Contribution of mechanical forces to structural synaptic plasticity:insights from 3D cellular motility mechanisms

Cells,tissues,and organs are constantly subjected to the action of mechanical forces from the extracellular environment-and the nervous system is no exception.Cell-intrinsic properties such as membrane lipid composition,abundance of mechanosensors,and cytoskeletal dynamics make cells more or less likely to sense these forces.Intrinsic and extrinsic cues are integrated by cells and this combined information determines the rate and dynamics of membrane protrusion growth or retraction(Yamada and Sixt,2019).Cell protrusions are extensions of the plasma membrane that play crucial roles in diverse contexts such as cell migration and neuronal synapse formation.In the nervous system,neurons are highly dynamic cells that can change the size and number of their pre-and postsynaptic elements(called synaptic boutons and dendritic spines,respectively),in response to changes in the levels of synaptic activity through a process called plasticity.Synaptic plasticity is a hallmark of the nervous system and is present throughout our lives,being required for functions like memory formation or the learning of new motor skills(Minegishi et al.,2023;Pillai and Franze,2024).

Practice patterns among ophthalmic surgeons in treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions in preoperative period:A questionnaire-based study

BACKGROUND Addressing oculoplastic conditions in the preoperative period ensures both the safety and functional success of any ophthalmic procedure.Some oculoplastic conditions,like nasolacrimal duct obstruction,have been extensively studied,whereas others,like eyelid malposition and thyroid eye disease,have received minimal or no research.AIM To investigate the current practice patterns among ophthalmologists while treating concomitant oculoplastic conditions before any subspecialty ophthalmic intervention.METHODS A cross-sectional survey was disseminated among ophthalmologists all over India.The survey included questions related to pre-operative evaluation,anaesthetic and surgical techniques preferred,post-operative care,the use of adjunctive therapies,and patient follow-up patterns.RESULTS A total of 180 ophthalmologists responded to the survey.Most practitioners(89%)felt that the ROPLAS test was sufficient during pre-operative evaluation before any subspecialty surgery was advised.The most common surgical techniques employed were lacrimal drainage procedures(Dacryocystorhinostomy)(63.3%),eyelid malposition repair(36.9%),and ptosis repair(58.7%).Post-operatively,47.7%of respondents emphasized that at least a 4-week gap should be maintained after lacrimal drainage procedures and eyelid surgeries.Sixty-seven percent of ophthalmologists felt that topical anaesthetic procedures should be preferred while performing ocular surgeries in thyroid eye disease patients.CONCLUSION Approximately 50%of ophthalmologists handle prevalent oculoplastic issues themselves,seeking the expertise of an oculoplastic surgeon under particular conditions.Many ophthalmologists still favor using ROPLAS as a preliminary screening method before proceeding with cataract surgery.Eyelid conditions and thyroid eye disease are not as commonly addressed before subspecialty procedures compared to issues like nasolacrimal duct obstruction and periocular infections.

Role of iron ore in enhancing gasification of iron coke:Structural evolution,influence mechanism and kinetic analysis

The utilization of iron coke provides a green pathway for low-carbon ironmaking.To uncover the influence mechanism of iron ore on the behavior and kinetics of iron coke gasification,the effect of iron ore on the microstructure of iron coke was investigated.Furthermore,a comparative study of the gasification reactions between iron coke and coke was conducted through non-isothermal thermogravimetric method.The findings indicate that compared to coke,iron coke exhibits an augmentation in micropores and specific surface area,and the micropores further extend and interconnect.This provides more adsorption sites for CO_(2) molecules during the gasification process,resulting in a reduction in the initial gasification temperature of iron coke.Accelerating the heating rate in non-isothermal gasification can enhance the reactivity of iron coke.The metallic iron reduced from iron ore is embedded in the carbon matrix,reducing the orderliness of the carbon structure,which is primarily responsible for the heightened reactivity of the carbon atoms.The kinetic study indicates that the random pore model can effectively represent the gasification process of iron coke due to its rich pore structure.Moreover,as the proportion of iron ore increases,the activation energy for the carbon gasification gradually decreases,from 246.2 kJ/mol for coke to 192.5 kJ/mol for iron coke 15wt%.

From single to combinatorial therapies in spinal cord injuries for structural and functional restoration

Spinal cord injury results in paralysis, sensory disturbances, sphincter dysfunction, and multiple systemic secondary conditions, most arising from autonomic dysregulation. All this produces profound negative psychosocial implications for affected people, their families, and their communities;the financial costs can be challenging for their families and health institutions. Treatments aimed at restoring the spinal cord after spinal cord injury, which have been tested in animal models or clinical trials, generally seek to counteract one or more of the secondary mechanisms of injury to limit the extent of the initial damage. Most published works on structural/functional restoration in acute and chronic spinal cord injury stages use a single type of treatment: a drug or trophic factor, transplant of a cell type, and implantation of a biomaterial. Despite the significant benefits reported in animal models, when translating these successful therapeutic strategies to humans, the result in clinical trials has been considered of little relevance because the improvement, when present, is usually insufficient. Until now, most studies designed to promote neuroprotection or regeneration at different stages after spinal cord injury have used single treatments. Considering the occurrence of various secondary mechanisms of injury in the acute and sub-acute phases of spinal cord injury, it is reasonable to speculate that more than one therapeutic agent could be required to promote structural and functional restoration of the damaged spinal cord. Treatments that combine several therapeutic agents, targeting different mechanisms of injury, which, when used as a single therapy, have shown some benefits, allow us to assume that they will have synergistic beneficial effects. Thus, this narrative review article aims to summarize current trends in the use of strategies that combine therapeutic agents administered simultaneously or sequentially, seeking structural and functional restoration of the injured spinal cord.

Structural patterns of land types and optimal allocation of land use in Qinling Mountains

The case study based on Qinling Mountains in Shaanxi Province of China, in virtue of the information from TM image, classifies the land types and analyzes their spatial and temporal differential law, and puts forward three structural patterns of land types in mountainous areas, namely, spatial, quantitative and qualitative structures of mountainous land types. Furthermore, it has been noticed that the analysis of structural patterns can disclose the heterogeneity and orderliness of combination of land types, which can lay the theoretic foundation for comprehensively recognizing ecological characteristics and succession law of structure and function of land types. After the all-around comparative analysis, an optimal allocation of land use in Qinling Mountains has been put forward according to the principle of sustainable development and landscape ecology, which can lay the scientific foundation in practice for the structural adjustment and distribution optimization from the macro level to micro level.

Characteristics of Spatial Structural Patterns and Temporal Variability of Annual Precipitation in Ningxia

[Objective] The aim was to study the characteristics of the spatial structural patterns and temporal variability of annual precipitation in Ningxia.[Method] Using rotated empirical orthogonal function,the precipitation concentration index,wavelet analysis and Mann-Kendall rank statistic method,the characteristics of precipitation on the spatial-temporal variability and trend were analyzed by the monthly precipitation series in Ningxia during 1951-2008.[Result] In Ningxia,the spatial structural patterns of annual precipitation appeared 'North-south type' and 'North-center-south type'.It increased from north to south,the changes of interannual precipitation decreased from north to south.Precipitation changed significantly in month and distributed differently in the Yellow River irrigation area.But it was conversely steady in central arid zone and mountainous area of southern Ningxia.The probability of single abundant precipitation year was higher than single short precipitation year and the continuous short precipitation year was higher than continuous abundant precipitation year.The main cycles were 3a,6a and 10a approximately.In the mid arid zone and the mountainous area of southern Ningxia,the probability of precipitation reduction was about 75% and the Yellow river irrigation area,71.4%,respectively.The reduction in the entire area was about 73.3%.The annual precipitation in the middle arid area and irrigation area was increasing.The variability would change slowly for the intra-annual distribution of precipitation.Especially,the reduction tendency rate in the middle arid area reached 100.0%.[Conclusion] The study provided references for the effective utilization of the local precipitation,and the coordinated development of the regional social economy and ecological environment.

Structural patterns of fault damage zones in carbonate rocks and their influences on petroleum accumulation in Tazhong Paleo-uplift, Tarim Basin, NW China

Based on the outcrop survey,3D seismic data interpretation,drilling data analysis,the structural patterns and distribution of fault damage zones in carbonate strata of Tazhong Paleo-uplift were established to reveal the oil and gas enrichment law in the fault damage zones.The following findings were reached:(1)Through the filed survey,the fault damage zone system consists of fault core,damage zone with branch fault and fracture network.Affected by the active nature of the major faults,the fault damage zones differ in planar pattern and scale along the major faults.(2)3D seismic profiles reveal that there are three types of fault damage zones in carbonate strata in Tazhong paleo-uplift,strike-slip fault damage zones,thrust fault damage zones and superimposed fault damage zones.Featuring3 flowers and 3 root belts in vertical,the strike-slip fault damage zone can be subdivided into linear type,oblique type,feather type and horsetail type in plane.Thrust fault damage zones can be further divided into fault anticline type,anticline type and slope type.As the superimposition result of the above two kinds of fault damage zones,superimposed fault damage zones appear in three patterns,intersect type,encompassment type and penetrating type.(3)Cores from wells and geochemical data show oil and gas may migrate along the major fault and laterally.The feather type in strike-slip fault system,fault anticline type in thrust fault damage zone and intersect type in superimposed fault damage zone are possible sites for high production and efficiency wells.

Changing Spatial and Structural Patterns of Non-agricultural Activities in Outward-moving Beijing Urban Fringe

As responses to metropolitan suburbanization and rural urbanization,the formation and evolution of urban fringes should be understood against the background of overall economic development and spatial reconstruction of entire metropolises.At the same time,however,endogenous interactions between industrial structure and spatial patterns of non-agricultural activities are also worthy of scholarly attention.Since the 1980s,studies on urban fringes in China have been restricted by the lack of micro-level data.This paper investigates the spatial expansion and structural evolution of the urban fringe by taking the case of Beijing and uses systematic firm-level data in 1996 and 2001 from the National Census of Basic Units.The diversity of distribution patterns across industrial sectors brings about two interrelated results.On the one hand,structural adjustment of non-agricultural industries promotes the expansion and spatial evolution of the urban fringe.On the other hand,the stability and dynamics of industrial structure coexist in the moving urban fringe.This study also reveals that the outward-moving urban fringe is the optimal location for manufacturing,especially heavy manufacturing,as well as traditional producer and consumer services.However,industries with spatial stickiness such as tourism and sports have not moved with the fringe.Most advanced services remain concentrated in the city center.The authors argue that it is essential for understanding and managing urban fringes to take into account spatial evolution and industrial structural adjustment together with their interaction with each other.

Allocation patterns of nonstructural carbohydrates in response to CO_(2)elevation and nitrogen deposition in Cunninghamia lanceolata saplings

Stored nonstructural carbohydrates(NSC)indicate a balance between photosynthetic carbon(C)assimilation and growth investment or loss through respiration and root exudation.They play an important role in plant function and whole-plant level C cycling.CO_(2)elevation and nitrogen(N)deposition,which are two major environmental issues worldwide,aff ect plant photosynthetic C assimilation and C release in forest ecosystems.However,information regarding the eff ect of CO_(2)elevation and N deposition on NSC storage in diff erent organs remains limited,especially regarding the trade-off between growth and NSC reserves.Therefore,here we analyzed the variations in the NSC storage in diff erent organs of Chinese fi r(Cunninghamia lanceolata)under CO_(2)elevation and N addition and found that NSC concentrations and contents in all organs of Chinese fi r saplings increased remarkably under CO_(2)elevation.However,N addition induced diff erential accumulation of NSC among various organs.Specifi cally,N addition decreased the NSC concentrations of needles,branches,stems,and fi ne roots,but increased the NSC contents of branches and coarse roots.The increase in the NSC contents of roots was more pronounced than that in the NSC content of aboveground organs under CO_(2)elevation.The role of N addition in the increase in the structural biomass of aboveground organs was greater than that in the increase in the structural biomass of roots.This result indicated that a diff erent tradeoff between growth and NSC storage occurred to alleviate resource limitations under CO_(2)elevation and N addition and highlights the importance of separating biomass into structural biomass and NSC reserves when investigating the eff ects of environmental change on biomass allocation.

Structural Stress Identification Using Fuzzy Pattern Recognition and Information Fusion Technique

In order to ensure the service security of space structures under wind load, the stress identification method based on the combination of fuzzy pattern recognition and information fusion technique is proposed, in which the measurements of limited strain sensors arranged on the structure are used. Firstly, the structure is divided into several regions according to the similarity and the most unfavorable region is selected to be the key region for stress identification, while the different numbers of the strain sensors are located on the key region and the normal regions; secondly, the different stress distributions of the key region are obtained based on the measurements of the strain sensors located on the key region and the normal regions separately, in which the fuzzy pattern recognition is used to identify the different stress distributions; thirdly, the stress distributions obtained by the measurements of sensors in normal regions are selected to calculate the synthesized stress distribution of the key region by D-S evidence theory; fourthly, the weighted fusion algorithm is used to assign the different fusion coefficients to the selected stress distributions obtained by the measurements of the normal regions and the key region, while the synthesized stress distribution of the key region can be obtained. Numerical study on a lattice shell model is carried out to validate the reliability of the proposed stress identification method. The simulated results indicate that the method can improve identification accuracy and be effective by different noise disturbing.

Structural properties of residual carbon in coal gasification fine slag and their influence on flotation separation and resource utilization:A review

Coal gasification fine slag(FS)is a typical solid waste generated in coal gasification.Its current disposal methods of stockpil-ing and landfilling have caused serious soil and ecological hazards.Separation recovery and the high-value utilization of residual carbon(RC)in FS are the keys to realizing the win-win situation of the coal chemical industry in terms of economic and environmental benefits.The structural properties,such as pore,surface functional group,and microcrystalline structures,of RC in FS(FS-RC)not only affect the flotation recovery efficiency of FS-RC but also form the basis for the high-value utilization of FS-RC.In this paper,the characteristics of FS-RC in terms of pore structure,surface functional groups,and microcrystalline structure are sorted out in accordance with gasification type and FS particle size.The reasons for the formation of the special structural properties of FS-RC are analyzed,and their influence on the flotation separation and high-value utilization of FS-RC is summarized.Separation methods based on the pore structural characterist-ics of FS-RC,such as ultrasonic pretreatment-pore-blocking flotation and pore breaking-flocculation flotation,are proposed to be the key development technologies for improving FS-RC recovery in the future.The design of low-cost,low-dose collectors containing polar bonds based on the surface and microcrystalline structures of FS-RC is proposed to be an important breakthrough point for strengthening the flotation efficiency of FS-RC in the future.The high-value utilization of FS should be based on the physicochemical structural proper-ties of FS-RC and should focus on the environmental impact of hazardous elements and the recyclability of chemical waste liquid to es-tablish an environmentally friendly utilization method.This review is of great theoretical importance for the comprehensive understand-ing of the unique structural properties of FS-RC,the breakthrough of the technological bottleneck in the efficient flotation separation of FS,and the expansion of the field of the high value-added utilization of FS-RC.

Study on the Diffraction Patterns of α"-Fe_(16)N_2 with Jack-1 and Jack-2 Structural Parameters

Two body centered tetragonal (bet) crystal structures of α'-Fe_(16)N_2 with x=0.25, z=0.3125 (Jack-1) and x=0.222, z=0.306 (Jack-2) respectively, were analyzed theoretically with EMS software package. The simulation of diffraction patterns indicates that both diffraction patterns of the same axis in these two structures obey bcc extinction rule. The conclusion is also obtained from the analyses of the diffracted waves. α'-Fe_(16)N_2 precipitates in the diffusion layer of ion-nitrided α-iron have been studied with transmission electron microscope (TEM). We have distinctly observed the electron diffraction patterns of α'-Fe_(16)N_2 in [100], [111], [110], [011], [210], [021], [311], [113], [331] and [133] zone axes with perfect symmetry, which indicate the parallel orientation relationship with α matrix:<001>α'//<001>α'// {100}.α'// {100}ｔα. The analyses of diffraction patterns, which obey bcc extinction rule, verify the bct structure of α'-Fe_(16)N_2 discovered by X-ray diffraction.

Corrigendum to“Migration pattern of a population of Barn Swallows(Hirundo rustica)breeding in East Asian tropical region”[Avian Res.15(2024)100192]

The authors regret that the caption of Fig.4 should be replaced as below.

A Tree Pattern Matching Algorithm for XML Queries with Structural Preferences

In the XML community, exact queries allow users to specify exactly what they want to check and/or retrieve in an XML document. When they are applied to a semi-structured document or to a document with an overly complex model, the lack or the ignorance of the explicit document model (DTD—Document Type Definition, Schema, etc.) increases the risk of obtaining an empty result set when the query is too specific, or, too large result set when it is too vague (e.g. it contains wildcards such as “*”). The reason is that in both cases, users write queries according to the document model they have in mind;this can be very far from the one that can actually be extracted from the document. Opposed to exact queries, preference queries are more flexible and can be relaxed to expand the search space during their evaluations. Indeed, during their evaluation, certain constraints (the preferences they contain) can be relaxed if necessary to avoid precisely empty results;moreover, the returned answers can be filtered to retain only the best ones. This paper presents an algorithm for evaluating such queries inspired by the TreeMatch algorithm proposed by Yao et al. for exact queries. In the proposed algorithm, the best answers are obtained by using an adaptation of the Skyline operator (defined in relational databases) in the context of documents (trees) to incrementally filter into the partial solutions set, those which satisfy the maximum of preferential constraints. The only restriction imposed on documents is No-Self-Containment.

Enhancing Low-Frequency Microwave Absorption Through Structural Polarization Modulation of MXenes

Two-dimensional carbon-based materials have shown promising electromagnetic wave absorption capabilities in mid-and high-frequency ranges,but face challenges in low-frequency absorption due to limited control over polarization response mecha-nisms and ambiguous resonance behavior.In this study,we pro-pose a novel approach to enhance absorption efficiency in aligned three-dimensional(3D)MXene/CNF(cellulose nanofibers)cavities by modifying polarization properties and manipulating resonance response in the 3D MXene architecture.This controlled polarization mechanism results in a significant shift of the main absorption region from the X-band to the S-band,leading to a remarkable reflection loss value of-47.9 dB in the low-frequency range.Furthermore,our findings revealed the importance of the oriented electromagnetic coupling in influencing electromagnetic response and microwave absorption properties.The present study inspired us to develop a generic strategy for low-frequency tuned absorption in the absence of magnetic element participation,while orientation-induced polarization and the derived magnetic resonance coupling are the key controlling factors of the method.

Clinical manifestation,lifestyle,and treatment patterns of chronic erosive gastritis:A multicenter real-world study in China

BACKGROUND Although chronic erosive gastritis(CEG)is common,its clinical characteristics have not been fully elucidated.The lack of consensus regarding its treatment has resulted in varied treatment regimens.AIM To explore the clinical characteristics,treatment patterns,and short-term outcomes in CEG patients in China.METHODS We recruited patients with chronic non-atrophic or mild-to-moderate atrophic gastritis with erosion based on endoscopy and pathology.Patients and treating physicians completed a questionnaire regarding history,endoscopic findings,and treatment plans as well as a follow-up questionnaire to investigate changes in symptoms after 4 wk of treatment.RESULTS Three thousand five hundred sixty-three patients from 42 centers across 24 cities in China were included.Epigastric pain(68.0%),abdominal distension(62.6%),and postprandial fullness(47.5%)were the most common presenting symptoms.Gastritis was classified as chronic non-atrophic in 69.9%of patients.Among those with erosive lesions,72.1%of patients had lesions in the antrum,51.0%had multiple lesions,and 67.3%had superficial flat lesions.In patients with epigastric pain,the combination of a mucosal protective agent(MPA)and proton pump inhibitor was more effective.For those with postprandial fullness,acid regurgitation,early satiety,or nausea,a MPA appeared more promising.CONCLUSION CEG is a multifactorial disease which is common in Asian patients and has non-specific symptoms.Gastroscopy may play a major role in its detection and diagnosis.Treatment should be individualized based on symptom profile.

Surface Patterning of Metal Zinc Electrode with an In‑Region Zincophilic Interface for High‑Rate and Long‑Cycle‑Life Zinc Metal Anode

The undesirable dendrite growth induced by non-planar zinc(Zn)deposition and low Coulombic efficiency resulting from severe side reactions have been long-standing challenges for metallic Zn anodes and substantially impede the practical application of rechargeable aqueous Zn metal batteries(ZMBs).Herein,we present a strategy for achieving a high-rate and long-cycle-life Zn metal anode by patterning Zn foil surfaces and endowing a Zn-Indium(Zn-In)interface in the microchannels.The accumulation of electrons in the microchannel and the zincophilicity of the Zn-In interface promote preferential heteroepitaxial Zn deposition in the microchannel region and enhance the tolerance of the electrode at high current densities.Meanwhile,electron aggregation accelerates the dissolution of non-(002)plane Zn atoms on the array surface,thereby directing the subsequent homoepitaxial Zn deposition on the array surface.Consequently,the planar dendrite-free Zn deposition and long-term cycling stability are achieved(5,050 h at 10.0 mA cm^(−2) and 27,000 cycles at 20.0 mA cm^(−2)).Furthermore,a Zn/I_(2) full cell assembled by pairing with such an anode can maintain good stability for 3,500 cycles at 5.0 C,demonstrating the application potential of the as-prepared ZnIn anode for high-performance aqueous ZMBs.

Layered Structural PBAT Composite Foams for Efficient Electromagnetic Interference Shielding

The utilization of eco-friendly,lightweight,high-efficiency and high-absorbing electromagnetic interference(EMI)shielding composites is imperative in light of the worldwide promotion of sustainable manufacturing.In this work,magnetic poly(butyleneadipate-coterephthalate)(PBAT)microspheres were firstly synthesized via phase separation method,then PBAT composite foams with layered structure was constructed through the supercritical carbon dioxide foaming and scraping techniques.The merits of integrating ferroferric oxideloaded multi-walled carbon nanotubes(Fe3O4@MWCNTs)nanoparticles,a microcellular framework,and a highly conductive silver layer have been judiciously orchestrated within this distinctive layered configuration.Microwaves are consumed throughout the process of“absorption-reflection-reabsorption”as much as possible,which greatly declines the secondary radiation pollution.The biodegradable PBAT composite foams achieved an EMI shielding effectiveness of up to 68 dB and an absorptivity of 77%,and authenticated favorable stabilization after the tape adhesion experiment.

Extreme Meteorological Drought Events over China(1951-2022):Migration Patterns,Diversity of Temperature Extremes,and Decadal Variations

Recently,extreme meteorological droughts have affected China,causing terrible socioeconomic impacts.Despite previous research on the spatiotemporal characteristics and mechanisms of drought,two crucial issues remain seldom explored.First,an event-oriented drought chronology with detailed spatiotemporal evolutions is urgently required.Second,the complex migration patterns and diversity of synchronous temperature extremes need to be quantitatively investigated.Accordingly,the main achievements of our investigation are as follows.We produced an event-oriented set of extreme meteorological droughts over China through the application of a newly developed 3D DBSCAN-based detection method(deposited on https://doi.org/10.25452/figshare.plus.25512334),which was verified with a historical atlas and monographs on a case-by-case basis.In addition,distinctive migration patterns(i.e.,stationary/propagation types)are identified and ranked,considering the differences in latitudinal zones and coastal/inland locations.We also analyze the diversity of synchronous temperature extremes(e.g.,hotness and coldness).Notably,an increasing trend in hot droughts occurred over China since the late 1990s,predominantly appearing to the south of 30°N and north of 40°N.All drought events and synchronous temperature extremes are ranked using a comprehensive magnitude index,with the 2022 summer-autumn Yangtze River hot drought being the hottest.Furthermore,Liang-Kleeman information flow-based causality analysis emphasizes key areas where the PDO and AMO influenced decadal variations in coverages of droughts and temperature extremes.We believe that the achievements in this study may offer new insights into sequential mechanism exploration and prediction-related issues.

More Magic Numbers in Titanium-Carbon Anion Clusters: Can This Be Explained by Any Structural Growth Pattern?

Titanitum-carbon anion clusters with a mass range up to 1800 amu have been generated in a Smalley-type cluster source involving a target rod composed of titanium and graphite powders, and have been analysed by time-of-flight mass spectrometry. In the lower mass range (up to 1200 amu), our mass spectrum reproduces all the magic numbers, which have been reported previously, i.e. Ti_(3)C_(8)^(-), Ti_(6)C_(13)^(-), Ti_(7)C_(13)^(-), Ti_(9)C_(15)^(-), Ti_(13)C_(22)^(-), and Ti_(14)C_(24)^(-), in spite of many differences in experimental conditions. In the higher mass range (1200-1800 amu), we observe new magic numbers at Ti_(15)C_(26)^(-), Ti_(20)C_(33)^(-)/Ti_(20)C_(34)^(-) and Ti_(25)C_(42)^(-), which cannot be accounted for by the previously proposed structural growth patterns. All the magic and local maximum Ti_(x)C_(y) peaks have a metal-to-carbon ratio of approximately 1:1.7. The present results suggest a further complexity to the structural growth patterns of the transition metal-carbon mixed cluster systems.