The built environment is a critical component in shaping urban areas and their resilience. While existing studies frequently discuss how different built environment elements can enhance a city's capacity to respond quickly and effectively to external shocks, limited research has validated these effects through actual disaster event outcomes. This study aims to empirically investigate the relationship between the built environment and urban resilience, focusing on the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in Singapore. Using urban vitality, approximated by public transit passenger data, as an indicator of the resilience process, we quantified urban resilience through three metrics: robustness, recovery degree, and total performance loss, derived from temporal changes in urban vitality. Multiple linear regression (MLR), spatial lag model (SLM), and geographically weighted regression (GWR) were applied to examine how built environment factors relate to these metrics. The results across models indicate that higher residential density, more diverse land use, and greater distance to CBD are positively associated with resilience, whereas greater transit service is associated with lower resilience. Moreover, GWR explains the highest variations in all resilience metrics compared to MLR and SLM. By mapping spatially varying associations, the findings offer insights to support localized and data-driven planning for building resilient urban environments capable of withstanding and adapting to future shocks. • A new approach assesses built environment's impact on urban resilience. • Urban vitality from human mobility effectively captures resilience processes. • Proposed resilience metrics reveal intra-city disparities in resilience. • Higher density and land use mix are linked to better resilience outcomes. • Proximity to CBD and transit service relate to lower resilience during COVID-19.

A standard way to compute the QCD crossover line in the temperature ( T ) - baryochemical potential ( μ B ) plane with lattice techniques is to extract it from the chiral condensate or from the peak position of the chiral susceptibility. However, these quantities suffer from not-negligible volume effects, as shown in [1]. Here we draw the QCD crossover line from the peak position of an alternative observable, the static quark entropy ( S Q ( T, μ B )), based on the renormalized Polyakov loop, that was shown to have a peak in the vicinity of the chiral transition temperature in [2]. The advantage is that it has smaller volume effects. That allow us to extrapolate S Q ( T, μ B ) by means of a Taylor expansion to eighth order in μ B (NNNLO) on a 16 × 8 lattice. We use high-statistics simulations with 2+1 4HEX staggered fermions at physical quark masses. The results are computed along the strangeness neutral line. We are able to draw the phase diagram up to μ B ≈ 400 MeV, finding a rough agreement with phenomenological estimates of the freeze-out curve in relativistic heavy ion collisions. We see that the width of the crossover increases at higher densities, disfavoring the existence of a critical endpoint in the explored range.

Regional differences in sensory afferent innervation of the mouse bladder wall

Nano-TiO2 in asphalt pavements: A critical review of phase-dependent reinforcement and environmental viability

The impact of cyclic cold isostatic pressing (C-CIP) on the oxidation resistance and physical properties of a boron-free self-glazing Al2O3-C refractory for steel casting applications was investigated. Pulsations with amplitudes of 20, 40 and 65 MPa were thereby applied either at maximum isostatic pressure or at increasing pressure. The maximum isostatic pressures applied were 80, 100 and 150 MPa, respectively. Both cycling pressurizations improved the oxidation resistance and physical properties. Higher densities were obtained at higher cycling amplitudes, in particular when the pulsations were applied at maximum isostatic pressure. In addition, the evolution of a broader pore size distribution with peaks at pores larger than 4 μm was found. The pore size distributions of the samples pressed by C-CIP at increasing pressure were narrower, with higher peaks at smaller pore sizes in the area of 2.5 μm. It was shown that utilizing cycling pressurization enables tailoring of pore sizes in carbon-bonded refractories as well, providing a powerful tool for the material design of refractories.

National data on clinical pharmacy implementation can inform health policy, resource allocation, workforce planning, and academic development. In Chile, such data are limited, particularly for therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). The objective of this study was to characterize the clinical pharmacy workforce in Chilean hospitals and describe the implementation of core clinical activities, with an emphasis on TDM. A national cross-sectional survey was conducted among pharmacists performing clinical functions in Chilean hospitals, using the 2024 registry of the Clinical Pharmacy Division of the Chilean Society of Intensive Care Medicine as the sampling frame. Descriptive analyses were performed; workforce capacity was expressed as full-time equivalents (FTEs) and regional density per 10 000 inhabitants. Of 220 invited pharmacists, 181 responded (82.3%), representing 83 institutions across 15 of 16 administrative regions. Median age was 35 years (interquartile range [IQR] 31-39); 28.2% were registered Clinical Pharmacy Specialists, and 77.1% worked in public hospitals. The highest density was in the Metropolitan Region (0.12 FTE/10000 inhabitants), followed by Tarapacá and Antofagasta (0.09 each). Deployment was most frequent in Infectious Diseases (36.5%) and intensive care units (34.8%). Pharmacotherapy follow-up and medication therapy review were each reported by 94.5%, adverse drug reaction reporting by 87.3%, and involvement in TDM by 85.1%. Teaching and research were reported by 44.8% and 30.4%, respectively, but 95.5% reported no formally protected time. TDM was available in 81.9% of centers, most commonly for vancomycin (80.7%), valproic acid (63.9%), amikacin (60.2%), and phenytoin (57.8%); pharmacokinetic software to support dose individualization was used in 61.4% of centers. Clinical pharmacy services in Chile are broadly integrated into hospital care-particularly in infectious diseases, critical care, and TDM-while gaps persist in formal credentialing, regional workforce distribution, and institutional structures supporting academic activities.

Effects of population density stress on fecal microbiota and metabolites of Qinghai-Tibet Plateau root voles (Microtus oeconomus)—A field experiment

The introduction of invasive alien species is a major threat to freshwater biodiversity, particularly in Mediterranean ecosystems where seasonal droughts increase population density and social stress. This study investigated the effects of the presence and of variables densities of two widespread invasive fish species Gambusia holbrooki (Girard, 1859) and Lepomis gibbosus (Linnaeus, 1758), on the behaviour and physiology of the Iberian endemic Squalius alburnoides (Steindachner, 1866). Under baseline density, exposure to G. holbrooki significantly altered the behaviour of S. alburnoides, leading to increased aggression towards conspecifics, enhanced evasion, and a rise in the number of attacks suffered. These behavioral changes were accompanied by a reduction in forebrain dopamine levels, suggesting that dopaminergic influence stress-related responses. In contrast, interactions with L. gibbosus under the same conditions did not produce significant behavioral or physiological effects, although conspecific aggression showed temporal fluctuations. Under high-density conditions, both invaders intensified antagonistic interactions with S. alburnoides. Significant neurochemical alterations occurred solely in fish exposed to G. holbrooki, which showed elevated 5-HIAA concentrations and increased DOPAC/DA and 5-HIAA/5-HT ratios, indicating activation of serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways. Unexpectedly, plasma cortisol levels in S. alburnoides decreased in the presence of both invader species, suggesting a possible downregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-interrenal axis under putative social stress. Overall, our results demonstrate that invasive species differentially modulate behavioral and physiological stress responses in S. alburnoides, with G. holbrooki exerting stronger effects than L. gibbosus, and that higher densities amplify these species-specific interactions.

Limestone karst ecology and anthropogenic activities associated with cave-dwelling bats of Southern Shan State, Myanmar

Insights into crystallinity-dependent microbial reduction of ferrihydrites.

Left-to-right dorsomedial prefrontal cortex interhemispheric projections mediate psychosocial stress vulnerability.

Excessive inhibition in the medial prefrontal cortex contributes to cognitive susceptibility in aging.

Peptide nanofibrils (PNFs) are gaining attention as promising transduction enhancers to improve viral vector delivery in ex vivo gene therapy applications. However, the influence of PNF structural morphology on viral capture and cellular interaction remains poorly understood. Here, we systematically compare two clinically relevant PNFs, D4, a short β-sheet-forming peptide, and Vectofusin-1, an α-helical peptide, focusing on their fibrillar architecture, viral particle binding, and interaction with host cells. Secondary structure analysis, molecular dynamics simulations and electron microscopy revealed that D4 forms loosely packed, β-sheet-rich aggregates, while Vectofusin-1 assembles into compact, α-helical structures. Both superstructures have a positive and hydrophobic surface which are key determinants for interaction with viral and plasma membranes. Upon exposure to virus-like particles (VLPs), D4 aggregates grew in size and density, while Vectofusin-1 formed more numerous, smaller aggregates. D4 bound VLPs with markedly higher density, yielding a uniform virion coating, in contrast to the lower and heterogeneous VLP association observed for Vectofusin-1. Notably, only D4 aggregates were actively engulfed by filopodia leading to active uptake via endocytosis mainly by macropinocytosis and subsequent degradation by lysosomes. In contrast, Vectofusin-1 binding to plasma membrane appeared more passive with minimal internalization. These distinct behaviors were maintained under transduction-like conditions, with D4 facilitating direct VLP contact with the plasma membrane and Vectofusin-1 forming extracellular networks. Our results reveal that PNF aggregate morphology critically determines viral and cellular interactions and suggest that D4 may offer superior efficacy and safety profiles for use in ex vivo gene therapies. Comparison of the transduction enhancer D4 and Vectofusin-1 from the molecular to macromolecular level and analysis of peptide nanofibril formation, aggregation behavior and interaction with virus-like particles (VLPs) and cells. Created in BioRender. Rauch, L. (2026) https://BioRender.com/wheubqi . • Morphology of peptide nanofibril (PNF) aggregates changes after virion binding. • PNF aggregate structure modulates virion binding capacity and their interaction with the cell membrane. • PNF structure and PNF aggregates morphology modulate cell membrane dynamics and uptake.

Advancing membrane fouling control via electrically driven microbubble generation: Phosphidation-enhanced electrocatalytic activity of Ni foam and numerical optimization of operational parameters.

Both genetic and environmental (e.g., mechanical stress) factors have been considered multifactorial components contributing to the development and progression of ossification of posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL). Importantly, loss of cervical lordosis may change the mechanical stress on posterior longitudinal ligament. However, few studies have discussed the relationship between the cervical sagittal alignment and OPLL. The aim of this study is to quantify the cervical sagittal alignment and severity of ligament ossification in patients with cervical OPLL and to analyze their correlation. Cervical sagittal alignment was measured in 142 patients and 90 healthy subjects. All patients underwent assessments of the degree of ligament ossification and the severity of cervical cord injury. Finite element models of cervical lordosis, straightness and kyphosis were established, and the mechanical tension of the posterior longitudinal ligament was compared among the different models. There was no difference of all measurements of cervical sagittal alignment between the normal control and patient groups (P > 0.05). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the cervical OPLL patients in cervical kyphotic group showed greater OPLL ossification index (OP-index) and higher density [Hounsfeld unit (HU)] of ossified ligament compared to cervical lordotic group (P < 0.05). Furthermore, in the cervical kyphotic subgroup, the C2-7 Cobb angle was associated with both the OP-index (r=-0.61, P < 0.05) and the HU value (r=-0.78, P < 0.05), and there was a relationship between the C7 slope and HU value (r=-0.66, P < 0.05) in this subgroup. However, there was no relationship between the cervical sagittal alignment and OPLL severity in both cervical lordotic and straight groups (P > 0.05). Furthermore, the tension of posterior longitudinal ligament was greater in cervical kyphotic model than that in the other two models (P < 0.05). There was a relationship between the loss of cervical sagittal alignment and both the degree and size of cervical OPLL in the cervical kyphosis subgroups in patients with OPLL. Therefore, it is necessary for clinicians to be aware of cervical sagittal alignment during cervical OPLL treatment, especially in patients with kyphosis.

The lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN) is a key thalamic nucleus in the primate visual system that relays visual information from the retina to cortical visual areas. While functional and microanatomical characteristics of the LGN and its layers have been extensively studied, previous investigations on its receptor architecture have been restricted to a small subset of neurotransmitter receptors. To characterise the receptor architecture of the macaque LGN in greater detail, we analysed in vitro autoradiography data to quantify the density of 15 neurotransmitter receptors at the sublayer level, thus improving our understanding of the molecular architecture supporting primate visual function. For comparison, we also determined the densities of these receptors in the primary visual cortex (V1) at a laminar level. Though comparable in shape, the receptor fingeprints of magnocellular layers were larger than those of parvocellular layers. In contrast, receptor fingerprints of cytoarchitectonic layers in V1 differed in both shape and size. Ionotropic/metabotropic and excitatory/inhibitory receptor ratios were significantly larger in V1 than in the LGN, suggesting a greater prominence of inhibitory neurotransmission in the latter region. The nicotinic α4β2 receptor was the only receptor type with a higher density in the LGN compared to V1, highlighting the particular importance of acetylcholine in the modulation of visual stimuli. These findings provide insights into the receptor architecture underlying functions of the LGN, with implications for mechanisms such as visual signal encoding and surround suppression.

Epitaxial LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) thin films are prepared via pulsed laser deposition to model fundamental electrochemical behavior and lithium-ion transport kinetics based on different crystallographic orientations and defect types. The observed growth direction and surface termination of NMC thin films are linked to surface energy minimization, primarily via the (104) and (003) planes. The shortest diffusion path for lithium-ion transport is achieved for a film thickness of ≈15 nm via optimal (100)-oriented growth of NMC, indicating selective growth direction of NMC domains. Analysis of interfaces and local crystal structure revealed two predominant types of defects: antiphase boundaries (APBs) and twinned domains, which are strictly related to the symmetry of the layered structure and columnar epitaxial growth of NMC domains. Electrochemical testing vs Li/Li+ at charge/discharge rates from C/10 up to 6 C showed that performance is influenced by both the crystallographic orientation of lithium transport pathways and the presence of structural defects. Specifically, (104)- and (1̅08)-oriented NMC thin films with twinned microstructure exhibited stable cycling, delivering specific discharge capacities of 66.2 μA cm-2 μm-1 (141.2 mAh g-1) and 70.2 μA cm-2 μm-1 (149.4 mAh g-1) at C/10, along with apparent lithium diffusion coefficients of 7.45 × 10-15 cm2 s-1 and 7.95 × 10-15 cm2 s-1, respectively. In contrast, (003)- and (1 0 16)-oriented thin films exhibited lower apparent lithium diffusion coefficients and limited functionality due to less favorable orientations of lithium slabs, higher density of APBs, and unit cell distortion. These factors contribute to a noticeable decline in average discharge voltage at higher discharge rates across all orientations except (104). This approach reveals an intrinsic correlation between the structural properties and electrochemical response of epitaxial NMC thin films and serves as a future guideline toward high-performance NMC cathodes.

Local immune responses in tick-bite skin during SFTSV infection are associated with type I interferon signaling and monocyte-lineage cell recruitment.

An integrated molecular characterization and simulation study of chain length effects on PFAS adsorption at hydrophobic interfaces.

A healthy diet may contribute to improved disease activity in JIA. In Canada, access to healthy food is variable. This study examined the relationship between food accessibility, disease activity measures, and weight in children with JIA. Clinical data from children newly diagnosed with JIA (2017-2021) collected in the CAPRI registry were linked to neighborhood-level food accessibility measures using postal codes. Data were analyzed at enrollment and at 1-year follow-up. Associations were assessed using Spearman's rho correlations, Mann-Whitney U test (p < 0.05) and mixed effects linear regression. Among 641 JIA patients, 21.9% were overweight or obese (BMI >85th percentile) and lived in areas with less access to chain grocery stores (p = 0.02) compared with those with underweight or healthy BMI. At baseline, healthy-weight (p = 0.02) and overweight (p = 0.04) patients had lower disease activity (cJADAS10) than those with obesity; this association was not observed at 1-year follow-up. At baseline, a greater proportion of fast-food restaurants in the neighborhood was linked to fewer active joints (rs = -0.09, p = 0.04). At 1-year, higher densities of fast-food restaurants and convenience stores were associated with lower disease activity (rs = -0.14, p = 0.02). Obesity was linked to higher disease activity and reduced access to healthy food in chain grocery stores. However, greater access to both healthy and unhealthy food was associated with lower disease activity, relationships that may reflect general benefits of urban living.