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The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of creating a prototype of a self-sufficient houseboat that is capable of prolonged independence from power grids and freshwater sources. In this design, electricity demand is met by a photovoltaic installation, and the energy is stored in batteries. Fresh water for living needs may be obtained from many sources, depending on the environmental conditions, such as through purifying outboard water, desalinating seawater, and collecting and storing rainwater. No waste production of the vessel can be achieved in two ways: waste can be treated and discharged into a body of water, or processed into fertiliser for later use in agriculture. Four possible locations were analysed: Rome, Lisbon, Gdańsk and Stockholm. The findings reveal that the length of time for which the unit is autonomous and emission-free depends on the geographical location of the facility. In periods when there is overproduction of energy, the system can produce hydrogen, donate energy to the grid, use it for the needs of its own movement, or perform other useful work, e.g. cleaning or aerating the water body on which it is floating.

The article discusses the consequences of participatory actions in a museum exemplified by the Find Art exhibition presented at the Muzeum Sztuki Lodz in 2017. It focuses on the transformative impact of participatory projects on museum culture and organizational structure. Museums have shifted from collection-driven entities to audience-oriented institutions, blurring lines between entertainment, education, and cultural heritage. The author highlights the changing paradigm of museums from old to new museology, critiquing power structures within museums. Based on the analysis of the Find Art exhibition the author argues that participatory projects reconfigure a museum institution, creating a Protean community of multi-functional collaborations that challenge conventional museum roles. He suggests a post-critical approach, defining a “distributed museum,” where networks of dependencies redefine the museum’s role beyond traditional boundaries. The author acknowledges the diverse contributions within the distributed museum, encompassing both formal and informal entities and addresses potential implications of exploitation within this dynamic community.

Abstract We propose a graph method for systematically searching for schemes that can generate multipartite entanglement in linear bosonic systems with heralding. While heralded entanglement generation offers more tolerable schemes for quantum tasks than postselected ones, it is generally more challenging to find appropriate circuits for multipartite systems. We show that our graph mapping from boson subtractions provides handy tactics to overcome the limitations in circuit designs. Within our graph framework, we identify enhanced schemes for qubit N-partite GHZ, W, and the superposition of N = 3 GHZ and W states. Furthermore, we have found a qudit N-partite GHZ state generation scheme, which requires substantially fewer particles than previous proposals. These results demonstrate the power of our approach in discovering optimized solutions for the generation of intricate heralded entangled states. We expect our method to serve as a promising tool in generating diverse entanglement.

The m6A epitranscriptomic mark is the most abundant and widespread internal RNA chemical modification, which through the control of RNA acts as an important factor of eukaryote reproduction, growth, morphogenesis and stress response. The main m6A readers constitute a super family of proteins with hundreds of members that share a so-called YTH RNA binding domain. The majority of YTH proteins carry no obvious additional domain except for an Intrinsically Disordered Region (IDR). In Arabidopsis thaliana IDRs are important for the functional specialization among the different YTH proteins, known as Evolutionarily Conserved C-Terminal region, ECT 1 to 12. Here by studying the ECT2 protein and using an in vitro biochemical characterization, we show that full-length ECT2 and its YTH domain alone have a distinct ability to bind m6A, conversely to previously characterized YTH readers. We identify peptide regions outside of ECT2 YTH domain, in the N-terminal IDR, that regulate its binding to m6A-methylated RNA. Furthermore, we show that the selectivity of ECT2 binding for m6A is enhanced by a high uridine content within its neighbouring sequence, where ECT2 N-terminal IDR is believed to contact the target RNA in vivo. Finally, we also identify small structural elements, located next to ECT2 YTH domain and conserved in a large set of YTH proteins, that enhance its binding to m6A-methylated RNA. We propose from these findings that some of these regulatory regions are not limited to ECT2 or YTH readers of flowering plants but may be widespread among eukaryotic YTH readers.

Abstract Background The importance of several scapulothoracic muscles, including trapezius and serratus anterior, in maintaining physiological scapula kinematics has been highlighted in the past. However, the relationship between the scapula and the latissimus dorsi muscle remains unclear. Our clinical surgical observation is that the latissimus dorsi does not directly attach but rather runs superficial to the inferior angle of the scapula. Based on this observation, we hypothesise that the latissimus dorsi creates a dynamic track on which the scapula glides under the muscle belly during elevation of the arm, creating the latissimus-scapula overlap (LSO). Methods All consecutive patients who had a whole-body computed tomography scan (CT) in case of polytrauma evaluation between 2018 and 2021, with complete depiction of the scapula and latissimus dorsi muscle, were analysed. 150 shoulders in 90 patients with arms up were matched according to their age (within five years), gender, and affected side with 150 shoulders in 88 patients with arms down. Patients with pathologies of the upper extremities or thorax that potentially could alter LSO measurements were excluded. LSO was calculated as a ratio of the measured area of the latissimus dorsi projection on the scapula and the total scapula area. Results The mean age of the 178 patients (48 females; 13 males) was 60 years. The arms-up group showed a significantly higher LSO than the arms-down group (19.9 ± 6.3% vs. 2.7 ± 2.2%; p

Abstract Germline pathogenic variants associated with increased childhood mortality must be subject to natural selection. Here, we analyze publicly available germline genetic metadata from 4,574 children with cancer [11 studies; 1,083 whole exome sequences (WES), 1,950 whole genome sequences (WGS), and 1,541 gene panel] and 141,456 adults [125,748 WES and 15,708 WGS]. We find that pediatric cancer predisposition syndrome (pCPS) genes [n = 85] are highly constrained, harboring only a quarter of the loss-of-function variants that would be expected. This strong indication of selective pressure on pCPS genes is found across multiple lines of germline genomics data from both pediatric and adult cohorts. For six genes [ELP1, GPR161, VHL and SDHA/B/C], a clear lack of mutational constraint calls the pediatric penetrance and/or severity of associated cancers into question. Conversely, out of 23 known pCPS genes associated with biallelic risk, two [9%, DIS3L2 and MSH2] show significant constraint, indicating that they may monoallelically increase childhood cancer risk. In summary, we show that population genetic data provide empirical evidence that heritable childhood cancer leads to natural selection powerful enough to have significantly impacted the present-day gene pool.

Abstract Background In Peru, HIV cases are highly concentrated among men who have sex with men (MSM). Despite the availability of anti-retroviral therapy, people living with HIV (PWH) have higher levels of oral diseases. Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is significantly present among PWH. Our overarching goal was to generate foundational evidence on the association of AUD and oral health in MSM with HIV and enhance research capacity for future intersectional research on AUD, oral health and HIV. Our specific aim was to implement an on-site electronic data collection system through the use of a REDCap Mobile App in a low-middle income country (LMIC) setting. Methods Five validated surveys were utilized to gather data on demographics, medical history, HIV status, alcohol use, HIV stigma, perceived oral health status, and dietary supplement use. These surveys were developed in REDCap and deployed with the REDCap Mobile App, which was installed on ten iPads across two medical HIV clinics in Lima, Peru. REDCap app as well as the protocol for data collection were calibrated with feedback from trial participants and clinical research staff to improve clinical efficiency and participant experience. Results The mean age of participants (n = 398) was 35.94 ± 9.13y, of which 98.5% identified as male, and 85.7% identified as homosexual. 78.1% of participants binge drank, and 12.3% reported being heavy drinkers. After pilot testing, significant modifications to the structure and layout of the surveys were performed to improve efficiency and flow. The app was successfully deployed to replace cumbersome paper records and collected data was directly stored in a REDCap database. Conclusions The REDCap Mobile App was successfully used due to its ability to: (a) capture and store data offline, (b) timely translate between multiple languages on the mobile app interface, and (c) provide user-friendly interface with low associated costs and ample support. Trial registration 1R56DE029639-01.

In this work, a strategy for one-stage synthesis of polymer composites based on PNIPAAm hydrogel was presented. Both conductive particles in the form of conductive carbon black (cCB) and MnCo2O4 (MCO) spinel particles were suspended in the three-dimensional structure of the hydrogel. The MCO particles in the resulting hydrogel composite acted as an electrocatalyst in the oxygen evolution reaction. Morphological studies confirmed that the added particles were incorporated and, in the case of a higher concentration of cCB particles, also bound to the surface of the structure of the hydrogel matrix. The produced composite materials were tested in terms of their electrical properties, showing that an increase in the concentration of conductive particles in the hydrogel structure translates into a lowering of the impedance modulus and an increase in the double-layer capacitance of the electrode. This, in turn, resulted in a higher catalytic activity of the electrode in the oxygen evolution reaction. The use of a hydrogel as a matrix to suspend the catalyst particles, and thus increase their availability through the electrolyte, seems to be an interesting and promising application approach.

Introduction: Human cathelicidin LL-37 is a salivary antimicrobial peptide (AMP) with broad-spectrum activity against oral diseases, but few studies have assessed its role in children and adolescents living with HIV (CALHIV). We assessed salivary LL-37 levels and correlates in a long-term cohort of Kenyan CALHIV followed since antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Methods: Saliva was collected from 76 CALHIV who were recruited from two ongoing pediatric HIV studies in Nairobi, Kenya. Oral examinations documenting oral manifestations of HIV, dental caries, and gingivitis were completed. Additional variables included age, sex, HIV treatment (initial ART regimen) and disease parameters, caregivers’ demographics, and oral pathologies were conducted. Data were statistically analyzed using the independent T test on the log-transformed LL-37. Results: At the oral exam visit, the mean age of participants was 13.3 years (±SD = 3.4), and the median CD4 count was 954 cells/mm3. Mean salivary cathelicidin values of the cohort were 23.7 ± 21.1 ng/mL. Children with permanent dentition at time of oral examination, and children who initiated ART at ≥2 years old had higher mean LL-37 concentrations compared to those with mixed dentition and those who initiated ART

Host genetics is a key determinant of COVID-19 outcomes. Previously, the COVID-19 Host Genetics Initiative genome-wide association study used common variants to identify multiple loci associated with COVID-19 outcomes. However, variants with the largest impact on COVID-19 outcomes are expected to be rare in the population. Hence, studying rare variants may provide additional insights into disease susceptibility and pathogenesis, thereby informing therapeutics development. Here, we combined whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing from 21 cohorts across 12 countries and performed rare variant exome-wide burden analyses for COVID-19 outcomes. In an analysis of 5,085 severe disease cases and 571,737 controls, we observed that carrying a rare deleterious variant in the SARS-CoV-2 sensor toll-like receptor TLR7 (on chromosome X) was associated with a 5.3-fold increase in severe disease (95% CI: 2.75-10.05, p = 5.41x10-7). This association was consistent across sexes. These results further support TLR7 as a genetic determinant of severe disease and suggest that larger studies on rare variants influencing COVID-19 outcomes could provide additional insights.

Degradation of Favipiravir using a hybrid system of peroxydisulfate, FeMnOx binary metal oxide, and ultrasound irradiation was studied. A novel catalyst was synthesized with deep eutectic solvent (DES). The effects of DES type on catalytic performance was evaluated and the catalysts were characterized using XRD, SEM, BET, XPS, and EDS. DES-based catalysts exhibited higher efficiency due to structure change, surface area enhancement and significantly improved Favipiravir adsorption. The DES-based catalyst exhibited a 30 % increase in surface area and a 20-fold increase in Mn content. Additionally, XRD and XPS analyses suggested the reduction of Fe3+ ions, possibly to Fe3O4. Optimal operational parameters (pH = 10, catalyst dose = 500 mg/L, and rox = 20) provide removal efficiency of 70.1 % after 3 h. The catalyst showed stable activity after three cycles, indicating reusability. This study presents a promising approach for the sustainable degradation of COVID-19 APIs, with implications for the pharmaceutical industry.

This study presents the Boron Enhanced Complex Concentrated Silicides (BECCSs) as a novel category of high-temperature materials derived from the high entropy concept. Using a quaternary MoNbTaW equiatomic alloy as a starting point, four new alloy compositions were designed in a multi-step process oriented towards reducing the density of the material. By incorporating different combinations of Ti, Si, and B, the phase composition of the materials was altered from a BCC solid solution to a multi-phase structure consisting of BCC solid solution and various intermetallics (silicides, borides, and borosilicides). The suggested modification of the alloy composition led to a significant decrease in density, reaching down to 6.87 g/cm3. All four alloys were fabricated by the arc melting technique, while their microstructure and room temperature mechanical properties were evaluated by SEM/EDS/EBSD and micro-indentation methods. The results of structural characterization enabled the identification of specific phase constituents. Consequently, it was established that the transition from BCC solid solutions to silicides/borides based alloys results in a significant increase in hardness, achieving up to 1200 HV (13 GPa).

Tacrolimus is metabolized in the liver with the participation of the CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 enzymes. Proton pump inhibitors are used in kidney transplant patients to prevent duodenal and gastric ulcer disease due to glucocorticoids. Omeprazole, unlike famotidine, is a substrate and inhibitor of the enzymes CYP2C19, CYP3A4, CYP3A5. The aim of this study was to compare the impact of omeprazole and famotidine on the pharmacokinetics of tacrolimus. A randomized, non-blinded study involving 22 stabilized adult kidney transplant patients was conducted. Patients received the standard triple immunosuppression regimen and omeprazole 20 mg (n = 10) or famotidine 20 mg (n = 12). The study material consisted of blood samples in which tacrolimus concentrations were determined using the Chemiluminescent Microparticle Immuno Assay method. A single administration of omeprazole increased tacrolimus concentrations at 2 h (day 2) = 11.90 ± 1.59 ng/mL vs. 2 h (day 1 — no omeprazole administration) = 9.40 ± 0.79 ng/mL (p = 0.0443). AUC0-6 amounted to 63.07 ± 19.46 ng × h/mL (day 2) vs. 54.23 ± 10.48 ng × h/mL (day 1), (p = 0.0295). AUC2-6 amounted to 44.32 ± 11.51 ng × h/mL (day 2) vs. 38.68 ± 7.70 ng × h/mL (day 1), (p = 0.0130). Conversely, no significant changes in values of pharmacokinetic parameters were observed for famotidine. Omeprazole significantly increases blood exposure of tacrolimus. The administration of famotidine instead of omeprazole seems safer for patients following kidney transplantation.Clinical Trial Registration:clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT05061303

A sailing yacht is a human-centred product, the design of which revolves primarily around the wants and desires of the future owner. In most cases, these preferences are not measurable, such as a personal aesthetic feeling, or a need for comfort, speed, safety etc. The aims of this paper are to demonstrate that these preferences can be classified and represented numerically, and to show that they are correlated with the type of yacht owned. As a case study, the owner’s preferences for deck equipment are considered. These are determined by pairwise comparisons of the importance rankings for features previously defined by yacht owners, following the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) method. As a result, a quantitative representation of these preferences is established, and they are shown to be correlated with the type of yacht. The findings of the current study show that the yacht owners’ preferences can be represented numerically, leading to a utilitarian conclusion that concerns the support and even some degree of automation of the design process.

Refractory Metal Intermetallic Composites and Refractory Complex Concentrated Alloys have been identified as promising candidates for ultra-high-temperature applications that exceed the limits of superalloys. However, designing and developing new materials with the proper density for aerospace applications is a significant challenge. For this reason, new refractory metal-based materials are in continuous development. This study introduces a new class of materials known as Boron-Enhanced Complex Concentrated Silicides (BECCSs). By providing a balance between density and high-temperature performance, these materials with their density-optimized refractory metal silicide-borides have the potential to revolutionize high-temperature applications. Utilizing a quaternary MoNbTaW equiatomic alloy (ρ = 13.73 gcm−3) as a starting point and a computer-aided alloy modeling tool, seven alloy compositions were designed in a multi-step process aimed at lowering the material density. Through the introduction of Ti, Si, and/or B, the microstructure was transformed from a BCC solid solution to a multiphase structure comprised of silicides and borides. The proposed redesign of the alloy led to a significant reduction in density, even to 5.44 gcm−3. All seven alloys were produced by using a laboratory arc melter, and their microstructure and room-temperature mechanical properties were analyzed using SEM, EDS, EBSD, and micro-indentation. The results of structural characterization allowed us to identify specific phase constituents, and it was established that a transition from BCC solid solutions to silicides/borides-based alloys results in a substantial increase in hardness, even above 1600 H V (17 GPa).

The article discusses the complexity of identity,the interdependence of social and cultural identity, andtheir relationship with museum education. The Authoremphasizes that an individual’s identity is shaped both bytheir membership in a social group and the internalizationof its cultural values. With respect to museums, institutionalemployment contributes to identity formation, whilecultural identity stems from museum narratives. The Authoranalyzes individual identity as a manifestation of cognitiveconservatism influenced by neurophysiological mechanisms.The Author argues that museum education can play a significantrole in transforming individual identity, especially by exposingindividuals to diverse perspectives and values. The researchindicating the potential for lasting changes in preferences asa result of educational activities is cited. The Author highlightsthe importance of social bonds formed within the museum,and suggests expanding the perspective of relational art toinclude the experiences of museum education. Furthermore,it is also emphasized that museum education initiatives shouldnot be viewed as tools for analyzing the museum institutionbut as opportunities for participants to express themselves andbuild connections with one another.