bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design and implementation of a prototype infrared video bolometer (IRVB) in MAST Upgrade
Authors: Federici Fabio , Reinke Matthew L. , Lipschultz Bruce , Thornton Andrew J. , Harrison James R. , Lovell Jack J. , Bernert Matthias ,   MAST Upgrade Team
Published: March 2023

A prototype infrared video bolometer (IRVB) was successfully deployed in the Mega Ampere Spherical Tokamak Upgrade (MAST Upgrade or MAST-U), the first deployment of such a diagnostic in a spherical tokamak. The IRVB was designed to study the radiation around the lower x-point, another first in tokamaks, and has the potential to estimate emissivity profiles with spatial resolution beyond what is achievable with resistive bolometry. The system was fully characterized prior to installation on MAST-U, and the results are summarized here. After installation, it was verified that the actual measurement geometry in the tokamak qualitatively matches the design; this is a particularly difficult process for bolometers and was done using specific features of the plasma itself. The installed IRVB measurements are consistent both with observations from other diagnostics, including magnetic reconstruction, visible light cameras, and resistive bolometry, as well as with the IRVB-designed view. Early results show that with conventional divertor geometry and only intrinsic impurities (for example, C and He), the progression of radiative detachment follows a similar path to that observed for large aspect ratio tokamaks: The peak of the radiation moves along the separatrix from the targets to the x-point and high-field side midplane with a toroidally symmetric structure that can eventually lead to strong effects on the core plasma inside the separatrix.
Study of the intermittent plasma structure around the divertor simulation experimental module in GAMMA 10/PDX
Authors: Tanaka H. , Ezumi N. , Sugiyama T. , Gamo H. , Shigematsu N. , Yoshikawa M. , Kohagura J. , Hirata M. , Togo S. , Ohno N. , Sakamoto M.
Published: March 2023

We have investigated the generation region of intermittent plasma structures, which could be due to the blob-like cross field transport around the divertor simulation experimental module (D-module) in the tandem mirror device GAMMA 10/PDX. A positive skewness of the ion saturation current was clearly seen when the electrode of the movable probe was located at the radial edge and just in front of the entrance limiter of the D-module. Fourier analysis and conditional averaging clarified that positive spikes intermittently appeared in the same region. This is the first indication that the phenomenon producing the high-density isolated plasma structures occurred in the upstream of the D-module. A negative skewness was also found, and large amplitude fluctuation was detected between regions showing positive and negative skewness. Furthermore, this and light emission fluctuations become stronger during the transient state from attached to detached state on the V-shaped target.
Physical origins of optical anisotropy in quantum-confined semiconductors: The roles of valence band mixing, transition broadening, and state filling
Authors: Lazarev M. , Rudra A. , Kapon E.
Published: March 2023

We investigate experimentally and theoretically the impact of valence band mixing and spectrum of confined states on the polarization of light emitted from or absorbed by GaAs/AlGaAs semiconductor quantum dots and quantum wires with tailored heterostructure potential. In particular, such nanostructures with parabolic-profile confinement potentials, realized by organometallic vapor phase epitaxy inside pyramidal pits, served as model systems for the study. Different degrees of linear polarization (DOLP) of emitted light, depending on the confinement potential profile, the specific excitonic transition, and the level of excitation, are observed. A theoretical model shows that, besides the impact of valence band mixing, the overlap of conduction and valence band wavefunctions as well as state occupation probability and broadening of transitions determine the DOLP. The conclusions are useful for the design of quantum light emitters with controlled polarization properties.
Spin and velocity correlations in a confined two-dimensional fluid of disk-shaped active rotors
Authors: López-Castaño Miguel Ángel , Seco Alejandro Márquez , Seco Alicia Márquez , Rodríguez-Rivas Álvaro , Vega Reyes Francisco
Published: March 2023

We study the velocity autocorrelations in an experimental configuration of confined two-dimensional active rotors (disks). We report persistent small scale oscillations in both rotational and translational velocity autocorrelations, with their characteristic frequency increasing as rotational activity increases. While these small oscillations are qualitatively similar in all experiments, we found that, at strong particle rotational activity, the large scale particle spin fluctuations tend to vanish, with the small oscillations around zero persisting in this case, and spins remain predominantly and strongly anti-correlated at longer times. For weaker rotational activity, however, spin fluctuations become increasingly larger, and angular velocities remain de-correlated at longer times. We discuss in detail how the autocorrelation oscillations are related to the rotational activity and why this feature is, generically, a signal of the emergence of chirality in the dynamics of a particulate system.
Localization of electron modes in nonuniform helicon plasma
Authors: Aliev Y. M. , Krämer M.
Published: March 2023

New guided electrostatic and electromagnetic modes propagating in a nonuniform magnetized plasma with plane geometry are presented. The modes may arise in a plasma with a region of strong inhomogeneity leading to a concentration of wave energy and, thus, a localization of the modes. These localized modes can only propagate if the density gradient is sufficiently strong, whereas they do not exist in weakly nonuniform plasma. The eigenfunctions and the spectrum of the modes are found. In detail, the properties of the modes are studied for particular profiles in the transitional layer between two uniform plane plasma regions.
Negative/positive electrocaloric effect in antiferroelectric squaric acid
Authors: Moina A. P.
Published: March 2023

Using the previously developed model, we study the electrocaloric effect (ECE) in antiferroelectric crystals of squaric acid, where the low-temperature polarization reorientation by the external electric field has been earlier predicted to be a two-stage process with the intermediate ferrielectric phase. The T-E landscape of the model entropy is explored. The ECE, characterized by the electric Grüneisen parameter, is found to be negative in the antiferroelectric phase. In the ferrielectric phase, it is positive at low fields but becomes slightly negative below the transition to the ferroelectric phase. In the ferroelectric phase, the ECE is positive at all temperatures and fields. The negative EC temperature shift ΔT of the largest magnitude is predicted to be around −2.7 K at 200 kV/cm. The supercritical behavior of the Grüneisen parameter in the crossover region between two bicritical end points is studied.
Inverted hysteresis as a diagnostic tool for perovskite solar cells: Insights from the drift-diffusion model
Authors: Clarke Will , Cowley Matthew V. , Wolf Matthew J. , Cameron Petra , Walker Alison , Richardson Giles
Published: March 2023

Despite current–voltage hysteresis in perovskite solar cells (PSCs) having been the subject of significant research over the past decade, inverted hysteresis (IH), although frequently observed, is still not properly understood. Several mechanisms, based on numerical simulations, have been proposed to explain it but a satisfactory description of the underlying cause remains elusive. To rectify this omission, we analyze a drift-diffusion model of a planar three-layer PSC, using asymptotic techniques, to show how inverted hysteresis comes about. The asymptotic analysis of the drift-diffusion model yields a simple approximate model that shows excellent agreement with numerical simulations of the full drift-diffusion model provides fundamental insights into the causes of IH and reconciles the alternative explanations found in the literature. This approximate model is analyzed further to isolate the material properties and external conditions that contribute to inverted hysteresis and constitutes a diagnostic tool in which the appearance of IH can be used to infer properties of the cell.
Selecting embedding delays: An overview of embedding techniques and a new method using persistent homology
Authors: Tan Eugene , Algar Shannon , Corrêa Débora , Small Michael , Stemler Thomas , Walker David
Published: March 2023

Delay embedding methods are a staple tool in the field of time series analysis and prediction. However, the selection of embedding parameters can have a big impact on the resulting analysis. This has led to the creation of a large number of methods to optimize the selection of parameters such as embedding lag. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the fundamentals of embedding theory for readers who are new to the subject. We outline a collection of existing methods for selecting embedding lag in both uniform and non-uniform delay embedding cases. Highlighting the poor dynamical explainability of existing methods of selecting non-uniform lags, we provide an alternative method of selecting embedding lags that includes a mixture of both dynamical and topological arguments. The proposed method, Significant Times on Persistent Strands (SToPS), uses persistent homology to construct a characteristic time spectrum that quantifies the relative dynamical significance of each time lag. We test our method on periodic, chaotic, and fast-slow time series and find that our method performs similar to existing automated non-uniform embedding methods. Additionally, n-step predictors trained on embeddings constructed with SToPS were found to outperform other embedding methods when predicting fast-slow time series.
Magnetic Fano resonance enhanced second-harmonic generation in chiral hybrid bismuth halides
Authors: Li Jianmei , Guo Zirui , Li Pinxu , Liu Jingyi , Zhai Xiaomin , Chang Zeyu , Chang Wenyao , Long Guankui , Niu Binghui , Guo Yang
Published: March 2023

Magnetic Fano resonance provides a potential opportunity to control both linearity and nonlinearity of light for their low radiation loss and near-field enhancement. Previous investigations have demonstrated its significant enhancement of nonlinearity in a plasmonic structure and the 2D materials coupled to it. In this work, the enhancement of second harmonic generation (SHG) of hybrid bismuth halides at the important communication wavelength of 1550 nm with a magnetic Fano dip is theoretically studied. To this end, a hybrid system composed of two asymmetric silver square split rings (SSRs) and this chiral perovskite film is designed. The simulation results show that magnetic Fano-like resonance is induced at the destructive interface of two magnetic modes in the SSR dimer, which can be inherited to hybrid bismuth halides, thereby leading to the increase of four orders of magnitude in its SH near-field enhancement factor. With a peak intensity of 0.16 GW cm−2, the composite structure features a high SHG conversion efficiency of up to 1.6 × 10−3 at the Fano resonance position. By rotating the polarization angle of fundamental optical excitation, the emitted SHG signal is switched on–off. Our research provides a valuable thought for enhancing the nonlinear optical process of the perovskite films by coupling the magnetic modes.
Probing photocarrier dynamics in a Bi2Te3–Te eutectic p–n junction with a laser terahertz emission microscope
Authors: Murakami Fumikazu , Serita Kazunori , Kawayama Iwao , Murakami Hironaru , Bandopadhyay Kingshuk , Materna Andrzej , Urbas Augustine M. , Pawlak Dorota A. , Tonouchi Masayoshi
Published: March 2023

Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3)-based heterostructures have attracted considerable attention owing to their interesting anisotropic properties and expected higher thermoelectric performance. Therefore, exploring the nature of the carrier dynamics in these heterostructures has been an important subject in the design and optimization of advanced materials. In the present study, hot carrier injection and its subsequent spatiotemporal behavior in a multilayered crystalline Bi2Te3–Tellurium (Te) eutectic composite were studied using a laser terahertz (THz) emission microscopy (LTEM). The THz emission electric fields at the Bi2Te3–Te interface were polarized perpendicular to the interface. The polarities of these waveforms reveal the direction of the electric field between the Bi2Te3 and Te regions, indicating the carrier types of these components and the p–n junction formed at the interface. In addition, in the Te region, a strong THz emission with an electric field polarized parallel to the interface was observed. This unique THz emission can be qualitatively explained through hot photocarrier anisotropic transport by considering the effective mass of electrons and holes. LTEM clarified the local carrier dynamics in the microstructures and revealed the potential distribution and anisotropic transport properties. These findings contribute to the exploration of eutectic heterostructures as new functional materials and provide new avenues for cutting-edge thermoelectric and photovoltaic devices.
Predicting the effect of inertia, rotation, and magnetic field on the onset of convection in a bidispersive porous medium using machine learning techniques
Authors: Singh Mahesh , Ragoju Ravi , Shiva Kumar Reddy G. , Subramani Chinnamuthu
Published: March 2023

Effects of the magnetic field and inertia on the onset of thermal convection in a horizontal bidispersive porous layer, rotating about a vertical axis, are analyzed. The Darcy equation with same temperature in the micro- and macrophases is used to characterize the fluid motion. The Vadasz number is taken into account in a generalized Darcy equation for the macrophase. The eigenvalue problem obtained from the linear stability analysis is solved analytically for free–free boundaries. Moving one step further from the traditional linear stability analysis, machine learning tools are introduced in this paper to include the effect of multiple parameters on the marginal state of the system. Machine learning techniques have been implemented to identify the mode of instability with respect to different parameters. In particular, classification algorithms, namely, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN) and Support vector machine, are used to examine the onset of oscillatory convection and stationary convection. The required data for training of the algorithms are generated from the results of linear stability analysis. It is found that ANN with the sufficient number of hidden layers along with good choice of training dataset can predict the mode of instability even on the small variation in a given parameter. The combined effect of rotation, magnetic field, and inertia is to reduce the oscillatory mode of instability; hence, the system exhibits the steady mode of instability for a significant region in the three dimensional space comprising the Taylor number, the Hartman number, and the Vadasz number.
Numerical study of the formation and stability of a pair of particles of different sizes in inertial microfluidics
Authors: Thota Krishnaveni , Owen Benjamin , Krüger Timm
Published: March 2023

The formation of pairs and trains of particles in inertial microfluidics is an important consideration for device design and applications, such as particle focusing and separation. We study the formation and stability of linear and staggered pairs of nearly rigid spherical particles of different sizes in a pressure-driven flow through a straight duct with a rectangular cross section under mild inertia. An in-house lattice-Boltzmann-immersed-boundary-finite-element code is used for three-dimensional simulations. We find that the stability and properties of pairs of heterogeneous particles strongly depend on particle sizes and their size ratio, while the formation of the pairs is also determined by the initial lateral position and the axial order of the particles. Our findings imply that perturbations of particle trajectories caused by other particles, as they are expected to happen even in dilute suspensions, can be important for the formation of stable pairs in inertial microfluidics.
Electric field induced negative capacitance in semiconducting polymer
Authors: Mandal Sougata , Menon Reghu
Published: March 2023

Electric field dependent capacitance and dielectric loss in poly(3-hexylthiophene) are measured by precision capacitance bridge. Carrier mobility and density are estimated from fits to current–voltage and capacitance data. The capacitance varies largely at lower frequency, and it decreases at higher electric fields. The negative capacitance at low frequency and high field is due to the negative phase angle between the dipole field and the ac signal. The intrinsic carrier density is calculated from fits to the Mott–Schottky equation, and this is consistent with I–V data analysis. At higher frequency, the carriers do not follow the ac signal and their density drops; and the flatband potential increases mainly due to the build-in potentials within ordered and amorphous regions in the sample.
Graphene nanoplatelets/polydimethylsiloxane electromagnetic shielding composites based on bipolar pulsed electric field-induced alignment
Authors: Mi Yan , Zhu Yakui , Dai Jinyan , Chen Yong , Ge Xin , Liu Canhui
Published: March 2023

Conductive polymer composites require high conductive filler loadings to achieve relatively ideal electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding performance, which brings problems such as heavy weight and poor processability and ultimately limits their application in the aerospace field. To solve the above problems and realize the preparation of excellent EMI shielding composites with low filler loadings, a bipolar pulsed electric field-induced graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) alignment method is proposed in this paper to improve the electrical conductivity and EMI shielding performance. The orientation and alignment of GNPs in the matrix were characterized by x-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy, and the results showed that GNPs formed a conductive network. The electrical conductivity of the composite material in the X-band was measured, and the results showed that the bipolar pulsed electric field could significantly improve the electrical conductivity of the composite material; the improvement percentage reached 100%–300% under the five filler loadings. In addition, the EMI shielding effectiveness of the composite material in the X-band was tested. The results showed that the EMI shielding effectiveness of the composite material with a mass fraction of 14% increased from 16.48–15.86 dB to 21.37–20.99 dB with the action of the bipolar pulsed electric field, and the improvement percentage was 32%. This is the first study on improving the EMI shielding performance of composite materials by applying a bipolar pulsed electric field, and it provides an effective method to prepare EMI shielding composites with low filler loadings.
Application of electroplated Ni–Fe thick film to magnetostrictive material in vibration power generator
Authors: Aketa Shunsuke , Ohtake Mitsuru , Ishikawa Eishi , Nakamura Yuta , Kawai Tetsuroh , Futamoto Masaaki
Published: March 2023

Ni100−xFex (at. %) films of about 37 μm thickness are electroplated on Cu base plates of 50 mm length, 10 mm width, and 300 μm thickness by varying the composition from x = 0 to 99. They are applied to cantilevers in magnetostrictive vibration power generators. The influences of magnetic and magnetostrictive properties of electroplated film on the vibration power generation property are systematically investigated. The films with x = 41–65 show low coercivities of about 4 Oe reflecting the low magnetocrystalline anisotropy constants. Large negative magnetostriction is recognized for the films with x = 0–14, whereas large positive magnetostriction is observed for the films with x = 57–80. The cantilevers are vibrated at the respective resonance frequencies of about 105–115 Hz and with the acceleration of 1.5 G while applying the bias magnetic field in a range of 0–300 Oe along the length direction. The output voltages are detected by using a coil with 8000 turns. Peak voltages higher than 1 V are obtained for the films with x = 61–65 whose coercivities are low and magnetostrictions are large. The present study has shown that an Ni–Fe film not only with large magnetostriction but also with low magnetic anisotropy constant is useful as the magnetostrictive material in vibration power generator.
Community heightens attention to accessibility for physicists with disabilities
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: March 2023

Fostering participation benefits the whole field, note proponents.
A physicist gets philosophical
Authors: Howard Don
Published: March 2023

Existential Physics: A Scientist’s Guide to Life’s Biggest Questions, Sabine Hossenfelder, Viking, 2022, $28.00
Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from waste treatment through microbiological innovation
Authors: Ni Gaofeng
Published: March 2023

The emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from the treatment of municipal, agricultural and industrial waste occurs in virtually every city on our planet. This is due to various microbial activities at different stages of waste treatment. Traditional treatment methods have a significant environmental impact, producing methane, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions, in addition to demanding high energy input and having low treatment efficiencies. To address these issues, the Australian water and waste sectors are shifting towards the adoption of next-generation, carbon-neutral treatment options. Here I discuss our current knowledge gaps in mitigating GHG emissions from waste streams, with a focus on wastewater treatment plants. I highlight the application of real-time genomics to identify sources of GHG emissions, monitor mitigation efforts, assist process operation and guide plant operations. I also emphasise recent innovations of microbial processes that capture GHG from waste and upgrade them into higher value products. Ultimately, combined effort across disciplines is required to proactively mitigate the global threat of climate change.
Spatial ecology of invasive Bennett’s wallaby in South Island, New Zealand
Authors: Latham A. David M. , Latham M. Cecilia , Warburton Bruce
Published: March 2023

Context Bennett’s wallaby (Notamacropus rufogriseus) was introduced into New Zealand in the late-1800s, and has subsequently become a significant pest to agriculture, silviculture, and native vegetation. Effective management of wallabies requires robust spatial and temporal ecological information, which can be used operationally to increase detection and kill rates. Aims To determine home range size and shape, resource (i.e. habitat and topography) selection, and daily movement patterns of three populations of Bennett’s wallaby in the South Island. Methods We attached GPS-collars to 38 adult wallabies (17 females, 21 males) between May 2018 and May 2019, and obtained usable location data from 30 individuals. We used kernel density estimators and resource selection functions to quantify seasonal home ranges and resource selection, respectively. Key results The mean seasonal home range sizes of males and females were similar (26.8 ha and 24.8 ha, respectively; combined range = 1.2–101.9 ha), although the largest home ranges belonged to large males. Resource selection was strongly influenced by distance to concealment cover, ridgelines and streams, i.e. wallabies selected to be closer to these features, though not necessarily at them. Wallabies selected areas close to concealment cover throughout 24-h periods, but most strongly during the day, which is when they bed in dense cover. Wallabies sampled outside of peak breeding moved most during dusk and dawn (median = ~50 m/h), whereas those sampled during peak breeding moved widely during day, dusk, and night (110–280 m/h), but not dawn (median = ~50 m/h). Conclusions The home range sizes of wallabies in New Zealand were highly variable, but on average were similar for males and females. Wallabies selected pasture close to areas with some cover, suggesting a trade-off between access to high-quality forage and concealment cover. Implications Our results provide robust data for modelling management strategies for wallabies, and contribute directly to operational planning by identifying habitats where wallabies are most likely to be found temporally. This information can be used to determine the appropriate survey methods and control tools to maximise detection rates and kill rates of wallabies, based on habitat.
Income and emotional well-being: A conflict resolved
Authors: Killingsworth Matthew A. , Kahneman Daniel , Mellers Barbara
Published: March 2023

Do larger incomes make people happier? Two authors of the present paper have published contradictory answers. Using dichotomous questions about the preceding day, [Kahneman and Deaton, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 107, 16489–16493 (2010)] reported a flattening pattern: happiness increased steadily with log(income) up to a threshold and then plateaued. Using experience sampling with a continuous scale, [Killingsworth, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 118, e2016976118 (2021)] reported a linear-log pattern in which average happiness rose consistently with log(income). We engaged in an adversarial collaboration to search for a coherent interpretation of both studies. A reanalysis of Killingsworth’s experienced sampling data confirmed the flattening pattern only for the least happy people. Happiness increases steadily with log(income) among happier people, and even accelerates in the happiest group. Complementary nonlinearities contribute to the overall linear-log relationship. We then explain why Kahneman and Deaton overstated the flattening pattern and why Killingsworth failed to find it. We suggest that Kahneman and Deaton might have reached the correct conclusion if they had described their results in terms of unhappiness rather than happiness; their measures could not discriminate among degrees of happiness because of a ceiling effect. The authors of both studies failed to anticipate that increased income is associated with systematic changes in the shape of the happiness distribution. The mislabeling of the dependent variable and the incorrect assumption of homogeneity were consequences of practices that are standard in social science but should be questioned more often. We flag the benefits of adversarial collaboration.
State- and stimulus-specific dynamics of SMAD signaling determine fate decisions in individual cells
Authors: Bohn Stefan , Hexemer Lorenz , Huang Zixin , Strohmaier Laura , Lenhardt Sonja , Legewie Stefan , Loewer Alexander
Published: March 2023

SMAD-mediated signaling regulates apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition to safeguard tissue homeostasis. However, it remains elusive how the relatively simple pathway can determine such a broad range of cell fate decisions and how it differentiates between varying ligands. Here, we systematically investigate how SMAD-mediated responses are modulated by various ligands of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) family and compare these ligand responses in quiescent and proliferating MCF10A cells. We find that the nature of the phenotypic response is mainly determined by the proliferation status, with migration and cell cycle arrest being dominant in proliferating cells for all tested TGFβ family ligands, whereas cell death is the major outcome in quiescent cells. In both quiescent and proliferating cells, the identity of the ligand modulates the strength of the phenotypic response proportional to the dynamics of induced SMAD nuclear-to-cytoplasmic translocation and, as a consequence, the corresponding gene expression changes. Interestingly, the proliferation state of a cell has little impact on the set of genes induced by SMAD signaling; instead, it modulates the relative cellular sensitivity to TGFβ superfamily members. Taken together, diversity of SMAD-mediated responses is mediated by differing cellular states, which determine ligand sensitivity and phenotypic effects, while the pathway itself merely serves as a quantitative relay from the cell membrane to the nucleus.
Near single-photon imaging in the shortwave infrared using homodyne detection
Authors: Wolley O. , Mekhail S. , Moreau P.-A. , Gregory T. , Gibson G. , Leuchs G. , Padgett M. J.
Published: March 2023

Low-light imaging is challenging in regimes where low-noise detectors are not yet available. One such regime is the shortwave infrared where even the best multipixel detector arrays typically have a noise floor in excess of
100
photons per pixel per frame. We present a homodyne imaging system capable of recovering both intensity and phase images of an object from a single frame despite an illumination intensity of
≈
​
1
photon per pixel. We interfere this weak signal which is below the noise floor of the detector with a reference beam that is
∼
​
300
,
 
000
times brighter, record the resulting interference pattern in the spatial domain on a detector array, and use Fourier techniques to extract the intensity and phase images. We believe our approach could vastly extend the range of applications for low-light imaging by accessing domains where low-noise cameras are not currently available and for which low-intensity illumination is required.
Investigation of electrode pitch on resonant and capacitive characteristics in X-cut LiNbO3 membrane-based laterally-excited bulk acoustic resonator
Authors: Zhou Jie , Fan Yuchen , Tong Xin , Luo Tiancheng , Liu Jieyu , Zou Yang , Liu Wenjuan , Liu Yan , Soon Jeffrey Bo Woon , Cai Yao , Sun Chengliang
Published: March 2023

The laterally-excited bulk acoustic resonators (XBARs) have been gaining attention for their use as radio frequency filters due to their ability to resonate at high frequencies (>5 GHz) and wide fractional bandwidth. However, the limited cognition about the resonant characteristics of XBARs remains an obstacle for its commercial application. In this paper, the influence of electrode pitch (

P

) on resonant frequency (

f

res

), quality factor (

Q

) and effective electromechanical coupling coefficient (

K

eff

2

) in X-cut LiNbO3 membrane-based resonators are investigated for both the XBAR mode and first-order asymmetry mode (

A
1

). The XBAR mode with

f

res

above 8 GHz was excited at a metallization ratio (

η

) less than 0.5 when

P

was within 5

μ

m

to 10

μ

m

, as well as

η

less than 0.6 when

P

was within 15

μ

m

to 20

μ

m

. Meanwhile, we revealed that increasing

P

had negligible effect on the

f

res

of XBAR mode but did produce a positive improvement on its

K

eff

2

and

Q

. In contrast, both

f

res

and

Q

of the

A
1

mode gradually declined with increasing

P

. In addition, we have demonstrated the disparity between simulated and calculated

C
0

as a function of

η

, varying with

P

, to achieve a more accurate prediction of capacitance behavior in resonators. Overall, this work has demonstrated the complex relationship of resonant and capacitance properties of X-cut membrane-based resonators on the electrode pitch, which will aid in optimal designing of high-performance filters.
Characterization of electrospun polyvinylidene fluoride-loaded iron sand-based Fe3O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Putri Witha Berlian Kesuma , Sausan Zakiya Nibras , Asri Nining Sumawati , Setiadi Eko Arief , Hardiansyah Andri
Published: March 2023

Iron sand-based Fe3O4 nanoparticles–polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanofibers were processed inside an electrospinning system at room temperature. The incorporation of Fe3O4 nanoparticles into the PVDF matrix decreases the diameter of the fibers. The presence of the Fe3O4 crystalline phase in the electrospun PVDF-Fe3O4 fiber indicates the unchanged Fe3O4 crystal structure. The surface morphology of the samples was altered considerably after the electrospinning and heating processes. Infrared spectroscopy identification confirmed the PVDF α to β-phase transformation in the PVDF and PVDF-Fe3O4 fibers. The thermal analysis detected a higher residual mass of the PVDF-Fe3O4 sample than that of the pure PVDF at high temperatures. Through the hysteresis characteristics, a ferromagnetic behaviour was observed for all samples. The efficient and low-cost fabrication of the PVDF-Fe3O4 fibers could be considered practical for diverse applications of nanotechnology.
Effect of the measurement contact scale on the thermomechanical characterization of biocomposite surfaces
Authors: Chegdani Faissal , El Mansori Mohamed
Published: March 2023

This paper proposes a multiscale surface characterization of biocomposites using the nanoindentation technique to identify the functional relationship between the measurement contact scale and the thermomechanical response of each biocomposite component, typically natural plant fibers and the polymer matrix. Flax fiber reinforced polypropylene composites are considered in this investigation. The measurement contact scale in nanoindentation is monitored by the tip indenter radius that ranges from ∼ 10 nm to ∼ 400 nm using different nanoindentation devices (AFM and commercial triboindenters). The thermal contribution is considered by heating the samples during the nanoindentation experiments. Finally, the outputs from multiscale nanoindentation experiments are confronted with the thermomechanical properties reported in the literature with conventional tensile tests as a reference. The results of this paper show the fundamental importance of considering contact scale measurement when characterizing the mechanical properties of biocomposites. Indeed, flax fibers are highly affected by the geometrical contact scale of indentation, while polypropylene does not show a significant dependence on the contact scale. On the other side, flax fibers show a specific multiscale thermomechanical behavior that is related to their hygrometric properties.
Concurrent validity of the Professional Fulfillment Index in a sample of pharmacy residents and preceptors
Authors: Gustafson Kyle A , Bates Brittany , Cline Kristine M , Gothard M David
Published: March 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to validate the Stanford Professional Fulfillment Index (PFI) for assessment of burnout and professional fulfillment in a study population of pharmacy residents and residency preceptors.

The historical gold standard for assessing professional burnout is the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI); there is no established standard for professional fulfillment. The PFI is a 16-question assessment that has previously been validated in medical residents and practicing physicians. In this study, surveys including both PFI and MBI items were sent to active pharmacy residents and residency preceptors. To determine concurrent validity, domains of the PFI were compared to the closest related MBI domain as well as composite burnout rates measured in each portion of the survey. A total of 142 preceptors and 68 residents completed both the PFI and a version of the MBI previously validated in physicians. In assessing indicators of pharmacist burnout and fulfillment, data captured by domains of the PFI closely correlated with data captured by corresponding domains of the MBI (Pearson correlations of 0.683-0.822), with high internal consistency (Cronbach α of 0.866-0.903).

Conclusion

The PFI is a valid method of assessing burnout in both pharmacy residents and residency preceptors. Additionally, the PFI contributes a reliable system of assessing professional fulfillment while also being highly accessible for both research and residency program monitoring applications.
Characteristics of Peak Exposure of Semiconductor Workers to Extremely Low-Frequency Magnetic Fields
Authors: Park Ju-Hyun , Choi Sangjun , Koh Dong-Hee , Park Jihoon , Kim Won , Park Dong-Uk
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Peak exposure to extremely low-frequency magnetic fields (ELF-MF) among semiconductor workers was characterized by type of factory, operation, and job.

Methods

A portable EMDEX meter was used to monitor the ELF-MF exposure of 117 semiconductor workers who are involved in wafer fabrication (fab) and assembly operations. ELF-MF measurements were logged every 3 s and categorized by process and job or activity during working hours. Two values of 0.5 and 1 μT were adopted subjectively as cutoff values of peak exposure levels based on a literature review.

Results

All semiconductor workers who were involved in diffusion, ion implanter operation, module, and chip test were exposed to ELF-MF higher than 0.5 μT during their entire working time. Engineers who maintained electric facilities in the semiconductor operations were exposed to the highest ELF-MF peak levels (2.5 μT on average above 0.5 μT and 3.6 μT on average above 1 μT). Operators working in chip testing showed the highest daily contribution of their peak levels to their daily average ELF-MF exposure levels (98.1% and 83.9%). In contrast, chemical mechanical planarization engineers, wafer test operators, and administrative workers outside clean rooms showed average exposure to less than 0.5 μT and a low proportion of duration of time exposed above either the 0.5 μT or 1 μT peak level points, along with a low daily contribution of peak exposure levels (16.0, 11.9, and 18.7%).

Conclusions

Most of the activities and working locations next to machines generating ELF-MF in semiconductor operations showed high contributions of ELF-MF peak exposure to daily exposure dose despite their relative minor fraction of workers’ daily time.
Gynoecium structure and pollen tube pathway in the cactus family with emphasis on tribe Trichocereeae (Cactaceae: Cactoideae)
Authors: González Valeria Vanesa , Zini Lucía Melisa , Ortega-Baes Pablo , Ferrucci María Silvia
Published: March 2023

The structural details of the gynoecium are key to understanding the reproductive systems and successful diversification of flowering plants. However, the gynoecium morpho-anatomy in South American species of Cactaceae that evolved in the Andean region remains largely unknown. Here we selected 18 species, most of them of evolutionarily related genera of Cactaceae tribe Trichocereeae, to conduct a detailed comparative study. Observations were made using light, fluorescence, differential interference contrast and scanning electron microscopy. Most of the characters of the ovary and ovule were typical of the family, except for the nucellar beak in Echinopsis aurea and E. haematantha, here reported for the first time in cacti. We found evidence suggesting that the stigmatic surface covered with multiseriate trichomes, the semi-closed style type and the pollen tube transmitting tract are conserved characters among species of Trichocereeae; this finding may be explained by a phylogenetic conservatism of the investigated genera of the tribe. We integrated the available information about structural and histological characters of the gynoecium in the family, taking into account the current phylogenetic context of the examined genera. Our results reinforce the significance of floral anatomical traits for the systematics of Cactaceae.
Reconciling profiles of reward-seeking versus reward-restricted behaviours in frontotemporal dementia
Authors: Horne Kristina , Irish Muireann
Published: March 2023

This scientific commentary refers to ‘The architecture of abnormal reward behaviour in dementia: multimodal hedonic phenotypes and brain substrate’, by Chokesuwattanaskul et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcad027).
Lymph node metastatic patterns and the development of multidisciplinary treatment for esophageal cancer
Authors: Matsuda Satoru , Takeuchi Masashi , Kawakubo Hirofumi , Kitagawa Yuko
Published: March 2023

Abundant lymphatic flow and the anatomical location of the esophagus can result in the widespread distribution of lymph node metastasis of esophageal cancer from the cervical to the abdominal field. Historically, the Japan Esophageal Society and American Joint Committee on Cancer offer two different classifications of lymph node group location surrounding the esophagus. The location of sentinel lymph nodes in midthoracic esophageal cancer reflects the variety of lymphatic drainage routes. In fact, in cT1N0 esophageal cancer, pathological lymph node metastasis has been observed from the cervical to the abdominal field, and the locations were shown to be closely linked to the primary tumor location in advanced stages. While the impact of histology on the distribution of LN metastasis has been extensively debated, a recent prospective study on esophagogastric junction cancer found that metastatic patterns did not differ by histology. Thoracic duct lymph nodes were defined as one of the regional lymph node stations in the mediastinum. Although lymph node metastasis around the thoracic duct has occasionally been observed, the oncologic impact of thoracic duct lymph node dissection has not been fully elucidated. To eradicate tumors locoregionally, three-field lymph node dissection, a strategy for extended lymph node clearance, has been established. In esophagectomy, three-field lymph node dissection is defined as a procedure for complete regional cervico-thoraco-abdominal lymph node dissection. However, its therapeutic efficacy must be evaluated based on the balance between oncological outcomes and possible added surgical risk. To further improve survival, multidisciplinary treatment consisting of surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy has been established worldwide as a standard treatment for esophageal cancer. Now that neoadjuvant therapy followed by esophagectomy is the standard, adding adjuvant therapy including immunotherapy could be a promising treatment option. The ideal combination of various multidisciplinary treatment approaches and extensive LN dissection need to be established to improve the oncological outcomes for EC patients.
Non-invasive three-dimensional electrical activation mapping to predict cardiac resynchronization therapy response: site of latest left ventricular activation relative to pacing site
Authors: Parreira Leonor , Tsyganov Alexey , Artyukhina Elena , Vernooy Kevin , Tondo Claudio , Adragao Pedro , Ascione Ciro , Carmo Pedro , Carvalho Salomé , Egger Matthias , Ferreira Antonio , Ghossein Mohammed , Holm Magnus , Kalinin Vitaly , Malakhova Maria , Meine Mathias , Nunes Silvia , Podolyak Dmitry , Revishvili Amiran , Shapieva Albina , Stepanova Vera , van Stipdonk Antonius , Taymasova Irina , Wouters Philippe , Zubarev Stepan , Leyva Francisco , Auricchio Angelo , Varma Niraj
Published: March 2023

Aims

Pacing remote from the latest electrically activated site (LEAS) in the left ventricle (LV) may diminish response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT). We tested whether proximity of LV pacing site (LVPS) to LEAS, determined by non-invasive three-dimensional electrical activation mapping [electrocardiographic Imaging (ECGI)], increased likelihood of CRT response.

Methods and results

Consecutive CRT patients underwent ECGI and chest/heart computed tomography 6–24 months of post-implant. Latest electrically activated site and the distance to LVPS (dp) were assessed. Left ventricular end-systolic volume (LVESV) reduction of ≥15% at clinical follow-up defined response. Logistic regression probabilistically modelled non-response; variables included demographics, heart failure classification, left bundle branch block (LBBB), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), atrial fibrillation, QRS duration, baseline ejection fraction (EF) and LVESV, comorbidities, use of CRT optimization algorithm, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor(ACE)/angiotensin-receptor blocker (ARB), beta-blocker, diuretics, and dp. Of 111 studied patients [64 ± 11 years, EF 28 ± 6%, implant duration 12 ± 5 months (mean ± SD), 98% had LBBB, 38% IHD], 67% responded at 10 ± 3 months post CRT-implant. Latest electrically activated sites were outside the mid-to-basal lateral segments in 35% of the patients. dp was 42 ± 23 mm [31 ± 14 mm for responders vs. 63 ± 24 mm non-responders (P < 0.001)]. Longer dp and the lack of use of CRT optimization algorithm were the only independent predictors of non-response [area under the curve (AUC) 0.906]. dp of 47 mm delineated responders and non-responders (AUC 0.931).

Conclusion

The distance between LV pacing site and latest electrical activation is a strong independent predictor for CRT response. Non-invasive electrical evaluation to characterize intrinsic activation and guide LV lead deployment may improve CRT efficacy.
Ovarian transcriptional response to Wolbachia infection in D. melanogaster in the context of between-genotype variation in gene expression
Authors: Frantz Sophia I , Small Clayton M , Cresko William A , Singh Nadia D
Published: March 2023

Wolbachia is a maternally transmitted endosymbiotic bacteria that infects a wide variety of arthropod and nematode hosts. The effects of Wolbachia on host biology are far-reaching and include changes in host gene expression. However, previous work on the host transcriptional response has generally been investigated in the context of a single host genotype. Thus, the relative effect of Wolbachia infection versus vs. host genotype on gene expression is unknown. Here, we explicitly test the relative roles of Wolbachia infection and host genotype on host gene expression by comparing the ovarian transcriptomes of 4 strains of Drosophila melanogaster (D. melanogaster) infected and uninfected with Wolbachia. Our data suggest that infection explains a small amount of transcriptional variation, particularly in comparison to variation in gene expression among strains. However, infection specifically affects genes related to cell cycle, translation, and metabolism. We also find enrichment of cell division and recombination processes among genes with infection-associated differential expression. Broadly, the transcriptomic changes identified in this study provide novel understanding of the relative magnitude of the effect of Wolbachia infection on gene expression in the context of host genetic variation and also point to genes that are consistently differentially expressed in response to infection among multiple genotypes.
Bayesian detectability of induced polarization in airborne electromagnetic data
Authors: Davies L , Ley-Cooper A Y , Sutton M , Drovandi C
Published: March 2023

Detection of induced polarization (IP) effects in airborne electromagnetic measurements does not yet have an established methodology. This work contributes a Bayesian approach to the IP detectability problem using decoupled transdimensional layered models and applies an approach novel to geophysics whereby transdimensional proposals are used within the embarrassingly parallelizable and robust sequential Monte Carlo class of algorithms for the simultaneous inference of parameters and models. This algorithm allows for adaptivity considerations for multiple models and proposal types. Methodological contributions to solid Earth geophysics include the decoupled layered model approach and proposal of a statistic that uses posterior model odds for IP detectability. A case study is included investigating the detectability of IP effects in airborne electromagnetic data at a broad scale.