhancement of turbulent parameters is observed near the Hmax and could be attributed to overshooting and shearing between the up- and downflow. Analysis of density and velocity profiles shows the heavy fluids on the lower side of the jet core vertically separating from the center fluids, which drifted the velocity profile from a Gauss to a fat-tailed distribution and broke the self-similarity.
Exact finite-size scaling for the random-matrix representation of bond percolation on square lattice
Authors: Malekan Azadeh , Saber Sina , Saberi Abbas Ali
Published: February 2022

We report on the exact treatment of a random-matrix representation of a bond-percolation model on a square lattice in two dimensions with occupation probability p. The percolation problem is mapped onto a random complex matrix composed of two random real-valued matrices of elements +1 and −1 with probability p and 1−p, respectively. We find that the onset of percolation transition can be detected by the emergence of power-law divergences due to the coalescence of the first two extreme eigenvalues in the thermodynamic limit. We develop a universal finite-size scaling law that fully characterizes the scaling behavior of the extreme eigenvalue’s fluctuation in terms of a set of universal scaling exponents and amplitudes. We make use of the relative entropy as an index of the disparity between two distributions of the first and second-largest extreme eigenvalues to show that its minimum underlies the scaling framework. Our study may provide an inroad for developing new methods and algorithms with diverse applications in machine learning, complex systems, and statistical physics.
The dynamics of CO production from the photolysis of acetone across the whole S1 ← S absorption spectrum: Roaming and triple fragmentation pathways
Authors: Jacob L. S. D. , Lee K. L. K. , Schmidt T. W. , Nauta K. , Kable S. H.
Published: February 2022

The unimolecular photodissociation dynamics of acetone spanning the entire S1 ← S0 absorption spectrum have been reinvestigated, with a focus on mechanisms that produce CO. At excitation wavelengths of λ > 305.8 nm, all photoproducts are formed on the S0 state after internal conversion. A roaming mechanism forming C2H6 + CO is active in the window λ = 311.2–305.8 nm. From λ = 305.8 to 262 nm, little or no CO is produced with the photochemistry dominated by the Norrish-type I C–C bond cleavage on the lowest excited triplet state, T1. At higher energy (λ < 262 nm), an increasing fraction of CH3CO radicals from the primary reaction have sufficient internal energy to spontaneously decompose to CH3 + CO. A new model is presented to account for the kinetic energy distribution of the secondary CH3 radical, allowing us to determine the height of the energetic barrier to CH3CO decomposition as 68 ± 4 kJ mol−1, which lies midway between previous measurements. The fraction of CO from triple fragmentation rises smoothly from 260 to 248 nm. We see no evidence of the return of roaming, or any other S0 reaction, in this higher energy region of the first electronic absorption band.
Elastic-plastic response of TiB2 under shock compression
Authors: Zhou Liangliang , Liu Xun , Wu Shaobai , Huang Haijun , Mashimo Tsutomu
Published: February 2022

Particle velocity profiles of a TiB2 ceramics under one-dimension plate impact were measured up to 45 GPa. The Hugoniot-elastic limit of TiB2 was determined to be 8–9 GPa. Mechanical damage induced three-wave structures were only observed for shock stress above ∼31 GPa. TiB2 sustains large shear strength beyond the Hugoniot-elastic limit, which leads to the abnormal downward bending of Hugoniot in the plastic region.
Presence and abundance of microplastics in edible freshwater mussel (
Authors: Barrientos Eduardo E. , Paris Andrew , Rohindra David , Rico Ciro
Published: February 2022

The abundance and identification of microplastics were investigated for the first time in the gills and soft tissues of freshwater mussels (Batissa violacea) harvested from five rivers in Fiji. Microplastics were found in 100% of the mussels sampled from all the rivers. The average site concentration varied from 2.78 ± 0.40 to 6.84 ± 0.89 microplastics per gram of dry weight. The overall average concentration was 5.93 ± 0.39 microplastics per mussel. This is concerning because these mussels, commonly known as kai, are an important source of protein and income for many people. Microplastic concentration in mussels was significantly dependent on sampled location but evenly distributed among tissues. The dominant size of microplastics was <0.4 mm, representing 52 and 50% of all microplastic in gills and soft tissue respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in attenuated total reflectance (FTIR–ATR) was used for polymer identification of the isolated microplastics. Nylon was the most dominant type of polymer followed by polyolefins. Freshwater mussels in Fiji are an important component of the artisanal fishery, the diet of local communities and an emerging export commodity. These results showed that freshwater mussels are ingesting microplastics in their natural environment and, thus, they represent a potential health problem for human consumption.
Comment on Finlayson
Authors: Mosley Luke M. , Bourman Bob , Muller Kerri , Tibby John
Published: February 2022

The recent commentary by Finlayson et al. proposed future management pathways for the Lower Lakes of the Murray–Darling Basin (MDB), including changed barrage operations to facilitate increased tidal exchange. Although we acknowledge that barrage operations require ongoing adaptive management, we present evidence that there are risks with increased opening of them under current reduced inflows. Maintaining a predominantly freshwater system, and thus its values and services, by controlled barrage operations is justifiable and sustainable in the long term.
A peptide toxin in ant venom mimics vertebrate EGF-like hormones to cause long-lasting hypersensitivity in mammals
Authors: Eagles David A. , Saez Natalie J. , Krishnarjuna Bankala , Bradford Julia J. , Chin Yanni K.-Y. , Starobova Hana , Mueller Alexander , Reichelt Melissa E. , Undheim Eivind A. B. , Norton Raymond S. , Thomas Walter G. , Vetter Irina , King Glenn F. , Robinson Samuel D.
Published: February 2022

Significance

The targeting of mammalian ErbB receptor signaling by a venom toxin to cause hypersensitivity is a mode of action that has not previously been described. Natural selection of a defensive toxin to target ErbB signaling provides compelling independent evidence for a fundamental role of this receptor and its ligands in mammalian pain. The evolution of a toxin in ant venom to mimic a vertebrate nociceptive hormone serves as an example of both convergent evolution and molecular mimicry, illustrating how natural selection can shape the gene product of one organism to resemble that of another.
Spiritual over physical formidability determines willingness to fight and sacrifice through loyalty in cross-cultural populations
Authors: Tossell Chad C. , Gómez Angel , de Visser Ewart J. , Vázquez Alexandra , Donadio Bianca T. , Metcalfe Amanda , Rogan Charles , Davis Richard , Atran Scott
Published: February 2022

Significance

Despite intermittent interest in and evidence of the importance of nonmaterial factors in war and other extreme forms of intergroup conflict, material factors such as optimal use of physical strength, manpower, and firepower remain the dominant concerns of US and allied military training, decision-making, and related academic literature. In this work, we demonstrate the cross-cultural primacy of personal spiritual over physical formidability on the will to fight in populations from the Middle East, Europe, and North America, including US cadets in whom stronger group loyalty mediates the effect. This empirical examination of spiritual formidability and its link between self and group in willingness to self-sacrifice aims to extend understanding of interpersonal and intergroup conflict and inform considerations of policy.
Prolactin-mediated restraint of maternal aggression in lactation
Authors: Georgescu Teodora , Khant Aung Zin , Grattan David R. , Brown Rosemary S. E.
Published: February 2022

Significance

Heightened intruder-directed aggressive behavior in female mice is displayed during lactation to enable a mother to protect her offspring. Although recent work has identified that the ventromedial nucleus of the hypothalamus plays an important role in governing aggressive behavior, it is unknown how the changing hormones of pregnancy and lactation might regulate this behavior during specific reproductive states. Here, we show that prolactin-responsive neurons are activated during aggression and project to multiple brain regions with known roles in regulating behavior. Through neuron-specific and region-specific deletion of the prolactin receptor, our data reveal that prolactin is an important modulator of maternal aggression. By acting on glutamatergic neurons in the ventromedial nucleus, prolactin restrains maternal aggression, specifically in lactating female mice.
A flavin-dependent monooxygenase produces nitrogenous tomato aroma volatiles using cysteine as a nitrogen source
Authors: Liscombe David K. , Kamiyoshihara Yusuke , Ghironzi Jérémie , Kempthorne Christine J. , Hooton Kevin , Bulot Blandine , Kanellis Vassili , McNulty James , Lam Nghi B. , Nadeau Louis Félix , Pautler Michael , Tieman Denise M. , Klee Harry J. , Goulet Charles
Published: February 2022

Significance

Aroma is an important factor in consumer perception and acceptance of fresh tomatoes and involves a cocktail of several dozen compounds. Tomato fruits produce uncommon nitrogen-containing volatiles derived mainly from the amino acids leucine and phenylalanine. These volatiles have strong positive correlations with consumer liking. We show that an enzyme active in ripening tomatoes is responsible for the production of all nitrogenous volatiles in tomato fruit, at the expense of substrates derived from cysteine and volatile aldehydes. This discovery defines a cysteine-dependent route to nitrogenous volatiles in plants, prompting a reconsideration of the impact of sulfur metabolism on tomato flavor and quality.
Poly-2-methyl-2-oxazoline–modified bioprosthetic heart valve leaflets have enhanced biocompatibility and resist structural degeneration
Authors: Zakharchenko Andrey , Xue Yingfei , Keeney Samuel , Rock Christopher A. , Alferiev Ivan S. , Stachelek Stanley J. , Takano Hajime , Thomas Tina , Nagaswami Chandrasekaran , Krieger Abba M. , Chorny Michael , Ferrari Giovanni , Levy Robert J.
Published: February 2022

Significance

Heart valve disease affects millions, and since there is no effective medical therapy, surgical repair when possible—or more commonly, replacement—are the only treatments available. Bioprosthetic heart valves (BHV), the most frequently used valve replacements, are composed of heterograft tissue, typically fixed in glutaraldehyde, and prepared for human use either as surgically implantable devices or for transcatheter delivery. Protein-glycation limits the durability of BHV, contributing to device failure, often requiring reoperation after only a decade or less of functionality. This problem is addressed by modifying BHV leaflets with poly-2-methyl-2-oxazoline, effectively mitigating glycation and serum protein infiltration and enhancing biocompatibility.
Periphrastic causative in West Circassian
Authors: Phelan Paul
Published: February 2022

This paper looks at a grammaticalized periphrastic causative construction in West Circassian. West Circassian is a polysynthetic language and expresses information largely through morphological means, which makes this construction all the more unusual. As interest in the complexities of polysynthetic languages grows, it is important to look at periphrastic strategies and syntactic operations in these languages beyond those governed by their morphosyntactic rules. Here, a causative construction based on the West Circassian ‘do’ exists alongside a highly productive morphological causative. Questions of how and why the appearance of such a construction is possible in West Circassian, but has not happened in closely related Abaza, are important and are a reminder that we should look beyond the complex morphosyntax of such languages to less studied and less conspicuous structures that can challenge our understanding of polysynthetic paradigms.
Dynamics of Two Dark Solitons in a Polariton Condensate
Authors: Zhang Yiling , Jia Chunyu , Liang Zhaoxin
Published: February 2022

We theoretically investigate dynamics of two dark solitons in a polariton condensate under nonresonant pumping, based on driven dissipative Gross–Pitaevskii equations coupled to the rate equation. The equation of motion of the relative center position of two-dark soliton is obtained analytically by using the Lagrangian approach. In particular, the analytical expression of the effective potential between two dark solitons is given. The resulting equation of motion captures how the open-dissipative character of a polariton Bose–Einstein condensate affects properties of dynamics of two-dark soliton, i.e., two-dark soliton relax by blending with the background at a finite time. We further simulate the relative motion of two dark solitons numerically with the emphasis on how two-soliton motion is manipulated by the initial velocity, in excellent agreement with the analytical results. The prediction of this work is sufficient for the experimental observations within current facilities.
High Temperature Melting Curve of Basaltic Glass by Laser Flash Heating
Authors: Zhuang Yukai , Li Junwei , Lu Wenhua , Yang Xueping , Du Zhixue , Hu Qingyang
Published: February 2022

Basalt is an igneous rock originating from the cooling and solidification of magma and covers approximately 70% of Earth’s surface. Basaltic glass melting in the deep Earth is a fundamental subject of research for understanding geophysics, geochemistry, and geodynamic processes. In this study, we design a laser flash heating system using two-dimensional, four-color multi-wavelength imaging radiometry to measure the basaltic glass melting temperature under high pressure conditions in diamond anvil cells. Our experiment not only determines the temperature at the center of heating but also constructs a temperature distribution map for the surface heating area, and enables us to assess the temperature gradient. Through precise temperature measurements, we observe that the basaltic glass melting temperature is higher than those in previous reports, which is near the normal upper-mantle isotherm, approaching the hot geotherm. This suggests that basalt should not melt in most of the normal upper mantle and the basaltic melts could exist in some hot regions.
Chiral Anomaly in Non-Relativistic Systems: Berry Curvature and Chiral Kinetic Theory
Authors: Gao Lan-Lan , Huang Xu-Guang
Published: February 2022

Chiral anomaly and the novel quantum phenomena it induces have been widely studied for Dirac and Weyl fermions. In most typical cases, the Lorentz covariance is assumed and thus the linear dispersion relations are maintained. However, in realistic materials, such as Dirac and Weyl semimetals, the nonlinear dispersion relations appear naturally. We develop a kinetic framework to study the chiral anomaly for Weyl fermions with nonlinear dispersions using the methods of Wigner function and semi-classical equations of motion. In this framework, the chiral anomaly is sourced by Berry monopoles in momentum space and could be enhanced or suppressed due to the windings around the Berry monopoles. Our results can help understand the chiral anomaly-induced transport phenomena in non-relativistic systems.
First-Principles Calculations about Elastic and Li+ Transport Properties of Lithium Superoxides under High Pressure and High Temperature
Authors: Li Yufeng , Sun Shichuan , He Yu , Li Heping
Published: February 2022

Lithium superoxides, Li2O3, LiO2, and LiO4, have been synthesized under high pressure. These materials have potential applications in energy storage devices. Here, we use first-principles calculations to investigate the elastic and Li+ transport properties of these oxides at high pressure and high temperature. The elastic constants are calculated at 20–80 GPa, and they satisfy the Born stability criteria, indicating the good mechanical stability of these oxides. Their sound velocities calculated with elastic constants are close to each other, but difference in velocity anisotropy is obvious. LiO2 presents significant shear sound wave anisotropy over 80%. The Li+ transport properties are investigated using first principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) and climbing-image nudged elastic band methods. The lowest Li+ migration barrier energies increase from 0.93, 0.86 and 1.22 eV at 20 GPa to 1.43, 1.12 and 1.77 eV at 50 GPa for Li2O3, LiO2, and LiO4, respectively. The most favorable path for LiO2 and LiO4 is along the [001] direction. The FPMD results suggest that these oxides become unstable with increasing temperature up to 2000 K due to O–O dimer clusters in these superoxides. Consequently, a superionic transition is not observed in the simulations.
A Theory for Anisotropic Magnetoresistance in Materials with Two Vector Order Parameters
Authors: Wang X. R.
Published: February 2022

Anisotropic magnetoresistance (AMR) and related planar Hall resistance (PHR) are ubiquitous phenomena of magnetic materials. Although the universal angular dependences of AMR and PHR in magnetic polycrystalline materials with one order parameter are well known, no similar universal relation for other class of magnetic materials are known to date. Here a general theory of galvanomagnetic effects in magnetic materials is presented with two vector order parameters, such as magnetic single crystals with a dominated crystalline axis or polycrystalline non-collinear ferrimagnetic materials. It is shown that AMR and PHR have a universal angular dependence. In general, both longitudinal and transverse resistivity are non-reciprocal in the absence of inversion symmetry: Resistivity takes different values when the current is reversed. Different from simple magnetic polycrystalline materials where AMR and PHR have the same magnitude, and π/4 out of phase, the magnitudes of AMR and PHR of materials with two vector order parameters are not the same in general, and the phase difference is not π/4. Instead of π periodicity of the usual AMR and PHR, the periodicities of materials with two order parameters are 2π.
Superconductivity with a Violation of Pauli Limit and Evidences for Multigap in η-Carbide Type Ti4Ir2O
Authors: Ruan Bin-Bin , Zhou Meng-Hu , Yang Qing-Song , Gu Ya-Dong , Ma Ming-Wei , Chen Gen-Fu , Ren Zhi-An
Published: February 2022

We report the synthesis, crystal structure, and superconductivity of Ti4Ir2O. The title compound crystallizes in an η-carbide type structure of the space group

F
d

3
¯

m

(No. 227), with lattice parameters a = b = c = 11.6194(1) Å. The superconducting temperature T
c is found to be 5.1–5.7 K. Most surprisingly, Ti4Ir2O hosts an upper critical field of 16.45 T, which is far beyond the Pauli paramagnetic limit. Strong coupled superconductivity with evidences for multigap is revealed by the measurements of heat capacity and upper critical field. First-principles calculations suggest that the density of states near the Fermi level originates from the hybridization of Ti-3d and Ir-5d orbitals, and the effect of spin-orbit coupling on the Fermi surfaces is prominent. Large values of the Wilson ratio (R
W ∼ 3.9), the Kadowaki–Woods ratio [A/γ
2 ∼ 9.0 × 10−6 μΩ⋅cm/(mJ⋅mol−1⋅K−1)2], and the Sommerfeld coefficient (γ = 33.74 mJ⋅mol−1⋅K−2) all suggest strong electron correlations (similar to heavy fermion systems) in Ti4Ir2O. The violation of Pauli limit is possibly due to a combination of strong-coupled superconductivity and large spin-orbit scattering. With these intriguing behaviors, Ti4Ir2O serves as a candidate for unconventional superconductor.
Evidence for Magnetic Fractional Excitations in a Kitaev Quantum-Spin-Liquid Candidate α-RuCl3
Authors: Ran Kejing , Wang Jinghui , Bao Song , Cai Zhengwei , Shangguan Yanyan , Ma Zhen , Wang Wei , Dong Zhao-Yang , Čermák P. , Schneidewind A. , Meng Siqin , Lu Zhilun , Yu Shun-Li , Li Jian-Xin , Wen Jinsheng
Published: February 2022

It is known that α-RuCl3 has been studied extensively because of its proximity to the Kitaev quantum-spin-liquid (QSL) phase and the possibility of approaching it by tuning the competing interactions. Here we present the first polarized inelastic neutron scattering study on α-RuCl3 single crystals to explore the scattering continuum around the Γ point at the Brillouin zone center, which was hypothesized to be resulting from the Kitaev QSL state but without concrete evidence. With polarization analyses, we find that, while the spin-wave excitations around the M point vanish above the transition temperature T
N, the pure magnetic continuous excitations around the Γ point are robust against temperature. Furthermore, by calculating the dynamical spin-spin correlation function using the cluster perturbation theory, we derive magnetic dispersion spectra based on the K–Γ model, which involves with a ferromagnetic Kitaev interaction of –7.2 meV and an off-diagonal interaction of 5.6 meV. We find this model can reproduce not only the spin-wave excitation spectra around the M point, but also the non-spin-wave continuous magnetic excitations around the Γ point. These results provide evidence for the existence of fractional excitations around the Γ point originating from the Kitaev QSL state, and further support the validity of the K–Γ model as the effective minimal spin model to describe α-RuCl3.
The peeling theorem with arbitrary cosmological constant
Authors: Fernández-Álvarez Francisco , Senovilla José M M
Published: February 2022

A method for deriving the asymptotic behaviour of any physical field is presented. This leads to a geometrically meaningful derivation of the peeling properties for arbitrary values of the cosmological constant. Application to the outstanding case of the physical Weyl tensor provides the explicit form of all terms that determine its asymptotic behaviour along arbitrary lightlike geodesics. The results follow under the assumption of a conformal completion à la Penrose. The only freedom available is the choice of a null vector at the conformal boundary of the space–time (which determines the lightlike geodesic arriving there).
Radiative recombination in zinc blende ZnSe nanocrystals ion-beam synthesized in silica
Authors: Parkhomenko I , Vlasukova L , Komarov F , Makhavikou M , Milchanin O , Mudryi A , Wendler E
Published: February 2022

Zinc selenide nanocrystals (NCs) were successfully synthesized in silicon dioxide (silica grown on a silicon wafer) by high-fluence implantation of Zn+ and Se+ ions with subsequent rapid thermal annealing at 1000 °C for 3 min. The high crystalline quality of the zinc blende ZnSe nanoclusters was proven by transmission electron microscopy with selected area electron diffraction and Raman spectroscopy. Low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) reveals the recombination of excitons in ZnSe, which further indicates a good crystalline quality of the synthesized nanocrystals. PL analysis shows a strong coupling of phonons and excitons. The Huang–Rhys parameter of the longitudinal optical phonon in the exciton transition S is in the range of 0.6–0.7. Despite the excellent quality of the ZnSe NCs synthesized in silica, defect states inside the NCs or at the NCs/SiO2 interface with activation energies of 0.1–0.2, 0.45 and 0.67 eV play a crucial role in radiative recombination.
Effect of methane flow rate on gas-jet MPCVD diamond synthesis
Authors: Emelyanov A A , Pinaev V A , Plotnikov M Yu , Rebrov A K , Timoshenko N I , Yudin I B
Published: February 2022

The paper describes synthesis of diamonds by the method of gas-jet deposition with microwave activation of precursor gases. This method involves the use of a supersonic jet for delivering the components activated in the discharge chamber to the substrate located in the deposition chamber. A series of experiments was carried out with different amounts of methane supplied at a hydrogen flow rate of 8000 sccm. The obtained samples of diamond coatings were studied by scanning electron microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The temperature of the mixture and the intensities of H, CH, and C2 lines in the plasma of the discharge chamber were measured by optical emission spectroscopy. The values of pressure and temperature in the discharge chamber were used to estimate the composition of the mixture. Thus, the numerical dependences of the molar concentrations of CH3, CH, C2 and C2H2 on the initial concentration of methane have been obtained. These dependences are in qualitative agreement with the dependences of the intensities of H, CH, and С2 lines. The numerical-experimental study performed allows us to conclude that the optimal value of methane concentration in the supplied mixture for the gas-jet deposition method in the considered range of parameters is about 1%.