bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estuarine movements in a sparid hybrid complex
Authors: van der Meulen Dylan E. , Walsh Chris T. , Reinfelds Ivars V. , Payne Nicholas L. , Ives Matthew C. , Roberts David G. , Craig James R. , Gray Charles A. , Taylor Matthew D.
Published: April 2023

Context Movements of purebred and hybrid complexes of species show the interactions that facilitate hybridisation and genetic introgression. Aims This study combines genetic analysis of Acanthopagrus spp. and acoustic tracking to understand the spatial ecology of this species complex. Methods Acanthopagrus australis (yellowfin bream) and the Acanthopagrus hybrid complex of A. australis and Acanthopagrus butcheri (black bream) were tracked using acoustic telemetry within a south-eastern Australian estuary. Key results Movements between A. australis and Acanthopagrus hybrids showed similarities, fish displayed high levels of residency and site fidelity, with peak distributions occurring 15 and 32 km upstream of the river entrance. Offshore movements were recorded for 43% of A. australis and 38% of Acanthopagrus spp. hybrids where fish did not return to the study estuary. Estuarine movement patterns in A. australis and A. spp. hybrids were significantly related to conductivity, freshwater flow, temperature, genetic classification, and capture location. Repetitive spawning migrations were not observed for either A. australis or A. spp. hybrids. Overlap in distributions throughout the spawning period did occur. Conclusions This study highlighted the complexity of estuarine movement patterns in A. australis and Acanthopagrus hybrids because they appear to be dependent on freshwater flow, temperature, and ancestry. Implications A. australis and A. spp. hybrids may be capable of spawning within estuaries, and adult offshore movements may play a role in the genetic mixing of populations.
Prevalence and predictor factor of lifetime abortion in female sex workers in Iran: results of the national rapid assessment and response in 2017
Authors: Roshanfekr Payam , Moftakhar Leila , Narouee Sakineh , Ali Delaram , Vameghi Meroe
Published: April 2023

Female sex workers are at a high risk of abortion. This cross-sectional study included 855 female sex workers to determine the prevalence of lifetime abortion and its related factors. Logistic regression models were used to identify the factors related to lifetime abortion. The prevalence of lifetime abortion was reported at 40.8%. The chance of having a lifetime abortion was 7.8 times higher in women aged >35 years and 2.4 times higher in financially dependent women. The high prevalence of lifetime abortion indicates that these women’s health and fertility needs are not met.
In situ architecture and membrane fusion of SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant
Authors: Song Yutong , Yao Hangping , Wu Nanping , Xu Jialu , Zhang Zheyuan , Peng Cheng , Li Shibo , Kong Weizheng , Chen Yong , Zhu Miaojin , Wang Jiaqi , Shi Danrong , Zhao Chongchong , Lu Xiangyun , Echavarría Galindo Martín , Li Sai
Published: April 2023

Among the current five Variants of Concern, infections caused by SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 (Delta) variant are often associated with the greatest severity. Despite recent advances on the molecular basis of elevated pathogenicity using recombinant proteins, the architecture of intact Delta virions remains veiled. Moreover, pieces of molecular evidence for the detailed mechanism of S-mediated membrane fusion are missing. Here, we showed the pleomorphic nature of Delta virions from electron beam inactivated samples and reported the in situ structure and distribution of S on the authentic Delta variant. We also captured the virus–virus fusion events, which provided pieces of structural evidence for Delta’s attenuated dependency on cellular factors for fusion activation, and proposed a model of S-mediated membrane fusion. Besides, site-specific glycan analysis revealed increased oligomannose-type glycosylation of native Delta S than that of the WT S. Together, these results disclose distinctive factors of Delta being the most virulent SARS-CoV-2 variant.
The temporal structure of REM sleep shows minute-scale fluctuations across brain and body in mice and humans
Authors: Bueno-Junior Lezio S. , Ruckstuhl Maxwell S. , Lim Miranda M. , Watson Brendon O.
Published: April 2023

Rapid eye movement sleep (REM) is believed to have a binary temporal structure with “phasic” and “tonic" microstates, characterized by motoric activity versus quiescence, respectively. However, we observed in mice that the frequency of theta activity (a marker of rodent REM) fluctuates in a nonbinary fashion, with the extremes of that fluctuation correlating with phasic-type and tonic-type facial motricity. Thus, phasic and tonic REM may instead represent ends of a continuum. These cycles of brain physiology and facial movement occurred at 0.01 to 0.06 Hz, or infraslow frequencies, and affected cross-frequency coupling and neuronal activity in the neocortex, suggesting network functional impact. We then analyzed human data and observed that humans also demonstrate nonbinary phasic/tonic microstates, with continuous 0.01 to 0.04-Hz respiratory rate cycles matching the incidence of eye movements. These fundamental properties of REM can yield insights into our understanding of sleep health.
Payments for ecosystem services did not crowd out pro-environmental behavior: Long-term experimental evidence from Uganda
Authors: Vorlaufer Tobias , Engel Stefanie , de Laat Joost , Vollan Björn
Published: April 2023

Payments for ecosystem services (PES) are increasingly being implemented worldwide as conservation instruments that provide conditional economic incentives to landowners for a prespecified duration. However, in the psychological and economic literature, critics have raised concerns that PES can undermine the recipient’s intrinsic motivation to engage in pro-environmental behavior. Such “crowding out” may reduce the effectiveness of PES and may even worsen conservation outcomes once programs are terminated. In this study, we harnessed a randomized controlled trial that provided PES to land users in Western Uganda and evaluated whether these incentives had a persistent effect on pro-environmental behavior and its underlying behavioral drivers 6 y after the last payments were made. We elicited pro-environmental behavior with an incentivized, experimental measure that consisted of a choice for respondents between more and less environmentally friendly tree seedlings. In addition to this main outcome, survey-based measures for underlying behavioral drivers captured self-efficacy beliefs, intrinsic motivation, and perceived forest benefits. Overall, we found no indications that PES led to the crowding out of pro-environmental behavior. That is, respondents from the treatment villages were as likely as respondents from the control villages to choose environmentally friendly tree seedlings. We also found no systematic differences between these two groups in their underlying behavioral drivers, and nor did we find evidence for crowding effects when focusing on self-reported tree planting behavior as an alternative outcome measure.
First observations of core-transiting seismic phases on Mars
Authors: Irving Jessica C. E. , Lekić Vedran , Durán Cecilia , Drilleau Mélanie , Kim Doyeon , Rivoldini Attilio , Khan Amir , Samuel Henri , Antonangeli Daniele , Banerdt William Bruce , Beghein Caroline , Bozdağ Ebru , Ceylan Savas , Charalambous Constantinos , Clinton John , Davis Paul , Garcia Raphaël , Domenico Giardini  , Horleston Anna Catherine , Huang Quancheng , Hurst Kenneth J. , Kawamura Taichi , King Scott D. , Knapmeyer Martin , Li Jiaqi , Lognonné Philippe , Maguire Ross , Panning Mark P. , Plesa Ana-Catalina , Schimmel Martin , Schmerr Nicholas C. , Stähler Simon C. , Stutzmann Eleonore , Xu Zongbo
Published: April 2023

We present the first observations of seismic waves propagating through the core of Mars. These observations, made using seismic data collected by the InSight geophysical mission, have allowed us to construct the first seismically constrained models for the elastic properties of Mars’ core. We observe core-transiting seismic phase SKS from two farside seismic events detected on Mars and measure the travel times of SKS relative to mantle traversing body waves. SKS travels through the core as a compressional wave, providing information about bulk modulus and density. We perform probabilistic inversions using the core-sensitive relative travel times together with gross geophysical data and travel times from other, more proximal, seismic events to seek the equation of state parameters that best describe the liquid iron-alloy core. Our inversions provide constraints on the velocities in Mars’ core and are used to develop the first seismically based estimates of its composition. We show that models informed by our SKS data favor a somewhat smaller (median core radius = 1,780 to 1,810 km) and denser (core density = 6.2 to 6.3 g/cm3) core compared to previous estimates, with a P-wave velocity of 4.9 to 5.0 km/s at the core–mantle boundary, with the composition and structure of the mantle as a dominant source of uncertainty. We infer from our models that Mars’ core contains a median of 20 to 22 wt% light alloying elements when we consider sulfur, oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. These data can be used to inform models of planetary accretion, composition, and evolution.
A mechanosensitive vascular niche for
Drosophila
hematopoiesis
Authors: Tian Yushun , Morin-Poulard Ismaël , Liu Xiaohui , Vanzo Nathalie , Crozatier Michèle
Published: April 2023

Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells maintain blood cell homeostasis by integrating various cues provided by specialized microenvironments or niches. Biomechanical forces are emerging as key regulators of hematopoiesis. Here, we report that mechanical stimuli provided by blood flow in the vascular niche control
Drosophila
hematopoiesis. In vascular niche cells, the mechanosensitive channel Piezo transduces mechanical forces through intracellular calcium upregulation, leading to Notch activation and repression of FGF ligand transcription, known to regulate hematopoietic progenitor maintenance. Our results provide insight into how the vascular niche integrates mechanical stimuli to regulate hematopoiesis.
Discordance in chromosomal and self-reported sex in the UK Biobank: Implications for transgender- and intersex-inclusive data collection
Authors: Ackley Sarah F. , Zimmerman Scott C. , Flatt Jason D. , Riley Alicia R. , Sevelius Jae , Duchowny Kate A.
Published: April 2023

There is growing need to distinguish between sex and gender. While sex is assigned at birth, gender is socially constructed and may not correspond to one’s assigned sex. However, in most research studies, sex or gender is assessed in isolation or the terms are used interchangeably, which has implications for research accuracy and inclusivity. We used data from the UK Biobank to quantify the prevalence of disagreement between chromosomal and self-reported sex and identify potential reasons for discordance. Among approximately 200 individuals with sex discordance, 71% of discordances were potentially explained by the presence of intersex traits or transgender identity. The findings indicate that when describing sex- and/or gender-specific differences in health, researchers may be limited in their ability to draw conclusions regarding specific sex and/or gender health information.
Fast detection of liver fibrosis with collagen-binding single-nanometer iron oxide nanoparticles via
T
1
-weighted MRI
Authors: Zhang Juanye , Ning Yingying , Zhu Hua , Rotile Nicholas J. , Wei He , Diyabalanage Himashinie , Hansen Eric C. , Zhou Iris Y. , Barrett Stephen C. , Sojoodi Mozhdeh , Tanabe Kenneth K. , Humblet Valerie , Jasanoff Alan , Caravan Peter , Bawendi Moungi G.
Published: April 2023

SNIO–CBP, a single-nanometer iron oxide (SNIO) nanoparticle functionalized with a type I collagen-binding peptide (CBP), was developed as a
T
1
-weighted MRI contrast agent with only endogenous elements for fast and noninvasive detection of liver fibrosis. SNIO–CBP exhibits 6.7-fold higher relaxivity compared to a molecular gadolinium-based collagen-binding contrast agent CM-101 on a per CBP basis at 4.7 T. Unlike most iron oxide nanoparticles, SNIO–CBP exhibits fast elimination from the bloodstream with a 5.7 min half-life, high renal clearance, and low, transient liver enhancement in healthy mice. We show that a dose of SNIO–CBP that is 2.5-fold lower than that for CM-101 has comparable imaging efficacy in rapid (within 15 min following intravenous injection) detection of hepatotoxin-induced liver fibrosis using
T
1
-weighted MRI in a carbon tetrachloride–induced mouse liver injury model. We further demonstrate the applicability of SNIO–CBP in detecting liver fibrosis in choline-deficient
L
-amino acid-defined high-fat diet mouse model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. These results provide a platform with potential for the development of high relaxivity, gadolinium-free molecular MRI probes for characterizing chronic liver disease.
Simple optical nanomotion method for single-bacterium viability and antibiotic response testing
Authors: Villalba Maria I. , Rossetti Eugenia , Bonvallat Allan , Yvanoff Charlotte , Radonicic Vjera , Willaert Ronnie G. , Kasas Sandor
Published: April 2023

Antibiotic resistance is nowadays a major public health issue. Rapid antimicrobial susceptibility tests (AST) are one of the options to fight this deadly threat. Performing AST with single-cell sensitivity that is rapid, cheap, and widely accessible, is challenging. Recent studies demonstrated that monitoring bacterial nanomotion by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) upon exposure to antibiotics constitutes a rapid and highly efficient AST. Here, we present a nanomotion detection method based on optical microscopy for testing bacterial viability. This novel technique only requires a very basic microfluidic analysis chamber, and an optical microscope equipped with a camera or a mobile phone. No attachment of the microorganisms is needed, nor are specific bacterial stains or markers. This single-cell technique was successfully tested to obtain AST for motile, nonmotile, gram-positive, and gram-negative bacteria. The simplicity and efficiency of the method make it a game-changer in the field of rapid AST.
Inverse effects of APOC2 and ANGPTL4 on the conformational dynamics of lid-anchoring structures in lipoprotein lipase
Authors: Kumari Anni , Grønnemose Anne Louise , Kristensen Kristian K. , Winther Anne-Marie L. , Young Stephen G. , Jørgensen Thomas J. D. , Ploug Michael
Published: April 2023

The lipolytic processing of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) by lipoprotein lipase (LPL) is crucial for the delivery of dietary lipids to the heart, skeletal muscle, and adipose tissue. The processing of TRLs by LPL is regulated in a tissue-specific manner by a complex interplay between activators and inhibitors. Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4) inhibits LPL by reducing its thermal stability and catalyzing the irreversible unfolding of LPL’s α/β-hydrolase domain. We previously mapped the ANGPTL4 binding site on LPL and defined the downstream unfolding events resulting in LPL inactivation. The binding of LPL to glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored high-density lipoprotein-binding protein 1 protects against LPL unfolding. The binding site on LPL for an activating cofactor, apolipoprotein C2 (APOC2), and the mechanisms by which APOC2 activates LPL have been unclear and controversial. Using hydrogen–deuterium exchange/mass spectrometry, we now show that APOC2’s C-terminal α-helix binds to regions of LPL surrounding the catalytic pocket. Remarkably, APOC2’s binding site on LPL overlaps with that for ANGPTL4, but their effects on LPL conformation are distinct. In contrast to ANGPTL4, APOC2 increases the thermal stability of LPL and protects it from unfolding. Also, the regions of LPL that anchor the lid are stabilized by APOC2 but destabilized by ANGPTL4, providing a plausible explanation for why APOC2 is an activator of LPL, while ANGPTL4 is an inhibitor. Our studies provide fresh insights into the molecular mechanisms by which APOC2 binds and stabilizes LPL—and properties that we suspect are relevant to the conformational gating of LPL’s active site.
Condition-specific 3′ mRNA isoform half-lives and stability elements in yeast
Authors: Geisberg Joseph V. , Moqtaderi Zarmik , Struhl Kevin
Published: April 2023

Alternative polyadenylation generates numerous 3′ mRNA isoforms that can differ in their stability, structure, and function. These isoforms can be used to map mRNA stabilizing and destabilizing elements within 3′ untranslated regions (3′UTRs). Here, we examine how environmental conditions affect 3′ mRNA isoform turnover and structure in yeast cells on a transcriptome scale. Isoform stability broadly increases when cells grow more slowly, with relative half-lives of most isoforms being well correlated across multiple conditions. Surprisingly, dimethyl sulfate probing reveals that individual 3′ isoforms have similar structures across different conditions, in contrast to the extensive structural differences that can exist between closely related isoforms in an individual condition. Unexpectedly, most mRNA stabilizing and destabilizing elements function only in a single growth condition. The genes associated with some classes of condition-specific stability elements are enriched for different functional categories, suggesting that regulated mRNA stability might contribute to adaptation to different growth environments. Condition-specific stability elements do not result in corresponding condition-specific changes in steady-state mRNA isoform levels. This observation is consistent with a compensatory mechanism between polyadenylation and stability, and it suggests that condition-specific mRNA stability elements might largely reflect condition-specific regulation of mRNA 3′ end formation.
Bioactive compounds from Huashi Baidu decoction possess both antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects against COVID-19
Authors: Xu Haiyu , Li Shufen , Liu Jiayuan , Cheng Jinlong , Kang Liping , Li Weijie , Zhong Yute , Wei Chaofa , Fu Lifeng , Qi Jianxun , Zhang Yulan , You Miaomiao , Zhou Zhenxing , Zhang Chongtao , Su Haixia , Yao Sheng , Zhou Zhaoyin , Shi Yulong , Deng Ran , Lv Qi , Li Fengdi , Qi Feifei , Chen Jie , Zhang Siqin , Ma Xiaojing , Xu Zhijian , Li Shao , Xu Yechun , Peng Ke , Shi Yi , Jiang Hualiang , Gao George F. , Huang Luqi
Published: April 2023

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is an ongoing global health concern, and effective antiviral reagents are urgently needed. Traditional Chinese medicine theory-driven natural drug research and development (TCMT-NDRD) is a feasible method to address this issue as the traditional Chinese medicine formulae have been shown effective in the treatment of COVID-19. Huashi Baidu decoction (Q-14) is a clinically approved formula for COVID-19 therapy with antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects. Here, an integrative pharmacological strategy was applied to identify the antiviral and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds from Q-14. Overall, a total of 343 chemical compounds were initially characterized, and 60 prototype compounds in Q-14 were subsequently traced in plasma using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Among the 60 compounds, six compounds (magnolol, glycyrrhisoflavone, licoisoflavone A, emodin, echinatin, and quercetin) were identified showing a dose-dependent inhibition effect on the SARS-CoV-2 infection, including two inhibitors (echinatin and quercetin) of the main protease (Mpro), as well as two inhibitors (glycyrrhisoflavone and licoisoflavone A) of the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp). Meanwhile, three anti-inflammatory components, including licochalcone B, echinatin, and glycyrrhisoflavone, were identified in a SARS-CoV-2-infected inflammatory cell model. In addition, glycyrrhisoflavone and licoisoflavone A also displayed strong inhibitory activities against cAMP-specific 3′,5′-cyclic phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). Crystal structures of PDE4 in complex with glycyrrhisoflavone or licoisoflavone A were determined at resolutions of 1.54 Å and 1.65 Å, respectively, and both compounds bind in the active site of PDE4 with similar interactions. These findings will greatly stimulate the study of TCMT-NDRD against COVID-19.
Preparation of 24CrNiMoY alloy steel with high strength and toughness by selective laser melting
Authors: Sun Miao , Chen Suiyuan , Wei Mingwei , Liang Jing , Liu Changsheng , Wang Mei
Published: April 2023

24CrNiMoY alloy steel with high strength and toughness was prepared by selective laser melting (SLM) technology. The microstructure and mechanical properties of alloy steel samples prepared by SLM using different laser energies were studied. The results showed that with increasing energy density, the internal defects of the sample first decreased and then increased, and the hardness and tensile properties also showed a trend of increasing at first but decreasing afterwards. When the energy density was 100.7 J/mm3, the alloy steel sample has the fewest defects and the highest hardness (391.2 HV0.2). The tensile strength and impact toughness also reached the best state: the tensile strength was 1252.83 MPa, the yield strength was 1041.62 MPa, the elongation to fracture was 12.89%, and the impact toughness was 65.7 J. The microstructure of 24CrNiMoY alloy steel prepared by SLM is mainly composed of fine lath martensite, which has good strength and toughness.
Optimisation of precipitation hardening for 15-5 PH martensitic stainless steel produced by wire arc directed energy deposition
Authors: Ščetinec Aljaž , Klobčar Damjan , Nagode Aleš , Vuherer Tomaž , Bračun Drago , Trdan Uroš
Published: April 2023

This paper discusses directed energy deposition of 15-5 PH, which was successfully tailored with precipitation hardening (PH) to achieve the desired properties. Parametric analysis of solution annealing and aging at various time and temperature combinations was performed. Material characterisation was done in the as-deposited, solution annealed, and PH states. Investigations included microscopy, SEM/EDS, fractography, hardness, tensile, and impact toughness test. The as-deposited microstructure was composed of martensite laths along with delta ferrite. Optimisation of solution annealing was mandatory to achieve homogeneous austenite, which allowed PH. PH resulted in similar properties compared to conventionally produced steel. Peak aging resulted in 450 HV10 and an Rm of 1350 MPa, while the over-aged condition resulted in an impact toughness of over 77 J/cm2.
Assessment of auditory processing skills in adolescents with cleft lip and palate
Authors: Yurdakul Çınar Fatma , Polat Zahra
Published: April 2023

Objective:

Auditory deprivation due to middle ear defects caused by congenital malformations in the cleft lip and palate population may be a long-term risk factor for auditory processing disorder. The aim of the study is to assess the auditory processing skills in adolescents with cleft lip and palate by considering also maturation effect.

Methods:

Thirty (10–17 years old) adolescents with operated, non-syndromic cleft lip and palate and thirty (10–17 years old) adolescents with normal development were included in the study. While both groups had bilateral normal peripheral hearing levels, study group had a history of chronic otitis media due to congenital malformations. In addition, participants were also evaluated in subgroups, under and over the age of 12, based on 12 years of age at which adult-like responses were obtained for auditory processing. Frequency pattern, duration pattern and Turkish matrix tests were used to assess auditory processing skills.

Result:

The mean scores of the study group in frequency pattern, duration pattern and Turkish matrix tests were lower than the control group (p = 0.000). When the participants were evaluated as under and over the age of 12, while under the age of 12 showed lower performance than over the age of 12 for the study group (p < 0.05), this difference was not observed in the control group (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

Adolescents with cleft lip and palate may be disadvantaged in their auditory processing skills compared to their peers and they still may not catch up with their peers, even if improvement is observed with the maturation effect.
Atomic transport properties and liquid–liquid phase separation of ZnxBi 1−x liquid monotectic alloys
Authors: Abbas Fysol Ibna , Bhuiyan G M
Published: April 2023

Atomic transport properties specifically the shear viscosity and the diffusion coefficient for ZnxBi1−xliquid monotectic segregating alloys are theoretically investigated by using the Rice–Allnatt theory. The essential ingredient for the microscopic description of the metals and their alloys is the interionic interaction which in the present work is described by a widely used local pseudopotential. The temperature dependent behaviour of the above mentioned physical properties is also examined. The overall agreement of our calculated results with the available experimental data is found to be good for the full range of concentration. More interestingly, the temperature dependent results for the viscosity and the diffusion coefficient apparently exhibit a signature of liquid–liquid phase separation through a sudden bending in their concentration dependent profiles. Onset of this bending also provides information about the critical temperature and the critical concentration, and also provides a value for the critical exponent of liquid–liquid phase separation.
Plasma effect on error fields correction at high βN
in ASDEX Upgrade
Authors: Igochine V , Bonotto M , Gude A , Maraschek M , Pigatto L , Bettini P , Liu Y Q , Piron L , Voltolina D , Zohm H
Published: April 2023

Tokamak plasmas can amplify very small resonant components of error fields (EFs) when operating close to the ideal magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) limits. Such EFs are well diagnosed in ASDEX Upgrade tokamak (Igochine V et al 2017 Nucl. Fusion 57 116027, Maraschek M et al 40th EPS Conf. on Plasma Physics 2013 P4.127), which allows to model EF as well as the correction required for the optimal compensation. Experiments on ASDEX Upgrade show that EF correction considering the plasma effect, as it is foreseen for ITER, is necessary even in the case of small resonant EF. Such correction improves the achievable

β
N

by 10% and makes discharges more stable with respect to ideal modes.
High-efficient photocatalytic degradation of industrial dyes (MB, RhD, and MB/RhD) using Zn100−xSmxO nanoparticles
Authors: Alsulaim Ghayah M , Aboraia A M , Hamdalla Taymour A , Darwish A A A
Published: April 2023

Dyes are commonly used in industry, but disposing of them after use is a serious issue as many toxic dyes end up in wastewater. Our paper aims to address this problem by utilizing Zn100−xSmxO (where x = 0, 2.5, 5, and 10) nanoparticles as a cost-effective and easily produced photocatalyst to break down common industrial dyes such as Methylene blue (MB), Rhodamine B (RhB), and a mixture of both. We characterized the nanoparticles using various techniques such as x-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, x-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, and Transmission electron microscope. Our analysis confirmed that the Zn100−xSmxO nanoparticles have a single hexagonal phase and a regular shape, with a size of 50 nm. We found that the doping ratio of our fabricated material affects its absorption and energy gap, with Eg decreasing from 2.95 to 2.78 eV as the doping ratio increased. We evaluated the photocatalytic activity of the nanoparticles for the three types of dyes and found that Zn95Sm5O had an efficiency of approximately 80%. Zn95Sm5O was also able to adsorb 68% RhB and 67% MB in the MB-RhB mixture solution. Furthermore, we determined that the degradation of both dyes followed a pseudo-first-order reaction process.
Design and optimization of stress/strain in GAA nanosheet FETs for improved FOMs at sub-7 nm nodes
Authors: Mohapatra E , Jena D , Das S , Maiti CK , Dash T P
Published: April 2023

Stress/strain engineering techniques are employed to boost the performance of Gate-all-around (GAA) vertically stacked nanosheet field-effect transistors (NSFETs) for 7 nm technology nodes and beyond. In this work, we report on the 3D numerical simulation study of the impacts of source/drain epitaxial and uniaxial strained-SiGe channel stresses on p-type NSFETs. It is shown that the uniaxial strained-SiGe channel improves the drive current by up to 107% due to higher compressive stress while the 3-stack NSFET can achieve an enhancement in drive current even up to 187% using a 30% Ge mole fraction. Furthermore, we compare the multiple stacked channel NSFETs and nanowire FETs (NWFETs) considering different strain techniques. As compared to a 3-stack strained-SiGe NWFET, NSFETs show 27% and 10% enhancements in ION and SS, respectively. Vertically stacked NSFETs are shown to be the best option to improve the hole mobility under biaxial and uniaxial compressive strain rather than NWFETs. We also look at how the Ge mole fraction affects various electrical properties in a uniaxial strained-SiGe channel with shrinking dimensions of scaled NSFETs. It is observed that for a fixed Lg, ION/IOFF ratio, SS and DIBL decrease with the increase in Ge mole fraction.
Burn-in effect in InGaP/GaAs HBT with intrinsically or extrinsically carbon doped base layer
Authors: Liu Zhen , Zhu Hong , Pan XinYi , Huang Yong
Published: April 2023

InGaP/GaAs heterojunction bipolar transistors (HBTs) with intrinsically or extrinsically carbon doped base layers were grown by metal-organic chemical vapor deposition. Burn-in effect and the influence of thermal annealing at different temperatures on these devices were investigated. Results show that the intrinsically-carbon-doped HBTs demonstrate a higher current gain of 155 and a burn-in value of 24.0%, while the extrinsically-carbon-doped HBTs show a current gain of 92 and a burn-in value of 5.3%. Thermal annealing after exposing the base layer decreases the burn-in value from 24.0% to 5.7% and from 5.3% to 1.3% for intrinsically and extrinsically carbon doped HBTs, respectively, proved to be an effective method to eliminate the burn-in effect of HBT devices by hydrogen out diffusion. However, it also damages the base layer quality, leading to increased base recombination current and decreased current gain.
Exploring thermodynamic characteristics and magnetocaloric effect of an edge-decorated Ising multilayer nanoparticle with graphene-like structure
Authors: Liu Zhen-yu , Wang Wei , Li Bo-chen , Xu Zhen-yao
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the thermodynamic characteristics, magnetocaloric effect and ground-state properties of an edge-decorated Ising multilayer nanoparticle with graphene-like structure are studied by Monte Carlo simulation. The results reveal that size effect, crystal field, exchange coupling, and applied magnetic field can control the magnetic behaviors of the system. In addition, the curves of magnetic entropy change and relative cooling power (RCP) are given induced by various physical parameters.
Particle production during inflation: constraints expected from redshifted 21 cm observations from the epoch of reionization
Authors: Naik Suvedha Suresh , Chingangbam Pravabati , Furuuchi Kazuyuki
Published: April 2023

We examine a type of feature in the primordial scalar power spectrum, namely, the
bump-like feature(s) that arise as a result of burst(s) of particle production during inflation.
The latest CMB observations by Planck 2018 can accommodate the imprints of such primordial
features. In the near future, observations of redshifted 21 cm signal from the Epoch of
Reionization (EoR) can put additional constraints on inflation models by exploiting the
expected tomographic information across a wide range of co-moving wave-numbers. In this work, we
study the potential of upcoming observational data from SKA-Low to constrain the parameters of the
primordial power spectrum with bump-like features. We use simulated mock data expected from
SKA-Low, with uncertainties estimated from different foreground removal models, and constrain
the parameters of primordial features within a Bayesian framework. We study two scenarios: in the
first scenario, where the astrophysical parameters relevant to the EoR are known, we find that
21 cm power spectra do have the potential to probe the primordial bump-like features. As the
input amplitude of the bump is decreased below roughly 10% of the amplitude of the primordial
power spectrum without the bump, the uncertainties in the recovered values for both amplitude
and location of the bump are found to increase, and the recovered values of the location of the
bump also get increasingly more biased towards higher values. Hence, it becomes harder to
constrain these parameters. In the second scenario, we analyze the achievable constraints on
primordial features when two of the EoR parameters, namely, minimum halo mass and ionizing
efficiency, are uncertain. We find that the effect of the bump on the profile and the amplitude
of the 21 cm power spectrum is distinct from the impact of changing the astrophysical parameters,
and hence they may potentially be distinguished.
Reconstructing physical parameters from template gravitational wave spectra at LISA: first order phase transitions
Authors: Gowling Chloe , Hindmarsh Mark , C. Hooper Deanna , Torrado Jesús
Published: April 2023

A gravitational wave background from a first order phase transition in the early universe may be observable at millihertz gravitational wave (GW) detectors such as the Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA). In this paper we introduce and test a method for investigating LISA's sensitivity to gravitational waves from a first order phase transition using parametrised templates as an approximation to a more complete physical model. The motivation for developing the method is to provide a less computationally intensive way to perform Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) inference on the thermodynamic parameters of a first order phase transition, or on generally computationally intensive models. Starting from a map between the physical parameters and the parameters of an empirical template, we first construct a prior on the empirical parameters that contains the necessary information about the physical parameters; we then use the inverse mapping to reconstruct approximate posteriors on the physical parameters from a fast MCMC on the empirical template.
We test the method on a double broken power law approximation to spectra in the sound shell model. The reconstruction method substantially reduces the proposal evaluation time, and despite requiring some precomputing of the mapping, this method is still cost-effective overall. In two test cases, with signal-to-noise ∼ 40, the method recovers the physical parameters and the spectrum of the injected gravitational wave power spectrum to 95% confidence.
In previous Fisher matrix analysis we found the phase boundary speed v
w was expected to be the best constrained of the thermodynamic parameters. In this work, for an injected phase transition GW power spectrum with v
w = 0.55, with a direct sample on the thermodynamic parameters we recover 0.630+0.17
-0.059 and for our reconstructed sample 0.646+0.098
-0.075.
Scattering Parameter Measurements of the Long Wavelength Array Antenna and Front End Electronics
Authors: DiLullo Christopher , Reeve Whitham D. , Hicks Brian C. , Dowell Jayce
Published: April 2023

We present recent 2-port vector network analyzer (VNA) measurements of the complete set of scattering parameters for the antenna used within the Long Wavelength Array (LWA) and the associated front end electronics (FEEs). Full scattering parameter measurements of the antenna yield not only the reflection coefficient for each polarization, S11 and S22, but also the coupling between polarizations, S12 and S21. These had been previously modeled using simulations, but direct measurements had not been obtained until now. The measurements are used to derive a frequency dependent impedance mismatch factor (IMF) which represents the fraction of power that is passed through the antenna–FEE interface and not reflected due to a mismatch between the impedance of the antenna and the impedance of the FEE. We also present results from a two-antenna experiment where each antenna is hooked up to a separate port on the VNA. This allows for cross–antenna coupling to be measured for all four possible polarization combinations. Finally, we apply the newly measured IMF and FEE forward gain corrections to LWA data to investigate how well they remove instrumental effects.
Dynamic magnetic behaviors and magnetocaloric effect of the Kagome lattice: Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Wu Wei-Chen , Shi Kai-Le , Jiang Wei
Published: April 2023

Based on the Monte Carlo method, we examined the dynamic magnetic behaviors and magnetocaloric effect of a Kagome lattice subjected to the influence of time-dependent oscillating and time-independent magnetic fields. We used the Ising model to describe the Kagome lattice and study the dynamic order parameters, blocking temperature, internal energy, and phase diagrams. The results revealed that exchange coupling increases the stability of the system and the bias field induces order; however, the time-dependent oscillating magnetic field induces disorder. In addition, the magnetocaloric properties, changes in magnetic entropy, and relative cooling power of the Kagome lattice were investigated.
Multiscale particle simulation of the temporal evolution of heat flux into poloidal gaps of castellated divertor with edge-localized modes
Authors: Niu Guo-Jian , Kawamura Gakushi , Dai Shu-yu , Xu Qian , He Tao , Nian Fei-Fei , Wang Rong , Yang Zhong-Shi , Luo Guang-Nan
Published: April 2023

Edge-localized modes (ELMs) produce an intense transient heat flux on castellated divertor mono-blocks (MBs). The parallel transport of electrons and ions from the ELM burst varies due to their different velocities, which significantly influences the power load on the MBs. This study shows that two heat load phases are caused by an ELM burst. In the first phase, the horizontal surface withstands the intense heat flux because the faster electrons generate a high sheath potential drop. The leading edge of the MBs suffers a great power load from energetic ions in the second phase. This study applies a multiscale hybrid numerical approach to investigate the temporal evolution of heat flux on the poloidal gap from the ELM source in the scrape-off layer to the castellated divertor surface. Our results indicate that the power load on both the MB surface and the leading edge should be considered in the future design of castellated divertors.
Interacting dreaming neural networks
Authors: Zanin Pietro , Caticha Nestor
Published: April 2023

We study the interaction of agents, where each one consists of an associative memory neural network trained with the same memory patterns and possibly different reinforcement-unlearning dreaming periods. Using replica methods, we obtain the rich equilibrium phase diagram of the coupled agents. It shows phases such as the student–professor phase, where only one network benefits from the interaction while the other is unaffected; a mutualism phase, where both benefit; an indifferent phase and an insufficient phase, where neither are benefited nor impaired; a phase of amensalism where one is unchanged and the other is damaged. In addition to the paramagnetic and spin glass phases, there is also one we call the reinforced delusion phase, where agents concur without having finite overlaps with memory patterns. For zero coupling constant, the model becomes the reinforcement and removal dreaming model, which without dreaming is the Hopfield model. For finite coupling and a single memory pattern, it becomes a Mattis version of the Ashkin–Teller model.
Dependence of the Inverse Spin Hall Voltage in Py/Ta Microstrip Array on the Microstrip Width
Authors: Huang Fei , Peng Bin , Zhang Wenxu , Zhang Wanli
Published: April 2023

Since inverse spin Hall effect (ISHE) can transform microwave energy into direct current (DC) energy in ferromagnetic (FM)/nonmagnetic (NM) bilayer metal materials, the ISHE-based FM/NM microstrip arrays have clear potential to be used for microwave power transmission and harvesting. Driven by the need for the miniaturization of electronic devices, it is essential to study the dependence of the characteristics of FM/NM microstrip arrays on their geometries. In this work, we have experimentally demonstrated that the Py/Ta microstrip array’s ISHE signal increases linearly with an increase in the Py/Ta microstrip width and that the effective saturation magnetization of the Py film shows the same change tendency. Moreover, the anisotropy field of the Py film increases linearly as the width decreases. Our work provides a valuable reference for the future miniaturization of ISHE-based rectifier devices.
Preparation of Multi-walled Carbon Nanotubes with Ni/SiO2 Composites
Authors: Wang Shuo
Published: April 2023

Using carbon monoxide as carbon source to manufacture Multi-walled carbon nanotubes on the supported of Ni/SiO2 by chemical vapor deposition. The effects of nickel loading and raw gas to carbon nanotubes were studied. When the content of Ni is 5%, the yield of carbon is very low. As the content of Ni increases from 5% to 35%, the yield gradually increases. When Ni loading exceeds 35%, the yield of carbon decreases. Through the TEM, HRTEM and XRD to characterized carbon nanotubes. The results showed that the morphology of carbon nanotubes became worse with the Ni conten increased In terms of yield and quality,the best synthesis temperature is 600°C. In the absence of hydrogen in the feedgas, the diameter of carbon nanotubes is in the narrow range of 10 to 20 nm. When hydrogen is introduced into the system, the amount of carbon increases, but the form deteriorates.
Finite-time Synchronization of the 4-D Hyper-chaotic Chen-Qi-like System
Authors: Wang Yuansheng , Li Bo , Yu Xiangyu
Published: April 2023

For Chen-Qi-like four-dimensional hyper-chaotic system, controllers designed with Lyapunov stability theory to achieve synchronous/anti- synchronous control of chaos are found that sometimes synchronization errors do not decrease to zero in finite time. To solve it, a new controller and parameter estimation law are proposed to achieve finite-time synchronization. The stability analysis of the closed-loop dynamics is derived and the effectiveness of the theoretical results is testified. Taking the parameters L=2, μ=0.5, the state time history diagram and the synchronous error curve are investigated via numerical simulation, which show that the synchronization errors are zero in finite time while two systems in chaotic motion, but synchronization error of the state with cubic nonlinearity is not zero in finite time while two systems in periodic motion; Adjust L=200,μ=0.5, numerical simulation again, then all the errors are zero in finite time. Thus the effectiveness is verified.
Study on Friction and Wear Properties of 3D Braided Carbon Fiber
Authors: Ma Ling , Han Ming , Du Jianhua , Yan Xiaoqin , Gu Yousong , Ji Zhen
Published: April 2023

In this paper, the friction and wear properties of 3D braided carbon fiber wet friction material at 2550r/min, 3800r/min and 5100r/min were studied with MM3000 friction and wear tester, and the wear mechanism was studied with SEM. The results show that the average static friction coefficient of friction materials is 0.153; With the increase of rotating speed, the dynamic friction coefficient decreases from 0.095 to 0.087; The volume wear rate decreased from 9.46*10−8cm3/J to 2.58*10−8cm3/J; The friction torque curves at three different speeds are relatively stable, showing the material has good braking stability. 3D braided carbon fiber friction material has fiber fracture and crack on the raised surface of the material after 1500 times of jointing at three different speeds. The mechanism of friction and wear is abrasive wear and fatigue wear.
Grain Size Evolution of Nickel-Based Superalloys after Hot Deformation
Authors: Lin Yingying , Jiang Tao
Published: April 2023

In this work, the uniaxial compression deformation test of nickel-based powder superalloys was carried out in a vacuum isothermal adiabatic environment using the Thermocmaster-Z thermal processing simulation test machine. The evolution of the microstructure in the two stages of dynamic softening and strain hardening in the true stress-true strain curve in the process, including the interaction of grain size, local misorientation and their relative mobility. During most of the plastic deformation time, the flow stress is gradually increased, that is, the strain hardening dominates, while in the remaining plastic deformation process parameters, dynamic softening dominates. Under different plastic deformation process parameters, The average grain size fluctuates to a certain extent under the condition of partial strain values, but the final evolution law is gradually decreasing, while the final trend of the average local misorientation is increasing.
A Prediction Method of Effective Modulus of POSS Modified Quartz Fiber Reinforced Silicone Matrix Unidirectional Composites
Authors: Wang Danyong , Wei Huazhen , Li Shuhu , Xing Wenfang
Published: April 2023

In the manufacturing process of Polyhedral oligosilsesquioxane(POSS) modified quartz fiber reinforced silicone resin composite, if the POSS content ratio and the combination performance of POSS and silicone resin can be effectively controlled, the comprehensive performance of the material can be significantly improved, and many weaknesses of the composite can be improved. At the same time, the substantial problems such as the stiffness and strength of the wave transmitting composite still need to be greatly improved can be solved, and the new wave transmitting composite can be widely used in the main bearing parts of aerospace. When POSS modified quartz fiber reinforced silicone resin matrix composites are used as structural materials, their mechanical properties, such as modulus, are one of the most important macro mechanical material parameters in engineering applications. However, there is no effective prediction method in engineering to give practical guidance. Therefore, this paper establishes a prediction method of effective modulus of POSS modified quartz fiber reinforced silicone resin matrix composites based on micromechanics, The system can accurately understand the relationship between material structure and properties, thus making it possible to predict properties and design materials, and quickly guiding the practical application of engineering.
Hierarchical Flower-Like VS2 Nanosheets Cathode for High-Performance Aqueous Zn-ion Batteries
Authors: Xie Xingchen , Wang Ni , Hu Wencheng
Published: April 2023

Aqueous rechargeable zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are an attractive alternative to lithium-ion batteries because of their superior safety and inexpensive price. However, the main challenge faced by ZIBs is the search for high-capacity materials that can hold large-diameter Zn ions. Herein, hierarchical flower-like VS2 nanosheets are synthesized as high-performance anode materials for ZIBs. The special hierarchical flower-like structure and morphology afford a large contact area and short Zn2+ ion diffusion distance. Therefore, VS2 nanosheets displays a reversible specific capacity (218.3 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1) and stable cyclic stability (87.7% capacity retention). VS2 nanosheets have a superior electrochemical performance, enabling a novel design approach for other ZIBs cathode materials.