bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phosphorus–nitrogen compounds: part 75—design, synthesis, stereogenic and conformational properties of chiral dispiro(N/N)cyclotriphosphazenes: structural analysis and photophysical and bioactivity studies
Authors: Cemaloğlu Reşit , Asmafiliz Nuran , Kılıç Zeynel , Topaloğlu Aksoy Burcu , Sabah Büşra Nur , Açık Leyla , Hökelek Tuncer
Published: May 2024

Multiheterocyclic inorganic–organic hybrid phosphazenes have robust inorganic ring systems with the stabilities of the phosphorus nitrogen skeleton and many different substituents bonded to the P atoms. In present study, unsymmetrical dispirocyclotriphosphazenes were prepared due to their potential to depict steric hindrance and electronic rearrangement in creating permanent chirality for certain conformational and configurational isomers. These isomers may have an effect on DNA bindings and activitiy against selected fungi and bacteria, remarkably. Herein, tetrachlorocyclotriphosphazenes (1 and 2) were reacted with 9-ethyl-N-methyl-3-carbazolyl-1,2-diaminoethane (3), 9-ethyl-N-ethyl-3-carbazolyl-1,2-diaminoethane (4) and 9-ethyl-N-methyl-3-carbazolyl-1,3-diaminopropane (5) to give the new unsymmetrical cis/trans-dispirocyclotriphosphazenes, [(ClBz/BzSpiro-6)R1(N3P3)(CzSpiro-n)R2]Cl2 (Cz: Carbazolyl; R1:Me R2:Me or Et; n = 5 or 6; trans 6a–11a and cis 6b–11b). Characterizations, chiralities, and photophysical and biological properties of the new compounds were examined. The molecular and crystal structures of cis-6b, cis-7b, trans-9a, cis-9b, trans-10a and cis-10b were determined by single crystal X-ray crystallography. The chiralities of these compounds with unsymmetrical spiro-architectures were confirmed by X-ray crystallography. These results were further proven by 31P NMR data recorded with the addition of a chiral solvent (CSA). Additionally, circular dichroism (CD) spectra also supported the results. Photophysical measurements indicate that these compounds show emission with lifetimes of approximately 5.6–5.9 ns. In addition, the bioactivities of some isomers were found to be different and quite high against some bacterial and yeast strains. Trans-8a was very active against B. cereus (MBC = 78.1 µM), while cis-6b, trans-9a and cis-9b were very active against the pathogenic yeast C. albicans (MFC = 156.3 µM).

Graphical abstract
Paraconsistency in Non-Fregean Framework
Authors: Golińska-Pilarek Joanna
Published: May 2024

A non-Fregean framework aims to provide a formal tool for reasoning about semantic denotations of sentences and their interactions. Extending a logic to its non-Fregean version involves introducing a new connective$$\equiv $$≡that allows to separate denotations of sentences from their logical values. Intuitively,$$\equiv $$≡combines two sentences$$\varphi $$φand$$\psi $$ψinto a true one whenever$$\varphi $$φand$$\psi $$ψhave the same semantic correlates, describe the same situations, or have the same content or meaning. The paper aims to compare non-Fregean paraconsistent Grzegorczyk’s logics (Logic of Descriptions$$\textsf{LD}$$LD, Logic of Descriptions with Suszko’s Axioms$$\textsf{LDS}$$LDS, Logic of Equimeaning$$\textsf{LDE}$$LDE) with non-Fregean versions of certain well-known paraconsistent logics (Jaśkowski’s Discussive Logic$$\textsf{D}_2$$D2, Logic of Paradox$$\textsf{LP}$$LP, Logics of Formal Inconsistency$$\textsf{LFI}{1}$$LFI1and$$\textsf{LFI}{2}$$LFI2). We prove that Grzegorczyk’s logics are either weaker than or incomparable to non-Fregean extensions of$$\textsf{LP}$$LP,$$\textsf{LFI}{1}$$LFI1,$$\textsf{LFI}{2}$$LFI2. Furthermore, we show that non-Fregean extensions of$$\textsf{LP}$$LP,$$\textsf{LFI}{1}$$LFI1,$$\textsf{LFI}{2}$$LFI2, and$$\textsf{D}_2$$D2are more expressive than their original counterparts. Our results highlight that the non-Fregean connective$$\equiv $$≡can serve as a tool for expressing various properties of the ontology underlying the logics under consideration.
Natural language syntax complies with the free-energy principle
Authors: Murphy Elliot , Holmes Emma , Friston Karl
Published: May 2024

Natural language syntax yields an unbounded array of hierarchically structured expressions. We claim that these are used in the service of active inference in accord with the free-energy principle (FEP). While conceptual advances alongside modelling and simulation work have attempted to connect speech segmentation and linguistic communication with the FEP, we extend this program to the underlying computations responsible for generating syntactic objects. We argue that recently proposed principles of economy in language design—such as “minimal search” criteria from theoretical syntax—adhere to the FEP. This affords a greater degree of explanatory power to the FEP—with respect to higher language functions—and offers linguistics a grounding in first principles with respect to computability. While we mostly focus on building new principled conceptual relations between syntax and the FEP, we also show through a sample of preliminary examples how both tree-geometric depth and a Kolmogorov complexity estimate (recruiting a Lempel–Ziv compression algorithm) can be used to accurately predict legal operations on syntactic workspaces, directly in line with formulations of variational free energy minimization. This is used to motivate a general principle of language design that we term Turing–Chomsky Compression (TCC). We use TCC to align concerns of linguists with the normative account of self-organization furnished by the FEP, by marshalling evidence from theoretical linguistics and psycholinguistics to ground core principles of efficient syntactic computation within active inference.
Elimination of cherry virus A from Prunus domestica ‘Besztercei Bt. 2’ using in vitro techniques
Authors: Szabó Luca Krisztina , Desiderio Francesco , Kirilla Zoltán , Hegedűs Attila , Várallyay Éva , Preininger Éva
Published: May 2024

Cherry virus A, a capillovirus, can infect different Prunus species and be present as a latent infection in orchards. CVA infection was detected in a Hungarian stock collection of Prunus domestica ‘Besztercei Bt. 2’. In our study, different in vitro virus elimination techniques (thermotherapy combined with shoot tip culture and chemotherapy alone or combined with thermotherapy) were used and compared for their efficiency in eliminating CVA from ‘Besztercei Bt. 2’ plum cultivar. Thermotherapy was carried out at 38/36°C (day/night) in a heat chamber followed by the excision of 1–2 mm long shoot tips for plant regeneration. As a chemotherapy agent, ribavirin or zidovudine was added to the multiplication medium at two different concentrations with or without two weeks of thermotherapy pretreatment. The plum shoots tolerated 14–18 days of heat treatment, 64% of the plants regenerated from shoot tips, and 75% of the tested regenerated plants were confirmed by RT‒PCR to be CVA-free. Ribavirin and zidovudine did not negatively affect the survival of the plum shoots at any applied concentrations. Zidovudine alone was not able to efficiently eradicate virus from the treated plantlets, but when zidovudine was combined with heat treatment, the number of CVA-positive plants decreased to 60%. In contrast, ribavirin alone was very efficient at eliminating CVA from all the tested plants when used at a concentration of 25 mg L− 1. To our knowledge, this is the first report of eliminating CVA from Prunus sp. via in vitro techniques.
Coupling material and energy flow analysis with life cycle assessment to support circular strategies at the urban level
Authors: Papageorgiou Asterios , Björklund Anna , Sinha Rajib , de Almeida Maria Livia Real , Steubing Bernhard
Published: May 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate how the coupling of Material and Energy Flow Analysis (MEFA) with Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) under an urban metabolism (UM) perspective (referred to as the UM-LCA approach) can support the design, evaluation, and monitoring of urban-level circular strategies. For this purpose, we apply the UM-LCA approach to the urban area of Umeå (Sweden) by expanding the goal and scope of a recent MEFA study conducted by the authors of the article.

Methods

The modeling combines MEFA with LCA and is performed both retrospectively and prospectively. The MEFA was performed in the prior study following a bottom-up approach to map and quantify material and energy flows in the urban system at the sectoral level. The quantified flows are used in the present study to construct the life cycle inventory (LCI) model of the urban system. The LCI model is first used as a basis of the retrospective LCA (rLCA), which is conducted to assess the environmental performance of the urban system with its sectors. The LCI model is then modified according to future scenarios and is used as a basis of the prospective LCA (pLCA), which is performed to assess the environmental implications of implementing circular strategies in the future.

Results and discussion

The rLCA shows that the construction and household sectors are major drivers of environmental impacts in the urban system, with households being the largest contributors to 11 out of 12 analyzed impact categories. It also reveals the most impacting flows within these sectors, including food in households and steel in the construction sector. These findings indicate that the construction and household sectors and their most impacting flows should be prioritized in a circular strategy. Furthermore, the pLCA highlights that a future circular strategy promoting reductions in the material used in these two sectors could lead to higher reductions in all impact categories, ranging from 4.3 to 8.6%, than a strategy focused only on recycling, which could lead to reductions ranging from 0.2 to 1.2%.

Conclusions

This study concludes that the UM-LCA approach has great potential to comprehensively analyze, both retrospectively and prospectively, the environmental performance of an urban system providing valuable insights that could support policy makers in designing, assessing, and monitoring urban-level circular strategies. However, further research should address identified limitations of the UM-LCA approach (e.g., limited available data, inability to consider social and economic aspects) to facilitate its applicability and enhance its comprehensiveness.
Involvement of prelimbic cortex neurons and related circuits in the acquisition of a cooperative learning by pairs of rats
Authors: Conde-Moro A. R. , Rocha-Almeida F. , Gebara E. , Delgado-García J. M. , Sandi C. , Gruart A.
Published: May 2024

Social behaviors such as cooperation are crucial for mammals. A deeper knowledge of the neuronal mechanisms underlying cooperation can be beneficial for people suffering from pathologies with impaired social behavior. Our aim was to study the brain activity when two animals synchronize their behavior to obtain a mutual reinforcement. In a previous work, we showed that the activity of the prelimbic cortex (PrL) was enhanced during cooperation in rats, especially in the ones leading most cooperative trials (leader rats). In this study, we investigated the specific cells in the PrL contributing to cooperative behaviors. To this end, we collected rats’ brains at key moments of the learning process to analyze the levels of c-FOS expression in the main cellular groups of the PrL. Leader rats showed increased c-FOS activity in cells expressing D1 receptors during cooperation. Besides, we analyzed the levels of anxiety, dominance, and locomotor behavior, finding that leader rats are in general less anxious and less dominant than followers. We also recorded local field potentials (LFPs) from the PrL, the nucleus accumbens septi (NAc), and the basolateral amygdala (BLA). A spectral analysis showed that delta activity in PrL and NAc increased when rats cooperated, while BLA activity in delta and theta bands decreased considerably during cooperation. The PrL and NAc also increased their connectivity in the high theta band during cooperation. Thus, the present work identifies the specific PrL cell types engaged in this behavior, as well as the way this information is propagated to selected downstream brain regions (BLA, NAc).
On the Effect of Interphase Boundary Energy Anisotropy on Morphologies: A New Type of Eutectic Grain Observed in a Three-Phase Eutectic System
Authors: Mohagheghi Samira , Şerefoğlu Melis
Published: May 2024

Eutectic microstructures are dramatically affected by the anisotropy in interphase boundary energy. Depending on this anisotropy function, different eutectic grains may grow simultaneously at the same experimental conditions. In all reported quasi-isotropic and anisotropic two-phase and three-phase eutectic grains in thin samples, lamellar morphology is observed and the microstructure is essentially two dimensional (2D), since the interphase boundaries are perpendicular to the sample walls. Using the β(In)–In2Bi–γ(Sn) system and real-time solidification experiments in thin samples, we introduce a unique and new type of anisotropic three-phase eutectic grain, entitled here as “Laminated Matrix with Rods (LMR).” In this grain, due to the anisotropy in In2Bi/γ(Sn) interphase boundary, the evolving phases, and hence, the microstructures observed through the two glass plates of the thin sample are completely different, despite the strong confinement effect. During rotating directional solidification (RDS) experiments, the morphology or the aspect ratio of all phases changes periodically and drastically. Specifically, In2Bi, β(In), and γ(Sn) phases evolve from all being lamellar perpendicular to the sample walls to the matrix, elongated/trapezoidal rods, and a lamella parallel to the sample walls, respectively. Our experimental results show that these morphological transitions are due to change in the interphase boundary orientation with respect to the growth direction.

Graphical abstract
Impact of Lithium on the Immune System: An Investigation of T-Cell Subpopulations and Cytokine Responses in Rats
Authors: Matur Erdal , Akyol Sibel , Toplan Selmin , Ozdemir Semra , Akyazı Ibrahim , Darıyerli Nuran
Published: May 2024

The aim of this study was to investigate the dose-dependent adverse effects of long-term dietary lithium administration on specific aspects of the defense system in rats. Additionally, the study aimed to explore the inflammatory activities of lithium beyond its recognized anti-inflammatory properties. Forty Wistar Albino rats were involved, which were randomly allocated into the control and four treatment groups. The control group received standard rat feed, and the experimental groups’ diet was added 1 g/kg, 1.4 g/kg, 1.8 g/kg, and 2.2 g/kg lithium bicarbonate, respectively. CD4+, CD8+, and CD161 + cells were assessed by flow cytometry. TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-1β, and IL-2 and IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels were measured. The proportion of CD4 + cells and the CD4+/CD8 + ratio (P = 0.005 and P = 0.038, respectively) were reduced with the highest dose of lithium compared to the control group. The data regarding pro-inflammatory cytokines showed a dose-dependent increase in serum TNF-α and IFN-γ levels (P = 0.023 and P = 0.001, respectively). On the other hand, serum IL-1β and IL-2 levels were decreased in a dose-dependent manner (P = 0. 001 and P = 0. 001, respectively). As for anti-inflammatory cytokines, a dose-dependent decrease was determined in serum IL-4 level (P = 0.002), while no significant changes were noted in IL-6 and IL-10 levels (P = 0.507 and P = 0.732, respectively). In conclusion, lithium adversely impacted the cellular defense system. Furthermore, apart from its anti-inflammatory properties, lithium exhibited cytokine-mediated inflammatory activities. Therefore, lithium’s potential adverse effects on the immune system should be considered in immunodeficient patients and those with an inflammatory status treated with high doses of lithium.
A relational approach to organised crime
Authors: Campana Paolo , Antonopoulos Georgios A.
Published: May 2024

This is an introduction to the articles submitted to the special issue of Trends in Organized Crime on ‘Crime and Networks’. The aim of this special issue is to advance our relational understanding of organised crime, gangs and crime more generally by presenting six works exploring a diverse set of questions related to organised crime, street gangs, outlaw motorcycle gangs, money laundering and groups operating in cyberspace.
Completeness and Geodesic Distance Properties for Fractional Sobolev Metrics on Spaces of Immersed Curves
Authors: Bauer Martin , Heslin Patrick , Maor Cy
Published: May 2024

We investigate the geometry of the space of immersed closed curves equipped with reparametrization-invariant Riemannian metrics; the metrics we consider are Sobolev metrics of possible fractional-order $$q\in [0,\infty )$$

q
∈
[
0
,
∞
)

. We establish the critical Sobolev index on the metric for several key geometric properties. Our first main result shows that the Riemannian metric induces a metric space structure if and only if $$q>1/2$$

q
>
1
/
2

. Our second main result shows that the metric is geodesically complete (i.e., the geodesic equation is globally well posed) if $$q>3/2$$

q
>
3
/
2

, whereas if $$q<3/2$$

q
<
3
/
2

then finite-time blowup may occur. The geodesic completeness for $$q>3/2$$

q
>
3
/
2

is obtained by proving metric completeness of the space of $$H^q$$

H
q

-immersed curves with the distance induced by the Riemannian metric.
ConceptGlassbox: Guided Concept-Based Explanation for Deep Neural Networks
Authors: El Shawi Radwa
Published: May 2024

Various industries and fields have utilized machine learning models, particularly those that demand a significant degree of accountability and transparency. With the introduction of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), it has become imperative for machine learning model predictions to be both plausible and verifiable. One approach to explaining these predictions involves assigning an importance score to each input element. Another category aims to quantify the importance of human-understandable concepts to explain global and local model behaviours. The way concepts are constructed in such concept-based explanation techniques lacks inherent interpretability. Additionally, the magnitude and diversity of the discovered concepts make it difficult for machine learning practitioners to comprehend and make sense of the concept space. To this end, we introduce ConceptGlassbox, a novel local explanation framework that seeks to learn high-level transparent concept definitions. Our approach leverages human knowledge and feedback to facilitate the acquisition of concepts with minimal human labelling effort. The ConceptGlassbox learns concepts consistent with the user’s understanding of a concept’s meaning. It then dissects the evidence for the prediction by identifying the key concepts the black-box model uses to arrive at its decision regarding the instance being explained. Additionally, ConceptGlassbox produces counterfactual explanations, proposing the smallest changes to the instance’s concept-based explanation that would result in a counterfactual decision as specified by the user. Our systematic experiments confirm that ConceptGlassbox successfully discovers relevant and comprehensible concepts that are important for neural network predictions.
Probiotic Characteristics of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9435 and Its Survival and Competitive Properties Under Simulated Conditions of the Child Gut Microbiota
Authors: Requena Teresa , Martínez-Cuesta M. Carmen , Aznar Rosa , Mohedano M. Luz , López Paloma , Ruas-Madiedo Patricia
Published: May 2024

Probiotics are valuable microorganisms effective in reducing malnutrition-related infections in children. In this work, a collection of lactobacilli strains representative of traditional Andean fermented beverages was in vitro screened for their capability to survive the gastrointestinal transit, to adhere to the intestinal epithelium and to compete under simulated conditions of the child gut microbiota. The results allowed the selection of the riboflavin overproducing strain Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CECT 9435 based on its good rate of survival under in vitro gastrointestinal conditions when included in a food matrix representing the fortified food supplement Incaparina. The strain also showed good adhesion to HT29 cells producing mucus and outstanding performance in E. coli competition for the adhesion to this epithelial cell line. L. plantarum CECT 9435 gut performance was also evaluated in the child intestinal microbiota simulated in a dynamic gut model (BFBL simulator). The viability of the probiotic candidate in the gut conditions was high during the 7-day intervention period, reaching over 1 × 107 counts in each of the reactors simulating the three colonic regions. The transient viability of L. plantarum CECT 9435 within the child gut microbiota and its adhesion capacity to intestinal cells could facilitate the strain potential benefits as probiotic added to fortified supplementary foods destined to malnourished children.
Elucidation of trap energies of Gamma-irradiated BaMgAl10O17: Ce3+ phosphors for dosimetry applications
Authors: Vidya Saraswathi A. , Naregundi Karunakara , Sayyed M. I. , Almousa Nouf , Kamath Sudha D.
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive examination of the thermoluminescence properties of BaMgAl10O17: Ce (BAM: Ce) phosphors, which were synthesized via the combustion method. The study employs five distinct approaches to determine the kinetic parameters for individual traps. To investigate the structural, morphological, and elemental composition of the samples, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were utilized. The photoluminescence spectra revealed a broad emission centered around 420 nm upon 330 nm excitation. By subjecting the phosphors to γ doses ranging from 5 to 5 kGy and conducting TL glow curve analysis, the kinetic characteristics of the BAM: Ce phosphors were determined. The linear dose–response was observed for 5–50 Gy, indicating a high sensitivity value. Additionally, there is a consistent estimation of trap energy across various methods. It is also worth noting that the phosphor exhibits a very low minimum detectable dose, estimated to be in the microgray range, making BAM: Ce a strong candidate for low gamma dosimetry applications.
Longitudinal tracking of circulating rare events in the liquid biopsy of stage III–IV non-small cell lung cancer patients
Authors: Bai Lily , Courcoubetis George , Mason Jeremy , Hicks James B. , Nieva Jorge , Kuhn Peter , Shishido Stephanie N.
Published: May 2024

In the United States, lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) encompassing around 85% of total lung cancer cases. Late-stage patients with metastatic disease have worsening prognosis, highlighting the importance of longitudinal disease monitoring. Liquid biopsy (LBx) represents a way for physicians to non-invasively track tumor analytes, such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and understand tumor progression in real-time through analyzing longitudinal blood samples. CTCs have been shown to be effective predictive biomarkers in measuring treatment efficacy and survival outcomes. We used the third-generation High-Definition Single Cell Assay (HDSCA3.0) workflow to analyze circulating rare events longitudinally during treatment in a cohort of 10 late-stage NSCLC patients, identifying rare events including circulating cancer cells (i.e., CTCs), and oncosomes. Here, we show (1) that there is a cancer specific LBx profile, (2) there is considerable heterogeneity of rare cells and oncosomes, and (3) that LBx data elements correlated with patient survival outcomes. Additional studies are warranted to understand the biological significance of the rare events detected, and the clinical potential of the LBx to monitor and predict response to treatment in NSCLC patient care.
Physicochemical, colour, microbiology, sensory and mineral attributes of set-type yoghurt produced from Gundelia tournefortii L. and its gum
Authors: Say Dilek
Published: May 2024

The present study aimed to investigate the production of yoghurt in which the parts of the Gundelia tournefortii L. and its gum were added to milk at levels of 3% (v/v), incubated until the pH value reached 4.7 at 42 °C and then stored at 4 °C for 21 days. The Ca, P, K, Na and Mg contents of the yoghurt sample containing Gundelia tournefortii L. proved to be higher than those found in the control sample. Acidity, acetaldehyde, viscosity, a* values of yoghurt samples increased during storage, while the volatile fatty acids, gel firmness, whey separation, water holding capacity, L* and the b* values were decreased. The lactic acid bacteria count on the 21st day was > 6 log CFU/g in all yoghurt samples. The total aerobic mesophilic bacteria decreased except for the yoghurt sample containing Gundelia tournefortii L. milk, while the yeast and mold increased. The preference map revealed that 60–80% of consumers were satisfied with the control sample and the Gundelia tournefortii L. gum sample. Gundelia tournefortii L. milk and Gundelia tournefortii L. leaves samples were also found to have acceptable scores. As a result, adding Gundelia tournefortii L. into the yoghurt turned out to have a positive impact on its sensory and functional properties and could lead to an innovative approach in the dairy product market.

Graphical abstract
Peritoneal Vaginoplasty in Gender Diverse Patients
Authors: Haile Eiftu , Agrawal Shree , Fascelli Michele
Published: May 2024

Purpose of Review

To describe robotic-assisted peritoneal vaginoplasty in the genital gender affirming surgical setting and demonstrate existing surgical outcomes.

Recent Findings

Robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty is similar to a posterior approach to a robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy and can be done utilizing both multi-port and single port robotic platforms. Neovaginal canal depths and widths of 14 ± 0.7 cm by 3.6 ± 0.2 cm respectively can be obtained. Peritoneal flaps can also augment neovaginal depth by approximately 5 cm beyond the length of a skin graft or flap, proving advantageous in cases of genital hypoplasia or canal depth loss requiring revision. Patients typically report high sexual satisfaction following vaginoplasty.

The robotic peritoneal vaginoplasty as a genital gender affirming surgery offers additional neovaginal depth, with reported low complication rates, acceptable cosmesis, and satisfactory sexual function. Ongoing research in alternative grafts and revision remain to be studied.
Review on synergistic damage effect of irradiation and corrosion on reactor structural alloys
Authors: Liu Hui , Lei Guan-Hong , Huang He-Fei
Published: May 2024

The synergistic damage effect of irradiation and corrosion of reactor structural materials has been a prominent research focus. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the synergistic effects on the third- and fourth-generation fission nuclear energy structural materials used in pressurized water reactors and molten salt reactors. The competitive mechanisms of multiple influencing factors, such as the irradiation dose, corrosion type, and environmental temperature, are summarized in this paper. Conceptual approaches are proposed to alleviate the synergistic damage caused by irradiation and corrosion, thereby promoting in-depth research in the future and solving this key challenge for the structural materials used in reactors.
Low-power SiPM readout BETA ASIC for space applications
Authors: Sanmukh Anand , Gómez Sergio , Comerma Albert , Mauricio Joan , Manera Rafel , Sanuy Andreu , Guberman Daniel , Catala Roger , Espinya Albert , Orta Marina , de la Torre Oscar , Gascon David ,   On behalf of the HERD collaboration
Published: May 2024

The BETA application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) is a fully programmable chip designed to amplify, shape and digitize the signal of up to 64 Silicon photomultiplier (SiPM) channels, with a power consumption of approximately $$\sim$$
∼
1 mW/channel. Owing to its dual-path gain, the BETA chip is capable of resolving single photoelectrons (phes) with a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) >5 while simultaneously achieving a dynamic range of $$\sim$$
∼
4000 phes. Thus, BETA can provide a cost-effective solution for the readout of SiPMs in space missions and other applications with a maximum rate below 10 kHz. In this study, we describe the key characteristics of the BETA ASIC and present an evaluation of the performance of its 16-channel version, which is implemented using 130 nm technology. The ASIC also contains two discriminators that can provide trigger signals with a time jitter down to 400 ps FWHM for 10 phes. The linearity error of the charge gain measurement was less than 2% for a dynamic range as large as 15 bits.
International Bestsellers and the Online Reconfiguring of National Identity
Authors: Noorda Rachel , Weber Millicent , Bold Melanie Ramdarshan
Published: May 2024

International bestsellers are the ideal sites for examining the complicated relationship between literary culture and national identity. Despite the transnational turns in both literary studies and book history, place is still an important configurer of twenty-first-century book reception. Books are crucial to national identity and catalysts of nationalist movements. On an individual level, books enable readers to shape and maintain their own national identities. This Element explores how contemporary readers' understandings of nation, race/ethnicity, gender, and class continue to shape their reading, using as case studies the online reception of three bestseller titles-Liane Moriarty's Big Little Lies (Australia), Zadie Smith's NW (UK), and Kevin Kwan's Crazy Rich Asians (USA). In doing so, this Element demonstrates the need for and articulates a transnational conceptualisation of the relationship between reader identity and reception.
Support for the ‘Pets as Ambassadors’ hypothesis in men: Higher animal empathy in Australian pet-owners vs non-owners and farmers
Authors: Frampton Georgia Anne , Oliva Jessica Lee
Published: May 2024

Human empathy towards non-human animals (Animal Empathy; AE) has shown a strong gender bias, with women demonstrating higher levels than men. This study aimed to investigate the influence of animal experiences on AE in a male-only sample. It was hypothesised that there would be different levels of AE between men with experiences caring for pets, men with experience in animal agriculture, and men with limited animal experiences. Ninety-one Australian men (18yrs+) completed an online survey evaluating their level of AE using the Animal Empathy Scale (AES). Additionally, they were asked what in their experience they think has influenced their beliefs about how animals think and feel. As expected, AE levels differed significantly between groups, with those in the pet ownership experience group demonstrating higher AE levels than the other two groups. All three groups displayed high endorsement for direct interactions with animals in adulthood as being most influential in shaping their beliefs about how animals think and feel. However, our quantitative results support the idea that not all experiences are worth the same, with the responsibility and sacrifice involved in pet caring appearing to be most influential to the development of AE. These findings have implications for the importance of human-animal interactions in understanding animal sentience and the development of AE in males.
Standard methods for marking caudate amphibians do not impair animal welfare over the short term: An experimental approach
Authors: Daversa David R , Baxter Ella , Rosa Gonçalo M , Sergeant Chris , Garner Trenton WJ
Published: May 2024

Major advancements in ecology and biodiversity conservation have been made thanks to methods for marking and individually tracking animals. Marking animals is both widely used and controversial due to the potential consequences for animal welfare, which are often incompletely evaluated prior to implementation. Two outstanding knowledge gaps concerning the welfare consequences of individual marking are their short-term behavioural impacts and the relative impacts from marking versus the handling of animals while carrying out procedures. We addressed these knowledge gaps through an experimental study of alpine newts (Ichthyosaura alpestris) in which we varied handling and marking procedures. Examining individual responses to handling, toe clipping and visible implant elastomer (VIE) injection over 21 days showed that handling and marking elicited increased newt activity and hesitancy to feed compared to animals that did not get handled or marked. These effects were apparent even when animals were handled only (not marked), and marking did not further increase the magnitude of responses. Increases in newt activity and feeding hesitancy were transient; they were not observed in the weeks following handling and marking. While previous studies emphasise the welfare impacts of marking procedures themselves, these findings highlight that handling alone can elicit behavioural changes with possible costs to welfare. Yet, the transient nature of behavioural responses suggests that immediate costs of handling may be subsequently compensated for in the short term.
Blind zones in radiating dispersion at high Péclet number driven by non-Newtonian fluids in porous media
Authors: Cheng Zhi , Lien Fue-Sang , Zhang Ji Hao , Gu Grace X.
Published: May 2024

A wide range of environmental, energy, medical and biological processes rely on dispersive transport through complex media. Yet, because of the stagnant and opaque nature of the microscopic system, the role of disordered flow and structure in the dispersive transport of solutes remains poorly understood. Here, we use a circular porous microfluidic system to investigate the radial dispersion in porous media driven by non-Newtonian fluids with strong advection rate (or at high Péclet number) and low-to-moderate Reynolds numbers. We observe for the first time the presence of diffusion ‘blind zones’ in the microstructure for high solution injection velocities. More specifically, an in-depth analysis uncovers that the circumferential flow frame, coformed by obstacles and vortices especially the ‘twin-vortex’ with same rotation direction, is responsible for the diffusion ‘blind zones’ and transport heterogeneity. The vortices are induced by the coupling of microfluidics and porous structures, and correlated to inertial flow-induced instabilities. The trade-off between diffusion efficiency and quality/completeness with respect to the high Péclet number (or high inlet velocity) serves to enhance our comprehension of intricate fluid dynamics and affords a set of principles to aid a diverse range of practical implementations.
Contact-angle hysteresis on rough surfaces: mechanical energy balance framework
Authors: Harvie Dalton J.E.
Published: May 2024

Using as a starting point conservation of momentum, a multiphase mechanical energy balance equation is derived that accounts for multiple material phases and interfaces present within a moving control volume. This balance is applied to a control volume that is anchored to a three-phase contact line as it advances continuously over the surface of a rough and chemically homogeneous and inert solid. Using semi-quantitative models for the material behaviour occurring within the control volume, an order of magnitude analysis is performed to neglect insignificant terms, producing an equation for predicting contact-angle hysteresis from a knowledge of the interface dynamics occurring around the three-phase contact line. It is shown that the viscous energy dissipation that occurs during the ‘stick–slip’ motion of the three-phase contact line, being the cause of contact-angle hysteresis on rough surfaces, can be calculated from changes in intermediate equilibrium interface states. The balance is applied to the Wenzel, Cassie–Baxter and Fakir (super-hydrophobic) wetting states, showing for the Fakir case that significant dissipation occurs during both interface advance and recede, and relating these dissipations to interfacial area changes that occur around the ‘stick–slip’ events.
Comes the Southern Revolution: The Reframing of Chinese Shan-zhai Toward Identity Change
Authors: Hung Shih-Chang , Chen Yu-Chun
Published: May 2024

Following the literature on entrepreneurial framing and identity change, we examined how Chinese shan-zhai phone entrepreneurs have drawn on their cultural resources to reframe their businesses to claim new identities and gain legitimacy over time. Through qualitative procedures, we found that a staged process of collective identity development underlies this entrepreneurial process, consisting of building (a) niche-market identity via pragmatic reframing, (b) socio-political identity via nationalistic reframing, and finally (c) professional identity via comprehensive reframing. There has also been a clear change in the sources of legitimacy from the indigenous market through the wider Chinese society to the more globally defined industry. Our central contribution is a processual model of identity change through cultural reframing specifically focused on how informal entrepreneurs grow into formalization and global competition.
Aligning paleobiological research with conservation priorities using elasmobranchs as a model
Authors: Dillon Erin M. , Pimiento Catalina
Published: May 2024

Humans have dramatically transformed ecosystems over the previous millennia and are potentially causing a mass extinction event comparable to the others that shaped the history of life. However, only a fraction of these impacts has been directly recorded, limiting conservation actions. Conservation paleobiology leverages geohistorical records to offer a long-term perspective on biodiversity change in the face of anthropogenic stressors. Nevertheless, the field's on-the-ground contributions to conservation outcomes are still developing. Here, we present an overview of directions in which paleobiological research could progress to aid conservation in the coming decades using elasmobranchs (sharks, rays, and skates)—a highly threatened group with a rich fossil record—as a model. These research directions are guided by areas of overlap between an expert-led list of current elasmobranch conservation priorities and available fossil and historical records. Four research topics emerged for which paleobiological research could address open questions in elasmobranch science and conservation: (1) baselines, (2) ecological roles, (3) threats, and (4) conservation priorities. Increasingly rich datasets and novel analytical frameworks present exciting opportunities to apply the elasmobranch fossil record to conservation practice. A similar approach could be extended to other clades. Given the synthetic nature of these research topics, we encourage collaboration across timescales and with conservation practitioners to safeguard the future of our planet's rapidly disappearing species.
How Much Should We Trust Instrumental Variable Estimates in Political Science? Practical Advice Based on 67 Replicated Studies
Authors: Lal Apoorva , Lockhart Mackenzie , Xu Yiqing , Zu Ziwen
Published: May 2024

Instrumental variable (IV) strategies are widely used in political science to establish causal relationships, but the identifying assumptions required by an IV design are demanding, and assessing their validity remains challenging. In this paper, we replicate 67 articles published in three top political science journals from 2010 to 2022 and identify several concerning patterns. First, researchers often overestimate the strength of their instruments due to non-i.i.d. error structures such as clustering. Second, IV estimates are often highly uncertain, and the commonly used t-test for two-stage-least-squares (2SLS) estimates frequently underestimate the uncertainties. Third, in most replicated studies, 2SLS estimates are significantly larger in magnitude than ordinary-least-squares estimates, and their absolute ratio is inversely related to the strength of the instrument in observational studies—a pattern not observed in experimental ones—suggesting potential violations of unconfoundedness or the exclusion restriction in the former. We provide a checklist and software to help researchers avoid these pitfalls and improve their practice.
Fibre-based stretchable electrodes for flexible metamaterial electronics: A review
Authors: Bai Yunzhao , Hou Chao , Cheng Wenna , Xu Zijian , Li Kan , Huang YongAn
Published: May 2024

Flexible electronics researchers have been conducting studies to explore the response of flexible stretchable electrodes to strain. The regulation of strain response in current flexible stretchable electrodes relies primarily on altering the material system, interfacial adhesion, or electrode structure. However, modifying the material system or interfacial adhesion can negatively disrupt the stretchable electrode preparation process, making commercialization a significant challenge. Additionally, the material system may be inadequate in extreme environments such as high temperatures. Hence a systematic structural design approach is crucial for effective response modulation of stretchable electrodes. One potential solution is the design of fibre structures from the micro to macro scale. This article focuses on discussing how the response of stretchable electrodes can be modulated by fibres in different states. The discussion includes fibres on elastic films, fibres directly constituting fibrous membranes at the microscopic level, and fibres constituting metamaterials at the fine level. The modulation can be achieved by altering the orientation of the fibres, the geometrical structure of the fibres themselves, and the geometrical structure formed between the fibres. Additionally, the article analyses the current situation of stretchable electrodes in extreme environments such as high temperatures. It also reviews the development of ceramic fibre membranes that can be stretched in high-temperature environments. The authors further discuss how the stretchability of ceramic fibre membranes can be improved through the structuring of ceramic fibre membranes with metamaterials. Ultimately, the goal is to realize stretchable electrodes that can be used in extreme environments such as high temperatures.
Predicting the current and future suitable distribution range of Trilocha varians (Walker, 1855) (Lepidoptera: Bombycidae) in China
Authors: Qian Qianqian , Xu Danping , Liao Wenkai , Zhuo Zhihang
Published: May 2024

Trilocha varians is one of the major pests of Ficus spp. Based on 19 bioclimatic variables provided by the Worldclim, our study analysed the suitable distribution areas of T. varians under current and future climate changes (SSP1-2.6, SSP2-4.5, SSP5-8.5) for two periods (the 2050s and 2090s) using the maximum entropy algorithm (MaxEnt) model. Key environmental variables affecting the geographic distribution of T. varians were also identified, and the changes in the area of suitable range under current and future climate changes were compared. The results showed that the key environmental variables affecting the distribution of T. varians were temperature and precipitation, comprising annual mean temperature (bio1), temperature seasonality (standard deviation × 100) (bio4), precipitation of driest month (bio14), and precipitation of driest quarter (bio17). Under the current climatic conditions, the suitable distribution area of T. varians is within the range of 92°13′E–122°08′E, 18°17′N–31°55′N. The current high, medium, and low suitable areas for T. varians predicted by the MaxEnt model are 14.00 × 104, 21.50 × 104, and 71.95 × 104 km2, of which the high suitable areas are mainly distributed in southern Guangdong, southwestern Guangxi, western Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Hainan. Under different future climatic conditions, some of the high, medium, and low suitability zones for T. varians increased and some decreased, but the mass centre did not migrate significantly. The Pearl River Basin is predicted to remain the main distribution area of T. varians.
Towards a refined Norian (Upper Triassic) conodont biostratigraphy of the western Tethys: revision of the recurrent ‘multidentata-issue’
Authors: Karádi Viktor
Published: May 2024

The issue of oversimplified Norian conodont taxonomy has set back the development of Norian conodont biostratigraphy of the western Tethys Realm for decades. The majority of stratigraphic studies used the name Epigondolella multidentata, a North American endemic, to gather specimens indicative of strata from the lower part of the middle Norian substage. Detailed conodont biostratigraphic investigations were carried out on the Norian hemipelagic cherty dolostones of the Mátyás Hill section in the Buda Hills (Hungary) in order to resolve the ‘multidentata problem’. The age of the section ranges from the upper part of the lower Norian substage (Lacian-3) to the lower part of the middle Norian substage (Alaunian-1). The new species Ancyrogondolella manueli n. sp. is introduced, and A. transformis is documented for the first time in the Tethys. The studied conodont fauna significantly improves the correlation potential between the western Tethys and the eastern Pacific.
Unlawful Carnal Knowledge in the Irish Free State, 1924–1935
Authors: Doyle David M.
Published: May 2024

Despite a growing body of research on sexual violence in Irish history, and on recently reported historic sexual offences, few studies have focused on sex offenders who were prosecuted and convicted contemporaneously in the early decades of the Irish Free State. This article examines hitherto restricted archival files on sixty-five offenders who were convicted of unlawful carnal knowledge under the Criminal Law Amendment Act 1885, and, in doing so, constitutes the first comprehensive analysis of convicted sex offenders during the formative years of the independent Irish state. The findings reveal the modus operandi of these perpetrators and that the majority of the victims were exploited by someone who was known to them. The article also challenges the view that there was little recognition of child sexual abuse as a societal problem in the early years of the state and demonstrates that there was an awareness of predatory individuals within Irish communities during this period.
Charging Aggression as a Crime against Humanity? Revisiting the Proposal after Russia's Invasion of Ukraine
Authors: Gordon Gregory S
Published: May 2024

Much discussion over Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine focuses on the inability to charge aggression. However, another approach might be available: charging this under the ICC crimes against humanity (CAH) residual clause. First proposed in 2010 by Benjamin Ferencz, who lamented the circumscribed reach of aggression under the ‘Kampala Compromise’, the proposal has met with scepticism, primarily given that textbook aggression targets military forces, not civilians. Yet, civilian populations disproportionately bear the brunt of the violence of modern aggression (often being its direct targets). Russia's 2022 invasion is but the most recent and compelling example. Thus, this article resuscitates Ferencz's proposal, arguing that Russian leaders could be charged with using illegal force as a CAH under the residual clause. This approach would have practical advantages: initiating aggression in the Kremlin links liability to Putin much more directly for killing Ukrainian civilians, and charging it as CAH opens human victims to ICC participation and reparations. There are theoretical advantages, too, with utilitarian/retributive objectives better satisfied. Moreover, Ferencz's approach is better than recently proposed alternatives: using aggression merely as a gravity/liability modes/sentencing enhancer or alleging breach of the right to self-determination as the residual clause gravamen (arguably creating problems with victim group identification).