Multicomponent Targets Research Articles

Quality of life in a high-risk group of elderly primary care patients: characteristics and potential for improvement

PurposeQuality of Life (QoL) is associated with a bandwidth of lifestyle factors that can be subdivided into fixed and potentially modifiable ones. We know too little about the role of potentially modifiable factors in comparison to fixed ones. This study examines four aspects of QoL and its associations with 15 factors in a sample of elderly primary care patients with a high risk of dementia. The main objectives are (a) to determine the role of the factors in this particular group and (b) to assess the proportion of fixed and potentially modifiable factors.MethodA high-risk group of 1030 primary care patients aged between 60 and 77 years (52.1% females) were enrolled in “AgeWell.de,” a cluster-randomized, controlled trial. This paper refers to the baseline data. The multi-component intervention targets to decrease the risk of dementia by optimization of associated lifestyle factors. 8 fixed and 7 modifiable factors potentially influencing QoL served as predictors in multiple linear regressions.ResultsThe highest proportion of explained variance was found in psychological health and age-specific QoL. In comparison to health-related QoL and physical health, the modifiable predictors played a major role (corr. R2: 0.35/0.33 vs. 0.18), suggesting that they hold a greater potential for improving QoL.ConclusionSocial engagement, body weight, instrumental activities of daily living, and self-efficacy beliefs appeared as lifestyle factors eligible to be addressed in an intervention program for improving QoL.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register, reference number: DRKS00013555. Date of registration: 07.12.2017.

A Concentrically Moveable Erosion Zone Magnetron for In Operando Tailoring of Alloy Nanoparticles in a Gas Aggregation Source

AbstractOne particularly interesting approach for the deposition of highly pure nanoparticles (NPs) in a solvent‐ and surfactant‐free process is the gas phase synthesis of nanoparticles using a gas aggregation source (GAS) based on magnetron sputtering. Apart from the possibility of tuning the NP size‐distribution via process parameters, e.g., gas flow, pressure, and aggregation length, multicomponent targets in a GAS enable in operando composition tuning of alloy NPs. However, in the practical application of the GAS, two main challenges have to be addressed: low target utilization and low conversion efficiency. This work describes a magnetron with a concentrically moveable erosion zone (cMEZ magnetron), and showcases its applicability for the deposition of metal (Cu) and metal alloy (CuNi) NPs via GAS. The cMEZ magnetron relies on an in operando reconfigurable outer magnet array, which enables tuning of the position of the erosion zone, impacting target utilization. By weighting the targets and substrates before and after deposition, the conversion efficiency is determined for different operating pressures and magnet configurations. Furthermore, the multicomponent target approach is tested with the cMEZ magnetron, which enabled the in operando composition tuning of the Ni content in CuNi NPs from ≈5 to ≈35 at% only by varying the magnetic field.

Synthesis and Unique Behaviors of High-Purity HEA Nanoparticles Using Femtosecond Laser Ablation.

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a class of metal alloys consisting of four or more molar equal or near-equal elements. HEA nanomaterials have garnered significant interest due to their wide range of applications, such as electrocatalysis, welding, and brazing. Their unique multi-principle high-entropy effect allows for the tailoring of the alloy composition to facilitate specific electrochemical reactions. This study focuses on the synthesis of high-purity HEA nanoparticles using the method of femtosecond laser ablation synthesis in liquid. The use of ultrashort energy pulses in femtosecond lasers enables uniform ablation of materials at significantly lower power levels compared to longer pulse or continuous pulse lasers. We investigate how various femtosecond laser parameters affect the morphology, phase, and other characteristics of the synthesized nanoparticles. An innovative aspect of our solution is its ability to rapidly generate multi-component nanoparticles with a high fidelity as the input multi-component target material at a significant yielding rate. Our research thus focuses on a novel synthesis of high-entropy alloying CuCoMn1.75NiFe0.25 nanoparticles. We explore the characterization and unique properties of the nanoparticles and consider their electrocatalytic applications, including high power density aluminum air batteries, as well as their efficacy in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Additionally, we report a unique nanowire fabrication phenomenon achieved through nanojoining. The findings from this study shed light on the potential of femtosecond laser ablation synthesis in liquid (FLASiL) as a promising technique for producing high-purity HEA nanoparticles.

Multicore@shell nanoparticles synthesized from a multicomponent target by gas aggregation cluster source

Multicore@shell nanoparticles synthesized from a multicomponent target by gas aggregation cluster source

TaC-based wear-resistant coatings obtained by magnetron sputtering and electro-spark deposition for wedge gate valve protection

Ta–Zr–Si–B–C coatings were deposited by magnetron sputtering (MS) of a TaSi2–Ta3B4–(Ta, Zr)B2 multi-component target in an Ar + C2H4 gas mixture. TaC–Cr–Mo–Ni based coatings were obtained by electro-spark deposition (ESD) using TaC–Cr–Mo–Ni electrode. The composition and structure of the coatings were studied using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy, glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Mechanical and tribological properties of coatings were determined using nanoindentation and pin-on-disk tests. The study showed that the coatings have a homogeneous and defect-free structure, with the main structural component being the fcc-TaC phase. The MS coating exhibited a 30 % higher concentration of the TaC phase compared to the ESD coating. The TaC crystallite sizes for the MS and ESD coatings were 3 and 30 nm, respectively. The presence of a high fraction of the carbide phase and small crystallite size for the MS coating resulted in superior hardness (H = 28 GPa) compared to the ESD sample (H = 10 GPa). Both coatings exhibited similar values of the friction coefficient (about 0.15) and demonstrated reduced wear rates (<10–7 mm3/(N·m)). The deposition of coatings on a steel substrate led to a decrease in the friction coefficient by five times and the wear rate by four orders of magnitude. Pilot tests were conducted on coatings applied to wedge gate valve of shut-off devices used in the oil and gas industry for pumping liquids. The results indicated that the service life of the steel wedge gate valve increased by 25 and 70 % with deposited MS and ESD coatings, respectively.

Homogeneity- and Stoichiometry-Induced Electrical and Optical Properties of Cu-Se Thin Films by RF Sputtering Power.

P-type Cu-Se thin films were deposited on glass substrates at room temperature using radio frequency magnetron sputtering by a single multi-component CuSe2 target. When using a multi-component target, the impact of the sputtering power on the homogeneity and stoichiometry within the thin films should be investigated in the depth direction to demonstrate a secondary effect on the electrical and optical properties of the thin films. Systematic characterization of the Cu-Se thin films, including the morphology, microstructure, chemical composition, and depth-directional chemical bonding state and defect structure of the thin films, revealed that the sputtering power played an important role in the homogeneity and stoichiometry of the thin films. At very low and very high sputtering power levels, the Cu-Se thin films exhibited more deviations from stoichiometry, while an optimized sputtering power resulted in more homogenous thin films with improved stoichiometry across the entire thin film thickness in the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy depth profile, despite showing Se deficiency at all depths. A rapid decrease in carrier concentration, indicating a reduction in the net effect of total defects, was obtained at the optimized sputtering power with less deviation from stoichiometry in the Cu-Se thin films and the closest stoichiometric ratio at an intermediate depth.

Spectra of Multiply Charged Ions in Laser Plasma Formed from Gas-Containing Targets

The paper presents the results of a study of the charge and energy characteristics of multiply charged ions excited on the surface of a single-element and hydrogen-containing multi-component element targets under the influence of laser radiation with a power density (q=108-1012 W/cm2). It has been experimentally shown that, for all used values of q laser radiation, laser-induced plasma from gas-containing targets is characterized by a lower relative yield (dN/dE) of multi-charged ions with a charge number of Z>+3, compared to the plasma produced on the surface of the single element target. Moreover, the tendency to reduce dN/dE of multi-charged ions of the multi-element target, in comparison with the relative yield of ions from the plasma of the single-element target, is more significant and it depends on the charge of the excited ions. The increase in the charge and energy state, duration, and yield of ions of the heavy component, which occurs with an increase in the content of the light component in the target, has been established. This is explained by a decrease in the efficiency of recombination processes caused by an increase in the expansion velocity of a plasma plume due to a decrease in its average mass.

Amorphous/Nanocrystalline High-Entropy CoCrFeNiTix Thin Films with Low Thermal Coefficient of Resistivity Obtained via Magnetron Deposition.

High-entropy alloys are promising materials for novel thin-film resistors since they have high resistivity and a low-temperature coefficient of resistivity (TCR). In this work, a new high-entropy thin-film CoCrFeNiTix was deposited on a Si/SiO2 substrate by means of magnetron sputtering of the multi-component target produced by hot pressing of the powder mixture. The samples possessed a thickness of 130-230 nm and an amorphous atomic structure with nanocrystallite traces. This structure persisted after being annealed up to 400 °C, which was confirmed using X-ray and electron diffraction. The film had a single-phase structure with a smooth surface and a uniform distribution of all elements. The obtained film served for microresistor elaboration, which was produced using the lithography technique and tested in a temperature range from -60 °C up to 200 °C. Resistivity at room temperature was estimated as 2.37 μOhm·m. The results have demonstrated that TCR depends on temperature according to the simple linear law in a range from -60 °C up to 130 °C, changing its value from -78 ppm/°C at low temperatures to -6.6 ppm/°C at 130 °C. Such characteristics show the possibility of using these high-entropy alloy films for resistive elements in contemporary and future micro-electronic devices.

Pharmacological targeting of gastric mucosal barrier with traditional Chinese medications for repairing gastric mucosal injury.

Introduction: The gastric mucosa (GM) is the first barrier and vital interface in the stomach that protects the host from hydrochloric acid in gastric juice and defends against exogenous insults to gastric tissues. The use of traditional Chinese medications (TCMs) for the treatment of gastric mucosal injury (GMI) has long-standing history and a good curative effect. Whereas there are poor overall reports on the intrinsic mechanisms of these TCM preparations that pharmacology uses to protect body from GMI, which is crucial to treating this disease. These existing reviews have deficiencies that limit the clinical application and development of both customary prescriptions and new drugs. Methods: Further basic and translational studies must be done to elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms of influence of these TCM preparations. Moreover, well-designed and well-conducted experiences and clinical trials are necessary to ascertain the efficacy and mechanisms of these agents. Therefore, this paper presents a focused overview of currently published literature to assess how TCMs action that facilitates the cures for GMI. It offers a whole train of current state of pharmacological evidence, identifies the pharmacological mechanisms of TCMs on GM, and highlights that remarkable capacity of TCMs to restore GM after damage. Results: These TCMs preparations promote the repair of multicomponent targets such as the gastric mucus, epithelial layer, blood flow (GMBF) and lamina propria barrier. Summary: Overall, this study has summarized the essential regulatory mechanisms and pharmacological efficacy of TCMs on new and productive therapeutic targets. Discussion: This review provides an avenue for studying various drugs with potentially promising effects on mucosal integrity, as well as subsequent pharmacological studies, clinical applications, and new drug development.

The research progress on the anxiolytic effect of plant-derived flavonoids by regulating neurotransmitters.

Phytopharmaceuticals have attracted a lot of attention due to their multicomponent and multiple targets. The natural phenolic chemicals known as flavonoids are found in a wide variety of plants, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Recently, they have been found to have modulatory effects on anxiety disorders, with current research focusing on the modulation of neurotransmitters. There has not yet been a review of the various natural flavonoid monomer compounds and total plant flavonoids that have been found to have anxiolytic effects. The study on the anti-anxiety effects of plant-derived flavonoids on neurotransmitters was reviewed in this paper. We, therefore, anticipate that further study on the conformational interaction underlying flavonoids' anti-anxiety effects will offer a theoretical framework for the creation of pertinent treatments.

Complex, convoluted, yet consistent: Protein-induced membrane remodeling around GPCRs.

Proteins embedded in cell membranes are the targets for ∼70% of all FDA-approved drugs. A single family of membrane proteins, called ‘GPCRs’ account for almost one third of all drug targets. These cell membranes are highly complicated environments, made up of many different types of constituent lipid molecules. Experimentally, the use of different types of lipids in the membrane that surrounds the protein is known to modulate the protein behavior. However, when designing or testing novel therapeutics, the influence of the membrane is often ignored; 50% of the environment is overlooked. Thus, studies carried out to optimize therapeutics can potentially be misleading - it is possible for the protein to respond differently depending on the properties of the membrane. Using novel multiscale simulations, and a sophisticated membrane model, we demonstrate just how complex and intricate the protein-lipid interaction are. Indeed, the property-altering interactions between the proteins and lipids are reciprocal. While lipids can induce changes in protein behavior, the protein can also drive either changes in lipid properties or reorganization of the lipids. The systems acclimatize and adjust to external stimuli to provide a more consistent, reliable environment for the protein to complete its function. The fine-tuning adaptation of the system further highlights the symbiotic nature of the membrane and the protein such that they should not be considered separate elements but treated as a single multicomponent drug target. This work was performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344 and was supported by the LLNL-LDRD Program under Project No. 21-ERD-047. LLNL-ABS-840667.

Two-Stage Time-Varying Vibration Compensation for Coherent LiDAR Based on the Adaptive Differential Evolution Method

Coherent LiDAR, which is based on triangular frequency modulated continuous wave (T-FMCW), is a promising technology for high-resolution imaging, because it can achieve long-range and high-precision measurements using low power. However, owing to the short wavelength of laser, the system is extremely sensitive to time-varying vibration. Most vibration compensation methods perform well in the scenes that contain strong scatterers using enough data. However, they lose validity in scenes without strong scatterers and sufficient observation time. To address this problem, we develop a second-order vibration error model for coherent LiDAR that divides the Doppler frequency shift caused by time-varying vibrations into quadratic and primary errors. Based on the vibration error model, we propose a two-stage time-varying vibration compensation method using the adaptive differential evolution (ADE) algorithm. In the first stage, we iteratively determine the optimal quadratic vibration coefficients that minimize the spectral entropy of the compensated dechirp signals using the ADE algorithm. Subsequently, we compensate for the quadratic errors using the estimated quadratic vibration coefficients. In the second stage, we use the frequency spectrum cross-correlation method to estimate the primary vibration coefficients and compensate for the primary errors. We perform experiments in the scene containing a point target and the scenes containing multi-component targets and distributed targets without strong scatterers. The results indicate that the proposed method can effectively compensate for time-varying vibration errors using only one-period T-FMCW data in different scenes. Further, the results of the proposed method are more accurate and stable than the Doppler frequency shift method.

Variations in composition and structure occurring in multicomponent alloy targets during their service term

The composition and microstructure of the targets used in the magnetron sputtering (MP) method may change during its operation, especially if the target is a multicomponent alloy. Therefore, the information on the composition and microstructure of the sputtered region of the target, namely, the groove, which forms on the target over time, makes it possible to predict changes in the properties of the film. The targets for our experiments were fabricated from CoCrCuFeNi, CoCrCuFeMnNi and AlCoCrCuFeNiV high-entropy alloys (HEAs). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and chemical microanalysis were utilized to study the structure and composition of the grooves on the targets at the beginning and at the end of the targets service life. The results of the investigations allowed to derive the following conclusions: (1) signs of melting found on the surface of the grooves indicate to high temperatures arising on the targets during their sputtering; (2) a new type of preferential sputtering effect has been established, the main condition of which is the presence in the target composition of inclusions of a component whose sputtering coefficient is noticeably higher than that of the others; (3) the formation of a specific microrelief on the target surface is a consequence of the combined action of two factors: high temperature and sputtering.

Two‐dimensional sparse fractional Fourier transform and its applications

The discrete fractional Fourier transform is an excellent tool in non-stationary signal processing. And an efficient and accurate computation is important for the two-dimensional discrete fractional Fourier transform (2D DFRFT). Inspired by the sparse Fourier transform algorithm, we propose a two-dimensional sparse fractional Fourier transform (2D SFRFT) algorithm to estimate the fractional Fourier spectrum efficiently. Compared with existing methods, we have achieved the lowest runtime and sample complexity. Moreover, by analyzing the errors due to noises, the 2D SFRFT algorithm is improved to be robust. The applications in image fusion, parameter estimation of multicomponent 2D chirp signal and complex maneuvering targets in SAR radar demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.

Effect of RF sputtering parameters on the nanoscratch properties of quinary Ti-Zr-Cu-Ni-Al thin film metallic glass

Recently, thin film metallic glasses (TFMGs) gained renewed attention as they can circumvent the brittleness problem of bulk metallic glasses. When sputtered from a multicomponent cast target, the composition control of TFMG is always challenging. Here, we demonstrate the tight composition control of sputtered Ti-Zr-Cu-Ni-Al TFMG by a spark plasma sintered multicomponent target and investigate their structural and nanoscratch properties. The radio frequency (RF) power and Ar pressure were tuned to optimize nanoscratch properties. The highest hardness (~16.2 GPa) and thus best nanoscratch resistance was obtained at an RF power of 160 W and Ar pressure of 7 Pa. The best nanoscratch properties originated from the dense, fine column morphology of the TFMG. Moreover, it was found that the scratch mechanism changed from plowing to a combination of plowing and stick-slip under a ramping scratching load of 10 mN. The transition happened progressively at lower loads when the hardness of the TFMG decreased. This study provides a useful guideline for developing TFMG as a scratch-resistant protective coating. • Multicomponent target fabricated through low-temperature spark plasma sintering allowed precise composition control of TFMG. • A wide range of RF power and Ar pressure (160-240 W and 4–7 Pa) can produce glassy phase in the Ti-Zr-Cu-Ni-Al system. • Optimum nano-scratch resistance and hardness achieved for TFMG deposited at lower power and higher pressure (160 W and 7 Pa).

Influence of Multiple-Elastic-Scattering Processes in Multicomponent Targets on the Intensity of the Peaks of Elastically Reflected Electrons

Influence of Multiple-Elastic-Scattering Processes in Multicomponent Targets on the Intensity of the Peaks of Elastically Reflected Electrons

Evaluation of Sputtered Mo–Cu–Cr–N Coatings Prepared at Different N2 Gas Flow Rates Using a Multicomponent Single-Alloy Target

With the growth of the automobile, machinery, and aerospace industries, demand for high-performance surface coatings having multifunctional characteristics for use in mechanical parts is increasing. In this study, ternary/quaternary Mo–Cu–Cr–(N) nanocomposite coatings were deposited at different N2 gas flow rates using direct current magnetron sputtering from a multicomponent single-alloy target. The use of a single-alloy target simplifies the deposition process and improves the coating uniformity. The influence of the nitrogen content was investigated regarding the microstructural, mechanical, and tribological properties, and corrosion resistance of these coatings. The Mo–Cu–Cr–N coating containing 30.5 at.% nitrogen showed a nanocomposite structure comprising transition metal nitride phases (Mo–N/Cr–N) having high mechanical properties and corrosion resistance, while retaining the excellent tribological properties of ternary Mo–Cu–N coatings.

Prenatal inflammation causes obesity and abnormal lipid metabolism via impaired energy expenditure in male offspring

IntroductionObesity has becoming a global health issue. Fetus exposed to adversity in the uterine are susceptible to unhealth stimulus in adulthood. Prenatal inflammation is related to poor neonatal outcomes like neurodevelopmental impairments and respiratory complications. Recent studies suggested prenatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure could result in metabolic disorders. Thus, we hypothesized that offspring exposed to prenatal inflammation could develop into metabolic disorder.MethodsThe pregnant C57BL/6J mice were intraperitoneally injected with 50 μg/kg LPS or saline only once at GD15. The male offspring were weighted weekly until sacrificed. Indirect calorimetry and body composition were both performed at 9 and 18 weeks old. At 20 weeks old, mice were fasted overnight before collecting blood samples and liver for metabolomics analysis and RNA sequencing, respectively. Differentially expressed genes were further verified by RT-qPCR and western blotting.ResultsPrenatal inflammation resulted in obesity with increased fat percentage and decreased energy expenditure in middle-age male offspring. Abnormal lipid accumulation, changes of gene expression profile and upregulation of multi-component mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTOR)/Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ pathway was observed in liver, accompanied with decreased bile acids level, unsaturated fatty acids androgens and prostaglandins in serum. Indirect calorimetry showed increased respiratory exchange rate and deceased spontaneous activity at 9 weeks in LPS group. Impaired energy expenditure was also observed at 18 weeks in LPS group.ConclusionPrenatal LPS exposure led to obesity and abnormal lipid metabolism through impaired energy expenditure.

Gas-phase oxidation and nanoparticle formation in multi-element laser ablation plumes.

The evolution from gas-phase oxidation to nanoparticle and agglomerate formation was studied in nanosecond laser-produced plasmas of a multi-principal element alloy target in air. Gas-phase oxidation of plasma species was monitored in situ via optical emission spectroscopy, while a custom-built single particle mass spectrometer was used to measure size and compositions of agglomerated nanoparticles formed in laser ablation plumes. Ex situ analysis employing transmission electron microscopy was used to study nanoparticle morphology, crystal structure, and element distribution at the nanoscale. Emission spectra indicate that gas-phase oxidation of elements in the alloy target are formed at varying times during plume evolution, and mass spectrometry results indicate fractal agglomerates contain all principal alloying elements and their oxides. Finally, electron microscopy characterization illustrates that these agglomerates consist of multiple material types: sub-10 nm diameter amorphous, multi-element nanoparticles, ≈10-30 nm diameter Ti-rich crystalline oxide nanoparticles, and ejected base material. Results highlight that the multi-component target composition impacts molecular formation in the gas phase and the morphology, composition, and structure of nanoparticles and agglomerates formed.

Effect of RF sputter power on deposition of CZTX (X[dbnd]S, Se) active layer without selenization/sulfurization, for solar cell applications

Copper Zinc Tin Selenide Cu2ZnSnSe4 (CZTSe) and Copper Zinc Tin Sulfide Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) thin films were deposited from a multicomponent single target with different RF sputter powers and a constant annealing temperature of 450°C. One step deposition with in-situ annealing was performed in order to avoid the individual metal losses during the process. Effects of various deposition parameters were investigated to finely control the elemental ratio of the quaternary target which in-turn helps to obtain the desired stoichiometry suitable for solar absorber materials as confirmed from EDS analysis. The phase purity of thin films was investigated and confirmed using XRD and Raman spectroscopy. A thin film solar cell device with n-CdS, ZnO, ZnO:Al layers and Al grids over the prepared kesterite CZTX (X = S, Se) films were deposited on Mo coated soda lime glass using complete vacuum deposition technique. Even though the optical, electrical and structural results are promising, the conversion efficiency for these single step processed CZTSe and CZTS solar cell devices were limited to 3.72% and 2.6% due to possible interface effect and smaller grain size of the deposited films. Considering the industrial fabrication of kesterite thin film solar cells, this processes assures an environmental friendly approach with inherent purity leading to one-step reduction in the mass production process.