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The residual structure of the inner part of the Yeongsan River estuary has been reported to be a multi‐layer vertical structure, unlike the two‐layer vertical structure of a typical estuary, due to irregular freshwater discharge. The inner estuary has a main channel connected to the open sea, and a bifurcated channel system (sub‐channel) in its central part, which can affect the residual current. In this study, field observations of three‐dimensional velocity and salinity were conducted to understand the discharge effects on the residual current at bifurcated channels. The residual flows were estimated using least‐squares harmonic analysis. The relative contributions of advection acceleration and friction terms to nonlinear effects were evaluated using along‐channel momentum balance. In the absence of freshwater discharge, the flow patterns were dominated by tidal dynamics in the sub‐channel rather than the main channel, whereas most flow patterns during freshwater discharge were dominated by near‐surface strong velocity in the main channel. A multi‐layer vertical residual structure was observed during the non‐discharge period in the main channel, which was caused by the insertion of upstream residual flow from the sub‐channel. Nonlinear effects occurred at the bifurcation point of the two channels. During the non‐discharge period, the advection term was most dominant, whereas the vertical friction term was dominant during the discharge period. Moreover, the magnitude of the horizontal friction term was larger than that of the advection term. Therefore, freshwater discharge can lead to an increase in the friction term, which in turn can markedly affect the residual circulation. Plain Language Summary: Residual circulation is a common and influential process in the major estuaries and coastal regions of the world, and understanding this is of great significance with respect to marine material transport, water quality, and ecological processes. The tidal propagation and residual flow patterns through the bifurcated narrow channel of the inner part of the Yeongsan River estuary are connected to the center of the main channel, which can significantly contribute to the formation of a vertical residual flow structure. Residual circulation shows a noticeable change due to the strong flow caused by the freshwater discharge from the estuary dam. Nonlinear effects occurred largely at the bifurcation point of the two channels, and in this regard, the major mechanisms of residual circulation differed between the two channels. Channel bifurcations are artificially or naturally formed along various coasts, and our research results provide a good example of identifying the causes of environmental changes. Key Points: Multi‐layer vertical residual structure is due to induction of upstream residual flow from a narrow bifurcated channelNonlinear effects occur at the bifurcation point of the channelsThe advection term dominated during non‐discharge periods, whereas the vertical friction term dominated during discharge periods [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InAs quantum dashes (Qdash) engineered to emit near 2 μm are envisioned to be promising quantum emitters for next-generation technologies in sensing and communications. In this study, we explore the effect of punctuated growth (PG) on the structure and optical properties of InP-based InAs Qdashes emitting near the 2-μm wavelength. Morphological analysis revealed that PG led to an improvement in in-plane size uniformity and increases in average height and height distribution. A 2 × boost in photoluminescence intensity was observed, which we attribute to improved lateral dimensions and structural stabilization. PG encouraged formation of taller Qdashes while photoluminescence measurements revealed a blue-shift in the peak wavelength. We proposed that the blue-shift originates from the thinner quantum well cap and decreased distance between the Qdash and InAlGaAs barrier. This study on the punctuated growth of large InAs Qdashes is a step toward realizing bright, tunable, and broadband sources for 2-μm communications, spectroscopy, and sensing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The interstitial environment of sandy bottoms is an enigmatic habitat that forms unique ecosystems containing significant numbers of biodiversity. One of the lesser known marine invertebrate that inhabit this environment are sea cucumbers. The relative scarcity and lack of attention paid on these species have been the main obstacles to research and hence, knowledge of their taxonomy, biology, and ecology is limited. Thus, this review attempts to summarize the up-to-date overview of available knowledge on the diversity, distribution and the biology of interstitial sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interstitial environment of sandy bottoms is an enigmatic habitat that forms unique ecosystems containing significant numbers of biodiversity. One of the lesser known marine invertebrate that inhabit this environment are sea cucumbers. The relative scarcity and lack of attention paid on these species have been the main obstacles to research and hence, knowledge of their taxonomy, biology, and ecology is limited. Thus, this review attempts to summarize the up-to-date overview of available knowledge on the diversity, distribution and the biology of interstitial sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interstitial environment of sandy bottoms is an enigmatic habitat that forms unique ecosystems containing significant numbers of biodiversity. One of the lesser known marine invertebrate that inhabit this environment are sea cucumbers. The relative scarcity and lack of attention paid on these species have been the main obstacles to research and hence, knowledge of their taxonomy, biology, and ecology is limited. Thus, this review attempts to summarize the up-to-date overview of available knowledge on the diversity, distribution and the biology of interstitial sea cucumbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine the role of vicinal surface steps in the formation and propagation of twins during the growth of epitaxial III-V thin films (GaAs, InP, GaSb, AlSb) on silicon substrates. This is achieved through the combined use of two-dimensional X-ray diffraction and conventional transmission electron microscopy techniques, which allow for both a macro and nano/micro characterization of the material systems. Observed is a systematic suppression of twins formed opposite to the tilt direction of vicinal substrates through a process of step-flow overgrowth of nucleated twins, and an enhancement of twins toward the tilt direction when the fastest growth planes are aligned with the step-flow. These results indicate a probable path to the enhancement of the electronic mobility of lateral devices based on III-V semiconductors on silicon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrostatic levitation holds great promise for the semiconductor, solar panel, and flat-panel display industry where the handling of dielectrics in a contact-free manner can bring many advantages and solve long-standing contamination and particulate control problems. In this work an analytical model is developed for the electrostatic levitation field between a lossy dielectric plate and a generic stator electrode structure consisting of a regular planar array of parallel bar electrodes. Time-varying voltages of differing polarities are alternatingly applied to the bar electrodes. Atmospheric humidity-related surface conduction on the plate is explicitly taken into account in the model since it has a profound effect on the field dynamics. Based on this model, the electrostatic levitation force is calculated using the Maxwell stress tensor formulation. The levitation force dynamics are investigated by evaluating the transient response of the field under a step in the applied voltages. In this context, the rate of electric charge build up on the plate is characterized by the suspension initiation time (TSI), which is defined as the time elapsed between applying step voltages to the stator electrodes and start of lift-off of the dielectric plate from its initial position. TSI is theoretically predicted for 0.7 mm thick soda-lime glass substrates, typically used in the manufacturing of liquid crystal displays (LCDs), as a function of electrode geometry, air gap separation, ambient humidity, and step voltage magnitudes. The predicted results are shown to be in good agreement with previously published experimental data for soda-lime glass substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A series of compounds, CaBi4Ti4O15 (CBT), SrBi4Ti4O15 (SBT), and BaBi4Ti4O15 (BBT), belonging to the Aurivillus-type structure (four layers) has been prepared by a modified chemical route. Different oxalates were precipitated from their respective nitrate solution onto the surface of TiO2 powders. The room temperature x-ray diffraction study reveled that the compounds were having orthorhombic symmetry. Considering the tolerance factor, a significant deformation of the perovskite block is observed and that decreases with increase in ionic radius of A site atom. Temperature dependent dielectric study showed normal ferroelectric to paraelectric transition well above the room temperature except for BBT. The BBT ceramic showed a relaxorlike behavior near phase transition. The quantitative characterization and comparison of relaxor behavior were based on empirical parameters γ and ΔTres. The dielectric relaxation rate follows the Vogel–Fulcher relation with activation energy=0.02 eV and freezing temperature=362 °C. All these measurements confirmed its relaxorlike phase transition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Anthropogenic climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of extreme weather events (e.g. flooding, heat waves, and wildfires). As a result, it is often reasoned that as more individuals experience unusual weather patterns that are consistent with changing climate conditions, the more their concern about global warming will increase, and the more motivated they will become to respond and address the problem effectively. Social science research evaluating the relationships between personal experiences with and risk perceptions of climate change, however, show mixed results. Here, we analyze a representative statewide survey of Floridians and compare their risk perceptions of five-year trends in climate change with local weather station data from the five years preceding the survey. The results show that Floridians are unable to detect five-year increases in temperature, but some can detect changes in precipitation. Despite an inability to detect the correct direction of change, respondents were significantly more likely than not to correctly identify the season in which most change occurred. Nevertheless, compared to local experience, risk perceptions of climate change were more strongly predicted by subjective experiences of environmental change, personal beliefs about climate change, and political ideology. Results from the study suggest that long-term changes in climate patterns and extreme weather events need to be interpreted by weather and climate experts within the context of climate change; individuals cannot be expected to detect or comprehend such complex linkages directly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: For in vitro fertilization, the optimal number of blastocysts to transfer according to blastocyst grade has not been well established, especially with respect to vitrified‐warmed blastocyst transfer (VBT) in women aged over 35 years. This study aimed to compare the pregnancy and neonatal outcomes for three different VBT methods with variable numbers and qualities of blastocysts in women aged over 35 years. Methods: All VBT cycles were categorized into three groups according to blastocyst grade: GG (two good‐quality blastocysts transferred), GP (one good‐quality blastocyst transferred with one of poor quality) and GS (one good‐quality blastocyst transferred). Blastocysts graded greater than or equal to 3BB were considered good quality. We conducted three 1:1 propensity score‐matched analyses (GG vs GS, GP vs GS and GG vs GP) to compare the clinical pregnancy rate (CPR), live birth rate (LBR), multiple pregnancy rate (MPR), preterm birth rate and low birthweight rate. Results: Compared to GS, GG had higher CPR and LBR; however, MPR was also higher with GG. There were no significant differences, except implantation rate and MPR between GP and GS. Although implantation rate and CPR with GG were higher than those with GP, there were no significant differences in LBR and MPR. Conclusion: To reduce high MPR after double blastocyst transfer methods, single good‐quality blastocyst transfers are recommended in the VBT of women aged over 35 years. Transferring a good blastocyst with a poor one should be avoided because it confers no advantage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to determine the effects of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria Bacillus subtilis JS on the growth and physiological changes of Populus euramericana and Populus deltoides × P. nigra. Poplar seedlings were treated with B. subtilis JS and their growth was monitored for up to 120 d. Three different types of treatments [control, B1 (B. subtilis:double-distilled water, 1:100, v/v), and B2 (1:50)] were established. B. subtilis JS enhanced seedling height by 62% and total biomass by 37% after 120 d. Physiologically, the photosynthetic rate increased by 54%, and the total chlorophyll (Chl) content, foliage nitrogen and phosphate content were significantly higher after treatment with B2 than that of the control. These results suggest that the total Chl content is directly related to not only the photosynthetic capacity of the foliage but also to the nitrogen content, indicating that the strain JS may promote the growth of poplar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer cells exhibit enhanced lactate production to satisfy biosynthetic adenosine triphosphate requirements and also supply ribose 5‐phosphate (R5P) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). Yet, little is known about the mechanism by which glycolytic flux is diverted to PPP to fulfill the increased demand for anabolic precursors and reducing equivalents. Here we show, using a 13C‐labeling methodology quantifying glycolysis and the PPP metabolism, that hypoxic cancer cells not only increase net glycolytic flux but also activate the exchange fluxes catalyzed by aldolase and transaldolase. The increased carbon exchange in the upward direction promotes the supplementation of R5P through the nonoxidative PPP and essentially controls the anaplerosis of upper glycolytic metabolites consumed for biosynthesis. This cascade of events is regulated by glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase which plays a critical role in diverting metabolites for the synthesis of nucleotide precursors and thus acts as a limiting enzyme under hypoxia. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 64: 4289–4296, 2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article reports on the effect of inflation in economic growth. Research has focused on whether or not the impact of inflation on economic growth is positive or negative. One view is called a structuralist view where economists believe that inflation has a positive effect on growth and this is based on the contention that inflation is a mechanism which induces forced savings. When the government of a developing country finds that their fiscal system is inadequate they may begin borrowing from the central bank to finance their spending and this creates inflationary finance that increases capital movements.

In this Letter, the authors investigate the electrical characteristics of amorphous indium‐tin‐gallium‐zinc‐oxide (a‐ITGZO) thin‐film transistors (TFTs) under positive gate bias stress (PBS). An as‐prepared a‐ITGZO TFT exhibits a mobility of 26.05 cm2/V⋅s, subthreshold swing of 183 mV, threshold voltage of −0.33 V, and on/off ratio of 1.34 × 108. These electrical characteristics deteriorate upon the application of PBS. The proposed experiments and simulations reveal that this deterioration can be attributed to the increase in the density of acceptor‐like conduction band‐tail states and donor‐like Gaussian states within the bandgap of the a‐ITGZO channel material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: We aimed to characterize proliferative verrucous leukoplakia (PVL) from a clinical and histopathological standpoint and suggest an updated classification. Subjects and Methods: Records of patients seen at three oral medicine centers with a clinical diagnosis of PVL were reviewed for clinical and histopathological features and malignant transformation (MT). Results: There were 42 patients (median age: 69 years [range: 36–88]; 35 females). 12.2% were current smokers. Family history of cancer was present in 43.7% of patients. Partial demarcation of lesion margins was present in 31.3% of lesions, followed by verrucous (27.5%), smooth (22.7%) erythematous (22.3%), and fissured (18.3%) appearance. Large and contiguous and multisite and non‐contiguous lesions comprised 57.1% (24/42) and 35.7% (15/42) of PVL cases, respectively. 19.1% had prominent erythema (erythroleukoplakia). The most common histopathological diagnosis at first visit was hyperkeratosis without dysplasia (22/42; 56.4%). MT occurred in 71.4% patients after a median of 37 months [range: 1–210] from initial visit; erythroleukoplakia exhibited MT in 100% of cases. Conclusion: The generic term “proliferative leukoplakia (PL)” may be more appropriate than PVL because 18.3% were fissured and 22.7% erythematous. We also propose the term proliferative erythroleukoplakia to more accurately describe the subset of PL with prominent erythema, which had the highest MT rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To characterize the immunohistopathological features of oral chronic graft‐versus‐host disease (cGVHD), and the impact of topical immunomodulatory therapy on the infiltrating cells. Material and Methods: Paired oral cGVHD biopsies obtained before (n = 12) and 1 month after treatment (n = 12) with topical dexamethasone (n = 8) or tacrolimus (n = 4) were characterized by immunohistochemistry using a panel of CD1a, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD20, CD31, CD62E, CD103, CD163, c‐kit, and FoxP3. Controls included acute GVHD (aGVHD; n = 3), oral lichen planus (OLP; n = 5), and normal tissues (n = 5). Results: Oral cGVHD specimens prior to treatment were mainly characterized by basal cell squamatization, lichenoid inflammation, sclerosis, apoptosis, and lymphocytic exocytosis. The infiltrating cells in oral cGVHD primarily consisted of CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CD103+, CD163+, and FoxP3+ cells, which were higher than in normal tissues. Topical dexamethasone or tacrolimus reduced neutrophilic exocytosis, basal cell squamatization, and lichenoid inflammation in oral cGVHD, and dexamethasone reduced the number of CD4+ and CD103+ cells. Conclusion: The high expression of CD3, CD4, CD8, CD103, CD163, and FoxP3 confirms that oral cGVHD is largely T‐cell‐driven with macrophage participation. The impact of topical immunomodulatory therapy was variable, reducing histological inflammatory features, but with a weak clinicopathological correlation. Topical dexamethasone reduced the expression of CD4 and CD103, which may offer novel therapeutic targets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report the electrical transport properties of graphene for dilute alkali metal decoration (n~2×1012 cm-2) at cryogenic temperatures. Upon deposition of K and Li atoms at T=20 K, graphene devices are doped with electrons, and the charge carrier mobility is decreased. As temperature is increased, the number of electrons donated to the graphene and the number of charged scatterers are reduced, and the mobility of the metal decorated graphene is increased. This differs from the typical temperature-dependent transport in undecorated graphene, where the mobility decreases with increasing temperature. To investigate the kinetic behavior of adatoms on graphene, we estimate the hopping time of the Li and K adatoms on graphene based on the migration barrier in the low concentration regime of the metal adatoms by Density Functional Theory calculations. The calculations reveal that these adatoms are mobile even at cryogenic temperatures and become more mobile with increasing temperature, allowing for cluster formation of adatoms. This indicates that the dominant factor in the electron transport on warming is a cluster formation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ban and restriction on the use of several synthetic chemicals for controlling plant parasitic nematodes, and concern about their side effects necessitate the availability of effective methods of control with low toxicity to humans and non-target organisms. Therefore, efficacy and mode of action of iprodione, a dicarboximide fungicide, was evaluated against the root-knot nematode Meloidogyne incognita, in vitro and in vivo conditions, in comparison with the nematicides fenamiphos, fosthiazate and oxamyl at 7.00, 1.66 and 1.66 mL/5 L water, respectively. In vitro, iprodione showed nematostatic rather than nematicidal activity against second-stage juveniles of M. incognita in contrast to fenamiphos, fosthiazate and oxamyl which were nematicidal. In the in vivo experiment with tomato, iprodione controlled M. incognita less than fenamiphos, fosthiazate and oxamyl. No visual symptoms of phytotoxicity were observed. Therefore, iprodione can be a useful chemical for controlling nematode populations if included in an Integrated Pest Management program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endophytic fungi have a great influence on plant health and growth, and are an important source of bioactive natural compounds. Organic extracts obtained from the culture filtrate of an endophytic strain of Talaromyces pinophilus isolated from strawberry tree (Arbutus unedo) were studied. Metabolomic analysis revealed the presence of three bioactive metabolites, the siderophore ferrirubin, the platelet-aggregation inhibitor herquline B and the antibiotic 3-O-methylfunicone. The latter was the major metabolite produced by this strain and displayed toxic effects against the pea aphid Acyrthosiphon pisum (Homoptera Aphidiidae). This toxicity represents an additional indication that the widespread endophytic occurrence of T. pinophilus may be related to a possible role in defensive mutualism. Moreover, the toxic activity on aphids could promote further study on 3-O-methylfunicone, or its derivatives, as an alternative to synthetic chemicals in agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Few studies have compared oral mucous membrane pemphigoid ( MMP) and pemphigus vulgaris ( PV). Descriptive analysis of oral features, extent of extra-oral involvement, and management outcomes were performed. Subjects and Methods Patients with PV and MMP, the latter with exclusive oral involvement at first presentation, were included. Results There were 26 MMP (46%) and 31 PV (54%) patients. Desquamative gingivitis was evident in 84% of MMP cases compared to 28% of PV cases ( P < 0.05). Non-gingival lesions were noted in 6% of MMP cases compared to 55% of PV cases ( P < 0.01). Management of MMP consisted of only topical corticosteroids in 88% of cases while 12% of cases required concomitant systemic therapy. All PV cases (100%) required systemic therapy. No patients with MMP developed scarring or ocular lesions, and one patient (4%) developed cutaneous lesions. Five PV cases (16%) had oral cavity involvement only with three (60%) developing pharyngeal involvement and two (40%) developing cutaneous lesions on follow-up. Conclusion Oral MMP presents primarily as desquamative gingivitis, infrequently involving extragingival sites, and is highly amenable to topical therapy, while PV is a systemic mucocutaneous disease with extensive non-gingival oral lesions that almost always requires systemic therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim To investigate the effect of simvastatin on lipopolysaccharide ( LPS)-stimulated inflammatory cytokines, cell adhesion molecules and nuclear factor-κB ( NF-κB) transcription factors in human dental pulp cells ( HDPCs). Methodology The effect of LPS and simvastatin on human dental pulp cell ( HDPCs) viability was measured using a 3-[4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2, 5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide ( MTT) assay. The expression of inflammatory cytokines and cell adhesion molecules was evaluated by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction ( RT- PCR), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay ( ELISA) and Western blot analysis. NF-κB transcription factors were evaluated by Western blot analysis. Statistical analysis was performed with analysis of variance ( anova). Results The viability of cells exposed to different concentrations of E. coli LPS, P. gingivalis LPS and simvastatin was not significantly different compared with that of control cells ( P > 0.05). LPS significantly increased interleukin ( IL)-1β ( P < 0.05) and IL-6 mRNA expression ( P < 0.05) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 ( VCAM-1) ( P < 0.05) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 ( ICAM-1) protein expression ( P < 0.05) in HDPCs. Treatment with simvastatin significantly attenuated LPS-stimulated production of IL-1β, IL-6, VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 ( P < 0.05). Treatment with simvastatin decreased LPS-induced expression of p65 and phosphorylation of IκB and also significantly decreased the phosphorylation of p65 and IκB in the cytoplasm and the level of p65 in the nucleus ( P < 0.05). Conclusions Simvastatin has a suppressing effect on LPS-induced inflammatory cytokine, cell adhesion molecules and NF-κB transcription factors in HDPCs. Therefore, simvastatin might be a useful candidate as a pulp-capping agent in vital pulp therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Exposures during the prenatal period may have lasting effects on maternal and child health outcomes. To better understand the effects of the in utero environment on children's short- and long-term health, large representative pregnancy cohorts with comprehensive information on a broad range of environmental influences (including biological and behavioral) and the ability to link to prenatal, child and maternal health outcomes are needed. The Research Program on Genes, Environment and Health (RPGEH) pregnancy cohort at Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) was established to create a resource for conducting research to better understand factors influencing women's and children's health. Recruitment is integrated into routine clinical prenatal care at KPNC, an integrated health care delivery system. We detail the study design, data collection, and methodologies for establishing this cohort. We also describe the baseline characteristics and the cohort's representativeness of the underlying pregnant population in KPNC. Methods: While recruitment is ongoing, as of October 2014, the RPGEH pregnancy cohort included 16,977 pregnancies (53 % from racial and ethnic minorities). RPGEH pregnancy cohort participants consented to have blood samples obtained in the first trimester (mean gestational age 9.1 weeks ± 4.2 SD) and second trimester (mean gestational age 18.1 weeks ± 5.5 SD) to be stored for future use. Women were invited to complete a questionnaire on health history and lifestyle. Information on women's clinical and health assessments before, during and after pregnancy and women and children's health outcomes are available in the health system's electronic health records, which also allows long-term follow-up. Discussion: This large, racially- and ethnically-diverse cohort of pregnancies with prenatal biospecimens and clinical data is a valuable resource for future studies on in utero environmental exposures and maternal and child perinatal and long term health outcomes. The baseline characteristics of RPGEH Pregnancy Cohort demonstrate that it is highly representative of the underlying population living in the broader community in Northern California. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atom (or molecule) intercalations and deintercalations have been used to control the electronic properties of graphene. In general, finite energies above room temperature (RT) thermal energy are required for the intercalations and deintercalations. Here, we demonstrate that alkali metal atoms can be deintercalated from epitaxial graphene on a SiC substrate at RT, resulting in the reduction in density of states at the Fermi level. The change in density of states at the Fermi level at RT can be applied to a highly sensitive graphene sensor operating at RT. Na atoms, which were intercalated at a temperature of 80 °C, were deintercalated at a high temperature above 1000 °C when only a thermal treatment was used. In contrast to the thermal treatment, the intercalated Na atoms were deintercalated at RT when tetrafluorotetracyanoquinodimethane (F4-TCNQ) molecules were adsorbed on the surface. The RT deintercalation occurred via the formation of charge-transfer complexes between Na atoms and F4-TCNQ molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Self-organized AlGaN nanowires by molecular beam epitaxy have attracted significant attention for deep ultraviolet optoelectronics. However, due to the strong compositional modulations under conventional nitrogen rich growth conditions, emission wavelengths less than 250 nm have remained inaccessible. Here we show that Al-rich AlGaN nanowires with much improved compositional uniformity can be achieved in a new growth paradigm, wherein a precise control on the optical bandgap of ternary AlGaN nanowires can be achieved by varying the substrate temperature. AlGaN nanowire LEDs, with emission wavelengths spanning from 236 to 280 nm, are also demonstrated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

III-nitride semiconductors hold tremendous promise for realizing high efficiency photoelectrodes. However, previously reported InGaN photoelectrodes generally exhibit very low photocurrent densities, due to the presence of extensive defects, dislocations, and indium phase separation. Here, we show that In0.5Ga0.5N nanowires with nearly homogeneous indium distribution can be achieved by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy. Under AM1.5G one sun illumination, the InGaN nanowire photoanode exhibits a photocurrent density of 7.3 mA/cm² at 1.2 V (vs. NHE) in 1M HBr. The incident-photon-to-current efficiency is above 10% at 650 nm, which is signifcantly higher than previously reported values of metal oxide photoelectrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We describe modifications of a pulsed rotating supersonic beam source that improve performance, particularly increasing the beam density and sharpening the pulse profiles. As well as providing the familiar virtues of a supersonic molecular beam (high intensity, narrowed velocity distribution, and drastic cooling of rotation and vibration), the rotating source enables scanning the translational velocity over a wide range. Thereby, beams of any atom or molecule available as a gas can be slowed or speeded. Using Xe beams in the slowing mode, we have obtained lab speeds down to about 40 ± 5 m/s with density near 1011 cm−3 and in the speeding mode lab speeds up to about 660 m/s and density near 1014 cm−3. We discuss some congenial applications. Providing low lab speeds can markedly enhance experiments using electric or magnetic fields to deflect, steer, or further slow polar or paramagnetic molecules. The capability to scan molecular speeds facilitates merging velocities with a codirectional partner beam, enabling study of collisions at very low relative kinetic energies, without requiring either beam to be slow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, photosynthetic traits and chlorophyll (Chl) fluorescence parameters of Populus sibirica grown under different irrigation regimes were investigated to estimate seedling growth and vitality for reforestation of a desertification area. According to our results, photosynthesis and Chl fluorescence were significantly affected by water deficit only under severe drought conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To evaluate the recommendations for multiparametric prostate MRI (mp-MRI) interpretation introduced in the recently updated Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System version 2 (PI-RADSv2), and investigate the impact of pathologic tumour volume on prostate cancer (PCa) detectability on mpMRI.Methods: This was an institutional review board (IRB)-approved, retrospective study of 150 PCa patients who underwent mp-MRI before prostatectomy; 169 tumours ≥0.5-mL (any Gleason Score [GS]) and 37 tumours <0.5-mL (GS ≥4+3) identified on whole-mount pathology maps were located on mp-MRI consisting of T2-weighted imaging (T2WI), diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI, and dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE)-MRI. Corresponding PI-RADSv2 scores were assigned on each sequence and combined as recommended by PI-RADSv2. We calculated the proportion of PCa foci on whole-mount pathology correctly identified with PI-RADSv2 (dichotomized scores 1-3 vs. 4-5), stratified by pathologic tumour volume.Results: PI-RADSv2 allowed correct identification of 118/125 (94 %; 95 %CI: 90-99 %) peripheral zone (PZ) and 42/44 (95 %; 95 %CI: 89-100 %) transition zone (TZ) tumours ≥0.5 mL, but only 7/27 (26 %; 95 %CI: 10-42 %) PZ and 2/10 (20 %; 95 %CI: 0-52 %) TZ tumours with a GS ≥4+3, but <0.5 mL. DCE-MRI aided detection of 4/125 PZ tumours ≥0.5 mL and 0/27 PZ tumours <0.5 mL.Conclusions: PI-RADSv2 correctly identified 94-95 % of PCa foci ≥0.5 mL, but was limited for the assessment of GS ≥4+3 tumours ≤0.5 mL. DCE-MRI offered limited added value to T2WI+DW-MRI.Key Points: • PI-RADSv2 correctly identified 95 % of PCa foci ≥0.5 mL • PI-RADSv2 was limited for the assessment of GS ≥4+3 tumours ≤0.5 mL • DCE-MRI offered limited added value to T2WI+DW-MRI. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]