Gravity localization on thick branes: a numerical approach

We introduce a numerical procedure to investigate the spectrum of massive modes and its contribution for gravity localization on thick branes. After considering a model with an analytically known Schroedinger potential, we present the method and discuss its applicability. With this procedure we can study several models even when the Schroedinger potential is not known analytically. We discuss both the occurrence of localization of gravity and the correction to the Newtonian potential given by the massive modes.Comment: 22 pages, 12 figure

Epitaxial growth of the first two members of the Ban +1InnO2.5 n +1Ruddlesden-Popper homologous series

We demonstrate the epitaxial growth of the first two members, and the n = ∞ member of the homologous Ruddlesden-Popper series of Ba n + 1 In n O 2.5 n + 1 of which the n = 1 member was previously unknown. The films were grown by suboxide molecular-beam epitaxy where the indium is provided by a molecular beam of indium-suboxide [In 2O (g)]. To facilitate ex situ characterization of the highly hygroscopic barium indate films, a capping layer of amorphous SiO 2 was deposited prior to air exposure. The structural quality of the films was assessed by x-ray diffraction, reflective high-energy electron diffraction, and scanning transmission electron microscopy

Using entanglement improves precision of quantum measurements

We show how entanglement can be used to improve the estimation of an unknown transformation. Using entanglement is always of benefit, in improving either the precision or the stability of the measurement. Examples relevant for applications are illustrated, for either qubits and continuous variable

Antimicrobial resistance in neonates with suspected sepsis

SettingNobel Medical College and Teaching Hospital, Biratnagar, Nepal.ObjectiveTo determine the pattern of antimicrobial resistance and hospital exit outcomes in neonates with suspected sepsis in a tertiary neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).DesignThis hospital-based cohort study was conducted to follow patients from January to December 2019. All identified cases of suspected sepsis were enlisted from hospital records.ResultsSepsis was suspected in 177 (88%) of the 200 cases admitted in the NICU; 52 (29%) were culture-positive. Pseudomonas was the predominant organism isolated (n = 40; 78%), followed by coagulase negative staphylococcus (n = 12, 23%). Nine (17%) of the 52 isolates were resistant to the Access and Watch group of antibiotics, including some resistance to Reserve group drugs such as imipenem and linezolid. Most treated cases (n = 170, 96%) improved, although 7 (4%) left against medical advice.ConclusionMost of the pathogens were resistant to WHO Access and Watch antibiotics and occasional resistance was observed to Reserve group drugs. Most sepsis was caused by Gram-negative bacilli. Improving turnaround times for antibiotic sensitivity testing using point-of-care testing, and a greater yield of culture-positive results are needed to enhance the management of neonatal sepsis

Progress and Recent Trends in the Application of Nanoparticles as Low Carbon Fuel Additives—A State of the Art Review

The first part of the current review highlights the evolutionary nuances and research hotspots in the field of nanoparticles in low carbon fuels. Our findings reveal that contribution to the field is largely driven by researchers from Asia, mainly India. Of the three biofuels under review, biodiesel seems to be well studied and developed, whereas studies regarding vegetable oils and alcohols remain relatively scarce. The second part also reviews the application of nanoparticles in biodiesel/vegetable oil/alcohol-based fuels holistically, emphasizing fuel properties and engine characteristics. The current review reveals that the overall characteristics of the low carbon fuel–diesel blends improve under the influence of nanoparticles during combustion in diesel engines. The most important aspect of nanoparticles is that they act as an oxygen buffer that provides additional oxygen molecules in the combustion chamber, promoting complete combustion and lowering unburnt emissions. Moreover, the nanoparticles used for these purposes exhibit excellent catalytic behaviour as a result of their high surface area-to-volume ratio—this leads to a reduction in exhaust pollutants and ensures an efficient and complete combustion. Beyond energy-based indicators, the exergy, economic, environmental, and sustainability aspects of the blends in diesel engines are discussed. It is observed that the performance of the diesel engine fuelled with low carbon fuels according to the second law of efficiency improves under the influence of the nano-additives. Our final part shows that despite the benefits of nanoparticles, humans and animals are under serious threats from the highly toxic nature of nanoparticles. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.20JCJQJC00160; Cardiff University; Universiti Tenaga Nasional: IC6-BOLDREFRESH2025This research was funded by Tianjin Science Fund for Distinguished Young Scholars, grant number 20JCJQJC00160, and the Universiti Tenaga Nasional grant no. IC6-BOLDREFRESH2025 (HCR) under the BOLD2025 Program. The APC was funded by Cardiff University

Developments in Structuring of Reformed Theology:The Synopsis Purioris Theologiae (1625) as Example

The Synopsis Purioris Theologiae (1625), an influential handbook of Reformeddogmatics, began as a cycle of disputations. A comparison of it with the cyclesthat were held previously in Leiden reveals some shifts in the structure of Reformeddogmatics. After introducing the Synopsis, this paper highlights thefunction of prolegomena, the place of predestination, and the relationship betweenthe magistrate and eschatology. It concludes that the choices made in theSynopsis illustrate tensions in Reformed theology. After the conflict with theRemonstrants it became urgent to carefully define the character of theology inthe prolegomena, to relate predestination to the person and work of Christ, andto connect the task of the magistrate to the doctrine of the church

Microalgae Lipid Characterization

To meet the growing interest of utilizing microalgae biomass in the production of biofuels and nutraceutical and pharmaceutical lipids, we need suitable analytical methods and a comprehensive database for their lipid components. The objective of the present work was to demonstrate methodology and provide data on fatty acid composition, lipid class content and composition, characteristics of the unsaponifiables, and type of chlorophylls of five microalgae. Microalgae lipids were fractionated into TAG, FFA, and polar lipids using TLC, and the composition of fatty acids in total lipids and in each lipid class, hydrocarbons, and sterols were determined by GC-MS. Glyco- and phospholipids were profiled by LC/ESI-MS. Chlorophylls and their related metabolites were qualified by LC/APCI-MS. The melting and crystallization profiles of microalgae total lipids and their esters were analyzed by DSC to evaluate their potential biofuel applications. Significant differences and complexities of lipid composition among the algae tested were observed. The compositional information is valuable for strain selection, downstream biomass fractionation, and utilization

Down-Regulation of ZnT8 Expression in INS-1 Rat Pancreatic Beta Cells Reduces Insulin Content and Glucose-Inducible Insulin Secretion

The SLC30A8 gene codes for a pancreatic beta-cell-expressed zinc transporter, ZnT8. A polymorphism in the SLC30A8 gene is associated with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes, although the molecular mechanism through which this phenotype is manifest is incompletely understood. Such polymorphisms may exert their effect via impacting expression level of the gene product. We used an shRNA-mediated approach to reproducibly downregulate ZnT8 mRNA expression by >90% in the INS-1 pancreatic beta cell line. The ZnT8-downregulated cells exhibited diminished uptake of exogenous zinc, as determined using the zinc-sensitive reporter dye, zinquin. ZnT8-downregulated cells showed reduced insulin content and decreased insulin secretion (expressed as percent of total insulin content) in response to hyperglycemic stimulus, as determined by insulin immunoassay. ZnT8-depleted cells also showed fewer dense-core vesicles via electron microscopy. These data indicate that reduced ZnT8 expression in cultured pancreatic beta cells gives rise to a reduced insulin response to hyperglycemia. In addition, although we provide no direct evidence, these data suggest that an SLC30A8 expression-level polymorphism could affect insulin secretion and the glycemic response in vivo

Role of Visible Light-Activated Photocatalyst on the Reduction of Anthrax Spore-Induced Mortality in Mice

BACKGROUND: Photocatalysis of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) substrates is primarily induced by ultraviolet light irradiation. Anion-doped TiO(2) substrates were shown to exhibit photocatalytic activities under visible-light illumination, relative environmentally-friendly materials. Their anti-spore activity against Bacillus anthracis, however, remains to be investigated. We evaluated these visible-light activated photocatalysts on the reduction of anthrax spore-induced pathogenesis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Standard plating method was used to determine the inactivation of anthrax spore by visible light-induced photocatalysis. Mouse models were further employed to investigate the suppressive effects of the photocatalysis on anthrax toxin- and spore-mediated mortality. We found that anti-spore activities of visible light illuminated nitrogen- or carbon-doped titania thin films significantly reduced viability of anthrax spores. Even though the spore-killing efficiency is only approximately 25%, our data indicate that spores from photocatalyzed groups but not untreated groups have a less survival rate after macrophage clearance. In addition, the photocatalysis could directly inactivate lethal toxin, the major virulence factor of B. anthracis. In agreement with these results, we found that the photocatalyzed spores have tenfold less potency to induce mortality in mice. These data suggest that the photocatalysis might injury the spores through inactivating spore components. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Photocatalysis induced injuries of the spores might be more important than direct killing of spores to reduce pathogenicity in the host