123129 research outputs found
Sort by
Scaling electrocatalysts for reduction of CO2 or CO to multicarbon products
No full textThis version of the article has been accepted for publication, after peer review and is subject to Springer Nature’s AM terms of use, but is not the Version of Record and does not reflect post-acceptance improvements, or any corrections. The Version of Record is available online at: http://doi.org/10.1038/s41578-025-00875-2Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2R) to multicarbon (C2+) products can reduce the carbon intensity of both chemicals and fuels. Although laboratory-scale demonstrations now achieve encouraging selectivities and current densities on the square centimetre scale using milligrams of catalyst, industrial implementation demands electrodes on the square metre scale and more than 10 grams of catalyst per electrolyser. Replacing just 2% or so of fossil-based ethylene globally would require about 10 tonnes of catalyst annually, making scalability in material production as essential as electrochemical efficiency. Scaling C2+ production introduces distinct challenges, as Cu-based catalysts show structure-sensitive selectivity, necessitating precise integration with electrodes. In this Perspective, we evaluate current strategies for catalyst–electrode integration — nanoparticle catalyst deposition, electrodeposition and sputtering — and argue that electrodeposition and sputtering will be constrained in scalability by throughput and substrate limitations. In contrast, nanoparticle deposition — pre-synthesizing nanoparticles and coating them onto electrodes — combines structural tunability with compatibility for high-throughput roll-to-roll processing, as demonstrated in large-scale manufacturing for fuel cells, water electrolysers and batteries. Building on evidence from the literature, we propose a workflow connecting scalable catalyst synthesis to continuous coating. We further advocate establishing catalyst production throughput (for example, grams per hour) as a benchmark alongside conventional electrochemical performance metrics. We highlight catalyst stability and uniform, high-speed ink coating processes as top research priorities for gigawatt-scale CO2R-to-C2+ products.The authors acknowledge the support of TotalEnergies OneTech Belgium, the Canada Research Chairs Program (CRC-2021-00316) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada through the Alliance Program
Human Papillomavirus Self-Sampling Attitudes Amongst Women Living with HIV Prior to a Self-Sampling Intervention
Full text link<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Our objective was to determine the acceptability of and attitudes towards HPV self-sampling among women with HIV and investigate any associations between self-sampling attitudes and participant demographic and clinical characteristics. <b>Methods:</b> Women with HIV aged 18&ndash;45 were given a description of HPV self-sampling and instructions on how to self-collect the sample. Participants completed a questionnaire assessing their perceptions of the acceptability and comfort of HPV self-sampling before using the self-sampling methodology. Responses were based on a 5-point Likert scale (strongly agree to strongly disagree) for each statement. Participants&rsquo; characteristics were included in bivariate analysis. Chi-square and Fisher&rsquo;s exact tests were used to assess associations between questionnaire results and participant characteristics. <b>Results</b>: Of the 117 completed questionnaires, 79.6% of participants had a CD4+ T cell count &ge; 500 cells/mm<sup>3</sup>. Participants&rsquo; median age was 39 (IQR 34&ndash;43). One hundred participants (85.5%) felt confident they could collect their samples correctly, and 77.8% did not think they would experience difficulties with self-collection. Most participants (68.4%) preferred to self-collect their sample instead of provider-collected sampling. Ninety-six participants (82.1%) agreed they would likely use self-collection methods for future cervical screening. Many participants were concerned about receiving a positive HPV result (68.4%), passing HPV on to their partner(s) (75.7%), and disclosing their HPV status to friends/family (49.6%). <b>Conclusions</b>: Women with HIV seem to be accepting of HPV self-sampling as a cervical cancer screening methodology; however, many participants were concerned about the implications associated with a positive HPV test result
Dynamic Behavioral and Molecular Changes Induced by Chronic Restraint Stress Exposure in Mice
Full text linkChronic stress is a major risk factor contributing to cellular changes in the brain that precipitate the emergence of various behavioral changes, including anxiety and anhedonia&mdash;symptoms relevant to mood disorders including major depression&mdash;however the sequence and trajectory of early molecular changes is poorly characterized. Using the chronic restraint stress (CRS) model in mice (N = 6&ndash;8/sex/group), we assessed the impact of 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, or 35 days of CRS at the behavioral level on the emergence of anxiety-like and anhedonia-like phenotypes. While 7 days of CRS was sufficient to induce anxiety-like behaviors in the PhenoTyper test, anhedonia-like deficits in the sucrose consumption test were only observed after 35 days of CRS. We also investigated the underlying molecular changes in the prefrontal cortex, a limbic brain region highly sensitive to stress, using Western blot and qPCR. We found that protein or RNA levels of several markers known to be implicated in the pathology of depression, and markers of synapses (post synaptic density protein 95 (PSD95), synapsin-1 (SYN1), vesicular glutamate transporter-1 (VGLUT1), and gephyrin (GPHN)); GABAergic inhibitory interneurons (somatostatin (SST), parvalbumin (PV), glutamic acid decarboxylase-67 (GAD67), and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)); and astroglia (glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), glutamate transporter-1 (GLT1), and glutamine synthase (GS)) were gradually reduced by CRS. Interestingly, all three astroglial markers were negatively correlated with anhedonia-like behaviors, while SYN1 and GPHN negatively correlated with anxiety-like behaviors. GLT1, VGLUT1, SYN1, and GAD67 negatively correlated with Z-emotionality scores. Exploratory between-marker correlations and integrative network analyses revealed that CRS effects might be driven by different compartments (synaptic, GABAergic and astroglial) depending on sex. Our study demonstrates that CRS induces dynamic changes that can be observed at the behavioral and molecular levels, and that male and female mice, while exhibiting similar symptoms, may experience different underlying pathologies
Diagnostic Assessment of Property Tax in Nigeria – The Case of Ekiti State
Full text linkNigeria has long faced weak tax policy design and administrative capacity, constraining its ability to mobilize domestic revenue to finance essential public goods and services. Although property tax represents a significant and stable revenue source for subnational governments, it remains largely underutilized due to persistent technical, administrative, and political challenges. In Ekiti State, these constraints have severely undermined property tax performance, with revenues estimated at only 0.002 per cent of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) between 2021 and 2023. To better understand the underlying causes of this poor performance, a diagnostic assessment was conducted to identify gaps and weaknesses in the property tax system through stakeholder surveys. The assessment captured perspectives from fiscal and tax authorities, land administration agencies, the judiciary and legal professionals, financial service providers (including tax practitioners), valuation and technology professionals, non-governmental and civil society organizations, as well as property taxpayers—namely property owners, developers, and tenants. Survey findings highlighted several systemic challenges, including weak inter-agency collaboration and limited information sharing, incomplete property identification and registries, inconsistent valuation practices, unclear or unevenly applied tax rates and exemptions, and inefficiencies in billing and collection processes. Despite these challenges, the assessment revealed substantial untapped potential for property tax revenue. A coordinated and comprehensive reform agenda aimed at addressing these institutional and administrative weaknesses could significantly enhance property tax performance and help unlock sustainable revenue for Ekiti State
S-ETEG Addressing Alternate Format Theses Release 1.0
Full text linkThis report provides considerations and guidance for managing alternate format theses and was prepared by the Alternate Format Theses sub-group of the Scholaris Electronic Theses and Dissertations Expert Group (S-ETEG). The report is informed by feedback shared by Canadian institutional repository teams in the 2024 Scholaris ETD Needs Assessment Survey, and includes recommendations for repository administrators and the Scholaris service team
Species composition and stand structure in the urban forest: Comparing remnant forest patches and secondary growth in Toronto's ravine system
Full text linkForested patches within urban areas provide essential ecosystem services and play a critical role in preserving urban biodiversity. Based on their origin, forested patches can be classified as remnant forests, areas that have not been cleared and have remained forested throughout urbanization, or secondary forests, established on land previously cleared for alternative uses. This capstone project compares species composition and stand structure between remnant forest patches and secondary growth within the G. Ross Lord Park, part of Toronto’s extensive ravine network. Using the Vegetation Sampling Protocol (VSP), 54 fixed-area plots were surveyed to assess native and nonnative plant abundance, species richness, and floristic quality across canopy and understory strata. Historical forest cover mapping from 1954 was integrated with field data to classify monitoring plots according to their proximity to remnant forest patches. This allowed for the examination of ecological patterns using Kruskal–Wallis tests, Spearman’s correlation tests, and Generalized Linear Models. The results demonstrated that remnant forest patches exhibited higher native species richness and stronger floristic quality, particularly within the tree layer. Remnant forest patches also contained fewer nonnative tree species compared to secondary forests. These findings indicate that remnant forests serve as important refuges for native vegetation within urban forests and highlight the long-lasting effects of historical land use on secondary forests. This project provides evidence-based management recommendations to guide conservation and restoration efforts in the G. Ross Lord Park. It emphasizes the need to protect remnant forest patches, prioritize invasive species removal at remnant edges, and support assisted regeneration in secondary forests to strengthen ecological resilience across the ravine system
Integration of cAMP and TRPV4 Signaling to Optimize Collagen Remodeling for Management of Fibrosis
Full text linkFibrosis manifests as an excessive accumulation of fibrillar collagen in tissues where secreted collagen exceeds degradation. Myofibroblasts are important contributors to the excessive collagen seen in fibrotic lesions. Accordingly, targeting signaling pathways that enhance collagen degradation and subdue myofibroblast differentiation has the potential to optimize collagen remodeling and improve organ fibrosis. One of the most promising molecular targets for therapeutic development is the G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) family, which is diverse, cell-type-specific, multi-pass transmembrane receptors that participate in the regulation of extracellular matrix remodeling. GPCRs are categorized into multiple subclasses, some of which activate signaling cascades that can augment or reduce pro-fibrotic processes, depending on which G&alpha; class is activated. Specifically, activation of G&alpha;s GPCR stimulates production of the second messenger, cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), which generally inhibits pro-fibrotic mediators. A related, second approach for control of fibrosis is the blockade of a specific mechanosensitive, Ca<sup>2+</sup>-permeable channel that is implicated in fibrosis and contributes to myofibroblast differentiation, the transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 (TRPV4). In health, TRPV4 activation regulates collagen remodeling, but when dysregulated, it promotes pro-fibrotic gene expression through mechanosensitive transcription factors. In this review, we focus on the functions of the G&alpha;s GPCR pathway and TRPV4 activation through the interplay of the second messengers cAMP and Ca<sup>2+</sup> ions. Ca<sup>2+</sup> influx modulates cAMP levels by regulating phosphodiesterases and adenylyl cyclases. We consider evidence that G&alpha;s GPCR and TRPV4 signaling pathways interact antagonistically to either promote collagen degradation or to increase the formation of myofibroblasts through signaling that involves cAMP and Ca<sup>2+</sup> conductance. Coordinated activation of the G&alpha;s GPCR pathway and inhibition of TRPV4 could provide a novel, bimodal approach to control tissue fibrosis
Global Research on Hemodialysis Nutrition and Patient-Centered Priorities: A Bibliometric Analysis (2006&ndash;2025)
No full text<b>Background:</b> Optimal nutritional care is essential to improving outcomes in hemodialysis, yet translation of evidence into routine practice remains uneven across settings. To inform health system planning and implementation priorities, we mapped global research on hemodialysis-related nutrition. <b>Methods:</b> We searched the Web of Science Core Collection for English-language original articles on nutrition and hemodialysis from 1 January 2006 to 13 October 2025. Publication trends, productivity by country and institution, influential journals and authors, citation impact, and conceptual structure via Keyword Plus co-occurrence, trend, and thematic evolution analyses were assessed using the bibliometrix package (version 5.0) in R. <b>Results:</b> A total of 332 articles from 115 journals were identified, with substantial growth and multidisciplinary authorship, though international collaboration remains limited. The United States contributed 21.4% of publications and achieved the highest citation impact, while China, Japan, Iran, and Brazil formed the next tier of contributors. The <i>Journal of Renal Nutrition</i> accounted for 16.6% of papers. Highly cited studies established links between dietary intake, mineral and electrolyte management, and survival, while supporting the use of intradialytic oral nutritional supplements. Thematic evolution showed a shift from biochemical markers toward patient-centered priorities, including diet quality, adherence, body composition, mental health, and quality of life. Emerging directions point to whole-diet approaches and microbiome-modulating strategies. <b>Conclusions:</b> Global research on diet and hemodialysis has progressed from foundational nutrient studies to multidimensional, patient-focused approaches. Our findings suggest opportunities for health systems to strengthen dietitian-led models of care, integrate patient-reported outcomes, and prioritize scalable nutrition interventions within routine dialysis services
An Examination of the Role of CX3CR1 in the Pathobiology of Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: Evidence from Human and Mouse Tissue
Full text link<b>Background/Objectives:</b> The molecular cascades involved in the induction and maintenance of neuroinflammation resulting from chronic compression of the cervical spinal cord in the setting of degenerative cervical myelopathy (DCM) have yet to be defined. Here, we determined the role of the fractalkine receptor, CX3CR1, during the neuroinflammatory response in a novel mouse model of DCM and demonstrated the relevance of this mechanism with human DCM tissue. <b>Methods:</b> Using our murine DCM model alongside the CX3CR1-knockout mice and a neutralizing antibody of CX3CR1 in wild-type mice, we examined protein, neurobehavioural and immunohistochemical readouts. The animal data were then complemented with immunohistochemical results from human post-mortem spinal cord tissue from individuals with DCM. <b>Results:</b> Humans and mice with DCM exhibited an up-regulation of CX3CR1 as well as markers of activated microglia/macrophages in the cervical spinal cord. Knockout and neutralization of CX3CR1 hindered microglia/macrophage activation and accumulation at the site of spinal cord compression. DCM mice exhibited decreased body speed and increased stance phase duration, which mirrors human DCM gait deficits. Strikingly, both CX3CR1 deficiency and CX3CR1 neutralization alleviated these gait deficits in DCM mice. <b>Conclusions:</b> Collectively, these data provide strong evidence that CX3CR1 plays a critical role in the secondary injury of neural structures in the setting of DCM. Further, targeting of CX3CR1 represents a promising therapeutic strategy to enhance neurological outcomes in DCM
Canadian Buddhism: World Buddhism Under One Umbrella
Full text linkThis is a collection of two sets of articles on Canadian Buddhism written and/or published between 1986 to 2023. As can be seen from the titles as below, the first set comes with the vibrancy of a personal touch, both at the ground as well as the academic levels, given the author’s involvement in Canadian Buddhism at both. As in the words of Victor Hori and Janet McLellan, “Sugunasiri’s life story is doubly interesting for students of Buddhism in the West. It is first of all an example of how one man has dedicated his life to Buddhism. But second, Sugunasiri helped shape the development of Buddhism in this country. His life story is a prism through which the history of Buddhism in Canada comes into focus”. - in Harding, Hori & Soucey (Ed.), in Wild Geese: Buddhism in Canada, 201