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At least 577 records · Page 32

Determining the Electronic Structure and Thermoelectric Properties of MoS 2 /MoSe 2 Type‐I Heterojunction by DFT and the Landauer Approach

Abstract The electronic structure and thermoelectric properties of MoX 2 (X = S, Se) Van der Waals heterojunctions are reported, with the intention of motivating the design of electronic devices using such materials. Calculations indicate the proposed heterojunctions are thermodynamically stable and present a band gap reduction from 1.8 eV to 0.8 eV. The latter effect is highly related to interactions between metallic d‐character orbitals and chalcogen p‐character orbitals. The theoretical approach allows to predict a transition from semiconducting to semi‐metallic behavior. The band alignment indicates a type‐I heterojunction and band offsets of 0.2 eV. Transport properties show clear n‐type nature and a high Seebeck coefficient at 300 K, along with conductivity values (σ/τ) in the order of 10 20 . Lastly, using the Landauer approach and ballistic transport, the proposed heterojunctions can be modeled as a channel material for a typical one‐gate transistor configuration predicting subthreshold values of ≈60 mV dec −1 and field–effect mobilities of ≈160 cm −2 V −1 s −1 .

López‐Galán, Oscar A.↗

Determination of the Structures of Lignin Subunits and Nanoparticles in Solution by Small‐Angle Neutron Scattering: Towards Improving Lignin Valorization

Abstract Lignin nanoparticles (LNPs) are usually produced from lignin solution through supersaturation. The structure of the lignin in solution is still poorly understood due to structural variability of isolated lignins. Here, lignins were extracted from different plants to establish a general pattern of their structure in several lignin solvents. Lignin molecules (lignin subunits) and larger aggregates were observed in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), ethylene glycol (EG) and 0.1 N NaOD solutions by small‐angle neutron scattering (SANS). It was proposed that the aggregates were composed of lignin subunits with a higher molecular weight and a higher ratio of the aliphatic to phenolic hydroxyl groups. The size, shape, and compactness are important factors that affect the uses of the LNPs, which were obtained from the SANS data for the first time. A discrepancy in the radius between SANS and DLS was discovered, pointing to a large hydration shell around the LNPs in aqueous solutions. The cytotoxicity of the corncob lignin, kraft lignin, and their LNPs were measured and compared.

Zhang, Xin↗

Determination of the structure of lithium niobosilicate glasses by molecular dynamics simulation with a new Nb-O potential

A partial charge empirical potential for the Nb-O pair has been developed based on existing parameters of other pairs in a Teter potential to enable molecular dynamics simulations of both lithium niobate crystal and lithium niobosilicate glasses. The developed potential is capable of describing structural features of lithium niobosilicate glasses in a wide composition range, including niobium coordination number and bond length, density, bond angle distribution, polyhedral distribution and fraction of bridging oxygen. Furthermore, the results obtained using this new potential show good agreement with experimental data of density and structure from Raman spectroscopy of lithium niobosilicate glasses and X-ray absorption spectroscopy near Nb K-edge.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Integrative structural and functional analysis of human malic enzyme 3: A potential therapeutic target for pancreatic cancer

Malic enzymes (ME1, ME2, and ME3) are involved in cellular energy regulation, redox homeostasis, and biosynthetic processes, through the production of pyruvate and reducing agent NAD(P)H. Recent studies have implicated the third and least well-characterized isoform, mitochondrial NADP + -dependent malic enzyme 3 (ME3), as a therapeutic target for pancreatic cancers. Here, we utilized an integrated structure approach to determine the structures of ME3 in various ligand-binding states at near-atomic resolutions. ME3 is captured in the open form existing as a stable tetramer and its dynamic Domain C is critical for activity. Catalytic assay results reveal that ME3 is a non-allosteric enzyme and does not require modulators for activity while structural analysis suggests that the inner stability of ME3 Domain A relative to ME2 disables allostery in ME3. With structural information available for all three malic enzymes, the foundation has been laid to understand the structural and biochemical differences of these enzymes and could aid in the development of specific malic enzyme small molecule drugs.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Potential pathogenicity determinants identified from structural proteomics of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2

Despite SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 being equipped with highly similar protein arsenals, the corresponding zoonoses have spread among humans at extremely different rates. The specific characteristics of these viruses that led to such distinct outcomes remain unclear. Here, we apply proteome-wide comparative structural analysis aiming to identify the unique molecular elements in the SARS-CoV-2 proteome that may explain the differing consequences. By combining protein modeling and molecular dynamics simulations, we suggest non-conservative substitutions in functional regions of the spike glycoprotein (S), nsp1, and nsp3 that are contributing to differences in virulence. Particularly, we explain why the substitutions at the receptor-binding domain of S affect the structure-dynamics behavior in complexes with putative host receptors. Conservation of functional protein regions within the two taxa is also noteworthy. We suggest that the highly conserved main protease, nsp5, of SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2 is part of their mechanism of circumventing the host interferon antiviral response. Overall, most substitutions occur on the protein surfaces and may be modulating their antigenic properties and interactions with other macromolecules. Our results imply that the striking difference in the pervasiveness of SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV among humans seems to significantly derive from molecular features that modulate the efficiency of viral particles in entering the host cells and blocking the host immune response.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Determination of atmospheric structure function by using a single coherent detector

A technique is described and analyzed for using the single beam laser receiver to measure the wave structure function of atmospheric turbulence. The measurement procedure is as follows: first, the telescope aperture is masked with an opaque screen having two small holes; one hole is covered and the output of the laser receiver is measured; finally, the output of the laser receiver is measured with both holes uncovered. By repeating these measurements for different hole separations, the wave structure function can be derermined.

Lang, R. H.↗

A numerical method for determining the temperature structure of planetary atmospheres.

A numerical method for calculating the time-average, vertical temperature structure of planetary atmospheres is presented. It is assumed that the atmospheres are in radiative-convective equilibrium, which is a good first approximation to many situations. Numerical tests of the rate of convergence and accuracy of the answer are presented. The method can readily handle molecular sources of opacity. Accurate results can be obtained with a minimum of computer time, because the number of iterations needed (about 4) is small and the number of pressure levels at which the net flux needs to be evaluated (about 10) is small. As an application of this procedure, some model atmospheres of Jupiter are calculated.

Pollack, J. B.↗

Determination of atmospheric structure function by using a single coherent detector

The wave structure function associated with atmospheric turbulence is important in the effective design of telescopes for coherent optical receivers. This paper describes a method of measurement of the wave structure function by employing an already existing optical receiver. The aperture of this receiver's telescope is masked by an opaque screen with two small holes. It is then shown that when the incident beam obeys Gaussian statistics, the receiver's A.M. output can be simply related to the wave structure function of the incident beam.

Lang, R. H.↗

Recent developments in the design, testing and impact-damage tolerance of stiffened composite panels

The structural technology of laminated filamentary-composite stiffened-panel structures under combined in-plane and lateral loadings is discussed. Emphasis is on analyzing the behavior of the structures under load, determining appropriate structural proportions for weight efficient configurations, and effects of impact damage and geometric imperfections on structural performance. Experimental data on buckling of panels under in-plane compression validate the analysis and sizing methods, and illustrate structural performance and efficiency obtained from representative structures. It is shown that the strength of panels under in-plane compression can be degraded by low-velocity impact damage, and data are presented which indicate that the matrix is a significant factor influencing tolerance to impact damage.

Williams, J. G.↗

Determining the atmospheric structure and dynamics of the FK Comae Star HD32918

The results of UV observations taken with the International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite and microwave observations obtained with the Australia Telescope during an observing campaign of the rapidly rotating K0 dwarf star HD 197890, nicknamed 'Speedy Mic' are presented. This star was recently recognized as a powerful, transient EUV source by the ROSAT WFC, and subsequent investigation showed it to be a ZAMS or possibly a PMS dwarf which may be a member of the Local Association. Our observations show it to have strong, variable UV emission lines near the 'saturation' levels. The radio observations show a level of 'quiescent' emission consistent with other rapidly rotating stars, but there is no evidence for the large flux variations that normally characterize the time history of such objects.

Robinson, R. D.↗

A Coupled CFD/FEM Structural Analysis to Determine Deformed Shapes of the RSRM Inhibitors

Recent trends towards an increase in the stiffness of the acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) insulation material used in the construction of the redesigned solid rocket motor (RSRM) propellant inhibitors prompted questions about possible effects on RSRM performance. The specific objectives of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) task included: (1) the definition of pressure loads to calculate the deformed shape of stiffer inhibitors, (2) the calculation of higher port velocities over the inhibitors to determine shifts in the vortex shedding or edge tone frequencies, and (3) the quantification of higher slag impingement and collection rates on the inhibitors and in the submerged nose nozzle cavity.

Dill, Richard A.↗

On the Determination of Ejecta Structure and Explosion Asymmetry from the X-ray Knots of Cassiopeia A

We present a detailed analysis of Chandra X-ray spectra from individual ejecta knots in the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A. The spectra are fitted to give the electron temperature T(sub e), and (single) ionization age n(sub e)t. These quantities are compared with the predictions of self similar hydrodynamic models incorporating time dependent ionization and radiation losses, and Coulomb electron-ion equilibration behind the reverse shock, for a variety of different ejecta density profiles described by a uniform density core and a power law envelope. We find that the ejecta close to the 'jet' region in the NE, but not actually in the jet itself, have a systematically shallower outer envelope than ejecta elsewhere in the remnant, and we interpret this as being due to more energy of the initial explosion being directed in this polar direction as opposed to equatorially. The degree of asymmetry we infer is at the low end of that generally modelled in asymmetric core-collapse simulations, and may be used to rule out highly asymmetric explosion models.

Laming, J. Martin↗

Application of Composite Mechanics to Composites Enhanced Concrete Structures

A new and effective method is described to design composites to repair damage or enhance the overload strength of concrete infrastructures. The method is based on composite mechanics which is available in computer codes. It is used to simulate structural sections made from reinforced concrete which are typical in infrastructure as well as select reinforced concrete structures. The structural sections are represented by a number of layers through the thickness where different layers are used in concrete, and for the composite. The reinforced concrete structures are represented with finite elements where the element stiffness parameters are from the structural sections which are represented by composite mechanics. The load carrying capability of the structure is determined by progressive structural fracture. Results show up to 40 percent improvements for damage and for overload enhancement with relatively small laminate thickness for the structural sections and up to three times for the composite enhanced select structures (arches and domes).

Chamis, Christos C.↗

Stroboscopic Interferometer for Measuring Mirror Vibrations

Stroboscopic interferometry is a technique for measuring the modes of vibration of mirrors that are lightweight and, therefore, unavoidably flexible. The technique was conceived especially for modal characterization of lightweight focusing mirror segments to be deployed in outer space; however, the technique can be applied to lightweight mirrors designed for use on Earth as well as the modal investigation of other optical and mechanical structures. To determine the modal structure of vibration of a mirror, it is necessary to excite the mirror by applying a force that varies periodically with time at a controllable frequency. The excitation can utilize sinusoidal, square, triangular, or even asynchronous waveforms. Because vibrational modes occur at specific resonant frequencies, it is necessary to perform synchronous measurements and sweep the frequency to locate the significant resonant modes. For a given mode it is possible to step the phase of data acquisition in order to capture the modal behavior over a single cycle of the resonant frequency. In order to measure interferometrically the vibrational response of the mirror at a given frequency, an interferometer must be suitably aligned with the mirror and adjustably phase-locked with the excitation signal. As in conventional stroboscopic photography, the basic idea in stroboscopic interferometry is to capture an image of the shape of a moving object (in this case, the vibrating mirror) at a specified instant of time in the vibration cycle. Adjusting the phase difference over a full cycle causes the interference fringes to vary over the full range of motion for the mode at the excitation frequency. The interference-fringe pattern is recorded as a function of the phase difference, and, from the resulting data, the surface shape of the mirror for the given mode is extracted. In addition to the interferometer and the mirror to be tested, the equipment needed for stroboscopic interferometry includes an arbitrary-function generator (that is, a signal generator), an oscilloscope, a trigger filter, and an advanced charge-coupled-device (CCD) camera. The optical components are positioned to form a pupil image of the mirror under test on the CCD chip, so that the interference pattern representative of the instantaneous mirror shape is imaged on the CCD chip.

Stahl, H. Philip↗