bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biochemical and structural characterization of tyrosine aminotransferase suggests broad substrate specificity and a two‐state folding mechanism in Leishmania donovani
Authors: Sasidharan Santanu , Saudagar Prakash
Published: August 2019

Tyrosine aminotransferase (TAT) is an aminotransferase with broad substrate specificity that catalyzes the transamination of aromatic amino acids in Leishmania donovani and plays a crucial role in the survival and pathogenicity of the parasite. In this study, we have biochemically characterized tyrosine aminotransferase from Leishmania donovani using in vitro and in silico techniques. Leishmania donovani tyrosine aminotransferase (LdTAT) was cloned into the pET28a(+) vector and expressed in the BL21 strain of Escherichia coli. The Ni‐NTA‐purified protein was then characterized biochemically, and its various kinetic parameters were investigated. The apparent Km value for the tyrosine–pyruvate pair was determined to be 3.5 ± 0.9 mm, and Vmax was analyzed to be at 11.7 ± 1.5 μm·min.μg−1. LdTAT was found to exhibit maximum activity at 50 °C and at a pH of 8.0. Cofactor identification for LdTAT showed that pyridoxal‐5‐phosphate (PLP) binds with a Km value of 23.59 ± 3.99 μm and that the phosphate group is vital for the activity of the enzyme. Sequence analysis revealed that S151, Y256, K286, and P291 are conserved residues and form hydrogen bonds with PLP. Urea‐based denaturation studies revealed a biphasic folding mechanism involving N→X→D states. Molecular dynamic simulations of modeled LdTAT at various conditions were performed to understand enzyme behavior and interactions at the molecular level. The biochemical and structural divergence between host and parasite TAT suggests the LdTAT has evolved to utilize pyruvate rather than α‐ketoglutarate as co‐substrate. Furthermore, our data suggest that LdTAT may be a potential drug target due to its divergence in structure and substrate specificity from the host.
Environmental and genetic risk factors for MS: an integrated review
Authors: Waubant Emmanuelle , Lucas Robyn , Mowry Ellen , Graves Jennifer , Olsson Tomas , Alfredsson Lars , Langer‐Gould Annette
Published: August 2019

Recent findings have provided a molecular basis for the combined contributions of multifaceted risk factors for the onset of multiple sclerosis (MS). MS appears to start as a chronic dysregulation of immune homeostasis resulting from complex interactions between genetic predispositions, infectious exposures, and factors that lead to pro‐inflammatory states, including smoking, obesity, and low sun exposure. This is supported by the discovery of gene–environment (GxE) interactions and epigenetic alterations triggered by environmental exposures in individuals with particular genetic make‐ups. It is notable that several of these pro‐inflammatory factors have not emerged as strong prognostic indicators. Biological processes at play during the relapsing phase of the disease may result from initial inflammatory‐mediated injury, while risk factors for the later phase of MS, which is weighted toward neurodegeneration, are not yet well defined. This integrated review of current evidence guides recommendations for clinical practice and highlights research gaps.
The power of technology: Examining the effects of digital visual evidence on jurors' processing of trial information
Authors: Rempel Emma , Hamovitch Leah , Zannella Lesley , Burke Tara M.
Published: August 2019

With the emergence of “electronic courtrooms” in North America, lawyers are increasingly using PowerPoint® to assist with their presentation of case evidence. The current study examined whether evidence complexity and presentation modality influenced participants' comprehension of case evidence and verdict decisions. Participants read a trial transcript from a criminal case that contained DNA evidence, which varied by complexity (simple or complex) and presentation modality (written or PowerPoint®). Participants completed comprehension questions to assess their understanding of the case evidence and rendered a verdict. Results demonstrated that neither the complexity nor the modality of the presented evidence influenced participants' comprehension of the evidence; however, participants who viewed evidence within a PowerPoint® were significantly more likely to render guilty verdicts than those who viewed written evidence. We discuss the theoretical and practical implications of these findings and propose suggestions for future research on the use of digital technology in the courtroom.
A primitive model for stochastic regular‐impulse population control and its application to ecological problems
Authors: Yoshioka Hidekazu , Yaegashi Yuta , Yoshioka Yumi , Hamagami Kunihiko , Fujihara Masayuki
Published: August 2019

A primitive mathematical model for population control in natural environment is formulated under a unified regular‐impulse stochastic control formalism. This kind of mathematical models, although they are candidates of the models of population control, seem not to be well studied. In this paper, the impulse control uses deteriorating items and is scheduled only at predetermined times as in many management problems. Finding the optimal control reduces to solving a system of recursive Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman equations. Mathematical analysis on the system provides a viscosity characterization of its solution. The model is applied to management problems of the predatory bird and harmful benthic alga, both of which are concerns in recent inland fisheries. We show that the optimal regular controls for the two problems have qualitatively different behavior with each other, which is due to different interactions between the regular and the impulse controls.
Novel Photoinduced Recovery of OFET Memories Based on Ambipolar Polymer Electret for Photorecorder Application
Authors: Chen Chia‐Hui , Wang Yang , Tatsumi Hiroki , Michinobu Tsuyoshi , Chang Shu‐Wei , Chiu Yu‐Cheng , Liou Guey‐Sheng
Published: August 2019

A new design concept for novel photoresponsive flash organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) memory is demonstrated by employing the carbazoledioxazine polymer (Poly CD) as an electret. Photoactive electrets that can absorb the light effectively rather than photoactive semiconductors are proposed by the “photoinduced recovery” mechanism in the literature; however, the correlation between the chemical structure and photoresponsive electrical performances is ambiguous. In this study, it is reported for the first time that the OFET memory with trapped charges can be optically recovered by a polymer electret and the working mechanism can be explained by the structural design. The highly planar Poly CD electret exhibits photoluminescence quenching in film states, resulting in the generation of sufficient excitons to eliminate trapped charges under light excitation. Additionally, the Poly CD electret with coplanar donor–acceptor moieties is suitable for both p‐channel and n‐channel semiconductors. For p‐type memory devices, a large memory window (82 V) and stable nonvolatile retention performance with high ON/OFF ratio could be obtained. The memories also display good switching reliability for voltage‐programming and light‐erasing cycles. This study provides useful information for the development of polymer‐based photoresponsive flash OFET memories and demonstrates the practical applications of photorecorder and photosensitive smart tag.
Stimuli‐Responsive Hybridized Nanostructures
Authors: Guan Guijian , Wu Mingda , Han Ming‐Yong
Published: August 2019

Through innovative nanosynthesis techniques and advanced surface‐passivation methods, diversified luminescent nanocrystals, like quantum dots, metal nanoclusters, carbon dots, and upconversion nanoparticles, are produced successfully to exhibit greatly improved performance in various applications, due to their color tunability and resistance to photobleaching. Their further hybridization with stimuli‐responsive polymers endows the resultant nanohybrids with unique smart functions, which can reversibly respond to external stimuli or environmental changes via alternation in luminescence. Due to their multifunctional properties, these responsive luminescent nanohybrids are attracting more and more interest in foundation research and promising applications recently. Here, important developments and achievements made in this emerging field are summarized to highlight the integration concepts and fabrication methods for luminescent nanohybrids, and their special responsive functions to temperature, pH, fields, and analytes. At the same time, their smart applications are also overviewed for demonstrating novel actions of responsive nanohybrids via various intelligent operations. The aim is to understand and accelerate more advanced developments in creating varied and intelligent nanosystems, and provide perspectives to promote a further revolution of smart materials and technology.
Black Titania with Nanoscale Helicity
Authors: Nguyen Thanh‐Dinh , Li Jessica , Lizundia Erlantz , Niederberger Markus , Hamad Wadood Y. , MacLachlan Mark J.
Published: August 2019

The fabrication of mesoporous black titanium dioxide (TiO2−x
) with a chiral nematic organization of core–shell nanorods is reported. Chiral templating of TiO2 nanoparticles onto gelatin‐functionalized cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) followed by calcination yields carbonized TiO2/CNC helical materials that recover white TiO2 replicas after carbon removal. The hydrothermal surface reduction of the traditional white TiO2 by ascorbic acid affords freestanding chiral nematic black TiO2−x. The black TiO2−x is a visible light active semiconducting mesoporous structure constructed by chiral nematic crystalline–amorphous TiO2 core–shell nanorods. The chiral black TiO2−x nanoparticles supported on mesoporous nanocarbon networks are evaluated as lithium‐ion battery anode electrodes. Beyond the current efforts, these black TiO2−x materials and their composites may be useful in the fields of energy storage and catalysis.
Highly Efficient and Recyclable Carbon‐Nanofiber‐Based Aerogels for Ionic Liquid–Water Separation and Ionic Liquid Dehydration in Flow‐Through Conditions
Authors: Guan Li Zhi , Gutiérrez María C. , Roldán‐Ruiz María J. , Jiménez Ricardo , Ferrer M. Luisa , del Monte Francisco
Published: August 2019

Ionic liquids (ILs) are being widely used in many diverse areas of social interest, including catalysis, electrochemistry, etc. However, issues related to hygroscopicity of many ILs and the toxic and/or nonbiodegradable features of some of them limit their practical use. Developing materials capable of IL recovery from aqueous media and dehydration, thus allowing their recycling and subsequent reutilization, in a single and efficient process still poses a major challenge. Herein, electrically conductive aerogels composed of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) with remarkable superhydrophobic features are prepared. CNF‐based 3D aerogels are prepared through a cryogenic process, so called ice‐segregation‐induced self‐assembly (ISISA) consisting of the unidirectional immersion of an aqueous chitosan (CHI) solution also containing CNFs in suspension into a liquid nitrogen bath, and subsequent freeze‐drying. The CNF‐based 3D aerogels prove effective for absorption of ILs from aqueous biphasic systems and recovery with quite low water contents just through a single process of filtration. Moreover, the electrical conductivity of CNF‐based 3D aerogels is particularly interesting to treat highly viscous ILs because the Joule effect allows not only shortening of the absorption process but also enhancement of the flux rate when operating in flow‐through conditions.
Terahertz Beam Steering Technologies: From Phased Arrays to Field‐Programmable Metasurfaces
Authors: Fu Xiaojian , Yang Fei , Liu Chenxi , Wu Xiaojun , Cui Tie Jun
Published: August 2019

In past decades, terahertz radiation, which locates between microwave and far‐infrared light in the electromagnetic spectrum, has attracted more and more attention. Various passive and active components such as absorbers, filters, polarizers, and focusing lenses have been developed for manipulating terahertz radiation. With the further evolution of metamaterials and metasurfaces, unprecedented freedom is gained for flexibly controlling terahertz waves, including focusing, deflection, beam steering, polarization conversion, and generation of orbit angular momentum. Among them, terahertz beam steering has become the focus of considerable interest owing to its significance for wireless communication, high‐resolution imaging, and radar applications. In this paper, first the conventional terahertz beam steering technologies are reviewed, including mechanical scanning, phased array, frequency scanning antennas, and multibeam switching technology. Then, the reconfigurable metasurface routes based on semiconductor active components, phase transition materials, electrically tunable materials, and micro‐electromechanical technology are summarized and the respective performances for terahertz beam steering are discussed. Moreover, programmable metasurfaces with digitalized description of metasurfaces and real‐time manipulations of radiation patterns are also illustrated in detail. Finally, a summary of the present terahertz beam steering technologies is provided and an outlook for the future is discussed.
Ultrawideband Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering in Hybrid Graphene Fragmented‐Gold Substrates via Cold‐Etching
Authors: Wu Tingting , Li Kaiwei , Zhang Nan , Xia Juan , Zeng Qingsheng , Wen Xinglin , Dinish Unnimadhavakurup S. , Olivo Malini , Shen Zexiang , Liu Zheng , Xiong Qihua , Luo Yu , Maier Stefan A. , Wei Lei
Published: August 2019

Conventional surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates are well known for their supreme electromagnetic enhancements and ultrahigh sensitivity in detecting molecules at low concentrations. However, large‐area quasi‐uniform SERS substrates are difficult to achieve by standard top‐down nanofabrication techniques, resulting in fluctuant SERS responses and unwanted fluorescence interferences, which severely limit their performances in practical applications. To tackle these challenges, a large‐scale quasi‐uniform hybrid graphene fragmented‐gold substrate with stable and reproducible SERS readouts as well as large enhancement factors over an ultrawideband spectrum is developed. The hybrid substrate is fabricated via cold‐etching through a controllable break up of a thin gold film followed by a graphene transfer. The stimulated localized surface plasmons interact strongly with the graphene layer, leading to spectrally and spatially modified graphene‐mediated surface enhanced Raman scattering (GSERS) responses. The perfect monolayer graphene of the GSERS substrate prevents adsorbates from the atmosphere and direct contact between bonded molecules and gold, thus reducing the catalytic activity of gold and producing clean, stable, and reproducible molecular Raman signals. The easy‐fabricated hybrid GSERS substrate not only provides a powerful platform to collect robust molecular Raman spectra but also shows great potentials for future mass production of high‐performance nanophotonic devices.
Making Sense of Complex Carbon and Metal/Carbon Systems by Secondary Electron Hyperspectral Imaging
Authors: Abrams Kerry J. , Dapor Maurizio , Stehling Nicola , Azzolini Martina , Kyle Stephan J. , Schäfer Jan , Quade Antje , Mika Filip , Kratky Stanislav , Pokorna Zuzana , Konvalina Ivo , Mehta Danielle , Black Kate , Rodenburg Cornelia
Published: August 2019

Carbon and carbon/metal systems with a multitude of functionalities are ubiquitous in new technologies but understanding on the nanoscale remains elusive due to their affinity for interaction with their environment and limitations in available characterization techniques. This paper introduces a spectroscopic technique and demonstrates its capacity to reveal chemical variations of carbon. The effectiveness of this approach is validated experimentally through spatially averaging spectroscopic techniques and using Monte Carlo modeling. Characteristic spectra shapes and peak positions for varying contributions of sp2‐like or sp3‐like bond types and amorphous hydrogenated carbon are reported under circumstances which might be observed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surfaces as a result of air or electron beam exposure. The spectral features identified above are then used to identify the different forms of carbon present within the metallic films deposited from reactive organometallic inks. While spectra for metals is obtained in dedicated surface science instrumentation, the complex relations between carbon and metal species is only revealed by secondary electron (SE) spectroscopy and SE hyperspectral imaging obtained in a state‐of‐the‐art scanning electron microscope (SEM). This work reveals the inhomogeneous incorporation of carbon on the nanoscale but also uncovers a link between local orientation of metallic components and carbon form.
Modulation of Electronic Mobility of a One‐Dimensional Coordination Polymeric Molecular Wire with Light
Authors: Saha Monochura , Chatterjee Sheelbhadra , Hossain Munshi Sahid , Ghude Arijeet , Bandyopadhyay Subhajit
Published: August 2019

Metal ions often influence the photoswitching efficiency of a photochromic system. This article reports a one‐dimensional polymer having cyclic azobenzenes coordinated to silver ions that are bridged by nitrates. The coordination polymer (CP‐2) displays a photoresponsive behavior. The switching ability in the polymer form was faster compared to the parent azobenzene ligand without the metal ions. Azobenzenes are reported to be poorly conducting. Here, although the azobenzene ligand does not show significant electronic mobility, the coordination polymer (CP‐2) displays a modest conductivity. The conductance in the cis form of the polymer is significantly higher compared to the trans form. Upon exposure to visible light, the cis form undergoes photoisomerization to the trans form with a drastic drop in the electronic mobility. The trans form can be reverted to the cis form thermally or by using UV light. Thus, this system offers a reversible control of the conductivity using light.
Feuchtetechnisches Verhalten von Innendämmsystemen mit hohen Dämmstoffdicken
Authors: Worch Anatol , Stelzmann Mario
Published: August 2019

Bislang werden erhöhte Dämmstoffdicken einer Innendämmung mit einem erhöhten Tauwasserausfall in der Grenzschicht zwischen Dämmung und Außenwandkonstruktion in Verbindung gebracht. Der durch das Glaser‐Verfahren geprägte Blick auf die Wasserdampfdiffusion ist jedoch ein sehr eingeschränkter Ausschnitt auf die tatsächlich ablaufenden Feuchtespeicher‐ und Feuchtetransportphänomene in einem innengedämmten Außenbauteil. Ein über drei Jahre laufendes Monitoring verschiedener Innendämmsysteme hoher Schichtdicken widerlegt jedoch dieses Vorurteil. Im Falle eines ausreichenden Schlagregenschutzes konnte keine Kondensation innerhalb der Konstruktion nachgewiesen werden. Durch das unterschiedliche Verhalten der Dämmung und des Diffusionswiderstands bezüglich der Dämmstoffdicke als auch die bislang wenig berücksichtigte Speicherung von Wasserdampf in den Baustoffen führt zu einer möglichen Reduzierung des ausfallenden Kondensats. Höhere Dämmstandards bis hin zum Passivhausniveau erscheinen auch bei Innendämmungen möglich.
Thermische Behaglichkeit bei Temperaturübergängen
Authors: Flemming Daniela , Eitle Adrian , Park Sumee
Published: August 2019

In den letzten Jahrzehnten haben sich die Möglichkeiten zur gezielten Steuerung klimatischer Parameter in Innenräumen durch leistungsstarke Anlagentechnik deutlich erweitert. Auch wenn die meisten Räume natürlich gelüftet werden, sind der Regelung der Innenraumbedingungen technisch gesehen kaum noch Grenzen gesetzt. Gleichzeitig hat sich beispielsweise die Arbeitswelt stark geändert, Büros und andere Räume werden oft nur temporär genutzt und dabei auch noch geteilt. Die thermische Konditionierung der Innenräume hingegen orientiert sich aber immer noch an stationären Temperatursolllinien für die gesamte Betriebszeit. Für Konzepte zur dynamischen Steuerung und Regelung des Raumklimas fehlen gezielte wissenschaftliche Anhaltspunkte zur Bewertung der thermischen Behaglichkeit. Im Rahmen dieser Arbeit erfolgte eine Literaturstudie zu durchgeführten Probandenstudien bei Temperaturübergängen. Die Probandenstudien wurden deskriptiv beschrieben und miteinander verglichen, um aus der Gesamtheit dieser Studien Erkenntnisse hinsichtlich der thermischen Behaglichkeit unter diesen dynamischen Bedingungen zu gewinnen.
To be at the tail of the lions or the head of the foxes?
Authors: Avrahami Judith , Ezer Ayala , Güth Werner , Kardosh Nour , Kareev Yaakov , Zak Uri
Published: August 2019

Agents seeking an opportunity for profit often have to compete with others who pursue the same opportunity. When having to choose between a number of opportunities differing in their value and if individuals differ in their chances of outperforming others, the choice can be cognitively and emotionally demanding. We explore choice between opportunities using stylized Lions–Foxes games. In such a game, each of three players, with different odds of beating others, has to choose one of two contests that offer different rewards. After game theoretically analyzing the games, which we have experimentally employed, we report four experiments that vary in choice elicitation (repeated play or strategy method), in players' matching (random strangers or partners) and in rewards. Regarding contest choices, we found the choice of the higher value (and seemingly more prestigious) contest to be positively related to winning odds, contrary to what four out of the five (mixed, partially mixed, or pure) equilibria predict. Participants started out rather optimistic, with a large majority choosing the higher value option, but with experience, they approached the only viable of two pure strategy equilibria. Still, mixing continued via reacting to past play and outcome, apparently balancing dissatisfaction from choosing either contest.
Overview of Specifications to the ACMG/AMP Variant Interpretation Guidelines
Authors: Harrison Steven M. , Biesecker Leslie G. , Rehm Heidi L.
Published: August 2019

The 2015 ACMG/AMP guidelines established a classification system for sequence variants; however, the broad scope of these guidelines necessitates specification of evidence types for specific genes or diseases of interest. Since publication of the guidelines, both general use and disease‐focused specifications have emerged to aid in accurate application of ACMG/AMP evidence types. This article summarizes the approaches to, and rationale for, specifying three evidence categories (population frequency data, variant type and location, and case‐level data), including available resources and a quantitative framework that can inform the specification process. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Quantifying carbonate sediment mixing across a formational boundary, an example from the Late Pleistocene Miami Limestone
Authors: McNeill Donald F. , Pederson Chelsea , Brownlow Dustin , Klaus James S. , Blackwelder Patricia
Published: August 2019

Holocene marine sediment from proto‐Florida Bay has been eroded, suspended, transported landward and has infiltrated downward (to 1 m depth) to fill secondary pores in subaerially exposed Late Pleistocene limestone. Sediment mineralogy (up to 95% aragonite), sediment texture (mostly needle‐like, <15 µm), and bulk sediment stable‐isotope values (upward trend in δ18O from −1 to −3‰ and δ13C from 3.5 to −2‰) of infill sediment is used to document inter‐stratal movement of sediment ahead of marine transgression. Nearby Florida Bay probably supplied needle‐like aragonite crystals by a storm surge mechanism that transported sediment landward and perhaps sorted the marine mud fraction. Currently, the core site is covered by freshwater microbial lime mud with a texture different than most infill sediment. That sediment crosses a formational and sequence boundary can have several implications: microfossil displacement; sedimentologic interpretation of mixed mud and sand‐size grains; porosity and permeability reduction; and associated diagenesis with perched ground water. If sediment infiltration is recognized in core and thin section, these mud‐filled pores can aid in recognition of subaerial exposure. Stratigraphically, the occurrence of marine sediments landward of the shoreline and below freshwater deposits may be interpreted as the result of a rapid rise and fall of sea level.
Deposition of uniform carbon film on silicon substrate by chemical solution process
Authors: Hashimoto Yuichi , Suzumura Tatsuya
Published: August 2019

Uniform carbon film was grown on silicon substrate treated by low energy electron at temperature of 60° in the methanol solution. The treatment was carried out to modify the silicon surface by electron irradiation of 50 eV using electron‐beam‐excited plasma. From the results of Raman and X‐ray diffraction spectra, it was confirmed that the film is crystalline carbon containing small amounts of diamond component. The ID/IG ratio and work function of carbon film increased with increasing treatment time of the silicon substrate. The increases of ID/IG ratio and work function suggest that the carbon film had greater concentration of diamond component. On the other hand, the surface roughness and work function of the silicon substrate increased due to an increase of treatment time. The variations of physical and electronic properties are attributed to carbon deposition during the growth process.
Preparation of electrospun polycaprolactone nanofiber mats loaded with microalgal extracts
Authors: Cetmi Serife Dilara , Renkler Nergis Zeynep , Kose Ayse , Celik Cenk , Oncel Suphi S.
Published: August 2019

Sustainable, ecological, and biocompatible materials are emerging for the development of novel components for tissue engineering. Microalgae being one of the unique organisms on Earth to provide various novel compounds with certain bioactivities are also a good source for the development of novel tissue scaffold materials. In this study, electrospinning technique was utilized to fabricate nanofibers from polycaprolactone loaded with microalgal extracts obtained from Haematococcus pluvialis (vegetative and carotenoid producing form) and Chlorella vulgaris. The FTIR results showed that, blending microalgae with polycaprolactone give unique bands rooted from microalgae and polycaprolactone structure. The samples were not diversified from each other, however stable bands were observed. SEM analysis revealed a uniform fiber fabrication with an average diameter of 810 ± 55 nm independent from microalgal extracts. MTT assay was done on HUVEC cell lines and results showed that nanofiber mats helped cell proliferation with extended time. Biodegradation resulted with mineral accumulation on the surface of same samples however the fiber degradation was uniform. With slow but stable biodegradation characteristics, microalgal extract loaded nanofiber mats holds great potential to be novel tissue scaffold material.
A Stand‐Alone Module for Solar‐Driven H2 Production Coupled with Redox‐Mediated Sulfide Remediation
Authors: Obata Keisuke , Shinohara Yuuki , Tanabe Shinichi , Waki Ichitaro , Kotsovos Konstantinos , Ohkawa Kazuhiro , Takanabe Kazuhiro
Published: August 2019

Efficient electrochemical devices are required to convert electric power by intermittent renewable energy sources into a chemical form. The choice of combination in reduction–oxidation reactions can vary depending on the target, which provides different thermodynamics and kinetics. A promising approach for H2 production coupled with sulfide remediation is demonstrated to utilize the intermediate redox media. H2 is produced on the cathode, and soluble redox ions in a reduced form are oxidized on the anode. The ions are then transferred to a separate reactor to oxidize the sulfide ions via a homogeneous reaction, and the reduced redox ions are recirculated. A solar‐driven redox photovoltaic‐electrochemical (PV‐EC) system is operated as a stand‐alone module and is composed of Cu(In,Ga)(S,Se)2 (CIGS) PVs and EC cells in series and operated under natural solar irradiation. A unique EC cell is established in an aqueous‐phase membraneless configuration at ambient temperature, and a cathode is decorated with a semipermeable CrOx‐based nanomembrane. This allows for selective H2 evolution without causing Fe redox reduction. Remaining issues associated with the stability of the CrOx permselective layer on the cathode are also discussed, which are associated with the formation constant of a soluble metal complex in the presence of ligand counterions.
The discrepancies in energy balance in furnace testing, a bug or a feature?
Authors: Węgrzyński Wojciech , Turkowski Piotr , Roszkowski Paweł
Published: August 2019

The paper aims to explain the differences found in the heat release rate measurements in a large sample of standard fire tests (EN 1363‐1). A total of 379 tests of vertical assemblies was investigated, all performed in furnace SPARK of the ITB Fire Testing Laboratory, in 2015‐2018. The assemblies were subdivided into two groups—wall assemblies and fire‐rated doors. These assemblies were also compared with the results of the test of a wall built with aerated autoclaved concrete blocks that was considered as the benchmark test. It was observed that walls built with highly insulated sandwich panels require less heat to maintain standard thermal exposure conditions (20%‐30% less) than their counterparts built from gypsum plasterboard or aluminium and fire‐rated glass. In case of doors, it was observed that combustible samples required significantly less heat than the benchmark case (40%‐70% less), which indicates that the combustion of the sample inside of the furnace was an additional, significant source of heat release, that may skew the qualitative assessment of their performance in fire. A more in‐depth discussion of the results is provided, with some ideas on the direction of further developments in fire testing.
Theory of fully developed mixed convection including flow reversal: A nonlinear Boussinesq approximation approach
Authors: Jha Basant K. , Oni Michael O.
Published: August 2019

In this article, an exact solution is obtained to investigate the role of nonlinear Boussinesq approximation on mixed convection flow in a vertical channel subject to asymmetric wall heating. The nonlinear density variation with temperature (NDT) in the buoyancy term is introduced to the momentum equation and solved exactly by direct integration. During the course of graphical and numerical computations, results show that the role of NDT is to increase fluid velocity as well as skin‐friction while it reduces the rate of heat transfer. In addition, reverse flow formation at the walls is increased due to the inclusion of NDT (nonlinear Boussinesq approximation).
Assessment of the Risks of the Major Use Antibiotics in China's Surface Waters Using a Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Li Qi , Cheng Bo , Liu Shan , Zhang Yibo , Zhou Li , Guo Jiahua
Published: August 2019

The occurrence of antibiotics in China's surface waters is an emerging concern. Although the ecological risk assessment for a small number of antibiotics is available in some regions, no attempt has been made to assess their risks at a national scale. The present work therefore proposed a probabilistic approach to characterize the ecological risks of 26 major use antibiotics, including sulfonamides, tetracyclines, beta-lactams, fluoroquinolones, and macrolides, in China's surface waters. Initially we performed exposure and hazard assessment for these substances by synthesizing and interpreting the available occurrence and ecotoxicity data. For 22 antibiotics with sufficient ecotoxicity data, we assessed their risks by constructing joint probability curves (JPCs), from which their expected ecological risk (EER) estimates were less than 1%; for all the 26 antibiotics, in conjunction with the exposure distribution curves (EDCs), an assessment factor (AF) approach was applied and the potential risks were only detected for amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, and penicillin with risk quotients (RQs) of 1.04, 1.54, and 5.83, respectively. These results indicated that the ecological risks of most major use antibiotics posed to nontarget organisms in China's aquatic environment seem to be low. Nevertheless, there are large uncertainties in the risk characterization processes, likely because of the significant data gaps in the understanding of exposure and hazards of these antibiotics. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2019;00:1–10. © 2019 SETAC
Modifying Crystallinity, Morphology, and Photophysical Properties of Carbon Nitride by Using Crystals as Reactants
Authors: Azoulay Adi , Barrio Jesús , Shalom Menny
Published: August 2019

Here we show a general method to improve the crystallinity of carbon nitride nanosheets by using melamine crystals as reactants for the high temperature synthesis. Additionally, the crystals were calcined in a sealed ampoule, which provides a pressurized environment, yielding crystalline carbon nitride nanosheets that display altered morphology and photophysical properties compared to the reference materials. Electronic microscopy, optical and photoelectrochemical measurements prove the modifications of parameters such like band structure, charge recombination or inter‐layer distance. The new growth strategy presented here opens many opportunities for the design of crystalline materials with tailored properties for different applications.
Synthesis of La2(C2O4)3 nanoprisms decorated with Fe3O4@m(ZrO2‐CeO2) nanospheres and their application for effective fluoride removal
Authors: Wang Tao , Chen Pinghua , Li Menglin , Luo Xubiao , Liu Lingling , Zeng Guisheng , Jiang Jianyuan , Huang Keyi , Xu Xueyuan , Li Songjun , Jiang Hualin
Published: August 2019

BACKGROUND

Composites of defluoridation adsorbents based on rare earths have attracted increasing interest recently, but most of them were amorphous. The main reason for this situation is that morphology control has not been paid enough attention, because the related preparation methods are relatively sparse. Consequently, novel preparation methods are urgently needed.

RESULTS

In this study, a novel La‐Zr‐Ce tri‐metal adsorbent with regular morphology was facilely synthesized. There were two morphological shapes in the composite. Nanoprisms of La2(C2O4)3 were decorated with mesoporous nanospheres of Fe3O4@m(ZrO2‐CeO2). The samples were investigated by energy‐dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Several affecting factors such as initial fluoride concentration, contact time, coexisting anions and pH were studied in detail. The balance data were analyzed by Langmuir, Freundlich and Langmuir–Freundlich isotherm models. The nanocomposite had a maximum sorption capacity of 117.3 mg g−1 toward fluoride, which is among the highest ever reported for fluoride adsorbents. Furthermore, it had a wide applicable pH range of 2–10 and high anti‐interference ability. The different functions of La2(C2O4)3 nanoprisms and Fe3O4@m(ZrO2‐CeO2) nanospheres in the composite have been elucidated. These two components were found to synergistically improve F− adsorption performance via their individual merits.

CONCLUSION

The adsorbent had high potential to treat F− contaminants in real application, and the method reported here is considered to be helpful for developing more highly effective adsorbents. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Frontline Science: Escherichia coli use LPS as decoy to impair neutrophil chemotaxis and defeat antimicrobial host defense
Authors: Kondo Yutaka , Ledderose Carola , Slubowski Christian J , Fakhari Mahtab , Sumi Yuka , Sueyoshi Koichiro , Bezler Ann-Katrin , Aytan Dilan , Arbab Mona , Junger Wolfgang G
Published: August 2019

Bacterial infections and sepsis are leading causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Currently, there are no effective treatments available to improve clinical outcome in sepsis. Here, we elucidated a mechanism by which Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria impair neutrophil (PMN) chemotaxis and we studied whether this mechanism can be therapeutically targeted to improve chemotaxis and antimicrobial host defense. PMNs detect bacteria with formyl peptide receptors (FPR). FPR stimulation triggers mitochondrial ATP production and release. Autocrine stimulation of purinergic receptors exerts excitatory and inhibitory downstream signals that induce cell polarization and cell shape changes needed for chemotaxis. Here we show that the bacterial cell wall product LPS dose-dependently impairs PMN chemotaxis. Exposure of human PMNs to LPS triggered excessive mitochondrial ATP production and disorganized intracellular trafficking of mitochondria, resulting in global ATP release that disrupted purinergic signaling, cell polarization, and chemotaxis. In mice infected i.p. with E. coli, LPS treatment increased the spread of bacteria at the infection site and throughout the systemic circulation. Removal of excessive systemic ATP with apyrase improved chemotaxis of LPS-treated human PMNs in vitro and enhanced the clearance of E. coli in infected and LPS-treated mice. We conclude that systemic ATP accumulation in response to LPS is a potential therapeutic target to restore PMN chemotaxis and to boost the antimicrobial host immune defense in sepsis.
Phosphoinositide-3 kinase gamma regulates caspase-1 activation and leukocyte recruitment in acute murine gout
Authors: Tavares Lívia D , Galvão Izabela , Costa Vivian V , Batista Nathalia V , Rossi Lívia C R , Brito Camila B , Reis Alesandra C , Queiroz-Junior Celso M , Braga Amanda D , Coelho Fernanda M , Dias Ana C , Zamboni Dario S , Pinho Vanessa , Teixeira Mauro M , Amaral Flávio A , Souza Daniele G
Published: August 2019

This study investigates the participation of PI3Kγ in the development of joint inflammation and dysfunction in an experimental model of acute gout in mice. Acute gout was induced by injection of monosodium urate (MSU) crystals into the tibiofemoral joint of mice. The involvement of PI3Kγ was evaluated using a selective inhibitor and mice deficient for PI3Kγ (PI3Kγ−/−) or with loss of kinase activity. Neutrophils recovered from the inflamed joint were quantified and stained for phosphorylated Akt (pAkt) and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). The adherence of leukocytes to the joint microvasculature was assessed by intravital microscopy and cleaved caspase-1 by Western blot. Injection of MSU crystals induced massive accumulation of neutrophils expressing phosphorylated Akt. In the absence of PI3Kγ, there was reduction of pAkt expression, chemokine production, and neutrophil recruitment. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of PI3Kγ reduced the adherence of leukocytes to the joint microvasculature, even in joints with established inflammation. Neutrophils from PI3Kγ−/− mice produced less ROS than wild-type neutrophils. There was decreased joint damage and dysfunction in the absence of PI3Kγ. In addition, in the absence of PI3Kγ activity, there was reduction of cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β production in synovial tissue after injection of MSU crystals and leukotriene B4. Our studies suggest that PI3Kγ is crucial for MSU crystal–induced acute joint inflammation. It is necessary for regulating caspase-1 activation and for mediating neutrophil migration and activation. Drugs that impair PI3Kγ function may be useful to control acute gout inflammation.
Temporal and spatial variability of elevated inversions over Europe based on ERA‐Interim reanalysis
Authors: Palarz Angelika , Celiński‐Mysław Daniel , Ustrnul Zbigniew
Published: August 2019

Tropospheric temperature inversions are thought to be an important feature of climate as well as a significant factor affecting air quality and low‐level cloud formation. The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal and spatial variability of the tropospheric temperature inversions, in particular so‐called elevated inversions, over Europe. The analysis is based on data gained from ERA‐Interim reanalysis for the period 1981–2015. The data consist of air temperature, and geopotential height from the entire vertical cross‐section of the troposphere, that is, from 1,000 to 100 hPa. The study examines the temporal (intra‐ and inter‐annual) variability of the temperature inversions based on their frequency, base height, depth, and strength. The analysis conducted revealed that the temperature inversions are a common phenomenon occurring in the lower troposphere. Their temporal and spatial variability is, however, determined by the inversion type. Surface‐based inversions (SBI) indicate a clear diurnal cycle, while the day–night variability of elevated inversions (EI) is far less pronounced. Two main regions of the most frequent EI occurrence may be distinguished. These are: (a) a marine area west of the Iberian Peninsula and (b) Eastern Europe. Both of them are located in areas which are under the influence of extensive high‐pressure systems—the permanent Azores High and semipermanent Siberian High, respectively. The development of EI should be therefore attributed to the large‐scale subsidence and adiabatic heating of air parcels. EI are also quite common over the other parts of the Atlantic Ocean, which is closely linked to the development of marine inversions. SBI tend to be stronger than EI—the mean seasonal inversion strength is usually substantially higher for SBI. In turn, EI reach higher values of the mean seasonal inversion depth as compared with SBI.
Clinical evaluation of a newly developed chairside test to determine periodontal pathogens
Authors: Arweiler Nicole B. , Marx Vanessa K. , Laugisch Oliver , Sculean Anton , Auschill Thorsten M.
Published: August 2019

Background

The subgingival microbiota as well as determination of markers such as associated pathogens is still in the focus of dental research. The aim of this controlled clinical trial was to determine clinical applicability of a newly developed chairside bacterial test (CST) for the most relevant periodontal pathogens.

Methods

Within 125 participants (100 with periodontitis, 25 healthy) two sulcus fluid samples each were collected and pooled for further analysis. Samples were analyzed with CST and results (positive signals for every pathogen/control) were visually detected by eye. As a reference quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was performed.

Results

The detection limit of CST revealed 1.2 × 104 for Treponema denticola (T.d.) and Tannerella forsythia (T.f.), 2.5 × 104 for Porphyromonas gingivalis (P.g.), 5.3 × 103 for Prevotella intermedia (P.i.), and 5.8 × 104 for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.). Based on this maximum potential of positive detections, the sensitivities of CST in reference to qPCR were: T.d. (91.3%); T.f. (86.3%); P.g. (83.8%); P.i. (85.7%), and A.a. (100%). In regard to the clinical diagnosis, the CST assay and the qPCR method reached a sensitivity of 87.82% and 94%, respectively. The specificity for both methods was 100%.

Conclusion

This newly developed CST can detect five typical periodontal pathogens with a somewhat lower sensitivity towards qPCR that can be classified as “good.”
The Hong Kong Survey on the Epidemiology of Trauma Exposure and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Wu Kitty K. , Leung Patrick W. L. , Wong Corine S. M. , Yu Philippa M. W. , Luk Betty T. C. , Cheng Jamie P. K. , Wong Rose M. F. , Wong Patsy P. S. , Lui Joey C. C. , Ngan Jeanie C. F. , Leung Flora L. T. , Lam Linda C. W.
Published: August 2019

This study examined the epidemiology of trauma exposure (TE) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among community‐dwelling Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Multistage stratification sampling design was used, and 5,377 participants were included. In Phase 1, TE, probable PTSD (p‐PTSD), and psychiatric comorbid conditions were examined. In Phase 2, the Structured Clinical Interview for the DSM‐IV (SCID‐I) was used to determine the weighted diagnostic prevalence of lifetime full PTSD. Disability level and health service utilization were studied. The findings showed that the weighted prevalence of TE was 64.8%, and increased to 88.7% when indirect TE types were included, with transportation accidents (50.8%) reported as the most common TE. The prevalence of current p‐PTSD among participants with TE was 2.9%. Results of logistic regression suggested that nine specific trauma types were significantly associated with p‐PTSD; among this group, severe human suffering, sexual assault, unwanted or uncomfortable sexual experience, captivity, and sudden and violent death carried the greatest risks for developing PTSD, odds ratio (OR) = 2.32–2.69. The occurrence of p‐PTSD was associated with more mental health burdens, including (a) sixfold higher rates for any past‐week common mental disorder, OR = 28.4, (b) more mental health service utilization, p < .001, (c) poorer mental health indexes in level of symptomatology, suicide ideation and functioning, p < .001, and (d) more disability, ps < .001–p = .014. The associations found among TE, PTSD, and health service utilization suggest that both TE and PTSD should be considered public health concerns.
Does Thyroid Gland Preserving Total Laryngectomy Affect Oncological Control in Laryngeal Carcinoma?
Authors: McGuire Jessica K. , Viljoen Gerrit , Rocke John , Fitzpatrick Siobhan , Dalvie Sameera , Fagan Johannes J.
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Thyroid lobectomy is recommended with total laryngectomy in the National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. However, it is associated with a 32% to 89% risk of hypothyroidism, which is a problem for patients without access to thyroid hormone monitoring and replacement. A number of studies have reported a low incidence of thyroid gland involvement and recommended preserving the thyroid gland in favorable cases. Yet there are no studies that report whether thyroid preserving laryngectomy for laryngeal cancer adversely affects oncologic outcomes compared to patients who have undergone thyroid lobectomy.

Objectives

To determine whether patients who underwent thyroid gland preserving laryngectomy had higher local recurrence rates or poorer disease‐free survival.

Method

A retrospective folder review of patients who underwent a total laryngectomy over a 12‐year period was conducted. Local recurrence and disease‐free survival were determined for patients who had both their thyroid lobes preserved and compared with those who had a thyroid lobectomy.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients had thyroid preserving laryngectomy and 73 patients had a thyroid lobectomy. The duration of follow‐up was 18 to 132 months (median, 30; IQR, 30). There was no significant difference in local recurrence rates (P = .76) or survival curves between the two groups.

Conclusion

Thyroid preserving laryngectomy in selected patients with advanced laryngeal carcinoma does not increase local recurrence rates, nor does it negatively affect disease‐free survival. Thyroid preservation is appropriate when intraoperative inspection of the larynx shows no extralaryngeal extension or when paratracheal nodal metastases are not a concern.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 130:1465–1469, 2020