bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Roles of insolation forcing and CO2 forcing on Late Pleistocene seasonal sea surface temperatures
Authors: Lee Kyung Eun , Clemens Steven C. , Kubota Yoshimi , Timmermann Axel , Holbourn Ann , Yeh Sang-Wook , Bae Si Woong , Ko Tae Wook 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLate Pleistocene changes in insolation, greenhouse gas concentrations, and ice sheets have different spatially and seasonally modulated climatic fingerprints. By exploring the seasonality of paleoclimate proxy data, we gain deeper insight into the drivers of climate changes. Here, we investigate changes in alkenone-based annual mean and Globigerinoides ruber Mg/Ca-based summer sea surface temperatures in the East China Sea and their linkages to climate forcing over the past 400,000 years. During interglacial-glacial cycles, there are phase differences between annual mean and seasonal (summer and winter) temperatures, which relate to seasonal insolation changes. These phase differences are most evident during interglacials. During glacial terminations, temperature changes were strongly affected by CO2. Early temperature minima, ~20,000 years before glacial terminations, except the last glacial period, coincide with the largest temperature differences between summer and winter, and with the timing of the lowest atmospheric CO2 concentration. These findings imply the need to consider proxy seasonality and seasonal climate variability to estimate climate sensitivity.
Nanoscale lattice dynamics in hexagonal boron nitride moiré superlattices
Authors: Moore S. L. , Ciccarino C. J. , Halbertal D. , McGilly L. J. , Finney N. R. , Yao K. , Shao Y. , Ni G. , Sternbach A. , Telford E. J. , Kim B. S. , Rossi S. E. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Pasupathy A. N. , Dean C. R. , Hone J. , Schuck P. J. , Narang P. , Basov D. N. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTwisted two-dimensional van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures have unlocked a new means for manipulating the properties of quantum materials. The resulting mesoscopic moiré superlattices are accessible to a wide variety of scanning probes. To date, spatially-resolved techniques have prioritized electronic structure visualization, with lattice response experiments only in their infancy. Here, we therefore investigate lattice dynamics in twisted layers of hexagonal boron nitride (hBN), formed by a minute twist angle between two hBN monolayers assembled on a graphite substrate. Nano-infrared (nano-IR) spectroscopy reveals systematic variations of the in-plane optical phonon frequencies amongst the triangular domains and domain walls in the hBN moiré superlattices. Our first-principles calculations unveil a local and stacking-dependent interaction with the underlying graphite, prompting symmetry-breaking between the otherwise identical neighboring moiré domains of twisted hBN.
A synergistic exploitation to produce high-voltage quasi-solid-state lithium metal batteries
Authors: Wu Junru , Wang Xianshu , Liu Qi , Wang Shuwei , Zhou Dong , Kang Feiyu , Shanmukaraj Devaraj , Armand Michel , Rojo Teofilo , Li Baohua , Wang Guoxiu 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe current Li-based battery technology is limited in terms of energy contents. Therefore, several approaches are considered to improve the energy density of these energy storage devices. Here, we report the combination of a heteroatom-based gel polymer electrolyte with a hybrid cathode comprising of a Li-rich oxide active material and graphite conductive agent to produce a high-energy “shuttle-relay” Li metal battery, where additional capacity is generated from the electrolyte’s anion shuttling at high voltages. The gel polymer electrolyte, prepared via in situ polymerization in an all-fluorinated electrolyte, shows adequate ionic conductivity (around 2 mS cm−1 at 25 °C), oxidation stability (up to 5.5 V vs Li/Li+), compatibility with Li metal and safety aspects (i.e., non-flammability). The polymeric electrolyte allows for a reversible insertion of hexafluorophosphate anions into the conductive graphite (i.e., dual-ion mechanism) after the removal of Li ions from Li-rich oxide (i.e., rocking-chair mechanism).
Modified Bose-Einstein condensation in an optical quantum gas
Authors: Vretenar Mario , Toebes Chris , Klaers Jan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractOpen quantum systems can be systematically controlled by making changes to their environment. A well-known example is the spontaneous radiative decay of an electronically excited emitter, such as an atom or a molecule, which is significantly influenced by the feedback from the emitter’s environment, for example, by the presence of reflecting surfaces. A prerequisite for a deliberate control of an open quantum system is to reveal the physical mechanisms that determine its state. Here, we investigate the Bose-Einstein condensation of a photonic Bose gas in an environment with controlled dissipation and feedback. Our measurements offer a highly systematic picture of Bose-Einstein condensation under non-equilibrium conditions. We show that by adjusting their frequency Bose-Einstein condensates naturally try to avoid particle loss and destructive interference in their environment. In this way our experiments reveal physical mechanisms involved in the formation of a Bose-Einstein condensate, which typically remain hidden when the system is close to thermal equilibrium.
Wilson loop and Wilczek-Zee phase from a non-Abelian gauge field
Authors: Sugawa Seiji , Salces-Carcoba Francisco , Yue Yuchen , Putra Andika , Spielman I. B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractQuantum states can acquire a geometric phase called the Berry phase after adiabatically traversing a closed loop, which depends on the path not the rate of motion. The Berry phase is analogous to the Aharonov–Bohm phase derived from the electromagnetic vector potential, and can be expressed in terms of an Abelian gauge potential called the Berry connection. Wilczek and Zee extended this concept to include non-Abelian phases—characterized by the gauge-independent Wilson loop—resulting from non-Abelian gauge potentials. Using an atomic Bose–Einstein condensate, we quantum-engineered a non-Abelian SU(2) gauge field, generated by a Yang monopole located at the origin of a 5-dimensional parameter space. By slowly encircling the monopole, we characterized the Wilczek–Zee phase in terms of the Wilson loop, that depended on the solid-angle subtended by the encircling path: a generalization of Stokes’ theorem. This observation marks the observation of the Wilson loop resulting from a non-Abelian point source.
Harnessing 3D collagen hydrogel-directed conversion of human GMSCs into SCP-like cells to generate functionalized nerve conduits
Authors: Zhang Qunzhou , Nguyen Phuong , Burrell Justin C. , Zeng Jincheng , Shi Shihong , Shanti Rabie M. , Kulischak Grace , Cullen D. Kacy , Le Anh D. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAchieving a satisfactory functional recovery after severe peripheral nerve injuries (PNI) remains one of the major clinical challenges despite advances in microsurgical techniques. Nerve autografting is currently the gold standard for the treatment of PNI, but there exist several major limitations. Accumulating evidence has shown that various types of nerve guidance conduits (NGCs) combined with post-natal stem cells as the supportive cells may represent a promising alternative to nerve autografts. In this study, gingiva-derived mesenchymal stem cells (GMSCs) under 3D-culture in soft collagen hydrogel showed significantly increased expression of a panel of genes related to development/differentiation of neural crest stem-like cells (NCSC) and/or Schwann cell precursor-like (SCP) cells and associated with NOTCH3 signaling pathway activation as compared to their 2D-cultured counterparts. The upregulation of NCSC-related genes induced by 3D-collagen hydrogel was abrogated by the presence of a specific NOTCH inhibitor. Further study showed that GMSCs encapsulated in 3D-collagen hydrogel were capable of transmigrating into multilayered extracellular matrix (ECM) wall of natural NGCs and integrating well with the aligned matrix structure, thus leading to biofabrication of functionalized NGCs. In vivo, implantation of functionalized NGCs laden with GMSC-derived NCSC/SCP-like cells (designated as GiSCs), significantly improved the functional recovery and axonal regeneration in the segmental facial nerve defect model in rats. Together, our study has identified an approach for rapid biofabrication of functionalized NGCs through harnessing 3D collagen hydrogel-directed conversion of GMSCs into GiSCs.
The think aloud paradigm reveals differences in the content, dynamics and conceptual scope of resting state thought in trait brooding
Authors: Raffaelli Quentin , Mills Caitlin , de Stefano Nadia-Anais , Mehl Matthias R. , Chambers Kate , Fitzgerald Surya A. , Wilcox Ramsey , Christoff Kalina , Andrews Eric S. , Grilli Matthew D. , O’Connor Mary-Frances , Andrews-Hanna Jessica R. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlthough central to well-being, functional and dysfunctional thoughts arise and unfold over time in ways that remain poorly understood. To shed light on these mechanisms, we adapted a “think aloud” paradigm to quantify the content and dynamics of individuals’ thoughts at rest. Across two studies, external raters hand coded the content of each thought and computed dynamic metrics spanning duration, transition probabilities between affective states, and conceptual similarity over time. Study 1 highlighted the paradigm’s high ecological validity and revealed a narrowing of conceptual scope following more negative content. Study 2 replicated Study 1’s findings and examined individual difference predictors of trait brooding, a maladaptive form of rumination. Across individuals, increased trait brooding was linked to thoughts rated as more negative, past-oriented and self-focused. Longer negative and shorter positive thoughts were also apparent as brooding increased, as well as a tendency to shift away from positive conceptual states, and a stronger narrowing of conceptual scope following negative thoughts. Importantly, content and dynamics explained independent variance, accounting for a third of the variance in brooding. These results uncover a real-time cognitive signature of rumination and highlight the predictive and ecological validity of the think aloud paradigm applied to resting state cognition.
Evaluation of prophylactic efficacy of cinnamaldehyde in murine model against Paradendryphiella arenariae mycotoxin tenuazonic acid-induced oxidative stress and organ toxicity
Authors: Kumari Ankita , Singh Karuna 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCinnamaldehyde (Cin) is a natural product obtained from cinnamon and is reported to have a potential anti-fungal, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effect. The present study investigated the possible protective role of Cin against tenuazonic acid-induced mycotoxicity in the murine model. Tenuazonic acid (TeA), a toxin produced by Alternaria is a common contaminant in tomato and tomato-based products. Here, Swiss male mice were administered with TeA isolated from Paradendryphiella arenariae (MW504999) (source-tomato) through injection (238 µg/kg BW) and ingestion (475 µg/kg BW) routes for 2 weeks. Thereafter, the prophylaxis groups were treated with Cin (210 mg/kg BW). The experiment was carried out for 8 weeks. The treated groups were compared to the oral and intra-peritoneal experimental groups that received the toxin solely for 8 weeks. Haematological, histopathological and biochemical aspects of the experimental and the control mice were analysed. Sub-chronic intoxication of mice with TeA showed elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) production; abnormal levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT). Treatment with Cin reversed TeA-induced alterations of antioxidant defense enzyme activities and significantly prevented TeA-induced organ damage. Thus, cinnamaldehyde showed therapeutic effects and toxicity reduction in TeA induced mycotoxicosis.
Verification method of Monte Carlo codes for transport processes with arbitrary accuracy
Authors: Martelli Fabrizio , Tommasi Federico , Sassaroli Angelo , Fini Lorenzo , Cavalieri Stefano 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn this work, we present a robust and powerful method for the verification, with arbitrary accuracy, of Monte Carlo codes for simulating random walks in complex media. Such random walks are typical of photon propagation in turbid media, scattering of particles, i.e., neutrons in a nuclear reactor or animal/humans’ migration. Among the numerous applications, Monte Carlo method is also considered a gold standard for numerically “solving” the scalar radiative transport equation even in complex geometries and distributions of the optical properties. In this work, we apply the verification method to a Monte Carlo code which is a forward problem solver extensively used for typical applications in the field of tissue optics. The method is based on the well-known law of average path length invariance when the entrance of the entities/particles in a medium obeys to a simple cosine law, i.e., Lambertian entrance, and annihilation of particles inside the medium is absent. By using this law we achieve two important points: (1) the invariance of the average path length guarantees that the expected value is known regardless of the complexity of the medium; (2) the accuracy of a Monte Carlo code can be assessed by simple statistical tests. We will show that we can reach an arbitrary accuracy of the estimated average pathlength as the number of simulated trajectories increases. The method can be applied in complete generality versus the scattering and geometrical properties of the medium, as well as in presence of refractive index mismatches in the optical case. In particular, this verification method is reliable to detect inaccuracies in the treatment of boundaries of finite media. The results presented in this paper, obtained by a standard computer machine, show a verification of our Monte Carlo code up to the sixth decimal digit. We discuss how this method can provide a fundamental tool for the verification of Monte Carlo codes in the geometry of interest, without resorting to simpler geometries and uniform distribution of the scattering properties.
Use of timelapse photography to determine flower opening time and pattern in banana (Musa spp.) for efficient hand pollination
Authors: Waniale Allan , Swennen Rony , Mukasa Settumba B. , Tugume Arthur K. , Kubiriba Jerome , Tushemereirwe Wilberforce K. , Uwimana Brigitte , Gram Gil , Amah Delphine , Tumuhimbise Robooni 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSterility and low seed set in bananas is the main challenge to their conventional genetic improvement. The first step to seed set in a banana breeding program depends on pollination at the right time to ensure effective fertilization. This study aimed at determining bract opening time (BOT) to enhance efficient pollination and seed set in bananas. A Nikon D810 digital camera was set-up to take pictures of growing banana inflorescences at five-minute intervals and time-lapse movies were developed at a speed of 30 frames per second to allow real-time monitoring of BOT. Genotypes studied included wild banana (1), Mchare (2), Matooke (4), Matooke hybrid (1), and plantain (1). Events of bract opening initiated by bract lift for female flowers (P < 0.01) started at 16:32 h and at 18:54 h for male flowers. Start of bract rolling was at 18:51 h among female flowers (P < 0.001) and 20:48 h for male flowers. Bracts ended rolling at 02:33 h and 01:16 h for female and flowers respectively (P < 0.05). Total time of bract opening (from lift to end of rolling) for female flowers was significantly longer than that of male flowers (P < 0.001). On average, the number of bracts subtending female flowers opening increased from one on the first day, to between one and four on the fourth day. The number regressed to one bract on day eight before start of opening of bracts subtending male flowers. There was a longer opening interval between bracts subtending female and male flowers constituting spatial and temporal separation. Bract rolling increased from partial to complete rolling from proximal to the distal end of the inflorescence among female flower. On the other hand, bracts subtending male flowers completely rolled. Differences in BOT of genotypes with the same reference time of assessment may be partly responsible for variable fertility. Hand pollination time between 07:00 and 10:00 h is slightly late thus an early feasible time should be tried.
A differential DNA methylome signature of pulmonary immune cells from individuals converting to latent tuberculosis infection
Authors: Karlsson Lovisa , Das Jyotirmoy , Nilsson Moa , Tyrén Amanda , Pehrson Isabelle , Idh Nina , Sayyab Shumaila , Paues Jakob , Ugarte-Gil Cesar , Méndez-Aranda Melissa , Lerm Maria 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTuberculosis (TB), caused byMycobacterium tuberculosis,spreads via aerosols and the first encounter with the immune system is with the pulmonary-resident immune cells. The role of epigenetic regulations in the immune cells is emerging and we have previously shown that macrophages capacity to killM. tuberculosisis reflected in the DNA methylome. The aim of this study was to investigate epigenetic modifications in alveolar macrophages and T cells in a cohort of medical students with an increased risk of TB exposure, longitudinally. DNA methylome analysis revealed that a unique DNA methylation profile was present in healthy subjects who later developed latent TB during the study. The profile was reflected in a different overall DNA methylation distribution as well as a distinct set of differentially methylated genes (DMGs). The DMGs were over-represented in pathways related to metabolic reprogramming of macrophages and T cell migration and IFN-γ production, pathways previously reported important in TB control. In conclusion, we identified a unique DNA methylation signature in individuals, with no peripheral immune response toM. tuberculosisantigen who later developed latent TB. Together the study suggests that the DNA methylation status of pulmonary immune cells can reveal who will develop latent TB infection.
Origins of the change in mechanical strength of silicon/gold nanocomposites during irradiation
Authors: Chen Elton Y. , Hopper Cameron P. , Santhapuram Raghuram R. , Dingreville Rémi , Nair Arun K. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSilicon-based layered nanocomposites, comprised of covalent-metal interfaces, have demonstrated elevated resistance to radiation. The amorphization of the crystalline silicon sublayer during irradiation and/or heating can provide an additional mechanism for accommodating irradiation-induced defects. In this study, we investigated the mechanical strength of irradiated Si-based nanocomposites using atomistic modeling. We first examined dose effects on the defect evolution mechanisms near silicon-gold crystalline and amorphous interfaces. Our simulations reveal the growth of an emergent amorphous interfacial layer with increasing dose, a dominant factor mitigating radiation damage. We then examined the effect of radiation on the mechanical strength of silicon-gold multilayers by constructing yield surfaces. These results demonstrate a rapid onset strength loss with dose. Nearly identical behavior is observed in bulk gold, a phenomenon that can be rooted to the formation of radiation-induced stacking fault tetrahedra which dominate the dislocation emission mechanism during mechanical loading. Taken together, these results advance our understanding of the interaction between radiation-induced point defects and metal-covalent interfaces.
Graphene-based autonomous pyroelectric system for near-field energy conversion
Authors: Latella Ivan , Ben-Abdallah Philippe 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn the close vicinity of a hot solid, at distances smaller than the thermal wavelength, a strong electromagnetic energy density exists because of the presence of evanescent field. Here we introduce a many-body conversion principle to harvest this energy using graphene-based pyroelectric conversion devices made with an active layer encapsulated between two graphene field-effect transistors which are deposited on the source and on the cold sink. By tuning the bias voltage applied to the gates of these transistors, the thermal state and the spontaneous polarization of the active layer can be controlled at kHz frequencies. We demonstrate that the power density generated by these conversion systems can reach $$130\,{\rm mW\,cm}^{-2}$$

130

mW

cm

-
2

using pyroelectric Ericsson cycles, a value which surpasses the current production capacity of near-field thermophotovoltaic conversion devices by more than three orders of magnitude with low grade heat sources ($$T<500\,{\rm K}$$

T
<
500

K

) and small temperature differences ($$\Delta T\sim 100\,K$$

Δ
T
∼
100

K

).
Assessment of distribution center locations using a multi-expert subjective–objective decision-making approach
Authors: Keshavarz-Ghorabaee Mehdi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDistribution is a strategic function of logistics in different companies. Establishing distribution centers (DCs) in appropriate locations helps companies to reach long-term goals and have better relations with their customers. Assessment of possible locations for opening new DCs can be considered as an MCDM (Multi-Criteria Decision-Making) problem. In this study, a decision-making approach is proposed to assess DC locations. The proposed approach is based on Stepwise Weight Assessment Ratio Analysis II (SWARA II), Method based on the Removal Effects of Criteria (MEREC), Weighted Aggregated Sum Product Assessment (WASPAS), simulation, and the assignment model. The assessment process is performed using the subjective and objective criteria weights determined based on multiple experts’ judgments. The decision matrix, subjective weights and objective weights are modeled based on the triangular probability distribution to assess the possible alternatives. Then, using simulation and the assignment model, the final aggregated results are determined. A case of DC locations assessment is addressed to show the applicability of the proposed approach. A comparative analysis is also made to verify the results. The analyses of this study show that the proposed approach is efficient in dealing with the assessment of DC locations, and the final results are congruent with those of existing MCDM methods.