bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical simulation of rolling pad instability in cuboid liquid metal batteries
Authors: Xiang Linyan , Zikanov Oleg
Published: December 2019

The rolling pad instability is caused by electromagnetic interactions in systems of horizontal layers with strongly different electric conductivities. We analyze the instability for a simplified model of a liquid metal battery, a promising device for large-scale stationary energy storage. Numerical simulations of the flow and the dynamics of electromagnetically coupled interfacial waves are performed using OpenFOAM. This work confirms the earlier conclusions that the instability is a significant factor affecting the battery’s operation. The critical role played by the ratio between the density differences across the two interfaces is elucidated. It is found that the ratio determines the stability characteristics and the type (symmetrically or antisymmetrically coupled) of dominant interfacial waves.
Investigation on a fast rise time high voltage pulse transformer
Authors: Li Song , Gao Jingming , Shi Chengyu , Liu Xiao , Yang Hanwu
Published: December 2019

A pulse transformer has advantages of compactness and long lifetime achievability, and is considered an important candidate for the development of high voltage pulse generators. In this paper, a fast rise time high voltage pulse transformer with a compact structure is studied numerically and experimentally. Specifically, the structure of the pulse transformer was designed with paralleled winding groups. The response and insulation characteristics of the pulse transformer are investigated numerically. After that, a fast rise time high voltage pulse transformer was built, and scaling experiments were performed to analyze the influence of the feed structure of the pulse transformer. Importantly, the pulse transformer was successfully used in a low impedance generator, and high voltage pulses with a peak voltage of about 260 kV, a pulse duration of 170 ns, and a rise time of 65 ns were achieved on a resistive load of 32 Ω. The ratio of the transformer is approximately 1:3. Experiments show reasonable agreement with the numerical analysis.
Non-isothermal mixing characteristics in the extreme near-field of a turbulent jet in hot crossflow
Authors: Dayton James W. , Poettgen Benjamin K. , Linevitch Kyle , Cetegen Baki M.
Published: December 2019

The nonreacting and reacting jet in crossflow (JICF) is an important flow configuration for effective mixing and combustion in practical applications. Many studies in the literature exist that examine the overall mixing characteristics of an isothermal, unconfined, nonreacting JICF. This experimental study examines the mixing characteristics in the very near field (s/d ≤ 3) of a nonreacting jet in a hot crossflow of combustion products (1500 K), a configuration relevant to gas turbine combustion. A range of jet-to-crossflow momentum flux ratios (5.2 ≤ J ≤ 24.2) and jet-to-crossflow density ratios (3.2 ≤ ρj/ρcf ≤ 7.8) was studied for a round jet with fully developed turbulent pipe flow and 4% mean turbulence intensity at the jet exit. Temperature measurements were made using planar laser Rayleigh scattering. Jet trajectory, jet centerline concentration decay based on adiabatic mixing assumption, Favre-averaged scalar dissipation, and scalar mixing time scales were determined as a function of the above-mentioned jet parameters. The observed center-plane mixing metrics indicated that better near field mixing was exhibited for lower values of the momentum flux ratio and larger values of density ratio in the extreme near field of the jet. As the momentum flux ratio was increased, windward and leeward mixing around the elongated potential core decreased, as indicated by the relative temperatures in these regions. The magnitude of scalar dissipation in the windward region decreased as the jet momentum flux increased, while the leeward dissipation region increased in size and magnitude as the momentum flux ratio increased. When the density ratio was decreased toward unity, both the windward and leeward dissipation regions reduced in size and magnitude.
Numerical study of two balls settling in viscoelastic fluids from an initial vertical configuration
Authors: Pan Tsorng-Whay , Chiu Shang-Huan , Glowinski Roland
Published: December 2019

In this article, we have investigated, via numerical simulation, the interaction of two identical balls settling in a vertical square tube filled with a viscoelastic fluid. For two balls released in Oldroyd-B fluids, one on top of the other initially, we have observed two possible scenarios, among others: either the trailing ball catches up the leading one to form a doublet (dipole) or the balls separate with a stable final distance. If the ball density is slightly larger than the fluid density, the two balls form a doublet, either vertical or tilted. If one further increases the ball density, the two balls still form a doublet if the initial distance is small enough, but for larger initial distances at higher elasticity numbers, the balls move away from each other and their distance reaches a stable constant. Factors influencing doublet formation are (possibly among others) the ball density, the ball initial distance, and the fluid elasticity number. When settling in finite extendable nonlinear elastic–Chilcott and Rallison fluids, low values of the coil maximal extension limit enhance ball separation.
Aerosol transport in a breathing alveolus
Authors: Chakravarty Aranyak , Patankar Neelesh A. , Panchagnula Mahesh V.
Published: December 2019

The present study aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the complex nature of fluid flow and particle transport dynamics in the alveolar region of the lungs. The acinus has a fine-scaled structure which allows for gas exchange in the blood. We model the transport characteristics of a single alveolar duct, which represents a single unit of the fine-scale acinar structure. A straight duct, with an expanding/contracting hemispherical bulb at one end, is used as a simplified approximation of a breathing alveolus. The diffusion of respiratory gases is considered across the boundary of the hemispherical bulb in order to account for the gas exchange. The transport equations are solved numerically using an Eulerian-Eulerian approach. The transport of aerosol particles could be demarcated into transient and time-periodic regimes, each with significantly different characteristics. While diffusion is observed to be the main cause of particle transport in the transient regime, the periodic nature of advective particle motion dominates in the time-periodic regime. Surprisingly, particle transport toward the acinus is observed even in a time-periodic breathing flow due to the nonlinear advective acceleration. A reduction in the particle size is observed to substantially aid the transport of aerosols. While gas exchange and increase in breathing frequency aid aerosol transport, the increase in the rate of aerosol transfer is observed to merely lower the aerosol concentration within the duct.
Wall-modeled large-eddy simulations of spanwise rotating turbulent channels—Comparing a physics-based approach and a data-based approach
Authors: Huang Xinyi L. D. , Yang Xiang I. A. , Kunz Robert F.
Published: December 2019

We develop wall modeling capabilities for large-eddy simulations (LESs) of channel flow subjected to spanwise rotation. The developed models are used for flows at various Reynolds numbers and rotation numbers, with different grid resolutions and in differently sized computational domains. We compare a physics-based approach and a data-based machine learning approach. When pursuing a data-based approach, we use the available direct numerical simulation data as our training data. We highlight the difference between LES wall modeling, where one writes all flow quantities in a coordinate defined by the wall-normal direction and the near-wall flow direction, and Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes modeling, where one writes flow quantities in tensor forms. Pursuing a physics-based approach, we account for system rotation by reformulating the eddy viscosity in the wall model. Employing the reformulated eddy viscosity, the wall model is able to predict the mean flow correctly. Pursuing a data-based approach, we train a fully connected feed-forward neural network (FNN). The FNN is informed about our knowledge (although limited) on the mean flow. We then use the trained FNNs as wall models in wall modeled LES (WMLES) and show that it predicts the mean flow correctly. While it is not the focus of this study, special attention is paid to the problem of log-layer mismatch, which is common in WMLES. Our study shows that log-layer mismatch, or rather, linear-layer mismatch in WMLES of spanwise rotating channels, is not present at high rotation numbers, even when the wall-model/LES matching location is at the first grid point.
Dietary supplementation with copper oxide nanoparticles ameliorates chronic heat stress in broiler chickens
Authors: El-Kassas Seham , El-Naggar Karima , Abdo Safaa E. , Abdo Walied , Kirrella Abeer A. K. , El-Mehaseeb Ibrahim , Abu El-Magd Mohammed
Published: December 2019

Aims Heat stress (HS) is one of the most serious problems of poultry production. Copper (Cu) is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in the organism defence against oxidative stress. Because of the low mineral availability of the commercial Cu salts, in a novel approach, copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) were used to alleviate chronic heat stress-induced degenerative changes in two commercial broiler strains (Ross 308 and Cobb 500). Methods Birds of each broiler strain were divided into six groups, with three replicates each. The first group (N1) received 100% of the recommended Cu requirements as CuO and was housed under normal temperature (24 ± 2°C), the second and third groups (N2 and N3 respectively) received 100% and 50% of the recommended Cu requirements as CuO-NPs and were housed under normal temperature. The fourth, fifth and sixth groups (H1, H2 and H3 respectively) received the same level of Cu supplementation as did the first, second and third groups respectively, and they were housed under normal temperature until the age of 21 days, and then exposed to HS (33 ± 2°C/5 h per day for two successive weeks). Key results Dietary supplementation with CuO-NPs during HS altered the HS-induced responses of the birds, as confirmed by decreased liver malondehyde (MDA) concentration and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx1) mRNA expression levels and enzyme activities (P < 0.001), with a distinct linear association between the gene expression level and enzyme activity. Copper oxide NPs also reduced HS-induced degenerative changes in the hepatic tissue. These nanoparticles modulated, although variably, liver HS protein 70 (HSP70), HS protein 90 (HSP90) and HS factor 3 (HSF3) mRNA transcript levels among Ross and Cobb chickens following HS (P < 0.001). Performance of both strains under HS was improved (as shown by a marked reduction in body temperature (P < 0.001) and a higher bodyweight (P < 0.01)) when CuO-NPs were supplemented in the diet, especially for the birds receiving 50% of the recommended Cu requirement, with different responses being noted in the two strains studied. Conclusion CuO-NPs could be used as a good alternative source of Cu in poultry nutrition during summer. Implications Dietary supplementation of CuO-NPs, especially at 50% of the birds’ recommended requirement, during heat stress could enhance bird performance, lower bird temperature and increase its resistance to negative consequences of elevated temperature.
Women in freshwater science: invisible histories?
Authors: Waterton C. F. J. , Toogood M. D. , Heim M. W.
Published: December 2019

Women scientists have historically been subject to direct and indirect discrimination. This opinion piece argues for a history of freshwater science that recognises the scientific achievements of women. It suggests that lack of opportunity for women scientists in the 20th century is typified by the stereotype that women were naturally predisposed to non-intellectual pursuits and, therefore, ill fitted to science. Freshwater science in Britain possibly provided a distinctive space for women in science, in spite of widespread lack of opportunity. Over 20 women scientists were working in one institution in the inter-war period, and during and immediately after the Second World War. Yet, outside of that specific context, their work is barely known. We give examples of these women and their work and argue that the historical invisibility of women in aquatic sciences needs to be more thoroughly addressed, so as to understand the work of women scientists as having historical, social, as well as scientific, significance.
Effects of shading on seagrass morphology and thermal optimal of productivity
Authors: Kong Eunice , Ow Yan Xiang , Lai Samantha , Yaakub Siti Maryam , Todd Peter
Published: December 2019

Light and temperature are important factors affecting seagrass primary productivity. Acclimatisation to reduced light availability may affect the optimal temperature at which seagrasses photosynthesise, potentially causing synergistic effects between increasing water temperatures and decreasing light levels on coastal productivity. This study investigated the effects of reduced light availability on the morphology (leaf size, shoot density) and thermal optimal of net productivity in Halophila ovalis (R.Br.) Hook. A 12-week in situ shading experiment was conducted at Chek Jawa Wetlands, Singapore, testing high (68% shading), low (49%) and control (0%) shadings. Every 4 weeks, photosynthetic and respiration rates of H. ovalis leaves and the root–rhizome complex were measured in closed incubation chambers at temperatures from 22 to 42°C (at 4°C intervals). A fitted temperature-response model of net photosynthesis was used to estimate the thermal optimal for each shading treatment. High shading reduced shoot density (mean±s.e.) 87.06±7.86% and leaf surface area 31.72±24.74%. Net productivity (6mg O2 g–1 DW h–1) and its thermal optimal (28–30°C) were not significantly different among shading treatments throughout the experiment. Light levels appeared to have minimal influence on the thermal dependency of H. ovalis net productivity.
Antitumor astins originate from the fungal endophyte
Cyanodermella asteris
living within the medicinal plant
Aster tataricus
Authors: Schafhauser Thomas , Jahn Linda , Kirchner Norbert , Kulik Andreas , Flor Liane , Lang Alexander , Caradec Thibault , Fewer David P. , Sivonen Kaarina , van Berkel Willem J. H. , Jacques Philippe , Weber Tilmann , Gross Harald , van Pée Karl-Heinz , Wohlleben Wolfgang , Ludwig-Müller Jutta
Published: December 2019

Significance

Astins are natural products that bind to a crucial human regulatory protein, the stimulator of interferon genes (STING), which is a promising new therapeutic target for cancer and immune disorders. Astins have long been regarded as phytochemicals of a Chinese medicinal plant. Here, we show that they are produced by the newly identified fungal endophyte
Cyanodermella asteris
via a nonribosomal biosynthetic pathway. Moreover, we provide evidence that key astin variants are produced during symbiosis with the aster plant. The production of specific phytochemical variants during symbiotic interactions is poorly studied and might be more widespread than previously expected. These findings pave the way for a cost-effective biotechnological astin production.
Molecular profiling of single neurons of known identity in two ganglia from the crab
Cancer borealis
Authors: Northcutt Adam J. , Kick Daniel R. , Otopalik Adriane G. , Goetz Benjamin M. , Harris Rayna M. , Santin Joseph M. , Hofmann Hans A. , Marder Eve , Schulz David J.
Published: December 2019

Understanding circuit organization depends on identification of cell types. Recent advances in transcriptional profiling methods have enabled classification of cell types by their gene expression. While exceptionally powerful and high throughput, the ground-truth validation of these methods is difficult: If cell type is unknown, how does one assess whether a given analysis accurately captures neuronal identity? To shed light on the capabilities and limitations of solely using transcriptional profiling for cell-type classification, we performed 2 forms of transcriptional profiling—RNA-seq and quantitative RT-PCR, in single, unambiguously identified neurons from 2 small crustacean neuronal networks: The stomatogastric and cardiac ganglia. We then combined our knowledge of cell type with unbiased clustering analyses and supervised machine learning to determine how accurately functionally defined neuron types can be classified by expression profile alone. The results demonstrate that expression profile is able to capture neuronal identity most accurately when combined with multimodal information that allows for post hoc grouping, so analysis can proceed from a supervised perspective. Solely unsupervised clustering can lead to misidentification and an inability to distinguish between 2 or more cell types. Therefore, this study supports the general utility of cell identification by transcriptional profiling, but adds a caution: It is difficult or impossible to know under what conditions transcriptional profiling alone is capable of assigning cell identity. Only by combining multiple modalities of information such as physiology, morphology, or innervation target can neuronal identity be unambiguously determined.
5-HT
2A
receptor activation normalizes stress-induced dysregulation of GABAergic signaling in the ventral tegmental area
Authors: Kimmey Blake A. , Ostroumov Alexey , Dani John A.
Published: December 2019

Stress is known to alter GABAergic signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), and this inhibitory plasticity is associated with increased alcohol self-administration. In humans, serotonin 2A receptor (5-HT
2A
R) agonists can treat stress- and alcohol-related disorders, but the neural substrates are ill-defined. Thus, we reasoned that 5-HT
2A
R pharmacotherapies may ameliorate the stress-induced dysregulated inhibitory VTA circuitry that contributes to subsequent alcohol abuse. We found that acute stress exposure in mice compromised GABA-mediated inhibition of VTA GABA neurons corresponding with increased ethanol-induced GABAergic transmission. This stress-induced inhibitory plasticity was reversible by applying the 5-HT
2A
R agonist TCB-2 ex vivo via functional enhancement of the potassium-chloride cotransporter KCC2. The signaling pathway linking 5-HT
2A
R activation and normalization of KCC2 function was dependent on protein kinase C signaling and phosphorylation of KCC2 at serine 940 (S940), as mutation of S940 to alanine prevented restoration of chloride transport function by TCB-2. Through positive modulation of KCC2, TCB-2 also reduced elevated ethanol-induced GABAergic signaling after stress exposure that has previously been linked to increased ethanol consumption. Collectively, these findings provide mechanistic insights into the therapeutic action of 5-HT
2A
R agonists at the neuronal and circuit levels of brain reward circuitry.
Mitochondrial dysfunctions trigger the calcium signaling-dependent fungal multidrug resistance
Authors: Li Yeqi , Zhang Yuanwei , Zhang Chi , Wang Hongchen , Wei Xiaolei , Chen Peiying , Lu Ling
Published: December 2019

Drug resistance in fungal pathogens has risen steadily over the past decades due to long-term azole therapy or triazole usage in agriculture. Modification of the drug target protein to prevent drug binding is a major recognized route to induce drug resistance. However, mechanisms for nondrug target-induced resistance remain only loosely defined. Here, we explore the molecular mechanisms of multidrug resistance resulted from an efficient adaptation strategy for survival in drug environments in the human pathogen
Aspergillus fumigatus
. We show that mutants conferring multidrug resistance are linked with mitochondrial dysfunction induced by defects in heme A biosynthesis. Comparison of the gene expression profiles between the drug-resistant mutants and the parental wild-type strain shows that multidrug-resistant transporters, chitin synthases, and calcium-signaling-related genes are significantly up-regulated, while scavenging mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS)-related genes are significantly down-regulated. The up-regulated-expression genes share consensus calcium-dependent serine threonine phosphatase-dependent response elements (the binding sites of calcium-signaling transcription factor CrzA). Accordingly, drug-resistant mutants show enhanced cytosolic Ca
2+
transients and persistent nuclear localization of CrzA. In comparison, calcium chelators significantly restore drug susceptibility and increase azole efficacy either in laboratory-derived or in clinic-isolated
A. fumigatus
strains. Thus, the mitochondrial dysfunction as a fitness cost can trigger calcium signaling and, therefore, globally up-regulate a series of embedding calcineurin-dependent–response-element genes, leading to antifungal resistance. These findings illuminate how fitness cost affects drug resistance and suggest that disruption of calcium signaling might be a promising therapeutic strategy to fight against nondrug target-induced drug resistance.
Increased stiffness and flow resistance of the inner wall of Schlemm’s canal in glaucomatous human eyes
Authors: Vahabikashi Amir , Gelman Ariel , Dong Biqin , Gong Lihua , Cha Elliott D. K. , Schimmel Margit , Tamm Ernst R. , Perkumas Kristin , Stamer W. Daniel , Sun Cheng , Zhang Hao F. , Gong Haiyan , Johnson Mark
Published: December 2019

Significance

Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness. The elevated intraocular pressure that is characteristic of primary open-angle glaucoma is due to increased resistance to aqueous humor outflow. Localizing this increased resistance has eluded investigators until recently. We report here that the glaucomatous flow resistance can be found within approximately 1 µm of the surface of the endothelial lining of Schlemm’s canal in the aqueous humor outflow pathway of the eye. There is a greatly increased tissue stiffness in this same narrow region. Exploring and targeting these highly localized biophysical changes will allow development of new therapies for glaucoma.
Molybdate pumping into the molybdenum storage protein via an ATP-powered piercing mechanism
Authors: Brünle Steffen , Eisinger Martin L. , Poppe Juliane , Mills Deryck J. , Langer Julian D. , Vonck Janet , Ermler Ulrich
Published: December 2019

The molybdenum storage protein (MoSto) deposits large amounts of molybdenum as polyoxomolybdate clusters in a heterohexameric (αβ)
3
cage-like protein complex under ATP consumption. Here, we suggest a unique mechanism for the ATP-powered molybdate pumping process based on X-ray crystallography, cryoelectron microscopy, hydrogen-deuterium exchange mass spectrometry, and mutational studies of MoSto from
Azotobacter vinelandii
. First, we show that molybdate, ATP, and Mg
2+
consecutively bind into the open ATP-binding groove of the β-subunit, which thereafter becomes tightly locked by fixing the previously disordered N-terminal arm of the α-subunit over the β-ATP. Next, we propose a nucleophilic attack of molybdate onto the γ-phosphate of β-ATP, analogous to the similar reaction of the structurally related UMP kinase. The formed instable phosphoric-molybdic anhydride becomes immediately hydrolyzed and, according to the current data, the released and accelerated molybdate is pressed through the cage wall, presumably by turning aside the Metβ149 side chain. A structural comparison between MoSto and UMP kinase provides valuable insight into how an enzyme is converted into a molecular machine during evolution. The postulated direct conversion of chemical energy into kinetic energy via an activating molybdate kinase and an exothermic pyrophosphatase reaction to overcome a proteinous barrier represents a novelty in ATP-fueled biochemistry, because normally, ATP hydrolysis initiates large-scale conformational changes to drive a distant process.
CRISPR-Cas technology in modifying food crops.
Authors: Tofazzal Islam Tofazzal Islam
Published: December 2019

The population in the world is expected to increase from 7.3 to 9.7 billion by 2050. Outbreak of pest and diseases and increased abiotic stresses due to global climate change poses a high risk to crop production to feed the rapidly increasing population. The adaptive immune system CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)-Cas (CRISPR-associated) in prokaryotes has led to a revolution in targeted genome editing with high precision and accuracy. This technology allows the manipulation or modification of crop plant genome in several ways: (i) by simply incorporating random mutation (insertion or deletion) through non-homologous end joining to disrupt gene(s); (ii) by generating targeted point mutations in genes using precise base editors and (iii) by a whole-gene insertion employing the cell's homology directed repair pathway. The CRISPR-Cas technology is faster, cheaper, precise and highly efficient in editing genomes even at the multiplex level. Application of CRISPR-Cas in editing the crop plant genome is emerging rapidly for the increasing yield, quality, domestication and stress tolerance. More importantly, this technology is becoming a user-friendly tool for the development of non-transgenic genome edited crop plants to counteract harmful effects from climate change. A good number of plants edited by CRISPR-Cas technology have received free pass as non-genetically modified organism (GMO) for cultivation in the USA, and many countries including Japan are ready to follow the same. This review updates current knowledge and potentials of CRISPR-Cas9 technology for modifying the genomes of cultivated food crops to achieve food and nutritional security through resiliency against emerging pests and abiotic stresses.
Solitonic Diffusion of Wavepackets in One-Dimensional Bose–Einstein Condensates*
Authors: Mo Yu , Zhang Cong , Feng Shiping , Yang Shi-Jie
Published: December 2019

Solitonic characteristics are revealed in the diffusion process of a hump or a notch wave packet in a one-dimensional Bose–Einstein condensate. By numerically solving the time-dependent Gross–Pitaevskii equation, we find completely different spreading behavior for attractive or repulsive condensates. For the attractive condensate, a series of bright solitons are continuously generated one after another at the wave front and they nearly stay at the positions where they are generated in the whole diffusion process. In contrast, for the repulsive condensate, the initial wave packet splits at the beginning into a series of grey solitons that travel at different velocities. The moving velocity of the grey soliton depends on nonlinear interaction strength, as well as the shape of a particular grey soliton.
Soliton Molecules, Asymmetric Solitons and Hybrid Solutions for (2+1)-Dimensional Fifth-Order KdV Equation*
Authors: Zhang Zhao , Yang Shu-Xin , Li Biao
Published: December 2019

Soliton molecules were first discovered in optical systems and are currently a hot topic of research. We obtain soliton molecules of the (2+1)-dimensional fifth-order KdV system under a new resonance condition called velocity resonance in theory. On the basis of soliton molecules, asymmetric solitons can be obtained by selecting appropriate parameters. Based on the N-soliton solution, we obtain hybrid solutions consisting of soliton molecules, lump waves and breather waves by partial velocity resonance and partial long wave limits. Soliton molecules, and some types of special soliton resonance solutions, are stable under the meaning that the interactions among soliton molecules are elastic. Both soliton molecules and asymmetric solitons obtained may be observed in fluid systems because the fifth-order KdV equation describes the ion-acoustic waves in plasmas, shallow water waves in channels and oceans.
Stress, Roughness and Reflectivity Properties of Sputter-Deposited B4C Coatings for X-Ray Mirrors*
Authors: Wu Jia-Li , Qi Run-Ze , Huang Qiu-Shi , Feng Yu-Fei , Wang Zhan-Shan , Xin Zi-Hua
Published: December 2019

Boron carbide (B
4
C) coatings have high reflectivity and are widely used as mirrors for free-electron lasers in the x-ray range. However, B
4
C coatings fabricated by direct-current magnetron sputtering show a strong compressive stress of about −3 GPa. By changing the argon gas pressure and nitrogen-argon gas mixing ratio, we are able to reduce the intrinsic stress to less than −1 GPa for a 50-nm-thick B
4
C coating. It is found that the stress in a coating deposited at 10 mTorr is −0.69 GPa, the rms roughness of the coating surface is 0.53 nm, and the coating reflectivity is 88%, which is lower than those of coatings produced at lower working pressures. When the working gas contains 8% nitrogen and 92% argon, the B
4
C coating shows not only −1.19 GPa stress but also a low rms roughness of 0.16 nm, and the measured reflectivity is 93% at the wavelength of 0.154 nm.
A High-Q Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Mass Sensitivity up to 1017 Hz/kg*
Authors: Chen Qiao , Huang Xian-He , Pan Wei , Yao Yao
Published: December 2019

A high-Q quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor with a fundamental resonance frequency of 210 MHz is developed based on inverted mesa technology. The mass sensitivity reaches 5.332 × 1017
Hz/kg at the center of the electrode, which is 5–7 orders of magnitude higher than the commonly used 5 MHz or 10 MHz QCMs (their mass sensitivity is 1010–1012
Hz/kg). This mass sensitivity is confirmed by an experiment of plating 1-ng rigid aluminium films on the surface of the QCM sensor. By comparing the changes in QCM equivalent parameters before and after coating the aluminum films, it is found that the QCM sensor maintains the high-Q characteristics of the quartz crystal while the mass sensitivity is significantly improved. Therefore, this QCM sensor may be used as a promising analytical tool for applications requiring high sensitivity detection.
Landau–Zener–Stückelberg Interference in Nonlinear Regime*
Authors: Wu Tong , Zhou Yuxuan , Xu Yuan , Liu Song , Li Jian
Published: December 2019

Landau–Zener–Stückelberg (LZS) interference has drawn renewed attention to quantum information processing research because it is not only an effective tool for characterizing two-level quantum systems but also a powerful approach to manipulate quantum states. Superconducting quantum circuits, due to their versatile tunability and degrees of control, are ideal platforms for studying LZS interference phenomena. We use a superconducting Xmon qubit to study LZS interference by parametrically modulating the qubit transition frequency nonlinearly. For dc flux biasing of the qubit slightly far away from the optimal flux point, the qubit excited state population shows an interference pattern that is very similar to the standard LZS interference in linear regime, except that all bands shift towards lower frequencies when increasing the rf modulation amplitude. For dc flux biasing close to the optimal flux point, the negative sidebands and the positive sidebands behave differently, resulting in an asymmetric interference pattern. The experimental results are also in good agreement with our analytical and numerical simulations.
Identifying the Symmetry of an Object Based on Orbital Angular Momentum through a Few-Mode Fiber*
Authors: Wang Zhou-Xiang , Xie Yu-Chen , Zhou Han , Huang Shuang-Yin , Wang Min , Liu Rui , Qi Wen-Rong , Tian Qian-Qian , Kong Ling-Jun , Tu Chenghou , Li Yongnan , Wang Hui-Tian
Published: December 2019

In recent years, orbital angular momentum (OAM), as a new usable degree of freedom of photons, has been widely applied in both classical optics and quantum optics. For example, digital spiral imaging uses the OAM spectrum of the output beam from the object to restore the symmetry information of the object. However, the related experiments have been carried out in free space so far. Due to the poor anti-noise performance, limited transmission distance and other reasons, the practicability is seriously restricted. Here, we have carried out a digital spiral imaging experiment through a few-mode fiber, to achieve the identification of the symmetry of object by measuring the OAM spectrum of the output beam. In experiment, we have demonstrated the identification of the symmetry of amplitude-only and phase-only objects with the two-, three- and four-fold rotational symmetries. We also give the understanding of the physics. We believe that our work has greatly improved the practical application of digital spiral imaging in remote sensing.
Urban kampung and household energy consumption in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Prilandita N , Purwaningati S U , Indradjati P N
Published: December 2019

This paper aims to understand the energy consumption of a type of urban form known as urban kampung in Bandung, Indonesia. The high building density characteristic of urban kampung often considered as a more energy efficient urban form. This paper tries to explore it by comparing the energy consumption and behaviour of people living in urban kampung with the energy consumed by those who live in organised settlements in form of vertical housing/flats (rumah susun). A questionnaire survey was conducted to 200 households living in the three neighbourhoods in Bandung, which represented the two types of urban form. The preliminary result shows that the energy consumption of urban kampung is slightly lower but somewhat similar compared with the vertical housing. The parcel size are probably the factor that affected this result, since the other components such as electricity bill, cooking fuel, and transportation expenditure do not express any differece within the two types of urban form. This study provides insight for policy-maker and city planners on the benefit of urban kampung to achieve a more energy efficient city. The city government might consider the strategy of revitalising and improving the urban kampung before converting them into vertical housing.
Management strategy of sustainable urban drainage in Pekanbaru City
Authors: Sari Komala
Published: December 2019

The rapid growth of population and development has changes in the land use. A lot of opened land or forest has changed into the settlement or industry. This change had made the power of absorption function becomes low instead the surface run off which results in shorter time water retention so that accumulation of collected rainwater exceeds the existing drainage capacity. The basic concepts of sustainable drainage development is increasing the use of water, minimizing losses, improving and conserving the environment. Drainage management model developed is using eco drain approach, which is an integrated and comprehensive approach and incorporates ecological or environmental factors in every drainage management effort. This research aims to (1) analyze the characteristic of physical area, environment condition, economy and social community in Pekanbaru City, (2) analyze other important factors affecting the drainage performance that impacted ecology aspect, economy and social community in Pekanbaru City, (3) design the management strategy of sustainable drainage in Pekanbaru City. This research was carried out in Pekanbaru City. This research was a mixture of quantitative and qualitative research. The research methods used were survey and experiment methods. The method of data collection was done through field surveys, documentation, and questionnaire distribution. In quantitative research the data obtained based on questionnaires that were analyzed statistically. Based on data analysis and evaluation, needed strategies for sustainable drainage management in Pekanbaru City. The results showed that the existing drainage channel was unable to accommodate rainwater runoff discharge where (Qp) is greater than Q-exist. Based on the analysis that has been carried out, the sustainable drainage management strategy in the city of Pekanbaru includes 3 (three) aspects, (1) ecology, (2) social, (3) economy. Ecological aspects include drainage management strategies such as normalization of drainage channels and eco drain. Social aspects include participation and community empowerment that actively supports drainage management. Economic aspects include the participation of stakeholders such as the government and the private sector as well as the community in making efforts to manage and maintain drainage facilities and infrastructure.
The influence of dietary sources on the biological changes of a subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki
Authors: Tarmadi D , Guswenrivo I , Ismayati M , Himmi S K , Yusuf S , Yoshimura T
Published: December 2019

To understand the effects of various dietary sources on the biological changes of a subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, the three lignocelluloses, i.e: softwood, hardwood, and grass with the different of samples shape/size (intact and powdered) were subjected to C. formosanus, and we analysed the biological changes of C. formosanus workers (survival, body mass and the presence of protists). The results showed that at the end of observation, the survival, body mass and presence of Pseudotrichonympha grassii and Holomastigotoides hartmanni in the guts when consumed wood diets were much higher than those of the termite workers when consumed rice culm straw diet, whereas the presence of Spirotrichonympha leidyi in the guts were similar for all the samples. We failed to detect significant difference between intact and powdered diets from each lignocellulose, suggesting that the difference of lignocellulose shape/size (intact and powdered) had no effect on the biological changes of a subterranean termite, C. formosanus.
DNA finger print based on nuclear and chloroplast genome, combine analysis on Sulawesi cacao (Theobroma cacao L.)
Authors: Suwastika N , Umrah  , Muslimin  , Ishizaki Y , Cruz A F , Basri Z , Shiina T
Published: December 2019

High genetic diversity and high similarity on phenotypic performance of local Sulawesi cacao (Theobroma cacao L.) was challenge in elucidating of identification including developing of DNA fingerprint approaches. Identification of nuclear genome polymorphism, based on RAPD and SSR marker are well established. Recently, genetic variation on chloroplast genome was introduced as alternative in this polymorphism identification works. Here we analysis the possibility of application of SSR and chloroplast markers independently, also in combination of both approaches. The combination analysis showed the accuracy in analyzing sub species level on local Sulawesi cacao.
Ecological Study of Aboveground Biomass and Plant Species Diversity in Complex Agroforestry Sites, Lampung, Indonesia
Authors: Prasondita Eko , Nakagoshi Nobukazu , Suwandana Endan
Published: December 2019

It is necessary to estimate the total carbon of forest or agroforest biomass using satellite remote sensing technology since the areas of Indonesian forests and agroforest are very large. However, ground truthing a large area would be time consuming and expensive; and the results might be affected by changes in the vegetation structure over the duration of the survey. Moreover, this method was also effective in monitoring changes in biomass and carbon by year. This study was therefore critical due to the lack of similar studies in Indonesia, especially on Sumatera Island. This study has the puspose to estimate the total biomass and biodiversity value in Damar agroforest; and investigate the relationship between the carbon stock in agroforest biomass and the pixel value, and continued mapping the carbon. In addition, simple linear regression and multiple linear regression were applied to analyse the single spectral band ratios of 1 to 5 and 7; and it also applied the 10 vegetation indices such as Simple Ratio 4/3, NDVI, SAVI, Brightness, Greenness, Wetness, TNDVI, ND 73, Simple Ratio 7/3, and Ratio 327 as a biomass predictor. The results have found that the dominating species (51 %) was Shorea javanica belonging to the family of Dipterocarpaceae. In addition, 73 species belonging to 35 families were identified. Biodiversity was identified to be moderately stable and the distribution of species abundance falls in the moderate category. Thus 70 % of Damar agroforest areas might be dominated by one or more species. The significant model was successful in finding in spectral reflectance at band 7. In addition, the model based on simple linear regression produced of R2 = 0.44; F-stat. = 14.88 > F crit. = 4.38, p-value = 0.001, df = 1, 19; and the model has the lowest value of RMSE = 52.84. This model was chosen as the ideal model to predict a carbon content in Damar agroforest with equation Y = 267.83 – 1625.5 band 7. The average carbon content was estimated to be 130.19 Mg C/ha, such carbon content was nearly equal to that of Dipterocarp forest. It is therefore important to maintain the Damar agroforest ecosystem services with high biodiversity as well as natural forest; furthermore, it is also a preferable site for carbon trading.
District Level Carrying Capacity-Based Spatial Planning Towards Low Carbon Emission
Authors: Widiastomo Triyoga
Published: December 2019

Decentralised government aimed to enhance local participation in regional development. The regional governments have been mandated by the central government to implement carrying capacity assessment to ensure that the ecosystem services would be maintained and adequate to meet the demands. Based on the carrying capacity assessment in Seruyan of Central Kalimantan, the recommendations related to emissions from deforestation and forest degradation are: 1) to protect all existing forest covers in the north; 2) to restore areas within the forest and national parks; and 3) to restore riparian areas and areas with slope > 45%. By implementing all these recommendations, the district would be able to reduce an annual emissions of 3.7 MtCO2e and 1.3 MtCO2e compared to the district baseline and BAU scenario, respectively, until 2030.
The Dynamics of Rice Cropping Calendar and Its Relation with the ENSO (El Niño-Southern Oscillation) and IOD (Indian Ocean Dipole) in Monsoon and Equatorial Regions of Indonesia
Authors: Apriyana Y. , Aldrian E. , Koesmaryono Y.
Published: December 2019

The relative impacts of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) and Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) events of Rice Cropping Calendar on Equatorial and Monsoon Region of Indonesia were studied. The spatial distribution of partial correlations between rainfalls with the ENSO and IOD over West Sumatera and West Java indicated a significant impact on rainfall anomalies normally along the period of September – November. The ENSO and IOD events, which is known as a monsoon type, had a wider impact in West Java, especially over northern of West Java. On the other hand, there was only a little impact of the ENSO and IOD on rainfall anomalies in the southern-west of West Sumatera. This strength was shown to be associated with the evolution of distinct weather types revealed by Pearson analysis. In these regions, the same impact of the ENSO and IOD on the width of planting area was very weak in the period of December-March whereas that in the period of June-November the impact on West Sumatera reached only 10% moreover, the impact in West Java could reach up to 80%. On the period scales, the ENSO and IOD events had significant impacts to delayed onsets of rice cropping calendar in which they were more intense than previous ones. In general, the magnitude of ENSO-delayed onsets was greater than delays to the IOD. The period-stratified ENSO variability during each of the months from September to November had a significant impact of delayed planting 2 to 4 dekads in West Sumatera and 4 to 6 dekads on West Java. This confirmed that strong ENSO events indeed affected the southern of West Sumatera and northern of West Java. Meanwhile, the period-stratified IOD variability on West Sumatera and West Java had a significant impact of delayed planting 2 to 4 dekads.
Potential of Land-Based GHG Mitigation Policy to the Indonesian Economy
Authors: Malahayati Marissa , Masui Toshihiko
Published: December 2019

Indonesia GHG emission mostly originated from the Land-Use Change and Forestry (LUCF) sectors. The complexity of land conversion pattern and different carbon stocks for each land type makes have made the mitigation and emission calculations for the LUCF more challenging. However, the Indonesian government has already introduced some policy package to reduce the deforestation and increase the reforestation. Here we, simulate the policy to reduce deforestation by increasing the yield of the crops, and increase reforestation. The simulation was done by using the Computer General Equilibrium (CGE) combined with Land Conversion Matrix. The focus of this study was to observe how mitigation, especially from the land-use sector, would affect the economy under the low and high economic growths. The results indicated that the mitigation policy would hit the Indonesian economy harder under the low economic growth, since under the low growth, Indonesia might experienced around 2.7% of GDP loss in 2030 compared to the BAU level. However, if Indonesia is able to achieve high economic growth, the introduction of mitigation, especially through the improvement of crop productivity, might produce better implications to the economy. However, this result also might be overestimated, especially for the GDP due to the consideration of high economic growth and several study limitations in this paper.
Drought Mitigation Strategy of Farmers in South of West Java
Authors: Syaukat Yusman , Falatehan A Faroby , Nasrullah Nizar , Hardjanto Arini
Published: December 2019

Around 10% of the population in Tasikmalaya and 8% in Sukabumi Districts are below the poverty line, of whom some lived in upland areas. This paper analysed the local farmers’ strategies in mitigating drought. The planting pattern in both districts varied, rice-rice-CGRT crops, rice- CGRT crops -rice, rice- CGRT crops -not planted and rice- not planted -not planted. This diverse planting pattern occurred because farmers are dependent on the rainy season. This paper described alternative food crops selection strategies for the farmers to mitigate drought.