Peculiar Core Research Articles

The politics of military assistance: Italian parties’ positions on the war in Ukraine

ABSTRACT In recent years, a research agenda on the party politics of military interventions has flourished. However, considerably less attention has been devoted to analysing party positions on the decision to provide military assistance to an actor involved in the conflict. This article focuses on Italy’s support for Ukraine after the 2022 Russian invasion. Triangulating quantitative and qualitative data, we examine party positions and how they evolved from the Draghi to the Meloni government. We find that moderate parties have generally been more supportive than extreme parties except Brothers of Italy, whose stance is still coherent with its own peculiar core values.

Gravitational Waves from Strange Star Core–Crust Oscillation

According to the strange quark matter hypothesis, pulsars may actually be strange stars composed of self-bound strange quark matter. The normal matter crust of a strange star, unlike that of a normal neutron star, is supported by a strong electric field. A gap is then presented between the crust and the strange quark core. Therefore, peculiar core–crust oscillation may occur in a strange star, which can produce distinctive gravitational waves. In this paper, the waveforms of such gravitational waves are derived using a rigid model. We find that the gravitational waves are extremely weak and undetectable, even for the next-generation detectors. Therefore, the seismology of a strange star is not affected by the core–crust oscillation. Observers will have to search for other effects to diagnose the existence of the crust.

Structure of the unusual Sinorhizobium fredii HH103 lipopolysaccharide and its role in symbiosis

Rhizobia are soil bacteria that form important symbiotic associations with legumes, and rhizobial surface polysaccharides, such as K-antigen polysaccharide (KPS) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), might be important for symbiosis. Previously, we obtained a mutant of Sinorhizobium fredii HH103, rkpA, that does not produce KPS, a homopolysaccharide of a pseudaminic acid derivative, but whose LPS electrophoretic profile was indistinguishable from that of the WT strain. We also previously demonstrated that the HH103 rkpLMNOPQ operon is responsible for 5-acetamido-3,5,7,9-tetradeoxy-7-(3-hydroxybutyramido)-l-glycero-l-manno-nonulosonic acid [Pse5NAc7(3OHBu)] production and is involved in HH103 KPS and LPS biosynthesis and that an HH103 rkpM mutant cannot produce KPS and displays an altered LPS structure. Here, we analyzed the LPS structure of HH103 rkpA, focusing on the carbohydrate portion, and found that it contains a highly heterogeneous lipid A and a peculiar core oligosaccharide composed of an unusually high number of hexuronic acids containing β-configured Pse5NAc7(3OHBu). This pseudaminic acid derivative, in its α-configuration, was the only structural component of the S. fredii HH103 KPS and, to the best of our knowledge, has never been reported from any other rhizobial LPS. We also show that Pse5NAc7(3OHBu) is the complete or partial epitope for a mAb, NB6-228.22, that can recognize the HH103 LPS, but not those of most of the S. fredii strains tested here. We also show that the LPS from HH103 rkpM is identical to that of HH103 rkpA but devoid of any Pse5NAc7(3OHBu) residues. Notably, this rkpM mutant was severely impaired in symbiosis with its host, Macroptilium atropurpureum.

Emission peaks in the light curve of core collapse supernovae by late jets

ABSTRACT We build a toy model where the central object, i.e. a newly born neutron star or a black hole, launches jets at late times and show that these jets might account for peaks in the light curve of some peculiar (i.e. having unusual light curves) core collapse supernovae (CCSNe) when the jets interact with the CCSN ejecta. We assume that the central object accretes fallback material and launches two short-lived opposite jets weeks to months after the explosion. We model each jet-ejecta interaction as a spherically symmetric ‘mini-explosion’ that takes place inside the ejecta. We assume that each ‘mini-explosion’ adds emission that is symmetric in time around the late peak, and with a rise in emission power that has the same slope as that of the main CCSN light curve. In total, we use 12 parameters in the toy model. In our toy model, late jets form stronger emission peaks than early jets. Late jets with a kinetic energy of only about one per cent of the kinetic energy of the CCSN itself might form strong emission peaks. We apply our toy model to the brightest peak of the enigmatic CCSN iPTF14hls that has several extra peaks in its light curve. We can fit this emission peak with our toy model when we take the kinetic energy of the jets to be about 1–2 per cent of the CCSN energy, and the shocked ejecta mass to be about 3 per cent of the ejecta mass.

The rotational profiles of cluster galaxies

ABSTRACT We compile two samples of cluster galaxies with complimentary hydrodynamic and N-body analysis using flash code to ascertain how their differing populations drive their rotational profiles and to better understand their dynamical histories. We select our main cluster sample from the X-ray Galaxy Clusters Database (BAX), which are populated with Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) galaxies. The BAX clusters are tested for the presence of substructures, acting as proxies for core mergers, culminating in sub-samples of eight merging and 25 non-merging galaxy clusters. An additional sample of 12 galaxy clusters with known dumbbell components is procured using galaxy data from the NASA/IPAC Extragalactic Database (NED) to compare against more extreme environments. BAX clusters of each sample are stacked on to a common RA–Dec. space to produce rotational profiles within the range of 0.0–2.5 r200. Merging stacks possess stronger core rotation at ≲0.5r200 primarily contributed by a red galaxy sub-population from relaxing core mergers; this is alongside high rotational velocities from blue galaxy sub-populations, until they mix and homogenize with the red sub-populations at ∼r200, indicative of an infalling blue galaxy sub-population with interactive mixing between both sub-populations at ≳ r200. flash code is utilized to simulate the merger phase between two originally independent clusters and test the evolution of their rotational profiles. Comparisons with the dumbbell clusters leads to the inference that the peculiar core rotations of some dumbbell clusters are the result of the linear motions of core galaxies relaxing on to the potential during post second infall.

СОЦІАЛЬНО-ПСИХОЛОГІЧНІ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИКИ І ЗАКОНОМІРНОСТІ ФОРМУВАННЯ ФЕНОМЕНУ САМООБМЕЖЕННЯ СУЧАСНОЇ МОЛОДІ

У статті визначено соціально-психологічні характеристики і закономірності формування феномену самообмеження сучасної молоді. Показано, що соціально-психологічний аналіз феномену самообмеження особистості дозволяє розглядати його як цілісний психологічний механізм, змістовним аспектом якого виступає власне ставлення, а динамічним – фіксована установка, проте психологічна природа й та роль, котру виконує означений механізм у життєдіяльності, варто упрозорити через поняття смислової регуляції. Наголошується, що ставлення до самообмеження й самоорганізації є суб’єктивно забарвленим відображенням особистістю взаємозв’язків власних потреб з об’єктами та явищами світу, виступає чинником, що обумовлює поведінку молодої людини; це – суб’єктивне ставлення, що утворює своєрідне ядро суб’єктивного світу особистості.

Multifunction Transformer With Adjustable Magnetic Stage Based on Nanocomposite Semihard Magnets

In order to improve the efficiency, reliability of power supply, and to give overall consideration to the power transformation and power quality control, a brand-new multifunction transformer with intrinsic adjustable magnetic state is put forward based on semihard magnets NdFeB in this paper. First, according to the formation mechanism of dc bias and the regulation means of inductance value, the peculiar core structure of a single-phase transformer is designed so as to realize the flux adjustment of transformer core under different magnetic states. Second, taking advantage of the magnetic conductive and excitation characteristics of NdFeB, the magnetic state conversion of electromagnet core between several kinds of working conditions can be achieved, such as voltage transformation, adjustable inductance, and dc bias compensation. Finally, two 10 kVA transformers with adjustable magnetic state are manufactured. The experiments of dc bias compensation and inductance regulation are carried out, which validates the feasibility and correctness of the design scheme.

Liquid metal core–shell structures functionalised via mechanical agitation: the example of Field's metal

Field's metal particles synthesised by mechanical agitation exhibit peculiar core–shell structure and functionality.

PECULIARITIES OF FORMATION OF THE HARD PALATE FOLDS DURING THE SECOND AND THIRD TRIMESTER OF THE INTRAUTERINE DEVELOPMENT

A comprehensive study of anatomical-functional peculiarities of the cranial bones promotes implementation of new methods of performing radical and reconstructive-restorative surgery on the face and cranium. Objective: to determine peculiarities of formation of the hard palate folds structure in the fetal and early neonatal periods of human ontogenesis. Materials and methods. The study was conducted on 53 specimens of dead fetuses from 4 to 10 months of development and on 9 specimens of dead neonates by means of macro- and micro-section, preparing histological and topographic-anatomical sections, and morphometry. Formation of the hard palate folds during the second and third trimesters of the intrauterine development was found to consist of the following stages: epithelial thickening, penetration into the adjacent mesenchyme originating the rudiment of the fold; smoothing of the basal membrane and epithelial outgrowth over the surface with formation of the primary fold; condensation of mesenchyme cells under the fold apex; formation of fibrous stroma inside of the fold which is a peculiar core; epithelial smoothing to even thickness similar to that one embracing the areas between folds with formation of the final fold. At the end of the third trimester of the intrauterine development posterior transverse palatine folds become less marked, some of them disappear, and the anterior ones become more marked, closer and pressed one to another.

The influence of reactor fluid-dynamics during zeolite synthesis: The synthesis and the cracking activity of hierarchical ERS-10 A zeolite

Zeolite ERS-10 crystallizes with different structural arrangements and morphologies. In particular, ERS-10 A shows interesting specific surface area and peculiar core–shell morphology, giving a hierarchical porous structure generated by NES zeolite nanocrystals epitaxially grown on adisorderedsubstrateconstituted byan intergrowth ofNON-EUO-NES-EEI zeolite. But the synthesis of this catalyst is not straightforward: the fluidodynamics of the reagent mixture during ERS-10 A formation plays a pivotal role on the structure of the final product. Computational Fluid Dynamic simulations allowed to define the stirring system, the fluid motion, the liquid and reagent distribution favorable to the obtainment of the desired phase. High stirring rate during the silica source (tetraethyl-ortosilicate) addition and hydrolysis is required to permit homogeneous distribution of reagents and the crystallization of pure ERS-10 A. The catalytic properties of ERS-10 A are compared with those of FAU and MFI zeolites in the cracking of methylcyclohexane. The behavior of ERS-10 A is in the middle between medium and large pore-zeolites, in agreement with highly accessible active sites, due to its peculiar hierarchical micro–mesoporous system.

Type of spiral wave with trapped ions

Pattern formation in ultracold quantum systems has recently received a great deal of attention. In this work, we investigate a two-dimensional model system simulating the dynamics of trapped ions. We find a spiral wave that is rigidly rotating, but with a peculiar core region in which adjacent ions oscillate in antiphase. The formation of this spiral wave is ascribed to the excitability previously reported by Lee and Cross. The breakup of the spiral wave is probed and, especially, an extraordinary scenario of the disappearance of the spiral wave, caused by spontaneous expansion of the antiphase core, is unveiled.

Activation of Pt/SnO 2 catalyst for catalytic oxidation of volatile organic compounds

The catalytic combustion of toluene over tin oxide-supported metal catalysts (Pt/SnO 2, Pd/SnO 2, Ru/SnO 2, and Rh/SnO 2) was studied. As a result, the Pt/SnO 2 catalyst exhibited the highest activity. The activity of Pt/SnO 2 catalyst is expected to originate from the strong chemical interaction between platinum and tin oxide. The correlation between the nano-structure and catalytic activity in the oxidation of ethyl acetate was investigated for the Pt/SnO 2 catalysts treated under a reducing or an oxidative atmosphere. For the transmission electron microscopy image of the as-calcined Pt/SnO 2 catalyst, the fine particles composed of platinum species was highly dispersed on the surface of SnO 2 support. After the reduction treatment at 400 °C, the peculiar core–shell structure was formed. It is noted that the particles with this structure disappeared by the reoxidation treatment in air, and the redispersion of nano-particles was confirmed. The particles with the core–shell structure were observed again after the second reduction treatment for the reoxidized catalyst. The catalytic activities of ethyl acetate combustion over Pt/SnO 2 catalysts were deteriorated and activated, corresponding to the nano-structural changes induced by the reduction–oxidation treatments.

The control of dendritic cell maturation by pH-sensitive polyion complex micelles

Double-hydrophilic block copolymer micelles were designed as vectors for ex vivo dendritic cell engineering to improve the delivery of therapeutic molecules in such immune cells. Polymethacrylic acid-b-polyethylene oxide (PMAA 2100-b-POE 5000)/poly- l-lysine micelles were optimised and showed a hydrodynamic diameter of 30 nm with a peculiar core organised with hydrogen bonds as well as hydrophobic domains. The micelles proved high stability in physiological conditions (pH and ionic strength) and were also able to disassemble under acidic conditions mimicking acidic endolysosomes. The efficient endocytosis of the optimised micelles tested on bone marrow-derived dendritic cells was monitored by fluorescence-activated cell sorting and microscopy analysis. Finally, the micelle biocompatibility permitted a complete control of the dendritic cell-maturation process widening the therapeutical potential of such engineered dendritic cells for cancer vaccines as well as for immunomodulation in autoimmune diseases.

Synthesis and characterization of polypropylene-based polymer hybrids linking poly(methyl methacrylate) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

Isotactic polypropylene-based polymer hybrids linking poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) were successfully synthesized by a graft copolymerization from maleic anhydride-modified polypropylene (PP-MAH). PP-MAH reacted with ethanolamine to produce a hydroxyl group containing polypropylene (PP-OH) and the thus obtained PP-OH was treated with 2-bromoisobutyryl bromide and converted to a 2-bromoisobutyryl group containing polypropylene (PP-Br). The metal-catalyzed radical polymerization of MMA with PP-Br was performed using a copper catalyst system in o-xylene solution at 100°C to give the PP-based polymer hybrids linking PMMA segments (PP–PMMA hybrids). Thus obtained PP–PMMA hybrids demonstrated higher melting temperature than PP-Br and microphase-separation morphology at the nanometer level owing to the chemical linkage between both segments. On the other hand, the polymer hybrids linking PHEMA segment (PP–PHEMA hybrids) were also obtained by the radical polymerization of HEMA with PP-Br in o-xylene slurry at 25°C. TEM observation suggested that the polymerization mainly initiated on the surface of the PP-Br powder, led to the peculiar core–shell-like morphology. These PP–PHEMA hybrid powders showed a good affinity with water due to the hydrophilicity of the PHEMA segments.

Models for extremely metal-poor halo stars

Two alternative scenarios concerning the origin and evolution of extremely metal-poor halo stars are investigated. The first one assumes that the stars have been completely metal-free initially and produced observed carbon and nitrogen overabundances during the peculiar core helium flash typical for low-mass Population-III stars. The second scenario assumes that the initial composition resulted from a mixture of primordial material with ejecta from a single primordial supernovae. Both scenarios are shown to have problems in reproducing C, N, and O abundances simultaneously, and both disagree with observed 12C/13C-ratios,though in different directions. We concentrate on the most iron-poor, carbon-rich object of this class, HE0107-5240, and conclude that the second scenario presently offers the more promising approach to understand these objects, in particular because evolutionary tracks match observations very well.

The Dynamics of the Dwarf Elliptical Galaxy FS 76: Bridging the Kinematic Dichotomy between Elliptical and Dwarf Elliptical Galaxies

We present major- and minor-axis kinematics out to ≈2 half-light radii for the bright (MB = -16.7) dwarf elliptical galaxy (dE) FS 76, a member of the NGC 5044 group. Its velocity dispersion is 46 ± 2 km s-1 in the center and rises to 70 ± 10 km s-1 at half-light radius. Beyond 1Re, the dispersion starts to fall again. The maximum rotation velocity is 15 ± 6 km s-1, about the value expected for an oblate isotropic rotator with the same flattening as FS 76 (i.e., E1). Hence, FS 76 is the first dE discovered so far that is not flattened predominantly by anisotropy. There is a discontinuity in the radial velocity profile at ±1'', corresponding to a kinematically peculiar core with a radial extent of 0.25 kpc. The reversed outward trend of the velocity dispersion is interpreted as evidence for a truncated dark halo and hence for the occurrence of tidal stripping. Using dynamical models, we estimate the total mass within a sphere of 1 kpc (≈1.5Re) to be between 1.2 and 3.4 × 109 M☉ at the 90% confidence level, corresponding to 3.2 ≤ B ≤ 9.1. These values are consistent with predictions based on cold dark matter cosmological scenarios for galaxy formation.

The peculiar architectural framework of tRNASec is fully recognized by yeast AspRS.

The wild-type transcript of Escherichia coli tRNASec, characterized by a peculiar core architecture and a large variable region, was shown to be aspartylatable by yeast AspRS. Similar activities were found for tRNASec mutants with methionine, leucine, and tryptophan anticodons. The charging efficiency of these molecules was found comparable to that of a minihelix derived from tRNAAsp and is accounted for by the presence of the discriminator residue G73, which is a major aspartate identity determinant. Introducing the aspartate identity elements from the anticodon loop (G34, U35, C36, C38) into tRNASec transforms this molecule into an aspartate acceptor with kinetic properties identical to tRNAAsp. Expression of the aspartate identity set in tRNASec is independent of the size of its variable region. The functional study was completed by footprinting experiments with four different nucleases as structural probes. Protection patterns by AspRS of transplanted tRNASec and tRNAAsp were found similar. They are modified, particularly in the anticodon loop, upon changing the aspartate anticodon into that of methionine. Altogether, it appears that recognition of a tRNA by AspRS is more governed by the presence of the aspartate identity set than by the structural framework that carries this set.

Formation of Kinematic Subsystems in Stellar Spiral-Spiral Mergers

We show that kinematically peculiar cores may be generated in stellar spiral-spiral mergers. Kinematic segregation appears as the central bulges transport orbital angular momentum inward to the center of the remnant, while the outer parts keep the spin signature of the precursor disks. The peculiar core is composed mostly of bulge material, and its size best matches that of observed peculiar cores for mergers with unequal galaxy masses (~2:1). Population decoupling is predicted by the rapid radial decrease of the bulge fraction in the remnant. In this scenario, a starburst may pump up the remnant metallicity, but otherwise the high metallicity of the kinematically decoupled core is built on the high metal content of the inner bulges rather than on a high self-enrichment of a population built from scratch out of the precursors' gas. Mergers with galaxy mass ratios 3:1 and above generate disk galaxies with counterrotating bulges.