bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decoherence effects on lepton number violation from heavy neutrino-antineutrino oscillations
Authors: Antusch Stefan , Hajer Jan , Rosskopp Johannes
Published: December 2023

Abstract

We study decoherence effects and phase corrections in heavy neutrino-antineutrino oscillation ($$ N\overline{N}O $$
N

N
¯

O
s), based on quantum field theory with external wave packets. Decoherence damps the oscillation pattern, making it harder to resolve experimentally. Additionally, it enhances lepton number violation (LNV) for processes in symmetry-protected low-scale seesaw models by reducing the destructive interference between mass eigenstates. We discuss a novel time-independent shift in the phase and derive formulae for calculating decoherence effects and the phase shift in the relevant regimes, which are the no dispersion regime and transverse dispersion regime. We find that the phase shift can be neglected in the parameter region under consideration since it is small apart from parameter regions with large damping. In the oscillation formulae, decoherence can be included by an effective damping parameter. We discuss this parameter and present averaged results, which apply to simulations of $$ N\overline{N}O $$
N

N
¯

O
s in the dilepton-dijet channel at the HL-LHC. We show that including decoherence effects can dramatically change the theoretical prediction for the ratio of LNV over LNC events.
Pair programming with ChatGPT for sampling and estimation of copulas
Authors: Górecki Jan
Published: December 2023

Without writing a single line of code by a human, an example Monte Carlo simulation-based application for stochastic dependence modeling with copulas is developed through pair programming involving a human partner and a large language model (LLM) fine-tuned for conversations. This process encompasses interacting with ChatGPT using both natural language and mathematical formalism. Under the careful supervision of a human expert, this interaction facilitated the creation of functioning code in MATLAB, Python, and . The code performs a variety of tasks including sampling from a given copula model, evaluating the model’s density, conducting maximum likelihood estimation, optimizing for parallel computing on CPUs and GPUs, and visualizing the computed results. In contrast to other emerging studies that assess the accuracy of LLMs like ChatGPT on tasks from a selected area, this work rather investigates ways how to achieve a successful solution of a standard statistical task in a collaboration of a human expert and artificial intelligence (AI). Particularly, through careful prompt engineering, we separate successful solutions generated by ChatGPT from unsuccessful ones, resulting in a comprehensive list of related pros and cons. It is demonstrated that if the typical pitfalls are avoided, we can substantially benefit from collaborating with an AI partner. For example, we show that if ChatGPT is not able to provide a correct solution due to a lack of or incorrect knowledge, the human-expert can feed it with the correct knowledge, e.g., in the form of mathematical theorems and formulas, and make it to apply the gained knowledge in order to provide a correct solution. Such ability presents an attractive opportunity to achieve a programmed solution even for users with rather limited knowledge of programming techniques.
Non-retroviral Endogenous Viral Elements in Tephritid Fruit Flies Reveal Former Viral Infections Not Related to Known Circulating Viruses
Authors: Hernández-Pelegrín Luis , Ros Vera I. D. , Herrero Salvador , Crava Cristina M.
Published: December 2023

A wide variety of insect-specific non-retroviral RNA viruses specifically infect insects. During viral infection, fragments of viral sequences can integrate into the host genomes creating non-retroviral endogenous viral elements (nrEVEs). Although the exact function of nrEVEs is so far unknown, some studies suggest that nrEVEs may interfere with virus replication by producing PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) that recognize and degrade viral RNAs through sequence complementarity. In this article, we identified the nrEVEs repertoire of ten species within the dipteran family Tephritidae (true fruit flies), which are considered a major threat to agriculture worldwide. Our results suggest that each of these species contains nrEVEs, although in limited numbers, and that nrEVE integration may have occurred both before and after speciation. Furthermore, the majority of nrEVEs originated from viruses with negative single-stranded RNA genomes and represent structural viral functions. Notably, these nrEVEs exhibit low similarity to currently known circulating viruses. To explore the potential role of nrEVEs, we investigated their transcription pattern and the production of piRNAs in different tissues of Ceratitis capitata. We successfully identified piRNAs that are complementary to the sequence of one nrEVE in C. capitata, thereby highlighting a potential link between nrEVEs and the piRNA pathway. Overall, our results provide valuable insights into the comparative landscape of nrEVEs in true fruit flies, contributing to the understanding of the intimate relation between fruit flies and their past and present viral pathogens.
Analysis of the ocular surface functional unit in episodic migraine
Authors: Patzkó Ágnes , Csutak Adrienne , Tóth Noémi , Kölkedi Zsófia , Pfund Zoltán , Kis-Jakab Gréta , Bosnyák Edit , Rozgonyi Renáta , Szalai Eszter
Published: December 2023

Aim

Migraine is a chronic neurovascular disease that affects the trigeminovascular system. The purpose of this study was to evaluate corneal subbasal nerve fibers, dendritic cells and to measure tear film parameters in migraine.

Patients and methods

87 eyes of 44 patients suffering from migraine with a mean age of 33.23 ± 11.41 years were included in our study. 25 age-matched controls (mean age of 30.16 ± 12.59 years; P = 0.162) were recruited. The corneal subbasal plexus and the dendritic cells (DC) were analyzed using in vivo confocal microscopy (Heidelberg Retina Tomograph II Rostock Cornea Module; Heidelberg Engineering GmbH), and the tear film was imaged using LacryDiag (Quantel Medical, France).

Results

Regarding the subbasal nerve fibers of the cornea, none of the examined parameters differed significantly in migraine patients from controls. We found a significant increase in the corneal DC density (P < 0.0001) and DC area (P < 0.0001) in migraine patients compared to healthy volunteers. DC density showed a positive correlation with the monthly attack frequency (r = 0.32, P = 0.041) and the DC area a negative correlation with corneal nerve branch density (r = -0.233, P = 0.039), nerve fiber length (r = -0.232, P = 0.04) and total branch density (r = -0.233, P = 0.039). Using LacryDiag a significant loss of Meibomian gland area could be detected on the superior eyelid (P = 0.005) in migraine.

Conclusions

Our results suggest the presence of neuroinflammation in the cornea of migraine patients affecting the peripheral trigeminal system. Dendritic cells surrounding the subbasal plexus may be involved in the activation and modulation of pain in migraine.
Insights into the rapid metabolism of Geobacillus sp. LC300: unraveling metabolic requirements and optimal growth conditions
Authors: Ljungqvist Emil , Daga-Quisbert Jeanett , van Maris Antonius , Gustavsson Martin
Published: December 2023

This study investigated the metabolism of Geobacillus sp. LC300, a promising biorefinery host organism with high substrate utilization rates. A new defined medium was designed and tested that allows for exponential growth to elevated cell densities suitable for quantitative physiological studies. Screening of the metabolic requirements of G. sp. LC300 revealed prototrophy for all essential amino acids and most vitamins and only showed auxotrophy for vitamin B12 and biotin. The effect of temperature and pH on growth rate was investigated, adjusting the optimal growth temperature to several degrees lower than previously reported. Lastly, studies on carbon source utilization revealed a capability for fast growth on several common carbon sources, including monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides, and the highest ever reported growth rate in defined medium on glucose (2.20 h−1) or glycerol (1.95 h−1). These findings provide a foundation for further exploration of G. sp. LC300's physiology and metabolic regulation, and its potential use in bioproduction processes.
Clinical and molecular characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection in a tertiary general hospital of Wuhan, China
Authors: Xiang Yating , Tian Hongpan , Chen Qingsong , Gu Jihong , Liu Hongmao , Wang Cuixiang , Li Yirong
Published: December 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and molecular characteristics of Klebsiella pneumoniae infection from a tertiary general hospital in Wuhan, China.

Methods

From December 2019 to August 2022, 311 non-duplicate isolates of K. pneumoniae were collected from a tertiary hospital in Wuhan. These comprised 140 carbapenem-resistant K. pneumoniae (CRKP) isolates and 171 carbapenem-susceptible K. pneumoniae (CSKP) isolates. The clinical characteristics of patients with K. pneumoniae infection were retrospectively collected. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays were used to identify the main carbapenem resistance genes, virulence genes and multi-locus sequence typing (MLST) profiles of the isolates, and the Galleria mellonella infection model was used to determine their virulence phenotypes.

Results

Independent risk factors for CRKP infection were hypertension, neurological disorders, being admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and prior use of antibiotics. Patient with CRKP infection had higher mortality than those with CSKP infection (23.6% vs 14.0%, P < 0.05). One hundred and two sequence types (STs) were identified among the K. pneumoniae isolates, and the most prevalent ST type was ST11 (112/311, 36.0%). All of the ST11 isolates were CRKP. Among the 112 ST11 isolates, 105 (93.8%) harboured the carbapenem resistance gene blaKPC-2 (ST11-KPC-2), and of these isolates, 78 (74.3%, 78/105) contained all of the four virulence genes, namely rmpA, rmpA2, iroN and iucA, suggesting that these genes were widespread among the isolates responsible for K. pneumoniae infections.

Conclusion

In this study, ST11-KPC-2 was responsible for most of the K. pneumoniae infection cases. Carbapenem resistance rather than the co-occurrence of the virulence genes rmpA, rmpA2, iroN and iucA was associated with K. pneumoniae infection-related mortality during hospitalisation. Furthermore, a high proportion of ST11-KPC-2 isolates carried all of the four virulence genes.
Bridging group work and whole-class activities through responsive teaching in science education
Authors: Silseth Kenneth , Furberg Anniken
Published: December 2023

Previous studies have shown both benefits and challenges of group work and whole-class activities in educational settings. One overall finding in the existing literature is that it is challenging for teachers to facilitate whole-class conversations that realise the rich potential of student discussions and undertakings during group work. This article investigates how teachers can facilitate productive consolidating whole-class conversations building on students’ group work experiences by enacting responsive teaching practices, implying foregrounding students’ experiences and ideas, and pursuing the substance of the students’ experiences and ideas in instructional work. Based on a sociocultural perspective, we analyse sequences of classroom interactions where students’ experiences from their lifeworld are invoked in a) settings where student engage in small group activities and b) teacher facilitated whole-class conversations. The educational context is a science project about genetics involving lower secondary school students and their science teacher. Our analysis shows that in group work settings, students’ everyday experiences are invoked but are seldom picked up on and pursued in group conversations as resources for engaging with science matters. In whole-class conversations facilitated by the teacher, especially in situations in which the teacher assumed a responsive teaching approach, students’ everyday experiences were more often realised as resources for shared meaning making and engagement with scientific concepts and ideas. We discuss this study’s implications for teachers designing productive learning activities that combine group work and whole-class activities.
Natural nest cavities in a high elevation habitat provide a more constant thermal environment than human-made nest cavities
Authors: Niffenegger Carole A. , Dirren Sebastian , Schano Christian , Korner-Nievergelt Fränzi
Published: December 2023

Nest cavities with suitable thermal conditions can provide fitness benefits for birds through reduced thermoregulatory cost. Insulation can however vary between natural and human-made cavities. While several studies have assessed cavity temperatures, research from high elevation habitats, where environmental conditions are particularly variable, is still scarce. We compared temperature profiles of vacant natural and human-made nest cavities of White-winged snowfinches Montifringilla nivalis, a high elevation cavity nestling species. Human-made cavities experienced more extreme temperatures, with potential consequences for offspring viability, bringing into question their suitability as conservation measure, particularly as extreme temperature events become more frequent.
Regulation and targeting of SREBP-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Su Fengting , Koeberle Andreas
Published: December 2023

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an increasing burden on global public health and is associated with enhanced lipogenesis, fatty acid uptake, and lipid metabolic reprogramming. De novo lipogenesis is under the control of the transcription factor sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1) and essentially contributes to HCC progression. Here, we summarize the current knowledge on the regulation of SREBP-1 isoforms in HCC based on cellular, animal, and clinical data. Specifically, we (i) address the overarching mechanisms for regulating SREBP-1 transcription, proteolytic processing, nuclear stability, and transactivation and (ii) critically discuss their impact on HCC, taking into account (iii) insights from pharmacological approaches. Emphasis is placed on cross-talk with the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt)-mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) axis, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), protein kinase A (PKA), and other kinases that directly phosphorylate SREBP-1; transcription factors, such as liver X receptor (LXR), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), proliferator-activated receptor γ co-activator 1 (PGC-1), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STATs), and Myc; epigenetic mechanisms; post-translational modifications of SREBP-1; and SREBP-1-regulatory metabolites such as oxysterols and polyunsaturated fatty acids. By carefully scrutinizing the role of SREBP-1 in HCC development, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance, we shed light on the potential of SREBP-1-targeting strategies in HCC prevention and treatment.
Marxism in the horizon: an essay on Maurice Godelier
Authors: Narotzky Susana
Published: December 2023

With his systematic review and methodical discussion of other scholars’ works, Godelier constructed a theory of Marxism that “made sense” in the empirical worlds of anthropology, while preserving the main tenets of historical materialism and dialectical materialism. From his writings in the 1970s, his workshops on “transition,” and his seminars at the CNRS in the early 1980s, we learned to think theoretically about our ethnographic material, and to do it within a framework that referred to Marx. For us, on the one hand, Godelier provided a Marxist theory that respected the value of concrete ethnography, and on the other hand, explored the issue of transitions from one system to another, while thinking about the future, a passage to a better system, probably socialist.
Localization Exploiting Semantic and Metric Information in Non-static Indoor Environments
Authors: Gomez Clara , Hernandez Alejandra C. , Barber Ramón , Stachniss Cyrill
Published: December 2023

Mobile robot localization is an important task in navigation and can be challenging, especially in non-static environments as the scene naturally involves movable objects and appearance changes. In this paper, we address the problem of estimating the robot’s pose in non-static environments containing movable objects. We understand as non-static environments, dynamic environments in which objects might be moved or changed their appearance. We propose a probabilistic localization approach that combines metric and semantic information and takes into account both, static and movable objects. We perform a pixel-wise association of depth and semantic data from an RGB-D sensor with a semantically-augmented truncated signed distance field (TSDF) in order to estimate the robot’s pose. The combination of metric and semantic information increases the robustness w.r.t. movable objects and object appearance changes. The experiments conducted in a real indoor environment and a publicly-available dataset suggest that our approach successfully estimates robot pose in non-static environments and they show an improvement compared to robot localization based only on metric or semantic information and compared to a feature-based method.
The contribution of industrial robots to labor productivity growth and economic convergence: a production frontier approach
Authors: Eder Andreas , Koller Wolfgang , Mahlberg Bernhard
Published: December 2023

This paper investigates the contribution of industrial robots to labor productivity growth and cross-country economic convergence in a sample of 19 developed and 16 emerging countries over the period 1999 to 2019. To answer our research questions, we extend the non-parametric production frontier framework by considering industrial robots as a separate production factor. We find a positive contribution of robotization to labor productivity growth for all countries in our sample. In the period after the financial crisis (2009 to 2019) the contribution of robot capital deepening to productivity growth gained in importance. Over the period 1999 to 2019 we find some evidence of i) unconditional β-convergence (countries with lower initial productivity levels grow faster), ii) a reduction in the dispersion of productivity levels across economies (σ-convergence) and iii) a depolarization (shift from bimodal to unimodal distribution) of the labor productivity distribution in our sample. Accumulation of ‘traditional’ physical capital is the main driver of β-convergence. Robot capital deepening significantly contributed to economic convergence and the depolarization of the labor productivity distribution, but its effect on the entire shift of the labor productivity distribution is modest and dominated by other drivers of productivity growth such as ‘traditional’ physical capital deepening and technological change.
Application of different aquatic plants in an alternated fill and drain wetland system of Phetchaburi municipal wastewater treatment in Thailand
Authors: Phewnil Onanong , Chunkao Kasem , Prabhuddham Paiboon , Pattamapitoon Thanit
Published: December 2023

This study evaluated the treatment efficiency of municipal wastewater from Phetchaburi in Thailand in an alternated 5-day flooding and 2-day drying wetland system with two plants species, namely, Canna indica and Heliconia psittacorum. The efficiencies of biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) treatment were in the ranges of 90.5% ± 4.8% and 86.9% ± 7.3% for Canna and Heliconia, respectively. Those of chemical oxygen demand (COD) treatment were in the ranges of 75.5% ± 7.9% and 75.3% ± 9.0% for Canna and Heliconia, respectively. Both plants’ removal efficiencies of TN, NH4-N, and TP were greater than 40%. Lead and cadmium accumulation in both plants significantly differed between the upper and lower parts of the plants. However, the lead and cadmium accumulation in Heliconia were greater than their accumulation in Canna. Although Canna had a higher nutrient removal efficiency than Heliconia, there are many varieties of Canna in Thailand. These results indicate that the variety of Canna does not affect the nutrient removal efficiency. In conclusion, a wetland system with alternated flooding and drying conditions can be applied in communities where BOD5 and COD are the dominant wastewater pollution characteristics. Both ornamental plants are suitable absorbents for lead and cadmium, and although the accumulation is lower in Canna than in Heliconia for both heavy metals, the difference was not significant.
Metallurgical and Mechanical Investigation on Single-Step Quenching and Partitioning Thermal Treatments on Commercial Low Alloyed 30MnV6 Steel
Authors: Barella S. , Belfi M. , Gruttadauria A. , Liu C. , Peng Y.
Published: December 2023

Characterization of the effect of different Quenching and Partitioning treatments on retained austenite stabilization, on the final microstructure, and on tensile properties was performed on 30MnV6 microalloyed steel. The amount of retained austenite and its location into the final microstructure were evaluated through X-ray diffraction and Electron Backscattered diffraction. Moreover, different initial microstructural conditions were employed to preliminarily investigate the effect of a starting mixed austenite–ferrite microstructure on the effectiveness of the treatment, and to tailor the material final tensile properties according to its actual utilization. Amounts of retained austenite between 4.5 and 6.3 pct were observed. High tensile properties were obtained, reaching 1675 MPa of UTS, with an improved elongation with respect to the reference quenched and tempered condition, which reached 14.8 pct. Hardenability is increased by the presence of retained austenite. Intercritical condition shows lower tensile strength but an increased uniform elongation with respect to the reference quenched and partitioned condition. Therefore, quenching and partitioning appears to be a promising treatment for the selected commercial steel.
Prevalence of olfactory reference disorder according to the ICD-11 in a German university student sample
Authors: Reuter Julia , Grocholewski Anja , Steil Regina
Published: December 2023

Olfactory reference disorder (ORD) is included as a new diagnosis in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11). Its core symptom is persistent preoccupation with the belief that one is emitting a foul or offensive body odor or breath that is usually not perceptible to others. However, there is a lack of knowledge about the prevalence of ORD. In particular, the prevalence of the disorder has not yet been investigated using the ICD-11 diagnostic features. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the point prevalence of ORD according to the ICD-11. A total of 275 German students at university or college, aged 18–53 years, participated in an anonymous internet-based survey assessing ICD-11 essential features for ORD. The prevalence of ORD was 5.5%. Participants who met the self-rated features for ORD reported suicidal thoughts significantly more frequent than participants who did not meet the features for ORD. More than half of the participants with probable ORD reported ideas of reference and at least a strong conviction of their beliefs, suggesting poor insight. In the total sample, single symptoms of ORD were frequent. Persistent preoccupation with the belief of malodor was the most common single symptom. Distress and impairment linked to ORD symptoms were frequent. Our results suggest that ORD may be relatively common in university students and highlight the importance of future studies investigating the epidemiology of ORD as well as its suitable treatment.
Polymer Coated Urea in ‘Russet Burbank’ Potato: Yield and Tuber Quality
Authors: Taysom Trent W. , LeMonte Joshua J. , Ransom Curtis J. , Stark Jeffrey C. , Hopkins Austin P. , Hopkins Bryan G.
Published: December 2023

Nitrogen (N) fertilizer applied as polymer coated urea (PCU) may have the potential to improve potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) production. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of PCU on potato yield and quality. ‘Russet Burbank’ potato was grown at three Idaho, USA locations. Five rates of N (0, 33, 67, 100, and 133% of the recommended rate) were applied in all combinations of: PCU applied at emergence, urea applied at emergence, or urea split-applied. The PCU-fertilized treatments produced 11%, 11%, and 10% higher US No. 1, marketable and total tuber yields, respectively, than urea-split applied. PCU trended toward increased tuber size. At equivalent rates, PCU was more efficient than urea N in providing N to potato. These results confirm findings from other researchers that a single application of PCU fertilizer, just prior to emergence, can efficiently meet seasonal N requirements for Russet Burbank potato.
An update on rehabilitative treatment of shoulder disease after breast cancer care
Authors: Ferrara P. E. , Gatto D. M. , Codazza S. , Zordan P. , Stefinlongo G. , Ariani M. , Coraci D. , Ronconi G.
Published: December 2023

According to the latest statistics of the American Cancer Society 2022, breast cancer is a leading cause of morbidity and death among women worldwide. As a result of oncological procedures, breast cancer survivors often complain of pain and disability to the ipsilateral arm and shoulder. Objective: we aimed to analyze the latest literature regarding the efficacy of different rehabilitation treatments in patients affected by shoulder impairment secondary to breast cancer care. A comprehensive literature search was conducted on PubMed, PEDRO and Scopus databases. All English studies, published in the last decade up to March 2023, reporting shoulder problems in adult women treated for breast cancer with partial or total mastectomy ± breast reconstruction, lymphadenectomy, radio-, chemo-, hormonal or biologic therapy were assessed for eligibility. The methodological quality of the included trials was evaluated using the Cochrane bias tool. Of 159 articles identified, 26 were included in qualitative synthesis. Data from 1974 participants with a wide heterogeneity of breast cancer treatments were analyzed in this review. The methodological quality for most included studies was moderate. Several physiotherapy and interventional protocols showed some evidence of efficacy in shoulder range of motion (ROM), upper limb function, strength, pain and quality of life recovery after breast cancer treatment. Both physiotherapy alone or in combination with other techniques significantly improves shoulder disability, pain, and quality of life of patients undergoing breast cancer treatment regardless of their baseline characteristics or the time passed from surgery. The optimal treatment protocol and dosage remain unclear, and more homogeneous studies are needed in order to perform a meta-analysis of the literature.
Mitophagy genes in ovarian cancer: a comprehensive analysis for improved immunotherapy
Authors: He Wenting , Chen Jieping , Zhou Yun , Deng Ting , Feng Yanling , Luo Xiaolin , Zhang Chuyao , Huang He , Liu Jihong
Published: December 2023

Background

Mitophagy is a process of selectively degrading damaged mitochondria, which has been found to be related to immunity, tumorigenesis, tumor progression, and metastasis. However, the role of mitophagy-related genes (MRGs) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) of ovarian cancer (OV) remains largely unexplored.

Methods

We analyzed the expression, prognosis, and genetic alterations of 29 MRGs in 480 OV samples. Unsupervised clustering was used to classify OV into two subtypes (clusters A and B) based on MRG changes. We compared the clinical features, differential expressed genes (DEGs), pathways, and immune cell infiltration between the two clusters. We constructed a mitophagy scoring system (MRG_score) based on the DEGs and validated its ability to predict overall survival of OV patients.

Results

We found that patients with high MRG_scores had better survival status and increased infiltration by immune cells. Further analysis showed that these patients may be more sensitive to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment. Additionally, the MRG_score significantly correlated with the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs and targeted inhibitors.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive analysis of MRGs in the TME, clinical features, and patient prognosis revealed that the MRG_score is a potentially effective prognostic biomarker and predictor of treatment. This study provides new insights into the role of MRGs in OV and identifies patients who may benefit from ICI treatment, chemotherapy, or targeted treatment.
Random Raman Fiber Laser as a Liquid Refractive Index Sensor
Authors: Han Bing , Ma Yuxi , Wu Han , Zhao Yong
Published: December 2023

In this paper, a new concept of forward-pumped random Raman fiber laser (RRFL)-based liquid refractive index sensing is proposed for the first time. For liquid refractive index sensing, the flat fiber end immersed in the liquid can act as the point reflector for generating random fiber lasing and also as the sensing head. Due to the high sensitivity of the output power of the RRFL to the reflectivity provided by the point reflector in the ultralow reflectivity regime, the proposed RRFL is capable of achieving liquid refractive index sensing by measuring the random lasing output power. We theoretically investigate the effects of the operating pump power and fiber length on the refractive index sensitivity for the proposed RRFL. As a proof-of-concept demonstration, we experimentally realize high-sensitivity half-open short-cavity RRFL-based liquid refractive index sensing with the maximum sensitivity and the sensing resolution of–39.88W/RIU and 2.5075×10−5 RIU, respectively. We also experimentally verify that the refractive index sensitivity can be enhanced with the shorter fiber length of the RRFL. This work extends the application of the random fiber laser as a new platform for highly-sensitive refractive index sensing in chemical, biomedical, and environmental monitoring applications, etc.
Die Systemunterstützung in Niedersachsen während der Corona-Pandemie
Authors: Harfst Philipp , Franzmann Simon T. , Helmer Joschua , Kühnel Steffen M.
Published: December 2023

In diesem Beitrag analysieren wir die Systemunterstützung in Niedersachsen während der Corona-Pandemie. Die Unterstützung des politischen Systems hat eine große Bedeutung für die Stabilität und Zukunftsfähigkeit der repräsentativen Demokratie, die insbesondere im Zuge der Corona-Pandemie immer wieder als bedroht angesehen und zum Teil offen in Frage gestellt wurde. Auf der Basis der Daten des Niedersächsischen Demokratie-Monitors (NDM) prüfen wir, inwiefern insbesondere die Zufriedenheit unserer Befragten mit den Ergebnissen der Politik die Systemunterstützung prägen. Im Kontext der Corona-Pandemie, so unsere Annahme, sollte diese Unterstützung, wenn sie mit Politikergebnissen korreliert, stark von der Wahrnehmung der Corona-Maßnahmen von Bundes- und Landesregierung geprägt sein. Wir betrachten die Corona-Maßnahmen also als Spezialfall eines Policy-Outputs. Zudem untersuchen wir, ob es Unterschiede in der Bewertung der Bundes- und der Landesregierung und der von ihnen getroffenen Eindämmungsmaßnahmen gibt und ob diese Unterschiede in unterschiedlicher Weise auf die Systemunterstützung wirken. Im Ergebnis finden wir gemischte Evidenz für eine Wahlgewinner*innen-Hypothese. Stärkere Unterstützung in unseren Daten findet hingegen die Policy-Feedback-Hypothese, die auf Zufriedenheit mit den Corona-Maßnahmen abzielt. Zudem unterstützen AfD-Wähler*innen das politische System in deutlich geringerem Maße als die Wähler*innen aller anderen Parteien und Befragte mit populistischen Einstellungen sind erkennbar systemkritisch. Diese schwächere Systemunterstützung der Populist*innen wird im Fall der niedersächsischen Landesregierung – nicht jedoch im Fall der Bundesregierung – durch Zufriedenheit mit den Maßnahmen zur Eindämmung der Corona-Pandemie ausgeglichen.
Food in Ancient China
Authors: Jaffe Yitzchak
Published: December 2023

This Element provides an overview of food and foodways in Ancient China, from the earliest humans (~500k BP) up to its historical beginnings: the foundation of the Zhou dynasty (at the start of the 1st millennium BCE). While textual data provides insights on food and diet during China's historical periods, archaeological data is the main source for studying the deep past and reconstructing what people ate, how they ate and with whom they ate it. This Element introduces the plants and animals that formed the building blocks of ancient diets and cuisines, as well as how they created localized lifeways and unifying constructs across ancient China. Foodways, how food was grown, prepared and consumed, was central in the development of differing social, economic and political realities, as it shaped ritual and burial practices, differentiated ethnic groups, solidified community ties and deepened or assuaged social inequalities.
Prevalence of vitamin E inadequacy, dietary intake and sources of alpha-tocopherol, and predictors of alpha- and gamma-tocopherol status in adolescent girls in Central Mozambique
Authors: Korkalo Liisa , Alfthan Georg , Fidalgo Lourdes , Freese Riitta I.
Published: December 2023

An adequate alpha-tocopherol status is important for females at reproductive age. We studied the dietary intake and sources of alpha-tocopherol and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol status indicators in 14–19-year-old girls in Central Mozambique. We also explored factors associated with alpha- and gamma-tocopherol status. The participants (n 508) were from the cross-sectional ZANE Study that was conducted in 2010. We recruited two separate samples, one in January–February and the other in May–June. We collected venous blood samples and conducted 24 h dietary recall interviews. At the time of blood sampling, 11 % of participants were pregnant and 10 % were lactating. In the total sample, both seasons combined, the median intake of alpha-tocopherol was 6⋅7 mg/d, the mean plasma alpha- and gamma-tocopherol concentrations were 13⋅5 and 0⋅75 μmol/l, respectively, and the prevalence of vitamin E inadequacy (alpha-tocopherol <12 μmol/l) was 36⋅7 % (95 % CI: 31⋅9–42⋅0 %). Season and lactation status were significant predictors of alpha-tocopherol status regardless of which the three indicators (plasma concentration, alpha-tocopherol:total cholesterol ratio, gamma-tocopherol:alpha-tocopherol ratio) were used. Being a lactating mother was negatively associated and having a blood sample taken in January–February, when the main sources of alpha-tocopherol were mango and dark green leafy vegetables, was positively associated with alpha-tocopherol status. In conclusion, vitamin E inadequacy was common in Central Mozambique, and the status may fluctuate due to seasonal changes in the diet. We suggest that lactating mothers are specifically at risk of poor alpha-tocopherol status in resource-poor settings.
Speed of extinction for continuous-state branching processes in a weakly subcritical Lévy environment
Authors: Cardona-Tobón Natalia , Pardo Juan Carlos
Published: December 2023

We continue with the systematic study of the speed of extinction of continuous-state branching processes in Lévy environments under more general branching mechanisms. Here, we deal with the weakly subcritical regime under the assumption that the branching mechanism is regularly varying. We extend recent results of Li and Xu (2018) and Palau et al. (2016), where it is assumed that the branching mechanism is stable, and complement the recent articles of Bansaye et al. (2021) and Cardona-Tobón and Pardo (2021), where the critical and the strongly and intermediate subcritical cases were treated, respectively. Our methodology combines a path analysis of the branching process together with its Lévy environment, fluctuation theory for Lévy processes, and the asymptotic behaviour of exponential functionals of Lévy processes. Our approach is inspired by the last two previously cited papers, and by Afanasyev et al. (2012), where the analogue was obtained.
The Influence of Country of Origin in the Process of Party Identification Acquisition
Authors: Castro Irizarry Giovanni
Published: December 2023

Thousands of Latin Americans migrate to the United States every year. This article seeks to understand how immigrants’ premigration political experiences influence the acquisition of party identification upon arrival in the United States. This research proposes that premigration political experiences influence the acquisition of party identification among Latino immigrants in the United States. Utilizing data from the 2016 Collaborative Multiracial Post-Election Survey (CMPS) and Proyecto Élites Parlamentarias Latinoamericanas (Latin American Parliamentary Elites Project), this paper analyzes how the ideology of the government in power in the immigrants’ country of origin influences party identification among Latino immigrants in the United States. Employing multinomial regression analysis, I demonstrate that the ideology of governments in power in Latin American countries when Latinos migrate influences the party identification of those immigrants in the United States. The results of this study contribute to the conversations on premigration experiences and challenge the applicability of classical theories of party identification for immigrants.
Inverse cascading for initial magnetohydrodynamic turbulence spectra between Saffman and Batchelor
Authors: Brandenburg Axel , Sharma Ramkishor , Vachaspati Tanmay
Published: December 2023

In decaying magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) turbulence with a strong magnetic field, the spectral magnetic energy density is known to increase with time at small wavenumbers

$k$

, provided the spectrum at low

$k$

is sufficiently steep. This process is called inverse cascading and occurs for an initial Batchelor spectrum, where the magnetic energy per linear wavenumber interval increases like

$k^4$

. For an initial Saffman spectrum that is proportional to

$k^2$

, however, inverse cascading has not been found in the past. We study here the case of an intermediate

$k^3$

spectrum, which may be relevant for magnetogenesis in the early Universe during the electroweak epoch. This case is not well understood in view of the standard Taylor expansion of the magnetic energy spectrum for small

$k$

. Using high resolution MHD simulations, we show that, also in this case, there is inverse cascading with a strength just as expected from the conservation of the Hosking integral, which governs the decay of an initial Batchelor spectrum. Even for shallower

$k^\alpha$

spectra with spectral index

$\alpha >3/2$

, our simulations suggest a spectral increase at small

$k$

with time

$t$

proportional to

$t^{4\alpha /9-2/3}$

. The critical spectral index of

$\alpha =3/2$

is related to the slope of the spectral envelope in the Hosking phenomenology. Our simulations with

$2048^3$

mesh points now suggest inverse cascading even for an initial Saffman spectrum.
Leaf-litter frog abundance increases during succession of regenerating pastures
Authors: Thompson Michelle E. , Donnelly Maureen A.
Published: December 2023

The extensive clearing and modification of forests by anthropogenic activities is a major driver of biodiversity loss. Declines of common species are especially concerning because of the potentially large cascading effects they might have on ecosystems. Regrowth of secondary forests may help reverse population declines by restoring habitats to similar conditions prior to land conversion but the value of these secondary forests to fauna is not well understood. We compared the abundance of a direct-developing terrestrial frog,Craugastor stejnegerianus, in riparian and upland habitats of pasture, secondary forest, and mature forest sites. Mean abundance per transect was lower in upland pasture compared to mature forest. Secondary forest had similar abundance to mature forest regardless of age. We show that conversion of forest habitat to pasture represents a conservation threat to this species. However, riparian buffers help mitigate the negative effect of conversion of forest to pasture, and regrowth of secondary forest is an effective management strategy for restoring the abundance of this common leaf-litter species.
Banning Autonomous Weapons: A Legal and Ethical Mandate
Authors: O'Connell Mary Ellen
Published: December 2023

ChatGPT launched in November 2022, triggering a global debate on the use of artificial intelligence (AI). A debate on AI-enabled lethal autonomous weapon systems (LAWS) has been underway far longer. Two sides have emerged: one in favor and one opposed to an international law ban on LAWS. This essay explains the position of advocates of a ban without attempting to persuade opponents. Supporters of a ban believe LAWS are already unlawful and immoral to use without the need of a new treaty or protocol. They nevertheless seek an express prohibition to educate and publicize the threats these weapons pose. Foremost among their concerns is the “black box” problem. Programmers cannot know what a computer operating a weapons system empowered with AI will “learn” from the algorithm they use. They cannot know at the time of deployment if the system will comply with the prohibition on the use of force or the human right to life that applies in both war and peace. Even if they could, mechanized killing affronts human dignity. Ban supporters have long known that “AI models are not safe and no one knows how to reliably make them safe” or morally acceptable in taking human life.
Effects of in-store marketing on food and beverage purchases: a longitudinal study of households with children
Authors: Grummon Anna H , Petimar Joshua , Moran Alyssa J , Anderson Emma , Lurie Peter , John Sara , Rimm Eric B , Thorndike Anne N
Published: December 2023

Objective:

Most food retailers display foods in prominent locations as a marketing strategy (i.e. ‘placement promotions’). We examined the extent to which households with children change their food and beverage purchases in response to these promotions.

Design:

We analysed a novel dataset of all products promoted in two supermarkets from 2016 to 2017, including promotion dates and locations (e.g. aisle endcaps and front registers). We linked promotions to all purchases from the supermarkets from 2016 to 2017 by a cohort of households with children. We calculated the number of weekly promotions in each of thirteen food and beverage groups (e.g. bread; candy) and used fixed effects regressions to estimate associations between number of weekly promotions and households’ weekly food purchases, overall and by Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participation.

Setting:

Two large supermarkets in Maine, USA.

Participants:

Eight hundred and twenty-one households with children.

Results:

Most promotions (74 %) were for less healthy foods. The most promoted food groups were sweet and salty snacks (mean = 131·0 promotions/week), baked goods (mean = 68·2) and sugar-sweetened beverages (mean = 41·6). Households generally did not change their food group purchases during weeks when they were exposed to more promotions for those groups, except that a 1-sdincrease in endcap candy promotions (about 1 promotion/week) was associated with $0·19/week (about 14·5 %) increase in candy purchases among SNAP nonparticipants (adjustedP< 0·001).

Conclusions:

In-store placement promotions for food groups were generally not associated with purchases of promoted food groups, perhaps because exposure to unhealthy food marketing was consistently high. Substantial changes to in-store food marketing may be needed to promote healthier purchases.
ON RESIDUES AND CONJUGACIES FOR GERMS OF 1-D PARABOLIC DIFFEOMORPHISMS IN FINITE REGULARITY
Authors: Eynard-Bontemps Hélène , Navas Andrés
Published: December 2023

We study conjugacy classes of germs of nonflat diffeomorphisms of the real line fixing the origin. Based on the work of Takens and Yoccoz, we establish results that are sharp in terms of differentiability classes and order of tangency to the identity. The core of all of this lies in the invariance of residues under low-regular conjugacies. This may be seen as an extension of the fact (also proved in this article) that the value of the Schwarzian derivative at the origin for germs of
$C^3$
parabolic diffeomorphisms is invariant under
$C^2$
parabolic conjugacy, though it may vary arbitrarily under parabolic
$C^1$
conjugacy.
Note from Editors
Authors: Arjona Ana , Pearlman Wendy
Published: December 2023

Political scientists are tasked with a deeply meaningful and consequential responsibility: explaining the political world. This encompasses a wide array of phenomena, from the behavior of presidents, voters, rebels, and bureaucrats to the origins, transformation, and demise of institutions, regimes, and wars across history and the world. Moreover, our discipline delves into profound normative questions surrounding domination, freedom, equality, representation, and sovereignty, among others.
The protection of the natural environment in armed conflicts and agent-based modelling
Authors: Qandeel Mais
Published: December 2023

This article seeks to demonstrate the nexus between agent-related technology and the protection of the environment in armed conflicts, looking at how agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) can be used as a tool to protect the environment in armed conflicts. It further analyzes the precautionary principle and due regard, as relevant rules, and explains the legal benefits of deploying ABMS to protect and preserve the natural environment. The article argues that the deployment of ABMS helps States to better understand the environmental effects of conflicts, reassess their military activities and comply with the relevant applicable rules and norms.
Does Downscaling Improve the Performance of Urban Ozone Modeling?
Authors: Wang Yuting , Brasseur Guy P. , Ma Yong‐Feng , Peuch Vincent‐Henri , Wang Tao
Published: December 2023

Increasing the model resolution is expected to be one way for improving air quality forecasts in urban areas. In this study, we evaluate the model performance in a large city at various resolutions to examine the best resolution for air pollution simulations. The comparison with measurements at a station near the traffic emissions shows the advantage of using high resolutions for capturing the extreme values. The statistical evaluation indicates that the highest model resolution (33 m) provides the best results for NOX concentration distributions near the traffic roads, while the improvement for roadside O3 with decreasing grid spacing stops at a certain point. The best model performance for the areas with a distance to the pollution sources is with the resolution of 100–300 m, at which the transport errors are equivalent to the emission biases.
Mitochondrial nucleic acids in innate immunity and beyond
Authors: Yoon Jimin , Kim Sujin , Lee Mihye , Kim Yoosik
Published: December 2023

Mitochondria participate in a wide range of cellular processes. One essential function of mitochondria is to be a platform for antiviral signaling proteins during the innate immune response to viral infection. Recently, studies have revealed that mitochondrion-derived DNAs and RNAs are recognized as non-self molecules and act as immunogenic ligands. More importantly, the cytosolic release of these mitochondrial nucleic acids (mt-NAs) is closely associated with the pathogenesis of human diseases accompanying aberrant immune activation. The release of mitochondrial DNAs (mtDNAs) via BAX/BAK activation and/or VDAC1 oligomerization activates the innate immune response and inflammasome assembly. In addition, mitochondrial double-stranded RNAs (mt-dsRNAs) are sensed by pattern recognition receptors in the cytosol to induce type I interferon expression and initiate apoptotic programs. Notably, these cytosolic mt-NAs also mediate adipocyte differentiation and contribute to mitogenesis and mitochondrial thermogenesis. In this review, we summarize recent studies of innate immune signaling pathways regulated by mt-NAs, human diseases associated with mt-NAs, and the emerging physiological roles of mt-NAs.