Core percolation and onset of complexity in boolean networks

The determination and classification of fixed points of large Boolean networks is addressed in terms of a constraint-satisfaction problem. We develop a general simplification scheme that, removing all those variables and functions belonging to trivial logical cascades, returns the computational core of the network. The transition line from an easy to a complex regulatory phase is described as a function of the parameters of the model, identifying thereby both theoretically and algorithmically the relevant regulatory variables.     

High-resolution apertureless near-field optical imaging using gold nanosphere probes

An apertureless near-field scanning optical microscope (ANSOM) that utilizes the enhanced field around a gold nanosphere, which is attached to the end of an atomic force microscope (AFM) tip, is used to image the local dielectric constant of the patterned metallic surfaces and local electric field around plasmonic nanosphere samples. A colloidal gold nanosphere (approximately 50 nm diameter) is linked to the extremity of the conventional etched-silicon probe. The scattering of laser radiation (633 or 532 nm) is modulated by the oscillating nanosphere-functionalized silicon tip, and the scattered radiation is detected. The approach curve (scattering intensity as a function of the tip-sample distance), the polarization dependence (scattering intensity as a function of the excitation polarization direction), and ANSOM image contrast confirm that the spherical nanosphere attached to the silicon tip acts as a point dipole that interacts with the sample surface via a dipole-dipole coupling, in which the dipole created by the field at the tip interacts with its own image dipole in the sample. The image obtained with the nanoparticle functionalized tip provides a dielectric map of the sample surface with a spatial resolution better than 80 nm. In addition, we show that the functionalized tip is capable of imaging the local electric field distribution above the plasmonic nanosphere samples. Overall, the result shows that high-resolution ANSOM is possible without the aid of the lightning-rod effect. With an improved tip-fabrication method, we believe that the method can provide a versatile high-resolution chemical imaging that is not available from usual forms of ANSOM.     

Endor for characterizing transition metal centres in LiNbO3

Abstract

ENDOR investigations show that in nearly stoichiometric LiNbO₃ Mn²⁺ substitutes for Li with a Li vacancy in the first Li shell for most centres. In heavily Mg codoped LiNbO₃ the Cr³⁺ dopant, characterized by a new isotropic ESR signal, is shown to substitute for Nb. Information on local disorder is obtained.     

Method for Measurements of Terrestrial Ultraviolet Radiation on Inclined Surfaces in Personal Dosimetry Field Studies

Understanding personal ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure is essential for the evaluation of the health risks and benefits; however, personal dosimetry could be challenging in large‐scale or/and long‐term population studies. Alternatively, personal exposure could be simulated using three‐dimensional models and lifestyle surveys together with data on a body position with respect to the sun. These models require a real‐time input on local environmental UVR. The main challenge in using this method is retrieval of the diffuse irradiance as it requires an often‐expensive tracking of solar position. In this study, a hypothesis that UVR measured on a vertical plane in the north direction can be used in the UK as a proxy for diffuse radiation was tested against direct measurements and compared with models based on solar tracker data in Chilton, UK, (51.57°N) in June–July 2018. The statistical analysis over 17 days under all weather conditions showed that for 45° and 90° tilted surfaces the proposed method performed as well as the best of the models based on solar tracker data. A proposed system could offer a portable and low‐cost alternative to measurements of diffuse radiation by solar tracking radiometers for spatial distribution of terrestrial erythema effective UVR in population field studies.     

Taxonomy of correlations of wind velocity — an application to the Sicilian area

We present an algorithm that allows us to analyze the cross-correlation of wind velocity measured in different locations; this algorithm is applied to 29 recording stations in Sicily. The results show that such correlations present a significant and persistent ultrametric structure that is influenced by the geographical neighborhood as well as by the presence of mountain and the sea. The algorithm presented, that is also able to reveal weak correlations, can be used as a starting point for the development of multivariate models of wind.     

Unravelling the Phytochemical Composition and the Pharmacological Properties of an Optimized Extract from the Fruit from Prunus mahaleb L.: From Traditional Liqueur Market to the Pharmacy Shelf

Prunus mahaleb L. fruit has long been used in the production of traditional liqueurs. The fruit also displayed scavenging and reducing activity, in vitro. The present study focused on unravelling peripheral and central protective effects, antimicrobial but also anti-COVID-19 properties exerted by the water extract of P. mahaleb. Anti-inflammatory effects were studied in isolated mouse colons exposed to lipopolysaccharide. Neuroprotection, measured as a blunting effect on hydrogen-peroxide-induced dopamine turnover, was investigated in hypothalamic HypoE22 cells. Antimicrobial effects were tested against different Gram+ and Gram- bacterial strains. Whereas anti-COVID-19 activity was studied in lung adenocarcinoma H1299 cells, where the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 was measured after extract treatment. The bacteriostatic effects induced on Gram+ and Gram- strains, together with the inhibition of COX-2, TNFα, HIF1α, and VEGFA in the colon, suggest the potential of P. mahaleb water extract in contrasting the clinical symptoms related to ulcerative colitis. The inhibition of the hydrogen peroxide-induced DOPAC/DA ratio indicates promising neuroprotective effects. Finally, the downregulation of the gene expression of ACE2 and TMPRSS2 in H1299 cells, suggests the potential to inhibit SARS-CoV-2 virus entry in the human host. Overall, the results support the valorization of the local cultivation of P. mahaleb.     

Structural and spectroscopic properties of 2-thiophenecarboxaldehyde 2-thienylhydrazone

In this paper the crystal and molecular structure of the title compound is reported. The crystals are monoclinic, P2₁/c,Z=4,a=13.406(4),b=5.367(1),c=15.545(6)Å,=110.00(5)°. The structure was solved by direct and Fourier methods and refined by full-matrix least squares toR=0.0497 andRw=0.0537 for 1094 unique reflections. The molecule shows an E-conflguration with respect to the C=N double bond. Mass and IR spectra are also discussed.     

Crystal and molecular structures of 1-phenyl-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2-thionetetraaquacobalt(II) dinitrate complex and of two pyrimidine thiones

The crystal structures of 1-phenyl-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2-thionetetraaquacobalt(II) dinitrate (I)a=9.032(2),b=12.458(2),c=18.067(3)Å,=103.25(3)°,Z=4;P2₁/c,R=0.049; 1-phenyl-4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2-thione (II)a=12.005(3),b=10.090(2),c=9.649(2)Å,=104.4(1)°,Z=4;P2₁/n,R=0.038; and 4,6-dimethylpyrimidine-2-thione (III)a=15.485(3),b=13.255(3),c=7.127(2)Å,=104.3(1)°,Z=8,C2/c,R=0.041 are reported. In (I) the coordination around the cobalt(II) is distorted octahedral involving one ligand moleculevia sulphur and nitrogen atoms and four water molecules. It is relevant that the parameters in the complexed ligand are not different from those found in the uncomplexed one (II), excepting the distances on the nitrogen atom directly involved in the coordination. Bond distances and angles in compound (III) agree with those found in (II).     

Synthesis and X-ray structure of tetrakis[μ-(3,4-dimethoxy-α-β-dihydrocinnamato)] dimethanoldicopper(II)

The synthesis, magnetic, and structural properties of the title compound are reported. The crystals are triclinic, space groupP¯1, witha=15.084(2),b=11.820(1),c=7.5253(7) Å, =71.50(1),=77.61(1), =68.68(1)° andZ=1; the structure was solved by Patterson and Fourier methods and refined toR 0.0351 for 4147 observed reflections. The content of the unit cell consists of a centrosymmetrical copper acetate-like molecule in which each copper can be described as square-pyramidally surrounded by four carboxylic oxygens in the basal plane [1.955(2)–1.970(2) Å], one methanolic oxygen in the apical site [2.206(2) Å] and a CuCu interaction of 2.612(5) Å at a sixth position of a distorted octahedron. The dimers are packed by means of hydrogen bonds formed between the methanolic OH group and the carboxylic O(2) atom of one adjacent complex and by normal Van der Waals contacts. The subnormal magnetic moment, characteristic of exchange interactions between the two copper(II) ions, and the energy of the d-d band observed are consistent with the reported dinuclear copper(II) acetate-like structure.