Extraordinary Structures Research Articles

The developmental and genetic basis of male genitalia evolution in Drosophilids.

Reproductive organs are among the most variable and rapidly evolving structures in the animal kingdom, probably due to sexual selection. In insects, the diverse morphology of male genitalia is often one of the few visible characteristics that can reliably distinguish closely related species, making it crucial for taxonomic classification. Consistent with this, males of the model organism Drosophila melanogaster and its closely related species display remarkable variations in genital morphology. This variation has made the male genitalia of Drosophilids an invaluable system for dissecting the genetic and developmental pathways responsible for morphological evolution, providing insights into how new structures emerge and how gene regulatory networks are co-opted during this process. In this review, we highlight recent studies that have uncovered developmental processes, novel genes, and regulatory networks that contribute to the morphogenesis and evolution of these extraordinary structures. These studies mark a significant advancement in our understanding of the mechanisms driving the evolution of complex organs.

Thermal Metamaterials with Configurable Mechanical Properties.

Thermal metamaterials are typically achieved by mixing different natural materials to realize effective thermal conductivities (ETCs) that conventional materials do not possess. However, the necessity for multifunctional design of metamaterials, encompassing both thermal and mechanical functionalities, is somewhat overlooked, resulting in the fixation of mechanical properties in thermal metamaterials designed within current research endeavors. Thus far, conventional methods have faced challenges in designing thermal metamaterials with configurable mechanical properties because of intricate inherent relationships among the structural configuration, thermal and mechanical properties in metamaterials. Here, a data-driven approach is proposed to design a thermal metamaterial capable of seamlessly achieving thermal functionalities and harnessing the advantages of microstructural diversity to configure its mechanical properties. The designed metamaterial possesses thermal cloaking functionality while exhibiting exceptional mechanical properties, such as load-bearing capacity, shearing strength, and tensile resistance, thereby affording mechanical protection for the thermal metadevice. The proposed approach can generate numerous distinct inverse design candidate topological functional cells (TFCs), designing thermal metamaterials with dramatic improvements in mechanical properties compared to traditional ones, which sets up a novel paradigm for discovering thermal metamaterials with extraordinary mechanical structures. Furthermore, this approach also paves the way for investigating thermal metamaterials with additional physical properties.

The potential energy surface and superatomic properties of the octahedral PtSn5 cluster

Zintl (group IV elements) clusters with a special number of valence electrons often exhibit extraordinary structures and chemical bonding patterns, and the stability of them is rationalised by the Wade-Mingos rule. However, this rule is still limited for some Zintl clusters. Here, we find that the potential energy surface of PtSn5 has a single deep funnel, which leads down to the octahedron of the global minimum. The AIMD simulations demonstrate that the octahedral PtSn5 still has a good thermal stability at 1000 K. The molecular orbitals and AdNDP analyses reveal that the 20 valence electrons from five Sn atoms of the PtSn5 fill superatomic shells resulting in an electronic configuration of 1S21P61D102S2, and the electronic structure of the Pt atom is d10, well following the magic number of the Jellium model. The result is further confirmed by the density of states and the localised orbital locator. After the CO molecule is adsorbed on the PtSn5, it prefers to be located at the Pt atom. Due to the charge-transfer effect, the C–O bond length and stretching frequency appear to change significantly. Our work opens up the study on the Jellium model for Zintl clusters.

Mutualisms drive plant trait evolution beyond interaction-related traits.

Mutualisms have driven the evolution of extraordinary structures and behavioural traits, but their impact on traits beyond those directly involved in the interaction remains unclear. We addressed this gap using a highly evolutionarily replicated system - epiphytes in the Rubiaceae forming symbioses with ants. We employed models that allow us to test the influence of discrete mutualistic traits on continuous non-mutualistic traits. Our findings are consistent with mutualism shaping the pace of morphological evolution, strength of selection and long-term mean of non-mutualistic traits in function of mutualistic dependency. While specialised and obligate mutualisms are associated with slower trait change, less intimate, facultative and generalist mutualistic interactions - which are the most common - have a greater impact on non-mutualistic trait evolution. These results challenge the prevailing notion that mutualisms solely affect the evolution of interaction-related traits via stabilizing selection and instead demonstrate a broader role for mutualisms in shaping trait evolution.

Cynipid wasps systematically reprogram host metabolism and restructure cell walls in developing galls.

Many insects have evolved the ability to manipulate plant growth to generate extraordinary structures called galls, in which insect larva can develop while being sheltered and feeding on the plant. In particular, cynipid (Hymenoptera: Cynipidae) wasps have evolved to form morphologically complex galls and generate an astonishing array of gall shapes, colors, and sizes. However, the biochemical basis underlying these remarkable cellular and developmental transformations remains poorly understood. A key determinant in plant cellular development is cell wall deposition that dictates the physical form and physiological function of newly developing cells, tissues, and organs. However, it is unclear to what degree cell walls are restructured to initiate and support the formation of new gall tissue. Here, we characterize the molecular alterations underlying gall development using a combination of metabolomic, histological, and biochemical techniques to elucidate how valley oak (Quercus lobata) leaf cells are reprogrammed to form galls. Strikingly, gall development involves an exceptionally coordinated spatial deposition of lignin and xylan to form de novo gall vasculature. Our results highlight how cynipid wasps can radically change the metabolite profile and restructure the cell wall to enable the formation of galls, providing insights into the mechanism of gall induction and the extent to which plants can be entirely reprogrammed to form unique structures and organs.

Synthesis and investigation of a meta[6]cycloparaphenylene gold(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complex.

Meta[n]cycloparaphenylenes (m[n]CPPs) as well as N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) gold(I)-complexes are intriguing building blocks for material and life sciences due to their extraordinary structures resulting in unique photophysical properties. Herein, we report the combination of a m[6]CPP with a N-heterocyclic carbene serving as a ligand in a linear gold(I)-complex possessing the form [AuBr(NHC)]. Solid-state structures of both the precursor and the complex are presented and discussed. Moreover, we investigated the luminescence properties of both the imidazolium intermediate and the corresponding gold(I)-complex.

Bismuth Infrared Star: being at a glance.

Bismuth polycations have garnered significant attention from researchers due to their extraordinary and counter-intuitive structures and stoichiometries. Despite extensive experimental and theoretical investigations, our understanding of the bonding in such clusters remains insufficient. In this study, we conducted an AdNDP bonding analysis to elucidate the bonding characteristics using both homoatomic and heteroatomic bismuth clusters with various stoichiometries. By analyzing the calculated nucleus-independent chemical shift data, we confirmed the aromatic nature of these species. We identified some universal bonding patterns that can be applied to a range of homoatomic and heteroatomic bismuth clusters. Additionally, we performed calculations of absorbance and fluorescence spectra to gain insights into the near-infrared emission and establish a potential correlation between absorbance and the identified bonding patterns.

Intervention strategies to implement a preventive conservation and maintenance plan in concrete buildings in the modern period of Bogotá

Reinforced concrete was the material of choice for many architects of the modern era, exploiting the material in a multitude of creative and innovative ways. Many of the most extraordinary structures of the modern era demonstrate the potential of reinforced concrete and illustrate the rapid evolution of the material throughout the 20th century. It is the most used material in the construction industry due to its high resistance and its ease of molding when it is prepared, it also contains steel in the form of rod and wire, with a useful life of its components, built as a system, for more of one hundred years as long as they are well designed, well built and above all they are given adequate maintenance. However, the durability of concrete structures depends on several main environmental factors, the quality of the raw material and its maintenance. Some of the studies and research projects on the subject of Concrete focus on the historiography of reinforced concrete in Colombia, where some authors highlight aspects of construction processes, technical innovations, construction companies, and architecture and engineering projects that were pioneers in the 20th century. In Colombia, a historical context of this material and the most representative projects in the city of Bogotá, Colombia are detailed below.

Studying Thin Films to Decode Material Behavior

This article delves into the area of thin films, which are ultrathin layers that challenge traditional boundaries and serve as pioneers in technological advancements. In this study, we utilize the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package (VASP) to investigate the behavior of thin films from a quantum perspective. In this discourse, we undertake the task of elucidating the complex interplay of electrons, visualizing the topography of energy, and unraveling the fundamental nature of material phenomena that extend beyond direct observation. Through the utilization of intricate visual representations, we establish a connection between intricate quantum events and tangible visuals, facilitating the integration of the microscopic and macroscopic realms. This process contributes to the development of novel frameworks within the fields of materials science and technology. This study explores the synergistic relationship between VASP and thin films, providing valuable insights that have implications for innovation. It encourages us to reconsider the untapped potential of these extraordinary structures.

Modulating the Charge Transfer Plasmon in Bridged Au Core-Satellite Homometallic Nanostructures.

The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is one of the important properties for noble metal nanoparticles. Tuning the LSPR on demand thus has attracted tremendous interest. Beyond the size and shape control, manipulating intraparticle coupling is an effective way to tailor their LSPR. The charge transfer plasmon (CTP) is the most important mode of conductive coupling between subunits linked by conductive bridges that are well studied for structures prepared on substrates by lithography method. However, the colloidal synthesis of CTP structure remains a great challenge. This work reports the colloidal synthesis of extraordinary bridged Au core-satellite structures by exploiting the buffer effect of polydopamine shell on Au core for Au atom diffusion, in which the Au bridge is well controlled in terms of width and length. Benefiting from the tunable Au bridges, the resonance energy of the CTP can be readily controlled. As a result, the LSPR absorptions of the core-satellite structures are continuously tuned within the NIR spectral range (from 900 to >1300nm), demonstrating their great potentials for ultrafast nano-optics and biomedical applications.

Are extraordinary nucleosome structures more ordinary than we thought?

The nucleosome is a DNA-protein assembly that is the basic unit of chromatin. A nucleosome can adopt various structures. In the canonical nucleosome structure, 145-147bp of DNA is wrapped around a histone heterooctamer. The strong histone-DNA interactions cause the DNA to be inaccessible for nuclear processes such as transcription. Therefore, the canonical nucleosome structure has to be altered into different, non-canonical structures to increase DNA accessibility. While it is recognised that non-canonical structures do exist, these structures are not well understood. In this review, we discuss both the evidence for various non-canonical nucleosome structures in the nucleus and the factors that are believed to induce these structures. The wide range of non-canonical structures is likely to regulate the amount of accessible DNA, and thus have important nuclear functions.

Libanogomphidae, a new extraordinary dragonfly family from the Upper Cretaceous of Lebanon (Odonata, Anisoptera)

Libanogomphus lionelcavini gen. et sp. nov., the third dragonfly fossilized in compression from the Lebanese Cretaceous, is described and illustrated. It is attributed to the new gomphid family Libanogomphidae on the basis of a series of extraordinary structures in the hind wing venation, never observed elsewhere among Odonata. More or less similar structures can be found in the Palaeozoic odonatopteran Meganeuridae or Protanisoptera. This new fossil confirms the originality of the odonatan fauna of the Lebanese Cretaceous. It also further suggests that our current knowledge on the Mesozoic odonatan diversity is quite under-evaluated.

ICANTILEVER ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURES OF MODERN BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES WITH A UNIQUE IMAGE OF OVERCOMING GRAVITY

The article reveals the features of cantilever architectural structures on a number of examples from foreign and domestic author's architecture. The article reveals the features of cantilever architectural structures on a number of examples from foreign and domestic author's architecture. Architectural cantilever structures create a unique imagery of overcoming gravity and ignoring the static laws of building mechanics. Therefore, with the development of architectural and construction engineering technologies, modern architects have exceptional opportunities for designing buildings and structures with cantilever volumes of considerable size and weight. The objects of foreign and domestic architecture given in the article speak of the close collaboration of architects and designers, when the complex and laborious search for a special imagery of cantilever structures is inextricably linked with the tasks of a sustainable balance of extraordinary cantilever structures. From the given structural diagrams and volumetric compositional solutions of cantilever architecture objects, the following stand out: inclined "falling" type; solution in the form of a cantilever "loop"; "folding" of elongated buildings with cantilever extensions; "pulling" V -shaped in terms of design in a significant console. At the present stage in architectural and construction practice, such issues of the use of cantilever structures as: research in terms of optimizing their mass, taking into account stability; features of the impact of the design of cantilever structures in modern architecture; analysis of the structural safety of cantilever elements in conditions of extreme wind; cantilever structures in modern construction, etc. Images of buildings and structures that contradict the laws of statics become the leading volumetric compositional solution in a number of buildings of modern architecture.

Customized dielectric-magnetic balance enhanced electromagnetic wave absorption performance in CuxS/CoFe2O4 composites

2D transition metal sulfide compounds (CuxS) have gained much interest in electromagnetic wave absorption. However, the high conductivity of CuxS results in inferior absorption performance. To solve this problem, magnetic component (CoFe2O4) is compounded with CuxS to build the novel electromagnetic wave absorber with extraordinary structures. CoFe2O4 not only contributes to adjusting the electromagnetic parameters, but also enhances the electromagnetic wave attenuation ability and regulates the absorption band. In this work, snowflake-shaped and nanoflower-shaped CuxS/CoFe2O4 composites were successfully fabricated by regulating different metal salts and solvents. Reasonable collocation of dielectric and magnetic components avoids the impedance mismatch, enhancing conduction loss, polarization loss, magnetic loss. The results show that nanoflower-shaped CuS/CoFe2O4 exhibits electromagnetic wave (EMW) absorption performance with the minimum reflection loss (RLmin) of −57.60 dB and the maxima effective absorption band (EABmax) of 4.0 GHz. Further, as the morphology changes to snowflake, the RLmin of Cu2S/CoFe2O4 increases to –66.58 dB, whose EABmax is 6.64 GHz at 2.1 mm, and the main absorption peaks shift to X-band. This work provides a versatile strategy for copper base sulfide on excellent and tunable EMW absorption performance.

Novel phenoxo-bridged di- and tri-nuclear Cu(II) salamo-like complexes driven by various counter-anions

A N2O3-donor aldehyde-appended salamo-like ligand H2L has been designed and synthesized successfully, and can be used to prepare [{Cu(L)}2] (1) and [Cu3(L)2(EtOH)2]·2ClO4 (2) with different nuclearity and extraordinary structures by changing the reaction conditions (various counter-anions and solvent molecules). In addition, the structures of two complexes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction experiments. The results showed that complex 1 is a novel (L)2−: Cu(II) = 1:1 non-centrosymmetrical homobinuclear dimeric Cu(II) complex, where Cu1 sited in the N2O2-donor position also coordinates with one phenolic oxygen atom of another ligand (L)2− moiety to construct two discrete metal–ligand [Cu(L)] units. However, Noteworthy, the influence of the interaction of multiple counter-anions and solvents led to the formation of a novel (L)2−: Cu(II) = 2:3 homotrinuclear centrosymmetric sandwich-like dimeric structure in complex 2, where Cu2 located at the O6 position bridges two [Cu(L)(EtOH)] metalated ligand moieties. Finally, two novel homopolynuclear dimeric Cu(II) complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, coordination cavities analyses, infrared spectroscopy (IR), electrostatic potential analyses (ESP), interaction region indicator (IRI) analyses and DFT calculation, UV–vis, luminescence spectroscopy and Free regions analyses.

Disorder Effects in One-Dimensionally Periodic Extraordinary Transmission Structures

Extraordinary transmission structures show promising capabilities for highly selective filters in both frequency and angle of incidence. However, their realistic response once manufacturing limitations are taken into account remains unexplored. In this manuscript, we explore a novel degree of freedom: disorder. We expand on previously developed highly efficient method of moment (MoM) implementations to study the effects on the transmission properties of large but finite chains of slots due to different families of disorder: lateral and vertical displacements as well as scatterer manipulation (modifying sizes and rotation angles), showing their effects on the transmission spectrum.

Interfacial Evolution of the Solid Electrolyte Interphase and Lithium Deposition in Graphdiyne-Based Lithium-Ion Batteries.

All-carbon graphdiyne (GDY)-based materials have attracted extensive attention owing to their extraordinary structures and outstanding performance in electrochemical energy storage. Straightforward insights into the interfacial evolution at GDY electrode/electrolyte interface could crucially enrich the fundamental comprehensions and inspire targeted regulations. Herein, in situ optical microscopy and atomic force microscopy monitoring of the GDY and N-doped GDY electrodes reveal the interplay between the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) and Li deposition. The growth and continuous accumulation of the flocculent-like SEI is directly tracked at the surface of GDY electrode. Moreover, the nanoparticle-shaped SEI homogeneously propagates at the interface when N configurations are involved, providing a critical clue for the N-doping effects of stabilizing interfaces and homogenizing Li deposition. This work probes into the dynamic evolution and structure-reactivity correlation in detail, creating effective strategies for GDY-based materials optimization in lithium-ion batteries.

Distinct forms of resonant optimality within insect indirect flight motors.

Insect flight motors are extraordinary natural structures that operate efficiently at high frequencies. Structural resonance is thought to play a role in ensuring efficient motor operation, but the details of this role are elusive. While the efficiency benefits associated with resonance may be significant, a range of counterintuitive behaviours are observed. In particular, the relationship between insect wingbeat frequencies and thoracic natural frequencies is uncertain, with insects showing wingbeat frequency modulation over both short and long time scales. Here, we offer new explanations for this modulation. We show how, in linear and nonlinear models of an indirect flight motor, resonance is not a unitary state at a single frequency, but a complex cluster of distinct and mutually exclusive states, each representing a different form of resonant optimality. Additionally, by characterizing the relationship between resonance and the state of negative work absorption within the motor, we demonstrate how near-perfect resonant energetic optimality can be maintained over significant wingbeat frequency ranges. Our analysis leads to a new conceptual model of flight motor operation: one in which insects are not energetically restricted to a precise wingbeat frequency, but instead are robust to changes in thoracic and environmental properties-an illustration of the extraordinary robustness of these natural motors.

Extraordinary structures of orphan methyltransferases with their substrate DNA

Extraordinary structures of orphan methyltransferases with their substrate DNA

Extraordinary structures of orphan methyltransferases with their substrate DNA

Extraordinary structures of orphan methyltransferases with their substrate DNA