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The current biodiversity crisis warrants accurate measuring of biodiversity, often achieved by counting species or higher taxonomic units, with morphological or molecular methods. Alternatively, trait‐centred approaches categorise organisms into distinct ecological roles and then count the number of occupied roles to measure biodiversity. Even combinations of trait‐based and taxonomic approaches are utilised. However, when investigating the theoretical aspects, all these approaches have significant shortcomings, which complicate a reliable biodiversity measurement, that is, the ignorance of polymorphic species, the sensitivity to the initial classification or the knowledge gap concerning the ecology of the organisms. We outline a non‐discrete ecospace approach for which neither pronounced taxonomic expertise nor in‐depth knowledge about the ecology of the organisms is required. A morphospace based on quantitative morphological properties is used as a proxy for an ecospace, thus resulting in a continuous morpho‐ecospace. With this, decision‐making concerning taxonomy or ecology is reduced, as morphology is directly used instead of being first interpreted. Differences usually not considered due to polymorphism or ontogeny can be included in this approach, as well as fossils without species determination. This morpho‐ecospace approach is easily applicable and can be combined with already existing approaches, making it broadly applicable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A significant part of traditional manufacturing companies’ value propositions is provided through product-related services, such as transport, packaging, documentation, installation, and after-sales support. However, for many companies, it is challenging to manage such services. To address this issue, this paper investigates the usefulness of configurators in supporting this task. Specifically, product configurators are widely used in product development and sales processes in engineer-to-order (ETO) companies, where they have produced many benefits. To investigate the feasibility of product-related service configurators (PSCs) in manufacturing companies, this paper develops an approach to developing and implementing PSCs. The approach is tested in a case study to investigate its usefulness and the effects of applying PSCs. The study demonstrates the usefulness of the proposed approach and reveals three main types of benefits from PSCs: (1) increased product-related service cost transparency, (2) improved product-related service offerings based on customer characteristics, and (3) more standardised and structured product-related service specifications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Including routine client feedback can increase the effectiveness of mental health interventions for children, especially when implemented as intended. Rate of implementation, or dose, of such feedback interventions has been shown to moderate results in some studies. Variation in implementation and use of client feedback may also contribute to the mixed results observed within the feedback literature. This study evaluates dose-response associations of client feedback using a novel Measurement Feedback System (MFS) within an indicated group intervention. The primary aim was to determine whether the rate of MFS implementation predicts symptom reduction in anxiety and depression among school-aged children. The secondary aim was to assess whether the rate of MFS implementation influences children's satisfaction with the group intervention or their dropout rates. Data were collected via a randomized factorial study (clinicaltrials.gov NCT04263558) across 58 primary schools in Norway. Children aged 8 to 12 years (N = 701) participated in a group-based, transdiagnostic intervention targeting elevated symptoms of anxiety or depression. Half of the child groups also received the feedback intervention using the MittEcho MFS. Group leaders (N = 83), recruited locally, facilitated the interventions. The MFS dose was measured using the Implementation Index, which combines the use of MFS by both children and providers (group leaders) into a single dose variable. Results showed no significant additional effect of dose of MFS on change in depression or anxiety scores, on user satisfaction with the intervention or on intervention dropout. The discussion addresses potential reasons for these non-significant findings and implications for MFS implementation in preventive, group-based interventions in school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoboron compounds are widely utilized in organic synthesis for their diverse reactivity, modular preparation, and stability compared to other classes of organometallic reagents. While organoboron species are commonly employed as nucleophiles in cross‐coupling reactions, their potential as racemic building blocks in enantioconvergent transformations remains largely untapped. Herein, we demonstrate the direct utilization of alkylboronic pinacol esters in intermolecular enantioconvergent transformations. Specifically, this work describes the development and mechanistic study of an enantioconvergent deborylative cyanation enabled by Cu catalysis. This method imparts a high degree of enantioselectivity and tolerates a wide range of common functional groups and heterocycles. The reaction is proposed to proceed through a radical‐relay mechanism. Aniline‐assisted homolysis of the carbon–boron bond results in prochiral alkyl radicals that are functionalized by in situ generated Cu(II)(CN)2 species in an enantioselective fashion. The Cu(II)(CN)2 intermediate was characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and its electronic structure was probed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Computational studies were carried out to corroborate the proposed radical‐relay mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organoboron compounds are widely utilized in organic synthesis for their diverse reactivity, modular preparation, and stability compared to other classes of organometallic reagents. While organoboron species are commonly employed as nucleophiles in cross‐coupling reactions, their potential as racemic building blocks in enantioconvergent transformations remains largely untapped. Herein, we demonstrate the direct utilization of alkylboronic pinacol esters in intermolecular enantioconvergent transformations. Specifically, this work describes the development and mechanistic study of an enantioconvergent deborylative cyanation enabled by Cu catalysis. This method imparts a high degree of enantioselectivity and tolerates a wide range of common functional groups and heterocycles. The reaction is proposed to proceed through a radical‐relay mechanism. Aniline‐assisted homolysis of the carbon–boron bond results in prochiral alkyl radicals that are functionalized by in situ generated Cu(II)(CN)2 species in an enantioselective fashion. The Cu(II)(CN)2 intermediate was characterized by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy, and its electronic structure was probed using density functional theory (DFT) calculations. Computational studies were carried out to corroborate the proposed radical‐relay mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial intelligence (AI) permeates all fields of life, which resulted in new challenges in requirements engineering for artificial intelligence (RE4AI), e.g., the difficulty in specifying and validating requirements for AI or considering new quality requirements due to emerging ethical implications. It is currently unclear if existing RE methods are sufficient or if new ones are needed to address these challenges. Therefore, our goal is to provide a comprehensive overview of RE4AI to researchers and practitioners. What has been achieved so far, i.e., what practices are available, and what research gaps and challenges still need to be addressed? To achieve this, we conducted a systematic mapping study combining query string search and extensive snowballing. The extracted data was aggregated, and results were synthesized using thematic analysis. Our selection process led to the inclusion of 126 primary studies. Existing RE4AI research focuses mainly on requirements analysis and elicitation, with most practices applied in these areas. Furthermore, we identified requirements specification, explainability, and the gap between machine learning engineers and end-users as the most prevalent challenges, along with a few others. Additionally, we proposed seven potential research directions to address these challenges. Practitioners can use our results to identify and select suitable RE methods for working on their AI-based systems, while researchers can build on the identified gaps and research directions to push the field forward. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: According to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, adolescents' involvement in their healthcare is a fundamental right, and self-engagement in mental health treatment is vital for realizing their potential within person-centered care (PCC). Research exists that highlights barriers to involving adolescents in their care decisions. However, research on adolescents' own voices about self-engagement in mental health treatment has been scarce. This scoping review aimed to examine and summarize current knowledge on adolescents' voices regarding self-engagement in mental health treatment. Method: The review followed the scoping methodology of Arksey and O'Malley from 2005, updated by Levac and colleagues in 2010, involving five stages: (1) identifying the research question, (2) identifying relevant studies, (3) study selection, (4) charting the data, and (5) collating, summarizing and reporting the results. Results: Nineteen studies were included. The following themes on adolescents' voices regarding self-engagement in mental health treatment were identified: (1) the therapeutic alliance, (2) the need for active engagement in treatment, (3) different experiences due to time of data collection, (4) treatment context and healthcare system, and (5) adolescent-caregiver interaction. Conclusion: Adolescents' understanding of self-engagement was multilevel and comprehensive, including individual, contextual and relational factors. A strong therapeutic alliance with healthcare providers, and a need to be actively engaged in treatment were highlighted. To succeed in strengthening PCC in mental healthcare for adolescents, health professionals must take this complex understanding into consideration, as treatment without adolescents' self-engagement may worsen their clinical outcomes. Future research should explore specific PCC interventions and incorporate diverse methodologies in various clinical contexts. Additionally, insights from healthcare providers and caregivers on self-engagement in mental health treatment will complement these findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the discovery of a lacewing larva in Eocene amber that exhibits characteristics typically found in Cretaceous larvae. The presence of these characteristics suggests that certain morphologies thought to be extinct after the Cretaceous period may have actually survived into the Eocene. The study also highlights the differences between the Eocene and Baltic amber faunas and emphasizes that the Eocene entomofauna contained both ancient and modern morphologies. The research is supported by various institutions and references other studies on fossil insects found in amber. This document is a list of references for various scientific articles related to the study of insects preserved in amber, providing valuable information for researchers in the field of paleoentomology. [Extracted from the article]

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are common constituents of many consumer products. Although many VOCs are generally considered harmless at low concentrations, some compound classes represent substances of concern in relation to human (inhalation) exposure and can elicit adverse health effects, especially when concentrations build up, such as in indoor settings. Determining VOC emissions from consumer products, such as toys, utensils or decorative articles, is of utmost importance to enable the assessment of inhalation exposure under real-world scenarios with respect to consumer safety. Due to the diverse sizes and shapes of such products, as well as their differing uses, a one-size-fits-all approach for measuring VOC emissions is not possible, thus, sampling procedures must be chosen carefully to best suit the sample under investigation. This review outlines the different sampling approaches for characterizing VOC emissions from consumer products, including headspace and emission test chamber methods. The advantages and disadvantages of each sampling technique are discussed in relation to their time and cost efficiency, as well as their suitability to realistically assess VOC inhalation exposures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

\nPractice implicationsDuring four days of observation at a therapeutic residential care (TRC) facility for adolescents with complex behavioral issues, we encountered a growing trend in the Norwegian child welfare system. High demand for institutional beds, along with reduced capacity in psychiatric services and the legal system, has led to increased reliance on the Duty to Assist obligation of the TRCs, administered by the Office for Children, Youth and Family Affairs (Bufetat) in Norway. This obligation is legally binding, ensuring the provision of justifiable treatment. Our observations of staff interactions and documentation analysis of an adolescent, Peter, revealed that staff’s ability to deliver appropriate care and manage high-risk situations is constrained by governmental standards set through law and regulation. Through the theoretical lens of power and discretion, we found that the combination of forced treatment at open institutions, with a strong emphasis on user involvement, creates a power struggle. Without clear practice standards, staff are left to rely on their own competencies in managing conflicts, resulting in inconsistent and unpredictable interactions. This inconsistency increases the likelihood that Peter will resist the care and treatment being offered. Providing staff education and training, establishing clear and predictable standards, is essential to avoid inconsistent frameworks and practices within TRC.Staff training should place greater emphasis on teaching how to wield power and authority effectively, paralleling focus on preventing violence.There is pressing need for deeper comprehension of the government-set standards implications for adolescents and staff members within TRC settings.Providing staff education and training, establishing clear and predictable standards, is essential to avoid inconsistent frameworks and practices within TRC.Staff training should place greater emphasis on teaching how to wield power and authority effectively, paralleling focus on preventing violence.There is pressing need for deeper comprehension of the government-set standards implications for adolescents and staff members within TRC settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a digital survey of the reception of Viking-themed and Norse-inspired media products among self-identifying Heathens, 76% of 407 respondents stated that they were comfortable using several terms to describe their religious identity. The bulk of the respondents resided in the United States of America (51%), followed by Nordic countries (22%), the United Kingdom (8%), and Canada (7%)—a geographical distribution that is also, to a large extent, reflected in the interview sample. Twenty-seven follow-up interviews revealed differences in terminological preferences and interpretations. Several respondents considered one term to be the most accurate descriptor, but used another to present themselves in social interactions. This raised the questions of how and why Norse-oriented Pagans select the self-descriptors that they do. Although respondents differ in terms of terminological choices, the motives and rationale that drive their selection are strikingly similar: terminological precision, successful social bonding, and avoidance of social stigma. Norse-oriented Pagans practice religious polyonymy (multiple names for the same thing or person) to ensure success in social interactions and manage social impressions of themselves and their religion's public image. In a broader perspective, this study addresses how political and ideological context(s) and alignment can motivate choices about how to communicate one's religious identity and why they vary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document provides information on the management of incidentally found gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NENs) and specifically focuses on gastric NENs and rectal NENs. Gastric NENs can be classified into three types and are typically managed with endoscopic resection and surveillance, while type 3 gastric NENs may require surgical resection. Rectal NENs should be removed due to their metastatic potential, and the recommended technique for resection is endoscopic mucosal resection with ligation (EMR-L). Correct identification of rectal NENs is crucial to ensure complete resection, and follow-up imaging or colonoscopy may be necessary. Multidisciplinary decision-making is important for larger lesions. This information is valuable for clinicians and researchers studying the management of gastrointestinal NENs. [Extracted from the article]

The presence of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is essential for the survival and establishment of most plant species in nature. The reproductive success of invasive plant species in a particular habitat could also depend on these AM fungi. Cinchona pubescens, commonly known as quinine, is highly invasive on Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos, but at the same time severely endangered in its native range on mainland Ecuador due to overexploitation in the past. In this study, we aim at determining the AMF communities associated with C. pubescens at both locations to investigate whether the successful invasion of C. pubescens on Santa Cruz is related to its association with a particular community of AMF. For this, roots of C. pubescens trees were sampled at three sites, one site on Santa Cruz and two sites in the province of Loja, on mainland Ecuador. Communities of AM fungi were determined through the molecular cloning and sequencing of the 18S nrDNA gene and through the delimitation of Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs), associated with the plant roots. We found 36 AMF OTUs associated with C. pubescens, most of them belonging to the genus Glomus. The highest richness of AMF OTUs was detected in samples from sites located on mainland Ecuador. The AMF communities between Santa Cruz and mainland Ecuador were significantly different, and only five OTUs were shared between both locations. Two dominant OTUs in C. pubescens from Santa Cruz were detected but no dominant OTUs from mainland Ecuador. Almost two thirds of the OTUs associated with C. pubescens had a wide global distribution. Our results suggest that the successful invasion of C. pubescens on Santa Cruz could have been facilitated by local generalist AMF and not by particular AMF. The observed generalist AMF from both locations could be important for conservation plans of restoring the endangered C. pubescens in the native forests on mainland Ecuador. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Current risk stratification tools for prostate cancer patients under active surveillance (AS) may inadequately identify those needing treatment. We investigated DNA ploidy and PTEN as potential biomarkers to predict aggressive disease in AS patients. Methods: We assessed DNA ploidy by image cytometry and PTEN protein expression by immunohistochemistry in 3197 tumour-containing tissue blocks from 558 patients followed in AS at a Norwegian local hospital. The primary endpoint was treatment, with treatment failure (biochemical recurrence or initiation of salvage therapy) as the secondary endpoint. Results: The combined DNA ploidy and PTEN (DPP) status at diagnosis was associated with treatment-free survival in univariable- and multivariable analysis, with a HR for DPP-aberrant vs. DPP-normal tumours of 2.12 (p < 0.0001) and 1.94 (p < 0.0001), respectively. Integration of DNA ploidy and PTEN status with the Cancer of the Prostate Risk Assessment (CAPRA) score improved risk stratification (c-index difference = 0.025; p = 0.0033). Among the treated patients, those with DPP-aberrant tumours exhibited a significantly higher likelihood of treatment failure (HR 2.01; p = 0.027). Conclusions: DNA ploidy and PTEN could serve as additional biomarkers to identify AS patients at increased risk of developing aggressive disease, enabling earlier intervention for nearly 50% of the patients that will eventually receive treatment with current protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The majority of dipterans (flies, mosquitoes, and their allies) spend most of their lifetimes as immatures (larvae and pupae). Yet, immature dipterans are seldom reported in the fossil record. Studying this life stage can provide crucial insights into the evolution of these insects, how distinct evolutionary lineages relate to each other, and their ecological interactions during the significant changes of the Mesozoic Era (about 252–66 Ma). In this work, based on a range of imaging techniques, we describe and discuss several fossil dipteran larvae from amber and compression fossils, exhibiting forms not known in the modern fauna. These specimens possess structures similar to those found in present day larvae of awl-flies and water snipe-flies. Additionally, we report new specimens of stratiomyomorphan larvae, which appear to have dominated over other terrestrial dipteran immatures, suggesting a potentially larger ecological role in the past than in present times. Finally, we describe two additional specimens of a highly distinctive dipteran, known only as a larva, Qiyia jurassica Chen et al., 2014. Our findings suggest differences in the ecology of some fly groups compared to their modern relatives. They also challenge some postulated evolutionary relationships within these lineages. Diptera are one of the four megadiverse groups of holometabolan insects. Flies perform numerous ecological functions, especially in their larval stages. We can assume that this was already the case in the past; however, fly larvae remain rare in most deposits. Here we report new dipteran larvae preserved in Cretaceous (about 99 Ma) Kachin amber from Myanmar and, even older, Jurassic (about 165 Ma) compression fossils from China. Through light microscopy and micro-CT scanning we explore their peculiar morphology and discuss their possible phylogenetic affinities. Several larvae seem to represent the lineage of Stratiomyomorpha. A few others present characters unique to Xylophagidae (awl-flies), as well as to Athericidae (water sniper-flies), resulting in a chimeric morphology. Understanding the exact relationships of most of these specimens with a particular lineage remains challenging, since they differ considerably from any other known dipteran larvae and present some unique traits. Additionally, we report new specimens of Qiyia jurassica Chen et al., 2014, supposedly parasitic larvae, most likely representatives of Athericidae. These new findings offer valuable insights into the evolution of the early diversification of the brachyceran flies and underscore the importance of immature stages in understanding the evolutionary history and ecology of flies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aims: Life satisfaction is an important aspect of quality of life and plays an essential role in optimal developmental adaption in adolescence. This study investigated whether being active in organised leisure sports is associated with a higher level of life satisfaction among adolescents, both directly and indirectly, through increased body appreciation. Whether gender moderates the mentioned associations will also be examined. Methods: The study was cross-sectional and based on a sample of 541 participants (44% females) between 16 and 19 years of age (M age=16.89 years, SD =0.46). A moderated mediation model was examined using SPSS v27 and the PROCESS macro. Results: Boys had higher life satisfaction and body appreciation levels than girls did. There was no direct effect of organised leisure sports participation on life satisfaction. However, there was a positive association between organised leisure sports participation and life satisfaction through increased body appreciation. No gender differences were observed for the direct association between sports participation and life satisfaction or the indirect associations between sports participation and life satisfaction through body appreciation. Conclusions: Our findings support that body appreciation is a mediator for the association between organised leisure sports participation and life satisfaction for both boys and girls. Longitudinal studies should be conducted to further examine if causal relationships exist. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Borane catalysis has emerged as a powerful technology in epoxide polymerization. Still, the structure‐activity correlations for these catalysts are not fully understood to date, especially regarding compounds with nonionic backbones. Thus, in this work, 13 different borane catalysts of this respective type are described and investigated for their epoxide oligomerization and polymerization performance, using propylene oxide (PO), 1‐butylene oxide (BO) and allyl glycidyl ether (AGE) as monomers. Structurally, special emphasis is put on catalysts with different linker lengths and linker flexibilities as well as the introduction of more than two borane functionalities. Importantly, this screening is conducted both under typical polymerization conditions as well as under the chain transfer agent (CTA)‐rich conditions relevant for large‐scale production. It is found that suitable preorganization of the borane groups, such as present in biphenyl derivatives, offers a simple route to high‐performing catalysts and quantitative monomer conversion of the investigated epoxides. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that a diborane‐catalyzed oligomerization can be kept active over weeks, whereby repeated addition of monomer batches (14 steps) constantly results in full conversion and well‐defined oligoethers, underlining the practical potential of this method. The absence of co‐initiating counter ions is suggested as an inherent advantage of nonionic catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We present a novel semi-analytical method for parton evolution. It is based on constructing a family of analytic functions spanning x-space which is closed under the considered evolution equation. Using these functions as a basis, the original integro-differential evolution equation transforms into a system of coupled ordinary differential equations, which can be solved numerically by restriction to a suitably chosen finite subsystem. The evolved distributions are obtained as analytic functions in x with numerically obtained coefficients, providing insight into the analytic behavior of the evolved parton distributions. As a proof-of-principle, we apply our method to the leading order non-singlet and singlet DGLAP equation. Comparing our results to traditional Mellin-space methods, we find good agreement. The method is implemented in the code POMPOM in Mathematica as well as in Python. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ecstasy/Molly/MDMA is a widely used substance often taken in combination with other drugs in different contexts. The current study assessed ecstasy use patterns, concurrent substance use and the context of ecstasy use among an international sample of adults (N = 1,732). Participants were 87% white, 81% male, 42% college educated, 72% employed, with a mean age of 25.7 (SD = 8.3). Using the modified UNCOPE, risk for ecstasy use disorder was 22% overall, and significantly higher among younger individuals and those with greater frequency and quantity of use. Participants reporting risky ecstasy use endorsed significantly higher use of alcohol, nicotine/tobacco, cannabis, cocaine, amphetamine, benzodiazepines, and ketamine compared to those at lower risk. Great Britain (aOR = 1.86; 95% CI [1.24, 2.81]) and Nordic countries (aOR = 1.97; 95% CI [1.11, 3.47]) were approximately 2 times more likely to exhibit risk for ecstasy use disorder than the United States, Canada, Germany, and Australia/New Zealand. Taking ecstasy at home emerged as a common setting followed by electronic dance music events and music festivals. The UNCOPE may be a useful clinical tool for detecting problematic ecstasy use. Harm reduction interventions for ecstasy should target young people, substance co-administration, and context of use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Neutrophil proteinase 3 (PR3) is an important drug target for inflammatory lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cystic fibrosis. Drug discovery efforts targeting PR3 require active enzyme for in vitro characterization, such as inhibitor screening, enzymatic assays, and structural studies. Recombinant expression of active PR3 overcomes the need for enzyme supplies from human blood and in addition allows studies on the influence of mutations on enzyme activity and ligand binding. Here, we report the expression of recombinant PR3 (rPR3) using a baculovirus expression system. The purification and activation process described resulted in highly pure and active PR3. The activity of rPR3 in the presence of commercially available inhibitors was compared with human PR3 by using a fluorescence-based enzymatic assay. Purified rPR3 had comparable activity to the native human enzyme, thus being a suitable alternative for enzymatic studies in vitro. Further, we established a surface plasmon resonance-based assay to determine binding affinities and kinetics of PR3 ligands. These methods provide valuable tools for early drug discovery aiming towards treatment of lung inflammation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mesoionic N‐heterocyclic olefins (mNHOs) have recently emerged as a novel class of highly nucleophilic and super‐basic σ‐donor compounds. Making use of these properties in synthetic polymer chemistry, it is shown that a combination of a specific mNHO and a Mg‐based Lewis acid (magnesium bis(hexamethyldisilazide), Mg(HMDS)2) delivers poly(propylene oxide) in quantitative yields from the polymerization of the corresponding epoxide (0.1 mol% mNHO loading). The initiation mechanism involves monomer activation by the Lewis acid and direct ring‐opening of the monomer by nucleophilic attack of the mNHO, forming a zwitterionic propagating species. Modulation of the mNHO properties is thereby a direct tool to impact initiation efficiency, revealing a sterically unencumbered triazole‐derivative as particularly useful. The joint application of mNHOs together with borane‐type Lewis acids is also outlined, resulting in high conversions and fast polymerization kinetics. Importantly, while molar mass distributions remain relatively broad, indicating faster propagation than initiation, the overall molar masses are significantly lower than found in the case of regular NHOs, underlining the increased nucleophilicity and ensuing improved initiation efficiency of mNHOs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sodium chloride in the fluid phase is important for the chemistry of natural hydrothermal processes in the Earth's crust and derived industrial utilizations, where thermodynamics is an essential part that can also to some extent fill in missing experimental data. The solubility of sodium chloride in crystalline form (halite) in water vapor is modeled using a novel combination of an accurate equation of state for pure water and a truncated virial equation for water mixed with sodium chloride. In the resulting Helmholtz energy expression, interactions between H 2 O and NaCl are incorporated through the second (B 12), third (C 112), and fourth (D 1112) cross virial coefficients. The temperature dependence of the coefficients has been determined by regression to experimental data. Specifically, the temperature dependence of B 12 is assumed to follow that of a square-well gas, whereas C 112 and D 1112 are calculated using purely exponential functions of inverse temperature. The temperature dependence of B 12 is supported by independent calculations of ab initio interaction energies between H 2 O and NaCl. For water itself, all terms in the virial equation are collectively modeled by the IAPWS-95 equation of state. For sodium chloride, interactions between two or more NaCl molecules are disregarded. The model shows quantitative agreement with available solubility data in the vapor–halite coexistence region, which implies that the water vapor density is approximately less than 130 kg m − 3 . Its theoretical basis ensures that predictions are reliable in regions where experimental data are missing. The direct calculation of cross virial coefficients is overall useful for modeling geochemical fluids with low solute concentrations, including systems with multiple solvents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past decades, considerable research has been conducted on extracting energy from superhot geothermal reservoirs, where temperatures are higher than at the critical point of water. A major challenge when operating wells under such conditions is managing scaling in an effective manner. In this study, the thermodynamics of the precipitation and scaling of crystalline NaCl (halite) under superhot conditions is explored using the H 2 O – NaCl system as a proxy. Phase diagrams in pressure–enthalpy and pressure–entropy coordinates are used to illustrate how scaling occurs in idealized processes, such as the isenthalpic expansion of geothermal fluid to the wellhead or the isentropic power generation of a steam turbine. Particular emphasis is placed on explaining the non-trivial graphical composition of these phase diagrams in an accessible manner. A wellhead sample and an estimate of the downhole conditions are used as points of reference in the discussion of scaling. All thermodynamic properties, including the solubility of NaCl in water vapor, are calculated using a newly developed equation of state by the same authors as in this article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels are involved in the surveillance or regulation of the acid-base balance. Here, we demonstrate that weak carbonic acids, including acetic acid, lactic acid, and CO2 activate and sensitize TRPV2 through a mechanism requiring permeation through the cell membrane. TRPV2 channels in cell-free inside-out patches maintain weak acid-sensitivity, but protons applied on either side of the membrane do not induce channel activation or sensitization. The involvement of proton modulation sites for weak acid-sensitivity was supported by the identification of titratable extracellular (Glu495, Glu561) and intracellular (His521) residues on a cryo-EM structure of rat TRPV2 (rTRPV2) treated with acetic acid. Molecular dynamics simulations as well as patch clamp experiments on mutant rTRPV2 constructs confirmed that these residues are critical for weak acid-sensitivity. We also demonstrate that the pore residue Glu609 dictates an inhibition of weak acid-induced currents by extracellular calcium. Finally, TRPV2-expression in HEK293 cells is associated with an increased weak acid-induced cytotoxicity. Together, our data provide new insights into weak acids as endogenous modulators of TRPV2. Synopsis: The transient receptor potential vanilloid 2 (TRPV2) ion channel controls important physiological and pathophysiological processes, but its regulation by acid species remains unclear. Here, combined structure-function work uncovers activation of rat TRPV2 by endogenous weak acids and offers a detailed characterization of its membrane permeation-dependent acid sensitivity. Weak, but not strong acids activate and sensitize TRPV2. Membrane permeability of weak acids is required for TRPV2 activation. Positively charged S4-S5 linker residue His521 controls TRPV2 weak acid-sensitivity. Extracellular calcium inhibits weak acid-induced TRPV2 activation. Weak acetic acids are endogenous agonists of rat TRPV2 acting via permeation through the cell membrane. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is characterized by pain that radiates to the buttocks and/or legs, aggravated by walking and relieved by forward flexion. There is poor correlation between clinical symptoms and severity of stenosis on MRI, and multilevel stenosis has not been described to present worse symptoms or treatment outcomes, compared with patients with single-level stenosis. In patients with one level with severe stenosis combined with an adjacent level with moderate stenosis, the surgeon must decide whether to decompress only the narrowest level or both, to achieve the best possible outcome. The potential benefits of performing surgery on an adjacent moderate stenosis is debated, and the scientific evidence in scarce. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether patients with a level of adjacent moderate stenosis, along with an index stenosis, benefitted from a dual-level decompression (DLD) compared with a single-level decompression (SLD). Furthermore, to investigate whether DLD patients had longer duration of surgery and hospital stay, higher rates of complications and/or lower rate of reoperations compared with SLD patients. Prospective cohort study. We analyzed data from the Norwegian Degenerative Spondylisthesis and Spinal Stenosis study- Spinal Stenosis Trial (NORDSTEN-SST). In this randomized multicenter study, 437 patients were included, evaluating clinical outcomes of three different surgical treatment options for LSS. Patients with degenerative spondylolisthesis were excluded. Based on preoperative MRI, the present analysis included all patients who had a moderate stenosis (defined as Schizas B or C) in addition to a predefined index stenosis (the level with the smallest cross-sectional area). We compared patients who, based on the surgeons' choice, received a dual-level decompression, with those receiving a single-level decompression. The primary outcome was mean change in the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score from baseline to 2-year follow up. Secondary outcomes were proportion of success (30% reduction in ODI score), the Numeric Rating Scales for back and leg pain (NRS), the EuroQol 5-dimensional questionnaire utility index (EQ-5D), the Zurich Claudication Questionnaire (ZCQ), the Global Perceived Effect (GPE)-scale, duration of surgery, duration of hospital stay, perioperative complications and reoperation rates. Among the 222 patients, included in the analysis, 108 underwent DLD and 114 underwent SLD. There was no difference in change scores for any of the investigated patient-reported outcomes between the groups after 2 years. However, the DLD group had longer duration of surgery and longer length of hospital stay. There was no difference in reoperation rates or perioperative complications. This study, alongside the NORDSTEN-LSS trial on patients with adjacent moderate stenosis as well as an index stenosis, showed no superior clinical effectiveness for dual-level surgery compared with single-level surgery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study is to assess the possible contribution of formalizing small-scale women entrepreneurs' food processing enterprises in northern Ethiopia to their empowerment or disempowerment. The rationale for evaluating this contribution to (dis)empowerment is to provide updated and policy-relevant knowledge on the issue, including assessing if the critiques of the formalization agenda are still valid or whether the situation may have changed. The main finding suggests that formalization offers limited opportunities for empowering small-scale, resource-poor women entrepreneurs in northern Ethiopia. The contribution of formalization to women's (dis)empowerment varies among the various categories of participants in different ways and forms. Some better-off women entrepreneurs benefitted from formalization in some dimensions; however, this is not the case for most of the women entrepreneurs included in the study. Instead, for the poorer women entrepreneurs, formalization rather led to disempowerment. In conclusion, if formalization in Ethiopia harms or disempowers poor women entrepreneurs rather than benefits them, this paper suggests a need for a major change in policies and practices related to the formalization and women empowerment agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This interview with Frigga Haug explores the thirteen thesis which were developed collectively during three different international conferences and Frigga Haug authored the 13 theses. The goal was to make the feminist movement sustainable with a Marxist spirit and to bring Marxism to life. The theses are a work in progress, a framework for the foundation of a Marxist-feminist international, they are sustainable enough for them to stand the test through the specific changed conditions of our historically determined spaces of movement, and flexible enough that they would not harden into chains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To determine the preferred ankle, knee, and elbow arthrography injection techniques for Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR) members and whether more recently described techniques are gaining acceptance. We also sought to determine whether the concept of knowledge translation might explain differences between the preferred technique, year of fellowship graduation, and year the newer technique was described. Materials and methods: A 29-question survey was created in Qualtrics and submitted to current SSR members to determine if they perform knee, elbow, and ankle arthrography, and if so, the year of fellowship completion and preferred approaches. Survey respondents indicated the starting and ending needle tip positions for three knee, two elbow, and three ankle arthrography approaches using grids placed over provided frontal and lateral radiographs. Results: Two hundred seventy-four SSR members (mean post-fellowship 13 years; range 0–38) completed the survey and performed fluoroscopic-guided knee (93%), elbow (95%), and ankle (75%) arthrography. Preferred approaches included the following: knee lateral subpatellar (43%), anterior (40%); elbow radiocapitellar (74%); ankle anterior/peritendon (70%), lateral mortise (24%). Preference of newer technique was related to fellowship graduation year and publication year for the ankle mortise (26% before, 42% after; p = 0.03) and posterior trans-triceps elbow articles (19% before, 33% after; p < 0.01). The anterior knee approach preference increased from 11% in 2008 to 40% (p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: Nearly twice as many SSR members who graduated after the posterior trans-triceps and ankle mortise techniques were published prefer them for performing arthrography, possibly due to knowledge translation. The preference of the anterior knee arthrography approach has increased nearly fourfold since 2008. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Generally, there is limited information on longitudinal trends and the interrelations between physical activity (PA), problematic gaming behavior (PGB), described as a dysfunctional pattern of videogame activities, and quality of life (QoL) based on data that include measurements from both pre‐ and postpandemic onset. This is also the case for university students. As society faced unprecedented restrictions during this period, these aspects may have developed unfavorably. Objective: To examine PA, PGB, and QoL among Norwegian University students prior to and during the initial stages of the pandemic and assess their temporal interrelations. Method: The data are derived from the "Students' Psychological Health Over Time" study (SPOT). Linear mixed models were used to examine the development from January 2020 to November 2020 over three time points for the total sample and across gender. A traditional cross‐lagged panel model analysis was used to estimate temporal associations. Age, gender, socioeconomic status, and partner status were included as covariates. Findings: PA and QoL decreased linearly over time (Cohen's d = 0.12 and 0.35, respectively), while only male students reported a small reduction in PGB (Cohen's d = 0.03). PA levels decreased considerably more for male students than female students (Cohen's d = 0.17 and 0.09, respectively). There was a small reciprocal negative temporal association between PA and PGB (standardized β = −0.04 and −0.05, respectively). All other temporal associations were not statistically significant in the adjusted analysis. Conclusion: The findings highlight gender‐variant negative developments in PA and QoL and suggest a negative reciprocal interrelation between PA and PGB. The findings point to potential adverse health effects that should be taken into account when restrictive pandemic measures are considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Levosimendan's calcium sensitizing effects in heart muscle cells are well established; yet, its potential impact on skeletal muscle cells has not been evidently determined. Despite controversial results, levosimendan is still expected to interact with skeletal muscle through off-target sites (further than troponin C). Adding to this debate, we investigated levosimendan's acute impact on fast-twitch skeletal muscle biomechanics in a length-dependent activation study by submersing single muscle fibres in a levosimendan-supplemented solution. We employed our MyoRobot technology to investigate the calcium sensitivity of skinned single muscle fibres alongside their stress–strain response in the presence or absence of levosimendan (100 µM). While control data are in agreement with the theory of length-dependent activation, levosimendan appears to shift the onset of the 'descending limb' of active force generation to longer sarcomere lengths without notably improving myofibrillar calcium sensitivity. Passive stretches in the presence of levosimendan yielded over twice the amount of enlarged restoration stress and Young's modulus in comparison to control single fibres. Both effects have not been described before and may point towards potential off-target sites of levosimendan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction and hypothesis: Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is defined as involuntary leakage of urine on physical effort and is prevalent among power- and weightlifters. However, there is scant knowledge on treatment options for this population. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the potential outcomes and feasibility of a pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) program on SUI in nulliparous female power- and weightlifters. Methods: This was a case-series study, including one weightlifter and two powerlifters aged 21–32 years. The participants conducted 12 weeks of PFMT at home, with weekly follow-up by a physiotherapist. Change in total score of the International Consensus of Incontinence Questionnaire Urinary Incontinence Short Form (ICIQ-UI-SF) was the primary outcome. Secondary outcome was perceived change assessed by the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) Scale and impact on sport participation. PFM strength, endurance, and resting pressure was measured using vaginal manometry. Feasibility was evaluated as adherence to training and self-efficacy (Self Efficacy Scale for Practicing Pelvic Floor Exercises). Results: One athlete reduced their ICIQ-UI-SF score and experienced improvement in symptoms. One athlete reported no change, and one reported a worsening of symptoms. All three participants improved PFM strength and endurance, completed the testing, and 12 weeks of PFMT, but adherence varied between 40 and 80%. Participants reported a lack of time and energy and forgetting to perform the exercises, as reasons for low adherence. Conclusion: There were varying effects of a 12-week PFMT program on SUI in three strength athletes. The results can create the basis for a future randomized controlled trial. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Convergent evolution is a common phenomenon, independently leading to similar morphologies in different evolutionary lineages. Often similar functional demands drive convergent evolution. One example is the independent evolution of grasping structures in different lineages of Euarthropoda, though the exact morphology of these grasping structures varies significantly. In this study, we investigated grasping apparatuses with two movable counteracting structures as well as some related structures, exemplified by the stylets (compound structures of mouthparts) of aphidlion-like larvae (part of Neuroptera or lacewings) and the cerci of immature earwigs (Dermaptera). For the stylets of aphidlion-like larvae, studies have pointed to a significant loss in morphological diversity in the last 100 million years. We used quantitative morphology to evaluate if a similar process has also occurred in the cerci of earwigs. The cerci of extant immature earwigs exhibit two distinct types of morphologies in the modern fauna: elongated cerci divided into several ringlets with a feeler-type function, and pincer-like stout cerci. In some fossil immature earwigs, however, the cerci are generally elongated but undivided and roughly occupy the morphospace between those of the two modern cerci types; hence this fossil cerci morphology appears to have been lost. To some extent, a comparable loss is also found in certain lacewing larvae. Outgroup comparisons suggest that the morphologies no longer present today are in fact not ancestral, but instead specialised, hence their loss is possibly resulting from disruptive evolution in earwigs as well as lacewings. We discuss the possible functions of these specialised grasping structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Power, and recently force-velocity (F-V) profiling, are well-researched and oft cited critical components for sports performance but both are still debated; some would say misused. A neat, applied formulation of power and linear F-V in the literature is practically useful but there is a dearth of fundamental explanations of how power and F-V interact with human and environmental constraints. To systematically explore the interactions of a linear F-V profile, peak power, gravity, mass, range of motion (ROM), and initial activation conditions, a forward dynamics point mass model of vertical jumping was parameterised from an athlete. With no constraints and for a given peak power, F-V favouring higher velocity performed better, but were impacted more under real-world conditions of gravity and finite ROM meaning the better F-V was dependent on constraints. Increasing peak power invariably increased jump height but improvement was dependent on the initial F-V and if it was altered by changing maximal force or velocity. When mass was changed along with power and F-V there was a non-linear interaction and jump improvement could be almost as large for a F-V change as an increase in power. An ideal F-V profile cannot be identified without knowledge of mass and ROM. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a hallmark of China's global rise. While the BRI has unfolded as a global platform focused on bilateral relations, the Chinese government has also tried to expand links between the BRI and international organizations, notably the United Nations. Available evidence about UN–BRI relations suggests, however, that an initial honeymoon phase with mushrooming projects and public endorsements was followed by a sharp decline in engagement. This article argues that a focus on inter-governor legitimation attempts helps understand the rise and fall of UN–BRI relations. Based on publicly available evidence, internal documentation and stakeholder interviews, it shows how legitimation informed motivations on both sides to invest in UN–BRI relations, and how western opposition subsequently led to UN entities reducing their engagement. Empirically, the article contributes to the literature on China's global role, evolving power relations at the UN, and the proliferation of geopolitically motivated flagship initiatives across UN member states. Conceptually, it speaks to the expanding debate about legitimation in world politics through a more systematic engagement with relational legitimation dynamics. A focus on one-sided or mutual legitimation attempts offers a conceptual tool for analysing how interactions among global governors and their audiences unfold, and how international organizations try (and fail) to strengthen their resilience in light of an increasingly polarized membership. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Our study examined how muscle function is affected in cancer patients, particularly those at risk of developing muscle wasting (cachexia). We tested a combination of mild exercise and a protein-rich diet as a potential preventive measure. By analysing muscle fibres from patients undergoing different treatments, we found that cancer cachexia leads to muscle weakness and stiffness. However, our results show that the combined therapy helps maintain muscle flexibility and function. This suggests that such an intervention could improve the quality of life for cancer patients by preserving muscle health. Patients with aggressive cancer, e.g., gastrointestinal cancer, are prone (≥50% chance) to developing cancer cachexia (CC). Little is known about the effects of CC on the biomechanical function of muscle. A promising prevention strategy was found in the form of a multi-modal therapy combining mild resistance exercise (e.g., whole-body electro-myostimulation, WB-EMS) and a protein-rich diet. In a previous study of ours, this was effective in counteracting the loss of muscle mass, yet a systematic and comprehensive assessment of active and passive single muscle fibre functions was so far absent. This pilot study investigated the biomechanical function of single muscle fibres (rectus abdominis) from the biopsies of conventionally treated (pre-)cachectic cancer ((pre-)CC) patients (m = 9), those receiving the multi-modal therapy comprising WB-EMS training and protein-rich nutrition (m = 3), and a control group (m = 5). Our findings not only align with previous findings showing the absolute force loss in CC that is accelerated by atrophy but also speak in favour of a different, potentially energy- and Ca2+-homeostasis-related effect that compromises muscle contraction (F ~0.9 mN vs. F ~0.6 mN in control patients). However, myofibrillar Ca2+ sensitivity and the quality of contraction were unaltered (pCa50: 5.6–5.8). Single fibres from the (pre-)CC patients receiving WB-EMS training and protein supplementation were significantly more compliant (p < 0.001 at ≥130% of resting length L0). Those fibres displayed a similar softness to the ones from the control patients (axial compliance ~15 m/N at ≥130% L0), while single fibres from the patients with (developing) cachexia were significantly stiffer (axial compliance ~7 m/N, p < 0.001 at ≥130% L0). Adjuvant multi-modal therapy (WB-EMS training and nutritional support) contributes to maintaining the axial compliance of single fibres and potentially improves the quality of life for patients at risk of developing CC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The family has been acknowledged as central to developing physical activity (PA) beliefs and behaviours. However, increased diversity in family structures has developed over the last decades. This study examines the association between family structure and PA among adolescents and cross-national variations in the associations. Methods: The data are from the 2013/14 Health Behaviours in School-Aged Children study, involving nationally representative samples of 11-, 13- and 15-year-olds (n = 211,798) from 40 countries. Multilevel Poisson regression analysis was used to examine the associations between family structure and moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and vigorous physical activity (VPA) by age, gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and geographic region. Results: Living with one versus two parents was associated with a reduced likelihood of daily 60 min MVPA for boys (IRR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.92, 0.99) and ≥ 4 times/week VPA (IRR 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.95). This impact on MVPA differed across individual-level SES (high SES; IRR = 0.92, (p <0.05), low SES; IRR = 1.04, (ns)), and was for VPA only significant for those with siblings (IRR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.91, 0.96). Cross-country variations in the association between living with one versus two parents were observed, most pronounced for VPA. These differences varied by region, primarily explained by country-level SES differences between regions. The likelihood of daily 60 min MVPA also increased with siblings in the main house (IRR 1.11, 95% CI: 1.07, 1.14), and ≥ 4 times/week VPA decreased with grandparents in the main house (IRR 0.91, 95% CI: 0.89,0.94). Conclusions: Family structure correlated with PA, but cross-country differences exist. The findings are relevant for the development of policies and programs to facilitate PA, especially in countries where living with one versus two parents was unfavourable. Additional country-specific research is needed to identify challenges for engaging in PA related to family structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid oxide cell technologies play a pivotal role in the realm of renewable energy storage, guiding us through the journey toward decarbonization. Understanding how electrocatalytic materials behave under high‐temperature conditions is an absolute necessity to push these technologies forward. Operando spectroscopic investigations, such as near‐ambient pressure X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP–XPS), offer insights into the chemical nature of active working electrodes, including the dynamic response of redox states and adsorbate chemistry to changing electrochemical conditions. Mixed ceramic–metallic electrodes exhibit a limited region with electrochemically active triple‐phase‐boundary (TPB) sites, which are located close to the electrolyte/electrode interface. To monitor this specific region spectroscopically, metallic (Ni) and bimetallic (NiCu) network‐like structures are synthesized on a yttria‐stabilized zirconia electrolyte and the electrochemical state and performance are studied by using operando NAP–XPS. In the experiments, the surface oxidation states under different polarizations are revealed, the gas composition dependent Nernst shift is confirmed, electrocatalytic activities are unraveled, and hydrogen evolution is correlated with the applied potential. The findings demonstrate, the effectiveness of thin‐film model cells with spectroscopically accessible TPB regions for probing interfacial states and electrochemical processes. The obtained fundamental knowledge can provide valuable insights for the advancement of renewable energy storage technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Many studies on cancer patients investigate the impact of treatment on health-related quality of life (QoL). Typically, QoL is measured longitudinally, at baseline and at predefined timepoints thereafter. The question is whether, at a given timepoint, patients who return their questionnaire (available cases, AC) have a different QoL than those who do not return their questionnaire (non-AC). Methods: We employed augmented inverse probability weighting (AIPW) to estimate the average QoL of non-AC in two studies on advanced-stage cancer patients. The AIPW estimator assumed data to be missing at random (MAR) and used machine learning (ML)-based methods to estimate answering probabilities of individuals at given timepoints as well as their reported QoL, as a function of auxiliary variables. These auxiliary variables were selected by medical oncologists based on domain expertise. We aggregated results both by timepoint and by time until death and compared AIPW estimates to the AC averages. Additionally, we used a pattern mixture model (PMM) to check sensitivity of our AIPW estimates against violation of the MAR assumption. Results: Our study included 1927 patients with advanced pancreatic and 797 patients with advanced breast cancer. The AIPW estimate for average QoL of non-AC was below the average QoL of AC when aggregated by timepoint. The difference vanished when aggregated by time until death. PMM estimates were below AIPW estimates. Conclusions: Our results indicate that non-AC have a lower average QoL than AC. However, estimates for QoL of non-AC are subject to unverifiable assumptions about the missingness mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The overall objective of business continuity management (BCM) systems is to provide guidance and analytical subcomponents on how to assess and manage risk and sustain operations when facing a disruptive event. Current BCM practices largely follow a standard structure for formal planning processes and riskassessment activities. An underlying assumption in standard practices is that systems can be decomposed in subsystems in a meaningful way, as they are tractable and data are available to predict the system's future functionality. However, the reality is much more complex in our volatile world. Standard BCM approaches do not pay adequate attention to the treatment of uncertainties. Thus, they fall short of addressing the complexity of operations involved with emergencies and crisis. Lack of focus on uncertainty hampers the ability of BCM systems to provide sufficient support for decision making in highly uncertain situations. Dealing with such situations necessitates a shift from a defensive risk-management approach, grounded on an illusion of control and accountability, to a proactive stance based on resilience thinking. Responding to this call, we use concepts from the resilience engineering (RE) field and link them to different components of a BCM system. We develop a novel BCM framework and identify a set of resilience influence factors to enhance resilience in BCM systems. We use a case-example, hosted by a leading organization in a second-line emergency response operation in Norway to reflect on the application of a suggested BCM framework. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sills play a leading role in the transport of magma in sedimentary basins. The contact between sills and host rocks reflects the acting emplacement processes during sill propagation and evolution. Recent studies have shown that the propagation of sills and dykes is strongly influenced by the lithology of the host rocks, but none have detailed documentation of marginal features in large-scale intrusive complexes. Threedimensional seismic data is the primary method of mapping and investigating such complexes, but it is difficult to accurately image sills due to their low thickness compared to seismic resolution. By understanding the relationship between local lithology and marginal sill features, we can better understand the imaging of sills in seismic datasets and their resulting geometry. In this study, we present a seismicscale sill analogue through multiple high-resolution three-dimensional models, with corresponding logs and field observations from Cedar Mountains, San Rafael Swell, US. This model was further used to develop a synthetic seismic dataset, providing us with a strong control on which marginal sill features fall beneath seismic resolution. We found that lithology plays a critical control in sill geometry and morphology. In Cedar Mountains, sills emplaced within massive sandstones frequently exhibit strata-discordant base contact with the host rock. Conversely, sills found within heterolithic intervals and mudstones typically display strata-concordant base contact with the host rocks. Sills within heterolithic intervals also tend to exhibit a more complex segmentation with multiple broken bridges. Furthermore, our findings show that sills are more than 3.7 times more likely to intrude in mudstone compared to sandstone and heterolithic intervals. These results suggest how sill geometries can be adapted to interpret lithology in seismic datasets from sedimentary basins with little to no well control. We anticipate that our findings may provide better knowledge for interpreting sills in sedimentary basins and contribute to developing more sophisticated geomechanical emplacement models for igneous intrusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Millipedes have a long evolutionary history, with the oldest presumed fossils of Diplopoda de Blainville in Gervais, 1844 being from the Silurian and the first definite fossil record originating from Devonian deposits. The phylogeny of Diplopoda is not fully resolved yet, especially not concerning fossil representatives. At the same time, already in the Palaeozoic millipedes showed quite a morphological and presumably also ecological variety. We describe here a new species of a Carboniferous millipede from the Westphalian A of the Netherlands, Lauravolsella willemeni n. gen., n. sp., a possible representative of Archipolypoda (†Archipolypoda Scudder, 1882). The species is based on a single specimen, preserved with part and counterpart, which both show a three-dimensional preservation. The specimen has unusually long tergites, in normal life position covering most of the following segment. These long tergites might have been beneficial when performing defensive enrolling. In extant millipedes, enrolling is usually facilitated by softer areas between the sternites, allowing for a certain degree of ventral compression. In the new fossil, the sclerotic sternites occupy the entire length of the ventral side of the segment, not allowing for any type of compression. The new fossil therefore demonstrates another solution for the mechanical challenges during enrolment and increases the morphological diversity of Carboniferous millipedes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Beetle larvae represent important components of the modern-day fauna. This should have been the case in the past as well. Yet, fossil beetle larvae are rare, or at least are rare in the literature, as identifying a beetle larva to a narrower taxonomic group is very challenging. This is even more complicated if prominent features have evolved convergently in several lineages. Yet, even in such cases, an ecological interpretation of the fossils is possible if the convergent character is coupled to a specific life habit. For example, different, not closely related, beetle larvae that possess setiferous processes. We here report on three beetle larvae, one from Miocene Mexican and two from Cretaceous Kachin amber, Myanmar. These larvae possess setiferous processes, most similar to the processes of modern representatives of Cucujiformia, especially of the groups Endomychidae, Erotylidae, Cerylonidae and Coccinelidae. Considering the shape of the entire habitus, we see the most similarities between the new larvae and the modern larvae of Endomychidae. However, the new larvae and the larvae of modern representatives differ in certain aspects, most prominently in the body size. The fossils are smaller than their extant counterparts with setiferous processes. Hence the fossils could represent larvae of Endomychidae, but the case remains unclear. Despite this uncertainty, we suggest a lifestyle of the fossil larvae as fungus-eaters on rotting wood. This lifestyle is not only known from extant larvae of Endomychidae, but also from other larvae with similar processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

19 Haug, J.T., Müller, P. and Haug, C. (2018) The ride of the parasite: A 100-million-year old mantis lacewing larva captured while mounting its spider host. 24 Haug, J.T., Baranov, V., Müller, P. and Haug, C. (2021c) New extreme morphologies as exemplified by 100 million-year-old lacewing larvae. 18 Haug, J.T. and Haug, C. (2022) 100 Million-year-old straight-jawed lacewing larvae with enormously inflated trunks represent the oldest cases of extreme physogastry in insects. We report a fossil aphidlion-like larva preserved with its egg case in 100 million year old Kachin amber, Myanmar. [Extracted from the article]

We are demonstrating new relationships among the Hawking temperature, the Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB) temperature, and the Planck scale. When understood deeply, these are in line with recent advancements in cosmological quantization and its connection to the Planck scale. This is also completely consistent with a recently published method for quantizing Einstein’s general theory of relativity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Progress has been made in pig in vitro embryo production (IVEP) over the years, but some of the remaining challenges are low embryo production rates compared to many other species. Oocyte quality is an important factor influencing IVEP. Cumulus cells (CCs) surround and support the oocyte during growth and maturation, but few studies have examined gene expression in pig CCs. This study aimed to identify novel markers of oocyte quality by examining gene expression in oocytes and CCs employing the model of oocytes collected from prepubertal animals being of lower quality than those from adult animals. This knowledge could be applied in genetic selection for oocyte quality and improve IVEP procedures, quality and success rates, particularly when using oocytes from gilts, which would be valuable in increasing genetic gain through their use in embryo transfer. New markers for oocyte quality were identified, with functions related to redox potential, L-carnitine biosynthesis, and fatty acid and glucose metabolism, where transcript abundance in CCs appeared to be more reliable parameters of oocyte quality than levels in the oocyte. A potential approach for increasing oocyte competence might be prolonging the period of support from CCs. Cumulus cells (CCs) are pivotal during oocyte development. This study aimed to identify novel marker genes for porcine oocyte quality by examining the expression of selected genes in CCs and oocytes, employing the model of oocytes from prepubertal animals being of reduced quality compared to those from adult animals. Total RNA was extracted either directly after follicle aspiration or after in vitro maturation, followed by RT-qPCR. Immature gilt CCs accumulated BBOX1 transcripts, involved in L-carnitine biosynthesis, to a 14.8-fold higher level (p < 0.05) relative to sows, while for CPT2, participating in fatty acid oxidation, the level was 0.48 (p < 0.05). While showing no differences between gilt and sow CCs after maturation, CPT2 and BBOX1 levels in oocytes were higher in gilts at both time points. The apparent delayed lipid metabolism and reduced accumulation of ALDOA and G6PD transcripts in gilt CCs after maturation, implying downregulation of glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, suggest gilt cumulus–oocyte complexes have inadequate ATP stores and oxidative stress balance compared to sows at the end of maturation. Reduced expression of BBOX1 and higher expression of CPT2 in CCs before maturation and higher expression of G6PD and ALDOA after maturation are new potential markers of oocyte quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loss of biodiversity and especially insect decline are widely recognised in modern ecosystems. This decline has an enormous impact due to the crucial ecological roles of insects as well as their economic relevance. For comparison, the fossil record can provide important insights on past biodiversity losses. One group of insects, for which a significant decline over the last 100 million years has often been postulated, but not demonstrated quantitatively, is Neuroptera (lacewings). Many adult lacewings are pollinators, while the larvae are mostly predators, which becomes very obvious from their prominent stylet-like mouthparts. We investigated the fossil record of larvae of all neuropteran lineages as well as a large share of extant neuropteran larvae. Based on these, we performed an outline analysis of the head with stylets. This analysis provides a quantitative frame for recognising the decline of lacewings since the Cretaceous, indicating also a severe loss of ecological roles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

During ontogenetic development, insects can undergo quite drastic changes (metamorphosis) until the adult stage is reached. A substantial part of this development in one group of Insecta, Holometabola, takes place during the pupa stage. Despite the pupa being recognised as an important phase, rather few depictions of pupae exist in the literature. We report here the first find of a fossil pupa of the lacewing group Mantispidae. The specimen represents an exuvia and is enclosed in Ukrainian Rovno amber, Eocene in age (c. 35-40 million years). We review the entire record of extant pupae of Mantispidae depicted in the literature or in online image repositories. With the aid of elliptic Fourier analysis, we compare the outline of the femur of the foreleg (raptorial appendage in the adults) of pupae and adults of Mantispidae. The pupae are all very similar concerning the femur, while the adults show a larger morphological diversity, particularly the extinct forms. Furthermore, our results indicate that the forelegs do not become increasingly complex throughout ontogenetic stages, but instead undergo an indirect development. According to the low variation in morphology seen in the pupa stage in Mantispidae, it is plausible that it represents a phylotypic stage for the group, i.e. a phase characterised by a significantly lower variability than other stages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The editorial from the Journal of Greek Linguistics highlights both sad and positive events in the field. It acknowledges the passing of influential Greek linguists, such as Eirene Philippaki-Warburton, Panagiotis Kontos, and Dimitra Theofanopoulou-Kontou. The International Conference on Greek Linguistics successfully returned to an in-person format after the pandemic, and the current issue features diverse papers covering various aspects of the Greek language. The journal will be moving to online-only delivery due to a merger with De Gruyter, but this change is not expected to significantly impact readers. [Extracted from the article]

Mantis shrimps (Stomatopoda Latreille, 1817) are marine predatory crustaceans of the group Hoplocarida Calman, 1904 with an interesting, though incompletely known, evolutionary history. Here we introduce a new species of fossil mantis shrimps, Ostenosculda teruzzii n. gen., n. sp. from the Early Jurassic (Sinemurian) limestone formation of Osteno (Northern Italy). We present distinctive features that characterize the specimens as a new species, such as a unique arrangement of maxillipeds 2-5 (maxilliped 2 is the major raptorial appendage). We also present a phylogenetic systematic interpretation of the species based on the available features of morphology and body organisation. The unusual arrangement of the maxillipeds appears to represent a plesiomorphic condition relative to extant mantis shrimps: the maxillipeds are arranged in an almost straight anterior-posterior line, with rather large distances between them. This contrasts with extant forms and slightly younger fossils of about 150 million years old lithographic limestones (Late Jurassic) where further anterior maxillipeds are inserting far laterally and further posterior ones more medially, with very small distances between the next posterior ones. The herein studied specimens are the first of their kind to be confirmed for this period and geographical region and further close gaps in our understanding of the evolution of mantis shrimps. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]