bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Collective motion of pulsating active particles in confined structures
Authors: Liu Wan-hua , Zhu Wei-jing , Ai Bao-quan
Published: January 2024

The collective motion of pulsating active particles with periodic size contraction is investigated in a two-dimensional asymmetric channel. Our findings reveal that changes in particle size can act as a non-equilibrium driving force, disrupting the system’s thermodynamic equilibrium and leading to the transformation of self-contraction motion into directional motion in the asymmetric channel. The specific direction of motion is dictated by the symmetrical properties of the channel. Furthermore, our study identifies an optimal degree of channel opening (or self-pulsation frequency) at which the average velocity reaches its peak value. At lower frequencies, the average velocity demonstrates a peak function in relation to the self-pulsation amplitude (or particle number density). Conversely, at higher frequencies, the average velocity increases with the self-pulsation amplitude (or particle number density). The system exhibits three distinct states: the arrested ordered state, disordered state, and cycling ordered state. Notably, particle rectification reaches its optimum in the disordered state.
Comment on ‘Solving a singular integral equation for the one-dimensional Coulomb problem’ (2023 Physica Scripta
98 085219)
Authors: Zhang Yupeng , Zeng Qihao , Sun Dong , Olendski Oleg
Published: January 2024

It is shown by Olendski that the derivation of the momentum waveform of the quasi-one-dimensional hydrogen atom recently performed by Shutovskyi et al (2023 Phys. Scr.
98 085 219) contains the same error as in the previous effort by Saha et al (2017 Eur. J. Phys.
38 025 103). The error was also identified by Olendski (2017 Eur. J. Phys.
38 038 001; 2019 Eur. J. Phys.
40 025 402). To exemplify the faulty nature of Shutovski et al formula, the standard deviations of position and momentum that enter the Heisenberg uncertainty relation were calculated. It produced different results in the position and wave vector spaces, whereas the use of the correct expression yields the same value by either method.
Fusion and (non)-rigidity of Virasoro Kac modules in logarithmic minimal models at (p, q)-central charge
Authors: McRae Robert , Sopin Valerii
Published: January 2024

LetOcbe the category of finite-length modules for the Virasoro Lie algebra at central chargecwhose composition factors are irreducible quotients of reducible Verma modules. For anyc∈C, this category admits the vertex algebraic braided tensor category structure of Huang–Lepowsky–Zhang. Here, we begin the detailed study ofOcp,qwherecp,q=1−6p−q2pqfor relatively prime integersp,q≥ 2; in conformal field theory,Ocp,qcorresponds to a logarithmic extension of the central chargecp,qVirasoro minimal model. We particularly focus on the Virasoro Kac modulesKr,s,r,s∈Z≥1, inOcp,qdefined by Morin-Duchesne–Rasmussen–Ridout, which are finitely-generated submodules of Feigin–Fuchs modules for the Virasoro algebra. We prove thatKr,sis rigid and self-dual when 1 ≤r≤pand 1 ≤s≤q, but that not allKr,sare rigid whenr>pors>q. That is,Ocp,qis not a rigid tensor category. We also show that all Kac modules and all simple modules inOcp,qare homomorphic images of repeated tensor products ofK1,2andK2,1, and we determine completely howK1,2andK2,1tensor with Kac modules and simple modules inOcp,q. In the process, we prove some fusion rule conjectures of Morin-Duchesne–Rasmussen–Ridout.
Performance and precision analysis of 3D surface modeling through UAVs: validation and comparison of different photogrammetric data processing software
Authors: Mora-Félix Zuriel D , Rangel-Peraza Jesús Gabriel , Monjardín-Armenta Sergio Alberto , Sanhouse-García Antonio J
Published: January 2024

The planimetric and altimetric accuracies of the Digital Elevation Model (DEM) obtained from Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) depend on some photogrammetric parameters such as flight height, flight speed, and/or ground sample distance. In the last few years, the study of computer vision algorithms has increased focusing on their importance on the photogrammetric reconstruction process for land surface mapping. According to this, the main goal of this paper was to evaluate the performance of different photogrammetric processing software, such as Open Drone Map (ODM), Agisoft PhotoScan, and Pix4D, on DEM accuracy. For this purpose, a DJI Phantom 4 Pro drone was used for the acquisition of 600 images in a difficult topography area (630 ha) with 27 Ground Control Points (GCP) previously established. The photogrammetric products were generated, and a statistical analysis was carried out for the comparison of the DEMs. The results of the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) show that the planimetric and altimetric accuracy of Agisoft PhotoScan (RMSExy = 0.514 m; RMSEz = 0.162 m) is greater than those obtained using Pix4D and ODM. Unsatisfactory results were obtained with ODM since deformations and high planimetric and altimetric errors were identified in the orthomosaic and DEM, which was related to inefficient key point detection and an incomplete mosaic construction process. Agisoft PhotoScan modeled the anthropogenic objects as part of the land surface, while Pix4d smoothed the terrain, eliminating these anthropogenic objects and not considering them as part of the ground surface.
Theoretical prediction of proteins network-induced nonlocal response in molecules-resonator biosensor with hydrogen bonds including van der waals interactions
Authors: Bourouina Hicham , Boussendel Abdelmadjid
Published: January 2024

The present study investigates the adsorption-induced resonance frequency shift of a biomolecule-resonator system, considering the shear distortion effect, distributed adatoms, and small-scale effects using nonlocal elasticity theory. The adsorption-induced energy is modeled using a distributional approach for both the bio-receptor and spike protein. The dynamic behavior model for a microbeam resonator is derived, incorporating surface stress. The functional microbeam approach and the localized biomolecule approach are employed, along with van der Waals (vdW) interactions using the Lennard-Jones (6–12) potential to calculate the influence of all applied conditions. Explicit inertia moment and shear force are determined based on the nonlocal Timoshenko beam equations, with residual stress applied as an additive axial load. Numerical results demonstrate that the computed frequency shift depends on the active surface parameters, adsorbed adatoms, as well as the localized receptor and spike. The evaluation of results indicates that interatomic phenomena make the microsystem softer, emphasizing the importance of considering it in computations. Thus, the derived model is suitable for investigating the dynamic behavior of the biomolecule-resonator, applicable for determining both mass and density of spike and virus in the presence of adatom bonds.
Transmissive all-dielectric metasurfaces for reconstructing terahertz holographic images via polarization-multiplexing and polarization-decoupling
Authors: Zhong Zhaoyu , Zhang Ying , Jiang Jiuxing , Yao Yongtao , Yang Yuqiang , He Xunjun
Published: January 2024

Recently, the multifunctional terahertz metasurface holography (meta-holography) has garnered significant attention and sparked wide discussions due to its capacity for carrying a large amount of information. However, traditional multifunctional meta-holography, achieved by integrating metasurfaces with active materials or MEMS technology, have exhibited distinct shortcomings due to their intrinsic properties, such as slow response, complex structure, or low reliability. Herein, we propose a transmissive metasurface platform composed of anisotropic all-dielectric meta-atoms including three parts: the elliptical silicon pillars (Si-pillars), circular Si-pillars, and a quartz substrate sandwiched between them. This platform enables the implementation of dual-channel holographic images by utilizing linear polarization (LP) multiplexing and circular polarization (CP) decoupling. As proof of concept, two transmissive anisotropic metasurfaces (MS-1 and MS-2) are designed and created. When illuminated with two orthogonal LP-polarization waves, the MS-1 can produce holographic images of the letters ‘X’ and ‘Y’ in the corresponding co-polarized channel. Additionally, the MS-2 is illuminated by the left-circularly polarized (LCP) wave, two holographic images with different patterns (‘L’ and ‘R’) are reconstructed in the co-polarized and cross-polarized channels respectively. Therefore, the proposed metasurfaces allowing for polarization-multiplexing or polarization-decoupling can exhibit considerable potential for applications in multifunctional integration and high information capacity.
Effect of cobalt addition on thermal cycling behaviour of Ti50Ni(50−x)cox shape memory alloys
Authors: Swaminathan G , Sampath V , Santosh S
Published: January 2024

The effect of adding Co on the temperature cycling behaviour of ternary Ti50Ni(50−x)Cox (x = 1, 2, 3) alloys was experimentally studied in this work. The alloys were prepared using a vacuum induction furnace, followed by subjecting them to homogenization, hot-rolling and annealing processes. The alloys were subjected to thermal cycling experiments in a nitrogen atmosphere by differential scanning calorimetry under stress-free conditions between their transformation temperatures. The results indicate that adding Co to NiTi alloys decreases their transition temperatures, improves the thermal cycling stability apart from suppressing the R-phase formation on cooling during cycling. The changes are due to the addition of Co introducing solid solution strengthening and generation of dislocations during cyclic phase transformations, as confirmed by the hardness test results and TEM micrographs, respectively.
One pot synthesizing of cobalt (III) and (IV) oxides/polypyrrole nanocomposite for light sensing in wide optical range
Authors: Rabia Mohamed , Ben Gouider Trabelsi Amira , Alkallas Fatemah H , Elsayed Asmaa M
Published: January 2024

A highly porous potato-shaped nanocomposite, Co(111) and Co(IV) oxide/polypyrrole (Co2O3-Co3O4/Ppy), is synthesized employing a one-pot procedure involving the slow oxidation of pyrrole using Co(NO3)2. The exceptional physical characteristics of this nanocomposite are accompanied by impressive optical properties, marked by a bandgap of 1.72 eV. Its absorbance spans across the UV, visible (Vis), and infrared (IR) regions, making it a promising candidate for optoelectronic applications such as photodetectors designed for light sensing within this extensive optical range that encompasses a substantial portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. This Co2O3-Co3O4/Ppy thin film photodetector is subjected to electrical testing under varying light conditions, leading to the determination of the photocurrent density (Jph) value of 0.26 mA.cm−2. When evaluated under different monochromatic light sources ranging from 340 to 730 nm, distinct Jph values are observed for each wavelength, reflecting the nanocomposite’s ability to effectively interact with photons across this spectrum. The measured responsivity (R) and detectivity (D) values further underscore the photodetector’s efficiency. At 340 nm, the R and D values stand at 1.22 mA.W-1 and 0.275 × 109 Jones, respectively. Similarly, at 730 nm, these values are 1.21 mA.W−1 and 0.270 × 109 Jones. The combination of these favorable findings, including cost-effectiveness and high stability, position the Co2O3-Co3O4/Ppy nanocomposite as an optimal choice for a wide range of industrial applications, attesting to its potential impact in the field.
Transmission enhancement in coupled nanohole and nanodisk arrays for solar blind UV filter
Authors: Chen Yihong , Guo Wenfei , Xu Lingyi , Lai Jianjun
Published: January 2024

Extraordinary optical transmission (EOT) based on metallic nanohole array has great potential for optical filtering, owing to its spectral selectivity and structure-dependent tunability. However the transmittance of EOT is relatively low owing to the large loss of the metal film, particularly in the UV waveband. Herein, we propose a high transmission narrowband ultraviolet filter based on aluminum compound nanostructures on a UV-grade fused silica substrate. These compound nanostructures are consisted of periodic nanodisk and nanohole arrays with the same period in a staggered rectangular arrangement. Numerical simulations using the finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method have shown that the compound structures exhibit high transmittance of over 70% and a narrower bandwidth of less than 50 nm in the 200–300 nm spectral region compared with the conventionally EOT of pure metallic nanohole arrays. Moreover, a broad suppression in the wavelength ranges of 300 to 1100 nm was achieved. The enhanced performance is attributed to the coupling between the surface plasmon polariton (SPP) of nanohole arrays and the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of nanodisk arrays. The compound coupled nanostructures can be used in solar-blind ultraviolet detectors and the enhancement mechanism has potential for use in other spectral regions.
Castor seed-derived luminescent carbon nanoparticles for metal ion detection and temperature sensing applications
Authors: Kumar Avinash , Kumar Ishant , Kumar Sandeep , Sharma Ankita , Gathania Arvind K
Published: January 2024

In the current study, castor seeds are used as a first-time natural precursor in the hydrothermal process of making carbon nanoparticles. The produced nanoparticles have a non-uniform size distribution with an average diameter of 13 nm and a roughly spherical shape. They comprise a variety of functional groups containing carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen. Their spectra have peaks at 524 nm and 441 nm for their emission and excitation, respectively. They exhibit temperature-sensitive Photoluminescence (PL) behaviour, high quantum yield value (24%), and excitation-dependent emission. In high salt environments, UV radiation, storage time, and fluorescent light they provide exceptional photostability. They have been used in applications for metal ion and thermal sensing. With a limit of detection (LOD) value of 18 μM, they are found to be both sensitive and selective to Fe3+ ions. Additionally, a nanothermosensor with good recovery and a broad temperature range (5 °C–85 °C) has also been demonstrated with a thermal sensitivity of 0.54% °C−1 based on their temperature-sensitive behaviour.
Comparison of methods to determine the fluence of monoenergetic neutrons in the energy range from 30 keV to 14.8 MeV
Authors: Nolte R , Lutz B
Published: January 2024

The primary reference instruments for neutron fluence measurements used at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt are based on the primary standard for neutron measurements which is the differential neutron–proton scattering cross section. Such instruments require considerable effort for their operation and analysis. Therefore, routine measurements are carried out using a transfer instrument to facilitate the efficient provision of services to customers. A series of measurements was conducted to compare the transfer device to the primary reference instruments and ensure the traceability of neutron fluence measurements. This resulted in an improved characterisation of the instrument and new analysis procedures. For neutron energies between 144 keV and 14.8 MeV, the ratio of neutron fluence values measured with the primary reference instruments and the transfer instrument deviates from unity by less than the estimated standard measurement uncertainties of 2.6% to 3.2%. At neutron energies between 30 keV and 100 keV, however, the experimental fluence ratios deviate from unity by about 4% which exceeds the estimated uncertainties of 2.5% to 2.9%. At present, the reason for this inconsistency remains unresolved.
Large deviations and conditioning for chaotic non-invertible deterministic maps: analysis via the forward deterministic dynamics and the backward stochastic dynamics
Authors: Monthus Cécile
Published: January 2024

The large deviation properties of trajectory observables for chaotic non-invertible deterministic maps as studied recently by Smith (2022Phys. Rev.E106L042202) and by Gutierrezet al(2023arXiv:2304.13754) are revisited in order to analyze in detail the similarities and the differences with the case of stochastic Markov chains. More concretely, we focus on the simplest example displaying the two essential properties of local stretching and global folding, namely the doubling mapxt+1=2xt[mod1]on the real-space intervalx∈[0,1[that can also be analyzed via the decompositionx=∑l=1+∞σl2linto binary coefficientsσl=0,1. The large deviation properties of trajectory observables can be studied either via deformations of the forward deterministic dynamics or via deformations of the backward stochastic dynamics. Our main conclusions concerning the construction of the corresponding Doob canonical conditioned processes are: (i) non-trivial conditioned dynamics can be constructed only in the backward stochastic perspective where the reweighting of existing transitions is possible, and not in the forward deterministic perspective; (ii) the corresponding conditioned steady state is not smooth on the real-space intervalx∈[0,1[and can be better characterized in the binary spaceσl=1,2,..,+∞. As a consequence, the backward stochastic dynamics in the binary space are also the most appropriate framework to analyze higher levels of large deviations, and we obtain the explicit large deviations at level 2 for the probability of the empirical density of long backward trajectories.
Electronic Collections of Solved Problems in Physics and Physics Experiments
Authors: Koupilová Zdeňka , Kácovský Petr , Snetinová Marie , Mandíková Dana
Published: January 2024

The Collection of Solved Problems in Physics and the Collection of Physics Experiments have been developed at the Department of Physics Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Physics, Charles University for more than fifteen years. Although they are prepared as support materials for the students of our department, the audience is much larger. The Collection of Physics Problems is used not only by university students of other study programs and universities, but also by lower and upper secondary school students and their teachers. There are more than 950 (in Czech), and 320 (in English) fully solved problems covering all major areas of physics with a specially designed solution structure that promotes active thinking and the development of problem-solving skills. Selected problems are accompanied by interactive components. They are mainly prepared in GeoGebra or Wolfram Mathematica. Their aims are various, e.g., they help to create a correct geometrical view of the problem; they show the temporal development of the process; they simulate a mental process involved in solving the problem; they graphically show the solution for values other than those given; they allow to simulate various alternatives. These elements are designed for free play and exploration by the reader, and they are accompanied by tasks that lead the reader to a deeper understanding of the problem. The Collection of Physics Experiments is widely used by in-service teachers at both levels of secondary education. The collection includes approximately 170 experiments in Czech and 80 experiments in English. The focus is on selecting practical classroom experiments that captivate students. Most experiments come with video sequences presenting sample experiment settings and/or procedures.
Machine-learning Assisted Insights into Cytotoxicity of Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Bilgi E , Oksel Karakus C
Published: January 2024

Zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) are commercially used as an active ingredient or a color additive in foods, pharmaceuticals, sun protection lotions, and cosmetic products. While the use of ZnO NPs in everyday products has not been linked to any serious health issues so far, the scientific evidence generated for their safety is not conclusive and, in most cases, could not be validated further in in vivo settings. To settle controversies arising from inconsistent in vitro findings in previous research focusing on the toxicity ZnO NPs, we combined the results of 25+ independent studies. One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and classification and regression tree (CART) algorithm were used to pinpoint intrinsic and extrinsic factors influencing cytotoxic potential of ZnO in nanoscale. Particle size was found to have the most significant impact on the cytotoxic potential of ZnO NPs, with 10 nm identified as a critical diameter below which cytotoxic effects were elevated. As expected, strong cell type-, exposure duration- and dose-dependency were observed in cytotoxic response of ZnO NPs, highlighting the importance of assay optimization for each cytotoxicity screening. Our findings also suggested that ≥12 hours exposure to NPs resulted in cytotoxic responses irrespective of the concentration. Considering the cumulative nature of research processes where advances are made through subsequent investigations over time, such meta-analytical approaches are critical to maximizing the use of accumulated data in nano-safety research.
Prevention-through-design approach to mitigate workers’ exposure in the graphene production processes
Authors: Boccuni F , Tombolini F , Natale C , Bellagamba I , Sebastiani F , Ferrante R
Published: January 2024

The growing development of new and advanced nanomaterials calls for a responsible approach to evaluate and prevent health and safety risks for workers, who could be exposed in their whole life cycle. Since many uncertainties still remain about health effects and as long as occupational exposure limits will not be available, Prevention-through-Design (PtD) approach may be proposed as a framework aimed at preventing risks, taking into account health and safety aspects starting from the design stages of innovation production processes. PtD principles could be applied to NMs, including strategies to mitigate emissions and minimize risks related to the manufacturing and use. In the present study, this approach has been successfully applied to different case studies of graphene-based NMs production in research and development laboratories, with promising applications in the transition towards the industrial scale. The methodology includes the integration of ISO control banding tool and OECD multi-metric and tiered approach to assess exposure by inhalation, improving the reliability of risk analysis framework. The findings support the complementary use of qualitative and quantitative data to identify tailored control measures and prevent risks in parallel with the development of NMs production processes, by giving also the opportunity to evaluate their effectiveness.
Effects of flavanols and procyanidins-rich cocoa consumption on metabolic syndrome: an update review (2013-2023)
Authors: Salaish Kumar Sharvintha , Mhd Jalil Abbe Maleyki , Hussin Napisah , Mat Daud Zulfitri ‘Azuan , Ismail Amin
Published: January 2024

Studies indicated that cocoa-based products effectively mitigate the risks associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS), however, the effect varies based on cocoa types, dosages, and study durations. This review aimed to determine the flavanol-rich cocoa consumption on MetS outcomes within the last decade (2013-2023), adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Seven randomized-controlled trials (RCTs) used cocoa-based products containing 0.3-1680 mg flavanol monomers and 3.5-1270 mg procyanidins. Cocoa-based products beneficially reduced glycemic response, blood pressure and lipid profiles. However, this review highlights little evidence pinpointing the best cocoa products type and required dosage for the observed effects. Further intervention aiming to improve MetS should justify the selection and concentration of flavanols (monomers and procyanidins). A robust study design should consider registering the trials before study commencement, consider multicenter RCT trials, and adjust for potential covariates that might “masked” the outcomes.
Adaptive sequential surveillance with network and temporal dependence
Authors: Malenica Ivana , Coyle Jeremy R , van der Laan Mark J , Petersen Maya L
Published: January 2024

Strategic test allocation is important for control of both emerging and existing pandemics (eg, COVID-19, HIV). It supports effective epidemic control by (1) reducing transmission via identifying cases and (2) tracking outbreak dynamics to inform targeted interventions. However, infectious disease surveillance presents unique statistical challenges. For instance, the true outcome of interest (positive infection status) is often a latent variable. In addition, presence of both network and temporal dependence reduces data to a single observation. In this work, we study an adaptive sequential design, which allows for unspecified dependence among individuals and across time. Our causal parameter is the mean latent outcome we would have obtained, if, starting at time t given the observed past, we had carried out a stochastic intervention that maximizes the outcome under a resource constraint. The key strength of the method is that we do not have to model network and time dependence: a short-term performance Online Super Learner is used to select among dependence models and randomization schemes. The proposed strategy learns the optimal choice of testing over time while adapting to the current state of the outbreak and learning across samples, through time, or both. We demonstrate the superior performance of the proposed strategy in an agent-based simulation modeling a residential university environment during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One-year mortality rates after standardized management for emergency laparotomy: results from the Swedish SMASH study
Authors: Timan Terje Jansson , Ekerstad Niklas , Karlsson Ove , Sernert Ninni , Prytz Mattias
Published: January 2024

Background

Patients who require an emergency laparotomy suffer from high mortality and morbidity rates. Studies have shown that the standardization of perioperative management reduces complications in the short term. The aim of the present study was to report long-term mortality rates for the SMASH (Standardized perioperative Management of patients operated with acute Abdominal Surgery in a High-risk and emergency setting) study, as well as short- and long-term outcomes for different age groups within the SMASH study.

Methods

A prospective intervention study was introduced in 2018, with the aim of investigating the introduction of a standardized protocol for emergency laparotomy. For 42 months, intervention patients were managed according to the protocol and outcomes were then compared with those of historical controls.

Results

A total of 1344 unique patients were included (681 in the intervention group and 663 in the control group). The 90-day mortality rate was 14.1 per cent in the intervention group and 20.8 per cent in the control group (P = 0.002) and the 1-year mortality rate in adjusted analyses was 19.7 and 27.8 per cent respectively (P =< 0.001). An age-related subgroup analysis showed that the oldest patients (76 years and older, 260 in the intervention group and 240 in the control group) had a 1-year mortality rate of 29.6 and 43.8 per cent respectively (P = 0.004) and a mean duration of hospital stay of 9.9 and 11.6 days respectively (P = 0.027). Among older adults (61–75 years), the mean duration of hospital stay was 11.7 days in the intervention group compared with 15.1 days in the control group (P = 0.009) and the mean duration of ICU care was reduced to 4.49 days compared with 7.29 days (P = 0.046).

Conclusion

The standardized protocol associated with an emergency laparotomy appears to be beneficial, even in the long term. For elderly patients, it appears to reduce mortality rates and the durations of hospital stay and ICU care.
Importance of non-crystalline–crystalline balance on the photocatalytic activity of bismuth-tungsten mixed oxide particles prepared by a facile glycol method
Authors: Furukawa Shingo , Matsuda Shun , Takase Mai
Published: January 2024

Here, we report results of the photocatalytic oxidative-decomposition activity of bismuth-tungsten mixed oxide particles prepared by a facile glycol method, i.e. heating the starting materials in ethylene glycol under atmospheric pressure with a block bath, which suggest the importance of the balanced formation of base crystalline bismuth tungstate and low-crystalline bismuth oxide deposits, as a possible site for two-electron transfer to oxygen on the bismuth tungstate to obtain relatively high photocatalytic activity.
Swelling ability and Lewis acidity of layered octosilicate modified with isolated dialkyltin species
Authors: Yatomi Masashi , Kuroda Kazuyuki , Shimojima Atsushi
Published: January 2024

Layered polysilicates are attractive materials for modification with single metal catalysts while controlling the local structures. The reaction between layered octosilicate and dibutyltin dichloride resulted in the immobilization of well-defined dibutyltin groups on the silicate surfaces. The interlayer-swelling ability in N-methylformamide was confirmed. The Lewis acidity of the dibutyltin site was indicated by intercalating trimethylphosphine oxide. A comparison of dibutyltin-modified octosilicate with a dimethyltin-modified one indicated that the length of the alkyl group bonded to Sn affected the interlayer accessibility.
Filling knowledge gaps in insect conservation by leveraging genetic data from public archives
Authors: Baini Serena , De Biase Alessio
Published: January 2024

Insect decline has become a growing concern in recent years, with studies showing alarming declines in populations of several taxa. Our knowledge about genetic spatial patterns and evolutionary history of insects still exhibits significant gaps hindering our ability to effectively conserve and manage insect populations and species. Genetic data may provide valuable insights into the diversity and the evolutionary relationships of insects’ species and populations. Public repositories, such as GenBank and BOLD, containing vast archives of genetic data with associated metadata, offer an irreplaceable resource for researchers contributing to our understanding of species diversity, population structure and evolutionary relationships. However, there are some issues in using these data, as they are often scattered and may lack accuracy due to inconsistent sampling protocols and incomplete information. In this paper we describe a curated georeferenced database of genetic data collected in GenBank and BOLD, for insects listed in the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Italian Red Lists (dragonflies, bees, saproxylic beetles and butterflies). After querying these repositories, we performed quality control and data standardization steps. We created a dataset containing approximately 33 000 mitochondrial sequences and associated metadata about taxonomy, collection localities, geographic coordinates and IUCN Red List status for 1466 species across the four insect lists. We describe the current state of geographical metadata in queried repositories for species listed under different conservation status in the Italian Red Lists to quantify data gaps posing barriers to prioritization of conservation actions. Our curated dataset is available for data repurposing and analysis, enabling researchers to conduct comparative studies. We emphasize the importance of filling knowledge gaps in insect diversity and distribution and highlight the potential of this dataset for promoting other research fields like phylogeography, macrogenetics and conservation strategies. Our database can be downloaded through the Zenodo repository in SQL format.

Database URL:  https://zenodo.org/records/8375181
Equivalence trial of proposed denosumab biosimilar GP2411 and reference denosumab in postmenopausal osteoporosis: the ROSALIA study
Authors: Jeka Sławomir , Dokoupilová Eva , Kivitz Alan , Żuchowski Paweł , Vogg Barbara , Krivtsova Natalia , Sekhar Susmit , Banerjee Samik , Schwebig Arnd , Poetzl Johann , Body Jean-Jacques , Eastell Richard
Published: January 2024

Denosumab is a monoclonal antibody used to reduce risk of fractures in osteoporosis. ROSALIA was a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, integrated phase I/phase III study comparing the efficacy, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), immunogenicity, and safety of proposed biosimilar denosumab GP2411 with reference denosumab (REF-DMAb) (Prolia®; Amgen). Postmenopausal women with osteoporosis were randomized 1:1 to 2 60-mg doses of GP2411 or REF-DMAb, one at study start and one at week 26. At week 52, the REF-DMAb group was re-randomized 1:1 to a third dose of REF-DMAb or switch to GP2411. The primary efficacy endpoint was percentage change from baseline (%CfB) in LS-BMD at week 52. Secondary efficacy endpoints were %CfB in LS-BMD, FN-BMD, and TH-BMD at weeks 26 and 78 (and week 52 for FN-BMD and TH-BMD). Primary PK and PD endpoints were the area under the serum concentration–time curve extrapolated to infinity and maximum drug serum concentration at week 26, and the area under the effect–time curve of the %CfB in serum CTX at week 26. Secondary PK and PD endpoints included drug serum concentrations and %CfB in serum CTX and P1NP during the study period. Similar efficacy was demonstrated at week 52, with 95% CIs of the difference in %CfB in LS-BMD between treatment groups fully contained within prespecified equivalence margins. Similarity in PK and PD was demonstrated at week 26. Immunogenicity was similar between groups and was not impacted by treatment switch. The rate of new vertebral fractures was comparable. Treatment-emergent adverse events were comparable between groups (63.6% [GP2411/GP2411]; 76.0% [REF-DMAb/REF-DMAb]; 76.6% [REF-DMAb/GP2411]). In conclusion, ROSALIA showed similar efficacy, PK and PD, and comparable safety and immunogenicity of GP2411 to REF-DMAb in postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Transcriptional and translational flux optimization at the key regulatory node for enhanced production of naringenin using acetate in engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Kim Dong H , Hwang Hyun G , Ye Dae-yeol , Jung Gyoo Y
Published: January 2024

As a key molecular scaffold for various flavonoids, naringenin is a value-added chemical with broad pharmaceutical applicability. For efficient production of naringenin from acetate, it is crucial to precisely regulate the carbon flux of the oxaloacetate-phosphoenolpyruvate (OAA-PEP) regulatory node through appropriate pckA expression control, as excessive overexpression of pckA can cause extensive loss of OAA and metabolic imbalance. However, considering the critical impact of pckA on naringenin biosynthesis, the conventional strategy of transcriptional regulation of gene expression is limited in its ability to cover the large and balanced solution space. To overcome this hurdle, in this study, pckA expression was fine-tuned at both the transcriptional and translational levels in a combinatorial expression library for the precise exploration of optimal naringenin production from acetate. Additionally, we identified the effects of regulating pckA expression by validating the correlation between phosphoenolpyruvate kinase (PCK) activity and naringenin production. As a result, the flux-optimized strain exhibited a 49.8-fold increase compared with the unoptimized strain, producing 122.12 mg/L of naringenin. Collectively, this study demonstrated the significance of transcriptional and translational flux rebalancing at the key regulatory node, proposing a pivotal metabolic engineering strategy for the biosynthesis of various flavonoids derived from naringenin using acetate.

One-sentence summary

In this study, transcriptional and translational regulation of pckA expression at the crucial regulatory node was conducted to optimize naringenin biosynthesis using acetate in E. coli.
High-dimensional in situ proteomics imaging to assess γδ T cells in spatial biology
Authors: Herold Nicola , Bruhns Matthias , Babaei Sepideh , Spreuer Janine , Castagna Arianna , Yurttas Can , Scheuermann Sophia , Seitz Christian , Ruf Benjamin , Königsrainer Alfred , Jurmeister Philipp , Löffler Markus W , Claassen Manfred , Wistuba-Hamprecht Kilian
Published: January 2024

This study presents a high-dimensional immunohistochemistry approach to assess human γδ T cell subsets in their native tissue microenvironments at spatial resolution, a hitherto unmet scientific goal due to the lack of established antibodies and required technology. We report an integrated approach based on multiplexed imaging and bioinformatic analysis to identify γδ T cells, characterize their phenotypes, and analyze the composition of their microenvironment. Twenty-eight γδ T cell microenvironments were identified in tissue samples from fresh frozen human colon and colorectal cancer where interaction partners of the immune system, but also cancer cells were discovered in close proximity to γδ T cells, visualizing their potential contributions to cancer immunosurveillance. While this proof-of-principle study demonstrates the potential of this cutting-edge technology to assess γδ T cell heterogeneity and to investigate their microenvironment, future comprehensive studies are warranted to associate phenotypes and microenvironment profiles with features such as relevant clinical characteristics.
Upregulated selenoprotein I during lipopolysaccharide-induced B cell activation promotes lipidomic changes and is required for effective differentiation into IgM-secreting plasma B cells
Authors: Ma Chi , Hoffmann FuKun W , Shay Ashley E , Koo Imhoi , Green Kathy A , Green William R , Hoffmann Peter R
Published: January 2024

The mechanisms driving metabolic reprogramming during B cell activation are unclear, particularly roles for enzymatic pathways involved in lipid remodeling. We found that murine B cell activation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) led to a 1.6-fold increase in total lipids that included higher levels of phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and plasmenyl PE. Selenoprotein I (SELENOI) is an ethanolamine phospholipid transferase involved in the synthesis of both PE and plasmenyl PE, and SELENOI expression was also upregulated during activation. Selenoi knockout (KO) B cells exhibited decreased levels of plasmenyl PE, which plays an important antioxidant role. Lipid peroxidation was measured and found to increase ∼2-fold in KO vs. wild-type (WT) B cells. Cell death was not impacted by KO in LPS-treated B cells and proliferation was only slightly reduced, but differentiation into CD138 + Blimp-1+ plasma B cells was decreased ∼2-fold. This led to examination of B cell receptors important for differentiation that recognize the ligand B cell activating factor, and levels of TACI (transmembrane activator, calcium-modulator, and cytophilin ligand interactor) (CD267) were significantly decreased on KO B cells compared with WT control cells. Vaccination with ovalbumin/adjuvant led to decreased ovalbumin-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) levels in sera of KO mice compared with WT mice. Real-time polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed a decreased switch from surface to secreted IgM in spleens of KO mice induced by vaccination or LP-BM5 retrovirus infection. Overall, these findings detail the lipidomic response of B cells to LPS activation and reveal the importance of upregulated SELENOI for promoting differentiation into IgM-secreting plasma B cells.
Exploring Adaptive Phenotypes for the Human Calcium-Sensing Receptor Polymorphism R990G
Authors: Sinigaglia Barbara , Escudero Jorge , Biagini Simone A , Garcia-Calleja Jorge , Moreno Josep , Dobon Begoña , Acosta Sandra , Mondal Mayukh , Walsh Sandra , Aguileta Gabriela , Vallès Mònica , Forrow Stephen , Martin-Caballero Juan , Migliano Andrea Bamberg , Bertranpetit Jaume , Muñoz Francisco J , Bosch Elena
Published: January 2024

Rainforest hunter–gatherers from Southeast Asia are characterized by specific morphological features including a particularly dark skin color (D), short stature (S), woolly hair (W), and the presence of steatopygia (S)—fat accumulation localized in the hips (DSWS phenotype). Based on previous evidence in the Andamanese population, we first characterized signatures of adaptive natural selection around the calcium-sensing receptor gene in Southeast Asian rainforest groups presenting the DSWS phenotype and identified the R990G substitution (rs1042636) as a putative adaptive variant for experimental follow-up. Although the calcium-sensing receptor has a critical role in calcium homeostasis by directly regulating the parathyroid hormone secretion, it is expressed in different tissues and has been described to be involved in many biological functions. Previous works have also characterized the R990G substitution as an activating polymorphism of the calcium-sensing receptor associated with hypocalcemia. Therefore, we generated a knock-in mouse for this substitution and investigated organismal phenotypes that could have become adaptive in rainforest hunter–gatherers from Southeast Asia. Interestingly, we found that mouse homozygous for the derived allele show not only lower serum calcium concentration but also greater body weight and fat accumulation, probably because of enhanced preadipocyte differentiation and lipolysis impairment resulting from the calcium-sensing receptor activation mediated by R990G. We speculate that such differential features in humans could have facilitated the survival of hunter–gatherer groups during periods of nutritional stress in the challenging conditions of the Southeast Asian tropical rainforests.
Poor reproductive performance of Least Terns after tropical cyclones in Mississippi, USA suggests delayed nesting seriously reduces colony productivity
Authors: Darrah Abigail J
Published: January 2024

Coastal birds that rely on sandy beaches for breeding are vulnerable to catastrophic flooding events resulting from tropical cyclones. The effects of storm surge on annual productivity depend on the propensity and success of renesting attempts post-storm. From 2017 to 2021, I investigated the effects of storm surge on Least Tern (Sternula antillarum) annual productivity, renesting probability, and nest and chick survival after storms on Mississippi’s Gulf of Mexico Coast. Tropical cyclones made landfall during peak breeding period in 3 of these years, resulting in complete overwash of all colonies. Observers monitored daily nest survival, productivity (maximum fledge count per maximum nest count), and frequency of disturbance from avian predators at each colony. Total annual productivity (fledge count per nest count across the study area) summed across colonies ranged from 0.00 to 0.07 in storm years and from 0.29 to 0.66 in non-storm years. Probability of colony re-occupation declined as a function of storm date and increased with pre-storm nest success. Disturbance rate from avian predators did not increase post-storm compared to pre-storm periods. Nest survival increased with colony size and decreased in both late-season (non-storm) and post-storm time periods. Mean probability of chick survival was 0.20 ± 0.06 (mean ± SD) for peak nesting period in non-storm years, whereas mean predicted chick survival was 0.003–0.004 in storm years and in renesting periods in all years. Storm surge resulted in nearly complete loss of Least Tern breeding productivity despite renesting attempts and colony re-occupation after storms. I found no evidence that avian predation increased post-storm as a result of habitat changes; rather, similarly low productivity was observed for late-season breeding attempts in non-storm years. Repeated storm surge events could pose a serious threat to the viability of Mississippi’s coastal-nesting Least Tern population, and protection of Least Terns during early and peak nesting seasons is critical for ensuring breeding success.
Faithfulness and Betrayal
Authors: Pitlevnik Leonardo
Published: January 2024

Many of Borges’s fictions center around the meaning of betrayal. From Judas to characters who betray a revolution or sell out their gang, these stories alternate between depicting the dignity of one who accepts and assumes their identity and the infamy associated with someone who harms others by breaking a pact. Borges replicates this duality when reflecting on other issues such as translation and literary tradition. Some of his fictions allude to certain strategies of the state, which on the one hand condemns treason but, on the other, resorts to it when prosecuting criminals. More generally, societies often manipulate the label of traitor as it suits the interests of those in power. These practices reflect some of the conflicts and weaknesses that can be seen in the stories this chapter discusses.
Looking Back at the Skokie Case
Authors: Goldberger David
Published: January 2024

This chapter examines the Skokie case, a controversial and high-visibility case in which a group of Nazis sought to hold a lawful public assembly in a community containing thousands of Jews including many Holocaust survivors determined to prevent the assembly. The chapter delves into the legal response by the community and the courts. It illustrates the unintended consequences of delay imposed by actions of government officials and cumbersome court procedures that obstruct a lawful assembly and its timing. It also explores the impact of threats of violence by counterdemonstrators, the problems faced by lawyers representing reviled clients, and, finally, the role that skilled mediation played in helping to defuse a volatile situation.
Peterloo
Authors: Channing Iain
Published: January 2024

This chapter examines the Parliamentary reform meeting held at St Peter’s Field in Manchester on 16 August 1819. It ended in the violent dispersal of the men, women, and children who had gathered there, leaving an estimated 17 dead and more than 650 injured. Utilizing the Flashpoint Model of Public Disorder, this chapter analyses important aspects relating to the political, economic, and cultural history of what came to be known as Peterloo, incorporating the events that preceded it and the actions of the reformers and the authorities. The massacre is placed within its contemporary context which included the economic distress and poverty felt by those in Manchester’s cotton industry, the lack of political representation they had in Parliament, the poor communication between the authorities and the reformers, and the suspicions held by the magistrates concerning the intentions of the meeting. In 1819, there was no legally defined right to public assembly in Britain and the legacy of Peterloo continues to act as a warning against the violent suppression of peaceful assemblies.
Local/e
Authors: Eltringham Nigel
Published: January 2024

Recognizing that the “local” has become a central concern in “transitional justice,” this chapter asks whether this is an expression of a long-standing fetishization of “cultural authenticity” associated with (neo)colonial control. The chapter suggests that “internationals” often rely upon a fabricated “local” (identified by an exoticized “culture”). A consequence of this is that post-conflict responses that are insufficiently exotic are overlooked or intentionally ignored as they are not prone to external instumentalization. Likewise, an emphasis on an exoticized “culture” means that certain sites of transitional justice that are portrayed as being “acultural” (such as international criminal tribunals) escape scrutiny, thereby augmenting the authority of the proponents of “transitional justice.” The chapter concludes by suggesting that recognizing that “transitional justice” is a project involving diverse actors in dispersed locale(s) is a more appropriate approach than focusing on the “local.”