bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One-pot synthesis of porous Ag@Pt core–shell cocatalysts on g-C3N4 for enhanced photocatalytic H2 production from lignocellulose reforming
Authors: Li Wenchang , Chen Weiwu , Guo Jianzhong , Wu Chunzheng
Published: January 2025

Porous Ag@Pt core–shell nanoparticles were applied to g-C3N4 for photocatalytic hydrogen generation from lignocellulose reforming, exhibiting a remarkable synergistic effect between the Ag and Pt metals.
Novel desfluoroquinolone–sulfonamide hybrids as potential anti-MRSA agents: synthesis, drug-likeness, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Xu Jie , Hu Yue , Xi Changcheng , Xia Heping , Xiong Fei
Published: January 2025

A molecular hybridization strategy was used to combine quinolone and sulfonamide structures to synthesize 16 quinolone–sulfonamide hybrids as antibacterial agents against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.
Simultaneous pore confinement and sidewall modification of an N-rich COF with Pd(ii): an efficient and sustainable heterogeneous catalyst for cross-coupling reactions
Authors: Hassan Atikur , Kumar Ayush , Wahed Sk Abdul , Mondal Subhadip , Kumar Amit , Das Neeladri
Published: January 2025

A Palladium-supported covalent organic framework (COF) designed for efficient C–C cross-coupling reactions with good stability and recyclability.
Exploration of low-sulfonate lignin electrospinning conditions for the development of new renewable lubricant formulations
Authors: Rubio-Valle José F. , Valencia Concepción , Estrada-Villegas Gethzemani M. , Martín-Alfonso José E. , Franco José M.
Published: January 2025

This study explores the preparation of lubricating oleo-dispersions using electrospun nanofibrous mats made from low-sulfonate lignin (LSL) and polycaprolactone (PCL).
Genome mining and heterologous expression reveal streptacidin, a new lasso peptide from Streptacidiphilus jiangxiensis
Authors: Huang Jiwu , Cheng Botao , Cao Chunyang , Liu Wen
Published: January 2025

We heterologously produced a type II lasso peptide gene cluster that was mined from Streptacidiphilus jiangxiensis in E. coli. Streptacidin is the first lasso peptide documented to maintain its 3D structure with methionine as a steric lock.
Evolution and recent progress of non-spherical chiral micro- and nanoparticles: preparation, design, and advanced applications
Authors: Li Pengpeng , Zhang Jiahao , Liu Xinlong , Zhang Xin , Ma Jinsong , Sun Guohua , Hou Lianlong , Raza Saleem
Published: January 2025

This paper reviews the preparation and application of non-spherical chiral polymer-based particles from the perspective of various technological advancements, while also supplementing the discussion with principles and issues related to chirality.
Construction of superhydrophilic FeP–Ni2P–CoP/NF enriched interfacial heterostructures for promoting efficient and stable overall water splitting under large currents
Authors: Jin Yaxuan , Ma Weiyan , Sun Dong , Wan Wan , Jia Lirong , Tu Yuling , Gong Dejun , Zhou Wanyong , Chai Hui
Published: January 2025

It is of great importance to devise highly effective and durable non-precious metal catalysts capable of operating at high current densities, in order to cater to the requirements of practical applications.
Influence of the neck length of urease-powered flask-like colloidal motors on their kinematic behavior
Authors: Zhou Chang , Wu Yingjie , Si Tieyan , Zhu Kangning , Yang Mingcheng , He Qiang
Published: January 2025

Inspired by bacteria, we report a sub-micrometer-sized and streamlined flask-like colloidal motor to research the relationship between the neck length and self-propelled motion control.
Correction: Hystereses in flow-induced compression of a poroelastic hydrogel
Authors: Xu Zelai , Yue Pengtao , Feng James J.
Published: January 2025

Correction for ‘Hystereses in flow-induced compression of a poroelastic hydrogel’ by Zelai Xu et al., Soft Matter, 2024, 20, 6940–6951.
Hemocompatible nucleosome-inspired heparin-mimicking hydrogel microspheres for safe and efficient extracorporeal removal of circulating histones in critically ill patients
Authors: Chen Yu , Yang Tinghang , Wang Shujing , Tong Dongmei , Liu Xianda , Li Yupei , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: January 2025

The tailored RCHMs can adsorb circulating histones through electrostatic interactions with excellent hemocompatibility and significantly attenuate histone-mediated thrombocytopenia, platelet aggregation, and endothelial cell death.
Low‐profile circular‐polarized fractal antenna design with reduced orbital angular momentum beam divergence
Authors: Barros T. A. C. , Fontgalland G. , Teixeira F. L. , Silva P. H. F. , Oliveira E. E. C.
Published: January 2025

The authors introduce a novel low‐profile circular‐polarized three‐layer fractal antenna design to reduce beam divergence in orbital angular momentum (OAM) applications at microwave frequencies. The top layer of the proposed design has a printed Koch fractal antenna that is coupled to a rotated rectangular patch antenna in the mid‐layer fed through a microstrip line. The bottom layer consists of a metallic ground plane to improve beam collimation. The antenna was developed from a new fractal geometry generated in Scilab™. Characteristic mode theory was used in the antenna design to obtain two orthogonal current modes in quadrature that generate circular polarization with OAM fields of order l = –1 at 5.88 GHz. The proposed fractal antenna system has good potential to improve the performance of microwave OAM systems.
PAStar: A model for stellar surface from the Sun to active stars
Authors: Petralia Antonino , Maldonado Jesús , Micela Giuseppina
Published: January 2025

Context. The characterisation of exoplanets requires a good description of the host star. Stellar activity acts as a source of noise, which can alter planet radii as derived from the transit depth or atmospheric characterisation.

Aims. Here, we propose PAStar, a model to describe photospheric activity in the form of spots and faculae, which could be applied to a wide range of stellar observations, from photometric to spectroscopic time series, making it possible to correctly extract planetary and stellar properties.

Methods. The adopted stellar atmosphere is a combination of three components: the quiet photosphere, spots, and faculae. The model takes into account the effects of star inclination and Doppler shifts due to stellar rotation and limb darkening, which is independent for each component. Several synthetic products have been presented to show the capabilities of the model.

Results. The model is able to retrieve the input surface-inhomogeneity configuration through photometric or spectroscopic observations. The model has been validated against optical solar data and compared to alternative stellar surface activity models; for example SOAP code. The Sun is a unique laboratory to test stellar models because of the possibility to unambiguously relate flux variations to surface inhomogeneities’ configuration. This validation has been done by analysing a photometric time series from the Variability of Solar Irradiance and Gravity Oscillations (VIRGO) photometer on-board Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) mission. Results have been compared to real solar images from the Helioseismic and Magnetic Imager (HMI) on board the Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) to confirm the goodness of the results in terms of surface inhomogeneities’ positions and dimensions.

Conclusions. The description of stellar activity is a fundamental step in several astrophysical contexts and it is covered by the method we present. Our model offers a flexible and valuable tool to describe the activity of stars when it is dominated by spots and faculae.
Clusters of tribocharged dust aggregates as pebbles in protoplanetary disks
Authors: Onyeagusi F. C. , Teiser J. , Wurm G.
Published: January 2025

In recent years, the tribocharging of colliding and bouncing submillimeter (submm) particles has been studied as a possible mechanism promoting the formation of large pebbles on centimeter (cm) to decimeter (dm) scales in protoplanetary disks. Here, we observe, for the first time, that it is not only monolithic, spherical particles, but also real dust aggregates, that become tribocharged and end up forming large clusters. For aggregates of ~0.4 mm consisting of ~1 micrometer (µm) sized dust, we determined net charge densities up to 10−7 C/m2 during our drop tower experiments. These charged aggregates form compact clusters up to 2 cm in size via collisions with other clusters and aggregates at collision velocities on the order of 1 cm/s. Size and speed are the only lower limits for growth, currently set by the limits of the experiment. However, these clusters already form under conditions that are well beyond the expected transition to bouncing for uncharged aggregates and clusters. Our findings further support the idea that collisional charging can leapfrog the traditional bouncing barrier and form larger clusters that then serve as large pebbles. These cm-sized clusters are more susceptible to further evolutionary steps via particle trapping, concentration, and planetesimal formation.
Linear theory of visco-resistive tearing instability
Authors: Shimizu T.
Published: January 2025

A new linear theory of a tearing instability is shown, where the modified LSC (Loureiro, Schekochihin, and Cowley) theory [T. Shimizu, arXiv:2209.00149 (2022)] is extended to visco-resistive MHD. In contrast to the original LSC theories [Loureiro et al., Phys. Plasmas 14, 100703 (2007)], in the modified LSC theory, the upstream open boundary condition is implemented at a finite point ξc. At this point, the original LSC theories are solved for ξc=+∞. This paper first studies when the resistivity and viscosity are uniform in space. In addition, some variations in the non-uniformity are studied. It is shown that the non-uniformity can enhance the linear growth rate, and the tearing instability can occur even in an unlimitedly thin current sheet. Unexpectedly, it suggests that the forward cascade process of the plasmoid instability (PI) does not stop, i.e., the finite differential MHD simulations fail. To stop the forward cascade, viscosity is required not only in the inner region of the current sheet but also in the outer region. When the uniform viscosity is assumed, the critical condition is predicted to be 2Pm/(Sξc)=0.06, beyond which the tearing instability, i.e., the forward cascade, stops. Here, S is the Lundquist number, and Pm is the magnetic Prandtl number. According to the critical condition, the resistivity and viscosity employed in most high-S MHD simulations of PI are too small to stop the forward cascade. This critical condition may be also applicable for the trigger problem of the current sheet destabilization.
Terahertz radiation generation based on wiggler magnetic field
Authors: Rahmanpour Kolur Ensiyeh , Esmaeilzadeh Mahdi
Published: January 2025

This study aims to investigate the impact of helical wiggler magnetic field on the terahertz (THz) radiation amplification generated by beating of two super-Gaussian laser beams in a collisional and rippled density plasma. We derive the equations governing the THz radiation and show that the wiggler magnetic field has significant effects on enhancing the THz radiation field, power, and efficiency. For instance, the wiggler magnetic field can enhance the THz radiation electric field more than one order of magnitude, which can be very important in the generation of THz radiation. Also, under the same conditions, we compare the effects of wiggler magnetic field and conventional (uniform) magnetic field, used vastly in literature, and show that the THz radiation field generated in the presence of wiggler magnetic field is several times greater than the THz radiation field generated in the presence of conventional magnetic field.
Machine learning assisted prediction with data driven robust optimization: Machining process modeling of hard part turning of DC53 for tooling applications supporting semiconductor manufacturing
Authors: Tlija Mehdi , Sana Muhammad , Khan Anamta , Hassan Sana , Farooq Muhammad Umar
Published: January 2025

This research investigates the hard part turning of DC53 tool steel, which is engineered for better mechanical properties compared to AISI D2 tool steel, using Xcel cubic boron nitride. The machining input parameters such as workpiece hardness (different heat treatments), cutting speed, feed rate, and depth of cut are used to thoroughly evaluate process science across conflicting machinability attributes such as cutting tool life, machined workpiece surface roughness, volume of material removed, machine tool power consumption, and tool-workpiece zone temperature. A full factorial design of experiments with two levels, resulting in 16 experiments, is performed with statistical parametric significance analysis to better control process variability. Multiple artificial neural network (ANN) architectures are generated to accurately model the non-linearity of the process for better prediction of key characteristics. The optimized architectures are used as prediction models to a non-sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) to determine the optimal compromise among all conflicting responses. The significance analysis highlighted that heat treatment is the most influential variable on machinability, with a significance of 74.63% on tool life, 59.03% on roughness, 66.45% on material removed, 38.03% on power consumption, and 29.60% on interaction-zone temperature. The confidence of all ANN architectures is achieved above 0.97 R2 to accurately incorporate parametric relations with physical mechanisms. The compromise against conflicting machinability attributes identified by NSGA-II optimization results in a 92.05% increase in tool life, a 91.83% increase in volume removed, a 33.33% decrease in roughness, a 26.73% decline in power consumption, and a 9.61% reduction in machining temperature. The process variability is thoroughly analyzed using statistical and physical analyses and computational intelligence, which will guide machinists in better decision-making.
Step-by-step verification of particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision codes
Authors: Parodi Pietro , Petronio Federico
Published: January 2025

The particle-in-cell (PIC) method with Monte Carlo collisions (MCC) is widely used in the simulation of non-equilibrium plasmas for electric propulsion and laboratory applications. Due to the simplicity of the basic PIC algorithm and the specific modeling needs of the different research groups, many codes have been independently developed. Verification of these codes, i.e., ensuring that the computational code correctly implements the intended mathematical models and algorithms, is of fundamental importance. Different benchmark cases, such as one from Turner et al. [Phys. Plasmas 20, 013507 (2013)], Charoy et al. [Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 28, 105010 (2019)], and Villafana et al. [Plasma Sources Sci. Technol. 30, 075002 (2021)], have been published in recent years. These have consisted of a complex physical setup, in which many computation modules interact to yield the final result. Although this approach has the advantage of testing the code in a realistic case, it may hide some implementation errors. Moreover, in the case of disagreement, the previous works do not provide an easy way to identify the faulty code modules. In this work, we propose a step-by-step approach for the verification of PIC-MCC codes in a 2D-3V electrostatic setup. The criteria for the test cases are (i) they should highlight possible implementation errors by testing the modules separately, whenever possible (ii) they should be free from physical instabilities to avoid chaotic behavior, and (iii) the numerical result should be accompanied by analytical calculations, for confirmation purposes. The seven test cases identified all show excellent agreement between the authors' codes.
Accurate machine learning of rate coefficients for state-to-state transitions in molecular collisions
Authors: Mihalik Darin E. , Wang R. , Yang B. H. , Stancil P. C. , Price T. J. , Forrey R. C. , Balakrishnan N. , Krems R. V.
Published: January 2025

We present an algorithm that combines quantum scattering calculations with probabilistic machine-learning models to predict quantum dynamics rate coefficients for a large number of state-to-state transitions in molecule–molecule collisions much faster than with direct solutions of the Schrödinger equation. By utilizing the predictive power of Gaussian process regression with kernels, optimized to make accurate predictions outside of the input parameter space, the present strategy reduces the computational cost by about 75%, with an accuracy within 5%. Our method uses temperature dependences of rate coefficients for transitions from the isolated states of initial rotational angular momentum j, determined via explicit calculations, to predict the temperature dependences of rate coefficients for other values of j. The approach, demonstrated here for rovibrational transitions of SiO due to thermal collisions with H2, uses different prediction models and is thus adaptive to various time and accuracy requirements. The procedure outlined in this work can be used to extend multiple inelastic molecular collision databases without exponentially large computational resources required for conventional rigorous quantum dynamics calculations.
A novel solar panel self-cleaning method based on piezoelectric films
Authors: Manzo Maurizio , Maymoun Maher , Qamar Ramiz , Rihani Yazan , Al-Jahran Amer
Published: January 2025

Maintaining clean surfaces on solar panels is critical for maximizing energy efficiency, particularly in regions with high dust accumulation. Conventional cleaning methods, which often rely heavily on water, pose significant sustainability challenges, especially in water-scarce environments. This paper introduces an innovative self-cleaning solution for photovoltaic (PV) panels based on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) piezoelectric films. The technology harnesses the inverse piezoelectric effect, whereby mechanical vibrations are generated when an alternating current (AC) voltage is applied to the PVDF film, effectively dislodging dust and particulate matter from the panel surface. Aluminum foil electrodes are affixed to the PVDF film, and vibrations are propagated across the surface to remove dust particles within a defined timeframe. Experimental results demonstrate the system's efficiency in removing particles while consuming minimal energy, making it particularly suitable for arid regions where water-based cleaning methods are impractical. Additionally, the PVDF films possess favorable mechanical and optical properties, including high transparency, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, supporting their potential for large-scale deployment. The technology represents an environmentally friendly and water-saving alternative to traditional methods and has significant commercialization potential. This research paves the way for further development of self-cleaning PV technologies, offering a sustainable solution for maintaining solar panel performance in challenging environmental conditions.
Ultranarrow-linewidth stimulated Brillouin scattering with fundamental acoustic waves
Authors: Xu Wendao , Zerbib Maxime , Iyer Arjun , Huy Kien Phan , Beugnot Jean-Charles , Renninger William H.
Published: January 2025

Stimulated Brillouin scattering is a well-known nonlinear optical interaction valued for applications including narrow-linewidth lasers, phase conjugation, sensing, and RF-signal processing such as delay lines and filters. While interaction strength and linewidth directly affect device performance, most strongly interacting Brillouin systems have linewidths of many MHz, limited by the high frequency of the participating acoustic waves. By engineering Forward Inter-Modal Brillouin interactions to access the Fundamental Acoustic Modes (FIM-FAM), strong Brillouin coupling can be extended over a wide frequency range, including lower frequencies that support significantly narrower linewidths. In this work, sub-MHz Brillouin linewidths as narrow as 110 kHz are observed in tapered optical fibers with homogeneous waists. Tight confinement of both the optical and acoustic waves yields Brillouin gains over a thousand times higher than traditional backward Brillouin scattering in standard fibers, and a long waist and low-loss transitions enable a Brillouin interaction strength nearly a hundred times greater than prior taper-based FIM-FAM demonstrations. A specific radius and comprehensive polarization control suppress background scattering by over 40 dB relative to the signal. A comprehensive theoretical model is developed accounting for the dynamical behavior of optical and acoustic waves, reproducing qualitative behavior for several experimental configurations. In addition, the dependence of homogeneity of the linewidth is investigated and reveals a route toward further linewidth reduction by controlling phase-matched frequency variations throughout the waist. Extending strongly coupled Brillouin interactions to ultranarrow linewidths with a recipe for fabrication, detailed characterization techniques, and a comprehensive theoretical treatment will benefit high-performance Brillouin-based photonic applications.
The band structure and carrier recombination mechanism of α/β-phase tellurium homojunction investigated by infrared photoluminescence
Authors: Ye Xiaoyun , Zhu Liangqing , Shao Jun , Hu Rui , Shang Liyan , Chen Xiren , Li Yawei , Zhang Jinzhong , Jiang Kai , Chu Junhao , Hu Zhigao
Published: January 2025

During the synthesis of tellurium (Te) crystals, the coexistence of multiple crystalline phases (α-Te, β-Te, and γ-Te) with diverse structures commonly occurs, leading to instability and complexity in the performance of Te-based optoelectronic devices. This study employs physical vapor deposition to synthesize Te crystals of various sizes and morphologies, followed by spatially and temperature-dependent evaluation using Raman mapping and infrared photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Spatially resolved results reveal that the size and morphology of Te crystals significantly influence the energy and peak profiles of Raman and PL spectra. Statistical analysis of spatially random sampling indicates the PL peak energies of Te crystals follow a lognormal distribution in terms of their occurrence frequencies, reflecting the complex interplay of multiple factors during crystal growth. This results in the coexistence of α-Te and β-Te phases, forming α/β-Te heterophase homojunction (HPHJ). Meanwhile, temperature-dependent PL results, obtained for the range of 3–290 K, reveal multi-peak competitive behavior in the PL spectra, accompanied by S-shaped shifts in peak energy. These features can be rationally explained by an interface transition-recombination mechanism based on the I-type α/β-Te HPHJ model. It also confirms infrared PL spectroscopy is an effective method for identifying the crystalline phase composition of Te crystals.
Significant negative differential resistance and current limiting effects of cyclo[14]carbon-based molecular devices with graphene electrodes
Authors: Liu Yang , Fang Zhihang , Yao Bozong , Zhu JianZhuo , Tian Guangjun , Ma Liang
Published: January 2025

Through tip-induced dehalogenation and retro-Bergman ring-opening reaction of fully chlorinated anthanthrene (C14Cl10), the cyclo[14]carbon (C14) was prepared. Owing to its distinctive physical properties, C14 holds the potential to serve as the core unit of functional electronic devices. Herein, the density functional theory combined with the non-equilibrium Green's function technique was used to investigate the electronic transport properties of molecular devices composed of C14 molecules and graphene electrodes, systematically. We find that molecular devices composed of polyynic and cumulenic structures of C14 exhibit a significant negative differential resistance effect and effective current limiting ability at low bias voltages, respectively. Moreover, by calculating and analyzing the transmission function and projected density of states under different biases, a reasonable explanation of those effects is provided.
Manipulating the electronic and magnetic properties by ferroelectric polarization switching in 2D NiCl2/Ga2S3 van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Wang Shu , Guo Tianxia , Wang Licheng , Wang Ziyu , Zhang Xiufeng , Wang Yanbiao , Lu Jinlian , Yu Xueke , Liu Yongjun , Zhang Xiuyun
Published: January 2025

Exploring magnetoelectric coupling properties in multiferroic materials is scientifically intriguing and of great technical importance in nanoscale devices. In this work, the magnetoelectric coupling behaviors in the two-dimensional (2D) multiferroic heterostructure (HS), NiCl2/Ga2S3, are explored using density functional theory calculations. Our results show that the NiCl2/Ga2S3 HS remains in the ferromagnetic (FM) state in both ferroelectric (FE) polarization states, with the magnetic easy axis lying close to the xoz plane in the Ga2S3-P↓ state and aligning along the eclipsed z axis in the Ga2S3-P↑ state, respectively. Moreover, the HS in the Ga2S3-P↑ polarization state behaves as an FM semiconductor, while it changes to be an FM half-metal in the Ga2S3-P↓ polarization state. By applying tensile strains, the NiCl2/Ga2S3-P↓ can transit from FM quasi-half-metal to FM semiconductor with type-II band alignment. The regulation of physical properties that is induced by the FE layer in the HS originates from interfacial charge transfer due to the proximity effect. This work offers a platform to fabricate a magnetoelectric coupling interaction in 2D multiferroic devices.
Magnon signatures of multidimensional reconfigurations in multilayer square artificial spin ices
Authors: Bhat Vinayak Shantaram , Jungfleisch M. Benjamin
Published: January 2025

We present an all-electrical, broadband spin-wave spectroscopy study of three-dimensional square artificial spin ices composed of dipolarly coupled ferromagnetic layers of varying thicknesses separated by a non-magnetic spacer. Our experiments, in the saturated regime, reveal that the spin-wave spectra exhibit a strong dependence on both the angle of the applied magnetic field and the geometrical aspect ratio of the ferromagnetic layers. Micromagnetic simulations and analytical calculations, utilizing the Smit–Beljers formalism, demonstrate good agreement with our experimental findings. In the magnetic switching regime, the spin-wave spectra indicate an antiparallel alignment between the two ferromagnetic layers. This configuration is highly sensitive to the field angle, suggesting the presence of multidimensional reconfigurations within the multilayer artificial spin ice. Furthermore, employing a minor loop field protocol, we show that the spin-wave modes associated with the antiparallel alignment remain reproducible, even after 100 minor loop cycles, providing intriguing possibilities for magnonic engineering.
A phononic crystal waveguide using surface waves below the sound cone
Authors: Singh Karanpreet , Willson Gabe , Stotz James A. H.
Published: January 2025

Surface acoustic waves are commonly used in a variety of radio-frequency electrical devices as a result of their operation at high frequencies and robust nature. For devices based on Rayleigh-like plane waves, functionality is based on the fact that the Rayleigh wave mode is confined at the solid–air interface. However, to create advanced functionality through the use of phononic crystal structures, standard cylindrical inclusions have been shown to couple Rayleigh modes to the shear horizontal bulk modes and provide a significant pathway to energy loss. We introduce alternative inclusion shapes with a reduced two-fold symmetry that lowers the speed of the Rayleigh-like surface acoustic wave to below that of the shear horizontal mode. With an eigenfrequency below the sound line, the mode is confined to the surface with limited coupling and loss to the bulk. Based on these inclusions, an acoustic waveguide design is proposed, which demonstrates a strong confinement of wave energy both at the surface and within the waveguide.
Geometric effects in the measurement of the remanent ferroelectric polarization at the nanoscale
Authors: Chiang Tony , Lenox Megan K. , Ma Tao , Ihlefeld Jon F. , Heron John T.
Published: January 2025

A resurgence of research on ferroelectric materials has recently occurred due to their potential to enhance the performance of memory and logic. For the design and commercialization of such technologies, it is important to understand the physical behavior of ferroelectrics and the interplay with device size, geometry, and fabrication processes. Here, we report a study of geometric factors that can influence the measurement of the remanent ferroelectric polarization, an important measurement for understanding wakeup, retention, and endurance in ferroelectric technologies. The areal size scaling of W/Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/W capacitors is compared in two typical structures: an island top electrode with a continuous ferroelectric layer and an island top electrode/ferroelectric layer (etched ferroelectric layer). Error in the evaluation of the switched area leads to anomalous scaling trends and increasing apparent remanent polarization as capacitor sizes decrease, most strongly in continuous ferroelectric layer capacitors. Using TEM and electric field simulations, this is attributed to two effects: a processing artifact from ion milling that creates a foot on the top electrode and a fringe electric field penetrating outside of the capacitor area. With the correction of the switching area, the 2Pr for both samples agree (∼32 μC cm−2) and is invariant in the capacitor sizes used (down to 400 nm diameter). Our work demonstrates that the determination of the actual capacitor structure and local electric field is needed to evaluate the intrinsic ferroelectric behavior at the nanoscale.
Design and implementation of optics for the experiment for cryogenic large-aperture intensity mapping (EXCLAIM)
Authors: Essinger-Hileman Thomas , Chmaytelli Danny , Oxholm Trevor , Parekh Tatsat , Siebert Gage , Switzer Eric R. , Watson Joseph , Barlis Alyssa , Barrentine Emily M. , Beeman Jeffrey , Chung Christine , Cursey Paul , Dahal Sumit , Datta Rahul , Ehsan Negar , Glenn Jason , Golec Joseph , Lennon Andrew , Lowe Luke N. , McMahon Jeffrey , Rahmani Maryam , Timbie Peter , Tretheway Bruce , Tucker Carole , Volpert Carolyn , Wollack Edward J.
Published: January 2025

This work describes the design and implementation of optics for EXCLAIM, the EXperiment for Cryogenic Large-Aperture Intensity Mapping. EXCLAIM is a balloon-borne telescope that will measure integrated line emission from carbon monoxide at redshifts z < 1 and ionized carbon ([CII]) at redshifts z = 2.5 − 3.5 to probe star formation over cosmic time in cross-correlation with galaxy redshift surveys. The EXCLAIM instrument is designed to observe at frequencies of 420–540 GHz using six microfabricated silicon integrated spectrometers with spectral resolving power R = 512 coupled to kinetic inductance detectors. A completely cryogenic telescope cooled to a temperature below 5 K provides low-background observations between narrow atmospheric lines in the stratosphere. Off-axis reflective optics use a 90-cm primary mirror to provide 4.2′ full-width at half-maximum resolution at the center of the EXCLAIM band over a field of view of 22.5′. Illumination of the 1.7 K cold stop combined with blackened baffling at multiple places in the optical system ensures low (<−40 dB) edge illumination of the primary to minimize spill onto warmer elements at the top of the dewar.
ADARp110 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression via stabilization of CD24 mRNA
Authors: Sun Liangzhan , Hu Pengchao , Yang Hui , Ren Jun , Hu Rong , Wu Shasha , Wang Yanchen , Du Yuyang , Zheng Jingyi , Wang Fenfen , Gao Han , Yan Jingsong , Yuan Yun-Fei , Guan Xin-Yuan , Xiao Jia , Li Yan
Published: January 2025

ADAR is highly expressed and correlated with poor prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), yet the role of its constitutive isoform ADARp110 in tumorigenesis remains elusive. We investigated the role of ADARp110 in HCC and underlying mechanisms using clinical samples, a hepatocyte-specific
Adarp110
knock-in mouse model, and engineered cell lines. ADARp110 is overexpressed and associated with poor survival in both human and mouse HCC. It creates an immunosuppressive microenvironment by inhibiting total immune cells, particularly cytotoxic GZMB
+
CD8
+
T cells infiltration, while augmenting Treg cells, MDSCs, and exhausted CD8
+
T cells ratios. Mechanistically, ADARp110 interacts with SNRPD3 and RNPS1 to stabilize CD24 mRNA by inhibiting STAU1-mediated mRNA decay. CD24 protects HCC cells from two indispensable mechanisms: macrophage phagocytosis and oxidative stress. Genetic knockdown or monoclonal antibody treatment of CD24 inhibits ADARp110-overexpressing tumor growth. Our findings unveil different mechanisms for ADARp110 modulation of tumor immune microenvironment and identify CD24 as a promising therapeutic target for HCCs.
Glyphosate exposure and GM seed rollout unequally reduced perinatal health
Authors: Reynier Emmett , Rubin Edward
Published: January 2025

The advent of herbicide-tolerant genetically modified (GM) crops spurred rapid and widespread use of the herbicide glyphosate throughout US agriculture. In the two decades following GM-seeds’ introduction, the volume of glyphosate applied in the United States increased by more than 750%. Despite this breadth and scale, science and policy remain unresolved regarding the effects of glyphosate on human health. We identify the causal effect of glyphosate exposure on perinatal health by combining 1) county-level variation in glyphosate use driven by 2) the timing of the GM technology and 3) differential geographic suitability for GM crops. Our results suggest the introduction of GM seeds and glyphosate significantly reduced average birthweight and gestational length. While we find effects throughout the birthweight distribution, low expected-weight births experienced the largest reductions: Glyphosate’s birthweight effect for births in the lowest decile is 12 times larger than that in the highest decile. Together, these estimates suggest that glyphosate exposure caused previously undocumented and unequal health costs for rural US communities over the last 20 years.
The
Aedes aegypti
mosquito evolves two types of prophenoloxidases with diversified functions
Authors: Zhu Xiaojing , Zhang Lei , Jiang Linlong , Chen Huaqing , Tang Yu , Yang Xiaoyun , Bao Pengkun , Liao Chenghong , Li Jianyong , Vavricka Christopher J. , Ren Delin , Chen Zhaohui , Guo Yingying , Han Qian
Published: January 2025

Insect phenoloxidase, presented as an inactive precursor prophenoloxidase (PPO) in hemolymph, catalyzes melanin formation, which is involved in wound healing, pathogen killing, reversible oxygen collection during insect respiration, and cuticle and eggshell formation. Mosquitoes possess 9 to 16 PPO members across different genera, a number that is more than that found in other dipteran insects. However, the reasons for the redundancy of these PPOs and whether they have distinct biochemical properties and physiological functions remain unclear. Phylogenetic analysis confirmed that
Aedes aegypti
PPO6 (Aea-PPO6) is an ortholog to PPOs in other insect species, classified as the classical insect type, while other Aea-PPOs are unique to Diptera, herein referred to as the dipteran type here. We characterized two Aea-PPO members, Aea-PPO6, the classical insect type, and Aea-PPO10, a dipteran type, which exhibit distinct substrate specificities. By resolving Aea-PPO6’s crystal structure and creating a chimera protein (Aea-PPO6-cm) with Motif 1 (
217
GDGPDSVVR
225
) from Aea-PPO10, we identified the motif that determines PPO substrate specificity. In vivo, loss of Aea-PPO6 led to larval lethality, while Aea-PPO10 was involved in development, pigmentation, and immunity. Our results enhance the understanding of the functional diversification of mosquito PPOs.
Specialization of the human hippocampal long axis revisited
Authors: Angeli Peter A. , DiNicola Lauren M. , Saadon-Grosman Noam , Eldaief Mark C. , Buckner Randy L.
Published: January 2025

The hippocampus possesses anatomical differences along its long axis. Here, we explored the functional specialization of the human hippocampal long axis using network-anchored precision functional MRI in two independent datasets (N = 11 and N = 9) paired with behavioral analysis (N = 266 and N = 238). Functional connectivity analyses demonstrated that the anterior hippocampus was preferentially correlated with a cerebral network associated with remembering, while the posterior hippocampus selectively contained a region correlated with a distinct network associated with behavioral salience. Seed regions placed within the hippocampus recapitulated the distinct cerebral networks. Functional characterization of the anterior and posterior hippocampal regions using task data identified and replicated a functional double dissociation. The anterior hippocampal region was sensitive to remembering and imagining the future, specifically tracking the process of scene construction, while the posterior hippocampal region displayed transient responses to targets in an oddball detection task and to transitions between task blocks. These findings suggest an unexpected specialization along the long axis of the human hippocampus with differential responses reflecting the functional properties of the partner cerebral networks.
Dialogic framing in pharmaceutical corporate energy transition
strategies
Authors: Incelli Ersilia
Published: January 2025

The study explores dialogical framing as an engagement device in
the two genres of corporate reports and corporate websites, by focusing on the
nature and extent of dialogicity between companies and stakeholders, crucial to
corporate strategies. Today investors and stakeholders increasingly demand
greater transparency in accounting for long-term climate risks and
opportunities, consequently companies need to rapidly adjust to the global
‘energy transition’, i.e. the shift from fossil-based energy towards renewable
energy sources. For this purpose, the study seeks to identify how firms frame
their energy transition plans, through dialogical engagement. To do this, three
sub-corpora of selected texts were created from two pharmaceutical company
websites, which were then comparatively analysed adopting corpus retrieval
principles of analysis.
Spreading of valency patterns across dialects
Authors: Stoynova Natalia
Published: January 2025

The paper deals with variation in argument encoding attested in Evenki dialects. Evenki (Tungusic) is spoken in a
large area throughout Siberia and manifests a high dialectal diversity. I consider 9 verbs with variable argument encoding
strategies across 15 Evenki dialects. The main data on 6 dialects were obtained from two corpora of Evenki, supplementary data
come from grammatical descriptions. The cluster analysis of variation in argument encoding shows the following results. Clusters
of dialects based on valency patterns do not match the existing classification of Evenki dialects. At the same time, they
correlate much better with the areal distribution of the dialects and with the presence/absence of contact with other languages.
This supports the claim that valency patterns are diachronically unstable and tend to be easily borrowed.
Strain engineering tuned vibrational dynamics of 2D transition metal dichalcogenide heterostructures: A first-principles investigation
Authors: Kaushik Santoshkumar , Dhori Bhautik R , Patel Saurav , Patel Paras , Jha Prafulla K , Mehta Prashant K
Published: January 2025

Controlling vibrational modes and energy gap by creating van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures through strain engineering is a novel approach to tailor the vibrational and electronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials. Numerous theoretical and experimental studies have significantly contributed to analysing the properties of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), known for their multifunctional applications. In this study, we investigate the strain and stacking dependent vibrational properties of WSe2/MoSe2 and MoSe2/WSe2/MoSe2 vdW heterostructures using first-principles based density functional theory calculations. The dynamical stability of all vdW heterostructures makes them feasible in fabrication. Our phonon calculations and zone centre phonon modes analysis signify that the interlayer interaction influences interlayer breathing and shear phonon modes, which play an important role in thermal properties. The effect of strain engineering on the vibrational modes and energy gap of vdW heterostructures are further discussed. The tensile and compressive biaxial strain on the vdW heterostructures results in phonon softening and hardening, respectively.
Reconstruction of water entry cavity by OECT through combining field transformation and group-based sparse representation
Authors: Shen Mengxian , Sun Jiangtao , Suo Peng , Liang Te , Yuan Zitang , Han Yongxuan , Wang Yadong , Li Changwen , Xu Lijun
Published: January 2025

Due to the fact that a water entry cavity directly affects the hydrodynamic characteristics of underwater vehicles, its monitoring is crucial for controlling the motion stability of the vehicles. However, there is limited research on the visualization and measurement of cavities during vehicle motion. Based on open-electrical capacitance tomography, this article presents an image reconstruction method to measure the water entry cavity by combining field transformation and group-based sparse representation (FT-GSR). To address the openness of the cavity measurement domain, a FT method is proposed that unifies open- and closed-domain image reconstruction while reducing the dimensionality of the unknowns to be resolved and the computational complexity of the forward problem. To achieve high-resolution reconstruction, a GSR method is proposed that utilizes global sparsity and neighborhood self-similarity in the reconstructed image, which shows good performance in simulation. Finally, water entry experiments were conducted to validate the performance of the proposed method. Images captured by a high-speed camera were used as references to assess the accuracy of the calculated equivalent cavity diameter. The experimental results indicate that the proposed method can outperform typical reconstruction methods while maintaining computational cost. Based on the aforementioned performance, the proposed method is anticipated to be integrated into system-on-chip technology to enable real-time, high-precision monitoring of the water entry cavity.
Hydrophobic PU fabric with synergistic conductive networks for boosted high sensitivity, wide linear-range wearable strain sensor
Authors: Ma Yanyan , Wan Kening , Huang Yuwen , Feng Qichun , Du Zhaofang
Published: January 2025

Strain sensing fabrics are able to sense the deformation of the outside world, bringing more accurate and real-time monitoring and feedback to users. However, due to the lack of clear sensing mechanism for high sensitivity and high linearity carbon matrix composites, the preparation of high performance strain sensing fabric weaving is still a major challenge. Here, an elastic polyurethane (PU)-based conductive fabric (GCPU) with high sensitivity, high linearity and good hydrophobicity is prepared by a novel synergistic conductive network strategy. The GCPU fabric consists of graphene sheets (GS)/carbon nanotubes (CNTs) elastic conductive layer and a PU elastic substrate. GS and CNTs can be constructed into a synergistic conductive network, and the fabric is endowed with high conductivity (1.193 S m−1). Simulated equivalent circuits show that GS in the conductive network will break violently under applied strain, making the GCPU fabric extremely sensitive (gauge factor 102). CNTs are spatially distributed in GS lamellae, avoiding the phenomenon that the constructed synergistic conductive network is violently fractured under the applied strain, which leads to the decrease of linearity (0.996). Styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene (SEBS) was used as a dispersant and binder to uniformly disperse and closely bond GS and CNTs into PU fabrics. In addition, the hydrophobicity of SEBS makes the GCPU fabric resistant to water environment (The contact angle is 123°). Due to the good mechanical stability of GCPU fabric, GCPU fabric has a wide strain range (0%–50%) and high cycle stability (over 1000 cycles). In practice, GCPU fabric can accurately simulate and detect the size and deformation motion of human body. Therefore, the successful construction of elastic fabrics with synergistic conductive networks provides a feasible path for the design and manufacture of wearable intelligent fabrics.
Serum metabolic fingerprinting on Ag@AuNWs for traumatic brain injury diagnosis
Authors: Qiang Jing-ling , Liu Yan-ling , Zhu Jian
Published: January 2025

Accurate and rapid diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI) is very important for high quality medical services. Nonetheless, the current diagnostic platform still has challenges in the rapid and accurate analysis of clinical samples. Here, we prepared a highly stable, repeatable and sensitive gold-plated silver core–shell nanowire (Ag@AuNWs) for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) metabolic fingerprint diagnosis of TBI. The core–shell structure significantly enhanced SERS intensity and enables the direct detection of 10 μl serum within seconds. The principal component analysis-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) and partial least squares-DA (PLS-DA) are used to evaluate the classification effect of this technology on TBI, respectively. The diagnosis accuracy rate of PCA-LDA and PLS-DA is 73.3% and 86.7% for diagnosing TBI, respectively. Consequently, the PLS-DA model is the optimal selection for distinguishing between the TBI and sham groups. This research will facilitate the application-oriented creation of novel materials with tailored structural designs and the formulation of innovative precision medical protocols in the imminent future.
Feasibility of electron cyclotron resonance heating for high-field and high-density tokamak COMPASS Upgrade
Authors: Farnik M , Casolari A , Bogar O , Tomesova E , Jaulmes F , Komm M , Poli E , Reich M , Hron M ,   COMPASS Upgrade Team
Published: January 2025

Electron cyclotron resonance heating is one of the additional heating systems that is going to be installed at the future high-field tokamak COMPASS Upgrade in Prague. Experimental scenarios cover a wide range of operational parameters, thus the designed heating system has to be exceptionally versatile. The simulations of wave propagation in plasma have been performed using the TORBEAM code. The obtained results yield important information about density limitations and other constraints of ECRH at COMPASS Upgrade, which are necessary for the subsequent design phase. A brief description of intended experimental scenarios is provided together with simulations of the influence of ECRH on COMPASS Upgrade plasma. Efforts should be made to prevent high-density discharges in H-mode plasma. If the high densities can be prevented, the 105/140 GHz frequency heating system provides sufficient heating in most experimental scenarios. The utilization of 170 GHz would be beneficial for intermediate magnetic field scenarios as well. In the future, the potential upgrade towards the 200+ GHz systems would help to tackle the problems with natural H-mode density.