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Catholic, apostolic and orthodox
Get PDFCommentary on the election of Pope Leo XIV has been framed in terms drawn from political and cultural oppositions: conservative vs liberal, traditionalist vs progressive, made vivid by the 2024 film Conclave based on Robert Harris’s 2016 novel. Part of my concern is to urge rejection of these as general terms of analysis of Catholicism, or at least to circumscribe their applications to matters inessential to Catholic faith and morals per se. In aid of that, and by way of broader purpose, I discuss the nature of Catholicism itself. Observing the long history of challenges, crises, and divisions, I then proceed to distinguish between subjective and objective modes of identifying the nature of individuals and institutions. Catholicism has a robust objective nature comprising a synthesis of Hebrew and Christian scripture, apostolic tradition, conciliar and other authoritative teachings, and sacramental practices, together consolidated and expressed in orthodoxy and orthopraxy. Political and cultural classifications are irrelevant to and distracting from this identification.Peer reviewe
Emerging topics and new directions in statistical ecology
Get PDFFunding: We acknowledge funding from the DSI-NRF Centre of Excellence in Mathematical and Statistical Sciences, the National Research Foundation (grant 136357) and the University of Cape Town. TAM thanks partial support by CEAUL (funded by FCT - Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia, Portugal DOI: 10.54499/UIDB/00006/2020).Ecological science relies on robust estimates of the abundance, diversity, and spatial distribution of individuals and species, but these quantities are notoriously difficult to observe directly. Data collected on these quantities not only reflect the ecological processes giving rise to them but also the observation process, which is often biased by factors such as uneven sampling effort or imperfect detection. Furthermore, collecting data according to standard sampling designs is often not possible. Statistical ecology as a research field specialises in developing statistical methods for analysing such complex ecological data. Here, we apply text analysis tools to the abstracts submitted to eight International Statistical Ecology Conferences between 2008 and 2022 to guide a review of recent topics in statistical ecology. Results show that estimating various aspects of demography (including survival, recruitment, abundance, density and movement) and spatial distribution remain key areas of research. The field has benefited from and embraced new data collection methods such as automated recorders and rapidly developing remote sensing techniques. How to integrate data from different sources is a central challenge that spans multiple areas of statistical ecology. The statistical ecology community strives to be more inclusive, and to promote rigorous data analysis practices that support reproducible research and transparent conservation decisions. As human pressures on nature intensify, statistical ecology is becoming an increasingly vital area of research.Peer reviewe
Deciphering the interaction of a macrocyclic tetranuclear Zn(II) complex with biomimicking surfactant : a case study using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide
Get PDFFunding: This research received funding from Amity University, Kolkata.The detection of various biologically important cationic and anionic species has led to the synthesis of various Zinc (II) Schiff base complexes, which bear a large application in catalysis and sensors. A recently reported study has indicated a synthesis of a 48 membered macrocyclic Zn(II) Schiff base complex, which functions as a dual anion sensor (DAS) containing a protonated amine group. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to study the interaction of the Zn tetranuclear complex (Zn-TCom), a neutral complex, with a cationic surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), employing steady-state absorption and fluorescence studies. The change in the photophysical properties of the fluorophore is studied on binding with the surfactant. The steady-state absorption and emission studies reveal that the polarity of the surrounding of the fluorophore has been modified upon binding with CTAB. A study on the alteration of polarity during the interaction of Zn-TCom with the surfactant is studied by comparing the fluorescence behavior of the probes in a micro heterogeneous environment in a mixture of dioxane and water of varying composition. The binding constant magnitude (analyzed using the Hildebrand equation) manifests that the Schiff base binds to the micellar compartment. These results are manifested to enhance the potential application of the macrocyclic complex in the field of biochemistry. Furthermore, quantum chemical calculations are undertaken to correlate the molecular structure of Zn-TCom with the associated frontier molecular orbitals. The parameters like the energy of HOMO, LUMO and the associated Mulliken charges with respect to individual elements are computed using the single point geometry. The studied reports are correlated with the feasibility of binding with bio mimicking environment or bio proteins for selective application as drug carriers.Peer reviewe
A new plasmonic bi-metallic nanomaterial embedded cellulose membrane for efficient single step removal of chemical and microbial impurities from river water with zero water wastage
Get PDFPortable low-cost water filters with zero water wastage are in great demand and an utmost need of developing countries, where millions of people have very limited access to pure water. Our fabricated low-priced single step nanoparticles membrane-based filtration system offers a solution by removing 2300 ppm suspended impurities and controlling the total dissolved solid (TDS) to 300 ppm. The bactericidal property of the nanoparticles membrane also lowers the bacterial count below 450 CFU/ml in water collected from an industrially polluted region of Hooghly River of Kolkata, India. Herein, Cu doped Ag nanoparticles were prepared using green synthesis method. Higher doping (14 %) forms the bimetallic nanocomposite Cu decorated Cu doped Ag, as confirmed by XRD, FTIR, Raman and EDAX analysis, resulted in improved wetting, higher negative zeta potential and enhanced homogeneity of the membrane. This yielded high surface adsorption of this bimetallic nanocomposite, which plays an important role in eliminating the suspended and dissolved impurities from the river water when passed through the nanocomposite embedded membrane in a shorter duration. The full acquiescence of the quality of the filtered water with recommended standard of potable water and appreciably high filtration rate of 1048 Lit.m−2.hour−1 ensure the application of the fabricated nanoparticle filter membrane in an economic water purification system without water wastage.Peer reviewe
Search and contain : impact of an integrated genomic and epidemiological surveillance and response program for control of carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales
Get PDFFunding: This work was supported by the National Health and Medical Research Council through a partnership grant (grant number GNT1149991) and individual supporting grants (grant numbers GNT1142613 [to J. C. K.], GNT1123854 [to D. A. W.], GNT1105905 [to B. P. H.], GNT1141398 to [A. J. S]); N. L. S. and C. R. L. are supported by Australian Government Research Training Program scholarships and the Microbiological Diagnostic Unit Public Health Laboratory is funded by the Victorian Government.Background Multiresistant organisms (MROs) pose a critical threat to public health. Population-based programs for control of MROs such as carbapenemase-producing Enterobacterales (CPE) have emerged and evaluation is needed. We assessed the feasibility and impact of a statewide CPE surveillance and response program deployed across Victoria, Australia (population 6.5 million). Methods A prospective multimodal intervention including active screening, carrier isolation, centralized case investigation, and comparative pathogen genomics was implemented. We analyzed trends in CPE incidence and clinical presentation, risk factors, and local transmission over the program’s first 3 years (2016–2018). Results CPE case ascertainment increased over the study period to 1.42 cases/100 000 population, linked to increased screening without a concomitant rise in active clinical infections (0.45–0.60 infections/100 000 population, P = .640). KPC-2 infection decreased from 0.29 infections/100 000 population prior to intervention to 0.03 infections/100 000 population in 2018 (P = .003). Comprehensive case investigation identified instances of overseas community acquisition. Median time between isolate referral and genomic and epidemiological assessment for local transmission was 11 days (IQR, 9–14). Prospective surveillance identified numerous small transmission networks (median, 2; range, 1–19 cases), predominantly IMP and KPC, with median pairwise distance of 8 (IQR, 4–13) single nucleotide polymorphisms; low diversity between clusters of the same sequence type suggested genomic cluster definitions alone are insufficient for targeted response. Conclusions We demonstrate the value of centralized CPE control programs to increase case ascertainment, resolve risk factors, and identify local transmission through prospective genomic and epidemiological surveillance; methodologies are transferable to low-prevalence settings and MROs globally.Peer reviewe
Increased p53 signaling impairs neural differentiation in HUWE1-promoted intellectual disabilities
Get PDFFunding: This work was supported by the Central Norway Regional Health Authority (90270800 to B.v.L.) and the Liaison Committee between the Central Norway Regional Health Authority and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (46055600-91 to B.v.L.). It was supported in part by an Onsager Fellowship (to B.v.L.), a NINDS grant (1R01NS07385A to C.E.S.), and a grant from the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs (SCDDSN). The RNA library preparation and sequencing were performed at the Genomics Core Facility (GCF), and microscopy was performed at the Cellular and Molecular Imaging Core Facility (CMIC), Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU). GCF and CMIC are funded by the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at NTNU and Central Norway Regional Health Authority.Essential E3 ubiquitin ligase HUWE1 (HECT, UBA, and WWE domain containing 1) regulates key factors, such as p53. Although mutations in HUWE1 cause heterogenous neurodevelopmental X-linked intellectual disabilities (XLIDs), the disease mechanisms common to these syndromes remain unknown. In this work, we identify p53 signaling as the central process altered in HUWE1-promoted XLID syndromes. By focusing on Juberg-Marsidi syndrome (JMS), one of the severest XLIDs, we show that increased p53 signaling results from p53 accumulation caused by HUWE1 p.G4310R destabilization. This further alters cell-cycle progression and proliferation in JMS cells. Modeling of JMS neurodevelopment reveals majorly impaired neural differentiation accompanied by increased p53 signaling. The neural differentiation defects can be successfully rescued by reducing p53 levels and restoring the expression of p53 target genes, in particular CDKN1A/p21. In summary, our findings suggest that increased p53 signaling underlies HUWE1-promoted syndromes and impairs XLID JMS neural differentiation.Peer reviewe
Ortho-aryl substituted DPEphos ligands : rhodium complexes featuring C–H anagostic interactions and B–H agostic bonds
No full textFunding: The EPSRC (M024210) and SCG Chemicals Ltd. Oxford and Heriot-Watt Universities and the EPSRC for studentship support to J. J. R., T. M. B. and A. L. B.The synthesis of new Schrock-Osborn Rh(i) pre-catalysts withortho-substituted DPEphos ligands, [Rh(DPEphos-R)(NBD)][BArF4] [R = Me, OMe,iPr; ArF= 3,5-(CF3)2C6H3], is described. Along with the previously reported R = H variant, variable temperature1H NMR spectroscopic and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that these all have axial (C-H)⋯Rh anagostic interactions relative to the d8pseudo square planar metal centres, that also result in corresponding downfield chemical shifts. Analysis by NBO, QTAIM and NCI methods shows these to be only very weak C-H⋯Rh bonding interactions, the magnitudes of which do not correlate with the observed chemical shifts. Instead, as informed by Scherer's approach, it is the topological positioning of the C-H bond with regard to the metal centre that is important. For [Rh(DPEphos-iPr)(NBD)][BArF4] addition of H2results in a Rh(iii)iPr-C-H activated product, [Rh(κ3,σ-P,O,P-DPEphos-iPr′)(H)][BArF4]. This undergoes H/D exchange with D2at theiPr groups, reacts with CO or NBD to return Rh(i) products, and reaction with H3B·NMe3/tert-butylethene results in a dehydrogenative borylation to form a complex that shows both a non-classical B-H⋯Rh 3c-2e agostic bond and a C-H⋯Rh anagostic interaction at the same metal centre.Peer reviewe
How tiny foraminifera can play a massive role in understanding past climates
Get PDFForaminifera comprise a group of heterotrophic zooplankton, which inhabit all depths within the world's oceans from the sunlit surface ocean to the depths of the abyssal plains. Many species build a shell of calcium carbonate (predominantly calcite), which records vital geochemical information from the oceans as it grows. Studies based on microscopic foraminifera are often at the forefront of pioneering research by palaeoclimatologists into Cretaceous–Cenozoic climates. In this feature, I summarize how foraminifera are obtained from the deep ocean and describe how rapidly evolving planktic foraminifera species can be used to date marine sediments. I then explain how benthic foraminifera can be used to reconstruct high-resolution long-term climate records, focusing on the use of stable oxygen isotopes to elucidate deep ocean temperatures from the greenhouse climate of the late Paleocene–early Eocene.Peer reviewe
Square array designs for unreplicated test treatments with replicated controls
Get PDFFunding: Linda Haines would like to thank the University of Cape Town and the National Research Foundation (NRF) of South Africa, grant (UID) 119122, for financial support.This paper is about the construction of augmented row–column designs for unreplicated trials. The method uses the representation of a k × t equireplicate incomplete-block design with t treatments in t blocks of size k, termed an auxiliary block design, as a t × t square array design with k controls, where k < t. This can be regarded as an extension of the representation of a Youden square as a partial Latin square for unreplicated trials. Properties of the designs, in particular in relation to connectedness and randomization, are explored. Particular attention is given to square array designs which minimize the average variances of the estimates of paired comparisons between test lines and controls and between test line and test line effects. The use of equireplicate cyclic designs as auxiliary block designs is highlighted. These provide a flexible and workable family of augmented row–column square array designs. Designs whose auxiliary block designs are not cyclic are also covered.Peer reviewe
The wind parks distorted development in Greek Islands : lessons learned and proposals toward rational planning
Get PDFThe Greek islands have been blessed with excellent wind potential, with hundreds of sites featuring annual average wind velocity higher than 8–10 m/s. Due to specific regulations in the legal framework, some GWs of wind parks have been submitted since the late 2000s by a small number of large investors in the Greek islands, favoring the creation of energy monopolies and imposing serious impacts on natural ecosystems and existing human activities. These projects have caused serious public reactions against renewables, considerably decelerating the energy transition. This article aims to summarize the legal points in the Greek framework that caused this distorted approach and present the imposed potential social and environmental impacts. Energy monopolies distort the electricity wholesale market and lead to energy poverty and a low standard of living by imposing higher electricity procurement prices on the final users. The occupation of entire insular geographical territories by large wind park projects causes important deterioration of the natural environment, which, in turn, leads to loss of local occupations, urbanization, and migration by affecting negatively the countryside life. Serious concerns from the local population are clearly revealed through an accomplished statistical survey as well as a clear intention to be engaged in future wind park projects initiated by local stakeholders. The article is integrated with specific proposed measures and actions toward the rational development of renewable energy projects. These refer mainly on the formulation of a truly supportive and just legal framework aiming at remedying the currently formulated situation and the strengthening of the energy communities’ role, such as through licensing priorities, funding mechanisms, and tools, as well as additional initiatives such as capacity-building activities, pilot projects, and extensive activation of local citizens. Energy communities and local stakeholders should be involved in the overall process, from the planning to the construction and operation phase.Peer reviewe
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