bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activating the Basal Planes of Ti2C MXene for Accelerated Ammonia Electrosynthesis: Role of Surface Terminations
Authors: Bashir Aejaz Ul , Ingole Pravin Popinand
Published: January 2025

Altering the edge sites of 2D MXenes for electrochemical dinitrogen reduction reaction (ENRR) is widely reported, whereas activation of its relatively inert basal planes is neglected. Herein, the activation and the optimization of the basal planes of Ti2CTx (Tx = *F, *O, and *OH) MXenes toward enhanced ENRR to ammonia is reported. The balanced surface functionalization in Ti2CTx regulates the ENRR kinetics by regulating the potential of zero charge (EPZC) and the electrochemical work function (). Specifically, the altered EPZC and enhances electric field localization and potential screening at the Ti2CTx/water interface stabilizing the transition state and reducing ENRR activation energy (ΔE). Hydrodynamic voltammetry, in situ Raman, and post‐ENRR X‐ray spectroscopy suggest faster ENRR kinetics, via an associative distal pathway, with *OH and *F terminated Ti3+ as the dominant active sites over Ti2CTx surface. Ti2CTx achieves an ammonia yield of 35.2  at Faradaic efficiency of 5.9% in 0.05 m H2SO4, which further improves to 49% in 0.5 m NaBF4. The strategy concurrently modulates the ENRR interface via, proton‐repelling functional groups (*F) on the electrode surface and weak proton donor electrolytes (NaBF4). This suppresses HER kinetics, minimizes competition for active sites, and promotes selective nitrogen activation, thereby boosting ENRR efficiency.
Rapid High‐Throughput Discovery of Molecules With Antimicrobial Activity From Natural Products Enabled by a Nanoliter Matrix SlipChip
Authors: Wang Qi , Wang Mengru , Lyu Weiyuan , Li Xiang , Xu Lei , Qin Yuyao , Ren Yan'an , Deng Zixin , Tao Meifeng , Xiao Weilie , Shen Feng
Published: January 2025

Improper use of antibiotics has led to the development of antimicrobial resistance, or “superbugs,” outpacing the discovery of new antibiotics. The lack of rapid, high‐throughput screening methods is a major bottleneck in discovery novel antibiotics. Traditional methods consume significant amounts of samples, making it challenging to discover new antibiotics from limited natural product extracts. Here, a rapid, high‐throughput screening method is reported for natural products with antimicrobial activity enabled by a nanoliter matrix SlipChip (nm‐SlipChip). This nm‐SlipChip creates a screening matrix with nanoliter droplets for 100 drug candidate–bacterium combinations. The effectiveness of candidate antibiotics is assessed by analyzing microbial phenotypic changes. This nm‐SlipChip reduces sample consumption by over 5000‐fold and shortens the detection time to three hours. Twenty compounds isolated from Callicarpa integerrima were tested against 10 pathogenic bacteria and identified two previously unreported clerodane diterpenes with activity against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Molecular docking and fluorescence probe experiments reveals that their antimicrobial effect results from disruption of bacterial cell membranes and biofilms. The nm‐SlipChip provides an effective method for discovering new antimicrobial drugs from natural sources, vital in combating antibiotic resistance.
Comparison of umbilical artery pulsatility index reference ranges
Authors: Duncan J. R. , Markel L. E. , Pressman K. , Rodriguez A. R. , Obican S. G. , Odibo A. O.
Published: January 2025

Objective

To compare the accuracy of four published reference standards for the umbilical artery pulsatility index (UA‐PI) in predicting small‐for‐gestational age (SGA), adverse neonatal outcomes and obstetric complications in pregnancies at risk for fetal growth restriction.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of a prospective study of singleton pregnancies that underwent fetal growth assessment by ultrasound between 26 and 36 weeks' gestation. Pregnancies with estimated fetal weight or abdominal circumference < 20th percentile with UA‐PI measurements available were included. We excluded fetuses with chromosomal anomaly or congenital malformation and those without delivery information. The predictive ability of UA‐PI > 95th percentile according to the reference standards of Acharya et al., the INTERGROWTH‐21st Project, the Fetal Medicine Foundation and Parra‐Cordero et al. for SGA, a composite of adverse neonatal outcomes and a composite of obstetric complications was compared using the area under the receiver‐operating‐characteristics curve (AUC). Sensitivity, specificity and positive and negative predictive values were calculated.

Results

Of the 1054 pregnancies that underwent fetal growth evaluation by ultrasound, 207 were included in our analysis. SGA, adverse neonatal outcomes and obstetric complications were diagnosed in 94 (45.4%), 50 (24.2%) and 69 (33.3%) cases, respectively. All reference standards had similar and statistically significant but poor predictive accuracy for SGA (AUC of 0.55 to 0.56), adverse neonatal outcomes (AUC of 0.57 to 0.60) and obstetric complications (AUC of 0.55 for all).

Conclusions

The reference standards for UA‐PI evaluated herein have poor predictive ability for SGA, adverse neonatal outcomes and obstetric complications. At present, no particular UA‐PI reference standard can be recommended over others. Larger trials are needed to answer this research question. © 2024 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Introduction: Transforming Global Challenges into Opportunities for Sustainable Entrepreneurship
Authors: Milow Uta , Hinz Andreas
Published: January 2025

This chapter introduces the thematic setting of the second volume of this book series “Sustainable Business Development” featuring 11 book chapters providing practical insights. With a rapidly growing concern for sustainability around the world, organizations face significant challenges they need to address. These challenges often relate to the concept of value at the core of organizations’ business models. Moreover, stakeholder groups often are the root cause of these challenges as they can exert significant pressures on organizations to become more sustainable. Furthermore, economic and political uncertainties can be cause for concern. However, these challenges also represent opportunities, if organizations address them, align their business models and respond to expectations from stakeholders appropriately. In this context, sustainable entrepreneurship can be useful with particular emphasis on suitable solutions, target customers, market environment, supply chain processes and financial logic.
Sustainability in SMEs: What Core Values Are Really Important?
Authors: Vacher Stéphano
Published: January 2025

There is a genuine commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) among companies of all sizes. However, for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), there is a distinct relationship between managers and their stakeholders in terms of CSR commitment. Environmental, social, and societal issues are approached differently depending on the strategic and ethical values held by the manager. These values can enhance CSR commitment, ensuring the firm’s growth while contributing to global well-being. This paper focuses on this relationship through two studies: (1) a descriptive survey conducted in 2019 on a sample of French companies, examining their responses to CSR commitments, and (2) a qualitative survey of 10 French SME managers, exploring the criteria influencing their CSR engagement. The findings reveal that CSR actions are strongly influenced by the strategic goals and values upheld by the firm. SMEs have their own specific management style. In fact, the way they operate responds to a number of mechanisms that are complex to identify. Relationships with stakeholders in the firm’s ecosystem, combined with the values espoused by the firm’s managers, can be decisive factors in determining action in favour of CSR.
Stakeholder Involvement to Foster Sustainable Business Practices in Indonesian MSMEs
Authors: Dhewanto Wawan , Hanifan Rozan
Published: January 2025

Despite MSMEs’ critical contribution to the economy, their integration of sustainable practices is often hindered by challenges such as limited awareness, resources, and incentives. By synthesizing stakeholder theory with theories of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and organizational capability, this research examines the factors that influence MSMEs’ sustainability initiatives. This paper investigates the role of stakeholder involvement in enhancing sustainable business practices among MSMEs in Indonesia. Utilizing a mixed-method approach, the study analyzes survey data from MSMEs across West Java, Indonesia, and further validates it using stakeholder interviews. The findings highlight those internal capacities, including digitalization and innovation, are more critical for MSME sustainability than external factors. While external stakeholders are vital for fostering a supportive business environment, internal capacities directly enhance MSME competitiveness and operational efficiency. The paper advocates for prioritizing these internal capacities and calls for reforms in external stakeholder engagement to support MSME growth better. This research contributes to the literature by empirically demonstrating the importance of internal over external factors in advancing MSME sustainability. These insights aim to guide MSMEs and policymakers in promoting the holistic development of the sector.
Barriers to Business Model Innovation: Insights from SMEs in Switzerland
Authors: Eichler Karsten , Meyer Dario , Meyer Rolf
Published: January 2025

Business model innovation (BMI) has become increasingly important in recent years, but the question remains as to why only a small number of companies are doing it. In addition, the rate of companies innovating in general is decreasing in Switzerland, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SME). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the barriers to business model innovation among small and medium-sized enterprises in Switzerland. A quantitative approach with a written survey sent to 4000 companies was adopted. A sample of 405 company managers from the Swiss canton of Schwyz responded. The data were statistically analysed using SPSS.

The results show that medium-sized companies and those in high-tech sectors are more likely to engage in business model innovation. In contrast, smaller companies and those in less technical sectors face more challenges. The analysis identified seven barriers to BMI that are significant. Two barriers turned out to be triggers for BMI rather than actual obstacles. Past barriers were more intrinsic, related to diversity, risk aversion and own expertise. For current BMI plans, the most relevant barriers are more likely to be related to cost, technology and capacity. Additionally, the relevance of BMI may increase as companies focus on data and digital business models. These findings can assist companies in identifying and overcoming barriers in the innovation process. Furthermore, organisations such as economic development agencies or higher education institutions can adapt their services to better support SMEs in overcoming these barriers and fostering innovation.
Imaging the wakes of jets with energy-energy-energy correlators
Authors: Bossi Hannah , Kudinoor Arjun Srinivasan , Moult Ian , Pablos Daniel , Rai Ananya , Rajagopal Krishna
Published: January 2025

Abstract

As the partons in a high energy jet propagate through the droplet of quark-gluon plasma (QGP) produced in a heavy-ion collision they lose energy to, kick, and are kicked by the medium. The resulting modifications to the parton shower encode information about the microscopic nature of QGP. A direct consequence, however, is that the momentum and energy lost by the parton shower are gained by the medium and, since QGP is a strongly coupled liquid, this means that the jet excites a wake in the droplet of QGP. After freezeout, this wake becomes soft hadrons with net momentum in the jet direction meaning that what an experimentalist later reconstructs as a jet includes hadrons originating from both the modified parton shower and its wake. This has made it challenging to find experimental observables that provide an unambiguous view of the dynamical response of a droplet of QGP to a jet shooting through it. Recent years have seen significant substantial advances in the theoretical and experimental understanding of the substructure of jets, in particular, using correlation functions, $$ \left\langle \mathcal{E}\left({\overrightarrow{n}}_1\right)\cdots \mathcal{E}\left({\overrightarrow{n}}_k\right)\right\rangle $$

E

n
→

1

⋯
E

n
→

k

, of the energy flux operator in proton-proton collisions and, recently, in heavy-ion collisions. So far, such studies have focused primarily on the two-point correlator, which allows for the identification of the angular scale of the underlying dynamics. Higher-point correlators hold the promise of mapping out the dynamics themselves. In this paper we perform the first study of the shape-dependent three-point energy-energy-energy correlator in heavy-ion collisions. Using the Hybrid Model to simulate the interactions of high energy jets with the QGP medium, we show that the three-point correlator presents us with a striking new opportunity. We find that hadrons originating from wakes are the dominant contribution to the three-point correlator in the kinematic regime in which the three points are well-separated in angle, forming a roughly equilateral triangle. This equilateral region of the correlator is far from the region populated by collinear vacuum emissions, making it a canvas on which jet wakes are laid out, where experimentalists can map their shapes. Our work provides a key step towards the systematic use of energy correlators to image and unravel the dynamical response of a droplet of QGP that has been probed by a passing jet, and motivates numerous experimental and theoretical studies.
M2-M5 giant graviton expansions
Authors: Hayashi Hirotaka , Nosaka Tomoki , Okazaki Tadashi
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We examine the giant graviton expansions of the Coulomb and Higgs indices for the M2-brane SCFTs to find the closed-form expressions for the indices that encode the spectra of the 1/4-BPS M5-brane giant gravitons and the 1/3-BPS orbifold M5-brane giant gravitons. Consequently, we get exact forms of the twisted indices for the 6d (2, 0) theories describing a stack of N M5-branes which generalize the unrefined indices. We confirm that they are also beautifully expanded with respect to the indices for the M2-brane giant gravitons which are obtained from the Coulomb and Higgs indices for the M2-brane SCFTs upon the change of variables.
Triple product amplitude from chiral string
Authors: Wang Yu-Ping
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In this paper, we proposed a worldsheet construction of a subset of triple product amplitudes proposed by Huang and Remmen (2022). We start with closed bosonic strings but left and right-moving momenta are not necessarily equal. Instead, they satisfy certain conditions. We called them section conditions. These conditions are generalizations of the section condition in double field theory. The vertex operators of chiral strings have nontrivial monodromy, so we interpret them as attached to the end of defects. In the calculation of the amplitude, we not only have to integrate over the moduli space, we also have to sum over different defect configurations.

Unitarity and other consistency conditions for chiral string amplitudes are checked. We found the graviton amplitude, the Virasoro amplitude, and also a special kind of amplitude that has one infinite spin tower. Similar kinds of amplitude have appeared in bootstrap literature. The more general N-point amplitude could be obtained from a modified KLT relation. The five-point chiral string amplitude is also explicitly calculated.
From angular coefficients to quantum observables: a phenomenological appraisal in di-boson systems
Authors: Grossi Michele , Pelliccioli Giovanni , Vicini Alessandro
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Motivated by the growing interest in accessing the spin structure of multi-boson processes and in measuring quantum entanglement at high energies, we study polarisation and spin-correlation coefficients in di-boson systems. We show that higher-order corrections of QCD and electroweak type, off-shell modeling, and realistic effects such as fiducial selections and neutrino reconstruction are unavoidable to properly determine such coefficients, and consequently to provide a sound interpretation of observables sensitive to quantum entanglement and Bell-inequality violation. Our findings are based on a detailed phenomenological analysis of boson pairs at the LHC, either in inclusive electroweak production or coming from Higgs-boson decays.
Two-loop planar master integrals for NNLO QCD corrections to W-pair production in quark-antiquark annihilation
Authors: He Wen-Jie , Zhang Ren-You , Han Liang , Jiang Yi , Li Zhe , Wang Xiao-Feng , Li Shu-Xiang , Li Pan-Feng , Wang Qing-hai
Published: January 2025

Abstract

The planar two-loop scalar Feynman integrals contributing to the massive NNLO QCD corrections for W-boson pair production via quark-antiquark annihilation can be classified into three family branches, each of which is reduced to a distinct set of master integrals (MIs), totaling 27, 45 and 15, respectively. These MIs are analytically calculated using the method of differential equations, with solutions expanded as Taylor series in the dimensional regulator ϵ. For the first two family branches, the differential systems can be successfully transformed into canonical form by adopting appropriate bases of MIs. This enables the MIs of these family branches to be expressed either as Goncharov polylogarithms (GPLs) or as one-fold integrals over GPLs, up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(ϵ4). In contrast, the differential system for the third family branch can only be cast into a form linear in ϵ due to the presence of elliptic integrals. The solution to this linear-form differential system is expressed in an iterated form owing to the strictly lower-triangular structure of the coefficient matrices at ϵ = 0. Our analytic expressions for these MIs are verified with high accuracy against the numerical results from the AMFlow package.
Primordial gravitational waves as probe of dark matter in interferometer missions: Fisher forecast and MCMC
Authors: Ghoshal Anish , Paul Debarun , Pal Supratik
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We propose novel inflationary primordial gravitational wave (GW) spectral shapes at interferometer-based current and future GW missions to test dark matter (DM) production via gravity-portal. We consider three right-handed neutrinos (RHNs), required to generate Standard Model (SM) neutrino masses via seesaw mechanism, are produced via gravity-portal in early universe. The lightest among them is stable and is the DM candidate of the Universe. The other two RHNs decay and generate matter-antimatter asymmetry due to baryogenesis via leptogenesis. We find that future GW detectors BBO, DECIGO, ET, for instance, are able to probe DM mass for 5 × 106 GeV < MDM < 1.6 × 107 GeV with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) > 10, along with the observed amount of baryon asymmetry due to gravitational leptogenesis for heavy RHN mass $$ {M}_{\mathcal{N}} $$

M
N

to be around 8 × 1012 GeV. Employing Fisher matrix forecast analysis, we identify the parameter space involving non-minimal coupling to gravity ξ, reheating temperature of the Universe Trh and DM mass MDM where the GW detector-sensitivities will be the maximum with the least error, along with SNR > 10. Finally, utilizing mock data for each GW detector, we perform MCMC analysis to find out the combined constraints on the various microphysics parameters. We also explore production of other cosmological relics such as QCD axion relic as DM candidate, produced via gravity-portal in early universe. We find that ET, for instance, can probe the decay constant of such DM candidates (fa) as 109 GeV ≲ fa ≲ 1014 GeV for misalignment angle θi ∈ [0.1, π/$$ \sqrt{3} $$

3

] and ξ = 1 with SNR > 10, whereas this range decreases with the increase of non-minimal coupling. Thus the upcoming GW missions will be able to test such non-thermal DM and baryogenesis scenarios involving very high energy scales, which is otherwise impossible to reach in particle physics experiments in laboratories.
Event generation with Sherpa 3
Authors: Bothmann Enrico , Flower Lois , Gütschow Christian , Höche Stefan , Hoppe Mareen , Isaacson Joshua , Knobbe Max , Krauss Frank , Meinzinger Peter , Napoletano Davide , Price Alan , Reichelt Daniel , Schönherr Marek , Schumann Steffen , Siegert Frank
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Sherpa is a general-purpose Monte Carlo event generator for the simulation of particle collisions in high-energy collider experiments. We summarise new developments, essential features, and ongoing improvements within the Sherpa 3 release series. Physics improvements include higher-order electroweak corrections, simulations of photoproduction and hard diffraction at NLO QCD, heavy-flavour matching in NLO multijet merging, spin-polarised cross section calculations, and a new model of colour reconnections. In addition, the modelling of hadronisation, the underlying event and QED effects in both production and decay has been improved, and the overall event generation efficiency has been enhanced.
Gravitational Poisson brackets at null infinity compatible with smooth superrotations
Authors: Campiglia Miguel , Sudhakar Adarsh
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Superrotations are local extensions of the Lorentz group at null infinity that have been argued to be symmetries of gravitational scattering. In their smooth version, they can be identified with the group of diffeomorphisms on the celestial sphere. Their canonical realization requires treating the celestial metric as a variable in the gravitational phase space, along with the news and shear tensors. In this paper, we derive the resulting Poisson brackets (PB). The standard PB algebra of the news and shear tensors is augmented by distributional terms at the boundaries of null infinity, including novel PB relations between the celestial metric and the radiative variables.
Gravitational waves from high temperature strings
Authors: Frey Andrew R. , Mahanta Ratul , Maharana Anshuman , Quevedo Fernando , Villa Gonzalo
Published: January 2025

Abstract

We study finite temperature effects in string cosmology and their potential gravitational wave signature. Expanding on our recent work [1], we consider a general configuration of highly excited open and closed strings at high enough temperature to be in the Hagedorn phase in 3+1 dimensions, in order to explore its cosmological implications. We find conditions, which can be satisfied in compactifications with moduli stabilization, that allow the long strings to remain in equilibrium in a controlled effective field theory, with equilibration driven by the joining and splitting of the dominant open string population. We calculate the emission rate of gravitons by long open strings, which we show is determined by ten dimensional flat space transition amplitudes available in the literature, and then find the total gravitational wave spectrum generated by the gas of long strings. The gravitational wave spectrum has robust characteristics. It peaks at frequencies of order 50-100 GHz, the same as for gravitational waves from the reheating epoch of the Standard Model. But the amplitude of the string signal is significantly larger than predicted by the Standard Model and its field theoretic extensions. The amplitude and other physical observables (such as the contribution to ∆Neff) are directly proportional to the string scale Ms; indicating that a potential signal may also determine the string scale. Our calculations provide one of the few examples of a signal of stringy origin that dominates over the field theory predictions. We give a physical explanation of our results and discuss further implications.
Thermodynamic bounce effect in quantum BTZ black hole
Authors: Xu Zhen-Ming , Zhang Pan-Pan , Wu Bin , Zhang Xing
Published: January 2025

Abstract

A novel thermodynamic phenomenon has been observed in the quantum Bañados-Teitelboim-Zanelli (qBTZ) black hole, utilizing generalized free energy and Kramers escape rate. This phenomenon also reveals the unique property of the quantum black hole. The stochastic thermal motion of various thermodynamic states within the black hole system induces phase transitions, under the influence of generalized free energy which obtained by extending Maxwell’s construction. Through the analysis of Kramers escape rate, it is discovered that the qBTZ black hole thermodynamic system exhibits a bounce effect. It originates from the non-monotonicity of entropy in black hole thermodynamic systems. Furthermore, the overall thermodynamic picture of the qBTZ black hole has been obtained under different quantum backreactions.
Theory of neutrino fast flavor evolution. Part II. Solutions at the edge of instability
Authors: Fiorillo Damiano F. G. , Raffelt Georg G.
Published: January 2025

Abstract

In dense neutrino environments, such as provided by core-collapse supernovae or neutron-star mergers, neutrino angular distributions may be unstable to collective flavor conversions, whose outcome remains to be fully understood. These conversions are much faster than hydrodynamical scales, suggesting that self-consistent configurations may never be strongly unstable. With this motivation in mind, we study weakly unstable modes, i.e., those with small growth rates. We show that our newly developed dispersion relation (Paper I of this series) allows for an expansion in powers of the small growth rate. For weakly unstable distributions, we show that the unstable modes must either move with subluminal phase velocity, or very close to the speed of light. The instability is fed from neutrinos moving resonantly with the waves, allowing us to derive explicit expressions for the growth rate. For axisymmetric distributions, often assumed in the literature, numerical examples show the accuracy of these expressions. We also note that for the often-studied one-dimensional systems one should not forget the axial-symmetry-breaking modes, and we provide explicit expressions for the range of wavenumbers that exhibit instabilities.
Automated inspection of the tip condition of a welding tungsten electrode
Authors: Trebuľa Marek , Čierny Lukáš , Dekan Martin , Kovaríková Zuzana , Prištiak Ján , Nagy František , Duchoň František
Published: January 2025

This article introduces an innovative inspection system designed to check the condition of the welding electrode tip. The system combines 2D laser scanning with advanced analytical algorithms, enabling fast, accurate, and automated inspection. Developed PC software controls the synchronized movement of welding electrodes and the scanner, allowing the creation of 3D point clouds representing the surface of the electrodes. These data are analysed to identify deformations, contamination, and surface imperfections. The inspection results are communicated with the welding control system, contributing to improved weld quality and efficiency in industrial production processes. This innovation has the potential to change how the condition of welding electrodes is monitored in industrial sectors.
Analysis of virtual reality teaching methods in engineering education: assessing educational effectiveness and understanding of 3D structures
Authors: Ka Jonghyeon , Kim Haryun , Kim Jihyung , Kim Wooksung
Published: January 2025

Conventional digital learning with 2D videos or simulations on monitors and tablets has limitations in engineering education when covering complex concepts or complicated 3D structures. In response, virtual reality (VR) has been introduced as an immersive method that can enhance learning effectiveness. This study analyzed the impact of VR on overall learning outcomes and understanding of 3D structures in engineering education, comparing it with traditional digital learning approaches. We conducted a study with 40 participants who learned about LCD-related topics using two methods: VR-based learning and 2D video-based learning (2DLM). To evaluate their performance, we carried out a performance-based assessment consisting of a quiz and 3D reconstruction tasks, as well as a perception-based assessment using a questionnaire. As for the results, the VR-based learning showed a 12% improvement in post-test quiz scores and a 13% improvement in 3D reconstruction test scores compared to the 2DLM. Additionally, the questionnaire results confirmed that VR learning increased engagement by 11.9%, immersion by 18.6%, motivation by 10.3%, cognitive benefits by 9.3%, and perceived learning effectiveness by 8.7%. While VR showed better learning outcomes, these findings should be interpreted considering the small sample size, the specific learning topics addressed, and the partial integration of media and educational methods. Nevertheless, our results indicate that VR is more effective than conventional learning resources in supporting general memorization, understanding, and the specific comprehension of 3D structures.
Broad acceptance of sustainable insect-based shrimp feeds requires reproducible and comparable research
Authors: Barth Annalena , Stelbrink Björn , Klüber Patrick , Schubert Patrick , Bendag Slim , Wilke Thomas
Published: January 2025

The black soldier fly (BSF) has great potential as a sustainable aquaculture feed. However, for shrimp aquaculture, research on BSF-based feeds has only recently started and the few available studies show a heterogeneous picture in terms of growth parameters of shrimp. While some of these varying results may be explained by the properties of the insect feed used, it is likely that yet unknown parameters also play a role. Moreover, pre-treatment, experimental design, and statistical analyses performed may influence the outcome of feeding experiments. Therefore, the general goal of this study is to establish basic reporting guidelines for BSF-based feeding trials in Pacific white shrimp (PWS), building on literature data and a best-practice study. Here, we (i) identify several contributing parameters that may influence life-history parameters of shrimp fed with BSF, including the genetic composition or strain of BSF used; (ii) show that the partial substitution of fishmeal-based compounds with BSF larvae could be a sustainable alternative to fishmeal-based feeds for PWS as the production index did not differ significantly between treatment and control groups in our best-practice study; and (iii) propose reporting guidelines with 39 parameters to be considered in future insect-based feeding studies in PWS to facilitate comparability and reproducibility. Overall, our study may contribute to improving the ecological, economic, and social sustainability of shrimp aquaculture through insect-based feeds.
Diterpene chemical space of Aeollanthus buchnerianus Briq. aerial part
Authors: Bitchagno Gabin T. M. , Reynolds Nathan , Simmonds Monique S. J.
Published: January 2025

The Plectranthinae clade, which includes genera such as Plectranthus, Ocimum, and Aeollanthus, is well known for its diverse array of diterpenoids. While numerous studies have deepened the understanding of diterpene diversity across the clade, Aeollanthus species remain underexplored, with only two studies focusing on their diterpene profiles. The NMR-based chemical profiling of the EtOAc leaf extract of the rocky and succulent species Aeollanthus buchnerianus Briq. reveals a range of diterpenes with isopimarane and abietane skeletons including several previously unreported analogues. Interestingly, the isolated compounds provided insights into the breakdown patterns of both diterpene classes by examining the product ions in their MS2 spectra. These data offer valuable information for evaluating the taxonomic position of this species in relation to other species within the clade.

Graphical Abstract
Monopolizing Knowledge
Authors: Ratcliff Jessica
Published: January 2025

In the nineteenth century, an ambitious new library and museum for Asian arts, sciences and natural history was established in the City of London, within the corporate headquarters of the East India Company. Funded with taxes from British India and run by the East India Company, this library-museum was located thousands of miles away from the taxpayers who supported it and the land from which it grew. Jessica Ratcliff documents how the growth of science at the Company depended upon its sweeping monopoly privileges and its ability to act as a sovereign state in British India. She explores how 'Company science' became part of the cultural fabric of science in Britain and examines how it fed into Britain's dominance of science production within its empire, as well as Britain's rising preeminence on the scientific world stage. This title is part of the Flip it Open program and may also be available open access. Check our website Cambridge Core for details.
The Ruins of Rome
Authors: Mayer Roland
Published: January 2025

The beguiling ruins of Rome have a long history of allure. They first engaged the attention of later mediaeval tourists, just as they do today. The interest of travellers was captured in the Renaissance by artists, architects, topographers, antiquarians, archaeologists and writers. Once the ruins were seen to appeal to visitors, and to matter for their aesthetic quality, their protection and attractive presentation became imperative. Rome's ruins were the first to be the object of preservation orders, and novel measures were devised for their conservation in innovative archaeological parks. The city's remains provided models for souvenirs; paintings of them decorated the walls of eighteenth-century English country houses; and picturesque sham Roman ruins sprang up in landscape gardens across Europe. Writers responded in various ways to their emotional appeal. Roland Mayer's attractive new history will delight all those interested in the remarkable survival and preservation of a unique urban environment.
Resveratrol activates PGC-1α pathway via PRAKK1 to regulate mitochondrial biogenesis and alleviate inflammatory responses in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Hu ChunLi , An YanHao , Ma XueHu , Feng Xue , Ma Yun , Ma Yanfen
Published: January 2025

Mastitis in dairy cows is an important factor restricting the healthy development of dairy industry. Natural extracts have become a research hotspot to alleviate and prevent diseases because of their unique properties. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resveratrol (RES) on the mitochondrial biosynthesis, antioxidation, and anti-inflammatory in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) and its mechanism involved. Blood samples were collected from six healthy cows and six mastitis affected cows, respectively, and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to treat BMECs to construct inflammation models, gene interference is achieved by transfection. The results showed that messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) was down-regulated and mitochondrial biogenesis-related gene expression was disrupted in the blood of mastitis cows and LPS-induced BMECs. RES is the best active substance to activate PGC-1α. The addition of RES can effectively alleviate the production of BMECs reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial damage induced by LPS, and improve the antioxidation and anti-inflammatory ability, while the alleviation effect of RES is inhibited after interfering with protein kinase AMP-activated catalytic subunit α 1 (PRKAA1). In summary, our study emphasizes that PRKAA1 is a key gene mediating the activation of PGC-1α by RES, which regulates mitochondrial biosynthesis, inhibits ROS release, attenuates mitochondrial damage, and improves mitochondrial antioxidant capacity through the activation of PGC-1α by PRKAA1, thus attenuating the inflammatory response in BMECs.
An assessment of cord ferritin concentration and its predictors among a cohort of Canadian preterm and term infants
Authors: Pei Lulu X. , Hutcheon Jennifer A. , Karakochuk Crystal D.
Published: January 2025

Low iron (Fe) stores at birth may adversely influence child cognitive and motor development. The aims of this study were to assess cord blood Fe levels and explore maternal and neonatal factors associated with Fe status. Cord blood specimens (n 46) were obtained from the BC Children’s Hospital BioBank in Vancouver, Canada. The primary outcome was cord plasma ferritin, measured using sandwich-ELISA. Predictors of interest included maternal age, gestational age, gravidity, infant sex, birth weight and delivery method. Median (interquartile range (IQR)) maternal age and gestational age at delivery was 33·5 (29·3–35·8) years and 36·5 (30·0–39·0) weeks, respectively, and 44 % of infants were female. Median (IQR) cord ferritin was 100·4 (75·7–128·9) µg/l, and 26 % had low Fe status (ferritin <76 µg/l). Among preterm deliveries, a 1-week increase in gestational age was associated with a 6·22 (95 % CI (1·10, 9·52)) µg/l increase in median cord ferritin. However, among term deliveries, a negative trend was observed (–2·38 µg/l per week of gestation (95 % CI (–34·8, 0·78))), indicating a potential non-linear relationship between gestational age and cord ferritin. Female term infants had higher cord ferritin compared with males (β (95 % CI): 30·3 (18·4, 57·9) µg/l), suggesting sex-specific differences in Fe transfer, acquisition and utilisation. Cord ferritin was higher with vaginal deliveries compared with caesarean sections (β (95 % CI): 39·1 (29·0, 51·5) µg/l). Low Fe status may be a concern among infants in Canada; however, further research is needed to inform appropriate thresholds to define optimal Fe status in cord blood.
Influence of Initial Slab Dip, Plate Interface Coupling, and Nonlinear Rheology on Dynamic Weakening at the Lithosphere‐Asthenosphere Boundary
Authors: Bhavsar Vivek , Jadamec Margarete , Knepley Matthew
Published: January 2025

The slab dip and long‐term coupling along the plate interface can vary both between and within subduction zones. However, how the initial slab dip and resistance at the plate interface affect the dynamic viscous resistance of the asthenosphere at the lithosphere‐asthenosphere boundary (LAB) is less understood. This paper presents two‐dimensional (2D) visco‐plastic models that examine the surface plate velocity and dynamic weakening of the asthenosphere as a function of three values of initial slab dip (, , ) and six upper bounds on the plate interface coupling (, , , , , ). The models use a composite viscosity in the upper mantle and examine both the instantaneous and time‐dependent flow. The instantaneous models show that decreasing the plate interface coupling bound results in an increase in the subducting plate speed and extent of dynamic weakening of the asthenosphere adjacent to the LAB (sub‐LAB asthenosphere), peaking for models with a slab dip of . The time‐dependent results show the surface plate motion and thickness of the weakened asthenosphere evolve during several million years of subduction, with models with an initial slab dip of and weakest plate interface coupling bound producing the fastest subducting plate speeds and greatest dynamic weakening in the sub‐LAB asthenosphere over time. The results show the surface motion is correlated with dynamic weakening in the sub‐LAB asthenosphere due to the effects of the strain‐rate‐dependent rheology. This reduced viscous resistance to slab sinking facilitates subduction and mantle flow over time, thus facilitating plate tectonics.
Isolation of Primary Remanent Magnetization From Himalayan Rocks: Insights From Partially Remagnetized Upper Cretaceous Oceanic Red Beds in Southern Tibet, China
Authors: Yuan Jie , Jiang Zhaoxia , Huang Wentao , Liu Caicai , Tsering Thubtan , Zhang Shuai , Qi Kaixian , Yang Zijuan , Shen Zhongshan , Cai Shuhui , Liu Shuangchi , Qin Huafeng , Zhang Chunxia , Yang Zhenyu
Published: January 2025

Oceanic red beds, preserving primary depositional remanent magnetization, play a key role in reconstructing the Tethyan paleogeography. However, partial remagnetization caused by chemical processes could be pervasive in these rocks, leading to flawed reconstructions, and thus, differentiating secondary and primary remanences is important. In this paper, we conduct multiple X‐ray diffraction, petrographic, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, and rock magnetic analyses on the Upper Cretaceous oceanic red beds (CORBs) from the Cailangba section in the Gyangze region of the Tethyan Himalaya. Our results reveal that the CORBs contain coarse‐grained detrital hematite with a narrow coercivity distribution, as well as fine‐grained authigenic hematite with a broad coercivity distribution. The coarse‐grained population is mainly composed of >400 nm hematite grains and unblocks close to the Néel temperature (675°C), consistent with a detrital origin. In contrast, the fine‐grained population is mainly composed of <30−400 nm hematite grains and progressively unblocks below 650°C, consistent with a chemical (authigenic) origin. In addition to these two populations of hematite, a small amount of goethite, unblocking below 120°C, is detected. Due to the distinct unblocking temperature spectra of these two populations of hematite, isolating the primary detrital remanence of the coarse‐grained hematite from the chemical remanence of the fine‐grained hematite in the CORBs through high‐resolution thermal demagnetization treatment is feasible. This study lends confidence to the paleomagnetic studies of these oceanic red beds in Tethyan paleogeographic reconstructions.
Optical Quantification of Wind‐Wave Breaking and Regional Variations in Different Offshore Seas Using Landsat‐8 OLI Images
Authors: Yin Ziyao , Lu Yingcheng
Published: January 2025

Oceanic whitecaps, as indicators of increased air–sea exchange, can be effectively captured by Landsat‐8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) images with a 30‐m spatial resolution. This study used a new adaptive iterative triangle algorithm, which was applied to 400 OLI images synchronized with National Data Buoy Center‐measured wind speeds, covering the different offshore areas of the United States over the last ten years to automatically extract whitecap‐affected pixels. By integrating radiative transfer equations, we calculated the whitecap coverage (W), determined that a 4 km window size is optimal for calculating W, and established a whitecap coverage‐sea surface wind speed model. A sliding window method was used to achieve high‐resolution (100 m) large‐area sea surface wind speed estimations. More importantly, this study provides new insights into the impact of different wind and wave conditions on W and regional variations in the whitecap coverage‐sea surface wind speed model from an optical satellite perspective, which can effectively quantify the wind‐wave breaking and distinguish the regional variations of them in different offshore seas. By comparing with 10‐m resolution data from the Sentinel‐2 Multi‐Spectral Instrument, we further clarified the impact of spatial resolution on the selection of methods for calculating W, revealing scale effects in optical remote sensing of whitecap detection and proposing corresponding W calculation strategies. These results demonstrate the potential of high‐resolution optical remote sensing for monitoring whitecaps, estimating sea surface winds and studying air–sea interactions.
Atmospheric River Detection Under Changing Seasonality and Mean‐State Climate: ARTMIP Tier 2 Paleoclimate Experiments
Authors: Rush W. D. , Lora J. M. , Skinner C. B. , Menemenlis S. A. , Shields C. A. , Ullrich P. , O’Brien T. A. , Brands S. , Guan B. , Mattingly K. S. , McClenny E. , Nardi K. , Nellikkattil A. , Ramos A. M. , Reid K. J. , Shearer E. , Tomé R. , Wille J. D. , Leung L. R. , Ralph F. M. , Rutz J. J. , Wehner M. , Zhang Z. , Lu M. , Quagraine K. T.
Published: January 2025

Atmospheric rivers (ARs) are filamentary structures within the atmosphere that account for a substantial portion of poleward moisture transport and play an important role in Earth's hydroclimate. However, there is no one quantitative definition for what constitutes an atmospheric river, leading to uncertainty in quantifying how these systems respond to global change. This study seeks to better understand how different AR detection tools (ARDTs) respond to changes in climate states utilizing single‐forcing climate model experiments under the aegis of the Atmospheric River Tracking Method Intercomparison Project (ARTMIP). We compare a simulation with an early Holocene orbital configuration and another with CO2 levels of the Last Glacial Maximum to a preindustrial control simulation to test how the ARDTs respond to changes in seasonality and mean climate state, respectively. We find good agreement among the algorithms in the AR response to the changing orbital configuration, with a poleward shift in AR frequency that tracks seasonal poleward shifts in atmospheric water vapor and zonal winds. In the low CO2 simulation, the algorithms generally agree on the sign of AR changes, but there is substantial spread in their magnitude, indicating that mean‐state changes lead to larger uncertainty. This disagreement likely arises primarily from differences between algorithms in their thresholds for water vapor and its transport used for identifying ARs. These findings warrant caution in ARDT selection for paleoclimate and climate change studies in which there is a change to the mean climate state, as ARDT selection contributes substantial uncertainty in such cases.
Clouds and Ammonia in the Atmospheres of Jupiter and Saturn Determined From a Band‐Depth Analysis of VLT/MUSE Observations
Authors: Irwin Patrick G. J. , Hill Steven M. , Fletcher Leigh N. , Alexander Charlotte , Rogers John H.
Published: January 2025

The visible spectrum of Jupiter contains absorption bands of methane (619 nm) and ammonia (647 nm) that can be used to probe the cloud‐top pressures and ammonia abundance in Jupiter's atmosphere. Recently, it has been shown that filter‐averaged observations of Jupiter made with telescopes and filters accessible to backyard astronomers can be reduced to yield ammonia maps that bear a remarkable similarity with distributions derived using more complex radiative transfer methods. Here, we determine the reliability of this method by applying it to observations made with the MUSE instrument at ESO's Very Large Telescope, and find excellent correspondence with the retrieved products from multiple‐scattering retrieval model analyses. We find that the main level of reflection in Jupiter's atmosphere is at 2–3 bar, which is far beneath the anticipated ammonia ice condensation level at 0.7 bar, and conclude that pure ammonia ice cannot be the main cloud constituent. We show that the spatial variations of ammonia determined at 2–3 bar are strongly correlated with those determined from thermal‐infrared observations, and microwave observations by the Very Large Array and the Juno spacecraft. Finally, we show that the same technique can be applied to observations of Saturn, again yielding maps of ammonia abundance at 2–3 bar that are well‐correlated with thermal‐IR observations made near 5 m by Cassini/VIMS and JWST/MIRI. Similarly, the main level of reflectivity is found to be lie far beneath the expected condensation level of ammonia in Saturn's atmosphere at 1.8 bar.
Understanding low-threshold mode-locking at multi-GHz repetition rate
Authors: He Wenbin , Pang Meng , Russell Philip St. J.
Published: January 2025

Continuous-wave mode-locking at multi-GHz repetition rates is achieved in an ultrashort laser cavity at critical pulse energies 100 times lower than predicted by conventional theory. The authors reveal that dynamic gain depletion and recovery between consecutive round-trips is the key factor behind a low-pulse-energy transition from Q-switched mode-locking (QSML) to continuous-wave mode-locking (CWML). As well as providing new insight into gain dynamics, the results suggest a practical route to low-threshold lasing at very high-repetition rates.