bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In silico drug discovery of SIRT2 inhibitors from natural source as anticancer agents
Authors: Ibrahim Mahmoud A. A. , Abdeljawaad Khlood A. A. , Roshdy Eslam , Mohamed Dina E. M. , Ali Taha F. S. , Gabr Gamal A. , Jaragh-Alhadad Laila A. , Mekhemer Gamal A. H. , Shawky Ahmed M. , Sidhom Peter A. , Abdelrahman Alaa H. M.
Published: February 2023

Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is a member of the sirtuin protein family, which includes lysine deacylases that are NAD+-dependent and organize several biological processes. Different forms of cancer have been associated with dysregulation of SIRT2 activity. Hence, identifying potent inhibitors for SIRT2 has piqued considerable attention in the drug discovery community. In the current study, the Natural Products Atlas (NPAtlas) database was mined to hunt potential SIRT2 inhibitors utilizing in silico techniques. Initially, the performance of the employed docking protocol to anticipate ligand-SIRT2 binding mode was assessed according to the accessible experimental data. Based on the predicted docking scores, the most promising NPAtlas molecules were selected and submitted to molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, followed by binding energy computations. Based on the MM-GBSA binding energy estimations over a 200 ns MD course, three NPAtlas compounds, namely NPA009578, NPA006805, and NPA001884, were identified with better ΔGbindingtowards SIRT2 protein than the native ligand (SirReal2) with values of − 59.9, − 57.4, − 53.5, and − 49.7 kcal/mol, respectively. On the basis of structural and energetic assessments, the identified NPAtlas compounds were confirmed to be steady over a 200 ns MD course. The drug-likeness and pharmacokinetic characteristics of the identified NPAtlas molecules were anticipated, and robust bioavailability was predicted. Conclusively, the current results propose potent inhibitors for SIRT2 deserving more in vitro/in vivo investigation.
Scenarios of land use and land cover change in the Colombian Amazon to evaluate alternative post-conflict pathways
Authors: Agudelo-Hz William-J. , Castillo-Barrera Natalia-C. , Uriel Murcia-García
Published: February 2023

Pastures and crops have been expanding at an accelerated rate in the forests of the Colombian Amazon since the peace accords were signed in 2016. The rapid loss of tropical rainforests is threatening the integrity of protected areas and connectivity in the Amazon and other natural regions. In the context of the post-conflict stage, a set of land use and land cover change scenarios were constructed for the Colombian Amazon for the year 2040, using expert coherent narratives. Three scenarios were designed: trend, extractivist, and sustainable development. Historic land use change and driving factors were analyzed throughout 14 transitions between the years 2002 and 2016, based on the interpretation of Landsat images and their relationship with 29 driving factors using artificial neural networks. The Markov chain model was calculated for the transitions, and the change allocation model was parameterized to spatially simulate the scenarios. The results showed that the LULC model calibration and validation were satisfactory (0.91). The sustainable development scenario that considers strong policies for the conservation of forests and implementation of sustainable production projects was the option with greater values for conserved forests and secondary vegetation in recovery, adding ~ 42 million hectares by 2040. The other scenarios showed that the Colombian Amazon will lose ~ 2 million hectares of forests in the trend scenario and ~ 4.3 million hectares in the extractivist scenario, based on the reference year (2016). In the trend scenario, pastures and crops could increase by 48%; and, in the extractivist scenario, these would increase by 117%, changing from ~ 3.9 to ~ 8.6 million hectares. We hope that the scientific contribution of this study will be relevant for informed discussion in decision-making and provide a framework for building a peaceful territory.
The relationship of social determinants and distress in newly diagnosed cancer patients
Authors: Okeke Brandon , Hillmon Cheron , Jones Jasmine , Obanigba Grace , Obi Ann , Nkansah Meagan , Odiase Nicholas , Khanipov Kamil , Okereke Ikenna C.
Published: February 2023

Patients with a new cancer diagnosis can experience distress when diagnosed. There are disparities in treatment of cancer patients based on social determinants, but minimal research exists on the relationship of those social determinants and distress after a new cancer diagnosis. Our goals were to determine the social determinants associated with distress after a new cancer diagnosis and determine the relationship of distress with outcome. Patients with a new cancer diagnosis at one institution from January 2019 to December 2020 were analyzed. Patients were given the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) distress thermometer during their first visit. Demographics, tumor characteristics, clinical variables and survival were recorded. Patients were also asked to share specific factors that led to distress, including: (1) financial, (2) transportation, (3) childcare and (4) religious. A total of 916 patients returned distress thermometers. Mean age was 59.1 years. Females comprised 71.3 (653/916) percent of the cohort. On Dunn’s multiple comparison, the following factors were associated with increased distress level: female (p < 0.01), ages 27 to 45 (p < 0.01), uninsured (p < 0.01) and unemployed (p < 0.01). Patients with higher distress scores also experienced worse overall survival (p < 0.05). Females, young patients, uninsured patients and unemployed patients experience more distress after a new cancer diagnosis. Increased distress is independently associated with worse overall survival. Social determinants can be used to predict which patients may require focused interventions to reduce distress after a new cancer diagnosis.
Monolithic 3D integration of back-end compatible 2D material FET on Si FinFET
Authors: Guan Shi-Xian , Yang Tilo H. , Yang Chih-Hao , Hong Chuan-Jie , Liang Bor-Wei , Simbulan Kristan Bryan , Chen Jyun-Hong , Su Chun-Jung , Li Kai-Shin , Zhong Yuan-Liang , Li Lain-Jong , Lan Yann-Wen
Published: February 2023

The performance enhancement of integrated circuits relying on dimension scaling (i.e., following Moore’s Law) is more and more challenging owing to the physical limit of Si materials. Monolithic three-dimensional (M3D) integration has been considered as a powerful scheme to further boost up the system performance. Two-dimensional (2D) materials such as MoS2 are potential building blocks for constructing upper-tier transistors owing to their high mobility, atomic thickness, and back-end-of-line (BEOL) compatible processes. The concept to integrate 2D material-based devices with Si field-effect transistor (FET) is technologically important but the compatibility is yet to be experimentally demonstrated. Here, we successfully integrated an n-type monolayer MoS2 FET on a p-type Si fin-shaped FET with 20 nm fin width via an M3D integration technique to form a complementary inverter. The integration was enabled by deliberately adopting industrially matured techniques, such as chemical mechanical planarization and e-beam evaporation, to ensure its compatibility with the existing 3D integrated circuit process and the semiconductor industry in general. The 2D FET is fabricated using low-temperature sequential processes to avoid the degradation of lower-tier Si devices. The MoS2 n-FETs and Si p-FinFETs display symmetrical transfer characteristics and the resulting 3D complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor inverter show a voltage transfer characteristic with a maximum gain of ~38. This work clearly proves the integration compatibility of 2D materials with Si-based devices, encouraging the further development of monolithic 3D integrated circuits.
Complexin-1 regulated assembly of single neuronal SNARE complex revealed by single-molecule optical tweezers
Authors: Hao Tongrui , Feng Nan , Gong Fan , Yu Yang , Liu Jiaquan , Ren Yu-Xuan
Published: February 2023

The dynamic assembly of the Synaptic-soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor Attachment REceptor (SNARE) complex is crucial to understand membrane fusion. Traditional ensemble study meets the challenge to dissect the dynamic assembly of the protein complex. Here, we apply minute force on a tethered protein complex through dual-trap optical tweezers and study the folding dynamics of SNARE complex under mechanical force regulated by complexin-1 (CpxI). We reconstruct the clamp and facilitate functions of CpxI in vitro and identify different interplay mechanism of CpxI fragment binding on the SNARE complex. Specially, while the N-terminal domain (NTD) plays a dominant role of the facilitate function, CTD is mainly related to clamping. And the mixture of 1-83aa and CTD of CpxI can efficiently reconstitute the inhibitory signal identical to that the full-length CpxI functions. Our observation identifies the important chaperone role of the CpxI molecule in the dynamic assembly of SNARE complex under mechanical tension, and elucidates the specific function of each fragment of CpxI molecules in the chaperone process.
Noiseless single-photon isolator at room temperature
Authors: Zhang Shicheng , Zhan Yifan , Gong Shangqing , Niu Yueping
Published: February 2023

Nonreciprocal devices, such as isolators, are of great importance for optical communication and optical information processing. To bypass the limitation of a strong magnetic field imposed by the traditional Faraday magneto-optic effect, many alternative mechanisms have been proposed to demonstrate magnetic-free nonreciprocity. However, limited by the drive-induced noise, the noiseless isolator capable of working in the quantum regime has yet to be realized in the experiment. Here, we show a noiseless all-optical isolator with genuine single photons in hot atoms. We experimentally study this mechanism using an open V-type level scheme and demonstrate a low insertion loss of 0.6 dB and high isolation of 30.3 dB with bandwidth up to hundreds of megahertz. Furthermore, the nonreciprocal direction can be truly reversed only by tuning the frequency of the pump laser with the same setup. Our scheme relies on widely used optical technology and is thus universal and robust.
A bipolar pyridine-functionalized porphyrin with hybrid charge-storage for dual-ion batteries
Authors: He Fangfang , Zhou Yangmei , Chen Xi , Wang Ting , Zeng Youlian , Zhang Jiahao , Chen Zhi , Liu Wei , Gao Ping
Published: February 2023

A metal-free pyridine functionalized porphyrin is proposed as a new electrode for organic batteries with long-term cycling stability and high-power density.
A de novo strategy for the development of a ZnII–organic framework based luminescent “switch-on” assay for size-exclusive sensitization of the oxidised form of glutathione (GSSG) over the reduced form (GSH): insights into the sensing mechanism through DFT
Authors: Bej Sourav , Das Riyanka , Kundu Debojyoti , Pal Tapan K. , Banerjee Priyabrata
Published: February 2023

The ratio of GSSG to GSH plays a key role as a biomarker for monitoring cellular health thus fuelling extensive ground-breaking research towards the development of robust sensory receptors for continuous monitoring of glutathione concentration.
Physical properties and nanostructuring of long-chained homobaric imidazolium ionic liquids
Authors: Koutsoukos Spyridon , Avila Jocasta , Brooks Nicholas J. , Costa Gomes Margarida , Welton Tom
Published: February 2023

Physical properties and nanostructuring of ionic liquids show significant differences even in groups of structural isomers.
Bipolar spin-filtering and giant magnetoresistance effect in spin-semiconducting zigzag graphene nanoribbons
Authors: Han Ziqi , Hao Hua , Zheng Xiaohong , Zeng Zhi
Published: February 2023

A tunnel junction is constructed with an asymmetrically hydrogenated 8-ZGNR and the spin-dependent electron transport in it is studied. Due to the spin-semiconducting ZGNR, giant magnetoresistance and bipolar spin filtering effects are achieved.
Exploring the interaction sites in glucose and galactose using phenol as a probe
Authors: Pinillos Paúl , Camiruaga Ander , Torres-Hernández Fernando , Basterrechea Francisco J. , Usabiaga Imanol , Fernández José A.
Published: February 2023

We have explored the conformational landscape for the interaction of glucose (β-PhGlc, β-MeGlc, and α-MeGlc) and galactose (β-PhGal, β-MeGal, and α-MeGal) with phenol, using mass-resolved laser spectroscopy and density functional calculations.
Synthesis, X-ray structure and magnetic properties of the apically functionalized monocapped cobalt(ii) tris-pyridineoximates possessing SMM behaviour
Authors: Belov Alexander S. , Belova Svetlana A. , Efimov Nikolay N. , Zlobina Veronika V. , Novikov Valentin V. , Nelyubina Yulya V. , Zubavichus Yan V. , Voloshin Yan Z. , Pavlov Alexander A.
Published: February 2023

Cobalt(ii) pseudoclathrochelates, possessing an intermediate trigonal prismatic–trigonal antiprismatic geometry, exhibit a SMM behaviour with Orbach relaxation barriers ∼ 90 K. NMR experiments confirmed persistence of magnetic characteristics in solution.
One-pot reductive etherification of biomass-derived 5-hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5-bis(isopropoxymethyl)furan over a sulfonic acid-functionalized zirconium-based coordination catalyst
Authors: He Aiyong , Gu Qinyin , Shen Xinming , Zheng Jingyi , Hu Lei , Wang Xiaoyu , Jiang Yetao , Wu Zhen , Xu Jiaxing , Song Jinliang
Published: February 2023

A sulfonic acid-functionalized zirconium-based coordination catalyst (Zr-BDC-S60) containing Zr4+–O2−pairs and –SO3H groups showed satisfactory catalytic activity and stability for the one-pot reductive etherification of HMF to BIPMF.
Discrimination and detection of NO2, NH3 and H2S using sensor array based on three ambipolar sandwich tetradiazepinoporphyrazinato/phthalocyaninato europium double-decker complexes
Authors: Kong Xia , Tarakanova Ekaterina N. , Du Xiaoli , Tomilova Larisa G. , Chen Yanli
Published: February 2023

By combining the distinct response patterns of the devices based on three ambipolar tetradiazepinoporphyrazinato/phthalocyaninato double-deckers, a sensor array was established to qualitatively and quantitatively distinguish NO2, NH3 and H2S gases.
Multi-target antibacterial mechanism of ruthenium polypyridine complexes with anthraquinone groups againstStaphylococcus aureus
Authors: Jiang Li , Ma Yuanyuan , Chen Yiman , Cai Mengcheng , Wu Zhixing , Xiong Yanshi , Duan Xuemin , Liao Xiangwen , Wang Jintao
Published: February 2023

Antibacterial activity and multi-targeting mechanism of ruthenium polypyridine complexes with anthraquinone groups againstStaphylococcus aureus.
Host–guest binding of tetracationic cyclophanes to photodynamic agents inhibits posttreatment phototoxicity and maintains antitumour efficacy
Authors: Sun Jian-Da , Liu Yamin , Zhao Zijian , Yu Shang-Bo , Qi Qiao-Yan , Zhou Wei , Wang Hui , Hu Ke , Zhang Dan-Wei , Li Zhan-Ting
Published: February 2023

A tetracationic macrocycle can include clinically used photodynamic agents, alleviating their posttreatment phototoxicity and maintaining their photodynamic efficacy.
A multi-line platinum nanozyme-based lateral flow device for the colorimetric evaluation of total antioxidant capacity in different matrices
Authors: Scarsi Anna , Pedone Deborah , Pompa Pier Paolo
Published: February 2023

A novel multi-line platinum-based catalytic device for the colorimetric measurement of antioxidant species in food and saliva matrices.
Nitrogen-rich hierarchical porous carbon nanoscrolls with atomically dispersed Co sites for the enhanced oxygen reduction reaction and lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Wen Ziyan , Chen Yangyang , Hu Da , He Binhong , Zhou Minjie
Published: February 2023

Hierarchical porous Co–N–C nanoscrolls are synthesized through a pyrolysis-induced gas diffusion strategy.
Efficient removal of high- or low-concentration copper ions using diethylenetriamine-grafted electrospun polyacrylonitrile fibers
Authors: Zhang Yuyin , Wang Keyu , Duan Gaigai , Chen Yiming , Liu Kunming , Hou Haoqing
Published: February 2023

Diethylenetriamine-grafted PAN fibers with high grafting rates using a hydrothermal method exhibit high Cu2+ adsorption capacities at high/low concentrations.
Regio- and stereoselective synthesis of functionalized tetrahydro-benzochromenes and hexahydrochromenochromenones via [4 + 2] annulation of curcumins with nitrochromenes
Authors: Laha Banamali , Suresh Alati , Namboothiri Irishi N. N.
Published: February 2023

Base mediated double and triple Michael reactions of curcumin with nitrochromene lead to benzochromene and chromenochromenone skeletons. A partial kinetic resolution of nitrochromene takes place in the presence of cinchonidine-squaramide.
Short and scalable synthesis of cynandione A
Authors: Kang Seoungwoo , Kim Yeonjoon , Kim Seonah , Ko Ju Young , Kim Jae Hyun
Published: February 2023

Two-step gram-scale synthesis of cynandione A was accomplished via one-pot tandem oxidation/regioselective arylation of 1,4-hydroquinone.
Multi-functionalization of woody biochar tuned for sustainable surface microbiological processes: a case study for energy applications
Authors: Ratheesh Anjana , Sreelekshmy Bhuvanendran Revamma , Shibli Sheik Muhammadhu Aboobakar
Published: February 2023

Strategic development of a redox-active multi-functionalized and multiporous biochar-based electrode as a bioanode to enhance microbial processes in an MFC to achieve a current density as high as 2.53 × 102 mA m−2.
Acrolein-free synthesis of polyacrolein derivatives via the chemo-selective reduction of polyacrylates
Authors: Chou Li-Chieh , Takada Kenji , Kaneko Tatsuo , Asakawa Naoki , Kakuchi Ryohei
Published: February 2023

Polyacrolein derivatives can be obtained from polyacrylates without the use of the toxic and volatile acrolein monomer.
Coordination-driven self-assembly of a sandwich shaped Eu(iii) complex for induced circularly polarized luminescence
Authors: Yin Sen , Li Xiaomeng , Wang Hongjing , Li Jingya , Huang Wenru , Gao Ting , Yan Pengfei , Zhou Yanyan , Li Hongfeng
Published: February 2023

A chiral guanidine cation as a counterion of a double decker sandwich europium(iii) complex, [EuL2]−, breaks the racemization equilibrium of assemblies and induces circularly polarized emission from Eu3+ions.
Reactivity of Pt(0) bromosilylene complexes towards ethylene
Authors: Hädinger Pauline , Hinz Alexander
Published: February 2023

The base-free carbazolyl bromosilylene RSiBr reacts with (η2-C2H4)Pt(PPh3)2and Pt(PCy3)2to form platinasilacyclobutane R(Br)Si(C2H4)Pt(PPh3)2(1) and silylene platinum complex R(Br)SiPt(PCy3)2(2), respectively.
Cutoff of transverse waves through the solar transition region
Authors: Pelouze Gabriel , Van Doorsselaere Tom , Karampelas Konstantinos , Riedl Julia M. , Duckenfield Timothy
Published: February 2023

Context. Transverse oscillations are ubiquitously observed in the solar corona, both in coronal loops and in open magnetic flux tubes. Numerical simulations suggest that their dissipation could heat coronal loops, thus counterbalancing radiative losses. These models rely on a continuous driver at the footpoint of the loops. However, analytical works predict that transverse waves are subject to a cutoff in the transition region. It is thus unclear whether they can reach the corona and indeed heat coronal loops.

Aims. Our aims are to determine how the cutoff of kink waves affects their propagation into the corona and to characterize the variation of the cutoff frequency with altitude.

Methods. Using 3D magnetohydrodynamic simulations, we modelled the propagation of kink waves in a magnetic flux tube, embedded in a realistic atmosphere with thermal conduction, which starts in the chromosphere and extends into the corona. We drove kink waves at four different frequencies and determined whether they experienced a cutoff. We then calculated the altitude at which the waves were cut off and compared it to the prediction of several analytical models.

Results. We show that kink waves indeed experience a cutoff in the transition region, and we identified the analytical model that gives the best predictions. In addition, we show that waves with periods shorter than approximately 500 s can still reach the corona by tunnelling through the transition region with little to no attenuation of their amplitude. This means that such waves can still propagate from the footpoints of loop and result in heating in the corona.
Modeling the early mass ejection in jet-driven protostellar outflows: Lessons from Cep E
Authors: Rivera-Ortiz P.R. , de A. Schutzer A. , Lefloch B. , Gusdorf A.
Published: February 2023

Context. Protostellar jets and outflows are an important agent of star formation as they carry away a fraction of momentum and energy, which is needed for gravitational collapse and protostellar mass accretion to occur.

Aims. Our goal is to provide constraints on the dynamics of the inner protostellar environment from the study of the outflow-jet propagation away from the launch region.

Methods. We have used the axisymmetric chemo-hydrodynamical code WALKIMYA-2D to numerically model and reproduce the physical and CO emission properties of the jet-driven outflow from the intermediate-mass protostar CepE-mm, which was observed at ~800 au resolution in the CO J = 2−1 line with the IRAM interferometer. Our simulations take into account the observational constraints available on the physical structure of the protostellar envelope.

Results. WALKIMYA-2D successfully reproduces the main qualitative and quantitative features of the Cep E outflow and the jet kinematics, naturally accounting for their time variability. Signatures of internal shocks are detected as knots along the jet. In the early times of the ejection process, the young emitted knots interact with the dense circumstellar envelope through high-velocity, dissociative shocks, which strongly decrease the CO gas abundance in the jet. As time proceeds, the knots propagate more smoothly through the envelope and dissociative shocks disappear after ~103 yr. The distribution of CO abundance along the jet shows that the latter bears memory of the early dissociative phase in the course of its propagation. Analysis of the velocity field shows that the jet material mainly consists of gas entrained from the circumstellar envelope and accelerated away from the protostar at 700 au scale. As a result, the overall jet mass-loss rate appears higher than the actual mass-ejection rate by a factor ~3.

Conclusions. Numerical modeling of the Cep E jet-driven outflow and comparison with the CO observations have allowed us to peer into the outflow formation mechanism with unprecedented detail and to retrieve the history of the mass-loss events that have shaped the outflow.
Strong magnetic fields detected in the cores of 11 red giant stars using gravity-mode period spacings
Authors: Deheuvels S. , Li G. , Ballot J. , Lignières F.
Published: February 2023

Despite their importance in stellar evolution, little is known about magnetic fields in the interior of stars. The recent seismic detection of magnetic fields in the core of several red giant stars has given measurements of their strength and information on their topology. We revisit the puzzling case of hydrogen-shell burning giants that show deviations from the expected regular period spacing of gravity modes. These stars also tend to have a measured period spacing that is too low compared to their counterparts. In this Letter, we show that these two features are well accounted for by strong magnetic fields in the cores of these stars. For 11 Kepler red giants showing these anomalies, we placed lower limits on the core field strengths ranging from 40 to 610 kG. For one star, the measured field exceeds the critical field above which gravity waves no longer propagate in the core. We find that this star shows mixed mode suppression at low frequency, which further suggests that this phenomenon might be related to strong core magnetic fields.
Photometric binaries, mass functions, and structural parameters of 78 Galactic open clusters
Authors: Cordoni Giacomo , Milone Antonino P. , Marino Anna F. , Vesperini Enrico , Dondoglio Emanuele , Legnardi Maria Vittoria , Mohandasan Anjana , Carlos Marilia , Lagioia Edoardo P. , Jang Sohee , Ziliotto Tuila
Published: February 2023

Context. Binary stars play a crucial role in our understanding of the formation and evolution of star clusters and their stellar populations.

Aims. We use Gaia Data Release 3 to homogeneously analyze 78 Galactic open clusters and the unresolved binary systems they host, each composed of two main sequence (MS) stars.

Methods. We first investigated the structural parameters of these clusters, such as the core radius and the central density, and determined the cluster mass function (MF) and total mass by interpolating the density profile of each cluster. We measured the fraction of binaries with a large mass ratio and the fraction of blue straggler stars (BSSs), and finally investigated possible connections between the populations of binary stars and BSSs with the main parameters of the host cluster.

Results. Remarkably, we find that the MFs of 78 analyzed open clusters follow a similar trend and are well reproduced by two single power-law functions, with a change in slope around masses of 1 M⊙. The fraction of binary stars ranges from ∼15% to more than ∼60% without significant correlation with the mass and the age of the host cluster. Moreover, we detect hints of a correlation between the total fraction of binary stars and the central density of the host cluster. We compared the fraction of binary stars with that of BSSs, finding that clusters with high and low central density exhibit different trends. The fraction of binaries does not significantly change with the mass of the primary star and the mass ratio. The radial distribution of binary stars depends on cluster age. The binaries of clusters younger than ∼800 Myr typically show a flat radial distribution, with some hints of a double peak. In contrast, the binaries of the remaining clusters are more centrally concentrated than the single stars, which is similar to what is observed in globular clusters.
PKS 1413+135: OH and H I at z = 0.247 with MeerKAT
Authors: Combes F. , Gupta N. , Muller S. , Balashev S. , Deka P. P. , Emig K. L. , Klöckner H.-R. , Klutse D. , Knowles K. , Mohapatra A. , Momjian E. , Noterdaeme P. , Petitjean P. , Salas P. , Srianand R. , Wagenveld J. D.
Published: February 2023

The BL Lac object PKS 1413+135 was observed by the Large Survey Project MeerKAT Absorption Line Survey (MALS) in the L-band, at 1139 MHz and 1293–1379 MHz, targeting the H I and OH lines in absorption at z = 0.24671. The radio continuum might come from the nucleus of the absorbing galaxy or from a background object at redshift lower than 0.5, as suggested by the absence of gravitational images. The H I absorption line is detected at a high signal-to-noise ratio, with a narrow central component, and with a red wing, confirming previous results. The OH 1720 MHz line is clearly detected in (maser) emission, peaking at a velocity shifted by −10 to −15 km s−1 with respect to the H I peak. The 1612 MHz line is lost due to radio frequency interference. The OH 1667 MHz main line is tentatively detected in absorption, but not the 1665 MHz line. Over 30 years a high variability is observed in optical depths, due to the rapid changes of the line of sight caused by the superluminal motions of the radio knots. The H I line has varied by 20% in depth, while the OH-1720 MHz depth has varied by a factor of ∼3. The position of the central velocity and the widths also varied. The absorbing galaxy is an early-type spiral (maybe S0) seen edge-on, with a prominent dust lane, covering the whole disk. Given the measured mass concentration and the radio continuum size at centimeter wavelengths (100 mas corresponding to 400 pc at z = 0.25), the width of the absorption lines from the nuclear regions are expected up to 250 km s−1. The narrowness of the observed lines (< 15 km s−1) suggests that the absorption comes from an outer gas ring, as frequently observed in S0 galaxies. The millimetric lines are even narrower (< 1 km s−1), which corresponds to the continuum size restricted to the core. The radio core is covered by individual 1 pc molecular clouds, whose column density is a few 1022 cm−2, which is compatible with the gas screen detected in X-rays.
Citizens’ engagement in smart cities for promoting circular economy. A Knowledge based framework
Authors: Caputo Francesco , Prisco Anna , Lettieri Mattia , Crescenzo Michele
Published: February 2023

Smart Cities can be considered as one of the most challenging topics within the last decades. Overcoming the well analysed debate about the digital devices and infrastructures needed for supporting the emergence and viability of Smart Cities, the paper aims at investigating how citizens’ engagement in Smart Cities can be used for promoting positive attitudes and behaviours towards Cities Circular Economy (CCE). Building upon a managerial perspective the paper aims at depicting preliminary conceptual reflections about antecedents and conditions able to influence citizens’ engagement in Smart Cities functioning. The paper proposes a Knowledge Management based framework for supporting both policy makers and managers in better understanding on which levels to act for ensuring a participative approach to the definition of a Circular Economy Logic in Smart Cities ecosystems.
Moving towards a people-centric smart city
Authors: Di Bernardo Irene , Cosimato Silvia , Carrubbo Luca
Published: February 2023

European cities are getting smarter. Smart technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Internet of Everything (IoE), and other AI-based technologies, are being injected more directly into the lives of citizens. Smart cities are seen as evolving ecosystems in which multiple actors act, react and interact over time to foster innovative solutions and provide better services for citizens. Despite the growing interest, existing research has to make key advances, important gaps persist as scholars lag behind theoretical development and rarely take into account the most important element of a city: people. Business and management scholars have focused on how to define strategies in smart cities, local policy, and others investigated the challenges of building a smart city. Few concerns deal with humans. In addressing these shortcomings, we tried to highlight why any smart city should be a community that learns, adapts, co-creates, and innovates. The purpose of this study is to investigate the human perspective that goes beyond the focus on technology related to smart cities in Europe, through an analysis in depth on how and how much citizens make cities smart. The focus is on people and their well-being combined with the shared knowledge and development that arises from each player in the ecosystem. To get an overall vision of the people-centric smart city we carry out an exploratory literature review with a PRISMA protocol that guides the identification of the studies to be included in the review. We finally provide implications for scholars and practitioners and suggest future research opportunities.
Innovative platforms for more compliant Smart Cities: A case study
Authors: Pagano Claudio , Rocco Gaetano , Carrubbo Luca
Published: February 2023

The quality of public services provided to citizens through information and communication technologies has emerged as one of the key points of public administration reform. In Italy, many legislative measures have triggered a virtuous circle of eGovernment that has achieved limited results in adopting new technologies by citizens and businesses [1]. This paper sets out to explore whether the design of an IT platform operating in a smart city context may increase the quality of services provided to citizens. Based on a case study methodology, the research examines the process of revitalization and smartification of a city, seen from the stakeholders’ perspective such as Government, Citizens and Tourists [2]. The paper is original in its examination of the Tely platform enabled by data obtained from the technology developer. It turned out that the platform has the potential to increase the quality of services provided to citizens and promote social integration in an area with a significant migratory population. However, the limitations of a single case study in a specific research context, such as a small town, are acknowledged and further research is needed to fully understand the implications of smart city initiatives and their effective implementation in different contexts.
The role and function of digital technologies in the sustainability perspective: Evidence from the football organizations in the Italian context
Authors: Varriale Luisa , Briganti Paola , Volpe Tiziana , Ferrara Maria
Published: February 2023

This paper investigates the Italian football clubs adopting a double perspective: the point of view of sustainability and technology innovation. In the last decades, the increasing implementation and spread of digital technologies worldwide in any economic settings, including the sport industry, especially the football business, has been playing a crucial role in supporting managerial, work out and training processes and making them much more competitive and high performing. At the same time, sport organizations, including football clubs, must achieve the UN Agenda 2030 with its 17 SDGs trying to improve their performance in the sustainability perspective. This paper, through a multiple case study of the Italian football clubs in the Serie A for the year 2021/2022, provides a portrait of these sport organizations and their way to be sustainable and much more technologically advanced in one specific county, where football industry has high relevance for volume of affairs and impact on sustainability. Thus, we match the two perspectives especially considering the role and function of digital technologies in making football clubs much more sustainable. After a brief review of the literature on the topic, we investigate the Italian football clubs mapping them considering their degree of sustainability and technology orientation. Our qualitative research provides useful insights about specific technologies able to improve the overall performance of the sport organizations, as well as knowledge about best practices already adopted by organizations for being sustainable, creating a kind of guideline for operators in the football industry.
Superconvergence of DPG approximations in linear elasticity
Authors: Bertrand Fleurianne , Schneider Henrik
Published: February 2023

Existing a priori convergence results of the discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin method to solve the problem of linear elasticity are improved. Using duality arguments, we show that higher convergence rates for the displacement can be obtained. Post-processing techniques are introduced in order to prove superconvergence and numerical experiments confirm our theory.
The Benefit of Transvaginal Elastography in Detecting Deep Endometriosis: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Xholli Anjeza , Londero Ambrogio P , Cavalli Elena , Scovazzi Umberto , Ferraro Mattia Francesco , Vacca Ilaria , Schiaffino Maria Giulia , Oppedisano Francesca , Sirito Giorgio , Molinari Filippo , Cagnacci Angelo
Published: February 2023

Objectives This study aimed to evaluate elastography features of deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), and to define whether this technique may discriminate lesions from surrounding non-endometriotic tissue.

Methods This was an exploratory observational study on women affected by DIE treated in a third-level academic hospital gynaecology outpatient facility between 2020 and 2021. Strain elastography (SE) was conducted via transvaginal probe. Tissue deformation of DIE and surrounding tissue was expressed as percentage tissue deformation or as subjective colour score (CS; from blue=stiff to red=soft, assigned numerical values from 0 to 3). Ratios of normal tissue/DIE were compared to ratio of normal tissue/stiffer normal tissue area.

Results Evaluations were performed on 46 DIE nodules and surrounding tissue of the uterosacral ligaments (n=21), parametrium (n=7), rectum (n=14), and recto-vaginal septum (n =4). Irrespective of location, DIE strain ratio (3.09, IQR 2.38–4.14 vs. 1.25, IQR 1.11–1.48; p<0.001) and CS ratio (4.62, IQR 3.83–6.94 vs. 1.13, IQR 1.06–1.29; p<0.001) was significantly higher than that of normal tissue. ROC AUC of CS ratio was higher than ROC AUC of strain ratio (99.76%, CI.95 99.26–100% vs. 91.35%, CI.95 85.23–97.47%; p=0.007), and best ROC threshold for CS ratio was 1.82, with a sensitivity of 97.83% (CI.95 93.48–100%) and a specificity of 100% (CI.95 100–100%).

Conclusions Both strain and CS ratios accurately distinguish DIE nodules at various locations. Applications of elastography in improving the diagnosis DIE, in distinguishing different DIE lesions and in monitoring DIE evolution can be envisioned and are worthy of further evaluation.
ROUX-EN-Y GASTRIC BYPASS POUCH OUTLET REDUCTION USING ARGON PLASMA COAGULATION
Authors: Fittipaldi-Fernandez Ricardo José , Zotarelli-Filho Idiberto José , Falcão de Santana Marcelo , de Lima João Henrique Felicio , Bastos Fernando Santos Silva , Barrichello-Junior Sérgio Alexandre , Teixeira Newton , Guedes Marcella , Fittipaldi-Fernandez Aline Fittipaldi-Fernandez
Published: February 2023

Aims: A comparative study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of argon plasma coagulation (APC) therapy in treating post-RYGB weight regain and the incidence of complications related to this procedure, using a sham treatment group as a control. Methods: Forty-one patients with a minimum weight regain of 10 kg and a minimum postoperative time of 36 months were randomized into two groups. Results: In the APC group (n=21), the mean initial weight was 100.4 kg and the mean weight regain was 24.94 kg. In the sham group (n=20), the mean initial weight was 103.65 kg, and the mean weight regain 25.18 kg. Anastomotic stenosis occurred only after the first APC session. The results for the comparison of APC with the sham group showed a percentage weight regain loss of 63.95 compared to -2.65, and weight loss of 15.02 and -0.57), percentage total weight loss of 14.46 and -0.62, excess weight loss of 54.32% and -2.34%), and BMI reduction of 5.38 and -0.21, with a p-value < 0.0001 for all the comparisons. In the APC group, there was a significant reduction in HbA1c (5.66% to 4.96%) and triglycerides (153.20 mg/dL to 132.20 mg/dL). Conclusion: This study indicates that APC outlet pouch reduction outperforms sham treatment in terms of weight loss for patients presenting weight regain after RYGB.
Large Carotid Aneurysm: An Illustrative Case of Open Surgical Repair
Authors: Del Foco Ottorino , Altaher Ahd Salahaldin Hassan
Published: February 2023

Background Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms are rare and are often localized at the level of the carotid bulb or in the distal internal carotid artery. Generally asymptomatic until an embolic event or a local compression reveals their presence, the rupture is rare.

Case Report We presented a case of a 68-year-old female referred to our hospital for a pulsatile mass on the right side of her neck with no other symptoms. The patient had a history of hypertension that was medically controlled. The duplex ultrasound confirmed the presence of a large internal carotid aneurysm. Angiotomography shows a large 5 cm diameter type 1 aneurysm of the right internal carotid artery and a type 1 2.7 cm diameter of the left carotid artery. Open surgery with aneurysmal resection and direct end-to-end anastomosis was performed with an uneventful course.

Conclusion This is an illustrative case of managing large carotid aneurysms by open surgery.
Closer in hard times? The drivers of European solidarity in ‘normal’ and ‘crisis’ times
Authors: Kyriazi Anna , Pellegata Alessandro , Ronchi Stefano
Published: February 2023

This article examines the trends and differences in predictors of public support for European Union (EU) fiscal solidarity using two individual surveys conducted in 2019 and 2020, before and during the first wave of the Covid-19 pandemic, in six Western European countries. We focus on individual self-interest and European/national identification as the two major determinants of public preference formation. Empirical analyses show that, while the average level of public support for European fiscal solidarity did not change from 2019 to 2020, the negative associations between exclusive national identification and economic vulnerability, on the one hand, and EU fiscal solidarity on the other were weakened. Among both, the identitarian source retained substantive (although reduced) relevance in 2020, while utility did not. Country-level analyses reveal a more complex picture, but the overall pattern holds across the member states included in our sample. We argue that the reduced explanatory power of these typical heuristics that individuals use to shape their attitudes towards European solidarity is connected to the nature of the pandemic as an exogenous ‘common crisis’, affecting all member states in a supposedly symmetric manner, at least in the first phase, and inducing interdependencies among them.
Deep learning in spatial transcriptomics: Learning from the next next-generation sequencing
Authors: Heydari A. Ali , Sindi Suzanne S.
Published: February 2023

Spatial transcriptomics (ST) technologies are rapidly becoming the extension of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), holding the potential of profiling gene expression at a single-cell resolution while maintaining cellular compositions within a tissue. Having both expression profiles and tissue organization enables researchers to better understand cellular interactions and heterogeneity, providing insight into complex biological processes that would not be possible with traditional sequencing technologies. Data generated by ST technologies are inherently noisy, high-dimensional, sparse, and multi-modal (including histological images, count matrices, etc.), thus requiring specialized computational tools for accurate and robust analysis. However, many ST studies currently utilize traditional scRNAseq tools, which are inadequate for analyzing complex ST datasets. On the other hand, many of the existing ST-specific methods are built upon traditional statistical or machine learning frameworks, which have shown to be sub-optimal in many applications due to the scale, multi-modality, and limitations of spatially resolved data (such as spatial resolution, sensitivity, and gene coverage). Given these intricacies, researchers have developed deep learning (DL)-based models to alleviate ST-specific challenges. These methods include new state-of-the-art models in alignment, spatial reconstruction, and spatial clustering, among others. However, DL models for ST analysis are nascent and remain largely underexplored. In this review, we provide an overview of existing state-of-the-art tools for analyzing spatially resolved transcriptomics while delving deeper into the DL-based approaches. We discuss the new frontiers and the open questions in this field and highlight domains in which we anticipate transformational DL applications.
A high precision surface potential imaging torsion pendulum facility to investigate physical mechanism of patch effect
Authors: Song Chi , Hu Ming , Li Ke , Luo Peng-shun , Wang Shun , Yin Hang , Zhou Zebing
Published: February 2023

The physical mechanism of the patch effect is still an open question. Thus, a high-precision surface potential mapping facility based on a specially designed electrostatically-controlled torsion pendulum is proposed in this paper. The facility not only features high sensitivity and a two-dimensional mapping function but also adapts to various measurement requirements for centimeter-sized samples. The sensitivity of the torsion pendulum reaches about 2.0 × 10−14 N m/Hz1/2 in a frequency range of 1–8 mHz. The temporal variation of the surface potential can be detected at a level of 30 μV/Hz1/2 with a probe whose surface area is 7 mm2. The potential spatial distribution resolution comes to 0.1 mm2 at a level of 40 μV with 1 h integration time.
Commissioning of the novel Continuous Angle Multi-energy Analysis spectrometer at the Paul Scherrer Institut
Authors: Lass Jakob , Jacobsen Henrik , Krighaar Kristine M. L. , Graf Dieter , Groitl Felix , Herzog Frank , Yamada Masako , Kägi Christian , Müller Raphael A. , Bürge Roman , Schild Marcel , Lehmann Manuel S. , Bollhalder Alex , Keller Peter , Bartkowiak Marek , Filges Uwe , Greuter Urs , Theidel Gerd , Rønnow Henrik M. , Niedermayer Christof , Mazzone Daniel G.
Published: February 2023

We report on the commissioning results of the cold neutron multiplexing secondary spectrometer CAMEA (Continuous Angle Multi-Energy Analysis) at the Swiss Spallation Neutron Source at the Paul Scherrer Institut, Switzerland. CAMEA is optimized for efficient data acquisition of scattered neutrons in the horizontal scattering plane, allowing for detailed and rapid mapping of low-energy excitations under extreme sample environment conditions.
On the metrizability ofm-Kropina spaces with closed null one-form
Authors: Heefer Sjors , Pfeifer Christian , van Voorthuizen Jorn , Fuster Andrea
Published: February 2023

We investigate the local metrizability of Finsler spaces with m-Kropina metric F = α1+mβ−m, where β is a closed null one-form. We show that such a space is of Berwald type if and only if the (pseudo-)Riemannian metric α and one-form β have a very specific form in certain coordinates. In particular, when the signature of α is Lorentzian, α belongs to a certain subclass of the Kundt class and β generates the corresponding null congruence, and this generalizes in a natural way to arbitrary signature. We use this result to prove that the affine connection on such an m-Kropina space is locally metrizable by a (pseudo-)Riemannian metric if and only if the Ricci tensor constructed from the affine connection is symmetric. In particular, we construct all counterexamples of this type to Szabo’s metrization theorem, which has only been proven for positive definite Finsler metrics that are regular on all of the slit tangent bundle.
Investigation on transient process of thermoacoustic oscillation in a gas–liquid standing-wave thermoacoustic engine
Authors: Luo Jiaqi , Zhou Qiang , Jin Tao
Published: February 2023

This work focuses on the transient process of thermoacoustic oscillation in a standing-wave thermoacoustic engine with gas–liquid coupling oscillation. Observing the transient evolution of the pressure amplitude shows that the on-off phenomenon can occur through adjusting the location of the stack in the acoustic field, and there exists a critical distance from the stack center to the pressure antinode for this phenomenon to occur. The analysis from the perspective of energy balance indicates that energy dissipation induced by liquid surface instability is a key factor contributing to the occurrence of on-off phenomenon. Through installing a submerged float into the liquid column to stabilize the liquid surface, the on-off phenomenon can be suppressed. Besides, the temperature difference for achieving steady thermoacoustic oscillation is decreased and the steady-state pressure amplitude is increased. In this work, the significance of liquid surface instability on the transient process of thermoacoustic oscillation is revealed and should be considered for better characterizing the dynamics of gas–liquid thermoacoustic engines.