bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor Roscovitine prevents diet-induced metabolic disruption in obese mice
Authors: Rabhi Nabil , Desevin Kathleen , Cortez Briana Noel , Hekman Ryan , Lin Jean Z. , Emili Andrew , Farmer Stephen R.
Published: October 2021

Most strategies to treat obesity-related disorders have involved prevention of diet-induced weight gain in lean mice. Treatment of obese individuals will require therapies that reverse the detrimental effects of excess body weight. Cyclin-dependent kinases have been shown to contribute to obesity and its adverse complications. Here, we show that roscovitine; a an orally available cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor; given to male mice during the last six weeks of a 19-week high fat diet, reduced weight gain and prevented accompanying insulin resistance, hepatic steatosis, visceral adipose tissue (eWAT) inflammation/fibrosis as well as restored insulin secretion and enhanced whole body energy expenditure. Proteomics and phosphoproteomics analysis of eWAT demonstrated that roscovitine suppressed expression of peptides and phosphopeptides linked to inflammation and extracellular matrix proteins. It also identified 17 putative protein kinases perturbed by roscovitine, including CMGC kinases, AGC kinases and CAMK kinases. Pathway enrichment analysis showed that lipid metabolism, TCA cycle, fatty acid beta oxidation and creatine biosynthesis are enriched following roscovitine treatment. For brown adipose tissue (BAT), analysis of upstream kinases controlling the phosphoproteome revealed two major kinase groups, AGC and CMGC kinases. Among the top enriched pathways were insulin signaling, regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes, thyroid hormone signaling, thermogenesis and cAMP-PKG signaling. We conclude that roscovitine is effective at preventing prolonged diet-induced metabolic disruption and restoring mitochondrial activity in BAT and eWAT.
Insight into the interaction between the RNA helicase CGH-1 and EDC-3 and its implications
Authors: Zhang Yong , Wang Ke , Yang Kanglong , Shi Yunyu , Hong Jingjun
Published: October 2021

Previous studies indicated that the P-body components, CGH-1 and EDC-3 may play a crucial role in the regulation of lifespan in Caenorhabditis elegans. Homo sapiens DDX6 or Saccharomyces cerevisiae Dhh1p (CGH-1 in C. elegans) could form complexes with EDC3 (Edc3p in yeast), respectively, which is significant for translation inhibition and mRNA decay. However, it is currently unclear how CGH-1 can be recognized by EDC-3 in C. elegans. Here, we provided structural and biochemical insights into the interaction between CGH-1 and EDC-3. Combined with homology modeling, mutation, and ITC assays, we uncovered an interface between CGH-1 RecA2 domain and EDC-3 FDF-FEK. Additionally, GST-pulldown and co-localization experiments confirmed the interaction between CGH-1 and EDC-3 in vitro and in vivo. We also analyzed PATR-1-binding interface on CGH-1 RecA2 by ITC assays. Moreover, we unveiled the similarity and differences of the binding mode between EDC-3 and CAR-1 or PATR-1. Taken together, these findings provide insights into the recognition of DEAD-box protein CGH-1 by EDC-3 FDF-FEK motif, suggesting important functional implications.
Generation of scalable cancer models by combining AAV-intron-trap, CRISPR/Cas9, and inducible Cre-recombinase
Authors: Boddu Prajwal C. , Gupta Abhishek K. , Kim Jung-Sik , Neugebauer Karla M. , Waldman Todd , Pillai Manoj M.
Published: October 2021

Scalable isogenic models of cancer-associated mutations are critical to studying dysregulated gene function. Nonsynonymous mutations of splicing factors, which typically affect one allele, are common in many cancers, but paradoxically confer growth disadvantage to cell lines, making their generation and expansion challenging. Here, we combine AAV-intron trap, CRISPR/Cas9, and inducible Cre-recombinase systems to achieve >90% efficiency to introduce the oncogenic K700E mutation in SF3B1, a splicing factor commonly mutated in multiple cancers. The intron-trap design of AAV vector limits editing to one allele. CRISPR/Cas9-induced double stranded DNA breaks direct homologous recombination to the desired genomic locus. Inducible Cre-recombinase allows for the expansion of cells prior to loxp excision and expression of the mutant allele.  Importantly, AAV or CRISPR/Cas9 alone results in much lower editing efficiency and the edited cells do not expand due to toxicity of SF3B1-K700E. Our approach can be readily adapted to generate scalable isogenic systems where mutant oncogenes confer a growth disadvantage.
A fluorescent and colorimetric dual-recognition probe based on copper(ii)-decorated carbon dots for detection of phosphate
Authors: Gao Xue , Sun Minjun , Liu Xiuying , Zhong Keli , Tang Lijun , Li Jianrong
Published: October 2021

In the present article, we report a novel fluorescent and colorimetric dual-signal sensing probe based on a CD–Cu2+ complex for the detection of the phosphate ion (Pi).
Graphene oxide-controlled neutral versus cationic form of a red emitting dye: enhancement of fluorescence by graphene oxide
Authors: Bapli Aloke , Seth (Duley) Soma , Pandit Souvik , Seth Debabrata
Published: October 2021

Graphene oxide-controlled and solvent dependent switching of the role of GO as an enhancer to a quencher of fluorescence in the presence of two proton accepting solvent media was reported.
A combined DFTB nanoreactor and reaction network generator approach for the mechanism of hydrocarbon combustion
Authors: Bai Jiawei , Liu Xingchen , Lei Tingyu , Teng Botao , Wen Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

We explored the mechanism of ethylene combustion by combining a density functional tight-binding based nanoreactor molecular dynamic method (DFTB-NMD) and a hidden Markov model (HMM) based reaction network generator approach.
Reversed crystal growth of metal organic framework MIL-68(In)
Authors: McRoberts Kirsty , Zhou Wuzong
Published: October 2021

A reversed crystal growth mechanism of MIL-68(In) is revealed. Nanorods of MIL-68 aggregate in parallel into microrods, followed by surface recrystallisation into a single crystal hexagonal shell and extension of crystallisation from surface to core.
Mesoporous Co–Mo–S nanosheet networks as cathode materials for flexible electrochemical capacitors
Authors: Sun Yuchen , Wang Xiaowei , Zhang Wei-chao , Wu Xiang
Published: October 2021

In this study, we synthesized numerous Co–Mo–S nanosheet networks as electrode materials by a two-step hydrothermal strategy. It delivers a specific capacity of 510 C g−1 at 1 A g−1.
Regression and clustering algorithms for AgCu nanoalloys: from mixing energy predictions to structure recognition
Authors: Roncaglia Cesare , Rapetti Daniele , Ferrando Riccardo
Published: October 2021

The lowest-energy structures of AgCu nanoalloys are searched for by global optimization algorithms for sizes 100 and 200 atoms depending on composition, and their structures and mixing energy are analyzed by machine learning tools.
Hollow core–shell Co9S8@In2S3 nanotube heterojunctions toward optimized photothermal–photocatalytic performance
Authors: Wang Ke , Zhang Zhen , Cheng Tianzhi , Xing Zipeng , Li Zhenzi , Zhou Wei
Published: October 2021

Hollow core–shell Co9S8@In2S3 photocatalysts show excellent photothermal–photocatalytic hydrogen evolution, which is attributed to unique hollow structure, the successfully constructed heterojunction and core–shell nanostructure.
Exploiting exo and endo furan-maleimide Diels–Alder linkages for the functionalization of organoruthenium complexes
Authors: Tran Hoang-Van , Haghdoost Mohammad Mehdi , Poulet Sylvain , Tcherkawsky Paul , Castonguay Annie
Published: October 2021

Given the promising advances of organoruthenium complexes in therapy, the possibility of exploiting furan-maleimide Diels–Alder linkages as a mean to modulate their biological properties was explored.
Environmental impacts, pollution sources and pathways of spent lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Mrozik Wojciech , Rajaeifar Mohammad Ali , Heidrich Oliver , Christensen Paul
Published: October 2021

The review records, categorises and assesses the environmental impacts, sources and pollution pathways of spent lithium-ion batteries.
Towards Watt-scale hydroelectric energy harvesting by Ti3C2Tx-based transpiration-driven electrokinetic power generators
Authors: Bae Jaehyeong , Kim Min Soo , Oh Taegon , Suh Bong Lim , Yun Tae Gwang , Lee Seungjun , Hur Kahyun , Gogotsi Yury , Koo Chong Min , Kim Il-Doo
Published: October 2021

The use of Ti3C2Tx MXenes/polyaniline composite tremendously improved the electrokinetic energy conversion efficiencies of nano-hydroelectric generators, demonstrating a power output sufficient to charge a commercial battery for the very first time.
Anionic redox induced anomalous structural transition in Ni-rich cathodes
Authors: Liu Jue , Du Zhijia , Wang Xuelong , Tan Sha , Wu Xianyang , Geng Linxiao , Song Bohang , Chien Po-Hsiu , Everett S. Michelle , Hu Enyuan
Published: October 2021

A universal four-stage structural evolution mechanism of Ni-rich cathodes is revealed by high throughput in situ neutron diffraction. An anomalous increase of average TM-O bond distances is observed when more than ~75% Li+ are removed.
Structure and ionic conductivity of the octahydrate of tetralithium salt of calix[4]arenesulfonic acid
Authors: Pisareva Anna V. , Shilov Gennady V. , Karelin Alexander I. , Pisarev Rostislav V. , Bukun Nadezhghda G. , Chernyak Alexander V. , Aldoshin Sergey M. , Dobrovolsky Yury A.
Published: October 2021

The structure and ionic conductivity of the octahydrate of tetralithium salt of calix[4]arenesulfonic acid was determined for the first time.
An injectable self-healing hydrogel “Trojan Horse” for adjunctive therapy of colon cancer recurrence
Authors: Bai Xilin
Published: October 2021

The preparation and bio-applications of an injectable hydrogel prepared using a novel multi-aldehyde crosslinker.
Microscopic origin of near- and far-field contributions to tip-enhanced optical spectra of few-layer MoS2
Authors: Kroth Kathrin , Klement Philip , Chen Limei , Chatterjee Sangam , Klar Peter J.
Published: October 2021

Far-field effects depending on microscopic structure, tip, and environment dominate tip-enhanced optical spectra of 2D materials such as MoS2.
A Ti2N MXene-based nanosystem with ultrahigh drug loading for dual-strategy synergistic oncotherapy
Authors: Li Lang , Lu Yang , Qian Ziting , Yang Zhaoyan , Zong Shenfei , Wang Zhuyuan , Cui Yiping
Published: October 2021

A Ti2N-based nanosystem with ultrahigh drug loading capacity and pH/GSH/photothermal-responsive drug release characteristics is developed for targeted combination chemotherapy and chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy against drug-resistant tumors.
Electrical properties of outer membrane extensions from Shewanella oneidensis MR-1
Authors: Lozano Helena , Millan-Solsona Ruben , Blanco-Cabra Nuria , Fabregas Rene , Torrents Eduard , Gomila Gabriel
Published: October 2021

Outer membrane extensions from the metal-reducing bacterium Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 show an insulating behavior in dry air environment as measured by scanning dielectric microscopy.
Photoredox-catalyzed hydroxymethylation of β-ketoesters: application to the synthesis of [3.3.3] propellane lactones
Authors: Nassar Youssef , Piva Olivier
Published: October 2021

A short access to highly functionnalized propellanes derivatives using a photochemical hydroxymethylation as key-step.
Multipath oxygen-mediated PET-RAFT polymerization by a conjugated organic polymer photocatalyst under red LED irradiation
Authors: Yang Hongjie , Lu Zhen , Fu Xiaoling , Li Qiuyu , Xiao Longqiang , Zhao Rukai , Zhao Yulai , Hou Linxi
Published: October 2021

TCPP-DMTA-COP has been synthesized and serves as a heterogeneous photocatalyst in a multipath aerobic-mediated reductive quenching pathway (O-RQP) for a PET-RAFT polymerization process.
Quantitative insights into tightly and loosely bound water in hydration shells of amino acids
Authors: Shen Yutan , Liu Lu , Zheng Qiancheng , Zhao Xi , Han Yuchun , Guo Qianjin , Wang Yilin
Published: October 2021

Raman-MCR and DSC are used in combination to prove two kinds of bound water in the hydration shell of 20 zwitterionic amino acids, and the hydration water structure and H-bonding change in the hydration shell are also revealed.
First observations from the SPICE EUV spectrometer on Solar Orbiter
Authors: Fludra A. , Caldwell M. , Giunta A. , Grundy T. , Guest S. , Leeks S. , Sidher S. , Auchère F. , Carlsson M. , Hassler D. , Peter H. , Aznar Cuadrado R. , Buchlin É. , Caminade S. , DeForest C. , Fredvik T. , Haberreiter M. , Harra L. , Janvier M. , Kucera T. , Müller D. , Parenti S. , Schmutz W. , Schühle U. , Solanki S. K. , Teriaca L. , Thompson W. T. , Tustain S. , Williams D. , Young P. R. , Chitta L. P.
Published: October 2021

Aims. We present first science observations taken during the commissioning activities of the Spectral Imaging of the Coronal Environment (SPICE) instrument on the ESA/NASA Solar Orbiter mission. SPICE is a high-resolution imaging spectrometer operating at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths. In this paper we illustrate the possible types of observations to give prospective users a better understanding of the science capabilities of SPICE.

Methods. We have reviewed the data obtained by SPICE between April and June 2020 and selected representative results obtained with different slits and a range of exposure times between 5 s and 180 s. Standard instrumental corrections have been applied to the raw data.

Results. The paper discusses the first observations of the Sun on different targets and presents an example of the full spectra from the quiet Sun, identifying over 40 spectral lines from neutral hydrogen and ions of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, neon, sulphur, magnesium, and iron. These lines cover the temperature range between 20 000 K and 1 million K (10 MK in flares), providing slices of the Sun’s atmosphere in narrow temperature intervals. We provide a list of count rates for the 23 brightest spectral lines. We show examples of raster images of the quiet Sun in several strong transition region lines, where we have found unusually bright, compact structures in the quiet Sun network, with extreme intensities up to 25 times greater than the average intensity across the image. The lifetimes of these structures can exceed 2.5 hours. We identify them as a transition region signature of coronal bright points and compare their areas and intensity enhancements. We also show the first above-limb measurements with SPICE above the polar limb in C III, O VI, and Ne VIII lines, and far off limb measurements in the equatorial plane in Mg IX, Ne VIII, and O VI lines. We discuss the potential to use abundance diagnostics methods to study the variability of the elemental composition that can be compared with in situ measurements to help confirm the magnetic connection between the spacecraft location and the Sun’s surface, and locate the sources of the solar wind.

Conclusions. The SPICE instrument successfully performs measurements of EUV spectra and raster images that will make vital contributions to the scientific success of the Solar Orbiter mission.
Stellar Population Astrophysics (SPA) with the TNG
Authors: Alonso-Santiago J. , Frasca A. , Catanzaro G. , Bragaglia A. , Andreuzzi G. , Carrera R. , Carretta E. , Casali G. , D’Orazi V. , Fu X. , Giarrusso M. , Lucatello S. , Magrini L. , Origlia L. , Spina L. , Vallenari A. , Zhang R.
Published: October 2021

Stock 2 is a little-studied open cluster that shows an extended main-sequence turnoff (eMSTO). In order to investigate this phenomenon and characterise the cluster itself, we performed high-resolution spectroscopy in the framework of the Stellar Population Astrophysics project. We employed the High Accuracy Radial velocity Planet Searcher in the Northern hemisphere spectrograph at the Telescopio Nazionale Galileo (TNG). We completed our observations with additional spectra taken with the Catania Astrophysical Observatory Spectropolarimeter. We observed 46 stars (dwarfs and giants). They represent by far the largest sample collected for this cluster to date. We provide the stellar parameters, the extinction, and the radial and projected rotational velocities for most of the stars. Chemical abundances for 21 species with atomic numbers up to 56 have also been derived. We note a differential reddening in the cluster field with an average value of 0.27 mag. This appears the main cause for the observed eMSTO because it cannot be explained as the result of different rotational velocities, as found in other clusters. We estimate an age for Stock 2 of 450 ± 150 Ma, which corresponds to a MSTO stellar mass of ≈2.8 M⊙. The cluster mean radial velocity is about 8.0 km s−1. We find a solar-like metallicity for the cluster, [Fe/H] = −0.07 ± 0.06, compatible with its galactocentric distance. The chemical abundances of main-sequence stars and giants are compatible within the errors. The exceptions are barium and strontium, which are clearly overabundant in giants, and cobalt, which is only marginally overabundant. Finally, the chemical composition of Stock 2 is fully compatible with the composition observed in other open clusters of the Galactic thin-disc population.
Perioperative Complication Profile of Skull Base Meningioma Resection in Older versus Younger Adult Patients
Authors: Przybylowski Colin J. , Shaftel Kelly A. , Hendricks Benjamin K. , Chapple Kristina M. , Stevens Shawn M. , Porter Randall W. , Sanai Nader , Little Andrew S. , Almefty Kaith K.
Published: October 2021

Objectives To better understand the risk-benefit profile of skull base meningioma resection in older patients, we compared perioperative complications among older and younger patients.

Design Present study is based on retrospective outcomes comparison.

Setting The study was conducted at a single neurosurgery institute at a quaternary center.

Participants All older (age ≥ 65 years) and younger (<65 years) adult patients treated with World Health Organization grade 1 skull base meningiomas (2008–2017).

Main Outcome Measures Perioperative complications and patient functional status are the primary outcomes of this study.

Results The analysis included 287 patients, 102 older and 185 younger, with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 72 (5) years and 51 (9) years (p < 0.01). Older patients were more likely to have hypertension (p < 0.01) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (p = 0.01) but other patient and tumor factors did not differ (p ≥ 0.14). Postoperative medical complications were not significantly different in older versus younger patients (10.8 [11/102] vs. 4.3% [8/185]; p = 0.06) nor were postoperative surgical complications (13.7 [14/102] vs. 10.8% [20/185]; p = 0.46). Following anterior skull base meningioma resection, diabetes insipidus (DI) was more common in older versus younger patients (14 [5/37] vs. 2% [1/64]; p = 0.01). Among older patients, a decreasing preoperative Karnofsky performance status score independently predicted perioperative complications by logistic regression analysis (p = 0.02). Permanent neurologic deficits were not significantly different in older versus younger patients (12.7 [13/102] vs. 10.3% [19/185]; p = 0.52).

Conclusion The overall perioperative complication profile of older and younger patients was similar after skull base meningioma resection. Older patients were more likely to experience DI after anterior skull base meningioma resection. Decreasing functional status in older patients predicted perioperative complications.
Nearly reducible finite Markov chains: Theory and algorithms
Authors: Sharpe Daniel J. , Wales David J.
Published: October 2021

Finite Markov chains, memoryless random walks on complex networks, appear commonly as models for stochastic dynamics in condensed matter physics, biophysics, ecology, epidemiology, economics, and elsewhere. Here, we review exact numerical methods for the analysis of arbitrary discrete- and continuous-time Markovian networks. We focus on numerically stable methods that are required to treat nearly reducible Markov chains, which exhibit a separation of characteristic timescales and are therefore ill-conditioned. In this metastable regime, dense linear algebra methods are afflicted by propagation of error in the finite precision arithmetic, and the kinetic Monte Carlo algorithm to simulate paths is unfeasibly inefficient. Furthermore, iterative eigendecomposition methods fail to converge without the use of nontrivial and system-specific preconditioning techniques. An alternative approach is provided by state reduction procedures, which do not require additional a priori knowledge of the Markov chain. Macroscopic dynamical quantities, such as moments of the first passage time distribution for a transition to an absorbing state, and microscopic properties, such as the stationary, committor, and visitation probabilities for nodes, can be computed robustly using state reduction algorithms. The related kinetic path sampling algorithm allows for efficient sampling of trajectories on a nearly reducible Markov chain. Thus, all of the information required to determine the kinetically relevant transition mechanisms, and to identify the states that have a dominant effect on the global dynamics, can be computed reliably even for computationally challenging models. Rare events are a ubiquitous feature of realistic dynamical systems, and so the methods described herein are valuable in many practical applications.
Dynamic mode decomposition and Koopman spectral analysis of boundary layer separation-induced transition
Authors: Dotto A. , Lengani D. , Simoni D. , Tacchella A.
Published: October 2021

In the present work, dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) and Koopman spectral analysis are applied to flat plate particle image velocimetry experimental data. Experiments concerning separated-flow transition process were carried out in a test section allowing the variation of the Reynolds number (Re), the adverse pressure gradient (APG) and the free-stream turbulence intensity (Tu). The analysis accounts for two different Re numbers, two different Tu levels, and a fixed APG condition inducing flow separation, as it may occur in low pressure turbine-like conditions. For every flow condition, instantaneous velocity fields clearly show the formation of Kelvin–Helmholtz (KH) vortices induced by the KH instability. The most effective definition of the observable matrix for Koopman analysis able to characterize these vortices is addressed first for a reference Tu and Re number condition. Successively, the robustness of DMD and Koopman modal decomposition has been examined for different Tu levels and Re numbers. On a short time trace (10 KH periods), the Koopman analysis is shown to identify the proper KH vortex shedding frequency and wavelength for every condition tested, while DMD fails especially with low Tu and high Re. To validate the results on a longer time trace, a statistical analysis of the dominant unstable eigenvalues captured by the two procedures is successively performed considering several temporal blocks for different inflow conditions. Overall, the Koopman analysis always performs better than DMD since it finds a larger number of unstable eigenvalues at the KH instability frequency and wavelength.
Capacitive energy storage in single-file pores: Exactly solvable models and simulations
Authors: Verkholyak Taras , Kuzmak Andrij , Kondrat Svyatoslav
Published: October 2021

Understanding charge storage in low-dimensional electrodes is crucial for developing novel ecologically friendly devices for capacitive energy storage and conversion and water desalination. Exactly solvable models allow in-depth analyses and essential physical insights into the charging mechanisms. So far, however, such analytical approaches have been mainly limited to lattice models. Herein, we develop a versatile, exactly solvable, one-dimensional off-lattice model for charging single-file pores. Unlike the lattice model, this model shows an excellent quantitative agreement with three-dimensional Monte Carlo simulations. With analytical calculations and simulations, we show that the differential capacitance can be bell-shaped (one peak), camel-shaped (two peaks), or have four peaks. Transformations between these capacitance shapes can be induced by changing pore ionophilicity, by changing cation–anion size asymmetry, or by adding solvent. We find that the camel-shaped capacitance, characteristic of dilute electrolytes, appears for strongly ionophilic pores with high ion densities, which we relate to charging mechanisms specific to narrow pores. We also derive a large-voltage asymptotic expression for the capacitance, showing that the capacitance decays to zero as the inverse square of the voltage, C ∼ u−2. This dependence follows from hard-core interactions and is not captured by the lattice model.
Frequency of enforcement is more important than the severity of punishment in reducing violation behaviors
Authors: Teodorescu Kinneret , Plonsky Ori , Ayal Shahar , Barkan Rachel
Published: October 2021

Significance

Ramifications of seemingly small violations, such as not adhering to COVID-19 regulations, accumulate fast with dire social consequences. The high costs of close monitoring and severe sanctions often lead policymakers to prioritize either the probability of inspection or the severity of punishments. Using common one-shot, descriptive settings, findings from experimental economics support the superiority of severe punishments, whereas findings from behavioral ethics highlight the role of internal rather than external enforcement. However, these settings are estranged from real-life environments in which learning about the external enforcement policy naturally occurs via repeated experience. Using a more ecologically valid, experience-based setting, we found robust evidence for the greater effectiveness of frequent small punishments over rare severe punishments in reducing violations.
Accumulation of radio-iron and plutonium, alone and in combination, in Pseudomonas putida grown in liquid cultures
Authors: Manglass Lisa M , Wintenberg Molly , Vogel Charlotte , Blenner Mark , Martinez Nicole E
Published: October 2021

The impact of low doses of ionising radiation on biological and environmental systems have been historically difficult to study. Modern biological tools have provided new methods for studying these mechanisms but applying these tools to a dose–response relationship may require refinement of dosimetric techniques that incorporate a detailed understand of radionuclide accumulation in biological cells, particularly when assessing the impact of low doses of ionising radiation. In this work Pseudomonas putida (KT2440) grown in liquid culture was exposed to low dose rates (10–20 mGy d−1) of 239Pu and 55Fe, both alone and in combination, for a period of 20 days, and the accumulation of 239Pu and 55Fe in cell pellets was analysed via liquid scintillation counting. The study also considered of cells grown with 239Pu and stable Fe (primarily 56Fe). In addition to the analysis of cell pellet and media samples, this work includes analysis of the radiological content of ribonucleic acid extraction samples to examine uptake of radionuclides. Results indicate that 239Pu inhibited the uptake of 55Fe, and that the presence of stable and radioactive isotopes of Fe in cultures may promote pathways for Fe accumulation that are used by 239Pu. The work herein provides foundational insight into future dosimetric models for our work with environmental bacteria.
Applications of nanomagnets as dynamical systems: II
Authors: Rana Bivas , Mondal Amrit Kumar , Bandyopadhyay Supriyo , Barman Anjan
Published: October 2021

In Part I of this topical review, we discussed dynamical phenomena in nanomagnets, focusing primarily on magnetization reversal with an eye to digital applications. In this part, we address mostly wave-like phenomena in nanomagnets, with emphasis on spin waves in myriad nanomagnetic systems and methods of controlling magnetization dynamics in nanomagnet arrays which may have analog applications. We conclude with a discussion of some interesting spintronic phenomena that undergird the rich physics exhibited by nanomagnet assemblies.
Carrier dynamics and lasing behavior of InAs/GaAs quantum dot lasers with short cavity lengths
Authors: Yao Z H , Wang X , Chen H M , Wang T , Qin L , Liu J , Zhang Z Y
Published: October 2021

The modulation p-doping technique has emerged as an effective way to optimize the carrier dynamics process of quantum dot (QD) structures. Here, the laser structures based on the 1.3 μm multiple-layer InAs/GaAs QD were fabricated with and without modulation p-doping. The carrier relaxation rate was increased after modulation p-doping, as demonstrated by transient absorption spectroscopy. The higher relaxation rate in p-doped QDs could be explained by more rapid carrier–carrier scattering process originating from increasing of the hole quasi-Fermi-level movement that increases the probability of occupancy of the valence states. In addition, the lasing behavior of Fabry–Perot lasers with and without modulation p-doping was investigated and compared. It was found that the ground state (GS) lasing in the absence of facet coating was successfully achieved in a p-doped laser diode with short cavity length (400 μm), which can be attributed to the higher GS saturation gain caused by p-doping. With assistance of a designed TiO2/SiO2 facet coating whose central wavelength (∼1480 nm) is far beyond the lasing wavelength of 1310 nm, the GS lasing could be realized in a laser diode with short cavity lengths (300 μm) under continuous wave operation at room temperature, implying great potential for the development of low-cost and high-speed directly modulated lasers.
Early prediction of tumour-response to radiotherapy in NSCLC patients
Authors: Amugongo Lameck Mbangula , Osorio Eliana Vasquez , Green Andrew , Cobben David , van Herk Marcel , McWilliam Alan
Published: October 2021

Objective. In this study we developed an automatic method to predict tumour volume and shape in weeks 3 and 4 of radiotherapy (RT), using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans acquired up to week 2, allowing identification of large tumour changes. Approach. 240 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, treated with 55 Gy in 20 fractions, were collected. CBCTs were rigidly registered to the planning CT. Intensity values were extracted in each voxel of the planning target volume across all CBCT images from days 1, 2, 3, 7 and 14. For each patient and in each voxel, four regression models were fitted to voxel intensity; applying linear, Gaussian, quadratic and cubic methods. These models predicted the intensity value for each voxel in weeks 3 and 4, and the tumour volume found by thresholding. Each model was evaluated by computing the root mean square error in pixel value and structural similarity index metric (SSIM) for all patients. Finally, the sensitivity and specificity to predict a 30% change in volume were calculated for each model. Main results. The linear, Gaussian, quadratic and cubic models achieved a comparable similarity score, the average SSIM for all patients was 0.94, 0.94, 0.90, 0.83 in week 3, respectively. At week 3, a sensitivity of 84%, 53%, 90% and 88%, and specificity of 99%, 100%, 91% and 42% were observed for the linear, Gaussian, quadratic and cubic models respectively. Overall, the linear model performed best at predicting those patients that will benefit from RT adaptation. The linear model identified 21% and 23% of patients in our cohort with more than 30% tumour volume reduction to benefit from treatment adaptation in weeks 3 and 4 respectively. Significance. We have shown that it is feasible to predict the shape and volume of NSCLC tumours from routine CBCTs and effectively identify patients who will respond to treatment early.
Breather molecules and localized interaction solutions in the (2+1)-dimensional BLMP equation
Authors: Qi Jiaxin , An Hongli , Jin Peng
Published: October 2021

The (2+1)-dimensional Boiti–Leon–Manna–Pempinelli (BLMP) equation is an important integrable model. In this paper, we obtain the breather molecule, the breather-soliton molecule and some localized interaction solutions to the BLMP equation. In particular, by employing a compound method consisting of the velocity resonance, partial module resonance and degeneration of the breather techniques, we derive some interesting hybrid solutions mixed by a breather-soliton molecule/breather molecule and a lump, as well as a bell-shaped soliton and lump. Due to the lack of the long wave limit, it is the first time using the compound degeneration method to construct the hybrid solutions involving a lump. The dynamical behaviors and mathematical features of the solutions are analyzed theoretically and graphically. The method introduced can be effectively used to study the wave solutions of other nonlinear partial differential equations.
Three-dimensional clogging structures of granular spheres near hopper orifice
Authors: Yang Jing , Gong Dianjinfeng , Wang Xiaoxue , Wang Zhichao , Li Jianqi , Hu Bingwen , Xia Chengjie
Published: October 2021

The characteristic clogging structures of granular spheres blocking three-dimensional granular flow through hopper outlet are analyzed based on packing structures reconstructed using magnetic resonance imaging techniques. Spheres in clogging structures are arranged in a way with typical features of load-bearing, such as more contacting bonds close to the horizontal plane and more mutually-stabilized contact configurations than packing structures away from the orifice. The requirement of load-bearing inevitably leads to the cooperativity of clogging structures with a correlation length of several particle diameters. This correlation length being comparable with the orifice diameter suggests that a clogging structure is composed of several mutually-stabilized structural motifs to span the orifice perimeter, instead of a collection of independent individual spheres to cover the whole orifice area. Accordingly, we propose a simple geometric model to explain the unexpected linear dependence of the average size of three-dimensional clogging structures on orifice diameter.
Continuous non-autonomous memristive Rulkov model with extreme multistability*
Authors: Xu Quan , Liu Tong , Feng Cheng-Tao , Bao Han , Wu Hua-Gan , Bao Bo-Cheng
Published: October 2021

Based on the two-dimensional (2D) discrete Rulkov model that is used to describe neuron dynamics, this paper presents a continuous non-autonomous memristive Rulkov model. The effects of electromagnetic induction and external stimulus are simultaneously considered herein. The electromagnetic induction flow is imitated by the generated current from a flux-controlled memristor and the external stimulus is injected using a sinusoidal current. Thus, the presented model possesses a line equilibrium set evolving over the time. The equilibrium set and their stability distributions are numerically simulated and qualitatively analyzed. Afterwards, numerical simulations are executed to explore the dynamical behaviors associated to the electromagnetic induction, external stimulus, and initial conditions. Interestingly, the initial conditions dependent extreme multistability is elaborately disclosed in the continuous non-autonomous memristive Rulkov model. Furthermore, an analog circuit of the proposed model is implemented, upon which the hardware experiment is executed to verify the numerically simulated extreme multistability. The extreme multistability is numerically revealed and experimentally confirmed in this paper, which can widen the future engineering employment of the Rulkov model.
Analysis and improvement of verifiable blind quantum computation
Authors: Xiao Min , Zhang Yannan
Published: October 2021

In blind quantum computation (BQC), a client with weak quantum computation capabilities is allowed to delegate its quantum computation tasks to a server with powerful quantum computation capabilities, and the inputs, algorithms and outputs of the quantum computation are confidential to the server. Verifiability refers to the ability of the client to verify with a certain probability whether the server has executed the protocol correctly and can be realized by introducing trap qubits into the computation graph state to detect server deception. The existing verifiable universal BQC protocols are analyzed and compared in detail. The XTH protocol (proposed by Xu Q S, Tan X Q, Huang R in 2020), a recent improvement protocol of verifiable universal BQC, uses a sandglass-like graph state to further decrease resource expenditure and enhance verification capability. However, the XTH protocol has two shortcomings: limitations in the coloring scheme and a high probability of accepting an incorrect computation result. In this paper, we present an improved version of the XTH protocol, which revises the limitations of the original coloring scheme and further improves the verification ability. The analysis demonstrates that the resource expenditure is the same as for the XTH protocol, while the probability of accepting the wrong computation result is reduced from the original minimum (0.866)
d* to (0.819)
d*, where d* is the number of repeated executions of the protocol.
Effects of colored noise on the dynamics of quantum entanglement of a one-parameter qubit–qutrit system
Authors: Tiokang Odette Melachio , Tchangnwa Fridolin Nya , Tchinda Jaures Diffo , Tsokeng Arthur Tsamouo , Tchoffo Martin
Published: October 2021

We analyzed the effect of colored noise on the negativity dynamics of a hybrid system consisting of a qubit–qutrit and not interacting, prepared from the start in an entangled one-parameter state and acting with noise in local and non-local environments. In this pink and brown noise we investigated two different situations: in the first situation, the noise is produced by a bistable oscillator with an unknown exchange rate; however, in the second situation, the noise is generated by a set of bistable oscillators. We found that entanglement decreases with time to zero, and undergoes the phenomenon of sudden death and rebirth. The pink noise is more prone to entanglement than the brown noise and the non-local environment is more prone to entanglement than the local one. When the number of fluctuators is increased, entanglement decays faster and finally, for certain parameters of the initial state, the subsystems are not affected by the noise.
Global hydropower expansion without building new dams
Authors: Garrett Kayla , McManamay Ryan A , Wang Jida
Published: October 2021

Reducing global carbon emissions will require large-scale transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy resources. Hydropower will likely play a role in those transitions as it provides reliable energy storage while counter-balancing intermittent renewables. However, the construction of new dams comes at significant environmental costs to river ecosystems. An optimal future considers how to maximize the benefits of hydropower while minimizing environmental impact through revitalizing existing infrastructures. Herein, we quantify this potential using a spatially comprehensive global inventory of geolocated dams used for purposes other than hydropower, and augment these results with modelled estimates of small, unmapped dams. Furthermore, we examine increases in hydropower potential from efficiency upgrades at existing hydro-plants. These opportunities afford non-invasive increases in hydropower in populated areas neighbouring biodiversity hot spots. Overall, we estimate that these contributions could potentially provide up to a 9% increase to current global hydropower, potentially reducing the costs of construction and transmission, all while offsetting impacts to biodiversity and river ecosystems incurred by planned new hydropower construction.
Linkage between anomalies of pre-summer thawing of frozen soil over the Tibetan Plateau and summer precipitation in East Asia
Authors: Li Yuheng , Wang Taihua , Yang Dawen , Tang Lihua , Yang Kun , Liu Zhiwu
Published: October 2021

The Tibetan Plateau (TP) is sensitive to climate change in the land–atmosphere coupling mechanism due to its complex topographic features and unique geographic location. This study explored the teleconnection between pre-summer thawing of frozen soil over the TP and summer precipitation in East Asia in the Meiyu–Baiu rainy season (June, July) from 1981 to 2019 using maximum covariance analysis (MCA). The precipitation fields forced by thawing of frozen soil were calculated by the coupled manifold technique. The variations in East Asian precipitation are significantly impacted by thawing of frozen soil over the TP, with a variance explained ratio in the surrounding middle and lower reaches of Yangtze River (MLYR) of around 10%–20%. The MCA analysis also revealed that the thickness of pre-summer frozen soil thawing had a positive relationship with summer precipitation in the MLYR and southern Japan (fraction = 0.59, correlation ≈ 0.99). To find out the possible mechanism, composite analyses were conducted on atmospheric and surface components with reanalysis products. The analysis results suggested that more (less) frozen soil thawing would increase (decrease) the sensible heat and land surface temperature with enhanced (weakened) surface diabatic heating over the TP. Then, the positive (negative) surface diabatic heating would result in an enhanced (weakened) South Asia High extending eastward followed by stronger (weaker) upper troposphere (200 hPa) westerlies, as well as the West North Pacific Subtropical High extending westward. As a result, the northeastward movement of the integrated vapor transport intensified (weakened) with the westward extension (eastward retreat) of the Meiyu–Baiu rain belt, leading to more (less) precipitation in the MLYR and southern Japan. It is thus suggested that pre-summer thawing of frozen soil over the TP could play a vital role in regulating East Asian summer precipitation and movement of the Meiyu–Baiu rain belt.
A review of systems modelling for local sustainability
Authors: Moallemi Enayat A , Bertone Edoardo , Eker Sibel , Gao Lei , Szetey Katrina , Taylor Nick , Bryan Brett A
Published: October 2021

The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) represent a holistic and ambitious agenda for transforming the world towards societal well-being, economic prosperity, and environmental protection. Achieving the SDGs is, however, challenged by the performance of interconnected sectors and the complexity of their interactions which drive non-linear system responses, tipping points, and spillover effects. Systems modelling, as an integrated way of thinking about and modelling multisectoral dynamics, can help explain how feedback interactions within and among different sectors can lead to broader system transformation and progress towards the SDGs. Here, we review how system dynamics, as a prominent systems modelling approach, can inform and contribute to sustainability research and implementation, framed by the SDGs. We systematically analyse 357 system dynamics studies undertaken at the local scale where the most important SDG impacts and their initiators are often located, published between 2015 (i.e. SDGs’ inception) and 2020. We analyse the studies to illuminate strengths and limitations in four key areas: diversity of scope; interdisciplinarity of the approaches; the role of stakeholder participation; and the analysis of SDG interactions. Our review highlights opportunities for a better consideration of societal aspects of sustainable development (e.g. poverty, inequality) in modelling efforts; integrating with new interdisciplinary methods to leverage system dynamics modelling capabilities; improving genuine stakeholder engagement for credibility and impacts on the ground; and a more in-depth analysis of SDG interactions (i.e. synergies and trade-offs) with the feedback-rich structure of system dynamics models.
Placing the east-west North American aridity gradient in a multi-century context
Authors: Bishop Daniel A , Williams A Park , Seager Richard , Cook Edward R , Peteet Dorothy M , Cook Benjamin I , Rao Mukund P , Stahle David W
Published: October 2021

Instrumental records indicate a century-long trend towards drying over western North America and wetting over eastern North America. A continuation of these trends into the future would have significant hydroclimatic and socioeconomic consequences in both the semi-arid Southwest and humid East. Using tree-ring reconstructions and hydrologic simulations of summer soil moisture, we evaluate and contextualize the modern summer aridity gradient within its natural range of variability established over the past 600 years and evaluate the effects of observed and anthropogenic precipitation, temperature, and humidity trends. The 2001–2020 positive (wet east-dry west) aridity gradient was larger than any 20 year period since 1400 CE, preceded by the most negative (wet west-dry east) aridity gradient during 1976–1995, leading to a strong multi-decade reversal in aridity gradient anomalies that was rivaled only by a similar event in the late-16th century. The 2001–2020 aridity gradient was dominated by long-term summer precipitation increases in the Midwest and Northeast, with smaller contributions from more warming in the West than the East and spring precipitation decreases in the Southwest. Multi-model mean climate simulations from Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 experiments suggest anthropogenic climate trends should not have strongly affected the aridity gradient thus far. However, there is high uncertainty due to inter-model disagreement on anthropogenic precipitation trends. The recent strengthening of the observed aridity gradient, its increasing dependence on precipitation variability, and disagreement in modeled anthropogenic precipitation trends reveal significant uncertainties in how water resource availability will change across North America in the coming decades.
Quasiparticle kinetic theory for Calogero models
Authors: Bulchandani Vir B , Kulkarni Manas , Moore Joel E , Cao Xiangyu
Published: October 2021

We show that the quasiparticle kinetic theory for quantum and classical Calogero models reduces to the free-streaming Boltzmann equation. We reconcile this simple emergent behaviour with the strongly interacting character of the model by developing a Bethe–Lax correspondence in the classical case. This demonstrates explicitly that the freely propagating degrees of freedom are not bare particles, but rather quasiparticles corresponding to eigenvectors of the Lax matrix. We apply the resulting kinetic theory to classical Calogero particles in external trapping potentials and find excellent agreement with numerical simulations in all cases, both for harmonic traps that preserve integrability and exhibit perfect revivals, and for anharmonic traps that break microscopic integrability. Our framework also yields a simple description of multi-soliton solutions in a harmonic trap, with solitons corresponding to sharp peaks in the quasiparticle density. Extensions to quantum systems of Calogero particles are discussed.