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The modelling of electricity production and demand requires highly specific and comprehensive meteorological data. One challenge is the high temporal frequency as electricity production and demand modelling typically is done with hourly data. On the other side the European electricity market is highly connected, so that a pure country-based modelling is not expedient and at least the whole European Union (EU) area has to be considered. Additionally, the spatial resolution of the data set must be able to represent the thermal conditions, which requires high spatial resolution at least in mountainous regions. All these requirements lead to huge data amounts for historic observations and even more for climate change projections for the whole 21 st century. Thus, we have developed the aggregated European wide climate data set SECURES-Met that has a temporal resolution of one hour, covers the whole EU area and other selected European countries, has a reasonable size but considers the high spatial variability., (© 2023. Springer Nature Limited.)

With the continued digitization of the energy sector, the problem of sunken scholarly data investments and forgone opportunities of harvesting existing data is exacerbating. It compounds the problem that the reproduction of knowledge is incomplete, impeding the transparency of science-based targets for the choices made in the energy transition. The FAIR data guiding principles are widely acknowledged as a way forward, but their operationalization is yet to be agreed upon within different research domains. We comprehensively test FAIR data practices in the low carbon energy research domain. 80 databases representative for data needed to support the low carbon energy transition are screened. Automated and manual tests are used to document the state-of-the art and provide insights on bottlenecks from the human and machine perspectives. We propose action items for overcoming the problem with FAIR energy data and suggest how to prioritize activities., (© 2022. The Author(s).)

The site-selective modification of complex biomolecules by transition metal-catalysis is highly warranted, but often thwarted by the presence of Lewis basic functional groups. This study demonstrates that protonation of amines and phosphates in carbohydrates circumvents catalyst inhibition in palladium-catalyzed site-selective oxidation. Both aminoglycosides and sugar phosphates, compound classes that up till now largely escaped direct modification, are oxidized with good efficiency. Site-selective oxidation of kanamycin and amikacin was used to prepare a set of 3'-modified aminoglycoside derivatives of which two showed promising activity against antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains., (© 2024 The Authors. Chemistry - A European Journal published by Wiley-VCH GmbH.)

Background and Aims: Given the absence of a universally accepted non-invasive and objective clinical tool to predict a patient's response to stereotactic radiosurgery for Trigeminal Neuralgia (TN), this research endeavoured to appraise the potential of Diffusion Tensor Imaging as a predictive tool in managing TN. Objective: This study aimed to assess microstructural changes in the trigeminal nerve following CyberKnife radiosurgery (CKRS) for TN using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and to correlate these changes with clinical outcomes. Methods: Twenty-eight TN patients treated with CKRS underwent pre and 4-month post-treatment Three-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scans with DTI metrics, including fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), radial diffusivity (RD) and mean diffusivity (MD), were collected. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Barrow Neurological Institute Pain Intensity Score (BNI-PIS) at fourth, sixth and ninth months post-CKRS. Results: Twenty-four patients reported good pain relief (responders), while four patients did not experience adequate relief (non-responders). Responders exhibited significantly lower FA (mean drop of 13.8%, P <.001) and lower RA (mean drop of 16.1%, P <.001) compared to non-responders. RD, AD and MD remained constant across the study cohort. Conclusion: DTI metrics, particularly FA and RA, at 4 months post-CKRS, emerged as predictors of long-term treatment effectiveness for TN. These findings suggest the potential utility of DTI in evaluating microstructural changes in the trigeminal nerve post-CKRS and predicting clinical outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this research is to ascertain the feasibility of fabricating polymer optical fibers (POFs) based textile structures by knitting with Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) based optical fibers for textile sensor application. It has long been established that by using the principles of physics, POFs have the capability to function as sensors, detecting strain, temperature and other variables. However, POF applications such as strain and pressure sensing using knitting techniques has since not been very successful due to a number of reasons. Commercially available PMMA-based optical fibers tend to be fragile and susceptible to breakages when subjected to stress during the knitting processes. Also light transmitted within these fibers is prone to leakage due to the curvature that results when optical fibers are interlaced or interlooped within fabric structures. Design/methodology/approach: Using Stoll's multi-gauge CMS 350 HP knitting machine, five fabric structures namely, 1 × 4 float knit structure, tunnel inlay knit structure, 3:1 fleece fabric and 2:1 fleece fabric structure respectively were used to knit sensor samples. The samples were subsequently tested for length of illumination and sensitivity relative to applied pressure. Findings: The results of this preliminary study establish that embedding plastic optical fibers into a knitted structure during the fabric formation process for soft strain sensor application possible. The best illumination performance was recorded for tunnel inlay structure which had an average of 94 cm course length of POF being illuminated. Sensor sensitivity experiments also establish that the relative spectral intensity of the fiber is sensitive to both light and pressure. Problems encountered and recommendations for further research have also been discussed and proffered. Research limitations/implications: Due to resource limitations, an innovative technique (use of precision weight set) was used to apply pressure to the sensors. Consequently, information regarding the extent of corresponding sensor deformation has not been used in this initial analysis. Practical implications: Because the fundamental step toward finding a solution to any engineering problem is the acquisition of reliable data, and considering the fact that most of the popular technologies used for soft textile sensors are still bedeviled with the problem of signal instability and noise, the success of this application thus has the tendency to promote the wide spread adoption of POF sensors for smart apparel applications. Originality/value: As far as research on soft strain sensors is concerned, to the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to have attempted to knit deformable sensors using commercially available POFs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to study the rock-breaking process of a 17-inch disc-type cutterhead in a full-face tunnel boring machine (TBM), we utilized the discrete element method software EDEM to analyze the in-fluence of relevant parameters (cutter spacing, penetration depth, installation radius, phase difference) on rock-breaking loads and efficiency. Firstly, validate the rationality of the discrete element model for the disc cutter rock-breaking process. Subsequently, establish a simulation of sequential rock-breaking with multiple rotating disc cutters and analyze the load characteristics as well as specific energy consumption. Simulation results indicate that within certain parameter ranges, an increase in cutter penetration depth leads to an increase in average load force, while an increase in cutter spacing and installation radius initially results in an increase in average load force followed by a decrease. An increase in phase difference results in an initial decrease in average load force followed by an increase. Based on orthogonal tests, a combination of rock-breaking parameters with values of 100 mm for cutter spacing, 8 mm for penetration depth, 650 mm for installation radius, and 45° for phase difference was found to yield lower specific energy consumption. This method can provide reference for cutter arrangement and cutterhead performance prediction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report a rare occurrence of an intraparenchymal plasmocytoma. On the past history of a severe head injury twenty years ago and the presence of a porencephalic area on the computerized tomography scan and magnetic resonance imaging we suspected a possible trauma-tumor relation. Accuracy of the histological diagnosis of plasmocytoma was confirmed. The treatment was a surgical excision only, and after a 4.5 years follow-up period, no clinical nor radiographic recurrence was noted.

The interactions of polyelectrolyte poly (sodium styrene sulfonate or NaPSS) and anionic surfactants, sodium glycodeoxycholate (SGDC) and sodium tetradecyl sulfate (STS), as well as their combination (SGDC + STS) at different mole fraction ratios, were investigated using surface tension analysis. In the SGDC + STS binary mixture, when the amount of NaPSS (0.005–0.03%) increased from α SGDC 0.0 to 1.0, increasing the critical micellization concentration (cmc) of the mixtures. The minimum cmc values were found from 0.833 to 1.480 mmol L−1 in the presence of 0.03% of NaPSS. Clint, Rubingh, Motomura, and Rodenas approaches were used to evaluate the ideal cmc, activity coefficients (fi), interaction parameter (–β), micellar compositions (x), and ideal micellar composition of (xid) of SGDC + STS mixtures. Synergism has been demonstrated by the experimental values of c0m being lower than the ideal values in water. Moreover, by adding NaPSS from 0.005 to 0.03%, the synergism interaction was eliminated and antagonism behavior was developed. The standard Gibb's free energy of micellization ( Δ G m 0) and surface excess (Γ) and surface area per absorbed molecules (Amin) was decreased or increased depending on NaPSS amount in the SGDC + STS mixture with varying a SGDC . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Reports suggested that hormone replacement therapy decreased the incidence of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the oral cavity. Aim: The aim of this study was to analyze and quantify the serum 17β-estradiol (E2) level by chemiluminescence immunoassay in four groups, Group I (control group with no habit of tobacco and areca), Group II (control group with a habit of tobacco and areca), Group III (potentially malignant disorder—leukoplakia), and Group IV (oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC)). It was the first study to evaluate E2 in four study groups with and without the habit of tobacco. Method: The serum analysis was carried out in Cobas e411 analyzer by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay analysis. Results: As per the Kruskal–-Wallis test, statistically significant rise in estradiol levels in Group IV as in comparison to Group III as compared with Groups II and I. Conclusion: This study proved that irrespective of the gender bias, the female sex hormone, estradiol levels were significantly raised in OSCC patients. This study suggests that E2 may play a vital role in determining the patient prognosis in OSCC with tobacco habit. The confounding results of this preliminary study opened up new advents emphasizing the role of E2 in OSCC. The role of E2 in estrogen receptor regulation can also be a subject of study for targeted therapies in improving the patient's prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the New World, dogs are considered the main reservoir of visceral leishmaniasis (VL). Due to inefficacies in existing treatments and the lack of an efficient vaccine, dog culling is one of the main strategies used to control disease, making the development of new therapeutic interventions mandatory. We previously showed that Tanespimycin (17-AAG), a Hsp90 inhibitor, demonstrated potential for use in leishmaniasis treatment. The present study aimed to test the safety of 17-AAG in dogs by evaluating plasma pharmacokinetics, dose-proportionality, and the tolerability of 17-AAG in response to a dose-escalation protocol and multiple administrations at a single dose in healthy dogs. Two protocols were used: Study A: four dogs received variable intravenous (IV) doses (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 mg/m2) of 17-AAG or a placebo (n = 4/dose level), using a cross-over design with a 7-day "wash-out" period; Study B: nine dogs received three IV doses of 150 mg/m2 of 17-AAG administered at 48 h intervals. 17-AAG concentrations were determined by a validated high-performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) method: linearity (R2 = 0.9964), intra-day precision with a coefficient of variation (CV) ≤ 8%, inter-day precision (CV ≤ 20%), and detection and quantification limits of 12.5 and 25 ng/mL, respectively. In Study A, 17-AAG was generally well tolerated. However, increased levels of liver enzymes–alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)–and bloody diarrhea were observed in all four dogs receiving the highest dosage of 250 mg/m2. After single doses of 17-AAG (50–250 mg/m2), maximum plasma concentrations (Cmax) ranged between 1405 ± 686 and 9439 ± 991 ng/mL, and the area under the curve (AUC) plotting plasma concentration against time ranged between 1483 ± 694 and 11,902 ± 1962 AUC 0–8 h μg/mL × h, respectively. Cmax and AUC parameters were dose-proportionate between the 50 and 200 mg/m2 doses. Regarding Study B, 17-AAG was found to be well tolerated at multiple doses of 150 mg/m2. Increased levels of liver enzymes–ALT (28.57 ± 4.29 to 173.33 ± 49.56 U/L), AST (27.85 ± 3.80 to 248.20 ± 85.80 U/L), and GGT (1.60 ± 0.06 to 12.70 ± 0.50 U/L)–and bloody diarrhea were observed in only 3/9 of these dogs. After the administration of multiple doses, Cmax and AUC 0–48 h were 5254 ± 2784 μg/mL and 6850 ± 469 μg/mL × h in plasma and 736 ± 294 μg/mL and 7382 ± 1357 μg/mL × h in tissue transudate, respectively. In conclusion, our results demonstrate the potential of 17-AAG in the treatment of CVL, using a regimen of three doses at 150 mg/m2, since it presents the maintenance of high concentrations in subcutaneous interstitial fluid, low toxicity, and reversible hepatotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as promising tools in diagnostics and therapy for chronic diseases, including cancer and Alzheimer's. Small EVs, also called exosomes, are lipid-bound particles (≈30-150 nm) that play a role in healthy and pathophysiological interactions, including intercellular communication, by transporting bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Their ability to cross biological barriers, such as the blood-brain barrier, makes them ideal candidates for targeted therapeutic interventions. In the context of chronic diseases, exosomes can be engineered to deliver active agents, including small molecules and siRNAs to specific target cells, providing a novel approach to precision medicine. Moreover, exosomes show great promise as repositories for diagnostic biomarkers. Their cargo can reflect the physiological and pathological status of the parent cells, making them valuable indicators of disease progression and response to treatment. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the application of exosomes in four chronic diseases: cancer, cardiovascular disease, neurodegenerative disease, and orthopedic disease, which significantly impact global public health due to their high prevalence and associated morbidity and mortality rates. Furthermore, the potential of exosomes as valuable tools for theranostics and disease management is highlighted. Finally, the challenges associated with exosomes and their demonstrated potential for advancing future nanomedicine applications are discussed., (© 2024 The Author(s). Advanced Biology published by Wiley‐VCH GmbH.)

The study area lies in the south of Mamoniyeh, a part of the Zaviyeh 1:100000 geological map, which covers the middle part of the Urumieh-Dokhtar magmatic arc. The volcanic phases and the intrusive masses constitute the predominant rocks of the area which has been subjected to magmatic and tectonic activities. Thus, owing to the lack of detailed studies on the volcanic rocks of this area, we try to link the tectonic setting and the magmatic evolution of the rocks under study. In addition, magma evolution processes, such as fractional crystallization, crustal contamination, and magma mixing may play an important role in the genesis of these rocks. The present paper presents new petrological and geochemical data on these volcanic rocks, which were formed during the Eocene. The Urumieh Dokhtar Magmatic arc is characterized by a series of volcanic and plutonic rocks that formed during the Late Cretaceous to Early Miocene, approximately 95 to 20 million years ago, and extends for about 2,000 kilometers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the rapid evolution of the wind energy sector, there is an ever-increasing need to create value from the vast amounts of data made available both from within the domain and from other sectors. This article addresses the challenges faced by wind energy domain experts in converting data into domain knowledge, connecting and integrating them with other sources of knowledge, and making them available for use in next-generation artificial intelligence systems. To this end, this article highlights the role that knowledge engineering can play in the digital transformation of the wind energy sector. It presents the main concepts underpinning knowledge-based systems and summarises previous work in the areas of knowledge engineering and knowledge representation in a manner that is relevant and accessible to wind energy domain experts. A systematic analysis of the current state of the art on knowledge engineering in the wind energy domain is performed with available tools put into perspective by establishing the main domain actors and their needs, as well as identifying key problematic areas. Finally, recommendations for further development and improvement are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biofloc technology (BFT) is a widely available system for aquaculture production, reducing water, and artificial diet consumption. This study evaluated the survival, growth performance, and hematological parameters of pacu juveniles subjected to different total suspended solids (TSS) concentrations of the BFT system. Juveniles were exposed to five TSS concentrations: 0, 250, 500, 750, and 1000 mg L−1 (or control, BFT250, BFT500, BFT750, and BFT1000) for 30 days. The experimental design was randomized in five treatments and three replicates (9 fish per tank). Except for TSS and settleable solids, the water quality variables did not differ between treatments. The survival rate was 100%, and the weight gain was higher in the control group, followed by BFT1000. The hepatosomatic index was significantly lower in the control group compared to the BFT1000. Generally, the highest blood glucose and pH levels were found in BFT500 and BFT750, respectively. The treatments with TSS showed hematological changes (hematocrit, hemoglobin, and hematimetric indices), with the highest changes occurring in juveniles exposed to values above 500 mg L−1 TSS. In conclusion, although the treatments with TSS can reduce growth, increase HSI, and cause hematological changes, it is a promising alternative for producing pacu juveniles, mainly BFT1000. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have emerged as novel diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for cardiovascular diseases. EVs derived from various origins exhibit distinct effects on the cardiovascular system. However, the application of native EVs is constrained due to their poor stabilities and limited targeting capabilities. Currently, targeted modification of EVs primarily involves genetic engineering, chemical modification (covalent, non‐covalent), cell membrane modification, and biomaterial encapsulation. These techniques enhance the stability, biological activity, target‐binding capacity, and controlled release of EVs at specific cells and tissues. The diverse origins of cardioprotective EVs are covered, and the applications of cardiac‐targeting EV delivery systems in protecting against cardiovascular diseases are discussed. This review summarizes the current stage of research on the potential of EV‐based targeted therapies for addressing cardiovascular disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Korea has legislated "2050 carbon neutrality" in 2021 and is currently implementing it, and debate is brewing over which to focus on as the main means of achieving it in the power generation sector: renewable energy (RE) or nuclear power (NP). This article aims to collect and analyze data on the public preference for RE versus NP. In a national survey of 1000 people, respondents were first asked which was preferred, RE or NP, and then asked to indicate the preference intensity along a 5-point scale. Of all the respondents, 60.3% preferred RE and 27.7% preferred NP. The preference for the former was about 2.2 times more than that for the latter. However, the intensity of the preference for NP was 1.3 times more than that for RE. Both the two-limit Tobit model and ordered probit model have been applied to analyzing the factors influencing the preference. The effects of some variables on the preference for RE over NP are explained, and implications from this are discussed. The findings can be used as a reference to determine the main means of implementation of carbon neutrality or to increase the public acceptance of the specified means. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vector light fields possessing spatial‐variant states of polarization (SOPs) have attracted great research interest for various emerging applications. In this work, the responses of submicron pillar arrays of an azo molecular glass (IA‐Chol) to vector light fields are systematically investigated by using laser beams with different topological charges. The spatial‐variant SOPs in the illuminated areas are recorded by directional pillar deformations along the local electric field oscillation directions, and uncovered by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The degrees of pillar deformations are proven to be correlated to the intensity distributions of the vector beams in the transverse planes. The pillar deformations caused by the vector beam irradiations generate several optical effects related to the surface structures, as revealed by optical microscopy, polarizing optical microscopy, and diffraction measurements. Based on the understanding, structural colors covering a wide spectral range are created for the pillar arrays after irradiated with the vector beams. The complex images with various structural colors are produced by the irradiations with vector beams through photomasks. These investigations reveal the unique correlations between the pillar deformations and transverse polarization morphologies of vector beams and demonstrate a promising approach to fabricate optical functional surfaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This qualitative study aimed to gather insights into the experiences of older adults after losing their only child and explore meaningful life needs as a basis for social interventions. Methods: We conducted individual face-to-face interviews with 29 participants from 10 communities in Changsha, Hunan Province, China. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and then analysed using the inductive category development of conventional content analysis. Results: The experience of losing an only child was devastating and linked with a helpless life in old age. The analysis generated the following three themes encompassing their lived experiences and needs: afraid of getting sick, lying on the edge of misery and surrounded by loneliness. Conclusions: Losing an only child triggered older adults' feelings of being misunderstood, disconnected and hopeless. They had an increased likelihood of lacking more on love and belonging, esteem and self-actualization needs than their physiologic and safety needs. Findings from our study will raise awareness on this vulnerable group and help design intervention programmes targeting the specific needs of this neglected segment of the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Geochronological studies of volcanic rocks ascribed to the Late Mesozoic Eastern Mongolian Volcanic Belt (EMVB) allowed the recognition of several groups, which differ in age and composition of igneous associations, as well as their occurrence. The youngest group (~215 Ma) includes the rocks of bimodal association abundant in the western part of the EMVB. The next group (170–150 Ma) mostly consists of felsic lavas of the shoshonite–latite association composing the large volcanic fields in the eastern part of the EMVB. The rocks with the age of 140–105 Ma form a cover of the EMVB and mostly include basaltic trachyandesite, the fields of which are accompanied by small volcanoes of trachydacite and trachyrhyolite. Separated extrusions of alkaline basaltoids formed in age range of 105–80 Ma. The rock associations of various ages have different geological links with ambient igneous complexes. By age and composition, the Late Triassic bimodal complex is compared with similar associations that occur in Central Mongolia and West Transbaikalia along the frame of the Khentei–Dauria batholith. Their origination is related to the formation of the Early Mesozoic Khentei–Dauria zoned igneous area. The Middle to Late Jurassic igneous complexes are mostly localized in the eastern part of the EMVB. Their fields occur within the area of Late Jurassic volcanic fields of the Great Xing'an Volcanic Belt (GXVB), which are similar both in the age of the formation and in the composition of volcanic associations. The Cretaceous magmatism was responsible for the main evolution of the EMVB, which was accompanied by rifting and formation of numerous troughs and grabens, as well as regular evolution of its mantle sources directed toward the increasing amount of an intraplate component. The sizes, boundaries, and characteristics of the EMVB magmatism are refined. Its western boundary is shifted to the east and is determined by a frontal NW-trending fault system, which controls a chain of Early Cretaceous granitic plutons, as well as rocks of the Late Mesozoic extrusive complex. The eastern boundary of the area is shifted to the west, where it coincides with a field of the Early Cretaceous extrusive complex. Taking into account data on the alien setting of the Late Triassic and Middle to Late Jurassic complexes in the EMVB structure, it is established that the EMVB igneous products mainly include mafic volcanic rocks. This is in agreement with similarity of the EMVB and other Late Mesozoic volcanic areas of the intracontinental part of East Asia, with a subordinate role of felsic igneous rocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the synthesis and evaluation of two new apramycin 5‐O‐β‐d‐ribofuranosides, or apralogs, carrying aminoalkyl branches at the ribofuranose 4‐position. This novel modification conveys excellent activity for the inhibition of protein synthesis by wild‐type bacterial ribosomes and correspondingly high antibacterial activity against several Gram‐negative pathogens. Notably, these new modifications overcome the reduction of antibacterial activity in other 2‐deoxystreptamine‐type aminoglycosides carrying a 5‐O‐ribofuranosyl moiety when challenged by the presence of an aminoglycoside phosphotransferase enzyme capable of acting on the ribose 5‐position. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The availability of large amounts of data is starting to impact how the wind energy community works. From turbine design to plant layout, construction, commissioning, and maintenance and operations, new processes and business models are springing up. This is the process of digitalisation, and it promises improved efficiency and greater insight, ultimately leading to increased energy capture and significant savings for wind plant operators, thus reducing the levelised cost of energy. Digitalisation is also impacting research, where it is both easing and speeding up collaboration, as well as making research results more accessible. This is the basis for innovations that can be taken up by end users. But digitalisation faces barriers. This paper uses a literature survey and the results from an expert elicitation to identify three common industry-wide barriers to the digitalisation of wind energy. Comparison with other networked industries and past and ongoing initiatives to foster digitalisation show that these barriers can only be overcome by wide-reaching strategic efforts, and so we see these as "grand challenges" in the digitalisation of wind energy. They are, first, creating FAIR data frameworks; secondly, connecting people and data to foster innovation; and finally, enabling collaboration and competition between organisations. The grand challenges in the digitalisation of wind energy thus include a mix of technical, cultural, and business aspects that will need collaboration between businesses, academia, and government to solve. Working to mitigate them is the beginning of a dynamic process that will position wind energy as an essential part of a global clean energy future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite decades of research and development, digitalization remains a key challenge for the Swedish district heating sector. Business model innovation is believed to be necessary to capitalize on digitalization, yet it is especially challenging for municipal companies. This study aims to identify the potential impact of digitalization on the business models of Swedish district heating companies and to analyze the barriers that exist for digital business model innovation. Through case studies of eight municipal district heating companies, this study demonstrates how the entire business model is potentially impacted by digitalization. This study also identifies the barriers to digital business model innovation that are linked to two conflicting views (restrictive versus comprehensive) on digitalization. The restrictive view diminishes the importance of business model innovation, outsourcing innovation to minimize both costs and risks for the company. In contrast, the comprehensive view embraces digital business model innovation through trial-and-error and opens the innovation process to stakeholder influence. These two perspectives are motivated by different beliefs about the need for digitalization to secure future business opportunities, as well as differences in owners' risk appetite. The implications for industry outlooks and the design of policy support for the digitalization of district heating are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microorganisms in subsurface sediments live from recalcitrant organic matter deposited thousands or millions of years ago. Their catabolic activities are low, but the deep biosphere is of global importance due to its volume. The stability of deeply buried sediments provides a natural laboratory where prokaryotic communities that live in steady state with their environments can be studied over long time scales. We tested if a balance is established between the flow of energy, the microbial community size, and the basal power requirement needed to maintain cells in sediments buried meters below the sea floor. We measured rates of carbon oxidation by sulfate reduction and counted the microbial cells throughout ten carefully selected sediment cores with ages from years to millions of years. The rates of carbon oxidation were converted to power (J s−1 i.e., Watt) using the Gibbs free energy of the anaerobic oxidation of complex organic carbon. We separated energy dissipation by fermentation from sulfate reduction. Similarly, we separated the community into sulfate reducers and non-sulfate reducers based on the dsrB gene, so that sulfate reduction could be related to sulfate reducers. We found that the per-cell sulfate reduction rate was stable near 10−2 fmol C cell−1 day−1 right below the zone of bioturbation and did not decrease with increasing depth and sediment age. The corresponding power dissipation rate was 10−17 W sulfate-reducing cell−1. The cell-specific power dissipation of sulfate reducers in old sediments was similar to the slowest growing anaerobic cultures. The energy from mineralization of organic matter that was not dissipated by sulfate reduction was distributed evenly to all cells that did not possess the dsrB gene, i.e., cells operationally defined as fermenting. In contrast to sulfate reducers, the fermenting cells had decreasing catabolism as the sediment aged. A vast difference in power requirement between fermenters and sulfate reducers caused the microbial community in old sediments to consist of a minute fraction of sulfate reducers and a vast majority of fermenters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Defining reliable surrogate markers and overcoming drug resistance are the most challenging issues for improving therapeutic outcomes of antiangiogenic drugs (AADs) in cancer patients. At the time of this writing, no biomarkers are clinically available to predict AAD therapeutic benefits and drug resistance. Here, we uncovered a unique mechanism of AAD resistance in epithelial carcinomas with KRAS mutations that targeted angiopoietin 2 (ANG2) to circumvent antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) responses. Mechanistically, KRAS mutations up-regulated the FOXC2 transcription factor that directly elevated ANG2 expression at the transcriptional level. ANG2 bestowed anti-VEGF resistance as an alternative pathway to augment VEGF-independent tumor angiogenesis. Most colorectal and pancreatic cancers with KRAS mutations were intrinsically resistant to monotherapies of anti-VEGF or anti-ANG2 drugs. However, combination therapy with anti-VEGF and anti-ANG2 drugs produced synergistic and potent anticancer effects in KRAS-mutated cancers. Together, these data demonstrate that KRAS mutations in tumors serve as a predictive marker for anti-VEGF resistance and are susceptible to combination therapy with anti-VEGF and anti-ANG2 drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite advances in chemical, computational and biological sciences, the rate of attrition of drug candidates in clinical development is still high. A key point in the small-molecule discovery process that could provide opportunities to help address this challenge is the pharmacological characterization of hit and lead compounds, culminating in the selection of a drug candidate. Deeper characterization is increasingly important, because the 'quality' of drug efficacy, at least for G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), is now understood to be much more than activation of commonly evaluated pathways such as cAMP signalling, with many more 'efficacies' of ligands that could be harnessed therapeutically. Such characterization is being enabled by novel assays to characterize the complex behaviour of GPCRs, such as biased signalling and allosteric modulation, as well as advances in structural biology, such as cryo-electron microscopy. This article discusses key factors in the assessments of the pharmacology of hit and lead compounds in the context of GPCRs as a target class, highlighting opportunities to identify drug candidates with the potential to address limitations of current therapies and to improve the probability of them succeeding in clinical development., (© 2024. Springer Nature Limited.)

Nowadays, a noticeable trend in society is the search for more and more healthy food products. This is also reflected in the interest in plant-based ingredients replacing animal ones, which are more caloric, difficult to digest, and have more negative environmental impact. The purpose of this study was to determine the carbon footprint (CF) of technological process of ice cream, made with traditional ingredients as well as with fat and sugar substitute ingredients, under laboratory and handcraft conditions. Process-line portable metering was designed and implemented. Emission and production data were recorded for different ice blends; at a laboratory-scale, the determined technological process, CFtech, of traditional ice cream was 0.360 and for ice cream with substitutes 0.385 kg CO2/kg product. The pasteurization process accounted for the largest share in CFtech of ice cream with different contents of substitutes. Under handicraft conditions, the CFtech of traditional ice cream as well as ice cream with fat and sugar substitutes were 0.253 and 0.248 kg CO2/kg product, respectively. In contrast, for standard a handcraft, CF was the lowest at 0.234 kg CO2/kg product. CFtech of laboratory-scale ice cream production is larger than for handcraft production. Pasteurization along with homogenization and ripening accounted for the largest share of CO2 emissions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Macroscopic, microscopic and geochemical studies carried out on albite-bearing metasomatites and metasomatic rhyolites hosting the magnetite-apatite deposit of Chogharat indicate the presence of three generations of albite with different concentrations of REE-Y-Ti-Th, in response to T-P reduction and chemical changes of the fluids and the ratio of fluid to rock. The geochemical analysis of the low Ca/Na fluids shows a deficiency in REE-Th mineralization in the white albites, while in the fluids with medium Ca/Na, the REE mineralization (REE>Th) has occurred in the pinkish albites. In contrast, fluids with high Ca/Na indicate Th mineralization (Th>REE) in the red albites. The stable isotopes of C-O on the paragenetic calcites show REE-Y-Ti-Th mineralization of albites due to High-T hydrothermal fluids. Otherwise, the stable O-C isotopes of the Ghoghart apatites and stable isotopes of S in the ore deposits of the BMD verify the role of evaporitic brines and fluid-rock interaction on the mineralization. The presence of calcite and titanite, associated with the calcic-amphiboles and clinopyroxenes, Ca-inclusions in the thorite structure and Ca-content of the thorites, indicate thorite mineralization from the Co32- and Ca2+ fluids due to low activity of the chlorine. According to this study, the source of metasomatism is mainly evaporitic brines with a minor amount of magmatic and related hydrothermal fluids. Mineralization is the result of interaction of the magmatic and hydrothermal fluids of the Late Ediacaran- Early Cambrian plutonic/ subvolcanic intrusions with the evaporitic brines, derived from the synchronous evaporitic sequence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work proposes a machine learning-based phylogenetic tree generation model based on agglomerative clustering (PTGAC) that compares protein sequences considering all known chemical properties of amino acids. The proposed model can serve as a suitable alternative to the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA), which is inherently time-consuming in nature. Initially, principal component analysis (PCA) is used in the proposed scheme to reduce the dimensions of 20 amino acids using seven known chemical characteristics, yielding 20 TP (Total Points) values for each amino acid. The approach of cumulative summing is then used to give a non-degenerate numeric representation of the sequences based on these 20 TP values. A special kind of three-component vector is proposed as a descriptor, which consists of a new type of non-central moment of orders one, two, and three. Subsequently, the proposed model uses Euclidean Distance measures among the descriptors to create a distance matrix. Finally, a phylogenetic tree is constructed using hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on the distance matrix. The results are compared with the UPGMA and other existing methods in terms of the quality and time of constructing the phylogenetic tree. Both qualitative and quantitative analysis are performed as key assessment criteria for analyzing the performance of the proposed model. The qualitative analysis of the phylogenetic tree is performed by considering rationalized perception, while the quantitative analysis is performed based on symmetric distance (SD). On both criteria, the results obtained by the proposed model are more satisfactory than those produced earlier on the same species by other methods. Notably, this method is found to be efficient in terms of both time and space requirements and is capable of dealing with protein sequences of varying lengths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Presented here are two metal-organic frameworks, namely [Zn(L)(bbp)]n (1) and [Cu(L)(bix)0.5]n (2) (H2L = 2-[(2-carboxyphenyl)disulfanyl]benzoic acid, bpp = 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane, bix = 1,4-bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)benzene), which are synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. During this process, the 2-sulfanylbenzoic acid in situ transformed into H2L via the formation of disulfide bond. X-ray diffraction revealed that compound 1 displays a 3-fold interpenetrated 3D framework with 4-connected bcu topology, and compound 2 shows a 2D layered structure based on paddle-wheel shaped dinuclear [Cu2(COO)4] subunits and represents a 4-conneceted sql topology. Luminescence test revealed that compound 1 may be served as a good blue luminescent material. Photocatalytic experiment indicated that compound 2 may be applied as a highly effective photocatalyst for the photodegradation of MB aqueous solution under UV light irradiation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tourism industry is concentrated within the boundaries of the Subcarpathia Forestry District of Ukraine. These are mostly resort complexes with recreation houses, hotels and restaurants. Since the issue of solid household waste processing has not been resolved in Ukraine, landfills are emerging near recreation facilities. Undoubtedly, such a situation contradicts the improvement processes, because landfills are objects of detonation of dangerous substances and compounds infiltrating into all components of the environment due to geochemical flows. The object of the conducted research was determination of chemical elements in the newly formed substrates on the surface of the following landfills, i.e. Bronytskyi, Stryiskyi, Boryslavskyi, which are located not far from the border with Poland within the tourist and recreational complex of the Lviv region of Ukraine, geographically belonging to the Subcarpathia Forestry District of Ukraine. It was established that the chemical elements of the toxic group and biogenic elements accumulate. The traces of individual elements were also determined. The Bronytskyi landfill is the most polluted with the following chemical elements: Pb (3.56-4.06 mg/kg), Zn (2.84-3.67 mg/kg), Gd (0.021-0.033 mg/kg), P (457.3-609.7 mg/kg), K (9.7-14.6 mg/kg), Ca (174.7-237.7 mg/kg), Ga (3.58-5,98 mg/kg), La (1.09-1.24 mg/kg), Y (0.013-0.014 mg/kg), Cd (0.15-0.176 mg/kg), Sn (0.013-0.018 mg/kg), Nd (0.029-0.046 mg/kg), Eu (0.022-0.036 mg/kg) and Th (0.05-0.078 mg/kg). The site of the Boryslav landfill is most polluted in the western side - Fe (16.06-19.72 mg/kg), Cu (0.37-0.43 mg/kg), Gd (0.003 mg/kg), Si (43-58.2 mg/kg), P (782.4-995.5 mg/kg), Ca (88.6-104.7 mg/kg), Mn (1.7-2.7 mg/kg), Sc (0.009 mg/kg), Cr (1.069-1.255 mg/kg), Y (0.015-0.016 mg/kg), Nd (0.016-0.018 mg/kg). In the eastern side of the Stryi landfill the presence of the following elements is most evident - Fe (18.98-27.97 mg/kg), Ni (0.09-0.21 mg/kg), Zn (0.14-0.19 mg/kg), Pb (0.05-0.1 mg/kg), Al (1.6-2.0 mg/kg), P (718.1-652.5 mg/kg), Mn (2.5-3.5 mg/kg), Ga (0.01 mg/kg), La (0.02-0.04 mg/kg), Cr (0.009-0.013 mg/kg), Ge (0.214-0.551 mg/ kg), Cd (0.014-0.02 mg/kg), Nd (0.017-0.037 mg/kg), Th (0.009-0.016 mg/kg). Such a detailed chemical analysis for the presented research objects was carried out for the first time. Determining of the chemical content of the newly formed substrate is important from the point of view of environmental protection solutions implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The photocyclodimerization of 2‐anthracenecarboxylic acid has been extensively studied as a model reaction of asymmetric photochemistry. So far, numerous chiral environments have been employed to control this photoreaction, while the scope of photoreactants has been limited only to 2‐anthracenecarboxylic acid and its simple esters and amides. Here, we developed a systematic series of photoreactants (2 a–d) by introducing various substituents to 2‐anthracenecarboxylic acid, which showed different reactivities and selectivities depending on the substituents. By using the photoreactants 2 a–d, we evaluated the performance of a chiral environment composed of an amphiphilic amino alcohol (1), where the photocyclodimerization of 2 a–d generally proceeded in excellent regio‐ and enantioselectivities (71–98 % regio ratio, 76–86 % ee). Furthermore, by reacting 2 a and 2 b together in the chiral environment of 1, we succeeded in the first stereocontrolled cross‐photocyclodimerization between two prochiral anthracenes (58 % chemo ratio, 83 % regio ratio, 90 % ee). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]