Natural Sci. Rev. 1 2 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100102
Natural Sci. Rev. 1 4 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100104
Computational testing of independent component analysis for linear optics measurements at the NICA Booster
The accelerator complex NICA is at the stage of assembling and commissioning. A series of successful runs at the injection complex were carried out using various types of ions. It is planned to continue the linear optics measurements at booster synchrotron, for which several methods are considered. The first one is based on the analysis of turn-by-turn data of the beam orbit going from beam position monitors. The independent component analysis is used for the data processing and results to computation of betatron and synchrotron tunes, beta-functions, phase advances and dispersions. Other methods use orbit response matrix measured with alternate kicks by dipole correctors. Accuracy of optics restoration depends on the technical feasibility of betatron tunes and orbit measurements. Various methods should be firstly accommodated to the accelerator and tested using computational model in order to conclude their potentials and form requirements for future experiments with the beam. The paper describes implementation of independent component analysis to the computer model of the NICA Booster.
Natural Sci. Rev. 1 7 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100107
Photon and neutron-based techniques for studying membrane dynamics and protein aggregation in lipid–protein interactions
Lipid–protein interactions are central to maintaining the structural and functional balance of biological membranes, influencing a wide array of cellular processes. These interactions, however, become pathological in neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs), such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and Huntington’s diseases. In these disorders, the misfolding and aggregation of proteins like amyloid-beta (Aβ), alphasynuclein (α-syn), and mutant huntingtin (mHTT) disrupt the lipid bilayer, compromising membrane integrity, fluidity, and signaling. In this review we explore the critical role of lipid–protein interactions in NDDs, emphasizing how protein misfolding leads to toxic aggregates that embed into membranes, triggering neurotoxic events. Advanced spectroscopic techniques have been instrumental in studying these molecular interactions. Photon-based methods, including Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), circular dichroism (CD), and Raman spectroscopy, provide real-time insights into protein aggregation and lipid membrane dynamics. Neutron-based techniques, such as neutron reflectometry and small-angle neutron scattering (SANS), further enhance the resolution of lipid–protein interactions, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative aggregation. Moreover, the review highlights the significance of lipid microdomains, particularly cholesterol-rich lipid rafts, which act as platforms for protein aggregation, influencing disease progression. Therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting these lipid–protein interfaces are also discussed, with a focus on how spectroscopic insights have driven the development of drugs that stabilize membrane integrity or prevent toxic aggregation. Finally, the integration of spectroscopy with computational models, such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, is proposed as a promising approach to further unravel the complex dynamics of lipid–protein interactions, providing a more complete picture of disease mechanisms.
Natural Sci. Rev. 1 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100100
Letter from Editor-in-Chief
A letter dedicated to the publication of the journal's first issue.
Natural Sci. Rev. 1 1 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100101
Technical Design Report of the Spin Physics Detector at NICA: et al. (SPD Collaboration).
The Spin Physics Detector Collaboration proposes to install a universal detector in the second interaction point of the NICA collider under construction (JINR, Dubna) to study the spin structure of the proton and deuteron and other spin-related phenomena using a unique possibility to operate with polarized proton and deuteron beams at a collision energy up to 27 GeV and a luminosity up to 10 32 cm −2 s −1 . As the main goal, the experiment aims to provide access to the gluon TMD PDFs in the proton and deuteron, as well as the gluon transversity distribution and tensor PDFs in the deuteron, via the measurement of specific single- and double-spin asymmetries using different complementary probes, such as charmonia, open charm, and prompt photon production processes. Other polarized and unpolarized physics is possible, especially at the first stage of NICA operation with reduced luminosity and collision energy of the proton and ion beams. This paper is dedicated exclusively to technical issues of the SPD setup construction. Corrected: 5 February 2025 (the surname of one of the authors was initially misspelled (M. Bolsunovskya), the correct spelling is M. Bolsunovskaya). 23 April 2025 (the surname of one of the authors was initially misspelled (A. Seleznev), the correct spelling is A. Selezenev).
Natural Sci. Rev. 1 3 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100103
Cosmological constant due to quantum corrections to the effective potential
Using the generalized renormalisation group formalism, we calculate quantum corrections to the effective potential in α-attractor models describing the inflationary stage of the Universe evolution. We demonstrate that quantum corrections lead to a change in the initial classical potential, changing its value at the minimum, which can be interpreted as a manifestation of the cosmological constant or dark energy.
Natural Sci. Rev. 1 5 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100105
Search for KS,L oscillations and invisible decays into the dark sector at NA64
The decays K S,L → invisible have never been experimentally tested. In the Standard Model (SM), their branching ratios for the decay into two neutrinos are predicted to be extremely small, Br ( K S,L → νν̄ ) ≲ 10 −16 . We consider several natural extensions of the SM, such as two-Higgs-doublet (2HDM), 2HDM and light scalar, and dark mirror sector models, that allow one to enhance the Br ( K S,L → invisible ) up to a measurable level. We briefly discuss the possible search for K S,L → invisible decays and K S,L oscillations into the dark sector at the NA64 experiment at CERN with the sensitivity to Br ( K S,L → invisible ) ≲ 10 −7 −10 −5 .
Natural Sci. Rev. 1 6 (2024) DOI: 10.54546/NaturalSciRev.100106
