bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
12C/13C of Kepler giant stars: The missing piece of the mixing puzzle
Authors: Lagarde N. , Minkevičiūtė R. , Drazdauskas A. , Tautvaišienė G. , Charbonnel C. , Reylé C. , Miglio A. , Kushwahaa T. , Bale B.
Published: February 2024

Context. Despite a rich observational background, few spectroscopic studies have dealt with the measurement of the carbon isotopic ratio in giant stars. However, it is a key element in understanding the mixing mechanisms that occur in the interiors of giant stars.

Aims. We present the CNO and 12C/13C abundances derived for 71 giant field stars. Then, using this new catalogue and complementary data from the Kepler and Gaia satellites, we study the efficiency of mixing occurring in the giant branch as a function of the stellar properties of the stars (e.g. mass, age, metallicity).

Methods. We determined the abundances of CNO and more specifically the carbon isotopic ratio using the high-resolution FIbre-fed Echelle Spectrograph on the Nordic Optical Telescope, for 71 giant field stars. In addition, asteroseismology from the Kepler satellite is available for all stars, providing the stellar masses, ages, and evolutionary states. Finally, astrometry from the Gaia data is also available for most of the sample. We compare these new determinations with stellar evolution models taking into account the effects of transport processes. To exploit the complete potential of our extensive catalogue, and considering both the Milky Way evolution and the impact of stellar evolution, we built mock catalogues using the Besançon Galaxy model in which stellar evolution models taking into account the effects of thermohaline instability are included.

Results. We confirm that the carbon isotopic ratio at the surface of core He-burning stars is lower than that of first-ascent RGB stars. The carbon isotopic ratio measured at the surface of the core He-burning stars increases with [Fe/H] and stellar mass, while it decreases with stellar age. These trends are all nicely explained by the thermohaline mixing that occurs in red giants. We show that our models can explain the behaviour of 12C/13C versus N/O, although the observations seem to show a lower N/O than the models. We also note that more constraints on the thick disc core He-burning stars are needed to understand this difference.

Conclusions. Overall, the current model including thermohaline mixing is able to reproduce very well the 12C/13C with the stellar metallicity and with the stellar mass and age.
Obscuration in high-redshift jetted quasi-stellar objects
Authors: Caccianiga A. , Ighina L. , Moretti A. , Brivio R. , Belladitta S. , Dallacasa D. , Spingola C. , Marchã M. J. , Antón S.
Published: February 2024

Context. Obscuration in high-redshift quasi-stellar objects (QSOs) has a profound impact on our understanding of the evolution of supermassive black holes across cosmic time. An accurate quantification of its relevance is therefore mandatory.

Aims. We present a study aimed at evaluating the importance of obscuration in high-redshift jetted QSOs, that is, active nuclei characterised by the presence of powerful relativistic jets.

Methods. We compared the observed number of radio-detected QSOs at different radio flux density limits with the value predicted by the beaming model on the basis of the number of oriented sources (blazars). Any significant deficit between observations and predictions of radio-detected QSOs can be caused by the presence of obscuration along large angles from the jet direction. We applied this approach to two sizeable samples characterised by the same optical limit (mag = 21) but with significantly different radio density limits (30 mJy and 1 mJy, respectively) and containing a total of 87 independent radio-loud 4 ≤ z ≤ 6.8 QSOs, 31 of which are classified as blazars.

Results. We found generally good agreement between the numbers predicted by the model and those actually observed, with only a marginal discrepancy at ∼0.5 mJy that could be caused by the sample’s lack of completeness. We concluded that we have no evidence of obscuration within angles 10–20° from the relativistic jet direction. We also discuss how the ongoing deep wide-angle radio surveys will be instrumental to testing the presence of obscuration at much larger angles, up to 30–35°. Finally, we suggest that, depending on the actual fraction of obscured QSOs, relativistic jets could be much more common at high redshifts compared to what is usually observed in the local Universe.
Modelling Dynamic Traffic Loads in Multiserver Queues using G/G/k Queue
Authors: K Vimhala , Gowrishankar Lavanya
Published: February 2024

Operations research and marketing management have benefited greatly from the important science of queuing optimisation. We take into account a multiserver single input G/G/k queue for study. This type of queue formation occurs in factories, production facilities, logistics centres, airports, and hospitals where the inter-arrival and service times are frequently not exponentially distributed. Knowing the precise number of service providers needed to avoid congestion at the lowest possible cost would therefore be the main concern. When there are more jobs than servers in a G/G/k queue, the cost incurred by the number of jobs per unit time becomes complex, making it challenging to determine the average cost. As a result, this paper obtains the bound for the ideal number of servers that would reduce the overall cost. Interpolation technique is used to determine the precise number of servers. When there are more servers (k) than job arrivals, the G/G/k queue’s optimal cost per unit time during an execution cycle is obtained. The proposed system is made up of a G/G/k queue that begins operating as soon as the first job enters the system. Due to the general distribution of job arrivals, the time interval between subsequent job arrivals is not always the same. Therefore, the study of an arrival that causes a state transition in the system is taken into account. When there are fewer servers available than job arrivals, an expression is derived to determine the optimal server count. When the number of available servers exceeds the number of jobs in the system, the optimal number of jobs that minimises the average processing cost per unit time for one job is also determined. The simulation results are obtained by simulating this system with MATLAB’s SimEvents toolbox.
Characterization Product of Coconut Shell Gasification as Liquid Fuel Through Catalytic Cracking Process with Activated Natural Zeolite Catalyst
Authors: Yuono Yuono , Fajriani Navira , Alif Abikhairi Gibrant
Published: February 2024

There are 3 types of general fuels widely used, namely solid, liquid and gaseous fuels. Liquid fuel is the most frequently used fuels because its the easiest to use and for transportation. Type of liquid fuel commonly used is gasoline and diesel. However, the amount of fossil fuels is dwindling, so that at this time a substitute fuel from biomass and its derivatives is needed. One of the commonly used natural resources is biomass. This biomass is used not only directly but can also be used indirectly. One of them is the gasification process. The gasification process produces 3 products, gas, solid and liquid. The liquid gasification product is rarely used because its considered a B3 waste. The liquid gasification product is tar. Tar is a substance composed of various long chain hydrocarbon compounds. Therefore, tar has the potential to be processed into fuel. Therefore, currently we process tar as a fuel by cracking the tar to obtain light hydrocarbon products which are equivalent to gasoline or diesel. This process uses a natural zeolite catalyst to break down these hydrocarbons. The natural zeolite used is zeolite originating from Padalarang, West Java. This natural zeolite has been processed to obtain a suitable Si/Al content for cracking. After the cracking process with catalyst, liquid fuel will be produced. GCMS test results for liquid products is component acetic acid with a concentration of 5.87.2%, phenol 5.55.9% and C8H10O2 and C8H10O3 9.110.5%. Based on these components, the resulting liquid fuel is equivalent to gasoline.
Investigation of the influence of a closed loop of longitudinal forces on the dynamics of bending and torsional vibrations of a package working body
Authors: Abduvakhidov Mutakhhirkhon , Boboyev Utkirbek , Mamadalieva Dildora , Abrorov Akbar
Published: February 2024

It is shown that at bending and torsional fluctuation component design, within which there is closed sidebar internal longitudinal effort, exists its influence upon oscillatory process, defined by correlation of longitudinal acerbity compressed and sprained element and is shown the way of the analytical account of this influence. The decision of the problem is received about изгибных and torsional fluctuation packet worker of the organ with provision for specified phenomena, which has shown the need for the account for this influence under exact calculation.
Obtainment activated carbon by processing plum stones and using them in industrial wastewater purification
Authors: Salikhanova Dilnoza , Usmonova Zulfiya , Sobirjonova Surayyo , Ubaydullaeva Navruza , Karabayeva Muslima
Published: February 2024

The article describes the technological features of the obtaining process of an import-substituting adsorbent with high adsorption properties from local raw materials, massively grown in our republic, waste plum stone, as well as the indicators of wastewater treatment from a pesticide and mineral fertilizer workshop. These adsorbents are intended for wastewater treatment from industrial enterprises. The research methods were carried out based on samples presented in the literature and standard GOST indicators. According to the results, carbon activated with steam at a temperature of 800 °C showed its effectiveness with higher adsorption properties compared to samples activated with acid and alkali. Therefore, this sample was used to purify wastewater from a pesticide and mineral fertilizer workshop. In conclusion, we can say that after thermal pyrolysis and steam treatment, the release of the elements O2 and Si from the plum pit leads to an increase in the amount of C and higher adsorption properties of the resulting activated carbon.
Method for identifying fungal diseases of cultivated plants using fuzzy logic
Authors: Aleynikov Alexander , Gavrish Mikhail
Published: February 2024

The need to develop effective methods for identifying fungal diseases of cultivated plants at the initial stage of their development, allowing their use in field conditions, is substantiated. Using the example of garden strawberries, a new method for such diagnostics using impedance spectroscopy and fuzzy logic is proposed. Develop a new algorithm and software for classifying such diseases and early detection of their manifestations. The results of experimental studies to identify damage to garden strawberries by fungal pathogens Ramularia tulasnei and Marssonina potentillae are presented.
Algorithms for contour detection in agricultural images
Authors: Mamatov Narzillo , Jalelova Malika , Samijonov Boymirzo , Samijonov Abdurashid
Published: February 2024

Contour detection requires a more extensive use of them in agriculture. However, processing by experts on the basis of such images, including subjective visual observation of the field area, takes a lot of time and energy. One of the important parts of the image processing process is the problem of determining the contour of the object in the image, through which the objects in the image are extracted, that is, segmented. This research work is devoted to the comparative analysis of contour detection methods, and the presented methods were first tested on the basis of the original image and images whose contours were separated by experts. The test contour was performed based on the contour images extracted by the expert and the contour images generated by using the methods, and the comparison of the results was performed by the pixel comparison method. Based on the obtained results, an approach of applying the appropriate method depending on the quality of the image is proposed.
Standards and technologies of Web development when designing the GUI of web-based geographic information systems of the agro-industrial complex
Authors: Yablokova Alena , Kovalev Dmitry , Kovalev Igor , Podoplelova Valeria
Published: February 2024

The article raises the issue of the relevance of introducing information technology into the work of agricultural enterprises, discusses the impact of integrating digital solutions into the infrastructure of enterprises in the agro-industrial sector, the development of which is directly related to the development of other industries, which together determine the plans, directions and resources necessary to ensure state leadership in new development conditions. The current state of such components of the information infrastructure of agro-industrial complex enterprises as web-based GIS is analyzed, and the aspect of designing the user interface of a web GIS is considered, taking into account the standards and technologies of Web development that can improve the performance and efficiency of the system.
Study of the biological properties of new chemical compounds of the pyrimidine series
Authors: Egorov Vladislav , Valiullin Lenar , Raginov Ivan , Grabovskiy Stanislav , Gafiyatov Rinat , Artemenko Alexander , Zakharenko Alexander , Golokhvast Kirill
Published: February 2024

In order to study the effect of a number of 6-substituted uracil derivatives on bovine embryo lung cells, experiments were conducted. According to the study, the effect of the studied substances on the cultural and morphological properties of cell was determined by taking into account their viability and proliferation index. In %, it was calculated that viability was determined by the ratio of living cells to their total number. The proliferation index was determined as the ratio of the number of proliferating cells to the number of seeded cells. At 0.1 mM concentration of the compounds studied, a decrease in LEK cell viability was recorded compared to the control group, but this was only the case for compound No. 2. When other compounds were used at doses of 0.1 mM, LEK cell viability increased by 3.0-7.0% compared to controls. Increasing the dose of the compounds studied to 1.0 mM results in a 10.0% decrease in survival in the presence of compounds No. 3 and 6, 16.0% in the presence of compounds No. 2 and 7, 19.0% in the presence of compound No. 4 and 25.0% in the presence of compounds No. 8 and 9.
Methodology for selecting objects for reverse engineering at oil and gas industry enterprises
Authors: Zhukov Aleksandr , Berkutova Tatiana , Zhurenkov Denis , Kolosov Aleksandr , Kheruvimova Svetlana , Kartsan Igor
Published: February 2024

The basic methods of reengineering and the possibility of their application at the enterprises of both oil and gas industry and enterprises of defense-industrial complex under the conditions of ensuring technological independence are presented. The methodology of justification of selection of objects for reverse engineering at the presented enterprises has been developed, including the following criteria: participation of the reverse engineering object in the production of special products, reduction of unit production costs when implementing the reverse engineering object, the share of revenue from products containing the object in the total revenue of the enterprise, the level of import-independence provided by the reverse engineering object. For each criterion, verbal-numerical scales are developed, a complex coefficient is proposed, the values of which are used in making managerial decisions justifying the choice of objects for reverse engineering.
Inspiring art pieces and legendary stories for cancer patients and medical staff: experience from a single institution
Authors: Lavender Christopher
Published: February 2024

Art therapy has gained recognition as a valuable approach to supporting cancer patients, contributing to the reduction of depressive symptoms and pain in many hospitals worldwide. However, incorporating artworks into hospital environments can be challenging, as these spaces are primarily designed with a focus on clinical services. In this article, we present the experience of a single institution, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center (SYSUCC), where two artworks pay homage to the legacy of Dr. Malcolm J. Simons. Dr. Simons was renowned as a “junk DNA genius”, who dedicated his career to human genetic data analyses and made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the correlation between human leukocyte antigen genes and the incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma. The artworks, skillfully crafted by Dr. Simons’ wife, Ann Abrahamsen, provide solace and healing for the many patients and family members that cross their path daily in SYSUCC. Promoting healing and well-being, they offer a short respite from the uncertainty for patients and loved ones undergoing cancer treatment.
Reliability and validity of remote Life Space Assessment: LSA in persons with chronic stroke
Authors: Oliveira Nayara Kelly de , Santos Laura Helen Cerqueira Gomes dos , Reis Gabriela Cristina dos , Pereira Natalia Duarte
Published: February 2024

Background StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) is used to measure the mobility of chronic hemiparetic patients and the Life Space Assessment (LSA) scale was developed to assess the displacement of hemiparetic patients in different contexts through self-reporting. Studies that apply the LSA remotely and correlate it with the number of steps measured by the SAM were not found.

Objective To evaluate the measurement properties of the LSA applied remotely and to evaluate the correlation between the LSA scale score and the number of steps measured by the SAM in post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients.

Methods Nineteen patients participated in the study. The LSA scale was applied remotely and later, face to face. The SAM measured the steps taken by the participants over a period of three consecutive days. The correlation between the LSA and the SAM was performed using Pearson's correlation. The measurement properties calculated of remote LSA were the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbrach's alpha, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest real difference (SRD).

Results The reproducibility of the LSA scale between remote and face-to-face applications was considered excellent with ICC = 0.85 (IC 95% 0.62-0.94); SEM = 8.4; SRD = 23.2, and Cronbach's alpha = 0.85. The correlation between SAM and LSA was positive, considered moderate (r = 0.51) and significant (p = 0.025).

Conclusion The LSA is a reproducible measure for post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients even if applied remotely and can be used as a remote measurement for mobility in a real-world environment for people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.
‘Talking about’ the far right and common sense. A case study of Matteo Salvini’s buon senso trope on Twitter (2018–2023)
Authors: Newth George
Published: February 2024

Between 2018 and 2023, Matteo Salvini, leader of Italian far right party Lega per Salvini Premier, depicted his policies as ‘common sense’ via Twitter. While far right actors frequently frame their politics as common sense, the role of this discourse in the mainstreaming of the far right via social media remains largely under-examined. This article addresses this gap in the literature by combining a Gramscian-inspired dyad of senso comune v buon senso (common sense v good sense), and recent discursive approaches to mainstreaming, with the general orientation of the Discourse Historical Approach (DHA) to Critical Discourse Studies (CDS). Viewing Salvini’s use of a buon senso trope over a five-year period through this conceptual and analytical lens reveals how it constituted a form of ‘talking about’ the far right, i.e. a self-referential strategy aiming to bring far right politics closer to the mainstream.
Digital green value co-creation behavior, digital green network embedding and digital green innovation performance: moderating effects of digital green network fragmentation
Authors: Yin Shi , Zhao Yudan
Published: February 2024

In the era of digital economy, digital green value co-creation behavior (DGVCB) has replaced the previous value creation. DGVCB has become a tool for business ecosystems to gain sustainable ecological advantages in today’s increasingly complex market. At present, there are few researches on the influence of DGVCB and digital green network embedding(DGNE) on digital green innovation performance(DGIP). This paper faces the institutional logic of DGVCB, analyzes the mechanism of DGNE and digital green network fragmentation (DGNF) in the context of business ecosystem competition, and then constructs the causal relationship between DGVCB and DGIP. Based on 326 valid questionnaires and sample data, this paper empirically studies the effects of digital green value co-creation and DGNE on DGIP by using regression analysis method, and verifies and discusses the proposed theoretical hypotheses. The results show that DGVCB and DGNE have significant positive effects on the improvement of DGIP. DGNE plays an intermediary role between DGVCB and DGIP. DGNF plays a positive moderating role between DGVCB and DGIP. This study provides theoretical guidance for the governance of business ecosystem and the formulation of cooperation strategies for enterprises.
Pandemics in Roman Empire correlate with sudden climate changes
Authors: Fattaruso Laura
Published: February 2024

A new temperature and precipitation proxy record shows that periods of rapid cooling align with the civilization’s three worst disease outbreaks.
Sample design in biodiversity studies matters: a fine-scale study of Lawrence’s velvet worm, Peripatopsis lawrencei (Onychophora: Peripatopsidae), reveals hidden diversity
Authors: Nieto Lawrence Julian A. , Daniels Savel R.
Published: February 2024

A fine-scale phylogenetic and phylogeographic analysis of Peripatopsis lawrencei s.l. was conducted with both mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data, using both external morphology and scanning electron microscopy of taxonomically important characters. A total of 119 sequences were used for the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) whereas a single representative specimen from each locality was sequenced for the nuclear 18S rRNA locus. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted on the total COI data set and the combined COI + 18S rRNA data set using a Bayesian analysis and maximum likelihood analyses. For the combined DNA sequence data set, a divergence time estimation was further undertaken in BEAST and specimens placed in a phylogenetic framework including all the described Peripatopsis species from South Africa. In addition, a phylogeographic study was conducted exclusively on P. lawrencei s.s. (clade A) using an analysis of molecular variance and haplotype network. Phylogenetic results indicated that, at the Oubos sample locality, two highly distinct genetic lineages were present (clades A and B), whereas a divergence time estimation suggests a Miocene cladogenesis of the novel Oubos lineage. Marked phylogeographic structure was observed for P. lawrencei s.s. (restricted to clade A) across the distribution range with limited maternal dispersal. Morphologically, the two sympatric lineages at Oubos A and B differed in leg pair number, ventral colour and dorsal scale rank counts, as evident from scanning electron microscopy. Our results support the recognition of a distinct species that occurs in sympatry with P. lawrencei s.s. The new species, P. aereus sp. nov. (clade B) is described and the implication for fine-scale taxonomic studies on saproxylic taxa is discussed. ZooBank: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:AB6E0BDA-7B5F-4FD3-A863-BA7C814E278C
Hierarchical assembly is more robust than egalitarian assembly in synthetic capsids
Authors: Wei Wei-Shao , Trubiano Anthony , Sigl Christian , Paquay Stefan , Dietz Hendrik , Hagan Michael F. , Fraden Seth
Published: February 2024

Self-assembly of complex and functional materials remains a grand challenge in soft material science. Efficient assembly depends on a delicate balance between thermodynamic and kinetic effects, requiring fine-tuning affinities and concentrations of subunits. By contrast, we introduce an assembly paradigm that allows large error-tolerance in the subunit affinity and helps avoid kinetic traps. Our combined experimental and computational approach uses a model system of triangular subunits programmed to assemble into
T
= 3 icosahedral capsids comprising 60 units. The experimental platform uses DNA origami to create monodisperse colloids whose three-dimensional geometry is controlled to nanometer precision, with two distinct bonds whose affinities are controlled to
k
B
T
precision, quantified in situ by static light scattering. The computational model uses a coarse-grained representation of subunits, short-ranged potentials, and Langevin dynamics. Experimental observations and modeling reveal that when the bond affinities are unequal, two distinct
hierarchical
assembly pathways occur, in which the subunits first form dimers in one case and pentamers in another. These hierarchical pathways produce complete capsids faster and are more robust against affinity variation than egalitarian pathways, in which all binding sites have equal strengths. This finding suggests that hierarchical assembly may be a general engineering principle for optimizing self-assembly of complex target structures.
Modulation of α-synuclein in vitro aggregation kinetics by its alternative splice isoforms
Authors: Röntgen Alexander , Toprakcioglu Zenon , Tomkins James E. , Vendruscolo Michele
Published: February 2024

The misfolding and aggregation of α-synuclein is linked to a family of neurodegenerative disorders known as synucleinopathies, the most prominent of which is Parkinson’s disease (PD). Understanding the aggregation process of α-synuclein from a mechanistic point of view is thus of key importance.
SNCA
, the gene encoding α-synuclein, comprises six exons and produces various isoforms through alternative splicing. The most abundant isoform is expressed as a 140-amino acid protein (αSyn-140), while three other isoforms, αSyn-126, αSyn-112, and αSyn-98, are generated by skipping exon 3, exon 5, or both exons, respectively. In this study, we performed a detailed biophysical characterization of the aggregation of these four isoforms. We found that αSyn-112 and αSyn-98 exhibit accelerated aggregation kinetics compared to αSyn-140 and form distinct aggregate morphologies, as observed by transmission electron microscopy. Moreover, we observed that the presence of relatively small amounts of αSyn-112 accelerates the aggregation of αSyn-140, significantly reducing the aggregation half-time. These results indicate a potential role of alternative splicing in the pathological aggregation of α-synuclein and provide insights into how this process could be associated with the development of synucleinopathies.
Quantifying a light-induced energetic change in bacteriorhodopsin by force spectroscopy
Authors: Jacobson David R. , Perkins Thomas T.
Published: February 2024

Ligand-induced conformational changes are critical to the function of many membrane proteins and arise from numerous intramolecular interactions. In the photocycle of the model membrane protein bacteriorhodopsin (bR), absorption of a photon by retinal triggers a conformational cascade that results in pumping a proton across the cell membrane. While decades of spectroscopy and structural studies have probed this photocycle in intricate detail, changes in intramolecular energetics that underlie protein motions have remained elusive to experimental quantification. Here, we measured these energetics on the millisecond time scale using atomic-force-microscopy-based single-molecule force spectroscopy. Precisely, timed light pulses triggered the bR photocycle while we measured the equilibrium unfolding and refolding of the terminal 8-amino-acid region of bR’s G-helix. These dynamics changed when the EF-helix pair moved ~9 Å away from this end of the G helix during the “open” portion of bR’s photocycle. In ~60% of the data, we observed abrupt light-induced destabilization of 3.4 ± 0.3 kcal/mol, lasting 38 ± 3 ms. The kinetics and pH-dependence of this destabilization were consistent with prior measurements of bR’s open phase. The frequency of light-induced destabilization increased with the duration of illumination and was dramatically reduced in the triple mutant (D96G/F171C/F219L) thought to trap bR in its open phase. In the other ~40% of the data, photoexcitation unexpectedly stabilized a longer-lived putative misfolded state. Through this work, we establish a general single-molecule force spectroscopy approach for measuring ligand-induced energetics and lifetimes in membrane proteins.
Rab32 family proteins regulate autophagosomal components recycling
Authors: Wu Zhe , Que Huilin , Li Chuangpeng , Yan Li , Wang Shixuan , Rong Yueguang
Published: February 2024

In autophagy, autophagosomes deliver the lumenal contents to lysosomes for degradation via autophagosome–lysosome fusion. In contrast, autophagosome outer membrane components were recycled via autophagosomal components recycling (ACR), which is mediated by the recycler complex. The recycler complex, composed of SNX4, SNX5, and SNX17, cooperate with the dynein–dynactin complex to mediate ACR. However, how ACR is regulated remains unknown. Here, we found that Rab32 family proteins localize to autolysosomes and are required for ACR, rather than other autophagosomal or lysosomal Rab proteins. The GTPase activity of Rab32 family proteins, governed by their guanine nucleotide exchange factor and GTPase-activating protein, plays a key role in regulating ACR. This regulation occurs through the control of recycler complex formation, as well as the connection between the recycler-cargo and dynactin complex. Together, our study reveals an unidentified Rab32 family-dependent regulatory mechanism for ACR.
Light-sensitive phosphorylation regulates retinal IMPDH1 activity and filament assembly
Authors: Calise S. John , O’Neill Audrey G. , Burrell Anika L. , Dickinson Miles S. , Molfino Josephine , Clarke Charlie , Quispe Joel , Sokolov David , Buey Rubén M. , Kollman Justin M.
Published: February 2024

Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in guanosine triphosphate (GTP) synthesis and assembles into filaments in cells, which desensitizes the enzyme to feedback inhibition and boosts nucleotide production. The vertebrate retina expresses two splice variants IMPDH1(546) and IMPDH1(595). In bovine retinas, residue S477 is preferentially phosphorylated in the dark, but the effects on IMPDH1 activity and regulation are unclear. Here, we generated phosphomimetic mutants to investigate structural and functional consequences of S477 phosphorylation. The S477D mutation resensitized both variants to GTP inhibition but only blocked assembly of IMPDH1(595) filaments. Cryo-EM structures of both variants showed that S477D specifically blocks assembly of a high-activity assembly interface, still allowing assembly of low-activity IMPDH1(546) filaments. Finally, we discovered that S477D exerts a dominant-negative effect in cells, preventing endogenous IMPDH filament assembly. By modulating the structure and higher-order assembly of IMPDH, S477 phosphorylation acts as a mechanism for downregulating retinal GTP synthesis in the dark when nucleotide turnover is decreased.
Mid-infrared seven-core chalcogenide fiber with ultra-large mode field area and high beam quality
Authors: Wang Xian-Ge , Jiao Kai , Liang Xiaolin , Bai Shengchuang , Zhao Zheming , Shen Xiang , Nie Qiuhua , Wang Rongping , Wang Xunsi
Published: February 2024

A seven-core chalcogenide fiber with an ultra-large mode field for mid-infrared range of 2.5–11 μm is designed and fabricated. Through manipulation of the core radius and pitch in the seven-core configuration, we are engaged in a comprehensive exploration of crosstalk characteristics and the mode field area (MFA). In addition, the relationship between the parameters of seven-core fiber for infrared and the beam quality of the output laser is analyzed for the first time. A theoretical MFA of 8914 μm2 can be calculated with a core radius of 24 μm and the pitch of 50 μm. This impressive MFA is realized through the deployment of an improved drilling technique in the fabrication of a Ge–As–Se seven-core fiber. The fiber has a relatively low loss at the wavelength range of 2.5–11 μm, and the minimum loss is 1.4 dB m−1 at 8.5 μm. The measured MFA of the fiber at 10.6 μm is 7364 μm2, which is 6.2 times higher than that of traditional stepped single-core fiber, but slightly lower than the theoretical value. The power delivery capability of the fiber has been significantly improved about two times compared with that of single-core fiber. The output beam quality factor M
2 is calculated as 1.13. In all, the seven-core fiber exhibits substantial potential for high-power laser propagation with high quality and flexibility.
Current sheet evolution in a planar inductive pulsed plasma thruster
Authors: Promislow Curtis L , Little Justin M
Published: February 2024

The evolution of the current sheet is fundamental to the understanding and operation of planar inductive pulsed plasma thrusters. Methods for experimentally determining the time-varying mutual inductance and plasma resistance associated with the current sheet are presented. From these, time-histories of the resistive heating in and electromagnetic acceleration of the sheet are found. Analysis of experimental data obtained from a compact, low discharge energy inductive pulsed plasma thruster shows that current sheet evolution is well described by three phases: ionization, formation, and acceleration. Evidence is provided for the plasma current and resistive heating becoming localized near the upstream edge of the current sheet as the sheet forms. The influence of initial propellant density and pre-ionization on the characteristics of the sheet are examined. Both higher propellant densities and increased pre-ionization are found to produce current sheets which exhibit greater magnetic impermeability. Higher densities cause the sheet to form closer to the coil face, improving coupling, while stronger pre-ionization leads to more rapid resistive heating, causing the sheet to form earlier in time.
Cooperative navigation of unmanned aerial vehicle formation with delayed measurement
Authors: Shi Chenfa , Xiong Zhi , Chen Mingxing , Xiong Jun , Wang Zhengchun
Published: February 2024

This paper focused on the problem of positioning accuracy degradation caused by delayed measurement information in unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) formation cooperative navigation under complex environments such as cities and hills, and presented a non-synchronous compensation algorithm based on kinematic constraints and constructed a distributed cooperative navigation filter based on the analysis of the basic operating characteristics of inertial devices, satellite receivers, and ranging sensors. In the UAV formation, the leader-UAV is equipped with real-time kinematic differential equipment and airborne data link to construct the airborne reference beacons and provide cooperative navigation services for the wingman-UAV. Firstly, the navigation filtering framework with inertial sensors as the core is established. Secondly, the non-synchronous compensation filter is constructed by using the kinematic constraint model, which compensates and corrects the non-synchronous air-based position of the leader-UAV, and reduces the effect of delayed measurement on the positioning error of the system. Then the fault diagnosis algorithm is utilized to complete the identification and rejection of abnormal range values in the case of non-line-of-sight. Finally, the navigation parameters are solved by the Kalman filter. Simulation results show that the non-synchronous compensated filtering proposed in this paper can improve the absolute positioning accuracy by 55%, which effectively improves the cooperative navigation performance and robustness under the presence of random time delay in the measurement information.
Affine medical image registration with fusion feature mapping in local and global
Authors: Ji Wei , Yang Feng
Published: February 2024

Objective. Medical image affine registration is a crucial basis before using deformable registration. On the one hand, the traditional affine registration methods based on step-by-step optimization are very time-consuming, so these methods are not compatible with most real-time medical applications. On the other hand, convolutional neural networks are limited in modeling long-range spatial relationships of the features due to inductive biases, such as weight sharing and locality. This is not conducive to affine registration tasks. Therefore, the evolution of real-time and high-accuracy affine medical image registration algorithms is necessary for registration applications. Approach. In this paper, we propose a deep learning-based coarse-to-fine global and local feature fusion architecture for fast affine registration, and we use an unsupervised approach for end-to-end training. We use multiscale convolutional kernels as our elemental convolutional blocks to enhance feature extraction. Then, to learn the long-range spatial relationships of the features, we propose a new affine registration framework with weighted global positional attention that fuses global feature mapping and local feature mapping. Moreover, the fusion regressor is designed to generate the affine parameters. Main results. The additive fusion method can be adaptive to global mapping and local mapping, which improves affine registration accuracy without the center of mass initialization. In addition, the max pooling layer and the multiscale convolutional kernel coding module increase the ability of the model in affine registration. Significance. We validate the effectiveness of our method on the OASIS dataset with 414 3D MRI brain maps. Comprehensive results demonstrate that our method achieves state-of-the-art affine registration accuracy and very efficient runtimes.
Multipartite entanglement serves as a faithful detector for quantum phase transitions
Authors: Li Yan-Chao , Zhou Yuan-Hang , Zhang Yuan , Bai Yan-Kui , Lin Hai-Qing
Published: February 2024

We investigate quantum phase transitions (QPTs) in various spin chain systems using the multipartite entanglement measure

τ

S
E
F

based on the monogamy inequality of squared entanglement of formation (EOF). Our results demonstrate that

τ

S
E
F

is more effective and reliable than bipartite entanglement or bipartite correlation measures such as EOF, von Neumann entropy, and quantum discord in characterizing QPTs.

τ

S
E
F

not only detects critical points that may go unnoticed by other detectors but also avoids the issue of singularity at non-critical points encountered by other measures. Furthermore, by applying

τ

S
E
F

, we have obtained the phase diagram for the XY spin chain with three and four interactions and discovered a new quantum phase.
The interaction of information diffusion and epidemic transmission in time-varying multiplex networks with simplicial complexes and asymmetric activity levels
Authors: Xie Xiaoxiao , Huo Liang’an , Dong Yafang , Li Ming , Cheng Yingying
Published: February 2024

Information diffusion among individuals occurs in various ways, mainly involving pairwise and higher-order interactions, and their coexistence can be characterized by simplicial complexes. This paper introduces a novel two-layer model that investigates coupled information-epidemic propagation. Specifically, the upper layer represents the virtual layer that depicts information diffusion, where the interaction process among individuals is not only limited to pairwise interactions but also influenced by higher-order interactions. The lower layer denotes the physical contact layer to portray epidemic transmission, where the interaction process among individuals is only considered in pairwise interactions. In particular, the emergence of asymmetric activity levels in two-layer networks reshapes the propagation mechanism. We then employ the micro-Marko chain approach (MMCA) to establish the probabilistic transfer equation for each state, deduce the epidemic outbreak threshold, and investigate the equilibrium and stability of the proposed model. Furthermore, we perform extensive Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to validate the theoretical predictions. The results demonstrate that the higher-order interaction generates synergistic reinforcement mechanisms that both facilitate information diffusion and inhibit epidemic transmission. Moreover, this study suggests that the activity level of individuals at the physical contact level has a greater impact on epidemic transmission. In addition, we utilize two different networks to explore the influence of network structural features on the transmission and scale of epidemics.
Protecting quantum correlations of negative quantum states using weak measurement under non-Markovian noise
Authors: Lalita Jai , Banerjee Subhashish
Published: February 2024

The weak measurement (WM) and quantum measurement reversal (QMR) are crucial in protecting the collapse of quantum states. The idea of WM and QMR has recently been used to protect and enhance quantum correlations and universal quantum teleportation (UQT) protocols. Here, we study the quantum correlations, maximal fidelity, and fidelity deviation of the two-qubit negative quantum states developed using discrete Wigner functions with(without) WM and QMR. To take into account the effect of a noisy environment, we evolve the states via non-Markovian amplitude damping and random telegraph noise quantum channels. To benchmark the performance of negative quantum states, we calculate their success probability. We compare our results with the two-qubit maximally entangled Bell state. Interestingly, we observe that some negative quantum states perform better with WM and QMR than the Bell state for different cases under evolution via noisy quantum channels.
Solution to the schrödinger equation for bound states of polar molecules using shallow neural networks
Authors: Silva-Molina Rosela Yesenia Guadalupe , Jimenez-Valencia Marco A , Castellanos-Jaramillo Alejandro , Duarte-Alcaraz Francisco Adrián , Castellanos-Jaramillo Juan Miguel , Castellanos-Moreno Arnulfo
Published: February 2024

The time independent Schrödinger equation can be solved analytically in very few cases. This is why scientists rely on approximate numerical methods. One that is yet to be a part of the everyday toolbox for physicists are neural networks. With it, it is possible to calculate eigenfunctions and the energy spectra of bound states. A double exponential central potential is used to describe the interaction between two electric dipoles that form through van der Waals interactions. These systems can be important when the electric dipoles are very large and differ from covalent, ionic, and other kinds of bonds, as is the case of the monomers

M
−

C

60

,

where

M
=

Cs
,
Li

or other alkali metals. Based in statistical physics, it has been shown that a dimer can be formed through a spontaneous and exothermic reaction. The ground state and the first two excited states of this system were calculated, also the solutions and their associated energies were plotted. The result for the ground state is compared to the shooting method and the direct variational method. The numerical value of the ground states obtained suggests that the dimers can be dissociated by electromagnetic waves with wavelengths in the far infrared regime, very close to microwaves.
A comparative study of reduced graphene oxide synthesized through different techniques for UV-C radiation detection application
Authors: Shruthi G , Reddy Kruthika SM , Garg Anshika , G Baishali , Saara K
Published: February 2024

In this work, reduced Graphene oxide (rGO) is synthesized through three different chemical routes of synthesis and they are used for the fabrication of UV radiation detectors working in the 100–280 nm range. The fabricated device is a Silicon based radiation detectors with these different synthesized samples of rGO as the sensing material. The photon detector has an architecture of a field effect transistor working in the back-gate mode of operation. The device response is studied in presence of UV rays for all the three types of devices in the back-illumination mode of operation. A comparative analysis of the performance of these three devices is done to analyze the effect of rate of reduction on the device performance and its correlation with the properties of rGO. It was observed that higher the rate of reduction, better is the performance of the device. The effect can be correlated with the improved electrical conductivity and reduced bandgap of rGO.
Method of searching coupled optical solitons to magneto- optic waveguides having parabolic-nonlocal law of refractive index
Authors: Yomba Emmanuel
Published: February 2024

Numerous methodologies employed for the exploration of soliton solutions within nonlinear models demonstrate considerable efficacy and efficiency in addressing individual nonlinear partial differential equations (NLPDEs). However, their efficacy diminishes when applied to interconnected NLPDEs, owing to the presence of interaction terms in the coupled equations. Consequently, deriving exact solutions for such coupled equations presents a formidable challenge. In response to this challenge, several researchers have endeavored to solve coupled equations by assuming a proportional relationship between the solution in one line and that in another line, resulting in the imposition of excessive constraints and the subsequent reduction of coupled equations to a single equation. Regrettably, this approach compromises the fidelity of the physical phenomena that these equations aim to describe. In contrast, we propose a method characterized by its simplicity and directness, providing a more authentic and insightful analytical perspective for the investigation of coupled NLPDEs. The innovation lies in its capability to simultaneously propagate different types of solitons in two lines with a single operation, while also enabling the natural emergence of analogous solitons in both systems under minimal constraints. We apply this method to scrutinize the propagation of a diverse range of novel coupled progressive solitons in magneto-optical waveguides featuring a parabolic-nonlocal law of nonlinearity and governed by coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations. The resultant solitons, depicted through detailed 2D and 3D visualizations in figures 1–12 demonstrate a multitude of coupled soliton forms, several of which are novel in the field.
On conservation laws, their applications in stability analysis and chirped solitary wave solutions for the generalized Schrödinger–Hirota equation and its reductions
Authors: Dan Jayita , Garai Sudip , Ghose-Choudhury A , Gangopadhyay Sankar
Published: February 2024

Conserved quantities for a generalized version of the Schrödinger–Hirota (SH) equation and its reductions are deduced using an algorithmic approach which is easier to implement compared to more sophisticated mathematical methods. The conserved mass and the Hamiltonian, whenever it exists, are then used to analyse the stability of exact stationary wave solutions, by invoking the Vakhitov-Kolokolov criterion and variational methods. In addition we have focussed on two classes of chirped solitary wave solutions for reductions of the generalised SH equation, namely the algebraic and the hyperbolic classes. It is found that along with the regular dependance of the chirp on the intensity there may even be an additional dependence varying inversely on the intensity of the solitary wave. The chirped hyperbolic solutions are found to correspond to gray solitary waves for suitable parameter values which may also flip to anti-dark solitary waves depending on the ratio of the parameters involved in the solution.