bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sall1 and Sall4 cooperatively interact with Myocd and SRF to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation by regulating CDK and cyclin genes
Authors: Katano Wataru , Mori Shunta , Sasaki Shun , Tajika Yuki , Tomita Koichi , Takeuchi Jun K. , Koshiba-Takeuchi Kazuko
Published: November 2023

Sall1 and Sall4 (Sall1/4), zinc-finger transcription factors, are expressed in the progenitors of the second heart field (SHF) and in cardiomyocytes during the early stages of mouse development. To understand the function of Sall1/4 in heart development, we generated heart-specific Sall1/4 functionally inhibited mice by forced expression of the truncated form of Sall4 (ΔSall4) in the heart. The ΔSall4-overexpression mice exhibited a hypoplastic right ventricle and outflow tract, both of which were derived from the SHF, and a thinner ventricular wall. We found that the numbers of proliferative SHF progenitors and cardiomyocytes were reduced in ΔSall4-overexpression mice. RNA-sequencing data showed that Sall1/4 act upstream of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) and cyclin genes, and of key transcription factor genes for the development of compact cardiomyocytes, including myocardin (Myocd) and serum response factor (Srf). In addition, ChIP-sequencing and co-immunoprecipitation analyses revealed that Sall4 and Myocd form a transcriptional complex with SRF, and directly bind to the upstream regulatory regions of the CDK and cyclin genes (Cdk1 and Ccnb1). These results suggest that Sall1/4 are critical for the proliferation of cardiac cells via regulation of CDK and cyclin genes that interact with Myocd and SRF.
Broad variation in response of individual introns to splicing inhibitors in a humanized yeast strain
Authors: Hunter Oarteze , Talkish Jason , Quick-Cleveland Jen , Igel Haller , Tan Asako , Kuersten Scott , Katzman Sol , Donohue John Paul , S. Jurica Melissa , Ares Manuel
Published: November 2023

Intron branchpoint (BP) recognition by the U2 snRNP is a critical step of splicing, vulnerable to recurrent cancer mutations and bacterial natural product inhibitors. The BP binds a conserved pocket in the SF3B1 (human) or Hsh155 (yeast) U2 snRNP protein. Amino acids that line this pocket affect the binding of splicing inhibitors like Pladienolide-B (Plad-B), such that organisms differ in their sensitivity. To study the mechanism of splicing inhibitor action in a simplified system, we modified the naturally Plad-B resistant yeastSaccharomyces cerevisiaeby changing 14 amino acids in the Hsh155 BP pocket to those from human. This humanized yeast grows normally, and splicing is largely unaffected by the mutation. Splicing is inhibited within minutes after the addition of Plad-B, and different introns appear inhibited to different extents. Intron-specific inhibition differences are also observed during cotranscriptional splicing in Plad-B using single-molecule intron tracking to minimize gene-specific transcription and decay rates that cloud estimates of inhibition by standard RNA-seq. Comparison of Plad-B intron sensitivities to those of the structurally distinct inhibitor Thailanstatin-A reveals intron-specific differences in sensitivity to different compounds. This work exposes a complex relationship between the binding of different members of this class of inhibitors to the spliceosome and intron-specific rates of BP recognition and catalysis. Introns with variant BP sequences seem particularly sensitive, echoing observations from mammalian cells, where monitoring individual introns is complicated by multi-intron gene architecture and alternative splicing. The compact yeast system may hasten the characterization of splicing inhibitors, accelerating improvements in selectivity and therapeutic efficacy.
Desafios para o estudo comparado do financiamento da segurança pública nos estados
Authors: Dias Peres Ursula , Bueno Samira , Marques Tonelli Gabriel , Simplício Pereira Lauana , Nascimento Talita
Published: November 2023

Este artigo busca investigar o financiamento da segurança pública em cinco unidades federativas do Brasil: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Pará e Rio Grande do Sul. O objetivo principal é investigar a variação do gasto com segurança pública nesses estados, apresentando sua estrutura orçamentária, buscando responder se é possível, ou não, compará-la. O resultado mostra que os estados organizam suas despesas de segurança pública de maneiras muito distintas, reflexo de estruturas de governança muito diferentes e complexas e que envolvem pesos diferentes nos estados para atores similares, como as polícias militares. As diferenças nos orçamentos estaduais são verificadas não apenas na comparação entre os estados, mas também no mesmo território ao longo dos anos. Esse retrato contábil torna muito difícil a comparação de custos da segurança pública no Brasil, indicando a necessidade de padronização contábil entre os entes e maior transparência para acompanhamento de ações relevantes no combate à violência. Dessa forma, será possível comparar, com mais exatidão, os gastos realizados pelos estados com seus resultados e, consequentemente, sua eficácia e efetividade.
Capacidades estatais e implementação de políticas educacionais no nível local: A trajetória da base nacional comum curricular em um município mineiro
Authors: Oliveira Breynner Ricardo de , Fernandes Alves Maria Michelle
Published: November 2023

Este artigo analisa as conexões entre as Capacidades Estatais (CE) da Secretaria Municipal de Educação (SME) de Contagem (Minas Gerais) e a trajetória de implementação da Base Nacional Comum Curricular (BNCC), no Ensino Fundamental (EF). A pesquisa, documental e qualitativa, analisou duas dimensões, no ciclo de governo 2017-2020: técnico-administrativa e político-relacional. Sobre a primeira, a SME coordenou, por meio da Diretoria de Formação (DF), um programa de formação que formulou e implementou um novo currículo alinhado às diretrizes da BNCC. Destacamos a trajetória e a expertise institucional da SME e o perfil dos implementadores no órgão. A segunda dimensão evidencia as dificuldades da SME em estabelecer parcerias com outros atores e a ausência de cooperação institucional com o estado. O fato de Contagem gerir um sistema de ensino próprio contribuiu para que a SME constituísse seu ethos e suas capacidades institucionais, o que contribuiu para a implementação da base.
Sem vínculo permanente – Condições de trabalho dos contratados na administração pública dos estados brasileiros
Authors: Barbosa da Silva Elaine , Marques Gurgel Claudio Roberto
Published: November 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo principal expor a extensão e a profundidade com que a regulamentação do contrato por tempo determinado, existente nos Estados Federativos, vem alterando as condições de trabalho na administração pública brasileira. Para a identificação desse fenômeno, recorre-se à última versão da legislação dos estados acerca dessas contratações. Foi possível constatar que os novos termos contratuais, colocados à parte crescente dos trabalhadores públicos brasileiros, afetam diversos aspectos de sua vida funcional (remuneração, direitos e garantias sociais, rescisão contratual etc.). Adicionalmente, comprova-se que esse fenômeno não é pontual ou restrito a poucos estados, mas nacional, apesar da maior frequência em algumas regiões.
Como as finanças podem mudar o futuro?
Authors: Wilner Adriana
Published: November 2023

Blockchain, Bitcoin, big data, inteligência artificial, drex: como as finanças vêm sendo impactadas por tantas mudanças? O caderno especial desta edição de GV-executivo almeja dar respostas a essa questão. Para isso, contamos com a ajuda da editora convidada Claudia Emiko Yoshinaga, que reuniu autores e autoras com perspectivas diferentes que, no conjunto, trazem um consistente portfólio de caminhos para gestores.
(No) Time for Change: When and Why Entrepreneurs Act During Underperforming Fundraising Attempts
Authors: Wilhelm Hendrik , Steigenberger Norbert , Weber Clarissa E. , Juntunen Jouni K. , Ebers Mark
Published: November 2023

Entrepreneurs need to mobilize funds, but they do so under considerable uncertainty about resource holders’ preferences, leading often to fundraising attempts that perform below entrepreneurs’ aspirations. Past research has offered contrasting theorizing and evidence for why entrepreneurs then make changes to their product offering during such attempts as well as for why entrepreneurs refrain from taking such action. This paper develops and tests behavioral theory to reconcile this tension, explicating when and why entrepreneurs change their product offering during underperforming fundraising attempts. Specifically, we argue that entrepreneurs draw on three sources of information that are inherent to fundraising attempts and that inform the extent of their actions to change their product offering: the degree to which they perform below their own fundraising aspirations, the degree to which they fall below peer fundraising performance, and the time that remains until the deadline for the fundraising attempt. Longitudinal data on 576 fundraising campaigns (6,758 observations) published on the crowdfunding platform Kickstarter support our theory. By developing novel behavioral theory on when and why entrepreneurs take action during resource mobilization, we offer contributions to research on entrepreneurial resource mobilization, the crowdfunding literature, and the Behavioral Theory of the Firm.

Funding: This work was supported by KölnAlumni.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2020.13803 .
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Ozone Concentration Using Semi-Functional Partial Linear Models
Authors:   Department of Mathematical Sciences, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia, Alshahrani Fatimah , Fetitah Omar ,   Laboratory of Statistics and Stochastic Processes University of Djillali Liabes BP 89, Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria,   Ecole Superieure en Informatique, Sidi Bel Abbes, 22000, Algeria, Almanjahie Ibrahim M. ,   Department of Mathematics, College of Science, King Khalid University, Abha 62223, Saudi Arabia, Attouch Mohammed Kadi ,   Laboratory of Statistics and Stochastic Processes University of Djillali Liabes BP 89, Sidi Bel Abbes 22000, Algeria
Published: November 2023

As weather warms up in China, ozone pollution rises to the top of the list of air pollutants. In this research, we examine the spatiotemporal variability of particulate matter components using contemporary functional data analysis techniques. The technique models the yearly pollutant profiles to describe their dynamic behavior over time and location. These cutting-edge methods offer dimension reduction for better data display and permit us to forecast annual profiles for locations and years for which data are lacking. In order to accurately estimate hourly ozone concentrations for 12 stations in China over two years (2015-2016), this study set out to showcase the best prediction models currently available. To accurately predict Ozone concentration, several methods are used, including Kernel Functional Classical Estimation (KFCE), Kernel Functional Quantile estimation (KFQE), Semi-Partial Linear Functional Classical Estimation (SPLFCE), Semi-Partial Linear Functional Quantile Estimation (SPLFQE), and Semi-Partial Linear Functional Expectile Estimation (SPLFEE). These functional models were chosen based on their ability to establish a forecast region with a given level of confidence. In terms of prediction accuracy, we may conclude that the Semi-Partial linear models outperform conventional models.
Atorvastatin increases autophagic flux and p62/SQSTM1 of kidney cells in hyperglycemic conditions and treatment in combination with insulin improves renal function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats
Authors:   Division of Clinical Chemistry, Department of Medical Technology, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Cressey Ratchada , Sankunkit Sudalak ,   Geriatric Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Chaovatin Chonnipa ,   Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand., Doungjinda Natteewan ,   N health Laboratory, Bangkok Hospital Chiang Mai (BCM), Thailand., Lungkaphin Anusorn ,   Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Published: November 2023

Background: Although atorvastatin is commonly used as a hypolipidemic agent, it confers many health benefits in which the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. We have previously shown that combined treatment of atorvastatin and insulin effectively restored renal function of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats; nevertheless, the underlying mechanism was not known. Objective: To determine whether the reno-protective effect of atorvastatin and insulin is mediated through its impact on autophagy. Materials and methods: Markers of autophagy, LC3, and p62/SQSTM1, in rat kidney tissues and cell lines treated with atorvastatin and/or insulin were determined by Western blot analysis. Results: Levels of both LC3-I and LC3-II proteins in kidney tissues of STZ-diabetic rats treated with atorvastatin and insulin were significantly increased. The autophagic flux was examined in vitro and showed that high glucose culture conditions suppressed the autophagic flux in kidney cells. Treatment with insulin moderately increased the conversion of LC3-I to LC3-II. Interestingly, atorvastatin increased autophagic flux only in the hyperglycemic but not in the normoglycemic condition. p62/SQSTM1 protein level was decreased in response to high glucose treatment but increased with the addition of insulin and/or atorvastatin. Conclusion: This study has demonstrated that atorvastatin may represent a novel regimen in providing prevention and protection for diabetic nephropathy through the underlying mechanisms of inducing autophagy and p62/SQSTM1.
Stay Useful, Stay Relevant: Singapore's Institutional Diplomacy toward China's Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Ji Xianbai
Published: November 2023

Abstract: Since China unveiled the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2013, few Southeast Asian countries have responded as potently as Singapore. Singapore's distinctive approach toward China is marked by carving out institutional niches within the broad blueprint of the BRI. This strategy is largely in line with the city-state's longstanding foreign policy tradition of making itself useful and relevant from the perspective of major powers. After elaborating on the historical evolution of Sino-Singaporean economic cooperation, I focus on three prominent manifestations of Singapore's institutional diplomacy toward the BRI and Chinese capital more generally, i.e., the establishment of "Infrastructure Asia", forging institutionalized legal partnership deputed to resolve disputes arising from BRI projects, and building a structured management approach to advance connectivity projects in Chongqing. Since Singapore opts for a soft and forward engagement strategy, the BRI has not caused organized local opposition.
Investigating the Historical Background of Mocha Dick's Legend
Authors: Martini Michele
Published: November 2023

Abstract: It is widely acknowledged that Herman Melville's Moby-Dick has been inspired by a variety of sources. One of these is the legend of Mocha Dick, about which Jeremiah N. Reynolds published the earliest known account in 1839. In his narration, Reynolds describes an evening he spent on board an unspecified whaling ship off Mocha Island, Chile, during which the whaler's first mate claimed to have killed Mocha Dick on a previous whaling voyage. This essay aims to substantiate the setting of Reynolds's account, in an attempt to identify the alleged murderer of Mocha Dick and eventually to investigate his previous voyages to seek any evidence of a large and / or white whale killed near Mocha Island. Overall, Reynolds's text was found to be consistent with the sources consulted: primarily, the logbook of the schooner Penguin . Reynolds's narration was identified as having taken place on April 3 or 4, 1830, on board the whaling ship Cincinnatus , which was built in New York in 1818. The identity of the whaling ship's first mate, however, could not be established due to a lack of supporting documentation, which in turn prevents further investigation into the origins of Mocha Dick's legend.
Stimulated emission in a CuInS2/ZnS core-shell quantum-dot-doped liquid-core optical fiber
Authors: Wang Zhe , Sun Mingye , Meng Lai , Zhang Lei
Published: November 2023

We fabricated QD liquid-core optical fibers by doping CuInS2/ZnS (CIS/ZnS) core/shell QDs with cladding times of 90 and 60 min, respectively, and compared and analyzed their emission properties with those of bare core CuInS2 QDs. For CIS/ZnS core/shell QDs (with cladding time of 90 min) doped fibers, their emission transmits the longest distance in the fiber, and the emission intensity is approximately 4.73 times that of bare-core QD-doped fibers. Additionally, the fact that the full-width at half-maximum is narrowing and the spectral intensity is rapidly increasing superlinearly with excitation power indicates that stimulated emission happens in the fiber. The optical performance was compared and showed good agreement with a theoretical two-level system model for the QDs confined in an optical waveguide.
Effect of shrinkage in photopolymer film on the information transmitted through the holographic waveguide for near eye displays
Authors: Kaur Rajveer , Park Jae-Hyeung , Kumar Raj
Published: November 2023

Due to shrinkage in photopolymer materials, the angle of the reconstruction beam in holographic optical elements (HOEs) does not match with the Bragg condition, resulting in a decreased amount of light in the desired direction or loss of transmitted information to rematch the Bragg condition. Thus, to ensure final display features it is imperative to precompensate the shrinkage effect. We derived simplified expressions for precompensation in recording geometries of required HOEs in holographic waveguide-based Maxwellian near eye displays. An acceptable range of detuning from the Bragg angle is also analyzed. The experimentally measured 4.95% shrinkage in photopolymer film for 0° and 45° recording angles of beams was precompensated using −0.86∘ and 43.7° recording angles. Theoretical results are validated through simulation and experiments.
Texture characterization and classification of polarized images based on multi-angle orthogonal difference
Authors: Duan Jin , Mo Suxin , Fu Qiang , Jiang Xiaojiao , Zhang Wenxue , Gao Meiling
Published: November 2023

The Local Binary Pattern (LBP) and its variants are capable of extracting image texture and have been successfully applied to classification. However, LBP has not been used to extract and describe the texture of polarized images, and simple LBP cannot characterize the polarized texture information from different polarizations of angles. In order to solve these problems, we propose a new multi-angle orthogonal difference polarization image texture descriptor (MODP_ITD) by analyzing the relationship between the difference of orthogonal difference polarization images from different angles and the pixel intensity distribution in the local neighborhood of images from different angles. The MODP_ITD consists of three patterns: multi-angle polarization orthogonal difference local binary pattern (MODP_LBP), multi-angle polarization orthogonal difference local sampling point principal component sequence pattern (MODP_LPCSP) and multi-angle orthogonal difference polarization local difference binary pattern (MODP_LDBP). The MODP_LBP extracts local corresponding texture characteristics of polarized orthogonal difference images from multiple angles. The MODP_LPCSP sorts the principal component order of each angle orthogonal difference local sampling point. The MODP LDBP extracts the local difference characteristics between different angles by constructing a new polarized image. Then, the frequency histograms of MODP_LBP, MOD_LPCSP ,and MODP_LDBP are cascaded to generate MODP_ITD, so as to distinguish local neighborhoods. By using vertical and parallel polarization and unpolarized light active illumination, combined with the measurements at three different detection zenith angles, we constructed a polarization texture image database. A substantial number of experimental results on the self-built database show that our proposed MODP_ITD can represent the detailed information of polarization images texture. In addition, compared with the existing LBP methods, The MODP_ITD has a competitive advantage in classification accuracy.
Effect of atom diffusion on the efficiency of Bragg diffraction in atom interferometers
Authors: Yang Yukun , Zhang Tao , Cheng Yuan , Deng Xiaobing , Zhou Minkang , Hu Zhongkun , Luo Qin , Chen Lele
Published: November 2023

The transition efficiency of atomic Bragg diffraction as mirrors and beam splitters in Bragg atom interferometers plays an essential role in impacting the fringe contrast and measurement sensitivity. This can be attributed to the properties of atomic sources, Bragg pulse shapes, the pulse duration, and the relative position deviation of the atoms and Bragg pulses. Here, we investigate the effect of the atomic source’s diffusion and velocity width on the efficiency of Bragg diffraction of the moving cold atomic cloud. The transfer efficiency of Bragg mirrors and beam splitters are numerically simulated and experimentally measured, which are well consistent in comparison. We quantify these effects of atomic diffusion and velocity width and precisely compute how Bragg pulses’ efficiencies vary as functions of these parameters. Our results and methodology allow us to optimize the Bragg pulses at different atomic sources and will help in the design of large momentum transfer mirrors and beam splitters in atom interferometry experiments.
Perception of misalignment states for sky survey telescopes with the digital twin and the deep neural networks
Authors: Zhang Miao , Jia Peng , Li Zhengyang , Xiang Wennan , Lv Jiameng , Sun Rui
Published: November 2023

Sky survey telescopes play a critical role in modern astronomy, but misalignment of their optical elements can introduce significant variations in point spread functions, leading to reduced data quality. To address this, we need a method to obtain misalignment states, aiding in the reconstruction of accurate point spread functions for data processing methods or facilitating adjustments of optical components for improved image quality. Since sky survey telescopes consist of many optical elements, they result in a vast array of potential misalignment states, some of which are intricately coupled, posing detection challenges. However, by continuously adjusting the misalignment states of optical elements, we can disentangle coupled states. Based on this principle, we propose a deep neural network to extract misalignment states from continuously varying point spread functions in different field of views. To ensure sufficient and diverse training data, we recommend employing a digital twin to obtain data for neural network training. Additionally, we introduce the state graph to store misalignment data and explore complex relationships between misalignment states and corresponding point spread functions, guiding the generation of training data from experiments. Once trained, the neural network estimates misalignment states from observation data, regardless of the impacts caused by atmospheric turbulence, noise, and limited spatial sampling rates in the detector. The method proposed in this paper could be used to provide prior information for the active optic system and the optical system alignment.
Mode-order conversion in a Mach–Zehnder interferometer based on Chern insulators
Authors: Fan Zhewei , Zhou Tao , Zhan Xudong , Zang Xiaofei
Published: November 2023

Mode-order conversion devices can provide a flexible platform to achieve mode coupling and optimizing in mode division multiplex (MDM) that can eliminate the restrain of capacity and density in photonic integration and communication. However, mode-order converters based on traditional photonic crystal (PC) waveguides are susceptible to defects, which always render device incapacitation in mode-order conversion. Herein, a mode converter designed by the Mach–Zehnder interferometer (MZI) structure is proposed to manipulate the conversion of topological edge states (TESs) based on Chern insulators consisting of gyromagnetic PCs. The back-and-forth conversion between fundamental and high-order modes is numerically demonstrated based on phase modulation in our proposed device, in which each mode can be immune to defects. This unique approach for converting the mode order of TES exploits a new perspective in MDM to design a high-performance multimode device, leading to potential applications in photonic integrated circuits (PIC), on-chip processors, and optical fiber communication.
In-vacuum post-compression of optical probe pulse for relativistic plasma diagnostics
Authors: Lorenz Sebastian , Grittani Gabriele Maria , Kondo Kotaro , Kon Akira , Liu Yung-Kun , Sagisaka Akito , Ogura Koichi , Nakanii Nobuhiko , Huang Kai , Bierwage Andreas , Namba Shinichi , Ohiro Hikari , Pikuz Tatiana , Koga James , Chen Pisin , Kiriyama Hiromitsu , kando masaki , Esirkepov Timur , Bulanov Sergei , Pirozhkov Alexander
Published: November 2023

Ultrafast optical probing is a widely used method of underdense plasma diagnostic. In relativistic plasma, the motion blur limits spatial resolution in the direction of motion. For many high-power lasers the initial pulse duration of 30-50 fs results in a 10-15 μm motion blur, which can be reduced by probe pulse post-compression. Here we used the Compression after Compressor Approach (CafCA) [Phys.-Usp. 62, 1096 (2019); JINST 17 P07035 (2022)], where spectral broadening is performed in thin optical plates and is followed by reflections from negative-dispersion mirrors. Our initially low-intensity probe beam was down-collimated for a more efficient spectral broadening and higher probe-to-self-emission intensity ratio. The setup is compact, fits in vacuum chamber, and can be implemented within a short experimental time slot. We proved that the compressed pulse kept high quality necessary for plasma probing.
Cardiac activity impacts cortical motor excitability
Authors: Al Esra , Stephani Tilman , Engelhardt Melina , Haegens Saskia , Villringer Arno , Nikulin Vadim V.
Published: November 2023

Human cognition and action can be influenced by internal bodily processes such as heartbeats. For instance, somatosensory perception is impaired both during the systolic phase of the cardiac cycle and when heartbeats evoke stronger cortical responses. Here, we test whether these cardiac effects originate from overall changes in cortical excitability. Cortical and corticospinal excitability were assessed using electroencephalographic and electromyographic responses to transcranial magnetic stimulation while concurrently monitoring cardiac activity with electrocardiography. Cortical and corticospinal excitability were found to be highest during systole and following stronger neural responses to heartbeats. Furthermore, in a motor task, hand–muscle activity and the associated desynchronization of sensorimotor oscillations were stronger during systole. These results suggest that systolic cardiac signals have a facilitatory effect on motor excitability—in contrast to sensory attenuation that was previously reported for somatosensory perception. Thus, it is possible that distinct time windows exist across the cardiac cycle, optimizing either perception or action.
Resurrection of 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) from the ancestor of modern horseshoe bats blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication
Authors: Lytras Spyros , Wickenhagen Arthur , Sugrue Elena , Stewart Douglas G. , Swingler Simon , Sims Anna , Jackson Ireland Hollie , Davies Emma L. , Ludlam Eliza M. , Li Zhuonan , Hughes Joseph , Wilson Sam J.
Published: November 2023

The prenylated form of the human 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetase 1 (OAS1) protein has been shown to potently inhibit the replication of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), the virus responsible for the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the OAS1 orthologue in the horseshoe bats (superfamily Rhinolophoidea), the reservoir host of SARS-related coronaviruses (SARSr-CoVs), has lost the prenylation signal required for this antiviral activity. Herein, we used an ancestral state reconstruction approach to predict and reconstitute in vitro, the most likely OAS1 protein sequence expressed by the Rhinolophoidea common ancestor prior to its prenylation loss (RhinoCA OAS1). We exogenously expressed the ancient bat protein in vitro to show that, unlike its non-prenylated horseshoe bat descendants, RhinoCA OAS1 successfully blocks SARS-CoV-2 replication. Using protein structure predictions in combination with evolutionary hypothesis testing methods, we highlight sites under unique diversifying selection specific to OAS1’s evolution in the Rhinolophoidea. These sites are located near the RNA-binding region and the C-terminal end of the protein where the prenylation signal would have been. Our results confirm that OAS1 prenylation loss at the base of the Rhinolophoidea clade ablated the ability of OAS1 to restrict SARSr-CoV replication and that subsequent evolution of the gene in these bats likely favoured an alternative function. These findings can advance our understanding of the tightly linked association between SARSr-CoVs and horseshoe bats.
Rotavirus genotypes in children under five years hospitalized with diarrhea in low and middle-income countries: Results from the WHO-coordinated Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network
Authors: Antoni Sebastien , Nakamura Tomoka , Cohen Adam L. , Mwenda Jason M. , Weldegebriel Goitom , Biey Joseph N. M. , Shaba Keith , Rey-Benito Gloria , de Oliveira Lucia Helena , Oliveira Maria Tereza da Costa , Ortiz Claudia , Ghoniem Amany , Fahmy Kamal , Ashmony Hossam A. , Videbaek Dovile , Daniels Danni , Pastore Roberta , Singh Simarjit , Tondo Emmanuel , Liyanage Jayantha B. L. , Sharifuzzaman Mohammed , Grabovac Varja , Batmunkh Nyambat , Logronio Josephine , Armah George , Dennis Francis E. , Seheri Mapaseka , Magagula Nonkululeko , Mphahlele Jeffrey , Leite Jose Paulo G. , Araujo Irene T. , Fumian Tulio M. , EL Mohammady Hanan , Semeiko Galina , Samoilovich Elena , Giri Sidhartha , Kang Gagandeep , Thomas Sarah , Bines Julie , Kirkwood Carl D. , Liu Na , Lee Deog-Yong , Iturriza-Gomara Mirren , Page Nicola Anne , Esona Mathew D. , Ward M. Leanne , Wright Courtnee N. , Mijatovic-Rustempasic Slavica , Tate Jacqueline E. , Parashar Umesh D. , Gentsch Jon , Bowen Michael D. , Serhan Fatima
Published: November 2023

Rotavirus is the most common pathogen causing pediatric diarrhea and an important cause of morbidity and mortality in low- and middle-income countries. Previous evidence suggests that the introduction of rotavirus vaccines in national immunization schedules resulted in dramatic declines in disease burden but may also be changing the rotavirus genetic landscape and driving the emergence of new genotypes. We report genotype data of more than 16,000 rotavirus isolates from 40 countries participating in the Global Rotavirus Surveillance Network. Data from a convenience sample of children under five years of age hospitalized with acute watery diarrhea who tested positive for rotavirus were included. Country results were weighted by their estimated rotavirus disease burden to estimate regional genotype distributions. Globally, the most frequent genotypes identified after weighting were G1P[8] (31%), G1P[6] (8%) and G3P[8] (8%). Genotypes varied across WHO Regions and between countries that had and had not introduced rotavirus vaccine. G1P[8] was less frequent among African (36 vs 20%) and European (33 vs 8%) countries that had introduced rotavirus vaccines as compared to countries that had not introduced. Our results describe differences in the distribution of the most common rotavirus genotypes in children with diarrhea in low- and middle-income countries. G1P[8] was less frequent in countries that had introduced the rotavirus vaccine while different strains are emerging or re-emerging in different regions.
Obscured inequity: How focusing on rates of disparities can conceal inequities in the reasons why adolescents are unvaccinated
Authors: Anderson Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2023

Traditional sociodemographic disparities in adolescent vaccination initiation for the HPV, Tdap, and MenACWY vaccines have declined in the United States of America. This decline raises the question of whether inequities in access have been successfully addressed. This paper synthesizes research on the resource barriers that inhibit vaccination alongside research on vaccine hesitancy where parents actively refuse vaccination. To do so, I classify the primary reason why teens are unvaccinated in the National Immunization Survey-Teen 2012–2022 into three categories: resource failure, agentic refusal, and other reasons. I use three non-exclusive subsamples of teens who are unvaccinated against the HPV (N = 87,163), MenACWY (N = 54,726), and Tdap (N = 10,947) vaccines to examine the relative importance of resource failure reasons and agentic refusal reasons for non-vaccination across time and teens’ sociodemographic characteristics. Results indicate that resource failure reasons continue to explain a substantial portion of the reasons why teens are unvaccinated and disproportionately affect racially/ethnically and economically marginalized teens. Thus, even as sociodemographic inequalities in rates of vaccination have declined, inequities in access remain consequential.
Botanical biopesticides have an influence on tomato quality through pest control and are cost-effective for farmers in developing countries
Authors: Akhter Waheed , Shah Farhan Mahmood , Yang Minglu , Freed Shoaib , Razaq Muhammad , Mkindi Angela Gerald , Akram Hina , Ali Abid , Mahmood Khalid , Hanif Muhammad
Published: November 2023

Synthetic insecticides heavily applied to manage agricultural pests are highly hazardous to the environment and non-target organisms. Their overuse through repeated treatments in smallholder farming communities is frequent. Botanical biopesticides are ideal for sustainable pest management in agricultural environments by keeping synthetic insecticide use at a minimum. Here we evaluated a locally prepared neem seed extract (NSE) alongside emamectin benzoate against both lepidopteran pests Helicoverpa armigera (Hübner) and Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) on tomato Lycopersicon esculentum Mill under natural field conditions in Pakistan. We compared pest severity, fruit injury, quality, marketability, and cost:benefit ratio (CBR) between treatments. The concentration of azadirachtin A in the NSE was 26.5 ppm. NSE at 2% (20 mL/L) and the emamectin benzoate at the recommended field rate in Pakistan were sprayed weekly throughout the fruiting stage. The pest larvae were significantly more abundant on fruits than on flowers and leaves. Fruit injury and losses were significantly more important in untreated control compared to NSE and emamectin benzoate treatments. NSE efficacy varied with respect to the cultivars used and the seasons. Cultivar Eden harboured more pests than Adventa, and emamectin benzoate suppressed more pest individuals than NSE. Both the insecticidal treatments were comparable in terms of marketable yield productions as well as unmarketable, uninjured, and recovered fruit yields. NSE generated a higher CBR (1: 9.26) than emamectin benzoate (1: 3.23). NSE suppressed pests by acting as an antifeedant, similar to its synthetic counterpart. Smallholder growers can thus use NSE as a cost-effective solution in tomato pest management in Pakistan.
Re-imagining student success: Integrating strategy and action through an Indigenous lens
Authors: Peterson J. Fiona , Ka’ai Tania , Smith Valance , McPherson Kathryn
Published: November 2023

Enhancing student success has been increasingly a focus for universities. But the context has changed, with complex challenges including a global pandemic, rapid digital transitions and greater diversity with related inclusion needs. Creative thinking is essential to address what student success could (and arguably should) look like and be. In this article we utilize Appreciative Inquiry to rethink current knowledge and practice. We refer specifically to our context in Aotearoa New Zealand, where data shows that a change in approach is needed particularly for Māori students, Pacific students and other ‘new’ learners. We explore a different way of working and learning – ‘mahitahi’ – and argue that improving outcomes requires more than incremental or tactical shifts in action. We propose a re-imagining of diversity, inclusion and success for sustained transformation. Integrating Indigenous approaches to knowledge into innovative frameworks, adapting future-focused curriculum and creative practice pedagogy in the process, could benefit all students across disciplines.
Italian Neorealism: A Cultural History, Charles L. Leavitt IV (2020)
Authors: Garofalo Piero
Published: November 2023

Review of: Italian Neorealism: A Cultural History, Charles L. Leavitt IV (2020)

Toronto: University of Toronto Press, xi + 313 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-48750-710-7, h/bk, $93.00
I manga: Introduzione al fumetto giapponese, Marco Pellitteri (2021)
Authors: Ghilardi Marcello
Published: November 2023

Review of: I manga: Introduzione al fumetto giapponese, Marco Pellitteri (2021)

Roma: Carocci Editore, 167 pp.,

ISBN 978-8-82901-104-9, p/bk, €15.00
The environmental impact of the feral pigeon (Columba Livia f. Domestica) in the historic city centre of Sopron
Authors: Illés Anna , Nagy Eszter , Nagy Rebeka Ráhel , Tari Tamás
Published: November 2023

The presence of different bird species in inhabited areas is becoming increasingly common. The problem with these species is that they are more likely to spread pathogens, contaminate public and private land with their droppings, cause economic damage or even frighten the public. One of the most notable conflict species causing environmental pressures in populated areas is the feral pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica), whose populations are increasing worldwide. Adequate practices and methods are available to reduce the problem. However, their applicability and effectiveness may vary from one locality to another due to the different characteristics of the localities and the different causes of the pigeons' presence. Therefore, it is essential to think in terms of town-specific solutions, the preparation of which requires, among other things, an assessment of the temporal and spatial pattern of occurrence of the species causing the conflict, an understanding of the extent of damage and an overview of the population's level of information. In our study, we investigated the environmental pressures of the feral pigeon in the historical city centre of Sopron, using a combination of the three elements mentioned above. For this purpose, we carried out a monthly visual population assessment combined with a photographic technique at sample points for one year. We conducted a field visit to the area to draw up a damage map of the study area and a spatial localisation of existing control methods. Questionnaire surveys complemented this to assess the public's awareness of the issue. In light of the results, we drew up a map of the pigeon conflict in the city centre of Sopron and identified possible solutions.
Dynamic Low-Pressure Measurement Using a Fiber Optic-based Fabry-Perot Interferometer
Authors: Talhakultorn Pronnaruimon , Pullteap Saroj
Published: November 2023

A dynamic low-pressure measurement using a fiber optic-based Fabry-Perot Interferometer (FFPI) has been demonstrated in this work. The developed system has been divided into 2 main parts: pressure source and sensing system. The former is a chamber comprised of an elastic diaphragm, which proportionally deflects according to input pressure from an air pump. The FFPI, consequently, detects the material deflection and demodulates the parameter into useful pressure value via the fringe counting technique and Kirchhoff-Love’s plate theory. To validate the performance of the developed system, a reference pressure instrument is utilized while the air pump feeds pressure of 0.34–6.57 mbar with 10 times repeatability into the system. The experimental results indicated that the FFPI can measure the pressure of 0.343–6.568 mbar, while the reference instrument showed the output values from 0.343–6.471 mbar, respectively. Moreover, the average and maximum percentage error in measurement is 1.27% and 2.67%, respectively. The resolution of the FFPI sensor is also analyzed to be approximately 0.05% or 0.0382 mbar/μm over all measurement ranges. Therefore, we conclude that the FFPI has high accuracy, resolution, linearity, and reliability in dynamic low-pressure measurements.
RADIAL EXTRUSION OF A PIPE BILLET WITH INTERNAL LEDGE. EXPERIMENTAL VERIFICATION OF THEORETICAL FORMULAS DURING EXTRUSION WITH HARDENING OF STEELS 10, 12KH18N9T AND BRASS L63
Authors: Vorontsov A. L. , Reshikov E. O.
Published: November 2023

A continuation of the experimental verification of theoretical results, begun in previous articles, is outlined.Studies of extrusion of hardening materials were carried out: steels 10, 12KH18N9T and brass L63. The method of taking into account hardening in technological calculations is shown in detail. The high accuracy of the obtained calculation formulas and the suitability of the developed methods for designing production processes have been confirmed.
KINEMATIC ANALYSIS OF A MECHANISM WITH SIX DEGREES OF FREEDOM WITH A CIRCULAR GUIDE
Authors: Kheylo S. V. , Ryabov V. A. , Rashoyan G. V. , Khoruzhev N. A.
Published: November 2023

In this article, the mechanism of a parallel structure with six degrees of freedom with a circular guide and consisting of three kinematic chains is investigated. The paper considers the problem of structural synthesis, solves the problem of kinematic analysis, and proposes an algorithm for determining and studying the working area. The working area of the mechanism is six-dimensional and difficult to visualize. As an alternative to the wellknown approaches to solving this problem, a technique for numerical scanning over discrete grid points is proposed. Grid dimensions are assigned at the initial design stage and can be adjusted depending on the problem statement, while at each grid point three absolute angular coordinates are scanned with a certain step.
COMPARISON OF METHODS FOR CALCULATING CUTTING MODES DURING TURNING AND MILLING
Authors: Montiev A. O. , Zaitsev A. V.
Published: November 2023

The paper compares several domestic and foreign methods for calculating cutting modes according to the criteria of processing performance and the complexity of the calculation. The differences between the obtained results are analyzed from the point of view of the possible interchangeability of various methods.
FIXED SPEED MECHANISM
Authors: Popov I. P.
Published: November 2023

It has been established that from the key circumstance that determines the possibility of generalizing cyclotron motion to mechanics, which consists in the fact that the Lagrangian of an electron is twice its kinetic energy, which, as applied to a mechanical device rotator, should be interpreted as the equality of kinetic and potential energies, it necessarily follows that the composition of a stabilized The rotator must include elements that are able to store both of these types of energy, namely, a load and a spring. The natural frequency of rotation of a stabilized rotator is strictly fixed (it does not depend on either the moment of inertia or the moment of momentum) and remarkably coincides with the natural frequency of oscillations of a pendulum with identical parameters. When the angular momentum changes, the radius and tangential velocity change (the rotation frequency does not change and is equal to its own).
METHOD FOR VIBROACOUSTIC DIAGNOSIS OF BEARING SUPPORTS OF ROTORS OF GAS TURBINE ENGINES ON THE BASIS OF FRACTAL ANALYSIS
Authors: Popov A. V. , Legkonogikh D. S. , Vostrikov M. E.
Published: November 2023

Currently, more than 45.000 aircraft are operated in the world, most of them are equipped with gas turbine engines. Aircraft engines that have not exhausted the established resources and service life are removed from operation annually. As a rule, the reasons for early termination of operation are defects and malfunctions of individual engine components, their mechanical damage, as well as human errors that lead to a malfunction of the engines. Based on the analysis of the causes of failures and damages of the engines of tactical aviation aircraft, it can be concluded that in the vast majority of cases, the failures manifested themselves in increased vibration, which indicated the destruction of the bearing supports of the compressor and turbine rotors, the failure of which may lead to shutdown and damage to the gas turbine engine. Such consequences adversely affect flight safety and can lead to both the loss of the aircraft and the death of the crew. The specifics of the location of the bearing supports of the rotors greatly complicates their diagnostics in the framework of non-destructive testing. The article proposes a new method for vibroacoustic diagnostics of bearing supports of rotors of gas turbine engines, based on the use of fractal analysis. A hardware-software complex has been created that allows diagnosing the technical condition of the bearing supports of the rotors of gas turbine engines.
EFFECT OF DEVIATION FROM AN ASPHERICAL SURFACE ON THE MODULATION TRANSFER FUNCTION OF A THERMAL IMAGING LENS IN CONTRAST ESTIMATION ON A COLLIMATION INSTALLATION
Authors: Simonyan V. I. , Mikaeva S. A.
Published: November 2023

This article discusses the Chinese lens with a focal length of F50 and its analogue, developed by me at the production enterprise LLC “Doksard” for the overall dimensions of the body already delivered to the stream, with high-precision manufacture of aspherical surfaces: with a deviation accuracy of up to 0.1 microns and with an accuracy of up to 1 mm. The quality of the obtained image from the lens is analyzed. The purpose of the work was to determine the necessary error. The TAS-7T software, CDT15120HR collimation unit and the World TCB 4.5 kit are used. The worlds are located in a revolver mechanism, the lens is assembled, installed in a collimation installation, after which an image from the sight is displayed on the computer and the picture is fixed when observing different worlds. As a result of the conducted research, it is possible to draw conclusions about the dependence of the manufacturing accuracy and how well the quality of modern thermal imaging lenses can be determined using collimation installations. The data proposed in this paper on the results of the quality of optical sights: the dependence of the modulation transfer function on the accuracy of the manufacture of aspherical surfaces. The results of these studies will help to form the basic technical requirements for the design of thermal imaging sights during the transition of the Russian market to radiation receivers of the next generation of 14 and 12 mkm.