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Attentional Modulation of Spatial Frequency Tuning: Links to Global–Local Processing and Potential Remediation of Frequency Biases
Mediating role of self-efficacy in the association between multidimensional resource support and postdoctoral job satisfaction
Multiresponsive and Tunable Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Aggregation-Induced Emission Static Helical Supramolecular Polyisocyanides
Organotellurium Probes Enable One-step Single-cell Analysis of Post-translational Modification
An improved whale optimization algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling problems with machine deterioration effects
Substrate-Directed Dimensional and Phase Control of Peptide Assemblies on Two-Dimensional van der Waals Materials
Non-physiological potassium concentrations in commercial culture media trigger acute seizure-like activity in human iPSC-derived neurons
Abstract Neuronal in vitro cultures are pivotal for studying brain electrophysiological function and dysfunction. Neuronal activity and communication are regulated by extracellular ion concentrations. Therefore, cell culture medium ion concentrations should ideally mimic those of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)—considered as the milieu for brain cells in vivo. In this study, we demonstrate that commonly used cell culture media, including Neurobasal TM (+ /− A), Neurobasal Plus TM , and BrainPhys TM media, do not accurately replicate human CSF ion concentrations. Using human iPSC-derived neuronal networks on microelectrode arrays, we compare neuronal activity in standard culture media with that in physiological artificial cerebrospinal fluid (aCSF) and in human cerebrospinal fluid. We show that supraphysiological potassium levels in culture media acutely induce seizure-like neuronal network activity compared with both physiological aCSF and human CSF. Importantly, human neurons exposed to human CSF obtained from healthy individuals show fundamentally different neuronal network activity than neurons exposed to currently used cell culture media. These findings raise a critical question: How can human in vitro neuronal activity be defined as physiological and reliably distinguished from pathophysiological activity, if the routinely used ion concentrations in in vitro experiments are causing aberrant neuronal activity that is fundamentally different from that of human neurons exposed to human CSF?
Enantioselective Synthesis of Spirolactones and Spirolactams Under Low Catalyst Loadings
Prediction model of lost circulation based on drilling parameters with PSO-BP neural network
Solar Air-to-Fuel Technologies for a Circular Carbon Economy
Thermal, vibrational, and electrical properties of high-purity Ag₂Te for advanced applications
Abstract High-purity Ag 2 Te single crystals grown via automated programmable furnace (1263 K, controlled cooling) yield superior phase purity and thermoelectric performance. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis of the powdered Ag 2 Te sample confirmed a monoclinic crystal structure at ambient temperature. The refined lattice parameters were determined to be a = 0.8165 nm and β = 112.81°. Thermo gravimetric analysis (TGA) has proven to be a valuable tool for studying the thermal behavior of Ag 2 Te. It has provided insights into the decomposition process and phase transitions of this material. However, further research is needed to address remaining gaps in knowledge and explore the potential applications of thermal analysis for optimizing the performance of Ag 2 Te in various applications. Raman spectroscopy analysis used as a tool for studying the vibrational properties of Ag 2 Te. It has provided insights into the structure, phase transition and bonding characteristics of this material. Ac conductivity studies have provided valuable insights into the electrical transport properties of Ag 2 Te. They have revealed the frequency dependent nature of the conductivity, identified the dominant conduction mechanisms and highlighted the influence of various factors such as temperature. Investigations were conducted on the p-type semiconductor Ag₂Te over an extensive temperature range of 163 K to 520 K.
Copper(I)-Mediated Direct C–H Functionalization of Carborane Anion: One-Pot Installation of Amino, Hydroxyl, Carbon, and Other Heteroatom Functional Groups at the C1 Vertex
Fabrication and characterization of poly methyl methacrylate (PMMA) matrix modified with strontium nano-rods
Abstract In this study, strontium oxide nanorods (SrO NRs) were synthesized and incorporated into PMMA matrices at 1–5 wt% to evaluate structural, thermal, mechanical, surface, and antibacterial performance. XRD combined with FTIR confirmed the presence of residual Sr-based hydroxide and carbonate phases associated with SrO synthesis routes, contributing to composite interfacial interactions. Tensile tests revealed no statistically significant enhancement in tensile strength, despite increases in hardness and Young’s modulus, which is consistent with a shift toward higher stiffness rather than enhanced toughness. Increased stiffness was accompanied by reduced elongation-at-break, indicating SrO-induced embrittlement, especially at high loading. Surface roughness increased progressively with SrO content, correlating with the successful incorporation of nanorod fillers into the PMMA matrix, as evidenced by SEM/EDX analysis. Thermogravimetric analysis elevated thermal stability for nanofiller-loaded PMMA, with higher onset temperatures and reduced mass loss relative to neat PMMA. It may be inferred that the degradation process is influenced by the thermal dihydroxylation and decarbonation of the nanofiller itself, rather than solely by polymer degradation mechanisms, which delays the overall mass-loss kinetics. Antibacterial assays against gram-negative bacteria ( E. coli ), gram-positive bacteria ( S. aureus ), and the fungus ( C. albicans ) were evaluated. The combined improvements in thermal stability, density, and hardness indicate that the reinforced PMMA represents a promising material for certain functional properties except for applications requiring high toughness.
A Heterometallic Metal–Organic Framework with Atomically Precise Single-Cu Sites for Photocatalysis
Generalized structural equation modeling of intimate partner violence among married women in East Africa using population-based data
Abstract Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) remains a persistent public health and social problem among women in Africa, with severe physical, emotional, and sexual consequences that hinder well-being and socio-economic development. Despite ongoing global and regional efforts, evidence on the prevalence and determinants of IPV across East African countries is limited, fragmented, and often focused on single countries. A more comprehensive, regional-level understanding is crucial to guide targeted interventions and policies This study aimed to provide a comprehensive assessment of IPV among married women in East Africa by (1) estimating the prevalence of physical, emotional, and sexual IPV across 12 countries, and (2) identifying individual-, household-, and community-level factors associated with IPV using a structural equation modeling (SEM) approach. By integrating multi-country data, the study seeks to generate region-wide evidence that can inform prevention strategies and policy responses to gender-based violence in East Africa. A nationwide community based cross-sectional study was conducted in 12 East African countries as part of the Demographic, and Health Survey (DHS) in the region. The study gathered data from 56,657 married women through structured questionnaires. Descriptive findings were presented as percentages with a 95% confidence interval. To identify factors associated with different types of IPV (physical, emotional, and sexual), a Generalized Structural EquationModel was used. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) with a 95% confidence interval were used to determine the significant factors related to IPV. The pooled prevalence of overall IPV in East Africa countries was 38.03% (95% CI: 33.23, 43.08). The highest prevalence of IPV was found in Uganda (53.24%), whereas the lowest was in Comoros (10%). Older age, secondary/higher education, wealth, current working status, attitude towards wife beating, husband’s educational status, husband’s current working status, and husband’s drinking alcohol were factors associated with physical violence. Regarding emotional violence, older age, primary education, wealth, media exposure, current working status, smoking cigarettes, women’s decision-making autonomy, attitude towards wife beating, husband’s education, and husband’s drinking alcohol were significant factors. Finally, regarding sexual violence, factors such as rural residence, better education, wealth, working status, women’s decision-making autonomy, husband’s education, and husband’s drinking alcohol were associated with it. The findings indicate a high prevalence of IPV among married women in East Africa. Key factors for physical violence include age, education, economic status, and attitudes toward domestic violence, while emotional and sexual violence are linked to women’s decision-making autonomy and their partners’ behaviors. To address IPV, comprehensive education and awareness programs are essential, emphasizing gender equality and healthy relationships. Additionally, policies should focus on enhancing women’s economic empowerment and decision-making autonomy, supported by community initiatives to challenge harmful norms.