Phase Of Formation Research Articles

Productive in disagreement: stakeholder deliberation insights on carbon dioxide removal in Germany

Attention to carbon dioxide removal (CDR) in climate policy is growing, and many CDR methods such as direct air carbon capture and storage (DACCS) are controversial. As such, broadening knowledge creation to include stakeholder perspectives upstream of policy is important. This exploratory study provides insights into the stakeholder engagement process of a transdisciplinary research project and its findings regarding co-creative CDR policy design and evaluation. It analyzes the views of participants in a stakeholder engagement workshop on CDR and an online survey. In all instances, experts highlighted the importance of the context in which these technologies are deployed. Workshop participants’ views of DACCS, including its risks and opportunities, evolved throughout the process, indicating that learning took place. We also present stakeholders’ reflections on their own role in knowledge creation and policy design. The qualitative experience and joint exploration of topics reaffirm the relevance of proper engagement on controversial, wicked problems such as the scaling of CDR as exemplified for DACCS. A nuanced discussion of the deployment context matters for stakeholders’ perception of DACCS. Our results underscore the importance of deliberative and adaptable policymaking in the current formative phase of CDR policy in Europe. Additionally, they highlight the need for policies to proactively address tradeoffs between climate mitigation efficiency and other goals. They advocate for government-backed CDR research and development (R&D) as a basis for future deployment alongside a fossil fuel phaseout to maintain a clear carbon budget and avert mitigation deterrence.

A heart-rot fungus, Inonotus obliquus (chaga), mediates microhabitat creation in birch snags and contributes to forest fungal diversity

Ecological significance of fungi in terrestrial ecosystems is generally acknowledged but the ecological networks mediated by particular fungal species are seldom described. In this note, we draw attention to an undescribed function of a well-known heart-rot fungus, Inonotus obliquus (chaga). This species mostly inhabits live birches (Betula), where it forms sterile conks used in ethnomedicine. Less known is that its short-lived fruit-bodies develop under the bark after the tree death and release the spores by cracking the bark. Based on studies in Estonia, we report that this process is a major mechanism that removes bark from standing dead birches and that the exposed wood becomes a distinct woody substrate. We report nearly 50 species of epixylic lichens and allied fungi on birch snags, most notably calicioid fungi, which include several species of conservation concern. Because forest management suppresses that stage through multiple mechanisms (removal of trees with conks and dead trees; shortened rotations; preference for conifer monocultures), the keystone function can be lost even if I. obliquus persists in the area. Additionally, multi-functional forestry that supports chaga for its conk use should pay attention on that later phase of fruit-body formation to maintain natural functioning of this species. Such microhabitat providing functions may be more widespread among fungi that currently acknowledged.

Thermal Changes During Clavicle Fracture Healing in Children

Introduction: Clavicle fractures are among the most common in children, typically treated conservatively, with standard radiographs used to diagnose and monitor healing. Recently, infrared thermography (IRT) has been proposed as an alternative method for fracture detection, but no study has correlated the temperature changes during callus formation. Materials and Methods: Children aged 4–18 with X-ray-diagnosed clavicle fractures were included in the study. IRT measured temperatures above the fracture and contralateral healthy side on the 1st, 4th, 8th, 15th, and 22nd day after the injury. Along with IRT, an ultrasound was used to assess callus formation. Results: The study included 27 patients with an average age of 12.4 years, mostly boys. The left side was more often affected than the right side (33%). We found a correlation between callus formation and the ∆T. A maximum temperature difference of an average of 0.7 °C was noted during the proliferative phase of callus formation. After the formation of the fibrocartilaginous callus (4th to 8th day), the temperature above the fracture declined until it was equal (22nd day) to that of the healthy side. The average temperature difference between the broken and the healthy sides was statistically significant on the 4th and 8th days (during callus formation). Conclusions: The increased skin temperature above the fracture correlates with the inflammatory phase of bone healing. After the callus is visible on ultrasound, the temperature linearly drops with no statistical difference between the injured and the healthy sides. The standard protocol for clavicle fracture treatment typically involves using X-rays to assess callus formation during follow-up. IRT has shown potential in diagnosing callus formation in children with clavicle fractures, potentially reducing the need for traditional X-rays.

Introducing quantum physics concepts and Dirac notation at the secondary school level: Insights into student reasoning from an acceptance survey

Evidence from physics education research suggests that the introduction of a formalistic description of quantum phenomena can be beneficial to student learning, particularly in terms of helping students move away from naive realist views of quanta or space-time descriptions of quantum phenomena. However, the mathematical requirements for mastering quantum formalism are typically far beyond the scope of secondary school education. Therefore, in previous research, we have proposed a reduced Dirac notation tailored to the capabilities of secondary school students, which is included in a novel teaching-learning sequence. However, the cognitive processes of students when confronted with an introduction to quantum physics via a reduced Dirac notation have not been thoroughly investigated: In particular, it seems important to investigate whether this approach is actually beneficial to students’ learning and to explore the learning difficulties students are likely to encounter in such a setting. This paper contributes to this research gap by reporting the findings of an acceptance survey: N=14 learners participated in one-on-one interviews following a protocol consisting of four cyclical phases (information phase, acceptance evaluation, paraphrasing phase, and application phase). The findings of our study indicate that the instructional elements within our new teaching-learning sequence were generally well accepted by students but also revealed learning difficulties that students may encounter. Thus, on the one hand, the findings of this study pave the way for future research on students’ learning of quantum physics using Dirac notation. On the other hand, the in-depth findings reported here may guide teachers in designing learning environments that introduce Dirac notation at the upper secondary school and introductory university levels. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Molecular insights into the interaction between a disordered protein and a folded RNA

Intrinsically disordered protein regions (IDRs) are well established as contributors to intermolecular interactions and the formation of biomolecular condensates. In particular, RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) often harbor IDRs in addition to folded RNA-binding domains that contribute to RBP function. To understand the dynamic interactions of an IDR-RNA complex, we characterized the RNA-binding features of a small (68 residues), positively charged IDR-containing protein, Small ERDK-Rich Factor (SERF). At high concentrations, SERF and RNA undergo charge-driven associative phase separation to form a protein- and RNA-rich dense phase. A key advantage of this model system is that this threshold for demixing is sufficiently high that we could use solution-state biophysical methods to interrogate the stoichiometric complexes of SERF with RNA in the one-phase regime. Herein, we describe our comprehensive characterization of SERF alone and in complex with a small fragment of the HIV-1 Trans-Activation Response (TAR) RNA with complementary biophysical methods and molecular simulations. We find that this binding event is not accompanied by the acquisition of structure by either molecule; however, we see evidence for a modest global compaction of the SERF ensemble when bound to RNA. This behavior likely reflects attenuated charge repulsion within SERF via binding to the polyanionic RNA and provides a rationale for the higher-order assembly of SERF in the context of RNA. We envision that the SERF-RNA system will lower the barrier to accessing the details that support IDR-RNA interactions and likewise deepen our understanding of the role of IDR-RNA contacts in complex formation and liquid-liquid phase separation.

Path-dependencies in the transition to sustainable biowaste valorization: Lessons from a socio-technical analysis of Sweden and Greece

Achieving sustainable biowaste management is a key challenge for cities worldwide. In this context, biowaste valorization is an indispensable option for managing unavoidable biowaste and reducing the associated methane emissions. Several innovations that enable biowaste valorization are technologically mature. However, their implementation is still limited in most cities around the world. Therefore, it is essential to better understand the different pathways towards implementing biowaste valorization. This paper presents a case-study of two countries at different phases in their transition to biowaste valorization: Sweden as a case at a mature phase and Greece as a case at a formative phase. We apply the Technological Innovation Systems framework to investigate how innovation systems for biowaste valorization develop and associated path-dependencies. Our findings show that various path-dependence lock-ins can occur at different transition phases. Our empirical insights suggest that a focus on the diffusion of certain mature innovations can support the growth of biowaste valorization systems. However, it can also lead to path-dependence lock-ins that influence the systems’ resilience to shocks. We thus recommend decision-makers to pursue balance between the rapid diffusion of mature innovations for biowaste valorization and parallel support for experimenting with more radical innovations to harness the systems’ resilience to shocks.

Association of the Genotype of TNFα with the Efficiency of the Intensive Phase of Chemotherapy and Formation of the Sizes of Destruction Cavities in Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis.

The interrelation between the TNFα gene polymorphism and the effectiveness of the intensive phase of chemotherapy in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as the formation of diameter of the sizes of destruction cavities was studied. It was revealed that the most adverse course of the disease and a high frequency of formation of destruction cavities are associated with the GG genotype of the TNFα gene.

Evolution of coastal transgressive aeolian sand sheets over 75 years (1948-2023) at Concheiros Barrier - Southern Brazilian coast

Transgressive sand sheets (TSS) and transgressive dunefields (TDf) over time often present multiple phases of development and various morphologies controlled by biogeomorphological interactions related to abiotic processes, vegetation, and human interference. While dunefields have experienced increased vegetation cover over the last decades worldwide, a few places have shown increased dune mobility. In this study, a GIS analysis was conducted using aerial photographs and satellite imagery to investigate the evolution of a TDf, foredune collapse, new TSS formation, and vegetation cover on a Holocene coastal barrier in southern Brazil over the last 75 years (from 1948 to 2023). Wind speed (1994–2009), significant wave height (Hs) and peak wave period (Tp) (1940–2022) were analyzed to examine these potential drivers that could have caused geomorphological changes on the foredunes and dune system. Vegetation cover exhibited an increasing trend, and both an increase and decrease in TDf movement and TSS expansion were concurrent. Correlation analyses revealed a strong negative correlation between vegetation cover and TDf movement. Three transgressive sand sheet formation phases were identified between 1948 and 2023 (1964 to 1975,1996 to 2000, and from 2010 until 2023). Post-2003, a poorly vegetated nebkha-dominated foredune subsequently collapsed and was replaced by a TSS in less than a decade, being fully formed in 2010 and continuing to move inland at rapid rates. In the third phase, the highest total TSS expansion exceeded 700 m in 12 years (from 2010 to 2022). A small increase in wind velocity and subsequent decrease may possibly have contributed to the formation of the TSS second phase and the foredunes respectively. Other possible drivers for TSS formation include climatic modes, negative precipitation anomalies and groundwater level lowering, in addition to anthropogenic actions (especially water extraction) that might have caused a negative feedback in foredune sand-biding vegetation.

Readiness of primary healthcare and community markets for joint delivery of cardiovascular disease prevention services in Kenya: an observational feasibility study of Health Kiosks in Markets (HEKIMA)

ObjectivesThe increasing burden of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in Kenya threatens its healthcare system. There is a need for innovative models that improve equitable access to CVD prevention services. Community markets...

NMDA Receptors in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Pathophysiology and Disease Models.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are critical components of the mammalian central nervous system, involved in synaptic transmission, plasticity, and neurodevelopment. This review focuses on the structural and functional characteristics of NMDARs, with a particular emphasis on the GRIN2 subunits (GluN2A-D). The diversity of GRIN2 subunits, driven by alternative splicing and genetic variants, significantly impacts receptor function, synaptic localization, and disease manifestation. The temporal and spatial expression of these subunits is essential for typical neural development, with each subunit supporting distinct phases of synaptic formation and plasticity. Disruptions in their developmental regulation are linked to neurodevelopmental disorders, underscoring the importance of understanding these dynamics in NDD pathophysiology. We explore the physiological properties and developmental regulation of these subunits, highlighting their roles in the pathophysiology of various NDDs, including ASD, epilepsy, and schizophrenia. By reviewing current knowledge and experimental models, including mouse models and human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), this article aims to elucidate different approaches through which the intricacies of NMDAR dysfunction in NDDs are currently being explored. The comprehensive understanding of NMDAR subunit composition and their mutations provides a foundation for developing targeted therapeutic strategies to address these complex disorders.

Capturing Dynamic Assembly of Nanoscale Proteins During Network Formation.

The structural evolution of hierarchical structures of nanoscale biomolecules is crucial for the construction of functional networks in vivo and in vitro. Despite the ubiquity of these networks, the physical mechanisms behind their formation and self-assembly remains poorly understood. Here, this study uses photochemically cross-linked folded protein hydrogels as a model biopolymer network system, with a combined time-resolved rheology and small-angle x-ray scattering (SAXS) approach to probe both the load-bearing structures and network architectures respectively thereby providing a cross-length scale understanding of the network formation. Combining SAXS, rheology, and kinetic modeling, a dual formation mechanism consisting of a primary formation phase is proposed, where monomeric folded proteins create the preliminary protein network scaffold; and a subsequent secondary formation phase, where both additional intra-network cross-links form and larger oligomers diffuse to join the preliminary network, leading to a denser more mechanically robust structure. Identifying this as the origin of the structural and mechanical properties of protein networks creates future opportunities to understand hierarchical biomechanics in vivo and develop functional, designed-for-purpose, biomaterials.

Reactivity of chondritic meteorites under H2-rich atmospheres: Formation of H2S.

Abstract Current models of chemical evolution during star and planetary formation rely on the presence of dust grains to act as a third body. However, they generally ignore the reactivity of the dust grains themselves. Dust grains present in the protoplanetary phase will evolve as the solar system forms and, after protoplanets have appeared, they will be constantly delivered to their surfaces in the form of large aggregates or meteorites. Chondritic meteorites are mostly unaltered samples of the dust present in the first stages of the Solar System formation, that still arrive nowadays to the surface of Earth and allow us to study the properties of the materials forming the early Solar System. These materials contain, amongst others, transition metals that can potentially act as catalysts, as well as other phases that can potentially react in different astrophysical conditions, such as FeS. In this work, we present the reactivity of chondritic meteorites under H2-rich atmospheres, particularly towards the reduction of FeS for the formation of H2S and metallic Fe during the early phases of the planetary formation. We present the obtained results on the reaction rates and the percentage of FeS available to react in the materials. Additionally, we include a computational study of the reaction mechanism and the energetics. Finally, we discuss the implications of an early formation of H2S in planetary surfaces.

Formation ability, phase decomposition and mechanical properties of Ti39Zr39Ni20Ag2 and Ti39Zr39Ni20Cu2 bulk icosahedral quasicrystalline alloys

An icosahedral quasicrystalline (IQ) phase forms in the as-spun ribbons as well as as-cast bulk rods with a diameter of 2 mm for the Ti39Zr39Ni20Ag2 and Ti39Zr39Ni20Cu2 alloys. The Ti39Zr39Ni20Ag2 alloy ribbon consists of a mostly amorphous phase containing a small amount of IQ phases and exhibits good bending plasticity. The decomposition of their metastable phases occurs accompanying exothermic peaks at 694 K and 890 K, followed by an endothermic peak at 991 K. The former two peaks are due to the transitions from amorphous to IQ + cF96-(Ti, Zr)2Ni phases, and to C14-TiZrNi Laves phase, respectively. The latter endothermic peak originates from the change of IQ to C14-TiZrNi Laves and β-(Ti, Zr) phases. Compared with the complex phase decomposition behavior of the quaternary alloys, the decomposition of the metastable phase of the Ti40Zr40Ni20 alloy ribbon occurs accompanying only an endothermic peak at a peak temperature of 952 K, followed by a melting peak. For the quaternary alloys, the as-cast rods consist of an IQ single phase, in contrast to three phases of IQ, C14-TiZrNi Laves and β-(Ti, Zr) phases for the Ti40Zr40Ni20 rod. The ternary alloy rod fractures in the quasi-cleavage fracture mode, while the fracture mode of the quaternary alloy rod is cleavage fracture. In the Ti39Zr39Ni20Ag2 rod, IQ phase displays a spherical morphology with an average diameter of approximately 0.27 μm. The formation of the bulk IQ rod as well as the enhancement of amorphous phase formability for the Ag/Cu-containing IQ alloys are presumably due to the stabilization of supercooled liquid caused by the development of more dense-packed atomic configurations resulting from the sequent atomic size change of Zr > Ti > Ag/Cu > Ni as well as by the necessity of the separation to Ti-Zr-Ni and Ti-Zr-Ag/Cu atomic pairs resulting from the positive heats of mixing for Ni-Ag and Ni-Cu pairs.

Characterization and kinetics of whey protein isolate amyloid fibril aggregates under moderate electric fields

Food proteins solutions enable the controlled flow of electrical current when subjected to a Moderate electric field (MEF). This application results in internal heat generation, known as ohmic heating, accompanied by electrochemical reactions. These effects play a significant role in influencing the formation of protein amyloid fibril aggregates (AFA), which have broad applications in food and biomedical fields, ranging from improving food texture to biomedical applications such as drug delivery and disease treatment. This study focused on investigating the formation of β-Lactoglobulin (β-lg) AFA under MEF conditions using WPI as protein source and various characterization techniques (e.g., Thioflavin T fluorescence, circular dichroism, and electron microscopy). The results indicated that MEF prolonged the lag phase of AFA formation. Furthermore, nucleation and fibril growth showed higher activation coefficients and cooperativity level (n > 2) compared to conventional heating method. MEF treatment resulted in unique fibril clustering and the presence of unexpected higher-order AFA networks confirmed by electron microscopy. These findings highlight the significant role of MEF in influencing the aggregation kinetics of β-lg AFA. Exploring further into the electrochemical and thermal effects during protein aggregation processes holds the key to unlocking deeper insights fibril formation process.

Zircon and garnet U-Pb dating reveals the mineralization history of volcanic-related skarn iron deposits

The genesis of skarn garnet in volcanic-related skarn iron deposits is controversial because of the absent or ambiguous spatiotemporally related intrusions. In this study, we present combined LA-ICP-MS garnet U-Pb and SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages to determine the spatiotemporal relationship between skarn garnet and a potentially related intrusion or causative volcanic rock. Three types of garnet (Grt1, Grt2, and Grt3) are identified in the Yamansu deposit, and Grt1 yields a lower intercept age of 326 ± 9 Ma (n = 32, MSWD = 0.3). SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dating of the associated volcanic rock yields a weighted mean age of 327 ± 3 Ma (n = 10, MSWD = 1.4), suggesting an isochronous relationship between the volcanic rock and Grt1. Grt2 and Grt3 yield lower intercept ages of 316 ± 6 Ma (n = 22, MSWD = 1.4) and 315 ± 6 Ma (n = 35, MSWD = 1.5), respectively. However, the zircon U-Pb weighted mean age of 252 ± 4 Ma (n = 5, MSWD = 0.8) obtained from the associated intrusion is obviously younger than the skarn age and the previously reported ore-forming age, implying no temporal relationship between mineralization and the intrusion. More significantly, precise 206Pb/238U weighted mean ages of 325 ± 9 Ma (n = 15, MSWD = 0.3), 316 ± 8 Ma (n = 11, MSWD = 0.4), and 319 ± 7 Ma (n = 12, MSWD = 0.5) were obtained from Grt1, Grt2, and Grt3, respectively, and we find that andradite-rich garnet with high U and ΣREE concentrations has the potential to yield the more precise U-Pb ages. The combined garnet and zircon U-Pb ages reveal that the hydrothermal skarn and mineralization in volcanic-related skarn iron deposits are related to volcanic activity rather than intrusions. Multiple episodes of volcanic-related hydrothermal activity may have caused multiple phases of skarn formation and mineralization in volcanic-related skarn iron deposits.

ЭНДОФИТНЫЕ ШТАММЫ БАКТЕРИЙ В ТЕХНОЛОГИИ ВОЗДЕЛЫВАНИЯ КУКУРУЗЫ НА ЗЕРНО

The study of the effect of endophytic bacterial strains on the formation of the general habitus of the corn plant during the growing season, as well as the effect on grain yield, was carried out in the conditions of the Ancestral region of the Republic of Tatarstan in 2022-2023. The soil of the experimental site was represented by a subtype of gray forest, the variety was heavy loamy. Endophytic bacterial strains were used in corn crops in the form of leaf dressing with a rate of 1.0 l/ha during the growing season in the 7-8 leaf phase. The technology of cultivation of corn for grain was generally accepted for the Republic of Tatarstan. A two-factor experiment was laid: hybrids (factor A) - early maturing Nur and ROSS-195, mid-early ‒ Krasnodarskiy-230; preparations of endophytic bacterial strains (factor B) - without application (control), KS-25, KS-31, KS-38, KS-54, Consortium and PS-17 (standard). The years of research were characterized as moderately arid in terms of climatic conditions. The preparations had a positive effect on the height of plants, above-ground mass and leaf area, which were determined in the phases of paniculation, cob formation and milk ripeness. The Nur hybrid responded positively to the treatment of crops with preparations KS-25, KS-38 and KS-54, the ROSS-195 hybrid - Consortium, KS-31 and KS-38, Krasnodarskiy-230 - KS-31 and KS-54. The highest aboveground mass in the experiment in the milk ripeness phase of the Nur hybrid was noted in the variant with KS-38 (48.25 t/ha), in the ROSS-195 and Krasnodarskiy-230 hybrids ‒ with KS-54 (67.38 and 58.25 t/ha, respectively). The largest leaf area was observed in the cob formation phase of the Nur hybrid when used in the KS-31 variants, in the ROSS-195 and Krasnodarskiy-230 hybrids when treated with the Consortium preparation. The grain yield of the Nur hybrid in variants with the PS-17, KS-38 and KS-25 preparations increased by 9.6…27.6%, the ROSS-195 hybrid when sprayed with KS-38 and KS ‒ by 15.3…19.7%, the Krasnodarskiy-230 hybrid when using KS-25, KS-54 and PS-17 ‒ by 9.0…28.1%. Preparations with endophytic bacterial strains increased the protein content in the hybrid grain by 0.15…0.73%.

Dynamic instabilities and turbulence of merged rotating Bose–Einstein condensates

We present the simulation results of merging harmonically confined rotating Bose–Einstein condensates in two dimensions. Merging of the condensate is triggered by positioning the rotation axis at the trap minima and moving both condensates toward each other while slowly ramping their rotation frequency. We analyze the dynamics of the merged condensate by letting them evolve under a single harmonic trap. We systematically investigate the formation of solitonic and vortex structures in the final, unified condensate, considering both nonrotating and rotating initial states. In both cases, merging leads to the formation of solitons that decay into vortex pairs through snake instability, and subsequently, these pairs annihilate. Soliton formation and decay-induced phase excitations generate sound waves, more pronounced when the merging time is short. We witness no sound wave generation at sufficiently longer merging times that finally leads to the condensate reaching its ground state. With rotation, we notice off-axis merging (where the rotation axes are not aligned), leading to the distortion and weakening of soliton formation. The incompressible kinetic energy spectrum exhibits a Kolmogorov-like cascade [E(k)∼k−5/3] in the initial stage for merging condensates rotating above a critical frequency and a Vinen-like cascade [E(k)∼k−1] at a later time for all cases. Our findings hold potential significance for atomic interferometry, continuous atomic lasers, and quantum sensing applications.

Extreme ionizing properties of a metal-poor, MUV ≃ −12 star complex in the first gigayear

We report the serendipitous discovery of a faint (MUV > −12.2), low-metallicity (Z ∼ 0.02 Z⊙) ionizing source, dubbed T2c, with a spectroscopic redshift of z = 6.146. T2c is part of a larger structure amplified by the Hubble Frontier Field galaxy cluster MACSJ0416 and was observed with the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) NIRSpec integral field unit. Stacking the short-wavelength NIRCam data reveals no stellar continuum detection down to a magnitude limit of mUV ≃ 31.0 (3σ). However, prominent Hβ, [O III]λλ4959, 5007, and Hα emissions are detected, with equivalent widths exceeding 200 Å, 800 Å, and 1300 Å (3σ), respectively. The corresponding intrinsic (magnification-corrected ×23 ± 3) ultraviolet and optical rest-frame magnitudes exceed 34.4 and 33.9 (corresponding to MUV and Mopt fainter than −12.2 and −12.8 at λrest ∼ 2000 Å and ∼5000 Å, respectively), suggesting a stellar mass lower than a few 104 M⊙ under an instantaneous burst scenario. The inferred ionizing photon production efficiency (ξion) is high: ξion ≳ 26.08(25.86) 3(5)σ, assuming no dust attenuation and no Lyman continuum leakage. This indicates the presence of massive stars despite the low mass of the object. The very poor sampling of the initial mass function in such a low-mass star-forming complex suggests that the formation of very massive stars might be favored in very low-metallicity environments. T2c is surrounded by Balmer and weak oxygen emission on a spatial scale of a few hundred parsecs, after correcting for lensing effects. This system resembles a H II region potentially powered by currently undetected, extremely efficient, low-metallicity star complexes or clusters. We propose that massive O-type stars populate these low-mass, low-metallicity, high-redshift satellites, likely observed in an early and short formation phase, and contribute to the ionization of the surrounding medium.

Exploring the barriers to healthcare access among persons with disabilities: a qualitative study in rural Luuka district, Uganda.

The aim of the research was to explore the barriers to healthcare access for persons with various disabilities in rural Luuka district of Uganda. The findings will assist in appreciating the challenges persons with disabilities face in accessing Healthcare in a rural setting. These insights will contribute to the development of an intervention to improve healthcare access that is affordable, timely and acceptable. This qualitative study formed the exploratory formative phase of the 'Missing Billion' project. A total of 27 participants with disabilities-visual impairment (n=5), physical impairment (n=5), multiple impairments (n=6) and intellectual/ cognitive impairment (n=5) were purposively selected to participate in in-depth interviews conducted by two experienced researchers. Participants were identified through contact lists provided by the district disability focal person and local disability associations, with additional participants identified through snowball sampling. Interviews with persons with hearing impairment (n=6) were conducted by a researcher with hearing impairment. The interviews were audio/video recorded and transcribed to facilitate thematic data analysis. We used the disability-inclusive health 'Missing Billion' framework to map and inform the barriers. The study was conducted between September and November 2022 in rural communities in Luuka district, Eastern Uganda. On the demand side, challenges revolved around autonomy and awareness, limited access to health information, lack of financial capacity and dependence on caregivers for healthcare choices left persons with disabilities feeling disempowered. On the supply side, discrimination and negative attitudes from healthcare workers were reported as prevalent. Absence of healthcare workers and service delivery delays impacted on healthcare access, resulting in poor care. Inaccessible healthcare facilities compounded issues, as they had limited accessibility features. Complex and interconnected barriers underscore the pressing need for systemic changes to ensure equitable healthcare access for persons with disabilities in rural Uganda.

SMARTINI3 parametrization of multi-scale membrane models via unsupervised learning methods

In this study, we utilize genetic algorithms to develop a realistic implicit solvent ultra-coarse-grained (ultra-CG) membrane model comprising only three interaction sites. The key philosophy of the ultra-CG membrane model SMARTINI3 is its compatibility with realistic membrane proteins, for example, modeled within the Martini coarse-grained (CG) model, as well as with the widely used GROMACS software for molecular simulations. Our objective is to parameterize this ultra-CG model to accurately reproduce the experimentally observed structural and thermodynamic properties of Phosphatidylcholine (PC) membranes in real units, including properties such as area per lipid, area compressibility, bending modulus, line tension, phase transition temperature, density profile, and radial distribution function. In our example, we specifically focus on the properties of a POPC membrane, although the developed membrane model could be perceived as a generic model of lipid membranes. To optimize the performance of the model (the fitness), we conduct a series of evolutionary runs with diverse random initial population sizes (ranging from 96 to 384). We demonstrate that the ultra-CG membrane model we developed exhibits authentic lipid membrane behaviors, including self-assembly into bilayers, vesicle formation, membrane fusion, and gel phase formation. Moreover, we demonstrate compatibility with the Martini coarse-grained model by successfully reproducing the behavior of a transmembrane domain embedded within a lipid bilayer. This facilitates the simulation of realistic membrane proteins within an ultra-CG bilayer membrane, enhancing the accuracy and applicability of our model in biophysical studies.