bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A thermal form factor series for the longitudinal two-point function of the Heisenberg–Ising chain in the antiferromagnetic massive regime
Authors: Babenko Constantin , Göhmann Frank , Kozlowski Karol K. , Suzuki Junji
Published: April 2021

We consider the longitudinal dynamical two-point function of the XXZ quantum spin chain in the antiferromagnetic massive regime. It has a series representation based on the form factors of the quantum transfer matrix of the model. The nth summand of the series is a multiple integral accounting for all n-particle–n-hole excitations of the quantum transfer matrix. In previous works, the expressions for the form factor amplitudes appearing under the integrals were either again represented as multiple integrals or in terms of Fredholm determinants. Here, we obtain a representation which reduces, in the zero-temperature limit, essentially to a product of two determinants of finite matrices whose entries are known special functions. This will facilitate the further analysis of the correlation function.
Novel LaCl3(Ce)-based spectrometer for deuterium plasma neutron diagnostics
Authors: Kormilitsyn T. M. , Obudovsky S. Yu. , Rodionov R. N. , Pankratenko A. V. , Dzhurik A. S. , Kashchuk Yu. A. , Krasilnikov A. V.
Published: April 2021

This work studies in detail the application possibility of a chlorine-based cerium-doped scintillator crystal [LaCl3(Ce)] to the task of D–D neutron spectrometry. We conducted an experimental campaign aimed at deriving the optimal setup parameters and energy calibration using a variety of available neutrons and γ-sources. The GEANT4 code was used for modeling the detector response to γ-ray irradiation. By observing the intrinsic background α-activity of the crystal, we were able to fine-tune the pulse-shape discrimination parameters, achieving a satisfactory α/n/γ pulse selection. We also investigated the LaCl3(Ce)-based spectrometer response under D–D-neutron irradiation by means of the ING-07D neutron generator with the yield of 1 × 107 n/s. The GEANT4 simulation provided us with the comprehensive overview of detector performance. The acquired results demonstrate the possibility of using the LaCl3(Ce) scintillation spectrometer for the purposes of deuterium plasma neutron diagnostics.
Correction and verification of x-ray imaging crystal spectrometer analysis on Wendelstein 7-X through x-ray ray tracing
Authors: Pablant N. A. , Langenberg A. , Alonso J. A. , Bitter M. , Bozhenkov S. A. , Ford O. P. , Hill K. W. , Kring J. , Marchuck O. , Svensson J. , Traverso P. , Windisch T. , Yakusevitch Y. ,   W7-X Team
Published: April 2021

X-ray ray tracing is used to develop ion-temperature corrections for the analysis of the X-ray Imaging Crystal Spectrometer (XICS) used at Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) and perform verification on the analysis methods. The XICS is a powerful diagnostic able to measure ion-temperature, electron-temperature, plasma flow, and impurity charge state densities. While these systems are relatively simple in design, accurate characterization of the instrumental response and validation of analysis techniques are difficult to perform experimentally due to the requirement of extended x-ray sources. For this reason, a ray tracing model has been developed that allows characterization of the spectrometer and verification of the analysis methods while fully considering the real geometry of the XICS system and W7-X plasma. Through the use of ray tracing, several important corrections have been found that must be accounted for in order to accurately reconstruct the ion-temperature profiles. The sources of these corrections are described along with their effect on the analyzed profiles. The implemented corrections stem from three effects: (1) effect of sub-pixel intensity distribution during de-curving and spatial binning, (2) effect of sub-pixel intensity distribution during forward model evaluation and generation of residuals, and (3) effect of defocus and spherical aberrations on the instrumental response. Possible improvements to the forward model and analysis procedures are explored, along with a discussion of trade-offs in terms of computational complexity. Finally, the accuracy of the tomographic inversion technique in stellarator geometry is investigated, providing for the first time a verification exercise for inversion accuracy in stellarator geometry and a complete XICS analysis tool-chain.
The interaction between two electrohydrodynamics phenomena when an electric field affects a two-phase immiscible liquid
Authors: Chirkov Vladimir , Dobrovolskii Ioann , Vasilkov Sergei
Published: April 2021

Electrohydrodynamic (EHD) phenomena in two-phase immiscible liquids—droplet electrodeformation and electrical coalescence—underpin several technologies, e.g., electrostatic phase separation of water-oil emulsions. The corresponding devices' development calls for a deeper understanding of the underlying physics and reliable mathematical and numerical models. However, another EHD phenomenon that has to take place under the same conditions and can affect the results is unfairly overlooked. The phenomenon is the emergence of near-interface dissociation–recombination layers and EHD conduction pumping inside the dielectric phase. The present paper considers the electrical deformation of a conducting droplet suspended in a low-conducting liquid. A numerical simulation is used to show an EHD conduction pumping (like that emerging near an electrode in low-conducting fluid) to emerge near the interface of two immiscible liquids when one of them is a low-conducting medium. The space charge that causes this EHD flow also affects the Coulomb force applied to the interface and therefore changes droplet electrodeformation. Moreover, both the increase and decrease of electrodeformation are possible outcomes, which can be explained by a concurrent effect on the electric field distribution of charged layers emerging near both the interface and electrodes.
Performance indexes for flexoelectricity in transverse and longitudinal modes
Authors: Sharma Saurav , Singh Diwakar , Vaish Rahul , Kumar Rajeev , Chauhan Vishal Singh
Published: April 2021

Flexoelectric energy conversion, due to its universality and size dependence, is a potential candidate for applications in self-sustainable micro-electromechanical systems/nano-electromechanical systems. This study presents the performance indices for assessing flexoelectricity-driven energy conversion in micro-scale piezoelectric (non-centrosymmetric) and non-piezoelectric (centrosymmetric) dielectric materials. Electromechanical coupling coefficients for geometry selection and figures of merit for material selection for the two most common modes of operations, i.e., transverse mode as in bending of beams and longitudinal mode as in the compression of non-uniform cross section structures, are derived. An interplay of flexoelectricity and piezoelectricity in different circumstances is assessed for three different materials, namely, barium titanate (BaTiO3), Er-doped BST ceramic (Ba1-xTi0.96Sn0.04O3 + x mol. % Er), and polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF), for transverse and longitudinal modes. In the transverse mode, BaTiO3 and BST are found to dominate at a beam thickness of 5 μm, while at 100 μm, PVDF shows substantially higher magnitudes of electromechanical coupling coefficients. A similar trend for the electromechanical coupling coefficient is observed in the longitudinal mode. PVDF has a very low magnitude of figure of merit in the transverse mode as compared to the other two materials (0.65% of BST and 0.71% of BaTiO3), while in the longitudinal mode, the figure of merit of PVDF exceeds the other two materials by a large magnitude (197 times of BST and 285 times of BaTiO3).
Photosynthesis, chlorophyll fluorescence and photochemical reflectance index in photoinhibited leaves
Authors: Hikosaka Kouki
Published: April 2021

Solar-induced chlorophyll (chl) fluorescence (SIF) has been shown to be positively correlated with vegetation photosynthesis, suggesting that it is a useful signal for understanding of environmental responses and spatial heterogeneity of photosynthetic activity at various scales from leaf to the globe. Photosynthesis is often inhibited in stressful environments (photoinhibition), but how photoinhibition influences the relationship between photosynthesis and chl fluorescence remains unclear. Here, I studied light energy allocation among photosynthesis, chl fluorescence and heat dissipation in photoinhibited leaves and tested whether photosynthesis in photoinhibited leaves can be evaluated from chl fluorescence and reflectance spectra in remote sensing. Chl fluorescence and reflection spectra were examined with the pulse amplified modulation (PAM) system and spectroradiometer, respectively. Photoinhibited leaves had lower photosynthetic rates and quantum yields of photochemistry (ΦP) and higher chl fluorescence yields. Consequently, photosynthesis was negatively correlated with chl fluorescence, which contrasts the positive relationships between photosynthesis and SIF observed in past remote sensing studies. This suggests that vegetation photosynthesis evaluated solely from chl fluorescence may be overestimated if the vegetation is dominated by severely photoinhibited leaves. When a model of energy allocation was applied, ΦP estimated from chl fluorescence and photochemical reflectance index (PRI) significantly correlated with the observed ΦP, suggesting that the model is useful to evaluate photosynthetic activities of photoinhibited leaves by remote sensing.
Inference of dynamic systems from noisy and sparse data via manifold-constrained Gaussian processes
Authors: Yang Shihao , Wong Samuel W. K. , Kou S. C.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Ordinary differential equations are a ubiquitous tool for modeling behaviors in science, such as gene regulation, biological rhythms, epidemics, and ecology. An important problem is to infer and characterize the uncertainty of parameters that govern equations. We present an accurate and fast inference method using manifold-constrained Gaussian processes, such that derivatives of the Gaussian process must satisfy the dynamics of the differential equations. Our method completely avoids the use of numerical integration and is thus fast to compute. Our construction is embedded in a principled statistical framework and is demonstrated to yield fast and reliable inference in a variety of practical problems. Our method works even when some system components are unobserved, which is a significant challenge for previous methods.
Growth, death, and resource competition in sessile organisms
Authors: Lee Edward D. , Kempes Christopher P. , West Geoffrey B.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Although termite mounds stand out as an example of remarkably regular patterns emerging over long times from local interactions, ecological spatial patterns range from regular to random, and temporal patterns range from transient to stable. We propose a minimal quantitative framework to unify this variety by accounting for how quickly sessile organisms grow and die mediated by competition for fluctuating resources. Building on metabolic scaling theory for forests, we reproduce a wide range of spatial patterns and predict transient features such as population shock waves that align with observations. By connecting diverse ecological dynamics, our work will help apply lessons from model systems more broadly (e.g., by leveraging remote mapping to infer local ecological conditions).
Time–connectivity superposition and the gel/glass duality of weak colloidal gels
Authors: Keshavarz Bavand , Rodrigues Donatien Gomes , Champenois Jean-Baptiste , Frith Matthew G. , Ilavsky Jan , Geri Michela , Divoux Thibaut , McKinley Gareth H. , Poulesquen Arnaud
Published: April 2021

Significance

Quantifying the viscoelastic properties of weak colloidal gels remains challenging due to the continuously aging nature of these pasty materials. Through time-resolved mechanical and structural spectroscopy and application of the time–connectivity superposition principle we construct the viscoelastic moduli of these gels over eight decades of effective material time. This protocol reveals the dual nature of the relaxation time spectrum with gel- and glass-like characteristics at large and small scales, respectively. The structure of the network at the critical gel point sets the underlying shape of the relaxation spectrum, which the aging material retains as a fixed skeleton. The observed nonergodic behavior suggests that the local arrest of clusters initiates from small scales and continuously evolves toward larger ones.
Addressing partial identification in climate modeling and policy analysis
Authors: Manski Charles F. , Sanstad Alan H. , DeCanio Stephen J.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Incomplete scientific understanding of the climate and challenges in numerical computation have resulted in numerous climate simulation models being developed and used to generate ensembles, or sets, of climate projections as functions of single greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions scenarios. We propose a “deep uncertainty” approach to framing and analyzing these ensemble model outputs that allows their use in climate-related decision-making without reliance on problematic model weighting schemes. We provide a theoretical framework and an illustrative numerical model to show how single, nearly optimal decisions can be made regarding GHG abatement without requiring single, average climate model projections.
Carposina sasakii (peach fruit moth).
Authors: Toyoshima Shingo
Published: April 2021

C. sasakii is a pest of rosaceous fruits in eastern Asia, and does not spread easily to the non-native areas and countries. C. sasakii has the potential to fly long distances, but usually flies only within and between canopies of fruit trees. Aerial dispersal to non-native areas has not been recorded. International trade of rosaceous fruits is a possible cause of spread of C. sasakii, but it is difficult for it to enter non-native countries under quarantine inspection. Even if C. sasakii enters non-native countries by international trade, it is not easy to establish a population, probably because the larvae in fruits cannot find a cocooning site near rosaceous plants after escaping from the fruits. However, C. sasakii has a strong impact on the management of rosaceous fruit orchards once a population is established. Damage to fruits can reach 100% in some cases in pears [Pyrus spp.] and 40-100% in apples [Malus spp.] if not controlled.
Effector-mediated ERM activation locally inhibits RhoA activity to shape the apical cell domain
Authors: Zaman Riasat , Lombardo Andrew , Sauvanet Cécile , Viswanatha Raghuvir , Awad Valerie , Bonomo Locke Ezra-Ros , McDermitt David , Bretscher Anthony
Published: April 2021

Activated ezrin-radixin-moesin (ERM) proteins link the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton to generate apical structures, including microvilli. Among many kinases implicated in ERM activation are the homologues LOK and SLK. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to knock out all ERM proteins or LOK/SLK in human cells. LOK/SLK knockout eliminates all ERM-activating phosphorylation. The apical domains of cells lacking LOK/SLK or ERMs are strikingly similar and selectively altered, with loss of microvilli and with junctional actin replaced by ectopic myosin-II–containing apical contractile structures. Constitutively active ezrin can reverse the phenotypes of either ERM or LOK/SLK knockouts, indicating that a central function of LOK/SLK is to activate ERMs. Both knockout lines have elevated active RhoA with concomitant enhanced myosin light chain phosphorylation, revealing that active ERMs are negative regulators of RhoA. As RhoA-GTP activates LOK/SLK to activate ERM proteins, the ability of active ERMs to negatively regulate RhoA-GTP represents a novel local feedback loop necessary for the proper apical morphology of epithelial cells.
Squamous cell carcinoma subverts adjacent histologically normal epithelium to promote lateral invasion
Authors: Singh Priyanka , Banerjee Rajat , Piao Songlin , Costa de Medeiros Marcell , Bellile Emily , Liu Min , Damodaran Puthiya Veettil Dilna , Schmitd Ligia B. , Russo Nickole , Danella Erika , Inglehart Ronald C. , Pineault Kyriel M. , Wellik Deneen M. , Wolf Greg , D’Silva Nisha J.
Published: April 2021

Recurrent and new tumors, attributed in part to lateral invasion, are frequent in squamous cell carcinomas and lead to poor survival. We identified a mechanism by which cancer subverts adjacent histologically normal epithelium to enable small clusters of cancer cells to burrow undetected under adjacent histologically normal epithelium. We show that suppression of DMBT1 within cancer promotes aggressive invasion and metastasis in vivo and is associated with metastasis in patients. Cancer cells via TGFβ1 and TNFα also suppress DMBT1 in adjacent histologically normal epithelium, thereby subverting it to promote invasion of a small population of tumor cells. The sufficiency of DMBT1 in this process is demonstrated by significantly higher satellite tumor nests in Dmbt1−/− compared with wild-type mice. Moreover, in patients, invasion of small tumor nests under adjacent histologically normal epithelium is associated with increased risk for recurrence and shorter disease-free survival. This study demonstrates a crucial role of adjacent histologically normal epithelium in invasion and its important role in the tumor microenvironment and opens new possibilities for therapeutic strategies that reduce tumor recurrence.
Cannabidiol inhibits the skeletal muscle Nav1.4 by blocking its pore and by altering membrane elasticity
Authors: Ghovanloo Mohammad-Reza , Choudhury Koushik , Bandaru Tagore S. , Fouda Mohamed A. , Rayani Kaveh , Rusinova Radda , Phaterpekar Tejas , Nelkenbrecher Karen , Watkins Abeline R. , Poburko Damon , Thewalt Jenifer , Andersen Olaf S. , Delemotte Lucie , Goodchild Samuel J. , Ruben Peter C.
Published: April 2021

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary nonpsychotropic phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, which has been proposed to be therapeutic against many conditions, including muscle spasms. Among its putative targets are voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs), which have been implicated in many conditions. We investigated the effects of CBD on Nav1.4, the skeletal muscle Nav subtype. We explored direct effects, involving physical block of the Nav pore, as well as indirect effects, involving modulation of membrane elasticity that contributes to Nav inhibition. MD simulations revealed CBD’s localization inside the membrane and effects on bilayer properties. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) confirmed these results, showing CBD localizing below membrane headgroups. To determine the functional implications of these findings, we used a gramicidin-based fluorescence assay to show that CBD alters membrane elasticity or thickness, which could alter Nav function through bilayer-mediated regulation. Site-directed mutagenesis in the vicinity of the Nav1.4 pore revealed that removing the local anesthetic binding site with F1586A reduces the block of INa by CBD. Altering the fenestrations in the bilayer-spanning domain with Nav1.4-WWWW blocked CBD access from the membrane into the Nav1.4 pore (as judged by MD). The stabilization of inactivation, however, persisted in WWWW, which we ascribe to CBD-induced changes in membrane elasticity. To investigate the potential therapeutic value of CBD against Nav1.4 channelopathies, we used a pathogenic Nav1.4 variant, P1158S, which causes myotonia and periodic paralysis. CBD reduces excitability in both wild-type and the P1158S variant. Our in vitro and in silico results suggest that CBD may have therapeutic value against Nav1.4 hyperexcitability.
The N2A region of titin has a unique structural configuration
Authors: Stronczek Chiara , Lange Stephan , Bullard Belinda , Wolniak Sebastian , Börgeson Emma , Mayans Olga , Fleming Jennifer R.
Published: April 2021

The N2A segment of titin is a main signaling hub in the sarcomeric I-band that recruits various signaling factors and processing enzymes. It has also been proposed to play a role in force production through its Ca2+-regulated association with actin. However, the molecular basis by which N2A performs these functions selectively within the repetitive and extensive titin chain remains poorly understood. Here, we analyze the structure of N2A components and their association with F-actin. Specifically, we characterized the structure of its Ig domains by elucidating the atomic structure of the I81-I83 tandem using x-ray crystallography and computing a homology model for I80. Structural data revealed these domains to present heterogeneous and divergent Ig folds, where I81 and I83 have unique loop structures. Notably, the I81-I83 tandem has a distinct rotational chain arrangement that confers it a unique multi-domain topography. However, we could not identify specific Ca2+-binding sites in these Ig domains, nor evidence of the association of titin N2A components with F-actin in transfected C2C12 myoblasts or C2C12-derived myotubes. In addition, F-actin cosedimentation assays failed to reveal binding to N2A. We conclude that N2A has a unique architecture that predictably supports its selective recruitment of binding partners in signaling, but that its mechanical role through interaction with F-actin awaits validation.
Quantum signatures from Hoava–Lifshitz cosmography
Authors: Escamilla-Rivera Celia , Quevedo Hernando
Published: April 2021

In this paper we propose an alternative cosmography by considering Hořava–Lifshitz gravity as a model of quantum gravity (QG) to search for quantum effects at the cosmological level. For our analyses we consider current late Universe surveys and a gravitational waves forecast from Einstein telescope. We found naturally a non-flat scenario with

Ω

k

=
−
0.02

1

−
0.029

+
0.023

with

H

0

=
71.90

4

−
1.347

+
1.406

, without showing the standard reported 3.4-σ inconsistency. Furthermore, we obtained a specific value for the Hořava parameter ω ≈ −3.8 × 10−14, which can be interpreted as a measure of a quantum effect and could be used to further test this QG model. We conclude that classically, according to the ΛCDM model, our Universe seems to be spatially flat, but in fact, it is curved from a quantum point of view.
Non-intrusive DC voltage measurement based on resonant electric field microsensors
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Wen Xiaolong , Chu Zhaozhi , Ni Xiaoming , Peng Chunrong
Published: April 2021

Based on the resonant electric field microsensors with coplanar electrodes, a novel non-intrusive measurement scheme of DC power-line voltage suitable for actual product is presented in this paper. Compared with using microsensors directly without some protection, employing the proposed scheme can avoid the influence of humidity and electromagnetic disturbance on non-contact voltage measurement. A theoretical model is developed to analyze the influence of the structural parameters of the proposed measurement scheme on its sensitivity and to predict the voltage response. Furthermore, the theoretical analysis reveals that the proposed scheme obtains the DC power-line voltage non-intrusively by measuring the voltage of a floating electrode. A prototype of the non-intrusive measurement apparatus of DC power-line voltage has been developed, calibrated, and tested. The prototype shows a favorable linear response characteristic with a linearity of 0.86%. And the experimental results are in good agreement with the theoretical results. The maximum relative deviation noticed is −2.16% over a range of voltages from −1000 V to 1000 V.
The negative fixed charge of atomic layer deposited aluminium oxide—a two-dimensional SiO2/AlO
x
interface effect
Authors: Hiller Daniel , Tröger David , Grube Matthias , König Dirk , Mikolajick Thomas
Published: April 2021

The origin of the commonly observed negative fixed charge density (Q
fix) in atomic layer deposited (ALD-)aluminium oxide is still a matter of debate despite its widespread applications in (opto-)electronics, particularly in silicon photovoltaics. Q
fix plays a crucial role for excellent Si surface passivation, which is mandatory for high efficiency solar cells. Often, Q
fix is believed to originate from structural or compositional specifics of the first few nanometres of ALD-AlO
x
adjacent to the Si-interface. Here, we demonstrate that the negative Q
fix is solely an interfacial effect of ALD-AlO
x
and the SiO2 ultra-thin film that grows inevitably during ALD on Si. Furthermore, it is proven that a second Q
fix-layer exists at the upper AlO
x
/SiO2 interface of SiO2/AlO
x
/SiO2-stacks, which can carry up to a quarter of the total Q
fix. We show that both SiO2/AlO
x
interfaces can be separated by a charge-lean material such as HfO2 (rather than AlO
x
) without significant impact on the measured Q
fix. This renders the location of Q
fix exactly at the two-dimensional interface of SiO2 and AlO
x
, rather than in the near-interfacial AlO
x
volume. The origin of Q
fix is discussed in detail. The possibility to obtain very high charge densities of around −5 × 1012 cm−2 by sub-nm thick ALD-AlO
x
enables advanced applications such as passivating hole-selective contacts for Si solar cells or nanoelectronic Si-doping strategies via Al-induced SiO2 modulation doping.
Insight into the effect of He atmospheric pressure plasma jets on low-density polyethylene surfaces by fixed-point treatment
Authors: Li Guo-Qiang , Chen Xi , Zhu Yan-Rong , Guo Hong-Lin , Zhao Ni , Chang Zheng-Shi
Published: April 2021

In order to further investigate the modification effect of atmospheric pressure plasma jets (APPJ) on the surface of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) film and related mechanisms, a series of experiments and simulations were carried out in this paper. A laminar helium flow with a flow rate of 6.0 standard liters per minute was used as a working gas and a homogeneous glow-like He APPJ was generated by an AC voltage with a peak-to-peak voltage of 10.1 kV and a frequency of 20 kHz. After 15 min He APPJ treatment at a fixed point on the film, the surface properties at different radial positions from this point were analyzed. This study was performed using water contact angle (WCA) measurement, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy. The results of WCA and surface free energy (SFE) indicate that the modification effect range is larger than APPJ’s spread range on the surface. Along the radial direction, the surface properties did not change monotonously but had extreme points: the change of the surface morphology was first etching and then deposition; APPJ incorporated oxygen containing functional groups including C–O, C=O/O–C–O and O–C=O into the LDPE surface, and their distributions on the surface were different. To explore what caused the difference, quantum chemical simulation analysis by ORCA software was used to explain the relationship between the change of surface energy and oxygen-containing functional groups. The simulation showed that C–O has more influence on the SFE of the LDPE surface.
Interaction of size-selected Ag-clusters on Au-thin films: a composition study with in-situ XPS analysis at an elevated temperature
Authors: Barman Pintu , Deka Anindita , Bhattacharyya Satyaranjan
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we describe a novel method of synthesis of bimetallic Ag–Au alloy nanoparticles with an estimated Ag to Au concentration ratio of ∼3:1 by using a gas-aggregation cluster source. The real time chemical changes occurred on the surface of the alloy film during different stages of annealing at an elevated temperature are observed byin-situx-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis. It is found that the concentration of both Ag and Au of the alloy film simultaneously decreases with the increase of the annealing time. The chemical states of the elements present on the surface are analyzed from the HR-XPS data, which are recorded for the dominant elements present on the surface. From the analyses, it is found that a small part of metallic Ag gets oxidized for higher annealing time whereas no trace of oxidation of Au is observed. The surface morphology of the as-deposited and post-annealed alloy films are characterised by FESEM and AFM measurements. Due to thermal diffusion of Ag and Au, resultant narrow size distributions of the bimetallic Ag–Au nanoparticles are observed on the surface. The film morphologies suggest that the evolutions of bimetallic Ag–Au nanoparticles are nearly spherical in shape with an average aspect ratio value of ∼1.5.
Facilely constructed randomly distributed surface microstructure for flexible strain sensor with high sensitivity and low detection limit
Authors: Huang Qi , Jiang Yadong , Duan Zaihua , Yuan Zhen , Liu Bohao , Zhao Qiuni , Zhang Yajie , Sun Yupeng , Sun Ping , Tai Huiling
Published: April 2021

The epidermis and dermis of human skin have randomly distributed microstructures, so we can sense external stimuli with high sensitivity and a low detection limit. Herein, a biomimetic microstructure sensor was fabricated using sandpaper as a template. The finite element simulation results show that the strain sensing property of the sensor can be improved by introducing a biomimetic microstructure, which is consistent with the experimental results. The gauge factor of the microstructure sensor (20.64) is 4.81 times that of the planar structure sensor (4.29) in the linear strain range from 0.1% to 1.0%. The microstructure sensor has a very low detection limit (0.1% strain), fast response (53.6 ms), and good cycling durability (3000 cycles). In addition, the microstructure sensor can achieve real-time monitoring of human motion and physiological signals, such as finger bending, knee bending, and breathing frequency. The proposed microstructure sensor is expected to have broad application prospects in motion monitoring and health-care fields.
Real-space imaging of magnetic phase transformation in single crystalline Sm–Ca–Sr based manganite compound
Authors: Mazumdar Dipak , Rawat Rajeev , Banik Sanjib , Das Kalipada , Das I
Published: April 2021

Low-temperature-high-magnetic field magnetic force microscopy studies on colossal magnetoresistance material Sm0.5Ca0.25Sr0.25MnO3 have been carried out. These measurements provide real-space visualization of antiferromagnetic–ferromagnetic (AFM–FM) transition on sub-micron length scale and explain the presence of AFM–FM transition in the temperature-dependent magnetization measurements, but the absence of corresponding metal–insulator transition in temperature-dependent resistivity measurements at the low magnetic field. Distribution of transition temperature over the scanned area indicates towards the quench disorder broadening of the first-order magnetic phase transition. It shows that the length scale of chemical inhomogeneity extends over several micrometers.
Magneto-optical effects in hyperbolic metamaterials based on ordered arrays of bisegmented gold/nickel nanorods
Authors: Malysheva Irina V , Kolmychek Irina A , Romashkina Anastasia M , Leontiev Alexey P , Napolskii Kirill S , Murzina Tatiana V
Published: April 2021

Hyperbolic metamaterials (HMM) based on multilayered metal/dielectric films or ordered arrays of metal nanorods in a dielectric matrix are extremely attractive optical materials for manipulating over the parameters of the light flow. One of the most promising tools for tuning the optical properties of metamaterials in situ is the application of an external magnetic field. However, for the case of HMM based on the ordered arrays of magneto-plasmonic nanostructures, this effect has not been clearly demonstrated until now. In this paper, we present the results of synthesis of HMM based on the highly-ordered arrays of bisegmented Au/Ni nanorods in porous anodic alumina templates and a detailed study of their optical and magneto-optical properties. Distinct enhancement of the magneto-optical (MO) effects along with their sign reversal is observed in the spectral vicinity of epsilon-near-zero and epsilon-near-pole spectral regions. The underlying mechanism is the amplification of the MO polarization plane rotation initiated by Ni segments followed by the light propagation in a strongly birefringent HMM. This stays in agreement with the phenomenological description and relevant numerical calculations.
Key impact of phase dynamics and diamagnetic drive on Reynolds stress in magnetic fusion plasmas
Authors: Sarazin Y , Dif-Pradalier G , Garbet X , Ghendrih P , Berger A , Gillot C , Grandgirard V , Obrejan K , Varennes R , Vermare L , Cartier-Michaud T
Published: April 2021

Reynolds stress is a key facet of turbulence self-organization. In the magnetized plasmas of controlled fusion devices, the zonal flows that are driven by the averaged Reynolds stress modify the confinement performance. We address this problem with full-f gyrokinetic simulations of ion temperature gradient-driven turbulence. From the detailed analysis of the three-dimensional electric potential and transverse pressure fields, we show that the diamagnetic contribution to the Reynolds stress—stemming from finite Larmor radius effects—exceeds the electrostatic contribution by a factor of about two. Both contributions are in phase, indicating that pressure does not behave as a passive scalar. In addition, the Reynolds stress induced by the electric drift velocity is found to be mainly governed by the gradient of the phase of the electric potential modes rather than by their magnitude. By decoupling Reynolds stress drive and turbulence intensity, this property indicates that a careful analysis of phase dynamics is crucial in the interpretation of experiments and simulations.
Improved resistive switching characteristics of Ag/Al:HfO
x
/ITO/PET ReRAM for flexible electronics application
Authors: Paul A D , Biswas S , Das P , Edwards H J , Dalal A , Maji S , Dhanak V R , Mondal A , Mahapatra R
Published: April 2021

The Al-doped HfO
x
flexible resistive random access memory (ReRAM) device with Ag top electrode (TE) is fabricated on indium tin oxide (ITO) coated polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with low thermal budget process. The oxygen vacancies created by Al doping may assist Ag inclusion to create/rupture the filament at lower operating voltages (V
SET ≈ 0.46 V and V
RESET ≈ −0.93 V) and SET/RESET currents (I
SET ≈ 2 × 10−5 A and I
RESET ≈ 8 × 10−5 A). The Ag/Al:HfO
x
/ITO/PET ReRAM exhibits highly stable resistive switching (RS) behaviour with lower switching power (P
SET ≈ 9.2 µW and P
RESET ≈ 74.4 µW). The stable switching parameters like SET/RESET voltages, resistances in high resistance states (HRS) and low resistance states (LRS) are observed even at higher temperature (100 °C) and in flexible condition (i.e. 5 mm dia). The current conduction mechanism in HRS is dominated by space charge limited conduction whereas LRS is not completely Ohmic in nature. The RS mechanism has been explained by the formation of the combined effect of Ag atoms and oxygen vacancies. Considering the improved performance of the ReRAM device fabricated at low-temperature process, it may provide a promising candidate for the low power flexible electronics applications.
Relic neutrino degeneracies and their impact on cosmological parameters
Authors: Yeung Shek , Lau King , Chu M.-C.
Published: April 2021

In the standard ΛCDM model, neutrinos are treated as radiation, with their masses and possible degeneracy ignored. In this paper, we compute the impact of a finite relic neutrino degeneracy ξ on the CMB angular power spectra, and obtain constraints on ξ using current cosmological data sets. We find that ξ≈ O(1) is still allowed. We also study the correlations between ξ, the Hubble parameter H
0, and the spectral index n
s. Due to these correlations, the CMB constraints on inflation models are loosened when ξ is fitted together with other cosmological parameters, such that some models excluded at 95% confidence level by standard fittings without ξ could be revived. Furthermore, the tension in CMB and local measurements of H
0 is slightly alleviated. Our results suggest that ξ is a non-negligible physical parameter for cosmological analyses.
Unstable mode of ion-acoustic waves with two temperature q-nonextensive distributed electrons
Authors: Bukhari S , Hussain Nadeem , Ali S
Published: April 2021

The linear characteristics of the unstable mode of ion-acoustic waves are examined in an electrostatic electron-ion plasma composed of streaming hot electrons, non-streaming cold electrons and dynamical positive ions. The plasma under consideration is modeled by using a non-gyrotropic nonextensive q-distribution function in which the free energy source for wave excitation is provided by the relative directed motion of streaming hot electrons with respect to the other plasma species. In the frame work of kinetic model, a linearized set of Vlasov–Poisson’s equations are solved to obtain the analytical expressions for dispersion relation and Landau damping rate. The threshold condition for the unstable ion-acoustic wave is derived to assess the stability of the wave in the presence of nonextensive effects. Growth in the wave spectrum and nontrivial effects of q-nonextensive parameter on the ion-acoustic waves can be of interest for the readers in the regions of Saturns’s magnetosphere.
Multiple induced transparency in a hybrid driven cavity optomechanical device with a two-level system*
Authors: Zhang Wei , Qin Li-Guo , Tian Li-Jun , Wang Zhong-Yang
Published: April 2021

We present a scheme with the multiple-induced transparency windows in a hybrid optomechanical device. By studying the transmission of a probe field through the hybrid device, we show the successive generations of three transparent windows induced by multiple factors including tunneling, optomechanical and qubit-phonon coupling interactions, and analyze the physical mechanism of the induced transparency based on a simplified energy-level diagram of the system. Moreover, the effects of the transition frequency and decay rate of the two-level system on the multiple-induced transparency windows are discussed. We find that the transparency windows can be modulated by the coupling interaction between the qubit and NMR, the decay of qubit and the power of the control field. Therefore, the transmission of the probe field can be coherently adjusted in the hybrid cavity optomechanical device with a two-level system.
Structural and electrical transport properties of charge density wave material LaAgSb2 under high pressure*
Authors: Zhang Bowen , An Chao , Chen Xuliang , Zhou Ying , Zhou Yonghui , Yuan Yifang , Chen Chunhua , Zhang Lili , Yang Xiaoping , Yang Zhaorong
Published: April 2021

Layered lanthanum silver antimonide LaAgSb2 exhibits both charge density wave (CDW) order and Dirac-cone-like band structure at ambient pressure. Here, we systematically investigate the pressure evolution of structural and electronic properties of LaAgSb2 single crystal. We show that the CDW order is destabilized under compression, as evidenced by the gradual suppression of magnetoresistance. At P
C ∼ 22 GPa, synchrotron x-ray diffraction and Raman scattering measurements reveal a structural modification at room-temperature. Meanwhile, the sign change of the Hall coefficient is observed at 5 K. Our results demonstrate the tunability of CDW order in the pressurized LaAgSb2 single crystal, which can be helpful for its potential applications in the next-generation devices.
Multi-dimensional kinetic simulations of laser radiation absorption and electron acceleration in inhomogeneous underdense plasma
Authors: Gu Yan-Jun , Klimo O. , Tikhonchuk V.T. , Weber S.
Published: April 2021

The sub-relativistic laser beam interaction with an underdense plasma is investigated via two-dimensional (2D) numerical simulations with respect to the laser polarization direction. Different parametric instabilities dominate the interaction depending on the propagation direction of the daughter waves in the simulation plane with respect to the laser field polarization and laser propagation direction. In the plane containing the laser electric field (p-polarization) the interaction is dominated by the two-plasmon decay instability and the beating of large amplitude electron plasma waves produces periodic ion density perturbations suppressing stimulated Raman scattering in the quarter critical density zone. A stronger absorption and heating of hot electrons is observed in the case where laser polarization is perpendicular to the simulation plane (s-polarization). Furthermore, by comparing a plane laser wave with a narrow beamlet, the effect of the initial transverse laser profile is proven to play an important role in exciting the filamentation instability, which competes with stimulated Brillouin scattering and affects the laser absorption and hot electron generation. A dedicated three-dimensional simulation indicates that a 2D simulation with p-polarization produces a more reliable results while the case of s-polarization overestimates the laser absorption and hot electron generation.
True 3D Fracture Simulation with Geology-engineering Integration of Volume Modification in Jimsar Shale Oil
Authors: Zhang Kui , Xiao Yang , Cheng Leiming , Liu Shouyu , Wang Junchao , Xu Mingqiang
Published: April 2021

The main characteristics of Jimsar shale oil reservoir are of complex structure, strong heterogeneity and great difficulty in fracturing. It is mainly produced by volume fracturing technology, which is easy to form complex fracture networks. At present, the design and parameter optimization of fracturing scheme are not targeted, and the true 3D fracture simulation with geology-engineering integration is particularly important. On the basis of 3D geological modeling, the 3D geo-mechanical parameter distribution is determined by seismic data, logging data, experimental data, etc to simulate the stress environment in which the overburden pressure, surrounding rock pressure and lower strata pressure. And the 3D geo-mechanical parameter model is established by combining simulated analysis of the stress. On the basis of geological model, geomechanical model and natural fracture model, the natural fractures and faults determined by seismic, logging or discrete fracture modeling are integrated into the geomechanical model to complete the true 3D simulation of artificial fracture network based on true 3D geo-mechanical model. This simulation is the practice and improvement of the geology-engineering integration of shale oil reservoirs volume modification technology in Jimsar, which will deepen the geological understanding and strengthens the engineering technology supporting, provides reference basis for the optimization design of fracturing process and the maximization of the volume, and finally realizes the efficient development of shale oil in Jimsar.
High Time-Resolved Measurements of Microbial Activity Levels in Bioaerosols During Typical Heavy Pollution Processes
Authors: Du Shengli , Li Yanpeng
Published: April 2021

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Research on Environmental Protection Factors of Landscape Design in Garden Greening
Authors: Liu Chen
Published: April 2021

At present, landscaping projects are continuously promoting the process of urbanization. As an important project to improve the urban ecological environment and enhance the image of the city, the construction of landscaping projects must fully consider the project benefits and incorporate the low-carbon concept, so as to allow urban garden plant landscape plays a greater role. This article starts with the principles of the application of low-carbon concepts and discusses the key points in the application of low-carbon concepts in urban garden landscape design, hoping to provide people with a better living environment with the help of garden engineering.
Research on the Trust Relationship of Jilin Province Agricultural Products Supply Chain Enterprises Based on the Theory of Green Environmental Protection Block chain
Authors: Yang Jisheng , Sun Xu , Shi Tianxiao , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2021

The successful advancement of the Internet + agriculture strategy in Jilin Province has accelerated the circulation efficiency of agricultural products in Jilin Province, and played a vital role in increasing the income of farmers and encouraging their enthusiasm for planting. Under the background of green environmental protection and low-carbon economy, the block chain technology solves the problems of inefficient information transmission in the supply chain led by core enterprises, low matching of information traceability requirements and capacity status, and endless information islands. Combined with block chain technology, analysis there are problems in the information optimization of the agricultural product supply chain in Jilin Province. The “block chain + agricultural product supply chain” is used to realize the model of decentralization, information sharing, and in-depth cooperation mechanism, so as to realize the coordination of the agricultural product supply chain and effectively improve the agricultural product The value-added process of the supply chain has established a three-party trust model for the government, core enterprises and consumers in the process of building a green agricultural supply chain.
Analysis and improvement measures of defective coal gangue fired brick
Authors: Shen Shanshan , Li Xinghua , Li Chenghui , She Xiaoqing
Published: April 2021

According to the phenomenon of the accident of defective products of finished bricks, combined with fuzzy mathematics and fault tree analysis theory, the causes of the accident are studied. Firstly, the downward method is used to analysis the structure of fault tree and the influence degree of each basic event on the defective top event of finished brick is sorted. Secondly, the trigonometric fuzzy function is used to normalize the probability value of the basic event collected and the probability value of the basic event without statistical data obtained by the expert scoring. The importance of the processed triangular fuzzy probability is quantitatively analyzed and compared and the main factors affecting the top event are obtained. Finally, specific and targeted suggestions are put forward according to the factors causing the top event.
A dam anti-seepage reinforcement design research
Authors: Jian Cheng
Published: April 2021

The earth dam leakage is a major security risk for the water conservancy project. A permeability of the dam, seepage stability analysis, several principles, advantages and disadvantages, and applicability of the dam seepage technology analysis, comparison, selection and validation for seepage control and reinforcement of such works in the future the theory and design basis.
The Maximum Levels of Plastic Product Waste That Can Safely Be Mitigated
Authors: Wei Wenrong
Published: April 2021

we established a management model for plastic waste disposal processes: First, we consider the source and application of each type plastic waste to classify it according to the chemical composition. The waste is then maximized by recycling and degradation which are the two main environmentally friendly treatment. At the same time, we considered the factors affecting the recycling rate and degradation rate and introduced a partial least square regression fitting method to determine the exact relationship between the recycling rate and degradation rate of various types of plastic waste and their respective influencing factors. The maximum amount of plastic waste treated is the sum of the amount of plastic waste recycled and degraded.