bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Riemann problem for the Chaplygin gas dynamics with a single-point heating source
Authors: Pang Yicheng , Xu Changjin , Shao Liuyang
Published: March 2024

This paper is devoted to the Riemann solutions to the Chaplygin gas dynamics with a single-point heating source. To deal with Dirac measure source term, we transform this model into a system of conservation laws and then present a definition of solution to this system of conservation laws. Based on this definition, we establish, respectively, the condition for the occurrence of stationary contact discontinuity solution and delta standing wave solution. With the help of these results, by analyzing the possible combination of various waves, ten kinds of exact solutions and the criteria for the emergence of each solution are established. It is observed that a delta standing wave solution arises for certain initial values, where two components of this solution contain the Dirac measure. It is also noticed that a stationary contact discontinuity followed by a delta shock wave emerges in some solutions. Moreover, these solutions can be used to test the validation of numerical algorithm for a system of conservation laws with a singular source term.
Quantum Barkhausen noise induced by domain wall cotunneling
Authors: Simon C. , Silevitch D.M. , Stamp P.C.E. , Rosenbaum T.F.
Published: March 2024

Most macroscopic magnetic phenomena (including magnetic hysteresis) are typically understood classically. Here, we examine the dynamics of a uniaxial rare-earth ferromagnet deep within the quantum regime, so that domain wall motion, and the associated hysteresis, is initiated by quantum nucleation, which then grows into large-scale domain wall motion, which is observable as an unusual form of Barkhausen noise. We observe noncritical behavior in the resulting avalanche dynamics that only can be explained by going beyond traditional renormalization group methods or classical domain wall models. We find that this “quantum Barkhausen noise” exhibits two distinct mechanisms for domain wall movement, each of which is quantum-mechanical, but with very different dependences on an external magnetic field applied transverse to the spin (Ising) axis. These observations can be understood in terms of the correlated motion of pairs of domain walls, nucleated by cotunneling of plaquettes (sections of domain wall), with plaquette pairs correlated by dipolar interactions; this correlation is suppressed by the transverse field. Similar macroscopic correlations may be expected to appear in the hysteresis of other systems with long-range interactions.
Exchangeable manganese regulates carbon storage in the humus layer of the boreal forest
Authors: Zhang Yunyu , Hobbie Sarah E. , Schlesinger William H. , Berg Björn , Sun Tao , Zhu Jiaojun
Published: March 2024

The huge carbon stock in humus layers of the boreal forest plays a critical role in the global carbon cycle. However, there remains uncertainty about the factors that regulate below-ground carbon sequestration in this region. Notably, based on evidence from two independent but complementary methods, we identified that exchangeable manganese is a critical factor regulating carbon accumulation in boreal forests across both regional scales and the entire boreal latitudinal range. Moreover, in a novel fertilization experiment, manganese addition reduced soil carbon stocks, but only after 4 y of additions. Our results highlight an underappreciated mechanism influencing the humus carbon pool of boreal forests.
Myosin-5 varies its step length to carry cargo straight along the irregular F-actin track
Authors: Fineberg Adam , Takagi Yasuharu , Thirumurugan Kavitha , Andrecka Joanna , Billington Neil , Young Gavin , Cole Daniel , Burgess Stan A. , Curd Alistair P. , Hammer John A. , Sellers James R. , Kukura Philipp , Knight Peter J.
Published: March 2024

Molecular motors employ chemical energy to generate unidirectional mechanical output against a track while navigating a chaotic cellular environment, potential disorder on the track, and against Brownian motion. Nevertheless, decades of nanometer-precise optical studies suggest that myosin-5a, one of the prototypical molecular motors, takes uniform steps spanning 13 subunits (36 nm) along its F-actin track. Here, we use high-resolution interferometric scattering microscopy to reveal that myosin takes strides spanning 22 to 34 actin subunits, despite walking straight along the helical actin filament. We show that cumulative angular disorder in F-actin accounts for the observed proportion of each stride length, akin to crossing a river on variably spaced stepping stones. Electron microscopy revealed the structure of the stepping molecule. Our results indicate that both motor and track are soft materials that can adapt to function in complex cellular conditions.
Risk Assessment and Risk Management of Incidents of Suspected Poisoning
Authors: Bates Nicola
Published: March 2024

Poisoning in livestock, horses and wildlife may be localised or large events involving single or multiple animals and can have public health, economic or medicolegal, as well as animal welfare, implications. Investigation of these incidents is required to determine the cause, assess the risk to other animals and people and instigate an appropriate risk management plan. Investigations will involve clinical examination and history taking, site visits to determine possible sources of poisoning, post-mortem examination and collection of biological (both ante and post-mortem) and environmental samples (water, soil, feed, suspect plants). Interpretation of laboratory analyses and investigations may involve a multidisciplinary team in order to formulate and implement a risk management programme. Specialist advice should be sought early in the investigation in order to ensure appropriate sampling and correct actions are undertaken. Practitioners should be aware of where and how to report incidents, where to seek advice and have some awareness of common toxicological risks, particularly local or seasonal risks, to livestock and other animals. This case study outlines some of the steps that should be undertaken when handling a case of suspected poisoning in animals and highlights some of the possible circumstances and substances that may result in toxicosis.

Information

© The Author 2023
The Med Diet 4.0 Framework: A Multidimensional Driver for Revitalising the Mediterranean Diet as a Sustainable Diet Model
Authors: Dernini Sandro , Lairon Denis , Berry Elliot M. , Brunori Gianluca , Capone Roberto , Donini Lorenzo M. , Iannetta Massimo , Mattioni Dalia , Piscopo Suzanne , Serra-Majem Lluis , Sonnino Andrea , Stefanova Milena
Published: March 2024

Despite being acknowledged as one of the healthiest diets in the world, there has been a shift away from the Mediterranean Diet (MD) pattern observed recently in the Mediterranean countries. This has undesirable consequences for health, but also for social, cultural, economic and environmental domains in the Mediterranean area. The Med Diet 4.0 framework, which is the focus of this case, has been developed as a multidimensional framework to revitalise the MD and to characterise it as a sustainable diet model. It offers four interdependent sustainable benefits, with country-specific variations: (i) nutrition and health advantages; (ii) low environmental impacts and richness in biodiversity; (iii) positive local economic returns; and (iv) high social and cultural food values. All these elements interact and contribute to the holistic well-being of individuals and communities, but Med Diet 4.0 has a broader scope. This is to catalyse multi-stakeholder interest in the MD as a driver towards more sustainable food systems; reconnecting diets, food consumption, food production, food security and sustainability in the region. At the level of the globalised food system, the Med Diet 4.0 model can, therefore, supply useful insights and action points to tackle the challenging policy issue of balancing human and planetary health. Food selection is influenced by exchange, use, and identity values, as well as images, memories, and emotions of people and contexts. It is recommended that MD education programmes should take these values into account and target all age groups with personalised messages.

Information

© CAB International 2019
A review on convolutional neural network in rolling bearing fault diagnosis
Authors: Li Xin , Ma Zengqiang , Yuan Zonghao , Mu Tianming , Du Guoxin , Liang Yan , Liu Jingwen
Published: March 2024

The health condition of rolling bearings has a direct impact on the safe operation of rotating machinery. And their working environment is harsh and the working condition is complex, which brings challenges to fault diagnosis. With the development of computer technology, deep learning has been applied in the field of fault diagnosis and has rapidly developed. Among them, convolutional neural network (CNN) has received great attention from researchers due to its powerful data mining ability and feature adaptive learning ability. Based on recent research hotspots, the development history and trend of CNN is summarized and analyzed. Firstly, the basic structure of CNN is introduced and the important progress of classical CNN models for rolling bearing fault diagnosis in recent years is studied. The problems with the classic CNN algorithm have been pointed out. Secondly, to solve the above problems, combined with recent research achievements, various methods and principles for optimizing CNN are introduced and compared from the perspectives of deep feature extraction, hyperparameter optimization, network structure optimization. Although significant progress has been made in the research of fault diagnosis of rolling bearings based on CNN, there is still room for improvement and development in addressing issues such as low accuracy of imbalanced data, weak model generalization, and poor network interpretability. Therefore, the future development trend of CNN networks is discussed finally. And transfer learning models are introduced to improve the generalization ability of CNN and interpretable CNN is used to increase the interpretability of CNN networks.
Three-dimensional deformation measurement techniques in space multi-physical fields based on digital image correlation
Authors: Yang Fenglong , Wang Bin , Zhong Junjie
Published: March 2024

Aiming at the three-dimensional deformation measurement requirement of the high-stability structure of spacecraft in space multi-physical fields, a comprehensive instrument protection device in a vacuum high-low temperature environment is developed using ultra-low temperature anti-condensation and vacuum heat insulation technology. This ensures that the digital image correlation (DIC) measurement camera always remains in a constant temperature and pressure environment and can stably exert its original efficiency in space multi-physical field environments. Subsequently, a path-dependent DIC method based on a graphics processing unit computing parallel acceleration is proposed by combining a pre-interpolation strategy and integrated image technology, which realizes high-precision matching of digital images before and after deformation in a spatial multi-physical field environment and improves the computing efficiency. To address the problem that a common reference point may deform significantly in a space environment with a large temperature change, which leads to inaccurate system accuracy, combined with a random sampling consistency algorithm and singular value decomposition method, the optimal registration of the coordinate system and the solution of deformation were realized by setting the threshold of the reference point margin screening. Finally, a three-dimensional deformation measurement system in high- and low-temperature vacuum environments was built, and the three-dimensional deformation measurement of the satellite antenna in high- and low-temperature vacuum environments was verified, which proves the effectiveness and accuracy of the above method.
Demonstration of bonding interaction by attraction and repulsion forces measurement using disc magnets
Authors: Freitas W P S , Carvalho Jr P S , Calheiro L B , Goncalves A M B
Published: March 2024

Using a 3D-printed device, an Arduino board, and a force sensor, we measured the force interaction as a function of the distance in an apparatus-like ‘magnetic tractor beam’. This apparatus has been designed to demonstrate the nature of the chemical bond. The magnet configuration is such that the interaction follows a potential analogous to that described by Leonardo–Jones for a chemical bond. This similarity can be applied to demonstrate chemical bonds in teaching science.
Teaching physics remotely: determining the speed of sound in the air using a pan flute
Authors: Filho Luiz Artur Cordeiro , Bastos Rodrigo Oliveira
Published: March 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic led to the closure of schools and the transition to online teaching, making it necessary to find solutions for lab-based subjects such as experimental physics. In scenarios like this, a good alternative is for students to conduct experiments at home. In this study, we evaluated the potential of a pan flute for teaching acoustics at a distance. We explored the simplicity of assembly, the need for only common materials, and the ability to collect data at home with audio software support. To explore the feasibility of the project, a model of the flute was built. Data were collected, and the average value obtained for the speed of sound in the air was 338 m s−1, with a relative error of 1.4% to the expected value. During the pandemic, this experiment was integrated into two undergraduate courses and the students successfully completed the construction of the instrument, collected data, and estimated the speed of sound, demonstrating positive results in distance learning.
En route to superhard and 1D conductive carbon allotropes via unusual sp
2–sp
3 bonding configuration
Authors: Wang Yujia , Wang Xingyu , Liu Jinyu , Zhang Xinxin , Zhang Miao , Liu Hanyu
Published: March 2024

Carbon structures with sp
2–sp
3 hybrid bonds were expected to exhibit both excellent mechanical and electronic properties. Here, we theoretically design several unique carbon structures, which contain unusual sp
2–sp
3 hybrid bonds. We found that the introduction of sp
2 bonding units into carbon structure with sp
3 bonding can tune the electronic densities of state at Fermi level, especially resulting in 1D conductive channels in 3D structures. Further simulations indicate that Vickers hardness of these structures is close to diamond via the increase in sp
3 building blocks. Our current work provides insights into the design of carbon structures with both excellent superhard and remarkably metallic properties.
High-precision Astrometry and Photometry with the JWST/MIRI Imager
Authors: Libralato Mattia , Argyriou Ioannis , Dicken Dan , García Marín Macarena , Guillard Pierre , Hines Dean C. , Kavanagh Patrick J. , Kendrew Sarah , Law David R. , Noriega-Crespo Alberto , Álvarez-Márquez Javier
Published: March 2024

Astrometry is one of the main pillars of astronomy, and one of its oldest branches. Over the years, an increasing number of astrometric works by means of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data have revolutionized our understanding of various phenomena. With the launch of JWST, it becomes almost instinctive to want to replicate or improve these results with data taken with the newest, state-of-the-art, space-based telescope. In this regard, the initial focus of the community has been on the Near-Infrared detectors on board of JWST because of their high spatial resolution. This paper begins the effort to capture and apply what has been learned from HST to the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) of JWST by developing the tools to obtain high-precision astrometry and photometry with its imager. We describe in detail how to create accurate effective point-spread-function (ePSF) models and geometric-distortion corrections, analyze their temporal stability, and test their quality to the extent of what is currently possible with the available data in the JWST MAST archive. We show that careful data reduction provides deep insight on the performance and intricacies of the MIRI imager, and of JWST in general. In an effort to help the community devise new observing programs, we make our ePSF models and geometric-distortion corrections publicly available.
Nonlinear system dynamics of calcium and nitric oxide due to cell memory and superdiffusion in neurons
Authors: Pawar Anand , Pardasani Kamal Raj
Published: March 2024

The integer-order interdependent calcium ([Ca2+]) and nitric oxide (NO) systems are unable to shed light on the influences of the superdiffusion and memory in triggering Brownian motion (BM) in neurons. Therefore, a mathematical model is constructed for the fractional-order nonlinear spatiotemporal systems of [Ca2+] and NO incorporating reaction-diffusion equations in neurons. The two-way feedback process between [Ca2+] and NO systems through calcium feedback on NO production and NO feedback on calcium through cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) with plasmalemmal [Ca2+]-ATPase (PMCA) was incorporated in the model. The Crank–Nicholson scheme (CNS) with Grunwald approximation along spatial derivatives and L1 scheme along temporal derivatives with Gauss–Seidel (GS) iterations were employed. The numerical outcomes were analyzed to get insights into superdiffusion, buffer, and memory exhibiting BM of [Ca2+] and NO systems. The conditions, events and mechanisms leading to dysfunctions in calcium and NO systems and causing different diseases like Parkinson’s were explored in neurons.
Electricity resonance-induced phase transition of water confined in nanochannels
Authors: Ma Yunqiu , Zhao Zhigao , Hao Shaoqian , Kou Jianlong , Chen Jiang-Xing
Published: March 2024

The phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels under varying external electric fields is studied by molecular dynamics simulations. It is found that the phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels occurs by changing the frequency of the varying electric field. Water molecules maintain the ice phase when the frequency of the varying electric field is less than 16 THz or greater than 30 THz, and they completely melt when the frequency of the varying electric field is 24 THz. This phenomenon is attributed to the breaking of hydrogen bonds when the frequency of the varying electric field is close to their inherent resonant frequency. Moreover, the study demonstrates that the critical frequency varies with the confinement situation. The new mechanism of regulating the phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels revealed in this study provides a perspective for further understanding of the phase transition of water molecules in nanochannels, and has great application potential in preventing icing and deicing.
Biodiversity Study of Mangrove Forest in Lawas Sarawak
Authors: Gandaseca Seca , Arianto Chandra I. , Pazi Ahmad Mustapha M.
Published: March 2024

Mangroves are one of the most abundant biological diversity with a valuable ecosystem. They are found on sheltered shores and in estuaries in tropical and subtropical regions. Mangrove ecosystems are made up of organisms that interact with each other in mangrove habitats. It is estimated that mangroves cover more than double the number of species found on land, with the best results occurring in tropical coastal areas. Mangroves are found in Malaysia, particularly in Sarawak, and have an area of around 167,312 ha, which is valuable both financially and ecologically. However, the majority of mangroves found in Southeast Asia are endangered, partially denuded, and have poor species diversity. Sarawak is one of the least affected areas, but there are only a few mangrove surveys being conducted there. The main goal of this study is to conduct a biodiversity study of the mangrove forest in Awat-Awat, Limbang, Sarawak. To support the objectives of the study, three transects were established. The results showed more than 20 species of this mangrove area from upstream to downstream, as well as some wildlife species. This abundance of biodiversity was due to the good environmental conditions, such as less pollution on the soil and better water quality. The ecological function of plants, animals, and the environmental conditions, such as the soil and water, are interdependent and interact to sustain their existence in the same environment, which is Awat- Awat Mangrove Forest (Lawas Limbang) Malaysia. This area can be supported as a potential edu-ecotourism research and development area for the mangrove region of Sarawak in Malaysia.
The Potential of Tourism Sustainability through SWOT Analysis: The Case study of Pahang National Park, Malaysia
Authors: Ahmad B E , Abdullah M F , Roslan M N H , Yusoh M P , Salleh S A , Pardi F
Published: March 2024

The tourism industry can have a huge impact on a location and community. Thus, it is very important for an area to know what tourism potential can be created and used as a tourism product. Thus, this study aims to explore the potential attraction of tourism activities in Pahang National Park area. As such, a qualitative study was conducted through focus group discussion and unstructured in-depth interview. The data was transcribed by N-vivo software to get the potential characteristic factors before analyzed by SWOT analysis and generate the mitigation strategies by SWOT matrix. Result shows that, Pahang National Park has great potential in the tourism industry with its natural beauty, ecological diversity, cultural heritage, and tourist adventures. However, to optimize this potential, national parks need to address weaknesses in accessibility, infrastructure, and environmental impacts while taking advantage of opportunities in tourist ecological growth, educational programs, infrastructure development, and cultural experiences. Threats such as environmental degradation, competition, natural disasters, regulatory changes, and health issues need to be faced with appropriate strategies to ensure continuity and long-term success in the Pahang National Park tourism industry. The development of potential and income opportunities based on the environment/natural resources can be a “tool” to improve the standard of living and reduce the poverty rate of the community, especially the rural population.
How green industrial policy affects the constancy of green technology innovation: a fresh proof from the innovation motivation perspective
Authors: Wang Yueqi , Wang Wei
Published: March 2024

Green industrial policy is an important means to achieve coordinated development of the environment and industry. Enterprises are the primary bodies involved in the green transformation of the market. Thus, it is important for governments and policymakers to recognize the micro-effects of policy implementation on enterprise innovation. From the perspective of the green-tech innovation motivation of enterprises, this study distinguishes green enterprises using text mining analysis methods. Based on propensity score matching (PSM) samples and using panel data from 1,391 listed enterprises in China for the period of 2008–2019, a log log survival analysis model was constructed, and the effectiveness of green industrial policy on the green-tech innovation constancy of enterprises was dynamically analyzed. The results demonstrate that enterprises supported by the green industrial policy can significantly reduce the risk rate of stopping green-tech innovation constancy. Green industrial policy can significantly improve the constancy of the green technological innovation capabilities of enterprises. The innovation constancy of state-owned enterprises is higher than that of private enterprises. Furthermore, intermediary effect tests indicate that different types of green industrial policies stimulate enterprises to generate different innovation motivations. Command-control policies can promote substantive innovation constancy through the industrial competition effect and exert a significantly positive effect. Market-oriented policies can induce enterprises to perform strategic innovation constancy through fiscal incentives and financial investment effects and can produce significant negative effects. Based on these findings, this study proposes improvements in the policy construction of a long-term mechanism to strengthen the substantive innovation of enterprises. This study provides a theoretical basis and policy reference for improving the incentive efficiency of green industrial policies and promoting constant enterprise innovation under the Green and High-Quality Development Goals of China.
Subspace methods for electronic structure simulations on quantum computers
Authors: Motta Mario , Kirby William , Liepuoniute Ieva , Sung Kevin J , Cohn Jeffrey , Mezzacapo Antonio , Klymko Katherine , Nguyen Nam , Yoshioka Nobuyuki , Rice Julia E
Published: March 2024

Quantum subspace methods (QSMs) are a class of quantum computing algorithms where the time-independent Schrödinger equation for a quantum system is projected onto a subspace of the underlying Hilbert space. This projection transforms the Schrödinger equation into an eigenvalue problem determined by measurements carried out on a quantum device. The eigenvalue problem is then solved on a classical computer, yielding approximations to ground- and excited-state energies and wavefunctions. QSMs are examples of hybrid quantum–classical methods, where a quantum device supported by classical computational resources is employed to tackle a problem. QSMs are rapidly gaining traction as a strategy to simulate electronic wavefunctions on quantum computers, and thus their design, development, and application is a key research field at the interface between quantum computation and electronic structure (ES). In this review, we provide a self-contained introduction to QSMs, with emphasis on their application to the ES of molecules. We present the theoretical foundations and applications of QSMs, and we discuss their implementation on quantum hardware, illustrating the impact of noise on their performance.
Leveraging trust for joint multi-objective and multi-fidelity optimization
Authors: Irshad Faran , Karsch Stefan , Döpp Andreas
Published: March 2024

In the pursuit of efficient optimization of expensive-to-evaluate systems, this paper investigates a novel approach to Bayesian multi-objective and multi-fidelity (MOMF) optimization. Traditional optimization methods, while effective, often encounter prohibitively high costs in multi-dimensional optimizations of one or more objectives. Multi-fidelity approaches offer potential remedies by utilizing multiple, less costly information sources, such as low-resolution approximations in numerical simulations. However, integrating these two strategies presents a significant challenge. We propose the innovative use of a trust metric to facilitate the joint optimization of multiple objectives and data sources. Our methodology introduces a modified multi-objective (MO) optimization policy incorporating the trust gain per evaluation cost as one of the objectives of a Pareto optimization problem. This modification enables simultaneous MOMF optimization, which proves effective in establishing the Pareto set and front at a fraction of the cost. Two specific methods of MOMF optimization are presented and compared: a holistic approach selecting both the input parameters and the fidelity parameter jointly, and a sequential approach for benchmarking. Through benchmarks on synthetic test functions, our novel approach is shown to yield significant cost reductions—up to an order of magnitude compared to pure MO optimization. Furthermore, we find that joint optimization of the trust and objective domains outperforms sequentially addressing them. We validate our findings with the specific use case of optimizing particle-in-cell simulations of laser-plasma acceleration, highlighting the practical potential of our method in the Pareto optimization of highly expensive black-box functions. Implementation of the methods in existing Bayesian optimization frameworks is straightforward, with immediate extensions e.g. to batch optimization possible. Given their ability to handle various continuous or discrete fidelity dimensions, these techniques have wide-ranging applicability in tackling simulation challenges across various scientific computing fields such as plasma physics and fluid dynamics.
Curvature Blow-up in Doubly-warped Product Metrics Evolving by Ricci Flow
Authors: Stolarski Maxwell
Published: March 2024

For any manifold

N
p

N^p

admitting an Einstein metric with positive Einstein constant, we study the behavior of the Ricci flow on high-dimensional products

M
=

N
p

×

S

q
+
1

M = N^p \times S^{q+1}

with doubly warped product metrics. In particular, we provide a rigorous construction of local, type II, conical singularity formation on such spaces. It is shown that for any

k
>
1

k > 1

there exists a solution with curvature blow-up rate

‖
R
m

‖

∞

(
t
)
≳
(
T
−
t

)

−
k

\| Rm \|_{\infty } (t) \gtrsim (T-t)^{-k}

with singularity modeled on a Ricci-flat cone at parabolic scales.
Rethinking Spaces
Authors: Sarkar Natasha
Published: March 2024

When the plague first visited Bombay in 1896, a connection was quickly established between filth and the disease. The sanitary state of the city was deplorable, with large numbers crowded into dingy, filthy, and ill-ventilated houses. This chapter compares plague-infested areas in Hong Kong and South Africa with those in Bombay and the possible effects of such conditions in lowering resistance to infection. The chapter examines the impact that insanitary conditions had upon the spread of rat plague. The chapter also considers the houses and local surroundings in which people lived to consider how living conditions were advantageous to the presence of rats. The chapter reveals why places like Bombay, Punjab, and the United Provinces suffered to a great extent, while Bengalâ€”especially eastern Bengal and Assamâ€”and Madras practically escaped the wrath of the plague.
Final Musings
Authors: Sarkar Natasha
Published: March 2024

The concluding chapter provides an estimate of the impact of the catastrophe and its immediate effect on trade and commerce. It evaluates plague management and the decisive role played by serums and Haffkine’s vaccine in the fight against plague. The chapter weighs the success of vaccination in light of the incentives on offer and other promotional activities. The chapter evaluates the role of indigenous medical practitioners and prominent individuals in making a case for vaccination, and provides a review of new vaccines and plague therapies that came to be introduced around the mid-twentieth century. This is followed by an assessment of rodent and flea control measures. The eventual decline of plague is traced against the discovery of new endemic centres in the dying years of the modern pandemic. The book draws to a close by examining what it would take to prevent another bubonic plague outbreak.
In situ detection of enzymatic activities by the bioorthogonal reaction-coupled assay using a dialkoxysilylated fluorogenic probe
Authors: Sato Daisuke , Matsuo Yuya , Nishime Yuki , Uchinomiya Shohei , Ojida Akio
Published: March 2024

Fluorescent probes are indispensable tools for detection of enzymatic activities. However, detection of enzymes with high substrate specificity with substrate-based fluorescent probes is still challenging, due to their relatively large molecular size. We report herein enzyme assays coupled with a bioorthogonal fluoride ion-induced desilylation of fluorogenic probe. This sensing system is useful for in situ detection of enzyme reactions with high substrate specificity.
Theoretical investigation of allyl alcohol isomerization over NiO-supported Au catalysts
Authors: Ishimaru Yuhki , Fujimaru Koji , Ishida Tamao , Tokunaga Makoko , Kawakami Takashi , Yamanaka Shusuke , Okumura Mitsutaka
Published: March 2024

The isomerization of allyl alcohols over Au/NiO catalysts produces corresponding aldehydes with high selectivities, but the mechanism underlying this catalytic reaction remains unclear. We investigate the isomerization of allyl alcohols over NiO-supported Au10 catalysts using density functional theory calculations. Based on these calculations, the presence of an open base site is critical for isomerization over Au/NiO catalysts, and the rate-determining step is the protonation of the β-carbon of the substrate.
Rethinking China’s growth
Authors: Rogoff Kenneth , Yang Yuanchen
Published: March 2024

China’s outsized growth has almost continually surpassed outsiders’ expectations for four decades and may continue to do so in the future. However, a key element of the growth model, heavy reliance on real estate and infrastructure construction, may finally be running into diminishing returns. This paper summarizes new city-level data on China’s real estate and infrastructure capital from 2000 to 22 and provides evidence suggesting that the growth returns to new building may be falling in some regions. At the same time, real estate investment in particular has been a significant contributing factor to the local government debt vulnerabilities. Finally, the paper presents new findings on the combined direct and indirect impact of real estate and infrastructure construction on China’s economy, which has consistently exceeded 30% of GDP in recent years.
Effect of microvariability on electrical rock properties
Authors: Börner Jana H , Menzel Peter , Scheunert Mathias
Published: March 2024

In petrophysics, physical rock properties are typically established through laboratory measurements of individual samples. These measurements predominantly relate to the specific sample and can be challenging to associate with the rock as a whole since the physical attributes are heavily reliant on the microstructure, which can vary significantly in different areas. Thus, the obtained values have limited applicability to the entirety of the original rock mass. To examine the dependence of petrophysical measurements based on the variable microstructure, we generate sets of random 2-D microstructure representations for a sample, taking into account macroscopic parameters such as porosity and mean grain size. For each microstructure produced, we assess the electrical conductivity and evaluate how it is dependent on the microstructure’s variability. The developed workflow including microstructure modelling, finite-element simulation of electrical conductivity as well as statistical and petrophysical evaluation of the results is presented. We show that the methodology can adequately mimic the physical behaviour of real rocks, showing consistent emulation of the dependence of electrical conductivity on connected porosity according to Archie’s law across different types of pore space (microfracture, intergranular and vuggy, oomoldic pore space). Furthermore, properties such as the internal surface area and its fractal dimension as well as the electrical tortuosity are accessible for the random microstructures and show reasonable behaviour. Finally, the possibilities, challenges and meshing strategies for extending the methodology to 3-D microstructures are discussed.
Opening the Thucydides trap: a genealogy of rise-and-fall theory
Authors: Hamilton Matthew David , Fisher Mark
Published: March 2024

Over the last decade, Graham Allison's ‘Thucydides trap’ has become a predominant framework for analysing the prospect of great power conflict between the United States and China. The controversy surrounding this rise to prominence has reinvigorated a tradition of thinking about the effects of power parity on global order that previously flourished during the Cold War. This renewed attention has nevertheless come at a significant cost. By reconstructing the tradition from which the Thucydides trap emerges, a tradition that we call rise-and-fall theory, this article demonstrates how the ascendance of the Thucydides trap as a framework of analysis has obscured critical debates about the relationship between the rise and fall of competing powers and the onset of conflict. These debates problematize fundamental questions concerning how to conceptualize power, what types of interstate relations are to be analysed, and which causal mechanism(s) matter most in explaining revisionism and conflict. This article demonstrates how the Thucydides trap largely overlooks these debates, thereby providing analysts with less precise heuristics for thinking about the prospect of global conflict than they might otherwise have. We develop a more pluralistic approach to the application of rise-and-fall theory that makes use of its diverse perspectives and substantive divergences to provide more nuanced and holistic analyses.
Out of the shadows: Illuminating the distinctiveness and exceptional use of interim constitutions
Authors: Grover Leena
Published: March 2024

Around the world, interim (temporary) constitutions are enacted as bridges to peace and democracy, expected to deliver fragile societies from conflict and authoritarian rule. Despite their growing use in recent years, their legal examination has to date largely been relegated to liminal spaces in existing bodies of scholarship, which variously conceive of them as constitutions, peace agreements, hybrid constitution-peace agreements, and procedural options in constitution- and peace-building efforts. Are these four understandings accurate and, if not, what do they miss? This article highlights all (proto-)interim constitutions enacted since 1789—more than 150 of them—as well as the historic events that prompted their enactment. It is argued that interim constitutions possess a combination of features that render them legally distinct from other constitutional instruments, as well as peace agreements. It is further demonstrated that interim constitutions are consistently enacted in the context of exceptional factual and legal circumstances, thereby disrupting ten assumptions in the state of the art regarding their purposes and optional use. It is concluded that understanding the legal distinctiveness and exceptional use of interim constitutions is essential for understanding what they are, why they are enacted, and whether they perform “successfully.”
Multidimensional penalized splines for survival models: illustration for net survival trend analyses
Authors: Dantony Emmanuelle , Uhry Zoé , Fauvernier Mathieu , Coureau Gaëlle , Mounier Morgane , Trétarre Brigitte , Molinié Florence , Roche Laurent , Remontet Laurent
Published: March 2024

Background

In descriptive epidemiology, there are strong similarities between incidence and survival analyses. Because of the success of multidimensional penalized splines (MPSs) in incidence analysis, we propose in this pedagogical paper to show that MPSs are also very suitable for survival or net survival studies.

Methods

The use of MPSs is illustrated in cancer epidemiology in the context of survival trends studies that require specific statistical modelling. We focus on two examples (cervical and colon cancers) using survival data from the French cancer registries (cases 1990–2015). The dynamic of the excess mortality hazard according to time since diagnosis was modelled using an MPS of time since diagnosis, age at diagnosis and year of diagnosis. Multidimensional splines bring the flexibility necessary to capture any trend patterns while penalization ensures selecting only the complexities necessary to describe the data.

Results

For cervical cancer, the dynamic of the excess mortality hazard changed with the year of diagnosis in opposite ways according to age: this led to a net survival that improved in young women and worsened in older women. For colon cancer, regardless of age, excess mortality decreases with the year of diagnosis but this only concerns mortality at the start of follow-up.

Conclusions

MPSs make it possible to describe the dynamic of the mortality hazard and how this dynamic changes with the year of diagnosis, or more generally with any covariates of interest: this gives essential epidemiological insights for interpreting results. We use the R package survPen to do this type of analysis.
Isolation and genome characterization of Paenibacillus polymyxa 188, a potential biocontrol agent against fungi
Authors: Shih Sra-Yh , Huang You-Syu , Chou Ker-Rui , Wu Hung-Yi , Tsai HsinYuan
Published: March 2024

Aims

In this work, we aimed to isolate marine bacteria that produce metabolites with antifungal properties.

Methods and results

Paenibacillus polymyxa 188 was isolated from a marine sediment sample, and it showed excellent antifungal activity against many fungi pathogenic to plants (Fusarium tricinctum, Pestalotiopsis clavispora, Fusarium oxysporum, F. oxysporum f. sp. Cubense (Foc), Curvularia plantarum, and Talaromyces pinophilus) and to humans (Aspergillus terreus, Penicillium oxalicum, and Microsphaeropsis arundinis). The antifungal compounds produced by P. polymyxa 188 were extracted and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry. The complete genome sequence and biosynthetic gene clusters of P. polymyxa 188 were characterized and compared with those of other strains. A total of 238 carbohydrate-active enzymes (CAZymes) were identified in P. polymyxa 188. Two antibiotic gene clusters, fusaricidin and tridecaptin, exist in P. polymyxa 188, which is different from other strains that typically have multiple antibiotic gene clusters.

Conclusions

Paenibacilluspolymyxa 188 was identified with numerous biosynthetic gene clusters, and its antifungal ability against pathogenic fungi was verified.
The anti-HIV drug abacavir stimulates β-catenin activity in osteoblast lineage cells
Authors: Olali Arnold Z , Wallace Jennillee , Gonzalez Hemil , Carpenter Kelsey A , Patel Niyati , Winchester Lee C , Podany Anthony T , Venkatesh Ishwarya , Narasipura Srinivas D , Al-Harthi Lena , Ross Ryan D
Published: March 2024

Bone mineral density (BMD) loss in people living with HIV occurs with the initiation of combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), particularly with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) containing cART. Switching from TDF to abacavir (ABC) or dolutegravir (DTG) leads to increased BMD. Whether BMD gains are due to cessation of TDF or anabolic effects of ABC or DTG is unclear. We investigated the effects of ABC and DTG on osteoblast lineage cells in vitro and in vivo. Primary human osteoblasts and male C57BL/6 mice were treated with individual antiretrovirals (ARVs) or a combination of ABC/DTG/lamivudine (3TC). Nearly all ARVs and cART inhibited osteogenic activity in vitro. Due to the importance of Wnt/β-catenin in bone formation, we further investigated ARV effects on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. ABC, alone and as part of ABC/DTG/3TC, increased osteoblastic β-catenin activity as indicated by increased TOPFlash activity, hypo-phosphorylated (active) β-catenin staining, and β-catenin targeted gene expression. Mice treated with TDF had decreased lumbar spine BMD and trabecular connectivity density in the vertebrae, while those treated with ABC/DTG/3TC reduced cortical area and thickness in the femur. Mice treated with ABC alone had no bone structural changes, increased circulating levels of the bone formation marker, P1NP, and elevated expression of the Wnt/β-catenin target gene, Lef1, in osteocyte enriched samples. Further, bones from ARV-treated mice were isolated to evaluate ARV distribution. All ARVs were detected in the bone tissue, which was inclusive of bone marrow, but when bone marrow was removed, only TDF, ABC, and DTG were detected at ~0.1% of the circulating levels. Overall, our findings demonstrate that ABC activates Wnt/β-catenin signaling, but whether this leads to increased bone formation requires further study. Assessing the impact of ARVs on bone is critical to informing ARV selection and/or discovery of regimens that do not negatively impact the skeleton.
Merging architectural design and robotic planning using interactive agent-based modelling for collective robotic construction
Authors: Leder Samuel , Menges Achim
Published: March 2024

Most research on collective robotic construction (CRC) separates the architectural design and robotic path planning phases of the overall construction process. Specifically, a structure is designed and afterwards sent to a planner or compiler that returns instructions for the assembly of the structure with the robots at hand. Although this has led to the assembly of spatially complex structures, it obscures the planning process, making it inaccessible to the architect. Considering that one potential of CRC is that the architect can perform as more than a designer of static structures, this paper showcases how agent-based modelling can collapse the architectural design and robotic planning phases for CRC. As such the overall construction workflow is upended, leading to more designer control, adjustment for tolerances in the construction process, a more general understanding of the processes, and the potential for architectural reconfiguration when working with CRC systems. This is demonstrated through the presentation of an agent-based model for assembling a planar structure using a previously developed CRC system.
Ices on pebbles in protoplanetary discs
Authors: Topchieva A , Molyarova T , Akimkin V , Maksimova L , Vorobyov E
Published: March 2024

The formation of solid macroscopic grains (pebbles) in protoplanetary discs is the first step towards planet formation. We aim to study the distribution of pebbles and the chemical composition of their ice mantles in a young protoplanetary disc. We use the two-dimensional hydrodynamical code feosad in the thin-disc approximation, which is designed to model the global evolution of a self-gravitating viscous protoplanetary disc taking into account dust coagulation and fragmentation, thermal balance, and phase transitions and transport of the main volatiles (H2O, CO2, CH4, and CO), which can reside in the gas, on small dust ($\lt 1\, \mu\mathrm{ m}$), on grown dust ($\gt 1\, \mu\mathrm{ m}$) and on pebbles. We model the dynamics of the protoplanetary disc from the cloud collapse to the 500 kyr moment. We determine the spatial distribution of pebbles and composition of their ice mantles and estimate the mass of volatiles on pebbles, grown dust, and small dust. We show that pebbles form as early as 50 kyr after the disc formation and exist until the end of simulation (500 kyr), providing prerequisites for planet formation. All pebbles formed in the model are covered by icy mantles. Using a model considering accretion and desorption of volatiles on to dust/pebbles, we find that the ice mantles on pebbles consist mainly of H2O and CO2, and are carbon-depleted compared to gas and ices on small and grown dust, which contain more CO and CH4. This suggests a possible dominance of oxygen in the composition of planets formed from pebbles under these conditions.
A comprehensive model for the formation and evolution of the faintest Milky Way dwarf satellites
Authors: Ahvazi Niusha , Benson Andrew , Sales Laura V , Nadler Ethan O , Weerasooriya Sachi , Du Xiaolong , Bovill Mia Sauda
Published: March 2024

In this study, we modify the semi-analytic model galacticus in order to accurately reproduce the observed properties of dwarf galaxies in the Milky Way. We find that reproducing observational determinations of the halo occupation fraction and mass–metallicity relation for dwarf galaxies requires us to include H2 cooling, an updated ultraviolet background radiation model, and to introduce a model for the metal content of the intergalactic medium. By fine-tuning various model parameters and incorporating empirical constraints, we have tailored the model to match the statistical properties of Milky Way dwarf galaxies, such as their luminosity function and size–mass relation. We have validated our modified semi-analytic framework by undertaking a comparative analysis of the resulting galaxy–halo connection. We predict a total of $300 ^{+75} _{-99}$ satellites with an absolute V-band magnitude (MV) less than 0 within 300 kpc from our Milky Way analogues. The fraction of subhaloes that host a galaxy at least this bright drops to 50 per cent by a halo peak mass of ∼8.9 × 107 M⊙, consistent with the occupation fraction inferred from the latest observations of Milky Way satellite population.