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Enhanced water splitting via electron coupling at CoP/Mo4P3 heterointerfaces mounted on hierarchical porous nitrogen-doped carbon polyhedra
No full textThe rational design of bifunctional heterostructured catalysts for overall water splitting, which enhance electron transfer and mass exchange at the catalyst-electrolyte interface, is crucial for advancing green hydrogen production. Herein, CoP/Mo4P3 heterojunctions with hierarchical (macro-meso-micro) porous structures are designed to induce intense electron coupling at the interface of CoP and Mo4P3 and enhance catalytic stability, mass exchange efficiency as well as active species utilization for total hydrolysis. The growth of CoP/Mo4P3 within hierarchically porous nitrogen-doped carbon polyhedra occurs via cation exchange between Mo ions and glycerite-etched hollow ZIF-67, followed by pyrolysis and phosphidation. The CoP/Mo4P3 heterointerface interaction enables remodeled electronic structure and increased active sites, improving H2O dissociation capacity and intermediates conversion efficiency of Co sites, while optimizing H adsorption Gibbs free energy of P sites for HER and OER. The resulting catalyst delivers HER and OER overpotentials of 75 and 373 mV at 10 mA cm−2 in alkaline electrolytes, respectively. The water electrolyzer assembled from CoP/Mo4P3 catalyst can excite 10 mA cm−2 at a low potential of 1.65 V and can be operated for nearly 100 h with excellent stability. This work emphasizes the significance of designing heterostructures with optimized interfaces and hierarchical porosity to advance water splitting technologies
Comparative Analysis of HMC3 and C20 Microglial Cell Lines Reveals Differential Myeloid Characteristics and Responses to Immune Stimuli
No full textMicroglia are the primary resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS) that respond to injury and infections. Being critical to CNS homeostasis, microglia also have been shown to contribute to neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancer. Hence, microglia are regarded as a potential therapeutic target in CNS diseases, resulting in an increased demand for reliable in vitro models. Two human microglia cell lines (HMC3 and C20) are being used in multiple in vitro studies, however, the knowledge of their biological and immunological characteristics remains limited. Our aim was to identify and compare the biological changes in these immortalised immune cells under normal physiological and immunologically challenged conditions. Using high-resolution quantitative mass spectrometry, we have examined in-depth proteomic profiles of non-stimulated and LPS or IFN-γ challenged HMC3 and C20 cells. Our findings reveal that HMC3 cells responded to both treatments through upregulation of immune, metabolic, and antiviral pathways, while C20 cells showed a response associated with mitochondrial and immune activities. Additionally, the secretome analysis demonstrated that both cell lines release IL-6 in response to LPS, while IFN-γ treatment resulted in altered kynurenine pathway activity, highlighting distinct immune and metabolic adaptations
The Silicon Isotopic Composition of the North Pacific: Insights From US GEOTRACES Section GP15 and Modeling
No full textSilicon isotopes within silicic acid, δ30Si, were measured on US GEOTRACES section GP15 from Alaska to Tahiti along 152°W. The distribution of silicic acid, Si(OH)4, exhibited a double Si(OH)4 maximum dominated by a midwater maximum that extended from 55°N latitude to the equator together with a bottom maximum north of 40°N latitude. The midwater maximum is dominated by North Pacific Deep Water and is consistent with the existence of a poorly ventilated North Pacific Shadow Zone between 1,500 and 3,000 m with an ideal mean age in excess of 1,300 years where regenerated Si(OH)4 accumulates. A data-constrained model of the marine silicon cycle is used to assess the contribution of the Southern Ocean, North Pacific, and central latitudes to the preformed and regenerated forms of both Si(OH)4 and δ30Si along GP15. Regenerated Si(OH)4 from the North Pacific and Southern Ocean are the dominant inputs to the midwater maximum. Silicic acid within the midwater maximum becomes lighter toward the north with a δ30Si minimum at about 50°N. The model indicates that this feature is shaped by ready access to successive fractionations in the productive high-latitude oceans of both hemispheres. Silicon trapping within the North Pacific accounts for the upper part the δ30Si minimum, while the Shadow Zone's interhemispheric connectivity with the Southern Ocean accounts for the deeper part. Isotope values in the bottom Si(OH)4 maximum are slightly elevated relative to adjacent waters consistent with a sediment source, although this isotopic constraint lies within statistical uncertainty
Developmental Environmentalism: Green growth strategies in East Asia
No full textDevelopmental environmentalism (DE) is a concept devised to explain East Asia's enthusiastic embrace of ‘green growth'. The (North) East Asian region is now well known for its highly effective state-sponsored industrialization strategies (i.e. its developmental strategies). DE refers to the application of those developmental strategies to new green industries. For policymakers in the region, the pursuit of green growth through DE strategies is viewed as the most realistic way of meeting the imperative to promote national economic growth while simultaneously strengthening energy security and mitigating against environmental degradation. Yet, these developments have also drawn criticism, with debate raging over the pace and progress of decarbonization and resource de-intensification, and whether an authoritarian political system is a prerequisite for the effective pursuit of green growth. This chapter discusses the emergence and operationalization of DE strategies in East Asia and probes the key issues at the centre of the debate over green growth
Investigating the Impacts of Compulsive Sexual Behaviours on Women Using Descriptive Phenomenology: A Research Agenda
Get PDFIntroduction: Sexual addiction (SA) and compulsive sexual behaviour (CSB) are concepts used to characterise a nascent field of research and phenomena that can have major personal, relational, and psychological effects on individuals, their intimate relationships, and society. Impacts are manifold and may include emotional, relational, physical, sexual, and/or spiritual consequences. Literary analysis suggests that there is a wide knowledge gap in systematic in-depth qualitative studies that examine the lived experiences of impacted women. Methods: This conceptual paper presents a blueprint for qualitative research into female partner well-being following the discovery or disclosure of SA/CSBs by their male partners. After three years of collecting data (2021–2023), the prototype has been refined to the point where the descriptive phenomenology research design merits in-depth coverage of its constituent elements. Results and Contribution: The qualitative methodologies of this paper were developed to give voice to and better comprehend this understudied demographic. This methodological article advances qualitative knowledge creation in an emergent field of investigation, offering prospects for healing and recovery for individuals and relationships. Conclusions: This paper presents a comprehensive research design rather than any data or findings. This focus is intended and offers new prospects to build a nascent field of investigation. More specifically, other research may benefit from either adopting and/or adapting similar methodological approaches that examine the essences of human lived experiences. This paper lays the foundation for an important future research agenda. Policy Implications: The research methodological design presented in this paper is suited to facilitate social policy development through targeted strategies that may better validate and deliver more appropriate care to women in need. More specifically, by applying the approaches presented in this paper to the in-depth study of SA/CSB-impacted intimate partners, there is an opportunity to promote social consciousness, enhance empathy, and advance this field of investigation
A Systematic Review of Trajectories of Clinically Relevant Distress Amongst Adults with Cancer: Course and Predictors
No full textTo improve interventions for people with cancer who experience clinically relevant distress, it is important to understand how distress evolves over time and why. This review synthesizes the literature on trajectories of distress in adult patients with cancer. Databases were searched for longitudinal studies using a validated clinical tool to group patients into distress trajectories. Twelve studies were identified reporting trajectories of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder or post-traumatic stress disorder. Heterogeneity between studies was high, including the timing of baseline assessments and follow-up intervals. Up to 1 in 5 people experienced persistent depression or anxiety. Eight studies examined predictors of trajectories; the most consistent predictor was physical symptoms or functioning. Due to study methodology and heterogeneity, limited conclusions could be drawn about why distress is maintained or emerges for some patients. Future research should use valid clinical measures and assess theoretically driven predictors amendable to interventions
Understanding community perspectives for advancing inclusion of trans and gender-diverse people in blood donation in Australia
Get PDFBackground and Objectives: Trans and gender-diverse people who wish to donate blood face significant barriers with policies and procedures differing across countries. It remains critical to explore the experiences and perspectives of trans and gender-diverse people in different locations to understand challenges in local systems. We undertook a qualitative study focussed on procedures and processes affecting trans and gender-diverse people in Australia, and their views about needed change. Materials and Methods: Stakeholders collaborated with the researchers to refine the focus of and design the research. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 trans and gender-diverse people who were current, past or potential donors. The interviews comprised open-ended questions about donation experiences, knowledge of current policies and procedures and preferences for change. Interviews were analysed using thematic analysis. Results: Participants reported varied and inconsistent donation experiences. When compared with current practice, participants preferred a two-step approach to donor registration that asks for sex reported at birth followed by gender identity. However, they also expressed concern that the two-step approach could deter new donors and stressed the importance of only collecting information relevant to eligibility assessment. Participants were supportive of a gender-neutral approach to assess eligibility to donate. Conclusion: Our study highlights significant barriers and procedural inconsistencies for trans and gender-diverse individuals when (considering) donating blood. We recommend more inclusive practices including clear communication about data use, rigorous staff training on gender diversity, registration processes that respect all gender identities and adopting a gender-neutral approach to donor screening