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At least 1,459 records · Page 81

Exploring charge transport dynamics in a cryogenic P-type germanium detector

Abstract This study explores the dynamics of charge transport within a cryogenic P-type Ge particle detector, fabricated from a crystal cultivated at the University of South Dakota. By subjecting the detector to cryogenic temperatures and an Am-241 source, we observe evolving charge dynamics and the emergence of cluster dipole states, leading to the impact ionization process at 40 mK. Our analysis focuses on crucial parameters: the zero-field cross-section of cluster dipole states and the binding energy of these states. For the Ge detector in our investigation, the zero-field cross-section of cluster dipole states is determined to be 8.45 × 10 −11 ± 4.22 × 10 −12 cm 2 . Examination of the binding energy associated with cluster dipole states, formed by charge trapping onto dipole states during the freeze-out process, reveals a value of 0.034 ± 0.0017 meV. These findings shed light on the intricate charge states influenced by the interplay of temperature and electric field, with potential implications for the sensitivity in detecting low-mass dark matter.

Physics↗

Cryogenic adhesives and sealants: Abstracted publications

Abstracts of primary documents containing original experimental data on the properties of adhesives and sealants at cryogenic temperatures are presented. The most important references mentioned in each document are cited. In addition, a brief annotation is given for documents considered secondary in nature, such as republications or variations of original reports, progress reports leading to final reports included as primary documents, and experimental data on adhesive properties at temperatures between about 130 K and room temperature.

Williamson, F. R.↗

Advanced techniques in reliability model representation and solution

The current tendency of flight control system designs is towards increased integration of applications and increased distribution of computational elements. The reliability analysis of such systems is difficult because subsystem interactions are increasingly interdependent. Researchers at NASA Langley Research Center have been working for several years to extend the capability of Markov modeling techniques to address these problems. This effort has been focused in the areas of increased model abstraction and increased computational capability. The reliability model generator (RMG) is a software tool that uses as input a graphical object-oriented block diagram of the system. RMG uses a failure-effects algorithm to produce the reliability model from the graphical description. The ASSURE software tool is a parallel processing program that uses the semi-Markov unreliability range evaluator (SURE) solution technique and the abstract semi-Markov specification interface to the SURE tool (ASSIST) modeling language. A failure modes-effects simulation is used by ASSURE. These tools were used to analyze a significant portion of a complex flight control system. The successful combination of the power of graphical representation, automated model generation, and parallel computation leads to the conclusion that distributed fault-tolerant system architectures can now be analyzed.

Palumbo, Daniel L.↗

Domain specific software design for decision aiding

McDonnell Aircraft Company (MCAIR) is involved in many large multi-discipline design and development efforts of tactical aircraft. These involve a number of design disciplines that must be coordinated to produce an integrated design and a successful product. Our interpretation of a domain specific software design (DSSD) is that of a representation or framework that is specialized to support a limited problem domain. A DSSD is an abstract software design that is shaped by the problem characteristics. This parallels the theme of object-oriented analysis and design of letting the problem model directly drive the design. The DSSD concept extends the notion of software reusability to include representations or frameworks. It supports the entire software life cycle and specifically leads to improved prototyping capability, supports system integration, and promotes reuse of software designs and supporting frameworks. The example presented in this paper is the task network architecture or design which was developed for the MCAIR Pilot's Associate program. The task network concept supported both module development and system integration within the domain of operator decision aiding. It is presented as an instance where a software design exhibited many of the attributes associated with DSSD concept.

Keller, Kirby↗

Multi-modal characterisation of early-stage, subclinical cardiac deterioration in patients with type 2 diabetes

Abstract Background Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and cardiac arrhythmias. Precursors of these complications, such as diabetic cardiomyopathy, remain incompletely understood and underdiagnosed. Detection of early signs of cardiac deterioration in T2DM patients is critical for prevention. Our goal is to quantify T2DM-driven abnormalities in ECG and cardiac imaging biomarkers leading to cardiovascular disease. Methods We quantified ECG and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging biomarkers in two matched cohorts of 1781 UK Biobank participants, with and without T2DM, and no diagnosed cardiovascular disease at the time of assessment. We performed a pair-matched cross-sectional study to compare cardiac biomarkers in both cohorts, and examined the association between T2DM and these biomarkers. We built multivariate multiple linear regression models sequentially adjusted for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and clinical covariates. Results Participants with T2DM had a higher resting heart rate (66 vs. 61 beats per minute,p < 0.001), longer QTc interval (424 vs. 420ms,p < 0.001), reduced T wave amplitude (0.33 vs. 0.37mV,p < 0.001), lower stroke volume (72 vs. 78ml,p < 0.001) and thicker left ventricular wall (6.1 vs. 5.9mm,p < 0.001) despite a decreased Sokolow-Lyon index (19.1 vs. 20.2mm,p < 0.001). T2DM was independently associated with higher heart rate (beta = 3.11, 95% CI = [2.11,4.10],p < 0.001), lower stroke volume (beta = −4.11, 95% CI = [−6.03, −2.19],p < 0.001) and higher left ventricular wall thickness (beta = 0.133, 95% CI = [0.081,0.186],p < 0.001). Trends were consistent in subgroups of different sex, age and body mass index. Fewer significant differences were observed in participants of non-white ethnic background. QRS duration and Sokolow-Lyon index showed a positive association with the development of cardiovascular disease in cohorts with and without T2DM, respectively. A higher left ventricular mass and wall thickness were associated with cardiovascular outcomes in both groups. Conclusion T2DM prior to cardiovascular disease was linked with a higher heart rate, QTc prolongation, T wave amplitude reduction, as well as lower stroke volume and increased left ventricular wall thickness. Increased QRS duration and left ventricular wall thickness and mass were most strongly associated with future cardiovascular disease. Although subclinical, these changes may indicate the presence of autonomic dysfunction and diabetic cardiomyopathy. Graphical Abstract

Cardiovascular System & Cardiology↗

Morphological and molecular characterization of a Sarcocystis bovifelis-like sarcocyst in American beef

Abstract Background Parasites in the apicomplexan genusSarcocystisinfect cattle worldwide. Assessing the economic importance of each such parasite species requires proper diagnosis.Sarcocystiscruzi,a thin-walled species, infects virtually all cattle. The prevalence of the other thin-walled parasite,Sarcocystisheydorni, remains less well established. The remaining six species all have thick (> 3 µm) cyst walls (Sarcocystishirsuta,S.hominis,S.bovifelis,S.bovini,S.sigmoideus, andS.rommeli). Thick-walled sarcocysts often induce inflammation in striated muscles (causing bovine eosinophilic myositis), leading to condemnation of carcasses at slaughter. One of these,S.hirsuta, can be seen macroscopically and lead to condemnation of beef. TwoSarcocystisspecies,S.hominisandS.heydorni, are zoonotic. AlthoughS.hominishas been reported as prevalent in Europe, the occurrence of thick-walled species in the US remains poorly known. Here, for the first time to our knowldge, we characterize a thick-walledSarcocystisspecies from a sample of beef from a local grocery store in Maryland. By morphological and genetic criteria, it closely, but not perfectly, resembles parasites previously ascribed toS.bovifelis. Methods Beef samples were examined forSarcocystisinfection, using acid-pepsin digestion to search for bradyzoites, microscopically by compression between a glass slide and coverslip, by histology of paraffin embedded sections stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Molecular characterization was attempted employing genetic markers:18SrRNA,28SrRNA,cox1,ITS1,gapdh1,ron3, andrpoB. Results Molecular evaluation revealed 100% identity withS.bovifelis-like sarcocysts from naturally infected cattle from Germany and Argentina; although the condition of the frozen material precludes complete characterization by TEM, we noted morphological features which differed from theS.bovifelisoriginally described from experimentally infected cattle from Germany. Conclusions A novelSarcocystisspecies is described from beef from the USA but not named until further evaluation. Graphical Abstract

Parasitology↗

Synchronization of dissolution and precipitation fronts during infiltration‐driven replacement in porous rocks

Abstract Coupled dissolution‐precipitation reactions, where two minerals share a common ion, occur frequently in geological replacement; the reactions are driven by an inflow of precipitating secondary ions and an outflow of dissolved primary ions. Although crystallization pressure is frequently invoked to explain volume‐preserving replacement, it cannot be operative if the chemical reactions lead to a loss of mineral volume; here the host rock that should confine the precipitating mineral is dissolving faster than the grains are growing. In this paper we propose two chemical mechanisms by which a rapid dissolution front and a slower precipitation front can be synchronized, and volume‐for‐volume replacement preserved. We analyze these mechanisms within the framework of reactive transport theory and show that morphological features observed in calcite replacement can be correlated with predictions of the models.

Kondratiuk, Paweł↗

High Moisture Barrier with Synergistic Combination of SiO x and Polyelectrolyte Nanolayers

Abstract The lifespan of most organic electronics, and many types of food, depend on the oxygen and moisture barrier of the packaging materials. Despite exhibiting excellent oxygen barrier and being relatively easy to produce, polyelectrolyte multilayer nanocoatings (PEM) show limited moisture barrier. SiO x thin films can exhibit good moisture barrier, but rigidity that leads to cracking is a challenge for flexible packaging. In this work, layer‐by‐layer assembled PEM coatings are paired with inorganic SiO x to form a three‐layer sandwich‐type moisture barrier. The barrier property of this organic/inorganic/organic structure is an order of magnitude better than any individual component or other combination thereof. This behavior is attributed to the underlying PEM layer smoothing the substrate surface and the top PEM layer eliminating defects in the underlying SiO x . This study provides a new twist in the development of flexible films with exceptional moisture barrier.

Qin, Shuang↗

Chirped self-similar waves for quadratic–cubic nonlinear Schrödinger equation

Highlights: •Chirped self-similar solutions for distributed quadratic–cubic NLSE are obtained. •Role of chirping in dynamics of self similar waves has been explained. •Importance of chirping has been demonstrated for different choices of system parameters i.e. dispersion and nonlinearity. •The results may be useful in studying the propagation of chirped self-similar waves in fibers, waveguides and BECs. -- Abstract: We have constructed analytical self-similar wave solutions for quadratic–cubic Nonlinear Schrödinger equation (QC-NLSE) by means of similarity transformation method. Then, we have investigated the role of chirping on these self-similar waves as they propagate through the tapered graded index waveguide. We have revealed that the chirping leads to interesting features and allows us to control the propagation of self-similar waves. This has been demonstrated for two cases (i) periodically distributed system and (ii) constant choice of system parameters. We expect our results to be useful in designing high performance optical devices.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗

Molten salt flux synthesis and crystal structure of a new open-framework uranyl phosphate Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}: Spectroscopic characterization and cationic mobility studies

The reaction of triuranyl diphosphate tetrahydrate precursor (UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4} with a CsI flux at 750 °C yields a yellow single crystals of new compound Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}. The crystal structure (monoclinic, space group C2/c, a=13.6261 (13) Å, b=8.1081(8) Å, c=12.3983(12) Å, β=114.61(12)°, V=1245.41(20) Å{sup 3} with Z=4) has been solved using direct methods and Fourier difference techniques. A full-matrix least-squares refinement on the basis of F{sup 2} yielded R1=0.028 and wR2=0.071 for 79 parameters and 1352 independent reflections with I≥2σ(I) collected on a BRUKER AXS diffractometer with MoKα radiation and a charge-coupled device detector. The crystal structure is built by two independent uranium atoms in square bipyramidal coordination, connected by two opposite corners to form infinite chains {sup 1}{sub ∞}[UO{sub 5}] and by one phosphorus atom in a tetrahedral environment PO{sub 4}. The two last entities {sup 1}{sub ∞}[UO{sub 5}] and PO{sub 4} are linked by sharing corners to form a three-dimensional structure presenting different types of channels occupied by Cs{sup +} alkaline cations. Their mobility within the tunnels were studied between 280 and 800 °C and compared with other tunneled uranyl minerals. The infrared spectrum shows a good agreement with the values inferred from the single crystal structure analysis of uranyl phosphate compound. - Graphical abstract: Arrhenius plot of the electrical conductivity of tunneled compounds Cs{sub 3}U{sub 2}PO{sub 10} and CsU{sub 2}Nb{sub 2}O{sub 11.5}. Highlights: ► The reaction of (UO{sub 2}){sub 3}(PO{sub 4}){sub 2}(H{sub 2}O){sub 4} in excess of molten CsI leads to single-crystals of new tunneled compound Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2}. ► Ionic conductivity measurements and crystal structure analysis indicate a strong connection of the Cs{sup +} cations to the tunnels. ► A low symmetry in Cs{sub 3}(UO{sub 2}){sub 2}(PO{sub 4})O{sub 2} is the cause of IR activation and splitting of the bands in the IR spectrum.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

A new family of metal borohydride guanidinate complexes: Synthesis, structures and hydrogen-storage properties

We report on a new class of complex hydrides: borohydride guanidinate complexes (MBH{sub 4}·nCN{sub 3}H{sub 5}, M=Li, Mg, and Ca). They can be prepared via facile solid-state synthesis routes. Their crystal structures were successfully determined using a combination of X-ray diffraction, first-principles calculations and neutron vibrational spectroscopy. Among these compounds, Mg(BH{sub 4}){sub 2}·6CN{sub 3}H{sub 5} is composed of large complex Mg[CN{sub 3}H{sub 5}]{sub 6}{sup 2+} cations and surrounding BH{sub 4}{sup -} ions, while Ca(BH{sub 4}){sub 2}·2CN{sub 3}H{sub 5} possesses layers of corner-sharing Ca[BH{sub 4}]{sub 4}(CN{sub 3}H{sub 5}){sub 2} octahedra. Our dehydrogenation results show that ≈10 wt% hydrogen can be released from MBH{sub 4}·nCN{sub 3}H{sub 5} (M=Li, Mg, and Ca) at moderate temperatures with minimal ammonia and diborane contamination thanks to the synergistic effect of C-N bonds from guanidine and hydridic H from borohydrides leading to a weakening of the N-H bonds, thus impeding ammonia gas liberation. Further tuning the dehydrogenation with different cation species indicates that Mg(BH{sub 4}){sub 2}·nCN{sub 3}H{sub 5} can exhibit the optimum properties with nearly thermally neutral dehydrogenation and very high purity hydrogen release. - Graphical abstract: A new family of complex hydrides: borohydride guanidinates, was developed with diverse crystal structures and remarkable hydrogen storage properties. - Highlights: • A new family of complex hydrides, borohydride guanidinate complexes, are synthesized. • Their diverse crystal structures are determined using combined characterizations. • These compounds can release ~10 wt% pure H{sub 2} at moderate temperatures. • Dehydrogenation thermodynamics and H{sub 2} purity can be tuned by varying cation species.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Polarons induced electronic transport, dielectric relaxation and magnetodielectric coupling in spin frustrated Ba{sub 2}FeWO{sub 6}

Highlights: • Ordered double perovskite Ba{sub 2}FeWO{sub 6} synthesized in reducing atmosphere possess a tetragonal I4/m crystal structure with mixed valent Fe/W cations. • Ba{sub 2}FeWO{sub 6} has an antiferromagnetic structure with T{sub N} at 19 K. • Insulating Ba{sub 2}FeWO{sub 6} shows different conducting mechanisms at different temperature regions and dielectric relaxation. • The polarons invoked by the mixed valence state of cations and their disordered arrangements are solely responsible for the various physical phenomena observed in Ba{sub 2}FeWO{sub 6}. - Abstract: Mixed valent double perovskite Ba{sub 2}FeWO{sub 6}, with tetragonal crystal structure, synthesized in a highly controlled reducing atmosphere, shows antiferromagnetic transition at T{sub N} = 19 K. A cluster glass-like transition is observed around 30 K arising from the competing interactions between inhomogeneous magnetic states. The structural distortion leads to the formation of polarons that are not contributing to DC conduction below charge ordering temperature, T{sub CO} = 279 K. Above T{sub CO}, small polarons will start to hop by exploiting thermal energy and participate in the conduction mechanism. The polarons are also responsible for the dielectric relaxor behavior, in which the dielectric relaxation time follows non-linearity in temperature as proposed by Fulcher. The material also exhibits a small room temperature magnetoresistance of 1.7% at 90 kOe. An intrinsic magnetodielectric coupling of ∼4% near room temperature and at lower temperatures, as well as an extrinsic magnetodielectric coupling change from +4% to −6% at around 210 K are reported.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

A multi-prong approach towards the development of high performance Temperature sensor using MWCNTs/Al2O3 composite film

Highlights: • MWCNTs/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite based self-standing highly sensitive temperature sensor. • Optimization of film thickness to achieve best performance of the device. • Effect of carrier drift under strong electron-phonon coupling is examined. • Non-contact measurements reveal possibilities of ambient environment monitoring. • Highly stable and reproducible response bidding commercial scale production. - Abstract: We report fabrication of high-performance temperature sensor from free-standing MWCNTs/Al{sub 2}O{sub 3} composite film where a multi-prong approach was undertaken to enhance sensor performance. Film thickness was varied until a threshold value was reached by playing surface-area to volume-ratio factor leading to enormous improvements in crucial sensor parameters–temperature coefficient of resistance (TCR) and thermal hysteresis. Increased TCR resulted in high sensitivity, ultrafast response and negligible hysteresis loss. Besides, effect of carrier-drift transport under strong electron-phonon scattering is investigated by permutation of channel-length and external DC bias. Observed TCR value is −0.96%/°C for 16.53 μm thick film, at 2 V applied-bias voltage for 1 mm channel-length. Moreover, the sensor exhibited negligible hysteresis loss along-with response and recovery times of ∼40 s and ∼185 s respectively. Non-contact mode temperature measurements also demonstrated excellent performance. Fabricated sensors exhibited good stability and negligible drift for six-months. These studies are significant towards fabricating simple, highly-sensitive, economic heat sensor with high reproducibility.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Enantioselective C–H Amination Catalyzed by Nickel Iminyl Complexes Supported by Anionic Bisoxazoline (BOX) Ligands

The trityl-substituted bisoxazoline ( TrH BOX) was prepared as a chiral analogue to a previously reported nickel dipyrrin system capable of ring-closing amination catalysis. Ligand metalation with divalent NiI 2 (py) 4 followed by potassium graphite reduction afforded the monovalent (TrH BOX)Ni(py) (4). Slow addition of 1.4 equiv of a benzene solution of 1-adamantylazide to 4 generated the tetrazido ( TrH BOX)Ni(κ 2 -N 4 Ad 2 ) (5) and terminal iminyl adduct ( TrH BOX)Ni(NAd) (6). Investigation of 6 via single-crystal X-ray crystallography, NMR and EPR spectroscopies, and computations revealed a Ni(II)-iminyl radical formulation, similar to its dipyrrinato congener. Complex 4 exhibits enantioselective intramolecular C–H bond amination to afford N-heterocyclic products from 4-aryl-2-methyl-2-azidopentanes. Catalytic C–H amination occurs under mild conditions (5 mol % catalyst, 60 °C) and provides pyrrolidine products in decent yield (29%–87%) with moderate ee (up to 73%). Substrates with a 3,5-dialkyl substitution on the 4-aryl position maximized the observed enantioselectivity. Kinetic studies to probe the reaction mechanism were conducted using 1H and 19F NMR spectroscopies. A small, intermolecular kinetic isotope effect (1.35 ± 0.03) suggests an H-atom abstraction step with an asymmetric transition state while the reaction rate is measured to be first order in catalyst and zeroth order in substrate concentrations. Enantiospecific deuterium labeling studies show that the enantioselectivity is dictated by both the H-atom abstraction and radical recombination steps due to the comparable rate between radical rotation and C–N bond formation. Furthermore, the competing elements of the two-step reaction where H-removal from the pro-R configuration is preferred while the preferential radical capture occurs with the Si face of the carboradical likely lead to the diminished ee observed, as corroborated by theoretical calculations. Furthermore, based on these enantio-determining steps, catalytic enantioselective synthesis of 2,5-bis-tertiary pyrrolidines is demonstrated with good yield (50–78%) and moderate ee (up to 79%).

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Ecology and molecular targets of hypermutation in the global microbiome

Abstract Changes in the sequence of an organism’s genome, i.e., mutations, are the raw material of evolution. The frequency and location of mutations can be constrained by specific molecular mechanisms, such as diversity-generating retroelements (DGRs). DGRs have been characterized from cultivated bacteria and bacteriophages, and perform error-prone reverse transcription leading to mutations being introduced in specific target genes. DGR loci were also identified in several metagenomes, but the ecological roles and evolutionary drivers of these DGRs remain poorly understood. Here, we analyze a dataset of >30,000 DGRs from public metagenomes, establish six major lineages of DGRs including three primarily encoded by phages and seemingly used to diversify host attachment proteins, and demonstrate that DGRs are broadly active and responsible for >10% of all amino acid changes in some organisms. Overall, these results highlight the constraints under which DGRs evolve, and elucidate several distinct roles these elements play in natural communities.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Transport in helical Luttinger liquids in the fractional quantum Hall regime

Abstract Domain walls in fractional quantum Hall ferromagnets are gapless helical one-dimensional channels formed at the boundaries of topologically distinct quantum Hall (QH) liquids. Naïvely, these helical domain walls (hDWs) constitute two counter-propagating chiral states with opposite spins. Coupled to an s-wave superconductor, helical channels are expected to lead to topological superconductivity with high order non-Abelian excitations 1–3 . Here we investigate transport properties of hDWs in the ν = 2/3 fractional QH regime. Experimentally we found that current carried by hDWs is substantially smaller than the prediction of the naïve model. Luttinger liquid theory of the system reveals redistribution of currents between quasiparticle charge, spin and neutral modes, and predicts the reduction of the hDW current. Inclusion of spin-non-conserving tunneling processes reconciles theory with experiment. The theory confirms emergence of spin modes required for the formation of fractional topological superconductivity.

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS, GENERAL PHYSIC↗