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Viscosity, or the “thickness,” of aerosols plays a key role in atmospheric processes like ice formation, water absorption, and heterogeneous kinetics. However, the viscosity of sea spray aerosols (SSA) has not been widely studied. This research explored the relationship between particle size and viscosity of authentic SSA particles through particle bounce, atomic force microscopy analysis, and predictive viscosity modeling from molecular composition. The study found that 40 nm SSA particles had estimated viscosities around 104Pa·s and bounce fractions three times higher than 100 and 200 nm particles with less than 102Pa·s at a relative humidity (RH) of 60%. Additional studies revealed the Kelvin effect and particle density, influenced by particle size, have a greater impact on size-dependent bounce fractions than changes in RH across impactor stages. While changes in the level of surfactants can impact particle bounce, the increased viscosity in smaller SSA is attributed to the formation of gel-like phase states caused by cation–organic cross-links between divalent calcium ions and organic anions enriched in the smaller particles. This work shows the smallest gel-like SSA particles observed in the field are highly viscous, which has implications for cloud formation, secondary aerosol growth, and pollutant transport in coastal environments.

AbstractRecruiting and retaining a strong disability workforce remains an enduring concern in the field of intellectual and developmental disabilities. Yet little attention has focused on the sense of calling that disability service providers have to this important work and its relationships to their job satisfaction. We surveyed 269 disability service providers to examine whether they (a) perceive a calling in their life, (b) are living out that calling in their current work, (c) find meaning in their career, and (d) experience job satisfaction. The experience of both having and living out one’s calling in their current work was especially prominent among participants. Likewise, most providers indicated they drew considerable meaning and purpose from their work. Perceiving a calling contributed to higher job satisfaction through living out one’s calling and finding meaning in one’s work. Some variations in ratings were associated with personal demographics (i.e., sex, years of experience). These findings provide new insights into what might draw disability service providers into this work or sustain their commitment amidst challenging and changing working conditions. We highlight areas for research and practice aimed at place of calling within efforts to strengthening recruitment and retention.

Pertinent to cryopreservation as well as energy storage and batteries, nonaqueous electrolytes and their mixtures with water were investigated. In particular, specific ion-induced effects on the modulation of a poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brush were investigated in various dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)–water solvent mixtures. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and neutron reflectometry were employed to probe changes in brush swelling and structure, respectively. In water-rich solvents (i.e., pure water and 6 mol % DMSO), PNIPAM undergoes a swollen to collapsed thermotransition with increasing temperature, whereby a forward Hofmeister series was noted; K+and Li+electrolytes composed of SCN–and I–salted-in (stabilized) PNIPAM chains, and electrolytes of Cl–and Br–salted-out (destabilized) the polymer. The cation was seen to play a lesser role than that of the anion, merely modulating the magnitude of the anion effect. In 70 mol % DMSO, a collapsed to swollen thermotransition was noted for PNIPAM. Here, concentration-dependent specific ion effects were observed; a forward series was observed in 0.2 mol % electrolytes, whereas increasing the electrolyte concentration to 0.9 mol % led to a series reversal. While no thermotransition was observed in pure DMSO, a solvent-induced specific ion series reversal was noted; SCN–destabilized the brush and Cl–stabilized the brush. Both series reversals are attributed to the delicate balance of interactions between the solvent, solute (ion), and substrate (brush). Namely, the stability of the solvent clusters was hypothesized to drive polymer solvation.

Rees Jones likes to recall the good humor of Herb Graffis by looking back at one of the hilarious letters Graffis wrote to his father, Robert Trent Jones Sr. (see [...]

Superintendents thinking of autonomous technology related to their jobs may see images in their heads of driverless mowers or sprayers, but the most underrated 'smart' technologies at their disposal might [...]

There were no new Terminator movies this summer, but Skynet clearly hasn't won. Most work on the golf course is still done by humans. But finding those humans --and expecting [...]

There wasn't much drama on Sunday at Erin Hills when it came to who would hoist the 2017 U.S. Open trophy. Brooks Koepka overpowered the course and went birdie-birdie-birdie on [...]

When he's not at work, Robert Guerra is comfortable in a cowboy hat and cowboy boots. The superintendent at Reunion Resort in Orlando can do a Clint Eastwood stare when [...]

When past hurricanes barreled through Beaufort, S.C., Superintendent Mark Mitchell's list of repairs would include rebuilding the collapsed sod walls of Secession Golf Club's 55 revetted bunkers. However, Mitchell's club, [...]

Timing is everything. For the 2017 Golfdom Report survey, we waited until after the results of what many consider a surprise election to gauge the attitude of our readers. It [...]

By the end of 2017, Golfdom had been published 770 times since it was first introduced by the Graffis brothers 90 years ago. Over the years, we have learned of [...]

Employing neutral impact collision ion scattering spectroscopy (NICISS), we have directly measured the concentration depth profiles (CDPs) of various monovalent ions at the vapor–formamide interface. NICISS provides CDPs of individual ions by measuring the energy loss of neutral helium atoms backscattered from the solution interface. CDPs at the vapor–formamide interface of Cl–, Br–, I–, Na+, K+, and Cs+are measured and compared to elucidate the interfacial specific ion trends. We report a reverse Hofmeister series in the presence of inorganic ions (anion and cation) at the vapor–formamide interface relative to the water–vapor interface, and the CDPs are found to be independent of the counterion for most ions studied. Thus, ions at the surface of formamide follow a “Hofmeister paradigm” where the counterion does not impact the ion series. These specific ion trends are complemented with surface tension and X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) measurements on formamide electrolyte solutions.

'The best thing we have seen is there has been no change in the quality of mowing or anything.' That's Scott Corwin, director of grounds at the Vinoy Renaissance St. [...]

Before reconstruction work began at The Oaks Club, Osprey, Fla., architect Jason Straka of Fry/Straka Global Golf Course Design was playing a round on the club's Heron course with Director [...]

Alex Stuedemann returns to his desk at TPC Deere Run, Moline, Ill., to find a collection of cellphones neatly lined up along his desk. One by one crew members step [...]

Six years ago I flew to Cleveland for the first time to meet with the Golfdom staff. I had just accepted the job of editor-in-chief and felt confident that I [...]

In December of 2015 we reached out to our readers and asked them what they thought about the industry going into 2016. We received nearly 500 responses to our survey, [...]

They go by many names, are run by companies big and small and reach U.S. golf courses in states from the Atlantic to the Pacific--and they're all accessible via smart [...]

Sun, sand and tourists. That's the culture surrounding Neil Cleverly, superintendent of the 2016 Olympic golf course, in his temporary home, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Cleverly's stay in the South [...]

We had questions, our readers had answers. Last month we sent out a survey, written with the help of our friends at Bayer, asking such questions as 'what is the [...]

This is the year, it seems. The year the economy starts to really bounce back, the year golf's grow-the-game programs start taking hold. But it's probably not the year you [...]

The pneumatic tire became a commercial success after Irish inventor John Boyd Dunlop unveiled his creation in 1888. Many improvements have been made to the design since then, but one [...]

It takes a certain amount of preparation to make it through the wild that is the Golf Industry Show. Let us be your guide through this year's trade show safari. [...]

ABSTRACTCoaches are key stakeholders involved in creating a climate in which athletes’ mental toughness (MT) can be developed. Although Master Strength and Conditioning Coaches (MSCC) spend a substantial amount of time working with US collegiate athletes, no studies have investigated this elite group of professionals’ opinions about MT. Using a multiphase mixed-method design (Phase 1, N = 71; Phase 2, N = 28), this study explored MSCCs’ perspectives on the conceptualization, measurement, and training of MT. MSCCs value MT highly and believe that it plays an important role in competitive sports. However, a majority of the participants were uncertain about what constitutes MT. Although MSCCs primarily used anecdotally-based physical protocols to develop athletes’ MT, they rarely assessed the effectiveness of those training approaches using psychometrically-sound instruments. MSCCs highlighted the need to prioritize evidence-based MT training protocols. Resources are required to educate MSCCs and support their work on MT development.

When it comes to Early Order Programs, the month of October is major league. Who will take the crown? He has no batting average, no bullpen and definitely no WHIP [...]

With almost 13,000 attendees, it can be easy to miss a product helpful to a superintendent among the sea of more than 500 booths at the 2016 Golf Industry Show [...]

It doesn't take super-strength to get the most out of the annual Golf Industry Show, just proper planning We did some of that planning for you already, with ... The [...]

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The purpose of this study is to present the development and validation process of a customized job satisfaction instrument within the home healthcare setting. During development, home healthcare [...]

We've been told by HR that we can't spend the entire time on the river walk. So in the meantime, these five events sound pretty nifty. The 2015 Golf Industry [...]

Adult, lab-reared, highland deer mice acclimate to hypoxia by increasing reliance on carbohydrates to fuel exercise. Yet neither the underlying mechanisms for this shift in fuel use nor the impact of lifetime hypoxia exposure experienced in high alpine conditions, are fully understood. Thus, we assessed the use of fuel during exercise in wild highland deer mice running in their native environment. We examined a key step in muscle carbohydrate oxidation – the regulation of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) – during exercise at altitude in wild highlanders and in first generation (G1) lab-born and -raised highlanders acclimated to normoxia or hypoxia. PDH activity was also determined in the gastrocnemius of G1 highlanders using an in situ muscle preparation. We found that wild highlanders had a high reliance on carbohydrates while running in their native environment, consistent with data from hypoxia-acclimated G1 highlanders. PDH activity in the gastrocnemius was similar post exercise between G1 and wild highlanders. However, when the gastrocnemius was stimulated at a light work rate in situ, PDH activity was higher in hypoxia-acclimated G1 highlanders and was associated with lower intramuscular lactate levels. These findings were supported by lower PDH kinase 2 protein production in hypoxia-acclimated G1 mice. Our findings indicate that adult phenotypic plasticity in response to low oxygen is sufficient to increase carbohydrate reliance during exercise in highland deer mice. Additionally, variation in PDH regulation with hypoxia acclimation contributes to shifts in whole-animal patterns of fuel use and is likely to improve exercise performance via elevated energy yield per mole of O2.

Bursting bubbles transport bacteria, viruses, and other marine particles across the air‐sea interface. This effect is enhanced when particles are hydrophobic and cling to the bubbles as they rise. Recent studies suggest that plastic particles, a major ocean pollutant, can also be transported by sea spray. However, estimates of plastic transport via this pathway have large uncertainties due to limited size detection techniques in field studies and few lab studies. An understanding of the number and size of particles carried in the smallest drops, which have the longest residence time in the atmosphere, is missing from current literature. Here, we develop a modeling framework to provide bounds on the number, area, and volume transport of non‐scavenged hydrophilic and fully‐scavenged hydrophobic particles of radii between 0.1 and 100 μm for a range of jet and film drops. For droplets containing plastic particulates, we predict particle enrichment is significantly higher in jet drops than film drops. For particles in these jet drops, our results suggest that in the absence of bubble scavenging, the number distribution is dominated by smaller plastics, the mass/volume distribution by larger plastics, and surface area distribution is balanced across plastic size. Whereas for hydrophobic particles, scavenging dramatically modifies these distributions, enhancing certain particle–droplet size combinations by over four orders of magnitude. Our predictions suggest critical effects of enrichment in air‐sea particle transport and highlight the variable dependencies on bubble and particle size, improving our theoretical understanding of plastic and marine particle transport and identifying modeling assumptions to refine with experimental measurements. Plastic particles in the oceans are a topic of growing concern due to their spread throughout the environment. The oceans are a reservoir of plastics, however recent studies have found that bursting bubbles can eject the plastic into the atmosphere, where it has the potential to be transported much further. We create a first‐principles modeling framework to estimate the expected effects of particle and bubble size on the transport of hydrophobic and hydrophilic particles. We predict bounds on the extent that hydrophobic particles, like some plastics, may be highly selected to become airborne compared to hydrophilic particles. Selectivity effects are especially significant for the small airborne drops, which is important if it is the size of the drops rather than the size of the particle that influences the time they remain suspended in the atmosphere. This model provides a means to untangle the effects of bubble and particle size, as well as provide theoretical predictions to test against experimental data. This generic framework can be applied to the air‐sea transport of particles beyond plastics, with important implications to the selective aerosolization of other particles such as viruses or bacteria. Modeling reveals how the air‐sea transfer of hydrophilic/phobic particles between 0.1 and 100 μm in radius varies with particle and bubble sizeParticle hydrophobicity may be key to air‐sea transport as particles are selectively aerosolized up to 300,000x under the conditions modeledFor drops containing plastic particulates, model predicts particle enrichment is significantly higher in jet drops than film drops Modeling reveals how the air‐sea transfer of hydrophilic/phobic particles between 0.1 and 100 μm in radius varies with particle and bubble size Particle hydrophobicity may be key to air‐sea transport as particles are selectively aerosolized up to 300,000x under the conditions modeled For drops containing plastic particulates, model predicts particle enrichment is significantly higher in jet drops than film drops

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.Next-generation T-cell therapies will likely continue to utilize T-cell receptors (TCRs) and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) because each receptor type has advantages. TCRs often possess exceptional properties even when tested unmodified from patients’ T cells. CARs are generally less sensitive, possibly because their ligand-binding domains are grafted from antibodies selected for binding affinity or avidity and not broadly optimized for a functional response. Because of the disconnect between binding and function among these receptor types, the ultimate potential of CARs optimized for sensitivity and selectivity is not clear. Here, we focus on a thoroughly studied immuno-oncology target, the HLA-A*02/HPV-E629–38complex, and show that CARs can be optimized by a combination of high-throughput binding screens and low-throughput functional assays to have comparable activity to clinical TCRs in acute assays in vitro. These results provide a case study for the challenges and opportunities of optimizing high-performing CARs, especially in the context of targets utilized naturally by TCRs.

Intracranial aneurysms are abnormal dilations in the blood vessels of the brain. They are often caused by blood clots and atherosclerotic disease, and are dangerous because they are areas of weakness that are prone to bursting, causing hemorrhage that can be fatal. Some cases can be treated surgically, but others cannot. Treatments involving inserting a catheter with a microballoon that can be inflated into the vessel to remove or fill the aneurysm have been developed and used recently. This study examines the results of treatment with one of these techniques, intravascular detachable balloon embolization. This procedure involves inserting a balloon into the aneurysm, inflating it to fill up the aneurysm, exchanging the contrasting agent in the balloon with a substance that fills the aneurysm and solidifies, and detaching the balloon. The results are described from 215 intracranial aneurysms in 211 patients treated with this technique. The patients were divided into two treatment groups, 127 cases which required treatment of the parent vessel and 88 cases in which direct treatment of the aneurysm could be accomplished. In the first group, there were seven strokes (5.5 percent) and five deaths (3.9 percent). Follow-up in this group showed clinical improvement and decreased aneurysm size in 115 of the patients treated. In the group treated directly in the aneurysm, there were 16 deaths (18.2 percent) and nine strokes (10.2 percent). Follow-up in these patients showed continued aneurysm occlusion (it remained filled up) in 66 of the patients (75 percent). These results indicate that this technique is useful for treating aneurysms in patients who either cannot have surgery, or in whom surgery is unsuccessful. Although direct treatment of the aneurysm had a high mortality and morbidity rate, it is a useful alternative when other treatments cannot be performed or pose a greater risk. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

To successfully manage population growth rates of free‐roaming horses (Equus ferus caballus), an effective, long‐acting contraceptive could be beneficial. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of an intrauterine device (IUD) in a breeding trial using seasonal pasture assemblages of 2 males individually pastured in large enclosures (~81 ha) each with 10 females per male. The study took place at a large animal research facility at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA. Specific objectives of the study were to evaluate the effectiveness of IUDs in preventing pregnancy over 20.5 months with return to fertility assessed over the subsequent 6 months and to evaluate potential effects of this IUD on ovarian function and uterine health (e.g., endometrial inflammation, infection, fibrosis). We developed a Y‐design IUD, made of silastic elastomer, and set the desired retention rate at 75%. After procurement of endometrial biopsies, we inserted IUDs into the uteri of 20 females and examined them via transrectal ultrasound every 2 weeks for detection of the device and assessment of uterine health. After 20.5 months we removed the remaining 15 IUDs, obtained a second endometrial biopsy for comparision, and returned the females to their respective males for continued breeding in efforts to assess uterine return to health as indicated by pregnancy rates. The Y‐design IUD met the 75% retention rate goal, with 100% contraception in females that retained the device; 12 of 20 treated females became pregnant (i.e. returned to fertility) after removal of the IUD. Based on these results, we conclude that the Y‐design IUD is a safe and effective device to control fertility in free‐roaming horses. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. Our Y‐design silastic elastomer IUD maintained a 75% retention rate and prevented establishment of pregnancy over 20 months, but ovarian cyclicity was not altered; therefore, normal estrus and diestrus phases of the female's estrous cycle were maintained, with breeding activity occurring during estrus. Once we removed the IUDs 12 females became pregnant, conveying retention of fertility.

During maximal cold challenge (cold-induced V̇O2,max) in hypoxia, highland deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) show higher rates of circulatory fatty acid delivery compared with lowland deer mice. Fatty acid delivery also increases with acclimation to cold hypoxia (CH) and probably plays a major role in supporting the high rates of thermogenesis observed in highland deer mice. However, it is unknown which tissues take up these fatty acids and their relative contribution to thermogenesis. The goal of this study was to determine the uptake of circulating fatty acids into 24 different tissues during hypoxic cold-induced V̇O2,max, by using [1-14C]2-bromopalmitic acid. To uncover evolved and environment-induced changes in fatty acid uptake, we compared lab-born and -raised highland and lowland deer mice, acclimated to either thermoneutral (30°C, 21 kPa O2) or CH (5°C, 12 kPa O2) conditions. During hypoxic cold-induced V̇O2,max, CH-acclimated highlanders decreased muscle fatty acid uptake and increased uptake into brown adipose tissue (BAT) relative to thermoneutral highlanders, a response that was absent in lowlanders. CH acclimation was also associated with increased activities of enzymes citrate synthase and β-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase in the BAT of highlanders, and higher levels of fatty acid translocase CD36 (FAT/CD36) in both populations. This is the first study to show that cold-induced fatty acid uptake is distributed across a wide range of tissues. Highland deer mice show plasticity in this fatty acid distribution in response to chronic cold hypoxia, and combined with higher rates of tissue delivery, this contributes to their survival in the cold high alpine environment.

The structure of grafted-from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) brushes is investigated as a function of confining stress and system temperature using neutron reflectometry (NR), numerical self-consistent field theory, and the reanalysis of colloid probe atomic force microscopy (AFM) data from the literature. For NR experiments, confinement is achieved using a custom-made sample environment, and the corresponding reflectometry data are analyzed using a novel “distribution model.” The NR and AFM experiments probe similar temperature–stress combinations and generally find qualitative agreement, with some variations highlighting path-dependent (isostress vs isothermal, respectively) behavior. All techniques indicate that confinement removes the critical transition point in the thermoresponse of PNIPAM and results in the brush assuming a block-like volume fraction profile with a uniform internal structure. The PNIPAM brushes recover from such treatment, regaining their thermoresponse upon resolvation. Understanding the structure of responsive polymer brushes under confinement is essential, as brush applications are often accompanied by a surface-normal force (i.e., lubrication) and brush properties are dependent on their structure.

A selected group of 26 superintendents from across the United States traveled to Winston-Salem, N.C.'s Graylyn Estate for the ninth annual Syngenta Business Institute. The three-day education program consisted of [...]

AFTER WATCHING TWO MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS experience major bunker washouts this season, superintendents around the country might be questioning the quality of their own bunkers. If you're thinking about starting a [...]

Specific particle material properties such as conductivity, cohesion, and density have been neither directly nor thoroughly studied regarding particle behavior in an electrostatic field and the follow-on impact this has on the electrostatic formation of liquid marbles. In this method, an applied electric field drives the extraction of particles from a bed and their transport to a pendent, earthed water droplet. Herein, prior studies of electrostatic formation of particle-stabilized droplets and liquid marbles have been expanded to compare the impact of density using the spherical polystyrene (PS) latex and glass particles of similar shape and size. The addition of thin polymer shells to both samples, which increases the conductivity and cohesion, allows the interplay of these three properties to be examined systematically. Separation distances between the particle bed and the droplet from which particles can initially be extracted increase as the negative applied potential increases. Initial extraction distances of both core particles were found to be similar, ∼1.5 mm at 2.0 kV applied potential, despite the greater density, and thus mass of the glass particles. It is demonstrated that this is a result of competitive interactions between particle density, conductivity, and cohesion; PS is less conductive and more cohesive than glass. Introducing a polypyrrole shell increases the separation distance for extraction to approximately 4 mm for PS core particles but has little impact on glass core particles, demonstrating that for particles with constant conductivity and cohesion reducing the density facilitates extraction. Modeling and quantification of extraction threshold forces for each particle type were undertaken, utilizing the measurement of a radially symmetric area of the particle bed from which particles were observed in the initial extraction stages. This measurement highlighted that it is significantly easier to extract PS compared to glass, with particles extracted from a region in the bed up to 5 times the width in the PS case. Particle density is hypothesized to not be the determining factor in the stabilization of the coated liquid droplets; therefore, the interplay of a multitude of physical properties must be considered when determining the suitability of particulate materials for this electrostatic method.

Multi-stimulus responsive poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate-co-2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) [P(MEO2MA-co-DEA)] 80:20 mol % copolymer brushes were synthesized on planar silica substrates via surface-initiated activators continuously regenerated via electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization. Brush thickness was sensitive to changes in pH and temperature as monitored with ellipsometry. At low pH, the brush is charged and swollen, while at high pH, the brush is uncharged and more collapsed. Clear thermoresponsive behavior is also observed with the brush more swollen at low temperatures compared to high temperatures at both high and low pH. Neutron reflectometry was used to determine the polymer volume fraction profiles (VFPs) at various pH values and temperatures. A region of lower polymer content, or a depletion region, near the substrate is present in all of the experimental polymer VFPs, and it is more pronounced at low pH (high charge) and less so at high pH (low charge). Polymer VFPs calculated through numerical self-consistent field theory suggest that enrichment of DEA monomers near the substrate results in the experimentally observed non-monotonic VFPs. Adsorption of DEA monomers to the substrate prior to initiation of polymerization could give rise to DEA segment-enriched region proximal to the substrate.

Poly(2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate) (PMEO2MA), a thermoresponsive polymer with a lower critical solution temperature of ∼28 °C, and poly(2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) (PDEA), a weak polybase with an apparent pKaof ∼7.5, have been statistically copolymerized using activators continuously regenerated via electron transfer atom transfer radical polymerization to form multi-stimulus-responsive polymer brushes. The stimulus-responsive behavior of these brushes has been investigated with ellipsometry and numerical self-consistent field (nSCF) theory. The pH- and thermoresponsive behaviors of a PDEA homopolymer brush were investigated experimentally in order to benchmark the nSCF theory calculations. nSCF theory was able to reproduce the responsive behavior of PDEA and PMEO2MA homopolymer brushes. Three copolymer compositions (90:10, 70:30, and 50:50 mol % MEO2MA:DEA) were investigated experimentally with pH ramps performed at low and high temperatures and temperature ramps performed at low and high pH. A broader range of compositions were investigated with nSCF theory and compared to the experimental results, with the nSCF calculations able to capture the general behavior of the homopolymer and copolymer brushes. The responsive behavior of each brush to a given stimulus (temperature or pH) was dependent on both the polymer composition and environment (temperature or pH). The influence of pH on the brush increased with higher DEA mol % with a copolymer brush response transitioning from temperature-dominantto pH-dominant. The temperature response of PMEO2MA was completely masked at low and high pH values by the presence of at least 30 mol % polybase in the copolymer.

For carbon nanotubes (CNTs), the nature of the interface between the catalyst and the growing CNT edge determines how these nanomaterials grow during chemical vapor deposition. However, while boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) also require a catalyst to grow, the nature of the BNNT–catalyst growth interface has not been studied. Here, we characterize the BNNT–catalyst growth interface for a wide range of potential catalysts. The primary factor that determines the interaction between a BNNT and its catalyst nanoparticle is interfacial charge transfer. The most stable BNNT interface, and hence the growth mechanism itself, can be tuned by the catalyst. In most cases, however, the zigzag BNNT edge is shown to be preferred. We also provide evidence for the existence of growth modes during BNNT growth, akin to those observed during CNT growth, and recommend new growth catalysts for future experimental investigations.

The electrostatic method for liquid marble formation has shown great promise in allowing contactless particle delivery to pendent liquid droplets. However, size has been shown to be a significant limitation in the selection of suitable particles for this transfer process. Here we overcome this size limitation using conductive copper particles as small as 6 μm diameter, delivering them to a 5 μL pendent water droplet at applied voltages between 0.5 and 3.0 kV. An electrometer in the grounding circuit enabled calculation of the average charge on an individual particle during the transfer process, accounting for the movement of particles within the bed during extraction utilizing the analytical sphere and plate model proposed by Morrison. A new constant, δ, is proposed to compensate for the dynamic charging that takes place during this process and nonuniformity in particle morphology. Using this constant a particle and mass transfer rate was calculated, demonstrating that smaller particles, once extracted from the bed, transfer at a faster rate than larger particles.

This is the first study to implement a genomic approach to ascertain both transcriptional and functional end points of chronic Cu toxicity in fish associated with experimentally manipulated water chemistries. Over 21 d, zebrafish acclimated to softwater (Na+= 0.06 mM, Ca2+= 0.08 mM, Mg2+= 0.03 mM) were exposed to the following: soft-water (Ctrl); 12 μg L−1Cu (Cu); 3.3 mM Na+(Na); 3.3 mM Na++ 12 μg L−1Cu (Na + Cu); 3.3 mM Ca2+(Ca); or 3.3 mM Ca2++ 12 μg L−1Cu (Ca + Cu). Although effective at reducing Cu load in all tissues, Na+in the presence of Cu did not decrease the degree of oxidative damage, particularly in the gill and gut. In contrast, Ca + Cu treatment decreased Cu accumulation in gill, but not liver or gut, with no reduction in oxidative damage. Transcriptional analysis of candidate genes (atp7a, ctr1, ECaC, esr1) showed principally a down regulation of transcripts with the Cu only treatment, while Ca + Cu treatment restored some of the genes to control levels. Conversely, the Na + Cu treatment had a strong, opposing affect when compared to that of Cu alone. Zebrafish Affymetrix GeneChips revealed significantly clustered patterns of expression. Changes in expression induced by Cu appeared to be opposite to the majority of the other treatments. Our data on the preventative or enhancing effects of Na+and Ca2+both alone and in the presence of Cu, may, in the future, facilitate the incorporation of gene expression end points into a biotic ligand model predicting chronic Cu toxicity in this tropical model species of genomic importance.

Supplemental Digital Content is available in the text.In 2013, an innovative MAGE-A3-directed cancer therapeutic of great potential value was terminated in the clinic because of neurotoxicity. The safety problems were hypothesized to originate from off-target T-cell receptor activity against a closely related MAGE-A12 peptide. A combination of published and new data led us to test this hypothesis with current technology. Our results call into question MAGE-A12 as the source of the neurotoxicity. Rather, the data imply that an alternative related peptide from EPS8L2 may be responsible. Given the qualities of MAGE-A3 as an onco-testis antigen widely expressed in tumors and largely absent from normal adult tissues, these findings suggest that MAGE-A3 may deserve further consideration as a cancer target. As a step in this direction, the authors isolated 2 MAGE-A3 peptide-major histocompatibility complex-directed chimeric antigen receptors, 1 targeting the same peptide as the clinical T-cell receptor. Both chimeric antigen receptors have improved selectivity over the EPS8L2 peptide that represents a significant risk for MAGE-A3-targeted therapeutics, showing that there may be other options for MAGE-A3 cell therapy.

Electrolytes are central to many technological applications, as well as life itself. The behavior and properties of electrolytes are often described in terms of ion pairs, whereby ions associate as either contact ion pairs (in which ions are “touching”) solvent-separated ion pairs (in which ions’ solvent shells overlap) or solvent–solvent-separated ion pairs (in which ions’ solvent shells are distinct). However, this paradigm is generally restricted to statistically averaged descriptions of solution structure and ignores temporal behavior. Here we elucidate the time-resolved dynamics of these ion–ion interactions in aqueous metal chloride electrolytes using the partial van Hove correlation function, based on polarizable molecular dynamics simulations. Our results show that the existence and persistence of ion pairs in aqueous metal chloride electrolytes should not be assumed a priori, but in fact are ion specific features of the solution with lifetimes on subpicosecond time scales.