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Characterising cone photoreceptor degeneration in a rat model of retinitis pigmentosa
No full textPoster session - MEDICAL RETINAAkash Gowda, Glyn Chidlow, Robert Casso
Measurement of off-shell Higgs boson production in the H∗ -> ZZ -> 4l decay channel using a neural simulation-based inference technique in 13 TeV pp collisions with the ATLAS detector
No full textPublished 15 May 2025A measurement of off-shell Higgs boson production in the H∗ →ZZ→4ℓ decay channel is presented. The measurement uses 140 fb−1 of proton–proton collisions at √ s = 13 TeV collected by the ATLAS detector at the Large Hadron Collider and supersedes the previous result in this decay channel using the same dataset. The data analysis is performed using a neural simulation-based inference method, which builds per-event likelihood ratios using neural networks. The observed (expected) off-shell Higgs boson production signal strength in the ZZ→4ℓ decay channel at 68% CL is 0.87+0.75 −0.54 (1.00+1.04 −0.95). The evidence for off-shell Higgs boson production using the ZZ→4ℓ decay channel has an observed (expected) significance of 2.5σ (1.3σ). The expected result represents a significant improvement relative to that of the previous analysis of the same dataset, which obtained an expected significance of 0.5σ. When combined with the most recent ATLAS measurement in the ZZ→2ℓ2ν decay channel, the evidence for off-shell Higgs boson production has an observed (expected) significance of 3.7σ (2.4σ). The off-shell measurements are combined with the measurement of on-shell Higgs boson production to obtain constraints on the Higgs boson total width. The observed (expected) value of the Higgs boson width at 68% CL is 4.3+2.7 −1.9 (4.1+3.5 −3.4) MeV.The ATLAS Collaboratio
Resistance Training and the Risk of Breast Cancer: A Population-Based Case-Control Study
No full textBackground: Convincing evidence supports that moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity decreases the risk of breast cancer. However, less is known about the role specific domains of physical activity play in breast cancer prevention, such as resistance training (RT). This case–control study investigated the association between RT and breast cancer risk. Methods: The Breast Cancer Environment and Employment Study was a population-based case–control study conducted in women aged 18–80 years in Western Australia from 2009 to 2011. Information about demographic, lifestyle, and clinical risk factors of breast cancer was collected via self-administered questionnaire. Participants retrospectively recalled their recreational physical activities for 3 different age periods: 15–24, 25–39, and 40+ years. Data were available from 1149 cases and 1710 controls. Logistic regression was used to examine the relationship between RT and breast cancer risk, after adjusting for a range of confounders. Results: The prevalence of RT ranged from 2% to 11% across the different age periods. Compared with doing none, engaging in RT versus during the age period of 15–24 years was associated with a 52% lower risk of breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio: 0.48; 95% confidence interval, 0.25–0.91). However, no associations were observed for the latter 2 age periods or lifetime RT. Conclusion: These findings provide preliminary evidence that RT in early adulthood may be associated with a lower risk of breast cancer; however, there was no association between RT and breast cancer risk in the older age periods. Further research is required.Hiya Deepak Modi, Stephanie Byrne, L.S. Katrina Li, Terry Boyl
Factors Shaping Biodiversity in Urban Voids: A Systematic Literature Review
No full textUrban voids, such as vacant lots, brownfields, fallow land, wasteland, and the spaces between buildings, have the potential to serve as habitats for a diverse range of plants. However, their value for plant conservation remains understudied because of their informal and neglected nature. The aim of this systematic review is to consider the po‑ tential for urban voids to contribute to urban plant biodiversity. A total of 55 studies from 14 countries were analysed for geographical trends, factors influencing plant bio‑ diversity, research methods, and relevant environmental parameters. The results of this study show that the factors influencing the plant diversity of urban voids can be divided into three main categories: biophysical, temporal, and landscape factors. Biophysical fac‑ tors, such as size, age, soil, and vegetation structure, as well as temporal factors, including site management and human interventions, are the most important at the site‑level scale. In contrast, landscape factors, such as the location and distance from other green spaces, are more dominant at the larger urban scale. The review has identified a significant limi‑ tation in the available literature, with relatively few studies examining the influence of ur‑ ban voids’ shape, ownership, and microclimate on biodiversity. With respect to research methods, the results suggest a recent increase in the use of GIS‑based and remote sensing techniques to investigate the plant diversity of urban voids. The findings discussed in this paper indicate the need for further research to comprehensively understand the factors that promote urban vegetation diversity in urban voids.Jian Cui, Ehsan Sharifi, Carlos Bartesaghi Koc, Linna Yi, and Scott Hawke
Transient inhibition of type I interferon enhances CD8+ T cell stemness and vaccine protection
No full textDeveloping vaccines that promote CD8+ T cell memory is a challenge for infectious disease and cancer immunotherapy. TCF-1+ stem cell–like memory CD8+ T (TSCM) cells are important determinants of long-lived memory. Yet, the developmental requirements for TSCM cell formation are unclear. Here, we identify the temporal window for type I interferon receptor (IFNAR) blockade to drive TSCM cell generation following viral infection and mRNA–lipid nanoparticle vaccination. We reveal a reversible developmental trajectory where transcriptionally distinct TSCM cells emerged from a transitional precursor of exhausted T cellular state concomitant with viral clearance. TSCM cell differentiation correlated with T cell retention within the lymph node paracortex due to disrupted CXCR3 chemokine gradient formation. These effects were linked to increased antigen load and a counterintuitive increase in IFNγ, which controlled cell location. Vaccination with the IFNAR blockade promoted TSCM cell differentiation and enhanced protection against chronic infection. These findings propose an approach to vaccine design whereby modulation of inflammation promotes memory formation and function.Benjamin J. Broomfield, Chin Wee Tan, Raymond Z. Qin, Hanna Abberger, Brigette C. Duckworth, Carolina Alvarado, Lennard Dalit, CheeLengLee, Rekha Shandre Mugan, Zihnil A.I. Mazrad, HiromiMuramatsu, Liana Mackiewicz, Bailey E. Williams, JinjinChen, Asuka Takanashi, Stewart Fabb, Marc Pellegrini, Kelly L. Rogers, Woohyun J. Moon, Colin W. Pouton, Melissa J. Davis, Stephen L. Nutt, Norbert Pardi, Verena C. Wimmer, Joanna R. Groom
Intersubjectivity, embodiment and enquiry: A Merleau-Ponty and Husserlian informed perspective for contemporary educational contexts
No full textPublished online: 01 Apr 2025This paper progresses a critique on how the writings of selective founding fathers of phenomenology can inform a more structured, insightful, and sensitive approach to contemporary school learning. Specifically, the paper examines how previous Merleau-Pontian informed investigations into intersubjectivity, embodiment and the visibility of experience could benefit from an enhanced engagement with aspects of the semantic contribution of Edmund Husserl’s phenomenological thinking. We highlight how Husserl’s elaborations on intersubjectivity support a sophisticated ontological awareness of embodiment and discuss epistemological insights on the types of enquiry-based evidence, that is worth reflecting and reviewing upon, and which could support self and shared learning. Informed by these conceptual and practice matters, we offer an extended elaboration of how ecological writer Nan Shepherd articulates on a plethora of sensory based experiential perceptions. Such experiences, we argue, articulate with the theorising of Merleau-Ponty; and in educational contexts with Husserl’s attention to enquiry in ways that could heighten students’ appreciation of experiential meanings, implicit further meanings, and wider socially shared meanings.Malcolm Thorburn and Steven A. Stol
Net Zero Carbon Policies in the Construction Industry
No full textThe buildings and construction industry was responsible for 30% of the total energy consumption and 26% of the global energy-related emissions that were related to energy and processes in 2022. Concerns about climate change are growing, and as a result, there is an increasing need to implement net zero carbon (NZC) regulations and policies in order to reduce the negative impact that construction activities have on the environment. To achieve a net zero impact on the environment, the policies of the NZC strive to achieve a balance between the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) that is released into the atmosphere and the amount that is removed or offset. Within the context of the construction industry, this chapter investigates the prospective outcomes, obstacles, and execution of NZC regulations and policies. The regulations and policies related to NZC in the construction industry of nine (9) countries named United States (US), Japan, Germany, South Korea, Canada, China, India, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia were identified in this chapter. As well as challenges and opportunities related to regulatory compliance were identified by reviewing the current NZC regulations and policies, reports, previous research, and other related documents. Challenges in NZC policies are highlighted along with the opportunities. Action plan for carbon neutrality of the selected countries has been mapped within this chapter. The findings underline that how the developed and developing countries are reflected in their actions in the carbon neutrality path. This study provides a foundation for achieving carbon neutrality of the top carbon-emitting countries through NZC regulations and policies compliance and development. Further, the discussion extends to the need for collaboration between the government, policymakers, construction industry practitioners, and researchers to overcome challenges when stepping forward in the carbon neutralisation path.N. Rodrigo, W. W. Jayathilak
Reviving Zn Dendrites to Electroactive Zn2+ by Ion Sieve Interface
No full textZn0 dendrite formation during repeated plating/stripping processes limits the practical use of Zn-metal anodes in reliable and affordable energy storage. Traditional methods, including dendrite suppression and dendrite regulation, fail under demanding performance conditions due to Zn2+ diffusion limitations and concentration gradients. Here, using an in situ pre-zincation approach, a Li2ZnxTi3-xO8 (LZTO, 0<x<3) layer with uniform ion channels is introduced. This layer acts as an ionic sieve, reviving Zn0 dendrite into Zn2+ through redox reactions and enhancing Zn2+ diffusion kinetics. Experiment and simulation results reveal that Zn2+ migrates along the (111) crystal plane of LZTO through the successive replacement of Zn atoms in tetrahedral positions, with a high transference number of 0.796. LZTO@Zn performs better in coin cells at high currents (e.g., 50 mA cm-2) and operates at higher Zn utilization (300 h at 56.98% Zn utilization), with four times the lifespan at -40 °C and six times longer in alkaline electrolytes compared to bare Zn. Pouch cells with LZTO@Zn anodes operate in a low N/P ratio (6.9) and lean electrolyte (E/C is 20 µL mA h-1), achieving enhanced cycling stability. The findings indicate the significance of ion sieves with ordered ion channels in mitigating Zn0 dendrites and promoting rapid Zn2+ transport.Zhenjie Liu, Murong Xi, Guanjie Li, Yudai Huang, Lei Mao, Jun Xu, Wei Wang, Zihan Qi, Juan Ding, Shilin Zhang, and Zaiping Gu
Ru0.1Mn0.9Ox Electrocatalyst for Durable Oxygen Evolution in Acid Seawater
No full textCurrently, direct electrolysis of seawater for green hydrogen production is primarily focused on neutral and alkaline systems. However, the precipitation of calcium and magnesium ions restricts the advancement of this technology. An acidic system can effectively address this issue. Given that Ru/Ir-based catalysts with high oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity also exhibit high chlorine evolution reaction (CER) activity, acid seawater splitting requires anodes with higher selectivity and stability compared to the other two systems. In this study, we propose a non-precious Ru0.1Mn0.9Ox as the active anode for direct acid seawater electrolysis, which exhibits a high OER selectivity and remarkable stability for more than 1200 hours. Different from the Cl--free system, *Cl occupied on Ru sites could shift the OER active center to Mn on Ru0.1Mn0.9Ox, which prevents the lattice oxygen consumed on Ru and hinders the metal site dissolution. As the CER-insensitive catalytic center, Mn activated by the introduction of Ru can adsorb a substantial amount of *OH, creating an OER-favored local environment that inhibits CER. We introduce Cl--assisted transfer of OER active sites to CER-insensitive Mn as a fundamental strategy for achieving highly selective and durable oxygen evolution in acidic seawater.Jun Xu, Chun-Chuan Kao, Haifeng Shen, Hao Liu, Yao Zheng, and Shi-Zhang Qia
"Teen Fled Danger into the Arms of Death": The Political Agenda Setting Effect of Australian News Media Framing of Violence Against Women
No full textNews framing of violence against women (VAW) has important implications for public understanding of this epidemic problem in Australian society, and in turn, politicians’ impetus to act. This article uses a frame-building model to analyze media reporting of three cases of VAW. The murder of Eurydice Dixon, who was killed by a stranger, was framed thematically and received substantial media attention. Conversely, Larissa Beilby and Qi Yu, who were killed in incidents of domestic violence (DV), were framed episodically and received less coverage. The impact of this differential media attention is compared to public and political responses to theorize that thematic frames create a larger political agenda-setting effect, despite DV presenting a larger societal problem than stranger violence.Catherine Son and Victoria Fieldin