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The hydration shells of phosphate ions and phosphate groups of nucleotides and phospholipid membranes display markedly different structures and hydrogen-bond strengths. Understanding phosphate hydration requires insight into the spatial arrangements of water molecules around phosphates and in thermally activated structure fluctuations on ultrafast time scales. Femtosecond two-dimensional infrared spectroscopy of phosphate vibrations, particularly asymmetric stretching vibrations between 1000 and 1200 cm−1, and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations are combined to map and characterize dynamic local hydration structures and phosphate–water interactions. Phosphoric acid H3PO4 and its anions H2PO4−, HPO42−, and PO43− are studied in aqueous environments of different pH value. The hydration shells of phosphates providing OH donor groups in hydrogen bonds with the first water layer undergo ultrafast structural fluctuations, which induce a pronounced spectral diffusion of vibrational excitations on a sub-300 fs time scale. With a decreasing number of phosphate OH groups, the hydration shell becomes more ordered and rigid. The 2D-IR line shapes observed with hydrated PO43− ions display a pronounced inhomogeneous broadening, reflecting a distribution of hydration geometries without fast equilibration. The AIMD simulations allow for an in-depth characterization of the hydration geometries with different numbers of water molecules in the first hydration layer and different correlation functions of the fluctuating electric field that the water environment exerts on the vibrational phosphate oscillators. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystal polymorphism of complex liquids plays a crucial role in industrial crystallization, food technology, pharmaceuticals, and materials engineering. However, the experimental identification of unknown crystal structures can be challenging, particularly for high-viscosity complex liquids, such as ionic liquids (ILs). In this study, we performed a molecular dynamics simulation coupled with metadynamics to investigate an imidazolium IL (1-alkyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphates). The simulation employed two distinct radial-distribution functions, represented by Gaussian window functions as collective variables, and revealed at least two crystal-like phases distinct from the known α and β crystal phases typically formed by this IL. Additionally, the simulation unveiled a unique phase characterized by the ordered spatial arrangement of anion aggregations. These crystal-like and unique phases emerged regardless of the potential used. The simulation methodology presented here is broadly applicable for exploring unknown phases in complex systems and contributes to the design of functional materials, such as porous ILs for gas molecule capture and separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In multicomponent lattice problems, for example, in alloys and at crystalline surfaces and interfaces, atomic arrangements exhibit spatial correlations that dictate the kinetic and thermodynamic phase behavior. These correlations emerge from interparticle interactions and are frequently reported in terms of the short-range order (SRO) parameter. Expressed usually in terms of pair distributions and other cluster probabilities, the SRO parameter gives the likelihood of finding atoms/molecules of a particular type in the vicinity of other atoms. This study focuses on fundamental constraints involving the SRO parameters that are imposed by the underlying lattice topology. Using a data-driven approach, we uncover the interrelationships between different SRO parameters (e.g., pairs, triplets, and quadruplets) on a lattice. The main finding is that while some SRO parameters are independent, the remaining are collinear, i.e., the latter are dictated by the independent ones through linear relationships. A kinetic and thermodynamic modeling framework based on these constraints is introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purcell filters, which serve to suppress electromagnetic radiation and enhance the readout efficiency of qubit, are an indispensable component in superconducting quantum chips. With the increasing scale of quantum chips, the requirements for the performance and scalability of Purcell filters are becoming more stringent. In this report, a novel four-stage Purcell filter that enables fast measurement without exacerbating environmental damping of the qubits is presented. The design approach of the filter is derived from the serial and parallel configurations of λ/4 resonant cavities. The filter exhibits exceptional passband-to-stopband isolation, reaching up to 40 dB of isolation within the transition range of 400 MHz. Furthermore, the filter boasts a wide bandwidth for both the stopband and the passband, with the stopband ranging from 4 to 5.5 GHz and the passband extending from 5.8 to 6.5 GHz. In terms of spatial arrangement, each filter can be connected to over ten readout resonators for qubit readout. This innovative Purcell filter will significantly contribute to the development of high quality, scalable superconducting quantum chips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One key question about transport of active polymers within crowded environments is how spatial order of obstacles influences their conformation and dynamics when compared to disordered media. To this end, we computationally investigate the active transport of tangentially driven polymers with varying degrees of flexibility and activity in two-dimensional square lattices of obstacles. Tight periodic confinement induces notable conformational changes and distinct modes of transport for flexible and stiff active filaments. It leads to caging of low activity flexible polymers inside the inter-obstacle pores while promoting more elongated conformations and enhanced diffusion for stiff polymers at low to moderate activity levels. The migration of flexible active polymers occurs via hopping events, where they unfold to move from one cage to another, similar to their transport in disordered media. However, in ordered media, polymers are more compact and their long-time dynamics is significantly slower. In contrast, stiff chains travel mainly in straight paths within periodic inter-obstacle channels while occasionally changing their direction of motion. This mode of transport is unique to periodic environment and leads to more extended conformation and substantially enhanced long-time dynamics of stiff filaments with low to moderate activity levels compared to disordered media. At high active forces, polymers overcome confinement effects and move through inter-obstacle pores just as swiftly as in open spaces, regardless of the spatial arrangement of obstacles. We explain the center of mass dynamics of semiflexible polymers in terms of active force and obstacle packing fraction by developing an approximate analytical theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We revisit the issue of building a precise mixing formula for the effective permittivity of interacting assemblies of plasmonic nanoparticles. More precisely, we reconsider the analytical expressions rendered by the Maxwell Garnett and Torquato et al. approximation formulas and compare them to each other and to a numerical approach based on the boundary element method applied to interacting assemblies of metallic (gold or silver) nanoparticles. For efficient numerical simulations of interacting assemblies of relatively large sizes, we set up an algorithm with adaptive surface meshing that depends on the particle's position within the assembly. Next, we derive expressions for the resonance frequency of the assembly from the analytical formulas, which are valid for gold and silver particle assemblies embedded in matrices with large optical indices. We then compare the analytical results with our numerical findings. We find that the Maxwell Garnett approximation formula underestimates the resonance wavelength and that its validity range in terms of inclusion fraction strongly depends on the nature of the metal and the embedding matrix. In the case of silver particles embedded in high-permittivity matrices, the Maxwell Garnett formula should only be used for low particle concentrations. Torquato's formula, on the other hand, which accounts for multipolar interactions and the assembly spatial arrangement, renders a better agreement with the numerical simulations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The substitution of natural gas hydrates with CO2 offers a compelling dual advantage by enabling the extracting of CH4 while simultaneously sequestering CO2. This process, however, is intricately tied to the mechanical stability of CO2-CH4 heterohydrates. In this study, we report the mechanical properties and cage transformations in CO2-CH4 heterohydrates subjected to uniaxial straining via molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and machine learning (ML). Results indicate that guest molecule occupancy, the ratio of CO2 to CH4 and their spatial arrangements within heterohydrate structure greatly dictate the mechanical properties of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates including Young's modulus, tensile strength, and critical strain. Notable, the introduction of CO2 within clathrate cages, particularly within 512 small cages, weakens the stability of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates in terms of mechanical properties. Upon critical strains, unconventional clathrate cages form, contributing to loading stress oscillation before fracture of heterohydrates. Intriguingly, predominant cage transformations, such as 51262–4151063 or 425864 and 512–425861 cages, are identified, in which 4151062 appears as primary intermediate cage that is able to transform into 4151063, 425862, 425863, 512 and 51262 cages, unveiling the dynamic nature of heterohydrate structures under straining. Additionally, ML models developed using MD data well predict the mechanical properties of heterohydrates, and underscore the critical influence of the spatial arrangement of guest molecules on the mechanical properties. These newly-developed ML models serve as valuable tools for accurately predicting the mechanical properties of heterohydrates. This study provides fresh insights into the mechanical properties and cage transformations in heterohydrates in response to strain, holding significant implications for environmentally sustainable utilization of CO2–CH4 heterohydrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Automatic face recognition has made significant progress in recent decades, particularly in controlled environments. However, recognizing faces across different modalities, known as Heterogeneous Face Recognition, presents challenges due to variations in modality gaps. This paper addresses the problem of HFR by proposing a two-stage algorithm. In the first stage, a deep stacked PCA descriptor (DSPD) is introduced to extract domain-invariant features from face images of different modalities. The DSPD utilizes multiple convolution layers of domain-trained PCA filters, and the features extracted from each layer are concatenated to obtain a final feature representation. Additionally, pre-processing steps are applied to input images to enhance the prominence of facial edges, making the features more distinctive. The obtained DSPD features can be directly used for recognition using nearest neighbour algorithms. To further improve recognition robustness, a coupled subspace called coupled discriminant neighbourhood embedding (CDNE) is proposed in the second stage. CDNE is trained with a limited number of data samples and can project DSPD features from different modalities onto a common subspace. In this subspace, data points representing the same subjects from different modalities are positioned closely, while those of different subjects are positioned apart. This spatial arrangement enhances the recognition of heterogeneous faces using nearest neighbour algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm on various HFR scenarios, including VIS-NIR, VIS-Sketch, and VIS-Thermal face pairs from respective databases. The algorithm shows promising performance in addressing the challenges posed by the modality gap, providing a potential solution for accurate and robust Heterogeneous Face Recognition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Azoles are widely used as bioactive substances, herbicides, catalysts, corrosion inhibitors, polymeric compositors, organometallic ligands, and optical elements' components. The interaction with water plays a crucial role in many applications of azoles. The objective of this study is to observe the molecular interaction and structural transformations of 1,2‐ and 1,3‐diazoles', 1,2,3‐ and 1,2,4‐triazoles' complexes with water molecules. We have selected the most valuable for application and theoretical interest azoles with different molecular structures, which have allowed us to consider the basic features of their aqueous complexes. We used the IR study method allowing to fix water intermediates in the solid phase. We have also employed the hybrid B3LYP functional DFT method with GD3BJ dispersion correction. At the cluster formation, the hydrogen atom transfer arises, providing a labile spatial arrangement of the water system. The formation of azoles' complexes with a hydronium ion having relatively low binding energy allows the reshaping of the complexes' structure at the hydrogen atom cluster‐to‐cluster transition. The complex formation is accompanied by the hydrogen atom transfer with the participation of both water and azole hydrogen atoms. This transfer provides the mobile spatial arrangement of clusters and hydrogen atom transition from donor to acceptor centers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Introduction Aim Method Results Discussion Implications for Practice A crucial long‐term care resource for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) in Taiwan is provided by psychiatric nursing homes. Given the higher incidence of physical illnesses and accidents among individuals with SMI, ensuring patient safety is an important aspect of quality care. However, there is limited literature exploring how the staff provides safe care for individuals with SMI.Investigates how the staff in a psychiatric nursing home managed residents' activities to mitigate risks and reduce physical injuries.Using a qualitative approach and drawing from Foucault's concept of ‘disciplinary power’, data were collected from field observations and staff interviews.Three themes emerged: (1) a gaze for efficiency, where checklists, timetables and spatial arrangements were used to efficiently manage residents' bodies; (2) controlling the deviant body, which entailed procedures to monitor and prevent risk behaviours and bodily signs through broad safety measures and (3) your body, my business, which described the reduced autonomy of residents over their behaviours as the responsibility largely shifted to the staff.The predominant risk management framework, driven by safety considerations, comprises residents' autonomy and undermines compassionate caring.Risk management should actively involve both staff and residents in decision‐making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have analyzed the organization of the microtubule system in photoreceptor cells and pigment cells within the adult Drosophila compound eye. Immunofluorescence localization of tubulin and of Short stop, a spectraplakin that has been reported to be involved in the anchorage of microtubule minus ends at the membrane, suggests the presence of non-centrosomal microtubule-organizing centers at the distal tip of the visual cells. Ultrastructural analyses confirm that microtubules emanate from membrane-associated plaques at the site of contact with cone cells and that all microtubules are aligned in distal–proximal direction within the photoreceptor cells. Determination of microtubule polarities demonstrated that about 95% of the microtubules in photoreceptor cells are oriented with their plus end in the direction of the synapse. Pigment cells in the eye contain only microtubules aligned in distal–proximal direction, with their plus end pointing towards the retinal floor. There, two populations of microtubules can be distinguished, single microtubules and bundled microtubules, the latter associated with actin filaments. Whereas microtubules in both photoreceptor cells and pigment cells are acetylated and mono/bi-glutamylated on α-tubulin, bundled microtubules in pigment cells are apparently also mono/bi-glutamylated on β-tubulin, providing the possibility of binding different microtubule-associated proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Innovative approach of rose-scented geranium intercropping with seasonal food crops is a sustainable agricultural strategy. • Demonstrating the potential of rose-scented geranium crop for higher yields as intercrops with okra. • Corroboration for higher yields, economic reliability and benefits for both farmers and environment. Rose-scented geranium (Pelargonium graveolens L′Herit ex Aiton) family, Geraniaceae, is also vegetative propagated (through rooted stem cutting), a high-value aromatic crop. Essential oil is extensively used in the fragrance, aromatherapy, flavor, and pharmaceutical industries. But the cultivation of rose-scented geranium as a monocrop creates competition with companion seasonal food crops in terms of limited availability of land. Intercropping is a sustainable approach to achieve higher production per unit land area and time by maximizing the utilization of available resources. This work was aimed to study the effectiveness of rose-scented geranium with companion seasonal food crops in intercropping system for enhancing the yield, quality of rose-scented geranium essential oil, and monetary gains for farmers. The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design in two successive years, with spatial arrangements of rose-scented geranium at 45 × 30 (G1), 45 × 45 (G2), and 45 × 60 (G3), companion seasonal food crops viz. maize (S1), sunflower (S2), mungbean (S3), okra (S4), onion (S5), and uradbean (S6) at their recommended populations along with their sole crops as a control. The results demonstrated that fresh herb yield (21.36 t/ha) and oil yield (35.57 kg/ha) were recorded maximum under S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at 45 × 45). In a similar manner, the highest monetary gains (4520 USD/ha) were achieved under S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at G2), followed by S4+G1 and S3+G2. The total land equivalent ratio (2.28), area time equivalent ratio (1.72), and land use efficiency (3.14) were higher in S4+G2 (Okra + Rose-scented geranium at G2) over monocrop. The quality of essential oils of rose-scented geranium was good and acceptable for market in all intercropping treatments. Thus, the intercropping system will help to increase high-value essential oil production and provide more benefit to seasonal food growers, as well as help the aroma industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the homochirality among the α-amino acids, the building blocks, chiral environmental prevails within the structure of biological macromolecules namely, the proteins, receptors, and enzymes. This results in chiral distinction of the ligands such as drug molecules and toxicants by the biological targets. Chiral distinction of enantiomers is not only important in the biological activity of enantiomers but also in pharmacokinetics and metabolism of chemicals. The molecular descriptors that are based only on the connectivity of atoms cannot differentiate the enantiomers and diastereomers. In order to model the differential activity of enantiomers and diastereomers, molecular descriptors capable of encoding the difference in spatial arrangements of atoms and groups around a chiral center are needed. In this paper we report a modified approach that enables to compute a large pool of chirality descriptors for a given set of molecules. The new chirality descriptors can differentiate enantiomers and diastereomers. Application of the new chiral descriptors in structure–activity modelling of bioactivity of chiral molecules is illustrated for the dopamine (DA) D2 and opiate σ receptor affinities of seven pairs of enantiomers of 3-(3-hydroxyphenyl)piperidines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we theoretically conceptualize and empirically investigate translocal spatial arrangements of networked public spheres on social media. In digital communication networks, actors easily connect with others globally, crossing the borders of cities, nations and languages. However, the spatial notions evoked in public sphere research to date remain largely territorial. We propose a theoretical framework drawing on Löw's sociology of space, which highlights the relational and translocal nature of spatial arrangements. In a case study of the translocal interaction network of Berlin Twitter users, we demonstrate how this framework can be leveraged empirically using network analysis. Despite the overall network of Berlin's Twittersphere spanning the whole world, we find territorialized as well as deterritorialized translocal communities. This points to the simultaneity of territorial and networked spatial logics in digital public spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The human brain's complex morphology is spatially constrained by numerous intrinsic and extrinsic physical interactions. Spatial constraints help to identify the source of morphological variability and can be investigated by employing anatomical network analysis. Here, a model of human craniocerebral topology is presented, based on the bony elements of the skull at birth and a previously designed model of the brain. The goal was to investigate the topological components fundamental to the craniocerebral geometric balance, to identify underlying phenotypic patterns of spatial arrangement, and to understand how these patterns might have influenced the evolution of human brain morphology. Analysis of the craniocerebral network model revealed that the combined structure of the body and lesser wings of the sphenoid bone, the parahippocampal gyrus, and the parietal and ethmoid bones are susceptible to sustain and apply major spatial constraints that are likely to limit or channel their morphological evolution. The results also showcase a high level of global integration and efficient diffusion of biomechanical forces across the craniocerebral system, a fundamental aspect of morphological variability in terms of plasticity. Finally, community detection in the craniocerebral system highlights the concurrence of a longitudinal and a vertical modular partition. The former reflects the distinct morphogenetic environments of the three endocranial fossae, while the latter corresponds to those of the basicranium and calvaria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multiple-choice tests are widely used to measure learning outcomes. Consequently, constructing high-quality test items is critical, and many authors have advanced item-writing guidelines. One frequently mentioned guideline is to arrange the response options vertically. However, evidence to support this recommendation is scarce and has only been obtained for items with text-based options. This study aimed at understanding whether the arrangement of options affects performance at solving items with large-sized options, such as graphs and pictures, using objective and subjective measures. Fifty-seven high-school students completed a multiplechoice science and mathematics test with 24 four-choice items, options being graphs or pictures presented in one of four arrangements: vertical without page break, vertical with page break, Z, and inverted N. Response accuracy, response time, and perceived difficulty were obtained for each item. Subsequently, students participated in a cognitive interview about their experiences, practices, perceptions, and beliefs regarding the arrangement of options. Objective measures show that the arrangement of options hardly affected performance, the only effect being that vertical condition with page break resulted in significantly longer response times. Subjective measures show that most students favored the vertical arrangement they consider more common but negatively perceived vertical condition with page break and considered squared arrangements (Z, inverted N) to facilitate visual exploration and comparison between options, as opposed to the vertical arrangement. Results suggest that the vertical arrangement does not offer clear advantages over squared arrangements for items with large-sized options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT The deep‐sea benthos often exhibit exceptional biodiversity. The patch‐mosaic hypothesis proposes that this deep‐sea diversity arises from varied microhabitats with prolonged temporal persistence filtering for distinctive communities thereby increasing beta‐diversity. This study investigated environmental, community, and macrofaunal species turnover at four deep‐sea sites (~2000 m) in the northern Gulf of Mexico. Using precise small‐scale sampling with a ROV, we analyzed patterns across spatial scales from centimeters to approximately 400 km among 67 sediment cores. We examined the relationships between sedimentary carbon, sediment grain size, and macrofaunal alpha‐ and beta‐diversity. Subsequently, we explored the role of these environmental properties and their spatial arrangement in shaping communities and species distributions. We observed a consistent trend where the overall abundance and diversity of a community increased with higher carbon but decreased with increasing grain size. Substantial faunal turnover was observed among cores, even at centimeter scales, with the contribution of centimeter‐scale spatial distance rivaling that of 100‐km scales in faunal dissimilarity. Similar to alpha‐diversity, beta‐diversity exhibited strong correlations with sediment carbon and grain size. The observed random spatial structure in grain size and carbon appear to translate into randomness in both community and species distribution. These findings align with the patch‐mosaic model, underscoring the complexity of deep‐sea ecosystems. These findings suggest an intricate relationship between sedimentary attributes, faunal composition, and spatial arrangement in the deep‐sea benthos, shedding light on the mechanisms driving biodiversity in seemingly homogeneous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supramolecular chirality is the major branch of supramolecular chemistry, which not only plays important roles in biological processes but also in synthetically designed aggregated systems. To understand the complex processing of biological systems, the only way is to design supramolecular chiral ensembles that mimic natural biomolecules such as Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), Ribonucleic acid (RNA), amino acids, etc. In addition, chiral systems and self‐assemblies as molecular motifs with breaking spatial inversion symmetry have been regarded as key substances in electronics and spintronics as well as in fundamental chemistry and physics. Here, in this review, our major concern is understanding modulation in spatial arrangements and packing modes under the impact of any external stimuli, which results in tailoring the handedness of resulted supramolecular chiral superstructures. We, in this review, highlighted the role of external stimuli such as solvent, chemical additives, photo exposure, etc. in altering the supramolecular chirality for their future utility as “active switches” in optoelectronic and spintronic devices and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This feature article delves into the realm of α- L -threose nucleic acid (TNA), an artificial nucleic acid analog characterized by a backbone comprising an unconventional four-carbon sugar, α- L -threose, with phosphodiester linkages connecting at the 2′ and 3′ vicinal positions of the sugar ring. Within this article, we encapsulate the potential, progress, current state of the art, and persisting challenges within TNA research. Kicking off with a historical overview of xeno nucleic acids (XNAs), the discussion transitions to the compelling attributes and structure–property relationships of TNAs as advanced tools when contrasted with natural nucleic acids. Noteworthy aspects such as their advantageous spatial arrangements of functional groups around the sugar ring, stable Watson–Crick base pairing, high binding affinity, biostability, biocompatibility, and in vivo bio-safety are highlighted. Moreover, the narrative unfolds the latest advancements in chemical and biological methodologies for TNA synthesis, spanning from monomer and oligomer synthesis to polymerization, alongside cutting-edge developments in enzyme engineering aimed at bolstering large-scale TNA synthesis for in vitro selection initiatives. The article sheds light on the evolution of TNA aptamers over time, expounding on the tools and selection techniques engineered to unearth superior binding aptamers and TNA catalysts. Furthermore, the article accentuates the recent applications of TNAs across diverse domains such as molecular detection, immunotherapy, gene therapy, synthetic biology, and molecular computing. In conclusion, we summarize the key aspects of recent TNA research, address persisting gaps and challenges, and provide crucial insights and future perspectives in the dynamic domain of TNA research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The respiratory system, including the lungs, is essential for terrestrial life. While recent research has advanced our understanding of lung development, much still relies on animal models and transcriptome analyses. In this study conducted within the Human Developmental Cell Atlas (HDCA) initiative, we describe the protein-level spatiotemporal organization of the lung during the first trimester of human gestation. Using high-parametric tissue imaging with a 30-plex antibody panel, we analyzed human lung samples from 6 to 13 post-conception weeks, generating data from over 2 million cells across five developmental timepoints. We present a resource detailing spatially resolved cell type composition of the developing human lung, including proliferative states, immune cell patterns, spatial arrangement traits, and their temporal evolution. This represents an extensive single-cell resolved protein-level examination of the developing human lung and provides a valuable resource for further research into the developmental roots of human respiratory health and disease. Understanding the development of the lung will inform treatments for congenital diseases and approaches for preterm infant care. Here they map human lung development using high-parametric imaging at the single-cell level to track abundance, proliferation, and spatial organization of key cell types during early gestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although classical physics states that the void lacks matter or energy, the misunderstanding of emptiness as a spatial concept extends far beyond the sciences. The essay explores the concept of empty space, debunking classical physics’ notion of voidness by delving into quantum mechanics, where energy and particles continually manifest through a site investigation of the Salmon & Sterling Nuclear Test Site (located in Lumberton, MS, USA). This revelation challenges colonial ideologies, exemplified by terra nullius, which justified empire-building by claiming certain lands devoid of inhabitants. Operating through a political-geological exploration of repetitive cycles of extraction, speculation, and vacancy at the Salmon & Sterling Site spanning from the Mesozoic Era to the present day, I scrutinize spatial constructions and their reinforcement of prevailing socio-political systems. Juxtaposed against Faulkner’s Southern Gothic literature and Sartre’s existentialism, this essay underscores a modern dialectic between spatial arrangements and anticipations of cataclysmic endings. Through a passenger-traveler account of void-encounter, I propose a reconsideration of “emptiness” through examining its broader spatio-temporal origins and implications in relation to the nuclear detonations. This perspective allows for the synthesis of the inherent paradox of this site: initially conceived from Cold War anxieties to solidify social structures, yet also harboring unpredictable and potentially mutant futures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We propose a novel and versatile computational approach, based on hierarchical COSFIRE filters, that addresses the challenge of explainable retina and palmprint recognition for automatic person identification. Unlike traditional systems that treat these biometrics separately, our method offers a unified solution, leveraging COSFIRE filters' trainable nature for enhanced selectivity and robustness, while exhibiting explainability and resilience to decision-based black-box adversarial attack and partial matching. COSFIRE filters are trainable, in that their selectivity can be determined with a one-shot learning step. In practice, we configure a COSFIRE filter that is selective for the mutual spatial arrangement of a set of automatically selected keypoints of each retina or palmprint reference image. A query image is then processed by all COSFIRE filters and it is classified with the reference image that was used to configure the COSFIRE filter that gives the strongest similarity score. Our approach, tested on the VARIA and RIDB retina datasets and the IITD palmprint dataset, achieved state-of-the-art results, including perfect classification for retina datasets and a 97.54% accuracy for the palmprint dataset. It proved robust in partial matching tests, achieving over 94% accuracy with 80% image visibility and over 97% with 90% visibility, demonstrating effectiveness with incomplete biometric data. Furthermore, while effectively resisting a decision-based black-box adversarial attack and impervious to imperceptible adversarial images, it is only susceptible to highly perceptible adversarial images with severe noise, which pose minimal concern as they can be easily detected through histogram analysis in preprocessing. In principle, the proposed learning-free hierarchical COSFIRE filters are applicable to any application that requires the identification of certain spatial arrangements of moderately complex features, such as bifurcations and crossovers. Moreover, the selectivity of COSFIRE filters is highly intuitive; and therefore, they provide an explainable solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper examines the everyday processes of othering and exclusion of particular religious communities in expanding urbanscapes. It maps how deliberate contests are produced over cities’ histories, politico-cultural legacies and spatial arrangements, to isolate and displace communities. Specifically, it addresses how exclusion of Muslim residents is constructed in social and spatial terms in contemporary urban India. Focussing on the middle-sized central Indian city of Bhopal, I explore the emergent tensions that have steadily consolidated invisible, yet often impermeable, mental borders within that setting. In doing so, I highlight the disturbing implications of these processes of boundary making and solidification. I discuss what they mean for the everyday existence of people and communities, and how they produce fractured urbanisms. Drawing upon a mixed approach, I piece together archival records, press reports and a wide selection of other literature, as well as on-field conversations and observations, to examine how the city of Bhopal is sought to be reimaged as Hindu, and its socio-spatial character reconfigured, isolating and disenfranchising its Muslim residents. Finally, I reflect on the manner in which such shifts frame the exclusion of specific communities and produce a contested urban. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Additive manufacturing of freeform structures containing multiple materials with deterministic spatial arrangement and interactions remains a challenge for most 3D printing processes, due to complex fabrication tool requirements and limitations in printability of some material classes. Here, a versatile method is reported to produce architected composites using the concept of cellular fluidics, in which lattices of unit cells are used as templating scaffolds to guide flowable infill materials in a programmed spatial pattern, upon which they are cured in place to produce a deterministically ordered multimaterial solid. The lattice design relies on the unit cell size, type, strut diameter, surface wetting, and distribution of cellular structures to control liquid flow and retention. Individual unit cells are tuned to achieve reliable infilling and combined into higher‐order architectures to achieve multiscale composite materials with disparate mechanical properties, including those considered non‐printable. Lattice design considerations for leveraging capillary phenomena and demonstrate several methods of patterning polymers in 3D‐printed cellular fluidic structures are presented. The concept of tuning the compressive response of an architected composite using a flexible‐elastomer as the lattice and a stiff‐epoxy as the infill material is illustrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fate choices of stem cells between self-renewal and differentiation are often tightly regulated by juxtacrine (cell-cell contact) signalling. Here, we assess how the interplay between cell division, cell fate choices, and juxtacrine signalling can affect the macroscopic ordering of cell types in self-renewing epithelial sheets, by studying a simple spatial cell fate model with cells being arranged on a 2D lattice. We show in this model that if cells commit to their fate directly upon cell division, macroscopic patches of cells of the same type emerge, if at least a small proportion of divisions are symmetric, except if signalling interactions are laterally inhibiting. In contrast, if cells are first 'licensed' to differentiate, yet retaining the possibility to return to their naive state, macroscopic order only emerges if the signalling strength exceeds a critical threshold: if then the signalling interactions are laterally inducing, macroscopic patches emerge as well. Lateral inhibition, on the other hand, can in that case generate periodic patterns of alternating cell types (checkerboard pattern), yet only if the proportion of symmetric divisions is sufficiently low. These results can be understood theoretically by an analogy to phase transitions in spin systems known from statistical physics. Author summary: A fundamental question in stem cell biology is how a cell's choice to differentiate or not (cell fate choice), is regulated by communication with other cells in a tissue, and whether these choices are a one-way path or to some degree reversible. However, measuring this in living animals is very difficult and often impossible, since this requires to make videos of cells inside the body with a microscope. Here, we employ a simple mathematical model for the fate choices of stem cells when they are regulated by communication with nearby cells in the tissue. We show that different means of cell fate choice and cell communication can lead to qualitatively different macroscopic features of the spatial arrangement of cell types: large patches, checkerboard patterns, or randomly disordered distributions, depending on the character of cell communication, and whether cell fate is committed at cell division or reversible. Our analysis therefore shows that those aspects of stem cell activity, which are otherwise difficult to measure, can be distinguished by observing spatial arrangements of cell types. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Scene classification in panchromatic (PAN) remote sensing images is a challenging task due to arbitrary spatial arrangement of a variety of objects with complex background in the absence of RGB-channel information. In this paper, we propose an elevation-guided attention network (EGANet) for multimodal scene classification in panchromatic images by leveraging elevation information from digital elevation model (DEM). The proposed network helps to identify the potential regions containing prominent class-specific features in the panchromatic image scene with the attention of elevation features extracted from a convolution neural network (CNN). Then, elevation-guided features in panchromatic image scene are obtained by the correlation of these two modalities for effective scene classification. The efficacy of the proposed method is demonstrated on Cartosat-1 panchromatic remote sensing image datasets with a lot of variations in view-angle, occlusion, background, and illumination conditions. The experimental results show that our proposed EGANet achieves scene classification accuracy with an improvement of 5% in comparison with the state-of-the-art approaches. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both the amount and spatial arrangement (configurational heterogeneity) of resources can affect population abundance and community diversity via influence on the growth, survival, reproduction, recruitment and movement of species. However, in most cases, it is difficult to separate the effects of resource amount from arrangement because these two attributes are often naturally correlated. In this study, we examined the configurational heterogeneity of resources (oviposition habitat—emergent rocks, ER) within rivers and decoupled the effects of resource amount from those due to the spatial arrangement on oviposition by eight species of aquatic insects (seven caddisflies and one mayfly). To capture the configurational heterogeneity of resources in 28 sites (riffles) across multiple streams in Australia and Scotland, we calculated fractal dimensions (DB) using the box‐counting technique. We then used simulated riffles to explore how numbers of ER, edginess (the proportion of ER along river margins) and patchiness (clustering of emergent rocks in the middle) separately and together affected the values of DB using asymptotic regression models. Finally, we used multiple regression to test whether the numbers of egg masses laid in natural riffles of each of the eight species were explained by the number of ER, fractal dimension or both. The distributions of ER in natural riffles were scale‐independent, self‐repeating patterns (i.e. they were fractal), and values of DB varied significantly among riffles. Variations in fractal dimensions among simulated riffles were significantly related to the number of ER, edginess and patchiness. However, in natural riffles, only the number of ER and patchiness affected DB. Egg mass abundances were related to the fractal dimensions of ER distributions in riffles in three species and to the number of ER in five species. The fractal dimensions of riffles are unlikely to be driven by large‐scale processes but instead may result from within‐riffle variability that influences rock movement, arrangement and emergence. Increased oviposition by aquatic insects in riffles with greater numbers of ER suggests that these species may be limited by the amount of oviposition resources. Of the species responding to fractal dimension, two species favoured tightly clustered ER whereas the third favoured ER in much looser clusters. It is feasible that aquatic insects can detect ER clusters from the air by responding to changes in the reflectivity of water (albedo) caused by turbulence around ER. That fractals can capture configurational heterogeneity of resources in streams suggests that this technique is useful to test for general ecological patterns across diverse stream systems. Whether configurational heterogeneity influences adults directly or indirectly, these results showed that the amount and arrangement of suitable oviposition habitat plays a role in determining egg mass densities, with potential consequences for larval densities. These patterns may have important community‐level and functional consequences and hence spatial arrangements should be considered when humans manipulate these resources in rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The thermal grill illusion (TGI), a phenomenon in which the juxtaposition of innocuous warm and cold temperatures on the skin elicits a burning sensation, offers a unique perspective to how pain occurs in response to harmless stimuli. We investigated the role of the spinal cord in the generation of the TGI across 2 experiments (total n580). We applied heat and cold stimuli to dermatomes, areas of skin innervated by a single spinal nerve, that mapped onto adjacent or nonadjacent spinal segments. Enhanced warm and burning ratings during the TGI were observed when cold and warm stimuli were confined within the same dermatome. Furthermore, we found the spatial organisation of warm and cold stimuli within and across dermatomes affected TGI perception. Perceived warmth and burning intensity increased when the cold stimulus projected to the segment more caudal to the warm stimulus, whereas perceived cold during the TGI decreased compared with the opposite spatial arrangement. This suggests that the perception of TGI is enhanced when cold afferents are projected to spinal segments positioned caudally in relation to those receiving warm afferents. Our results indicate distinct interaction of sensory pathways based on the segmental arrangement of afferent fibres and are consistent with current interpretations of the spread and integration of thermosensory information along the spinal cord. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In most organs, resources such as nutrients, oxygen and physiologically active substances are unevenly supplied within the tissue spaces. Consequently, different tissue functions are exhibited in each space. This spatial heterogeneity of tissue environments arises depending on the spatial arrangement of nutrient vessels and functional vessels, leading to continuous changes in the metabolic states and functions of various cell types from regions proximal to these vessels to distant regions. This phenomenon is referred to as 'zonation'. Traditional analytical methods have made it difficult to investigate this zonation in detail. However, recent advancements in intravital imaging, spatial transcriptomics and single-cell transcriptomics technologies have facilitated the discovery of 'zones' in various organs and elucidated their physiological roles. Here, we outline the spatial differences in the immune system within each zone of organs. This information provides a deeper understanding of organs' immune systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The new microporous metal organic framework [La2(H2O)5(H2TPPE)]·3H2O (CAU‐54), is obtained in a hydrothermal reaction of the linker 1,1,2,2‐tetrakis(4′‐phosphonophenyl)ethylene (H8TPPE) and La3+ ions. The extensive characterization including temperature‐dependent crystal structures and spectroscopic properties allowed to understand the unique, multi‐responsive material properties. CAU‐54 exhibits rarely observed reversible photochromism as well as turn‐on photoluminescence by various external chemical or physical stimuli including change of pressure, solvent exchange, and temperature variation. These properties can be unequivocally assigned to the presence of tetraphenylethylene (TPE) moieties of the linker molecules within the MOF, i.e., the ordered spatial arrangement of the linker molecules, the presence of accessible pores as well as the coordination flexibility of the phosphonate groups and the rotational freedom of the linker. By temperature‐dependent steady‐state and time‐resolved luminescence studies, it is shown that this compound exhibits a) blue fluorescence that becomes effectively quenched at room temperature, b) green efficient luminescence with thermal stability up to 400 K, and c) red phosphorescence correlated to the observed photochromism. In addition, CAU‐54 shows unusual thermal expansion properties as shown by temperature‐dependent powder X‐ray diffraction measurements with identified transition points that correlate with the observed temperature‐dependent changes in the photoluminescence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance of braided fiber-reinforced composites is determined by the braided structure, so yarn spatial arrangement prediction is a crucial step in the manufacturing process of fiber-reinforced composites. This study aims to predict fabric on arbitrary mandrels based on the yarn interactions, especially for mandrels with flat surfaces. An interaction yarn deposition model is proposed to simulate the process of braiding arbitrary-shaped mandrels. A dynamic deposition model is established at the moment of deposition, and a quasi-static equilibrium equation is added to determine the spatial position of yarn interaction points. Post-processing of positional information is performed to obtain the yarn spatial arrangement on the mandrel's surface. Experiments were conducted using Zhongfu Shenying 12K T700 carbon yarn and Yunlu Composite 176-carrier radial braiding equipment. The experimental results show that the actual fabric exhibits an S-shaped distribution on the flat surface of the mandrel, matching the predicted results of the model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The acquisition of deictic verbs is a significant milestone in language development. This complex process requires an understanding of the interplay between the personal pronouns "I/you" and deictic verbs. Although demonstrating the cognitive processes associated with deictic shifting through data is valuable, research issues regarding data accuracy and the spatial arrangement of the self and other remain unresolved. This pilot study aimed to quantitatively measure the body movements of Japanese-speaking children during their utterances of "come/go". Twelve typically developing children aged 6–7 participated in this study. Multiple scenarios were set up where the researcher presented phrases using "come/go" with deictic gestures, such as moving one's upper body forward or backward, and the participant replied with "come/go". When performing a role, the researcher sat face-to-face or side-by-side with the participant, depending on the type of question–response. It is possible that there is a learning process whereby verbal responses using "come/go" align with corresponding body movements in the specific question type. This process is deeply involved in the development of perspective-taking abilities. Future research with relatively large samples and cross-cultural comparisons is warranted to deepen the understanding of this linguistic acquisition process and its implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) has been adopted as a feasible technique to characterize tree stems while the characterization of trees' branching architecture has remained less explored. In general, branching architecture refers to the spatial arrangement of branches and their characteristics that are important when exploring the eco-physiological functioning of trees or assessing tree biomass and wood quality. Our aim was to develop a point cloud processing method for identifying and segmenting individual branches from TLS point clouds. We applied a Cartesian-to-cylinder coordinate transformation and a simple morphological filtering for stem surface reconstruction and stem-branch separation. Then branch origins were identified as their intersections with the stem surface, and individual branches were segmented based on their connectivity with the branch origins. The method, implemented in MATLAB and openly available, was validated on a 0.4-ha mature and managed southern boreal forest stand. The branch identification performance was assessed based on visual interpretation of 364 randomly sampled stem sections from 100 Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris (L.)) trees that were inspected for branch identification accuracy. The results showed that the branches could only be identified up to the height where the stem could be reconstructed. For 90% of the trees, this threshold ranged between 59.3% and 81.2% relative tree heights. Branches located below this threshold were identified with a recall of 75%, a precision of 92%, and an F1-score of 0.82. Based on our study, it appears that in a managed Scots pine stand, most of the branches can be identified with the developed method for the most valuable stem part eligible for logwood. The findings obtained in this study promote the feasibility of using TLS in applications requiring detailed characterization of trees. The developed method can be further used in quantifying the characteristics of individual branches, which could be useful for biomass and wood quality assessment, for example. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects millions of people worldwide, but there are limited drugs available to treat it, so acquiring a more comprehensive comprehension of the underlying reasons and mechanisms behind inflammation is crucial, as well as developing novel therapeutic approaches to manage it and mitigate or forestall associated harm. It is evident that current in vitro models cannot faithfully replicate all aspects of joint diseases, which makes them ineffective as tools for disease research and drug testing. Organ-on-a-chip (OoC) technology is an innovative platform that can mimic the microenvironment and physiological state of living tissues more realistically than traditional methods by simulating the spatial arrangement of cells and interorgan communication. This technology allows for the precise control of fluid flow, nutrient exchange, and the transmission of physicochemical signals, such as bioelectrical, mechanical stimulation and shear force. In addition, the integration of cutting-edge technologies like sensors, 3D printing, and artificial intelligence enhances the capabilities of these models. Here, we delve into OoC models with a particular focus on Synovial Joints-on-a-Chip, where we outline their structure and function, highlighting the potential of the model to advance our understanding of RA. We integrate the actual evidence regarding various OoC models and their possible integration for multisystem disease study in RA research for the first time and introduce the prospects and opportunities of the chip in RA etiology and pathological mechanism research, drug research, disease prevention and human precision medicine. Although many challenges remain, OoC holds great promise as an in vitro model that approaches physiology and dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fabrication of core–satellite (CS) assemblies offers a versatile strategy for tailoring the optical properties of plasmonic nanomaterials. In addition to key factors like size, shape, and spatial arrangement of individual components, the combination of plasmonic units with different compositions (e.g., gold and silver) has been demonstrated to produce materials with enhanced properties and functionalities applicable across a range of fields. Notably, several CS assembly variants have emerged as promising substrates for surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). In this study, we address a gap in the knowledge by conducting a systematic cross-comparison of the optical and SERS properties of highly bright homo- and bimetallic CS assemblies. We evaluated the SERS efficiencies of these different superstructures across various excitation wavelengths and supported our findings with numerical simulations. The insights gained from this study offer a valuable foundation for researchers seeking to select and optimize the most suitable CS assemblies for their given SERS application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fallow land can often be implemented under the pattern of cultivated land protection on quantity, quality, and ecology in the strategy of "Storing Grain in Land" in China. The spatial arrangement of fallow land is closely linked to the fallow land implementation and the nationwide allocation of arable land resources. However, the current macro research has hindered to determine the optimal spatial layout of fallow land nationwide in sustainable agriculture at present. The purpose of this study is to explore the maximum scale and spatial layout of provincial fallow in China under the constraint of food security. The primary research subjects were selected as the provinces of China that were excluded from Hong Kong, Macao, and Taiwan. The data was derived from the publicly accessible statistical yearbooks from 2000-2019. Firstly, a numerical model was developed to calculate the fallow land scale under food security guidelines, according to the arable land retention. System dynamics, grey model, time series analysis, and exponential decay model were utilized to scientifically predict the fallow scale in China in the future. Secondly, an evaluation system was established for the urgency of fallowing arable land in Chinese provinces using the Pressure-State-Response (PSR) model, according to the land quality and ecological security. The evaluation index system was comprised of 17 specific indicators. Finally, the fallow scale of each province was allocated to determine the different fallow zones after evaluation. Therefore, a provincial space layout of fallow was established using the "Trinity" protection of quantity, quality, and ecology. The results show that: (1) The maximum fallow scale was expected to be 3 237.31×104, 2 678.97×104, and 2 120.64×104 hectares by 2030 under 90%, 95%, and 100% grain self-sufficiency rates, respectively. At the same time, it was particularly crucial to reasonably and scientifically calculate the fallow land scale. A comprehensive fallow land system was established to promote nationwide; (2) Provincial urgency assessments show that Shanghai and Inner Mongolia were ranked the highest in the urgency for the fallow land, while Sichuan and Guangxi were ranked the lowest. Strategic allocation of fallow land was prioritized for the regions with the higher levels of urgency; (3) The scale and urgency were combined to assess the fallow land. The maximum scale of fallow land was calculated to be 16.10985 million hectares in 2019, while it was projected to be 21.65851 million hectares by 2030. The areas of each province were categorized into five levels of fallow land. There were significant regional differences in the fallow land scale. Inner Mongolia and Gansu shared the larger scales, compared with Beijing and Shanghai with the smaller ones. This finding can provide the theoretical references and technical support to establish the differentiated fallow system. Some ideas can also be offered to fully establish and effectively implement the fallow system in the future, thus integrating quantitative, qualitative, and ecological multiple objectives into the spatial zoning of fallow land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) serves as a major source of protein and oil for humans and animals. Shoot architecture, the spatial arrangement of a plant's above‐ground organs, strongly affects crop yield and is therefore a critical agronomic trait. Unlike wheat and rice crops that have greatly benefitted from the Green Revolution, soybean yield has not changed significantly in the past six decades owing to its unique shoot architecture. Soybean is a pod‐bearing crop with pods adhered to the nodes, and variation in shoot architecture traits, such as plant height, node number, branch number and number of seeds per pod, directly affects the number of pods and seeds per plant, thereby determining yield. In this review, we summarize the relationship between soybean yield and these major components of shoot architecture. We also describe the latest advances in identifying the genes and molecular mechanisms underlying soybean shoot architecture and discuss possible directions and approaches for breeding new soybean varieties with ideal shoot architecture and improved yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We share the results of interviews and participant observations conducted in South Texas in spring of 2020 and summer of 2021 to understand how local authorities manage the issue of migrant deaths. Drawing on fifty-seven interviews and observations of local stakeholders from law enforcement and first responders to nonprofit organizations, United States Border Patrol (USBP) agents, and others, three experiences emerged. First, USBP both capacitates and limits local ability to respond to migrant deaths. Second, local jurisdictions feel a sense of impotence as a consequence of overwhelming migrant decedent caseloads, often leading to what we have termed an occupational paralysis. Third, failing to recognize migrant deaths as a regional phenomenon throughout South Texas hinders interior counties from receiving needed support. In our discussion we reflect on the experiences our interlocutors shared with us and the degree to which long-standing U.S. prevention through deterrence policy has configured the Texas–Mexico border into a necropolitical landscape, in the sense that U.S. Southwestern border enforcement, infrastructure, and the environment itself have a spatial arrangement that relegates migrant lives “outside the normal state of law” (Mbembe, 13), and funnels them toward death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a staple food crop that plays a crucial role in global food security. A suitable planting pattern and optimum nitrogen (N) split management are efficient practices for improving wheat production. Therefore, an experiment was performed to explore the effect of N split management and sowing patterns on wheat at the Agronomy Research Farm, The University of Agriculture Peshawar, during rabi season 2020-21 and 2021-22. The treatments consisted of different nitrogen rates of 0, 80, 120, and 160 kg ha− 1 and planting patterns of W, M, broadcast and line sowing. The pooled analysis of both cropping seasons showed that application of 120 kg N ha− 1 increased spikelets spike− 1, grains spike− 1, 1000 grains weight, grain yield, grain N content, evapotranspiration and water use efficiency by 21.9, 16.7, 21.8, 70, 13, 19.9 and 40% as compared to control, respectively. In addition, W and M were observed the best management practices among all planting patterns. The M planting pattern enhanced chlorophyll a, b, carotenoids and evapotranspiration while W plating pattern improved yield components and yield of wheat as compared to broadcast planting patterns. The principal component analysis biplot showed a close association of M and W planting patterns with 120 kg N ha− 1 in most of the studied traits. Hence, it is concluded that split application of 120 kg N ha− 1 in W and M sowing patterns enhanced growth, biochemical traits and water use efficiency, reducing N fertilization from 160 to 120 kg ha− 1 while increasing grain yield of wheat. Hence, it is recommended that application of 120 kg N ha⁻¹ in combination with W and M planting patterns offer a sustainable approach to enhancing wheat production in the alkaline soil conditions of the Peshawar valley. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The unique properties of metamaterials are determined by the configuration and spatial arrangement of artificially designed unit structures. However, the configuration and mechanical properties of conventional metamaterials are challenging to reverse and adjust. Based on curved beams, two types of novel three-dimensional (3D) multi-stable metamaterials with reconfigurable deformation and tunable mechanical properties are designed and fabricated using a four-dimensional (4D) printing method. The effects of temperature and curved-beam thickness on the force-displacement curves and multi-stable snapping sequence of the 3D multi-stable metamaterials are investigated by finite-element analysis (FEA) and experiments. In addition, based on the designed four-branch multi-stable metamaterials, three- and six-branched multi-stable structures are designed by changing the number of curved-beam branches. It is shown that, owing to shape memory effects, the 3D multi-stable metamaterials can realize mechanical programmability, and the multi-stable deformation sequence can be precisely regulated by varying the temperature and curved-beam thickness. These 4D-printed multi-stable metamaterials provide valuable contributions to the design of programmable multi-stable metamaterials and their applications in soft robots and intelligent structures. This article is part of the theme issue 'Current developments in elastic and acoustic metamaterials science (Part 1)'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Eonycteris spelaea (E. spelaea) is a sizable nectar-feeding bat that falls within the taxonomic classification of order Chiroptera and family Pteropododae. The form and structure of the tongue play a crucial role for bats in the intake and digestion of food in their mouth. Each papilla's morphology, dimensions, spatial arrangement, and physiological role exhibit variations among different animal species, contingent upon their respective lifestyles. Aim: This research attempts to examine the morphology and microstructure of the E. spelaea tongue papillae, collected from Timor Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Methods: This study aimed to achieve a scanning electron microscope and a light microscope in the presence of hematoxylin-eosin staining and employed a sample of 6 sexually indiscriminate adult E. spelaea bats. Results: The tongue of E. spelaea is separated into three distinct parts: the apex, corpus, and radix. The structure's apex contains filiform papillae, which come in many varieties, such as scale-like filiform papilla, enormous trifid papilla, and little crown-like papilla. Additionally, there is a cluster of fungiform papillae on the outside edge of the highest point and transitional papillae connecting the large trifid papillae with the smaller crown-like papillae. The corpus section comprises two papilla types: filiform papilla (leaf-shaped filiform papilla and big crown-like papilla) and fungiform papilla. The radix comprises the elongated conical papilla, rosette-shaped filiform papilla, short conical papilla, transitional papilla, and three circumvallate papillae at the back of the tongue. Conclusion: The tongue papillae of E. spelaea comprise a wide variety of mechanic papillae and also sensory papillae which have specific dietary regimens in their living habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Premise: Understanding the responses of functional traits in tree species to climate variability is essential for predicting the future of tropical montane cloud forest (TMCF) tree species, especially in Andean montane environments where fog pockets act as moisture traps. Methods: We studied the distribution of Magnolia gentryi, measured its spatial arrangement, identified local hotspots, and evaluated the extent to which climate‐related factors are associated with its distribution. We then analyzed the variation in 13 functional traits of M. gentryi and the relationship with climate. Results: Andean TMCF climatic factors constrain M. gentryi spatial distribution with significant patches or gaps that are associated with high precipitation and mean minimum temperature. The functional traits of M. gentryi are limited by the Andean TMCF climatic factors, resulting in reduced within‐species variation in traits associated with water deficit. Conclusions: The association between functional traits and climate oscillation is crucial for understanding the growth conditions of relict‐endemic species and is essential for conservation efforts. Forest trait diversity and species composition change because of fluctuations in hydraulic safety‐efficiency gradients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Mixtures with birdsfoot trefoil (BFT) increase herbage intake in grazing cattle. We hypothesized that BFT spatially separated from grasses would increase preferential grazing of BFT and herbage intake compared to grass and BFT in mixed rows. Methods: Binary mixtures of BFT were established with orchardgrass, meadow bromegrass, tall fescue, and perennial ryegrass in alternating and in mixed rows. Pastures were rotationally stocked with Jersey heifers, and herbage mass, intake, and preferential grazing were estimated. Results: Planting BFT in alternating rows did not affect herbage mass, intake, or BFT preference. Regardless of spatial arrangement, pasture production averaged 4116 kg ha−1 per rotation, of which 32% was BFT. BFT comprised 39% of herbage intake in alternating and mixed rows, 7% greater (p = 0.001) than offered, indicating partial preference for BFT. Greatest preferential grazing of BFT was in tall fescue and orchardgrass mixtures, but less than commonly reported for legumes grown in more contrasting spatial arrangements with cool‐season grasses. Conclusions: Grazing heifers showed partial preference for BFT over grass. However, the lack of an effect of spatial arrangement on herbage mass, herbage intake, and diet preference indicates that spatial arrangements greater than alternating rows may be needed to increase overall herbage intake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogels have been extensively used for tissue engineering applications due to their versatility in structure and physical properties, which can mimic native tissues. Although significant progress has been made toward designing hydrogels for soft tissue repair, engineering hydrogels that resemble load‐bearing tissues is still considered a great challenge due to their specific mechanophysical demands. Herein, microporous, tough, yet highly compressible poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐based hydrogels are reported for potential applications in repairing or replacing different load‐bearing tissues. The synergy of freeze‐thawing and the Hofmeister effect, which controlled the spatial arrangement and aggregation of polymer chains, facilitated the formation of microstructured frameworks with tunable porosity. While the maximum mechanical strength, toughness, and stretchability of the engineered hydrogel were ≈390 kPa, ≈388 kJ m−3, and ≈170%, respectively, Young's modulus based on compression testing wasfound to be in the range of ≈0.02–0.30 MPa, highlighting the all‐in‐one mechanically enriched nature of the hydrogel. Furthermore, the minimal swelling and degradation rate of the engineered hydrogel met the specific requirements for load‐bearing tissues. Finally, excellent antibacterial resistance as well as in vitro biocompatibility of the hydrogel demonstrates its potential for the replacement of load‐bearing tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper introduces a novel method that leverages artificial neural networks to estimate magnetic flux density in the proximity of overhead transmission lines. The proposed method utilizes an artificial neural network to estimate the parameters of a mathematical model that describes the magnetic flux density distribution along the lateral profile for various configurations of overhead transmission lines. The training target data is acquired using the particle swarm optimization algorithm. A performance comparison between the proposed method and the Biot-Savart law-based method is conducted using an extensive test dataset. The resulting coefficient of determination and mean square error values demonstrate the successful application of the proposed method for a range of different spatial arrangements of phase conductors. Furthermore, the performance of the proposed method is thoroughly assessed on multiple test cases. The practical relevance of the proposed method is highlighted by contrasting its results with the field measurements obtained in the proximity of a 400 kV overhead transmission line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines the impact of line spacing (X: 24 m, Y: 9 m, Z: 6.5 m) and orientation to tree lines on the growth, yield, and quality of red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) in a temperate, irrigated agroforestry system (2 ha) in Szarvas, Hungary. Three sampling locations were distinguished between the east and west oriented tree lines: the north (N) side, middle (M) strip, and south (S) side of the tree lines. The highest red clovers were observed in the 6.5 m spacing (mean height 69.3 ± 7.2 cm), although yields were similar across 24 m, 9 m, and 6.5 m spacings (2.9 t ha−1, 2.3 t ha−1, and 2.7 t ha−1 dry matter, respectively). Orientation significantly influenced all forage quality parameters, with the north side showing earlier developmental stages and higher proportions of immature flowers (41–59%). Managing the spatial arrangement of red clover in agroforestry systems can help optimize forage quality by mitigating variations in plant maturity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines ambulant vendors' labour on a Buenos Aires trainline. It explores how vendors employ a range of verbal and embodied resources to navigate the challenges of sustaining attention from commuters and manage the progressivity of their sales pitch as they achieve individual service encounters and deal with physical obstructions intrinsic to the local ecology of the train and the contingencies of earning a livelihood on the move. An interactional pragmatics analysis of vendors' working practices as video-recorded by them coupled with ethnographic observations, reveals the complex interplay of verbal and embodied cues, spatial arrangements, and temporal constraints in relation to the progressivity of their sales pitch. The findings challenge long-held negative views of vendors' presence in public space by highlighting the methodical approach, dexterity, and civility of their working practices, and how their labour fills a gap in the market. The article provides new insights into the dynamics of urban labour in public spaces and the intrinsicality of multimodality to manoeuvre round the unequal conditions these workers inhabit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The landform of the region highly influences the dynamics of the flood and plays a crucial role in directing the water flow, affecting the speed and volume of runoff. Assam, located in northeast India, experiences floods yearly due to adverse climatic conditions and complex terrain features. The objective of the present study is to understand the landform classification of Assam using the topographic position index (TPI) and geomorphon-based automated classification of landform (ACL) method and its spatial distribution with slope, geology, soil, LULC, and flood inundation. The ACL method shows that gentle slopes or flat areas occupy the maximum area ranging from 56.17 to 68.10% for TPI‐based slope position classes, and for geomorphon, slope feature occupies 20.61–25.39% of the total area. The spatial distribution of TPI and geomorphon-based landform classification was different because TPI compares the elevation of a point to the average elevation of its neighbourhood, while geomorphon classifies the landscape into predefined landform classes based on terrain shape and the spatial arrangement of elevation values. In both models, valleys are the most dominant landform class and are mainly present in the Central and Barak valley of Assam. The built-up areas and waterbodies on vulnerable landform classes increase their flood susceptibility. About 38.08% of the inundated area was found in wide valleys and 31% of the inundated area lies under flat landforms. The present study can be effective in land use planning, sustainable natural resource management, disaster risk management, and mitigation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Copyright of Journal of Chongqing University of Technology (Natural Science) is the property of Chongqing University of Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)