In-plane Orientation Research Articles

A fibrous scaffold for in vitro culture and experimental studies of Physcomitrium patens

AbstractThe model moss, Physcomitrium patens, is routinely cultured on cellophane placed over a solid nutrient medium. While this culture method is convenient for moss propagation, it is not suitable for studying how topographical features and mechanical cues from the environment influence the growth and development of moss. Here, we show that P. patens can be grown on fibrous scaffolds consisting of nanoscale, randomly oriented fibers composed of polyvinylidene tri‐fluoroethylene (NRP). The moss adheres tightly to NRP in contrast to the lack of adhesion to cellophane. Adhesion to the scaffold is associated with slower tip growth of moss protonema for some time, followed by an increase in tip growth rate that is equivalent to that on cellophane. In addition, the orientation of the first subapical cell division plane differs between NRP‐grown and cellophane‐grown protonema. Nonetheless, moss colonies grown on NRP did not show signs of nutrient or photosynthetic stress and developed normal gametophores. Together, these data establish NRP as a suitable substrate for the culture of P. patens and to probe the influence of mechanical forces on tip growth and cell division of moss.

Assessment of Particulate Matter, Heavy Metals, and Carbon Deposition Capacities of Urban Tree Species in Tehran, Iran

Air pollution is a pressing environmental concern in urban areas, with particulate matter (PM) posing serious health and environmental threats. Urban greening has emerged as a potential solution to capture and retain PM. This study assesses the PM deposition capacity of five common tree species: Morus alba (M. alba), Ailanthus altissima (A. altissima), Platanus orientalis (P. orientalis), Robinia pseudoacacia (R. pseudoacacia), and Ulmus minor (U. minor) in two highly polluted sites in Tehran, Iran. Additionally, this study investigates the accumulation of heavy metals (Ni, Fe, Cd, and Pb), Organic Carbon (OC), Elemental Carbon (EC), and Total Carbon (TC) on the leaves of these tree species. The results demonstrate species-specific differences in PM deposition capacity, with U. minor and M. alba showing high PM retention. A. altissima exhibits strong capability in adsorbing PM 0.1–2.5, while U. minor demonstrates greater retention of PM > 2.5. Moreover, the deposition of heavy metals varies among species, with R. pseudoacacia and A. altissima capturing higher levels. This study highlights the significance of appropriate tree utilization in urban environments against air pollution in order to make the air healthier in major cities. Awareness of the different tree species capacities leads urban planners and policymakers to make intelligent decisions about urban greening initiatives to improve air quality and overall well-being.

SHR and SCR coordinate root patterning and growth early in the cell cycle

Precise control of cell division is essential for proper patterning and growth during the development of multicellular organisms. Coordination of formative divisions that generate new tissue patterns with proliferative divisions that promote growth is poorly understood. SHORTROOT (SHR) and SCARECROW (SCR) are transcription factors that are required for formative divisions in the stem cell niche of Arabidopsis roots1,2. Here we show that levels of SHR and SCR early in the cell cycle determine the orientation of the division plane, resulting in either formative or proliferative cell division. We used 4D quantitative, long-term and frequent (every 15 min for up to 48 h) light sheet and confocal microscopy to probe the dynamics of SHR and SCR in tandem within single cells of living roots. Directly controlling their dynamics with an SHR induction system enabled us to challenge an existing bistable model3 of the SHR–SCR gene-regulatory network and to identify key features that are essential for rescue of formative divisions in shr mutants. SHR and SCR kinetics do not align with the expected behaviour of a bistable system, and only low transient levels, present early in the cell cycle, are required for formative divisions. These results reveal an uncharacterized mechanism by which developmental regulators directly coordinate patterning and growth.

Modelling, optimization, and testing of novel cuboidal spherical plate lattice structures

ABSTRACT This study investigates the mechanical behavior of a novel set of Cuboidal Spherical Plate Lattice (CSPL) materials. The procedure of constrained-domain topology optimization is implemented with the aim of enhancing stiffness. The micromechanical finite element homogenization approach is used to evaluate the effective elastic-plastic properties of the CSPLs and their topologically optimized counterparts, TOCSPLs (Topologically Optimized Cuboidal Spherical Plate Lattices). The TOCSPLs demonstrate higher uniaxial, shear, and bulk moduli compared to the CSPLs, with an increase of 31%, 14%, and 36% respectively. Moreover, there is an increase in the yield strengths under uniaxial, shear, and hydrostatic loading conditions, with enhancements of 103%, 55%, and 62%, respectively. The topologies are additively manufactured through Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) out of ABS thermoplastic material. The quasi-static compression experiments demonstrate the superiority of TOCSPL 111+100 over the other topologies in terms of uniaxial modulus. The suffix 111+100 denotes the crystallographic planar orientations in which the solid plate-like disks were formed within a cubic system. The topologies proposed herein outperform certain types of Triply Periodic Minimal Surface, honeycomb, truss-, and plate-based lattice materials. The proposed topologies offer a compelling justification for their utilization in applications that require load-bearing and impact absorption capabilities.

Current situation of Citrus Longhorned Beetle [Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771)] (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) in Türkiye and the world

The citrus longhorned beetle Anoplophora chinensis (Forster, 1771) (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae), which is considered to be one of the most important pests in the world, is listed in the Plant Quarantine Regulation of Türkiye as a "quarantine pest whose presence in Türkiye is limited and which constitutes an obstacle to import". After this species was first detected in Istanbul in 2014, it was found in Antalya, Bartın, Diyarbakır, Sakarya and Trabzon. Anoplophora chinensis which was seen on many tree species, but it prefers generally Acer spp., Platanus orientalis and Corylus spp. in Türkiye. So far, the species has been observed in parks, nurseries and hazelnut production areas. Since it is a polyphagous species and its main host in its native distribution areas is citrus fruits, it is an important threat for ornamental plants and agricultural sectors. It may also pose a threat to broad-leaved species in forest areas in terms of biodiversity. In this study, the current situation of A. chinensis in Türkiye and in the world is discussed in detail.

More than one way to skin a dose volume: the impact of dose-surface map calculation approach on study reproducibility

Objective. Dose-surface maps (DSMs) provide spatial representations of the radiation dose to organ surfaces during radiotherapy and are a valuable tool for identifying dose deposition patterns that are predictive of radiation toxicities. Over the years, many different DSM calculation approaches have been introduced and used in dose-outcome studies. However, little consideration has been given to how these calculation approaches may be impacting the reproducibility of studies in the field. Therefore, we conducted an investigation to determine the level of equivalence of DSMs calculated with different approaches and their subsequent impact on study results. Approach. Rectum and bladder DSMs were calculated for 20 prostate radiotherapy patients using combinations of the most common slice orientation and spacing styles in the literature. Equivalence of differently calculated DSMs was evaluated using pixel-wise comparisons and DSM features (rectum only). Finally, mock cohort comparison studies were conducted with DSMs calculated using each approach to determine the level of dosimetric study reproducibility between calculation approaches. Main results. We found that rectum DSMs calculated using the planar and non-coplanar orientation styles were non-equivalent in the posterior rectal region and that equivalence of DSMs calculated with different slice spacing styles was conditional on the choice of inter-slice distance used. DSM features were highly sensitive to choice of slice orientation style and DSM sampling resolution. Finally, while general result trends were consistent between the comparison studies performed using different DSMs, statisitically significant subregions and features could vary greatly in position and magnitude. Significance. We have determined that DSMs calculated with different calculation approaches are frequently non-equivalent and can lead to differing conclusions between studies performed using the same dataset. We recommend that the DSM research community work to establish consensus calculation approaches to ensure reproducibility within the field.

Switchable and multifunctional terahertz photonic devices based on VO2-assisted phase encoded metasurfaces

Metasurfaces, especially coded ones, have gained significant attention for their excellent ability to control electromagnetic (EM) waves, opening up possibilities for a new generation of miniaturized devices. However, integrating multiple functionalities into a single metasurface while endowing tunable performance remains a challenge. In this study, we propose a strategy to design switchable and multifunctional terahertz (THz) photonic devices using complementary Gold-VO2 split resonant ring (GV-SRR) and complementary Gold-VO2 split resonant oblong (GV-SRO) structures. The designed devices can convert right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) light into left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) light in three frequency bands, corresponding to center frequencies fre.1 = 0.34 THz (narrowband), fre.2 = 0.50 THz (narrowband), and fre.3 = 0.80 THz (broadband). The phases of the reflected LCP wave can be independently modulated across different frequency bands by rotating the in-plane orientation of GV-SRR and GV-SRO separately. In addition, the overall phase reconstruction can be achieved through the state change of VO2. By arranging GV-SRR and GV-SRO in a defined encoding form, the engineered photonic devices can exhibit distinct and switchable capabilities in modulating EM wavefronts across various frequency ranges. As proof-of-concept examples, we have designed three encoded photonic devices, namely, a dynamic beam splitter (DBS), an achromatic and zoom metalens (AZM), and a switchable device between metalens and focusing orbital angular momentum (OAM) generator (MFOAM). These devices have potential applications in wireless communication, AR holographic displays, and information processing.

Transparent and Planar Cs3Cu2Cl5 Crystals for Micrometer-Resolution X-ray Imaging Screen.

Copper-based (I) halide perovskites have emerged as a promising candidate for scintillation screens in X-ray inspection and imaging areas due to their solution processability and high light yield. Here, a centimeter-sized Cs3Cu2Cl5 single crystal was grown by a slow-cooling method. The planar orientation was controlled in a space-confined chamber, generating a planar crystal which is readily used for a scintillation screen without any further shaping. The crystal exhibited a unity photoluminescence quantum yield and superior scintillation performance. The Cs3Cu2Cl5 single crystal exhibited a high light yield up to 95,000 photons/MeV, which enabled an X-ray detector of a detection limit down to 2.7 μGyair/s. The homemade imager demonstrated a spatial resolution of 105 lp/mm, representing an unprecedented micrometer resolution in laboratory. Importantly, the stability of Cs3Cu2Cl5 was significantly improved by a new surface passivation procedure, whereby the passivated crystal reserved its phase after 6 months' storage in a vial. This work introduced a new solution-based synthetic method for two-dimensional scintillating crystals, opening many avenues to high-performance X-ray imaging applications.

Litho-Lineament Mapping of Rocks in Ila Orangun Area Southwestern Nigeria Using Remote Sensing and Aeromagnetic Data: Implications for Mineral Exploration

Ila Orangun is located north of Okemesi and falls within latitudes 7054l and 8000l N and longitudes 40 53l and 50 00l E respectively. Field studies revealed six lithological units in the study area namely quartzites, granites, granite gneiss, porphyritic granites, amphibolite schist and pegmatites. The aim of the research is to elucidate the geology and structure as well as evaluate the metallic mineral potentials of the study area. An integrated multi-technique study approach was adopted for reconnaissance survey and structural interpretation which involved the use of acquired remotely sensed satellite imageries such as Landsat-8 OLI, Shuttle Radar Topographic Mission, Radar Sentinel-2A and a geophysical method involving the use of aeromagnetic data. Results obtained from interpretation of remote sensing data was used to produce different lineament maps which displayed fractures of varying lengths and trend dominantly in the NE-SW directions and subsidiary fractures also orientate in the NW-SE, E-W and N-S directions. Results from the stereographic projection plots showed that the dominant orientation of foliation planes is in the NE-SW direction with the NE and SE sections of the study area recording the highest cluster of the foliation planes. Hence, the eastern section spotted as the mineralization zone.

Mechanical properties and growth mechanisms of long and small fatigue cracks in as-deposited bulk cold spray Al-6061

Cold spray depositions are created by accelerating powder particles at a substrate at supersonic speeds to create a deposition with effective metallurgical and mechanical bonding. To progress from coatings/repairs to bulk additive depositions suitable for structural components, fatigue properties and microstructure-scale crack growth mechanisms must be established. In this study, the microstructure, tensile properties, and crack growth behavior were systematically investigated for as-sprayed Al-6061 and compared to those of wrought Al-6061-T6. Long fatigue crack growth behavior was investigated at two stress ratios (R = 0.1 and 0.7) and two crack plane orientations with respect to the deposition direction. Small crack growth behavior was investigated at a stress ratio of R = 0.1 in four crack plane orientations. Fractographic observations were made to identify the crack-microstructure interactions at different growth stages, and interparticular failure was determined to be the lifetime-limiting crack growth mechanism. A lap-shear testing method was developed to evaluate the interfacial shear strength of cold spray depositions at the interface with the substrate and to compare it to the strain energy release rates obtained from fatigue crack growth experiments. Design maps were created to relate loading conditions, crack orientation, and deposition ductility and predict the onset of interparticular growth.

Alloying and oxidation of PdAu thin films

The relation between catalytic activity and the presence of oxides on the catalyst’s surface has proven very complex, especially in the case of methane oxidation over Pd. While the metallic Pd surface and a thin, but at least two atomic layers thick, oxide film has been found catalytically active, a single-layer surface oxide or a too thick oxide film are both low-active. Unfortunately, under reaction conditions, the oxide tends to grow thick and deactivate. The reason for this deactivation is believed to be exposure of the PdO(100) surface, which does not have any suitable active sites for the methane adsorption and activation, in contrast to PdO(101), which is exposed for thin films. In an attempt to limit the thickness of the oxide film, and hence stabilise the active PdO orientation, we have investigated the oxidation of thin PdAu films. The effects of different mixtures (25%, 50%, and 75% Au, respectively) and treatments on the oxidation and orientation of the alloy and oxide films were investigated. As intended, PdAu turned out to be significantly more difficult to oxidise compared to pure Pd. This effect was even stronger than expected. Depending on the sample temperature and the amount of Au present in the alloy, the orientation of the oxide is affected. At lower temperatures and Au concentration, the desired [301] oxide orientation (corresponding to the (101) planes being parallel to the sample surface) is favoured, while higher Au concentration favours the low-active [100] oxide orientation. Thus, PdAu might be a good candidate for methane oxidation if the Au concentration is low, probably below 25%. The larger lattice constant of Au compared to Pd might also affect the oxide orientation, so another choice of alloying material, e.g. PdPt, may also work to stabilise PdO[301]. Independent of the alloy composition, the sample temperature during oxide growth should be optimised in order to achieve an active oxide film.

The importance of nodal plane orientation diversity for earthquake focal mechanism stress inversions

Abstract Inversions of earthquake focal mechanisms are among the most accessible and reliable methods for determining crustal stress. However, the use of this method varies widely, and the assumptions that underpin it are often violated, potentially compromising stress estimates. We investigate the consequences of violating the little-studied assumption that the focal mechanisms have diverse orientations. Our approach is to employ data-informed synthetic mechanisms, with nodal plane orientations defined by recent earthquake lineaments in the Midland Basin, western Texas, and rakes consistent with slip in the mapped stress field. Using both the traditional stress inversion method that assumes constant shear stress magnitudes on the causative faults as well as a recently published variable shear stress method, we show that low fault plane diversity can cause maximum horizontal stress ( S Hmax ) orientation and relative principal stress magnitude (faulting regime) estimates to differ markedly from the true values. This problem is compounded for catalogues with even modest amounts of noise (≤15°) or few (e.g. 20) mechanisms. Significantly, traditional approaches for quantifying uncertainty such as the bootstrap can severely underestimate the true uncertainty under these circumstances. To remedy this, we provide simple tools to quantify nodal plane orientation diversity and stress inversion reliability.

The Impact of Spinning Speed on n-TiO2/ZnO Bilayer Thin Film Fabricated through Sol–Gel Spin-Coating Method

The spinning speed parameter plays a crucial role in determining the properties of an n-TiO2/ZnO bilayer thin film fabricated using the sol–gel spin-coating technique, especially for solar cell applications. In this study, various spinning speeds were employed on an n-TiO2/ZnO bilayer thin film, and characterizations were conducted, such as morphological, structural, and optical properties. The findings revealed that the optimal conditions for the thin film were achieved at a spinning speed of 3000 rpm. Under this condition, a homogenous and compact surface morphology was observed, with an even distribution of ZnO grains. The successful fabrication of an n-TiO2/ZnO bilayer thin film was confirmed by the presence of characteristic peaks for both TiO2 and ZnO. Obviously, three dominant ZnO orientation peaks, which included (100), (002), and (101) were identified. The prevalence of the (002)-ZnO orientation plane indicated a high-quality structure with excellent crystallinity. In terms of optical properties, the achievement of high transmittance up to 75% resembles the high transparency of the thin film. The optical energy of the n-TiO2/ZnO bilayer thin film is estimated at 3.10 eV. In summary, the spinning speed parameter played a pivotal role in enhancing various properties of the thin film, making it a significant factor in its development for diverse applications.

Electrochemical deposition of Cr3+ doped CuInSe2 thin films for electrocatalytic activity and photovoltaic performance

Pure CuInSe2 and CuInSe2 thin films doped with different mole percentage concentrations (1 to 5 mol%) Cr3+were deposited through a one-step electrochemical deposition technique on an ITO glass substrate. The XRD pattern displayed the structural information of the pure CuInSe2 and Cr3+incorporated CuInSe2 thin films, where all elaborated films show tetragonal structure along with (200) plane orientation. The microstructural features of CuInSe2 thin films and Cr3+doped CuInSe2 have been examined with the help of an atomic force microscope, and the surface roughness was estimated. The AFM result shows the pure and Cr3+doped CuInSe2 thin films were homogeneous, nanocrystalline particles agglomerated, void-free, compact, and well-adhesive which reveals the films having a good morphology with a hillock structure. The EIS outcomes indicate that the CuInSe2 thin film obtained from 3 mol percent Cr3+ions doped CuInSe2 thin film shows very low charge transfer resistance, so it has high conductivity. Photoelectrochemical activity confirmed that 3 mol percent Cr3+ion doped CuInSe2 had superior photocurrent responsibility among them. It was observed from CV analysis that the optimized 3 mol percent of Cr3+ions doped CuInSe2 possessed greater electrocatalytic performance towards the reduction of I3-. The Raman spectrum of single crystallized CuInSe2 thin films shows that A1 dominates mode at174 cm-1. The Raman spectral studies confirmed that only the ternary phase of CuInSe2. Solar light irradiation with an intensity of 100 mW/cm2 on 3 mol% Cr3+ doped CuInSe2 thin film cell resulted in a power conversion efficiency of 8.23%.

Hydrothermal stability of gamma-Al2O3 supports varied with crystal plane orientation of pseudo-boehmite precursor

Porous spherical γ-alumina supports play the key role in the petroleum reforming industry with strict requirement in hydrothermal stability of pore structure. Here, a series of pseudo-boehmite samples with different crystal orientations were synthesized in a separate nucleation and aging steps method by adjusting the rotating speed. The pseudo-boehmite (PB-1000) at 1000 rpm yields a high (020) plane proportion of 44.52 %, which is comparable with that of 43.91 % for the Sasol Boehmite (SB) powder. The Al2O3-1000 from the PB-1000 demonstrated the highest content of γ-Al2O3 phase, the lowest surface hydroxyl number of 1.56/nm2, and the highest hydrothermal stability with the retention rate of 75.0 % (174 m2·g−1) at 600 °C under water vapor for 120 h, which is comparable to that of 72.3 % (191 m2·g−1) for the Sasol sample. It is the first time to investigate hydrothermal stability of alumina from the content of γ-Al2O3 phase and the surface hydroxyl groups.

Misalignment between the propagation direction of the bora wind and its pulsations

AbstractThe bora is a well‐known downslope windstorm that blows at the eastern coast of the Adriatic Sea from inland towards the sea, mainly from the northeasterly direction. One of the notable bora characteristics is the quasi‐periodic gust pulsations. We address their characteristics during strong to severe bora events by applying rotational spectral analysis on 9 months of continuous high‐frequency sonic anemometer measurements in the town of Senj, Croatia. The analysis shows that the orientation of the pulsations' plane of oscillation does not correspond to the measured near‐ground wind direction. In particular, these two directions seem to be negatively correlated. Although the structure of the pulsations is mostly rectilinear, the positive rotational component was larger than the negative one in all except one bora event. The coincidence of the wind shear direction within the lee‐side jet with the orientation of the plane of oscillation leads to a tentative conclusion that its orientation was governed by the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, at least in the cases presented.

Landscaping of settlements in the Aral Sea disaster zone (Kazakhstan)

The role of landscaping in ameliorating the environmental conditions within settlements surrounding the Aral Sea is paramount. The primary natural constraints affecting the proliferation of plant species in the green spaces of Aralsk include low winter temperatures, elevated summer temperatures, meager precipitation, and susceptibility to windstorms. An evaluation of the species composition of tree and shrub vegetation was conducted in landscaped areas belonging to social and cultural facilities, as well on private residential property, within the municipal boundaries of Aralsk. Plantings surveyed encompassed an area of approximately 34,000 m2. 89.5% of the flora is comprised of five predominant taxa: Ulmus pumila, Populus x canadensis, Haloxylon ammodendron, Platycladus orientalis, and Acer negundo. These species demonstrate resilience to both high and low temperatures throughout the growing season, and their availability as planting material in the region further enhances their suitability. Presently, the city incorporates 31 taxa of tree and shrub species in its green spaces. Notably, Ulmus glabra, Catalpa ovata, Platanus orientalis, Hibiscus syriacus, and Prunus padus have been introduced and were not previously observed in the city. Analysis of the age distribution reveals 68.7% of young trees, underscoring ongoing landscaping efforts within the city even amid a shortage of irrigation water.

Stress state modeling of non-circular orthotropic hollow cylinders under different types of loading

Based on a spatial model of the linear theory of elasticity, using an unconventional approach of the reduction of the original three-dimensional boundary value problem described by a system of partial differential equations with variable coefficients to a one-dimensional boundary value problem for a system of ordinary differential equations with constant coefficients, the problem of finding the dimensional stress of hollow elliptic orthotropic cylinders under the influence of various types of loading has been solved under certain boundary conditions at the orientation plane. Reducing the dimensionality of the original problem is carried out using analytical methods of separating variables in two coordinate directions in combination with the method of approximating functions by discrete Fourier series. The one-dimensional boundary value problem is solved by the stable numerical method of discrete orthogonalization.

Optical Polarisation Study of Galactic Open Clusters

Dust is a ubiquitous component in our Galaxy. It accounts for only 1% mass of the ISM but still is an essential part of the Galaxy. It affects our view of the Galaxy by obscuring the starlight at shorter wavelengths and re-emitting in longer wavelengths. Studying the dust distribution in the Galaxy at longer wavelengths may cause discrepancies due to distance ambiguity caused by unknown Galactic potential. However, another aspect of dust, i.e., the polarisation of the background starlight, when combined with distance information, will help to give direct observational evidence of the number of dust clouds encountered in the line of sight. We observed 15 open clusters distributed at increasing distances in three lines of sight using two Indian National facilities. The measured polarisations results used to scrutinize the dust distribution and orientation of the local plane of sky magnetic fields towards selected directions. The analysis of the stars observed towards the distant cluster King 8 cluster shows two foreground layers at a distance of ∼ 500 pc and ∼ 3500 pc. Similar analysis towards different clusters also results in multiple dust layers.

Optical characterization of a single molecule complete spatial orientation using intra-molecular triplet-triplet absorption.

Progress in single molecule fluorescence experiments have enabled an in-depth characterization of fluorophores, ranging from their photophysical rates to the orientation of their emission dipole moments in three dimensions. However, one crucial spatial information remains elusive: the molecule orientation relative to its emission dipole moment. One can retrieve the latter only by the use of another non-colinear transition dipole moment. We experimentally demonstrate the optical retrieval of this information for single terrylene (Tr) molecules in a 30 nm thin para-terphenyl matrix. We show, through second-order correlation measurements at varying excitation power and polarization, that Tr molecules experience an optically induced deshelving of their triplet states, mediated by two orthogonal intra-molecular triplet-triplet absorption dipole moments. We take advantage of these two transition dipole moments to retrieve the full orientation of the Tr molecule, employing a 3-level scheme for the molecule photophysics and analytical calculations for the exciting electric field distribution. This modelling approach enables us to accurately describe both varying power and polarization measurements, giving access to the molecule's photophysical rates and to its complete orientation in three dimensions. This includes the orientation of the singlet emission dipole moment in the laboratory frame, and the orientation of the molecule plane with respect to the singlet emission dipole moment.