Search

Abstract Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) afflicts humans, cats, pigs, and rhesus macaques. Disease sequelae include congestive heart failure, thromboembolism, and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Sarcomeric mutations explain some human and cat cases, however, the molecular basis in rhesus macaques remains unknown. RNA-Seq of the LV tissues of five HCM-affected and seven healthy control rhesus macaques was employed for differential transcriptomic analyses. DNA from 15 severely HCM-affected and 21 healthy geriatric rhesus macaques were selected for whole-genome sequencing. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) of disease status and SCD outcome was performed. 614 down- and 1,065 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between groups. The top DEG (MAFF) was overexpressed in affected animals (log2FoldChange = 4.71; P Adjusted-value = 1.14E-133). Channelopathy-associated enriched terms were identified in ~ 57% of downregulated DEGs providing transcriptomic evidence of hypertrophic and arrhythmic disease processes. For GWAS, no putative variant withstood segregation. Polygenic modeling analysis resulted in poor prediction power and burden testing could not explain HCM by an association of multiple variants in any gene. Neither single nor compound genetic variant(s), or identified polygenic profile, suggest complex genotype–phenotype interactions in rhesus macaques. Brought forth is an established dataset of robustly phenotyped rhesus macaques as an open-access resource for future cardiovascular disease genetic studies.

A comprehensive assessment of the state of the Roman economy during the reign of Emperor Domitian is difficult due to the unsatisfactory state of the sources, therefore it is necessary to proceed from the available information. In the field of finance, it allows us to conclude that the main source of state revenues were taxes, the receipt of which was under the strict control of the emperor. The tax policy of the last Flavius proved to be effective and ensured the balance of the State budget, despite the extraordinary expenses caused by wars and natural disasters. In the agricultural sector, the emperor secured his popularity among the Italian population by securing ownership of the “segments” that remained undivided after the withdrawal of the colonies to their actual owners. Domitian’s attempt to ensure an increase in grain production in Italy and the provinces by reducing urban plantations was rather advisory in nature and did not lead to significant results. In the capital of the Roman Empire, Domitian’s construction program, to which he attached great political importance, was successfully completed. Assessing the actions of the last Flavius in the field of economics, it should be concluded that he continued the economic policy of Vespasian and Titus, leaving his successors the Roman power in a state that ensured the last flourishing of ancient civilization.

Abstract Recently discovered Mn-based kagome materials, such as RMn6Sn6 (R = rare-earth element), exhibit the coexistence of topological electronic states and long-range magnetic order, offering a platform for studying quantum phenomena. However, understanding the electronic and magnetic properties of these materials remains incomplete. Here, we investigate the electronic structure and magnetic properties of GdMn6Sn6 using x-ray magnetic circular dichroism, photoemission spectroscopy, and theoretical calculations. We observe localized electronic states from spin frustration in the Mn-based kagome lattice and induced magnetic moments in the nonmagnetic element Sn experimentally, which originate from the Sn- $$p$$ p and Mn- $$d$$ d orbital hybridization. Our calculations also reveal ferromagnetic coupling within the kagome Mn-Mn layer, driven by double exchange interaction. This work provides insights into the mechanisms of magnetic interaction and magnetic tuning in the exploration of topological quantum materials.

Evidence on mortality rates and causes of death associated with extrapulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) infection is limited. This nationwide register-based study in Denmark used diagnostic codes to match adult patients with extrapulmonary NTM infection 1:4 to controls. During 2000–2017, we identified 485 patients, who had significantly more comorbidities than controls. The 5-year mortality rate for patients was 26.8% (95% CI 23.1%–31.0%) and for controls, 10.9% (95% CI 9.6%–12.4%). The median age at death was 76 (interquartile range 63–85) years for patients and 84 (interquartile range 73–90) years for controls. The adjusted hazard rate of death for patients was 1.34 (95% CI 1.10–1.63; p = 0.004). Patients and controls mainly died of cardiovascular disease and solid malignant neoplasms. Hematologic malignancies and HIV were more frequently causes of death in patients. Mortality rates are substantial among patients with extrapulmonary NTM infection, predominantly caused by underlying conditions.

Abstract Higher-order topological insulators (HOTIs) are unique materials hosting topologically protected states, whose dimensionality is at least by 2 lower than that of the bulk. Topological states in such insulators may be strongly confined in their corners which leads to considerable enhancement of nonlinear processes involving such states. However, all nonlinear HOTIs demonstrated so far were built on periodic bulk lattice materials. Here, we demonstrate the first nonlinear photonic HOTI with the fractal origin. Despite their fractional effective dimensionality, the HOTIs constructed here on two different types of the Sierpiński gasket waveguide arrays, may support topological corner states for unexpectedly wide range of coupling strengths, even in parameter regions where conventional HOTIs become trivial. We demonstrate thresholdless spatial solitons bifurcating from corner states in nonlinear fractal HOTIs and show that their localization can be efficiently controlled by the input beam power. We observe sharp differences in nonlinear light localization on outer and multiple inner corners and edges representative for these fractal materials. Our findings not only represent a new paradigm for nonlinear topological insulators, but also open new avenues for potential applications of fractal materials to control the light flow.

Background Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a common heritable heart disease where the most frequently associated mutations occur in the myosin‐binding protein C (MYBPC3) sarcomere‐associated gene. HCM is also a common veterinary clinical problem in certain cat breeds such as Maine Coons and Ragdolls, also most associated with mutations in MYBPC3. Mouse models of HCM in which Mybpc3 mutations are introduced recapitulate some, but not all, features of human HCM. Methods and Results To elucidate the common and distinctive pathological pathways across species and foster a greater understanding of the concordance of mouse HCM models to clinical mybpc3‐associated HCM, we generated single nuclei RNA‐sequencing data sets from feline, human, and murine heart tissue carrying MYBPC3 variants. Numerous genes were differentially expressed between mutation positive and mutation negative cell types within each species, identified using the model‐based analysis of single‐cell transcriptomics algorithm. Gene Ontology enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes in cardiomyocytes across species revealed alterations in genes involved in muscle development, muscle contraction, muscle hypertrophy, regulation of sarcoplasmic calcium release, ATP metabolic process, and oxidative phosphorylation. Conclusions These common biological processes across species are consistent with known phenotypic aspects of HCM such as hypertrophy, hypercontractility, diastolic dysfunction, and altered energy metabolism. Surprisingly, among conserved biological processes within cardiomyocytes across species, the individual genes driving the biological processes were distinct. This work to identify common and species‐specific disease‐promoting pathway differences will allow development of targeted therapies for both human and veterinary application and will facilitate an understanding of the idiosyncrasies of mouse models.

This paper investigates shear banding as a possible failure mode for silt–clay transition soils under general three-dimensional stress conditions. Drained and undrained true triaxial tests with constant b values were performed on tall prismatic specimens of such soils with systematically varying silt contents. Based on the values of critical plastic hardening modulus, shear banding does not govern the strength characteristics of the soils for b values less than 0.2. For larger b values, shear band formation is essentially critical as it takes place in the hardening regime of the stress–strain curves prior to the smooth peak failure points. An increase in silt content appears to move the onset of shear banding to lower levels of shear in the stress–strain relations of the silt–clay transition soils. It is also demonstrated that a non-associated constitutive model with a single hardening law is capable of accurately predicting the onset of shear banding in normally consolidated silt–clay transition soils based on bifurcation theory.

In the title compound, C19H17NO5S, the cyclohexene ring adopts nearly an envelope conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. In addition, C—H...π interactions connect the molecules by forming layers parallel to the (010) plane. According to the Hirshfeld surface analysis, H...H (36.9%), O...H/H...O (31.0%), C...H/H...C (18.9%) and S...H/H...S (7.9%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing.

In the title compound, C20H17BrO5S, molecules are connected by intermolecular C—H...S hydrogen bonds with R22(10) ring motifs, forming ribbons along the b-axis direction. C—H...π interactions consolidate the ribbon structure while van der Waals forces between the ribbons ensure the cohesion of the crystal structure. According to a Hirshfeld surface analysis, H...H (40.5%), O...H/H...O (27.0%), C...H/H...C (13.9%) and Br...H/H...Br (11.7%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing. The thiophene ring and its adjacent dicarboxylate group and the three adjacent carbon atoms of the central hexene ring to which they are attached were refined as disordered over two sets of sites having occupancies of 0.8378 (15) and 0.1622 (15). The thiophene group is disordered by a rotation of 180° around one bond.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C25H18N6·H2O, comproses two molecules (I and II), together with a water molecule. The terminal phenyl groups attached to the methyl groups of the molecules I and II do not overlap completely, but are approximately perpendicular. In the crystal, the molecules are connected by N—H...N, C—H...N, O—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds with each other directly and through water molecules, forming layers parallel to the (001) plane. C—H...π interactions between these layers ensure the cohesion of the crystal structure. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H...H (39.1% for molecule I; 40.0% for molecule II), C...H/H...C (26.6% for molecule I and 25.8% for molecule II) and N...H/H...N (24.3% for molecules I and II) interactions are the most important contributors to the crystal packing.

Abstract Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) remains the most common cardiomyopathy in humans and cats with few preclinical pharmacologic interventional studies. Small-molecule sarcomere inhibitors are promising novel therapeutics for the management of obstructive HCM (oHCM) patients and have shown efficacy in left ventricular outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) relief. The objective of this study was to explore the 6-, 24-, and 48-hour (h) pharmacodynamic effects of the cardiac myosin inhibitor, CK-586, in six purpose-bred cats with naturally occurring oHCM. A blinded, randomized, five-treatment group, crossover preclinical trial was conducted to assess the pharmacodynamic effects of CK-586 in this oHCM model. Dose assessments and select echocardiographic variables were assessed five times over a 48-h period. Treatment with oral CK-586 safely ameliorated LVOTO in oHCM cats. CK-586 treatment dose-dependently eliminated obstruction (reduced LVOTOmaxPG), increased measures of systolic chamber size (LVIDs Sx), and decreased select measures of heart function (LV FS% and LV EF%) in the absence of impact on heart rate. At all tested doses, a single oral CK-586 dose resulted in improved or resolved LVOTO with well-tolerated, dose-dependent, reductions in LV systolic function. The results from this study pave the way for the potential use of CK-586 in both the veterinary and human clinical setting.

Abstract Background Glanzmann's thrombasthenia (GT) is a congenital platelet disorder affecting approximately 1:1 000 000 people globally and characterized by impaired platelet aggregation and clot retraction. Autosomal recessive, loss‐of‐function, variants in ITGA2B or ITGB3 of the αIIbβ3 receptor cause the disease in humans. A cat affected by Glanzmann's and macrothrombocytopenia was presented to the UC Davis VMTH. Hypothesis/Objectives Severe thrombopathia in this cat has an underlying genetic etiology. Animals A single affected patient, 2 age‐matched clinically healthy controls, and a geriatric population (n = 20) of normal cats. Methods Physical examination and clinical pathology tests were performed on the patient. Flow cytometry and platelet aggregometry analyses for patient phenotyping were performed. Patient and validation cohort gDNA samples were extracted for Sanger sequencing of a previously identified ITGA2B (c.1986delC) variant. Reverse transcriptase PCR was performed on patient and healthy control PRP samples to verify ITGA2B variant consequence. Results A novel c.1986_1987insCC autosomal recessive variant in ITGA2B was identified. This variant was absent in a population of 194 unrelated cats spanning 44 different breeds. Complete loss of ITGA2B transcript and protein expression was verified by RT‐PCR and flow cytometry, explaining the underlying etiology of GT, and likely macrothrombocytopenia, in this cat. Conclusions and Clinical Importance This study emphasizes the role of precision medicine in cardiovascular disease of cats and identified yet another variant that may be of utility for screening in the feline population. This study provides a small‐volume, standardized, successful protocol for adequate platelet RNA isolation and subsequent molecular assessment of gene expression in cats.

In the ten-membered 1,3,4,6-tetrahydro-2H-pyrido[1,2-a]pyrimidine ring system of the title compound, C17H15N5, the 1,2-dihydropyridine ring is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.001 Å), while the 1,3-diazinane ring has a distorted twist-boat conformation. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...N and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. In addition, C—H...π interactions form layers parallel to the (100) plane. Thus, crystal-structure cohesion is ensured. According to a Hirshfeld surface study, H...H (40.4%), N...H/H...N (28.6%) and C...H/H...C (24.1%) interactions are the most important contributors to the crystal packing.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 2C31H28N2O4S·C2H6O, contains a parent molecule and a half molecule of ethanol solvent. The main compound stabilizes its molecular conformation by forming a ring with an R12(7) motif with the ethanol solvent molecule. In the crystal, molecules are connected by C—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. In addition, C—H...π interactions also strengthen the molecular packing.

The article presents the results of the first geoarchaeological study of the materials of Christian burials identified in the interior of the Middle Zelenchuk temple of the 10th century in the Nizhne-Arkhyz ancient settlement (Republic of Karachay-Cherkessia). The results of microbiomorphic (phytolith) and total phosphorus content analyses allowed us to reveal previously unknown features of the funeral rites of the multicultural and multi-ethnic Christian population of one of the largest cities of the North Caucasus in the Middle Ages. The differences in funerary practices between the 11th and 13th centuries became evident when studying even a small group of funerary complexes in which people of the same social group – representatives of the social elite of Western Alania – were buried. The geoarchaeological study showed an abundance of plant and animal organic matter in the burials. The complex analysis of archaeological materials and data obtained during the microbiomorphic study allowed us to conclude that members of the urban Christian community had several burial traditions: in stone boxes (tombs), in wooden frames, and a mixed ritual when a wooden structure was placed in a stone box. The presence of wooden bark particles in the burials seems to be related not so much to the material from which the burial structures were made as to the presence in the graves of bark or bast objects (bast caskets or boxes, birch bark amulets, toys, etc.). The tradition known from pagan Alanian burials of placing the head of the deceased on a “stone cushion” (more typical for male burials) was preserved in early Christian burials. In one of the four women’s graves studied, the analysis showed the presence of a “hay pillow.” Probably, before the burial, a ritual of washing the deceased was performed, as evidenced by the presence of diatoms and sponge spicules in the samples.

In the title compound, C21H15N5OS2, molecular pairs are linked by N—H...N hydrogen bonds along the c-axis direction and C—H...S and C—H...O hydrogen bonds along the b-axis direction, with R22(12) and R22(16) motifs, respectively, thus forming layers parallel to the (10\overline{4}) plane. In addition, C=S...π and C[triple-bond]N...π interactions between the layers ensure crystal cohesion. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the major contributions to the crystal packing are H...H (43.0%), C...H/H...C (16.9%), N...H/H...N (11.3%) and S...H/H...S (10.9%) interactions.

In the crystal of the title compound, C6H9ClN2O, molecular pairs form dimers with an R22(8) motif through N—H...O hydrogen bonds. These dimers are connect into ribbons parallel to the (100) plane with R44(10) motifs by N—H...O hydrogen bonds along the c-axis direction. In addition, π–π [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.4635 (9) Å] and C—Cl...π interactions between the ribbons form layers parallel to the (100) plane. The three-dimensional consolidation of the crystal structure is also ensured by Cl...H and Cl...Cl interactions between these layers. According to a Hirshfeld surface study, H...H (43.3%), Cl...H/H...Cl (22.1%) and O...H/H...O (18.7%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing.

The crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of three similar azo compounds are reported. Methyl 4-{2,2-dichloro-1-[(E)-phenyldiazenyl]ethenyl}benzoate, C16H12Cl2N2O2, (I), and methyl 4-{2,2-dichloro-1-[(E)-(4-methylphenyl)diazenyl]ethenyl}benzoate, C17H14Cl2N2O2, (II), crystallize in the space group P21/c with Z = 4, and methyl 4-{2,2-dichloro-1-[(E)-(3,4-dimethylphenyl)diazenyl]ethenyl}benzoate, C18H16Cl2N2O2, (III), in the space group P\overline{1} with Z = 2. In the crystal of (I), molecules are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming chains with C(6) motifs parallel to the b axis. Short intermolecular Cl...O contacts of 2.8421 (16) Å and weak van der Waals interactions between these chains stabilize the crystal structure. In (II), molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds and C—Cl...π interactions, forming layers parallel to (010). Weak van der Waals interactions between these layers consolidate the molecular packing. In (III), molecules are linked by C—H...π and C—Cl...π interactions forming chains parallel to [011]. Furthermore, these chains are connected by C—Cl...π interactions parallel to the a axis, forming (0\overline{1}1) layers. The stability of the molecular packing is ensured by van der Waals forces between these layers.

This paper systematizes theoretical concepts, which explain the role of higher education in the formation of the gender inequality in the labour market as well as empirical studies, which consider the formation of the gender wage inequality in all the stages of the interaction between individual and educational system (enrolment, studying and graduation). Theoretical part considers the impact of education on gender inequality through the lenses of human capital theory, compensating wage differentials, theories of discrimination and segregation, as well as through gender-oriented approach in education. The study also presents current trends in gender inequality in education and labour market in Russia. Additionally, we systematize international experience in policy measures related to smoothing of the gender inequality in education and the labour market and we propose measures which can be applicable for that purpose in Russia.

To describe the polar properties of nanosized HfxZr1−xO2−y, we evolve the “effective” Landau–Ginzburg–Devonshire (LGD) model based on the parametrization of the Landau expansion coefficients for polar and antipolar orderings. We have shown that the effective LGD model can predict the influence of screening conditions and size effects on phase diagrams, polarization reversal, and structural properties of nanosized HfxZr1−xO2−y of various shapes and sizes. To verify the model, we use the available experimental results for HfxZr1−xO2 thin films and oxygen-deficient HfO2−y nanoparticles prepared under different annealing conditions. X-ray diffraction, which was used to determine the phase composition of the HfO2−y nanoparticles, revealed the formation of a ferroelectric orthorhombic phase in them. Micro-Raman spectroscopy was used to explore the correlation of lattice dynamics and structural changes that depend on the oxygen vacancy concentration in the HfO2−y nanoparticles. Since our approach allows us to determine the conditions (shape, sizes, Zr content, and/or oxygen vacancy amount) for which nanosized HfxZr1−xO2−y are ferroelectric or antiferroelectric, we hope that the obtained results are useful for creation of next generation Si-compatible ferroelectric gate oxide nanomaterials.

In the title compound, C25H25NO7S, the molecular conformation is stabilized by intramolecular O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, which form S(6) and S(8) ring motifs, respectively. The molecules are bent at the S atom with a C—SO2—NH—C torsion angle of −70.86 (11)°. In the crystal, molecules are linked by C—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming molecular layers parallel to the (100) plane. C—H...π interactions are observed between these layers.

In the title compound, C20H18N2S, the asymmetric unit comprises two similar molecules (A and B). In molecule A, the central thiophene ring makes dihedral angles of 89.96 (12) and 57.39 (13)° with the 1H-pyrrole rings, which are bent at 83.22 (14)° relative to each other, and makes an angle of 85.98 (11)° with the phenyl ring. In molecule B, the corresponding dihedral angles are 89.49 (13), 54.64 (12)°, 83.62 (14)° and 85.67 (11)°, respectively. In the crystal, molecular pairs are bonded to each other by N—H...N interactions. N—H...π and C—H...π interactions further connect the molecules, forming a three-dimensional network. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H...H (57.1% for molecule A; 57.3% for molecule B), C...H/H...C (30.7% for molecules A and B) and S...H/H...S (6.2% for molecule A; 6.4% for molecule B) interactions are the most important contributors to the crystal packing.

The study examines a problematic hypothesis of possible approaches to identifying the quantum physical foundations of the functioning of consciousness. The authors proceed from the fact that in modern conditions, not a single science, nor all sciences taken together, gives a final answer to the question of the “mechanism” of the origin of thought. However, this does not mean at all that research in this direction needs to be stopped. The authors express confidence that modern and subsequent research into the “quantum concept of consciousness” will lead to the identification of previously unknown patterns, opening the way to the formation of new principles and approaches. As an example, the corresponding Penrose - Hameroff concept is considered. Quantum mechanics complements the tools of neurobiology and other branches of neuroscience, which together form an interdisciplinary field of knowledge that is dynamically growing and developing. The authors are not apologists for the omnipotence of quantum physics. Quantum correlates of consciousness actually mean that it is not today’s quantum mechanics itself that explains the emergence of mental states, but the fact that in the birth of these states it is essential that in the very process of the formation of neurodynamic impulses in the neurons of the cerebral cortex that generate mental states, there are processes of quantum nature. It should also be recognized that the quantum-molecular level (nanolevel) of processes in the neurons of the brain really exists and it is this that is the source of proto-consciousness. Science strives to move forward, new research programs are emerging within the framework of quantum biology, quantum psychology, quantum information science, which in turn can shed light on the hypothesis of the “quantum concept of consciousness.”

In the title compound, C16H13N7O2, the 3,5-dimethylphenyl and 4-nitrophenyl rings are inclined to the central 2H-1,2,3-triazole ring by 1.80 (7) and 1.79 (7)°, respectively, and to one another by 2.16 (7)°. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by C—H...N hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions [centroid-to-centroid distances = 3.7295 (9) and 3.7971 (9) Å], forming ribbons along the b-axis direction. These ribbons are connected to each other by weak van der Waals interactions and the stability of the crystal structure is ensured. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (31.5%), N...H/H...N (19.2%), O...H/H...O (14.5%), N...C/C...C (10.9%) and C...H/H...C (10.2%) contacts.

In the title compound, C16H13BrO, the planes of the aromatic rings are inclined at an angle of 23.49 (15)°, and the configuration about the C=C bond is E. In the crystal, the molecules are linked into chains by weak C—H...O interactions along the b axis. Successive chains form a zigzag structure along the c axis, and these chains are connected to each other by face-to-face π–π stacking interactions along the a axis. These layers, parallel to the (001) plane, are linked by van der Waals interactions, thus consolidating the crystal structure. Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the most significant contacts in the structure are H...H (43.1%), C...H/H...C (17.4%), Br...H/H...Br (14.9%), C...C (11.9%) and O...H/H...O (9.8%).

The title compound, C15H14O2, adopts an E configuration about the C=C double bond. The furan ring is inclined to the phenyl ring by 12.03 (9)°. In the crystal, pairs of molecules are linked by C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with R22(14) ring motifs. The molecules are connected via C—H...π interactions, forming a three dimensional network. No π–π interactions are observed.

In the title compound, C25H17N3O5S2, intramolecular π–π interactions [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.5640 (9) Å] are observed between the furan and benzene rings of the 4-cyanophenyl group. In the crystal, molecules are connected via C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to the (100) plane. These layers are interconnected by C—H...π interactions and weak van der Waals interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that H...H (30.2%), N...H/H...N (22.3%), C...H/H...C (17.9%) and O...H/H...O (15.4%) interactions make the most significant contributions to the crystal packing.

Abstract Introduction of controllable deformations into periodic materials that lead to disclinations in their structure opens novel routes for construction of higher-order topological insulators hosting topological states at disclinations. Appearance of these topological states is consistent with the bulk-disclination correspondence principle, and is due to the filling anomaly that results in fractional charges to the boundary unit cells. So far, topological disclination states were observed only in the linear regime, while the interplay between nonlinearity and topology in the systems with disclinations has been never studied experimentally. We report here on the experimental observation of the nonlinear photonic disclination states in waveguide arrays with pentagonal or heptagonal disclination cores inscribed in transparent optical medium using the fs-laser writing technique. The transition between nontopological and topological phases in such structures is controlled by the Kekulé distortion coefficient r with topological phase hosting simultaneously disclination states at the inner disclination core and spatially separated from them corner-I, corner-II, and extended edge states at the outer edge of the structure. We show that the robust nonlinear disclination states bifurcate from their linear counterparts and that location of their propagation constants in the gap and, hence, their spatial localization can be controlled by their power. Nonlinear disclination states can be efficiently excited by Gaussian input beams, but only if they are focused into the waveguides belonging to the disclination core, where such topological states reside. Our results open new prospects for investigation of nonlinear effects in topological systems with disclinations and are relevant for different areas of science, including Bose-Einstein and polariton condensates, where potentials with the disclinations can be created.

We report the synthesis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction, magnetic, and luminescence measurements of a novel family of luminescent cage-like tetranuclear silsesquioxanes (PhSiO1.5)8(LnO1.5)4(O)(C5H8O2)6(EtOH)2(CH3CN)2⋅2CH3CN (where Ln = Tb, 1; Tb/Eu, 2; and Gd, 3), featuring seven-coordinated lanthanide ions arranged in a one-capped trigonal prism geometry. Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit characteristic Tb3+ and Tb3+/Eu3+-related emissions, respectively, sensitized by the chelating antenna acetylacetonate (acac) ligands upon excitation in the UV and visible spectral regions. Compound 3 is used to assess the energies of the triplet states of the acac ligand. For compound 1, theoretical calculations on the intramolecular energy transfer and multiphonon rates indicate a thermal balance between the 5D4 Stark components, while the mixed Tb3+/Eu3+ analog 2, with a Tb:Eu ratio of 3:1, showcases intra-cluster Tb3+-to-Eu3+ energy transfer, calculated theoretically as a function of temperature. By utilizing the intensity ratio between the 5D4→7F5 (Tb3+) and 5D0→7F2 (Eu3+) transitions in the range 11–373 K, we demonstrate the realization of a ratiometric luminescent thermometer with compound 2, operating in the range 11–373 K with a maximum relative sensitivity of 2.0% K−1 at 373 K. These findings highlight the potential of cage-like silsesquioxanes as versatile materials for optical sensing-enabled applications.

Tungsten antimony acids (TAA) with the composition H(2)Sb(2)WXO6·nH2O (0 < x ≤ 1.45; 0 < n ≤ 2.0) have been synthesized by hydrolysis of antimony trichloride pre-oxidized with nitric acid in the presence of varying amounts of Na2WO4. To obtain TAA protonated forms, the samples were kept in a 96% solution of sulphuric acid, the precipitate was washed until reaction became neutral and dried in air. The amount of tungsten, antimony, and silver ions in TAA was determined using energy dispersive analysis. Changes in structural parameters upon doping of AA with tungsten ions were studied using a Bruker D8 ADVANCE X-ray diffractometer (CuKa1-radiation). The number of oxonium ions in TAA was determined by the substitution of these ions by silver ions in equivalent amounts (Ag+-TAA forms). All obtained TAA samples and Ag+ TAA forms had a pyrochlore-type structure, space group symmetry Fd3m. Refinement of the arrangement of atoms in the structure using the Rietveld method showed that tungsten ions replace antimony ions and are statistically located in 16c, oxygen anions in 48f, and oxonium ions and water molecules in 16d and 8b positions, respectively. When tungsten ions were introduced into samples, the structural parameters of the resulting phases changed. There was a decrease in the unit cell parameter and the distance between antimony ions and oxygen anions, while an increase in the distance between oxonium ions and oxygen anions located in 48f positions was observed. This allowed the removal of a proton from oxonium molecules and its transport via a system of hydrogen bonds formed by water molecules

The crystal structures and Hirshfeld surface analyses of four similar azo compounds are reported. (E)-1-[1-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-2,2-dichloroethenyl]-2-phenyldiazene, C18H18Cl2N2, (I), and (E)-1-[1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2,2-dichloroethenyl]-2-(4-methylphenyl)diazene, C19H20Cl2N2, (II), crystallize in the monoclinic space group C2/c with Z = 8, and (E)-1-[1-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2,2-dichloroethenyl]-2-(4-methoxyphenyl)diazene, C19H20Cl2N2O, (III), in the monoclinic space group P21/c with Z = 4. (E)-1-[1-(4-tert-Butylphenyl)-2,2-dichloroethenyl]-2-(3-methylphenyl)diazene, C19H20Cl2N2, (IV), crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with Z = 4 and comprises two molecules (A and B) in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal structures of (I) and (II), molecules are linked by C—H...π and C—Cl...π interactions, forming layers parallel to (\overline{2}02), while molecules of (III) are linked by C—H...O contacts, C—H...π and C—Cl...π interactions forming layers parallel to (\overline{3}02). The stability of the molecular packing is ensured by van der Waals forces between these layers. In the crystal structure of (IV), molecules are linked by C—H...π and C—Cl...π interactions, forming a tri-periodic network.

Abstract We sought to establish a large animal model of inherited hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) with sufficient disease severity and early penetrance for identification of novel therapeutic strategies. HCM is the most common inherited cardiac disorder affecting 1 in 250–500 people, yet few therapies for its treatment or prevention are available. A research colony of purpose-bred cats carrying the A31P mutation in MYBPC3 was founded using sperm from a single heterozygous male cat. Cardiac function in four generations was assessed by periodic echocardiography and measurement of blood biomarkers. Results showed that HCM penetrance was age-dependent, and that penetrance occurred earlier and was more severe in successive generations, especially in homozygotes. Homozygosity was also associated with progression from preclinical to clinical disease. A31P homozygous cats represent a heritable model of HCM with early disease penetrance and a severe phenotype necessary for interventional studies aimed at altering disease progression. The occurrence of a more severe phenotype in later generations of cats, and the occasional occurrence of HCM in wildtype cats suggests the presence of at least one gene modifier or a second causal variant in this research colony that exacerbates the HCM phenotype when inherited in combination with the A31P mutation.

In the title compound, C20H12N6O·C2H6OS, the [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyridine ring system is almost planar and makes dihedral angles of 16.33 (7) and 46.80 (7)°, respectively, with the phenylamino and phenyl rings. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds into chains along the b-axis direction through the dimethyl sulfoxide solvent molecule, forming C(10)R21(6) motifs. These chains are connected via S—O...π interactions, π–π stacking interactions between the pyridine rings [centroid-to-centroid distance = 3.6662 (9) Å] and van der Waals interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis of the crystal structure indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (28.1%), C...H/H...C (27.2%), N...H/H...N (19.4%) and O...H/H...O (9.8%) interactions.

In the title compound, C19H15N5S, the thiophene ring is disordered in a 0.6:0.4 ratio by an approximate 180° rotation of the ring around the C—C bond linking it to the pyridine ring. In the crystal, the molecules are linked by N—H...N hydrogen bonds into dimers with an R22(12) motif, forming chains along the b-axis direction. These chains are connected to each other by further N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. Furthermore, N—H...π and π–π [centroid–centroid separations = 3.899 (8) and 3.7938 (12) Å] interactions also contribute to the crystal cohesion. A Hirshfeld surface analysis indicated that the most important contributions to the surface contacts are from H...H (46.1%), N...H/H...N (20.4%) and C...H/H...C (17.4%) interactions.

A technology has been developed for preparing a suspension and deposition of a coating to the surface of ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) samples. After deposition of a graphene oxide layer onto the sample surface, the sample was treated in helium plasma at low pressure to stabilize and crosslink the deposited layer. It has been experimentally shown that the deposition of a graphene oxide coating on the surface followed by UHMWPE plasma treatment reduces the dynamic coefficient of sliding friction by more than three times (from 0.092 to 0.027), but no significant increase in adhesion of graphene oxide layer due to plasma treatment was observed.

Purpose – Construction 4.0 technology is a novel innovative technology that has been proved to enhance project performance. However, information on the concept's awareness, adoption readiness and challenges in developing economies is still scanty. The purpose of the study is to appraise awareness, adoption readiness and challenges of Construction 4.0 technologies in Nigeria to bring to the fore the state of art of these innovative technologies in the study area. Design/methodology/approach – The study used a convenient sampling technique to select 129 construction professionals (architects, engineers and quantity surveyors) in Osun State, Nigeria, who provided data for the study through a closed-ended structure questionnaire survey. The quantitative data supplied were analysed using frequency, percentile, Cronbach's alpha, mean score (MS) analysis and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Findings – The overall awareness level of construction professionals in the study area about Construction 4.0 technologies is at a moderate level (MS = 3.03). The analysis of each component of the Construction 4.0 technologies shows that BIM (MS = 3.69) has the highest level of awareness, while augmented reality (MS = 2.51) has the least awareness level. More results show a significant difference in the opinion of the respondents, a significant difference in the respondents on 36% of the components of Construction 4.0 technologies. The adoption readiness of the Nigerian construction industry (NCI) to Construction 4.0 technologies is at an initial level (MS = 2.86). However, the 3D printing (MS = 3.36) and augmented reality (MS = 2.49) have the highest and lowest adoption readiness ratings, respectively. There is no significant difference in how respondents ranked the NCI adoption readiness on 73% of the components of Construction 4.0 technologies. The main challenges of Construction 4.0 technologies in the study area are lack of standardisation (MS = 4.02), lack of investment in research and development and cost of implementation (MS = 3.87) each. The result shows that there is perfect unanimity in the way respondents ranked the challenges of Construction 4.0. Practical implications – The study provided information on the status quo of Construction 4.0 technologies in the NCI to enhance improvement in practice and the attendant project delivery. Originality/value – The study attempted to bring to the fore the state of the art on awareness, adoption readiness and challenges of Construction 4.0 technologies in Nigeria. The study's information will be valuable to improve project delivery.

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C11H7N5OS, contains two independent molecules (1 and 2). The thiophene ring in molecule 2 is rotationally disordered (flip disorder) by ca 180° (around the single C—C bond, to which it is attached) over two sites with the site-occupation factors of 0.9 and 0.1. These two orientations of the thiophene ring in molecule 2 are not equivalent. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular N—H...O and N—H...N hydrogen bonds into ribbons parallel to (022) along the a axis. Within the (022) planes, these ribbons are connected by van der Waals interactions and between the (022) planes by N—H...O hydrogen bonds. In molecule 1, Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from N...H/H...N (27.1%), H...H (17.6%), C...H/H...C (13.6%) and O...H/H...O (9.3%) interactions, while in molecule 2, H...H (25.4%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing.

In the title compound, C20H26O5, the two cyclohexane rings adopt boat and half-chair conformations. In the crystal, adjacent molecules are connected by intermolecular C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. According to a Hirshfeld surface study, H...H interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing (63.0%).

In the title compound, C31H44O5, molecules are connected by O—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming hydrogen-bonded zigzag chains running along the b axis and parallel to the (001) plane. The molecular packing is stabilized by van der Waals interactions between these chains along the a and c axes. The intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure were quantified and analysed using Hirshfeld surface analysis.

In the title compound, C23H17N3O9S2, C—H...O hydrogen bonds link adjacent molecules in a three-dimensional network, while π–π stacking interactions, with centroid–centroid distances of 3.8745 (9) Å, between the furan and an arene ring of one of the two (3-nitrophenyl)sulfonyl groups, result in chains parallel to the a axis. The Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that O...H/H...O (40.1%), H...H (27.5%) and C...H/H...C (12.4%) interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing.

In this paper, a state-dependent, bounding surface plasticity model that simulates the behavior of unsaturated granular soils is presented. An unsaturated, soil mechanics-compatible elastoplastic response is adopted in which no part of the response occurs in a purely elastic fashion. To create an appropriate hydro-mechanical coupling, a newer generation stress framework, consisting of the Bishop-type effective stress and a second stress variable, is used in conjunction with a soil-water characteristic curve function. Details regarding the model development, parameter estimation, and assessment of the model’s predictive capabilities are outlined. With a single set of parameter values, the model realistically simulates the main features that characterize the shear and volumetric behavior of unsaturated granular soils over a wide range of matric suction, density, and net confining pressure.

The detection of insecticide resistance in male mosquitoes has been treated with less importance in monitoring insecticide resistance spread in mosquitoes. There are no studies on the susceptibility and synergistic activity of DDT and lambda-cyhalothrin on male Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti in Delta State, Nigeria. Even though studies have extensively reported resistance in female mosquitoes, the susceptibility of male mosquitoes to insecticide classes should be ascertained. In this study, we tested the susceptibility status and synergistic activity of DDT and Lambda-cyhalothrin on An. gambiae and Ae. aegypti in Delta State, Nigeria, in order to ascertain the level of resistance and knockdown. In addition, we modelled the knockdown time using Probit analysis model. WHO bioassay method was used to expose two days old adult mosquitoes to 4% DDT and 0.05% lambda-cyhalothrin. The results showed that An. gambiae mosquitoes exposed to DDT and lambda-cyhalothrin were confirmed resistant (61% and 53% respectively). However, pre-exposing the resistant mosquito population to piperonyl butoxide (4%) showed an increase in mortality to 90% (possible resistance) in DDT and 98% (susceptible) in lambda-cyhalothrin. Ae. aegypti mosquitoes exposed to DDT were susceptible (98%) while those exposed to lambda-cyhalothrin were confirmed resistant (87%) and this increased to complete mortality (100%) in PBO+lambda-cyhalothrin population. Furthermore, the results showed that the knockdown time (KDT50 and KDT95) in An. gambiae exposed to DDT was 39.5-71.2 minutes and 124.5-146.4 minutes respectively, while that of lambda-cyhalothrin was 33.0-81.8 minutes and 64.0-124.4 minutes respectively. In Ae. aegypti, KDT50 and KDT95 was 23.9 and 61.7minutes for DDT exposure whereas it was 5.6-15.3 minutes and 36.1-72.3 minutes for lambda-cyhalothrin exposure. It can be concluded that male An. gambiae mosquitoes exposed to the insecticides were resistant and the causes may be linked to certain resistant genes in the mosquitoes. The chances of transferring resistance are possible in wild species and molecular-based studies on the resistant gene in male mosquitoes as well as the tendencies of transfer are required to establish this focus.

In the title compound, C32H29N5O2·C3H7NO, the bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane ring system adopts a half-chair/twist-boat conformation, with the phenyl rings in equatorial orientations with respect to the piperidine ring. The two oxane rings of the 2-oxabicyclo[2.2.2]octane ring system exhibit a distorted boat conformation. Intermolecular C—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds connect the molecules in the crystal, generating layers extending parallel to (100). These layers are connected by C—H...π interactions. A Hirshfeld surface analysis was performed to quantify the contributions of the different intermolecular interactions, indicating that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (52.5%), N...H/H...N (19.2%), C...H/H...C (18.8%) and O...H/H...O (8.3%) interactions.

Abstract Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most prevalent inherited cardiac disease in humans and cats and lacks efficacious pharmacologic interventions in the preclinical phase of disease. LV outflow tract obstruction (LVOTO) is commonly observed in HCM-affected patients and is a primary driver of heart failure symptoms and reduced quality of life. Novel small-molecule cardiac myosin inhibitors target actin-myosin interactions to alleviate overactive protein interactions. A prospective, randomized, controlled cross-over study was performed to evaluate pharmacodynamic effects of two doses (0.3 and 1 mg/kg) of a next-in-class cardiac myosin inhibitor, aficamten (CK-3773274, CK-274), on cardiac function in cats with the A31P MYBPC3 mutation and oHCM. Dose-dependent reductions in LV systolic function, LVOT pressure gradient, and isovolumetric relaxation times compared to baseline were observed. Promising beneficial effects of reduced systolic function warrant further studies of this next-in-class therapeutic to evaluate the benefit of long-term administration in this patient population.

Complex compounds of lead salts and thiourea are of interest due to the possibility of their practical application as precursors in the deposition of metal sulphide films. It is relevant to establish the relationship between the composition and structure of the initial complex compounds and the structure of the sulphides formed as a result of their thermal destruction. This paper presents the results of studying the complex compounds formed in an aqueous solution of lead chloride and thiourea. The structure of the complex compounds was determined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry. The mass spectrometry data confirmed the formation of the [Pb((NH2)2CS)2Cl2] complex in the solution, which is a precursor in the deposition of PbS films. It was demonstrated that mass spectrometry fragmentation of the molecular ion of the [Pb((NH2)2CS)2Cl2] compound leads to the formation of a lead sulphide ion. The obtained data confirm the formation of the lead-sulphur bonds in the inner sphere of the complex compound, which are fragments of the crystal structure of the prospective sulphide formed during the thermolysis of the complex

The crystal used for structure determination contained, along with the title compound, C17H14BrN3O4, an admixture [0.0324 (11)] of its 7-bromo isomer. The 2,3-dihydro-1H-indole ring system is nearly planar, while the conformation of the 4H-pyran ring is close to a flattened boat. The mean planes of these fragments form a dihedral angle of 86.67 (9)°. The carboxylate group lies near the plane of 4H-pyran, its orientation is stabilized by an intramolecular C—H...O contact. In the crystal, the molecules are connected into layers by N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds. The most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (33.1%), O...H/H...O (16.3%), N...H/H...N (12.1%), Br...H/H...Br (11.5%) and C...H/H...C (10.6%) interactions.

In 2-amino-4-(4-bromophenyl)-6-oxo-1-phenyl-1,4,5,6-tetrahydropyridine-3-carbonitrile hemihydrate, C18H14BrN3O·0.5H2O, (I), pairs of molecules are linked by pairs of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming dimers with an R22(12) ring motif. The dimers are connected by N—H...Br and O—H...O hydrogen bonds, and C—Br...π interactions, forming layers parallel to the (010) plane. 1,6-Diamino-2-oxo-4-phenyl-1,2-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicarbonitrile, C13H9N5O, (II), crystallizes in the triclinic space group P\overline{1} with two independent molecules (IIA and IIB) in the asymmetric unit. In the crystal of (II), molecules IIA and IIB are linked by intermolecular N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to (001). These layers are connected along the c-axis direction by weak C—H...N contacts. C—H...π and C—N...π interactions connect adjacent molecules, forming chains along the a-axis direction. In (I) and (II), the stability of the packing is ensured by van der Waals interactions between the layers. In (I), Hirshfeld surface analysis showed that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (37.9%), C...H/H...C (18.4%), Br...H/H...Br (13.3%), N...H/H...N (11.5%) and O...H/H...O (10.0%) interactions, while in (II), H...H interactions are the most significant contributors to the crystal packing (27.6% for molecule IIA and 23.1% for molecule IIB).

In the title compound, C19H13BrN2O, the pyridine ring is essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.024 (4) Å for the N atom] and makes dihedral angles of 74.6 (2) and 65.8 (2)°, respectively, with the phenyl and bromophenyl rings, which subtend a dihedral angle of 63.1 (2)°. In the crystal, molecules are connected along the c-axis direction via C—Br...π interactions, generating zigzag chains parallel to the (010) plane. C—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen-bonding interactions further connect the molecules, forming a three-dimensional network and reinforcing the molecular packing. Hirshfeld surface analysis indicates that the most important contributions to the crystal packing are from H...H (36.2%), C...H/H...C (21.6%), N...H/H...N (12.2%), and Br...H/H...Br (10.8%) interactions.