Short End Research Articles

Wavelength-Tunable Multispectral Photodetector With Both Ultraviolet and Near-Infrared Narrowband Detection Capability

The development of high-performance multispectral photodetector with narrowband and tunable spectral sensitivity is of importance but remains highly challenging to date. Here, we have reported on the fabrication of a Si Au/n-type Si/Au photodetector with tunable narrowband sensitivity not only in ultraviolet but also in near-infrared region, which is related to the controlled charge collection narrowing (CCN) mechanism. What is more, the negative response peak of the device can be readily tuned from 365 to 605 nm, and the positive response peak can be modulated from 938 to 970 nm when the bias varies from 0.1 to −0.1 V. In particular, the full-width at half-maximum is as small as 92 and 117 nm when the negative and positive response peaks approach the ultraviolet short wavelength end and near-infrared long wavelength end, respectively. The opposite polarity of the device responses in ultraviolet-visible and near-infrared regions renders the present Si photodetector potentially important in future multiple band optoelectronic systems.

Genetic Variability Analysis of M4-M5 Mutants of Indian Mustard (Brassica juncea L.)

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. & Coss.] is an important oilseed crop grown in India under diverse agro-ecological conditions in the temperate and subtropical regions during Rabi season. It fits well in the rainfed cropping system with low production cost and high potential to increase edible oil. Farmers in Assam grow rapeseed toria (Brassica rapa) due to its short duration but end up with low yield. Development of short-duration superior Indian mustard varieties is required to increase the average yield of rapeseed-mustard in Assam. Some Indian mustard genotypes were developed by induction of mutations at Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat. In the present study, 143 M4 lines from the parent variety NRCHB-101 of Indian mustard developed through mutation breeding using gamma rays, were evaluated during Rabi 2020-21 followed by 116 M5 selected lines during the Rabi 2021-22 to assess to genetic variability and interrelationships between yield component traits. Significant variation due to genotypes for the characters observed. Moderate genetic variation was observed for seed yield plant-1, number of primary and secondary branches plant-1. Moderate heritability coupled with high genetic advance was observed for number of siliquae in main shoot, number of primary branches, and number of secondary branches. The mutant lines JMM-NRCHB101-37, JMM-NRCHB101-57, JMM-NRCHB101-107 were found to be promising exhibiting superior performance for most of the yield attributing characters. The mutant line JMM-NRCHB101-86 and JMM-NRCHB101-95 also showed potentiality for early maturity with a high yield which could be exploited for the development of early maturing mustard varieties.

Optimal Time-Consistent Government Debt Maturity, Fiscal Policy, and Default

Abstract I develop a tractable model to study the optimal debt maturity structure and fiscal policy in an environment with incomplete markets, lack of commitment, and opportunity to default by the government. I show that the Lucas and Stokey time-consistency result can be extended to environments with an opportunity of outright default. The maturity is used to resolve the time-consistency problem. I show that if both risk-free interest rates and risk premiums can be manipulated, then the optimal maturity structure tends to have a decaying profile: The government issues debt at all maturity dates, but the distribution of payments over time is skewed toward the short end. The model allows for numerical characterization of the optimal maturity structure of debt with an arbitrarily large number of maturities. Debt maturity data across countries are consistent with model predictions.

The Evolution of Monetary Policy Focal Points

With near-zero policy rates becoming the norm in many advanced economies, the focus on long-term bond yields has strengthened considerably. The unconventional monetary policy decision by the Bank of Japan (BOJ) in September 2016 to explicitly target the ten-year Japanese government bond (JGB) yield institutionalized this process—by effectively creating a new monetary policy focal point. In this article, we study the importance of such focal points. Empirically, we also investigate how JGB benchmark maturities ranging from one to thirty years has affected other benchmark maturities over time. We find that the ten-year bond, indeed, became more influential in 2016. However, the effect was surprisingly short-lived. The results suggest that once financial market participants anchored their expectations of the ten-year JGB yield to the new BOJ target, the attention merely shifted towards even longer maturities. Contrary to the logic of the monetary transmission mechanism, we also find the short end of the yield curve has been an absorber, rather than transmitter, of influence during the last decades.

Acts of love and philosophy: In conversation with Irenosen Okojie

An interview with leading British fiction-writer Irenosen Okojie, transcribed and edited following a Zoom conversation with Lucy Dawes Durneen in December 2021 in Cambridge. It also includes questions from creative writing students. Okojie discusses her own practice as short story writer, including the choice of titles and short story endings, and issues of representation facing Black writers, especially in relation to female characters. She also discusses her non-fiction as a method of dealing with trauma and feelings of vulnerability.

Comparative flexural performance of steel fibre reinforced self-compacting concrete (SCFRC) ribbed slab with different fibre provision area

The flexural performance of three SCFRC ribbed slabs with different fibre provision area were investigated in this paper; in both ribs and flange (SFWS), ribs only with additional welded mesh in flange (SFT) and in ribs only (SFR). Short hooked end fibres of 35 mm length of 1% volume fraction was blended with the flowable self-compacting concrete (SCC) were used as the material for the slabs. Slab samples of 2.8 × 1.2 × 0.2 m were constructed and loaded until failure under four- point bending. Investigation was carried out in view of the load bearing capacity, deflection, energy absorption capacity as well as the failure modes. The influence of the steel fibre provision on the strain distribution was also examined.

Globalization and the Sovereignty of African States in the Post-Colonial Era: A Contemporary Afrocentric Legal Perspective

Globalization eases human interactions by integrating national systems into one international uniform system. Whereas globalization has proven to be more beneficial for advanced and wealthier countries, poorer and developing economies, including African countries, often get the short end of the stick albeit accompanied with short-term benefits. Major international decisions geared towards fostering a globalized order are often reached and implemented without significant participation and input of African nations, with lasting impacts on their respective political and socio-economic sovereignties. Against this backdrop, this article offers an advisory to African policymakers and peoples that African states tread with caution while engaging on the global stage so that the benefits accruing from a globalized order are not a bait to perpetuate Africa’s accumulated underdevelopment. The article advocates a path towards rediscovery and recovery for African sovereignty. African states should overhaul their international engagement strategies in order to have their voices heard, add value, and preserve their pride of place in global affairs. Keywords: Globalization, State sovereignty, Neo-liberalism, Neo-colonialism, Africa. This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors. The authors declare no conflict of interest. DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/119-05 Publication date: March 31 st 2022

Comparison of the Behavior of Haunched Single Span Bridges with Other Types of Bridges

A novel method for the design of variable depth single span bridges having maximum depth at the ends and minimum depth at midspan has been presented in a previous paper by the author. This design is possible by “fixing” the ends to “lock-in” negative moments, so that the positive moments at midspan are greatly reduced, allowing a shallow section to be used. The negative moments are locked-in by having short end cantilevers with tie-downs (rock/soil anchors) at their ends. The present paper expands on this work by comparing the static behavior of haunched single span bridges to that of other well-known bridge types, notably: (1) inclined leg and V-frame bridges, (2) three span continuous bridges, and (3) deck tied arch bridges. It is shown that the behavior of haunched single span bridges with tie-downs is very much the same as these three other well-known types of bridges. These haunched single span bridges are intended to be used for long span river crossings or highway overpasses, where only a single span is required, and an aesthetically pleasing graceful shape is desired, and/or the vertical clearance below needs to be maximized.

Lightweight URL Phishing Detection System Using SVM and Similarity

Abstract: As a criminal offense of employing technical method to thieve sensitive information of customers, phishing is presently an important risk facing the net, and losses because of phishing are developing regularly. function engineering is essential in phishing website detection answers; however, the accuracy of detection critically relies upon on earlier knowledge of features. furthermore, even though features extracted for one-of-a-kind dimensions are more comprehensive, a disadvantage is that extracting those functions calls for a massive amount of time. To address those barriers, we propose a multidimensional characteristic phishing detection method based on a quick detection approach by way of the usage of deep mastering (MFPD). within the first step, character sequence functions of the given URL are extracted and used for brief class by means of deep mastering, and this step does not require 1/3-party assistance or any prior know-how approximately phishing. inside the 2d step, we combine URL statistical functions, webpage code features, website text capabilities and the short classification end result of deep studying into multi-dimensional features. The technique can lessen the detection time for putting a threshold.

Ends of non-metrizable manifolds: A generalized bagpipe theorem

We initiate the study of ends of non-metrizable manifolds and introduce the notion of short and long ends. Using the theory developed, we provide a characterization of (non-metrizable) surfaces that can be written as the topological sum of a metrizable manifold plus a countable number of “long pipes” in terms of their spaces of ends; this is a direct generalization of Nyikos's bagpipe theorem.

Topological Changes in Telechelic Micelles: Flowers versus Stars

The micellization and morphology of spherical telechelic micelles formed by triblock copolymers with short solvophobic end blocks at low concentrations are discussed within scaling arguments and Single Chain Mean Field Theory (SCMFT). In an ultradilute regime, individual telechelic polymer chains can exist in solution in two distinct states: an open linear chain conformation with two free ends and a closed loop conformation in which two ends are connected by the effective attraction between two solvophobic ends. At concentrations below the gelation point, closed loops tend to form micelles comprised mostly of loops in flower-like micelles, while linear polymers in open conformations tend to form star-shaped aggregates with one hydrophobic dangling end. The resulting two kinds of micelles have remarkably different topologies and dimensions, while the transition between them can be driven by the entropy, namely conformation changes between domination of the looped and linear conformations. The transition between two types of micelles lies in a narrow interaction parameters range. Thus, these topological micelles are very sensitive to the changes in the external environment, and they can serve as very sensitive stimuli responsive smart materials.

Differences in the transient responses of individual glaciers: a case study of the Cascade Mountains of Washington State, USA

AbstractMountain glaciers have response times that govern retreat due to anthropogenic climate change. We use geometric attributes to estimate individual response times for 383 glaciers in the Cascade mountain range of Washington State, USA. Approximately 90% of estimated response times are between 10 and 60 years, with many large glaciers on the short end of this distribution. A simple model of glacier dynamics shows that this range of response times entails consequential differences in recent and ongoing glacier changes: glaciers with decadal response times have nearly kept pace with anthropogenic warming, but those with multi-decadal response times are far from equilibrium, and their additional committed retreat stands well beyond natural variability. These differences have implications for changes in glacier runoff. A simple calculation highlights that transient peaks in area-integrated melt, either at the onset of forcing or due to variations in forcing, depend on the glacier's response time and degree of disequilibrium. We conclude that differences in individual response times should be considered when assessing the state of a population of glaciers and modeling their future response. These differences in response can arise simply from a range of different glacier geometries, and the same basic principles can be expected in other regions as well.

Subfamily hypostominae: similarities and differences in testicular structure of amazonian fish

BackgroundHypostominae is a subfamily of the family Loricariidae that has a great diversity of species. Accordingly, testicular studies in fish can contribute to the phylogeny and taxonomy of species and to the comparison of reproductive aspects between species. Thus, this work aimed to characterize the testicular morphology and spermatogenesis of the Hypostominae species Baryancistrus xanthellus, Peckoltia oligospila and Hypancistrus zebra.ResultsB. xanthellus, P. oligospila and H. zebra had an anastomosed tubular type of testis. The germinal epithelium was continuous with unrestricted spermatogonia, and the proliferative, meiotic and spermiogenic phases were defined in all species. In the spermiogenic phase, spermatids were classified as initial, intermediate and final. Only in B. xanthellus in the final phase was there nuclear rotation. The sperm for the three species had a head with an oval shape and a single flagellum composed of the short midpiece, principal piece and end piece. B. xanthellus and P. oligospila showed a cylindrical flagellum and H. zebra showed projections that produced a flattened appearance.ConclusionsOn the basis testicular structure and ultrastructural characteristics of the germ cells, there was a greater relationship between B. xanthelus and P. oligospila, while H. zebra had particular characteristics. These aspects show that despite belonging to the same subfamily, the species have distinct biological characteristics.

Národní klasik nebo klasický národovec? : "Tausch" u Aloise Jiráska a Hanse Watzlika

Based on detailed analyses of the short stories "To the Germans" (1889) by Alois Jirásek and "The Road Home" (1925) (Heimweg) by Hans Watzlik, the study compares the persuasive factors leading to the formation of the concept of citizenship at the time of culminating nationalisation of society. It is based on the assumption of transcultural overlaps, as both stories thematise the socalled 'Tauš' or 'Handl'. This practice of exchanging children within Czech-German society may have led to bilingualism and reciprocal knowledge of the other Bohemian culture, while at the same time shaping personality. Both short stories end tragically with the death of the protagonists. Despite the many analogies and similarities found, a shift in the scales of value is nevertheless evident. This significantly differentiates the messages of both texts.

Slotline‐based frequency‐reconfigurable quadrature coupler with wide tunable range and simple tuning mechanism

AbstractFrequency‐reconfigurable couplers presented before show some shortages such as limited tunable range and complex tuning mechanism. To address these problems, a frequency‐reconfigurable coupler with wide tuning range is proposed based on a slotline structure. A T‐shaped shorted feeding line with certain impedance transform is connected to each port of the coupler. Beneath the shorted end, the slotline structure is utilized to transfer the signal coupled from the feeding line. The 3‐dB quadrature coupler performance is achieved by setting different widths of the slotlines. To tune the frequency, a varactor with tuning capacitance is loaded at the center of each shorted feeding line. Equivalent circuit is given by transmission line model to verify the design concept. For demonstration, the coupler is fabricated and measured. Good agreements between the simulation and measurement and a wide frequency tunable range from 1.2 to 2.6 GHz are achieved based on a single tuning mechanism.

Unraveling the stepwise maturation of the yeast telomerase including a Cse1 and Mtr10 mediated quality control checkpoint

Telomerases elongate the ends of chromosomes required for cell immortality through their reverse transcriptase activity. By using the model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae we defined the order in which the holoenzyme matures. First, a longer precursor of the telomerase RNA, TLC1 is transcribed and exported into the cytoplasm, where it associates with the protecting Sm-ring, the Est and the Pop proteins. This partly matured telomerase is re-imported into the nucleus via Mtr10 and a novel TLC1-import factor, the karyopherin Cse1. Remarkably, while mutations in all known transport factors result in short telomere ends, mutation in CSE1 leads to the amplification of Y′ elements in the terminal chromosome regions and thus elongated telomere ends. Cse1 does not only support TLC1 import, but also the Sm-ring stabilization on the RNA enableling Mtr10 contact and nuclear import. Thus, Sm-ring formation and import factor contact resembles a quality control step in the maturation process of the telomerase. The re-imported immature TLC1 is finally trimmed into the 1158 nucleotides long mature form via the nuclear exosome. TMG-capping of TLC1 finalizes maturation, leading to mature telomerase.

Ultra wideband bandpass filters with specified relative bandwidth

Abstract Algorithm for the realization of the broad range of values of wide relative bandwidth (RBW) bandpass filter is introduced. Algorithm is based on periodic ideal cells each with short-ended stub. Theory is developed for a symmetrical cell with proportional transmission lines, nonuniform or uniform, in term of characteristic impedance. The theory is applied for the uniform transmission lines. Simple equation of the ratio between characteristic impendence of the short-ended stub and the characteristic impendences of the main lines is given for the broad range of RBW. Realizable filters are for the very wide RBW up to over 1.5 (150%). Technology is chosen in microstrip with vias for the short ends. It is without coupling, without defected ground structure (DGS) and only with a single layer. The procedure is tested on the fabricated filters for very wide RBW of 1.5 (150%). Agreement between measurements and simulations is excellent.

Fibrinogen αC-subregions critically contribute blood clot fibre growth, mechanical stability, and resistance to fibrinolysis.

Fibrinogen is essential for blood coagulation. The C-terminus of the fibrinogen α-chain (αC-region) is composed of an αC-domain and αC-connector. Two recombinant fibrinogen variants (α390 and α220) were produced to investigate the role of subregions in modulating clot stability and resistance to lysis. The α390 variant, truncated before the αC-domain, produced clots with a denser structure and thinner fibres. In contrast, the α220 variant, truncated at the start of the αC-connector, produced clots that were porous with short, stunted fibres and visible fibre ends. These clots were mechanically weak and susceptible to lysis. Our data demonstrate differential effects for the αC-subregions in fibrin polymerisation, clot mechanical strength, and fibrinolytic susceptibility. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the αC-subregions are key for promoting longitudinal fibre growth. Together, these findings highlight critical functions of the αC-subregions in relation to clot structure and stability, with future implications for development of novel therapeutics for thrombosis.

Time-varying risk aversion and currency excess returns

This paper documents an economically significant risk premium associated with a currency’s sensitivity to time-varying risk aversion. Consequently, an investment strategy that takes a long (short) position in currencies with high (low) sensitivity to aggregate market risk aversion yields significantly positive excess returns. While advanced market currencies including the Euro, Yen and Swiss Francs dominate the short end of these portfolios with low sensitivity to risk aversion, emerging market currencies including the Brazilian Real, Mexican Peso and Turkish Lira are found to be the most sensitive currencies to risk aversion. The excess returns from the proposed strategy are significant even after controlling for systematic equity market risk factors as well as liquidity risk and cannot be explained by measures of economic conditions or uncertainty. Interestingly, the excess returns generated by the risk aversion-based strategy are found to have significant loadings on global momentum, suggesting possible commonality in the behavioral drivers of anomalies in the global equity and currency markets. The findings highlight the role of behavioral factors as predictor of currency excess returns with significant investment implications.

The Role of Drosophila CtIP in Homology-Directed Repair of DNA Double-Strand Breaks.

DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) are a particularly genotoxic type of DNA damage that can result in chromosomal aberrations. Thus, proper repair of DSBs is essential to maintaining genome integrity. DSBs can be repaired by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), where ends are processed before joining through ligation. Alternatively, DSBs can be repaired through homology-directed repair, either by homologous recombination (HR) or single-strand annealing (SSA). Both types of homology-directed repair are initiated by DNA end resection. In cultured human cells, the protein CtIP has been shown to play a role in DNA end resection through its interactions with CDK, BRCA1, DNA2, and the MRN complex. To elucidate the role of CtIP in a multicellular context, CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing was used to create a DmCtIPΔ allele in Drosophila melanogaster. Using the DSB repair reporter assay direct repeat of white (DR-white), a two-fold decrease in HR in DmCtIPΔ/Δ mutants was observed when compared to heterozygous controls. However, analysis of HR gene conversion tracts (GCTs) suggests DmCtIP plays a minimal role in determining GCT length. To assess the function of DmCtIP on both short (~550 bp) and long (~3.6 kb) end resection, modified homology-directed SSA repair assays were implemented, resulting in a two-fold decrease in SSA repair in both short and extensive end resection requirements in the DmCtIPΔ/Δ mutants compared to heterozygote controls. Through these analyses, we affirmed the importance of end resection on DSB repair pathway choice in multicellular systems, described the function of DmCtIP in short and extensive DNA end resection, and determined the impact of end resection on GCT length during HR.