bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elastic properties and lattice thermal conductivity of amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeTe thin films
Authors: Baloi M. , Wamwangi D. , Mathe B. A. , Erasmus R. M. , Billing D. G. , Madhuku M. , Sechogela P.
Published: April 2021

This study reports on the elastic properties and the lattice thermal conductivity of amorphous Ge2Sb2Te5 and GeTe thin films using surface Brillouin scattering. It is demonstrated that this method allows for the determination of the isotropic elastic constants from the measured surface acoustic phonon frequencies. We found elastic constants of C11=48.7/43.6 and C44=14.3/9.4GPa for GeTe and Ge2Sb2Te5, respectively. These results suggest acoustic hardening in GeTe compared to Ge2Sb2Te5 films, and this was supported by the derived, shear, and Young's moduli. The measured longitudinal and transverse velocities were used to determine the lower limit of the lattice thermal conductivity. In general, both chalcogenides alloys exhibit low lattice thermal conductivities of κmin<0.50Wm−1K−1. This could be beneficial for thermal management in phase-change memory devices and for thermoelectric application.
Construction of PD-L1-siRNA and IL-2 DNA loading PEI lipid nanoparticles in activating T cells and treating lung cancer
Authors: Gao Lei , Yu Shaobin , Lin Jihong , Chen Sui , Shen Zhimin , Kang Mingqiang
Published: April 2021

The signal transduction of human programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1), as an important checkpoint gene in the immune system, plays a key role in the internal function and survival of cancer cells. In this paper, PD-L1-siRNA and immunostimulatory IL-2 encoding plasmid DNA loaded by polyethylenimine (PEI) lipid nanoparticles (PEI-LNPs) were constructed. Its therapeutic effect on lung cancer was evaluated, and its physical parameters such as particle size and potential were measured. The binding capacity, cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and cell uptake capacity of PD-L1-siRNA/IL-2 DNA-PEI-LNPs were tested by in vitro experiments. The down-regulation effect of PD-L1 in A549 cancer cells and the cytokine level of co-cultured T cells were also examined. The study indicated that the PD-L1-siRNA/IL-2-PEI-LNP complexes can provide effective treatment for lung cancer cells; the significant increase in IFN-γ and TNF-α levels and the decrease in the IL-10 level confirmed the change in secreted cytokines. The lipid NPs combined with the tumor-targeting therapeutic gene siRNA/pDNA constructed in this study had the ability to target cells in vitro and down-regulate the expression of PD-L1, which realized the tumor-specific expression of immunostimulatory cytokines, and were considered to be highly effective and safe nanocarriers for targeted therapy.

At the request of the authors, this article is being retracted effective 30 June 2022.
Fermi resonance switching in KrH+Rg and XeH+Rg (Rg = Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe)
Authors: Tan Jake A. , Kuo Jer-Lai
Published: April 2021

Matrix isolation experiments have been successfully employed to extensively study the infrared spectrum of several proton-bound rare gas complexes. Most of these studies have focused on the spectral signature for the H+ stretch (ν3) and its combination bands with the intermolecular stretch coordinate (ν1). However, little attention has been paid to the Fermi resonance interaction between the H+ stretch (ν3) and H+ bend overtone (2ν2) in the asymmetric proton-bound rare gas dimers, RgH+Rg′. In this work, we have investigated this interaction on KrH+Rg and XeH+Rg with Rg = (Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe). A multilevel potential energy surface (PES) was used to simulate the vibrational structure of these complexes. This PES is a dual-level comprising of second-order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory and coupled-cluster singles doubles with perturbative triples [CCSD(T)] levels of ab initio theories. We found that when both the combination bands (nν1 + ν3) and bend overtone 2ν2 compete to borrow intensity from the ν3 band, the latter wins over the former, which then results in the suppression of the nν1 + ν3 bands. The current simulations offer new assignments for the ArH+Xe and KrH+Xe spectra. Complete basis set (CBS) binding energies for these complexes were also calculated at the CCSD(T)/CBS level.
An ultrafast vibrational study of dynamical heterogeneity in the protic ionic liquid ethyl-ammonium nitrate. I. Room temperature dynamics
Authors: Johnson Clinton A. , Parker Anthony W. , Donaldson Paul M. , Garrett-Roe Sean
Published: April 2021

Using ultrafast two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy (2D-IR), a vibrational probe (thiocyanate, SCN−) was used to investigate the hydrogen bonding network of the protic ionic liquid ethyl-ammonium nitrate (EAN) in comparison to H2O. The 2D-IR experiments were performed in both parallel (⟨ZZZZ⟩) and perpendicular (⟨ZZXX⟩) polarizations at room temperature. In EAN, the non-Gaussian lineshape in the FTIR spectrum of SCN− suggests two sub-ensembles. Vibrational relaxation rates extracted from the 2D-IR spectra provide evidence of the dynamical differences between the two sub-ensembles. We support the interpretation of two sub-ensembles with response function simulations of two overlapping bands with different vibrational relaxation rates and, otherwise, similar dynamics. The measured rates for spectral diffusion depend on polarization, indicating reorientation-induced spectral diffusion (RISD). A model of restricted molecular rotation (wobbling in a cone) fully describes the observed spectral diffusion in EAN. In H2O, both RISD and structural spectral diffusion contribute with similar timescales. This complete characterization of the dynamics at room temperature provides the basis for the temperature-dependent measurements in Paper II of this series.
Accurate singlet–triplet gaps in biradicals via the spin averaged anti-Hermitian contracted Schrödinger equation
Authors: Boyn Jan-Niklas , Mazziotti David A.
Published: April 2021

The accurate description of biradical systems, and in particular the resolution of their singlet–triplet gaps, has long posed a major challenge to the development of electronic structure theories. Biradicaloid singlet ground states are often marked by strong correlation and, hence, may not be accurately treated by mainstream, single-reference methods such as density functional theory or coupled cluster theory. The anti-Hermitian contracted Schrödinger equation (ACSE), whose fundamental quantity is the two-electron reduced density matrix rather than the N-electron wave function, has previously been shown to account for both dynamic and strong correlations when seeded with a strongly correlated guess from a complete active space (CAS) calculation. Here, we develop a spin-averaged implementation of the ACSE, allowing it to treat higher multiplicity states from the CAS input without additional state preparation. We apply the spin-averaged ACSE to calculate the singlet–triplet gaps in a set of small main group biradicaloids, as well as the organic four-electron biradicals trimethylenemethane and cyclobutadiene, and naphthalene, benchmarking the results against other state-of-the-art methods reported in the literature.
A jamming plane of sphere packings
Authors: Jin Yuliang , Yoshino Hajime
Published: April 2021

Significance

Jamming is a ubiquitous phenomenon that occurs when the viscosity diverges or the rigidity emerges in many soft matter systems, such as granular materials, glasses, foams, colloidal suspensions, emulsions, and polymers. Jamming of frictionless spheres is also closely related to the sphere packing and optimization problems. In practice, jammed packings can be obtained by various ways, among which, compression and shear are two widely employed protocols. Here, we demonstrate that compression and shear-jammed frictionless packings can be described under a unified framework called jamming-plane. Using computer simulations, we show that compression and shear jamming of frictionless spheres can occur at different densities in the limit of large systems, contrary to conventional wisdom, but the jamming criticality is protocol-independent.
Imaging in vivo acetylcholine release in the peripheral nervous system with a fluorescent nanosensor
Authors: Xia Junfei , Yang Hongrong , Mu Michelle , Micovic Nicholas , Poskanzer Kira E. , Monaghan James R. , Clark Heather A.
Published: April 2021

Significance

Mapping and measuring neurotransmitter release in vivo provides critical neurological insight into animal behavior and pathology. Acetylcholine, a pleiotropic neurotransmitter, impacts cardiovascular, cognitive, and other physiological functions. To circumvent genetic manipulation and provide high sensitivity as well as temporal and spatial resolution, we developed a DNA-based enzymatic nanosensor for real-time monitoring of acetylcholine release in the PNS of living mice. The nanosensor rapidly responds to endogenous acetylcholine release in a dose-dependent and reversible manner, providing spatial mapping of signal transmission within a single ganglion when combined with advanced image analysis. The nanosensor expands the analytical toolbox for detecting PNS neurotransmission but will also be applicable for the CNS in multiple species, enabling elucidation of fundamental neurological and neuropathological pathways.
Bidens frondosa (beggarticks).
Authors: Popay Ian
Published: April 2021

B. frondosa is a herbaceous annual native to North America. It has been introduced widely in Europe and to other parts of the world and is mostly found in temperate climates. The majority of introductions into new countries are intentional, due to the medicinal, herbal and decorative properties ascribed to the species. However, seeds can be accidentally dispersed into new areas as they can adhere firmly to animal fibres such as wool. In Europe B. frondosa has been reported to out compete and interbreed with native plant species in particular those of the same genus. B. frondosa is classified as an environmental weed in New Zealand.
Taeniatherum caput-medusae (medusahead wildrye).
Authors: Nafus Aleta
Published: April 2021

T. caput-medusae is a self-pollinating, annual grass. It is originally from the Mediterranean region, occurring eastwards in Asia to Kyrgyzstan and northwards in Europe to Budapest in Hungary. Introduced to the Americas in at least seven events between 1887 and 1988, it now occupies over one million hectares of rangelands in the western USA where it is considered invasive and is listed as a noxious weed in many states, and is estimated to be spreading at a rate of 12% per year. In the western USA. It is highly competitive, forming monotypic stands that not only exclude native species but transform the ecological functioning of its invaded habitat to better facilitate its own survival to the detriment of the entire invaded ecosystem.
Crumenulopsis sororia.
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

C. sororia is an apothecia-forming ascomycete (cup fungus) that causes cankers in the bark and wood of Pinus species in Europe. Its presence in North America is unlikely (Groves, 1969), but it is known to infect native and introduced species of Pinus. Once introduced, its small size, resemblance to related canker-causing species, and spread by airborne spores, would make control difficult.
Ischaemum rugosum (saramollagrass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

I. rugosum is a C4 grass species widely cultivated and naturalized in moist, tropical habitats around the world (Clayton et al., 2015; USDA-ARS, 2015). It is an opportunistic and effective colonizer of open and disturbed areas, swamps, and along roadsides. It is a serious weed in many crops, especially in paddy fields and sugarcane plantations (Holm et al., 1977; Baki and Manidool, 1992). I. rugosum is a highly invasive grass which can produce up to 4,000 seeds per plant and has the potential to grow even in shaded areas (Holm et al., 1977; PROTA, 2015). I. rugosum is listed as invasive in Costa Rica, Cuba, the Dominican Republic and Fiji (Kairo et al., 2003; Chacon and Saborio, 2012; Oviedo Prieto et al., 2012; PIER, 2015). In the USA, the Department of Agriculture considers it a noxious weed; plants found growing within the continental USA should be promptly reported to that agency (Barkworth et al., 2003).
Myriophyllum aquaticum (parrot's feather).
Authors: Murphy Kevin
Published: April 2021

M. aquaticum (parrot-feather) is an invasive submerged/emergent aquatic weed characteristic of sub-tropical to warm-temperate regions, but found as far north as the UK (recorded from at least 33 countries: native to perhaps 6 of these, all in South America). It was recorded as an alien as early as 1906 in Florida, and 1919 in South Africa. It is a particular problem of small water bodies, irrigation channel networks, and small streams, where it primarily impedes flow and causes a range of associated environmental problems, such as water deoxygenation. Long-distance spread via the aquarium/garden trade has been a notable anthropogenic vector. Once introduced to a new region it spreads rapidly, primarily by vegetative stem fragmentation, male plants are rarely recorded outside the native range so seed production is (so-far) negligible as a vector. It is listed as a notifiable/prohibited weed in many countries and states worldwide.
Orobanche cernua (nodding broomrape).
Authors: Parker Christ
Published: April 2021

O. cernua is an obligatory, non-photosynthetic root parasite which is native over a wide range across northeast Africa, southern Europe and western and southern Asia. In many of these areas it is a serious pest of Solanaceaeous crops such as Solanum lycopersicum (tomato) Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) and S. melongena (aubergine) and occasionally S. tuberosum (potato). Species of Orobanche depend totally on their hosts for all nutrition and become an active sink for the host plant. This therefore results in a decrease in crop yield and as a result can have a major impact on the economy and livelihoods. Once established, the seed bank may last 10-20 years and there are no simple, economic control measures. Seeds of O. cernua are very small and inconspicuous and can be accidentally introduced into new areas as a contaminant of soil, seeds and machinery. There is potential for this species to invade many other areas of the world.
Phakopsora euvitis (grape rust fungus).
Authors:   USA, USDA-ARS
Published: April 2021

The grape leaf rust, P. euvitis, is widely distributed in eastern and southern Asia and has been introduced into northern Australia. Its distribution in the Americas, other than a recent introduction into southwestern Brazil, is unclear, because other Phakopsora rust species on Vitis species have been identified in North and South America. The teleomorph forms have not been compared. The means by which the recent introductions have occurred are not known; the fungus can persist in the uredinial form in warmer climates and dispersal of urediniospores by wind and air currents is a possible means of spread, in addition to transport of infected vines. Australia initiated an eradication programme against this species in 2001 (DAFF, 2009).
Fraxinus uhdei (tropical ash).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

F. uhdei is a fast-growing, medium to large tree (up to 35-40 m tall and 1 m stem diameter) that grows naturally in mixed mountain forests from west-central Mexico to Guatemala and can become weedy in disturbed sites. The leaves are 15-30 cm long, compound and oppositely pinnate with 5-9 leaflets. A channeled leaf axis and a smaller (2.5-4 cm long) samara distinguish F. uhdei from its close relative F. americana. F. uhdei is sometimes referred to as an evergreen species but it is winter-deciduous in some regions. F. uhdei has been introduced to Hawaii, Puerto Rico and sub-Himalayan regions of India for watershed protection and timber production. It is also a popular street and shade tree in California, Arizona and Mexico. In the Central Valley and Bay Area of California, severe infestations by the ash whitefly Siphoninus phillyreae on F. uhdei have been reduced after the introduction of the parasitic wasp Encarsia partenopea (Gould et al., 1992).In its native range, F. uhdei has been selectively logged but it is not a prime timber species. In Chiapas, it has been grown in hedgerows for wood and fuel. In plantations, F. uhdei has high survival and rapid initial growth in favourable sites, but often exhibits uneven growth rates across sites, poor form and has a tendency to lodge. F. uhdei is relatively shade tolerant and can regenerate by coppicing (Walters and Wick, 1973). Stands can be established from seedlings or bare-root stock. In Hawaii, F. uhdei has higher growth rates in relatively deep soils derived from volcanic ash than in shallow, stony organic soils. Yields in Hawaii and Puerto Rico have ranged between 4.1 and 11.5 cubic m/ha/year.F. uhdei provides a valuable, medium density (0.5 g/cubic cm), pale brown wood with a straight grain and moderately fine texture (Shukla and Sangal, 1980). The wood has been used mainly for cabinet work, furniture, moulding and panelling, but it is also suitable for boat building, craftwood, flooring, interior trim, joinery poles, particleboards, pulpwood, plywood, structural sawnwood and veneer. It is easy to season, machine and finish but is susceptible to blue stain, Lyctus borers and termites. The sapwood is permeable to preservatives and the heartwood is moderately resistant. Uhdenoside, a secoiridoid dilactone isolated from leaves of F. uhdei, has potential applications in natural medicine (Shen et al., 1995).F. uhdei can spread into disturbed forest areas. In Hawaii, invasions have been recorded in the islands of Hawaii, Maui, Molokai and Oahu, and F. uhdei has been included among the most disruptive species to native ecosystems. Invasions are more intense on fertile soils and along streams (Harrington and Ewell, 1997). In some stands of F. uhdei, understorey vegetation is almost completely absent but stands with sparse canopies can harbour a profuse understorey of native and introduced species.
Gmelina arborea (candahar).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

G. arborea produces an important and valuable creamy-white timber which is sometimes called white teak. It is a fast-growing species that demands good site conditions (Durant, 1941; Fox, 1967; Nanagas and Serna, 1970; Fasehun, 1975; Greaves, 1981; Webb et al., 1984; Luna, 1996). Native to Asia, the species has great plantation potential and is widely planted, especially in Africa. Large-scale plantations of G. arborea are found in Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Malawi (Streets, 1962). Compared with other high-quality timber species, G. arborea can be managed for relatively short rotations of 15 to 20 years (Fox, 1967). With recent developments in wood processing technology for utilizing smaller diameter logs, G. arborea plantations are often managed on a less than 15-year rotation; this is especially the case when fuelwood is the main end-product. G. arborea is also valuable as a multipurpose tree (Tiwari et al, 2007) and is economically important in various agroforestry systems. Different parts of the tree are used in traditional medicine (Nayak et al., 2011).
Moringa oleifera (horse radish tree).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

M. oleifera is a small, fast-growing and short-lived tropical tree, well-known for its multi-purpose attributes, wide site adaptability and ease of establishment. Its principal value lies in its nutritional value and the use of the leaves, pods and flowers for human consumption as well as for livestock feed. The green pods are a sought-after vegetable, for example, as an essential ingredient in the making of 'sambhar', a south Indian curry and the seed oil known as 'ben-oil' is used for cooking, as a lighting fuel and for making cosmetics and soaps. The tree has attracted considerable attention in recent years with research confirming the effectiveness of using its powdered seeds as a coagulant and water purifier. The wood is of limited use. M. oleifera is grown in home gardens, as a hedging plant in and around fields and as a shade tree. It is also used for supports for vine crops such as pepper (Piper spp.).
Pinus contorta (lodgepole pine).
Authors: Cobar Ana Jose
Published: April 2021

P. contorta is a fast-growing, short-lived and fire-adapted two-needled pine species with a very wide ecological amplitude and tolerance. It is an important and valuable timber trees in western North America, with forests dominated by P. contorta covering some 6 million ha in the USA and 20 million ha in Canada (Burns and Honkala, 1990). Because of its rapid growth rate, small taper and thin bark, it produces a higher volume of wood than many of its associates of the same diameter and height. It is a low nutrient-demanding species and easy to regenerate and grow. A common problem of regenerating P. contorta is overstocking which may result in growth stagnation during early stand development on water-deficient, nutrient-poor sites.
Parkia biglobosa (néré).
Authors: Pasiecznik Nick
Published: April 2021

P. biglobosa, known as néré or the shea butter tree, is an important multipurpose tree in tropical and subtropical Africa, particularly valued for food uses. It occurs naturally in Africa between 15°N and 0°N in a strip extending from the Atlantic to the Indian Ocean across Mali and Chad, to Cameroon, Sudan and Uganda, as well as in the Central African Republic. The natural phytogeographical distribution of Parkia biglobosa corresponds to the "Sudanian Regional Centre of Endemism" and the "Guineo-Congolia/Sudania Regional Transition Zone" (White, 1983). The species is often found with Vitellaria paradoxa in cultivated parklands near villages with short fallows. In most cases, P. biglobosa has been conserved from land clearing, it is rarely planted. In savanna woodland, P. biglobosa occurs with Pterocarpus erinaceus, Khaya senegalensis, Daniellia oliveri, Afzelia africana, Prosopis africana etc.
Mass and horizon Dirac observables in effective models of quantum black-to-white hole transition
Authors: Bodendorfer Norbert , Mele Fabio M , Münch Johannes
Published: April 2021

In the past years, black holes and the fate of their singularity have been heavily studied within loop quantum gravity. Effective spacetime descriptions incorporating quantum geometry corrections are provided by the so-called polymer models. Despite the technical differences, the main common feature shared by these models is that the classical singularity is resolved by a black-to-white hole transition. In a recent paper (Bodendorfer et al 2019 Class. Quantum Grav.
36 195015), we discussed the existence of two Dirac observables in the effective quantum theory respectively corresponding to the black and white hole mass. Physical requirements about the onset of quantum effects then fix the relation between these observables after the bounce, which in turn corresponds to a restriction on the admissible initial conditions for the model. In the present paper, we discuss in detail the role of such observables in black hole polymer models. First, we revisit previous models and analyse the existence of the Dirac observables there. Observables for the horizons or the masses are explicitly constructed. In the classical theory, only one Dirac observable has physical relevance. In the quantum theory, we find a relation between the existence of two physically relevant observables and the scaling behaviour of the polymerisation scales under fiducial cell rescaling. We present then a new model based on polymerisation of new variables which allows to overcome previous restrictions on initial conditions. Quantum effects cause a bound of a unique Kretschmann curvature scale, independently of the relation between the two masses.
LION: laser interferometer on the moon
Authors: Amaro-Seoane Pau , Bischof Lea , Carter Jonathan J. , Hartig Marie-Sophie , Wilken Dennis
Published: April 2021

Gravitational wave astronomy has now left its infancy and has become an important tool for probing the most violent phenomena in our Universe. The LIGO/Virgo-KAGRA collaboration operates ground based detectors which cover the frequency band from 10 Hz to the kHz regime. Meanwhile, the pulsar timing array and the soon to launch LISA mission will cover frequencies below 0.1 Hz, leaving a gap in detectable gravitational wave frequencies. Here we show how a laser interferometer on the moon (LION) gravitational wave detector would be sensitive to frequencies from sub Hz to kHz. We find that the sensitivity curve is such that LION can measure compact binaries with masses between 10 and 100M
⊙ at cosmological distances, with redshifts as high as z = 100 and beyond, depending on the spin and the mass ratio of the binaries. LION can detect binaries of compact objects with higher-masses, with very large signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), help us to understand how supermassive black holes got their colossal masses on the cosmological landscape, and it can observe in detail intermediate-mass ratio inspirals at distances as large as at least 100 Gpc. Compact binaries that never reach the LIGO/Virgo sensitivity band can spend significant amounts of time in the LION band, while sources present in the LISA band can be picked up by the detector and observed until their final merger. Since LION covers the deci-Hertz regime with such large SNRs, it truly achieves the dream of multi messenger astronomy.
Surface electrostatic discharge of charged typical space materials induced by strong electromagnetic interference
Authors: Song Bai-Peng , Zhou Run-Dong , Yang Xiong , Zhang Shu , Yang Ning , Fang Jin-Yong , Song Fa-Lun , Zhang Guan-Jun
Published: April 2021

Surface charging of typical space materials such as polyimide and high density polyethylene may sometimes cause electrostatic discharge (ESD) under natural conditions. That is because polymer materials usually present lower surface discharge strength compared with their bulk breakdown strength, especially in vacuum. However, the space environment is very complicated, extremely hostile environments such as solar storms and magnetospheric substorms may happen and bring strong electromagnetic interference (EMI), which may induce ESD in spacecraft more easily and cause great damage to those spacecraft. In this paper, an innovative platform which can simulate the ESD of materials induced by strong EMI of microwave sources is set up. The influence of different factors such as power density, repetition frequency of microwave source, electromagnetic wave angle and distance between high voltage and ground electrode are researched. In addition, we perform particle-in-cell simulations to illustrate multipactor dynamics under the influence of strong electromagnetic waves. The induced discharging can be attributed to the electric field component of strong electromagnetic waves.
Investigation of doping effects of different noble metals for ethanol gas sensors based on mesoporous In2O3
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Wang Yinglin , Wang Chen , Ma Jian , Xu Luping , Lv Chao , Sun Yanfeng
Published: April 2021

Elaborating the sensitization effects of different noble metals on In2O3 has great significance in providing an optimum method to improve ethanol sensing performance. In this study, long-range ordered mesoporous In2O3 has been fabricated through replicating the structure of SBA-15. Different noble metals (Au, Ag, Pt and Pd) with the same doping amount (1 at%) have been introduced by an in situ doping routine. The results of the gas sensing investigation indicate that the gas responses towards ethanol can be obviously increased by doping different noble metals. In particular, the best sensing performance towards ethanol detection can be achieved through Pd doping, and the sensors based on Pd-doped In2O3 not only possess the highest response (39.0–100 ppm ethanol) but also have the shortest response and recovery times at the optimal operating temperature of 250 °C. The sensing mechanism of noble metal doped materials can be attributed to the synergetic effect combining ‘catalysis’ and ‘electronic and chemical sensitization’ of noble metals. In particular, the chemical state of the noble metal also has a great influence on the gas sensing mechanism. A detailed explanation of the enhancement of gas sensing performance through noble metal doping is presented in the gas sensing mechanism part of the manuscript.
Vacuum ultraviolet silicon photomultipliers applied to BaF2 cross-luminescence detection for high-rate ultrafast timing applications
Authors: Gundacker S , Pots R H , Nepomnyashchikh A , Radzhabov E , Shendrik R , Omelkov S , Kirm M , Acerbi F , Capasso M , Paternoster G , Mazzi A , Gola A , Chen J , Auffray E
Published: April 2021

Inorganic scintillators are widely used for fast timing applications in high-energy physics (HEP) experiments, time-of-flight positron emission tomography and time tagging of soft and hard x-ray photons at advanced light sources. As the best coincidence time resolution (CTR) achievable is proportional to the square root of the scintillation decay time it is worth studying fast cross-luminescence, for example in BaF2 which has an intrinsic yield of about 1400 photons/MeV. However, emission bands in BaF2 are located in the deep-UV at 195 nm and 220 nm, which sets severe constraints on photodetector selection. Recent developments in dark matter and neutrinoless double beta decay searches have led to silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) with photon detection efficiencies of 20%–25% at wavelengths of 200 nm. We tested state-of-the-art devices from Fondazione Bruno Kessler and measured a best CTR of 51 ± 5 ps full width at half maximum when coupling 2 mm × 2 mm × 3 mm BaF2 crystals excited by 511 keV electron–positron annihilation gammas. Using these vacuum ultraviolet SiPMs we recorded the scintillation kinetics of samples from Epic Crystal under 511 keV excitation, confirming a fast decay time of 855 ps with 12.2% relative light yield and 805 ns with 84.0% abundance, together with a smaller rise time of 4 ps beyond the resolution of our setup. The total intrinsic light yield was determined to be 8500 photons/MeV. We also revealed a faster component with 136 ps decay time and 3.7% light yield contribution, which is extremely interesting for the fastest timing applications. Timing characteristics and CTR results on BaF2 samples from different producers and with different dopants (yttrium, cadmium and lanthanum) are given, and clearly show that the the slow 800 ns emission can be effectively suppressed. Such results ultimately pave the way for high-rate ultrafast timing applications in medical diagnosis, range monitoring in proton or heavy ion therapy and HEP.
Laser-driven ion acceleration from near-critical Gaussian plasma density profile
Authors: Psikal J
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we report on multiple phases of efficient laser-driven ion acceleration from near-critical density plasma of Gaussian density profile. Tracking of high-energy accelerated ions in multidimensional particle-in-cell simulations reveals the development of accelerating fields affecting the particles and the contribution of each acceleration phase to final ion energies. While the acceleration of ions occurs in a short time interval when a steep (infinite) density gradient is present, the accelerating field affecting the most energetic ions has unexpected local maxima about 50 fs after the moment when ultrashort (30 fs) laser pulse completely left the target with smooth density gradients. This field can be attributed to the apex of electron filament created behind the transmitted laser pulse. Full 3D simulation confirms the observations in 2D simulations in terms of ion acceleration mechanisms. However, it shows a substantial reduction of maximum achievable ion energies and a larger angular spread of accelerated ions compared with 2D approach, which demonstrates the necessity of using computationally demanding full 3D geometry for similar numerical studies.
Determination of poloidal mode numbers of MHD modes and their radial location using a soft x-ray camera array in the Wendelstein 7-X stellarator
Authors: Dreval M B , Brandt C , Schilling J , Thomsen H , Beletskii A , Könies A
Published: April 2021

A forward modeling technique is developed for determining the characteristic features of observed MHD modes from the line-of-sight data of the soft x-ray (SXR) tomography diagnostics in the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator. In particular, forward modeling is used to evaluate the poloidal mode numbers m, radial location, poloidal rotation direction and ballooning character of the MHD modes. The poloidal mode structures have been modeled by the radially localized Gaussian-shaped emission regions rotating along the magnetic surfaces. In the present study the cases of rigid-shape emission regions and flexible emission regions are modeled. Various mode phase velocity dependences on the magnetic surface position are simulated. The modeled phase dynamics of line-integrated oscillations and the distribution of oscillation amplitudes are compared with the experimental signals of the SXR cameras which observe the plasma at various viewing angles in the poloidal cross-section. Application of this technique enables describing of the 1–50 kHz modes. In particular, in the discharge W7X-PID 20180918.045 three identified branches with the poloidal mode numbers m= 8, m= 10 and m= 11 localized at ρ ≈ 0.3 are rotating in the clockwise poloidal direction. The present paper reports the first application of the forward modeling technique to the data from the SXR diagnostics in W7-X. The high m-modes are identified by forward modeling in W7-X.
Lensless ghost imaging with hollow-Gaussian modulated incoherent sources in atmospheric turbulence
Authors: Huang Xiaoping , Bai Yanfeng , Tan Wei , Nan Suqin , Fu Xiquan
Published: April 2021

Lensless ghost imaging (LGI) with hollow-Gaussian modulated incoherent sources through atmospheric turbulence is investigated theoretically. The analytical formula for the point spread function of the LGI system with the hollow-Gaussian source through atmospheric turbulence is derived. By using the anti-turbulence properties of the hollow-Gaussian source, it is shown that the resolution of LGI under atmospheric turbulence can be obviously improved by properly increasing the beam order of the hollow-Gaussian incoherent source when compared with that by using traditional incoherent source.
Model of Integrated Pollution Assessment Atmospheric Pollution in Urban Areas Associated with High Levels of Industrialization
Authors: Hung Nguyen T , Anh Dang T L , Son Ton
Published: April 2021

The air environment in Bien Hoa city has been polluted by dust, carbon monoxide and lead metal pollution levels increase in the dry season and decrease gradually in the rainy season. Industrial zones have higher dust pollution levels than residential areas. Lead and CO concentration did not differ significantly between these two areas. The results of integrated pollution assessment show that the pollution level of the air environment is low, almost the entire area is polluted. The NIPI method is thought to be more effective in assessing air pollution in the study area.
Removal of Zinc(II) Ions from Wastewater Using Natural Zeolites
Authors: Filatova E G , Pozhidaev Yu N
Published: April 2021

The kinetics of the adsorption of zinc(II) ions by natural zeolites was studied using pseudo-first and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The objects of study were zeolites mined in East Transbaikalia. The X-ray phase analysis and IR spectroscopy data confirmed that natural zeolite-containing rock samples have the following composition: calcium heulandite Ca[Al2Si7O18]⋅6H2O and impurity rocks, namely, sanidine KAlSi3O8 and cristobalite SiO2. The dependence of the adsorption value on zeolite grain size was studied. It was shown that the adsorption value increases 3.8 times and reaches 0.075 mol/g as the grain size decreases from 5 to 0.1 mm. The kinetic study of zinc(II) ions adsorption was performed at pH 5.0–5.4 in the temperature range of 298–318 K. In a zeolite–zinc sulfate aqueous solution system, the adsorption equilibrium time was 120 min. It was shown that the zinc(II) ions adsorption rate decreases under the temperature increase. It was established that the kinetics of zinc(II) ions adsorption is best described by a pseudo-second-order model, the correlation coefficient values varying in the range of 0.998–0.999. The highest adsorption rate constant value of 0.446 g/(mmol⋅mm) corresponds to the temperature of 298 K. It was shown that zeolites demonstrate the highest adsorption value towards heavy metal ions at the temperature of wastewater. The proof-of-principle studies were performed to establish the feasibility of the recovery of copper(II), nickel(II), and zinc(II) ions from wastewater produced by galvanic manufacture using the studied minerals. The treatment process was performed under the conditions determined as optimal for model solutions. The efficiency of heavy metal ions removal was 85–89%.
An aphrodisiac compound found in wild Kemangi (Ocimum spp.) in Bali
Authors: Wirawan I G P , Sasadara M M V , Darmawati I A P , Krisnandika A A K , Wijaya N
Published: April 2021

Bali has a wild type of kemangi (Ocimumspp.) that grows wildly near to seashore area. Different from other types of kemangi, this type does not consume and utilized. This type of kemangi has a more pungent aroma and a taller canopy. This wild type of kemangi was analyzed by using gas chromatography (GC). Kemangi firstly extracted by using 96% ethanol to produce the crude extract, which was then analyzed for the phytochemical compounds. The results of GC analysis of the ethanolic extract revealed the existence of 27 phytochemical compounds in Kemangi. The chromatogram showed the abundance presence of Citral which is known as an aphrodisiac compound. Citral was reported to exist in various plants and associated with showing aphrodisiac activity through improving mount, intromission, and ejaculation frequency. The result of this study concludes that this wild type of kemangi found in Bali contains an aphrodisiac compound.
Design of temperature and humidity control system on oyster mushroom plant house based on Internet of Things (IoT)
Authors: Setiawati D A , Utomo S G , Murad  , Putra G M D
Published: April 2021

Oyster mushrooms are generally cultivated in kumbung covered by black colored plastic. This condition results in high temperatures and low humidity, so mushroom cultivation’s failure rate is very high. This research aimed to design and test temperature and humidity control systems’ performance based on the Internet of Things (IoT) on Oyster mushrooms kumbung. This study used an experimental method by controlling the microclimate inside the kumbung in Tanjung Karang Permai Sub-District, Sekarbela District, Mataram City. Research data were analyzed using the Microsoft Excel application. DHT 11 temperature sensor calibration on hygrometer with warm water showed a linear equation of y = 1.0402 x – 0.1423 and R2 = 0.9905, whereas using cold water was y = 1.081x – 1.7457 and R2 = 0.973. For the humidity calibration linear equation of y = 1.1203x – 8.3253 and R2 = 0.8606 was observed. Mean Absolute Percentage Error (MAPE) for warm water and cold water was 3,48% and 3.58%, respectively. In comparison, MAPE for RH was 0.082%. The temperature and humidity control system had been tested at a set point temperature of 28°C and humidity of 85%. The test results showed that mushrooms without a control system were yellowish, dry, and hard texture. Whereas with treatment, the fungus appeared white, wet, and soft texture. The number of mushrooms with treatments was higher and grew more evenly than without treatment. Based on these, it can be concluded that the control system could regulate microclimate inside mushroom kumbung, also successfully monitor it through mobile phones using the Blynk application.
Growth and resistance of F1: the results of kenaf interspecific crosses to root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)
Authors: Parnidi  , Zaki N , Soetopo L , Damanhuri  , Marjani
Published: April 2021

The aim of interspecific crosses between kenaf and close relatives is to obtain superior varieties of kenaf resistant to nematodes. This study aims to determine F1 inter-specific kenaf crosses resistance compared to its parents toM. incognita infection. The evaluation of kenaf genotype resistance was determined by gall index. The growth of F1 genotypes resulted from crossing SRRH023 x Kin2, and crosses of Kal II x Kin2 showed that it was higher than his close relative parents and smaller than the kenaf and M. incognita resistant. The F1 of kenaf inter-specific crosses with its close relatives was resistant to M. incognita nematodes.
A comparative study on assessing rodent damage intensity in rice crop based on two different methods
Authors: Rachmawati  , Herawati N A
Published: April 2021

Rodent damage is commonly concentrated towards the center of rice fields. There are some approaches to assess the damage, two of them are the transect and the Malayan method. The transect technique is a well-known applicable practice employed among agricultural workers in Indonesia, while the Malayan method is generally performed in Malaysia. The objective of this study was to compare both methods in terms of determining the more representative technique for assessing rodent damage. The study was conducted in Karanggetas village, Bangodua subdistrict, Indramayu district, West Java (6°51’S, 108°29’E) in 2018. Two plots (0.35 ha and 0.56 ha) were selected as the study site which was planted with Inpari 32. Since the generative stage of the rice crop is the most preferable phase for rodents, therefore we solely observed the damage within this period. We recorded the damage intensity four times with weekly intervals by both methods in each plot. To confirm the rodent population and reproduction status, we installed a linear trap barrier system and dug some active burrows along the irrigation channel bank as their main habitat. The result showed that the damage intensity was significantly different between both methods. The damage intensity was higher when it was assessed by the transect method compared to the Malayan one. The result indicated that the transect method is a better technique representing the damage than the Malayan method. This due to the first method covered almost entirely the damaged spot. This finding suggested that the transect method is the representative technique for assessing rodent damage intensity.
Mass spectrometry analysis revealed the production of siderophore from Klebsiella
oxytoca strain STA01 isolated from sago palm field in Tulehu, Maluku, Indonesia
Authors: Frediansyah A , Aziz S , Ramadaningrum WA , Sunarwidhi and AL
Published: April 2021

Klebsiella oxytoca STA01 produced the serratiochelin A, an NRPS based siderophore. The strain isolated from the sago palm field in Tulehu, Ambon, Maluku, Republic of Indonesia. Its partial sequence of 16S ribosomal RNA gene has been deposited in GenBank (Acession number MT786342). Its producing siderophore was discovered based on chrome azurol S guide-screening of 12 isolates. One of them showed an orange halo appearance in the chrome azurol S agar plate. The fractionation with 50:50 (v/v) MeOH/water revealed the presence of serratiochelin A. The structure was then determined by MS2 fragmentation.
Investigation of causes of neonatal mortality in Bali cattle on Sumbawa Island
Authors: Sriasih M , Back P J , Pomroy W E , Morris S T , Hickson R E , Dahlanuddin  , Zaenuri L A , Soebari R , Kurniawan M , Qamar S
Published: April 2021

There is a desire to increase cattle production on Sumbawa Island but anecdotal reports from farmers indicate that calf mortality can be high. The aim of this paper is to report the occurrence and common causes of calf mortality, as well as to determine if colostral antibody transfer is sufficient in new-born calves. Personal interviews were conducted with 27 farmers. Immunoglobulins were measured in neonatal calves (n=18) using the FASTest IgG Bovine kit. The presence of various pathogens was investigated in fecal samples from calves (n=12) with signs of diarrhea between 1-2 months of age using the FASTest D4T bovine kit and the presence of gastrointestinal parasites was investigated using fecal floatation from pre-weaned calves (3 weeks-3 months of age; n=62). From the questionnaire calf losses ranged from 10–27%, with most losses occurring in older calves. Only one of the 18 calves demonstrated an insufficient concentration of IgG in serum, indicating the possibility of failure of passive transfer from the dam. Of the samples tested from scouring calves, 7 out of 12 samples tested positive for one of the microorganisms causing general diarrhoea in calves. A range of different gastrointestinal nematode parasites were found although very few coccidial oocysts were seen. The results of these studies indicate that calf mortality is high and will be a limitation on the production of beef cattle for slaughter in the Dompu region of Sumbawa Island. Further investigation is required to determine which pathogens are the cause of this calf loss.
Shade stress in various growth phases of peanut genotypes and its effect on agronomic characters and chlorophyll content
Authors: Hemon AF , Sumarjan  , Hanafi AR
Published: April 2021

Shading stress during plant growth is one of the factors that might decrease the peanut crop productivity. The growth phase of the peanut genotypes has different responses to shade stress. This research aimed to study the effect of shade stress in various growth phases on agronomic character and chlorophyll content of peanut genotypes. Shade stress was regulated in six conditions: no shade, shade from planting to harvest, shade from planting until 25 days after planting (dap) (vegetative phase), shade from 26 to 50 dap (flowering phase to pods formation), shade from 51 to 75 dap (seed filling phase), and shade from 75 to 100 dap (the ripening phase of the seeds to harvest). The shade was carried out using paranet which holds 35% of the sun’s rays. The genotypes used were F3 generation plants from crosses (G200-I and G300-II x cv.Domba, Takar 1, Bison). The results showed that there were no significant differences in the interactions between shades in various growth phases and genotypes for agronomic traits, but there were significantly different interactions on the content of chlorophyll-a and total chlorophyll. All 12 peanut genotypes tended to produce more chlorophyll-a and total chlorophyll in shade treatment from planting to harvest. Shade at various plant growth phases had a significant effect on agronomic characters. The shade given from planting beginning to harvest produced the lowest dry pod weight (12.9 g/plant) or yield decreased to 23.7% compared to peanut grown without shading. The genotypes significantly affected agronomic traits and g6 genotype (G200-I x cv.Domba)7 produced the heaviest dry pod weight 17.2 g/plant.