Growth Mechanism Research Articles

Effect of Al: W value on the precipitation process of Co-Al-W alloy: A phase-field study

The microstructure evolution of Co-10Al-xW (x=8, 10, 12) alloys at different Al: W values was simulated based on the microscopic phase field dynamics model. The results show that: the Al: W value affects the γ′ phase precipitation mechanism of Co-Al-W alloy. When Al: W>1, the precipitation mechanism of γ′ phase of Co-10Al-8W alloy is non-classical nucleation and growth mechanism. When Al: W=1, the γ′ phase precipitation mechanism of Co-10Al-10W alloy is a mixture of non-classical nucleation and growth mechanism and instability decomposition mechanism, meanwhile, the formation time of γ/γ′ stable microstructure morphology is the shortest, and the stability of γ′ ordered phase is stronger. When Al: W<1, the γ′ phase precipitation mechanism of Co-10Al-12W alloy is a mixed mechanism of equal component ordering and instability decomposition mechanism. Under different Al: W values, the γ′ precipitate phase of Co-Al-W alloy has similar stable micromorphology in the late precipitation stage, and all of them show square blocks along the direction of [001] and [100]. The main antisite defects in Co-Al-W alloys are AlCo and CoAl defects, and the influence of Al: W value on the antisite defects at different sites is different.

Nanoinert diatomaceous and emamectin benzoate: Enhancing wheat protection against fall armyworms for sustainable management

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda, poses a significant global threat to agriculture due to its wide geographic range, high reproductive rate, and ability to thrive in diverse climates and habitats. A field study was conducted to evaluate the potential of nano-inert dust particles, specifically nano-diatomaceous earth (N-DE) and nano-potassium silicate (N-K2SiO3), individually and in combination with emamectin benzoate, to manage FAW larvae infesting wheat plants (Triticum aestivum L.). The field experiments occurred during the winter seasons of 2021 and 2022 in Qaha, Qalubya Governorate, Egypt. Results revealed that the combined application of N-DE and N-K2SiO3 with emamectin benzoate outperformed other treatments, achieving larval reduction rates of 93.33 % and 86.66 % in 2021 and 89.31 % and 86.90 % in 2022 after a 10-day interval from the second spray. Moreover, supplementation with N-DE and N-K2SiO3 enhanced plant height, tiller count, leaf number, foaming, suspensibility, surface tension, and pH compared to using emamectin benzoate alone. Additionally, foliar application of N-K2SiO3 and N-DE increased total flavonoids (4.23 and 3.24 mg CE/g) and total phenolic compounds (1.35 and 1.12 mg/g F. Wt.), as well as plant silicate content, indicating improved plant health and pest resistance. This study underscores the efficacy of N-DE and N-K2SiO3 in reducing FAW infestations and enhancing plant growth and defense mechanisms.

The property and function of proteins undergoing liquid-liquid phase separation in plants.

A wide variety of membrane-less organelles in cells play an essential role in regulating gene expression, RNA processing, plant growth and development, and helping organisms cope with changing external environments. In biology, liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) usually refers to a reversible process in which one or more specific molecular components are spontaneously separated from the bulk environment, producing two distinct liquid phases: concentrated and dilute. LLPSmay be a powerful cellular compartmentalisation mechanism whereby biocondensates formed via LLPS when biomolecules exceed critical or saturating concentrations in the environment where they are found will be generated. It has been widely used to explain the formation of membrane-less organelles in organisms. LLPS studies in the context of plant physiology are now widespread, but most of the research is still focused on non-plant systems; the study of phase separation in plants needs to be more thorough. Proteins and nucleic acids are the main components involved in LLPS. This review summarises the specific features and properties of biomolecules undergoing LLPS in plants. We describe in detail these biomolecules' structural characteristics, the mechanism of formation of condensates, and the functions of these condensates. Finally, We summarised the phase separation mechanisms in plant growth, development, and stress adaptation.

Temperature dependence mechanism of high-temperature oxidation of transition metal silicide MoSi2

Transition metal silicides represented by MoSi2 have excellent oxidation resistance and are widely used as high-temperature anti-oxidation coatings in hot end components of power equipment. However, the mechanism of temperature-dependent growth of MoSi2 oxidation products has not been revealed. Therefore, this study investigated the formation characteristics of oxide film and silicide-poor compound on MoSi2 at temperatures of 1000 °C–1550 °C through high-temperature oxidation experiments, combined with microscopic Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, and x-ray diffraction (XRD) characterizations. The result showed that MoSi2 underwent high-temperature selective oxidation reactions at 1000 °C–1200 °C, forming MoO2 and SiO2 oxide film on the substrate. As the oxidation temperature increased to 1550 °C, after 100 h of oxidation, along with the disappearance of MoO2 and the phase transformation of SiO2, a continuous Mo5Si3 layer with a thickness of approximately 47 μm was formed at the SiO2–MoSi2 interface. Thermodynamics and kinetic calculations further revealed the mechanism of temperature-dependent growth of oxidation products (MoO2 and Mo5Si3) during high-temperature oxidation process of MoSi2. As the temperature increased, the diffusion flux ratio of O and Si decreased, leading to a decrease in oxygen concentration at the interface and promoting the growth of the Mo5Si3 layer. Its thickness is an important indicator for evaluating the oxidation resistance of MoSi2 coatings during service. This study provides experimental and mechanistic insights into the temperature-dependent growth behavior of Mo5Si3 during the high-temperature oxidation of MoSi2 coating, and provides guidance for predicting the service life and improving the oxidation resistance of silicide coatings.

Non-small cell lung cancer and metabolism research from 2013 to 2023: a visual analysis and bibliometric study

BackgroundAs one of the most prevalent primary lung tumors, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has garnered considerable research interest due to its high metastasis rates and poor prognosis outcomes. Across different cancer types, metabolic processes are required for tumors progression and growth, thus interfering with such processes in NSCLC may therapeutically viable for limiting/halting disease progression. Therefore, comprehending how metabolic processes contribute to growth and survival mechanisms in cancers, including NSCLC, may elucidate key functions underpinning tumor cell metabolism. However, no bibliometric analyses have been published in this field, therefore we address this knowledge gap here.MethodsBetween 2013 and 2023 (December 28th), articles related to the NSCLC and metabolism (NSCLC-Met) field were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). To fully dissect NSCLC-Met research directions and articles, we used the Bibliometrix package in R, VOSviewer and CiteSpace software to visually represent global trends and hotspots.ResultsBetween 2013 and 2023, 2,246 NSCLC-Met articles were retrieved, with a continuous upward trend and rapid development observed year on year. Cancers published the most articles, with Cancer Research recording the highest average citation numbers. Zhang Li from China was the most prolific author, but the highest number of authors came from the USA. China, USA, and Italy were the top three countries with the highest number of published articles, with close cooperation identified between countries. Recent hotspots and research directions were reflected by “lung adenocarcinoma”, “immunotherapy”, “nivolumab”, “checkpoint inhibitors”, “blockade”, and “pembrolizumab”, while “gut microbiome”, “egfr” and “dose painting” were important topics for researchers.ConclusionFrom our analyses, scientists can now explore new hotspots and research directions in the NSCLC-Met field. Further in-depth research in this field will undoubtedly provide more new insights on disease diagnostics, treatment, and prognostics.

Facile Characterization of Isothermal Crystallization and Microphase Separation Kinetics of Polyamide 6 (PA6)‐Based Thermoplastic Elastomers

AbstractThe facile characterization of isothermal microphase separation kinetics in polyamide 6 (PA6)‐based thermoplastic elastomers (TPAE‐6) has long posed a challenge for the development of suitable melt spinning processes. In this study, this challenge is addressed through differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements. It is assumed that the enthalpy changes of TPAE‐6 during the isothermal process are a linear superposition of enthalpy changes associated with microphase separation and crystallization of PA6 in hard phases, resembling that of TPAE‐6 without soft segments (TPAE‐6‐0). The study reveals that, as the concentration of soft segments in TPAE‐6 increases, the accelerated dynamics of phase separation become stronger than the dilution of soft segments to PA6 segments during isothermal process, resulting in an increase in the microphase separation rate of TPAE‐6. Furthermore, despite microphase separation, the overall crystallization rate of TPAE‐6 decreases with rising isothermal temperature and varies with increasing soft segment content at different temperatures. Additionally, the crystallization mode of TPAE‐6 follows two‐dimensional, three‐dimensional, or a combination of both crystal growth mechanisms, accompanied by a heterogeneous nucleation mechanism.

Cysteine-induced growth of jagged gold bipyramids from penta-twinned nanorod seeds.

The understanding on the growth mechanism of complex gold nanostructures both experimentally and theoretically can guide their design and fabrication toward various applications. In this work, we report a cysteine-directed overgrowth of penta-twinned nanorod seeds into jagged gold bipyramids with discontinuous stepped {hhk} facets. By monitoring the growth process, we find that {hhk} facets with large k/h values (∼7) are formed first at two ends of the nanorods, followed by the protrusion of the middle section exposing {hhk} facets with smaller indices (k/h ∼ 2-3). Molecular dynamics simulations indicate that the strong adsorption of cysteine molecules on {110} facets is likely responsible for the formation of stepped {hhk} facets, and the stronger adsorption of cysteine molecules on {hhk} facets with smaller k/h compared to that on {hhk} facets with larger k/h is a possible cause of the discontinuity of {hhk} facets at the middle of gold bipyramids. The obtained jagged gold bipyramids display large field enhancement under illumination due to their sharp nanostructures, demonstrating their application potentials in surface-enhanced spectroscopy and catalysis.

Temperature and thickness-dependent silver hillock generation mechanism and surface morphology nature of direct plated silver layers onto copper substrates

This study delves into the formation of hillocks on Ag surfaces, particularly those resulting from heat-induced processes. We investigate the Ag hillock generation mechanisms in direct Ag plating layers on copper (Cu) substrates, employing a combination of experimental and numerical approaches for comprehensive quantification. In the Ag layer system directly plated on Cu, the strain inside the grain system significantly increases as the temperature increases, but the energy level of the system drops due to the relaxation of the internal strain starting from a certain critical temperature. Namely, the Ag hillock growth mechanisms on Ag plated Cu substrate originated from the microstructural development with thermomechanical behaviors. Nevertheless, the Ag layer directly plated on Cu suffered Ag-Cu diffusion through the grain boundary due to heat, which contaminated the Ag plating surface. Hillock formation is possible even in an Ag layer directly plated on a Cu substrate, but Ag-Cu diffusion may be a factor that inhibits the development and growth of Ag hillocks. In this study, the major feature of the Ag hillock formation on the direct Ag layer plated on Cu substrate was systematically clarified in terms of the microstructures and mechanics of materials.

Learning the mechanisms of network growth

We propose a novel model-selection method for dynamic networks. Our approach involves training a classifier on a large body of synthetic network data. The data is generated by simulating nine state-of-the-art random graph models for dynamic networks, with parameter range chosen to ensure exponential growth of the network size in time. We design a conceptually novel type of dynamic features that count new links received by a group of vertices in a particular time interval. The proposed features are easy to compute, analytically tractable, and interpretable. Our approach achieves a near-perfect classification of synthetic networks, exceeding the state-of-the-art by a large margin. Applying our classification method to real-world citation networks gives credibility to the claims in the literature that models with preferential attachment, fitness and aging fit real-world citation networks best, although sometimes, the predicted model does not involve vertex fitness.

Primary Metabolic Response of Aristolochia contorta to Simulated Specialist Herbivory under Elevated CO2 Conditions

This study explores how elevated carbon dioxide (CO2) levels affects the growth and defense mechanisms of plants. We focused on Aristolochia contorta Bunge (Aristolochiaceae), a wild plant that exhibits growth reduction under elevated CO2 in the previous study. The plant has Sericinus montela Gray (Papilionidae) as a specialist herbivore. By analyzing primary metabolites, understanding both the growth and defense response of plants to herbivory under elevated CO2 conditions is possible. The experiment was conducted across four groups, combining two CO2 concentration conditions (ambient CO2 and elevated CO2) with two herbivory conditions (herbivory treated and untreated). Although many plants exhibit increased growth under elevated CO2 levels, A. contorta exhibited reduced growth with lower height, dry weight, and total leaf area. Under herbivory, A. contorta triggered both localized and systemic responses. More primary metabolites exhibited significant differences due to herbivory treatment in systemic tissue than local leaves that herbivory was directly treated. Herbivory under elevated CO2 level triggered more significant responses in primary metabolites (17 metabolites) than herbivory under ambient CO2 conditions (five metabolites). Several defense-related metabolites exhibited higher concentrations in the roots and lower concentrations in the leaves in response to the herbivory treatment in the elevated CO2 group. This suggests a potential intensification of defensive responses in the underground parts of the plant under elevated CO2 levels. Our findings underscore the importance of considering both abiotic and biotic factors in understanding plant responses to environmental changes. The adaptive strategies of A. contorta suggest a complex response mechanism to elevated CO2 and herbivory pressures.

Alkane-Translocated Cells of Rhodococcus Strains Utilize Dissolved Oxygen in the Alkane Phase of an Aqueous-Alkane Two-phase Culture.

To clarify the growth mechanisms of Rhodococcus in the alkane phase, we measured oxygen utilization in the alkane phase. The results showed that dissolved oxygen decreased significantly when viable cells were present in the alkane phase. The findings suggested that Rhodococcus strains can grow in alkanes and utilize the resident dissolved oxygen.

Synthesis and characterization of C@CdS core-shell structures for high-performance capacitors

The present study investigates the synthesis and characterization of carbon@cadium sulphide (C@CdS) core-shell nanostructures for their potential application in electrochemical double-layer (ECDL) capacitors. Two distinct synthesis methods, hydrothermal route and co-precipitation method, were employed to fabricate C@CdS materials, each resulting in unique morphology and growth mechanisms. Detailed microstructural analyses, including high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD), revealed nanosheets in co-precipitated sample (CCSP) and core-shell structures in hydrothermally synthesized sample (CCSA). Optical investigations using UV-Vis spectroscopy provided insights into the absorbance properties of the synthesized materials. Electrical characterization, including frequency response testing and impedance analysis, demonstrated distinct capacitive behaviours for CCSP and CCSA, highlighting their potential for use in energy storage applications. Electrical characterization, including frequency response testing, impedance analysis, and galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) curve analysis, demonstrated distinct capacitive behaviours for CCSP and CCSA, highlighting their potential for use in energy storage applications. The integration of optical, structural, and electrical analyses provides a comprehensive understanding of the synthesized C@CdS core-shell nanostructures, offering insights into their potential application for ECDL capacitor technology and other emerging energy storage applications. Further optimization of synthesis parameters and exploration of scalable production methods are suggested for future research endeavors.

Comparison of the Effect of Pruning on Plant Growth and Transcriptome Profiles in Different Tea Varieties

Although pruning contributes to the growth and development of new shoots, it is important to note that the growth potential and yield of tea varieties may differ after pruning due to genetic and environmental factors. In this experiment, 20 different varieties of tea plants were used to observe their potential for growth, shoot development, and other phenotypic indexes after pruning. The study aimed to determine the suitability of each variety for heavy pruning. It was concluded that there were obvious differences in tree strength and new growth after pruning of the different varieties, with ‘Zhongcha 302’ exhibiting the strongest growth and ‘Emei Wenchun’ showing the weakest growth. In order to understand the molecular mechanisms involved, a transcriptomic analysis was carried out on the two tea varieties. The results of the data indicate that the expression of CYP450 family was high in ‘Zhongcha 302’. In ‘Emei Wenchun’, the expression of NCED was higher than that in ‘Zhongcha 302’. The KEGG results indicate that pruning stimulates the expression of genes involved in phytohormone signalling and plant–pathogen interaction pathways in tea plants. The study offered scientific guidance for tea plant pruning suitability and preliminarily revealed the regulatory mechanism of new shoot growth in different tea plant varieties at the transcriptome level.

Preparation of CuBTC@PET Hierarchically Porous Composite Membranes via In Situ Growth Method and Their Antibacterial Filtration Performance

Processing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into functional materials has both sustainable and economic significance. Therefore, this study aims to prepare functional nanofibers using PET, combining electrospun nanofibers with metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), which is an effective solution to increase the added value of functional nanofiltration membranes (NFMs). The surface morphology of PET fibers is successfully controlled by electrospinning parameters and post-treatment. The formation of a uniform coating of CuBTC crystals on the PET surface is induced by a simple and low-cost in situ growth technique. CuBTC@PET was treated to prepare superhydrophobic CuBTC@PET (SCP), thus improving the stability of CuBTC in water and expanding its potential applications. Through a series of optical and thermal characterizations, the porous morphology formation mechanism and MOF in situ growth mechanism of SCP fibers were discussed. Then, the air filtration performance and bacteriostatic properties of SCP nanofiltration membranes were investigated. The as-prepared SCP showed a high water contact angle (146.4°), low-pressure drop (39.7 Pa), and high filtration efficiency (95.3%, 3 μm NaCl), as well as unique, broad-spectrum antibiosis potency against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). This study shows that SCP nanofiltration membranes can be practically applied in high-performance antibacterial filtration membranes.

Bridging fungal resistance and plant growth through constitutive overexpression of Thchit42 gene in Pelargonium graveolens.

Thchit42 constitutive expression for fungal resistance showed synchronisation with leaf augmentation and transcriptome analysis revealed the Longifolia and Zinc finger RICESLEEPER gene is responsible for plant growth and development. Pelargonium graveolens essential oil possesses significant attributes, known for perfumery and aromatherapy. However, optimal yield and propagation are predominantly hindered by biotic stress. All biotechnological approaches have yet to prove effective in addressing fungal resistance. The current study developed transgenic geranium bridging molecular mechanism of fungal resistance and plant growth by introducing cassette 35S::Thchit42. Furthermore, 120 independently putative transformed explants were regenerated on kanamycin fortified medium. Primarily transgenic lines were demonstrated peak pathogenicity and antifungal activity against formidable Colletotrichum gloeosporioides and Fusarium oxysporum. Additionally, phenotypic analysis revealed ~ 2fold increase in leaf size and ~ 2.1fold enhanced oil content. To elucidate the molecular mechanisms for genotypic cause, de novo transcriptional profiles were analyzed to indicate that the auxin-regulated longifolia gene is accountable for augmentation in leaf size, and zinc finger (ZF) RICESLEEPER attributes growth upregulation. Collectively, data provides valuable insights into unravelling the mechanism of Thchit42-mediated crosstalk between morphological and chemical alteration in transgenic plants. This knowledge might create novel opportunities to cultivate fungal-resistant geranium throughout all seasons to fulfil demand.

Regulation of Two-Dimensional Platelet Micelles with Tunable Core Composition Distribution via Coassembly Seeded Growth Approach.

Seeded growth termed "living" crystallization-driven self-assembly (CDSA) has been identified as a powerful method to create one- or two-dimensional nanoparticles. Epitaxial crystallization is usually regarded as the growth mechanism for the formation of uniform micelles. From this perspective, the unimer depositing rate is largely related to the crystallization temperature, which is a key factor to determine the crystallization rate and regulate the core composition distribution among nanoparticles. In the present work, the coassembly of two distinct crystallizable polymers is explored in detail in a one-pot seeded growth protocol. Results have shown that polylactone containing a larger number of methylene groups (-CH2-) in their repeating units such as poly(η-octalactone) (POL) has a faster crystallization rate compared to poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) with a smaller number of -CH2- at ambient temperature (25 °C), thus a block or blocky platelet structure with heterogeneous composition distribution is formed. In contrast, when the crystallization temperature decreases to 4 °C, the difference of crystallization rate between both cores become negligible. Consequently, a completely random component distribution within 2D platelets is observed. Moreover, we also reveal that the core component of seed micelles is also paramount for the coassembly seeded growth, and a unique structure of flower-like platelet micelle is created from the coassembly of PCL/POL using POL core-forming seeds. This study on the formation of platelet micelles by one-pot seeded growth using two crystallizable components offers a considerable scope for the design of 2D polymer nanomaterials with a controlled core component distribution.

Mechanism and growth kinetics of Al3Ti phase in fifteen-layered Ti Gr.1/A1050 clads produced with the explosive welding technique

This study was dedicated to the detailed characterization of the microstructural changes and the phase analysis of the interfaces formed in explosive welding of multilayered Ti Gr.1/A1050 clads. The significant effect of the detonation source localization on the microstructure of the welded materials interfaces after collision, and consequently on the diffusion processes induced by the elevated temperature was showed. Annealing process at 550 °C for series of time intervals of the Ti/Al clad allowed to determine the growth mechanism of the Al3Ti phase formed along particular interfaces. Moreover, the microstructure observations and calculations evidenced different growth mechanisms related to the localization of the Ti/Al interface in respect to the detonation source.

Properties, Synthesis and Emerging Applications of Graphdiyne: A Journey Through Recent Advancements.

Graphdiyne (GDY) is a new variant of nano-carbon material with excellent chemical, physical and electronic properties. It has attracted wide attention from researchers and industrialists for its extensive role in the fields of optics, electronics, bio-medics and energy. The unique arrangement of sp-sp2 carbon atoms, linear acetylenic linkages, uniform pores and highly conjugated structure offer numerous potentials for further exploration of GDY materials. However, since the material is at its infancy, not much understanding is available regarding its properties, growth mechanism and future applications. Therefore, in this review, readers are guided through a brief discussion on GDY's properties, different synthesis procedures with a special focus on surface functionalization and a list of applications for GDY. The review also critically analyses the advantages and disadvantages of each synthesis route and emphasizes the future scope of the material.

Large-Substrate-Terrace Confined Growth of Arrayed Ultrathin PtSe2 Ribbons on Step-Bunched Vicinal Au(001) Facets Toward Electrocatalytic Applications.

Ultrathin PtSe2 ribbons can host spin-polarized edge states and distinct edge electrocatalytic activity, emerging as a promising candidate for versatile applications in various fields. However, the direct synthesis is still challenging and the growth mechanism is still unclear. Herein, the arrayed growth of ultrathin PtSe2 ribbons on bunched vicinal Au(001) facets, via a facile chemical vapor deposition (CVD) route is reported. The ultrathin PtSe2 flakes can transform from traditional irregular shapes to desired ribbon shapes by increasing the height of bunched and unidirectionally oriented Au steps (with step height hstep) is found. This crossover, occurring at hstep ≈ 3.0nm, defines the tailored growth from step-flow to single-terrace-confined modes, as validated by density functional theory calculations of the different system energies. On the millimeter-scale single-crystal Au(001) films with aligned steps, the arrayed ultrathin PtSe2 ribbons with tunable width of ≈20-1000nm, which are then served as prototype electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is achieved. This work should represent a huge leap in the direct synthesis and the mechanism exploration of arrayed ultrathin transition-metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) ribbons, which should stimulate further explorations of the edge-related physical properties and practical applications.

General Synthesis of Metal Indium Sulfide Atomic Layers for Photocatalysis.

The metal indium sulfides have attracted extensive research interest in photocatalysis due to regulable atomic configuration and excellent optoelectronic properties. However, the synthesis of metal indium sulfide atomic layers is still challenging since intrinsic non-van-der-Waals layered structures of some components. Here, a surfactant self-assembly growth mechanism is proposed to controllably synthesize metal indium sulfide atomic layers. Eleven types of atomic layers with tunable compositions, thickness, and defect concentrations are successfully achieved namely In2S3, MgIn2S4, CaIn2S4, MnIn2S4, FeIn2S4, ZnIn2S4, Zn2In2S5, Zn4In16S33, CuInS2, CuIn5S8, and CdIn2S4. The typical CaIn2S4 shows a defect-dependence activity for CO2 photoreduction. The designed S vacancies in CaIn2S4 can serve as catalytic centers to activate CO2 molecules via localized electrons for π-back-donation. The engineered S vacancies tune the non-covalent interaction with CO2 and intermediates, manages to tune the free energy, and lower the reaction energy barrier. As a result, the defect-rich CaIn2S4 displays 2.82× improved reduction rate than defect-poor CaIn2S4. Meantime, other components also display promising photocatalytic performance, such as Zn2In2S5 with a H2O2 photosynthesis rate of 292µmolg-1h-1 and CuInS2 with N2-NH4 + conversion rate of 54µmolg-1h-1. This work paves the way for the multidisciplinary exploration of metal indium sulfide atomic layers with unique photocatalysis properties.