bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-brightness scalable continuous-wave single-mode photonic-crystal laser
Authors: Yoshida Masahiro , Katsuno Shumpei , Inoue Takuya , Gelleta John , Izumi Koki , De Zoysa Menaka , Ishizaki Kenji , Noda Susumu
Published: June 2023

Realizing large-scale single-mode, high-power, high-beam-quality semiconductor lasers, which rival (or even replace) bulky gas and solid-state lasers, is one of the ultimate goals of photonics and laser physics. Conventional high-power semiconductor lasers, however, inevitably suffer from poor beam quality owing to the onset of many-mode oscillation1,2, and, moreover, the oscillation is destabilized by disruptive thermal effects under continuous-wave (CW) operation3,4. Here, we surmount these challenges by developing large-scale photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers with controlled Hermitian and non-Hermitian couplings inside the photonic crystal and a pre-installed spatial distribution of the lattice constant, which maintains these couplings even under CW conditions. A CW output power exceeding 50 W with purely single-mode oscillation and an exceptionally narrow beam divergence of 0.05° has been achieved for photonic-crystal surface-emitting lasers with a large resonant diameter of 3 mm, corresponding to over 10,000 wavelengths in the material. The brightness, a figure of merit encapsulating both output power and beam quality, reaches 1 GW cm−2 sr−1, which rivals those of existing bulky lasers. Our work is an important milestone toward the advent of single-mode 1-kW-class semiconductor lasers, which are expected to replace conventional, bulkier lasers in the near future.
Single-photon absorption and emission from a natural photosynthetic complex
Authors: Li Quanwei , Orcutt Kaydren , Cook Robert L. , Sabines-Chesterking Javier , Tong Ashley L. , Schlau-Cohen Gabriela S. , Zhang Xiang , Fleming Graham R. , Whaley K. Birgitta
Published: June 2023

Photosynthesis is generally assumed to be initiated by a single photon1–3 from the Sun, which, as a weak light source, delivers at most a few tens of photons per nanometre squared per second within a chlorophyll absorption band1. Yet much experimental and theoretical work over the past 40 years has explored the events during photosynthesis subsequent to absorption of light from intense, ultrashort laser pulses2–15. Here, we use single photons to excite under ambient conditions the light-harvesting 2 (LH2) complex of the purple bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides, comprising B800 and B850 rings that contain 9 and 18 bacteriochlorophyll molecules, respectively. Excitation of the B800 ring leads to electronic energy transfer to the B850 ring in approximately 0.7 ps, followed by rapid B850-to-B850 energy transfer on an approximately 100-fs timescale and light emission at 850–875 nm (refs. 16–19). Using a heralded single-photon source20,21 along with coincidence counting, we establish time correlation functions for B800 excitation and B850 fluorescence emission and demonstrate that both events involve single photons. We also find that the probability distribution of the number of heralds per detected fluorescence photon supports the view that a single photon can upon absorption drive the subsequent energy transfer and fluorescence emission and hence, by extension, the primary charge separation of photosynthesis. An analytical stochastic model and a Monte Carlo numerical model capture the data, further confirming that absorption of single photons is correlated with emission of single photons in a natural light-harvesting complex.
Silicon isotope constraints on terrestrial planet accretion
Authors: Onyett Isaac J. , Schiller Martin , Makhatadze Georgy V. , Deng Zhengbin , Johansen Anders , Bizzarro Martin
Published: June 2023

Understanding the nature and origin of the precursor material to terrestrial planets is key to deciphering the mechanisms and timescales of planet formation1. Nucleosynthetic variability among rocky Solar System bodies can trace the composition of planetary building blocks2–5. Here we report the nucleosynthetic composition of silicon (μ30Si), the most abundant refractory planet-building element, in primitive and differentiated meteorites to identify terrestrial planet precursors. Inner Solar System differentiated bodies, including Mars, record μ30Si deficits of −11.0 ± 3.2 parts per million to −5.8 ± 3.0 parts per million whereas non-carbonaceous and carbonaceous chondrites show μ30Si excesses from 7.4 ± 4.3 parts per million to 32.8 ± 2.0 parts per million relative to Earth. This establishes that chondritic bodies are not planetary building blocks. Rather, material akin to early-formed differentiated asteroids must represent a major planetary constituent. The μ30Si values of asteroidal bodies correlate with their accretion ages, reflecting progressive admixing of a μ30Si-rich outer Solar System material to an initially μ30Si-poor inner disk. Mars’ formation before chondrite parent bodies is necessary to avoid incorporation of μ30Si-rich material. In contrast, Earth’s μ30Si composition necessitates admixing of 26 ± 9 per cent of μ30Si-rich outer Solar System material to its precursors. The μ30Si compositions of Mars and proto-Earth are consistent with their rapid formation by collisional growth and pebble accretion less than three million years after Solar System formation. Finally, Earth’s nucleosynthetic composition for s-process sensitive (molybdenum and zirconium) and siderophile (nickel) tracers are consistent with pebble accretion when volatility-driven processes during accretion and the Moon-forming impact are carefully evaluated.
Psychedelics reopen the social reward learning critical period
Authors: Nardou Romain , Sawyer Edward , Song Young Jun , Wilkinson Makenzie , Padovan-Hernandez Yasmin , de Deus Júnia Lara , Wright Noelle , Lama Carine , Faltin Sehr , Goff Loyal A. , Stein-O’Brien Genevieve L. , Dölen Gül
Published: June 2023

Psychedelics are a broad class of drugs defined by their ability to induce an altered state of consciousness1,2. These drugs have been used for millennia in both spiritual and medicinal contexts, and a number of recent clinical successes have spurred a renewed interest in developing psychedelic therapies3–9. Nevertheless, a unifying mechanism that can account for these shared phenomenological and therapeutic properties remains unknown. Here we demonstrate in mice that the ability to reopen the social reward learning critical period is a shared property across psychedelic drugs. Notably, the time course of critical period reopening is proportional to the duration of acute subjective effects reported in humans. Furthermore, the ability to reinstate social reward learning in adulthood is paralleled by metaplastic restoration of oxytocin-mediated long-term depression in the nucleus accumbens. Finally, identification of differentially expressed genes in the ‘open state’ versus the ‘closed state’ provides evidence that reorganization of the extracellular matrix is a common downstream mechanism underlying psychedelic drug-mediated critical period reopening. Together these results have important implications for the implementation of psychedelics in clinical practice, as well as the design of novel compounds for the treatment of neuropsychiatric disease.
Breviscapine regulates the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Niu Pengfei , Liu Feng , Lei Fuming , Peng Jisheng , Wang Yanzhao , Zhao Jun , Gao Zhaoya , Gao Qingkun , Gu Jin
Published: June 2023

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as one of the most common malignancies with a high death rate. It has been discovered that breviscapine can alter the progression and development of various cancers. Nevertheless, the function and mechanisms of breviscapine in CRC progression have not yet been described. The cell proliferation capacity of HCT116 and SW480 cells was assessed using the CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell apoptosis was tested through flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion were examined using the transwell assay. Moreover, protein expression was examined through a western blot. Tumor weight and volume were assessed using the nude mice in vivo assay, and the Ki-67 protein expression was verified through the IHC assay. This study discovered that an increased dose of breviscapine (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μM) gradually reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in CRC. Additionally, breviscapine restricted the migration and invasion CRC cells. Moreover, it was revealed that breviscapine inactivated the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibited CRC progression. Finally, an in vivo assay demonstrated that breviscapine restrained tumor growth in vivo. It affected the CRC cells’ proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway. This discovery may offer new insights into CRC treatment.
Millimeter-wave planar antenna array augmented with a low-cost 3D printed dielectric polarizer for sensing and internet of things (IoT) applications
Authors: Al-Alem Yazan , Sifat Syed M. , Antar Yahia M. M. , Kishk Ahmed A.
Published: June 2023

A unique high gain antenna array with a 3D-printed dielectric polarizer is proposed. The packaging of the antenna array feeding structure is eliminated by aggregating the feeding network in between the antenna elements. This has a significant advantage in maintaining neat and symmetric radiation characteristics with low cross-polarization levels. The proposed structure combines two elements in one feeding point to reduce the array distribution feeding points of a 4 × 4 antenna array from 16 to 8 points. The proposed antenna array structure is extremely low in cost and can be used as either a linearly or circularly polarized one. The antenna array achieves a gain of 20 dBi/dBiC in both scenarios. The matching bandwidth is 4.1%, and the 3-dB Axial Ratio (AR) bandwidth is 6%. The antenna array uses a single substrate layer without the need for any vias. The proposed antenna array suits well various applications at 24 GHz, while maintaining high performance metrics, and low cost. The antenna array can be easily integrated with transceivers due to the use of printed microstrip line technology.
Open decortication for patients presenting with stage III tuberculous empyema with low density lines on CT imaging
Authors: Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Xuan , Sheng Jian , Jiang Yuhui , Li Li , Dai Xiyong
Published: June 2023

To explore the influence of CT findings on the optimal timing of open decorticationin patients with stage III tuberculous empyema. A total of 80 patients with stage III tuberculous empyema who had undergone open decortications were recruited; 44 patients had chest CT findings indicating low-density lines, while 36 patients did not show this imaging finding. Demographic data, perioperative data and preoperative and postoperative chest CT images were collected. In the low-density line group, the duration of disease (P = 0.0030) and the preoperative anti-tuberculosis time (P = 0.0016) were longer than those of the group without low-density lines, and the ESR (P = 0.0218), CRP (P = 0.0027) and leukocyte count (P = 0.0339) were lower in the low-density line group. Additionally, in the median operative time (P = 0.0003), intraoperative blood loss (P < 0.0001), volume of catheter drainage during 48 h after operation (P = 0.0067), chest tube duration (P < 0.0001), and length of hospital stay (P = 0.0154) were significantly lower in the low-density line group than in the group without low-density lines. A total of 88.64% of participants in the low-density line group showed hyperplasia with hyaline degeneration in pathological examination, which was observed only in 41.67% of patients without low-density lines. In addition, gaseous necrosis was considerably higher in patients without a low-density line (P = 0.004), while the low-density line group had a higher rate of treatment success (P < 0.05). Patients with stage III tuberculous empyema presenting with low-density lines around the thickened fibrous pleural rind on preoperative CT imaging may be good candidates for open decortication.
A frame orientation optimisation method for consistent interpretation of kinematic signals
Authors: Ortigas Vásquez Ariana , Taylor William R. , Maas Allan , Woiczinski Matthias , Grupp Thomas M. , Sauer Adrian
Published: June 2023

In clinical movement biomechanics, kinematic data are often depicted as waveforms (i.e. signals), characterising the motion of articulating joints. Clinically meaningful interpretations of the underlying joint kinematics, however, require an objective understanding of whether two different kinematic signals actually represent two different underlying physical movement patterns of the joint or not. Previously, the accuracy of IMU-based knee joint angles was assessed using a six-degrees-of-freedom joint simulator guided by fluoroscopy-based signals. Despite implementation of sensor-to-segment corrections, observed errors were clearly indicative of cross-talk, and thus inconsistent reference frame orientations. Here, we address these limitations by exploring how minimisation of dedicated cost functions can harmonise differences in frame orientations, ultimately facilitating consistent interpretation of articulating joint kinematic signals. In this study, we present and investigate a frame orientation optimisation method (FOOM) that aligns reference frames and corrects for cross-talk errors, hence yielding a consistent interpretation of the underlying movement patterns. By executing optimised rotational sequences, thus producing angular corrections around each axis, we enable a reproducible frame definition and hence an approach for reliable comparison of kinematic data. Using this approach, root-mean-square errors between the previously collected (1) IMU-based data using functional joint axes, and (2) simulated fluoroscopy-based data relying on geometrical axes were almost entirely eliminated from an initial range of 0.7°–5.1° to a mere 0.1°–0.8°. Our results confirm that different local segment frames can yield different kinematic patterns, despite following the same rotation convention, and that appropriate alignment of reference frame orientation can successfully enable consistent kinematic interpretation.
Shape optimization design of the offset mirror in FEL-1 beamline at S3FEL
Authors: Xu Zhongmin , Zhang Weiqing , Yang Chuan , Zhong Yinpeng
Published: June 2023

Nowadays, due to the advantages of high peak power, high average power, ultra-short pulse, and fully coherent characteristics, the high-repetition-rate free-electron laser (FEL) is thriving in many countries around the world. The thermal load caused by high-repetition-rate FEL poses a great challenge to the mirror surface shape. Especially in the case of high average power, how to perfectly control the mirror shape to maintain the coherence of the beam has become a difficult problem in beamline design. In addition to multi-segment PZT, when multiple resistive heaters are used to compensate for the mirror shape, the heat flux (or power) generated by each heater must be optimized to obtain sub-nanometer height error. This article establishes MHCKF model for the mirror surface deformation under the combined effect of the mirror initial deformation, the thermal deformation caused by X-rays, and the deformation compensated by multiple heaters. By searching the perturbation term in the mathematical model, the least squares solution of the heat fluxes generated by all heaters can be obtained. This method can not only set multiple constraints on the heat fluxes but also quickly obtain their values when minimizing the mirror shape error. It overcomes the problem of time-consuming optimization processes encountered by traditional finite element analysis software, especially in the context of multi-parameter optimization. This article focuses on the offset mirror in the FEL-1 beamline at S3FEL. Using this method, the optimization of 25 heat fluxes generated by all resistive heaters was accomplished within a few seconds utilizing an ordinary laptop. The results indicate that the height error RMS decreased from 40 nm to 0.009 nm, and the slope error RMS reduced from 192.7nrad to 0.4nrad. Wave-optics simulations show that the wavefront quality has been significantly improved. In addition, some factors affecting mirror shape error, such as the number of heaters, higher repetition rate, film coefficient, and the length of copper tube, were analyzed. The results show that the MHCKF model and optimization algorithm can effectively solve the optimization problem of compensating for the mirror shape with multiple heaters.
Physiological and transcriptomic analysis of a yellow leaf mutant in watermelon
Authors: Xu Binghua , Zhang Chaoyang , Gu Yan , Cheng Rui , Huang Dayue , Liu Xin , Sun Yudong
Published: June 2023

Leaf color mutants are important materials for studying chloroplast and photomorphogenesis, and can function as basic germplasms for genetic breeding. In an ethylmethanesulfonate mutagenesis population of watermelon cultivar “703”, a chlorophyll-deficient mutant with yellow leaf (Yl2) color was identified. The contents of chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, and carotenoids in Yl2 leaves were lower than those in wild-type (WT) leaves. The chloroplast ultrastructure in the leaves revealed that the chloroplasts in Yl2 were degraded. The numbers of chloroplasts and thylakoids in the Yl2 mutant were lower, resulting in lower photosynthetic parameters. Transcriptomic analysis identified 1292 differentially expressed genes, including1002 upregulated and 290 downregulated genes. The genes involved in chlorophyll biosynthesis (HEMA, HEMD, CHL1, CHLM, and CAO) were significantly downregulated in the Yl2 mutant, which may explain why chlorophyll pigment content was lower than that in the WT. Chlorophyll metabolism genes such as PDS, ZDS and VDE, were upregulated, which form the xanthophyll cycle and may protect the yellow‒leaves plants from photodamage. Taken together, our findings provide insight into the molecular mechanisms of leading to leaf color formation and chloroplast development in watermelon.
Detecting stress caused by nitrogen deficit using deep learning techniques applied on plant electrophysiological data
Authors: González I Juclà Daniel , Najdenovska Elena , Dutoit Fabien , Raileanu Laura Elena
Published: June 2023

Plant electrophysiology carries a strong potential for assessing the health of a plant. Current literature for the classification of plant electrophysiology generally comprises classical methods based on signal features that portray a simplification of the raw data and introduce a high computational cost. The Deep Learning (DL) techniques automatically learn the classification targets from the input data, overcoming the need for precalculated features. However, they are scarcely explored for identifying plant stress on electrophysiological recordings. This study applies DL techniques to the raw electrophysiological data from 16 tomato plants growing in typical production conditions to detect the presence of stress caused by a nitrogen deficiency. The proposed approach predicts the stressed state with an accuracy of around 88%, which could be increased to over 96% using a combination of the obtained prediction confidences. It outperforms the current state-of-the-art with over 8% higher accuracy and a potential for a direct application in production conditions. Moreover, the proposed approach demonstrates the ability to detect the presence of stress at its early stage. Overall, the presented findings suggest new means to automatize and improve agricultural practices with the aim of sustainability.
Single neonatal estrogen implant sterilizes female animals by decreasing hypothalamic KISS1 expression
Authors: Park Chan Jin , Minabe Shiori , Hess Rex A. , Lin Po-Ching Patrick , Zhou Sherry , Bashir Shah Tauseef , Barakat Radwa , Gal Arnon , Ko CheMyong Jay
Published: June 2023

Reproductive sterilization by surgical gonadectomy is strongly advocated to help manage animal populations, especially domesticated pets, and to prevent reproductive behaviors and diseases. This study explored the use of a single-injection method to induce sterility in female animals as an alternative to surgical ovariohysterectomy. The idea was based on our recent finding that repetitive daily injection of estrogen into neonatal rats disrupted hypothalamic expression of Kisspeptin (KISS1), the neuropeptide that triggers and regulates pulsatile secretion of GnRH. Neonatal female rats were dosed with estradiol benzoate (EB) either by daily injections for 11 days or by subcutaneous implantation of an EB-containing silicone capsule designed to release EB over 2–3 weeks. Rats treated by either method did not exhibit estrous cyclicity, were anovulatory, and became infertile. The EB-treated rats had fewer hypothalamic Kisspeptin neurons, but the GnRH-LH axis remained responsive to Kisspeptin stimulation. Because it would be desirable to use a biodegradable carrier that is also easier to handle, an injectable EB carrier was developed from PLGA microspheres to provide pharmacokinetics comparable to the EB-containing silicone capsule. A single neonatal injection of EB-microspheres at an equivalent dosage resulted in sterility in the female rat. In neonatal female Beagle dogs, implantation of an EB-containing silicone capsule also reduced ovarian follicle development and significantly inhibited KISS1 expression in the hypothalamus. None of the treatments produced any concerning health effects, other than infertility. Therefore, further development of this technology for sterilization in domestic female animals, such as dogs and cats is worthy of investigation.
Erythroid lineage chromatin accessibility maps facilitate identification and validation of NFIX as a fetal hemoglobin repressor
Authors: Chaand Mudit , Fiore Chris , Johnston Brian , D’Ippolito Anthony , Moon Diane H. , Carulli John P. , Shearstone Jeffrey R.
Published: June 2023

Human genetics has validated de-repression of fetal gamma globin (HBG) in adult erythroblasts as a powerful therapeutic paradigm in diseases involving defective adult beta globin (HBB)1. To identify factors involved in the switch from HBG to HBB expression, we performed Assay for Transposase Accessible Chromatin with high-throughput sequencing (ATAC-seq)2 on sorted erythroid lineage cells derived from bone marrow (BM) or cord blood (CB), representing adult and fetal states, respectively. BM to CB cell ATAC-seq profile comparisons revealed genome-wide enrichment of NFI DNA binding motifs and increased NFIX promoter chromatin accessibility, suggesting that NFIX may repress HBG. NFIX knockdown in BM cells increased HBG mRNA and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) protein levels, coincident with increased chromatin accessibility and decreased DNA methylation at the HBG promoter. Conversely, overexpression of NFIX in CB cells reduced HbF levels. Identification and validation of NFIX as a new target for HbF activation has implications in the development of therapeutics for hemoglobinopathies.
A mutation-induced drug resistance database (MdrDB)
Authors: Yang Ziyi , Ye Zhaofeng , Qiu Jiezhong , Feng Rongjun , Li Danyu , Hsieh Changyu , Allcock Jonathan , Zhang Shengyu
Published: June 2023

Mutation-induced drug resistance is a significant challenge to the clinical treatment of many diseases, as structural changes in proteins can diminish drug efficacy. Understanding how mutations affect protein-ligand binding affinities is crucial for developing new drugs and therapies. However, the lack of a large-scale and high-quality database has hindered the research progresses in this area. To address this issue, we have developed MdrDB, a database that integrates data from seven publicly available datasets, which is the largest database of its kind. By integrating information on drug sensitivity and cell line mutations from Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer and DepMap, MdrDB has substantially expanded the existing drug resistance data. MdrDB is comprised of 100,537 samples of 240 proteins (which encompass 5119 total PDB structures), 2503 mutations, and 440 drugs. Each sample brings together 3D structures of wild type and mutant protein-ligand complexes, binding affinity changes upon mutation (ΔΔG), and biochemical features. Experimental results with MdrDB demonstrate its effectiveness in significantly enhancing the performance of commonly used machine learning models when predicting ΔΔG in three standard benchmarking scenarios. In conclusion, MdrDB is a comprehensive database that can advance the understanding of mutation-induced drug resistance, and accelerate the discovery of novel chemicals.
Magma reservoir growth and ground deformation preceding the 79 CE Plinian eruption of Vesuvius
Authors: Doronzo Domenico M. , Trasatti Elisa , Arienzo Ilenia , Balcone-Boissard Hélène , Barra Diana , Aiello Giuseppe , Amato Vincenzo , Di Vito Mauro A.
Published: June 2023

The 79 CE eruption of Vesuvius is the first documented Plinian eruption, also famous for the archaeological ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Although much is known regarding the eruption dynamics and magma reservoir, little is known about the reservoir shape and growth, and related ground deformation. Numerical modelling by Finite Element Method was carried out, aimed at simulating the reservoir growth and ground deformation with respect to the reservoir shape (prolate, spherical, oblate) and magma overpressure. The modelling was tuned with volcanological, petrological and paleoenvironmental ground deformation constraints. Results indicate that the highest magma overpressure is achieved considering a prolate reservoir, making it as the most likely shape that led to eruption. Similar deformations but lower overpressures are obtained considering spherical and oblate reservoirs. These results demonstrate that ground deformation may not be indicative of eruption probability, style/size, and this has direct implications on surveillance at active explosive volcanoes.
Lignin and Its Composites for Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Zongo Luc , Lange Heiko
Published: June 2023

As a natural polyphenol present in useful quantities in a variety of renewable resources that is extracted via traditional and novel biorefinery concepts, lignin offers characteristics that are potentially interesting for applications in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. With respect to these applications that currently predominantly comprise drug delivery concepts, available lignins confer different structural and physical–chemical features to the realised drug delivery vehicles and/or matrices, such as chemical and mechanical stability profiles, release kinetics of encapsulated or entrapped or adsorbed actives, and toxicology profiles. This chapter will briefly discuss the essential criteria for relevant drug delivery vehicles, highlight the structural features of various lignins that have been used for realising pharmaceutical and biomedical applications, and disclose in a critical discussion real potential and neglected difficulties in terms of toxicology and regulatory aspects.
Silver complexes with substituted terpyridines as promising anticancer metallodrugs and their crystal structure, photoluminescence, and DNA interactions
Authors: Li Jiahe , Wang Zhiyuan , Chen Zhongting , Xue Xingyong , Lin Kejuan , Chen Hailan , Pan Lixia , Yuan Yulin , Ma Zhen
Published: June 2023

Six silver hexafluoroantimonate complexes with 4′-(4′-substituted-phenyl)-terpyridine ligands show promising photoluminescence properties, DNA interactions and anticancer activities against carcinoma cell lines.
Ru-doped WO3 enabling efficient hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline media
Authors: Liu Hai , Zhang Zhuang , Li Mengxuan , Li Yaping , Kuang Yun , Sun Xiaoming
Published: June 2023

Both H* adsorption and *OH adsorption can be optimized in Ru-doped WO3, promoting an efficient hydrogen oxidation reaction in alkaline media.
One reaction – double stereoinduction: C–H activation as a privileged route towards complex atropisomeric molecules
Authors: Luc Amandine , Wencel-Delord Joanna
Published: June 2023

Expanding the importance of chirality and implementation of stereogenic information within complex molecular design has recently reached a new level: design of innovative enantiopure scaffolds bearing multiple chiral elements.
Exploring innovative designs and heterojunctions in photocatalytic micromotors
Authors: Villa Katherine
Published: June 2023

Photocatalytic micromotors consisting of single semiconductors or heterostructures provide unique features for motion modulation by external light stimuli.
A five-stranded heterometallic helicate
Authors: Sudan Sylvain , Fadaei-Tirani Farzaneh , Severin Kay
Published: June 2023

A penta-stranded helicate was obtained by combining [Pd(CH3CN)4](BF4)2 with La(NO3)3 and a polydentate ligand.
Vibrational non-Boltzmann effects on the dissociation rate of oxygen
Authors: Xiong Rui , Han Yufeng , Cao Wei
Published: June 2023

The non-Boltzmann effects on the reaction rate in thermochemical nonequilibrium processes were investigated, which are closely related to the distribution of molecules at high energy states and mainly influenced by temperature.
Recent progress in catalytic dehydrogenation of propane over Pt-based catalysts
Authors: Shan Yiou , Hu Huimin , Fan Xiaoqiang , Zhao Zhen
Published: June 2023

The influence of promoter effect and support effect on the structure and catalytic performance for propane dehydrogenation over Pt-based catalysts is reviewed, and their importance for obtaining highly dispersed and stable Pt catalysts is studied.
Ab initioprediction of key parameters and magneto-structural correlation of tetracoordinated lanthanide single-ion magnets
Authors: Yang Qi-Qi , Wang Yu-Fei , Wang Yu-Xi , Tang Ming-Jing , Yin Bing
Published: June 2023

A systematicab initiostudy gives reliable predictions of key parameters (τQTMandUeff), magneto-structural correlations and possible high-temperature magnetic blocking in tetracoordinated lanthanide single-ion magnets.
The enhanced sensing properties of MOS-based resistive gas sensors by Au functionalization: a review
Authors: Luan Sen , Hu Jinhu , Ma Mingliang , Tian Jiale , Liu Di , Wang Jianyi , Wang Jin
Published: June 2023

Au-functionalized MOS-based gas sensing materials.
A robust chromium–iridium oxide catalyst for high-current–density acidic oxygen evolution in proton exchange membrane electrolyzers
Authors: Ge Shiyu , Xie Ruikuan , Huang Bing , Zhang Zhiyuan , Liu Heming , Kang Xin , Hu Shuqi , Li Shaohai , Luo Yuting , Yu Qiangmin , Wang Jingwei , Chai Guoliang , Guan Lunhui , Cheng Hui-Ming , Liu Bilu
Published: June 2023

A chromium–iridium oxide electrocatalyst with an interfacial coupling effect, endowing it with high activity and stability for the oxygen evolution reaction, as well as high performance of hydrogen production in a PEM electrolyzer.
Water dynamics and sum-frequency generation spectra at electrode/aqueous electrolyte interfaces
Authors: Olivieri Jean-François , Hynes James T. , Laage Damien
Published: June 2023

We perform molecular dynamics simulations of aqueous NaCl solutions at the interface with graphene electrodes, and examine the impact of both ion concentration and electrode potential on interfacial water reorientational dynamics.
Determination of scaling ions in oilfield produced water by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy
Authors: Silva Nilvan A. , Raimundo Ivo M.
Published: June 2023

A feasible and simple strategy to simultaneously monitor scaling ions (Mg(ii), Ca(ii), Sr(ii) and Ba(ii)) in oilfield produced water by LIBS.
The contribution of initial concussive forces and resulting acrolein surge to β-amyloid accumulation and functional alterations in neuronal networks using a TBI-on-a-chip model
Authors: Rogers Edmond A. , Beauclair Timothy , Martinez Jhon , Mufti Shatha J. , Kim David , Sun Siyuan , Stingel Rachel L. , Dieterly Alexandra M. , Krishnan Nikita , Crodian Jennifer , Shi Riyi
Published: June 2023

TBI-on-a-chip incorporates simultaneous morphological and electrophysiological monitoring of neuronal networks subjected to clinically-relevant impact injuries to investigate primary and secondary injuries, including trauma induced neurodegeneration.
Open-source tool for real-time and automated analysis of droplet-based microfluidic
Authors: Neto Joana P. , Mota Ana , Lopes Gonçalo , Coelho Beatriz J. , Frazão João , Moura André T. , Oliveira Beatriz , Sieira Bárbara , Fernandes José , Fortunato Elvira , Martins Rodrigo , Igreja Rui , Baptista Pedro V. , Águas Hugo
Published: June 2023

Validation of a fast, simple and open-source approach to analyse passing nanoliter droplets using Bonsai visual programming language, towards high-throughput droplet-based microfluidic experiments with automated droplet interrogation in real-time.
High sensitivity microcrack hydroxylated MWCNT/Ecoflex composite flexible strain sensors based on proton irradiation engineering
Authors: Yue Xiaoqing , Yang Jianqun , Dong Lei , Wang Xuewen , Jing Yuhang , Li Weiqi , Li Xingji
Published: June 2023

A simple and efficient microcrack technique opens up a new prospect for the fabrication of high-performance stretchable strain sensors.
ZnO nano grafted chitin–chitosan based hybrid composite coated super hydrophobic filter paper for water flow cleaning and oil–water separation applications
Authors: Selvaraj V. , Swarna Karthika T. , Mansiya C. , Alagar M.
Published: June 2023

A robust superhydrophobic filter paper was developed through a coating technique, simple and facile, cost-effective, eco-friendly, and defensible, for wide portfolio applications.
Photoinduced [1,5]-hydride shift triggered cyclization
Authors: Baleeva Nadezhda S. , Smirnov Alexander Yu. , Zaitseva Elvira R. , Ivanov Dmitrii S. , Sokolov Anatolii I. , Mikhaylov Andrey A. , Myasnyanko Ivan N , Baranov Mikhail S.
Published: June 2023

ortho-Dialkylaminoarylidene malonates undergo hydrogen transfer mediated cyclization in the absence of a catalyst under irradiation. The process suits Green chemistry principles: it does not need any toxic solvents and requires only light to proceed.
N-Coordinated cobalt single atom-integrated electrospun nanofibers for an efficient oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: El-Shishtawy Reda M. , Hussein Mahmoud A. , Al-Juaid Salih S. , Fazal Muhammad Waseem , El-Said Waleed A. , Akhtar Naeem
Published: June 2023

Herein we report the fabrication of a N-coordinated cobalt SAC (NC-Co-SAC) integrated at the surface of highly conductive electrospun nanofibers for an effective oxygen evolution reaction.
Ion transport in two-dimensional flexible nanoporous membranes
Authors: Noh Yechan , Aluru Narayana R.
Published: June 2023

Ion transport through 2D nanoporous membrane and the vibrational coupling between ions and membrane.
Bicyclic N-dihalocyclopropylamide derivatives as precursors of nitrogen-containing fused polycyclic systems
Authors: Šlachtová Veronika , Casaretto Nicolas , Brulíková Lucie , Six Yvan
Published: June 2023

Bicyclic N-dihalocyclopropylamide derivatives can participate in a cyclopropane ring-opening/intramolecular electrophilic aromatic substitution sequence, to produce various polycyclic systems having a nitrogen atom at a ring junction.
The discovery, function, and regulation of epithelial splicing regulatory proteins (ESRP) 1 and 2
Authors: Derham Jessica M. , Kalsotra Auinash
Published: June 2023

Alternative splicing is a broad and evolutionarily conserved mechanism to diversify gene expression and functionality. The process relies on RNA binding proteins (RBPs) to recognize and bind target sequences in pre-mRNAs, which allows for the inclusion or skipping of various alternative exons. One recently discovered family of RBPs is the epithelial splicing regulatory proteins (ESRP) 1 and 2. Here, we discuss the structure and physiological function of the ESRPs in a variety of contexts. We emphasize the current understanding of their splicing activities, using the classic example of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 mutually exclusive splicing. We also describe the mechanistic roles of ESRPs in coordinating the splicing and functional output of key signaling pathways that support the maintenance of, or shift between, epithelial and mesenchymal cell states. In particular, we highlight their functions in the development of mammalian limbs, the inner ear, and craniofacial structure while discussing the genetic and biochemical evidence that showcases their conserved roles in tissue regeneration, disease, and cancer pathogenesis.
Circadian regulation of pulmonary disease: the importance of timing
Authors: Cunningham Peter S. , Jackson Callum , Chakraborty Amlan , Cain Jafar , Durrington Hannah J. , Blaikley John F.
Published: June 2023

Circadian regulation causes the activity of biological processes to vary over a 24-h cycle. The pathological effects of this variation are predominantly studied using two different approaches: pre-clinical models or observational clinical studies. Both these approaches have provided useful insights into how underlying circadian mechanisms operate and specifically which are regulated by the molecular oscillator, a key time-keeping mechanism in the body. This review compares and contrasts findings from these two approaches in the context of four common respiratory diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary fibrosis, and respiratory infection). Potential methods used to identify and measure human circadian oscillations are also discussed as these will be useful outcome measures in future interventional human trials that target circadian mechanisms.
Optimal attitude consensus control for rigid spacecraft formation based on control Lyapunov functions
Authors: Wang Hui , Zhang Jinxiu , Zhou Qingrui , Sun Hui‐Jie , Wu Yu‐Yao
Published: June 2023

In this article, the optimal attitude consensus control problem of distributed spacecraft formation through local information exchange is solved in the presence of parameter uncertainty and disturbance. The attitude dynamics model of rigid spacecraft formation is established based on unit quaternion under an undirected graph. Then, the optimal attitude consensus control scheme based on control Lyapunov functions is adopted for rigid spacecraft formation. The approach to construct an appropriate Lyapunov function for multiple spacecraft is developed. Then the lumped disturbance is estimated by an extended state observer (ESO) and using the sliding mode control approach improves the robustness of the controller. The proposed optimal controller can not only ensure the global consensus convergence of the system but also make the preset performance index function achieve the minimum value. In addition, the mathematical proof is given for the stability analysis of the system by the Lyapunov stability theory. Finally, some simulations and comparisons are presented to demonstrate the validity and advantages of the proposed controller.
Toward a 3D kinetic tomography of Taurus clouds
Authors: Duchêne Q. , Hottier C. , Lallement R. , Vergely J. L. , Babusiaux C. , Marchal A. , Arenou F.
Published: June 2023

Context. Three-dimensional (3D) kinetic maps of the Milky Way interstellar medium are an essential tool in studies of its structure and of star formation.

Aims. We aim to assign radial velocities to Galactic interstellar clouds now spatially localized based on starlight extinction and star distances from Gaia and stellar surveys.

Methods. We developed an automated search for coherent projections on the sky of clouds isolated in 3D extinction density maps on the one hand, and regions responsible for CO radio emissions at specific Doppler shifts on the other hand. The discrete dust structures were obtained by application of the Fellwalker algorithm to a recent 3D extinction density map. For each extinction cloud, a technique using a narrow sliding spectral window moved along the contour-bounded CO spectrum and geometrical criteria was used to select the most likely velocity interval.

Results. We applied the new contour-based technique to the 3D extinction density distribution within the volume encompassing the Taurus, Auriga, Perseus, and California molecular complexes. From the 45 clouds issued from the decomposition, 42 were assigned a velocity. The remaining structures correspond to very weak CO emission or extinction. We used the non-automated assignments of radial velocities to clouds of the same region presented in Paper I and based on KI absorption spectra as a validation test. The new fully automated determinations were found to be in good agreement with these previous measurements.

Conclusions. Our results show that an automated search based on cloud-contour morphology can be efficient and that this novel technique may be extended to wider regions of the Milky Way and at larger distance. We discuss its limitations and potential improvements after combination with other techniques.
Spiral-wave-driven accretion in quiescent dwarf novæ
Authors: Van den Bossche M. , Lesur G. , Dubus G.
Published: June 2023

Context. In dwarf novæ (DNe) and low-mass X-ray binaries, the tidal potential excites spiral waves in the accretion disc. Spiral-wave-driven accretion may be important in quiescent discs, where the angular momentum transport mechanism has yet to be identified. Previous studies were limited to unrealistically high temperatures for numerical studies or to specific regimes for analytical studies.

Aims. We perform the first numerical simulation of spiral-wave-driven accretion in the cold temperature regime appropriate to quiescent discs, which have Mach numbers ≳100.

Methods. We used the new GPU-accelerated finite-volume code IDEFIX to produce global hydrodynamics 2D simulations of the accretion discs of DN systems with a sufficiently fine spatial resolution to capture the short scale-height of cold, quiescent discs with Mach numbers ranging from 80 to 370.

Results. Running the simulations on timescales of tens of binary orbits shows transient angular momentum transport that decays as the disc relaxes from its initial conditions. We find the angular momentum parameter α drops to values of ≪10−2, too weak to drive accretion in quiescence.
Discovery of a 760 nm P Cygni line in AT2017gfo: Identification of yttrium in the kilonova photosphere
Authors: Sneppen Albert , Watson Darach
Published: June 2023

Neutron star mergers are believed to be a major cosmological source of rapid neutron-capture elements. The kilonovae associated with neutron star mergers have to date yielded only a single well-identified spectral signature: the P Cygni line of Sr+ at about 1 μm in the spectra of the optical transient, AT2017gfo. Such P Cygni lines are important because they provide significant information not just potentially on the elemental composition of the merger ejecta, but also on the velocity, geometry, and abundance stratification of the explosion. In this paper, we show evidence for a previously unrecognised P Cygni line in the spectra of AT2017gfo that emerges several days after the explosion, located at λ ≈ 760 nm. We show that the feature is well-reproduced by 4d2–4d5p transitions of Y+, which have a weighted mean wavelength of around 760–770 nm, with the most prominent line at 788.19 nm. While the observed line is weaker than the Sr+ feature, the velocity stratification of the new line provides an independent constraint on the expansion rate of the ejecta, similar to the constraints from Sr+.
JWST MIRI flight performance: The Medium-Resolution Spectrometer
Authors: Argyriou Ioannis , Glasse Alistair , Law David R. , Labiano Alvaro , Álvarez-Márquez Javier , Patapis Polychronis , Kavanagh Patrick J. , Gasman Danny , Mueller Michael , Larson Kirsten , Vandenbussche Bart , Glauser Adrian M. , Royer Pierre , Dicken Daniel , Harkett Jake , Sargent Beth A. , Engesser Michael , Jones Olivia C. , Kendrew Sarah , Noriega-Crespo Alberto , Brandl Bernhard , Rieke George H. , Wright Gillian S. , Lee David , Wells Martyn
Published: June 2023

Context. The Medium-Resolution Spectrometer (MRS) provides one of the four operating modes of the Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI) on board the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). The MRS is an integral field spectrometer, measuring the spatial and spectral distributions of light across the 5–28 µm wavelength range with a spectral resolving power between 3700 and 1300.

Aims. We present the MRS’s optical, spectral, and spectro-photometric performance, as achieved in flight, and we report on the effects that limit the instrument’s ultimate sensitivity.

Methods. The MRS flight performance has been quantified using observations of stars, planetary nebulae, and planets in our Solar System. The precision and accuracy of this calibration was checked against celestial calibrators with well-known flux levels and spectral features.

Results. We find that the MRS geometric calibration has a distortion solution accuracy relative to the commanded position of 8 mas at 5 µm and 23 mas at 28 µm. The wavelength calibration is accurate to within 9 km s−1 at 5 µm and 27 km s−1 at 28 µm. The uncertainty in the absolute spectro-photometric calibration accuracy was estimated at 5.6 ± 0.7%. The MIRI calibration pipeline is able to suppress the amplitude of spectral fringes to below 1.5% for both extended and point sources across the entire wavelength range. The MRS point spread function (PSF) is 60% broader than the diffraction limit along its long axis at 5 µm and is 15% broader at 28 µm.

Conclusions. The MRS flight performance is found to be better than prelaunch expectations. The MRS is one of the most subscribed observing modes of JWST and is yielding many high-profile publications. It is currently humanity’s most powerful instrument for measuring the mid-infrared spectra of celestial sources and is expected to continue as such for many years to come.
Materials are social constructs, but they also have agency
Authors: Birat Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2023

A puzzling matter about materials, particularly structural materials, is that they exhibit both a rather extraordinary extension in time, bridging over many historical and prehistorical ages, and a dynamic dimension, changing as they are in time to the point that materials may not be easily recognized as similar today as thousands of years ago. To understand this dichotomy, it is necessary to reach beyond materials science and STEM disciplines and to collect concepts and methods from SSH. Materials and energy are at the core of the physical world in which society functions: they provide the structure of the artifacts that we need, along with the ability to make and use them. They do not exist in an absolute, Aristotelian world, but are invented along historical time, by people to meet their needs, hic et nunc. Materials are social constructs, as is the “theory” (technology, science in modern language) that gives us the keys for making them. As society changes historically, people’s needs evolve and “new” materials are created on the shoulders of older ones, in a kind of evolutionary process. This is the view of social constructivism. This evolutionary metaphor is a first explanation of the continuity between, say, iron from a Roman bloomery and steel, as a contemporary commercial product. This has been formulated as the Social Cycle of Materials (SCM) by sociologists of Knowledge and Innovation, as a process of continuous innovation in which materials are socially constructed over and over again, a process often called “progress”. The continuity from old to new materials needs to be explained by some other model, however, to be fully understood: indeed, why is iron enduring so much, when it might have been displaced by another material at each evolutionary step and it didn’t. The explanation we propose is to accept that “materials have agency”, i.e. that they themselves are the actors of their own perenniality. This refers to another model, the Actor Network Theory (ANT) of Latour et al., which analyzes how change is pulled by a combined network of actors, that include people, organizations, non-human living entities and inanimate things as well.