bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Positive temperature coefficient of resistance of Mg-GeO2 nanowire array film
Authors: Choudhury Ankita , Dey Arka , Ghosh Chiranjib , Dalal Avijit , Mahapatra Rajat , Biswas Saikat , Halder Nilanjan , Mondal Aniruddha
Published: January 2023

Here, glancing angle deposition is employed to synthesize the undoped GeO2 and Mg-doped (0.4 and 0.8 at. %) GeO2 nanowires (NWs) on a Si substrate. The microscopic images show the formation of the NW-like morphology of the grown materials. The gradual decrease in the average ratio of length to diameter depicts the worsening of the formation of NWs with the incorporation of Mg into the GeO2 host lattice. This also affects the crystallinity characteristics of the materials, which have been demonstrated from the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) pattern of the materials. The polycrystallinity nature of undoped GeO2 NWs changes to amorphous due to the introduction of Mg, which has been confirmed from both the obtained SAED and x-ray diffraction patterns of the samples. The presence of Mg was confirmed from the obtained broad bands at 473 and 437 cm−1 in the Fourier transmission spectrum of the doped samples. The increasing conductance with the temperature of Au/undoped GeO2 devices can be explained by the thermionic emission process, whereas the Mg-GeO2 device shows an overall decrease in conductance with increasing temperature. We have ascribed the origin of this abnormal conductance as the positive temperature coefficient of resistance, which is one of the first reports, due to the generation of random grain boundaries and enormous electron trapping at the Au/Mg-GeO2 NW junction. Furthermore, the undoped GeO2 NW device shows good temperature-dependent conductivity as well as stability compared to the doped one.
Epitaxial synthesis of unintentionally doped p-type SnO (001) via suboxide molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Egbo Kingsley , Luna Esperanza , Lähnemann Jonas , Hoffmann Georg , Trampert Achim , Grümbel Jona , Kluth Elias , Feneberg Martin , Goldhahn Rüdiger , Bierwagen Oliver
Published: January 2023

By employing a mixed SnO2 + Sn source, we demonstrate suboxide molecular beam epitaxy (S-MBE) growth of phase-pure single-crystalline metastable SnO (001) thin films on Y-stabilized ZrO2 (001) substrates at a growth rate of ∼1.0 nm/min without the need for additional oxygen. These films grow epitaxially across a wide substrate temperature range from 150 to 450 °C. Hence, we present an alternative pathway to overcome the limitations of high Sn or SnO2 cell temperatures and narrow growth windows encountered in previous MBE growth of metastable SnO. In situ laser reflectometry and line-of-sight quadrupole mass spectrometry were used to investigate the rate of SnO desorption as a function of substrate temperature. While SnO ad-molecule desorption at TS = 450 °C was growth-rate limiting, the SnO films did not desorb at this temperature after growth in vacuum. The SnO (001) thin films are transparent and unintentionally p-type doped, with hole concentrations and mobilities in the range of 0.9–6.0 × 1018 cm−3 and 2.0–5.5 cm2 V−1 s−1, respectively. These p-type SnO films obtained at low substrate temperatures are promising for back-end-of-line (BEOL) compatible applications and for integration with n-type oxides in pn heterojunctions and field-effect transistors.
Unipolar barriers in near-broken-gap heterostructures for high-performance self-powered photodetectors
Authors: Yan Yong , Li Jie , Li Hengyi , Li Shasha , Li Zhongwei , Gao Wei , Jiang Yurong , Song Xiaohui , Xia Congxin , Li Jingbo
Published: January 2023

The two-dimensional heterostructure is a promising research direction in photodetection. However, developing a good photodetector with high responsivity and fast speed is still challenging. Herein, we fabricate a high-performance self-powered broadband (355–1064 nm) photodetector based on a near-broken-gap GeSe/SnS2/InSe heterostructure, where SnS2 is used as a potential hole barrier layer. The device shows an ultrahigh open-circuit voltage (VOC) of 0.57 V, a high power-dependent responsivity of 1.87 A W−1 at 355 nm, and a fast response time of 8 μs in the self-powered mode. Based on the near-broken band alignment, the InSe layer with high electron mobility can efficiently collect the photogenerated electrons from the GeSe layer to improve conversion efficiency. Furthermore, the unipolar hole barrier at the interface can inhibit the Langevin recombination resulting in VOC enhancement. Notably, the anisotropy ratio of photocurrent in our device is also enhanced to ∼3.5, which is higher than GeSe photodetectors and other anisotropic devices counterparts. This work provides an opportunity for the realization of the high-sensitivity polarization-sensitive broadband photodetector.
Experimental investigation of turbulent flow in a rectangular bonneted slide gate and eliminating random fluctuating loads
Authors: Mirabi Mohammad Hossein , Jabbari Ehsan , Rajaee Taher , Seiiedi Niaki Keivan
Published: January 2023

Bonneted slide gates are widely used in dam bottom outlets for flow regulation. High kinetic energy flow generates turbulence, which induces vibrations in bonneted slide gates under partially open conditions. Significant vibrations can indicate problems and cause damage or expedited deterioration of the gate if left unchecked. This experimental study focuses on two aspects: turbulent flow formation due to rectangular bonneted slide gates and elimination of random fluctuating loads on the gate using a turbulence inhibitor. Five reservoir heads were combined with nine gate openings (10%–90%) to produce 45 different discharges of 12–182 l/s. The different types of the gate flow create different turbulence and random loads based on the water–air mixture and the kinetic energy of the flow. Flow analysis indicates considerable random static pressure fluctuations under the slide gate. The results show the formation of swirling secondary flows in the gate's side guide slots, and their movement and collision with the gate are the leading cause of the turbulent multiphase flow and random fluctuations in static pressure. Also, the use of turbulence inhibitors on the gate can prevent the formation of secondary flows, which results in a 98.92% reduction in the amplitude of random static pressure fluctuations and the elimination of the random fluctuating loads on the slide gate. After removing the swirling secondary flows, a stable air boundary layer was formed under the gate. Finally, the gate flow changed from a turbulent two-phase flow to a steady single-phase jet of water.
Broadband enhancement of absorption by two-dimensional atomic crystals modeled as non-Hermitian photonic scattering
Authors: Chen Xingzhou , Sun Zheng , Zhang Min , Li Ming , Hu Zhigao , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Snoke David , Shi Zhe-Yu , Wu Jian
Published: January 2023

We report the design and fabrication of a vertical structure using a distributed Bragg reflector and dielectric material layer to achieve optimized optical absorption enhancement for a stack of monolayer WS2 and MoS2, namely, a tenfold increase in absorption over a 100 nm spectral range. Our research indicates that we can approach over 50% absorption by finely tuning the thickness of the spacer layer. Our theoretical model shows that the dependence of the absorption coefficient on the spacer thickness can be understood as a solution of a non-Hermitian Schrödinger equation. These results advance the development of broadband optical devices, including solar energy conversion and sensitive optical sensors, by using two-dimensional excitonic materials.
DFT calculations of structural, magnetic, and stability of FeNiCo-based and FeNiCr-based quaternary alloys
Authors: Tran Nguyen-Dung , Davey Theresa , Chen Ying
Published: January 2023

As the Cantor-derived medium-entropy alloys (MEAs), FeNiCoMn and FeNiCrMn quaternaries in both equiatomic and non-equiatomic compositions were investigated by density functional theory combined with the quasiharmonic Debye–Grüneisen approximation using the special-quasirandom structure model. The structural properties, magnetic properties, and thermodynamics and phase stability were explored in detail. The temperature stabilization effect of lattice vibration, configurational mixing entropy, and thermal electronic excitation was discussed. Also FeNiCoPd and FeNiCrPd quaternaries, in which Mn was replaced by Pd, were considered in the same framework in order to highlight the similarities and differences between these Mn- and Pd-MEAs. The phase stability competition between homogeneous and inhomogeneous states in terms of both size and chemical ordering was revealed for four groups of FeNiCoMn, FeNiCoPd, FeNiCrMn, and FeNiCrPd MEAs.
Resistivity scaling in CuTi determined from transport measurements and first-principles simulations
Authors: Zhang Minghua , Kumar Sushant , Sundararaman Ravishankar , Gall Daniel
Published: January 2023

The resistivity size effect in the ordered intermetallic CuTi compound is quantified using in situ and ex situ thin film resistivity ρ measurements at 295 and 77 K, and density functional theory Fermi surface and electron–phonon scattering calculations. Epitaxial CuTi(001) layers with thickness d = 5.8–149 nm are deposited on MgO(001) at 350 °C and exhibit ρ vs d data that are well described by the classical Fuchs and Sondheimer model, indicating a room-temperature effective electron mean free path λ = 12.5 ± 0.6 nm, a bulk resistivity ρo = 19.5 ± 0.3 μΩ cm, and a temperature-independent product ρoλ = 24.7 × 10−16 Ω m2. First-principles calculations indicate a strongly anisotropic Fermi surface with electron velocities ranging from 0.7 × 105 to 6.6 × 105 m/s, electron–phonon scattering lengths of 0.8–8.5 nm (with an average of 4.6 nm), and a resulting ρo = 20.6 ± 0.2 μΩ cm in the (001) plane, in excellent agreement (7% deviation) with the measurements. However, the measured ρoλ is almost 2.4 times larger than predicted, indicating a break-down of the classical transport models. Air exposure causes a 6%–30% resistivity increase, suggesting a transition from partially specular (p = 0.5) to completely diffuse surface scattering due to surface oxidation as detected by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Polycrystalline CuTi layers deposited on SiO2/Si substrates exhibit a 001 texture, a grain width that increases with d, and a 74%–163% larger resistivity than the epitaxial layers due to electron scattering at grain boundaries. The overall results suggest that CuTi is a promising candidate for highly scaled interconnects in integrated circuits only if it facilitates liner-free metallization.
Enhanced electrostatic energy storage through a multi-element doping design
Authors: Kang S. S. , Yang J. , Yang B. B. , Zhan X. J. , Zhang Y. M. , Dai Y. Q. , Song D. P.
Published: January 2023

Element doping is a common and efficient method that can be used to substantially enhance dielectric energy storage performance. Despite continued efforts and progress in this field, investigations of the different effects of single- and multi-element doping on energy storage properties are lacking. In this work, we study the dependence of microstructures and energy storage properties on element doping using a BaBi4Ti4O15 material system. Our results reveal that an amorphous phase appears and the grain size decreases with an increasing number of doping elements. Such a scenario is conducive to improving the breakdown field strength and suppressing polarization-switching hysteresis. Therefore, we achieve an ultrahigh energy storage density of 76 J/cm3 and an efficiency of 82.5% using the multi-element-doped composition. This work provides guidance for preparing high-energy-storage films.
Aggregation of nucleobases and metabolites: Adenine-theobromine trimers
Authors: Camiruaga Ander , Usabiaga Imanol , Pinillos Paul , Basterretxea Francisco J. , Fernández José A. , Martínez Rodrigo
Published: January 2023

The selection of cytosine, guanine, thymine, and adenine as components of the information biopolymers was a complex process influenced by several factors. Among them, the intermolecular interactions may have played a determinant role. Thus, a deep understanding of the intermolecular interactions between nucleobases and other prebiotic molecules may help understand the first instants of chemical evolution. Following this hypothesis, we present here a combined spectroscopic and computational study of theobromine2-adenine and thebromine-adenine2 trimers. While adenine is a nucleobase, theobromine was probably part of the prebiotic chemistry. The trimers were formed in jets and probed by a combination of UV and IR spectroscopic techniques. The spectra were interpreted in light of the predictions obtained using density-functional methods. The results suggest the existence of a subtle balance between formation of hydrogen bonds and π-π interactions. Thus, while theobromine2-adenine tends to form complex in stacked structures, theobromine-adenine2 prefers formation of planar structures, maximizing the interaction by hydrogen bonds. The small energy difference between planar and stacked structures highlights the importance of accurately modeling the dispersion forces in the functionals to produce reliable predictions.
Computing excited OH stretch states of water dimer in 12D using contracted intermolecular and intramolecular basis functions
Authors: Wang Xiao-Gang , Carrington Tucker
Published: January 2023

Due to the ubiquity and importance of water, water dimer has been intensively studied. Computing the (ro-)vibrational spectrum of water dimer is challenging. The potential has eight wells separated by low barriers, which makes harmonic approximations of limited utility. A variational approach is imperative, but difficult because there are 12 coupled vibrational coordinates. In this paper, we use a product contracted basis whose functions are products of intramolecular and intermolecular functions computed using an iterative eigensolver. An intermediate matrix F facilitates calculating matrix elements. Using F, it is possible to do calculations on a general potential without storing the potential on the full quadrature grid. We find that surprisingly many intermolecular functions are required. This is due to the importance of coupling between inter- and intra-molecular coordinates. The full G16 symmetry of water dimer is exploited. We calculate, for the first time, monomer excited stretch states and compare P(1) transition frequencies with their experimental counterparts. We also compare with experimental vibrational shifts and tunneling splittings. Surprisingly, we find that the largest tunneling splitting, which does not involve the interchange of the two monomers, is smaller in the asymmetric stretch excited state than in the ground state. Differences between levels we compute and those obtained with a [6+6]D adiabatic approximation [Leforestier et al. J. Chem. Phys. 137 014305 (2012)] are ∼0.6 cm−1 for states without monomer excitation, ∼4 cm−1 for monomer excited bend states, and as large as ∼10 cm−1 for monomer excited stretch states.
Guide to Native Orchids of Victoria
Authors: Backhouse Gary
Published: January 2023

This comprehensive guide describes the 447 species of wild orchids that occur in Victoria, Australia. This region is one of the richest in the world for its diversity of temperate terrestrial orchids. Orchid diversity in Victoria spans some of the smallest to some of the largest orchids in Australia, from the minute Mallacoota Midge Orchid, with flowers just 2 mm across, to the large King Orchid, with big plants having hundreds of fragrant flowers and weighing many kilograms.

Guide to Native Orchids of Victoria includes brief descriptions on all species, enabling their identification in the field. With more than 460 photographs of wild orchids in their natural habitat and distribution maps for almost all species, this guide will delight and inspire anyone interested in orchids.
Development of explicit criteria identifying potentially inappropriate polypharmacy in older adults in New Zealand primary care: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Liu Lisheng , Harrison Jeff
Published: January 2023

Introduction The link between polypharmacy, risk of potentially inappropriate medication exposure, and avoidable medicines-related harm is well recognised. Not all polypharmacy is harmful, and contemporary multimodal approaches to managing long-term conditions are evidence-based and commonplace. What is needed is a focus on reducing inappropriate medication prescribing in polypharmacy. Aim This study aims to develop the New Zealand criteria, a set of New Zealand-specific potentially inappropriate medication indicators to correct for older adults with polypharmacy. Methods A mixed-methods approach was used. An expert panel group comprising four clinical pharmacists, two general practitioners, one geriatrician, and two nurse practitioners generated a collection of ideas via the nominal group technique, which combined with published criteria from literature, provided the list of potential criteria. These potential criteria were reviewed, validated, and ranked for importance via a two-round modified Delphi analysis with the same panel. Results The nominal group technique generated 35 indicators, of which 23 were rated as important. Fifty-nine of 91 indicators from literature were rated as relevant and important. This generated 82 indicators for the modified Delphi analysis, from which 61 achieved consensus. Overall, 21 unique criteria were judged ‘very important’, 31 were judged ‘important’, and nine were judged ‘somewhat important’. No indicators were judged ‘low importance’. Discussion The New Zealand criteria provides 61 medication indicators, which New Zealand experts recommend should prompt formal, documented review. The criteria can be used to systematically identify patients at the highest risk of avoidable medication-related harm for proactive review.
Modelling the daily probability of lightning-caused ignition in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Rodrigues Marcos , Jiménez-Ruano Adrián , Gelabert Pere Joan , de Dios Víctor Resco , Torres Luis , Ribalaygua Jaime , Vega-García Cristina
Published: January 2023

Background Lightning is the most common origin of natural fires, being strongly linked to specific synoptic conditions associated with atmospheric instability, such as dry thunderstorms; dry fuels are required for ignition to take place and for subsequent propagation. Aims The aim was to predict the daily probability of ignition by exploiting a large dataset of lightning and fire data to anticipate ignition over the entire Iberian Peninsula. Methods We trained and tested a machine learning model using lightning strikes (>17 million) in the period 2009–2015. For each lightning strike, we extracted information relating to fuel condition, structural features of vegetation, topography, and the specific characteristics of the strikes (polarity, intensity and flash density). Key results Naturally triggered ignitions are typically initiated at higher elevations (above 1000 m above sea level) under conditions of low dead fuel moisture (<10–13%) and moderate live moisture content (Drought Code > 300). Negative-polarity lightning strikes (−10 kA) appear to trigger fires more frequently. Conclusions and implications Our approach was able to provide ignition forecasts at multiple temporal and spatial scales, thus enhancing forest fire risk assessment systems.
Hemodynamic transient and functional connectivity follow structural connectivity and cell type over the brain hierarchy
Authors: Chuang Kai-Hsiang , Li Zengmin , Huang Helena H. , Khorasani Gerdekoohi Shabnam , Athwal Dilsher
Published: January 2023

The neural circuit of the brain is organized as a hierarchy of functional units with wide-ranging connections that support information flow and functional connectivity. Studies using MRI indicate a moderate coupling between structural and functional connectivity at the system level. However, how do connections of different directions (feedforward and feedback) and regions with different excitatory and inhibitory (E/I) neurons shape the hemodynamic activity and functional connectivity over the hierarchy are unknown. Here, we used functional MRI to detect optogenetic-evoked and resting-state activities over a somatosensory pathway in the mouse brain in relation to axonal projection and E/I distribution. Using a highly sensitive ultrafast imaging, we identified extensive activation in regions up to the third order of axonal projections following optogenetic excitation of the ventral posteriomedial nucleus of the thalamus. The evoked response and functional connectivity correlated with feedforward projections more than feedback projections and weakened with the hierarchy. The hemodynamic response exhibited regional and hierarchical differences, with slower and more variable responses in high-order areas and bipolar response predominantly in the contralateral cortex. Electrophysiological recordings suggest that these reflect differences in neural activity rather than neurovascular coupling. Importantly, the positive and negative parts of the hemodynamic response correlated with E/I neuronal densities, respectively. Furthermore, resting-state functional connectivity was more associated with E/I distribution, whereas stimulus-evoked effective connectivity followed structural wiring. These findings indicate that the structure–function relationship is projection-, cell-type- and hierarchy-dependent. Hemodynamic transients could reflect E/I activity and the increased complexity of hierarchical processing.
Metabolic reprogramming underlies cavefish muscular endurance despite loss of muscle mass and contractility
Authors: Olsen Luke , Levy Michaella , Medley J. Kyle , Hassan Huzaifa , Miller Brandon , Alexander Richard , Wilcock Emma , Yi Kexi , Florens Laurence , Weaver Kyle , McKinney Sean A. , Peuß Robert , Persons Jenna , Kenzior Alexander , Maldonado Ernesto , Delventhal Kym , Gluesenkamp Andrew , Mager Edward , Coughlin David , Rohner Nicolas
Published: January 2023

Physical inactivity is a scourge to human health, promoting metabolic disease and muscle wasting. Interestingly, multiple ecological niches have relaxed investment into physical activity, providing an evolutionary perspective into the effect of adaptive physical inactivity on tissue homeostasis. One such example, the Mexican cavefish
Astyanax mexicanus,
has lost moderate-to-vigorous activity following cave colonization, reaching basal swim speeds ~3.7-fold slower than their river-dwelling counterpart. This change in behavior is accompanied by a marked shift in body composition, decreasing total muscle mass and increasing fat mass. This shift persisted at the single muscle fiber level via increased lipid and sugar accumulation at the expense of myofibrillar volume. Transcriptomic analysis of laboratory-reared and wild-caught cavefish indicated that this shift is driven by increased expression of
pparγ
—the master regulator of adipogenesis—with a simultaneous decrease in fast myosin heavy chain expression. Ex vivo and in vivo analysis confirmed that these investment strategies come with a functional trade-off, decreasing cavefish muscle fiber shortening velocity, time to maximal force, and ultimately maximal swimming speed. Despite this, cavefish displayed a striking degree of muscular endurance, reaching maximal swim speeds ~3.5-fold faster than their basal swim speeds. Multi-omic analysis suggested metabolic reprogramming, specifically phosphorylation of Pgm1-Threonine 19, as a key component enhancing cavefish glycogen metabolism and sustained muscle contraction. Collectively, we reveal broad skeletal muscle changes following cave colonization, displaying an adaptive skeletal muscle phenotype reminiscent to mammalian disuse and high-fat models while simultaneously maintaining a unique capacity for sustained muscle contraction via enhanced glycogen metabolism.
Supramolecular organization and dynamics of mannosylated phosphatidylinositol lipids in the mycobacterial plasma membrane
Authors: Brown Chelsea M. , Corey Robin A. , Grélard Axelle , Gao Ya , Choi Yeol Kyo , Luna Emanuel , Gilleron Martine , Destainville Nicolas , Nigou Jérôme , Loquet Antoine , Fullam Elizabeth , Im Wonpil , Stansfeld Phillip J. , Chavent Matthieu
Published: January 2023

Mycobacterium tuberculosis(Mtb) is the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), a disease that claims ~1.6 million lives annually. The current treatment regime is long and expensive, and missed doses contribute to drug resistance. Therefore, development of new anti-TB drugs remains one of the highest public health priorities.Mtbhas evolved a complex cell envelope that represents a formidable barrier to antibiotics. TheMtbcell envelop consists of four distinct layers enriched forMtbspecific lipids and glycans. Although the outer membrane, comprised of mycolic acid esters, has been extensively studied, less is known about the plasma membrane, which also plays a critical role in impacting antibiotic efficacy. TheMtbplasma membrane has a unique lipid composition, with mannosylated phosphatidylinositol lipids (phosphatidyl-myoinositol mannosides, PIMs) comprising more than 50% of the lipids. However, the role of PIMs in the structure and function of the membrane remains elusive. Here, we used multiscale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to understand the structure-function relationship of the PIM lipid family and decipher how they self-organize to shape the biophysical properties of mycobacterial plasma membranes. We assess both symmetric and asymmetric assemblies of theMtbplasma membrane and compare this with residue distributions ofMtbintegral membrane protein structures. To further validate the model, we tested known anti-TB drugs and demonstrated that our models agree with experimental results. Thus, our work sheds new light on the organization of the mycobacterial plasma membrane. This paves the way for future studies on antibiotic development and understandingMtbmembrane protein function.
Activation of the NLRP1 inflammasome in human keratinocytes by the dsDNA mimetic poly(dA:dT)
Authors: Zhou Jeffrey Y. , Sarkar Mrinal K. , Okamura Ken , Harris John E. , Gudjonsson Johann E. , Fitzgerald Katherine A.
Published: January 2023

The accrual of cytosolic DNA leads to transcription of type I IFNs, proteolytic maturation of the IL-1 family of cytokines, and pyroptotic cell death. Caspase-1 cleaves pro-IL1β to generate mature bioactive cytokine and gasdermin D which facilitates IL-1 release and pyroptotic cell death. Absent in melanoma-2 (
AIM2
) is a sensor of dsDNA leading to caspase-1 activation, although in human monocytes, cGAS-STING acting upstream of NLRP3 mediates the dsDNA-activated inflammasome response. In healthy human keratinocytes, AIM2 is not expressed yet caspase-1 is activated by the synthetic dsDNA mimetic poly(dA:dT). Here, we show that this response is not mediated by either AIM2 or the cGAS-STING-NLRP3 pathway and is instead dependent on NLRP1. Poly(dA:dT) is unique in its ability to activate NLRP1, as conventional linear dsDNAs fail to elicit NLRP1 activation. DsRNA was recently shown to activate NLRP1 and prior work has shown that poly(dA:dT) is transcribed into an RNA intermediate that stimulates the RNA sensor RIG-I. However, poly(dA:dT)-dependent RNA intermediates are insufficient to activate NLRP1. Instead, poly(dA:dT) results in oxidative nucleic acid damage and cellular stress, events which activate MAP3 kinases including ZAKα that converge on p38 to activate NLRP1. Collectively, this work defines a new activator of NLRP1, broadening our understanding of sensors that recognize poly(dA:dT) and advances the understanding of the immunostimulatory potential of this potent adjuvant.
METTL3 is essential for normal progesterone signaling during embryo implantation via m
6
A-mediated translation control of progesterone receptor
Authors: Zheng Zhan-Hong , Zhang Guo-Le , Jiang Run-Fu , Hong Yu-Qi , Zhang Qing-Yan , He Jia-Peng , Liu Xin-Ru , Yang Zhen-Shan , Yang Liu , Jiang Xing , Qu Li-Jian , Ding Chen-Hui , Xu Yan-Wen , Yang Shi-Hua , Liu Ji-Long
Published: January 2023

Embryo implantation, a crucial step in human reproduction, is tightly controlled by estrogen and progesterone (P
4
) via estrogen receptor alpha and progesterone receptor (PGR), respectively. Here, we report that

N
6

-methyladenosine (m
6
A), the most abundant mRNA modification in eukaryotes, plays an essential role in embryo implantation through the maintenance of P
4
 signaling. Conditional deletion of methyltransferase-like 3 (
Mettl3
), encoding the m
6
A writer METTL3, in the female reproductive tract using a Cre mouse line with
Pgr
promoter (
Pgr-Cre
) resulted in complete implantation failure due to pre-implantation embryo loss and defective uterine receptivity. Moreover, the uterus of
Mettl3
null mice failed to respond to artificial decidualization. We further found that
Mettl3
deletion was accompanied by a marked decrease in PGR protein expression. Mechanistically, we found that
Pgr
mRNA is a direct target for METTL3-mediated m
6
A modification. A luciferase assay revealed that the m
6
A modification in the 5′ untranslated region (5′-UTR) of
Pgr
mRNA enhances PGR protein translation efficiency in a YTHDF1-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrated that METTL3 is required for human endometrial stromal cell decidualization in vitro and that the METTL3-PGR axis is conserved between mice and humans. In summary, this study provides evidence that METTL3 is essential for normal P
4
signaling during embryo implantation via m
6
A-mediated translation control of
Pgr
mRNA.
Myeloid-derived MIF drives RIPK1-mediated cerebromicrovascular endothelial cell death to exacerbate ischemic brain injury
Authors: Li Yan , Zou Chengyu , Chen Chen , Li Sixuan , Zhu Ziyu , Fan Qiuyue , Pang Rui , Li Fengshi , Chen Zengai , Wang Zhenghong , Yu Weifeng , Yuan Junying , Li Peiying
Published: January 2023

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a multifaced protein that plays important roles in multiple inflammatory conditions. However, the role of MIF in endothelial cell (EC) death under inflammatory condition remains largely unknown. Here we show that MIF actively promotes receptor-interacting protein kinase 1 (RIPK1)-mediated cell death under oxygen-glucose deprivation condition. MIF expression is induced by surgical trauma in peripheral myeloid cells both in perioperative humans and mice. We demonstrate that MIF-loaded myeloid cells induced by peripheral surgery adhere to the brain ECs after distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (dMCAO) and exacerbate the blood–brain barrier (BBB) disruption. Genetic depletion of myeloid-derived MIF in perioperative ischemic stroke (PIS) mice with MCAO following a surgical insult leads to significant reduction in ECs apoptosis and necroptosis and the associated BBB disruption. The adoptive transfer of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from surgical MIF

ΔLyz2

mice to wild-type (WT) MCAO mice also shows reduced ECs apoptosis and necroptosis compared to the transfer of PBMC from surgical MIF

f  l/f  l

mice to MCAO recipients. The genetic inhibition of RIPK1 also attenuates BBB disruption and ECs death compared to that of WT mice in PIS. The administration of MIF inhibitor (ISO-1) and RIPK1 inhibitor (Nec-1s) can both reduce the brain EC death and neurological deficits following PIS. We conclude that myeloid-derived MIF promotes ECs apoptosis and necroptosis through RIPK1 kinase-dependent pathway. The above findings may provide insights into the mechanism as how peripheral inflammation promotes the pathology in central nervous system.
Invasion of
Toxoplasma gondii
bradyzoites: Molecular dissection of the moving junction proteins and effective vaccination targets
Authors: Najm Rania , Ruivo Margarida T. Grilo , Penarete-Vargas Diana Marcela , Hamie Maguy , Mouveaux Thomas , Gissot Mathieu , Boulanger Martin J. , El Hajj Hiba , Lebrun Maryse
Published: January 2023

Toxoplasmosis is a neglected parasitic disease necessitating public health control. Host cell invasion by
Toxoplasma
occurs at different stages of the parasite’s life cycle and is crucial for survival and establishment of infection. In tachyzoites, which are responsible for acute toxoplasmosis, invasion involves the formation of a molecular bridge between the parasite and host cell membranes, referred to as the moving junction (MJ). The MJ is shaped by the assembly of AMA1 and RON2, as part of a complex involving additional RONs. While this essential process is well characterized in tachyzoites, the invasion process remains unexplored in bradyzoites, which form cysts and are responsible for chronic toxoplasmosis and contribute to the dissemination of the parasite between hosts. Here, we show that bradyzoites invade host cells in an MJ-dependent fashion but differ in protein composition from the tachyzoite MJ, relying instead on the paralogs AMA2 and AMA4. Functional characterization of AMA4 reveals its key role for cysts burden during the onset of chronic infection, while being dispensable for the acute phase. Immunizations with AMA1 and AMA4, alone or in complex with their rhoptry neck respective partners RON2 and RON2
L1
, showed that the AMA1–RON2 pair induces strong protection against acute and chronic infection, while the AMA4–RON2
L1
complex targets more selectively the chronic form. Our study provides important insights into the molecular players of bradyzoite invasion and indicates that invasion of cyst-forming bradyzoites contributes to cyst burden. Furthermore, we validate AMA–RON complexes as potential vaccine candidates to protect against toxoplasmosis.
Simulative derivations in crosslinguistic perspective and their diachronic sources
Authors: Jacques Guillaume
Published: January 2023

This article deals with simulative derivations, meaning ‘pretend (to be)X’, whereXstands for a verb or a noun. It shows that these derivations have three main origins: incorporation, denominal derivation and combination of reflexive and causative. It also systematically discusses the corresponding analytic constructions.
RF efficiency measurements of inductively-coupled plasma H− ion sources at accelerator facilities
Authors: Lawrie Scott , Abel Robert , Sarmento Tiago , Tarvainen Olli , Welton Robert , Piller Chip , Stinson Chris , Briefi Stefan , Zielke Dominikus
Published: January 2023

Experimental campaigns were undertaken to understand and improve the coupling efficiency of Radio frequency (RF) power into the plasma in three accelerator-based ion sources. Different matching circuit and mechanical engineering setups were used and the network resistance calculated. The efficiency was then measured for a range of RF frequencies and input gas flows. Coupling efficiencies of around 60% were measured in setups using RF-coils mounted external to the plasma chamber. The efficiency is improved to 80% when the coil is immersed in the plasma, allowing closer coupling. As well as the coil geometry, the isolation transformer required for beam production contributes to the overall losses.
Luminescence characteristics of Dy3+ doped sodium alumina borate glass: Role of silver
Authors: Koçyiğit Deniz , Gökçe Melis , Gökçe Aytaç Gürhan
Published: January 2023

Metallic nanoparticle (NP) doped glasses have been studied as promising candidates for various technological applications due to their ability to improve the luminescence properties of rare earth ions. In this work, Dy2O3 and Ag2O co-doped sodium alumina borate glasses were synthesized by conventional melt-quenching technique. Raman analysis verified the existence of [BO3] and [BO4] groups with B–O stretching vibrations in the prepared glasses. Transmission electron microscope images confirmed the presence of spherical Ag NPs, whose average diameter is about 7.60 nm, in H-0.5Dy1Ag glass matrix. The optical and luminescence properties were investigated according to Ag concentrations. The negative value of the bonding parameters, calculated from the absorption spectra, indicates the ionic nature between the Dy3+ ions and its surrounding ligands. In order to determine the nature of the Dy-O bond and the symmetry around the Dy3+ ion environment, Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters (Ω
λ, λ = 2, 4, 6) were obtained from the absorption spectra. The luminescence spectra obtained under 350 nm excitation exhibits four emission bands at 481 (4F9/2→6H15/2), 572 (4F9/2→6H13/2), 662 (4F9/2→6H11/2), and 750 (4F9/2→6H9/2) nm. The intensity of emission spectra increases with Ag2O content until 1.0 wt% in H-0.5Dy-yAg glasses and then decreases due to the back-energy transfer (ET) from Dy3+ to Ag+. The ET mechanism from Ag+ to Dy3+ ion for H-1Ag-xDy glasses were investigated through Forster-Dexter’s theory and were found to be quadrupole-quadrupole type. The various radiative properties were calculated by using Judd-Ofelt intensity parameters and emission spectra. It was found that the 572 nm emission band, located in the yellow region, has higher radiative parameters. As a function of Ag concentration, the Y/B values, Commission Internationale d’Eclairage (CIE) chromaticity coordinates (x,y) and correlated color temperatures (CCT) were evaluated. The CIE chromaticity coordinates and CCT values of all glasses are located in the white light region. The decay time values of 1S0→3D1 transition of Ag+ ions and 4F9/2→6H13/2 transition of Dy3+ ions confirm the ET from Ag+ to Dy3+ ions. Overall, the present study indicates that the synthesized glasses with Ag addition exhibits improved luminescence, making them potential candidate for white LEDs.
Mechanics of a ferromagnetic domain wall
Authors: Kim Se Kwon , Tchernyshyov Oleg
Published: January 2023

This paper gives a pedagogical introduction to the mechanics of ferromagnetic solitons. We start with the dynamics of a single spin and develop all the tools required for the description of the dynamics of solitons in a ferromagnet.
Online tracking and prediction of slip ring degradation using chaos theory based on LSTM neural network
Authors: Zuo Xue , Zhu Rui , Zhou Yuankai
Published: January 2023

The online monitoring of the slip ring is important for ensuring normal operations of wind turbine equipment. A current-carrying friction experiment was conducted to simulate the degradation process of the slip ring. The chaotic parameter enclosing the radius and statistical parameter root mean square (RMS) were used to characterize the multi-sensor signals comprehensively. A new health indicator (HI) was proposed to evaluate the degradation state of slip rings based on long- and short-term memory neural networks. It was fused by the signals of friction vibration, friction torque, voltage and electric current. The HI presents a better prediction effect by the prediction model. At the severe stage of the slip ring, the evaluation criteria mean absolute error, root mean square error and mean percentage error of the HI were 0.0306, 0.0323 and 5.0225% respectively. These values are much better than the RMS of the vibration signal. The results verify that the method can effectively determine the real-time degradation state of the slip ring.
Crystal structure and photoluminescence of ZnSe and ZnSe:Mn nanocrystals obtained by combustion synthesis
Authors: Plakhtii Ye G , Khmelenko O V
Published: January 2023

ZnSe and ZnSe:Mn nanocrystals were obtained by combustion synthesis (self-propagating high-temperature synthesis) using current pulses to initiate a reaction with amplitudes of ∼35 A and ∼40 A. The magnitude of the amplitude of the current pulse affects the size of the nanocrystals, their phase composition, the ratio of the cubic and hexagonal phases, the degree of microstresses and the density of dislocations. The inclusion of Mn dopants into ZnSe has little effect on the nanocrystal morphology and strongly influences the morphology of polycrystals. An EPR spectrum of Mn2+ ions with a hyperfine structure constant A = 6.55 mТ and a g-factor g = 2.0055, which is due to Mn2+ ions in a cubic environment, was found in self-activated and doped ZnSe and ZnSe: Mn nanocrystals. It was found that increasing the amplitude of the current pulse, which initiates the combustion synthesis reaction, increases the intensity of the diffusion processes and more effective isovalent substitution of Zn2+ ions by Mn2+ ions in the crystal lattice of ZnSe nanocrystals. The photoluminescence spectra of ZnSe and ZnSe:Mn nanocrystals were investigated, and individual emission bands were detected in the integral spectra. There were three such individual bands in the photoluminescence spectrum of ZnSe nanocrystals. Their maxima were characterized using the following parameters: λ
max = 592 nm (E = 2.095 eV), λ
max = 543 nm (E = 2.282 eV), and λ
max = 505 nm (E = 2.455 eV). Six individual emission bands were detected in the photoluminescence spectra of ZnSe:Mn nanocrystals with the parameters: λ
max = 675. 5 nm (E = 1.835 eV), λ
max = 642.5 nm (E = 1.929 eV), λ
max = 613 nm (E = 2.022 eV), λ
max = 583.5 nm (E = 2.124 eV), λ
max = 550 nm (E = 2.255 eV), λ
max = 528.5 nm (E = 2.345 eV). This paper discusses the nature of the centers of radiative recombination of individual bands.
Gamma radiation induced variation in structure formation and optical characteristics of evaporated tris [2-phenylpyridinato-C2,N]iridium(III) films prepared by electron beam evaporator in photovoltaic applications
Authors: Elesh E , El Damhogi D G , Mohamed Z
Published: January 2023

This study fabricates novel tris (2-phenylpyridinato-C2, N] iridium III

I
r

(
p
p
y
)

3

thin films using an electron beam evaporator and investigates their structure formation, surface morphology, and linear/nonlinear optical properties. The structural features of

I
r

(
p
p
y
)

3

thin films were examined using Fourier Transform spectroscopy (FTIR), x-ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The optical c.characteristics for various doses of gamma radiation (3 kGy, 6 kGy and 9kGy) were investigated using a UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometer in the wavelength range from 200 nm to 2500 nm. In addition, the values of fundamental energy gap (Efundamental) values showed a reduction from 2.30 to 1.92 eV and urbach energy

(

E

U

)

increasing from 0.23 to 0.30 when the deposited film irradiated for 9 kGy. The third-order nonlinear susceptibility (

χ

(
3
)

), the nonlinear absorption coefficient (

β

) and the nonlinear refractive index (

n

2

) were determined for all gamma doses. Furthermore, The optical electronegativity (

η

o
p
t

), the first moment (

M

−
1

), the second moments of optical spectra (

M

−
3

), the oscillator strength (f), the dispersion energy (

E

d

), infinite dielectric constant (

ε

∞

), oscillator energy,oscillator energy (

E

0

), the lattice dielectric constant (

ε

L

), and to the effective mass

N

m

*

for as deposited film are calculated as : 1.860, 17.29, 300.20, 0.9960 (eV)2, 4.15 eV, 4.52, 1.18 eV, 5.58, and 8.86 × 1059 kg−1 m−3 respectively. The high values of (

χ

(
3
)

) for as deposited and irradiated are essential for the creation of low power devices for nonlinear optical applications involving ultrafast switches, optical computers, and ultra-pulsed lasers.
Investigation of dust ion acoustic shock and solitary waves in a viscous dusty plasma
Authors: Goswami J , Kausik S S
Published: January 2023

A viscous dusty plasma containing Kappa-(κ − ) distributed electrons, positive warm viscous ions, and constant negatively charged dust grains with viscosity have been considered to study the modes of dust-ion-acoustic waves (DIAWs) theoretically and numerically. The derivations and basic features of shock and solitary waves with different plasma parameters like Mach number, finite temperature coefficient, unperturbed dust streaming velocity, the kinematic viscosity of dust, etc of this DIAWs mode have been performed. Considering the dynamical equation from Korteweg-de Vries(KdV) equation, a phase portrait has been drawn and the position of the saddle point or col. and center have also been discussed. This type of dusty plasma can be found in celestial bodies. The results of this research work can be applied to study the properties of DIAWs in various astrophysical situations where κ-distributive electrons are present and careful modification of the same model can help us to understand the nature of the DIAWs of laboratory plasma as well.
Handling uncertainty in rheological properties of green eggshell nanocomposites by a fuzzy-hybrid modeling approach: a comparative study
Authors: Insel Mert Akin , Karakuş Selcan , Temelcan Gizem , Kocken Hale Gonce , Albayrak Inci
Published: January 2023

Fuzzy regression is an attractive application due to its ability to solve problems in the absence of accurate mathematical models. In this study, rheological properties of a bio-nanocomposite were predicted using fuzzy regression. The aim of study is to introduce the methodology and application of fuzziness in detail for handling uncertainty in the experimental data. In this context, rheological properties of green eggshell bio-nanocomposites are investigated using different operating parameters. Since the determination of surface tension is prone to experimental errors, a novel fuzzy-hybrid model is proposed in addition to a crisp model. Statistical error analysis is conducted to assess the validity of the multivariate models proposed. While both models provided satisfactory results, it is observed that the fuzzy-hybrid model outperforms the crisp model in both accuracy and generality. This study highlights that the proposed models have an impressive potential to be used for modeling experimental studies in nanotechnological manufacturing applications.
Theoretical analysis and experimental preparation of nanodiamond yttrium vacancy color center
Authors: Tan Xin , Wang Hao , Li Minjie , Wang Jian , Sun Shiyang , Meng Keke , Ren Yuan , Qi Hui
Published: January 2023

This study conducts a theoretical analysis on the stable structure, charge transfer, energy level transition, and electronic structure of a diamond yttrium vacancy color center. The color center in a diamond is very important as a single photon source material for quantum information processing technology and applications, such as temperature sensors, solid-state quantum systems, photonics, lighting, imaging technology, and biomedicine. Nanodiamond yttrium vacancy color centers are prepared using the solid substitution method with physical vapor deposition and microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition equipment. The density functional theory (DFT) is used to analyze the stability, electronic structure, and co-doping of N, Si, and O on the related defect structure of a rare Earth element yttrium-doped diamond using first-principle calculations, demonstrating consistency with the experimental results. The research shows that the fluorescence wavelength of an yttrium vacancy color center measured using the solid substitution method is 701.2 nm, which is located in the red region. The system is most stable when a Y atom replaces a carbon atom and there are two vacancies around it. The zero-phonon line of the diamond YV2 defect is predicted to be 708.855 nm. Additionally, the influence doping is analyzed with N, Si, and O atoms. An yttrium-doped diamond emits light in the visible light region, which provides a theoretical basis for the application of diamond yttrium vacancy color centers.
A peculiarity of nuclear flow in the stellar CNO cycle with energetic particles
Authors: Voronchev V T
Published: January 2023

A peculiarity of the stellar carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle caused by MeV α-particles and protons generated in exoergic nuclear processes is analyzed. The main parameters of these particles and suprathermal reactions induced by them in a stellar core are calculated. It is shown that these reactions can trigger an abnormal nuclear flow in the second branch of the stellar CNO cycle. A conjecture is made that the phenomenon is of a general nature and can manifest in various stars at non-exploding stages of their evolution. The influence of the abnormal flow on some CNO characteristics is demonstrated.