bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circuit model based predistortion technique for linear frequency modulation of voltage controlled oscillator
Authors: Seo Seong-Heon
Published: October 2019

A voltage controlled oscillator (VCO) is a key component in a frequency modulated continuous wave reflectometer. The linear frequency modulation (LFM) of the VCO has been implemented by predistorting the tuning voltage waveform or by feedback control of the output frequency based on a phase locked loop. The latter has a better linearity but the frequency sweep rate is limited. The former has a relatively poor linearity but has the capability of a fast frequency sweep. In this paper, the predistortion technique is sophisticated to improve the linearity in applications of very fast LFM. The voltage waveform predistorted based on the static characteristics of VCO does not eliminate the nonlinearity completely because VCO’s behavior gets deviated from the static characteristics as the frequency sweep rate increases. The dynamic characteristics of the VCO are obtained by modeling the equivalent circuit inside the VCO as a low pass filter and simulating the circuit response numerically. The calculated voltage waveform is driven by an arbitrary waveform generator, and the output frequency of the VCO is experimentally measured to demonstrate the accuracy of the LFM. The techniques for frequency measurement and frequency linearization are described in detail and the results are presented.
Cantilever structure placed in liquid sandwiched between soft-thin membranes to realize wide bandwidth harvester
Authors: Ryoki Shinichi , Yamamoto Michitaka , Mochizuki Kenki , Takamatsu Seiichi , Itoh Toshihiro
Published: October 2019

A wideband energy harvester is required for equipment whose vibration frequency fluctuates in low-frequency bands, such as a motor or a pump. This study proposes a cantilever structure, in which a cantilever (length = 10 mm, width = 10 mm, and thickness = 0.1 mm) is placed in a structure containing a liquid (viscosity = 50 mm2/s and specific gravity = 0.96) between two soft thin membranes (thickness = 0.007 mm). The liquid increases the bandwidth of the cantilever by virtue of its viscous resistance. By vibrating the liquid up and down, a resonant frequency is generated due to the motion of the liquid. Based on measurements with prototypes, we confirmed that the bandwidth of the resonant frequency (100 Hz) with liquid is 450% wider than that of a cantilever in air. A weight was used to adjust the resonant frequency of the latter.
Particles in turbulent separated flow over a bump: Effect of the Stokes number and lift force
Authors: Mollicone J.-P. , Sharifi M. , Battista F. , Gualtieri P. , Casciola C. M.
Published: October 2019

Particle-laden turbulent flow that separates due to a bump inside a channel is simulated to analyze the effects of the Stokes number and the lift force on the particle spatial distribution. The fluid friction Reynolds number is approximately 900 over the bump, the highest achieved for similar computational domains. The presence of the bump creates a complex background flow with a recirculating region and a strong shear layer. A range of particle Stokes numbers are considered, each simulated with and without the lift force in the particle dynamic equation. The effect of the lift force on the particle concentration is dominant in regions of high spanwise vorticity, particularly at the walls and in the shear layer. The concentration change is of the order of thousands when compared to cases where the lift force is omitted. At a low Stokes number, the particles segregate at both top and bottom walls and are present in the recirculating region. As the Stokes number increases, particles bypass the recirculating region and their redistribution is mostly affected by the strong shear layer. Particles segregate at the walls and particularly accumulate in secondary recirculating regions behind the bump. At higher Stokes numbers, the particles create reflection layers of high concentration due to their inertia as they are diverted by the bump. The fluid flow is less influential, and this enables the particles to enter the recirculating region by rebounding off walls and create a focused spot of high particle concentration.
Orientation-dependent THz emission in non-collinear antiferromagnetic Mn3Sn and Mn3Sn-based heterostructures
Authors: Zhou Xiaofeng , Song Bangju , Chen Xianzhe , You Yunfeng , Ruan Shunyi , Bai Hua , Zhang Wenjie , Ma Guohong , Yao Jianquan , Pan Feng , Jin Zuanming , Song Cheng
Published: October 2019

We observe terahertz (THz) emission in Mn3Sn, Mn3Sn/Pt, and Mn3Sn/Co films excited by a femtosecond laser pulse. In the Mn3Sn film and Mn3Sn/Pt heterostructures, the THz emission originates from both magnetic-dipole and superdiffusive transient spin current with different proportions. Our results unambiguously demonstrate that THz emission can be controlled by the spin structure of Mn3Sn. The (0001)-orientated Mn3Sn produces stronger THz emission than the (112¯0)-orientated counterpart because for the latter one, only half of the kagome planes of Mn3Sn are parallel to the field, which can be controlled by the external magnetic field. In the Mn3Sn/Co heterostructure, the Mn3Sn layer serves as a spin-to-charge converter. The (112¯0)-orientated Mn3Sn emits larger THz signals than (0001)-orientated Mn3Sn due to the anisotropic inverse spin Hall effect, determined by the relative relation between spin, charge current, and the kagome plane of Mn3Sn. The spin structure dependent THz radiations in noncollinear antiferromagnetic metal Mn3Sn provide versatility for both spintronics and THz optics.
Eulerian and Lagrangian statistics in an exactly solvable turbulent shear model with a random background mean
Authors: Mohamad Mustafa A. , Majda Andrew J.
Published: October 2019

We study the Lagrangian statistics of passively advected particles in an elementary velocity model for turbulent shear. The stochastic velocity model is exactly solvable and includes features that highlight the important differences between Lagrangian and Eulerian velocity statistics, which are not equal in the present context. A major element of the velocity model is the presence of a random, spatially uniform background mean, which is superimposed on a turbulent shear with a spectrum that typically follows a power law. We directly solve for the Eulerian and Lagrangian statistics and show how the sweeping motion of the background mean affects the Lagrangian velocity statistics with faster decaying correlations that oscillate more rapidly compared to the Eulerian velocity. This arises due to interaction of the cross-sweeps of the mean flow with the shear component, which determines Lagrangian tracer transport rates. We derive explicit expressions for the tracer dispersion that demonstrate how the dispersion rate depends on model parameters. We validate the predictions with numerical experiments in various test regimes that also highlight the behavior of Lagrangian particles in space. The proposed exactly solvable model serves as a test problem for Eulerian spectral recovery via Lagrangian data assimilation and parameter estimation methods.
Local tuning of WS2 photoluminescence using polymeric micro-actuators in a monolithic van der Waals heterostructure
Authors: Colangelo Francesco , Morandi Andrea , Forti Stiven , Fabbri Filippo , Coletti Camilla , Di Girolamo Flavia Viola , Di Lieto Alberto , Tonelli Mauro , Tredicucci Alessandro , Pitanti Alessandro , Roddaro Stefano
Published: October 2019

The control of the local strain profile in 2D materials offers an invaluable tool for tailoring the electronic and photonic properties of solid-state devices. In this paper, we demonstrate a local engineering of the exciton photoluminescence (PL) energy of monolayer tungsten disulfide (WS2) by means of strain. We apply a local uniaxial stress to WS2 by exploiting electron-beam patterned and actuated polymeric micrometric artificial muscles (MAMs), which we implement onto monolithic synthetic WS2/graphene heterostructures. We show that MAMs are able to induce an in-plane stress to the top WS2 layer of the van der Waals heterostructure and that the latter can slide on the graphene underneath with negligible friction. As a proof of concept for the local strain-induced PL shift experiments, we exploit a two-MAM configuration in order to apply uniaxial tensile stress on well-defined micrometric regions of WS2. Remarkably, our architecture does not require the adoption of fragile suspended microstructures. We observe a spatial modulation of the excitonic PL energy of the WS2 monolayers under stress, which agrees with the expected strain profile and attains a maximum redshift of about 40 meV at the maximum strain intensity point. After the actuation, a time-dependent PL blueshift is observed in agreement with the viscoelastic properties of the polymeric MAMs. Our approach enables inducing local and arbitrary deformation profiles and circumvents some key limitations and technical challenges of alternative strain engineering methods requiring the 2D material transfer and production of suspended membranes.
A new fast time of flight detector for single ion counting to high flux radioactive beams at ISOLDE
Authors: Warren S. , Giles T. , Pequeno C. M. , Ringvall-Moberg A.
Published: October 2019

Beam diagnostics at the Isotope Separator On-Line DEvice (ISOLDE) consists mainly of wire SCanners and Faraday Cups (FC) coupled to charge sensitive picoammeters. Presented here is the design, simulations, and results of a new FC combined Secondary Electron Emission (SEE) multiplication detector for the beam energies found at ISOLDE (up to 60 keV). It expands the region of sensitivity from the current noise limit (≃0.25 pA) to individual ion counting. The detector is capable of counting rates of 105 ion ms−1 (≃10 pA) for DC or bunched beams with a high sensitivity timing resolution of σt = 0.10 ± 0.03 ns for individual ions. The device also operates as a conventional FC with integrated current measurements on the SEE plate for non-time sensitive operation with efficiency ε = 94% ± 1%. The detector was tested both at the ISOLDE Offline 2 facility and the high resolution separator beam line at the ISOLDE on-line facility where bunched and DC beams from ISCOOL were used.
Vignetting in luminescence imaging of solar cells
Authors: Dost Georg , Höffler Hannes , Greulich Johannes M.
Published: October 2019

We present a paper about vignetting in the context of luminescence imaging of solar cells and wafers. The physical phenomenon vignetting and its contributions are reviewed. A simple model to simulate vignetting and a method of measuring the vignette by the variation of aperture are introduced. The simulated and the measured results are compared showing good agreement with less than 2.1% deviation. For the investigated luminescence setup, it is shown that vignetting can cause an intensity decrease of up to 20% toward the image corners for wide opened apertures. To quantify the correction quality, a correction quality factor is adopted from a recent publication and applied to the suggested method. Additionally, the correction quality is quantified by investigating the linear correlation between luminescence intensity and charge carrier product measured via photoconductance on a suitably prepared sample. The correlation coefficient increases from R2 = 0.92 to R2 = 0.95 after the correction.
Effects of pore morphology and pore edge termination on the mechanical behavior of graphene nanomeshes
Authors: Chen Mengxi , Hu Lin , Ramasubramaniam Ashwin , Maroudas Dimitrios
Published: October 2019

We report results of a systematic computational study on the mechanical response of graphene nanomeshes (GNMs) to uniaxial tensile straining based on molecular-dynamics simulations of dynamic deformation tests according to a reliable bond-order interatomic potential. We examine the effects on the GNM mechanical behavior under straining along different directions of the nanomesh pore morphology and pore edge passivation by testing GNMs with elliptical pores of various aspect ratios and different extents of edge passivation through termination with H atoms of under-coordinated edge C atoms. We establish the dependences of the ultimate tensile strength, fracture strain, and toughness of the GNMs on the nanomesh porosity, derive scaling laws for GNM strength-density relations, and find the GNMs' mechanical response to uniaxial straining to be anisotropic for pore morphologies deviating from circular pores. We also find that the GNM tensile strength decays exponentially with increasing GNM porosity and that pore edge termination with H atoms causes a reduction in the GNMs' elastic stiffening, strength, deformability, and toughness; this hydrogen embrittlement effect is more pronounced at a high level of pore edge passivation that renders the edge C atoms sp3-hybridized. The underlying mechanisms of crack initiation and propagation and nanomesh failure for the various types of GNMs examined also are characterized in atomistic detail. Overall, even highly porous GNMs remain particularly strong and deformable and, therefore, constitute very promising 2D mechanical metamaterials.
Diabatic neural network potentials for accurate vibronic quantum dynamics—The test case of planar NO3
Authors: Williams David M. G. , Viel Alexandra , Eisfeld Wolfgang
Published: October 2019

A recently developed scheme to produce high-dimensional coupled diabatic potential energy surfaces (PESs) based on artificial neural networks (ANNs) [D. M. G. Williams and W. Eisfeld, J. Chem. Phys. 149, 204106 (2019)] is tested for its viability for quantum dynamics applications. The method, capable of reproducing high-quality ab initio data with excellent accuracy, utilizes simple coupling matrices to produce a basic low-order diabatic potential matrix as an underlying backbone for the model. This crude model is then refined by making its expansion coefficients geometry-dependent by the output neurons of the ANN. This structure, strongly guided by a straightforward physical picture behind nonadiabatic coupling, combines structural simplicity with high accuracy, reproducing ab initio data without introducing unphysical artifacts to the surface, even for systems with complicated electronic structure. The properties of diabatic potentials obtained by this method are tested thoroughly in the present study. Vibrational/vibronic eigenstates are computed on the X̃ and Ã states of NO3, a notoriously difficult Jahn-Teller system featuring strong nonadiabatic couplings and complex spectra. The method is investigated in terms of how consistently it produces dynamics results for PESs of similar (fitting) quality and how the results depend on the ANN size and ANN topography. A central aspect of this work is to understand the convergence properties of the new method in order to evaluate its predictive power. A previously developed, high-quality model utilizing a purely (high-order) polynomial ansatz is used as a reference to showcase improvements of the overall quality which can be obtained by the new method.
Peculiarities of thermopower behavior in CeNi4Ga with an unstable valence of Ce
Authors: Koterlyn M. D. , Babych O. I. , Koterlyn G. M.
Published: October 2019

It is presented the results of studies carried out over a wide temperature range (4–900 K) on investigation of the thermoelectric coefficient of RNi4+xGa1-x (R = Ce, La; 0 ≤ x ≤ 0.5) solid solutions containing cerium in an unstable valence state. The contribution of cerium f-states to the thermopower of CeNi4Ga is analyzed based on these results, taking into account the transport properties of the crystal matrix containing the f-electron subsystem. It is shown that the temperature behavior of the CeNi4Ga thermopower is caused by the joint effects of the incoherent Kondo scattering of conduction electrons in localized f-centers and scattering by spin fluctuations in the narrow d-band of the nickel sublattice. It is suggested that the anomalously low Kondo contribution to the total thermopower observed in this case should be associated with a possible decrease in the Kondo compensation of the magnetic moment of cerium ions, due to the structural atomic disorder in its immediate environment.
The effect of annealing on the transverse electrotransport in YBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystals irradiated with high-energy electrons
Authors: Khadzhai G. Ya. , Biletskyi V. I. , Vovk R. V.
Published: October 2019

The effects of annealing on the transverse resistivity of YBa2Cu3O7–δ single crystals irradiated with high-energy electrons are considered. It is found that annealing restores the resistivity to a certain intermediate level, including the positions of the steps along the superconducting transition curve that are typical of that level.
Ambient humidity altering electromechanical actuation of dielectric elastomers
Authors: Liu Xuejing , Zhang Junshi , Chen Hualing
Published: October 2019

The electromechanical actuation performance of dielectric elastomers is strongly affected by the environmental conditions, such as ambient humidity. The dielectric constant of the Very-High-Bond (VHB) 4910 elastomer is first experimentally investigated under different ambient humidities. Subsequently, at a constant DC voltage, the induced deformation of the VHB 4910 elastomer is found to be augmented when the ambient humidity increases. Theoretical simulation is simultaneously performed for the electromechanical actuation of VHB 4910 under several humidities. Finally, by applying a ramp voltage, the experimental results demonstrate that the electromechanical breakdown field of the VHB elastomer decreases with humidity.
Electron-beam ion source/trap charge breeders at rare-isotope beam facilities
Authors: Lapierre A.
Published: October 2019

At accelerator facilities, charge breeders convert ion beams of low charge states (mostly singly charged) into multiply charged ion beams to extend the energy range of beams accelerated and delivered to experiments. A field of application that has grown over the past decades is charge breeding of rare-isotope beams (RIBs). RIBs are of interest in nuclear physics and astrophysics to study nuclear structure and the origin of the chemical elements. Several postaccelerators at RIB facilities in operation and under construction employ electron-beam ion source and trap (EBIS/T) breeders. Compared with other breeding techniques, EBIS/Ts have many advantages: high efficiency, fast and variable breeding times, small beam emittances, and high beam purity. This publication reviews the use of EBIS/T breeders at RIB facilities with a particular emphasis on their use for postacceleration along with advances in related fields.
A predominantly southern distribution conceals a northern reservoir of diversity in a wet sclerophyll tree
Authors: Whitehead Michael R. , Sherwin William B. , Crayn Darren , Rossetto Maurizio
Published: October 2019

The wet forests of south-east Australia can be coarsely divided into cool-temperate communities characterised by relictual Gondwanan lineages with a history of persistence in scattered refugia, and subtropical communities showing stronger Malesian floristic influences, with post-glacial expansion dynamics. Insights into the assembly and dynamics of these two biomes can be gained by studying taxa that inhabit both, such as the tree species Elaeocarpus reticulatus Sm. (blueberry ash). Here we use data generated from eight microsatellite loci to investigate population structure and eco-evolutionary dynamics across the core of this species’ range. Our nested sampling design allowed us to test for population differentiation along both axes of latitude and altitude, with the aim of detecting post-glacial colonisation dynamics. Our results show that the strongest genetic differentiation was associated with latitude zones, and population differentiation obeyed a typical pattern of isolation by distance. We did not find strong support for differentiation being driven by altitude. A trend towards higher diversity in the north of the range reveals that E. reticulatus conforms more to the post-glacial colonisation dynamics typifying subtropical, rather than cool-temperate lineages.
Corrigendum to: Whānau Māori explain how the Harti Hauora Tool assists with better access to health services
Authors: Masters-Awatere Bridgette , Graham Rebekah
Published: October 2019

In this paper, whānau Māori highlight how a Kaupapa Māori-centred intervention (the Harti Hauora Tamariki tool, hereafter Harti tool) has improved interactions with health services. The Harti tool is undergoing a randomised control trial (RCT) at Waikato Hospital in New Zealand. As part of the RCT, the authors engaged in a series of qualitative interviews with whānau members of tamariki Māori (children aged 0–5 years) admitted to Waikato Hospital’s paediatric ward. Whānau who met at least one criteria for New Zealand’s domains of deprivation were included. Using a Kaupapa Māori approach to the study, participants shared their views on barriers and facilitators to accessing health resources and primary care services. The interviews conducted highlight how the Harti tool, when administered in a culturally appropriate and respectful manner that prioritised relationship-building, enabled better connection to healthcare services. Prevalent in our analysis were connections to wider determinants of health and ways to reduce existing health inequities. To conclude the paper, how the Harti tool has enhanced feelings of being in control of health, with the potential to reduce the likelihood of a hospital readmission, is highlighted.
Population-based methods for estimating the number of men who have sex with men: a systematic review
Authors: Mauck Daniel E. , Gebrezgi Merhawi T. , Sheehan Diana M. , Fennie Kristopher P. , Ibañez Gladys E. , Fenkl Eric A. , Trepka Mary Jo
Published: October 2019

The objective of this systematic review was to summarise population-based methods (i.e. methods that used representative data from populations) for estimating the population size of men who have sex with men (MSM), a high-risk group for HIV and other sexually transmissible infections (STIs). Studies using population-based methods to estimate the number or percentage of MSM or gay men were included. Twenty-eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Seven studies used surveillance data, 18 studies used survey data, and six studies used census data. Sixteen studies were conducted in the US, five were conducted in European countries, two were conducted in Canada, three were conducted in Australia, one was conducted in Israel, and one was conducted in Kenya. MSM accounted for 0.03–6.5% of men among all studies, and ranged from 3.8% to 6.4% in the US, from 7000 to 39100 in Canada, from 0.03% to 6.5% in European countries, and from 127947 to 182624 in Australia. Studies using surveillance data obtained the highest estimates of the MSM population size, whereas those using survey data obtained the lowest estimates. Studies also estimated the MSM population size by dimensions of sexual orientation. In studies examining these dimensions, fewer people identified as MSM than reported experience with or attraction to other men. Selection bias, differences in recall periods and sampling, or stigma could affect the estimate. It is important to have an estimate of the number of MSM to calculate disease rates, plan HIV and STI prevention efforts, and to allocate resources for this group.
Measurements and simulations of compaction effects on the least limiting water range of a no-till Oxisol
Authors: Lima Renato P. de , Keller Thomas , Giarola Neyde B. F. , Tormena Cassio A. , Silva Anderson R. da , Rolim Mario M.
Published: October 2019

No-till has many environmental advantages, but concerns are growing about vehicle-induced topsoil compaction limiting crop growth. We performed a wheeling experiment in a long-term no-till field on an Oxisol with sandy loam texture. The objectives were to measure changes in soil bulk density and corresponding impacts on the least limiting water range (LLWR) due to passage of a maize harvester, and to compare bulk density and LLWR measurements with values simulated using the SoilFlex-LLWR soil compaction model. Soil cores were sampled before and after wheeling, for bulk density measurements and to determine LLWR. Simulated increase in bulk density due to vehicle wheeling agreed well with measurements. However, simulated LLWR and its decrease with compaction were inaccurate. This was ascribed to the pedo-transfer function used in SoilFlex-LLWR to estimate LLWR parameters, which was developed based on data from conventionally tilled sugarcane fields, whereas our site was a long-term no-till soil under a wheat/soybean–maize/black oats rotation. Our measurements showed that LLWR was strongly restricted by soil penetration resistance, which was not captured by the pedo-transfer function incorporated in SoilFlex-LLWR. For better prediction of LLWR, we recommend development of specific pedo-transfer functions or of mechanistic models that can be incorporated in SoilFlex-LLWR.
Warming and nitrogen deposition accelerate soil phosphorus cycling in a temperate meadow ecosystem
Authors: Gong Shiwei , Zhang Tao , Guo Jixun
Published: October 2019

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for living organisms and a major limiting factor in many ecosystems. In recent years, global warming and nitrogen (N) deposition have become increasingly serious, with significant effects on the P cycle in terrestrial ecosystems. A series of studies were carried out on the soil P cycle, but how climate change affects this remains unclear. Field experiments with warming and N addition were implemented since April 2007. Infrared radiators manipulated temperature, and aqueous ammonium nitrate (10 g m–2 year–1) was added to simulate N deposition. Compared with the control, N addition reduced soil total P; warming and N addition decreased soil available P; warming, N addition and warming plus N addition decreased microbial biomass P, but increased litter P; and warming and N addition increased phosphatase activity significantly. Correlation analysis showed that soil total P, available P, microbial biomass P and phosphatase activity were positively correlated with soil temperature and water content. Soil total P was positively correlated with microbial biomass P and phosphatase activity; and available P was positively correlated with microbial biomass P but negatively correlated with litter P. The results showed that warming and N deposition accelerated the soil P cycle by changing soil physical and chemical properties and soil biological activities (microbial and phosphatase activities). However, N addition reduced the capacity of microbes to fix P and reduced microbial biomass P, resulting in losses to the soil P pool, further aggravating P limitation in the Songnen Grassland ecosystem.
On locative alternation verbs in Mandarin Chinese
Authors: Kuo Pei-Jung
Published: October 2019

This paper focuses on both single and compound locative alternation verbs in Mandarin Chinese. First, three particular properties of locative alternation verbs are introduced and compared cross-linguistically with examples from Japanese and English. Next, three properties are explored further and possible explanations are provided for the observed similarities and differences between the languages. Finally, the syntactic patterns of locative alternation verbs in Mandarin Chinese are investigated in the Sinica Corpus. The results show that the “oblique argument-verb-accusative argument” sentence pattern has the highest percentage of appearance. This finding echoesLin’s (2008)claim that Chinese is not only a “topic prominent” language, but also a “locative prominent” language.
Time passing is relative motion
Authors: Hsiung Hui-Ju , Chen Chao-Jan
Published: October 2019

This paper reexamines the conceptual metaphortime passing is motionand deals with the problem of mapping inconsistency between the “moving ego” and “moving time” models in this conceptual metaphor. We argue that time is conceptualized as a system consisting of a dynamic component and a static component, which we call time-flow and time-landscape respectively. Adopting the notion of relative motion, we propose that the “moving ego” and “moving time” viewpoints are actually due to a shift in perspective within the same frame of relative motion. We then propose a unified metaphor about time passing, namelytime passing is relative motion. In this metaphor, the ego is carried by the time-flow to move past time-landmarks over the time-landscape. We also propose that time is specifically conceptualized as a river in Chinese under this conceptual metaphor.
The Journey of Infertility from Private Sphere to Public Domain: From Cosmetic Surgery to Disability
Authors: Tremayne Soraya
Published: October 2019

This study explores the process by which the treatment of infertility, which has been in the hands of the private sector, has been taken over by the state as a matter of public health. It argues that this shift stems from the pro-natalist policies of the state to help increase the population. Infertility treatment, using assisted reproductive technologies and its legitimization by the Islamic jurists, is used as a lens through which to examine the state's body politic. The frequent reversals of policies, since the late nineteenth century to the present, are shown to be directly linked with the nation-building goals of the state, expecting the citizens to readjust their reproductive behavior to meet the state’s policies.
TGFβ-like DAF-7 acts as a systemic signal for autophagy regulation in C. elegans
Authors: Zhang Yujie , Qi Linxiang , Zhang Hong
Published: October 2019

In response to stress conditions, autophagy activity in multicellular organisms is systemically modulated to ensure maintenance of cellular homeostasis at an organismal level. Very little is known about the intercellular signals that elicit the long-range organism-wide autophagy response. Here we showed that during Caenorhabditis elegans development, loss of cuticle annular furrow collagens elicits autophagy in the hypodermis, intestine, and muscle. The cilia of sensory neurons with cuticle-localized endings are essential for triggering this systemic response. The TGFβ-like molecule DAF-7, which is secreted in part from a specific pair of ciliated neurons, acts as a systemic factor that activates a canonical TGFβ signaling pathway in distant tissues to induce autophagy. We also showed that AAK-2/AMPK and the STAT-like protein STA-2 act differentially in different tissues for autophagy activation. Our study reveals a circuit that senses and transduces the signal from the damaged cuticle to activate systemic autophagy during animal development.
A DNAH17 missense variant causes flagella destabilization and asthenozoospermia
Authors: Zhang Beibei , Ma Hui , Khan Teka , Ma Ao , Li Tao , Zhang Huan , Gao Jianing , Zhou Jianteng , Li Yang , Yu Changping , Bao Jianqiang , Ali Asim , Murtaza Ghulam , Yin Hao , Gao Qian , Jiang Xiaohua , Zhang Feng , Liu Chunyu , Khan Ihsan , Zubair Muhammad , Hussain Hafiz Muhammad Jafar , Khan Ranjha , Yousaf Ayesha , Yuan Limin , Lu Yan , Xu Xiaoling , Wang Yun , Tao Qizhao , Hao Qiaomei , Fang Hui , Cheng Hongtao , Zhang Yuanwei , Shi Qinghua
Published: October 2019

Asthenozoospermia is a common cause of male infertility, but its etiology remains incompletely understood. We recruited three Pakistani infertile brothers, born to first-cousin parents, displaying idiopathic asthenozoospermia but no ciliary-related symptoms. Whole-exome sequencing identified a missense variant (c.G5408A, p.C1803Y) in DNAH17, a functionally uncharacterized gene, recessively cosegregating with asthenozoospermia in the family. DNAH17, specifically expressed in testes, was localized to sperm flagella, and the mutation did not alter its localization. However, spermatozoa of all three patients showed higher frequencies of microtubule doublet(s) 4–7 missing at principal piece and end piece than in controls. Mice carrying a homozygous mutation (Dnah17M/M) equivalent to that in patients recapitulated the defects in patients’ sperm tails. Further examinations revealed that the doublets 4–7 were destabilized largely due to the storage of sperm in epididymis. Altogether, we first report that a homozygous DNAH17 missense variant specifically induces doublets 4–7 destabilization and consequently causes asthenozoospermia, providing a novel marker for genetic counseling and diagnosis of male infertility.
Bistable rotating mechanism based on dielectric elastomer actuator
Authors: Liu Yide , Liu Binhong , Yin Tenghao , Xiang Yuhai , Zhou Haofei , Qu Shaoxing
Published: October 2019

A growing number of dielectric elastomer actuators have been proposed to build soft robots and soft electronic devices. However, it remains a big challenge to design soft bistable actuators. Most of existing bistable actuators based on soft materials generate either limited actuation range or unrepeatable actuation. In this article, we present a new bistable rotating mechanism using dielectric elastomer actuators, which exhibits a relatively large actuation angle range and repeatable motion. The mechanism is featured by an antagonistic structure with mechanical locks to create two symmetric stable configurations. We develop an analytical model to help design and explain the electromechanical behavior of the bistable rotating mechanism. Powered by the dielectric elastomer actuators, it shows fast response and large load capability. We build a binary manipulator to further demonstrate that the bistable rotating mechanism can provide a promising route for the design of binary systems.
A detailed investigation of single-photon laser enabled Auger decay in neon
Authors: You Daehyun , Ueda Kiyoshi , Ruberti Marco , Ishikawa Kenichi L , Carpeggiani Paolo Antonio , Csizmadia Tamás , Oldal Lénárd Gulyás , N G Harshitha , Sansone Giuseppe , Maroju Praveen Kumar , Kooser Kuno , Callegari Carlo , Fraia Michele Di , Plekan Oksana , Giannessi Luca , Allaria Enrico , Ninno Giovanni De , Trovò Mauro , Badano Laura , Diviacco Bruno , Gauthier David , Mirian Najmeh , Penco Giuseppe , Ribič Primož Rebernik , Spampinati Simone , Spezzani Carlo , Mitri Simone Di , Gaio Giulio , Prince Kevin C
Published: October 2019

Single-photon laser enabled Auger decay (spLEAD) is an electronic de-excitation process which was recently predicted and observed in Ne. We have investigated it using bichromatic phase-locked free electron laser radiation and extensive angle-resolved photoelectron measurements, supported by a detailed theoretical model. We first used separately the fundamental wavelength resonant with the Ne+ 2s–2p transition, 46.17 nm, and its second harmonic, 23.08 nm, then their phase-locked bichromatic combination. In the latter case the phase difference between the two wavelengths was scanned, and interference effects were observed, confirming that the spLEAD process was occurring. The detailed theoretical model we developed qualitatively predicts all observations: branching ratios between the final Auger states, their amplitudes of oscillation as a function of phase, the phase lag between the oscillations of different final states, and partial cancellation of the oscillations under certain conditions.
Soliton excitations and interaction in alpha helical protein with interspine coupling in modified nonlinear Schrödinger equation*
Authors: Li Ming-Ming , Hu Cheng-Lai , Wu Jun , Lai Xian-Jing , Wang Yue-Yue
Published: October 2019

The three-coupling modified nonlinear Schrödinger (MNLS) equation with variable-coefficients is used to describe the dynamics of soliton in alpha helical protein. This MNLS equation with variable-coefficients is firstly transformed to the MNLS equation with constant-coefficients by similarity transformation. And then the one-soliton and two-soliton solutions of the variable-coefficient-MNLS equation are obtained by solving the constant-coefficient-MNLS equation with Hirota method. The effects of different parameter conditions on the soliton solutions are discussed in detail. The interaction between two solitons is also discussed. Our results are helpful to understand the soliton dynamics in alpha helical protein.
Requirement analysis of blockchain systems on cocoa supply chain
Authors: Iswari D A , Arkeman Y , Muslich
Published: October 2019

The long cocoa supply chain in Indonesia makes cocoa difficult to trace, data in several countries in Indonesia related to national cocoa data. National cocoa production data is needed in creating policies that are right on target, so these things need to be done. The development of industry 4.0 makes the creation of blockchain technology that can overcome these problems. To create a blockchain system for the cocoa supply chain needs a requirement analysis for the time of making the application. The purpose of this research is to identify the needs and know the interactions that occur in the blockchain chain system in the cocoa supply chain. The method used is requirement analysis, use case diagram, and sequence diagram. The results of this study are two inputs: the structure of the cocoa supply chain and activities that occur in the cocoa supply chain, four stakeholders: farmers, collectors, agroindustry, and exporters, one output: the blockchain system from the cocoa supply chain. Interactions that occur in the system is log in to the system, add the activity, execution phase, ordering phase, and validation phase.
Development of smart TTI label based on kinetics diffusion of vegetable oils blends for cold supply chain monitoring
Authors: Khairunnisa A , Suyatma N E , Adawiyah D R
Published: October 2019

Time-temperature control is a critical issue in cold supply chain, so it is very important to be tracked. Time-temperature indicator (TTI) label is devices that visually show the cold-chain accumulated history, from both time and temperature fluctuation effects. Diffusion model of TTI’s indicator based on vegetable oils blend (VOB) has been investigated. The VOB indicators were made from canola oil (CA), soybean oil (SB), and olive oil (OV) that have blended with palm oil (PO). Nine formulas of indicator were designed in combination with the oils blendings i.e (A) PO:CA:SB, (B) PO:SB:OV, (C) PO:CA:OV and the combination of various ratio were (1) 50:40:10 %v/v, (2) 50:25:25 %v/v, and (3) 50:10:40 %v/v, then the blendings were added 0.25 %m/v red lake (C.I. 16255). The diffusion kinetics of this TTI indicators have tested on a waterproof photopaper material and storaged at 4, 18, 29, 37, and 40°C. The result present that the activation energy (Ea) values of indicators were about 28.925 – 40.646 kJmol−1. The B3 and C indicators have an Ea value which have matched with Ea value of a commercial diffusion-based TTI. Based on Arrhenius equation, the diffusion model (x, m) for B3, C1, C2, and C3, respectively were xB30.5=2t.e−4017(1/T)-4.4053, xC10.5=2t.e−4124.3(1/T)-4.0196, xC20.5=2t.e−4245.1(1/T)-3.7130, and xC30.5 = 2t.e−4888.9(1/T)-1.6641. Overall, the diffusion length of the indicators have significantly correlation with time-temperature changing and this diffusion model established can represented the diffusion behaviour of TTI’s indicators.
Utilization of rice husk as a tanning agent in the tanning process of leather (A mini review)
Authors: Nugraha A W , Suparno O , Indrasti N S , Hoerudin
Published: October 2019

Rice is a food crop which is grown in Indonesia widely and used as a staple food crop for filling domestic food needs. Rice husk is a solid waste that formed from rice grain milling. Along with the increase in national rice production per year, the rice husk also increase. There is silica content in rice husk have a potency that used as a tanning agent. It can be used as a material substitution of chrome sulfate as conventional tanning agent that have carcinogenic properties. This article will explain about tanning process, the potency of rice husk in Indonesia, rice husk utilization, and silica extraction process also nano-silica processing from rice husk. Besides that, it will describe silica and nano-silica usage in the tanning process, mechanism tanning nano-silica and leather properties that produced from the tanning process with nano-silica.
Survival and growth of transplanted coral reef in lagoon ecosystem of Ihamahu, Central Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: Siahainenia L , Tuhumury S F , Uneputty P A , Tuhumury N C
Published: October 2019

Lagoon ecosystem in Ihamahu has a high potential of biological resources which is utilized by the local community to catch fish in order to fulfill their daily needs. High level of utilization affects coral reef community in the lagoon. This study aims to analyze the survival and growth of life coral transplantation in the lagoon of Ihamahu village. Life corals were transplanted on an artificial substrate of block cement and placed into two lagoons namely Ayao lagoon (Acropora millepora, Porites nigrenscens, and P. cylindrical) and Besar lagoon (Acropora divaricata, A. cardus, Anaropora peurtogelerae, Montipora stelata, and Pavona cactus). The results showed that after three months, all transplanted coral reef in Ayao lagoon survived (100%) whilst only 57% of those in Besar lagoon survived. The results also showed that during the study period, P. nigrenscens grew faster (2.1 cm yr−1) than two other species in Ayao lagoon whereas, in Besar lagoon, A. peurtogelerae showed faster growth (2.70 cm yr−1) compare to the other four species.
Sasi Lompa: a critical review of the contribution of local practices to sustainable marine resource management in Central Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: Soselisa H L
Published: October 2019

Sasi system is one of the customary practices in Maluku that are seen by locals and outsiders as a culturally appropriate means of regulating terrestrial as well as marine resources. This paper examines the recent buka sasi (open season) practices for lompa fish (Trisina baelama) in Haruku village from the point of view of its effectiveness as ecological management techniques and as local knowledge. Particular attention is paid to the gears and techniques used to catch the fish and to the local responses in harvesting. Findings show the changes on ways of harvesting that may lead to shifting of the spirit and meaning of sasi lompa, especially in the context of sustainability issue.
Strengthening the local culture of west coastal Sumatera sustainability in supporting sustainability of fisheries resources in the globalization era
Authors: Ambarini N S B , Septaria E , Satmaidi E
Published: October 2019

Bengkulu Province is located on the west coast of Sumatra, part of Fisheries Management Area of Indonesia Republic (WPP-RI) 752 based on the Regulation of the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries No. 1 of 2009. The population living in this region consists of various tribes, both native and immigrants. Communities living in the coastal areas have a maritime culture characteristic which exists for a long time. At the era of globalization, these socio-cultural values are still a guide for some coastal communities. However, some people in certain regions is no longer pay attention and even ignore these social values. Therefore, with the socio-legal research method, this research attempts to examine the problem of how to strengthen and sustain the socio-cultural values as a legal culture of coastal communities in supporting the sustainable fisheries resources in the era of globalization. This paper is the result of research that shows how to support the sustainability of fisheries resources in the era of globalization. The result shows that it is necessary to strengthen the social values of marine culture as the legal culture of the people of the west coast of Sumatera. This can be done by giving recognition to the existence of the community legal culture through the establishment of legal regulation in the area concerned.
Potential, production and utilization level of pelagic fish resource in Ambon City
Authors: Hiariey J , Matakupan H , Tupamahu A , Baskoro M.
Published: October 2019

In responsible and sustainable fisheries, marine resources should be exploited at optimum level in which potency, production and utilization level is known. This research was conducted to analysed potency, production and utilization level of pelagic fish in Ambon Island waters. Data for the analysis was obtained from the secondary data of Dinas Kelautan dan Perikanan Maluku province in the form of catch and effort for period 2005–2015 and then analysed by using Schaefer model. Estimated Maximum Sustainable Yield (MSY) was 103,513 tons with Total Allowable Catch (TAC) was 82,811 tons. Production of pelagic fish fluctuated but tended to increase due to increasing of fishing vessels and fishing gears. Catch per unit effort of purse seine and pole and line contributed more for the pelagic fish production than five other fishing gears. The utilization of pelagic fish resources in Ambon tended to increase with annual average 61.7% from TAC or 49.40% of MSY during the period of 2005-2015. In the last three years (2013-2015) the level of utilization increased significantly and has reached 98.31% from TAC or 78.65% of MSY which leads to fully exploitation. These results indicated that fishing effort should be maintained and monitored strictly to prevent over exploitation of pelagic fish resource.
Modelling baroclinic circulation and particle tracking in Inner Ambon Bay
Authors: Noya Y A , Kalay D E , Purba M , Koropitan A F , Prartono T
Published: October 2019

Abstract; Generally in Inner Ambon Bay (IAB) the sedimentation problem generate revamp of waters base configuration that influence IAB circulation process. We use model tool of MIKE 3 FM in this research to modeling three-dimensional hydrodynamics of process circulation and modeling of particle tracking. The purposes of the research are to analysis pattern of water mass circulation which is considering the baroclinic mode, to estimate the movement and pattern of cohesive sediment from every river inflow and to estimate the flushing as well as residence time of IAB. Simulation result of models is to represent circulation and particle movement in rainy season and dry season in IAB. In baroclinic mode the vertical eddy dominant happen in middle of IAB and in front of Poka-Galala sill. This vertical eddy is influenced by topography configuration and stratification water mass due to the rivers inflow. In model simulation of particle tracking the pattern of particle movement is dominant in middle of bay and along coastal of Lateri and Halong. The average of residence time and flushing time are 5 days and 9 days in rainy season, respectively while those in dry season are 2 days and 5 days respectively.