Probing Non-Equilibrium Pair-Breaking and Quasiparticle Dynamics in Nb Superconducting Resonators Under Magnetic Fields.

We conducted a comprehensive study of the non-equilibrium dynamics of Cooper pair breaking, quasiparticle (QP) generation, and relaxation in niobium (Nb) cut from superconducting radio-frequency (SRF) cavities, as well as various Nb resonator films from transmon qubits. Using ultrafast pump-probe spectroscopy, we were able to isolate the superconducting coherence and pair-breaking responses. Our results reveal both similarities and notable differences in the temperature- and magnetic-field-dependent dynamics of the SRF cavity and thin-film resonator samples.

Nanoscale monitoring of the initial stage of water condensation on a printed circuit board.

Electrochemical migration is a critical factor contributing to failures in electronics due to humidity. When moisture accumulates on conductor-dielectric-conductor systems under bias voltage, electrochemical processes can be triggered, leading to the growth of metallic dendrites that may ultimately result in system failure. Despite its significance, many aspects of electrochemical migration remain unresolved, particularly regarding the physical characteristics of liquid buildup that facilitate dendrite growth and short circuit currents.

Testing One Primary and Two Secondary Endpoints in a Two-Stage Group Sequential Trial With Extensions.

We study the problem of testing multiple secondary endpoints conditional on a primary endpoint being significant in a two-stage group sequential procedure, focusing on two secondary endpoints. This extends our previous work with one secondary endpoint. The test for the secondary null hypotheses is a closed procedure.

Diversity of lake bacteria promotes human echovirus inactivation.

Human enteric viruses can remain infective in surface waters for extended periods of time, posing a public health risk. Microbial activity contributes to the inactivation of waterborne enteric viruses, but while individual bacteria-virus interactions have been characterized, the importance of microbial diversity remains unknown. Here, we experimentally manipulated the diversity of bacterial communities from Lake Geneva across three seasons using a dilution-to-extinction approach and monitored the inactivation and genome decay of echovirus 11, a member of the genus.

Defining gene ends: RNA polymerase II CTD threonine 4 phosphorylation marks transcription termination regions genome-wide.

Defining the beginning of a eukaryotic protein-coding gene is relatively simple. It corresponds to the first ribonucleotide incorporated by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) into the nascent RNA molecule. This nucleotide is protected by capping and maintained in the mature messenger RNA (mRNA).