bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Separation of Oil-Water Emulsion in Laboratory Setup with U-Shaped Elements
Authors: Vinh Dang , Zinurov Vadim , Dmitrieva Oksana , Kharkov Vitaly
Published: October 2021

This study considers the problem of separation of oil-water emulsion in the case of oil spills. The standard methods of separation of the emulsion were presented. A unit with U-shaped separation elements has been developed. The device's operating principle was described, in which the separation of the oil-water emulsion occurs mainly due to the action of centrifugal forces arising from flow motion between the U-shaped elements and gravitational forces. The laboratory setup used for experiments was presented. The aim was to study the separation process of oil-water emulsion in a setup under varying initial temperature and initial density of the emulsion. The results showed that the device can separate the oil-water emulsion into light and heavy phases with an efficiency of at least 93.4% at a velocity of 1.39–2.15 m/s in narrow sections between the U-shaped elements. One way of improving the separation of the oil-water emulsion is to increase the working temperature. It was found that the increased efficiency of 2.5% indicates that device applicability caused the presence and availability of heating devices. As the crude oil content in the feed increases, it is necessary to increase the number of rows of U-shaped elements or repeat the process.
Managing Approach the Workload Balance Over Workstations at Stage Process Engineering Part-Making in Multi-Product Production
Authors: Grigoriev Sergey , Dolgov Vitaliy , Podkidyshev Alexey , Nikishechkin Petr
Published: October 2021

This paper shows the features of workflow distribution on workplaces on the technical process preparation stage of parts production and the operational and calendar planning stage. Also, the problem of workflow distribution on workplaces was formulated and the mechanism of its occurrence was described. An algorithm for managing the distribution of the volume of work by jobs at the stage of technological preparation of production was developed.
Multi-criteria Optimization in Solving the Problem of Expanding Production Capacity of an Enterprise as a Method of Modeling Strategic Directions for the Development of Production Systems
Authors: Shatalova Olga , Kasatkina Ekaterina , Larionov Valery
Published: October 2021

Managing production capacity of industrial enterprises is an important element of the strategy for the development of production systems. The relevance of effective decision support methods in managing production capacity especially increases in the current conditions of a long-term decline in investment activity of Russian industrial enterprises and, as a result, a shortage of modern high-tech equipment, which becomes a significant limiting factor in the development of territorially oriented production systems. The article presents approaches to mathematical modeling and optimization of production capacity of industrial enterprises in solving the problem of its expansion under given budget constraints. The proposed mathematical model includes key parameters of the technical and economic planning of production capacity of a technological site and serves as a tool to justify the choice of an acceptable method for its expansion. The multicriteria optimization methods used in the model serve in this case as a means of formalized description and reaching a reasonable compromise based on the required values of the target parameter and budget constraints, as well as preferences of the decision maker. The article contains an example of the numerical implementation of the developed model in the management of production capacity of a machining site; the example illustrates practical applicability of this model and the result of multicriteria optimization from the standpoint of restrained pessimism of the decision maker.
Shaping of comminuted midface fractures with stock Titanium mesh: a technical note
Authors: Singh Ashutosh Kumar , Dhungel Safal , Dulal Sanad , Yadav Manish
Published: October 2021

Multiply fragmented fractures of the maxillofacial region are difficult to fix with traditional miniplate osteosynthesis because of the extremely small size of fragments, complex three-dimensional anatomy, thin bone unable to hold screws and multidirectional pull of muscles. We intend to present a technical note on a case series of extremely comminuted midfacial fractures reconstructed with stock Titanium mesh, cut to shape and used to mold the small fragmented segments into the shape of the facial bones. Severe fragmentation of midface leads to facial hollowing, tissue prolapse and asymmetry even after major facial buttresses are fixed and reconstructed. Simple stock Titanium mesh can be used to reconstruct these severe fragmentations of thin bones of the midface as shown in the series and avoid late and unsightly complications.
Adopting the Hirschman–Herfindahl Index to estimate the financial sustainability of Vietnamese public universities
Authors: Le Trung Thanh , Nguyen Thuy Linh , Trinh Minh Thong , Nguyen Mai Huong , Nguyen Minh Phuong Thi , Pham Hiep-Hung
Published: October 2021

Over several decades, the Vietnamese government has increasingly cut its investment in the public higher education system and has also introduced a cost-sharing mechanism. Under this scheme, Vietnamese public universities have been seeking other sources of revenue. Despite the bold emphasis on the need for revenue diversification in higher education in Vietnam, there is little empirical evidence of the status quo of Vietnamese public higher education finance. The purpose of this paper was to fill this research gap by using the Hirschman–Herfindahl Index to estimate the degree of financial diversity in 51 public universities in Vietnam between 2015 and 2017. Our findings revealed that all institutions in this study were unsustainable due to their weak financial diversity. Suggestions for policy makers and university leaders that may enhance financial sustainability include the adoption of performance-based financial allocations and the implementation of capacity-building programs for universities with regard to fund-raising and entrepreneurship skills.
Oscillating spin vortices in a two-sublattice uniaxial antiferromagnet
Authors: Gorobets Yu. I. , Gorobets O. Yu. , Kulish V. V.
Published: October 2021

A distribution of the antiferromagnetic vector in a uniaxial two-sublattice antiferromagnet is investigated. A new class of nonlinear solutions of the system of two well-known Landau–Lifshitz equations in the form of socalled nonlinear sigma-model is obtained and a new type of topological magnetic configuration in the investigated antiferromagnet is described. Examples of solutions of the found class are presented. These examples include vortex-like structures, both moving and static. It is assumed that such vortices have an oscillating nature, so that the angle between the antiferromagnetic vector and the magnetic symmetry axis oscillates with descending amplitude and tends to π/2 when the distance to the vortex axis increases.
AI may help predict previously unseen states in dynamical systems
Authors: Lim Alane
Published: October 2021

Machine-learning technique can infer long-term, stable behaviors from information about only one known attractor.
Dislocation blocking in elastically anisotropic semiconductor thin films
Authors: Twigg M. E. , Jernigan G. G.
Published: October 2021

One strategy for decreasing the density of threading dislocations penetrating the surface of a heteroepitaxial semiconductor film is that in which the greater mechanical stiffness of a dislocation blocking layer acts to reduce the Peach–Koehler image forces acting on the leading segment of the half loop generated by dislocation multiplication sources at the heteroepitaxial interface situated below the blocking layer. Reducing the Peach–Koehler force, drawing the half loop to the film surface, helps prevent the two threading arms of the half loop from becoming threading dislocations once the half loop penetrates the film surface. The calculation of the Peach–Koehler force employs an analytical continuation formalism using anisotropic elasticity theory for treating dislocation image forces generated by three heteroepitaxial interfaces corresponding to the top and bottom interfaces of the blocking layer and the film surface. The system used in this calculation is that of a Ge film grown on a (001) Si substrate, using a SiGe blocking layer just below the critical thickness for dislocation generation. It is found that the dislocation blocking is favored by thinner blocking layers of greater mechanical stiffness, rather than thicker blocking layers of moderate mechanical stiffness. Specifically, for the blocking layers of composition Si0.2Ge0.8, Si0.3Ge0.7, and Si0.4Ge0.6, of thickness 50, 18, and 10 nm, respectively, it is the thinnest (and mechanically stiffest) layer (Si0.4Ge0.6, 10 nm) that brings about the greatest reduction in the Peach–Koehler force, drawing the leading segment of the half loop to the surface of the film.
Microfluidic production of monodisperse emulsions for cosmetics
Authors: Park Daehwan , Kim Hajeong , Kim Jin Woong
Published: October 2021

Droplet-based microfluidic technology has enabled the production of emulsions with high monodispersity in sizes ranging from a few to hundreds of micrometers. Taking advantage of this technology, attempts to generate monodisperse emulsion drops with high drug loading capacity, ordered interfacial structure, and multi-functionality have been made in the cosmetics industry. In this article, we introduce the practicality of the droplet-based microfluidic approach to the cosmetic industry in terms of innovation in productivity and marketability. Furthermore, we summarize some recent advances in the production of emulsion drops with enhanced mechanical interfacial stability. Finally, we discuss the future prospects of microfluidic technology in accordance with consumers' needs and industrial attributes.
Force uniformity control for large-area roll-to-roll process
Authors: Nguyen Truong Sinh , Lee Seung-Hyun , Kim Ga Eul , Kwon Sin , Kim Kyung-Rok , Park Pyoungwon , Kim Kwang-Young , Kim Seho , Choi Young-Man , Kim Kyunghoon
Published: October 2021

Demand for high throughput manufacturing has recently increased in various fields, such as electronics, photonics, optical devices, and energy. Moreover, flexible electronic devices are indispensable in applications such as touch screens, transparent conductive electrodes, transparent film heaters, organic photovoltaics, organic light-emitting diodes, and battery. For these applications, a large-area roll-to-roll (R2R) process is a promising method for producing with high throughput. However, bending deformation of rollers is unavoidable in a large-scale R2R system, which produces non-uniformity in force distribution during processing and reduces the sample quality. In this study, we propose a new R2R imprinting module to mitigate the deformation by using an additional backup roller to achieve uniform force distribution. From numerical simulations, we found that there exists an optimal imprinting force for each backup roller length to obtain the best uniformity. Experimental results using a large-area pressure sensor verified the effectiveness of the proposed method. Finally, the R2R nanoimprint lithography process showed that the proposed method produces patterns of 100 nm width with uniform residual layer thickness, which are distributed across the substrate of 1.2 m width.
A ship-lock-type reactor for ion–molecule reactions of mass-selected ions under high-pressure conditions
Authors: Wei Gong-Ping , Liu Qing-Yu , Ren Yi , He Sheng-Gui
Published: October 2021

A ship-lock-type reactor has been developed to study ion–molecule reactions of mass-selected ions under high-pressure conditions. Neutral gas molecules can be confined in the reactor by controlling two electromagnet valves to close both the inlet and the outlet of the reactor. Gas-phase ions can be trapped in an ion funnel trap installed in the reactor and interacted with a high-pressure (up to 1000 Pa) reactant gas for a period of time (up to 1 s). The reactions of mass-selected V2O6− with CH4 and n-C4H10 and mass-selected Au+ with n-C7H16 were investigated to evaluate the performance of the reactor. The hydrogen atom abstraction product V2O6H− was observed for the reaction of V2O6− with CH4, the rate constant was measured to be (1.9 ± 0.4) × 10−16 cm3 molecule−1 s−1, and the kinetic isotope effect value was determined to be 5.4 ± 1.1. Furthermore, the detection limit of n-C7H16 with 1-min measurements was determined to be (19 ± 2) pptv, which is significantly lower than those in previous studies. These results indicate that the current apparatus is a prospective for the study of slow ion–molecule reactions and the detection of trace amounts of gas species, such as volatile organic compounds.
Micromagnetic Monte Carlo method with variable magnetization length based on the Landau–Lifshitz–Bloch equation for computation of large-scale thermodynamic equilibrium states
Authors: Lepadatu Serban
Published: October 2021

An efficient method for computing thermodynamic equilibrium states at the micromagnetic length scale is introduced using the Markov chain Monte Carlo method. Trial moves include not only rotations of vectors, but also a change in their magnetization length. The method is parameterized using the longitudinal susceptibility, reproduces the same Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution as the stochastic Landau–Lifshitz–Bloch equation, and is applicable both below and above the Curie temperature. The algorithm is fully parallel, can be executed on graphical processing units, and efficiently includes the long-range dipolar interaction. This method is generally useful for computing finite-temperature relaxation states for both uniform and non-uniform temperature profiles and can be considered as complementary to zero-temperature micromagnetic energy minimization solvers, with comparable computation time. Compared to the dynamic approach, it is shown that the micromagnetic Monte Carlo method is up to almost 20 times faster. Moreover, unlike quasizero temperature approaches that do not take into account the magnetization length distribution and stochasticity, the method is better suited for structures with unbroken symmetry around the applied field axis, granular films, and at higher temperatures and fields. In particular, applications to finite-temperature hysteresis loop modelling, chiral magnetic thin films, granular magnetic media, and artificial spin ices are discussed.
Cr2O3 layer inhibits agglomeration of phosphine-protected Au9 clusters on TiO2 films
Authors: Alotabi Abdulrahman S. , Yin Yanting , Redaa Ahmad , Tesana Siriluck , Metha Gregory F. , Andersson Gunther G.
Published: October 2021

The properties of semiconductor surfaces can be modified by the deposition of metal clusters consisting of a few atoms. The properties of metal clusters and of cluster-modified surfaces depend on the number of atoms forming the clusters. Deposition of clusters with a monodisperse size distribution thus allows tailoring of the surface properties for technical applications. However, it is a challenge to retain the size of the clusters after their deposition due to the tendency of the clusters to agglomerate. The agglomeration can be inhibited by covering the metal cluster modified surface with a thin metal oxide overlayer. In the present work, phosphine-protected Au clusters, Au9(PPh3)8(NO3)3, were deposited onto RF-sputter deposited TiO2 films and subsequently covered with a Cr2O3 film only a few monolayers thick. The samples were then heated to 200 °C to remove the phosphine ligands, which is a lower temperature than that required to remove thiolate ligands from Au clusters. It was found that the Cr2O3 covering layer inhibited cluster agglomeration at an Au cluster coverage of 0.6% of a monolayer. When no protecting Cr2O3 layer was present, the clusters were found to agglomerate to a large degree on the TiO2 surface.
A flexible data-driven cyclostationary model for the probability density of El Niño–Southern Oscillation
Authors: Olson Roman , Fan Yanan , An Soon-Il , Kim Soong-Ki
Published: October 2021

Model simulations of El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) are usually evaluated by comparing them to observations using a multitude of metrics. However, this approach cannot provide an objective summary metric of model performance. Here, we propose that such an objective model evaluation should involve comparing the full joint probability density functions (pdf’s) of ENSO. For simplicity, ENSO state is defined here as sea surface temperature anomalies over the Niño 3 region and equatorial Pacific thermocline depth anomalies. We argue that all ENSO metrics are a function of the joint pdf, the latter fully specifying the underlying stochastic process. Unfortunately, there is a lack of methods to recover the joint ENSO pdf from climate models or observations. Here, we develop a data-driven stochastic model for ENSO that allows for an analytic solution of the non-Markov non-Gaussian cyclostationary ENSO pdf. We show that the model can explain relevant ENSO features found in the observations and can serve as an ENSO simulator. We demonstrate that the model can reasonably approximate ENSO in most GCMs and is useful at exploring the internal ENSO variability. The general approach is not limited to ENSO and could be applied to other cyclostationary processes.
Thermal convection in a tilted rectangular box
Authors: Xia Shu-Ning , Wu Jian-Zhao , Wan Zhen-Hua , Wang Bo-Fu , Lu Zhi-Ming , Zhou Quan
Published: October 2021

Thermal convection in a tilted three-dimensional rectangular box has been systematically investigated by direct numerical simulation. The Rayleigh number Ra varies from 107 to 109, the Prandtl number Pr is set to 0.7, and the tilted angle β ranges from 0° to 90°. The effects of tilting on large-scale circulation (LSC), Nusselt number (Nu), Reynolds number (Re), and boundary layers (BLs) and the Ra-dependency are investigated. For large β exceeding certain values, say 45°, the stable temperature stratification forms in the bulk, resulting in low Re and Nu. It is found that the tilting leads to a distinct trend for Nu and Re: Nu first increases to some extent for small β, then nearly stays unchanged for moderate β, and finally decreases for large β, while Re initially increases for small β and then directly declines with increasing β. Based on the analysis of flow structures, with increasing β, it is found that the volume of the high-velocity tube (HVT) initially increases for 107 ≤ Ra ≤ 108 but decreases for Ra = 109, which is responsible for the variation in Nu at small β. The probability density functions of instantaneous convective heat transport within the HVT show higher probabilities for large values when β increases, implying that LSC tends to be more coherent and causing different tilting behaviors between Nu and Re. Finally, we find that, except for β = 90°, the normalized profiles of viscous and thermal BLs tend to have universal profiles, deviating from the BL of the Prandtl–Blasius–Pohlhausen (PBP) type to some extent regardless of β. Only the thermal BL for β = 90° is found to be in good agreement with the classic PBP laminar BL profile.
Hyper-radiosensitivity in tumor cells following exposure to low dose pulsed x-rays emitted from a kilojoule plasma focus device
Authors: Jain Jalaj , Araya Hector , Moreno Jose , Davis Sergio , Andaur Rodrigo , Bora Biswajit , Pavez Cristian , Marcelain Katherine , Soto Leopoldo
Published: October 2021

In the present work, a kilojoule plasma focus device, PF-2 kJ, is adopted as a pulsed x-ray source to study the effects of pulsed radiation in cancer cells. Low dose hyper-radiosensitivity (LDHRS) effects have been explored in various cancer cell lines using conventional x-ray irradiation. To the best of our knowledge, the LDHRS effects have not yet been explored using pulsed x-rays. Cell death was evaluated in human colorectal (DLD-1 and HCT-116) and breast (MCF-7) cancer cell lines (monolayer cell cultures) irradiated with 10 (∼0.24 Gy), 20 (0.61 Gy), and 40 (∼1.1 Gy) pulses (FWHM ∼ 90 ns, dose rate ∼107 Gy/min with a dose of 0.025 Gy per pulse). The LDHRS cell death effect in the DLD-1 cell line irradiated with pulsed x-ray is three times higher than the reported for a conventional continuous x-ray source at two times higher doses. LDHRS was also observed in HCT-116 and MCF-7 cells exposed to 10 and 20 x-ray pulses, respectively, which are reported not to exhibit LDHRS when conventional continuous x-ray sources are used. Besides, a normal colorectal cell line, CCD-841-CoN, does not show a significant cell death at 10 pulses. These preliminary results suggest a selective effect of low-dose pulsed x-rays on cancer cells. The present work demonstrates the applicability of plasma focus devices for cancer research. Further possibilities in the exploration of pulsed x ray of high-dose rate and low total dose in radiotherapy research are opened.
Gd-containing scintillators for thermal neutron detection via graph-based particle discrimination
Authors: Wang C. L.
Published: October 2021

Neutron–gamma discrimination (NGD) for gadolinium-containing scintillators is a challenging issue which prevents them from being used in highly efficient neutron detectors with high signal-to-noise ratios. Pulse-shape based digital-signal processing has been selected to tackle this issue, with an emphasis on the dimensionality reduction of the raw data and capability to mitigate the influence of noise, unwanted variations, and outliers on the accuracy of classification. We present two graph-embedded non-negative matrix factorization digital classifiers in which an event graph (or a network) is introduced to find a low-dimensional structure hidden in the high-dimensional experimental data. Utilizing energy-independent normalized features of waveforms and a graph composed of mixed-source reference events, the smooth or sparse low-dimensional representation of detector signals from a Ce:Gd3Al2Ga3O12 scintillator leads to a high thermal neutron detection efficiency (77%–80%) and a high NGD ratio (neutron–gamma efficiency ratio, ∼109) simultaneously. Moreover, excellent discrimination between neutron and ambient background events has been achieved. The proposed graph-embedded algorithms may be applied not only for thermal-neutron position-sensitive detectors and single-channel detectors but also for other radiation detectors that need excellent particle (or crystal) discrimination capabilities and high detection efficiencies in many applications, including medical imaging, nondestructive testing, and security scans.
Telecommunication-wavelength two-dimensional photonic crystal cavities in a thin single-crystal diamond membrane
Authors: Kuruma Kazuhiro , Piracha Afaq Habib , Renaud Dylan , Chia Cleaven , Sinclair Neil , Nadarajah Athavan , Stacey Alastair , Prawer Steven , Lončar Marko
Published: October 2021

We demonstrate two-dimensional photonic crystal cavities operating at telecommunication wavelengths in a single-crystal diamond membrane. We use a high-optical-quality and thin (∼300 nm) diamond membrane, supported by a polycrystalline diamond frame, to realize fully suspended two-dimensional photonic crystal cavities with a high theoretical quality factor of ∼8 × 106 and a relatively small mode volume of ∼2(λ/n)3. The cavities are fabricated in the membrane using electron-beam lithography and vertical dry etching. We observe cavity resonances over a wide wavelength range spanning the telecommunication O- and S-bands (1360–1470 nm) with Q factors of up to ∼1800. Our method paves the way for on-chip diamond nanophotonic applications in the telecommunication-wavelength range.
Magnetic ordering suppressed phase transformation of a TRIP-HEA during thermal cycling
Authors: Fu Sichao , Yu Dunji , Chen Yan , Zou Tao , Gai Zheng , Chen Xu , An Ke
Published: October 2021

Transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP) high-entropy alloys (HEAs) have drawn great attention as they present excellent mechanical properties, and their phase stability is critical for the underlying deformation mechanisms and the application temperature range. In this study, the kinetic phase transformation behavior of a dual-phase TRIP-HEA Fe50Mn30Co10Cr10 (at. %) was probed by in situ neutron diffraction during thermal cycling between 293 and 425 K. Continuous austenitic and martensitic transformation were visualized through the evolution of hexagonal close-packed phase fraction during thermal cycling. Specifically, thanks to the magnetic sensitivity of neutron diffraction, it was found that the martensitic transformation under cooling became suppressed when the antiferromagnetic ordering started at ∼326 K. This temperature was further confirmed as the Néel temperature by magnetization measurements. Thermodynamic calculations revealed that the suppression effect on martensitic transformation is attributed to the consumption of the chemical driving force by the magnetic ordering. The magnetic ordering at such relatively high temperature is associated with the high Mn content. These findings shed light on a potential strategy to achieve better mechanical properties of Mn-containing alloys by manipulating the magnetic property through tuning the Mn content.
Characteristics of transition to turbulence over a Mach 6 flared cone
Authors: Zhu Yiding , Zhu Wenkai , Gu Dingwei , Lee Cunbiao , Smith C. R.
Published: October 2021

We study turbulence production at the end of a second-mode-induced transition in a Mach 6 boundary layer based on both experiments and numerical simulations. By using ultra-fast visualization and particle image velocimetry, we succeed in capturing a soliton-like wave packet that plays a determining role in turbulence production. We reproduce the experiment by direct numerical simulation, revealing that this wave packet arises from the vortical first Mack mode (the counterpart of Tollmien–Schlichting waves in low-speed boundary layers), rather than the rapidly growing dilatational second Mack mode, which triggers a Λ-vortex and consequent turbulent structure. These results reveal the existence of a transition mechanism in hypersonic boundary layers similar to that in low-speed boundary layers.
Adaptable single molecule localization microscopy (aSMLM) for superresolution optical fluorescence imaging
Authors: Joshi Prakash , S Aravinth , Mondal Partha Pratim
Published: October 2021

Single-molecule imaging over a large area is beneficial for understanding interlinked intracellular biophysical processes and cell–cell interaction. To study, the interrogation system requires real-time adaptability of the field-of-view (FOV). We developed a widefield non-scanning system (aSMLM) that consists of an autotunable illumination system. The 4f-autotunable optical sub-system (combination of auto-tunable lens and objective lens) is introduced in the illumination path to enable change of focus at the specimen plane (located at the working distance of the objective lens). The combined incident parallel beam (of wavelengths, 405 and 561 nm) is converged/diverged by the 4f sub-system, resulting in a change of focal spot at the working distance. The spot is essentially a defocussed field with an order increase in FOV (14.79 to 316.31 μm2) and demonstrates better field homogeneity. However, the most important point is the tunability of the FOV in this range. A dedicated control unit is engaged to facilitate a rapid shift of focus (at a rate of 200 Hz), resulting in desirable spot-size (FOV). However, the detection subsystem is a 4f-system that collects light emerging from the specimen plane (located at the working distance of objective lens) and produces an image at the focus of tube-lens. The technique is further explored to study single-molecule (Dendra2-HA) clusters in transfected NIH3T3 cells that demonstrate its efficiency over a variable FOV. A near-uniform illumination of desired FOV is achieved along with a threefold increase in the number of detected single molecules. We anticipate that the proposed aSMLM technique may find immediate application in the emerging field of single-molecule biophysics and fluorescence microscopy.
GrazingFutures: learnings from a contemporary collaborative extension program in rangeland communities of western Queensland, Australia
Authors: Rolfe Joe , Perry Lindsey , Long Peter , Frazer Caitlyn , Beutel Terry , Tincknell Jane , Phelps David
Published: October 2021

Producer reliance on drought subsidies instead of proactive planning and timely destocking in low rainfall years has prompted Queensland government investment in promoting business and drought resilience. GrazingFutures (AU$6 million budget, 2016–2022) is an extension project focussed on enhancing business management skills of extensive livestock producers in western Queensland, Australia. The region’s rangelands are in productivity decline, span 1 million km2 and are managed by graziers operating more than 2400 livestock businesses (beef, sheep and goats). The Queensland Department of Agriculture and Fisheries delivers GrazingFutures as a component of the Drought and Climate Adaptation Program, in partnership with regional natural resource management groups and other public and private organisations. Project delivery emphasised upskilling multi-agency staff and livestock producers to promote practice change within three whole of business themes: (1) grazing land management; (2) animal production; and (3) people-business. Three independent surveys (2018, 2019, 2020) indicated positive practice change was occurring in grazing businesses as a consequence of the project. Graziers instigated management changes even under major environmental challenges including extended drought (2013–2020), an extreme flood event in 2019 and the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This paper details the rationale, progress against the objectives, challenges and future direction of the GrazingFutures extension project.
Conservation agriculture improves soil physical properties and crop productivity: a long-term study in middle Indo-Gangetic Plains of India
Authors: Rao K. K. , Samal S. K. , Poonia S. P. , Kumar Rakesh , Mishra J. S. , Bhatt B. P. , Dwivedi S. K. , Mondal S. , Choubey A. K. , Kumar Santosh , Kumar Manoj , Malik R. K. , Dalal R. C.
Published: October 2021

Context Conservation agriculture (CA) can potentially arrest deteorating soil fertility and improve crop production in the middle Indo-Gangetic Plains of India. Methods A field experiment (ICAR RCER, Patna, India; 2009–2016) tested four common farming practices: S1, a wheat–rice fallow rotation with complete removal of crop residues; S2, best management practices (BMPs) with puddled transplanted rice, drill-seeded wheat in no-tillage (NT), and drill-seeded mungbean in conventional tillage (CT) in a wheat–mungbean–rice rotation where residues were retained on surface in rice and wheat, and residue incorporated in mungbean; S3, CA system in a wheat–cowpea–rice rotation; and S4, BMP intensified and diversified cropping system in a potato + maize–cowpea–rice rotation (unpuddled transplanted rice with dribbled maize + potato, intercropped) in CT and relayed dibbling of cowpea in NT. Full residues of potato and cowpea were incorporated and one-third portion of rice and maize residue were retained on soil. Key results After 7 years, S2, S3 and S4 systems lowered soil bulk density and penetration resistance compared to S1. S3 resulted in higher soil macro-aggregates (>0.125 mm) and lower soil micro-aggregates (<0.125 mm). Avoiding tillage in wheat and including a food legume in rotation in S2 increased annual rice equivalent yields by 30.5–34.4%. S4 had the highest water productivity (1.04 kg rice equivalent grain m−3) and S1 had the lowest (0.64 kg rice equivalent grain m−3). Conclusions and implications NT and retention of crop residues have potential to improve soil health and monetary gains.
An uncommon neuronal class conveys visual signals from rods and cones to retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Young Brent K. , Ramakrishnan Charu , Ganjawala Tushar , Wang Ping , Deisseroth Karl , Tian Ning
Published: October 2021

Significance

Cell classes are the building blocks for the central nervous system. It is widely believed that major neuronal classes have been identified in the retina, although some types in the amacrine cell class have not been fully characterized. Here, we describe a retinal interneuron that does not fit into any existing retinal cell class, and we name them Campana cells. Although Campana cells relay visual signals from photoreceptors to the retinal ganglion cells, they differ from bipolar cells in many morphological, physiological, and molecular features. They are also significantly different from amacrine cells. Therefore, our results open the possibility for an unconventional retinal cell class that plays unique roles in visual processing.
Increased in vitro neutralizing activity of SARS-CoV-2 IgA1 dimers compared to monomers and IgG
Authors: Sun Lin , Kallolimath Somanath , Palt Roman , Stiasny Karin , Mayrhofer Patrick , Maresch Daniel , Eidenberger Lukas , Steinkellner Herta
Published: October 2021

Here, we expressed two neutralizing monoclonal antibodies (Abs) against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2; H4 and B38) in three formats: IgG1, IgA1 monomers (m), and IgA1 dimers (d) in glycoengineeredNicotiana benthamianaplants. All six Ab variants assembled properly and exhibited a largely homogeneous glycosylation profile. Despite modest variation in antigen binding between Ab formats, SARS-CoV-2 neutralization (NT) potency significantly increased in the following manner: IgG1 < IgA1-m < IgA1-d, with an up to 240-fold NT increase of dimers compared to corresponding monomers. Our results underscore that both IgA’s structural features and multivalency positively impact NT potency. In addition, they emphasize the versatile use of plants for the rapid expression of complex human proteins.
An ultra-low-cost electroporator with microneedle electrodes (ePatch) for SARS-CoV-2 vaccination
Authors: Xia Dengning , Jin Rui , Byagathvalli Gaurav , Yu Huan , Ye Ling , Lu Chao-Yi , Bhamla M. Saad , Yang Chinglai , Prausnitz Mark R.
Published: October 2021

Significance

Low-cost and rapidly distributable vaccines are urgently needed to combat COVID-19 and future pandemics, especially for developing countries and other low-resource settings. DNA vaccines are inexpensive, rapidly developed, and safe, but require bulky and expensive electroporation devices for effective vaccination, which presents challenges to affordable and mass vaccination. We developed an ultra-low-cost (<1 USD), handheld (<50 g), battery-free electroporation system combining a thumb-actuated piezoelectric pulser and a microneedle electrode array skin interface for DNA vaccination against COVID-19, which was shown to be immunogenic and well-tolerated in animal studies. This study provides a proof-of-concept that DNA vaccination against epidemics can be achieved using an ultra-low-cost electroporator that is inexpensive enough for single use and robust enough for repeated use if desired.
Monoclonal antibody-mediated neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 in an IRF9-deficient child
Authors: Lévy Romain , Zhang Peng , Bastard Paul , Dorgham Karim , Melki Isabelle , Hadchouel Alice , Hartoularos George C. , Neven Bénédicte , Castelle Martin , Roy Charlotte , Toin Tom , Berteloot Laureline , Bizien Lucy , Abid Hanène , Burgard Marianne , Houhou-Fidouh Nadhira , Rozenberg Flore , Jouanguy Emmanuelle , Ye Chun Jimmie , Gorochov Guy , Zhang Qian , Casanova Jean-Laurent
Published: October 2021

Significance

Life-threatening COVID-19 pneumonia can be caused by rare inborn errors of type I interferon (IFN) immunity, or by autoantibodies neutralizing IFN-α2 or IFN-ω. In 2018, we reported a girl with critical influenza pneumonia due to inherited IRF9 deficiency, a component of the ISGF-3 transcription factor. We report the course of COVID-19 in the same patient. She was admitted on day 1 of upper respiratory tract infection with viremia. Administration of SARS-CoV-2–specific neutralizing monoclonal antibodies on day 2 prevented the development of pneumonia. SARS-CoV-2–specific monoclonal antibodies were sufficient to overcome a lack of ISGF-3– and IRF9-dependent type I and type III IFN immunity to the virus. They should be considered in selected children at high risk of life-threatening COVID-19.
Suppression of ventricular arrhythmias by targeting late L-type Ca2+ current
Authors: Angelini Marina , Pezhouman Arash , Savalli Nicoletta , Chang Marvin G. , Steccanella Federica , Scranton Kyle , Calmettes Guillaume , Ottolia Michela , Pantazis Antonios , Karagueuzian Hrayr S. , Weiss James N. , Olcese Riccardo
Published: October 2021

Ventricular arrhythmias, a leading cause of sudden cardiac death, can be triggered by cardiomyocyte early afterdepolarizations (EADs). EADs can result from an abnormal late activation of L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs). Current LTCC blockers (class IV antiarrhythmics), while effective at suppressing EADs, block both early and late components of ICa,L, compromising inotropy. However, computational studies have recently demonstrated that selective reduction of late ICa,L (Ca2+ influx during late phases of the action potential) is sufficient to potently suppress EADs, suggesting that effective antiarrhythmic action can be achieved without blocking the early peak ICa,L, which is essential for proper excitation–contraction coupling. We tested this new strategy using a purine analogue, roscovitine, which reduces late ICa,L with minimal effect on peak current. Scaling our investigation from a human CaV1.2 channel clone to rabbit ventricular myocytes and rat and rabbit perfused hearts, we demonstrate that (1) roscovitine selectively reduces ICa,L noninactivating component in a human CaV1.2 channel clone and in ventricular myocytes native current, (2) the pharmacological reduction of late ICa,L suppresses EADs and EATs (early after Ca2+ transients) induced by oxidative stress and hypokalemia in isolated myocytes, largely preserving cell shortening and normal Ca2+ transient, and (3) late ICa,L reduction prevents/suppresses ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation in ex vivo rabbit and rat hearts subjected to hypokalemia and/or oxidative stress. These results support the value of an antiarrhythmic strategy based on the selective reduction of late ICa,L to suppress EAD-mediated arrhythmias. Antiarrhythmic therapies based on this idea would modify the gating properties of CaV1.2 channels rather than blocking their pore, largely preserving contractility.
Quantum isotropy and the reduction of dynamics in Bianchi I
Authors: Beetle C , Engle J S , Hogan M E , Mendonça P
Published: October 2021

The authors previously introduced a diffeomorphism-invariant definition of a homogeneous and isotropic sector of loop quantum gravity (LQG), along with a program to embed loop quantum cosmology (LQC) into it. The present paper works out that program in detail for the simpler, but still physically non-trivial, case where the target of the embedding is the homogeneous, but not isotropic, Bianchi I model. The diffeomorphism-invariant conditions imposing homogeneity and isotropy in the full theory reduce to conditions imposing isotropy on an already homogeneous Bianchi I spacetime. The reduced conditions are invariant under the residual diffeomorphisms still allowed after gauge fixing the Bianchi I model. We show that there is a unique embedding of the quantum isotropic model into the homogeneous quantum Bianchi I model that (a) is covariant with respect to the actions of such residual diffeomorphisms, and (b) intertwines both the (signed) volume operator and at least one directional Hubble rate. That embedding also intertwines all other operators of interest in the respective loop quantum cosmological models, including their Hamiltonian constraints. It thus establishes a precise equivalence between dynamics in the isotropic sector of the Bianchi I model and the quantized isotropic model, and not just their kinematics. We also discuss the adjoint relationship between the embedding map defined here and a projection map previously defined by Ashtekar and Wilson-Ewing. Finally, we highlight certain features that simplify this reduced embedding problem, but which may not have direct analogues in the embedding of homogeneous and isotropic LQC into full LQG.
Emergent gravity and D-brane adiabatic dynamics: emergent Lorentz connection
Authors: Viennot David
Published: October 2021

We explore emergent geometry of the spacetime at the microscopic scale by adiabatic transport of a quasi-coherent state of a fermionic string, with quantum spacetime described by the matrix theory (BFSS matrix model). We show that the generator of the Berry phase is the shift vector of the spacetime foliation by spacelike surfaces associated with the quasi-coherent state. The operator-valued generator of the geometric phase of weak adiabatic transport is the Lorentz connection of the emergent geometry which is not torsion free at the microscopic scale. The effects of the torsion seem consistent with the usual interpretation of the Berry curvature as a pseudo magnetic field.
Electron and positron backscattering from condensed targets
Authors: Sinha Nidhi , Subraveti Priyanka , Antony Bobby
Published: October 2021

The backscattering process for electron and positron impinging on condensed targets is studied here. The calculation is performed for Li, Na, Al and Cu atoms in the 500–3000 eV energy range. The well known Vicanek and Urbassek theory is used to determine the backscattering coefficient for present solid atoms. To analyze the elastic scattering cross section, spherical complex optical potential formalism is used. Apart from the backscattering coefficient, momentum transfer cross section, range of penetration, and mean number of wide-angle collisions are also tabulated and compared to the available data. No previous work was found reporting the range of penetration for the atoms. Hence, we also report the electron backscattering coefficient and range of penetration for liquid water for which experimental and theoretical data are available for the range of penetration. The electron backscattering coefficient for liquid water is reported for the first time here.
Ternary SiGeSn alloy nanocrystals via nonthermal plasma synthesis
Authors: Pach Gregory F , Urias-Cordero Fernando , Yazdi Sadegh , Neale Nathan R
Published: October 2021

We report on the synthesis of ternary SiGeSn nanocrystals (NCs) produced via nonthermal plasma synthesis from silane (SiH4), germane (GeH4), and tetramethylstannane (Sn(CH3)4) precursor sources. Detailed structural, chemical, and vibrational analyses show that all three elements are incorporated both on the NC surface and within the NC core. Incorporation of Sn into the NC core is realized using a secondary injection of SiH4 and GeH4 precursor gases in the after-glow region of the plasma, which kinetically traps Sn in the core. We demonstrate compositional tunability of the SiGeSn NCs in which the Si and Ge ratios can be varied broadly at low Sn concentrations. We also show tunability of the Sn content up to ∼2 atomic percent as revealed by ICP-MS analysis. More generally, this report demonstrates how nonthermal plasma synthesis can be used to produce metastable ternary nanostructured alloys involving thermodynamically insoluble constituents.
Momentum relaxation effects in 2D-Xene field effect device structures
Authors: Basak Anirban , Brahma Pratik , Muralidharan Bhaskaran
Published: October 2021

We analyze the electric field driven topological field effect transition on 2D-xene materials with the addition of momentum relaxation effects, in order to account for dephasing processes. The topological field effect transition between the quantum spin Hall phase and the quantum valley Hall phase is analyzed in detail using the Keldysh non-equilibrium Green’s function technique with the inclusion of momentum and phase relaxation, within the self-consistent Born approximation. Details of the transition with applied electric field are elucidated for the ON–OFF characteristics with emphasis on the transport properties along with the tomography of the current carrying edge states. We note that for moderate momentum relaxation, the current carrying quantum spin Hall edge states are still pristine and show moderate decay with propagation. To facilitate our analysis, we introduce two metrics in our calculations, the coherent transmission and the effective transmission. In elucidating the physics clearly, we show that the effective transmission, which is derived rigorously from the quantum mechanical current operator is indeed the right quantity to analyze topological stability against dephasing. Exploring further, we show that the insulating quantum valley Hall phase, as a result of dephasing carries band-tails which potentially activates parasitic OFF currents, thereby degrading the ON–OFF ratios. Our analysis sets the stage for realistic modeling of topological field effect devices for various applications, with the inclusion of scattering effects and analyzing their role in the optimization of the device performance.
Light assisted synthesis of poly-para-phenylene on Ag(001)
Authors: Langlais V , Schneider K , Tang H
Published: October 2021

A detailed study of poly-para-phenylene (PPP) obtained by light-assisted on-surface-synthesis (OSS) on Ag(100) was carried out by scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy together with density functional theory calculations. The use of light in combination with heat allows to lower by 50 K annealing temperature the each stage of the Ullmann coupling. Debromination of the 4,4″ dibromo-p-terphenyl precursors was thus realized at 300 K, the formation of the first oligomers from the organometallic intermediate by silver bridging atom release at 423 K and PPP by complete elimination of the silver at 473 K. This approach to lower the reaction temperature permits to enhance the Ag(100) surface reactivity to become comparable to that of Cu(111). The underlying mechanism of light effect was proposed to occur via surface mediated excitation, with the creation of photoexcited electrons known as hot electrons correlated with surface plasmon excitation. This original pathway combining both light and heat provides an additional parameter to control OSS by separating the precursor activation stage from the diffusion.
Structural, electronic and magnetic properties of weakly correlated metal Sr2CrTiO6: a first principles study
Authors: Dhawan Rakshanda , Balasubramanian Padmanabhan , Nautiyal Tashi
Published: October 2021

Structural, electronic and magnetic behaviour of a less-explored material Sr2CrTiO6 has been investigated using ab
initio calculations with generalized gradient approximation (GGA) and GGA + U methods, where U is the Hubbard parameter. For each of the three possible Cr/Ti cationic arrangements in the unit cell, considered in this work, the non-magnetic band structure shows distinct traits with significant flat-band regions leading to large t
2g
density of states around the Fermi energy. The Cr4+ ion in Sr2CrTiO6, which is a d
2 system, shows a reverse splitting of the t
2g
orbitals. The calculated hopping matrix contains non-zero off-diagonal elements between the d

xz
and d

yz
orbitals, while the d

xy
orbitals remain largely unmixed. A minimal tight binding model successfully reproduces the six t
2g
bands around the Fermi energy. The Fermi surface shows a two-dimensional nesting feature for the layered arrangement of Cr and Ti atoms. Fixed spin moment studies suggest that the magnetism in this compound cannot be explained by Stoner’s criterion of an itinerant band ferromagnet. In the absence of Hubbard U term, the ground state is a half-metallic ferromagnet. Calculations for the anti-ferromagnetic spin arrangement show re-arrangement of orbital character resulting in (a) narrow d

xz
/d

yz
bands and sharp peaks in the density of states at the Fermi energy and (b) highly dispersive d

xy
bands with a broader density of states around the Fermi energy. The metallicity persists even with increasing U for both the spin arrangements, thus suggesting that Sr2CrTiO6 belongs to the class of weakly correlated metals, while the shifting of O 2p states towards the Fermi energy with U indicates a negative charge-transfer character in Sr2CrTiO6.