bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Major adverse cardiovascular events among patients with type-2 diabetes, a nationwide cohort study comparing primary metabolic and bariatric surgery to GLP-1 receptor agonist treatment
Authors: Stenberg Erik , Näslund Erik
Published: January 2023

Background

Glucagon-like Peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) both improve cardiovascular outcomes in patients with severe obesity and type-2 diabetes (T2D). The aim of the present study was to assess the impact of MBS on major cardiovascular adverse events (MACE) in patients with severe obesity and T2D compared to patients with T2D treated with GLP-1 RA.

Subjects and methods

In this propensity score matched cohort study on nationwide data, patients with T2D and severe obesity who underwent MBS in Sweden from 2007 until 2019 were identified from the Scandinavian Obesity Surgery Registry and matched to a non-surgical group with T2D treated with GLP-1 RA (81.7% liraglutide, 9.0% dulaglutide, 6.0% exenatide, 1.6% lixisenatide and 0.8% semaglutide) from the general population using generalized linear model. Major outcome was MACE (hospitalization for acute coronary syndrome or cerebrovascular event or all-cause death), evaluated with multivariable Cox regression.

Results

In total 2161 patients (obesity class I (10.2%), class II (40.3%), class III (49.5%)) were matched to 2161 non-surgical patients (mean age 51.1 ± 9.29 vs 51.5 ± 8.92 years, 64.8% vs. 64.4% women, with mean number of diabetes drugs of 2.5 ± 0.89 vs 2.6 ± 0.87, a mean duration of diabetes of 6.0 ± 4.15 vs 6.0 ± 4.51 years with 44.2% vs. 42.8% being treated with insulin at baseline). During the study period, 113 patients (8-year cumulative incidence 9.3%) compared to 130 non-surgical patients (8-year cumulative incidence 11.3%) suffered from MACE or all-cause mortality (HR 0.76, 95%CI 0.59–0.98), and 69 patients (8-year cumulative incidence 5.1%) compared to 92 non-surgical patients (8-year cumulative incidence 7.6%) suffered from a non-fatal MACE (HR 0.68, 95%CI 0.49–0.93).

Conclusion

In this matched cohort study, MBS was associated with lower risk for MACE compared to treatment with early GLP-1 RA in patients with T2D.
Plastic responses lead to increased neurotoxin production in the diatom Pseudo-nitzschia under ocean warming and acidification
Authors: Xu Dong , Zheng Guanchao , Brennan Georgina , Wang Zhuonan , Jiang Tao , Sun Ke , Fan Xiao , Bowler Chris , Zhang Xiaowen , Zhang Yan , Wang Wei , Wang Yitao , Li Yan , Wu Haiyan , Li Youxun , Fu Fei-Xue , Hutchins David A , Tan Zhijun , Ye Naihao
Published: January 2023

Ocean warming (OW) and acidification (OA) are recognized as two major climatic conditions influencing phytoplankton growth and nutritional or toxin content. However, there is limited knowledge on the responses of harmful algal bloom species that produce toxins. Here, the study provides quantitative and mechanistic understanding of the acclimation and adaptation responses of the domoic acid (DA) producing diatom Pseudo-nitzschia multiseries to rising temperature and pCO2 using both a one-year in situ bulk culture experiment, and an 800-day laboratory acclimation experiment. Ocean warming showed larger selective effects on growth and DA metabolism than ocean acidification. In a bulk culture experiment, increasing temperature +4 °C above ambient seawater temperature significantly increased DA concentration by up to 11-fold. In laboratory when the long-term warming acclimated samples were assayed under low temperatures, changes in growth rates and DA concentrations indicated that P. multiseries did not adapt to elevated temperature, but could instead rapidly and reversibly acclimate to temperature shifts. However, the warming-acclimated lines showed evidence of adaptation to elevated temperatures in the transcriptome data. Here the core gene expression was not reversed when warming-acclimated lines were moved back to the low temperature environment, which suggested that P. multiseries cells might adapt to rising temperature over longer timescales. The distinct strategies of phenotypic plasticity to rising temperature and pCO2 demonstrate a strong acclimation capacity for this bloom-forming toxic diatom in the future ocean.
Translocation of a single Arg$$_9$$ peptide across a DOPC/DOPG(4:1) model membrane using the weighted ensemble method
Authors: Choe Seungho
Published: January 2023

It is difficult to observe a spontaneous translocation of cell-penetrating peptides(CPPs) within a short time scale (e.g., a few hundred ns) in all-atom molecular dynamics(MD) simulations because the time required for the translocation of usual CPPs is on the order of minutes or so. In this work, we report a spontaneous translocation of a single Arg$$_9$$

9

(R9) across a DOPC/DOPG(4:1) model membrane within an order of a few tens ns scale by using the weighted ensemble(WE) method. We identify how water molecules and the orientation of Arg$$_9$$

9

play a role in translocation. We also show how lipid molecules are transported along with Arg$$_9$$

9

. In addition, we present free energy profiles of the translocation across the membrane using umbrella sampling and show that a single Arg$$_9$$

9

translocation is energetically unfavorable. We expect that the WE method can help study interactions of CPPs with various model membranes within MD simulation approaches.
Rapid screening of pharmaceutical products for elemental impurities by a high-resolution portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer using an efficient fundamental parameter method
Authors: Zhu Li , Teng Yun , Han Weidan , Yin Lihui , Teng Xu
Published: January 2023

A rapid screening method for the detection of elemental impurities has been developed based on the portable energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer combined with the efficient fundamental parameter method.
Double click macrocyclization with Sondheimer diyne of aza-dipyrrins for B–Free bioorthogonal imaging
Authors: Wu Dan , Durán-Sampedro Gonzalo , Fitzgerald Sheila , Garre Massimiliano , O'Shea Donal F.
Published: January 2023

Sequential azide/diyne cycloadditions proved highly effective for the macrocyclization of a bis-azido aza-dipyrrin.
Extending the Hammett correlation to mechanochemical reactions
Authors: Vugrin Leonarda , Carta Maria , Delogu Francesco , Halasz Ivan
Published: January 2023

The correlation between kinetics and Hammett constants in a model mechanochemical imine formation indicates that the mechanistic framework of physical–organic chemistry could be used to describe solid-state reactions conducted by ball milling.
Achieving near-Pt hydrogen production on defect nanocarbonviathe synergy between carbon defects and heteroatoms
Authors: Wu Hao , Luan Yuting
Published: January 2023

The synergy between vacancies and P is universal and efficient for promoting the HER activity of nanocarbon, especially for carbon nanotubes.
Tuning the phase separation of PEDOT:PSS affords efficient lead-free perovskite solar cells
Authors: Zhang Hui , Wang Shurong , Yao Huanhuan , Tang Zhiyue , Ding Liming , Hao Feng
Published: January 2023

Ammonium carbamate was introduced into PEDOT:PSS to regulate phase separation, accelerate the vertical transport of carriers, and inhibit the interface defect sites for achieving efficient tin halide perovskite solar cells.
New kind of electride sandwich complexes based on the cyclooctatetraene ligand M12(η8-C8H8)2M22(M1= Na, K and M2= Ca, Mg): a theoretical study
Authors: Sinha Roy Ria , Ghosh Avik , Banerjee Soumadip , Ghosh Suniti , Das Abhijit K.
Published: January 2023

In the present study, the electronic structures of a series of binuclear sandwich complexes based on the cyclooctatetraene ligand M12(η8-C8H8)2M22(M1= Na, K and M2= Ca, Mg) are studied theoretically.
First principles insights into the relative stability, electronic and catalytic properties of core–shell, Janus and mixed structural patterns for bimetallic Pd–X nano-alloys (X = Co, Ni, Cu, Rh, Ag, Ir, Pt, Au)
Authors: Datta Soumendu , Ghosh Aishwaryo , Saha-Dasgupta Tanusri
Published: January 2023

The three well-known orderings of the two constituting atomic species in a bimetallic nano-alloy – core–shell, Janus and mixed structural patterns – may be interconvertible depending on the synthesis conditions.
Mixed valence Sn doped (CH3NH3)3Bi2Br9 produced by mechanochemical synthesis
Authors: Jia Xiaohan , Liu Yuhan , Bhatt Prajna , Perry Robin S. , Parkin Ivan P. , Palgrave Robert G.
Published: January 2023

Mechanochemical synthesis leads to mixed valence Sn(ii)/Sn(iv) doping of the triple vacancy ordered perovskite MA3Bi2Br9.
The long-lived reactive nitrogen species in the troposphere: DFTB model for atmospheric applications
Authors: Karabulut Ezman , Celik Fatih Ahmet , Korkmaz Ebru Tanboğa
Published: January 2023

The longest lived reactive NO2molecule formation in a dry and clean air environment under a high-temperature shock wave was investigated under three basic reactions (O + NO NO + NO3, and NO + O3systems) in the atmospheric environment.
Design of transition metal complexes containing a P–E radical motif
Authors: Zhu Hui , Qu Zheng-Wang , Grimme Stefan , Brehm Philipp C. , Streubel Rainer
Published: January 2023

Extensive dispersion-corrected DFT calculations are used to explore both neutral and ionic approaches to synthesize a broad range of transition metal radical complexes and potential thermal radical initiators.
Catalytic hydroesterification of lignin: a versatile and efficient entry into fully biobased tunable materials
Authors: Buhaibeh Ruqaya , Richard Tiphaine , Gauvin Régis M. , Sauthier Mathieu , Dumont Clément
Published: January 2023

Hydroxyl groups of several industrial grade lignins are esterified by palladium-catalyzed hydroesterification reactions with CO and olefins, fatty esters or 1,3-butadiene.
Engineering green and sustainable solvents for scalable wet synthesis of sulfide electrolytes in high-energy-density all-solid-state batteries
Authors: Jo Yung-Soo , Hong Jeong-Won , Choi Ik-Hyeon , Sung Junghwan , Park Jun-Ho , Park Heetaek , Kim Doohun , Kim Byung Gon , Ha Yoon-Cheol , Seo Jeongsuk , Chung Wan-Young , Baeg Kang-Jun , Park Jun-Woo
Published: January 2023

Scalable production of LPSCl-based sulfide solid-electrolytes with high ionic conductivities using various green and sustainable solvents for commercializing all-solid-state batteries.
In situ growth of Ni/Fe hydroxide nanosheets using a self-sacrificial template as an efficient and robust electrocatalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Chang Cuiping , Xiong Ying , Miao Rui , Sun Yanzhi , Chen Yongmei , Pan Junqing
Published: January 2023

Stainless steel fiber felt was modified to prepare an OER catalyst with high electrocatalytic activity via a simple oxidation method.
Preparation of a heteropoly acid ionic liquid and its application in the catalytic degradation of bottle-grade PET
Authors: Liao Zhangbin , Duan Yunlong , Guo Liying , Zheng Rongrong , Wang Liyan , Chen Yanming , Zhang Linnan , Qian Xin
Published: January 2023

A new environmentally friendly process method for catalytically degrading bottle-grade PET by utilizing ionic liquid catalysts.
A versatile iron [1-(naphthalen-2-ylmethyl)-2-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole]3 metal complex redox active material for energy conversion and storage systems
Authors: Selvaraj Balamurugan , Shanmugam Ganesan , Kamaraj Santhosh , Mathew Vinod , Kim Jaekook
Published: January 2023

Novel Fe2+/3+ [npbi]3 redox electrolytes contributed to competitive performances in both DSC and SC applications.
Rhodium(iii)-catalyzed oxidative annulation ofN-arylbenzamidines with maleimidesviadual C–H activation
Authors: Sankaram G. Siva , Sahoo Tanmoy , Sridhar B. , Subba Reddy B. V.
Published: January 2023

An oxidative annulation ofN-arylbenzimidamides with maleimides in the presence of [Cp*RhCl2]2provides the corresponding benzo[4,5]imidazo[2,1-a]pyrrolo[3,4-c]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-diones.
Visible light mediated organocatalytic dehydrogenative aza-coupling of 1,3-diones using aryldiazonium salts
Authors: Das Ramanand , Kundu Taraknath , Basumatary Joneswar
Published: January 2023

An efficient protocol for diazenylation of 1,3-diones under photoredox conditions is presented herein.
Geometrically-controlled evaporation-driven deposition of conductive carbon nanotube patterns on inclined surfaces
Authors: Issakhani Shervin , Jadidi Omid , Farhadi Jafar , Bazargan Vahid
Published: January 2023

This paper gives experimental insight into the thickness controllability over the evaporation-driven deposition of the geometrically-controlled droplets and how the contact line deposition can be further manipulated by inclining the substrate.
Bona fide stochastic resonance under nonGaussian active fluctuations
Authors: Paneru Govind , Tlusty Tsvi , Pak Hyuk Kyu
Published: January 2023

We observe stochastic resonance without any periodic modulation. This phenomenon is demonstrated here, for the first time, in a system with Brownian particle hopping in a double-well potential under the influence of nonGaussian active fluctuations.
Effects of the polymer glass transition on the stability of nanoparticle dispersions
Authors: Scott Douglas M. , Prud’homme Robert K. , Priestley Rodney D.
Published: January 2023

The stability of polymer nanoparticle dispersions is strongly impacted by the glass transition temperature of constituent polymers.
A high-frequency QCM biosensing platform for label-free detection of the SARS-CoV-2 spike receptor-binding domain: an aptasensor and an immunosensor
Authors: Zhang Qingqing , Liu Shuping , Zhang Xiaohua , Du Cuicui , Si Shihui , Chen Jinhua
Published: January 2023

High-frequency quartz crystal microbalance biosensing platforms were constructed using an aptamer and antibody as bioreceptors for fast and label-free SARS-CoV-2 RBD assay.
Heterogeneous iron catalyst for C(1)–H functionalization of 2-naphthols with primary aromatic alcohols
Authors: Biswas Subir , Barman Dipankar , Gogoi Gautam , Hoque Nazimul , Devi Arpita , Purkayastha Siddhartha K. , Guha Ankur Kanti , Nath Jayanta K. , Bania Kusum K.
Published: January 2023

Iron oxide supported on zeolite-Y effectively catalyzes the nucleophilic substitution of different 2-naphthols with various benzyl alcohols.
Therapeutic targeting of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E
Authors: Pelletier Jerry , Sonenberg Nahum
Published: January 2023

Fundamental studies unraveled the role of eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF) 4E in mRNA translation and its control. Under physiological conditions, regulation of translation by eIF4E is essential to cellular homeostasis. Under stress, gene flow information is parsed by eIF4E to support adaptive mechanisms that favor cell survival. Dysregulated eIF4E activity fuels tumor formation and progression and modulates response to therapy. Thus, there has been heightened interest in understanding eIF4E function in controlling gene expression as well as developing strategies to block its activity to treat disease.
Increased methylglyoxal formation in plasma and tissues during a glucose tolerance test is derived from exogenous glucose
Authors: Zhang Xiaodi , Scheijen Jean L.J.M. , Stehouwer Coen D.A. , Wouters Kristiaan , Schalkwijk Casper G.
Published: January 2023

The dicarbonyl compound methylglyoxal (MGO) is a major precursor in the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). MGO and AGEs are increased in subjects with diabetes and are associated with fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular disease. Previously, we have shown that plasma MGO concentrations rapidly increase in the postprandial phase, with a higher increase in individuals with type 2 diabetes. In current study, we investigated whether postprandial MGO formation in plasma and tissues originates from exogenous glucose and whether the increased plasma MGO concentration leads to a fast formation of MGO-derived AGEs.

We performed a stable isotope-labelled oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) in 12 healthy males with universally labelled D(+)13C glucose. Analysis of plasma-labelled 13C3 MGO and glucose levels at 11 time-points during the OGTT revealed that the newly formed MGO during OGTT is completely derived from exogenous glucose. Moreover, a fast formation of protein-bound MGO-derived AGEs during the OGTT was observed. In accordance, ex-vivo incubation of MGO with plasma or albumin showed a rapid decrease in MGO and a fast increase in MGO-derived AGEs. In an intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test in C57BL/6J mice, we confirmed that the formation of postprandial MGO is derived from exogenous glucose in plasma and also showed in tissues that MGO is increased and this is also from exogenous glucose.

Collectively, increased formation of MGO during a glucose tolerance test arises from exogenous glucose both in plasma and in tissues, and this leads to a fast formation of MGO-derived AGEs.
Diffusion chimique dans le verre
Authors: Burov Ekaterina , Gouillart Emmanuelle , Schuller Sophie
Published: January 2023

Depuis l’Antiquité, l’Homme a appris à contrôler les propriétés des verres. Cette maitrise passe par un savoir-faire ancestral, mais aussi plus récemment par la compréhension fine des mécanismes qui s’opèrent lors de la fabrication des verres industriels. La diffusion chimique est l’un des plus importants. Depuis peu, des méthodologies ont été développées par les chercheurs pour la comprendre et la décrire.

Dans cet article, nous donnons un éclairage sur les mécanismes de la diffusion et ses origines structurales. Pour les lecteurs les plus avertis, un focus sur la méthodologie d’étude est donné. Il est suivi d’une discussion sur les résultats récents concernant l’influence de la diffusion chimique sur la cristallisation.
De la bulle à la mousse de verre
Authors: Lebullenger Ronan , Pigeonneau Franck
Published: January 2023

Les verres d’usage courant sont produits dans des fours de grande taille. Les matières premières portées à haute température y réagissent pour former un liquide très visqueux libérant une grande quantité de CO2. Pour réduire l’empreinte carbone et préserver les ressources minières, l’utilisation de verre recyclé est devenue inéluctable.

Nous montrons dans cet article comment le procédé de fusion et le processus de recyclage dépendent de la création et de l’évolution des bulles. Nous exposons tout d’abord comment ces bulles naissent et évoluent dans les fours industriels et quels sont les moyens pour les éliminer. Certains verres domestiques et industriels ne peuvent pas être refondus dans les fours. Afin de valoriser ces déchets, des solutions existent, qui tirent profit des bulles, et sont présentées dans cet article.
High-accuracy realization of temperature fixed and reference points
Authors: Fellmuth Bernd , Gaiser Christof
Published: January 2023

The harmonization of international temperature measurements requires the high-accuracy realization of many different temperature reference points. This results from the feature of the intensive measurand temperature that temperatures cannot simply be divided or multiplied. Thus, the points must cover the whole range of interest, at present from 1 mK to a few 1000 K. Furthermore, instruments are necessary for the interpolation between the non-continuous guide values. This led to the establishment of International Temperature Scales (ITS). The ITS prescribe interpolation instruments and assign fixed temperature values to suitable phase transitions without uncertainty. The large temperature range can only be covered by applying very different phase transitions. This includes the classical transitions, namely triple, melting, and freezing points, but also second-order transitions, as superfluid and superconducting ones, and the very new eutectic or peritectic points of metal-carbon compositions. A high-accuracy realization requires a reliable uncertainty estimation. This is, therefore, the central topic of this review. Since a given non-ideal condition of a sample, especially the impurity content, cannot be reproduced as accurate as necessary, the fixed- and reference-point temperatures are defined for ideal substances under ideal conditions. Thus, the estimation of the uncertainty of the realizations must be based on estimating the magnitude of all physical effects influencing the observed phase-transition temperature. The application of this methodology is discussed in the paper as unifying topic independent of the individual problems to be solved. Furthermore, recommendations of the Consultative Committee for Thermometry are summarized, and own experiences are supplemented.
Guided electromagnetic discharge pulses driven by short intense laser pulses: Characterization and modeling
Authors: Ehret M. , Bailly-Grandvaux M. , Korneev Ph. , Apiñaniz J. I. , Brabetz C. , Morace A. , Bradford P. , d'Humières E. , Schaumann G. , Bagnoud V. , Malko S. , Matveevskii K. , Roth M. , Volpe L. , Woolsey N. C. , Santos J. J.
Published: January 2023

Strong electromagnetic pulses (EMPs) are generated from intense laser interactions with solid-density targets and can be guided by the target geometry, specifically through conductive connections to the ground. We present an experimental characterization by time- and spatial-resolved proton deflectometry of guided electromagnetic discharge pulses along wires including a coil, driven by 0.5 ps, 50 J, 1019 W/cm2 laser pulses. Proton-deflectometry allows us to time-resolve first the EMP due to the laser-driven target charging and then the return EMP from the ground through the conductive target stalk. Both EMPs have a typical duration of tens of ps and correspond to currents in the kA-range with electric-field amplitudes of multiple GV/m. The sub-mm coil in the target rod creates lensing effects on probing protons due to both magnetic- and electric-field contributions. This way, protons of the 10 MeV-energy range are focused over cm-scale distances. Experimental results are supported by analytical modeling and high-resolution numerical particle-in-cell simulations, unraveling the likely presence of a surface plasma, in which parameters define the discharge pulse dispersion in the non-linear propagation regime.
Atomic-scale insight into interaction mechanism between screw dislocation and HCP phase in high-entropy alloy
Authors: Li R. N. , Song H. Y. , Xiao M. X. , An M. R.
Published: January 2023

The face-centered cubic (FCC)/hexagonal close-packed (HCP) dual-phase structure is a new design strategy proposed in recent years to achieve high strength and excellent plasticity of high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Here, the effect of HCP phase thickness, strain rate, and temperature on the interaction mechanism between screw dislocation and the HCP phase in the FCC structured CoCrFeMnNi HEAs is investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. The results show that there are two types of interaction modes between dislocations and the HCP phase: one is the dislocation passing through the HCP phase, that is, the penetration mechanism, and the other is the dislocation being absorbed by the HCP phase, that is, the absorption mechanism. The generation of these two mechanisms mainly depends on the relative ability of the HCP phase to prevent dislocation slip, which is closely related to the HCP phase thickness, strain rate, and temperature. When the relative ability of the HCP phase to block dislocation is large, the interaction between dislocations and the HCP phase presents an absorption mechanism; otherwise, it presents a penetration mechanism. The research can provide theoretical guidance for the development and design of new high-performance HEAs to achieve high strength and high ductility of materials.
Broadband downconversion in Eu2+,3+/Yb3+ doped calcium aluminosilicate glasses for solar cells applications
Authors: Santos J. F. M. , Muniz R. F. , Savi E. , Junior A. A. S. , Schiavon G. J. , Medina A. N. , Rohling J. H. , Baesso M. L. , Lima S. M. , Andrade L. H. C. , Catunda T. , Nunes L. A. O.
Published: January 2023

Novel Eu2+,3+/Yb3+ co-doping calcium aluminosilicate glasses prepared under a vacuum atmosphere were developed and characterized from the spectroscopic point of view, as a potential spectral converter for application in solar cells. The emission of near-infrared photons by downconversion due to cooperative energy transfer (ET) from Eu2+ and Eu3+ to Yb3+ in these glasses was reported. Absorption, excitation, emission, and fluorescence decay measurements were performed to examine the ET processes. The occurrence of cooperative energy transfer from Eu2+ and/or Eu3+ to Yb3+ ions was discussed in detail. The obtained samples have high efficiency and broad absorption in the ultraviolet and visible regions. Under 325 nm excitation, the samples achieve intense near-infrared emission, which increases with Yb2O3 concentration (0 < Yb2O3 < 1.38 mol. %). The energy transfer efficiency from Eu2+,3+ to Yb3+ was evaluated, and a maximum efficiency of ∼85% was obtained (Yb2O3 = 1.38 mol. %).
A customized control and readout device for vector magnetometers based on nitrogen-vacancy centers
Authors: Tong Yu , Zhang Wenzhe , Qin Xi , Xie Yijin , Rong Xing , Du Jiangfeng
Published: January 2023

A customized control and readout device, which is developed to perform real-time measurement for vector magnetometers based on nitrogen-vacancy centers, is presented in this paper. A dual-channel analog-to-digital-converter chip, which has a 25 MSa/s sampling rate and a 16 bits amplitude resolution, is integrated for analog signal acquisition. The data processing and the system control are realized using a Xilinx Kirtex-7 field-programmable-gate-array chip. Eight independent lock-in modules, a four-channel proportional–integral–derivative controller, a reference generator, and a vector field reconstruction module are integrated with the Kirtex-7 device in order to perform the real-time vector magnetic field measurement. The device has a bright future to be applied in practical applications.
Etching-enabled ultra-scalable micro and nanosculpturing of metal surfaces for enhanced thermal performance
Authors: Upot Nithin Vinod , Fazle Rabbi Kazi , Bakhshi Alireza , Kohler Mendizabal Johannes , Jacobi Anthony M. , Miljkovic Nenad
Published: January 2023

Incorporation of micro- and nanostructures on metals can improve thermal performance in a variety of applications. In this work, we demonstrate two independent highly scalable and cost-effective methods to generate micro- and nanostructures on copper and stainless steel, two widely used metals in energy and thermal applications. The performance of the developed structures, fabricated using scalable chemical etching techniques, is compared against their respective base metals. Our results demonstrate significant flow boiling heat transfer coefficient improvements up to 89% for etched copper and 104% for etched stainless steel. Mercury porosimetry is used to demonstrate that the varying pore-size distributions and presence of micro/nanoscale channels help to regulate heat transfer mechanisms, such as nucleate and convective flow boiling. Furthermore, structure integrity after 7-day flow boiling tests demonstrate surface structure resiliency to damage, a key challenge to implementation. This work combines advances in thermal performance with surface structure durability to provide guidelines for broader application of similar chemical etching methods to scalably create micro- and nanosculptured surfaces.
Parametric study on the internal geometry affecting agricultural air induction nozzle performance
Authors: Kasbi Milad Khaleghi , Dafsari Reza Alidoost , Charanandeh Ali , Yu Seunghwa , Choi Yong , Lee Jeekeun
Published: January 2023

With recent advances in agricultural engineering, precision spraying has become of prime interest to avoid chemical drift or rebound and to minimize water and soil pollution. Air induction nozzles are reliable alternatives for conventional nozzles to overcome these challenges. A parametric study was designed both experimentally and numerically to investigate the effect of each design parameter on the performance of an air induction nozzle. A number of components were designed, manufactured, and tested. The spray structure was captured using a planer Mie scattering imaging system. The mean droplet size was measured using a Malvern particle sizer based on a laser diffraction technique. The results indicated the influence of each geometrical component on the resultant behavior. The internal geometry of the nozzle was found to significantly impact the stability and structure of the spray such as the fluid behavior inside the nozzles and the air-to-liquid mass flow ratio, as well as spray angle, droplet size, and uniformity. The key findings of this study indicate that pre-orifice inlet diameter primarily controls the flow behavior, air, and liquid inlet diameters of the ejector section impact mainly on the air-to-liquid mass flow ratio, the geometry of the mixing chamber mainly controls the stability of the resulting spray, and the geometry of the flat-fan tip essentially controls the spray angle and droplet size. The results can help nozzle designers optimize the design target, enhance atomization efficiency, and understand the effect of the various design parameters on the internal flow behavior of air induction nozzles.
Genome-wide analysis of heat stress-stimulated transposon mobility in the human fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus deneoformans
Authors: Gusa Asiya , Yadav Vikas , Roth Cullen , Williams Jonathan D. , Shouse Eva Mei , Magwene Paul , Heitman Joseph , Jinks-Robertson Sue
Published: January 2023

We recently reported transposon mutagenesis as a significant driver of spontaneous mutations in the human fungal pathogen
Cryptococcus deneoformans
during murine infection. Mutations caused by transposable element (TE) insertion into reporter genes were dramatically elevated at high temperatures (37° vs. 30°) in vitro, suggesting that heat stress stimulates TE mobility in the
Cryptococcus
genome. To explore the genome-wide impact of TE mobilization, we generated transposon accumulation lines by in vitro passage of
C. deneoformans
strain XL280α for multiple generations at both 30° and at the host-relevant temperature of 37°. Utilizing whole-genome sequencing, we identified native TE copies and mapped multiple de novo TE insertions in these lines. Movements of the T1 DNA transposon occurred at both temperatures with a strong bias for insertion between gene-coding regions. By contrast, the Tcn12 retrotransposon integrated primarily within genes and movement occurred exclusively at 37°. In addition, we observed a dramatic amplification in copy number of the Cnl1 (
Cryptococcus neoformans
LINE-1) retrotransposon in subtelomeric regions under heat-stress conditions. Comparing TE mutations to other sequence variations detected in passaged lines, the increase in genomic changes at elevated temperatures was primarily due to mobilization of the retroelements Tcn12 and Cnl1. Finally, we found multiple TE movements (T1, Tcn12, and Cnl1) in the genomes of single
C. deneoformans
isolates recovered from infected mice, providing evidence that mobile elements are likely to facilitate microevolution and rapid adaptation during infection.
Origins of genome-editing excisases as illuminated by the somatic genome of the ciliate
Blepharisma
Authors: Singh Minakshi , Seah Brandon K.B. , Emmerich Christiane , Singh Aditi , Woehle Christian , Huettel Bruno , Byerly Adam , Stover Naomi A. , Sugiura Mayumi , Harumoto Terue , Swart Estienne C.
Published: January 2023

Massive DNA excision occurs regularly in ciliates, ubiquitous microbial eukaryotes with somatic and germline nuclei in the same cell. Tens of thousands of internally eliminated sequences (IESs) scattered throughout the ciliate germline genome are deleted during the development of the streamlined somatic genome. The genus
Blepharisma
represents one of the two high-level ciliate clades (subphylum Postciliodesmatophora) and, unusually, has dual pathways of somatic nuclear and genome development. This makes it ideal for investigating the functioning and evolution of these processes. Here we report the somatic genome assembly of 
Blepharisma stoltei
strain ATCC 30299 (41 Mbp), arranged as numerous telomere-capped minichromosomal isoforms. This genome encodes eight PiggyBac transposase homologs no longer harbored by transposons
.
All appear subject to purifying selection, but just one, the putative IES excisase, has a complete catalytic triad. We hypothesize that PiggyBac homologs were ancestral excisases that enabled the evolution of extensive natural genome editing.
A deficient presence
Authors: Chan Michelle
Published: January 2023

The collaboration between the visual and textual narrative in comics, richly loaded with cultural codes and background, leads to challenges in translation. Cultural transference in comics is inevitably obstructed and distorted. Even readers who understand both the source and target language may need help comprehending the entire narrative, not to mention monolingual readers. In an international city like Hong Kong, where cultures coexist independently yet interrelatedly, the incomprehensiveness of the translated version of Old Master Q Chinese Idioms LOL (2012) is instantly recognized by bilingual Chinese-English readers. A problematic transposition of semiotic and cultural knowledge and a disrupted interplay between the textual and visual narratives causes incomprehension. The translation of this comic series becomes even more challenging to achieve the clear intent of edutainment. This article will argue that translated comics will appear deficient to monolingual and bilingual readers even if they are equipped with the semiotic knowledge of the source and target language. The translation of multimodal texts is considerably constrained by a chain effect triggered by posting changes to any element in comics – a syncretic semiotic environment.
When and how to revise?
Authors: Korhonen Annamari
Published: January 2023

The translation production team that consists of a translator and a reviser can be investigated as a specific kind of (sub)system of socially distributed cognition, a cognitive dyad; this system is defined as only including the translation professionals who are directly involved in the drafting of the translation. Based on interviews with translation professionals, I argue that this fine-tuned cognitive dyad gets its form not only as a result of its participants’ characteristics, but also under the influence of other factors, some of which vary from one project to the next, leading to the flexible formation of the reviser’s task in particular. The three most important project-specific influencing factors are the text genre, the translator’s experience and competence, and the client’s needs and requirements. While genre and the client’s needs and requirements seem to have a markedly similar impact, mainly influencing the internal task configuration of the cognitive dyad, the translator’s experience and competence often leads to non-revision. Trust is an important element in this process.
Porosity effect on the mechanical properties of nano-silver solder
Authors: Lv Weishan , Hu Jianxiong , Liu Jiaxin , Xiong Chuanguo , Zhu Fulong
Published: January 2023

Nano-silver has the characteristics of low-temperature sintering and high-temperature service, which can reduce the thermal stress in the packaging process. Because of the high melting point and good high-temperature mechanical properties, silver is widely used in high-temperature packaging and connection fields. Sintered nano-silver has a porous structure on the microscopic level, it is necessary to study the mechanical properties of nano-silver with porosity. In this paper, we proposed a method for finite element modeling of porous nano-silver. Finite element analysis and nanoindentation test were used to investigate the Young’s modulus of nano-silver. At the same time, and the quadratic equation of porosity and Young’s modulus was fitted, and it was verified by Ramakrishnan model and nanoindentation results. These results show that the Young’s modulus of nano-silver decreases with the increase of internal porosity, and the Young’s modulus and porosity show a quadratic function correlation. As the porosity increases, the Young’s modulus of nano-silver decreases at a slower rate. The modeling method presented in this paper can well predict the Young’s modulus of nano-silver.
Optical FOMs of extended-source DG–TFET photodetector in the visible range of the spectrum
Authors: Tiwari Shreyas , Chonzom Lobzang , Saha Rajesh
Published: January 2023

In this paper, the optical characteristics of an extended-source double-gate tunnel field-effect transistor (ESDG–TFET)–based photodetector in the visible range of the spectrum at wavelength λ = (300–700) nm are investigated. The optical characteristics are examined at three specific wavelengths λ= 300, 500, and 700 nm at an intensity of 0.7 W cm−2. The optical characteristics of photosensors, such as absorption rate, generation rate, energy band profiles, transfer characteristics, sensitivity (S
n), quantum efficiency (η), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and detectivity, are extracted according to the incident wavelength of light. The results reveal that the ESDG–TFET-based photosensor exhibits better optical characteristics at λ = 300 nm compared to at λ = 500 and 700 nm. Moreover, the proposed photosensor provides sensitivity, SNR, and responsivity in the order of 91.2, 79 (dB), and 0.74 (A Watt−1), respectively, at λ = 300 nm. Due to the high incident optical energy (E
g) at 300 nm, the absorption and emission rates of this photosensor are significantly larger; consequently, it reports better optical characteristics. Finally, a comparative study of the proposed TFET-based photosensor with photosensors cited in the literature is summarized in tabular form. A comparison study in terms of spectral sensitivity between single-gate and double-gate ESDG–TFET is also reported. Moreover, an inverter circuit based on ESDG–TFET is designed, and the corresponding transient analysis is highlighted under both dark and light states.
Using binary-stiffness beams within mechanical neural-network metamaterials to learn
Authors: Hopkins Jonathan B , Lee Ryan H , Sainaghi Pietro
Published: January 2023

This work introduces the concept of applying binary-stiffness beams within a lattice to achieve a mechanical neural-network (MNN) metamaterial that learns its behaviors and properties with prolonged exposure to unanticipated ambient loading scenarios. Applying such beams to MNN metamaterials greatly increases their learning speed and simplifies the actuation demands, control circuitry, and optimization algorithms required by previously proposed concepts. A binary-stiffness beam design is proposed that uses principles of constraint manipulation and stiffness cancelation to achieve two switchable and discrete states of stiffness (i.e. binary stiffness) along its axis. The beam achieves a near-zero low-stiffness state and a large difference in stiffness between its high and low-stiffness states, which are both shown to be desirable attributes for learning mechanical behaviors. Simulations are conducted to characterize the effect of lattice size, the difference in stiffness between the constituent beam’s high and low-stiffness states, the magnitude of its low-stiffness state, and the number of simultaneously learned behaviors on MNN learning using binary-stiffness beams. Thus, this work provides a necessary step toward enabling practical artificial intelligent metamaterials.
Effect of external longitudinal magnetic field on the dynamics of pulsed plasma stream
Authors: Ahmed A , Singha S , Neog N K , Borthakur T K
Published: January 2023

A spectroscopic study is carried out to investigate pulsed plasma stream produced in a coaxial plasma accelerator under the influence of an external longitudinal magnetic field. The dynamics of Argon plasma stream that includes the excitations and emissions of plasma species and its different parameter variations on the application of an external longitudinal magnetic field are reported in this work. The behavior of the ionized and neutral species of argon plasma is studied from their intensity distribution profiles which indicate the occurrence of faster recombination as compared to the field-free case. The variation of pressure reveals a significant influence on the recombination and diffusion process of the plasma species. Moreover, the variation of cathode voltage leads to variation in input energy to the system which influences the ionization and excitation processes of the plasma species. A plasma density (Ne) jump is achieved from 1021–1022 m−3 at a relatively higher pressure ∼8 bar plenum pressure in presence of the magnetic field. Saturation of the emissions and excitations of plasma species are revealed from the intensity profile and electron excitation temperature (Texc) profile which occur at different pressure and voltage both for field and field-free cases. The electron temperature (Te) is estimated using the FLYCHK code by comparing the simulated charge state distributions with the experimental findings. Using known parameters in the code, the different estimated Te shows a linear and an exponential decrement respectively in the absence and presence of the magnetic field. Maximum Te of 2.2 eV is reported which decreases to 1.51 eV at a significant increase of plasma density of 1022 m−3.
Achieving low contact resistivity in PEDOT:PSS/n-Si solar cells
Authors: Kumar Anil , Antony Aldrin , Nair Pradeep R
Published: January 2023

Good conductivity and transparency in the visible spectrum along with low processing temperatures and ease of fabrication make Poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) a widely accepted polymer for organic-inorganic hybrid heterojunction solar cells. Although the overall conductivity of the PEDOT:PSS is high, the PSS segregates more at the surfaces of the deposited film. This leads to high contact resistivity of PEDOT:PSS film with metal and silicon. In this report, we explore the effect of the spin coating rates on the contact resistivity of PEDOT:PSS with the metal and silicon and the associated performance of PEDOT:PSS/n-Si solar cells. Two different spin speeds of 1000 rpm and 4000 rpm were used to deposit the PEDOT:PSS films over silicon. The PEDOT:PSS films were also deposited in single- and double-layer forms. We could achieve very low contact resistivity of PEDOT:PSS with silicon through spin speed optimizations. Hence, the overall performance of the PEDOT:PSS/n-Si solar cells improves with the spin speed for both single- and double-layer PEDOT:PSS film depositions.
A high-performance SSVEP-based BCI using imperceptible flickers
Authors: Ming Gege , Pei Weihua , Gao Xiaorong , Wang Yijun
Published: January 2023

Objective. Existing steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP)-based brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) struggle to balance user experience and system performance. This study proposed an individualized space and phase modulation method to code imperceptible flickers at 60 Hz towards a user-friendly SSVEP-based BCI with high performance. Approach. The individualized customization of visual stimulation took the subject-to-subject variability in cortex geometry into account. An annulus global-stimulation was divided into local-stimulations of eight annular sectors and presented to subjects separately. The local-stimulation SSVEPs were superimposed to simulate global-stimulation SSVEPs with 47 space and phase coding combinations. A four-class phase-coded BCI diagram was used to evaluate the simulated classification performance. The performance ranking of all simulated global-stimulation SSVEPs were obtained and three performance levels (optimal, medium, worst) of individualized modulation groups were searched for each subject. The standard-modulation group conforming to the V1 ‘cruciform’ geometry and the non-modulation group were involved as controls. A four-target phase-coded BCI system with SSVEPs at 60 Hz was implemented with the five modulation groups and questionnaires were used to evaluate user experience. Main results. The proposed individualized space and phase modulation method effectively modulated the SSVEP intensity without affecting the user experience. The online BCI system using the 60 Hz stimuli achieved mean information transfer rates of 52.8 ± 1.9 bits min−1, 16.8 ± 2.4 bits min−1, and 42.4 ± 3.0 bits min−1 with individualized optimal-modulation, individualized worst-modulation, and non-modulation groups, respectively. Significance. Structural and functional characteristics of the human visual cortex were exploited to enhance the response intensity of SSVEPs at 60 Hz, resulting in a high-performance BCI system with good user experience. This study has important theoretical significance and application value for promoting the development of the visual BCI technology.
Study on the Sealing Performance of O-ring under High-Pressure Environment
Authors: Li Zhen
Published: January 2023

The sealing properties of the O-ring of the hydraulic cylinder plunger rod under a high-pressure environment are related to a variety of factors. In this paper, we first establish a simulation model based on an O-ring reciprocating shaft seal under a high pressure-environment through finite element software and study the influence of the compression rate, static pressure, and reciprocating speed of the plunger rod on the sealing performance of O-ring through the simulation model, and then analyze the maximum stress of O-ring during installation, hydrostatic loading and reciprocating motion with the variation of structural parameters. The results indicate that the compression rate of the installation process has a significant effect on the sealing performance of the enhanced O-ring. In the hydrostatic loading process, the equivalent stress of the O-ring is increased with the increase of the compression rate, when the static pressure is low and decreases, and when the static pressure is high, and the equivalent stress shows an increasing trend and the same increase; in the reciprocating motion process, when the static pressure is low, the equivalent stress and contact stress of the O-ring does not change significantly with the compression rate, and when the static pressure is high, there is an obvious phenomenon of abrupt change. The frictional stress of the reciprocating motion is increasing, then decreases, and then increases with the change in static pressure.
Mechanical Design of a system for transplanter based on PLC
Authors: Fan Xiaodong
Published: January 2023

At present, the development of potted flower seedling transplanting technology at home and abroad is an important measure to comply with the trend of the high growth rate of potted flower production, solve the existing low productivity problems and promote the modernization of potted flower planting in China. It has a profound influence on the transplanting mechanism of potted flower seedlings which have good stability, easy diffusion, and a good development environment. In the PLC(Programmable Logic Controller) system, the instructions and output of the seedlings and seedlings are input and the manipulator is controlled by the manipulator. The cylinder is driven by the mechanical arm, and the refreshed program order reissues the instruction task. In this design, the greenhouse flower seedling transplanter has the functions of grasping seedlings, transporting seedlings, and placing seedlings. During the transplanting process, PLC software is used to control the air cylinder and various motors to drive each working part, so that the transplanting process can be carried out in order and the precise transplanting of flower seedlings can be completed.