bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of prevention strategies against bath-related deaths based on epidemiological surveys of inquest records in Kagoshima Prefecture
Authors: Katsuyama Midori , Higo Eri , Miyamoto Machiko , Nakamae Takuma , Onitsuka Daiko , Fukumoto Akiko , Yatsushiro Masahiko , Hayashi Takahito
Published: February 2023

Sudden death in the bathroom (bath-related death) occurs more frequently in Japan than in other countries. To clarify the epidemiological characteristics of bath-related deaths, we reviewed inquest records of deaths in Kagoshima Prefecture from 2006 to 2019. We identified 2689 cases of bath-related death. Of these cases, 90% were among people aged ≥ 65 years. The majority occurred in a home bathtub between 16:00 and 20:00. Most deaths (52.0%) occurred in winter (December–February), and there were extremely strong negative correlations with the environmental temperatures (maximum, minimum, and mean) on the day of death. We identified the environmental temperature during cold winter months that bath-related deaths are likely to occur in Kagoshima, although further investigation concerning the effects of other confounding factors is required. Forensic autopsies have only been performed in 29 cases and the cause of death was not diagnosed correctly in the majority of cases. Although autopsies are essential to elucidate the pathogenesis of the deaths, it is difficult to increase the rate of autopsies under the current Japanese death investigation system. Therefore, we suggest that the best way to prevent bath-related death is establishing an “Alert system” based on our results, and to have people refrain from bathing on dangerous days.
Impact of magnesium sulfate therapy in improvement of renal functions in high fat diet-induced diabetic rats and their offspring
Authors: Touliat Mohammad Vahid , Rezazadeh Hossein , Beyki Mehran , Maghareh-Dehkordi Sajad , Sharifi Mohammadreza , Talebi Ardeshir , Soltani Nepton
Published: February 2023

The role of magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) administration to prevent diabetic nephropathy (DN) by reducing insulin resistance (IR) and the relationship of this action with gender and the expression of NOX4 and ICAM1 genes in the parents and their offspring were studied. Males and females rat, and their pups were used. Type 2 diabetes induced by high-fat diet (HFD) administration and a low dose of streptozotocin. Animals were divided into the: non-treated diabetic (DC), the diabetic group received insulin (Ins), and the diabetic group received MgSO4. Two groups of parents received just a normal diet (NDC). Following each set of parents for 16 weeks and their pups for 4 months, while eating normally. We assessed the amount of water consumed, urine volume, and blood glucose level. The levels of glucose, albumin, and creatinine in the urine were also measured, as well as the amounts of sodium, albumin, and creatinine in the serum. Calculations were made for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and the excretion rates of Na and glucose fractions (FE Na and FE G, respectively). The hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp was done. NOX4 and ICAM1 gene expressions in the kidney were also measured. MgSO4 or insulin therapy decreased blood glucose, IR, and improved GFR, FE Na, and FE G in both parents and their offspring compared to D group. MgSO4 improved NOX4 and ICAM1 gene expressions in the parents and their offspring compared to D group. Our results indicated that MgSO4 could reduce blood glucose levels and insulin resistance, and it could improve kidney function.
Melatonin protects against cadmium-induced oxidative stress via mitochondrial STAT3 signaling in human prostate stromal cells
Authors: Hyun Moonjung , Kim Hyejin , Kim Jehein , Lee Juhong , Lee Ho Jeong , Rathor Laxmi , Meier Jeremy , Larner Andrew , Lee Seon Min , Moon Yeongyu , Choi Jungil , Han Sung Min , Heo Jeong-Doo
Published: February 2023

Melatonin protects against Cadmium (Cd)-induced toxicity, a ubiquitous environmental toxicant that causes adverse health effects by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that Cd exposure reduces the levels of mitochondrially-localized signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (mitoSTAT3) using human prostate stromal cells and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. Melatonin enhances mitoSTAT3 abundance following Cd exposure, which is required to attenuate ROS damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell death caused by Cd exposure. Moreover, melatonin increases mitochondrial levels of GRIM-19, an electron transport chain component that mediates STAT3 import into mitochondria, which are downregulated by Cd. In vivo, melatonin reverses the reduced size of mouse prostate tissue and levels of mitoSTAT3 and GRIM-19 induced by Cd exposure. Together, these data suggest that melatonin regulates mitoSTAT3 function to prevent Cd-induced cytotoxicity and could preserve mitochondrial function during Cd-induced stress.
Astrochemistry
Authors: Williams David A , Cecchi-Pestellini Cesare
Published: February 2023

Ever wondered if the chemical processes taking place in space could be related to the origins of life?

The authors of this book, both experienced astrochemists, embark on a discussion to find the answers to this question and more, and include a general introduction to astrochemistry for chemistry students. They explore chemistry occurring in the universe from its very early beginnings until the present era.

Based on our current understanding, astrochemistry is known to occur in interstellar gas, on dust grains and in interstellar ices, in stellar atmospheres and envelopes, in dense star- and planet-forming regions, and on planets and other bodies in planetary systems. Recent observational discoveries supported by remarkable laboratory work emphasize chemical complexity, leading to answers to the tantalizing question: can this complexity be related to the origin of life?

This book provides the tools to enable chemistry students to make their own computational investigations of astrochemistry and directs study across the chemical sciences and astronomy. Concentrating on fundamental processes, this book is a useful teaching aid.
Surface valence regulation of cobalt–nickel foams for glucose oxidation-assisted water electrolysis
Authors: Wang Yan , Yan Wei , Ni Ming , Zhu Chuhong , Du Haiwei
Published: February 2023

Oxygen plasma treatment can regulate the valence of surface metals in cobalt–nickel foam to promote electrocatalytic glucose oxidation coupled with hydrogen production.
Handcuff-like metallo-pseudorotaxanes consisting of tiara[5]arene wheels and dimeric silver trifluoroacetate axles
Authors: Yang Weiwei , Wang Haiying , Chang Rong , Feng Zhitao , Zhu Yumei , Sue Andrew C.-H.
Published: February 2023

Co-crystallising per-methylated tiara[5]arene and silver trifluoroacetate results in handcuff-like metallo-bis-pseudorotaxanes on account of endo-cavity and exo-wall AgIη2-arene interactions.
Highly efficient Bi-promoted ZrO2-based materials for non-oxidative propane dehydrogenation
Authors: Otroshchenko Tatiana , Kondratenko Evgenii V.
Published: February 2023

The presence of Bi2O3 in the lattice or on the surface of ZrO2-based materials provokes creation of coordinatively unsaturated Zr4+ cations under reductive conditions. Such sites are catalytically active for non-oxidative dehydrogenation of propane.
Template-assisted preparation of imbricate N–MoxC nanotubes for the effective electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Li Songjie , Su Shilong , Tian Yun , Li Yuanyuan , Yu Xiaomei , Sun Panfei , Zheng Jin You
Published: February 2023

Imbricate N–MoxC nanotubes with enlarged specific surface area achieve an excellent electrocatalytic performance for the alkaline hydrogen evolution reaction.
Narrow size distribution of lysozyme crystals in a reverse vapor diffusion set-up
Authors: Dimitrov Ivaylo L.
Published: February 2023

A reverse vapor diffusion method for the crystallization of proteins can obtain lysozyme crystals with narrow size distribution using finite volumes of the water phase.
Nonequilibrium thermodynamic model of thermoelectricity and thermodiffusion in semiconductors
Authors: Semenov Semen N. , Schimpf Martin E.
Published: February 2023

We present a self-consistent model rooted in nonequilibrium thermodynamics for defining concentration gradients in the electron/hole pairs and electric-field gradients in an intrinsic semiconductor created upon exposure to a temperature gradient.
Rational design of non-fullerene acceptors via side-chain and terminal group engineering: a computational study
Authors: Khatua Rudranarayan , Das Bibhas , Mondal Anirban
Published: February 2023

Computational investigation of the impact of functional group tailoring on the optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of non-fullerene acceptors as potential components of organic photovoltaic active layer materials.
Aggregation-induced emission of a bis(imino)acenaphthene zinc complex with tetraphenylethene units
Authors: Fumoto Takuma , Tanaka Ryo , Ooyama Yousuke
Published: February 2023

A bis(imino)acenaphthene (BIAN) zinc(ii) complex with tetraphenylethene (TPE) units as bulky aryl groups has been designed and developed, and its photophysical properties in solution and in the solid state have been investigated.
High-speed and high-resolution 2D and 3D elemental imaging of corroded ancient glass by laser ablation-ICP-MS
Authors: Zanini Roberta , Roman Marco , Cattaruzza Elti , Traviglia Arianna
Published: February 2023

Optimizing the LA-ICP-MS procedure to obtain 2D and 3D high-resolution multi-elemental imaging of heavily degraded Roman glass for studying glass weathering mechanisms by monitoring the lateral and in-depth distribution of elements.
Fluorine-selective post-plasma chemical ionization for enhanced elemental detection of fluorochemicals
Authors: Tanen Jordan L. , White Samuel R. , Ha Duong , Jorabchi Kaveh
Published: February 2023

Post-plasma chemical ionization using Sc-based reagent ions improves the robustness of elemental F detection while maintaining high sensitivity.
3D printed microfluidics: advances in strategies, integration, and applications
Authors: Su Ruitao , Wang Fujun , McAlpine Michael C.
Published: February 2023

3D printed microfluidics is a rapidly developing field promising 3D devices, autonomous integration, multifunctional platforms, and novel applications. We review the recent progress in methodologies and applications for 3D printed microfluidics.
Effective adsorption of In(iii) from hydrochloric acid solution using hyperbranched polyethyleneimine and sodium chloroacetate modified weakly acidic macroporous resin
Authors: Gao Xuezhen , Cao Zhiyong , Liu Junshen , Zhang Beibei
Published: February 2023

CM-HPEI-HD-1, prepared by modifying HD-1 resin with HPEI and sodium chloroacetate, is a promising adsorbent with good performance and good stability for adsorption of In(iii).
Synthesis, characterization, and biophysical interaction studies of water-dispersible polypyrrole/polythiophene co-oligomers with bovine serum albumin and human serum albumin: an experimental and theoretical approach
Authors: Riaz Ufana , Farooq Aaliyah , Nabi Nuzhat , Nwanze Faith R , Yan Fei
Published: February 2023

Biophysical interaction studies of water dispersible conducting polymers.
Liquid-phase photo-induced covalent modification (PICM) of single-layer graphene by short-chain fatty acids
Authors: Feng Guilin , Inose Tomoko , Suzuki Nozomu , Wen Han , Taemaitree Farsai , Wolf Mathias , Toyouchi Shuichi , Fujita Yasuhiko , Hirai Kenji , Uji-i Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Graphene is covalently modified in the aqueous solution of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) under laser irradiation. Raman and infrared spectroscopy reveal the efficient introduction of functional groups on graphene.
Reprogrammable allosteric metamaterials from disordered networks
Authors: Pashine Nidhi , Nasab Amir Mohammadi , Kramer-Bottiglio Rebecca
Published: February 2023

We design and build disordered mechanical networks with variable stiffness bonds. We can modify the network's mechanical behavior by reversibly softening a subset of bonds, leading to multiple programmable allosteric responses.
Approaching the hard sphere limit in colloids suitable for confocal microscopy – the end of a decade lasting quest
Authors: Kale Sahana , Lederer Achim , Oettel Martin , Schöpe Hans Joachim
Published: February 2023

Fluorescent PMMA-PHSA particles dispersed in a decalin-tetrachloroethylene mixture serve as the hard sphere model system.
Performances of dual carbon multi-ion supercapacitors in aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes
Authors: Raavi Rachana , Archana Suresh , Adinarayana Reddy Pattubala , Elumalai Perumal
Published: February 2023

Avocado-seed biomass-derived activated carbon was successfully synthesized by carbonization followed by chemical activation.
Rh(iii)-catalyzed synthesis of amino-side-chained poly(phenylene vinylene) via C–H bond olefination
Authors: Chu Benfa , Jia Shuqi , Li Tielei , Zhu Jin
Published: February 2023

A divergent portfolio of PPV candidates has been prepared through a C–H olefination method, which led to the discovery of a giant Stokes shift, high fluorescence quantum yield and solid-state fluorescence.
NIS-initiated photo-induced oxidative decarboxylative sulfoximidation of cinnamic acids
Authors: Chakraborty Nikita , Rajbongshi Kamal K. , Dahiya Anjali , Das Bubul , Vaishnani Akshar , Patel Bhisma K.
Published: February 2023

N-Iodosuccinimide catalyzed, visible-light-induced oxidative decarboxylative cross-coupling between cinnamic acids and NH-sulfoximines leading to α-keto-N-acyl sulfoximines is presented.
Correction: Wide band gap thiophosphates ASrPS4 (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs): cation size effect induced successive structural transformation
Authors: Huang Yi , Huang Junben , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2023

Correction for ‘Wide band gap thiophosphates ASrPS4 (A = Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs): cation size effect induced successive structural transformation’ by Yi Huang et al., Dalton Trans., 2022, 51, 15067–15073, https://doi.org/10.1039/D2DT02321K.
Defining the substrate scope of DNAzyme catalysis for reductive amination with aliphatic amines
Authors: Yang Shukun , Silverman Scott K.
Published: February 2023

In vitro selection led to DNAzymes for N-alkylation of aliphatic amines by reductive amination and established a limit on the substrate scope of this catalysis.
Correction: Fluorido-bridged robust metal–organic frameworks for efficient C2H2/CO2 separation under moist conditions
Authors: Gu Yi-Ming , Yuan You-You , Chen Cailing , Zhao Sheng-Sheng , Sun Tian-Jun , Han Yu , Liu Xiao-Wei , Lai Zhiping , Wang Shu-Dong
Published: February 2023

Correction for ‘Fluorido-bridged robust metal–organic frameworks for efficient C2H2/CO2 separation under moist conditions’ by Yi-Ming Gu et al., Chem. Sci., 2023, https://doi.org/10.1039/d2sc06699h.
Ferredoxin 1 regulates granulosa cell apoptosis and autophagy in polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Xing Jinshan , Qiao Gan , Luo Xin , Liu Shuang , Chen Shaokun , Ye Geng , Zhang Chunxiang , Yi Jingyan
Published: February 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, causes anovulatory infertility. Increased apoptosis of granulosa cells has been identified as one of the key factors contributing to abnormal follicular development. Ferredoxin 1 (FDX1) encodes a small ferredoxin that is involved in the reduction in mitochondrial cytochromes and the synthesis of various steroid hormones and has the potential to influence the function of granulosa cells. In the present study, we aimed to determine the relationship between FDX1 and follicular granulosa cell function. To this end, we investigated the difference between FDX1 expression in the granulosa cells of 50 patients with PCOS and that of the controls. Furthermore, we sought to elucidate the role and mechanism of FDX1 in PCOS granulosa cells by establishing a mouse PCOS model with dehydroepiandrosterone and KGN (a steroidogenic human granulosa cell-like tumor cell line). The results indicated significant up-regulation of FDX1 in the granulosa cells after androgen stimulation. Knockdown of FDX1 promoted the proliferation of KGN and inhibited apoptosis. Moreover, FDX1 could regulate autophagy by influencing the autophagy proteins ATG3 and ATG7. Our results demonstrated that FDX1 plays a critical role in female folliculogenesis by mediating apoptosis, autophagy, and proliferation. Therefore, FDX1 may be a potential prognostic factor for female infertility.
Effective utilization of grid‐forming cloud hybrid energy storage systems in islanded clustered dc nano‐grids for improving transient voltage quality and battery lifetime
Authors: Ghorashi Khalil Abadi Seyyed Ali , Bidram Ali
Published: February 2023

This paper proposes and develops the idea of using a community supercapacitor (SC) in an islanded DC multiple nano‐grids (MNG) system. In the proposed structure, the community SC works in tandem with the community/cloud battery energy storage system (CBESS) of the DC MNG. This combination forms a grid‐forming battery‐supercapacitor cloud hybrid energy storage system (CHESS), which is responsible for maintaining the voltage stability and power balance at the common DC bus of the MNG system. Also, to effectively utilize the SC capacity, this paper proposes a modified control structure for each DC nano‐grid enabling the local BESS units to coordinate with the community SC. Then, it is shown that, in the proposed grid‐forming CHESS technology, the output power of all the local and community BESS units has significantly smoother power variations leading to a higher battery lifetime. Additionally, it is shown that the proposed CHESS technology can improve the voltage stability of the system leading to higher voltage quality. Moreover, it is discussed analytically that the proposed CHESS technology requires less energy storage capacity for the community SC compared to its equivalent MNG with a distributed SC architecture. Finally, these results are verified by simulating two case‐study MNGs in MATLAB/Simulink.
The new detection of blue straggler stars in 50 open clusters using Gaia DR3
Authors: Li Chunyan , Zhong Jing , Qin Songmei , Chen Li
Published: February 2023

Context. The particularly abundant presence of blue straggler stars (BSS) in Galactic open clusters offers favorable conditions for detailed studies on the statistical properties and the origin of the blue straggler population. With the help of Gaia DR3, the number of identified open clusters continuously increases, and the determination of star cluster members is more reliable.

Aims. We performed a more thorough search for BSS in newly found open clusters based on Gaia data.

Methods. We implemented a uniform membership determination for over one thousand newly identified open clusters with larger sky coverage based on the astrometric and photometric data from Gaia DR3. The membership probabilities of stars were assigned by the pyUPMASK algorithm. Then we estimated the physical parameters of these clusters by isochrone fitting on their CMDs and picked out BSS in the specific region of these CMDs.

Results. We identified 138 BSS that had not been reported before in 50 open clusters.

Conclusions. Compared with recent catalogs that present more than 1500 BSS in 339 open clusters, our new catalog increased the number of BSS in Galactic open clusters by about 10%, and the number of open clusters with BSS by nearly 17%. In the future, more accurate abundance measurements are anticipated to better probe the origin of BSS in open clusters.
Selected problems of maintaining the serviceability of turbochargers
Authors: Żółtowski Bogdan , Wojciechowski Hubert , Castaneda Leonel
Published: February 2023

To increase the filling of the cylinder in the engine, a so-called charge is applied, which consists in increasing the amount of air input under increased pressure and at an unchanged temperature. This increases the density of that air and increases the mass in the engine cylinder. In most cars, the charging is carried out by an exhaust gas turbocharger or a mechanical compressor. This paper presents the issues that concern the failure of turbochargers resulting from their balance by weight reduction method. Selected aspects concerning consequences of incorrect balancing and methods of reducing unbalanced rotor mass. A key part of the work includes a proposal to balance turbochargers of automotive vehicles using the “weight-adjustment” method. In this scope, preliminary studies were presente and conclusions observed during their implementation were described.
Validation of the European Portuguese Language Version of the Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey
Authors: Machado André Sousa , Santos Mariline , Silva Ana , Saltychev Mikhail , Meireles Luis , Most Sam , Ferreira Miguel Gonçalves
Published: February 2023

The Standardized Cosmesis and Health Nasal Outcomes Survey (SCHNOS) questionnaire is a tool developed to evaluate functional and aesthetic components of rhinoplasty. It is a reliable patient-reported outcome measure, not available in the European Portuguese language. Our goal was to translate and culturally adapt the SCHNOS questionnaire to the European Portuguese language. The questionnaire was forward and backward translated and culturally adapted to the European Portuguese language following international guidelines. The authors evaluated internal consistency, correlation, and reproducibility to determine the validity of the questionnaire. The final European Portuguese version of the SCHNOS was administered to 58 native European Portuguese speakers. Both the SCHNOS-O (obstructive) and SCHNOS-C (cosmetic) showed high internal consistency with Cronbach's α of 0.93 and 0.95, respectively. Also, for the entire SCHNOS, Cronbach's α was 0.96. All the items demonstrated good item-test and item-rest correlations with the differences between pre- and postestimates being nonsignificant. The translation, adaption, and validation of the SCHNOS into European Portuguese were successfully performed. This provides another tool to help evaluate the functional and aesthetic outcomes of rhinoplasty patients.
The Assessment of Affective Responses within Exercise Prescription: A
Narrative Review
Authors: Hartman Mark E. , Hernandez Jason
Published: February 2023

The assessment of affective responses (pleasure-displeasure) to exercise, is a
useful tool for tailoring exercise prescription. Ideally, the proper
prescription is a balance between minimizing risks, such as negative affect and
dropout, and maximizing gains, such as improvements in health and fitness.
Measuring affective responses to exercise facilitates the process of
self-regulation. When individuals have the autonomy to select the exercise
intensity, they are more likely to have a positive exercise experience and
adhere to the program. The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) has put
forth guidelines on how to incorporate affective responses within exercise
prescription. The primary purpose of this review is to expand upon the
techniques and recommendations provided by the ACSM on the topic of affective
responses. Topics include an overview of the existing research of affective
responses to exercise intensity, the impact of affective responses on motivation
and exercise behaviors, and recommendations of specific techniques for
measuring, monitoring, and evaluating affective responses within an exercise
prescription.
What did those who were “Present at the Transition” Miss? The Creation of Powerful Presidential Families in Central Asia
Authors: Pomfret Richard
Published: February 2023

A striking feature of Havrylyshyn's book present at the transition is the space and emphasis that he gives to elites. He contrasts the new rich in Central European Big Bang countries, who formed a capitalist class that supported further reforms and consolidation of the new economic system, with the new rich in countries with gradual reforms or where an early Big Bang was aborted and old communist-era elites were able to short-circuit the reform process. This paper argues that, although Havrylyshyn's focus on the oligarchs of Russia and Ukraine may be justified by their status as the two largest Soviet successor states, they were not typical of the non-Baltic former Soviet republics. In the Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan, extreme wealth has become concentrated in the presidential families and their associates. This pattern has had specific and pernicious consequences.
FLASH free electron laser pump-probe laser concept based on spectral broadening of high-power ytterbium picosecond systems in multi-pass cells
Authors: Viotti A.-L. , Alisauskas S. , Seidel M. , Tajalli A. , Manschwetus B. , Cankaya H. , Jurkus K. , Sinkus V. , Hartl I.
Published: February 2023

Within the FLASH2020+ upgrade, the pump-probe laser capabilities of the extreme ultraviolet and soft x-ray free-electron laser (XFEL) FLASH in Hamburg will be extended. In particular, providing wavelength tunability, shorter pulse durations, and reduced arrival time jitter will increase the scientific opportunities and the time resolution for the XFEL-optical laser pump-probe experiments. We present here a novel concept for the pump-probe laser at FLASH that is based on the post-compression of picosecond pulses emitted from high-power Ytterbium:YAG slab amplifiers. Flexible reduction of the pulse duration is facilitated by spectral broadening in pressure-tunable multi-pass cells. As an application, we show the pumping of a commercial optical parametric amplifier with 150 fs post-compressed pulses. By means of an additional difference frequency generation stage, tunable spectral coverage from 1.3 to 16 μm is reached with multi-μJ, sub-150 fs pulses. Finally, a modular reconfiguration approach to the optical setups close to the free-electron laser instruments is implemented. This enables fast installation of the nonlinear frequency converters at the end stations for user operation and flexibility between different instruments in the two experimental halls.
Atomic and electronic structures of interfaces between amorphous (Al2O3)1−x(SiO2)x and GaN polar surfaces revealed by first-principles simulated annealing technique
Authors: Chokawa Kenta , Shiraishi Kenji , Oshiyama Atsushi
Published: February 2023

We report first-principles molecular-dynamics calculations with the simulated annealing technique that clarify the atomic and electronic structures of the semiconductor–insulator interfaces consisting of GaN (0001) and (0001¯) faces and the amorphous (Al2O3)1−x(SiO2)x. We confirm that the obtained interfaces are free from dangling bonds, as predicted by our previous calculations, irrespective of the thickness of the amorphous (Al2O3)1−x(SiO2)x layer. This is due to the high atomic density and large mean coordination number near the interfaces caused by atomic diffusion from inside of the insulator to the interfaces. The calculated local density of states of the (Al2O3)1−x(SiO2)x/GaN system quantitatively shows clear band offsets and, more importantly, the absence of deep states in the GaN energy gap. Interestingly, we find that the band alignment causing the offset is not abrupt at the interface but varies gradually near the interface, predicting the existence of transition layers. We determine the thicknesses of the transition layers in the (Al2O3)1−x(SiO2)x/GaN system to be about 10 Å. We argue that those structural characteristics prevent the formation of the dangling-bond origin carrier traps at the interface, and this is a superior feature of the (Al2O3)1−x(SiO2)x as a gate oxide for the GaN-based metal–oxide–semiconductor devices.
Bias history impacts the analog resistance change of HfOx-based neuromorphic synapses
Authors: West Matthew P. , Athena Fabia F. , Graham Samuel , Vogel Eric M.
Published: February 2023

Resistive random-access memory (RRAM) devices have been widely studied for neuromorphic, in-memory computing. One of the most studied RRAM structures consists of a titanium capping layer and a HfOx adaptive oxide. Although these devices show promise in improving neuromorphic circuits, high variability, non-linearity, and asymmetric resistance changes limit their usefulness. Many studies have improved linearity by changing materials in or around the device, the circuitry, or the analog bias conditions. However, the impact of prior biasing conditions on the observed analog resistance change is not well understood. Experimental results in this study demonstrate that prior higher reset voltages used after forming cause a greater resistance change during subsequent identical analog pulsing. A multiphysics finite element model suggests that this greater analog resistance change is due to a higher concentration of oxygen ions stored in the titanium capping layer with increasing magnitude of the reset voltage. This work suggests that local ion concentration variations in the titanium capping layer of just tens of atoms cause significant resistance variation during analog operation.
Manipulating light–matter interaction into strong coupling regime for photon entanglement in plasmonic lattices
Authors: Wang Zhihang , Li Lingyao , Wei Shibo , Shi Xiaoqi , Xiao Jiamin , Guo Zhicheng , Wang Wei , Wang Yi , Wang Wenxin
Published: February 2023

Enhancing light–matter interaction into the strong coupling regime attracts tremendous attention in both theory and experiment, which presents essential significance in research from nano-optics to quantum information. In this work, the entanglement effect is observed in the photons emitted from a plasmonic lattice as the coherent light–matter interaction occurs into the strong coupling regime with a Rabi splitting of 93.4 meV. A full quantum mechanical treatment based on the number state representation is established to reveal the underlying physics of the strong coupling phenomenon, especially the femtosecond dynamics of energy exchange and damping. The entangled split states display oscillating concurrence and negative Wigner quasiprobability distribution function, which demonstrates that this designed plasmonic lattice system can serve as an on-demand entangled photon source for quantum information.
Nucleation kinetics model for primary crystallization in Al–Y–Fe metallic glass
Authors: Duan Tianrui , Shen Ye , Imhoff Seth D. , Yi Feng , Voyles Paul M. , Perepezko John H.
Published: February 2023

The high density of aluminum nanocrystals (>1021 m−3) that develop during the primary crystallization in Al-based metallic glasses indicates a high nucleation rate (∼1018 m−3 s−1). Several studies have been advanced to account for the primary crystallization behavior, but none have been developed to completely describe the reaction kinetics. Recently, structural analysis by fluctuation electron microscopy has demonstrated the presence of the Al-like medium range order (MRO) regions as a spatial heterogeneity in as-spun Al88Y7Fe5 metallic glass that is representative for the class of Al-based amorphous alloys that develop Al nanocrystals during primary crystallization. From the structural characterization, an MRO seeded nucleation configuration is established, whereby the Al nanocrystals are catalyzed by the MRO core to decrease the nucleation barrier. The MRO seeded nucleation model and the kinetic data from the delay time (τ) measurement provide a full accounting of the evolution of the Al nanocrystal density (Nv) during the primary crystallization under isothermal annealing treatments. Moreover, the calculated values of the steady state nucleation rates (Jss) predicted by the nucleation model agree with the experimental results. Moreover, the model satisfies constraints on the structural, thermodynamic, and kinetic parameters, such as the critical nucleus size, the interface energy, and the volume-free energy driving force that are essential for a fully self-consistent nucleation kinetics analysis. The nucleation kinetics model can be applied more broadly to materials that are characterized by the presence of spatial heterogeneities.
Perturbed free induction decay obscures early time dynamics in two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy: The case of semiconductor nanocrystals
Authors: Brosseau Patrick , Seiler Hélène , Palato Samuel , Sonnichsen Colin , Baker Harry , Socie Etienne , Strandell Dallas , Kambhampati Patanjali
Published: February 2023

Two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy (2DES) has recently been gaining popularity as an alternative to the more common transient absorption spectroscopy due to the combination of high frequency and time resolution of 2DES. In order to advance the reliable analysis of population dynamics and to optimize the time resolution of the method, one has to understand the numerous field matter interactions that take place at an early and negative time. These interactions have historically been discussed in one-dimensional spectroscopy as coherent artifacts and have been assigned to both resonant and non-resonant system responses during or before the pulse overlap. These coherent artifacts have also been described in 2DES but remain less well-understood due to the complexity of 2DES and the relative novelty of the method. Here, we present 2DES results in two model nanocrystal samples, CdSe and CsPbI3. We demonstrate non-resonant signals due to solvent response during the pulse overlap and resonant signals, which we assign to perturbed free induction decay (PFID), both before and during the pulse overlap. The simulations of the 2DES response functions at early and negative time delays reinforce the assignment of the negative time delay signals to PFID. Modeling reveals that the PFID signals will severely distort the initial picture of the resonant population dynamics. By including these effects in models of 2DES spectra, one is able to push forward the extraction of early time dynamics in 2DES.
Simulation and validation of the effective power absorbed by a non-equilibrium plasma flow inside the medium-power inductively coupled plasma wind tunnel
Authors: Yu Minghao , Wang Bo , Liu Yifan , Hu Zhiqiang , Wang Zhe
Published: February 2023

A non-equilibrium magneto-hydrodynamic model coupled with a power absorption model was established to calculate the effective power absorbed by the plasma flow inside a 110 kW medium-power inductively coupled plasma wind tunnel. This magneto-hydrodynamic model takes into account the coupling of Navier–Stokes equations, electromagnetic field equations, five species and eight chemical reactions of nitrogen, and a four-temperature model. Moreover, the power absorption model not only considers the power loss from the power supply system but also the coupling efficiency between plasma and the inductive coils. First, the anode loss of an electronic tube and its oscillator circuit efficiency is calculated, respectively, to obtain the total power loss from a radio frequency power supply system. Second, a transformer circuit model of the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) is established to calculate the coupling efficiency between the coil and plasma. Third, the effective power absorbed by the plasma flow and the pathways of the power losses of a medium-power ICP wind tunnel are obtained and discussed. Finally, the flow-field properties of the plasma flow, which are simulated by solving the Navier–Stokes equations coupled with the power absorption model, are obtained and analyzed. Furthermore, the simulated results are compared with corresponding experimental data, and they agree well with each other. It is found that the power loss of the electron tube oscillator accounts for 40%. It is the most dominant part of the total power loss. The effective power absorbed by a plasma flow is about 33.6% for the 110-kW inductively coupled plasma wind tunnel.
Carcass use by mesoscavengers drives seasonal shifts in Australian alpine scavenging dynamics
Authors: Vandersteen James , Fust Christopher , Crowther Mathew S. , Smith Matt , Viola Benjamin , Barton Philip , Newsome Thomas M.
Published: February 2023

Context Carrion is a high-energy and nutrient-rich resource that attracts a diverse group of vertebrate scavengers. However, despite the carrion pool being highly seasonal in its availability, there is little understanding of how scavengers utilise carcasses across all four seasons. Aim To assess how season influences carcass-detection times by vertebrate scavengers and their rates of scavenging. Methods We used remote cameras to monitor vertebrate scavenging at 15 eastern grey kangaroo (Macropus giganteus) carcasses in four consecutive seasons (summer, autumn, winter, and spring; total 58 carcasses) in the Australian Alps. Key results In total, 745 599 remote-camera images were captured, within which 34 vertebrate species were identified, nine of which were recorded to actively scavenge. Time to first detection of carcasses by vertebrate scavengers was 5.3 and 9.6 times longer during summer (average 144 h) than during spring (average 34 h) and winter (average 24 h) respectively. Rates of vertebrate scavenging were highest in winter and spring, with brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula) accounting for 78% of all scavenging events during winter, and ravens (Corvus spp.) accounting for 73% during spring. High rates of carcass use by these mesoscavengers may reflect a scarcity of other food sources, the demands of their breeding season, or a relative absence of scavenging by larger dominant species such as dingoes (Canis dingo) and wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax). Conclusions These findings demonstrate the highly seasonal nature of vertebrate scavenging dynamics in an alpine ecosystem, and that mesoscavengers, not apex scavengers, can dominate the use of carcasses. Implications Accounting for the effects of season is integral to understanding the way animals utilise carcasses in alpine and other strongly seasonal environments; and for developing further our knowledge of ecosystem processes linked to decomposition.
Toward a non-aprioristic approach to discourse-associated devices
Authors: Panov Vladimir
Published: February 2023

In this methodological contribution, I argue for a new approach to discourse phenomena in typology. In previous research, the main focus was on the study of language-particular discourse-associated devices. At the same time, characteristics of these devices were tacitly treated as universal without conducting proper cross-linguistic research based on a rigorous typological methodology. I argue that the method of comparative concepts (Haspelmath 2010), which is successfully applied in better-explored domains of typology, is equally functional in the domain of discourse. Crucially, I demonstrate the importance of treating the formal and the functional side of linguistic devices, or constructions, separately.
From an adverb/postposition ‘behind’ to a discourse marker
Authors: Maisak Timur A.
Published: February 2023

The paper describes two uses of the discourse particle reχu in Andi (Nakh-Daghestanian, Avar-Andic), namely the consecutive, or sequential, use found in the non-final clauses of multiclausal sentences and reinforcing the idea of temporal sequence (‘and then’), and the pragmatic use with retrospective contrastive meaning, predominantly found in imperatives and questions. A diachronic scenario is proposed for the development of the particle: first from spatial adverb/postposition ‘behind’ to temporal adverb/postposition ‘after’, then from clause-initial ‘then’ to clause-final sequential marker, then from longer to shorter sequential marker and, finally, from enclitic sequential marker to enclitic pragmatic particle. This evolution is accompanied by semantic, morphosyntactic and phonological changes typical of grammaticalization, and is supported by both intragenetic evidence and cross-linguistic parallels.
Repetitive constructions and stance-marking
Authors: Koo Hyun Jung , Rhee Seongha
Published: February 2023

Korean has highly formulaic patterns of repeating a sentence two or more times with a variation of speech level indicated by the sentence-final particles. The repetition usually involves progressive downward modulation of the speech level from more formal to less formal. The repeated sentences occur within a single intonation contour, thus forming an utterance unit, and carry diverse intersubjective and interpersonal functions that are not available in the mere repetition of an identical sentence. By virtue of having the pairing of a syntactic pattern and a non-compositional meaning, these patterns are best considered a construction, named here as Multiply Juxtaposed Sentences (MJSs). MJSs encode the speaker’s subtle negative attitude toward the addressee.
Are referent introductions sensitive to forward planning in discourse?
Authors: Schnell Stefan , Haig Geoffrey L.J. , Schiborr Nils Norman , Vollmer Maria
Published: February 2023

It has been argued that speakers employ morphosyntactic structures such as presentationals and left-dislocations (Lambrecht 1994) to establish new entities in discourse due to considerations of referent accessibility vis-à-vis event processing (Du Bois 1987; Chafe 1987). We here investigate whether introductions are sensitive to the salience of the discourse referent in subsequent discourse (Himmelmann 1996; Lichtenberk 1996). This hypothesis is tested against spoken corpus data from twelve diverse languages. While the use of specific morphosyntactic structures does correlate with discourse prominence, humanness has a much stronger effect. Subsequent discourse salience is hence not the chief determinant of the syntactic positions of new mentions; the convergence of humanness and semantic role associations in specific syntactic positions better explains the attested patterns.
Differential indexing and information structure management
Authors: Just Erika
Published: February 2023

Differential indexing has often been associated with features such as animacy and identifiability, but also with the discourse categories topic and focus. This study presents a cross-linguistic survey of differential indexing phenomena which have been ascribed to topicality or focus, showing that although there are similarities with regard to the discourse-structural effects that the addition or omission of indexes might have in different languages, differential indexing has language-specific, often compositional causes and effects. These are demonstrated by two case studies, on Ruuli (Bantu) and Maltese (Semitic). In both languages, differential indexing of the P argument could be ascribed to the topicality of the referent, but it will be shown that this would not do justice to the multifactorial reality of the phenomenon, as in both languages, differential indexing is triggered by a complex interplay of different factors.
CSPP1 stabilizes growing microtubule ends and damaged lattices from the luminal side
Authors: van den Berg Cyntha M. , Volkov Vladimir A. , Schnorrenberg Sebastian , Huang Ziqiang , Stecker Kelly E. , Grigoriev Ilya , Gilani Sania , Frikstad Kari-Anne M. , Patzke Sebastian , Zimmermann Timo , Dogterom Marileen , Akhmanova Anna
Published: February 2023

Microtubules are dynamic cytoskeletal polymers, and their organization and stability are tightly regulated by numerous cellular factors. While regulatory proteins controlling the formation of interphase microtubule arrays and mitotic spindles have been extensively studied, the biochemical mechanisms responsible for generating stable microtubule cores of centrioles and cilia are poorly understood. Here, we used in vitro reconstitution assays to investigate microtubule-stabilizing properties of CSPP1, a centrosome and cilia-associated protein mutated in the neurodevelopmental ciliopathy Joubert syndrome. We found that CSPP1 preferentially binds to polymerizing microtubule ends that grow slowly or undergo growth perturbations and, in this way, resembles microtubule-stabilizing compounds such as taxanes. Fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography showed that CSPP1 is deposited in the microtubule lumen and inhibits microtubule growth and shortening through two separate domains. CSPP1 also specifically recognizes and stabilizes damaged microtubule lattices. These data help to explain how CSPP1 regulates the elongation and stability of ciliary axonemes and other microtubule-based structures.
Similar voltage-sensor movement in spHCN channels can cause closing, opening, or inactivation
Authors: Wu Xiaoan , Cunningham Kevin P. , Ramentol Rosamary , Perez Marta E. , Larsson H. Peter
Published: February 2023

Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels contribute to the rhythmic firing of pacemaker neurons and cardiomyocytes. Mutations in HCN channels are associated with cardiac arrhythmia and epilepsy. HCN channels belong to the superfamily of voltage-gated K+ channels, most of which are activated by depolarization. HCN channels, however, are activated by hyperpolarization. The mechanism behind this reversed gating polarity of HCN channels is not clear. We here show that sea urchin HCN (spHCN) channels with mutations in the C-terminal part of the voltage sensor use the same voltage-sensor movement to either close or open in response to hyperpolarizations depending on the absence or presence of cAMP. Our results support that non-covalent interactions at the C-terminal end of the voltage sensor are critical for HCN gating polarity. These interactions are also critical for the proper closing of the channels because these mutations exhibit large constitutive currents. Since a similar voltage-sensor movement can cause both depolarization- and hyperpolarization-activation in the same channel, this suggests that the coupling between the voltage sensor and the pore is changed to create channels opened by different polarities. We also show an identical voltage-sensor movement in activated and inactivated spHCN channels and suggest a model for spHCN activation and inactivation. Our results suggest the possibility that channels open by opposite voltage dependence, such as HCN and the related EAG channels, use the same voltage-sensor movement but different coupling mechanisms between the voltage sensor and the gate.
Online physics practicum supported by wireless sensor network
Authors: Saputra H , Suhandi A , Setiawan A , Permanasari A , Firmansyah J
Published: February 2023

This study proposes an online practicum model supported by Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) to implement a physics practicum after the Covid 19 Pandemic. This system is guided by exploratory inquiry questions to help structure students’ mindsets in answering investigative questions. Online practicum is also integrated with video conferencing, chat, evaluation system, and lab inquiry stages. The sensor measurement process is carried out directly via live streaming video, where the sensor measurement results are sent in real-time to the website via an internet connection. This study was conducted on 25 students (10 male and 15 female) who were prospective physics teachers. This study used a pre-experimental method with a one-group pretest and post-test design. The study results show that the online practicum model supported by WSN can effectively increase the inquiry skill of prospective physics teacher students. Usability test results obtained an average score of SUS 91.63, which means the practicum system can be categorized as having a user acceptance level of Excellent.