bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction of a prognostic model for non-small-cell lung cancer based on ferroptosis-related genes
Authors: Han Ke , Wang Jukun , Qian Kun , Zhao Teng , Liu Xingsheng , Zhang Yi
Published: May 2021

We wished to construct a prognostic model based on ferroptosis-related genes and to simultaneously evaluate the performance of the prognostic model and analyze differences between high-risk and low-risk groups at all levels. The gene-expression profiles and relevant clinical data of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) were downloaded from public databases. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by analyzing differences between cancer tissues and paracancerous tissues, and common genes between DEGs and ferroptosis-related genes were identified as candidate ferroptosis-related genes. Next, a risk-score model was constructed using univariate Cox analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) analysis. According to the median risk score, samples were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups, and a series of bioinformatics analyses were conducted to verify the predictive ability of the model. Single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) was used to investigate differences in immune status between high-risk and low-risk groups, and differences in gene mutations between the two groups were investigated. A risk-score model was constructed based on 21 ferroptosis-related genes. A Kaplan–Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the model had good prediction ability. Univariate and multivariate Cox analyses revealed that ferroptosis-related genes associated with the prognosis may be used as independent prognostic factors for the overall survival time of NSCLC patients. The pathways enriched with DEGs in low-risk and high-risk groups were analyzed, and the enriched pathways were correlated significantly with immunosuppressive status.
The Relation Between a Systematic Analysis of Spelling and Orthographic and Phonological Awareness Skills in First-Grade Children
Authors: Henbest Victoria S. , Apel Kenn
Published: May 2021

Purpose

As an initial step in determining whether a spelling error analysis might be useful in measuring children's linguistic knowledge, the relation between the frequency of types of scores from a spelling error analysis and children's performance on measures of phonological and orthographic pattern awareness was examined.

Method

The spellings of first-grade children with typical spoken language skills were scored using the
Spelling Sensitivity System
(Masterson & Apel, 2010a); words were parsed into elements based on phonemes and then assigned a score based on the linguistic skills represented in the spelling. The children also completed more traditional measures of phonological and orthographic knowledge: an elision task and an orthographic pattern awareness task.

Results

There was a moderate negative correlation between number of elements omitted in the children's spellings (e.g., the child did not represent a phoneme with a letter[s] and performance on the phonological awareness task). There also was a moderate negative correlation between frequency of orthographically based spelling errors (e.g., spelling an element with a letter[s] that could never represent that sound in English) and performance on the orthographic pattern and phonological awareness measures.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that specific types of scores on the spelling error analysis provided information about the children's phonological awareness and orthographic knowledge. They also support continued investigations on the use of a systematic spelling error analysis for measuring phonological awareness and orthographic knowledge and highlight the potential utility of the analysis procedure in the educational setting.
An improved multiple manoeuver management protocol for platoon mobility in vehicular ad hoc networks
Authors: Fida Nigar Anjum , Ahmad Naveed , Cao Yue , Jan Mian Ahmad , Ali Gauhar
Published: May 2021

Techniques in vehicular ad‐hoc networks have been utilised to reduce challenging issues such as pollution, accidents and traffic jams. The platoon management system (PMS) has shown promising results to solve the aforementioned problems. In PMS, vehicles in a platoon‐based driving network execute several manoeuvers, e.g. platoon formation, joining, leaving and disruption of platoons. However, existing solutions could not well perform in real time scenario, e.g. handling multiple manoeuvers simultaneously, and fail to provide accurate observation to handle all the possible scenarios of platoon manoeuvers. In this article, an improved multiple manoeuver management protocol (IMMP) is proposed for platoon mobility management. IMMP manages multiple joining and leaving manoeuvers simultaneously, via vehicle‐to‐infrastructure and vehicle‐to‐vehicle communications. The performance of IMMP is highlighted by the developed real time simulation tool. Also, the logical flow of IMMP has been presented, by verifying various systems design properties using PROMELA and SPIN validation tool. Simulation results and analysis validate the behaviour of joining and leaving procedures, without infringing the safety of the whole system. This study shows the efficiency of IMMP that works successfully within acceptable manoeuvers duration time.
Star-planet interactions
Authors: Rao Suvrat , Pezzotti Camilla , Meynet Georges , Eggenberger Patrick , Buldgen Gaël , Mordasini Christoph , Bourrier Vincent , Ekström Sylvia , Georgy Cyril
Published: May 2021

Context. Tidal interactions and planetary evaporation processes impact the evolution of close-in star–planet systems.

Aims. We study the impact of stellar rotation on these processes.

Methods. We compute the time evolution of star–planet systems consisting of a planet with an initial mass between 0.02 and 2.5 MJup (6 and 800 MEarth) in a quasi-circular orbit with an initial orbital distance between 0.01 and 0.10 au, around a solar-type star evolving from the pre-main-sequence (PMS) phase until the end of the main-sequence phase. We account for the evolution of: the stellar structure, the stellar angular momentum due to tides and magnetic braking, the tidal interactions (equilibrium and dynamical tides in stellar convective zones), the mass evaporation of the planet, and the secular evolution of the planetary orbit. We consider that at the beginning of the evolution, the proto-planetary disk has fully dissipated and planet formation is complete.

Results. We find that both a rapid initial stellar rotation and a more efficient angular momentum transport inside the star, in general, contribute to the enlargement of the domain that is devoid of planets after the PMS phase, in the plane of planet mass versus orbital distance. Comparisons with the observed distribution of exoplanets orbiting solar mass stars, in the plane of planet mass versus orbital distance (addressing the “Neptunian desert” feature), show an encouraging agreement with the present simulations, especially since no attempts have been made to fine-tune the initial parameters of the models to fit the observations. We also obtain an upper limit for the orbital period of bare-core planets that agrees with observations of the “radius valley” feature in the plane of planetary radius versus the orbital period.

Conclusions. The two effects, namely, tides and planetary evaporation, should be accounted for simultaneously and in a consistent way, with a detailed model for the evolution of the star.
Herschel observations of extraordinary sources: full Herschel/HIFI molecular line survey of Sagittarius B2(M)
Authors: Möller T. , Schilke P. , Schmiedeke A. , Bergin E. A. , Lis D. C. , Sánchez-Monge Á. , Schwörer A. , Comito C.
Published: May 2021

Context. We present a full analysis of a broadband spectral line survey of Sagittarius B2 (Main), one of the most chemically rich regions in the Galaxy located within the giant molecular cloud complex Sgr B2 in the central molecular zone.

Aims. Our goal is to derive the molecular abundances and temperatures of the high-mass star-forming region Sgr B2(M) and thus its physical and astrochemical conditions.

Methods. Sgr B2(M) was observed using the Heterodyne Instrument for the Far-Infrared (HIFI) on board the Herschel Space Observatory in a spectral line survey from 480 to 1907 GHz at a spectral resolution of 1.1 MHz, which provides one of the largest spectral coverages ever obtained toward this high-mass star-forming region in the submillimeter with high spectral resolution and includes frequencies >1 THz that are unobservable from the ground. We modeled the molecular emission from the submillimeter to the far-infrared using the XCLASS program, which assumes local thermodynamic equilibrium. For each molecule, a quantitative description was determined taking all emission and absorption features of that species across the entire spectral range into account. Because of the wide frequency coverage, our models are constrained by transitions over an unprecedented range in excitation energy. Additionally, we derived velocity resolved ortho/para ratios for those molecules for which ortho and para resolved molecular parameters are available. Finally, the temperature and velocity distributions are analyzed and the derived abundances are compared with those obtained for Sgr B2(N) from a similar HIFI survey.

Results. A total of 92 isotopologues were identified, arising from 49 different molecules, ranging from free ions to complex organic compounds and originating from a variety of environments from the cold envelope to hot and dense gas within the cores. Sulfur dioxide, methanol, and water are the dominant contributors. Vibrationally excited HCN (v2 = 1) and HNC (v2 = 1) are detected as well. For the ortho/para ratios, we find deviations from the high temperature values between 37 and 180%. In total 14% of all lines remain unidentified.

Conclusions. Compared to Sgr B2(N), we found less complex molecules such as CH3OCH3, CH3NH2, or NH2CHO, but more simple molecules such as CN, CCH, SO, and SO2. However some sulfur bearing molecules such as H2CS, CS, NS, and OCS are more abundant in N than in M. The derived molecular abundances can be used for comparison to other sources and for providing further constraints for astrochemical models.
Tendinopathien: Anatomie und Pathogenese
Authors: Peuker Elmar T.
Published: May 2021

Schmerzhafte Störungen der Sehnenfunktion sind häufige Behandlungsanlässe in der Praxis, wobei der Begriff der Tendinopathie für ein breites Spektrum von akuten oder chronischen schmerzhaften Störungen der Sehnenfunktion und -integrität verwendet wird. Die größte Gefahr von Tendinopathien ist die Sehnenruptur. Dieser steht der besondere Aufbau der Sehnen mit zellulären und extrazellulären Bestandteilen in spezifischer Anordnung entgegen. Bei den Tendinopathien kommt es durch verschiedene Pathomechanismen zu schmerzhaften Funktionsstörungen und strukturellen Veränderungen, die in einen Verlust der Gewebeintegrität einmünden können. Die Kenntnis der Anatomie und der Pathomechanismen ist für das Verständnis des Krankheitsverlaufs ebenso essenziell wie für die Einschätzung von Nutzen und Risiken der Therapiemöglichkeiten.
Cancer-Related Venous Thromboembolism: From Pathogenesis to Risk Assessment
Authors: Costa José , Araújo António
Published: May 2021

Cancer-related venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains a major health problem, accounting for at least 18% of all cases of VTE. Cancer patients with VTE have worse prognosis than those without VTE. Prophylaxis reduces VTE risk, but it is not feasible for all outpatients with cancer due to an increased bleeding risk. The factors involved in the pathogenesis of cancer-related VTE are direct coagulation activation, platelet activation, induction of inflammatory responses, and inhibition of fibrinolysis. Direct coagulation activation can be due to cancer procoagulant (a cysteine protease), microvesicles, or other prothrombotic abnormalities. Risk factors for developing VTE in cancer patients can be divided into four groups: tumor-related risk factors, patient-related risk factors, treatment-related risk factors, and biomarkers. Cancers of the pancreas, kidney, ovary, lung, and stomach have the highest rates of VTE. Patient-related risk factors such as age, obesity, or the presence of medical comorbidities can contribute to VTE. Platinum-based chemotherapies and antiangiogenesis treatments have also been associated with VTE. Biomarkers identified as risk factors include high platelet count, high leukocyte count, P-selectin, prothrombin fragments, D-dimer, and C-reactive protein. Based on the known risk factors, risk assessment models were developed to stratify patients who would benefit from thromboprophylaxis. The Khorana model was the first and is still the most widely used model. Because of its low sensitivity for certain tumor types, four new models have been developed in recent years. In this review, we describe the current knowledge about the pathogenesis and risk factors for cancer-related VTE, hoping to contribute to further research on the still many obscure aspects of this topic.
Magnetic Resonance Neurography for Evaluation of Peripheral Nerves
Authors: Ku Vanessa , Cox Cameron , Mikeska Andrew , MacKay Brendan
Published: May 2021

Peripheral nerve injuries (PNIs) continue to present both diagnostic and treatment challenges. While nerve transections are typically a straightforward diagnosis, other types of PNIs, such as chronic or traumatic nerve compression, may be more difficult to evaluate due to their varied presentation and limitations of current diagnostic tools. As a result, diagnosis may be delayed, and these patients may go on to develop progressive symptoms, impeding normal activity. In the past, PNIs were diagnosed by history and clinical examination alone or techniques that raised concerns regarding accuracy, invasiveness, or operator dependency. Magnetic resonance neurography (MRN) has been increasingly utilized in clinical settings due to its ability to visualize complex nerve structures along their entire pathway and distinguish nerves from surrounding vasculature and tissue in a noninvasive manner. In this review, we discuss the clinical applications of MRN in the diagnosis, as well as pre- and postsurgical assessments of patients with peripheral neuropathies.
Toxicities and Recurrences after Co-60 High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy for Cervical Cancer in a Tertiary Government Hospital in the Philippines
Authors: Cereno Reno Eufemon , Yap Bernadette , Chavez Lorelei , Germar Maria Julieta , Eala Michelle Ann B. , Fragante Edilberto Joaquin
Published: May 2021

Introduction Despite the rising popularity of high-dose-rate (HDR) brachytherapy and use of Co-60 in the country, local data on brachytherapy outcomes are lacking. The study reviewed the incidence of toxicities and recurrences in patients with cervical cancer treated with Co-60 intracavitary HDR brachytherapy in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines.

Methods Records of patients with cervical cancer who completed external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) and brachytherapy from 2016 to 2018 were reviewed. Patient-related (age, smoking history, body mass index, histology, stage, mass size) and treatment-related (overall treatment time [OTT], EBRT machine used, brachytherapy fractionation, dose prior to midline shielding/central tumor dose [CTD]) parameters were analyzed for possible associations with the incidence of toxicities and recurrences.

Results One hundred and sixty-three patients were identified and reviewed for baseline characteristics. Patients who had inadequate follow-up (<90 days) were excluded in the analysis of outcomes. Among the remaining 132 patients, median follow-up duration was 389 days. Gastrointestinal (GI) and genitourinary (GU) toxicities were present in 19.7% (n = 26) and 1.5% (n = 2), respectively. Recurrence was noted in 31.8% (n = 42). The most commonly involved sites of locoregional and distant recurrence was the uterocervix (n = 16, 59.3%) and para-aortics (n = 42, 31.8%), respectively. CTD was significantly associated with toxicities (p = 0.03), while OTT was borderline significantly associated with recurrence (p = 0.06).

Conclusion We present outcomes of GI and GU toxicities, and locoregional and distant recurrences after chemoradiation and Co-60 HDR brachytherapy in a tertiary government hospital in the Philippines. Our study suggests that CTD was significantly associated with incidence of toxicities, while OTT was weakly associated with recurrence. Interventions should be made to control these factors, especially in high-volume, low-resource cancer centers.
Shelf Osteotomy for Madelung’s Deformity in Adults: A Novel Technique
Authors: de Oliveira Ricardo Kaempf , Brunelli João P. F. , Aita Márcio , Delgado Pedro J. , Soldado Francisco
Published: May 2021

Background Madelung's deformity (MD) comprises increased volar and ulnar tilt of the distal radius joint facet, secondary to an idiopathic physeal dysplasia. Such change causes radial shortening and a consequent distal ulnar prominence, along with wrist pain and loss of motion. Classic surgical techniques are problematic for adults, as they are specific for children and adolescents whose distal radial physis is still open.

Description of Technique It is suggested a new treatment method for MD in skeletally mature patients: a distal radius osteotomy and joint realignment are performed through a volar approach to increase the support area of the lunate bone. The rotation and lengthening of the distal epiphysis of the radius generate support and cover to the lunate bone, with improvement of both radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joints.

Patients and Methods We describe the technique in details and report the treatment of a 25-year-old female patient.

Results Early clinical and radiographic outcomes are encouraging for the treatment of symptomatic patients.

Conclusion There is a plethora on the literature about conflicting opinions on the best treatment options and surgical techniques are quite variable, although usually with good results. Besides, the technique here described is indicated during a specific stage of disease presentation, consisting of young adults without any wrist-degenerative changes. Having said that, it is possible to claim that MD treatment with shelf osteotomy is a concept change. Our main goal is to reconstruct the diseased segment and improve wrist stability.
A PtNiGe resistance thermometer for cryogenic applications
Authors: Harris C. Thomas , Lu Tzu-Ming
Published: May 2021

Resistance thermometry is a widely employed technique for general-purpose temperature measurements, with applications ranging from basic thermal physics experiments to industrial use in the automotive, aerospace, and microelectronics industries. Platinum is one of the most commonly used materials for resistance thermometry in microfabricated devices due to its broad range of temperature coverage, ease of fabrication, and compatibility with numerous microfabrication processes. For cryogenic applications below 10 K, transition metal oxynitrides and negative temperature coefficient alloys are the dominant choice owing to their superior temperature sensitivity in this range compared to pure metallic thin films. However, these materials often require arduous process development to optimize their sensitivity and may be constrained by a diminutive thermal budget. In this paper, we present a PtNiGe thermometer that has both the fabrication simplicity and thermal stability traits of a Pt thin film. We characterize this PtNiGe material system for a series of annealing temperatures and analyze its sensitivity and temperature coefficient of resistance. We find that this thermometer maintains a performance similar to Pt thin films at 40 K with a sensitivity just one order of magnitude below that of a high performance, commercial thermometer at 380 mK. This PtNiGe thermometer represents a middle ground between Pt thin films and commercial devices.
CLIFF: A component-based, machine-learned, intermolecular force field
Authors: Schriber Jeffrey B. , Nascimento Daniel R. , Koutsoukas Alexios , Spronk Steven A. , Cheney Daniel L. , Sherrill C. David
Published: May 2021

Computation of intermolecular interactions is a challenge in drug discovery because accurate ab initio techniques are too computationally expensive to be routinely applied to drug–protein models. Classical force fields are more computationally feasible, and force fields designed to match symmetry adapted perturbation theory (SAPT) interaction energies can remain accurate in this context. Unfortunately, the application of such force fields is complicated by the laborious parameterization required for computations on new molecules. Here, we introduce the component-based machine-learned intermolecular force field (CLIFF), which combines accurate, physics-based equations for intermolecular interaction energies with machine-learning models to enable automatic parameterization. The CLIFF uses functional forms corresponding to electrostatic, exchange-repulsion, induction/polarization, and London dispersion components in SAPT. Molecule-independent parameters are fit with respect to SAPT2+(3)δMP2/aug-cc-pVTZ, and molecule-dependent atomic parameters (atomic widths, atomic multipoles, and Hirshfeld ratios) are obtained from machine learning models developed for C, N, O, H, S, F, Cl, and Br. The CLIFF achieves mean absolute errors (MAEs) no worse than 0.70 kcal mol−1 in both total and component energies across a diverse dimer test set. For the side chain–side chain interaction database derived from protein fragments, the CLIFF produces total interaction energies with an MAE of 0.27 kcal mol−1 with respect to reference data, outperforming similar and even more expensive methods. In applications to a set of model drug–protein interactions, the CLIFF is able to accurately rank-order ligand binding strengths and achieves less than 10% error with respect to SAPT reference values for most complexes.
Rapid screening of nanopore candidates in nanoporous single-layer graphene for selective separations using molecular visualization and interatomic potentials
Authors: Bondaz Luc , Chow Chun-Man , Karnik Rohit
Published: May 2021

Nanoporous single-layer graphene is promising as an ideal membrane because of its extreme thinness, chemical resistance, and mechanical strength, provided that selective nanopores are successfully incorporated. However, screening and understanding the transport characteristics of the large number of possible pores in graphene are limited by the high computational requirements of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and the difficulty in experimentally characterizing pores of known structures. MD simulations cannot readily simulate the large number of pores that are encountered in actual membranes to predict transport, and given the huge variety of possible pores, it is hard to narrow down which pores to simulate. Here, we report alternative routes to rapidly screen molecules and nanopores with negligible computational requirement to shortlist selective nanopore candidates. Through the 3D representation and visualization of the pores’ and molecules’ atoms with their van der Waals radii using open-source software, we could identify suitable C-passivated nanopores for both gas- and liquid-phase separation while accounting for the pore and molecule shapes. The method was validated by simulations reported in the literature and was applied to study the mass transport behavior across a given distribution of nanopores. We also designed a second method that accounts for Lennard-Jones and electrostatic interactions between atoms to screen selective non-C-passivated nanopores for gas separations. Overall, these visualization methods can reduce the computational requirements for pore screening and speed up selective pore identification for subsequent detailed MD simulations and guide the experimental design and interpretation of transport measurements in nanoporous atomically thin membranes.
Large-eddy simulation/filtered mass density function of non-premixed and premixed colorless distributed combustion
Authors: Abdulrahman Husam , Validi Abdoulahad , Jaberi Farhad
Published: May 2021

Turbulent mixing and combustion in non-premixed and premixed colorless distributed combustion (CDC) systems are simulated with a hybrid large-eddy simulation/filtered mass density function (LES/FMDF) model. The CDC systems have low (NOx and hydrocarbon) emissions, stable combustion, and low-pressure drop and noise. They are also characterized by distributed combustion as opposed to thin flamelets, seen in ordinary combustion systems. The two parts of hybrid LES/FMDF model, i.e., the Eulerian gas dynamics finite-difference solver and the Lagrangian stochastic FMDF solver are shown to be fully consistent and computationally robust and accurate for both nonreacting and reacting flows. The LES/FMDF results are also shown to be in good agreement with the available experimental data. The numerical results show that the variation in inflow air temperature or the air to fuel jet momentum ratio has a significant effect on the turbulent flow, mixing, and combustion. They also indicate the importance of the flow configuration in the CDC combustors.
Im{χ(3)} spectra of 110-cut GaAs, GaP, and Si near the two-photon absorption band edge
Authors: Furey Brandon J. , Barba-Barba Rodrigo M. , Carriles Ramon , Bernal Alan , Mendoza Bernardo S. , Downer Michael C.
Published: May 2021

Spectra of the degenerate two-photon absorption coefficient β(ω), anisotropy parameter σ(ω), and dichroism parameter δ(ω)=[σ(ω)+2η(ω)]/2 of crystalline 110-cut GaAs, GaP, and Si, at 300 K were measured using femtosecond pump–probe modulation spectroscopy over an excitation range in the vicinity of each material’s half-bandgap Eg/2 (overall 0.62<ℏω<1.91 eV or 2000>λ>650 nm). Together, these three parameters completely characterize the three independent components of the imaginary part of the degenerate third-order nonlinear optical susceptibility tensor Im{χabcd(3)(ω)}. In direct-gap GaAs, these components peak at ℏω≈0.78Eg, which is close to the peak at ℏω=0.71Eg predicted by the Jones–Reiss phenomenological model. The dispersion is comparable with ab initio calculations. In indirect-gap GaP and Si, these components tend to increase with ℏω over our tuning range. In Si, the dispersion differs significantly from predictions of semi-empirical models, and ab initio calculations do not account for transitions below the two-photon direct bandgap, motivating further investigation. Kleinman symmetry was observed to be broken in all three materials. We also note anomalies observed and their possible origins, emphasizing the advantages of a 2-beam experiment in identifying the contribution of various nonlinear effects.
Advected phase-field method for bounded solution of the Cahn–Hilliard Navier–Stokes equations
Authors: Dadvand Abdolrahman , Bagheri Milad , Samkhaniani Nima , Marschall Holger , Wörner Martin
Published: May 2021

Phase-field methods based on the Cahn–Hilliard (CH) equation coupled to the incompressible Navier–Stokes equation are becoming increasingly popular for interface resolving numerical simulations of two-phase flows of immiscible fluids. One major limitation of this approach, however, is that the volume of each phase is not inherently preserved. This is associated with the phase-discriminating order parameter, which in the course of the simulation remains in general not within its initial physical bounds. This shortcoming relates to the fact that the CH equation with standard Ginzburg–Landau chemical potential has no volume-preserving stationary solution for interfaces with uniform (non-zero) curvature. In this paper, a curvature-dependent chemical potential is proposed which allows for bounded stationary solutions of the CH equation for drops/bubbles exhibiting uniform curvature. Numerical solutions of the coupled Cahn–Hilliard Navier–Stokes equations show that the proposed chemical potential significantly improves boundedness and phase volume conservation over the standard one.
Sustainability of beef production from brigalow lands after cultivation and mining. 1. Sown pasture growth and carrying capacity
Authors: Paton Colin J. , Clewett Jeffrey F. , Melland Alice R. , Newsome Tom , Eberhard Jochen , Bennett John McL , Baillie Craig P.
Published: May 2021

Context New Acland coal mine in south-eastern Queensland is seeking to rehabilitate mined land to pastures that are safe, stable and sustainable for beef production. Little is known of the productivity and sustainability of grazing previously mined land in the Darling Downs study region. Additionally, information is required to specify management guidelines for sustainable grazing of regional land types retired from cultivation. Aims Identify pasture growth characteristics, rainfall use efficiencies and long-term carrying capacities of subtropical sown pastures established on lands rehabilitated after open-cut coal mining in comparison to sown pastures established on un-mined but previously cultivated lands. Methods Pasture growth and quality (% nitrogen) were observed using the Swiftsynd methodology in ungrazed exclosures with three sites on rehabilitated lands of the Acland Grazing Trial over a 5-year period (2014–2018), and 13 sites on unmined lands over periods of 2–5 years providing data for modelling pasture growth. Key results Peak pasture yield (TSDM for autumn harvests) averaged for 2017 and 2018 was greater (P < 0.1) on rehabilitated sites than unmined Poplar Box land type sites (5957 and 2233 kg/ha respectively) but similar to Brigalow Uplands and Mountain Coolibah land type sites (3946 and 3413 kg/ha respectively). Pasture rundown was evident, with pasture N uptake decreasing over 5 years at some sites. Soil mineral N supply (potentially mineralisable N and mineral N) in spring was a useful indicator of N uptake over the following growing season. Simulations using the GRASP pasture growth model for the grazing trial period predicted rainfall use efficiencies of 12.0, 7.0, 9.1 and 4.8 kg/ha.mm rainfall for rehabilitated sites and unmined sites on Brigalow Uplands, Mountain Coolibah and Poplar Box land types respectively. Long-term carrying capacities based on estimates of long-term median pasture growth and 30% utilisation were 4.39, 3.58 and 5.92 ha/adult equivalent respectively for the unmined land types, and 2.45 ha/adult equivalent for the rehabilitated lands. Conclusions Rehabilitated land can be as productive as unmined but previously cultivated land. Implications Grazing management plans for sustainable management of mined and unmined lands can be developed using data from the present study. The plans will assist with the transition of rehabilitated lands to commercial agriculture.
Incorporation of human papillomavirus self-sampling into the revised National Cervical Screening Program: a qualitative study of GP experiences and attitudes in rural New South Wales
Authors: Foo Yun Megan , Goswami Pragya , Grogin James , Hargan Elizabeth , Thangarajah Meera , Dutton Tegan , Mendel Sandra , Bailey Jannine
Published: May 2021

Human papillomavirus self-sampling is part of the revised Australian National Cervical Screening Program for eligible under- or never-screened women. Although research demonstrates self-sampling as an acceptable method from the perspective of women, little is known about GP experiences and perspectives of this new screening alternative. This study sought to explore the experiences and perspectives of rural GPs towards the revised National Cervical Screening Program and the new self-sampling option. Semistructured qualitative interviews were completed with 12 GPs in central west New South Wales. The study found that GPs had limited experience facilitating self-sampling. The limited provision of education, difficulty accessing testing kits, poor availability of accredited laboratories and unclear rebate guidelines hindered their capacity to offer self-sampling. GPs reported uncertainty around patient eligibility and the quality of self-collected samples. GPs explained that self-sampling could increase cervical screening participation among some women, but because it is only available to complete in a general practice, it would not benefit those who are disengaged from health services. Despite GPs’ limited experience with facilitating self-sampling to date, they were optimistic about potential increases in cervical screening rates. Clearer articulation of specific program details and the evidence underpinning the program changes would reduce clinician uncertainty regarding the practicalities of how to incorporate patient-collected sampling into their daily practice, as well as the quality of patient-collected samples compared with clinician-collected samples. GPs must also be supported at a systems level to ensure there are processes in place to enable easy access to kits, laboratories, Medicare rebates and relevant support.
Mammal responses to moderate-intensity planned burning in a small, isolated woodland reserve
Authors: Driessen Michael M. , Jarman Peter J. , Visoiu Micah , Dewar Elise
Published: May 2021

Abstract Context Fire management advice for fauna conservation in protected areas must often be based on expert opinion and extrapolation from very few scientific studies. More monitoring and research are needed to better inform land managers tasked with both managing for biodiversity and managing the threat of bushfires. Aims To document changes in the activity of native and introduced mammal species in response to planned burns in a small, isolated woodland reserve in Tasmania. Methods Over a 10-year period, mammal activity was monitored before and after two separate moderate-intensity planned burns in 20-ha management blocks and in unburnt blocks of similar size by using live-trapping and camera-trapping. Vegetation density was monitored concurrently, and we also searched burnt areas for animals killed by fire. Key results The activity of most mammal populations was largely unaffected by the two planned burns. However, during one of the burns, over 20 rufous-bellied pademelons were directly killed as a result of a need to conduct a backburn. The population recovered after 3 years. The activity of red-necked wallabies, common brushtail possums and short-beaked echidnas generally increased across the whole study area during the 10-year monitoring period. Limited evidence suggests that eastern barred bandicoot and European rabbit activity increased after fire. No swamp rat activity was recorded in burnt areas following the planned burns. Unexpectedly they did not recolonise burnt areas and also ceased to be active in control areas for the last 3 years of the study; we hypothesise that this may be due to the increased dryness and thinning of vegetation. Conclusions We found that most of the mammal populations within this small, isolated reserve were resilient to the planned burning program, with no or limited short-term effect for all but one species. The absence of swamp rats from burnt or unburnt areas for the last 3 years of our study suggests that factors other than fire are also affecting this species. Implications Planned burning is an important tool for biodiversity conservation, but its use needs to be underpinned by empirical data because mammal fire responses are likely to be site-, time- and context-specific.
Modulating the voltage sensor of a cardiac potassium channel shows antiarrhythmic effects
Authors: Lin Yangyang , Grinter Sam Z. , Lu Zhongju , Xu Xianjin , Wang Hong Zhan , Liang Hongwu , Hou Panpan , Gao Junyuan , Clausen Chris , Shi Jingyi , Zhao Wenshan , Ma Zhiwei , Liu Yongfeng , White Kelli McFarland , Zhao Lu , Kang Po Wei , Zhang Guohui , Cohen Ira S. , Zou Xiaoqin , Cui Jianmin
Published: May 2021

Significance

C28, a chemical compound identified by computational screening, selectively facilitates voltage-dependent activation of a cardiac potassium ion channel, I
Ks
. This compound reverses drug-induced prolongation of the electric signals across the cardiac cell membrane known as action potentials (APs) but minimally affects the normal AP at the same dosage. This outcome supports a computational prediction that enhancing voltage-dependent activation of I
Ks
could be a potential therapy for AP prolongation. This therapy would increase the safety and expand the therapeutic efficacy of many currently approved drugs that induce AP prolongation, which can trigger life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias.
Sustainable livestock agriculture from Islamic perspective
Authors: Fuseini Awal , Lever John
Published: May 2021

With the impact of climate change becoming increasingly apparent, there have been calls for world leaders to take measures aimed at mitigating the potential effect on the environment of the rapid expansion in human population, urbanisation, deforestation, agricultural development, industrialisation and the rampant burning of fossil fuels. This article reviews literature on the spiritual dimensions of environmental sustainability from an Islamic perspective, with emphasis on the sustainable utilisation of agricultural resources linked to production and consumption. The religious standpoints on stewardship of nature (Khilafa), climate change and animal welfare are explored from within the Islamic scriptures to gain a better understanding of sustainable development from an Islamic perspective, particularly with regard to meat production. The description of humans as stewards or guardians of nature in Islamic literature is a direct call from God for humanity to safeguard the natural capital in order to maintain synergistic relationship between flora, fauna and other biodiversity.
Anomalous thermopower oscillations in graphene-nanowire vertical heterostructures
Authors: Mitra Richa , Ranjan Sahu Manas , Sood Aditya , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Shtrikman Hadas , Mukerjee Subroto , Sood A K , Das Anindya
Published: May 2021

Thermoelectric measurements have the potential to uncover the density of states (DOSs) of low-dimensional materials. Here, we present the anomalous thermoelectric behavior of monolayer graphene-nanowire (NW) heterostructures, showing large oscillations as a function of the doping concentration. Our devices consist of InAs NW and graphene vertical heterostructures, which are electrically isolated by thin (∼10 nm) hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) layers. In contrast to conventional thermoelectric measurements, where a heater is placed on one side of a sample, we use the InAs NW (diameter ∼50 nm) as a local heater placed in the middle of the graphene channel. We measure the thermoelectric voltage induced in graphene due to Joule heating in the NW as a function of temperature (1.5–50 K) and carrier concentration. The thermoelectric voltage in bilayer graphene (BLG)-NW heterostructures shows sign change around the Dirac point, as predicted by Mott’s formula. In contrast, the thermoelectric voltage measured across monolayer graphene (MLG)-NW heterostructures shows anomalous large-amplitude oscillations around the Dirac point, not seen in the Mott response derived from the electrical conductivity measured on the same device. The anomalous oscillations are a signature of the modified DOSs in MLG by the electrostatic potential of the NW, which is much weaker in the NW-BLG devices. Thermal calculations of the heterostructure stack show that the temperature gradient is dominant in the graphene region underneath the NW, and thus sensitive to the modified DOSs resulting in anomalous oscillations in the thermoelectric voltage. Furthermore, with the application of a magnetic field, we detect modifications in the DOSs due to the formation of Landau levels in both MLG and BLG.
Magnetohydrodynamic hybrid simulation model with kinetic thermal ions and energetic particles
Authors: Todo Y , Sato M , Wang Hao , Idouakass M , Seki R
Published: May 2021

A new kinetic-magnetohydrodynamic hybrid simulation model where the gyrokinetic particle-in-cell simulation is applied to both thermal ions and energetic particles is presented. Toroidal Alfvén eigenmodes (TAEs) destabilized by energetic ions in tokamak plasmas are simulated with the new simulation model. Energy channeling from energetic ions to thermal ions through Alfvén eigenmodes (AEs) is demonstrated by the simulation. The distribution function fluctuations and the resonance condition are analyzed for both thermal ions and energetic ions. The strong energy transfer between the particles and the AE and the strong particle transport occur when the following conditions are satisfied at the resonance location in phase space: (1) the poloidal resonance number is close to the poloidal mode number of the AE, (2) the AE has a substantial amplitude, (3) the distribution function has a substantial gradient along the

E

′

=

const.

line, where

E

′

is a conserved variable for the wave-particle interaction. While the distribution function fluctuations for energetic ions are consistent with the resonance condition with the TAEs, the distribution function fluctuations for thermal ions do not satisfy the resonance condition when the bulk plasma beta is 1%. This indicates that the resonance does not play an important role in the interaction between thermal ions and the TAE for the relatively low bulk plasma temperature. On the other hand, when the bulk plasma beta is 4%, the resonance between thermal ions and the TAEs become important leading to Landau damping.
Coherent cyclotron emission with a helical wavefront from multi-electron system accelerated by the circularly polarized wave
Authors: Goto Yuki , Kubo Shin , Tsujimura Toru Ii
Published: May 2021

In this study, we calculated coherent electron cyclotron emission (ECE) with helical wavefront from a multi-electron system which passes through a magnetic mirror field with cyclotron motion. ECE from a multi-electron system is usually incoherent radiation due to the random rotation phase of each electron, and it is difficult to observe the helical wavefront. However, when a resonant external electromagnetic field is applied, the gyro-phase of electrons are controlled, and coherent ECE is expected to be observed. These processes were numerically calculated under the given experimental condition and confirmed that the higher harmonics ECE has helical wavefront.
Slow light-based refractive index sensor in single mode photonic crystal waveguide
Authors: Samadian Barough Ali , Noori Mina , Abbasiyan Amin
Published: May 2021

Here, a slow light-based refractive index sensor has been presented in a hole-type 2D hexagonal lattice photonic crystal waveguide by insertion of only four defect holes inside the channel. The width of the channel has been optimized to provide single mode operation and large free spectral range. Also, the performance of the sensor with and without introducing the central cavity inside the channel have been regarded for different radii of defects. The proposed sensor presents the highest sensitivity and detection range of 126 nm/RIU and 1–2.2, respectively for the detection based on band edge shift. The defects inside the channel have been introduced to obtain high Q-factor by defect radii tailoring. The highest average Q-factor and sensitivity of 1570 and 249.5 have been obtained for defect hole with radius of rc = 0.34a. The study has been carried out by plane wave expansion and finite difference time domain analysis. There is a good agreement between the results and the study proves the effect of slow light on the enhancement of light-matter interaction and sensitivity. The proposed structures can find potential applications in gas or liquid detection in medical and biochemical fields.
Current-dependent positive magnetoresistance in La0.8Ba0.2MnO3 ultrathin films*
Authors: Lin Guankai , Wang Haoru , Cai Xuhui , Tong Wei , Zhu Hong
Published: May 2021

We report an investigation into the magnetoresistance (MR) of La0.8Ba0.2MnO3 ultrathin films with various thicknesses. While the 13 nm-thick film shows the commonly reported negative magnetoresistive effect, the 6 nm- and 4 nm-thick films display unconventional positive magnetoresistive (PMR) behavior under certain conditions. As well as the dependence on the film’s thickness, it has been found that the electrical resistivity and the PMR effect of the thinner films are very dependent on the test current. For example, the magnetoresistive ratio of the 4 nm-thick film changes from +46% to –37% when the current is increased from 10 nA to 100 nA under 15 kOe at 40 K. In addition, the two thinner films present opposite changes in electrical resistivity with respect to the test current, i.e., the electroresistive (ER) effect, at low temperatures. We discuss the complex magnetoresistive and ER behaviors by taking account of the weak contacts at grain boundaries between ferromagnetic metallic (FMM) grains. The PMR effect can be attributed to the breaking of the weak contacts due to the giant magnetostriction of the FMM grains under a magnetic field. Considering the competing effects of the conductive filament and local Joule self-heating at grain boundaries on the transport properties, the dissimilar ER effects in the two thinner films are also understandable. These experimental findings provide an additional approach for tuning the magnetoresistive effect in manganite films.
Characteristics of temperature fluctuation in two-dimensional turbulent Rayleigh-Bénard convection
Authors: Fang Ming-Wei , He Jian-Chao , Hu Zhan-Chao , Bao Yun
Published: May 2021

We study the characteristics of temperature fluctuation in two-dimensional turbulent Rayleigh–Bénard convection in a square cavity by direct numerical simulations. The Rayleigh number range is 1 × 108 ≤ Ra ≤ 1 × 1013, and the Prandtl number is selected as Pr = 0.7 and Pr = 4.3. It is found that the temperature fluctuation profiles with respect to Ra exhibit two different distribution patterns. In the thermal boundary layer, the normalized fluctuation θ
rms/θ
rms,max is independent of Ra and a power law relation is identified, i.e., θ
rms/θ
rms,max∼ (z / δ)0.99 ± 0.01, where z / δ is a dimensionless distance to the boundary (δ is the thickness of thermal boundary layer). Out of the boundary layer, when Ra ≤ 5 × 109, the profiles of θ
rms/θ
rms,max descend, then ascend, and finally drop dramatically as z/δ increases. While for Ra ≥ 1 × 1010, the profiles continuously decrease and finally overlap with each other. The two different characteristics of temperature fluctuations are closely related to the formation of stable large-scale circulations and corner rolls. Besides, there is a critical value of Ra indicating the transition, beyond which the fluctuation 〈 θ
rms〉
V
has a power law dependence on Ra, given by 〈 θ
rms〉
V
∼ Ra
−0.14 ± 0.01.
Effect of surface oxygen vacancy defects on the performance of ZnO quantum dots ultraviolet photodetector*
Authors: Ma Hongyu , Liu Kewei , Cheng Zhen , Zheng Zhiyao , Liu Yinzhe , Zhang Peixuan , Chen Xing , Liu Deming , Liu Lei , Shen Dezhen
Published: May 2021

The slower response speed is the main problem in the application of ZnO quantum dots (QDs) photodetector, which has been commonly attributed to the presence of excess oxygen vacancy defects and oxygen adsorption/desorption processes. However, the detailed mechanism is still not very clear. Herein, the properties of ZnO QDs and their photodetectors with different amounts of oxygen vacancy (VO) defects controlled by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) solution treatment have been investigated. After H2O2 solution treatment, VO concentration of ZnO QDs decreased. The H2O2 solution-treated device has a higher photocurrent and a lower dark current. Meanwhile, with the increase in VO concentration of ZnO QDs, the response speed of the device has been improved due to the increase of oxygen adsorption/desorption rate. More interestingly, the response speed of the device became less sensitive to temperature and oxygen concentration with the increase of VO defects. The findings in this work clarify that the surface VO defects of ZnO QDs could enhance the photoresponse speed, which is helpful for sensor designing.