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In biomedical research, population differences are of central interest. Variations in the frequency and severity of diseases and in treatment effects among human subpopulation groups are common in many medical conditions. Unfortunately, the practices in terms of subpopulation labeling do not exhibit the level of rigor one would expect in biomedical research, especially when studying multifactorial diseases such as cancer or atherosclerosis. The reporting of population differences in clinical research is characterized by large disparities in practices, and fraught with methodological issues and inconsistencies. The actual designations such as "Black" or "Asian" refer to broad and heterogeneous groups, with a great discrepancy among countries. Moreover, the use of obsolete concepts such as "Caucasian" is unfortunate and imprecise. The use of adequate labeling to reflect the scientific hypothesis needs to be promoted. Furthermore, the use of "race/ethnicity" as a unique cause of human heterogeneity may distract from investigating other factors related to a medical condition, particularly if this label is employed as a proxy for cultural habits, diet, or environmental exposure. In addition, the wide range of opinions among researchers does not facilitate the attempts made for resolving this heterogeneity in labeling. "Race," "ethnicity," "ancestry," "geographical origin," and other similar concepts are saturated with meanings. Even if the feasibility of a global consensus on labeling seems difficult, geneticists, sociologists, anthropologists, and ethicists should help develop policies and practices for the biomedical field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions is one of the critical challenges to mitigate global climate change, which is having detrimental impacts on society and the environment. Fossil fuel combustion in transportation, power generation, and industrial processes is the dominant contributor to carbon emissions. Over the past decades, sustainable solutions and strategies have been investigated and developed to enable decarbonization. Catalysis plays an essential role to address this global challenge by increasing energy efficiency, reducing carbon emissions, capturing carbon dioxide, and utilizing clean energy sources to displace fossil fuels. In this Review, the role of catalysis in reducing energy demand was discussed, enhancing process efficiency, displacing carbon‐intensive feedstocks and products, and therefore, reducing carbon emissions. Recent advances in catalyst development were summarized, focusing on applications to enhance industrial processes efficiency and enable utilization of clean energy sources. Emerging approaches in catalysis were reviewed, including the manufacture of iron and steel, direct air capture of CO2, production of ethylene, ammonia, and sustainable aviation fuels, plastic recycling, and the synthesis of biobased plastics. The Review was concluded with suggested research directions to achieve a carbon net‐zero world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The investigation of ammonia selective catalytic reduction (NH3-SCR) was done for reduction of NOx emission by using Fe–Cu-SSZ-13 and hybrid Fe–Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite catalyst, as a reaction generates ozone and causes acid rain in the atmosphere. Fe–Cu-SSZ-13 and hybrid Fe–Cu-SSZ-13 zeolite catalyst were prepared by ion exchange and wet impregnation method with three different molar ratios between Zn and CNTs are 1:5, 1:10, and 1:15 for hybrid Fe–Cu-SSZ-13. The prepared zeolite catalyst was characterized for microstructural and morphological characteristics such as BET surface area measurement, XRD pattern, SEM, XPS spectra, NH3-TPD, and H2-TPR characteristics and catalytic activity was carried out. As a results of catalytic activity indicating that a molar ratio of 1:10 (Zn1–CNT10/Fe–Cu-SSZ-13) exhibits better NOx conversion efficiency with and without SO2 gas in feed of 100% and 90% at temperature range of 200 °C to 500 °C indicating that addition of CNTs and Zn species plays a vital role of NOx conversion and anti-sulfur performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Fe–Ti–Ox catalysts with the different Fe contents were used for the catalytic hydrolysis of hydrogen cyanide (HCN) in the presence of H2O, which investigated the roles of Fe chemical valence and oxygen species in HCN removal and the production (NH3 and CO). The results implied that more amounts of Fe3+ species over Fe–Ti–Ox could increase the catalytic hydrolysis activity of HCN while Fe2+ species contributed to the formation of NH3 at high temperatures. Furthermore, the abundance of surface oxygen species was in favour of the catalytic performance of HCN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic performance of Fe-catalysts in selective catalytic reduction of nitrogen oxides with ammonia (NH3-SCR) strongly depends on the nature of iron sites. Therefore, we aimed to prepare and investigate the catalytic potential of Fe-MCM-22 with various Si/Fe molar ratios in NH3-SCR. The samples were prepared by the one-pot synthesis method to provide high dispersion of iron and reduce the number of synthesis steps. We have found that the sample with the lowest concentration of Fe exhibited the highest catalytic activity of ca. 100% at 175 °C, due to the abundance of well-dispersed isolated iron species. The decrease of Si/Fe limited the formation of microporous structure and resulted in partial amorphization, formation of iron oxide clusters, and emission of N2O during the catalytic reaction. However, an optimal concentration of FexOy oligomers contributed to the decomposition of nitrous oxide within 250–400 °C. Moreover, the acidic character of the catalysts was not a key factor determining the high conversion of NO. Additionally, we conducted NH3-SCR catalytic tests over the samples after poisoning with sulfur dioxide (SO2). We observed that SO2 affected the catalytic performance mainly in the low-temperature region, due to the deposition of thermally unstable ammonium sulfates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: This study investigated the reduction of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and N2O emissions by selective catalytic oxidation (SCO) of an ammonia oxidation catalyst (AOC). This was conducted using a diesel engine with various oxidation catalysts, such as a diesel oxidation catalyst and a diesel particulate filter. The after‐treatment system was equipped with urea‐selective catalytic reduction (SCR) using a commercially available V2O5/TiO2 catalyst and an AOC to prevent ammonia slip. The performance of the system, after treatment, was tested under various engine loads and urea injection conditions. The operating conditions that were applied included abnormal operation of urea‐SCR in the presence of abundant NH3 due to excessive spraying of urea. At 400°C to 450°C, and a high load, the diesel engine produced undesirable reactions at V2O5/TiO2 based urea‐SCR, causing emission of excess N2O. Additionally, under identical operating conditions, the AOC with Pt metal increased the emissions of NO, NO2, and N2O via oxidation of NH3. Excess emission of NO increases the total amount of NOx, including NO2. However, undesirable oxidation of NH3 at the AOC was significantly decreased at 460°C. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incorporation of La3+ cations in different degrees in beta zeolite (Si/Al = 12.5) was studied in order to improve the selectivity and stability of the catalysts for the alkylation of isobutane with butenes in gas phase to obtain trimethylpentanes (TMPs). La/Al ratios between 0.04 and 0.20 were achieved, representing between 10 and 60 percent of the available exchange sites. The different amounts of lanthanum incorporated led to different quantities, strength and nature of acid sites, without extensive detriment to the structural properties. For a molar La/Al ratio of approximately 0.16, a catalyst with a suitable proportion of strong Brønsted sites was obtained, which favored hydride transfer and cracking reactions, thus allowing a faster desorption of TMPs and avoiding polymerization and multiple alkylation. As a result, deactivation by coke deposition was decelerated. Higher La/Al ratios led to lower acid strength and higher proportion of Lewis sites, which promoted polymerization, while lower ratios led to stronger sites which gave place to excessive cracking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We studied the effect of 5% v/v of water vapor during the Selective Catalytic Reduction of NO with NH3 (NH3-SCR-NO) using natural chabazite exchanged with Cu (1.3, 2.8 and 6.5-Cu/CHA) as the catalyst. The conversion of NO decreases slightly during light-off in the presence of water, but it reaches higher values in the range of temperature required for normal engine operation (280–420 °C). The maximum conversion at 350 °C increased with the Cu content, from 50% for 1.3-Cu/CHA to 90 and 95% with 2.8-Cu/CHA and 6.5-Cu/CHA, respectively. The initial Cu2+/Cu ratio was determined by H2-TPR, and the activity correlates with the fraction of Cu2+ species, which appears to be responsible for the NO reduction activity. During a test of the 2.8-Cu/CHA catalyst for 24 h we observed and modelled a small decay in activity observed during the first 3 h on-stream. The conversion remained stable thereafter, with or without 5% water in the feedstream. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Loving‐kindness and compassion meditation (LKCM) was a promising intervention for improving life satisfaction, but previous findings have been inconsistent. The current study provides a systematic review and meta‐analysis, including 23 empirical studies on LKCM with life satisfaction as an outcome variable. The primary meta‐analysis indicated that LKCM significantly enhanced life satisfaction in pre‐post design (g = 0.312, k = 15, n = 451), but the significance disappeared in the additional meta‐analysis based on randomized controlled trials (g = 0.106, k = 6, n = 404). Moderator analyses found significant effects for type of control (i.e., the effects of LKCM were inferior to active control group, but superior to waitlist condition), but not for other moderators (i.e., participant type, previous meditation experience, specific protocol, components of LKCM, combination with mindfulness mediation, and intervention length). Narrative review identified self‐compassion and positive emotions as important mediators. The practice time of LKCM had indirect but not direct association with life satisfaction. The findings supported that LKCM is promising in increasing life satisfaction, but more studies are needed to investigate the effects with more rigorous designs. Future studies should investigate other potential mechanisms and clarify whether LKCM change the reality or the perception of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Acid sulphate soil contains high amounts of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al), and their contamination has been reported as major problems, especially in rainfed and irrigated lowland paddy fields. Rice is sensitive to Fe and Al grown in acid soil (pH < 5.5), leading to growth inhibition and grain yield loss. The objective of this study was to evaluate Fe and/or Al uptake, translocation, physiological adaptation, metal toxicity, and growth inhibition in rice genotypes grown in acid soil. Fe and Al in the root tissues of all rice genotypes were enriched depending on the exogenous application of either Fe or Al in the soil solution, leading to root growth inhibition, especially in the KDML105 genotype. Expression level of OsYSL1 in KDML105 was increased in relation to metal uptake into root tissues, whereas OsVIT2 was downregulated, leading to Fe (50.3 mg g−1 DW or 13.1 folds over the control) and Al (4.8 mg g−1 DW or 2.2 folds over the control) translocation to leaf tissues. Consequently, leaf greenness (SPAD), net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gs), and transpiration rate (E) in the leaf tissues of genotype KDML105 under Fe + Al toxicity significantly declined by 28.4%, 35.3%, 55.6%, and 51.6% over the control, respectively. In Azucena (AZU; Fe/Al tolerant), there was a rapid uptake of Fe and Al by OsYSL1 expression in the root tissues, but a limited secretion into vacuole organelles by OsVIT2, leading to a maintenance of low level of toxicity driven by an enhanced accumulation of glutathione together with downregulation of OsGR expression level. In addition, Fe and Al restrictions in the root tissues of genotype RD35 were evident; therefore, crop stress index (CSI) of Fe + Al–treated plants was the maximum, leading to an inhibition of gs (53.6% over the control) and E (49.0% over the control). Consequently, free proline, total phenolic compounds, and ascorbic acid in the leaf tissues of rice under Fe + Al toxicity significantly increased by 3.2, 1.2, and 1.5 folds over the control, respectively, indicating their functions in non-enzymatic antioxidant defense. Moreover, physiological parameters including leaf temperature (Tleaf) increment, high level of CSI (>0.6), SPAD reduction, photon yield of PSII (ΦPSII) diminution, Pn, gs, and E inhibition in rice genotype IR64 (Fe/Al-sensitive) under Fe + Al treatment were clearly demonstrated as good indicators of metal-induced toxicity. Our results on Fe- and/or Al-tolerant screening to find out the candidate genotypes will contribute to present screening and breeding efforts, which in turn help increase rice production in the Fe/Al-contaminated acid soil under lowland conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The catalytic performances and mechanism differences of model catalysts Cu–SSZ-13 and Fe–SSZ-13 with similar metal content and Si/Al ratio were compared. In the NH3-SCR reaction, Cu–SSZ-13 had a good NO conversion at low temperature, broad active temperature windows and better hydrothermal stability. Fe–SSZ-13 showed better high-temperature NO conversion rate and better resistance to sulfur poisoning, but poorer low-temperature NH3-SCR activity. NH3-TPD verified the content difference of L-NH3 and B-NH3 of Cu- and Fe–SSZ-13. UV–Vis DRS, EPR, H2-TPR indicated the active species of Cu- and Fe–SSZ-13. Results showed that Cu–SSZ-13 only had one type active species of Cu2+, Fe–SSZ-13 had Fe3+ species that acted as active centers at low temperature and reactivity oligomeric Fe species at high temperature. The diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transform spectrum (DRIFTS) results showed that the reactions of Cu–SSZ-13 and Fe–SSZ-13 at low temperature both followed the Eley–Rideal (E–R) mechanism and the Langmuir–Hinshelwood (L–H) mechanism. Cu–SSZ-13 could perform the catalytic process well under both mechanisms, but when Fe–SSZ-13 followed the E–R mechanism, there were many B-NH3 species, which was not conducive to the reaction. When following the L–H mechanism, the speed of NO3− participating in the reaction was slow due to ammonia inhibition, resulting in poor low-temperature activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study challenges the common rule of thumb, fewer steps the better, in the context of older adults' learning of smartphone apps under remote support. During the learning of new apps, a predominant problem is that older adults easily get lost. Therefore, this study examined various information structures and proposed two types of instructions in two experiments. In the first experiment, twenty-four older adults learned to use smartphone apps with three information structures through step-by-step instruction or metaphorical instruction. Compared with step-by-step instruction, the metaphorical instruction contributed to greater ease of learning and shorter task completion time. However, the advantage of metaphorical instruction over step-by-step instruction depended on the information structure. Older adults' performance of learning the information structure 2 × 2 were poorer than that of learning the information structure 4 × 1 or 1 × 4, which might imply that fewer steps is not necessarily better. To further test the finding, the second experiment was conducted among 30 older adults who learned to use smartphone apps with five information structures (28, 44, 41 + 82, 82 + 41, and 162). The results indicated that the advantage of fewer interaction steps depends on preview size. The highest number of interaction steps with the fewest number of preview size, 28, contributed to best learning performance of older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herein, we report the efficient degradation of N2O with a well‐defined bis(silylene)amido iron complex as catalyst. The deoxygenation of N2O using the iron silanone complex 4 as a catalyst and pinacolborane (HBpin) as a sacrificial reagent proceeds smoothly at 50 °C to form N2, H2, and (pinB)2O. Mechanistic studies suggest that the iron–silicon cooperativity is the key to this catalytic transformation, which involves N2O activation, H atom transfer, H2 release and oxygenation of the boron sites. This approach has been further developed to enable catalytic reductions of nitro compounds, producing amino‐boranes with good functional‐group tolerance and excellent chemoselectivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Abatement processes for the reduction of N2O emissions from acid nitric plants can be implemented in different positions. Among the different possibilities, a catalytic process set up between the ammonia converter and the absorber could be a practicable solution. In those running conditions, at high temperature, in the presence of NO, O2 and water, the catalytic decomposition of N2O (in the absence of a reducing agent) can take place. However, catalysts usually suffer from a strong deactivation owing to the occurrence of thermal sintering which significantly lowers their specific surface area. Catalytic testing performed at laboratory scale showed that zirconia based catalysts stabilised by yttrium incorporation could be of potential interest. However, the mode of yttrium incorporation seems to be a key factor. According to the preparation procedure, surface yttrium enrichment may occur and then strongly inhibit the catalytic decomposition of N2O. Co-precipitation methods can be profitably used for the preparation of modified-ZrO2 catalysts in order to obtain yttrium homogeneously distributed in the bulk material. According to this preparation method, a synergy effect on the catalytic activity and also on the stability has been observed on ZrO2 containing low amount of yttrium whereas an inhibiting effect prevails on highly loaded yttrium based catalysts irrespective of the mode of yttrium incorporation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

CD11c+T-bet+ B cells are recognized as an important component of humoral immunity and autoimmunity. These cells can be distinguished from other B cells by their higher expression of the adenosine receptor 2a. Here we address whether A2A receptor activation can affect CD11c+T-bet+ B cells. We show that administration of the A2A receptor agonist CGS-21680 depletes established CD11c+T-bet+ B cells in ehrlichial-infected mice, in a B cell-intrinsic manner. Agonist treatment similarly depletes CD11c+T-bet+ B cells and CD138+ B cells and reduces anti-nuclear antibodies in lupus-prone mice. Agonist treatment is also associated with reduced kidney pathology and lymphadenopathy. Moreover, A2A receptor stimulation depletes pathogenic lymphocytes and ameliorates disease even after disease onset, highlighting the therapeutic potential of this treatment. This study suggests that targeting the adenosine signaling pathway may provide a method for the treatment of lupus and other autoimmune diseases mediated by T-bet+ B cells. CD11c+T-bet+ B cells have been linked with different autoimmune diseases, but targeting these cells has been challenging. Here the authors use an adenosine 2A receptor agonist to deplete these B cells and to inhibit or reverse autoimmune symptoms and pathology in mice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum trivalent (Al3+), which commonly occurs on 40% of arable land, is highly phytotoxic to crop growth and yield in acidic soils. As one of the major pollutants in the atmosphere, this element reduces chlorophyll activity, CO2 assimilation, and photosynthesis. Rice is a staple food crop in India and Asian countries. A widely recognized metal toxicity of rice (Oryza sativa) includes soluble aluminum. The processes of senescence are known to be characterized by loss of chlorophyll, lipids, total protein, photosynthetic activity, and RNA. The author illustrates the aluminum effect in rice plants (ADT 43 & PA 6129) under different aluminum exposure levels (100 µM, 200 µM, & 300 µM), in regard to photosynthetic activity (total chlorophyll degradation, depleted CO2 fixation, inhibited stomatal conductance) bioaccumulation, and histological analysis during leaf senescence. Rice varieties PA 6129 and ADT 43 were compared to assess photosynthetic degradation, bioaccumulation, and histological changes associated with aluminum-mediated degradation. Consequently, accelerated leaf senescence was observed after prolonged exposure to variety PA 6129 with increasing aluminum concentration. As an alternative, there is ADT 43, a precision aluminum tolerance mechanism. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Fibromyalgia is a common co-morbidity in patients with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Quantitative sensory testing measures and regional cerebral blood flow measures have been noted to differ from healthy controls in both subjects with fibromyalgia and those with interstitial cystitis when studied independently. The present study examined such measures in subjects with the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis both with and without the co-diagnosis of fibromyalgia to determine whether differences in these measures may be associated with co-morbidity. Patients and Methods: Female subjects with the diagnosis of interstitial cystitis with (n = 15) and without (n = 19) the co-diagnosis of fibromyalgia as well as healthy control subjects (n = 41) underwent quantitative sensory testing. A subset of these patients (9 with and 9 without fibromyalgia) underwent brain perfusion studies using arterial spin labeled functional magnetic resonance imaging. An analysis was performed of absolute regional cerebral blood flow of regions-of-interest when experiencing a full bladder compared with an empty bladder. Results: Subjects with both interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia were more hypersensitive than those without fibromyalgia as well as healthy controls in most sensory measures except heat. Subjects with interstitial cystitis, but no fibromyalgia, differed from healthy controls only in toleration of the ischemic forearm task. Other co-morbidities were more common in those subjects with both interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia. Bladder fullness was associated with significantly greater whole brain gray matter blood flow in subjects with interstitial cystitis and fibromyalgia when compared with that of subjects with interstitial cystitis without fibromyalgia. Examination of regional cerebral blood flow in individual regions-of-interest demonstrated statistically significant differences between the subjects with interstitial cystitis with and those without fibromyalgia bilaterally in the thalamus, amygdala and hippocampus, as well as the right prefrontal cortex and greater responsiveness to changes in bladder fullness in the insula. Conclusion: Quantitative sensory testing and brain perfusion data support that there are two phenotypes of interstitial cystitis patients, which can be differentiated by a co-diagnosis of fibromyalgia. This may affect responsiveness to treatment and suggest the utility of stratifying interstitial cystitis patients according to their co-morbidities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the ties between an internationalised science and transnational activism, in particular for causes considered universal, such as defending human rights, during the late Cold War. It focuses on a scientific network that supported mathematicians persecuted for their political views by both left- and right-wing undemocratic regimes. The Committee of Mathematicians was founded in 1974 and was active for a decade, built incrementally as a transnational advocacy network located in several Western countries. Focussing primarily on the Committee's French component, this article investigates the social and organisational underpinnings of its transnational action and defence of universal principles. It examines the modes of action and how they were shaped by scientists' professional and even disciplinary affiliations. These focal points allow an interrogation of the place the committee occupied within the space of human rights activism. The article aims to contribute to a historical sociology of the ties between science and politics and of the transnational trends that strained national frameworks, while moving away from an approach focussed solely on political macrotrends that fuelled the Cold War. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of N2O formation over Cu-SSZ-13 assisted Fe-BEA (1Cu1Fe-M) catalysts, for the selective catalytic reduction of NOx by NH3, were systematically investigated to elucidate the mechanism of N2O evolution. The experimental results showed that NO2/NOx ratio determined the amount of N2O formation, while zeolite framework topology, O2 concentration, NH3 oxidation and NO oxidation had only a slight effect on N2O formation. For different NO2/NOx feed conditions (0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.5), 1Cu1Fe-M catalysts showed maximum N2O formation and decreases in N2 selectivity at around 230 °C (21 ppm of N2O yield, 94% N2 selectivity) and 570 °C (18 ppm of N2O yield, 95%N2 selectivity). A proposed mechanism shows that NO2 guided the formation of ammonium nitrate species on Lewis acid sites at low temperature, to account for N2O formation at low temperature. Besides this, the addition of NO2 increases the side reactions at high temperature and cause a relative decrease in Bronsted acid sites. Moreover, the decrease in N2O formation over 1Cu1Fe-M catalysts was observed. These results indicated that the FeOx species of 1Cu1Fe-M contribute to N2O decomposition by the addition of Fe-BEA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the presence of significant cyclic loading, the design of safe and efficient structural connections requires accurate determination of the clamped member stresses, amongst other considerations. Connections with pretensioned bolts and loading applied parallel to the bolt axis constitute a challenging analysis task that is underrepresented in the literature. To address this, parametric finite element analysis was performed on a representative bolted connection subject to out‐of‐plane loading and comprised of an aluminum member and a pretensioned steel bolt – a typical configuration in the aerospace industry. Of particular interest were the flexural stresses and their contribution to fatigue damage along the member faying surface. The analysis results demonstrated that both the location and magnitude of the stress extrema varied greatly with the geometric and loading parameters considered. To quantify regions most susceptible to fatigue damage, an equivalent stress formulation in conjunction with a critical plane approach was implemented. Contour plots were generated illustrating these regions and regression analysis was performed relating the parametric geometry and load quantities to the maximum equivalent and principal stresses. Regions of greatest fatigue susceptibility were shown to vary both radially and tangentially about the fastener. The data presented are intended to improve both the efficiency and safety of bolted connections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe–Cu–ZSM-5 and Ce–Fe–Cu–ZSM-5 solids prepared using solid-state ion exchange method (SSIE) were tested in the NH3–SCR of NO reaction and were characterized using N2 physisorption at 77 K, MAS 27Al magnetic resonance, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, EPR spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy coupled to energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in order to follow the effect of Ce addition on the textural and structural properties of Fe–Cu–MFI system as well as the detection of the changes in local environment and state of iron and copper species, and the degradation of the zeolite texture and structure after a severe aging treatment at 850 °C for 5 h. Fresh Ce-promoted sample showed better NO conversion up to 450 °C than unpromoted Fe–Cu–ZSM-5 catalyst. An activity loss was observed on aged catalysts, but remaining less pronounced for the catalyst containing Ce. The changes in catalyst structure and texture did not occur during aging, while a probable migration of metal active species and change in their coordination has occurred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two types of apatite supports including hydroxyapatite (HAP) and fluorapatite (FAP) were prepared by the co-precipitation method. Supported Co catalysts with the above carriers were synthesized from Co(NO3)2·6H2O via the impregnation method. The catalytic activity for N2O decomposition was investigated using a continuous flowing microreactor system. The catalytic results demonstrated that the Co/HAP exhibited more excellent catalytic activity as well as the impurity gas (H2O, O2, and NO) resistance capability than the Co/FAP in the temperature range of 300–600 °C. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties of Co/HAP and Co/FAP were determined by several relevant characterization methods. The obtained experimental results revealed that Co/HAP possessed larger specific surface area, more ion-exchanged Co2+ and stronger oxygen desorption capacity than Co/FAP, which are the key factors for high N2O decomposition activity. Moreover, compared with Co/FAP, Co/HAP has not only more basic content, but also higher basic site density, which may be also conducive to enhance the electron donating ability of Co2+, thereby promoting the N2O catalytic decomposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The performance parameters, environmental sensitivity, and sustainability of a turbofan engine used extensively in military aviation are examined to the last detail. Assessment parameters named as energy efficiency, specific fuel consumption (SFC) and thrust, fuel heating value ratio (FHVR), thermal limit ratio (TLR), enthalpy ratio (ER), engine thrust ratio (ETR), fuel cost rate (FCR), specific fuel cost rate (SFCR), exergy efficiency, exergy destruction ratio, exergy loss ratio (ExLR), waste exergy ratio (WExR), exergetic improvement potential (ExIP), relative exergetic improvement potential (RExIP), productivity lack ratio (PLR), fuel exergy waste ratio (FExWR), environmental effect factor (EEF), ecological effect factor (EcoEF), sustainable efficiency factor (SEF), and exergetic sustainability index (ESI) were used to analyze thermodynamically the engine. The most sustainable and environmentally friendly components are researched and the results are presented to the literature. Between the components, the combustion chamber (CC) has the highest EEF with 0.8627 and the highest EcoEF value with 1.8627. Comparing the engine components, the low‐pressure turbine (LPT) has the best SEF value with 67.83 and the best ESI value with 66.83. Conversely, the CC has the worst SEF value with 2.16 and the best ESI value with 1.16. Ultimately, environmental and sustainability results from the analysis are expected to help understand the link between turbofan engine selection for both commercial and military aircraft and green flight paths, and therefore, make the choice of turbofan engines environmentally benign and greener. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Cavernous hemangioma is a rare benign tumor that develops from the adrenal glands. In this study, we present our experience with patients with adrenal cavernous hemangiomas (ACH) in a Chinese population. Methods. Demographic, diagnostic, surgical, and pathological findings in patients at a single institution who were adrenalectomized as a result of ACH were retrospectively reviewed. Results. Among 601 patients who underwent adrenalectomy, 8 (1.33%; 5 men, 3 women) cases were diagnosed with ACH between January 1, 1998, and December 31, 2018, in a single institution. The mean age was 53.25 ± 11.9 years (range, 35–67 years). Four (50%) were asymptomatic, and three (37.5%) complained of abdominal or flank discomfort. Preoperative computed tomography (CT) revealed ACH in 3 (37.5%) cases. Well-defined borders and heterogeneous enhancement with characteristic progressive partial filling-in were characteristic CT features of ACH (tumor size>3 cm). The mean tumor size was 5.16 ± 3.4 cm (range, 1.5–11 cm). No recurrence occurred during a median follow-up period of 38.37 months (range, 8–60 months). Conclusions. ACH was asymptomatic in most cases, and diagnosis could be challenging. Adrenalectomy is a safe treatment modality for ACH, and it ensures favorable outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CuY and CuMY (M = Fe, Co, Ni) catalysts were prepared by modified vapor impregnation using cupric acetylacetonate as copper source and M acetylacetonate as promoter. The catalysts were evaluated in heterogeneous catalytic vapor phase oxidative carbonylation of methanol to dimethyl carbonate (DMC). The catalyst samples were analyzed by XRD, H2-TPR, XPS, CO-TPD, and NH3‑TPD, and their catalytic performance was assessed in a fixed-bed reactor. The experimental results indicate that all introduced species were well dispersed on zeolite Y, and the addition of iron group promoters have effect on the Cu+ contents, acidity and CO adsorption-desorption performance. Finally the influence of various promoters was examined with the aim of increasing space-time yield of DMC from methanol. Space-time yield of DMC was increased with the addition of iron group promoters in the order Fe < Co < Ni, but the selectivity follows the order of Fe < Ni < Co, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of N2O by CO was investigated over Fe-beta zeolites catalysts. The catalysts were prepared by wet ion-exchange (IE), impregnation (IM) and solid state ion-exchange (SSIE) methods. These catalysts were characterized by XRD, UV–vis DR spectroscopy, H2-TPR, TPD and in-situ DRIFTS. At 350 °C, more than 90% N2O conversion could be obtained over the Fe-beta-IE catalyst. The activity for N2O removal of Fe-beta-IE was higher than Fe-beta-IM and Fe-beta-SSIE catalysts. The UV–vis spectra showed that 84.2% of isolated Fe(III) ion appeared on Fe-beta-IE catalyst. It indicated that the isolated Fe(III) ions might be considered as the active sites for N2O reduction. Besides, in the presence of H2O, the activities in CO-SCR for N2O removal over Fe-beta catalysts were inhibited, which might be due to the hydroxylation deactivation of iron species and excess accumulation of carbonates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: The prevalence of obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in children is dramatically increasing at the same time as consumption of foods with a high sugar content. Intake of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a possible aetiology as it is thought to be more lipogenic than glucose.In a mouse model, HFCS intake during adolescence increased fat mass and hepatic lipid levels in male and female mice. However, only males showed impaired glucose tolerance.Multiple metabolites including lipids, bile acids, carbohydrates and amino acids were altered in liver in a sex‐specific manner at 6 weeks of age. Some of these changes were also present in adulthood even though HFCS exposure ended at 6 weeks.HFCS significantly altered the gut microbiome, which was associated with changes in key microbial metabolites.These results suggest that HFCS intake during adolescence has profound metabolic changes that are linked to changes in the microbiome and these changes are sex‐specific. The rapid increase in obesity, diabetes and fatty liver disease in children over the past 20 years has been linked to increased consumption of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), making it essential to determine the short‐ and long‐term effects of HFCS during this vulnerable developmental window. We hypothesized that HFCS exposure during adolescence significantly impairs hepatic metabolic signalling pathways and alters gut microbial composition, contributing to changes in energy metabolism with sex‐specific effects. C57bl/6J mice with free access to HFCS during adolescence (3–6 weeks of age) underwent glucose tolerance and body composition testing and hepatic metabolomics, gene expression and triglyceride content analysis at 6 and 30 weeks of age (n = 6–8 per sex). At 6 weeks HFCS‐exposed mice had significant increases in fat mass, glucose intolerance, hepatic triglycerides (females) and de novo lipogenesis gene expression (ACC, DGAT, FAS, ChREBP, SCD, SREBP, CPT and PPARα) with sex‐specific effects. At 30 weeks, HFCS‐exposed mice also had abnormalities in glucose tolerance (males) and fat mass (females). HFCS exposure enriched carbohydrate, amino acid, long chain fatty acid and secondary bile acid metabolism at 6 weeks with changes in secondary bile metabolism at 6 and 30 weeks. Microbiome studies performed immediately before and after HFCS exposure identified profound shifts of microbial species in male mice only. In summary, short‐term HFCS exposure during adolescence induces fatty liver, alters important metabolic pathways, some of which continue to be altered in adulthood, and changes the microbiome in a sex‐specific manner. Key points: The prevalence of obesity and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in children is dramatically increasing at the same time as consumption of foods with a high sugar content. Intake of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) is a possible aetiology as it is thought to be more lipogenic than glucose.In a mouse model, HFCS intake during adolescence increased fat mass and hepatic lipid levels in male and female mice. However, only males showed impaired glucose tolerance.Multiple metabolites including lipids, bile acids, carbohydrates and amino acids were altered in liver in a sex‐specific manner at 6 weeks of age. Some of these changes were also present in adulthood even though HFCS exposure ended at 6 weeks.HFCS significantly altered the gut microbiome, which was associated with changes in key microbial metabolites.These results suggest that HFCS intake during adolescence has profound metabolic changes that are linked to changes in the microbiome and these changes are sex‐specific. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, eighty-four strains of microfungi were screened for lipolytic activity, and Penicillium aurantiogriseum showing the highest enzyme activity was selected. Then extracellular lipase production from this species was carried out using the solid state fermentation (SSF) method, in which various agricultural wastes were used as substrates. Among the various agricultural wastes used in SSF, sunflower pulp was determined as the best solid substrate. Optimum fermentation conditions were found as follows: 6-day incubation time at 25°C and moisturizing liquid pH: 5.5 (distilled water), initial moisture level 75% (w/v), initial inoculum concentration 1 ml (1x106 spores/ml), and 1% sesame oil as a carbon source. As a result of the optimum conditions, the volume activity was recorded as 0.4 U/ml, and the specific enzyme activity was obtained as 1.13 U/mg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nitrogen oxides, including NO and NO2, are notorious air pollutants. The selective catalytic reduction of NOx with NH3 (NH3−SCR) is the most widely studied and used technology for NOx removal. The spatially confined architectures in porous materials are promising designs for NH3−SCR catalysts. Porous metal oxides, metal‐based zeolite, and the metal organic frameworks catalysts, featuring active sites disperse in the pores, cavities, and frameworks, are the most widely studied NH3−SCR catalysts. In this review, we review the application of these three typical catalysts for NH3−SCR, emphasizing the spatial confined structure provided by the porous materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to optimize the location and valence state of metal ions in the Y‐type zeolite, the bimetallic (cerium and copper) modified NaY (CuCeY) zeolites with different Cu/Ce ratios were prepared by calcination at 180 °C under H2 atmosphere. Their adsorptive capacity and selectivity for thiophene were preliminarily explored. Furthermore, the CuCeY zeolites were characterized by various techniques for explaining their adsorption behaviors. The obtained results show that the breakthrough adsorption sulfur capacity (Q) of CuCeY zeolites from model oil contains thiophene (TMO) shows a volcanic tendency with the increase of Cu ion contents in zeolites. This is because more metal ions, especially Cu+ ions, are distributed to the supercages of Y zeolites. When 1‐hexene coexists with thiophene in model oil (TOMO), the Q of CuCeY zeolites increase firstly and then remain almost unchanged as Cu ion contents in zeolites increases. It is related to competitive adsorption, alkylation and oligomerization of thiophene and 1‐hexene. When benzene coexists with thiophene in model oil (TAMO), the Q of CuCeY zeolites are linear with Cu ion contents in zeolites. This is possible because the competitive adsorption between olefins and sulfur compounds on Cu ions or weak Brönsted(B) acid centers are stronger than that between aromatics and sulfur compounds on the same adsorption sites. It′s worth mentioning that the Q values of CuCeY zeolites are larger than that of bimetallic modified CuCeY zeolites and that of most of monometallic modified Y zeolites reported in the references. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, we describe the use of visible light and a photocatalytic system for the cyclization of iodoaryl vinyl derivatives to tetrahydroquinoline structures. The reaction proceeds under very mild conditions, tolerates different functional groups and more importantly, the method allows the synthesis of N‐free tetrahydroquinolines from N‐unprotected starting materials. In addition, the reaction can also be performed using flow‐chemistry. Finally, a mechanistic proposal based on some mechanistic studies has been described. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is still a serious challenge to develop a simple synthesized method of SAPO‐34 sieve modified by Cu with high NH3‐SCR performance. The Cu/SAPO‐34 samples with hierarchical structure were synthesized for the first time using cupric citrate as copper source by one‐pot hydrothermal method which showed excellent NH3‐SCR performance for NO removal. Among them, the 0.15Cu/SAPO‐34 catalyst with a Cu/Al ratio of 0.15 exhibited the widest temperature operating window (160–500 °C) and better hydrothermal stability. The physicochemical properties of 0.15Cu/SAPO‐34 was measured to understand the impacts of the Cu species on the NH3‐SCR of NO activity by various characterization methods including XRD, NH3‐TPD, N2 adsorption‐desorption, XPS, EPR, UV‐vis, NH3‐oxidation, NMR and in situ DRIFTS. The results reveal that the good activity is assigned to the isolated Cu species located at the site (I) in SAPO‐34, and the co‐existence of surface Cu2+ and Cu+ species with almost equal amounts. In addition, 0.15Cu/SAPO‐34 also possesses suitable acidic sites which are conducive to catalytic activity. The results of in situ DRIFTS suggest that the NH3‐SCR reaction follows Eley‐Rideal mechanism over 0.15Cu/SAPO‐34. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First principle calculations based on density functional theory are conducted to investigate the influence of metal cations including Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, La (OH)2+ and Ce (OH)2+ in the small cage of zeolite on the electronic environment of adjacent active center, Cu+ in CuY zeolite as well as the process of CO insertion into CH3O to form CH3OCO for oxidative carbonylation of methanol. The study explains the theoretical reasons for the effects of metal cations on the catalytic activity of zeolites. It was found that, the presence of co‐cations in the small cage can affect the electronic properties and also the catalytic activity in two ways. Firstly, the presence of co‐cations, viz., Ca2+, Sr2+, Mg2+, Ba2+ and La species in small cage hinders the migration of active Cu+ cations from the super cage to small cage. Secondly, the co‐cations greatly affect the charge transfer from zeolite framework to Cu+ present in the adjacent super cage, leading to the increase of the net charge and binding energy of Cu+. The findings can improve the CO adsorption and insertion efficiencies, and the stability of transition states, which results in the enhanced catalytic activity of corresponding zeolites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A central composite design was proposed to analyze the effects of temperature, time, and Si/Al and H2O/SiO2 ratios on the crystallization of Al-rich Beta framework. The proposed response variable was based on X-ray diffraction patterns of synthesized materials. Si/Al ratios of synthesized Beta zeolites were predominantly larger than those employed in synthesis gels, indicating loss of Si during sample washing. Crystal sizes of synthesized Beta zeolites tended to increase with decreasing values of Si/Al ratio. It was also found that crystallinity is inversely proportional to temperature and directly proportional to Si/Al ratio. However, this latter correlation is only valid for zeolites synthesized at H2O/SiO2 ratios lower than 15.22, a value that is independent of synthesis temperature and time. For H2O/SiO2 values larger than the respective threshold, crystallinity becomes inversely proportional to the Si/Al ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key points: Extracellular matrix is highly remodelled in obesity and associates with the development of metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance.Previously, we have shown that the lack of specific collagen XVIII isoforms impairs adipocyte differentiation in mice.Here, we show that mice lacking the medium and long isoforms of collagen XVIII develop insulin resistance and glucose intolerance and show elevated serum triglycerides and fat accumulation in the liver.We report that collagen XVIII‐deficient mice have increased heat production at low temperatures.These results reveal a new role for collagen XVIII in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and they expand the understanding of the development of metabolic disorders. Liver and adipose tissues play important roles in the regulation of systemic glucose and lipid metabolism. Extracellular matrix synthesis and remodelling are significantly altered in these tissues in obesity and type 2 diabetes. Collagen XVIII is a ubiquitous extracellular matrix component, and it occurs in three isoforms which differ in terms of molecular size, domain structure and tissue distribution. We recently showed that, in mice, the lack of collagen XVIII, and especially its medium and long isoforms, leads to reduced adiposity and dyslipidaemia. To address the metabolic consequences of these intriguing observations, we assessed whole‐body glucose homeostasis in mice challenged with a high‐fat diet and in normal physiological conditions. We observed that, in the high caloric diet, the overall adiposity was decreased by 30%, serum triglyceride values were threefold higher and the steatotic area in liver was twofold larger in collagen XVIII knockout mice compared with controls. We demonstrated that mice lacking either all three collagen XVIII isoforms, or specifically, the medium and long isoforms develop insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Furthermore, we found that ablation of collagen XVIII leads to increased heat production in low temperatures and to reduction of the high blood triglyceride levels of the knockout mice to the level of wild‐type mice. Our data indicate that collagen XVIII plays a role in the regulation of glucose tolerance, insulin sensitivity and lipid homeostasis, principally through its ability to regulate the expansion of the adipose tissue. These findings advance the understanding of metabolic disorders. Key points: Extracellular matrix is highly remodelled in obesity and associates with the development of metabolic disorders, such as insulin resistance.Previously, we have shown that the lack of specific collagen XVIII isoforms impairs adipocyte differentiation in mice.Here, we show that mice lacking the medium and long isoforms of collagen XVIII develop insulin resistance and glucose intolerance and show elevated serum triglycerides and fat accumulation in the liver.We report that collagen XVIII‐deficient mice have increased heat production at low temperatures.These results reveal a new role for collagen XVIII in the regulation of glucose and lipid metabolism, and they expand the understanding of the development of metabolic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We test the hypotheses that fundamental characteristics in regional proximity, landlockedness, religious‐domination, legal origin, and income levels affect cross‐country differences in the persistence in political terror and political instability in 163 countries for the period 2010–2015. The empirical evidence is based on generalised method of moments. The hypotheses are that the following are associated with comparatively higher levels of persistence in political terror and political instability: regions with predominantly low income countries (Hypothesis 1); landlockedness (Hypothesis 2); Christian‐orientation (Hypothesis 3); French civil law (Hypothesis 4); and Low income (Hypothesis 5). The tested hypotheses are largely invalid. Only Hypotheses 5 and 2 are robustly investigated in the light of concerns about instrument proliferation. Hypothesis 2 is valid for political terror but not for political instability while Hypothesis 5 is neither valid for political instability nor for political terror. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The surgical removal of impacted third molars is one of the most common procedures in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery. It can be complicated by Inferior Alveolar Nerve (IAN) damage while removal of mandibular third molars or by perforation of maxillary sinus during removal of maxillary third molars. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between Impacted Mandibular third molars and Impacted Maxillary third molars to Inferior Alveolar Nerve and Maxillary Sinus respectively. Pre operative orthopantomographs (OPGs) were retrieved from hospital computer case records and relationships between impacted third molars to vital structures were analysed. Totally 683 OPGs of patients who underwent surgery for impacted third molars were retrieved. Out of 683 OPGs, 598 had impacted mandibular third molars and 85 had impacted maxillary third molar. The roots of mandibular third molars and the nerve canal were categorised as per Rood and Shehab criteria. The relationship of maxillary impacted third molar and maxillary sinus was categorised into (i) Sinus Approximation (ii) No Sinus Approximation. Out of 598 Impacted mandibular third molars, 206 (34.4%) were in proximity to the inferior alveolar nerve canal. Among impacted mandibular third molars, 13% of OPG showed Darkening of roots, 8.9% showed Interruption of White line of canal followed by Narrowing of roots (5.9%) and no relation (64.9%). Out of 85 Impacted Maxillary third molar, 29 (34%) had Sinus approximation and the results were statistically significant (p=0.03). The relationship between impacted third molars and its proximity to vital structures is important and it should be considered during surgical removal of the teeth. When a risk of nerve damage or Sinus perforation is predicted in an extraction, a presurgical cone beam computed tomography could be of immense value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the investigation on the stability of copper modification of SAPO-34 catalysts in NH3-SCR reaction after hydrothermal aging. Topics include the siliceous islands and copper oxide crystallites has aged samples has prepared by the impregnation method has prepared by the ion-exchange method, the impregnating catalysts to poorer structural stability than the ion-exchanged catalysts, and the leads to more serious deterioration in the NH3-SCR reaction after hydrothermal aging.

In acidic soils, aluminium (Al) occurs as Al3+, which is phytotoxic. One of the most conspicuous symptoms of Al toxicity is the root growth inhibition, which can lead to low water uptake and consequent reduction in leaf hydration and gas exchange. However, fibrous xylem vessels have been observed in roots of 'Rangpur' lime plants (Citrus limonia L.) when exposed to Al, which could affect the functioning of aquaporins, ultimately reducing their expression. We confirmed a decrease of CO2 assimilation (A), stomatal conductance (g s), transpiration (E) and relative leaf water content (RWC) in 3-month-old C. limonia plants exposed to 1480 μM Al in nutrient solution for 90 days. The estimated hydraulic conductivity from soil to the leaf (K L) and leaf water potential (Ψw) also showed low values, although not consistently reduced over time of Al exposure. The relative expression of aquaporin genes belonging to PIP family (PIP1 - 1 , PIP1 - 2 and PIP2) showed downregulation for ClPIP1 - 1 and ClPIP2 and upregulation for ClPIP1 - 2 in plants exposed to Al. Furthermore, ClPIP1 - 1 was positively correlated with A and g s in plants exposed to Al. Therefore, downregulation of ClPIP1 – 1 and ClPIP2 in roots of 'Rangpur' lime plants could be associated with the low leaf hydration of this species when exposed to Al. Aluminium (Al) is toxic to most plants, including 'Rangpur' lime plants, which is an important rootstock for Citrus industry. Al is believed to cause inhibition of root growth leading to low gas exchange in leaves. Here we found Al-induced decrease in gene expression of water channels in plasma membrane responsible for water transport, called aquaporins. This opens a different interpretation for Al toxicity symptoms in plants exposed to Al. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]