Fine Control of Optical Properties of NbO Film by Thermal Treatment.

Thermal treatment is a common method to improve the properties of optical thin films, but improper thermal treatment processing will result in the degradation of the optical properties of the optical thin film. The thermal stability of niobium oxide (NbO) thin films prepared by magnetron sputtering was systematically studied by analyzing the roughness and morphology of the film under different thermal treatment processes. The results show that the amorphous stability of the NbO thin film can be maintained up to 400 °C.

Comprehensive analysis of the corrosion behavior of UG1 phosphate-based ultraviolet glass in water environments.

We herein delve into the corrosion dynamics of UG1 in high-temperature water, employing thermal acceleration to expedite reactions. Corrosion-induced changes in spectral properties, optical constants, and morphology are analyzed. The results reveal a phosphorus-poor layer near the surface that affects transmittance, refractive index, and extinction coefficient, with corrosion rates following a parabolic model.

The odorant receptor co-receptor gene contributes to mating and host-searching behaviors in parasitoid wasps.

Background: Biological control of pest insects by parasitoid wasps is an effective and environmentally friendly strategy compared with the use of synthetic pesticides. Successful courtship and host-search behaviors of parasitoid wasps are important for biological control efficiency and are often mediated by chemical odorant cues. The odorant receptor co-receptor (Orco) gene has an essential role in the perception of odors in insects.

Effects of Transgenic Bt Rice on Nontarget Rhopalosiphum maidis (Homoptera: Aphididae).

The effects of three transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) rice lines, KMD1, KMD2, and G8-7, on biological parameters and population dynamics of nontarget insect, Rhopalosiphum maidis (Fitch) (Homoptera: Aphididae), were investigated in the laboratory and field. No significant differences were found between Bt and non-Bt rice lines for aphid survival. The developmental time of R.