Cobalt’s pivotal role in global development, especially in lithium-ion batteries, entails driving increased demand and strengthening global trading networks. The production of different waste solutions in metallurgical operations requires the development of an environmentally friendly research strategy. The ultrasonic spray pyrolysis and hydrogen reduction method were chosen to produce nanosized magnetic powders from waste solution based on iron and cobalt obtained during the purification process of used polycrystalline diamond blanks. With specific objectives focused on investigating the impact of reaction temperature and residence time on the morphology, chemical composition, and crystal structure of synthesized nanosized cobalt powders, our research involved 15 experimental runs using two reactors with varying residence times (7.19 s and 23 s) and distinct precursors (A, B, and C). Aerosol droplets were reduced at 600 to 900 °C with a flow rate of 3 L/min of argon and hydrogen (1:2). Characterization via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction revealed that higher temperatures influenced the spherical particle morphology. Altering cobalt concentration in the solution impacted the particle size, with higher concentrations yielding larger particles. A short residence time (7.9 s) at 900 °C proved optimal for cobalt submicron synthesis, producing spherical particles ranging from 191.1 nm to 1222 nm. This research addresses the environmental significance of recovering magnetic particles from waste solutions, contributing to sustainable nanomaterial applications.

Power-law scaling indicates that large-scale training with uniform sampling is prohibitively slow. Active learning methods aim to increase data efficiency by prioritizing learning on the most relevant examples. Despite their appeal, these methods have yet to be widely adopted since no one algorithm has been shown to a) generalize across models and tasks b) scale to large datasets and c) yield overall FLOP savings when accounting for the overhead of data selection. In this work we propose a method which satisfies these three properties, leveraging small, cheap proxy models to estimate"learnability"scores for datapoints, which are used to prioritize data for the training of much larger models. As a result, our models require 46% and 51% fewer training updates and up to 25% less total computation to reach the same performance as uniformly trained visual classifiers on JFT and multimodal models on ALIGN. Finally, we find our data-prioritization scheme to be complementary with recent data-curation and learning objectives, yielding a new state-of-the-art in several multimodal transfer tasks.

We perform a systematic comparison between photoelectron momentum distributions computed with the rescattered-quantum orbit strong-field approximation (RQSFA) and the Coulomb-quantum orbit strong-field approximation (CQSFA). We exclude direct, hybrid, and multiple scattered CQSFA trajectories, and focus on the contributions of trajectories that undergo a single act of rescattering. For this orbit subset, one may establish a one-to-one correspondence between the RQSFA and CQSFA contributions for backscattered and forward-scattered trajectory pairs. We assess the influence of the Coulomb potential on the ionization and rescattering times of specific trajectory pairs, kinematic constraints determined by rescattering, and quantum interference between specific pairs of trajectories. We analyze how the Coulomb potential alters their ionization and return times, and their interference in photoelectron momentum distributions. We show that Coulomb effects are not significant for high or medium photoelectron energies and shorter orbits, while, for lower momentum ranges or longer electron excursion times in the continuum, the residual Coulomb potential is more important. We also assess the agreement of both theories for different field parameters, and show that it improves with the increase of the wavelength.

Isolation-by-distance (IBD) pattern among bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) populations has previously been reported for this species in northern Europe. However, the number of molecular studies conducted on bilberry, using everything from isoenzymes, RAPDs to microsatellite markers, are very few and far between. Considering that Bosnia and Herzegovina (B&H) is a country rich with diverse fruit genetic resources, conducting a genetic characterization of the naturally occurring V. myrtillus populations could yield valuable data for the conservation and utilization of this resource. This study entailed genotyping samples collected from three bilberry populations located in Fojnica, Kladanj, and Srebrenica municipalities using seven polymorphic microsatellite or SSR (simple sequence repeats) markers. The obtained molecular data was used to calculate the correlation between the physical distance of the individual B&H populations and a parameter of the genetic differentiation (pairwise Fst). The results of the correlation analyses revealed an absence of a significant isolation-by-distance pattern among the three examined B&H bilberry populations. In addition, the most pronounced genetic differentiation was detected between the Srebrenica and each of the two remaining B&H populations. At the same time, the values for pFst were significant, albeit much lower, between the Fojnica and Kladanj populations. Bilberries from the sampled Srebrenica population appear to be distinct from the other B&H populations, possibly due to the different genetic origin of this population.

An integrated approach using phylogeographic data, climate modelling, and network analysis unlocks insights into the post-glacial expansion of the sand fly Phlebotomus mascittii in Europe and suggests two potential (parallel) dispersal routes. Phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Phlebotominae) are the principal vectors of Leishmania spp. (Kinetoplastida: Trypanosomatidae). In Central Europe, Phlebotomus mascittii is the predominant species, but largely understudied. To better understand factors driving its current distribution, we infer patterns of genetic diversity by testing for signals of population expansion based on two mitochondrial genes and model current and past climate and habitat suitability for seven post-glacial maximum periods, taking 19 climatic variables into account. Consequently, we elucidate their connections by environmental-geographical network analysis. Most analyzed populations share a main haplotype tracing back to a single glacial maximum refuge area on the Mediterranean coasts of South France, which is supported by network analysis. The rapid range expansion of Ph. mascittii likely started in the early mid-Holocene epoch until today and its spread possibly followed two routes. The first one was through northern France to Germany and then Belgium, and the second across the Ligurian coast through present-day Slovenia to Austria, toward the northern Balkans. Here we present a combined approach to reveal glacial refugia and post-glacial spread of Ph. mascittii and observed discrepancies between the modelled and the current known distribution might reveal yet overlooked populations and potential further spread.

Ovim radom obuhvaćen je prikaz nastanka i razvoja stećaka, zatim tehničko i foto snimanje stećaka i nišana na lokalitetu Mramorje u naselju Sućeska, općina Srebrenica. Analiza nadgrobnika na terenu omogućila je prikupljanje osnovnih podataka o spomenicima. Groblja sa stećcima i nišanima, njihov arheološki i historijski kontekst, raznolikost tipova nadgrobnih spomenika te ukrasa kao i sadržaj natpisa predstavljaju cjelokupne aspekte njihove pojave i proučavanja. Integritet nadgrobnih spomenika ogleda se u njihovoj fizičkoj cjelovitosti, homogenosti i kompletnosti kao grobljanskih cjelina i autentičnosti.

ABSTRACT Eight long-COVID patients with moderate fatigue that had lasted for ≥3 months were recruited. All patients were allocated in a double-blind parallel-group design to receive either 4 g of creatine per day plus breathing exercises (study group) or breathing exercises only (control group) for 3 months. Creatine induced a significant increase in tissue total creatine levels for all 14 locations evaluated in the present study (P < 0.05), while its levels significantly dropped in the right frontal gray matter and left parietal mesial gray matter at follow-up in the control group (P < 0.05). No change in time to exhaustion was demonstrated in the control group (P > 0.05), while the mean time to exhaustion was significantly improved for 54 s in the study group post-administration (P = 0.05). These preliminary findings suggest that creatine is as an effective adjuvant therapeutic to breathing exercises for tackling the clinical features in long-COVID.

BACKGROUND Cirrus is an automated risk predictor for breast cancer that comprises texture-based mammographic features and is mostly independent of mammographic density. We investigated genetic and environmental variance of variation in Cirrus. METHODS We measured Cirrus for 3195 breast-cancer-free participants, including 527 pairs of monozygotic (MZ) twins, 271 pairs of dizygotic (DZ) twins, and 1599 siblings of twins. Multivariate normal models were used to estimate the variance and familial correlations of age-adjusted Cirrus as a function of age. The classic twin model was expanded to allow the shared environment effects to differ by zygosity. The single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)-based heritability was estimated for a subset of 2356 participants. RESULTS There was no evidence that the variance or familial correlations depended on age. The familial correlations were 0.52(standard error[SE]=0.03) for MZ pairs and 0.16(SE=0.03) for DZ and non-twin sister pairs combined. Shared environmental factors specific to MZ pairs accounted for 20% of the variance. Additive genetic factors accounted for 32%(SE=5%) of the variance, consistent with the SNP-based heritability of 36%(SE=16%). CONCLUSIONS Cirrus is substantially familial due to genetic factors and an influence of shared environmental factors that was evident for MZ twin pairs only. The latter could be due to non-genetic factors operating in utero or in early life that are shared by MZ twins. IMPACT Early-life factors shared more by MZ pairs than DZ/non-twin sister pairs, could play a role in the variation in Cirrus, consistent with early life being recognised as a critical window of vulnerability to breast carcinogens.

The utmost importance of high voltage circuit breakers in the electrical power grid highlights the essential need for their reliability. To ensure this, accurate condition assessment methods for core components like the main contact system are crucial. Dynamic resistance measurement plays a key role as it assesses arcing contacts' condition without contact chamber disassembly. This paper endeavors to meticulously investigate and illuminate the pertinent indices derived from dynamic resistance measurements and motion trajectory waveforms, showcasing their efficacy through two real-world case studies conducted under varied testing scenarios. The analysis underscores the proposed indices' effectiveness, enhancing comprehension of the arcing contact assessment method.

The reliable and steady operation of the electrical power system relies heavily on the correct operational status and condition of the high voltage air break disconnector switch. If these switches experience any malfunction, it could result in considerable damage, leading to financial consequences and potential hazards for maintenance staff. This paper presents a design for the acquisition and data analysis to evaluate the state of electric motor drives responsible for activating disconnectors. The approach involves capturing relevant time series of the voltage of the motor power supply and current and deriving meaningful indices to assess their condition. The viability of these concepts is showcased through case studies conducted on a real disconnector switch situated within a substation.

This study conducted an initial investigation into the association between ACE gene insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphisms (rs1799752) and hypertension in the Republic of Srpska, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study featured two distinct groups, each with 100 subjects, systematically categorized based on hypertension status and gender. DNA was extracted, PCR-amplified, and analyzed by gel electrophoresis. Results revealed a higher prevalence of the DD genotype and the D allele in the hypertensive group, although statistical significance was not observed. The II genotype occurred in 18% of the hypertension group and 21% in the control group. A significant difference was found in allele I frequencies between the two groups (p=0.004), with no gender-related variations in ACE alleles. The limited sample size may have constrained the ability to detect statistically significant differences. The odds ratio for the (DD + ID) genotype compared to II was 1.2110 (95% CI: 0.6006 to 2.4418; p=0.5927), indicating no statistical significance. Furthermore, no significant associations were identified between ACE genotypes and alleles and gender. In summary, this preliminary study suggests a potential trend towards a higher prevalence of the ACE gene D allele and DD genotype in hypertensive individuals. However, due to the small sample size, these associations did not achieve statistical significance in this population. Larger-scale investigations are needed for more definitive insights into the relationship between ACE gene polymorphisms and hypertension.

Future self-perceptions seem to promote far-sighted decisions in intertemporal choices. Previous work suggested that future self-relatedness, the extent to which we feel similar and connected to our future self, is associated with moral concerns. We aimed to extend these findings to everyday moral judgments and behavior using experience sampling methods. In addition, we assessed how moral foundation concerns mediate the relationship between future self-relatedness and moral behavior. Participants (N = 151) reported their state-levels of future self-relatedness, individualizing, and binding moral foundations and answered whether they performed a moral action five times a day for seven days. Within- and between-participants future self-relatedness predicted daily fluctuations in individualizing and binding moral foundations concerns. On the behavioral level, only within-participants future self-relatedness predicted individualizing moral actions with individualizing moral foundations mediating this effect. Our findings suggest that within- and between-person changes in future self-relatedness might be used to predict everyday moral concerns and behavior.

RATIONALE Small airway disease is an important pathophysiological feature of COPD. Recently, pre-COPD has been put forward as potential precursor stage of COPD, defined by abnormal spirometry or significant emphysema on CT in the absence of airflow obstruction. METHODS We collected whole lungs/lung lobes from patients with emphysematous pre-COPD (n=10), COPD GOLD I (n=6), GOLD II (n=6), GOLD III/IV (n=7) and controls (n=10) which were analyzed using CT and microCT. The degree of emphysema and the number and morphology of small airways was compared between the different groups and further correlations were investigated with physiologic measures. Airway and parenchymal pathology was also validated with histopathology. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The number of transitional bronchioles (TrB)/mL and terminal bronchioles (TB)/mL was significantly lower in pre-COPD, GOLD I, GOLD II and GOLD III/IV compared to controls. In addition, the number of alveolar attachments of the TrB and TB was also lower in pre-COPD and all COPD groups compared to controls. We did not find any differences between the pre-COPD and COPD group in either CT or microCT measures. The % of emphysema on CT showed the strongest correlation with the number of small airways, also in patients without airflow obstruction. Histopathology showed an increase in the mean chord length and a decrease in the alveolar surface density in pre-COPD and all GOLD stages compared to control. CONCLUSION Lungs of patients with emphysematous pre-COPD already show lower small airway number and airway remodeling and in the absence of physiologic airway obstruction.

Despite the increasing number of GPCR structures and recent advances in peptide design, the development of efficient technologies allowing rational design of high-affinity peptide ligands for single GPCRs remains an unmet challenge. Here, we develop a computational approach for designing conjugates of lariat-shaped macrocyclized peptides and a small molecule opioid ligand. We demonstrate its feasibility by discovering chemical scaffolds for the kappa-opioid receptor (KOR) with desired pharmacological activities. The designed De Novo Cyclic Peptide (DNCP)-β-naloxamine (NalA) exhibit in vitro potent mixed KOR agonism/mu-opioid receptor (MOR) antagonism, nanomolar binding affinity, selectivity, and efficacy bias at KOR. Proof-of-concept in vivo efficacy studies demonstrate that DNCP-β-NalA(1) induces a potent KOR-mediated antinociception in male mice. The high-resolution cryo-EM structure (2.6 Å) of the DNCP-β-NalA–KOR–Gi1 complex and molecular dynamics simulations are harnessed to validate the computational design model. This reveals a network of residues in ECL2/3 and TM6/7 controlling the intrinsic efficacy of KOR. In general, our computational de novo platform overcomes extensive lead optimization encountered in ultra-large library docking and virtual small molecule screening campaigns and offers innovation for GPCR ligand discovery. This may drive the development of next-generation therapeutics for medical applications such as pain conditions.

Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common form of kidney cancer, but a comprehensive description of its genomic landscape is lacking. We report the whole genome sequencing of 778 ccRCC patients enrolled in the 100,000 Genomes Project, providing the most detailed somatic mutational landscape to date. We identify new driver genes, which as well as emphasising the major role of epigenetic regulation in ccRCC highlight additional biological pathways extending opportunities for drug repurposing. Genomic characterisation identified patients with divergent clinical outcome; higher number of structural copy number alterations associated with poorer prognosis, whereas VHL mutations were independently associated with a better prognosis. The twin observations that higher T-cell infiltration is associated with better outcome and that genetically predicted immune evasion is not common supports the rationale for immunotherapy. These findings should inform personalised surveillance and treatment strategies for ccRCC patients.