bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate drying reduces serotinous seedbanks and threatens persistence in two fire-killed shrubs
Authors: Enright N. J. , Agne M. C. 
Published: February 2025

Background Mediterranean-type ecosystems (MTEs) are experiencing declining rainfall, increasing temperature, and shifting fire regimes as climate changes. While changes in fire regimes and post-fire recruitment are widely reported, evidence for changing plant demographic rates is limited. Aims We hypothesised increased time to maturity and decreased serotinous seed stores available for post-fire recruitment due to declining rainfall over recent decades for two fire-killed serotinous shrubs of south-east Australian MTEs, Hakea decurrens and Banksia ornata. Methods Fruit and cone production for populations across time since fire chronosequences were measured in the same regions in the 1990s and in 2017. Key results Estimated time to 50% maturity increased from 3–15 years and 6–15 years for H. decurrens and B. ornata, respectively, while estimated canopy seed stores were 90% and 50% lower in 2017 than in the 1990s. Conclusions Delayed reproductive maturity and decreased total seed stores were significantly related to decreasing rainfall received by 2017 populations over their lifetimes (5–17% less than for stands in the 1990s). Implications Shifts in inter-fire rates of seed production and storage, combined with changes to fire regimes and post-fire recruitment conditions due to climate change may already threaten the persistence of some species.
Black holes in the expanding Universe
Authors: Poplawski Nikodem J 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The McVittie metric does not describe a physical black hole in an expanding universe because the curvature scalar and pressure at its event horizon are infinite.&#xD;We show that extending this metric to an inhomogeneous scale factor, which depends on both the time and radial coordinate, removes those infinities by imposing at the horizon the constancy of the Hubble parameter and a particular constraint on the gradient of the scale factor.&#xD;We consider a special case of this metric, and show that the Hubble parameters at the event horizons of all centrally symmetric black holes are equal to the same constant $H_\textrm{hor}=(\Lambda/3)^{1/2}$.&#xD;Because of this equality and the equivalence to the Kottler metric near the horizon, black holes do not grow with the Universe expansion.
Growth of compositionally uniform InxGa1−xN layers with low relaxation degree on GaN by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Kang Jingxuan , Ruiz Mikel Gómez , Dinh Duc Van , Campbell Aidan F , John Philipp , Auzelle Thomas , Trampert Achim , Lähnemann Jonas , Brandt Oliver , Geelhaar Lutz 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
500 nm-thick

In

x

Ga

1
−
x

N

layers with

x
=

0.06–0.14 are grown using plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy, and their properties are assessed by a comprehensive analysis involving x-ray diffraction, secondary ion mass spectrometry, and cathodoluminescence as well as photoluminescence spectroscopy. We demonstrate low degrees of strain relaxation (10% for x = 0.12), low threading dislocation densities (

1
×

10

9

cm

−
2

for x = 0.12), uniform composition both in the growth and lateral direction, and a narrow emission band. The unique sum of excellent materials properties make these layers an attractive basis for the top–down fabrication of ternary nanowires.
Effective field theories for collective excitations of atomic nuclei
Authors: Coello Pérez Eduardo Antonio , Papenbrock Thomas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Collective modes emerge as the relevant degrees of freedom that govern low-energy excitations of atomic nuclei. These modes - rotations, pairing rotations, and vibrations - are separated in energy from non-collective excitations, making it possible to describe them in the framework of effective field theory. Rotations and pairing rotations are the remnants of Nambu-Goldstone modes from the emergent breaking of rotational symmetry and phase symmetries in finite deformed and finite superfluid nuclei, respectively. The symmetry breaking severely constrains the structure of low-energy Lagrangians and thereby clarifies what is essential and simplifies the description. The approach via effective field theories exposes the essence of nuclear collective excitations and is defined with a breakdown scale in mind. This permits one to make systematic improvements and to estimate and quantify uncertainties. Effective field theories of collective excitations have been used to compute spectra, transition rates, and other matrix elements of interest. In particular, predictions of the nuclear matrix element for neutrinoless double beta decay then come with quantified uncertainties. This review summarizes these results and also compares the approach via effective field theories to well-known models and ab initio computations.
Engineering the decay time of Ti3C2T
x
MXene by gold nanoparticle decoration
Authors: Rajput Gaurav , Rawat Ankita , Chourasia Nitesh K , Jalendra Gaurav , Gupta Govind , Yadav Aditya , Kulriya P K 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
MXenes, specifically Ti3C2T
x
having peculiar structural and electronic characteristics display not only high surface area, and excellent thermal and electrical conductivity but also have the potential for functionalization. The primary focus of this research is to control the decay time of gold nanoparticle (NP) (Au NP) decorated multilayer Ti3C2T
x
MXene (Au–Ti3C2T
x
) synthesized by a simple two-step selective etching technique. Incorporation of Au NPs in the multilayer Ti3C2T
x
MXene leads to lattice expansion, micro-strain reduction, and crystallinity improvement, as confirmed by x-ray diffraction analysis. Observation of a well-developed G band in the Au–Ti3C2T
x
MXene across different Au concentrations by Raman spectroscopy investigations suggests the accumulation of graphitic carbon on the MXene surface which has greatly improved the charge transfer characteristic of the carbide layer. Furthermore, the Au-Ti3C2T
x
MXene exhibits promising optical properties for different concentrations of gold. The time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy studies displayed a reduction in the average decay time (τ
av) to ∼30% with increasing gold concentration from 100 to 150 μl in Au NPs solution which is explained based on Au NPs induced surface plasmon resonance. The decoration of Au NPs facilitates the accumulation of carbon on the surface of MXene, resulting in enhanced crystallinity, reduced micro-strain, and decreased decay time. By engineering decay time through the decoration of noble metal NPs onto MXene, it becomes possible to fabricate highly efficient photodetectors and imaging devices. This is especially advantageous in applications where shorter decay times are desired.
Light storage by electromagnetically induced transparency for one second at the level of a single photon in

Pr

3
+

:

Y
2

SiO
5

prepared with multiple frequency ensembles
Authors: Hain Marcel , Stewen Niklas , Halfmann Thomas 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Efficient and long-term storage of quantum information encoded in single photons is crucial for applications of optical quantum technologies, e.g. quantum repeaters in communication networks. Obviously, the maximal storage time is an important benchmark for such memories, as it defines the distances covered by the network or the applicability of quantum communication protocols therein. In this paper, we present the implementation of an optical memory driven by electromagnetically induced transparency, permitting the storage of weak coherent pulses containing on average a single photon with a signal-to-noise ratio of

1.3
(
3
)

for a long storage time of one second. To achieve this goal, we apply decoherence control by static magnetic fields and robust dynamical decoupling sequences to prolong the coherence time in a rare-earth ion doped crystal to 14 s. A novel optical preparation scheme serves to increase the optical depth of the medium, which enables a light storage efficiency of

12.7
(
5
)

% at the single photon level and one second storage time.
Study on the surface binding energy of W-Mo alloy (110) surface
Authors: Liu Xiaoqiao , Li Xiaolong , Zhang Xin , Xu Yuhong , Hu Jun , Lei Guangjiu , Liu Sanqiu , Li Heng , Cui Zilin , Zhu Yiqin , Zheng Huaqing , Ma Yubo , Geng Shaofei , Chen Xiaochang , Liu Haifeng , Wang Xianqu , Liu Hai , Cheng Jun , Tang Changjian 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study used molecular dynamics software LAMMPS to simulate the surface binding energy of W1-xMox (x = 0, 0.9375, 0.875, 0.75, 0.625, 0.5) alloy (110) surface. The effect of thermal vibration, model size, energy step size and temperature for surface binding energy comprehensively considered. Finally, reference values for the surface binding energy of W-Mo alloys with different concentrations were obtained, and it was found that, within the simulation range, as the Mo concentration increased, the surface binding energy of W atoms increased from 11.661 ± 0.017 eV to 12.058 ± 0.047 eV, while the surface binding energy of Mo atoms decreased from 9.378 ± 0.012 eV to 9.249 ± 0.031 eV. This indicated that alloying Mo with W has a positive effect on surface binding energy. These results provide reference values for simulations of W-Mo alloys.
Design of a metallic half-wave plate based on birefringent metamaterial for applications in the visible range
Authors: Kebci Z , Hamidi M , Zeghdoudi T , Belkhir A , Lamrous O , Baida F I 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
The main objective of this study is to design an artificial birefringent metamaterial to operate within the visible spectrum. This plate consists of a C-Shaped Aperture Array (CSAA) engraved into a silver metallic film deposited on a glass substrate. The artificial anisotropy of this structure is generated by the simultaneous excitation of two guided modes with different effective indices. These excitations occur within the same C-Shaped aperture, at the same wavelength, for two distinct states of orthogonal polarization of the electric field. They propagate at different velocities, resulting in a phase difference Δϕ between the transmitted electric fields. We show that by adjusting the thickness of the silver layer, it is possible to achieve a phase difference of π corresponding to a Half-Wave Plate (HWP). This design is highly innovative, being more compact and efficient, exhibiting enhanced transmission of T = 75% at a wavelength of λ = 727nm, with a thickness of H = 146 nm. Such a configuration results in an extraordinary birefringence of Δn = 2.5.
Investigating late-time dark energy and massive neutrinos in light of DESI Y1 BAO
Authors: Rebouças João , de Souza Diogo H.F. , Zhong Kunhao , Miranda Vivian , Rosenfeld Rogerio 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Baryonic Acoustic Oscillation (BAO) data from the Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument (DESI), in combination with Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) data and Type Ia Supernovae (SN) luminosity distances, suggests a dynamical evolution of the dark energy equation of state with a phantom phase (w < -1) in the past when the so-called w
0
wa
parametrization w(a) = w
0 + w

a
(1-a) is assumed. In this work, we investigate more general dark energy models that also allow a phantom equation of state. We consider three cases: an equation of state with a transition feature, a model-agnostic equation of state with constant values in chosen redshift bins, and a k-essence model. Since the dark energy equation of state is correlated with neutrino masses, we reassess constraints on the neutrino mass sum focusing on the model-agnostic equation of state. We find that the combination of DESI BAO with Planck 2018 CMB data and SN data from Pantheon, Pantheon+, or Union3 is consistent with an oscillatory dark energy equation of state, while a monotonic behavior is preferred by the DESY5 SN data. Performing model comparison techniques, we find that the w
0
wa
parametrization remains the simplest dark energy model that can provide a better fit to DESI BAO, CMB, and all SN datasets than ΛCDM. Constraints on the neutrino mass sum assuming dynamical dark energy are relaxed compared to ΛCDM and we show that these constraints are tighter in the model-agnostic case relative to w
0
wa
model by 70%–90%.
Free streaming in warm wave dark matter
Authors: Ling Siyang , Amin Mustafa A. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We provide a framework for numerically computing the effects of free-streaming
in scalar fields produced after inflation. First, we provide a
detailed prescription for setting up initial conditions in the field. This prescription allows us to specify the power
spectra of the fields (peaked on subhorizon length scales and without a homogeneous field mode), and importantly, also correctly reproduces the
behaviour of density perturbations on large length scales consistent with
superhorizon adiabatic perturbations. We then evolve
the fields using a spatially inhomogeneous Klein-Gordon equation, including the effects of expansion and radiation-sourced metric perturbations. We show how gravity enhances, and how free streaming erases the initially
adiabatic density perturbations of the field, revealing more of the underlying, non-evolving, white-noise isocurvature density contrast. Furthermore, we explore the effect of
non-gravitational self-interactions of the field, including oscillon formation, on the suppression dynamics. As part of this paper, we make our code, Cosmic-Fields-Lite (CFL)
, publicly available.
For observationally accessible signatures, our work is particularly relevant for structure formation in light/ultralight dark matter fields.
Kilonova Emission from Neutron Star Mergers with Different Equations of State
Authors: Qiumu Wu-Zimo , Chen Meng-Hua , Chen Qiu-Hong , Liang En-Wei 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
Kilonova is an optical-infrared transient powered by the radioactive decay of heavy nuclei from binary neutron star mergers. Its observational characteristics depend on the mass and the nuclide composition of meger ejecta, which are sensitive to the equation of state (EoS) of neutron star. We use astrophysical conditions derived from different EoSs as nucleosynthesis inputs to explore the impact of various EoS on the $r$-process nucleosynthesis and the kilonova emission. Our results show that both the abundance patterns of merger ejecta and kilonova light curves are strongly dependent on the neutron star EoSs. Given the mass of two neutron stars, the merger with a softer EoS tends to generate a larger amount of ejected material, and may lead to a brighter kilonova peak luminosity. The relationship between the neutron star EoS and the peak luminosity provides a probe for constraining the properties of EoS in multi-messenger observations of neutron star mergers.
Solid angle compensation in gas proportional scintillation counters using an annular anode with azimuthal geometry
Authors: Silva P.A.O.C. , Fernandes L.M.P. , dos Santos J.M.F. , Monteiro C.M.B. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
A new, simple and robust design for a gas proportional scintillation counter (GPSC) is studied. One sole electrode, the anode, is used to define the electric field in the drift and scintillation regions of the detector volume. The anode has an annular shape aligned with the photosensor axis. Such design allows to keep constant the solid angle subtended by the photosensor relative to the different positions of the scintillation region. Having an oblong anode with a 10 cm inner diameter and a 5 cm photomultiplier tube placed 5 cm below the anode, an energy resolution of 12.0 % FWHM has been achieved for a 10 kV anode bias, the maximum voltage that could be applied to the anode in the present prototype. According to simulations, energy resolutions of ~10 % can be achieved for anode voltages of ~13 kV, a value comparable to the 9–10 % achieved in GPSC using solid angle variation compensation. Independently of having a constant solid angle, the absolute value of the solid angle must be considered, a lower number of EL photons detected at the photosensor due to a reduced solid angle may contribute to the GPSC energy resolution degradation. In addition, non-uniformities present in the photosensor or in the GPSC must be taken into account, since they will contribute to a dependence of the pulse amplitude on the radiation interaction position despite the constant solid angle subtended by the photosensor relative to the scintillation region.
Design space exploration for particle detector read-out implementations in Matlab and Simulink on the example of the SHiP SBT
Authors: Rössing F. , Arutinov D. , Brignoli A. , Fischer H. , Grewing C. , Lacker H. , Lyons F. , Zambanini A. , van Waasen S. 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
On a very fundamental level, particle detectors share similar requirements for their read-out chain. This is reflected in the way that typical read-out solutions are developed, where a previous design is modified to fit changes in requirements. One of the two common approaches is the current-based read-out, where the waveform of the sensor output is sampled in order to later extract information in the central processing unit. This approach is used in many detector applications using scintillation based detectors, including PET.

With this contribution, we will introduce how we use Matlab in order to simulate the read-out electronics of particle detectors. We developed this simulation approach as a base for our ongoing development of software-defined read-out Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs) that cover the requirements of a variety of particle detector types. Simulink was chosen as a base for our developments as it allows simulation of mixed-signal systems and comes with built-in toolkits to aid in developments of such systems.

With our approach, we want to take a new look at how we approach designing such a read-out, with a focus on digital signal processing closer to the sensor in order or reduce transmission bandwidth, making use of known signal characteristics and modern methods of communications engineering. We are taking into account the time profile of an event, the bandwidth-limiting properties of the sensor and attached electronics, digitization stages and finally the parameterization of approaches for digital processing of the signal.

We will show how we are applying the design approach to the development of a read-out for the proposed SHiP SBT detector, which is a scintillation based detector relying on SiPMs sensors, using this as an example for our modelling approach and show preliminary results.

Given the similarity in principle, the modelling approach could easily be modified for PET systems, allowing studies of the read-out chain to possibly gain in overall performance.
A coaxial electrospun PLLA/PPDO/NAR mesh for abdominal wall hernia repair
Authors: Xv Yifan , Xu Li , Wei Dandan , Tao Yinghua , Zhang Tianzhu , Ji Zhenling 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
This study aims to employ poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) and poly(p-dioxanone) (PPDO), loaded with naringin (NAR) to fabricate a functionalized degradable mesh which can promote abdominal wall hernia (AWH) repair. Three meshes named PPDO, PLLA/PPDO, and PLLA/PPDO/NAR were fabricated by electrospinning. The physical and chemical properties of the meshes were evaluated from the aspects of morphology, wettability, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and in vitro degradation. Then, the meshes were implanted into rats to evaluate their repair effects on abdominal wall defect models. The mechanical properties of PLLA/PPDO/NAR mesh were superior to the other two meshes, with a fixed tensile strength of 36.47 ± 2.40 N cm−1 and an elongation at break of 287.98% ± 51.67%, which adequately met the mechanical strength required for the human abdominal wall. The core–shell structure effectively delayed the degradation of PLLA/PPDO as well as PLLA/PPDO/NAR mesh, and drug release of PLLA/PPDO/NAR mesh. On the 7th, 14th, and 28th day after implantation, more neovascularization and tissue formation were observed in the PLLA/PPDO/NAR group and the newborn collagen was arranged in a regular and neat manner compared to the other two groups. The immunohistochemical results showed that the PLLA/PPDO/NAR mesh promoted abdominal wall repair by inhibiting the expression of matrix metalloproteinase2 as well as interleukin-6, and increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor. The PLLA/PPDO/NAR mesh is promising for application in AWH repair.
Research experimental on surface integrity and parameters optimization of micro-milling dual-phase titanium alloy
Authors: Zhao HaiYue , Cao Yan , Gorbachev Sergey , Kuzin Victor , Du Jiang , He WeiLiang 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
As the application of dual-phase polycrystalline materials in micro-components expands, the surface integrity evaluation criteria developed for macro-scale machining are become insufficient. To investigate the effects of cutting parameters on surface integrity at the micro-scale, a typical dual-phase titanium alloy was selected as the subject for micro-milling. First, a physical experimental platform for micro-milling was established. Subsequently, a single-factor experimental method was employed to analyze the effects of cutting parameters on the micro-morphology, surface roughness, and micro-hardness of the processed dual-phase titanium alloy. Following this, orthogonal experimental range analysis and response surface variance analysis were conducted to evaluate the significance of cutting parameters on the target factors. Finally, cutting parameters were optimized using the signal-to-noise ratio method and response surface methodology, followed by physical experimental validation. Results reveal that feed per tooth significantly influences surface roughness, while cutting depth least. In contrast, spindle speed is the primary factor affecting micro-hardness, with feed per tooth having minimal effect. Optimal parameters minimize both surface roughness and micro-hardness, with experimental and theoretical values differing by no more than 5%. The findings provide both theoretical and experimental support for the surface integrity and parameters optimization of dual-phase alloys in micro-machining.
Bi2WO6 thin films grown by high-power InfraRed Nd:YAG pulsed laser deposition: a structural and spectroscopic study
Authors: Arici Lorenzo , Bolanos Carolina Gutierrez , Chaluvadi Sandeep Kumar , Chalil Shyni Punathum , Vobornik Ivana , Fujii Jun , Mazzola Federico , Brollo Maria Eugenia Fortes , Ciancio Regina , Goldoni Andrea , Orgiani Pasquale , Caputo Marco 
Published: February 2025

Abstract
We report on the epitaxial growth of Bi2WO6 thin films by Pulsed Laser Deposition using a high-power infrared Nd:YAG laser source. X-ray diffraction investigation confirms that single (00l)-oriented thin films can be obtained on both LSAT and SrTiO3 substrates by using a LaNiO3 adapting layer. Moreover, reciprocal space maps show that the films coherently grow on such substrates with the in-plane lattice parameters fully matching those of the substrates. In-situ x-ray photoemission spectroscopy experiments show that a UHV annealing process makes the film more conductive even though it also affects the Bi:W chemical ratio by reducing the Bi content. Alternately, the conductivity of the films can be effectively tuned by either growing the film in Ar atmosphere or by depositing potassium on its surface without modifying the Bi:W chemical ratio. Our results provide a viable route to synthesize high-quality Bi2WO6 thin films with tailored electronic properties.