bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection and enhancement of the frequency modes with Floquet exceptional points and chiral Zener tunneling
Authors: Chen Yuelan , Zhang Penghao , Hong Chao , Song Yiling , Ke Shaolin , Wang Mingfeng , Liu Weiwei , Lu Peixiang
Published: March 2024

Mode selecting plays a vital role in the field of optoelectronics, such as optical communication, signal processing, on-chip light manipulation, mode conversion, and frequency synthesis. In this work, flexible selection and enhancement of the frequency modes in an unidirectional coupled Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) frequency lattice are obtained with Floquet exceptional points (EPs) and chiral Zener tunneling (ZT). The unidirectional coupled non-Hermitian SSH frequency lattices are synthesized by a double-ring system with complex dynamical modulations. Under an effective direct current (dc) force induced by the phase-mismatching of the modulations, the two Floquet bands of the non-Hermitian frequency lattices are degenerated and the Floquet EPs arise. Therefore, the unidirectional and irreversible frequency mode conversion takes place, which is the chiral ZT. Moreover, through perturbation analysis and numerical simulations, we prove that the frequency modes of the two-band system can be selected and enhanced by a multi-photon resonance dc force.
Molten salt flow visualization to characterize boundary layer behavior and heat transfer in a natural circulation loop
Authors: Reis Jadyn , Seo Joseph , Hassan Yassin
Published: March 2024

Experimental data for the natural circulation of high-Prandtl number fluids in molten salt systems has not yet been sufficiently studied to ensure safe operation in the event of a loss of forced coolant. A natural circulation loop facility was designed to mitigate major challenges in flow visualization experiments of molten salt. Experiments were conducted with molten salt and water, and four experimental data sets were obtained for each working fluid at increased heater power. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurements were performed, and the boundary layer was analyzed as a function of the Prandtl number. Velocity peaks near the walls were found in results for molten salt due to the underdevelopment of the thermal boundary layers, in contrast to the parabolic velocity profile found in results for water. The overall system behavior was characterized using velocity and temperature measurements. Temperature distributions in the loop demonstrated the developing thermal boundary layers at high Prandtl numbers. The wall shear stress was obtained from near-wall PIV measurements to determine the friction factor and a non-dimensional analysis of the boundary layer showed the expected relationship for laminar flow in all test cases. The local and mean Nusselt numbers were calculated and compared between fluids. The local Nusselt number for water stabilized as expected for the laminar flow, while results for salt showed evidence of continually developing flow. Results for the Nusselt number and friction factor were compared with correlations, and the most accurate predictions were identified for the current application.
Tailoring photocatalytic water splitting activity of boron–thiophene polymer through pore size engineering
Authors: Bhauriyal Preeti , Heine Thomas
Published: March 2024

Taking into account the electron-rich and visible light response of thiophene, first-principles calculations have been carried out to explore the photocatalytic activity of donor–acceptor polymers incorporating thiophene and boron. Honeycomb-kagome boron–thiophene (BTP) polymers with varying numbers of thiophene units and fixed B center atoms are direct bandgap semiconductors with tunable bandgaps ranging from 2.41 to 1.88 eV and show high absorption coefficients under the ultraviolet and visible regions of the solar spectrum. Fine-tuning the band edges of the BTP polymer is efficiently achieved by adjusting the pore size through the manipulation of thiophene units between the B centers. This manipulation, achieved without excessive chemical functionalization, facilitates the generation of an appropriate quantity of photoexcited electrons and/or holes to straddle the redox potential of the water. Our study demonstrates that two units between B centers of thiophene in BTP polymers enable overall photocatalytic water splitting, whereas BTP polymers with larger pores solely promote photocatalytic hydrogen reduction. Moreover, the thermodynamics of hydrogen and oxygen reduction reactions either proceed spontaneously or need small additional external biases. Our findings provide the rationale for designing metal-free and single-material polymer photocatalysts based on thiophene, specifically for achieving efficient overall water splitting.
Antibubble formation through single drop impact: Effect of density difference
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhao Guilin , Liu Ziqi , Lin Fangye , Wang Pengfei , An Ji
Published: March 2024

The antibubble has emerged as a promising tool for the microdroplet manipulation since the intermediate air film can protect the inner globule from external contaminants. Moreover, the antibubble structure allows the convenient package and release of microdroplets since the intermediate air film would not hinder the separation between the inner globule and the liquid surface. Despite the development of various methods for antibubble formation, the initial approach involving single drop impact on a free liquid surface has received limited attention in subsequent studies, partly due to the challenges in replicating this phenomenon in practical applications. This paper presents an experimental investigation into antibubble formation via single drop impact on a liquid surface. Experimental results imply that antibubble formation requires the droplet to penetrate deeply into the liquid bath before the intermediate air film collapses or the deformed liquid surface contracts. A theoretical analysis is introduced to emphasize the crucial role of the density difference between the droplet and the liquid bath. A higher density of the droplet results in an increased penetration speed into the liquid bath, facilitating the formation of antibubbles. Notably, this study repeats the experimental results reported by Hughes and Hughes in 1932. Moreover, the method provides a means to control antibubble parameters such as diameter and air film thickness. This control offers valuable insight for subsequent investigations on antibubbles, establishing a foundation for further exploration and application of this intriguing phenomenon.
Offset boosting in a discrete system
Authors: Li Chunbiao , Yi Chenlong , Li Yongxin , Mitro Satu , Wang Zhihao
Published: March 2024

Offset boosting plays an important role in chaos application in electronic engineering. A direct variable substitution typically will destroy the dynamics of a discrete map even though the initial condition is well considered. The internal fundamental reason is that the left-hand side of a discrete system does not have the dimension of variable differentiation (DVD) like the one of a continuous system. When the key property of DVD is completely preserved, the offset boosting based on a parameter or the initial condition can be reasonably achieved like in a differential system. Consequently, by the initial condition-oriented offset boosting, flexible multistability like attractor self-reproducing or attractor doubling can be further realized. A circuit experiment is completed for the verification of reliable offset boosting. The systematic exploration of offset boosting in a map will cast a new light on chaos regulation and attractor transportation in a discrete map. As a simple case, a two-dimensional Hénon map is taken as the example demonstrating the achievement of offset boosting via the parameter or initial condition.
Extra-stigmatic pollen germination and pistil elongation: a novel strategy towards reproductive assurance in Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia
Authors: Khan Sajid , Verma Susheel
Published: March 2024

Context Reproductive success in dioecious plant species may be limited by severe pollen limitation owing to their separate sexes and pollination barriers. Aims Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia (Jacq.) (Sapindaceae) is a dioecious and wind-pollinated species that has a long flowering period. This study sought to determine the relationship between its reproductive behaviour and pollen availability during different flowering phases. Methods Extra-stigmatic pollen germination and reproductive performance during different phases of flowering were investigated and correlated with pistil elongation under natural conditions. Results The species offers whole stigmatic and stylar surfaces for pollen to land and germinate under natural conditions. During pollen-limiting conditions, the length of the pistil increases significantly to enhance pollen capture. Depending on where on the pistil pollen lands, the timing of pollen tube arrival at the ovary varies. Conclusions Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia is the first reported wild species in the Sapindaceae where pistil elongation is regulated by pollination conditions and extra-stigmatic pollen germination ensures reproduction during phases of differing pollen availability. Our results indicated that the flexibility of female function and reproductive behaviour in Dodonaea viscosa subsp. angustifolia adds to the evolutionary possibilities to overcome pollination constraints. Implications This unique strategy for increasing female fitness through pollen presentation in D. viscosa subsp. angustifolia could be explored in other subspecies of D. viscosa on the Australian subcontinent.
A pharynx-to-brain axis controls pharyngeal inflammation–induced anxiety
Authors: Zhao Wan , Zhang Ke , Dong Wan-Ying , Tang Hao-Di , Sun Jia-Qiang , Huang Ji-Ye , Wan Guang-Lun , Guan Rui-Rui , Guo Xiao-Tao , Cheng Ping-Kai , Tao Ran , Sun Jing-Wu , Zhang Zhi , Zhu Xia
Published: March 2024

Anxiety is a remarkably common condition among patients with pharyngitis, but the relationship between these disorders has received little research attention, and the underlying neural mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that the densely innervated pharynx transmits signals induced by pharyngeal inflammation to glossopharyngeal and vagal sensory neurons of the nodose/jugular/petrosal (NJP) superganglia in mice. Specifically, the NJP superganglia project to norepinephrinergic neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS
NE
). These NTS
NE
neurons project to the ventral bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (vBNST) that induces anxiety-like behaviors in a murine model of pharyngeal inflammation. Inhibiting this pharynx→NJP→NTS
NE
→vBNST circuit can alleviate anxiety-like behaviors associated with pharyngeal inflammation. This study thus defines a pharynx-to-brain axis that mechanistically links pharyngeal inflammation and emotional response.
On the mechanical origins of waving, coiling and skewing in
Arabidopsis thaliana
roots
Authors: Porat Amir , Tekinalp Arman , Bhosale Yashraj , Gazzola Mattia , Meroz Yasmine
Published: March 2024

By masterfully balancing directed growth and passive mechanics, plant roots are remarkably capable of navigating complex heterogeneous environments to find resources. Here, we present a theoretical and numerical framework which allows us to interrogate and simulate the mechanical impact of solid interfaces on the growth pattern of plant organs. We focus on the well-known waving, coiling, and skewing patterns exhibited by roots of
Arabidopsis thaliana
when grown on inclined surfaces, serving as a minimal model of the intricate interplay with solid substrates. By modeling growing slender organs as Cosserat rods that mechanically interact with the environment, our simulations verify hypotheses of waving and coiling arising from the combination of active gravitropism and passive root-plane responses. Skewing is instead related to intrinsic twist due to cell file rotation. Numerical investigations are outfitted with an analytical framework that consistently relates transitions between straight, waving, coiling, and skewing patterns with substrate tilt angle. Simulations are found to corroborate theory and recapitulate a host of reported experimental observations, thus providing a systematic approach for studying in silico plant organs behavior in relation to their environment.
Blocking endogenous retinoic acid degradation induces oral tooth formation in zebrafish
Authors: Jackman William R. , Miranda Portillo Lyn S. , Cox Carol K. , Ambrosio Alison , Gibert Yann
Published: March 2024

According to Dollo’s Law of irreversibility in evolution, a lost structure is usually considered to be unable to reappear in evolution due to the accumulation over time of mutations in the genes required for its formation. Cypriniform fish are a classic model of evolutionary loss because, while they form fully operational teeth in the ventral posterior pharynx, unlike other teleosts, they do not possess oral teeth. Paleontological data show that Cypriniforms, a clade of teleost fish that includes the zebrafish, lost their oral teeth 50 to 100 Mya. In order to attempt to reverse oral tooth loss in zebrafish, we block the degradation of endogenous levels of retinoic acid (RA) using a specific inhibitor of the Cyp26 RA degrading enzymes. We demonstrate the inhibition of endogenous RA degradation is sufficient to restore oral tooth induction as marked by the re-appearance of expression of early dental mesenchyme and epithelium genes such as
dlx2b
and
sp7
in the oral cavity. Furthermore, we show that these exogenously induced oral tooth germs are able to be at least partly calcified. Taken together, our data show that modifications of signaling pathways can have a significant effect on the reemergence of once-lost structures leading to experimentally induced reversibility of evolutionary tooth loss in cypriniforms.
An unusual aromatase/cyclase programs the formation of the phenyldimethylanthrone framework in anthrabenzoxocinones and fasamycin
Authors: Jiang Kai , Chen Xu , Yan Xiaoli , Li Guangjun , Lin Zhi , Deng Zixin , Luo Shukun , Qu Xudong
Published: March 2024

Aromatic polyketides are renowned for their wide-ranging pharmaceutical activities. Their structural diversity is mainly produced via modification of limited types of basic frameworks. In this study, we characterized the biosynthesis of a unique basic aromatic framework, phenyldimethylanthrone (PDA) found in (+)/(−)-anthrabenzoxocinones (ABXs) and fasamycin (FAS). Its biosynthesis employs a methyltransferase (Abx
(+)
M/Abx
(−)
M/FasT) and an unusual TcmI-like aromatase/cyclase (ARO/CYC, Abx
(+)
D/Abx
(−)
D/FasL) as well as a nonessential helper ARO/CYC (Abx
(+)
C/Abx
(−)
C/FasD) to catalyze the aromatization/cyclization of polyketide chain, leading to the formation of all four aromatic rings of the PDA framework, including the C9 to C14 ring and a rare angular benzene ring. Biochemical and structural analysis of Abx
(+)
D reveals a unique loop region, giving rise to its distinct acyl carrier protein-dependent specificity compared to other conventional TcmI-type ARO/CYCs, all of which impose on free molecules. Mutagenic analysis discloses critical residues of Abx
(+)
D for its catalytic activity and indicates that the size and shape of its interior pocket determine the orientation of aromatization/cyclization. This study unveils the tetracyclic and non-TcmN type C9 to C14 ARO/CYC, significantly expanding our cognition of ARO/CYCs and the biosynthesis of aromatic polyketide framework.
Numerical investigation of the effect of blade tip loading distribution on tip leakage vortex characteristics in a waterjet pump
Authors: Gong Bo , Zhu Huailun , Chen Xiaohang , Li Ning , Yin Junlian , Wang Dezhong
Published: March 2024

The blade tip leakage vortex (TLV) is a common concern for waterjet pump. The TLV are closely related to the load distribution at the blade tip. This paper aims at to investigate the relationship between blade tip load distribution and TLV trajectory and size. The characteristics of tip leakage vortex in a mixed flow pump is investigated by numerical method. The SST k-ω turbulence model is used to predict TLV trajectories. The result shows a good agreement with the visualization results based on high-speed photography (HSP), which validated that the accuracy of numerical method. The numerical results show that the starting point of the TLV, as well as the angle between blade chord and TLV changes with flow rate condition, which related with the blade tip loading. Therefore, the distribution of the load at the top of the leaf necessarily influences the trajectory of the leakage vortex. Comparing the three different loading patterns at the blade tip, it can be seen that as the load moves backwards, the starting position of the leakage vortex at the blade tip moves backwards and the relative angle between the TLV and blade increases.
Study on cross-section distortion behaviors for tube bending at varying geometry parameters
Authors: Wan Tao , Fang Jun , Ouyang Fang , Shang Wenxuan
Published: March 2024

Tube bending is often plagued by the critical forming defect of cross-section distortion, which increases flow resistance, affects the strength and stiffness of bent-tube, and thus directly influences the usage performance of bent-tube components. To achieve accurate tube bending forming, the distortion behaviors for cross-section during tube bending should be clarified. A finite element (FE) model accounting for the change in elastic modulus was employed for addressing the distortion behaviors of the cross-section for high strength 0Cr21Ni6Mn9N (0Cr21Ni6Mn9N-HS) tube in NC rotary draw bending at varying geometry parameters. The findings indicate that accounting for the change in elastic modulus can aggrandize the distortion ratio of the cross-section, but has no significant impact on the distortion behaviors for the cross-section. The cross-section ovality behaviors of the 0Cr21Ni6Mn9N-HS tube at various geometry parameters for NC rotary draw bending have been clarified, and the ranges of sound parameters have been determined.
Failure analysis on fracture causes of stainless-steel studs in seawater system of nuclear power plants
Authors: Li Wei , Zhou Lukun , Qi Jun , Fang Qishu , Liu Yafei
Published: March 2024

Nine of the twelve B8M stainless steel studs on the flange of a seawater pipeline isolation valve of a nuclear power plant were encountered with premature fracture during service. To find out the cause of the fracture failure, the fracture studs were comprehensively detected and analyzed by means of appearance morphology analysis, chemical composition analysis, mechanical properties testing, microstructure testing, and fracture micro-area analysis. The results show that the main reasons are as follows: (1) The solid solution temperature of the raw materials for processing bolts is low, so the carbides are not fully dissolved and distributed in a mesh along the grain boundary. Thus, the chromium-poor near the grain boundary forms, resulting in the mechanical properties of the bolts weakening. According to the experiment, it was found that the corrosion resistance of the bolts is weak due to the low nickel content. Carbon easily precipitates at the grain boundary and forms Cr23C6 with chrome, which weakens the bonding strength of the grain boundary and causes the bolt to break along the grain.
Quantifying the compound hazard of freezing rain and wind gusts across CONUS
Authors: Coburn Jacob , Barthelmie Rebecca J , Pryor Sara C
Published: March 2024

The co-occurrence of freezing rain, ice accumulation and wind gusts (FZG) poses a significant hazard to infrastructure and transportation. However, quantification of the frequency and intensity of FZG is challenged by the lack of direct icing measurements. In this work, we evaluate and then apply an energy balance model to high-frequency data collected during 2005–2022 to derive hourly ice accumulation at 883 stations across the contiguous USA. These estimates are combined with wind gust observations to compute time series of hourly FZG hazard magnitude using the Sperry–Piltz Ice Accumulation (SPIA) index. Results are evaluated using Storm Reports of damage and economic disruption. The hourly SPIA estimates are also used to (i) derive a geospatial atlas of the hazard including the 50 yr return period event intensities for each US state derived using superstations, and (ii) describe storylines of significant events in terms of meteorological drivers and socioeconomic impacts. The highest values of SPIA during the 18 yr study period occur in a region extending from the Southern Great Plains over the Midwest into the densely populated Northeast. States in these regions also have high 50 yr return period maximum radial ice accumulation of 3–5 cm and co-occurring wind gusts >30 ms−1. These values are comparable to past estimates for the 500 yr event which may imply this hazard has been previously underestimated. This atlas can be used to inform optimal FZG hazard mitigation strategies for each state/region.
The thermal effect of snow cover on ground surface temperature in the Northern Hemisphere
Authors: Peng Xiaoqing , Frauenfeld Oliver W , Huang Yuan , Chen Guanqun , Wei Gang , Li Xuanjia , Tian Weiwei , Yang Guangshang , Zhao Yaohua , Mu Cuicui
Published: March 2024

Snow cover is critical to the ground thermal regime because it affects surface conditions and the energy balance. Prior work inherently included confounding effects from vegetation and the soil when estimating the snow’s effect by using the differences between air and ground surface or soil temperature. Here we use the Kudryavtsev model including a snow module to isolate the effect of only the snow cover during winter, based on observational sites across the Northern Hemisphere. We find that snow’s damping of annual mean ground surface temperature averages 5.06 ± 3.15 °C and ranges 0 °C–10 °C, while damping of the annual ground surface temperature amplitude is 7.95 ± 4.95 °C, ranging 0 °C–20 °C. Greater insulation occurs in the high-latitudes. The insulating effect is primarily driven by snow depth, but also the combination of air temperature and its amplitude, snow depth, and duration. Snow cover duration and low air temperature enhance snow’s insulating ability. These observational results that isolate the damping effect of only the snow could play a significant role in better understanding the energy change between air and the ground.
Ecological tradeoffs lead to complex evolutionary trajectories and sustained diversity on dynamic fitness landscapes
Authors: Amado André , Bank Claudia
Published: March 2024

The course and outcome of evolution are critically determined by the fitness landscape, which maps genotype to fitness. Most theory has considered static fitness landscapes or fitness landscapes that fluctuate according to abiotic environmental changes. In the presence of biotic interactions between coexisting genotypes, the fitness landscape becomes dynamic and frequency-dependent.

Here, we introduce a fitness landscape model that incorporates ecological interactions between individuals in a population. In the model, fitness is determined by individuals competing for resources according to a set of traits they possess. An individual’s genotype determines the trait values through a Rough Mount Fuji fitness landscape model, allowing for tunable epistasis (i.e. non-additive gene interaction) and trait correlations (i.e. whether there are tradeoffs or synergies in the ability to use resources). Focusing on the effects of epistasis and trait correlations, we quantify the resulting eco-evolutionary dynamics under simulated Wright–Fisher dynamics (i.e. including genetic drift, mutation, and selection under the assumption of a constant population size) on the dynamics fitness landscape in comparison with a similar, static, fitness landscape model without ecological interactions.

Whereas the non-ecological model ultimately leads to the maintenance of one main genotype in the population, evolution in the ecological model can lead to the long-term coexistence of several genotypes at intermediate frequencies across much of the parameter range. Including ecological interactions increases steady-state diversity whenever the trait correlations are not too strong. However, strong epistasis can hinder coexistence, and additive genotype–phenotype maps yield the highest haplotype diversity at the steady state. Interestingly, we frequently observe long-term coexistence also in the absence of induced trade-offs in the ability to consume resources.

In summary, our simulation study presents a new dynamic fitness landscape model that highlights the complex eco-evolutionary consequences of a (finite) genotype–phenotype-fitness map in the presence of biotic interactions.
Rat composition and population in mature oil palm adjacent to paddy field
Authors: Putri I A , Saepuloh A , Lubis F R , Asnawi A H
Published: March 2024

Rat is one of the main pests in an oil palm plantation, impacted at various types and stages of oil palm growth. Ungkaya estate has a historical & endemic infestation of rats, especially in several fields adjacent to paddy fields. This study aimed to find out the seasonal migration of rats from paddy fields to oil palm fields in Ungkaya Estate. Five plots were used for trapping, identifying rat species, monitoring of rat population, rat damage intensity, and rat habitat preference at each stage of the paddy season. Trapped rats were identified as Rattus tiomanicus (56.91%), Rattus argentiventer (36.17%), and Rattus tanezumi (6.91%). The intensity of rat damage to the palm was high during the vegetative phase of paddy season and the full moon phase. The regression analysis results showed that the number of trapped rats has a positive relationship to rat damage intensity for the vegetative and harvesting stage at full moon. The number of trapped R. argentiventer at vegetative stage was higher than the generative & harvesting phase of the paddy season. Moreover, there were rat footprints observed on the riverside leading to the oil palm field. The results of all observation parameters concluded that there was seasonal migration of rats between the oil palm fields and the paddy fields in Ungkaya estate. The information is pivotal in drawing up suitable mitigation measures to control and minimize rat damage to the oil palm.
Bunch component performance of AVROS and Yangambi population
Authors: Simamora A N , Rahmadi H Y , Yenni Y , Sujadi  , Siregar H A , Supena N , Arif M , Supriyanto E , Purba A R
Published: March 2024

The IOPRI oil palm breeding program has developed a total of 11 varieties through two selection cycles since 1974, using the RRS scheme. The performance of the varieties from the first and second cycles in the AVROS and Yangambi groups was compared using data from progeny test bunch analysis. The AV-02 variety from the second cycle of AVROS line showed an increase in fruit/bunch (F/B) and oil extraction rate (OER) by 0.92% and 0.50%, respectively, compared to the AV-01 variety from the first cycle. The AV-03 variety increased mesocarp/fruit (M/F) to 4.92% and OER to 1.21%. However, M/F and OER enhancement was compensated by kernel/fruit (K/F) and shell/fruit (S/F) decrease by 2.35% and 2.57%. In the Yangambi group, the YA-02 variety from the second cycle had an improved average weight bunch (AWB) of 4.00 kg or 21.4% greater than the YA-01 variety from the first cycle. The YA-02 AWB improvement was followed by an increase in M/F and K/F by 0.87% and 0.30%. The YA-03 variety had better kernel characters with a rise in K/F and S/F of 0.54% and 0.44%, and OER still increased by 0.57%, which may be due to its oil/dry mesocarp (ODM) increase. CART® analysis showed that the F/B, ODM, and M/F were the three highest predictors for OER values for all varieties, except for YA-02 with F/B, S/F, and M/F, and YA-03 with M/F, F/B, and S/F. ODM is an important consideration in the assembly of high-yielding varieties, as it is one of the three major predictor characters that affect OER values which highly inherited.
Growth Test of Three Types of Legume Cover Crops Commonly Used in Oil Palm Plantation
Authors: Sumaryanto  , Ramadhan I F , Prasetyo I D , Ginting E N , Pangaribuan Y , Hidayat T C , Listia E , Fauzi W R , Primananda S , Sukarman  , Fitriana C D A
Published: March 2024

Legume cover crops (LCC) in oil palm plantations aim to protect the soil from direct sunlight, suppress weed growth, suppress erosion, maintain soil moisture and increase soil fertility. Cover crops such as Mucuna bracteate (Mb), Pueraria javanica (Pj), and Calopogonium mucunoides (Cm) are commonly used in oil palm plantations. Nowadays, the superior cover crop seeds are limited. However, all of the cover crop seeds spread in the market are coming from unlicenced farms. As consequence, the seed quality and the purity are questioned. It is important to conduct research to identify the quality of those there LCC seeds. Germination methods used in the laboratory tests were the method of on paper (UDK), between-paper test (UAK), and soil media test. An experimental design completely randomized was used. The results showed that the germination percentage of Pj, Mb, dan Cm with the UDK method are 29%, 22%, and 4%; the UAK method are 33%, 41%, and 5%; meanwhile, the growth percentage of Pj, Mb, and Cm are 47%, 53%, and 7% respectively.
An analysis of sex ratio value, fruit set and fruit to bunch of palm oil Socfindo MT Gano variety on mature plants (MP1, MP2, MP3)
Authors: Sukariawan A , Affandi D , Sakiah  , Mahyuda I D
Published: March 2024

Several studies in managing fruit sets and fruit to bunch are needed to get an ideal concept of treatment for varieties, one of which is the technical culture to explore the production potential of cultivated varieties. Therefore, this research aims to determine the sex ratio, fruit set, and fruit to bunch of palm oil bunch of Socfindo MT Gano variety on mature plants. This research was conducted using the survey method, object of research namely the 2019 planting year (3 years old), the 2018 planting year (4 years old), and the 2017 planting year (5 years old). The data collected were the number of male flowers, female flowers, stalk weight, stalk diameter, fruit, and parthenocarpy fruit, then calculated the sex ratio, fruit set, and fruit to bunch, analyzed by Analysis of Variance at a 5% level. The results indicated that the sex ratio and fruit to bunch were significantly different between MP1, MP2, and MP3, but the fruit set presented no significant difference between MP1, MP2, and MP3. The sex ratio is negatively correlated with fruit set and fruit to bunch, while the fruit set is positively correlated with fruit to bunch with an exceptional relationship.
Towards the fourth decade of IOPRI’s oil palm clones: Upcoming new variety
Authors: Ernayunita  , Yenni Yurna , Rahmadi Hernawan Y , Purba Abdul Razak , Harahap Iman Yani , Pratiwi Dian Rahma , Simamora Arfan Nazhri , Setiowati Retno Diah , Nazri Erwin , Siregar Heri Adriwan , Pangaribuan Ikhwan Fadli , Sitepu Annisa Fadhilah , Hidayat Taufiq Caesar , Lubis Mahmud Irfan , Supena Nanang
Published: March 2024

Experience of IOPRI on oil palm tissue culture would be four decades in 2024. The first decade was theperiod of oil palm clone development and field testing. The second decade was a setback for oil palm research because of a high percentage of oil palm clone abnormalities in the field. Moving on from these experiences, tissueculture systems such as: including improving the protocol, controlling the duration of callus induction, delimitating the number of subcultures, and building of oil palm clones database, were managed to be improved. In this way, alow abnormality level is under control and each clone is traceable. It is also noted that the oil palm clone provides20-30% higher production than that derived from DxP crossing seed due to the more uniform growth of generatedplants. Besides the protocol, ortet selection is also key to improvement. Ortets are elite plants from selected progeny testing or re-clone of the progeny testing. Molecular analysis is applied as a control of genetic variation possibility, which may occur in a particular phase due to specific stimuli. However, until the present time, a clonevariety has not been released yet. Therefore, in the fourth decade, mass production is expected and oil palm clonevarieties will officially be released and commercialized
Monitoring of pH level for maximizing oil palm ffb yields
Authors: Thandapani Pupathy Uthrapathy , Nadaraj Sundian
Published: March 2024

Depending on the location of estates and types of soils, monitoring of pH changes is an integral part of soil-water management for realizing sustainable Fresh Fruit Bunches (FFB) yields. In Sumber Tani Agung Resources Tbk, fluctuations in pH levels in field blocks as well as nearby drains were monitored since 2019. The usage of portable units of pH meters made it possible for planters to record and monitor the on-site changes in pH. Monitoring of pH was done on two types of soils namely peat (three estates in North Sumatra) and acid sulfate soils (two estates in South Sumatra). Piezometer was established in each block in all five estates and pH reading was taken biweekly, including at nearby watergates for comparison. Lower pH values ranging from 3.5 to 3.7 were observed at piezometers and water gates on blocks established on acid sulfate soils as compared to pH values recorded in peat areas where slightly higher pH values were registered (4.3 to 5.6). The presence of pyrite contributed to a lower range of pH values on acid sulfate soils. Keeping water level at 40-70 cm on peat and at 45-60 cm for acid sulfate soils would have an impact on the improvement of soil physical chemistry and biology properties, besides creating aerobic conditions for roots of the cultivated oil palms. Organic fertilizer such as bunch ash was applied in the 2020-2021 period which also resulted in an increment in pH values. Generally, there were improvements in oil palm growth as well as palm yield performance in areas with higher pH values (>4.50).
Biostimulant activity of Eucheuma cottonii extract on early growth of Elaeis guineensis Jacq
Authors: Aziz M A , Arisandy P , Wahyuni S , Fadila H , Siregar V M R , Priyono  , Luktyansyah I M , Sulastri  , Siswanto
Published: March 2024

Seaweed extract contains many bioactive compounds that boost the metabolisms of various plant commodities, ranging from germination, growth, and productivity. This study aimed to increase the early growth of oil palm germinated seeds by applying Eucheuma cottonii extract. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) with four treatments (0%, 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%) to test the optimum dose of E. cottonii methanol extract on oil palm growth stimulation (22 oil palm germinated seeds/treatment with equal growth performance). The germinated seeds were soaked with E. cottonii extract for one hour, then germinated for seven days. Observations were made on plumula length, radicula length, and the number of lateral radicula that performed daily. The data were analyzed statistically using ANOVA with Tukey HSD as the further test (p>95%). E. cottonii extract was dominated by auxin, 32.24 mg Kg-1, with a dose of 0.5% significantly increased radicula length by 50.85%, followed by an increased number of lateral radicula by 70.97% compared to control. Thus, 0.5% of Eucheuma cottonii extract could be used as an alternative plant growth regulator in stimulating the early growth of oil palm germinated seeds.
Alternative Methods for Handling Iron (Fe) Deficiency of Oil Palms (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Grown in Sandy Soil
Authors: Primayuda A , Kurniawan L , Lubis F I , Pernando R D
Published: March 2024

Iron (Fe) deficiency is one of the general problems that occur in Oil Palms (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) which are planted on sandy soil. Fe is an important micronutrient in enzyme activities, including cytochromes in the process of electron transfer, chlorophyll synthesis, and in maintaining the chloroplast structure. The research was conducted in 2 series of field observations. The first observation was conducted on the application of clay mineral soils (Plinthic Kanhapludults and Lithic Dystrudepts) in a silt pit, while the second observation was on the application of liquid nano-sized Fe fertilizer through root infusion and trunk injection methods, in addition, Fe chelated fertilizer application were also observed. The observation variable was the level of Fe in leaves 17th. The results showed all treatments significantly increased levels of Fe in leaves with different plant response rates. Root infusion treatment shows a faster response than clay mineral soil treatment, namely at 2 - 4 months after application (50.3 ppm and 38.2 ppm). Meanwhile, clay mineral soil treatment has a slower plant response rate on increasing Fe level in the leaves with a significant difference against the control, precisely at 24 months after application. Normally, regular Fe fertilization is enough to fulfill plant nutrient needs. Application of Fe through trunk injection or root infusion can be an alternative treatment for short-term use, whereas the application of clay mineral (iron-rich) soil can be optional for long-term needs.
Fruitset quality of oil palm fresh fruit bunch over eight years in acid sulphate soil, Central Kalimantan
Authors: Lubis F I , Mailisa I , Taufiq  , Kurniawan L , Agustin I , Putra G I S , Damayani C P , Rahmah S , Wijayanto P , Riana  , Primayuda A , Latif S , Lestari D T , Suhada F
Published: March 2024

The low-quality fruitset of oil palm fresh fruit bunch (FFB) has occurred in 2014 in the acid sulphate soil of PT Kalimantan Sawit Abadi, Central Kalimantan. It was known that the FFB quality has a very low percentage of fruitset about 17.4% on January 2014. The objective is to examine the historical quality of oil palm FFB fruitset for more than eight years (2014 – 2022) on acid sulphate soil and the factors that influenced it. Routine observations were conducted monthly with the variables fruitset value, number of male inflorescence anthesis (MI), and population of Elaeidobius kamerunicus. The data was carried out in a historical descriptive analysis (paired T comparison test). For eight years, the trend of fruitset quality in the observation sites has increased. The fruitset value on September 2022 reached 57% and was significantly different compared to 2014. It was known that the population of E. kamerunicus/ha significantly increased in the same period. The number of MI/ha each year tends to decrease (R2 = 0.151) with changes in plant age, ie. 5 – 13 years. Plant age development had a strong Pearson correlation (0.945) with the FFB quality.
Tools for live-cell imaging of cytoskeletal and nuclear behavior in the unconventional yeast, Aureobasidium pullulans
Authors: Petrucco Claudia A. , Crocker Alex W. , D’Alessandro Alec , Medina Edgar M. , Gorman Olivia , McNeill Jessica , Gladfelter Amy S. , Lew Daniel J.
Published: March 2024

Aureobasidium pullulans is a ubiquitous fungus with a wide variety of morphologies and growth modes including “typical” single-budding yeast, and interestingly, larger multinucleate yeast than can make multiple buds in a single cell cycle. The study of A. pullulans promises to uncover novel cell biology, but currently tools are lacking to achieve this goal. Here, we describe initial components of a cell biology toolkit for A. pullulans, which is used to express and image fluorescent probes for nuclei as well as components of the cytoskeleton. These tools allowed live-cell imaging of the multinucleate and multibudding cycles, revealing highly synchronous mitoses in multinucleate yeast that occur in a semiopen manner with an intact but permeable nuclear envelope. These findings open the door to using this ubiquitous polyextremotolerant fungus as a model for evolutionary cell biology.
Medicine Sessions
Authors: Brennan Bill , Belser Alex
Published: March 2024

Chapter 6 focuses on the medicine sessions of psychedelic-assisted therapy (PAT), where the psychedelic medicine is administered. The chapter outlines the therapist’s role in these sessions, emphasizing the importance of support, responsiveness, and skillful following, ensuring the participant’s physical well-being, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and providing mindful, compassionate attention. The chapter also details how to work within the six EMBARK psychedelic therapy domains during the medicine sessions, providing specific suggestions for interventions and explanatory language for a variety of clinical phenomena that may emerge in the session. The chapter further discusses how to respond to common and challenging events that may arise during the psychedelic medicine session, emphasizing the importance of the therapist’s presence and the quality of their attention. The chapter concludes with a note on challenging experiences and advice for researchers on what to do if a participant believes they received a placebo.
Remaking Early American Literary Studies (Again)
Authors: Pethers Matthew
Published: March 2024

This review essay considers the edited collection American Literature in Transition: The Long Nineteenth Century, 1770-1828, in relation to current shifts in the field of early American literary studies away from New Historicist methodologies toward a concern with topics such as form, genre, and networks. Seeking to interrogate longstanding critical assumptions about the danger of “grand narratives” and “bounded wholes,” it asks whether potentially progressive alternatives to concepts of transition and contingency are possible. At a moment when early Americanist scholarship, and the institutional and political contexts for it, are in a heightened state of flux, what emerging lines of inquiry are likely to have an ongoing influence and to what degree are critics working on the long eighteenth century engaged in a shared project?
Interplay of International Law and Cyberspace: State Sovereignty Violation, Extraterritorial Effects, and the Paradigm of Cyber Sovereignty
Authors: Chatinakrob Thanapat
Published: March 2024

Information and communication technology (ICT) threats, involving malicious use of ICTs, pose substantial risks to global security and stability. These threats, emanating from State and non-State actors, endanger economic growth, societal well-being, and human safety. The existing international legal framework struggles to adequately confront these challenges, resulting in issues concerning State sovereignty, cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, and the emergence of cyberspace sovereignty. Cyber-attacks targeting key infrastructure can undermine sovereignty by aiding another State’s territorial control. The enforcement of cyberspace legislation, whether regional or intra-State, can infringe upon other States’ sovereignty due to cross-border repercussions. Despite the presence of numerous international and regional regulations, enforcement remains lacking. The concept of cyberspace sovereignty has arisen with technological advancements, signifying a need for digital realm sovereignty. Yet, this form of sovereignty is narrower compared to territorial sovereignty. This article delves into the nexus between international law, State sovereignty, and ICT threats, along with the progression of cyberspace sovereignty. Through qualitative analysis of primary and secondary sources, it examines the application of existing international law in the digital landscape. By scrutinizing these intricacies, the paper endeavors to comprehend the contemporary challenges posed to international law and explore potential resolutions.
Preferences for labour regulation: endowments versus beliefs
Authors: Duval Romain , Ji Yi , Papageorgiou Chris , Shibata Ippei , Spilimbergo Antonio
Published: March 2024

Are preferences for labour regulations driven by individuals’ own endowments or their beliefs? To address this question, we conducted a cross-country survey on people’s opinions on employment protection legislation – an area where reform has proven to be difficult and personal interests is at stake. We find that individuals’ beliefs contribute two to three times more than their own endowments and personal pay-offs. A randomized information treatment confirms that beliefs can explain views about regulations, but beliefs can also change with new information. Our results are robust to several checks, including to alternative estimation techniques and samples.
Sphingolipid diversity in Candida auris: unraveling interclade and drug resistance fingerprints
Authors: Ali Basharat , Kumar Mohit , Kumar Praveen , Chauhan Anshu , Usmani Sana Akhtar , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M , Meis Jacques F , Chakrabarti Arunaloke , Singh Ashutosh , Gaur Naseem A , Mondal Alok K , Prasad Rajendra
Published: March 2024

In this study, we explored the sphingolipid (SL) landscape in Candida auris, which plays pivotal roles in fungal biology and drug susceptibility. The composition of SLs exhibited substantial variations at both the SL class and molecular species levels among clade isolates. Utilizing principal component analysis, we successfully differentiated the five clades based on their SL class composition. While phytoceramide (PCer) was uniformly the most abundant SL class in all the isolates, other classes showed significant variations. These variations were not limited to SL class level only as the proportion of different molecular species containing variable number of carbons in fatty acid chains also differed between the isolates. Also a comparative analysis revealed abundance of ceramides and glucosylceramides in fluconazole susceptible isolates. Furthermore, by comparing drug-resistant and susceptible isolates within clade IV, we uncovered significant intraclade differences in key SL classes such as high PCer and low long chain base (LCB) content in resistant strains, underscoring the impact of SL heterogeneity on drug resistance development in C. auris. These findings shed light on the multifaceted interplay between genomic diversity, SLs, and drug resistance in this emerging fungal pathogen.
Accurate Detection of Convergent Mutations in Large Protein Alignments With ConDor
Authors: Morel Marie , Zhukova Anna , Lemoine Frédéric , Gascuel Olivier
Published: March 2024

Evolutionary convergences are observed at all levels, from phenotype to DNA and protein sequences, and changes at these different levels tend to be correlated. Notably, convergent mutations can lead to convergent changes in phenotype, such as changes in metabolism, drug resistance, and other adaptations to changing environments. We propose a two-component approach to detect mutations subject to convergent evolution in protein alignments. The “Emergence” component selects mutations that emerge more often than expected, while the “Correlation” component selects mutations that correlate with the convergent phenotype under study. With regard to Emergence, a phylogeny deduced from the alignment is provided by the user and is used to simulate the evolution of each alignment position. These simulations allow us to estimate the expected number of mutations in a neutral model, which is compared to the observed number of mutations in the data studied. In Correlation, a comparative phylogenetic approach, is used to measure whether the presence of each of the observed mutations is correlated with the convergent phenotype. Each component can be used on its own, for example Emergence when no phenotype is available. Our method is implemented in a standalone workflow and a webserver, called ConDor. We evaluate the properties of ConDor using simulated data, and we apply it to three real datasets: sedge PEPC proteins, HIV reverse transcriptase, and fish rhodopsin. The results show that the two components of ConDor complement each other, with an overall accuracy that compares favorably to other available tools, especially on large datasets.