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At least 559 records · Page 31

Method and apparatus for an insulating glazing unit and compliant seal for an insulating glazing unit

A Vacuum Insulating Glazing Unit (VIGU) comprises two or more glass lites (panes) spaced apart from one another and hermetically bonded to an edge seal assembly therebetween. The resulting cavity between the lites is evacuated to create at least one insulating vacuum cavity within which are disposed a plurality of stand-off members to maintain separation between the lites. The edge seal assembly is preferably compliant in the longitudinal (i.e., edgewise) direction to allow longitudinal relative motion between the two lites (e.g., from thermal expansion). The longitudinal compliance may be obtained by imprinting a three-dimensional pattern into the edge seal material. The edge seal assembly is preferably bonded to the lites with a first bond portion that is hermetic and a second bond portion that is load-resistant. Methods for producing VIGUs and/or compliant edge seal assemblies and VIGU and edge seal apparatus are disclosed.

42 ENGINEERING↗

Method and apparatus for an insulating glazing unit and compliant seal for an insulating glazing unit

A vacuum insulating glazing unit (VIGU) comprises two or more glass lites (panes) spaced apart from one another and hermetically bonded to an edge seal assembly therebetween. The resulting cavity between the lites is evacuated to create at least one insulating vacuum cavity within which are disposed a plurality of stand-off members to maintain separation between the lites. The edge seal assembly is preferably compliant in the longitudinal (i.e., edgewise) direction to allow longitudinal relative motion between the two lites (e.g., from thermal expansion). The longitudinal compliance may be obtained by imprinting a three-dimensional pattern into the edge seal material. The edge seal assembly is preferably bonded to the lites with a first bond portion that is hermetic and a second bond portion that is load-resistant. Methods for producing VIGUs and/or compliant edge seal assemblies and VIGU and edge seal apparatus are disclosed.

Francis, William H.↗

Flexible electric probe

A flexible electric probe can include: a flexible substrate; and probe line conductors on the flexible substrate, the probe line conductors being essentially parallel to each other and having separations of about 5-50 microns. The flexible electric probe can further include connection conductors on the flexible substrate, the connection conductors and the probe line conductors electrically connected to each other, the probe line conductors positioned in first and second offset patterns with regard to the connection conductors.

Mazzeo, Brian A.↗

Structural and optical characterization of CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite

Nanocomposites are advantageous because they can compensate for the disadvantages of the individual component, and induce a synergistic effect, such as an efficient charge separation and improvement of photostability. Present study reveals the advantage of nanocomposite CdS/TiO{sub 2} over TiO{sub 2} which have been prepared by a simple Co-precipitation method. The particle size of CdS/TiO{sub 2} estimated from X-ray diffraction pattern comes out to be {approx} 5.8 nm which is in good agreement with that of transmission electron microscopy. High resolution transmission electron microscopy showed a reduction in defect levels in the as prepared CdS/TiO{sub 2} nanocomposite in comparison to TiO{sub 2}. In our method titanium monoxide (TiO) phase has appeared at room temperature against the earlier reports. Williamson-Hall plot analysis revealed the presence of tensile strain in both the CdS/TiO{sub 2} and TiO{sub 2} samples. New Raman bands for rutile TiO{sub 2} have also been observed which have not been previously reported. UV-visible study reveals an enhanced absorption capability of the composite sample ({approx} 383.85 nm) in comparison to pure TiO{sub 2} ({approx} 331.37 and 324.40 nm).The optical and electrical results have shown the activation of the excited TiO{sub 2} in the presence of CdS. - Graphical Abstract: Nanocomposites are advantageous because they can compensate for the disadvantages of the individual component and induce a synergistic effect. Present study reveals the advantage of nanocomposite CdS/TiO{sub 2} over TiO{sub 2} prepared via simple Co-precipitation method. The optical and electrical results have shown the activation of the excited TiO{sub 2} in the presence of CdS. Research Highlights: {yields} Advantage of CdS/TiO{sub 2} over TiO{sub 2} prepared via Co-precipitation method. {yields} Appearance of positive slope has ensured the presence of tensile strain. {yields} New Raman bands for rutile TiO{sub 2} which has not been previously reported. {yields} Activation of the excited TiO{sub 2} in the presence of CdS rather than deactivation.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Coherent elastographic tomography via speckle time multiplexing

A method is suggested for separating photons coming from different depths of tissue while externally stimulating tissue via infra-sonic vibration. The process of tomographic information extraction using the speckle time multiplexing approach is presented. Use is also made of a modulated laser combining a speckle-pattern tracking method for sensing surface tilting changes with an interferometer for sensing surface z-axis changes at the same scan time. (paper)

62 RADIOLOGY AND NUCLEAR MEDICINE↗

Impact of acute temperature and air pollution exposures on adult lung function: A panel study of asthmatics

Background Individuals with respiratory conditions, such as asthma, are particularly susceptible to adverse health effects associated with higher levels of ambient air pollution and temperature. This study evaluates whether hourly levels of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) and dry bulb globe temperature (DBGT) are associated with the lung function of adult participants with asthma. Methods and findings Global positioning system (GPS) location, respiratory function (measured as forced expiratory volume at 1 second (FEV 1 )), and self-reports of asthma medication usage and symptoms were collected as part of the Exposure, Location, and Lung Function (ELF) study. Hourly ambient PM 2.5 and DBGT exposures were estimated by integrating air quality and temperature public records with time-activity patterns using GPS coordinates for each participant (n = 35). The relationships between acute PM 2.5 , DBGT, rescue bronchodilator use, and lung function collected in one week periods and over two seasons (summer/winter) were analyzed by multivariate regression, using different exposure time frames. In separate models, increasing levels in PM 2.5 , but not DBGT, were associated with rescue bronchodilator use. Conversely DBGT, but not PM 2.5 , had a significant association with FEV 1 . When DBGT and PM 2.5 exposures were placed in the same model, the strongest association between cumulative PM 2.5 exposures and the use of rescue bronchodilator was identified at the 0–24 hours (OR = 1.030; 95% CI = 1.012–1.049; p-value = 0.001) and 0–48 hours (OR = 1.030; 95% CI = 1.013–1.057; p-value = 0.001) prior to lung function measure. Conversely, DBGT exposure at 0 hours (β = 3.257; SE = 0.879; p-value>0.001) and 0–6 hours (β = 2.885; SE = 0.903; p-value = 0.001) hours before a reading were associated with FEV 1 . No significant interactions between DBGT and PM 2.5 were observed for rescue bronchodilator use or FEV 1 . Conclusions Short-term increases in PM 2.5 were associated with increased rescue bronchodilator use, while DBGT was associated with higher lung function (i.e. FEV 1 ). Further studies are needed to continue to elucidate the mechanisms of acute exposure to PM 2.5 and DBGT on lung function in asthmatics.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Updated design of the CMB polarization experiment satellite LiteBIRD

Recent developments of transition-edge sensors (TESs), based on extensive experience in ground-based experiments, have been making the sensor techniques mature enough for their application on future satellite CMB polarization experiments. LiteBIRD is in the most advanced phase among such future satellites, targeting its launch in Japanese Fiscal Year 2027 (2027FY) with JAXA's H3 rocket. It will accommodate more than 4000 TESs in focal planes of reflective low-frequency and refractive medium-and-high-frequency telescopes in order to detect a signature imprinted on the cosmic microwave background (CMB) by the primordial gravitational waves predicted in cosmic inflation. The total wide frequency coverage between 34GHz and 448GHz enables us to extract such weak spiral polarization patterns through the precise subtraction of our Galaxy's foreground emission by using spectral differences among CMB and foreground signals. Telescopes are cooled down to 5Kelvin for suppressing thermal noise and contain polarization modulators with transmissive half-wave plates at individual apertures for separating sky polarization signals from artificial polarization and for mitigating from instrumental 1/f noise. Passive cooling by using V-grooves supports active cooling with mechanical coolers as well as adiabatic demagnetization refrigerators. Sky observations from the second Sun-Earth Lagrangian point, L2, are planned for three years. An international collaboration between Japan, USA, Canada, and Europe is sharing various roles. In May 2019, the Institute of Space and Astronautical Science (ISAS), JAXA selected LiteBIRD as the strategic large mission No. 2.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

A nodal domain theorem for integrable billiards in two dimensions

Eigenfunctions of integrable planar billiards are studied — in particular, the number of nodal domains, ν of the eigenfunctions with Dirichlet boundary conditions are considered. The billiards for which the time-independent Schrödinger equation (Helmholtz equation) is separable admit trivial expressions for the number of domains. Here, we discover that for all separable and non-separable integrable billiards, ν satisfies certain difference equations. This has been possible because the eigenfunctions can be classified in families labelled by the same value of mmodkn, given a particular k, for a set of quantum numbers, m,n. Further, we observe that the patterns in a family are similar and the algebraic representation of the geometrical nodal patterns is found. Instances of this representation are explained in detail to understand the beauty of the patterns. This paper therefore presents a mathematical connection between integrable systems and difference equations. - Highlights: • We find that the number of nodal domains of eigenfunctions of integrable, planar billiards satisfy a class of difference equations. • The eigenfunctions labelled by quantum numbers (m,n) can be classified in terms of mmodkn. • A theorem is presented, realising algebraic representations of geometrical patterns exhibited by the domains. • This work presents a connection between integrable systems and difference equations.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Laser Scribing for Electrode Patterning of Perovskite Spectrometer-Grade CsPbBr 3 Gamma-ray Detectors

Making semiconductor radiation detectors that work at room temperature relies heavily on the deposition and pixelation of electrodes. Electrode patterning of perovskite solar cells widely implements laser scribing techniques, which is a convenient, scalable, and inexpensive technique. However, this method has not found its application in radiation detector patterning yet, and the question whether laser scribing can achieve high-quality patterns with minimum damage to a detector crystal and low interpixel cross-talk remains largely unanswered. To prove that laser scribing is a practical method for electrode patterning on perovskite CsPbBr 3 detectors, we use the material to create a variety of patterns. A very low lateral leakage current (60 nA at 10 V) and high mobility-lifetime product (9.7(3) x 10 -4 cm 2 /V) were observed between the pixel and the guard ring in tests of single-pixel devices with a separation of 200 or 100 μm between the central electrode and the guard ring. The 122 and 136 keV photopeaks in 57 Co gamma-ray spectra were very well resolved with an energy resolution of up to 6.1% at 122 keV. Finally, a further reduction in gap size to 50 mu m is conceivable, but more process optimization is needed.

46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND ↗

The Effect of Tropical Pacific Air‐Sea Coupling on the Rainfall Response to Quadrupled CO 2 Forcing

We perform quadrupled CO 2 climate simulations with the Community Earth System Model version 1 (CESM1) to study how air-sea coupling affects the response of tropical rainfall under global warming. We use a hierarchy of ocean models to separate the effects of seasonal mixed-layer entrainment, wind-driven Ekman flows directed perpendicular to the wind, and the near-equator frictional flows directed in the same direction as the wind. We show that the Pacific Ocean's enhanced equatorial warming pattern (EEW) and equatorward ITCZ contraction observed in previous climate simulations emerge when the ocean model includes wind-driven Ekman and frictional flows. Furthermore, the near-equator frictional flow contributes more than half of the heat convergence in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. Finally, we show that although Ekman flow and near-equator frictional flow can both result in EEW, their coupled interactions with the Hadley circulation lead to opposite feedbacks on EEW's strength.

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES↗

The distinction of CPR bacteria from other bacteria based on protein family content

Abstract Candidate phyla radiation (CPR) bacteria separate phylogenetically from other bacteria, but the organismal distribution of their protein families remains unclear. Here, we leveraged sequences from thousands of uncultivated organisms and identified protein families that co-occur in genomes, thus are likely foundational for lineage capacities. Protein family presence/absence patterns cluster CPR bacteria together, and away from all other bacteria and archaea, partly due to proteins without recognizable homology to proteins in other bacteria. Some are likely involved in cell-cell interactions and potentially important for episymbiotic lifestyles. The diversity of protein family combinations in CPR may exceed that of all other bacteria. Over the bacterial tree, protein family presence/absence patterns broadly recapitulate phylogenetic structure, suggesting persistence of core sets of proteins since lineage divergence. The CPR could have arisen in an episode of dramatic but heterogeneous genome reduction or from a protogenote community and co-evolved with other bacteria.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Multilayer Microfluidic Devices Created From A Single Photomask

The time and expense associated with high quality photomask production can discourage the creation of multilayer microfluidic devices, as each layer currently requires a separate photomask. Here we describe an approach in which multilayer microfabricated devices can be created from a single photomask. The separate layers and their corresponding alignment marks are arranged in separate halves of the mask for two layer devices or quadrants for four layer devices. Selective exposure of the photomask features and rotation of the device substrate between exposures result in multiple copies of the devices on each wafer. Subsequent layers are aligned to patterned features on the substrate with the same alignment accuracy as when multiple photomasks are used. We demonstrate this approach for fabricating devices employing multilayer soft lithography (MSL) for pneumatic valving. MSL devices containing as many as 5 layers (4 aligned fluidic layers plus a manually aligned control layer) were successfully created using this approach. Device design is also modularized, enabling the presence or absence of features as well as channel heights to be selected independently from one another. The use of a single photomask to create multilayer devices results in a dramatic savings of time and/or money required to advance from device design to completed prototype.

47 OTHER INSTRUMENTATION↗

CO-ANALYSIS OF SOLAR MICROWAVE AND HARD X-RAY SPECTRAL EVOLUTIONS. II. IN THREE SOURCES OF A FLARING LOOP

Based on the spatially resolvable data of the Reuven Ramaty High Energy Solar Spectroscopic Imager (RHESSI) and Nobeyama Radio Heliograph (NoRH), co-analysis of solar hard X-ray and microwave spectral evolution is performed in three separate sources located in one looptop (LT) and two footpoints (FPs) of a huge flaring loop in the 2003 October 24 flare. The RHESSI image spectral evolution in 10-100 keV is always fitted by the well-known soft-hard-soft (SHS) pattern in the three sources. When the total energy is divided into four intervals similar to the Yohkoh/Hard X-ray Telescope, i.e., 12.5-32.5 keV, 32.5-52.5 keV, 52.5-72.5 keV, and 72.5-97.5 keV, the SHS pattern in lower energies is converted gradually to the hard-soft-hard (HSH) pattern in higher energies in all three sources. However, the break energy in the LT and the northeast FP ({approx}32.5 keV) is evidently smaller than that in the southwest FP ({approx}72.5 keV). Regarding microwave spectral evolution of the NoRH data, the well-known soft-hard-harder pattern appeared in the southwest FP, while the HSH pattern coexisted in the LT and the northeast FP. The different features of the hard X-ray and microwave spectral evolutions in the three sources may be explained by the loop-loop interaction with another huge loop in the LT and with a compact loop in the northeast FP, where the trapping effect is much stronger than that in the southwest FP. The comparison between the LT and FP spectral indices suggests that the radiation mechanism of X-rays may be quite different in different energy intervals and sources. The calculated electron spectral indices from the predicted mechanisms of X-rays gradually become closer to those from the microwave data with increasing X-ray energies.

79 ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS↗

Improving relative earthquake locations using surface-wave source corrections

SUMMARY We develop a procedure to improve estimates of relative earthquake locations using Rayleigh and Love wave arrivals for multiple earthquakes recorded at common stations. We fit predicted differential traveltimes to those measured using a cross-correlation technique, and correct the phases of the cross-correlation functions for phase delays that result from the surface-wave radiation patterns. We develop an empirical measure of uncertainty that provides realistic estimates of the errors in the earthquake locations. We investigate the effectiveness of the relocation procedure by first applying it to two suites of synthetic earthquakes. We then relocate real earthquakes in three separate regions: two ridge-transform systems and one subduction zone. We demonstrate that the inclusion of source corrections in the relocation procedure results in improved location estimates compared to relocations without source corrections. The source correction also allows for automated application of the relocation procedure, even in regions with a wide range of earthquake focal mechanisms.

Geochemistry & Geophysics↗

Single-cell RNA sequencing of batch Chlamydomonas cultures reveals heterogeneity in their diurnal cycle phase

The photosynthetic unicellular alga Chlamydomonas (Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) is a versatile reference for algal biology because of its ease of culture in the laboratory. Genomic and systems biology approaches have previously described transcriptome responses to environmental changes using bulk data, thus representing the average behavior from pools of cells. Here, we apply single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) to probe the heterogeneity of Chlamydomonas cell populations under three environments and in two genotypes differing by the presence of a cell wall. First, we determined that RNA can be extracted from single algal cells with or without a cell wall, offering the possibility to sample natural algal communities. Second, scRNA-seq successfully separated single cells into nonoverlapping cell clusters according to their growth conditions. Cells exposed to iron or nitrogen deficiency were easily distinguished despite a shared tendency to arrest photosynthesis and cell division to economize resources. Notably, these groups of cells not only recapitulated known patterns observed with bulk RNA-seq but also revealed their inherent heterogeneity. A substantial source of variation between cells originated from their endogenous diurnal phase, although cultures were grown in constant light. We exploited this result to show that circadian iron responses may be conserved from algae to land plants. We document experimentally that bulk RNA-seq data represent an average of typically hidden heterogeneity in the population.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Structure Activity Relationship Approach toward the Improved Separation of Rare-Earth Elements Using Diglycolamides

The separation of adjacent lanthanides continues to be a challenge worldwide because of the similar physical and chemical properties of these elements and a necessity to advance the use of clean-energy applications. In this paper, a systematic structure–performance relationship approach toward understanding the effect of N-alkyl group characteristics in diglycolamides (DGAs) on the separation of lanthanides(III) from a hydrochloric acid medium is presented. In addition to the three most extensively studied DGA complexants [N,N,N',N'-tetra(n-octyl)diglycolamide, TODGA; N,N,N',N'-tetra(2-ethylhexyl)diglycolamide, TEHDGA; N,N'-dimethyl-N,N'-di(n-octyl)diglycolamide, DMDODGA], 12 new extracting agents with varying substitution patterns were designed to study the interplay of steric and electronic effects that control rare-earth element extraction. Subtle changes in the structure around diglycolamide carbonyl oxygen atoms result in dramatic shifts in the lanthanide extraction strength and selectivity. The effects of the chain length and branching position of N-alkyl substituents in DGAs are elaborated on with the use of experimental, computational, and solution-structure characterization techniques.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Effects on Glass Forming Ability, Microstructure, Crystallization Behaviors, and Magnetic Properties of Si Substituting for P in Fe-Rich Fe{sub 86}B{sub 13−x}Si{sub x}P{sub 1}Cu{sub 0.6}Hf{sub 0.4} Alloys

In the paper, we have studied the effects on glass forming ability (GFA), microstructure, crystallization behaviors, and saturation magnetization (M{sub s}) of Si substitution for P in Fe-rich Fe{sub 86}B{sub 12}Si{sub x}P{sub 1−x}Cu{sub 0.4}Hf{sub 0.6} alloys. The amorphous structure is identified by X-ray diffraction first, and the patterns with Si addition less than x = 0.75 only show one halo scattering peak at 2θ = 45°; further, the ribbons with entirely amorphous structure have been fabricated successfully and the alloys have a good GFA. Then, by differential scanning calorimetry testing, the curves show two separated exothermic peaks and the ribbons will go through a two-step crystallization before reaching stable state; further, the first peak is ensured by the crystallization of a-Fe phase while the second peak is ensured by the precipitation of FeB or Fe(BP) compounds. As Si was added, the apparent activation energy of the first crystallization (E{sub a1}) and the second crystallization (E{sub a2}) shows an increased tendency first and then decreases slightly. By comparison, as x = 0, x = 0.25, and x = 0.5, the ribbons easily form Hf{sub 3}P{sub 2} compounds during the first crystallization process simultaneously, where the ribbons of x = 0.75 and x = 1.0 are easier to finish the first crystallization for forming the uniform a-Fe phase entirely. By vibrating sample magnetometer testing, with the addition of Si, M{sub s} value shows an increased trend and reaches to the maximum about 177.5 emu/g (x = 1.0), and which shows an increased trend in the subsequent annealing process and reaches to the maximum 206.3 emu/g (x = 0), 212.3 emu/g (x = 0.25), 214.2 emu/g (x = 0.5), 214.9 emu/g (x = 0.75), and 208.3 emu/g (x = 1.0) as the annealing temperature higher than T{sub p1} but less than T{sub x2}.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Multi-omics analysis provides insight to the Ignicoccus hospitalis - Nanoarchaeum equitans association

Studies of interspecies interactions are inherently difficult due to the complex mechanisms which enable these relationships. A model system for studying interspecies interactions is the marine hyperthermophiles Ignicoccus hospitalis and Nanoarchaeum equitans. Recent independently-conducted ‘omics’ analyses have generated insights into the molecular factors modulating this association. However, significant questions remain about the nature of the interactions between these archaea. We jointly analyzed multiple levels of omics datasets obtained from published, independent transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics analyses. DAVID identified functionally-related groups enriched when I. hospitalis is grown alone or in co-culture with N. equitans. Enriched molecular pathways were subsequently visualized using interaction maps generated using STRING. Key findings of our multi-level omics analysis indicated that I. hospitalis provides precursors to N. equitans for energy metabolism. Analysis indicated an overall reduction in diversity of metabolic precursors in the I. hospitalis–N. equitans co-culture, which has been connected to the differential use of ribosomal subunits and was previously unnoticed. We also identified differences in precursors linked to amino acid metabolism, NADH metabolism, and carbon fixation, providing new insights into the metabolic adaptions of I. hospitalis enabling the growth of N. equitans. In conclusion, this multi-omics analysis builds upon previously identified cellular patterns while offering new insights into mechanisms that enable the I. hospitalis–N. equitans association. This study applies statistical and visualization techniques to a mixed-source omics dataset to yield a more global insight into a complex system, that was not readily discernable from separate omics studies.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗