A computationally tractable version of the collective model

A computationally tractable version of the Bohr-Mottelson collective model is presented which makes it possible to diagonalize realistic collective models and obtain convergent results in relatively small appropriately chosen subspaces of the collective model Hilbert space. Special features of the proposed model is that it makes use of the beta wave functions given analytically by the softened-beta version of the Wilets-Jean model, proposed by Elliott et al., and a simple algorithm for computing SO(5) > SO(3) spherical harmonics. The latter has much in common with the methods of Chacon, Moshinsky, and Sharp but is conceptually and computationally simpler. Results are presented for collective models ranging from the sherical vibrator to the Wilets-Jean and axially symmetric rotor-vibrator models.Comment: 16 pages, 9 figure

Proteomic identification of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein L as a novel component of SLM/Sam68 nuclear bodies

Background: Active pre-mRNA splicing occurs co-transcriptionally, and takes place throughout the nucleoplasm of eukaryotic cells. Splicing decisions are controlled by networks of nuclear RNA-binding proteins and their target sequences, sometimes in response to signalling pathways. Sam68 (Src-associated in mitosis 68 kDa) is the prototypic member of the STAR (Signal Transduction and Activation of RNA) family of RNA-binding proteins, which regulate splicing in response to signalling cascades. Nuclear Sam68 protein is concentrated within subnuclear organelles called SLM/Sam68 Nuclear Bodies (SNBs), which also contain some other splicing regulators, signalling components and nucleic acids. Results: We used proteomics to search for the major interacting protein partners of nuclear Sam68. In addition to Sam68 itself and known Sam68-associated proteins (heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins hnRNP A1, A2/B1 and G), we identified hnRNP L as a novel Sam68-interacting protein partner. hnRNP L protein was predominantly present within small nuclear protein complexes approximating to the expected size of monomers and dimers, and was quantitatively associated with nucleic acids. hnRNP L spatially co-localised with Sam68 as a novel component of SNBs and was also observed within the general nucleoplasm. Localisation within SNBs was highly specific to hnRNP L and was not shared by the closely-related hnRNP LL protein, nor any of the other Sam68-interacting proteins we identified by proteomics. The interaction between Sam68 and hnRNP L proteins was observed in a cell line which exhibits low frequency of SNBs suggesting that this association also takes place outside SNBs. Although ectopic expression of hnRNP L and Sam68 proteins independently affected splicing of CD44 variable exon v5 and TJP1 exon 20 minigenes, these proteins did not, however, co-operate with each other in splicing regulation of these target exons. Conclusion: Here we identify hnRNP L as a novel SNB component. We show that, compared with other identified Sam68-associated hnRNP proteins and hnRNP LL, this co-localisation within SNBs is specific to hnRNP L. Our data suggest that the novel Sam68-hnRNP L protein interaction may have a distinct role within SNBs

Unstable solitons on noncommutative tori and D-branes

We describe a class of exact solutions of super Yang-Mills theory on even-dimensional noncommutative tori. These solutions generalize the solitons on a noncommutative plane introduced in hep-th/0009142 that are conjectured to describe unstable D2p-D0 systems. We show that the spectrum of quadratic fluctuations around our solutions correctly reproduces the string spectrum of the D2p-D0 system in the Seiberg-Witten decoupling limit. In particular the fluctuations correctly reproduce the 0-0 string winding modes. For p=1 and p=2 we match the differences between the soliton energy and the energy of an appropriate SYM BPS state with the binding energies of D2-D0 and D4-D0 systems. We also give an example of a soliton that we conjecture describes branes of intermediate dimension on a torus such as a D2-D4 system on a four-torus.Comment: 22 pages, Latex; v.2: references adde

Green growth and electric vehicles: the role of recycling

The UK needs an electric vehicle (EV) battery recycling industry. This could strengthen the British EV supply chain and support the future development of UK-based gigafactories (large-scale battery factories) and electric vehicle production. Viet Nguyen-Tien, Robert Elliott, Gavin Harper, and Laura Lander discuss how a new clean tech industry can contribute to net-zero targets

Optimising the geospatial configuration of a future lithium ion battery recycling industry in the transition to electric vehicles and a circular economy

Rapid electrification of the transport system will generate substantial volumes of Lithium-ion-battery (LiB) waste as batteries reach their end-of-life. Much attention focuses on the recycling processes, neglecting a broader systemic view that considers the concentration of the costs and impacts associated with logistics and transportation. This paper provides an economic, environmental and geospatial analysis of a future LiB recycling industry in the UK. Hitherto, state-of-the-art assessment methods have evaluated life cycle impacts and costs but have not considered the geographical layer of the problem. This paper develops a GSC derived supply chain model for the UK electric vehicle and end-of-life vehicle battery industry. Considering both pyrometallurgical and hydrometallurgical recycling technologies, the optimisation process takes into account anticipated EV volumes, and, based on anticipated near-term technological evolution of LiBs, the evolution of the mix of battery cathodes in production, and presents a number of scenarios to show where LiB recycling facilities should ideally be geographically located. An economic and environmental assessment based on a customised EverBatt model is provided

Structure of unstable light nuclei

The structure of light nuclei out to the drip lines and beyond up to Z = 8 is interpreted in terms of the shell model. Special emphasis is given to the underlying supermultiplet symmetry of the p-shell nuclei which form cores for neutrons and protons added in sd-shell orbits. Detailed results are given on the wave functions, widths, and Coulomb energy shifts for a wide range of non-normal parity states in the p-shell.Comment: 21 pages, to appear in Nuclear Physics

Partial Dynamical Symmetry in the Symplectic Shell Model

We present an example of a partial dynamical symmetry (PDS) in an interacting fermion system and demonstrate the close relationship of the associated Hamiltonians with a realistic quadrupole-quadrupole interaction, thus shedding new light on this important interaction. Specifically, in the framework of the symplectic shell model of nuclei, we prove the existence of a family of fermionic Hamiltonians with partial SU(3) symmetry. We outline the construction process for the PDS eigenstates with good symmetry and give analytic expressions for the energies of these states and E2 transition strengths between them. Characteristics of both pure and mixed-symmetry PDS eigenstates are discussed and the resulting spectra and transition strengths are compared to those of real nuclei. The PDS concept is shown to be relevant to the description of prolate, oblate, as well as triaxially deformed nuclei. Similarities and differences between the fermion case and the previously established partial SU(3) symmetry in the Interacting Boson Model are considered.Comment: 9 figure

Shell-model calculations for p-shell hypernuclei

The interpretation of hypernuclear gamma-ray data for p-shell hypernuclei in terms of shell-model calculations that include the coupling of Lambda- and Sigma-hypernuclear states is briefly reviewed. Next, Lambda 8Li, Lambda 8Be, and Lambda 9Li are considered, both to exhibit features of Lambda-Sigma coupling and as possible source of observed, but unassigned, hypernuclear gamma rays. Then, the feasibility of measuring the ground-state doublet spacing of Lambda 10Be, which, like Lambda 9Li, could be studied via the (K-,pi0 gamma) reaction, is investigated. Structural information relevant to the population of states in these hypernuclei in recent (e,e'K+) studies is also given. Finally, the extension of the shell-model calculations to sd-shell hypernuclei is briefly considered.Comment: 17 pages, 3 figures. Contribution to special volume on Strangeness Nuclear Physic

An experimental investigation into the effect two-phase flow induced vibrations have on a J-shaped flexible pipe

Multiphase flow inside of pipes occurs in a wide variety of engineering applications, including offshore deep-water oil and gas transport. Vibrations induced by the flow inside of the pipe can lead to its mechanical failure and thus lead to uncontrolled release of the fluids being transported. In subsea applications, flexible J-risers are often employed to deliver the produced fluids from the seafloor to the host platform. Despite the potentially significant liabilities associated with subsea hydrocarbon leaks, there has been a distinct lack of investigations into how flow induced vibrations in large scale, pressurised flexible J-risers can lead to system integrity loss. Previous investigations have generally focused on the response of rigid pipes or small scale, unpressurised flexible risers. This study presents an investigation into the response of a 10 m long, 50.8 mm internal diameter composite riser containing a tensile armour helical structure to a variety of two-phase, water-nitrogen flows at 10.8 barg of pressure and ambient temperature. High speed cameras were used to investigate the structure of the flow at either end of the flexible riser, whilst synchronised surface mounted strain gauges and accelerometers were used to investigate the response of the pipe. Time-averaged data were acquired to assess the general response of the pipe, whilst a statistical analysis of the fluctuations highlighted the movement of the pipe. One-dimensional and computational fluid dynamics simulations were used to define the experimental test matrix and provide further insight into the structure of the flow inside the J-riser. Single-phase gas flow was found not to cause the J-riser to move significantly, whilst multiphase flow led to significant in-plane movement of the pipe. Increasing the liquid flow rate (or decreasing the gas flow rate) increased the mean strain experienced by the pipe. At low gas flow rates, the pipe oscillated smoothly about its mean position, but at higher gas flow rates a violent intermittent whipping motion was observed. The latter produced large in-plane and out-of-plane movement of the pipe which could pose a threat to system integrity. This work offers new insights into fluid-structure interactions in large scale engineering applications, contributing to improved system design and control