bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chaotic dynamics of the Hénon map and neuronal input–output: A comparison with neurophysiological data
Authors: Guisande Natalí , di Nunzio Monserrat Pallares , Martinez Nataniel , Rosso Osvaldo A. , Montani Fernando
Published: April 2023

In this study, the Hénon map was analyzed using quantifiers from information theory in order to compare its dynamics to experimental data from brain regions known to exhibit chaotic behavior. The goal was to investigate the potential of the Hénon map as a model for replicating chaotic brain dynamics in the treatment of Parkinson’s and epilepsy patients. The dynamic properties of the Hénon map were compared with data from the subthalamic nucleus, the medial frontal cortex, and a q-DG model of neuronal input–output with easy numerical implementation to simulate the local behavior of a population. Using information theory tools, Shannon entropy, statistical complexity, and Fisher’s information were analyzed, taking into account the causality of the time series. For this purpose, different windows over the time series were considered. The findings revealed that neither the Hénon map nor the q-DG model could perfectly replicate the dynamics of the brain regions studied. However, with careful consideration of the parameters, scales, and sampling used, they were able to model some characteristics of neural activity. According to these results, normal neural dynamics in the subthalamic nucleus region may present a more complex spectrum within the complexity–entropy causality plane that cannot be represented by chaotic models alone. The dynamic behavior observed in these systems using these tools is highly dependent on the studied temporal scale. As the size of the sample studied increases, the dynamics of the Hénon map become increasingly different from those of biological and artificial neural systems.
Naturally derived colloidal rods in microfluidic flows
Authors: Calabrese Vincenzo , Shen Amy Q. , Haward Simon J.
Published: April 2023

Naturally derived colloidal rods (CR) are promising building blocks for developing sustainable soft materials. Engineering new materials based on naturally derived CR requires an in-depth understanding of the structural dynamics and self-assembly of CR in dispersion under processing conditions. With the advancement of microfabrication techniques, many microfluidic platforms have been employed to study the structural dynamics of CR under flow. However, each microfluidic design has its pros and cons which need careful evaluation in order to fully meet the experimental goal and correctly interpret the data. We analyze recent results obtained from naturally derived CR and relevant rod-like macromolecules under microfluidic flows, with emphasis on the dynamical behavior in shear- and extensional-dominated flows. We highlight the key concepts required in order to assess and evaluate the results obtained from different CR and microfluidic platforms as a whole and to aid interconnections with neighboring fields. Finally, we identify and discuss areas of interest for future research directions.
Departures from perfect isomorph behavior in Lennard-Jones fluids and solids
Authors: Heyes D. M. , Dini D. , Pieprzyk S. , Brańka A. C.
Published: April 2023

Isomorphs are lines on a fluid or solid phase diagram along which the microstructure is invariant on affine density scaling of the molecular coordinates. Only inverse power (IP) and hard sphere potential systems are perfectly isomorphic. This work provides new theoretical tools and criteria to determine the extent of deviation from perfect isomorphicity for other pair potentials using the Lennard-Jones (LJ) system as a test case. A simple prescription for predicting isomorphs in the fluid range using the freezing line as a reference is shown to be quite accurate for the LJ system. The shear viscosity and self-diffusion coefficient scale well are calculated using this method, which enables comments on the physical significance of the correlations found previously in the literature to be made. The virial–potential energy fluctuation and the concept of an effective IPL system and exponent, n′, are investigated, particularly with reference to the LJ freezing and melting lines. It is shown that the exponent, n′, converges to the value 12 at a high temperature as ∼T−1/2, where T is the temperature. Analytic expressions are derived for the density, temperature, and radius derivatives of the radial distribution function along an isomorph that can be used in molecular simulation. The variance of the radial distribution function and radial fluctuation function are shown to be isomorph invariant.
Thermally driven phase transition of halide perovskites revealed by big data-powered in situ electron microscopy
Authors: Luo Xin , Liu Weiyan , Wang Zeyu , Lei Teng , Yang Peidong , Yu Yi
Published: April 2023

Halide perovskites are promising light-absorbing materials for high-efficiency solar cells, while the crystalline phase of halide perovskites may influence the device’s efficiency and stability. In this work, we investigated the thermally driven phase transition of perovskite (CsPbIxBr3−x), which was confirmed by electron diffraction and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy results. CsPbIxBr3−x transitioned from δ phase to α phase when heated, and the γ phase was obtained when the sample was cooled down. The γ phase was stable as long as it was isolated from humidity and air. A template matching-based data analysis method enabled visualization of the thermally driven phase evolution of perovskite during heating. We also proposed a possible atomic movement in the process of phase transition based on our in situ heating experimental data. The results presented here may improve our understanding of the thermally driven phase transition of perovskite as well as provide a protocol for big-data analysis of in situ experiments.
Saturation limit and p-type thermoelectric properties of RuAs2−xGex
Authors: Fischer Karl F. F. , Demant Bjarke B. , Jørgensen Lasse R. , Iversen Bo B.
Published: April 2023

Ruthenium arsenide is made p-type by the addition of germanium, and it exhibits a large substitution range without affecting the stability. A series of RuAs2−xGex with x = 0.02, 0.04, 0.08, 0.16, 0.32, and 0.64 shows the saturation limit of Ge to be between 0.16 and 0.32. The electrical contribution to the thermoelectric performance is greatly improved with a power factor of 1.03 mW/(m K2). However, the substitution does not affect the rigidity of the lattice, as the Debye temperature remains around 420 K, which means that the thermal conductivity remains high resulting in a modest maximum zT of 0.11.
Stereocomplex crystals induced outstanding energy storage performance with PLLA/PDLA blend film
Authors: Fan Xu , Miao Weijun , Li Zhicheng , Wang Hao , Ding Xiangping , Cheng Yu , Liu Jinjun , Yu Jinhong , Pan Zhongbin
Published: April 2023

Poly(lactic acid)-based (PLA) films with biodegradability and ease of processing are promising dielectrics for application in electrostatic capacitors. Nevertheless, the relative low energy storage capability of the PLA film greatly hampers the development of its further application. Herein, a biodegradable polymer of stereocomplex crystals of poly(lactic acid) is prepared utilizing a solution blending method of the co-blended poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly-D-lactic acid (PDLA) in a 1:1 ratio. The stereocomplex crystals could prominently improve insulation and mechanical properties of PLLA/PDLA blend films, thus achieving an outstanding energy density (Ud ∼ 13.7 J/cm3) accompanied with high efficiency (η ∼ 92.8%) at a breakdown electric field of 750 MV/m. Additionally, the PLLA/PDLA blend film also exhibit good high-temperature performance and reliability. This work provides a reasonable tailoring strategy for biodegradable polymer dielectrics and demonstrates a great potential of biodegradable polymers for practical applications in environmentally friendly power electronics and electrical systems.
The origin of the band-splitting and the spin polarization in bulk 2H-WSe2
Authors: Zhang Yilin , Zhao Yafei , Tu Jian , Deng Yafeng , Yan Pengfei , Dai Xingze , Ruan Xuezhong , Li Yao , Liu Wenqing , Xu Yongbing , He Liang
Published: April 2023

Recently, band-splitting associated with spin polarization at K- and K′-points of the Brillouin zone has been found in centrosymmetric transition metal dichalcogenide materials. This discovery offers a possibility on centrosymmetric crystals for potential valleytronic applications. However, the origin of the band-splitting and the spin polarization in multilayer and bulk transition metal dichalcogenides remains unclear as the interlayer coupling should play a role when compared with that in monolayers. Here, by performing spin- and angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy in bulk 2H-WSe2 at variable temperatures, we have quantitatively established contributions of the intralayer spin–orbit coupling and interlayer coupling. While the strength of the intralayer spin–orbit coupling is determined to be 450 meV, independent of the temperature, the strength of the interlayer coupling is found to increase from 68 to 172 meV as the temperature decreases from 300 to 80 K. This is also accompanied by an increase in the total band-splitting and a decrease in the spin polarization. This work reveals the micro-mechanism of spin and interlayer interaction in centrosymmetric materials, which provides a basis for the development of next-generation energy-efficient valleytronic devices.
Vitamin K: history, metabolism, and nutrition in the horse
Authors: Skinner Jazmine E. , Cawdell-Smith A. Judy , Biffin J. Ray , Regtop Hubert L. , Bryden Wayne L.
Published: April 2023

Vitamin K (VK) has long been known for its essential role in blood coagulation. However, over the past decade, evidence has mounted for its intrinsic and essential roles in other functions within the body, including bone metabolism, calcification, brain development and glucose metabolism. Thus, VK should no longer be considered a single-function ‘haemostasis vitamin’, but rather as a ‘multi-function vitamin’. While current research has focused on its emerging role in human nutrition, the role that VK plays in other species such as the horse has not been well described, with most of our current understanding having been extrapolated from other species, especially rodents. This review assesses the current state of knowledge of VK as it pertains to human and animal nutrition, and, where data exist, its metabolism and nutrition in the horse is explored. Future research on the roles of VK as they pertain to horses, particularly extra-hepatic functions, is necessary. Such insight will allow a greater understanding of how VK is metabolised, facilitating the development of recommendations to assist in the health, growth, and longevity of horses.
Shapeshifting bullvalene-linked vancomycin dimers as effective antibiotics against multidrug-resistant gram-positive bacteria
Authors: Ottonello Alessandra , Wyllie Jessica A. , Yahiaoui Oussama , Sun Shoujun , Koelln Rebecca A. , Homer Joshua A. , Johnson Robert M. , Murray Ewan , Williams Paul , Bolla Jani R. , Robinson Carol V. , Fallon Thomas , Soares da Costa Tatiana P. , Moses John E.
Published: April 2023

The alarming rise in superbugs that are resistant to drugs of last resort, including vancomycin-resistant enterococci and staphylococci, has become a significant global health hazard. Here, we report the click chemistry synthesis of an unprecedented class of shapeshifting vancomycin dimers (SVDs) that display potent activity against bacteria that are resistant to the parent drug, including the ESKAPE pathogens, vancomycin-resistant
Enterococcus
(VRE), methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA), as well as vancomycin-resistant
S. aureus
(VRSA). The shapeshifting modality of the dimers is powered by a triazole-linked bullvalene core, exploiting the dynamic covalent rearrangements of the fluxional carbon cage and creating ligands with the capacity to inhibit bacterial cell wall biosynthesis. The new shapeshifting antibiotics are not disadvantaged by the common mechanism of vancomycin resistance resulting from the alteration of the C-terminal dipeptide with the corresponding
d
-Ala-
d
-Lac depsipeptide. Further, evidence suggests that the shapeshifting ligands destabilize the complex formed between the flippase MurJ and lipid II, implying the potential for a new mode of action for polyvalent glycopeptides. The SVDs show little propensity for acquired resistance by enterococci, suggesting that this new class of shapeshifting antibiotic will display durable antimicrobial activity not prone to rapidly acquired clinical resistance.
The moonlighting function of glycolytic enzyme enolase-1 promotes choline phospholipid metabolism and tumor cell proliferation
Authors: Ma Qingxia , Jiang Hongfei , Ma Leina , Zhao Gaoxiang , Xu Qianqian , Guo Dong , He Ningning , Liu Hao , Meng Zhaoyuan , Liu Juanjuan , Zhu Lei , Lin Qian , Wu Xiaolin , Li Min , Luo Shudi , Fang Jing , Lu Zhimin
Published: April 2023

Aberrantly upregulated choline phospholipid metabolism is a novel emerging hallmark of cancer, and choline kinase α (CHKα), a key enzyme for phosphatidylcholine production, is overexpressed in many types of human cancer through undefined mechanisms. Here, we demonstrate that the expression levels of the glycolytic enzyme enolase-1 (ENO1) are positively correlated with CHKα expression levels in human glioblastoma specimens and that ENO1 tightly governs CHKα expression via posttranslational regulation. Mechanistically, we reveal that both ENO1 and the ubiquitin E3 ligase TRIM25 are associated with CHKα. Highly expressed ENO1 in tumor cells binds to I199/F200 of CHKα, thereby abrogating the interaction between CHKα and TRIM25. This abrogation leads to the inhibition of TRIM25-mediated polyubiquitylation of CHKα at K195, increased stability of CHKα, enhanced choline metabolism in glioblastoma cells, and accelerated brain tumor growth. In addition, the expression levels of both ENO1 and CHKα are associated with poor prognosis in glioblastoma patients. These findings highlight a critical moonlighting function of ENO1 in choline phospholipid metabolism and provide unprecedented insight into the integrated regulation of cancer metabolism by crosstalk between glycolytic and lipidic enzymes.
Evidence for heterothermic endothermy and reptile-like eggshell mineralization inTroodon, a non-avian maniraptoran theropod
Authors: Tagliavento Mattia , Davies Amelia J. , Bernecker Miguel , Staudigel Philip T. , Dawson Robin R. , Dietzel Martin , Götschl Katja , Guo Weifu , Schulp Anne S. , Therrien François , Zelenitsky Darla K. , Gerdes Axel , Müller Wolfgang , Fiebig Jens
Published: April 2023

The dinosaur–bird transition involved several anatomical, biomechanical, and physiological modifications of the theropod bauplan. Non-avian maniraptoran theropods, such asTroodon, are key to better understand changes in thermophysiology and reproduction occurring during this transition. Here, we applied dual clumped isotope (Δ47and Δ48) thermometry, a technique that resolves mineralization temperature and other nonthermal information recorded in carbonates, to eggshells fromTroodon, modern reptiles, and modern birds.Troodoneggshells show variable temperatures, namely 42 and 29 ± 2 °C, supporting the hypothesis of an endothermic thermophysiology with a heterothermic strategy for this extinct taxon. Dual clumped isotope data also reveal physiological differences in the reproductive systems betweenTroodon, reptiles, and birds.Troodonand modern reptiles mineralize their eggshells indistinguishable from dual clumped isotope equilibrium, while birds precipitate eggshells characterized by a positive disequilibrium offset in Δ48. Analyses of inorganic calcites suggest that the observed disequilibrium pattern in birds is linked to an amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor, a carbonate phase known to accelerate eggshell formation in birds. Lack of disequilibrium patterns in reptile andTroodoneggshells implies these vertebrates had not acquired the fast, ACC-based eggshell calcification process characteristic of birds. Observation thatTroodonretained a slow reptile-like calcification suggests that it possessed two functional ovaries and was limited in the number of eggs it could produce; thus its large clutches would have been laid by several females. Dual clumped isotope analysis of eggshells of extinct vertebrates sheds light on physiological information otherwise inaccessible in the fossil record.
“Helicase” activity promoted through dynamic interactions between a ssDNA translocase and a diffusing SSB protein
Authors: Mersch Kacey N. , Sokoloski Joshua E. , Nguyen Binh , Galletto Roberto , Lohman Timothy M.
Published: April 2023

Replication protein A (RPA) is a eukaryotic single-stranded (ss) DNA-binding (SSB) protein that is essential for all aspects of genome maintenance. RPA binds ssDNA with high affinity but can also diffuse along ssDNA. By itself, RPA is capable of transiently disrupting short regions of duplex DNA by diffusing from a ssDNA that flanks the duplex DNA. Using single-molecule total internal reflection fluorescence and optical trapping combined with fluorescence approaches, we show that
S. cerevisiae
Pif1 can use its ATP-dependent 5′ to 3′ translocase activity to chemomechanically push a single human RPA (hRPA) heterotrimer directionally along ssDNA at rates comparable to those of Pif1 translocation alone. We further show that using its translocation activity, Pif1 can push hRPA from a ssDNA loading site into a duplex DNA causing stable disruption of at least 9 bp of duplex DNA. These results highlight the dynamic nature of hRPA enabling it to be readily reorganized even when bound tightly to ssDNA and demonstrate a mechanism by which directional DNA unwinding can be achieved through the combined action of a ssDNA translocase that pushes an SSB protein. These results highlight the two basic requirements for any processive DNA helicase: transient DNA base pair melting (supplied by hRPA) and ATP-dependent directional ssDNA translocation (supplied by Pif1) and that these functions can be unlinked by using two separate proteins.
Whole-genome sequences from wild-type and laboratory-evolved strains define the alleleome and establish its hallmarks
Authors: Catoiu Edward Alexander , Phaneuf Patrick , Monk Jonathan , Palsson Bernhard O.
Published: April 2023

The genomic diversity across strains of a species forms the genetic basis for differences in their behavior. A large-scale assessment of sequence variation has been made possible by the growing availability of strain-specific whole-genome sequences (WGS) and with the advent of large-scale databases of laboratory-acquired mutations. We define the
Escherichia coli
“alleleome” through a genome-scale assessment of amino acid (AA) sequence diversity in open reading frames across 2,661 WGS from wild-type strains. We observe a highly conserved alleleome enriched in mutations unlikely to affect protein function. In contrast, 33,000 mutations acquired in laboratory evolution experiments result in more severe AA substitutions that are rarely achieved by natural selection. Large-scale assessment of the alleleome establishes a method for the quantification of bacterial allelic diversity, reveals opportunities for synthetic biology to explore novel sequence space, and offers insights into the constraints governing evolution.
Spontaneous dark formation of OH radicals at the interface of aqueous atmospheric droplets
Authors: Li Kangwei , Guo Yunlong , Nizkorodov Sergey A. , Rudich Yinon , Angelaki Maria , Wang Xinke , An Taicheng , Perrier Sebastien , George Christian
Published: April 2023

Hydroxyl radical (OH) is a key oxidant that triggers atmospheric oxidation chemistry in both gas and aqueous phases. The current understanding of its aqueous sources is mainly based on known bulk (photo)chemical processes, uptake from gaseous OH, or related to interfacial O
3
and NO
3
radical-driven chemistry. Here, we present experimental evidence that OH radicals are spontaneously produced at the air–water interface of aqueous droplets in the dark and the absence of known precursors, possibly due to the strong electric field that forms at such interfaces. The measured OH production rates in atmospherically relevant droplets are comparable to or significantly higher than those from known aqueous bulk sources, especially in the dark. As aqueous droplets are ubiquitous in the troposphere, this interfacial source of OH radicals should significantly impact atmospheric multiphase oxidation chemistry, with substantial implications on air quality, climate, and health.
Hot carrier extraction from 2D semiconductor photoelectrodes
Authors: Austin Rachelle , Farah Yusef R. , Sayer Thomas , Luther Bradley M. , Montoya-Castillo Andrés , Krummel Amber T. , Sambur Justin B.
Published: April 2023

Hot carrier-based energy conversion systems could double the efficiency of conventional solar energy technology or drive photochemical reactions that would not be possible using fully thermalized, “cool” carriers, but current strategies require expensive multijunction architectures. Using an unprecedented combination of photoelectrochemical and in situ transient absorption spectroscopy measurements, we demonstrate ultrafast (<50 fs) hot exciton and free carrier extraction under applied bias in a proof-of-concept photoelectrochemical solar cell made from earth-abundant and potentially inexpensive monolayer (ML) MoS
2
. Our approach facilitates ultrathin 7 Å charge transport distances over 1 cm
2
areas by intimately coupling ML-MoS
2
to an electron-selective solid contact and a hole-selective electrolyte contact. Our theoretical investigations of the spatial distribution of exciton states suggest greater electronic coupling between hot exciton states located on peripheral S atoms and neighboring contacts likely facilitates ultrafast charge transfer. Our work delineates future two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor design strategies for practical implementation in ultrathin photovoltaic and solar fuel applications.
Correlating histone acetylation with nucleosome core particle dynamics and function
Authors: Kim Tae Hun , Nosella Michael L. , Bolik-Coulon Nicolas , Harkness Robert W. , Huang Shuya Kate , Kay Lewis E.
Published: April 2023

Epigenetic modifications of chromatin play a critical role in regulating the fidelity of the genetic code and in controlling the translation of genetic information into the protein components of the cell. One key posttranslational modification is acetylation of histone lysine residues. Molecular dynamics simulations, and to a smaller extent experiment, have established that lysine acetylation increases the dynamics of histone tails. However, a systematic, atomic resolution experimental investigation of how this epigenetic mark, focusing on one histone at a time, influences the structural dynamics of the nucleosome beyond the tails, and how this translates into accessibility of protein factors such as ligases and nucleases, has yet to be performed. Herein, using NMR spectroscopy of nucleosome core particles (NCPs), we evaluate the effects of acetylation of each histone on tail and core dynamics. We show that for histones H2B, H3, and H4, the histone core particle dynamics are little changed, even though the tails have increased amplitude motions. In contrast, significant increases to H2A dynamics are observed upon acetylation of this histone, with the docking domain and L1 loop particularly affected, correlating with increased susceptibility of NCPs to nuclease digestion and more robust ligation of nicked DNA. Dynamic light scattering experiments establish that acetylation decreases inter-NCP interactions in a histone-dependent manner and facilitates the development of a thermodynamic model for NCP stacking. Our data show that different acetylation patterns result in nuanced changes to NCP dynamics, modulating interactions with other protein factors, and ultimately controlling biological output.
Phase transition of tensin-1 during the focal adhesion disassembly and cell division
Authors: Lee Yuh-Ru Julie , Yamada Soichiro , Lo Su Hao
Published: April 2023

Biomolecular condensates are nonmembranous structures that are mainly formed through liquid–liquid phase separation. Tensins are focal adhesion (FA) proteins linking the actin cytoskeleton to integrin receptors. Here, we report that GFP-tagged tensin-1 (TNS1) proteins phase-separate to form biomolecular condensates in cells. Live-cell imaging showed that new TNS1 condensates are budding from the disassembling ends of FAs, and the presence of these condensates is cell cycle dependent. TNS1 condensates dissolve immediately prior to mitosis and rapidly reappear while postmitotic daughter cells establish new FAs. TNS1 condensates contain selected FA proteins and signaling molecules such as pT308Akt but not pS473Akt, suggesting previously unknown roles of TNS1 condensates in disassembling FAs, as the storage of core FA components and the signaling intermediates.
Getting involved or acting in defence
Authors: Yang Na , Hu Jiabei
Published: April 2023

This study explores the business ritual practice of apology in corporate crisis management. By comparing the
frequencies and analysing apology strategies from fifty local and nonlocal Chinese companies’ public letters of apology, we extend
the politeness study of public apology to a broader hierarchy of a ritual frame and discuss the related formulaic patterns and
strategies of apology. The results show that both groups share a high proportion of taking responsibility and explaining but
differ significantly in their use of such strategies. We find that the business ritual practice of apology varies in accordance
with the cultural identity of the corporation. Local Chinese companies tend to greatly rely on a ritual frame of involvement,
whereas nonlocal companies take an interest in constructing a ritual frame of defence. The paper provides implications for the
scholars of cross-cultural pragmatics and for business practitioners and future research directions for a ritual perspective when
revisiting the practice of apology.
Identity gatekeeping in New Work Order organizations
Authors: Van De Mieroop Dorien
Published: April 2023

While much has been written on the transition of organizational life into the New Work Order (NWO) and the effects
this has had on employees in language-centered economic spaces, few studies have attempted to tease out how these NWO-expectations
have affected less language-centered workplaces. In this article, I focus on such a workplace, namely a medical lab, and I tease
out processes of what I call ‘identity gatekeeping’. With this term I refer to the fact that NWO-employees are expected to be
knowledge-workers whose identities need to be aligned with organizational expectations. As such, these identities become a crucial
object of intra-organizational gatekeeping. Focusing on three performance appraisal interviews and using a social-realist
discourse-analytical approach, I demonstrate how the superior’s interactional identity negotiations either mold or silence
dissident identities depending on the employee’s future professional aspirations. Finally, the implications of these interactional
negotiation processes for NWO-ways of working are discussed.
Parentheses used as pragmatic strategies in Chinese online socialization
Authors: Li Jie , Lin Yanling
Published: April 2023

This paper details the use of parentheses as pragmatic strategies in Chinese network socialization. The data were collected from Weibo, Wechat, QQ and other online social platforms, and analyzed from the perspective of Cyberpragmatics. We consider the pragmatic features and functions of parentheses as an indivisible part of the whole unit in relation to emojis or graphicons. As pragmatic strategies, parentheses aid speakers in indirectly performing various pragmatic intentions, like adding supplementary information to the interaction, isolating different topics, and contrasting content between the text outside and within parentheses. Further pragmatic functions realized by parentheses include indirectly conveying intention, relieving communicative awkwardness and adjusting interlocutors expectations. We conclude that using parentheses as pragmatic strategies in network socialization is the result of the evolution of the Internet language, and varies from the use of other emojis, which directly convey intentions and meaning.
Low‐ or moderate‐carbohydrate calorie–restricted diets have similar effects on body composition and taekwondo performance after high‐carbohydrate recovery meals
Authors: Hsu Chin , Huang Yun‐Wen , Lin Shu‐Mei , Lu Ching‐Shih , Chen Chung‐Yu , Chang Chen‐Kang
Published: April 2023

Low‐carbohydrate (LC) diets are popular among general and athletic populations attempting to lose body mass. This study investigated the effect of a 7‐day LC or moderate‐carbohydrate (MC) calorie–restricted diet followed by 18‐h recovery on body composition and taekwondo‐specific performance. In this randomised cross‐over study, 12 male taekwondo athletes consumed an LC (10% of carbohydrate, 41% of protein, 49% of fat, and 15.8 ± 0.4 kcal/kg/day) or an isocaloric MC diet (60% of carbohydrate, 30% of protein, and 10% of fat) for 7 days. The participants then consumed a carbohydrate‐rich recovery dinner (39.2 ± 3.1 kcal/kg) followed by breakfast (6.2 ± 0.4 kcal/kg) in both the trials. Three repeated sprint ability (RSA) tests were conducted after breakfast. The taekwondo‐specific reaction battery was administered before the first RSA test and after each RSA test. The participants experienced similar magnitudes of significant loss of body mass in the LC (−2.4 ± 1.7%) and MC (−2.3 ± 1.7%) trials. Fat mass and fat percentage significantly decreased in the MC trial but remained unchanged in the LC trial after body mass loss. Fat free mass was maintained in both the trials. The average and peak power in the RSA tests and the premotor reaction time were similar between the trials. The participants experienced significantly higher fatigue in the LC trial. In conclusion, both the diets can help athletes rapidly lose body mass while maintaining performance as long as an adequate amount of carbohydrate is consumed during the recovery period.
Evolutionary Plasmonic Properties of Single Truncated Ag Nanowire-on-Au Film Nanocavity
Authors: Zhu Xin , Zhang Jingyun , Yang Cuihong , Li Ying , Chen Yunyun
Published: April 2023

Noble metal nanocavities have been widely demonstrated to possess great potential applications in nano-optics and nanophotonics due to their extraordinary localized surface plasmon resonance. However, most metal nanocrystals synthesized by chemical methods often suffer from truncation with different degrees due to oxidation and dissolution of metal atoms at corner and edges. We investigate the influence of shape truncation on the plasmonic properties of single Ag nanowire on Au film nanocavity using the finite difference time domain method. When the Ag nanowire (the circumradius R
2 = 50 nm) is gradually truncated from pentagonal to circular geometry, the scattering peak position of the nanocavity shows prominent blue shift from 962 nm to 608 nm, suggesting a nonnegligible role of truncation on plasmonic properties. The electric field strength and charge distribution of the structure reveal the evolution from dipole mode to quadrupole mode. It is also found that the plasmon resonance wavelength is linearly dependent on the truncation ratio R
1/R
2 (R
1 is the inradius) and the modulation slope is also reliable to the size of Ag nanowire. Our observations could shed light on developing high-performance tunable optical nano-devices in future.
Physics and technology of thermoelectric materials and devices
Authors: Dadhich Akshara , Saminathan Madhuvathani , Kumari Kaushalya , Perumal Suresh , Ramachandra Rao M S , Sethupathi Kanikrishnan
Published: April 2023

The continuous depletion of fossil fuels and the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable energy sources have prompted researchers to look for alternative energy sources. The loss of thermal energy in heat engines (100 °C–350 °C), coal-based thermal plants (150 °C–700 °C), heated water pumping in the geothermal process (150 °C–700 °C), and burning of petrol in the automobiles (150 °C–250 °C) in form of untapped waste-heat can be directly and/or reversibly converted into usable electricity by means of charge carriers (electrons or holes) as moving fluids using thermoelectric (TE) technology, which works based on typical Seebeck effect. The enhancement in TE conversion efficiency has been a key challenge because of the coupled relation between thermal and electrical transport of charge carriers in a given material. In this review, we have deliberated the physical concepts governing the materials to device performance as well as key challenges for enhancing the TE performance. Moreover, the role of crystal structure in the form of chemical bonding, crystal symmetry, order–disorder and phase transition on charge carrier transport in the material has been explored. Further, this review has also emphasized some insights on various approaches employed recently to improve the TE performance, such as, (i) carrier engineering via band engineering, low dimensional effects, and energy filtering effects and (ii) phonon engineering via doping/alloying, nano-structuring, embedding secondary phases in the matrix and microstructural engineering. We have also briefed the importance of magnetic elements on thermoelectric properties of the selected materials and spin Seebeck effect. Furthermore, the design and fabrication of TE modules and their major challenges are also discussed. As, thermoelectric figure of merit, zT does not have any theoretical limitation, an ideal high performance thermoelectric device should consist of low-cost, eco-friendly, efficient, n- or p-type materials that operate at wide-temperature range and similar coefficients of thermal expansion, suitable contact materials, less electrical/thermal losses and constant source of thermal energy. Overall, this review provides the recent physical concepts adopted and fabrication procedures of TE materials and device so as to improve the fundamental understanding and to develop a promising TE device.
Investigation of high-concentration toluene degradation by DBD plasma under different operating parameters
Authors: Ge Guowei , Lei Hong , Yao Xiaomei , Fang Yingbo , Cheng Xian
Published: April 2023

This paper studies the degradation effect of high-concentration toluene in dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma under different operating conditions. The degradation efficiency and energy yield (EY) were comprehensively evaluated by a response surface method under different operating parameters (discharge powers, gas flow rate, and initial concentrations) in the DBD plasma system. The results showed that the EY and degradation efficiency could reach 22.17 g kWh−1 and 72.3% when discharge power, initial concentration, and gas flow rate were 5.49 W, 1374.5 ppm, and 529.5 ml min−1, respectively. Furthermore, a mineralization effect was also analyzed related to different operating parameters. When the gas flow rate was 600 ml min−1 and the initial concentration was 2500 ppm, the CO
x
selectivity could reach 98.5%. Through analysis of the effect of oxygen content in the background gas on high-concentration toluene degradation, it was found that oxygen content had a significant effect on the formation of oxygen-containing active substances. Emission spectra showed that normal air discharge occurred in the discharge space of the DBD plasma, and nitrogen-containing active substances were generated. Therefore, active substances containing oxygen and nitrogen played an important role in DBD plasma degradation of high-concentration toluene.
Deep learning-based corrosion-like defect localization technique for high-voltage cable aluminum sheaths using guided waves
Authors: Zhang Bin , Luo Zewen , Hong Xiaobin , Jin Gang
Published: April 2023

High-voltage cable accessories are important parts of a power system and are needed to ensure the reliability of electrical connections. However, their aluminum sheaths are prone to corrosion under complex working conditions, which has a detrimental effect on the normal operation of the electric system. Ultrasonic guided wave detection is a promising non-destructive testing method suited to detecting aluminum sheath corrosion in complex high-voltage cable accessory structures. However, current ultrasonic guided wave detection methods still require manual extraction of the signal features and have a high reliance on professional knowledge. This paper proposes a deep learning-based corrosion-like defect localization technique for high-voltage cable aluminum sheaths using guided waves. First, the original ultrasonic guided wave signals of corrosion defects at different locations are obtained using an ultrasonic guided wave detection platform. Then, the original signals are input into a variable auto-encoder (VAE) network to obtain a low-dimensional representation for automatic feature extraction. Finally, the low-dimensional representation is input into a gated recurrent unit (GRU) based recurrent network for corrosion defect localization. In the feature extraction stage, the VAE can automatically extract the effective features and avoid the interference of noisy signals. In the defect localization stage, the GRU can accurately identify the location of corrosion defects. The experimental results indicate that the VAE-GRU method is capable of accurately identifying corrosion defects based on the original signals.
Improvement and compensation of temperature drift of scale factor of a SOI-based MEMS differential capacitive accelerometer
Authors: Zhai Yanxin , Xu Tiantong , Xu Guoqiang , Cao Xiaoda , Yang Chunhui , Li Haiwang
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the analysis and improvement of temperature characteristics of Si-based capacitive accelerometers has received considerable research attention in the field of Microelectromechanical system (MEMS) sensors. Generally, the influence of temperature on the accelerometers can be mitigated by optimizing the structural design and compensating the output signal. Herein, the output characteristics of an accelerometer designed with asymmetrically arranged combs were analyzed under various temperatures. The purpose of this paper is to improve the temperature drift of scale factor (TDSF) of MEMS capacitive accelerometer, using the asymmetric layout structure to improve the TDSF fundamentally, and the least square method to achieve temperature compensation efficiently. The variations in the TDSF were compared for the symmetric and asymmetric structures. In addition, we modeled the accelerometer with an asymmetric structure for simulations to analyze the errors resulting from the electrostatic torsion phenomenon induced by the asymmetric structure. Moreover, a temperature compensation model was developed for the scale factor of the accelerometer, which was validated and verified with the data obtained from simulations and experiment. Furthermore, an accelerometer based on silicon on insulator was fabricated and tested to verify the simulation results and the compensation effects. According to the results, the scale factor of the studied accelerometer was 171.83 mV g−1 and the average value of the TDSF was 83.56 ppm °C−1 Overall, the experimental results were almost consistent with the simulation results. Under the asymmetric layout, the scale-factor stability improvement of the accelerometer could reach up to 86.96%, and the error caused by electrostatic torsion was ∼2.93%, which is relatively negligible. After compensation, the range and standard deviation of the scale factor of the accelerometer with respect to temperature were reduced by 94.46% and 95.69%, respectively, and the average value of TDSF was reduced by 95.90%, which verified the effectiveness of the compensation model.
On the robustness of multilateration of ionoacoustic signals for localization of the Bragg peak at pre-clinical proton beam energies in water
Authors: Kalunga Ronaldo , Wieser Hans-Peter , Dash Pratik , Würl Matthias , Riboldi Marco , Schreiber Jörg , Assmann Walter , Parodi Katia , Lascaud Julie
Published: April 2023

Objectives. The energy deposited in a medium by a pulsed proton beam results in the emission of thermoacoustic waves, also called ionoacoustics (IA). The proton beam stopping position (Bragg peak) can be retrieved from a time-of-flight analysis (ToF) of IA signals acquired at different sensor locations (multilateration). This work aimed to assess the robustness of multilateration methods in proton beams at pre-clinical energies for the development of a small animal irradiator. Approach. The accuracy of multilateration performed using different algorithms; namely, time of arrival and time difference of arrival, was investigated in-silico for ideal point sources in the presence of realistic uncertainties on the ToF estimation and ionoacoustic signals generated by a 20 MeV pulsed proton beam stopped in a homogeneous water phantom. The localisation accuracy was further investigated experimentally based on two different measurements with pulsed monoenergetic proton beams at energies of 20 and 22 MeV. Main results. It was found that the localisation accuracy mainly depends on the position of the acoustic detectors relative to the proton beam due to spatial variation of the error on the ToF estimation. By optimally positioning the sensors to reduce the ToF error, the Bragg peak could be located in-silico with an accuracy better than 90 μm (2% error). Localisation errors going up to 1 mm were observed experimentally due to inaccurate knowledge of the sensor positions and noisy ionoacoustic signals. Significance. This study gives a first overview of the implementation of different multilateration methods for ionoacoustics-based Bragg peak localisation in two- and three-dimensions at pre-clinical energies. Different sources of uncertainty were investigated, and their impact on the localisation accuracy was quantified in-silico and experimentally.
A novel method for identifying damage in transverse joints of arch dams from seismic responses based on the feature of local dynamic continuity interruption
Authors: Wei Qingyang , Shen Lei , Cao Maosen , Jiang Yazhou , Qian Xiangdong , Wang Jie
Published: April 2023

Without the difficulty of applying particular excitations on arch dams, a method using the correlation coefficients of time-scale representations (CCTSRs) of seismic responses to identify the damage in transverse joints is proposed. The identification of damage using the CCTSR method is characterized by comparing the time-scale representations (TSRs) of paired seismic accelerations measured from two neighboring points crossing the transverse joints horizontally. With the CCTSR method, the TSRs of measured seismic accelerations are produced with the continuous wavelet transform; the comparison of the TSRs is carried out by calculating the correlation coefficients. The correlation coefficients of the paired TSRs are combined with the defined damage intervals to evaluate the positions and severities of the damage. The method’s feasibility is numerically verified via the identification of the damage in transverse joints by discussing the effects of the wavelet functions, seismic excitations, and noise resistance. The method’s effectiveness is experimentally validated via the detection of the damage in transverse joints of a scaled arch dam model subjected to artificial seismic loads. The proposed CCTSR method can localize the positions of various damage scenarios and quantify the damage severities caused by progressive seismic loads.
Graphene-based zoom metalens adaptive imaging system
Authors: Zhang Qingyuan , Wang Xinyi , Liang Yawei , Chen Xiaogang , Shao Yan , Zhang Qiaozhen , Zhu Chenxi , Ma Shikai , Luo Yang
Published: April 2023

A definition adaptive imaging system based on graphene zoom metalens is proposed. It combines a tunable metalens and an image clarity detection algorithm. Compared with traditional imaging systems, the focus position of the metalens can be adjusted arbitrarily by changing the graphene chemical potential rather than the physical structure. Further, an edge detection algorithm is used to detect the image definition, and then judge whether the current focal length of the lens is appropriate. According to the predetermined strategy the system will automatically adjust the focus of the metalens until a satisfactory image is obtained.
Development of novel low-mass module concepts based on MALTA monolithic pixel sensors
Authors: Weick J. , Dachs F. , Riedler P. , Vicente Barreto Pinto M. , Zoubir A.M. , Flores Sanz de Acedo L. , Asensi Tortajada I. , Dao V. , Dobrijevic D. , Pernegger H. , Van Rijnbach M. , Sharma A. , Solans Sanchez C. , de Oliveira R. , Dannheim D. , Schmidt J.V.
Published: April 2023

The MALTA CMOS monolithic silicon pixel sensors has been developed in the Tower 180 nm CMOS imaging process. It includes an asynchronous readout scheme and complies with the ATLAS inner tracker requirements for the HL-LHC. Several 4-chip MALTA modules have been built using Al wedge wire bonding to demonstrate the direct transfer of data from chip-to-chip and to read out the data of the entire module via one chip only. Novel technologies such as Anisotropic Conductive Films (ACF) and nanowires have been investigated to build a compact module. A lightweight flex with 17 μm trace spacing has been designed, allowing compact packaging with a direct attachment of the chip connection pads to the flex using these interconnection technologies. This contribution shows the current state of our work towards a flexible, low material, dense and reliable packaging and modularization of pixel detectors.
Special issue: bioinspired fluid-structure interaction
Authors: Jung Sunghwan , Godoy-Diana Ramiro
Published: April 2023

Fluid-structure interaction (FSI) studies the interaction between fluid and solid objects. It helps understand how fluid motion affects solid objects and vice versa. FSI research is important in engineering applications such as aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, and structural analysis. It has been used to design efficient systems such as ships, aircraft, and buildings. FSI in biological systems has gained interest in recent years for understanding how organisms interact with their fluidic environment. Our special issue features papers on various biological and bio-inspired FSI problems. Papers in this special issue cover topics ranging from flow physics to optimization and diagonistics. These papers offer new insights into natural systems and inspire the development of new technologies based on natural principles.
A distinctive IgG-mediated pathogenesis for primary progressive multiple sclerosis?
Authors: Guo Yong , Lennon Vanda A
Published: April 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulins in primary progressive multiple sclerosis are pathogenic’ by Wong et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awad031).