bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Periodic dynamics in superconductors induced by an impulsive optical quench
Authors: Dolgirev Pavel E. , Zong Alfred , Michael Marios H. , Curtis Jonathan B. , Podolsky Daniel , Cavalleri Andrea , Demler Eugene
Published: September 2022

A number of experiments have evidenced signatures of enhanced superconducting correlations after photoexcitation. Initially, these experiments were interpreted as resulting from quasi-static changes in the Hamiltonian parameters, for example, due to lattice deformations or melting of competing phases. Yet, several recent observations indicate that these conjectures are either incorrect or do not capture all the observed phenomena, which include reflectivity exceeding unity, large shifts of Josephson plasmon edges, and appearance of new peaks in terahertz reflectivity. These observations can be explained from the perspective of a Floquet theory involving a periodic drive of system parameters, but the origin of the underlying oscillations remains unclear. In this paper, we demonstrate that following incoherent photoexcitation, long-lived oscillations are generally expected in superconductors with low-energy Josephson plasmons, such as in cuprates or fullerene superconductor K3C60. These oscillations arise from the parametric generation of plasmon pairs due to pump-induced perturbation of the superconducting order parameter. We show that this bi-plasmon response can persist even above the transition temperature as long as strong superconducting fluctuations are present. Our analysis offers a robust framework to understand light-induced superconducting behavior, and the predicted bi-plasmon oscillations can be directly detected using available experimental techniques.
Stable ocean redox during the main phase of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event
Authors: del Rey Álvaro , Rasmussen Christian Mac Ørum , Calner Mikael , Wu Rongchang , Asael Dan , Dahl Tais W.
Published: September 2022

The Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE) represents the greatest increase in marine animal biodiversity ever recorded. What caused this transformation is heavily debated. One hypothesis states that rising atmospheric oxygen levels drove the biodiversification based on the premise that animals require oxygen for their metabolism. Here, we present uranium isotope data from a Middle Ordovician marine carbonate succession that shows the steepest rise in generic richness occurred with global marine redox stability. Ocean oxygenation ensued later and could not have driven the biodiversification. Stable marine anoxic zones prevailed during the maximum increase in biodiversity (Dapingian–early Darriwilian) when the life expectancy of evolving genera greatly increased. Subsequently, unstable ocean redox conditions occurred together with a marine carbon cycle disturbance and a decrease in relative diversification rates. Therefore, we propose that oceanic redox stability was a factor in facilitating the establishment of more resilient ecosystems allowing marine animal life to radiate.
Growth, thermal, and polarized spectral properties of the Sm:GdCa4O(BO3)3 crystal for a reddish-orange laser
Authors: Yu Pingzhang , Wang Zhengping , Pan Xiaobo , Liu Yanqing , Yu Fapeng , Xu Xinguang
Published: September 2022

High-quality crystals of Sm:GdCa4O(BO3)3 were grown by the Czochralski method. The crystal structure and the optical and thermal properties were determined.
Two-liquid wetting and phase electrowetting as a probe for surface chemistry of hydrophobic materials
Authors: Flores Figueroa Manuel A. , Manchon Benoît , Maillard Mathieu
Published: September 2022

Phase-electrowetting is used as a tool to probe modifications of hydrophobicity with pH or molecular grafting.
Development of gold(i) phosphorescent tweezers for sensing applications
Authors: de Aquino Araceli , Caparrós Francisco J. , Aullón Gabriel , Truong Khai-Nghi , Rissanen Kari , Lima João Carlos , Rodríguez Laura
Published: September 2022

The gold(i) alkynyl-fluorene compound 2 has been synthesized and used in molecular recogniton of PAHs and PFCs thanks to changes on the luminescent properties of the host. DFT theoretical calculations support the obtained data.
Cocrystal engineering strategy for sustained release and leaching reduction of herbicides: a case study of metamitron
Authors: Xiao Yuntian , Wu Chuanhua , Zhou Ling , Yin Qiuxiang , Yang Jingxiang
Published: September 2022

Cocrystal engineering strategy achieved the leaching reduction and sustained release of highly water-soluble herbicides to extend their efficacy and reduce groundwater contamination.
LY6E protein facilitates adeno-associated virus crossing in a biomimetic chip model of the human blood–brain barrier
Authors: Liu Dan , Zhu Mingyang , Lin Yi , Li Mengmeng , Huang Ruolan , Yang Liu , Song Yanling , Diao Yong , Yang Chaoyong
Published: September 2022

We describe a novel system for examining the mechanisms of AAV traversal of the BBB using a multi-chamber microplate wherein astrocytes and HBMECs are co-cultured, and subjected to shear fluid force similar to that under physiological conditions.
Computational design of self-assembling peptide chassis materials for synthetic cells
Authors: Ma Yutao , Kapoor Rohan , Sharma Bineet , Liu Allen P. , Ferguson Andrew L.
Published: September 2022

High-throughput screening based on molecular simulation, machine learning and black-box optimization identifies promising candidates for forming self-assembled peptide vesicles.
Synthesized layer-by-layer self-assembly of a novel resin-based MOF for Cu(ii) removal
Authors: Wang Xiaoqing , Zhao Binhe , Xu Zimeng , Chen Haosong , Ye Tong , Zhang Jing , Zhang Xinyue , Ji Aoqi , Li Jionghui , Xiong Chunhua
Published: September 2022

A novel resin-based MOF absorbent for Cu(ii) with high efficiency and low consumption for promising development is synthesised
Abatement of dichloromethane with high selectivity over defect-rich MOF-derived Ru/TiO2 catalysts
Authors: Chai Shaohua , Li Shuangde , Zhang Le , Fan Guijun , Nie Linfeng , Zhou Xin , Yang Wuxinchen , Li Weiman , Chen Yunfa
Published: September 2022

The distinction of dechlorination over activation sites with the aid of Ru/TiO2 catalysts derived from MOFs.
Olanzapine add-on treatment promotes neuronal differentiation of neural stem cells compared with fluoxetine alone
Authors: Sun Jiantong , Wu Danlian , Xu Guangjuan , Chen Fang , Ding Xinyuan , Xie Linjun , Yu Zhangfeng , Jin Xing
Published: September 2022

The addition of olanzapine to fluoxetine produces an antidepressant effect on fluoxetine nonresponders. Promoting hippocampal neurogenesis is associated with the successful treatment of depression. The present study aimed to investigate the interaction of olanzapine and fluoxetine in regulating neurogenesis. We found that fluoxetine alone does not affect cell proliferation and inhibits the neuronal differentiation of cultured neural stem cells (NSCs), but promotes NSCs proliferation and exerts no effect on neuronal fate when NSCs are cocultured with neurons. In addition, fluoxetine alone also does not alter the neuronal fate of newborn hippocampal cells in vivo. Although fluoxetine treatment elicits different results, our data consistently show that olanzapine alone does not affect the proliferation and neuronal differentiation of NSCs. The combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine has no profound effect on NSCs proliferation compared with fluoxetine alone, but olanzapine add-on treatment produces a greater number and percentage of differentiated neurons from NSCs. Further investigations are needed to explore the underlying mechanisms of the increased neurogenesis caused by the combination of olanzapine with fluoxetine.
Global dynamics and architecture of the Kepler-444 system
Authors: Stalport M. , Matthews E. C. , Bourrier V. , Leleu A. , Delisle J.-B. , Udry S.
Published: September 2022

Context. S-type planets, which orbit one component of multiple-star systems, place strong constraints on planet formation and evolution models. A notable case study is Kepler-444, a triple-star system whose primary is orbited by five planets smaller than Venus in a compact configuration, and for which the stellar binary companion revolves around the primary on a highly eccentric orbit.

Aims. Several open questions remain about the formation and evolution of Kepler-444. Having access to the most precise up-to-date masses and orbital parameters is highly valuable when tackling those questions. We provide the first full dynamical exploration of this system, with the goal being to refine those parameters.

Methods. We apply orbital stability arguments to refine the system parameters on models with and without the stellar binary companion in order to understand the origin of the dynamical constraints. This approach makes use of the numerical analysis of fundamental frequencies fast chaos indicator. We also explore potential two- and three-planet mean-motion resonances (MMRs) in the system. Prior to investigating the dynamics of a model that includes the binary companion, we update its orbital parameters and mass using new observational constraints from both HIRES radial velocity and Gaia astrometric data, as well as archival imaging of the system.

Results. The planetary system does not appear in any of the low-order two- or three-planet MMRs. We provide the most precise up-to-date dynamical parameters for the planets and the stellar binary companion. The orbit of the latter is constrained by the new observations, and also by the stability analysis. This update further challenges the planets formation processes. We also test the dynamical plausibility of a sixth planet in the system, following hints found in HST data. We find that this putative planet could exist over a broad range of masses, and with an orbital period of between roughly 12 and 20 days.

Conclusions. We note the overall good agreement of the system with short-term orbital stability. This suggests that a diverse range of planetary system architectures could be found in multiple-star systems, potentially challenging the planet formation models further.
Orbital motion near Sagittarius A*
Authors: Wielgus M. , Moscibrodzka M. , Vos J. , Gelles Z. , Martí-Vidal I. , Farah J. , Marchili N. , Goddi C. , Messias H.
Published: September 2022

We report on the polarized light curves of the Galactic Center supermassive black hole Sagittarius A*, obtained at millimeter wavelength with the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA). The observations took place as a part of the Event Horizon Telescope campaign. We compare the observations taken during the low variability source state on 2017 Apr. 6 and 7 with those taken immediately after the X-ray flare on 2017 Apr. 11. For the latter case, we observe rotation of the electric vector position angle with a timescale of ∼70 min. We interpret this rotation as a signature of the equatorial clockwise orbital motion of a hot spot embedded in a magnetic field dominated by a dynamically important vertical component, observed at a low inclination ∼20°. The hot spot radiates strongly polarized synchrotron emission, briefly dominating the linear polarization measured by ALMA in the unresolved source. Our simple emission model captures the overall features of the polarized light curves remarkably well. Assuming a Keplerian orbit, we find the hot spot orbital radius to be ∼5 Schwarzschild radii. We observe hints of a positive black hole spin, that is, a prograde hot spot motion. Accounting for the rapidly varying rotation measure, we estimate the projected on-sky axis of the angular momentum of the hot spot to be ∼60° east of north, with a 180° ambiguity. These results suggest that the accretion structure in Sgr A* is a magnetically arrested disk rotating clockwise.
Taking terahertz-based electron acceleration to the next level
Authors: Ikenson Ben
Published: September 2022

Double vacuum channel phase-shifter enables longer interactions and increased velocities for terahertz waves.
Optical spectroscopy combined in situ with instrumented indentation
Authors: Useinov A. , Reshetov V. , Gusev A. , Gladkih E.
Published: September 2022

Modern trends in the development of experimental research methods imply not only an increase in the accuracy of a specific technique but also the possibility of combining diverse measurements in the course of one experiment. While optical spectroscopy remains one of the most powerful tools used in the chemical and physical sciences to study the structure of a wide range of materials, it is impossible to imagine a single study of local mechanical properties without instrumental indentation. A powerful investigation technique is the in situ combination of these two methods within one experiment. This can be made by focusing the laser either through the transparent sample or through the transparent indenter tip of the special geometry preventing the total internal reflection in diamond. This Tutorial discusses the preparation and characterization of such a transparent diamond indenter. The obtained experimental results and promising application areas of simultaneous measurement of optical spectra during indentation are considered.
Robust bulk superconductivity by giant proximity effect in Weyl semimetal-superconducting NbP/NbSe2 composites
Authors: Lee Yejin , Inturu Omkaram , Kim Jin Hee , Rhyee Jong-Soo
Published: September 2022

We synthesize the Weyl semimetal/superconductor NbP/NbSe2 composite and observe stable bulk superconductivity at Tc = 7.2, 6.9, and 6.8 K for the NbSe2 crystal, NbP/NbSe2 (1:1), and NbP/NbSe2 (2:1) composites, respectively, despite large volume fraction of the non-superconducting NbP phase. From the Ginzburg–Landau theory, Hc2(0) is significantly enhanced in NbP/NbSe2 composites [22 T (1:1) and 18.5 T (2:1)] comparing with the pristine NbSe2 crystal (8 T). The bulk superconductivity in the Weyl semimetal/superconductor composite cannot be simply described by the de Gennes–Meissner theory in a proximity effect. From the electrical transport, magnetization, and heat capacity measurement, we obtain various superconducting parameters. The superconducting properties indicate that the NbP/NbSe2 composite is far from the conventional Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer superconductivity. It suggests that the Weyl semimetal/superconductor composite can have a giant proximity effect, resulting in the stable bulk superconductivity in a composite with a sizable volume fraction of non-superconducting Weyl semimetals. The giant proximity effect in the Weyl semimetal/superconductor interface can have a platform to investigate the proximity induced Weyl semimetallic superconducting states.
Film-penetrating transducers applicable to on-chip reservoir computing with spin waves
Authors: Chen Jiaxuan , Nakane Ryosho , Tanaka Gouhei , Hirose Akira
Published: September 2022

We have proposed a spin-wave transducer structure named film-penetrating transducers (FPTs). FPTs penetrate an on-chip magnetic film for a spin-wave transmission medium and allow flexible spatial arrangements of many exciters/detectors due to their zero-dimensional feature. We constructed four device models with different spatial arrangements of FPT/conventional exciters using a 10-nm-thick ferrimagnetic garnet film with a central FPT detector. We performed numerical experiments that combine electromagnetics with micromagnetics including thermal noise at 300 K. We evaluated important device features of FPTs, such as the signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs), input/output signal transmission efficiencies, and nonlinear phenomena of spin waves. We applied in-phase sinusoidal input currents with various amplitudes and frequencies and altered the damping strengths near the film boundaries. We obtained sufficient SNRs for the practical use of FPTs and revealed that FPTs have both higher transmission efficiencies and nonlinear strengths than conventional antennas, as the input frequency approaches the ferromagnetic resonance frequency of the film. Moreover, we observed and analyzed various nonlinear phenomena of spin waves, including beats in the time-domain waveform, components of integer harmonic frequencies, wide-range scatterings of inter-harmonic frequencies, and frequency doubling in spin precession. These characteristics probably originate from various device effects: FPTs effectively excite dipolar spin waves with large-angle precession, propagating spin waves reflect from the film boundaries, and spin waves dynamically and nonlinearly interfere with each other. This study demonstrated that FPTs have promising features for both their applications to reservoir computing and the studies on the physics of nonlinear and space-varying spin waves.
Analysis of key influencing factors for multi-mode solar heat pump systems
Authors: Wang Gang , Yang Yongqing , Hu Tao , Yu Wan , Han Xilian
Published: September 2022

To further improve the stability and renewable energy utilization of the compound heat source heat pump system under complex operating conditions, a multi-mode solar heat pump system was proposed and a mathematical model was established in this paper. The accuracy of the model is verified by the experimental data, with the relative error within ±15%. The effects of the number of solar photovoltaic/thermal (PV/T) collectors (area), environmental parameters, and refrigerant flow rate on system performance are discussed separately for different models by the validated model. The results show that (1) PV/T-water source heat pump mode: the number of PV/T collectors in parallel (area) increases to 3 (3.84 m2), and the system performance improves the most, subsequently weakening; (2) PV/T-water and air composite heat pump model: When the refrigerant distribution ratio in the double-pipe heat exchanger 1 is increased from 55% to 95%, the collector's heat collecting capacity, power generation efficiency, and system coefficient of performance (COP) increase by 8.99%, 1.22%, and 6.4%, respectively. Moreover, the increase in solar irradiance can promote more refrigerant flow into the double-pipe heat exchanger 1 and improve heat pump COP more than the effect of increased ambient temperature. The research results can provide an effective reference for further optimization of solar heat pump systems and full utilization of renewable energy.
DRVN (deep random vortex network): A new physics-informed machine learning method for simulating and inferring incompressible fluid flows
Authors: Zhang Rui , Hu Peiyan , Meng Qi , Wang Yue , Zhu Rongchan , Chen Bingguang , Ma Zhi-Ming , Liu Tie-Yan
Published: September 2022

We present the deep random vortex network (DRVN), a novel physics-informed framework for simulating and inferring the fluid dynamics governed by the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. Unlike the existing physics-informed neural network (PINN), which embeds physical and geometry information through the residual of equations and boundary data, DRVN automatically embeds this information into neural networks through neural random vortex dynamics equivalent to the Navier–Stokes equation. Specifically, the neural random vortex dynamics motivates a Monte Carlo-based loss function for training neural networks, which avoids the calculation of derivatives through auto-differentiation. Therefore, DRVN can efficiently solve Navier–Stokes equations with non-differentiable initial conditions and fractional operators. Furthermore, DRVN naturally embeds the boundary conditions into the kernel function of the neural random vortex dynamics and, thus, does not need additional data to obtain boundary information. We conduct experiments on forward and inverse problems with incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The proposed method achieves accurate results when simulating and when inferring Navier–Stokes equations. For situations that include singular initial conditions and agnostic boundary data, DRVN significantly outperforms the existing PINN method. Furthermore, compared with the conventional adjoint method when solving inverse problems, DRVN achieves a 2 orders of magnitude improvement for the training time with significantly precise estimates.
Surface gravity waves in the presence of vertically shearing current and eddy viscosity
Authors: Klein O. , Heifetz E. , Toledo Y.
Published: September 2022

Conventional models of surface gravity waves usually use potential theory in their calculations where the governing equations are the inviscid Euler equations. Nevertheless, turbulence may play a significant role for short waves or highly energetic sea or river conditions and, therefore, must be taken into account in the flow's formulation. This work extends the model of linear monochromatic waves in the presence of vertically shearing currents to account for turbulence in the form of eddy viscosity varying in depth. The boundary value problem is found to be governed by an augmented Orr–Sommerfeld(–Squire) equation(s) in two-(three-)dimensional with additional terms of viscosity derivatives. The free-surface conditions are extended to account for shearing currents with turbulent viscosity and external stress for the air layer. This provides a fundamental model for investigating the influence of the turbulent viscosity on the oscillatory wave flow. Examples of semi-analytical and numerical solutions show a fundamentally different dynamical behavior with respect to the known non-viscous solutions. These differences include two regimes in the dispersion relation with non-dispersive short waves and dispersive longer waves with a reduced celerity. They also include tilted stream function contours (i.e., a phase which is a function of depth), much deeper penetration depth, and more. These preliminary results show that turbulence potentially has great importance in wave generation mechanisms as well as in highly turbulent regions such as under strong storms or cyclones.
Perturbative theoretical model of electronic transient circular dichroism spectroscopy of molecular aggregates
Authors: Arpin Paul C. , Turner Daniel B.
Published: September 2022

A chiral analog of transient absorption spectroscopy, transient circular dichroism (TCD) spectroscopy is an emerging time-resolved method. Both spectroscopic methods can probe the electronic transitions of a sample, and TCD is additionally sensitive to the dynamic aspects of chirality, such as those induced by molecular excitons. Here, we develop a theoretical description of TCD for electronic multi-level models in which the pump pulse is linearly polarized and probe pulse is alternately left- and right-circularly polarized. We derive effective response functions analogous to those often used to describe other four-wave mixing methods and then simulate and analyze TCD spectra for three representative multi-level electronic model systems. We elaborate on the presence and detection of the spectral signatures of electronic coherences.
“Feel sorry for Miss translator!!!”
Authors: Yang Yuhong
Published: September 2022

This article approaches user reception of interpreting events by investigating video users’ parasocial interactions about a specific interpreter on the danmu interface. The video of Chinese athlete Sun Yang’s public hearing (facilitated by an ad hoc interpreter) hosted on the Chinese video-sharing site, Bilibili, was chosen as a case study. Proceeding from an adapted parasocial interaction framework that features nine underlying parasocial processes, this study categorizes and analyses users’ danmu comments directed at the interpreter, mainly qualitatively but also quantitatively. It also examines them as manifestations or verbalizations of their parasocial interactions with the interpreter on screen in cognitive and affective dimensions. The findings show users’ noticeable preference for engaging in evaluation- and comprehension-oriented interactions and expressing their sympathy and empathy towards the interpreter. The findings also show that the parasocial interaction framework usefully accommodates a plethora of user reactions to the interpreter and their performance and offers a way of investigating relevant utterances systematically in a seemingly chaotic danmu space.
Ag-decorated ZnO-based nanocomposites for visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation: basic understanding and outlook
Authors: Zhang Qiuping , Li Jing , Xu Ming
Published: September 2022

Heterogeneous photocatalytic processes have exhibited tremendous potential in the field of solar energy and environmental remediation. Next to TiO2, ZnO has been widely used as a promising photocatalyst material in recent years. However, several noticeable drawbacks make it less effective, such as poor solar-light harvesting and rapid recombination of photo-excited charge carriers. To overcome these drawbacks, the decoration of noble metal nanoparticles on ZnO surfaces is a feasible strategy due to its localized surface plasmon resonance absorption, which aggrandizes the visible absorption of ZnO. In addition, the formation of the Schottky barrier at the metal-semiconductor interface can effectively separate photo-induced charge carriers. Among theses noble metals, due to the high conductivity, antimicrobial activity, mechanical thermal strength, and electrical double layer capacitance of silver (Ag), Ag-decorated ZnO (ZnO/Ag) nano-photocatalysts have exhibited remarkable photocatalytic efficiency and high cost performance for the degradation of organic pollutants, endowing them with growing potential in applications. In this review, we focus on the recent advancements (including the fundamental degradation mechanisms, synthesis methods, corresponding applications, and optimized strategies ) in ZnO/Ag-based photocatalysts for visible light-driven photocatalytic degradation, and conclude with a perspective on the future direction and prospects for these types of nanocomposite photocatalysts.
Frenkel pair formation energy for cubic Fe3O4 in DFT + U calculations
Authors: Shutikova M I , Stegailov V V
Published: September 2022

The cubic phase of magnetite is stabilized above the Verwey transition temperature of about 120 K via a complex electron–phonon interaction that is still not very well understood. In this work using the DFT + U method we describe our attempt to calculate point defect formation energies for this cubic phase in the static approximation. The electronic structure calculations and atomic relaxation peculiarities are discussed in this context. Only the cubic phase model with a small band gap and charge disproportionation (Fe2+/Fe3+) gives an adequate point defect formation energies, not the semi-metallic model. The relaxation of the local defect atomic structure and the relaxation of the surrounding crystal matrix are analyzed. Point defects cause only local perturbations of atomic positions and charge-orbital order. After analysis of the supercell size effects for up to 448 atoms, we justify the use of small supercells with 56 atoms to make calculations for the cubic phase. The extensive experimental results of Dieckmann et al on defects in magnetite at high temperature are deployed for comparison of our DFT + U results on Frenkel pair formation energies.
The federated tumor segmentation (FeTS) tool: an open-source solution to further solid tumor research
Authors: Pati Sarthak , Baid Ujjwal , Edwards Brandon , Sheller Micah J , Foley Patrick , Anthony Reina G , Thakur Siddhesh , Sako Chiharu , Bilello Michel , Davatzikos Christos , Martin Jason , Shah Prashant , Menze Bjoern , Bakas Spyridon
Published: September 2022

Objective.De-centralized data analysis becomes an increasingly preferred option in the healthcare domain, as it alleviates the need for sharing primary patient data across collaborating institutions. This highlights the need for consistent harmonized data curation, pre-processing, and identification of regions of interest based on uniform criteria.Approach.Towards this end, this manuscript describes theFederatedTumorSegmentation (FeTS) tool, in terms of software architecture and functionality.Main results.The primary aim of the FeTS tool is to facilitate this harmonized processing and the generation of gold standard reference labels for tumor sub-compartments on brain magnetic resonance imaging, and further enable federated training of a tumor sub-compartment delineation model across numerous sites distributed across the globe, without the need to share patient data.Significance.Building upon existing open-source tools such as the Insight Toolkit and Qt, the FeTS tool is designed to enable training deep learning models targeting tumor delineation in either centralized or federated settings. The target audience of the FeTS tool is primarily the computational researcher interested in developing federated learning models, and interested in joining a global federation towards this effort. The tool is open sourced athttps://github.com/FETS-AI/Front-End.
ProTheRaMon—a GATE simulation framework for proton therapy range monitoring using PET imaging
Authors: Borys Damian , Baran Jakub , Brzeziński Karol , Gajewski Jan , Chug Neha , Coussat Aurelien , Czerwiński Eryk , Dadgar Meysam , Dulski Kamil , Eliyan Kavya V , Gajos Aleksander , Kacprzak Krzysztof , Kapłon Łukasz , Klimaszewski Konrad , Konieczka Paweł , Kopeć Renata , Korcyl Grzegorz , Kozik Tomasz , Krzemień Wojciech , Kumar Deepak , Lomax Antony J , McNamara Keegan , Niedźwiecki Szymon , Olko Paweł , Panek Dominik , Parzych Szymon , Perez del Rio Elena , Raczyński Lech , Sharma Sushil , Shivani  , Shopa Roman Y , Skóra Tomasz , Skurzok Magdalena , Stasica Paulina , Stępień Ewa Ł , Tayefi Keyvan , Tayefi Faranak , Weber Damien C , Winterhalter Carla , Wiślicki Wojciech , Moskal Paweł , Rucinski Antoni
Published: September 2022

Objective.This paper reports on the implementation and shows examples of the use of theProTheRaMonframework for simulating the delivery of proton therapy treatment plans and range monitoring using positron emission tomography (PET).ProTheRaMonoffers complete processing of proton therapy treatment plans, patient CT geometries, and intra-treatment PET imaging, taking into account therapy and imaging coordinate systems and activity decay during the PET imaging protocol specific to a given proton therapy facility. We present theProTheRaMonframework and illustrate its potential use case and data processing steps for a patient treated at the Cyclotron Centre Bronowice (CCB) proton therapy center in Krakow, Poland.Approach.TheProTheRaMonframework is based on GATE Monte Carlo software, theCASToRreconstruction package and in-house developed Python and bash scripts. The framework consists of five separated simulation and data processing steps, that can be further optimized according to the user’s needs and specific settings of a given proton therapy facility and PET scanner design.Main results.ProTheRaMonis presented using example data from a patient treated at CCB and the J-PET scanner to demonstrate the application of the framework for proton therapy range monitoring. The output of each simulation and data processing stage is described and visualized.Significance.We demonstrate that theProTheRaMonsimulation platform is a high-performance tool, capable of running on a computational cluster and suitable for multi-parameter studies, with databases consisting of large number of patients, as well as different PET scanner geometries and settings for range monitoring in a clinical environment. Due to its modular structure, theProTheRaMonframework can be adjusted for different proton therapy centers and/or different PET detector geometries. It is available to the community via github (Boryset al2022).
A novel deep learning package for electrocardiography research
Authors: Wen Hao , Kang Jingsu
Published: September 2022

Objective. In recent years, deep learning has blossomed in the field of electrocardiography (ECG) processing, outperforming traditional signal processing methods in a number of typical tasks; for example, classification, QRS detection and wave delineation. Although many neural architectures have been proposed in the literature, there is a lack of systematic studies and open-source libraries for ECG deep learning. Approach. In this paper, we propose a deep learning package, named torch_ecg, which assembles a large number of neural networks, from existing and novel literature, for various ECG processing tasks. The models are designed to be able to be automatically built from configuration files that contain a large set of configurable hyperparameters, making it convenient to scale the networks and perform neural architecture searching. torch_ecg has well-organized data processing modules, which contain utilities for data downloading, visualization, preprocessing and augmentation. To make the whole system more user-friendly, a series of helper modules are implemented, including model trainers, metric computation and loggers. Main results. torch_ecg establishes a convenient and modular way for automatic building and flexible scaling of networks, as well as a neat and uniform way of organizing the preprocessing procedures and augmentation techniques for preparing the input data for the models. In addition, torch_ecg provides benchmark studies using the latest databases, illustrating the principles and pipelines for solving ECG processing tasks and reproducing results from the literature. Significance. torch_ecg offers the ECG research community a powerful tool for meeting the growing demand for the application of deep learning techniques. The code is available at https://github.com/DeepPSP/torch_ecg.
Effect of Alkaline earth oxides on the ionic conductivity of Boro-Tellurite glasses for solid state ion batteries
Authors: Srinivas B , Narasimha Chary M , Shareefuddin Md
Published: September 2022

The complex impedance spectroscopy studies (electrical impedance, a.c. conductivity, dielectric constant, loss tangent) of the boro-tellurite glasses were measured as a function of the alkaline earth oxide content at broad range of frequencies and temperatures. Three series of boro-tellurite glasses containing BaO/SrO viz. BaO-TeO2-TiO2-B2O3 (BTTB), BaO-TeO2-B2O3 (BTB) and SrO-TeO2-TiO2-B2O3 (STTB) were prepared by the melt quenching method. The prepared glasses were characterized by XRD, DSC, density, FTIR and complex impedance spectroscopy experimental techniques. The XRD spectra exhibited no characteristic sharp peaks indicating the amorphous nature of the prepared glass samples. The glass transition temperature (Tg) values were evaluated from the DSC thermograms. The density values were found to increase with BaO content while they decreased with SrO content. This variation was attributed to the different density values of BaO and SrO. FTIR spectra revelated the presence of different structural units like BO3 and BO4. Impedance studies demonstrated that the replacement of TeO2 by the BaO content enhanced the ionic conductivity. The impedance plots of BTTB, BTB and STTB glasses exhibited nearlys semicircles. The bulk resistance (Rb) was calculated from the impedance plots. It was observed that the Rb values decrease with increasing BaO in BTTB and BTB glasses, while it increased with SrO in STTB glasses which may be attributed to the variation of mobile charge carriers. The Rb values vary as BTB > BTTB > STTB. The capacitance calculated from the impedance plots increased with increasing BaO mol% and decreasing SrO mol%. The capacitance also increased with increasing temperature. The power law exponent (k) values decrease with increasing temperature. Therefore, the ac conduction mechanism may follow correlated barrier hopping model. The real part of dielectric constant

ε
′

has high values at low frequencies, which decreased rapidly with surge of frequency. At high frequencies the contribution of charge accumulation is minimum resulting in constant

ε
′
.
Investigating S-wave bound states composed of two pseudoscalar mesons*
Authors: Li Zi-Long , Tan Xing-Yue , Zhang Zhu-Feng , Wang Zhen-Yang , Guo Xin-Heng
Published: September 2022

In this study, we systematically investigated two-pseudoscalar meson systems with the Bethe-Salpeter equation in the ladder and instantaneous approximations. By solving the Bethe-Salpeter equation numerically with the kernel containing the one-particle exchange diagrams, we found that the

,

,

,

,

,

,

,

, and

systems with

can exist as bound states. We also studied the contributions from heavy meson (

and

) exchanges and found that the contributions from heavy meson exchanges cannot be ignored.
Simultaneous Detection of Flare-related Decaying and Decayless Kink Oscillations Using Jerk-aware Motion Magnification
Authors: Guo Xiaowei , Liang Bo , Feng Song , Dai Wei , Yang Yunfei
Published: September 2022

Kink oscillations of coronal loops are often influenced by external events and this results in various changes of the oscillations. Studying the changes can provide valuable information for understanding kink oscillations. Our observation focuses on a flare region acquired by the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly on the Solar Dynamics Observatory spacecraft on 2016 March 23. There are a bunch of arched loops and an open loop near the region. However, their oscillations show very low amplitudes. So we used the jerk-aware motion method to magnify the weak oscillations. We found that before the flare onset at 02:59 UT, there were some large loops above the arched loops being raised rapidly. The properties of the weak oscillations show clear changes. On the one hand, the oscillations in the arched loops were decayless initially, but both their amplitude and period increased after 02:30 UT and before the flare onset. Once enhanced, the oscillations decayed with time. On the other hand, the oscillations in the open loop were nearly constant before and after 02:30 UT, but their period increased. This means that the changes in periods and amplitudes of oscillations are likely associated with the loops raised before the flare.
Large unsaturated magnetoresistance of 2D magnetic semiconductor Fe-SnS2 homojunction
Authors: Fang Jingzhi , Song Huading , Li Bo , Zhou Ziqi , Yang Juehan , Lin Benchuan , Liao Zhimin , Wei Zhongming
Published: September 2022

A magnetic semiconductor whose electronic charge and spin can be regulated together will be an important component of future spintronic devices. Here, we construct a two-dimensional (2D) Fe doped SnS2 (Fe-SnS2) homogeneous junction and investigate its electromagnetic transport feature. The Fe-SnS2 homojunction device showed large positive and unsaturated magnetoresistance (MR) of 1800% in the parallel magnetic field and 600% in the vertical magnetic field, indicating an obvious anisotropic MR feature. In contrast, The MR of Fe-SnS2 homojunction is much larger than the pure diamagnetic SnS2 and most 2D materials. The application of a gate voltage can regulate the MR effect of Fe-SnS2 homojunction devices. Moreover, the stability of Fe-SnS2 in air has great application potential. Our Fe-SnS2 homojunction has a significant potential in future magnetic memory applications.
Analyzing the critical locations in response of constructed and planned dams on the Mekong River Basin for environmental integrity
Authors: Gao Yuan , Sarker Shiblu , Sarker Tanni , Leta Olkeba Tolessa
Published: September 2022

Massive hydropower dams in the Mekong river basin (MRB) have triggered substantial debate and international attention due to its utmost importance on maintaining ecology and biodiversity. Although numerous studies have been conducted to assess the consequences of existing and proposed dams, the combined effects of dams on biodiversity and ecosystems have received limited attention. In this study, we focused on the dam’s locations and suitability on the overall Mekong River Network in order to comprehend the environmental and ecological integrity of the MRB as a whole. Overall, we identified harmful dams on their associated sub-basins based on the notion of connectivity. The vulnerability of ecosystems and biodiversity in the MRB is well recognized, and our findings generally provide additional theoretical support for their protection.
Preprint Highlight: Clonal Development, Not Aggregation, Drives the Transition to Multicellularity in an Isogenic Model System
Authors: Dudin Omaya
Published: September 2022

Multicellular groups can arise either by clonal development (cells stay together following cell division) or by aggregation (single cells come together). For decades it has been assumed that clonal development facilitates evolution of multicellularity; however, this hypothesis has never been directly tested. Here budding yeast populations that can form either clonal (snowflake yeast, ace2Δ) or aggregative ( flo1Δ) multicellular groups were allowed to evolve for hundreds of generations. Genomic analyses and mathematical modeling show that clonal development drives the transition to multicellularity more efficiently than aggregation. This study experimentally establishes for the first time how and why clonal development is the widespread strategy for the evolution of complex multicellular organisms and sets a robust framework for understanding multicellular evolution.
Exciting insights into tumour-associated epilepsy with electrophysiological and optical recording
Authors: French Chris R
Published: September 2022

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Single unit analysis and wide-field imaging reveal alterations in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in glioma’ by Gill et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/brain/awac168).
Cognitive and behavioural but not motor impairment increases brain age in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Hermann Andreas , Tarakdjian Gaël Nils , Temp Anna Gesine Marie , Kasper Elisabeth , Machts Judith , Kaufmann Jörn , Vielhaber Stefan , Prudlo Johannes , Cole James H , Teipel Stefan , Dyrba Martin
Published: September 2022

Age is the most important single risk factor of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuroimaging together with machine-learning algorithms allows estimating individuals’ brain age. Deviations from normal brain-ageing trajectories (so called predicted brain age difference) were reported for a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. While all of them showed increased predicted brain-age difference, there is surprisingly few data yet on it in motor neurodegenerative diseases. In this observational study, we made use of previously trained algorithms of 3377 healthy individuals and derived predicted brain age differences from volumetric MRI scans of 112 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients and 70 healthy controls. We correlated predicted brain age difference scores with voxel-based morphometry data and multiple different motoric disease characteristics as well as cognitive/behavioural changes categorized according to Strong and Rascovsky. Against our primary hypothesis, there was no higher predicted brain-age difference in the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients as a group. None of the motoric phenotypes/characteristics influenced predicted brain-age difference. However, cognitive/behavioural impairment led to significantly increased predicted brain-age difference, while slowly progressive as well as cognitive/behavioural normal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients had even younger brain ages than healthy controls. Of note, the cognitive/behavioural normal amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients were identified to have increased cerebellar brain volume as potential resilience factor. Younger brain age was associated with longer survival. Our results raise the question whether younger brain age in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis with only motor impairment provides a cerebral reserve against cognitive and/or behavioural impairment and faster disease progression. This new conclusion needs to be tested in subsequent samples. In addition, it will be interesting to test whether a potential effect of cerebral reserve is specific for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or can also be found in other neurodegenerative diseases with primary motor impairment.
Motor inhibition and its contribution to recovery of dexterous hand use after stroke
Authors: Plantin Jeanette , Godbolt Alison K , Pennati Gaia V , Laurencikas Evaldas , Fransson Peter , Baron Jean Claude , Maier Marc A , Borg Jörgen , Lindberg Påvel G
Published: September 2022

Recovery of dexterous hand use is critical for functional outcome after stroke. Grip force recordings can inform on maximal motor output and modulatory and inhibitory cerebral functions, but how these actually contribute to recovery of dexterous hand use is unclear. This cohort study used serially assessed measures of hand kinetics to test the hypothesis that behavioural measures of motor modulation and inhibition explain dexterity recovery beyond that explained by measures of motor output alone. We also investigated the structural and functional connectivity correlates of grip force control recovery.

Eighty-nine adults (median age = 54 years, 26% females) with first-ever ischaemic or haemorrhagic stroke and persistent arm and hand paresis were assessed longitudinally, at 3 weeks, and at 3 and 6 months after stroke. Kinetic measures included: maximal grip force, accuracy of precision and power grip force control, and ability to release force abruptly. Dexterous hand use was assessed clinically with the Box and Block Test and motor impairment with the upper extremity Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Structural and functional MRI was used to assess weighted corticospinal tract lesion load, voxel-based lesion symptom mapping and interhemispheric resting-state functional connectivity.

Fifty-three per cent of patients had severe initial motor impairment and a majority still had residual force control impairments at 6 months. Force release at 3 weeks explained 11% additional variance of Box and Block Test outcome at 6 months, above that explained by initial scores (67%). Other kinetic measures did not explain additional variance of recovery. The predictive value of force release remained significant when controlling for corticospinal tract lesion load and clinical measures. Corticospinal tract lesion load correlated with recovery in grip force control measures. Lesions involving the parietal operculum, insular cortex, putamen and fronto-striatal tracts were also related to poorer force modulation and release. Lesions to fronto-striatal tracts explained an additional 5% of variance in force release beyond the 43% explained by corticospinal injury alone. Interhemispheric functional connectivity did not relate to force control recovery.

We conclude that not only voluntary force generation but also force release (reflecting motor inhibition) are important for recovery of dexterous hand use after stroke. Although corticospinal injury is a main determinant of recovery, lesions to integrative somatosensory areas and fronto-parietal white matter (involved in motor inhibition) explain additional variance in post-stroke force release recovery. Our findings indicate that post-stroke upper limb motor impairment profiling, which is essential for targeted treatment, should consider both voluntary grasp generation and inhibition.