Publications by authors named "Simon Clarke"

BaFeSbS and BaFeBiS are two isostructural quaternary sulfides that crystallize in the space group with four formula units per unit cell. BaFeSbS has lattice parameters = 12.08609(3) Å, = 8.

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Two new reduced phases derived from the topical excitonic insulator candidate TaNiSe have been synthesized via the intercalation of lithium and potassium from solutions of the metals in liquid ammonia. Li(NH)TaNiSe and KTaNiSe both crystallize in orthorhombic space group with the following lattice parameters: = 3.5175(1) Å, = 18.

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The optoelectronic properties of two layered copper oxyselenide compounds, with nominal composition SrZnOCuSe and BaZnOCuSe, have been investigated to determine their suitability as p-type conductors. The structure, band gaps and electrical conductivity of pristine and alkali-metal-doped samples have been determined. We find that the strontium-containing compound, SrZnOCuSe, adopts the expected tetragonal structure with 4/ symmetry, and has a band gap of 2.

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Purpose: Previous studies have shown a higher recurrence rate and longer operative times for thoracoscopic repair (TR) of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) compared to open repair (OR). An updated meta-analysis was conducted to re-evaluate the surgical outcomes of TR.

Methods: A comprehensive literature search comparing TR and OR in neonates was performed in accordance with the PRISMA statement (PROSPERO: CRD42020166588).

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Recent advances in anion-redox topochemistry have enabled the synthesis of metastable mixed-anion solids. Synthesis of the new transition metal oxychalcogenide SrMnONaSe by topochemical Na intercalation into SrMnOSe is reported here. Na intercalation is enabled by the redox activity of [Se] perselenide dimers, where the Se-Se bonds are cleaved and a [Na Se] antifluorite layer is formed.

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Topochemistry refers to a generic category of solid-state reactions in which precursors and products display strong filiation in their crystal structures. Various low-dimensional materials are subject to this stepwise structure transformation by accommodating guest atoms or molecules in between their 2D slabs or 1D chains loosely bound by van der Waals (vdW) interactions. Those processes are driven by redox reactions between guests and the host framework, where transition metal cations have been widely exploited as the redox center.

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Background: Speculation exists as to whether lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) acts on the functional connectivity (FC) of brain networks that modulate appetite, reward, or inhibitory control in binge-eating disorder (BED). Better insights into its action may help guide the development of more targeted therapeutics and identify who will benefit most from this medication. Here, we use a comprehensive data-driven approach to investigate the brain FC changes that underlie the therapeutic action of LDX in patients with BED.

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The NbPdS ( ≈ 0.74) superconductor with a of 6.5 K is reduced by the intercalation of lithium in ammonia solution or electrochemically to produce an intercalated phase with expanded lattice parameters.

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Short-range ordering in cation-disordered cathodes can have a significant effect on their electrochemical properties. Here, we characterise the cation short-range order in the antiperovskite cathode material LiFeSO, using density functional theory, Monte Carlo simulations, and synchrotron X-ray pair-distribution-function data. We predict partial short-range cation-ordering, characterised by favourable OLiFe oxygen coordination with a preference for polar -OLiFe over non-polar -OLiFe configurations.

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Background: Appendicitis remains a common surgical emergency in children. Empirical antibacterial treatment is indicated to reduce infective complications. We investigate the bacterial pathogens identified intra-operatively during appendectomies in children to guide empirical surgical antimicrobial prophylaxis options.

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Topochemistry enables step-by-step conversions of solid-state materials often leading to metastable structures that retain initial structural motifs. Recent advances in this field revealed many examples where relatively bulky anionic constituents were actively involved in redox reactions during (de)intercalation processes. Such reactions are often accompanied by anion-anion bond formation, which heralds possibilities to design novel structure types disparate from known precursors, in a controlled manner.

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is a common colonizer of the human gut and in doing so it must be able to resist the actions of the host's innate defences. Bile salts are a class of molecules that possess potent antibacterial activity that control growth. Bacteria that colonize and survive in that niche must be able to resist the action of bile salts, but the mechanisms by which does so are poorly understood.

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The systematics of Madagascar's extinct elephant birds remains controversial due to large gaps in the fossil record and poor biomolecular preservation of skeletal specimens. Here, a molecular analysis of 1000-year-old fossil eggshells provides the first description of elephant bird phylogeography and offers insight into the ecology and evolution of these flightless giants. Mitochondrial genomes from across Madagascar reveal genetic variation that is correlated with eggshell morphology, stable isotope composition, and geographic distribution.

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Background: Antibiotic-resistant pathogens became a real global threat to human and animal health. This needs to concentrate the efforts to minimize and control these organisms. Efflux pumps are considered one of the important strategies used by bacteria to exclude harmful materials from the cell.

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This article examines compulsory vaccination from the perspective of Nozick's theory of rights. It argues that the unvaccinated are a threat, even if unintended, to the rights of others. The reasons Nozick provides for when such threats may be forcibly prevented, such as the identifiability of the rights violator, general fear of the risky activity, probability of harm, and the general benefits of the activity, are examined, and it is argued that those reasons weigh in favour of prohibition of the threat and hence in favour of compulsory vaccination.

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Article Synopsis
  • - A new compound, SrNiOCuSe, features alternating layers of [SrNiO] and [CuSe] and shows an antiferromagnetic ordering of Ni ions below around 160 K, with a high-spin state and a localized magnetic moment.
  • - The high-spin configuration in SrNiOCuSe is supported by bond length analysis and DFT calculations, contrasting with its sulfide counterpart, SrNiOCuS, which exhibits a low-spin state and lacks magnetic moments due to its elongated ligand field.
  • - The study of solid solutions like SrNiOCu(Se,S) indicates a gradual transition from high-spin to low-spin states based on composition, while pressure application up to 7.2
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Article Synopsis
  • Infection from a specific pathogen is the primary cause of infective endocarditis (IE) by promoting platelet aggregation and thrombus formation.
  • A secreted cysteine protease called staphopain A plays a crucial role in activating human platelets, with its presence being necessary for effective platelet aggregation.
  • Protease-activated receptors 1 and 4 are implicated in the mechanism of platelet activation linked to staphopain A, as evidenced by the ability of specific antagonists to inhibit this activation.
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Two novel chromium oxide arsenide materials have been synthesized, SrCrOCrOAs (i.e., SrCrAsO) and SrCrOCrAs (i.

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Neuroimaging studies have revealed neurobiological differences in ADHD, particularly studies examining connectivity disruption and anatomical network organization. However, the underlying pathophysiology of ADHD types remains elusive as it is unclear whether dysfunctional network connections characterize the underlying clinical symptoms distinguishing ADHD types. Here, we investigated intrinsic functional network connectivity to identify neural signatures that differentiate the combined (ADHD-C) and inattentive (ADHD-I) presentation types.

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Background: Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless gas produced by the incomplete combustion of carbon containing materials. CO poisoning causes a range of symptoms of which headache is the most common, occurring in up to 90% of patients. An audit in the Emergency Department at University Hospital Aintree, Liverpool, UK found a lack of clinical awareness among healthcare professionals (HCPs) with CO exposure being considered in only 0.

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Introduction:  Late diagnosis of Hirschsprung's disease (LDHD) may carry a poor prognosis. Its definition remains unclear and its implication on HD-related core outcomes has not been fully reported.

Methods:  A single-center 20-year series was reviewed to include HD with follow-up of 1 year or more post pull-through (PT) and aged 5 years or older.

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Background: The nutritional rehabilitation of malnourished patients hospitalised with anorexia nervosa is essential. The provision of adequate nutrition must occur, while simultaneously, minimising the risk of refeeding complications, such as electrolyte, metabolic, and organ dysfunction. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of an iso-caloric lower carbohydrate/high fat enteral formula (28% carbohydrate, 56% fat) against a standard enteral formula (54% carbohydrate, 29% fat).

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